bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worldwide prevalence of oral lichen planus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: González‐Moles Miguel Ángel , Warnakulasuriya Saman , González‐Ruiz Isabel , González‐Ruiz Lucía , Ayén Ángela , Lenouvel Daniel , Ruiz‐Ávila Isabel , Ramos‐García Pablo
Published: March 2020

The objective was to assess the global oral lichen planus prevalence. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published before September 2019. We evaluated the quality of studies and carried out several meta‐analyses. The global pooled prevalence was 1.01%, with a marked geographical difference (p < .001). The highest prevalence was reported from Europe (1.43%) and the lowest in India (0.49%), where tobacco‐associated keratosis appears to mask oral lichen planus resulting in attenuation of its prevalence. From the age of 40 years, the prevalence increases significantly and progressively (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 2.48–4.73, p < .001). Studies that define diagnostic criteria report a higher prevalence (1.31% vs. 0.70%, p = .03), although the application of the WHO criteria (year 1978‐2007) does not increase the ability to diagnose the disease compared with other criteria (p = .11). The studies performed by oral medicine/oral pathology specialists report significantly higher prevalence (1.80%) than dentists (0.61%) and dermatologists (0.33%; p < .001). In conclusion, we propose that reliable diagnostic criteria should be defined, which should include a set of essential criteria including the presence of white reticular lesions in any location of the oral mucosa. The impact of histopathological confirmation with defined diagnostic criteria must be researched in the future, although its main use should be to determine the presence or absence of epithelial dysplasia. The necessity to improve the knowledge of oral lichen planus among dentists and dermatologists through continuing education is apparent in the results of this meta‐analysis.
Interatrial block can occur in the absence of left atrial enlargement: New experimental model
Authors: Guerra Jose M. , Vilahur Gemma , Bayés de Luna Antoni , Cabrera Jose Angel , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Mendieta Guiomar , Baranchuk Adrián , Sánchez‐Quintana Damián
Published: March 2020

We present the surface electrocardiogram of an open‐chest anesthetized healthy adult swine after direct application of ice at the transversus sinus of the pericardium where the Bachmann's region is located. Gradual and transient interatrial block (IAB) in the absence of structural atrial disease is described. This new experimental model demonstrated that IAB is an independent entity from left atrial enlargement.
Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain: Therapy Outcome Predictive Factors
Authors: van Gorp Eric‐Jan , Eldabe Sam , Slavin Konstantin V. , Rigoard Philippe , Goossens Stefaan , Mielke Dorothee , Barolat Giancarlo , Declerck Christ , Gilmore Chris , Gültuna Ismaïl , Vissers Kris C.P. , Tinsley Jennifer , Likar Rudolf , Luyet Pierre‐Philippe
Published: March 2020

Objective

To identify variables that influence pain reduction following peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in order to identify a potential responder profile.

Methods

Exploratory univariate and multivariate (random forest) analyses were performed separately on 2 randomized controlled trials and a registry; all included patients with chronic back pain, mainly failed back surgery syndrome. An international expert panel judged the clinical relevance of variables to identify responders by consensus.

Results

Variables identified that may help predict PNFS success in patients with back pain include patient and pain characteristics (age, time since onset of pain and spinal surgery, pain medication history, position and size of pain area, pain severity, mixed nociceptive/neuropathic pain, health‐related quality of life, depression, functional disability, and leg pain status), implant procedure variables (the number and position of leads, paresthesia coverage, and amount of pain relief during the trial), and programming (number of programs, cathodes, and anodes; pulse rate; pulse width; and percentage of device usage).

Conclusions

While these analyses are exploratory and restricted to a limited sample size, they suggest variables that may play a role in predicting a therapeutic response. These results, however, are informative only and should be cautiously interpreted. Future research to validate the variables in a clinical study is needed.
Acute kidney injury without previous renal disease in critical care unit
Authors: Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Chaiyaumporn Sivaporn , Phumeetham Suwannee , Lomjansook Kraisoon , Sumboonnanonda Achra
Published: March 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized and critically ill children. Apart from primary kidney disease, etiologies of AKI are usually related to systemic disease and nephrotoxic insult. This study examines the incidence, characteristics, and mortality risks of AKI in critically ill children without primary renal disease or previously known chronic kidney disease.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients aged 1–18 years, diagnosed with AKI (excluding severe glomerulonephritis and previously known chronic kidney disease) in pediatric intensive care units between 2013 and 2016. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes classifications. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between the risk factors and mortality.

Results

Of 1,377 pediatric intensive care unit patients, 253 (18.4%) developed AKI and only 169 (12.3%) who did not have previously known renal disease were included. Of these 169 AKI patients, the mean age was 8.1 ± 4.7 years; 88 (52.1%) patients were male; and 60 (35.5%) patients had AKI stage 3. The most common etiologies of AKI were sepsis (76.9%) and shock (64.5%). Fifty‐three (31.4%) of those patients died during admission. The risk factors for death were the need for mechanical ventilation (adjusted hazard ratio, 17.82; 95% CI, 2.41–132.06) and AKI stage 3 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.07–5.00).

