bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural insight into precursor ribosomal RNA processing by ribonuclease MRP
Authors: Lan Pengfei , Zhou Bin , Tan Ming , Li Shaobai , Cao Mi , Wu Jian , Lei Ming
Published: June 2020

Adapted to the task at hand

RNA-based catalysts perform fundamental tasks in cellular RNA metabolism, especially in eukaryotes, where RNAs are cut by specialized ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) as part of ribosome assembly or messenger RNA regulation or splicing. Both RNA and protein components play a role in shaping how these large catalytic complexes interact with their RNA substrates. Lan
et al.
determined the cryo–electron microscopy structures of a yeast RNP called ribonuclease MRP both alone and bound to a small RNA substrate. Comparison with the related ribonuclease P revealed differences in both protein and RNA components that enable ribonuclease MRP to recognize substrates with a specific sequence motif, rather than purely recognizing RNA structure as ribonuclease P does. These structures aid in considering how RNPs evolved and why they remain central to eukaryotic RNA processing.

Science
, this issue p.
656
A Structure-Function-Inhibition Analysis of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Type III Secretion Needle Protein PscF
Authors: Moir Donald T. , Bowlin Nicholas O. , Berube Bryan J. , Yabut Jaden , Mills Debra M. , Nguyen Giang T. , Aron Zachary D. , Williams John D. , Mecsas Joan , Hauser Alan R. , Bowlin Terry L.
Published: June 2020

P. aeruginosa
effector toxin translocation into host innate immune cells is critical for the establishment and dissemination of
P. aeruginosa
infections. The medical need for new anti-
P. aeruginosa
agents is evident by the fact that
P. aeruginosa
ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with a high mortality rate (40 to 69%) and recurs in >30% of patients, even with standard-of-care antibiotic therapy. The results described here confirm roles for the PscF needle in T3SS secretion and translocation and suggest that it affects regulation, possibly by interaction with T3SS regulatory proteins. The results also support a model of direct interaction of the needle with PhA and suggest that, with further development, members of the PhA series may prove useful as drugs for
P. aeruginosa
infection.
A Selective Culture Medium for Screening Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance in
Enterobacterales
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sadek Mustafa , Poirel Laurent , Tinguely Camille , Nordmann Patrice
Published: June 2020

The SuperCAZ/AVI medium was developed for screening ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) resistance among Gram-negative bacteria (
Enterobacterales
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
). It was evaluated using 50 CZA-susceptible and 42 CZA-resistant Gram-negative isolates. Its sensitivity and specificity of detection were 100%. Excellent performance of the medium was also observed by testing spiked stools, with the lower limit of detection ranging from 10
1
to 10
2
CFU/ml.
Mélange versus fluid and melt enrichment of subarc mantle: A novel test using barium isotopes in the Tonga-Kermadec arc
Authors: Wu Fei , Turner Simon , Schaefer Bruce F.
Published: June 2020

In the past few years, the so-called mélange model has been offered as an alternative to the long-standing model of enrichment of the subarc mantle by separate additions of fluid and sediment components from the subducting plate. In the mélange model, components from the subducting plate become physically mixed at the slab-mantle interface. Partial melting of the peridotite subsequently occurs after being hybridized by the mélange material that diapirically rises into hotter portions of the wedge. Here, we present the first Ba isotope study of lavas from the Tonga-Kermadec arc (southwest Pacific Ocean) and show that Ba isotopes distinguish between fluid and melt derived from different subducted components. This provides fresh constraints on the debate. Remarkable along-strike Ba isotope variations were observed and are best explained by contributions from variable proportions of sediment and altered oceanic crust (AOC) fluid from the subducting plate. Combined Ba-Sr-Pb isotope relationships indicate that sediment melt and AOC fluid were added to the source of the arc lavas separately at different times. This is inconsistent with the mélange model, at least in this arc.
Rapid assembly of high-Mg andesites and dacites by magma mixing at a continental arc stratovolcano
Authors: Conway Chris E. , Chamberlain Katy J. , Harigane Yumiko , Morgan Daniel J. , Wilson Colin J.N.
Published: June 2020

Studies of pre-eruptive processes at active volcanoes require precise petrochronological constraints if they are to contribute to hazard assessment during future eruption events. We present petrological and geochemical data and orthopyroxene diffusion time scales for samples from Late Pleistocene high-Mg andesite-dacite lavas (Mg# 53–69) at Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand, as a case study of rapid magma genesis and eruption at a continental arc stratovolcano. Assembly of Ruapehu high-Mg magmas involved the mixing of primitive magmas plus entrained mantle-equilibrated olivines with mid-crustal felsic mush bodies, yielding hybridized magmas with ubiquitous pyroxene reverse-zoning patterns. Orthopyroxene Fe-Mg interdiffusion time scales linked to quantitative crystal orientation data show that most lavas erupted <10 days after resumption of crystal growth following magma mixing events. The eruption of lavas within days of mixing events implies that pre-eruptive warnings may be correspondingly short.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the early diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease in children
Authors: Waterfield Thomas , Lyttle Mark D , McKenna James , Maney Julie-Ann , Roland Damian , Corr Michael , Woolfall Kerry , Patenall Bethany , Shields Michael , Fairley Derek
Published: June 2020

Background

Rapid molecular diagnostic testing has the potential to improve the early recognition of meningococcal disease (MD). The aim of this study was to report on the diagnostic test accuracy of point-of-care loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in the diagnosis of MD.

