bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online-Selbstmanagement bei Depressionen – Die Beziehung von Dosis und Wirksamkeit im hausärztlichen Versorgungssetting
Authors: Löbner Margrit , Dorow Marie , Pabst Alexander , Stein Janine , Kersting Anette , Luppa Melanie , König Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi
Published: March 2019

Ziel der Studie Auf dem Gebiet der internetbasierten kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie wurde der Dosis-Wirksamkeits-Effekt von Online-Selbstmanagementprogrammen bislang unzureichend untersucht. Das Ziel der Studie war es, die Wirksamkeit einer Online-Intervention für verschiedene Nutzungsintensitätsgruppen (NIGs) hinsichtlich der depressiven Symptomatik zu überprüfen.

Methodik Die Untersuchung wurde im Rahmen der cluster-randomisierten kontrollierten @ktiv-Studie durchgeführt. Hausarztpatienten (n = 647) mit leichten bis mittelschweren depressiven Erkrankungen aus 112 Praxen wurden rekrutiert und in eine Interventionsgruppe (IG: moodgym + treatment as usual, TAU) oder Kontrollgruppe (KG: TAU) eingeteilt. Alle Patienten wurden schriftlich zu drei Messzeitpunkten befragt (zur Baseline, nach 6 Wochen und nach 6 Monaten). Zur Untersuchung des Dosis-Wirksamkeits-Effekts wurde das Beck-Depressions-Inventar II (BDI-II) nach 6 Monaten herangezogen. Um Unterschiede im BDI-II zwischen verschiedenen NIGs der IG im Vergleich zur KG zu schätzen, wurden lineare gemischte Regressionsmodelle verwendet.

Ergebnisse Über alle NIGs der IG hinweg zeigte sich eine signifikant stärkere Verbesserung der depressiven Symptomatik im Vergleich zur KG. Am größten war die Symptomreduktion bei Viel-Nutzern (-5,77; p < 0,01) sowie Langzeit-Nutzern (-7,22; p < 0,01) des Programms.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse legen einen Dosis-Wirksamkeits-Effekt der Online-Intervention nahe. Hausarztpatienten mit leichten bis mittelgradigen depressiven Symptomen scheinen stärker von dem Programm zu profitieren, je intensiver sie es nutzen.
Modelling the Acceleration and Deceleration Profile of Elite-level Soccer Players
Authors: Newans Timothy , Bellinger Phillip , Dodd Karl , Minahan Clare
Published: March 2019

The ability to change velocity rapidly is a key element of field-based sports. This study quantified the acceleration and deceleration profiles of soccer players during match play. Global positioning system measures were collected from 20 male soccer players competing in the Australian Hyundai A-League during 58 matches. Match data were organized into ten 9 min periods (i. e., P1: 0–9 min) and the time spent at moderate (1–2 m·s−2) and high (>2 m·s−2) acceleration and deceleration thresholds were quantified. Additionally, a novel deceleration: acceleration ratio was quantified to identify the transient nature of deceleration activity. Linear mixed models were used to model the acceleration and deceleration profiles. All acceleration and deceleration metrics displayed negative logarithmic curves within each half. There was no change in the ratio of high deceleration: acceleration; however, a significant increase in the ratio of moderate deceleration:acceleration was evident. Using negative logarithmic curves to illustrate the acceleration and deceleration decay provides a novel methodological approach to quantify the high-intensity actions during match play. A decrease in the time spent decelerating throughout a match may be attributed to a lack of opportunity. Practitioners can use the coefficients, intercepts, and deceleration: acceleration ratios to monitor a player’s deceleration profile in match play.
Highly conductive 3D metal-rubber composites for stretchable electronic applications
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yang Weidong , Tan Yu Jun , Li Si , Zeng Xianting , Liu Zhuangjian , Tee Benjamin C.-K.
Published: March 2019

Stretchable conductors are critical building blocks for enabling new forms of wearable and curvilinear electronics. In this paper, we introduce a new method using the interfacial design to enable stretchable conductors with ultra-high conductivity and robustness to strain using three-dimensional helical copper micro-interconnects embedded in an elastic rubber substrate (eHelix-Cu). We studied the interfacial mechanics of the metal-elastomer to achieve highly reversible conductivities with strains. The stretchable eHelix-Cu interconnect has an ultra-high conductivity (∼105 S cm−1) that remains almost invariant when stretched to 170%, which is significantly higher than in other approaches using nanomaterials. The stretchable conductors can withstand strains of 100% for thousands of cycles, demonstrating remarkable durability for exciting potential wearable electronic applications.
Anomalous nonlinear damping in metallic glasses: Signature of elasticity breakdown
Authors: Peng Si-Xu , Zhang Cheng , Yang Chong , Li Ran , Zhang Tao , Liu Lin , Yu Hai-Bin , Samwer Konrad
Published: March 2019