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury in critically ill children without previously known renal disease was approximately two‐thirds of the overall incidence. The risk factors of in‐hospital death were the use of mechanical ventilation, and AKI stage 3.
The immune response of inbred laboratory mice to Litomosoides sigmodontis: A route to discovery in myeloid cell biology
Authors: Finlay Conor M. , Allen Judith E.
Published: March 2020

Litomosoides sigmodontis is the only filarial nematode where the full life cycle, from larval delivery to the skin through to circulating microfilaria, can be completed in immunocompetent laboratory mice. It is thus an invaluable tool for the study of filariasis. It has been used for the study of novel anti‐helminthic therapeutics, the development of vaccines against filariasis, the development of immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment of inflammatory disease and the study of basic immune responses to filarial nematodes. This review will focus on the latter and aims to summarize how the L sigmodontis model has advanced our basic understanding of immune responses to helminths, led to major discoveries in macrophage biology and provided new insights into the immunological functions of the pleural cavity. Finally, and most importantly L sigmodontis represents a suitable platform to study how host genotype affects immune responses, with the potential for further discovery in myeloid cell biology and beyond.
Tracking host infection and reproduction of Peronospora salviae‐officinalis using an improved method for confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Hoffmeister Mascha , Maier Wolfgang , Thines Marco , Becker Yvonne
Published: March 2020

Peronospora salviae‐officinalis, the causal agent of downy mildew on common sage, is an obligate biotrophic pathogen. It grows in the intercellular spaces of the leaf tissue of sage and forms intracellular haustoria to interface with host cells. Although P. salviae‐officinalis was described as a species of its own 10 years ago, the infection process remains obscure. To address this, a histological study of various infection events, from the adhesion of conidia on the leaf surface to de novo sporulation is presented here. As histological studies of oomycetes are challenging due to the lack of chitin in their cell wall, we also present an improved method for staining downy mildews for confocal laser scanning microscopy as well as evaluating the potential of autofluorescence of fixed nonstained samples. For staining, a 1:1 mixture of aniline blue and trypan blue was found most suitable and was used for staining of oomycete and plant structures, allowing discrimination between them as well as the visualization of plant immune responses. The method was also used to examine samples of Peronospora lamii on Lamium purpureum and Peronospora belbahrii on Ocimum basilicum, demonstrating the potential of the presented histological method for studying the infection processes of downy mildews in general.
The big shill
Authors: Simpson Robert Mark , Michaelson Eliot
Published: March 2020

Shills are people who endorse products and companies for pay, while pretending that their endorsements are ingenuous. Here we argue that there is something objectionable about shilling that is not reducible to its bad consequences, the lack of epistemic conscientiousness it often relies upon, or to the shill's insincerity. Indeed, we take it as a premise of our inquiry that shilling can sometimes be sincere, and that its wrongfulness is not mitigated by the shill's sincerity, in cases where the shill is sincere. Our proposal is that the shill's defining characteristic is their knowingly engaging in a kind of speech that obscures a certain aspect of its social status—most commonly, by pretending to speak on their own personal behalf, while in fact speaking as an employee—and that this sort of behaviour is objectionable irrespective of any other features of the shill's conduct. This sort of obfuscation undermines a socially beneficial communicative custom, in which we conscientiously mark the distinction between personal speech and speech‐for‐hire.
Recent progress in bovine in vitro‐derived embryo cryotolerance: Impact of in vitro culture systems, advances in cryopreservation and future considerations
Authors: Ferré Luis B. , Kjelland Michael E. , Taiyeb Ahmed M. , Campos‐Chillon Fernando , Ross Pablo J.
Published: March 2020

Contents

Cryopreservation of in vitro‐derived bovine embryos is a crucial step for the widespread reproduction and conservation of valuable high‐merit animals. Given the current popularity of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP), there is a demand for a highly efficient ultra‐low temperature storage method in order to maximize donor ovum pickup (OPU) turn‐over, recipient availability/utilization and domestic/overseas commercial trading opportunities. However, IVP bovine embryos are still very sensitive to chilling and cryopreservation, and despite recent progress, a convenient (simple and robust) protocol has not yet been developed. At the moment, there are two methods for bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation: slow programmable freezing and vitrification. Both of the aforementioned techniques have pros and cons. While controlled‐rate slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer (DT), ice crystal formation remains an issue. On the other hand, vitrification solved this problem but the possibility of successful DT commercial incorporation remains to be determined. Moreover, simplification of the vitrification protocol (including warming) through the use of an in‐straw dilution without the use of a microscope is a prerequisite for its use under farm conditions. This review summarizes the bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation achievements, strengths and limitations of both freezing systems and prospective improvements to enhance cryosurvival, as well as perspectives on future directions of this assisted reproductive technology.
Moringa oleifera leaf flavonoids protect bovine mammary epithelial cells from hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in vitro
Authors: Liu Ji , Ma Guangming , Wang Yan , Zhang Yonggen
Published: March 2020

Bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) of high‐producing dairy cows are subject to constant oxidative stress as a result of high metabolic rate and physiological adaptation to intensive farming. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf has been proposed to have the antioxidant potential in scavenging free radicals due to the presence of flavonoids. In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effects of moringa leaf flavonoids in alleviating oxidative stress in BMECs in vitro. Oxidative stress was established by exposing isolated BMECs to H2O2 for 2 hr. Doses of moringa leaf flavonoids were evaluated by treating BMECs for 12 hr. The optimal concentrations of H2O2 and moringa leaf flavonoids were 500 μmol/L and 1.0 mg/ml, respectively. The results showed that moringa leaf flavonoids increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; and reduced malondialdehyde activity and intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the H2O2‐induced oxidative stress system. A Hoechst33258 staining assay revealed that moringa leaf flavonoids decreased the apoptosis rate in BMECs, while leaving membrane integrity and nucleolar morphology unchanged. We concluded that moringa leaf flavonoids have the antioxidant capacity to effectively reduce oxidative stress in BMECs.
Effect of Vedic music on steroidogenic gene expression in 3D‐cultured buffalo granulosa cell spheroids model system, a pilot study
Authors: Pandey Mamta , Singh Chhama , Goud Emmagouni Sharath K. , Vedamurthy Veerappa G. , Singh Dheer , Onteru Suneel Kumar
Published: March 2020

Music is known for reducing stress, anxiety and depression, improving cognitive performance, and enhancing oestrogen levels. However, its effect on non‐auditory mammalian cell system and the molecular events leading to higher oestrogen levels is less explored. Therefore, the present study targeted to know the direct effects of a peaceful Vedic music on 3D cultured buffalo granulosa cell spheroids. The spheroids were daily exposed to the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, a kind of Vedic chants, for 1.5 hr for 6 days. After 6 days, the music effect was analysed by the expression analysis of steroidogenic (CYP19A1, STAR and HSD17β1) and proliferative marker (PCNA) genes. Interestingly, the CYP19A1 gene expression was significantly upregulated by 3.464 ± 0.15 folds in the music exposed spheroids than the non‐exposed spheroids. However, the expression of other steroidogenic and proliferative genes was unaltered. These observations provided a transcriptional clue for higher estradiol levels by the music and a scope to use Vedic chants for increasing the CYP19A1 expression to help tackle some pathophysiological conditions.
Behavior change and sustainability of ecological restoration projects
Authors: Lengefeld Ekaterina , Metternicht Graciela , Nedungadi Prema
Published: March 2020

Addressing socio‐economic factors in ecological restoration projects is critical for the effectiveness of restoration practices and scaling of restoration efforts. To achieve sustainability of restoration projects, the drivers of human activity leading to the degradation need to be addressed. An under‐researched concept in ecological restoration is the impact of behavior change of stakeholders and communities involved, despite the strong link prior research has shown to exist between environmental quality and human behavior. This article explores the importance of addressing the behavioral change of stakeholders engaged in restoration to achieve sustainability of efforts; it investigates how behavior change models are linked and represented in global environmental governance documents, and it discusses how behavioral intervention and policy instruments could be included in ecological restoration projects. For future work, the article proposes the integration of behavior change interventions in the design of restoration projects and policies.
Human Error in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Deployment: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Loh Tzu Yang , Brito Mario P. , Bose Neil , Xu Jingjing , Tenekedjiev Kiril
Published: March 2020

The use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for various applications have grown with maturing technology and improved accessibility. The deployment of AUVs for under‐ice marine science research in the Antarctic is one such example. However, a higher risk of AUV loss is present during such endeavors due to the extremities in the Antarctic. A thorough analysis of risks is therefore crucial for formulating effective risk control policies and achieving a lower risk of loss. Existing risk analysis approaches focused predominantly on the technical aspects, as well as identifying static cause and effect relationships in the chain of events leading to AUV loss. Comparatively, the complex interrelationships between risk variables and other aspects of risk such as human errors have received much lesser attention. In this article, a systems‐based risk analysis framework facilitated by system dynamics methodology is proposed to overcome existing shortfalls. To demonstrate usefulness of the framework, it is applied on an actual AUV program to examine the occurrence of human error during Antarctic deployment. Simulation of the resultant risk model showed an overall decline in human error incident rate with the increase in experience of the AUV team. Scenario analysis based on the example provided policy recommendations in areas of training, practice runs, recruitment policy, and setting of risk tolerance level. The proposed risk analysis framework is pragmatically useful for risk analysis of future AUV programs to ensure the sustainability of operations, facilitating both better control and monitoring of risk.
Household Costs and Resistance to Germany's Energy Transition
Authors: Karapin Roger
Published: March 2020

