bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Check point to get adequate weight loss within 6-months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity in Asian population
Authors: Chen Chung-Yen , Lee Cheng-Hung , Lee Hui-Ming , Yin Wen-Yao , Chin Wei-Leng , Lee Ming-Hsien , Chen Jian-Han
Published: July 2020

Purpose of this study is to develope a scoring system to predict the likelihood of excess body weight loss (EBWL) ≥ 50% 6-months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). From April 2016 to September 2018, data was collected from 160 patients (BMI ≥ 32) who underwent primary LSG with at least 6-months follow-up. They were separated into score generation (operated by one surgeon, n = 122) and validation groups (operated by 3 different surgeons, n = 38). EBWL at 6-months ≥ 50% was considered adequate weight loss. Independent variables including age, gender, initial body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, life-style habits, percentage of EBWL and percentage of total body weight loss at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months were analyzed with mutivariate logistic regression to generate the scoring system. The system was applied to internal and external validation groups to determine efficacy. As results, between the score generation and internal validation groups, the only significant difference in patient characteristics was in exercise participation. EBWL at 1-month > 19.5% (1 point) and EBWL at 3-months > 37.7% (2 points) were identified as independent factors to predict EBWL at 6-months ≥ 50%. When scores were > 1, the system had 94.03% positive predictive value (PPV) and 81.82% negative predictive value (NPV) (AUC: 0.923). Internal validation scores > 1 had a 95.83% PPV and 85.71% NPV (AUC: 0.975). External validation results showed 88.59% PPV and 72.00% NPV (AUC: 0.802). We concluded that this scoring system provides a reliable, objective prediction of EBWL at 6-months ≥ 50%. Patients requiring more aggressive clinical follow-up and intervention can be detected as early as 1- to 3-months after LSG.
Long-term administration of recombinant canstatin prevents adverse cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Sugiyama Akira , Ito Rumi , Okada Muneyoshi , Yamawaki Hideyuki
Published: July 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) still remains a leading cause of mortality throughout the world. An adverse cardiac remodeling, such as hypertrophy and fibrosis, in non-infarcted area leads to uncompensated heart failure with cardiac dysfunction. We previously demonstrated that canstatin, a C-terminus fragment of type IV collagen α2 chain, exerted anti-remodeling effect against isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy model rats. In the present study, we examined whether a long-term administration of recombinant canstatin exhibits a cardioprotective effect against the adverse cardiac remodeling in MI model rats. Left anterior descending artery of male Wistar rats was ligated and recombinant mouse canstatin (20 μg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected for 28 days. Long-term administration of canstatin improved survival rate and significantly inhibited left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction after MI. Canstatin significantly inhibited scar thinning in the infarcted area and significantly suppressed cardiac hypertrophy, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, interstitial fibrosis and increase of myofibroblasts in the non-infarcted area. Canstatin significantly inhibited transforming growth factor-β1-induced differentiation of rat cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. The present study for the first time demonstrated that long-term administration of recombinant canstatin exerts cardioprotective effects against adverse cardiac remodeling in MI model rats.
Isoform-specific characterization of class I histone deacetylases and their therapeutic modulation in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chelladurai Prakash , Dabral Swati , Basineni Sobha Rani , Chen Chien-Nien , Schmoranzer Mario , Bender Nina , Feld Christine , Nötzold René Reiner , Dobreva Gergana , Wilhelm Jochen , Jungblut Benno , Zhao Lan , Bauer Uta-Maria , Seeger Werner , Pullamsetti Soni Savai
Published: July 2020

Pharmacological modulation of class I histone deacetylases (HDAC) has been evaluated as a therapeutic strategy for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in experimental models of PH. However, information of their expression, regulation and transcriptional targets in human PH and the therapeutic potential of isoform-selective enzyme modulation are lacking. Comprehensive analysis of expression and regulation of class I HDACs (HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3 and HDAC8) was performed in cardiopulmonary tissues and adventitial fibroblasts isolated from pulmonary arteries (PAAF) of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients and healthy donors. Cellular functions and transcriptional targets of HDAC enzymes were investigated. Therapeutic effects of pan-HDAC (Vorinostat), class-selective (VPA) and isoform-selective (CAY10398, Romidepsin, PCI34051) HDAC inhibitors were evaluated ex vivo (IPAH-PAAF, IPAH-PASMC) and in vivo (rat chronic hypoxia-induced PH and zebrafish angiogenesis). Our screening identifies dysregulation of class I HDAC isoforms in IPAH. Particularly, HDAC1 and HDAC8 were consistently increased in IPAH-PAs and IPAH-PAAFs, whereas HDAC2 and HDAC8 showed predominant localization with ACTA2-expressing cells in extensively remodeled IPAH-PAs. Hypoxia not only significantly modulated protein levels of deacetylase (HDAC8), but also significantly caused dynamic changes in the global histone lysine acetylation levels (H3K4ac, H3K9/K14ac and H3K27ac). Importantly, isoform-specific RNA-interference revealed that HDAC isoforms regulate distinct subset of transcriptome in IPAH-PAAFs. Reduced transcript levels of KLF2 in IPAH-PAAFs was augmented by HDAC8 siRNA and HDAC inhibitors, which also attenuated IPAH-associated hyperproliferation and apoptosis-resistance ex vivo, and mitigated chronic hypoxia-induced established PH in vivo, at variable degree. Class I HDAC isoforms are significantly dysregulated in human PAH. Isoform-selective HDAC inhibition is a viable approach to circumvent off-target effects.
Clinical and neuroimaging factors associated with aphasia severity in stroke patients: diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Lee Sekwang , Na Yoonhye , Tae Woo-Suk , Pyun Sung-Bom
Published: July 2020

