bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LED illumination and plant growth regulators’ effects on growth and phenolic acids accumulation in Moluccella laevis L. in vitro cultures
Authors: Zielińska Sylwia , Piątczak Ewelina , Kozłowska Weronika , Bohater Aleksandra , Jezierska-Domaradzka Anna , Kolniak-Ostek Joanna , Matkowski Adam
Published: April 2020

Moluccella laevis L. (Lamiaceae) is an annual ornamental plant, naturally occurring in the areas of Western and Central Asia (Irano-Turanian area). It is a popular ornamental species, but its phytochemical profile remains poorly studied. This study presents the first report on in vitro cultures of M. laevis. The influence of two types of illumination and plant growth regulators (PGRs) supplementation on the morphogenetic response and the content of phenolic compounds were examined. Shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) solid basal medium. White light or photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) as well as three concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) 2, 3 or 4 µM and one of the three auxins: 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram—PIC) at concentration of 0.5 µM were used for shoot proliferation. The highest number of axillary shoots per explant (3.4) was obtained for shoots grown on MS medium supplemented with 3-µM BA and 0.5-μM NAA under PAR light. However, the effect of PGRs treatment on shoot growth and development was stronger than the influence of light. The phytochemical analysis using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry allowed identification of four hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, ferulic, rosmarinic, chlorogenic) and two cyanidin glycosides (cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, and cyanidin 3-O-malonylglucoside) in shoot clusters and callus tissue.
Effect of the extracellular component of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells from healthy donors on hematologic neoplasms and their angiogenesis
Authors: Gladkova Nina , Umezu Tomohiro , Imanishi Satoshi , Kawana Chiaki , Ohyashiki Junko H. , Ohyashiki Kazuma
Published: April 2020

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) from healthy donors are a promising source of cell therapy. However, their effectiveness in cancer remains less known. This study is the first to evaluate the quality of BM-MSCs obtained from young and elderly healthy volunteers (KNT cells). The KNT cells had normal karyotypes and were positive for MSC markers (CD90, CD73, CD105). When cultured under appropriate conditions, they showed adipogenic or osteogenic potential. Hence, the anti-neoplastic effects of secretory factors [supernatant or extracellular vesicles (EV)] from KNT cells were verified using several neoplastic cells (three multiple myeloma, three myeloid leukemia, and three lymphoma cell lines). The conditioned medium (CM), but not EV, of KNT cells derived from young healthy donors significantly inhibited myeloma and lymphoma cell proliferation, but enhanced myeloid leukemia proliferation. Anti-angiogenesis effect of CM and EV derived from young KNT against hematologic neoplasia-induced angiogenesis was evident and more prominent in CM than in EV but not evident in elderly KNT-derived EV. These findings indicate that the anti-tumor effect of KNT cells depends on the types of hematologic neoplasia, with elements existing in the supernatant and not in EVs. Therefore, BM-MSC may produce soluble factors that affect cell proliferation of neoplasia, causing cell-to-cell communication. The anti-angiogenesis effect of KNT cells depends on the age of BM-MSC donors.
Dilated Recurrent Neural Networks for Glucose Forecasting in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zhu Taiyu , Li Kezhi , Chen Jianwei , Herrero Pau , Georgiou Pantelis
Published: April 2020

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting 415 million people worldwide. People with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) need to self-administer insulin to maintain blood glucose (BG) levels in a normal range, which is usually a very challenging task. Developing a reliable glucose forecasting model would have a profound impact on diabetes management, since it could provide predictive glucose alarms or insulin suspension at low-glucose for hypoglycemia minimisation. Recently, deep learning has shown great potential in healthcare and medical research for diagnosis, forecasting and decision-making. In this work, we introduce a deep learning model based on a dilated recurrent neural network (DRNN) to provide 30-min forecasts of future glucose levels. Using dilation, the DRNN model gains a much larger receptive field in terms of neurons aiming at capturing long-term dependencies. A transfer learning technique is also applied to make use of the data from multiple subjects. The proposed approach outperforms existing glucose forecasting algorithms, including autoregressive models (ARX), support vector regression (SVR) and conventional neural networks for predicting glucose (NNPG) (e.g. RMSE = NNPG, 22.9 mg/dL; SVR, 21.7 mg/dL; ARX, 20.1 mg/dl; DRNN, 18.9 mg/dL on the OhioT1DM dataset). The results suggest that dilated connections can improve glucose forecasting performance efficiently.
Toward a Relational Approach? Common Models of Pious Women's Agency and Pious Feminist Autonomy in Turkey
Authors: Dokumacı Pınar
Published: April 2020

