bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of two relacidines belonging to a novel class of circular lipopeptides that act against Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens
Authors: Li Zhibo , Chakraborty Parichita , de Vries Reinder H. , Song Chunxu , Zhao Xinghong , Roelfes Gerard , Scheffers Dirk‐Jan , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: July 2020

The development of sustainable agriculture and the increasing antibiotic resistance of human pathogens call for novel antimicrobial compounds. Here, we describe the extraction and characterization of a class of cationic circular lipopeptides, for which we propose the name relacidines, from the soil bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus MG64. Relacidines are composed of a fatty acid side chain (4‐methylhexanoic acid) and 13 amino acid residues. A lactone ring is formed by the last five amino acid residues and three positively charged ornithines are located in the linear fragment. Relacidines selectively combat Gram‐negative pathogens, including phytopathogens and human pathogens. Further investigation of the mode of action revealed that relacidine B binds to the lipopolysaccharides but does not form pores in the cell membrane. We also provide proof to show that relacidine B does not affect the biosynthesis of the cell wall and RNA. Instead, it affects the oxidative phosphorylation process of cells and diminishes the biosynthesis of ATP. Transcription of relacidines is induced by plant pathogens, which strengthens the potential of B. laterosporus MG64 to be used as a biocontrol agent. Thus, we identified a new group of potent antibiotic compounds for combating Gram‐negative pathogens of plants or animals.
Cognitive dysfunction in Sjögren’s syndrome using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire and the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Riega‐Torres Janett Carmen Luzmila , Treviño‐Castro Mario Alberto , Hernandez‐Galarza Ivan de Jesus , Garza‐Martinez Mayra Judith , Vera‐Pineda Raymundo , Cardenas‐de la Garza Jesus Alberto , Rodriguez‐de la Garza Patricia , Skinner‐Taylor Cassandra Michele , Galarza‐Delgado Dionicio Angel
Published: July 2020

Aim

To describe the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the most affected cognitive domains, employing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) of a Latin American primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) cohort, and compare these patients to secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) subjects and controls.

Methods

This was a comparative cross‐sectional study of patients with a diagnosis of pSS who fulfilled the American‐European Consensus Group 2002 criteria and/or American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2016 criteria; clinical information was evaluated prior to cognitive evaluation, which consisted of a single session in which the MoCA and ANAM were applied.

Results

A total of 122 subjects were included in the analysis (51 pSS, 20 sSS and 51 controls); mean age of pSS was 56 years (SD 10.4), of which 47 (92.15%) were women. Moderate‐severe cognitive impairment by MoCA was 17% in pSS, 5% in sSS, and 15% in controls, and by ANAM were 29% in pSS and 10% in sSS (P > .05). Visuospatial/executive subdomain in the MoCA was different between the pSS and the control group (P = .005). We encountered a statistically significant difference between pSS patients and control scores from the program in 6 of the 7 domains tested by the ANAM.

Conclusion

No difference was found in the prevalence of cognitive impairment between pSS subjects and controls by MoCA. Several subdomain scores differed between groups in both scales. Evaluation of cognitive disorders in patients with SS, even in early stages of the disease, seems advisable but the best strategy is yet to be elucidated.
Supporting community‐dwelling older people with cognitive impairment to stay at home: A modelled cost analysis
Authors: Dyer Suzanne M. , Standfield Lachlan B. , Fairhall Nicola , Cameron Ian D. , Gresham Meredith , Brodaty Henry , Crotty Maria
Published: July 2020

Objective

To model the potential financial implications of Australian programs supporting cognitively impaired community‐dwelling older people.

Methods

Markov cohort models of (a) an observational study of a residential dyadic training program for carers and people with dementia (GTSAH) and (b) a frailty intervention (FIT) in a cognitively impaired subgroup. Direct health and social welfare costs accrued over 5 years (2018 $AUD prices) were captured. GTSAH costs $3755, FIT costs $1834, and permanent residential aged care (P‐RAC) costs $237 per day.

Results

Modelling predicted costs break even in approximately 5 months for GTSAH and 7 months for FIT, after which these interventions saved funds. The primary driver of savings was the P‐RAC cost (discounted at 5%/annum), at $121 030 for GTSAH vs $231 193 for standard care; and $47 857 with FIT vs $111 359 for standard care.

Conclusions

Programs supporting cognitively impaired community‐dwelling older people could be financially beneficial; further evaluation and implementation would be a worthwhile investment.
Exhumed hydrocarbon traps in East Greenland: A comment on Andrews et al. (2020)
Authors: Christiansen Flemming G. , Bojesen‐Koefoed Jørgen A. , Piasecki Stefan , Stemmerik Lars , Therkelsen Jens
Published: June 2020

