bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐1β augments the angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells in an NF‐κB/CXCR7‐dependent manner
Authors: Fan Xia , He Luqing , Dai Qiaoxia , He Junhong , Chen Xiangjuan , Dai Xiaozhen , Zhang Chi , Sun Da , Meng Xue , Sun Shiyue , Huang Jiameng , Chen Jun , Lin Lin , Chen Liangmiao , Tan Yi , Yan Xiaoqing
Published: April 2020

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are able to trigger angiogenesis, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines have beneficial effects on angiogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions. C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR‐7), receptor for stromal cell‐derived factor‐1, plays a critical role in enhancing EPC angiogenic function. Here, we examined whether CXCR7 mediates the pro‐angiogenic effects of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in EPCs. EPCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and angiogenic capability was evaluated in vitro by Matrigel capillary formation assay and fibrin gel bead assay. IL‐1β elevated CXCR7 expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, and blockade of the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB dramatically attenuated the IL‐1β‐mediated up‐regulation of CXCR7 expression. IL‐1β stimulation significantly promoted EPCs tube formation and this effect was largely impaired by CXCR7‐siRNA transfection. IL‐1β treatment stimulated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) phosphorylation, and inhibition of Erk1/2 phosphorylation partially impaired IL‐1β‐induced tube formation of EPCs but without significant effects on CXCR7 expression. Moreover, blocking NF‐κB had no significant effects on IL‐1β‐stimulated Erk1/2 phosphorylation. These findings indicate that CXCR7 plays an important role in the IL‐1β‐enhanced angiogenic capability of EPCs and antagonizing CXCR7 is a potential strategy for inhibiting angiogenesis under inflammatory conditions.
Baseline characteristics of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis according to previous systemic treatment exposure: the PROSE study population
Authors: Augustin M. , Dauden E. , Mrowietz U. , Konstantinou M.P. , Gerdes S. , Rissler M. , Gathmann S. , Sieder C. , Baeumer D. , Orsenigo R.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Psoriatic disease is associated with considerable impairment of Quality of Life (QoL). The PROSE study (NCT02752776) examined the impact of secukinumab on patient‐reported outcomes in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis (PsO) stratified by previous exposure to systemic treatment.

Methods

In this prospective, non‐randomized, multicentre study, patients were categorized at baseline according to previous exposure to systemic treatment: naïve [naïve to any systemic treatment (N = 663)], conventional systemic [previously exposed to ≥1 conventional systemic therapy (N = 673)] and biologics [previously exposed to ≥1 biologic (N = 324)]. Baseline demographics including age, gender, race, body weight and body mass index, disease characteristics and patient‐reported QoL outcomes [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Family DLQI (F‐DLQI)] of patients enrolled in the study are reported here.

Results

Baseline demographic characteristics were well balanced across the three subpopulations. Naïve patients had a shorter time since diagnosis (15.5 ± 12.1 years) compared with the conventional systemic (19.1 ± 12.5 years) and biologic patients (23.0 ± 12.5 years), and lower rates of psoriatic arthritis (6.6% vs. 17.4% and 27.8%, respectively). Metabolic syndrome (37.6‒43.5%), obesity (16.9‒19.1%), hyperlipidaemia (15.3‒21.9%) and diabetes mellitus (6.8‒14.2%) were reported at numerically higher rate in the biologic group. The mean PASI (19.7 ± 7.9), affected Body Surface Area (28.2 ± 15.3%) as well as the Investigator Global Assessment score (patients with score 4: 33.7%) indicated severe disease at baseline and were comparable for the three groups. QoL impairment was evident from mean DLQI (14.1 ± 7.1: naïve = 13.5 ± 6.8; conventional systemic = 14.3 ± 7.0; biologic = 14.8 ± 7.7) and mean F‐DLQI (11.5 ± 7.0: naïve = 11.3 ± 7.1; conventional systemic = 11.4 ± 6.7; biologic = 12.1 ± 7.7) also indicated derangement of QoL of patients and their families.

Conclusion

Patients naïve to systemic treatment had shorter disease journey compared with patients previously exposed to systemic treatments; despite this, the severe impact of disease on patient and family QoL outcomes can be as apparent in naïve patients as in systemically treated patients at baseline.
Fine‐tuning the composition of the cranberry weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) aggregation pheromone
Authors: Rodriguez‐Saona Cesar , Alborn Hans T. , Oehlschlager Cam , Calvo Carolina , Kyryczenko‐Roth Vera , Tewari Sunil , Sylvia Martha M. , Averill Anne L.
Published: April 2020

