bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Una Búsqueda de la Equidad y la Justicia: District Leaders Attempt to Expand Dual Language Bilingual Education for Equity
Authors: Dorner Lisa M. , Lee Se Woong
Published: July 2020

This case examines one district’s attempts to enhance and rework its approach to dual language bilingual education (DLBE). Upon her hire at “Triton Public Schools,” the new coordinator for language services noticed that Spanish-speaking students designated as English Learners (ELs) had inequitable access to the district’s only DLBE school, and that other programs designed for them did not result in as high academic achievement as DLBE. Conversations by district leadership to make significant changes in their approach to DLBE resulted in public outcry and confusion from educators, as well as Spanish- and English-speaking parents. Our discussion centers on how to employ courageous and social justice–minded leadership to enhance equity, access, and high academic achievement for marginalized student populations in bilingual education.
The Network Runs the Schools: From a Loose to a Tightly Coupled School District
Authors: Virella Patricia M. , Weiner Jennie M.
Published: July 2020

This case study explores a central office’s attempt to improve its school performance by shifting from a loosely to a more tightly coupled organization through greater oversight and standardization of practice. Educational leaders and, specifically, district-level and central office administrators often negotiate between providing schools autonomy and pursuing greater accountability and uniformity to foster improved student achievement. Educators studying this case will examine the pros and cons of both approaches as well as the potential trade-offs when shifting from one system to another or engaging in a hybrid approach on elements like teacher motivation, teacher–student relationships, school culture, and student achievement.
Confidence in Understanding Health Insurance and Challenges Paying Medical Bills Among Men in the United States
Authors: Dean Caress A. , Wiltshire Jacqueline , Liu Echu , Amamoo M. Ahinee , Garcia Colato Edlin , Elder Keith
Published: July 2020

Although the number of men with health insurance has increased, men are less likely to utilize health services than females, and experience difficulty in paying medical bills. Understanding the details of health insurance can be challenging and the lack of understanding can have financial consequences. This study, guided by Andersen’s model of health-care utilization, assessed the relationship between confidence level in understanding health insurance terms and difficulty in paying medical bills among American men. Data were drawn from the Health Reform Monitoring Survey, 2015–2016. The study included 6,643 men aged between 18 and 64. Descriptive statistics examined participants’ difficulty in paying medical bills by predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics, and by confidence in understanding health insurance terms. A modified Poisson regression analysis examined the association between difficulty in paying medical bills, confidence in understanding health insurance terms score, and predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics. An increase in confidence in understanding health insurance terms score was associated with significantly lower reported difficulty in paying medical bills (PR = .98; 95% CI = [.97–.99]; p = .002). Participants with a college degree or higher were less likely to report difficulty in paying their medical bills compared to participants with less than a high school degree (PR = .72; 95% CI = [.56–.92]; p = .009). A better understanding of health insurance might prevent men from experiencing difficulties in paying medical bills. Additional research should be performed to understand the relationship between the level of confidence in understanding health insurance, knowledge level of health insurance terms, use of health insurance, and their impact on difficulty in paying medical bills.
Ivory Arthroplasty for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis in Men: Analysis of Clinical Outcome and Implant Survival
Authors: Vanmierlo Bert , Buitenweg John , Vanmierlo Tim , Van Royen Kjell , Bonte Francis , Goubau Jean
Published: July 2020

Background: Trapeziometacarpal arthroplasties are designed to restore an adequate level of mobility, stability, and grip strength. In this article, pain and functional and radiographic outcome of Ivory arthroplasty in male patients are investigated. Methods: Between 2005 and 2012, the Ivory arthroplasty was inserted in 21 male patients with degenerative trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, of which 14 patients were found eligible for inclusion. Mobility, grip strength, patient self-assessment (pain; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QuickDASH]), and radiographic outcome were measured. Twenty-two female patients who received an Ivory arthroplasty between 2005 and 2007 were included and underwent the same evaluation. Age at primary surgery, survival rate of the implant, and clinical outcome were compared between the 2 groups. Results: In both groups, QuickDASH score and mean pain sensation improved significantly. The improvement in mobility obtained significance in the female group. In the male group, 7 arthroplasties failed (mean follow-up of 65 months). In the female group, 3 of the 24 arthroplasties failed (mean follow-up of 123 months). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significant lower implant survival in the male group. Conclusions: Decrease in muscle mass and decline in grip strength that postmenopausal women tend to experience might explain the significant difference in implant survival between sexes. In 4 of the 7 failed arthroplasties in the male group, no surgical revision was required. Trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, even after radiographic failure, still served as a spacer, avoiding collapse of the thumb base. Nevertheless, the failure rate of the Ivory arthroplasty in male patients is high, and an alternative treatment should be considered.
Association of Lunate Morphology With Progression to Scaphoid Fracture Nonunion
Authors: Hein Rachel E. , Fletcher Amanda N. , Tillis Rose T. , Pang Eric Q. , Ruch David S. , Richard Marc J.
Published: July 2020

