bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible emission and energy transfer in Tb3+/Dy3+ co‐doped phosphate glasses
Authors: Sun Yan , Yu Fei , Liao Meisong , Ma Juping , Wang Xin , He Dongbing , Gao Weiqing , Knight Jonathan , Hu Lili
Published: August 2020

In this work, we systematically study the spectroscopic properties of Tb3+/Dy3+ co‐doped phosphate glasses in the visible spectral region and explore the sensitization role of Dy3+ in the enhancement of visible fluorescence of Tb3+ ions. Judd‐Ofelt parameters Ω2 and Ω4/Ω6 of the phosphate glass as host for Tb3+ are calculated as 21.60 × 10‐20 cm2 and 0.73, respectively, based on the measured spectral absorption. Multiple energy transfer (ET) routes from Dy3+ to Tb3+ and their efficiencies are characterized, and the enhanced fluorescence properties of Tb3+ are investigated, including the emission spectral strength and the spontaneous emission lifetime as functions of Dy3+ doping concentration. The efficient nonradiative ET processes between Dy3+ and Tb3+ allow a moderate concentration level of Tb3+ to achieve favorably stronger spectral absorption at blue and ultraviolet wavelengths. Tb3+/Dy3+ co‐doped phosphate glass shows promising potential for phosphors and lasing operation at visible wavelengths.
Novel phenomenon of quasi‐volcanic corrosion on the alumina refractory‐slag‐air interface
Authors: Zou Yongshun , Huang Ao , Gu Huazhi
Published: August 2020

A novel phenomenon of quasi‐volcanic corrosion at refractory–slag–air interface under simulated normal smelting conditions was discovered when alumina refractory came in contact with CaO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 slags and soaked at 1600°C. Based on thermodynamic and microstructure analysis, the mechanism of quasi‐volcanic corrosion was revealed and the effect of CaO/SiO2 mass ratio (C/S ratio) on corrosion was discussed. The results indicate that a two‐stage intensified convection led to the severe upwelling corrosion of the refractory at the triple‐phase interface. Furthermore, the critical intensity of the corrosive convection at the first stage on the formation of “slag volcano” was determined. This can serve as guidance for prolonging the service life of alumina refractory.
CEOs’ experience of the Great Chinese Famine and accounting conservatism
Authors: Hu Jun , Long Wenbin , Tian Gary Gang , Yao Daifei (Troy)
Published: August 2020

This study investigates how a CEO's early‐life experience of the Great Chinese Famine affects corporate accounting conservatism. We find that companies whose CEOs had experienced famines in early life adopted more conservative accounting policies. This famine experience effect is more pronounced in high uncertainty environments proxied by non‐SOEs, politician turnovers and the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Additional tests indicate that CEOs with famine experience tend to support conservative accounting practices for contingencies and accelerate the recognition of asset impairments in negative events. Overall, consistent with imprinting theory, our results highlight the role of early‐life traumatic experiences in shaping CEOs’ risk preferences and financial reporting policies.
Effects of parent‐of‐origin models with different pedigree information on beef carcass traits and fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Inoue Keiichi , Nishio Motohide , Shoji Noriaki , Hirooka Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Genomic imprinting should be considered in animal breeding systems to avoid lead in bias in genetic parameter estimation. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of pedigree information on imprinting variances for carcass traits and fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle. Carcass records [carcass weight, rib eye area, rib thickness (RT), subcutaneous fat thickness and beef marbling score (BMS)] and fatty acid composition were obtained for 11,855 Japanese Black feedlot cattle. To estimate and compare the imprinting variances for the traits, two imprinting models with different pedigree information [the sire–dam gametic relationship matrix (Model 1) and the sire–maternal grandsire (MGS) numerator relationship matrix (Model 2)] were fitted. The ratio of the imprinting variance to the total additive genetic variance for RT (6.33%) and BMS (19.00%) was significant in Model 1, but only that for BMS (21.09%) was significant in Model 2. This study revealed that fitting the sire–MGS model could be useful in estimating imprinting variance under certain conditions, such as when restricted pedigree information is available. Furthermore, the present result suggested that the maternal gametic effects on BMS should be included in breeding programmes for Japanese Black cattle to avoid selection bias caused by imprinting effects.
Recognition of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young in China
Authors: Liang Hua , Zhang Yanan , Li Maixinyue , Yan Jinhua , Yang Daizhi , Luo Sihui , Zheng Xueying , Yang Guoqing , Li Zhuo , Xu Wen , Groop Leif , Weng Jianping
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

Given that mutations related to maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) are rarely found in Chinese populations, we aim to characterize the mutation spectrum of MODY pedigrees.

Materials and Methods

Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young candidate gene‐ or exome‐targeted capture sequencing was carried out in 76 probands from unrelated families fulfilling the clinical diagnostic criteria for MODY. MAF <0.01 in the GnomAD or ExAC database was used to filter significant variants. Sanger sequencing was then carried out to validate findings. Function prediction by SIFT, PolyPhen‐2 and PROVEAN or CADD was carried out in missense mutations.

