bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of condition-specific regulatory genes using machine learning
Authors: Song Qi , Lee Jiyoung , Akter Shamima , Rogers Matthew , Grene Ruth , Li Song
Published: April 2020

Recent advances in genomic technologies have generated data on large-scale protein–DNA interactions and open chromatin regions for many eukaryotic species. How to identify condition-specific functions of transcription factors using these data has become a major challenge in genomic research. To solve this problem, we have developed a method called ConSReg, which provides a novel approach to integrate regulatory genomic data into predictive machine learning models of key regulatory genes. Using Arabidopsis as a model system, we tested our approach to identify regulatory genes in data sets from single cell gene expression and from abiotic stress treatments. Our results showed that ConSReg accurately predicted transcription factors that regulate differentially expressed genes with an average auROC of 0.84, which is 23.5–25% better than enrichment-based approaches. To further validate the performance of ConSReg, we analyzed an independent data set related to plant nitrogen responses. ConSReg provided better rankings of the correct transcription factors in 61.7% of cases, which is three times better than other plant tools. We applied ConSReg to Arabidopsis single cell RNA-seq data, successfully identifying candidate regulatory genes that control cell wall formation. Our methods provide a new approach to define candidate regulatory genes using integrated genomic data in plants.
Structural MRI Analysis of Chronic Pain Patients Following Interdisciplinary Treatment Shows Changes in Brain Volume and Opiate-Dependent Reorganization of the Amygdala and Hippocampus
Authors: Gagnon Christine M , Scholten Paul , Atchison James , Jabakhanji Rami , Wakaizumi Kenta , Baliki Marwan
Published: April 2020

Objective

The present study examined pre- to post-treatment changes in volumes for brain structures known to be associated with pain processing (thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, and accumbens) following an interdisciplinary pain management program.

Design

Twenty-one patients participating in a four-week interdisciplinary pain management program completed the study. The program consisted of individual and group therapies with the following disciplines: physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain psychology, biofeedback/relaxation training, nursing lectures, and medical management. All patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain before the start and at completion of the program. They also completed standard outcome measures assessing pain, symptoms of central sensitization, disability, mood, coping, pain acceptance, and impressions of change.

Results

Our results showed a significant increase in total brain volume, as well as increased volumes in the thalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. As expected, we also found significant improvements in our standard outcome measures. The majority of patients rated themselves as much or very much improved. The increase in volume in the hippocampus was significantly associated with patient perceptions of change. However, the correlations were in the unexpected direction, such that greater increases in hippocampal volume were associated with perceptions of less improvement. Further exploratory analyses comparing patients by their opioid use status (use vs no use) showed differential program effects on volume increases in the hippocampus and amygdala.

Conclusions

These findings show that a four-week interdisciplinary pain management program resulted in changes in the brain, which adds objective findings further demonstrating program efficacy.
Foliar water uptake by coastal wetland plants: A novel water acquisition mechanism in arid and humid subtropical mangroves
Authors: Hayes Matthew A. , Chapman Samantha , Jesse Amber , O'Brien Elizabeth , Langley J. Adam , Bardou Remi , Devaney John , Parker John D. , Cavanaugh Kyle C.
Published: April 2020

Climate change alters freshwater availability in many ecosystems leading to shifts in distributions for many plants. Despite living exclusively in intertidal, saline environments, mangroves rely on non‐saline water to maintain plant productivity. However, several mangrove species persist in arid environments where non‐saline water from rain and groundwater sources are limited. Under these conditions, foliar water uptake from fog and mist may be an important water acquisition strategy.

We conducted a field experiment in arid Baja California Sur, Mexico along with a controlled mist chamber experiment (using seedlings sourced from humid subtropical region, Florida, USA) to show that three co‐occurring, neotropical mangrove species, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle, growing in both arid and humid environments can access water condensed on their leaves.

Foliar water uptake was greatest in A. germinans and lowest in R. mangle, possibly reflecting leaf traits associated with species‐specific water balance strategies. In our field misting experiment, the contribution of foliar water uptake was higher in A. germinans (32 ± 2%) than L. racemosa (26 ± 2%) and R. mangle (16 ± 1%). Foliar water uptake also varied across locations for L. racemosa and R. mangle, with declining uptake towards both species’ northern range limits in Baja California Sur, suggesting the distribution patterns of arid‐zone mangroves may be affected by species‐specific spatial variation in foliar water use. Within species, foliar water use was comparable across field and controlled experiments irrespective of source population (Baja California Sur vs. Florida), suggesting foliar water uptake is not an arid‐zone adaptation, and is instead used as a supplemental water balance strategy in arid and humid neotropical mangroves.

