bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An updated Chinese vascular plant tree of life: Phylogenetic diversity hotspots revisited
Authors: Hu Hai‐Hua , Liu Bing , Liang Yi‐Shuo , Ye Jian‐Fei , Saqib Saddam , Meng Zhen , Lu Li‐Min , Chen Zhi‐Duan
Published: June 2020

Large‐scale phylogenies provide a framework for interdisciplinary investigations in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, biogeography, ecology, and conservation. Integration of regional tree of life and species distribution data has greatly promoted spatial phylogenetic studies on biodiversity, floristic assembly, and biogeographic regionalization. In this study, we updated the phylogenetic tree of Chinese vascular plants by integrating data from public databases and sequences newly generated by our laboratory, to facilitate the exploration of floristic and ecological questions at a country scale. A phylogenetic tree with 15 092 tips and 14 878 species was obtained, including 13 663 species (44.0%) and 2953 genera (95.7%) native to China. Only two families (Corsiaceae and Mitrastemonaceae) and 133 genera native to China are not sampled in this study. Low proportion of sampling is detected in orders with high species diversity and those with low species diversity. The Hengduan Mountains, plus the western Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and western Xinjiang, show the greatest gap of target molecular data for angiosperms. Our phylogeny of Chinese vascular plants recovers relationships among and within major lineages that are highly congruent with published phylogenies at a broader scale. Most families (98.7%) are supported as monophyletic, and 573 genera (17.9%) are recognized as non‐monophyletic. Finally, hotspots of phylogenetic diversity for the Chinese angiosperms at both the genus and species levels are identified based on our phylogram, implicating conservation priorities for phylogenetic diversity. The updated phylogeny of Chinese vascular plants is publically available to generate subtrees through our automated phylogeny assembly tool SoTree in the DarwinTree platform (http://www.darwintree.cn/flora-sotree-v2/index.shtml).
Unravelling evolutionary relationships between epifoliar Meliolaceae and angiosperms
Authors: Zeng Xiang‐Yu , Jeewon Rajesh , Hongsanan Sinang , Hyde Kevin D. , Wen Ting‐Chi
Published: June 2020

Epifoliar fungi are a group of poorly studied fungal symbionts that coinhabit the surface of living plants. Meliolaceae is the largest group of epifoliar fungi and has been considered as obligate parasites. We investigated the taxonomy of Meliolaceae and the coevolutionary events with their host plants using time‐calibrated cophylogeny based on large subunit, small subunit, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data obtained from 17 different fungal taxa and rbcL, ITS, and trnH‐psbA sequence data from their corresponding hosts. Nine new fungal species are introduced in this paper and Appendiculella is synonymized under Asteridiella. The dominant coevolutionary events during the Cretaceous and Cenozoic are cospeciation and host shift, respectively. We hypothesize that the evolutionary history of epifoliar fungi can be divided into three major periods: origins of families, formations of genera, and diversification of species. The rise of angiosperms prompted the evolution of modern epifoliar fungi and the diversification of orders of Angiospermae fostered the formation of epifoliar fungal genera. Phylogenetically, epifoliar fungal genera can be delimited according to their coevolutionary patterns and divergent periods.
Self‐care promotion of the intact (non‐circumcised) patient: A review of available recommendations
Authors: Wodwaski Nadine , Munyan Kristen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

With routine infant circumcision rates declining in the United States, nurses are likely to encounter more intact (non‐circumcised) male patients requiring genital hygiene, nursing interventions, and education accessing the health system. To date, a little emphasis has been placed on the care of the intact male patient in the nursing literature, resulting in ambiguity in care recommendations. The vagueness is problematic, as improper intact care, particularly in the pediatric patient, can result in forced retraction injuries, bleeding, scarring, and unnecessary intervention. In addition, with nurses conducting many of the tasks of hygiene and education for self‐care, there is potential for impaired patient self‐care and harm if nurses are not knowledgeable in intact care. Utilizing Orem's self‐care theory as a framework, the aim of this effort is to perform a review of current recommendations on intact care to inform nursing practice with this population. As no evidence was found in the scientific literature, readily available consumer website resources were reviewed.

Conclusion

Themes of hygiene and age of retraction emerged. While recommendations for hygiene practices were variable, all review sources (n = 12) were clear in advising against the premature retraction of the intact foreskin and identified this as a route for injury.

Practice Implications

With no current literature available to summarize current nursing clinical or educational practices, dissemination of these recommendations is necessary to prevent patient injury and promote appropriate patient self‐care.
Real‐world utility of HCV core antigen as an alternative to HCV RNA testing: Implications for viral load and genotype
Authors: Pollock Kevin G. , McDonald Scott A. , Gunson Rory , McLeod Allan , Went April , Goldberg David J. , Hutchinson Sharon J. , Barclay Stephen T.
Published: June 2020