Design

Data were collected prospectively from three UK emergency departments (ED) between November 2017 and June 2019. Consecutive children under 18 years of age attending the ED with features of MD were eligible for inclusion. The meningococcal LAMP test (index test) was performed on a dry swab of the child’s oropharynx. Reference standard testing was the confirmation of invasive MD defined as positive N. meningitidis culture or PCR result from a sterile body site (blood or cerebrospinal fluid).

Results

There were 260 children included in the final analysis. The median age was 2 years 11 months and 169 (65%) children were aged 5 years or younger. The LAMP test was negative in 246 children and positive in 14 children. Of the 14 children with positive LAMP tests, there were five cases of invasive MD. Of the 246 children with negative LAMP tests, there were no cases of invasive MD. The sensitivity of LAMP testing was 1.00 and the specificity was 0.97. The negative and positive predictive values were 1.00 and 0.36, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 28.3.

Discussion

Non-invasive LAMP testing using oropharyngeal swabs provided an accurate fast and minimally invasive mechanism for predicting invasive MD in this study.

Trial registration number

NCT03378258.
Disseminated herpes zoster with acute encephalitis in an immunocompetent elderly man
Authors: Oh Jessica Hyejin , Tummala Saketh , Husnain Muhammad Ghazanfar
Published: June 2020

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis typically occurs in immunosuppressed populations such as in patients with HIV/AIDS, transplantation and autoimmune disease. However, it can also occur in healthy hosts. We present the case of an immunocompetent patient who presented with a clinical picture of VZV encephalitis with the sole precipitating factor of advanced age. We want to stress the importance of including VZV in the differential diagnosis for encephalitis in healthy elderly hosts. In patients with a clinical diagnosis of encephalitis, the presence of herpes zoster rash increases the likelihood of VZV encephalitis. However, the absence of a skin rash may not exclude the diagnosis. In general, there is an elevated risk of transient ischaemic attack and stroke associated with the diagnosis of herpes zoster infection. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications, including death.
High dose-rate brachytherapy of localized prostate cancer converts tumors from cold to hot
Authors: Keam Simon P , Halse Heloise , Nguyen Thu , Wang Minyu , Van Kooten Losio Nicolas , Mitchell Catherine , Caramia Franco , Byrne David J , Haupt Sue , Ryland Georgina , Darcy Phillip K , Sandhu Shahneen , Blombery Piers , Haupt Ygal , Williams Scott G , Neeson Paul J
Published: June 2020

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) has a profoundly immunosuppressive microenvironment and is commonly immune excluded with few infiltrative lymphocytes and low levels of immune activation. High-dose radiation has been demonstrated to stimulate the immune system in various human solid tumors. We hypothesized that localized radiation therapy, in the form of high dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT), would overcome immune suppression in PCa.

Methods

To investigate whether HDRBT altered prostate immune context, we analyzed preradiation versus postradiation human tissue from a cohort of 24 patients with localized PCa that received HDRBT as primary treatment (RadBank cohort). We performed Nanostring immune gene expression profiling, digital spatial profiling, and high-throughput immune cell multiplex immunohistochemistry analysis. We also resolved tumor and nontumor zones in spatial and bioinformatic analyses to explore the immunological response.

Results

Nanostring immune profiling revealed numerous immune checkpoint molecules (eg, B7-H3, CTLA4, PDL1, and PDL2) and TGFβ levels were increased in response to HDRBT. We used a published 16-gene tumor inflammation signature (TIS) to divide tumors into distinct immune activation states (high:hot, intermediate and low:cold) and showed that most localized PCa are cold tumors pre-HDRBT. Crucially, HDRBT converted 80% of these ‘cold’-phenotype tumors into an ‘intermediate’ or ‘hot’ class. We used digital spatial profiling to show these HDRBT-induced changes in prostate TIS scores were derived from the nontumor regions. Furthermore, these changes in TIS were also associated with pervasive changes in immune cell density and spatial relationships—in particular, between T cell subsets and antigen presenting cells. We identified an increased density of CD4+ FOXP3+ T cells, CD68+ macrophages and CD68+ CD11c+ dendritic cells in response to HDRBT. The only subset change specific to tumor zones was PDL1- macrophages. While these immune responses were heterogeneous, HDRBT induced significant changes in immune cell associations, including a gained T cell and HMWCK+ PDL1+ interaction in tumor zones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we showed HDRBT converted “cold” prostate tumors into more immunologically activated “hot” tissues, with accompanying spatially organized immune infiltrates and signaling changes. Understanding and potentially harnessing these changes will have widespread implications for the future treatment of localized PCa, including rational use of combination radio-immunotherapy.
Initial dose of oncolytic myxoma virus programs durable antitumor immunity independent of in vivo viral replication
Authors: Flores Erica B , Aksoy Bulent A , Bartee Eric
Published: June 2020

Background

Oncolytic therapy uses live-replicating viruses to improve the immunological status of treated tumors. Critically, while these viruses are known to self-amplify in vivo, clinical oncolytic therapies still appear to display a strong dose dependence and the mechanisms mediating this dose dependence are not well understood.

