bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarity in mycorrhizal communities associating with two widespread terrestrial orchids decays with distance
Authors: Xing Xiaoke , Gao Yue , Zhao Zeyu , Waud Michael , Duffy Karl J. , Selosse Marc‐André , Jakalski Marcin , Liu Na , Jacquemyn Hans , Guo Shunxing
Published: October 2019

Aim

Interactions with mycorrhizal fungi are increasingly recognized as an important factor underlying the distribution and abundance of orchid species. However, the geographical distribution of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) and how their communities vary over large geographical areas are less well understood. Because climatic and environmental similarity may decrease with geographical distance or because some OMF have limited dispersal capabilities, similarities in orchid mycorrhizal communities can be expected to decrease with increasing distances separating orchid populations. However, up till now empirical evidence is largely lacking.

Location

Eurasia.

Taxa

Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Brown and Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz.

Methods

High‐throughput sequencing was used to perform a cross‐continental comparison of OMF that associate with two widespread Eurasian terrestrial orchids, Epipactis helleborine and Gymnadenia conopsea. Both phylogenetic and nonphylogenetic measures of community dissimilarity and their components were calculated and related to geographical distances using Mantel tests.

Results

Our results showed that in both orchid species similarity in mycorrhizal communities decreased significantly with geographical distance. Decomposing the contribution of spatial turnover and nestedness to overall dissimilarity showed that the observed dissimilarity was mainly the result of species replacement between regions, and not of species loss. Similarly, a strong relationship was observed between phylogenetic community dissimilarity and geographical distance. Decomposing PCD values into a nonphylogenetic and phylogenetic component showed that orchid populations located closely next to each other were likely to contain the same operational taxonomic units (OTUs), but that the non‐shared taxa came from different phylogenetic clades. Species indicator analyses showed that the majority of OMF OTUs were restricted to particular geographical areas. However, some OTUs occurred in both continents, indicating that some fungi have very wide distributions.

Main conclusions

Overall, these results demonstrate that orchid mycorrhizal communities differ substantially across large geographical areas, but that the distribution of orchids is not necessarily restricted by the distribution of particular OMF. Hence, widespread orchid species can be considered mycorrhizal generalists that are flexible in the OMF with which they associate across large geographical areas.
Acquisition of alanyl‐alanine in an Agnathan: Characteristics of dipeptide transport across the hindgut of the Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii
Authors: Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Blewett Tamzin A. , Glover Chris N. , Goss Greg G.
Published: October 2019

This study used 3H‐L‐alanyl‐L‐alanine to demonstrate dipeptide uptake using in vitro gut sacs prepared from the hindgut of the Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii. Concentration‐dependent kinetic analysis resulted in a sigmoidal distribution with a maximal (± SE) uptake rate (Jmax‐like) of 70 ± 3 nmol cm−2 h−1 and an affinity constant (Km‐like) of 1072 ± 81 μM. Addition of high alanine concentrations to transport assays did not change dipeptide transport rates, indicating that hydrolysis of the dipeptide in mucosal solutions and subsequent uptake via apical amino acid transporters was not occurring, which was further supported by a Km distinct from that of amino acid transport. Transport occurred independent of mucosal pH, but uptake was reduced by 42% in low mucosal sodium. This may implicate cooperation between peptide transporters and sodium‐proton exchangers, previously demonstrated in several mammalian and teleost species. Finally, apical L‐alanyl‐L‐alanine uptake rates (i.e., mucosal disappearance) were significantly increased following a meal, demonstrating regulation of uptake. Overall, this examination of dipeptide acquisition in the earliest extant Agnathan suggests evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of transport between hagfish and later‐diverging vertebrates such as teleosts and mammals.
Unravelling the stock structure of the Persian brown trout by otolith and scale shape
Authors: Rashidabadi Fahimeh , Abdoli Asghar , Tajbakhsh Fatemeh , Nejat Farshad , Avigliano Esteban
Published: October 2019

The simultaneous use of the scale and otolith morphometry was assessed as a potential tool for the identification of Persian brown trout Salmo trutta stocks of the Lar Lake and five rivers from Lar Basin, Iran. Fourier coefficients (FC) and circularity, rectangularity, roundness, ellipticity and form factor shape indices (SI) were calculated for otolith and scale. Several SIs were significantly different among sites for both structures. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences between several pairwise comparisons for otolith and scale (FCs and indices separately). Discriminant analysis showed otolith FCs (cross‐classification rates: 25–86%) and SI (20–45%) appear to be a relatively acceptable tool to discriminate between several locations. Comparatively, the scale morphometry showed lower discriminatory power (FC = 3–65%; SI = 15–34%), with the exception of SI for Elarm River (60%), Kamardasht River (56%) and Lar Lake (75%). Cross‐classification rates improved up to 100% when discriminate analysis incorporating all variables for otolith and scale was performed. The results showed a potential segregation between some water bodies, suggesting that the otolith and scale morphometry could be a useful tool to delimit S. trutta populations in relatively close freshwater environments.
Marginal Fit Evaluation of CAD/CAM All Ceramic Crowns Obtained by Two Digital Workflows: An In Vitro Study Using Micro‐CT Technology
Authors: Duqum Ibrahim Salim , Brenes Christian , Mendonca Gustavo , Carneiro Thiago Almedia Prado Naves , Cooper Lyndon F.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the marginal fit of CAD/CAM all ceramic crowns made from lithium disilicate and zirconia using two different fabrication protocols (model and model‐less).