Solid materials, whether crystalline or glasses, are characterized by their elasticity. Generally, elasticity is independent of the probing strain if it is not exceeding the yielding point. Here, by contrast, we experimentally capture a pronounced strain-dependent elasticity in metallic glasses, as manifested by nonlinear mechanical damping in the apparent elastic deformation regime (∼1/100 of the yielding strain). Normal damping behaviors recover at higher temperatures but still below the glass transition. Atomistic simulations reproduce these features and reveal that they could be related to avalanche-like local structural instabilities. Our findings demonstrate that the standard elasticity is not held for metallic glasses at low temperatures and plastic events can be triggered at small perturbations. These results are consistent with previous simulations of model glasses and a scenario of hierarchical free-energy landscape of mean-field theory.
Investigation on 1-heptene/air laminar flame propagation under elevated pressures
Authors: Mei Bo-wen , Li Wei , Ma Si-yuan , Wang Hai-yu , Pan Hao-quan , Qi Fei , Li Yu-yang
Published: March 2019

The laminar flame propagation of 1-heptene/air mixtures covering equivalence ratios from 0.7 to 1.5 is investigated in a constant-volume cylindrical combustion vessel at 373 K and elevated pressures (1, 2, 5, and 10 atm). Laminar flame speed and Markstein length are derived from the recorded schlieren images. A kinetic model of 1-heptene combustion is developed based on our previous kinetic model of 1-hexene. The model is validated against the laminar flame speed data measured in this work and the ignition delay time data in literature. Modeling analyses, such as sensitivity analysis and rate of production analysis, are performed to help understand the high temperature chemistry of 1-heptene under various pressures and its influence on the laminar flame propagation. Furthermore, the laminar flame propagation of 1-heptene/air mixtures is compared with that of n-heptane/air mixtures reported in our previous work. The laminar flame speed values of 1-heptene/air mixtures are observed to be faster than those of n-heptane/air mixtures under most conditions due to the enhanced exothermicity and reactivity.
Effects of forage species and feeding systems on rumen fermentation, microbiota and conjugated linoleic acid content in dairy goats
Authors: Thongruang Saranpong , Paengkoum Pramote , Suksombat Wisitiporn , Bureenok Smerjai
Published: March 2019

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of forage species and feeding systems on ruminal fermentation, microbiota (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and total bacteria) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration of milk in dairy goats. Twenty female crossbred Saanen lactating goats (~35 ± 3.0 kg bodyweight) in early to mid-lactation stage were assigned to a 45-day completely randomised-design feeding experiment, with the following four forage (roughage) treatments: cut-and-carry grass (CG), grazing of grass (GG), cut-and-carry leucaena (CL) and grazing of leucaena (GL; n = 5). All animals were given concentrate equivalent to 1.5% of their bodyweight. The grass used in the study was napier Pak Chong 1 grass (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum hybrid). The results showed that irrespective of the type of forage, grazing goats (GG and GL) had a higher (P < 0.05) forage intake and, thus, total dry-matter and crude-protein intakes than did those fed indoors (CG and CL). However, the intake of C18:2n6 and particularly of C18:3n3 was generally higher for grass-fed goats than for leucaena-fed goats. Treatments did not exert significant differences on rumen fermentation characteristics. However, the populations of B. fibrisolvens, F. succinogenes and total bacteria were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in grazing goats (GG and GL) than in their counterparts fed with the cut-and-carry system (CG and CL). Goats in the grazing system also had a higher (P < 0.05) milk yield, and milk fat, c9, t11 CLA and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations than did those in the cut-and-carry system and only grazing goats produced detectable levels of t10, c12 CLA in milk. Putting the above together, it can be concluded that allowing dairy goats to outdoor grazing stimulates a higher forage intake, including that of C18:2n6 and C18:3n3, as well as enhancing population of B. fibrisolvens (involved in the synthesis of milk CLA), resulting in a higher milk yield, and enhances c9, t11 and t10, c12 CLA in goat milk.
Temperature sensitivity of simulated soils with biochars produced at different temperatures
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Chen Guanhong , Zhang Renduo
Published: March 2019

The temperature sensitivity of multiple carbon (C) pools in the soil plays an important role in the C cycle and potential feedback to climate change. The aim of this study was to investigate the temperature sensitivity of different biochars in soil to better understand the temperature sensitivity of different soil C pools. Biochars were prepared using sugarcane residue at temperatures of 300, 500 and 800°C (representing different C pools) and C skeletons (representing the refractory C pool in biochar) were obtained from each biochar. The sugarcane residue, biochars and C skeletons were used as amendments in a simulated soil with microbes but without organic matter. The temperature sensitivity of the amended soils was characterised by their mineralisation rate changes in response to ambient temperatures. The temperature sensitivity of treatments with relatively refractory biochars was higher than that with labile biochars. The temperature sensitivity of treatments with biochars was lower than for their corresponding C skeletons. The different temperature sensitivity of treatments was attributable to the different internal C structures (i.e. the functional groups of C=C and aromatic structure) of amendments, determining the biodegradability of substrates. Dissolved organic matter and microbial enzyme activity of biochars were lower than those of corresponding C skeletons, and decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The temperature sensitivities of treatments with biochars, C skeletons and sugarcane residue were negatively correlated with the properties of dissolved organic matter and microbial enzyme activities (especially dehydrogenase) in soil.
Zoonotic and economically significant pathogens of peri-urban wild dogs across north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Harriott Lana , Gentle Matthew , Traub Rebecca , Soares Magalhães Ricardo J. , Cobbold Rowland
Published: March 2019

Context
Peri-urban wild dogs are known to reside within high-risk and densely populated regions and are capable of harbouring a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Despite recognising the potential of peri-urban wild dogs to carry zoonotic pathogens, limited prevalence data are currently available to assist in understanding the potential risks that peri-urban wild dogs pose within developed communities.

