bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Breast Implant Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ng Sze , Pusic Andrea , Parker Emily , Vishwanath, Swarna , Cooter Rodney D , Elder Elisabeth , Moore Colin , McNeil John , Hopper Ingrid
Published: February 2019

Background

The Breast-Q Implant Surveillance module (BREAST-Q IS) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that asks 5 questions on satisfaction (shape, feel, and rippling) and symptoms (pain and tightness) derived from the BREAST-Q.

Objectives

We aimed to pilot BREAST-Q IS on patients within the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR), an opt-out clinical quality device registry, and explored Short Message Service (SMS) communication as a follow-up method.

Methods

Patients with a breast device surgery in the previous 10 to 15 months, age ≥18 years, with a mobile phone number, were invited to complete the 5-question PROM via SMS initially, followed by 3 phone call attempts if no response, an e-mail, and then a letter by post as a final engagement strategy.

Results

The study included 197 participants [breast augmentation (BA) = 118; breast reconstruction (BR) = 79]. Mean ± SD age was 40 ± 12 years (BA) and 44 ± 11 years (BR). Mean ± SD time since surgery was 414 ± 36 days (BA) and 413 ± 51 days (BR). The total response rate, including opt-outs, was 76%. Responses indicated that >90% of BA and >79% of BR were very or somewhat satisfied with shape, feel, and wrinkling; >70% of BA and >46% of BR reported no pain or tightness. Completion of survey via SMS was 51% (BA) and 55% (BR). Further responses were received by phone (25%, 26%), post (21%, 16%), and e-mail (3%, 3%).

Conclusions

This pilot demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and low levels of pain and tightness in patients with breast augmentation and breast reconstruction 1 year postoperatively. It also showed the effectiveness of our engagement strategy, which achieved a 76% response rate. Over 50% of respondents used SMS to reply to a 5-question PROM assessing long-term surgical outcomes. This engagement strategy will be used as BREAST-Q IS is rolled out nationally.
Proposed Guide to Lip Treatment in Caucasian Women Using Objective and Measurable Parameters
Authors: Sito Giuseppe , Consolini Luana , Trévidic Patrick
Published: February 2019

Background

The lips are a focal point of the face; however, their aesthetic proportions and effect on perceived facial beauty remain poorly defined. Perioral aging is highly individual, with several distinct and often simultaneous processes contributing to changes in lip contour and surface. These processes can affect lip volume and length, shape, and the degree of vermilion inversion.

Objectives

We aimed to develop a treatment guide for Caucasian women that combined a complete analysis of the lips (including the effects of aging) with consideration of the rheological characteristics of the products used to assist practitioners in tailoring rejuvenation treatment to individual patients.

Methods

We reviewed existing literature to analyze the parameters that make the lips of Caucasian women “attractive” and investigated the rheological characteristics of different hyaluronic fillers to provide guidance on the optimal treatment for each woman.

Results

Our numerical definition of the lips is based on 4 specific parameters: philtrum height, upper vermillion height, ratio between philtrum and upper vermillion height, and golden ratio between upper and lower vermillion height. In our opinion, conserving the length of hyaluronic acid chains results in dynamic fillers that may provide better results with lower risk of asymmetry compared with conventional products.

Conclusions

This new classification and associated treatment guideline aims to allow accurate assessment and enable practitioners to customize treatment for individual patients.
Bone-anchored maxillary protraction in unilateral cleft lip and palate: a cephalometric appraisal
Authors: Faco Renato , Yatabe Marilia , Cevidanes Lucia H S , Timmerman Hilde , De Clerck Hugo J , Garib Daniela
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cephalometric outcome of bone-

anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) in individuals with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Material and methods

The experimental group (EG) comprised 23 individuals (17 males and 6 females) with UCLP and a mean age of 11.7 years. At least 6 months after secondary alveolar bone grafting, Bollard miniplates were installed in the posterior region of the maxilla and in the anterior region of the mandible. Class III elastics were recommended to be worn for 24 hours/day for a mean time of 18 months. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was obtained before (T1) and after treatment (T2). The control group (CG) consisted of 23 individuals with UCLP matched by initial age and gender with the EG and without any orthopaedic or surgical intervention performed between T1 and T2. The interval between T1 and T2 observations was 18 months for both groups. Twenty-one cephalometric variables were analysed. Intra- and intergroup comparisons were performed using paired and independent t-tests, respectively (P < 0.05).

Results

BAMP caused a greater maxillary protrusion (SNA) and a greater decrease of Class III maxillomandibular discrepancy (ANB and Wits appraisal) compared with the CG. BAMP also caused a counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane (Occ Plane to FH) and an improvement in the molar relationship compared with controls.