Following positive serology, the gold standard confirmatory test of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is detection of HCV RNA by PCR. We assessed the utility of HCV core antigen testing to identify active infection among those positive for anti‐HCV antibodies, when introduced to routine testing. We identified serum samples that were tested at a single laboratory in Scotland from June 2011to December 2017. Serum samples testing positive for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab positive) followed by reflex HCV core antigen (Ag) testing during the study period were identified. Those patients for whom a PCR test was requested on the baseline sample were also identified. For this group, the sensitivity and specificity of HCV Ag as a diagnostic tool were assessed using HCV PCR as gold standard. In our cohort of 744 patients, we demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.1% (95% CI 77.1%‐86.2%) and a specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 98.6%‐100%). Genotype 3 was associated with increased odds of a false‐negative result (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.32‐9.71), and reduced odds of a false negative were associated with older age (odds ratio (OR)=0.92, 95% CI: 0.88‐0.97 per year) and viral load (OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.21 per log10 IU/ml). While the implementation of HCV core antigen testing for diagnosis could lead to significant cost savings in national screening programmes, our data suggest that a significant proportion of HCV‐infected individuals may be missed. These findings have implications for HCV diagnosis and determination of viral clearance after treatment, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income regions, where genotype 3 is prevalent.
Distinctions in the Acquisition of Vocabulary and Grammar: An Individual Differences Approach
Authors: Walker Neil , Monaghan Padraic , Schoetensack Christine , Rebuschat Patrick
Published: June 2020

Learning language requires acquiring the grammatical categories of words in the language, but learning those categories requires understanding the role of words in the syntax. In this study, we examined how this chicken and egg problem is resolved by learners of an artificial language comprising nouns, verbs, adjectives, and case markers following syntactic rules. We also measured individual differences in declarative and procedural memory processing, which have been linked to vocabulary and grammar learning, respectively. The results showed that grammar and vocabulary can be acquired simultaneously, but with distinctive patterns of acquisition: the syntactic role of verbs and their referents first, then other lexical categories, and finally the syntactic function of case markers. Interdependencies in learning were found for word order and verbs, which related to verbal declarative memory, and also for nouns, adjectives, and case markers, which related to procedural memory.
Comparison between the cervical and abdominal vagus nerves in mice, pigs, and humans
Authors: Stakenborg Nathalie , Gomez‐Pinilla Pedro J. , Verlinden Thomas J. M. , Wolthuis Albert M. , D’Hoore Andre , Farré Ricard , Herijgers Paul , Matteoli Gianluca , Boeckxstaens Guy E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Vagus nerve (VN) stimulation is currently evaluated as a novel approach to treat immune‐mediated disorders. The optimal stimulation parameters, however, largely depend on the VN composition potentially impacting on its clinical translation. Hence, we evaluated whether morphological differences exist between the cervical and abdominal VNs across different species.

Materials and methods

The cervical and abdominal VNs of mouse, pig, and humans were stained for major basic protein and neurofilament F to identify the percentage and size of myelinated and non‐myelinated fibers.

Results

The percentage of myelinated fibers was comparable between species, but was higher in the cervical VN compared with the abdominal VN. The cervical VN contained 54 ± 4%, 47 ± 7%, and 54 ± 7% myelinated fibers in mouse, pig, and humans, respectively. The myelinated fibers consisted of small‐diameter (mouse: 71%, pig: 80%, and humans: 63%), medium‐diameter (mouse: 21%, pig: 18%, and humans: 33%), and large‐diameter fibers (mouse: 7%, pig: 2%, and humans: 4%). The abdominal VN predominantly contained unmyelinated fibers (mouse: 93%, pig: 90%, and humans: 94%). The myelinated fibers mainly consisted of small‐diameter fibers (mouse: 99%, pig: 85%, and humans: 74%) and fewer medium‐diameter (mouse: 1%, pig: 13%, and humans: 23%) and large‐diameter fibers (mouse: 0%, pig: 2%, and humans: 3%).

Conclusion

The VN composition was largely similar with respect to myelinated and unmyelinated fibers in the species studied. Human and porcine VNs had a comparable diameter and similar amounts of fibrous tissue and contained multiple fascicles, implying that the porcine VN may be suitable to optimize stimulation parameters for clinical trials.
A plant RNA virus activates selective autophagy in a UPR‐dependent manner to promote virus infection
Authors: Li Fangfang , Zhang Changwei , Tang Ziwei , Zhang Lingrui , Dai Zhaoji , Lyu Shanwu , Li Yinzi , Hou Xilin , Bernards Mark , Wang Aiming
Published: June 2020

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved pathway in eukaryotes that delivers unwanted cytoplasmic materials to the lysosome/vacuole for degradation/recycling. Stimulated autophagy emerges as an integral part of plant immunity against intracellular pathogens.

In this study, we used turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as a model to investigate the involvement of autophagy in plant RNA virus infection.

The small integral membrane protein 6K2 of TuMV, known as a marker of the virus replication site and an elicitor of the unfolded protein response (UPR), upregulates the selective autophagy receptor gene NBR1 in a UPR‐dependent manner. NBR1 interacts with TuMV NIb, the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase of the virus replication complex (VRC), and the autophagy cargo receptor/adaptor protein ATG8f. The NIb/NBR1/ATG8f interaction complexes colocalise with the 6K2‐stained VRC. Overexpression of NBR1 or ATG8f enhances TuMV replication, and deficiency of NBR1 or ATG8f inhibits virus infection. In addition, ATG8f interacts with the tonoplast‐specific protein TIP1 and the NBR1/ATG8f‐containing VRC is enclosed by the TIP1‐labelled tonoplast. In TuMV‐infected cells, numerous membrane‐bound viral particles are evident in the vacuole.