Aims
The aim of the present research was to establish the current status of key zoonotic and economically significant pathogens in peri-urban wild dogs.

Methods
Two hundred and one peri-urban wild dog cadavers were collected from south-eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. In addition, whole blood, serum and faecal samples were also collected. Pathogens were identified through several morphological, microbiological and molecular methods.

Key results
Helminth parasites were detected within 79.6% of peri-urban wild dogs; Echinococcus granulosus was the most common pathogen, with adult worms being detected within 50.7 ± 6.9% of intestines, followed by Spirometra erinacei (36.6 ± 6.4%); hookworms, including Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala (28.8 ± 7.1%); Toxocara canis (5.4 ± 3.1%) and Taenia spp., including T. serialis and T. pisiformis (4.5 ± 2.8%). Bacterial pathogens detected included methicillin-resistant Escherichia coli (20.0 ± 10.1%), Salmonella spp. (3.7 ± 4.0%) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (3.3 ± 2.7%).

Conclusions
The present study is the most comprehensive investigation of zoonotic pathogen carriage in peri-urban wild dogs in Australia. Parasitic infections in peri-urban wild dogs are common, with tapeworms representing the majority of intestinal pathogens. Important zoonotic bacterial pathogens are carried by peri-urban wild dogs, although at a much lower prevalence than are parasites.

Implications
The presence of these pathogens in free-ranging peri-urban dog populations suggests a strong potential for public health risk, most notably from E. granulosus. These data are inherently important as baseline information, which is essential to guide risk-based management of peri-urban wild dog impacts.
Multiplex targeted mass spectrometry assay for one-shot flavivirus diagnosis
Authors: Wee Sheena , Alli-Shaik Asfa , Kek Relus , Swa Hannah L. F. , Tien Wei-Ping , Lim Vanessa W. , Leo Yee-Sin , Ng Lee-Ching , Hapuarachchi Hapuarachchige C. , Gunaratne Jayantha
Published: March 2019

Targeted proteomic mass spectrometry is emerging as a salient clinical diagnostic tool to track protein biomarkers. However, its strong analytical properties have not been exploited in the diagnosis and typing of flaviviruses. Here, we report the development of a sensitive and specific single-shot robust assay for flavivirus typing and diagnosis using targeted mass spectrometry technology. Our flavivirus parallel reaction monitoring assay (
fv
PRM) has the ability to track secreted flaviviral nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) over a broad diagnostic and typing window with high sensitivity, specificity, extendibility, and multiplexing capability. These features, pivotal and pertinent to efficient response toward flavivirus outbreaks, including newly emerging flavivirus strains, circumvent the limitations of current diagnostic assays.
fv
PRM thus carries high potential in positioning itself as a forerunner in delivering early and accurate diagnosis for disease management.
Statistical distributions for the temperature of hydrogen pore nucleation in solidifying aluminium alloys
Authors: Tiryakioğlu Murat
Published: March 2019

The adequacy of the model originally developed by Charbon and Rappaz for nucleation temperatures of grains to the formation of hydrogen pores during the solidification of aluminium alloys has been investigated. By using four datasets from the literature, it has been found that the Gaussian distribution assumed in the original model for nucleation temperature has provided poor fits to all datasets with systematic error. The hypothesis that undercooling follows the lognormal distribution has been tested. In all four cases, the hypotheses that undercooling is lognormal could not be rejected.
Single and Dual Diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Predicted by Triple Comorbid Trajectories of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Marijuana use among Urban Adults
Authors: Lee Jung Yeon , Brook Judith S. , Finch Stephen J. , Kim Wonkuk , Brook David W.
Published: March 2019

Background: The adverse consequences of major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affect a significant portion of the US population every year (i.e., 15 million for MDD; 8 million for PTSD) and are of public health concern. The current study examines tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use as possible longitudinal predictors of MDD and/or PTSD. Methods: A community sample of 674 participants (53% African Americans and 47% Puerto Ricans; 405 females and 269 males) were recruited from the Harlem Longitudinal Development Study. We used M plus software to obtain the triple trajectories of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use from mean age 14 to 36. Logistic regression analyses were then conducted to examine the associations between those triple trajectory groups and a single diagnosis of MDD or PTSD as well as a dual diagnosis of MDD with PTSD at age 36. Results: The observed percentages of MDD, PTSD, and the comorbidity of MDD and PTSD were 17%, 8%, and 5%, respectively. The heavy use of all 3 substances group was associated with an increased likelihood of having MDD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.14, P < .01), PTSD (AOR = 3.91, P < .05), and MDD with PTSD (AOR = 6.64, P < .01), as compared with the tobacco and alcohol use group. Conclusions: Treatment programs to quit or reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana may help decrease the prevalence of MDD and PTSD. This could lead to improvements in individualized treatments for patients who use tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana and who have both MDD and PTSD.
Fabrication of SS316L-IN625 functionally graded materials by powder-fed directed energy deposition
Authors: Zhang Xinchang , Chen Yitao , Liou Frank
Published: March 2019

