bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of HEXACO Traits and Experimental Provocation on Aggression
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Smederevac Snežana
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of HEXACO traits and levels of provocation on aggressive behavior. The sample consisted of 168 participants randomly assigned to no-, low- or high-provocation conditions. Aggression was induced by the Taylor Aggression Paradigm, in which participants competed in a reaction time task wherein they received “punishments,” depending on the condition. The participants were also able to deliver the punishments, which represented the measure of aggression. Results showed that Honesty-Humility had substantively negative effects on aggression, regardless of the condition. Surprisingly, Agreeableness was unrelated to aggression. The results highlight the role of Honesty-Humility in aggression.
Fish, Birds, a Few Fossils, and Other Things We’re Reading About
Authors:   AGU
Published: August 2019

What Earth and space science stories are we recommending this week?
Here Comes the Sun
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: August 2019

This August, we look at the relationship we have to our closest star for AGU’s Centennial.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Role of STAT3/p-STAT3 in Breast Cancer Patients in China: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Yue , Shi Zhixiang , Liu Jinghan , Zheng Shuyun , Yang Jinsong , Liu Yi , Yang Yuhua , Chang Feng , Yu Wenying
Published: August 2019

In order to explore the important factors in the diagnosis of breast cancer in China, meta-analysis of previous studies was performed to understand the association between STAT3/p-STAT3 and breast cancer. Information about STAT3/p-STAT3 expression and clinical data about breast cancer in China in particular were gathered from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and WanFang databases. RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0 were used to analyze the occurrence, development and metastasis of breast cancer for 2818 patients in 18 studies. STAT3/p-STAT3 expression was higher in breast cancer tissue than in normal ones (OR = 7.48, 95% CI = 5.64–9.94), in highly differentiated breast cancer tissue than in lowly differentiated cancer tissues (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.53–2.98), in III/IV stage breast cancer than in I/II stage breast cancer (OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 2.44–5.25), and in tissue with lymphatic metastasis than in normal tissues (OR = 3.72, 95% CI = 2.59–5.35), respectively. Thus, the expression of STAT3/p-STAT3 plays a clinicopathological and prognostic role in the diagnosis and treatment of Chinese breast cancer patients.
A metal-free desulfurizing radical reductive C–C coupling of thiols and alkenes
Authors: Qin Qixue , Wang Weijing , Zhang Cheng , Song Song , Jiao Ning
Published: August 2019

An intermolecular reductive C–C coupling of electrophilic alkyl radicals and alkenes has been developed.
Three helical chain-based 3D coordination polymers: solvent-induced syntheses, tunable structures and catalytic properties for the Strecker reaction
Authors: Chai Juan , Zhang Ping , Shi Xiangxiang , Sun Jing , Wang Li , Fan Yong
Published: August 2019

Three 3D Sc-CPs with different helical chains have been synthesized from isophthalic acid derivatives by solvent induced methods. Among them, 3 is optically active. Furthermore, 1 exhibits good catalytic activity for the Strecker reactions.
Improvement in the crystal quality of non-polar a-plane GaN directly grown on an SiO2 stripe-patterned r-plane sapphire substrate
Authors: Yan Shen , Die Junhui , Wang Caiwei , Hu Xiaotao , Ma Ziguang , Deng Zhen , Du Chunhua , Jia Haiqiang , Jiang Yang , Chen Hong
Published: August 2019

In this work, high-quality a-plane GaN was obtained by direct growth on a stripe-patterned sapphire substrate.
Sulfur-functionalized vanadium carbide MXene (V2CS2) as a promising anchoring material for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Yatong , Shen Jiale , Xu Li-Chun , Yang Zhi , Li Rong , Liu Ruiping , Li Xiuyan
Published: August 2019

S-functionalized V2C (V2CS2) was designed and the properties of it act as anchoring material for Li–S batteries' cathode were investigated by first-principles calculations. Compared with bare V2C and V2CO2, V2CS2 is more suitable as anchoring material.
Quantification of non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) in human serum by isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)
Authors: Yang Dongxiao , Ng Xue Qin , Walczyk Thomas
Published: August 2019

NTA·57Fe is used to capture NTBI and saturate transferrin with iron so that NTBI can be separated through ultrafiltration.
Studies of air-exposure effects and remediation measures on lithium bis(oxalato)borate
Authors: Li Chunlei , Li Zhaojuan , Wang Peng , Liu Haining , Zhao Dongni , Wang ShengXian , Li Shiyou
Published: August 2019

Changes in properties for air-exposure lithium bis(oxalate)borate and reparability study by heating method.
A formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of sulfur-containing alkylidene heterocycles with allenic compounds
Authors: Dočekal Vojtěch , Formánek Bedřich , Císařová Ivana , Veselý Jan
Published: August 2019

