bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic role of phospholipase C‐γ1 in progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tang Wenqing , Zhou Yi , Sun Dalong , Dong Ling , Xia Jinglin , Yang Biwei
Published: January 2019

Aim

Phospholipase C‐γ1 (PLCG1) was previously found to be involved in a variety of oncogenic behaviors such as cell motility, cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion. However, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unknown. Here, we explored the expression pattern and function of PLCG1 in HCC progression.

Methods

Expression of PLCG1 was examined by western blotting in hepatoma cells and human tumor tissues. Expression was also detected by immunohistochemistry in 150 HCC clinical samples, and its clinical significance was analyzed. The influence of PLCG1 on HCC carcinogenesis were determined in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanisms were explored by detecting the expression of critical molecules of signaling pathways.

Results

The results showed that PLCG1 was overexpressed in hepatoma cell lines and clinical HCC tissues. Increased PLCG1 expression in tumor tissues was remarkably correlated with poor clinical features of HCC. Patients with positive PLCG1 expression in tumor tissues had shorter overall survival and relapse‐free survival. Phospholipase C gamma 1 could substantially promote cell proliferation, anchor growth, and cell invasion in vitro. The in vivo study showed that inhibition of PLCG1 in hepatoma cells significantly repressed tumor growth in nude mice. Furthermore, we showed that PLCG1 might exert its function by activating the mitogen‐activated protein kinase and nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that PLCG1 could act as an oncogene in HCC carcinogenesis and could serve as a valuable prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Biocompatibility and biomineralization ability of Bio‐C Pulpecto. A histological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Cosme‐Silva Leopoldo , Benetti Francine , Dal‐Fabbro Renan , Gomes Filho João Eduardo , Sakai Vivien T. , Cintra Luciano T. A. , Alvarez Nathalia , Ervolino Edilson , Viola Naiana V.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To evaluate the inflammatory response, biomineralization and production of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and bone sialoprotein (BSP) of a new root filling material for primary teeth (Bio‐C Pulpecto) compared to MTA.

Design

Polyethylene tubes containing Bio‐C Pulpecto, MTA, and empty tubes were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue. After 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, the tubes with surrounding tissue were removed and histologically processed to be analysed using haematoxylin and eosin, von Kossa staining, or no staining for observation under polarized light and immunohistochemistry for the detection of OCN, OPN, and BSP. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was used followed by Dunn's test. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

The inflammatory response observed with MTA and Bio‐C Pulpecto was more exacerbated until the 15th day and decreased from 30 days on. No significant difference was found between control, MTA, and Bio‐C Pulpecto (P > 0.05). Bio‐C Pulpecto and MTA showed positivity for von Kossa and birefringent to polarized light. The immunolabelling for OCN, OPN, and BSP was more intense for MTA and Bio‐C Pulpecto on days 60 and 90 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Bio‐C Pulpecto was biocompatible, induced biomineralization and was immunopositive for osteogenic markers such as OCN, OPN, and BSP, similarly to MTA.
Evaluating the effects of multisystemic therapy for adolescents with intellectual disabilities and antisocial or delinquent behaviour and their parents
Authors: Blankestein Annemarieke , van der Rijken Rachel , Eeren Hester V. , Lange Aurelie , Scholte Ron , Moonen Xavier , De Vuyst Katrien , Leunissen Jo , Didden Robert
Published: January 2019

Background

An adaptation of multisystemic therapy (MST) was piloted to find out whether it would yield better outcomes than standard MST in families where the adolescent not only shows antisocial or delinquent behaviour, but also has an intellectual disability.

Method

To establish the comparative effectiveness of MST‐ID (n = 55) versus standard MST (n = 73), treatment outcomes were compared at the end of treatment and at 6‐month follow‐up. Pre‐treatment differences were controlled for using the propensity score method.

Results

Multisystemic therapy‐ID resulted in reduced police contact and reduced rule breaking behaviour that lasted up to 6 months post‐treatment. Compared to standard MST, MST‐ID more frequently resulted in improvements in parenting skills, family relations, social support, involvement with pro‐social peers and sustained positive behavioural changes. At follow‐up, more adolescents who had received MST‐ID were still living at home.

Conclusions

These results support further development of and research into the MST‐ID adaptation.
MicroRNAs mediate liver transcriptome changes upon soy diet intervention in mice
Authors: Seclaman Edward , Balacescu Loredana , Balacescu Ovidiu , Bejinar Cristina , Udrescu Mihai , Marian Catalin , Sirbu Ioan Ovidiu , Anghel Andrei
Published: January 2019

Soy‐based diets have triggered the interest of the research community due to their beneficial effects on a wide variety of pathologies like breast and prostate cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. However, the molecular details underlying these effects are far from being completely understood; several recent attempts have been made to elucidate the soy‐induced liver transcriptome changes in different animal models. Here we used Next Generation Sequencing to identify a set of microRNAs specifically modulated by short‐term soy‐enriched diet in young male mice and estimated their impact on the liver transcriptome assessed by microarray. Clustering and topological community detection (CTCD) network analysis of STRING generated interactions of transcriptome data led to the identification of four topological communities of genes characteristically altered and putatively targeted by microRNAs upon soy diet intervention.
Efficacy of lateral bone augmentation prior to implant placement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Naenni Nadja , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: January 2019

Aim

The aim of the current systematic review was to critically appraise evidence from randomized and prospective non‐randomized comparative clinical trials about the efficacy of lateral bone augmentation prior to implant placement and their outcome regarding bone width gain.

