bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut dysfunction in the ICU: diagnosis and management
Authors: Chapple Lee-anne S. , Plummer Mark P. , Chapman Marianne J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Progress has been made in our understanding of gut dysfunction in critical illness. This review will outline new findings and give perspectives based on previous knowledge and concurrent advances in nutrition.

Recent findings

The relationship between gut dysfunction and poor outcomes in critical illness has received considerable interest. It remains uncertain whether gut dysfunction is merely a marker of illness severity or if it is directly responsible for prolonged critical illness and increased mortality. This relationship is difficult to ascertain given there is no agreed method for identification and quantification; biomarkers such as intestinal fatty acid binding protein and citrulline show promise but require further study. Recent studies have investigated strategies to deliver enteral nutrition targets with impacts on gut function, including high calorie or protein formulae, intermittent regimes and novel prokinetics.

Gut dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes, but it remains uncertain whether strategies to improve gut function will influence survival and recovery.
Risk of Serious Bacterial Infections in Young Febrile Infants With COVID-19
Authors: Payson Alison , Etinger Veronica , Napky Pablo , Montarroyos Stephanie , Ruiz-Castaneda Ana , Mestre Marcos
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to describe the clinical characteristics of febrile infants younger than 90 days with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, to investigate the prevalence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) in these infants, and to compare the risk of SBI in SARS-CoV-2–positive febrile infants with sex- and age-matched SARS-CoV- 2–negative febrile infants.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from March to November 2020 in a tertiary children's hospital. Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes and included if age was younger than 90 days, a SARS-CoV-2 test was performed, and at least 1 bacterial culture was collected. Positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 were age- and sex-matched to negative controls for analysis. Serious bacterial infection was defined as a urinary tract infection, bacterial enteritis, bacteremia, and/or bacterial meningitis.

Results

Fifty-three SARS-CoV-2–positive infants were identified with a higher rate of respiratory symptoms and lower white blood cell and C-reactive protein values than their SARS-CoV-2 matched controls. The rate of SBI in the SARS-CoV-2–positive infants was 8% compared with 34% in the controls; the most common infections were urinary tract infections (6% vs 23%). There were no cases of bacteremia or bacterial meningitis in the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) infants and 2 (4%) cases of bacteremia in the controls. The relative risk of any SBI between the 2 groups was 0.22 (95% confidence interval, 0.1–0.6; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

These results suggest that febrile infants younger than 90 days with COVID-19 have lower rates of SBI than their matched SARS-CoV-2–negative controls. These data are consistent with previous studies describing lower risks of SBI in febrile infants with concomitant viral respiratory tract infections.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Incident Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Gao Yanxiao , Zhou Yaqin , Li Xianhong , Wang Honghong , Polonsky Tamar S. , Vermund Sten H. , Qian Han-Zhu , Qian Frank
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

To systematically analyze available prospective evidence on the association between HIV infection and incident heart failure (HF).

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and manual search of relevant articles through June 1st, 2020, was conducted. Two authors independently performed full-text assessments and data extraction. The pooled relative risk with 95% confidence interval was estimated using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models, with inverse-variance fixed-effects meta-analysis used as a sensitivity analysis. Heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions.

Results:

We included 8 reports among 8,848,569 participants with 101,335 incident cases of HF [1941 among 131,632 people living with HIV (PLWH) and 99,394 among 8,716,937 control participants]. In the overall analysis using a random-effect model, HIV infection was positively associated with incident HF [relative risk, 1.80 (95% confidence interval: 1.51 to 2.15)], although with significant heterogeneity. A similar association was observed with a fixed-effects model, 1.59 (1.50 to 1.68). In subgroup analyses, associations between HIV infection and HF were nominally stronger in younger adults (age < 50 years), women, and individuals with low CD4 count (<200 cells/mm3). Publication bias was suggested from visual examination of funnel plots, correcting for this did not abolish the association, 1.52 (1.25 to 1.85).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis provides additional evidence that HIV is associated with an increased risk of HF, particularly among younger adults, women, and individuals with low CD4 count.
Applying the lessons learned from coronavirus disease 2019 to improve pneumonia management
Authors: Waterer Grant W.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has produced an extraordinary amount of literature in a short time period. This review focuses on what the new literature has provided in terms of more general information about the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Recent findings

Measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have caused a significant drop in influenza worldwide. Improvements in imaging, especially ultrasound, and especially in the application of rapid molecular diagnosis are likely to have significant impact on the management of CAP. Therapeutic advances are so far limited.

COVID-19 has taught us that we can do far more to prevent seasonal influenza and its associated mortality, morbidity and economic cost. Improvements in imaging and pathogen diagnosis are welcome, as is the potential for secondary benefits of anti-COVID-19 therapies that may have reach effect on respiratory viruses other than severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. As community-transmission is likely to persist for many years, recognition and treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 will need to be incorporated into CAP guidelines moving forward.
Variable 131I Activity in Renal Stone in a Patient With Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Shihong , Chen Li , Zhang Deping , Cao Chengjian , Shao Fuqiang
Published: January 2021

A 42-year-old woman underwent 131I radiotherapy for thyroid papillary cancer. A focal elevated 131I activity in the right kidney was revealed on the initial whole-body posttherapeutic images, which was located in the region of a renal stone. However, on the follow-up 131I images acquired 6 months later, there was no longer any increased activity in the region of this stone, which had moved into right ureter. Our case indicates that the 131I activity accumulated in the region of urinary stone is due to stagnated radioactive urine rather than due to the stone per se.
Optimal Time for 124I PET/CT Imaging in Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Wu Di , Plyku Donika , Kulkarni Kanchan , Garcia Carlos , Atkins Frank , Tefera Eshetu , Burman Kenneth D. , Wartofsky Leonard , Van Nostrand Douglas
Published: January 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal time for 124I PET/CT imaging to maximize the detection of locoregional and/or distant metastases of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods

