bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AIN‐93 Diet as an Alternative Model to Lieber–DeCarli Diet for Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cao Zhipeng , Zhang Tianyi , Xu Chengyang , Jia Yuqing , Wang Tianqi , Zhu Baoli
Published: May 2019

Background

The Lieber–DeCarli alcoholic liquid diet is a classical method for establishing animal models of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). No study has reported whether the AIN‐93 diet, which is widely used as a standard diet for both long‐term and short‐term studies with laboratory animals, could be used to construct the ACM animal model. The present study intended to investigate whether the AIN‐93 diet could be used to establish a mouse ACM model.

Methods

Twenty‐four C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into 4 equally sized groups. In ethanol (EtOH)‐fed groups, mice were fed a 4%‐EtOH (w/v, 28% of total calories) alcoholic liquid diet of Lieber–DeCarli or the AIN‐93 diet for chronic alcohol exposure for 180 days. In control‐fed groups, mice were fed with non‐EtOH liquid diets with the same calories as EtOH‐fed groups. Morphological observations of the hearts and molecular investigation of the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were carried out by echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Echocardiography showed that mice fed with either the 4%‐EtOH Lieber–DeCarli diet or the 4%‐EtOH AIN‐93 diet had dilated ventricles and poor cardiac function. IHC staining of BNP, qPCR of BNP mRNA, and plasma concentration of BNP showed an up‐regulated expression in mice fed with both the 4%‐EtOH Lieber–DeCarli and 4%‐EtOH AIN‐93 diets. Less fatty liver was also observed in mice fed the AIN‐93 alcoholic diet than those fed the Lieber–DeCarli alcoholic diet.

Conclusions

The AIN‐93 alcoholic liquid diet can be used to establish ACM animal models, as with the conventional Lieber–DeCarli alcoholic liquid diet.
Morphological and morphometrical study of the auditory ossicles in chinchilla
Authors: Martonos Cristian , Damian Aurel , Gudea Alexandru , Bud Ioan Teodor , Stan Florin
Published: May 2019

This study is meant to illustrate and describe the features of the auditory ossicles of the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), one of the species used more and more frequently in otology and ear surgery as animal model. Cephalic extremities of 12 C. lanigera individuals obtained from a private farm, where this species was bred for fur, were used in this study. The ossicles were obtained either by direct surgical harvesting by mastoid approach or after a dermestid beetle exposure followed by anatomical dissection. The three ossicles that form the assembly are the malleus, incus and stapes. After the removal of these ossicles, a series of anatomical descriptions were made, followed by seriate sets of measurements. The malleus and incus form a joined‐single unit called the maleo‐incal complex, with an elongated straight appearance, also due to the development of the anterior process. The handle of the malleus and the long process of incus are almost perpendicular to the main axis of the maleo‐incal complex. The presence of the muscular process on the handle of the malleus is recorded. The overall shape of the incus is given by the uneven development of the two processes and the reduced neck part. The stapes is the smallest of the components that maintains the well‐known architecture in accordance with the general model. The morphology of all three ossicles is backed by a series of measurements, some standard, some adapted to the morphology of the ossicles. From the very reduced comparative metrical data at our disposal, our study presents an average of 10% lower values for the ones presented earlier by other researchers in the same species.
Use of “Lean” Among Electronic Dance Music Party Attendees
Authors: Palamar Joseph J.
Published: May 2019

Background/Objectives

Lean (a.k.a.: Sizzurp, Purple Drank) is a recreational beverage that commonly contains codeine cough syrup. Despite its popularization in the hip‐hop music scene, few epidemiologic studies have examined use. This study examined prevalence and correlates of use among a population at high‐risk for drug use—electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees.

Methods

A total of 1029 EDM party attendees (ages 18‐40) were surveyed in New York City in 2018 using time‐space sampling. Prevalence and correlates of use of Lean were estimated.

Results

An estimated 15.5% of attendees have ever used Lean, and 3.4% of attendees have used in the past year. Only an estimated 0.2% have used in the past month, but 14.2% would use in the next month if offered by a friend. Three‐quarters (75.4%) of users believed their Lean ever contained codeine and 32.4% believed it always or usually contained codeine. Past‐year use was strongly associated with past‐year nonmedical prescription opioid use (adjusted odds ratio = 10.77, P = 0.003), but not past‐year use of other illegal drugs. Attendees who are black or bisexual are at higher odds for past‐year use, and those with a college degree or higher are at lower odds for past‐year use.

Discussion and Conclusions

While use of Lean is not as prevalent as use of various other drugs (eg, ecstasy) in this high‐risk population, over a tenth have tried it and/or are willing to use it if offered.

Scientific Significance

Prevention efforts need to target potential users as frequent use of beverages containing codeine products can lead to dependence. (Am J Addict 2019;28:347–352)
Effect of ear acupuncture on pregnancy‐related pain in the lower back and posterior pelvic girdle: A multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vas Jorge , Cintado María Carmen , Aranda‐Regules José Manuel , Aguilar Inmaculada , Rivas Ruiz Francisco
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Ear acupuncture carried out in primary care by trained midwives, with no specialist training in acupuncture, may be effective in alleviating pregnancy‐related lower back and/or posterior pelvic girdle pain (LBPGP). The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ear acupuncture associated with standard obstetric care, in the primary‐care setting, on LBPGP experienced by pregnant women.