A convenient enantioselective synthesis of sulfur heterocycles containing the dihydro-2H-pyran moiety by quinidine catalyzed formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of 3-alkylidene benzo[b]thiophenes and allenoates is reported.
Rhizobacteria AK1 remediates the toxic effects of salinity stress via regulation of endogenous phytohormones and gene expression in soybean
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aaqil , Asaf Sajjad , Khan Abdul Latif , Jan Rahmatullah , Kang Sang-Mo , Kim Kyung-Min , Lee In-Jung
Published: August 2019

Salinity stress adversely affects the growth and productivity of different crops. In the present study, we isolated the rhizospheric bacteria Arthrobacter woluwensis AK1 from Pohang beach, South Korea and determined its plant growth-promoting potential under NaCl salt stress (0, 100, and 200 mM). AK1 has phosphate-solubilizing activity and produce siderophores, organic acids, and phytohormones such as gibberellic acid (GA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that significantly alleviate sodium chloride (NaCl) stress and increase all plant growth attributes. Furthermore, inoculation of AK1 significantly decreased endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) content, extensively regulated the antioxidant activities and mitigated NaCl stress. Similarly, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry results showed that soybean plants inoculated with AK1 significantly decreased the amount of sodium (Na+) uptake during NaCl stress after 6 and 12 days. Four genes, auxin resistant 1 (GmLAX1), potassium channel AKT2 (GmAKT2), soybean salt tolerance 1 (GmST1), and salt tolerance-associated gene on chromosome 3 (GmSALT3) were up-regulated, while two genes chloride channel gene (GmNHX1) and Na+/H+ antiporter (GmCLC1) were down-regulated in soybean AK1treated plants. In conclusion, AK1 can mitigate salinity stress, increase plant growth and could be utilized as an eco-friendly bio-fertilizer under salinity stress.
NOSS (novel optimal sleep scheduling) scheme for energy and data reliability optimisation in mobile cloud‐assisted wireless sensor networks
Authors: Siva Kumar Ganesan , Ramaswamy Kiran , Basha Adam Raja , Hariprasath Manohar
Published: August 2019

MCC is one of the best opportunities to provide reliable data transmission to the users in mobility through integration with wireless sensor networks (WSNs), and this integration of MCC–WSN enables the mobile user to receive all communication in the digitised form. Many researchers proposed the MCC–WSN integration scheme to concentrate on the delay and energy trade‐off instead of a novel optimal sleep scheduling (NOSS) scheme proposed for energy and reliability optimisation and it has three‐fold uses in implementation: (i) a selective optimal data forward method used to forward the gathered data in selective custom, which maximises the data reliability; (ii) an improved fish swarm optimisation algorithm is used to compute the awake or asleep status of each sensor node, which minimises the energy consumption; (iii) a partial priority‐based decision‐making algorithm is used to compute the best request received from the user among multiple requests. In addition, the NOSS scheme would gather and forward data in a more reliable, energy‐efficient way without affecting the scalability with robustness in comparison with the existing schemes. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed NOSS scheme in enhancing the usefulness of energy consumption and data reliability of WSNs.
Infections in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients: A 3-Year Study in a Tertiary Health Care Center, North India
Authors: Chaturvedi Deepa , Jena Pragnya P. , Tarai Bansidhar , Sandhu Kavita
Published: August 2019

Background In the neurosurgical patient community, infection rate depends on the severity of neurological injuries at the time of presentation, which is measured by the Glasgow coma score (GCS). In addition, associated comorbidities; exposure to invasive devices such as endotracheal tube, central venous catheters, and urinary catheters; and neuroscience-specific devices, such as ventricular/lumbar catheters, increase chances of infection. We share our experience from a dedicated neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) of a super speciality tertiary care hospital in north India.

Patients and Methods This is a 3-year retrospective and observational study from January 2014 to December 2016. Total 2,608 patients were admitted to NSICU during this period; 229 patients were included whose cultures were collected after 48 hours of admission and were positive. We have analyzed patient's risk factors, length of stay (LOS), outcome, organism details, and those health care–associated infections (HAI) that fulfilled the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) criteria.

Results Out of 2,608 patients admitted, 229 were culture positive after 48 hours of admission and 53 developed HAIs (53/2,608 [2.03%]). Male-to-female ratio was 2:1. One hundred three patients had a low GCS (5–8) and 126 had a high GCS (9–15). Average LOS in ICU was 6 days, and mortality was 17.4% (40/229). A total of 57 laboratory-confirmed positive cultures were identified in 53 patients. This included 35 from urine, 15 from blood, 2 from surgical wound, and 1 from respiratory tract. Among the HAI, the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 0.22, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) 3.43, catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) 5.93, and surgical site infection (SSI) 0.9%.

