bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation into the microstructure and properties of wire arc additive manufactured 09MnNiDR steel
Authors: Xu Qin , Wang Guangdong , Zhang Haitao
Published: July 2020

Cryogenic 09MnNiDR steel was prepared using arc additive manufacturing technology. Following manufacture, its phase composition, microstructure, and crystal structure were analyzed by spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the mechanical properties of arc additive manufactured 09MnNiDR were determined by microhardness measurements, tensile testing, and Charpy impact testing. Results showed that the material displayed good quality form without defects, such as holes, cracks, solid inclusions, incomplete fusion and penetration, or unfavorable shape and size. Furthermore, it displayed good internal metallurgical bonding and has a metallographic structure composed mainly of ferrite and granular bainite. High-resolution TEM suggested sharp grain edges, as well as a large number of crystal defects, such as dislocations and martensite–austenite islands in the 09MnNiDR crystal structure. The material showed relatively uniform microhardness distribution on the longitudinal and transverse sections with average values of 188.2 and 167.5 HV0.2, respectively. Also, the material exhibited superior mechanical properties. Prior to heat treatment, the material presented a yield strength of 436 MPa, a tensile strength of 552 MPa, an elongation of 30%, and a Charpy impact value of 96 J at −70°C.
The crystal structure of alstonite, BaCa(CO3)2: an extraordinary example of ‘hidden’ complex twinning in large single crystals
Authors: Bindi Luca , Roberts Andrew C. , Biagioni Cristian
Published: July 2020

Alstonite, BaCa(CO3)2, is a mineral described almost two centuries ago. It is widespread in Nature and forms magnificent cm-sized crystals. Notwithstanding, its crystal structure was still unknown. Here, we report the crystal-structure determination of the mineral and discuss it in relationship to other polymorphs of BaCa(CO3)2. Alstonite is trigonal, space groupP31m, with unit-cell parametersa= 17.4360(6),c= 6.1295(2) Å,V= 1613.80(9) Å3andZ= 12. The crystal structure was solved and refined toR1= 0.0727 on the basis of 4515 reflections withFo> 4σ(Fo) and 195 refined parameters. Alstonite is formed by the alternation, alongc, of Ba-dominant and Ca-dominant layers, separated by CO3groups parallel to {0001}. The main take-home message is to show that not all structure determinations of minerals/compounds can be solved routinely. Some crystals, even large ones displaying excellent diffraction quality, can be twinned in complex ways, thus making their study a crystallographic challenge.
Genome-wide characterization of the C2H2 zinc-finger genes in Cucumis sativus and functional analyses of four CsZFPs in response to stresses
Authors: Yin Junliang , Wang Lixin , Zhao Jiao , Li Yiting , Huang Rong , Jiang Xinchen , Zhou Xiaokang , Zhu Xiongmeng , He Yang , He Yiqin , Liu Yiqing , Zhu Yongxing
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds

C2H2-type zinc finger protein (ZFPs) form a relatively large family of transcriptional regulators in plants, and play many roles in plant growth, development, and stress response. However, the comprehensive analysis of C2H2 ZFPs in cucumber (CsZFPs) and their regulation function in cucumber are still lacking.

Results

In the current study, the whole genome identification and characterization of CsZFPs, including the gene structure, genome localization, phylogenetic relationship, and gene expression were performed. Functional analysis of 4 selected genes by transient transformation were also conducted. A total of 129 full-length CsZFPs were identified, which could be classified into four groups according to the phylogenetic analysis. The 129 CsZFPs unequally distributed on 7 chromosomes. Promoter cis-element analysis showed that the CsZFPs might involve in the regulation of phytohormone and/or abiotic stress response, and 93 CsZFPs were predicted to be targeted by one to 20 miRNAs. Moreover, the subcellular localization analysis indicated that 10 tested CsZFPs located in the nucleus and the transcriptome profiling analysis of CsZFPs demonstrated that these genes are involved in root and floral development, pollination and fruit spine. Furthermore, the transient overexpression of Csa1G085390 and Csa7G071440 into Nicotiana benthamiana plants revealed that they could decrease and induce leave necrosis in response to pathogen attack, respectively, and they could enhance salt and drought stresses through the initial induction of H2O2. In addition, Csa4G642460 and Csa6G303740 could induce cell death after 5 days transformation.

Conclusions

The identification and function analysis of CsZFPs demonstrated that some key individual CsZFPs might play essential roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. These results could lay the foundation for understanding the role of CsZFPs in cucumber development for future genetic engineering studies.
Characteristics of adult abdominal cystic Lymphangioma: a single-center Chinese cohort of 12 cases
Authors: Xiao Jianchun , Shao Yuming , Zhu Shan , He Xiaodong
Published: July 2020

Background

Cystic lymphangioma is a rare, benign developmental disease, mostly affecting the cervical and axial regions. The clinical features of abdominal cystic lymphangioma (ACL) are reported among pediatric patients but are less well known in adults. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the clinical characteristics of ACL in Chinese adults and describe our experience in treating this disease.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, non-interventional, retrospective study of 12 adult patients with ACL admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, China from November 1984 through August 2017. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, histopathologic, and therapeutic data were collected.

