bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Predictive Model of Multidrug Resistance in Neutropenic Cancer Patients with Bloodstream Infection Due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Gudiol C. , Albasanz-Puig A. , Laporte-Amargós J. , Pallarès N. , Mussetti A. , Ruiz-Camps I. , Puerta-Alcalde P. , Abdala E. , Oltolini C. , Akova M. , Montejo M. , Mikulska M. , Martín-Dávila P. , Herrera F. , Gasch O. , Drgona L. , Paz Morales H. , Brunel A.-S. , García E. , Isler B. , Kern W. V. , Morales I. , Maestro-de la Calle G. , Montero M. , Kanj S. S. , Sipahi O. R. , Calik S. , Márquez-Gómez I. , Marin J. I. , Gomes M. Z. R. , Hemmatti P. , Araos R. , Peghin M. , del Pozo J. L. , Yáñez L. , Tilley R. , Manzur A. , Novo A. , Carratalà J. ,   for the IRONIC Study Group, Cuervo Guillermo , Escrihuela-Vidal Francesc , Tubau Fe , Tebé Cristian , Rodríguez Arias Marisol , Aguilar-Company Juan , Larrosa Nieves , Cardozo Celia , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Karim-Yaqub Ibrahim , Greco Raffaella , Cichero Paola , Ayaz Caglayan Merve , Céspedes Roberto , López-Soria Leire , Magnasco Laura , Fortún Jesús , Torres Diego , Boté Anna , Espasa Mateu , Hold Montaguti Mia , Bochud Pierre-Yves , Manuel Oriol , Tabares Carrasco Salvador , Serrano López Josefina , Bertz Hartmut , Rieg Siegbert , de Cueto Marina , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Lizasoain Manuel , Aguado José María , Horcajada Juan Pablo , El Zein Saeed , Jabbour Jean-Francois , Uyan-Onal Ayse , Nazli-Zeka Arzu , Palop Begoña , Correa Lina Clemencia , Machado Amanda Aparecida da Silva , Tonhá João Pedro Silva , Maschmeyer Georg , Munita Jose , Bassetti Matteo , Castaldo Nadia , del Alcázar Paloma Sangro
Published: January 2020

We aimed to assess the rate and predictive factors of bloodstream infection (BSI) due to multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in neutropenic cancer patients. We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including oncohematological neutropenic patients with BSI due to
P. aeruginosa
conducted across 34 centers in 12 countries from January 2006 to May 2018. A mixed logistic regression model was used to estimate a model to predict the multidrug resistance of the causative pathogens.
Strain-Dependent Effect of Capsule on Transmission and Persistence in an Infant Mouse Model of Group A Streptococcus Infection
Authors: Vega Luis Alberto , Sanson Misu A. , Shah Brittany J. , Flores Anthony R.
Published: January 2020

Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) is a human pathogen responsible for a wide range of diseases. Asymptomatic carriage of GAS in the human pharynx is commonplace and a potential reservoir for GAS transmission. Early studies showed that GAS transmission correlated with high bacterial burdens during the acute symptomatic phase of the disease. Human studies and the nonhuman primate model are generally impractical for investigation of the bacterial mechanisms contributing to GAS transmission and persistence.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Alginate Benefits Staphylococcus aureus?
Authors: Schurr Michael J.
Published: January 2020

In this issue of
Journal of Bacteriology
, Price et al. show that the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
-produced exopolysaccharide alginate protects
Staphylococcus aureus
by dampening the expression of
P. aeruginosa
virulence products that usually inhibit
S. aureus
respiration and cell membrane integrity when the two organisms compete in other environments (C. E. Price, D. G. Brown, D. H. Limoli, V. V. Phelan, and G.
Ferric Citrate Regulator FecR Is Translocated across the Bacterial Inner Membrane via a Unique Twin-Arginine Transport-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Passmore Ian J. , Dow Jennifer M. , Coll Francesc , Cuccui Jon , Palmer Tracy , Wren Brendan W.
Published: January 2020

Iron is essential for nearly all living organisms due to its role in metabolic processes and as a cofactor for many enzymes. The FecRI signal transduction pathway regulates citrate-mediated iron import in many Gram-negative bacteria, including
Escherichia coli
. The interactions of FecR with the outer membrane protein FecA and cytoplasmic anti-sigma factor FecI have been extensively studied. However, the mechanism by which FecR inserts into the membrane has not previously been reported. In this study, we demonstrate that the targeting of FecR to the cytoplasmic membrane is dependent on the Tat system. As such, FecR represents a new class of bitopic Tat-dependent membrane proteins with an internal twin-arginine signal sequence.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Closely Related
Acetobacter pasteurianus
Strains Provides Evidence of Horizontal Gene Transfer and Reveals Factors Necessary for Thermotolerance
Authors: Matsutani Minenosuke , Matsumoto Nami , Hirakawa Hideki , Shiwa Yuh , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Okamoto-Kainuma Akiko , Ishikawa Morio , Kataoka Naoya , Yakushi Toshiharu , Matsushita Kazunobu
Published: January 2020