This study investigated factors associated with aphasia severity at both 2 weeks and 3 months after stroke using demographic and clinical variables, brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters, and lesion volume measurements. Patients with left hemisphere stroke were assessed at 2 weeks (n = 68) and at 3 months (n = 20) after stroke. Demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging data were collected; language functions were assessed using the Western Aphasia Battery. For neuroimaging, DTI parameters, including the laterality index (LI) of fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity, mean diffusivity and fibre density (FD) of the arcuate fasciculus (AF), and lesion volume, were measured. Lesion volume, cortical involvement, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score significantly predicted aphasia severity at 2 weeks after stroke, whereas the aphasia quotient and presence of depression during the early subacute stage were significant predictors at 3 months after stroke. According to Pearson correlation, LI-AD and LI-FD were significantly correlated with the aphasia quotient 2 weeks after ischaemic stroke, and the LI-FA was significantly correlated with the aphasia quotient 2 weeks after haemorrhagic stroke, suggesting that the extent and mechanism of AF injuries differ between ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. These differences may contribute to aphasia severity.
Effects of pharmacological modulators of α-synuclein and tau aggregation and internalization
Authors: Dominguez-Meijide Antonio , Vasili Eftychia , König Annekatrin , Cima-Omori Maria-Sol , Ibáñez de Opakua Alain , Leonov Andrei , Ryazanov Sergey , Zweckstetter Markus , Griesinger Christian , Outeiro Tiago F.
Published: July 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are common neurodegenerative disorders of the elderly and, therefore, affect a growing number of patients worldwide. Both diseases share, as a common hallmark, the accumulation of characteristic protein aggregates, known as Lewy bodies (LB) in PD, and neurofibrillary tangles in AD. LBs are primarily composed of misfolded α-synuclein (aSyn), and neurofibrillary tangles are primarily composed of tau protein. Importantly, upon pathological evaluation, most AD and PD/Lewy body dementia cases exhibit mixed pathology, with the co-occurrence of both LB and neurofibrillary tangles, among other protein inclusions. Recent studies suggest that both aSyn and tau pathology can spread and propagate through neuronal connections. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanisms underlying aggregation and propagation of these proteins for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we assessed the effects of different pharmacological interventions on the aggregation and internalization of tau and aSyn. We found that anle138b and fulvic acid decrease aSyn and tau aggregation, that epigallocatechin gallate decreases aSyn aggregation, and that dynasore reduces tau internalization. Establishing the effects of small molecules with different chemical properties on the aggregation and spreading of aSyn and tau will be important for the development of future therapeutic interventions.
Successful mating and hybridisation in two closely related flatworm species despite significant differences in reproductive morphology and behaviour
Authors: Singh Pragya , Ballmer Daniel N. , Laubscher Max , Schärer Lukas
Published: July 2020

Reproductive traits are some of the fastest diverging characters and can serve as reproductive barriers. The free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano, and its congener M. janickei are closely related, but differ substantially in their male intromittent organ (stylet) morphology. Here, we examine whether these morphological differences are accompanied by differences in behavioural traits, and whether these could represent barriers to successful mating and hybridization between the two species. Our data shows that the two species differ in many aspects of their mating behaviour. Despite these differences, the species mate readily with each other in heterospecific pairings. Although both species have similar fecundity in conspecific pairings, the heterospecific pairings revealed clear postmating barriers, as few heterospecific pairings produced F1 hybrids. These hybrids had a stylet morphology that was intermediate between that of the parental species, and they were fertile. Finally, using a mate choice experiment, we show that the nearly two-fold higher mating rate of M. lignano caused it to mate more with conspecifics, leading to assortative mating, while M. janickei ended up mating more with heterospecifics. Thus, while the two species can hybridize, the mating rate differences could possibly lead to higher fitness costs for M. janickei compared to M. lignano.
Postmarketing safety surveillance data reveals antidepressant effects of botulinum toxin across various indications and injection sites
Authors: Makunts Tigran , Wollmer Marc Axel , Abagyan Ruben
Published: July 2020