In a recent study, Andrews et al. (2020) describe “exhumed hydrocarbon traps” in North‐East Greenland. The basic premise for their interpretation is that dark‐coloured, pyrobitumen‐bearing sandstones represent the remnants of once buried petroleum reservoirs. We do not see the necessary field or analytical evidence to support a model that has strong implications for resource evaluations. Andrews et al. (2020) have not considered previous published information on diagenetic and thermal maturity history of the area. A more probable model would include the intrusion of dykes and sills into a sedimentary succession with immature petroleum source rocks and reservoir‐quality sandstones. The heating caused rapid generation of petroleum components and local hydrothermal circulation systems in adjacent porous sandstones. Any petroleum was rapidly destroyed leaving essentially only black grain‐coatings and minor particles of pyrobitumen—essentially in one short‐lived continuous process. The existence of new plays in the North Atlantic as proposed by Andrews et al. (2020) is in our opinion not substantiated as this requires analytical data from unaltered oils from the less mature parts of the sedimentary succession and considerations of thermal maturity and basin evolution. To draw conclusions that have a serious impact on resource evaluations based on the dark colouration of sandstones without comprehensive analytical data is, in our opinion, ill advised.
An unusual case of prenatal diagnosis of right coronary artery to right ventricle fistula with HD‐flow render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC)
Authors: Li Tian‐gang , Ma Bin , Nie Fang , Peng Mei‐juan
Published: June 2020

Coronary artery fistula is rare in prenatal diagnosis. We have reported a case diagnosis of coronary artery fistula by using high‐definition flow (HD‐flow) render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC), and then evaluated the postnatal outcomes in our hospital.
3D transesophageal echocardiography in TAVR
Authors: Bleakley Caroline , Monaghan Mark
Published: July 2020

Recently, there has been an increasingly minimalistic approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), with most procedures now performed under conscious sedation without real time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Proponents of echo should not feel discouraged by this; it is the initial insights that were gained with procedural TEE during the early years of TAVR that have allowed the procedure's gradual maturation and sophistication. Experienced centers that have promoted extensive TAVR TEE programs continue to maximize the benefits of echocardiography in both procedural planning and execution. Critical to this is the understanding of 3D TEE, allowing the annulus to be sized accurately, relevant neighboring anatomy defined, and complications flagged. This review will outline the current application of 3D TEE in TAVR and discuss challenges and opportunities for 3D echocardiography in this field.
Papillary muscles. Dark side of the heart: A simple approach for a forgotten structure
Authors: Diaz Babio Gonzalo , Vera Janavel Gustavo L. , Carrero Celeste , Masson Juarez Gerardo , Mezzadra María , Constantin Ivan , Garcia Botta Teresa , Stutzbach Pablo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is currently the election method for initial screening of left ventricular papillary muscles (PM). However, diagnosis of borderline PM hypertrophy with TTE is not always feasible due to cumbersome interpretation of different PM diameters and the absence of precise normal ranges in the literature. The objective of this study was to obtain TTE normal cutoff values and to describe convenient indexes of PM dimensions.

Methods

Healthy volunteers with normal electrocardiogram were included for TTE assessment. Vertical (Vd) and horizontal (Hd) PM diameters were measured to obtain maximum diameter (Md) and areas of the anterolateral PM (APM) and posteromedial PM (PPM) to obtain PM total area (PMTA).

Results

A total of 82 patients were screened, and 6 (7.3%) with bifid PM were excluded from analysis. APM and PPM had similar Vd (APM: 8.3 ± 1.2, PPM: 7.9 ± 1.1 mm2, P = NS) and Hd (APM: 8.2 ± 1.3, PPM: 8.3 ± 1.2 mm2, P = NS). Finally, Md (9 ± 1.2 mm; P95 = 11 mm) and PMTA (106.5 ± 24.2 mm2; P95 = 150.8 mm2) were obtained. Correlation between PMTA and Md was positive (P < .001), and out‐of‐range values for Md and PMTA were similar (2.6% vs 5.3%); there was excellent agreement between both indexes (K = 0.82).

Conclusions

Maximum diameter and PMTA are convenient indexes to describe PM dimensions. However, given the high equivalence between both indexes, we propose the use of Md due to its simplicity and ease of calculation. Our findings suggest that patients with any PM diameter ≥12 mm should be considered abnormal.
Enhanced psychostimulant response, but not social avoidance, depends on GluA1 AMPA receptors in VTA dopamine neurons following intermittent social defeat stress in rats
Authors: Rudolph Megan L. , Neve Racheal L. , Hammer Ronald P. , Nikulina Ella M.
Published: June 2020

Evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrates the importance of social stress in the development of addiction‐related behaviour. In rats, intermittent social defeat stress causes long‐lasting psychostimulant cross‐sensitization. Our recent data reveal heightened expression of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA1 subunit in rat ventral tegmental area (VTA), which occurs concurrently with social stress‐induced amphetamine (AMPH) cross‐sensitization. In addition, social stress in rats induced social avoidance behaviour. The present study evaluated the effects of intermittent social defeat stress on GluA1 expression in VTA dopamine (DA) neurons, then utilized Cre‐dependent virus‐mediated gene transfer to determine the functional role of homomeric GluA1‐AMPARs in these neurons. Social defeat stress exposure induced GluA1 expression in VTA DA neurons, as demonstrated by a greater density of GluA1/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) double‐labelling in VTA neurons in stressed rats. Additionally, functional inactivation of VTA GluA1 AMPARs in DA neurons prevented stress‐induced cross‐sensitization, or augmented locomotor response to low dose AMPH challenge (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), but had no effect on social stress‐induced social avoidance behaviour. Furthermore, wild‐type overexpression of GluA1 in VTA DA neurons had the opposite effect; locomotor‐activating effects of AMPH were significantly augmented, even in the absence of stress. Taken together, these results suggest that stress‐induced GluA1 expression in VTA DA neurons is necessary for psychostimulant cross‐sensitization, but not for social avoidance. This differential effect suggests that different neural pathways are implicated in these behaviours. These findings could lead to novel pharmacotherapies to help prevent stress‐induced susceptibility to substance abuse.
Multi‐site generalized dissimilarity modelling reveals drivers of species turnover in ectoparasite assemblages of small mammals across the northern and central Palaearctic
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Vinarski Maxim M. , Korallo‐Vinarskaya Natalia P. , Khokhlova Irina S.
Published: July 2020

