bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxic Environments and the Embedded Psyche
Authors: Lock Margaret
Published: April 2020

image

A discussion of the recent transition to a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, opens this article. The need to declare a new era has been declared necessary by geologists, together with other scientists and critical commentators due to the inordinate amount of human‐made destruction being imposed on the globe and its inhabitants. This destruction disproportionally effects those who are economically deprived and experience discrimination. An account of the recognition and routinization of epigenetics follows, in which an unexamined assumption of genetic determinism is debunked. A move to recognize human existence everywhere as contextualized in environments that impinge on body functioning throughout life opens up a discussion of the embodiment of trauma followed by six illustrative examples from the newly recognized field of environmental epigenetics.
“Making Patients” in Postwar and Resource‐scarce Settings. Diagnosing and Treating Mental Illness in Postwar Kosovo
Authors: Kienzler Hanna
Published: April 2020

Postwar development contexts are increasingly sites of mental health and psychosocial interventions in which local health providers are trained by foreign experts in evidence‐based diagnostic and treatment strategies. Underlying this course of action is a well‐accepted biomedical logic that assumes symptoms can be identified and translated into mental disorders, and disorders into forms of treatment. I question this logic by investigating how patients are actually “made” in postwar and resource‐scarce settings. Specifically, I focus on the tensions and ethical dilemmas with which practitioners in Kosovo grapple as they navigate requirements of international standards, their own perception of good care, and the limited resources at their disposal. The resultant practice of “making patients” to fit diagnostic repertoires is a product of health practitioners’ structural power, but also an ethical response to the materially untenable conditions that practitioners and their patients are confronting.
Invited Review: Dysregulation of chromatin remodellers in paediatric brain tumours – SMARCB1 and beyond
Authors: Johann P. D.
Published: April 2020

Mutations in chromatin remodelling genes occur in approximately 25% of all human tumours (Kadoch et al. Nat Genet 45: 592–601, 2013). The spectrum of alterations is broad and comprises single nucleotide variants, insertion/deletions and more complex structural variations. The single most often affected remodelling complex is the SWI/SNF complex (SWItch/sucrose non‐fermentable). In the field of paediatric neuro‐oncology, the spectrum of affected genes implicated in epigenetic remodelling is narrower with SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 being the most frequent. The low mutation frequencies in many of the SWI/SNF mutant entities underline the fact that perturbed chromatin remodelling is the most salient factor in tumourigenesis and could thus be a potential therapeutic opportunity. Here, I review the genetic basis of aberrant chromatin remodelling in paediatric brain tumours and discuss their impact on the epigenome in the respective entities, mainly medulloblastomas and rhabdoid tumours.
Primary papillary epithelial tumour of the sella: expanding the spectrum of TTF‐1‐positive sellar lesions
Authors: Roncaroli F. , Chatterjee D. , Giannini C. , Pereira M. , La Rosa S. , Brouland J. P. , Gnanalingham K. , Galli C. , Fernandes B. , Lania A. , Radotra B.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To describe four novel primary epithelial tumours of the sella with papillary architecture and Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 (TTF‐1) expression.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded tissue from the four cases and recurrence of patient 1 was investigated with haematoxylin–eosin, special histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry with a broad panel of antibodies and next‐generation sequencing. The ultrastructure of one tumour was studied in tissue retrieved from paraffin.

Results

The lesions occurred in three females aged 20, 26 and 42 years and a male aged 49 years. They presented with signs and symptoms secondary to pituitary stalk compression. Preoperative neuroimaging documented mixed solid and cystic, enhancing sellar masses with suprasellar extension. Histologically, the tumours showed thin papillae lined by a single layer of cytokeratin and TTF‐1‐positive cuboidal and cylindrical cells with mildly atypical nucleus. Next‐generation sequencing performed in three cases did not identify any mutations. The main differential diagnosis included metastasis from lung or thyroid carcinoma, extraventricular choroid plexus papilloma and sellar ependymoma.

Conclusion

We suggest the descriptive term of primary papillary epithelial tumour of the sella (PPETS) for this entity and propose that it could represent the intracranial equivalent of thyroid‐like low‐grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma. The cell of origin of PPETS remains undetermined although the intense and ubiquitous expression of TTF‐1 may suggest a derivation from the infundibulum or ventricular recess. Our study expands the spectrum of sellar TTF‐1‐positive tumour and challenges the view that they all derive from pituicytes.
Functional and phylogenetic diversity explain different components of diversity effects on biomass production
Authors: Huang Mengjiao , Liu Xiang , Cadotte Marc W. , Zhou Shurong
Published: April 2020

