bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Made in Canada: The evolution of Canadian counter‐terrorism policy in the post‐9/11 world
Authors: Carvin Stephanie , Tishler Nicole
Published: March 2020

Literature on Canada‐United States (US) counter‐terrorism (CT) cooperation from the early 2000s presumed that Canadian CT policy was driven by US security imperatives and fear, leaving little room for Canada to develop its own path in fighting terrorism. It presumed that: the Canadian government was more worried about the US reaction to terrorism than terrorism itself; Canadian security policy sought to be “separate but cooperative”; and Canadian policy was informed by “wise” understandings of the US. We argue these assumptions no longer hold. Since 2011, with the rise of the Islamic State and foreign fighter activity, the Canadian government took independent steps to address national security concerns in a multilateral environment. We use process tracing to track evolutions in the Passenger Protect Program (Canada's “no‐fly list” policy), showing how Canada has increasingly asserted agency in response to violent extremism. It suggests the prior scholarly consensus on the US role in Canadian CT policy must be rethought.
Young Children Selectively Hide the Truth About Sensitive Topics
Authors: Heyman Gail D. , Ding Xiao Pan , Fu Genyue , Xu Fen , Compton Brian J. , Lee Kang
Published: March 2020

Starting in early childhood, children are socialized to be honest. However, they are also expected to avoid telling the truth in sensitive situations if doing so could be seen as inappropriate or impolite. Across two studies (total N = 358), the reasoning of 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children in such a scenario was investigated by manipulating whether the information in question would be helpful to the recipient. The studies used a reverse rouge paradigm, in which a confederate with a highly salient red mark on her nose asked children whether she looked okay prior to having her picture taken. In Study 1, children tended to tell the truth only if they were able to observe that the mark was temporary and the confederate did not know it was there. In Study 2, children tended to tell the truth only if they were able to observe that the mark could be concealed with makeup. These findings show that for children as young as age 3, decisions about whether to tell the truth are influenced by the likelihood that the information would be helpful to the recipient.
Commissural fusion as etiology of bioprosthetic mitral stenosis in a patient with rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Vallabhaneni Srilakshmi , Matka Marsel , Olenchock Stephen , Sarnoski Christopher , Longo Santo , Shirani Jamshid
Published: March 2020

We report commissural fusion as a unique morphologic etiology of early bioprosthetic mitral valve failure in a woman with a history of rheumatic mitral stenosis. She had undergone mitral valve replacement with a 25‐mm Edwards Magna Ease bovine pericardial bioprosthesis 3 years earlier and presented with progressive dyspnea. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed severe bioprosthetic stenosis due to commissural fusion. She underwent percutaneous valve‐in‐valve implantation with a 26‐mm Edwards Sapien 3 prosthesis. Marked symptomatic improvement was noted postprocedurally. We speculate that commissural fusion may be a unique pathologic feature of failing bioprosthetic valves in patients with prior rheumatic mitral valve disease.
The effect of parasite density on host colonisation success by a mobile avian ectoparasite
Authors: Veiga Jesús , Václav Radovan , Valera Francisco
Published: March 2020

1. Full understanding of the dynamics of host–parasite interactions requires elucidation of the principles governing host colonisation. With respect to mobile parasites, little is known about their dispersal behaviour and the factors affecting host colonisation success.

2. Here, the effect of parasite density manipulations on the colonisation success of the carnid flyCarnus hemapterus, an avian ectoparasite, was experimentally explored.

3. Most host nests were colonised within the same breeding season, but the abundance of flies colonising the nests varied broadly both within and between years.

4. Experimental increase in the density of carnid flies in the vicinity of host nests did not result in higher parasite abundance in these nests. Host colonisation success in terms of parasite abundance was not related to indices of parasite density around host nests.

5. Parasite abundance in colonised host nests was positively related to host density and brood mass and negatively related to date. Host nests in trees held fewer carnid flies than those on cliffs and farmhouses.

6. The dispersal ability ofC. hemapterusis apt for rapid colonisation of new host nests, but it is unable to explain the broad heterogeneity in parasite abundance between host nests.
Oligodendrogenesis increases in hippocampal grey and white matter prior to locomotor or memory impairment in an adult mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Ferreira Solène , Pitman Kimberley A. , Summers Benjamin S. , Wang Shiwei , Young Kaylene M. , Cullen Carlie L.
Published: March 2020

Myelin and axon losses are associated with cognitive decline in healthy ageing but are worse in people diagnosed with tauopathy. To determine whether tauopathy is also associated with enhanced myelin plasticity, we evaluated the behaviour of OPCs in mice that expressed a human pathological variant of microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPTP301S). By 6 months of age (P180), MAPTP301S mice overexpressed hyperphosphorylated tau and had developed reactive gliosis in the hippocampus but had not developed overt locomotor or memory impairment. By performing cre‐lox lineage tracing of adult OPCs, we determined that the number of newborn oligodendrocytes added to the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and fimbria was equivalent in control and MAPTP301S mice prior to P150. However, between P150 and P180, significantly more new oligodendrocytes were added to these regions in the MAPTP301S mouse brain. This large increase in new oligodendrocyte number was not the result of increased OPC proliferation, nor did it alter oligodendrocyte density in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex or fimbria, which was equivalent in P180 wild‐type and MAPTP301S mice. Furthermore, the proportion of hippocampal and fimbria axons with myelin was unaffected by tauopathy. However, the proportion of myelinated axons that were ensheathed by immature myelin internodes was significantly increased in the hippocampus and fimbria of P180 MAPTP301S mice, when compared with their wild‐type littermates. These data suggest that MAPTP301S transgenic mice experience significant oligodendrocyte turnover, with newborn oligodendrocytes compensating for myelin loss early in the development of tauopathy.
Bicavitary effusion in a horse with multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Camacho‐Luna P. , Andrews F. M. , Dehghanpir S. D. , Gaunt S. D. , Kim K. , Wakamatsu N. , Garcia H.
Published: March 2020