Results

Detailed information on seven males and five females was available. The mean age at diagnosis was 39.1 (SD 17.3) years. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.9 years. Six (50%) patients were asymptomatic, and abdominal pain was the leading symptom for three (25%) patients. The cysts were evaluated by ultrasound (n = 8, 67%), CT (n = 10, 83%), and MRI (n = 4, 33%). Therapeutic modalities include laparotomy (n = 6, 50%), laparoscopy (n = 4, 33%), and aspiration (n = 2, 17%), with variable outcomes. The mean postsurgical hospital stay was 6.8 days. Complete excision was accomplished in eight patients, and one recurrence was observed during follow-up. Of patients who underwent partial resection, one experienced disease relapse.

Conclusions

This is the first report on an Asian cohort of adult patients with ACL. Typical imaging features could lead to timely diagnosis and treatment of ACL. Radical resection is recommended with a longer period of follow-up. The analysis of this cohort deepens our understanding of adult ACL.
Correction to: Effects of short- and long-term glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis on plasma metabolome and lipidome of ovariectomized sheep
Authors: Cabrera Diana , Kruger Marlena , Wolber Frances M. , Roy Nicole C. , Fraser Karl
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Oral health conditions in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaczmarek Urszula , Wrzyszcz-Kowalczyk Alina , Jankowska Katarzyna , Prościak Katarzyna , Mysiak-Dębska Monika , Przywitowska Iwona , Makulska Irena
Published: July 2020

Background

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the chronic illnesses in the pediatric age group. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health of patients with steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (iNS).

Methods

A case-control study was performed on iNS patients and healthy from May 2018 to April 2019. Dental caries was assessed by the World Health Organization criteria, developmental defects of enamel by the mDDE index, oral hygiene by the OHI-S and API, and gingival condition by the GI. Oral health behavior was recorded using a standardized questionnaire including tooth brushing, fluoride prevention, dietary habits and utilization of dental care. Additionally, Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus spp. (LB) bacteria in saliva were assessed using the CRT bacteria test. Statistical analysis comparing oral health parameters was carried by Pearson’s chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, Shapiro-Wilk verified by Student’s t or Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

The study included 94 participants of both sexes at the age of 4 to 17 years (47 cases and 47 controls) who were treated in Clinic of Pediatric Nephrology or outpatients’ dental clinic in Wroclaw, Poland. The iNS patients compared to the controls revealed some lower caries experience (83.0% vs 95.7%) and number of caries affected primary and/or permanent teeth (4.6 ± 3.5 vs 6.0 ± 4.1), a significantly lower number of filled primary and/or permanent teeth (1.1 ± 1.6 vs 3.5 ± 3.0, P < 0.001) and higher incidence of enamel hypoplasia (31.9% vs 4.3%, P < 0.001). The numbers of the iNS patients with high level of SM and LB were similar to the controls. The iNS patients had a higher OHI-S score (1.89 ± 1.59 vs 1.05 ± 1.02, P < 0.010) and a higher GI score (0.7 ± 1.0 vs 0.3 ± 0.6, P = 0.050). Moreover, they less frequently brushed their teeth twice a day (78.8% vs 93.6%, P = 0.026) and more frequently consumed three or more snacks daily (53.2% vs 23.4%, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The iNS patients despite the poor oral hygiene revealed lower caries experience but smaller number of restored caries-affected teeth, more severe gingivitis and more frequently teeth affected by enamel hypoplasia.
Case report on a swift shift in uropathogens from Shigella flexneri to Escherichia coli: a thin line between bacterial persistence and reinfection
Authors: Tufon Kukwah Anthony , Fokam Djike Puepi Yolande , Kouanou Youmbi Sylvain , Meriki Henry Dilonga
Published: July 2020

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are mostly caused by bacteria. Urine cultures are usually a definitive measure to select the appropriate antibiotics for the elimination of a uropathogen and subsequent recovery from the infection. However, the preferred antibiotics as determined by urine culture and sensitivity may still not eliminate the infection and would require further examination to ascertain the cause of treatment failure which could be unresolved bacteriuria, bacterial persistence, immediate reinfection with a different uropathogen or misdiagnosis.

