bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of prenatal exposure to earthquake on adult schizophrenia
Authors: Guo Chao , He Ping , Song Xinming , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: May 2019

Background

Maternal exposure to major stressors during pregnancy has been found to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental, cognitive and psychiatric disorders in the offspring. However, the association between prenatal exposure to earthquake and the risk of adult schizophrenia has yet to be examined.

Aims

To explore the potential long-term effects of prenatal exposure to maternal stress on the risk of schizophrenia in adulthood, using the Great Tangshan Earthquake in 1976 as a natural experiment.

Method

We obtained data from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability, and analysed 94 410 Chinese individuals born between 1975 and 1979. We obtained difference-in-differences estimates of the earthquake effects on schizophrenia by exploiting temporal variation in the timing of earthquake exposure across four birth cohorts born between 1975 and 1979, along with geographical variation in earthquake severity at the prefecture level. Schizophrenia was ascertained by psychiatrists using the ICD-10 classification. Earthquake severity was measured by seismic intensity.

Results

Earthquake cohort who experienced prenatal exposure to felt earthquake had higher risk of schizophrenia (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% CI 1.43–8.00) compared with the unexposed reference cohort. After specifying the timing of exposure by the trimester of pregnancy, prenatal exposure to felt earthquake during the first trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of adulthood schizophrenia significantly (odds ratio, 7.45; 95% CI 2.83–19.59).

Conclusions

Prenatal (particularly early pregnancy) exposure to maternal stress after a major disaster substantially affects the mental health of Chinese adults.
Treatment and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Incidental Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Cancer: An International Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kraaijpoel Noémie , Bleker Suzanne M. , Meyer Guy , Mahé Isabelle , Muñoz Andrés , Bertoletti Laurent , Bartels-Rutten Annemarieke , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Porreca Ettore , Boulon Carine , van Es Nick , Iosub Diana I. , Couturaud Francis , Biosca Mercedes , Lerede Teresa , Lacroix Philippe , Maraveyas Anthony , Aggarwal Anita , Girard Philippe , Büller Harry R. , Di Nisio Marcello ,   on behalf of the UPE investigators
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE

Pulmonary embolism is incidentally diagnosed in up to 5% of patients with cancer on routine imaging scans. The clinical relevance and optimal therapy for incidental pulmonary embolism, particularly distal clots, is unclear. The aim of the current study was to assess current treatment strategies and the long-term clinical outcomes of incidentally detected pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted an international, prospective, observational cohort study between October 22, 2012, and December 31, 2017. Unselected adults with active cancer and a recent diagnosis of incidental pulmonary embolism were eligible. Outcomes were recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality during 12 months of follow-up. Outcome events were centrally adjudicated.

RESULTS

A total of 695 patients were included. Mean age was 66 years and 58% of patients were male. Most frequent cancer types were colorectal (21%) and lung cancer (15%). Anticoagulant therapy was initiated in 675 patients (97%), of whom 600 (89%) were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 41 patients (12-month cumulative incidence, 6.0%; 95% CI, 4.4% to 8.1%), major bleeding in 39 patients (12-month cumulative incidence, 5.7%; 95% CI, 4.1% to 7.7%), and 283 patients died (12-month cumulative incidence, 43%; 95% CI, 39% to 46%). The 12-month incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism was 6.4% in those with subsegmental pulmonary embolism compared with 6.0% in those with more proximal pulmonary embolism (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.37 to 2.9; P = .93).

CONCLUSION

In patients with cancer with incidental pulmonary embolism, risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism is significant despite anticoagulant treatment. Patients with subsegmental pulmonary embolism seemed to have a risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism comparable to that of patients with more proximal clots.
The optimal mechanical condition in stem cell-to-tenocyte differentiation determined with the homogeneous strain distributions and the cellular orientation control
Authors: Morita Yasuyuki , Sato Toshihiro , Higashiura Kouji , Hirano Yusho , Matsubara Fuga , Oshima Kanau , Niwa Koji , Toku Yuhki , Song Guanbin , Luo Qing , Ju Yang
Published: May 2019

In tendon tissue engineering, mechanical stimulus-induced differentiation is one of the most attractive techniques for stem cell-to-tenocyte differentiation in terms of cost, safety, and simplicity. However, the most effective strain amplitude for differentiation using cyclic stretching remains unknown. Existing studies have not constrained cell reorientation behavior during cyclic stretching, resulting in uncertainty regarding the loads experienced by cells. In addition, strain distribution homogeneity of the culture membrane is important. Here, we improved the strain distribution uniformity of the membrane and employed a microgrooved membrane to suppress cell reorientation. Then, we evaluated the most effective strain amplitude (0, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 8%) for the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into tenocytes by measuring mRNA expression levels. The maximum expression of all tenogenic markers was observed at a 5% strain. These results contribute to tendon tissue engineering by clarifying the most effective strain amplitude during tenogenic differentiation induction using cyclic stretching.
WIP-1 and DBN-1 promote scission of endocytic vesicles by bridging actin and Dynamin-1 in theC. elegansintestine
Authors: Shi Xuemeng , Duan Fengyun , Lin Long , Xu Qifeng , Xu Tao , Zhang Rongying
Published: May 2019