Differentiated thyroid cancer patients suspected of having metastatic disease were prepared with low-iodine diet and appropriate thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation. 124I PET and low-dose localization CT were performed over 4 days after oral administration of 31.5 or 62.9 MBq (0.85 or 1.7 mCi) of 124I. Each scan was independently reviewed by 2 nuclear medicine physicians. All foci of activity were categorized, and the visual intensity of uptake was scored by a semiquantitative 3-point grading system (1: mild uptake, 2: moderate uptake, 3: intense uptake). Lesion volumes were determined on the CT image or on the PET images. Background (bkg) was also measured for each lesion and on each individual PET image. For each lesion, the mean activity concentration rate per unit administered activity (ACRmean/AA) and lesion-to-bkg ratios were compared across the 5 different time points. The semiquantitative grade and the quantitative measurements were compared.

Results

A total of 45 124I PET/CT scans were reviewed for 9 patients. In the visual assessment, a total of 31 foci suggestive for or highly suggestive of metastasis were identified on 124I PET/CT. Of these, 6 were seen on the 2-h, 18 on the 24-h, 27 on the 48-h, 24 on the 72-h, and 20 on the 96-h scan. There was a significant difference between the 24- and 48-h scans in the total number of foci (ie, locoregional and distant metastasis) (P < 0.05) and in the number of distant metastases (P < 0.05). The 24-, 48-, and 72-h scans identified the same number of locoregional foci. The 48-h scan visualized more of the distant metastases than any other time point. 124I PET/CT with dual-time-point imaging was superior to single-time-point imaging (97% vs 87%). In the quantitative analysis, the median ACRmean/AA was highest at 24 and 48 h, and the median lesion-to-bkg ratio was variable for different lesion locations. For lung metastases, the highest median lesion-to-bkg ratio was at 72 and 96 h.

Conclusions

124I PET/CT with dual-time-point imaging was superior to any single-time-point imaging (P < 0.10). Based on the visual assessment, dual time points at 48 + 72 h or 48 + 96 h yielded the highest lesion detection rate, whereas for single-time-point imaging, the 48-h images had the highest lesion detection rate. If the 48-h scan is completely negative or has negative 124I uptake in the region of interest, then a 72- or 96-h scan may be valuable. If lung metastases are suspected, then one should consider additional imaging at 72 or 96 h.
False-Positive Uptake of 131I From Basal Cell Papilloma in a Patient With Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Luo Lingling , Wang Jiaqiong , Xia Junyong , Zhang Ran , Yao Xiaobo
Published: January 2021

A 64-year-old woman with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer underwent a total thyroidectomy followed by 2 courses of 131I therapy. The posttherapeutic whole-body scan after the second dose of 131I therapy showed multifocal bone metastasis. In addition, there is focal abnormal intense radiotracer uptake at the right inguinal region. SPECT/CT revealed that this abnormal focal radioactivity was from a superficial skin lesion. Further physical examination revealed a raised, approximately 1-cm, irregular grayish-brown lesion on the right groin skin. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell papilloma (seborrheic keratosis).
Hemangioblastoma
Authors: Gohimont Nicolas , Jissendi Tchofo Patrice , Racu Marie-Lucie , Entezari Kim , Salmon Isabelle , Tondeur Marianne , Ene Diana
Published: January 2021

Hemangioblastoma (HB) is the most common primary intra-axial posterior fossa tumor in adults and is a benign vascular neoplasm. We report the case of a 73-year-old man suffering from biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer where intense overexpression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was observed in HB in a PSMA PET/CT. Overexpression of PSMA in tumor-associated vascular structures has been proposed as an explanation of PSMA ligand uptake in several nonprostatic tumors. Given the pathological nature of HB, this mechanism may explain the intense overexpression of PSMA observed in present case.
Reframing cognition: getting down to biological basics
Authors: Lyon Pamela , Keijzer Fred , Arendt Detlev , Levin Michael
Published: January 2021

The premise of this two-part theme issue is simple: the cognitive sciences should join the rest of the life sciences in how they approach the quarry within their research domain. Specifically, understanding how organisms on the lower branches of the phylogenetic tree become familiar with, value and exploit elements of an ecological niche while avoiding harm can be expected to aid understanding of how organisms that evolved later (includingHomo sapiens) do the same or similar things. We call this approach basal cognition. In this introductory essay, we explain what the approach involves. Because no definition of cognition exists that reflects its biological basis, we advance a working definition that can be operationalized; introduce a behaviour-generating toolkit of capacities that comprise the function (e.g. sensing/perception, memory, valence, learning, decision making, communication), each element of which can be studied relatively independently; and identify a (necessarily incomplete) suite of common biophysical mechanisms found throughout the domains of life involved in implementing the toolkit. The articles in this collection illuminate different aspects of basal cognition across different forms of biological organization, from prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes—the focus of Part 1—to plants and finally to animals, without and with nervous systems, the focus of Part 2. By showcasing work in diverse, currently disconnected fields, we hope to sketch the outline of a new multidisciplinary approach for comprehending cognition, arguably the most fascinating and hard-to-fathom evolved function on this planet. Doing so has the potential to shed light on problems in a wide variety of research domains, including microbiology, immunology, zoology, biophysics, botany, developmental biology, neurobiology/science, regenerative medicine, computational biology, artificial life and synthetic bioengineering.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Basal cognition: conceptual tools and the view from the single cell’.
Origins of eukaryotic excitability
Authors: Wan Kirsty Y. , Jékely Gáspár
Published: January 2021