Case presentation

A 2-years 7 months-old female was admitted in the Regional hospital of Buea following persistent fever. An auto medication with amoxicillin was reported. Urinalysis was done on the first day and the sediment of the cloudy urine revealed many bacteria and few pus cells. Ceftriaxone was prescribed as empirical treatment and a request for urine and blood culture was made. Three days after admission, the temperature and CRP were 39.0 °C and 96 mg/l, respectively. The urine culture results (> 105 CFU/ml of Shigella flexneri sensitive to ofloxacin) were presented to the doctor on the 4th day of admission. Patient was put on ofloxacin. Three days after, the temperature (38.5 °C) and CRP (24 mg/l) were still elevated. The blood culture result came out negative. A second urine culture was requested which came back positive (> 105 CFU/ml of Escherichia coli resistant to ofloxacin and sensitive to meropenem and amikacin). Ofloxacin was discontinued and the patient put on meropenem and amikacin. The third urine culture recorded no significant growth after 48 h of incubation. The patient was discharged looking healthy once more with a normal body temperature.

Conclusion

Antibiotics tailored towards the elimination of a particular bacterial species may as well provide a favorable environment for other bacterial species that are resistant to it in the course of treating a UTI episode. This apparent treatment failure may first of all require a second urine culture for confirmation rather than considering the possibilities of a misdiagnosis.
Location matters: highly divergent protein levels in samples from different CNS compartments in a clinical trial of rituximab for progressive MS
Authors: Bergman Joakim , Svenningsson Anders , Liv Per , Bergenheim Tommy , Burman Joachim
Published: July 2020

Background

The relationship between proteins in different CNS extracellular compartments is unknown. In this study the levels of selected proteins in three compartments in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) were compared.

Methods

During an open label, phase 1b study on intraventricular administration of rituximab for PMS, samples were collected from the interstitial space (ISS) of the brain through microdialysis. Samples were also obtained from ventricular and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These samples were analyzed with a multiplexed proximity extension assay, measuring the levels of 180 proteins split equally between two panels, detecting proteins associated with immunology and neurology, respectively.

Results

Considerable differences in concentrations were observed between the three analyzed compartments. Compared to ventricular CSF, ISS fluid contained statistically significant higher levels of 25 proteins (84% immunology panel and 16% neurology panel). Ventricular CSF contained significantly higher levels of 54 proteins (31% immunology panel and 69% neurology panel) compared to ISS fluid, and 17 proteins (76% immunology panel and 24% neurology panel) compared to lumbar CSF. Lumbar CSF showed significantly higher levels of 115 proteins (32% immunology panel and 68% neurology panel) compared to ventricular CSF. The three compartments displayed poor correlation with a median Spearman’s rho of -0.1 (IQR 0.4) between ISS and ventricular CSF and 0.3 (IQR 0.4) between ventricular and lumbar CSF.

Conclusion

A substantial heterogeneity in the protein levels of samples obtained from different CNS compartments was seen. Therefore, data obtained from analysis of lumbar CSF should be interpreted with caution when making conclusions about pathophysiological processes in brain tissue.
Open necrosectomy is feasible as a last resort in selected cases with infected pancreatic necrosis: a case series and systematic literature review
Authors: Sgaramella Lucia Ilaria , Gurrado Angela , Pasculli Alessandro , Prete Francesco Paolo , Catena Fausto , Testini Mario
Published: July 2020

Background

Acute pancreatitis is a common inflammatory pancreatic disorder, often caused by gallstone disease and frequently requiring hospitalization.

In 80% of cases, a rapid and favourable outcome is described, while a necrosis of pancreatic parenchyma or extra-pancreatic tissues is reported in 10–20% of patients. The onset of pancreatic necrosis determines a significant increase of early organ failure rate and death that has higher incidence if infection of pancreatic necrosis (IPN) or extra-pancreatic collections occur.

IPN always requires an invasive intervention, and, in the last decade, the advent of minimally invasive techniques has gradually replaced the employment of the open traditional approach.

We report a series of three severe cases of IPN managed with primary open necrosectomy (ON) and a systematic review of the literature, in order to understand if emergency surgery still has a role in the current clinical practice.

Methods

From January 2010 to January 2020, 3 cases of IPN were treated in our Academic Department of General and Emergency Surgery. We performed a PubMed MEDLINE search on the ON of IPN, selecting 20 from 654 articles for review.

Results

The 3 cases were male patients with a mean age of 61.3 years. All patients referred to our service complaining an evolving severe clinical condition evocating a sepsis due to IPN. CT scan was the main diagnostic tool. Patients were initially conservatively managed. In consideration of clinical worsening conditions, and at the failure of conservative and minimal invasive treatment, they were, finally, managed with emergency ON. Patients reported no complications nor procedure-related sequelae in the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The ON is confirmed to be the last resort, useful in selected severe cases, with a defined timing and in case of proven non-feasibility and no advantage of other minimally invasive approaches.
IFI6 depletion inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression through reactive oxygen species accumulation via mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Liu Zhenchuan , Gu Shaorui , Lu Tiancheng , Wu Kaiqing , Li Lei , Dong Chenglai , Zhou Yongxin
Published: July 2020

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal forms of adult cancer with poor prognosis. Substantial evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important modulators of aggressive cancer behavior. However, the mechanism by which ESCC cells integrate redox signals to modulate carcinoma progression remains elusive.