There has been a consensus that actin plays an important role in scission of the clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) besides the large GTPase Dynamin in metazoan cells. However, the recruitment, regulation, and functional interdependence of actin and Dynamin during this process remain inadequately understood. Here, based on small-scale screen and in vivo live-imaging techniques, we identified a novel set of molecules underlying CCP scission in the multicellular organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that loss of Wiskott−Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-interacting protein (WIP-1) impaired CCP scission, which is independent of WASP/N-WASP (WSP-1) and mediated by direct binding to G-actin. Moreover, the cortactin binding domain of WIP-1 serves as the binding interface for DBN-1/mAbp1, another actin-binding protein. We demonstrate that the interaction between DBN-1 and F-actin is essential for Dynamin-1 recruitment at endocytic sites. In addition, the recycling regulator RME-1/Eps15 homology (EH) domain-containing proteins is increasingly recruited at the arrested endocytic intermediates induced by F-actin loss or Dynamin-1 inactivation, which further stabilizes the tubular endocytic intermediates. Our study provides new insights into the molecular network underlying F-actin participation in the scission of CCPs.
Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) in Qom Province, Iran: Report of two cases
Authors: Zanjirani Farahani Leyli , Saghafipour Abedin , Mohebali Mehdi , Akhoundi Behnaz , Raufi Hedayatollah
Published: May 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal parasitic zoonotic worldwide disease, which transmits to humans by the infected Phlebotomine sand fly bite. The common form of VL in Iran is the Mediterranean type with the causative agent of Leishmania infantum, whose main reservoirs are stray and domesticated dogs. The disease has several endemic foci in Iran, mostly seen among children under the age of 10, living in rural areas and nomadic tribes. The first cases of Kala-Azar in Qom province, central Iran, were reported in the year 2001, from the villages of Ghahan district. After conducting VL control strategies in the area, no new cases of the disease had been reported until recently. The cases described here are two 2-year-old girls, living in the urban parts of Qom province, one of whom did not have a history of traveling to known endemic areas of the disease. The patients were admitted to hospital in 2016-2017, complaining from recurrent fever with unrecognized reason, associated with decreased appetite and weight loss. Disease follow-up demonstrated anemia and splenomegaly, which led to diagnosis of VL, and both patients are now fully recovered. VL was presumed to be controlled in Qom province but the present cases indicate that possible VL existence remains in the region. Therefore, urgent studies and periodic monitoring are needed to identify potential reservoirs of VL in the area.
Antisense-mediated splice intervention to treat human disease: the odyssey continues
Authors: Pitout Ianthe , Flynn Loren L. , Wilton Steve D. , Fletcher Sue
Published: May 2019

Recent approvals of oligonucleotide analogue drugs to alter gene expression have been welcomed by patient communities but not universally supported. These compounds represent a class of drugs that are designed to target a specific gene transcript, and they include a number of chemical entities to evoke different antisense mechanisms, depending upon the disease aetiology. To date, oligonucleotide therapeutics that are in the clinic or at advanced stages of translation target rare diseases, posing challenges to clinical trial design, recruitment and evaluation and requiring new evaluation paradigms. This review discusses the currently available and emerging therapeutics that alter exon selection through an effect on pre-mRNA splicing and explores emerging concerns over safety and efficacy. Although modification of synthetic nucleic acids destined for therapeutic application is common practice to protect against nuclease degradation and to influence drug function, such modifications may also confer unexpected physicochemical and biological properties. Negatively charged oligonucleotides have a strong propensity to bind extra- and intra-cellular proteins, whereas those analogues with a neutral backbone show inefficient cellular uptake but excellent safety profiles. In addition, the potential for incorporation of chemically modified nucleic acid monomers, yielded by nuclease degradation of exogenous oligonucleotides, into biomolecules has been raised and the possibility not entirely discounted. We conclude with a commentary on the ongoing efforts to develop novel antisense compounds and enhance oligonucleotide delivery in order to further improve efficacy and accelerate implementation of antisense therapeutics for human disease.
Identification of nitrite treated tuna fish meat via the determination of nitrous oxide by head space-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Niederer Markus , Lang Sandra , Roux Bernard , Stebler Thomas , Hohl Christopher
Published: May 2019

Tuna fish meat is an expensive and highly perishable sea food. Fresh meat has a bright red colour which soon turns into an unsightly brown during storage. To prolong the aspect of freshness, the red colour is stabilised or even enhanced e.g. with carbon monoxide or nitric oxide, the product of a nitrite / ascorbic acid treatment, which bind as a ligand to myoglobin. These procedures are illegal. Here we present a method for identifying tuna meat samples, which have undergone fraudulent wet salting with nitrite. The method uses headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the determination of nitrous oxide, which is formed as the final product of the two-step reduction nitrite (added agent) to nitric oxide (ligand) to nitrous oxide (target compound). Complex bound nitric oxide is set free with sulfuric acid, which also promotes the reduction to nitrous oxide. The method was validated using 15N labelled nitrite as well as treated and untreated reference fish samples. A survey of 13 samples taken from the Swiss market in 2019 showed that 45 % of all samples were illegally treated with nitrite.
Populizm – niejednoznaczny fenomen
Authors: Cichecka Joanna
Published: May 2019