Acetobacter pasteurianus
, an industrial vinegar-producing strain, exhibits diverse phenotypic differences such as respiratory activity related to acetic acid production, acetic acid resistance, or thermotolerance. In this study, we investigated the correlations between genome sequences and phenotypes among closely related
A. pasteurianus
strains. The gene repertoire related to the respiratory chains showed that the respiratory components of
A. pasteurianus
has a diversity caused by several horizontal gene transfers and mutations. In three closely related strains with clear differences in their thermotolerances, we found that the insertion or deletion that occurred in the Na
+
/H
+
antiporter gene
nhaK2
is directly related to their thermotolerance. Our study suggests that a relatively quick mutation has occurred in the closely related
A. pasteurianus
due to its genetic instability and that this has largely affected its phenotype.
Evaluation of the Revogene Carba C Assay for Detection and Differentiation of Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Girlich Delphine , Laguide Marine , Dortet Laurent , Naas Thierry
Published: January 2020

The Revogene Carba C assay (formerly GenePOC Carba assay) is a multiplex nucleic acid-based
in vitro
diagnostic test intended for the detection of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
(CPE) from cultured colonies. This assay was evaluated directly on colonies of 118 well-characterized
Enterobacterales
with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems and on 49 multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and 40 MDR
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates.
Efficacy of Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta-
d
-Glucan Diagnostic Testing for Fungal Meningitis: a Systematic Review
Authors: Davis Christian , Wheat L. Joseph , Myint Thein , Boulware David R. , Bahr Nathan C.
Published: January 2020

Several case reports and cohort studies have examined the use of (1,3)-beta-
d
-glucan measurement with cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose fungal meningitis. This systematic review aims to characterize the evidence regarding cerebrospinal fluid (1,3)-beta-
d
-glucan measurement to detect fungal meningitis. We searched PubMed for (1,3)-beta-
d
-glucan and each of several distinct fungi, cerebrospinal fluid, and meningitis. Summary data including diagnostic performance (where applicable) were recorded.
Genome Sequence of
Salarchaeum
sp. Strain JOR-1, an Extremely Halophilic Archaeon from the Dead Sea
Authors: Anton Brian P. , DasSarma Priya , Martinez Fabiana L. , DasSarma Satyajit L. , Al Madadha Mohammad , Roberts Richard J. , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: January 2020

An extremely halophilic archaeon,
Salarchaeum
sp. strain JOR-1, was isolated from the east coast of the Dead Sea, Kingdom of Jordan, and sequenced using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. The GC-rich 2.5-Mbp genome was composed of a circular chromosome and a megaplasmid. The genome contained 2,633 genes and was incorporated into HaloWeb (
https://halo.umbc.edu/
).
Low-energy total diet replacement intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity treated with insulin: a randomized trial
Authors: Brown Adrian , Dornhorst Anne , McGowan Barbara , Omar Omar , Leeds Anthony R , Taheri Shahrad , Frost Gary S
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The management of patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes and obesity receiving insulin therapy (IT) is a substantial clinical challenge. Our objective was to examine the effect of a low-energy total diet replacement (TDR) intervention versus standardized dietetic care in patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes and obesity receiving IT.

Research design and methods

In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 90 participants with type 2 diabetes and obesity receiving IT were assigned to either a low-energy TDR (intervention) or standardized dietetic care (control) in an outpatient setting. The primary outcome was weight loss at 12 months with secondary outcomes including glycemic control, insulin burden and quality of life (QoL).

Results

Mean weight loss at 12 months was 9.8 kg (SD 4.9) in the intervention and 5.6 kg (SD 6.1) in the control group (adjusted mean difference −4.3 kg, 95% CI −6.3 to 2.3, p<0.001). IT was discontinued in 39.4% of the intervention group compared with 5.6% of the control group among completers. Insulin requirements fell by 47.3 units (SD 36.4) in the intervention compared with 33.3 units (SD 52.9) in the control (−18.6 units, 95% CI −29.2 to –7.9, p=0.001). Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) fell significantly in the intervention group (4.7 mmol/mol; p=0.02). QoL improved in the intervention group of 11.1 points (SD 21.8) compared with 0.71 points (SD 19.4) in the control (8.6 points, 95% CI 2.0 to 15.2, p=0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with advanced type 2 diabetes and obesity receiving IT achieved greater weight loss using a TDR intervention while also reducing or stopping IT and improving glycemic control and QoL. The TDR approach is a safe treatment option in this challenging patient group but requires maintenance support for long-term success.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN21335883.
NEPA efficacy and tolerability during (neo)adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin
Authors: Yeo Winnie , Lau Thomas KH , Kwok Carol CH , Lai Kwai T , Chan Vicky TC , Li Leung , Chan Vivian , Wong Ashley , Soo Winnie MT , Yeung Eva WM , Wong Kam H , Tang Nelson LS , Suen Joyce JS , Mo Frankie KF
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This is a prospective study evaluating NEPA in patients with breast cancer (the NEPA group), who received (neo)adjuvant AC chemotherapy (consisting of doxorubicin 60 mg/m2and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2). The primary objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of NEPA in controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The secondary objectives were to compare CINV between the NEPA group and historical controls (the APR group) who received aprepitant in an earlier prospective randomised study.