Materials and Methods

Forty anterior all ceramic restorations (20 lithium disilicate, 20 zirconia) were fabricated from digital impressions using a CEREC Bluecam scanner. Two different digital workflows were used: a fully digital model‐less approach and a printed model digital approach. The crowns were cemented on the respective prepared typodont teeth and marginal gap was evaluated using Micro‐CT. Each specimen was analyzed in sagittal and trans‐axial orientations, allowing evaluation of the marginal fit (vertical and horizontal) on each surface. Logarithmic transformation was used with a significance of 0.05. After that a reliability analysis was performed by re‐measuring four randomized selected images for each specimen and performing intraclass correlations to determine any systematic bias in the measurements.

Results

Vertical measurements in the lingual, distal and mesial views had an estimated marginal gap ranging from 101.9 to 133.9 µm for lithium disilicate crowns and 126.4 to 165.4 µm for zirconia. No significant differences were found between model and model‐less techniques.

Conclusions

Both workflows are valid protocols for the fabrication of monolithic ceramic restorations. The use of a printed model did not improve the marginal fit of lithium disilicate or zirconia crowns.

Both materials are also clinically acceptable, no matter which workflow was used to obtain the restoration.
Predictors of micronutrient powder (MNP) knowledge, coverage, and consumption during the scale‐up of an integrated infant and young child feeding (IYCF‐MNP) programme in Nepal
Authors: Locks Lindsey M. , Dahal Pradiumna , Pokharel Rajkumar , Joshi Nira , Paudyal Naveen , Whitehead Ralph D. , Chitekwe Stanley , Mei Zuguo , Lamichhane Bikash , Garg Aashima , Jefferds Maria Elena
Published: October 2019

Large‐scale programmes using micronutrient powders (MNPs) may not achieve maximum impact due to limited/inappropriate MNP coverage, consumption, and use. We identify predictors of MNP coverage, maternal knowledge of appropriate use, and child MNP consumption in Nepal. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2,578 mother–child pairs representative of children 6–23 months in two districts that were part of the post‐pilot, scale‐up of an integrated infant and young child feeding‐MNP (IYCF‐MNP) programme. Children aged 6–23 months were expected to receive 60 MNP sachets every 6 months from a female community health volunteer (FCHV) or health centre. Outcomes of interest were MNP coverage (ever received), maternal knowledge of appropriate use (correct response to seven questions), repeat coverage (receipt ≥ twice; among children 12–23 months who had received MNP at least once, n = 1342), and high intake (child consumed ≥75% of last distribution, excluding those with recent receipt/insufficient time to use 75% at recommended one‐sachet‐per‐day dose, n = 1422). Multivariable log‐binomial regression models were used to identify predictors of the four outcomes. Coverage, knowledge of appropriate use, and repeat coverage were 61.3%, 33.5%, and 45.9%, respectively. Among MNP receivers, 97.9% consumed MNP at least once and 38.9% of eligible children consumed ≥75% of last distribution. FCHV IYCF‐MNP counselling was positively associated with knowledge, coverage, repeat coverage, and high intake; health worker counselling with knowledge and coverage indicators; and radio messages with coverage indicators only. FCHV counselling had the strongest association with knowledge, coverage, and high intake. Community‐based counselling may play a vital role in improving coverage and intake in MNP programmes.
Predictors of micronutrient powder sachet coverage and recent intake among children 12–23 months in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Ford Nicole D. , Ruth Laird J. , Ngalombi Sarah , Lubowa Abdelrahman , Halati Siti , Ahimbisibwe Martin , Mapango Carine , Whitehead Jr Ralph D. , Jefferds Maria Elena
Published: October 2019

We evaluated predictors of micronutrient powder (MNP) sachet coverage and recent intake using data from a cross‐sectional survey representative of children aged 12–23 months in Amuria district, Uganda. In June/July 2016, caregivers were interviewed 12 months after implementation of an integrated MNP and infant and young child feeding pilot (N = 761). Logistic regression described predictors of (a) high‐MNP sachet coverage (received at least 60 sachets/6 months) and (b) recent intake (consumed MNP during the 2 weeks preceding the survey) among children who had ever received MNP and had complete data (N = 683). Fifty‐nine percent (95% Confidence Interval [CI] [53.8, 64.2]) of children had high‐MNP sachet coverage, and 65.4% (95% CI [61.0, 69.9]) had recent intake. MNP ration cards (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.67, 95% CI [1.15, 6.23]), organoleptic changes to foods cooked with soda ash (AOR 1.52, 95% CI [1.08, 2.14]), having heard of anaemia (AOR 1.59, 95% CI [1.11, 2.26]), knowledge of correct MNP preparation (AOR 1.89, 95% CI [1.11, 3.19]), and current breastfeeding (AOR 2.04, 95% CI [1.36, 3.08]) were positively associated with MNP coverage whereas older child age (18–23 vs. 12–17 months) was inversely associated with coverage (AOR 0.32, 95% CI [0.23, 0.50]). MNP ration cards (AOR 2.86, 95% CI [1.34, 6.09]), having heard an MNP radio jingle (AOR 1.40, 95% CI [1.01, 1.94]), knowledge of correct MNP preparation (AOR 1.88, 95% CI [1.04, 3.39]), and the child not disliking MNP (AOR 1.90, 95% CI [1.13, 3.22]) were positively associated with recent intake. Interventions that increase caregiver knowledge and skills and focus on older children could improve MNP coverage and recent intake.
Nuclear autophagy degrades a geminivirus nuclear protein to restrict viral infection in solanaceous plants
Authors: Li Fangfang , Zhang Mingzhen , Zhang Changwei , Zhou Xueping
Published: October 2019

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved degradation pathway in the cytoplasm and has emerged as a key defense mechanism against invading pathogens. However, there is no evidence showing nuclear autophagy in plants.