This article reviews the common models of pious women's agency in the literature with respect to pious feminist perceptions in Turkey, and calls for a relational approach to subjectivity and autonomy. After critically assessing individualistic models of pious women's autonomy as well as the main theoretical tenets of Saba Mahmood's landmark study on the women's piety movement in Egypt, I argue that previous models cannot fully explain the second stage of pious subjectivity-formation in the pious feminist narratives in Turkey, which combines habituation with informed choice. In the intersection of applied theory and ethnographic empirical research, my study posits the need for a relational reformulation of these common models that can account for (1) self-constitutive engagement with multiple discursive traditions, and (2) the importance of complex and interrelated webs of relationships. I suggest that Jennifer Nedelsky's relational self and relational autonomy and Kenneth Gergen's relational multi-being might provide a starting point for such an approach.
First record of the American cestodeProteocephalus ambloplitis(Leidy, 1887) (Proteocephalidae) in Europe
Authors: Kvach Y. , Seifertová M. , Carassou L. , Ondračková M.
Published: April 2020

Here, we report the first record of pleroceroids of the Nearctic tapewormProteocephalus ambloplitis(Leidy, 1887) in European fresh waters. The plerocercoids were found encapsulated in the internal organs of the invasive pumpkinseedLepomis gibbosus(Linnaeus, 1758) in a pond in Bègles Plage, Bordeaux, France. This parasite species was not observed inL. gibbosuscollected from two nearby localities, Bordeaux Lac and a pond in the Parc de Fontaudin. Species identification was confirmed using molecular data and morphological characteristics.
Camera-trap surveys reveal high diversity of mammals and pheasants in Medog, Tibet
Authors: Li Xueyou , Bleisch William V. , Liu Xinwu , Jiang Xuelong
Published: April 2020

Medog County lies within the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, but biodiversity in the region remains largely unexplored as there was no permanent road access until 2014. Here we present data from camera-trap surveys in five areas of Medog County, to ascertain the occurrence and occupancy of threatened wildlife species. With a total survey effort of 4,570 trap days we detected 23 medium and large terrestrial mammal species and six pheasant species, 13 of which are categorized as Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List and 19 of which are categorized as regionally threatened on the China Species Red List. Carnivora was the most diverse order, with 15 species recorded. Our study produced the first camera-trap photographic evidence of the Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris in China. In addition, we detected the dhole Cuon alpinus, golden cat Catopuma temminckii, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata and mainland clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, highlighting the conservation value of the region. The occupancy of muntjac Muntiacus spp. was high (52.7%), indicating prey for large carnivores was abundant. People, livestock and domestic dogs were also recorded frequently, suggesting the fauna are potentially threatened by human disturbance. In the light of recent development in the region, conservation efforts are urgently required, to prevent prey depletion and habitat degradation in this priority region for conservation.
WHO infant and young child feeding indicators in relation to anthropometric measurements
Authors: Al-Taiar Abdullah , Alqaoud Nawal , Hammoud Majeda S , Alanezi Faheema , Aldalmani Nawal , Subhakaran Monica
Published: April 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to report the WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators from Kuwait and to investigate the associations between these indicators and anthropometric measurements.

Design:

The Kuwait Nutritional Surveillance System uses observational cross-sectional approach to collects data by face-to-face interviews with mothers or child guardians using a structured questionnaire that was developed based on the WHO IYCF indicators. The weight and height of infants and young children were measured using digital scales in a standardised manner.

Setting:

Vaccination centres in all governorates (provinces) of Kuwait.

Participants:

Infants and young Kuwaiti children aged 0–23 months (N 5839).

Results:

The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate breastfeeding were 8·0 and 7·4 %, respectively. The prevalence of stunting and wasting was 7·5 and 2·4 %, respectively, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6·5 and 1·6 %, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate breastfeeding were more common in children with stunted growth (AOR 1·71 (95 % CI 1·08, 2·70; P = 0·021) and 1·44 (95 % CI 1·01, 2·06; P = 0·046), respectively). The introduction of solid/semisolid or soft foods was inversely associated with stunting (AOR 0·52; 95 % CI 0·30, 0·90; P = 0·021). Only age-appropriate breastfeeding was inversely associated with overweight (AOR 0·62; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·98; P = 0·043).

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that indicators of breastfeeding are low in Kuwait. Our findings suggest that the associations between different WHO IYCF indicators and stunting as well as overweight is complex, which highlights the need for a better understanding of WHO IYCF indicators in both low- and high-income countries.
‘Praise the Lord! We are a Musical Nation’: The Welsh Working Classes and Religious Singing
Authors: Barlow Helen
Published: April 2020

The title quotation from Under Milk Wood encapsulates a widely held belief in the innate musicality of the Welsh and its religious roots. These roots were put down deeply during the nineteenth century, in a huge expansion of choral and congregational singing across Wales and particularly in the industrial communities. This development has been described as ‘a democratic popular choral culture rooted in the lives of ordinary people’, and central to it was the cymanfa ganu, the mass hymn-singing festival. Choral and congregational singing, typified by the cymanfa ganu, underpinned the perception of Wales by the Welsh and by many non-Welsh people as ‘the land of song’.

Alongside this phenomenon ran the tradition of the plygain, a Welsh Christmas carol service. While the cymanfa developed in nonconformist chapels in the mid to late nineteenth century, and on a large – often massive – scale, the plygain is a tradition dating from a period much further back, when Welsh Christianity was Catholic; it belonged to agricultural workers rather than the industrial communities; and the singers sang in much smaller groups – often just twos or threes.

