bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Point‐of‐care diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in non‐neutropenic patients: Aspergillus Galactomannan Lateral Flow Assay versus Aspergillus‐specific Lateral Flow Device test in bronchoalveolar lavage
Authors: Jenks Jeffrey D. , Mehta Sanjay R. , Taplitz Randy , Aslam Saima , Reed Sharon L. , Hoenigl Martin
Published: December 2018

Background

We compared new Aspergillus Galactomannan Lateral Flow Assay with the newly formatted Aspergillus‐specific Lateral Flow device tests for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non‐neutropenic patients.

Methods

We performed both tests in 82 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 82 patients at risk for IPA but without underlying haematologic malignancy. Samples were collected between September 2016 and September 2018 at the University of California San Diego, United States. IPA was classified following two published consensus criteria.

Results

Classification of cases varied widely between the two consensus criteria. When using criteria established for the intensive care unit, 26/82 patients (32%) met criteria for proven or putative IPA. Both point‐of‐care assays showed sensitivities ranging between 58% and 69%, with specificities between 68% and 75%. Sensitivity increased up to 81% when both tests were combined.

Conclusion

The study outlines the need for updated, unified and more broadly applicable consensus definitions for classifying IPA in non‐neutropenic patients, a work that is currently in progress. Both point‐of‐care tests showed comparable performance, with sensitivities and specificities in the 60%‐70% range when used alone and increasing to 80% when used in combination. The new point‐of‐care tests may serve a role at the bedside in those with clinical suspicion of IPA.
Cryptococcal meningitis is a cause for cross‐reactivity in cerebrospinal fluid assays for anti‐Histoplasma, anti‐Coccidioides and anti‐Blastomyces antibodies
Authors: Bahr Nathan C. , Panackal Anil A. , Durkin Michelle M. , Smedema Melinda L. , Keown Wesley , Davis Thomas E. , Raymond‐Guillen Luke , Park Yoon‐Dong , Marr Kieren A. , Fries Bettina C. , Williamson Peter R. , Boulware David R. , Wheat L. Joseph
Published: December 2018

Background/Objectives

Antibody detection is commonly used for diagnosis of histoplasmosis, and cross‐reactions have been recognised due to endemic mycoses but not cryptococcosis. We observed cross‐reactions in an anti‐Histoplasma antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient with cryptococcal meningitis and sought to assess the risk of cross‐reactive anti‐Histoplasma antibodies in persons with cryptococcal meningitis.

Methods

An anti‐cryptococcal antibody EIA was developed to measure CSF antibody response in HIV‐infected subjects from Kampala, Uganda and previously healthy, HIV‐negative subjects at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with cryptococcal meningitis. Specimens were tested for cross‐reactivity in assays for IgG anti‐Histoplasma, anti‐Blastomyces and anti‐Coccidioides antibodies.

Results

Among 61 subjects with cryptococcal meningitis (44 Kampala cohort, 17 NIH cohort), elevated CSF anti‐cryptococcal antibody levels existed in 38% (23/61). Of the 23 CSF specimens containing elevated anti‐cryptococcal antibodies, falsely positive results were detected in antibody EIAs for histoplasmosis (8/23, 35%), coccidioidomycosis (6/23, 26%) and blastomycosis (1/23, 4%). Overall, 2% (2/81) of control CSF specimens had elevated anti‐cryptococcal antibody detected, both from Indiana.

Conclusions

Cryptococcal meningitis may cause false‐positive results in the CSF for antibodies against Histoplasma, Blastomyces and Coccidioides. Fungal antigen testing should be performed to aid in differentiating true‐ and false‐positive antibody results in the CSF.
An analysis of the development of adolescent and young adult cancer care in the United Kingdom: A Foucauldian perspective
Authors: Cable Maria , Kelly Daniel
Published: December 2018

This paper analyses the development of the specialism of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care via a Foucauldian lens to consider how knowledge and awareness have grown since questions were first raised about unmet needs of AYAs with cancer. The AYA specialism has gathered momentum over the last 30 years in the United Kingdom (UK) and is fast gathering pace internationally. Fundamental to this process has been the combined contribution from nursing and other health professionals, researchers, policy‐makers and philanthropists. From an initial process of problematisation, through a gradual growth in empirical knowledge and resultant shifts in health policy, a new nexus of expertise has emerged that enabled AYA cancer care to become recognised as distinct from either child or adult oncology. Different stakeholders contributed to the discourses that have underpinned this development—a process likely to continue as it expands further. This paper draws on examples from the growth of the AYA specialism, the emergence of new professional roles and a growth in research. It illustrates how the coalescing of multiple perspectives allowed new discourses and, ultimately, new practices to be established that now have global impact.
Nutrient exchange in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis from a thermodynamic point of view
Authors: Dreyer Ingo , Spitz Olivia , Kanonenberg Kerstin , Montag Karolin , Handrich Maria R. , Ahmad Sabahuddin , Schott‐Verdugo Stephan , Navarro‐Retamal Carlos , Rubio‐Meléndez María E. , Gomez‐Porras Judith L. , Riedelsberger Janin , Molina‐Montenegro Marco A. , Succurro Antonella , Zuccaro Alga , Gould Sven B. , Bauer Petra , Schmitt Lutz , Gohlke Holger
Published: December 2018

To obtain insights into the dynamics of nutrient exchange in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, we modelled mathematically the two‐membrane system at the plant–fungus interface and simulated its dynamics.