A 14‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding presented for a 2‐week history of increased respiratory rate, fever and weight loss. The referring veterinarian performed an ultrasonographic examination on the farm and considered a differential diagnosis of pleuritis and pleuropneumonia. On presentation, transtracheal wash showed suppurative septic inflammation with bacteria within macrophages. Thoracic ultrasonography showed increased hypoechoic fluid in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. Cytologic analysis of pleural and peritoneal fluids revealed lymphorrhagic effusion with atypical lymphocytes, suggestive of a lymphatic flow obstruction or lymphoma. Treatment consisted of drainage of the pleural fluid, anti‐inflammatory agents, fluid therapy and antimicrobial therapy. Continued fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity, tachypnoea, lack of response to pain medication and progressive lethargy resulted in the horse being subjected to euthanasia. At necropsy, bicavitary effusion was confirmed and histopathological diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma was made. Horses presenting with pleural effusion should also be evaluated for peritoneal effusion, as bicavitary effusion may indicate noninflammatory conditions such as neoplasia.
Congenital hypodontia in three horses diagnosed by computed tomography
Authors: Giavitto A. E. , Meehan L. J.
Published: March 2020

Dental agenesis is a congenital disease defined as failure of formation of one or more teeth, which has been extensively described in human literature and that has been documented in several other species including cats, dogs, seals and sea lions, mice, and ungulates. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and computed tomographic (CT) features of tooth agenesis in a population of horses. Retrospective review of the imaging records from the Langford Equine Hospital was performed, including all horses that underwent head CT between January 2015 and June 2017. Of a total number of 167 CT scans, three horses with hypodontia were found. All three cases had agenesis of the maxillary 08s and one case had additional agenesis of the 307 and 308 teeth. Delayed resorption of the corresponding deciduous teeth was reported in all cases. The empty space left by the absent teeth was filled either by heterogeneous bone tissue alone (two cases) or by a combination of bone and soft tissue (one case). Alignment between teeth was preserved, and there was no displacement of the neighbouring teeth adjacent to the agenesis site. All three horses presented a symmetric pattern of dental agenesis within the maxillary arcades. The maxillary 08s, which are the latest to erupt, were the most affected teeth. This was similar to that reported in human literature, where the teeth that form later during development are the most vulnerable to dental agenesis.
Is nicotine exposure linked to cardiopulmonary vulnerability to COVID‐19 in the general population?
Authors: Olds James L. , Kabbani Nadine
Published: March 2020

The recent emergence of COVID‐19 has resulted in a worldwide crisis, with large populations locked down and transportation links severed. While approximately 80% of infected individuals have minimal symptoms, around 15–20% need to be hospitalized, greatly stressing global healthcare systems. As of March 10, the death rate appears to be about 3.4%, although this number is highly stratified among different populations. Here, we focus on those individuals who have been exposed to nicotine prior to their exposure to the virus. We predict that these individuals are ‘primed’ to be at higher risk because nicotine can directly impact the putative receptor for the virus (ACE2) and lead to deleterious signaling in lung epithelial cells.
Relation between microstructural heterogeneities and damage mechanisms of a ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron during tensile loading
Authors: Fernandino D.O. , Tenaglia N. , Di Cocco V. , Boeri R.E. , Iacoviello F.
Published: March 2020

In this work, the influence of the metallic matrix heterogeneities and the spheroidal graphite nodules distribution on both crack initiation and propagation and damage evolution during tensile loading of ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron is examined. The experimental methodology involves specialized metallographic techniques, step by step tensile loading, microscopic observation by using optical and scanning electron microscopy and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the graphite nodules distribution.