The cranberry weevil Anthonomus musculus Say is a key pest of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) in the northeastern United States. Previous studies have reported A. musculus adult attraction to traps baited with the aggregation pheromone of the pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii Cano, likely because these two weevils share similar pheromone blends that differ only in two components. The A. musculus aggregation pheromone contains (Z)‐2‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) ethanol (Z grandlure II), (Z)‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) acetaldehyde (grandlure III), (E)‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) acetaldehyde (grandlure IV) and (E)‐3,7‐dimethyl‐2,6‐octadien‐1‐ol (geraniol); whereas A. eugenii produces a pheromone blend that includes (E)‐2‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) ethanol (E grandlure II) and (E)‐3,7‐dimethyl‐2,6‐octadienoic acid (geranic acid) in addition to the four A. musculus pheromone components. Here, we hypothesized that differences in pheromone composition between these two species influence A. musculus adult attraction to its aggregation pheromone. To test this, we studied the response of A. musculus to its pheromone blend with and without E grandlure II and geranic acid, a commercial A. eugenii pheromone lure and a no‐lure control in highbush blueberry and cranberry fields in New Jersey and Massachusetts, respectively. Regardless of crop type, A. musculus adults were more attracted to their four‐component pheromone blend and the blend plus geranic acid than the commercial A. eugenii pheromone and the no‐lure controls. The A. musculus pheromone blend plus E grandlure II and the A. eugenii pheromone blend also captured more A. musculus adults than the no‐lure control but not compared to the commercial A. eugenii pheromone. Further analysis showed that A. musculus adults are significantly (~27%) less attracted to their pheromone blend if it contains E grandlure II, although the addition of geranic acid did not affect their response. These findings may help guide future efforts towards the development of behaviour‐based tools to monitor and manage A. musculus.
Effects of three different methods used during heel lance procedures on pain level in term neonates
Authors: Yilmaz Diler , Inal Sevil
Published: April 2020

Aim

This study aims to experimentally determine effects of three different methods (swaddling; swaddling and holding; swaddling, holding and breastfeeding) used during heel lancing on pain levels in healthy term neonates.

Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample of newborns (n = 160) were allocated to the groups (group 1, control; group 2, swaddling; group 3, swaddling and holding; group 4, swaddling, holding and breastfeeding) by blocked randomization. The study data were obtained using an information form, and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS).

Results

The procedural pain scores of group 4 were lower than group 1, group 2 and group 3. Both the total crying time and the first calming time of the groups swaddling, holding and breastfeeding, were shorter than the swaddling, swaddling and holding and the control group.

Conclusions

As a result, all the three methods are effective in reducing the pain felt during heel lancing in the newborn. However, swaddling, holding and breastfeeding is more effective than the other methods.
The Effect of Information Salience on Product Quality: Louisville Restaurant Hygiene and Yelp.com*
Authors: Makofske Matthew Philip
Published: April 2020

In June, 2013, Louisville, Kentucky, announced plans to provide restaurant health inspection scores—already available on the city’s website—for publication on Yelp.com. I find that this increased salience caused substantial hygiene improvements among independent Louisville restaurants across three different counterfactual models. Among independent Louisville restaurants, estimates suggest the partnership caused anywhere from a 9‐14% relative decrease in inspection score point deductions, with the effect being entirely evident in restaurants’ first inspections following the partnership’s announcement. Relative to the rest of Kentucky, I find that the partnership significantly reduced rates of severe food poisoning in Louisville.
The limited liability effect: Implications for anticompetitive horizontal mergers
Authors: Franck Bernard , Le Pape Nicolas
Published: April 2020

We consider an industry including both leveraged and unleveraged firms engaged in a sequential decision‐making process. At the first stage a firm and its bank, considering the production cost uncertainty and the probability distribution of the random shock, evaluate a bankruptcy risk; at the second stage firms engage in Cournot competition. By introducing an additional upstream stage we examine how incentives to merge with competitors are altered when shareholders of leveraged firms are protected by the limited liability. We demonstrate that a merger increases the probability of bankruptcy for the merged firm if the merger involves only leveraged firms, but this probability decreases if the merger involves at least one unleveraged firm. The welfare loss associated with anticompetitive effects of mergers is lower when the coalition gathers unleveraged firms rather than leveraged ones. Consequently, we argue that in evaluating proposed mergers Competition Authorities should take into account the financial structure of both merging firms and outsiders.
LncRNA‐01126 inhibits the migration of human periodontal ligament cells through MEK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Yiting , Ai Rongshuang , Ding Zhiqiang , He Qian , Zhang Xinxin , Dong Yilin , He Yujuan
Published: April 2020

Background and Objective

Accumulating findings revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulator molecules in the progression of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the biological roles and mechanisms of lncRNA‐01126 in the progression of periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

RT‐qPCR was used to detect the levels of lncRNA‐01126 in gingival tissues and human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Cell transfection experiments were performed to knock down or overexpress the level of lncRNA‐01126 in hPDLCs. Cell Counting Kit‐8, wound‐healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometric analysis were used to evaluate the function of lncRNA‐01126 in the progression of periodontitis. Finally, the signaling pathway was assessed by western blot.