Aim

We studied compositional turnover in two ectoparasite taxa asking whether (a) the main driver of turnover (environmental factors, host composition, or distance) is the same in both taxa; (b) the turnover of rare and widespread fleas and mites is driven by different factors; and (c) the turnover of either fleas or mites or both respond to the same environmental gradients as the turnover of their hosts.

Location

Northern and central Palaearctic.

Time period

1959–2004.

Main taxa studied

Fleas, gamasid mites, mammals.

Methods

We used data on fleas and mites collected from 30 and 20 regions, respectively, and applied a novel metric, zeta diversity, and a novel approach, multi‐site generalized dissimilarity modelling (MS‐GDM).

Results

In fleas, variance explained by the models with host turnover as a predictor was higher than that of models with environment and distance or environment only. In mites, similar proportions of variance were explained by models with and without a host‐associated predictor. Host turnover strongly affected the compositional turnover of fleas, whereas mite turnover was equally influenced by host turnover and dissimilarity in air temperature. When host turnover was removed from the models, temperature became the most important predictor of turnover, followed by precipitation (for both taxa) and distance (for fleas). The effects of host turnover and environment were stronger for turnover of rare than widespread species. Temperature was the most important predictor of the host turnover independently of whether distance was included in the model.

Main conclusions

We conclude that the strength and manifestation of the effects of host compositional turnover as compared to environmental dissimilarity differ between ectoparasite taxa. Moreover, the application of MS‐GDM allowed us to reveal patterns that were obscured or distorted in earlier studies.
Long‐term storage of forage legumes greatly alters the hard seed breakdown pattern in situ
Authors: Harrison Robert J. , Howieson John G. , Yates Ron J. , Nutt Bradley J.
Published: June 2020

Knowledge of the hard seed content of annual legumes, and its pattern of breakdown, is critical to the understanding of their ecology and management within farming and natural ecosystems. For logistical reasons, seed that has been stored for varying lengths of time is often used for pasture establishment and agronomy experiments. However, the implications of storage on hard seed physiology are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of seed storage on its subsequent pattern of hard seed breakdown when exposed to field conditions. Experiments examined seed from six different annual legume cultivars that had been either produced the prior year or stored under ambient conditions for 11–22 years. Comparisons were then made between the two seed sources on hard seed breakdown patterns in situ. Although initial hard seed levels were mostly unaffected by storage (seed of five cultivars remained over 93% hard after more than 11 years of storage), the patterns of release from dormancy during exposure to hard seed breakdown conditions of stored seed differed greatly (p < .05) from freshly produced seed. Hard seed in the stored seed of most cultivars was reduced from >90% to <10% within 68 days over autumn, with shallow burial, whereas fresh seed remained >90% hard during the same period. Given this large and consistent impact, it is recommended that studies of the patterns of hard seed breakdown in legumes compare seed stored under consistent and well‐defined conditions.
Operating room nurses' experiences of skin preparation in connection with orthopaedic surgery: A focus group study
Authors: Markström Ida , Bjerså Kristofer , Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Falk‐Brynhildsen Karin , Hollman Frisman Gunilla
Published: July 2020

Background

Preoperative skin preparation is performed differently by different operating room nurses.

Aim

To deepen the understanding of skin preparation within an orthopaedic surgical setting from the operating room nurse perspective and to explore their experiences.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory design was used. Four focus group interviews were conducted during 2016–2017, at four hospitals in Sweden, using procedures developed by Krueger and Casey. A total of 19 operating room nurses were recruited through purposive sampling.

Results

Statements were categorized into four categories of experiences: (1) Knowing, which related to learning and sources of knowledge; (2) Doing, which related to skin preparation and activities based on tradition and evidence; (3) The Team, which related to the assignment of responsibility and collaboration with patients and other professions; and (4) The Setting, which related to factors around the patient and included feelings of time pressure and access to supplies.