This article describes the nature and origins of these contrasting traditions, and looks at the responses of listeners both Welsh and non-Welsh, and the extent to which they perceived these practices as expressive of a peculiarly Welsh identity. It also considers some of the problems of gathering evidence of working-class responses, and how far the sources give an insight into working-class listening experiences.
Quasi‐Online Groundwater Model Optimization Under Constraints of Geological Consistency Based on Iterative Importance Sampling
Authors: Ramgraber Maximilian , Camporese Matteo , Renard Philippe , Salandin Paolo , Schirmer Mario
Published: April 2020

The increasing use of wireless sensor networks and remote sensing permits real‐time access to environmental observations. Data assimilation frameworks tap into such data streams to autonomously update and gradually improve numerical models. In hydrogeology, such methods are relevant in areas of long‐term interest in water quality and quantity, for example, in drinking water production. Unfortunately, accurate hydrogeological predictions often demand a degree of geological realism, which is difficult to reconcile with the operational limitations of many data assimilation frameworks. Alluvial aquifers, for example, are sometimes characterized by paleo‐channels of unknown extent and properties, which may act as preferential flow paths. Gradually optimizing such fields in real‐time or quasi‐real‐time settings is a formidable task. Besides subsurface properties, ill‐specified model forcings are a further source of predictive bias, which an optimizer could learn to compensate. In this study, we explore the use of a quasi‐online optimizer based on the iterative batch importance sampling framework for a groundwater model of a field site near Valdobbiadene, Italy. This site is characterized by the presence of paleo‐channels and heavily exploited for drinking water production and irrigation. We use Markov chain Monte Carlo steps to explore new parameterizations while maintaining consistency between states and parameters as well as conformance to a multipoint statistics training image. We also optimize a preprocessor designed to compensate for potential bias in the model forcing. We achieve promising and geologically consistent quasi‐real‐time optimization, albeit at the loss of parameter uncertainty.
Sedimentological Evidence for Pronounced Glacial‐Interglacial Climate Fluctuations in NE Tibet in the Latest Pliocene to Early Pleistocene
Authors: Lu Yin , Dewald Nico , Koutsodendris Andreas , Kaboth‐Bahr Stefanie , Rösler Wolfgang , Fang Xiaomin , Pross Jörg , Appel Erwin , Friedrich Oliver
Published: April 2020

The intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation (iNHG) and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau have been argued to be among the main drivers of climate change in midlatitude Central Asia during the Pliocene/Pleistocene. While most proxy records that support this hypothesis are from regions outside the Tibetan Plateau (such as from the Chinese Loess Plateau), detailed paleoclimatic information for the plateau itself during that time has yet remained elusive. Here we present a temporally highly resolved (~500 years) sedimentological record from the Qaidam Basin situated on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau that shows pronounced glacial‐interglacial climate variability during the interval from 2.7 to 2.1 Ma. Glacial (interglacial) intervals are generally characterized by coarser (finer) grain size, minima (maxima) in organic matter content, and maxima (minima) in carbonate content. Comparison of our results with Earth's orbital parameters and proxy records from the Chinese Loess Plateau suggests that the observed climate fluctuations were mainly driven by changes in the Siberian High/East Asian winter monsoon system as a response to the iNHG. They are further proposed to be enhanced by the topography of the Tibetan Plateau and its impact on the position and intensity of the westerlies.
An Adjoint Sensitivity Model for Transient Sequentially Coupled Radionuclide Transport in Porous Media
Authors: Hayek Mohamed , RamaRao Banda S. , Lavenue Marsh
Published: April 2020

We present an efficient mathematical/numerical adjoint sensitivity analysis model for transient radionuclide transport through heterogeneous porous media. This work extends our previous research on radionuclide transport in a steady‐state regime. Both continuous and discrete adjoint approaches have been developed in this current research. The mathematical equations associated with the adjoint system and required for the continuous approach have been derived. The methodology for deriving the discrete adjoint solution is also presented.

For the homogeneous case, the adjoint system for radionuclide decay chain is solved analytically. The four‐member decay chain (238Pu → 234U → 230Th → 226Ra) is considered for validation. The validity of the analytical adjoint sensitivity model has been shown using two illustrative examples associated with two performance measures. The analytical adjoint states are compared with calculated numerical results and show excellent agreements. The sensitivity coefficients are also computed numerically using the perturbation method. The numerical sensitivity coefficients successfully reproduce the analytically derived sensitivities based on adjoint states. The adjoint model has been coupled with a derivative‐based global sensitivity method and applied to a real field case involving the performance assessment of a site currently being considered for underground nuclear storage in northern Switzerland, Zürich Nordost. An illustrative case study of spent fuel and high‐level waste (SF/HLW) repository involving 6 radionuclides and 48 parameters has been considered for identifying the most important parameters with respect to the maximum radionuclide dose at the interface geosphere/biosphere. Based on the results of sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty of the maximum radionuclide dose has been performed using Monte Carlo simulations.
Shared genetic background between children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Rovira Paula , Demontis Ditte , Sánchez-Mora Cristina , Zayats Tetyana , Klein Marieke , Mota Nina Roth , Weber Heike , Garcia-Martínez Iris , Pagerols Mireia , Vilar-Ribó Laura , Arribas Lorena , Richarte Vanesa , Corrales Montserrat , Fadeuilhe Christian , Bosch Rosa , Martin Gemma Español , Almos Peter , Doyle Alysa E. , Grevet Eugenio Horacio , Grimm Oliver , Halmøy Anne , Hoogman Martine , Hutz Mara , Jacob Christian P. , Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Knappskog Per M. , Lundervold Astri J. , Rivero Olga , Rovaris Diego Luiz , Salatino-Oliveira Angelica , da Silva Bruna Santos , Svirin Evgeniy , Sprooten Emma , Strekalova Tatyana ,   ADHD Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   23andMe Research team, Arias-Vasquez Alejandro , Sonuga-Barke Edmund J. S. , Asherson Philip , Bau Claiton Henrique Dotto , Buitelaar Jan K. , Cormand Bru , Faraone Stephen V. , Haavik Jan , Johansson Stefan E. , Kuntsi Jonna , Larsson Henrik , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Reif Andreas , Rohde Luis Augusto , Casas Miquel , Børglum Anders D. , Franke Barbara , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni , Soler Artigas María , Ribasés Marta
Published: April 2020

