bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in patients with post-stroke depression
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yan , Li Yu-Xiang , Liu Dong-Ling , Zhang Bing-Yan , Chen Dong-Ming
Published: May 2019

Background:

To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD).

Methods:

The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and 4 Chinese databases were electronically searched for articles published between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of acupuncture on PSD were included. The quality of all included trials was assessed according to guidelines published by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results:

Seven trials compared the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy with that of control in alleviating the symptoms of PSD. Pooled analysis demonstrated that patients in the acupuncture intervention group experienced a significantly higher treatment effect than controls (RR 1.16 [95% CI 1.08–1.24]; P < .0001), with low study heterogeneity (I
2 = 4%). Based on intervention methods, further analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in effectiveness between the acupuncture alone and medicine groups (RR 1.25 [95% CI 1.11 1.41]; Z = 3.78; P = .0002). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the acupuncture combined with medicine and medicine groups (RR 1.07 [95% CI 0.98–1.17]; P = .11).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the viewpoint that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for PSD. Subgroup analyses further revealed that acupuncture alone resulted in better outcomes than drug therapy in improving depressive symptoms. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for PSD and develop standardized acupuncture protocols.
Effect of forced-air warming system in prevention of postoperative hypothermia in elderly patients
Authors: Xu Huiying , Xu Guangjun , Ren Chunguang , Liu Liping , Wei Limin
Published: May 2019

Background:

Postoperative hypothermia in elderly patients is a well-known serious complication as it impairs wound healing, induces coagulopathy, increases the risk of blood loss, enhances oxygen consumption, and precipitates cardiac arrhythmias. We conducted this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a forced-air warming system on rewarming elderly patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

We recruited 243 elderly patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty between May and December 2016. They were divided into three groups according to a computer-generated randomization table: group C (n = 78, rewarmed with only a regular blanket), group F1 (n = 82, rewarmed with a forced-air warming system set at 38°C), and group F2 (n = 83, rewarmed with a forced-air warming system set at 42°C). The nasopharyngeal temperature was recorded every 5 min for the first half hour, then every 10 min up to the end of the PACU (postanesthesia care unit) stay. The primary outcome was the rewarming time. The rewarming rate, increase in nasopharyngeal temperature (compared to the start of rewarming), hemodynamics, recovery time, and incidences of adverse effects were recorded.

Results:

No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the baseline clinical characteristics, use of narcotic drugs, intraoperative temperature, and hemodynamics (P > .05). Compared with the elderly patients in groups C and F1, both the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of those in group F2 were significantly increased 20 min after arrival at the PACU (P < .05). Patients in group F2 had the shortest rewarming time (35.89 ± 6.45 min, P < .001), highest rewarming efficiency (0.028 ± 0.001°C/min, P < .001), and fastest increased nasopharyngeal temperature among the three groups. Moreover, the elderly patients in group F2 had lower incidences of arrhythmia and shivering (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The use of a forced-air warming system set at 42°C was shown to be the most effective way of rewarming elderly patients with postoperative hypothermia.
Late-onset chylothorax during chemotherapy after lobectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Chu , Zhang Rui-Mei , Pan Yong , Wu Wen-Bin , Zhang Miao
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Chylothorax is usually diagnosed within a few days after lobectomy. Late-onset chylothorax following trauma or thoracic surgery is rare but potentially lethal, lacking reliable preventive methods.

Patient concerns:

A 54-year-old male patient complained of dyspnea during adjuvant chemotherapy on the 35th postoperative day after right middle lobectomy and systemic lymph node dissection (SLND) for lung cancer. His computed tomography indicated massive pleural effusion filling in the right chest cavity.

Diagnoses:

The patient was primarily diagnosed as late-onset chylothorax, without definite evidence to exclude spontaneous chylous leakage.

Interventions:

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation (TDL) was performed for him, as conservative treatment using octreotide with fat-free diet turned out to be ineffective.

Outcomes:

His pleural effusion was gradually diminished after reoperation, and the patient was discharged 9 days after TDL.

Lessons:

Postoperative late-onset or spontaneous chylothorax should be kept in mind after pulmonary resection and SLND, and the exclusion of chylous leakage could be considered as a precondition of chest tube removal.
A meta-analysis of the association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori and periodontal diseases
Authors: Chen Zheng , Cai Jiarong , Chen Yi-ming , Wei Jiaming , Li Hui-biao , Lu Yeming , Zhou Zhengyang , Chen Xin-lin
Published: May 2019

Background:

The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and periodontal disease (PD).