The Anthropocene is defined by human‐driven environmental change, with one consequence being the modern dramatic decline in biodiversity globally. This is especially worrisome given the long‐acknowledged causal linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services. However, the exact mechanisms driving biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationships remain unclear, specifically the linkages between species differences, measured by trait and phylogenetic distances, and how interactions, such as competitive inequality and stable coexistence via niche partitioning, influence these relationships. Using complementary plant biodiversity experiments, a synthetic‐assembled one that combined species in different phylogenetic distance treatments with a semi‐natural functional group removal experiment, we assessed how species differences influence the mechanisms underpinning BEF relationships. We calculated the net biodiversity effect (ΔY) of biomass production and partitioned it into two additive parts: the complementarity and selection effects at species and functional group level to test how phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity capture the influences of the complementarity and selection effects. For both experiments, we found that phylogenetic and functional diversity explained biodiversity effects through similar mechanisms, with a positive relationship with the complementarity effect, and a negative relationship with the selection effect. However, we found that the selection effect was best predicted by a negative relationship with functional dispersion (FDis) of height where the selection effect was strongest in plots with similarly tall species and weakest with a greater diversity of heights, while higher complementary effects were best explained by increasing phylogenetic diversity (i.e. high MPDa). Our work revealed that the mechanisms underpinning biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships are dependent on species differences and how these differences influence competitive inequalities and niche differences.
A tradeoff between fitness‐related traits mask facilitation in a semiarid ecosystem
Authors: Molina‐Montenegro Marco A. , Baldelomar Mariela , Atala Cristian , Torres‐Díaz Cristian
Published: April 2020

In stressful environments, a nurse plant can ameliorate harsh biotic and abiotic conditions for another plant species that grows within its canopy. This canopy can act as a barrier for herbivores, reducing damage to the protected plants inside, but it can also reduce access to pollinators possibly resulting in a tradeoff between survival and reproductive output. In a semi‐arid ecosystem, the shrub Porlieria chilensis acts as a nurse, increasing soil moisture, nutrients and reducing temperature inside its canopy compared to open areas. Flourensia thurifera is one of the beneficiary shrubs that can grow inside P. chilensis, where it shows increased survival and performance compared to open areas. However, growing inside P. chilensis’ canopy may reduce pollinator visit. We aim to evaluate the possible tradeoff between survival and reproduction in F. thurifera individuals growing inside and outside the canopy of P. chilensis. This was achieved through a field experiment were we measured survival, pollinator visits and seed output of F. thurifera plants growing inside and outside the canopy of P. chilensis. Flourensia thurifera individuals had a higher survival when growing within the canopy of P. chilensis and had lower pollinator visits and seed output compared to plants growing in open areas. Thus, we found a significant negative correlation between plant survival and seed output considering both conditions (inside or outside nurses), evidencing a tradeoff between these traits. The tradeoff evidenced here could have large impact at the population and community level. On one hand, this tradeoff could mask possible nurse effects in other species, since they could show a similar net fitness in both microhabitat (inside or outside nurses). Finally, we propose a theoretical model to assess the change in the shape of this tradeoff under future climatic conditions where temperature and precipitation are predicted to vary due to climate change.
Interventions for caregivers of children with food allergy: A systematic review
Authors: Sugunasingha Naomi , Jones Fergal W. , Jones Christina J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Studies have identified that food allergy (FA) in children is related to poorer caregiver quality of life (QoL). However, it is unclear which interventions are most effective at improving outcomes for caregivers of children with FA. This review aimed to identify and determine the efficacy, acceptability and quality of interventions for caregivers of children with FA.

Methods

A systematic search of four databases was conducted to identify studies evaluating any intervention that targeted well‐being and support of caregivers of children with FA. Studies were not excluded based on design and were rated for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria: eight studies used a pre‐test/post‐test design, four studies used a post‐test design, two studies used an RCT design, and one study used a case‐control design. Seven studies were educational interventions, five were psychological interventions, and three involved peer/professional support. All interventions had high participant acceptability; some evidence for cognitive behavioural interventions in supporting mothers was observed. Educational interventions tended to be associated with improvements in FA knowledge. With the exception of three studies, most studies were assessed as poor or moderate in terms of quality.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of high‐quality research evaluating interventions to improve outcomes in parents of children with FA. Limited evidence suggests that cognitive behavioural interventions could benefit some mothers, but this has not been tested in other populations. Future research should use methodologically sound designs with validated outcome measures.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*02:185 allele in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Dard Céline , Senoussi Ornella , Elsermans Vincent , Bardy Béatrice , Masson Dominique
Published: April 2020

HLA‐C*02:185 differs from HLA‐C*02:02:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 180 in exon 3.
Bixbyite-Ta2N2O film prepared by HiPIMS and postdeposition annealing: Structure and properties
Authors: Čapek J. , Batková Š. , Matas M. , Kos Š. , Kozák T. , Haviar S. , Houška J. , Schusser J. , Minár J. , Dvořák F. , Zeman P.
Published: April 2020