Conclusions

BAMP therapy demonstrated a significant orthopaedic maxillary protraction and an improvement in the Class III skeletal pattern in UCLP.
Evaluation of an education program based on the theory of planned behavior for salt intake in individuals at risk of hypertension
Authors: Rahimdel T , Morowatisharifabad M A , Salehi-Abargouei A , Mirzaei M , Fallahzadeh H
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate an education program based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for salt intake in individuals at risk of hypertension. This randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2017 to December 2017 in Shahediyeh, Yazd Province, Iran. For this purpose, 140 people were selected and assigned to two groups of 70 each, namely, intervention and control. Data were gathered by a self-administered TPB based questionnaire, and also 24-h urinary sodium and potassium levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. The intervention group received TPB based on a training package, while the control group received no intervention. Post-test was administered 2 months after completion of the intervention. Independent and paired t-tests, χ2 and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for data analysis. All mean scores on TPB constructs increased significantly except motivation to comply and power of control for intervention group. Average salt intake decreased in intervention group compared with the control group (−4.73 g/day �0.73 versus −0.24 g/day �0.94, P < 0.001), but systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly in intervention group compared with control group. TPB can be implemented along with other approaches in educational programs to reduce salt intake. Code: IRCT201701108803N3.
From Their Perspective: The Connection between Life Stressors and Health Care Service Use Patterns of Homeless Frequent Users of the Emergency Department
Authors: Moore Megan , Conrick Kelsey M , Reddy Ashok , Allen Ann , Jaffe Craig
Published: February 2019

The perspective of homeless adults on their health care service utilization is not well studied. This article describes a study that used in-depth, semistructured interviews with 18 individuals to highlight the viewpoints of homeless people who are frequent users of the emergency department (ED) about the influence of life events on service utilization. Participants reported high levels of pain and comorbid psychiatric, substance use, and medical conditions. They also reported an identifiable pattern of health care utilization, often centered on a crisis event, influenced by high perceived medical needs, inability to cope after crisis, predisposing vulnerability from social determinants of health, and health care system factors. A social work case management intervention often led to a period of stability and use of ED alternatives. Modifiable targets for intervention at the health care system and local levels include improving trust and convenience of ED alternatives, enhancing consistency of care at ED-alternative sites, and educating those at risk of frequent ED use about community alternatives.
Gender equity in mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases: data from 16 countries
Authors: Cohn Daniel A , Kelly Maureen P , Bhandari Kalpana , Zoerhoff Kathryn L , Batcho Wilfrid E , Drabo François , Negussu Nebiyu , Marfo Benjamin , Goepogui André , Lemoine Jean-Frantz , Ganefa Sitti , Massangaie Marilia , Rimal Pradip , Gnandou Issa , Anagbogu Ifeoma N , Ndiaye Mamadou , Bah Yakuba Madina , Mwingira Upendo J , Awoussi Marcel S , Tukahebwa Edridah M , Stelmach Rachel D , Mingkwan Pia C , Pou Bolivar , Koroma Joseph B , Rotondo Lisa A , Kraemer John D , Baker Margaret C
Published: February 2019

Background

Gender equity in global health is a target of the Sustainable Development Goals and a requirement of just societies. Substantial progress has been made towards control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) via mass drug administration (MDA). However, little is known about whether MDA coverage is equitable. This study assesses the availability of gender-disaggregated data and whether systematic gender differences in MDA coverage exist.

Methods

Coverage data were analyzed for 4784 district-years in 16 countries from 2012 through 2016. The percentage of districts reporting gender-disaggregated data was calculated and male–female coverage compared.

Results

Reporting of gender-disaggregated coverage data improved from 32% of districts in 2012 to 90% in 2016. In 2016, median female coverage was 85.5% compared with 79.3% for males. Female coverage was higher than male coverage for all diseases. However, within-country differences exist, with 64 (3.3%) districts reporting male coverage >10 percentage points higher than female coverage.

Conclusions

Reporting of gender-disaggregated data is feasible. And NTD programs consistently achieve at least equal levels of coverage for women. Understanding gendered barriers to MDA for men and women remains a priority.
No Significant Changes to Residual Viremia After Switch to Dolutegravir and Lamivudine in a Randomized Trial
Authors: Li Jonathan Z , Sax Paul E , Marconi Vincent C , Fajnzylber Jesse , Berzins Baiba , Nyaku Amesika N , Fichtenbaum Carl J , Wilkin Timothy , Benson Constance A , Koletar Susan L , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon , Taiwo Babafemi O
Published: February 2019

In the ASPIRE trial, antiretroviral therapy (ART) switch to dolutegravir plus lamivudine (DTG+3TC) was comparable to 3-drug ART in maintaining viral suppression by standard viral load assays. We used an ultrasensitive assay to assess whether this switch led to increased residual viremia. At entry, levels of residual viremia did not differ significantly between arms (DTG+3TC vs 3-drug ART: mean, 5.0 vs 4.2 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL; P = .64). After randomization, no significant between-group differences were found at either week 24 or 48. These results show no evidence for increased viral replication on DTG+3TC and support its further investigation as a dual ART strategy.
‘Fighting Terrorism According to Law’
Authors: Zhou Zunyou
Published: February 2019

This chapter provides a detailed perspective on the evolution and rationale of the legal architecture supporting China’s counter-terrorism strategy as it has developed over the past two decades, including the development of China’s Counter-Terrorism Law in 2015. It argues that the legislative underpinnings of China’s counter-terrorism policy have been driven by the CCP’s perception that: (i) counter-terrorism decisions needed to be incorporated into law; (ii) relevant laws and penalties needed to be integrated into a cohesive whole; and (iii) organizations in charge of combating terrorism required a clear framework delineating their responsibilities and various powers to act. In practice, China’s counter-terrorism approach is framed by the CCP’s perception of it as, in the first instance, emanating from both Xinjiang and Islam. Thus, China has focused part of its strategy on efforts to deter or prevent ‘religious extremism’ through censorship of information, detecting terrorist financing, and greater cooperation with international partners
Biomedical, psychological, environmental and behavioural factors associated with adult obesity in a nationally representative sample
Authors: Cheng Helen , Montgomery Scott , Green Andy , Furnham Adrian
Published: February 2019

Objective

To identify personality, biomedical and behavioural factors associated with adult obesity in a large longitudinal sample.