The results show that the graphite nodules are the major heterogeneities responsible for inducing the development of cracks in the metallic matrix. Crack initiation is preferentially located at the irregular contour of graphite nodule cavities, ferritic grain boundaries and internodular areas highly strained. The final fracture involves cracks mainly propagating through the internodular ligaments of matrix‐nodule debonded areas belonging to the first‐to‐freeze zones resulting from the solidification process.
The δ60/58Ni Values of Twenty‐Six Selected Geological Reference Materials
Authors: Li Weihan , Zhu Jian‐Ming , Tan Decan , Han Guilin , Zhao Zhouqiao , Wu Guangliang
Published: March 2020

The high‐precision δ60/58Ni values of twenty‐six geological reference materials, including igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, stream sediments, soils and plants are reported. The δ60/58Ni values of all samples were determined by double‐spike MC‐ICP‐MS (Nu Plasma III). Isotope standard solution (NIST SRM 986) and geological reference materials (BHVO‐2, BCR‐2, JP‐1, PCC‐1, etc.) were used to evaluate the measurement bias and intermediate precision over a period of six months. Our results show that the intermediate precision of Ni isotope determination was 0.05‰ (2s,n = 69) for spiked NIST SRM 986 and typically 0.06‰ for actual samples, and the δ60/58NiNIST SRM 986values were in excellent agreement with previous studies. Eighteen high‐precision Ni isotope ratios of geological reference materials are first reported here, and their δ60/58Ni values varied from −0.27‰ to 0.52‰, with a mean of 0.13 ± 0.34‰ (2s,n = 18). Additionally, SGR‐1b (0.56 ± 0.04‰, 2s), GSS‐1 (−0.27 ± 0.06‰, 2s), GSS‐7 (−0.11 ± 0.01‰, 2s), GSD‐10 (0.46 ± 0.06‰, 2s) and GSB‐12 (0.52 ± 0.06‰, 2s) could potentially serve as candidate reference materials for Ni isotope fractionation and comparison of Ni isotopic compositions among different laboratories.
MiR‐3116 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide by targeting FGFR1 and regulating the FGFR1/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Kong Shiqi , Cao Yingxiao , Li Xin , Li Zhenzhong , Xin Yuling , Meng Yan
Published: March 2020

Glioma is a brain tumour that is often diagnosed, and temozolomide (TMZ) is a common chemotherapeutic drug used in glioma. Yet, resistance to TMZ is a chief hurdle towards curing the malignancy. The current work explores the pathways and involvement of miR‐3116 in the TMZ resistance. miR‐3116 and FGFR1 mRNA were quantified by real‐time PCR in malignant samples and cell lines. Appropriate assays were designed for apoptosis, viability, the ability to form colonies and reporter assays to study the effects of the miR‐3116 or FGFR1. The involvement of PI3K/AKT signalling was assessed using Western blotting. Tumorigenesis was evaluated in an appropriate xenograft mouse model in vivo. This work revealed that the levels of miR‐3116 dipped in samples resistant to TMZ, while increased miR‐3116 caused an inhibition of the tumour features mentioned above to hence augment TMZ sensitivity. miR‐3116 was found to target FGFR1. When FGFR1 was overexpressed, resistance to TMZ was augmented and reversed the sensitivity caused by miR‐3116. Our findings further confirmed PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is involved in this action. In conclusion, miR‐3116 sensitizes glioma cells to TMZ through FGFR1 downregulation and the PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation. Our results provide a strategy to overcome TMZ resistance in glioma treatment.
Response to Raschi E et al. 'Reduced reporting of neuropsychiatric adverse events with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors for hidradenitis suppurativa: caution before concluding for risk reduction'
Authors: Gupta M.A. , Vujcic B. , Gupta A.K.
Published: March 2020

Linked article: E. Raschi et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020;34: e430–e431. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16379.
Nursing Professionals’ Attitudes, Strategies, and Care Practices Towards Death: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Puente‐Fernández Daniel , Lozano‐Romero María Mercedes , Montoya‐Juárez Rafael , Martí‐García Celia , Campos‐Calderón Concepción , Hueso‐Montoro César
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To explore the attitude of nursing professionals towards death.

Design

Systematic qualitative review methods were used.

Methods

A search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and CUIDEN databases. This study included 17 articles.

Findings

Thirteen categories emerged, which were grouped into three themes: meanings and feelings during the dying process; coping strategies in the face of death; and the importance of training, experience, and providing a dignified death. In the different accounts of the participants, it was found that death had a large negative emotional impact on them, that the participants complained about the lack of previous training in the care of dying patients, and that avoiding these complex situations was one of the strategies most commonly used by professionals to face the death of a patient.

Conclusions

The lack of training in the basic care of terminally ill patients, as well as today’s preconceived negative idea about death, both cause health professionals to experience situations of great stress and frustration resulting, on many occasions, in resorting to avoidance of these situations, thus preventing dying with dignity.

Clinical Relevance

In this article, we explore the consequences of this process for nursing professionals, common coping strategies, and possible areas for improvement, such as the need for the training of nursing professionals in the care of terminally ill patients and their families.
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE CENTRAL IRAN BASIN
Authors: Abbasi G. , Motamedi H. , Orang K. , Nickandish A. A.
Published: March 2020

Eocene extension and magmatism in Central Iran was followed by late Eocene – early Oligocene uplift, erosion, volcanism and the deposition of the continental and evaporitic sediments of the Lower Red Formation. During the late Oligocene – early Miocene, an extensional (or transtensional) phase occurred with the deposition of the limestones and marls of the Qom Formation, followed by the evaporitic deposits or mudstones of the basal part of the Upper Red Formation. Since the late Miocene, compression has resulted in regional shortening and uplift, with the deposition of the thick, clastic‐dominated upper part of the Upper Red Formation and the overlying conglomeratic unit.