High-power impulse magnetron sputtering of a Ta target in precisely controlled Ar+O2+N2 gas mixtures was used to prepare amorphous N-rich tantalum oxynitride (Ta–O–N) films with a finely varied elemental composition. Postdeposition annealing of the films at 900°C for 5 min in vacuum led to their crystallization without any significant change in the elemental composition. The authors show that this approach allows preparation of a Ta–O–N film with a dominant Ta2N2O phase of the bixbyite structure. As far as the authors know, this phase has been neither experimentally nor theoretically reported yet. The film exhibits semiconducting properties characterized by two electrical (indirect or selection-rule forbidden) bandgaps of about 0.2 and 1.0 eV and one optical (direct and selection-rule allowed) bandgap of 2.0 eV (suitable for visible-light absorption up to 620 nm). This observation is in good agreement with the carried out ab initio calculations and the experimental data obtained by soft and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the optical bandgap is appropriately positioned with respect to the redox potentials for water splitting, which makes this material an interesting candidate for this application.
Physical effects of sound exposure from underwater explosions on Pacific sardines (Sardinops sagax)
Authors: Dahl Peter H. , Keith Jenkins A. , Casper Brandon , Kotecki Sarah E. , Bowman Victoria , Boerger Christiana , Dall'Osto David R. , Babina Matthew A. , Popper Arthur N.
Published: April 2020

Explosions from activities such as construction, demolition, and military activities are increasingly encountered in the underwater soundscape. However, there are few scientifically rigorous data on the effects of underwater explosions on aquatic animals, including fishes. Thus, there is a need for data on potential effects on fishes collected simultaneously with data on the received signal characteristics that result in those effects. To better understand potential physical effects on fishes, Pacific sardines (Sardinops sagax) were placed in cages at mid-depth at distances of 18 to 246 m from a single mid-depth detonation of C4 explosive (4.66 kg net explosive weight). The experimental site was located in the coastal ocean with a consistent depth of approximately 19.5 m. Following exposure, potential correlations between blast acoustics and observed physical effects were examined. Acoustic metrics were calculated as a function of range, including peak pressure, sound exposure level, and integrated pressure over time. Primary effects related to exposure were damage to the swim bladder and kidney. Interestingly, the relative frequency of these two injuries displayed a non-monotonic dependence with range from the explosion in relatively shallow water. A plausible explanation connecting swim bladder expansion with negative pressure as influenced by bottom reflection is proposed.
Contextualizing Replay: Remediation, Affective Economies, Ontological Authority, and the Facade of Certitude
Authors: Gamache Ray
Published: April 2020

This study contextualizes replay within the discourse of sport media. Drawing on discourse as theory, the author articulates how replay functions within the sportscast as adjudication, arguably the most compelling yet contentious aspect of the live sportscast. Not only does replay function within sport media discourse, but it also operates within a broader cultural context. Given sport media’s key locus within the entertainment industry, the use of replay is a key technological innovation that has brought even more consolidation and coordination between sport media and the sport leagues and organizations. Replay is media’s contribution to maintaining the veneer of integrity through a quest for certitude. As an analytical strategy, the intertextuality of replay provides an opportunity to interrogate whose interests are being served and consolidated in the mobilization of this technology within affective economies that satisfy a neoliberal sensibility.
Why WHO?
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: April 2020

Pandemics are international. A virus doesn't respect borders between countries—or between states, as we are seeing with severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the United States. Unfortunately, too many world leaders want to treat the situation as a problem for their nation alone and not the world.
Novel Genus of Phages Infecting Streptococcus thermophilus: Genomic and Morphological Characterization
Authors: Philippe Cécile , Levesque Sébastien , Dion Moïra B. , Tremblay Denise M. , Horvath Philippe , Lüth Natascha , Cambillau Christian , Franz Charles , Neve Horst , Fremaux Christophe , Heller Knut J. , Moineau Sylvain
Published: April 2020

Despite decades of research and adapted antiphage strategies such as CRISPR-Cas systems, virulent phages are still a persistent risk for the milk fermentation industry worldwide, as they can cause manufacturing failures and alter product quality. Phages P738 and D4446 are novel virulent phages that infect the food-grade Gram-positive bacterial species
Streptococcus thermophilus
. These two related viruses represent a fifth group of
S. thermophilus
phages, as they are significantly distinct from other known
S. thermophilus
phages. Both phages share similarities with phages infecting nondairy streptococci, suggesting their recent emergence and probable coexistence in dairy environments. These findings highlight the necessity of phage surveillance programs as the phage population evolves in response to the application of antiphage strategies.
Both Enolase and the DEAD-Box RNA Helicase CrhB Can Form Complexes with RNase E in
Anabaena
sp. Strain PCC 7120
Authors: Yan Huaduo , Qin Xiuxiu , Wang Li , Chen Wenli
Published: April 2020

