bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a prior cesarean delivery on pregnancy outcomes of frozen‐thawed embryo transfer: A retrospective cohort study in a freeze‐all setting
Authors: Huang Jialyu , Lin Jiaying , Cai Renfei , Lu Xuefeng , Song Ning , Gao Hongyuan , Zhu Jing , Kuang Yanping
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The association between the mode of previous delivery and subsequent success of assisted reproductive treatment has been poorly understood. By mitigating the detrimental effect of supraphysiologic estradiol levels on endometrial receptivity, a freeze‐all strategy provides a novel model to investigate the sole impact of a prior cesarean delivery (CD) on embryo transfer outcomes.

Material and methods

This single‐center retrospective cohort study included 2660 patients who underwent their first frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles after a freeze‐all policy from January 2013 to December 2018. Patients with a history of live birth by CD were assigned to the CD group, and those with only vaginal delivery (VD) were categorized into the VD group. The primary outcome measure was live birth. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were balanced by propensity score matching in a ratio of 1:1. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using the after‐matching data.

Results

Compared with the VD group, the rates of clinical pregnancy (38.3% vs 44.5%; P = .005) and live birth (27.5% vs 33.4%; P = .003) were significantly lower in women with a history of CD. When adjusted for a number of major confounding factors, the negative association between a prior CD and frozen‐thawed embryo transfer success was maintained, with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) being 0.80 (95% CI 0.66‐0.96) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.63‐0.95) for clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively. Furthermore, a CD history conferred a marginally increased risk of early miscarriage (crude OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.04‐2.11; adjusted OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01‐2.14), whereas the odds of multiple and ectopic pregnancy did not show significant differences before and after adjustment.

Conclusions

A prior CD was associated with a decreased chance of live birth and an increased risk of early miscarriage in frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles.
The effect of food and formulation on the population pharmacokinetics of cholesteryl ester transferase protein inhibitor DRL‐17822 in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Goulooze Sebastiaan C. , Kruithof Annelieke C. , Alikunju Shanavas , Gautam Anirudh , Burggraaf Jacobus , Kamerling Ingrid M.C. , Stevens Jasper
Published: April 2020

We aimed to characterise the population pharmacokinetics of cholesteryl ester transferase protein inhibitor DRL‐17822 in healthy males and explore the effect of food and formulation on the oral absorption of DRL‐17822 in 4 phase I studies. DRL‐17822 was dosed orally (2–1000 mg) in 2 different drug formulations (nanocrystal formulation and amorphous solid dispersion formulation) after either an overnight fast, or a low‐fat, continental or high‐fat breakfast. A 2‐compartment model with 6 transit absorption compartments best characterised the data. Additionally, a strong interaction of food and formulation on bioavailability was observed and parsimoniously characterised in the model by binning combinations of food state and formulation with similar bio‐availabilities. The final model adequately characterised the pharmacokinetic data of DRL‐17822 in healthy males including the complex interaction of food and drug formulation. The amorphous solid dispersion formulation has a lower food effect on bioavailability compared with the nanocrystal formulation.
The influence of submerged healing abutment or subcrestal implant placement on soft tissue thickness and crestal bone stability. A 2‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Linkevicius Tomas , Puisys Algirdas , Linkevicius Rokas , Alkimavicius Jonas , Gineviciute Evelina , Linkeviciene Laura
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Aims of the study were: (a) to register crestal bone loss around 1.5 mm subcrestally placed implants and epicrestally placed implants with soft tissue tenting technique, (b) to record bone remodeling in subcrestal group, and (c) to determine the increase of vertical soft tissues after tenting.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐two patients with vertically thin tissues of 2 mm or less received 40 submerged bone level platform‐switched implants, divided into two groups—(a) 1.5 mm subcrestally placed implants and (b) epicrestally placed implants with soft tissue tenting over 2 mm healing abutments. At the second stage surgery, implants received 4 mm healing abutments, soft tissue thickness was measured in epicrestal group, and later implants were restored with zirconia‐based screw‐retained single restorations. Radiological images were taken at the second stage surgery, restoration delivery and after 2 years of follow‐up. Bone loss was calculated as a distance between implant neck and first radiographically visible bone‐to‐implant contact. Bone remodeling was calculated as a distance between the bone crest and implant neck. Mann‐Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis, significance set to 0.05.

Results

After 2 years of follow‐up, Group 1 (subcrestal) had 0.18 ± 0.32 mm of bone loss, Group 2 (epicrestal with 2 mm healing abutment) had 0.51 ± 0.4 mm of bone loss, with statistically significant difference (P = .001). Bone remodeling in Group 1 (subcrestal) was 1.17 ± 0.51 mm. Vertical tissue thickness in epicrestal group before the intervention was 1.85 ± 0.26 and 3.65 ± 0.41 mm after the use of 2 mm healing abutment, with a statistical difference (P = .005).

