bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergy development is associated with consumption of breastmilk with a reduced microbial richness in the first month of life
Authors: Dzidic Majda , Mira Alex , Artacho Alejandro , Abrahamsson Thomas R. , Jenmalm Maria C. , Collado Maria Carmen
Published: November 2019

Background

Early colonization with a diverse microbiota seems to play a crucial role for appropriate immune maturation during childhood. Breastmilk microbiota is one important source of microbes for the infant, transferred together with maternal IgA antibodies. We previously observed that allergy development during childhood was associated with aberrant IgA responses to the gut microbiota already at 1 month of age, when the IgA antibodies are predominantly maternally derived in breastfed infants.

Objective

To determine the microbial composition and IgA‐coated bacteria in breastmilk in relation to allergy development in children participating in an intervention trial with pre‐ and post‐natal Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation.

Methods

A combination of flow cytometric cell sorting and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the bacterial recognition patterns by IgA in breastmilk samples collected one month post‐partum from 40 mothers whose children did or did not develop allergic and asthmatic symptoms during the first 7 years of age.

Results

The milk fed to children developing allergic manifestations had significantly lower bacterial richness, when compared to the milk given to children that remained healthy. Probiotic treatment influenced the breastmilk microbiota composition. However, the proportions of IgA‐coated bacteria, the total bacterial load and the patterns of IgA‐coating were similar in breastmilk between mothers of healthy children and those developing allergies.

Conclusion

Consumption of breastmilk with a reduced microbial richness in the first month of life may play an important role in allergy development during childhood.
Opsin3 Downregulation Induces Apoptosis of Human Epidermal Melanocytes via Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Wang Yu , Lan Yinghua , Lu Hongguang
Published: November 2019

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are core switches connecting excellular survival or death signals with cellular signaling pathways in a context‐dependent manner. Opsin 3 (OPN3) belongs to the GPCR superfamily. However, whether OPN3 can control the survival or death of human melanocytes is not known. Here, we try to investigate the inherent function of OPN3 on the survival of melanocytes. Our results demonstrate that OPN3 knockdown by RNAi‐OPN3 in human epidermal melanocytes leads to cell apoptosis. The downregulation of OPN3 markedly reduces intracellular calcium levels and decreases phosphorylation of BAD. Attenuated BAD phosphorylation and elevated BAD protein level alter mitochondria membrane permeability, which trigger activation of BAX and inhibition of BCL‐2 and raf‐1. Activated BAX results in the release of cytochrome c and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cytochrome c complexes associate with caspase 9, forming a postmitochondrial apoptosome that activate effector caspases including caspase 3 and caspase 7. The release of apoptotic molecules eventually promotes the occurrence of apoptosis. In conclusion, we hereby are the first to prove that OPN3 is a key signal responsible for cell survival through a calcium‐dependent G protein‐coupled signaling and mitochondrial pathway.
Photosynthesis and growth of Ulva ohnoi and Ulva pertusa (Ulvophyceae) under high light and high temperature conditions, and implications for green tide in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Masaya , Kumagai Naoki H. , Tamaoki Masanori , Arita Koichi , Ishii Yuichi , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Yabe Tohru
Published: November 2019

The macroalga Ulva ohnoi constitutes a considerable fraction of green tides in coastal areas of Japan, but little is known about the physiological characteristics of this species. To investigate the environmental factors that promote the formation of green tides, we tested the responses of U. ohnoi and another common Japanese species, Ulva pertusa, to various levels of irradiance at different water temperatures. Because the two species are morphologically similar, we identified them using the PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Under laboratory conditions, we evaluated the photosynthetic, dark respiration, and relative growth rate at a range of water temperatures (5 to 35°C) and photosynthetically active radiation (0 to 1000 μmol photons m−2 s−1). The maximum gross photosynthetic rate of U. ohnoi was larger than that of U. pertusa. The dark respiration rates revealed no significant differences among the species and temperature conditions. At 500 μmol photons m−2 s−1, the relative growth rate of U. ohnoi was larger than that of U. pertusa in higher temperature and the difference was the largest at 20°C. The estimated compensation irradiance and estimated saturation irradiance of U. ohnoi and U. pertusa ranged from 0.709 to 5.510 and 40.530 to 58.674 μmol photons m−2 s−1, which were lower than those in other intertidal green macroalgae, from 6 to 11 and 50 to 82 μmol photons m−2 s−1, respectively. Thus, U. ohnoi which exists as free‐floating near the water surface and accumulating inside the green tide can survive extensively in the water column of the intertidal zone, furthermore, the species can maintain rapid growth in this situation. Therefore, as a result of this study, it is suggested that the ecological success of U. ohnoi in shallow waters such as the tidal flats, estuarine, and coasts of the inner bay in comparison with U. pertusa.
Recycled insular phosphates and coated grains: Case study from Little Cayman, British West Indies
Authors: Jones Brian
Published: November 2019

