bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of efficacy and toxicity of diclofenac microemulsion formulation for musculoskeletal pain: an observational study
Authors: Banh Hoan Linh , Cave Andrew
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal pain is often caused by injury to the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. Symptoms can be localized or generalized. Mild-moderate symptoms are treated with topical/oral over the counter drugs. Microemulsion delivery formulations are thermodynamically stable, have superior bioavailability and better penetration of lipophilic and hydrophilic drug into the dermis. A prospective observational study in patients: 18 years or older, with mild-moderate musculoskeletal pain; with severe pain without adequate pain control; with severe pain could not tolerate oral agents; with renal impairment were invited to try diclofenac 2% in microemulsion foam. They were followed up every 2 weeks for a month. A 50% reduction on a visual analog pain scale is considered success. Adverse events were defined as irritation, gastrointestinal upset/bleed, rectal bleed, and hematemesis. The objective is to determine the efficacy and toxicity of diclofenac 2% in microemulsion foam. RESULTS: Thirteen consecutive patients with musculoskeletal pain consented to participate. Two patients were lost to follow up. Two of the 11 patients reported minimal improvement, while nine patients reported minimum 50% reduction. No adverse effects were reported. Diclofenac 2% in microemulsion foam is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain and well tolerated.
Differences in Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ in Early-onset Preeclampsia and Late-onset Preeclampsia
Authors: Permadi Wiryawan , Mantilidewi Kemala , Khairani Astrid Feinisa , Lantika Uci Ary , Ronosulistyo Ayu Angelina , Bayuaji Hartanto
Published: January 2020

Objective: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) has been reported to be implicated in key functions in cell that were also important to ensure normal pregnancy development. In this study, we conducted primary culture of trophoblastic cells from normal pregnant women in the third trimester (n =3), and from patients with EOPE (n=3), and LOPE (n=3). Expression of PPAR-γ was determined by Western Blot. Data are the means ±S.E. from three separate experiments. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software,version 20.0, a p<0.05 was considered significant (one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test) versus normal serum pregnancy. Results: Serum from normal pregnant women and those with EOPE did not induce any difference in the expression of PPAR-γ (p>0.05). In contrast, expression of PPAR-γ was increased in those cells with serum from LOPE (p<0.001). Therefore, we conclude that hypothetically PPAR-γ might play role in the pathophysiology of LOPE but not in EOPE. Other possibility is the activity of PPAR-γ in EOPE is inversely correlated with the expression, therefore the high enzymatic activity of PPAR-γ is tightly regulated by attenuating its expression.
Improving the efficiency of reactive case detection for malaria elimination in southern Zambia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bhondoekhan Fiona R.P. , Searle Kelly M. , Hamapumba Harry , Lubinda Mukuma , Matoba Japhet , Musonda Michael , Katowa Ben , Shields Timothy M. , Kobayashi Tamaki , Norris Douglas , Curriero Frank C , Stevenson Jennifer C. , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J.
Published: January 2020

Background: Reactive case detection (RCD) seeks to enhance malaria surveillance and control by identifying and treating parasitemic individuals residing near index cases. In Zambia, this strategy starts with passive detection of symptomatic incident malaria cases at local health facilities or by community health workers, with subsequent home visits to screen-and-treat residents in the index case and neighboring (secondary) households within a 140-meter radius using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). However, a small circular radius may not be the most efficient strategy to identify parasitemic individuals in low-endemic areas with hotspots of malaria transmission. To evaluate if RCD efficiency could be improved by increasing the probability of identifying parasitemic residents while screening fewer houses, we incorporated environmental risk factors and a larger screening radius (250 meters) in a region of low malaria endemicity. Methods: Between January 12, 2015 and July 26, 2017, 4,170 individuals (residing in 158 index and 531 secondary households) were enrolled and completed a baseline questionnaire in the catchment area of Macha Hospital in Choma District, Southern Province, Zambia. Plasmodium falciparum prevalence was measured using PfHRP2 RDTs and qPCR. A Quickbird™ high-resolution satellite image of the catchment area was used to create environmental risk factors in ArcGIS, and generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate associations between risk factors and secondary households with parasitemic individuals. Results: The overall parasite prevalence in secondary (non-index case) households was 0.7% by RDT and 1.8% by qPCR. 8.5% (45) of secondary households had at least one resident with parasitemia by qPCR or RDT. The risk of a secondary household having a parasitemic resident was significantly increased in proximity to higher order streams and marginally with increasing distance from index households. The adjusted OR for proximity to third- and fifth-order streams were 2.97(95% CI: 1.04 – 8.42) and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.04 – 5.09), respectively, and that for distance to index households for each 50 meters was 1.24 (95% CI: 0.98– 1.58). Conclusion: Applying proximity to streams as a screening tool, 16% (3) more malaria-positive secondary households were identified than using a 140 m circular screening radius. This analysis highlights the potential use of environmental risk factors as a screening strategy to increase RCD efficiency.
Clinical characteristics and time trends of hospitalized methadone exposures s in the United States based on the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Case Registry: 2010-2017
Authors: Mehrpour Omid , Hoyte Christopher , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Brent Jeffrey
Published: January 2020