In computational cell biology experiments, the full range of nutrient transport pathways was tested for their ability to exchange phosphorus (P)/carbon (C)/nitrogen (N) sources.

As a result, we obtained a thermodynamically justified, independent and comprehensive model of the dynamics of the nutrient exchange at the plant–fungus contact zone. The predicted optimal transporter network coincides with the transporter set independently confirmed in wet‐laboratory experiments previously, indicating that all essential transporter types have been discovered.

The thermodynamic analyses suggest that phosphate is released from the fungus via proton‐coupled phosphate transporters rather than anion channels. Optimal transport pathways, such as cation channels or proton‐coupled symporters, shuttle nutrients together with a positive charge across the membranes. Only in exceptional cases does electroneutral transport via diffusion facilitators appear to be plausible. The thermodynamic models presented here can be generalized and adapted to other forms of mycorrhiza and open the door for future studies combining wet‐laboratory experiments with computational simulations to obtain a deeper understanding of the investigated phenomena.
Symmetrical palatal fibromatosis: Five new cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Vargo Richard J. , Hossino Kenan H. , Clark Ashley , Bouquot Jerry E.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To present five cases of symmetrical palatal fibromatosis (SPF), a lesion reported very rarely in the English language literature, under more than a dozen different names, and to recommend the most appropriate name.

Methods

Five SPF cases are characterized with a literature review.

Results

Three females and two males, aged 20–39 years, presented with bilateral, symmetrical, asymptomatic, sessile, moderately firm, or soft (n = 2) masses of the lateral posterior hard palate; two were isolated to the tuberosities. All masses were normal in color, with smooth, non‐ulcerated surfaces and occasional surface nodularity. Underlying bone was radiographically normal, and adjacent teeth were asymptomatic. All masses originated from supra‐periosteal tissues over palatal bone, only secondarily extending to gingivae and/or crestal tuberosity. Cases were present between 4 months and 15 years, with no familial or environmental etiologies identified. Histopathologically, masses were comprised of dense, avascular fibrous tissue with scattered thick bands of collagen. Surface epithelium showed occasional long, thin, sometimes pointed rete processes, and subepithelial stroma contained scattered large, angular fibroblasts. Conservative surgical excision appeared curative in all cases.

Conclusions

The present investigators propose SPF as the most accurate name for this rare entity.
Eastphalia Revisited: The Potential Contribution of Eastphalia to Post‐Westphalian Possibilities
Authors: Kim Sung Won
Published: December 2018

The rise of Asia in world politics has been inviting heated questions about what implications Asian countries may have for international law and global governance. Whether it will be a blessing or a curse, Asian countries are requested to take their positions toward post‐Westphalian possibilities. Once the main target of Western imperialism and colonialism, Asian countries have been waiting a considerable amount of time to mark their distinctive voices in world politics. With material capabilities, such as rapid economic growth and cutting‐edge technologies, Asian countries attempt to shape international governance structure according to their interests, ideologies, and philosophies. In this course, Eastphalia, which is suggested as an alternative governance system to supplant the Westphalian system, is strongly advocated by powerful Asian countries, including China. However, it is not desirable to understand that Eastphalia only stresses the interests of Asian countries and peoples. Eastphalia is not coined for the interests of Asian countries and peoples only. To the contrary, Eastphalia is crafted to inform Asian countries of what path should be taken to materialize post‐Westphalian possibilities. The successful transition from Westphalia to Eastphalia ultimately depends on whether Eastphalia could actively reflect post‐Westphalian possibilities, especially protection and promotion of human rights under the idea of human security.
Development of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus‐based vectors for multiple‐gene expression and guide RNA delivery in plant genome editing
Authors: Jiang Ning , Zhang Chao , Liu Jun‐Ying , Guo Zhi‐Hong , Zhang Zong‐Ying , Han Cheng‐Gui , Wang Ying
Published: December 2018

Many plant viruses with monopartite or bipartite genomes have been developed as efficient expression vectors of foreign recombinant proteins. Nonetheless, due to lack of multiple insertion sites in these plant viruses, it is still a big challenge to simultaneously express multiple foreign proteins in single cells. The genome of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) offers an attractive system for expression of multiple foreign proteins owning to a multipartite genome composed of five positive‐stranded RNAs. Here, we have established a BNYVV full‐length infectious cDNA clone under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. We further developed a set of BNYVV‐based vectors that permit efficient expression of four recombinant proteins, including some large proteins with lengths up to 880 amino acids in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana and native host sugar beet plants. These vectors can be used to investigate the subcellular co‐localization of multiple proteins in leaf, root and stem tissues of systemically infected plants. Moreover, the BNYVV‐based vectors were used to deliver NbPDS guide RNAs for genome editing in transgenic plants expressing Cas9, which induced a photobleached phenotype in systemically infected leaves. Collectively, the BNYVV‐based vectors will facilitate genomic research and expression of multiple proteins, in sugar beet and related crop plants.
Constitutive expression of a stabilized transcription factor group VII ethylene response factor enhances waterlogging tolerance in wheat without penalizing grain yield
Authors: Wei Xuening , Xu Huijun , Rong Wei , Ye Xingguo , Zhang Zengyan
Published: December 2018