Phosphatic limestones on the west end of Little Cayman, at an elevation of 3 to 4 m above sea level and ca 320 to 550 m inland of the coast, lie on top of a phytokarst surface that defines the upper boundary of the Pedro Castle Formation (Pliocene). These phosphatic limestones are formed of phosphatic lithoclasts, detrital phosphate grains, coated grains (glaebules), composite coated grains, biofragments and phosphate rafts that are held in a matrix that is formed of micrite, calcite cement, and non‐crystalline masses formed of P, Al, Si and Fe. The phosphate in these limestones is primarily hydroxylapatite, whereas the overlying soils, found in some areas, are formed of hydroxylapatite, crandallite and minor amounts of boehemite, kaolinite and quartz. Textures in the lithoclasts and detrital phosphate grains indicate that they were derived from older insular phosphates that that were largely removed by mining in 1890 to 1895. The coated grains (glaebules) typically have nuclei formed of a detrital phosphate grains that are encased by non‐crystalline cortical laminae that are composed primarily of Al with their variable red colour reflecting the variable Fe content. The phosphatic limestones developed in a low‐lying coastal area where the guano produced by a large seabird colony that was close to or mixed with terra rossa and marine carbonates that were washed onshore during storms/hurricanes. The Al, Fe, Si and rare earth elements found in the phosphatic limestones came from the terra rossa. Critically, this study documents the complex depositional regimes and diagenetic processes that can exist at the interface of marine carbonates, coastal phosphates and terrestrial soils as sea‐level fluctuations control phases of sediment accumulation that were periodically interrupted by periods of non‐deposition.
Efficient volatility estimation in a two‐factor model
Authors: Féron Olivier , Gruet Pierre , Hoffmann Marc
Published: November 2019

We statistically analyze a multivariate Heath‐Jarrow‐Morton diffusion model with stochastic volatility. The volatility process of the first factor is left totally unspecified while the volatility of the second factor is the product of an unknown process and an exponential function of time to maturity. This exponential term includes some real parameter measuring the rate of increase of the second factor as time goes to maturity. From historical data, we efficiently estimate the time to maturity parameter in the sense of constructing an estimator that achieves an optimal information bound in a semiparametric setting. We also nonparametrically identify the paths of the volatility processes and achieve minimax bounds. We address the problem of degeneracy that occurs when the dimension of the process is greater than two, and give in particular optimal limit theorems under suitable regularity assumptions on the drift process. We consistently analyze the numerical behavior of our estimators on simulated and real datasets of prices of forward contracts on electricity markets.
Organized crime and wage inequality
Authors: Pi Jiancai , Zhang Pengqing
Published: November 2019

This paper stresses the role of industrial organization of crime, and explores how organized crime affects wage inequality. We find that, when only unskilled workers (or both skilled and unskilled workers) engage in organized crime, an increase in the number of criminal groups will increase wage inequality if (1) the skilled sector is more capital intensive than the unskilled sector, and (2) the price elasticity of demand for the skilled product is large enough. However, when there are only skilled workers engaging in organized crime, condition (1) is sufficient to widen wage inequality, irrespective of the price elasticity.
Gender (mis)measurement: Guidelines for respecting gender diversity in psychological research
Authors: Cameron Jessica J , Stinson Danu Anthony
Published: November 2019

Empirical evidence affirms that gender is a nonbinary spectrum. Yet our review of recently published empirical articles reveals that demographic gender measurement in psychology still assumes that gender comprises just two categories: women and men. This common practice is problematic. It fails to represent psychologists' current understanding of gender, violates our ethical principles as scientists, and can result in gender misclassification. Psychologists' reliance on binary measures also conveys an exclusionary attitude that is contrary to recent ethical recommendations and contrary to the growing public concern about transgender rights. We extend five simple, no‐cost recommendations that begin to resolve these ethical and methodological problems: use and report, nonbinary gender measures; report the prevalence of nonbinary participants; clarify their inclusion and treatment in analysis; and use gender inclusive language. We also address common concerns expressed by researchers, including whether measuring “sex” resolves the issue and whether gender‐inclusive measures confuse or offend participants.
Clarity and creativity as womanist ethics for teaching and evaluating theological writing
Authors: Jordan Zandra L.
Published: November 2019

This article uses womanist ethics and theories of writing instruction to illuminate the experiences of black women seminarians with theological writing at a predominantly white institution. The three cases presented here highlight two ethics for teaching and evaluating theological writing: clarity and creativity. Already triply marginalized by race, sex, and class, black women are often greeted with unwritten norms around academic theological writing that threaten their self‐concept and their development as producers of theological knowledge. This work centers reflections of student‐learning on the voices of black women who found their own ways of negotiating these demands. Their responses to the problems of writing for and in white, male‐dominated theological discourses provide moral strategies that all writers can employ and that all theology professors can make a regular part of their ethical pedagogical practice.
Confronting racism and white privilege in courses on religion and the environment: An inclusive pedagogical approach
Authors: Baugh Amanda J.
Published: November 2019

Courses on religion and the environment must confront racism and white privilege in order to remain relevant for the diverse students who increasingly fill higher education classrooms. Recognizing that traditional approaches for understanding environmentalism can isolate students of color by failing to recognize their own communities and experiences, I offer two assignments – Ecological Footprint Journals and a community‐based research project – that empower students to think of environmentalism in new, more relevant ways. This approach has benefitted my students by displacing the dominance of Eurocentric thinking in my curriculum and creating a class culture that values diverse perspectives. It has also profoundly shaped my research trajectory, by helping me identify raced and classed biases that are embedded in my field, and leading me to develop a research project that complements my teaching by challenging some of those hidden assumptions.
Efficacy study of a topical treatment with a plant extract with antibiofilm activities using an in vivo model of canine superficial pyoderma
Authors: Bäumer Wolfgang , Jacobs Megan , Tamamoto‐Mochizuki Chie
Published: November 2019

Background

Canine pyoderma is a common skin infection caused predominantly by staphylococcal bacteria. Because of increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates, there is an urgent need for alternative or supplementary treatment options. W16P576, a Water Extract of Complex Mix of Edible Plants (WECMEP), has shown in vitro activity against a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. A canine model of pyoderma was developed which allows in vivo testing of antimicrobial agents in a controlled environment.