Methods:

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched to identify eligible articles published from inception up to April 2018. Further articles were retrieved through a manual search of recent reviews. Cross-sectional studies, case–control studies and cohort studies reporting the association between H pylori and PD were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results:

Four case-control studies and nine cross-sectional studies were included. A total of 6800 patients were included in this review. The odds for oral H pylori positivity was 2.31 times (95% CI: 1.99–2.68) greater than those without H pylori. Subgroup analyses involving different study locations, designs, and types of study population showed the similar results. The pooled OR for the gastric disease patients was the largest (3.50, 95% CI: 2.22–5.53, five articles). Stomach H pylori was also significantly associated with PD, with OR 2.90 (95% CI: 1.37–6.14, two articles).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis supports an association between H pylori and PD. More well-designed studies, especially prospective cohort studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Efficacy and acceptability of immunosuppressive agents for pediatric frequently-relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Tan Liping , Li Shaojun , Yang Haiping , Zou Qing , Wan Junli , Li Qiu
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

A network meta-analysis was conducted to regard the effects of available immunosuppressive medications in pediatric frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS).

Methods:

We reviewed systematically 26 randomized controlled trials (1311 patients) that compared any of the following immunosuppressive agents to placebo/nontreatment (P/NT) or another drug for FRNS/SDNS treatment in children.

Results:

The main outcomes were efficacy and acceptability. At the 6-month, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, levamisole, and rituximab had better efficacy than P/NT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09, 0.03, 0.28, and 0.07, respectively); cyclophosphamide was significantly more effective than azathioprine and chlorambucil. At 12 months, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, cyclosporine, levamisole, and rituximab had better efficacy than P/NT (0.10, 0.03, 0.10, 0.23, and 0.07, respectively); Chlorambucil were found to be more efficacious than levamisole and MMF (0.12 and 0.09, respectively). At 24 months, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and levamisole had better efficacy than P/NT (0.09, 0.04, and 0.03, respectively); cyclophosphamide had better efficacy than cyclosporine and vincristine (0.17 and 0.39, respectively).

Conclusion:

No significant differences in acceptability were found. Our results suggest that cyclophosphamide may be preferred initially in children with FRSN/SDNS, chlorambucil, and rituximab may be acceptable medications for patients with FRSN/SDNS. Long-term follow-up trials focused on gonadal toxicity and limitation of maximum dosage of cyclophosphamide should been carried out.
Bilateral total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Limin , Liu Hongtian , Zhang Hui , Song Jingtao , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2019

Background:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed in recent decades. However, controversies still exist between conducting simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review assessing the clinical outcome associated with simultaneous bilateral and staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA).

Methods:

A search was applied to CNKI, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane central database (January 2000–July 2018). All studies that compared simultaneous bilateral TKA (simBTKA) with staged bilateral TKA (staBTKA) without language restriction were reviewed, and qualities of included studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled and a meta-analysis completed.

Results:

The 18 studies were identified to be eligible. The 18 comparative studies published from 2001 to 2018, covered 73617 participants in the simBTKA group and 61838 in the staBTKA group, respectively. Results of meta-analyses indicated that simBTKA showed a lower risk of deep infection and respiratory complications, but increased mortality, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) compared with staBTKA. There were no significant differences in revision, superficial infection, arthrofibrosis, cardiac complications, neurological complications and urinary complications between procedures.

Conclusions:

Since there are risks and benefits to both procedures, these potential complications must be interpreted in light of each individual patient's needs and concerns. Further research must be conducted, in the form of a randomized clinical trial, to evaluate the outcomes mentioned in this review.
Current status of dental implants survival and peri-implant bone loss in patients with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Palma Luiz F.
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

The current review summarizes recent evidence on the impact of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on implant dentistry, highlighting the behavior of peri-implant bone.

Recent findings

There is no definitive information on the development and course of peri-implant bone loss associated with T2DM; however, poorly controlled T2DM patients present worse outcomes. Nevertheless, dental implants may be a successful therapy for these patients in a manner similar to healthy individuals, when glycemic levels and oral hygiene are strictly maintained.

The most recent literature on the impact of T2DM on peri-implant bone loss was reviewed to evaluate the feasibility of dental implant therapy over the time for these patients.
An update in facial gender confirming surgery
Authors: Juszczak Hailey M. , Fridirici Zachary , Knott P. Daniel , Park Andrea M. , Seth Rahul
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

To summarize current surgical and nonsurgical approaches to facial gender confirming surgery (FGCS) and highlight standards of care and areas of future research.

Recent findings

Gender nonconforming individuals may encounter considerable internal coping and external social stressors that may contribute to gender-associated dysphoria. FGCS provides patients the ability to align facial appearance with gender identity, using recently described advances in surgical and nonsurgical techniques. The majority of FGCS is performed on transwomen (individuals identifying as female), yielding the more common term of facial feminization surgery (FFS). Although no set protocols or standards are in place, certain procedures are commonly performed to alter sex-determining characteristics of the face, and further research may help define guidelines. As many training programs have minimal exposure to FGCS, promotion of transgender health awareness is paramount for diverse and inclusive surgical training.