Conclusion

Subcrestal implant placement can significantly reduce crestal bone loss, compared to vertical soft tissue thickening by tenting of epicrestally placed implants, although soft tissue tenting can significantly increase soft tissue thickness.
Systematic characterization of non‐coding RNAs in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Mei Jie , Hao Leiyu , Wang Huiyu , Xu Rui , Liu Yan , Zhu Yichao , Liu Chaoying
Published: April 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer with negativity for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) make up most of the transcriptome and are widely present in eukaryotic cells. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests that ncRNAs, mainly microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play prominent roles in the tumorigenesis and development of TNBC, but the functions of most ncRNAs have not been fully described. In this review, we systematically elucidate the general characteristics and biogenesis of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, discuss the emerging functions of these ncRNAs in TNBC and present future perspectives in clinical practice.
ADVANCE in context: The benefits, risks and feasibility of providing intensive glycaemic control based on gliclazide modified release
Authors: Zoungas Sophia
Published: April 2020

In the last 3 decades, four large multicentre, randomized clinical trials of patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS, ADVANCE, ACCORD and VADT) have studied different approaches to achieving near normal glycaemic targets. Each was designed against a background of international and national guidelines recommending glycaemic targets of 6.5% or less to prevent diabetic complications. Collectively, these clinical trials provide the most robust evidence of the potential vascular benefits and risks of more versus less glucose control and provide critical insights into how therapies are used. In this review, the glucose‐lowering approach used by the ADVANCE trial is considered and compared with those used by the other trials.
Using RWE research to extend clinical trials in diabetes: An example with implications for the future
Authors: Seeger John D. , Nunes Anthony , Loughlin Anita M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Although randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) are seen as the gold standard for evidence in clinical medicine, a number of considerations are increasing the use of real‐world data (RWD) to generate evidence. A series of methodological challenges must be overcome in order for such real‐world evidence (RWE) to gain acceptance.

In diabetes, RWE faces some particular issues that have limited its development. As the natural history of diabetes progresses, patients' disease changes over time and treatments will be modified as a result. This evolving disease and treatment pattern requires application of methods that account for such changes over time. Research developing RWE in diabetes and other conditions has sometimes been subject to important biases, and researchers should be aware of, and take steps to mitigate potential for bias in order to enhance the evidence produced.

Results

We review a RWE study that replicated and extended evidence provided by a RCT regarding the effects of weekly exenatide relative to basal insulin (glargine or detemir) to illustrate a potential application of RWE. This study observed a 0.7% decrease in HbA1C for weekly exenatide relative to a 0.5% decrease in HbA1C for the comparator along with a 2 kg weight loss for weekly exenatide relative to a 0.25 kg weight gain, effects that were close to those from the RCT. Further, the RWE study was able to extend results to patient populations that were not well represented in the RCT.

Conclusion

Despite numerous challenges, RWE can be used to complement evidence from RCTs.
Association between reduced kidney function and incident hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes: The Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM) project
Authors: Runesson Björn , Xu Yang , Qureshi Abdul R. , Lindholm Bengt , Barany Peter , Elinder Carl G. , Carrero Juan J.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate possible associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hypoglycaemia in adults with diabetes.

Methods

We conducted an observational study in adults with diabetes from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurement (SCREAM) project, a Swedish healthcare utilization cohort during 2007 to 2011. We evaluated diagnoses and outpatient glucose tests for incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of hypoglycaemia (overall and by severity) in outpatient care by eGFR strata using zero‐inflated negative binomial regression. We identified clinical predictors through ordinal logistic regression and assessed 7‐day and 30‐day mortality from hypoglycaemia in relation to eGFR with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

We identified 29 434 people with diabetes (13% with type 1 diabetes). Their mean age was 66 years, 43% were women and the median eGFR was 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. During 2 years of follow‐up, 1812 patients (6.2%) had hypoglycaemia registered at least once. The risk of hypoglycaemia increased linearly with lower eGFR, with an IRR of 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.4) for eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 5.8 (95% CI 3.8–9.0) for eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 compared to eGFR 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m2. This trend was observed for both mild and severe hypoglycaemia. Both 7‐day and 30‐day post‐hypoglycaemia mortality increased with lower eGFR, peaking in those with eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio 21.2, 95% CI 5.1–87.9) as compared to those with eGFR 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m2. Lower eGFR categories, type 1 diabetes, previous hypoglycaemia, liver disease, presence of diabetic complications and use of insulin and sulphonylureas increased the odds of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

In this large, observational study, low eGFR was strongly associated with the occurrence, severity and fatality of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes.
A blend of formic acid, benzoic acid, and aliphatic alkanes mediates alarm recruitment responses in western carpenter ants, Camponotus modoc
Authors: Renyard Asim , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard
Published: April 2020