Here, we show that a geminivirus nuclear protein, C1 of tomato leaf curl Yunnan virus (TLCYnV) induces autophagy and interacts directly with the core autophagy‐related protein ATG8h. The interaction between ATG8h and C1 leads to the translocation of the C1 protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and the decreased protein accumulation of C1, which is dependent on the exportin1‐mediated nuclear export pathway. The degradation of C1 is blocked by autophagy inhibitors and compromised when the autophagy‐related genes (ATGs) ATG8h, ATG5, or ATG7 are knocked down. Similarly, silencing of these ATGs also promotes TLCYnV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and Solanum lycopersicum plants.

The mutation of a potential ATG8 interacting motif (AIM) in C1 abolishes its interaction with ATG8h in the cytoplasm but favors its interaction with Fibrillarin1 in the nucleolus. TLCYnV carrying the AIM mutation displays enhanced pathogenicity in solanaceous plants.

Taken together, these data suggest that a new type of nuclear autophagy‐mediated degradation of viral proteins through an exportin1‐dependent nuclear export pathway restricts virus infection in plants.
Taming Uncivil Discourse
Authors: Gibson James L. , Epstein Lee , Magarian Gregory P.
Published: October 2019

In an era of seemingly intense populist politics, a variety of issues of intergroup prejudice, discrimination, and conflict have moved center stage in much of the industrialized world. Among these is “political correctness” and, in particular, what constitutes a legitimate discourse of political and social conflict and opposition. Yet the meaning of legitimate discourse is being turned on its head as some disparaged groups seek to reclaim, or reappropriate, slurs directed against them. Using as a context a U.S. Supreme Court case about whether “The Slants”—a band named after a traditional slur against Asians—can trademark its name, we test several hypotheses about reappropriation processes based on a nationally representative sample with an oversample of East Asian Americans and several survey experiments. We find that motives attributions influence how people understand and evaluate potentially disparaging words. In particular, when reappropriation motives are perceived, insulting words are judged to be less insulting. In this sense, uncivil discourse can to some degree be tamed.
The frailty of tropical restoration plantings
Authors: Beltrán Luis C. , Howe Henry F.
Published: October 2019

Conserving and restoring biodiversity are compelling challenges in the face of deforestation and fragmentation of tropical forests. Establishing restoration plantings that act as stepping‐stone corridors for animals and develop into forest islets is one way we can reconnect forest fragments split by active agricultural landscapes. However, this strategy's success is contingent on dispersal agents attracted from the forests that vary greatly in their dispersal services, diet, and mobility. Dispersal agents capable of traversing the agricultural matrix that also provide high‐quality and high‐quantity seed dispersal are often a small subset of the present fauna. They also tend to be large‐bodied birds with broad diets (e.g. toucans). This subset of dispersal agents (here termed “effective restoration agents”) plays a key role in driving succession in restoration plantings. Their absence or low numbers can compromise the strategy of using plantings to enhance connectivity in landscapes fragmented by crops, orchards, or extensive pastures. In this event, additional intervention may be required to attract other dispersal agents that would otherwise not disperse seeds at or play a significant role in restoration plantings.
Energetic adaptations: Metabolic control of endocytic membrane traffic
Authors: Rahmani Sadia , Defferrari Marina S. , Wakarchuk Warren W. , Antonescu Costin N.
Published: October 2019

Endocytic membrane traffic controls the access of myriad cell surface proteins to the extracellular milieu, and thus gates nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis, signaling, adhesion and migration. Coordination of the regulation of endocytic membrane traffic with a cell's metabolic needs represents an important facet of maintenance of homeostasis under variable conditions of nutrient availability and metabolic demand. Many studies have revealed intimate regulation of endocytic membrane traffic by metabolic cues, from the specific control of certain receptors or transporters, to broader adaptation or remodeling of the endocytic membrane network. We examine how metabolic sensors such as AMP‐activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 and hypoxia inducible factor 1 determine sufficiency of various metabolites, and in turn modulate cellular functions that includes control of endocytic membrane traffic. We also examine how certain metabolites can directly control endocytic traffic proteins, such as the regulation of specific protein glycosylation by limiting levels of uridine diphosphate N‐acetylglucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc) produced by the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. From these ideas emerge a growing appreciation that endocytic membrane traffic is orchestrated by many intrinsic signals derived from cell metabolism, allowing alignment of the functions of cell surface proteins with cellular metabolic requirements. Endocytic membrane traffic determines how cells interact with their environment, thus defining many aspects of nutrient uptake and energy consumption. We examine how intrinsic signals that reflect metabolic status of a cell regulate endocytic traffic of specific proteins, and, in some cases, exert broad control of endocytic membrane traffic phenomena. Hence, endocytic traffic is versatile and adaptable and can be modulated to meet the changing metabolic requirements of a cell.
Occurrence of disinfectant by‐products in desalinated drinking water in Egypt
Authors: Mishaqa El‐Sayed I. , Radwan Emad K. , Dagher Tamer M. , Ibrahim M. B. M. , Hegazy Talaat A. , Ibrahim Mahmoud S.
Published: October 2019