Results

LncRNA microarray discovered that lncRNA‐01126 was the most significantly increased lncRNA in periodontitis patients. LncRNA‐01126 markedly increased in the gingival tissues of periodontitis mice and in the hPDLCs treated with lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas Gingivalis (LPS‐PG). Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that lncRNA‐01126 dramatically suppressed the migration of hPDLCs through MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

LncRNA‐01126 plays a crucial role in inhibiting the migration of hPDLCs through MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Clinical characteristics of non‐ICU hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and liver injury: A retrospective study
Authors: Xie Hansheng , Zhao Jianming , Lian Ningfang , Lin Su , Xie Qunfang , Zhuo Huichang
Published: April 2020

Background & Aims

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has raised world concern for global epidemic since December, 2019. Limited data are available for liver function in COVID‐19 patients. We aimed to investigate the risk factors related to liver injury in the COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in non‐ICU Ward at Jinyintan Hospital from February 2, 2020 to February 23, 2020. Consecutively confirmed COVID‐19 discharged cases were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of patients with liver injury and without liver injury were compared.

Results

A total of 79 COVID‐19 patients were included. 31.6%, 35.4% and 5.1% COVID‐19 patients had elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin respectively. Median value of ALT, AST and bilirubin for entire cohort was 36.5 (17.5 ~ 71.5) U/L, 34.5 (25.3 ~ 55.3) U/L and 12.7 (8.1 ~ 15.4) mmol/L respectively. There were no significant differences in age, previous medical history and symptoms between the two groups. Males were more likely to have liver injury when infected with COVID‐19 (P < .05); compared with patients without liver injury, patients with liver injury had increased levels of white blood cell counts, neutrophils, CRP and CT score (P < .05) and had a longer length of stay (P < .05). Logistic regression analyses suggested that the extent of pulmonary lesions on CT was a predictor of liver function damage (P < .05).

Conclusions

Liver injury is common in non‐ICU hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. It may be related to systemic inflammation. Intense monitoring and evaluation of liver function in patients with severe pulmonary imaging lesions should be considered.
Do Apprenticeships Pay? Evidence for England
Authors: Cavaglia Chiara , McNally Sandra , Ventura Guglielmo
Published: April 2020

The importance of apprenticeships for early labour market transitions varies across countries and over time. In recent times, there has been a policy drive to increase the number of people undertaking apprenticeships in England. This is regarded as important for addressing poor productivity. We investigate whether there is a positive return to undertaking an apprenticeship for young people. We use detailed administrative data to track recent cohorts of young school leavers as they transition to the labour market. Our results suggest that apprenticeships lead to a positive average earnings return (at least in the short run), although there is stark variation between sectors. This is an important driver of the gender gap in earnings.
Ideal endotracheal tube insertion depth in neonates with a birthweight less than 750 g
Authors: Takeuchi Syusuke , Arai Junichi , Nagafuji Motomichi , Hinata Ayako , Kamakura Tae , Hoshino Yusuke , Yukitake Yoshiya
Published: April 2020

Background

Appropriate management of the endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion depth is important. The depth calculated using Tochen’s formula is overestimated in extremely‐low‐ birthweight infants, particularly those with a birthweight <750 g. Gestational age has been shown to be particularly useful in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, 7th edition.5 However, a randomized trial for estimating the ETT insertion depth failed to show the advantage of using gestational age over birthweight.6 Therefore, we aimed to estimate the appropriate ETT insertion depth in neonates weighing <750 g.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective observational study including neonates weighing <750 g who required intubation. The appropriate depth was determined by adjusting the distance between the actual ETT position and the area from the first to the second thoracic vertebra on the radiograph. Correlations between gestational age and physique were investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We examined small‐for‐ gestational‐age (SGA) infants and non‐SGA infants separately.

Results

Forty neonates were enrolled in this study. The mean gestational age and birthweight were 26.3 weeks and 620 g respectively. Twenty infants were SGA. The ETT position was deep in 35 of 40 cases, with the strongest correlation between weight and ETT insertion depth. The correlation with gestational age was not observed in this study.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the ideal ETT insertion depth at birth correlates with birthweight in neonates weighing <750 g. Therefore, determination by gestational age may not be feasible in populations with a high proportion of SGA infants.
The interplay between attention and long‐term memory in affective habituation
Authors: Ferrari Vera , Mastria Serena , Codispoti Maurizio
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have consistently shown that repeated exposure to emotional stimuli leads to a reduction in cortical and autonomic responses (affective habituation). These findings emerge from studies conducted within a single experimental session, preventing the possibility of disentangling short‐term from long‐term habituation effects. The present study investigated whether affective habituation reflects a short‐living learning process, or a more stable change involving long‐term memory. Participants went through a first habituation phase consisting of 80 repetitions of the same set of emotional and neutral pictures, when event‐related potentials and oscillatory activity were measured (Session 1). Crucially, after a 1‐day interval, the same participants were exposed to a second habituation phase with the same stimuli that had been seen before. Results showed that the attenuation of the late positive potential (LPP) affective modulation prompted throughout repetitions of Session 1 remained unchanged after a 1‐day interval, and this between‐session habituation effect, which was specific to repeated exemplars, was consistent across different emotional contents. Alpha desynchronization was clearly enhanced for pictures of erotica and mutilation and this modulatory pattern remained fairly stable over repetitions. Altogether, these findings suggest that LPP affective habituation is not a short‐living learning process, but, rather, reflects a strengthened long‐term memory representation of specific repeated stimuli.
Research approaches to networked employment services: A systematic review
Authors: Andreassen Tone A. , Breit Eric , Saltkjel Therese
Published: April 2020