Synthesis. Our findings indicate mangroves have the potential to access atmospheric water, such as rain, dew and sea fog, through their leaves to offset soil water deficits. Variation in foliar water use across these three neotropical mangrove species may influence mangrove species distributions across arid‐zone and pseudo‐drought (highly saline) environments, with implications for mangrove response to climate change.
Particle therapy tumour outcomes: An updated systematic review
Authors: Hwang Eun Ji , Gorayski Peter , Le Hien , Hanna Gerard G , Kenny Liz , Penniment Michael , Buck Jacqueline , Thwaites David , Ahern Verity
Published: April 2020

Particle therapy (PT) offers the potential for reduced normal tissue damage as well as escalation of target dose, thereby enhancing the therapeutic ratio in radiation therapy. Reflecting the building momentum of PT use worldwide, construction has recently commenced for The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research in Adelaide – the first PT centre in Australia. This systematic review aims to update the clinical evidence base for PT, both proton beam and carbon ion therapy. The purpose is to inform clinical decision‐making for referral of patients to PT centres in Australia as they become operational and overseas in the interim. Three major databases were searched by two independent researchers, and evidence quality was classified according to the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy. One hundred and thirty‐six studies were included, two‐thirds related to proton beam therapy alone. PT at the very least provides equivalent tumour outcomes compared to photon controls with the possibility of improved control in the case of carbon ion therapy. There is suggestion of reduced morbidities in a range of tumour sites, supporting the predictions from dosimetric modelling and the wide international acceptance of PT for specific indications based on this. Though promising, this needs to be counterbalanced by the overall low quality of evidence found, with 90% of studies of level IV (case series) evidence. Prospective comparative clinical trials, supplemented by database‐derived outcome information, preferably conducted within international and national networks, are strongly recommended as PT is introduced into Australasia.
Coping with COVID‐19: ventilator splitting with differential driving pressures using standard hospital equipment
Authors: Clarke A. L. , Stephens A. F. , Liao S. , Byrne T. J. , Gregory S. D.
Published: April 2020

The global COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a worldwide shortage of ventilators. This shortage has initiated discussions on how to support multiple patients with a single ventilator (ventilator splitting). Ventilator splitting is incompletely tested, experimental and the effects have not been fully characterised. This study investigated the effect of ventilator splitting on system variables (inspiratory pressure, flow and volume) and the possibility of different ventilation targets for each limb using only standard hospital equipment. Experiments were conducted on two test lungs with different compliances (0.02 l.cmH2O−1 and 0.04 l.cmH2O−1). The ventilator was used in both pressure and volume control modes and was set to ventilate the low compliance lungs at end‐tidal volumes of 500 ± 20 ml. A flow restrictor apparatus consisting of a Hoffman clamp and tracheal tube was connected in series to the inspiratory limb of the high compliance test lungs and the resistance modified to achieve end‐tidal volumes of 500 ± 20 ml. The restriction apparatus successfully modified the inspiratory pressure, minute ventilation and volume delivered to the high compliance test lungs in both pressure control (27.3–17.8 cmH2O, 15.2–8.0 l.min−1 and 980–499 ml, respectively) and volume control (21.0–16.7 cmH2O, 10.7–7.9 l.min−1 and 659–498 ml, respectively) ventilation modes. Ventilator splitting is not condoned by the authors. However, these experiments demonstrate the capacity to simultaneously ventilate two test lungs of different compliances, and using only standard hospital equipment, modify the delivered pressure, flow and volume in each test lung.
Association between changes in Membership and Professional Standards Committee review criteria and use of higher‐risk kidneys for transplant
Authors: Wey Andrew , Salkowski Nicholas , Carrico Robert J. , Shepherd Sharon , Kasiske Bertram L. , Thompson Bryn , Israni Ajay K. , Snyder Jon J.
Published: April 2020

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's Membership and Professional Standards Committee implemented an operational rule on March 1, 2017, intended to increase the number of kidneys transplanted from donors with kidney donor profile index (KDPI) ≥ 85% into recipients with poor estimated posttransplant survival (≥ 80%). Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, ordinal and logistic regressions estimated, respectively, differences in kidney yield (number of transplanted kidneys per recovered donor) and offer acceptance practices before and after implementation. We included donors recovered January 1, 2016‐February 28, 2018. The odds of higher kidney yield for donors with KDPI ≥ 85% were 27% higher after implementation (odds ratio, 1.061.271.53), but odds were also 20% higher for donors with KDPI < 85% (1.041.201.38). Thus, kidney yield was higher for all donors, with a slightly larger difference for donors with KDPI ≥ 85%. Additionally, the difference in offer acceptance before and after implementation was similar regardless of KDPI (KDPI < 85%, 0.971.021.07; KDPI ≥ 85%, 0.951.041.14). In the first year after implementation, kidney yield increased for donors with KDPI < and ≥ 85%. Thus, kidney yield from higher KDPI donors may have increased without the operational rule.
Performance of risk models predicting cardiac complications in pregnant women with congenital heart disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Lowe Boris , Hlohovsky Stephanie , O'Donnell Clare
Published: April 2020

Accurate risk stratification is important in pregnant women including the growing population with congenital heart disease (CHD). We meta‐analysed the performance of risk models for CHD women. Six studies with 3426 pregnancies were studied, with cardiac complication rates of 6.7–20.6%. Pooled c‐statistics (95% confidence interval) for scores were mWHO 0.71 (0.65–0.76), CARPREG 0.66 (0.61–0.71) and ZAHARA 0.71 (0.65–0.76). Current risk models had at best moderate discrimination for CHD women with significant room for improvement.
Being a relative on the sideline to the patient with oesophageal cancer: a qualitative study across the treatment course
Authors: Larsen Malene Kaas , Birkelund Regner , Mortensen Michael Bau , Schultz Helen
Published: April 2020

Background

Being a relative of patients with oesophageal cancer or cancer in the oesophageal junction is stressful, as the healthcare system often overlooks concerns about the future as well as the roles and needs of relatives. There is a lack of research addressing relatives’ experiences, roles and needs for participation in decisions.