Populism – an Undefinable Phenomenon: Record of Theoretical PerspectivesThe article is a summary of the most popular concepts of populism – presented both from the historical and contemporary perspective. The author pays attention to controversies of the mere concept of populism, which are still present in modern social sciences. A starting point of the analysis are XIX century agrarian populism and types of populism. The example of both the variety of the mere phenomenon and diversity of theoretical perspectives engaged by the scientists to clarify the concept are social changes in Latin America in the 80s and 90s.
Myśl wojskowa Mao Zedonga
Authors: Winczewski Damian
Published: May 2019

Mao Zedong’s Philosophy of WarThe aim of this article was to do some critical analysis of Mao Zedong military writing. Our method was to intepretate his manuscripts and compare his thesis to thesis of top marxists thinkers like Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg about the war and warfare. In next step we also compare Mao strategic thought with thought of classical masters of art of war like Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Zi. Finally we did some comments on political aspects in Maoist theory of war. In result we draw some conclusions. Firstly we can say that Mao did nothing new in marxist philosophy of war and his dialectics of war were vague and vulgar. Secondly we can say that his military writings was mostly influenced by Clausewitz through soviet military thought rather than Sun Zi. In the other hand his theory of guerilla warfare was to some extent original and finally we can describe Mao’s strategic thought as some kind of progress in twenty century art of war.
Bed Blocking in Hospitals Due to Scarce Capacity in Geriatric Institutions—Cost Minimization via Fluid Models
Authors: Zychlinski Noa , Mandelbaum Avishai , Momčilović Petar , Cohen Izack
Published: May 2019

Problem definition: This research focuses on elderly patients who have been hospitalized and are ready to be discharged, but they must remain in the hospital until a bed in a geriatric institution becomes available; these patients “block” a hospital bed. Bed blocking has become a challenge to healthcare operators because of its economic implications and the quality-of-life effect on patients. Indeed, hospital-delayed patients who do not have access to the most appropriate treatments (e.g., rehabilitation) prevent new admissions. Moreover, bed blocking is costly, because a hospital bed is more expensive to operate than a geriatric bed. We are thus motivated to model and analyze the flow of patients between hospitals and geriatric institutions to improve their joint operation. Academic/practical relevance: Practically, our joint modeling of hospital-institution is necessary to capture blocking effects. In contrast to previous research, we address an entire time-varying network, which enables an explicit consideration of blocking costs. Theoretically, our fluid model captures blocking without the need for reflection, which simplifies the analysis as well as the convergence proof of the corresponding stochastic model. Methodology: We develop a mathematical fluid model, which accounts for blocking, mortality, and readmission—all significant features of the discussed environment. Then, for bed allocation decisions, the fluid model and especially, its offered load counterpart turn out insightful and easy to implement. Results: The comparison between our fluid model, a two-year data set from a hospital chain, and simulation results shows that our model is accurate and useful. Moreover, our analysis yields a closed form expression for bed allocation decisions, which minimizes the sum of underage and overage costs. Solving for the optimal number of geriatric beds in our system shows that significant reductions in cost and waiting list length are achievable compared with current operations. Managerial implications: Our model can support healthcare managers in allocating geriatric beds to reduce operational costs. Moreover, our model facilitates three extensions: a periodic reallocation of beds, incorporation of setup costs into bed allocation decisions, and accommodating home care (or virtual hospitals) when feasible.
A nurse-led rheumatology telephone advice line: service redesign to improve efficiency and patient experience
Authors: Tomlinson Pamela , Heaton Helen , Medcalf Patricia , Campbell Jackie , Whiteside Debbie
Published: May 2019

Background:

nurse-led telephone advice line (TAL) services have been endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and provide patients and their carers with expert advice and self-management strategies. Identified helpline shortfalls in one rheumatology TAL included a high number of inappropriate calls, calls not recorded in patients' records, and no formal process for assigning calls to nurses. Using RCN guidelines, the service was redesigned by specialist rheumatology nurses to address these issues.

Method:

troubleshooting sessions were used to identify solutions to shortcomings in the helpline processes. Following service redesign, nurse/user feedback was collated, and efficiency savings achieved from reducing face-to-face appointments were calculated.

Results:

the new TAL received fewer inappropriate calls, was received positively by staff and patients, and saved approximately £354 890 a year for the local clinical commissioning group.