Altogether these results suggest that TuMV activates and manipulates UPR‐dependent NBR1‐ATG8f autophagy to target the VRC to the tonoplast to promote viral replication and virion accumulation.
Biomechanical Effect of L4–L5 Intervertebral Disc Degeneration on the Lower Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Cai Xin‐yi , Sun Meng‐si , Huang Yun‐peng , Liu Zi‐xuan , Liu Chun‐jie , Du Cheng‐fei , Yang Qiang
Published: June 2020

Objective

To ascertain the biomechanical effects of a degenerated L4–L5 segment on the lower lumbar spine through a comprehensive simulation of disc degeneration.

Methods

A three‐dimensional nonlinear finite element model of a normal L3–S1 lumbar spine was constructed and validated. This normal model was then modified such that three degenerated models with different degrees of degeneration (mild, moderate, or severe) at the L4–L5 level were constructed. While experiencing a follower compressive load (500 N), hybrid moment loads were applied to all models to determine range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), maximum von Mises stress in the annulus, maximum shear stress in the annulus, and facet joint force.

Results

As the degree of disc degeneration increased, the ROM of the L4–L5 degenerated segment declined dramatically in all postures (flexion: 5.79°–1.91°; extension: 5.53°–2.62°; right lateral bending: 4.47°–1.46°; left lateral bending: 4.86°–1.61°; right axial rotation: 2.69°–0.74°; left axial rotation: 2.69°–0.74°), while the ROM in adjacent segments increased (1.88°–8.19°). The largest percent decrease in motion of the L4–L5 segment due to disc degeneration was in right axial rotation (75%), left axial rotation (69%), flexion (67%), right lateral bending (67%), left lateral bending right (67%), and extension (53%). The change in the trend of the IDP was the same as that of the ROM. Specifically, the IDP decreased (flexion: 0.592–0.09 MPa; extension: 0.678–0.334 MPa; right lateral bending: 0.498–0.205 MPa; left lateral bending: 0.523–0.272 MPa; right axial rotation: 0.535–0.246 MPa; left axial rotation: 0.53–0.266 MPa) in the L4–L5 segment, while the IDP in adjacent segments increased (0.511–0.789 MPa). The maximum von Mises stress and maximum shear stress of the annulus in whole lumbar spine segments increased (L4–L5 segment: 0.413–2.626 MPa and 0.412–2.783 MPa, respectively; adjacent segment of L4–L5: 0.356–1.493 MPa and 0.359–1.718 MPa, respectively) as degeneration of the disc progressively increased. There was no apparent regularity in facet joint force in the degenerated segment as the degree of disc degeneration increased. Nevertheless, facet joint forces in adjacent healthy segments increased as the degree of disc degeneration increased (extension: 49.7–295.3 N; lateral bending: 3.5–171.2 N; axial rotation: 140.2–258.8 N).

Conclusion

Degenerated discs caused changes in the motion and loading pattern of the degenerated segments and adjacent normal segments. The abnormal load and motion in the degenerated models risked accelerating degeneration in the adjacent normal segments. In addition, accurate simulation of degenerated facet joints is essential for predicting changes in facet joint loads following disc degeneration.
Crosstalk between melatonin and nitric oxide in plant development and stress responses
Authors: He Huyi , He Long‐Fei
Published: June 2020

Melatonin is widely involved in plant growth and stress responses as a master regulator. Melatonin treatment alters the levels of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and NO affects endogenous melatonin content. Melatonin and NO may induce various plant physiological behavior through interaction mechanism. However, the interactions between melatonin and NO in plants are largely unknown. The review presented the metabolism of endogenous melatonin and NO and their relationship in plants. The interactions between melatonin and NO in plant growth and development and responses to environmental stress were summarized. The molecular mechanisms of interaction between melatonin and NO in plants were also proposed.
P3 amplitude reductions are associated with shared variance between internalizing and externalizing psychopathology
Authors: Bernat Edward M. , Ellis Jessica S. , Bachman Matthew D. , Hicks Brian M.
Published: June 2020

P3 amplitude reductions, commonly elicited in oddball paradigms, have been associated with both internalizing (e.g., depression and anxiety) and externalizing problems (e.g., substance use, aggression, and impulsivity). Recent factor analytic models have focused on the shared variance between internalizing and externalizing problems as a potentially important separable psychopathology construct (a general psychopathology factor, or p‐factor). To assess neurophysiological markers of this shared variance, we examined P3 amplitude to target and novel stimuli in an undergraduate sample with a range of internalizing and externalizing problems. Participants (N = 125) completed a rotated heads visual oddball paradigm, with IAPS pictures serving as infrequent novel stimuli. Results replicated P3 amplitude reduction relative to both target and novel stimuli separately for internalizing and externalizing problems, and found that the shared variance across internalizing and externalizing was significantly related to lower P3 amplitude to novels, targets, and a factor score of target and novel P3 measures. The present results are consistent with the interpretation that a general or shared problem behavior factor accounts for much of the associations between reduced P3 amplitude and internalizing and externalizing problems.
Contractile rate of force development after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction—a comprehensive review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Turpeinen Juha‐Tapio , Freitas Tomás T. , Rubio‐Arias Jacobo Ángel , Jordan Matthew J. , Aagaard Per
Published: June 2020

Study design

Comprehensive review and meta‐analysis.