In this work, functionally graded materials of Stainless Steel 316L and Inconel 625 were fabricated using Directed Energy Deposition. Intermediate layers were built in between of SS316L and IN625. Pure SS316L and IN625 samples were also prepared. The results show microstructure varied sharply at the interface on pure SS316L and IN625 while changed gradually on gradient samples. Quantitative analysis reveals the consistence of designed and tested material composition at the gradient layers. Tensile testing shows the yield strength of graded samples is similar to that of pure IN625 while the ultimate tensile strength is approaching to that of pure SS316L due to the fracture at SS316L side. Microhardness measurements reveal the gradual change of hardness values over the gradient zone.
Highlights of the mini‐symposium on extracellular vesicles in inter‐organismal communication, held in Munich, Germany, August 2018
Authors: Bielska E. , Birch P.R.J. , Buck A.H. , Abreu‐Goodger C. , Innes R.W. , Jin H. , Pfaffl M.W. , Robatzek S. , Regev‐Rudzki N. , Tisserant C. , Wang S. , Weiberg A.
Published: March 2019

All living organisms secrete molecules for intercellular communication. Recent research has revealed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in inter‐organismal cell‐to‐cell communication by transporting diverse messenger molecules, including RNA, DNA, lipids and proteins. These discoveries have raised fundamental questions regarding EV biology. How are EVs biosynthesized and loaded with messenger/cargo molecules? How are EVs secreted into the extracellular matrix? What are the EV uptake mechanisms of recipient cells? As EVs are produced by all kind of organisms, from unicellular bacteria and protists, filamentous fungi and oomycetes, to complex multicellular life forms such as plants and animals, basic research in diverse model systems is urgently needed to shed light on the multifaceted biology of EVs and their role in inter‐organismal communications. To help catalyse progress in this emerging field, a mini‐symposium was held in Munich, Germany in August 2018. This report highlights recent progress and major questions being pursued across a very diverse group of model systems, all united by the question of how EVs contribute to inter‐organismal communication.
Contrasting requirements during disease evolution identify EZH2 as a therapeutic target in AML
Authors: Basheer Faisal , Giotopoulos George , Meduri Eshwar , Yun Haiyang , Mazan Milena , Sasca Daniel , Gallipoli Paolo , Marando Ludovica , Gozdecka Malgorzata , Asby Ryan , Sheppard Olivia , Dudek Monika , Bullinger Lars , Döhner Hartmut , Dillon Richard , Freeman Sylvie , Ottmann Oliver , Burnett Alan , Russell Nigel , Papaemmanuil Elli , Hills Robert , Campbell Peter , Vassiliou George S. , Huntly Brian J.P.
Published: March 2019

Epigenetic regulators, such as EZH2, are frequently mutated in cancer, and loss-of-function EZH2 mutations are common in myeloid malignancies. We have examined the importance of cellular context for Ezh2 loss during the evolution of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where we observed stage-specific and diametrically opposite functions for Ezh2 at the early and late stages of disease. During disease maintenance, WT Ezh2 exerts an oncogenic function that may be therapeutically targeted. In contrast, Ezh2 acts as a tumor suppressor during AML induction. Transcriptional analysis explains this apparent paradox, demonstrating that loss of Ezh2 derepresses different expression programs during disease induction and maintenance. During disease induction, Ezh2 loss derepresses a subset of bivalent promoters that resolve toward gene activation, inducing a feto-oncogenic program that includes genes such as Plag1, whose overexpression phenocopies Ezh2 loss to accelerate AML induction in mouse models. Our data highlight the importance of cellular context and disease phase for the function of Ezh2 and its potential therapeutic implications.
The enduring relationship between myosin enzymatic activity and the speed of muscle contraction
Authors: Moss Richard L. , Solaro R. John
Published: March 2019

Moss and Solaro recall Bárány’s landmark study that identified myosin ATPase as the fundamental driver of contraction speed.
Enhanced flood risk with 1.5 °C global warming in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna basin
Authors: Uhe P F , Mitchell D M , Bates P D , Sampson C C , Smith A M , Islam A S
Published: March 2019

Flood hazard is a global problem, but regions such as south Asia, where people’s livelihoods are highly dependent on water resources, can be affected disproportionally. The 2017 monsoon flooding in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) basin, with record river levels observed, resulted in ∼1200 deaths, and dramatic loss of crops and infrastructure. The recent Paris Agreement called for research into impacts avoided by stabilizing climate at 1.5 °C over 2 °C global warming above pre-industrial conditions. Climate model scenarios representing these warming levels were combined with a high-resolution flood hazard model over the GBM region. The simulations of 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming indicate an increase in extreme precipitation and corresponding flood hazard over the GBM basin compared to the current climate. So, for example, even with global warming limited to 1.5 °C, for extreme precipitation events such as the south Asian crisis in 2017 there is a detectable increase in the likelihood in flooding. The additional ∼0.6 °C warming needed to take us from current climate to 1.5 °C highlights the changed flood risk even with low levels of warming.
maTE: discovering expressed interactions between microRNAs and their targets
Authors: Yousef Malik , Abdallah Loai , Allmer Jens
Published: March 2019

Motivation

Disease is often manifested via changes in transcript and protein abundance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are instrumental in regulating protein abundance and may measurably influence transcript levels. miRNAs often target more than one mRNA (for humans, the average is three), and mRNAs are often targeted by more than one miRNA (for the genes considered in this study, the average is also three). Therefore, it is difficult to determine the miRNAs that may cause the observed differential gene expression. We present a novel approach, maTE, which is based on machine learning, that integrates information about miRNA target genes with gene expression data. maTE depends on the availability of a sufficient amount of patient and control samples. The samples are used to train classifiers to accurately classify the samples on a per miRNA basis. Multiple high scoring miRNAs are used to build a final classifier to improve separation.