Methods

To explore this apparent contradiction, we investigated how the initial dose of oncolytic myxoma virus affected the subsequent ability of treatment to alter the immunological status of tumors as well as synergize with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) blockade.

Results

Our results indicate that, due to viral self-amplification in vivo, the overall load of myxoma virus rapidly normalizes within treated tumors despite up to 3-log differences in inoculating dose. Because of this, therapeutic efficacy in the absence of checkpoint blockade is largely dose independent. Despite this rapid normalization, however, treatment with high or low doses of myxoma virus induces distinct immunological changes within treated tumors. Critically, these changes appear to be durably programmed based on the initial oncolytic dose with low-dose treatment failing to induce immunological improvements despite rapidly achieving equivalent viral burdens. Finally, due to the distinct immunological profiles induced by high and low myxoma virus doses, oncolytic efficacy resulting from combination with PD1 blockade therapy displays a strong dose dependence.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest that the ability of oncolytic myxoma virus to immunologically reprogram treated tumors is dependent on initial viral dose. Additionally, this work could provide a possible mechanistic explanation for clinical results observed with other oncolytic viruses.
Leadership development of health and social care professionals: a systematic review
Authors: McGowan Emer , Hale Jennifer , Bezner Janet , Harwood Kenneth , Green-Wilson Jennifer , Stokes Emma
Published: June 2020

The need to develop leaders across all levels of the health system including clinical staff has been recognised. Investments are made by healthcare organisations each year to develop leadership within their workforce hence there is a need to evaluate these development programmes to investigate whether the stated objectives have been achieved. The aim of this review was to systematically review published literature on the effect of leadership development for health and social care professionals (HSCPs). The databases, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, Medline, PsychInfo, Scopus and Web of Science, were systematically searched. After screening and quality analysis, nine full-text articles were included in the review. The included studies demonstrated a range of methodological quality and there was high variability in the leadership development programmes in terms of programme length, content, structure, participants and evaluation methods. Transformational leadership was the leadership model most frequently employed. The reported results suggest that these educational interventions have positive effects on participants such as improved leadership behaviours, increased confidence and workplace engagement. However, the mixed methodological quality of the studies and high variability between the courses mean that definitive recommendations for leadership development programmes for HSCPs cannot be made. High-quality, longitudinal studies using rigorous evaluation methods are needed to provide the necessary evidence to inform the development of future programmes.
Disease duration, age at diagnosis and organ damage are important factors for cardiovascular disease in SLE
Authors: Nived Ola , Ingvarsson Ragnar Freyr , Jöud Anna , Linge Petrus , Tydén Helena , Jönsen Andreas , Bengtsson Anders A
Published: June 2020

Objective

To report the incidence rate ratios (IRR) of acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) and cerebrovascular events (CVE) in incident SLE cases from a defined population. To study the risk factors for cardiovascular events in all patients with SLE at our unit.

Methods

Patients with SLE diagnosed from 1981 to 2006 were followed through to 2016. IRRs of AMI and CVE were calculated. The AMI and CVE incidence patterns for patients with SLE were studied in relation to hypertension, smoking, renal dysfunction, anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies at diagnosis, disease duration and organ damage before an event.

Results

262 patients with SLE were included in the study; of these 175 were from the defined population. Overall, 37 AMI and 44 CVE were recorded. An increased IRR of 3 for AMI was found (p<0.001). Smoking, hypertension and reduced renal function were risk factors for AMI. An increased IRR of 3.3 for ischaemic CVE was found for women (p<0.001). Hypertension and aCL were risk factors for CVE. Organ damage before events was increased.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular events are increased in SLE and are associated with hypertension, smoking and increased damage rate.
Four-dimensional digital subtraction angiography for exploration of spinal cord vascular malformations: preliminary experience
Authors: Clarençon Frédéric , Lenck Stéphanie , Shotar Eimad , Boch Anne-Laure , Lefevre Etienne , Premat Kevin , Amador Maria Del Mar , Sourour Nader-Antoine
Published: June 2020

Background

The precise understanding of the angioarchitecture of spinal vascular malformations (SVMs) is often difficult to reach with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the potential of four-dimensional DSA (4D-DSA) (Siemens Healthcare) in the exploration of SVMs.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all patients who underwent spinal DSA, including 4D-DSA acquisition, from July 2018 to June 2019 at a single institution. All spinal DSA acquisitions were performed under general anesthesia. 4D-DSA acquisitions were acquired with the protocol '12 s DSA Dyna4D Neuro'. 12 mL of iodixanol 320 mg iodine/mL were injected via a 5 F catheter (1 mL/s during the 12 s 4D-DSA acquisition). Inter-rater (three independent reviewers) and intermodality agreements were assessed.