Conclusion Neurosurgical patients are particularly vulnerable to infection because of the formidable nature of their illness, frequency of associated trauma, and presence of invasive devices. In our study, lower rate of HAIs was observed because we have a dedicated NSICU, strict infection control practices, an appropriate antimicrobial stewardship program, and early shifting of neurosurgical patients to an appropriately staffed high-dependency unit/ward.
Size-dependent elasticity of gold nanoparticle measured by atomic force microscope based nanoindentation
Authors: Li Hu , Han Yuanyuan , Duan Tianbo , Leifer Klaus
Published: August 2019

Elasticity is one of the key properties in gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and plays an essential role in the process design and applications. In this work, we have proposed an Argon plasma based technique to obtain well dispersed and pure AuNPs without surface functional groups. Our investigation on the size-dependent elasticity focused on the AuNPs with the size ranging from 2 nm to 12 nm by using an atomic force microscope based nanoindentation technique under the peakforce quantitative nanomechanical mapping mode. The results show clearly that when the AuNPs are smaller than 6 nm, there is a significant increase in the elasticity as the smallest nanoparticles display a twofold higher elastic modulus of ∼140 GPa compared to bulk gold. Our result provides important experimental evidence that contributes to a better understanding of the size-property relations as well as process design in AuNPs, and it also can be applied to measure the mechanical properties in a wide range of nano-objects.
Central Ramsey fringe identification by means of an auxiliary optical field
Authors: Chuchelov D. S. , Tsygankov E. A. , Zibrov S. A. , Vaskovskaya M. I. , Vassiliev V. V. , Zibrov A. S. , Yudin V. I. , Taichenachev A. V. , Velichansky V. L.
Published: August 2019

We propose and demonstrate a simple technique for identifying the central Ramsey fringe of pulsed coherent population trapping resonance. An auxiliary optical field is applied during the free evolution time. It suppresses the nearby fringes but does not change the amplitude of central fringe practically, which marks it out clearly. The theory based on the density matrix equations for the Λ-system configuration of levels and Ramsey interrogation that takes into account the auxiliary optical field is presented and compared to the experiment with 87Rb atoms. We also propose a technique for improving the middle- and long-term stability of compact atomic clocks.
Probing ferroelectric materials with machine learning techniques
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: August 2019

Researchers have developed and made public a machine learning analysis describing the structure and behavior of different classes of materials.
X-ray induced photodynamic therapy with copper-cysteamine nanoparticles in mice tumors
Authors: Shrestha Samana , Wu Jing , Sah Bindeshwar , Vanasse Adam , Cooper Leon N , Ma Lun , Li Gen , Zheng Huibin , Chen Wei , Antosh Michael P.
Published: August 2019

Significance

Copper-cysteamine nanoparticles can be activated directly by X-rays to produce singlet oxygen. The use of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles (conjugated with pH-low insertion peptide) can enhance the effects of X-ray–induced photodynamic therapy, to lead to improved tumor treatment in mice. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles with deeply penetrating X-rays in the treatment of mammalian cancer to overcome current limitations of low penetration, light-induced photodynamic therapy treatment that can only treat superficial cancers.
Molecular mimicry between Anoctamin 2 and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 associates with multiple sclerosis risk
Authors: Tengvall Katarina , Huang Jesse , Hellström Cecilia , Kammer Patrick , Biström Martin , Ayoglu Burcu , Lima Bomfim Izaura , Stridh Pernilla , Butt Julia , Brenner Nicole , Michel Angelika , Lundberg Karin , Padyukov Leonid , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Svenungsson Elisabet , Ernberg Ingemar , Olafsson Sigurgeir , Dilthey Alexander T. , Hillert Jan , Alfredsson Lars , Sundström Peter , Nilsson Peter , Waterboer Tim , Olsson Tomas , Kockum Ingrid
Published: August 2019

Significance

We have previously demonstrated an increased autoantibody reactivity to Anoctamin 2 (ANO2), an ion channel expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), in multiple sclerosis (MS). We now show that ANO2 antibodies recognize a fragment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1, thereby constituting an example of molecular mimicry. In this way, the immune response toward EBV may take part in and promote CNS inflammation, likely through T cells reactive with the same protein. In our very large case-control cohort, we demonstrate that the presence of ANO2 reactivity associates with a high MS risk, in particular together with HLA risk variants and high EBNA1 antibody titers, which we consider a strong argument for its relevance in MS ethiopathogenesis.
Subjective well-being in China’s changing society
Authors: Clark William A. V. , Yi Daichun , Huang Youqin
Published: August 2019

Significance

We reevaluate the level of subjective well-being in China with data from the China Household Finance Study. The analysis shows that in contrast to the decline in well-being reported in earlier studies, all groups report increased quality of life in the second decade of the 21st century. The analysis shows that the gap across rural and urban respondents is narrowing. Probit models of the levels of well-being show that social capital, measured as the perceived feelings of safety and security, community participation, and whether society is perceived to be fair, influence reported well-being. Household income, assets, health, being married, and the quality of neighborhood infrastructure, measured by availability of parks, primary schools, and hospitals, contributes positively to subjective well-being.
Paradoxical association of TET loss of function with genome-wide DNA hypomethylation
Authors: López-Moyado Isaac F. , Tsagaratou Ageliki , Yuita Hiroshi , Seo Hyungseok , Delatte Benjamin , Heinz Sven , Benner Christopher , Rao Anjana
Published: August 2019