Background: Methadone is well known for its long duration of action and propensity for mortality after an overdose. The present research was aimed at evaluating the clinical manifestations and time trends of methadone exposure patients in US hospitals. Methods: We queried the American College of Medical Toxicology’s ToxIC Case Registry for all cases of methadone exposure prospectively recorded between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. The collected information included demographic features, clinical presentations, therapeutic interventions, poisoning type (acute, chronic or acute-on-chronic), and the reason(s) for exposure. Descriptive data and relative frequencies were used to investigate the participants’ characteristics. Our data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19 and Prism software. The trends and clinical manifestations of methadone poisoning over the time period of the study was specifically investigated. Results: Nine hundred and seventy-three patients who met our inclusion criteria with a mean age of 41.9 ± 16.6 years (range: 11 months-78 years) were analyzed. Five hundred eighty-two (60.2%) were male. The highest rate of methadone poisoning was observed in 2013. There was an increasing rate of methadone exposures in 2010–2013, followed by a decline in 2014–2017. The most common clinical manifestations in methadone poisoned patients were coma (48.6%) and respiratory depression (33.6%). The in-hospital mortality rate of methadone poisoning was 1.4%. Conclusion: Inpatient methadone exposures enhanced significantly from 2010 to 2013, after which a significant reduction occurred in the years 2014 to 2017.
Study on the Relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Intact Parathyroid Hormone in Chinese Adults
Authors: Hu Yichun , Li Siran , Liu Zhen , Yang Lichen , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2020

Background:Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health and other diseases, however, there is no consensus over the optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Many studies consider that the 25(OH)D concerntration which maximally inhibit serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) might be the optimal status for vitamin D sufficiency. This study was performed to study the relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration in the Chinese non-clinical population aged 18-44y. Methods: The serum samples of adults aged 18-44 years old were selected from the established serum bank of Chinese Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Survey (CCDNS, 2015-2018). The serum 25(OH)D concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer, and the iPTH was determined by electronic chemiluminescence method. The relationship of 25(OH)D and iPTH were analyzed by correlation analysis, segmented linear regression and the confidence interval was determined by bootstrap method. Results: 623 serum samples (293 male, 330 female) of 25(OH)D concentration and iPTH concentration were analyzed. Significant higher 25(OH)D concentration was found in male than female. And the samples from the southern China had higher 25(OH)D concentration than those from the northern China. Samples from autumn had higher 25(OH)D concentration than those from spring and winter. The inversely relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and iPTH concentration was observed in both male and female. The concentration of 25(OH)D was 19.2 (10.1-27.2) ng/mL (P=0.02) when iPTH entered the plateau in women and no plateau for iPTH was found in men. Conclusions: The relationship between 25(OH)D and iPTH differs by sex among Chinese adults aged 18-44y. Further study is needed to evaluate the sex-specific ranges of optimal vitamin D. Trial registration: Not applicable. Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D; parathyroid hormone; plateau; Chinese adults
Prevalence of Crowding, Boarding and Staffing Levels in Swedish Emergency Departments - a National Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Wretborn Jens , Henricson Joakim , Ekelund Ulf , Wilhelms Daniel B
Published: January 2020

Emergency Department (ED) crowding occurs when demand for care exceeds the available resources. Crowding has been associated with decreased quality of care and increased mortality, but the prevalence on a national level is unknown in most countries. We performed a national, cross-sectional study on staffing levels, staff workload, occupancy rate and patients waiting for an in-hospital bed (boarding) at five timepoints during 24 hours in Swedish EDs. Complete data were collected from 37 (51% of all) EDs in Sweden. High occupancy rate indicated crowding at twelve hospitals (37.5 %) at 31 out of 170 (18.2%) timepoints. Mean workload (measured on a scale from 1, no workload to 6, very high workload) was moderate at 2.65 (±1.25). Boarding was more prevalent in academic EDs than rural EDs (median 3 vs 0). There were an average of 2.6, 4.6 and 3.2 patients per registered nurse, enrolled nurse and physician, respectively. ED crowding based on occupancy rate was prevalent on a national level in Sweden and comparable with international data. Staff workload, boarding and patient to staff ratios were generally lower than previously described.
High BANCR may manifest worse prognosis in human malignant carcinomas: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gang Xu , Fang Shi xu , Liu Zhou , Guo Qiang , Chen Cheng , Ke Xi xian
Published: January 2020

BackgroundBRAF-activated non-coding RNA (BANCR) was reported to be aberrantly expressed in various tumor tissues and has been confirmed to function as tumor suppressor or oncogene in many types of cancers. Considering the conflicting results and insufficient sampling, a meta-analysis was performed to explore the prognostic value of BANCR in various carcinomas.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was conducted to collected relevant articles.ResultsPooling results showed strong relevance of high BANCR expression and poor overall survival (OS) (HR=1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-2.15, P =0.002) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.27-1.85, P <0.00001). In addition, high BANCR expression predicts advanced tumor stage (OR=2.39, 95%CI: 1.26-4.53, P =0.008), present lymph node metastasis (OR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.08-3.83, P =0.03), positive distant metastasis (OR=3.08, 95%CI: 1.92-4.96, P <0.00001) and bigger tumor size (OR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.09-2.46, P =0.02).ConclusionsThe results showed that elevated BANCR expression was associated with unfavorable prognosis for most of cancer patients, and BANCR could be served as a promising therapeutic target and independent prognostic predictor for cancers.
Multi-nanolayer drug delivery using radio frequency plasma technology
Authors: Iman AL-DYBIAT , Alibi BAITUKHA , Cynthia PIMPIE , Rachid KACI , Marc POCARD , Farzaneh AREFI KHONSARI , MIRSHAHI Massoud
Published: January 2020

