bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two paralogous znf143 genes in zebrafish encode transcriptional activator proteins with similar functions but expressed at different levels during early development
Authors: Huning Laura , Kunkel Gary R.
Published: January 2020

Background

ZNF143 is an important transcriptional regulator protein conserved in metazoans and estimated to bind over 2000 promoter regions of both messenger RNA and small nuclear RNA genes. The use of zebrafish is a useful model system to study vertebrate gene expression and development. Here we characterize znf143a, a novel paralog of znf143b, previously known simply as znf143 in zebrafish. This study reveals a comparison of quantitative and spatial expression patterns, transcriptional activity, and a knockdown analysis of both ZNF143 proteins.

Results

ZNF143a and ZNF143b have a fairly strong conservation with 65% amino acid sequence identity, and both are potent activators in transient transfection experiments. In situ hybridization analyses of both znf143 mRNAs show that these genes are expressed strongly in regions of the brain at 24 h post fertilization in zebrafish development. A transient knockdown analysis of znf143 expression from either gene using CRISPR interference revealed similar morphological defects in brain development, and caused brain abnormalities in up to 50% of injected embryos. Although present in the same tissues, znf143a is expressed at a higher level in early development which might confer an evolutionary benefit for the maintenance of two paralogs in zebrafish.

Conclusions

znf143a encodes a strong activator protein with high expression in neural tissues during early embryogenesis in zebrafish. Similar to its paralogous gene, znf143b, both znf143 genes are required for normal development in zebrafish.
Zn/Cd status-dependent accumulation of Zn and Cd in root parts in tobacco is accompanied by specific expression of ZIP genes
Authors: Palusińska Małgorzata , Barabasz Anna , Kozak Katarzyna , Papierniak Anna , Maślińska Karolina , Antosiewicz Danuta Maria
Published: January 2020

Background

Root-to-shoot translocation of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) depends on the concentrations of both metals in the medium. A previous study on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pointed to the contribution of NtZIP1, NtZIP2, NtZIP4 and NtIRT1-like in the regulation of this phenomenon. To learn more, Zn and Cd accumulation, root/shoot distribution and the expression of ZIP genes were investigated in the apical, middle and basal root parts.

Results

We show that Zn/Cd status-dependent root-shoot distribution of both metals was related to distinct metal accumulation in root parts. At low Zn and Cd in the medium, the apical part contained the highest metal level; at higher concentrations, the middle and basal parts were the major sink for excess metal. The above were accompanied by root part-specific expression pattern modifications of ZIPs (NtZIP1-like, NtZIP2, NtZIP4A/B, NtZIP5A/B, NtZIP5-like, NtZIP8, NtZIP11, NtIRT1, and NtIRT1-like) that fell into four categories with respect to the root part. Furthermore, for lower Zn/Cd concentrations changes were noted for NtZIP5A/B and NtZIP5-like only, but at higher Zn and Cd levels for NtZIP1-like, NtZIP5-like, NtZIP8, NtZIP11, NtIRT1, and NtIRT1-like. NtZIP1, here renamed to NtZIP5B, was cloned and characterized. We found that it was a zinc deficiency-inducible transporter involved in zinc and cadmium uptake from the soil solution primarily by the middle root part.

Conclusions

We conclude that regulation of the longitudinal distribution of Zn and Cd is highly specific, and that the apical, middle and basal root parts play distinct roles in Zn/Cd status-dependent control of metal translocation efficiency to shoots, including the stimulation of Zn translocation to shoots in the presence of Cd. These results provide new insight into the root part-specific unique role of NtZIP5B and other ZIP genes in the longitudinal distribution of zinc and cadmium and their contribution to the regulation of root-to-shoot translocation.
Correction to: Understanding the care and support needs of older people: a scoping review and categorisation using the WHO international classification of functioning, disability and health framework (ICF)
Authors: Abdi Sarah , Spann Alice , Borilovic Jacinta , de Witte Luc , Hawley Mark
Published: January 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified that acknowledgement should be added to the text of the articles. The Acknowledgement section should read as follows:
Gaps between current clinical practice and evidence-based guidelines for treatment and care of older patients with Community Acquired Pneumonia: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Eekholm Signe , Ahlström Gerd , Kristensson Jimmie , Lindhardt Tove
Published: January 2020

Background

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a significant cause of morbidity and in-hospital mortality, and readmission rates are rising for older persons (> 65 years). Optimized treatment and nursing care will benefit patients and the health economy. Hence, there is a need to describe gaps between current clinical practice and recommendations in evidence-based guidelines for diagnostic procedures, medical treatment and nursing interventions for older patients with CAP.

Methods

Structured observations, individual ad hoc interviews and audits of patient records were carried out in an emergency department and three medical units. Data were analysed by manifest content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results

Thirty patients (median age 74 years) admitted with CAP and 86 physicians, nurses, physiotherapists were included. The median length of stay (LOS) was 6.5 days, in-hospital mortality was10 and 40.7% were readmitted within one month. The severity assessment tool (CURB-65) was used in 16.7% of the patients, correct antibiotic treatment prescribed for 13.3% and chest radiography (≤6 weeks post-discharge) prescribed for 22.2%. Fluid therapy, nutrition support and mobilisation plans were found to be developed sporadically, and interventions to be performed unsystematically and sparingly. Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy and oral care were the nursing interventions with lowest adherence, ranging from 18.2 to 55.6%.

