bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of royal jelly and propolis alone and in combination on inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus growth, aflatoxin production, and aflR gene expression
Authors: Hamzeh Pour Siavash , Khodavaisy Sadegh , Mahmoudi Shahram , Vaziri Samira , Soltan Dallal Mohammad Mehdi , Oliya Soniya , Getso Muhammad , Rezaie Sassan
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the inhibitory effect of royal jelly (RJ) and propolis on growth, aflatoxin production and aflR gene expression in Aspergillus parasiticus. Inhibitory effect of RJ and propolis against a standard strain of A. parasiticus(ATCC 15517) was determined alone and in combination in accordance with the CLSI M38‐A2 and checkerboard methods, respectively. The aflatoxin concentrations in the control and treated media were determined by HPLC. Also, the quantitative changes in the aflR gene expression were analyzed. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of RJ and propolis alone were 3,200 and 100μg/ml, respectively. Also, the MICs of RJ and propolis in combination were 200 and 25μg/ml, respectively. When combined, a synergistic interaction was observed with a FICI of 0.312. Total levels of aflatoxin decreased from 386.1ppm to 8.72, 3.01 and 1.75ppm at 1,600μg/ml of RJ, 50μg/ml of propolis and 100+12.5μg/ml of RJ and propolis, respectively. In addition, the level of afIR gene expression was significantly decreased after treatment with RJ and propolis extracts alone and with their combination. The findings reveal that RJ and propolis extracts, either alone or in combination, have a significant inhibitory effect on aflR gene expression in aflatoxin production.
Induction of γ‐aminobutyric acid plays a positive role to Arabidopsis resistance against Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Deng Xiangxiong , Xu Xuwen , Liu Yu , Zhang Yan , Yang Liuyi , Zhang Shuqun , Xu Juan
Published: May 2020

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important metabolite which functions in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, its role in plant defense and how it is regulated are largely unknown. Here, we report a detailed analysis of GABA induction during the resistance response to Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis thaliana. While searching for the mechanism underlying the pathogen‐responsive mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MPK)3/MPK6 signaling cascade in plant immunity, we found that activation of MPK3/MPK6 greatly induced GABA biosynthesis, which is dependent on the glutamate decarboxylase genes GAD1 and GAD4. Inoculation with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pst) and Pst‐avrRpt2 expressing the avrRpt2 effector gene induced GAD1 and GAD4 gene expression and increased the levels of GABA. Genetic evidence revealed that GAD1, GAD2, and GAD4 play important roles in both GABA biosynthesis and plant resistance in response to Pst‐avrRpt2 infection. The gad1/2/4 triple and gad1/2/4/5 quadruple mutants, in which the GABA levels were extremely low, were more susceptible to both Pst and Pst‐avrRpt2. Functional loss of MPK3/MPK6, or their upstream MKK4/MKK5, or their downstream substrate WRKY33 suppressed the induction of GAD1 and GAD4 expression after Pst‐avrRpt2 treatment. Our findings shed light on both the regulation and role of GABA in the plant immunity to a bacterial pathogen.
Jurist in Context: William Twining in Conversation with David Sugarman
Authors: Twining William , Sugarman David
Published: May 2020

This discussion derives from extended conversations between William Twining and David Sugarman in which William talks about his latest book, Jurist in Context: A Memoir (JIC). JIC recounts the development of William's thoughts and writings, addressing topics central to his life and research. The dialogue conveys and extends the arguments on a selection of the topics addressed in the book, engaging with issues of particular interest to readers of this journal. Here, William adds a more personal commentary to his formal publications. The conversation facilitates reflection on issues such as law teaching and legal scholarship; the meaning, use, and limitations of ‘law in context’; and the role and character of jurisprudence. It also offers a fascinating window on the development of, and the struggles surrounding, legal education and academic legal thought over the second half of the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty‐first.
Patterns of Black–White Partnership: Black Ethnics and African Americans Compared
Authors: Model Suzanne
Published: May 2020

Objective

This paper asks: do black immigrants have higher rates of white partnership than African Americans?

Background

Some say white Americans feel more comfortable among black immigrants than among African Americans. Anglo‐Caribbean accents, in particular, have been described as appealing. Research finds that some black immigrant groups do have higher rates of union with whites, but that advantage disappears when confounding factors are controlled. Yet, marriage markets have different characteristics. Using metropolitan areas as proxies for marriage markets, this study explores whether taking metropolitan conditions into account improves the odds that black immigrants and whites marry or cohabit.

Method

The analysis pools data from the 2008–2016 American Community Surveys. Black immigrants are divided into Anglophone Afro‐Caribbeans, Haitians, sub‐Saharan Africans, and a residual group of “Other Blacks.” Two generations are created: those arriving before the age of 13 and those arriving later. The critical technique is multi‐level logistic regression.

Results

The findings replicate previous multivariate analyses in showing that black immigrants do not have higher rates of white partnership than African Americans. Still, rates are higher for the 1.5 than the 1.0 generation and higher among males than females. Among black ethnic groups, unions with whites are least common among Haitians and most common among sub‐Saharan Africans.