Although demand for FGCS is increasing, there remains a need for improving surgical approaches, developing evidence-based care guidelines, and implementing education and awareness in training programs.
The true risk of living kidney donation
Authors: Liyanage Luckmini , Muzaale Abimerki , Henderson Macey
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

The safety of living donor nephrectomy is essential to the continued success, growth, and sustainability of the clinical practice of living donor kidney transplantation. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the perioperative and long-term risks faced by living kidney donors.

Recent findings

Although adverse perioperative complications are extremely rare, donors particularly men, Black, or obese, frequently experience minor complications that result in delayed return to normal duties at home and work. Similarly, although long-term complications such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are rare, recent studies suggest a relative increase in risk of ESRD that is attributable to donation. Several risk calculators have been developed to help donors and their care providers quantify the baseline and postdonation risk of ESRD based on demographic and health characteristics. Thresholds of risk may help define what is an acceptable level of risk to the donor and the transplant center.

Individualized risk calculators now allow care providers and potential donors to objectively and transparently participate in shared decision-making about the safety of living kidney donation.
Noninvasive biomarkers in monitoring kidney allograft health
Authors: O’Callaghan John M. , Knight Simon R.
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

A key aspect of posttransplant management is to identify and treat graft injury before it becomes irreversible. The gold-standard for detection is histology, but biopsy is uncomfortable for the patient and carries a risk of complications. Detection of changes at a molecular level may preempt histological injury, and thereby identify injury earlier.

Recent findings

Indicators of immune system activation, such as candidate chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, and by-products of neutrophil activity, have been related to acute rejection and early allograft function. Transcriptomic studies of multiple-gene panels have identified candidate combinations that have proven very promising in risk-stratification and prediction of acute rejection, as well as diagnosis of both T-cell-mediated and antibody-mediated rejection. Serum and urine cell-free DNA is also a promising area of investigation, particularly in antibody-mediated rejection.

Noninvasive, rapid, and accurate tests for risk-prediction and diagnosis in renal transplant allografts are urgently required. The ideal candidate is one that can be measured in either urine or blood, is cheap, and is both sensitive and specific for the condition of interest. Numerous strategies have been proposed, with varying degrees of clinical and preclinical success. A few that meet the essential criteria have been evaluated; a few have made it as far as clinical testing.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in solid organ transplant
Authors: Anjan Shweta , Morris Michele I.
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens of concern especially in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients. This review aims to address diagnostic challenges, new and emerging treatment options, and infection prevention.

Recent findings

The incidence of NTM infections in transplant candidates and recipients is rising. The infection prevalence of these environmental pathogens varies geographically by species with a coastal predominance. Although existing guidelines from the American Thoracic Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and British Thoracic Society provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, they do not fully address the subtle nuances and challenges faced in managing infections in immunocompromised transplant recipients. Evolving data on new therapeutic agents and their use in combination therapy will help individualize treatment regimens while limiting adverse effects and improving compliance. Use of combination β-lactams, avibactam, tedizolid, clofazimine, bedaquiline, liposomal amikacin, and ciprofloxacin for commonly isolated species such as Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium complex have proven effective.

Further studies are needed to determine the incidence of NTM infection in a prospective, multicentric manner and evaluate the most promising synergistic treatment combinations in transplant recipients.
Responding to the Changing Face of the Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Fink-Samnick Ellen
Published: May 2019

The social determinants of health (SDoH) are at the top of every health care organization's priority list. The ability to respond to these nonclinical client needs is driving the financial sustainability, if not survivability, of facilities and programs across the globe. Although a number of traditional populations have been long identified with the SDoH, the face of those clients and communities is changing. With these demographic shifts come new ethical challenges for case managers, particularly in response to prevailing personal biases. With the case management positioned on the front lines of care, the workforce must be able to identify and respond ethically and effectively to the emerging new face of the SDoH.
The Relationship Between Circulating Interleukin-6 Levels and Future Health Service Use in Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Mausbach Brent T. , Decastro Gabrielle , Vara-Garcia Carlos , Bos Taylor C. , von Känel Roland , Ziegler Michael G. , Dimsdale Joel E. , Allison Matthew A. , Mills Paul J. , Patterson Thomas L. , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Pruitt Christopher , Grant Igor
Published: May 2019

Objective

Older adults are among the most frequent users of emergency departments (EDs). Nonspecific symptoms, such as fatigue and widespread pain, are among the most common symptoms in patients admitted at the ED. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are inflammation biomarkers associated with chronic stress (i.e., dementia caregiving) and nonspecific symptoms. This study aimed to determine whether IL-6 and TNF-α were prospectively associated with ED risk in dementia caregivers (CGs).

Methods

Participants were 85 dementia CGs, who reported during three assessments (3, 9, and 15 months after enrollment) if they had visited an ED for any reason. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relations between resting circulating levels of IL-6 and TNF-α obtained at enrollment and subsequent risk for an ED visit, adjusting for age, sex, use of ED 1 month before enrollment, physical and mental health well-being, body mass index, and CG demands.