Conclusions

Adherence to recommendations was low for several central treatment and nursing care interventions for patients with CAP with possible consequences for patients and the use of resources. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify and remove barriers to adherence to recommendations in the neglected areas in view of the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Correction to: Comprehensive 5P framework for active aging using the ecological approach: an iterative systematic review
Authors: Lak Azadeh , Rashidghalam Parichehr , Myint Phyo K. , Baradaran Hamid R.
Published: January 2020

It was highlighted that the original article [1] contained a spelling mistake in the name of Hamid R. Baradaran. This was incorrectly captured as Bradaran. The original article has been updated.
Electroacupuncture versus solifenacin for women with urgency-predominant mixed urinary incontinence: a protocol for a three-armed non-inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Yuanjie , Liu Yan , Su Tongsheng , Sun Jianhua , Wu Ying , Liu Zhishun
Published: January 2020

Background

Among women suffering from urinary incontinence (UI), about one-third are diagnosed with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), among which urgency-predominant MUI causes more shame and inconvenience to patients. The treatments for urgency-predominant MUI have limited guidelines and previous studies have indicated that electroacupuncture (EA) might be a safe and effective option. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of EA on women with urgency-predominant MUI.

Methods

The study is a multicentered, three-armed, non-inferiority randomized clinical trial. A total of 282 female patients with urgency-predominant MUI will be randomly divided into three groups, namely the EA group, sham electroacupuncture (SA) group, and solifenacin treatment group at a ratio of 1:1:1. Thirty-six sessions of acupuncture treatment over 12 weeks and solifenacin treatment over 36 weeks will be provided. The primary outcome will be the decrease of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes after 12-week treatment. Secondary outcomes will include changes in incontinence episodes, urinary frequency, urgency, severity of symptoms, and influence on quality of life, assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ SF) and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF). All patients will be continuously followed up until week 36 and their allocations will be statistically analyzed.

Discussion

Though placebo of solifenacin is rather difficult to access and all patients in the trial cannot be fully blinded, the present study will serve as an introduction of three-armed, randomized, non-inferiority, and sham acupuncture-controlled clinical trials to the acupuncture field, in an attempt to compare the effects of EA and solifenacin for treating women with urgency-predominant MUI.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03787654. Registered on 25 December, 2018.
An integrated analysis of public genomic data unveils a possible functional mechanism of psoriasis risk via a long-range ERRFI1 enhancer
Authors: Kubota Naoto , Suyama Mikita
Published: January 2020

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, for which genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many genetic variants as risk markers. However, the details of underlying molecular mechanisms, especially which variants are functional, are poorly understood.

Methods

We utilized a computational approach to survey psoriasis-associated functional variants that might affect protein functions or gene expression levels. We developed a pipeline by integrating publicly available datasets provided by GWAS Catalog, FANTOM5, GTEx, SNP2TFBS, and DeepBlue. To identify functional variants on exons or splice sites, we used a web-based annotation tool in the Ensembl database. To search for noncoding functional variants within promoters or enhancers, we used eQTL data calculated by GTEx. The data of variants lying on transcription factor binding sites provided by SNP2TFBS were used to predict detailed functions of the variants.

Results

We discovered 22 functional variant candidates, of which 8 were in noncoding regions. We focused on the enhancer variant rs72635708 (T > C) in the 1p36.23 region; this variant is within the enhancer region of the ERRFI1 gene, which regulates lipid metabolism in the liver and skin morphogenesis via EGF signaling. Further analysis showed that the ERRFI1 promoter spatially contacts with the enhancer, despite the 170 kb distance between them. We found that this variant lies on the AP-1 complex binding motif and may modulate binding levels.

Conclusions

The minor allele rs72635708 (rs72635708-C) might affect the ERRFI1 promoter activity, which results in unstable expression of ERRFI1, enhancing the risk of psoriasis via disruption of lipid metabolism and skin cell proliferation. Our study represents a successful example of predicting molecular pathogenesis by integration and reanalysis of public data.
The importance of power, context and agency in improving patient experience through a patient and family centred care approach
Authors: Ocloo Josephine , Goodrich Joanna , Tanaka Hiro , Birchall-Searle Julia , Dawson Derek , Farr Michelle
Published: January 2020

Background

Research shows that the way that healthcare staff experience their job impacts on their individual performance, patient experience and outcomes as well as on the performance of organisations. This article builds on this literature by investigating, with multi-disciplinary clinical teams as well as patients and relatives, what factors help or hinder changes designed to improve patient experience.

Methods

Qualitative research looking at patient- and family-centred care (PFCC) on two care pathways (stroke and hip fracture) was conducted in England and Wales. A realist approach combined with participatory action research was used to account for the complexity of organisational context and power relations. Multiple methods were used, including documentary analysis, participatory steering groups with staff and patient representatives, observations of the care pathways (n = 7), staff and patient and relative focus groups (n = 8), and hospital staff, patient and PFCC staff interviews (n = 47).