Materials and Methods

Eight databases were searched until May 2018 for randomized and prospective non‐randomized comparative trials on lateral bone augmentation prior to implant placement. After elimination of duplicate studies, data extraction and risk‐of‐bias assessment according to the Cochrane guidelines, random‐effects meta‐analyses of mean differences (MD) or relative risks (RR) and their 95% CIs were performed, followed by subgroup, meta‐regression and sensitivity analyses.

Results

Overall, 25 trials (16 randomized/9 non‐randomized) were identified, which included a total of 553 patients (42.2% male; mean age of 43.9 years). In these included studies and populations, various modalities for primary lateral bone augmentation rendered implant placement feasible. Small discrepancies were found between overall clinical and radiographic gain (pooled gains of 3.45 ± 1.18 mm versus 2.90 ± 0.83 mm, respectively), but were not statistically significant. Bone width gain was significantly inversely associated with baseline bone width (pooled effect: −0.35 mm/mm; 95% CI: −0.63 to −0.07 mm; p = 0.01). Additionally, % graft resorption was associated with patient age (36%/year, 95% CI: −0.62 to −0.11 mm; p = 0.01). The presence of xenograft added to autologous graft led to less resorption compared to autologous graft alone (MD: 1.06 mm; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.92 mm; p = 0.01). Barrier membrane did not yield significant difference in terms of bone width gain (MD: −0.33 mm; 95% CI: −2.24 to 1.58 mm; p > 0.05) and graft resorption (MD: 0.84 mm; 95% CI: −1.42 to 3.09 mm; p > 0.05). However, the quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate due to bias and imprecision.

Conclusions

Initially smaller bone dimensions are associated with favours larger bone width gain, which indicates that a severe lateral bone deficiency can be effectively augmented applying primary lateral bone augmentation. Both Patients’ age and recipient site (maxilla or mandible) seem to influence graft resorption. The addition of a xenograft can be helpful in reducing graft resorption. Existing evidence from randomized and prospective non‐randomized trials on humans indicates that lateral bone augmentation prior to implant placement can successfully increase bone width. There are some indications that patient‐related, site‐related, and technique‐related characteristics might influence the amount of gained bone width, but the quality of evidence is for the most part hampered by the small number of existing studies and methodological limitations that might lead to bias.
Mesenchymal stem cells and biologic factors leading to bone formation
Authors: Bartold Mark , Gronthos Stan , Haynes David , Ivanovski Saso
Published: January 2019

Background

Physiological bone formation and bone regeneration occurring during bone repair can be considered distinct but similar processes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and associated biologic factors are crucial to both bone formation and bone regeneration.

Aim

To perform a narrative review of the current literature regarding the role of MSC and biologic factors in bone formation with the aim of discussing the clinical relevance of in vitro and in vivo animal studies.

Methods

The literature was searched for studies on MSC and biologic factors associated with the formation of bone in the mandible and maxilla. The search specifically targeted studies on key aspects of how stem cells and biologic factors are important in bone formation and how this might be relevant to bone regeneration. The results are summarized in a narrative review format.

Results

Different types of MSC and many biologic factors are associated with bone formation in the maxilla and mandible.

Conclusion

Bone formation and regeneration involve very complex and highly regulated cellular and molecular processes. By studying these processes, new clinical opportunities will arise for therapeutic bone regenerative treatments.
Contributions of climate, plant phenology and natural enemies to the seasonal variation of aphids on cabbage
Authors: Fidelis Elisangela G. , Farias Elizeu S. , Lopes Mayara C. , Sousa Fernanda F. , Zanuncio José C. , Picanço Marcelo C.
Published: January 2019

Brevicoryne brassicae (L), Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt) and Myzus persicae (Sultzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) form the aphid complex that causes great losses in Brassicaceae in tropical and subtropical regions. Knowledge of their population dynamics is important for the development of integrated pest management programmes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cabbage phenology, climatic factors and natural enemies populations on the dynamics of these organisms, and the factors regulating their predators’ occurrence. The densities of aphids and their natural enemies and the climate were monitored for two years in 16 cabbage crops. The highest densities of the aphids occurred during periods of relative humidity (RH) drop, a condition that affects them positively. Regarding the predators, the factors affecting their abundance varied but RH was positively related to most of them. This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the aphids in cabbage and for the decision‐making process of control of these severe pests.
Primary Care Management of Upper Respiratory Infections in the Women's Health Care Setting
Authors: Levi Miriam E.
Published: January 2019

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the most common reason for which individuals seek health care services in the outpatient clinical setting. This case report describes the clinical presentation and management of a woman with a URI. The signs and symptoms of URIs, physical examination, differential diagnoses, and treatment plan options available in the ambulatory care setting are reviewed. Current evidence‐based guidelines are discussed, and recommendations for clinical practice are reviewed. Discussion of the incidental treatment of URIs in the specialty care setting is also addressed.
Dental care utilization: patterns and predictors in persons living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Jessani Abbas , Aleksejuniene Jolanta , Donnelly Leeann , Craig Phillips J. , Nicolau Belinda , Brondani Mario
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To identify the predisposing, enabling, and need factors of the Andersen and Newman (A&N) model and their associations with the pattern of dental service utilization in a sample of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in British Columbia.