In all domains of life, RNA turnover is important for gene regulation and quality control. The process of RNA metabolism is regulated by many RNA-processing enzymes and assistant proteins, where these proteins usually exist as complexes. However, there is little known about the RNA metabolism, as well as about the RNA degradation complex. In the present study, we described an RNA degradosome-like complex in cyanobacteria and revealed an assembly mechanism different from that of
E. coli
. Moreover, CrhB could help RNase E in
Anabaena
sp. strain PCC 7120 degrade double-stranded RNA with a 5′ tail. In addition, CrhB and AnaRne have similar cytoplasm localizations, in contrast to the membrane localization in
E. coli
.
Specialization for Cell-Free or Cell-to-Cell Spread of BAC-Cloned Human Cytomegalovirus Strains Is Determined by Factors beyond the UL128-131 and RL13 Loci
Authors: Schultz Eric P. , Lanchy Jean-Marc , Day Le Zhang , Yu Qin , Peterson Christopher , Preece Jessica , Ryckman Brent J.
Published: April 2020

Both cell-free and cell-to-cell spread are likely important for the natural biology of HCMV. In culture, strains clearly differ in their capacity for cell-free spread as a result of differences in the quantity and infectivity of extracellular released progeny. However, it has been unclear whether “cell-associated” phenotypes are simply the result of poor cell-free spread or are indicative of particularly efficient cell-to-cell spread mechanisms. By measuring the kinetics of spread at early time points, we were able to show that HCMV strains can be highly specialized to either cell-free or cell-to-cell mechanisms, and this was not strictly linked the efficiency of cell-free spread. Our results provide a conceptual approach to evaluating intervention strategies for their ability to limit cell-free or cell-to-cell spread as independent processes.
The Human Cytomegalovirus Transmembrane Protein pUL50 Induces Loss of VCP/p97 and Is Regulated by a Small Isoform of pUL50
Authors: Lee Myoung Kyu , Hyeon Seokhwan , Ahn Jin-Hyun
Published: April 2020

Targeting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by viral proteins may affect ER-associated protein homeostasis. During human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, pUL50 targets the ER through its transmembrane domain and moves to the inner nuclear membrane (INM) to form the nuclear egress complex (NEC), which facilitates capsid transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Here, we demonstrate that pUL50 induces the loss of valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97), which promotes the expression of viral major immediate early gene products, in a manner dependent on its membrane targeting but that a small isoform of pUL50 is expressed to negatively regulate this pUL50 activity. This study reports a new NEC-independent function of pUL50 and highlights the fine regulation of pUL50 activity by a smaller isoform for efficient viral growth.
Impact of HLA-B*52:01-Driven Escape Mutations on Viral Replicative Capacity
Authors: Tsai Ming-Han Chloe , Singh Supriya , Adland Emily , Goulder Philip
Published: April 2020

Few studies have addressed the mechanisms of immune control in HIV-infected subjects in India, where an estimated 2.7 million people are living with HIV. We focus here on a study cohort in Delhi on one of the most prevalent HLA-B alleles, HLA-B*52:01, present in 22.5% of infected individuals. HLA-B*52:01 has consistently been shown in other cohorts to be associated with protection against HIV disease progression, but studies have been limited by the low prevalence of this allele in North America and Europe. Among the C-clade-infected individuals, we show that HLA-B*52:01 is the most protective of all the HLA-B alleles expressed in the Indian cohort and is associated with the highest absolute CD4 counts. Further, we show that the mechanism by which HLA-B*52:01 mediates immune protection is, at least in part, related to the inability of HIV to evade the HLA-B*52:01-restricted p24 Gag-specific CD8+T-cell response without incurring a significant loss to viral replicative capacity.
“
Candidatus
Ethanoperedens,” a Thermophilic Genus of
Archaea
Mediating the Anaerobic Oxidation of Ethane
Authors: Hahn Cedric Jasper , Laso-Pérez Rafael , Vulcano Francesca , Vaziourakis Konstantinos-Marios , Stokke Runar , Steen Ida Helene , Teske Andreas , Boetius Antje , Liebeke Manuel , Amann Rudolf , Knittel Katrin , Wegener Gunter
Published: April 2020

In the seabed, gaseous alkanes are oxidized by syntrophic microbial consortia that thereby reduce fluxes of these compounds into the water column. Because of the immense quantities of seabed alkane fluxes, these consortia are key catalysts of the global carbon cycle. Due to their obligate syntrophic lifestyle, the physiology of alkane-degrading archaea remains poorly understood. We have now cultivated a thermophilic, relatively fast-growing ethane oxidizer in partnership with a sulfate-reducing bacterium known to aid in methane oxidation and have retrieved the first complete genome of a short-chain alkane-degrading archaeon. This will greatly enhance the understanding of nonmethane alkane activation by noncanonical methyl-coenzyme M reductase enzymes and provide insights into additional metabolic steps and the mechanisms underlying syntrophic partnerships. Ultimately, this knowledge could lead to the biotechnological development of alkanogenic microorganisms to support the carbon neutrality of industrial processes.
Predicting no-shows in paediatric orthopaedic clinics
Authors: Robaina Joey A , Bastrom Tracey P , Richardson Andrew C , Edmonds Eric W
Published: April 2020

Background

Clinic ‘no shows’ (NS) can be a burden on the healthcare system, and efforts to minimise them can reduce lost revenue and improve patient care. Leveraging a large data set via the electronic health record (EHR) has not been previously attempted to identify ‘high risk’ groups in paediatric orthopaedics.