Results

Findings highlight multiple factors that support and hinder good patient experiences. Within individual care, paternalistic values and a lack of shared decision-making and patient-centred care still exist. Supportive interdisciplinary teamwork is needed to address issues of hierarchy, power and authority amongst staff and managers. At the organisational level, key issues of waiting times, patient flow, organisational resources and timely discharge affect staff’s time and capacity to deliver care. In addition, macro contextual factors, such as finance, policy, targets and measures, set particular limits for improvement projects.

Conclusions

Given this context, improving patient experience needs to go well beyond small-scale projects at the micro and meso level to incorporate a more critical understanding of systems, the wider organisational context and how power operates at multiple levels to enable and constrain action. In order to more meaningfully understand and address the factors that can help or hinder activities to improve patient experiences, PFCC frameworks and methods need to account for how power inequities operate and require the adoption of more participatory co-produced and empowering approaches to involve patients, relatives, carers and staff in improving complex healthcare environments.
Ambulances are for emergencies: shifting behaviour through a research-informed behaviour change campaign
Authors: Borg Kim , Dumas David , Andrew Emily , Smith Karen , Walker Tony , Haworth Matthew , Bragge Peter
Published: January 2020

Background

A major review of Victoria’s ambulance services identified the need to improve public awareness of the role of ambulances as an emergency service. A communications campaign was developed to address this challenge. This research paper expands on an initial evaluation of the campaign by focusing on the long-term behavioural outcomes.

Methods

The behavioural evaluation involved two types of data collection – administrative data (routine collection from various health services) and survey data (cross-sectional community-wide surveys to measure behavioural intentions).

Results

Behavioural intentions for accessing two of the targeted non-emergency services increased after the second phase of the campaign commenced. There was also a significant change in the slope of call trends for emergency ambulances. This decrease is also likely attributed to the second phase of the campaign as significant level effects were identified 3 and 9 months after it commenced.

Conclusions

A long-term campaign developed through evidence review, stakeholder consultation and behavioural theory was successful in reducing the number of daily calls requesting an emergency ambulance in Victoria and in increasing intentions to use alternative services. This research highlights the importance of collaborative intervention design along with the importance of implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.
Contrast-enhanced, conebeam CT-based, fractionated radiotherapy and follow-up monitoring of orthotopic mouse glioblastoma: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Stegen Benjamin , Nieto Alexander , Albrecht Valerie , Maas Jessica , Orth Michael , Neumaier Klement , Reinhardt Sabine , Weick-Kleemann Moritz , Goetz Wilfried , Reinhart Merle , Parodi Katia , Belka Claus , Niyazi Maximilian , Lauber Kirsten
Published: January 2020

Background

Despite aggressive treatment regimens comprising surgery and radiochemotherapy, glioblastoma (GBM) remains a cancer entity with very poor prognosis. The development of novel, combined modality approaches necessitates adequate preclinical model systems and therapy regimens that closely reflect the clinical situation. So far, image-guided, fractionated radiotherapy of orthotopic GBM models represents a major limitation in this regard.

Methods

GL261 mouse GBM cells were inoculated into the right hemispheres of C57BL/6 mice. Tumor growth was monitored by contrast-enhanced conebeam CT (CBCT) scans. When reaching an average volume of approximately 7 mm3, GBM tumors were irradiated with daily fractions of 2 Gy up to a cumulative dose of 20 Gy in different beam collimation settings. For treatment planning and tumor volume follow-up, contrast-enhanced CBCT scans were performed twice per week. Daily repositioning of animals was achieved by alignment of bony structures in native CBCT scans. When showing neurological symptoms, mice were sacrificed by cardiac perfusion. Brains, livers, and kidneys were processed into histologic sections. Potential toxic effects of contrast agent administration were assessed by measurement of liver enzyme and creatinine serum levels and by histologic examination.

Results

Tumors were successfully visualized by contrast-enhanced CBCT scans with a detection limit of approximately 2 mm3, and treatment planning could be performed. For daily repositioning of the animals, alignment of bony structures in native CT scans was well feasible. Fractionated irradiation caused a significant delay in tumor growth translating into significantly prolonged survival in clear dependence of the beam collimation setting and margin size. Brain sections revealed tumors of similar appearance and volume on the day of euthanasia. Importantly, the repeated contrast agent injections were well tolerated, as liver enzyme and creatinine serum levels were only subclinically elevated, and liver and kidney sections displayed normal histomorphology.

Conclusions

Contrast-enhanced, CT-based, fractionated radiation of orthotopic mouse GBM represents a versatile preclinical technique for the development and evaluation of multimodal radiotherapeutic approaches in combination with novel therapeutic agents in order to accelerate translation into clinical testing.
Etiologic spectrum of interstitial lung diseases in Chinese children older than 2 years of age
Authors: Tang Xiaolei , Li Huimin , Liu Hui , Xu Hui , Yang Haiming , Liu Jinrong , Zhao Shunying
Published: January 2020

Background

Childhood interstitial lung diseases (ILD) (chILD) refer to a rare heterogeneous group of disorders. Global collaborations have been working on the etiologies and classification scheme of chILD. With the development of medical technologies, some new diseases were identified to be associated with chILD and its etiologic spectrum is expanding. The aim of this study is to describe the etiologic spectrum of chILD in children older than 2 years of age and summarize the approaches to diagnosis of chILD.