Material and methods

This four‐group, multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted at 18 public primary care centers in three regions in Spain, with the participation of 220 pregnant women at 24‐36 weeks of gestation, aged 18 years or more, diagnosed with pregnancy‐related LBPGP and who had not previously received ear acupuncture. The trial was conducted from March 2014 to December 2016. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive standard obstetric care plus two sessions (over 2 weeks) of verum ear acupuncture, or nonspecific ear acupuncture, or placebo ear acupuncture, or standard obstetric care alone. The primary outcome was change in pain intensity, assessed using a visual analog scale (0‐100 mm) from baseline to the end of treatment (T2). Secondary outcomes included change or presence of pain at 3 months (T3) and at 1 year (T4) postpartum, and changes in responses to the Roland‐Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ) and Short Form‐12 Health Survey (SF‐12) at the end of treatment.

Results

A total of 55 women were randomized to each group, and 205 completed the study. With respect to baseline values, the reduction in pain intensity among the verum ear acupuncture group vs standard obstetric care was significantly greater, both at T2 (65.8%, 95%CI 56.2‐75.3 vs 25.1%, 95%CI 15.3‐34.9) and at T3 (93.8%, 95%CI 88.7‐99.0 vs 67.9%, 95%CI 55.3‐80.5). Moreover, significant changes were found in the verum ear acupuncture group vs standard obstetric care at T2, in reduced RMDQ scores (70.9%, 95%CI 61.8‐80.1 vs 21.2%, 95%CI 8.6‐33.7) and in increased SF‐12 scores on the physical scale (40.5%, 95%CI 31.5‐49.4 vs 8.1%, 95%CI 0.8‐15.5).

Conclusions

After 2 weeks of treatment, ear acupuncture applied by midwives and associated with standard obstetric care significantly reduces lumbar and pelvic pain in pregnant women, improves quality of life and reduces functional disability.
Outcome of isolated fetal talipes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Di Mascio Daniele , Buca Danilo , Khalil Asma , Rizzo Giuseppe , Makatsariya Alexander , Sileo Filomena , Liberati Marco , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Acharya Ganesh , D'Antonio Francesco
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the outcome of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated talipes.

Material and methods

Medline, Embase, Cinahl, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched. The outcomes explored were: associated anomalies detected at follow‐up ultrasound examination; fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and birth; chromosomal abnormalities detected with standard and chromosomal microarray analysis, intrauterine, neonatal, and perinatal death, and termination of pregnancy; rate of surgical and nonsurgical treatment; neurodevelopmental outcome; and false‐positive rate of prenatal diagnosis. Meta‐analyses of proportions were used to combine data.

Results

Twenty‐five studies (1567 fetuses) were included. Associated anomalies were detected in 7.8% (95% CI 0.1%‐29.3%) of cases at follow‐up ultrasound, and in 4.0% (95% CI 0.1%‐13.2%) of cases, fetal MRI identified anomalies not detected at ultrasound assessment. Similarly, 7.0% (95% CI 3.4%‐11.7%) of cases labeled as isolated talipes on prenatal imaging were found to have associated anomalies at birth. Abnormal karyotype was present in 3.6% (95% CI 1.7%‐6.2%) of fetuses, whereas no anomaly was found at chromosomal microarray analysis, although this outcome was reported by only 1 study. Intrauterine death occurred in 0.99% (95% CI 0.4%‐1.9%) of fetuses, whereas the corresponding figures for neonatal death and termination of pregnancy were 1.5% (95% CI 0.6%‐2.6%) and 2.2% (95% CI 1.2%‐3.4%), respectively. Surgical management of anomalies after birth was found in 41.7% (95% CI 27.0%‐57.2%) of fetuses with isolated talipes, and 54.8% (95% CI 31.5%‐77.0%) had nonsurgical management of the anomalies after birth. Abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome was reported in 7.6% (95% CI 1.0%‐19.4%) of children, although this analysis was affected by the small number of included cases and short time of follow up.

Conclusions

Isolated talipes detected on prenatal ultrasound carries a generally good prognosis. The incidence of additional abnormalities detected on fetal MRI, aneuploidy, or neurodevelopmental disability is relatively low. However, longitudinal ultrasound assessment during pregnancy and a thorough postnatal evaluation are recommended to rule out associated anomalies that may significantly impact short‐ and long‐term prognosis.
High‐permeability alternatives to current dialyzers performing both high‐flux hemodialysis and postdilution online hemodiafiltration
Authors: Maduell Francisco , Rodas Lida , Broseta José Jesús , Gómez Miguel , Xipell Font Marc , Molina Alicia , Montagud‐Marrahi Enrique , Guillén Elena , Arias‐Guillén Marta , Fontseré Nestor , Vera Rivera Manel , Rico Nayra
Published: May 2019

