bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) and computed tomography severity index (CTSI) in predicting severity and clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Alberti Piero , Pando Elizabeth , Mata Rodrigo , Vidal Laura , Roson Nuria , Mast Richard , Armario David , Merino Xavier , Dopazo Cristina , Blanco Laia , Caralt Mireia , Gomez Concepción , Balsells Joaquim , Charco Ramon
Published: November 2020

Objective

Our main purpose was to compare the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI), computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and acute physiological and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)‐II predictions regarding severity according to the revised Atlanta classification 2012 and local complications in acute pancreatitis in a consecutive prospective cohort.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐nine patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were prospectively enrolled. APACHE‐II, MCTSI, and CTSI were calculated for all cases. Severity parameters included persistent organ or multiorgan failure, length of hospitalization, the need for intensive care, death, and local complications (intervention against necrosis and infected necrosis). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated and the value of scoring systems was compared.

Results

Both CTSI and MCTSI were associated significantly with all the evaluated severity parameters and showed a correlation between imaging severity and the worst clinical outcomes. Persistent organ failure, persistent multiorgan failure, and death were found in 30 (20.1%), 20 (13.4%), and 13 (8.7%) patients, respectively. The most common extrapancreatic finding was pleural effusion in 76 (51.0%) patients. The AUROC for CTSI was higher for predicting persistent organ failure (0.749, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.640‐0.857), death (AUROC 0.793, 95% CI 0.650‐0.936), intervention against necrosis (AUROC 0.862, 95% CI 0.779‐0.945), and infected necrosis (AUROC 0.883, 95% CI 0.882‐0.930).

Conclusions

CT indexes outperformed the classic APACHE‐II score for evaluating severity parameters in acute pancreatitis, with a slight advantage of CTSI over MCTSI. CTSI accurately predicted pancreatic infections and the need for intervention.
Learning while setting precedents
Authors: Chen Ying , Eraslan Hülya
Published: November 2020

A decision maker makes a ruling on a random case in each period. She is uncertain about the correct ruling until conducting a costly investigation. A ruling establishes a precedent, which cannot be violated under binding precedent. We compare the information acquisition incentives, the evolution of standards and the social welfare under nonbinding and binding precedents. Compared to nonbinding precedent, under binding precedent, information acquisition incentives are stronger in earlier periods, but become weaker as more precedents are established. Although erroneous rulings may be perpetuated under binding precedent, welfare can be higher because of the more intensive investigation early on.
Quantitative acetylome analysis reveals involvement of glucosyltransferase acetylation in Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation
Authors: Lei Lei , Zeng Jumei , Wang Lingyun , Gong Tao , Zheng Xin , Qiu Wei , Zhang Ru , Yun Libing , Yang Yingming , Li Yuqing
Published: November 2020

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) effectively utilizes dietary sucrose for the exopolysaccharide productions, which are mostly synthesized by the effects of glucosyltransferases (Gtfs). In the present study, the acetylome of S. mutans was identified and quantitative acetylome analysis of the bacterial biofilm growth (SMB) was compared with that of planktonic growth (SMP). The dynamic changes of protein acetylation were quantified using the integrated approach involving TMT labeling and Kac affinity enrichment followed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomics. In total, 973 acetylation sites in 445 proteins were identified, among which 617 acetylation sites in 302 proteins were quantitated. The overall analysis indicated that 22.7% of proteins were acetylated. Among the quantified proteins in SMB, the acetylation degree of lysine in 56 sites increased, while that of lysine decreased in 52 sites. In the acetylome of S. mutans, six significantly enriched motifs were identified and obtained including Kac****K, KacF, Kac****R, KacY, KacH, F*Kac. In addition, KEGG pathway‐based enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichments in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and RNA degradation. Particularly, most downregulated acetylated lysine proteins were glucosyltransferase‐SI, glucosyltransferase‐I, and glucosyltransferase‐S in S. mutans biofilm, which probably reveals a switch‐off mechanism for the regulation of glucosyltransferases function during the biofilm development.
Perceptions of current occupational therapy practice with older adults experiencing delirium
Authors: Strecker Cheri , Hitch Danielle
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To describe the perceptions of Australian occupational therapists of their role, knowledge and skills in enabling older adults with delirium to participate in meaningful occupations.

Methods

This is a mixed‐methods cross‐sectional study. Participants (n = 91) completed an online survey, with quantitative data analysed descriptively and qualitative data subjected to content analysis.

Results

Occupational therapists had good general delirium knowledge, but less understanding of specific risk factors. Participants asserted the importance of occupational therapy assessment and treatment for older people experiencing delirium and generally felt confident or somewhat confident in their skills. While all participants provided collaborative care with multidisciplinary team members, only a minority thought colleagues had a satisfactory knowledge of the occupational therapy role with delirium.