Results

(log) IL-6 significantly predicted ED visits during the 15-month follow-up (B= 1.96, SE = 0.82,p= .017). For every (log) picogram per milliliter increase in IL-6, the risk of visiting an ED was 7.10 times greater. TNF-α was not associated with subsequent ED visits. Exploratory analyses suggested that CGs with levels of IL-6 above the 80th percentile and experiencing high CG demands were at highest risk of an ED visit.

Conclusions

IL-6 levels and CG demands may be useful for predicting vulnerability for future ED visits. Although further studies should be conducted to replicate and extend these findings, interventions that successfully modify inflammation markers, including the underlying pathophysiology related to stress and/or comorbid illnesses, may be useful in preventing costly and detrimental outcomes in this population.
Improving Emergency Airway Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Levels of Outpatient Gastroenterology Staff via Implementation of Online Education and In Situ Simulation
Authors: Covington Cameron C. , Muckler Virginia C. , Sheldon Linda , Alexander Regina , Morgan Brett
Published: May 2019

Twenty percent of all ambulatory surgery cases utilizing monitored anesthesia care and sedation report at least one perioperative respiratory complication such as bronchospasm, hypoxia, laryngospasm, or aspiration (Nagelhout & Plaus, 2014). However, the national Standards of Practice for both surgical technicians and ambulatory care nurses do not mandate emergency airway education beyond cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Basic Life Support training. A local outpatient gastroenterology clinic noticed the gap in education, and the anesthesia team decided to implement an evidence-based dual-factorial quality improvement project utilizing online education and in situ simulation. First, registered nurses and procedural technologists completed a test to assess their baseline knowledge and airway emergency performance self-efficacy levels. Then an online module was distributed that included information on the 3 most common anesthesia airway emergencies in the outpatient setting: laryngospasm, aspiration, and obstruction with resultant hypoxemia. Next, participants completed an in situ simulation of the 3 airway emergencies using low-fidelity mannequins. A post-education assessment was distributed after completion of the simulation training and again at 6 weeks and 3 months post-implementation. The data collected showed a statistically significant increase in both knowledge scores and levels of self-efficacy at 6 weeks and 3 months posteducation (p < .001).
Corticobasal degeneration: advances in clinicopathology and biomarkers
Authors: Svenningsson Per
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy diagnosed postmortem by pathological examination. The clinical presentation of corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is an apraxic, dystonic, and rigid limb with asymmetrical cortical signs and myoclonus. However, less than half of the patients with CBS receive a CBD diagnosis. As tau-lowering therapies have entered clinical trials, improved antemortem diagnosis of CBD is needed. Here, clinicopathological, neuroimaging, and biofluid data in CBS and/or CBD patients are briefly summarized and some knowledge gaps identified.

Recent findings

Developments of MRI-based and nuclear medicine imaging modalities have increased pathophysiological insights of CBS and may improve diagnostic accuracy. In particular, several tau-PET ligands have been evaluated in CBS patients. Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain can distinguish CBS from Parkinson's disease but not from other atypical forms of Parkinsonism.

Structural and functional imaging approaches provide some aid in the diagnosis of CBD but have low-content validity. None of the currently available tau-PET ligands is suitable for detecting straight filament 4repeat tau disease in clinical routine. Biofluid markers reflecting the distinct tau and/or astrocyte disease of CBD are needed. Examining biosamples along with clinical parameters from longitudinally followed patients with autopsy-confirmed CBD diagnosis shall hopefully delineate improved biomarkers.
Quantifying the seasonal drivers of transmission for Lassa fever in Nigeria
Authors: Akhmetzhanov Andrei R. , Asai Yusuke , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic disease that is widespread in West Africa and involves animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission. Animal-to-human transmission occurs upon exposure to rodent excreta and secretions, i.e. urine and saliva, and human-to-human transmission occurs via the bodily fluids of an infected person. To elucidate the seasonal drivers of LF epidemics, we employed a mathematical model to analyse the datasets of human infection, rodent population dynamics and climatological variations and capture the underlying transmission dynamics. The surveillance-based incidence data of human cases in Nigeria were explored, and moreover, a mathematical model was used for describing the transmission dynamics of LF in rodent populations. While quantifying the case fatality risk and the rate of exposure of humans to animals, we explicitly estimated the corresponding contact rate of humans with infected rodents, accounting for the seasonal population dynamics of rodents. Our findings reveal that seasonal migratory dynamics of rodents play a key role in regulating the cyclical pattern of LF epidemics. The estimated timing of high exposure of humans to animals coincides with the time shortly after the start of the dry season and can be associated with the breeding season of rodents in Nigeria.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: approaches and important themes’. This issue is linked with the subsequent theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: epidemic forecasting and control’.
Critical transitions in malaria transmission models are consistently generated by superinfection
Authors: Alonso David , Dobson Andy , Pascual Mercedes
Published: May 2019