Between 1951 and 2016, a total of 45 exploration, appraisal and development wells were drilled across the western part of the Central Iran Basin where the Alborz, Sarajeh and Aran fields are hydrocarbon discoveries. Traps at these fields are NW‐SE oriented detachment folds formed during the late Miocene – Pliocene. Porous and fractured limestones in the Qom e‐member are the principal reservoir units, and are capped by evaporites or mudstones in the basal part of the Upper Red Formation. Organic‐rich mudstones in the Qom e‐ and c‐members together with shales in the Jurassic Shemshak Formation are potential source rocks.

An overview of 80 years of exploration efforts in the western part of the Central Iran Basin suggests that the main reasons for the general lack of success include drilling‐associated problems, poor reservoir characteristics, lack of hydrocarbon charge, and underestimating the thickness of the overburden on top of the Qom reservoir.
Chlorocladiella gen. nov. (Pithophoraceae, Cladophorales, Chlorophyta), Including Four New Species From Various Freshwater Habitats in China
Authors: Zhu Huan , Sun Hui , Zhao Zhijuan , Liu Xudong , Liu Benwen , Hu Zhengyu , Leliaert Frederik , Liu Guoxiang
Published: March 2020

Samples of Pithophoraceae, collected in diverse freshwater and damp terrestrial habitats from tropical and subtropical China, were characterized morphologically and ultrastructurally, and their phylogenetic position was determined based on nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. Our phylogenetic analysis resolved a novel lineage of Pithophoraceae, sister to Aegagropilopsis. Based on our phylogenetic results, morphological observations and comparative rDNA ITS2 secondary structure analysis, we propose Chlorocladiella gen. nov., characterized by a well‐developed system of prostrate filaments, and describe four new species, C. cochlea sp. nov., C. erecta sp. nov., C. medogensis sp. nov., and C. pisformis sp. nov. Two species were found growing on damp soil, which is an unusual habitat for cladophoralean green algae, indicating that the diversity of Cladophorales in terrestrial habitats may be greater than currently recognized.
2D shear wave liver elastography by Aixplorer to detect portal hypertension in cirrhosis: An individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Thiele Maja , Hugger Mie B. , Kim Yongsoo , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel , Elkrief Laure , Jansen Christian , Verlinden Wim , Allegretti Giulia , Israelsen Mads , Stefanescu Horia , Piscaglia Fabio , García‐Pagán Juan C. , Franque Sven , Berzigotti Annalisa , Castera Laurent , Jeong Woo K. , Trebicka Jonel , Krag Aleksander
Published: March 2020

Background & Aims

Liver stiffness measured with 2‐dimensional shear wave elastography by Supersonic Imagine (2DSWE‐SSI) is well‐established for fibrosis diagnostics, but non‐conclusive for portal hypertension.

Methods

We performed an individual patient data meta‐analysis of 2DSWE‐SSI to identify clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), severe portal hypertension and large varices in cirrhosis patients, using hepatic venous pressure gradient and upper endoscopy as reference. We used meta‐analytical integration of diagnostic accuracies with optimized rule‐out (sensitivity‐90%) and rule‐in (specificity‐90%) cut‐offs.

Results

Five studies from seven centres shared data on 519 patients. After exclusion, we included 328 patients. Eighty‐nine (27%) were compensated and 286 (87%) had CSPH. 2DSWE‐SSI < 14 kPa ruled out CSPH with a summary AUROC (sROC), sensitivity and specificity of 0.88, 91% and 37%, and correctly classified 85% of patients, with minimal between‐study heterogeneity. The false negative rate was 60%, of which decompensated patients accounted for 78%. 2DSWE‐SSI ≥ 32 kPa ruled in CSPH with sROC, sensitivity, specificity and correct classifications of 0.83, 47%, 89% and 55%. In a subgroup analysis, the 14 kPa cut‐off showed consistent sensitivity and higher specificity for patients with compensated cirrhosis, without ascites, viral aetiology or BMI < 25 kg/m2. 2DSWE‐SSI ruled out severe portal hypertension and large varices with fewer correctly classified and lower sROC, and with minimal benefit for ruling in.

Conclusion

Liver stiffness using 2‐dimensional shear wave elastography below 14 kPa may be used to rule out clinically significant portal hypertension in cirrhosis patients, but this would need validation in populations of compensated liver disease. 2DSWE‐SSI cannot predict varices needing treatment.
Exogenous cholesterol prevents cryocapacitation‐like changes, membrane fluidity, and enhances in vitro fertility in bubaline spermatozoa
Authors: Rajoriya Jeetendra Singh , Prasad Jai Kishan , Ramteke Snehal Shalik , Perumal Ponraj , De Arun Kumar , Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Bag Sadhan , Raje Archana , Singh Mahak , Kumar Anuj , Kumaresan Arumugam
Published: March 2020