Most high‐flux dialyzers can be used in both hemodialysis (HD) and online hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF). However, some of these dialyzers have higher permeability and should not be prescribed for OL‐HDF to avoid high albumin losses. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of a currently used dialyzer in HD and OL‐HDF with those of several other high permeability dialyzers which should only be used in HD. A prospective, single‐center study was carried out in 21 patients. Each patient underwent 5 dialysis sessions with routine dialysis parameters: 2 sessions with Helixone (HD and postdilution OL‐HDF) and 1 session each with steam sterilized polyphenylene, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and medium cut‐off (MCO) dialyzers in HD treatment. The removal ratios (RR) of urea, creatinine, ß2‐microglobulin, myoglobin, prolactin, α1‐microglobulin, α1‐acid glycoprotein, and albumin were compared intraindividually. A proportional part of the dialysate was collected to quantify the loss of various solutes, including albumin. Urea and creatinine RRs with the Helixone‐HDF and MCO dialyzers were higher than with the other 3 dialyzers in HD. The β2‐microglobulin, myoglobin and prolactin RRs with Helixone‐HDF treatment were significantly higher than those obtained with all 4 dialyzers in HD treatment. The β2‐microglobulin value obtained with the MCO dialyzer was also higher than that obtained with the other 3 dialyzers in HD treatment. The myoglobin RR with MCO was higher than those obtained with Helixone and PMMA in HD treatment. The prolactin RR with Helixone‐HD was significantly lower than those obtained in the other 4 study sessions. The α1‐microglobulin and α1‐ acid glycoprotein RRs with Helixone‐HDF were significantly higher than those obtained with Helixone and PMMA in HD treatment. The albumin loss varied from 0.54 g with Helixone‐HD to 3.3 g with polyphenylene. The global removal score values ((UreaRR + β2‐microglobulinRR + myoglobinRR + prolactinRR + α1‐microglobulinRR + α1‐acid glycoproteinRR – albuminRR)/6) were 43.7% with Helixone‐HD, 47.7% with PMMA, 54% with polyphenylene, 54.8% with MCO and 59.6% with Helixone‐HDF, with significant differences. In conclusion, this study confirms the superiority of OL‐HDF over HD with the high‐flux dialyzers that allow both treatments. Although new dialyzers with high permeability can only be used in HD, they are in an intermediate position and some are very close to OL‐HDF.
Systematic review and case series: flexible sigmoidoscopy identifies most cases of checkpoint inhibitor‐induced colitis
Authors: Wright Andrew P. , Piper Marc S. , Bishu Shrinivas , Stidham Ryan W.
Published: May 2019

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used in the treatment of multiple advanced stage cancers but can induce immune‐mediated colitis necessitating treatment with immunosuppressive medications. Diagnostic colonoscopy is often performed but requires bowel preparation and may delay diagnosis and treatment. Sigmoidoscopy can be performed rapidly without oral bowel preparation or sedation.

Aims

Characterize the colonic distribution of immune‐mediated colitis to determine the most efficient endoscopic approach.

Methods

A systematic review of checkpoint inhibitor‐induced colitis case reports and series was conducted in both PubMed and Embase through 3 January 2017. A single centre retrospective chart review of patients who underwent endoscopic evaluation for diarrhoea after treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor (ipilimumab, nivolumab or pembrolizumab) between 1 January 2011 and 3 January 2017 was performed. Clinical, endoscopic and histologic data were collected.

Results

A detailed systematic review resulted in 61 studies, in which 226 cases of colitis were diagnosed by lower endoscopy (125 colonoscopy, 101 sigmoidoscopy). Only four patients had isolated findings proximal to the left colon. In our centre, 31 patients had histologic features of checkpoint inhibitor‐induced colitis, for which 29 patients had complete data. The left colon was involved in all cases. Sigmoidoscopy would be sufficient to diagnose >98% of reported cases of checkpoint inhibitor‐mediated colitis diagnosed by lower endoscopy.

Conclusions

Moderate to severe checkpoint inhibitor‐induced colitis involves the left colon in the majority of cases (>98%). Sigmoidoscopy should be the initial endoscopic procedure in the evaluation of this condition.
Impacts of a dynamic grouping strategy on students' learning effectiveness and experience value in an item bank‐based collaborative practice system
Authors: Chen Beyin , Hwang Gwo‐Haur , Lin Tze‐Shiun
Published: May 2019

Past research has pointed out that a good grouping strategy can improve the learning effectiveness of collaborative learning. However, the grouping strategy adopted in most past research is static grouping. This results in some disadvantages. Therefore, this study developed an item bank‐based collaborative practice system and proposed a dynamic grouping method which uses the concepts of weighted quizzes and bit coding as the rule of a regrouping algorithm. The method and the traditional static method were applied to two classes of sophomore students of a university of science and technology in the central region of Taiwan. There were 76 valid samples which included 38 students of the experimental group and 38 of the control group. The control group adopted the static grouping method, and the experimental group adopted the dynamic grouping method. The experimental duration was 9 weeks of 3 hours per week. Experimental results showed that the collaborative experience value and the learning effectiveness of the experimental group were significantly greater than those of the control group. This indicates that the experimental group students made more efforts to conduct coordination, discussion and finally reach consensus with their partners, and made greater progress than the control group students.
A digital game‐based assessment of middle‐school and college students’ choices to seek critical feedback and to revise
Authors: Cutumisu Maria , Chin Doris B. , Schwartz Daniel L.
Published: May 2019