Background

The recovery in rapid force production measured as the rate of force development (RFD) is not clear after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Objectives

To evaluate (a) time‐course change of between‐limb asymmetries in isometric knee extension/flexion RFD in individuals post‐ACLR and (b) differences in RFD between individuals post‐ACLR and healthy controls.

Methods

A literature search of Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed‐MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect identified 10 eligible studies (n = 246) assessing RFD after ACLR.

Results

Standard mean difference (SMD) for early‐phase (<100 ms) knee extensor RFD was −1.07 (95% CI: −1.46, −0.68) when comparing ACLR vs uninjured limb, while SMD for late‐phase (≥100 ms) RFD was −0.85 (95 CI%: −1.27, −0.42). SMD for early‐ and late‐phase knee flexor RFD was −0.74 (95% CI: −1.19, −0.29) and −0.79 (95% CI: −1.19, −0.39), respectively. Comparing ACLR limbs to uninjured controls, knee extensor SMD for early‐ and late‐phase RFD was −1.42 (95% CI: −2.10, −0.73) and 1.09 (95% CI: −1.81, −0.38). For the knee flexors, SMD for early‐ and late‐phase RFD was −0.78 (95% CI: −1.96, −0.39) and −1.14 (95% CI: −1.60, −0.67).

Conclusions

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction limbs demonstrated sustained post‐surgical suppression in RFD capacity for the knee extensors/flexors compared to the contralateral limb as well as to healthy controls. Monitoring of RFD should be considered throughout rehabilitation and return to sport (RTS) after ACLR to assess the effectiveness of post‐operative rehabilitation. Post‐surgical ACLR rehabilitation should include training interventions to enhance RFD.
Isolated pulmonary fusariosis caused by Neocosmospora pseudensiformis in a liver transplant recipient: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yamasmith Eakkawit , Chongtrakool Piriyaporn , Chayakulkeeree Methee
Published: June 2020

Neocosmospora pseudensiformis (formerly Fusarium pseudensiforme) is a hyaline mold in the Fusarium solani species complex that has been changed to the genus Neocosmospora. Invasive fusariosis is a rare fungal infection in solid organ transplantation. The most commonly reported manifestation of invasive fusariosis in this setting is localized cutaneous fusariosis. Here, we present the first case report of isolated N pseudensiformis pulmonary infection in a patient with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. A 67‐year‐old Thai woman developed acute graft rejection, dyspnea, and pulmonary consolidation 6 months after liver transplantation. N pseudensiformis was isolated from her sputum, and her clinical symptoms were improved with voriconazole treatment. However, she succumbed to Acinetobacter baumannii hospital‐acquired pneumonia and acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock after 10 days of treatment.
Early experience with transfusing low titer group O whole blood in the pre‐hospital setting in Israel
Authors: Nadler Roy , Tsur Avishai M. , Yazer Mark H. , Shinar Eilat , Moshe Tzadok , Benov Avi , Glassberg Elon , Epstein Danny , Chen Jacob
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps (IDF‐MC) recently implemented the use of low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) in the airborne combat search and rescue unit (CSAR) for both military and civilian patients during transport to definitive care. LTOWB is preferentially used by the CSAR instead of red blood cell units and freeze‐dried plasma (FDP) for patients with signs of hemorrhagic shock. Ten percent of group O donors were eligible to donate LTOWB as they had anti‐A and ‐B IgM titers of <50.

METHODS

All patients treated by CSAR providers with LTOWB between July 2018 and June 2019 were included.

RESULTS

Between July 2018 and June 2019, eight patients have received 10 units of LTOWB. All patients suffered blunt injuries, 6 out of 8 (75%) of whom were due to motor vehicle accidents. Four patients (4 out of 8, 50%) received a single LTOWB unit, two patients (2 out of 8, 25%) received two units. Two pediatric patients received fewer than one unit of LTOWB. Median (range) heart rate was 130 (30‐150) bpm, median systolic blood pressure was 107 (80‐124) mmHg, and median Glasgow coma scale was 8 (on a scale of 3‐15). For four (4 out of 8, 50%) patients, LTOWB was the only blood product used for volume resuscitation. All six adult patients were treated with 1 g of tranexamic acid at the point of injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSAR has successfully implemented a LTOWB program for the pre‐hospital treatment of bleeding patients, and as its experience grows this product will be made available to other units and in civilian hospitals.
Performance characteristics of thromboelastometry assays using incompletely filled and prolonged stored samples
Authors: Paarup Helene M. , Rasmussen Mads H. , Yazer Mark H. , Sprogøe Ulrik
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Thromboelastometry (TEM) is often used to guide transfusion therapy in patients with massive bleeding. The effect of testing incompletely filled samples and those stored for a prolonged time at 4°C was investigated.