Research on networked services aimed at the (re)employment of groups marginalised from the labour market has gained momentum in different scholarly traditions (e.g., public administration, healthcare and social policy), but the topic remains somewhat fragmented. In this paper, we systematise and synthesise this research with the aim of outlining distinct research approaches, facilitating increased cross‐disciplinary understandings and promoting interdisciplinary research. Based on a systematic review of the literature (1990–2018, n = 273), we highlight four dominant research approaches: rehabilitation, disability, welfare and governance. We show that these research approaches involve distinct conceptualisations of labour market inclusion, networked services and the target groups. Nevertheless, the research approaches also apply similar terms and concepts (e.g., partnership, collaboration) but with different (more or less implicit) connotations, which lead to fragmentation. We do not suggest that there be a unified use of concepts across traditions; however, we argue for the necessity of increased awareness of the similarities and differences between these research traditions in order to increase understanding of the networked employment services available to marginalised groups.
Ethyl methanesulfonate mutant library construction in Gossypium hirsutum L. for allotetraploid functional genomics and germplasm innovation
Authors: Lian Xin , Liu Yan , Guo Huihui , Fan Yijie , Wu Jianfei , Guo Haixia , Jiao Chengzhi , Tang Zhengmin , Zhang Li , Fan Yupeng , Gou Zhongyuan , Zhang Changyu , Li Tongtong , Zeng Fanchang
Published: April 2020

As the gene pool is exposed to both strain on land resources and a lack of diversity in elite allotetraploid cotton, the acquisition and identification of novel alleles has taken on epic importance in facilitating cotton genetic improvement and functional genomics research. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is an excellent mutagen that induces genome‐wide efficient mutations to activate the mutagenic potential of plants with many advantages. The present study established, determined and verified the experimental procedure suitable for EMS‐based mutant library construction as the general reference guide in allotetraploid upland cotton. This optimized method and procedure are efficient, and abundant EMS mutant libraries (approximately 12 000) in allotetraploid cotton were successfully obtained. More than 20 mutant phenotypes were observed and screened, including phenotypes of the leaf, flower, fruit, fiber and plant architecture. Through the plants mutant library, high‐throughput and high‐resolution melting technology‐based variation evaluation detected the EMS‐induced site mutation. Additionally, based on overall genome‐wide mutation analyses by re‐sequencing and mutant library assessment, the examination results demonstrated the ideal quality of the cotton EMS‐treated mutant library constructed in this study with appropriate high mutation density and saturated genome. What is more, the collection is composed of a broad repertoire of mutants, which is the valuable resource for basic genetic research and functional genomics underlying complex allotetraploid traits, as well as cotton breeding.
Effect of the frequency spectrum of road traffic noise on sleep: A polysomnographic study
Authors: Myllyntausta Saana , Virkkala Jussi , Salo Paula , Varjo Johanna , Rekola Laura , Hongisto Valtteri
Published: April 2020

Spectrum of sound affects noise annoyance. Spectral differences of road traffic noise (RTN) transmitted indoors are usual because of spectrally different sound insulation of facades. The purpose was to compare the effect of RTN spectrum on sleep. Twenty-one volunteers slept three nights in a sleep laboratory in three sound conditions: low-frequency (LF) RTN, high-frequency (HF) RTN, and quiet (control). The A-weighted equivalent levels were 37, 37, and 17 dB LAeq,8h, respectively. The nocturnal time profiles of LF and HF were equal. Sleep was measured with polysomnography and questionnaires. HF and LF did not differ from each other in respect to their effects on both objective and subjective sleep quality. The duration of deep sleep was shorter, satisfaction with sleep lower, and subjective sleep latency higher in HF and LF than in quiet. Contrary to subjective ratings given right after the slept night, HF was rated as the most disturbing condition for sleep after the whole experiment (retrospective rating). The finding suggests the sound insulation spectrum of the facade construction might play a role regarding the effects of RTN. More research is needed about the effects of spectrum on sleep because the field is very little investigated.
Vaccine designers take first shots at COVID-19
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: April 2020

Two candidate vaccines start trials while dozens more are rushed into development.
As normalcy returns, can China keep COVID-19 at bay?
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: April 2020