Patients and methods

60 patients participated in the NEPA group; 62 were in the APR group. Eligibility criteria of both groups were similar, that is, Chinese patients with breast cancer who were treated with (neo)adjuvant AC. NEPA group received NEPA and dexamethasone; APR group received aprepitant, ondansetron and dexamethasone. Individuals filled in self-reported diary, visual analogue scale for nausea and Functional Living Index-Emesis questionnaire.

Results

Within the NEPA group, 70.0%, 85.7% and 60.0%, respectively reported complete response in the acute, delayed and overall phases in cycle 1 AC. When compared with the historical APR group during cycle 1 AC, NEPA group achieved significantly higher rates of complete response, complete protection, total control, ‘no significant nausea’ and ‘no nausea’ in the delayed phase; similar findings were noted in the overall phase with significantly better quality of life. Superior efficacy of NEPA was maintained over multiple cycles. Both antiemetic regimens were well tolerated.

Conclusion

In this study on Chinese patients with breast cancer who were uniformly receiving AC, NEPA was effective in controlling CINV.

Trial registration number

NCT03386617.
Maternal low-dose aspartame and stevia consumption with an obesogenic diet alters metabolism, gut microbiota and mesolimbic reward system in rat dams and their offspring
Authors: Nettleton Jodi E , Cho Nicole A , Klancic Teja , Nicolucci Alissa C , Shearer Jane , Borgland Stephanie L , Johnston Leah A , Ramay Hena R , Noye Tuplin Erin , Chleilat Faye , Thomson Carolyn , Mayengbam Shyamchand , McCoy Kathy D , Reimer Raylene A
Published: January 2020

Objective

We examined the impact of maternal low-dose aspartame and stevia consumption on adiposity, glucose tolerance, gut microbiota and mesolimbic pathway in obese dams and their offspring.

Design

Following obesity induction, female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated during pregnancy and lactation to: (1) high fat/sucrose diet (HFS) +water (obese-WTR); (2) HFS +aspartame (obese-APM; 5–7 mg/kg/day); (3) HFS +stevia (obese-STV; 2–3 mg/kg/day). Offspring were weaned onto control diet and water and followed until 18 weeks. Gut microbiota and metabolic outcomes were measured in dams and offspring. Cecal matter from offspring at weaning was used for faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) into germ-free (GF) mice.

Results

Maternal APM and STV intake with a HFS diet increased body fat in offspring at weaning and body weight long-term with APM. Maternal APM/HFS consumption impaired glucose tolerance in male offspring at age 8 weeks and both APM and STV altered faecal microbiota in dams and offspring. Maternal obesity/HFS diet affected offspring adiposity and glucose tolerance more so than maternal LCS consumption at age 12 and 18 weeks. APM and STV altered expression of genes in the mesolimbic reward system that may promote consumption of a palatable diet. GF mice receiving an FMT from obese-APM and obese-STV offspring had greater weight gain and body fat and impaired glucose tolerance compared with obese-WTR.

Conclusion

Maternal low-calorie sweetener consumption alongside HFS may disrupt weight regulation, glucose control and gut microbiota in dams and their offspring most notably in early life despite no direct low-calorie sweetener consumption by offspring.
Accident prevention activity and accident experience in the Republic of Korea military
Authors: Kim Hwi Jun , Oh S Y , Choi D W , Won S Y , Kim H J , Ko S C , Woo S Y , Park E-C
Published: January 2020

Introduction

According to data released by the Korea National Statistical Office, the number of accidents has been decreasing since 2012. However, a considerable number of deaths related to safety accidents (23–46 deaths) are still reported annually. This study aimed to observe the correlation between accident prevention activities in the Republic of Korea (ROK) military and the incidence of safety accidents.

Methods

The study used data from the 2014–2015 Military Health Survey and included 13 618 responses (Army: 8414 (61.8%); Navy/Marine: 2262 (16.6%); Air Force: 2942 (21.6%)) from the ROK military personnel. Accident experiences and thoughts on accident prevention activities were self-reported. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the validity of accident prevention activity and accident experience.

Results

Of the 13 618 military personnel who responded, 12.0% reported experiencing safety accidents in the military and 1020 (7.5%) felt that accident prevention activities in the military were insufficient. On logistic regression analysis, we found a significant difference (insufficiency OR=1.56, CI 1.31 to 1.86). In particular, military personnel who belong to the Army and Navy were more likely to think that accident prevention activities were insufficient. In addition, military personnel who experienced falls/slips, crash, and laceration/puncture wound/amputation/penetrating wound accidents were more likely to think accident prevention activities were insufficient.

Conclusions

Our study found that accident prevention activities in the military and accident experiences were related. It is necessary for the ROK Ministry of Defense, Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters to re-evaluate their accident prevention systems.
Trends in occupational diseases in the Italian agricultural sector, 2004–2017
Authors: van der Molen Henk F , Marsili Chiara , Vitali Andrea , Colosio Claudio
Published: January 2020

Objective

To estimate the incidence of, trends in and effect of change in reporting rules on occupational diseases (ODs) in the Italian agricultural sector.

Methods

Over a 14-year period (2004–2017), ODs among Italian agricultural workers were diagnosed by physicians and reported to the National Institute for Insurance against Workplace Accidents and Occupational Diseases. OD was defined as a disease with a specific clinical diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases) and was predominantly caused by work-related factors. Trends in incidence and effects of changed eligibility criteria for reporting occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were estimated using a Poisson regression model.

