bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of postprandial glycaemia on cognitive function: a randomised crossover trial
Authors: Marchand Olivia M. , Kendall Fiona E. , Rapsey Charlene M. , Haszard Jillian J. , Venn Bernard J.
Published: February 2020

The effect on cognitive test scores of generating differences in postprandial glycaemia using test foods or beverages has been inconsistent. Methodological issues may account for some of the variable results requiring further investigation using strong study designs into the relationship between glycaemia and cognitive functioning. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of postprandial glycaemia on cognitive function by examining cognition after consumption of foods that differ only by the rate of digestion of available carbohydrate in a population of young adults. In a double-blind, randomised, crossover trial, sixty-five participants received trifle sweetened either with a higher-glycaemic index (GI) sugar (sucrose; GI 65) or a lower-GI sugar (isomaltulose; GI 34). Cognitive tests were completed prior to trifle consumption, and 60 and 120 min after. There was no between-trifle difference at 60 min in performance on free word recall (0·0 (95 % CI –0·6, 0·5)), short delay word recall (0·0 (95 % CI –0·5, 0·5)), long delay word recall (0·0 (95 % CI –0·6, 0·6)), letter–number sequence recall (0·3 (95 % CI − 0·2, 0·7)) and visuo-spatial recall (–0·2 (95 % CI –0·6, 0·2)) tests. At 120 min, no difference was detected in any of these tests. The participants performed 7·7 (95 % CI 0·5,14·9) s faster in Reitan’s trail-making test B 60 min after the higher-GI trifle than the lower-GI trifle (P = 0·037). Our findings of a null effect on memory are generally consistent with other works in which blinding and robust control for confounding have been used.
THE AUTHORITY OF FEELING IN MID-TWENTIETH-CENTURY ENGLISH CONSERVATISM
Authors: ROBINSON EMILY
Published: February 2020

Conservatism claims to be a philosophy of common sense and everyday experience, in which sensation takes priority over reason. This article asks how this was understood by both Conservative thinkers and grassroots members in mid-twentieth-century England, and how it sat alongside other ways of understanding the feelings and experiences of ordinary people, in a period in which these came to be regarded as a privileged form of political authority. The article shows that the Conservative everyday was rooted in individual sensory experiences, but always underpinned by the collective evocation of reverence, majesty, and awe. It traces understandings of the everyday and the awesome through political texts and grassroots publications, showing that the tension between them is what gives Conservatism its distinctive character. This is conceptualized in Burkean terms as the beautiful and the sublime. The latter guarantees order, hierarchy, and allegiance, while the former works to soften and socialize power – making it seem a matter of custom and common sense. The article suggests that this combination enabled Conservatism to adapt to the challenges of mass democracy but became ever harder to sustain in the emotional culture of post-war England, when feelings became a marker of personal authenticity, rather than cultural authority.
Long term dietary supplementation with microalgae increases plasma docosahexaenoic acid in milk and plasma but does not affect plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2α concentration in dairy cows
Authors: Till Bethan E. , Huntington James A. , Kliem Kirsty E. , Taylor-Pickard Jules , Sinclair Liam A.
Published: February 2020

The aims of the study were to determine the long-term effects of dietary supplementation with microalgae (SCIM) on milk and blood fatty acid (FA) composition and reproductive hormones in early lactation dairy cows. Sixty Holstein–Friesian dairy cows (30 per treatment) were unsupplemented (Control) or supplemented with 100 g of SCIM (Schizochytrium limacinum sp.) per cow per day from 25 ± 0.5 d post-partum for 98 d. Intake and milk yield were recorded daily, with milk samples collected at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 14, and blood samples collected from 12 representative pairs per treatment at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, and 14 for subsequent analysis of FA, β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose. At 33 ± 0.9 d postpartum the oestrus cycle of 24 cows (12 per treatment) were synchronized and plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2α (PGFM) concentrations determined following an oxytocin challenge. Data were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance. There was no effect of treatment on dry matter intake, milk yield or milk fat content, with mean values across treatments of 22.1 and 40.6, and 37.2 g/kg respectively. Milk fat concentration of C22:6 n-3 increased rapidly in cows receiving SCIM, reaching a maximum of 0.38 g/100 g FA by week 14. Similarly, blood concentration of C22:6 n-3 increased to 1.6 g/100 g FA by week 14 in cows fed SCIM. There was no effect of treatment on plasma metabolites, but plasma glucose was lower in cows fed SCIM compared to the Control at week 2, and higher in week 8. There was no effect of treatment on peak plasma PGFM concentration or area under the curve. It is concluded that feeding SCIM rapidly increases blood and milk concentrations of C22:6 n-3 which are maintained over time, but does not improve plasma PGFM in dairy cows.
Crayfish plague affects juvenile survival and adult behaviour of invasive signal crayfish
Authors: Thomas John Rhidian , Robinson Chloe V. , Mrugała Agata , Ellison Amy R. , Matthews Emily , Griffiths Siân W. , Consuegra Sofia , Cable Jo
Published: February 2020

