bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CTRP9 knockout exaggerates lipotoxicity in cardiac myocytes and high‐fat diet‐induced cardiac hypertrophy through inhibiting the LKB1/AMPK pathway
Authors: Zuo Anju , Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Tingting , Li Jun , Lei Shengyun , Chen Jiying , Xu Dan , Song Chengxiang , Liu Tianjiao , Li Cuigang , Guo Yuan
Published: January 2020

CTRP9 has been reported to regulate lipid metabolism and exert cardioprotective effects, yet its role in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced cardiac lipotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we established HFD‐induced obesity model in wild‐type (WT) or CTRP9 knockout (CTRP9‐KO) mice and palmitate‐induced lipotoxicity model in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs) to investigate the effects of CTRP9 on cardiac lipotoxicity. Our results demonstrated that the HFD‐fed CTRP9‐KO mice accentuated cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐initiated apoptosis and oxidative stress compared with the HFD‐fed WT mice. In vitro, CTRP9 treatment markedly alleviated palmitate‐induced oxidative stress and ER stress‐induced apoptosis in NRCMs in a dose‐dependent manner. Phosphorylated AMPK at Thr172 was reduced, and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was strengthened in the heart of the HFD‐fed CTRP9‐KO mice compared with the HFD‐fed control mice. In vitro, AMPK inhibitor compound C significantly abolished the effects of CTRP9 on the inhibition of the apoptotic pathway in palmitate‐treated NRCMs. In a further mechanistic study, CTRP9 enhanced expression of phosphorylated LKB1 at Ser428 and promoted LKB1 cytoplasmic localization. Besides, silencing of LKB1 gene by lentivirus significantly prohibited activation of AMPK by CTRP9 and partially eliminated the protective effect of CTRP9 on the cardiac lipotoxicity. These results indicate that CTRP9 exerted anti‐myocardial lipotoxicity properties and inhibited cardiac hypertrophy probably through the LKB1/AMPK signalling pathway.
Commentary on: Reflectance confocal microscopy and dermoscopy aid in evaluating repigmentation within or adjacent to lentigo maligna melanoma surgical scars
Authors: Tognetti L. , Cinotti E. , Fiorani D. , Couzan C. , Perrot J.L. , Rubegni P.
Published: January 2020

Linked article: C. Navarrete‐Dechent et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 74–81. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15819.
The effect of particle size on the physical properties of Arabic gum powder
Authors: Rosland Abel Stashia E. , Yusof Yus A. , Chin Nyuk L. , Chang Lee S. , Ghazali Hasanah M. , Ghani Maaruf A. , Ishak Izzreen
Published: January 2020

Arabic gum is derived from the exudation of stems and branches ofAcacia senegalL. and it is widely used as a food additive. The application of Arabic gum as a functional food ingredient is significantly increasing. However, there is limited information on the effects of particle size on the handling and processing of Arabic gum in the industry. Therefore, a study was performed to determine the effects of particle size on the physical properties of Arabic gum powder. The physical properties measured were density, flowability, and dissolution characteristics. In this work, the powders were classified based on their mean diameter (d50) that ranged between 20 and 1,000 μm. The very fine powder exhibited poor flowing properties and long dissolution time, with a Hausner ratio of 1.24 ± 0.1 and dissolution time of 2,821.0 ± 76.0 s. However, the coarse powder had excellent flowing properties and shorter dissolution time, with a Hausner ratio of 1.13 ± 0.02 and dissolution time of 531.5 ± 70.5 s. The results indicated a significant impact of particle size on the cohesivity and solubility of powder, where smaller particle size tended to decrease flowability and increase the dissolution time of the powder.

Practical applications

This paper studies the characterization of Arabic gum at various particle sizes. The physical properties measured were density, flowability, and dissolution of Arabic gum powder. The results of this study indicate that particle size had significantly affected the powder properties. This knowledge is very important, as Arabic gum is widely used as a food ingredient; this might affect the overall product properties. The outcomes are also beneficial to the industry prior to selecting the specific particle size for the designing and processing of products. Therefore, the results on flowability and dissolution properties of Arabic gum powder can be used as guidance for the development of food product.
The Impact of Home Health Physical Therapy on Medicare Beneficiaries With a Primary Diagnosis of Dementia
Authors: LeDoux Cherie V. , Lindrooth Richard C. , Seidler Katie J. , Falvey Jason R. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Dementia is a leading cause of disability for adults older than 65 years. Exercise intervention slows functional decline and improves balance; however, the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) services for persons with dementia is unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of home health PT services on physical function for Medicare beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of dementia.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study using a combined Medicare data set of home health beneficiaries; we performed augmented inverse probability weighted regression with demographic, comorbidity, and symptom‐level characteristics analyzed as covariates.

SETTING

Home healthcare, United States, 2012.

PARTICIPANTS

Medicare beneficiaries who had a primary diagnosis of dementia and home health function evaluations at discharge (n = 1477).

INTERVENTION

PT treatment, examined by (1) any PT and (2) PT visit number.

MEASUREMENT

Improvement in composite activity of daily living (ADL) scores from home health admit to discharge.