Results

In 2017, the incidence of all ODs was 1295 per 100 000 agricultural workers. MSDs (961 per 100 000 workers) were the most frequently occurring ODs. MSDs and NIHL showed statistically significant increasing time trends, 26% and 7% annual increase, respectively, during the 2004–2017 period. There was no statistically significant change in the incidence of occupational respiratory, skin and cancer diseases during the 14-year period. After changes in reporting rules, the incidence of MSDs showed an immediate increased effect, with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.9 (95% CI 2.65 to 3.14) and a significant annual decreasing trend of −9% (95% CI −6% to −12%) over the years after the changed reporting rules (from 2008 to 2017), and an immediate effect on NIHL with an IRR of 1.3 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.53).

Conclusion

In total, 1.3% of the Italian agricultural workers were diagnosed in 2017 as having an OD. Over a 14-year period, the annual incidence of ODs showed a considerable increasing trend consistent with changed eligibility reporting criteria for occupational MSDs and to a lesser extent for NIHL.
Risk for heat-related illness among wildland firefighters: job tasks and core body temperature change
Authors: West Molly R , Costello Sadie , Sol Joseph A , Domitrovich Joseph W
Published: January 2020

Objectives

In order to make recommendations to protect wildland firefighters (WLFFs) from heat-related illness, the role physical exertion plays on core body temperature (Tc) in the work environment needs to be considered. We aimed to estimate the association of time-varying job tasks with differing exertion levels on change in Tc, among WLFFs engaged in fire management activities, while controlling for ambient conditions and individual characteristics. In addition, we examined whether duration of tasks modified the relationship between task and change in Tc.

Methods

We used data from The Wildland Firefighter Heat Related Illness study, a repeated measures study with individual-level data on 301 WLFFs from 2013 to 2016. Job tasks over one full shift were recorded and categorised into four levels (sedentary, light, moderate and high) based on estimated exertion levels. Tc was measured every 15 s using an ingestible sensor and personal monitors measured ambient conditions. The analysis used generalised estimating equations with an autoregressive correlation structure.

Results

We found statistically significant associations between job tasks with increased physical demand and increases in Tc. When compared with sedentary tasks, the estimated increases in Tc for light, moderate and high activity tasks of average duration were 0.07°C (95% CI 0.02 to 0.11°C), 0.19°C (95% CI 0.15 to 0.23) and 0.44°C (95% CI 0.39 to 0.49°C), respectively. In addition, we found evidence of interaction between task type and duration.

Conclusions

This study supports the hypothesis that occupational exposure to physical exertion increases Tc, highlighting the need to update recommendations to protect WLFFs from heat-related illness.
Sputum microbiome profiling in COPD: beyond singular pathogen detection
Authors: Ditz Benedikt , Christenson Stephanie , Rossen John , Brightling Chris , Kerstjens Huib A M , van den Berge Maarten , Faiz Alen
Published: January 2020

Culture-independent microbial sequencing techniques have revealed that the respiratory tract harbours a complex microbiome not detectable by conventional culturing methods. The contribution of the microbiome to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathobiology and the potential for microbiome-based clinical biomarkers in COPD are still in the early phases of investigation. Sputum is an easily obtainable sample and has provided a wealth of information on COPD pathobiology, and thus has been a preferred sample type for microbiome studies. Although the sputum microbiome likely reflects the respiratory microbiome only in part, there is increasing evidence that microbial community structure and diversity are associated with disease severity and clinical outcomes, both in stable COPD and during the exacerbations. Current evidence has been limited to mainly cross-sectional studies using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, attempting to answer the question ‘who is there?’ Longitudinal studies using standardised protocols are needed to answer outstanding questions including differences between sputum sampling techniques. Further, with advancing technologies, microbiome studies are shifting beyond the examination of the 16S rRNA gene, to include whole metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing, as well as metabolome characterisation. Despite being technically more challenging, whole-genome profiling and metabolomics can address the questions ‘what can they do?’ and ‘what are they doing?’ This review provides an overview of the basic principles of high-throughput microbiome sequencing techniques, current literature on sputum microbiome profiling in COPD, and a discussion of the associated limitations and future perspectives.
Possibility of traversable wormhole formation in the dark matter halo with istropic pressure
Authors: Xu Zhaoyi , Tang Meirong , Cao Gang , Zhang Shuang-Nan
Published: January 2020

We explore the possibility of traversable wormhole formation in the dark matter halos. We obtain the exact solutions of the spherical symmetry traversable wormhole with isotropic pressure condition, based on the Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW), Thomas–Fermi (TF) and Pseudo Isothermal (PI) matter density profiles. The derived traversable wormhole solution satisfies the flare-out condition for a specific dark matter center density and equation of state. We extend the spherical symmetry traversable wormhole solutions to an axisymmetric one. The weak energy condition (WEC) and null energy condition (NEC) are then checked near the wormhole throat, and we find that these traversable wormholes violate the WEC and NEC. Our traversable wormhole solutions show that the dark matter at the center of wormhole spacetime will be redistributed by the presence of a traversable wormhole, and the behavior of dark matter density is similar to a black hole spike.
Intravital microscopic optical coherence tomography imaging to assess mucus-mobilizing interventions for muco-obstructive lung disease in mice
Authors: Pieper Mario , Schulz-Hildebrandt Hinnerk , Mall Marcus A. , Hüttmann Gereon , König Peter
Published: January 2020