The World Health Organization estimates the number of people suffering from depression to be over 264 million. Current monoamine transmission modulating therapeutics, even with proper adherence and acceptable tolerability, are not effective for nearly one third of the patients, leading clinicians to explore other therapeutic options such as electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, ketamine infusions, and, more recently, glabellar botulinum toxin, BoNT, injections. The scale and mechanism of antidepressant action of BoNT is unclear and maybe hypothetically attributed to the disruption of proprioceptive facial feedback reinforcing negative emotions. Here we verify the antidepressant effect of botulinum toxin by analysis of over 40 thousand BoNT treatment reports out of thirteen million postmarketing safety reports in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, FAERS. The results of the analysis indicate that patients who received BoNT injections to treat hyperhidrosis, facial wrinkles, migraine prophylaxis, spasticity, and spasms, had a significantly lower number of depression reports when compared to patients undergoing different treatments for the same conditions. These findings suggest that the antidepressant effect of BoNT is significant, and, surprisingly, is observed for a broad range of injection sites.
Mismatch negativity indices and functional outcomes in unipolar and bipolar depression
Authors: Kim Sungkean , Baek Ji Hyun , Shim Se-hoon , Kwon Young Joon , Lee Hwa Young , Yoo Jae Hyun , Kim Ji Sun
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to explore the association between functional outcomes and mismatch negativity (MMN) activity in participants with mood disorders. The study participants were 27 subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), 29 subjects with bipolar disorder (BD), and 33 healthy controls who performed a passive auditory oddball paradigm while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Peak amplitudes and source activity of the MMN were compared across groups. Mood and anxiety symptoms were evaluated. The functional levels were the lowest in the BD group, followed by the MDD and healthy control groups. The subjects with BD had significantly lower MMN amplitudes at the frontal and frontocentral electrodes than the healthy controls. The source activity of the MMN from the left anterior cingulate cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus was significantly increased in the BD group compared to the MDD group. Significant correlations were detected between the functional outcomes and MMN amplitudes at frontal and frontocentral sites. The functional outcome was significantly correlated with left frontal regions. In conclusion, MMN activity appears to be a promising candidate as an evaluation tool for functional outcomes in mood disorders.
First report of diazotrophic Brevundimonas spp. as growth enhancer and root colonizer of potato
Authors: Naqqash Tahir , Imran Asma , Hameed Sohail , Shahid Muhammad , Majeed Afshan , Iqbal Javed , Hanif Muhammad Kashif , Ejaz Shaghef , Malik Kauser Abdullah
Published: July 2020

Rhizobacteria contain various plant-beneficial traits and their inoculation can sustainably increase crop yield and productivity. The present study describes the growth-promoting potential ofBrevundimonasspp. isolated from rhizospheric soil of potato from Sahiwal, Pakistan. Four different putative strains TN37, TN39, TN40, and TN44 were isolated by enrichment on nitrogen-free malate medium and identified asBrevundimonasspp. based on their morphology, 16SrRNAgene sequence, and phylogenetic analyses. All strains containednifH gene except TN39 and exhibited nitrogen fixation potential through acetylene reduction assay (ARA) except TN40. Among all, theBrevundimonassp. TN37 showed maximum ARA and phosphate solubilization potential but none of them exhibited the ability to produce indole acetic acid. Root colonization studies using transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed thatBrevundimonassp. TN37 was resident over the root surface of potato; forming sheets in the grooves in the rhizoplane. TN37, being the best among all was further evaluated in pot experiment using potato cultivar Kuroda in sterilized sand. Results showed thatBrevundimonassp. TN37 increased growth parameters and nitrogen uptake as compared to non-inoculated controls. Based on the results obtained in this study, it can be suggested thatBrevundimonasspp. (especially TN37) possess the potential to improve potato growth and stimulate nitrogen uptake. This study is the first report ofBrevundimonasspp. as an effective PGPR in potato.
Functional fine-mapping of noncoding risk variants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis utilizing convolutional neural network
Authors: Yousefian-Jazi Ali , Sung Min Kyung , Lee Taeyeop , Hong Yoon-Ho , Choi Jung Kyoon , Choi Jinwook
Published: July 2020

Recent large-scale genome-wide association studies have identified common genetic variations that may contribute to the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, pinpointing the risk variants in noncoding regions and underlying biological mechanisms remains a major challenge. Here, we constructed a convolutional neural network model with a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis dataset to unravel functional noncoding variants associated with ALS based on their epigenetic features. After filtering and prioritizing of candidates, we fine-mapped two new risk variants, rs2370964 and rs3093720, on chromosome 3 and 17, respectively. Further analysis revealed that these polymorphisms are associated with the expression level of CX3CR1 and TNFAIP1, and affect the transcription factor binding sites for CTCF, NFATc1 and NR3C1. Our results may provide new insights for ALS pathogenesis, and the proposed research methodology can be applied for other complex diseases as well.
Autonomous oil flow generated by self-oscillating polymer gels
Authors: Yoshimura Kyosuke , Otsuka Yuji , Mao Zebing , Cacucciolo Vito , Okutaki Takashi , Yamagishi Hideto , Hashimura Shinji , Hosoya Naoki , Sato Tasuku , Yamanishi Yoko , Maeda Shingo
Published: July 2020