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that persist into adulthood in the majority of the diagnosed children. Despite several risk factors during childhood predicting the persistence of ADHD symptoms into adulthood, the genetic architecture underlying the trajectory of ADHD over time is still unclear. We set out to study the contribution of common genetic variants to the risk for ADHD across the lifespan by conducting meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies on persistent ADHD in adults and ADHD in childhood separately and jointly, and by comparing the genetic background between them in a total sample of 17,149 cases and 32,411 controls. Our results show nine new independent loci and support a shared contribution of common genetic variants to ADHD in children and adults. No subgroup heterogeneity was observed among children, while this group consists of future remitting and persistent individuals. We report similar patterns of genetic correlation of ADHD with other ADHD-related datasets and different traits and disorders among adults, children, and when combining both groups. These findings confirm that persistent ADHD in adults is a neurodevelopmental disorder and extend the existing hypothesis of a shared genetic architecture underlying ADHD and different traits to a lifespan perspective.
The Ap-2α/Elk-1 axis regulates Sirpα-dependent tumor phagocytosis by tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaojiao , Luo Xi , Chen Chuan , Tang Ye , Li Lian , Mo Banghui , Liang Houjie , Yu Songtao
Published: April 2020

The inhibitory receptor signal regulatory protein-α (Sirpα) is a myeloid-specific immune checkpoint that engages the “don’t eat me” signal CD47, which is expressed on tumor and normal tissue cells. However, the profile and regulatory mechanism of Sirpα expression in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are still not clear. Here, we found that the expression of Sirpα in TAMs increased dynamically with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Mechanistically, CRC cell-derived lactate induced the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Ap-2α from the cytoplasm in TAMs. Ap-2α functioned as a transcription factor for Elk-1 by binding to the conserved element GCCTGC located at −1396/−1391 in the mouse Elk-1 promoter. Subsequently, the Elk-1 protein bound to two conserved sites, CTTCCTACA (located at −229/−221) and CTTCCTCTC (located at −190/−182), in the mouse Sirpα promoter and promoted Sirpα expression in TAMs. Functionally, the macrophage-specific knockout of Ap-2α notably promoted the phagocytic activity of TAMs and suppressed CRC progression, whereas these effects were prevented by the transgenic macrophage-specific expression of Elk-1, which regulated TAM phagocytosis and CRC development in a Sirpα-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that Elk-1 expression was positively correlated with Sirpα expression in TAMs and was associated with poor survival in CRC patients. Taken together, our findings revealed a novel mechanism through which CRC evades innate immune surveillance and provided potential targets for macrophage-based immunotherapy for CRC patients.
Genome-wide unique insertion sequences among five Brucella species and demonstration of differential identification of Brucella by multiplex PCR assay
Authors: Paul Soumya , Peddayelachagiri Bhavani Venkataswamachari , Gogoi Madhurjya , Nagaraj Sowmya , Ramlal Shylaja , Konduru Balakrishna , Batra Harsh V.
Published: April 2020

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by alpha proteobacterial genus Brucella comprising of facultative intracellular pathogenic species that can infect both animals and humans. In this study, we aimed to identify genome-wide unique insertion sequence (IS) elements among Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, B. ovis, B. suis and B. canis for use in species differentiation by conducting an intensive in silico-based comparative genomic analysis. As a result, 25, 27, 37, 86 and 3 unique ISs were identified respectively and they had a striking pattern of distribution among them. To explain, a particular IS would be present in four species with 100% identity whereas completely absent in the fifth species. However, flanking regions of that IS element would be highly identical and conserved in all five species. Species-specific primers designed on these flanking conserved regions resulted in two different amplicons grouping the species into two: one that possesses IS and the other that lacks it. Seeking for species-specific amplicon size for particular species was sufficient to identify it irrespective of biovar. A multiplex PCR developed using these primers resulted in successful differentiation of the five species irrespective of biovars with significant specificity and sensitivity when examined on clinical samples.
Jasmonic acid is not a biosynthetic intermediate to produce the pyrethrolone moiety in pyrethrin II
Authors: Matsui Ryo , Takiguchi Kisumi , Kuwata Naoshige , Oki Katsunari , Takahashi Kosaku , Matsuda Kazuhiko , Matsuura Hideyuki
Published: April 2020