Results

The aim of the study is to find a set of miRNAs causing the regulation of their target genes that best explains the difference between groups (e.g. cancer versus control). maTE provides a list of significant groups of genes where each group is targeted by a specific miRNA. For the datasets used in this study, maTE generally achieves an accuracy well above 80%. Also, the results show that when the accuracy is much lower (e.g. ∼50%), the set of miRNAs provided is likely not causative of the difference in expression. This new approach of integrating miRNA regulation with expression data yields powerful results and is independent of external labels and training data. Thereby, this approach allows new avenues for exploring miRNA regulation and may enable the development of miRNA-based biomarkers and drugs.

Availability and implementation

The KNIME workflow, implementing maTE, is available at Bioinformatics online.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Diffusion of Detriment: Tracking Displacement Using a City-Wide Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Hodgkinson Tarah , Saville Gregory , Andresen Martin A
Published: March 2019

Crime reduction strategies are often faced with the criticism of crime displacement. Conversely, criminologists find that reductions in crime in one area have a ‘diffusion of benefits’ to surrounding areas. However, these findings are limited due to a lack of extensive longitudinal data and qualitative data that provide context. We examine a natural experiment in displacement: the removal of a convergence setting in which calls for service immediately declined. However, other areas emerged as problematic and, in some places, crime increased dramatically. Using a qualitatively informed trajectory analysis, we examine whether the removal of a convergence setting results in displacement across the entire city. We discuss the implications for opportunity theories and prevention strategies.
Falsification by Atrophy: The Kuhnian Process of Rejecting Theory in US Criminology
Authors: Dooley Brendan D , Goodison Sean E
Published: March 2019

Thomas Kuhn posits that the structure of science promotes revolutionary discovery. The decision of a scientific community to discard the status quo in favour of a revolutionary paradigm is influenced by sociological forces. Karl Popper disagreed, arguing that falsification is required. An examination of a random sample of 501 articles published in 14 peer-reviewed American outlets in criminology and criminal justice from 1993 to 2008 is coupled with oral histories from 17 leading criminologists in determining which approach best characterizes criminology. Twelve per cent of papers falsify theory. When not explicitly falsified, atrophy occurs when theory is overused (exhaustion), ignored (indolence) and subjected to a sustained critique (assault). The intention of the effort is to document and describe falsification and then invite further discourse.
Epigenetic Associations With Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Among Men With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Chen Junyu , Huang Yunfeng , Hui Qin , Mathur Raina , Gwinn Marta , So-Armah Kaku , Freiberg Matthew S , Justice Amy C , Xu Ke , Marconi Vincent C , Sun Yan V
Published: March 2019

Background

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have higher risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Previous studies have implicated epigenetic changes related to CKD; however, the mechanism of HIV-related CKD has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of eGFR among 567 HIV-positive and 117 HIV-negative male participants in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study to identify epigenetic signatures of kidney function.

Results

By surveying more than 400 000 cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites measured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we identified 15 sites that were significantly associated with eGFR (false discovery rate Q value < 0.05) among HIV-positive participants. The most significant CpG sites, located at MAD1L1, TSNARE1/BAI1, and LTV1, were all negatively associated with eGFR (cg06329547, P = 5.25 × 10–9; cg23281907, P = 1.37 × 10–8; cg18368637, P = 5.17 × 10–8). We also replicated previously reported eGFR-associated CpG sites including cg17944885 (P = 2.5 × 10–5) located between ZNF788 and ZNF20 on chromosome 19 in the pooled population.

Conclusions

In this study we uncovered novel epigenetic associations with kidney function among people living with HIV and suggest potential epigenetic mechanisms linked with HIV-related CKD risk.
Should endoscopic mucosal resection be attempted for cT2N0 esophageal cancer?
Authors: Nelson David B , Mitchell Kyle G , Weston Brian R , Betancourt Sonia , Maru Dipen , Rice David C , Mehran Reza J , Sepesi Boris , Antonoff Mara B , Walsh Garrett L , Swisher Stephen G , Roth Jack A , Vaporciyan Ara A , Blum Mariela , Hofstetter Wayne L
Published: March 2019