Method

In total, 5360 participants with data on personality, neurological functioning, maternal smoking during pregnancy, education and occupation, physical exercise, adult self-reported BMI and obesity were included in the study. Obesity at 55 years was the outcome variable.

Results

The rates of obesity increased from 9.5 to 22.8% from age 33 to 55 years. Logistic regression analyses (adjusted estimates) showed that childhood neurological functioning (OR = 1.32: 1.07–1.63, P < 0.01), maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 1.42: 1.22–1.65, P < 0.001), educational qualifications (OR = 0.54: 0.37–0.79, P < 0.01), trait conscientiousness (OR = 0.80:0.74–0.86, P < 0.001) and physical exercise (OR = 0.87: 0.82–0.92, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of obesity at age 55 years for both men and women. Trait extraversion for men (OR = 1.16: 1.07–1.26, P < 0.001) and trait emotional stability for women (OR = 0.90: 0.82–0.99, P < 0.05) were also significant predictors of the outcome variable.

Conclusion

Biomedical, psychological, environmental and behavioural factors were all associated with adult obesity.
Ask the Midwives: A Hebrew Manual on Midwifery from Medieval Germany†
Authors: Baumgarten Elisheva
Published: February 2019

This article focuses on a chapter in a manual on circumcision written in Worms in the thirteenth century by Jacob and Gershom haGozrim (the circumcisers). The third chapter of the manual contains medical instruction on how to attend to women in labour and other gynaecological conditions. Whereas the first two chapters of the manual were published in the late nineteenth century, the midwifery chapter has only been recently examined. This article is comprised of a translation of the midwifery text(s) along with an introduction to the text and the community practices it reflects. It outlines the cooperation between medical practitioners, male and female, Jewish and Christian, and discusses the medical remedies recommended and some practices current in thirteenth-century Germany.
The Ptr1 Locus of Solanum lycopersicoides Confers Resistance to Race 1 Strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and to Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum by Recognizing the Type III Effectors AvrRpt2 and RipBN
Authors: Mazo-Molina Carolina , Mainiero Samantha , Hind Sarah R. , Kraus Christine M. , Vachev Mishi , Maviane-Macia Felicia , Lindeberg Magdalen , Saha Surya , Strickler Susan R. , Feder Ari , Giovannoni James J. , Smart Christine D. , Peeters Nemo , Martin Gregory B.
Published: February 2019

Race 1 strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, which cause bacterial speck disease of tomato, are becoming increasingly common and no simply inherited genetic resistance to such strains is known. We discovered that a locus in Solanum lycopersicoides, termed Pseudomonas tomato race 1 (Ptr1), confers resistance to race 1 P. syringae pv. tomato strains by detecting the activity of type III effector AvrRpt2. In Arabidopsis, AvrRpt2 degrades the RIN4 protein, thereby activating RPS2-mediated immunity. Using site-directed mutagenesis of AvrRpt2, we found that, like RPS2, activation of Ptr1 requires AvrRpt2 proteolytic activity. Ptr1 also detected the activity of AvrRpt2 homologs from diverse bacteria, including one in Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. The genome sequence of S. lycopersicoides revealed no RPS2 homolog in the Ptr1 region. Ptr1 could play an important role in controlling bacterial speck disease and its future cloning may shed light on an example of convergent evolution for recognition of a widespread type III effector.
Hidden in plain sight: what remains to be discovered in the eukaryotic proteome?
Authors: Wood Valerie , Lock Antonia , Harris Midori A. , Rutherford Kim , Bähler Jürg , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: February 2019

The first decade of genome sequencing stimulated an explosion in the characterization of unknown proteins. More recently, the pace of functional discovery has slowed, leaving around 20% of the proteins even in well-studied model organisms without informative descriptions of their biological roles. Remarkably, many uncharacterized proteins are conserved from yeasts to human, suggesting that they contribute to fundamental biological processes (BP). To fully understand biological systems in health and disease, we need to account for every part of the system. Unstudied proteins thus represent a collective blind spot that limits the progress of both basic and applied biosciences. We use a simple yet powerful metric based on Gene Ontology BP terms to define characterized and uncharacterized proteins for human, budding yeast and fission yeast. We then identify a set of conserved but unstudied proteins in
S. pombe
, and classify them based on a combination of orthogonal attributes determined by large-scale experimental and comparative methods. Finally, we explore possible reasons why these proteins remain neglected, and propose courses of action to raise their profile and thereby reap the benefits of completing the catalogue of proteins’ biological roles.
Metabolomics analysis of baicalin on ovalbumin-sensitized allergic rhinitis rats
Authors: Chen Saizhen , Chen Guirong , Shu Sheng , Xu Yubin , Ma Xiande
Published: February 2019