All living cells interact dynamically with a constantly changing world. Eukaryotes, in particular, evolved radically new ways to sense and react to their environment. These advances enabled new and more complex forms of cellular behaviour in eukaryotes, including directional movement, active feeding, mating, and responses to predation. But what are the key events and innovations during eukaryogenesis that made all of this possible? Here we describe the ancestral repertoire of eukaryotic excitability and discuss five major cellular innovations that enabled its evolutionary origin. The innovations include a vastly expanded repertoire of ion channels, the emergence of cilia and pseudopodia, endomembranes as intracellular capacitors, a flexible plasma membrane and the relocation of chemiosmotic ATP synthesis to mitochondria, which liberated the plasma membrane for more complex electrical signalling involved in sensing and reacting. We conjecture that together with an increase in cell size, these new forms of excitability greatly amplified the degrees of freedom associated with cellular responses, allowing eukaryotes to vastly outperform prokaryotes in terms of both speed and accuracy. This comprehensive new perspective on the evolution of excitability enriches our view of eukaryogenesis and emphasizes behaviour and sensing as major contributors to the success of eukaryotes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Basal cognition: conceptual tools and the view from the single cell’.
Growth of Escherichia coli and Listeria
monocytogenes on radish microgreens washed with sodium
hypochlorite during storage
Authors: Choi Song-Yi , Chu Hyen Jin , Rajalingam Nagendran , Chae Hyo Bin , Yoon Jae-Hyun , Hwang Injun , Kim Se-Ri
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to establish appropriate conditions for the washing and storage
of radish microgreens by evaluating the effect of a sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)
wash on the growth of Escherichia coli and Listeria
monocytogenes. Sodium hypochlorite (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L) was
added to wash water and radish microgreens were treated for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
and 30 min. Treatment with NaOCl (150 mg/L, 5 min) significantly reduced (2.3
log CFU/g) the populations of both bacteria (p<0.05). After washing, the
levels of bacteria in NaOCl treated radish microgreens was evaluated during
storage at 4°C, 10°C, 15°C and 20°C for 3 days. The
growths of E. coli and L. monocytogenes
increased rapidly at temperatures over 15°C and 10°C respectively,
from day 1. We believed that NaOCl treatment-induced injuries may have caused
the release of exudate on microgreen surfaces, which could have facilitated the
growth of the pathogens at temperatures >10°C. To validate this
hypothesis, we inoculated microgreen extract with the pathogens and incubated it
under the above mentioned conditions. The growth of pathogens in the microgreens
extracts corresponded to that observed after NaOCl treatment. The results of
this study suggest that NaOCl treatment (150 mg/L, 5 min) and subsequent storage
at temperatures <5°C can effectively reduce the growth and
survival of E. coli and L. monocytogenes on
radish microgreesns.
Analyses of functional components of grapes and grape
products
Authors: Kim Hyeon Ji , Hong Hae Geun , Kwon Yeon Ok , Ha Jin Ok , Song Yu Na , Son Myeong Jin , Park Jeong Hwa , Kim Jong Su , Oh Jo Gyo
Published: January 2021

In this study, various functional components of grapes and grape products were
analyzed. Resveratrol and ellagic acid, representative components of polyphenols
found in grapes, were analyzed using high-pressure liquid chromatography.
Relatively higher contents of resveratrol in seedless grapes and ellagic acid in
Muscat Bailey A (MBA) grapes were found compared to those in other grape
cultivars. Total polyphenols and total flavonoids were significantly higher in
‘Campbell Early’ grape varieties. A comparison of the antioxidant
activity showed that the DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities of the MBA grape
varieties were significantly higher. Among the grape products, wine had higher
contents of the functional components than grape juice, particularly, red wine,
which had higher content than white wine due to the differences in the
manufacturing and fermentation processes. Grape juice contained higher contents
of functional components in the concentrated form (100%). Some varieties
contained relatively higher functional components compared to other antioxidants
(acorbic acid, trolox). In conclusion, grape is considered an excellent
antioxidant fruit with representative food color.
Effect of the use of ‘Meju’ added with roasted rice
on the quality of ‘Ganjang’
Authors: Yoon Sung Ran , Ryu Jung A , Jang Kil Su , Chung Namhyeok , Ryu Jung Gi
Published: January 2021