Conclusion

Currently, the role of occupational therapy with older people experiencing delirium remains emerging rather than established, and there are many opportunities for further research and development in this practice area.
A Low‐Intensity, High‐Frequency Intervention to Reduce Procrastination
Authors: Wessel Jason , Bradley Graham L. , Hood Michelle
Published: November 2020

Studies assessing the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing procrastination have generally lacked robust longitudinal measurement tools. Recent developments in communication technology and applications of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) have made observations of such dynamic phenomena possible. We leveraged recent advancements in smartphone technology and ESM to measure delay associated with procrastination, while testing a low‐intensity, high‐frequency intervention to reducing that delay. First‐year university students (N = 107) reported their progress on an assignment twice daily over 14 days prior to the required submission date. Half (n = 51) were randomly allocated to an intervention condition in which they were also asked open‐ended questions designed to prompt reflection on four domains proposed to reduce procrastination, namely: expectancy, value, delay sensitivity, and metacognition. Multilevel mixed effect models revealed lower behavioral delay in the intervention condition compared to the control condition. This effect was strongest in those who at baseline scored below the median on trait procrastination. Behavioral delay over the 14‐day period was not associated with later assignment submission or lower assignment marks. These findings support a novel method for reducing delay and suggest procrastination can be alleviated in a wide range of contexts using relatively inexpensive and non‐intrusive strategies.
A novel heterozygous variant in FGF9 associated with previously unreported features of multiple synostosis syndrome 3
Authors: Thuresson Ann‐Charlotte , Croft Brittany , Hailer Yasmin D. , Liminga Gunnar , Arvidsson Carl‐Göran , Harley Vincent R. , Stattin Eva‐Lena
Published: November 2020

Human multiple synostoses syndrome 3 is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in FGF9. Only two variants have been described in FGF9 in humans so far, and one in mice. Here we report a novel missense variant c.566C > G, p.(Pro189Arg) in FGF9. Functional studies showed this variant impairs FGF9 homodimerization, but not FGFR3c binding. We also review the findings of cases reported previously and report on additional features not described previously.
Effect of volatile anesthetics on early and delayed outcomes in pancreas transplantation
Authors: Atoa Sam M. , Mangus Richard S. , Graham Ryan C. , Kroepfl Elizabeth A. , Powelson John A. , Fridell Jonathan A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of allograft dysfunction and patient morbidity in solid organ transplantation. This study compares the effect of different inhaled anesthetics on early IRI and clinical outcomes in pancreas allograft recipients.

Methods

Data were extracted retrospectively for pancreas transplants at a single center over a 15‐year period. Early postoperative pancreatic amylase and lipase levels were used as a marker for graft injury. Clinical outcomes measured included length of hospital stay, readmission, and graft survival.

Results

There were 625 pancreas transplants included in the analysis with 3 primary inhaled anesthetics: sevoflurane (53%), desflurane (35%), and isoflurane (12%). In the first 30 days post‐transplant, peak amylase was lowest for sevoflurane (147) followed by desflurane (159) and isoflurane (229) (p = .03). Peak lipase levels followed the same trend (peak values 118, 131, and 135, respectively; p = .02). Early graft loss, length of hospital stay, and readmission within 3 months were similar among all three anesthetic groups. There was no difference in 10‐year graft survival by Cox regression.

Conclusions

Sevoflurane and desflurane are associated with lower peak amylase and lipase levels postoperatively in pancreas transplantation. Short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes were equivalent for the three agents.
Transferability of trait‐based species distribution models
Authors: Vesk Peter A. , Morris William K. , Neal Will C. , Mokany Karel , Pollock Laura J.
Published: November 2020

The need for reliable prediction of species distributions dependent upon traits has been hindered by a lack of model transferability testing. We tested the predictive capacity of trait‐SDMs by fitting hierarchical generalised linear models with three trait and four environmental predictors for 20 eucalypt taxa in a reference region. We used these models to predict occurrence for a much larger set of taxa and target areas (82 taxa across 18 target regions) in south‐eastern Australia. Median predictive performance for new species in target regions was 0.65 (area under receiver operating curve) and 1.24 times random (area under precision recall curve). Prediction in target regions did not worsen with increasing geographic, environmental or community compositional distance from the reference region, and was improved with reliable trait–environment relationships. Transfer testing also identified trait–environment relationships that did not transfer. These results give confidence that traits and transfer testing can assist in the hard problem of predicting environmental responses for new species, environmental conditions and regions.
Craniofacial and dental injuries associated with stand‐up electric scooters
Authors: Kim Minsik , Lee Soyeon , Ko Dong Ryul , Kim Dae‐Hoon , Huh Jong‐Ki , Kim Jae‐Young
Published: November 2020

Background/Aim

With the recent increased share of stand‐up electric scooters (e‐scooters), it is common to see people riding e‐scooters on the roads in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate traumatic injuries to the craniofacial region related to e‐scooter accidents and to determine the role of dentists (especially oral and maxillofacial surgeons) in the evaluation of patients with trauma at the emergency department due to an e‐scooter accident.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study investigated the medical records of patients who visited the Gangnam Severance Hospital Emergency Care Center for trauma related to e‐scooter use from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020. Medical records were reviewed to determine the injuries sustained to the craniofacial region related to e‐scooter use, including location of the injury (eg, cranium, craniofacial bone, teeth, soft tissue) and the type of trauma (eg, fracture, laceration, abrasion, contusion, concussion).

