bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Rotaviruses Rescued by Reverse Genetics Reveal the Role of NSP5 Hyperphosphorylation in the Assembly of Viral Factories
Authors: Papa Guido , Venditti Luca , Arnoldi Francesca , Schraner Elisabeth M. , Potgieter Christiaan , Borodavka Alexander , Eichwald Catherine , Burrone Oscar R.
Published: October 2019

The rotavirus (RV) double-stranded RNA genome is replicated and packaged into virus progeny in cytoplasmic structures termed viroplasms. The nonstructural protein NSP5, which undergoes a complex hyperphosphorylation process during RV infection, is required for the formation of these virus-induced organelles. However, its roles in viroplasm formation and RV replication have never been directly assessed due to the lack of a fully tractable reverse-genetics (RG) system for rotaviruses. Here, we show a novel application of a recently developed RG system by establishing a stable
trans
-complementing NSP5-producing cell line required to rescue rotaviruses with mutations in NSP5. This approach allowed us to provide the first direct evidence of the pivotal role of this protein during RV replication. Furthermore, using recombinant RV mutants, we shed light on the molecular mechanism of NSP5 hyperphosphorylation during infection and its involvement in the assembly and maturation of replication-competent viroplasms.
Subduction initiation and back-arc opening north of Neo-Tethys: Evidence from the Late Cretaceous Torbat-e-Heydarieh ophiolite of NE Iran
Authors: Moghadam Hadi Shafaii , Stern R.J. , Griffin W.L. , Khedr M.Z. , Kirchenbaur M. , Ottley C.J. , Whattam S.A. , Kimura J.-I. , Ghorbani G. , Gain S. , O’Reilly S.Y. , Tamura A.
Published: October 2019

How new subduction zones form is an ongoing scientific question with key implications for our understanding of how this process influences the behavior of the overriding plate. Here we focus on the effects of a Late Cretaceous subduction-initiation (SI) event in Iran and show how SI caused enough extension to open a back-arc basin in NE Iran. The Late Cretaceous Torbat-e-Heydarieh ophiolite (THO) is well exposed as part of the Sabzevar-Torbat-e-Heydarieh ophiolite belt. It is dominated by mantle peridotite, with a thin crustal sequence. The THO mantle sequence consists of harzburgite, clinopyroxene-harzburgite, plagioclase lherzolite, impregnated lherzolite, and dunite. Spinel in THO mantle peridotites show variable Cr# (10–63), similar to both abyssal and fore-arc peridotites. The igneous rocks (gabbros and dikes intruding mantle peridotite, pillowed and massive lavas, amphibole gabbros, plagiogranites and associated diorites, and diabase dikes) display rare earth element patterns similar to MORB, arc tholeiite and back-arc basin basalt. Zircons from six samples, including plagiogranites and dikes within mantle peridotite, yield U-Pb ages of ca. 99–92 Ma, indicating that the THO formed during the Late Cretaceous and was magmatically active for ∼7 m.y. THO igneous rocks have variable εNd(t) of +5.7 to +8.2 and εHf(t) ranging from +14.9 to +21.5; zircons have εHf(t) of +8.1 to +18.5. These isotopic compositions indicate that the THO rocks were derived from an isotopically depleted mantle source similar to that of the Indian Ocean, which was slightly affected by the recycling of subducted sediments. We conclude that the THO and other Sabzevar-Torbat-e-Heydarieh ophiolites formed in a back-arc basin well to the north of the Late Cretaceous fore-arc, now represented by the Zagros ophiolites, testifying that a broad region of Iran was affected by upper-plate extension accompanying Late Cretaceous subduction initiation.
Rapid clay precipitation in explosion-induced fractures
Authors: Swanson Erika , Sussman Aviva , Wilson Jennifer
Published: October 2019

Fractures within the earth control rock strength and fluid flow, but their dynamic nature is not well understood. As part of a series of underground chemical explosions in granite in Nevada, we collected and analyzed microfracture density data sets prior to, and following, individual explosions. Our work shows an ∼4-fold increase in both open and filled microfractures following the explosions. Based on the timing of core retrieval, filling of some new fractures occurs in as little as 6 wk after fracture opening under shallow (<100 m) crustal conditions. These results suggest that near-surface fractures may fill quite rapidly, potentially changing permeability on time scales relevant to oil, gas, and geothermal energy production; carbon sequestration; seismic cycles; and radionuclide migration from nuclear waste storage and underground nuclear explosions.
Concurrent fusobacterial pyogenic liver abscess and empyema
Authors: Gohar Ahmed , Jamous Fady , Abdallah Mohamed
Published: October 2019

We present a very rare case of concurrent empyema and liver abscess caused by Fusobacterium. Our patient presented with 3-month history of subtle abdominal discomfort and cough leading to eventually presenting with marked chest pain, dyspnoea and septic shock. CT revealed a liver abscess and large right-sided pleural effusion. Drainage of the pleural effusion yielded gross pus with the growth ofFusobacterium varium, while drainage of the liver abscess yieldedFusobacterium nucleatum. The patient responded to drainage and antibiotic therapy with resolution of symptoms and decrease in the size of empyema and abscess on follow-up imaging. We also include a review if literature of related fusobacterial infections.
The changing temporal association between caesarean birth and neonatal death in Ethiopia: secondary analysis of nationally representative surveys
Authors: Yisma Engida , Mol Ben W , Lynch John W , Smithers Lisa G
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine the changing temporal association between caesarean birth and neonatal death within the context of Ethiopia from 2000 to 2016.