Formicine ants in distress spray alarm pheromone which typically recruits nestmates for help. Studying the western carpenter ant, Camponotus modoc Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), our objectives were to (1) determine the exocrine glands that contain alarm recruitment pheromone, (2) identify the key alarm recruitment pheromone components, and (3) ascertain the pheromone components that are discharged by distressed ants. In Y‐tube olfactometer experiments, extracts of poison glands, but not of Dufour’s glands, elicited anemotactic responses from worker ants. Gas chromatographic‐mass spectrometric analyses of poison gland extracts revealed the presence of (1) aliphatic alkanes (undecane, tridecane, pentadecane, heptadecane), (2) aliphatic alkenes [(Z)‐7‐pentadecene, (Z)‐7‐ and (Z)‐8‐heptadecene], (3) two acids (formic, benzoic), and (4) other oxygenated compounds (hexadecan‐1‐ol, hexadecyl formate, hexadecyl acetate). Testing the responses of worker ants in Y‐tube olfactometers to complete and partial synthetic blends of these compounds revealed that the acids and the alkanes are essential alarm pheromone components. In two‐choice arena bioassays, micro‐locations treated with synthetic alarm pheromone recruited worker ants. Acids and alkanes were abundant in the poison gland and the Dufour’s gland, respectively, suggesting that the alarm pheromone components originate from both glands. Moreover, alarm pheromone sprays of ants differed in that all sprays contained formic acid but only some also contained alkanes, implying that ants can independently discharge the content of either one or both glands in accordance with the type of distress incident they experience.
Findings from a training needs analysis survey to support health professionals across the research lifecycle
Authors: Purnell Margaret
Published: April 2020

Background

Undertaking a training needs analysis (TNA) in a health library context can be a useful tool for gathering evidence that supports service redesign. This article focuses on the findings of a TNA survey undertaken at a health library in northern Australia.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to discover the information and training needs of health department staff who work across six hospitals and numerous rural and remote clinics, with a focus on research project support.

Methods

An online survey was undertaken in August 2018 to gather data from departmental staff.

Results

There were 131 responses to the survey. Results indicated that a number of staff are either currently involved with or are intending to undertake a research project in the next year. The majority felt their searching skills were average or above average, but there are still those who struggle. Advanced Search Strategies was the most requested workshop to add to the current training programme and both in‐person and virtual delivery are desirable.

Conclusion

The results of this survey have been used to implement a number of changes to the library’s educational services and the library’s website has been updated.
Designing Learning Outcomes in Design Higher Education Curricula
Authors: Soares Diana , Carvalho Paula , Dias Diana
Published: April 2020

New and flexible educational paradigms, based on creative, innovative and open‐minded competences, are required in the development of curricula in design, working as an essential skill toolkit for future designers, particularly in higher education. This study aims to explore how learning outcomes, usually expressed by the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and competences expected to be achieved by students as a result of an educational experience, are defined and formulated in design study programmes in Portugal. The investigation relies on the linguistic analysis of a corpus composed of a collection of learning outcomes extracted from the Portuguese undergraduate and post‐graduate study programmes in design. The analysis was performed through the application of natural language tools and resources to that corpus. Specifically, we used computational lexicons and grammars to gather information on word frequency, lexical density, syntactic distribution and the morphology used in texts. Additional discourse dimensions, such as the length of sentences, the frequency of specific linguistic patterns, and the presence of subjective items, like evaluative adjectives, were also considered. Results suggest that Portuguese design and art higher education institutions are committed to follow the learning outcomes recommendations, trying to identify measurable ‘design’ skills. Moreover, the results show that, despite of being confined to 1,000 characters, learning outcomes are expressed differently, both in terms of lexicon and grammar, depending on the study cycles, fostering the idea that skills and competences required become more complex as the level of qualification increases.
Low STMN1 is associated with better prognosis in Asian patients with esophageal cancers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Shasha , Zhang Wei , Shen Peihong , Xu Ruiping
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

The role of STMN1 in the development and progression of esophageal carcinoma is not yet determined. The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the correlation between STMN1 and prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched to identify studies evaluating the impact of STMN1 on the survival of esophageal cancer patients, without the language limitation. Two investigators screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of the included studies. The combined analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

A total of eight studies, involving 1240 esophageal carcinoma patients, were included in this retrospective design. Meta‐analysis showed that esophageal carcinoma patients with low STMN1 had a superior overall survival and disease‐free survival than those with high expression of STMN1. Compared with the high expression of STMN1, the 5‐year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with low level of STMN1. Patients with high STMN1 expression had a higher risk of experiencing clinical grade III–IV disease, lymph node metastasis, and tumor invasion than those with low STMN1.