Conclusion

The findings weaken the hope that the black immigrant presence will moderate the “color line” in America.
Risk functionals with convex level sets
Authors: Wang Ruodu , Wei Yunran
Published: May 2020

We analyze the “convex level sets” (CxLS) property of risk functionals, which is a necessary condition for the notions of elicitability, identifiability, and backtestability, popular in the recent statistics and risk management literature. We put the CxLS property in the multidimensional setting, with a special focus on signed Choquet integrals, a class of risk functionals that are generally not monotone or convex. We obtain two main analytical results in dimension one and dimension two, by characterizing the CxLS property of all one‐dimensional signed Choquet integrals, and that of all two‐dimensional signed Choquet integrals with a quantile component. Using these results, we proceed to show that under some continuity assumption, a comonotonic‐additive coherent risk measure is co‐elicitable with Value‐at‐Risk if and only if it is the corresponding Expected Shortfall. The new findings generalize several results in the recent literature, and partially answer an open question on the characterization of multidimensional elicitability.
Non‐Aspergillus invasive mould infections in patients treated with ibrutinib
Authors: Anastasopoulou Amalia , DiPippo Adam J. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Invasive mould infections (IMIs) are very rare in patients with lymphoid malignancies. However, IMIs, mostly due to Aspergillus species, have been increasingly reported in such patients receiving ibrutinib (IBR). There is paucity of information regarding non‐Aspergillus invasive mould infections (NAIMIs) in this setting,

Objectives

To review our recent experience and the published literature on the topic.

Patients/Methods

We present a case of invasive sinusitis caused by Fusarium in a patient with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who was treated with IBR and review the 12 published cases of NAIMIs during IBR.

Results

Nearly all cases of NAIMIs in the setting of IBR use were encountered in patients with CLL. Mixed fungal infections, brain involvement and late‐onset infections were common.

Conclusions

Although rare, NAIMIs should be considered in patients who receive IBR.
Role of cardiac sympathetic denervation in ventricular tachycardia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Sharma Sharan P. , Akella Krishna , Turagam Mohit K. , Rocca Domenico G. Della , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Gopinathannair Rakesh
Published: May 2020

Background

Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is being used in the management of refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) and electrical storm. However, data on the role of CSD in the management of ventricular arrhythmia is limited.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of retrospective studies to calculate the pooled rate of freedom from VT and the standard mean difference of ICD shocks before and after CSD.

Results

14 nonrandomized studies with a total of 311 patients with refractory VT or electrical storm were included. At a mean follow up of 15 ± 10.7 months, the pooled rate of freedom from VT (VT nonrecurrence rate) after CSD in all causes of arrhythmia was 60% (range 48.8% to 70%, I2  = 43%). When analysis was restricted to only arrhythmias caused by conditions other than catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and long QT syndrome (LQTS), the pooled VT non‐recurrence rate was 50% (range 41% to 58%, I2  = 5%). After CSD, mean total number of ICD shocks per person diminished by 3.01 (95% CI 1.09‐4.94, P = .002, I2 = 96%) in overall analysis and by 0.97(95% CI 0.41‐1.5, P = .001, I2 = 45%) when CPVT and LQTS were excluded.

Conclusion

In patients with refractory VT or electrical storm, CSD is associated with pooled VT nonrecurrence rate of 60% at a mean follow‐up of 15 ± 10.7 months. CSD was also associated with significantly lower mean number ICD shocks per person. Further studies are needed to validate this finding in a prospective setting.
Market access and regional dispersion of human capital accumulation in Turkey
Authors: Karahasan Burhan Can , Bilgel Fırat
Published: May 2020

Building on early advances in development economics, the theoretical construct of new economic geography asserts that geography plays a crucial role in educational human capital accumulation. Based on this expectation, this study investigates the impact of market access on provincial human capital accumulation in Turkey. Results indicate that market access matters for understanding why some regions lag behind others in terms of average years of schooling. Our results are robust to the inclusion of spatial mechanisms, different specifications of the spatial weight matrix, endogeneity and alternative measurements of market access and to a host of other factors that affect regional human capital accumulation.
General soliton solutions to a reverse‐time nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Ye Rusuo , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2020

General soliton solutions to a reverse‐time nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation are discussed via a matrix version of binary Darboux transformation. With this technique, searching for solutions of the Lax pair is transferred to find vector solutions of the associated linear differential equation system. From vanishing and nonvanishing seed solutions, general vector solutions of such linear differential equation system in terms of the canonical forms of the spectral matrix can be constructed by means of triangular Toeplitz matrices. Several explicit one‐soliton solutions and two‐soliton solutions are provided corresponding to different forms of the spectral matrix. Furthermore, dynamics and interactions of bright solitons, degenerate solitons, breathers, rogue waves, and dark solitons are also explored graphically.
China’s Responses to the US War on Terror: A Perspective and Agenda of Internet Geopolitics
Authors: An Ning
Published: May 2020