Design

Secondary analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys.

Setting

All administrative regions of Ethiopia with surveys conducted in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2016.

Participants

Women aged 15–49 years with a live birth during the 5 years preceding the survey.

Main outcome measures

We analysed the association between caesarean birth and neonatal death using log-Poisson regression models for each survey adjusted for potential confounders. We then applied the ‘Three Delays Model’ to 2016 survey to provide an interpretation of the association between caesarean birth and neonatal death in Ethiopia.

Results

The adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for neonatal death among neonates born via caesarean section versus vaginal birth increased over time, from 0.95 (95% CI: 0.29 to 3.19) in 2000 to 2.81 (95% CI: 1.11 to 7.13) in 2016. The association between caesarean birth and neonatal death was stronger among rural women (aPR (95% CI) 3.43 (1.22 to 9.67)) and among women from the lowest quintile of household wealth (aPR (95% CI) 7.01 (0.92 to 53.36)) in 2016. Aggregate-level analysis revealed that an increased caesarean section rates were correlated with a decreased proportion of neonatal deaths.

Conclusions

A naïve interpretation of the changing temporal association between caesarean birth and neonatal death from 2000 to 2016 is that caesarean section is increasingly associated with neonatal death. However, the changing temporal association reflects improvements in health service coverage and secular shifts in the characteristics of Ethiopian women undergoing caesarean section after complicated labour or severe foetal compromise.
Association between soft drinks consumption and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Zalabani Abdulmohsen Hamdan , Noor Elahi Ibrahim , Katib Abdullah , Alamri Abdulmajeed G , Halawani Abdulrahman , Alsindi Nasser M , Almatrafi Mohammed , Wesselius Anke , Stewart Kelly F J
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To carry out meta-analysis and systematic review on the association between soft drinks consumption and asthma prevalence among adults and children.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational research.

Data sources

Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2018.

Eligibility criteria

We included observational studies investigating the association between soft drinks consumption (including maternal consumption during pregnancy) and asthma or wheeze.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted by one author and reviewed independently by two other authors. The most adjusted estimate from each original study was used in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and heterogeneity was evaluated using I2statistic.

Results

Of 725 publications originally identified, 19 were included in this systematic review, including 3 cohort studies and 16 cross-sectional studies. Ten articles reported on children up to 18 years, 5 articles on adults (>18 years) and 2 articles on prenatal exposure. In total, 468 836 participants were included, with more than 50 000 asthma cases. Soft drinks consumption was associated with significantly increased odds of asthma in both adults (OR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.52) and children (OR=1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.21). Prenatal exposure had marginally statistically significant association (OR=1.11; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.23) with asthma in children. In subgroup analysis for childhood exposure, the association persists for sugar-sweetened soft drinks but not for carbonated drinks.

Conclusion

Our findings show a positive association between soft drinks consumption and asthma prevalence, mostly from cross-sectional studies. Therefore, more longitudinal research is required to establish causality.
Process-evaluation and outcome-evaluation of a training programme for healthcare professionals in oncology to enhance their competencies in caring for patients with minor children: a study protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Inhestern Laura , Frerichs Wiebke , Johannsen Lene Marie , Bergelt Corinna
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Patients with cancer having minor children experience particular burden and strains. Being patient and parent at the same time is associated with specific needs of support. Therefore, the communication of child-related and family-related issues plays an important role in patient care. This study aims at testing the feasibility of a training to improve the situation of patients with cancer having minor children and their families by enhancing the competencies of healthcare professionals (HCPs, eg, physicians, nurses, psychologists) in caring for patients with cancer having minor children. Moreover, the study aims at testing the study design and outcomes of the evaluation concept and preliminary effects of the training.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a randomised controlled pilot trial with three arms (face-to-face training versus web-based training versus waitlist control group) to investigate the study aims. Primary outcome will be the competency to approach child-related and family-related topics in patients with cancer measured using comprehensive case vignettes. Secondary outcomes will be communication and attitudes regarding child-related and family-related topics and self-efficacy in clinical communication skills. Outcomes will be assessed prior to the training and after the training as well as 3 months after the training. Data will be analysed using descriptive analyses, group comparisons and linear mixed models.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Local Psychological Ethics Committee of the Center for Psychosocial Medicine of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (LPEK-001). At the end of the study, a web-based training and a face-to-face training intervention to enhance the competencies of HCPs in caring for patients with cancer having minor children will have been systematically developed and the study design and evaluation concept will have been evaluated. The results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