Seawater desalination is used to satisfy water needs in many countries worldwide. Disinfection is used during desalination process to avoid microbiological regrowth and biofouling. The disinfectant reacts with natural organic matter and inorganic compounds (e.g. Fe2+, Mn2+, S2−, bromide, iodide, etc.) leading to the formation of disinfection by‐products (DBPs) in desalinated water. The DBPs represent a great threat to human health due to their possible cancer and non‐cancer risks. In this work, the occurrence of DBPs in desalinated water and total organic carbon (TOC), and total organic halogen (TOX) levels were monitored. Since the water characteristics play a key role in determining the type and quantity of generated DBPs, the inorganic parameters were measured as well. The measured values of selected regulated DBPs compounds, trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) were found far below the regulatory limits of Egypt, USEPA and WHO.
The Development Stage of Bond Market in Mongolia among Asian Countries
Authors: Taguchi Hiroyuki , Bolormaa Ganbold
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to address the issue on bond market development by investigating the determinants of bond market development with a focus on Asian economies, and also by identifying the impediment factors to prevent its development in Mongolian economy. This paper contributes to the literature by enriching evidence of the determinants of bond market development with a focus on Asian economies with common characteristics such as their high dependence on banking sectors. In particular, while there have been few studies on an individual economy’s bond market, the strategic contribution is to identify the Mongolia-specific factors to prevent her bond market development among Asian economies. The estimation result shows that the two manageable variables, namely, bureaucracy quality and level of interest rate, are major determinants for both public and private bond market development in Asian economies, and also that these determinants are main factors to prevent the Mongolian bond market from developing.
Toward Automation of the Supine Pressor Test for Preeclampsia
Authors: Qureshi Hamna J. , Ma Jessica L. , Anderson Jennifer L. , Bosinski Brett M. , Acharya Aditi , Bennett Rachel D. , Haas David M. , Cox Abigail D. , Wodicka George R. , Reuter David G. , Goergen Craig J.
Published: October 2019

Preeclampsia leads to increased risk of morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus. Most previous studies have largely neglected mechanical compression of the left renal vein by the gravid uterus as a potential mechanism. In this study, we first used a murine model to investigate the pathophysiology of left renal vein constriction. The results indicate that prolonged renal vein stenosis after 14 days can cause renal necrosis and an increase in blood pressure (BP) of roughly 30 mmHg. The second part of this study aimed to automate a diagnostic tool, known as the supine pressor test (SPT), to enable pregnant women to assess their preeclampsia development risk. A positive SPT has been previously defined as an increase of at least 20 mmHg in diastolic BP when switching between left lateral recumbent and supine positions. The results from this study established a baseline BP increase between the two body positions in nonpregnant women and demonstrated the feasibility of an autonomous SPT in pregnant women. Our results demonstrate that there is a baseline increase in BP of roughly 10–14 mmHg and that pregnant women can autonomously perform the SPT. Overall, this work in both rodents and humans suggests that (1) stenosis of the left renal vein in mice leads to elevation in BP and acute renal failure, (2) nonpregnant women experience a baseline increase in BP when they shift from left lateral recumbent to supine position, and (3) the SPT can be automated and used autonomously.
An OpenFOAM-Based Extension of Low-Re k–ε Model to the Partially Averaged Navier–Stokes Methodology for Simulating Separated Flows With Heat Transfer
Authors: Chakraborty Krishnendu , Saroha Sagar , Sinha Sawan S.
Published: October 2019

The partially averaged Navier–Stokes (PANS) methodology is known to give improved performance over the traditional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) formulation at an affordable computational cost. Over the years, PANS has gained popularity in both industry and academia. In this work, we strive to improve the performance of the k–ε-based PANS methodology by formulating a low-Reynolds-number (LRN) k–ε model-based PANS closure. We have compared the PANS closure based on Launder-Sharma k–ε model (LSKE) with PANS closure based on the conventional two-layer k–ε model (TLKE) in the classical case of separated flow past a heated square cylinder at Reynolds number (Re) of 21,400. The PANS methodologies are compared on the basis of flow hydrodynamics, heat transfer rate, and computational time. These methodologies are compared with the benchmark experimental and direct numerical simulation (DNS) results. The PANS + LSKE methodology clearly outperforms the conventional PANS + TLKE methodology in predicting the flow hydrodynamics and is computationally much faster as well. Moreover, the performance of the LSKE model in conjunction with the PANS methodology is found to be comparable to the more recent models like the shear stress transport (SST)–k–ω and the k–ε–ζ–f model. In heat transfer aspects, the performance of LSKE (with Yap correction)-based closure is the best on the stagnation surface, while the LSKE (without Yap correction)-based closure performs comparably better on the lateral and rear surfaces.
Dynamic equations of a transversely isotropic, highly porous, fibrous material including oscillatory heat transfer effects
Authors: Semeniuk B. P. , Göransson P. , Dazel O.
Published: October 2019