This study examined the quality characteristics of ‘Ganjang’
prepared with ‘Meju’ containing roasted rice additives (0%,
10%, 30%, 50%) for improving the flavor of traditional
‘Ganjang’. The differences between the flavor-enhanced
‘Ganjang’ and their traditional counterparts were also analyzed.
The total nitrogen and amino acid nitrogen contents of the
‘Ganjang’ prepared using ‘Meju’ containing roasted
rice additives decreased with increasing amount of roasted rice additives.
Reducing sugar content was the highest in ‘Ganjang’ in which
30% roasted rice was added to ‘Meju’ Analysis of the free
amino acids in ‘Ganjang’ showed that contents of the amino acids
with a bitter tastes during ‘Ganjang’ production decreased upon
the addition of roasted rice; among the amino acids with a sweet taste,
threonine content was high, and the glutamic acid content with a savory taste
was similar. Additionally, E-nose and E-tongue analyses showed that there were
differences between ‘Ganjang’ prepared using ‘Meju’
with roasted rice additives and the existing ‘Ganjang’. E-nose
analysis suggested that such differences originated due to the fruity odors of
ethyl acetate and tert-butyl acetate and the roasting odor of
pyrazine in ‘Ganjang’ with roasted rice additives. E-tongue
analysis exhibited high SWS sensor values, which responds to sweetness.
Therefore, this study confirmed the use of roasted rice for taste improvement,
which increased the sweet tastes and, fruity and roasting odors during the
production of traditional ‘Ganjang’.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of rice crispy
cereal added with Enteromorpha prolifera
Authors: Kim Da Hee , Baek Seung Yeon , Kim Mee Ree
Published: January 2021

In this study, 1, 3, and 5% of Enteromorpha prolifera
(E. prolifera, green laver) powder was added to the rice
crispy cereal, a gluten-free food. The quality characteristics and antioxidant
activities of rice crispy cereal were investigated. The reducing sugar content
decreased with increased contents of E. prolifera powder. In
the Hunter color system, the L and a values decreased, while the b values
increased with increasing E. prolifera content. The phycocyanin
and chlorophyll contents (antioxidant pigments) increased with increasing
amounts of E. prolifera. The 5% E.
prolifera additive group exhibited the maximum antioxidant and
radical (DPPH and hydroxyl) scavenging activities. The flavonoid and total
phenolic contents were also the maximum in this group. The intensity test
results revealed that rice crispy cereal containing 5% E.
prolifera exhibited the highest overall acceptability. Based on
these results, The study presents the preliminary data that can be used to
improve the nutritional value of rice crispy cereal. The results revealed that
powdered E. prolifera can be added in different proportions to
various types of food for the development of different food items having varying
properties.
Characterization and refining of Berryteuthis
magister viscera oil
Authors: Park Ji-in , Kwak Won Ju , Shim Kil Bo , Kim Poong Ho , Jang Mi-Soon
Published: January 2021

To effectively utilize marine by-products, the characteristics of
Berryteuthis magister viscera and refining of viscera oil
were investigated. The proximate composition of B. magister
viscera constituted 42.21% moisture, 6.15% crude protein,
46.74% crude lipid, and 0.81% ash. The fatty acid composition of
the viscera comprised 44.29% polyenes, 35.25% monoenes,
20.45% saturates, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was major component as
a 21.47%. Raw oil was extracted by heating the viscera at 80°C,
which consisted of 68.49% neutral lipid, 30.56% glycolipid,
0.95% phospholipid, and 14.99 mg/kg astaxanthin. In the process of
refining, degumming with 8% citric acid solution at 80°C for 20
min was effective in removing the phosphorous contents. Optimal conditions for
neutralization included treatment with 5 mL of 20% sodium hydroxide
solution per 100 g of degummed oil at 80°C for 20 min. The acid value
decreased from 17.29 mg KOH/g to 0.27 mg KOH/g in the deacidified oil. Bleaching
was optimized by adding 5% clay acid and heating for 20 min at
100°C under vacuum. After bleaching, the acid and peroxide values were
0.14 mg KOH/g and 9.78 meq/kg, respectively. The fatty acid composition of the
refined viscera oil consisted of 48.03% polyenes, 33.02% monoenes,
18.97% saturates, and EPA (24.30%) as the major fatty acid. The
results suggest that B. magister viscera can be used as a
functional resource material.
Quality characteristics of solid starters manufactured with
Aspergillus oryzae OF5-20
Authors: Kim Joo-Yeon , Gwon Hee-Min , Kim So-Yeong , Yeo Soo-Hwan
Published: January 2021

The quality characteristics of solid starters manufactured from two types of rice
samples have been reported herein. The rice samples were inoculated with
Aspergillus oryzae OF5-20. It was isolated from
‘Nuruk’, a traditional fermentation starter, and exhibited high
enzyme activity. The water absorption rate of rice, the raw material, reached
the maximum within 160 min at ‘Samgwang’ and in 10 min at
‘Jeonju 615’. The quality evaluation tests revealed that among the
for two solid starters, ‘Samgwang’ and ‘Jeonju 615’,
Samgwang exhibited a higher acidity and amino acidity. As a result of the enzyme
activity according to the inoculation ratio of A. oryzae
OF5-20, the α-amylase showed the highest activity in
‘Samgwang’ solid starter inoculated with 4% of A.
oryzae OF5-20 and ‘Jeonju 615’ solid starter with
6% inoculation. The glucoamylase activity was 1.4 times higher when the
solid starter was inoculated with 4% of the liquid fungus
(‘Samgwang’, 1,592.8 unit/g) than the enzyme activity when the
solid starter was inoculated with 2% of the liquid fungus (1,137.8
unit/g). Since organic acids have a high ratio of citric acid and amino acids
are composed of 20 kinds, such as glutamic acid, alanine, and phenylalanine, the
solid starter, according to rice varieties, showed a difference in the formation
of organic acids and free amino acids. Therefore, this research is expected to
contribute to the improvement of the depressed starter industry and the quality
of our ‘Yakju’ by the quality uniformity of solid starter
manufacture using the brewing fungus with having good enzyme activity.
Higher production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by
co-fermentation lactic acid bacteria with Rhus verniciflura
extract
Authors: Jeon Young-Jun , Gwak Yun-Geum-Sang , Lee Sam-Pin
Published: January 2021