DRKS00015794.
Resveratrol ameliorates the cyclosporine-induced vascular and renal impairments: possible impact of the modulation of renin–angiotensin system
Authors: Bekpinar Seldag , Karaca Ece , Yamakoğlu Selin , Alp-Yıldırım F. İlkay , Olgac Vakur , Uydes-Doğan B. Sönmez , Cibali Ezgi , Gultepe Suleyman , Uysal Mujdat
Published: October 2019

Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug, exhibits a toxic effect on renal and vascular systems. The present study investigated whether resveratrol treatment alleviates renal and vascular injury induced by cyclosporine. Cyclosporine (25 mg/kg per day, s.c.) was given for 7 days to rats either alone or in combination with resveratrol (10 mg/kg per day, i.p.). Relaxation and contraction responses of aorta were examined. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1-7 were measured. Histopathological examinations as well as immunostaining for 4-hydroxynonenal and nitrotyrosine were performed in the kidney. RNA expressions of renin–angiotensin system components were also measured in renal and aortic tissues. Cyclosporine decreased the endothelium-dependent relaxation and increased vascular contraction in the aorta. It caused renal tubular degeneration and increased immunostaining for 4-hydroxynonenal, an oxidative stress marker. Cyclosporine also caused upregulations of the vasoconstrictive renin–angiotensin system components in renal (angiotensin-converting enzyme) and aortic (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) tissues. Resveratrol co-treatment prevented the cyclosporine-related deteriorations. Moreover, it induced the expressions of vasodilatory effective angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin II type 2 receptor in aorta and kidney, respectively. We conclude that resveratrol may be effective in preventing cyclosporine-induced renal tubular degeneration and vascular dysfunction at least in part by modulating the renin–angiotensin system.
The modulatory effects of exercise on the inflammatory and apoptotic markers in rats with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal cancer
Authors: Ghazizadeh Darband Saber , Saboory Ehsan , Sadighparvar Shirin , Kaviani Mojtaba , Mobaraki Kazhal , Jabbari Nasrollah , Majidinia Maryam
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms in anti-tumorigenesis effects of exercise through evaluation of inflammation and apoptosis. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into control, exercise, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), and DMH + exercise. After a week, rats in the DMH group were given DMH twice a week for 2 weeks. Animals in the exercise groups performed exercise on a treadmill 5 days/week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of training, levels of COX-2, PCNA, Bax, Bcl-2, and procaspase-3/cleaved caspase-3 were assessed. Histological changes, number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were also analyzed. ACF number was significantly decreased following the exercise program. Protein levels of COX-2 and PCNA and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated in the rats receiving DMH and downregulated after performing the exercise program (P < 0.05). Exercise upregulated apoptosis, which was evident from the increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio, and enhanced the expression levels of activated caspase-3 as compared to the DMH group. The colonic architecture was improved in DMH + exercise. Exercise can effectively attenuate DMH-induced increase of inflammatory markers. Exercise induces apoptosis at the downstream of the inflammatory response. Therefore, exercise may play a role as a moderator of inflammation to exert protective effects against colon cancer.
No hair theorem for massless scalar fields outside asymptotically flat horizonless reflecting compact stars
Authors: Peng Yan
Published: October 2019

In a recent paper, Hod started a study on no scalar hair theorem for asymptotically flat spherically symmetric neutral horizonless reflecting compact stars. In fact, Hod’s approach only rules out massive scalar fields. In the present paper, for massless scalar fields outside neutral horizonless reflecting compact stars, we provide a rigorous mathematical proof on no hair theorem. We show that asymptotically flat spherically symmetric neutral horizonless reflecting compact stars cannot support exterior massless scalar field hairs.
On zero-divisor graphs of commutative rings without identity
Authors: Kalaimurugan G. , Vignesh P. , Tamizh Chelvam T.
Published: October 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite commutative ring without identity. In this paper, we characterize all finite commutative rings without identity, whose zero-divisor graphs are unicyclic, claw-free and tree. Also, we obtain all finite commutative rings without identity and of cube-free order for which the corresponding zero-divisor graph is toroidal.
When is the idealization R⋉M an 𝒜-ring?
Authors: Bouchiba Samir , El-Arabi Mouhssine , Khaloui Mostafa
Published: October 2019

We present an answer to a problem raised by Anderson and Chun in [D. D. Anderson and S. Chun, Annihilator conditions on modules over commutative rings, J. Algebra Appl. 16(7) (2017) 1750143] on characterizing when the idealization [Formula: see text] of a ring [Formula: see text] on an [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-ring (respectively, an [Formula: see text]-ring) in terms of module-theoretic properties of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Also, we are concerned with an open question asked by these two authors which reads the following: What modules over a given ring [Formula: see text] are homomorphic images of modules satisfying the strong Property [Formula: see text]? (see, Question 4.4(1) in the above mentioned paper). This paper highly contributes to answer such a question.
Synthesis of azulitriphyrin(2.1.1)
Authors: Okujima Tetsuo , Inaba Hayato , Mori Shigeki , Takase Masayoshi , Uno Hidemitsu
Published: October 2019