Methods

The expression of interferon alpha inducible protein 6 (IFI6) in clinical ESCC tissues and cell lines was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The correlation between IFI6 expression levels and aggressive ESCC disease stage was examined by immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to explore the potential function of IFI6 in ESCC. ESCC cell lines stably depleted of IFI6 and ectopically expressing IFI6 were established using lentiviruses expressing shRNAs and an IFI6 expression plasmid, respectively. The effects of IFI6 on ESCC cells were determined by cell-based analyses, including EdU assay, apoptotic assay, cellular and mitochondria-specific ROS detection, seahorse extracellular flux, and mitochondrial calcium flux assays. Blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to determine mitochondrial supercomplex assembly. Transcriptional activation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) via ATF3 was confirmed by dual luciferase assay. In vivo tumor growth was determined in mouse xenograft models.

Results

We find that the expression of IFI6, an IFN-stimulated gene localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is markedly elevated in ESCC patients and a panel of ESCC cell lines. High IFI6 expression correlates with aggressive disease phenotype and poor prognosis in ESCC patients. IFI6 depletion suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis by increasing ROS accumulation. Mechanistically, IFI6 ablation induces mitochondrial calcium overload by activating mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter and subsequently ROS production. Following IFI6 ablation, mitochondrial ROS accumulation is also induced by mitochondrial supercomplex assembly suppression and oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction, while IFI6 overexpression produces the opposite effects. Furthermore, energy starvation induced by IFI6 inhibition drives endoplasmic reticulum stress through disrupting endoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake, which upregulates NOX4-derived ROS production in an ATF3-dependent manner. Finally, the results in xenograft models of ESCC further corroborate the in vitro findings.

Conclusion

Our study unveils a novel redox homeostasis signaling pathway that regulates ESCC pathobiology and identifies IFI6 as a potential druggable target in ESCC.
CD147 promotes collective invasion through cathepsin B in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shi-Jie , Chao Dong , Wei Wei , Nan Gang , Li Jia-Yue , Liu Fen-Ling , Li Ling , Jiang Jian-Li , Cui Hong-Yong , Chen Zhi-Nan
Published: July 2020

Background

Mounting evidence suggests that solid tumors display the features of collective invasion, however, the molecular mechanisms are far from clear. This study aims to verify the role and the underlying mechanisms of CD147 in collective invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Immunostaining was used to analyze human hepatocellular carcinoma specimens and three-dimensional cultures. Three-dimensional invasion model was established to mimic in vivo invasion. RNA-sequencing was used to identify downstream effectors.

Results

Human hepatocellular carcinoma underwent collective invasion and CD147 was observed to be upregulated at the invasive front of tumor cell groups. CD147 was demonstrated to promote collective invasion using the modified three-dimensional invasion model, which recapitulated the main features of collective invasion. Through transcriptome analysis and enzyme activity assay, we found that CD147 enhanced cathepsin B expression and activity. Upregulated cathepsin B in hepatocellular carcinoma cells facilitated migration and invasion, which mediated CD147-induced invasive phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma. In terms of mechanism, we found that CD147 promoted cathepsin B transcription by activating β-catenin signaling as a result of reduced GSK-3β expression. Furthermore, we found that elevated expression of CD147 as well as cathepsin B were correlated with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusions

CD147 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cells collective invasion via upregulating cathepsin B expression and targeting CD147 would be valuable for the development of novel therapeutic modalities against invasion and metastasis of cancer.
Hospital incident command groups’ performance during major incident simulations: a prospective observational study
Authors: Murphy Jason P. , Kurland Lisa , Rådestad Monica , Rüter Anders
Published: July 2020

Background

Hospital incident command groups’ (HICG) performance may have a profound impact on hospital response to major incidents. Previous research has assessed hospital incident command group capacity as opposed to performance and factors associated to performance. The objective was to assess associations between decision-making and staff procedure skills of the hospital incident command group.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study using performance indicators to assess hospital incident command groups’ decision-making and performance. A total of six hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, with their respective HICGs participated. Associations between decision-making skills and staff procedure skills during major incident simulations were assessed using measurable performance indicators.

Results

Decision-making skills are correlated to staff procedure skills and overall HICG performance. Proactive decision-making skills had significantly lower means than reactive decision-making skills and are significantly correlated to staff procedure skills.