Results

A total of 32 mutations in six genes were identified in 31 families, accounting for 40.79% of the potential MODY families. The MODY subtype detection rate was 18.42% for GCK, 15.79% for HNF1A, 2.63% for HNF4A, and 1.32% for KLF11, PAX4 and NEUROG3. Seven nonsense/frameshift mutations and four missense mutations with damaging prediction were newly identified novel mutations. The clinical features of MODY2, MODY3/1 and MODYX are similar to previous reports. Clinical phenotype of NEUROG3 p.Arg55Glufs*23 is characterized by hyperglycemia and mild intermittent abdominal pain.

Conclusions

This study adds to the emerging pattern of MODY epidemiology that the proportion of MODY explained by known pathogenic genes is higher than that previously reported, and found NEUROG3 as a new causative gene for MODY.
Burrowing behaviour of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla): Effects of life stage
Authors: Steendam Charlotte , Verhelst Pieterjan , Van Wassenbergh Sam , De Meyer Jens
Published: August 2020

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a fascinating species, exhibiting a complex life cycle. The species is, however, listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List due to an amalgam of factors, including habitat loss. This study investigated the burrowing behaviour and substrate preference of glass, elver and yellow stages of A. anguilla. Preference was determined by introducing eels in aquaria with different substrates and evaluating the chosen substrate for burrowing. In addition, burrowing was recorded using a camera in all substrate types and analysed for kinematics. The experiments showed that all of these life stages sought refuge in the sediments with particle sizes ranging from sand to coarse gravel. Starting from a resting position, they shook their head horizontally in combination with rapid body undulations until half of their body was within the substrate. High‐speed X‐ray videography revealed that once partly in the sediment, eels used only horizontal head sweeps to penetrate further, without the use of their tail. Of the substrates tested, burrowing performance was highest in fine gravel (diameter 1–2 mm; lower burrowing duration, less body movements and/or lower frequency of movements), and all eels readily selected this substrate for burrowing. However, glass eels and elvers were able to use coarse gravel (diameter >8 mm) because their smaller size allowed manoeuvring through the spaces between the grains. Further, burrowing performance increased with body size: glass eels required more body undulations compared to yellow eels. Interestingly, the urge to hide within the sediment was highest for glass eels and elvers. Documentation of substrate preference and burrowing behaviour of A. anguilla provides new information about their potential habitat use. Considering that habitat alterations and deteriorations are partly responsible for the decline of the eel, this information can contribute to the development of more effective conservation measures.
Molecular and light microscopy evidence for the transfer of Myxobolus honghuensis from Carassius auratus gibelio broodfish to progeny
Authors: Wang Sijia , Zhang Bo , Guo Qingxiang , Zhai Yanhua , Gu Zemao
Published: August 2020

Myxozoans usually have a complex life cycle involving indirect transmission between vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. The vertical transmission of these parasites in vertebrate hosts has not been documented so far. Here, we assessed whether the myxozoan parasite Myxobolus honghuensis is vertically transmitted in naturally infected allogynogenetic gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch). M. honghuensis infection of broodfish, fertilized eggs and laboratory‐cultured progeny was monitored in 2018 and 2019. The presporogonic stage was microscopically observed in the pharynx of broodfish and their progeny. In situ hybridization confirmed the presence of M. honghuensis presporogonic stage in the pharynx of broodfish and progeny. Nested PCR results showed that M. honghuensis was present in tissues and eggs of broodfish, fertilized eggs and their corresponding progeny. The sequences obtained from broodfish and progeny showed 98.0−99.8% similarity with ITS‐5.8S rDNA of M. honghuensis. This study provides molecular and light microscopy evidence for the transfer of M. honghuensis from broodfish to progeny via the eggs, but it is insufficient to assert that M. honghuensis can transmit vertically in naturally infected allogynogenetic gibel carp. This is the first record about vertical transfer of myxozoan in the vertebrate host.
A histological evaluation of pansteatitis‐affected Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852), from different geographical locations in South Africa
Authors: Sara Joseph R. , Luus‐Powell Wilmien J. , Fogelson Susan B. , Botha Hannes , Guillette Theresa C. , Smit Willem J. , Hoffman Andre , Kunutu Katlego D. , Koelmel Jeremy P. , Bowden John A.
Published: August 2020