Airway mucus obstruction is a hallmark of chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD, and the development of more effective mucus-mobilizing therapies remains an important unmet need for patients with these muco-obstructive lung diseases. However, methods for sensitive visualization and quantitative assessment of immediate effects of therapeutic interventions on mucus clearance in vivo are lacking. In this study, we determined whether newly developed high-speed microscopic optical coherence tomography (mOCT) is sensitive to detect and compare in vivo effects of inhaled isotonic saline, hypertonic saline, and bicarbonate on mucus mobilization and clearance in Scnn1b-transgenic mice with muco-obstructive lung disease. In vivo mOCT imaging showed that inhaled isotonic saline-induced rapid mobilization of mucus that was mainly transported as chunks from the lower airways of Scnn1b-transgenic mice. Hypertonic saline mobilized a significantly greater amount of mucus that showed a more uniform distribution compared with isotonic saline. The addition of bicarbonate-to-isotonic saline had no effect on mucus mobilization, but also led to a more uniform mucus layer compared with treatment with isotonic saline alone. mOCT can detect differences in response to mucus-mobilizing interventions in vivo, and may thus support the development of more effective therapies for patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases.
Gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism during development of Pacific abalone,Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Koyama Mugen , Furukawa Fumiya , Koga Yuka , Funayama Shohei , Furukawa Suehiro , Baba Otto , Lin Ching-Chun , Hwang Pung-Pung , Moriyama Shunsuke , Okumura Sei-ichi
Published: January 2020

In lecithotrophic larvae, egg yolk nutrients are essential for development. Although yolk proteins and lipids are the major nutrient sources for most animal embryos and larvae, the contribution of carbohydrates to development has been less understood. In this study, we assessed glucose and glycogen metabolism in developing Pacific abalone, a marine gastropod mollusc caught and cultured in east Asia. We found that glucose and glycogen content gradually elevated in developing abalone larvae, and coincident expression increases of gluconeogenic genes and glycogen synthase suggested abalone larvae had activated gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis during this stage. At settling, however, glycogen sharply decreased, with concomitant increases in glucose content and expression of Pyg and G6pc, suggesting the settling larvae had enhanced glycogen conversion to glucose. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomic approach that detected intermediates of these pathways further supported active metabolism of glycogen. Immunofluorescence staining and in situ hybridization suggested the digestive gland has an important role as glycogen storage tissue during settlement, while many other tissues also showed a capacity to metabolize glycogen. Finally, inhibition of glycolysis affected survival of the settling veliger larvae, revealing that glucose is, indeed, an important nutrient source in settling larvae. Our results suggest glucose and glycogen are required for proper energy balance in developing abalone and especially impact survival during settling.
Rapid exchange of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in hippocampal CA1 neurons
Authors: McQuate Andrea , Barria Andres
Published: January 2020

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are fundamental coincidence detectors of synaptic activity necessary for the induction of synaptic plasticity and synapse stability. Adjusting NMDAR synaptic content, whether by receptor insertion or lateral diffusion between extrasynaptic and synaptic compartments, could play a substantial role defining the characteristics of the NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), which in turn would mediate the ability of the synapse to undergo plasticity. Lateral NMDAR movement has been observed in dissociated neurons; however, it is currently unclear whether NMDARs are capable of lateral surface diffusion in hippocampal slices, a more physiologically relevant environment. To test for lateral mobility in rat hippocampal slices, we rapidly blocked synaptic NMDARs using MK-801, a use-dependent and irreversible NMDAR blocker. Following a 5-min washout period, we observed a strong recovery of NMDAR-mediated responses. The degree of the observed recovery was proportional to the amount of induced blockade, independent of levels of intracellular calcium, and mediated primarily by GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. These results indicate that lateral diffusion of NMDARs could be a mechanism by which synapses rapidly adjust parameters to fine-tune synaptic plasticity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) have always been considered stable components of synapses. We show that in rat hippocampal slices synaptic NMDARs are in constant exchange with extrasynaptic receptors. This exchange of receptors is mediated primarily by NMDA receptors containing GluN2B, a subunit necessary to undergo synaptic plasticity. Thus this lateral movement of synaptic receptors allows synapses to rapidly regulate the total number of synaptic NMDARs with potential consequences for synaptic plasticity.
An Improved Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm for Multiload AGV Dispatching in Automated Container Terminals
Authors: Ma Xiaoyang , Bian Yongming , Gao Fei
Published: January 2020