Aims and objectives

To explore relatives’ experiences before the start of treatment and their subsequent roles and needs for participation in treatment decisions.

Design

A qualitative approach based on a phenomenological – hermeneutical methodology was used.

Methods

Data consisted of participant observations and semi‐structured interviews with 19 relatives of patients with oesophageal cancer. We analysed data with inspiration from Ricœur’s theory of interpretation.

Results

The relatives were fellow sufferers, experiencing uncertainties and fear for the future with the patients, but they were simultaneously a challenged anchor during a difficult time, actively involved in handling the diagnosis and the everyday life. The relatives were positioned on the sideline both by the professionals and by themselves; they took a passive and subordinate part in decisions.

Conclusion

Relatives are central to cancer care and treatment. Adequate and timely information is imperative for relatives as well for patients in order to facilitate shared decision‐making. We advocate for a new approach to relatives in order to prepare the relatives for their roles and support their individual needs but also to acknowledge relatives’ knowledge about everyday life from the relatives’ perspective.
Managing the absent clinical eye in calls to an oncological emergency telephone – a focus group study
Authors: Pedersen Birgith , Jacobsen Heidi Ramlow , Jørgensen Lone
Published: April 2020

Background

Telephone consultations are common in supporting patients and caregivers in managing symptoms from cancer diseases and side effects from cancer treatment. In connection with telephone consultations, it may be a challenge that healthcare professionals have to rely on their auditory sense alone when they assess whether the problem can be solved over the telephone, or whether patients need an examination face to face.

Objective

To explore how healthcare professionals identify patients’ essential concerns and assess serious conditions in calls to an oncological emergency telephone without face‐to‐face contact.

Methods

From a phenomenological‐hermeneutical frame of reference, the analysis of three focus groups with a total of 16 healthcare professionals was guided by content analysis.

Ethics

The study follows the ethical guidelines for research.

Results

Two themes emerged. To identify patients in serious conditions, healthcare professionals kept focus on: (1) ‘Reaching a mutual understanding without the clinical eye’. Before making a decision regarding a face‐to‐face examination, the healthcare providers were as follows: (2) ‘Listening to an inner voice – attention on clues and signs’.

Limitations

The transferability of the findings is limited to healthcare professionals who perform telephone‐mediated care in a team of nurses and physicians.

Conclusion

Staying open for diverse perspectives and integrating nonanalytical as well as analytical illness scripts, healthcare professionals were able to identify patients that needed further examination face to face.
Dopaminylation of histone H3 in ventral tegmental area regulates cocaine seeking
Authors: Lepack Ashley E. , Werner Craig T. , Stewart Andrew F. , Fulton Sasha L. , Zhong Ping , Farrelly Lorna A. , Smith Alexander C. W. , Ramakrishnan Aarthi , Lyu Yang , Bastle Ryan M. , Martin Jennifer A. , Mitra Swarup , O’Connor Richard M. , Wang Zi-Jun , Molina Henrik , Turecki Gustavo , Shen Li , Yan Zhen , Calipari Erin S. , Dietz David M. , Kenny Paul J. , Maze Ian
Published: April 2020

More than a normal neurotransmitter

The molecular mechanisms underlying the persistence of addiction remain largely unclear. Lepack
et al.
found that, with cocaine exposure, there is an intracellular accumulation of dopamine in neurons of a brain region called the ventral tegmental area (see the Perspective by Girault). Dopamine associates with chromatin to initiate a previously unknown form of epigenetic regulation called dopaminylation. This modification has an impact on ventral tegmental area function and, consequently, on dopaminergic action potentials. The result is aberrant dopamine signaling in the ventral striatum during periods of drug seeking.

Science
, this issue p.
197
; see also p.
134
Intravital imaging of mouse embryos
Authors: Huang Qiang , Cohen Malkiel A. , Alsina Fernando C. , Devlin Garth , Garrett Aliesha , McKey Jennifer , Havlik Patrick , Rakhilin Nikolai , Wang Ergang , Xiang Kun , Mathews Parker , Wang Lihua , Bock Cheryl , Ruthig Victor , Wang Yi , Negrete Marcos , Wong Chi Wut , Murthy Preetish K. L. , Zhang Shupei , Daniel Andrea R. , Kirsch David G. , Kang Yubin , Capel Blanche , Asokan Aravind , Silver Debra L. , Jaenisch Rudolf , Shen Xiling
Published: April 2020

A window to the embryo

Mammalian embryonic development is a complex process, continuously changing in space and time. Q. Huang
et al.
designed an abdominal window to image mouse embryos in utero from embryonic day 9.5 to birth. Using this technique, they visualized dynamic activities during embryonic organ formation, including neurotransmission and cell division in the brain, autophagy in the retina, viral gene delivery, and placental drug transfer. They also tracked diverging fates of human and mouse neural crest cells in interspecies chimeras.