Drawing on ‘popular geopolitics’ and ‘Internet geopolitics’, this study examines China’s responses to the US war on terror by comparing print narratives with Internet discussions. The results indicate that Chinese print media embraces a different but unanimous narrative strategy than the Anglo‐American discourses on the war on terror, which rejects a binary construction between terrorism and the US but instead portrays both as playing violent and immoral roles. This study also finds that Internet discussion has greatly challenged such geopolitical expression, which is reflected in the emergence of both resistant and ensemble discourses in the online community. These findings demonstrate that the Internet as a new type of information technology has changed the organisation and expression of geopolitical power and incorporates broader actors into its structure. It is valid and necessary to look at the Internet as an important variable affecting the current geopolitical landscape. In this sense, this paper enriches the literature of critical geopolitics and, to a notable extent, signifies a broader agenda for Internet geopolitics.
Trade liberalisation with mobile capital and firm heterogeneity
Authors: Yang Xi , Zeng Dao‐Zhi
Published: May 2020

This paper develops a general equilibrium model that captures the delocation of firms, imbalance of trade in goods and firm selection into export markets. We show that, in the presence of capital being mobile across countries and firms being heterogeneous in productivity, the spatial inequalities in wages and firm allocations are differently affected by trade liberalisation. We explore the welfare effects of trade through two channels: changes in the share of expenditure on domestic goods and factor price adjustments to the spatial reallocation of capital. Selection into export markets magnifies the impact of mobile capital on the welfare gains from trade.
Oxytocin receptors excite lateral nucleus of central amygdala by phospholipase Cβ‐ and protein kinase C‐dependent depression of inwardly rectifying K+channels
Authors: Hu Binqi , Boyle Cody A. , Lei Saobo
Published: May 2020

Key points

Activation of oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) facilitates neuronal excitability in rat lateral nucleus of central amygdala (CeL).

OXTR‐induced excitation is mediated by inhibition of inwardly rectifying K+(Kir) channels.

Phospholipase Cβ is necessary for OXTR‐mediated excitation of CeL neurons and depression of Kir channels.

OXTR‐elicited depression of Kir channels and excitation of CeL neurons require the function of Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase C.

Oxytocin (OXT) is a nonapeptide that exerts anxiolytic effects in the brain. The amygdala is an important structure involved in the modulation of fear and anxiety. A high density of OXT receptors (OXTRs) has been detected in the capsular (CeC) and lateral (CeL) nucleus of the central amygdala (CeA). Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of OXTRs induces remarkable increases in neuronal excitability in the CeL/C. However, the signalling and ionic mechanisms underlying OXTR‐induced facilitation of neuronal excitability have not been determined. We found that activation of OXTRs in the CeL increased action potential firing frequency recorded from neurons in this region via inhibition of the inwardly rectifying K+channels. The functions of phospholipase Cβ and protein kinase C were required for OXTR‐induced augmentation of neuronal excitability. Our results provide a cellular and molecular mechanism whereby activation of OXTRs exerts anxiolytic effects.
Una aproximación conceptual y operativa al derecho humano al agua y el saneamiento
Authors: Soares Denise
Published: May 2020

Dado que una parte importante de la población mundial carece de servicios de agua y saneamiento, se ha ido avanzando para establecer el acceso al agua y al saneamiento como derechos humanos. La presente contribución se inscribe en dicha discusión y como tal trata de responder a los siguientes interrogantes: ¿cuáles son los orígenes, contenido y alcances del derecho humano al agua y al saneamiento?, y ¿qué desafíos suponen, en la práctica, su aplicación por parte de los Estados y el consiguiente ejercicio del derecho por la ciudadanía? Se concluye arguyendo que aún existen severas limitaciones e incertidumbres para el traslado de las orientaciones internacionales a la práctica de los Estados para que puedan cumplir con sus obligaciones, pues ello implica cambios sustanciales en las políticas públicas, estrategias de financiamiento, lógicas institucionales y legales; así como abordar explícitamente el tema de las desigualdades sociales.
Aumentar el consumo responsable de agua mediante la exposición a consecuencias futuras con realidad virtual
Authors: Ochoa-Martínez Elena , Pérez Gonzaga Sergio
Published: May 2020

Se ha demostrado que un aumento de la concienciación influye sobre el uso responsable del agua, sin embargo, las campañas de concienciación tienen un efecto de limitada duración en el tiempo y se observa que buenas actitudes hacia el medio ambiente no siempre acompañan una conducta positiva. En este trabajo se propone influir en las actitudes del consumidor, de manera que tenga una influencia positiva en un consumo responsable; para ello, se tendrá en cuenta el descuento de la demora, que sería el grado en que una consecuencia futura se valora en el presente de forma devaluada por su lejanía en el tiempo. Basándonos, por un lado, en estudios sobre las actitudes hacia el ahorro de agua y su influencia en el consumo, y por otro lado, en el efecto que ha tenido la influencia en el descuento de la demora sobre el comportamiento de las personas en otras conductas problemáticas. Se propone una campaña de concienciación de ahorro de agua en el hogar, influyendo sobre el descuento de la demora.
Effect of Fuel Injection Pressure and Premixed Ratio on Mineral Diesel-Methanol Fueled Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition Mode Combustion Engine
Authors: Singh Akhilendra Pratap , Sharma Nikhil , Satsangi Dev Prakash , Agarwal Avinash Kumar
Published: May 2020

Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) mode combustion has attracted significant attention because of its superior engine performance and significantly lower emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) compared with conventional compression ignition (CI) mode combustion engines. In this experimental study, effects of fuel injection pressure (FIP) of high reactivity fuel (HRF) and premixed ratio of low reactivity fuel (LRF) were evaluated on a diesel-methanol fueled RCCI mode combustion engine. Experiments were performed in a single cylinder research engine at a constant engine speed (1500 rpm) and constant engine load (3 bar BMEP) using three different FIPs (500, 750, and 1000 bar) of mineral diesel and four different premixed ratios (rp = 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75) of methanol. Results showed that RCCI mode resulted in more stable combustion compared with baseline CI mode combustion. Increasing FIP resulted in relatively higher knocking, but it reduced with increasing premixed ratio. Relatively higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of RCCI mode combustion compared with baseline CI mode combustion is an important finding of this study. BTE increased with increasing FIP of mineral diesel and increasing premixed ratio of methanol. Relatively dominant effect of increasing FIP on BTE at higher premixed ratios of methanol was also an important finding of this study. RCCI mode combustion resulted in higher carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, but lower PM and NOx emissions compared with baseline CI mode combustion. Increasing FIP of HRF at lower premixed ratios reduced the number concentration of particles; however, effect of FIP became less dominant at higher premixed ratios. Relatively higher number emissions of nanoparticles at higher FIPs were observed. Statistical and qualitative correlations exhibited the importance of suitable FIP at different premixed ratios of LRF on emission characteristics of RCCI mode combustion engine.
Improved Method for the Estimation of Minimum Miscibility Pressure for Pure and Impure CO2–Crude Oil Systems Using Gaussian Process Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ekechukwu Gerald Kelechi , Falode Olugbenga , Orodu Oyinkepreye David
Published: May 2020

The minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) is one of the critical parameters needed in the successful design of a miscible gas injection for enhanced oil recovery purposes. In this study, we explore the capability of using the Gaussian process machine learning (GPML) approach, for accurate prediction of this vital property in both pure and impure CO2-injection streams. We first performed a sensitivity analysis of different kernels and then a comparative analysis with other techniques. The new GPML model, when compared with previously published predictive models, including both correlations and other machine learning (ML)/intelligent models, showed superior performance with the highest correlation coefficient and the lowest error metrics.
Data-driven measurement of precision of components of pitch curves in Carnatic music
Authors: Viraraghavan Venkata Subramanian , Pal Arpan , Aravind Rangarajan , Murthy Hema A.
Published: May 2020

Carnatic music (CM) is characterized by continuous pitch variations called gamakas, which are learned by example. Precision is measured on the points of zero-slope in gamaka- and non-gamaka-segments of the pitch curve as the standard deviation (SD) of the error in their pitch with respect to targets. Two previous techniques are considered to identify targets: the nearest semitone and the most likely mean of a semi-continuous Gaussian mixture model. These targets are employed irrespective of where the points of zero-slope occur in the pitch curve. The authors propose segmenting CM pitch curves into non-overlapping components called constant-pitch notes (CPNs) and stationary points (STAs), i.e., points where the pitch curve outside the CPNs changes direction. Targets are obtained statistically from the histograms of the mean pitch-values of CPNs, anchors (CPNs adjacent to STAs), and STAs. The upper and lower quartiles of SDs of errors in long CPNs (9–15 cents), short CPNs (20–26 cents), and STAs (41–54 cents) are separable, which justifies the component-wise treatment. The CPN-STA model also brings out a hitherto unreported structure in rāgas and explains the precision obtained using the previous techniques.
Optothermotronic effect as an ultrasensitive thermal sensing technology for solid-state electronics
Authors: Dinh T. , Nguyen T. , Foisal A. R. M. , Phan H.-P. , Nguyen T.-K. , Nguyen N.-T. , Dao D. V.
Published: May 2020

Optothermotronics enable a giant temperature coefficient of resistance using optoelectronic modulation of electric potential.
Transmission dynamics of and insights from the 2018–2019 measles outbreak in New York City: A modeling study
Authors: Yang Wan
Published: May 2020

We model the recent measles outbreak in New York City and discuss potential public health strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
Deep slab seismicity limited by rate of deformation in the transition zone
Authors: Billen Magali I.
Published: May 2020

Similar to earthquakes at Earth’s surface, deep earthquakes occur where sinking tectonic plates deform the fastest.
Kilohertz electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of single nitrogen centers at zero magnetic field
Authors: Kong Fei , Zhao Pengju , Yu Pei , Qin Zhuoyang , Huang Zhehua , Wang Zhecheng , Wang Mengqi , Shi Fazhan , Du Jiangfeng
Published: May 2020

The spectral resolution can be substantially improved by using magnetic noise–resistant subspace of spin systems.
Surface waves control bacterial attachment and formation of biofilms in thin layers
Authors: Hong Sung-Ha , Gorce Jean-Baptiste , Punzmann Horst , Francois Nicolas , Shats Michael , Xia Hua
Published: May 2020