A study was conducted to determine the optimum dosage of the exogenous cholesterol‐loaded cyclodextrins (CLC) to get maximum cryoprotection for bubaline spermatozoa. In the present study, 120 × 106 spermatozoa were incubated in 2, 3 and 4 mg of CLC as grouped as Gr II, III and IV, respectively, and sperm progressive motility, intracellular Ca2+, capacitation status by protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) assay and zona binding per cent (ZBP) and cleavage rate (CR) of the cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa by in vitro fertility assay were assessed in comparison with an untreated control group (Gr I). Results revealed that there was a significant (p < .05) linear decrease in percentage of sperm population with higher intracellular Ca2+ and percentage of sperm population with medium or high capacitated by PTP in CLC treated from 2 to 3 mg and then increased to 4 mg/120 × 106 spermatozoa whereas sperm progressive motility, percentage of sperm population with low capacitated, ZBP and CR were increased significantly (p < .05) in sperm population treated from 2 to 3 mg CLC and then decreased to 4 mg/120 × 106 spermatozoa. The study has clearly indicated that CLC at 3 mg/120 × 106 spermatozoa has maximum beneficial effects in protection of sperm progressive motility, membrane fluidity (low intracellular Ca2+); prevention of cryocapacitation (low capacitation pattern in immunolocalization) and enhancement of in vitro ZBP and CR. Post‐thaw motility of the CLC‐treated sperm has shown positively significant (p < .05) correlation with sperm population with low intracellular Ca2+, low capacitated sperm population, ZBP and CR, whereas it was negatively (p < .05) correlated with sperm population with high intracellular Ca2+, medium or high capacitated sperm. The present study has revealed for the first time that incubation of spermatozoa with CLC of higher dose (>3 mg/120 × 106 spermatozoa) had adverse effects on sperm cryopreservation, although incubation of sperm with 3 mg/120 million prior to processing had minimised the freezing–thawing‐associated damages in bubaline species.
Combination of minimum wiping pressure and number of wipings that can remove pseudo‐skin dirt: A digital image color analysis
Authors: Konya Issei , Shishido Inaho , Ito Yoichi M. , Yano Rika
Published: March 2020

Background

Excessive wiping friction in skin care may lead to skin damage. Bed baths are required to remove skin dirt without affecting the skin barrier function; the wiping pressure and number of wipings that satisfy these two requirements have not been clarified. This study aimed to determine the minimum wiping pressure and number of wipings that can remove skin dirt.

Materials and Methods

In this quasi‐experimental study, 50 healthy adults received an adhesion of pseudo‐oily and aqueous dirt, randomly assigned to the left and right forearms. Each participant was wiped three times with wiping pressure classified into six randomly assigned categories. The dirt removal rate was calculated by color‐analyzing images captured before and after each wiping, and its dependence on the combination of wiping pressure and number of wipings was assessed using a linear mixed model.

Results

The combinations achieving oily dirt removal rates of 80% or more were wiping once and pressure ≥50 mmHg, wiping twice and pressure ≥40 mmHg, and wiping thrice and pressure ≥10 mmHg. Aqueous dirt was removed almost completely by wiping once, even with pressure ≥5 mmHg.

Conclusion

Wiping with at least 10 mmHg or more three times can sufficiently remove both oily and aqueous dirt. Dirt removal rates with weak pressure can be made about as effective as those achieved with strong pressure by increasing the number of wipings. This result can be applied to daily nursing, home care, and long‐term care health facilities.
The immune checkpoints Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 and Lymphocyte activation gene‐3 expression is up‐regulated in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Radwan Sara M. , Elleboudy Nooran S. , Nabih Nermeen A. , Kamal Amany M.
Published: March 2020

One of the fundamental hallmarks of cancer is the incapacity of the immune system to eliminate malignancy. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) and lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG‐3) are considered major inhibitory immune checkpoints expressed on T cells. In this study, we investigated mRNA expression of CTLA‐4 and LAG‐3, as well as their diagnostic and prognostic value in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The study involved 60 AML patients and 15 controls. Significantly up‐regulated CTLA‐4 (P = .005) and LAG‐3 (P = .02) mRNA expressions were found in AML patients as compared with the healthy control group. AML patients with unfavorable prognosis also showed significant up‐regulation of CTLA‐4 (P = .006) and LAG‐3 (P = .001) mRNA expressions as compared with those with favorable prognosis. Moreover, multiple stepwise linear regression analysis confirmed that patients prognosis was an independent predictor of both CTLA‐4 (P = .003) and LAG‐3 (P < .001) expression levels. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve using combined CTLA‐4 and LAG‐3 expression showed good diagnostic value for AML (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80, sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 80% for a cut‐off probability >.619) as well as moderate predictive value for unfavorable prognosis (AUC = 0.760, sensitivity = 70%, specificity =100% for a cut‐off probability >.617). It is clear from this current study that both CTLA‐4 and LAG‐3 may be promising prognostic markers in AML patients.
Performance evaluation and modelling of an integrated municipal wastewater treatment system using neural networks
Authors: Mokhtari Habib A. , Bagheri Majid , Mirbagheri Sayed Ahmad , Akbari Ali
Published: March 2020