Conclusion:

rheumatology nurses successfully improved a TAL using RCN guidance. The approach could be used by other trusts to improve patient helplines and contribute to the NHS drive for efficiency.
Enhancing the decision-making process when considering artificial nutrition in advanced dementia care
Authors: De Diana , Thomas Carol
Published: May 2019

Background:

Nutritional problems often manifest during late-stage dementia, and some families may request to instigate artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) therapies. In the US, an estimated one-third of nursing home patients with a severe cognitive impairment have artificial feeding tubes inserted. Fear that a relative could experience extreme hunger or thirst if they are not mechanically fed tends to be the main driver behind family's requests to implement artificial or enteral feeding methods. In contrast, artificial hydration is rarely given to older people with dementia in the UK and this practice of non-intervention tends to apply across all healthcare and hospice type environments.

Aim:

This literature review aims to evaluate the evidence to support the use and non-use of ANH.

Method:

A literature review was undertaken to examine the evidence around ANH for patients with dementia to offer support to families or carers contemplating feeding choices.

Conclusion:

This paper challenges the implementation of invasive ANH worldwide. It highlights how resorting to ANH does not necessarily lead to improvements in comfort, survival or wound healing. The risk of aspiration does not appear to significantly alter either.
Novel Targets for Therapy of Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Prakoura Niki , Hadchouel Juliette , Chatziantoniou Christos
Published: May 2019

Renal fibrosis is an important component of chronic kidney disease, an incurable pathology with increasing prevalence worldwide. With a lack of available therapeutic options, end-stage renal disease is currently treated with renal replacement therapy through dialysis or transplantation. In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify novel targets for therapy of renal diseases, with special focus on the characterization of unknown mediators and pathways participating in renal fibrosis development. Using experimental models of renal disease and patient biopsies, we identified four novel mediators of renal fibrosis with potential to constitute future therapeutic targets against kidney disease: discoidin domain receptor 1, periostin, connexin 43, and cannabinoid receptor 1. The four candidates were highly upregulated in different models of renal disease and were localized at the sites of injury. Subsequent studies showed that they are centrally involved in the underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis progression. Interestingly, inhibition of either of these proteins by different strategies, including gene deletion, antisense administration, or specific blockers, delayed the progression of renal disease and preserved renal structure and function, even when the inhibition started after initiation of the disease. This review will summarize the current findings on these candidates emphasizing on their potential to constitute future targets of therapy:
Mechanisms of Scarring in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Zhong Jianyong , Whitman Jacob B. , Yang Hai-Chun , Fogo Agnes B.
Published: May 2019

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) presents with scar in parts of some glomeruli and often progresses to global and diffuse glomerulosclerosis. Podocyte injury is the initial target in primary FSGS, induced by a circulating factor. Several gene variants, for example, APOL1, are associated with increased susceptibility to FSGS. Primary FSGS may be due to genetic mutation in key podocyte genes. Increased work stress after loss of nephrons, epigenetic mechanisms, and various profibrotic pathways can contribute to progressive sclerosis, regardless of the initial injury. The progression of FSGS lesions also involves crosstalk between podocytes and other kidney cells, such as parietal epithelial cells, glomerular endothelial cells, and even tubular epithelial cells. New insights related to these mechanisms could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent progression of FSGS.
Thrombospondin 1 and Its Diverse Roles as a Regulator of Extracellular Matrix in Fibrotic Disease
Authors: Murphy-Ullrich Joanne E.
Published: May 2019

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a matricellular extracellular matrix protein that has diverse roles in regulating cellular processes important for the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. We will present evidence for the importance of TSP1 control of latent transforming growth factor beta activation in renal fibrosis with an emphasis on diabetic nephropathy. Other functions of TSP1 that affect renal fibrosis, including regulation of inflammation and capillary density, will be addressed. Emerging roles for TSP1 N-terminal domain regulation of collagen matrix assembly, direct effects of TSP1–collagen binding, and intracellular functions of TSP1 in mediating endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, which could potentially affect renal fibrogenesis, will also be discussed. Finally, we will address possible strategies for targeting TSP1 functions to treat fibrotic renal disease.
Anthrax Toxin Characterization
Authors: Patočka Jiří , Špliňo Miroslav
Published: May 2019

The anthrax toxin comprises three proteins. When they work together, they can kill humans, especially after spores of the bacteria have been inhaled. One anthrax protein, called protective antigen (PA), chaperones the two other toxins into human or animal cells and shields them from the body’s immune system. The second, lethal factor (LF), destroys the white blood cells that hosts send in defence. The third toxin molecule, edema factor (EF), hijacks the signaling system in the body. This disrupts the energy balance of cells and leads to them accumulating fluid and complete destroy of cells.
La historia es un profeta con la mirada vuelta hacia atrás : la tradición humanista y los estudios de pensamiento latinoamericano en la Universidad Central “Martha Abreu” de las Villas (1952-1999).
Authors: Valdés García Felix
Published: May 2019

Los estudios filosóficos, y en particular de estudios de la realidad cubana y latinoamericana, en la Universidad Central “Martha Abreu” de Las Villas tienen un recorrido histórico que se narra en este ensayo a partir de la delimitación de tres grandes décadas: la del sesenta, setenta y la de los ochenta-noventa. En estas dos últimas ubicamos la labor del profesor Pablo Guadarrama y del grupo que se constituyera en 1985 con él, el cual da continuidad a la tradición de la universidad en estos estudios.
De los hidrocarburos a las energías renovables en Colombia.
Authors: Collazos Ortiz Adriana , Esquivel García Claudia Lorena , Paz Parra Alejandro
Published: May 2019