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem that appears in all age groups and affects approximately 15–30% of people. Baicalin has been used for the treatment of various allergic diseases, including AR. However, the metabolic mechanisms of AR and baicalin against AR have not been systematically studied. Here, ovalbumin-sensitized AR rats were used as a model, and animal behaviour, histological analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and metabolomics were used to elucidate the mechanism of baicalin for AR. The results indicated that baicalin has a protective effect on AR rats by inhibiting the release of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In addition, ovalbumin-induced AR included modulation of arachidonic acid, leukotriene A4 (LTA4), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), α-ketoglutaric acid, phosphatidylcholine PC (20 : 4/0 : 0), PC (16 : 0/0 : 0), citric acid, fumarate, malate, 3-methylhistidine, histamine and other amino acids that are involved in arachidonic acid, histidine metabolism, the TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism. Thus, AR could be alleviated or reversed by baicalin.
Stable isotopic characterization of a coastal floodplain forest community: a case study for isotopic reconstruction of Mesozoic vertebrate assemblages
Authors: Cullen T. M. , Longstaffe F. J. , Wortmann U. G. , Goodwin M. B. , Huang L. , Evans D. C.
Published: February 2019

Stable isotopes are powerful tools for elucidating ecological trends in extant vertebrate communities, though their application to Mesozoic ecosystems is complicated by a lack of extant isotope data from comparable environments/ecosystems (e.g. coastal floodplain forest environments, lacking significant C4plant components). We sampled 20 taxa across a broad phylogenetic, body size, and physiological scope from the Atchafalaya River Basin of Louisiana as an environmental analogue to the Late Cretaceous coastal floodplains of North America. Samples were analysed for stable carbon, oxygen and nitrogen isotope compositions from bioapatite and keratin tissues to test the degree of ecological resolution that can be determined in a system with similar environmental conditions, and using similar constraints, as those in many Mesozoic assemblages. Isotopic results suggest a broad overlap in resource use among taxa and considerable terrestrial–aquatic interchange, highlighting the challenges of ecological interpretation in C3systems, particularly when lacking observational data for comparison. We also propose a modified oxygen isotope-temperature equation that uses mean endotherm and mean ectotherm isotope data to more precisely predict temperature when compared with measured Atchafalaya River water data. These results provide a critical isotopic baseline for coastal floodplain forests, and act as a framework for future studies of Mesozoic palaeoecology.
Clay–graphene oxide liquid crystals and their aerogels: synthesis, characterization and properties
Authors: Ye Sisi , Yang Zhihong , Xu Jianmei , Shang Zehao , Xie Jing
Published: February 2019

The dispersions containing two kinds of layered solids—graphene oxide (GO) and exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) were mainly prepared, following which the binary aerogels were synthesized. The results indicate that the formation of liquid crystals (LCs) occurs at lower GO concentration and the birefringence becomes stronger when MMT is introduced into GO dispersion. Sol–gel transition forms in the binary suspensions with different mass fractions of MMT and GO. LCs with highly ordered alignment are observed in the gel and the fraction of LCs obviously increases with the increase in GO concentration. Moreover, the birefringence is observed in MMT–GO binary aerogels with the interconnected three-dimensional porous network, which is attributed to the ordered arrangement of MMT and GO nanosheets in pore walls. Among the aerogels with different MMT/GO ratios, the samples at the ratio of 10 : 1 show better adsorption capacity and removal percentage of cationic and anionic dyes.
Research on rolling bearing fault diagnosis based on multi-dimensional feature extraction and evidence fusion theory
Authors: Li Jingchao , Ying Yulong , Ren Yuan , Xu Siyu , Bi Dongyuan , Chen Xiaoyun , Xu Yufang
Published: February 2019

Rolling bearing failure is the main cause of failure of rotating machinery, and leads to huge economic losses. The demand of the technique on rolling bearing fault diagnosis in industrial applications is increasing. With the development of artificial intelligence, the procedure of rolling bearing fault diagnosis is more and more treated as a procedure of pattern recognition, and its effectiveness and reliability mainly depend on the selection of dominant characteristic vector of the fault features. In this paper, a novel diagnostic framework for rolling bearing faults based on multi-dimensional feature extraction and evidence fusion theory is proposed to fulfil the requirements for effective assessment of different fault types and severities with real-time computational performance. Firstly, a multi-dimensional feature extraction strategy on the basis of entropy characteristics, Holder coefficient characteristics and improved generalized box-counting dimension characteristics is executed for extracting health status feature vectors from vibration signals. And, secondly, a grey relation algorithm is used to calculate the basic belief assignments (BBAs) using the extracted feature vectors, and lastly, the BBAs are fused through the Yager algorithm for achieving bearing fault pattern recognition. The related experimental study has illustrated the proposed method can effectively and efficiently recognize various fault types and severities in comparison with the existing intelligent diagnostic methods based on a small number of training samples with good real-time performance, and may be used for online assessment.
Numerical investigations on bubble-induced jetting and shock wave focusing: application on a needle-free injection
Authors: Kyriazis Nikolaos , Koukouvinis Phoevos , Gavaises Manolis
Published: February 2019