Infected travelers pose a continuing threat, but local coronavirus transmission still occurs as well.
Contemporaneity of
Australopithecus
,
Paranthropus
, and early
Homo erectus
in South Africa
Authors: Herries Andy I. R. , Martin Jesse M. , Leece A. B. , Adams Justin W. , Boschian Giovanni , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Edwards Tara R. , Mallett Tom , Massey Jason , Murszewski Ashleigh , Neubauer Simon , Pickering Robyn , Strait David S. , Armstrong Brian J. , Baker Stephanie , Caruana Matthew V. , Denham Tim , Hellstrom John , Moggi-Cecchi Jacopo , Mokobane Simon , Penzo-Kajewski Paul , Rovinsky Douglass S. , Schwartz Gary T. , Stammers Rhiannon C. , Wilson Coen , Woodhead Jon , Menter Colin
Published: April 2020

Dating the Drimolen hominins

Fossil hominins from South Africa are enriching the story of early human evolution and dispersal. Herries
et al.
describe the geological context and dating of the hominin-bearing infilled cave, or palaeocave, at a site called Drimolen in South Africa (see the Perspective by Antón). They focus on the age and context of a recently discovered
Homo erectus sensu lato fossil and a Paranthropus robustus
fossil, which they dated to ∼2.04 million to 1.95 million years ago. This makes Drimolen one of the best-dated sites in South Africa and establishes these fossils as the oldest definitive specimens of their respective species ever discovered. The age confirms that species of
Australopithecus, Paranthropus
, and early
Homo
overlapped in the karst of South Africa ∼2 million years ago.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaw7293
; see also p.
34
Cysteine depletion induces pancreatic tumor ferroptosis in mice
Authors: Badgley Michael A. , Kremer Daniel M. , Maurer H. Carlo , DelGiorno Kathleen E. , Lee Ho-Joon , Purohit Vinee , Sagalovskiy Irina R. , Ma Alice , Kapilian Jonathan , Firl Christina E. M. , Decker Amanda R. , Sastra Steve A. , Palermo Carmine F. , Andrade Leonardo R. , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Zhang Li , Tolstyka Zachary P. , Hirschhorn Tal , Lamb Candice , Liu Tong , Gu Wei , Seeley E. Scott , Stone Everett , Georgiou George , Manor Uri , Iuga Alina , Wahl Geoffrey M. , Stockwell Brent R. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Olive Kenneth P.
Published: April 2020

Ferroptotic cell death and cancer

Cell death can occur through different mechanisms, several of which are being explored as potential targets for cancer treatment. One form of cell death that has attracted recent interest is ferroptosis, which is triggered by high intracellular levels of lipid reactive oxygen species. Pancreatic cancer cells have high levels of reactive oxygen species but manage to avoid ferroptosis by importing extracellular cysteine. Studying mice bearing pancreatic tumors, Badgley
et al.
found that administration of a drug inhibiting cysteine import induced tumor-selective ferroptosis and inhibited tumor growth. Further work will be required to determine whether this therapeutic strategy will be effective in human pancreatic cancer, a tumor type for which new treatments are urgently needed.

Science
, this issue p.
85
Straining quantum materials even further
Authors: Beekman Christianne
Published: April 2020

A nanoscale membrane enables exploration of large tensile strains on complex oxides
Toward a universal glacier slip law
Authors: Minchew Brent , Joughin Ian
Published: April 2020

A new friction rule may describe ice flow over rigid or deformable surfaces
Engineered Reporter Phages for Rapid Bioluminescence-Based Detection and Differentiation of ViableListeriaCells
Authors: Meile Susanne , Sarbach Anne , Du Jiemin , Schuppler Markus , Saez Carmen , Loessner Martin J. , Kilcher Samuel
Published: April 2020

Culture-dependent methods are the gold standard for sensitive and specific detection of pathogenic bacteria within the food production chain. In contrast to molecular approaches, these methods detect viable cells, which is a key advantage for foods generated from heat-inactivated source material. However, culture-based diagnostics are typically much slower than molecular or proteomic strategies. Reporter phage assays combine the best of both worlds and allow for near online assessment of microbial safety because phage replication is extremely fast, highly target specific, and restricted to metabolically active host cells. In addition, reporter phage assays are inexpensive and do not require highly trained personnel, facilitating their on-site implementation. The reporter phages presented in this study not only allow for rapid detection but also enable an early estimation of the potential virulence ofListeriaisolates from food production and processing sites.
YjbH Requires Its Thioredoxin Active Motif for the Nitrosative Stress Response, Cell-to-Cell Spread, and Protein-Protein Interactions in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Ruhland Brittany R. , Reniere Michelle L.
Published: April 2020

The annotated thioredoxin YjbH inListeria monocytogeneshas been implicated in virulence, but its function in the cell is unknown. In other bacterial species, YjbH is a protease adaptor that mediates degradation of the transcriptional regulator Spx. Here, we investigated the function ofL. monocytogenesYjbH and demonstrated its role in the nitrosative stress response and posttranslational regulation of several proteins with which YjbH physically interacts, including SpxA1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the cysteine residues of the YjbH thioredoxin active motif are required for the nitrosative stress response, cell-to-cell spread, and some protein-protein interactions. YjbH is widely conserved amongFirmicutes, and this work reveals its unique requirement of the thioredoxin-active motif inL. monocytogenes.
UK national study of barriers to renal transplantation in children
Authors: Kim Ji Soo , Marlais Matko , Balasubramanian Ramnath , Muorah Mordi , Inward Carol , Smith Graham C , Reynolds Ben C , Yadav Pallavi , Morgan Henry , Shenoy Mohan , Tse Yincent , Hussain Farida , Grylls Sarah , Kessaris Nicos , Sinha Manish D , Marks Stephen D
Published: April 2020

Aims

To investigate access to paediatric renal transplantation and examine potential barriers within the process.