Science
, this issue p.
181
Horizontal gene transfer of
Fhb7
from fungus underlies
Fusarium
head blight resistance in wheat
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Sun Silong , Ge Wenyang , Zhao Lanfei , Hou Bingqian , Wang Kai , Lyu Zhongfan , Chen Liyang , Xu Shoushen , Guo Jun , Li Min , Su Peisen , Li Xuefeng , Wang Guiping , Bo Cunyao , Fang Xiaojian , Zhuang Wenwen , Cheng Xinxin , Wu Jianwen , Dong Luhao , Chen Wuying , Li Wen , Xiao Guilian , Zhao Jinxiao , Hao Yongchao , Xu Ying , Gao Yu , Liu Wenjing , Liu Yanhe , Yin Huayan , Li Jiazhu , Li Xiang , Zhao Yan , Wang Xiaoqian , Ni Fei , Ma Xin , Li Anfei , Xu Steven S. , Bai Guihua , Nevo Eviatar , Gao Caixia , Ohm Herbert , Kong Lingrang
Published: April 2020

Fungal disease meets its match

Fusarium
head blight (FHB), caused by a fungus, reduces wheat crop yield and introduces toxins into the harvest. From the assembly of the genome of
Thinopyrum elongatum
, a wild relative of wheat used in breeding programs to improve cultivated wheat, Wang
et al.
cloned a gene that can address both problems (see the Perspective by Wulff and Jones). The encoded glutathione
S
-transferase detoxifies the trichothecene toxin and, when expressed in wheat, confers resistance to FHB.

Science
, this issue p.
eaba5435
; see also p.
822
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of Intravenous Durlobactam, a β-Lactamase Inhibitor, in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lickliter Jason D. , Lawrence Kenneth , O’Donnell John , Isaacs Robin
Published: April 2020

Durlobactam (DUR; also known as ETX2514) is a novel β-lactamase inhibitor with broad activity against Ambler class A, C, and D β-lactamases. Addition of DUR to sulbactam (SUL)
in vitro
restores SUL activity against clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
. The safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of DUR alone and with SUL and/or imipenem-cilastatin (IMI-CIL) were evaluated in healthy subjects. This was a randomized, placebo-controlled study. In part A, subjects, including a cohort of elderly subjects (which received DUR at 1 g), received single ascending doses of DUR ranging from 0.
Evaluation ofKRAS,NRASandBRAFmutational status and microsatellite instability in early colorectal carcinomas invading thesubmucosa(pT1): towards an in-house molecular prognostication for pathologists?
Authors: Bourhis Amélie , De Luca Caterina , Cariou Mélanie , Vigliar Elena , Barel Fanny , Conticelli Floriana , Marcorelles Pascale , Nousbaum Jean-Baptiste , Robaszkiewicz Michel , Samaison Laura , Badic Bogdan , Doucet Laurent , Troncone Giancarlo , Uguen Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Aim

We aimed to study the prognostic value ofKRAS,NRAS,BRAFmutations and microsatellite stable (MSS)/instable (MSI) in the field of colorectal cancer invading thesubmucosa(ie, pT1 colorectal cancer (CRC)).

Methods

We led a case-control study in tumour samples from 60 patients with pT1 CRC with (20 cases) and without (40 cases) metastatic evolution (5 years of follow-up) which were analysed forKRAS,NRAS,BRAFmutations (Idylla testing and next generation sequencing, NGS) and MSS/MSI status (Idylla testing and expression of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins using immunohistochemistry).

Results

KRASmutations were encountered in 11/20 (55%) cases and 21/40 (52.5%) controls (OR=1.11 (0.38 to 3.25), p=0.8548),NRASmutations in 1/20 (5%) cases and 3/40 (7.5%) controls (OR=3.08 (0.62 to 15.39), p=0.1698) andBRAFmutations in 3/20 (15%) cases and 6/40 (15%) controls (OR=1.00 (0.22 to 4.5), p=1.00). A MSI status was diagnosed in 3/20 (15%) cases and 5/40 (12.5%) controls (OR=1.2353 (0.26 to 5.79), p=0.7885). Beyond the absence of significant association between the metastatic evolution and any of the studied molecular parameters, we observed a very good agreement between methods analysingKRAS, NRASandBRAFmutations (Kappa value of 0.849 (0.748 to 0.95) between Idylla and NGS) and MSS/MSI (Idylla)—proficient MMR/deficient MMR (immunohistochemistry) status (Kappa value of 1.00).

Conclusion

Although being feasible using the fully automated Idylla method as well as NGS, the molecular testing ofKRAS, NRAS, BRAFand MSS/MSI status does not seem useful for prognostic purpose in the field of pT1 CRC.
Numerical modeling of clogging of landfill leachate collection systems with co-disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and incinerator ash
Authors: Yu Yan , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: April 2020