The formation of a liquid jet into air induced by the growth of a laser-generated bubble inside a needle-free device is numerically investigated by employing the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. The three co-existing phases (liquid, vapour and air) are assumed to be in thermal equilibrium. A transport equation for the gas mass fraction is solved in order to simulate the non-condensable gas. The homogeneous equilibrium model is used in order to account for the phase change process between liquid and vapour. Thermodynamic closure for all three phases is achieved by a barotropic Equation of State. Two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations are performed for a needle-free device for which experimental data are available and used for the validation of the developed model. The influence of the initial bubble pressure and the meniscus geometry on the jet velocity is examined by two different sets of studies. Based on the latter, a new meniscus design similar to shaped-charge jets is proposed, which offers a more focused and higher velocity jet compared to the conventional shape of the hemispherical gas–liquid interface. Preliminary calculations show that the developed jet can penetrate the skin and thus, such configurations can contribute towards a new needle-free design.
Association of Functional Variants and Protein-to-Protein Physical Interactions of Human MutY homolog linked with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and colorectal cancer Syndrome
Authors: Abduljaleel Zainularifeen
Published: February 2019

The human geneMUTYHcodes for a DNA glycosylase involved in the repair of oxidative DNA damage. Faulty MUTYH protein activity causes the accumulation of G→T transversions due to unrepaired 8-oxoG:A mismatches.MUTYHgerm-line mutations in humans are linked with a recessive form of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and colorectal cancer predisposition. We studied the repair capacity of variants identified in MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) patients. MAP is inherited in an autosomal recessive type due to mutations in MUTYH (Y165C, G382D, P54S, A22V, Q63R, G45D, S136P and N43S), indicating that both copies of the gene become inactivated. However, the parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition may serve as carriers, each harboring one copy of the mutated gene without showing signs or symptoms of MAP. Six protein partners have been associated with MUTYH, four via direct physical interactions, namely, hMSH6, hPCNA, hRPA1, and hAPEX1. We examined, for the first time, specific interactions of these protein partners with MAP-associated MUTYH mutants using molecular dynamics simulations. The approach provided tools for exploration of the conformational energy landscape accessible to protein partners. The investigation also determined the impact before and after energy minimization of protein-protein interactions and binding affinities of MUTYH wild type and mutant forms, as well as the interactions with other proteins. Taken together, this study provided new insights into the role of MUTYH and its interacting proteins in MAP.
Corneal Biomechanical Alterations in Patients with Chronic Ocular Graft Versus-host Disease
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe , Pellegrini Marco , Taroni Leonardo , Bernabei Federico , Senni Carlotta , Grendele Arianna , Scorcia Vincenzo , Campos Emilio C
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To compare corneal biomechanics between patients with ocular graft versus-host disease (oGVHD) and healthy subjects (controls), and to further correlate these values with ocular and hematological characteristics.

Materials and Methods

The following procedures were performed in oGVHD patients and controls: Schirmer test (ST), break-up time (BUT), corneal and conjunctival staining, tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) assay (InflammaDry test, Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc, Sarasota, FL). Corneal biomechanics were calculated by using ocular response analyzer (ORA, Reichert Instruments, Depew, New York, USA). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables between oGVHD patients and controls. Correlations of corneal biomechanics with ocular and hematological parameters were examined using Spearman’s correlation.

Results

A total of 45 oGVHD patients (mean age ± SD, 51.5 ± 7.1 years) and 34 controls (47.8 ± 6.1 years) were included. Patients with oGVHD showed significantly lower values of corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) compared to controls (respectively, 9.4 ± 1.8 mmHg vs 11.6 ± 1.6 and 9.7 ± 1.4 mmHg vs 12.3 ± 1.3; alwaysp<0.001). Twenty-nine of the oGVHD eyes (64.4%) were strong-positive for MMP-9, while 16 (35.6%) were weak-positive. Conversely, only 4 of the control eyes (11.8%) were weak-positive for MMP-9. In patients with oGVHD, CH was significantly correlated with corneal staining (Rs= −0.316,p= 0.035), conjunctival staining (Rs= −0.437,p= 0.003), ST (Rs= 0.390,p= 0.008), BUT (Rs= 0.423,p= 0.004), oGVHD severity grade (Rs = −0.383,p= 0.009), and MMP-9 positivity grade (Rs= −0.429,p= 0.003), while CRF was correlated only with corneal staining (Rs= −0.317,p= 0.034).