Conclusion

STMN1 is an indicator for the prognosis of esophageal carcinoma patients.
Comparison of methodological approaches to human gut microbiota changes in response to metabolic and bariatric surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Morales‐Marroquin Elisa , Hanson Blake , Greathouse Leigh , de la Cruz‐Munoz Nestor , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: April 2020

Substantial differences in the response of gut microbial composition to metabolic and bariatric surgery have been reported. Therefore, the goal of the present review is to evaluate if methodological differences could be driving this lack of consistency. A search was conducted using PUBMED, Web of Science, Science Direct and COCHRANE using the following inclusion criteria: human studies written in English with a baseline sampling point, using gut microbiota as an outcome and either Roux‐n‐Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Sixteen articles were selected (total 221 participants). Roux‐n‐Y gastric bypass caused more alterations in gut microbial composition in comparison with sleeve gastrectomy. Substantial variability was found in study designs, data collection and analyses across studies. Increases in several families and genera from the phylum Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, the family Streptococcaceae, the species Akkermansia muciniphila and Streptococcus salivarius and a decrease in the phylum Firmicutes and the family Bifidobacteriaceae were reported. There is a need for standardization not only of microbial analysis but also of study designs when analysing the effect of bariatric surgery on the human gut microbiome. In addition, outcomes from different surgical procedures should not be combined as they produce distinctive effects on gut microbial composition.
Toxoplasma gondii virus‐like particle vaccination alleviates inflammatory response in the brain upon T gondii infection
Authors: Kang Hae‐Ji , Chu Ki‐Back , Lee Su‐Hwa , Kim Min‐Ju , Park Hyunwoo , Jin Hui , Moon Eun‐Kyung , Quan Fu‐Shi
Published: April 2020

Aims

Neuroinflammation can manifest upon infection with the neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (ME49), which can lead to brain injury and cognitive dysfunction. Rhoptry organelle proteins (ROPs) secreted by T gondii play critical roles in host invasion.

Methods and results

In this study, influenza virus‐like particles (VLPs) expressing T gondii ROP4 or ROP13 were generated to assess vaccination‐induced changes in intracranial pro‐inflammatory cytokines and antibody responses upon T gondii challenge infection. Compared to ROP13 VLPs, ROP4VLPs vaccination significantly limited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ and IL‐6 in the brains of mice. Reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses by ROP4 VLPs and ROP13 VLPs correlated with significantly increased T gondii‐specific IgG and IgA antibody responses in the brain, as well as IgG, IgG1 and IgM antibody responses in the sera.

Conclusion

We concluded that influenza T gondii VLP vaccination induces antibody responses in sera and brain, which may contribute to the significant reduction of neuroinflammation during T gondii infection.
Occult hepatitis B infections and anti‐HBc prevalence at a resource‐limited blood bank in Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Romano Pablo , Hernández‐Romano Jesús , Torres‐Hernández Rosa M. , González‐Jiménez Beatriz , López‐Balderas Nayali
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To identify blood donors with occult hepatitis B infections (OBIs), determine the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) positivity and estimate the impact of anti‐HBc screening on donor deferral at CETS‐Veracruz (Mexico).

Background

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major concern in transfusion medicine. Mexican regulations only mandate screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and there are no requirements regarding testing for anti‐HBc or use of a nucleic acid test (NAT). There is, therefore, limited information about the prevalence of anti‐HBc positivity and occult hepatitis B among blood donors in Mexico.

Methods

This retrospective study examined individuals who donated blood to CETS‐Veracruz from June 2014 to June 2017. All donors were serologically examined according to Mexican health regulations, and the prevalence of anti‐HBc positivity was determined. A NAT was used to identify individuals with OBIs.

Results

We analysed the data of 28 016 blood donors. Over 4 years, the average prevalence of anti‐HBc positivity was 1.05%. The risk factors for anti‐HBc positivity were low education and age over 50 years. There were nine donors with OBIs.

Conclusion

The presence of donors with OBIs in CETS‐Veracruz and other Mexican blood banks highlights the need to mandate the implementation of anti‐HBc screening in Mexico.
Invasive histiocytoma in the ear canal of a dog
Authors: Fernandez Monica , Boudreaux Bonnie B. , Wilson Leslie , Moore Peter F. , Rademacher Nathalie , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie
Published: April 2020

Background

Cutaneous histiocytomas (CH) are derived from epidermal Langerhans cells. Single CH are generally associated with a good prognosis in dogs because most undergo spontaneous remission. However, aggressive behaviour and lymph node metastasis have been reported in a small number of dogs with single CH.

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, treatment and disease progression of an aggressive CH located in the ear canal of a dog.

Animal

An 8‐year‐old intact male Rottweiler dog.

Methods and materials

A unilateral ear canal mass was identified as a CH on routine haematoxylin and eosin stained samples. The diagnosis was confirmed by the demonstration of markers associated with Langerhans cells (Iba‐1, E‐cadherin and CD18) and the absence of markers associated with B cells (CD79a, CD20, Pax5), T cells (CD3), plasma cells (Mum‐1) and macrophages (CD11d, CD204).