Pyrethrum (Tanacetumcinerariifolium) produces insecticidal compounds known as pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are esters; the acid moiety is either trans-chrysanthemic acid or pyrethric acid and the alcohol moiety of pyrethrins is either pyrethrolone, cinerolone, or jasmolone. It was generally accepted that cis-jasmone was biosynthetic intermediate to produce the alcohol moieties of pyrethrin, and the biosynthetic origin of the cis-jasmone was postulated to be jasmonic acid. However, there was no direct evidence to prove this hypothesis. In order to uncover the origin of pyrethrolone moiety in pyrethrin II, feeding experiments were performed employing deuterium- and 13C-labeled compounds as substrates, and the expected labeled compounds were analyzed using UPLC MS/MS system. It was found that the pyrethrolone moiety in pyrethrin II was derived from 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), iso-OPDA and cis-jasmone but not from methyl jasmonate and 3-oxo-2-(2′-[Z]-pentenyl)-cyclopentane-1-hexanoic acid. The results supported that the biosynthesis of the pyrethrolone moiety in pyrethrin II partially used part of the jasmonic acid biosynthetic pathway, but not whole.
Exploration of singular and synergistic effect of xylitol and erythritol on causative agents of dental caries
Authors: Kõljalg Siiri , Smidt Imbi , Chakrabarti Anirikh , Bosscher Douwina , Mändar Reet
Published: April 2020

Non-cariogenic sweet substances, like sugar alcohols, are used to decrease the risk of caries by reducing the growth of dental plaque. The aim of our study was to reveal the impact of xylitol and erythritol on the growth and biofilm formation of cariogenic bacteria including as a novelty, set of clinical mutans streptococci and Scardovia wiggsiae and to assess the possible synergistic influence of these polyols. We found both xylitol and erythritol to express high growth inhibition effect on cariogenic bacteria. In synergistic effect experiments, 10% polyol combination with excess of erythritol was found to be more effective against growth of Streptococcus mutans and the combination with excess of xylitol more effective against growth of Streptococcus sobrinus and S. wiggsiae. In biofilm inhibition experiments, solutions of 10% polyols in different combinations and 15% single polyols were equally effective against mutans streptococci. At the same time, higher biofilm formation of S. wiggsiae compared to experiments without polyols was detected in different polyol concentrations for up to 34%. In conclusion, both erythritol and xylitol as well as their combinations inhibit the growth of different cariogenic bacteria. Biofilm formation of mutans streptococci is also strongly inhibited. When applying polyols in caries prophylaxis, it is relevant to consider that the profile of pathogens in a particular patient may influence the effect of polyols used.
Socially engaged calves are more likely to be colonised by VTEC O157:H7 than individuals showing signs of poor welfare
Authors: Tamminen Lena-Mari , Hranac C. Reed , Dicksved Johan , Eriksson Erik , Emanuelson Ulf , Keeling Linda J.
Published: April 2020

In cattle herds, the transmission and persistence of VTEC O157:H7 (a serotype of verotoxin-producingEscherichia coli– known for its life threatening complications in humans) is dependent on a small proportion of cattle who become colonised and shed high numbers of the bacteria. Reducing the proportion of these animals is considered key for decreasing the prevalence of VTEC O157:H7. In this study, observations of calf behaviour and animal-based welfare indicators were used to explore individual risk factors and underlying drivers of colonisation in Swedish dairy calves. Interdependencies between variables led to three different approaches being used to visualize and explore the associations. Combining the results of all methods revealed similar patterns and suggest that healthy animals, actively grooming and interacting with others calves in the group have a higher risk of colonisation than small dairy calves in poor condition (diarrhoea, poor ruminal fill, poor body condition score and nasal discharge). This lends no support to the hypothesis that reduced welfare is a risk factor for VTEC O157:H7, but implies that individual differences in calf behaviour affect oral exposure to the bacteria so driving the risk of colonisation. This new finding has important implications for understanding of VTEC O157:H7 transmission within farms.
Increased Risk of Infection-Related and All-Cause Death in Hypercalcemic Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: The Q-Cohort Study
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Arase Hokuto , Tokumoto Masanori , Taniguchi Masatomo , Yoshida Hisako , Nakano Toshiaki , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kitazono Takanari
Published: April 2020