Methods

Cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study where paediatric nephrology centres in the UK were requested to provide data on transplantation plans for all children (<18 years) with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Results

308 children with ESKD were included in this study from 12 out of 13 UK paediatric nephrology centres. 139 (45%) were being prepared for living donor transplantation and 82 (27%) were listed for deceased donor transplantation. The most common cited factors delaying transplantation from occurring in children were disease factors (36%), donor availability (27%) and size of the child (20%). Psychosocial factors were listed as a barrier in 19% of children.

Conclusions

In this study we have documented the main barriers to renal transplantation in children. Some identified factors may be modifiable through local or national intervention, including donor availability and patient psychosocial factors.
Eye care and ocular findings at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016
Authors: Lima Vagner Loduca , Fernandes Arthur Gustavo , Viana Rodrigo Galvão , Feder David
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To describe the attendance and ocular profile of competitors and members of delegations who attended the Polyclinic Ophthalmology Division during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016.

Methods

The eye clinic was allocated in the purpose-built polyclinic opened for competitors and members of delegations from 24 July to 18 September 2016. All individuals who attended the service received a comprehensive ocular examination including biomicroscopy, subjective refraction and fundus evaluation. A main clinical finding was assigned for each eye by the ophthalmologist.

Results

5.6% of Olympic Games competitors and 8.9% of Paralympic Games competitors attended the Polyclinic Ophthalmology Division during the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. These rates compare with 2.6% and 6.5% at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games (2012). The main clinical finding was refractive error with 79.0% of the individuals receiving a glass prescription during the Olympic Games and 81.3% during the Paralympic Games.

Conclusion

Our outcomes highlight the importance of the eye service at the polyclinic as it may represent the only opportunity for many individuals involved with the Olympic and Paralympic Games to receive ocular evaluation. Our description of clinic structure, delivery of service and clinical results will be useful in the organisation not only for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 but also for any other large sporting events that involves medical attention in a polyclinic format.
Lower nationwide rates of arthroscopic procedures in 2016 compared with 1997 (634925 total arthroscopic procedures): has the tide turned?
Authors: Karelson Margit C , Jokihaara Jarkko , Launonen Antti P , Huttunen Tuomas , Mattila Ville M
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To assess the rates and secular trends of different joint arthroscopies—shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle—in Finland between 1997 and 2016.

Design

Retrospective nationwide registry study.

Participants

All adults in Finland with any arthroscopic intervention procedure code for knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow or hip arthroscopy between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2016 were included.

Main outcome measures

Incidence rate of arthroscopic surgery per 100 000 person-years.

Results

The rate of knee and shoulder arthroscopies declined after reaching a peak in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The rates of wrist, elbow and hip joint arthroscopies declined after their 2014 peak. At the same time, the median age of patients who had knee, ankle and hip arthroscopy decreased, whereas the age of patients who had shoulder arthroscopy increased.

Conclusions

Numerous randomised controlled trials point to lack of efficacy of the most common knee and shoulder arthroscopic procedures. It should not be assumed that this has contributed to decreased rates of arthroscopic surgery. The concurrent decrease in most of the other joint arthroscopic procedures was unexpected.
Document analysis of exertional heat illness policies and guidelines published by sports organisations in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Gamage Prasanna J , Finch Caroline F , Fortington Lauren V
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To conduct a document and content analysis of exertional heat illness (EHI)-related documents published by sports organisations in Victoria, Australia, in order to determine their scope and evidence base against current international best practice recommendations.

Methods

A qualitative document and content analysis. Official documents relating to EHI were identified through a search of 22 Victorian sport organisation websites, supplemented by a general internet search. The content of these documents was evaluated against recommendations presented in three current international position statements on prevention and management of EHI.

Results

A range of document types addressing EHI were identified (n=25), including specific heat policies, match day guides, rules and regulations. Recommendations about prevention measures were the most common information presented, but these were largely focused on event modification/cancellation guidelines only (n=22; 88%). Most documents provided information on hydration as a preventive measure (n=20; 80%), but the emphasis on the importance of cooling strategies (n=7; 28%) and heat acclimatisation (n=5; 20%) was inadequate. Details on EHI, including its definition, symptoms/signs to look out for, and common risk factors (beyond humidity/high temperatures) were lacking in most documents.