Background: It may be impossible to perform cancer surgery with free margins in the presence of an unresectable structure. Local drug treatment after surgery has been proposed to increase the rate of tumor control. Methods: Multi-nanolayers (10-330nm) were generated by a low-pressure (375mTorr) inductively coupled plasma (13.56MHz) reactor for anticancer drug delivery by the deposition of polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol multistack barrier on the collagen membrane (100µm thickness). Carboplatin (300µg/cm 2 ) was used for the in vitro and in vivo investigations. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (15keV), scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to detect the presence of carboplatin in the nanolayer, the tumor sample and the culture medium. Preclinical studies were performed on ovarian (OVCAR-3NIH) and colon (CT26) cancer cell lines as xenografts (45 days) and allografts (23 days) in Swiss-nude (n=6) and immunocompetent BALB/cByJ mice (n=24), respectively. Results: The loading of carboplatin or other drugs between the nanofilm on the collagen membrane did not modify the mesh complex architecture or the drug properties. Drugs were detectable on the membrane for more than two weeks in the in vitro analysis and more than 10 days in the in vivo analysis. Cytotoxic mesh decreased cell adherence (down 5.42-fold) and induced cancer cell destruction (up to 7.87-fold). Implantation of the mesh on the mouse tumor nodule modified the cell architecture and decreased the tumor size (50.26%) compared to the control by inducing cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Plasma technology allows a mesh to be built with multi-nanolayer anticancer drug delivery on collagen membranes.
Chromosomal instability in untreated primary prostate cancer as an indicator of metastatic potential
Authors: Miller Eric T , You Sungyong , Cadaneanu Radu M , Kim Minhyung , Yoon Junhee , Liu Sandy T , Li Xinmin , Kwan Lorna , Hodge Jennelle , Quist Michael J , Grasso Catherine S , Lewis Michael S. , Knudsen Beatrice S , Freeman Michael R , Garraway Isla P
Published: January 2020

Background: Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is highly lethal. The ability to identify primary tumors capable of dissemination is an unmet need in the quest to understand lethal biology and improve patient outcomes. Previous studies have linked chromosomal instability (CIN), which generates aneuploidy following chromosomal missegregation during mitosis, to PC progression. Evidence of CIN includes broad copy number alterations (CNAs) spanning >300 base pairs of DNA, which may also be measured via RNA expression signatures associated with CNA frequency. Signatures of CIN in metastatic PC, however, have not been interrogated or well defined. We examined a published 70-gene CIN signature (CIN70) in untreated and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and previously published reports. We also performed transcriptome and CNA analysis in a unique cohort of untreated primary tumors collected from diagnostic prostate needle biopsies (PNBX) of localized (M0) and metastatic (M1) cases to determine if CIN was linked to clinical stage and outcome.
Methods: PNBX were collected from 99 patients treated in the VA Greater Los Angeles (GLA-VA) Healthcare System between 2000-2016. Total RNA was extracted from high-grade cancer areas in PNBX cores, followed by RNA sequencing and/or copy number analysis using OncoScan. Multivariate logistic regression analyses permitted calculation of odds ratios for CIN status (high versus low) in an expanded GLA-VA PNBX cohort (n = 121).
Results: The CIN70 signature was significantly enriched in primary tumors and CRPC metastases from M1 PC cases. An intersection of gene signatures comprised of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) generated through comparison of M1 versus M0 PNBX and primary CRPC tumors versus metastases revealed a 157-gene "metastasis" signature that was further distilled to 7-genes (PC-CIN) regulating centrosomes, chromosomal segregation, and mitotic spindle assembly. High PC-CIN scores correlated with CRPC, PC-death and all-cause mortality in the expanded GLA-VA PNBX cohort. Interestingly, approximately 1/3 of M1 PNBX cases exhibited low CIN, illuminating differential pathways of lethal PC progression.
Conclusions: Measuring CIN in PNBX by transcriptome profiling is feasible, and the PC-CIN signature may identify patients with a high risk of lethal progression at the time of diagnosis.
ALDH1A3 serves as a predictor for castration resistance in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Wang Shangqian , Zhou Xiang , Liang Chao , Bao Meiling , Tian Ye , Zhu Jundong , Zhang Tongtong , yang jie , Wang Zengjun
Published: January 2020