The spread of invasive, non-native species is a key threat to biodiversity. Parasites can play a significant role by influencing their invasive host's survival or behaviour, which can subsequently alter invasion dynamics. The North American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a known carrier ofAphanomyces astaci, an oomycete pathogen that is the causative agent of crayfish plague and fatal to European crayfish species, whereas North American species are considered to be largely resistant. There is some evidence, however, that North American species, can also succumb to crayfish plague, though howA. astaciaffects such ‘reservoir hosts’ is rarely considered. Here, we tested the impact ofA. astaciinfection on signal crayfish, by assessing juvenile survival and adult behaviour following exposure toA. astacizoospores. Juvenile signal crayfish suffered high mortality 4-weeks post-hatching, but not as older juveniles. Furthermore, adult signal crayfish with high-infection levels displayed altered behaviours, being less likely to leave the water, explore terrestrial areas and exhibit escape responses. Overall, we reveal thatA. astaciinfection affects signal crayfish to a much greater extent than previously considered, which may not only have direct consequences for invasions, but could substantially affect commercially harvested signal crayfish stocks worldwide.
WILLIAM BABELL AS A PERFORMER-COMPOSER AND MUSIC COPYIST
Authors: WOOLLEY ANDREW
Published: February 2020

The career of William Babell (1688–1723), an English composer of German birth, has recently been reassessed by me following identification of a manuscript source in Bergamo, which appears to be a collection of his harpsichord music. The manuscript shows he was an important keyboard composer active in Britain immediately prior to the publication of Handel's Suites de Pieces pour le Clavecin (1720), and it has provided insights into his working methods. The major items – eleven substantial toccatas mostly in prelude–fugue form together with two suites – are replete with the cadenza-like passagework familiar from his arrangements of arias from operas produced at the Haymarket Theatre between 1706 and 1714, which were published in three collections in his lifetime (in 1709, 1711 and 1717). They also reveal the range of influences on his keyboard style, illustrating how he adapted material from music by French, Italian, German and English composers. Though the source is not an autograph, it was copied towards the end of Babell's life by an individual close to him, to judge from the large number of pencil corrections that appear to be the composer's own. The manuscript therefore has biographical implications, suggesting that there was a composer-supervised project to bring together his keyboard music, perhaps in order to prepare some of it for publication, which never saw completion.
Mit Verbänden leben: Eine Mixed-Methods-Studie zur Sicht der Familien von Kindern mit Epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Hartenstein-Pinter Almut , Hübner-Möhler Bettina , Zernikow Boris , Wager Julia
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Kinder mit Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) benötigen aufgrund wunder Hautstellen und Blasenbildung regelmäßig neue Verbände. Fragestellung / Ziel: Mit der Frage nach den Erfahrungen von Eltern und von EB betroffenen Kindern mit Verbandsmaterialien sollen Ansatzpunkte zur effektiven Unterstützung der Familien erfasst werden. Methoden: Im ersten Teil der sequenziellen Mixed-Methods-Studie wurden leitfadengestützte Interviews durchgeführt und mit qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse wurde ein Fragebogen entwickelt und als Online-Erhebung realisiert. Nach der Auswertung mit deskriptiver Statistik wurden diese Ergebnisse mit den qualitativen Ergebnissen verbunden. Ergebnisse: Im Prozess „Herausfinden was geht“ treten das Zuschneiden der Materialien und die Wichtigkeit von Flexibilität in den Vordergrund. Die Handlungssicherheit der Eltern zeigt sich vor allem beim Anbringen der Verbände sowie beim Auskennen mit den Materialien. Das Entfernen verklebter Verbände wird oft mit Schmerz assoziiert. Verschmutzte Verbände stellen das häufigste Problem im Alltag dar. Beide Aspekte beziehen sich auf die Tragbarkeit der Verbände. Bei der Integration der Verbände im Familienalltag spielen die Kostenübernahme und Fachkenntnisse bei der Organisation die wichtigste Rolle. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Eltern entwickeln spezielle Kompetenzen zu EB, zu ihrem Kind und zu den Verbänden. Mit Beratung und Edukation übernimmt Pflege innerhalb der multiprofessionellen Begleitinterventionen eine zentrale Funktion zur Unterstützung und Entlastung der Familien.
Delineating the Seasonally Modulated Nonlinear Feedback Onto ENSO From Tropical Instability Waves
Authors: Xue Aoyun , Jin Fei‐Fei , Zhang Wenjun , Boucharel Julien , Zhao Sen , Yuan Xinyi
Published: February 2020

Tropical instability waves (TIWs), the dominant form of eddy variability in the tropics, have a peak period at about 5 weeks and are strongly modulated by both the seasonal cycle and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In this study, we first demonstrated that TIW‐induced nonlinear dynamical heating (NDH) is basically proportional to the TIW amplitude depicted by a complex index for TIW. We further delineated that this NDH, capturing the seasonally modulated nonlinear feedback of TIW activity onto ENSO, is well approximated by a theoretical formulation derived analytically from a simple linear stochastic model for the TIW index. The results of this study may be useful for the climate community to evaluate and understand the TIW‐ENSO multiscale interaction.
Evaluation of Silicic Acid Sources for Spring Diatom Blooms on the Continental Shelf: Insights FromStable Silicon Isotopes in the East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Anyu , Zhang Jing , Liu Sumei , Xuan Jiliang , Zhu Zhuoyi
Published: February 2020