Objective

To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of topical application of W16P576 in a model of canine pyoderma.

Animals

Nine laboratory housed beagle dogs.

Methods and materials

In an evaluator‐blinded cross‐over study with an eight week washout period, dogs were treated topically twice daily with W16P576 WECMEP or its vehicle, starting three days before bacterial challenge. On the day of challenge, each dog was treated with two concentrations of a clinical S. pseudintermedius strain on opposite sides of the body. Topical treatment was continued for 11 days and lesions of pyoderma were evaluated and scored for 14 days.

Results

All dogs developed lesions consistent with bacterial pyoderma. Lesion scores were generally higher on the side inoculated with a higher concentration of bacteria. Treatment with W16P576 significantly reduced lesion development and hastened resolution of lesions, compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Topical application of W16P576 markedly reduced lesion development in this proof of principle study. Clinical trials are warranted to estimate benefits for dogs with naturally occurring pyoderma under field conditions.
Gene frequencies of human platelet antigen‐1 to ‐5 and ‐15 in the Iranian population
Authors: Shaiegan Mojgan , Ghasemi Ali , Madani Tahereh , Samiee Shahram , Bayat Behnaz , Mohammadi Saeed , Zadsar Maryam
Published: November 2019

Background

As the frequency of human platelet antigens varies between different ethnic groups and the data about the HPA gene frequency in Iran have been absent yet, the purpose of this study was to determine HPA‐1 to HPA‐5 and HPA‐15 allele frequency among Iranians.

Materials and methods

HPA‐1, HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐4, HPA‐5 and HPA‐15 typing was performed by the polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer techniques (PCR‐SSP) for 210 subjects [Including 100 blood donors, 55 hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) recipient/donor pairs].

Results

The frequencies of HPA phenotypes were determined as follows: HPA‐1a/1a: 98%, HPA‐1a/1b:2%, HPA‐2a/2a: 8/.5%, HPA‐2a/2b: 91·5%, HPA‐3a/3a: 21%, HPA‐3a/3b: 67·2%, HPA‐3b/3b: 22·8%, HPA‐4a/4a: 100%, HPA‐5a/5a: 99·5%, HPA‐5a/5b: 0·5%, HPA‐15a/15a: 14·2%, HPA‐15a/15b: 67·2% and HPA‐15b/15b: 18·6%.

Conclusion

HPA‐4b was absent and there was not any homozygosity for HPA‐1b/1b, HPA‐2b/2b and HPA‐5b/5b besides no HPA‐1b/b, HPA‐2b/b and HPA‐5b/b homozygosity was found. So it seems that HPA‐1a, HPA‐2a, HPA‐4a and HPA‐5a might not be involved in the alloimmunization and transfusion reactions on the Iranian population but HPA‐15a and HPA3a. Furthermore, extensive studies covering diverse ethnic groups, in the field of platelet immunobiology, will help to find the local pattern more precisely.
Outcomes of eight cats with oral neoplasia treated with radical mandibulectomy
Authors: Boston Sarah E. , van Stee Lucinda L. , Bacon Nicholas J. , Szentimrey David , Kirby Barbara M. , van Nimwegen Sebastiaan , Wavreille Vincent A.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To report outcomes after radical mandibulectomy in cats.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective study.

Animals

Eight cats were included.

Methods

Medical records were searched for cats with confirmed oral neoplasia treated with radical mandibulectomy. Data collected included demographics, surgical procedure, histopathological diagnosis, postoperative management, and outcomes.

Results

Ages ranged from 8 to 17 years. All cats had 75% to 90% of the mandible removed and feeding tubes placed. Seven cats had squamous cell carcinoma, and one cat had a giant cell tumor. Six cats ate on their own postoperatively. Three cats had local recurrence and tumor‐related died at 136 and 291 days. Six cats had no recurrence, with survival times of 156, 465, 608, and 1023 days, and two cats were still alive at 316 and 461 days after surgery. The three long‐term survivors died of causes unrelated to oral neoplasia. One cat died at 156 days due to aspiration of food material. The overall estimated mean survival time was 712 days.

Conclusion

After radical mandibulectomy, independent food intake was achieved in 6 of eight cats, and four cats lived longer than one year.