The influence of co-disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and incinerator ash used as daily cover on the clogging of leachate collection systems (LCSs) from landfills is examined. The “BioClog” model is used to simulate the fate and transport of the nine leachate constituents most responsible for clogging the LCSs as they move through the porous media. It then calculates the thicknesses of five films that attach to the porous media and the effect of this clog mass–volume on the porosity and hydraulic conductivity of the granular material. Then it models the consequent growth in the leachate mound with increasing clog mass over time until the service life of the LCS is reached. The modeling shows that the concentrated source of leachable minerals in the incinerator ash accelerates the clogging rate and reduces the service life of the LCSs compared to inert daily cover. If an LCS is not designed to accommodate these higher concentrations of cations in the influent leachate during the landfill operating period, the ash can significantly reduce the LCS service life. Means of extending LCS service life are discussed. A practical technique is also utilized to estimate the service life of LCSs with conservative and reasonable agreement with BioClog.
Passive Mitigation of Cascading Propagation in Multi-Cell Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Torres-Castro Loraine , Kurzawski Andrew , Hewson John , Lamb Joshua
Published: April 2020

The heat generated during a single cell failure within a high energy battery system can force adjacent cells into thermal runaway, creating a cascading propagation effect through the entire system. This work examines the response of modules of stacked pouch cells after thermal runaway is induced in a single cell. The prevention of cascading propagation is explored on cells with reduced states of charge and stacks with metal plates between cells. Reduced states of charge and metal plates both reduce the energy stored relative to the heat capacity, and the results show how cascading propagation may be slowed and mitigated as this varies. These propagation limits are correlated with the stored energy density. Results show significant delays between thermal runaway in adjacent cells, which are analyzed to determine intercell contact resistances and to assess how much heat energy is transmitted to cells before they undergo thermal runaway. A propagating failure of even a small pack may stretch over several minutes including delays as each cell is heated to the point of thermal runaway. This delay is described with two new parameters in the form of gap-crossing and cell-crossing time to grade the propensity of propagation from cell to cell.
Real-Time Corrosion Monitoring of Aluminum Alloy Using Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Örnek Cem , Leygraf Christofer , Pan Jinshan
Published: April 2020

The evolution of the Volta potential of grade AA6063-T5 aluminum alloy microstructure with various intermetallic phases (IMP) during corrosion exposure to chloride-laden thin-film electrolytes at ambient temperature has been investigated, in situ and in real-time, using scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM), to gain insight into local corrosion processes. Trenching around micrometer-sized IMPs, de-alloying, oxidation, and the deposition of corrosion products were observed, which led to an inversion of the electrochemical nobility of the IMPs relative to the alloy matrix. Most of the IMPs showed cathodic Volta potentials (high nobility) relative to the matrix at 40%–80% relative humidity (RH), which became anodic (low nobility) when the surface was moistened with aqueous sodium chloride at elevated moisture (76%–87% RH) producing concentrations up to 5–6 M of chloride. The change of the Volta potential correlated with the onset and progress of corrosion and a nobility inversion of IMPs relative to the alloy matrix was observed. The corrosion behavior and the reasons for galvanic activities among microstructural constituents were elucidated and brought into a broader context to understanding localized corrosion.
Vat Orange 11—Based Organic Cathode Material for High Rate Rechargeable Magnesium Battery
Authors: Debashis Tripathy , Viswanatha H. M. , Harish M. N. K. , Sampath S.
Published: April 2020

Mg-ion batteries are of immense interest owing to their dendrite free chemistry, low cost and high energy density and often comparable to the existing Li-ion batteries. Organic molecules as electrodes, are well-explored in alkali metal ion batteries as they are less expensive, environment friendly and amenable to redox potential-tuning. But these molecules are rarely used for secondary Mg-ion batteries and they continue to attract attention. In the present studies, an organic dye, vat orange 11, is explored as a cathode material for non-aqueous secondary Mg-ion battery in different electrolytes. The electrolyte with salt-controlled dissolution approach turns out to be very good in terms of capacity recovery with long cycle life. It shows an excellent rate performance up to a discharge current of 4000 mA g−1 with high cycling stability (1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1 current density). Further, high capacity and high rate performance are observed using a non-nucleophilic electrolyte based on an ionic liquid. The possible mechanism of Mg2+ uptake is studied using ex situ FTIR spectroscopy that shows a transformation between carbonyl (–C=O) and enolate (–C=O−) functional groups during charge-discharge cycles. The present studies initiate the use of vat-based dye molecules in rechargeable Mg-ion batteries.
The Challenge of Cross‐Cultural Care Encounters: Perspective of Imported Nurses in Lhasa, Tibet
Authors: Bai Mu , Sui Xin , Zhou Changli , Li Yuewei , Li Jinwei , Gao Ruitong , Du Zhen , Xu Linqi , Li Feng
Published: April 2020