Higher production of GABA by co-fermentation lactic acid bacteria with R.
verniciflura extract. The pH and acidity of the RV extract were
4.49 and 0.13%, respectively. The soluble solid and polyphenol contents
were 0.52% and 5.77 mg/g, and the reducing sugar content was 3.9 mg/g.
The RV extract (15%, v/v) was mixed with sucrose (5%) and yeast
extract (1%). The mixture was fermented for 2 days at 25°C in the
presence of Leuconostoc citreum S5. The second fermentation
step involved the use of, Monosodium glutamate (5%, precursor) and
skimmed milk (5%). The second fermentation was carried out by
Lactobacillus plantarum EJ2014 at 30°C over a period
of 7 days. The pH of the co-fermented RV extract was 4.75 and the acidity was
0.99%. The viable bacterial count for Leuc. citreum S5
and L. plantarum EJ2014 were 4.10 log CFU/mL and 8.68 log
CFU/mL, respectively. The complete bio-conversion of MSG produced GABA (24.56
mg/mL). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis
(ABTS) radical scavenging activity of the co-fermented RV decreased (from 3.89
mg/mL to 2.03 mg/mL (IC50 values) for DPPH; from 16.03 mg/mL to 5.07
mg/mL (IC50 values) for ABTS). In conclusion the novel
co-fermentation of RV extract could provide multi-functional ingredients,
including GABA and probiotics.
SARS-CoV-2 Control on a Large Urban College Campus Without Mass Testing
Authors: O’Donnell Chris , Brownlee Kate , Martin Elise , Suyama Joe , Albert Steve , Anderson Steve , Bhatte Sai , Bonner Kenyon , Burton Chad , Corn Micaela , Eng Heather , Flage Bethany , Frerotte Jay , Balasubramani Goundappa K. , Haggerty Catherine , Haight Joel , Harrison Lee H. , Hartman Amy , Hitter Thomas , King Wendy C. , Ledger Kate , Marsh Jane W. , McDonald Margaret C. , Miga Bethany , Moses Kim , Newman Anne , Ringler Meg , Roberts Mark , Sax Terrie , Shekhar Anantha , Sterne Matthew , Tenney Tyler , Vanek Marian , Wells Alan , Wenzel Sally , Williams John
Published: January 2021

Objective

A small percentage of universities and colleges conduct mass SARS-CoV-2 testing. However, universal testing is resource-intensive, strains national testing capacity, and false negative tests can encourage unsafe behaviors.

Participants

A large urban university campus.

Methods

Virus control centered on three pillars: mitigation, containment, and communication, with testing of symptomatic and a random subset of asymptomatic students.

Results

Random surveillance testing demonstrated a prevalence among asymptomatic students of 0.4% throughout the term. There were two surges in cases that were contained by enhanced mitigation and communication combined with targeted testing. Cumulative cases totaled 445 for the term, most resulting from unsafe undergraduate student behavior and among students living off-campus. A case rate of 232/10,000 undergraduates equaled or surpassed several peer institutions that conducted mass testing.

Conclusions

An emphasis on behavioral mitigation and communication can control virus transmission on a large urban campus combined with a limited and targeted testing strategy.
The retrosplenial cortex combines internal and external cues to encode head velocity during navigation
Authors: Keshavarzi Sepiedeh , Bracey Edward F. , Faville Richard A. , Campagner Dario , Tyson Adam L. , Lenzi Stephen C. , Branco Tiago , Margrie Troy W.
Published: January 2021

The extent to which we successfully navigate the environment depends on our ability to continuously track our heading direction and speed. Angular head velocity (AHV) cells, which encode the speed and direction of head turns during navigation, are fundamental to this process, yet the mechanisms that determine their function remain unknown. By performing chronic single-unit recordings in the retrosplenial cortex (RSP) of the mouse and tracking the activity of individual AHV neurons between freely moving and head-restrained conditions, we find that vestibular inputs dominate AHV signalling. In addition, we discover that self-generated optic flow input onto these neurons increases the gain and signal-to-noise ratio of angular velocity coding during free exploration. Psychophysical experiments and neural decoding further reveal that vestibular-visual integration increases the perceptual accuracy of egocentric angular velocity and the fidelity of its representation by RSP ensembles. We propose that while AHV coding is dependent on vestibular input, it also uses vision to maximise navigation accuracy in nocturnal and diurnal environments.
Functional Comparison of Different Exome Capture-based Methods for Transcriptomic Profiling of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tumor Samples
Authors: Shohdy Kyrillus S. , Bareja Rohan , Sigouros Michael , Wilkes David C. , Dorsaint Princesca , Manohar Jyothi , Bockelman Daniel , Xiang Jenny Z. , Kim Rob , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Elemento Olivier , Sboner Andrea , Alonso Alicia , Faltas Bishoy M.
Published: January 2021

Background

The need for fresh frozen (FF) tissue limits implementing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in the clinic. The majority of clinical samples are processed in clinical laboratories and stored as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Exome capture has recently emerged as a promising approach for RNA-seq from FFPE samples. Multiple exome capture platforms are now available. However, their performances have not been systematically compared.

Methods

Transcriptomic analysis of 32 FFPE tumor samples from 11 patients was performed using three exome capture-based methods: Agilent SureSelect V6, TWIST NGS Exome, and IDT XGen Exome Research Panel. We compared these methods to TruSeq RNA-seq of fresh frozen (FF-TruSeq) tumor samples from the same patients. We assessed the recovery of clinically relevant biological features, including the expression of key immune genes, expression outliers often associated with actionable genes, gene expression-based subtypes, and fusions using each of these capture methods.