En el presente artículo de investigación se analizan los diferentes factores sociales, económicos y legales que favorecen o limitan la transición energética colombiana hacia una composición de una matriz energética que combine exitosamente la explotación racional de los hidrocarburos con la introducción de fuentes renovables no convencionales como la biomasa y otras formas de energía, contempladas en el marco de la Ley 1715 de 2014. Mediante una metodología cualitativa se presenta un estado actual de la explotación de los hidrocarburos y las reservas probadas como elemento importante para evidenciar la necesidad de comenzar una transición energética y se analizan las diferentes componentes del ordenamiento jurídico que pueden impulsar o frenar dicha transición.
El concepto de nación entre tradición y modernidad : variaciones semánticas en el contexto hispánico.
Authors: Gambini Dianella
Published: May 2019

El objetivo de este artículo de investigación es ilustrar cómo se ha definido el concepto de nación en relación con las transformaciones históricas ocurridas en el contexto hispánico entre los siglos XVIII y XIX. Propiciadas por las ideologías del liberalismo y del nacionalismo, dichas transformaciones se convirtieron en el núcleo teórico básico de los sistemas políticos establecidos en las sociedades occidentales desde entonces y hasta hoy. Mediante una metodología cualitativa, se analizarán los puntos en que los autores tradicionalistas españoles han intentado corregir el concepto moderno de nación, teórico y dogmático, creando otro ontológico e histórico, más afín a la comprensión de la sociedad política del humanismo clásico. Se hará hincapié en algunos efectos del concepto moderno de nación en la historia contemporánea de España, en particular, el nacionalismo.
Current understanding and future directions in the application of TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 in AKI clinical practice
Authors: Fan Weixuan , Ankawi Ghada , Zhang Jingxiao , Digvijay Kumar , Giavarina Davide , Yin Yongjie , Ronco Claudio
Published: May 2019

NephroCheck® is the commercial name of a combined product of two urinary biomarkers, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), expressed as [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7], used to identify patients at high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is a common and harmful complication especially in critically-ill patients, which can induce devastating short- and long-term outcomes. Over the past decade, numerous clinical studies have evaluated the utility of several biomarkers (e.g. neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18, liver-type fatty acid binding protein and kidney injury molecule-1, cystatin C) in the early diagnosis and risk stratification of AKI. Among all these biomarkers, [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] was confirmed to be superior in early detection of AKI, before the decrease of renal function is evident. In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration permitted marketing of NephroCheck® (Astute Medical) (measuring urinary [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7]) to determine if certain critically-ill patients are at risk of developing moderate to severe AKI. It has since been applied to clinical work in many hospitals of the United States and Europe to improve the diagnostic accuracy and outcomes of AKI patients. Now, more and more research is devoted to the evaluation of its application value, meaning and method in different clinical settings. In this review, we summarize the current research status of [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] and point out its future directions.
Evaluation of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry in diagnosis of clinical Nocardia species
Authors: Hasçelik Gülşen , Kostrzewa Markus , Kaan Müştak Hamit , Uner Celalettin , Serdar Diker Kadir
Published: May 2019

Background

The routine identification to the species level of Nocardia genus by conventional methods is a fastidious and time-consuming process owing to the limited biochemical reactivity of these microorganisms, often requiring 1 or more days to complete identification. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a new technology for definitive and rapid species identification.

Methods

We evaluated the MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of 44 clinical isolates of Nocardia species in comparison to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Nocardia isolates were identified by microbiological examination, phenotypical tests and MALDI-TOF MS and the results were compared by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Of the 44 Nocardia strains, the identification of 28 isolates was determined with MALDI Biotyper database. According to this, 16 isolates (57.1%) of the strain log scores were ≥2. Two (7.1%) were identified to the species level (log scores of ≥2) as Nocardia otitidiscaviarum. The addition of a newly established Nocardia database (16 new Nocardia strains included to the original database) did significantly improve the scores. The results were 43 (97.7%) correct identification to the species level (log scores of ≥2).

Conclusions

This study showed that the identification of clinical Nocardia isolates by the Bruker MALDI Biotyper is highly reliable, whereas identification rates are generally lower than those for some Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive cocci. Based on our data, the identification rates can be improved by validated new database entries and the results can be confirmed with nucleic acid sequence analysis.
Clinical significance of anti-DFS70 antibody in antinuclear antibody-positive samples with a dense fine speckled pattern
Authors: Koo Sun Hoe , Kim Jimyung , Kim Seon Young , Kwon Gye Cheol
Published: May 2019

Background

When the dense fine speckled (DFS) pattern-antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are detected in the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay, the presence of anti-dense fine speckles 70 (DFS70) antibodies has been suggested to facilitate the exclusion of ANA-associated rheumatic diseases (AARD). We evaluated the potential use of anti-DFS70 antibodies for verifying AARD in patients with a positive ANA result of the DFS pattern.