Methods

We made a retrospective analysis of children older than 2 years of age with chILD who referred to Beijing Children’s Hospital from 21 provinces all over China from 2013 to 2018. After excluding pulmonary infection, congenital heart disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiectasis, 133 patients were included and categorized by etiology. Clinical manifestations, high-resolution computed tomography, laboratory data, genetic data and pathologic findings were all collected and reviewed.

Results

Systemic disease associated ILD were the most common causes, accounting for 49.6% of the patients, followed by alveolar structure disorder-associated ILD (27%), exposure related ILD (13.5%), and disorders masquerading as ILD (3.8%). In systemic disease associated ILD, in addition to common etiologies such as vasculitis (10.5%) and connective tissue diseases (9.0%), primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) associated ILD (9.8%), interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (6.8%), and metabolic diseases (6.8%) were not rarely found. Some newly reported etiologies such as STING–associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy, COPA syndrome and STAT3 mutation were included in PID associated ILD. Genetic tests contributed to 15% of the diagnoses which mainly distributed in PID associated ILD, metabolic diseases and surfactant dysfunction disorders, and contributed to the final diagnoses more than lung biopsies (13.5%) and biopsies of rashes or other tissues (12%).

Conclusions

This study first demonstrated an etiologic spectrum of chILD in Chinese children older than 2 years of age and summarized the approaches to diagnosis. The etiologic spectrum of chILD is expanding with more genetic etiologies being recognized.
Brain metabolism and neurological symptoms in combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria
Authors: Tucci Sara
Published: January 2020

Combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria (CMAMMA) is an inborn error of metabolism which has been proposed being a benign condition. However, older patients may present with neurological manifestations such as seizures, memory problems, psychiatric problems and/ or cognitive decline. In fibroblasts from CMAMMA patients we have recently demonstrated a dysregulation of energy metabolism with increased dependency on β-oxidation for energy production. Because of the inability of the brain to rely efficiently on this pathway to retrieve the required energy to a great extent, we hypothesize an alternative disease-causing mechanism that does not only include the accumulation of the metabolites malonic and methylmalonic acids. Here, we suggest a novel hypothesis on the possible pathophysiological mechanism responsible for the development of neurological symptoms in the long-run.
Perinatal features of Prader-Willi syndrome: a Chinese cohort of 134 patients
Authors: Yang Lili , Zhou Qiong , Ma Bo , Mao Shujiong , Dai Yanli , Zhu Mingqiang , Zou Chaochun
Published: January 2020

Background

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare and complex genetic disorder caused by lacking expression of imprinted genes on the paternally derived chromosome 15q11-q13 region. This study aimed to characterize the perinatal features of 134 Chinese individuals with PWS.

Methods

This study included the patients of a PWS registry in China. Anonymous data of 134 patients were abstracted. Perinatal and neonatal presentations were analyzed, and compared between the two PWS genetic subtypes. We also compared the perinatal features of PWS patients with the general population and other previous reported large cohorts from France, UK and USA.

Results

This study included 134 patients with PWS (115 patients with 15q11-q13 deletion and 19 with maternal uniparental disomy). Higher mean maternal age was found in this cohort (30.5 vs. 26.7), particularly in the maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) group (36.0 vs. 26.7) comparing with the general population. 88.6% of mothers reported a decrease of fetal movements. 42.5 and 18.7% of mothers had polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios during pregnancy, respectively. 82.8% of the patients were born by caesarean section. 32.1% of neonates had birth asphyxia, 98.5% had hypotonia and 97.8% had weak cry or even no cry at neonatal period. Feeding difficulty existed in 99.3% of the infants, 94.8% of whom had failure to thrive. 69.4% of the infants ever used feeding tube during hospitalization, however, 97.8% of them discontinued tube feeding after discharge. Maternal age and pre-pregnancy weight were significantly higher in the UPD group (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Differential diagnosis of PWS should be highlighted if infants having following perinatal factors including polyhydramnios, decreased intrauterine fetal movements, caesarean section, low birth weight, feeding difficulty, hypotonia and failure to thrive. Higher maternal age may be a risk factor of PWS, especially for UPD. Further studies are needed for elucidating the mechanism of PWS.
A pharmacological chaperone improves memory by reducing Aβ and tau neuropathology in a mouse model with plaques and tangles
Authors: Li Jian-Guo , Chiu Jin , Ramanjulu Mercy , Blass Benjamin E. , Praticò Domenico
Published: January 2020

Background

The vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) is a major component of the retromer complex system, an ubiquitous multiprotein assembly responsible for sorting and trafficking protein cargos out of the endosomes. VPS35 can regulate APP metabolism and Aβ formation, and its levels are reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. We and others demonstrated that VPS35 genetic manipulation modulates the phenotype of mouse models of AD. However, the translational value of this observation remains to be investigated.