Result

A total of 256 patients' medical records were evaluated. Among them, 125 patients (48.8% of all patients) had sustained craniofacial trauma. Laceration (n = 56, 44.8%) was the most common type of craniofacial injury, followed by cerebral concussion (n = 49, 39.2%), dental injury (n = 27, 21.6%), and craniofacial bone fracture (n = 16, 12.8%).

Conclusion

Dentists should always consider the possibility of brain trauma and perform a complete craniofacial and oral examination when assessing patients after e‐scooter accidents as outlined by the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines. Additionally, it is necessary to educate e‐scooter riders about the importance of wearing protective devices, such as helmets, to reduce the risk of injuries to the craniofacial region.
Toolkit for assessing and addressing cognitive health in early psychosis: Evaluation of feasibility and utility in a coordinated specialty care setting
Authors: Saperstein Alice M. , Medalia Alice , Malinovsky Igor , Bello Iruma , Dixon Lisa B.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Methods to identify and harness individual cognitive strengths while addressing relative weaknesses have the potential to complement recovery services for first‐episode psychosis but systematic implementation is needed. We developed a cognitive health toolkit, trained teams from OnTrackNY, a network of coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs and examined toolkit feasibility and clinical utility during the first year of roll‐out.

Methods

The toolkit includes a clinician manual, assessment and decision‐making tools, and a menu of cognitive health service options. Assessment uses the WRAT5‐Reading subtest and a new Self‐Assessment of Cognitive Functioning which, together, determine participant‐ and clinician‐perceived cognitive health need. Program‐level data were analysed for rates of assessment, identification of cognitive health needs and cognitive health service provision.

Results

Data from 18 OnTrackNY teams included 933 participants, including 310 new admissions. Across teams, 43.9% of newly admitted participants received a WRAT5‐Reading and 41.3% received a self‐assessment. Of all assessments completed in the study period, 50.7% were at or within 3‐months of admission and 69.1% were within the first year of program participation. Cognitive health need was identified by self‐report (57.6%) and clinician‐report (69.9%) and led to provision of specific services, including psychoeducation, compensatory skills training and in some cases restorative cognitive training.

Conclusions

Preliminary feasibility data are encouraging but barriers to assessment need to be identified and addressed. Rates of identified cognitive health need warrant further study of the implementation process and outcomes so that cognitive health assessment and treatment practices may ultimately be disseminated to CSC programs more broadly.
Impact of root canal treatment on high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in systemically healthy adults with apical periodontitis – a preliminary prospective, longitudinal interventional study
Authors: Poornima L. , Ravishankar P. , Abbott P. V. , Subbiya A. , PradeepKumar A. R.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess the influence of root canal treatment on serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in systemically healthy human adults.

Methodology

Fifteen individuals aged 20–40 years diagnosed with apical periodontitis [Periapical Index (PAI) score ≥3] who were otherwise healthy took part in this prospective interventional study. Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis, systemic diseases and traditional cardiac risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking) were excluded. Root canal treatment was completed in two visits with an inter‐appointment calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament. After 6 months, healing of apical periodontitis was evaluated clinically and radiographically, and serum hsCRP levels were recorded. A paired sample T‐test was used to compare the mean hsCRP values between the pre‐ and post‐treatment groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare hsCRP values between patients with PAI scores of 3 and 4, and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare pre‐ and postoperative PAI scores.

Results

The mean preoperative baseline serum hsCRP level was 2.88 ± 1.06 mg L−1 which can be associated with a moderate risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Based on the preoperative hsCRP levels, eight of the 15 patients were categorized as high risk (hsCRP > 3 mg L−1) and the other seven as medium risk (hsCRP 1–3 mg L−1) for CVD. The mean preoperative hsCRP value of patients with a PAI score of 3 was 2.88 ± 1.19 mg L−1, and the mean preoperative hsCRP of patients with a PAI score of 4 was 2.87 ± 0.15 mg L−1, which was not significantly different (P = 0.942). Six months after root canal treatment, the mean PAI score had significantly reduced from 3.2 ± 0.42 to 1.4 ± 0.69 (P = 0.003). The PAI score had reduced to ≤2 in 87% of the patients, and the mean serum hsCRP levels had significantly reduced to 1.34 ± 0.52 mg L−1 (P < 0.001). Ten of the 15 patients had a reduction in their CVD risk status.