A major goal of contemporary education is to teach students how to learn on their own. Assessments have largely lagged behind this goal, because they measure what students have learned and not necessarily their learning processes. This research presents Posterlet, an assessment that collects evidence regarding the strategies that students choose while learning on their own. Posterlet is an educational game‐based assessment that measures two design thinking choices: students’ choices to seek critical (ie, negative) feedback and to revise their work while they learn graphic design principles through creating posters. This research also presents an examination of students’ choices to seek feedback and to revise, as well as of students’ learning outcomes based on these choices. This game‐based assessment approach is empirically validated with three research studies sampling nearly 300 middle‐school and college students who played Posterlet and completed a posttest. Results show that the game helps students learn, as students who play the game before completing the posttest learn more graphic design principles than students who only complete the posttest. Moreover, the choices to seek critical feedback and to revise can predict learning and can be used as valid outcome measures for learning. Findings can be used in developing and evaluating models of instruction and assessment that may help students make informed learning choices. A discussion of present and future trends in theory regarding digital feedback environments is also included.
cIMPACT‐NOW: a practical summary of diagnostic points from Round 1 updates
Authors: Louis David N. , Ellison David W. , Brat Daniel J. , Aldape Kenneth , Capper David , Hawkins Cynthia , Paulus Werner , Perry Arie , Reifenberger Guido , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , von Deimling Andreas , Wesseling Pieter
Published: May 2019

cIMPACT‐NOW (the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy) was established to provide a forum to evaluate and recommend proposed changes to future CNS tumor classifications. From 2016 to 2019 (Round 1), cIMPACT published four updates. Update 1 clarified the use of the term NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) and proposed use of the additional term NEC (Not Elsewhere Classified). Update 2 issued clarifications regarding two diagnoses: Diffuse Midline Glioma, H3 K27M‐mutant and Diffuse Astrocytoma/Anaplastic Astrocytoma, IDH‐mutant. Update 3 proposed molecular criteria that could be used in the setting of an IDH‐wildtype diffuse or anaplastic astrocytic glioma without histological features of glioblastoma to infer that the tumor would behave similarly to a grade IV glioblastoma. Update 4 suggested that, in children and young adults, subtypes of IDH‐wildtype/H3‐wildtype diffuse gliomas may have distinct clinical features in the setting of a BRAFV600E mutation, FGFR1 alteration, other MAPK pathway alteration, or a MYB or MYBL1 rearrangement. The practical diagnostic relevance of these cIMPACT proposals is highlighted in this summary.
From cylindrical to non‐cylindrical foreland basin: Pliocene–Pleistocene evolution of the Po Plain–Northern Adriatic basin (Italy)
Authors: Amadori Chiara , Toscani Giovanni , Di Giulio Andrea , Maesano Francesco Emanuele , D’Ambrogi Chiara , Ghielmi Manlio , Fantoni Roberto
Published: May 2019

The architecture of foreland basins and the resulting distribution of clastic sediments are related to the constant interplay between tectonics and sedimentation. Specifically, basin floor modifications strongly influence dimensions, continuity and connections of sand‐size and fine‐grained deposits. Given the increasing need to identify deep potential reservoir deposits, the large‐scale definition of clastic porous targets and their seals is a matter of interest for oil and gas industry. Here, we present the reconstruction of the Po Plain and Northern Adriatic Foreland Basin (with an extent of ca. 40,000 km2) and its Pliocene–Pleistocene evolution, as an example of a sedimentary clastic system controlled by strongly non‐cylindrical foreland geometry. The study is based on the basin‐scale mapping of six unconformity‐bounded sequences, performed by interpreting a dense network of seismic lines and correlating well‐log data. This provides a three‐dimensional model of the step‐by‐step evolution of the basin and a description of the sediment dispersal pattern. We found that the basin records the change from a continuous (cylindrical) to highly fragmented (non‐cylindrical) foredeep geometry during Late Pliocene. In the Northern Apennines case, the main factors driving the development of a non‐cylindrical geometry are mainly related to inherited inhomogeneity in the downgoing block linked to its Mesozoic extensional faulting, and the relative orientation of these lineaments with respect to the direction of orogen migration. During the late Pliocene–Pleistocene the two directions progressively became close to parallel, and the Northern Apennines system reacted changing from a cylindrical to a non‐cylindrical state.
Gaming on the edge: Mobile labour and global talent in Atlantic Canada's video game industry
Authors: Pottie‐Sherman Yolande , Lynch Nicholas
Published: May 2019

Diminishing returns and advances in telecommunications have prompted large video game firms to seek new locations, outsource production, and develop niche studios, including on Canada's East Coast. In this paper, we examine emerging occupational cultures and trace the origins and evolution of video game production in Canada's Atlantic provinces—a critical yet peripheral space economy in the gaming sector. Our findings are drawn from 30 interviews with gameworkers, studio managers, government officials, and other industry experts. We find this industry to be driven by the confluence of three major factors: (i) provincial governments have supported video game development as a strategic industry via financial incentives; (ii) firms are benefiting from a return migration effect and are repatriating Atlantic Canadian talent from media hubs by selling “home,” work‐life balance, and an alternative to the punishing gamework culture associated with Silicon Valley; and (iii) post‐secondary institutions in the region have improved their talent pipelines through computer science, digital media, and video game development programs.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery: Comparison of iStent with iStent inject in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Hooshmand Joobin , Rothschild Philip , Allen Penny , Kerr Nathan M. , Vote Brendan J. , Toh Tze'Yo
Published: May 2019

Importance

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has gained significant traction in recent years. This study evaluates the first‐ and second‐generation trabecular micro‐bypass stents “iStent” and “iStent inject”.