Conclusions

Theory and practice differ, and some skin preparation used are based on tradition rather than on evidence or recommendations. Elements both within the team in the operating room and within the organization influence the result. Operating room nurses' duty to perform safe skin preparation must be respected in the team.
Novel prediction scoring system for simple assessment of stone‐free status after flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy: T.O.HO. score
Authors: Hori Shunsuke , Otsuki Hideo , Fujio Kei , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Nagao Koichi , Nakajima Koichi , Mitsui Yozo
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To develop a novel simple quantitative scoring model for predicting stone‐free status after a flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy procedure by standardizing the complexity of ureteral stone characteristics.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 586 patients with renal or ureteral stones who underwent flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy at Abiko Toho Hospital, Chiba, Japan, from 2015 to 2018. Multivariate regression was applied to examine the relationship between preoperative descriptors and stone‐free status, and a nomogram was developed using significant predictors. Next, the individual components of the nomogram were assigned points to form a simple scoring system. The predictive performance of this new scoring system was compared with the STONE score at optimal cut‐off values using receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve analyses.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression findings showed that factors associated with stone‐free status were length, Hounsfield unit and stone location. A nomogram prediction model was developed with an area under the curve value of 0.845, then consequently used to develop a new simple score system termed the T.O.HO. score consisting of three stone characteristics: (T)allness (1–5 points), (O)ccupied lesion (1–3 points) and (HO)unsfield units evaluation (1–3 points). The T.O.HO. score was significantly higher in stone remaining (7.66) than stone‐free (5.27; P < 0.001) cases. The area under the curve for the T.O.HO. score was 0.833 at an optimal cut‐off value of 7, whereas that for the STONE score was 0.683 at an optimal cut‐off value of 9, showing the superiority of this new scoring system.

Conclusion

The T.O.HO. score is a useful tool for predicting stone‐free status in patients who have undergone a flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy procedure.
Value of extra‐target prostate biopsy for the detection of magnetic resonance imaging‐missed adverse pathology according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System scores: Spatial analysis using magnetic resonance–ultrasound fusion images
Authors: Matsuoka Yoh , Uehara Sho , Yoshida Soichiro , Tanaka Hiroshi , Tanaka Hajime , Kijima Toshiki , Yokoyama Minato , Ishioka Junichiro , Saito Kazutaka , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To clarify who benefits from extra‐target sampling of systematic prostate biopsy to detect magnetic resonance imaging‐missed significant cancer and upgrading, when concurrently carried out with magnetic resonance imaging–ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy.

Methods

Targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy were carried out in 301 men with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System scores ≥3. All score ≥3 regions were designated as targets. According to patients’ highest Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System scores, spatial relations between targets and biopsy‐proven cancer were investigated to identify magnetic resonance imaging‐missed pathology.

Results

Overall, targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy detected significant cancer in 56.5% and 46.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). Significant cancer was detected only by systematic biopsy in 7.0%, and only outside targets in 5.0%. Upgrading by systematic biopsy was observed in 16.3%, and occurred outside targets in 11.0%. On multivariate analysis, the highest Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 was predictive for significant cancer only outside targets (odds ratio 5.81, P = 0.002) and for upgrading derived from outside targets (odds ratio 2.64, P = 0.012). According to the scores of 3, 4 and 5, significant cancer was identified only outside targets in 1.0%, 11.2% and 2.9%, respectively (P = 0.003 for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 vs 4; P = 0.019 for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 vs 5), and upgrading occurred in 6.1%, 18.4% and 8.6%, respectively (P = 0.009 and 0.040).

Conclusions

Men with the highest Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 4 receive the largest benefit from extra‐target biopsy for magnetic resonance imaging‐missed significant cancer detection and upgrading. In men with a score of 3, less adverse pathology is missed without extra‐target biopsy. These findings suggest prostate biopsy strategy could be tailored according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System scores.
Neobavaisoflavone inhibits osteoclastogenesis through blocking RANKL signalling‐mediated TRAF6 and c‐Src recruitment and NF‐κB, MAPK and Akt pathways
Authors: Chen Huiwen , Fang Chao , Zhi Xin , Song Shaojun , Gu Yanqiu , Chen Xiaofei , Cui Jin , Hu Yan , Weng Weizong , Zhou Qirong , Wang Yajun , Wang Yao , Jiang Hao , Li Xiaoqun , Cao Liehu , Chen Xiao , Su Jiacan
Published: July 2020

Psoralea corylifolia (P corylifolia) has been popularly applied in traditional Chinese medicine decoction for treating osteoporosis and promoting fracture healing since centuries ago. However, the bioactive natural components remain unknown. In this study, applying comprehensive two‐dimensional cell membrane chromatographic/C18 column/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (2D CMC/C18 column/TOFMS) system, neobavaisoflavone (NBIF), for the first time, was identified for the bioaffinity with RAW 264.7 cells membranes from the extracts of P corylifolia. Here, we revealed that NBIF inhibited RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow monocytes (BMMCs) and RAW264.7 cells dose dependently at the early stage. Moreover, NBIF inhibited osteoclasts function demonstrated by actin ring formation assay and pit‐formation assay. With regard to the underlying molecular mechanism, co‐immunoprecipitation showed that both the interactions of RANK with TRAF6 and with c‐Src were disrupted. In addition, NBIF inhibited the phosphorylation of P50, P65, IκB in NF‐κB pathway, ERK, JNK, P38 in MAPKs pathway, AKT in Akt pathway, accompanied with a blockade of calcium oscillation and inactivation of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). In vivo, NBIF inhibited osteoclastogenesis, promoted osteogenesis and ameliorated bone loss in ovariectomized mice. In summary, P corylifolia‐derived NBIF inhibited RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the recruitment of TRAF6 and c‐Src to RANK, inactivating NF‐κB, MAPKs, and Akt signalling pathways and inhibiting calcium oscillation and NFATc1 translocation. NBIF might serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of osteoclast‐associated osteopenic diseases.
Monocyte subsets in bone marrow grafts may contribute to a low incidence of acute graft‐vs‐host disease for young donors
Authors: Wen Qi , Zhao Hong‐Yan , Yao Wei‐Li , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Fu Hai‐Xia , Wang Yu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Kong Yuan , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: July 2020