The previously reported gel and polymer actuators require external inputs, such as batteries, circuits, electronic circuits, etc., compared with autonomous motions produced by the living organisms. To realize the spontaneous motions, here, we propose to integrate a power supply, actuators, and control into a single-component self-oscillating hydrogel. We demonstrate self-actuating gel pumps driven by the oscillatory Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction without electronic components. We have developed the volume oscillation of gels synchronized with the BZ reaction (BZ gel). Since the self-actuating gel pumps are driven by chemo-mechanical energy from BZ gels, the self-actuating gel pumps don’t require complex wiring designs, energy supply, and assembling. The mechanical work generated by BZ gels is extremely small. We formulated the thermodynamic cycle of BZ gels and maximized mechanical work. We found that pre-stretched BZ gel shows larger mechanical works. We physically separated the BZ gels and working fluid to create practical pumps. By using optimizing mechanical generated by BZ gels, we demonstrated the self-actuating gel pumps that transfer mechanical work through a stretchable elastomer membrane.
Critical risk analysis of metals toxicity in wastewater irrigated soil and crops: a study of a semi-arid developing region
Authors: Mahfooz Yusra , Yasar Abdullah , Guijian Liu , Islam Qamer Ul , Akhtar Amtul Bari Tabinda , Rasheed Rizwan , Irshad Samina , Naeem Urooj
Published: July 2020

Toxic elemental exposure through consumption of contaminated crops is becoming a serious concern for human health. Present study is based on the environment and health risk assessment of wastewater irrigated soil and crops in a semi-arid region Faisalabad, Pakistan. The concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni) were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometer in five different crops (Corn, rice, wheat, sugarcane and millet), while, their topsoil’s and multi targeted risks analysis were assessed. Results showed, the mean values of Pb and Zn were higher in crop than Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines for food additives and contaminants. A strong positive correlation was found among wastewater and crop’s toxic metals (r2values in Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Cr were 0.913, 0.804, 0.752, 0.694, 0.587 respectively). Whereas, a strong correlation was also found among soil and wastewater lead (r2 = 0.639). The calculations of Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI) showed the soil samples maximum pollution limit (NIPI > 3) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) was found to be higher than maximum limit (PERI > 600) for all samples. While, for non-carcinogenic risk, Hazard Index (HI) values in adult were near threshold (HI > 1) for all crop samples. In children, the HI values for Corn, Rice and Wheat were above threshold limit and for Sugarcane and Millet, these were near to threshold. Cancer risk values for Cr found higher than safe limit (1 × 10–6) in adult and children for crop samples. Crop irrigation by wastewater irrigation is a prominent alternative option for water scarce countries, however prior testing and treatment of such wastewater streams must be employed to minimize the adverse impacts on human health and environment.
Volumetric lung nodule segmentation using adaptive ROI with multi-view residual learning
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Lee Byoung-Dai , Byon Shi-Sub , Kim Sung-Hyun , Lee Byung-il , Shin Yeong-Gil
Published: July 2020

Accurate quantification of pulmonary nodules can greatly assist the early diagnosis of lung cancer, enhancing patient survival possibilities. A number of nodule segmentation techniques, which either rely on a radiologist-provided 3-D volume of interest (VOI) or use the constant region of interests (ROIs) for all the slices, are proposed; however, these techniques can only investigate the presence of nodule voxels within the given VOI. Such approaches restrain the solutions to freely investigate the nodule presence outside the given VOI and also include the redundant structures (non-nodule) into VOI, which limits the segmentation accuracy. In this work, a novel semi-automated approach for 3-D segmentation of lung nodule in computerized tomography scans, has been proposed. The technique is segregated into two stages. In the first stage, a 2-D ROI containing the nodule is provided as an input to perform a patch-wise exploration along the axial axis using a novel adaptive ROI algorithm. This strategy enables the dynamic selection of the ROI in the surrounding slices to investigate the presence of nodules using a Deep Residual U-Net architecture. This stage provides the initial estimation of the nodule utilized to extract the VOI. In the second stage, the extracted VOI is further explored along the coronal and sagittal axes, in patchwise fashion, with Residual U-Nets. All the estimated masks are then fed into a consensus module to produce a final volumetric segmentation of the nodule. The algorithm is rigorously evaluated on LIDC–IDRI dataset, which is the largest publicly available dataset. The proposed approach achieved the average dice score of 87.5%, which is significantly higher than the existing state-of-the-art techniques.
A FRET-based screening method to detect potential inhibitors of the binding of CNNM3 to PRL2
Authors: Cai Faji , Huang Yichen , Wang Mengqi , Sun Minxuan , Zhao Yimeng , Hattori Motoyuki
Published: July 2020