Methods

Participants responded anonymously to a 40‐item online questionnaire to explore the patterns of dental service utilization. Following the descriptive statistics, the associations between A&N model factors and main outcome variables (having a dental visit in the last year and reasons for the dental visit) were evaluated using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

Out of 600 potential PLHIV participants, 210 responded to the survey and 186 met the inclusion criteria. The experience of being discriminated against by dental professionals (P = 0.005), having dental anxiety (P < 0.001), not having dental insurance (P = 0.001), and having living condition difficulties (P = 0.004) were significantly associated with nonemergency dental visits. In multiple logistic regression analysis, dental anxiety (OR = 0.1; 95 percent CI 0.0; 0.4), having a regular dentist (OR = 3.7; 95 percent CI 1.1; 12.6), and visiting a dental office in the last year (OR = 21.6; 95 percent CI 6.1; 76.5) were the strongest predictors of dental service utilization in this study.

Conclusions

Several predisposing, enabling, and need factors from the A&N model were associated with dental service utilization by PLHIV. In addition to various psychosocial barriers, a significant number of respondents reported experiencing stigma and discrimination from their oral care providers.
Social cognition, social neuroscience, and evolutionary social psychology: What's missing?
Authors: Greenwood John D.
Published: January 2019

In this paper I argue that something important, and something social, is missing from contemporary accounts of social cognition, social neuroscience and evolutionary social psychology. Contemporary accounts of social cognition focus on cognition directed towards social objects, that is, towards persons and social groups. In contrast, early twentieth century accounts of socially engaged cognition focused upon beliefs and attitudes oriented to the represented beliefs and attitudes of members of social ‘reference groups’ and directed towards both social and non‐social objects. I argue that this earlier conception of socially engaged cognition should be integrated with contemporary research on social cognition, social neuroscience and evolutionary social psychology, since it poses a challenge but also an opportunity for these disciplines.
Prevalence of the E321GMYH1variant for immune‐mediated myositis and nonexertional rhabdomyolysis in performance subgroups of American Quarter Horses
Authors: Gianino Giuliana M. , Valberg Stephanie J. , Perumbakkam Sudeep , Henry Marisa L. , Gardner Keri , Penedo Cecilia , Finno Carrie J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) in American Quarter Horses (QHs) causes acute muscle atrophy and lymphocytic infiltration of myofibers. Recently, an E321G mutation in a highly conserved region of the myosin heavy chain 1 (MYH1) gene was associated with susceptibility to IMM and nonexertional rhabdomyolysis.

Objectives

To estimate prevalence of the E321GMYH1variant in the QH breed and performance subgroups.

Animals

Three‐hundred seven elite performance QHs and 146 random registered QH controls.

Methods

Prospective genetic survey. Elite QHs from barrel racing, cutting, halter, racing, reining, Western Pleasure, and working cow disciplines and randomly selected registered QHs were genotyped for the E321GMYH1variant and allele frequencies were calculated.

Results

The E321GMYH1variant allele frequency was 0.034 ± 0.011 in the general QH population (6.8% of individuals in the breed) and the highest among the reining (0.135 ± 0.040; 24.3% of reiners), working cow (0.085 ± 0.031), and halter (0.080 ± 0.027) performance subgroups. The E321GMYH1variant was present in cutting (0.044 ± 0.022) and Western Pleasure (0.021 ± 0.015) QHs at lower frequency and was not observed in barrel racing or racing QHs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Knowing that reining and working cow QHs have the highest prevalence of the E321GMYH1variant and that the variant is more prevalent than the alleles for hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in the general QH population will guide the use of genetic testing for diagnostic and breeding purposes.
The Effect of Hearing Impairments on Wage Earnings: Evidence from a Copula‐Based Spline Selection Model
Authors: Zimmer David M.
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the effect of hearing impairments on annual wage earnings. A standard Heckman‐style selection model suggests that hearing impairments reduce earnings by approximately 14 per cent, with no evidence of selection bias. The paper then relaxes the assumption of bivariate normality using a copula specification, and the paper allows for potentially nonlinear links between nonbinary covariates and earnings using smooth spline functions. By incorporating those two deviations, not only does the model appear to provide a better fit to the data, but hearing impairments appear to reduce earnings by 19 per cent, an effect 36 per cent larger than what is suggested by the standard selection setup. The model also uncovers evidence of statistically significant selection bias.
Molecular insights into the master regulator CysB‐mediated bacterial virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Song Yaqin , Yang Chun , Chen Gukui , Zhang Yixi , Seng Zijing , Cai Zhao , Zhang Chao , Yang Liang , Gan Jianhua , Liang Haihua
Published: January 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen that causes serious acute and chronic infections in humans. The type III secretion system (T3SS) is an important virulence factor that plays essential roles in acute infections. However, the regulatory mechanisms of T3SS are not fully understood. In this study, we found that the deletion of cysB reduced the T3SS gene expression and swarming motility but enhanced biofilm formation. In a mouse acute pneumonia model, mutation of cysB decreased the average bacterial load compared to that of the wild‐type strain. Further experiments demonstrated that CysB contributed to the reduced T3SS gene expression and bacterial pathogenesis by directly regulating the sensor kinase RetS. We also performed crystallographic studies of PaCysB. The overall fold of PaCysB NTD domain is similar to other LysR superfamily proteins and structural superposition revealed one possible DNA‐binding model for PaCysB. Structural comparison also revealed great flexibility of the PaCysB RD domain, which may play an important role in bending and transcriptional regulation of target DNA. Taken together, these results expand our current understanding of the complex regulatory networks of T3SS and RetS pathways. The crystal structure of CysB provides new insights for studying the function of its homologs in other bacterial species.
A systematic review of nurse‐led weaning protocol for mechanically ventilated adult patients
Authors: Hirzallah Fatima Mohammad , Alkaissi Aidah , do Céu Barbieri‐Figueiredo Maria
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the current best evidence for the effectiveness of weaning protocols led by nurses compared with usual physician‐led care.