Wave-controlled transport in fluid provides a novel method to shape and promote biofilm formation for bioengineering applications.
Monocyte-derived multipotent cell delivered programmed therapeutics to reverse idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Chang Xin , Xing Lei , Wang Yi , Yang Chen-Xi , He Yu-Jing , Zhou Tian-Jiao , Gao Xiang-Dong , Li Ling , Hao Hai-Ping , Jiang Hu-Lin
Published: May 2020

This study presents the cell-mediated drug-loaded nanoparticle strategy for selective drugs delivery to treat lung fibrosis.
ASPM
-lexical tone association in speakers of a tone language: Direct evidence for the genetic-biasing hypothesis of language evolution
Authors: Wong Patrick C. M. , Kang Xin , Wong Kay H. Y. , So Hon-Cheong , Choy Kwong Wai , Geng Xiujuan
Published: May 2020

A link between
ASPM
gene and tone feature provides direct evidence for the genetic-biasing hypothesis of language evolution.
Roles of the Site 2 Protease Eep in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cheng Danhong , Lv Huiying , Yao Yong , Cheng Sen , Huang Qian , Wang Hua , Liu Xiaoyun , Bae Taeok , Li Min , Liu Qian
Published: May 2020

The emergence of multidrug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
makes the treatment of staphylococcal infections much more difficult.
S. aureus
can acquire a drug resistance gene from other bacteria, such as
Enterococcus faecalis
. Intriguingly,
S. aureus
produces a sex pheromone for the
E. faecalis
plasmid pAM373, raising the possibility that
S. aureus
actively promotes plasmid conjugation from
E. faecalis
. In this study, we found that the staphylococcal Eep protein is responsible for sex pheromone processing and contributes to the survival of the bacteria in the host. These results will enhance future research on the drug resistance acquisition of
S. aureus
and can lead to the development of novel antivirulence drugs.
Serial Passaging of the Human Rotavirus CDC-9 Strain in Cell Culture Leads to Attenuation: Characterization from
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Studies
Authors: Resch Theresa Kathrina , Wang Yuhuan , Moon Sungsil , Jiang Baoming
Published: May 2020

Mechanisms for
in vitro
adaptation and
in vivo
attenuation of human rotavirus vaccines are not known. The present study is the first to comprehensively compare the
in vitro
growth characteristics, virulence, and host response of a wild-type and an attenuated human rotavirus strain, CDC-9, in Caco-2 cells and neonatal rats. Our study identifies critical sequence changes in the genome that render human rotavirus adapted to growth to high levels in Vero cells and attenuated and safe in neonatal rats; thus, the study supports clinical development of CDC-9 for oral or parenteral vaccination in children.
16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequence Data from Feces of Wild Deer (Cervus nippon) in Japan
Authors: Ishida-Kuroki Kasumi , Takeshita Nachiko , Nitta Yoshihiro , Chuma Takehisa , Maeda Ken , Shimoda Hiroshi , Takano Ai , Sekizaki Tsutomu
Published: May 2020

We report 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data from feces of 109 wild deer in Japan. The dominant bacterial taxa in fecal microbiota of wild deer hunted between village and mountainous areas and those living on Miyajima Island and in Nara Park were similar but differed in abundance.
Complete Genome Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in a Tiger from a U.S. Zoological Collection
Authors: Wang Leyi , Mitchell Patrick K. , Calle Paul P. , Bartlett Susan L. , McAloose Denise , Killian Mary Lea , Yuan Fangfeng , Fang Ying , Goodman Laura B. , Fredrickson Richard , Elvinger François , Terio Karen , Franzen Kerrie , Stuber Tod , Diel Diego G. , Torchetti Mia Kim
Published: May 2020

This report describes the identification and characterization of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a Malayan tiger in a U.S. zoo.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequences of Two SARS-CoV-2 Isolates from Egypt
Authors: Kandeil Ahmed , Mostafa Ahmed , El-Shesheny Rabeh , Shehata Mahmoud , Roshdy Wael H. , Ahmed Shymaa Showky , Gomaa Mokhtar , Taweel Ahmed El , Kayed Ahmed E. , Mahmoud Sara H. , Moatasim Yassmin , Kutkat Omnia , Kamel Mina Nabil , Mahrous Noura , Sayes Mohamed El , Guindy Nancy M. El , Naguib Amal , Ali Mohamed A.
Published: May 2020

This report announces the complete genome sequences of two severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolates detected in Egypt. The isolates were obtained from oropharyngeal swab specimens from two Egyptians in Upper and Lower Egypt. Sequence analysis showed mutations that differentiate Egyptian strains from the reference strain 2019-nCoV WHU01.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Potentially Novel
Bacillus
Isolates from Backyard and Commercial Chicken Gastrointestinal Tracts
Authors: Keshri Jitendra , Ramirez Rocio , Berrang Mark E. , Oakley Brian B.
Published: May 2020

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of two
Bacillus
strains, HF117_J1_D and USDA818B3_A, isolated in Pomona, California, from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of backyard and commercial broiler chickens, respectively. The draft genomes of both strains appear to represent novel species.
Two-year interim safety results of the 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema: the observational PALADIN study
Authors: Mansour Sam E , Kiernan Daniel F , Roth Daniel B , Eichenbaum David , Holekamp Nancy M , Kaba Samer , Werts Erica
Published: May 2020

Background

The 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant delivers continuous, low-dose, intravitreal corticosteroid for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). This ongoing, 3-year, observational clinical trial provides long-term, ‘real-world’ safety results for the FAc implant in DMO.