Conclusion

There is a significant correlation between decision-making skills and staff procedural skills. Hospital incident command groups’ proactive decision-making abilities tended to be less developed than reactive decision-making abilities. These proactive decision-making skills may be a predictive factor for overall hospital incident command group performance. A lack of proactive decision-making ability may hamper efforts to mitigate the effects of a major incident.
Serious conditions among patients with non-specific chief complaints in the pre-hospital setting: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ivic Robert , Kurland Lisa , Vicente Veronica , Castrén Maaret , Bohm Katarina
Published: July 2020

Background

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are faced daily with patients presenting with a non-specific chief complaints (NSC); i.e. decreased general condition, general malaise, sense of illness, or just being unable to cope with usual daily activities. Patients presenting with NSCs often have normal vital signs. It has previously been established that however, NSCs may have a serious underlying condition that has yet to be identified. The primary outcome of this study was to determine the prevalence of serious conditions in patients presenting with NSCs to the EMS.

Method

A retrospective cohort study of patients ≥18 years of age who were reported as presenting with chief complaints compatible with NSCs to the EMS in Stockholm Region and transported to an emergency department between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2013. Patients were identified via the EMS electronic health care record and followed via records from the National Patient Registry and Causes of Death Registry at Sweden’s National Board for Health and Welfare. The definition of serious condition was defined by expert consensus. Descriptive statistics as well as regression analyses were used.

Results

A total of 3780 patients were included, with a median age of 77 years. A serious condition was present in 35.3% of the patients. The in-hospital mortality rate for the group with serious conditions was 10.1% (OR 6.8, CI 95%, 4.1–11.3), and the 30-day mortality rate was 20.2% (OR 3.1, CI 95%, 2.3–4.0). In the group with no serious conditions the rates were 1.0 and 4.2%, respectively. The total hospitalization rate was 67.6%. The presence of serious conditions as well as increased mortality rates were associated with Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment system (RETTS) as well as National Early Warning Score (NEWS) irrespective of triage score.

Conclusion

More than one-third of the patients presenting with NSCs to EMS had a serious underlying condition which was associated with increased mortality and hospitalization rates.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Determinants of plasma calretinin in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Lehnert Martin , Weber Daniel G. , Taeger Dirk , Raiko Irina , Kollmeier Jens , Stephan-Falkenau Susann , Brüning Thomas , Johnen Georg ,   the MoMar-Study Group, Brik Alexander , Burek Katarzyna , Dumont Bettina , Casjens Swaantje , Gleichenhagen Jan , Hagemeyer Olaf , Heimann Heike , Kobek Monika , Lechtenfeld Claudia , Meier Swetlana , Naumann Simone , Nöllenheidt Christoph , Pesch Beate , Putzke Simone , Rihs Hans-Peter , Rozynek Peter , Schonefeld Sandra , Szafranski Katja , Töpfer Carmen , Wichert Katharina , Wiethege Thorsten , Zilch-Schöneweis Sandra
Published: July 2020

Objective

Calretinin is a well-known immunohistochemical tissue marker in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Promising results also indicate the use in early detection. In the present cross-sectional survey, correlations of calretinin plasma levels with clinical features were investigated.

Plasma samples of 60 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and 111 cancer-free controls formerly exposed to asbestos were compared. Calretinin concentrations were determined in plasma using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The median concentration was higher in MPM patients than in controls (0.79 vs. 0.23 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). Patients with epithelioid MPM or biphasic MPM had higher calretinin plasma levels than patients with sarcomatoid MPM. Strong expression of calretinin in the tumor tissue was associated with higher plasma levels. Preoperative patients showed higher levels of calretinin than patients after thoracic surgery (1.20 vs. 0.67 ng/ml; p = 0.096). The suitability of plasma calretinin has been confirmed as a tumor marker in the differential diagnosis of epithelioid MPM. The value of plasma calretinin for therapy monitoring or as a prognostic marker should be further investigated.
Grapevine (Vitis spp.) rootstock stilbenoid associations with host resistance to and induction by root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Wallis Christopher M.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The root knot nematodes (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita can severely reduce grapevine yields over time. Grapevine rootstocks have been developed from wild Vitis species that provide resistance to nematode infections. However, the potential biochemical or mechanical mechanisms of resistance have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study measured levels of stilbenoids in roots of non-infected and RKN-infected grapevines with Cabernet Sauvignon scion grafted to susceptible (O39-16) or resistant (Freedom) rootstocks. This was part of a larger effort to assess phenolic compound levels within grapevine rootstocks to determine roles of stilbenoid compounds in improving nematode resistance and overall plant health.