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) has been implicated in the survival and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. We retrospectively reviewed our patients with advanced disease on adjuvant hormonal therapy after prostatectomy. Time to castration resistance stage was documented. And Immunohistochemistry analysis for ALDH1A3 was performed for those patient samples on tissue microarray. Using bioinformatics analysis for RNA sequencing data of both primary prostate cancer and metastatic castration resistance prostate cancer (mCRPC) from online datasets, we have found that the expression level of ALDH1A3 is lower in mCRPC group than in primary cancer group. Crispr-Cas9 was used to knock out ALDH1A3 in prostate cancer luminal cells, and morphologic analysis as well as the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were facilitated to discover the mechanisms of the resistance phenotype. We found that the patients with ALDH1A3 low expression had shorter time to progression to castration resistance compared with those of higher expression group on adjuvant hormonal therapy after radical prostatectomy. The ALDH1A3 knockout cells gradually acquired resistance to androgen deprivation therapy, few cells have been found in knockout group showing as that the spindle-like luminal cells in charcoal stripped medium. Furthermore, PI3K pathway activation has been confirmed by Western blot. The PI3K pathway inhibitor BEZ235 has been demonstrated that the acquired ADT resistance by ALDH1A3 down regulation could be rescued by PI3K pathway inhibitor. Together, these results suggested a novel function for ALDH1A3 in development of mCRPC, and indicated PI3K pathway inhibitor has the potential in the treatment of a subgroup of mCRPC patients.
The vertical pons hyperintensity and hot cross bun sign in cerebellar-type multiple system atrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Sugiyama Atsuhiko , Yokota Hajime , Yamanaka Yoshitaka , Mukai Hiroki , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Hirano Shigeki , Koide Kyosuke , Ito Shoichi , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: January 2020

Background The “hot cross bun” (HCB) sign, a cruciform hyperintensity in the pons on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has gradually been identified as a typical finding in multiple system atrophy, cerebellar-type (MSA-C). Few reports have evaluated the sensitivity of an HCB including a cruciform hyperintensity and vertical line in the pons, which precedes a cruciform hyperintensity, in the early stages of MSA-C. Moreover, the difference in frequency and timing of appearance of an HCB between MSA-C and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) has not been fully investigated. Methods This study investigated the time at which an HCB and orthostatic hypotension (OH) appeared in 41 patients with MSA-C, based on brain MRI and head-up tilt test. The MRI findings were compared with those of 26 patients with SCA3. The pontine signal findings on T2-weighted MRI were graded as 0 (no change), 1 (a vertical T2 high-intensity line), or 2 (a cruciform T2 high-intensity line), with grades 1 or 2 considered as an HCB. OH 30/15 was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of > 30 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of > 15 mmHg. Results Among the 24 patients with MSA-C within 2 years from the onset of motor symptoms, an HCB was detected in 91.7%, whereas OH 30/15 was present in 60.0%. Among the 36 patients with MSA-C within 3 years from the onset of motor symptoms, a grade 2 HCB was detected in 66.7% of those with MSA-C but in none of those with SCA-3. Conclusions HCB is a highly sensitive finding for MSA-C, even in the early stages of the disease. A grade 2 HCB in the early stage is an extremely specific finding for differentiating MSA-C from SCA-3.
Isolation of axenic cyanobacterium and the promoting effect of associated bacterium on axenic cyanobacterium
Authors: Kong Yun , Gao Suqin , Yu Jing , Miao Lihong , Ji Lipeng , Song Lirong , Zeng Chi
Published: January 2020

In order to avoid the influence of associated bacteria on the target cyanobacteria for physiological and molecular studies, a traditional and reliable method based on solid-liquid alternate cultivation is carried out to purify the non-axenic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905. On the basis of 16S rDNA gene sequences, two associated bacteria named strain B905-1 and strain B905-2, are identified as Pannonibacter sp. and Chryseobacterium sp. with a 99% and 97% similarity value, respectively. To better investigate the general interaction between the bacterium and the cyanobacterium, the effect of strain B905-1 on the axenic cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A is studied. Results indicate that the axenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A could not form colonies on BG11 agar medium without the addition of strain B905-1, while it grows well in BG11 liquid medium. Although the presence of B905-1 was not indispensable for the growth of M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A, B905-1 had a positive effect on promoting the growth of M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A. The purification technique for cyanobacteria described in this study is potentially applicable to a wider range of filamentous cyanobacteria.
Salinity-triggered compositional and metabolic responses of autotrophic prokaryotes in Tibetan lacustrine sediments
Authors: Liu Jun , Fang Yun , Yang Jian , Jiang Hongchen , Hedlund Brian P. , Hua Zhengshuang , Sheng Yizhi , Wu Geng , Liang Jieliang , Zhang Baogang , Huang Linan , Li Wenjun , Li Jintian , Shu Wensheng , Dong Hailiang , Baker Brett J.
Published: January 2020