Cancer genomes are characterized by focal increases in DNA methylation, co-occurring with widespread hypomethylation. Here, we show that TET loss of function results in a similar genomic footprint. Both 5hmC in wild-type (WT) genomes and DNA hypermethylation in
TET
-deficient genomes are largely confined to the active euchromatic compartment, consistent with the known functions of TET proteins in DNA demethylation and the known distribution of 5hmC at transcribed genes and active enhancers. In contrast, an unexpected DNA hypomethylation noted in multiple
TET
-deficient genomes is primarily observed in the heterochromatin compartment. In a mouse model of T cell lymphoma driven by TET deficiency (
Tet2/3 DKO
T cells), genomic analysis of malignant T cells revealed DNA hypomethylation in the heterochromatic genomic compartment, as well as reactivation of repeat elements and enrichment for single-nucleotide alterations, primarily in heterochromatic regions of the genome. Moreover, hematopoietic stem/precursor cells (HSPCs) doubly deficient for
Tet2
and
Dnmt3a
displayed greater losses of DNA methylation than HSPCs singly deficient for
Tet2
or
Dnmt3a
alone, potentially explaining the unexpected synergy between
DNMT3A
and
TET2
mutations in myeloid and lymphoid malignancies.
Tet1
-deficient cells showed decreased localization of DNMT3A in the heterochromatin compartment compared with WT cells, pointing to a functional interaction between TET and DNMT proteins and providing a potential explanation for the hypomethylation observed in
TET
-deficient genomes. Our data suggest that TET loss of function may at least partially underlie the characteristic pattern of global hypomethylation coupled to regional hypermethylation observed in diverse cancer genomes, and highlight the potential contribution of heterochromatin hypomethylation to oncogenesis.
Retinal and optic nerve degeneration in liver X receptor β knockout mice
Authors: Song Xiao-yu , Wu Wan-fu , Gabbi Chiara , Dai Yu-bing , So Mark , Chaurasiya Surendra P. , Wang Li , Warner Margaret , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: August 2019

Significance

Optic neuritis, an inflammatory disease of the optic nerve, leads to death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and impaired vision. Both LXRα and LXRβ are expressed in the retina and optic nerve. The present study reveals that deletion of LXRβ from the mouse genome leads to loss of RGC. Immunostaining of LXRβ knockout mouse eyes showed that loss of AQP4 expression and activation of microglia in the optic nerve precedes the loss of RGC. The conclusion is that RGC loss is secondary to optic nerve degeneration and that LXRβ is a promising target for the treatment of retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
Phosphatidylserine flipping by the P4-ATPase ATP8A2 is electrogenic
Authors: Tadini-Buoninsegni Francesco , Mikkelsen Stine A. , Mogensen Louise S. , Molday Robert S. , Andersen Jens Peter
Published: August 2019

Significance

Phospholipid flippases constitute the largest subfamily of P-type ATPases and have in eukaryotic organisms evolved as a central transport system for selective translocation of phospholipids across biological membranes to generate membrane lipid asymmetry, a property essential for numerous cellular processes. The importance of flippases is highlighted by severe neurological disorders and liver diseases caused by flippase dysfunction in humans. The electrogenicity of phospholipid transport by flippases has not previously been explored. We demonstrated that phosphatidylserine translocation by the flippase ATP8A2 generates electrical current, resulting from specific steps in the flippase reaction cycle moving the charged lipid head group between the membrane bilayer leaflets, and that no charged substrate is being countertransported. These findings unravel key features of phospholipid flippases.
We can(’t) do this
Authors: Griebel Tim , Vollmann Erik
Published: August 2019

Migration has been a defining topic in the discourse in Germany since the so-called “refugee crisis” in 2015. This corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis systematically reconstructs the discourse about migration in two influential German newspapers, thereby emphasizing the construction of different subject positions for people migrating to Germany. Mass media are an important arena for the fight for hegemony between discursive coalitions of culturalization regimes that are based on openness and closure respectively. The discursive space of the German discourse about migration offers multiple opportunities in this regard. In the left-leaningtaz, we detect a general trend to support an open society although some (but often contested) elements of closure are detected in this medium as well.Die Weltleans much more towards closure and the problematization of migration although it also offers a diverse array of interpellations that depend on the usefulness or threating character of people coming to Germany.
Overview of high temperature fibre Bragg gratings and potential improvement using highly doped aluminosilicate glass optical fibres
Authors: Cavillon Maxime , Lancry Matthieu , Poumellec Bertrand , Wang Yitao , Canning John , Cook Kevin , Hawkins Thomas , Dragic Peter , Ballato John
Published: August 2019