Methods

A total of 5509 patients who were requested ANA testing were included. The DFS pattern was confirmed using two IIF assays. Semiquantitative DFS70 ELISA (Euroimmun, Germany) was examined in samples with the DFS pattern.

Results

Among 639 ANA-positive patients, 19.6% displayed the DFS pattern. And 17.6% of patients with the DFS pattern were diagnosed with AARD. The low titer of 1:80 was more prevalent in the non-AARD group than in the AARD group (64.1% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.0001). Anti-DFS70 antibodies were positive in 60.0% of patients with the DFS pattern. The frequency of anti-DFS70 positivity was higher in the non-rheumatic disease (NRD) group (74.2%) than in the other rheumatic disease group (43.2%, p = 0.003) and the AARD group (45.5%, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

The DFS pattern is present in both AARD and non-AARD cases. In the DFS pattern, a low titer of 1:80 and isolated anti-DFS70 antibodies without AARD-associated antibodies represent a low likelihood of AARD. The presence of anti-DFS70 antibodies cannot exclude AARD and should be analyzed in combination with AARD-associated antibodies in the diagnostic algorithm.
The crystal structure of tetrakis(imidazole)-copper(I) hexafluorophosphate, C12H16CuF6PN8
Authors: Zhong Wen-Wu , Tang Qian , Liu Ying-Jie , Shi Lei , Feng Yuan-Jiao , Tan Tao
Published: May 2019

C12H16CuF6PN8, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 13.102(2) Å, b = 9.7902(18) Å, c = 14.727(3) Å, β = 102.336(6)°, V = 1845.3(6) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0291, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0733, T = 150(2) K.
Progress of using biochar as a catalyst in thermal conversion of biomass
Authors: Gholizadeh Mortaza , Hu Xun , Liu Qing
Published: May 2019

Biochar is a solid residual produced from the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass via pyrolysis or gasification. It is abundantly available and has a unique structure as well as multiple functionalities. This makes biochar a potential candidate for use as a catalyst or support in catalytic reactions relating to biomass conversion such as catalytic pyrolysis, gasification, esterification of bio-oil, tar reforming, hydrothermal treatments and upgrading of bio-oil. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the potential use of biochar in various catalysis reactions, information on the overall overview and evaluation of the feasibilities of its use, especially in biomass-related conversions, is still limited. This study reviews the state-of-the-art for the production of biochar catalyst as well as its application as a catalyst or support for catalysts in producing biofuel or syngas from biomass. Special attention is given to the reaction pathway of reactants over the surface of biochar and the potential application of biochar in commercial applications. The prospects and challenges for the application of biochar as catalysts for the thermal conversion of biomass are also proposed.
Effect of Dust Ion Collision on Dust Ion Acoustic Solitary Waves for Nonextensive Plasmas in the Framework of Damped Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers Equation
Authors: Paul Niranjan , Mondal Kajal Kumar , Chatterjee Prasanta
Published: May 2019

Analytical solitary wave solution of the dust ion acoustic waves (DIAWs) is studied in the framework of the damped Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers (DKdVB) equation in an unmagnetised collisional dusty plasma consisting of negatively charged dust grain, positively charged ions, q-nonextensive electrons, and neutral particles. Using Reductive Perturbation Technique, the DKdVB equation is obtained for DIAWs. The effects of different physical parameters such as dust ion collision frequency parameter (

ν

i
d
0

\({\nu_{id0}}\)

), viscosity coefficient (η
10), the entropic index (q), the speed of the travelling wave (M
0), and the ratio between the unperturbed densities of the electrons and ions (μ) on the analytical solution of DIAWs are observed. The results of the present article may have applications in laboratory and space plasmas.
Frost Heave and Thawing Settlement of Frozen Soils around Concrete Piles: A Laboratory Model Test
Authors: Tang Liyun , Wang Xiaogang , Jin Long , Deng Lijun , Wu Di
Published: May 2019

The frost heave and thawing settlement of soils around piles could cause a series of problems, such as freezing of the pile and reduced bearing capacity of the pile. Based on the soil profiles recorded at a permafrost region in Western China, laboratory tests were performed to investigate the frost heave and thawing settlement of frozen soils around piles. The ambient temperature was adjusted in such way that the thawing and freezing of soils occurred from top to bottom, respectively. As the thawing and freezing reached different depths, the temperature, unfrozen water content, and displacements of soils around eight piles were recorded. The results showed that when the thawing was completed, the unfrozen water content of soil located at a distance equal to the pile’s diameter measured from its face was larger than that of the soil located at a distance equal to triple the pile diameters. At the end of freezing, the unfrozen water content of the soil located at a distance equal to the pile’s diameter (from the pile’s face) was smaller than that of the soil located farther (triple pile diameters). It was also shown that for the soil region between 1 and 2 times the pile diameters from its face, the amount of thawing settlement and frost heave increases, while the magnitude of the soil thawing settlement and frost heave decreases from 2 to 3 times the pile diameters. The laboratory results also showed that the difference in the frost heave and thawing settlement is related to the difference of the performance of heat transfer between the pile and soil during the freezing process. Therefore, a transverse temperature gradient exists in the pile-soil system, causing the unfrozen water to migrate toward the pile–soil interface and freeze.
Cerebellar Neurodegeneration and Neuronal Circuit Remodeling in Golgi pH Regulator-Deficient Mice
Authors: Sou Yu-shin , Kakuta Soichiro , Kamikubo Yuji , Niisato Kazue , Sakurai Takashi , Parajuli Laxmi Kumar , Tanida Isei , Saito Hiromitsu , Suzuki Noboru , Sakimura Kenji , Maeda Yusuke , Kinoshita Taroh , Uchiyama Yasuo , Koike Masato
Published: May 2019