Background: The purpose of our study was to review a series of patients with scaphoid fractures to determine whether there was an association between lunate morphology and progression to delayed union or nonunion when treated operatively or nonoperatively. Secondary aims included evaluation of the relationship between lunate morphology and scaphoid fracture location. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of scaphoid fracture was performed at our institution between 2014 and 2017. Medical records and radiographs were evaluated to determine lunate morphology, scaphoid fracture location, treatment, and time to union. Differences between groups were determined using χ2 analysis with significance set at P <.05. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate scaphoid union in the setting of lunate morphology when controlling for confounders. Results: A total of 169 patients were included; 45.0% (n = 76) of patients had type I lunate morphology, and 55.0% (n = 93) had type II. In all, 64.5% (n = 49) of patients with type I lunate and 68.8% (n = 64) with type II lunate had a fracture at the scaphoid waist. Among all patients with a scaphoid fracture, type II lunates were more likely than type I lunates to progress to nonunion when treated both operatively and nonoperatively (18.3% vs 4.0%, P = .0042). Lunate facet size was not shown to be a significant risk factor for nonunion among patients with a type II lunate ( P = .4221). Conclusions: Patients with a scaphoid fracture and type II lunate morphology were more likely to progress to nonunion than patients with a type I lunate.
Study on comprehensive performance evaluation for condensation heat transfer inside the micro-fin tube
Authors: Wei Liu
Published: July 2020

To develop a comprehensive performance evaluation model of heat transfer tube, the flow condensation heat transfer experiment of R1234yf inside the tube was operated. In this article, the effect of mass flux, condensation temperature, and fin structural parameters on the heat transfer characteristics was studied, and then corrections of heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop predictive effect were checked. Results show that the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increase with increasing mass flux and condensation temperature, and the heat transfer enhanced ratio is 2.53∼3.67 while the pressure drop deterioration ratio was 1.95∼2.49 for the micro-fin tube; the Yu and Koyama correlation has a best predictive effect for the heat transfer coefficient with the average and mean deviation of 0.77% and 10.84%, and the Han et al. correction shows the best predictive effect for the pressure drop with the average and mean deviation of 1.82% and 6.23%. Finally, the heat transfer coefficient per unit pressure drop was selected as evaluation index of heat exchanger comprehensive performance, a model was developed based on the Yu and Koyama correlation, and it can predict the heat transfer coefficient per unit pressure drop with a mean absolute prediction error of −1.65%.
Bored Into Depletion? Toward a Tentative Integration of Perceived Self-Control Exertion and Boredom as Guiding Signals for Goal-Directed Behavior
Authors: Wolff Wanja , Martarelli Corinna S.
Published: July 2020

During the past two decades, self-control research has been dominated by the strength model of self-control, which is built on the premise that the capacity for self-control is a limited global resource that can become temporarily depleted, resulting in a state called ego depletion. The foundations of ego depletion have recently been questioned. Thus, although self-control is among the most researched psychological concepts with high societal relevance, an inconsistent body of literature limits our understanding of how self-control operates. Here, we propose that the inconsistencies are partly due to a confound that has unknowingly and systematically been introduced into the ego-depletion research: boredom. We propose that boredom might affect results of self-control research by placing an unwanted demand on self-control and signaling that one should explore behavioral alternatives. To account for boredom in self-controlled behavior, we provide a working model that integrates evidence from reward-based models of self-control and recent theorizing on boredom to explain the effects of both self-control exertion and boredom on subsequent self-control performance. We propose that task-induced boredom should be systematically monitored in self-control research to assess the validity of the ego-depletion effect.
Rapid Posterior Tibial Reduction After Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Mechanism Description From a Video Analysis
Authors: Grassi Alberto , Tosarelli Filippo , Agostinone Piero , Macchiarola Luca , Zaffagnini Stefano , Della Villa Francesco
Published: July 2020

Background:

The mechanisms of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are an enormously debated topic in sports medicine; however, the late phases of injury have not yet been investigated.

Hypothesis:

A well-defined posterior tibial translation can be visualized with its timing and patterns of knee flexion after ACL injury.

Study Design:

Case series.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

A total of 137 videos of ACL injuries in professional male football (soccer) players were screened for a sudden posterior tibial reduction (PTR) in the late phase of noncontact ACL injury mechanism. The suitable videos were analyzed using Kinovea software for sport video analysis. The time of initial contact of the foot with the ground, the foot lift, the start of tibial reduction, and the end of tibial reduction were assessed.

Results:

A total of 21 videos exhibited a clear posterior tibial reduction of 42 ± 11 ms, after an average of 229 ± 81 ms after initial contact. The tibial reduction occurred consistently within the first 50 to 60 ms after foot lift (55 ± 30 ms) and with the knee flexed between 45° and 90° (62%) or more than 90° (24%).