Although hypercalcemia is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients, it remains unknown whether hypercalcemia increases the risk of infection-related death. A total of 2869 hemodialysis patients registered in the Q-Cohort Study, a multicenter, prospective cohort study of hemodialysis patients, were analyzed. The predictor was albumin-corrected serum calcium level at baseline. The main outcome was infection-related death. Death risk were estimated by multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard risk models and competing risk models. During the follow-up period of 4 years, 107 patients died of infection and 473 died of any cause. The patients were divided into four groups by the serum calcium level at baseline (G1, 5.7–8.9 mg/dL; G2, 9.0–9.4 mg/dL; G3, 9.5–9.9 mg/L; G4 10.0–16.5 mg/dL). In the multivariable-adjusted model, the incidence of infection-related death was significantly higher in the highest serum calcium group (G4) compared with the lowest serum calcium group (G1): hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.34 [1.35–4.04], P = 0.002. Furthermore, higher serum calcium level was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause death. In conclusion, our data suggest that a higher serum calcium level may be a risk factor for infection-related and all-cause death in hemodialysis patients.
Solvothermal synthesis of n-type Bi2(SexTe1−x)3 nanoplates for high-performance thermoelectric thin films on flexible substrates
Authors: Kimura Yuki , Mori Ryotaro , Yonezawa Susumu , Yabuki Hayato , Namiki Hiromasa , Ota Yuichi , Takashiri Masayuki
Published: April 2020

To improve thermoelectric performance of materials, the utilization of low-dimensional materials with a multi-alloy system is a promising approach. We report on the enhanced thermoelectric properties of n-type Bi2(SexTe1−x)3 nanoplates using solvothermal synthesis by tuning the composition of selenium (Se). Variation of the Se composition within nanoplates is demonstrated using X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. The calculated lattice parameters closely followed Vegard’s law. However, when the Se composition was extremely high, an impurity phase was observed. At a reduced Se composition, regular-hexagonal-shaped nanoplates with a size of approximately 500 nm were produced. When the Se composition was increased, the shape distribution became random with sizes more than 5 μm. To measure the thermoelectric properties, nanoplate thin films (NPTs) were formed on a flexible substrate using drop-casting, followed by thermal annealing. The resulting NPTs sufficiently adhered to the substrate during the bending condition. The electrical conductivity of the NPTs increased with an increase in the Se composition, but it rapidly decreased at an extremely high Se composition because of the presence of the impurity phase. As a result, the Bi2(SexTe1−x)3 NPTs exhibited the highest power factor of 4.1 μW/(cm∙K2) at a Se composition of x = 0.75. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the thermoelectric performance of Bi2(SexTe1−x)3 nanoplates can be improved by tuning the Se composition.
Evaluating the tradeoffs of a generalist parasitoid fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, on different sympatric ant hosts
Authors: Lin Wei-Jiun , Lee Yung-I , Liu Shao-Lun , Lin Chung-Chi , Chung Tan-Ya , Chou Jui-Yu
Published: April 2020

It is essential for the survival and reproduction of parasitoids to adapt to the fluctuating host resources. Phenotypic plasticity may enable a parasitoid species to successfully achieve its control over a range of host species to maximize fitness in different hosts that may each require dissimilar, possibly conflicting, specific adaptations. However, there is limited information on how the fitness effects of host switching partition into costs due to the novelty of host species, where unfamiliarity with host physiological and morphological changes and its anti-parasite defenses reduces parasitoid growth, survivorship and/or reproductive success. In this study, the parasitoid fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato was found to sympatrically infect a principal host ant species and other alternative sympatric hosts in the forest of central Taiwan. We herein report that the occurrence of ant infections by O. unilateralis s.l. shows spatial and temporal variation patterns on different host species. Results showed that the height from the ground to the leaf where the infected ants grip on, perithecia-forming ability, and growth rate of the stroma of the parasitoid fungus were dissimilar on different host species. These host range expansions not only related the fitness of O. unilateralis s.l. but also influenced the expression of extended phenotypic traits. Our findings revealed that a generalist parasitoid fungus suffered an evolutionary tradeoff between host breadth expansion and host-use efficiency.
Large Suspended Monolayer and Bilayer Graphene Membranes with Diameter up to 750 µm
Authors: Afyouni Akbari Shirin , Ghafarinia Vahid , Larsen Tom , Parmar Marsha M. , Villanueva Luis Guillermo
Published: April 2020

In this paper ultra clean monolayer and bilayer Chemical Vapor Deposited (CVD) graphene membranes with diameters up to 500 µm and 750 µm, respectively have been fabricated using Inverted Floating Method (IFM) followed by thermal annealing in vacuum. The yield decreases with size but we show the importance of choosing a good graphene raw material. Dynamic mechanical properties of the membranes at room temperature in different diameters are measured before and after annealing. The quality factor ranges from 200 to 2000 and shows no clear dependence on the size. The resonance frequency is inversely proportional to the diameter of the membranes. We observe a reduction of the effective intrinsic stress in the graphene, as well as of the relative error in the determination of said stress after thermal annealing. These measurements show that it is possible to produce graphene membranes with reproducible and excellent mechanical properties.
Chloroquine and bafilomycin A mimic lysosomal storage disorders and impair mTORC1 signalling
Authors: Fedele Anthony O. , Proud Christopher G.
Published: April 2020