The history of modelling vector-borne infections essentially begins with the papers by Ross on malaria. His models assume that the dynamics of malaria can most simply be characterized by two equations that describe the prevalence of malaria in the human and mosquito hosts. This structure has formed the central core of models for malaria and most other vector-borne diseases for the past century, with additions acknowledging important aetiological details. We partially add to this tradition by describing a malaria model that provides for vital dynamics in the vector and the possibility of super-infection in the human host: reinfection of asymptomatic hosts before they have cleared a prior infection. These key features of malaria aetiology create the potential for break points in the prevalence of infected hosts, sudden transitions that seem to characterize malaria’s response to control in different locations. We show that this potential for critical transitions is a general and underappreciated feature of any model for vector-borne diseases with incomplete immunity, including the canonical Ross–McDonald model. Ignoring these details of the host’s immune response to infection can potentially lead to serious misunderstanding in the interpretation of malaria distribution patterns and the design of control schemes for other vector-borne diseases.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: approaches and important themes’. This issue is linked with the subsequent theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: epidemic forecasting and control’.
Ectopic hepatocyte transplantation cures the pig model of tyrosinemia
Authors: Nicolas Clara T , Hickey Raymond D , Allen Kari L , Du Zeji , VanLith Caitlin J , Guthman Rebekah M , Amiot Bruce , Suksanpaisan Lukkana , Han Bing , Francipane Maria Giovanna , Cheikhi Amin , Jiang Huailei , Bansal Aditya , Pandey Mukesh K , Garg Ishan , Lowe Val , Bhagwate Aditya , O’Brien Daniel , Kocher Jean-Pierre A , DeGrado Timothy R , Nyberg Scott L , Kaiser Robert A , Lagasse Eric , Lillegard Joseph B
Published: May 2019

The effectiveness of cell-based therapies to treat liver failure is limited by the diseased liver environment. Herein we provide preclinical proof-of-concept for the treatment of liver failure through hepatocyte transplantation into lymph nodes in a large-animal model of hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1), a metabolic liver disease caused by deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) enzyme. FAH-deficient pigs received autologous hepatocyte transplantation into mesenteric lymph nodes afterex vivotransduction with a lentiviral vector carrying the pigFahgene. Hepatocytes showed early (6 hour) and durable (8 month) engraftment in lymph nodes, with reproduction of vascular and hepatic microarchitecture. Subsequently, hepatocytes migrated to and repopulated the native diseased liver. The corrected cells generated enough liver mass to clinically ameliorate disease as early as 97 days post-transplantation, with complete normalization of tyrosine levels and liver function tests. Integration site analysis defined the corrected hepatocytes in the liver as a subpopulation of hepatocytes in the lymph nodes, indicating that the lymph nodes served as a source for healthy hepatocytes to repopulate a diseased liver. Ectopic transplantation of hepatocytes cures the pig model of HT1 and presents a promising approach to the treatment of liver disease in patients with pre-existing liver damage and fibrosis.

One Sentence Summary

Transplantation of corrected hepatocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes can cure fatal metabolic liver disease by providing organized liver tissue and by repopulating the diseased liver in the pig tyrosinemia model.
Division of labor increases with colony size, regardless of group composition, in the social spiderStegodyphus dumicola
Authors: Wright Colin M. , Lichtenstein James L. L. , Holbrook C. Tate , Pretorius Justin , Pinter-Wollman Noa , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Division of labor (DOL) is a pattern of work organization where individual group members specialize on different tasks. DOL is argued to have been instrumental for the success of eusocial insects, where it scales positively with group size both within and across species. Here we evaluate whether DOL scales positively with group size in a society of cooperative breeders (social spiders) and whether this pattern is impacted by the behavioral composition of the group. To do this we engineered experimental colonies of contrasting group sizes and behavioral compositions and tracked individuals participation in two colony maintenance tasks: prey capture and web construction. As with some eusocial insects, we found that larger groups exhibited DOL metrics up to 10-times greater than smaller groups, conveying that individuals specialize on particular tasks more in larger colonies. This scalar relationship did not differ by a groups behavioral composition, though groups composed of only bold spiders exhibited reduced DOL relative to all-shy or mixed groups. We also found that per capita participation in prey capture, but not web construction, decreased as a function of group size. This suggests that individuals in larger groups may save energy by reducing their involvement in some tasks. Together, our results convey that similar scalar relationships between DOL and group size can emerge both inside and outside the eusocial insects. Thus, theory developed for understanding DOL in eusocial societies may inform our understanding of group function in a larger swath of animal social diversity than is broadly appreciated.