Objective

To use discrete data captured by the EHR system to identify predictors of non-attendance at paediatric orthopaedic outpatient appointments.

Methods

Appointments from January 2014 to March 2016 were included. Variables included appointment status, age, gender, type of visit, payor type (government vs private insurance), distance of residence to clinic, region of residence, clinic location, clinic type, and appointment day of the week, hour and month. Classification and regression trees (CART) were constructed to identify predictors of NS.

Results

131 512 encounters were included, 15 543 of which were in the NS group (11.8%). CART identified three predictive covariates for NS: days in between scheduling and appointment, insurance type, and specific orthopaedic clinic type. The combination of covariates provided predictability of NS: if they had ≤38.5 days of waiting for appointment and had private insurance, the NS rate was 7.8% (the best result), compared with waiting >38.5 days for either a fracture or sports clinic, which had an NS rate of 29.3% (OR=4.9).

Conclusion

Payor type and duration between scheduling and appointment may predict non-attendance at outpatient paediatric orthopaedic appointments. Although these findings allow for predicting and interventions for at-risk groups, even the best performing NS group occurred 7.8% of the time, highlighting the complexity of the NS phenomenon.
Lay of the land: narrative synthesis of tackle research in rugby union and rugby sevens
Authors: Burger Nicholas , Lambert Mike , Hendricks Sharief
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this review was to synthesise both injury prevention and performance tackle-related research to provide rugby stakeholders with information on tackle injury epidemiology, including tackle injury risk factors and performance determinants, and to discuss potential preventative measures.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science.

Eligibility criteria

Limited to peer-reviewed English-only publications between January 1995 and October 2018.

Results

A total of 317 studies were identified, with 177 in rugby union and 13 were in rugby sevens. The tackle accounted for more than 50% of all injuries in rugby union and rugby sevens, both at the professional level and at the lower levels, with the rate of tackle injuries higher at the professional level (mean 32/1000 player-hours) compared with the lower levels (mean 17/1000 player-hours). A player’s tackle actions and technical ability were identified as major risk factors for injury and a key determinant of performance.

Summary/conclusion

Evidence-based education, progressive tackle technique training with a high potential to transfer and law changes have been proposed as key modifiers of player tackle actions and technical ability. Conceivably, all three modifiers working in unison (as opposed to separately) will have a higher potential at reducing tackle injury risk while enhancing performance. With the guidance of tackle injury and performance studies, as well as stakeholder engagement, experiential and explorative tackle research has the potential to inspire innovative injury prevention and performance strategies.
Cancer cell-intrinsic expression of MHC II in lung cancer cell lines is actively restricted by MEK/ERK signaling and epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Neuwelt Alexander J , Kimball Abigail K , Johnson Amber M , Arnold Benjamin W , Bullock Bonnie L , Kaspar Rachael E , Kleczko Emily K , Kwak Jeff W , Wu Meng-Han , Heasley Lynn E , Doebele Robert C , Li Howard Y , Nemenoff Raphael A , Clambey Eric T
Published: April 2020

Background

Programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) targeted immunotherapy affords clinical benefit in ~20% of unselected patients with lung cancer. The factor(s) that determine whether a tumor responds or fails to respond to immunotherapy remains an active area of investigation. We have previously defined divergent responsiveness of two KRAS-mutant cell lines to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade using an orthotopic, immunocompetent mouse model. Responsiveness to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade correlates with an interferon gamma (IFNγ)-inducible gene signature and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression by cancer cells. In the current study, we aim to identify therapeutic targets that can be manipulated in order to enhance cancer-cell-specific MHC II expression.

Methods

Responsiveness to IFNγ and induction of MHC II expression was assessed after various treatment conditions in mouse and human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines using mass cytometric and flow cytometric analysis.

Results

Single-cell analysis using mass and flow cytometry demonstrated that IFNγ consistently induced PD-L1 and MHC class I (MHC I) across multiple murine and human NSCLC cell lines. In contrast, MHC II showed highly variable induction following IFNγ treatment both between lines and within lines. In mouse models of NSCLC, MHC II induction was inversely correlated with basal levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, suggesting potential mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-dependent antagonism of MHC II expression. To test this, cell lines were subjected to varying levels of stimulation with IFNγ, and assessed for MHC II expression in the presence or absence of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. IFNγ treatment in the presence of MEK inhibitors significantly enhanced MHC II induction across multiple lung cancer lines, with minimal impact on expression of either PD-L1 or MHC I. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) also enhanced MHC II expression to a more modest extent. Combined MEK and HDAC inhibition led to greater MHC II expression than either treatment alone.