The concentration of dissolved silicic acid (DSi) and its isotopic composition (δ30Si(OH)4) were determined for the East China Sea (ECS) shelf in the spring season with high spatial resolution. DSi concentrations and δ30Si(OH)4 values ranged from 1.3 to 116.5 μM and +0.85‰ to +2.53‰, respectively. An enrichment of 30Si was observed in most surface‐water samples compared with bottom waters. Several shallow‐water stations at water depths of <20 m reflected the overall control of biological utilization of DSi and regeneration of DSi from biogenic silica (BSi) on the distribution of δ30Si(OH)4 values. A seasonal difference in δ30Si(OH)4 values was observed in the euphotic zone of shelf waters, which is attributed mainly to continuous consumption of DSi in enhanced diatom blooms. The major water masses influencing the ECS shelf were characterized with distinct DSi concentrations and isotopic compositions. Using Si isotopic constraints, modeling of δ30Si(OH)4 values implied that utilization of DSi in the ECS occurred as if in a steady‐state mode. Riverine input was the major DSi source for the surface waters of inner‐shelf areas, as well as part of the middle‐ and outer‐shelf surface waters near the Changjiang River estuary. Upwelled Kuroshio Subsurface Water from the shelf break supported diatom growth in middle‐shelf surface waters. Taiwan Strait Warm Water and Kuroshio Surface Water were relatively oligotrophic, and their influence was confined to waters near the Taiwan Strait and the outer shelf and slope areas.
The Influence of Pre‐existing Basement Faults on the Cenozoic Structure and Evolution of the Proximal Domain, Northern South China Sea Rifted Margin
Authors: Ye Qing , Mei Lianfu , Shi Hesheng , Du Jiayuan , Deng Peng , Shu Yu , Camanni Giovanni
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate the structure of the Cenozoic rift basin in the proximal domain of the northern South China Sea (SCS) margin, with an emphasis on the influence exerted by pre‐existing basement faults on rift development. Results of our work indicate that the overall rift architecture of the proximal domain of the northern SCS margin is associated with extensional faults arranged in two main structural trends, WNW‐ to EW‐trending and ENE‐trending. Structural evidence presented in this paper suggests that extensional faults of the two main structural trends mainly reactivated two pre‐existing basement fault systems mapped in previous works, a WNW‐ to EW‐striking thrust fault system (PFS1) and an ENE‐striking thrust fault system (PFS2). During the first rifting phase, both pre‐existing fault systems were reactivated; however, strains and depocenters were mainly localized on the ENE‐striking normal fault system that reactivated the PFS2. On the contrary, in the second rifting phase, extension was mainly accommodated by WNW‐ to EW‐striking normal faults that reactivated the PFS1, while most of the earlier ENE‐striking normal faults became inactive or less active. These different degrees of reactivation of the two pre‐existing fault systems during the two rifting phases suggest a clockwise rotation of the regional extension direction from NNW‐SSE in the Syn‐rift stage 1 to N‐S in the Syn‐rift stage 2. This study implies that apart from Cenozoic tectonic processes, pre‐existing structures have also played a key role during rifting evolution across the SCS margin.
Too Big to Ignore: Global Risk Perception Gaps Between Scientists and Business Leaders
Authors: Garschagen Matthias , Wood Sylvia L. R. , Garard Jennifer , Ivanova Maria , Luers Amy
Published: February 2020

Two major reports assessing global systemic risks have been published recently, presenting large‐scale panel data on the risk perceptions of different key communities, most notably business leaders and global change scientists. While both of these global communities agree on ranking environmental risks the highest, followed by societal, geopolitical, technological, and economic risks, business leaders perceive the likelihood of most risks as lower than scientists. This gap implies vexing questions in relation to building a shared sense of urgency and facilitating collective action. These questions need to be addressed through new ways of co‐creating risk assessments and strategic futures analysis.
Beractant and poractant alfa in premature neonates with respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review of real-world evidence studies and randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sánchez Luna Manuel , Bacher Peter , Unnebrink Kristina , Martinez-Tristani Marisol , Ramos Navarro Cristina
Published: February 2020

Findings from previous meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) varied as to whether clinical outcomes differed by type of animal-derived pulmonary surfactant; real-world evidence (RWE) was excluded. We extracted study characteristics and outcomes from full-text articles from a systematic search for studies that compared beractant with poractant alfa for RDS in preterm infants. RWE data were tabulated; RCT data were subjected to meta-analyses. Designs, patient characteristics, and follow-up durations varied widely among studies (4 RWE, 15 RCT). RWE studies with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) found no statistically significant between-treatment differences in outcomes. In RCT meta-analyses, no statistically significant between-treatment differences were observed for death (OR [95% confidence interval], 1.35 [0.98–1.86]), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (1.25 [0.96–1.62]), pneumothorax (1.21 [0.72–2.05]), and air leak syndrome (2.28 [0.82–6.39]). Collectively, outcomes were similar with beractant and poractant alfa in RWE studies and pooled RCTs.
Targeting Src family kinase member Fyn by Saracatinib attenuated liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Du Guifang , Wang Jing , Zhang Ting , Ding Qiang , Jia Xiaodong , Zhao Xueke , Dong Jinke , Yang Xinrui , Lu Shanshan , Zhang Cuihong , Liu Ze , Zeng Zhen , Safadi Rifaat , Qi Ruizhao , Zhao Xin , Hong Zhixian , Lu Yinying
Published: February 2020