Results

None of the assessed compounds were consistently greater in RKN infected plants versus healthy controls. Stilbenoids putatively identified as pallidol, ɑ-viniferin, miyabenol C, and hopeaphenol were overall much greater in Freedom than O39-16 rootstocks. By contrast, the stilbenoids ampelopsin A, ω-viniferin, and vitisin B were greater in O39-16 than Freedom. O39-16 and Freedom had similar levels of other stilbenoids especially monomers and dimers. Potentially the greater levels of specific stilbenoids present in Freedom than O39-16 provided RKN resistance. If validated, breeding programs could utilize the increased presence of these compounds as a marker for increased resistance to nematodes.
Human ex vivo spinal cord slice culture as a useful model of neural development, lesion, and allogeneic neural cell therapy
Authors: Lin Chenhong , Calzarossa Cinzia , Fernandez-Zafra Teresa , Liu Jia , Li Xiaofei , Ekblad-Nordberg Åsa , Vazquez-Juarez Erika , Codeluppi Simone , Holmberg Lena , Lindskog Maria , Uhlén Per , Åkesson Elisabet
Published: July 2020

Background

There are multiple promising treatment strategies for central nervous system trauma and disease. However, to develop clinically potent and safe treatments, models of human-specific conditions are needed to complement in vitro and in vivo animal model-based studies.

Methods

We established human brain stem and spinal cord (cross- and longitudinal sections) organotypic cultures (hOCs) from first trimester tissues after informed consent by donor and ethical approval by the Regional Human Ethics Committee, Stockholm (lately referred to as Swedish Ethical Review Authority), and The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden. We evaluated the stability of hOCs with a semi-quantitative hOC score, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, Ca2+signaling, and electrophysiological analysis. We also applied experimental allogeneic human neural cell therapy after injury in the ex vivo spinal cord slices.

Results

The spinal cord hOCs presented relatively stable features during 7–21 days in vitro (DIV) (except a slightly increased cell proliferation and activated glial response). After contusion injury performed at 7 DIV, a significant reduction of the hOC score, increase of the activated caspase-3+cell population, and activated microglial populations at 14 days postinjury compared to sham controls were observed. Such elevation in the activated caspase-3+population and activated microglial population was not observed after allogeneic human neural cell therapy.

Conclusions

We conclude that human spinal cord slice cultures have potential for future structural and functional studies of human spinal cord development, injury, and treatment strategies.
Efficacy of stem cell therapy for burn wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies
Authors: Li Yuan , Xia Wei-dong , Van der Merwe Leanne , Dai Wen-tong , Lin Cai
Published: July 2020

Background

Burns remain a serious public health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Although there are various treatment options available, there is no consensus on the best treatment for severe burns as of yet. Stem cell therapy has a bright prospect in many preclinical studies of burn wounds. The systematic review was performed for these preclinical studies to assess the efficacy and possible mechanisms of stem cells in treating burn wounds.

Methods

Twenty-two studies with 595 animals were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to 13 May 2020. In addition, a manual search of references of studies was performed to obtain potential studies. No language or time restrictions were enforced. RevMan 5.3 was used for all data analysis.

Results

The overall meta-analysis showed that stem cell therapy significantly improved burn healing rate (SMD 3.06, 95% CI 1.98 to 4.14), irrespective of transplant type, burn area, and treatment method in the control group. Subgroup analyses indicated that hair follicle stem cells seemed to exert more beneficial effects on animals with burn wounds (SMD 7.53, 95% CI 3.11 to 11.95) compared with other stem cells. Furthermore, stem cell therapy seemed to exert more beneficial effects on burn wounds with second-degree (SMD 7.53, 95% CI 3.11 to 11.95) compared with third-degree (SMD 2.65, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.00).

Conclusions

Meta-analysis showed that stem cell therapy exerts a healing function for burn wounds, mainly through angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings also demonstrate the need for considering variations in future clinical studies using stem cells to treat a burn wound in order to maximize the effectiveness. In general, stem cells can potentially become a novel therapy candidate for burn wounds.
The ties that bind: functional clusters in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Authors: Barton Elisabeth R. , Pacak Christina A. , Stoppel Whitney L. , Kang Peter B.
Published: July 2020

The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a genetically pleiomorphic class of inherited muscle diseases that are known to share phenotypic features. Selected LGMD genetic subtypes have been studied extensively in affected humans and various animal models. In some cases, these investigations have led to human clinical trials of potential disease-modifying therapies, including gene replacement strategies for individual subtypes using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. The cellular localizations of most proteins associated with LGMD have been determined. However, the functions of these proteins are less uniformly characterized, thus limiting our knowledge of potential common disease mechanisms across subtype boundaries. Correspondingly, broad therapeutic strategies that could each target multiple LGMD subtypes remain less developed. We believe that three major “functional clusters” of subcellular activities relevant to LGMD merit further investigation. The best known of these is the glycosylation modifications associated with the dystroglycan complex. The other two, mechanical signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction, have been studied less systematically but are just as promising with respect to the identification of significant mechanistic subgroups of LGMD. A deeper understanding of these disease pathways could yield a new generation of precision therapies that would each be expected to treat a broader range of LGMD patients than a single subtype, thus expanding the scope of the molecular medicines that may be developed for this complex array of muscular dystrophies.
A sub-Riemannian model of the visual cortex with frequency and phase
Authors: Baspinar E. , Sarti A. , Citti G.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present a novel model of the primary visual cortex (V1) based on orientation, frequency, and phase selective behavior of V1 simple cells. We start from the first-level mechanisms of visual perception, receptive profiles. The model interprets V1 as a fiber bundle over the two-dimensional retinal plane by introducing orientation, frequency, and phase as intrinsic variables. Each receptive profile on the fiber is mathematically interpreted as rotated, frequency modulated, and phase shifted Gabor function. We start from the Gabor function and show that it induces in a natural way the model geometry and the associated horizontal connectivity modeling of the neural connectivity patterns in V1. We provide an image enhancement algorithm employing the model framework. The algorithm is capable of exploiting not only orientation but also frequency and phase information existing intrinsically in a two-dimensional input image. We provide the experimental results corresponding to the enhancement algorithm.
Outbreak of Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia in patients undergoing haemodialysis at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Said Mohamed , van Hougenhouck-Tulleken Wesley , Naidoo Rashmika , Mbelle Nontombi , Ismail Farzana
Published: July 2020