Pansteatitis is the leading cause for the decline in Nile crocodile populations and the sporadic mortality of fish in the Olifants River System, South Africa. To determine the prevalence of this disease in lentic systems, Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were collected from Lake Loskop, Lake Flag Boshielo, Phalaborwa Barrage and Lake Luphephe‐Nwanedi. The former three impoundments are located within the main stem of the Olifants River, while the latter, which is geographically isolated and situated in the Limpopo River System, served as a reference site. Mesenteric adipose, liver, serosa of the swim bladder, gill and the skeletal muscle of fish sampled were examined for gross and microscopic evidence of pansteatitis. Microscopically observed changes were used to statistically compare pansteatitis prevalence between samples and sites. Based on histopathological evaluation, the adipose tissue in the liver, swim bladder serosa and coelom from severely debilitated individuals showed the most significant pathological changes. Lesions indicative of steatitis were observed in fish collected from Lake Loskop (75%), Lake Flag Boshielo (22%) and Lake Luphephe‐Nwanedi (15%). Further investigation is warranted to understand the pervasiveness and mechanisms driving pathological changes of pansteatitis at Lake Flag Boshielo, Phalaborwa Barrage and Lake Luphephe‐Nwanedi.
Field study indicating susceptibility differences between salmonid species and their lineages to proliferative kidney disease
Authors: Syrová Eva , Palíková Miroslava , Mendel Jan , Seidlová Veronika , Papežíková Ivana , Schmidt‐Posthaus Heike , Somerlíková Kristina , Minářová Hana , Mareš Lukáš , Mikulíková Ivana , Pikula Jiří , Mareš Jan
Published: August 2020

Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (Myxozoa: Malacosporea) is the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD), which affects both wild and farmed salmonid fish. The objective of this study was to outline differences in susceptibility to PKD in different salmonid species, hybrids and breeding lineages. Susceptibility to T. bryosalmonae infection was established based on cumulative mortality, pathological findings and detection of T. bryosalmonae in the kidney using immunohistochemistry and molecular methods. Determination of pure and hybrid individuals of different species in the genus Salvelinus, and dissimilarity of rainbow trout lineages, was performed using traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microsatellite analyses. Rainbow trout displayed higher disease severity compared with brook trout and Alsatian charr. Moreover, the results indicated differences in infection susceptibility, not only among different salmonid species but also among different lineages of charr and rainbow trout. Our study indicated that some salmonid species and even different lineages of the same species are more suitable for farming under PKD pressure.
Factors Associated With Improving or Worsening the State of Frailty: A Secondary Data Analysis of a 5‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Kwan Rick Yiu Cho , Wong Anthony Siu Wo , Ho Lily Yuen Wah , Chin Kenny CW , Liu Justina Yat Wah , Tse Mimi Mun Yee , Lai Claudia Kam Yuk
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the frailty transition patterns of older adults recruited from both community and residential care settings within a 5‐year period, and to identify the physical and psychosocial factors associated with the transitions.

Design

This study is a secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study for tracking the change of health status of older adults 60 years of age or older. Participants who had undergone at least two assessments during 2013–2017 were selected for analysis. Guided by the Gobben’s Frailty Model, biopsychosocial predictors were comprehensively identified from the literature, and their relationship to frailty state transition was explored.

Methods

We compared the baseline characteristics of participants at the frail, pre‐frail, and robust states (categorized using the Fried Frailty Index). A generalized estimating equation was used to identify factors associated with an improvement or a deterioration in frailty. The probability of transitions between frailty states was calculated.

Findings

Among the 306 participants, 19% (n = 59) improved and 30% (n = 92) declined in frailty within the project period. Sleep difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–2.90; p = .027), better cognitive status (OR = 0.80–0.84; 95% CI: 0.66–0.98 and 0.73–2.73; p = .031 and .018), good nutritional status (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59–0.91; p = .005), slow mobility (OR = 1.03–1.13; 95% CI: 1.00–1.05 and 1.03–1.25; p = .047 and .014), hearing impairment (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.00–8.01; p = .05), better quality of health—physical domain (OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92–0.99; p = .006), and better functional ability (OR = 0.85–0.97; 95% CI: 0.79–0.92 and 0.96–0.99; p < .001 and p = .003) were significant associated factors in the worsening group. More physical activity (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01 and 1.01–1.02; p = .026 and p < .001), hearing impairment (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.86; p = .028), and slow mobility (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87–1.00; p = .037) were significant associated factors in the improvement group.

Conclusions

Frailty is a crucial global public health issue. This study provides evidence for nurses to holistically consider the associated factors and to design effective interventions to combat frailty in our ageing society.

Clinical Relevance

Frailty is a transient state that can be reversed. Professional nurses working in both community and residential care settings should be able to identify older adults at risk and improve their health conditions appropriately.
Physician survey on pre‐/postprocedure measures for injectable treatments
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Andriessen Anneke , Hu Shasa , Vega Janelle H. , Goldberg David J. , Grover Komel V. , Lorenc Z. Paul , Mandy Stephen H.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Every year in the United States, over 1 billion dollars are spent on aesthetic injectables, such as soft tissue fillers and neurotoxins. In 2018, the total amount of injectable treatments performed surpassed 2 671 130 procedures. While often mild and transient, adverse events (AEs) can occur following these procedures. AEs may include common side effects such as bruising, or rare, but serious AEs such as infections. While previous investigators have evaluated methods of reducing risks of AEs due to the treatment procedure itself, few investigations have evaluated measures employed before and/or after treatment (ie, peri‐procedure).

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to aesthetic clinicians with experience performing injectable treatments. The survey collected information regarding general information (eg, demographics and specialty), type of injectable devices used, current peri‐procedures, and an exploration of future options for peri‐procedural measures.