RESULTS

Any PT increased the probability of improvement in ADLs by 15.2% (P < .001). Compared to 1 to 5 PT visits, 6 to 13 visits increased the probability of ADL improvement by 11.6% (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

PT intervention is beneficial for ADL function improvement in Medicare home health beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:867–871, 2020
Adolescents’ Evaluations of Political Leaders: The Case of President Donald Trump
Authors: Metzger Aaron , Alvis Lauren , Romm Katelyn F. , Wray‐Lake Laura , Syvertsen Amy K.
Published: January 2020

The current study explored youths’ views of President Donald Trump using quantitative ratings and open‐ended responses from a diverse sample of 1,432 U.S. adolescents from three geographic regions. Adolescent demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, race, geographic location) were systematically associated with their views about Trump. Open‐ended responses demonstrated substantial variability in youths’ rationales for approving or disapproving of the president. Adolescents' attitudes were informed by knowledge of the president’s leadership attributes, political views and policies, and their own experiences. Findings indicate that adolescents draw upon and synthesize a broad range of information when formulating their political views and coordinate this knowledge with their own opinions and experiences when evaluating political figures.
Renal tumours in Australian children: 30 years of incidence, outcome and second primary malignancy data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry
Authors: Jones Brendan C , Youlden Danny R , Cundy Thomas P , O'Callaghan Michael E , Karpelowsky Jonathan , Aitken Joanne F , McBride Craig A
Published: January 2020

Aim

This paper describes the incidence and outcomes of childhood renal malignancies in Australia using national population‐based data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry.

Methods

De‐identified data for children (0–14 years) diagnosed with renal malignancies from 1983 to 2015 inclusive were extracted. Cause‐specific (CSS) and event‐free survival up to 20 years from diagnosis were estimated using the cohort method. Adjusted excess mortality hazard ratios were calculated using a multivariable flexible parametric survival model. Details relating to second primary malignancies (SPMs) were also examined.

Results

There were 1046 children diagnosed with renal malignancies in Australia between 1983 and 2015 (91% nephroblastoma), generating an annual age‐standardised incidence rate of 8 per million children, which remained constant over the study period. CSS was 89% (95% confidence interval = 87–91%) and 88% (86–90%) at 5 and 20 years, respectively, and 5‐year event‐free survival was 82% (80–84%). Five‐year CSS did not change over the study period and was highest for nephroblastoma (91%). Of the 94% of patients achieving remission, 15% relapsed and subsequent 5‐year CSS was 49% (40%–58%). Eleven children were diagnosed with SPM (standardised incidence ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.6–5.3, P < 0.001), and five of them (45%) died within 5 years of the second diagnosis.

Conclusions

Children treated for renal malignancies in Australia have excellent long‐term survival, which is unchanged since 1983. SPMs are uncommon following treatment for childhood renal cancer but carry a poor prognosis. Relapse carries a similarly poor prognosis to SPM but is more common. These data are comparable to registry outcomes in similarly developed nations.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, early detection and survival in a privately insured US cohort
Authors: Chen Vincent L. , Singal Amit G. , Tapper Elliot B. , Parikh Neehar D.
Published: January 2020

Background/Aims

Semiannual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is recommended in patients with cirrhosis; however, recent studies have raised questions over its utility. We investigated the impact of surveillance on early detection and survival in a nationally representative database.

Methods

We included patients with cirrhosis and HCC from the Optum database (2001‐2015) with >6 months of follow‐up between cirrhosis and HCC diagnoses. Surveillance adherence was defined as proportion of time covered (PTC), with each 6‐month period after abdominal imaging defined as ‘covered’. To determine the association between surveillance and mortality, we compared PTC between fatal and non‐fatal HCC.

Results

Of 1001 patients with cirrhosis and HCC, 256 died with median follow‐up 30 months. Median PTC by any imaging was greater in early‐stage vs late‐stage HCC (43.6% vs 37.4%,P = .003) and non‐fatal vs fatal HCC (40.8% vs 34.3%,P = .001). In multivariable analyses, each 10% increase in PTC was associated with increased early HCC detection (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01‐1.12) and decreased mortality (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90‐1.00). On subgroup analysis, PTC by CT/MRI was associated with early tumour detection and decreased mortality; however, PTC by ultrasound was only associated with early detection but not decreased mortality. These findings were robust across sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

In a US cohort of privately insured HCC patients, PTC by any imaging modality was associated with increased early detection and decreased mortality. Continued evaluation of HCC surveillance strategies and effectiveness is warranted.
Global cellulose biomass, horizontal gene transfers and domain fusions drive microbial expansin evolution
Authors: Chase William R. , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Rocha Jorge , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Shapiro Lori R.
Published: January 2020

Plants must rearrange the network of complex carbohydrates in their cell walls during normal growth and development. To accomplish this, all plants depend on proteins called expansins that nonenzymatically loosen noncovalent bonding between cellulose microfibrils.

Surprisingly, expansin genes have more recently been found in some bacteria and microbial eukaryotes, where their biological functions are largely unknown.