In this paper, various types of high temperature fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) are reviewed, including recent results and advancements in the field. The main motivation of this review is to highlight the potential of fabricating thermally stable refractive index contrasts using femtosecond (fs) near-infrared radiation in fibres fabricated with non-conventional techniques, such as the molten core method. As a demonstration of this, an yttrium aluminosilicate (YAS) core and pure silica cladding glass optical fibre is fabricated and investigated after being irradiated by an fs laser within the Type II regime. The familiar formation of nanogratings inside both core and cladding regions are identified and studied using birefringence measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability of the Type II modifications is then investigated through isochronal annealing experiments (up to T = 1100 °C; time steps, Δt = 30 min). For the YAS core composition, the measured birefringence does not decrease when tested up to 1000 °C, while for the SiO2 cladding under the same conditions, its value decreased by ∼30%. These results suggest that inscription of such ‘Type II fs-IR’ modifications in YAS fibres could be employed to make FBGs with high thermal stability. This opens the door toward the fabrication of a new range of ‘FBG host fibres’ suitable for ultra-high temperature operation.
Initial Characterization of a Subpopulation of Inherent Oscillatory Mammalian Olfactory Receptor Neurons
Authors: Ukhanov Kirill , Bobkov Yuriy V , Martens Jeffrey R , Ache Barry W
Published: August 2019

Published evidence suggests that inherent rhythmically active or “bursting” primary olfactory receptor neurons (bORNs) in crustaceans have the previously undescribed functional property of encoding olfactory information by having their rhythmicity entrained by the odor stimulus. In order to determine whether such bORN-based encoding is a fundamental feature of olfaction that extends beyond crustaceans, we patch-clamped bORN-like ORNs in mice, characterized their dynamic properties, and show they align with the dynamic properties of lobster bORNs. We then characterized bORN-like activity by imaging the olfactory epithelium of OMP-GCaMP6f mice. Next, we showed rhythmic activity is not dependent upon the endogenous OR by patching ORNs in OR/GFP mice. Lastly, we showed the properties of bORN-like ORNs characterized in mice generalize to rats. Our findings suggest encoding odor time should be viewed as a fundamental feature of olfaction with the potential to be used to navigate odor plumes in animals as diverse as crustaceans and mammals.
Implementing Decisions of International Human Rights Institutions – Evidence from the United Nations Human Rights Committee
Authors: Shikhelman Vera
Published: August 2019

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research about the implementation of international law. However, there has been almost no empirical research about implementing decisions of international human rights institutions. The decisions of those institutions are usually regarded as soft law, and states do not have a clear legal obligation to implement them. In this article, I bring original empirical data about how and when states implement decisions of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) in individual communications. I hypothesize that the following factors influence the readiness of states to implement the views of the HRC: (i) the level of democracy and human rights protection in the state; (ii) internal capacity; (iii) strength of civil society; (iv) type of remedy; (v) representation on the HRC; (6) subject matter of the communication. I find that the most important factor for implementing remedies granted by the Committee is the high human rights score of the state. The internal capacity of the state is also significant but to a lesser extent than found in previous studies. Also, I find a certain connection between the state being represented on the HRC and its willingness to implement the remedies.
How can multiple frames enable action on social determinants? Lessons from Australia’s paid parental leave
Authors: Townsend Belinda , Friel Sharon , Baker Phillip , Baum Fran , Strazdins Lyndall
Published: August 2019

How do public health advocates and practitioners encourage policy actors to address the social determinants of health? What strategies can be used to elevate healthy social policies onto government agendas? In this paper, we examine the case of Australia’s first national paid parental leave scheme, announced in 2009 after decades of policy advocacy. This scheme provides job-protected leave and government-funded pay at the minimum wage for 18 weeks for eligible primary care givers on the birth of an infant, and has been shown to reduce health inequities. Drawing on documentary sources and interviews (n = 25) with key policy actors, this paper traces the evolution of this landmark social policy in Australia, focusing on the role of actors, institutions and policy framings in setting the policy agenda. We find that advocates strategically deployed three different framings—for economy, gender equality and health—to drive paid parental leave onto the Government’s agenda. They navigated barriers linked to power, gender ideology and cost, shifting tactics along the way by adopting different frames in various institutional settings and broadening their coalitions. Health arguments varied in different institutional settings and, at times, advocates selectively argued the economic or gender equality framing over health. The case illustrates the successful use of strategic pragmatism to provoke action, and raises broader lessons for advancing action on the social determinants of health. In particular, the case highlights the importance of adopting multiple synergistic policy framings to draw support from non-traditional allies and building coalitions to secure public policy change.
Capsule Endoscopy Complements Magnetic Resonance Enterography and Endoscopy in Evaluating Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Prichard David O , Hamilton Zachary , Savage Thomas , Smyth Matthew , Penner Carlie , Lakhani Alam , Carroll Matthew W , Al Sarkhy Ahmed , Lemberg Daniel A , Enns Robert , Jamieson Douglas , Jacobson Kevan
Published: August 2019

Aims

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are increasingly utilized to evaluate the small bowel (SB) in Crohn’s disease (CD). The primary aims were to compare the ability of WCE and MRE to detect SB inflammation in children with newly diagnosed CD, and in the terminal ileum (TI) to compare them to ileo-colonoscopy. Secondary aims were to compare diagnostic accuracy of WCE and MRE and changes in Paris classification after each study.