The dynamic equations of a transversely isotropic fibrous, highly porous material are presented in terms of microstructure-derived analytical expressions for viscous dissipation, and analytical expressions for the oscillatory heat transfer between the thermal fields of the solid cylindrical glassfibres and the surrounding viscous fluid. This represents the non-equilibrium thermal expansion of the fluid, occurring when waves propagate in the porous material, and results in a frequency-dependent scaling of the fluid dilatation term. A state-space transfer matrix solution of the governing equations has been introduced, allowing the numerical acoustical performance of the fibrous material to be investigated, including the acoustical effects of heat transfer. In order to understand the dissipation mechanisms of the viscous and thermal boundary layers on the surface of the fibres and the validity of the assumptions made in the current model, a thermoviscous acoustic fluid finite element procedure has also been introduced. The results from these simulations illustrate the frequency-dependent interaction of the boundary layers between neighbouring fibres in the porous material.
NIH ‘high risk, high reward’ awardees skew male—again
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: October 2019

Agency struggles to attract female applicants, keep review process gender neutral.
Technological challenges and milestones for writing genomes
Authors: Ostrov Nili , Beal Jacob , Ellis Tom , Gordon D. Benjamin , Karas Bogumil J. , Lee Henry H. , Lenaghan Scott C. , Schloss Jeffery A. , Stracquadanio Giovanni , Trefzer Axel , Bader Joel S. , Church George M. , Coelho Cintia M. , Efcavitch J. William , Güell Marc , Mitchell Leslie A. , Nielsen Alec A. K. , Peck Bill , Smith Alexander C. , Stewart C. Neal , Tekotte Hille
Published: October 2019

Synthetic genomics requires improved technologies
Comment on “The global tree restoration potential”
Authors: Grainger Alan , Iverson Louis R. , Marland Gregg H. , Prasad Anantha
Published: October 2019

Bastin
et al
. (Reports, 5 July 2019, p. 76) neglect considerable research into forest-based climate change mitigation during the 1980s and 1990s. This research supports some of their findings on the area of land technically suitable for expanding tree cover, and can be used to extend their analysis to include the area of actually available land and operational feasibility.
The stories that make us spend (and save)
Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and Drive Major Economic Events
Robert J. Shiller
Princeton University Press, 2019. 400 pp.
Authors: Jaffe Sonia
Published: October 2019

A Nobel laureate reveals how narratives shape the economy
Meropenem-Tobramycin Combination Regimens Combat Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Hollow-Fiber Infection Model Simulating Augmented Renal Clearance in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Yadav Rajbharan , Bergen Phillip J. , Rogers Kate E. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. J. , Wallis Steven C. , Huang Yuling , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Paterson David L. , Lipman Jeffrey , Nation Roger L. , Roberts Jason A. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B.
Published: October 2019

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with subtherapeutic concentrations of renally eliminated antibiotics. We investigated the impact of ARC on bacterial killing and resistance amplification for meropenem and tobramycin regimens in monotherapy and combination. Two carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates were studied in static-concentration time-kill studies. One isolate was examined comprehensively in a 7-day hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM).
Origin and Evolution of Hybrid Shiga Toxin-Producing and Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains of Sequence Type 141
Authors: Gati Noble Selasi , Middendorf-Bauchart Barbara , Bletz Stefan , Dobrindt Ulrich , Mellmann Alexander
Published: October 2019

Hybrid Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) and uropathogenic
E. coli
(UPEC) strains of multilocus sequence type 141 (ST141) cause both urinary tract infections and diarrhea in humans and are phylogenetically positioned between STEC and UPEC strains.
Dynamics of anisotropic cosmic models with different matter sources in extended scalar-tensor theory
Authors: Waheed Saira
Published: October 2019

In this work, we develop some interesting models of cosmos exhibiting anisotropic properties in the extended scalar-tensor theory. In the first place, we consider the LRS Bianchi type I (BI) geometry filled with matter contents as magnetized bulk viscous cloud of strings. We developed analytic solutions and explore the cosmological significance of some interesting physical measures like cosmic volume, directional Hubble parameter, deceleration parameter, viscosity factor, particle energy density, shear and expansion scalars, and string tension density. Moreover, modified holographic Ricci dark energy is introduced in anisotropic scenario to discuss the dynamics of anisotropic comic models. In order to construct the exact cosmic solutions, we take hybrid law of scale factor as well as some viable ansatz for scalar field and its scalar potential. The physical viability of model parameters is discussed through graphical analysis. Physical analysis of both models show that our results are in agreement with the current observations and hence are cosmologically viable and promising.
Liquidation in Target Zone Models
Authors: Belak Christoph , Muhle-Karbe Johannes , Ou Kevin
Published: October 2019