Here, we reconstruct a comprehensive phylogeny of microbial expansin genes. We find these genes in all eukaryotic microorganisms that have structural cell wall cellulose, suggesting expansins evolved in ancient marine microorganisms long before the evolution of land plants. We also find expansins in an unexpectedly high diversity of bacteria and fungi that do not have cellulosic cell walls. These bacteria and fungi inhabit varied ecological contexts, mirroring the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic niches where plant and/or algal cellulosic cell walls are present.

The microbial expansin phylogeny shows evidence of multiple horizontal gene transfer events within and between bacterial and eukaryotic microbial lineages, which may in part underlie their unusually broad phylogenetic distribution. Overall, expansins are unexpectedly widespread in bacteria and eukaryotes, and the contribution of these genes to microbial ecological interactions with plants and algae has probbaly been underappreciated.
High niche partitioning promotes highly specialized, modular and non‐nested florivore–plant networks across spatial scales and reveals drivers of specialization
Authors: Cordeiro Juliana , de Oliveira João H. F. , Schmitz Hermes J. , Vizentin‐Bugoni Jeferson
Published: January 2020

Understanding patterns of ecological specialization, the processes underlying niche partitioning and how they translate into the structure of interaction networks is a persistent challenge in ecology. Advances on this regard are limited by the prevalent focus on single spatial scales, lack of tests of the mechanisms underlying specialization, and scarce investigation of some types of interactions. Here we investigated the patterns of interaction between plants and florivores (flower‐breeding drosophilids, FBD) at species‐ and community‐level and at local and regional scales, and tested the relative importance of multiple potential drivers of frequencies of interactions in a local network. First, based on a year‐round collection of 42 322 flowers belonging to 82 plant species, we investigated species specialization and network structure and tested whether frequencies of interactions were related to plant–consumer temporal overlap and resource availability. Second, we built a regional florivore–plant meta‐network for the Neotropical region and tested its structure for nestedness, modularity and overall specialization. Our findings revealed that although FBD species span a broad range of degrees of specialization, most species were highly specialized. At both local and regional scales, network structure was highly modular and non‐nested, presenting high complementary specialization. Moreover, phenological overlap between FBD and their hosts was the most influential driver of frequency of interactions, in comparison to abundance and traits. By describing the structure of FBD–plant networks, our results illustrate how a highly diverse and specialized system retains interaction patterns found in other types of interaction networks which are often driven by different processes. Furthermore, despite undersampling of interactions in the meta‐network caused by the lack of studies on this system and the high diversity of Neotropical FBD's, the high modularity and consistency of some clade–clade modules across spatial scales suggests the importance of evolutionary history and physiological constraints in shaping interactions in this system.
EU agencies' involvement in transboundary crisis response: Supporting efforts or leading coordination?
Authors: Jordana Jacint , Triviño‐Salazar Juan Carlos
Published: January 2020

EU agencies have emerged as entities offering technical coordination to member states and support to the European Commission in different policy areas. Their expertise may play a role in responding to unexpected crises. Against this backdrop, we examine under which circumstances EU agencies, through their specialized expertise, are involved in transboundary crisis responses, and when they acquire a leading position in coordinating those responses. To do so, we study four agencies which faced crises: the EBA and the 2012 banking crisis; the ECDC and the 2014 Ebola outbreak; EFSA and the 2011 E. coli outbreak; and Frontex and the 2015 refugee crisis. Our findings discuss to what extent agencies' involvement in transboundary crises is related to functional (sector characteristics) and institutional (delegation of authority) variables. We also identify that under certain political conditions EU agencies' coordination capacity is activated, allowing them to emerge as leading institutions in transboundary crisis resolution.
Methylation of MdMYB1 locus mediated by RdDM pathway regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple
Authors: Jiang Shenghui , Wang Nan , Chen Min , Zhang Rui , Sun Qingguo , Xu Haifeng , Zhang Zongying , Wang Yicheng , Sui Xiuqi , Wang Sufang , Fang Hongcheng , Zuo Weifang , Su Mengyu , Zhang Jing , Fei Zhangjun , Chen Xuesen
Published: January 2020

Methylation at the MdMYB1 promoter in apple sports has been reported as a regulator of the anthocyanin pathway, but little is known about how the locus is recognized by the methylation machinery to regulate anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, we analysed three differently coloured ‘Fuji’ apples and found that differences in the transcript levels of MdMYB1, which encodes a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, control the anthocyanin content (and therefore colour) in fruit skin. The CHH methylation levels in the MR3 region (−1246 to −780) of the MdMYB1 promoter were found to be negatively correlated with MdMYB1 expression. Thus, they were ideal materials to study DNA methylation in apple sports. The protein of RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway responsible for CHH methylation, MdAGO4, was found to interact with the MdMYB1 promoter. MdAGO4s can interact with MdRDM1 and MdDRM2s to form an effector complex, fulfilling CHH methylation. When MdAGO4s and MdDRM2s were overexpressed in apple calli and Arabidopsis mutants, those proteins increase the CHH methylation of AGO4‐binding sites. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, MdAGO4s were found to specifically bind to sequence containing ATATCAGA. Knockdown of MdNRPE1 did not affect the binding of MdAGO4s to the c3 region of the MdMYB1 promoter in 35S::AGO4 calli. Taken together, our data show that the MdMYB1 locus is methylated through binding of MdAGO4s to the MdMYB1 promoter to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by the RdDM pathway.
Depressed indurated plaque with elastorrhexis as a distinctive lesion in Buschke‐Ollendorff syndrome
Authors: Velasco Huici Rebeca , Martín Jose María , Vázquez Bárbara , Silva Esmeralda , Estébanez Andrea , Cuesta Ana , Ramón Dolores , Monteagudo Carlos
Published: January 2020