Background Autotrophic prokaryotes are crucial participants in the global carbon cycle, and autotrophic carbon fixation contributes approximately 50% of the global net primary production in aquatic ecosystems per year. Salinity is a prominent regulator structuring microbial communities in diverse aquatic ecosystems. However, little information is available regarding the compositional and physiological response of autotrophic microbial communities to salinity change. Here, we used genome-resolved metagenomics to study autotrophic microbial communities in 25 Tibetan lacustrine sediments with a salinity gradient (from 0.54‰ to 82.6‰). Results117 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) with carbon fixation potential belonging to 12 phyla were retrieved, of which approximately 21% were not affiliated with the known orders, suggesting taxonomically diverse autotrophic assemblages in sediments. The total abundance of these putative autotrophs decreased significantly with increasing salinity, and the variation of sediment autotrophic communities was mainly driven by salinity, pH and TOC. Notably, a change in the predominant lineage from Betaproteobacteria to Deltaproteobacteria was observed along the salinity gradient, and the dominant pathway for carbon fixation shifted from the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle to more energy efficient Wood-Lungdahl (WL) pathway with glycolysis from Entner-Doudoroff to more exergonic Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas, demonstrating that the physiological efficiency increases from freshwater to hypersaline autotrophic communities. Metabolic inference revealed major links for carbon fixation to the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds, ferrous iron and carbon monoxide, denitrification and nitrogen fixation in these MAGs, as well as the occurrence of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and the WL pathway dominating hypersaline sediments, greatly extending the understanding of metabolic versatility and diverse ecological niches of autotrophic microorganisms. Conclusions This study provided a systematic attempt to characterize the response of carbon fixation pathways to salinity and the knowledge essential for revealing ecological roles of autotrophic prokaryotes in aquatic habitats. These findings suggest with increased salinity, physiological efficiency of the autotrophic community increases, which has important implications for understanding the carbon budget in aquatic ecosystems.
Diversity and flexibility of algal endosymbionts in globally-distributed large benthic foraminifera
Authors: Prazeres Martina De Freitas , Roberts Thomas Edward , Ramadhani Shadrina Fildzah , Doo Steve S , Schmidt Christiane , Stuhr Marleen , Renema Willem
Published: January 2020

Background Revealing the specificity and flexibility of the algal symbiont-host association is fundamental for understanding how species can occupy a diverse range of habitats. Here we assessed the global distribution of the algal symbiont diversity for three shallow-water species of large benthic foraminifera (LBF) of the genus Amphistegina . Specifically, weinvestigated the role of habitat and host identity on the diversity of algal biome. Results Here we used next-generation sequencing to identify the algal biome in the species A. lobifera , A. lessonii , and A. radiata , collected from shallow habitats in 16 sites, spanning from the Mediterranean Sea to French Polynesia. Results showed the consistent presence of Fragilariales as the main algal taxa associated with all species across sites analysed. However, we uncovered unprecedented diversity of algal phylotypes found in low abundance.We further found high variability in algal biomes both within and between species and sites, indicating a substantial level of flexibility in symbiont associations. The effect of site was significant in all species analysed, and showed that local habitat is the main factor influencing the identity of algal symbionts. Symbiotic associations are also not constrained by the species identity nor the phylogenetic relationship among closely related hosts, suggesting symbiont identity plays a limited role in the evolutionary history of the genus Amphistegina . Conclusions We found that species of Amphistegina form flexible symbiotic relationship with algal taxa, which are primarily shaped by their local habitat. These observations strongly suggest that the capacity of Amphistegina species to utilise a diverse array of available symbionts likely underpins the ecological success of these crucial calcifying organisms across their extensive geographic range.
The gut bacterial community affects immunity but not metabolism in a specialist herbivorous butterfly
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Minard Guillaume , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: January 2020

Background Many plant tissues are not resources of optimal nutritious value. They often lack essential nutritive elements and may contain a range of secondary toxic compounds. As nutritional imbalance in food intake may affect the performances of herbivores, the latter have evolved a variety of physiological mechanisms to cope with the challenges of digesting their plant-based diet. Some of these strategies involve living in association with symbiotic microbes that promote the digestion and detoxification of plant compounds, or supply their host with essential nutrients missing from the plant diet. In Lepidoptera, a growing body of evidence has, however, recently challenged the idea that herbivores are nutritionally dependent on their gut microbial community. It is suggested that many of the herbivorous species may not host a resident microbial community, but rather a transient one, acquired from their environment and diet. Results By coupling comparative meta-barcoding, immune gene expression and metabolomics analyses with experimental manipulation of the gut microbial community of pre-diapause larvae of the Glanville fritillary butterfly ( Melitaea cinxia, L.), we tested whether the larvae host a gut microbial community that supports growth and survival, and modulates metabolism and immunity during the early stages of development. We successfully altered this microbiota through antibiotic treatments, and consecutively restored it through fecal transplants from conspecifics. Under laboratory conditions, Firmicutes dominated the bacterial microbiota associated with the gut and frass of non-treated larvae, even though these Gram-positive bacteria were not found in association with the host plant, Plantago lanceolata . Furthermore our study suggests that the microbiota is involved in the up-regulation of an antimicrobial peptide, but did not affect the life-history traits or the metabolism of early instars larvae. Conclusions This study confirms the poor impact of the microbiota on diverse life history traits of yet another Lepidoptera species. However, it also suggests that potential eco-evolutionary host-symbiont strategies that take place in the gut of herbivorous butterfly hosts might have been disregarded, particularly how the microbiota may affect the host immune system homeostasis.
Induction and prevention of gastric cancer with combined Helicobacter pylori and capsaicin administration and DFMO treatment, respectively
Authors: Aziz Faisal , Xin Mingxia , Gao Yunfeng , Monts Josh , Monson Kjersten , Wang Qiushi , Bode Ann M. , dong zigang
Published: January 2020