Conclusion:

A rapid posterior tibial reduction is consistently present in the late phases of noncontact ACL injuries in some male soccer players, with a consistent temporal relationship between foot lift from the ground and consistent degrees of knee flexion near or above 90°.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides insight into the late phases of ACL injury. The described mechanism, although purely theoretical, could be responsible for commonly observed intra-articular lesions.
Twice Negative PCR in a Patient With Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Encephalitis
Authors: Roberts Jodie I. , Jewett Gordon A. E. , Tellier Raymond , Couillard Philippe , Peters Steven
Published: July 2020

Untreated herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis is associated with high mortality. Missed cases can have devastating consequences. Detection of HSV-1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is reported to have high sensitivity and specificity and is considered the diagnostic gold standard for HSV-1 encephalitis. In this article, we report a case of autopsy-confirmed HSV-1 encephalitis where CSF PCR returned negative on 2 occasions. A 64-year-old man presented with fever, left-sided weakness, and altered level of consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated right mesial temporal lobe diffusion restriction and electroencephalography showed right lateralized periodic discharges. Lumbar puncture was performed on day 1 for which CSF PCR returned negative for HSV-1. Empiric antiviral and antibiotic treatments were continued due to high clinical suspicion of HSV-1 encephalitis. Repeat lumbar puncture on day 5 was unchanged and empiric treatments were discontinued. On day 13, he developed status epilepticus requiring intensive care unit admission. A third CSF sample returned positive for HSV-1. Acyclovir was restarted but he continued to clinically worsen and supportive care was withdrawn. Autopsy confirmed widespread HSV-1 meningoencephalitis. Negative CSF PCR should be interpreted with caution in cases where there is high clinical suspicion of HSV-1 encephalitis. Current guidelines suggest repeating CSF HSV-1 PCR within 3 to 7 days in suspicious cases while continuing empiric therapy. However, missed cases can occur even with repeated testing. Empiric treatment with acyclovir should be considered in cases with high clinical suspicion of HSV-1 encephalitis, while investigations for alternate treatable diagnoses are continued.
Disgust Toward Interracial Couples: Mixed Feelings About Black–White Race Mixing
Authors: Watanabe Shoko , Laurent Sean M.
Published: July 2020

Three studies further explored Skinner and Hudac's (2017) hypothesis that interracial couples elicit disgust. Using verbal and face emotion measures (Study 1), some participants reported more disgust toward interracial couples than same-race White and Black couples. In Study 2, only people higher in disgust sensitivity tended to “guess” that rapidly presented images of interracial (vs. White) couples were disgusting. Study 3 used a novel image classification paradigm that presented couples side-by-side with neutral or disgusting images. Participants took longer to decide whether target images were disgusting only when interracial (vs. White) couples appeared next to neutral images. Greater sexual disgust heightened this difference. Mixed evidence suggesting an association of disgust with Black couples also emerged in Studies 2 and 3. Thus, the disgust–interracial romance association may only emerge under certain conditions, and the current research offers limited support for the hypothesis that disgust response is exclusively linked to interracial unions.
Liberals Report Lower Levels of Attitudinal Ambivalence Than Conservatives
Authors: Newman Leonard S. , Sargent Rikki H.
Published: July 2020

Political conservatism has been shown to be positively correlated with intolerance of ambiguity, need for closure, and dogmatism and negatively correlated with openness to new experiences and uncertainty tolerance. Those findings suggest that conservatism should also be negatively correlated with attitudinal ambivalence; by definition, ambivalent attitudes are more complex and more tinged with uncertainty than univalent attitudes. However, little published research addresses this issue. The results of five studies (total N = 1,049 participants) reveal instead that political liberalism is negatively associated with ambivalence. This finding held for both subjective and potential (i.e., formula-based) measures of ambivalence and for both politicized and nonpoliticized attitude objects. Conservatives may prefer uncomplicated and consistent ways of thinking and feeling, but that preference might not necessarily be reflected in the actual consistency of their mental representations. Possible accounts for these findings are discussed.
Predictor index of functional limb length discrepancy
Authors: Singh Vivek Ajit , Ramalingam Sasidaran , Haseeb Amber , Yasin Nor Faissal Bin
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) of lower extremities is underdiagnosed due to compensatory mechanisms during locomotion. The natural course of compensation leads to biomechanical alteration in human musculoskeletal system leading to adverse effects. General consensus accepts LLD more than 2 cm as significant to cause biomechanical alteration. No studies were conducted correlating height and lower extremities true length (TL) to signify LLD. Examining significant LLD in relation to height and TL using dynamic gait analysis with primary focus on kinematics and secondary focus on kinetics would provide an objective evaluation method.

Methodology:

Forty participants with no evidence of LLD were recruited. Height and TL were measured. Reflective markers were attached at specific points in lower extremity and subjects walked in gait lab at a self-selected normal walking pace with artificial LLDs of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 cm simulated using shoe raise. Accommodation period of 30 min was given. Infrared cameras were used to capture the motion. Primary kinematic (knee flexion and pelvic obliquity (PO)) and secondary kinetic (ground reaction force (GRF)) were measured at right heel strike and left heel strike. Functional adaptation was analyzed and the postulated predictor indices (PIs) were used as a screening tool using height, LLD, and TL to notify significance.