Results

Most aesthetic clinicians did not use prophylactic topical or systemic antimicrobials, nor prophylactic topical antiviral therapy. However, approximately 65% of clinicians reported using prophylactic systemic antivirals for patients with a history of herpes simplex virus. A variety of products were used to prepare the skin prior to injectable procedures. Postprocedure, multiple over‐the‐counter wound repair products were recommended by >70% of injectors. However, there was a large variety of products recommended with no majority consensus.

Conclusions

Currently, there are no peri‐procedural standards of practice when performing aesthetic injectable treatments. Efforts are underway for the development of best‐practice algorithms.
Efficacy and safety of intralesional steroid injection in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Nassar Amany Abd Elrahman , Ibrahim Al‐shimaa M. , Mahmoud Asmaa Atef
Published: August 2020

Background

The etiopathogenesis of melasma is not yet completely elucidated; however, certain inflammatory cytokines are involved in its pathogenesis as interleukin (IL) 1a, IL 1b, IL6, prostaglandin (PG) D2and PGE2. Corticosteroid suppressive effect on these cytokines may explain its therapeutic effect in the treatment of melasma.

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional triamcinolone versus Kligman's formula in treatment of melasma.

Methods

This study included 2 groups of female patients with melasma; group1 (treatment group) included 22 patients who were treated by intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide at a concentration of 4 mg/mL once monthly for four sessions as a maximum and group 2 (control group), included 22 patients who were treated by Kligman's formula once daily for 3 months. All patients were evaluated by dermoscope before treatment and at each follow‐up visit to record any adverse effects of treatment.

Results

The severity of melasma, assessed by MASI score, significantly decreased in both groups at the end of third month. There was no statistically significant difference in the therapeutic response between both groups. No side effects were reported with triamcinolone injection except for mild pain during injection, while Kligman's formula was associated with dermatitis, irritation, and burning sensation.

Conclusions

Triamcinolone injection at low concentration could be an effective treatment modality of melasma.
Embodiment and Objectification in Illness and Health Care: Taking Phenomenology from Theory to Practice
Authors: Fernandez Anthony Vincent
Published: August 2020

Aims and Objectives

To demonstrate a conceptual approach to applied phenomenology using the concept of embodiment.

Background

Traditionally, qualitative researchers and healthcare professionals have been taught phenomenological methods, such as the epoché, reduction or bracketing. These methods are typically construed as a way of avoiding biases so that one may attend to the phenomena in an open and unprejudiced way. However, it has also been argued that qualitative researchers and healthcare professionals can benefit from phenomenology's well‐articulated theoretical framework, which consists of core concepts, such as selfhood, empathy, temporality, spatiality, affectivity and embodiment.

Design

This is a discursive article that demonstrates a conceptual approach to applied phenomenology.

Method

To outline and explain this approach to applied phenomenology, the Discussion section walks the reader through four stages of phenomenology, which progress incrementally from the most theoretical to the most practical.

Discussion

Part one introduces the philosophical concept of embodiment, which can be applied broadly to any human subject. Part two shows how philosophically trained phenomenologists use the concept of embodiment to describe general features of illness and disability. Part three illustrates how the phenomenological concept of embodiment can inform empirical qualitative studies and reflects on the challenges of integrating philosophy and qualitative research. Part four turns to phenomenology's application in clinical practice and outlines a workshop model that guides clinicians through the process of using phenomenological concepts to better understand patient experience.

Conclusion and Relevance to Clinical Practice

A conceptual approach to applied phenomenology provides a valuable alternative to traditional methodological approaches. Phenomenological concepts provide a foundation for better understanding patient experience in both qualitative health research and clinical practice, and therefore provide resources for enhancing patient care.
Prognostic significance of multi‐positive invasive histopathology in oral cancer
Authors: Adeoye John , Thomson Peter , Choi Siu‐Wai
Published: August 2020

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a lethal and deforming disease of rising incidence. With poor 5‐year survival rates associated with higher stage disease, there is a need in clinical practice for reliable prognostic determinants to consolidate treatment planning and coordinate therapeutic approaches to improve long‐term clinical outcomes for patients.

Methods

A retrospective clinicopathological review of 467 OSCC patients with documented clinical outcome and treated in Hong Kong over a 19‐year period was undertaken to investigate the potential prognostic role of 4 specific histopathological features of invasive tumour behaviour: perineural invasion (PNI), bone invasion (BNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and extra‐nodal extension (ENE) in metastatic neck disease.

Results

Histopathological data for PNI, BNI, LVI and ENE, and stratified as zero, one, two, three or four positives, were available for 279 patients. A trend for decreased disease‐free status was seen with increasing numbers of positive histopathological features, although this was not statistically significant (P = .1076). The time to onset of further disease (loco‐regional recurrence and/or distant metastasis) was statistically significant, however, with progressive disease presenting most rapidly with increasing numbers of positive invasive parameters (P = .000152).