A ring-contracted carbaporphyrin, azulitriphyrin(2.1.1), was synthesized via intramolecular McMurry coupling reaction. Absorption, NMR spectra and NICS calculations of protonated azulitriphyrin(2.1.1) revealed its Hückel aromatic character as a 14[Formula: see text] porphyrinoid.
Distributed Partial Clustering
Authors: Guha Sudipto , Li Yi , Zhang Qin
Published: October 2019

Recent years have witnessed an increasing popularity of algorithm design for distributed data, largely due to the fact that massive datasets are often collected and stored in different locations. In the distributed setting, communication typically dominates the query processing time. Thus, it becomes crucial to design communication-efficient algorithms for queries on distributed data. Simultaneously, it has been widely recognized that partial optimizations, where we are allowed to disregard a small part of the data, provide us significantly better solutions. The motivation for disregarded points often arises from noise and other phenomena that are pervasive in large data scenarios.

In this article, we focus on partial clustering problems,
k
-center,
k
-median, and
k
-means objectives in the distributed model, and provide algorithms with communication sublinear of the input size. As a consequence, we develop the first algorithms for the partial
k
-median and means objectives that run in subquadratic running time. We also initiate the study of distributed algorithms for clustering uncertain data, where each data point can possibly fall into multiple locations under certain probability distribution.
A Unified Tensor-based Active Appearance Model
Authors: Feng Zhen-Hua , Kittler Josef , Christmas Bill , Wu Xiao-Jun
Published: October 2019

Appearance variations result in many difficulties in face image analysis. To deal with this challenge, we present a Unified Tensor-based Active Appearance Model (UT-AAM) for jointly modelling the geometry and texture information of 2D faces. For each type of face information, namely shape and texture, we construct a unified tensor model capturing all relevant appearance variations. This contrasts with the variation-specific models of the classical tensor AAM. To achieve the unification across pose variations, a strategy for dealing with self-occluded faces is proposed to obtain consistent shape and texture representations of pose-varied faces. In addition, our UT-AAM is capable of constructing the model from an incomplete training dataset, using tensor completion methods. Last, we use an effective cascaded-regression-based method for UT-AAM fitting. With these advancements, the utility of UT-AAM in practice is considerably enhanced. As an example, we demonstrate the improvements in training facial landmark detectors through the use of UT-AAM to synthesise a large number of virtual samples. Experimental results obtained on a number of well-known face datasets demonstrate the merits of the proposed approach.
U-Net Conditional GANs for Photo-Realistic and Identity-Preserving Facial Expression Synthesis
Authors: Wang Xueping , Wang Yunhong , Li Weixin
Published: October 2019

Facial expression synthesis (FES) is a challenging task since the expression changes are highly non-linear and depend on the facial appearance. Person identity should also be well preserved in the synthesized face. In this article, we present a novel U-Net Conditional Generative Adversarial Network for FES. U-Net helps retain the property of the input face, including the identity information and facial details. Category condition is added to the U-Net model so that one-to-many expression synthesis can be achieved simultaneously. We also design constraints for identity preservation during FES to further guarantee that the identity of the input face can be well preserved in the generated face image. Specifically, we pair the generated output with condition image of other identities for the discriminator, so as to encourage it to learn the distinctions between the synthesized and natural images, as well as between input and other identities, which can help improve its discriminating ability. Additionally, we utilize the triplet loss to maintain the generated face images closer to the same identity person by imposing a margin between the positive pairs and negative pairs in feature space. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations are conducted on the Oulu-CASIA NIR8VIS facial expression database, the Radboud Faces Database, and the Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces database, and the experimental results show that our method can generate faces with natural and realistic expressions while preserving identity information.
Fast Exact Computation of Isocontours in Road Networks
Authors: Baum Moritz , Buchhold Valentin , Dibbelt Julian , Wagner Dorothea
Published: October 2019

We study the problem of computing isocontours in static and dynamic road networks, where the objective is to identify the boundary of the region that is reachable from a given source within a certain amount of time (or another limited resource). Although there is a wide range of practical applications for this problem (e.g., urban planning, geomarketing, visualizing the cruising range of a vehicle), there has been little research on fast algorithms for large, realistic inputs, and existing approaches tend to compute more information than necessary. Our contribution is twofold: (1) We propose compact but sufficient definitions of isocontours, based on which (2) we provide several easy-to-parallelize, scalable algorithmic approaches for faster computation. By extensive experimental analysis, we demonstrate that our techniques enable interactive isocontour computation within milliseconds even on continental networks, significantly faster than the state of the art.
Removal of Common Bile Ducts Stones via Percutaneous Access with a Flexible Ureteroscope and Laser Assistance
Authors: Loffeld R. J. L. F. , Paulus J. , Langbein S. , Jansen B.
Published: October 2019