Results:

There was a significant knee flexion component seen in height category of less than 170 cm. There was significant difference between LLD 3 cm and 4 cm. No significant changes were seen in PO and GRF. PIs of LLD/height and LLD/TL were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve. LLD/height as a PI with value of 1.75 was determined with specificity of 80% and sensitivity of 76%.

Conclusion:

A height of less than 170 cm has significant changes in relation to LLD. PI using LLD/height appears to be a promising tool to identify patients at risk.
Epidemiology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury on Natural Grass Versus Artificial Turf in Soccer: 10-Year Data From the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System
Authors: Howard Mark , Solaru Samantha , Kang Hyunwoo P. , Bolia Ioanna K. , Hatch George F.R. , Tibone James E. , Gamradt Seth C. , Weber Alexander E.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is prevalent among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer players. Controversy remains regarding the effect of the surface type on the rate of ACL injury in soccer players, considering differences in sex, type of athletic exposure, and level of competition.

Hypothesis:

Natural grass surfaces would be associated with decreased ACL injury rate in NCAA soccer players. Sex, type of athletic exposure (match vs practice), and level of competition (Division I-III) would affect the relationship between playing surface and ACL injury rates.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Using the NCAA Injury Surveillance System (ISS) database, we calculated the incidence rate of ACL injury in men and women from 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 seasons. The incidence was normalized against athletic exposure (AE). Additional data collected were sex, athletic activity at time of injury (match vs practice), and level of competition (NCAA division) to stratify the analysis. Statistical comparisons were made by calculating incidence rate ratios (IRR). Statistical significance was set at an alpha of .05.

Results:

There were 30,831,779 weighted AEs during the study period. The overall injury rate was 1.12 ACL injuries per 10,000 AEs (95% CI, 1.08-1.16). Women comprised 57% of the match data (10,261 games) and 55% of practice data (26,664 practices). The overall injury rate was significantly higher on natural grass (1.16/10,000 AEs; 95% CI, 1.12-1.20) compared with artificial turf (0.92/10,000 AEs [95% CI, 0.84-1.01]; IRR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.14-1.38]) ( P < .0001). This relationship was demonstrated consistently across all subanalyses, including stratification by NCAA division and sex. The injury rate on natural grass (0.52/10,000 AEs; 95% CI, 1.11-1.26) was significantly greater than the injury incidence during practice on artificial turf (0.06/10,000 AEs; 95% CI, 0.043-0.096). Players were 8.67 times more likely to sustain an ACL injury during practice on natural grass compared with practice on artificial turf (95% CI, 5.43-12.13; P < .0001). No significant difference was found in injury rates between matches played on grass versus turf (IRR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84-1.03; P = .15).

Conclusion:

NCAA soccer players who practice on natural grass have increased risk of ACL injury compared with the risk of those practicing on an artificial surface, regardless of sex or NCAA division of play. No difference in risk of ACL injury between playing surfaces was detected during matches. Further research is necessary to examine the effect of multiple factors when evaluating the effect of the surface type on the risk of ACL injury in soccer players.
An Educational Evaluation of a Journal Club Approach to Teaching Undergraduate Health Care Research
Authors: Friesth Michaela , Dzara Kristina
Published: July 2020

Background:

Health care research is a common undergraduate health sciences requirement. There is limited literature regarding course structure, content, or learning outcomes; most courses have traditionally been taught through didactic lecture. This is misaligned with Generation Y learner values, as they desire guided learning, real-world examples, active engagement, learning through doing, and psychological safety.

Methods:

A “journal club” approach to teaching health care research was implemented at Northeastern University in Fall 2018. Each session involved (1) a moment of reflection; (2) an introduction to the topic; (3) 1 student methods report presentation; (4) 2 student “journal club” self-directed structured article summary presentations; (5) large-group discussion; (6) plus/delta feedback to instructor. Each student completed 2 “journal club” and 1 methods presentations, 6 peer reviews, CITI research training, a quality improvement survey, and a final course reflection. We utilized a convergent mixed-methods educational evaluation, integrating data from 3 distinct sources—a quality improvement survey, final student course reflections, and Plus/Delta feedback—which were analyzed via thematic analysis. The Northeastern University Institutional Review Board exempted the study.

Results:

Students appreciated the course structure and reported confidence in their critical appraisal abilities. Four qualitative themes emerged: (1) enabled a high degree of growth as students and scholars; (2) designed in thoughtful and unique format; (3) initially intimidated students and was academically challenging; and (4) prioritized and enabled psychological safety.