Conclusions

Corneal biomechanics are reduced in patients with oGVHD, and CH is negatively correlated with disease severity grade and MMP-9 tear levels.
The Process Pathway Model of bacterial growth
Authors: Biro Daniel , Pechuan Ximo , Lambros Maryl , Bergman Aviv
Published: February 2019

The growth profile of microorganisms in an enclosed environment, such as a bioreactor or flask, is a well studied and characterized system. Despite a long history of examination, there are still many competing mathematical models used to describe an output of the microorganisms, namely the number of bacteria as a function of time. However, these descriptions are either purely phenomenological and give no intuition as to the biological mechanisms underlying the growth curves, or extremely complex and become computationally unfeasible at the population level. In this paper, we develop the Process Pathway Model by modifying a model of sequential processes, which was first used to model robustness in metabolic pathways, and demonstrate that the Process Pathway Model encapsulates many features and temperature dependence of bacterial growth. We verify the predictions of the model against growth data for multiple species of microorganisms, and confirm that the model generates accurate predictions on temperature dependence of bacterial growth. The model has five free parameters, and the simplifying assumptions used to build the model are built upon biologically realistic notions. The Process Pathway Model accurately models a microorganism’s growth profile at an intermediate level of complexity that is computationally feasible. This model can be used as both an conceptual model for thinking about systems of bacterial growth, as well as a computational model that operates at level of complexity that is amenable to large scale simulation. This balance in accuracy and intuitiveness was accomplished by using realistic biological assumptions to simplify the underlying biology, which may point the way forward for future models of this type.
Evaluating Invasive EEG Implantations in Medically Refractory Epilepsy with Functional Scalp EEG Recordings and Structural Imaging Data
Authors: Palepu Anil , Li Adam , Fitzgerald Zachary , Hu Katherine , Costacurta Julia , Bulacio Juan , Martinez-Gonzalez Jorge , Sarma Sridevi V.
Published: February 2019

Seizures in patients with medically refractory epilepsy (MRE) epilepsy cannot be controlled with drugs. For focal MRE, seizures originate in the epileptogenic zone (EZ), which is the minimum amount of cortex that must be treated to be seizure free. Localizing the EZ is often a laborious process wherein clinicians first inspect scalp EEG recordings during several seizure events, and then formulate an implantation plan for subsequent invasive monitoring. The goal of implantation is to place electrodes into the brain region covering the EZ. Then, during invasive monitoring, clinicians visually inspect intracranial EEG recordings to more precisely localize the EZ. The EZ is then surgically removed. Unfortunately surgical success rates average at 50%. Such grim outcomes call for analytical assistance in creating more accurate implantation plans from scalp EEG. In this paper, we introduce a method that combines imaging data (CT and MRI scans) with scalp EEG to derive an implantation distribution. Specifically, scalp EEG data recorded over a seizure event is converted into a time-gamma frequency map, which is then processed to derive a spectrally annotated implantation distribution (SAID). The SAID represents a distribution of gamma power in each of the eight cortical lobe/hemisphere partitions. We applied this method to 4 MRE patients who underwent treatment, and found that the SAID distribution overlapped more with clinical implantations in success cases than in failed cases. These preliminary findings suggest that the SAID may help in improving EZ localization accuracy and surgical outcomes.
A late Permian ichthyofauna from the Zechstein Basin, Lithuania-Latvia Region
Authors: Dankina-Beyer Darja , Spiridonov Andrej , Stinkulis Ģirts , Manzanares Esther , Radzevičius Sigitas
Published: February 2019

The late Permian is a transformative time, which ended in one of the most significant extinction events in Earth’s history. Fish assemblages are a major component of marine foods webs. The macroevolution and biogeographic patterns of late Permian fish are currently insufficiently known. In this contribution, the late Permian fish fauna from Kūmas quarry (southern Latvia) is described for the first time. As a result, the studied late Permian Latvian assemblage consisted of isolated chondrichthyan teeth ofHelodussp., ?Acrodussp., ?Omanoselachesp. and euselachian type dermal denticles as well as many osteichthyan scales of the Haplolepidae and Elonichthydae; numerous teeth ofPalaeoniscus, rare teeth findings of ?Platysomussp. and many indeterminate microremains. This ichthyofaunal assemblage is very similar to the contemporaneous Lopingian complex of the carbonate formation from the Karpėnai quarry (northern Lithuania), despite the fact that Kūmas samples include higher diversity and abundance in fossil remains. The differences in abundance of microremains could possibly be explained by a fresh water influx in the northeastern Zechstein Basin margin, which probably reduced the salinity of the sea water. The new data enable a better understanding of the poorly known late Permian fish diversity from the Lithuania-Latvia Region.
Viruses rule over adaptation in conserved human proteins
Authors: Castellano David , Uricchio Lawrence H. , Munch Kasper , Enard David
Published: February 2019

Adaptive evolution often involves fast-evolving proteins, and the fastest-evolving proteins in primates include antiviral proteins engaged in an arms race with viruses1-3. Even though fast-evolving antiviral proteins are the most studied cases of primate host adaptation against viruses, viruses predominantly interact with host proteins that are broadly conserved between distant species in order to complete their replication cycle4. Broadly conserved proteins are generally viewed as playing a negligible role in adaptive evolution. Here, we used a dataset of ~4,500 human proteins known to physically interact with viruses (VIPs for Virus-Interacting Proteins), to test the involvement of broadly conserved proteins in adaptive evolution against viruses. We found that VIPs conserved between animals and fungi have experienced not only high rates of adaption, but also strong adaptive events. Broadly conserved proteins that do not interact with viruses experienced very little adaptation. As a result, the arms race with viruses explains more than 75% of adaptation in the most phylogenetically conserved subset of the human proteome. Our results imply that broadly conserved proteins have played a significant role in adaptation, and that viruses were likely one of very few selective pressures that were able to force the conserved, central pillars of host cellular functions to adapt during evolution.
Case-only analysis of gene-environment interactions using polygenic risk scores
Authors: Meisner Allison , Kundu Prosenjit , Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: February 2019