Buschke‐Ollendorff syndrome (BOS) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by heterozygous mutations in LEMD3 and characterized by connective tissue nevi and sclerotic bone lesions known as osteopoikilosis. We report a family with three individuals affected by BOS, two of whom manifested clinical and histopathological peculiarities, presenting with a depressed indurated plaque as the main cutaneous manifestation instead of the classic connective tissue nevi. Notable elastorrhexis was present in both biopsies.
Metered‐dose inhaler ipratropium bromide for children with acute asthma exacerbation: A prospective, non‐randomized, observational study
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Ihara Takateru , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Sakakibara Hiroshi , Hagiwara Yusuke , Inoue Nobuaki , Akasawa Akira
Published: January 2020

Background

Ipratropium bromide (IB), when administered with β2‐agonists, is effective in reducing hospital admissions of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with severe asthma. While IB is commonly delivered in its nebulized form, using a metered‐dose inhaler (MDI), can, reportedly, shorten patients’ length of stay in the ED. However, the effectiveness and safety of IB administration using an MDI with a spacer have not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of MDI‐delivered IB in pediatric patients with acute asthma exacerbation.

Methods

This prospective, non‐randomized, observational study included patients aged ≥4 years with a history of severe asthma exacerbation. Patients received IB via MDI with a spacer three times at 20‐min intervals. IB use was determined by the physicians’ treatment policy. Propensity score matching was used to adjust the confounding factors related to IB administration.

Results

Of the 158 patients, 88 were treated with IB and 70 were treated without IB. A propensity score‐matching analysis extracted 54 patients from each group. We found no statistical difference in the admission rate of the two groups (IB group: 25.9% vs non‐IB group: 31.5%; P = 0.67). The post‐treatment modified pulmonary index scores (mean ± SD) were also similar (IB: 6.6 ± 2.0 vs non‐IB: 6.3 ± 2.5; P = 0.53). Only one patient (1.0%) treated with IB experienced vomiting, which resolved spontaneously.

Conclusion

The metered‐dose inhaler IB was ineffective in reducing the admission rate possibly because it was less effective than a nebulizer for IB inhalation.
Endogenous overhead costs, firm size, and fiscal shocks
Authors: Chang Cheng‐wei
Published: January 2020

Recent empirical observations indicate that firm size responds to cyclical fluctuations in economic activities. By analyzing the effects of endogenous overhead costs in the economy, this paper finds that in response to a fiscal expansion, firm size will increase if the relationship between overhead costs and the number of firms is positive, while firm size will decrease if the relationship is negative.
Ultrasonography patterns of atopic dermatitis in children
Authors: Sorokina Elena , Mikailova Daria , Krakhaleva Julia , Krinitsyna Julia , Yakubovich Andrey , Sergeeva Irina
Published: January 2020

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrasound picture of lesional and non‐lesional skin in children with AD.

Materials and Methods

The study included a group of children with AD and a control group. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age 0‐8 years and clinical diagnosis of AD. An ultrasound scanner with a 75 MHz transducer probe was used to produce B‐mode skin images in lesions and non‐lesional skin. The thickness and the echogenicity of epidermis, dermis, and subepidermal low‐echogenic band (SLEB) were measured, and the ratio coefficient per body site was calculated.

Results

Ultrasonography of non‐lesional skin in children with AD showed uneven epidermis contour, a tendency to increased epidermis and decreased dermis thickness, and the SLEB was observed in 77% of cases. In lesions, there was an increased thickness and a decreased echogenicity of epidermis and dermis, and epidermis had irregular contours in most cases. The SLEB was in all lesions, showing greater thickness and lower echogenicity compared with non‐lesional skin.

Conclusion

HF‐USG of the skin allows visualizing the epidermal barrier disruption and inflammation in dermis in children with AD on the entire surface of the skin.
Inactivation of three emerging viruses – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and Nipah virus – in platelet concentrates by ultraviolet C light and in plasma by methylene blue plus visible light
Authors: Eickmann Markus , Gravemann Ute , Handke Wiebke , Tolksdorf Frank , Reichenberg Stefan , Müller Thomas H. , Seltsam Axel
Published: January 2020

Background

Emerging viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Nipah virus (NiV) have been identified to pose a potential threat to transfusion safety. In this study, the ability of the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets and THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma pathogen inactivation systems to inactivate these viruses in platelet concentrates and plasma, respectively, was investigated.