Results

Nine consecutive patients (six men, three women, mean age 55.3±19.8 years) with 10 SVMs (spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas n=3, spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas n=2, spinal pial arteriovenous fistulas n=2, and spinal arteriovenous malformations n=2; one patient had two synchronous pial fistulas) had spinal DSA, including 4D-DSA acquisition. Inter-rater agreement was good and moderate for the venous drainage pattern and the SVM subtype, respectively. In 9 of 10 cases, the quality of the acquisition was graded as good. Satisfactory concordance between 4D-DSA and the selective microcatheterization was observed in 90% of cases for the location of the shunt point.

Conclusion

4D-DSA acquisition may be helpful for a better understanding of the angioarchitecture of SVMs. Larger series are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.
Multiple hypointense vessels on susceptibility-weighted imaging predict early neurological deterioration in acute ischaemic stroke patients with severe intracranial large artery stenosis or occlusion receiving intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Liu Yong-Lin , Yin Han-Peng , Qiu Dong-Hai , Qu Jian-Feng , Zhong Huo-Hua , Lu Zhi-Hao , Wang Fang , Liang Man-Qiu , Chen Yang-Kun
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Early neurological deterioration (END) is a common feature in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) receiving thrombolysis. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of multiple hypointense vessels (MHVs) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) could predict END in patients with the anterior circulation AIS treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA).

Methods

This was a retrospective study focusing on AIS patients suffering from symptomatic stenosis or occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery with r-tPA treatment. We collected clinical variables and initial haematological and neuroimaging findings. MHVs were measured on SWI performed after intravenous thrombosis and were defined as the presence of a greater number of veins or veins of a larger diameter with greater signal loss on SWI than those of the contralesional haemisphere. The degree of hyperintensity of MHVs was classified into four grades: none, subtle, moderate and extensive. END was defined as an increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score by 2 points during the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the predictors of END.

Results

The study included 61 patients (51 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 62.4±12.6 years. Thirty-five (57.4%) patients presented with MHVs: 8 (13.1%) were graded as subtle MHVs, while 23 (37.7%) and 4 (6.6%) were graded as moderate or extensive MHVs, respectively. Twenty patients (32.8%) presented with END. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with patients without MHVs, moderate MHVs (adjusted OR 5.446, 95% CI 1.360 to 21.800; p=0.017) and extensive MHVs (adjusted OR 15.240, 95% CI 1.200 to 193.544; p=0.036) were significantly associated with END.

Conclusions

MHVs might be a useful predictor of END in AIS patients with symptomatic large artery stenosis or occlusion after r-tPA treatment.
Voltage and e-liquid composition affect nicotine deposition within the oral cavity and carbonyl formation
Authors: Zhou Yue , Irshad Hammad , Dye Wendy W , Wu Guodong , Tellez Carmen S , Belinsky Steven A
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The diversity of e-liquids along with higher powered e-cigarette nicotine delivery devices are increasing. This study evaluated the effect of voltage and e-liquid composition on particle size, nicotine deposition in a human oral-trachea cast model and generation of carbonyls.

Methods

Nineteen e-liquids were evaluated for 30 common chemicals by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). E-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine (1.2%) were generated at 4 and 5 volts for assessment of particle size distribution using Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), Fast Mobility Particle Size (FMPS) and an In-Tox cascade impactor and nicotine deposition by GC-MS. Carbonyl formation in aerosols was assessed by liquid chromatography tandem triple-quad mass spectrometry.

Results

Total chemical burden ranged from 0.35 to 14.6 mg/mL with ethyl maltol present in all e-liquids. Increasing voltage was associated with an increase in median size of aerosol particles and the deposition of nicotine in the oral cast. Two e-liquids caused a 2.5-fold to 5-fold increase in nicotine deposition independent of particle size and voltage. Increasing voltage caused an increase in formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein in the presence and absence of nicotine. Most striking, aerosols from several e-liquids significantly increased levels of acetaldehyde and acrolein compared with unflavoured.

Conclusions

Increasing voltage and composition of e-liquid can increase the exposure of the oral pharynx and bronchial airways to carbonyls that can react with DNA to generate adducts, induce oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. The elevated nicotine and carbonyls readily enter the circulation where they can also cause cardiovascular stress. The growing popularity of higher voltage e-cigarette delivery devices will likely further elevate health risks from chronic exposure to these complex aerosols.
Investigating the efficacy of medical management for canine structural epilepsy
Authors: Norona Frances Eleanor , Volk Holger Andreas
Published: June 2020

Background

Structural epilepsy in dogs is often treated medically with a combination of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) and other concurrent therapies for the primary condition. Unlike idiopathic epilepsy, there have been few studies on the efficacy of medical management in structural epilepsy. This study investigated factors affecting treatment outcomes in dogs medically managed for structural epilepsy.

Methods

Cases of 71 dogs diagnosed with structural epilepsy were identified from a referral hospital database and data were analysed retrospectively. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by survival time, seizure‐free period after diagnosis and overall seizure control.