Background

Ralstonia species are Gram-negative bacilli of low virulence. These organisms are capable of causing healthcare associated infections through contaminated solutions. In this study, we aimed to determine the source of Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia in affected patients in a haemodialysis unit.

Methods

Our laboratory noted an increase in cases of bacteraemia caused by Ralstonia mannitililytica between May and June 2016. All affected patients underwent haemodialysis at the haemodialysis unit of an academic hospital. The reverse osmosis filter of the haemodialysis water system was found to be dysfunctional. We collected water for culture at various points of the dialysis system to determine the source of the organism implicated. ERIC-PCR was used to determine relatedness of patient and environmental isolates.

Results

Sixteen patients were found to have Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia during the outbreak period. We cultured Ralstonia spp. from water collected in the dialysis system. This isolate and patient isolates were found to have the identical molecular banding pattern.

Conclusions

All patients were septic and received directed antibiotic therapy. There was 1 mortality. The source of the R. mannitolilytica infection in these patients was most likely the dialysis water as the identical organism was cultured from the dialysis water and the patients. The hospital management intervened and repaired the dialysis water system following which no further cases of R. mannitolilytca infections were detected. A multidisciplinary approach is required to control healthcare associated infections such as these. Routine maintenance of water systems in the hospital is essential to prevent clinical infections with R.mannitolilytica.
Prediction of lisinopril pediatric dose from the reference adult dose by employing a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model
Authors: Rashid Memoona , Sarfraz Muhammad , Arafat Mosab , Hussain Amjad , Abbas Nasir , Sadiq Muhammad Waqas , Rasool Muhammad Fawad , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the pediatric lisinopril doses using an adult physiological based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. As the empirical rules of dose calculation cannot calculate gender-specific pediatric doses and ignores the age-related physiological differences.

Methods

A PBPK model of lisinopril for the healthy adult population was developed for oral (fed and fasting) and IV administration using PK-Sim MoBI® and was scaled down to a virtual pediatric population for prediction of lisinopril doses in neonates to infants, infants to toddler, children at pre-school age, children at school age and the adolescents. The pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted for the above groups at decremental doses of 20 mg, 10 mg, 5 mg, 2.5 mg, and 1.5 mg in order to accomplish doses producing the pharmacokinetic parameters, similar (or comparable) to that of the adult population. The above simulated pediatric doses were compared to the doses computed using the conventional four methods, such as Young’s rule, Clark’s rule, and weight-based and body surface area-based equations and the dose reported in different studies.

Results

Though the doses predicted for all subpopulations of children were comparable to those calculated by Young’s rule, yet the conventional methods overestimated the pediatric doses when compared to the respective PBPK-predicted doses. The findings of previous real time pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric patients supported the present simulated dose.

Conclusion

Thus, PBPK seems to have predictability potential for pediatric dose since it takes into consideration the physiological changes related to age and gender.
On the observation of magnetic events on broad-band seismometers
Authors: Díaz J. , Ruiz M. , Curto J. J. , Torta J. M. , Ledo J. , Marcuello A. , Queralt P.
Published: July 2020