Recent studies suggest that Src family kinase (SFK) plays important roles in systemic sclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis. However, how SFKs contributed to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of Fyn, a member of SFK, in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis, and evaluated the anti-fibrotic effects of Saracatinib, a clinically proven safe Fyn inhibitor. Fyn activation was examined in human normal and fibrotic liver tissues. The roles of Fyn in HSC activation and liver fibrosis were evaluated in HSC cell lines by using Fyn siRNA and in Fyn knockout mice. The effects of Saracatinib on HSC activation and liver fibrosis were determined in primary HSCs and CCl4 induced liver fibrosis model. We showed that the Fyn was activated in the liver of human fibrosis patients. TGF-β induced the activation of Fyn in HSC cell lines. Knockdown of Fyn significantly blocked HSC activation, proliferation, and migration. Fyn deficient mice were resistant to CCl4 induced liver fibrosis. Saracatinib treatment abolished the activation of Fyn, downregulated the Fyn/FAK/N-WASP signaling in HSCs, and subsequently prevented the activation of HSCs. Saracatinib treatment significantly reduced the severity liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. In conclusions, our findings supported the critical role of Fyn in HSC activation and development of liver fibrosis. Fyn could serve as a promising drug target for liver fibrosis treatment. Fyn inhibitor Saracatinib significantly inhibited HSC activation and attenuated liver fibrosis in mouse model.
PDL1 blockage increases fetal resorption and Tfr cells but does not affect Tfh/Tfr ratio and B-cell maturation during allogeneic pregnancy
Authors: Zeng Weihong , Qin Shi , Wang Renjie , Zhang Yuchen , Ma Xiaoling , Tian Fuju , Liu Xiao-Rui , Qin Xiaoli , Liao Shujie , Sun Liqun , Lin Yi
Published: February 2020

A successful pregnancy requires sophisticated regulation of uterine microenvironment to guarantee the existence of semi-allogeneic conceptus without immune rejection. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells exert a suppressive effect on Tfh-cell expansion, B-cell response, and antibody production. Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dysregulations of Tfr cells can bring on various immunological diseases, their immunomodulatory roles during pregnancy still remain unheeded. Herein, we introduced an allogeneic normal-pregnant mouse model and found that CD4+CXCR5hiPD-1hiFoxp3+ Tfr cells were preferentially accumulated in the uterus at mid-gestation and displayed a distinct phenotype. In addition, the absence of PDL1 resulted in increased fetal resorption by favoring Tfr cells accumulation and upregulating PD-1 expression on these cells. However, PDL1 blockade affected neither the ratio of Tfh/Tfr cells nor the maturation and differentiation of B cells. Overall, our results are the first to present a correlation of Tfr cells accumulation with healthy allogeneic pregnancy and PDL1 blockade-induced miscarriage, and to indicate that appropriate assembly of Tfr cells is important for pregnancy maintenance. Since blockade of PD-1-PDL1 pathway leads to more Tfr cells and fetal losses, the reproductive safety must be taken into consideration when PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy is used in pregnancy.
Retraction Note: Functional screen analysis reveals miR-3142 as central regulator in chemoresistance and proliferation through activation of the PTEN-AKT pathway in CML
Authors: Zhao Lifen , Shan Yujia , Liu Bing , Li Yang , Jia Li
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mammalian ALKBH1 serves as an N6-mA demethylase of unpairing DNA
Authors: Zhang Min , Yang Shumin , Nelakanti Raman , Zhao Wentao , Liu Gaochao , Li Zheng , Liu Xiaohui , Wu Tao , Xiao Andrew , Li Haitao
Published: February 2020

N6-methyladenine (N6-mA) of DNA is an emerging epigenetic mark in mammalian genome. Levels of N6-mA undergo drastic fluctuation during early embryogenesis, indicative of active regulation. Here we show that the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenase ALKBH1 functions as a nuclear eraser of N6-mA in unpairing regions (e.g., SIDD, Stress-Induced DNA Double Helix Destabilization regions) of mammalian genomes. Enzymatic profiling studies revealed that ALKBH1 prefers bubbled or bulged DNAs as substrate, instead of single-stranded (ss-) or double-stranded (ds-) DNAs. Structural studies of ALKBH1 revealed an unexpected “stretch-out” conformation of its “Flip1” motif, a conserved element that usually bends over catalytic center to facilitate substrate base flipping in other DNA demethylases. Thus, lack of a bending “Flip1” explains the observed preference of ALKBH1 for unpairing substrates, in which the flipped N6-mA is primed for catalysis. Co-crystal structural studies of ALKBH1 bound to a 21-mer bulged DNA explained the need of both flanking duplexes and a flipped base for recognition and catalysis. Key elements (e.g., an ALKBH1-specific α1 helix) as well as residues contributing to structural integrity and catalytic activity were validated by structure-based mutagenesis studies. Furthermore, ssDNA-seq and DIP-seq analyses revealed significant co-occurrence of base unpairing regions with N6-mA in mouse genome. Collectively, our biochemical, structural and genomic studies suggest that ALKBH1 is an important DNA demethylase that regulates genome N6-mA turnover of unpairing regions associated with dynamic chromosome regulation.
Variant antigen diversity in Trypanosoma vivax is not driven by recombination
Authors: Silva Pereira Sara , de Almeida Castilho Neto Kayo J. G. , Duffy Craig W. , Richards Peter , Noyes Harry , Ogugo Moses , Rogério André Marcos , Bengaly Zakaria , Kemp Steve , Teixeira Marta M. G. , Machado Rosangela Z. , Jackson Andrew P.
Published: February 2020