Background

To evaluate and compare the effect of a single iStent and double iStent inject in primary open angle glaucoma.

Design

Prospective comparative case series.

Participants

Primary open angle glaucoma patients undergoing trabecular micro‐bypass stent insertion combined with cataract surgery.

Methods

Baseline demographic information, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, reliance on glaucoma medication and complications were collected and analysed.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary, secondary and tertiary outcome measures were consecutively defined as an IOP of ≤18 mmHg with zero medications, an IOP of ≤18 mmHg with reduced medications or a 20% reduction in IOP with or without medication.

Results

The study comprised 145 eyes in the iStent and 100 eyes in the iStent inject group. At 12 months, 56.0% of the iStent and 51.3% of the iStent inject eyes had achieved primary success and 63.1% and 57.7% secondary success. The mean postoperative IOP was 16.6 mmHg in iStent and 16.9 mmHg in iStent inject. Survival analysis demonstrated a greater incidence of failure in the iStent inject beyond 5 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

Both trabecular micro‐bypass stents in this study were effective in reducing IOP and the burden of medication when combined with cataract surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups across our outcome measures although the iStent inject required earlier recommencement of medications for optimal IOP control.
Whole genome sequencing and variant discovery in the ASPIRE autism spectrum disorder cohort
Authors: Callaghan Daniel Benjamin , Rogic Sanja , Tan Powell Patrick Cheng , Calli Kristina , Qiao Ying , Baldwin Robert , Jacobson Matthew , Belmadani Manuel , Holmes Nathan , Yu Chang , Li Yanchen , Li Yingrui , Kurtzke Franz‐Edward , Kuzeljevic Boris , Yu An Yi , Hudson Melissa , Mcaughton Amy J.M. , Xu Yuchen , Dionne‐Laporte Alexandre , Girard Simon , Liang Ping , Separovic Evica Rajcan , Liu Xudong , Rouleau Guy , Pavlidis Paul , Lewis M.E. Suzanne
Published: May 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous genetic disorder with strong evidence of ASD‐association currently available only for a small number of genes. This makes it challenging to identify the underlying genetic cause in many cases of ASD, and there is a continuing need for further discovery efforts. We sequenced whole genomes of 119 deeply phenotyped ASD probands in order to identify likely pathogenic variants. We prioritized variants found in each subject by predicted damage, population frequency, literature evidence, and phenotype concordance. We used Sanger sequencing to determine the inheritance status of high‐priority variants where possible. We report five novel de novo damaging variants as well as several likely damaging variants of unknown inheritance; these include two novel de novo variants in the well‐established ASD gene SCN2A. The availability of rich phenotypic information and its concordance with the literature allowed us to increase our confidence in pathogenicity of discovered variants, especially in probands without parental DNA. Our results contribute to the documentation of potential pathogenic variants and their associated phenotypes in individuals with ASD.
Yellow pigment of Metarhizium anisopliae and its application to the dyeing of fabrics
Authors: Yan Biaobiao , Yang Muying , Zhou Qingqing , Xing Tieling , Chen Guoqiang , Sheng Jiayong
Published: May 2019

Microbial dyes have received substantial attention because of their natural environmental protection, simple access, and reduced regional and seasonal restriction. In this work, a microbial dye, the yellow pigment produced by Metarhizium anisopliae, was first studied then applied. The strain produced by the culture was identified, and the conditions for producing yellow pigment were optimised. Further, the stability of M. anisopliae yellow pigment was examined, and the pigment was applied to the dyeing of silk and wool fabrics. The results showed that the homology of the strain with M. anisopliae was 99.98%. In liquid fermentation culture, the optimal carbon source was glucose, and the dosage was 30 g/l. The maximum pigment yield can be obtained by culturing with 4% v/v of inoculation quantity at pH 7 and 30 °C. In addition, the effects of pH, temperature and metal ions on the yellow pigment of M. anisopliae were significant. The optimum dyeing process conditions were dyeing temperatures of 80 °C for silk and 90 °C for wool, with a dyeing time of 60 min. This research developed a novel microbial dye and studied its application for the dyeing of protein fibres.
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides regulate age‐related lineage commitment between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation
Authors: Peng Hui , Yang Mi , Guo Qi , Su Tian , Xiao Ye , Xia Zhu-Ying
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Excessive oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant defences could contribute to age‐related tissue damage and various diseases including age‐related osteoporosis. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs), a major ingredient from a traditional Chinese medicine, have a great potential of antioxidative activity. In this study, we explore the role of DOP in age‐related osteoporosis that remains elusive.