Clinical significance:Radical mandibulectomy should be considered for the treatment of extensive oral neoplasia in cats. Successful long‐term outcomes are possible with aggressive supportive care perioperatively.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates wound healing in diabetic mice by decreasing active matrix metalloproteinase‐9
Authors: Nguyen Trung T. , Jones Jeffrey I. , Wolter William R. , Pérez Rocio L. , Schroeder Valerie A. , Champion Matthew M. , Hesek Dusan , Lee Mijoon , Suckow Mark A. , Mobashery Shahriar , Chang Mayland
Published: November 2019

Diabetic foot ulcers are characterized by hypoxia. For many patients, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is the last recourse for saving the limb from amputation, for which the molecular basis is not understood. We previously identified the active form of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) as responsible for diabetic foot ulcer's recalcitrance to healing. Transcription of mmp‐9 to the inactive zymogen is upregulated during hypoxia. Activation of the zymogen is promoted by proteases and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that the dynamics of these two events might lead to a lowering of active MMP‐9 levels in the wounded tissue. We employed the full‐thickness excisional db/db mouse model to study wound healing, and treated the mice to 3.0 atm of molecular oxygen for 90 minutes, 5 days per week for 10 days in an HBO research chamber. Treatment with HBO accelerated diabetic wound healing compared to untreated mice, with more completed and extended reepithelialization. We imaged the wounds for ROS in vivo with a luminol‐based probe and found that HBO treatment actually decreases ROS levels. The levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase—enzymes that turn over ROS—increased after HBO treatment, hence the observation of decreased ROS. Since ROS levels are lowered, we explored the effect that this would have on activation of MMP‐9. Quantitative analysis with an affinity resin that binds and pulls down the active MMPs exclusively, coupled with proteomics, revealed that HBO treatment indeed reduces the active MMP‐9 levels. This work for the first time demonstrates that diminution of active MMP‐9 is a contributing factor and a mechanism for enhancement of diabetic wound healing by HBO therapy.
Cathodoluminescence degradation of Y2O3:Dy3+ nanophosphor for field emission displays
Authors: Nagarasanakote Jayaramu Shivaramu , Coetsee Elizabeth , Swart Hendrik C.
Published: November 2019

Cathodoluminescence (CL) degradation of Y2O3:Dy3+ nanophosphors prepared by the solution combustion method was explored for feasible applications in low voltage field emission displays (FEDs). Oxide materials are excellent candidates for FED fabrication due to their high melting points, chemical and radiation stability with long lifetimes, high color purity, and being environmentally friendly. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to monitor changes in the surface chemical composition and correlation fit with CL degradation. AES and CL spectroscopy (2 keV energy electrons and with a beam current of 15 μA) measurements were done in high vacuum (1.5 × 10−8 Torr) and oxygen pressures of 1 × 10−7 and 5 × 10−7 Torr. The Y2O3:Dy3+ nanophosphor showed strong yellow (572 nm) and relatively weaker blue (492 nm) CL emissions. These CL emissions increased as carbon (C) was depleted from the surface, and then it slightly decreased at a high electron dose in both the vacuum and oxygen atmospheres, for electron doses up to about 690 C/cm2. The C was depleted from the surface due to electron stimulated reactions. No significant change in the chemical state of Y 3d was observed with XPS high resolution spectra for the postirradiation sample. The change in the CL intensity was, therefore, attributed to the depletion of C from the surface.
Dynamic imaging of a capillary-gravity wave in shallow water using amplitude variations of eigenbeams
Authors: van Baarsel Tobias , Roux Philippe , Mars Jérôme Igor , Bonnel Julien , Arrigoni Michel , Kerampran Steven , Nicolas Barbara
Published: November 2019

Dynamic acoustic imaging of a surface wave propagating at an air–water interface is a complex task that is investigated here at the laboratory scale through an ultrasonic experiment in a shallow water waveguide. Using a double beamforming algorithm between two source–receiver arrays, the authors isolate and identify each multi-reverberated eigenbeam that interacts with the air–water and bottom interfaces. The waveguide transfer matrix is recorded 100 times per second while a low-amplitude gravity wave is generated by laser-induced breakdown at the middle of the waveguide, just above the water surface. The controlled, and therefore repeatable, breakdown results in a blast wave that interacts with the air–water interface, which creates ripples at the surface that propagate in both directions. The amplitude perturbations of each ultrasonic eigenbeam are measured during the propagation of the gravity-capillary wave. Inversion of the surface deformation is performed from the amplitude variations of the eigenbeams using a diffraction-based sensitivity kernel approach. The accurate ultrasonic imaging of the displacement of the air–water interface is compared to simultaneous measurements with an optical camera, which provides independent validation.
Neighborhood Mobility and Unmet Physical Activity Need in Old Age: A 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Palmberg Lotta , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Aartolahti Eeva , Viljanen Anne , Hirvensalo Mirja , Rantakokko Merja
Published: November 2019

Background:Many older people report a willingness to increase outdoor physical activity (PA), but no opportunities for it, a situation termed as unmet PA need. The authors studied whether lower neighborhood mobility and PA precede the development of unmet PA need.Methods:Community-dwelling 75- to 90-year-old people (n = 700) were interviewed annually for 2 years. Unmet PA need, neighborhood mobility, and PA were self-reported. In addition, accelerometer-based step counts were assessed among a subgroup (n = 156).Results:Logistic regression analyses revealed that lower baseline neighborhood mobility (odds ratio 3.02, 95% confidence interval [1.86, 4.90] vs. daily) and PA (odds ratio 4.37, 95% confidence interval [2.62, 7.29] vs. high) were associated with the development of unmet PA need over 2 years. The participants with higher step counts had a lower risk for unmet PA need (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval, [0.54, 0.87]).Conclusion:Maintaining higher PA levels and finding solutions for daily outdoor mobility, especially for those with declines in health, may protect from the development of unmet PA need.
When Culture Meets Capital: Commercialism, National Identity, and Vancouver’s Initial Attempt to Join the NHL
Authors: Wong John , Jedlicka Scott R.
Published: November 2019