The Golgi apparatus plays an indispensable role in posttranslational modification and transport of proteins to their target destinations. Although it is well established that the Golgi apparatus requires an acidic luminal pH for optimal activity, morphological and functional abnormalities at the neuronal circuit level because of perturbations in Golgi pH are not fully understood. In addition, morphological alteration of the Golgi apparatus is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we used anatomical and electrophysiological approaches to characterize morphological and functional abnormalities of neuronal circuits in Golgi pH regulator (GPHR) conditional knock-out mice. Purkinje cells (PCs) from the mutant mice exhibited vesiculation and fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, followed by axonal degeneration and progressive cell loss. Morphological analysis provided evidence for the disruption of basket cell (BC) terminals around PC soma, and electrophysiological recordings showed selective loss of large amplitude responses, suggesting BC terminal disassembly. In addition, the innervation of mutant PCs was altered such that climbing fiber (CF) terminals abnormally synapsed on the somatic spines of mutant PCs in the mature cerebellum. The combined results describe an essential role for luminal acidification of the Golgi apparatus in maintaining proper neuronal morphology and neuronal circuitry.
Pannexin 1 Regulates Network Ensembles and Dendritic Spine Development in Cortical Neurons
Authors: Sanchez-Arias Juan C. , Liu Mei , Choi Catherine S. W. , Ebert Sarah N. , Brown Craig E. , Swayne Leigh Anne
Published: May 2019

Dendritic spines are the postsynaptic targets of excitatory synaptic inputs that undergo extensive proliferation and maturation during the first postnatal month in mice. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate spines during this critical period is limited. Previous work has shown that pannexin 1 (Panx1) regulates neurite growth and synaptic plasticity. We therefore investigated the impact of global Panx1 KO on spontaneous cortical neuron activity using Ca2+imaging andin siliconetwork analysis. Panx1 KO increased both the number and size of spontaneous co-active cortical neuron network ensembles. To understand the basis for these findings, we investigated Panx1 expression in postnatal synaptosome preparations from early postnatal mouse cortex. Between 2 and 4 postnatal weeks, we observed a precipitous drop in cortical synaptosome protein levels of Panx1, suggesting it regulates synapse proliferation and/or maturation. At the same time points, we observed significant enrichment of the excitatory postsynaptic density proteins PSD-95, GluA1, and GluN2a in cortical synaptosomes from global Panx1 knock-out mice.Ex vivoanalysis of pyramidal neuron structure in somatosensory cortex revealed a consistent increase in dendritic spine densities in both male and female Panx1 KO mice. Similar findings were observed in an excitatory neuron-specific Panx1 KO line (Emx1-Cre driven; Panx1 cKOE) and in primary Panx1 KO cortical neurons culturedin vitro.Altogether, our study suggests that Panx1 negatively regulates cortical dendritic spine development.
lncRNA H19 binds VGF and promotes pNEN progression via PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling
Authors: Ji Meng , Yao Yanli , Liu Anan , Shi Ligang , Chen Danlei , Tang Liang , Yang Guang , Liang Xing , Peng Junfeng , Shao Chenghao
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are endocrine tumors arising in pancreas and is the most common neuroendocrine tumors. Mounting evidence indicates lncRNA H19 could be a determinant of tumor progression. However, the expression and mechanism of H19 and the relevant genes mediated by H19 in pNENs remain undefined. Microarray analysis was conducted to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs in pNENs. H19 expression was analyzed in 39 paired pNEN tissues by qPCR. The biological role of H19 was determined by functional experiments. RNA pulldown, mass spectroscopy and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to confirm the interaction between H19 and VGF. RNA-seq assays were performed after knockdown H19 or VGF. H19 was significantly upregulated in pNEN tissues with malignant behaviors, and the upregulation predicted poor prognosis in pNENs. In vitro and in vivo data showed that H19 overexpression promoted tumor growth and metastasis, whereas H19 knockdown led to the opposite phenotypes. H19 interacted with VGF, which was significantly upregulated in pNENs, and higher VGF expression was markedly related to poor differentiation and advanced stage. Furthermore, VGF was downregulated when H19 was knocked down, and VGF promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistic investigations revealed that H19 activated PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling and promoted pNEN progression by interacting with VGF. These findings indicate that H19 is a promising prognostic factor in pNENs with malignant behaviors and functions as an oncogene via the VGF-mediated PI3K/AKT/CREB pathway. In addition, our study implies that VGF may also serve as a candidate prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in pNENs.
Hybrid Assembly of the Genome of the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema carpocapsae Identifies the X-Chromosome
Authors: Serra Lorrayne , Macchietto Marissa , Macias-Muñoz Aide , McGill Cassandra Joan , Rodriguez Isaryhia Maya , Rodriguez Bryan , Murad Rabi , Mortazavi Ali
Published: May 2019