Autophagy is dependent upon lysosomes, which fuse with the autophagosome to complete the autophagic process and whose acidic interior permits the activity of their intraluminal degradative enzymes. Chloroquine (CQ) and bafilomycin A1 (BafA) each cause alkalinisation of the lumen and thus impair lysosomal function, although by distinct mechanisms. CQ diffuses into lysosomes and undergoes protonation, while BafA inhibits the ability of the vacuolar type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase) to transfer protons into the lysosome. In the present study, we examine the impact of CQ and BafA on the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), inhibition of which is an early step in promoting autophagy. We find each compound inhibits mTORC1 signalling, without affecting levels of protein components of the mTORC1 signalling pathway. Furthermore, these effects are not related to these agents’ capacity to inhibit autophagy or the reduction in amino acid supply from lysosomal proteolysis. Instead, our data indicate that the reduction in mTORC1 signalling appears to be due to the accumulation of lysosomal storage material. However, there are differences in responses to these agents, for instance, in their abilities to up-regulate direct targets of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a substrate of mTORC1 that drives transcription of many lysosomal and autophagy-related genes. Nonetheless, our data imply that widely used agents that alkalinise intralysosomal pH are mimetics of acute lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) and emphasise the importance of considering the result of CQ and BafA on mTORC1 signalling when interpreting the effects of these agents on cellular physiology.
Physiological Correlates to In-race Paratriathlon Cycling
Performance
Authors: Stephenson Ben Thomas , Shill Alex , Lenton John , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria
Published: April 2020

The purpose was to determine the physiological correlates to cycling performance
within a competitive paratriathlon. Five wheelchair user and ten ambulant
paratriathletes undertook laboratory-based testing to determine their: peak rate
of oxygen uptake; blood lactate- and ventilatory-derived physiological
thresholds; and, their maximal aerobic power. These variables were subsequently
expressed in absolute (l∙min −1 or W),
relative
(ml∙kg−1∙min −1
or W∙kg −1) and scaled relative (or
ml∙kg − 0.82 ∙min −1,
ml∙kg − 0.32 ∙min −1
or W∙kg −0.32) terms. All athletes undertook
a paratriathlon race with 20 km cycle. Pearson’s correlation
test and linear regression analyses were produced between laboratory-derived
variables and cycle performance to generate correlation coefficients (r),
standard error of estimates and 95% confidence intervals. For wheelchair
users, performance was most strongly correlated to relative aerobic lactate
threshold (W∙kg −1) (r=−0.99;
confidence intervals: −0.99 to −0.99; standard error of
estimate=22 s). For ambulant paratriathletes, the greatest correlation
was with maximal aerobic power (W∙kg −0.32)
(r=−0.91; −0.99 to −0.69; standard error of
estimate=88 s). Race-category-specificity exits regarding physiological
correlates to cycling performance in a paratriathlon race with further
differences between optimal scaling factors between paratriathletes. This
suggests aerobic lactate threshold and maximal aerobic power are the pertinent
variables to infer cycling performance for wheelchair users and ambulant
paratriathletes, respectively.
Thoracic Involvement in IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Moura Marta Casal , Gripaldo Ria , Baqir Misbah , Ryu Jay H.
Published: April 2020

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder that has been recognized to involve virtually any organ in the body and typically manifests mass-like lesions (tumefactive). Although initial reports of this disease (autoimmune pancreatitis [AIP]) were described in the Japanese population, it has since been reported worldwide. It is most commonly seen in adults of middle age or older, more often men than women. The pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is largely unknown, but genetic factors, microorganisms, and autoimmunity are thought to play important roles. Serum IgG4 concentration is elevated in the majority of patients with IgG4-RD but is a nonspecific finding. Characteristic histopathologic features include dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, fibrosis (often in storiform pattern), and obliterative phlebitis. Lung involvement in IgG4-RD was first reported in 2004 in two patients with AIP and coexisting interstitial lung disease. Since then, a wide spectrum of intrathoracic involvement has been reported and includes not only parenchymal lung diseases but also pleural, airway, vascular, and mediastinal lesions. Thoracic involvement in IgG4-RD is often found incidentally during the workup of extrathoracic lesions but can sometimes be the presenting abnormality. The diagnosis of IgG4-RD requires correlation of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histopathologic features. Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy but other options including B cell depletion are being investigated. IgG4-RD is generally associated with an indolent clinical course and most patients improve with glucocorticoid therapy.
Bronchiolitis and Bronchiolar Disorders
Authors: Ravaglia Claudia , Poletti Venerino
Published: April 2020

Bronchioles are noncartilaginous small airways with internal diameter of 2 mm or less, located from approximately the eighth generation of purely air conducting airways (membranous bronchioles) down to the terminal bronchioles (the smallest airways without alveoli) and respiratory bronchioles (which communicate directly with alveolar ducts and are in the range of 0.5 mm or less in diameter). Bronchiolar injury, inflammation, and fibrosis may occur in myriad disorders including connective tissue diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, lung transplant allograft rejection, graft versus host disease in allogeneic stem cell recipients, neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, infections, drug toxicity (e.g., penicillamine, busulfan), inhalation injury (e.g., cigarette smoke, nylon flock, mineral dusts, hard metals, Sauropus androgynous); idiopathic, common variable immunodeficiency disorder, and a host of other disorders or insults. The spectrum of bronchiolar disorders is wide, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal obliterative bronchiolitis. In this review, we discuss the salient clinical, radiographic, and histological features of these diverse bronchiolar disorders, and discuss a management approach.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Xu Kai-Feng , Xu Wenshuai , Liu Song , Yu Jane , Tian Xinlun , Yang Yanli , Wang Shao-Ting , Zhang Weihong , Feng Ruie , Zhang Tengyue
Published: April 2020