We study optimal liquidation in “target zone models” — asset prices with a reflecting boundary enforced by regulatory interventions. This can be treated as a special case of an Almgren–Chriss model with running and terminal inventory costs and general predictive signals about price changes. The optimal liquidation rate in target-zone models can in turn be characterized as the “theta” of a lookback option, leading to explicit formulas for Bachelier or Black–Scholes dynamics.
A Case Report of Graves’ Disease Induced by the Anti-Human Programmed Cell Death-1 Monoclonal Antibody Pembrolizumab in a Bladder Cancer Patient
Authors: Yajima Ken , Akise Yushi
Published: October 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1), have been widely used in the treatment of malignancies. However, these drugs can cause immune-related adverse events resembling autoimmune diseases. There are some reports of Graves’ disease (GD) induced by anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibodies, but reports which discussed GD induced by anti-PD-1 antibodies are very rare. We report the case of a 61-year-old man with bladder cancer who presented with severe diarrhea, fatigue, palpitation, body weight loss, and hyperthyroidism after the fifth treatment with the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. His thyroid function prior to pembrolizumab administration had been subclinical hyperthyroidism, despite a negative thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) level. On admission, pembrolizumab administration was discontinued. Graves’ disease was diagnosed based on a positive TRAb test result and the ultrasonographic finding of increased blood flow in the superior thyroid artery. Based on colonoscopy findings, the cause of diarrhea was diagnosed as active colitis. His diarrhea was improved with prednisolone, and thyroid function was treated with potassium iodide and thiamazole. This case report of GD with positive TRAb induced by the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab may contribute to the understanding of the mechanism underlying the association between GD and autoimmune activation via PD-1.
Perianal Paget’s Disease: The 17-Year-Experience of a Single Institution in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yu-Chen , Li Anna Fen-Yau , Yang Shung-Haur , Ma Hsiu-Hsun , Liang Wen-Yih
Published: October 2019

Aim. To determine the incidence, prognosis, and immunophenotypes (CK7, CK20, CDX2, and GCDFP-15) of primary or secondary perianal Paget’s diseases (PPDs). Methods. Twenty-three PPD patients were recruited, including 10 primary and 13 secondary PPDs. Immunophenotypes of PPD were analyzed. Results. In 23 PPD patients, 14 (60.9%) were male and the median age was 75 years. Three (13.0%, 2 primary and 1 secondary PPDs) had recurrence and two (8.7%, both primary PPDs) had invasive PPDs. The colorectal cancers (CRCs) in secondary PPD cases were located in anorectal area for 9 patients while 4 were located in the rectum; 5, 2, 4, and 2 were in stages I, II, III, and in uncertain stage, respectively. The distant metastasis rates of CRC in the secondary PPD patients during follow-up were 40% (2/5), 0% (0/2), and 50% (2/4) for stages I, II, and III, respectively. Other synchronous or metachronous malignancies included cholangiocarcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, anorectal small-cell carcinoma, and unknown hepatic malignancy. One primary PPD patient died from the metastases of invasive Paget’s disease while 3 secondary PPD patients died from the metastases of CRCs during follow-up. Immunohistochemical staining showed CK7 (7/10 and 6/13), CK20 (6/10 and 10/13), CDX2 (6/10 and 12/13), and GCDFP-15 (3/10 and 0/13) positivities in primary and secondary PPD patients, respectively. The immunophenotypes were not statistical significantly related to synchronous CRC (P=0.402, 0.650, 0.127, and 0.068 for CK7, CK20, CDX2, and GCDFP-15, respectively). Conclusions. The incidence of concurrent CRC in PPD patients is not low. An adequate survey for CRC should be considered for PPD patients at initial diagnosis. In this series of study, stage I CRC with PPD would have a higher metastatic rate, thus indicating aggressive treatment and follow-up. The CK7, CK20, CDX2, and GCDFP-15 immunostaining results for the PPD patients were not predictive of primary or secondary type.
Nephrolithiasis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study Evaluating Testosterone and Urinary Stone Metabolic Panels
Authors: Fedrigon Donald , Alazem Kareem , Sivalingam Sri , Monga Manoj , Calle Juan
Published: October 2019

Introduction. Both elevated testosterone and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been speculated as possible risk factors for kidney stone formation; however, the details of this potential relationship with regards to 24-hour urine metabolic panels and stone composition have not previously been characterized. Methods. A total of 74 PCOS patients were retrospectively identified and matched with a cohort of female stone formers at a 3 : 1 ratio (by age and BMI). All patients had 24-hour urinary metabolic panels and stone compositions. These groups were compared using Pearson chi-square and Student t-tests. Additionally, the PCOS group was differentiated based on free testosterone using multivariate analysis. Results. The case-control cohort showed that PCOS patients had significantly lower sodium excretion p=0.015 and hypernatriuria rates (28.9% vs 50.9%, p=0.009). The PCOS-testosterone cohort demonstrated that high testosterone patients had significantly higher citrate values p=0.041 and significantly lower odds of hypocitraturia (36.7% vs 54.2%, OR = 0.2, p=0.042). The high testosterone group also had higher sodium excretion p=0.058 with significantly higher odds of having hypernatriuria (40.0% vs 13.6%, OR = 13.3, p=0.021). No significant patterns were revealed based on stone composition analysis. Conclusions. Compared to healthy stone formers, PCOS patients did not demonstrate significant differences in 24-hour urine and stone composition values. Elevated free testosterone in PCOS patients has a significant association with higher urinary citrate and sodium values: findings that in and of themselves do not confirm the hypothesized increased risk of stone formation. This patient cohort may provide deeper insight into the interplay between androgens and stone formation; however, further study is needed to fully characterize the possible relationship between PCOS and stone formation.
Utilizing Coal Bottom Ash from Thermal Power Plants in Vietnam as Partial Replacement of Aggregates in Concrete Pavement
Authors: Nguyen Thi Nu , Phi Hong Thinh , Bui Truong Son
Published: October 2019