Waterlogging causes oxygen deprivation within plant roots and affects crop growth and yield. In crop wheat (Triticum aestivum), molecular responses to waterlogging are poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome‐wide analysis of group VII ethylene response factor (ERFVII) genes in hexaploid wheat and identified 25 genes, which were induced by waterlogging with diverse manner. Among them, TaERFVII.1 exhibited differential expression patterns between waterlogging‐tolerant wheat Nonglin46 and susceptible wheat Yangmai16 under waterlogging. Constitutive expression of TaERFVII.1 with an MYC‐peptide tag at its N terminus in wheat enhanced tolerance to waterlogging as evidenced by increased grain weight per plant, survival rate, and chlorophyll content of leaves and by increased expression of waterlogging‐responsive genes, while silencing of TaERFVII.1 compromised the expression of waterlogging‐responsive genes. Notably, constitutive expression of the stabilized TaERFVII.1 did not negatively impact both plant development and grain yield under standard conditions. We further demonstrated that constitutive expression of stabilized TaERFVII.1 elevated the transcriptional level of TaSAB18.1, the ortholog of Arabidopsis HRA1 and rice SAB18, consequently reduced the expression of waterlogging‐responsive genes under standard conditions. These results suggest that TaERFVII.1 plays an important role in wheat tolerance to waterlogging, and it could be a candidate for improving crop waterlogging tolerance.
Omentin‐1 level in adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Özgen İlker Tolga , Oruçlu Şüera , Selek Sahabettin , Kutlu Esra , Guzel Gülsüm , Cesur Yaşar
Published: December 2018

Background

Adipokines have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Omentin is an adipokine secreted essentially by visceral adipose tissue with an insulin‐sensitizing effect. Insulin resistance (IR) is a common feature of PCOS, therefore the aim of this study was to investigate omentin‐1 level in adolescent girls with PCOS and its relationship with IR and androgens.

Method

A total of 41 obese girls with PCOS, and 30 age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched obese girls without PCOS were enrolled in the study. The demographic, clinic and laboratory characteristics of the groups were compared. Additionally, bivariate correlation analysis of omentin‐1 with BMI standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS), insulin, glucose, homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR), total and free testosterone was performed.

Results

In the PCOS group HOMA‐IR, free and total testosterone were higher than in the control group. Omentin‐1 was lower in the PCOS group compared with the controls (55.01 ± 7.99 ng/mL vs 59.10 ± 7.02 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.027). Omentin‐1 was inversely correlated with free testosterone (r = −0.527, P = 0.030) and BMI‐SDS (r = −0.241, P = 0.046) but it was not correlated with total testosterone, HOMA‐IR, glucose, insulin or serum lipids.

Conclusion

Omentin‐1 was lower in obese girls with PCOS and hyperandrogenism was associated with this condition.
Identification of Brassica accessions resistant to ‘old’ and ‘new’ pathotypes of Plasmodiophora brassicae from Canada
Authors: Fredua‐Agyeman R. , Hwang S. F. , Strelkov S. E. , Zhou Q. , Manolii V. P. , Feindel D.
Published: December 2018

Genetic resistance is the main tool used to manage clubroot of canola (Brassica napus) in Canada. However, the emergence of new virulent strains of the clubroot pathogen, Plasmodiophora brassicae, has complicated canola breeding efforts. In this study, 386 Brassica accessions were screened against five single‐spore isolates (represented by pathotypes 2F, 3H, 5I, 6M and 8N on the Canadian Clubroot Differential Set) and 17 field isolates (represented by 12 unique pathotypes: 2B, 3A, 3D, 3O, 5C, 5G, 5K, 5L, 5X, 8E, 8J and 8P) of P. brassicae to identify resistance sources effective against these strains. The results showed that one B. rapa accession (CDCNFG‐046, mean index of disease (ID) = 3.3%) and two B. nigra accessions (CDCNFG‐263, mean ID = 3.1%; and CDCNFG‐262, mean ID = 4.7%) possessed excellent resistance to all 22 of the isolates evaluated. Fifty other accessions showed differential clubroot reactions (resistant, moderately resistant or susceptible), including 27 (one B. napus, two B. rapa, four B. oleracea and 20 B. nigra) accessions that were each resistant to 8–21 P. brassicae isolates, but developed mean IDs in the range of 5.3–29.6%. The remaining 23 accessions (two B. napus, one B. rapa, five B. oleracea and 15 B. nigra) were each resistant to 3–13 isolates, but developed mean IDs in the range of 30.3–47.0%. The three accessions that showed absolute resistance and the 50 accessions that showed differential clubroot reactions could be used to breed for resistance to the new P. brassicae strains.
Detection of brain amyloid‐β deposits due to the repetitive head trauma in a former karate player
Authors: Takahashi Masato , Yasuno Fumihiko , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Kitamura Soichiro , Yoshikawa Hiroaki , Yamamoto Akihide , Iida Hidehiro , Fukuda Tetsuya , Ihara Masafumi , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: December 2018