Results

A total ear canal ablation was performed, but tumour cells extended throughout the horizontal canal and to the deep surgical margin. Due to the locally invasive nature of the mass and incomplete excision, adjunctive chemotherapy with CCNU was pursued. No measurable local disease was appreciable at the time of the last treatment. At 250 days post‐surgery the dog was euthanized owing to the development of multiple abdominal masses. No evidence of local tumour recurrence was noted.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Although single CH are typically associated with benign behaviour, the mass in this dog demonstrated locally invasive behaviour. Cutaneous histiocytomas in the ear canals of dogs may represent a particularly aggressive variant of the condition.
Electron dynamics during the reignition of pulsed capacitively-coupled radio-frequency discharges
Authors: Hernandez Keith , Overzet Lawrence J. , Goeckner Matthew J.
Published: April 2020

The authors report on phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy (PROES) measurements of pulsed capacitive coupled plasmas (CCPs) through argon. The PROES results indicate that under some conditions, the electron heating mechanism can be changed substantially from that dominant in continuous CCPs. The normally dominant α heating mode of electropositive plasmas can be aided by a drift-ambipolar (DA) heating mode during the early portion of the reignition. The DA heating mode is ordinarily only found in electronegative discharges. The authors found that Ar discharges pulsed at 10 kHz only exhibited the α heating mode throughout the reignition process, while those pulsed at 0.1 kHz exhibited a mixed α and DA heating mode during the reignition. The differences in the two heating modes cause substantial differences in the spatial pattern of the light emission from the plasma in addition to an overshoot in the light emission intensity.
Influence of strain on the InAs1 – xSbx composition
Authors: Sarney Wendy L. , Svensson Stefan P. , Leff Asher C. , Donetsky Dmitri V. , Liu Jinghe , Belenky Gregory L.
Published: April 2020

The composition of III–V semiconductor alloys with multiple group V elements results from a complex interaction of each group V species with each other and with group IIIs. Molecular beam epitaxy growth conditions, such as the group V absolute fluxes and flux ratios, substrate temperature, group III growth rate, the presence of surfactants, and the alloy's strain state, all affect the composition of InAs1 – xSbx. These factors are codependent in a manner that is far from completely established. In this work, the authors examine how the sign and degree of strain affects the film’s composition. In this study, the authors show that InAs1 – xSbx alloys have some ability to resist the creation of strain by self-adjusting the incorporation of the group V elements that would otherwise be changed in an unfavorable way (by, for example, a substrate temperature change). This self-latching to the substrate lattice constant is beneficial, since it means that the fluxes may not have to be adjusted as precisely as otherwise needed.
Effects of polymer crystallization on the molecular sensitivity in TOF-SIMS measurements using Bi1+ and Bi32+ ions
Authors: Shishido Rie , Mitsuishi Masaya , Suzuki Shigeru
Published: April 2020

Bi cluster ions are among the most utilized primary sources for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Although Bi clusters have advantages over larger clusters, such as C60+ and Arn+, TOF-SIMS is less sensitive for macromolecules when Bi clusters are used as primary ions. Matrix-enhanced SIMS is a more sensitive technique for large molecules, because the matrix limits fragmentation. The matrix is thought to reduce molecular crystallinity and cohesiveness, which facilitate the extraction of large molecules from the sample surface. In this study, the authors investigate the effects of polyethylene glycol structure on the molecular sensitivity of TOF-SIMS using different primary Bi ion species. The results indicate that amorphous PEG enables the detection of larger molecules than crystalline PEG by TOF-SIMS when either Bi1+ or Bi32+ ions are used for irradiation. This suggests that the structures of organic molecules affect the propagation of kinetic energy from the primary ions. This phenomenon reduces damage to polymer chains and enhances the sensitivity of TOF-SIMS for intact molecular ions.
Structural Recognition of Spectinomycin by Resistance Enzyme ANT(9) from Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Kanchugal P Sandesh , Selmer Maria
Published: April 2020

Spectinomycin is a ribosome-binding antibiotic that blocks the translocation step of translation. A prevalent resistance mechanism is modification of the drug by aminoglycoside nucleotidyl transferase (ANT) enzymes of the spectinomycin-specific ANT(9) family or by enzymes of the dual-specificity ANT(3ʺ)(9) family, which also acts on streptomycin. We previously reported the structural mechanism of streptomycin modification by the ANT(3ʺ)(9) AadA from
Salmonella enterica
.
Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Peptides in Serum Extracellular Vesicles from Persons with Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Mehaffy Carolina , Kruh-Garcia Nicole A. , Graham Barbara , Jarlsberg Leah G. , Willyerd Charis E. , Borisov Andrey , Sterling Timothy R. , Nahid Payam , Dobos Karen M.
Published: April 2020