Conclusions

This study suggests that root canal treatment can reduce serum hsCRP levels in systemically healthy individuals with apical periodontitis.
Effect of poling on piezocatalytic removal of muti‐pollutants using BaTiO3
Authors: Xu Jin , Zang Tingting , Du Ding , Kumar Sandeep , Sharma Moolchand , Vaish Rahul
Published: November 2020

The BaTiO3 powder was prepared via a solid‐state reaction route. It was studied for the degradation of bacterial cells, dye, and pharmaceuticals waste using ultrasonically driven piezocatalytic effect. The bacterial catalytic behavior of poled BaTiO3 was remarkably increased during ultrasonication (10% E coli survival in 60 minutes). The structural damages were illustrated using scanning electron micrographs of bacterial cells which demonstrated morphological manifestations under different conditions. Methylene blue (MB dye), ciprofloxacin and diclofenac were also cleaned using the piezocatalytic effect associated with the poled BaTiO3 powder. Around 92, 85, and 78% of degradations were observed within 150 minutes duration for methylene blue, ciprofloxacin, and diclofenac, respectively.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Health‐Related Quality of Life in Persons With and Without Dementia
Authors: Hayes‐Larson Eleanor , Mobley Taylor M. , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Shaw Crystal , Karlamangla Arun , Manly Jennifer J. , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose
Published: November 2020

Background/Objectives

Given the lack of effective pharmacologic strategies to prevent, slow, or reverse dementia progression, maximizing quality of life (QOL) is a major priority for persons living with dementia. Despite well‐documented racial/ethnic disparities in dementia incidence and prevalence, it is unknown whether there are racial/ethnic disparities in QOL among persons with dementia. The objective of this study was to determine if there are racial/ethnic differences in poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among persons with and without dementia in a nationally‐representative cohort.

Design

Repeated measures cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Setting

United States nationally‐representative National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011–2018).

Participants

Non‐nursing home‐dwelling Black, Latino, and white adults age 65+ (n = 10,886).

Measurements

We estimated racial/ethnic differences in five dichotomous indicators of poor HRQOL (depressive and anxiety symptoms, self‐rated health, pain, and physical functional limitations), stratified by dementia status (probable, possible, none). We used generalized estimating equations to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and differences, and marginal standardization to estimate prevalence.

Results

Generally, Blacks and Latinos reported higher prevalence of poor HRQOL compared with whites. The largest differences were observed for self‐rated health, and Latino‐white differences were slightly larger compared to Black‐white differences. PRs were larger among those with no dementia. For example, the Black versus white PRs for poor self‐rated health were 1.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.82–2.04) among the no dementia group and 1.21 (95% CI = 1.12–1.31) among the probable dementia group; Latino versus white PRs for these comparisons were 2.39 (2.21–2.59) and 1.48 (1.35–1.62), respectively. Prevalence differences also showed racial/ethnic differences, but these were similar across dementia statuses.

Conclusions

We observed racial/ethnic disparities in poor HRQOL, showing greater unmet clinical needs among Black and Latino versus white older adults. Relative disparities were smaller in those with dementia, but absolute magnitudes of disparities were similar by dementia status.
Anonymous Trading in Equities
Authors: MELING TOM GRIMSTVEDT
Published: November 2020

In this paper, I explore a reform at the Oslo Stock Exchange to assess the causal effect of posttrade trader anonymity on stock liquidity and trading volume. Using a regression discontinuity approach, I find that anonymity leads to a reduction in bid‐ask spreads of 40% and an increase in trading volume of more than 50%. The increase in trading volume is accounted for largely by increased trading activity by institutional investors, while retail investors do not adjust their trading behavior in response to anonymity. The results suggest that posttrade anonymity positively affects standard measures of market quality.
Sialolipomas of minor salivary glands: A multi‐institutional study and literature review
Authors: Cunha John Lennon Silva , de Sousa Sílvia Ferreira , Mota Carolina Peres , Rocha Silva João Vitor , Cavalcante Israel Leal , Marinho Erasmo Bernardo , Soares Ciro Dantas , de Albuquerque‐Júnior Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti , Cavalcante Roberta Barroso , Abrahão Aline Corrêa , Agostini Michelle , Romañach Mario José , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Vargas Pablo Agustin , de Almeida Oslei Paes
Published: November 2020

Background

Sialolipoma is a rare histological variant of lipoma commonly misdiagnosed and composed of a proliferation of mature adipocytes with secondary entrapment of normal salivary gland tissue. The purpose of the present study is to report the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 10 new cases of sialolipomas in conjunction with a review of the literature.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed. A total of 54,190 biopsy records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from four oral and maxillofacial pathology services in Brazil were analysed. All cases of lipomas were reviewed, and clinical, demographic and histopathological data were collected of all cases compatible with sialolipomas. In addition, immunohistochemistry stains (AE1/AE3, CK7, 34βE12, S‐100, HHF35, α‐SMA and Ki‐67) and a literature review based on a search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) were performed.