Background: Gastric cancer risk evolves over time due to environmental, dietary, and lifestyle changes including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and consumption of hot peppers (i.e. capsaicin). H. pylori infection promotes gastric mucosal injury in the early phase of capsaicin exposure. In addition, capsaicin consumption is reported to suppress immune function and increase host susceptibility to microbial infection. This relationship suggests a need to investigate the mechanism of how both H. pylori infection and capsaicin contribute to gastric inflammation and lead to gastric cancer. No previous experimental animal models have been developed to study this dual association. Here we developed a series of mouse models that progress from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer. C57-Balb/c mice were infected with the H. pylori (SS1) strain and then fed capsaicin (0.05% or 0.2g/kg/day) or not. Consequently, we investigated the association between H. pylori infection and capsaicin consumption during the initiation of gastric inflammation and the later development of gastric cancer. Tumor size and phenotype were analyzed to determine the molecular mechanism driving the shift from gastritis to stomach cancer. Gastric carcinogenesis was also prevented in these models using the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor DFMO (2-difluoromethylornithine). Results: This study provides evidence showing that a combination of H. pylori infection and capsaicin consumption leads to gastric carcinogenesis. The transition from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer is mediated through interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulation with an incidence rate of 50%. However, this progression can be prevented by treating with anti-inflammatory agents. In particular, we used DFMO to prevent gastric tumorigenesis by reducing inflammation and promoting recovery of disease-free stasis. The anti-inflammatory role of DFMO highlights the injurious effect of inflammation in gastric cancer development and the need to reduce gastric inflammation for cancer prevention. Conclusions: Overall, these mouse models provide reliable systems for analyzing the molecular mechanisms and synergistic effects of H. pylori and capsaicin on human cancer etiology. Accordingly, preventive measures like reduced capsaicin consumption, H. pylori clearance, and DFMO treatment can lessen gastric cancer incidence. Lastly, anti-inflammatory agents like DFMO can play important roles in prevention of inflammation-associated gastric cancer.
A refined zirconium-in-rutile thermometer
Authors: Kohn Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

The zirconium-in-rutile thermometer enjoys widespread use, but confidence in its accuracy is limited because experiments were conducted at higher temperatures than many rutile-bearing rocks and calibration uncertainties have not been quantitatively assessed. Refined calibrations were developed using bootstrap regression to minimize residuals in the natural logarithm of the equilibrium constant, based on experiments only (n = 32) and on a combined compilation of experiments and natural data (n = 94, total). Rearranging the regression to solve for T, and expressing Zr concentration (C) in parts per million (μg/g), the calibrations in the α-quartz stability field are:

Experimental data set:

T ( C ∘ ) = 68740 + 0 . 441 · P ( bars ) - 0 . 114 · C ( ppm ) 129 . 76 - R · ln [ C ( ppm ) ] - 273 . 15 .

Combined data set:

T ( C ∘ ) = 71360 + 0 . 378 · P ( bars ) - 0 . 130 · C ( ppm ) 130 . 66 - R · ln [ C ( ppm ) ] - 273 . 1 .

Thermodynamics of the quartz-coesite transition as applied to the calibration for α-quartz yields calibrations for the coesite stability field:

Experimental data set

T ( C ∘ ) = 71290 + 0 . 310 · P (  bars  ) - 0 . 114 · C ( ppm ) 128 . 76 - R · ln [ C ( ppm ) ] - 273 . 15 .

Combined data set:

T ( C ∘ ) = 73910 + 0 . 247 · P ( bars ) - 0 . 130 · C ( ppm ) 129 . 65 - R · ln [ C ( ppm ) ] - 273 . 15.

Propagated temperature uncertainties are ±20–30 °C (2σ) for the experimental data set calibration, and ±10–15 °C (2σ) for the combined data set. Compared to previous experimental calibrations, the refined thermometer predicts temperatures up to 40 °C lower for T ≤ 550 °C, and systematically higher temperatures for T > 800 °C. With careful attention to distributions of Zr in rutile grains, precisions of ±5 °C and accuracies ~±15 °C may be possible, although a poor understanding of how to select compositions for thermometry will typically lead to larger uncertainties. The ZiR calibration promises continued high-precision and accurate thermometry, and possibly improved thermodynamic properties, but the sources of compositional variability in rutile warrant further scrutiny.
Deconvolution of the composition of fine-grained pyrite in sedimentary matrix by regression of time-resolved LA-ICP-MS data
Authors: Stepanov Aleksandr S. , Danyushevsky Leonid V. , Large Ross R. , Mukherjee Indrani , Zhukova Irina A.
Published: January 2020