Two patients are described with large stones in the common bile duct. Standard ERCP was not possible. Both patients were successfully treated with percutaneous access and use of the ureteroscope with the holmium laser.
Thermal Transport in Silicon-Germanium Superlattices at Low Temperatures
Authors: Wang Zan , Cai Xingyu , Mao Tiezhu
Published: October 2019

Interfacial thermal resistances between heterogeneous materials are still a challengeable subject since the mechanism to explain it quantitatively is not clear in spite of its importance. We propose a Monte Carlo (MC) model to study phonon interfacial elastic and inelastic scattering behaviors for superlattices composed of Si and Ge materials, which substantially reduces the amount of computations. In particular, below Debye temperatures, the molecular dynamics (MD) solution is not precise enough for semiconductors because of quantization errors. In this work, thermal conductivities and thermal rectifications of Si/Ge and Ge/Si superlattices with different periods are investigated separately at temperatures below 200 K.
Paraoxonase 1: The Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor Type I and Oxidative Stress in the Blood of Men with Type II Obesity
Authors: Kupczyk D. , Bilski R. , Sokołowski K. , Pawłowska M. , Woźniak A. , Szewczyk-Golec K.
Published: October 2019

Objectives. Obesity has serious consequences such as the onset of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, or cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and lipid peroxidation processes in the course of obesity.Methods. 28 men took part in the experiment. Fourteen of them were obese; the control group consisted of 14 physically active men without obesity features. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), PON1, LOX-1, and tumor necrosis factorα(TNFα) as well as the activities of erythrocytic SOD, CAT, and GPx were determined in the study.Results. Statistically significant higher MDA, LOX-1, and TNFαlevels were observed in obese subjects. Conversely, lower concentrations of PON1 in obese men were found.Conclusions. An imbalance in oxidation-reduction processes accompanies obesity. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerotic complications are involved in the obesity process. The obtained results suggest that the studied parameters may be independent prognostic markers preceding the development of cardiovascular and metabolic complications in people afflicted with type II obesity.
Injectable Hydrogel Combined with Nucleus Pulposus-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Degenerative Intervertebral Disc in Rats
Authors: Wang Feng , Nan Li-ping , Zhou Shi-feng , Liu Yang , Wang Ze-yu , Wang Jing-cheng , Feng Xin-min , Zhang Liang
Published: October 2019

Stem cell-based tissue engineering in treating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is promising. An appropriate cell scaffold can maintain the viability and function of transplanted cells. Injectable hydrogel has the potential to be an appropriate cell scaffold as it can mimic the condition of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of nucleus pulposus (NP) and provide binding sites for cells. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of injectable hydrogel-loaded NP-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSC) for the treatment of IVD degeneration (IDD) in rats. In this study, we selected injectable 3D-RGD peptide-modified polysaccharide hydrogel as a cell transplantation scaffold. In vitro, the biocompatibility, microstructure, and induced differentiation effect on NPMSC of the hydrogel were studied. In vivo, the regenerative effect of hydrogel-loaded NPMSC on degenerated NP in a rat model was evaluated. The results showed that NPMSC was biocompatible and able to induce differentiation in hydrogel in vivo. The disc height index (almost 87%) and MRI index (3313.83±227.79) of the hydrogel-loaded NPMSC group were significantly higher than those of other groups at 8 weeks after injection. Histological staining and immunofluorescence showed that the hydrogel-loaded NPMSC also partly restored the structure and ECM content of degenerated NP after 8 weeks. Moreover, the hydrogel could support long-term NPMSC survival and decrease cell apoptosis rate of the rat IVD. In conclusion, injectable hydrogel-loaded NPMSC transplantation can delay the level of IDD and promote the regeneration of the degenerative IVD in the rat model.
Rodent Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Zhong Fang , Zhou Xiaoming , Xu Jin , Gao Ling
Published: October 2019