Materials and methods

Blood products were spiked with SARS‐CoV, CCHFV or NiV, and then treated with increasing doses of UVC light (THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets) or with methylene blue (MB) plus increasing doses of visible light (MB/light; THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma). Samples were taken before and after treatment with each illumination dose and tested for residual infectivity.

Results

Treatment with half to three‐fourths of the full UVC dose (0·2 J/cm2) reduced the infectivity of SARS‐CoV (≥3·4 log), CCHFV (≥2·2 log) and NiV (≥4·3 log) to the limit of detection (LOD) in platelet concentrates, and treatment with MB and a fourth of the full light dose (120 J/cm2) decreased that of SARS‐CoV (≥3·1 log), CCHFV (≥3·2 log) and NiV (≥2·7 log) to the LOD in plasma.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that both THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets (UVC) and THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma (MB/light) effectively reduce the infectivity of SARS‐CoV, CCHFV and NiV in platelet concentrates and plasma, respectively.
Viral opportunistic infections in Mauritian cynomolgus macaques undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation mirror human transplant infectious disease complications
Authors: Wu Helen L. , Weber Whitney C. , Shriver‐Munsch Christine , Swanson Tonya , Northrup Mina , Price Heidi , Armantrout Kimberly , Robertson‐LeVay Mitchell , Reed Jason S. , Bateman Katherine B. , Mahyari Eisa , Thomas Archana , Junell Stephanie L. , Hobbs Theodore R. , Martin Lauren D. , MacAllister Rhonda , Bimber Benjamin N. , Slifka Mark K. , Legasse Alfred W. , Moats Cassandra , Axthelm Michael K. , Smedley Jeremy , Lewis Anne D. , Colgin Lois , Meyers Gabrielle , Maziarz Richard T. , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Stanton Jeffrey J. , Sacha Jonah B.
Published: January 2020

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and xenotransplantation are accompanied by viral reactivations and virus‐associated complications resulting from immune deficiency. Here, in a Mauritian cynomolgus macaque model of fully MHC‐matched allogeneic HSCT, we report reactivations of cynomolgus polyomavirus, lymphocryptovirus, and cytomegalovirus, macaque viruses analogous to HSCT‐associated human counterparts BK virus, Epstein‐Barr virus, and human cytomegalovirus. Viral replication in recipient macaques resulted in characteristic disease manifestations observed in HSCT patients, such as polyomavirus‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis and tubulointerstitial nephritis or lymphocryptovirus‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. However, in most cases, the reconstituted immune system, alone or in combination with short‐term pharmacological intervention, exerted control over viral replication, suggesting engraftment of functional donor‐derived immunity. Indeed, the donor‐derived reconstituted immune systems of two long‐term engrafted HSCT recipient macaques responded to live attenuated yellow fever 17D vaccine (YFV 17D) indistinguishably from untransplanted controls, mounting 17D‐targeted neutralizing antibody responses and clearing YFV 17D within 14 days. Together, these data demonstrate that this macaque model of allogeneic HSCT recapitulates clinical situations of opportunistic viral infections in transplant patients and provides a pre‐clinical model to test novel prophylactic and therapeutic modalities.
The study of seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus and an investigation into the lifestyle behaviours of the aborigines in Malaysia
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Alias Haridah , Choy Seow Huey , Goh Xiang Ting , Lee Soo Ching , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian , Kee Boon Pin , Chua Kek Heng , Kamaruzaman Adeeba , Zheng Zizheng , Zhao Qinjian , Wu Ting
Published: January 2020

Malaysia is a non‐endemic country for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. However, seroprevalence as high as 50% among samples of aboriginal people were reported over two decades ago. A total of 207 samples collected from seven aboriginal villages in rural settlements across two states in Malaysia were analysed for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Following the detection of anti‐HEV seroprevalence, we organized health outreach to inform and educate the community. Qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals tested positive for anti‐HEV antibodies. Data derived from interviews and observations were used to investigate possible lifestyle behaviours associated with HEV infection. Anti‐HEV IgG was detected in six samples (5.9%) from the village of Dusun Kubur. Qualitative inquiry and observation study revealed poor dietary and household hygiene, contaminated food and water, contact with animal faeces, unsanitary and domestic waste disposal, and wildlife reservoirs could be the contributing factors for transmission and acquisition of HEV infection. Investigation during health outreach is important to provide insights for future empirical research and implementation for improvement of lifestyle behaviours among the aborigines. Managing the risk of HEV infection in the aborigines may reduce the risk of HEV transmission to the local communities.
Vibration Response-Based Fault Diagnosis of Cylindrical Roller Bearing Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Singh Parbant , Harsha S. P.
Published: January 2020