In 1966, the National Hockey League (NHL) expanded for the first time since the 1920s, doubling its size from six teams to twelve. Although hockey was still perceived as a distinctly Canadian passion, none of the NHL’s six new teams were located in Canada. The disappointment across the country was palpable, especially in Canada’s third-largest city, Vancouver, which had applied to be one of the expansion locations. A stable presence in minor league hockey on Canada’s west coast for decades, it seemed only natural that Vancouver, as the lone bidder from the ostensible birthplace of ice hockey, would be tapped for NHL expansion. This paper examines Vancouver’s attempted entry into the NHL and argues that the forces of commercialism and national identity, combined with political maneuvering among NHL owners, not only influenced the content and trajectory of the Vancouver bid, but also contributed to its ultimate failure.
CpG Dinucleotides Inhibit HIV-1 Replication through Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein (ZAP)-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Ficarelli Mattia , Antzin-Anduetza Irati , Hugh-White Rupert , Firth Andrew E. , Sertkaya Helin , Wilson Harry , Neil Stuart J. D. , Schulz Reiner , Swanson Chad M.
Published: November 2019

Some RNA virus genomes are suppressed in the nucleotide combination of a cytosine followed by a guanosine (CpG), indicating that they are detrimental to the virus. The antiviral protein ZAP binds viral RNA containing CpGs and prevents the virus from multiplying. However, it remains unknown how the number and position of CpGs in viral genomes affect restriction by ZAP and whether CpGs have other antiviral mechanisms. Importantly, manipulating the CpG content in viral genomes could help create new vaccines. HIV-1 shows marked CpG suppression, and by introducing CpGs into its genome, we show that ZAP efficiently targets a specific region of the viral genome, that the number of CpGs does not predict the magnitude of antiviral activity, and that CpGs can inhibit HIV-1 gene expression through a ZAP-independent mechanism. Overall, the position of CpGs in the HIV-1 genome determines the magnitude and mechanism through which they inhibit the virus.
Genome-Wide Transcriptome Analysis of Human Papillomavirus 16-Infected Primary Keratinocytes Reveals Subtle Perturbations Mostly due to E7 Protein Expression
Authors: Bienkowska-Haba Malgorzata , Luszczek Wioleta , Zwolinska Katarzyna , Scott Rona S. , Sapp Martin
Published: November 2019

To establish infection and complete the viral life cycle, human papillomavirus (HPV) needs to alter the transcriptional program of host cells. Until recently, studies were restricted to keratinocyte-derived cell lines immortalized by HPV due to the lack of experimental systems to efficiently infect primary keratinocytes. Need for selection and immortalization made it impossible to distinguish between alterations induced by HPV and secondary adaptation due to selection and immortalization. With our recent establishment of an extracellular matrix (ECM)-to-cell transfer system allowing efficient infection of primary keratinocytes, we were able to identify transcriptional changes attributable to HPV16 infection. Most perturbed genes fall into the class of S-phase genes, which are regulated by pocket proteins. Indeed, infection with viruses lacking E7 abrogated most transcriptional changes. It is important to note that many transcriptional alterations thought to be important for the HPV life cycle are actually late events that may reflect immortalization and, possibly, disease progression.
A Single Salt Bridge in VIM-20 Increases Protein Stability and Antibiotic Resistance under Low-Zinc Conditions
Authors: Cheng Zishuo , Shurina Ben A. , Bethel Christopher R. , Thomas Pei W. , Marshall Steven H. , Thomas Caitlyn A. , Yang Kundi , Kimble Robert L. , Montgomery Jonathan S. , Orischak Matthew G. , Miller Callie M. , Tennenbaum Jordan L. , Nix Jay C. , Tierney David L. , Fast Walter , Bonomo Robert A. , Page Richard C. , Crowder Michael W.
Published: November 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a growing clinical threat. One of the most serious areas of concern is the ability of some bacteria to degrade carbapenems, drugs that are often reserved as last-resort antibiotics. Resistance to carbapenems can be conferred by a large group of related enzymes called metallo-β-lactamases that rely on zinc ions for function and for overall stability. Here, we studied an extensive panel of 45 different metallo-β-lactamases from a subfamily called VIM to discover what changes are emerging as resistance evolves in clinical settings. Enhanced resistance to some antibiotics was observed. We also found that at least one VIM variant developed a new ability to remain more stable under conditions where zinc availability is limited, and we determined the origin of this stability in atomic detail. These results suggest that zinc scarcity helps drive the evolution of this resistance determinant.
Acute kidney injury as the presenting complaint of ceftazidime-induced immune-mediated haemolysis
Authors: Ferro Ashley , Griffiths Meryl , Smith Rona , Fry Andrew
Published: November 2019