Methods

Patients (10 to 17 years of age) requiring ileo-colonoscopy for suspected CD were invited to participate. Only patients with endoscopic/histologic evidence of CD underwent MRE and WCE. SB inflammation and extent were documented and comparative analyses performed.

Results

Of 38 initially recruited subjects, 20 completed the study. WCE and MRE were similarly sensitive in identifying active TI inflammation (16 [80%] versus 12 [60%]) and any SB inflammation (17 [85%] versus 16 [80%]). However, WCE detected more extensive SB disease than MRE with active inflammation throughout the SB in 15 [75%] versus 1 [5%] patient (P < 0.001). Moreover, WCE was more likely to detect proximal SB disease (jejunum and ileum) compared to MRE (85% versus 50%, P = 0.04). Overall, the Paris classification changed in 65% and 85% of patients following MRE and WCE, respectively.

Conclusions

WCE is as sensitive as MRE for identifying active TI inflammation, but appears more sensitive in identifying more proximal SB inflammation. In the absence of concern regarding stricturing or extra-luminal disease WCE can be considered for the evaluation of suspected SB CD.
Spinal Cord Ependymomas With MYCN Amplification Show Aggressive Clinical Behavior
Authors: Swanson Amy A , Raghunathan Aditya , Jenkins Robert B , Messing-Jünger Martina , Pietsch Torsten , Clarke Michelle J , Kaufmann Timothy J , Giannini Caterina
Published: August 2019

Adult spinal cord ependymomas are typically low grade and have a relatively favorable clinical course following gross total resection. We report 4 cases of anaplastic spinal cord ependymoma with MYCN amplification, an exceptionally rare finding. All cases occurred in the spinal cord of adolescent and young adult women and had morphological and immunohistochemical features of anaplastic ependymomas (World Health Organization grade III). Chromosomal microarray analysis demonstrated amplification of 2p24 (including MYCN) in all cases. One patient died 6 months after surgery. Another patient recently had removal of metastatic nodules in the thoracic region, following gross total resection and adjuvant radiation therapy of a lumbar ependymoma 1 year previously. One patient responded well after chemotherapy but died after multiple relapses 82 months after diagnosis. We found MYCN amplification reported in 2 other ependymomas, both anaplastic and arising in the spinal cord of adult females (Brain Pathol 2001;11:133–43). One patient had multiple recurrences in the spinal cord and an intracranial metastasis. Although MYCN amplification is rare in ependymomas, the current and previously reported cases suggest that this is associated with higher-grade histology, spinal location, and often unfavorable prognosis. The clinical significance and therapeutic implications of MYCN amplification in ependymomas require further evaluation.
Depth of the dynamo region and zonal circulation of the molecular layer in Saturn inferred from its equatorially symmetric gravitational field
Authors: Kong Dali , Zhang Keke , Schubert Gerald
Published: August 2019

The high-precision equatorially symmetric gravitational field of Saturn (the even gravitational coefficients J2, J4, …, J12) measured by the Cassini Grand Finale reflects its internal structure, its non-spherical shape caused by rotation and its strong zonal circulation whose location is controlled by the depth of its dynamo. We construct a four-layer, non-spheroidal (i.e. its shape is irregular) model of Saturn comprised of an inner core, a metallic dynamo region, an outer molecular envelope and a thin transition layer between the metallic and molecular regions. The model produces the even zonal gravitational coefficients that are in agreement with those measured by the Cassini Grand Finale within the error bars. Our Saturnian model reveals that (i) the observed cloud-top winds extending to any depth on cylinders cannot explain the measured coefficients J2, J4, …, J12; (ii) a deep zonal flow confined in the 20 000 km thick molecular layer is required to interpret them; (iii) the profile of the zonal flow – whose direction is sufficiently alternating with several retrograde peaks – significantly differs from that of the surface winds, implying that the observed winds are confined to a shallow layer, do not extend deeply into Saturn and do not contribute to the observed gravity; and (iv) the Saturnian dynamo can substantially affect the structure of its equatorially symmetric gravitational field by stopping the zonal-flow penetration and by changing, because of the boundary condition at the metallic and molecular interface, the distribution of the dynamic density anomalies.
A predicted deleterious allele of the essential meiosis gene MND1, present in ~ 3% of East Asians, does not disrupt reproduction in mice
Authors: Tran Tina N , Martinez Julianna , Schimenti John C
Published: August 2019