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) can be an effective therapy for superficial esophageal cancer. Many patients with cT2 invasion by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) receive surgery but are subsequently found to have superficial disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety profile and the added value of attempting EMR for EUS-staged cT2N0 esophageal cancer. A retrospective review was performed at a single institution from 2008 to 2017. Patients who were staged cT2N0 by EUS were identified from a prospectively maintained surgical database. Among 75 patients identified for analysis, 30 underwent an attempt at EMR. No perforations or other immediate complications occurred. EMR was more likely to be attempted among older patients (P = 0.001) with smaller tumor size (P < 0.001) and diminished SUVmax (P = 0.001). At the time of treatment, EMR was successful in clearing all known disease among 17/30 patients, with 12 representing pT1a or less and 5 representing pT1b with negative margins. Among the 17 patients for whom EMR was able to clear all known disease, there were no recurrences or cancer-related deaths. Although all the patients were staged as cT2N0 by EUS, many patients were identified by EMR to have superficial disease. There were no perforations or other adverse events related to EMR. Furthermore, EMR cleared all known disease among 17 patients with no known recurrences or cancer-related deaths. The results indicate that EMR for cT2N0 esophageal cancer is a safe diagnostic option that is therapeutic for some.
Long-term prognostic utility of computed tomography coronary angiography in older populations
Authors: Gnanenthiran Sonali R , Naoum Christopher , Leipsic Jonathon A , Achenbach Stephan , Al-Mallah Mouaz H , Andreini Daniele , Bax Jeroen J , Berman Daniel S , Budoff Matthew J , Cademartiri Filippo , Callister Tracy Q , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Chow Benjamin J W , Cury Ricardo C , DeLago Augustin , Feuchtner Gudrun , Hadamitzky Martin , Hausleiter Joerg , Kaufman Philipp A , Kim Yong-Jin , Maffei Erica , Marques Hugo , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Pontone Gianluca , Raff Gilbert L , Rubinshtein Ronen , Shaw Leslee J , Villines Todd C , Gransar Heidi , Lu Yao , Jones Erica C , Peña Jessica M , Lin Fay Y , Kritharides Leonard , Min James K
Published: March 2019

Aims

The long-term prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-identified coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been evaluated in elderly patients (≥70 years). We compared the ability of coronary CCTA to predict 5-year mortality in older vs. younger populations.

Methods and results

From the prospective CONFIRM (COronary CT Angiography EvaluatioN For Clinical Outcomes: An InteRnational Multicenter) registry, we analysed CCTA results according to age <70 years (n = 7198) vs. ≥70 years (n = 1786). The severity of CAD was classified according to: (i) maximal stenosis degree per vessel: none, non-obstructive (1–49%), or obstructive (>50%); (ii) segment involvement score (SIS): number of segments with plaque. Cox-proportional hazard models assessed the relationship between CCTA findings and time to mortality. At a mean 5.6 ± 1.1 year follow-up, CCTA-identified CAD predicted increased mortality compared with patients with a normal CCTA in both <70 years [non-obstructive hazard ratio (HR) confidence interval (CI): 1.70 (1.19–2.41); one-vessel: 1.65 (1.03–2.67); two-vessel: 2.24 (1.21–4.15); three-vessel/left main: 4.12 (2.27–7.46), P < 0.001] and ≥70 years [non-obstructive: 1.84 (1.15–2.95); one-vessel: HR (CI): 2.28 (1.37–3.81); two-vessel: 2.36 (1.33–4.19); three-vessel/left main: 2.41 (1.33–4.36), P = 0.014]. Similarly, SIS was predictive of mortality in both <70 years [SIS 1–3: 1.57 (1.10–2.24); SIS ≥4: 2.42 (1.65–3.57), P < 0.001] and ≥70 years [SIS 1–3: 1.73 (1.07–2.79); SIS ≥4: 2.45 (1.52–3.93), P < 0.001]. CCTA findings similarly predicted long-term major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (MACE) (all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and late revascularization) in both groups compared with patients with no CAD.

Conclusion

The presence and extent of CAD is a meaningful stratifier of long-term mortality and MACE in patients aged <70 years and ≥70 years old. The presence of obstructive and non-obstructive disease and the burden of atherosclerosis determined by SIS remain important predictors of prognosis in older populations.
Paraspinous muscle gene expression profiling following simulated staged endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm: exploring potential therapeutic pathways
Authors: Lewis Erin R , Geisbüsch Sarah , Chang Yun-Juan , Costa Victor , Husain Seema , Soteropoulos Patricia , Griepp Randall B , Di Luozzo Gabriele
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES

Thoracic endovascular techniques for aneurysm repair offer less invasive alternatives to open strategies. Both approaches, however, are associated with the risk for neurological complications. Despite adjuncts to maintain spinal cord perfusion, ischaemia and paraplegia continue to occur during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. Staging of such extensive procedures has been proven to decrease the risk for spinal cord injury. Archived biopsy specimens may offer insight into the molecular signature of the reorganization and expansion of the spinal collateral network during staged endovascular interventions in the setting of TAAA.

METHODS

Biological replicates of total RNA were isolated from existing paraspinous muscle samples from 22 Yorkshire pigs randomized to 1 of 3 simulated TAAA repair strategies as part of a previous study employing coil embolization of spinal segmental arteries within the thoracic and lumbar spine. Gene expression profiling was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip Porcine array.