Head trauma is a well‐established epidemiological risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but a study of early detection of its pathology has not yet been performed in human patients in vivo. To address this issue, we performed 11C‐labelled Pittsburgh compound B‐positron emission tomography on a right‐handed 30‐year‐old man with cognitive deterioration after repetitive head trauma during karate matches. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was also performed on this patient. The same positron emission tomography analysis was performed on elderly healthy controls (15 men, mean age: 70.7 ± 6.2 years). To analyze grey matter volume, structural magnetic resonance imaging was performed on age‐matched healthy controls (15 men, mean age: 28.5 ± 3.6 years). The cognitive deterioration in our patient was fixed and partially improved in the 10 years after the repetitive head trauma. However, Pittsburgh compound B‐non‐displaceable binding potential was significantly elevated in the patient. Volume reduction was shown in the medial temporal region, cerebellum, and the basal frontal cortex, while amyloid‐β increase was shown in the bilateral prefrontal cortex. This is the first study to show an early degenerative process due to head trauma in the prefrontal cortex, where structural damage is not yet visible. Early recognition of the degenerative pathology due to repetitive head trauma by amyloid and possibly tau imaging would help clinicians determine how to treat those with early symptoms.
The Use of Telematics Devices to Improve Automobile Insurance Rates
Authors: Guillen Montserrat , Nielsen Jens Perch , Ayuso Mercedes , Pérez‐Marín Ana M.
Published: December 2018

Most automobile insurance databases contain a large number of policyholders with zero claims. This high frequency of zeros may reflect the fact that some insureds make little use of their vehicle, or that they do not wish to make a claim for small accidents in order to avoid an increase in their premium, but it might also be because of good driving. We analyze information on exposure to risk and driving habits using telematics data from a pay‐as‐you‐drive sample of insureds. We include distance traveled per year as part of an offset in a zero‐inflated Poisson model to predict the excess of zeros. We show the existence of a learning effect for large values of distance traveled, so that longer driving should result in higher premiums, but there should be a discount for drivers who accumulate longer distances over time due to the increased proportion of zero claims. We confirm that speed limit violations and driving in urban areas increase the expected number of accident claims. We discuss how telematics information can be used to design better insurance and to improve traffic safety.
Timing and duration of paternal migration and the educational attainment of left‐behind children: Evidence from rural China
Authors: Wang Sophie Xuefei
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the relationship between the migration of men from rural China and the educational attainment of their left‐behind children. The importance of migratory timing and duration are addressed. Using survey data, the study found that compared with rural children of nonmigrant parents, rural children of migrant fathers have a lower probability of being enrolled in school. In addition, the relationship between migratory timing, duration, and school enrollment shows an interesting pattern; children whose fathers migrated when they were infants are more likely to be enrolled in school, but children whose fathers migrated before their birth or after they reached school age are less likely to be enrolled in school. Possible explanations for this pattern are provided.
A Bayesian Model-Free Approach to Combination Therapy Phase I Trials Using Censored Time-to-Toxicity Data
Authors: Wheeler Graham M. , Sweeting Michael J. , Mander Adrian P.
Published: December 2018

The product of independent beta probabilities escalation design for dual agent phase I dose escalation trials is a Bayesian model-free approach for identifying multiple maximum tolerated dose combinations of novel combination therapies. Despite only being published in 2015, the design has been implemented in at least two oncology trials. However, these trials require patients to have completed follow-up before clinicians can make dose escalation decisions. For trials of radiotherapy or advanced therapeutics, this may lead to impractically long trial durations due to late-onset treatment-related toxicities. We extend the product of independent probabilities escalation design to use censored time-to-event toxicity outcomes for making dose escalation decisions. We show via comprehensive simulation studies and sensitivity analyses that trial duration can be reduced by up to 35%, particularly when recruitment is faster than expected, without compromising on other operating characteristics.
Detecting Weak Dependence in Computer Network Traffic Patterns by Using Higher Criticism
Authors: Price-Williams Matthew , Heard Nick , Rubin-Delanchy Patrick
Published: December 2018