Results

Among all lipomas reviewed, there were 10 cases of sialolipomas. The series comprised of 7 females (70.0%) and 3 males (30.0%), with a mean age of 46.1 ± 21.5 years (range: 11‐71 years) and a 2.3:1 female‐to‐male ratio. The lower lip (n = 3, 30.0%) and tongue (n = 2, 20.0%) were the most common locations, presenting clinically as a nodule of slow growth and normal colour. Conservative surgical excision was the treatment in all cases. No recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Sialolipomas are a rare histological variant of lipoma, affecting the salivary glands, mainly in the parotid gland and palate of female adults. Pathologists must recognise sialolipomas to avoid misdiagnoses with other lipomatous tumours that can affect salivary glands.
Overexpression of membranal SLC3A2 regulates the proliferation of oral squamous cancer cells and affects the prognosis of oral cancer patients
Authors: Liang Jiayu , Sun Zhida
Published: November 2020

Objective

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer in oral and maxillofacial tissue. This study aimed to investigate the expression of SLC3A2 in human OSCC tissues and its regulatory roles in OSCC.

Methods

The expression of SLC3A2 in human OSCC tissues was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cells were evaluated after knockdown of SLC3A2.

Results

The expression of SLC3A2 in OSCC was higher than that in normal oral epithelial cells. SLC3A2 had higher expression levels in OSCC tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. Upregulation of SLC3A2 was associated with advanced stages and poor survival of OSCC patients. In vitro experiments showed that knocking down of SLC3A2 was associated with reduced migration, invasion, and proliferation, but increased apoptosis of OSCC cells.

Conclusion

SLC3A2 exerted a harmful effect on OSCC patients by increasing migration, invasion and proliferation, and decreasing apoptosis.
A Mixed Methods Pilot Study of an Equity‐Explicit Student‐Teacher Relationship Intervention for the Ninth‐Grade Transition
Authors: Gaias Larissa M. , Cook Clayton R. , Nguyen Lillian , Brewer Stephanie K. , Brown Eric C. , Kiche Sharon , Shi Jiajing , Buntain‐Ricklefs Jodie , Duong Mylien T.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Student‐teacher relationships are associated with the social and emotional climate of a school, a key domain of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model. Few interventions target student‐teacher relationships during the critical transition to high school, or incorporate strategies for enhancing equitable relationships. We conducted a mixed‐methods feasibility study of a student‐teacher relationship intervention, called Equity‐Explicit Establish‐Maintain‐Restore (E‐EMR).

METHODS

We tested whether students (N = 133) whose teachers received E‐EMR training demonstrated improved relationship quality, school belonging, motivation, behavior, and academic outcomes from pre‐ to post‐test, and whether these differences were moderated by race. We also examined how teachers (N = 16) integrated a focus on equity into their implementation of the intervention.

RESULTS

Relative to white students, students of the color showed greater improvement on belongingness, behavior, motivation, and GPA. Teachers described how they incorporated a focus on race/ethnicity, culture, and bias into E‐EMR practices, and situated their relationships with students within the contexts of their own identity, the classroom/school context, and broader systems of power and privilege.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide preliminary evidence for E‐EMR to change teacher practice and reduce educational disparities for students of color. We discuss implications for other school‐based interventions to integrate an equity‐explicit focus into program content and evaluation.
Becoming Institutionalized: Incarceration as a Chronic Health Condition
Authors: Crane Johanna T. , Pascoe Kelsey
Published: November 2020

This article examines incarceration as a chronic condition with social, biological, and psychological elements. We do so through the lens of “institutionalization,” a concept that emerged during interviews conducted with 26 people incarcerated in Washington state prisons as a chronic and often disabling state resulting from prolonged incarceration. We argue that institutionalization helps conceptualize how the social inequities of mass incarceration become embodied as health inequities, and how social harms become physical harms. [prison, incarceration, institutionalization, chronic, inequality]
Detection of ERG11 Overexpression in Candida albicans isolates from environmental sources and clinical isolates treated with inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole
Authors: Morais Vasconcelos Oliveira Josimary , Conceição Oliver Josidel , Latércia Tranches Dias Amanda , Barbosa Padovan Ana Carolina , Siqueira Caixeta Ester , Caixeta Franco Ariosa Marília
Published: November 2020

Background

Candida species can cause serious infection in patients with changes in defence mechanisms and/or when anatomical barriers are compromised. Mutations and overexpression in the ERG11 gene are described as molecular mechanisms of azole resistance. Information is limited on these mechanisms in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the expression of ERG11 gene from Candida albicans isolates, from clinical and hospital environments, in the absence and presence of inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole.

Methods

The American Type Culture Collection 10231 strain, five clinical isolates and three isolates from hospital environment colonisation were exposed to inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole. Susceptibility tests were performed according to EUCAST 7.1 guidelines, and the relative expression analysis of ERG11 was performed by qPCR.