Background

Protocol‐directed weaning has been shown to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation. Studies have reported that a weaning protocol administered by nurses leads to a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation and has a major effect on weaning outcomes. This can have especially positive consequences for critically ill patients.

Study design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Search strategy

The databases CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from as far back as the database allowed until January 2016.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Searches were performed to identify the best available evidence including quantitative studies of nurse‐led weaning protocols for mechanically ventilated adult patients. We excluded all studies of weaning protocols implemented by non‐nurses and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation and studies that addressed patient populations younger than 18 years of age.

Results

The database searches resulted in retrieving 369 articles. Three eligible studies with a total of 532 patients were included in the final review. Pooled data showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the nurse‐led weaning protocol for reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation (mean differences = −1.69 days, 95% confidence interval = −3.23 to 0.16), intensive care unit length of stay (mean differences = −2.04 days, 95% confidence interval = −2.57 to −1.52, I2 = 18%, and p = 0.00001); and hospital length of stay (mean differences = −2.9 days, 95% confidence interval = −4.24 to −1.56, I2 = 0%, and p = 0.00001).

Conclusion

There is evidence that the use of nurse‐led weaning protocols for mechanically ventilated adult patients has a positive impact on weaning outcomes and patient safety.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review provides evidence supporting intensive care unit nurses' crucial role and abilities to lead weaning from mechanical ventilation.
MAL‐PDT inhibits oral precancerous cells and lesions via autophagic cell death
Authors: Wang Yen‐Yun , Chen Yuk‐Kwan , Hu Chu‐Sung , Xiao Ling‐Yi , Huang Wan‐Ling , Chi Tsung‐Chen , Cheng Kuang‐Hung , Wang Yun‐Ming , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F.
Published: January 2019

Background

Oral cancer is a common cancer with a high mortality rate. While surgery is the most effective treatment for oral cancer, it frequently causes deformity and dysfunction in the orofacial region. In this study, methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) as a prevention tool against progression of precancerous lesion to oral cancer was explored.

Methods

For in vitro studies, we evaluated the effects of MAL‐PDT on viability of DOK oral precancerous cells by XTT, cell morphology by TEM, and intracellular signaling pathways by flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. For in vivo study, DMBA was used to induce oral precancerous lesions in hamsters followed by MAL‐PDT treatment. We measured tumor size and body weight weekly. After sacrifice, buccal pouch lesions were processed for H&E stain and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

MAL‐PDT induced autophagic cell death in DOK oral precancerous cells. The autophagy‐related markers LC3II and p62/SQSTM1 and autophagosome formation in DOK cells were increased after MAL‐PDT treatment. In vivo, Metvix®‐PDT treatment decreased tumor growth and enhanced LC3II expression in hamster buccal pouch tumors induced by DMBA.

Conclusions

Our in vitro and in vivo results suggest that MAL‐PDT may provide an effective therapy for oral precancerous lesions through induction of autophagic cell death.
Metabolic engineering of bread wheat improves grain iron concentration and bioavailability
Authors: Beasley Jesse T. , Bonneau Julien P. , Sánchez‐Palacios Jose T. , Moreno‐Moyano Laura T. , Callahan Damien L. , Tako Elad , Glahn Raymond P. , Lombi Enzo , Johnson Alexander A. T.
Published: January 2019

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is cultivated on more land than any other crop and produces a fifth of the calories consumed by humans. Wheat endosperm is rich in starch yet contains low concentrations of dietary iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Biofortification is a micronutrient intervention aimed at increasing the density and bioavailability of essential vitamins and minerals in staple crops; Fe biofortification of wheat has proved challenging. In this study we employed constitutive expression (CE) of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) nicotianamine synthase 2 (OsNAS2) gene in bread wheat to up‐regulate biosynthesis of two low molecular weight metal chelators – nicotianamine (NA) and 2′‐deoxymugineic acid (DMA) – that play key roles in metal transport and nutrition. The CE‐OsNAS2 plants accumulated higher concentrations of grain Fe, Zn, NA and DMA and synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) revealed enhanced localization of Fe and Zn in endosperm and crease tissues, respectively. Iron bioavailability was increased in white flour milled from field‐grown CE‐OsNAS2 grain and positively correlated with NA and DMA concentrations.
Associations between digit ratio (2D4D), mood, and autonomic stress response in healthy men
Authors: Walther A. , Breidenstein J. , Bösch M. , Sefidan S. , Ehlert U. , Annen H. , Wyss T. , La Marca R.
Published: January 2019