African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma) are vector-borne haemoparasites that survive in the vertebrate bloodstream through antigenic variation of their Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG). Recombination, or rather segmented gene conversion, is fundamental in Trypanosoma brucei for both VSG gene switching and for generating antigenic diversity during infections. Trypanosoma vivax is a related, livestock pathogen whose VSG lack structures that facilitate gene conversion in T. brucei and mechanisms underlying its antigenic diversity are poorly understood. Here we show that species-wide VSG repertoire is broadly conserved across diverse T. vivax clinical strains and has limited antigenic repertoire. We use variant antigen profiling, coalescent approaches and experimental infections to show that recombination plays little role in diversifying T. vivax VSG sequences. These results have immediate consequences for both the current mechanistic model of antigenic variation in African trypanosomes and species differences in virulence and transmission, requiring reconsideration of the wider epidemiology of animal African trypanosomiasis.
Vapor–liquid–solid growth of large-area multilayer hexagonal boron nitride on dielectric substrates
Authors: Shi Zhiyuan , Wang Xiujun , Li Qingtian , Yang Peng , Lu Guangyuan , Jiang Ren , Wang Huishan , Zhang Chao , Cong Chunxiao , Liu Zhi , Wu Tianru , Wang Haomin , Yu Qingkai , Xie Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

Multilayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is highly desirable as a dielectric substrate for the fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the controllable synthesis of multilayer h-BN in large areas is still limited in terms of crystallinity, thickness and stacking order. Here, we report a vapor–liquid–solid growth (VLSG) method to achieve uniform multilayer h-BN by using a molten Fe82B18 alloy and N2 as reactants. Liquid Fe82B18 not only supplies boron but also continuously dissociates nitrogen atoms from the N2 vapor to support direct h-BN growth on a sapphire substrate; therefore, the VLSG method delivers high-quality h-BN multilayers with a controllable thickness. Further investigation of the phase evolution of the Fe-B-N system reveals that isothermal segregation dominates the growth of the h-BN. The approach herein demonstrates the feasibility for large-area fabrication of van der Waals 2D materials and heterostructures.
The insect antimicrobial peptide cecropin A disrupts uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilms
Authors: Kalsy Miriam , Tonk Miray , Hardt Martin , Dobrindt Ulrich , Zdybicka-Barabas Agnieszka , Cytrynska Malgorzata , Vilcinskas Andreas , Mukherjee Krishnendu
Published: February 2020

Current antibiotics cannot eradicate uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) biofilms, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections. Here, we show that the insect antimicrobial peptide cecropin A (CecA) can destroy planktonic and sessile biofilm-forming UPEC cells, either alone or when combined with the antibiotic nalidixic acid (NAL), synergistically clearing infection in vivo without off-target cytotoxicity. The multi-target mechanism of action involves outer membrane permeabilization followed by biofilm disruption triggered by the inhibition of efflux pump activity and interactions with extracellular and intracellular nucleic acids. These diverse targets ensure that resistance to the CecA + NAL combination emerges slowly. The antimicrobial mechanisms of CecA, thus, extend beyond pore-forming activity to include an unanticipated biofilm-eradication process, offering an alternative approach to combat antibiotic-resistant UPEC infections.
Divergence across mitochondrial genomes of sympatric members of the Schistosoma indicum group and clues into the evolution of Schistosoma spindale
Authors: Jones Ben P. , Norman Billie F. , Borrett Hannah E. , Attwood Stephen W. , Mondal Mohammed M. H. , Walker Anthony J. , Webster Joanne P. , Rajapakse R. P. V. Jayanthe , Lawton Scott P.
Published: February 2020

Schistosoma spindale and Schistosoma indicum are ruminant-infecting trematodes of the Schistosoma indicum group that are widespread across Southeast Asia. Though neglected, these parasites can cause major pathology and mortality to livestock leading to significant welfare and socio-economic issues, predominantly amongst poor subsistence farmers and their families. Here we used mitogenomic analysis to determine the relationships between these two sympatric species of schistosome and to characterise S. spindale diversity in order to identify possible cryptic speciation. The mitochondrial genomes of S. spindale and S. indicum were assembled and genetic analyses revealed high levels of diversity within the S. indicum group. Evidence of functional changes in mitochondrial genes indicated adaptation to environmental change associated with speciation events in S. spindale around 2.5 million years ago. We discuss our results in terms of their theoretical and applied implications.
Single subject and group whole-brain fMRI mapping of male genital sensation at 7 Tesla
Authors: Luijten Sven P. R. , Groenendijk Ilse M. , Holstege Joan C. , De Zeeuw Chris I. , van der Zwaag Wietske , Blok Bertil F. M.
Published: February 2020