Pyrite is a common mineral in sedimentary rocks and is the major host for many chalcophile trace elements utilized as important tracers of the evolution of the ancient hydrosphere. Measurement of trace element composition of pyrite in sedimentary rocks is challenging due to fine-grain size and intergrowth with silicate matrix and other sulfide minerals. In this contribution, we describe a method for calculation of trace element composition of sedimentary pyrite from time-resolved LA-ICP-MS data. The method involves an analysis of both pyrite and pyrite-free sediment matrix, segmentation of LA-ICP-MS spectra, normalization to total, regression analysis of dependencies between the elements, and calculation of normalized composition of the mineral. Sulfur is chosen as an explanatory variable, relative to which all regressions are calculated. The S content value used for calculation of element concentrations from the regressions is calculated from the total, eliminating the need for independent constraints. The algorithm allows efficient measurement of concentrations of multiple chalcophile trace elements in pyrite in a wide range of samples, including quantification of detection limits and uncertainties while excluding operator bias. The data suggest that the main sources of uncertainties in pyrite composition are sample heterogeneity and counting statistics for elements of low abundance. The analysis of regression data of time-resolved LA-ICP-MS measurements could provide new insights into the geochemistry of the sedimentary rocks and minerals. It allows quantification of ratios of elements that do not have reference material available (such as Hg) and provides estimates on the content of non-sulfidic Fe in the silicate matrix. Regression analysis of the mixed LA-ICP-MS signal could be a powerful technique for deconvolution of phase compositions in complex multicomponent samples.
Decoupled water and iron enrichments in the cratonic mantle: A study on peridotite xenoliths from Tok, SE Siberian Craton
Authors: Doucet Luc S. , Xu Yongjiang , Klaessens Delphine , Hui Hejiu , Ionov Dmitri A. , Mattielli Nadine
Published: January 2020

Water and iron are believed to be key constituents controlling the strength and density of the lithosphere and, therefore, play a crucial role in the long-term stability of cratons. On the other hand, metasomatism can modify the water and iron abundances in the mantle and possibly triggers thermo-mechanical erosion of cratonic keels. Whether local or large scale processes control water distribution in cratonic mantle remains unclear, calling for further investigation. Spinel peridotite xenoliths in alkali basalts of the Cenozoic Tok volcanic field sampled the lithospheric mantle beneath the southeastern margin of the Siberian Craton. The absence of garnet-bearing peridotite among the xenoliths, together with voluminous eruptions of basaltic magma, suggests that the craton margin, in contrast to the central part, lost its deep keel. The Tok peridotites experienced extensive and complex metasomatic reworking by evolved, Ca-Fe-rich liquids that transformed refractory harzburgite to lherzolite and wehrlite. We used polarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to obtain water content in olivine, orthopyroxene (Opx), and clinopyroxene (Cpx) of 14 Tok xenoliths. Olivine, with a water content of 0–3 ppm H2O, was severely degassed, probably during emplacement and cooling of the host lava flow. Orthopyroxene (49–106 ppm H2O) and clinopyroxene (97–300 ppm H2O) are in equilibrium. The cores of the pyroxene grains, unlike olivine, experienced no water loss due to dehydration or addition attributable to interaction with the host magma. The water contents of Opx and Cpx are similar to those from the Kaapvaal, Tanzania, and North China cratons, but the Tok Opx has less water than previously studied Opx from the central Siberian craton (Udachnaya, 28–301 ppm; average 138 ppm). Melting models suggest that the water contents of Tok peridotites are higher than in melting residues, and argue for a post-melting (metasomatic) origin.

Moreover, the water contents in Opx and Cpx of Tok peridotites are decoupled from iron enrichments or other indicators of melt metasomatism (e.g., CaO and P2O5). Such decoupling is not seen in the Udachnaya and Kaapvaal peridotites but is similar to observations on Tanzanian peridotites. Our data suggest that iron enrichments in the southeastern Siberian craton mantle preceded water enrichment. Pervasive and large-scale, iron enrichment in the lithospheric mantle may strongly increase its density and initiate a thermo-magmatic erosion. By contrast, the distribution of water in xenoliths is relatively “recent” and was controlled by local metasomatic processes that operate shortly before the volcanic eruption. Hence, water abundances in minerals of Tok mantle xenoliths appear to represent a snapshot of water in the vicinity of the xenolith source regions.
REVISITING TRANSLATION AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING TOOL: CONTRASTING BELIEFS OF DIVERSELY PROFICIENT STUDENTS
Authors: Karimah Anisatul
Published: January 2020

Translation as a learning tool or strategy, which is also known as pedagogical translation, has reemerged as a topic of discussion after being overshadowed by the popularity of the communicative approach. While a number of experts and scholars perceive translation or the use of L1 as interference, several others believe that translation does not really disappear from foreign language learning practices. As many research findings showed beneficial impacts of using translation activities to enhance foreign language learning, other research looked into learners’ perception of the use of pedagogical translation. An interesting contradiction was found stating that diversely proficient students had different perceptions of the usefulness of translation activities as a learning tool (Calis & Dikilitas, 2012; Dagiliene, 2012). Therefore, this research attempted to investigate learners’ beliefs on translation practices as a learning tool in their foreign language classroom respective to their proficiency levels. University students of non-English major were involved in this research. Questionnaire and interview were employed to gather relevant data. The findings reveal how translation as a learning strategy was perceived by learners with different ranges of proficiency levels.
O impacto do gerenciamento de leitos na gestão hospitalar
Authors: Wasgen Alexsandra Maria , Terres Mellina da Silva , Machado Bárbara Foiato Hein
Published: January 2020