Materials and methods

Oxidative stimulation and DOP were used to treat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), whose lineage commitment was measured by adipogenic‐ and osteoblastic‐induced differentiation analysis. The oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity of BMSCs under the treatment of DOP were analysed by the level of MDA, SOD. Related mechanism studies were confirmed by qRT‐PCR, Western blotting and siRNA transfection. DOP was orally administrated in aged mice whose phenotype was confirmed by micro‐CT, immunofluorescence, immunochemistry and calcein double‐labelling analysis.

Results

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide treatment markedly increased osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation. In vitro, DOP could rescue H2O2‐induced switch of BMSCs differentiation fate. However, this effect was abolished in BMSCs when interfered with Nrf2 siRNA. Furthermore, administration of DOP to aged mice significantly increased the bone mass and reduced the marrow adipose tissue (MAT) accompanied with decreased oxidative stress of BMSCs.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that DOP can attenuate bone loss and MAT accumulation through NRF2 antioxidant signalling, which may represent as potential therapeutic agent for age‐related osteoporosis.
DANCR promotes HCC progression and regulates EMT by sponging miR‐27a‐3p via ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway
Authors: Guo Dan , Li Yarui , Chen Yifei , Zhang Dan , Wang Xin , Lu Guifang , Ren Mudan , Lu Xinlan , He Shuixiang
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This research aims to verify that the long non‐coding RNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (LncRNA DANCR) could modulate the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it thus may work as a novel biomarker to render new orientation for early diagnosis and clinical therapy of HCC.

Materials and methods

Firstly, qRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of genes including LncRNA DANCR and miR‐27a‐3p. Next, MTT assay, Ethynyldeoxyuridine (EdU) analysis and clone formation assay were used for investigating cell growth and proliferation. Meanwhile, transwell assay and wound healing assay were applied to evaluate the capacity of cell metastasis and motility, respectively. In addition, bioinformatic analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were applied to analyse molecular interaction. Next, we conducted immunofluorescence and Western blot for mechanic investigation. Last but not the least, xenograft tumours in nude mice were built by subcutaneously injecting Hep3B cells stably transfected with sh‐NC and sh‐DANCR to detect proliferation and SMMC‐7721 cells stably transfected with sh‐NC and sh‐DANCR to investigate metastasis.

Results

The results of qRT‐PCR and bioinformatic analysis revealed the high expression of DANCR in HCC. DANCR accelerated proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and the knockdown of DANCR had the opposite effect. Meanwhile, xenograft tumours in sh‐DANCR group grow slower and have smaller volumes compared with negative control group. Next, the antineoplastic effect of miR‐27a‐3p on cell growth and motility of HCC was confirmed. In addition, we clarified that DANCR acted as a ceRNA to decoy miR‐27a‐3p via mediating ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway. In the end, we validated that DANCR/miR‐27a‐3p axis regulates EMT progression by cell immunofluorescence and Western blot.

Conclusions

In a word, DANCR promotes HCC development and induces EMT by decoying miR‐27a‐3p to regulate ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway.
Developing biocultural indicators for resource management
Authors: Dacks Rachel , Ticktin Tamara , Mawyer Alexander , Caillon Sophie , Claudet Joachim , Fabre Pauline , Jupiter Stacy D. , McCarter Joe , Mejia Manuel , Pascua Pua‘ala , Sterling Eleanor , Wongbusarakum Supin
Published: May 2019

Resource management and conservation interventions are increasingly embracing social–ecological systems (SES) concepts. While SES frameworks recognize the connectedness of humans and nature, many fail to acknowledge the complex role of sociocultural factors in influencing people's interactions with the environment. As such, when indicators in SES frameworks are used to measure the social dimension, easy to measure, socioeconomic indicators are the norms, while more complex social and cultural indicators are rare. To develop meaningful indicators of resilience in SES we need to understand local definitions of resilience. In this paper we describe methods used in a biocultural approach to illuminate sociocultural factors that Pacific Islanders identify as important for resilient communities. We focus specifically on two dimensions of sociocultural factors, “Connectedness to People and Place” and “Indigenous and local knowledges, skills, practices, values and worldviews,” which relate to many interventions, but are not usually monitored. We offer examples of indicators that may be appropriate to measure under these dimensions. Increased use of biocultural indicators will bring additional insight on the types and combinations of indicators that work best in given contexts.
Patients' perceptions of a culturally targeted Hispanic Kidney Transplant Program: A mixed methods study
Authors: Alhalel Nathan , Francone Nicolas O. , Salazar Alice M. , Primeaux Sharon , Ruiz Richard , Caicedo Juan Carlos , Gordon Elisa J.
Published: May 2019