To perform robust statistical anomaly detection in cybersecurity, we must build realistic models of the traffic patterns within a computer network. It is therefore important to understand the dependences between the large number of routinely interacting communication pathways within such a network. Pairs of interacting nodes in any directed communication network can be modelled as point processes where events in a process indicate information being sent between two nodes. For two processes A and B denoting the interactions between two distinct pairs of computers, called edges, we wish to assess whether events in A trigger events then to occur in B. A test is introduced to detect such dependence when only a subset of the events in A exhibit a triggering effect on process B; this test will enable us to detect even weakly correlated edges within a computer network graph. Since computer network events occur as a high frequency data stream, we consider the asymptotics of this problem as the number of events goes to ∞, while the proportion exhibiting dependence goes to 0, and examine the performance of tests that are provably consistent in this framework. An example of how this method can be used to detect genuine causal dependences is provided by using real world event data from the enterprise computer network of Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Dose Individualization and Variable Selection by Using the Bayesian Lasso in Early Phase Dose Finding Trials
Authors: Kakurai Yasuyuki , Kaneko Shuhei , Hamada Chikuma , Hirakawa Akihiro
Published: December 2018

Recommended phase 2 doses for some drugs may differ according to a patient's clinical or genetic characteristics. We develop a new method that determines the individualized optimal dose according to patterns of patient covariates and selects the covariates that are associated with efficacy and toxicity in early phase trials for evaluating multiple patient covariates of interest. To address the difficulty of high dimensional estimation of model parameters with a limited sample size, we propose the use of the Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, which is a penalized regression approach. We demonstrate the potential utility of this proposed method through various simulation studies.
Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield, soil nutrients and enzyme activities
Authors: Akhtar Kashif , Wang Weiyu , Khan Ahmad , Ren Guangxin , Zaheer Sajjad , Sial Tanveer A. , Feng Yongzhong , Yang Gaihe
Published: December 2018

Field experiments were conducted to study soil properties, soil enzymes activities, water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity after six years of soya bean straw mulching in the semi‐arid conditions of China. The experiment included four treatments: CK (Control), N (240 kg N ha‐1), H (soya bean straw mulching at half rate 700 kg ha‐1 with 240 kg N ha‐1) and F (soya bean straw mulching at full rate 1,400 kg ha‐1 with 240 kg N ha‐1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil labile organic carbon (LOC), soil available N (AN), available P (AP) and enzyme activities were analysed after wheat harvesting in 2016 and 2017. Results show that straw amounts had positive effects on the soil fertility indices being higher for treatment F. The SOC, LOC, AN, AP and enzyme activities (i.e. saccharase, urease and alkaline phosphatase) were in the order of F > H > N > CK. High wheat grain yield and WUE were observed for F treatment. A total of six years mulching along with 240 kg ha‐1 nitrogen fertilizer application is sufficient for wheat yield stability and improving soil properties except urease activities in the semi‐arid condition of China. However, the straw mulching amount should be further studied with minimum nitrogen fertilizer for an environment‐friendly and effective approach for improving the soil biological properties with adequate crop production on a sustainable basis in the semi‐arid region of China.
Exploring gene tree incongruence at the origin of ants and bees (Hymenoptera)
Authors: Camacho Gabriela P. , Pie Marcio R. , Feitosa Rodrigo M. , Barbeitos Marcos S.
Published: December 2018

The fact that different phylogenomic data sets can lead to highly supported but inconsistent results suggest that conflict among gene trees in real data sets could be severe. We provide here a detailed exploration of gene tree space to investigate the relationships in Hymenoptera based on data obtained by Johnson et al. (Current Biology, 2013, 23, 2058), in which ants and Apoidea (bees and spheciform wasps) were recovered as sister groups, contradicting previous studies. We found high levels of topological variation among gene trees, several of them disagreeing with previously published hypotheses. To profile the dynamics of emerging support versus conflicting signal in combined analysis of data, we employed a novel method based on the incremental addition of randomized data to coalescence‐based phylogenetic inference. Although the monophyly of Aculeata and of Formicidae were consistently recovered using as little as 6.5% of the 308 available markers, signal for the Formicidae + Apoidea clade prevailed only after more than 50% of the loci were sampled. Still, non‐negligible support for alternative hypotheses remained until all genes were added to the analysis. Our results suggest that phylogenetic conflict is rather pervasive and not scattered as noise across individual gene trees because alternative topologies were recovered not from a specific subset, but from several random combinations of loci. Thus, even though phylogenetic signal recovered from full gene data sets was already dominant in much smaller ensembles, large amounts of data may be indeed necessary to overcome phylogenetic conflict.
OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EXO-POLYGALACTURONASE BY Aspergillus niger CULTURED VIA SOLID STATE FERMENTATION
Authors: Pagarra Halifah , A. Rahman Roshanida , Wan Azelee Nur Izyan , Md Illias Rosli
Published: December 2018

Polygalacturonases represent an important member of pectinases group of enzymes with immense industrial applications. The activity of exo-polygalacturonase produced by Aspergillus niger was studied in solid state fermentation (SSF) using Nephrolepis biserrata leaves as substrate. Central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize four significant variables resulted from the screening process that has been initially analyzed for the production of exo-polygalacturonase which are incubation time, temperature, concentration of pectin and moisture content. The optimum exo-polygalacturonase production obtained was 54.64 U/g at 120 hours of incubation time, temperature at 340C, 5.0 g/L of pectin concentration and 75.26% of moisture content. For partial characterization of exo-polygalacturonase, the optimum temperature and pH were obtained at 50°C and pH 4.0, respectively. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that molecular weight of exo-polygalacturonase were 35 and 71 kDa. This study has revealed a significant production of exo-polygalacturonase by A. niger under SSF using cheap and easily available substrate and thus could found immense potential application in industrial sectors and biotechnology
SIMULATION AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ON THE PARAMETER OF NON-TARGETED IRRADIATION EFFECTS MODEL
Authors: Nasir Muhamad Hanis , Siam Fuaada Mohd
Published: December 2018