This study evaluates and models the impacts of employing biofilm carriers in sequencing batch reactors (SBR). A neural network (NN) was used to predict contaminants in the effluent and analyse the importance of operating parameters. With a hydraulic retention time of 7 h, the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorous (TP), and total suspended solids (TSS) were 85, 82, and 98.9%, respectively. The removal efficiency of COD, TP, and TSS in our hybrid system was superior to regular single SBR systems. The training procedure of the NN model was successful and almost a perfect match was achieved between predicted values and experimental values. For all models predicting effluent COD, TP, and TSS, the correlation coefficient was higher than 0.99, and mean squared error approached zero. The analysis of input parameters demonstrated that influent concentration is a significant factor in the modelling of effluent characteristics.
Active Flow Control of a Pump-Induced Wall-Normal Vortex With Steady Blowing
Authors: Liu Qiong , An Byungjin , Nohmi Motohiko , Obuchi Masashi , Taira Kunihiko
Published: March 2020

The emergence of a submerged vortex upstream of a pump can reduce pump intake efficiency and cause structural damage. In this study, we consider the use of active flow control with steady blowing to increase the pressure distribution within a single-phase pump-induced wall-normal vortex model, which is based on the Burgers vortex with a no-slip boundary condition prescribed along its symmetry plane. The goal of our control is to modify the vortex core velocity profile. These changes are sought to increase the core pressure such that detrimental effects on the pump are alleviated. Three-dimensional direct numerical simulations are performed to examine the dynamics of the vortex with the application of axial momentum injection at and around the root of the vortex. We find that the active flow control approach can effectively modify the wall-normal vortical structure and significantly increase the low-core pressure by up to 81% compared to that of the uncontrolled case. The result shows that the control setup is also effective when it is introduced in an off-centered manner. Compared to the unsteady blowing and suction-based actuation from our previous work (Liu, Q., An, B., Nohmi, M., Obuchi, M., and Taira, K., 2018, “Core-Pressure Alleviation for a Wall-Normal Vortex by Active Flow Control,” J. Fluid Mech., 853, p. R1.), the current steady control technique offers an effective and simple flow control setup that can support robust operations of pumps.
After Brexit, U.K. budget offers boost to science
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: March 2020

Unprecedented increase includes money to set up high-risk research agency.
Stress granules sense metabolic stress at the plasma membrane and potentiate recovery by storing active Pkc1
Authors: Amen Triana , Kaganovich Daniel
Published: March 2020

Subcortical structures called eisosomes promote the formation of stress granules during nutrient stress in yeast.
Chlamydia
Deficient in Plasmid-Encoded pGP3 Is Prevented from Spreading to Large Intestine
Authors: Huo Zhi , He Conghui , Xu Ying , Jia Tianjun , Wang Jie , Zhong Guangming
Published: March 2020

The cryptic plasmid pCM is critical for chlamydial colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, orally inoculated plasmid-free
Chlamydia
sp. was still able to colonize the gut. Surprisingly, orally inoculated
Chlamydia
sp. deficient in only plasmid-encoded pGP3 was no longer able to colonize the gut. A comparison of live organism recoveries from individual gastrointestinal tissues revealed that pGP3-deficient
Chlamydia
sp. survived significantly better than plasmid-free
Chlamydia
sp.
Contributions of a LysR Transcriptional Regulator to Listeria monocytogenes Virulence and Identification of Its Regulons
Authors: Abdelhamed Hossam , Ramachandran Reshma , Narayanan Lakshmi , Ozdemir Ozan , Cooper Acacia , Olivier Alicia K. , Karsi Attila , Lawrence Mark L.
Published: March 2020

Listeria monocytogenes
is the causative agent of listeriosis, an infectious and fatal disease of animals and humans. In this study, we have shown that
lysR
contributes to
Listeria
pathogenesis and replication in cell lines. We also highlight the importance of
lysR
in regulating the transcription of genes involved in different pathways that might be essential for the growth and persistence of
L. monocytogenes
in the host or under nutrient limitation. Better understanding
L. monocytogenes
pathogenesis and the role of various virulence factors is necessary for further development of prevention and control strategies.
Comparative Analysis of RNA Virome Composition in Rabbits and Associated Ectoparasites
Authors: Mahar Jackie E. , Shi Mang , Hall Robyn N. , Strive Tanja , Holmes Edward C.
Published: March 2020

Ectoparasites play an important role in the transmission of many vertebrate-infecting viruses, including Zika and dengue viruses. Although it is becoming increasingly clear that invertebrate species harbor substantial virus diversity, it is unclear how many of the viruses carried by invertebrates have the potential to infect vertebrate species. We used the European rabbit (
Oryctolagus cuniculus
) as a model species to compare virome compositions in a vertebrate host and known associated ectoparasite mechanical vectors, in this case, fleas and blowflies. In particular, we aimed to infer the extent of viral transfer between these distinct types of host. Our analysis revealed that despite extensive viral diversity in both rabbits and associated ectoparasites, and the close interaction of these vertebrate and invertebrate species, biological viral transmission from ectoparasites to vertebrate species is rare. We did, however, find evidence to support the idea of a role of blowflies in transmitting viruses without active replication in the insect.
Estrogen Attenuates the Growth of Human Papillomavirus-Positive Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bristol Molly L. , James Claire D. , Wang Xu , Fontan Christian T. , Morgan Iain M.
Published: March 2020