Aims. The purpose of this study was to describe the challenge of cross‐cultural care encounters from perspective of imported nurses in Lhasa, Tibet, as well as investigate the relationship of cross‐cultural care encounters and its influencing factors. Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was designed among 300 imported nurses and 255 patients selected from four comprehensive hospitals (including two Grade III Class A hospitals and two Grade III Class B hospitals) in Lhasa. The average number, standard deviations, constituent ratios, T‐tests, rank‐sum tests, one‐way ANOVAs, multiple stepwise regression analyses, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze cross‐cultural care encounters and its influencing factors. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The cross‐cultural care encounter of nurses was 61.73 ± 11.86, mainly relating to age, technical titles, Tibetan language ability, and participation in humanistic training. Age, gender, educational level, technical titles, Tibetan language ability, years working in Tibet, and participation in language and humanities training were the influencing factors (P < 0.05). The average total score of culturally competent care of imported nurses in Lhasa was 218 ± 31.09. Cross‐cultural care encounters of nurses were positively correlated with culturally competent care (r = 0.126, P < 0.01) and the needs of patients’ cultural care (r = 0.183). Conclusion. The scores of culturally competent care and cross‐cultural care encounter of imported nurses were at a high level, and their culturally competent care was in the second stage of “conscious and incapable” status. The cross‐cultural care encounter of nurses is positively related to culturally competent care and the needs of patients’ cultural care. Abilities of language communication, understanding of Tibetan culture, and enhancement of the cultural ability needed optimization.
The Oscillatory of Linear Conformable Fractional Differential Equations of Kamenev Type
Authors: Liu Hui , Xu Run
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the oscillatory of the Kamenev-type linear conformable fractional differential equations in the form of ptyα+1tα+yα+1t+qtyt=0 is studied, where t≥t0 and 0<α≤1. By employing a generalized Riccati transformation technique and integral average method, we obtain some oscillation criteria for the equation. We also give some examples to illustrate the significance of our results.
Radiographic Correlation of Skeletal Maturation Using the Stages of Dental Calcification in a Peruvian Population
Authors: Mauricio-Vilchez César , Mauricio Franco , Vilchez Luzmila , Cadenillas Alexandra , Medina Julia , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: April 2020

Objective. To identify the correlation between the Baccetti method of SM (skeletal maturation) and the stages of DC (dental calcification) using the Demirjian method in the Orthodontics Service of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) in Lima-Peru. Materials and Methods. The sample was obtained from panoramic and lateral radiographs of 200 subjects (116 women and 84 men) with ages between 9 and 17 years. Canine, premolar, and molar teeth calcification was evaluated using the Demirjian method while SM was evaluated by the cervical vertebrae with the Baccetti method. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between the maturation of these cervical vertebrae and DC. Results. There is a high correlation between the Baccetti method of maturation of the cervical vertebrae and the stages of DC ranging from r = 0.635 to 0.774 for men and from r = 0.677 to 0.784 for women (p<0.001), the second lower molar being the one with the highest correlation (r = 0.774 in men) and the second lower premolar (r = 0.784 in women). Conclusions. Stages of DC could be used as a reliable indicator of SM.
Tree-Antimagicness of Web Graphs and Their Disjoint Union
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Umar Muhammad Awais , Ren Xiaojun , Ali Basharat Rehman , Hussain Mujtaba , Li Xiangmei
Published: April 2020

In graph theory, the graph labeling is the assignment of labels (represented by integers) to edges and/or vertices of a graph. For a graph G=V,E, with vertex set V and edge set E, a function from V to a set of labels is called a vertex labeling of a graph, and the graph with such a function defined is called a vertex-labeled graph. Similarly, an edge labeling is a function of E to a set of labels, and in this case, the graph is called an edge-labeled graph. In this research article, we focused on studying super ad,d-T4,2-antimagic labeling of web graphs W2,n and isomorphic copies of their disjoint union.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Problems of Medical Health Workers during the COVID-19 Epidemic in China
Authors: Zhang Wen-rui , Wang Kun , Yin Lu , Zhao Wen-feng , Xue Qing , Peng Mao , Min Bao-quan , Tian Qing , Leng Hai-xia , Du Jia-lin , Chang Hong , Yang Yuan , Li Wei , Shangguan Fang-fang , Yan Tian-yi , Dong Hui-qing , Han Ying , Wang Yu-ping , Cosci Fiammetta , Wang Hong-xing
Published: April 2020

Objective: We explored whether medical health workers had more psychosocial problems than nonmedical health workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: An online survey was run from February 19 to March 6, 2020; a total of 2,182 Chinese subjects participated. Mental health variables were assessed via the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Symptom Check List-revised (SCL-90-R), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), which included a 2-item anxiety scale and a 2-item depression scale (PHQ-2). Results: Compared with nonmedical health workers (n = 1,255), medical health workers (n = 927) had a higher prevalence of insomnia (38.4 vs. 30.5%, p < 0.01), anxiety (13.0 vs. 8.5%, p < 0.01), depression (12.2 vs. 9.5%; p< 0.04), somatization (1.6 vs. 0.4%; p < 0.01), and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (5.3 vs. 2.2%; p < 0.01). They also had higher total scores of ISI, GAD-2, PHQ-2, and SCL-90-R obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p ≤ 0.01). Among medical health workers, having organic disease was an independent factor for insomnia, anxiety, depression, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Living in rural areas, being female, and being at risk of contact with COVID-19 patients were the most common risk factors for insomnia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and depression (p < 0.01 or 0.05). Among nonmedical health workers, having organic disease was a risk factor for insomnia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p < 0.01 or 0.05). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 outbreak, medical health workers had psychosocial problems and risk factors for developing them. They were in need of attention and recovery programs.
Drug Targeting of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Inhibits Metabolic Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Khoukaz Hekmat B. , Ji Yan , Braet Drew J. , Vadali Manisha , Abdelhamid Ahmed A. , Emal Cory D. , Lawrence Daniel A. , Fay William P.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Enhanced expression of PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) has been implicated in atherosclerosis formation in humans with obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about the effects of pharmacological targeting of PAI-1 on atherogenesis. This study examined the effects of pharmacological PAI-1 inhibition on atherosclerosis formation in a murine model of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Approach and Results:

LDL receptor-deficient (
ldlr
−/−
) mice were fed a Western diet high in cholesterol, fat, and sucrose to induce obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Western diet triggered significant upregulation of PAI-1 expression compared with normal diet controls. Addition of a pharmacological PAI-1 inhibitor (either PAI-039 or MDI-2268) to Western diet significantly inhibited obesity and atherosclerosis formation for up to 24 weeks without attenuating food consumption. Pharmacological PAI-1 inhibition significantly decreased macrophage accumulation and cell senescence in atherosclerotic plaques. Recombinant PAI-1 stimulated smooth muscle cell senescence, whereas a PAI-1 mutant defective in LRP1 (LDL receptor-related protein 1) binding did not. The prosenescent effect of PAI-1 was blocked by PAI-039 and R2629, a specific anti-LRP1 antibody. PAI-039 significantly decreased visceral adipose tissue inflammation, hyperglycemia, and hepatic triglyceride content without altering plasma lipid profiles.

Conclusions:

Pharmacological targeting of PAI-1 inhibits atherosclerosis in mice with obesity and metabolic syndrome, while inhibiting macrophage accumulation and cell senescence in atherosclerotic plaques, as well as obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction. PAI-1 induces senescence of smooth muscle cells in an LRP1-dependent manner. These results help to define the role of PAI-1 in atherosclerosis formation and suggest a new plasma-lipid-independent strategy for inhibiting atherogenesis.
Pseudo-Athanasian Homily on the Man Born Blind: Slavonic Sermon from an Unknown Greek Original
Authors: Gritsevskaya Irina M. , Lytvynenko Viacheslav V.
Published: April 2020

The paper offers a textual analysis, Slavonic edition and English translation of the Homily on the Man Born Blind preserved in XIVth-century novoizvodnye triodion panegyrics. The homily is ascribed to Athanasius of Alexandria and is unknown among Greek sources.
The miR-185/PAK6 axis predicts therapy response and regulates survival of drug-resistant leukemic stem cells in CML
Authors: Lin Hanyang , Rothe Katharina , Chen Min , Wu Andrew , Babaian Artem , Yen Ryan , Zeng Jonathan , Ruschmann Jens , Petriv Oleh I. , O'Neill Kieran , Maetzig Tobias , Knapp David J. H. F. , Nakamichi Naoto , Brinkman Ryan , Birol Inanc , Forrest Donna L. , Hansen Carl , Humphries R. Keith , Eaves Connie J. , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: April 2020

Overcoming drug resistance and targeting cancer stem cells remain challenges for curative cancer treatment. To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating drug resistance and leukemic stem cell (LSC) fate, we performed global transcriptome profiling in treatment-naive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem/progenitor cells and identified that miR-185 levels anticipate their response to ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). miR-185 functions as a tumor suppressor: its restored expression impaired survival of drug-resistant cells, sensitized them to TKIs in vitro, and markedly eliminated long-term repopulating LSCs and infiltrating blast cells, conferring a survival advantage in preclinical xenotransplantation models. Integrative analysis with mRNA profiles uncovered PAK6 as a crucial target of miR-185, and pharmacological inhibition of PAK6 perturbed the RAS/MAPK pathway and mitochondrial activity, sensitizing therapy-resistant cells to TKIs. Thus, miR-185 presents as a potential predictive biomarker, and dual targeting of miR-185-mediated PAK6 activity and BCR-ABL1 may provide a valuable strategy for overcoming drug resistance in patients.
Lung transcriptomic clock predicts premature aging in cigarette smoke-exposed mice
Authors: Choukrallah Mohamed-Amin , Hoeng Julia , Peitsch Manuel C. , Martin Florian
Published: April 2020

Background

Lung aging is characterized by a number of structural alterations including fibrosis, chronic inflammation and the alteration of inflammatory cell composition. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is known to induce similar alterations and may contribute to premature lung aging. Additionally, aging and CS exposure are associated with transcriptional alterations in the lung. The current work aims to explore the interaction between age- and CS- associated transcriptomic perturbations and develop a transcriptomic clock able to predict the biological age and the impact of external factors on lung aging.

Results

Our investigations revealed a substantial overlap between transcriptomic response to CS exposure and age-related transcriptomic alterations in the murine lung. Of particular interest is the strong upregulation of immunoglobulin genes with increased age and in response to CS exposure, indicating an important implication of B-cells in lung inflammation associated with aging and smoking. Furthermore, we used a machine learning approach based on Lasso regression to build a transcriptomic age model that can accurately predict chronological age in untreated mice and the deviations associated with certain exposures. Interestingly, CS-exposed-mice were predicted to be prematurely aged in contrast to mice exposed to fresh air or to heated tobacco products (HTPs). The accelerated aging rate associated with CS was reversed upon smoking cessation or switching to HTPs. Additionally, our model was able to predict premature aging associated with thoracic irradiation from an independent public dataset.