Conclusions:

Although initially intimidating and admittedly challenging, undergraduate health sciences students applauded the course’s curricular design and enabling of psychological safety, which aligned with Generation Y learner values, ultimately leading to growth in perceived and realized confidence and ability to critically review research articles.
Long non-coding RNA H19 in atherosclerosis: what role?
Authors: Shi Xian , Wei Ya-Ting , Li Heng , Jiang Ting , Zheng Xi-Long , Yin Kai , Zhao Guo-Jun
Published: July 2020

Atherosclerosis (AS) is widely accepted to be a multistep pathophysiological process associated with several other processes such as angiogenesis and inflammatory response. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding RNAs (more than 200 nucleotides in length) and can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies suggest that lncRNA-H19 plays important roles in the regulation of angiogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In this review, we primarily discuss the roles of lncRNA-H19 in atherosclerosis-related pathophysiological processes and the potential mechanisms by which lncRNA-H19 regulates the development of atherosclerosis, to help provide a better understanding of the biological functions of lncRNA-H19 in atherosclerosis.
Electroacupuncture alleviates polycystic ovary syndrome-like symptoms through improving insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress via enhancing autophagy in rats
Authors: Peng Yan , Guo Liyuan , Gu Anxin , Shi Beibei , Ren Yukun , Cong Jing , Yang Xinming
Published: July 2020

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA), a treatment derived from traditional Chinese medicine, can effectively improve hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), however, its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. This study aimed to investigate whether EA could mitigate PCOS-like symptoms in rats by regulating autophagy.

Methods

A rat model of PCOS-like symptoms was established by subcutaneous injection with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and then EA treatment at acupoints (ST29 and SP6) was carried out for 5 weeks. To inhibit autophagy in rats, intraperitoneal injection with 0.5 mg/kg 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) was performed at 30 min before each EA treatment.

Results

EA intervention alleviated PCOS-like symptoms in rats, which was partly counteracted by the combination with 3-MA. Moreover, DHEA-exposure-induced deficient autophagy in skeletal muscle was improved by EA treatment. EA-mediated improvements in insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in PCOS-like rats were counteracted by 3-MA pretreatment. Mechanically, EA attenuated autophagy deficiency-mediated insulin resistance in PCOS-like rats via inactivating mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings indicate that EA treatment ameliorates insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress through enhancing autophagy in a PCOS-like rat model. Our study provides novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the treatment of EA in PCOS, which offers more theoretic foundation for its clinical application.
Fabrication and Electrochemical Performance of PVA/CNT/PANI Flexible Films as Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Ben Jianwei , Song Zhiyuan , Liu Xinke , Lü Wei , Li Xiaohua
Published: July 2020

The flexible and rechargeable energy storage device with excellent performance is highly desired due to the demands of portable and wearable devices. Herein, by integrating the bendability and stretchability of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), pseudocapacitance of Polyaniline (PANI), and the charge transport ability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), PVA/CNT/PANI flexible film was fabricated as supercapacitor electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance and flexibility. Full-solid supercapacitor is prepared based on PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte and as-prepared film electrodes. The device achieves an areal capacitance of 196.5 mF cm-2 with high cycling stability. The flexible properties of PVA, the conductivity of CNT, and the pseudo-capacitance of PANI contribute to the superior performance. Present work develops a facile and effective way for preparing flexible electrode materials.

Graphical Abstract

In present work, we fabricated PVA/CNT/PANI flexible film as supercapacitor electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance and flexibility.
Understanding the Structural-Dependent Photocatalytic Antibacterial Activity: a Case Study of Ag Modified BiVO4
Authors: Guan Hailin , Tian Yuefeng , Dong Alideertu , Su Yiguo
Published: July 2020

In this work, Ag/BiVO4 heterostructural photocatalysts were developed in order to reveal exceptional structural-dependent photoinduced charge migration kinetics as well as the underlying photocatalytic antibacterial dynamic process. The structure-dependent interface of BiVO4 and Ag nanoparticles was successfully constructed to improve the photoinduced interface charge transfer efficiency and interface correlation. DFT calculation indicated that a net charge of about 0.33 e between Ag and tz-BiVO4 was achieved by extraordinary interface charge transfer, being far larger than that between Ag and ms-BiVO4. Larger net charge has consequences on mobility of charge carriers of tz-BiVO4 that can raise the migration and separation of charge carriers for Ag/tz-BiVO4 heterojunction. Fine interfacial contact between Ag and tz-BiVO4 led to the optimized photocatalytic performance toward E. coli inactivation, being predominately higher than that of tz-BiVO4, ms-BiVO4, and Ag/ms-BiVO4 catalysts. Besides photocatalytic activity, the thermocatalytic inactivation activity of Ag/tz-BiVO4 also exhibited a factor of about 7.2 and 3.1 times higher than that of tz-BiVO4 and Ag/ms-BiVO4. Trapping and EPR measurements suggested that the structural-dependent photocatalytic activity of Ag/BiVO4 mainly originated from the pronounced variation of the capability to produce H2O2 active species, where the capability of generating H2O2 over Ag/tz-BiVO4 is highly accelerated. Moreover, it cannot be ignored that this study provides an ideal candidate for many aspects, such as environmental and water pollution caused by pathogenic microorganisms and disinfection of medical materials, food packaging, household materials, and public places, etc.
Cortisol profiles and clinical severity in MECP2 duplication syndrome
Authors: Peters Sarika U. , Fu Cary , Neul Jeffrey L. , Granger Douglas A.
Published: July 2020

Background

MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare X-linked genomic disorder primarily affecting males which is caused by interstitial chromosomal duplications at Xq28 encompassing the MECP2 gene. Core clinical features of MDS include choreiform movements, progressive spasticity, recurrent respiratory infections, developmental delays in the first 6 months of life, hypotonia, vasomotor disturbances, constipation, drooling, and bruxism. Prior studies suggest that HPA axis activity may be altered in MDS and measures of HPA axis activity may offer insight into disease severity.