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a continuous diseases spectrum associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Simple hepatic steatosis may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), even fibrosis and cirrhosis, and finally hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, NAFLD has become a public health concern with increasing prevalence. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis remain incompletely understood, and few effective therapeutic approaches are available. Summary and Key Messages: A myriad of different rodent models has been developed to elucidate pathophysiology of NAFLD/NASH and guide therapeutic strategy. To date, no single rodent model can display the whole disease spectrum and metabolic features associated with human NASH, but can imitate particular characteristics. In this paper, we review the most commonly used dietary, genetic, and chemical rodent models for NAFLD referring to their advantages and disadvantages. Also, we illustrate the status of latest treatment strategy using various NAFLD rodent models. We hope to provide critical guidance for researchers to select appropriate animal models.
Efficacy and Safety of Two Fosfomycin Regimens as Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Randomised Study
Authors: D’Elia Carolina , Mian Christine , Hanspeter Esther , Ladurner Christian , Palermo Salvatore Mario , Pycha Stefan , Saleh Omar , Cai Tommaso , Spoladore Greta , Kafka Mona , Pycha Armin , Trenti Emanuela
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Prostate biopsy is the gold standard for prostate cancer diagnosis; unfortunately, this procedure is not free from complications. Recent studies have shown an increase in antibiotic resistance. The aim of our prospective randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a prostate biopsy prophylaxis protocol using 2 vs. 3 fosfomycin doses. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-seven patients undergoing transrectal systematic ultrasound (US)-guided (n = 277) or transrectal fusion prostate biopsy (n = 20) were prospectively evaluated and randomized by date of birth, to receive 2 (even years, group A) versus 3 doses of fosfomycin (odd years, group B), and prospectively evaluated. Results:Two hundred and ninety-seven patients were randomized to group A (n = 162) or group B (n = 135). The 2 groups were comparable with respect to age, comorbidity, PSA value, prostate volume, operative time and urine culture results. Out of 297 patients, 44 (14.8%) developed complications after the procedure; 2.7% (8/297) of patients developed fever >38° requiring hospitalization (6 [3.7%] in group A and 2 [1.5%] in group B, p = 0.29). Patients who underwent fusion biopsy were more frequently readmitted in comparison with patients undergoing US-guided prostate biopsy (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The low fever and prostatitis rate suggest that fosfomycin prophylaxis is safe and efficient. There is no significant difference in clinical outcome between the 2 dosage regimens.
Major Depressive Disorder and Food Hypersensitivity: A Case Report
Authors: Aucoin Monique , Bhardwaj Sukriti
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common chronic mental health condition and not all patients respond to pharmacotherapy. Increasing evidence suggests that dietary choices play a role in the pathogenesis of mental illness and serve as modifiable factors with utility in the treatment of these disorders. Although many mechanisms are being explored, one area of study is the role of food hypersensitivity reactions in mental health conditions. Case Presentation: This article reports on a 34-year-old female patient with MDD whose symptoms improved in response to a dietary intervention involving the elimination of common food allergens. Reintroduction of the foods on several occasions was associated with a worsening of mood symptoms. Serum IgG testing reported results consistent with the reintroduction challenge. Discussion and Conclusions: Hypothesized mechanisms underlying the potential relationship between food hypersensitivity and MDD are presented. Further research in this area is warranted.
Assessment of Biventricular Function by Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Adolescents and Young Adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Capotosto Lidia , D’Ettorre Gabriella , Ajassa Camilla , Cavallari Nelson , Ciardi Maria Rosaria , Placanica Giuseppe , Ricci Serafino , Lucchetti Pietro , Tanzilli Gaetano , Mangieri Enrico , Gaudio Carlo , Vullo Vincenzo , Vitarelli Antonio
Published: October 2019

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess biventricular parameters of wall deformation with three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) in adolescents and young adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on antiretroviral therapy in order to detect a possible subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Methods: Twenty-one patients aged 12–39 years with HIV, 21 normal controls of the same age and sex, and 21 patients with idiopathic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were studied with 3DSTE. All HIV patients were stable in terms of HIV infection, with no history of heart disease or other chronic systemic disease except HIV infection, and were on highly active antiretroviral therapy with good immunological control. Standard echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV)-right ventricular (RV) function were assessed. 3D LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain, radial strain, and LV twist were calculated. Global area strain (GAS) was calculated by 3DSTE as percentage variation in surface area defined by the longitudinal and circumferential strain vectors. 3D RV global and free-wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) were obtained. Results: LV GLS and GAS were lower in HIV patients compared to normal controls (p = 0.002, and p = 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in LV ejection fractions between the groups. There was a weak positive correlation between LV GLS and age (r = 0.215, p = 0.034) and a weak negative correlation between LV GLS and nadir-CD4 T-cells count (r = 0.198, p = 0.043). DCM patients had more marked and widespread reduction in LV GLS and GAS compared to controls (p < 0.001), whereas in HIV patients LV strain impairment (p < 0.05) was more localized in basal and apical regions. RV FWLS was significantly reduced in HIV patients when compared with the control group (p = 0.03). No patient had pulmonary systolic pressure higher than 35 mm Hg. Conclusions: 3DSTE may help to identify HIV patients at high cardiovascular risk allowing early detection of biventricular dysfunction in the presence of normal LV ejection fraction and in the absence of pulmonary hypertension. LV strain impairment in HIV patients is less prominent and widespread compared to DCM patients.
Sustainable Effects of Distigmine Bromide on Urinary Bladder Contractile Function
Authors: Obara Keisuke , Tanaka Yoshio
Published: October 2019