Results

Results showed that the most significant prognostic indicator was the occurrence of status epilepticus (SE) before diagnosis, with these dogs having reduced survival times, shorter seizure‐free periods after diagnosis and overall worse seizure control. Cluster seizure history showed similar, although not statistically significant, trends in treatment efficacy. Treatment outcomes were not significantly impacted by ASD therapy used or by specific diagnosis, with the exception of meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology cases surviving longer.

Conclusion

Overall, medical management of canine structural epilepsy achieves the best treatment outcomes when the patient has no history of SE. This study may provide a basis for future investigations into the treatment of canine structural epilepsies.
Lactoferrin, a versatile natural antimicrobial glycoprotein that modulates the host’s innate immunity
Authors: Dierick Matthias , Vanrompay Daisy , Devriendt Bert , Cox Eric
Published: June 2020

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein found in the secretions of mammals. The antimicrobial activity of lactoferrin was the first to be discovered and was assumed to be solely dependent on its iron-chelating ability. However, lactoferrin has been reported to display proteolytic activity towards bacterial virulence factors and to modulate the host defence by stimulating the immune system and balancing pathogen-induced inflammation. Here, we review the current understandings of the antimicrobial effect, interaction with host cells, and innate immune modulation of lactoferrin, and put forward this moonlighting protein as a possible alternative for antibiotics.
On the ideal weights for WENO/WENO-like finite difference schemes for the first derivative, I
Authors: Kang Jian , Li Xinliang
Published: June 2020

An interesting fact which was used in the construction of targeted essentially non-oscillatory (TENO) schemes is that a [Formula: see text]th order accurate scheme can be written as a linear combination of two [Formula: see text]th order accurate schemes. Taking advantage of this fact, we propose a formula to determine the ideal weights used in developing finite difference WENO/WENO-like schemes. Such quantitative results are helpful for further discussion on finite difference WENO/WENO-like schemes.
ULTRASONIC SPRAY-ASSISTED CVD GROWTH OF HIGHLY TRANSPARENT AND CONDUCTIVE ALUMINUM-DOPED ZnO
Authors: KHAAISSA Y. , FATHI K. , TALBI A. , NOUNEH K. , EL MABROUK K. , TALEB A.
Published: June 2020

Zinc oxide [Formula: see text], undoped and Al-doped thin films have been synthesized by the ultrasonic spray-assisted chemical vapor deposition (USCVD) system. The films were deposited on glass substrates. The precursor solution was prepared dissolving zinc chloride in distilled water. First, the precursor concentrations were investigated and optimized before studying [Formula: see text] doped, after we have studied the [Formula: see text]-doped influence on [Formula: see text] films especially optical and electrical properties for use as a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) in solar cell electrodes. The characterizations have been carried out using X-ray diffraction technique, UV-vis spectrophotometry, Hall Effect measurement (ECOPIA), atomic force microscopy (AFM, VEECO Dimension [Formula: see text] and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-doped [Formula: see text] films were crystallized in the hexagonal wurtzite structure with [Formula: see text] orientation. Optical measurements have shown that all films exhibit, along the visible range, high transmittance and that optical band gap depends strongly to [Formula: see text]-doped concentration. Hall-effect measurement indicates that the highest carrier concentration [Formula: see text] and the lowest resistivity [Formula: see text] are obtained for the [Formula: see text] AZO sample. The SEM shows that the microstructures of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are homogeneous and the AFM images prove their microcrystallinity with grains orthogonal to the film surface.
A NOVEL STRUCTURE DESIGN OF BIODEGRADABLE ZINC ALLOY STENT AND ITS EFFECTS ON RESHAPING STENOTIC VESSEL
Authors: PENG KUN , QIAO AIKE , WANG JUNJIE , OHTA MAKOTO , CUI XINYANG , MU YONGLIANG
Published: June 2020

Biodegradable zinc alloy stents offer a prospective solution to mitigate incompatibility between artery and permanent stents. However, biodegradable stents are restricted in clinical therapy mainly because of their insufficient support for opening of stenotic vessel. As an effort to resolve this challenging problem, a novel structure of zinc alloy stent which significantly enhanced scaffold performance is proposed in this paper. Subsequently, the functionality of the new stent on reshaping vessels with 40% of stenosis was investigated in contrast with a common stent via finite element analysis. The simulation results show that radial recoiling ratio and dog-boning ratio of the new stent are decreased by 43.2% and 16.3%, respectively, compared with those of the common stent. A larger and flatter lumen is found in the plaque-vessel system deployed with the new stent. It suggests that the geometry of stent has strong influence on its mechanical performance. With strong scaffold capability and brilliant effect on reshaping stenotic vessel, the biodegradable zinc alloy stent-based novel structure is highly promised to be an alternative choice in interventional surgeries.
A Comprehensive Validated Model of Innovation and Performance: An Empirical Study of Turkish Companies
Authors: Calik Eyup , Cetinguc Basak , Calisir Fethi
Published: June 2020