Human papillomaviruses cause around 5% of all human cancers, yet there are no specific antiviral therapeutic approaches available for combatting these cancers. These cancers are currently treated with standard chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Specific antiviral reagents are desperately required, particularly for HPV+HNSCC whose incidence is increasing and for which there are no diagnostic tools available for combatting this disease. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we and others determined that the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is overexpressed in HPV+HNSCC and that elevated levels are associated with an improved disease outcome. This has led to the proposal that estrogen treatment could be a novel therapeutic approach for combatting HPV+cancers. Here, we demonstrate that estrogen attenuates the growth of HPV+epithelial cells using multiple mechanisms, supporting the idea that estrogen has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of HPV+HNSCC.
COVID-19: Knowns, Unknowns, and Questions
Authors: Weston Stuart , Frieman Matthew B.
Published: March 2020

The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from the Hubei province in China in late 2019 demonstrates the epidemic potential of coronaviruses. The rapid spread of this virus across the world in only 2 months highlights the transmissibility of this family of viruses and the significant morbidity and mortality that they can cause. We highlight the current state of knowledge of coronavirus biology while answering questions concerning the current outbreak of SARS-CoV-2.
Type III Secretion Effector VopQ of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Modulates Central Carbon Metabolism in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nguyen Anh Quoc , Shimohata Takaaki , Hatayama Sho , Tentaku Aya , Kido Junko , Bui Thi Mai Huong , Uebanso Takashi , Mawatari Kazuaki , Takahashi Akira
Published: March 2020

The metabolic response of host cells upon infection is pathogen specific, and infection-induced host metabolic reprogramming may have beneficial effects on the proliferation of pathogens.
V. parahaemolyticus
contains a range of virulence factors to manipulate host signaling pathways and metabolic processes. In this study, we identified that the T3SS1 VopQ effector rewrites host metabolism in conjunction with the inflammation and cell death processes. Understanding how VopQ reprograms host cell metabolism during the infection could help us to identify novel therapeutic strategies to enhance the survival of host cells during
V. parahaemolyticus
infection.
Short-course antibiotics for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropaenia: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Seneviratne Nicola , Yeomanson Daniel , Phillips Robert
Published: March 2020

Background

Recent research in febrile neutropaenia (FN) has focused on reducing the intensity of treatment for those thought to be at low risk of significant morbidity or mortality. This has not led to a reduced burden of treatment for either families or healthcare systems. An alternative approach is to discharge all patients who remain well after 48 hours of inpatient treatment, either with no ongoing treatment or with appropriate antibiotics if the cultures are positive. This paper aimed to demonstrate that this approach is safe.

Methods

Patients treated according to this approach in a single centre were reviewed retrospectively, with a random selection of patients from a 4-year period. Data were collected according to the Predicting Infectious Complications of Neutropenic sepsis in Children with Cancer dataset. In addition, all septic deaths over a 10-year period were reviewed in the same manner.

Results

179 episodes of FN were reviewed from 47 patients. In 70% (125/179) of episodes, patients were discharged safely once 48-hour microbiology results were available, with only 5.6% (7/125) resulting in readmission in the 48 hours following discharge. There were no septic deaths in this cohort.

There were 11 deaths due to FN over the 10-year study period. Almost all patients were identified as severely unwell in the early stages of their final presentation or had a prolonged final illness.

Conclusion

This paper indicates that the policy described provides a balance between safety and acceptability. Further work is needed to demonstrate non-inferiority and cost–benefit.
Incidence of type 2 diabetes in familial combined hyperlipidemia
Authors: Brouwers Martijn C G J , de Graaf Jacqueline , Simons Nynke , Meex Steven , ten Doeschate Sophie , van Heertum Shadana , Heidemann Britt , Luijten Jim , de Boer Douwe , Schaper Nicolaas , Stehouwer Coen D A , van Greevenbroek Marleen M J
Published: March 2020

Objective

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is common among survivors of a premature myocardial infarction. FCHL patients are characterized by visceral obesity, fatty liver, and insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and determinants of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a longitudinal cohort of FCHL pedigrees.

Research design and methods

FCHL patients, their unaffected relatives and spouses included in our baseline cohort in 1998–2005 (n=596) were re-invited to determine the incidence of self-reported T2D (that was confirmed by medical records), used as the primary outcome measure. The Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA2-IR) were used as markers of fatty liver and insulin resistance, respectively. A subset of the original cohort underwent ultrasound of the liver, and subcutaneous and visceral fat in 2002–2005 (n=275; ‘ultrasound subcohort’).

Results

Follow-up data (median: 15 years) was acquired for 76%. The incidence rate of T2D was significantly higher in FCHL patients compared with spouses (19.2 per 1000 person-years vs 2.8 per 1000 person-years; HR : 6.3, 95% CI: 2.4 to 16.8), whereas no differences were observed between unaffected relatives and spouses (HR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.3 to 2.6). Cox’s proportional hazard regression analyses showed that baseline HOMA2-IR and FLI≥60, but not waist circumference, BMI, or the FCHL affected state, were independently associated with incident T2D. Similar results were obtained in the ultrasound subcohort (median follow-up: 11 years), in which baseline HOMA2-IR and fatty liver (assessed by ultrasound) were independently associated with incident T2D.