Multiload AGVs, which can carry more than one container at a time, are widely used in automated container terminals. The dispatching decisions for multiload AGVs serving in automated container terminals on the target of minimum travel distance are significant in the process of container transportation in terms of improving operating efficiency. Previous work usually focused on AGVs working in a single-carrier mode, which was not only inconsistent with actual circumstances but also a waste of resources. In this paper, we establish a new mathematical model to describe multiload AGVs operating in automated container terminals, which is closer to the actual situation in real terminals. Based on this improved model, we propose a priority rule-based algorithm, termed as shuffled frog leaping algorithm with a mutant process (SFLAMUT), which can increase the diversity of the population and improve the convergence rate. Experiments were carried out based on data generated randomly according to the working properties of container terminals, and it is observed that the proposed SFLAMUT presents an effective and efficient exploration process and yields promising results in solving the proposed mathematical model.
Aspirin and Risk of Dementia in Patients with Late‐Onset Depression: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Ya-Hsu , Chiu Chih-Chiang , Teng Hao-Wei , Huang Chun-Teng , Liu Chun-Yu , Huang Ling-Ju
Published: January 2020

Background. Late onset depression (LOD) often occurs in the context of vascular disease and may be associated with risk of dementia. Aspirin is widely used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, its role in patients with LOD and risk of dementia remains inconclusive. Materials and Methods. A population‐based study was conducted using data from National Health Insurance of Taiwan during 1996–2009. Patients fulfil diagnostic criteria for LOD with or without subsequent dementia (incident dementia) and among whom users of aspirin (75 mg daily for at least 6 months) were identified. The time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards model was applied for multivariate analyses. Propensity scores with the one‐to‐one nearest‐neighbor matching model were used to select matching patients. Cumulative incidence of incident dementia after diagnosis of LOD was calculated by Kaplan–Meier Method. Results. A total of 6028 (13.4%) and 40,411 (86.6%) patients were defined as, with and without diagnosis of LOD, among whom 2,424 (41.9%) were aspirin users. Patients with LOD had more comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension comparing to those without LOD. Among patients with LOD, aspirin users had lower incidence of subsequent incident dementia than non‐users (Hazard Ratio = 0.734, 95% CI 0.641–0.841, p < 0.001). After matching aspirin users with non‐users by propensity scores‐matching method, the cumulative incidence of incident dementia was significantly lower in aspirin users of LOD patients (p = 0.022). Conclusions. Aspirin may be associated with a lower risk of incident dementia in patients with LOD. This beneficial effect of aspirin in LOD patients needs validation in prospective clinical trials and our results should be interpreted with caution.
Gender-Informed Family Planning Perceptions and Decision-Making in Rural Chiapas, Mexico: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Truong Samantha , Villar de Onis Jimena , Lindley Alexa , Bazúa Rodrigo , Reyes Andrea , Montaño Mariana , Marcotrigiano Leanne , Molina Rose L.
Published: January 2020

Compared to other Mexican states, Chiapas possessed the lowest rate of contraception use among women 15−49 years old (44.6%) in 2018. This convergent mixed-methods study assessed family planning use, perceptions, and decision-making processes among women and men in rural communities where Compañeros En Salud (CES) works in Chiapas, Mexico. We conducted surveys of reproductive-aged women and semi-structured interviews with reproductive-aged women, men, and physicians completing their social-service year in CES communities from 2016 to 2017. Of the 625 survey respondents, 368 (58.9%) reported using contraception. The most common methods were female sterilization (27.7%), bimonthly injection (10.9%), and the implant (10.9%). Interviews were completed with 27 women, 24 men, and 5 physicians and analyzed through an inductive approach. Common reasons for contraception use were preventing pregnancy, lack of resources for additional children, and birth spacing. Adverse effects, influence of male partners, and perceived lack of need emerged as reasons for non-use. Male partners often made the final decision about contraceptive use, while women often chose what method. Physicians reported adverse effects, misconceptions about methods, and lack of women’s autonomy as barriers to contraception use. Given misconceptions about contraception methods and the dominant role of men in contraception decision-making, our study illustrates the importance of effective counseling and equitable gender dynamics for family planning programming in rural Chiapas.
A Periodic West Nile Virus Transmission Model with Stage-Structured Host Population
Authors: Liu Junli , Zhang Tailei , Chen Qiaoling
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we study an avian (host) stage-structured West Nile virus model, which incorporates seasonality as well as stage-specific mosquito biting rates. We first introduce the basic reproduction number R0 for this model and then show that the disease-free periodic solution is globally asymptotically stable when R0<1, while there exists at least one positive periodic solution and that the disease is uniformly persistent if R0>1. In the case where all coefficients are constants, for a special case, we obtain the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium, the uniqueness of the endemic equilibrium, and the permanence of the disease in terms of the basic reproduction number R0. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the analytic result. Some sensitivity analysis of R0 is performed. Our finding shows that an increase in juvenile exposure will lead to more severe transmission. Moreover, we find that the ignorance of the seasonality may result in underestimation of the basic reproduction number R0.
Chemical and Antioxidant Charaterization of Native Corn Germplasm from Two Regions of Costa Rica: A Conservation Approach
Authors: Syedd-León Randall , Orozco Rafael , Álvarez Víctor , Carvajal Yendry , Rodríguez Gerardo
Published: January 2020