Conclusions

These studies emphasize the active inhibitory role that epigenetic and ERK signaling cascades have in restricting cancer cell-intrinsic MHC II expression in NSCLC, and suggest that combinatorial blockade of these pathways may engender new responsiveness to checkpoint therapies.
‘Being politically active does not have to be difficult.’ A content analysis of tobacco industry-sponsored advocacy websites
Authors: Lewis M Jane , Ackerman Christopher , Ling Pamela
Published: April 2020

Objective

To characterise the thematic content of tobacco industry-sponsored advocacy websites in the USA and to compare these sites to identify differences in products, target audience, policies or themes.

Methods

In 2017, US-based Google and purposive searches identified six US tobacco industry-sponsored advocacy websites. A coding guide based on existing literature, tobacco policy issues and iterative review of the websites was developed and, descriptive analyses of themes on individual websites and overall were conducted.

Results

We identified 18 themes; the most common of these were: tobacco taxes (13.9%), providing advocacy resources (10.6%) and pleas for action (10.3%). Related themes were aggregated into four broad categories: advocacy (36.7%), taxes (31.4%), legislation is excessive or unnecessary (21%), and support for weaker tobacco control policies (10.9%). Websites targeting consumers provided more resources to facilitate advocacy than websites targeting retailers.

Conclusions

Websites promoting protobacco advocacy are an important and evolving strategy for the tobacco industry. Websites are particularly well suited to leverage marketing activities (eg, building relationships with retailers and consumers) to achieve policy objectives. Monitoring these tactics may allow advocates to counter and anticipate industry opposition to tobacco policy.
Protoporphyrin IX copolymer with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and its thermoresponsive properties
Authors: Zhang Hu , Esquivel Guzman Jair Azael , Feng Xiantao , Rivera Ernesto , Lavertu Marc , Zhu X.X.
Published: April 2020

Porphyrins and their derivatives have been widely used in catalysis, energy conversion, photonics, and biomedicine; however, their use in biological applications is restricted by their limited solubility in aqueous systems. We have prepared a water-soluble copolymer containing moieties of naturally occurring protoporphyrin IX using direct copolymerization of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) methacrylate monomer with protoporphyrin IX via free-radical polymerization. The content of protoporphyrin IX in the copolymer was determined by 1H NMR and UV–vis absorption spectroscopies. Their solution properties and the photostability of the protoporphyrin IX moiety in the copolymer provide direct evidence of the covalent incorporation of protoporphyrin IX within the copolymer. The copolymer showed a reversible phase transition in aqueous solution due to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The phase transition temperature varies with the pH of the solutions because of the protonation of the carboxylic acid groups. This copolymer may be useful as an alternative thermoresponsive material for biomedical applications.
The Ritz program for assigning rotational and rovibrational transitions in asymmetric-top molecules
Authors: Moruzzi Giovanni , Predoi-Cross Adriana
Published: April 2020

The Ritz program is a user-interactive software package that simulates and enables the assignment of spectra of asymmetric top molecules, up to high rotational quantum numbers. The set of initial assignments can be extended using generated predictions for line positions. The graphical interface of the program handles wide spectral features corresponding to overlapped lines by fitting the expected number of profiles to the experimental contour. Features of the program allow for the detection and examination of Coriolis interactions. Initially designed to work for methanol and its isotopologues, the program has been modified to assign the spectra of cyanamide, hydrazine, acetaldehyde, and oxetane. An extension of the program, LaseRitz, has been developed for the assignment and prediction of optically pumped far-infrared laser transitions. Our paper presents a description of how the Ritz program works and provides an overview of studies carried-out using this software.
Guidelines for Optimizing the Architecture of Battery Insertion Electrodes with Ohmic Surface, Coating, or Electrolyte Resistances
Authors: Usiskin Robert , Maier Joachim
Published: April 2020

This work analyzes galvanostatic charging of a single-phase storage particle where the insertion kinetics are limited by solid-state diffusion combined with an ohmic resistance at the particle surface, in a coating (or SEI), or in the electrolyte. Using the Nernst-Planck formalism, the “optimal” dimensions in six particle geometries are derived as a function of the material transport properties. Special attention is given to geometries in which ions and electrons are transported over different length scales (“wiring lengths”). The results yield quantitative guidelines for the optimal particle size and carbon spacing in a battery insertion electrode. A strategy for increasing electrode thickness based on a particle size gradient is also discussed.
3.4 kV Breakdown Voltage Ga2O3 Trench Schottky Diode with Optimized Trench Corner Radius
Authors: Huang Xuan , Liao Fei , Li Ling , Liang Xiao , Liu Qiang , Zhang Chaoqun , Hu Xintong
Published: April 2020