Bearing defects are major causes for rotary machine breakdown; hence, the dynamic behavior of bearing is crucial and important. This paper aims to present the dynamic response of bearing due to various localized defects. To study the parametric effect, three factors such as load, speed, and defect size are chosen. The Box–Behnkan method has been used to get trials to plot response surfaces. A bearing test rig has been used for experimentation with high speed, which is capable of high loading to introduce and simulate industrial application environment. Vibration and torque data have been acquired using high-precision sensors and data acquisition system. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) vibration peak and torque peak-to-peak (P2P) have been taken as the output parameter. It is observed that speed has a significant effect on both outputs and affects the bearing performance more than load. Response surfaces show that a change in load has less impact on vibration amplitude, while small variation of speed considerably increases vibration values. On the other hand, both parameters, load and speed, has a strong impact on peak-to-peak torque.
Antimalarial Drug Resistance Profiling of Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Ghana Using Molecular Inversion Probes and Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Mensah Benedicta A. , Aydemir Ozkan , Myers-Hansen James L. , Opoku Millicent , Hathaway Nicholas J. , Marsh Patrick W. , Anto Francis , Bailey Jeffrey , Abuaku Benjamin , Ghansah Anita
Published: January 2020

A key drawback to monitoring the emergence and spread of antimalarial drug resistance in sub-Saharan Africa is early detection and containment. Next-generation sequencing methods offer the resolution, sensitivity, and scale required to fill this gap by surveilling for molecular markers of drug resistance. We performed targeted sequencing using molecular inversion probes to interrogate five
Plasmodium falciparum
genes (
pfcrt
,
pfmdr1
,
pfdhps
,
pfdhfr
, and
pfk13
) implicated in chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), and artemisinin resistance in two sites in Ghana.
FtsA Regulates Z-Ring Morphology and Cell Wall Metabolism in an FtsZ C-Terminal Linker-Dependent Manner in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Barrows Jordan M. , Sundararajan Kousik , Bhargava Anant , Goley Erin D.
Published: January 2020

Bacterial cell division is essential and requires the recruitment and regulation of a complex network of proteins needed to initiate and guide constriction and cytokinesis. FtsZ serves as a master regulator for this process, and its function is highly dependent on both its assembly into the canonical Z ring and interactions with protein binding partners, all of which results in the activation of enzymes that remodel the cell wall to drive constriction. Using mutants of FtsZ, we have elaborated on the role of its C-terminal linker domain in regulating Z-ring stability and dynamics, as well as the requirement for its conserved C-terminal domain and interaction with the membrane-anchoring protein FtsA for regulating the process of cell wall remodeling for constriction.
A New Family of DNA Viruses Causing Disease in Crustaceans from Diverse Aquatic Biomes
Authors: Subramaniam Kuttichantran , Behringer Donald C. , Bojko Jamie , Yutin Natalya , Clark Abigail S. , Bateman Kelly S. , van Aerle Ronny , Bass David , Kerr Rose C. , Koonin Eugene V. , Stentiford Grant D. , Waltzek Thomas B.
Published: January 2020

Recent genomic and metagenomic studies have led to a dramatic expansion of the known diversity of nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) of eukaryotes, which include giant viruses of protists and important pathogens of vertebrates, such as poxviruses. However, the characterization of viruses from nonmodel hosts still lags behind. We sequenced the complete genomes of three viruses infecting crustaceans, the Caribbean spiny lobster, demon shrimp, and European shore crab. These viruses have the smallest genomes among the known NCLDVs, with losses of many core genes, some of which are shared with iridoviruses. The deterioration of the transcription apparatus is compatible with microscopic and ultrastructural observations indicating that these viruses replicate in the nucleus of infected cells rather than in the cytoplasm. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that these viruses are sufficiently distinct from all other NCLDVs to justify the creation of a separate family, for which we propose the name “Mininucleoviridae” (i.e., small viruses reproducing in the cell nucleus).
Quantitative Framework for Model Evaluation in Microbiology Research Using
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Cystic Fibrosis Infection as a Test Case
Authors: Cornforth Daniel M. , Diggle Frances L. , Melvin Jeffrey A. , Bomberger Jennifer M. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: January 2020

Laboratory models have become a cornerstone of modern microbiology. However, the accuracy of even the most commonly used models has never been evaluated. Here, we propose a quantitative framework based on gene expression data to evaluate model performance and apply it to models of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
cystic fibrosis lung infection. We discovered that these models captured different aspects of
P. aeruginosa
infection physiology, and we identify which functional categories are and are not captured by each model. These methods will provide researchers with a solid basis to choose among laboratory models depending on the scientific question of interest and will help improve existing experimental models.
Transgenic Testing Does Not Support a Role for Additional Candidate Genes in
Wolbachia
Male Killing or Cytoplasmic Incompatibility
Authors: Perlmutter Jessamyn I. , Meyers Jane E. , Bordenstein Seth R.
Published: January 2020

Wolbachia
are widespread bacterial endosymbionts that manipulate the reproduction of diverse arthropods to spread through a population and can substantially shape host evolution. Recently, reports identified three prophage WO genes (
wmk
,
cifA
, and
cifB
) that transgenically recapitulate many aspects of reproductive manipulation in
Drosophila melanogaster
. Here, we transgenically tested 10 additional gene candidates for CI and/or male killing in flies. The results yield no evidence for the involvement of these gene candidates in reproductive parasitism, bolstering the evidence for identification of the
cif
and
wmk
genes as the major factors involved in their phenotypes. In addition, evidence supports new hypotheses for prediction of male-killing phenotypes or lack thereof based on
wmk
transcript length and copy number. These experiments inform efforts to understand the full basis of reproductive parasitism for basic and applied purposes and lay the foundation for future work on the function of an interesting group of
Wolbachia
and phage WO genes.
Quantitative analysis of medical students’ and physicians’ knowledge of degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Waqar Mueez , Wilcock Jane , Garner Jayne , Davies Benjamin , Kotter Mark
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We have previously identified a delay in general practitioner (GP) referrals for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an education gap existed for DCM along the GP training pathway by quantitatively assessing training in, and knowledge of, this condition.