The ratio between the length of the second (index) and the fourth (ring) finger (2D4D) is a putative biomarker of prenatal testosterone (T) exposure, with higher exposure leading to a smaller ratio. 2D4D has further been linked to mental and somatic disorders. Healthy male Swiss recruits (N = 245; Mage = 20.30 years) underwent a psychosocial stress test. Mood and salivary alpha‐amylase (sAA) were assessed before and after the stress test, while heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured continuously. Additionally, 2D4D (right: R2D4D; left: L2D4D) was determined and divided into quartile groups. Correlation analysis showed no associations between R/L2D4D and outcome measures. Comparing calculated quartiles for R2D4D, subjects in the lowest R2D4D quartile expressed trendwise (p < 0.10) lower positive and higher negative affect, significantly elevated sAA activity (p < 0.05), but no HR and HRV differences at baseline as compared to subjects in the upper three quartiles. With regard to acute stress, subjects in the lowest as compared to subjects in the upper three R2D4D quartiles showed a higher increase of negative affect and a stronger cardiac response (p < 0.05), but no alterations in positive affect and sAA activity. Young healthy men in the lowest R2D4D quartile revealed a more negative affect and increased physiological activity at baseline and in response to acute stress. An exposure to high levels of prenatal T might constitute a risk factor potentially increasing vulnerability to stress‐related disorders in men.
Financial impact of alternative approaches to reduce bacterial contamination of platelet transfusions
Authors: Kacker Seema , Bloch Evan M. , Ness Paul M. , Gehrie Eric A. , Marshall Christi E. , Lokhandwala Parvez M. , Tobian Aaron A.R.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Bacterial contamination of platelets remains the leading infectious risk from blood transfusion. Pathogen reduction (PR), point‐of‐release testing (PORt), and secondary bacterial culture (SBC) have been proposed as alternative risk control strategies, but a comprehensive financial comparison has not been conducted.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A Markov‐based decision tree was constructed to model the financial and clinical impact of PR, PORt, and SBC, as well as a baseline strategy involving routine testing only. Hospitals were assumed to acquire leukoreduced apheresis platelets on Day 3 after collection, and, in the base case analysis, expiration would occur at the end of Day 5 (PR and SBC) or 7 (PORt). Monte Carlo simulations assessed the direct medical costs for platelet acquisition, testing, transfusion, and possible complications. Input parameters, including test sensitivity and specificity, were drawn from existing literature, and costs (2018 US dollars) were based on a hospital perspective.

RESULTS

The total costs per unit acquired by the hospital under the baseline strategy, PR, PORt, and SBC were $651.45, $827.82, $686.33, and $668.50, respectively. All risk‐reduction strategies decreased septic transfusion reactions and associated expenses, with the greatest reductions from PR. PR would add $191.09 in per‐unit acquisition costs, whereas PORt and SBC would increase per‐unit testing costs by $31.79 and $17.26, respectively. Financial outcomes were sensitive to platelet dating; allowing 7‐day storage with SBC would lead to a cost savings of $12.41 per transfused unit. Results remained robust in probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

All three strategies are viable approaches to reducing bacterially contaminated platelet transfusions, although SBC is likely to be the cheapest overall.
Electrochemical peroxidation using iron nanoparticles and anodic iron dissolution to remove selenium from oil refinery wastewater
Authors: Hansen Henrik K. , Franco Peña Sebastián , Gutiérrez Claudia , Núñez Patricio
Published: January 2019

Experimental results for selenium removal from oil refinery wastewater applying the electrochemical peroxidation process (ECP) using either graphite electrodes with iron nanoparticles (nZVI) or carbon steel electrodes with anodic iron dissolution (AD) on laboratory scale are presented. Operating parameters were: current density, iron‐selenium molar ratio and treatment time. It was found that when applying ECP and nZVI, selenium removal reached 93%. On the contrary, when the ECP and AD process was applied, selenium removal only reached 64%. Therefore, the ECP process and use of iron nanoparticles could be a feasible technology to remove selenium from oil refinery wastewater.
Despite high‐risk exposures, no evidence of zoonotic transmission during a canine outbreak of leptospirosis
Authors: Guagliardo Sarah Anne J. , Iverson Sally Ann , Reynolds Laura , Yaglom Hayley , Venkat Heather , Galloway Renee , Levy Craig , Reindel Alison , Sylvester Tammy , Kretschmer Melissa , LaFerla Jenni Margaret , Woodward Peter , Beatty Norman , Artus Aileen , Klein Ronald , Sunenshine Rebecca , Schafer Ilana J.
Published: January 2019