Disproportionately fewer waitlisted Hispanics receive living donor kidney transplants (LDKTs) compared to non‐Hispanic whites. Northwestern Medicine's® culturally targeted Hispanic Kidney Transplant Program (HKTP) is associated with a significant increase in LDKTs among Hispanics. This multisite study assessed potential kidney recipients' and donors' and/or family members' perceptions of the HKTP's cultural components through semi‐structured interviews and validated surveys. Qualitative thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. Thirty‐six individuals participated (62% participation rate) comprising 21 potential recipients and 15 potential donors/family (mean age: 51 years, 50% female, 72% preferred Spanish). Participants felt confident about the educational information because a transplant physician delivered the education and viewed the group format as effective. Participants felt that education sessions addressed myths about transplantation shared by Hispanics. Primary use of Spanish enhanced participants' understanding of transplantation. While few knew about living donation before attending the HKTP, most were “more in favor of” kidney transplantation (97%) and living donation (97%) afterward. Few reported learning about the HKTP from outreach staff and suggested leveraging community leaders to promote HKTP awareness. Our findings suggest the HKTP's cultural components were viewed favorably and positively influenced perceptions of kidney transplantation and living donation, which may help reduce transplant disparities in Hispanics. (Clinicaltrial.gov registration # NCT03276390, date of registration: 9‐7‐17, retrospectively registered).
Impact of asymptomatic bacteriuria incidence and management post–kidney transplantation
Authors: Bohn Brian C. , Athans Vasilios , Kovacs Christopher S. , Stephany Brian R. , Spinner Michael L.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most commonly occurring infectious complication following kidney transplantation. Questions remain regarding whether asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) should be treated. The aim was to evaluate the incidence and management of ASB in kidney transplant recipients at a large academic medical center.

Methods

All subjects receiving an isolated kidney transplant between September 2012 and October 2016, and with at least one ASB episode were included. Demographics, symptomatology, and urine culture data were collected on subjects with bacteriuria in the first year post‐transplant. Cultures were classified by symptoms, ASB treatment trends were analyzed, and ASB‐to‐UTI progression was compared between ASB treatment and non‐treatment.

Results

A total of 527 subjects were transplanted with 64 developing at least one ASB episode. The incidence of ASB was 12.1% and treated 74.6% of the time. Neither lack of ASB treatment (P = 0.463) nor ASB within the first month post‐transplant (P = 0.303) were associated with ASB‐to‐UTI progression.

Conclusion

Despite high ASB treatment rate, this was not found to be protective against ASB‐to‐UTI progression. ASB within the first month post‐transplant also did not correlate with increased progression risk. These results suggest minimization of ASB treatment in kidney transplant recipients remains an important antimicrobial stewardship target.
How alcohol advertising and sponsorship works: Effects through indirect measures
Authors: Zerhouni Oulmann , Bègue Laurent , O'Brien Kerry S.
Published: May 2019

Introduction and Aims

We tested whether incidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages in sporting events: (i) influenced automatic evaluation of brands and alcohol in general; and (ii) if these processes occur through deliberative (conscious) or non‐conscious processes.

Design and Methods

Using an experimental design, participants watched a sport event containing: (i) a prototypical alcohol brand; (ii) a brand unrelated to alcohol; or (iii) a non‐prototypical alcohol brand. One hundred and nine participants were randomly assigned to either a cognitively depleting task to impair motivation for effortful conscious processing before watching the excerpt, or a control task. We measured indirect (implicit) and direct (explicit) attitudes toward alcohol and brands, and self‐report measures assessing affective response toward the event, involvement in processing the message and identifications toward the playing teams.

Results

We found a positive main effect of incidental exposure to alcohol brands on indirect measures of attitudes toward alcohol as well as the specific brand. No effect of cognitive fatigue on indirect measure toward brands and alcohol was observed.

Discussion and Conclusions

Incidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages appear to impact indirect measures of attitudes toward the brand and alcohol in general, and seems to rely on non‐conscious automatic processes.
Early feeding after esophageal variceal band ligation in cirrhotics is safe: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sidhu Sandeep Singh , Goyal Omesh , Singh Saurabh , Kishore Harsh , Chhina Rajoo Singh , Sidhu Samarth Singh
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Oral feeding following variceal ligation in cirrhotics is usually delayed due to fear of rebleeding. Solid diet is usually further delayed (until 72 h) despite lack of evidence. We aimed to compare the impact of early versus delayed feeding on rebleeding following variceal ligation.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial including patients undergoing variceal ligation for active esophageal variceal bleeding. Patients were randomized into two groups. In the early‐feeding group, liquid diet was given after 1 h following variceal ligation and a regular solid diet was resumed after 4 h. In the delayed‐feeding group, patients fasted for the first 4 h after variceal ligation, liquid diet was given until 24 h, soft diet for the next 48 h and a regular solid diet after 72 h.

Results

There were 52 and 49 patients in the early and delayed feeding groups, respectively. Very early rebleeding rates [2 (3.84%) vs 1 (2.04%); P ≥ 0.99] and delayed rebleeding rates [2 (3.84%) vs 4 (8.16%); P = 0.75] were similar in both groups. Protein and calorie intake in the early‐feeding group was significantly better and early infections in active bleeders were significantly lower compared to the delayed‐feeding group. One‐month mortality was similar in both groups [3 (5.76%) vs 4 (8.16%); P = 0.75].