RESULTS

Microarray analysis identified 649 differentially expressed porcine genes (≥1.3-fold change, P ≤ 0.05) when comparing paralysed and non-paralysed subjects. Of these, 355 were available for further analysis. When mapped to the human genome, 169 Homo sapiens orthologues were identified. Integrated interpretation of gene expression profiles indicated the significant regulation of transcriptional regulators (such as nuclear factor кB), cytokine (including CXCL12) elements contributing to hypoxia signalling in the cardiovascular system (vascular endothelial growth factor and UBE2) and cytoskeletal elements (like dystrophin (DMD) and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the ability of microarray-based platforms to detect the differential expression of genes in paraspinous muscle during staged TAAA repair. Pathway enrichment analysis detected subcellular actors accompanying the neuroprotective effects of staged endovascular coiling. These observations provide new insight into the potential prognostic and therapeutic value of gene expression profiling in monitoring and modulating the arteriolar remodelling in the collateral network.
Bio-inspired Composite Microfibers for Strong and Reversible Adhesion on Smooth Surfaces
Authors: Drotlef D -M , Dayan C B , Sitti M
Published: March 2019

A novel approach for high-performance gecko-inspired adhesives for strong and reversible adhesion to smooth surfaces is proposed. The composite patterns comprising elastomeric mushroom-shaped microfibers decorated with an extremely soft and thin terminal layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. Through the optimal tip shape and improved load sharing, the adhesion performance was greatly enhanced. A high adhesion strength of 300 kPa together with superior durability on smooth surfaces are achieved, outperforming monolithic fibers by 35 times. Our concept of composite microfibrillar adhesives provides significant benefits for real world applications including wearable medical devices, transfer printing systems, and robotic manipulation.
Duplications in Corneous Beta Protein Genes and the Evolution of Gecko Adhesion
Authors: Gamble Tony
Published: March 2019

Corneous proteins are an important component of the tetrapod integument. Duplication and diversification of keratins and associated proteins are linked with the origin of most novel integumentary structures like mammalian hair, avian feathers, and scutes covering turtle shells. Accordingly, the loss of integumentary structures often coincides with the loss of genes encoding keratin and associated proteins. For example, many hair keratins in dolphins and whales have become pseudogenes. The adhesive setae of geckos and anoles are composed of both intermediate filament keratins (IF-keratins, formerly known as alpha-keratins) and corneous beta-proteins (CBPs, formerly known as beta-keratins) and recent whole genome assemblies of two gecko species and an anole uncovered duplications in seta-specific CBPs in each of these lineages. While anoles evolved adhesive toepads just once, there are two competing hypotheses about the origin(s) of digital adhesion in geckos involving either a single origin or multiple origins. Using data from three published gecko genomes, I examine CBP gene evolution in geckos and find support for a hypothesis where CBP gene duplications are associated with the repeated evolution of digital adhesion. Although these results are preliminary, I discuss how additional gecko genome assemblies, combined with phylogenies of keratin and associated protein genes and gene duplication models, can provide rigorous tests of several hypotheses related to gecko CBP evolution. This includes a taxon sampling strategy for sequencing and assembly of gecko genomes that could help resolve competing hypotheses surrounding the origin(s) of digital adhesion.
Direct and indirect effects of sea ice cover on major zooplankton groups and planktivorous fishes in the Barents Sea
Authors: Stige Leif Christian , Eriksen Elena , Dalpadado Padmini , Ono Kotaro
Published: March 2019

Reductions in Arctic sea ice affect marine food webs through a multitude of direct and indirect effects. We here analysed direct, indirect, and delayed associations between winter sea ice cover and year-to-year changes in biomasses of the main zooplankton groups (copepods, krill, amphipods) and planktivorous fishes (capelin, polar cod) in the central and northern Barents Sea from 1980 to 2015. Climate effects and species interactions were estimated jointly in a Bayesian state-space model framework. We found that population biomass of capelin increased in years with low sea ice cover, while biomasses of copepods and amphipods decreased. Furthermore, results suggested strong bottom-up effects by krill on capelin and by copepods on amphipods and top-down effects by polar cod on amphipods and by capelin on krill and copepods. Sea ice effects thereby cascaded through the food web through indirect and delayed effects. The indirect and delayed effects amplified the effects of sea ice cover on capelin, copepods and amphipods. For krill, low sea ice cover most likely increased biomass in the short-term but reduced biomass in longer terms because of increased predation pressure. These findings suggest that both bottom-up and top-down processes need to be considered when projecting effects of future climate change on ecosystems.
Against instantaneous democracy
Authors: Kuo Ming-Sung
Published: March 2019

This article aims to shed new light on the state of populism by looking beyond the substance of recent populist movements to examine their form. I argue that new populism, which is characterized by instantaneousness and simultaneity made possible by social media and other communications technologies, betrays a pathology of instantaneous democracy in its pursuit of unmediated politics at the expense of democratic representation and deliberation. To show how new populism poses a fundamental challenge to constitutional democracy, I first bring the unnoticed double structure of articulated politics at the heart of constitutional democracy to the fore: the structural articulation of distinct stages of decision-making in the multistage process of constitutional governance and that of formal constitutionalized powers and unformed public opinions. As the double structural articulation assumes a temporal gap, first, between each stage of formal decision-making, and, second, between opinion-formation and policy-making, I then discuss how this assumed temporal gap is being virtually obliterated amidst the wave of new populism, shaking the structure of articulated politics to its foundations. In response, I suggest that democratic learning, aided by tactics of judicial deceleration before the figuring out of a grand strategy, is critical in combating new populism.
Responding to “populist” politics at EU level: Regulation 1141/2014 and beyond
Authors: Morijn John
Published: March 2019