The cultivation of native corn has decreased in favor of the cultivation of improved commercial corn varieties. This study seeks to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of 36 samples of native corn germplasm from the Brunca (BR) and Chorotega (CR) regions of Costa Rica. The main parameters of comparison were the composition of antioxidant compounds, antiradical activity, and microbicidal effect. The total amount of polyphenols in the germplasm (120 mg GAE/100 g d.w.) was not related to the regions from which the samples were obtained. The overall average for antioxidant capacity was 21.20 μmol TE/g d.w. Accessions from the CR region had higher antioxidant capacity. Anthocyanin content was higher in purple accessions and undetectable in white germplasm. Antioxidant capacity was statistically related to polyphenols content (r=0.714, p<0.01). The most promising corn accessions in terms of nutraceutical value came from the CR region.
Identification of Protein Expression Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through iTRAQ
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ying Xia , Zhao Qian , Ma Jinlu , Zhang Dan , He Chenchen , Han Suxia
Published: January 2020

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor associated with a poor prognosis. Serum biomarkers of HCC have the potential to improve the diagnosis, provide a means to monitor the tumors, and predict their malignancy. Proteins that are expressed differentially between HCC patients and normal controls have the potential to be biomarkers. Method. Serum samples from 10 confirmed HCC patients and 10 controls were collected. The differentially expressed proteins in the serum were identified using an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation- (iTRAQ-) based method. Potential serum biomarkers were validated by ELISA in another 20 HCC patients and 20 controls. Their expression data in HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Results. A total of 260 proteins were measured in the serum of HCC patients and compared to those in sex- and age-matched normal controls. Forty-one proteins displayed significant changes, with 26 being downregulated and 15 being upregulated. Upregulated proteins included alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) and peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2), and downregulated proteins included paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and C-reactive protein (CRP). We then used ELISA to measure serum levels of A1AT, PRDX2, PON1, and CRP in another 20 patients with HCC and found that only PON1 levels were consistent with the iTRAQ result. In TCGA dataset, PON1 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues (P<0.001) and low expression of PON1 was associated with poor survival in HCC patients (P<0.001). Conclusions. PON1 could act as a biomarker for HCC to assist in the diagnosis of HCC.
A New Method to Test Molluscicides against the Philippine Schistosomiasis Snail Vectors
Authors: Gomez Darwin C. , Anacta Neil
Published: January 2020

To expedite the discovery of novel molluscicides in the laboratory, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of a new molluscicidal assay. This assay is based on Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi snails and is called miniaturized plate test or mpt. To perform this assay, a 12-well plate, 3 snails per well, and 24-h exposure period were used. The performance of mpt was evaluated using niclosamide and Ardisia plant extract (tagpo extract) as test substances while WHO’s guidelines for a conventional plate test (cpt) served as standard. One cpt and four mpt independent trials were performed for niclosamide and tagpo extract. Probit analysis of dose–response data was run in R to generate lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90), while lethal ratio test was performed to detect significant difference between paired LC50s (or LC90s). Using niclosamide, the calculated LC50 values were 0.104, 0.127, 0.136, 0.139, and 0.140 g/m2 for cpt, mpt 1, mpt 2, mpt 3, and mpt 4, respectively, while the LC90 values were 0.266, 0.268, 0.244, 0.251, and 0.261 g/m2, using the same sequence, respectively. For tagpo extract, the LC50 values were 1.467, 1.547, 1.659, 1.797, and 1.659 g/m2, for cpt, mpt 1, mpt 2, mpt 3, and mpt 4, respectively, and the LC90s were 2.188, 2.195, 2.501, 2.358, and 2.501 g/m2, respectively. The lethal ratio test revealed that a significant difference exists between the LC50s of cpt and mpt 1 when using niclosamide with a lethal ratio and confidence limits of 0.820 (0.663, 0.977, p<0.05) and another significant difference between LC50s of mpt 1 and mpt 3 using tagpo extract with computed lethal ratio and confidence limits of 0.861 (0.782, 0.939, p<0.05). Taken together, the results point out that mpt generates accurate and reproducible lethal concentration values. Hence, mpt may be used as an alternative method to screen molluscicides that are active against schistosome snail vectors.
Simultaneous Determination of 5 Components in the Leaves of Dimocarpus longan by Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents by Single Marker (QAMS) Based on UPLC and HPLC
Authors: Mai Jiani , Liang Jie , Liu XianFu , Tan LiuPing , Xu Hui , Li YaoHua , Zhou YuShan , Yang ChuanChuan , Xin ChenXi
Published: January 2020