Processing of genital sensations in the central nervous system of humans is still poorly understood. Current knowledge is mainly based on neuroimaging studies using electroencephalography (EEG), magneto-encephalography (MEG), and 1.5- or 3- Tesla (T) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), all of which suffer from limited spatial resolution and sensitivity, thereby relying on group analyses to reveal significant data. Here, we studied the impact of passive, yet non-arousing, tactile stimulation of the penile shaft using ultra-high field 7T fMRI. With this approach, penile stimulation evoked significant activations in distinct areas of the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices (S1 & S2), premotor cortex, insula, midcingulate gyrus, prefrontal cortex, thalamus and cerebellum, both at single subject and group level. Passive tactile stimulation of the feet, studied for control, also evoked significant activation in S1, S2, insula, thalamus and cerebellum, but predominantly, yet not exclusively, in areas that could be segregated from those associated with penile stimulation. Evaluation of the whole-brain activation patterns and connectivity analyses indicate that genital sensations following passive stimulation are, unlike those following feet stimulation, processed in both sensorimotor and affective regions.
Prospective Cohort study of Predictors of Follow-Up Diagnostic Colonoscopy from a Pragmatic Trial of FIT Screening
Authors: O’Connor Elizabeth A. , Nielson Carrie M. , Petrik Amanda F. , Green Beverly B. , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: February 2020

The goal of this study was to explore diagnostic colonoscopy completion in adults with abnormal screening fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results. This was a secondary analysis of the Strategies and Opportunities to Stop Colon Cancer in Priority Populations (Stop CRC) study, a cluster-randomized pragmatic trial to increase uptake of CRC screening in federally qualified community health clinics. Diagnostic colonoscopy completion and reasons for non-completion were ascertained through a manual review of electronic health records, and completion was compared across a wide range of individual patient health and sociodemographic characteristics. Among 2,018 adults with an abnormal FIT result, 1066 (52.8%) completed a follow-up colonoscopy within 12 months. Completion was generally similar across a wide range of participant subpopulations; however, completion was higher for participants who were younger, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking, and had zero or one of the Charlson medical comorbidities, compared to their counterparts. Neighborhood-level predictors were not associated with diagnostic colonoscopy completion. Thus, completion of a diagnostic colonoscopy was relatively low in a large sample of community health clinic adults who had an abnormal screening FIT result. While completion was generally similar across a wide range of characteristics, younger, healthier, Hispanic participants tended to have a higher likelihood of completion.
In-cell NMR as a sensitive tool to monitor physiological condition of Escherichia coli
Authors: Sugiki Toshihiko , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Toshimichi , Inouye Masayori , Ito Yutaka , Kojima Chojiro
Published: February 2020

The in-cell NMR technique offers significant insights into the structure and function of heterologous proteins in the physiological intracellular environment at an atomic resolution. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most widely used host cells for heterologous protein expression in structural biological studies as well as for in-cell NMR studies to investigate fundamental structural characteristics and the physiochemistry of certain proteins and their intermolecular interactions under physiological conditions. However, in many cases, it is not easy to obtain well-resolved in-cell NMR spectra because the detectability and resolution of these spectra are significantly influenced by intracellular factors such as nonspecific intermolecular interactions. In this study, we re-examined the experimental parameters of E. coli in-cell NMR and found that the detectability and resolution of the NMR spectra clearly depended on the growth phase of the host cells. Furthermore, the detectability and resolution of the E. coli in-cell NMR spectra correlated with the soluble fraction amounts of the expressed target protein. These results indicate that the E. coli in-cell NMR spectrum of a target protein is a useful tool for monitoring the intracellular conditions of the host cell and for establishing the appropriate cultivation conditions for protein overexpression.
The draft genome of mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx): An Old World monkey
Authors: Yin Ye , Yang Ting , Liu Huan , Huang Ziheng , Zhang Yaolei , Song Yue , Wang Wenliang , Guang Xuanmin , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Kristiansen Karsten
Published: February 2020

Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is a primate species, which belongs to the Old World monkey (Cercopithecidae) family. It is closely related to human, serving as a model for human health related research. However, the genetic studies on and genomic resources of mandrill are limited, especially in comparison to other primate species. Here we produced 284 Gb data, providing 96-fold coverage (considering the estimated genome size of 2.9 Gb), to construct a reference genome for the mandrill. The assembled draft genome was 2.79 Gb with contig N50 of 20.48 Kb and scaffold N50 of 3.56 Mb. We annotated the mandrill genome to find 43.83% repeat elements, as well as 21,906 protein-coding genes. The draft genome was of good quality with 98% gene annotation coverage by Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO). Based on comparative genomic analyses of  the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of the immune system in mandrill and human, we found that 17 genes in the mandrill that have been associated with disease phenotypes in human such as Lung cancer, cranial volume and asthma, barbored amino acids changing mutations. Gene family analyses revealed expansion of several genes, and several genes associated with stress environmental adaptation and innate immunity responses exhibited signatures of positive selection. In summary, we established the first draft genome of  the mandrill of value for studies on evolution and human health.
NanoThermoMechanical AND and OR Logic Gates
Authors: Hamed Ahmed , Ndao Sidy
Published: February 2020