Methods

This 24-month interim analysis of a prospective, observational study investigated patients with DMO receiving the commercially available intravitreal 0.2 µg/day FAc implant. The primary outcome was incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering procedures. Other IOP-related signals and their relationship to previous corticosteroid exposure, best-corrected visual acuity, central subfield thickness (CST), ocular adverse events and frequency of other treatments were also measured.

Results

Data were collected from 95 previously steroid-challenged patients (115 study eyes) for up to 36 months pre-FAc and 24 months post-FAc implant. Mean IOP for the overall population remained stable post-FAc compared with pre-FAc implant. IOP-related procedures remained infrequent (two IOP-lowering surgeries pre-FAc; two trabeculoplasties and four IOP-lowering surgeries post-FAc). Mean visual acuity was stable post-FAc (mean improvement of 1–3 letters) and fewer DMO treatments were required per year following FAc implant. Mean CST was significantly reduced at 24 months post-FAc implant (p<0.001) and the percentage of patients with CST ≤300 µm was significantly increased (p=0.041).

Conclusion

Few IOP-related procedures were reported during the 24 months post-FAc implant. Positive efficacy outcomes were noted after treatment, with stabilisation of vision and reduction in inflammation, demonstrated by CST. The FAc implant has a favourable benefit–risk profile in the management of DMO, especially when administered after a prior steroid challenge.

Trial registration number

NCT02424019.
Prevalence of drop-out from organised extracurricular sports and associations with body fat percentage during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Vella Stewart A , Schweickle Matthew J , Sutcliffe Jordan T
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This paper aimed to report the prevalence of drop-out from organised sports between the ages of 10 and 14 years, and to examine potential associated detriments to levels of body fat.

Methods

All data were drawn from waves 4–6 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Participants’ sport participation was parent reported and body fat percentage was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. A total of 4159 participants had sports participation data at age 10 years (M=10.32 years, SD=4.68).

Results

From 3013 sport participants at age 10 years, 29.7% (n=894) had dropped out of sports at age 12 years. Of 2016 sport participants at age 12 years, 33.3% (n=705) had dropped out of sports by the age of 14 years. There were no differences in body fat percentage at any age according to differences in sport participation behaviours.

Conclusions

Based on a high prevalence, drop-out from organised extracurricular sports during childhood and adolescence may be an important public health behaviour to consider. A solution-oriented approach to dropout from organised sports is recommended, but more evidence as to potential health detriments is needed using high-quality research designs.
Longitudinal associations between loneliness, social isolation and cardiovascular events
Authors: Bu Feifei , Zaninotto Paola , Fancourt Daisy
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between loneliness, social isolation and cardiovascular disease (CVD), looking at both self-reported CVD diagnosis and CVD-related hospital admissions.

Methods

Data were derived from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing linked with administrative hospital records and mortality registry data. The analytical sample size was 5850 for the analysis of self-reported CVD and 4587 of CVD derived from hospital records, with a follow-up up to 9.6 years. Data were analysed using survival analysis, accounting for competing risks events.

Results

The mean age was 64 years (SD 8.3). About 44%–45% were men. Within the follow-up, 17% participants reported having newly diagnosed CVD and 16% had a CVD-related hospital admission. We found that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of CVD events independent of potential confounders and risk factors. The hazard of people with the highest level of loneliness was about 30% higher for onset CVD diagnosis (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.09) and 48% higher for CVD-related hospital admissions (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.14), compared with the least lonely. There was little evidence that social isolation was independently associated with the risk of either CVD diagnosis or admission.

Conclusions

Our findings provided strong evidence for the relationship between loneliness and cardiovascular events. Loneliness should be considered as a psychosocial risk factor for CVD in both research and interventions for cardiovascular prevention.
Endogenous TLR2 ligand embedded in the catalytic region of human cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase 1
Authors: Cho Seongmin , Kim Sang Bum , Lee Youngjin , Song Ee Chan , Kim Uijoo , Kim Hyeong Yun , Suh Ji Hun , Goughnour Peter C , Kim YounHa , Yoon Ina , Shin Na Young , Kim Doyeun , Kim Il-Kyu , Kang Chang-Yuil , Jang Song Yee , Kim Myung Hee , Kim Sunghoon
Published: May 2020

Background

The generation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses is required for successful cancer vaccine therapy. In this regard, ligands of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been suggested to activate adaptive immune responses by modulating the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Despite their therapeutic potential, the development of TLR ligands for immunotherapy is often hampered due to rapid systemic toxicity. Regarding the safety concerns of currently available TLR ligands, finding a new TLR agonist with potent efficacy and safety is needed.