Results

The Spearman’s correlation coefficients between global expression profiles of the three capture-based methods and matched FF tumor samples, analyzed using TruSeq RNA-seq, were high (rho = 0.72-0.9, p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the expression of key immune genes between individual capture-based methods and FF-TruSeq (rho = 0.76-0.88, p < 0.05). All three exome capture-based methods reliably detected the outlier expression of actionable genes, including ERBB2, MET, NTRK1, and PPARG, initially detected in FF-TruSeq. In urothelial cancer samples, the Agilent assay was associated with the highest molecular subtyping agreement with FF-TruSeq (Cohen’s k = 0.7, p < 0.01). Both Agilent and IDT detected all the clinically relevant fusions which were initially identified in FF-TruSeq.

Conclusion

All exome capture-based methods had comparable performance and concordance with FF-TruSeq. These findings provide a path for the transcriptomic profiling of vast numbers of FFPE currently stored in biobanks. For specific applications such as fusion detection and gene expression-based subtyping, some methods performed better. By enabling the interrogation of FFPE tumor samples, our findings open the door for implementing RNA-seq in the clinic to guide precision oncology approaches.
Disordered sodium alkoxides from powder data: crystal structures of sodium ethoxide, propoxide, butoxide and pentoxide, and some of their solvates
Authors: Beske Maurice , Cronje Stephanie , Schmidt Martin U. , Tapmeyer Lukas
Published: January 2021

The crystal structures of sodium ethoxide (sodium ethanolate, NaOEt), sodium n-propoxide (sodium n-propanolate, NaO
n
Pr), sodium n-butoxide (sodium n-butanolate, NaO
n
Bu) and sodium n-pentoxide (sodium n-amylate, NaO
n
Am) were determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. NaOEt crystallizes in space group P
421
m, with Z = 2, and the other alkoxides crystallize in P4/nmm, with Z = 2. To resolve space-group ambiguities, a Bärnighausen tree was set up, and Rietveld refinements were performed with different models. In all structures, the Na and O atoms form a quadratic net, with the alkyl groups pointing outwards on both sides (anti-PbO type). The alkyl groups are disordered. The disorder becomes even more pronounced with increasing chain length. Recrystallization from the corresponding alcohols yielded four sodium alkoxide solvates: sodium ethoxide ethanol disolvate (NaOEt·2EtOH), sodium n-propoxide n-propanol disolvate (NaO
n
Pr·2
n
PrOH), sodium isopropoxide isopropanol pentasolvate (NaO
i
Pr·5
i
PrOH) and sodium tert-amylate tert-amyl alcohol monosolvate (NaO
t
Am·
t
AmOH,
t
Am = 2-methyl-2-butyl). Their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All these solvates form chain structures consisting of Na+, –O− and –OH groups, encased by alkyl groups. The hydrogen-bond networks diverge widely among the solvate structures. The hydrogen-bond topology of the
i
PrOH network in NaO
i
Pr·5
i
PrOH shows branched hydrogen bonds and differs considerably from the networks in pure crystalline
i
PrOH.
Concomitance of octamolybdate isomers in metastable crystal structures isolated using homoleptic CoII/CoIII complexes as structure-directing templates
Authors: Atencio Reinaldo , Briceño Alexander , Bruno-Colmenarez Julia , Silva Pedro , Rodríguez Laura , Sosa Eleida , Limones Erick , Pacheco Yesenia , Cáceres Julio , Vielma Joel
Published: January 2021

Exploiting the kinetic domain provided by hydrothermal conditions, it was possible to isolate three transient metastable crystal structures, each bearing concomitant pairs of octamolybdate isomers, namely, α–β, γ–β or βcs–βgp stabilized by distinctive homoleptic [Co(bpy)3]
n+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; n = 2 or 3) cations generated in situ: [Co(bpy)3]4[(α-Mo8O26)(β-Mo8O26)]·5H2O (1), [NH4][Co(bpy)3][(γ-Mo8O26)0.5(β-Mo8O26)0.5]·4H2O (2) and [Co(bpy)3]2[(βcs-Mo8O26)0.5(βgp-Mo8O26)]·12H2O (3). Solid 1 with the space group P21/n and unit-cell parameters a = 22.160 (6), b = 14.209 (3), c = 24.641 (4) Å, β = 99.10 (2)° and V = 7661 (3) Å3 resulted in the same crystal structure as that synthesized previously under different conditions by Sun et al. [J. Mol. Struct. (2005), 741, 149–153]. Factors directing the reaction, such as product composition and phase stability, were monitored by analysis of the PXRD patterns of the bulk solids obtained under different experimental conditions. The relative proportions of the mixed phases 1–3 or their stabilization are highly dependent on the initial Co:Mo molar ratio and the reaction temperature. In particular, an increase in temperature induces the transformation of 1–3 into more thermodynamically stable phases formed by one-dimensional coordination polymers [Co(bpy)2(β-Mo8O26)0.5]
n
(4) and [(MoO3)(bpy)]
n
(5). The crystal structures of 1–3 correspond to molecular salts self-assembled by C—H...O—Mo, C...H and H...H intermolecular contacts. A Hirshfeld surface analysis for 1 showed that the C...H and H...H interactions represent an average of 51.8% of the total cation–cation intermolecular contacts. In contrast, these interactions are vastly reduced in 2 (23.0%) and 3 (average 28.5% for both isomers). EPR experiments indicated that the crystal structures of 1 and 3 are paramagnetic, and that for 2 is diamagnetic. The paramagnetism of 3 stems from the in situ formation of [Co(bpy)3]3+ in a high-spin configuration. The structure-directing properties of the [Co(bpy)3]
n+ cations in the isolation and self-assembly of concomitant octamolybdate isomers are also described from the viewpoint of crystal engineering.
Scaffolding the academic language of complex text: an intervention for late secondary students
Authors: Reynolds Dan
Published: January 2021