Organizations should maintain their innovation trajectories by developing products, processes, marketing, and organizational methods to achieve and sustain competitive advantage. However, by itself, creating value through innovation is not enough for companies: transforming these innovations into firm performance is also crucial. This study aims to validate the relationships among innovation and firm performance components and to explore the effect of innovation culture on innovation components and personnel performance. In our model, the innovation construct is comprised of innovation input, innovation process, and innovation output components, while firm performance construct includes four performance components such as financial, customer, market, and personnel performance. Moreover, this comprehensive model was proposed based on the literature, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed by employing data gained from 353 companies in Turkey to validate the model. According to the results, there is a sequential relationship within innovation components and firm performance components, while the relationships among innovation components and firm performance components are observed holistically. This paper contributes to the innovation literature by introducing a validated model to clarify these relationships. This model can be evaluated by company leaders to identify not only their firm’s innovation path but also short and long-term innovation results. Furthermore, the findings indicate that companies should manage the system from innovation input to financial gains without delicately compromising the whole sequential and holistic relationship. Managers should also be aware of the power of innovation culture on innovation path and personnel performance directly to create a convenient atmosphere.
On the geometry of lightlike submanifolds of indefinite statistical manifolds
Authors: Jain Varun , Pal Singh Amrinder , Kumar Rakesh
Published: June 2020

We study lightlike submanifolds of indefinite statistical manifolds. Contrary to the classical theory of submanifolds of statistical manifolds, lightlike submanifolds of indefinite statistical manifolds need not to be statistical submanifold. Therefore, we obtain some conditions for a lightlike submanifold of indefinite statistical manifolds to be a lightlike statistical submanifold. We derive the expression of statistical sectional curvature and finally obtain some conditions for the induced statistical Ricci tensor on a lightlike submanifold of indefinite statistical manifolds to be symmetric.
Semi-invariant Riemannian submersions from nearly Kaehler manifolds
Authors: Kaushal Rupali , Sachdeva Rashmi , Kumar Rakesh , Nagaich Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2020

We study semi-invariant Riemannian submersions from a nearly Kaehler manifold to a Riemannian manifold. It is well known that the vertical distribution of a Riemannian submersion is always integrable therefore, we derive condition for the integrability of horizontal distribution of a semi-invariant Riemannian submersion and also investigate the geometry of the foliations. We discuss the existence and nonexistence of semi-invariant submersions such that the total manifold is a usual product manifold or a twisted product manifold. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for a semi-invariant submersion to be a totally geodesic map. Finally, we study semi-invariant submersions with totally umbilical fibers.
The Source and Dynamics of Adult Hematopoiesis: Insights from Lineage Tracing
Authors: Pucella Joseph N. , Upadhaya Samik , Reizis Boris
Published: June 2020

The generation of all blood cell lineages (hematopoiesis) is sustained throughout the entire life span of adult mammals. Studies using cell transplantation identified the self-renewing, multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as the source of hematopoiesis in adoptive hosts and delineated a hierarchy of HSC-derived progenitors that ultimately yield mature blood cells. However, much less is known about adult hematopoiesis as it occurs in native hosts, i.e., without transplantation. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of native hematopoiesis, focusing in particular on the application of genetic lineage tracing in mice. The emerging evidence has established HSCs as the major source of native hematopoiesis, helped to define the kinetics of HSC differentiation, and begun exploring native hematopoiesis in stress conditions such as aging and inflammation. Major outstanding questions about native hematopoiesis still remain, such as its clonal composition, the nature of lineage commitment, and the dynamics of the process in humans.
Carotid body chemosensitivity at 1.6 ATA breathing air versus 100% oxygen
Authors: Hess Hayden W. , Hostler David , Clemency Brian M. , Johnson Blair D.
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate that carotid body chemosensitivity to brief exposures of hypercapnia was unchanged during a 4-h dive in a dry hyperbaric chamber at 1.6 ATA regardless of breathing gas condition [i.e., air (21% O2) versus 100% oxygen]. Therefore, it appears that an attenuation of carotid body chemosensitivity to hypercapnia does not contribute to CO2retention in hyperbaria.
Coingestion of protein and carbohydrate in the early recovery phase, compared with carbohydrate only, improves endurance performance despite similar glycogen degradation and AMPK phosphorylation
Authors: Dahl Marius A. , Areta José Lisandro , Jeppesen Per Bendix , Birk Jesper Bratz , Johansen Egil I. , Ingemann-Hansen Thorsten , Hansen Mette , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen , Ivy John L. , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P. , Overgaard Kristian , Jensen Jørgen
Published: June 2020

Endurance athletes competing consecutive days need optimal dietary intake during the recovery period. We report that coingestion of protein and carbohydrate soon after exhaustive exercise, compared with carbohydrate only, resulted in better performance the following day. The better performance after coingestion of protein and carbohydrate was not associated with a higher rate of glycogen synthesis or activation of anabolic signaling compared with carbohydrate only. Importantly, nitrogen balance was positive after coingestion of protein and carbohydrate, which was not the case after intake of carbohydrate only, suggesting that protein synthesis contributes to the better performance the following day.
Mass-normalized internal mechanical work in walking is not impaired in adults with class III obesity
Authors: Fernández Menéndez Aitor , Uva Barbara , Favre Lucie , Hans Didier , Borrani Fabio , Malatesta Davide
Published: June 2020