Conclusion

There is considerable variation in formal documents with regard to their content and quality of information. Continued efforts to bridge the evidence to practice gap in sports safety are therefore important. This study highlights the challenge for community sport, which relies on high-level policy and governance, across settings and populations that can differ substantially in their needs.
Early gastric cancer detection in high-risk patients: a multicentre randomised controlled trial on the effect of second-generation narrow band imaging
Authors: Yoshida Naohiro , Doyama Hisashi , Yano Tomonori , Horimatsu Takahiro , Uedo Noriya , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Kakushima Naomi , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Hori Shinichiro , Yao Kenshi , Oda Ichiro , Katada Chikatoshi , Yokoi Chizu , Ohata Ken , Yoshimura Kenichi , Ishikawa Hideki , Muto Manabu
Published: April 2020

Objective

Early detection of gastric cancer has been the topic of major efforts in high prevalence areas. Whether advanced imaging methods, such as second-generation narrow band imaging (2G-NBI) can improve early detection, is unknown.

Design

This open-label, randomised, controlled tandem trial was conducted in 13 hospitals. Patients at increased risk for gastric cancer were randomly assigned to primary white light imaging (WLI) followed by secondary 2G-NBI (WLI group: n=2258) and primary 2G-NBI followed by secondary WLI (2G-NBI group: n=2265) performed by the same examiner. Suspected early gastric cancer (EGC) lesions in both groups were biopsied. Primary endpoint was the rate of EGC patients in the primary examination. The main secondary endpoint was the positive predictive value (PPV) for EGC in suspicious lesions detected (primary examination).

Results

EGCs were found in 44 (1.9%) and 53 (2.3%; p=0.412) patients in the WLI and 2G-NBI groups, respectively, during primary EGD. In a post hoc analysis, the overall rate of lesions detected at the second examination was 25% (n=36/145), with no significant differences between groups. PPV for EGC in suspicious lesions was 13.5% and 20.9% in the WLI (50/371 target lesions) and 2G-NBI groups (59/282 target lesions), respectively (p=0.015).

Conclusion

The overall sensitivity of primary endoscopy for the detection of EGC in high-risk patients was only 75% and should be improved. 2G-NBI did not increase EGC detection rate over conventional WLI. The impact of a slightly better PPV of 2G-NBI has to be evaluated further.

Trial registration number

UMIN000014503.
Aberrant gut microbiota alters host metabolome and impacts renal failure in humans and rodents
Authors: Wang Xifan , Yang Songtao , Li Shenghui , Zhao Liang , Hao Yanling , Qin Junjie , Zhang Lian , Zhang Chengying , Bian Weijing , Zuo Li , Gao Xiu , Zhu Baoli , Lei Xin Gen , Gu Zhenglong , Cui Wei , Xu Xiping , Li Zhiming , Zhu Benzhong , Li Yuan , Chen Shangwu , Guo Huiyuan , Zhang Hao , Sun Jing , Zhang Ming , Hui Yan , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Xiaoxue , Sun Bowen , Wang Longjiao , Qiu Qinglu , Zhang Yuchan , Li Xingqi , Liu Weiqian , Xue Rui , Wu Hong , Shao DongHua , Li Junling , Zhou Yuanjie , Li Shaochuan , Yang Rentao , Pedersen Oluf Borbye , Yu Zhengquan , Ehrlich Stanislav Dusko , Ren Fazheng
Published: April 2020

Objective

Patients with renal failure suffer from symptoms caused by uraemic toxins, possibly of gut microbial origin, as deduced from studies in animals. The aim of the study is to characterise relationships between the intestinal microbiome composition, uraemic toxins and renal failure symptoms in human end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Design

Characterisation of gut microbiome, serum and faecal metabolome and human phenotypes in a cohort of 223 patients with ESRD and 69 healthy controls. Multidimensional data integration to reveal links between these datasets and the use of chronic kidney disease (CKD) rodent models to test the effects of intestinal microbiome on toxin accumulation and disease severity.

Results

A group of microbial species enriched in ESRD correlates tightly to patient clinical variables and encode functions involved in toxin and secondary bile acids synthesis; the relative abundance of the microbial functions correlates with the serum or faecal concentrations of these metabolites. Microbiota from patients transplanted to renal injured germ-free mice or antibiotic-treated rats induce higher production of serum uraemic toxins and aggravated renal fibrosis and oxidative stress more than microbiota from controls. Two of the species, Eggerthella lenta and Fusobacterium nucleatum, increase uraemic toxins production and promote renal disease development in a CKD rat model. A probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis decreases abundance of these species, reduces levels of toxins and the severity of the disease in rats.

Conclusion

Aberrant gut microbiota in patients with ESRD sculpts a detrimental metabolome aggravating clinical outcomes, suggesting that the gut microbiota will be a promising target for diminishing uraemic toxicity in those patients.