Germany is an exemplary case of an energy transition from nuclear energy and fossil fuels toward renewables in the electricity sector, but it also demonstrates repeated, increasingly successful countermobilization by energy incumbents and their allies. The course for Germany's energy transition waslargelyset with the adoption of a feed‐in tariff law in 1990, but since then the energy transition has been altered by a series of policy‐making episodes, each of which was shaped by the outcomes of the previous episodes; there has been a combination of reinforcing and reactive sequences. This article uses policy windows and advocacy coalition theory, supplemented by work on resistance to carbon pricing, to analyze the four periods in which opponents of the energy transition had the greatest opportunities to limit or reverse it. It makes three main arguments intended to influence future research on energy transitions: (1) episodes of opposition to the feed‐in tariff policy occurred when problem awareness and political commitment converged, (2) the outcomes of those conflicts depended on the balance of mobilization by advocacy and opposing coalitions, and (3) rising household costs due to the renewable energy surcharge drove both problem awareness and the composition of the opposing coalition, which helped lead to a more far‐reaching retrenchment of renewable energy policy in 2014 than in earlier periods.
TRIM32 promotes inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Liang Tian , Song Min , Xu Kewu , Guo Chenglong , Xu Hongbin , Zhang Hongwei , Xu Lanping
Published: March 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a worldwide autoimmune disease. The study of its aetiology and mechanism has always been a focus topic in medicine. This research was designed to investigate the effect of E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) of RA patients, the expression of TRIM32 was significantly increased compared with its expression in osteoarthritis (OA) patients FLS. A widely used pro‐inflammatory stimuli tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) was found to promote TRIM32 expression in a time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we observed that overexpression of TRIM32 aggravated the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in FLS, silencing of TRIM32 showed the consistent results. In addition, TRIM32 was found to activate nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signalling pathway, and TRIM32 could interact with TNF receptor‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2) to promote the K63‐linked polyubiquitination of TRAF2 in RA‐FLS. In conclusion, we suggested that TRIM32 as a positive regulator of inflammatory responses in RA‐FLS.
Costly Preparations in Bargaining*
Authors: Karagözoğlu Emin , Rachmilevitch Shiran
Published: March 2020

We model costly preparations in negotiations and study their effect on agreements in a bilateral bargaining game. In our model, players bargain over a unit pie, where each player needs to pay a fixed cost in the beginning of every period t, if he wants to stay in the game in period t+1 in case a deal has not been reached by the end of t. Whether a player has paid this cost (i.e., prepared for negotiations in t+1) is his private information. If only player i stops paying, then player j receives the entire pie. We characterize a “war of attrition” equilibrium, which is a symmetric equilibrium. We do not know whether the game has other symmetric equilibria, but we show that if such an equilibrium exists, its payoff converges to zero as the frictions (discounting and preparation cost) vanish. Efficiency can be obtained by asymmetric play. Specifically, with asymmetric strategies every Pareto‐efficient payoff vector can be approximated in equilibrium, provided that the cost of preparations is sufficiently small and that the discount factor is sufficiently close to one.
Physical fitness components in relation to attention capacity in Latin American youth with overweight and obesity
Authors: García‐Hermoso Antonio , Hormazábal‐Aguayo Ignacio , Fernández‐Vergara Omar , Izquierdo Mikel , Alonso‐Martínez Alicia , Bonilla‐Vargas Kely Johana , González‐Ruíz Katherine , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was twofold: (a) to examine the association between health‐related physical fitness and attention capacity in Latin American children and adolescents with overweight and obesity and (b) to test whether body composition outcomes are moderators of this association. A cross‐sectional design was used to study 201 overweight/obese participants (12.1 ± 2.1 years of age; 34.3% girls) from Chile (Active‐Start study) and Colombia (HEPAFIT study). Body composition, muscular fitness, speed‐agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness were evaluated using two similar test batteries (ALPHA and FUPRECOL). Attention capacity was measured by the d2 Test. Linear regression and moderation analyses were conducted. Linear regression analysis revealed an association between muscular fitness (β = 0.245, P = .015), speed‐agility (β = −0.16, P = .027), cardiorespiratory fitness (β = 0.331, P < .001) and overall fitness score (β = 0.210; P = .004) and attention capacity (all analyses were controlled for age, sex, peak height velocity, maternal education, and study setting). Moderation analysis using the Johnson‐Neyman technique revealed that the effect of the relationship between muscular fitness score and speed‐agility and attention capacity was stronger as fat mass and fat mass index increased. In conclusion, physical fitness components are associated with higher attention capacity in youth with overweight/obesity, but body composition seems to moderate these relationships. Randomized controlled trials in this population would help to better understand whether improvements in different components of physical fitness lead to better attention capacity, especially in youth with excess adiposity.
Land use capability at recharge zones
Authors: Calegario Arthur Telles , Pereira Luis Flávio , Oliveira da Silva Laksme Narayana , Laurentiz de Araújo Uriel , David da Silva Demetrius , Pereira Silvio Bueno , de Castro Oliveira Guilherme , Inácio Fernandes Filho Elpidio , Monteiro Luane Ines Brito
Published: March 2020

Land use capability systems do not present any considerations regarding recharge zones (RZs). To improve conservation planning, the objective of this study was to present a parametrization method for the land use capability of recharge zones (LUC‐RZ). RZs were characterized as the upper thirds of the elevations of all slopes with rectilinear, concave and/or convex features in the terrains. The LUC‐RZ were parameterized based on the slope of the middle third of the elevations. The proposed methodology was applied to the Doce River basin (DRB) in Brazil, and 27.9% of the total area was characterized as RZs. It was found that 61.9% of the RZs area could be exploited through agricultural and livestock use; however, the usability of most of these areas was conditional on the adoption of rigorous soil and water conservation techniques. The remaining 38.1%, which was equivalent to 10.6% of the DRB, was restricted to native forest cover. Of the 61.9% of RZs area that could be used for agriculture and livestock, 18.2% was occupied by native vegetation. These areas are protected by law and are responsible for several ecosystem services and thus must be preserved. The parameterization of the LUC‐RZ was sensitive to pedogeomorphological characteristics. The methodology used for the determination of the recharge zones has a strong theoretical basis and was simple to implement and therefore has great potential for use in multicriteria analyses for determining recharge zones.
Structural analysis of sheath folds and geochronology in the Cuonadong Dome, southern Tibet, China: New constraints on the timing of the South Tibetan detachment system and its relationship to North Himalayan Gneiss Domes
Authors: Fu Jiangang , Li Guangming , Wang Genhou , Zhang Linkui , Liang Wei , Zhang Xiaoqiong , Jiao Yanjie , Dong Suiliang , Huang Yong
Published: March 2020