SignificanceStatement

Division of labor (DOL) has been a major area of research in the eusocial insects for decades, and is argues to underlie their ecological success. Only recently have other social arthropods, such as social spiders, been considered for studies concerning DOL. Given their smaller colony sizes, and absence of morphological castes, DOL was not thought to be an important facet of spider societies. However, we found that spider societies do indeed exhibit high degrees of DOL that is positively correlated to colony size, as seen in many eusocial insects. These findings suggest that the scalar relationship between group size and social organization seen in social insects is likely generalizable to a larger diversity of social taxa, and that cooperative breeders can show levels of division of labor equaling or exceeding those of eusocial systems evaluated to date.
Spasticity reduction in children with cerebral palsy is not associated with reduced energy consumption during walking
Authors: Zaino Nicole L. , Steele Katherine M. , Donelan J. Maxwell , Schwartz Michael H.
Published: May 2019

Background

The average energy consumption during walking of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is over two times of that of typically developing (TD) children and fatigue is one of the top complaints of children with CP and their families. Spasticity has been theorized to contribute to increased energy consumption during walking in CP, but its role remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the energy consumption of walking in children with diplegic CP before and after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), a surgery that reduces spasticity. A control group of participants with CP who also underwent gait analysis but did not undergo SDR was matched to the SDR group by pre-surgery age, spasticity, and energy consumption. Energy consumption and spasticity were compared at baseline and follow-up for both groups.

Findings

As expected, the SDR group has a significantly greater decrease (−44%) in spasticity compared to matched peers with CP who did not undergo SDR (−16%,P<0.001). While both groups had a reduction in energy consumption between visits (12 % SDR and 14% no-SDR), there was no difference in the change in energy consumption between groups (P=0.4).

Interpretation: Reducing spasticity did not contribute to greater reductions in energy consumption, suggesting that spasticity has minimal impact on elevated energy consumption during walking for children with CP. Energy consumption and spasticity decrease with age among children with CP. Identifying matched control groups of peers with CP is critical for research involving children with CP to account for changes due to development.

Highlights

Energy consumption is not reduced after rhizotomy compared to matched peers

Spasticity has minimal contribution to elevated energy during walking

Matched control groups are critical in cerebral palsy research
Inositol pyrophosphates impact phosphate homeostasis via modulation of RNA 3’ processing and transcription termination
Authors: Sanchez Ana M. , Garg Angad , Shuman Stewart , Schwer Beate
Published: May 2019

Fission yeast phosphate acquisition genes pho1, pho84, and tgp1 are repressed in phosphate-rich medium by transcription of upstream lncRNAs. Here we show that phosphate homeostasis is subject to metabolite control by inositol pyrophosphates (IPPs), exerted through the 3’-processing/termination machinery and the Pol2 CTD code. Increasing IP8 (via Asp1 IPP pyrophosphatase mutation) de-represses the PHO regulon and leads to precocious termination of prt lncRNA synthesis. pho1 de-repression by IP8 depends on cleavage-polyadenylation factor (CPF) subunits, termination factor Rhn1, and the Thr4 letter of the CTD code. pho1 de-repression by mutation of the Ser7 CTD letter depends on IP8. Simultaneous inactivation of the Asp1 and Aps1 IPP pyrophosphatases is lethal, but this lethality is suppressed by mutations of CPF subunits Ppn1, Swd22, Ssu72, and Ctf1 and CTD mutation T4A. Failure to synthesize IP8 (via Asp1 IPP kinase mutation) results in pho1 hyper-repression. Synthetic lethality of asp1Δ with Ppn1, Swd22, and Ssu72 mutations argues that IP8 plays an important role in essential 3’-processing/termination events, albeit in a manner genetically redundant to CPF. Transcriptional profiling delineates an IPP-responsive regulon composed of genes overexpressed when IP8 levels are increased. Our results establish a novel role for IPPs in cell physiology.
Spatial cell disparity in the colonial choanoflagellateSalpingoeca rosetta
Authors: Naumann Benjamin , Burkhardt Pawel
Published: May 2019

Choanoflagellates are the closest unicellular relatives of animals (Metazoa). These tiny protists display complex life histories that include sessile as well as different pelagic stages. Some choanoflagellates have the ability to form colonies as well. Up until recently, these colonies have been described to consist of mostly identical cells showing no spatial cell differentiation, which supported the traditional view that spatial cell differentiation, leading to specific cell types in animals, evolved after the split of the last common ancestor of the Choanoflagellata and Metazoa. The recent discovery of single cells in colonies of the choanoflagellateSalpingoeca rosettathat exhibit unique cell morphologies challenges this traditional view. We have now reanalyzed TEM serial sections, aiming to determine the degree of similarity ofS. rosettacells within a rosette colony. We investigated cell morphologies and nuclear, mitochondrial and food vacuole volumes of 40 individual cells from four differentS. rosettarosette colonies and compared our findings to previously published data on sponge choanocytes. Our analysis show that cells in a choanoflagellate colony differ from each other in respect to cell morphology and content ratios of nuclei, mitochondria and food vacuoles. Furthermore, cell disparity withinS. rosettacolonies is higher compared to cell disparity within sponge choanocytes. Moreover, we discovered the presence of plasma membrane contacts between colonial cells in addition to already described intercellular bridges and filo-/pseudopodial contacts. Our findings indicate that the last common ancestor of Choanoflagellata and Metazoa might have possessed plasma membrane contacts and spatial cell disparity during colonial life history stages.
Quantitative physiology of non-energy-limited retentostat cultures ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeat near-zero specific growth rates
Authors: Liu Yaya , el Masoudi Anissa , Pronk Jack T. , van Gulik Walter M.
Published: May 2019