Design

Gap analysis: comparison of DCM to other conditions. Comparators selected on the basis of similar presentation/epidemiology (multiple sclerosis), an important spinal emergency (cauda equina syndrome) and a common disease (diabetes mellitus).

Subjects

Medical students, foundation doctors and GP trainees.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

(1) Assessment of training: quantitative comparison of references to DCM in curricula (undergraduate/postgraduate) and commonly used textbooks (Oxford Handbook Series), to other conditions using modal ranks. (2) Assessment of knowledge: using standardised questions placed in an online question-bank (Passmedicine). Results were presented relative to the question-bank mean (+/−).

Results

DCM had the lowest modal rank of references to the condition in curricula analysis and second lowest modal rank in textbook analysis. In knowledge analysis questions were attempted 127 457 times. Performance for DCM questions in themes of presentation (+6.1%), workup (+0.1%) and management (+1.8%) were all greater than the question-bank mean and within one SD. For students and junior trainees, there was a serial decrease in performance from presentation and workup (−0.7% to +10.4% relative to question-bank mean) and management (−0.6% to −3.9% relative to question-bank mean).

Conclusions

Although infrequently cited in curricula and learning resources, knowledge relating to DCM was above average. However, knowledge relating to its management was relatively poor.
Evaluation of iLead, a generic implementation leadership intervention: mixed-method preintervention–postintervention design
Authors: Richter Anne , Lornudd Caroline , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Lundmark Robert , Mosson Rebecca , Eskner Skoger Ulrika , Hirvikoski Tatja , Hasson Henna
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the iLead intervention and to investigate whether or not transfer of training can be supported by contextualising the intervention (recruiting all managers from one branch of the organisation while focusing on one implementation case, as well as training senior management).

Design

A pre-evaluation–postevaluation design was applied using mixed methods with process and effect surveys and interviews to measure the effects on three levels.

Setting

Healthcare managers from Stockholm’s regional healthcare organisation were invited to the training.

Participants

52 managers participated in the iLead intervention. Group 1 consisted of 21 managers from different organisations and with different implementation cases. Group 2, representing the contextualised group, consisted of 31 managers from the same organisation, working on the same implementation case, where senior management also received training.

Intervention

iLead is an intervention where healthcare managers are trained in implementation leadership based on the full-range leadership model.

Primary outcome measures

Reactions, knowledge and implementation leadership are measured.

Results

Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that iLead was perceived to be of high quality and capable of increasing participants’ knowledge. Mixed effects were found regarding changes in behaviours. The contextualisation did not have a boosting effect on behaviour change. Hence, group 2 did not increase its active implementation leadership in comparison with group 1.

Conclusions

iLead introduces a new approach to how implementation leadership can be trained when knowledge of effective leadership for implementations is combined with findings on the importance of environmental factors for the transfer of training. Even though managers reported general positive effects, transfer was not facilitated through the contextualisation of the intervention. There is a need to further develop approaches to help participants subsequently apply the learnt skills in their work environment.
Quality of care in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease transferring between healthcare providers: multicentre audit
Authors:   GLINT Research Network, Ahmad Omer F , Ayubi Homira , Clough Jennie , Dart Robin , Gadhok Radha , Pannick Samuel , Parkes Gareth , Pavlidis Polychronis , Segal Jonathan , Sellers Penelope
Published: January 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) predominantly affects young adults at critical socioeconomic periods of their lives. There are no studies examining the process of transfer of care for adult patients with IBD changing healthcare providers. Our aims were to assess the quality of referral information provided when patients with an established IBD diagnosis transfer care between heathcare providers and to assess the impact of referral quality on patient outcome.

Methods

Retrospective data pertaining to IBD transfer of care referrals were collected from 16 hospitals across London over a 2-month period. Data were collected on patient demographics, source and content of referral and cross-referenced with an established transfer of care checklist. Patient outcome within the 6 months following transfer was also documented.

Results

154 cases were identified, over half of which transferred due to patient relocation. Details included in transfer letters were in many cases incomplete. In over 70% of cases, the letter came from primary care, including when a tertiary opinion was sought. Although referrals from primary care contained fewer patient data points, there was no association with poor patient outcomes at 6 months.