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a slow albeit progressive rare neoplastic disease featured with diffuse thin-walled cysts in lungs and angiomyolipomas in kidneys. LAM affects almost exclusively women and has one of the strongest gender predispositions of any extragenital human disease. Two forms of LAM present clinically, sporadic (S-LAM) and tuberous sclerosis complex-associated (TSC-LAM). TSC is an autosomal dominant genetic multisystems neoplastic disease. A high prevalence of LAM can be detected in adult female TSC patients. Tremendous progress has been made in our understanding and management of this rare disease. Both LAM and TSC are TSC2 or TSC1 mutated diseases that result in overactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, has been approved for LAM treatment in the United States and many other countries. Therapies targeting female sex hormones have shown preclinical efficacy in animal and cell culture-based experiments, but have not been properly investigated clinically. In this review, we summarize current recommendations in the diagnosis and treatment of LAM.
Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis
Authors: Shaw Brian M. , Shaw Steven D. , McCormack Francis X.
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by mutations in SCL34A2 that encodes for the type IIb sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter (Npt2b). The loss of Npt2b transporter function from alveolar epithelial cells results in failure to export inorganic phosphate from the alveolar lining fluid, which then accumulates, binds to calcium, and forms hydroxyapatite microliths. Radiographs and computed tomography of the chest demonstrate hyperdense infiltrates that are often quite dramatic and distinctive, and in many cases, the diagnosis can be made without invasive measures. The most common presenting symptom of PAM is dyspnea on exertion, but the disease is frequently first noted as an incidental finding in asymptomatic patients who have chest films performed for unrelated reasons. Pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure can develop as the disease progresses, and treatment remains supportive. Lung transplantation is an option for those with end stage disease.
Successful Strategy for the Conservative Management of Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistula Due to Lithium Button Battery Ingestion
Authors: Shibuya Soichi , Azuma Takahiro , Lane Geoffrey J. , Okawada Manabu , Yamataka Atsuyuki
Published: April 2020

A 16-month-old boy was referred to our hospital for the management of suspected lithium button battery (LBB) ingestion. He had been previously well, but became febrile with a persistent cough resistant to oral antibiotics and dysphagia for 5 days. Radiography identified an LBB lodged in the upper esophagus. The LBB was retrieved under direct visualization with rigid laryngoscopy. He was sedated for 5 days and enteral feeding was commenced through a nasojejunal tube on the next day after procedure. On day 8 after retrieval, endoscopy and fluoroscopy identified a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), 6 mm in diameter. Conservative management was conducted with periodic follow-up endoscopies, which showed signs of healing in the esophagus. Following continuous antibiotics and proactive nutritional support, the TEF was found to have closed spontaneously by day 28 after the LBB removal. We present our experience of the successful nonsurgical management of acquired TEF secondary to LBB ingestion and aim to establish a protocol for managing it conservatively by reviewing the relevant literature.
Familial Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Kropski Jonathan A.
Published: April 2020

The interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a group of progressive disorders characterized by chronic inflammation and/or fibrosis in the lung. While some ILDs can be linked to specific environmental causes (i.e., asbestosis, silicosis), in many individuals, no culprit exposure can be identified; these patients are deemed to have “idiopathic interstitial pneumonia” (IIP). Family history is now recognized as the strongest risk factor for IIP, and IIP cases that run in families comprise a syndrome termed “familial interstitial pneumonia” (FIP). Mutations in more than 10 different genes have been implicated as responsible for disease in FIP families. Diverse ILD clinical phenotypes can be seen within a family, and available evidence suggests underlying genetic risk is the primary determinant of disease outcomes. Together, these FIP studies have provided unique insights into the pathobiology of ILDs, and brought focus on the unique issues that arise in the care of patients with FIP.
Amyloid in the Lung
Authors: Baqir Misbah , Roden Anja C. , Moua Teng
Published: April 2020

Amyloidosis is the term given to abnormal deposition of misfolded precursor proteins at single or multiple sites, leading to organ dysfunction or clinical signs and symptoms. Pulmonary manifestations are nonspecific and may be associated with several amyloid protein subtypes, commonly AL (light chain) and AA (autoimmune) amyloids. Signs or symptoms of amyloid disease may often involve more of the clinical abnormalities of other affected organs than the lungs themselves. Radiologic pulmonary findings include septal and parenchymal ground glass or nodular infiltrates, multiple nodules, cysts, and focal tracheobronchial abnormalities. Lymphadenopathy with or without calcification and pleural effusions has also been reported. Directed therapy is initiated in response to clinical signs or symptoms often as a result of systemic or secondary diseases or conditions. Long-term prognosis is more dependent on the extent of organ involvement where morbidity is often the highest in those with multisystemic disease.