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that affects many mammals, including humans and dogs; dogs can transmit the bacteria to humans, but the frequency of transmission and highest risk exposures are poorly understood. During 2016–2017, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Arizona Department of Health Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the zoonotic potential of a canine leptospirosis outbreak in the Phoenix metro area. We identified symptomatic persons exposed to canine leptospirosis cases by conducting active and passive surveillance. We tested dog owners (n = 9) and animal care providers (n = 109) for serological evidence of Leptospira spp. infection (via the microscopic agglutination test [MAT]) and interviewed these persons about their specific exposures to canine cases and general exposures to canine blood and urine. Through surveillance, seven symptomatic persons were identified; six were tested and all were negative by MAT, and of these six, four persons were negative by PCR (two did not have PCR testing). All serosurvey participants (n = 118) were also seronegative. Among animal care providers, bare skin contact with urine/blood from a canine case was reported by 23.2%; two persons reported dog urine splashing in their face. Veterinary technicians were more likely to have bare skin contact with blood from a canine case compared to veterinarians and boarding facility staff (p < 0.001). Infection control practices were inconsistent; when working with specimens from a canine leptospirosis case, 44.6% of participants reported always wearing gloves when working with urine (i.e., collecting specimens), and 54.5% always wore gloves when working with blood. Veterinary technicians were also most likely to engage in all activities involving potential urine/blood contact, such as conducting laboratory tests (p < 0.01). We therefore recommend that veterinary technicians specifically receive targeted education about infection control practices. Our results suggest that dog‐to‐human transmission of leptospirosis is uncommon.
The Potential of Sky Radiation for Humidity Control
Authors: Springer Zachary , Keith Sharp M.
Published: January 2019

The potential of sky radiation (SR) to serve the latent space cooling loads was evaluated. Using ASHRAE standard 55 comfort limits (room temperature 22 °C, relative humidity 60%, and dew-point temperature 13.9 °C), condensation was the chosen mechanism for humidity reduction. Typical meteorological year (TMY3) weather data were used for eleven ASHRAE climate zones. Three values of load-to-radiator ratio (LRR) (infiltration/ventilation volume flow rate times the ratio of building floor area to radiator area) were evaluated: 0.35, 3.5, and 35 m/h. Three thermal storage cases were considered: 1. Annual cooling potential, 2. Diurnal storage, and 3. Minimum storage capacity to serve the entire annual load. Six SR temperatures Trad = 13.9 to −26.1 °C were tested. Even in the most challenging climates, annual SR potential exceeded the total sensible and latent cooling load, at least for the lowest LRR and the highest Trad. For diurnal storage, SR served less than 20% of the load in the hot and humid southeast, but the entire load in the mountain west. The minimum storage capacity to meet the entire annual load decreased with decreasing LRR and decreasing Trad. For the southeast, large capacity was required, but for Louisville, for instance, sufficient capacity was provided by 0.05 m3 of water per m2 of floor area for LRR = 0.35 m/h. These results demonstrate that for much of the U.S., sky radiation has the potential to serve the entire annual sensible and latent cooling load.
Toward Dosing Precision and Insulin Stability in an Artificial Pancreas System
Authors: Iacovacci Veronica , Tamadon Izadyar , Rocchi Matteo , Dario Paolo , Menciassi Arianna
Published: January 2019

A fully implantable artificial pancreas (AP) still represents the holy grail for diabetes treatment. The quest for efficient miniaturized implantable insulin pumps, able to accurately regulate the blood glucose profile and to keep insulin stability, is still persistent. This work describes the design and testing of a microinjection system connected to a variable volume insulin reservoir devised to favor insulin stability during storage. The design, the constitutive materials, and the related fabrication techniques were selected to favor insulin stability by avoiding—or at least limiting—hormone aggregation. We compared substrates made of nylon 6 and Teflon, provided with different surface roughness values due to the employed fabrication procedures (i.e., standard machining and spray deposition). Insulin stability was tested in a worst case condition for 14 days, and pumping system reliability and repeatability in dosing were tested over an entire reservoir emptying cycle. We found that nylon 6 guarantees a higher insulin stability than Teflon and that independent of the material used, larger roughness determines a higher amount of insulin aggregates. A dedicated rotary pump featured by a 1-μL delivery resolution was developed and connected through a proper gear mechanism to a variable volume air-tight insulin reservoir. The microinjection system was also able to operate in a reverse mode to enable the refilling of the implanted reservoir. The developed system represents a fundamental building block toward the development of a fully implantable AP and could be advantageously integrated even in different implantable drug delivery apparatus (e.g., for pain management).
Miniature Pump for Treatment of Refractory Ascites Based on Local Magnetic Actuation
Authors: Garbin Nicolo , Doyle Patrick , Smith Byron , Taylor Jesse G. , Khan Mubashir H. , Khalil Qasim , Valdastri Pietro
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a novel low-cost implantable pump for the treatment of refractory ascites (RA) based on local magnetic actuation (LMA). A reciprocating positive displacement pump displaces liquid unidirectionally through magnetic coupling with a magnetic controller placed on the outside of the patient's body. The proposed solution is intuitive to use given an alignment algorithm that exploits externally placed magnetic field sensors (MFS). The implantable device has a catheter-like shape, is electronic free (no on-board battery), has low fabrication cost (<8 USD), and is able to generate a flow-rate of 3.65 L/h while effectively pumping fluids with various viscosity (1–5.5 cP). RA is commonly treated via costly paracentesis or invasive surgical placement of a transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The proposed solution can be implanted with minimally invasive techniques and can be used on a daily basis to drain a set amount of liquid, without requiring recurrent hospital visits.
Sound radiation and transonic boundaries of a plate with an acoustic black hole
Authors: Ma Li , Cheng Li
Published: January 2019