Methods

Triple transgenic mice were randomized to receive a pharmacological chaperone, which stabilizes the retromer complex, and the effect on their AD-like phenotype assessed.

Results

Compared with controls, treated mice had a significant improvement in learning and memory, an elevation of VPS35 levels, and improved synaptic integrity. Additionally, the same animals had a significant decrease in Aβ levels and deposition, reduced tau phosphorylation and less astrocytes activation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the enhancement of retromer function by pharmacological chaperones is a potentially novel and viable therapy against AD.
A de novo variant in OTX2 in a lamb with otocephaly
Authors: Paris Julia Maria , Letko Anna , Häfliger Irene Monika , Švara Tanja , Gombač Mitja , Klinc Primož , Škibin Andrej , Pogorevc Estera , Drögemüller Cord
Published: January 2020

Background

Otocephaly is a rare lethal malformation of the first branchial arch. While the knowledge on the causes of otocephaly in animals is limited, different syndromic forms in man are associated with variants of thePRRX1andOTX2genes.

Case presentation

A stillborn male lamb of the Istrian Pramenka sheep breed showed several congenital craniofacial anomalies including microstomia, agnathia, aglossia, and synotia. In addition, the lamb had a cleft palate, a small opening in the ventral neck region, a cystic oesophagus and two hepatic cysts. The brain was normally developed despite the deformed shape of the head. Taken together the findings led to a diagnosis of otocephaly. Whole-genome sequencing was performed from DNA of the affected lamb and both parents revealing a heterozygous single nucleotide variant in theOTX2gene (Chr7: 71478714G > A). The variant was absent in both parents and therefore due to a de novo mutation event. It was a nonsense variant, XM_015097088.2:c.265C > T; which leads to an early premature stop codon and is predicted to truncate more than 70% of theOTX2open reading frame (p.Arg89*).

Conclusions

The genetic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of the otocephaly and provide strong evidence that the identified loss-of-function variant is pathogenic due toOTX2haploinsufficiency. The benefits of trio-based whole-genome sequencing as an emerging tool in veterinary pathology to confirm diagnosis are highlighted.
Motile aeromonads from farmed and wild freshwater fish in northern Italy: an evaluation of antimicrobial activity and multidrug resistance during 2013 and 2016
Authors: Borella Laura , Salogni Cristian , Vitale Nicoletta , Scali Federico , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Pasquali Paolo , Alborali Giovanni Loris
Published: January 2020

Background

Antimicrobial resistant bacteria are emerging biological contaminants of the environment. In aquatic ecosystems, they originate mainly from hospitals, livestock manure and private households sewage water, which could contain antimicrobial agents and resistant microorganisms. Aeromonas spp. occur ubiquitously in aquatic environments and they cause disease in fish. Motile aeromonads are also associated with human gastrointestinal and wound infections and fish can act as a transmission route of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) aeromonads to humans. The environmental ubiquity, the natural susceptibility to antimicrobials and the zoonotic potential of Aeromonas spp. make them optimal candidates for studying the AMR in aquatic ecosystems.

Results

The AMR patterns of 95 motile aeromonads isolated from freshwater fish during 2013 and 2016 were analyzed. All samples from fish came from farms and natural water bodies located in northern Italy, which is an area characterized by high anthropic impact on the environment. The isolates were biochemically identified as Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sobria or Aeromonas caviae and AMR was determined by the standard disk diffusion method. All isolates were resistant to cloxacillin, spiramycin and tilmicosin. High AMR frequencies (> 95%) were detected for tylosin, penicillin and sulfadiazine. AMR to danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, flumequine, ceftiofur, aminosidine, colistin, doxycycline, gentamicin, marbocyl and florfenicol was observed at low levels (< 10%). No AMR to cefquinome was found. Logistic regression showed several differences in antimicrobial activity between complexes. According to the source of aeromonads, only few differences in AMR between isolates from farmed and wild fish were observed.

Conclusions

Our data revealed an increasing trend of AMR to neomycin and apramycin among Aeromonas isolates during the study period, while resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline and thiamphenicol decreased. All isolates were multidrug resistance (MDR), but A. caviae showed the highest number of MDR per isolate. In most isolates, various degrees of MDR were detected to macrolides, quinolones, fluoroquinolones, polymyxins and cephalosporins (third and fourth generations), which are listed, by the World Health Organisation, to be among the highest priority and critically important antimicrobials in human medicine. Our findings underlined that freshwater fish can act as potential source of MDR motile aeromonads. Due to their zoonotic potential, this can pose serious threat to human health.
French lyophilized plasma versus normal saline for post-traumatic coagulopathy prevention and correction: PREHO-PLYO protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors:   for the PREHO-PLYO Study Group, Jost Daniel , Lemoine Sabine , Lemoine Frederic , Lanoe Vincent , Maurin Olga , Derkenne Clément , Franchin Frattini Marilyn , Delacote Maëlle , Seguineau Edouard , Godefroy Anne , Hervault Nicolas , Delhaye Ludovic , Pouliquen Nicolas , Louis-Delauriere Emilie , Trichereau Julie , Roquet Florian , Salomé Marina , Verret Catherine , Bihannic René , Jouffroy Romain , Frattini Benoit , Hong Tuan Ha Vivien , Dang-Minh Pascal , Travers Stéphane , Bignand Michel , Martinaud Christophe , Garrabe Eliane , Ausset Sylvain , Prunet Bertrand , Sailliol Anne , Tourtier Jean Pierre
Published: January 2020