Identification of biomarkers for latent
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection and risk of progression to tuberculosis (TB) disease are needed to better identify individuals to target for preventive therapy, predict disease risk, and potentially predict preventive therapy efficacy. Our group developed multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) assays that detected
M. tuberculosis
peptides in serum extracellular vesicles from TB patients. We subsequently optimized this MRM-MS assay to selectively identify 40
M. tuberculosis
peptides from 19 proteins that most commonly copurify with serum vesicles of patients with TB.
Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19: Current Issues and Challenges
Authors: Tang Yi-Wei , Schmitz Jonathan E. , Persing David H. , Stratton Charles W.
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a major impact on clinical microbiology laboratories in the past several months. This commentary covers current issues and challenges for the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the preanalytical stage, collecting the proper respiratory tract specimen at the right time from the right anatomic site is essential for a prompt and accurate molecular diagnosis of COVID-19. Appropriate measures are required to keep laboratory staff safe while producing reliable test results.
Modulation of the Gut Microbiota during High-Dose Glycerol Monolaurate-Mediated Amelioration of Obesity in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Zhao Minjie , Jiang Zengliang , Cai Haiying , Li Yang , Mo Qiufen , Deng Lingli , Zhong Hao , Liu Tao , Zhang Hui , Kang Jing X. , Feng Fengqin
Published: April 2020

Obesity and associated metabolic disorders are worldwide public health issues. The gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathophysiology of diet-induced obesity. Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a widely consumed food emulsifier with antibacterial properties. Here, we explore the anti-obesity effect of GML (1,600 mg/kg of body weight) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. HFD-fed mice were treated with 1,600 mg/kg GML. Integrated microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses were used to systematically investigate the metabolic effects of GML, and antibiotic treatment was used to assess the effects of GML on the gut microbiota.
Single-Dose, Intranasal Immunization with Recombinant Parainfluenza Virus 5 Expressing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Spike Protein Protects Mice from Fatal MERS-CoV Infection
Authors: Li Kun , Li Zhuo , Wohlford-Lenane Christine , Meyerholz David K. , Channappanavar Rudragouda , An Dong , Perlman Stanley , McCray Paul B. , He Biao
Published: April 2020

MERS-CoV causes lethal infection in humans, and there is no vaccine. Our work demonstrates that PIV5 is a promising vector for developing a MERS vaccine. Furthermore, success of PIV5-based MERS vaccine can be employed to develop a vaccine for emerging CoVs such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
Considering fault interaction in estimates of absolute stress along faults in the San Gorgonio Pass region, southern California
Authors: Hatch Jennifer L. , Cooke Michele L. , Stern Aviel R. , Douilly Roby , Oglesby David D.
Published: April 2020

Present-day shear tractions along faults of the San Gorgonio Pass region (southern California, USA) can be estimated from stressing rates provided by three-dimensional forward crustal deformation models. Due to fault interaction within the model, dextral shear stressing rates on the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults differ from rates resolved from the regional loading. In particular, fault patches with similar orientations and depths on the two faults show different stressing rates. We estimate the present-day, evolved fault tractions along faults of the San Gorgonio Pass region using the time since last earthquake, fault stressing rates (which account for fault interaction), and coseismic models of the impact of recent nearby earthquakes. The evolved tractions differ significantly from the resolved regional tractions, with the largest dextral traction located within the restraining bend comprising the pass, which has not had recent earthquakes, rather than outside of the bend, which is more preferentially oriented under tectonic loading. Evolved fault tractions can provide more accurate initial conditions for dynamic rupture models within regions of complex fault geometry, such as the San Gorgonio Pass region. An analysis of the time needed to accumulate shear tractions that exceed typical earthquake stress drops shows that present-day tractions already exceed 3 MPa along portions of the Banning, Garnet Hill, and Mission Creek strands of the San Andreas fault. This result highlights areas that may be near failure if accumulated tractions equivalent to typical earthquake stress drops precipitate failure.
Consolidation of hard rock tailings under positive and negative pore-water pressures: testing procedures and experimental results
Authors: Essayad Karim , Aubertin Michel
Published: April 2020

This paper presents laboratory testing procedures and key results on the consolidation of tailings from hard rock mines under positive or negative pore-water pressures (PWP). Specific experimental protocols have been developed and applied to assess the behaviour of low-density tailings (slurry) using compression tests in instrumented columns. The testing results on saturated specimens with positive PWP are used to determine the primary and secondary compression (consolidation) parameters of the tailings, based on excess PWP and displacement measurements. The compression tests with controlled negative PWP were conducted using two stress paths: vertical loading with a constant (imposed) suction and with a progressively increasing suction. The results from these tests illustrate specifically, for the first time, the combined effects of the net vertical stress and suction on tailings compressibility parameters, and on the evolution of PWP. The experimental procedures and related experimental results presented here can be quite useful for the analysis of tailings consolidation in the field, where both positive and negative PWP can occur.
Shape isomers in Pt, Hg and Pb isotopes with $${\hbox {N}}\le 126$$
Authors: Pomorski K. , Nerlo-Pomorska B. , Dobrowolski A. , Bartel J. , Petrache C. M.
Published: April 2020