Infertility is a major health problem affecting ~15% of couples worldwide. Except for cases involving readily detectable chromosome aberrations, confident identification of a causative genetic defect is problematic. Despite the advent of genome sequencing for diagnostic purposes, the preponderance of segregating genetic variants complicates identification of culprit genetic alleles or mutations. Many algorithms have been developed to predict the effects of ‘variants of unknown significance’, typically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), but these predictions are not sufficiently accurate for clinical action. As part of a project to identify population variants that impact fertility, we have been generating clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 edited mouse models of suspect SNPs in genes that are known to be required for fertility in mice. Here, we present data on a non-synonymous (amino acid altering) SNP (rs140107488) in the meiosis gene Mnd1, which is predicted bioinformatically to be deleterious to protein function. We report that when modeled in mice, this allele (MND1K85M), which is present at an allele frequency of ~ 3% in East Asians, has no discernable effect upon fertility, fecundity or gametogenesis, although it may cause sex skewing of progeny from homozygous males. In sum, assuming the mouse model accurately reflects the impact of this variant in humans, rs140107488 appears to be a benign allele that can be eliminated or de-prioritized in clinical genomic analyses of infertility patients.
The rheumatoid synovial environment alters fatty acid metabolism in human monocytes and enhances CCL20 secretion
Authors: Rodgers Lewis C , Cole John , Rattigan Kevin M , Barrett Michael P , Kurian Nisha , McInnes Iain B , Goodyear Carl S
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and glycolysis have been implicated in immune regulation and activation of macrophages. However, investigation of human monocyte intracellular metabolism in the context of the hypoxic and inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium is lacking. We hypothesized that exposure of monocytes to the hypoxic and inflammatory RA environment would have a profound impact on their metabolic state, and potential to contribute to disease pathology.

Methods

Human monocytes were isolated from buffy coats and exposed to hypoxia. Metabolic profiling of monocytes was carried out by LC-MS metabolomics. Inflammatory mediator release after LPS or RA-synovial fluid (RA-SF) stimulation was analysed by ELISA. FAO was inhibited by etomoxir or enhanced with exogenous carnitine supplementation. Transcriptomics of RA blood monocytes and RA-SF macrophages was carried out by microarray.

Results

Hypoxia exacerbated monocyte-derived CCL20 and IL-1β release in response to LPS, and increased glycolytic intermediates at the expense of carnitines. Modulation of carnitine identified a novel role for FAO in the production of CCL20 in response to LPS. Transcriptional analysis of RA blood monocytes and RA-SF macrophages revealed that fatty acid metabolism was altered and CCL20 increased when monocytes enter the synovial environment. In vitro analysis of monocytes showed that RA-SF increases carnitine abundance and CCL20 production in hypoxia, which was exacerbated by exogenous carnitine.

Conclusion

This work has revealed a novel inflammatory mechanism in RA that links FAO to CCL20 production in human monocytes, which could subsequently contribute to RA disease pathogenesis by promoting the recruitment of Th17 cells and osteoclastogenesis.
The role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the metabolic alterations in diet‐induced obesity in rats
Authors: Marín‐Royo Gema , Rodríguez Cristina , Pape Aliaume Le , Jurado‐Lopez Raquel , Luaces María , Antequera Alfonso , Martínez‐Gonzalez Jose , Souza‐Neto Francisco V. , Nieto María Luisa , Martínez‐Martínez Ernesto , Cachofeiro Victoria
Published: August 2019

The impact of the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ was evaluated in the metabolic alterations and the adipose tissue remodeling associated with obesity. Male Wistar rats were fed either a high‐fat diet (HFD; 35% fat) or a standard diet (3.5% fat) for 7 wk and treated with MitoQ (200 μM). A proteomic analysis of visceral adipose tissue from patients with obesity and patients without obesity was performed. MitoQ partially prevented the increase in body weight, adiposity, homeostasis model assessment index, and adipose tissue remodeling in HFD rats. It also ameliorated protein level changes of factors involved in insulin signaling observed in adipose tissue of obese rats: reductions in adiponectin and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) and increases in dipeptidylpeptidase 4, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), and insulin receptor substrate 1 phosphorylation. MitoQ prevented down‐regulation of adiponectin and GLUT 4 and increases in SOCS3 levels in a TNF‐α‐induced insulin‐resistant 3T3‐L1 adipocyte model. MitoQ also ameliorated alterations in mitochondrial proteins observed in obese rats: increases in cyclophylin F and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A and reductions in mitofusin1, peroxiredoxin 4, and fumarate hydratase. The proteomic analysis of the visceral adipose tissue from patients with obesity show alterations in mitochondrial proteins similar to those observed in obese rats. Therefore, the data show the beneficial effect of MitoQ in the metabolic dysfunction induced by obesity.—Marín‐Royo, G., Rodríguez, C., Le Pape, A., Jurado‐Lopez, R., Luaces, M., Antequera, A., Martinez‐Gonzalez, J., Souza‐Neto, F. V., Nieto, M. L., Martínez‐Martínez, E., Cachofeiro, V. The role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the metabolic alterations in diet‐induced obesity in rats. FASEB J. 33, 12060‐12072 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Full-Endoscopic Visualized Foraminoplasty and Discectomy Under General Anesthesia in the Treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 Disc Herniation
Authors: Hua Wenbin , Zhang Yukun , Wu Xinghuo , Gao Yong , Li Shuai , Wang Kun , Yang Shuhua , Yang Cao
Published: August 2019

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of clinical records.

Objective.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and neurological complications of full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia for the treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation.