Conclusions

Aging and CS exposure share common transcriptional alteration patterns in the murine lung. The massive upregulation of B-cell restricted genes during these processes shed light on the contribution of cell composition and particularly immune cells to the measured transcriptomic signal. Through machine learning approach, we show that gene expression changes can be used to accurately monitor the biological age and the modulations associated with certain exposures. Our findings also suggest that the premature lung aging is reversible upon the reduction of harmful exposures.
Reducing the size of an alien segment carrying leaf rust and stripe rust resistance in wheat
Authors: Khazan Sofia , Minz-Dub Anna , Sela Hanan , Manisterski Jacob , Ben-Yehuda Pnina , Sharon Amir , Millet Eitan
Published: April 2020

Background

Leaf and stripe rusts are two major wheat diseases, causing significant yield losses. The preferred way for protecting wheat from rust pathogens is by introgression of rust resistance traits from wheat-related wild species. To avoid genetic drag due to replacement of large wheat chromosomal segments by the alien chromatin, it is necessary to shorten the alien chromosome segment in primary recombinants.

Results

Here we report on shortening of an alien chromosome segment in wheat that carries leaf and stripe rust resistance from Sharon goatgrass (Aegilops sharonensis). Rust resistant wheat introgression lines were selected and the alien region was mapped using genotyping by sequencing. Single polymorphic nucleotides (SNP) were identified and used to generate diagnostic PCR markers. Shortening of the alien fragment was achieved by induced homoeologous pairing and lines with shortened alien chromosome were identified using the PCR markers. Further reduction of the segment was achieved in tertiary recombinants without losing the rust resistance.

Conclusions

Alien chromatin in wheat with novel rust resistance genes was characterized by SNP markers and shortened by homoeologous recombination to avoid deleterious traits. The resulting wheat lines are resistant to highly virulent races of leaf and stripe rust pathogens and can be used as both resistant wheat in the field and source for gene transfer to other wheat lines/species.
Septicemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and peritonitis due to Vibrio vulnificus treated with early use of polymyxin B hemoperfusion in a patient undergoing CAPD: a case report
Authors: Kim Jae Young , Joo Young Su , Lee Sangmi , Lee Ji Young , Park Jung Tak , Han Seong Hyeok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook
Published: April 2020

Background

Vibrio vulnificus infection is a rare but fatal foodborne illness. Here, we report a case of Vibrio vulnificus peritonitis followed by severe septicemia in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who was treated with hemoperfusion using polymyxin B immobilized fiber.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man undergoing CAPD was admitted to the emergency room due to general weakness, fever, and abdominal pain with hazy dialysate. Two days before admission, he had eaten raw fish. Initial laboratory tests including peritoneal fluid analysis suggested peritonitis. Despite empirical intraperitoneal antibiotic treatment, his fever did not subside, and multiple vesicles on the extremities newly appeared. The result of initial peritoneal fluid culture and blood cultures reported Vibrio vulnificus as the most likely causative pathogen. Hemoperfusion with polymyxin B immobilized fiber was performed to control gram-negative bacterial septicemia with antibiotics targeting the pathogenic organism. The patient recovered completely and was discharged without complications.

Discussion and conclusion

Suspicion of Vibrio vulnificus infection in susceptible immunocompromised patients is important for early diagnosis and prompt management. Peritonitis should be noted as a clinical manifestation of Vibrio vulnificus infection in CAPD patients, and polymyxin B hemoperfusion along with proper antibiotics could be considered as a treatment option.
Magnesium supplementation and preeclampsia in low-income pregnant women – a randomized double-blind clinical trial
Authors: de Araújo Carla Adriane Leal , de Sousa Oliveira Larissa , de Gusmão Isabela Melo Buarque , Guimarães Angélica , Ribeiro Moranna , Alves João Guilherme Bezerra
Published: April 2020

Background

Preeclampsia is the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Magnesium sulfate is considered first-line therapy against eclampsia and magnesium deficiency in pregnancy has been associated with unfavourable perinatal outcomes. However there are doubts if magnesium supplementation during pregnancy can previne preeclampsia especially in population with high nutritional risk. This trial aims to verify the effect of oral magnesium supplmentation on preeclampsia incidence in low income pregnant women.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of oral magnesium citrate supplementation for preeclampsia in low-income Brazilian pregnant women, i.e. annual per capita income of US$ 1025 or less. Participants were admitted to the study with gestational age between 12 and 20 weeks. Magnesium serum level was measured pre-randomization and participants with hypermagnesemia were excluded. After randomizationg participants received magnesium citrate capsule (300 mg magnesium citrate) or a daily placebo capsule, until delivery. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 416 pregnant women were screened and 318 enrolled according to the inclusion criteria; 159 for each arm. Twenty-eight pregnant women were lost to follow-up. 55/290 (18.9%) of pregnant women developed preeclampsia; 26/143 (18.1%) in magnesium group and 29/147 (19.7%) in the control group; OR 0.90 (CI 95% 0.48–1.69), p = 0.747. No cases of eclampsia were registered.

Conclusion

Oral magnesium supplementation did not reduce preeclampsia incidence in low-income and low-risk pregnant women.

Trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT02032186), December 19, 2013.
Reviews
Authors: Green William R. , Krebes Edward S. , Sandham William A.
Published: April 2020

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