Structural analysis and new zircon U/Pb geochronology were performed in the Cuonadong Dome in order to test the hypothesis that the top‐to‐North deformation in the North Himalayan Gneiss Domes (NHGD) has been correlated with deformation along the South Tibetan detachment system (STDS). Structural analysis suggests that the X‐axes of sheath folds at the different flanks of the dome are consistent, and show average a trend and plunge of 350° and 18°. Many shear sense indicators are recorded in the ductile shear zone during the top‐to‐north deformation, including the augen structure, σ‐type and δ‐type rotating porphyroclast, S–C fabric and pressure shadow structure. The development of the sheath folds first provide a direct‐field structural evidence that represents a deeper ductile manifestation of the STDS, and further suggests that the top‐to‐north deformation in the NHGD have been correlated with deformation along the STDS. The emplacement of the synkinematic granites at ca. 32 Ma exposed at the core of the sheath folds is also interpreted as the initiation of slip along the STDS.
Utilization of deceased organ donors based on HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus screening test results
Authors: Theodoropoulos Nicole , Kroll‐Desrosiers Aimee , Ison Michael G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Potential deceased organ donors are screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) with serologic tests and nucleic acid tests (NATs). The results of these tests on the utilization of donors have not been directly measured.

Methods

Twenty‐six organ procurement organizations (OPOs) provided primary HIV, HBV, and HCV screening results and utilization information for donor referrals evaluated from 2004 to 2017. Additional information regarding donor organ utilization was obtained from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

Test results were submitted for 38 166 potential deceased organ donors; 31 (0.1%) were HIV NAT‐negative but seropositive, 5.2% were HBV core antibody‐positive and NAT‐negative, while 1.8% were HCV antibody‐positive and NAT‐negative. Organ utilization of HBV and/or HCV NAT‐negative organs increased over time despite positive antibody status.

Conclusions

Nucleic acid test detected infections in seronegative donors, especially for HCV. The use of NAT for deceased donor screening correlated with increased utilization of donor organs.
Epidemiology of Campylobacter infections in Ireland 2004–2016: What has changed?
Authors: O'Connor Lois , McKeown Paul , Barrasa Alicia , Garvey Patricia
Published: March 2020

Campylobacter is the most common notifiable cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans in Ireland. However, epidemiological information is limited. We aimed to describe Campylobacter epidemiology in Ireland and trends over time, to inform future surveillance and research. We reviewed data completeness and described notified cases of campylobacteriosis (2004–2016) by age, sex, geographical area, season and trends over time. We used negative binomial regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and adjusted IRR (aIRR) by age group, sex, geographical area and season. We undertook interrupted time‐series analysis by age group and geographical area incorporating terms for trend and period (2004–2010 and 2011–2016). There were 27,034 cases of campylobacteriosis notified between 2004 and 2016. Data were >99% complete for notification date, geographical area, sex and date of birth. Crude annual incidence ranged from 36.2 to 54.4 per 100,000 population. The incidence was higher in, males (aIRR 1.15, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.12–1.19), those aged <5 years compared with the lowest incidence age group (45–64 years) (aIRR 4.65, 95% CI 4.43–4.88), other seasons compared with winter and all other areas compared with the north‐east area (aIRR range 1.22–1.71, p‐values <.001). In 2011, we observed a stepped increase in annual crude incidence overall, in both sexes, all age groups and most geographical areas. This pattern was mirrored on time‐series analysis, with significant increases in trend‐adjusted incidences of 30%–45% (p‐values ≤.008) detected for all age groups and 30%–66% (p‐values ≤.012) for seven out of eight geographical areas after 2011. Campylobacter remains the most commonly notified bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in Ireland. With available information, we could not fully explain a stepped increase in incidence observed in 2011. The transition of regional laboratories from culture‐based to molecular‐based Campylobacter diagnostic methods was a possible contributor. However, further investigation is required to fully explain the identified changes.
Emerging Chinese-English Hybridized Internet Neologisms: a Big Data Study Based on Baidu Index
Authors: Li Huayong
Published: March 2020

This article studies the emerging neologisms in the Chinese cyber context: 打call, hold住, word哥, which are termed Chinese-English hybridized internet neologisms (CEHINs). CEHINs share the features of Chinese words and English words. Based on the research tool called Baidu Index, it is found: (1) the structure and pronunciation of CEHINs (打call, hold住, word哥) is different from the ‘pure’ Chinese or English internet neologisms; (2) the diffusion of them is Chinese netizen-driven, not the meme-driven; (3) the top users of them are usually aged between 30-39, while the ‘pure’ Chinese internet neologisms are much more frequently used by netizens aged 20-29; and (4) the popularization of internet, fast cultural communications in cyber times, and the further pervasiveness of English as a Lingua Franca in China are the reasons for the emergence and popularity of them in China.
Elucidation of the roles of brown and brite fat genes: GPR120 is a modulator of brown adipose tissue function
Authors: Christian Mark
Published: March 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Activation of brown adipose tissue with G protein‐coupled receptors as key druggable targets as a strategy to increase energy consumption and reduce fat mass.