This article presents and analyzes the EU values compliance mechanism as set up in Regulation 1141/2014, and amended by Regulation 2018/673, on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations. It assesses to what extent this Regulation, that has been perceived and presented as targeting “populists,” provides a comprehensive response to illiberal politics at EU level, and what lessons can be drawn from its origin for the application of other values compliance based instruments such as Article 7 TEU. For that purpose it tracks the Regulation’s drafting history in considerable detail and critically assesses the outcome. It concludes that the Regulation offers a limited and limiting framework to act against illiberal political forces within the European Parliament, because it is unlikely to work in disciplining mainstream political groups and parties that harbor illiberal elements associated with Article 2 TEU-related problems in various member states. At the same time, the article identifies elements of the mechanism that provide opportunities to help shape a more effective EU response to rule of law backsliding across Europe.
The development of the gluten free healthy food basket in Cyprus. Is it affordable among low-income adults diagnosed with celiac disease?
Authors: Chrysostomou S , Andreou S N , Andreou Ch
Published: March 2019

Background

Gluten free (GF) diets are not only restrictive but also costly. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, cost and affordability of a Gluten Free Healthy Food Basket (GFHFB) and further examine whether low-income Cypriots diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) experience food stress.

Methods

GFΗFBs were constructed for adult women and adult men (±40 years) diagnosed with CD. Feasibility and acceptability was tested through three focus groups. Affordability was defined as the cost of the GFΗFB as a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI).

Results

The GFΗFB was 33.6 and 47 euros/month more expensive compared to the HB (Healthy Basket) for women and men, respectively. The total budget for GF-manufactured products were 27.81 and 28.5% of the total food budget, for women and men, respectively. For low-income people receiving the GMI, the proportion of income that would need to be spent on the GFHFB ranges from around 42 to 60%.

Conclusions

The GFΗFB is costly and not affordable among low-income Cypriots diagnosed with CD; thus, they are likely to suffer from food stress. As such, the risk of reducing their adherence to a GF diet is high and thus compromises their long-term health.
BpAP1 directly regulates BpDEF to promote male inflorescence formation in Betula platyphylla × B. pendula
Authors: Wang Shuo , Huang Haijiao , Han Rui , Chen Jiying , Jiang Jing , Li Huiyu , Liu Guifeng , Chen Su
Published: March 2019

Flowering is a crucial process for plants that is under complex genetic control. AP1 acts as an organizer and a switch for the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. In our previous study, we found that overexpression of BpAP1 significantly promoted the formation of male inflorescence in birch (Betula platyphlla × B. pendula). In this study, we aimed at investigating the molecular regulatory mechanism of BpAP1 during the process of male inflorescence formation in birch. We found that overexpression of BpAP1 affected the expression of many flowering-related genes, and had significant effect on B class MADS-box genes. A BpAP1-mediated gene regulatory network was constructed and B class gene BpDEF was finally predicted as a key target gene of BpAP1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation results indicated that BpAP1 could directly regulate BpDEF during the process of male inflorescence formation. Yeast one-hybrid assays and its validation in tobacco results suggested that BpAP1 regulated BpDEF via binding to a consensus DNA sequence known as CArG box. Gene function analysis of BpDEF indicated that BpDEF may function in sex-determination, and in particular specify the identity of male inflorescence in birch. Our results provide valuable clues for our understanding of the molecular mechanism of BpAP1 during the process of male inflorescence formation in birch.
New Oomycota Fungicides With Activity Against Phytophthora cinnamomi and Their Potential Use for Managing Avocado Root Rot in California
Authors: Belisle Rodger J. , Hao Wei , McKee Brandon , Arpaia Mary Lu , Manosalva Patricia , Adaskaveg James E.
Published: March 2019

Phytophthora root rot (PRR), caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, is the most destructive disease of avocado worldwide. In the United States, mefenoxam and phosphonate products are currently the only registered fungicides for managing avocado PRR. Four new Oomycota-specific and two registered fungicides, all with different modes of action, were evaluated. Seventy-one isolates of P. cinnamomi from avocado in California, most of them collected between 2009 to 2017, were tested for their in vitro sensitivity to the six fungicides. Baseline sensitivity ranges and mean values (in parentheses) of effective concentrations to inhibit mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) for the new fungicides ethaboxam, fluopicolide, mandipropamid, and oxathiapiprolin were 0.017 to 0.069 μg/ml (0.035), 0.046 to 0.330 μg/ml (0.133), 0.003 to 0.011 μg/ml (0.005), and 0.0002 to 0.0007 μg/ml (0.0004), respectively. In comparison, the EC50 value range (mean) was 0.023 to 0.138 μg/ml (0.061) for mefenoxam and 12.9 to 361.2 μg/ml (81.5) for potassium phosphite. Greenhouse soil inoculation trials with 8-month-old Zutano seedlings and 10-month-old Dusa and PS.54 clonal rootstocks were conducted to assess the efficacy of these fungicides for managing PRR. Mefenoxam and potassium phosphite were effective treatments; however, oxathiapiprolin, fluopicolide, and mandipropamid were more effective. Ethaboxam was effective in reducing PRR on the rootstocks evaluated. Oxathiapiprolin reduced PRR incidence and pathogen population size in the soil by >90%, and plant shoot growth and root dry weight were significantly increased compared with the control; thus, oxathiapiprolin was one of the best treatments overall. The high activity and performance of these new fungicides supports their registrations on avocado for use in rotation and mixture programs, including with previously registered compounds, to reduce the risk of development and spread of resistance in pathogen populations.