We present the case of ceftazidime-induced immune-mediated haemolysis with associated acute kidney injury in a 43-year-old woman. The patient initially presented to the regional cystic fibrosis centre for treatment of an infective exacerbation of cystic fibrosis. After initiation of ceftazidime (a third-generation cephalosporin), renal function rapidly deteriorated and a fall in haemoglobin was noted. On transfer to our care, a haemolysis screen identified immune-mediated haemolysis, and renal biopsy confirmed the finding of acute tubular necrosis secondary to haem pigment. The patient’s renal function deteriorated such that she required haemodialysis, although she subsequently recovered and is now dialysis-independent. Although acute haemolytic reactions are recognised with third-generation cephalosporins, this is the first reported case of ceftazidime-induced immune-mediated haemolysis with acute kidney injury. Given the increased frequency of cephalosporin usage, it is important for both nephrologists and general physicians to be aware of this rare but very serious complication.
Plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels increase with ectopic fat accumulation and its receptor levels are decreased in the visceral fat of patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hong Eun Shil , Lim Cheong , Choi Hye Yeon , Lee Yun Kyung , Ku Eu Jeong , Moon Jae Hoon , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak Chul , Choi Sung Hee
Published: November 2019

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel metabolic regulator that has beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. However, plasma FGF21 levels are paradoxically increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, suggesting resistance to this ligand. FGF21 acts mainly on adipose tissue and ectopic fat accumulation is a typical feature in metabolic deterioration such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between FGF21 resistance and ectopic fat accumulation.

Research design and methods

Subjects who underwent 64-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) were enrolled (n=190). Plasma FGF21 levels and MDCT data of ectopic fats at various sites were analyzed. Human visceral and subcutaneous fat tissues from abdominal and coronary artery bypass surgery were obtained. FGF21 receptor expression and postreceptor signaling in different fat deposits of both control and T2DM subjects were analyzed.

Results

Plasma FGF21 levels were significantly associated with body mass index, triglyceride, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and Matsuda index. Plasma FGF21 levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM than in the pre-diabetes and normal glucose tolerance groups. The ectopic fat phenotypes (visceral, epicardial, intrahepatic, and intramuscular fat) of T2DM were significantly higher than controls. Plasma FGF21 levels were elevated and exhibited a strong positive correlation with ectopic fat accumulation in T2DM. The expression of genes comprising the FGF21 signaling pathway was also lower in visceral fat than in subcutaneous fat in this disease.

Conclusions

Human FGF21 resistance in T2DM could result from increases in FGF21-resistant ectopic fat accumulation. Our study provides novel clinical evidence linking FGF21 resistance and T2DM pathogenesis.
Assessing the quality of medication documentation: development and feasibility of the MediDocQ instrument for retrospective chart review in the hospital setting
Authors: Hammer Antje , Wagner Anke , Rieger Monika A , Manser Tanja
Published: November 2019

Objective

The medication process requires clear and transparent documentation in patient records. Incomplete or incorrect medication documentation may contribute to inappropriate clinical decision-making and adverse events. To comprehensively assess the quality of in-hospital medication documentation, we developed a retrospective chart review (RCR) instrument. We report on the development process, the feasibility of the instrument and describe our application of the instrument to a sample of patient records.

Design

Cross-sectional study using an RCR instrument to evaluate paper-based, non-standardised prescription and medication administration charts (MediDocQ).

Setting

Two German university hospitals.

Participants

Records from 1361 patients admitted between April and July 2015 were evaluated.

Methods

The MediDocQ development process comprised six consecutive stages: focused literature review, web-based search, initial patient record screening, review by project advisory board, focus groups with professionals and pilot testing. The final 54-item RCR instrument covers three key components of medication documentation: (1) completeness of documented information (including prescription, medication administration and pro re nata (PRN) medication), (2) quality of transcriptions and (3) compliance with chart structure, legibility, handling of deletions and chart corrections. Descriptive statistics are presented as mean values, SD, median and interquartile ranges for individual items.

Results

Overall, 33 out of 54 items resulted in mean values above 0.75, indicating high-quality medication documentation. Documentation quality was particularly compromised for verbal and PRN orders (which involve more steps than standard orders) and when documentation was not completed at the same time as medication administration.

Conclusions

MediDocQ is a patient safety instrument that can be used to evaluate the quality of medication documentation and identify components of the process where intervention is required. In our setting, standardisation of medication documentation, particularly regarding medication administration and PRN medication is a priority.
Predicting sudden cardiac death in a general population using an electrocardiographic risk score
Authors: Holkeri Arttu , Eranti Antti , Haukilahti M Anette E , Kerola Tuomas , Kenttä Tuomas V , Tikkanen Jani T , Anttonen Olli , Noponen Kai , Seppänen Tapio , Rissanen Harri , Heliövaara Markku , Knekt Paul , Junttila M Juhani , Huikuri Heikki V , Aro Aapo L
Published: November 2019

Objective

We investigated whether combining several ECG abnormalities would identify general population subjects with a high sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk.

Methods

In a sample of 6830 participants (mean age 51.2±13.9 years; 45.5% male) in the Mini-Finland Health Survey, a general population cohort representative of the Finnish adults aged ≥30 years conducted in 1978–1980, we examined their ECGs, following subjects for 24.3±10.4 years. We analysed the association between individual ECG abnormalities and 10-year SCD risk and developed a risk score using five ECG abnormalities independently associated with SCD risk: heart rate >80 beats per minute, PR duration >220 ms, QRS duration >110 ms, left ventricular hypertrophy and T-wave inversion. We validated the score using an external general population cohort of 10 617 subjects (mean age 44.0±8.5 years; 52.7% male).