The cyclin M (CNNM) family of Mg2+ transporters is reported to promote tumour progression by binding to phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) proteins. Here, we established an assay for detection of the binding between the cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) domain of human CNNM3 (a region responsible for PRL binding) and human PRL2 using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques. By fusing YPet to the C-terminus of the CNNM3 CBS domain and CyPet to the N-terminus of PRL2, we performed a FRET-based binding assay with purified proteins in multiwell plates and successfully detected the changes in fluorescence intensity derived from FRET with a reasonable Kd. We then confirmed that the addition of non-YPet-tagged CNNM3 and non-CyPet-tagged PRL proteins inhibited the changes in FRET intensity, whereas non-YPet-tagged CNNM3 with a mutation at the PRL2-binding site did not exhibit such inhibition. Furthermore, newly synthesized peptides derived from the CNNM loop region, with the PRL-binding sequences of the CNNM3 CBS domain, inhibited the interactions between CNNM3 and PRL2. Overall, these results showed that this method can be used for screening to identify inhibitors of CNNM-PRL interactions, potentially for novel anticancer therapy.
Polymerization mechanism of natural lacquer sap with special phase structure
Authors: Yang Jianhong , Chen Nan , Zhu Jianfeng , Cai Jun , Deng Jianping , Pan Feifei , Gao Lianghe , Jiang Zhenfei , Shen Fengqin
Published: July 2020

Lacquer sap is a water-in-oil natural emulsion with high viscosity. In nature, it exudes from the phloem of lacquer tree to repair its wounds in the presence of O2. So far, it is unclear how rapid and smooth polymerization of urushiol is achieved in such a viscous sap. Here, we find that there is a diffuse interface layer with 2.43 nm of thickness between two phases. The interface layer consists of urushiol, urushiol–laccase complex, urushiol–stellacyanin complex and water-insoluble glycoprotein. Polymerization of urushiol is realized by multicomponent synergistic effect. Radicals are first formed by laccase-catalyzed oxidation of urushiol at the interface layer, then are transferred to the urushiol oil phase via wate-insoluble glycoprotein and initiate the polymerization of urushiol there. Stellacyanin inhibits the formation of certain radicals and controls the concentration of phenoxy radicals at the interface layer. Through the inhibition of radicals by stellacyanin and the electron transfer mediated by water-insoluble glycoprotein, the polymerization of urushiol at the interface layer is inhibited. This ensures that O2 can continuously penetrate into the aqueous phase to oxidize the reduced laccase so that the urushiol polymerization can continue smoothly. This polymerization mechanism provides an idea for developing new chemical reaction systems.
Highly improved convergence approach incorporating edge conditions for scattering analysis of graphene gratings
Authors: Hwang Ruey-Bing
Published: July 2020

This research developed an effective and efficient approach for improving the slow convergence in the scattering analysis of a one-dimensional graphene grating, made of a periodic array of parallel graphene strips, illuminated by a TM-polarized plane wave. Specifically, the electric fields over the graphene strips and slit regions in a unit cell are individually expressed as an expansion of local basis functions inherently satisfying edge conditions. Interestingly, convergence rate is highly improved compared to the customary and modified Fourier modal method. Additionally, with the aid of local basis functions, the Gibbs phenomenon occurring at both edges of graphene strip can be removed.
Shifts in the microbiota associated with male mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) exposed to an obligate gut fungal symbiont (Zancudomyces culisetae)
Authors: Frankel-Bricker Jonas
Published: July 2020

Research characterizing arthropod-associated microbiota has revealed that microbial dynamics can have an important impact on host phenotypic traits. The influence of fungi on these interactions are emerging as targets for research, especially in organisms associated with global human health. A recent study demonstrated colonization of a widespread gut fungus (Zancudomyces culisetae) in a larval mosquito (Aedes aegypti) digestive tract affected microbiomes in larvae and newly emerged adult females (Frankel-Bricker et al. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2020.https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02334-19) but did not investigate these processes in males. The objective of the study presented here was to assess fungal influences on adult male mosquito microbiomes to enable a more complete assessment of fungal–bacterial–host interactions in theA. aegypti–Z. culisetaesystem. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons from microbiomes harbored in adult males directly after emerging from pupae revealed larval fungal exposure significantly decreased overall microbial community diversity, altered microbiome composition and structure, and decreased within-group microbiome variation across individuals. Further, bacteria in the familyBurkholderiaceaewere present in high abundance in fungal-exposed males, likely contributing to the disparate microbiota between treatment groups. Comparisons between male and the female microbiomes analyzed in Frankel-Bricker et al. (2020), showed distinct shifts in bacterial communities incurred by larval exposure to fungi, potentially revealing sex-specific fungal–bacterial–host dynamics inA. aegypti. These findings highlight the complex role a gut fungus can play in influencing the microbial communities harbored in an important insect and emphasize the significance of accounting for an organism’s sex when studying fungal–bacterial–host dynamics.
CTLA-4 rs231775 and risk of acute renal graft rejection: an updated meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Cargnin Sarah , Galli Ubaldina , Shin Jae Il , Terrazzino Salvatore
Published: July 2020