Real-life situations showed damage effects on non-targeted cells located in the vicinity of an irradiation region, due to danger signal molecules released by the targeted cells. This effect is widely known as radiation-induced bystander effects (RIBE). The purpose of this paper is to model the interaction of non-targeted cells towards bystander factors released by the irradiated cells by using a system of structured ordinary differential equations. The mathematical model and its simulations are presented in this paper. In the model, the cells are grouped based on the number of double-strand breaks (DSBs) and mis-repair DSBs because the DSBs are formed in non-targeted cells. After performing the model's simulations, the analysis continued with sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis will determine which parameter in the model is the most sensitive to the survival fraction of non-targeted cells. The proposed mathematical model can explain the survival fraction of non-targeted cells affected by the bystander factors.
APPLICATION OF CARBAMIDE AS FOAMING AGENT OF FE-MN-C ALLOY FOR DEGRADABLE BIOMATERIAL CANDIDATE WITH POWDER METALLURGY PROCESS
Authors: Pratesa Yudha , Suharno Bambang , Wardhana Aufandra Cakra , Harjanto Sri
Published: December 2018

The foam-structured metal has many advantages as a bone implants such as low density, lightweight and adequate surface roughness for cell attachment. An agent is often required to make porosity in the faam structured material, it called as a foaming agent. Carbonate powder usually uses because it can quickly decompose into a gas that forms a porosity. However, the final product is an irregular porosity which reduces the mechanical properties of materials. This study proposes carbamide as a foaming agent by the method of Sintering and Dissolution Process (SDP). This study was conducted by adding 5% and 10% weight percent of carbamide to Fe-35Mn-0,5C in an argon atmosphere in temperature 1100°C. Addition more content of carbamide resulted in lowering density to 3.73 gr/cm3 and porosity about 52%. It produces spherical porosity with size within the range of carbamide diameter (1 mm). Phases of 5% and 10% carbamide samples are Austenite, Ferrite, and MnO2. The carbamide is also completely removed from the final product which safe for the toxicity issue.
MECHANICAL, THERMAL AND DURABLE PERFORMANCE OF WASTES SAWDUST AS COARSE AGGREGATE REPLACEMENT IN CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE
Authors: Huseien Gassan Fahim , Memon Ruhal Pervez , Kubba Ziyad , Mohd Sam Abdul Rahaman , Asaad Mohammad Ali , Mirza Jahangir , Memon Uroosa
Published: December 2018

Wood yields a number of by-products and Sawdust is as useful as others. Sawdust is regarded as a waste material and is effectively utilised as sawdust concrete in the construction of buildings. It is capable to be utilised as light-weight concrete and holds the quality of long duration heat transfer. In this study, three different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) volume mix proportions of cement to sawdust were adopted to make sawdust concrete. At varied intervals of 7, 28 and 56 days of air curing, thermal and mechanical properties like workability, density, elastic modulus, strength and heat transfer were probed of mentioned sawdust concrete proportions. The resistance to elevated temperatures was also evaluated after 28 days of age; weight loss, residual compressive strength, surface texture and ultrasonic pulse velocity were considered in evaluation process. The findings showed that increase in sawdust volume affected to decrease the workability, strength and elevated temperatures resistance. However, the concrete having higher proportion of sawdust performed competently and well in terms of thermal conductivity. Moreover, a decrease in the heat transfer of sawdust was also observed. Examining the all-embracing mechanical and physical properties, sawdust can be effectively utilised in the construction of buildings.
A Corpus-based Study of Reformulation Markers across Different Disciplines
Authors: Alipour Mohammad , Saadatidust Anis
Published: December 2018