Results

No ECG abnormalities were present in 4563 subjects (66.8%), while 96 subjects (1.4%) had ≥3 ECG abnormalities. After adjusting for clinical factors, the SCD risk increased progressively with each additional ECG abnormality. Subjects with ≥3 ECG abnormalities had an HR of 10.23 (95% CI 5.29 to 19.80) for SCD compared with those without abnormalities. The risk score similarly predicted SCD risk in the validation cohort, in which subjects with ≥3 ECG abnormalities had HR 10.82 (95% CI 3.23 to 36.25) for SCD compared with those without abnormalities.

Conclusion

The ECG risk score successfully identified general population subjects with a high SCD risk. Combining ECG risk markers may improve the risk stratification for SCD.
Evaluation of the delta of immature platelet fraction as a predictive biomarker of inflammatory response after cardiac surgery
Authors: Imperiali Claudia Elizabeth , Lopez-Delgado Juan Carlos , Dastis-Arias Macarena , Sanchez-Navarro Lourdes
Published: November 2019

Aims

Cardiac surgery (CS) can induce an inflammatory response (IR) that is associated with poorer outcomes. Immature platelets are among the factors that may be associated with IR development. We aimed to evaluate whether immature platelet fraction (IPF) could be a predictive biomarker for IR and whether IPF could improve the prognosis assessment of IR for Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) following CS.

Methods

Three-hundred and twenty-seven (327) patients who underwent CS were enrolled during the study period. IR was defined according to the need for vasopressor support (>48 hours). Perioperative variables and outcomes were registered in our database. IPF was measured immediately following CS and at 24 hours by Sysmex XN analyzer and the difference between both measurements (ΔIPF) was calculated. To assess the relationship between ΔIPF and IR, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. To analyse the additive value of ΔIPF in APACHE II and SOFA scores in predicting IR, an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated.

Results

Among 327 patients included, 60 patients (18.3%) developed IR. Multivariate analysis showed ΔIPF was significantly associated with IR (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.56; p=0.038). The combination of ΔIPF with scores improved the AUROC for IR prediction: 0.629 vs 0.728 (p=0.010) for APACHE II and 0.676 vs 0.715 (p=0.106) for SOFA.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that ΔIPF may be a useful and low-cost biomarker for the early identification of patients at risk of IR development.
Management of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage by the trauma service: is repeat CT scanning and routine neurosurgical consultation necessary?
Authors: Cooper Stephen W , Bethea Kimberly B , Skrobut Trevor J , Gerardo Rod , Herzing Karen , Torres-Reveron Juan , Ekeh Akpofure Peter
Published: November 2019

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results frequently from traumatic brain injury (TBI). The standard management for these patients includes brief admission by the acute care surgery (trauma) service with neurological checks, neurosurgical consultation and repeat head CT within 24 hours to identify any progression or resolution. Recent studies have questioned the need for repeat CT imaging and specialty consultation in mild TBI. We reviewed patients with mild TBI specifically with isolated SAH to determine progression of the pathology and need for neurosurgical involvement. All patients with SAH secondary to mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 13–15) who presented over a 5-year period (January 2010 to December 2014) to a level I trauma center were identified from the trauma registry. Demographic data, initial CT findings, neurosurgical consultation, follow-up CT findings, Injury Severity Score (ISS), admission GCS and length of stay (LOS) were all obtained from the patient’s charts. Patients with other traumatic brain lesions on the initial CT were excluded. There were 299 patients (male, 48.5%), mean age 60.9 and mean ISS 8. Average time between the first and second CT was 11.3 hours. In all, 267 (89.2%) patients had either no change or an improvement/resolution on follow-up CT scan. Only 26 patients (8.7%) had either worsening or new findings on CT. Eight patients did not have a second scan completed (2.6%). All patients had neurosurgical consultation. Patients with mild TBI with isolated SAH generally have low morbidity, short LOS and negligible mortality. Less than 10% of this population had worsening of their head injury on repeat CT scanning. Given the low acuity of these patients with SAH and tendency towards resolution without intervention, acute care surgeons can manage this specific group of patients with TBI without routine neurosurgical consultation. Repeat CT scanning continues to have utility as it may identify new lesions, deterioration or need for further management.
Outcomes in patients with gunshot wounds to the brain
Authors: Robinson Leigh Anna , Turco Lauren M , Robinson Bryce , Corsa Joshua G , Mount Michael , Hamrick Amy V , Berne John , Mederos Dalier R , McNickle Allison G , Chestovich Paul J , Weinberger Jason , Grigorian Areg , Nahmias Jeffry , Lee Jane K , Chow Kevin L , Olson Erik J , Pascual Jose L , Solomon Rachele , Pigneri Danielle A , Ladhani Husayn A , Fraifogl Joanne , Claridge Jeffrey , Curry Terry , Costantini Todd W , Kongwibulwut Manasnun , Kaafarani Haytham , San Roman Janika , Schreiber Craig , Goldenberg-Sandau Anna , Hu Parker , Bosarge Patrick , Uhlich Rindi , Lunardi Nicole , Usmani Farooq , Sakran Joseph Victor , Babcock Jessica M , Quispe Juan Carlos , Lottenberg Lawrence , Cabral Donna , Chang Grace , Gulmatico Jhoanna , Parks Jonathan J , Rattan Rishi , Massetti Jennifer , Gurney Onaona , Bruns Brandon , Smith Alison A , Guidry Chrissy , Kutcher Matthew E , Logan Melissa S , Kincaid Michelle Y , Spalding Chance , Noorbaksh Matthew , Philp Frances H , Cragun Benjamin , Winfield Robert D
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Gunshot wounds to the brain (GSWB) confer high lethality and uncertain recovery. It is unclear which patients benefit from aggressive resuscitation, and furthermore whether patients with GSWB undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have potential for survival or organ donation. Therefore, we sought to determine the rates of survival and organ donation, as well as identify factors associated with both outcomes in patients with GSWB undergoing CPR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, multicenter study at 25 US trauma centers including dates between June 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. Patients were included if they suffered isolated GSWB and required CPR at a referring hospital, in the field, or in the trauma resuscitation room. Patients were excluded for significant torso or extremity injuries, or if pregnant. Binomial regression models were used to determine predictors of survival/organ donation.