To improve the blocking performance of Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diode (SBD), based on the field strength distribution at the bottom of the trench and edge effect, the impacts of structure parameter on breakdown voltage and the figure of merit (FOM) were investigated by TCAD simulation and optimization. The results indicated that the breakdown voltage raised as the corner radius of trench R and the trench length K increased in a certain range, in which K was employed to optimize the structure with a minor mesa width W. In addition, Al2O3 was confirmed as an appropriate dielectric layer material in Ga2O3 SBD. When the structure parameters were W = 1 μm, R = 0.6 μm, K = 0.8 μm–0.9 μm and Al2O3 was selected as dielectric layer materials, a Ga2O3 trench SBD with breakdown voltage of 3.4 kV and the FOM of over 1.7 GW·cm−2 was proposed.
Cav-1 Ablation in Pancreatic Stellate Cells Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Growth through Nrf2-Induced shh Signaling
Authors: Shao Shan , Qin Tao , Qian Weikun , Li Xuqi , Li Wei , Han Liang , Zhang Dong , Wang Zheng , Ma Qingyong , Wu Zheng , Wu Erxi , Lei Jianjun
Published: April 2020

A more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of pancreatic cancer pathobiology, especially, and understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in disease progression should pave the way for therapies to improve patient response rates. Previous studies reported that caveolin-1 (Cav-1) has both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive functions. However, the function of Cav-1 in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that coinjection of Cav-1-silenced pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) with pancreatic cancer cells increased tumor growth. To comprehensively characterize paracrine communication between pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs, PSCs were cultured with pancreatic cancer cell conditioned medium (CM) containing cytokines. We reveal that Cav-1-silenced PSCs facilitated the growth of pancreatic cancer cells via enhanced paracrine shh/MMP2/bFGF/IL-6 signaling. Specifically, Cav-1-silenced PSCs exhibited increased shh expression, which heterotypically activated the shh signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, Cav-1-deficient PSCs accumulated ROS to enhance the shh pathway and angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, overexpression of Nrf2 reversed the effects of Cav-1 knockdown on PSCs, increasing ROS production and enhancing paracrine shh/MMP2/bFGF/IL-6 signaling. Together, our findings show that stromal Cav-1 may mediate different mechanisms in the complex interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment though Nrf2-induced shh signaling activation during pancreatic cancer progression.
Interface Hepatitis over Grade 2 May Differentiate Chronic Inflammation Associated with CHB from NAFLD in the Early Stage
Authors: Zhu Yong-fen , Wang Jin , Fang Jia-zhui , Yang Qiao , Lv Fang-fang
Published: April 2020

Background. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) concomitant with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasing. Objectives. To identify pathological features that can be used to differentiate between chronic inflammation caused by CHB and that caused by NAFLD. Methods. Patients with CHB (n=31) needing antiviral treatment, NAFLD (n=50), or CHB-NAFLD (n=51) who underwent biopsy were retrospectively enrolled. Pathological characteristics of chronic inflammation were evaluated using the METAVIR scoring system. The rates of three pathological characteristics were first compared in patients with NAFLD and those with CHB, then compared after fibrosis matching, and were finally compared in CHB-NAFLD patients with different viral loads. Results. The rates of interface hepatitis over grade 2 and fibrosis over grade 2 were significantly higher in the CHB group than in the NAFLD group (100% vs. 4% and 80.6% vs. 22%; both P<0.0001), while no significant difference was observed in the rate of lobular inflammation over grade 2 between the two groups. After fibrosis matching, in patients with F0–2 fibrosis, the rate of interface hepatitis over grade 2 in CHB was significantly higher than that in NAFLD (100% vs. 0%; P<0.0001). In CHB-NAFLD patients with F0–2 fibrosis, the rate of interface hepatitis over grade 2 in cases with a high viral load was significantly higher than cases with a low viral load (66.6% vs. 0%; P<0.0001). The rate of lobular inflammation showed no difference between groups. Conclusion. Interface hepatitis over grade 2 can be used for the differential diagnosis of chronic inflammation associated with CHB or NAFLD in the early stage.
Hypoxic Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Lin Hao Daniel , Fong Chui-Yee , Biswas Arijit , Bongso Ariff
Published: April 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s jelly of the human umbilical cord (hWJSCs), and the conditioned medium (hWJSC-CM) prepared from them, were shown to be tumoricidal on many cancers. However, these tumoricidal effects were observed in hWJSCs grown under normoxic conditions of 21% oxygen in the laboratory. Since oxygen concentrations in the stem cell niche or physiological microenvironment are hypoxic and help to maintain stemness properties, the objective of this work was to evaluate whether there were differences in the tumoricidal properties of hWJSC-CM grown in 21% O2 (normoxic) or 5% O2 (hypoxic) environments. The results showed that hWJSCs grown under normoxic or hypoxic conditions showed no distinct morphological differences in culture and remained positive in trilineage differentiation into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Hypoxic hWJSCs expressed the mesenchymal stem cell surface markers CD105, CD90, CD73, CD146, and CD108 similar to normoxic hWJSCs but were negative for the hematopoietic markers CD14, CD19, CD34, CD45, CD117, and HLA-DR. Hypoxic hWJSC-CM produced a significantly greater reduction in cell viability and a significantly greater increase in apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in human lymphoma cells compared to normoxic hWJSC-CM. Hypoxic hWJSC-CM also produced significantly greater expression of immunogenic cell death (ICD) hallmarks such as surface-bound calreticulin, HSP70, HSP90, and high mobility group binding 1 proteins and significantly decreased expression of the defense molecules CD47 and PD-L1. This study showed that the tumoricidal effect of hypoxic hWJSC-CM was superior to normoxic hWJSC-CM and should be the preferred choice of preparing hWJSC-CM for the induction of ICD on lymphoma cells.
O2O Recycling Closed-Loop Supply Chain Modeling Based on Classification Process considering Environmental Index
Authors: Miao Shidi , Liu Di , Ma Junfeng
Published: April 2020