Conclusion

PNI, BNI, LVI and ENE, especially when found in combination, show promise as prognostic markers of poor clinical outcome following OSCC treatment. Further, multi‐centre prospective studies are required to confirm the predictive value of multi‐positive histopathological features in clinical practice and to help improve individualised treatment planning.
Altered expression of CCN1 in oral lichen planus associated with keratinocyte activation and IL‐1β, ICAM1, and CCL5 up‐regulation
Authors: Wang Yun , Du Guanhuan , Shi Linjun , Shen Xuemin , Shen Zhengyu , Liu Wei
Published: August 2020

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that CCN1 is a novel inflammation‐regulated mediator involved in the pathogenesis of some immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the preliminary roles of CCN1 and its related cytokines IL‐1β, CCL5, and ICAM1 in oral lichen planus (OLP).

Methods

CCN1 expression levels in biopsies from OLP patients against normal oral mucosa (NOM) using immunohistochemistry (42 OLP vs 9 NOM) and RT‐qPCR (20 OLP vs 20 NOM) were compared, respectively. The correlation of CCN1 and IL‐1β, CCL5, and ICAM1 expression was examined by RT‐qPCR in tissue samples and an in vitro cell culture system using keratinocyte HaCaT cells incubated with lipopolysaccharides.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed that CCN1 protein mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of epithelial keratinocytes of OLP. Consistently, RT‐qPCR revealed that mRNA expression of CCN1 was increased in OLP compared with NOM (P < .05) and positively correlated with the high expression of IL‐1β, ICAM1, and CCL5 (P < .001), respectively. Importantly, an in vitro study showed that keratinocyte proliferation significantly (P < .05) increased by CCN1 stimulation. Moreover, IL‐1β, ICAM1, and CCL5 expression in keratinocytes stimulated by CCN1 was increased (P < .05), respectively.

Conclusions

This preliminary study for the first time reported that altered expression of CCN1 was associated with high expression of IL‐1β, ICAM1, and CCL5 in OLP. And we demonstrated CCN1 promoted keratinocyte activation, as well as IL‐1β, ICAM1, and CCL5 production in keratinocytes. Our data indicated that the potential role of CCN1 and its related cytokines was involved in the pathogenesis of OLP.
Machine learning and treatment outcome prediction for oral cancer
Authors: Chu Chui S. , Lee Nikki P. , Adeoye John , Thomson Peter , Choi Siu‐Wai
Published: August 2020

Background

The natural history of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is complicated by progressive disease including loco‐regional tumour recurrence and development of distant metastases. Accurate prediction of tumour behaviour is crucial in delivering individualized treatment plans and developing optimal patient follow‐up and surveillance strategies. Machine learning algorithms may be employed in oncology research to improve clinical outcome prediction.

Methods

Retrospective review of 467 OSCC patients treated over a 19‐year period facilitated construction of a detailed clinicopathological database. 34 prognostic features from the database were used to populate 4 machine learning algorithms, linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM) and k‐nearest neighbours (KNN) models, to attempt progressive disease outcome prediction. Principal component analysis (PCA) and bivariate analysis were used to reduce data dimensionality and highlight correlated variables. Models were validated for accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, with predictive ability assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) calculation.

Results

Out of 408 fully characterized OSCC patients, 151 (37%) had died and 131 (32%) exhibited progressive disease at the time of data retrieval. The DT model with 34 prognostic features was most successful in identifying “true positive” progressive disease, achieving 70.59% accuracy (AUC 0.67), 41.98% sensitivity and a high specificity of 84.12%.

Conclusion

Machine learning models assist clinicians in accessing digitized health information and appear promising in predicting progressive disease outcomes. The future will see increasing emphasis on the use of artificial intelligence to enhance understanding of aggressive tumour behaviour, recurrence and disease progression.
Gene expression changes associated with malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Sathasivam Hans P. , Casement John , Bates Timothy , Sloan Philip , Thomson Peter , Robinson Max , Kist Ralf
Published: August 2020

Background

A large number of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are believed to be preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) that have an increased likelihood of malignant transformation compared to clinically normal mucosa. This study was performed to identify differentially expressed genes between OPMDs that underwent malignant transformation (MT) and those that did not, termed “non‐transforming” (NT) cases.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue biopsies of 20 OPMD cases with known clinical outcomes (10 MT vs. 10 NT). Samples were assessed for quantity, quality and integrity of RNA prior to sequencing. Analysis for differential gene expression between MT and NT was performed using statistical packages in R. Genes were considered to be significantly differentially expressed if the False Discovery Rate corrected P‐value was < 0.05.

Results

RNA yield was variable but RNA purity was good (A260/A280 > 1.90). Analysis of RNA‐Sequencing outputs revealed 41 genes (34 protein‐coding; 7 non‐coding) that were significantly differentially expressed between MT and NT cases. The log2 fold change for the statistically significant differentially expressed genes ranged from −2.63 to 2.48, with 23 protein‐coding genes being downregulated and 11 protein‐coding genes being upregulated in MT cases compared to NT cases.