METHODS

Whole blood samples were collected from 15 healthy blood donors and were pooled according to ABO group. From these pools, aliquots were taken and diluted to produce final whole blood:citrate buffer ratios ranging from 90:10 (fully filled sample) to 40:60 (extremely under filled samples). These samples were then tested by EXTEM, INTEM, and FIBTEM on calibrated ROTEM delta machines. Separately, the four samples at 90:10 dilution were kept at 4°C for 16‐20 hours and then retested on the ROTEM machines.

RESULTS

All of the samples at the 90:10 and 80:20 (half‐filled sample) whole blood:citrate buffer dilutions demonstrated ROTEM parameters within their respective reference ranges, although the samples from the 80:20 dilution tended to demonstrate slightly longer or slower times, depending on each ROTEM parameter, compared to the completely filled samples. All of the samples with more dilute whole blood to citrate buffer ratios (i.e., 70:30 to 40:60) yielded abnormal TEM results. The TEM results for the 90:10 dilution samples exposed to 16‐20 hours of storage at 4°C were within the reference intervals.

CONCLUSION

Completely and half‐filled samples, and completely filled samples after prolonged cold storage, produced normal ROTEM results. Tubes that are less than half‐filled should not be used for ROTEM testing.
The compensatory reserve: potential for accurate individualized goal‐directed whole blood resuscitation
Authors: Convertino Victor A. , Koons Natalie J.
Published: June 2020

Hemorrhagic shock can be mitigated by timely and accurate resuscitation designed to restore adequate delivery of oxygen (DO2). Current doctrine of using systolic blood pressure (SBP) as a guide for resuscitation can be associated with increased morbidity. The compensatory reserve measurement (CRM) is a novel vital sign based on the recognition that the sum of all mechanisms that contribute to the compensatory response to hemorrhage reside in features of the arterial pulse waveform. CRM can be assessed continuously and non‐invasively in real time. Compared to standard vital signs, CRM provides an early, as well as more sensitive and specific, indicator of patient hemorrhagic status since the activation of compensatory mechanisms occurs immediately at the onset of blood loss. Recent data obtained from our laboratory experiments on non‐human primates have demonstrated that CRM is linearly related to DO2 during controlled progressive hemorrhage and subsequent whole blood resuscitation. We used this relationship to determine that the time of hemodynamic decompensation (i.e., CRM = 0%) is defined by a critical DO2 at approximately 5.3 mL O2∙kg−1∙min−1. We also demonstrated that a target CRM of 35% during whole blood resuscitation only required replacement of 40% of the total blood volume loss to adequately sustain a DO2 more than 50% (i.e., 8.1 mL O2∙kg−1∙min−1) above critical DO2 (i.e., threshold for decompensated shock) while maintaining hypotensive resuscitation (i.e., SBP at ~90 mmHg). Consistent with our hypothesis, specific values of CRM can be used to accurately maintain DO2 thresholds above critical DO2, avoiding the onset of hemorrhagic shock with whole blood resuscitation.
Use of Specialized Pro‐Resolving Mediators to Alleviate Cold Platelet Storage Lesion
Authors: Reddoch‐Cardenas Kristin M. , Sharma Umang , Salgado Christi L. , Cantu Carolina , Darlington Daniel N. , Pidcoke Heather F. , Bynum James A. , Cap Andrew P.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Cold‐stored platelets are an attractive option for treatment of actively bleeding patients due to a reduced risk of septic complications and preserved hemostatic function compared to conventional room temperature–stored platelets. However, refrigeration causes increased platelet activation and aggregate formation. Specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs), cell signaling mediators biosynthesized from essential fatty acids, have been shown to modulate platelet function and activation. In this study, we sought to determine if SPMs could be used to inhibit cold‐stored platelet activation.

METHODS

Platelets were collected from healthy donors (n = 4‐7) and treated with SPMs (resolvin E1 [RvE1], maresin 1 [MaR1], and resolvin D2 [RvD2]) or vehicle (VEH; 0.1% EtOH). Platelets were stored without agitation in the cold and assayed on Days 0 and 7 of storage for platelet activation levels using flow cytometry, platelet count, aggregation response using impedance aggregometry, and nucleotide content using mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Compared to VEH, SPM treatment inhibited GPIb shedding (all compounds), significantly reduced both PS exposure and activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptor (RvD2, MaR1), and preserved aggregation response to TRAP (RvD2, MaR1) after 7 days of storage. Similar to untreated cold‐stored platelets, SPM‐treated samples did not preserve platelet counts or block the release of P‐Selectin. Nucleotide content was unaffected by SPM treatment in cold‐stored platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

SPM treatment, particularly Mar1 and RvD2, led to reduced platelet activation and preserved platelet function after 7 days of storage in the cold. Future work is warranted to better elucidate the mechanism of action of SPMs on cold platelet function and activation.
Endogenous cyclical corporate tax burden in China: The role of tax quotas and growth targets
Authors: Fang Hongsheng , He Minyuan , Dang Dandan , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2020