O processo de desenvolvimento das organizações hospitalares em busca da melhoria da qualidade de seus serviços tem sido motivado por um conjunto de fatores, como o aumento da demanda e o número limitado de leitos hospitalares. Neste sentido, novas áreas de gestão hospitalar começam a se desenvolver, como por exemplo a gestão de leitos. Considerando isto, esse trabalho objetiva propor um modelo teórico para a gestão de leitos. No Brasil, como em outros países em desenvolvimento, o setor hospitalar precisa aprimorar o desempenho em gestão para atender à demanda, sendo o gerenciamento de leitos um dos processos críticos nos quais os hospitais têm sido confrontados. Portanto, faz-se necessário identificar claramente os processos que interagem na ocupação dos leitos, para, posteriormente, serem propostas melhorias neste sentido. Assim, através da revisão bibliográfica realizada, constatou-se que a implantação do modelo teórico pode aumentar o número de pacientes atendidos, por meio, principalmente, da redução do tempo de limpeza dos leitos - o que possibilita a gestão de leitos alocar outro paciente para o leito vago em menos tempo - , a criação de salas de espera para pacientes com alta médica - que possibilita que o leito seja reocupado por outros pacientes - , e os planos de altas médicas, os quais possibilitam que toda a equipe conheça a fase do tratamento estado paciente, reduzindo atrasos, erros e  tempo de internação.
Um modelo heurístico para análise da hospitalidade em tempos de hospedagem P2P
Authors: Branco Rachel , Teles Adonai
Published: January 2020

Considerada por uns como dom e, por outros, como virtude, vista como ferramenta de negócios ou percebida como prática social, a hospitalidade levanta questões sobre relações humanas que remontam à antiguidade. Dado o contexto de intensas modificações nas relações humanas proporcionadas pelas tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC), revisitamos os modelos seminais e nos propusemos apresentar uma releitura deles. Explicitamos a importância das TIC no modo como a hospitalidade se manifesta no renovado ambiente de negócios dos meios de hospedagem, depois do advento das plataformas de hospedagem P2P (peer to peer ou pessoa a pessoa) a fim de propor um novo modelo. A virtualidade, típica da hospedagem P2P, era incipiente quando os modelos seminais foram propostos. Propusemos, então, uma nova ferramenta de análise para a hospitalidade abarcando as relações virtuais contemporâneas. O resultado foi um modelo heurístico que, esperamos, seja adotado, criticado e aperfeiçoado pela comunidade científica dedicada aos estudos de hospitalidade.
O ensino de Química e a cultura afro-brasileira e africana: ação docente e compromisso social
Authors: Heidelmann Stephany Petronilho , Silva Joaquim Fernando Mendes da , Pinho Gabriela Salomão Alves
Published: January 2020

A promulgação da Lei Federal n.º 10.639/03, que estabelece a obrigatoriedade do ensino de História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira e Africana em todos os estabelecimentos de ensino no Brasil, representa uma possibilidade de contemplar no currículo escolar momentos de valorização e reconhecimento cultural, colaborando para a desconstrução do mito da igualdade social e do eurocentrismo. Partindo de tal pressuposto, este trabalho apresenta e analisa os resultados obtidos com a aplicação de uma proposta metodológica a alunos da educação básica, licenciandos em Química e professores de Química, em que foram abordadas questões sociais que perpassam a Guerra no Congo e a exploração do minério coltan, na África, numa perspectiva problematizadora, discutindo a função social do ensino em tal contexto e desmistificando abordagens neutras e positivistas da ciência. Dessa forma, realiza-se uma análise qualitativa dos discursos e das percepções dos participantes ao longo das aplicações, problematizando-os em eixos de discussão. Os resultados apontam a importância não só de trabalhar com temas sociais afro-brasileiros e africanos de forma culturalmente guiada, integrando-os com aspectos químicos, como também a necessidade de repensar a formação de professores como um espaço profícuo à construção da identidade docente, pautada pela ética e necessidade de tornar os estudantes cidadãos transformadores.
Reposicionamento dental imediato em segundo molar inferior: relato de caso Immediate dental repositioning in second molar tooth: case report
Authors: Cavalcante Mateus Barros , Rocha Caroline Brígida Sá , Gomes Larissa Gabriele Batista , Uchôa Caio Pimenteira , Paiva Macêdo Rômulo Augusto de , Santos Marcelo Soares dos , Silva Emanuel Dias de Oliveira e
Published: January 2020

Introdução: Dentes inclusos podem ser definidos como os que permanecem sobre tecido duro ou mole após cessados os estímulos eruptivos fisiológicos. A verticalização cirúrgica é um manejo do dente com intuito de reposicioná-lo para que ele possa cumprir sua função dentro da boca. Essa técnica deve ser utilizada sempre que o elemento dentário em questão apresente condições de saúdeou sem grandes destruições, o que possibilita ser mantido. Devese lançar mão dessa cirurgia principalmente em pacientes jovens, para permitir uma melhor saúde estomatognática, diminuindo a necessidade de reabilitação protética precoce. Objetivo: Apresentar a vantagem do reposicionamento imediato do dente. Relato de caso: Paciente jovem, 21 anos, do sexo masculino, encontrava-se com o terceiro e segundo molares inclusos, com o último prejudicando o dente adjacente. O reposicionamento mediante verticalização cirúrgica permitiu o rápido retorno funcional do elemento dentário, assim como a sua permanência dentro da cavidade oral. Após a cirurgia, o paciente foi encaminhado para tratamento endodôntico do elemento. Conclusão: A verticalização cirúrgica proporcionou o reposicionamento dental imediato, mostrando ser uma técnica cirúrgica rápida e de fácil manuseio, com bom prognóstico e baixo índice de complicações