In Vietnam, a large amount of coal bottom ash (CBA) is being discharged from thermal power plants and has been making serious environmental pollution. It is essential to utilize the CBA to reduce environmental pollution. So, this paper presents a series of experimental studies in the laboratory using CBA as a partial replacement of aggregates in concrete pavement for rural roads. In mixing concrete, the CBA is utilized to replace 15, 30, and 100% aggregates. The design of the composition must achieve the technical requirement of M-30 grade of concrete. A total 351 of specimens were tested on workability of fresh concrete, abrasion, compressive strength, and flexural tensile strength in order to achieve the technical requirement of concrete pavement for rural roads. Based on the experimental results, in order to achieve the required compressive strength, An Khanh CBA concrete uses more content of cement and water than control concrete; Cao Ngan CBA is only utilized to replace 15% aggregates, and Cao Ngan CBA concrete also uses more cement and water than control concrete. It also shown that the amount of water and cement content depend on types of CBA and the water amount and cement content of CBA concrete are larger than those of control concrete. The advantage of mixture CBA concrete is abrasion, and flexural tensile strength achieved the value as per the technical requirement.
Achieving PSA < 0.2 ng/ml before Radiation Therapy Is a Strong Predictor of Treatment Success in Patients with High-Risk Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kazama Akira , Saito Toshihiro , Takeda Keisuke , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Tanikawa Toshiki , Kanemoto Ayae , Ayukawa Fumio , Matsumoto Yasuo , Sugita Tadashi , Hara Noboru , Tomita Yoshihiko
Published: October 2019

Background. To predict long-term treatment outcome of radiation therapy (RT) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for high-risk locally advanced prostate cancer. Methods. In total, 204 patients with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) high risk locally advanced prostate cancer (PSA > 20 ng/ml, Gleason score ≧ 8, clinical T stage ≧ 3a) were treated with definitive RT with ADT. Median follow up period was 113 months (IQR: 95–128). Median neoadjuvant ADT and total ADT duration were 7 months (IQR: 6–10) and 27 months (IQR: 14–38), respectively. Results. PSA recurrence-free survival (PSA-RFS), cancer specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates at 5 years were 84.1%, 98.5%, and 93.6%, respectively, and 67.9%, 91.2%, and 78.1%, respectively, at 10 years. Pre-RT PSA less than 0.2 ng/ml was associated with superior outcomes of PSA-RFS (HR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25–0.70, p=0.001), CSS (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.82, p=0.013), and OS (HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26–0.91, p=0.021). On multivariate analysis, age (≥70 y.o.) and pre-RT PSA (≥0.2 ng/ml) were factors predictive of poorer OS (p=0.032) , but iPSA, T stage, Gleason score, number of NCCN high-risk criteria, a combination with anti-androgen therapy and neoadjuvant ADT duration were not predictive of treatment outcome. Conclusion. In patient with high-risk prostate cancer, RT plus ADT achieved good oncologic outcomes. PSA < 0.2 ng/ml before radiation therapy is a strong independent predictor for long overall survival.
OGDHL Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker for Liver Cancer Patients
Authors: Jiao Yan , Li Yanqing , Fu Zhuo , Hou Lin , Chen Qingmin , Cai Yujie , Jiang Peiqiang , He Miao , Yang Zhaoying
Published: October 2019

Background and Objective. Liver cancer is a highly malignant tumor, and patients typically have poor prognoses. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, and downregulation of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like (OGDHL) contributes to the onset and progression of several cancers. We examined the role of altered OGDHL expression in liver cancer and determined its value as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator for patients. Material and Methods. R (version 3.5.1) and several R extensions were used for data mining of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset (including RNAseq and clinical information) and statistical analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of OGDHL. The chi-squared test was used to identify the clinical correlates of OGDHL downregulation. Survival analysis (with the log-rank test) and univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to evaluate the effect of OGDHL expression on overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival. TCGA was used for analysis of gene set enrichment. Results. OGDHL had lower expression in cancerous liver tissues than noncancerous adjacent tissues, and low expression correlated with more advanced patient age, histologic grade, stage, T classification, and poor survival. Patients with lower OGDHL expression had shorter OS and relapse-free survival. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that low OGDHL expression was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated enrichment of the mitotic spindle, G2M checkpoint, and E2F targets in the OGDHL low expression phenotype. Conclusion. OGDHL has potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for liver cancer.
A Contemporary View on Felix Pinkus’ Concept of the Vitreous Membrane
Authors: Stieler Karola , Vogt Annika , Sterry Wolfram , Haas Norbert , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Felix Pinkus’ concept of the vitreous membrane (VM) published in 1927 describes circular folds protruding into the outer root sheath (ORS), which, in his opinion, serve as interdigitations between the outer root sheath (ORS) and the VM. This concept currently seems to have fallen into oblivion. Objective: To determine the origin and possible function of the VM in the proliferation and vascularization of the hair follicle (HF). Methods: Serial investigation of healthy skin probes with histological (hematoxylin & eosin and periodic acid-Schiff) and immunohistochemical examination (Ki67, CD56, CD8, and collagen IV) were performed. Results: Morphological variations of the VM in various HFs such as protrusions and folds, the latter unilateral, bilateral or circular, some acute-angled, were found. Similarly, protrusions of the VM into the ORS were observed, that consisted of capillary tissue together with perifollicular tissue and VM mimicking minimal variants of the dermal papilla. Conclusions: Pinkus’ concept of the VM is revisited, reproduced and possible functions are proposed. Since these structures are found in a HF region with a high metabolic dynamism, they may be involved in differentiation or nutrition, or else be formed as a result of pressure arising from outgrowing hair shafts.
РЕКОМЕНДАЦІЇ ЩОДО РОЗРОБКИ ШКАЛИ РІВНІВ ВПЛИВУ НА БЮДЖЕТ ПРИ ОЦІНЦІ ЗАКУПІВЛІ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ЗАСОБІВ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Oleschuk O.M. , Dumenko T. M. , Pinyazhko O. B. , Romanenko I. M. , Klimenko M. M. , Topachevsky O. A. , Leleka M. B.
Published: October 2019