Background

Post-trauma bleeding induces an acute deficiency in clotting factors, which promotes bleeding and hemorrhagic shock. However, early plasma administration may reduce the severity of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). Unlike fresh frozen plasma, which requires specific hospital logistics, French lyophilized plasma (FLYP) is storable at room temperature and compatible with all blood types, supporting its use in prehospital emergency care. We aim to test the hypothesis that by attenuating TIC, FLYP administered by prehospital emergency physicians would benefit the severely injured civilian patient at risk for hemorrhagic shock.

Methods/design

This multicenter randomized clinical trial will include adults severely injured and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, with a systolic blood pressure < 70 mmHg or a Shock Index > 1.1. Two parallel groups of 70 patients will receive either FLYP or normal saline in addition to usual treatment. The primary endpoint is the International Normalized Ratio (INR) at hospital admission. Secondary endpoints are transfusion requirement, length of stay in the intensive care unit, survival rate at day 30, usability and safety related to FLYP use, and other biological coagulation parameters.

Conclusion

With this trial, we aim to confirm the efficacy of FLYP in TIC and its safety in civilian prehospital care. The study results will contribute to optimizing guidelines for treating hemorrhagic shock in civilian settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02736812. Registered on 13 April 2016. The trial protocol has been approved by the French ethics committee (CPP 3342) and the French Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (IDRCB 2015-A00866–43).
Improved simultaneous co-fermentation of glucose and xylose by Saccharomyces cerevisiae for efficient lignocellulosic biorefinery
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Tran Phuong , Ko Ja Kyong , Gong Gyeongtaek , Um Youngsoon , Lee Sun-Mi
Published: January 2020

Background

Lignocellulosic biorefinery offers economical and sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a promising industrial host for biorefinery, has been intensively developed to expand its product profile. However, the sequential and slow conversion of xylose into target products remains one of the main challenges for realizing efficient industrial lignocellulosic biorefinery.

Results

In this study, we developed a powerful mixed-sugar co-fermenting strain of S. cerevisiae, XUSEA, with improved xylose conversion capacity during simultaneous glucose/xylose co-fermentation. To reinforce xylose catabolism, the overexpression target in the pentose phosphate pathway was selected using a DNA assembler method and overexpressed increasing xylose consumption and ethanol production by twofold. The performance of the newly engineered strain with improved xylose catabolism was further boosted by elevating fermentation temperature and thus significantly reduced the co-fermentation time by half. Through combined efforts of reinforcing the pathway of xylose catabolism and elevating the fermentation temperature, XUSEA achieved simultaneous co-fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, composed of 39.6 g L−1 glucose and 23.1 g L−1 xylose, within 24 h producing 30.1 g L−1 ethanol with a yield of 0.48 g g−1.

Conclusions

Owing to its superior co-fermentation performance and ability for further engineering, XUSEA has potential as a platform in a lignocellulosic biorefinery toward realizing a more economical and sustainable process for large-scale bioethanol production.
Correction to: Three novel variants in the arylsulfatase A (ARSA) gene in patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD)
Authors: Hettiarachchi D. , Dissanayake V. H. W.
Published: January 2020

After publication of the original article [1], the authors became aware of a typographical error in the original Table 1. Nucleotide substitution c.1425C>A corresponding to amino acid change p.(Ala344Asp) should be corrected as c.1031C>A.
Retraction Note: A new application of boundary integral behaviors of harmonic functions to the least harmonic majorant
Authors: Han Minghua , Sun Jianguo , Xue Gaoying
Published: January 2020

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article [1] because of overlap with articles from different authors that were simultaneously under consideration with another journal [2, 3]. Additionally, this article shows evidence of both authorship and peer review manipulation. The authors have not responded to any correspondence regarding this retraction.
Retraction Note: Growth properties of Green-Sch potentials at infinity
Authors: Zhao Tao , Yamada Alexander
Published: January 2020

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article [1] because it shows evidence of peer review manipulation. In addition, the identity of the corresponding author could not be verified: Stockholms Universitet have confirmed that Alexander Yamada has not been affiliated with their institution. The authors have not responded to any correspondence regarding this retraction.
Retraction Note: Fixed point theorems for solutions of the stationary Schrödinger equation on cones
Authors: Xue Gaixian , Yuzbasi Eve
Published: January 2020

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article [1] because the results presented are invalid. The article also shows significant overlap with a number of previously published articles [2–5] and evidence of both peer review and authorship manipulation.