Conclusion

Early feeding with a regular solid diet in conscious patients after successful variceal ligation for esophageal varices is safe, provides better nutrition and results in lower incidence of infections in bleeders compared to delayed feeding.
Rapid and efficient generation of GFP‐knocked‐in Drosophila by the CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing
Authors: Kina Hirono , Yoshitani Takashi , Hanyu‐Nakamura Kazuko , Nakamura Akira
Published: May 2019

The CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has been a powerful means to manipulate the genome in a wide range of organisms. A series of GFP knocked‐in (GFPKI) Drosophila strains have been generated through CRISPR‐Cas9‐induced double strand breaks coupled with homology‐directed repairs in the presence of donor plasmids. They visualized specific cell types or intracellular structures in both fixed and live specimen. We provide a rapid and efficient strategy to identify KI lines. This method requires neither co‐integration of a selection marker nor prior establishment of sgRNA‐expressing transgenic lines. The injection of the mixture of a sgRNA/Cas9 expression plasmid and a donor plasmid into cleavage stage embryos efficiently generated multiple independent KI lines. A PCR‐based selection allows to identify KI fly lines at the F1 generation (approximately 4 weeks after injection). These GFPKI strains have been deposited in the Kyoto Drosophila stock center, and made freely available to researchers at non‐profit organizations. Thus, they will be useful resources for Drosophila research.
Nanopore sequencing: Review of potential applications in functional genomics
Authors: Kono Nobuaki , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: May 2019

Molecular biology has been led by various measurement technologies, and increased throughput has developed omics analysis. The development of massively parallel sequencing technology has enabled access to fundamental molecular data and revealed genomic and transcriptomic signatures. Nanopore sequencers have driven such evolution to the next stage. Oxford Nanopore Technologies Inc. provides a new type of single molecule sequencer using protein nanopore that realizes direct sequencing without DNA synthesizing or amplification. This nanopore sequencer can sequence an ultra‐long read limited by the input nucleotide length, or can determine DNA/RNA modifications. Recently, many fields such as medicine, epidemiology, ecology, and education have benefited from this technology. In this review, we explain the features and functions of the nanopore sequencer, introduce various situations where it has been used as a critical technology, and expected future applications.
Safety profile of ultrasound enhancing agents in echocardiography
Authors: Kumar Suwen , Purtell Chris , Peterson April , Gibbons Paul , Khan Abigail M. , Heitner Stephen B.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) are often utilized to enhance ultrasound image quality; however, concerns about adverse reactions have limited their use. Moreover, these agents had been either contraindicated or are labeled with a warning in patients with intra‐cardiac shunts because of a theoretic risk of systemic microvascular obstruction. This labeling was recently removed in the United States, but data in these patients are lacking.

Methods

Over a 15‐month period, patients receiving three different FDA‐approved UEAs at our center were prospectively evaluated for clinically significant adverse events (AEs).

Results

A total of 5521 UEA administrations were performed (Definity®: 3306, Lumason®: 2137, Optison®: 78). There were 14 AEs (0.25%) reported (Lumason®: 0.05% [n = 1] vs Definity®: 0.39% [n = 13], P = 0.02). Back pain was the most common complaint (n = 9), followed by headache (n = 2), rash (n = 2), dyspnea (n = 2), and palpitations (n = 1). Among the 33 patients known to have intra‐cardiac shunts, there were no AEs. Known right‐to‐left shunts with positive saline bubble study were present in 20 patients (Lumason®: n = 9, Definity®: n = 11). Left‐to‐right atrial shunts based on color Doppler were present in 10 patients (Lumason®: n = 5, Definity® n = 5). Three patients were known to have ventricular septal defect with left‐to‐right flow (Definity®: n = 2, Optison®: n = 1).

Conclusion

Adverse events were significantly higher with Definity®; however, overall incidences were low, and AEs were minor. Furthermore, no AEs were reported in patients with known intra‐cardiac shunts. UEAs showed a good safety profile in our study and should be afforded to all appropriate patients, including those with known intra‐cardiac shunts.
Echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary arterial stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients
Authors: Cerik Idris Bugra , Meric Murat , Gulel Okan , Ozturk Cerik Hatun , Coksevim Metin , Soylu Korhan , Deveci Aydin , Sahin Mahmut
Published: May 2019

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Despite the emergence of effective therapies, pulmonary arterial hypertension is commonly seen, especially at advanced stages. At the time of diagnosis, a majority of patients are at New York Heart Association‐Functional Class III or IV. Many of the current screening modalities are dependent on detecting a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). However, high capacitance of the pulmonary circulation implies that early microcirculation loss is not accompanied by a change in resting PAP. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate early changes in pulmonary vascular disease in HIV‐infected patients with a new echocardiographic parameter, called as pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS).

Methods and Results

Thirty‐six HIV‐infected patients and 36 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. PAS was calculated echocardiographically by using maximal frequency shift and acceleration time of the pulmonary artery flow trace. There was no significant difference in diastolic functions, right ventricular diameters, systolic PAP, inferior vena cava widths, right atrial area, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values between the two groups. However, PAS was calculated as 24.3 ± 6.4 Hz/msn in HIV‐infected patients and 19.3 ± 3.1 Hz/msn in healthy control group (P < 0.001). Increase in PAS was correlated with duration of HIV infection (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that HIV infection affects pulmonary vascular bed starting early onset of disease and this can be demonstrated by an easy‐to‐measure echocardiographic parameter.