Using data from China Annual Survey of Industrial Firms and addressing potential endogeneity problem, we find that corporate tax burden in China is procyclical during recessions and countercyclical during booms. The cyclicality is stronger for enterprises whose corporate income taxes are levied by Local Tax Bureau (LTB). Procyclicality of corporate tax burden during recessions is larger for enterprises located in county, non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs), non‐high‐tech enterprises and large‐medium enterprises. Furthermore, tax quotas and growth targets of local governments enhance procyclicality during recessions and the countercyclicality of corporate tax burden during booms. Tax collection and government spending are important channels through which tax quotas and growth targets affect the cyclicality of corporate tax burden, respectively. This paper provides important policy implications for China during economic recessions.
Efficacy of long‐term topical flurbiprofen in limiting lens capsule opacities following phacoemulsification in dogs
Authors: Newbold Georgina M. , Chen Thomas , Ward Daniel A. , Hendrix Diane V. H.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess lens capsule opacity (LCO) following phacoemulsification in dogs receiving long‐term topical ophthalmic flurbiprofen sodium 0.03%.

Animal studied

Twenty‐five client owned dogs undergoing phacoemulsification surgery for either diabetic or nondiabetic cataracts.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, masked clinical study assessing two groups of dogs for twelve months following phacoemulsification. All dogs underwent a complete eye examination and were photographed at each visit, beginning three weeks post‐surgery, and repeated at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐surgery. Post‐operative treatment protocols were similar for both groups, except that Group F received topical flurbiprofen once daily for 12 months and Group A received artificial tears once daily for 12 months. Digital photographs were analyzed for LCO using a subjective grading scale (0‐4). The change in capsular opacities from 3 weeks to 12 months post‐surgery was evaluated for each dog, and the groups were compared.

Results

There were 25 dogs evaluated post‐phacoemulsification at each designated time point of the study. There were 12 dogs in Group A and 13 dogs in Group F. There was no significant statistical difference in LCO score between Groups A and F at baseline (3 weeks post‐surgery), 6 months post‐surgery, or 12 months post‐surgery. Scores did not change significantly from baseline to 12 months within or between groups.

Conclusions

Topical ophthalmic flurbiprofen sodium 0.03% solution applied once daily for 12 months following phacoemulsification does not appear to lead to a decrease in LCO formation as compared to artificial tears control.
A Grid-based Invisible Watermarking for .Jpeg Images Using Least Significant Bit
Authors: Radakrishnan Kushalinni Nair , Mammi Hazinah Kutty
Published: June 2020

Internet is a one stop centre for users to download any media file such as image, audio and even videos. It is an excellent distribution system for digital media as it is inexpensive, eliminates warehousing and stock and user-friendly. However, there is an issue where user may copy or share the data illegally which eventually can increase the risk of privacy level of the media. Digital watermarking is introduced in order to solve the issue where it can provide copyright protection of the media and also to provide ownership that can be used to protect data from piracy. An efficient scheme of invisible watermarking is that it has to be able to overcome attacks on social media such in a way where when people download and crop any image from social media, the owner of the image can proof that the image is rightfully his. The loss of synchronization caused by geometrical modifications of an image, such as cropping, increases the difficulty of watermark detection, especially for invisible watermarking schemes. In this research, the Spatial Domain technique based algorithms were considered and two experiments were conducted in where one is text-based watermark embedding and another is image-based watermark embedding, The text-based watermarking method preserved the watermark after being uploaded and download to social media but decreases in terms of size of image. For the case of image-based watermark, the watermark was preserved for images with minimal colours or solid colours. It has also survived the watermark originality once being uploaded to social media.
Scrutiny of Mental Depression through Smartphone Sensors Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Muhammad Masum Abdul Kadar , Bahadur Erfanul Hoque , Ruhi Forhada Akther
Published: June 2020

In addition to a variety of exceptional sensors, Smartphones now facilitates vigorous open entries in data mining and machine learning to scrutinize the Human Activity Recognition (HAR) system. The follow-up to the treatment of diseases, HAR monitoring system, can be used to recognize mental depression that until now has been overlooked for HAR applications. In this scrutinize, Smartphone sensor data were collected in the 1 Hz frequency from 20 data subjects of different ages. We drove the HAR by using basic machine learning strategies, namely Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Artificial Neural Network to recognize physical activities which are associated with mental depression. Random Forest outperformed to recognize daily patterns of activities with 99.80% accuracy of the validation data set. Along with, sensors data was amassed regarding the activities performed over the most recent 14 days continuously from target subjects’ Smartphone. This data was fed to the optimized Random Forest model and quantified the duration of each symptomatic activity of mental depression. Here, a push was connected to figure the risk factor for the probability that an individual has been encountering mental depression. So, a questionnaire was surveyed to collect data from 50 patients who were suffering from mental depression. The questionnaire enquires for the duration of activities related to mental depression. Then, the similarity of these experimental subjects’ activity pattern was measured with those of 50 depressed patients. Finally, data was collected from target subjects’ and applied similarity approach to induce the relation between the target subjects’ and depressed patients. Average similarity value of 90.94% for the depressing subject and 34.99% of the typical subject justifies that this robust system was able to achieve a good performance in terms of measurement of risk factors.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website, and also using Google Patents.
Fitness Cost and Compensatory Evolution in Levofloxacin-Resistant
Mycobacterium aurum
Authors: Pi Rui , Liu Qingyun , Takiff Howard E. , Gao Qian
Published: June 2020