This study presents a corpus-based study of reformulation markers as a common metadiscourse device in research articles of three different disciplines, namely, applied linguistics, computer engineering, and physics. Toward this end, qualitative and quantitative analyses of reformulation devices were conducted. Three sub-corpora were compiled by downloading articles from academic journals of each discipline selected via convenience sampling. Each corpus included approximately one million words. All the analyses were conducted through employing Murillo’s (2004, 2007) classification which consists of three broad categories: explicit meaning functions (identification, specification, and explanation), conceptual meaning functions (definition and denomination), and implicit meaning functions (conclusion and mathematical operation). Chi-square tests were performed to determine whether the results found in the analysis were statistically significant. The results revealed that there were differences between the functions of reformulation markers (RMs) across different disciplines. In particular, the three disciplines differ in terms of their types, and functions, and writers of physics research articles (RAs) use RMs much more frequently than writers of applied linguistics and computer engineering RAs. In light of the findings, recommendations are made for EAP classes.
Inverse problem of the Holling-Tanner model and its solution
Authors: Adeniji Adejimi Adesola , Fedotov Igor , Shatalov Michael Y.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we undertake to consider the inverse problem of parameter identification of nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations for a specific case of complete information about solution of the Holling-Tanner model for finite number of points for the finite time interval. In this model the equations are nonlinearly dependent on the unknown parameters. By means of the proposed transformation the obtained equations become linearly dependent on new parameters functionally dependent on the original ones. This simplification is achieved by the fact that the new set of parameters becomes dependent and the corresponding constraint between the parameters is nonlinear. If the conventional approach based on introduction of the Lagrange multiplier is used this circumstance will result in a nonlinear system of equations. A novel algorithm of the problem solution is proposed in which only one nonlinear equation instead of the system of six nonlinear equations has to be solved. Differentiation and integration methods of the problem solution are implemented and it is shown that the integration method produces more accurate results and uses less number of points on the given time interval.
Reorganization of the Vimentin Network in Smooth Muscle
Authors: Tang Dale D. , Liao Guoning , Gerlach Brennan D.
Published: December 2018

Vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs) link to desmosomes (intercellular junctions) on the membrane and dense bodies in the cytoplasm, which provides a structural base for intercellular and intracellular force transmission in smooth muscle. There is evidence to suggest that the vimentin framework plays an important role in mediating smooth muscle mechanical properties such as tension and contractile responses. Contractile activation induces vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 and vimentin network reorientation, facilitating contractile force transmission among and within smooth muscle cells. p21-activated kinase 1 and polo-like kinase 1 catalyze vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56, whereas type 1 protein phosphatase dephosphorylates vimentin at this residue. Vimentin filaments are also involved in other cell functions including migration and nuclear positioning. This review recapitulates our current knowledge how the vimentin network modulates mechanical and biological properties of smooth muscle.
Design and Structural Analysis of the Sun Ray Double Axis Tracking Device
Authors: Zhang Shanwen , Li Chong , Zhang Jianfeng , Miao Hong , Zhang Yanjun
Published: December 2018

To improve the solar energy utilization in the photovoltaic power, the sun ray double axis tracking device is designed and its tracking method is introduced. Using the finite element method, the parameterized analysis model is built and the static calculation is performed in different conditions for the device. The design feasibility of the device is verified by evaluating the stress. The lightweight of the device is made on the premise that the design satisfies the intensity and this provides the basis for manufacturing the prototype. The sun's rays tracing experiment is carried out by the prototype. Results show that the device design is reasonable and meets the design requirements; the key working conditions for the solar tracking design are found; the lightweight is obvious and the weight is reduced by 14%; the average errors of azimuth angle and height angle are within 5 deg; compared with the fixed device, the increasing proportion of solar energy one day is up to 52.6%; and the device works steadily and has good mechanical properties.
Saponins of Dioscorea Nipponicae Inhibits IL-17A-Induced Changes in Biomechanical Behaviors of In Vitro Cultured Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Ming , Li Jingjing , Pan Yan , Liu Lei , Deng Linhong
Published: December 2018

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is one of the main pathologic features of bronchial asthma, which is largely attributable to enhanced contractile response of asthmatic airway smooth muscle. Although β2 adrenergic receptor agonists are commonly used to relax airway smooth muscle for treating AHR, there are side effects such as desensitization of long-term use. Therefore, it is desirable to develop alternative relaxant for airway smooth muscle, preferably based on natural products. One potential candidate is the inexpensive and widely available natural herb saponins of Dioscorea nipponicae (SDN), which has recently been reported to suppress the level of inflammatory factor IL-17A in ovalbumin-induced mice, thereby alleviating the inflammation symptoms of asthma. Here, we evaluated the biomechanical effect of SDN on IL-17A-mediated changes of cultured human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) in vitro. The stiffness and traction force of the cells were measured by optical magnetic twisting cytometry (OMTC), and Fourier transform traction microscopy (FTTM), respectively. The cell proliferation was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetry, the cell migration was measured by cell scratch test, and the changes of cell cytoskeleton were assessed by laser confocal microscopy. We found that the stiffness and traction force of HASMCs were enhanced along with the increases of IL-17A concentration and exposure time, and SDN treatment dose-dependently reduced these IL-17A-induced changes in cell mechanical properties. Furthermore, SDN alleviated IL-17A-mediated effects on HASMCs proliferation, migration, and cytoskeleton remodeling. These results demonstrate that SDN could potentially be a novel drug candidate as bronchodilator for treating asthma-associated AHR.
Point-of-care ultrasound in management of gallstone ileus – a case report
Authors: Rotaru Magda Iuliana , Necula Alexandru Horia , Caraiani Cosmin Nicolae , Badea Alexandru Florin , Tantau Marcel Vasile , Badea Radu Ion
Published: December 2018