Conclusion

Several candidate genes that may play a role in malignant transformation of OPMD have been identified. Experiments to validate these candidates are underway. It is anticipated that this work will contribute to better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of OPMD and development of novel biomarkers.
Effect of dietary pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) and Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis miller) supplementation on testicular antioxidant biomarkers and spermatogenesis enzymes in mature V‐Line rabbit bucks
Authors: Bakeer Manal R. , El‐Attrouny Mahmoud M. , Abdelatty Alzahraa M.
Published: August 2020

Rabbit meat is considered as an economic source of white meat, increasing its production is limited by the buck fertility, since one rabbit can be used to inseminate up to 15 female. The aim of the current study is to enhance male rabbit fertility by using dietary antioxidants including Aloe vera gel (AVG) and pomegranate peels (PP). In a 60 days experiment, 48 V‐Line 5‐month‐old rabbit bucks of average body weight (2,300 ± 20) kg were allocated into four dietary treatments (n = 12/group) as follow: CON (fed on control diet), ALOE (received AVG in drinking water; 500 mg/L drinking water), POM3 (fed on basal diet + 3% of pomegranate) and POM5 (fed on basal diet + 5% of pomegranate). Semen samples were collected at d30 and d60 of the experiment and used for analysis of semen quality. Sexual behaviour was reported in terms of latency to first mating and ejaculation interval. At the end of the experiment, six bucks were euthanized from each group, blood samples were collected and used for testosterone level determination and testicular tissue samples were collected and used for key antioxidant and spermatogenesis enzymes assessment, and testes histopathological evaluation. The UNIVARIATE procedures of SAS 9.4 were used to analyse the data, significance was declared at p ≤.05. PP supplementation improved percentage of progressive motile sperms while AVG negatively impacted it (p = .04), sperm concentration and metabolically active sperm cells were the highest in PP and lowest in ALOE supplemented bucks (p = .01 and .01; respectively). Testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) decreased in AVG supplemented group (p = .01 and .02; respectively). From our findings, AVG in its fresh form decreased fertility of rabbit bucks, while PP is potent fertility boosting for rabbit bucks.
Effects of dietary fibres on gut microbial metabolites and liver lipid metabolism in growing pigs
Authors: Hu Yaolian , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Yan Hui , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , He Jun , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Zhang Xianghui , Luo Luhong
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with wheat bran fibre, inulin and their combination on growth performance, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in caecum and colon and liver lipid metabolism in growing pigs. A total of 48 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire cross‐bred growing pigs (73 ± 2 days of age; 24.37 ± 2.86 kg) were allocated to four groups randomly, each group consisting of six pens with two pigs each. The pigs were fed a control diet (CON), a diet containing 2% wheat bran fibre (WB), a diet containing 2% inulin (IN), and a diet containing both of 1% wheat bran fibre and 1% inulin (MIX), respectively. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that MIX fed pigs had a higher percentage of fat in the liver than those fed the CON (p < .05). IN, WB or MIX feeding decreased the concentrations of acetate and total SCFAs in colon compared with CON (p < .01). Feeding WB or IN also decreased the colonic butyrate concentrations compared with CON (p < .01). However, the serum level of valeric acid was elevated in the IN, WB and MIX group (p < .01). MIX fed pigs tended to have lower levels of propionate in serum than the WB fed pigs (p = .098). MIX feeding enhanced the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis‐related genes in liver compared with CON (p < .05). Feeding IN decreased the expression of bile acids synthesis‐related genes in liver and increased mRNA expression of SCFAs transporter SLC16A1 in colon compared with CON (p < .05). In this study, these data indicated that the combined supplementation of wheat bran fibre and inulin decreased the SCFAs concentrations in the colon, enhanced the genes FAS and HNF‐4α mRNA expression in liver and induced liver lipid accumulation in growing pigs.
No evidence of sexual transmission of HEV among individuals using HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Migueres Marion , Ducours Maïlys , Dimeglio Chloé , Trimoulet Pascale , Abravanel Florence , Delobel Pierre , Cazanave Charles , Izopet Jacques
Published: August 2020

We investigated the seroprevalence and incidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) who have been exposed to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV as sexual transmission of HEV has been suggested. A total of 147 PrEP‐using MSM and 147 blood donors matched for sex, age and geographical area were tested for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM. Among them, 135 have been followed for 1 year, at the end of which serological tests for HEV were performed retrospectively on stored samples. Laboratory data on sexual transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A virus (HAV), were collected. Baseline seroprevalence rates in PrEP users were 42.2% (anti‐HEV IgG) and 3.4% (anti‐HEV IgM). Those of the control blood donors were similar (anti‐HEV IgG 43.5% and anti‐HEV IgM 4.1%). There was no incident of HEV infection despite the rates of bacterial STIs (incidence rate (IR) = 46.6%) and HAV infection (IR = 15.8%). Age was the only risk factor associated with anti‐HEV IgG seropositivity at baseline and at the end of follow‐up. Sexual transmission does not seem to be a major route of HEV infection in MSM, unlike HAV.
Bayesian network to predict hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Huang Yun , Li Xiangyong , Zheng Xiaoyan , Tian Xiaolu , Yu Mingxue , Sha Liuping , Liu Yinhui , Chong Yutian , Hao Yuantao , You Xu
Published: August 2020