So far, the physiology ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeat near-zero growth rates has been studied in retentostat cultures with a growth-limiting supply of the carbon and energy source. Despite its relevance in nature and industry, the near-zero growth physiology ofS. cerevisiaeunder conditions where growth is limited by the supply of non-energy substrates remains largely unexplored. This study analyses the physiology ofS. cerevisiaein aerobic chemostat and retentostat cultures grown under either ammonium or phosphate limitation. To compensate for loss of extracellular nitrogen- or phosphorus-containing compounds, establishing near-zero growth rates (μ < 0.002 h-1) in these retentostats required addition of low concentrations of ammonium or phosphate to reservoir media. In chemostats as well as in retentostats, strongly reduced cellular contents of the growth-limiting element (nitrogen or phosphorus) and high accumulation levels of storage carbohydrates were observed. Even at near-zero growth rates, culture viability in non-energy-limited retentostats remained above 80 % and ATP synthesis was still sufficient to maintain an adequate energy status and keep cells in a metabolic active state. Compared to similar glucose-limited retentostat cultures, the nitrogen- and phosphate-limited cultures showed a partial uncoupling of catabolism and anabolism and aerobic fermentation. The possibility to achieve stable, near-zero growth cultures ofS. cerevisiaeunder nitrogen- or phosphorus-limitation offers interesting prospects for high-yield production of bio-based chemicals.

Importance

The yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis a commonly used microbial host for production of various bio-chemical compounds. From a physiological perspective, biosynthesis of these compounds competes with biomass formation in terms of carbon and/or energy equivalents. Fermentation processes functioning at extremely low or near-zero growth rates would prevent loss of feedstock to biomass production. EstablishingS. cerevisiaecultures in which growth is restricted by the limited supply of a non-energy substrate could therefore have a wide range of industrial applications, but remains largely unexplored. In this work we accomplished near-zero growth ofS. cerevisiaethrough limited supply of a non-energy nutrient, namely the nitrogen or phosphorus source and carried out a quantitative physiology study of the cells under these conditions. The possibility to achieve near-zero-growthS. cerevisiaecultures through limited supply of a non-energy nutrient may offer interesting prospects to develop novel fermentation processes for high-yield production of bio-based chemicals.
Implicit micelle model for membrane proteins using super-ellipsoid approximation
Authors: Mori Takaharu , Sugita Yuji
Published: May 2019

Surfactant micelles are often utilized as membrane mimetics for structure determination and functional analysis of membrane proteins. Although curved-surface effects of the micelle can perturb their structure, it is difficult to assess such effects and membrane mimetic artifacts by experimental and theoretical methods. Here, we propose an implicit micelle model (IMIC) to be used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of membrane proteins. IMIC is an extension of the IMM1 implicit membrane model by introducing a super-ellipsoid approximation to represent the curved-surface effects. Most of the parameters for IMIC are obtained from all-atom explicit solvent MD simulations of twelve membrane proteins in various micelles. In simulations of the HIV envelop protein gp41, M13 major coat protein gp8, and amyloid precursor protein (APP) dimer, curved-surface and compact hydrophobic-core effects are exhibited. The MD simulations with IMIC provide accurate structure predictions of membrane proteins in various micelle environments quickly with smaller computational cost than that necessary for explicit solvent/micelle model.
PAM recognition by miniature CRISPR nucleases triggers programmable double-stranded DNA target cleavage
Authors: Karvelis Tautvydas , Bigelyte Greta , Young Joshua K. , Hou Zhenglin , Zedaveinyte Rimante , Budre Karolina , Paulraj Sushmitha , Djukanovic Vesna , Gasior Stephen , Silanskas Arunas , Venclovas Česlovas , Siksnys Virginijus
Published: May 2019