Мета роботи. Розробка шкали рівнів впливу на бюджет при оцінці включення лікарського засобу до Національного переліку основних лікарських засобів (Національного переліку) під час аналізу економічної ефективності лікарських засобів (ЛЗ).

Матеріали і методи. З використанням АВС-аналізу розроблено рекомендації з оцінки потенційного впливу на бюджет ЛЗ у разі його включення до Національного переліку. В дослідженні використано дані, представлені системою дослідження ринку «Фармексплорер»,  Support in Market Development (SMD) за 2018 рік.

Результати й обговорення. Розроблену шкалу рівнів впливу на бюджет рекомендовано використовувати для оцінки фінансових наслідків використання медичної технології протягом відповідного часового горизонту -  на 1 та більше років для забезпечення належного рівня функціонування у сфері охорони здоров’я. Якщо витрати  на одну міжнародну непатентовану назву (МНН) при закупівлі за кошти державного та місцевого бюджетів перевищують 40 млн грн на рік, то вплив на бюджет буде надмірний. Якщо витрати на одну МНН знаходяться в межах від 20 млн до 40 млн грн, то вплив на бюджет – великий, якщо витрати становлять від 10 до 20 млн грн – помірний, а менше 10 млн грн  -  незначний. При умові включення ЛЗ до Національного переліку для закупівлі закладами та установами охорони здоров’я, що фінансуються з місцевих бюджетів, шкала рівнів впливу на бюджет має таку градацію:  якщо витрати  на одну МНН перевищують 17 млн грн на рік, то вплив на бюджет буде надмірний, в межах від 6 до 17 млн грн – великий, в межах від 3 до 6 млн грн - помірний, менше 3 млн – незначний.

Висновок. На основі проведеного аналізу закупівель ЛЗ з Національного переліку за 2018 рік розроблено шкалу рівнів впливу на бюджет, яка має таку градацію за чотирма рівнями впливу: надмірний, великий, помірний та незначний.  Перспективним є використання шкали рівнів впливу на бюджет при оцінці медичних технологій з метою їх подальшого фінансування за кошти державного та місцевих бюджетів в Україні.
ВПЛИВ СУПОЗИТОРІЇВ «МЕЛАНІЗОЛ» НА КЛІНІЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ КРОВІ НА ТЛІ НЕСПЕЦИФІЧНОГО ВАГІНІТУ У ЩУРІВ
Authors: Dolzhykova O. V. , Maloshtan L. M.
Published: October 2019

Мета роботи. Дослідження впливу нових вагінальних супозиторіїв «Меланізол» на клінічні показники крові на тлі неспецифічного вагініту у щурів.

Матеріали і методи. Неспецифічний вагініт моделювали шляхом одноразової внутрішньопіхвової аплікації іританту (суміш скипидару та диметилсульфоксиду) нелінійним щурам-самицям. У якості контролю лікування вагініту використовували показники: температуру у піхві, ШОЕ, кількість лейкоцитів та лейкоцитарну формулу крові. Препаратом порівняння слугували супозиторії «Гравагін» вітчизняного виробництва, рекомендовані для лікування неспецифічних вагінітів.

Результати й обговорення. В результаті проведеного дослідження встановлено, що супозиторії «Меланізол», які містять метронідазол і олію чайного дерева, протягом лікування неспецифічного вагініту достовірно знижують температуру у піхві, кількість лейкоцитів і ШОЕ у крові щурів-самок та відновлюють показники лейкоцитарної формули по відношенню до тварин групи контрольної патології та до першої доби дослідження протягом усього експерименту. Це свідчить про лікувальний вплив досліджуваних супозиторіїв «Меланізол» в умовах експериментального неспецифічного вагініту, а саме про зменшення проявів запалення. Встановлено, що за ефективністю зменшувати клінічні прояви вагініту, досліджувані супозиторії «Меланізол» достовірно перевершують препарат порівняння «Гравагін».

Висновки. Отримані в результаті експерименту дані дозволяють рекомендувати супозиторії «Меланізол» для подальшого вивчення в якості лікарського засобу з протизапальним ефектом для лікування неспецифічних вагінітів.