It has been suggested that internal mechanical work (i.e., the work required to move the limbs with respect to the center of mass, Wint) may be responsible for the higher net cost of walking in obese adults, but this variable has not yet been studied in individuals with obesity. The main finding of the present study is that individuals with class III obesity exhibit a similar amount of mass-normalized Wintto that of adults with a normal body weight, suggesting that body mass-relative Wintis not affected by obesity and is not responsible for the higher energy cost and the lower efficiency of walking in this population.
The Characteristics of Seismic Response on Hard Interlayer Sites
Authors: Su Jie , Zhou Zhenghua , Zhou You , Li Xiaojun , Dong Qing , Wang Yafei , Li Yuping , Chen Liu
Published: June 2020

Based on the engineering geological data of a nuclear power plant site, nine engineering geological profiles were created with hard interlayers of different thicknesses. The equivalent linearization method of seismic motion segment‐input used for one‐dimensional nonlinear seismic response analysis was applied to study the effect of the interlayer thickness on the peak acceleration and the acceleration response spectra of the site seismic response. The results showed that there was an obvious influence of hard interlayer thickness on site seismic responses. With the increase of hard interlayer thickness, the site nonlinear effect on seismic responses decreased. Under the same thickness of the hard interlayer, the nonlinear effect of the site was strengthened with the higher input peak acceleration. In addition, the short‐period acceleration response spectrum was found to be significantly influenced by the hard interlayer and showed that the longer the period, the less influence of the hard interlayer on the acceleration response spectrum coordinates. Moreover, the influenced frequency band was wider with the increase in the thickness of hard interlayer.
Fractional Integral Inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard Type for Differentiable Generalized h-Convex Functions
Authors: Yang Yingxia , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Ghafoor Mamoona , Qureshi Muhammad Imran
Published: June 2020

In the present paper, some fractional integral inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type for functions whose derivatives are generalized h-convex are established. Moreover, several particular cases are also discussed which can be deduced from our results. As special cases, one can obtain several new versions of the results of generalized h-convexity for other various generalizations of convex functions.
Gut Bacteria Selectively Altered by Sennoside A Alleviate Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Traits
Authors: Wei Zhonghong , Shen Peiliang , Cheng Peng , Lu Yin , Wang Aiyun , Sun Zhiguang
Published: June 2020

Accumulating evidences implicate that gut microbiota play an important role in the onset and prolongation of fat inflammation and diabetes. Sennoside A, the main active ingredient of Rhizoma Rhei (rhubarb), is widely used for constipation as a kind of anthranoid laxative (e.g., senna). Here, we put forward the hypothesis that the structural alteration of gut microbiota in obesity mice may be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) which may be ameliorated by Sennoside A. We investigated the appearance of obesity, insulin resistance, host inflammation, and leaky gut phenotype with or without Sennoside A in db/db mice. Horizontal fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to confirm the critical roles of gut microbiota in the amelioration of the indices in T2D mice after Sennoside A treatment. As a result, we found that Sennoside A administration markedly improved the indices in T2D mice and obesity-related traits including blood glucose level, body weight, lipid metabolism disorder, and insulin resistance. The gut microbiota changed quickly during the onset of T2D in db/db mice, which confirmed the hypothesis that gut microbiota was involved in the pathogenesis of T2D. Sennoside A altered gut microbial composition which might mediate the antiobesogenic effects in T2D remission. Sennoside A also reduced inflammation and increased tight junction proteins in the ileum in gene-deficient mice via gut microbiota alteration. FMT lowered the blood glucose level and improved insulin resistance, corroborating that Sennoside A perhaps exerted its antiobesogenic effects through gut microbiota alteration. Chemical Compounds Studied in This Article. Compounds studied in this article include Sennoside A (PubChem CID: 73111) and metformin hydrochloride (PubChem CID: 14219).
Effect of Early Mobilization on Respiratory and Limb Muscle Strength and Functionality of Nonintubated Patients in Critical Care: A Feasibility Trial
Authors: Richtrmoc Maria Karoline , Souza Leite Wagner , Martins Azevedo Anielle , Farias Correia Raissa , de Aquino Coelho Lins Rômulo , Alencar Lima Wildberg , Araújo Morais Caio César , Rios Pereira Rodrigo , Bandeira Monique , Santos Rego Barros Carlos Eduardo , Soares de Lima Amina Maria , Rodrigues-Machado Maria Glória , Cunha Brandão Daniella , Dornelas De Andrade Armèle , Remigio de Aguiar Maria Inês , Lima Campos Shirley
Published: June 2020