Contrasting results exist on the association between CTLA-4 rs231775 and acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients. We herein conducted an updated systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) to clarify this relationship and to establish whether the current evidence is sufficient to draw firm conclusions. In addition, noteworthiness of significant pooled odds ratios (ORs) was estimated by false positive report probability (FPRP). A comprehensive search was performed through PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library and Open Grey up to October 2019. Fifteen independent cohorts, including a total of 5,401 kidney transplant recipients, were identified through the systematic review. Overall, no association was detected with the allelic (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.88–1.30, P = 0.49), dominant (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.73–1.22, P = 0.66) or the recessive (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.97–1.43, P = 0.096) model of CTLA-4 rs231775. In each genetic model, the cumulative Z-curve in TSA crossed the futility boundary and entered the futility area. In addition, none of the significant genetic comparisons detected in the subsequent and sensitivity analyses or in previously reported meta-analyses were found to be noteworthy by FPRP. In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence that CTLA-4 rs231775 is not a clinically-relevant genetic risk determinant of acute rejection after renal transplantation.
Congenital abnormalities of the retinal vasculature in neurofibromatosis type I
Authors: Chun Bo Young , Yoon Jung Hyun , Son Byeong Jae , Hwang Su-Kyeong , Lim Hyun Taek
Published: July 2020

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate congenital abnormalities of the retinal vasculature (CARVs) in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1). Forty-eight patients (96 eyes) with NF-1 diagnosed according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria and 48 healthy controls were included in this study. Standard fundus photographs were obtained for each subject to evaluate the presence and frequency of CARVs. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of different cut-off numbers of CARVs were compared with those of the NIH criteria. Forty-four (91.7%) patients in the NF-1 group demonstrated either supranumeraty optic disc vessels or triple branching of the retinal vasculature, and 22 patients (45.8%) demonstrated both findings. The frequencies of these two CARVs were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.00001). A cut-off value of either one for supranumerary optic disc vessels or triple branching showed the highest accuracy along with sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 87.5%. CARVs such as supranumerary optic disc vessels or triple branching were frequently observed in NF-1 patients, and their occurrence was unrelated to the age of patients. Thus, these CARVs could be added as new ophthalmologic manifestions for NF-1 and may potentially enable early diagnosis of NF-1.
The structure of scleractinian coral skeleton analyzed by neutron diffraction and neutron computed tomography
Authors: Ivankina Tatiana I. , Kichanov Sergey E. , Duliu Octavian G. , Abdo Safa Y. , Sherif Mohamed M.
Published: July 2020

Two analytical methods based on the neutrons high penetrability, i.e. neutron diffraction (ND) and neutron computed tomography (NCT) were used to investigate the structure of the aragonitic skeleton of an exemplar/sample of Dipastraea pallida (Dana 1846), a modern hermatypic coral. ND was used to reconstruct the orientation distribution function (ODF) of the crystalline fibrils which compose the coral skeleton. Accordingly, 684 ND spectra were analyzed using the Rietveld method. The result confirmed the aragonite as the sole mineral component of coral skeleton, allowing to recalculate the ODF of aragonite fibrils and to represent it by means of (100), (010) and (001) crystallographic planes pole figures (PF). Experimental PF showed a remarkable similarity with PF recalculated by considering that all aragonite fibrils are oriented either along the growth axis of polyp cups or perpendicular to this direction. This result confirmed the previous observations based on optical microscopy, proving at the same time the availability of ND for such types of investigations. In turn, NCT evidenced the individual polyp cups, their interlocked 3D rigid porous structure as well as a periodic variation of density which could be attributed to a seasonal influence of the marine environment. Different from the classical X-ray computed tomography, the NCT, in view of neutron high cross-section for hydrogen, demonstrated the presence of a small amount of organic matter, otherwise transparent for X- and gamma rays.
The contribution of water extractable forms of plant nutrients to evaluate MSW compost maturity: a case study
Authors: Jamroz Elzbieta , Bekier Jakub , Medynska-Juraszek Agnieszka , Kaluza-Haladyn Andrea , Cwielag-Piasecka Irmina , Bednik Magdalena
Published: July 2020

The object of the experiment was to evaluate municipal solid waste (MSW) compost. Composting was carried out in a pile under aerobic conditions. Total content as well as water-extractable forms of macro and microelements were analysed during composting. Nutrient solubility indices were calculated for samples taken at various stages of maturity. The soluble forms of C, P, K, Ca and Mg decreased relatively to their total forms following maturation phases. For all micronutrients tested, a significant reduction in the proportion of soluble forms in relation to their total content was observed with an increase in composting time. In mature compost, low solubility were found for nitrogen, potassium, sodium and magnesium, which may indicate that the final product is a good source of these nutrients. The solubility index (percentage share of water-extractable forms of macro- and micronutrients in the total content) for iron indicates that the composting process does not affect its degree of solubility. Solubility index instead of the content of water-extractable forms of chosen macro- and microelements could be taken into account in determining the degree of MSW compost maturity.
Uncovering unique plasticity in life history of an endangered centenarian fish
Authors: Hamel Martin J. , Spurgeon Jonathan J. , Steffensen Kirk D. , Pegg Mark A.
Published: July 2020