Methods

To ascertain whether cortisol profiles are a potential biomarker of clinical severity, diurnal profiles of cortisol and the cortisol awakening response were examined from saliva samples in 31 participants with MDS (ages 2–24 years), and 27 of these samples were usable. Documentation of a positive diagnostic test for MECP2 duplication was required for entry into the study. Samples were collected on each of two consecutive weekdays at four time points during the day: immediately after waking, 30 min after waking, between 3 and 4 PM, and in the evening before bedtime. Correlations with duplication size, clinical severity, sleep problems, and behavior were also examined.

Results

Results revealed that a majority of participants with MDS exhibit a declining cortisol awakening response (n = 17). A declining CAR was significantly associated with increased clinical severity scores (r = − .508; p = .03), larger duplication size, waking later, and an increased number of hospitalizations for infections.

Conclusions

Future mechanistic studies will have to determine whether the declining CAR in MDS is attributable to problems with “flip-flop switching” of regional brain activation (involving the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the hippocampus, and the HPA axis) that is responsible for the switch from reduced to increased adrenal sensitivity. Taken together, results suggest the possibility that cortisol profiles could potentially be a biomarker of clinical severity and utilized for the purposes of patient stratification for future clinical trials in MDS.
Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal two distinct transcriptional modules associated with pollen shedding time in pine
Authors: Ma Jing-Jing , Liu Shuang-Wei , Han Fang-Xu , Li Wei , Li Yue , Niu Shi-Hui
Published: July 2020

Background

Seasonal flowering time is an ecologically and economically important trait in temperate trees. Previous studies have shown that temperature in many tree species plays a pivotal role in regulating flowering time. However, genetic control of flowering time is not synchronised in different individual trees under comparable temperature conditions, the underlying molecular mechanism is mainly to be investigated.

Results

In the present study, we analysed the transcript abundance in male cones and needles from six early pollen-shedding trees (EPs) and six neighbouring late pollen-shedding trees (LPs) inPinus tabuliformisat three consecutive time points in early spring. We found that the EPs and LPs had distinct preferred transcriptional modules in their male cones and, interestingly, the expression pattern was also consistently maintained in needles even during the winter dormancy period. Additionally, the preferred pattern in EPs was also adopted by other fast-growing tissues, such as elongating new shoots. Enhancement of nucleic acid synthesis and stress resistance pathways under cold conditions can facilitate rapid growth and maintain higher transcriptional activity.

Conclusions

During the cold winter and early spring seasons, the EPs were more sensitive to relatively warmer temperatures and showed higher transcriptomic activity than the LPs, indicating that EPs required less heat accumulation for pollen shedding than LPs. These results provided a transcriptomic-wide understanding of the temporal regulation of pollen shedding in pines.
Molecular characterization of Pseudomonas from Agaricus bisporus caps reveal novel blotch pathogens in Western Europe
Authors: Taparia Tanvi , Krijger Marjon , Haynes Edward , Elphinstone John G. , Noble Ralph , van der Wolf Jan
Published: July 2020

Background

Bacterial blotch is a group of economically important diseases affecting the cultivation of common button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. Despite being studied for more than a century, the identity and nomenclature of blotch-causing Pseudomonas species is still unclear. This study aims to molecularly characterize the phylogenetic and phenotypic diversity of blotch pathogens in Western Europe.

Methods

In this study, blotched mushrooms were sampled from farms across the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Belgium. Bacteria were isolated from symptomatic cap tissue and tested in pathogenicity assays on fresh caps and in pots. Whole genome sequences of pathogenic and non-pathogenic isolates were used to establish phylogeny via multi-locus sequence alignment (MLSA), average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in-silico DNA:DNA hybridization (DDH) analyses.

Results

The known pathogens “Pseudomonas gingeri”, P. tolaasii, “P. reactans” and P. costantinii were recovered from blotched mushroom caps. Seven novel pathogens were also identified, namely, P. yamanorum, P. edaphica, P. salomonii and strains that clustered with Pseudomonas sp. NC02 in one genomic species, and three non-pseudomonads, i.e. Serratia liquefaciens, S. proteamaculans and a Pantoea sp. Insights on the pathogenicity and symptom severity of these blotch pathogens were also generated.