Investigations of gene (G)-environment (E) interactions have led to limited findings to date, possibly due to weak effects of individual genetic variants. Polygenic risk scores (PRS), which capture the genetic susceptibility associated with a set of variants, can be a powerful tool for detecting global patterns of interaction. Motivated by the case-only method for evaluating interactions with a single variant, we propose a case-only method for the analysis of interactions with a PRS in case-control studies. Assuming the PRS and E are independent, we show how a linear regression of the PRS on E in a sample of cases can be used to efficiently estimate the interaction parameter. Furthermore, if an estimate of the mean of the PRS in the underlying population is available, the proposed method can estimate the PRS main effect. Extensions allow for PRS-E dependence due to associations between variants in the PRS and E. Simulation studies indicate the proposed method offers appreciable gains in efficiency over logistic regression and can recover much of the efficiency of a cohort study. As an illustration, we apply the proposed method to investigate interactions between a PRS and epidemiologic factors on breast cancer risk in the UK Biobank study.
Transcriptome stability profiling using 5’-bromouridine IP chase (BRIC-seq) identifies novel and functional microRNA targets in human melanoma cells
Authors: Joshi Piyush , Seki Tatsuya , Kitamura Shinobu , Bergano Andrea , Lee Bongyong , Perera Ranjan J.
Published: February 2019

RNA half-life is closely related to its cellular physiological function, so stability determinants may have regulatory functions. Micro(mi)RNAs have primarily been studied with respect to post-transcriptional mRNA regulation and target degradation. Here we study the impact of the tumor suppressive melanoma miRNA miR-211 on transcriptome stability and phenotype in the non-pigmented melanoma cell line, A375. Using 5’-bromouridine IP chase (BRIC)-seq, transcriptome-wide RNA stability profiles revealed highly regulated genes and pathways important in this melanoma cell line. By combining BRIC-seq, RNA-seq and in silico predictions, we identified both existing and novel direct miR-211 targets. We validated DUSP3 as one such novel miR-211 target, which itself sustains colony formation and invasion in A375 cells via MAPK/PI3K signaling. miRNAs have the capacity to control RNA turnover as a gene expression mechanism, and RNA stability profiling is an excellent tool for interrogating functionally relevant gene regulatory pathways and miRNA targets when combined with other high-throughput and in silico approaches.
A single-cell reference map for human blood and tissue T cell activation reveals functional states in health and disease
Authors: Szabo Peter A. , Levitin Hanna Mendes , Miron Michelle , Snyder Mark E. , Senda Takashi , Yuan Jinzhou , Cheng Yim Ling , Bush Erin C. , Dogra Pranay , Thapa Puspa , Farber Donna L. , Sims Peter A.
Published: February 2019

Human T cells coordinate adaptive immunity by localization in diverse tissue sites, though blood T cells are the most readily studied. Here, we used single-cell RNA-seq to define the functional responses of T cells isolated from human lungs, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood to TCR-stimulation. We reveal how human T cells in tissues relate to those in blood, and define activation states for CD4+ and CD8+T cells across all sites, including an interferon-response state for CD4+T cells and distinct effector states for CD8+T cells. We further show how profiles of individual tumor-associated T cells can be projected onto this healthy reference map, revealing their functional state.
The allosteric mechanism of substrate-specific transport in SLC6 is mediated by a volumetric sensor
Authors: LeVine Michael V. , Terry Daniel S. , Khelashvili George , Siegel Zarek S. , Quick Matthias , Javitch Jonathan A. , Blanchard Scott C. , Weinstein Harel
Published: February 2019

Neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSS) in the SLC6 family terminate neurotransmission by coupling the thermodynamically favorable transport of ions to the thermodynamically unfavorable transport of neurotransmitter back into presynaptic neurons. While a combination of structural, functional, and computational studies on LeuT, a bacterial NSS homolog, has provided critical insight into the mechanism of sodium-coupled transport, the mechanism underlying substrate-specific transport rates is still not understood. We present a combination of MD simulations, single-molecule FRET imaging, and measurements of Na+ binding and substrate transport that reveal an allosteric mechanism in which residues F259 and I359 in the substrate binding pocket couple substrate binding to Na+ release from the Na2 site through allosteric modulation of the stability of a partially-open, inward-facing state. We propose a new model for transport selectivity in which the two residues act as a volumetric sensor that inhibits the transport of bulky amino acids.
IL-27 receptor signaling regulated stress myelopoiesis drives Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm development
Authors: Peshkova Iuliia O. , Aghayev Turan , Fatkhullina Aliia R. , Makhov Petr , Eguchi Satoru , Tan Yin Fei , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Sykes Stephen , Koltsova Ekaterina K.
Published: February 2019

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease, where aortic wall degradation is mediated by accumulated immune cells. Though cytokines regulate the inflammatory milieu within the aortic wall, their contribution to AAA through distant alterations, particularly in the control of hematopoietic stem cells proliferation and myeloid cell differentiation remains poorly defined. Here we report an unexpected pathogenic role for interleukin-27 receptor (IL-27R) in AAA development as genetic inactivation of IL-27R protected mice from AAA induced by Angiotensin (Ang) II. The mitigation of AAA in IL-27R deficient mice is associated with a blunted accumulation of myeloid cells in suprarenal aortas due to the surprising attenuation of Ang II-induced expansion of HSCs. The loss of IL-27R engages transcriptional programs that promote HSCs quiescence and suppresses myeloid lineage differentiation, decreasing mature cell production and myeloid cell accumulation in the aorta.