The ability to adapt to changing environments is fundamental for species persistence. Both plasticity and genetic selection are potential drivers that allow for traits to be advantageous, thus leading to increases in survival or fitness. Identifying phenotypic plasticity in life history traits of long-lived organisms can be difficult owing to high survival, long generation times, and few studies at sufficient spatial and temporal scales to elicit a plastic response within a population. To begin to understand phenotypic plasticity of a long-lived freshwater fish in response to environmental conditions, we used a long-term data set consisting of over 1,200 mark-recapture events to inform our understanding of dynamic rate functions and life history attributes. Furthermore, we used a common garden experimental approach to confirm whether changes in life history traits are in response to plasticity in the reaction norm or are genetically derived. Using these approaches, we demonstrated differences in life history traits among Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) occupying river segments of varying physical and hydrological stress. The common garden experiment corroborated plastic phenotypic expression in reaction norms for age at first maturity, longevity, fecundity, and maximum size. These growth-mediated attributes resulted in differences in overall fitness traits, where Pallid Sturgeon fecundity was greater than a tenfold difference and 3–6 times the number of life-time spawning events. Anthropogenic modifications to river form and function are likely responsible for the variation in life history attributes resulting from an increased metabolic demand for maintaining station, foraging, and migration. Collectively, our approach provided surprising insight into the capabilities of a centenarian fish to dramatically respond to a changing environment.
Extraction technique of trap states based on transient photo-voltage measurement
Authors: Lin Zedong
Published: July 2020

This article puts forward a technique for extracting the density of trap states (DOST) distribution based on the transient photo-voltage (TPV) measurement result. We prove that when the TPV result is linear, the DOST distribution is exponential type and vice versa. Compared to the approach based on the space charge limited current measurement, the method given in this paper has the advantage of requiring less calculation. The results obtained by our method provides a guidance for preparing less trap states solar cells.
Nitrate as a potential prebiotic for the oral microbiome
Authors: Rosier B. T. , Buetas E. , Moya-Gonzalvez E. M. , Artacho A. , Mira Alex
Published: July 2020

The salivary glands actively concentrate plasma nitrate, leading to high salivary nitrate concentrations (5–8 mM) after a nitrate-rich vegetable meal. Nitrate is an ecological factor that can induce rapid changes in structure and function of polymicrobial communities, but the effects on the oral microbiota have not been clarified. To test this, saliva of 12 healthy donors was collected to grow in vitro biofilms with and without 6.5 mM nitrate. Samples were taken at 5 h (most nitrate reduced) and 9 h (all nitrate reduced) of biofilm formation for ammonium, lactate and pH measurements, as well as 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. Nitrate did not affect biofilm growth significantly, but reduced lactate production, while increasing the observed ammonium production and pH (all p < 0.01). Significantly higher levels of the oral health-associated nitrate-reducing genera Neisseria (3.1 ×) and Rothia (2.9 ×) were detected in the nitrate condition already after 5 h (both p < 0.01), while several caries-associated genera (Streptococcus, Veillonella and Oribacterium) and halitosis- and periodontitis-associated genera (Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, Prevotella, and Alloprevotella) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05 at 5 h and/or 9 h). In conclusion, the addition of nitrate to oral communities led to rapid modulation of microbiome composition and activity that could be beneficial for the host (i.e., increasing eubiosis or decreasing dysbiosis). Nitrate should thus be investigated as a potential prebiotic for oral health.
Author Correction: High WBP5 expression correlates with elevation of HOX genes levels and is associated with inferior survival in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Ward C. , Cauchy P. , Garcia P. , Frampton J. , Esteban M. A. , Volpe G.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Efficient methanol carbonylation to methyl acetate catalyzed by a cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene iridium complex
Authors: Zhang Dejin , Yang Guoqiang , Zhao Yue , Shao Shouyan , Zhu Guisheng , Liu Peijun , Liu Jia , Hu Xingbang , Zhang Zhibing
Published: July 2020

An efficient cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene iridium complex (C-2) was developed for methanol carbonylation to methyl acetate (MA) directly.
Complete oxidation of formaldehyde over a Pd/CeO2 catalyst at room temperature: tunable active oxygen species content by non-thermal plasma activation
Authors: Li Kai , Ji Jian , He Miao , Huang Haibao
Published: July 2020

Formaldehyde is a main indoor pollutant and its removal is essential to protect human health and meet strict environmental regulations.
Manjarix attenuated pain and joint swelling in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Rehab F. , Abd-Elsalam Reham M. , Amer Mohammed S. , EL-Desoky Ahmed M. , Mohamed Shanaz O.
Published: July 2020

Manjarix significantly reduced both the knee joint swelling and the pathological injury of the joints, with no evidence of osteo-reactivity in the radiographic examination. Manjarix also significantly prevented MIA-induced pain behavior.
Modeling iontophoretic drug delivery in a microfluidic device
Authors: Moarefian Maryam , Davalos Rafael V. , Tafti Danesh K. , Achenie Luke E. , Jones Caroline N.
Published: July 2020

Iontophoresis employs low-intensity electrical voltage and continuous constant current to direct a charged drug into a tissue.
Structure–property relations of amphiphilic poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomers at the air–water interface
Authors: Adatia Karishma K. , Holm Alexander , Southan Alexander , Frank Curtis W. , Tovar Günter E. M.
Published: July 2020