Conclusion

This study further corroborates the suggestion that the liver plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic complications in FCHL. It supports periodical screening for T2D in this high-risk population.
Age-related trends in lipid levels: a large-scale cross-sectional study of the general Chinese population
Authors: Feng Lei , Nian Shiyan , Tong Zongwu , Zhu Ying , Li Ying , Zhang Chunting , Bai Xuejing , Luo Xuan , Wu Mengna , Yan Zefeng
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the dynamic trends in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with ageing.

Design

A Chinese population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

A physical examination centre of a general hospital.

Participants

Adult subjects (178 167: 103 461 men and 74 706 women) without a known medical history or treatments that affect lipid metabolism.

Main outcome measures

Dynamic trends in the above-mentioned lipid parameters with ageing were explored; turning points of age were established using age stratification and validated by fitted multivariate linear regression modelling.

Results

Age was found to be an independent factor extensively associated with lipid levels in both sexes when adjusted for serum glucose, body mass index, lifestyle, drinking and smoking. Age was positively associated with TC, logarithm-transformed TG (LnTG) and LDL-C levels in men ≤40, ≤40 and ≤60 years old (yo) and in women ≤60, ≤70 and ≤60 yo, respectively. Conversely, age correlated negatively with TC, LnTG and LDL-C levels in men ≥61, ≥41 and ≥61 yo and in women ≥61, ≥71 and ≥61 yo, respectively. TC, TG and LDL-C levels in women were initially lower than those in men but surpassed those in men in 51–55, 61–65 and 51–55 yo age groups. The trends in HDL-C levels with age were relatively irregular, although HDL-C levels in women were higher than in men for all age groups.

Conclusions

The definition of dyslipidaemia, the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment and the initiation/goals of statin therapy should fully consider age-related trends in lipid levels and sex differences.
Implementing a hybrid cognitive-behavioural therapy for pain-related insomnia in primary care: lessons learnt from a mixed-methods feasibility study
Authors: Tang Nicole K Y , Moore Corran , Parsons Helen , Sandhu Harbinder Kaur , Patel Shilpa , Ellard David R , Nichols Vivien P , Madan Jason , Collard Victoria Elizabeth Janet , Sharma Uma , Underwood Martin
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To test the feasibility of implementing a brief but intensive hybrid cognitive behavioural therapy (Hybrid CBT) for pain-related insomnia.

Design

Mixed-methods, with qualitative process evaluation on a two-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

Twenty-five adult patients with chronic pain and insomnia.

Intervention

Hybrid CBT or self-help control intervention.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes measures were the Insomnia Severity Index and interference scale of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Secondary outcomes measures were the present pain intensity rating from the BPI, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and EQ-5D-5L.

Results

Fourteen participants were randomised to receive Hybrid CBT, 11 to receive the self-help control treatment. Of the 14 in the Hybrid CBT group, 9 (64%) completed all four treatment sessions (4 discontinued due to poor health; 1 due to time constraints). Adherence to the self-help control treatment was not monitored. The total number of participants completing the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups were 12 (6 in each group; Hybrid CBT: 43%; self-help: 55%) and 10 (5 in each group; Hybrid CBT: 36%; self-help: 45%). Based on the data available, candidate outcome measures appeared to be sensitive to changes associated with interventions. Thematic analysis of pre-postintervention interview data revealed satisfaction with treatment content among those who completed the Hybrid CBT, whereas those in the self-help control treatment wanted more contact hours and therapist guidance. Other practical suggestions for improvement included shortening the duration of each treatment session, reducing the amount of assessment paperwork, and minimising the burden of sleep and pain monitoring.

Conclusion

Important lessons were learnt with regard to the infrastructure required to achieve better patient adherence and retention. Based on the qualitative feedback provided by a subset of treatment completers, future trials should also consider lowering the intensity of treatment and streamlining the data collection procedure.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17294365.
Global eye health and the sustainable development goals: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Zhang Justine H , Ramke Jacqueline , Mwangi Nyawira , Furtado João , Yasmin Sumrana , Bascaran Covadonga , Ogundo Cynthia , Jan Catherine , Gordon Iris , Congdon Nathan , Burton Matthew J
Published: March 2020

Introduction

In 2015, most governments of the world committed to achieving 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) by the year 2030. Efforts to improve eye health contribute to the advancement of several SDGs, including those not exclusively health-related. This scoping review will summarise the nature and extent of the published literature that demonstrates a link between improved eye health and advancement of the SDGs.

Methods and analysis

Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health for published, peer-reviewed manuscripts, with no time period, language or geographic limits. All intervention and observational studies will be included if they report a link between a change in eye health and (1) an outcome related to one of the SDGs or (2) an element on a pathway between eye health and an SDG (eg, productivity). Two investigators will independently screen titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening of potentially relevant articles. Reference lists of all included articles will be examined to identify further potentially relevant studies. Conflicts between the two independent investigators will be discussed and resolved with a third investigator. For included articles, data regarding publication characteristics, study details and SDG-related outcomes will be extracted. Results will be synthesised by mapping the extracted data to a logic model, which will be refined through an iterative process during data synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

As this scoping review will only include published data, ethics approval will not be sought. The findings of the review will be published in an open-access, peer-reviewed journal. A summary of the results will be developed for website posting, stakeholder meetings and inclusion in the ongoing Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health.