The authors have not responded to any correspondence regarding this retraction.
Role of 18F-FDG PET-CT in initial staging of hepatocellular carcinoma and its impact on changing clinical decision
Authors: Abdelhalim Heba , Houseni Mohamed , Elsakhawy Mahmoud , Abd Elbary Naser , Elabd Osama
Published: January 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide. Extrahepatic metastasis from HCC occurs in one third of patients with most common sites being the lungs, lymph nodes, bone, and adrenal glands. Various conventional imaging modalities like ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scan are used in the diagnosis and staging of HCC. Recently, PET performed with fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) has proved valuable in providing important tumor-related qualitative and quantitative metabolic information that is critical to the diagnosis and staging of the disease. This article aims to show the role of 18F-FDG PET-CT in the initial staging of HCC and its impact on changing clinical decision.

Main text

We discussed the previous studies on the ability of 18F-FDG PET-CT to detect HCC, vascular invasion, regional and distant metastasis. We also studied the relation between the histopathologic grading of HCC and its detectability by 18F-FDG PET-CT.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET-CT has proved valuable in HCC staging and has a great impact on the clinical decision for HCC treatment.
Supporting people in mental health crisis in 21st-century Britain
Authors: Molodynski Andrew , Puntis Stephen , Mcallister Em , Wheeler Hannah , Cooper Keith
Published: January 2020

Recent years have seen a surge in interest in mental healthcare and some reduction in stigma. Partly as a result of this, alongside a growing population and higher levels of societal distress, many more people are presenting with mental health needs, often in crisis. Systems that date back to the beginning of the National Health Service still form the basis for much care, and the current system is complex, hard to navigate and often fails people. Law enforcement services are increasingly being drawn into providing mental healthcare in the community, which most believe is inappropriate. We propose that it is now time for a fundamental root and branch review of mental health emergency care, taking into account the views of patients and the international evidence base, to ‘reset’ the balance and commission services that are humane and responsive – services that are fit for the 21st century.
Portal Venous Metabolite Profiling After RYGB in Male Rats Highlights Changes in Gut-Liver Axis
Authors: Stefater Margaret A , Pacheco Julian A , Bullock Kevin , Pierce Kerry , Deik Amy , Liu Enju , Clish Clary , Stylopoulos Nicholas
Published: January 2020

After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, the intestine undergoes structural and metabolic reprogramming and appears to enhance use of energetic fuels including glucose and amino acids (AAs), changes that may be related to the surgery’s remarkable metabolic effects. Consistently, RYGB alters serum levels of AAs and other metabolites, perhaps reflecting mechanisms for metabolic improvement. To home in on the intestinal contribution, we performed metabolomic profiling in portal venous (PV) blood from lean, Long Evans rats after RYGB vs sham surgery. We found that one-carbon metabolism (OCM), nitrogen metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism were significantly enriched in PV blood. Nitrogen, OCM, and sphingolipid metabolism as well as ubiquinone biosynthesis were also overrepresented among metabolites uniquely affected in PV vs peripheral blood in RYGB-operated but not sham-operated animals. Peripheral blood demonstrated changes in AA metabolism, OCM, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Despite enrichment for many of the same pathways, the overall metabolite fingerprint of the 2 compartments did not correlate, highlighting a unique role for PV metabolomic profiling as a window into gut metabolism. AA metabolism and OCM were enriched in peripheral blood both from humans and lean rats after RYGB, demonstrating that these conserved pathways might represent mechanisms for clinical improvement elicited by the surgery in patients. Together, our data provide novel insight into RYGB’s effects on the gut-liver axis and highlight a role for OCM as a key metabolic pathway affected by RYGB.
Unique Sex Steroid Profiles in Estrogen-Producing Adrenocortical Adenoma Associated With Bilateral Hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Tezuka Yuta , Yamazaki Yuto , Ono Yoshikiyo , Morimoto Ryo , Omata Kei , Seiji Kazumasa , Takase Kei , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Ito Akihiro , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Harigae Hideo , Sasano Hironobu , Satoh Fumitoshi
Published: January 2020

Because of its rarity, our understanding of steroidogenesis in estrogen-producing adrenocortical adenoma, including the response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, remains limited. A 65-year-old man was referred to us because of primary aldosteronism and a right adrenal tumor. Endocrinological evaluations revealed secondary hypogonadism due to hyperestrogenemia. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) and subsequent liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) indicated bilateral hyperaldosteronism and a right estrogen-producing adrenocortical tumor. He subsequently underwent right unilateral adrenalectomy, which resulted in clinical remission of hypogonadism. Subsequent histopathological analysis identified a right estrogen-producing adrenocortical adenoma and multiple, concomitant adrenocortical micronodules. Sequential evaluation of steroid profiles using LC-MS/MS revealed unique hormone production, including adrenal androgens, and less responsiveness to ACTH in the right estrogen-producing adrenocortical adenoma as compared to the nonneoplastic adrenal cortex. This case study revealed unique profiles of steroid production in estrogen-producing adrenocortical adenoma associated with concomitant primary aldosteronism. Sequential steroid profiling analysis using LC-MS/MS in combination with AVS can contribute to the diagnosis of various adrenal disorders.
Rediscovering Lucretius in the Renaissance: His Impact on Modern Western Thought
Authors: Deligiannis Ioannis
Published: January 2020