The acoustic black hole (ABH) phenomenon has shown promise for noise and vibration control applications. In this paper, a two-dimensional (2-D) Daubechies wavelet (DW) model is established for the sound radiation prediction of plates embedded with a circular ABH indentation. ABH plates are shown to exhibit a reduced sound radiation efficiency as compared with their flat counterpart. Below the critical frequency, this is caused by the weakening of the structural stiffness due to the ABH indentation. Above the critical frequency, a subsonic region inside the ABH cell may appear, containing acoustically slow structural waves. This region, confined within a transonic boundary, is due to the ABH-specific phase velocity reduction of the bending waves. Drawing energy away from the supersonic region of the plate, this subsonic region warrants a reduced sound radiation to the far field. Numerical results on the investigated configuration show an increase in the sound radiation efficiency due to the added stiffness effect of damping layers. Sound radiation efficiency alongside the transonic boundary changes is scrutinized and quantified. Visualization of the supersonic acoustic intensity and radiation allows identifying the effective sound radiation regions of ABH plates and their relationship with the transonic boundaries at different frequencies.
Phosphorylation of the phosphatase PTPROt at Tyr
399
is a molecular switch that controls osteoclast activity and bone mass in vivo
Authors: Roth Lee , Wakim Jean , Wasserman Elad , Shalev Moran , Arman Esther , Stein Merle , Brumfeld Vlad , Sagum Cari A. , Bedford Mark T. , Tuckermann Jan , Elson Ari
Published: January 2019

A phosphoswitch in the tyrosine phosphatase PTPROt determines whether it stimulates or inhibits the kinase Src.
GII.4 Norovirus Protease Shows pH-Sensitive Proteolysis with a Unique Arg-His Pairing in the Catalytic Site
Authors: Viskovska Mariya A. , Zhao Boyang , Shanker Sreejesh , Choi Jae-Mun , Deng Lisheng , Song Yongchen , Palzkill Timothy , Hu Liya , Estes Mary K. , Venkataram Prasad B. V.
Published: January 2019

Human noroviruses (NoVs) cause sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. They are divided into seven genogroups (GI to GVII), with each genogroup further divided into several genotypes. Human NoVs belonging to genogroup II and genotype 4 (GII.4) are the most prevalent. Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs available for NoV infection. The protease encoded by NoV is considered a valuable target because of its essential role in replication. NoV protease structures have only been determined for the GI genogroup. We show here that the structure of the GII.4 protease exhibits several significant changes from GI proteases, including a unique pairing of an arginine with the catalytic histidine that makes the proteolytic activity of GII.4 protease pH sensitive. A comparative analysis of NoV protease structures may provide a rational framework for structure-based drug design of broadly cross-reactive inhibitors targeting NoVs.
Host Range and Population Survey of Spodoptera frugiperda Rhabdovirus
Authors: Schroeder L. , Mar T. B. , Haynes J. R. , Wang R. , Wempe L. , Goodin M. M.
Published: January 2019

Insect-derived cell lines are widely used commercially for the production of vaccines and protein-based pharmaceuticals. After decades of safe and beneficial use, it was a surprise to the biotechnology industry to discover an endemic rhabdovirus in Sf9 cells. This discovery was made possible only by the substantial advancements in DNA sequencing technologies. Given the public health concerns associated with many rhabdovirus species, several initiatives were undertaken to establish that
Spodoptera frugiperda
rhabdovirus (Sf-RV) does not pose a threat to humans. Such actions include the generation of cell lines that have been cleared of Sf-RV. Given that Sf9 is derived from a moth whose larvae feed on human-edible foods, we explored the prevalence of Sf-RV in its wild and lab-grown populations, as well as its ability to be deposited on food items during feeding. Collectively, our data suggest that there is no overt risk from exposure to Sf-RV.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pediatric Otitis Media Isolate Streptococcus pneumoniae Strain EF3030, Which Forms
In Vitro
Biofilms That Closely Mimic
In Vivo
Biofilms
Authors: Scott Edgar J. , Luke-Marshall Nicole R. , Campagnari Anthony A. , Dyer David W.
Published: January 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
EF3030, a pediatric otitis media isolate active in biofilm assays of epithelial colonization. The final draft assembly included 2,209,198 bp; the annotation predicted 2,120 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), 4 complete rRNA operons, 58 tRNAs, 3 noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and 199 pseudogenes.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Decomposition Fungus
Aquanectria penicillioides
Strain NNIBRFG19
Authors: Goh Jaeduk , Mun Hye Yeon , Oh Yoosun , Chung Namil
Published: January 2019