Results

Differences in response to fluconazole concentrations were observed, with the exception only one clinical isolate when treated with 1/4 of the FLU‐minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All the other isolates, regardless of the isolation source, had an increase in expression. The overexpression occurred in a very broad range, from 1.086 to 126.105 times. In general, treatment with the highest dose of fluconazole (MIC) was the one that most influenced the ERG11 expression, followed by treatments with 1/2 and 1/4 MIC.

Conclusions

The increased expression of ERG11 by C albicans in the presence of different concentrations of fluconazole is relevant, raising concerns in the care and cleaning of the hospital environment and the prophylactic use of fluconazole that could lead to the selection of potential azole‐resistant isolates.
The design and application of an automated microscope developed based on deep learning for fungal detection in dermatology
Authors: Gao Wenchao , Li Meirong , Wu Rong , Du Weian , Zhang Shanlin , Yin Songchao , Chen Zhirui , Huang Huaiqiu
Published: November 2020

Background

Light microscopy to study the infection of fungi in skin specimens is time‐consuming and requires automation.

Objective

We aimed to design and explore the application of an automated microscope for fungal detection in skin specimens.

Methods

An automated microscope was designed, and a deep learning model was selected. Skin, nail and hair samples were collected. The sensitivity and the specificity of the automated microscope for fungal detection were calculated by taking the results of human inspectors as the gold standard.

Results

An automated microscope was built, and an image processing model based on the ResNet‐50 was trained. A total of 292 samples were collected including 236 skin samples, 50 nail samples and six hair samples. The sensitivities of the automated microscope for fungal detection in skin, nails and hair were 99.5%, 95.2% and 60%, respectively, and the specificities were 91.4%, 100% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

The automated microscope we developed is as skilful as human inspectors for fungal detection in skin and nail samples; however, its performance in hair samples needs to be improved.
A highly differentiated region of wheat chromosome 7AL encodes a Pm1a immune receptor that recognizes its corresponding AvrPm1a effector from Blumeria graminis
Authors: Hewitt Tim , Müller Marion C. , Molnár István , Mascher Martin , Holušová Kateřina , Šimková Hana , Kunz Lukas , Zhang Jianping , Li Jianbo , Bhatt Dhara , Sharma Raghvendra , Schudel Seraina , Yu Guotai , Steuernagel Burkhard , Periyannan Sambasivam , Wulff Brande , Ayliffe Mick , McIntosh Robert , Keller Beat , Lagudah Evans , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2020

Pm1a, the first powdery mildew resistance gene described in wheat, is part of a complex resistance (R) gene cluster located in a distal region of chromosome 7AL that has suppressed genetic recombination.

A nucleotide‐binding, leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) immune receptor gene was isolated using mutagenesis and R gene enrichment sequencing (MutRenSeq). Stable transformation confirmed Pm1a identity which induced a strong resistance phenotype in transgenic plants upon challenge with avirulent Blumeria graminis (wheat powdery mildew) pathogens.

A high‐density genetic map of a B. graminis family segregating for Pm1a avirulence combined with pathogen genome resequencing and RNA sequencing (RNAseq) identified AvrPm1a effector gene candidates. In planta expression identified an effector, with an N terminal Y/FxC motif, that induced a strong hypersensitive response when co‐expressed with Pm1a in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Single chromosome enrichment sequencing (ChromSeq) and assembly of chromosome 7A suggested that suppressed recombination around the Pm1a region was due to a rearrangement involving chromosomes 7A, 7B and 7D. The cloning of Pm1a and its identification in a highly rearranged region of chromosome 7A provides insight into the role of chromosomal rearrangements in the evolution of this complex resistance cluster.
Polymorphisms in cis‐elements confer SAUR26 gene expression difference for thermo‐response natural variation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Zhixue , Yang Leiyun , Wu Dianxing , Zhang Ning , Hua Jian
Published: November 2020

The SAUR26 subfamily genes play an important role in conferring variations of thermo‐responsiveness of growth architecture among natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression variations are critical for their activity variations, but how expression variations are generated is unknown.

We identified genetic loci for gene expression variations through expression genome‐wide association study (eGWAS) and investigated their mechanisms through molecular analyses.

We found that cis elements are the major determinants for expression variations of SAUR26, SAUR27, and SAUR28. Polymorphisms in the promoter region likely impact PIF4 regulation while those at the 3′UTR affect mRNA stability to generate variations in SAUR26 expression levels. These polymorphisms also differentially affect the mRNA stability of SAUR26 at two temperatures.