Young donors are associated with a lower cumulative incidence of acute graft‐vs‐host disease (aGVHD) after allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) than old donors. Although grafts are harvested from healthy donors, it is unclear whether donor age is associated with aGVHD occurrence owing to its effect on cell compositions in grafts. Moreover, the differences in monocyte subsets in grafts between young and old donors and the association between monocyte subsets in bone marrow (BM) grafts and aGVHD remain to be elucidated. In the current study, non‐classical monocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were remarkably decreased in BM grafts in donors <30 years old. Multivariate analysis further revealed that the level of non‐classical monocytes in BM grafts (≥0.31 × 106/kg) was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of II‐IV aGVHD. In summary, our data indicate that non‐classical monocytes in BM grafts may help identify patients at high risk for aGVHD after allo‐HSCT. Although further validation is required, our results suggest that the low level of non‐classical monocytes and a low ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cell in BM grafts may be correlated with the lower incidence of aGVHD in young donors.
Relationships between time in range, glycemic variability including hypoglycemia and types of diabetes therapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Hyogo Diabetes Hypoglycemia Cognition Complications study
Authors: Kuroda Norihiro , Kusunoki Yoshiki , Osugi Keiko , Ohigashi Mana , Azuma Daisuke , Ikeda Hiroki , Makino Shinya , Otsuka Akihito , Tamada Daisuke , Watanabe Nobuaki , Washio Kahori , Tsunoda Taku , Matsuo Toshihiro , Konishi Kosuke , Katsuno Tomoyuki , Koyama Hidenori ,   Hyogo Diabetes Hypoglycemia Cognition Complications (HDHCC) study group
Published: June 2020

Aims/Introduction

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, such as times in range (TIR) and time below range, have been shown to be useful as clinical targets that complement glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated the relationships between TIR, glycemic variability and patient characteristics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We carried out continuous glucose monitoring in 281 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in a multicenter cohort (Hyogo Diabetes Hypoglycemia Cognition Complications) study.

Results

The results are shown as the median (interquartile range). The age, disease duration and HbA1c were 68 years (62–71 years), 13 years (7–23 years) and 6.9% (6.5–7.5%), respectively. TIR and standard deviation obtained by continuous glucose monitoring worsened significantly with increasing disease duration. Multiple regression analyses showed that disease duration (standard partial regression coefficient, β = −0.160, P = 0.003), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (β = −0.106, P = 0.033) and urinary albumin excretion (β = −0.100, P = 0.043) were useful explanatory factors for TIR. In contrast, HbA1c (β = −0.398, P < 0.001) and the use of antidiabetic drugs potentially associated with severe hypoglycemia (β = 0.180, P = 0.028), such as sulfonylureas, glinides and insulin, were useful explanatory factors for time below range in the elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that disease duration and diabetic complications are associated with TIR deterioration. In addition, low HbA1c levels and the use of antidiabetic drugs potentially associated with severe hypoglycemia might worsen the time below range in the elderly.
COVID‐19 and cutaneous manifestations: a systematic review
Authors: Zhao Qing , Fang Xiaokai , Pang Zheng , Zhang Bowen , Liu Hong , Zhang Furen
Published: June 2020

The cutaneous manifestations of COVID‐19 patients have been increasingly reported, but not summarized, and the potential mechanisms remain to be investigated. Herein, we performed a comprehensive review of literatures (from inception to 30 May 2020) using PubMed, CNKI, medRxiv and bioRxiv with the terms “((novel coronavirus) OR (2019 novel coronavirus) OR (2019‐nCoV) OR (Coronavirus disease 2019) OR (COVID‐19) OR (SARS‐CoV‐2)) AND ((Dermatology) OR (skin) OR (rash) OR (cutaneous))” and “((ACE2) OR (Angiotensin‐converting enzyme)) AND ((skin) OR (epidermis) OR (dermis)).” Totally, 44 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 507 patients with cutaneous manifestations were summarized, and 96.25% patients were from Europe. The average age of the patients was 49.03 (range: 5–91) with a female ratio of 60.44%. The skin lesions were polymorphic, and erythema, chilblain‐like and urticarial lesions were most common, occurring on an average of 9.92 days (range: 1–30) after the onset of systemic symptoms. The receptor of SARS‐CoV‐2, ACE2, was found to be expressed on skin, mainly on keratinocytes. Our review systematically presented the clinical characteristics of 507 patients and showed that skin might be the potential target of the infection according to ACE2 expression. More work should be done to better understand the underlying pathogenesis.
Pericytes improve locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in male and female neonatal rats
Authors: Mayo Jamie N. , Kauer Sierra D. , Brumley Michele R. , Bearden Shawn E.
Published: July 2020

Objective

It is not known how activation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) pathway in pericytes, cells of the microvascular wall, influences new capillary growth. We tested the hypothesis that HIF‐activated pericytes promote angiogenesis in a neonatal model of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Human placental pericytes stimulated with cobalt chloride and naïve pericytes were injected into the site of a thoracic hemi‐section of the spinal cord in rat pups on postnatal day three (P3). Hindlimb motor recovery and Doppler blood flow perfusion at the site of transection were measured on P10. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize vessel and neurofilament density for quantification.