Deformation-energy surfaces of 54 even-even isotopes of Pt, Hg and Pb nuclei with neutron numbers up to 126 are investigated within a macroscopic-microscopic model based on the Lublin-Strasbourg-Drop macroscopic energy and shell plus pairing-energy corrections obtained from a Yukawa-folded mean-field potential at the desired deformation. A new, rapidly converging Fourier shape parametrization is used to describe nuclear shapes. The stability of shape isomeric states with respect to non-axial and higher-order deformations is investigated.
The Hawking–Page phase transitions in the extended phase space in the Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Su Bing-Yu , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Li Nan
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the Hawking–Page phase transitions between the black holes and thermal anti-de Sitter (AdS) space are studied with the Gauss–Bonnet term in the extended phase space, in which the varying cosmological constant plays the role of an effective thermodynamic pressure. The Gauss–Bonnet term exhibits its effects via introducing the corrections to the black hole entropy and Gibbs free energy. The global phase structures, especially the phase transition temperature $$T_{\mathrm{HP}}$$

T
HP

and the Gibbs free energy G, are systematically investigated, first for the Schwarzschild–AdS black holes and then for the charged and rotating AdS black holes in the grand canonical ensembles, with both analytical and numerical methods. It is found that there are terminal points in the coexistence lines, and $$T_{\mathrm{HP}}$$

T
HP

decreases at large electric potentials and angular velocities and also decreases with the Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant $$\alpha $$
α
.
The Social Consequences of Disasters: Individual and Community Change
Authors: Arcaya Mariana , Raker Ethan J. , Waters Mary C.
Published: April 2020

We review findings from the last decade of research on the effects of disasters, concentrating on three important themes: the differences between the recovery of places versus people, the need to differentiate between short- and long-term recovery trajectories, and the changing role of government and how it has exacerbated inequality in recovery and engendered feedback loops that create greater vulnerability. We reflect the focus of the majority of sociological studies on disasters by concentrating our review on studies in the United States, but we also include studies on disasters throughout the world if they contribute to our empirical and theoretical understanding of disasters and their impacts. We end with a discussion of the inevitability of more severe disasters as climate change progresses and call on social scientists to develop new concepts and to use new methods to study these developments.
Effect of caloric restriction on phosphate metabolism and uremic vascular calcification
Authors: Vidal Angela , Rios Rafael , Pineda Carmen , Lopez Ignacio , Rodriguez Mariano , Aguilera-Tejero Escolastico , Raya Ana I.
Published: April 2020

Caloric restriction (CR) is known to have multiple beneficial effects on health and longevity. To study the effect of CR on phosphorus metabolism and vascular calcification (VC), rats were fed normal or restricted calories (67% of normal). The phosphorus content of the diets was adjusted to provide equal phosphorus intake independent of the calories ingested. After 50 days of CR, rats had negative phosphorus balance, lower plasma phosphorus, glucose, triglycerides, and leptin, and higher adiponectin than rats fed normal calories. Uremia was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx). After Nx, rats were treated with calcitriol (80 ng/kg ip every other day) and high-phosphorus diets (1.2% and 1.8%). No differences in aortic calcium content were observed between rats that ate normal or restricted calories before Nx in either rats that received 1.2% phosphorus (11.5 ± 1.7 vs. 10.9 ± 2.1 mg/g tissue) or in rats that received 1.8% phosphorus (12.5 ± 2.3 vs. 12.0 ± 2.9 mg/g of tissue). However, mortality was significantly increased in rats subjected to CR before Nx in both the 1.2% phosphorus groups (75% vs. 25%, P = 0.019) and 1.8% phosphorus groups (100% vs. 45%, P < 0.001). After calcitriol administration was stopped and phosphorus intake was normalized, VC regressed rapidly, but no significant differences in aortic calcium were detected between rats that ate normal or restricted calories during the regression phase (5.7 ± 2.7 and 5.2 ± 1.5 mg/g tissue). In conclusion, CR did not prevent or ameliorate VC and increased mortality in uremic rats.
Novel cell contact between podocyte microprojections and parietal epithelial cells analyzed by volume electron microscopy
Authors: Wrede Christoph , Hegermann Jan , Mühlfeld Christian
Published: April 2020

Podocytes are highly specialized cells with a clear cell polarity. It is known that in health and disease, microvilli protrude from the apical surface of the podocytes into the urinary space. As a basis to better understand the podocyte microprojections/microvilli, the present study analyzed their spatial localization, extension, and contact site with parietal epithelial cells (PECs). Using different electron microscopic (EM) techniques, we analyzed renal corpuscles of healthy young adult male C57BL/6 mice fixed by vascular perfusion. Serial block-face scanning EM was used to visualize entire corpuscles, focused ion beam scanning EM was performed to characterize microprojection/microvilli-rich regions at higher magnification, and transmission EM of serial sections was used to analyze the contact zone between podocyte microprojections and PECs. Numerous microprojections originating from the primary processes of podocytes were present in the urinary space in all regions of the corpuscle. They often reached the apical surface of the PEC but did not make junctional contacts. At high resolution, it was observed that the glycocalyx of both cells was in contact. Depending on the distance between podocytes and PECs, these microprojections had a stretched or coiled state. The present study shows that microprojections/microvilli of podocytes are a physiological feature of healthy mouse kidneys and are frequently in contact with the apical surface of PECs, thus spanning the urinary space. It is proposed that podocyte microprojections serve mechanosensory or communicative functions between podocytes and PECs.
[Retracted] Dielectrophoresis‐Based Method for Measuring the Multiangle Mechanical Properties of Biological Cells
Authors: Zhu Botao , Li Wanting , Zhu Mingjie , Hsu Po-Lin , Sun Lining , Yang Hao
Published: April 2020