Trial registration number

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03010696).
Effectiveness of one-time endoscopic screening programme in prevention of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China: a multicentre population-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Ru , Liu Yong , Song Guohui , Li Bianyun , Zhao Deli , Hua Zhaolai , Wang Xinzheng , Li Jun , Hao Changqing , Zhang Liwei , Liu Shuzheng , Wang Jialin , Zhou Jinyi , Zhang Yongzhen , Li Bo , Li Yanyan , Feng Xiang , Li Lin , Dong Zhiwei , Wei Wenqiang , Wang Guiqi
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To estimate the effectiveness of endoscopic screening programme in reducing incidence and mortality of upper gastrointestinal cancer in high risks areas of China.

Design

This multicentre population-based cohort study was conducted in six areas in China from 2005 to 2015. All permanent residents aged 40 to 69 years were identified as target subjects. We refer to those who were invited for screening collectively as the invited group. Of these, we classify those who were invited and undertook endoscopic screening as the screened group and those who were invited but did not accept screening as the non-screened group. Target subjects who were not invited to the screening were assigned to the control group. The effectiveness of the endoscopic screening and screening programme were evaluated by comparing reductions in incidence and mortality from upper gastrointestinal cancer in the screened and invited group with control group.

Results

Our cohort analysis included 637 500 people: 299 483 in the control group and 338 017 in the invited to screening group, 113 340 (33.53%) of whom were screened eventually. Compared with subjects in the control group, upper gastrointestinal cancer incidence and mortality decreased by 23% (relative risk (RR)=0.77, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.81) and 57% (RR=0.43, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.47) in the screened group, respectively, and by 14% (RR=0.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.89) and 31% (RR=0.69, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.72) in the invited group, respectively.

Conclusion

Among individuals aged 40 to 69 years in high risk areas of upper gastrointestinal cancer, one-time endoscopic screening programme was associated with a significant decrease in upper gastrointestinal cancer incidence and mortality.
Digestive system is a potential route of COVID-19: an analysis of single-cell coexpression pattern of key proteins in viral entry process
Authors: Zhang Hao , Kang Zijian , Gong Haiyi , Xu Da , Wang Jing , Li Zhixiu , Li Zifu , Cui Xinggang , Xiao Jianru , Zhan Jian , Meng Tong , Zhou Wang , Liu Jianmin , Xu Huji
Published: April 2020

Objective

Since December 2019, a newly identified coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)) has caused outbreaks of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells via cell receptor ACE II (ACE2) and the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). In order to identify possible prime target cells of SARS-CoV-2 by comprehensive dissection of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 coexpression pattern in different cell types, five datasets with single-cell transcriptomes of lung, oesophagus, gastric mucosa, ileum and colon were analysed.

Design

Five datasets were searched, separately integrated and analysed. Violin plot was used to show the distribution of differentially expressed genes for different clusters. The ACE2-expressing and TMPRRSS2-expressing cells were highlighted and dissected to characterise the composition and proportion.

Results

Cell types in each dataset were identified by known markers. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were not only coexpressed in lung AT2 cells and oesophageal upper epithelial and gland cells but also highly expressed in absorptive enterocytes from the ileum and colon. Additionally, among all the coexpressing cells in the normal digestive system and lung, the expression of ACE2 was relatively highly expressed in the ileum and colon.

Conclusion

This study provides the evidence of the potential route of SARS-CoV-2 in the digestive system along with the respiratory tract based on single-cell transcriptomic analysis. This finding may have a significant impact on health policy setting regarding the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study also demonstrates a novel method to identify the prime cell types of a virus by the coexpression pattern analysis of single-cell sequencing data.
Audio and panoramic video recording in the operating room: legal and ethical perspectives
Authors: Gabrielli Mauricio , Valera Luca , Barrientos Marcelo
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The idea of video recording (VR) in the operating room (OR) with panoramic cameras and microphones is a new concept that is changing the approach to medical activities in the OR. However, VR in the OR has brought up many concerns regarding patient privacy and has highlighted legal and ethical issues that were never previously exposed.

Aim

To review the literature concerning these aspects and provide a better ethical and legal understanding of the new challenges concerning VR in the OR.

Conclusions

There is a disparity between the two main legal models concerning VR in the OR, namely the European legal system (General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)) and the American legal framework (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)). This difference mainly deals with two distinct bioethical paradigms: GDPR places a strong emphasis on protecting patients’ privacy to improve the public health system, whereas HIPAA indicates the need to generate protocols to safeguard the risks connected to medical activity and patient privacy. Following from this point, we may argue that, at the ethical and bioethical level, GDPR and HIPAA depend mainly on two different ethical models: a perspective based on moral acquaintances and weak proceduralism, respectively. It is worth noting the importance of developing additional guidelines concerning different world regions to avoid the ethical problems that may emerge when simply applying a foreign paradigm to a very different culture.
Hope or despair: a response to ‘Do not despair about severity—yet’
Authors: Hausman Daniel
Published: April 2020

This is a brief response to ‘Do not despair about severity—yet’ by Barraet al. It argues that they have no serious criticisms of Daniel Hausman’s essay, ‘The Significance of Severity’” and that indeed their work lends further support to his view that there is no justification for prioritising severity. As policy-akers, Barra and his coauthors are more constrained by popular attitudes, which apparently favour prioritising severity.