Background

Late secondary‐level students (those in their final 2 years of secondary school) preparing for the demands of university and careers increasingly face texts written in academic language. Unfortunately, few intervention studies show how instruction can improve their reading achievement.

Methods

The 152 student participants (16–17 years old, U.S. Grade 11) were randomly assigned either to small groups receiving scaffolded instruction while reading complex texts or to a business‐as‐usual control condition. The intervention instruction included tutors supporting students' paraphrasing skills while scaffolding their academic language. Measures included pre‐test and post‐tests of standardised reading comprehension and tutors' reports of the scaffolds they used in each session. Multi‐level regression modelling estimated the causal effect of the intervention (RQ1) and the associations between the types of scaffolds and the comprehension outcome (RQ2).

Results

For RQ1, assignment to the intervention significantly predicted a 1.20‐point increase in a standardised test widely used for entrance into U.S. universities, which includes a reading comprehension subtest reading scores (d = 0.16). No significant interactions were found by pre‐test scores, race, eligibility for school lunch subsidy or learning disabilities. For RQ2, the scaffolds measure explained 11% of the outcome variance, suggesting that scaffolding contributes significantly to comprehension outcomes. Specifically, rereading scaffolds significantly predicted lower post‐test scores, while syntax and structure scaffolds predicted higher post‐test scores.

Conclusions

This intervention presents a model for future interventions with this understudied population. A focus on complex texts with scaffolding designed to account for the complexity of academic language may be effective in supporting late secondary students' reading comprehension. In addition, certain kinds of scaffolding may be differentially effective if educators help students unpack complicated syntax and attend to the structural features of complex texts.
Ear as an alternative sampling site for GSR analysis following shotgun discharge
Authors: Akçan Ramazan , Demircioglu Derya , Aydogan Halit Canberk , Cavlak Mehmet , Erkan Emre , Demiray Emirhan , Mercan Mustafa , Rıza Tümer Ali
Published: January 2021

Detection of GSR particles potentially indicates that a person fired a gun or somehow involved to a shooting event. GSR on the shooter's hand, face, and clothing may disappear within hours and with sweat secretion, washing or cleaning to remove evidences. Due to its anatomical properties, ears are relatively protected; therefore, we aimed to identify GSR particles on ears, to compare its anatomical parts of ears, and compare ears with common GSR sampling sites, based on firing frequency. A 12‐gauge semi‐automatic shotgun was used. In the 4‐week study, one shot in the first week, two consecutive shots in second week, three shots in third week, and five shots in fourth week were fired by six participants. Samples were taken from MAE, CA, and AAECA of both ears and common GSR sampling sites. The characteristic 3‐component structure (Pb/Sb/Ba) of the samples was analyzed by SEM/EDX. Right CA was the most suitable area for sampling, which might be attributed to posture of body during targeting. Right ear was the most suitable area to take samples from CA or MAE in 3‐shot group. Besides, left AAECA in 1‐ and 2‐shot groups and the left MAE in 5‐shot group were the most suitable areas for GSR sampling. In conclusion, ear seems to be a valuable alternative for detection of GSR particles, due to its complex anatomical structure potentially preventing loss of GSR with daily cleaning. Findings suggested that crime scene investigation teams and criminal laboratory staff should consider ear as a valuable alternative for GSR detection.
Tofacitinib overcomes an IFNγ‐induced decrease in NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity via the regulation of immune‐related molecules in LC‐2/ad
Authors: Okita Riki , Shimizu Katsuhiko , Nojima Yuji , Saisho Shinsuke , Nakata Masao
Published: January 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)/PD‐1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) axis have shown promising results in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One major PD‐L1 inducer is IFNγ, which is secreted by T cells and NK cells. Importantly, IFNγ‐induced PD‐L1 is one of the major mechanisms by which cancer cells escape host immunity.

Methods

Here, we found that the NSCLC cell line, LC‐2/ad, has a unique character; the PD‐L1 expression in these cells is up‐regulated by both IFNγ and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Results

Comparative analysis of the cell signaling pathway showed that IFNγ activates STAT1 signaling, while EGF activates AKT, MAPK, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase in LC‐2/ad cells. IFNγ‐induced PD‐L1, but not EGF‐induced PD‐L1, was clearly blocked by the JAK‐STAT inhibitor tofacitinib. Interestingly, IFNγ decreased the expression of NK cell‐activating ligands while increasing the expression of MHC class I molecules, resulting in a phenotype that can easily escape from NK cells, theoretically. Finally, we showed that IFNγ stimuli attenuated NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity in LC‐2/ad cells, which was, however, blocked by tofacitinib.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study shows that tofacitinib blocks the IFNγ‐induced transformation from an NK cell‐sensitive phenotype to an NK cell‐resistant one in IFNγ‐reacted LC‐2/ad cells, thereby implicating that tofacitinib may be a promising agent to overcome IFNγ‐induced tumor immune escape, although it may be adapted to the limited number of NSCLC patients.
Sensitization to amphetamine psychostimulant effect: A key role for ventral tegmental area neurotensin type 2 receptors and MAP kinase pathway
Authors: Voyer David , Einsiedel Jürgen , Gmeiner Peter , Lévesque Daniel , Rompré Pierre‐Paul
Published: January 2021