Results

Injection of HIF‐activated pericytes resulted in greater vascular density in males but did not result in improved motor function for males or females. Injection of non–HIF‐activated pericytes resulted improved motor function recovery in both sexes (males, 2.722 ± 0.31‐fold score improvement; females, 3.824 ± 0.58‐fold score improvement, P < .05) but produced no significant changes in vessel density.

Conclusions

HIF‐activated pericytes promote vascular density in males post‐SCI. Acute delivery of non–HIF‐activated pericytes at the site of injury can improve motor recovery post‐SCI.
The webs of belief around ‘evidence’ in legislatures: The case of select committees in the UK House of Commons
Authors: Geddes Marc
Published: June 2020

A wide‐ranging literature has explored the relationship between research, knowledge and policy. However, legislatures have often been overlooked in this research. While some studies have looked at ‘who has access’, the literature on how parliaments seek to engage with knowledge claims is particularly scarce. This article addresses this gap through a case study of UK select committees. By adopting an interpretive lens, the article explores how MPs and officials make sense of evidence in committee settings. It finds that legalistic definitions around ‘evidence’ shape wider beliefs in how to engage with knowledge claims and the practices of undertaking inquiries, and are underpinned by a distinctly political function of knowledge use in politics. Beliefs around evidence have significant repercussions and highlight tensions (i) around the authority of committee reports, (ii) between epistemic and democratic claims and (iii) with respect to who is included and who is excluded.
Clinical and genetic evaluation of six children with diffuse capillary malformation and undergrowth
Authors: Cubiró Xavier , Rozas‐Muñoz Eduardo , Castel Pau , Roé Crespo Esther , Garcia‐Melendo Cristina , Puig Lluis , Baselga Eulalia
Published: July 2020

Background

Diffuse capillary malformation with overgrowth (DCMO) has been well described. However, capillary malformation with undergrowth (CMU) has been less reported in the literature.

Objectives

We sought to describe the clinical features and determine associated somatic mutations in patients with CMU.

Methods

We searched our multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic database for patients with CMU. Girth and length limb measurements were performed. In case of discrepancies in length, long leg radiograph studies were obtained. Whole‐exome sequencing of blood and involved tissue DNA was carried out.

Results

We included six patients with CM and soft‐tissue and bone undergrowth. CMs were patchy, reticulated, segmental, poorly demarcated, pink‐red stains affecting the lower limb (five patients) or the whole hemibody (one patient). In five patients, the stain was diffuse, affecting more than one anatomic region. Prominent superficial veins were observed in three patients. Five patients presented with lower limb girth discrepancy; in three of them, there was also lower limb length discrepancy. In the remaining patient, only lower limb length discrepancy was found. Whole‐exome sequencing from DNA tissue/blood detected previously described pathogenic somatic mutations on DDR2 (c.314G > A; p.Arg105His), GRHL2 (c.791A > G; p.Glu264Gly), and PIK3CA (c.2740G > A; p.Gly914Arg) genes.

Conclusion

We propose the term "diffuse capillary malformation with undergrowth" for extensive reticular CMs associated with proportionate undergrowth. All our patients had a favorable outcome, and no genotype‐phenotype association was found.
Refreshed Grounds for a Feminist Peace Studies
Authors: Kvasnicka Laura , Finnegan Amy C.
Published: July 2020

Our study was premised on a collective curiosity to understand why peace studies classrooms are filled with mostly women students. We put this investigation into conversation with the substantive body of peace studies literature that correlates militarism and sexism. We learned the following: The experience of marginalization led many women to take peace studies courses; many women learners noted how empathy was affirmed in peace studies; socialization of men discouraged men from peace studies; there are both strengths and limitations of classrooms replete with women; and finally, there is a societal devaluation of peace studies. Ultimately, we argue that it is paramount to name the dynamic of women‐dominated peace studies classrooms and to infuse discussions on gender and intersectional feminism into a peace studies curriculum, and we affirm a broader call for re‐socialization in which people of a variety of gender identities and expressions are encouraged to comprehend the value of peace studies.
Germination responses to winter warm spells and warming vary widely among woody plants in a temperate forest
Authors: Flanigan N. P. , Bandara R. , Wang F. , Jastrzębowski S. , Hidayati S. N. , Walck J. L.
Published: June 2020

Winter underpins key ecological processes, such as dormancy loss and seedling emergence. Enhanced warm spells, together with warming are occurring and will continue in the future. The consequences of these climate phenomena on germination were investigated among co‐occurring woody plants, whose seeds are bird‐dispersed in autumn and require cold stratification for spring emergence.