Methods

A unique structural domain (UNE-C1) was identified as a novel TLR2/6 in the catalytic region of human cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (CARS1) using comprehensive approaches, including RNA sequencing, the human embryonic kidney (HEK)-TLR Blue system, pull-down, and ELISA. The potency of its immunoadjuvant properties was analyzed by assessing antigen-specific antibody and CTL responses. In addition, the efficacy of tumor growth inhibition and the presence of the tumor-infiltrating leukocytes were evaluated using E.G7-OVA and TC-1 mouse models. The combined effect of UNE-C1 with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, was also evaluated in vivo. The safety of UNE-C1 immunization was determined by monitoring splenomegaly and cytokine production in the blood.

Results

Here, we report that CARS1 can be secreted from cancer cells to activate immune responses via specific interactions with TLR2/6 of APCs. A unique domain (UNE-C1) inserted into the catalytic region of CARS1 was determined to activate dendritic cells, leading to the stimulation of robust humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo. UNE-C1 also showed synergistic efficacy with cancer antigens and checkpoint inhibitors against different cancer models in vivo. Further, the safety assessment of UNE-C1 showed lower systemic cytokine levels than other known TLR agonists.

Conclusions

We identified the endogenous TLR2/6 activating domain from human cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase CARS1. This novel TLR2/6 ligand showed potent immune-stimulating activity with little toxicity. Thus, the UNE-C1 domain can be developed as an effective immunoadjuvant with checkpoint inhibitors or cancer antigens to boost antitumor immunity.
Phase I study of bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting TGF-β and PD-L1, in patients with pretreated biliary tract cancer
Authors: Yoo Changhoon , Oh Do-Youn , Choi Hye Jin , Kudo Masatoshi , Ueno Makoto , Kondo Shunsuke , Chen Li-Tzong , Osada Motonobu , Helwig Christoph , Dussault Isabelle , Ikeda Masafumi
Published: May 2020

Background

Patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) have poor prognosis with few treatment options. Bintrafusp alfa, a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-βRII receptor (a TGF-β ‘trap’) fused to a human IgG1 antibody blocking programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), has shown clinical efficacy in multiple solid tumors.

Methods

In this phase I, open-label trial expansion cohort, Asian patients with BTC whose disease progressed after first-line chemotherapy received bintrafusp alfa 1200 mg every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. The primary endpoint is safety/tolerability, while the secondary endpoints include best overall response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.

Results

As of August 24, 2018, 30 patients have received bintrafusp alfa for a median of 8.9 (IQR 5.7–32.1) weeks; 3 patients remained on treatment for >59.7 weeks. Nineteen (63%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), most commonly rash (17%), maculopapular rash and fever (13% each), and increased lipase (10%). Eleven (37%) patients had grade ≥3 TRAEs; three patients had grade 5 events (septic shock due to bacteremia, n=1; interstitial lung disease (reported term: interstitial pneumonitis), n=2). The objective response rate was 20% (95% CI 8 to 39) per independent review committee (IRC), with five of six responses ongoing (12.5+ to 14.5+ months) at data cut-off. Two additional patients with durable stable disease had a partial response per investigator. Median progression-free survival assessed by IRC and overall survival were 2.5 months (95% CI 1.3 to 5.6) and 12.7 months (95% CI 6.7 to 15.7), respectively. Clinical activity was observed irrespective of PD-L1 expression and microsatellite instability-high status.

Conclusions

Bintrafusp alfa had clinical activity in Asian patients with pretreated BTC, with durable responses. Based on these results, bintrafusp alfa is under further investigation in patients with BTC (NCT03833661andNCT04066491).

Trial registration number

NCT02699515.
Translating “protein foods” from the new Canada’s Food Guide to consumers: knowledge gaps and recommendations
Authors: Fernandez Melissa A. , Bertolo Robert F. , Duncan Alison M. , Phillips Stuart M. , Elango Rajavel , Ma David W.L. , Desroches Sophie , Grantham Andrea , House James D.
Published: May 2020

The revised version of Canada’s Food Guide, released in January 2019, issued new guidance by combining meat and alternatives with milk and alternatives into a single group called “protein foods” and emphasized selecting plant-based foods from this category more often. Though the changes represent a simple depiction of a healthy plate, the new Food Guide has opened knowledge gaps about protein foods and exposed new concerns about the interpretation and implementation of the Food Guide among vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly. To address key knowledge and research gaps, nutrition leaders need to reach a consensus on key messages to best inform the development of tools and resources to support practitioners in translating messages to consumers, including foodservice standards. Among consumers, families with young children are a primary target for these resources as they develop their life-long habits to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to select, prepare, and consume nutrient-rich protein foods. The new Food Guide provides an opportunity to address the existing knowledge gaps, develop tools and resources to support health professionals, and design interventions that will help Canadian families choose, prepare, and eat nutrient-rich protein foods.