We, therefore, illuminate how a prominent vascular disease can be distantly driven by cytokine dependent regulation of the bone marrow precursors.
Cognate epitope recognition by bovine CD4 and CD8 T cells is essential for primary expansion of antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cells following ex vivo stimulation with a candidateMycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosispeptide vaccine
Authors: Abdellrazeq Gaber S. , Fry Lindsay M. , Elnaggar Mahmoud M. , Bannantine John P. , Schneider David A. , Chamberlin William M. , Mahmoud Asmaa H. A. , Park Kun-Taek , Hulubei Victoria , Davis William C.
Published: February 2019

Studies in cattle show CD8 cytotoxic T cells (CTL), with the ability to kill intracellular bacteria, develop following stimulation of monocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (mdPBMC) with conventional dendritic cells (cDC) and monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) pulsed with MMP, a membrane protein fromMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(Map) encoded byMAP2121c. CTL activity was diminished if CD4 T cells were depleted from mdPBMC before antigen (Ag) presentation by cDC and MoDC, suggesting simultaneous cognate recognition of MMP epitopes presented by MHC I and MHC II molecules might be essential for development of CTL activity. To clarify whether cognate recognition is essential for CTL development, studies were conducted with mdPBMC cultures in the presence of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for MHC class I and MHC class II molecules. The CTL response of mdPBMC to MMP-pulsed DC was completely blocked in the presence of mAbs to both MHC I and II molecules and also blocked in the presence of mAbs to either MHC I or MHC II. The results demonstrate CD4 T-cell help is essential for development of a primary CTL response to MMP, and indicate that cognate recognition is required for delivery of CD4 T-cell help during priming. Of importance, the findings provide support for the importance of CD4 and CD8 T-cell cognate antigen recognition in eliciting CTL responses to vaccines against intracellular pathogens. The methods described herein can be used to elucidate the intracellular interactions between lymphocytes and DC in humans and cattle.
Corrosion behavior of X65 pipeline steel in coastal areas
Authors: Sun BaoZhuang , Liao Wenju , Li Zhong , Liu Zhiyong , Du Cuiwei
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To study the corrosion behavior of pipeline steel in coastal areas, a tidal seawater macro-cell corrosion device was built using a cycle soaking tank and a macro-cell corrosion facility to simulate the corrosion behavior of pipeline steel in a simulated coastal environment (dry and wet alternations during seawater-soil corrosion macro-cell processes).

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behaviors were studied via the weight loss method, electrochemical methods and morphological observations on corrosion.

Findings

The results show that during the initial stage of tidal seawater/soil macro-cell corrosion process of the X65 steel, the working electrode on the seawater side is the anode of the macro-battery. As corrosion progresses, the anode and the cathode of the macro-battery become inverted. As the area ratio and the dry – wet ratio increase, the time of anode and cathode inversion shortens. Galvanic current density decreases as the dry – wet ratio increases and increases as the area ratio increases. The corrosion process of macro-cell is affected by the reversal of anode and cathode. After the reversal of anode and cathode, the corrosion rate is mainly controlled by dry – wet alternating corrosion.

Originality/value

The corrosion behavior of a pipeline steel in a coastal environment was studied using a tidal seawater macro-cell corrosion device. The synergism effect between the tidal seawater and seawater-soil macro-cell on corrosion behavior was clarified.
Effect of diffusion alloying time on corrosion resistance and surface conductivity of niobium-alloying-modified AISI430 stainless steel for DFAFC bipolar plate
Authors: Han Jixin , Zhang Haibang , Sun Juncai , Zhao Wenyuan , Cui Jinlong
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the surface electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of AISI430 stainless steel (430 SS) as bipolar plates for direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC).

Design/methodology/approach

The niobium diffusion layers have been successfully synthesized on 430 SS substrate by the plasma surface diffusion alloying technique under different diffusion alloying time.

Findings

The surface morphology of Nb-modified 430 SS prepared under the diffusion alloying time of 2 h is more homogeneous, relatively sleek and compact without surface micropore and other common surface blemishes. The potentiostatic and potentiodynamic polarization measurements manifest that Nb-modified 430 SS prepared under the diffusion alloying time of 2 h enormously ameliorate the corrosion resistance of bare 430 SS compared with other Nb-modified 430 SS samples and its corrosion current density is maintained at −1.4 µA cm−2in simulated anodic environment of DFAFC (0.05 M H2SO4+ 2 ppm HF + 10 M formic acid at 50 °C).

Originality/value

The effect of diffusion alloying time on the corrosion resistance and surface conductivity of Nb-modified 430 SS has been carefully studied. The Nb-modified 430 SS samples prepared at the diffusion alloying time of 2 h have the best surface electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance in the simulated anodic environment of DFAFC.