The mechanical properties of cells are closely related to their physiological functions and states. Analyzing and measuring these properties are beneficial to understanding cell mechanisms. However, most measurement methods only involve the unidirectional analysis of cellular mechanical properties and thus result in the incomplete measurement of these properties. In this study, a microfluidic platform was established, and an innovative microfluidic chip was designed to measure the multiangle cellular mechanical properties by using dielectrophoresis (DEP) force. Three unsymmetrical indium tin oxide (ITO) microelectrodes were designed and combined with the microfluidic chip, which were utilized to generate DEP force and stretch cell from different angles. A series of experiments was performed to measure and analyze the multiangle mechanical properties of red blood cells of mice. This work provided a new tool for the comprehensive and accurate measurement of multiangle cellular mechanical properties. The results may contribute to the exploration of the internal physiological structures of cells and the building of accurate cell models.
Morphological Characteristics and Correction of Long Tubular Bone Regeneration under Chronic Hyperglycemia Influence
Authors: Dudchenko Yevhenii S. , Maksymova Olena S. , Pikaliuk Vasyl S. , Muravskyi Dmytro V. , Kyptenko Ludmila I. , Tkach Gennadii F.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Unsatisfactory consequences of bone regeneration disorders in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, their high prevalence, complication number, and difficulties in treatment require further study and deeper understanding of reparative osteogenesis mechanisms under chronic hyperglycemia and finding new effective and affordable approaches to their treatment. Therefore, the aim of our work was to study the histological, ultramicroscopic, and histomorphometric features of reparative osteogenesis in rats with chronic hyperglycemia (CH), as well as to investigate the possibility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) use in a fracture area in order to correct the negative effects of CH on reparative osteogenesis processes. Study Object and Methods. The studies were performed on 70 white laboratory rats, mature males, which were divided into the following groups: control group, animals with posttraumatic tibial defect under conditions of CH exposure, rats with experimental CH that were administered with PRP into the bone defect, and animals for the assessment of glucose homeostasis and confirmation of simulated CH. Light microscopy was performed using an Olympus BH-2 microscope (Japan). Ultramicroscopic examination was performed using REM-102 scanning electron microscope. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-17 software package. Results. The formation of new bone tissue in animals with CH did not occur after two weeks. Only on the 30th day of reparative osteogenesis the newly formed woven bone tissue was 61.54% of the total regenerated area. It was less than the reference value by 22.89% (P<0.001). On the 14th day of reparative osteogenesis, the regenerated area in a group of animals with CH and PRP injection consisted of connective tissue by 68.94% (4.94% less than in animals with CH (P<0.001)) and woven bone tissue by 31.06%, (13.51% less than in the control group (P<0.001)). On the 30th day, the area of woven bone tissue in a regenerate of this group was less than that of the control group by 12.41% (P<0.001). Conclusion. Thus, chronic hyperglycemia contributes to inflammation delay within the bone defect site, which makes the process of reparative osteogenesis more prolonged. The results of chronic hyperglycemia effect on bone regeneration are also impairment of osteogenic cell proliferation and shift of their differentiation towards the fibrocartilage regenerate formation. The PRP corrects the negative impact of chronic hyperglycemia on reparative osteogenesis, promoting more rapid inflammatory infiltrate removal from the bone defect site and osteogenic beam formation and remodeling of woven bone into lamellar membranous bone tissue.
The Roles of Siglec7 and Siglec9 on Natural Killer Cells in Virus Infection and Tumour Progression
Authors: Zheng Yayun , Ma Xue , Su Dongmei , Zhang Yue , Yu Lin , Jiang Fangfei , Zhou Xue , Feng Ying , Ma Fang
Published: April 2020

The function of natural killer (NK) cells, defending against virus infection and tumour progression, is regulated by multiple activating and inhibiting receptors expressed on NK cells, among which sialic acid-bind immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) act as a vital inhibitory group. Previous studies have shown that Siglec7 and Siglec9 are expressed on NK cells, which negatively regulate the function of NK cells and modulate the immune response through the interaction of sialic acid-containing ligands. Siglec7 and Siglec9 are very similar in distribution, gene encoding, protein sequences, ligand affinity, and functions in regulating the immune system against virus and cancers, but differences still exist between them. In this review, we aim to discuss the similarities and differences between Siglec7 and Siglec9 and analyze their functions in virus infection and tumour progression in order to develop better anti-viral and anti-tumor immunotherapy in the future.