This study reveals two mechanisms involving cis elements in generating gene expression diversity, which is likely important for local adaptations in Arabidopsis natural accessions.
How competitive intransitivity and niche overlap affect spatial coexistence
Authors: Yang Yinghui , Hui Cang
Published: November 2020

Competitive intransitivity is mostly considered outside the main body of coexistence theories that rely primarily on the role of niche overlap and differentiation. How the interplay of competitive intransitivity and niche overlap jointly affects species coexistence has received little attention. Here, we consider a rock–paper–scissors competition system where interactions between species can represent the full spectra of transitive–intransitive continuum and niche overlap/differentiation under different levels of competition asymmetry. By comparing results from pair approximation that only considers interference competition between neighbouring cells in spatial lattices, with those under the mean‐field assumption, we show that 1) species coexistence under transitive competition is only possible at high niche differentiation; 2) in communities with partial or pure intransitive interactions, high levels of niche overlap are not necessary to beget species extinction; and 3) strong spatial clustering can widen the condition for intransitive loops to facilitate species coexistence. The two mechanisms, competitive intransitivity and niche differentiation, can support species persistence and coexistence, either separately or in combination. Finally, the contribution of intransitive loops to species coexistence can be enhanced by strong local spatial correlations, modulated and maximised by moderate competition asymmetry. Our study, therefore, provides a bridge to link intransitive competition to other generic ecological theories of species coexistence.
Modified SHI medium supports growth of a disease‐state subgingival polymicrobial community in vitro
Authors: Lamont Eleanor I. , Gadkari Archita , Kerns Kristopher A. , To Thao T. , Daubert Diane , Kotsakis Georgios , Bor Batbileg , He Xuesong , McLean Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2020

Developing a laboratory model of oral polymicrobial communities is essential for in vitro studies of the transition from healthy to diseased oral plaque. SHI medium is an enriched growth medium capable of supporting in vitro biofilms with similar diversity to healthy supragingival inocula; however, this medium does not maintain the diversity of gram‐negative bacteria more associated with subgingival plaque. Here, we systematically modified SHI medium components to investigate the impacts of varying nutrients and develop a medium capable of supporting a specific disease‐state subgingival community. A diseased subgingival plaque sample was inoculated in SHI medium with increasing concentrations of sucrose (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%), fetal bovine serum (FBS) (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%), and mucin (0.1, 2.5, 8.0 g/L) and grown for 48 hrs, then the 16S rRNA profiles of the resulting biofilms were examined. In total, these conditions were able to capture 89 of the 119 species and 43 of the 51 genera found in the subgingival inoculum. Interestingly, biofilms grown in high sucrose media, although dominated by acidogenic Firmicutes with a low final pH, contained several uncultured taxa from the genus Treponema, information that may aid culturing these periodontitis‐associated fastidious organisms. Biofilms grown in a modified medium (here named subSHI‐v1 medium) with 0.1% sucrose and 10% FBS had a high diversity closest to the inoculum and maintained greater proportions of many gram‐negative species of interest from the subgingival periodontal pocket (including members of the genera Prevotella and Treponema, and the Candidate Phyla Radiation phylum Saccharibacteria), and therefore best represented the disease community.
School‐based approach for parasitic disease control in Japan and Africa
Authors: Horikoshi Yuho , Ibrahim Usman Muhammad , Morris Shaun K.
Published: November 2020

Japan has achieved significant improvements in the control and prevention of parasitic infections through a school‐based approach since the 1930s. The use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, safe water and food, and improved sanitation and hygiene also contributed to the near eradication of endemic parasites. However, parasite infections continued to affect children mostly in resource‐limited countries. The African continent has one of the highest burdens of such infections. The application of school‐based approaches has several advantages where the structure of health‐care systems is not optimal. In Africa, soil‐transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis are frequently targets for school‐based public health intervention. Mass drug administration by teachers at school can reach targeted children effectively and safely. The limitations of this approach include missing unattended children and absentee of teachers. Initially, mass drug administration at school for parasitic infections was thought to improve health and even socioeconomic status of children in the community. However, more recently the socioeconomic impact has been questioned although the reduction of parasitic diseases is still apparent. Moreover, other basic public health measurements such as increased toilet use, assuring safe water access and avoiding the use of human excrement as an agricultural fertilizer, are equally important for control and prevention of parasitic diseases. Further global efforts should be continued to achieve equal health for every child in a sustainable way.
A preliminary study on the glycosylation of the reproductive tract in the Ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus)
Authors: Jones Carolyn J. P. , Aplin John D. , Ververs Cyriel , (Twink) Allen William R. , Burns Kate , Wilsher Sandra
Published: November 2020