Neurotensin is an endogenous neuropeptide that acts as a potent modulator of ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurotransmission. The present study was aimed at determining VTA cell population and neurotensin receptor subtype responsible for the initiation of amphetamine‐induced psychomotor activity and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2) sensitization. During an induction phase, rats were injected intra‐VTA on two occasions, every second day, with [D‐Tyr11]‐neurotensin (D‐Tyr‐NT), SR142948 (a mix Ntsr1/Ntsr2 receptor subtype antagonist), SR48692 (a Ntsr1 antagonist), D‐Tyr‐NT + SR142498, D‐Tyr‐NT + SR48692, or the vehicle. Effects of intra‐VTA drugs were evaluated at locomotor activity and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Five days after the last VTA microinjection, the effect of a systemic injection of amphetamine was tested (sensitization test). Results show that D‐Tyr‐NT stimulated locomotor activity during the induction phase, an effect that was blocked by SR142948, but not SR48692. Amphetamine also induced significantly higher ambulatory activity in rats preinjected with D‐Tyr‐NT than in rats preinjected with the vehicle. This sensitization effect was again attenuated by SR142948, but not SR48692, hence suggesting that this effect is mediated by Ntsr2 receptors. To confirm this, we tested a highly selective Ntsr2 peptide–peptoid hybrid ligand, NT150. At the concentration tested, NT150 stimulated locomotor activity and lead to sensitized locomotor activity and a selective neurochemical (pERK1/2) response in tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive neurons of the VTA. Both effects were prevented by SR142948. Taken together, these results show that neurotensin, acting on Ntsr2 receptor subtypes, stimulates locomotor activity and initiates neural changes (ERK1/2 phosphorylation) that lead to amphetamine‐induced sensitization.
Heterogeneity of pollen food allergy syndrome in seven Southern European countries: The @IT.2020 multicenter study
Authors: Lipp Theresa , Acar Şahin Aydan , Aggelidis Xenophon , Arasi Stefania , Barbalace Andrea , Bourgoin Anne , Bregu Blerina , Brighetti Maria Antonia , Caeiro Elsa , Caglayan Sozmen Sule , Caminiti Lucia , Charpin Denis , Couto Mariana , Delgado Luís , Di Rienzo Businco Andrea , Dimier Claire , Dimou Maria V. , Fonseca João A. , Goksel Ozlem , Guvensen Aykut , Hernandez Dolores , Hoffmann Tara Maria , Jang Dah Tay , Kalpaklioglu Fusun , Lame Blerta , Llusar Ruth , Makris Michael P. , Mazon Angel , Mesonjesi Eris , Nieto Antonio , Öztürk Ayse , Pahus Laurie , Pajno Giovanni Battista , Panasiti Ilenia , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Pellegrini Elisabetta , Pelosi Simone , Pereira Ana M. , Pereira Mariana , Pinar Munevver , Potapova Ekaterina , Priftanji Alfred , Psarros Fotis , Sackesen Cansin , Sfika Ifigenia , Suarez Javier , Thibaudon Michel , Travaglini Alessandro , Tripodi Salvatore , Verdier Valentine , Villella Valeria , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Yazici Duygu , Matricardi Paolo M. , Dramburg Stephanie
Published: January 2021

Background

Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a frequently underdiagnosed disease due to diverse triggers, clinical presentations, and test results. This is especially relevant in geographic areas with a broad spectrum of pollen sensitization, such as Southern Europe.

Objectives

To elucidate similarities and differences of PFAS in nine Southern European centers and identify associated characteristics and unique markers of PFAS.

Methods

As part of the @IT.2020 Multicenter Study, 815 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), aged 10–60 years, were recruited in seven countries. They completed questionnaires regarding SAR, comorbidities, family history, and PFAS, and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) and serum IgE testing.

Results

Of the 815 patients, 167 (20.5%) reported PFAS reactions. Most commonly, eliciting foods were kiwi (58, 34.7%), peach (43, 25.7%), and melon (26, 15.6%). Reported reactions were mostly local (216/319, 67.7%), occurring within 5 min of contact with elicitors (209/319, 65.5%). Associated characteristics included positive IgE to at least one panallergen (profilin, PR‐10, or nsLTP) (p = 0.007), maternal PFAS (OR: 3.716, p = 0.026), and asthma (OR: 1.752, p = 0.073). Between centers, heterogeneity in prevalence (Marseille: 7.5% vs. Rome: 41.4%, p < 0.001) and of clinical characteristics was apparent. Cypress played a limited role, with only 1/22 SPT mono‐sensitized patients reporting a food reaction (p < 0.073).

Conclusions

PFAS is a frequent comorbidity in Southern European SAR patients. Significant heterogeneity of clinical characteristics in PFAS patients among the centers was observed and may be related to the different pollen sensitization patterns in each geographic area. IgE to panallergen(s), maternal PFAS, and asthma could be PFAS‐associated characteristics.
Editorial: microbiome modulation by rifaximin in severe alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Youn Gi Soo , Suk Ki Tae
Published: January 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al paper. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16200