Distigmine bromide (distigmine) is a reversible carbamate cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor that is used to treat myasthenia gravis. In Japan, it is also used as a remedy for urination disorder (underactive bladder). The most distinctive pharmacological feature of distigmine is its long-lasting action compared to that of other ChE inhibitors. In animals and humans, distigmine was reported to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and improve myasthenia gravis for an extended period. Few studies have examined the sustainability of this enhancing effect on the contractile function of urinary bladder smooth muscle. In addition, the cause of this long-lasting feature remains unclear. In this review, we present our findings for the long-lasting feature of distigmine on isolated urinary bladder contraction and in vivo urinary function of guinea pig. We also present our results on the mechanism of its long-lasting sustainability using recombinant human AChE.
Docklands: disputas intestinas na formação da paisagem urbana de Londres
Authors: Alvarenga André Lima de
Published: October 2019

Ao longo de se sua história a área de Londres que hoje conhecemos como Docklands foi objeto de muitas disputas econômicas e políticas. Sua paisagem urbana constitui, e constituiu ao longo do tempo, o epifenômeno de tais contendas. Por um lado, empresas buscam espaços estratégicos e investem em tecnologia para se tornarem mais produtivas e competitivas. Por outro lado, governos, instituições, partidos e associações políticas definem suas ações em prol de diferentes projetos cidade, que por sua vez são estruturados em dois eixos ideológicos opostos: um mais liberalizante e outro mais socializante. As duas linhas políticas, representadas pelos partidos trabalhista e conservador, se alternaram no poder. Nesse processo, ambos os grupos políticos foram obrigados ceder quando confrontados com as consequências de suas ações ideologicamente orientadas.
Pensar a cidade é pensar o país. Francisco de Oliveira - um biógrafo não autorizado do Brasil
Authors: Rizek Cibele Saliba
Published: October 2019

Certa tarde, no Centro de Estudos dos Direitos da Cidadania, o Governo brasileiro produziu uma polarização interessante: de um lado os “otimistas”, de outro os “pessimistas” capitaneados por Chico de Oliveira, esse biógrafo não autorizado do Brasil. Já no final do impasse, que aliás não se resolveu, Chico – naquele momento ainda marcado pelas idas e vindas do lulismo – me disse:  “Querida, você sabe o que é um otimista? Um pessimista mal informado”.
Diálogos sobre Brasil
Authors: Santos César Ricardo Simoni
Published: October 2019

Editorial da Revista Geousp: espaço e tempo, no número 2, volume 23 de 2019
Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Morbidly Obese Patients Following Bariatric Surgery Compared With a Nonobese Cohort
Authors: Donnellan Eoin , Wazni Oussama , Kanj Mohamed , Hussein Ayman , Baranowski Bryan , Lindsay Bruce , Aminian Ali , Jaber Wael , Schauer Philip , Saliba Walid
Published: October 2019

Background:

Morbid obesity is associated with unacceptable high recurrence rates following atrial fibrillation ablation. The role of risk-factor modification including weight loss and improved glycemic control in reducing arrhythmia recurrence following ablation has been highlighted in recent years. In this study, we compared arrhythmia recurrence rates in morbidly obese patients who underwent prior bariatric surgery (BS) with those of nonobese patients following atrial fibrillation ablation in addition to morbidly obese patients who did not undergo BS.

Methods:

This was a single-center observational cohort study. We matched 51 morbidly obese patients [body mass index ≥40 kg/m
2
] who had undergone prior BS in a 2:1 manner with 102 nonobese patients and 102 morbidly obese patients without prior BS on the basis of age, sex, and timing of atrial fibrillation ablation. Our primary outcome of interest was arrhythmia recurrence.

Results:

From the time of BS to ablation, BS was associated with a significant reduction in body mass index (47.6±9.3 to 36.7±7;
P
<0.0001), glycated hemoglobin (6.7±1.5 to 5.8±0.6;
P
<0.0001), and systolic blood pressure (145±13 to 118±11;
P
<0.0001). During a mean follow-up of 29±13 months following ablation, recurrent arrhythmia occurred in 10/51 (20%) patients in the BS group compared with 25/102 (24.5%) patients in the nonobese group and 56 (55%) patients in the non-BS morbidly obese group (
P
<0.0001). No procedural complications were observed in the BS group.

Conclusions:

Bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in arrhythmia recurrence following atrial fibrillation ablation in morbidly obese patients to those of nonobese patients. Morbidly obese patients should be considered for BS before atrial fibrillation ablation.
Health Equity and Implementation Science in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep-Related Research
Authors: Sterling Madeline R. , Echeverría Sandra E. , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Breland Jessica Y. , Nunez-Smith Marcella
Published: October 2019