What advances does it highlight?

GPR120 is a fatty acid receptor highly expressed in brown adipose tissue. Its activation by selective ligands increases brown adipose tissue activity. This is mediated by changes in mitochondrial dynamics resulting in increased O2 consumption leading to enhanced nutrient uptake and a reduction in fat mass.

The identification of druggable targets to stimulate brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a strategy to combat obesity due to this highly metabolically active tissue utilising thermogenesis to burn fat. Upon cold exposure BAT is activated by the sympathetic nervous system via β3‐adrenergic receptors. Determination of additional receptors expressed by brown, white and brite (brown‐in‐white) fat can lead to new pharmacological treatments to activate BAT. GPR120 is a G protein‐coupled fatty acid receptor that is highly expressed in BAT and further increases in response to cold. Activation of this receptor with the selective agonist TUG‐891 acutely increases fat oxidation and reduces fat mass in mice. The effects are coincident with increased BAT activity and enhanced nutrient uptake. TUG‐891 stimulation of brown adipocytes induces intracellular Ca2+ release which results in elevated O2 consumption as well as mitochondrial depolarisation and fission. Thus, activation of GPR120 in BAT with ligands such as TUG‐891 is a promising strategy to increase fat consumption.
Spike‐wave discharges in absence epilepsy: segregation of electrographic components reveals distinct pathways of seizure activity
Authors: Terlau Jonas , Yang Jenq‐Wei , Khastkhodaei Zeinab , Seidenbecher Thomas , Luhmann Heiko J. , Pape Hans‐Christian , Lüttjohann Annika
Published: March 2020

Key points

The major electrophysiological hallmarks of absence seizures are spike and wave discharges (SWDs), consisting of a sharp spike component and a slow wave component.

In a widely accepted scheme, these components are functionally coupled and reflect an iterative progression of neuronal excitation during the spike and post‐excitatory silence during the wave.

In a genetic rat model of absence epilepsy, local pharmacological inhibition of the centromedian thalamus (CM) selectively suppressed the spike component, leaving self‐contained waves in epidural recordings.

Thalamic inputs induced activity in cortical microcircuits underlying the spike component, while intracortical oscillations generated the wave component.

Based on these findings, we propose a model in which oscillatory waves provide adequate time windows for integration of thalamocortical inputs and feedback responses during generation of a synchronized SWD.

Spike and wave discharges (SWDs) are the electrographic hallmark of absence seizures and the major diagnostic criterion for childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). In a widely accepted scheme, the alternating sequence of spikes and waves reflects an iterative progression of neuronal excitation during the spike component and post‐excitatory silence during the wave component. Here we challenge this view by showing that these two components are not necessarily coupled. In a genetic rat model of CAE, self‐contained waves occurred in motor cortex in synchrony with SWDs in the somatosensory system during blockade of afferent input from the thalamus. Current‐source density analyses of multi‐site local field potentials (LFPs) revealed layer‐specific activity, in which thalamic inputs induced a sequence of cellular‐synaptic events underlying the spike component, while intracortical oscillations generated the wave component. These findings indicate novel principles of SWDs, where oscillatory cortical waves provide adequate time windows for integration of thalamocortical inputs and feedback responses during generation of seizure activity.
Aspiration-assisted bioprinting for precise positioning of biologics
Authors: Ayan Bugra , Heo Dong Nyoung , Zhang Zhifeng , Dey Madhuri , Povilianskas Adomas , Drapaca Corina , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: March 2020

Aspiration-assisted bioprinting enables precise positioning of viscoelastic spheroids in both scaffold-based and free manner.
In silico experiments of bone remodeling explore metabolic diseases and their drug treatment
Authors: Kameo Y. , Miya Y. , Hayashi M. , Nakashima T. , Adachi T.
Published: March 2020

In silico experiments of bone remodeling enable observation and prediction of physiological and pathological bone conditions.
Lasting organ-level bone mechanoadaptation is unrelated to local strain
Authors: Javaheri Behzad , Razi Hajar , Gohin Stephanie , Wylie Sebastian , Chang Yu-Mei , Salmon Phil , Lee Peter D. , Pitsillides Andrew A.
Published: March 2020

Bones’ four-dimensional response to momentary loading is lasting and coordinated at the organ level.
Femtosecond visualization of oxygen vacancies in metal oxides
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Tang Fawei , Wang Meng , Zhan Wangbin , Hu Huaxin , Li Yurong , Friend Richard H. , Song Xiaoyan
Published: March 2020

Femtosecond spectroscopy combined with first-principle calculations enables determination of oxygen-vacancy configuration.
The spin Hall effect of Bi-Sb alloys driven by thermally excited Dirac-like electrons
Authors: Chi Zhendong , Lau Yong-Chang , Xu Xiandong , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Hono Kazuhiro , Hayashi Masamitsu
Published: March 2020