Glycosylation of the reproductive tract of an adult female red‐necked ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus) carrying a fully formed calcified egg in her uterus when accidently killed by a blow to the head was examined using lectin histochemistry on samples from the infundibulum, magnum, uterus and vagina. Glycans in the luminal epithelium and underlying glands were described after staining with 23 lectins after neuraminidase pre‐treatment in some cases. Ciliated and non‐ciliated cells were evident at all levels in the luminal epithelium, the latter full of richly glycosylated secretory granules. The ciliated cells also showed glycosylation and, in the magnum, these cells often stained more intensely than the non‐ciliated cells. High mannose and complex N‐glycans, α1,6‐linked fucosyl and sialic acid residues were present throughout the tract and there was a complete absence of GalNAcα1,3(LFucα1,2)Galß1,3/4GlcNAcß1‐ and rare terminal GalNAcα1‐ residues. Fucose in α1,2‐linkage as H2 antigen and Ley was also rare in the luminal epithelium and completely absent in glands. Terminal galactose was present in the luminal epithelium apart from in the infundibulum. Gland epithelium showed similar glycosylation to the luminal epithelium except in the magnum where there were significant differences and here the glands were packed full of large secretory granules, unlike the glands in the rest of the tract. Each section of the tract had its own specific pattern of glycosylation which could be related to the stage of egg formation.
Absorbable fixation straps for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs
Authors: Lacitignola Luca , Fracassi Laura , Di Bella Caterina , Zizzo Nicola , Passantino Giuseppe , Tinelli Antonella , Crovace Alberto Maria , Staffieri Francesco
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic absorbable fixation straps (AFS) for laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

Study design

Cadaveric and prospective clinical study.

Animals

Five dog cadavers for the cadaveric study; 12 dogs for the clinical study.

Methods

The pyloric antrum was affixed to the abdominal wall laparoscopically by applying a series of straps. The cadaveric study assessed potential challenges during the procedure and stomach mucosal penetration. For the clinical study, the total duration of surgery, time to complete the gastropexy, and the number of straps used were recorded. Ultrasound evidence of adhesion, complications, and weight were monitored at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Owner satisfaction was evaluated at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

The total duration of surgery was 25.8 minutes (range, 19‐39; SD, 6.7), and the time to complete the gastropexy was 10.1 minutes (range, 7‐19; SD, 3.9). The linear regression analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the time to complete the gastropexy and the order of the surgeries (r2 = 0.75, P < .05). No complications were recorded. Ultrasound examination was used to confirm gastropexy at all follow‐ups.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic gastropexy with AFS was performed in both cadavers and clinical animals with minimal complications. Persistent adhesion was demonstrated during ultrasound evaluations and in one postmortem evaluation.

Clinical significance

This novel laparoscopic technique can be employed safely, effectively, and reasonably quickly, and the learning curve is expected to be relatively short.
Implementing the Flipped Classroom in an Undergraduate Corporate Finance Course
Authors: Gokhale Jayendra S.
Published: November 2020

This study analyzes flipped mode of instruction in Corporate Finance. In the current environment, with many students in quarantine and greater emphasis on self-study, it is even more relevant to understand how students understand and retain concepts derived from online environment. In this study, performance of students in flipped mode is compared with the performance in traditional lecture-style. In flipped class, students watched a brief video-lecture, took an online assessment quiz prior to attending an interactive discussion-based class session, unlike the traditional lecture style. The results of this study suggest that with flipped mode, most students take greater responsibility of their learning, prefer hands-on learning, achieve more and feel more satisfied with their performance. However, there is no statistical difference in the test scores of students in the flipped classroom as compared to the traditional classroom.
Age‐related electrophysiological changes in mouse taste receptor cells
Authors: Takeuchi Keita , Yoshii Kiyonori , Ohtubo Yoshitaka
Published: November 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Loss of taste or inability to distinguish between different tastes progresses with age. The purpose was to evaluate the age‐dependent changes in taste by studying the electrophysiological properties of taste receptor cells.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Ageing decreased the voltage‐gated Na+ and K+ current densities of type III cells (sour and/or salt receptor cells) but did not affect the current densities in type II cells. At the peripheral levels, the excitability of type III cells was reduced due to ageing, which may affect the signal transduction to taste nerves.

The loss of taste due to normal ageing in mammals is assumed to be caused by the ageing of taste receptor cells. We examined the electrophysiological properties of taste receptor cells in the fungiform taste buds of ∼20‐month‐old mice in situ and subsequently identified their cell types with immunological markers: the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R3) for type II cells and a SNARE protein, synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25), for type III cells. Other cells are referred to as non‐immunoreactive cells (non‐IRCs). Cell types of some cells that could not be identified using cell‐type markers were identified based on the electrophysiological feature of the respective cell types. All cell types generated action potentials and a variety of voltage‐gated currents. The type II cells mainly expressed tetraethylammonium (TEA)‐insensitive and slowly activating outwardly rectifying currents and generated tail currents in repolarization. In contrast, the type III cells expressed TEA‐sensitive and faster activating K+ currents and did not generate tail currents. These cell type‐specific characteristics of voltage‐gated currents in ∼20‐month‐old mice were similar to their respective cell types in ∼2‐month‐old mice. Also, we showed an age‐dependent decrease in Na+ and K+ current densities in type III cells and an age‐dependent increase in outwardly rectifying current density in non‐IRCs. Ageing did not affect the voltage‐gated current densities in type II cells. The decreased Na+ and K+ current densities, i.e. the decreased excitability of type III cells, due to ageing may affect the signal transduction to taste nerves.