Point-of-care ultrasound has become of utmost importance in the management of critically ill patients, changing everyday clinical practice. With this case report, we highlight the role of abdominal ultrasound in the management of elderly patientswith gallstone ileus (a rare cause of intestinal obstructions caused by a cholecysto-duodenal fistula) and with contraindications for contrast-enhanced CT scan.
5-oxoETE triggers nociception in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome through MAS-related G protein–coupled receptor D
Authors: Bautzova Tereza , Hockley James R. F. , Perez-Berezo Teresa , Pujo Julien , Tranter Michael M. , Desormeaux Cleo , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , Basso Lilian , Le Faouder Pauline , Rolland Corinne , Malapert Pascale , Moqrich Aziz , Eutamene Helene , Denadai-Souza Alexandre , Vergnolle Nathalie , Smith Ewan St John , Hughes David I. , Barbara Giovanni , Dietrich Gilles , Bulmer David C. , Cenac Nicolas
Published: December 2018

Sensory neurons expressing the GPCR Mrgprd mediate the effects of a bioactive lipid to cause abdominal pain.
Role of the body mass index in the genesis of ascites in ovarian cancer: a forensic case and review of the literature
Authors: Aquila Isabella , Ricci Pietrantonio , Oliverio Alessandra , Gratteri Santo
Published: December 2018

The ovarian tumour is the seventh female cancer for incidence. In the advanced stages of cancer, tumour cells nourish on the peritoneal serous causing carcinomatosis and peritoneal function abnormalities with liquid build-up inside it. Ascites from peritoneal carcinomatosis is common in patients with ovarian cancer. An obese woman suffering from ovarian cancer was found dead in her home from secondary cardio-respiratory arrest due to Multiple Organ Failure (MOF). An autopsy was performed. The abdominal incision showed an ascitic fluid outflow about 20 litres in volume and a flood about one metre and half. An association between obesity and intraperitoneal fluid volume secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis has been demonstrated. This finding could improve the prognosis of patients through actions aimed to reduce body weight.
Independent predictors for longer radiographic resolution in patients with refractoryMycoplasma pneumoniaepneumonia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Lizhen , Huang Xia , Jiang Wujiang , Zhang Rong , Yan Yongdong , Huang Li
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To examine prospectively the radiographic clearance of refractoryMycoplasma pneumoniaepneumonia (RMPP) in immunocompetent children, and to identify independent predictors of time to complete radiographic resolution in patients with RMPP.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, China.

Participants

A total of 187 patients with RMPP treated with bronchoscopy were prospectively enrolled in the study between January 2012 and December 2015.

Methods

Serial chest radiographs were obtained after discharge every 4 weeks up to a maximum of 24 weeks after diagnosis or until large infiltration on chest radiographs had resolved. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of time to complete radiographic resolution.

Results

Of the 187 patients with RMPP, bronchial mucus plug formation was detected in 73 (39.0%). C reactive protein (CRP) ≥50 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥480 U/L, total fever duration ≥10 days and presence of mucus plugs were associated with longer time to radiographic clearance (all p<0.01). Compared with children without mucus plugs, those with mucus plugs were significantly more likely to have longer time to radiographic clearance (adjusted OR: 11.5; 95% CI 2.5 to 45.7; p<0.01).

Conclusion

Clinicians might use duration of fever, CRP, LDH and presence of mucus plugs as parameters to identify children at a longer time to radiographic clearance in patients with RMPP.
Influencing factors of the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhang Chuncao , Yu Guangjun , Hu Xiangying , Pu Zheng , Ma Liyu
Published: December 2018

Background

High-risk infants refer to newborns exposed to high-risk factors in the prenatal, natal or postnatal period. High-risk infants are at high risk of developmental retardation, and early identification of developmental abnormalities plays a vital role in improving high-risk infants’ quality of life.

Aims

To describe the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants aged less than 1 year old, and to analyse the incidences and influencing factors of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in order to provide a basis for neurodevelopment monitoring and management of high-risk infants.

Methods

High-risk infants born between January 2016 and December 2016 in the maternity and infant health hospitals of three districts in Shanghai were followed up. The Gesell Developmental Scale was used to assess the neurodevelopmental level at the time of recruitment (0–2 months) and at 9 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the influencing factors were conducted.

Results

484 high-risk infants (male 51%, female 49%) with an average gestation age of 36.5±2.2 weeks were recruited. At the time of recruitment, the average age was 2.1 (0.8) months, and the developmental quotient (DQ) scores of full-term high-risk infants in motor (t=3.542,p=0.001), cognitive (t=3.125,p=0.002), language (t=3.189,p=0.002) and social (t=3.316,p=0.001) areas were higher than those of preterm infants. The incidences of developmental abnormalities of full-term high-risk infants in motor (χ2=9.452,p=0.002), cognitive (χ2=6.258,p=0.012), language (χ2=12.319,p=0.001) and social (χ2=6.811,p=0.009) areas were lower than the preterm infants. At 9 months, there was no difference in the DQ scores and incidences of developmental abnormalities in four areas between full-term and preterm high-risk infants, and the incidence of developmental abnormalities was around 10%.

Conclusion

The incidence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in high-risk infants aged less than 1 year old is high. Preterm birth and parental bad habits are significant factors affecting the neurodevelopment. Monitoring and early interventions help to improve high-risk infants’ neurodevelopment.