Conclusion

A detailed overview of genetic and regional diversity and the virulence of blotch pathogens in Western Europe, was obtained via the phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses. This information has implications in the study of symptomatic disease expression, development of diagnostic tools and design of localized strategies for disease management.
Enhanced sugar accumulation and regulated plant hormone signalling genes contribute to cold tolerance in hypoploid Saccharum spontaneum
Authors: Yang Hongli , Wang Tianju , Yu Xinghua , Yang Yang , Wang Chunfang , Yang Qinghui , Wang Xianhong
Published: July 2020

Background

Wild sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum plants vary in ploidy, which complicates the utilization of its germplasm in sugarcane breeding. Investigations on cold tolerance in relation to different ploidies in S. spontaneum may promote the exploitation of its germplasm and accelerate the improvement of sugarcane varieties.

Results

A hypoploid clone 12–23 (2n = 54) and hyperploid clone 15–28 (2n = 92) of S. spontaneum were analysed under cold stress from morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic perspectives. Compared with clone 15–28, clone 12–23 plants had lower plant height, leaf length, internode length, stem diameter, and leaf width; depressed stomata and prominent bristles and papillae; and thick leaves with higher bulliform cell groups and thicker adaxial epidermis. Compared with clone 15–28, clone 12–23 showed significantly lower electrical conductivity, significantly higher water content, soluble protein content, and superoxide dismutase activity, and significantly higher soluble sugar content and peroxidase activity. Under cold stress, the number of upregulated genes and downregulated genes of clone 12–23 was higher than clone 15–28, and many stress response genes and pathways were affected and enriched to varying degrees, particularly sugar and starch metabolic pathways and plant hormone signalling pathways. Under cold stress, the activity of 6-phosphate glucose trehalose synthase, trehalose phosphate phosphatase, and brassinosteroid-signalling kinase and the content of trehalose and brassinosteroids of clone 12–23 increased.

Conclusions

Compared with hyperploid clone 15–28, hypoploid clone 12–23 maintained a more robust osmotic adjustment system through sugar accumulation and hormonal regulation, which resulted in stronger cold tolerance.
Differences in the gut Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio across age groups in healthy Ukrainian population
Authors: Vaiserman Alexander , Romanenko Mariana , Piven Liubov , Moseiko Vladislav , Lushchak Oleh , Kryzhanovska Nadiia , Guryanov Vitaly , Koliada Alexander
Published: July 2020

Background

Gut microbiota plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes of the host organism, including aging. Microbiota composition was shown to vary significantly throughout the life course. Age-related changes in the composition of microbiota were reported in several human studies. In present study, age-related dynamics of phylogenetic profile of gut microbiota was investigated in 1550 healthy participants from Ukrainian population.

Results

Significant changes in the microbiota composition determined by qRT-PCR at the level of major microbial phyla across age groups have been observed. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes phyla increased, while that of Bacteroidetes decreased from childhood to elderly age. Accordingly, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was shown to significantly increase until elder age. In both sexes, odds to have F/B > 1 tended to increase with age, reaching maximum values in elder age groups [OR = 2.7 (95% CI, 1.2–6.0) and OR = 3.7 (95% CI, 1.4–9.6) for female and male 60–69-year age groups, respectively, compared to same-sex reference (0–9-year) age groups].

Conclusions

In conclusion, data from our study indicate that composition of the human intestinal microbiota at the level of major microbial phyla significantly differs across age groups. In both sexes, the F/B ratio tends to increase with age from 0–9-year to 60–69-year age groups. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of mechanisms underlying age-related dynamics of human microbiota composition.
iTRAQ protein profile analysis of sugar beet under salt stress: different coping mechanisms in leaves and roots
Authors: Li Junliang , Cui Jie , Cheng Dayou , Dai Cuihong , Liu Tianjiao , Wang Congyu , Luo Chengfei
Published: July 2020

Background

Salinity is one of the most serious threats to world agriculture. An important sugar-yielding crop sugar beet, which shows some tolerance to salt via a mechanism that is poorly understood. Proteomics data can provide important clues that can contribute to finally understand this mechanism.

Results

Differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in sugar beet under salt stress treatment were identified in leaves (70 DAPs) and roots (76 DAPs). Functions of these DAPs were predicted, and included metabolism and cellular, environmental information and genetic information processing. We hypothesize that these processes work in concert to maintain cellular homeostasis. Some DAPs are closely related to salt resistance, such as choline monooxygenase, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and F-type H+-transporting ATPase. The expression pattern of ten DAPs encoding genes was consistent with the iTRAQ data.

Conclusions

During sugar beet adaptation to salt stress, leaves and roots cope using distinct mechanisms of molecular metabolism regulation. This study provides significant insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the response of higher plants to salt stress, and identified some candidate proteins involved in salt stress countermeasures.
Intraoperative mechanical ventilation practice in thoracic surgery patients and its association with postoperative pulmonary complications: results of a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Uhlig Christopher , Neto Ary Serpa , van der Woude Meta , Kiss Thomas , Wittenstein Jakob , Shelley Benjamin , Scholes Helen , Hiesmayr Michael , Vidal Melo Marcos Francisco , Sances Daniele , Coskunfirat Nesil , Pelosi Paolo , Schultz Marcus , Gama de Abreu Marcelo ,   LAS VEGAS# investigators, Protective Ventilation Network (PROVEnet), Clinical Trial Network of the European Society of Anaesthesiology
Published: July 2020

Background

Intraoperative mechanical ventilation may influence postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Current practice during thoracic surgery is not well described.