Seeds from nine common southeastern USA plants were collected in autumn. We verified that seeds of the study species required cold stratification for dormancy loss. We then examined the following aspects in the laboratory or field: effect of warm spells during cold stratification on germination, effect of a warm spell during winter on seed survival and germination phenology, and effect of warming from autumn dispersal through winter dormancy loss on timing of germination.

While no consistent effects of warm spells were found in the laboratory on quantity of germination, warm spells advanced spring field germination for several species. Some species germinated during cold stratification and during warm spells, especially extreme spells, in the laboratory. In the field, about half of Lonicera maackii seedlings that emerged with a warm spell died by late winter. With warming from autumn through spring, laboratory germination shifted from spring to predominately autumn for some species.

With precocious germination during warm spells or germination phenology shifts, two scenarios are possible. Seedlings may die during winter, reducing the size of the soil seed bank and number of emergents, or they would survive in warmer winters, which would give them a competitive advantage over spring‐emerging seedlings.
Effect of dietary n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the expression of genes involved in progesterone biosynthesis in the corpus luteum of goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Chaudhari Ravjibhai Karshanbhai , Mahla Ajit Singh , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Pawde Abhijit M. , Badasara Surendra Kumar , Kumar Harendra , Patra Manas Kumar , Krishnaswamy Narayanan
Published: June 2020

Emerging evidence indicates that dietary n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) alter the fatty acid composition of corpus luteum (CL) and directly affect the luteal function in the cow, which is independent of the inhibitory effect on the endometrial PGF2α production. The present study, thus, investigated the effects of n‐3 PUFA rich fish oil (FO) supplementation on the transcriptional modulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of progesterone (P4) in the CL collected during the luteolytic phase of oestrous cycle in the goat. On the day of synchronized oestrus, goats (n = 6/group) were fed an isocaloric diet supplemented with either FO or palm oil (PO). The dose of oil supplementation was 0.6 mlkg‐1 body weight, and the duration was 55–57 days. The FO provided 156 mgkg‐1 body weight of n‐3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The CL was collected by laparotomy on day 16 post‐oestrus, and the relative abundance of P450 side‐chain cleaving enzyme, steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β‐hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) genes was quantitated by real‐time PCR. The results indicated that the dietary FO significantly upregulated the expression of 3β‐HSD by 1.13‐fold and downregulated StAR by ~2‐fold as compared to PO group (p < .05). It is concluded that dietary FO differently affected the expression of genes involved in P4 synthesis in the CL during the luteolytic window of the oestrous cycle in the goat.
The role of hydrothermal fluids in sedimentation in saline alkaline lakes: Evidence from Nasikie Engida, Kenya Rift Valley
Authors: Renaut Robin W. , Owen R. Bernhart , Lowenstein Tim K. , De Cort Gijs , Mcnulty Emma , Scott Jennifer J. , Mbuthia Anthony
Published: July 2020

Saline alkaline lakes that precipitate sodium carbonate evaporites are most common in volcanic terrains in semi‐arid environments. Processes that lead to trona precipitation are poorly understood compared to those in sulphate‐dominated and chloride‐dominated lake brines. Nasikie Engida (Little Magadi) in the southern Kenya Rift shows the initial stages of soda evaporite formation. This small shallow (<2 m deep; 7 km long) lake is recharged by alkaline hot springs and seasonal runoff but unlike neighbouring Lake Magadi is perennial. This study aims to understand modern sedimentary and geochemical processes in Nasikie Engida and to assess the importance of geothermal fluids in evaporite formation. Perennial hot‐spring inflow waters along the northern shoreline evaporate and become saturated with respect to nahcolite and trona, which precipitate in the southern part of the lake, up to 6 km from the hot springs. Nahcolite (NaHCO3) forms bladed crystals that nucleate on the lake floor. Trona (Na2CO3·NaHCO3·2H2O) precipitates from more concentrated brines as rafts and as bottom‐nucleated shrubs of acicular crystals that coalesce laterally to form bedded trona. Many processes modify the fluid composition as it evolves. Silica is removed as gels and by early diagenetic reactions and diatoms. Sulphate is depleted by bacterial reduction. Potassium and chloride, of moderate concentration, remain conservative in the brine. Clastic sedimentation is relatively minor because of the predominant hydrothermal inflow. Nahcolite precipitates when and where pCO2 is high, notably near sublacustrine spring discharge. Results from Nasikie Engida show that hot spring discharge has maintained the lake for at least 2 kyr, and that the evaporite formation is strongly influenced by local discharge of carbon dioxide. Brine evolution and evaporite deposition at Nasikie Engida help to explain conditions under which ancient sodium carbonate evaporites formed, including those in other East African rift basins, the Eocene Green River Formation (western USA), and elsewhere.
Regional variations of childhood immunisations in Senegal: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Cortaredona Sébastien , Diop Rokhaya , Seror Valérie , Sagaon‐Teyssier Luis , Peretti‐Watel Patrick
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To estimate geographical variations of child immunisation at the regional level in Senegal, to identify individual and contextual factors that could explain these regional discrepancies, and to measure their effects.