Dirac-like electrons in Bi-Sb alloys are extremely effective in generating spin current and have large spin current mobility.
Systems-level investigation of aqueous batteries for understanding the benefit of water-in-salt electrolyte by synchrotron nanoimaging
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hung , Sun Ke , Ge Mingyuan , Housel Lisa M. , McCarthy Alison H. , Vila Mallory N. , Zhao Chonghang , Xiao Xianghui , Lee Wah-Keat , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , Chen-Wiegart Yu-chen Karen
Published: March 2020

Synchrotron microscopy visualizes and furthers the understanding of cycling stability of water-in-salt Li-ion batteries.
High-resolution tomographic analysis of in vitro 3D glioblastoma tumor model under long-term drug treatment
Authors: Ozturk Mehmet S. , Lee Vivian K. , Zou Hongyan , Friedel Roland H. , Intes Xavier , Dai Guohao
Published: March 2020

Mesoscopic fluorescence molecular tomography enables longitudinal study of 3D glioblastoma model in response to drug treatment.
Giant extraordinary transmission of acoustic waves through a nanowire
Authors: Devaux T. , Tozawa H. , Otsuka P. H. , Mezil S. , Tomoda M. , Matsuda O. , Bok E. , Lee S. H. , Wright O. B.
Published: March 2020

Wave concentration beyond the diffraction limit by extraordinary acoustic transmission of bulk waves through a nanowire meta-atom.
Exchange bias and quantum anomalous Hall effect in the MnBi
2
Te
4
/CrI
3
heterostructure
Authors: Fu Huixia , Liu Chao-Xing , Yan Binghai
Published: March 2020

We propose the zero-field quantum anomalous Hall effect in a 2D van der Waals magnetic heterostructure.
An ultrastable lithium metal anode enabled by designed metal fluoride spansules
Authors: Yuan Huadong , Nai Jianwei , Tian He , Ju Zhijin , Zhang Wenkui , Liu Yujing , Tao Xinyong , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: March 2020

An innovative strategy enabled by spansules is rationally designed for the lithium metal anode to realize an ultralong cycle life.
Mechanically controllable nonlinear dielectrics
Authors: Ko D. L. , Tsai M. F. , Chen J. W. , Shao P. W. , Tan Y. Z. , Wang J. J. , Ho S. Z. , Lai Y. H. , Chueh Y. L. , Chen Y. C. , Tsai D. P. , Chen L.-Q. , Chu Y. H.
Published: March 2020

Control of nonlinear dielectrics can be realized by mechanical bending.
Long-lived T follicular helper cells retain plasticity and help sustain humoral immunity
Authors: Künzli Marco , Schreiner David , Pereboom Tamara C. , Swarnalekha Nivedya , Litzler Ludivine C. , Lötscher Jonas , Ertuna Yusuf I. , Roux Julien , Geier Florian , Jakob Roman P. , Maier Timm , Hess Christoph , Taylor Justin J. , King Carolyn G.
Published: March 2020

T follicular helper (T
fh
) cells are long lived and contribute to the maintenance of sustained humoral immunity.
P2X7R: The Achilles heel of follicular helper memory T cells
Authors: Nolz Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2020

Protecting T
FH
memory CD4
+
T cells from NAD-induced cell death reveals both their longevity and plasticity (see related Research Article by

Künzli
et al
.

).
Interdomain spacing and spatial configuration drive the potency of IgG-[L]-scFv T cell bispecific antibodies
Authors: Santich Brian H. , Park Jeong A. , Tran Hoa , Guo Hong-Fen , Huse Morgan , Cheung Nai-Kong V.
Published: March 2020

T cell–bispecific antibody antitumor function is maximized through optimal interdomain spacing and dual cis-configurations.
An engineered cell-laden adhesive hydrogel promotes craniofacial bone tissue regeneration in rats
Authors: Hasani-Sadrabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Sarrion Patricia , Pouraghaei Sevda , Chau Yee , Ansari Sahar , Li Song , Aghaloo Tara , Moshaverinia Alireza
Published: March 2020

A photocrosslinkable, cell-laden, adhesive hydrogel with tunable mechanical, osteoconductive, and biodegradative properties promotes bone formation.
Group A Streptococcus Testing in Pediatrics: the Move to Point-of-Care Molecular Testing
Authors: Thompson Thomas Z. , McMullen Allison R.
Published: March 2020

Each year, there are an estimated 11 million visits to ambulatory care centers for pharyngitis in children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. While there are many causes of pediatric pharyngitis, group A streptococcal pharyngitis represents 15 to 30% of infections and is the only cause for which treatment is recommended. Unfortunately, clinical suspicion is insufficient for the accurate diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, and laboratory testing for confirmation of
Streptococcus pyogenes
infection is required to prevent complications of infection.
Constructing treatment episodes from concomitant medication logs: a prospective observational study
Authors: Kuramoto Lisa K , Sobolev Boris G , Brasher Penelope M A , Tang Michael W , Cragg Jacquelyn J
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To describe an approach using concomitant medication log records for the construction of treatment episodes. Concomitant medication log records are routinely collected in clinical studies. Unlike prescription and dispensing records, concomitant medication logs collect utilisation data. Logs can provide information about drug safety and drug repurposing.