Aquanectria penicillioides
is a common aquatic fungal species. Here, we report the 53.7-Mb draft genome sequence of
A. penicillioides
strain NNIBRFG19, which has an overall G+C content of 47.93%, comprising 13 scaffolds with an
N
50
value of 4.932 Mb.
Genome Sequences of Cluster K Mycobacteriophages Deby, LaterM, LilPharaoh, Paola, SgtBeansprout, and Sulley
Authors: Gaballa Joseph M. , Dabrian Keeyon , Desai Rachel , Ngo Ryan , Park Diane , Sakaji Erin , Sun Yiwei , Tan Boon , Brinck Marcia , Brobst Olivia , Fernando Rebecca , Kim Hannah , McCarthy Siobhan , Murphy Michael , Sarkis Alexandra , Sevier Parker , Singh Amitoj , Wu Darwin , Wu Min-Ying , Ennis Hayley A. , Luhar Rohan , Miller Justin E. , Orchanian Stephanie B. , Salbato Alysha N. , Alam Sai , Brenner Lauren , Kailani Zilla , Laskow Joel , Ma Xinyu , Miikeda Aika , Nol-Bernardino Paola , Sukhina Alisa , Walas Nikolina , Wei Wenyuan , Do Nam Phuong , Fournier Christina T. , Kim Christy J. , Mosier Samantha F. , Pierson Carly , Romero Ivonne G. , Sanchez Mikael , Sawyerr Oyinlola , Wang Joyce , Watanabe Rina , Wu Samuel , Chen Annie , Kazane Katelynn , Kettoola Yousif , Goodwin Emma C. , Lund Andrew J. , Villella William , Williams Drake , Freise Amanda , Moberg Parker Jordan
Published: January 2019

Mycobacteriophages Deby, LaterM, LilPharaoh, Paola, SgtBeansprout, and Sulley were isolated from soil using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. Genomic analysis indicated that they belong to subclusters K1 and K5.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Closely Related
Marichromatium
Isolates, Photosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria from Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Guzman Michael S. , Kuse Jonathan Chris , Santiago-Merced Natalia , Bose Arpita
Published: January 2019

Marichromatium
species are photosynthetic gammaproteobacteria found in marine environments. Only two
Marichromatium
genomes are publicly available.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces xinghaiensis (
fradiae
) OlgR, a Strain Resistant to Oligomycin A
Authors: Bekker Olga B. , Vatlin Aleksey A. , Zakharevich Natalia V. , Lysenkova Ludmila N. , Shchekotikhin Andrey E. , Danilenko Valery N.
Published: January 2019

We report a draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces xinghaiensis
(
fradiae
) OlgR, which is resistant to oligomycin A. This mutant strain is derived from
S. xinghaiensis
OlgR2.100, which is resistant to (33
S
)-azido-33-deoxyoligomycin A.
Effectiveness of a school-based physical activity intervention on adiposity, fitness and blood pressure: MOVI-KIDS study
Authors: Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P , García-Prieto Jorge C , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Solera-Martínez Montserrat , Garrido-Miguel Miriam , Díez-Fernández Ana , Ruiz-Hermosa Abel , Sánchez-López Mairena
Published: January 2019

Objective

To test a physical activity intervention (MOVI-KIDS) on obesity indicators, physical fitness and blood pressure (BP) in children.

Methods

A crossover randomised cluster trial was conducted, which comprised 1434 children (4–7 years old) from 21 schools in the provinces of Cuenca and Ciudad Real in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain. The intervention consisted of three 60 min sessions/week on weekdays between October 2013 and May 2014. Changes in anthropometric variables, physical fitness and BP parameters were measured. The analyses used were mixed regression models to adjust for baseline covariates under cluster randomisation.

Results

There was no significant improvement in overweight/obesity with the intervention compared with the control group in both sexes. Further, the intervention did not alter other adiposity indicators or BP parameters. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were seen in girls (1.19; 95% CI 0.31 to 2.08; p=0.008), but not in boys. Finally, there was an improvement in velocity/agility in both girls (−2.51 s; 95% CI −3.98 to −1.05; p=0.001) and boys (−2.35 s; 95% CI −3.71 to −0.98; p=0.001), and in muscular strength in both girls (0.66; 95% CI 0.03 to 1.28; p=0.038) and boys (1.26; 95% CI 0.03 to 1.28; p<0.001).

Conclusion

MOVI-KIDS was not successful in reducing the adiposity and maintained BP levels at previous healthy values in children. The intervention, however, showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness in girls, and muscular strength and velocity/agility in boys and girls.

Trial registration number

NCT01971840
; Post-results.
Hyperlipidaemia in primary biliary cholangitis: treatment, safety and efficacy
Authors: Wah-Suarez Martin I , Danford Christopher J , Patwardhan Vilas R , Jiang Z Gordon , Bonder Alan
Published: January 2019

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease associated with altered lipoprotein metabolism, mainly cholesterol. Hypercholesterolaemia, a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the general population, occurs in 75%–95% of individuals with PBC. The impact of hypercholesterolaemia on cardiovascular risk in PBC, however, is controversial. Previous data have shown that hypercholesterolaemia in PBC is not always associated with an increase in cardiovascular events. However, patients with PBC with cardiovascular risk factors may still warrant cholesterol-lowering therapy. Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in PBC poses unique challenges among primary care providers due to concerns of hepatotoxicity associated with cholesterol-lowering medications. This review summarises the current understanding of the pathophysiology of hypercholesterolaemia in PBC and its pertinent cardiovascular risk. We will also discuss indications for treatment and the efficacy and safety of available agents for hypercholesterolaemia in PBC.