We isolated spontaneous levofloxacin-resistant strains of
Mycobacterium aurum
to study the fitness cost and compensatory evolution of fluoroquinolone resistance in mycobacteria. Five of six mutant strains with substantial growth defects showed restored fitness after being serially passaged for 18 growth cycles, along with increased cellular ATP level. Whole-genome sequencing identified putative compensatory mutations in the
glgC
gene that restored the fitness of the resistant strains, presumably by altering the bacterial energy metabolism.
Chitosan Ameliorates Candida auris Virulence in a Galleria mellonella Infection Model
Authors: Arias Laís Salomão , Butcher Mark C. , Short Bryn , McKloud Emily , Delaney Chris , Kean Ryan , Monteiro Douglas Roberto , Williams Craig , Ramage Gordon , Brown Jason L.
Published: June 2020

Candida auris
has emerged as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen over the last decade. Outbreaks of the organism in health care facilities have resulted in life-threatening invasive candidiasis in over 40 countries worldwide. Resistance by
C. auris
to conventional antifungal drugs such as fluconazole and amphotericin B means that alternative therapeutics must be explored. As such, this study served to investigate the efficacy of a naturally derived polysaccharide called chitosan against aggregative (Agg) and nonaggregative (non-Agg) isolates of
C. auris
in vitro
and
in vivo. In vitro
results indicated that chitosan was effective against planktonic and sessile forms of Agg and non-Agg
C. auris
.
Molecular Design of a Signaling System Influences Noise in Protein Abundance under Acid Stress in Different Gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Brameyer Sophie , Hoyer Elisabeth , Bibinger Sebastian , Burdack Korinna , Lassak Jürgen , Jung Kirsten
Published: June 2020

Acid resistance is an important property for bacteria, such as
Escherichia coli
, to survive acidic environments like the human gastrointestinal tract.
E. coli
possesses both passive and inducible acid resistance systems to counteract acidic environments. Thus,
E. coli
evolved sophisticated signaling systems to sense and appropriately respond to environmental acidic stress by regulating the activity of its three inducible acid resistance systems. One of these systems is the Cad system, which is induced only under moderate acidic stress in a lysine-rich environment by the pH-responsive transcriptional regulator CadC. The significance of our research lies in identifying the molecular design of the Cad systems in different proteobacteria and their target expression noise at the single-cell level during acid stress conditions.
The C Terminus of Substrates Is Critical but Not Sufficient for Their Degradation by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa CtpA Protease
Authors: Chung Sammi , Darwin Andrew J.
Published: June 2020

Carboxyl-terminal processing proteases (CTPs) are found in all three domains of life, but exactly how they work is poorly understood, including how they recognize substrates. Bacterial CTPs have been associated with virulence, including CtpA of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, which works in complex with the outer membrane lipoprotein LbcA to degrade potentially dangerous peptidoglycan hydrolases. We report an important advance by revealing that efficient degradation by CtpA requires at least two separable phenomena and that one of them depends on information encoded in the substrate C terminus. A C terminus-independent association with the LbcA-CtpA complex is followed by C terminus-dependent cleavage by CtpA. Increased understanding of how CTPs target proteins is significant, due to their links to virulence, peptidoglycan remodeling, and other important processes.
NOD1/NOD2 and RIP2 Regulate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Inflammation during
Chlamydia
Infection
Authors: Pham Oanh H. , Lee Bokyung , Labuda Jasmine , Keestra-Gounder A. Marijke , Byndloss Mariana X. , Tsolis Renée M. , McSorley Stephen J.
Published: June 2020

Understanding the initiation of the inflammatory response during
Chlamydia
infection is of public health importance given the impact of this disease on young women in the United States. Many young women are chronically infected with
Chlamydia
but are asymptomatic and therefore do not seek treatment, leaving them at risk of long-term reproductive harm due to inflammation in response to infection. Our manuscript explores the role of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway initiated by an innate receptor in the development of this inflammation.
Coexistence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Virulence Factors Deciphered by Large-Scale Complete Genome Analysis
Authors: Pan Yu , Zeng Jiaxiong , Li Liguan , Yang Jintao , Tang Ziyun , Xiong Wenguang , Li Yafei , Chen Sheng , Zeng Zhenling
Published: June 2020

Antibiotic resistance has become a serious global health concern. Despite numerous case studies, a comprehensive analysis of ARG and VF coexistence in bacteria is lacking. In this study, we explore the coexistence profiles of ARGs and VFs in diverse categories of bacteria by using a high-resolution bioinformatics approach. We also provide compelling evidence of unique ARG-VF gene pairs coexisting in specific bacterial genomes and reveal the potential risk associated with the coexistence of ARGs and VFs in organisms in both clinical settings and environments.
Provenance changes across the mid-Cretaceous unconformity in basins of northeastern China: Evidence for an integrated paleolake system and tectonic transformation
Authors: Li Shuang-Qing , He Song , Chen Fukun
Published: June 2020