There is a need for an interpretable, accurate and interactions‐considered model for predicting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. We aimed to construct a Bayesian network (BN) model using available medical records to predict HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and to evaluate the model's performance. This was a case‐control study. A total of 1966 consecutive CHB patients (mean age 39.04 ± 11.23 years) between January 2006 and June 2015 were included. The demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory data and imaging parameters were obtained and used to build a BN model to estimate the probability of HBsAg seroclearance. Baseline serum HBsAg and hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) levels, virological response and HBeAg seroclearance were the most significant predictors of HBsAg seroclearance. The post‐test probability table showed that patients with baseline HBsAg concentrations ≤2000 IU/mL, negative baseline HBeAg, an initial virological response and without HBeAg seroclearance (i.e. no recurrence of HBeAg positivity during follow‐up) were most likely to have HBsAg seroclearance. The constructed BN model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.896 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.892, 0.899), a sensitivity of 0.840 (95% CI: 0.833, 0.846), a specificity of 0.880 (95% CI: 0.876, 0.884) and an accuracy of 0.878 (95% CI: 0.874, 0.882) for predicting HBsAg seroclearance. The established BN model accurately estimated the probability of HBsAg seroclearance and is a promising tool to assist clinical decision‐making.
Chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C along with cirrhosis drives a persistent imprint in virus‐specific CD8+ T cells after direct‐acting antiviral therapies
Authors: Perpiñán Elena , Pérez‐Del‐Pulgar Sofía , Londoño María‐Carlota , Mariño Zoe , Lens Sabela , Leonel Thais , Bartres Concepción , García‐López Mireia , Rodriguez‐Tajes Sergio , Forns Xavier , Koutsoudakis George
Published: August 2020

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impairs HCV CD8+ T‐cell responses, while it could influence immune responses towards unrelated viruses/vaccines (e.g. cytomegalovirus, CMV, and influenza, Flu). The aim of our study was to delineate whether restoration of these virus‐specific CD8+ T cells occurs after direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies and particularly in patients with cirrhosis. We performed longitudinal analysis (baseline, week 4, follow‐up [FU] 12 and FU48) of virus‐specific CD8+ T cells by multicolour flow cytometry in HCV‐cirrhotic patients undergoing DAA therapy (n = 26) after in vitro expansion with immunodominant HCV, CMV and Flu epitopes restricted by HLA‐A*02. HCV noncirrhotic patients (n = 9) and healthy individuals (n = 10) served as controls. We found that the proliferative capacity of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells increased from baseline up to FU48 in a significant proportion of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. Nevertheless, these cells remained poor cytokine producers in both patient groups, regardless of the down‐regulation of inhibitory co‐regulatory receptors in HCV‐cirrhotic patients at FU48. Likewise, high expression levels of these exhaustion markers were detected in CMV‐/Flu‐specific CD8+ T cells in HCV‐cirrhotic patients at all time points, albeit without affecting their proliferative capacity or cytokine production. We conclude that DAA therapies induce restoration of the proliferative capacity of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells. However, these cells remain phenotypically and functionally impaired. Contrarily, the ‘exhausted’ phenotype in CMV‐/Flu‐specific CD8+ T cells in HCV‐cirrhotic patients did not associate with their functions. Larger studier with longer follow‐up may elucidate whether this complex interplay influences the outcome of cirrhotic patients.
Disease burden of viral hepatitis A, B, C and E: A systematic analysis
Authors: Liu Zhenqiu , Shi Oumin , Zhang Tiejun , Jin Li , Chen Xingdong
Published: August 2020

Viral hepatitis has been recognized as a leading cause of deaths worldwide. We aimed to analyse the disease burden of viral hepatitis at the global, regional and national levels. We collected the data of death number, mortality rate, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) of viral hepatitis by sex, age, geography and type of disease from the Global Health Data Exchange platform. Estimated average percentage change (EAPC) was used to quantify the age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of viral hepatitis between 1990 and 2017. Globally, the number of deaths from viral hepatitis increased from 980.9 thousand in 1990 to 1412.3 thousand in 2017, accompanying by the DALYs increased from 35.2 million to 43.1 million in the same period. Hepatitis B and C accounted for 97.6% of total viral hepatitis‐related deaths worldwide in 2017. While the death number and DALYs were decreased in acute hepatitis A, B, C and E, a significant increase was found in liver cancer and cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and C. The ASMRs of liver cancer and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C were decreased at the global level and in most regions. However, a significant increase was observed in several developed countries, such as the USA and the UK. The disease burden of viral hepatitis continues to increase worldwide, which was driven by the increase in burden of chronic hepatitis B and C.
Egyptian fruit bats do not preferentially roost with their relatives
Authors: Bachorec E. , Horáček I. , Hulva P. , Konečný A. , Lučan R. K. , Jedlička P. , Shohdi W. M. , Řeřucha Š. , Abi‐Said M. , Bartonička T.
Published: August 2020