The objective of this contribution is to get new insights into the effects of magnetic field variations of natural and anthropogenic origin on broad-band seismic stations. Regarding natural sources of magnetic perturbations, we have investigated if the Sudden Storm Commencements (SSC) cataloged during the 24th solar cycle (2008–2019) can be systematically identified in broad-band seismic stations distributed worldwide. The results show that the 23 SSC events with a mean amplitude above 30 nT and most of those with lower energy but still clearly identified in the magnetometer detection network can be observed at broad-band stations’ network using a simple low-pass filter. Although the preliminary impulse of those signals is usually stronger at stations located at high latitudes, major SSC are observed at seismic stations distributed worldwide. Regarding anthropogenic sources, we focus on the short period seismic signals recorded in urban environments which are correlated with the activity of the railway transportation system. We have analyzed collocated measurements of electric field and seismic signals within Barcelona, evidencing that significant changes in the electric field following the activity of the transportation systems can be attributed to leakage currents transmitted to the soil by trains. During space weather events, electric currents in the magnetosphere and ionosphere experience large variations inducing telluric currents near the Earth surface, which in turn generate a secondary magnetic field. In the case of underground trains, leakage currents are transmitted to the soil, which in turn can result in local variations in the magnetic field. The observed signals in modern seismometers can be related to the reaction of the suspension springs to these magnetic field variations or to the effect of the magnetic field variations on the force transducers used to keep the mass fixed.
Enhanced wide-area multi-GNSS RTK and rapid static positioning in the presence of ionospheric disturbances
Authors: Paziewski Jacek , Sieradzki Rafal
Published: July 2020

Ionospheric disturbances are the phenomena which adversely affect the performance of precise positioning. This holds true even for multi-constellation relative positioning supported with network-derived ionospheric corrections. In such scenario the unfavorable effect is caused by a poor accuracy of corrections, which, in turn, is driven by the deterioration of the spatial interpolation process. The positioning becomes even more challenging in a wide-area scenario with baselines over 100 km. In this paper, we assess the methodology which aims at reliable and accurate wide-area RTK and rapid static positioning in the presence of severe ionospheric conditions. The approach takes advantage of multi-constellation network ionospheric corrections and an algorithm which allows the elimination of the temporal variations of the ionospheric delay. The experimental evaluation was performed on the basis of multi-station RTK and static positioning using GPS, BDS and Galileo data collected at high latitudes during the ionospheric storm on August 25–26, 2018. The results confirmed the deterioration of the accuracy of the network ionospheric corrections and consequently a decline in the positioning performance with routine models such as ionosphere-float and ionosphere-weighted. On the other hand, the results obtained with the application of the developed methodology demonstrated a very distinctive improvement in the ambiguity resolution domain and thus proved the advantage over benchmark models. In this case, the developed methodology allowed up to 20% enhancement of the ambiguity success rate with respect to benchmark strategies.
Correction to: Economic evaluation of AbobotulinumtoxinA vs OnabotulinumtoxinA in real-life clinical management of cervical dystonia
Authors: Misra V. P. , Danchenko N. , Maisonobe P. , Lundkvist J. , Hunger M.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Successful growth of fresh retinoblastoma cells in chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Fialho Silvia L. , Silvestrini Bárbara R. , Vieira Juliana , Paiva Mayara R. B. , Silva Luciana M. , Chahud Fernando , Silva-Cunha Armando , Correa Zelia M. , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

The authors developed a retinoblastoma model using fresh harvested cells from an enucleated eye that were transplanted in chick embryos (chorioallantoic membrane model). The transplanted embryos were treated with escalating doses of Melphalan. This exploratory model was developed with the goal of testing drug sensitivity. Our findings suggest this tumor model could be employed to personalize treatment for patients with retinoblastoma, especially those with bilateral and more refractory disease.
Posterior shoulder tightness; an intersession reliability study of 3 clinical tests
Authors: Hall Kevin , Lewis Jeremy , Moore Ann , Ridehalgh Colette
Published: July 2020

Background

Although posterior shoulder tightness (PST) has been associated with shoulder pathology and altered glenohumeral joint kinematics, uncertainty remains regarding its cause and definition. To understand the efficacy of treatments for PST, it must be possible to identify people with PST for the purposes of research and clinical decision-making. Clinical tests for PST must demonstrate acceptable levels of measurement reliability in order to identify the condition and to evaluate the response to intervention. There is currently a lack of research describing intersession reliability for measures of PST. The aim of this study was to quantify the inter-session reliability for three clinical tests used to identify PST over a 6–10 week interval.

Methods

A convenience sample of 26 asymptomatic adult participants (52 shoulders) were recruited from a university setting over a five-month duration. Participants attended the human movement laboratory for measurement of glenohumeral joint internal rotation, horizontal adduction and low flexion on two occasions separated by an interval of 6–10 weeks.

Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated from the mean square values derived from the within-subject, single factor (repeated measures) ANOVA. Test-retest measurement stability was evaluated by calculating the standard error of measurement and the minimum detectable change for each measurement.

Results

All 3 tests demonstrated good intersession intra-rater reliability (0.86–0.88), and the standard error of measurement (95%) were 7.3° for glenohumeral horizontal adduction, 9.4° for internal rotation, and 6.9° for low flexion. The minimum detectable change for glenohumeral horizontal adduction was 10.2°, internal rotation was 13.3°, and low flexion was 9.7°.

Conclusion

In this population of people without symptoms, the 3 measures of PST all demonstrated acceptable inter-session reliability. The standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change results can be used to determine if a change in measures of PST are due to measurement error or an actual change over time.