Today’s electronics cannot perform in harsh environments (e.g., elevated temperatures and ionizing radiation environments) found in many engineering applications. Based on the coupling between near-field thermal radiation and MEMS thermal actuation, we presented the design and modeling of NanoThermoMechanical AND, OR, and NOT logic gates as an alternative, and showed their ability to be combined into a full thermal adder to perform complex operations. In this work, we introduce the fabrication and characterization of the first ever documented Thermal AND and OR logic gates. The results show thermal logic operations can be achieved successfully through demonstrated and easy-to-manufacture NanoThermoMechanical logic gates.
Investigating the influence of perinatal nicotine exposure on genetic profiles of neurons in the sub-regions of the VTA
Authors: Kazemi Tina , Avci Naze G. , Keller Renee F. , Akay Yasemin M. , Akay Metin
Published: February 2020

Chronic nicotine exposure during pregnancy has been shown to induce physiological and anatomical alterations in offspring. Previously, we investigated the complexity of dopamine (DA) neuron firing in the sub-regions of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) following perinatal nicotine exposure. Using approximate entropy, we found that within the middle sub-region, the parainterfascicular nucleus (PIF), there was higher complexity indicating more random neural firing and a less homogeneous neuron population. Therefore, we sought to investigate the neuron populations within the sub-regions of the VTA following perinatal nicotine exposure. We used real time PCR in order to find the relative quantity of glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), DA, and glutamate neurons within three sub-regions: the parabrachial pigmented nucleus (PBP), parainterfascicular nucleus (PIF), and paranigral nucleus (PN). Our results showed that the PIF region of the VTA contained a more diverse population of neurons resulting in a more complex system. In addition, we found that DA neurons are more activated in PN sub-region of the VTA, which mediates the rewarding effects of drugs including nicotine. Lastly, using immunohistochemistry, we observed an overall decrease in DA neurons following perinatal nicotine exposure.
Predictors of impending acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Alkindi Salam , Al-Busaidi Ikhlas , Al-Salami Bushra , Raniga Samir , Pathare Anil , Ballas Samir K.
Published: February 2020

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a major complication of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and a leading cause for hospital admissions and death. We aimed to study the spectrum of clinical and laboratory features of ACS and to assess the predisposing factors and predictors of severity. A retrospective case-control cohort was studied by retrieving patient information from electronic medical records after ethical approval. One hundred adolescents and adults with SCA and hospital admissions for ACS were identified through the discharge summaries, along with 20 additional patients presenting with VOC, but without ACS (controls). Among the patients with ACS, fever (>38.5 °C), reduced oxygen saturation (<95) and asplenia significantly differed when compared to those of controls (p < 0.05, chi-squared test). The degree of severity was reflected in the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV), simple and exchange transfusions, and the presence of bilateral pleural effusions and multi-lobar atelectasis/consolidation, which were significantly higher in the cases with ACS than in the controls. Lower haemoglobin (Hb) and high WBC counts were also significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05, Student’s t test). Using logistic regression, our study further demonstrated that asplenia, fever, and reduced O2 saturation, along with low Hb and leukocytosis, were important predictors for the development of ACS.
All-Optical Naked-Eye Ghost Imaging
Authors: Wang Gao , Zheng Huaibin , Tang Zhiguo , Zhou Yu , Chen Hui , Liu Jianbin , He Yuchen , Yuan Yuan , Li Fuli , Xu Zhuo
Published: February 2020

Ghost imaging is usually based on the optoelectronic process and electronic computing. A new ghost imaging approach is put forward in the paper that avoids any optoelectronic or electronic process. Instead, the proposed scheme exploits all-optical correlation and the vision persistence effect to generate images observed by naked eyes. To realize high contrast naked-eye ghost imaging, a special pattern-scanning architecture on a low-speed light-modulation disk is designed, which also enables high-resolution imaging with lower-order Hadamard vectors and boosts the imaging speed. With this approach, we realize high-contrast real-time naked-eye ghost imaging for moving colored objects.
Magnetic Needle Steering in Soft Phantom Tissue
Authors: Ilami Mahdi , Ahmed Reza James , Petras Alex , Beigzadeh Borhan , Marvi Hamid
Published: February 2020