Methods

This is a post-hoc analysis of the prospective multicenter cross-sectional LAS VEGAS study focusing on patients who underwent thoracic surgery. Consecutive adult patients receiving invasive ventilation during general anesthesia were included in a one-week period in 2013. Baseline characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative data were registered. PPCs were collected as composite endpoint until the 5th postoperative day. Patients were stratified into groups based on the use of one lung ventilation (OLV) or two lung ventilation (TLV), endoscopic vs. non-endoscopic approach and ARISCAT score risk for PPCs. Differences between subgroups were compared using χ2 or Fisher exact tests or Student’s t-test. Kaplan–Meier estimates of the cumulative probability of development of PPC and hospital discharge were performed. Cox-proportional hazard models without adjustment for covariates were used to assess the effect of the subgroups on outcome.

Results

From 10,520 patients enrolled in the LAS VEGAS study, 302 patients underwent thoracic procedures and were analyzed. There were no differences in patient characteristics between OLV vs. TLV, or endoscopic vs. open surgery. Patients received VT of 7.4 ± 1.6 mL/kg, a PEEP of 3.5 ± 2.4 cmH2O, and driving pressure of 14.4 ± 4.6 cmH2O. Compared with TLV, patients receiving OLV had lower VT and higher peak, plateau and driving pressures, higher PEEP and respiratory rate, and received more recruitment maneuvers. There was no difference in the incidence of PPCs in OLV vs. TLV or in endoscopic vs. open procedures. Patients at high risk had a higher incidence of PPCs compared with patients at low risk (48.1% vs. 28.9%; hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% CI 1.05–3.61; p = 0.033). There was no difference in the incidence of severe PPCs. The in-hospital length of stay (LOS) was longer in patients who developed PPCs. Patients undergoing OLV, endoscopic procedures and at low risk for PPC had shorter LOS.

Conclusion

PPCs occurred frequently and prolonged hospital LOS following thoracic surgery. Proportionally large tidal volumes and high driving pressure were commonly used in this sub-population. However, large RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered at the Clinical Trial Register (www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01601223; registered May 17, 2012.)
The development and validation of a prototype mobility tracker for assessing the life space mobility and activity participation of older adults
Authors: Ho Soon Hoe , Tan Dion Piu Sern , Tan Pey June , Ng Ka Wei , Lim Zoe Zon Be , Ng Isabel Hui Leng , Wong Lok Hang , Ginting Mimaika Luluina , Yuen Belinda , Mallya Ullal Jagadish , Chong Mei Sian , Wong Chek Hooi
Published: July 2020

Background

There is increasing interest in examining the life space mobility and activity participation of older adults in the community using sensor technology. Objective data from these technologies may overcome the limitations of self-reported surveys especially in older adults with age-associated cognitive impairment. This paper describes the development and validation of a prototype hybrid mobility tracker for assessing life space mobility and out-of-home activities amongst 33 community-ambulant older adults in Singapore.

Methods

A hybrid mobility tracker was developed by combining a passive Global Positioning System logger, tri-axial accelerometer and radio-frequency identification. Objective measures of life space, derived from 1 week of tracking data using Geographic Information Systems, were the maximum Euclidean distance from home (Max Euclid) and the area of the minimum convex polygon surrounding all GPS waypoints (MCP area). Out-of-home activities were quantified by visually identifying the total number of activity nodes, or places where participants spent ≥5 min, from mobility tracks. Self-reported measure of life space in 4 weeks was obtained using the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Life Space Assessment (UAB-LSA) questionnaire. Self-reported out-of-home activities were recorded daily in a travel diary for 1 week. Bivariate correlations were used to examine convergent validity between objective and subjective measures of life space and out-of-home activities.

Results

The mean age of participants was 69.2 ± 7.1 years. The mean UAB-LSA total score was 79.1 ± 17.4. The median (range) Max Euclid was 2.44 km (0.26–7.50) per day, and the median (range) MCP area was 3.31 km2(0.03–34.23) per day. The UAB-LSA total score had good correlation with Max Euclid (r = 0.51,p = 0.002), and moderate correlation with MCP area (r = 0.46,p = 0.007). The median (range) total number of activity nodes measured by tracker of 20 (8–47) per week had a good correlation with the total activity count recorded in the travel diaries of 15 (6–40) per week (r = 0.52,p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The tracking system developed to understand out-of-home travel was feasible and reliable. Comparisons with the UAB-LSA and travel diaries showed that it provided reliable and valid spatiotemporal data to assess the life space mobility and activity participation of older adults.