“O2O” (online to offline) classification recycling is a new recycling mode. It is premised on the double lines of online service platform and offline recycling service system, thus forming a pattern of online disposal and offline trading. This mode is capable of integrating upstream and downstream resources on the network platform, creating a recycling and processing mode for the entire industry chain of waste sorting, and developing a circular development mode featuring “resources-products-waste-renewable resources” to realize the recycling of resources. In this paper, the abovementioned recycling mode is constructed using the dynamic method. Taking the recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) as an example, on the basis of the original recycling, an online recycling mode is added and the e-waste is reprocessed by means of classification. Besides, the final process of manufacturing is put into the market for new products. By comparing the efficiency of different classification processing channels and the efficiency of O2O recycling, it was found out that the higher the product quality, the higher the recycling efficiency, and the efficiency of online recycling was concluded due to offline recycling. The system effect is evaluated according to the environmental index. In addition, this paper demonstrates the applicability of the mode by introducing Gree Corp. The results of this research are believed as contributory to improving the efficiency of recycling and remanufacturing at corporate level. It also provides a valuable reference for the improvement of e-waste management work for governments both in China and other countries.
Comparison of the Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy with 10% and 30% Peppermint Essential Oils on the Severity of Nausea in Abdominal Surgery Patients
Authors: Ahmadi Yasin , Rezaei Jahangir , Rezaei Mansour , Khatony Alireza
Published: April 2020

Background. One of the most common surgical complications is nausea. Regarding the contradictory findings on the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint on the severity of nausea, in the present study, we aimed at comparing the effect of aromatherapy with 10% and 30% peppermint essential oils on the severity of nausea in surgical patients. Methods. This single‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the surgical ward of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. A total of 120 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly divided into three groups of 10% peppermint, 30% peppermint, and control (40 patients in each group) using a random number table. In each of the intervention groups, 0.2 ml of 10% and 30% peppermint essential oil was inhaled. In the control group, the same amount of distilled water colored with green food coloring was inhaled. The severity of nausea was measured by nausea visual analog scale (NVAS) before and 10 minutes after the intervention. Results. In the 10% peppermint group, the mean severity of nausea before the intervention was 52.3 ± 13.7 out of 100, which reduced to 40.5 ± 13.5 after the intervention (p < 0.001). In the 30% peppermint group, the mean severity scores of nausea before and after the intervention were 60.2 ± 15.0 and 39.7 ± 12.4, respectively (p < 0.001). In the control group, the mean severity scores of nausea before and after the intervention was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups in terms of the mean severity of nausea after the intervention. Conclusions. It can be concluded that 10% and 30% peppermint essential oils are equally effective on the severity of nausea.
Computerised Methodologies for Non-Invasive Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve Assessment: A Critical Review
Authors: Ramasamy Anantharaman , Jin Chongying , Tufaro Vincenzo , Bajaj Retesh , Kilic Yakup , Safi Hannah , Amersey Rajiv , Jones Daniel , Torii Ryo , Lansky Alexandra , Mathur Anthony , Bourantas Christos V. , Baumbach Andreas
Published: April 2020

Fractional flow reserve is the gold standard for assessing the haemodynamic significance of intermediate coronary artery stenoses. Cumulative evidence has shown that FFR-guided revascularisation reduces stent implantations and improves patient outcomes. However, despite the wealth of evidence and guideline recommendations, its use in clinical practice remains minimal. Patient and technical limitations of FFR as well as the need for intracoronary instrumentation, use of adenosine, and increased costs have limited FFR’s applicability in clinical practice. Over the last decade, several angiography-derived FFR software packages have been developed which do not require intracoronary pressure assessment with a guidewire or need for administration of hyperaemic agents. At present, there are 3 commercially available software packages and several other non-commercial technologies that have been described in the literature. These technologies have been validated against invasive FFR showing good accuracy and correlation. However, the methodology behind these solutions is different—some algorithms are based on solving the governing equations of fluid dynamics such as the Navier–Stokes equation while others have opted for a more simplified mathematical formula approach. The aim of this review is to critically appraise the methodology behind all the known angiography-derived FFR technologies highlighting the key differences and limitations.