Entomopathogenic nematodes from the genus Steinernema are lethal insect parasites that quickly kill their insect hosts with the help of their symbiotic bacteria. Steinernema carpocapsae is one of the most studied entomopathogens due to its broad lethality to diverse insect species and its effective commercial use as a biological control agent for insect pests, as well as a genetic model for studying parasitism, pathogenesis, and symbiosis. In this study, we used long-reads from the Pacific Biosciences platform and BioNano Genomics Irys system to assemble the most complete genome of the S. carpocapsae ALL strain to date, comprising 84.5 Mb in 16 scaffolds, with an N50 of 7.36 Mb. The largest scaffold, with 20.9 Mb, was identified as chromosome X based on sex-specific genome sequencing. The high level of contiguity allowed us to characterize gene density, repeat content, and GC content. RNA-seq data from 17 developmental stages, spanning from embryo to adult, were used to predict 30,957 gene models. Using this improved genome, we performed a macrosyntenic analysis to Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus and found S. carpocapsae’s chromosome X to be primarily orthologous to C. elegans’ and P. pacificus’ chromosome II and IV. We also investigated the expansion of protein families and gene expression differences between adult male and female stage nematodes. This new genome and more accurate set of annotations provide a foundation for additional comparative genomic and gene expression studies within the Steinernema clade and across the Nematoda phylum.
Differentially and Co-expressed Genes in Embryo, Germ-Line and Somatic Tissues ofTribolium castaneum
Authors: Khan Sher Afzal , Eggleston Heather , Myles Kevin M , Adelman Zach N
Published: May 2019

Transcriptomic studies of Tribolium castaneum have led to significant advances in our understanding of co-regulation and differential expression of genes in development. However, previously used microarray approaches have covered only a subset of known genes. The aim of this study was to investigate gene expression patterns of beetle embryo, germ-line and somatic tissues. We identified 12,302 expressed genes and determined differentially expressed up and down-regulated genes among all samples. For example, 1624 and 3639 genes were differentially increased in expression greater than or equal to twofold change (FDR < 0.01) in testis vs. ovary (virgin female) and ovary vs. embryo (0-5 hr), respectively. Of these, many developmental, somatic and germ-line differentially expressed genes were identified. Furthermore, many maternally deposited transcripts were identified, whose expression either decreased rapidly or persisted during embryogenesis. Genes with the largest change in expression were predominantly decreased during early embryogenesis as compared to ovary or were increased in testis compared to embryo. We also identify zygotic genes induced after fertilization. The genome wide variation in transcript regulation in maternal and zygotic genes could provide additional information on how the anterior posterior axis formation is established in Tribolium embryos as compared to Drosophila. Together, our data will facilitate studies of comparative developmental biology as well as help identify candidate genes for identifying cis-elements to drive transgenic constructs.
Determinación de los niveles de arsénico presentes en sistemas de abastecimiento de agua de las regiones Chorotega y Huetar Norte de Costa Rica, América Central
Authors: Herrera-Murillo Jorge , Mora-Campos Diana , Suarez-Serrano Andrea , Chaves-Villalobos María , Salas-Jiménez Pablo , Gamboa-Jiménez Alejandra , Anchía-Leitón Deivis
Published: May 2019

Se determinaron las concentraciones de Arsénico (As) presentes en muestras de agua para uso y consumo humano recolectadas en 106 operadores comunales de sistemas de abastecimiento en las regiones Chorotega y Huetar Norte de Costa Rica durante 2013-2017. A las muestras que registraron concentraciones de As por encima de la norma nacional se le evaluaron los restantes parámetros incluidos en el nivel N2 del Reglamento para agua potable de Costa Rica. La determinación de arsénico se hizo utilizando espectrometría de absorción atómica con horno de grafito. Los principales incumplimientos se registraron en los distritos de Bagaces y Cañas mientras que en la Región Huetar Norte se presentan en Agua Zarcas y Los Chiles. En estos distritos se registra un nivel de incumplimiento de la norma nacional (10 µg/l) que varía desde 66,7 % en el caso de Los Chiles hasta un 50 % en Cañas. Los sistemas que presentan incumplimientos no registraron variaciones temporales significativas en las concentraciones de As en el periodo 2013-2017. Al analizar los parámetros de correlaciones significativas registradas entre el As y las otras especies analizadas se obtiene información valiosa relacionada con los procesos hidrogeoquímicos que determinan la presencia de este metaloide.