Structure–property relations of poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomers at the air–water interface are studied with a Langmuir film balance.
Chiral helical polymer materials derived from achiral monomers and their chiral applications
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Deng Jianping
Published: July 2020

Helix-sense-selective polymerization (HSSP) of achiral monomers and chiral post-induction of racemic helical polymers provide two alternative approaches for constructing chiral helical polymer materials.
Fluorescence detection of fluorine ions in biological fluids based on aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Miao Yanming , Yang Wenli , Lv Jinzhi
Published: July 2020

Schematic diagram of fluorescence detection of F− ions in biological fluids based on TPE-COOH/Al3+ polymer Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) “Turning on–off” mode.
Pressure-and temperature induced phase transitions, piezochromism, NLC behaviour and pressure controlled Jahn–Teller switching in a Cu-based framework
Authors: McMonagle Charles J. , Comar Priyanka , Nichol Gary S. , Allan David R. , González Jesús , Barreda-Argüeso José A. , Rodríguez Fernando , Valiente Rafael , Turner Gemma F. , Brechin Euan K. , Moggach Stephen A.
Published: July 2020

In situ high-pressure single-crystal diffraction and spectroscopic techniques have been used to study a previously unreported Cu-framework bis[1-(4-pyridyl)butane-1,3-dione]copper(ii) (CuPyr-I).
Conformations of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers in an ionic liquid at different pH
Authors: Gupta Shilpa , Biswas Parbati
Published: July 2020

PPI dendrimers in [BMIM]Cl ionic liquid depicts a conformational transition as a function of pH where conformations at low pH exhibit higher void volume as compared to that at high pH, which may be used to accommodate the specific guest molecules.
Correction: An antibody–supermolecule conjugate for tumor-specific targeting of tumoricidal methylated β-cyclodextrin-threaded polyrotaxanes
Authors: Nishida Kei , Tamura Atsushi , Kang Tae Woong , Masuda Hiroki , Yui Nobuhiko
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘An antibody–supermolecule conjugate for tumor-specific targeting of tumoricidal methylated β-cyclodextrin-threaded polyrotaxanes’ by Kei Nishida et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00575d.
Measuring Speech Perception Using the Wide-Range Acoustic Accuracy Scale: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Hitchcock Elaine R. , Cabbage Kathryn L. , Swartz Michelle T. , Carrell Thomas D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Speech perception requires individuals to hear and differentiate acoustic signals integral to effective communication. Measuring speech perception in children is challenging because speech perception methodology typically requires lengthy experiments that may fatigue children, resulting in limited knowledge of developmental perceptual skills. In this study, we used an adaptive tracking measure along with a wide range of acoustic stimuli to explore how adults, typically developing (TD) children, and children with speech sound disorder (SSD) perceive small acoustic differences in synthetic speech stimuli.

Method

Twenty-four adults, 15 TD children, and 15 children with SSD between the ages of 7;0–14;0 (years;months) were administered a newly developed perceptual assessment, the Wide-Range Acoustic Accuracy Scale, to determine the just-noticeable difference in discrimination for three separate syllable contrasts. Each syllable contrast varied along a single acoustic parameter: formant transition duration for /bɑ/–/wɑ/, F3 onset frequency for /dɑ/–/ɡɑ/, and F3–F2 distance for /rɑ/–/wɑ/.

Results

Findings revealed that adults and TD children did not differ in their discrimination of any syllable contrast, but adults significantly differed from SSD children on all syllable contrasts. TD children and children with SSD differed only on the /rɑ/–/wɑ/ contrast.

Conclusions

Children with SSD demonstrate less accurate and more variable perception skills relative to adults and TD children for /bɑ/–/wɑ/, /dɑ/–/ɡɑ/, and /rɑ/–/wɑ/ syllable contrasts. Clinical implications of the utility of the Wide-Range Acoustic Accuracy Scale are discussed.
Adapting Vocal Function Exercises for Voice Masculinization
Authors: Myers Brett , Bell Trevor
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of this clinical focus article is to discuss the role of gender-diverse vocal function exercises (VFEs) in the context of voice and communication therapy for transgender men. Current literature on behavioral intervention with this population is very limited, and we present gender-diverse VFEs as a reasonable intervention approach.

Method

We developed a protocol for VFEs specific to voice masculinization, and we present a case study in which this technique was used for a transmasculine client who had not undergone hormone replacement therapy.

Results

Clinical measurements (acoustic, perceptual, and client self-rating) were collected before and after a course of voice therapy. Findings demonstrate decreased habitual speaking pitch and improved voice-related quality of life at the end of therapy, indicating successful outcomes for voice masculinization.

Conclusions

The recommended protocol for gender-diverse VFEs allows the trans male client to efficiently strengthen and coordinate the subsystems of voice production, particularly in the lower limits of his range. This clinical focus article also describes the need for strong research evidence to support all treatment modalities for transmasculine therapy, and this protocol offers one avenue for future investigations.