Stephen Greenblatt, Παρέγκλισις. Ο Λουκρήτιος και οι απαρχές της νεωτερικότητας [The Swerve: How the Renaissance Began], Μετάφραση: Δέσποινα Κανελλοπούλου, Επιστημονική εποπτεία: Γεώργιος Α. Χριστοδούλου, Αθήνα: Μορφωτικό Ίδρυμα Εθνικής Τραπέζης, 2017.
Κειμενικό παλίμψηστο διακόσμου και διαδραστική αφήγηση. Μια κοντινή ανάγνωση στη δημόσια σφαίρα.
Authors: Μερμίγκη Δήμητρα
Published: January 2020

Urban ornamentation serve as the canvas for expressing the readmission of ideological and emotional – aesthetics realms in «Public Sphere». The Greek word «diakosmos» stands for ornament; from an etymological standpoint diakosmos describes the relationship between different realms (cosmos) of existence and the journey across. Artists and public are interconnected with the up-to-date idea of «flaneur» and play this game by their own aesthetic creations in the city field through the «diakosmos»  by an interactive narrative.
Οι διαλεκτικές όψεις της ποιητικής
Authors: Mermigki Dimitra
Published: January 2020

This text is dedicated to the Emeritus Professor of Analytical Philosophy and Poet, Aristophanes (Αris) Koutougos. From his prolific poetry (published, or under publication), emerges a dialectic of a characteristic poetic idiom, his own "Aristophanean-poetry". Its main element is the delimitation of the poetic shape in the breadth of the surface of artistic creation within philosophical depth in general. Ηis poetic discourse super-vises time reflections on the structural rivalries of its declarative propositions which, eventually, reshape the complexity and purify the uncontrolled outbursts or "sharp remainders" of the dramatized (comic-tragic) event. A.K. approaches poetry and philosophy by opening a new discussion about the idea of an aesthetic dialectic with painting, music and song, mostly in natural everyday language as philosophically influenced.
ANALYSIS OF THE DESIGN QUALITY OF RAM BLOCKS AS PART OF MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEMS WITH MINIMUM FAULT TOLERANCE
Authors: Zolnikov Vladimir , Chevychelov Yu. , Lavlinskiy V. , Achkasov A. , Tolkachev Akim , Oksyuta O.
Published: January 2020

The article is devoted to the design of RAM blocks as part of microprocessor systems and methods for ensuring fault tolerance. The structural scheme of RAM and the process of influence of heavy charged particles on the integrated circuit (IC) of memory are considered. Special attention is paid to the influence of the biopolar effect on the fault stability of the IC elements, as well as to the emerging multibit events. The article analyzes the various phases of RAM operation and the reactions of memory circuit elements to the occurrence of failures caused by the hit of HCP.
Hábitos de consumo en plataformas e-commerce en adultos jóvenes de la ciudad de Bogotá
Authors: Linero Bocanega James Paul , Botero Cardona Luis Fernando
Published: January 2020

El consumo en plataformas e-commerce, está determinada por variables que afectan la confianza en línea para la toma de decisión de compra, el presente artículo divulga los resultados obtenidos a partir de una investigación cualitativa, que tuvo por objetivo la identificación de los hábitos de consumo en línea, en una muestra de personas entre los 24 y 34 años, de estratos socioeconómicos 3 y 4 de la ciudad de Bogotá. Según los resultados, dicha confianza está asociada principalmente a la información suministrada por el sitio web y a su historial de comentarios, la calidad del servicio posterior a la transacción en línea, la seguridad percibida y la utilidad generada en el uso de dicha plataforma. El impacto generado por el comercio electrónico en Colombia, conlleva a la necesidad de investigaciones sobre las variables que definen las conductas de compra de los consumidores y que permiten una mayor efectividad en la implementación de estrategias de e-commerce en las compañías.
Los derechos de los consumidores en el marco de la economía de bancarización. Un análisis de las tensiones entre el derecho privado y los derechos fundamentales en las prácticas de compensación entre cuentas de ahorro.
Authors: Rincón Higuera Angie Lorena
Published: January 2020

En tiempos de bancarización donde abundan políticas para masificar el consumo de servicios financieros, la expansión de productos como la cuenta de ahorros y su llegada al promedio de la población con especiales condiciones de indefensión, ha dejado entrever una histórica tensión entre el ejercicio de los derechos de las entidades bancarias y los derechos de los consumidores financieros, que se profundiza cuando la naturaleza del producto adquirido está vinculada al ejercicio de derechos laborales y a la garantía de derechos básicos como el mínimo vital.Con la revisión de las prácticas incluidas por las entidades financieras en los contratos de cuenta de ahorros, se hace visible la necesidad de que el análisis de las relaciones contractuales en el marco de relación producto financiero – derechos, se realice desde una perspectiva que tenga en cuenta que dentro de la expresión ‘consumidores financieros’ existen categorías que merecen una especial protección, información y educación financiera, a fin de no sobreponer la masificación de los servicios financieros en detrimento de derechos fundamentales, y resolver así esta tensión en favor de la garantía de derechos.