In recent years, CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases have revolutionized the genome editing field. Being guided by an RNA to cleave double-stranded (ds) DNA targets near a short sequence termed a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), Cas9 and Cas12 offer unprecedented flexibility, however, more compact versions would simplify delivery and extend application. Here, we present a collection of 10 exceptionally compact (422-603 amino acids) CRISPR-Cas nucleases that recognize and cleave dsDNA in PAM dependent manner. Categorized as class 2 type V-F they come from the Cas14 family and distantly related type V-U3 Cas proteins found in bacteria. Using biochemical methods, we demonstrate that a 5’ T- or C-rich PAM sequence triggers double stranded (ds) DNA target cleavage. Based on this discovery, we evaluated whether they can protect against invading dsDNA in E. coli and find that some but not all can. Altogether, our findings show that miniature Cas nucleases are functional CRISPR-Cas defense systems and have the potential to be harnessed as programmable nucleases for genome editing.
PETISCO is a novel protein complex required for 21U RNA biogenesis and embryonic viability
Authors: Cordeiro Rodrigues Ricardo J. , de Jesus Domingues António Miguel , Hellmann Svenja , Dietz Sabrina , de Albuquerque Bruno F.M. , Renz Christian , Ulrich Helle D. , Sarkies Peter , Butter Falk , Ketting René F.
Published: May 2019

Piwi proteins are important for germ cell development in most animals. These proteins are guided to specific targets by small guide RNAs, referred to as piRNAs or 21U RNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans. In this organism, even though genetic screens have uncovered 21U RNA biogenesis factors, little is known about how these factors interact or what they do. Based on the previously identified 21U biogenesis factor PID-1 (piRNA-induced silencing-defective 1), we here define a novel protein complex, PETISCO (PID-3, ERH-2, TOFU-6, and IFE-3 small RNA complex), that is required for 21U RNA biogenesis. PETISCO contains both potential 5′ cap and 5′ phosphate RNA-binding domains and interacts with capped 21U precursor RNA. We resolved the architecture of PETISCO and revealed a second function for PETISCO in embryonic development. This essential function of PETISCO is mediated not by PID-1 but by the novel protein TOST-1 (twenty-one U pathway antagonist). In contrast, TOST-1 is not essential for 21U RNA biogenesis. Both PID-1 and TOST-1 interact directly with ERH-2 using a conserved sequence motif. Finally, our data suggest a role for TOST-1:PETISCO in SL1 homeostasis in the early embryo. Our work describes a key complex for 21U RNA processing in C. elegans and strengthens the view that 21U RNA biogenesis is built on an snRNA-related pathway.
Adsorption behaviour of a CdII–triazole MOF for butan-2-one in a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) fashion: the role of hydrogen bonding and C—H...π interactions
Authors: Wang Jia , You Tianchao , Wang Teng , Liu Qikui , Ma Jianping , Jin Guoxia
Published: May 2019

The adsorption behaviour of the CdII–MOF {[Cd(L)2(ClO4)2]·H2O (1), where L is 4-amino-3,5-bis[3-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]-1,2,4-triazole, for butan-2-one was investigated in a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) fashion. A new host–guest system that encapsulated butan-2-one molecules, namely poly[[bis{μ3-4-amino-3,5-bis[3-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]-1,2,4-triazole}cadmium(II)] bis(perchlorate) butanone sesquisolvate], {[Cd(C24H18N6)2](ClO4)2·1.5C4H8O}
n
, denoted C4H8O@Cd-MOF (2), was obtained via an SCSC transformation. MOF 2 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P43212. The specific binding sites for butan-2-one in the host were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions and C—H...π interactions between the framework, ClO4
− anions and guest molecules co-operatively bind 1.5 butan-2-one molecules within the channels. The adsorption behaviour was further evidenced by 1H NMR, IR, TGA and powder X-ray diffraction experiments, which are consistent with the single-crystal X-ray analysis. A 1H NMR experiment demonstrates that the supramolecular interactions between the framework, ClO4
− anions and guest molecules in MOF 2 lead to a high butan-2-one uptake in the channel.
Assessing the sustainability content of the Nigerian engineering curriculum
Authors: Akeel Usman Umar , Bell Sarah Jayne , Mitchell John E.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an assessment of the sustainability content of the Nigerian engineering curriculum in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is used to generate and analyse data from three engineering documents, namely, the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards for Engineering Programmes in Nigeria and the engineering handbooks of two Nigerian higher education institutions.

Findings

The Nigerian engineering curriculum is revealed to have a low sustainability content, with environmental concepts being the most cited themes and social topics as the least stated issues.

Research limitations/implications

The sustainability assessment approach adopted in the study is constrained by the question of what constitutes a sustainability syllabus. Expert-derived sustainability themes used in the study are unavoidably incomplete and may limit the conduct of an exhaustive sustainability content assessment.

Practical implications

Based on the research outcome, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and other stakeholders can consider ways to adequately incorporate sustainability themes in the Nigerian engineering curriculum.

Originality/value

The research is an effort to determine the presence of sustainability issues in the Nigerian engineering education, which has hitherto been scarcely documented. This study provides a baseline and a rationale for sustainability education interventions in the Nigerian engineering curriculum. It also presents a methodology for analysing sustainability content in university curriculum and contributes to the continuing sustainability education discourse, especially in relation to sub-Saharan Africa.