Design

A prospective multicentre, multicohort observational study.

Setting

Twenty-one clinical sites in the USA, Europe, Israel and Australia.

Participants

415 subjects from the de novo cohort of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative.

Methods

We construct treatment episodes of concomitant medication use. The proposed approach treats temporal gaps as a stoppage of medication and temporal overlaps as simultaneous use or changes in dose. Log records with no temporal gaps were combined into a single treatment episode.

Results

5723 concomitant medication log records were used to construct 3655 treatment episodes for 65 medications. There were 405 temporal gaps representing a stoppage of medication; 985 temporal overlaps representing simultaneous regimens of the same medication and 2696 temporal overlaps representing a change in dose regimen. The median episode duration was 37 months (IQ interval: 11–73 months).

Conclusions

The proposed approach for constructing treatment episodes offers a method of estimating duration and dose of treatment from concomitant medication log records. The accompanying recommendations guide log data collection to improve their quality for drug safety and drug repurposing.
Parent-reported early sleep problems and internalising, externalising and dysregulation symptoms in toddlers
Authors: Morales-Muñoz Isabel , Lemola Sakari , Saarenpää-Heikkilä Outi , Kylliäinen Anneli , Pölkki Pirjo , Paunio Tiina , Broome Matthew R , Paavonen E. Juulia
Published: March 2020

Background

The concurrence of sleep and socio-emotional development in children is well accepted. However, the predictive role of sleep problems in infancy and the development of emotional and behavioural problems later in childhood remain still unclear. Therefore, in this study we examined the associations between sleep problems in early childhood and internalising, externalising and dysregulation symptoms in toddlers.

Methods

1679 families entered the study during pregnancy and 936 children participated at 24 months. Parent-reported sleep duration, sleep-onset latency, night wakings, proportion of daytime sleep and bedtime at 3, 8, 18 and 24 months were assessed with two sleep questionnaires. Externalising, internalising and dysregulation problems at 24 months were examined with the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment.

Results

Short sleep duration at 3 and 8 months, more night wakings at 3, 8, 18 and 24 months and greater proportion of daytime sleep at 24 months were associated with internalising symptoms. Shorter sleep duration at 8, 18 and 24 months and longer sleep-onset latency and more night wakings at all time points, in addition to earlier bedtime at 8 months and greater proportion of daytime sleep at 24 months, were related to dysregulation. Finally, more night wakings at 3 and 24 months, and longer sleep-onset latency at 24 months were associated with externalising problems.

Conclusion

Shorter sleep and poorer sleep quality in infancy were prospectively related to emotional and behavioural symptoms in toddlers, and these associations were strongest for internalising and dysregulation symptoms. This study contributes to the recent research on the role of early sleep problems in socio-emotional development, suggesting that shorter sleep duration, longer sleep-onset latency and higher waking frequency are related to internalising, externalising and dysregulation symptoms in toddlers, and thus it might be beneficial to provide early interventions for those infants reporting these sleep problems.
Changes in mean arterial pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide content affect venous sinus pressures in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a randomized study
Authors: Tschoe Christine , Garner Rebecca M , Kittel Carol , Traunero Justin R , Wolfe Stacey Q , Fargen Kyle M
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Little is known about how changes in physiologic parameters affect venous sinus pressure measurements, waveforms, or gradients associated with sinus stenosis.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of changes in cardiovascular and respiratory physiologic parameters on venous sinus pressure and caliber measurements in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) undergoing venous sinus stenting.

Methods

In a prospective, randomized pilot study, eight patients with IIH undergoing venous sinus stenting were randomized to one of two groups. Under general anesthesia, patients underwent venous manometry and waveform recordings twice in succession based on assigned physiologic groups immediately before stenting. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) group maintained normocapnia but modified MAPs in two arms to control for temporal confounding: group A1 (MAP 60-80 mm Hg then 100–110 mm Hg) and group A2 (MAP 100-110 mm Hg then 60–80 mm Hg). The end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) group maintained a high-normal MAP similar to standard neuroanesthesia goals and modified EtCO2: group B1 (EtCO224–26 mm Hg then 38–40 mm Hg) and B2 (EtCO228–40 mm Hg then 24–26 mm Hg).

Results

In group A, superior sagittal sinus (SSS) pressures (ranging from 8 to 76 mm Hg) and trans-stenotic pressure gradients (TSPGs) (ranging from 2 to 67 mm Hg) were seen at MAP of 100–110 mm Hg compared with SSS pressures (4–38 mm Hg) and TSPGs (3–31 mm Hg) at 60–80 mm Hg. In group B, SSS pressures and TSPGs were considerably higher at EtCO2levels of 38–40 mm Hg (15–57 mm Hg and 3–44 mm Hg, respectively) than at 24–26 mm Hg (8–26 mm Hg and 1–8 mm Hg, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite the small sample size, this pilot study demonstrates a dramatic effect of both MAP and EtCO2on venous sinus pressures obtained during venography. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining normal physiologic cardiovascular and respiratory parameters during venous sinus manometry.