Purpose. To assess the potential effectiveness or efficacy of early mobilization on respiratory and peripheral muscle strengths and functionality in nonintubated patients. Methods. For 40 nonintubated patients over 18 years of age with over 24-hour intensive care unit (ICU) stay allocated to a single intervention, an incremental mobilization protocol was initiated. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), peripheral muscle strength (handgrip strength (HGS) and Medical Research Council scale (MRC-s)), and functionality (FIM, ICF-BMS, PFIT-s, and FSS-ICU scales) were evaluated at ICU admission and discharge. Results. All outcomes were significantly improved (pre vs. post values): MIP (43.93 ± 21.95 vs. 54.12 ± 21.68 cmH2O; P<0.001), MEP (50.32 ± 28.65 vs. 60.30 ± 21.23; P=0.002), HGS (25.5 (9.58) vs. 27.5 (9.48); P=0.046), MRC-s (58.52 ± 2.84 vs. 59.47 ± 1.81; P=0.023), FIM (54.4 ± 22.79 vs. 69.48 ± 12.74), ICF-BMS (28.63 ± 16.19 vs. 14.03 ± 11.15), PFIT-s (9.55 ± 2.34 vs. 11.18 ± 1.32) (P<0.001), and FSS-ICU (28.7 ± 9.1 vs. 32.6 ± 5.0; P=0.001). The ceiling effect at admission/discharge was in MRC-s (60/82.5%), FSS-ICU (50/70%), and FIM (35/62.5%). The floor effect occurred at discharge in ICF-BMS (7.5/52.5%). Conclusions. The early mobilization protocol seemed effective at maintaining/increasing the respiratory muscle strength and functionality of nonintubated patients in critical care. Ceiling effect was high for MRC-s, FSS-ICU, and FIM scales.
On the p,q-Humbert Functions from the View Point of the Generating Function Method
Authors: Shehata Ayman
Published: June 2020

The main object of the present paper is to construct new p,q-analogy definitions of various families of p,q-Humbert functions using the generating function method as a starting point. This study shows a class of several results of p,q-Humbert functions with the help of the generating functions such as explicit representations and recurrence relations, especially differential recurrence relations, and prove some of their significant properties of these functions.
The Correct Localization of Borealin in Midbody during Cytokinesis Depends on IQGAP1
Authors: Wumaier Reziya , Aili Abudunaibi , Saiyin Hexige , Zhang Pingzhao , Cao Lihuan , Muheremu Aikeremujiang
Published: June 2020

Borealin is a key component of chromosomal passenger complex, which is vital in cytokinesis. IQ domain‐containing GTPase‐activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) also participates in cytokinesis. The correlation between Borealin and IQGAP1 during cytokinesis is not yet clear. Here, we used mass spectrometry and endogenous coimmunoprecipitation experiments to investigate the interaction between IQGAP1 and Borealin. Results of the current study showed that Borealin interacted directly with IQGAP1 both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of IQGAP1 resulted in an abnormal location of Borealin in the midbody. Knocking down Borealin alone, IQGAP1 alone, or Borealin and IQGAP1 at the same time inhibited the completion of cytokinesis and formed multinucleated cells. Our results indicated that IQGAP1 interacts with Borealin during cytokinesis, and the correct localization of Borealin in the midbody during cytokinesis is determined by IQGAP1, and IQGAP1 may play an important role in regulating Borealin function in cytokinesis.
Risk Factors Associated with Leishmaniasis in the Most Affected Provinces byLeishmania infantumin Morocco
Authors: Hakkour Maryam , Hmamouch Asmae , Mahmoud El Alem Mohamed , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Balahbib Abdelaali , EL Khazraji Abdelhak , Fellah Hajiba , Sadak Abderrahim , Sebti Faiza
Published: June 2020

Background. Human leishmaniasis, both visceral and cutaneous, has been reported in Morocco for centuries and constitutes a serious public health problem. However, the evolution of this pathology depends on several factors such as ecological, socioeconomic, and climatic conditions. The risk study of the affected foci is of great value for the control and surveillance of this endemic disease, especially in the provinces whereLeishmania infantumpredominates.Methods. This study concerned nine provinces located in the extreme and central north of Morocco (Taounate, Taza, Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, Larache, Tétouane, Tanger-Assilah, M’diq-Fnideq, and Fahs-Anjra Provinces). In this work, leishmaniasis cases (VL and CL) were subjected to an epidemiological study which was performed using a linear regression model to identify the impact as well as the interaction between all predictor variables on the distribution of leishmaniasis in this region.Results. During the period 1997–2018, a total of 6 128 cases of VL and CL were recorded in the study area. Our results showed that among demographic factors studied, urbanization showed significance for both cutaneous and visceral forms (P<0.05). Regarding the environmental factors, the humidity and the altitude were significant for both CL and VL (P<0.05), while the temperature and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) showed a significance only for VL. Moreover, trends in season of occurrence revealed that wet season (October to April) had a higher incidence of leishmaniasis compared to the dry season (May to September) specifically for CL. As for socioeconomic factors, poverty was the only factor that influences the spread of VL. Finally, the distance from endemic foci showed significance for both VL and LC (P<0.05).Conclusion. Our study revealed that the risk factor associated with cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in northern Morocco could help in the establishment of a prediction program.