Disparities in health outcomes for heart, lung, blood, and sleep-related health conditions are pervasive in the United States, with an unequal burden experienced among structurally disadvantaged populations. One reason for this disparity is that despite the existence of effective interventions that promote health equity, few have been translated and implemented consistently in the healthcare system. To achieve health equity, there is a dire need to implement and disseminate effective evidence-based interventions that account for the complex and multilayered social determinants of health among marginalized groups across healthcare settings. To that end, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science invited early stage investigators to participate in the inaugural Saunders-Watkins Leadership Workshop in May of 2018 at the National Institutes of Health. The goals of the workshop were to: (1) present an overview of health equity research, including areas which require ongoing investigation; (2) review how the fields of health equity and implementation science are related; (3) demonstrate how implementation science could be utilized to advance health equity; and (4) foster early stage investigator career success in heart, lung, blood, and sleep-related research. Herein, we highlight key themes from the 2-day workshop and offer recommendations for the future direction of health equity and implementation science research in the context of heart, lung, blood, and sleep-related health conditions.
Can Grid Cell Ensembles Represent Multiple Spaces?
Authors: Spalla Davide , Dubreuil Alexis , Rosay Sophie , Monasson Remi , Treves Alessandro
Published: October 2019

The way grid cells represent space in the rodent brain has been a striking discovery, with theoretical implications still unclear. Unlike hippocampal place cells, which are known to encode multiple, environment-dependent spatial maps, grid cells have been widely believed to encode space through a single low-dimensional manifold, in which coactivity relations between different neurons are preserved when the environment is changed. Does it have to be so? Here, we compute, using two alternative mathematical models, the storage capacity of a population of grid-like units, embedded in a continuous attractor neural network, for multiple spatial maps. We show that distinct representations of multiple environments can coexist, as existing models for grid cells have the potential to express several sets of hexagonal grid patterns, challenging the view of a universal grid map. This suggests that a population of grid cells can encode multiple noncongruent metric relationships, a feature that could in principle allow a grid-like code to represent environments with a variety of different geometries and possibly conceptual and cognitive spaces, which may be expected to entail such context-dependent metric relationships.
Acremonium arthrinii sp. nov., a mycopathogenic fungus on Arthrinium yunnanum

Authors: YANG CHUN-LIN , XU XIU-LAN , JEEWON RAJESH , BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , LIU YING-GAO , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: October 2019

Acremonium arthrinii sp. nov. was collected from Phyllostachys heteroclada in the forest of Sichuan Province, China. This mycopathogenic fungus was frequently found on the top of the ascomata of Arthrinium yunnanum, and presumably causes its death. In this study, the new species was examined morphologically and maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of a combined LSU, SSU, ITS and TEF 1-α were performed to clarify the taxonomic affinity of the species. Acremonium arthrinii can be distinguished from other Acremonium species based on conidiogenesis, size differences in conidiophores, conidiogenous cells and conidia, and its DNA sequence differences and phylogeny. Detailed descriptions, micrographs and phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon were provided.
Biosynthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles, Characterization for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer in Nursing Care
Authors: Li Li , Zheng Li-Jun
Published: October 2019

Hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] is the one of the major inorganic constituents of natural bone, which has been broadly used in medical and biological applications. The present research work reports on the preparation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
(HA NPs) via a green and eco-friendly approach based on the use of pectin. The crystalline size, purity and morphology of the as-fabricated HA NPs were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectroscopic analysis
and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), correspondingly. Further, cytotoxicity investigations showed a dose dependent cytotoxicity towards prostate cancer cells (PC3 cells). Overall, the results illustrated herein suggest that the as-developed HA NPs may offer prospects for the development
of drugs for prostate cancer treatment in nursing care for children.
Context matters: political polarization on Twitter from a comparative perspective
Authors: Urman Aleksandra
Published: October 2019

This article explores the issue of political polarization on social media. It shows that the intensity of polarization on Twitter varies greatly from one country to another. The analysis is performed using network-analytic audience duplication approach and is based on the data about the followers of the political parties’ Twitter accounts in 16 democratic countries. Based on the topology of the audience duplication graphs, the political Twitterspheres of the countries are classified as perfectly integrated, integrated, mixed, polarized and perfectly polarized. Explorative analysis shows that polarization is the highest in two-party systems with plurality electoral rules and the lowest in multi-party systems with proportional voting. The findings help explain the discrepancies in the results of previous studies into polarization on social media. The results of the study indicate that extrapolation of the findings from single-case studies on the topic is impossible in most cases, suggesting that more comparative studies on the matter are necessary to better understand the subject and get generalizable results.
Primary closure with knotless barbed suture versus traditional T-tube drainage after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: a single-center medium-term experience
Authors: Zhou Huijiang , Wang Shuai , Fan Fuxiang , Peng Jingfeng
Published: October 2019

Objective

Primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) after laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) is a technical challenge. The present study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this surgical method.

Methods

This retrospective study of surgical efficacy and safety involved 79 patients who underwent primary CBD closure with a knotless unidirectional barbed suture or traditional T-tube drainage after LCBDE for CBD stones.

Results

The average suturing time, operation time, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the primary closure group than T-tube group. There were no significant differences in the mean diameter of the CBD, number of stones, or incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. No patients developed recurrence of CBD stones during the median follow-up of 21.5 months.

Conclusions

After LCBDE and intraoperative choledochoscopy, primary closure with knotless unidirectional barbed sutures is a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with cholelithiasis and concurrent CBD stones. This is especially true when the CBD is dilated more than 8 mm.