Conclusion

This is the first study examining the quality of transfer of care in adult patients with IBD. We highlighted a significant and underreported issue and found that the majority of referrals were led by primary care. Though the inclusion in the referral of fewer data points was not associated with poor outcomes, we highlighted an area where gastroenterologists might take more responsibility to provide smooth and robust transfer of care.
X-ray laser wakefield acceleration in a nanotube
Authors: Hakimi Sahel , Zhang Xiaomei , Lau Calvin , Taborek Peter , Dollar Franklin , Tajima Toshiki
Published: January 2020

Plasma-based accelerator technology enables compact particle accelerators. In Laser Wakefield Acceleration, with an ultrafast high-intensity optical laser driver, energy gain of electrons is greater if the electron density is reduced. This is because the energy gain of electrons is proportional to the ratio of laser’s critical density to electron density. However, an alternative path for higher energy electrons is increasing the critical density via going to shorter wavelengths. With the advent of Thin Film Compression, we now see a path to a single cycle coherent X-ray beam. Using this X-ray pulse allows us to increase the plasma density to solid density nanotube (carbon or porous alumina) regime and still be under-dense for a Laser Wakefield Acceleration technique. We will discuss some implications of this below.
A survey of fiber laser technology in light of laser particle accelerator
Authors: Sha Weijian
Published: January 2020

Fiber laser technology and related performance and maturity are surveyed with the perspectives of laser acceleration. Advantageous fiber attributes allow high efficiencies in energy-conversion and heat removal and superior performance in high repetition. Wide utilization in the industries has led to high reliability and cost effectiveness in fiber laser technology. With coherent combination of fiber amplifiers, average-power and peak-power levels are targeted for practical laser-driven plasma acceleration applications.
The group J4 × J4 is recognizable by spectrum
Authors: Gorshkov Ilya B. , Maslova Natalia V.
Published: January 2020

The spectrum of a finite group is the set of its element orders. In this paper, we prove that the direct product of two copies of the finite simple sporadic group [Formula: see text] is uniquely determined by its spectrum in the class of all finite groups.
The Rise, Fall, and Afterlife of the Death Penalty in the United States
Authors: Steiker Carol S. , Steiker Jordan M.
Published: January 2020

This review addresses four key issues in the modern (post-1976) era of capital punishment in the United States. First, why has the United States retained the death penalty when all its peer countries (all other developed Western democracies) have abolished it? Second, how should we understand the role of race in shaping the distinctive path of capital punishment in the United States, given our country's history of race-based slavery and slavery's intractable legacy of discrimination? Third, what is the significance of the sudden and profound withering of the practice of capital punishment in the past two decades? And, finally, what would abolition of the death penalty in the United States (should it ever occur) mean for the larger criminal justice system?
Interaction of epidermal growth factor with COX-2 products and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ system in experimental rat Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: Majka Jolanta , Wierdak Mateusz , Szlachcic Aleksandra , Magierowski Marcin , Targosz Aneta , Urbanczyk Katarzyna , Krzysiek-Maczka Gracjana , Ptak-Belowska Agata , Bakalarz Dominik , Magierowska Katarzyna , Chmura Anna , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: January 2020

Mixed acidic-alkaline refluxate is a major pathogenic factor in chronic esophagitis progressing to Barrett's esophagus (BE). We hypothesized that epidermal growth factor (EGF) can interact with COX-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in rats surgically prepared with esophagogastroduodenal anastomosis (EGDA) with healthy or removed salivary glands to deplete salivary EGF. EGDA rats were treated with 1) vehicle, 2) EGF or PPARγ agonist pioglitazone with or without EGFR kinase inhibitor tyrphostin A46, EGF or PPARγ antagonist GW9662 respectively, 3) ranitidine or pantoprazole, and 4) the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib combined with pioglitazone. At 3 mo, the esophageal damage and the esophageal blood flow (EBF) were determined, the mucosal expression of EGF, EGFR, COX-2, TNFα, and PPARγ mRNA and phospho-EGFR/EGFR protein was analyzed. All EGDA rats developed chronic esophagitis, esophageal ulcerations, and intestinal metaplasia followed by a fall in the EBF, an increase in the plasma of IL-1β, TNFα, and mucosal PGE2content, the overexpression of COX-2-, and EGF-EGFR mRNAs, and proteins, and these effects were aggravated by EGF and attenuated by pioglitazone. The rise in EGF and COX-2 mRNA was inhibited by pioglitazone but reversed by pioglitazone cotreated with GW9662. We conclude that 1) EGF can interact with PG/COX-2 and the PPARγ system in the mechanism of chronic esophagitis; 2) the deleterious effect of EGF involves an impairment of EBF and the overexpression of COX-2 and EGFR, and 3) agonists of PPARγ and inhibitors of EGFR may be useful in the treatment of chronic esophagitis progressing to BE.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rats with EGDA exhibited chronic esophagitis accompanied by a fall in EBF and an increase in mucosal expression of mRNAs for EGF, COX-2, and TNFα, and these effects were exacerbated by exogenous EGF and reduced by removal of a major source of endogenous EGF with salivectomy or concurrent treatment with tyrphostin A46 or pioglitazone combined with EGF. Beneficial effects of salivectomy in an experimental model of BE were counteracted by PPARγ antagonist, whereas selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib synergistically with pioglitazone reduced severity of esophageal damage and protected esophageal mucosa from reflux. We propose the cross talk among EGF/EGFR, PG/COX-2, and proinflammatory cytokines with PPARγ pathway in the mechanism of pathogenesis of chronic esophagitis progressing to BE and EAC.