Needle steering is a technology for guiding needles around sensitive internal obstacles in minimally invasive surgery. Traditional techniques apply rotation at the base of a needle with an asymmetric tip, enabling steering through the redirection of radial forces. Magnetic steering of catheters and continuum manipulators is another technology that allows steering of a shaft in the body. Both of these techniques rely on mechanical or manual shaft advancement methods. Needle steering has not achieved widespread clinical use due to several limitations: 1- buckling and compression effects in the shaft and needle rotation cause excessive tissue damage; 2- torsion effects on the shaft and needle deflection at tissue boundaries lead to difficulty in control; and 3- restricted radius of curvature results in limited workspace. Magnetically steered catheters and continuum manipulators also suffer from limited curvature and the possibility of buckling. This paper proposes a novel needle steering method empowered by electromagnetic actuation that overcomes all of the aforementioned limitations, making it a promising option for further study toward healthcare applications.
Imaging and Pathological Features of Idiopathic Portal Hypertension and Differential Diagnosis from Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Long , Wei Ying , Wang Tai-Ling , Peng Li-Li , Li Yan , Yu Ming-An
Published: February 2020

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) mimics liver cirrhosis in many aspects, and no efficient imaging method to differentiate the two diseases has been reported to date. In this study, the imaging and pathological characteristics were analysed for both IPH and cirrhosis. From January 2015 to March 2019, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and pathological results from 16 IPH and 16 liver cirrhosis patients, as well as imaging results of 16 normal patients as a control group, were retrospectively reviewed. The age of the patients was 39 ± 20 years. There was a significant difference in the mean lumen diameter, wall thickness and ratio of thickness to diameter between the IPH and liver cirrhosis patients in the main and sagittal portal veins (P < 0.05), as well as in the lumen diameter and ratio of thickness to diameter between the IPH and liver cirrhosis patients in the Segment 3 (S3) portal vein (P < 0.05). In IPH patients, the main imaging changes were portal vein wall thickening, stenosis or occlusion, a low enhancement area along the portal vein in the delay phase in contrast-enhanced imaging, and a non-homogeneous change in T1WI. The corresponding pathological changes included interlobular vein thickening, stenosis, occlusion, portal area fibrosis, and atrophy or apoptosis of hepatocytes. The main imaging characteristic of liver cirrhosis was a nodular change in T1WI, and the related pathological change was pseudolobule formation. The imaging characteristics of IPH include thickening of the portal vein vascular wall, stenosis of the portal vein lumen and the absence of diffuse cirrhosis-like nodules. These imaging features have a definite pathological basis and could help make differential diagnoses between IPH and cirrhosis.
Author Correction: The use of Leaf Surface Contact Cues During Oviposition Explains Field Preferences in the Willow Sawfly Nematus Oligospilus
Authors: Fernández Patricia C. , Braccini Celina L. , Dávila Camila , Barrozo Romina B. , Aráoz M. Victoria Coll , Cerrillo Teresa , Gershenzon Jonathan , Reichelt Michael , Zavala Jorge A.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
First Report on Successful Triploidy Induction in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Using Electroporation
Authors: Okomoda Victor Tosin , Aminath Lubna , Oladimeji Sunday Abraham , Abol-Munafi Ambok Bolong , Korede Alabi Isaiah , Ikhwanuddin Mhd , Umaru Joshua A. , Hassan Anuar , Martins Chukwuemeka Onwuka , Shahreza Sheriff Md.
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the use of electric-shock in inducing triploidy in African catfish Clarias gariepinus. To achieve this, three voltages (9, 12, 21 V) were applied for different durations (3, 5, 10 min). The shock was initiated approximately three minutes after fertilization followed by incubation in ambient temperature. After incubation, hatchability and survival rates were determined while ploidy status of the treatment fishes was confirmed in one-month-old fingerlings using the exclusive triploid range of the erythrocyte major axis previously reported for the same species (11.9–14.9 μm) and by cytogenetic analysis of the chromosome. The results showed triploidy were achieved in 10 to 85% of the treatment groups. A consistent trend of decrease in hatchability and an increase in triploidy rate was observed with increased electroporation voltages and shock durations. The mean erythrocyte major axis length of triploid progenies (3n = 84) was observed to be between 11.3–14.6 μm and was higher than the range of 7.0–10.5 μm recorded for diploid progenies (2n = 56). It was concluded that electric shock can be used to induce triploidy in African catfish C. gariepinus.
Quercetin liposomes ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in diabetic rats
Authors: Tang Lixia , Li Ke , Zhang Yan , Li Huifang , Li Ankang , Xu Yuancheng , Wei Bing
Published: February 2020

The effects of quercetin liposomes (Q-PEGL) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) was investigated in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used to establish a STZ induced DN model. DN rats randomly received one of the following treatments for 8 weeks: blank treatment (DN), free quercetin (Que), pegylated liposomes (PEGL) and pegylated quercetin liposomes (Q-PEGL). A group of healthy rats served as the normal control. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weights (BWs), renal hypertrophy index (rHI), serum and urine biochemistry, renal histopathology, oxidative stress and immunohistochemical measurements of AGEs were analyzed to compare the effect of different treatments. Que and Q-PEGL significantly improved DN biochemistry and pathological changes, although the treated rats still had some symptoms of DN. The therapeutic effect of Q-PEGL surpassed that of Que. Pegylated quercetin liposomes allow maintaining higher quercetin concentrations in plasma than non-encapsulated quercetin. In conclusion the use of quercetin liposomes allows to reduce disease symptoms in a rat model of DN.