Novelty An updated Canadian regulatory framework is needed for protein labelling and content/health claims. There are knowledge gaps about protein foods consumption and food literacy needed to optimize nutritional health. Mandatory nutrition policies are needed to safeguard the provision of high-quality protein foods across institutions that serve children and older adults.
FOXD3 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through regulation of the PI3K–Akt pathway
Authors: Xie Xiaoxing , Xiong Gaoyun , Chen Wenjun , Fu Hongdan , Li Mingqian , Cui Xiaoying
Published: May 2020

FOXD3 has been found previously to positively regulate miR-26b, a tumor inhibitor of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, FOXD3’s precise function and associated mechanism of action in NPC have not yet been investigated. In this study, the expression of FOXD3 mRNA and protein was evaluated using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Protein levels involved in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase – protein kinase B (PI3K–Akt) pathway were assessed by western blot, and cell proliferation was determined by MTT and colony forming assays. Additionally, cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric assay. Finally, the migration and invasion capabilities of the NPC cells were determined using wound healing and Transwell assays. We found that FOXD3 levels were relatively low in NPC tissue and cells, while an increase caused the inhibition of the PI3K–Akt pathway. Functional experiments found that overexpression of FOXD3 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and enhanced cell apoptosis in NPC C6661 cells. IGF-1, an activator of the PI3K–Akt pathway, reversed the inhibitory effect of FOXD3. Furthermore, we found upregulation of the PI3K–Akt pathway and upregulation of the inhibitory effects of FOXD3 on C6661 cellular activities. In conclusion, FOXD3 negatively affected the PI3K–Akt pathway to restrain the processes involved in C6661 cell pathology. These findings further exposed the function and downstream axis of FOXD3 in NPC and displayed a promising new target for NPC therapy.
Short-term survival and crown rebuilding of European broadleaf tree species following a severe ice storm
Authors: Roženbergar Dušan , Pavlin Jakob , Nagel Thomas A.
Published: May 2020

Ice storms cause widespread damage to forests in many temperate regions, leaving behind many live trees with severe crown damage. Following a severe ice storm in 2014 that damaged forests across Slovenia, we examined how tree-level attributes influenced survival and crown rebuilding three growing seasons after the storm. Field sampling was carried out in four mature stands dominated by native broadleaf species. Of the 763 sampled trees, the annual mortality rate following the storm was 2.2%, and nearly all trees that died experienced >75% crown removal. Oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) had higher rates of mortality than beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). Mixed models revealed that survival significantly increased with tree diameter and decreased with increasing crown damage. Although we observed sprouting across all the dominant species, maple, oak, and chestnut showed a more vigorous response than beech, and maple had the fastest sprout growth. Model results showed that sprout density and length increased with level of crown damage. The results indicate that these broadleaf forests are resilient to severe ice damage. Consequently, hasty salvage cutting of trees with canopy damage should be avoided, as many individuals with >75% crown damage are likely to survive and recover.
Dormancy breakage in Cercis chinensis seeds
Authors: Gao Yunpeng , Zhu Mingwei , Ma Qiuyue , Li Shuxian
Published: May 2020

The seeds of Cercis chinensis Bunge are important for reproduction and propagation, but strong dormancy controls their germination. To elucidate the causes of seed dormancy in C. chinensis, we investigated the permeability of the hard seed coat and the contribution of the endosperm to physical dormancy, and we examined the effect of extracts from the seed coat and endosperm. In addition, the effectiveness of scarification methods to break seed dormancy was compared. Cercis chinensis seeds exhibited physical and physiological dormancy. The hard seed coat played an important role in limiting water uptake, and the endosperm acted as a physical barrier that restricted embryo development in imbibed seeds. Germination percentage of Chinese cabbage [Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt] seeds was reduced from 98% (control) to 28.3% and 56.7% with a seed-coat extract and an endosperm extract, respectively. This demonstrated that both the seed coat and endosperm contained endogenous inhibitors, but the seed-coat extract resulted in stronger inhibition. Mechanical scarification, thermal scarification, and chemical scarification had positive effects on C. chinensis seed germination. Soaking non-scarified seeds in gibberellic acid (GA3) solution did not promote germination; however, treatment with exogenous GA3 following scarification significantly improved germination. The optimal method for promoting C. chinensis seed germination was soaking scarified seeds in 500 mg·L−1 GA3 for 24 h followed by cold stratification at 5 °C for 2 mo.
THE INVESTMENT ACCOUNT HOLDERS DISCLOSURE LEVEL IN THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF ISLAMIC BANKS: CONSTRUCTION OF IAHS DISCLOSURE INDEX
Authors: SAIDANI RAOUDHA , TAKTAK NEILA BOULILA , HUSSAINEY KHALED
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to measure the IAHs disclosure level in the annual reports of Islamic banks. To do this, we develop a specific IAHs disclosure index based on Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) standards. We use manual content analysis of 49 full-fledged Islamic banks’ annual reports over the period 2011–2015 across 10 countries. The findings of this study show that the overall level of IAHs disclosure is 28%. Indeed, the sampled Islamic banks provide fewer disclosures related to IAHs. This study contributes to enrich the knowledge of Islamic accounting literature by exploring directly the IAHs disclosure level in the annual reports of Islamic banks via self-constructed IAHs disclosure index based on AAOIFI accounting standards. It can help regulators in different countries to understand and strengthen the IAHs disclosure practices in Islamic banks by imposing AAOIFI disclosure requirements in terms of IAHs reporting.