Methods

Data come from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Senegalese Demographic and Health Survey, a national survey targeting women aged 15–49, with a questionnaire focusing on health and reproductive issues including their children’s immunisation status. We restricted the analysis to children aged 12–23 months (n = 4955) and conducted a multilevel logistic regression to assess individual and contextual factors associated with complete immunisation coverage.

Results

The complete immunisation coverage rate of children was estimated at 68% and ranged from 41% in the region of Kedougou to 83% in the region of Dakar. The inter‐regional variance was significantly different from zero (P = 0.006) in the empty multilevel model. It decreased by more than half (57 %) after adjusting for individual factors but remained significantly different from zero (P = 0.010). Regional variations of complete immunisation rates drastically decreased and were no longer statistically significant (P = 0.343) after adjusting for the following regional factors: population density, density of hospitals, literacy rate and proportion of health facilities with an antenatal care service.

Conclusions

Regarding health policies designed to improve childhood immunisation and to reduce related inequalities, our results highlight the need to take into account both individual and contextual factors, with a focus on rural and deprived areas where children are at higher risk of incomplete immunisation.
Using minimum inhibitory concentration values of common topical antibiotics to investigate emerging antibiotic resistance: A retrospective study of 134 dogs and 20 horses with ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Jinks Maggie R. , Miller Eric J. , Diaz‐Campos Dubraska , Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Newbold Georgina , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne , Chandler Heather L.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To identify the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution for commonly used topical antibiotics from isolates of dogs and horses with ulcerative bacterial keratitis, and to investigate changes in MIC values over time and following treatment with topical fluoroquinolones.

Animals studied

One hundred thirty‐four client‐owned dogs and 20 client‐owned horses with bacterial ulcerative keratitis.

Procedure

Minimum inhibitory concentration values for 14 topical antibiotics were reported for canine and equine cases of bacterial ulcerative keratitis between 2013 and 2018. Changes in MIC values over time and after treatment with topical fluoroquinolones were reported.

Results

The three most common bacterial genera isolated were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. Together, these represented 79.4% of canine cases and 77.4% of equine cases. Overall, isolates from horses tended to have lower MIC values, as did Pseudomonas isolates from both dogs and horses, compared to other bacterial genera, especially Staphylococcus spp. The MIC values of erythromycin and trimethoprim sulfa for Staphylococcus spp., and the MIC value of moxifloxacin for Pseudomonas significantly increased over time. Previous topical fluoroquinolone use was associated with a significant increase in the MIC value of ofloxacin in canine and equine Staphylococcus isolates and current topical fluoroquinolone use was associated with significant increases in the MIC values of ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ofloxacin in canine Staphylococcus isolates.

Conclusion

Patients previously or currently treated with topical fluoroquinolones, particularly in Staphylococcus infections, may require alternative antibiotics or additional antibiotic classes other than fluoroquinolones. Bacterial culture with MIC susceptibility testing should be highly recommended when a Staphylococcal infection is suspected.
Pemaknaan Semula Sinonim Leksikal “Nepotisme” Berteraskan Data Korpus: Analisis Pragmatik/Synonym Meaning-making of Lexical “Nepotism” Based on Corpus Data: Pragmatic Analysis
Authors: Abdullah Nurul Aida , Daud Muhammad Zaid
Published: July 2020

In the field of lexical semantics, synonym is one of the aspect that can classify some words that brings a same meaning. However, as a result of changing times and technology, some lexical generally has specific synonyms meaning-making as classified in lexicography also can have addition or abortion of the lexical equivalent. Therefore, this study, fully in qualitative form, was performed by applying text anylisis based on corpus data such as Pangkalan Data Korpus Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and Facebook. This study has analyzed the meaning-making for the synonym of “nepotism” based on the corpus data. In lexicography terms, lexical “nepotism” has a synonym meaning with lexical “cronyism” as both of these lexicals refer “an act or policy that concern or exaggerate their own relatives and friends” and “a policy that puts priority or concern more to their closed friends in the inauguration of a ministry, giving a project and others.” This synonym meaning-making has been applied into an authoritative theory of Bridging Cross Reference (BCR) by Kempson (1986) and Relevance Theory (RT) by Sperber and Wilson (1986; 1995). This make the meaning-making for the synonym lexical can be answered with high reliability. In conclusion, the findings of this study shows lexical ‘kabel’ or ‘cable’ is an additional synonym lexical with lexical ‘nepotism’ and ‘cronyism.’
The independence polynomial of inverse commuting graph of dihedral groups
Authors: Suleiman Aliyu , Kiri Aliyu Ibrahim
Published: July 2020

Set of vertices not joined by an edge in a graph is called the independent set of the graph. The independence polynomial of a graph is a polynomial whose coefficient is the number of independent sets in the graph. In this research, we introduce and investigate the inverse commuting graph of dihedral groups (D2N) denoted by GIC. It is a graph whose vertex set consists of the non-central elements of the group and for distinct  x,y, E D2N, x and y are adjacent if and only if xy = yx = 1  where 1 is the identity element. The independence polynomials of the inverse commuting graph for dihedral groups are also computed. A formula for obtaining such polynomials without getting the independent sets is also found, which was used to compute for dihedral groups of order 18 up to 32.