Roosts provide bats with place for daytime sheltering, protection from weather and predators, mating, and social interaction. Movements between multiple roosts are often necessary, either due to limited roost life, changes in roost conditions or demands at different times of the year. Information transfer is an important contributor to day‐roosting behaviour and typically exhibits non‐random social assortment dynamics. Some individuals appear to explore and share roost discoveries more often than others, though it remains unclear whether associations are stronger between close relatives than less related individuals. In the present study, network analysis, in combination with genetic and spatial data, was used to explore the roosting behaviour of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) within an isolated deme. Our results showed that the roosts had distinct core–periphery structure. The core of the winter roost network was represented by only two roosts, while in spring, the season of food scarcity, the core was represented by multiple roosts, suggesting their potential role as centres, where information about roosts and foraging sites is exchanged. We found no relationship between relatedness and roost sharing over two seasons. These results provide strong support that Egyptian fruit bats do not roost preferentially with relatives, in contrast to many animal populations where individuals preferentially associate with kin.
Mass mortality of the fan mussel, Pinna nobilis in Turkey (eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Öndes Fikret , Alan Vahit , Akçalı Barış , Güçlüsoy Harun
Published: August 2020

This study reported the mass mortality events (MMEs) of Pinna nobilis based on diving surveys in Turkey. Data were collected across 12 sites in the Aegean Sea, and one site in the Sea of Marmara, within the period of June‐September 2019. The results showed that a low mortality rate of 10% was found in the Sea of Marmara, and a MME was not detected for this area. In contrast, 97% mortality was recorded for the P. nobilis population distributed in the Turkish Aegean Sea. This discrepancy might be related to the seawater temperature and salinity values of these two seas. The waters of the Sea of Marmara were colder and less salty than the Aegean Sea. The findings highlighted the importance of protecting the healthy population of critically endangered fan mussels in the Sea of Marmara. It was recommended that sound management plans comprising of monitoring, enforcement and public awareness activities could be implemented in order to achieve this.
Evolution of putative barrier loci at an intermediate stage of speciation with gene flow in campions (Silene)
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Glémin Sylvain , Karrenberg Sophie
Published: August 2020

Understanding the origin of new species is a central goal in evolutionary biology. Diverging lineages often evolve highly heterogeneous patterns of genetic differentiation; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated evolutionary processes governing genetic differentiation between the hybridizing campions Silene dioica (L.) Clairv. and S. latifolia Poiret. Demographic modelling indicated that the two species diverged with gene flow. The best‐supported scenario with heterogeneity in both migration rate and effective population size suggested that a small proportion of the loci evolved without gene flow. Differentiation (F
ST) and sequence divergence (d
XY) were correlated and both tended to peak in the middle of most linkage groups, consistent with reduced gene flow at highly differentiated loci. Highly differentiated loci further exhibited signatures of selection. In between‐species population pairs, isolation by distance was stronger for genomic regions with low between‐species differentiation than for highly differentiated regions that may contain barrier loci. Moreover, differentiation landscapes within and between species were only weakly correlated, suggesting that linked selection due to shared recombination and gene density landscapes is not the dominant determinant of genetic differentiation in these lineages. Instead, our results suggest that divergent selection shaped the genomic landscape of differentiation between the two Silene species, consistent with predictions for speciation in the face of gene flow.
Cryptococcal infection in haematologic malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Nematollahi Saman , Dioverti‐Prono Veronica
Published: August 2020

This review summarises both the recent and relevant studies about cryptococcal infections in haematologic malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although uncommon in this patient population, this infection carries a high mortality, especially if left untreated. Given the limited data, we draw some conclusions with respect to management from the solid organ transplantation and HIV‐infected literature. Herein, we discuss cryptococcosis with a particular attention to its background, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in this group.
Insights into the evolutionary history and widespread occurrence of antheridiogen systems in ferns
Authors: Hornych Ondřej , Testo Weston L. , Sessa Emily B. , Watkins James E. , Campany Courtney E. , Pittermann Jarmila , Ekrt Libor
Published: August 2020

Sex expression of homosporous ferns is controlled by multiple factors, one being the antheridiogen system. Antheridiogens are pheromones released by sexually mature female fern gametophytes, turning nearby asexual gametophytes precociously male. Nevertheless, not all species respond. It is still unknown how many fern species use antheridiogens, how the antheridiogen system evolved, and whether it is affected by polyploidy and/or apomixis.

We tested the response of 68 fern species to antheridiogens in cultivation. These results were combined with a comprehensive review of literature to form the largest dataset of antheridiogen interactions to date. Analyzed species also were coded as apomictic or sexual and diploid or polyploid.

Our final dataset contains a total of 498 interactions involving 208 species (c. 2% of all ferns). About 65% of studied species respond to antheridiogen. Multiple antheridiogen types were delimited and their evolution is discussed. Antheridiogen responsiveness was not significantly affected by apomixis or polyploidy.

Antheridiogens are widely used by ferns to direct sex expression. The antheridiogen system likely evolved multiple times and provides homosporous ferns with the benefits often associated with heterospory, such as increased rates of outcrossing. Despite expectations, antheridiogens may be beneficial to polyploids and apomicts.