The pharmacodynamic effect of longan leaves was attributed to various components, especially the flavonoids. In this paper, a new strategy of quantitative analysis of multicomponents by a single marker (QAMS) method was first established to synchronously determine 5 components (ethyl gallate (C1), astragalin (C2), quercetin (C3), luteolin (C4), and kaempferol (C5)) in Dimocarpus longan by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quercetin (C3) was chosen as the internal reference. Relative correction factors (RCFs, ƒs/i) of the other 4 components were calculated by two correction methods (multipoint correction and slope correction) to effectuate QAMS. At the same time, the difference between the results measured by the QAMS and external standard methods was compared to verify the accuracy of QAMS. Within the linear range, the results showed that all ƒs/i values were obtained with good durability under diverse chromatographic conditions (RSD < 2.28%). The quantitative results of 5 components in the leaves of Dimocarpus longan collected from 10 producing areas by different chromatographic systems and quantitative methods were significantly correlated (Pearson’s r > 97.0%). The applicability and feasibility of the QAMS method established in this study were evaluated to be favorable for quality control of the leaves of Dimocarpus longan. As a new model of quality control, it can provide one more choice of multicomponent quality-control method in the absence of standard substances or instruments.
Tannase‐Converted Green Tea Extract with High (−)‐Epicatechin Inhibits Skeletal Muscle Mass in Aged Mice
Authors: Hong Ki-Bae , Lee Hee-Seok , Kim Dong Hyeon , Moon Joo Myung , Park Yooheon
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannase‐converted green tea extract on body composition, muscle oxidative stress‐related factors, and differentiation‐related factors. The mean bone‐related parameters and body composition were determined by the live dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting were used to determine mRNA expression and protein levels, respectively. The results of total mass testing in the epicatechin control (EC) and middle concentration tannase‐converted green tea extract (T1) intake groups were not significantly different compared with those in the control group; however, the high‐concentration tannase‐converted green tea extract (T2) group showed a significantly higher effect to the lean than that of all other groups (p < 0.05). The results of the assay of muscle differentiation‐related genes indicated that the expression levels in the EC and T1 groups (p < 0.05) and the expression levels in the T2 group (p < 0.01) were significantly different in the bicep femoris compared with that in the control group. The results of the SOD gene assay indicate that the expression levels in the EC and T1 groups (p < 0.05) and the expression level in the T2 group (p < 0.01) were significantly different in the bicep femoris compared with that in the control group. Additionally, SOD gene expression in the T2 group was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the soleus compared with that in the control, EC and T1 groups. Our results suggest that tannase‐converted green tea extract prevents muscle loss and regulates the quantity and quality of muscle by the levels of antioxidant stress‐related enzymes and muscle differentiation factors to a greater extent than the administration of epicatechin and middle dose green tea extract.
Efficacy of Tamsulosin plus Tadalafil versus Tamsulosin as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Lower Ureteric Stones: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gnyawali Diwas , Pradhan Manish Man , Sigdel Prem Raj , Parajuli Purushottam , Chudal Sampanna , Poudyal Sujeet , Chapagain Suman , Luitel Bhoj Raj , Chalise Pawan Raj , Sharma Uttam , Gyawali Prem Raj
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Urolithiasis is one of the common disorder with which about 1/5th is found in the ureter, of which 2/3rd is seen in the lower ureter. Medical expulsive therapy is one of the routine modalities of treatment which uses various drugs acting on the ureter smooth muscle by different mechanism. We aim to compare the efficacy of combination vs. single drug. Methods. This randomized controlled trial was done in 176 consecutive patients over a period of six months (March 2019 to August 2019) in Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching. Participants were divided into two groups (Group A, tamsulosin plus tadalafil, and Group B, tamsulosin) from computer-generated random numbers. Therapy was continued for a maximum of 3 weeks. Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of colic and emergency room visits for pain, early intervention, and adverse effects of drugs were recorded. Results. Among 176 patients who were enrolled in study, 7 were lost to follow-up, and 5 people required immediate intervention. There was a significant higher stone passage rate in group A than group B (64 vs. 50; P=0.025) and shorter expulsion time (1.66 vs. 2.32 weeks P=0.001) and less number of emergency room visits and colic episodes. No significant side effects were noted during study. Conclusion. Tamsulosin plus Tadalafil is more effective than tamsulosin with early passage of stone and decreased number of colic episodes and emergency visits without significant side effects for lower ureteric calculi of 5 mm to 10 mm.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Spouses: An Unaddressed Reality
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Ernesto , González Baena Antonio Carlos , González Cáliz Carlos , Caballero Paredes Fernando , Moyano Calvo José Luis , Castiñeiras Fernández Jesús
Published: January 2020

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of unsuspected anxiety or depression in prostate cancer patients and their spouses, as well as factors involved in its onset. Materials and Methods. A prospective study of 184 patients and 137 spouses evaluated in our hospital during 2019 using the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9). This study provides an internal validity assessment of the scales and their correlation (alpha and rho coefficients; index r). The contributions of age, education level, months after diagnosis, pain, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, stage of the disease and treatment performed to the positivity of the questionnaires were studied using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney and chi-square tests. Results. The prevalence of anxiety was 10.9% (MAX-PC) and 28.3% (MAX-PC-PSA). The HADS-A questionnaire indicated pathology in 14.1% of the patients and 16.05% of the spouses. Depression was detected in 7% (HADS-D) and 9.2% (PHQ-9) of patients as well as in 8.8% (HADS-D) and 16.05% (PHQ-9) of their spouses. The greatest concordance between men and women was with the PHQ-9 (Spearman’s rho: 0.78; p=0.01). Education level is significantly related to the presence of anxiety and depression, regardless of the questionnaire applied. The probability of detecting pathology in the MAX-PC varied from 6% in patients with elementary education to 23.5% in university students (p=0.04). The greatest differences were detected when applying the PHQ-9 to patients (4% pathological, elementary education vs. 35.3% pathological, university education). Our study confirms the lack of a relationship between rates of anxiety and depression and factors such as PSA level, age of the patient and number of comorbidities. Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of unsuspected anxiety and depression in patients with prostate cancer and their wives. Education level correlates with such prevalence.