Detrital zircon U-Pb dating and whole-rock Nd isotopic analyses were carried out on selected stratigraphic horizons across a major unconformity between synrift and postrift stages in the Songliao Basin and Dasanjiang basin group of NE China to constrain the crustal evolution of the source area providing detritus into these basins. The strata underlying the mid-Cretaceous unconformity in the Songliao Basin show regionally distinct detrital zircon age populations and Nd isotopic compositions, which generally are characterized by Phanerozoic age peaks and relatively depleted Nd isotopic compositions, indicating derivation from nearby highlands. In contrast, the overlying strata are dominated by Proterozoic zircon ages and enriched Nd isotopic compositions, which imply that the provenance source region shifted to the northern part of the North China craton. A coeval provenance change also affected the sedimentary architecture in the eastern Dasanjiang basin group, marking the migration of erosion centers from west to east. The contribution from Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai ranges was pronounced during deposition of synrift strata but became negligible afterward in the Songliao and Dasanjiang areas, which is consistent with both basin complexes temporarily forming an extensive lake system during the early Late Cretaceous. This paleolake was likely responsible for transgressive events recorded in the Late Cretaceous strata of basins in NE China. Combining observations from seismic reflection profiles and the stratigraphic record of neighboring intracontinental sedimentary basins as well as widespread contemporaneous exhumation and denudation events, we suggest that the provenance variation in basin strata was controlled by large-scale tectonic transitions in East Asia. The switch from extension to contraction during the mid-Cretaceous is attributed to the docking of the Okhotomorsk block along the East Asian continental margin. The resulting lithospheric buckling might have been responsible for reshaping the basin-and-range configuration in NE Asia.
Improved diabetes control among low-income Mexican Americans through community-clinical interventions: results of an RCT
Authors: Reininger Belinda M , Lee MinJae , Hessabi Manouchehr , Mitchell-Bennett Lisa A , Sifuentes Maribel R , Guerra Jose A , Ayala Ciara D , Xu Tianlin , Polletta Valerie , Flynn Amy , Rahbar Mohammad H
Published: June 2020

Introduction

This randomized controlled trial investigated community-clinical intervention strategies for a Mexican American population who had not demonstrated control of their diabetes. We tested a control program (Salud y Vida 1.0) supporting diabetes management versus an enhanced version (Salud y Vida 2.0) for reductions in HbA1c at 12 months.

Research design and methods

Adults with uncontrolled diabetes (n=353) were enrolled if they had an HbA1c≥9.0% during a program or doctor’s visit between 6 and 36 months of their receipt of SyV 1.0 services, were patients at one of two clinics in local counties, and had an HbA1c≥8.0% at SyV 2.0 baseline enrollment. The control and intervention arms were coordinated by community health workers and the intervention arm included the control program enhanced with medication therapy management; behavioral health services; peer-led support groups; and additional community-based lifestyle programs also open to the family.

Results

At 12 months, both study arms improved HbA1c (mean, (CI), Control (−0.47 (-0.74 to –0.20)) and intervention (−0.48 (-0.76 to –0.19)). The intervention group maintained HbA1c levels after month 6, whereas control group HbA1c levels slightly increased (adjusted mean from 9.83% at month 6%–9.90% at month 12). Also, HbA1c was examined by level of participant engagement. The high engagement group showed a decreasing trend over the study period, while control and lower engagement groups failed to maintain HbA1c levels at month 12.

Conclusions

Improved HbA1c was found among a population that had not demonstrated diabetes management prior; however, mean HbA1c values were above clinical guideline recommendations. The randomized control trial findings provide additional evidence that extended time and intervention supports may be needed for populations experiencing inequities in social determinants of health.

Trial registration number

NCT04035395.
Photobiomodulation therapy associated with supervised therapeutic exercises for people with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: S Jorge Ana E , O Dantas Lucas , M S Serrão Paula R , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco , Salvini Tania F
Published: June 2020

Background

Physical exercise, a cornerstone of the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), is exhaustively recommended by important clinical guidelines. A strength therapeutic exercise program (STEP) relieves pain, improves physical function and ultimately ameliorates quality of life (QoL). Furthermore, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used as an adjunct treatment for people with KOA; however, there are still controversial recommendations regarding its use on this population. Thus, we hypothesised that PBM, when associated with a STEP protocol on patients with KOA, could induce better clinical outcomes than a STEP protocol alone.

Methods and analysis

The study is a 6-month triple-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial with intention-to-treat analysis. The trial will include 120 people with clinic and radiographic signs of KOA. The intervention consists of a supervised STEP and PBM protocols conducted over an 8-week intervention period. Assessments are performed at baseline, right after treatment, and 3-month and 6-month follow-up periods. The primary clinical outcome is pain intensity according to a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale. Secondary outcomes are the global Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; QoL assessed by the 36-item Short-Form health survey questionnaire; and performance-based physical parameters assessed by the 30 s chair stand test; the stair climb test; and the 40 m fast-paced walk test.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil (REC no 2.016.122). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (U1111-1215-6510).