Summary of Background Data.

Full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy, which is our newly developed technique, has been used in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis. While the clinical effect, safety, and neurological complications of full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia are still uncertain.

Methods.

Between May 2015 and April 2017, 84 patients with lumbar disc herniation were included, and categorized into L4-L5 group and L5-S1 group according to the discectomy segment. Full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, and complications were recorded. Each patient included was followed for at least 12 months. Visual analog scale score for leg and back pain and Oswestry Disability Index score were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The modified MacNab criteria were also used to evaluate surgical effectiveness.

Results.

The mean operative time, fluoroscopy time, and hospitalization time at L4-L5 and L5-S1 were of no significant difference. The mean visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index postoperative scores were significantly improved over the preoperative scores. Intraoperative nerve injury occurred in one case at L4-L5, with a neurological complication rate of 2.1% in L4-L5 group. One case at L4-L5 suffered recurrence 2 weeks after the surgery, resulting in a recurrence rate of 2.1% in L4-L5 group. This recurrence case was treated by a second full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia.

Conclusion.

Full-endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy under general anesthesia is efficient and safe for the treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation.

Level of Evidence: 4
Efficacy and safety of Xinnaoning capsule in treating chronic stable angina (qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome)
Authors: Zhao Jun-Nan , Zhang Ying , Lan Xu , Chen Yao , Li Jing , Zhang Ping , Wu Li-Qi , Jia Shu-Ting , Liu Yue , Xu Feng-Qin
Published: August 2019

Background:

Chronic stable angina (CSA) is a cardiovascular disease with high prevalence. At present, drug treatment is still the main measure of stable angina pectoris. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history in the treatment of CSA. Qi stagnation and Blood stasis syndrome is a common syndrome of CSA. Xinnaoning (XNN) capsule is considered as an effective adjuvant treatment for CSA with the efficacy of promoting qi and blood circulation but lack of high-quality clinical evidence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XNN capsule compared with placebo by clinical trial.

Methods:

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted with a total of 240 participants diagnosed with chronic stable angina (qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome). The participants will be randomized (1:1) into groups receiving either XNN or placebo for 12 weeks. After a 2-week run-in period, they will receive either XNN or placebo (3 pills, 3 times daily) for 12 weeks on the basis of conventional therapy. The primary outcomes include changes in the integral scores of angina symptoms. The secondary outcome measures include changes in the total score of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, severity grading of angina pectoris, the number of angina pectoris per week, nitroglycerin dosage, score of seattle angina scale, serum homocysteine, incidence of cardiovascular events. Safety outcomes will also be assessed. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial.

Results:

This study will investigate whether XNN capsule can alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve quality of life of patients with chronic stable angina (qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome). The results of this study will provide clinical evidence for the application of XNN capsule in the treatment of chronic stable angina.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 03914131.
Efficacy and safety of ear acupuncture for trauma-related disorders after large-scale disasters
Authors: Kwon Chan-Young , Lee Boram , Kim Sang-Ho
Published: August 2019

Background:

This systematic review protocol describes the methods that will be used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ear acupuncture for trauma-related disorders after large-scale disasters.

Methods and analysis:

The following electronic databases will be searched up to May 2019 without language or publication status restrictions: Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycARTICLES. We will also search Korean, Chinese, and Japanese databases. Any clinical studies with original data related to ear acupuncture for trauma-related disorders after large-scale disaster will be included. Traumatic stress-related symptoms will be assessed as primary outcomes. Depression, anxiety, adverse events, and total effective rate will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. Two researchers will independently perform the study selection, data extraction, and assessment of study quality. Descriptive analyses of the details of participants, interventions, and outcomes for all included studies will be conducted. Data synthesis and analysis will be performed using RevMan version 5.3. The methodological quality of the included studies will be evaluated according to the study design.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not required because individual patient data are not included. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42019134658.
Surgical Denervation of Platysma Bands: A Novel Technique in Rhytidectomy
Authors: Trévidic Patrick , Criollo-Lamilla Gisella
Published: August 2019

Prominent platysma bands in the neck are one of the first signs of aging. There is increasing demand for surgical facial rejuvenation, including procedures to tighten skin and muscle in the neck; however, obtaining long-lasting results is a challenge. The aim of this study was to characterize the efficacy and safety of platysma muscle denervation for this indication. The authors performed surgical platysma denervation, involving selective cervical branch section simultaneously performed with rhytidectomy, in eight patients with unilateral facial paralysis (as a solution for visible platysma bands on the unaffected side of the face) and in one patient requiring aesthetic rhytidectomy (bilateral surgery). Patients were monitored for at least 3 months after surgery (in some cases, for up to 21 months). There were no major postoperative complications. Eight of the patients were unable to contract the platysma following surgery, leading to an improvement in the platysma band appearance. This study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the platysma denervation technique. Sectioning the cervical branch of the facial nerve provides a permanent solution to improve the cosmetic appearance of platysma bands and can be combined with rhytidectomy.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.