Results

825 patients met study criteria; the majority were male (87.6%) with a mean age of 36.5 years. Most (67%) underwent CPR in the field and 2.1% (n=17) survived to discharge. Of the non-survivors, 17.5% (n=141) were considered eligible donors, with a donation rate of 58.9% (n=83) in this group. Regression models found several predictors of survival. Hormone replacement was predictive of both survival and organ donation.

Conclusion

We found that GSWB requiring CPR during trauma resuscitation was associated with a 2.1% survival rate and overall organ donation rate of 10.3%. Several factors appear to be favorably associated with survival, although predictions are uncertain due to the low number of survivors in this patient population. Hormone replacement was predictive of both survival and organ donation. These results are a starting point for determining appropriate treatment algorithms for this devastating clinical condition.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Enhanced removal of Eriochrome Black T in wastewater by zirconium-based MOF/graphene oxide
Authors: Bu Jiaqi , Yuan Lu , Ren Yanling , Lv Yuexin , Meng Yong , Peng Xin
Published: November 2019

The zirconium-based MOF/graphene oxide (UiO-66-NH2/GO) composites were prepared by ultrasonic dispersing different amounts of graphene oxide (GO) in a well-dissolved zirconium tetrachloride/H2BDC-NH2 mixture, obtaining 2 wt% (UiO-66-NH2/GO-1), 5 wt% (UiO-66-NH2/GO-2), and 10 wt% (UiO-66-NH2/GO-3) GO composites. The products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, Raman, UV, XPS, and Zeta potential. Adsorption experiments on simulated Eriochrome Black T (EBT) printing and dyeing wastewater were carried out using UiO-66-NH2/GO, and the optimal conditions for adsorption were obtained by exploring the effects of initial EBT concentration, time, pH, and salt ionic strength. Adsorption isotherms, kinetics, mechanism, and regeneration were also researched. The adsorption behavior was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm and fully compliant with pseudo secondary dynamics model. The adsorption capacity of UiO-66-NH2/GO-2 was found to be the highest of the three products, which was 263.158 mg/g. Therefore, the UiO-66-NH2/GO-2 composite was considered to be an excellent adsorbent for the adsorption of EBT from organic dye wastewater.
Delivering capacity allocation strategy for traffic dynamics on scale-free networks
Authors: Ma Jinlong , Sui Wei , Du Changfeng , Xu Xiangyang , Zhang Guanghua
Published: November 2019

The traffic dynamics of complex networks are largely determined by the node’s resource distribution. In this paper, based on the shortest path routing strategy, a node delivering capacity distribution mechanism is proposed into the traffic dynamics in Barabási and Albert (BA) scale-free networks; the efficiency of the mechanism on the network capacity measured by the critical point ([Formula: see text]) of phase transition from free flow to congestion is primarily explored. Based on the proposed strategy, the total delivering capacity is reallocated according to both degree and betweenness of each node, and an optimal value of parameter [Formula: see text] is found, leading to the maximum traffic capacity. The results of numerical experiments on scale-free networks suggest that the resource allocation strategy proposed here is capable of effectively enhancing the transmission capacity of networks. Furthermore, this study may provide novel insights into research on networked traffic systems.
Structural Reforms and Technical Efficiency in the Indian Electricity Distribution Sector
Authors: Bobde Sudhir Mahadeo , Tanaka Makoto
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the impact of electricity reforms on the technical efficiency of the power distribution sector in India, using state-level panel data for the period 1995–2012. We use a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA), where DEA efficiency estimates obtained in the first stage are regressed on policy reform variables and some external environmental variables in the second-stage analysis. The bootstrap method is applied to analyze the statistical properties of the nonparametric estimates. First, we find that the partially unbundled structure of the electricity industry, where generation and distribution sectors are integrated but the transmission sector is separate, had significant positive impact on the technical efficiency of the distribution sector. Second, our result indicates that the legislation of electricity reforms had a significantly negative effect on technical efficiency. Third, we find that small-sized electricity distribution sectors/states experienced significant positive gain in technical efficiency when interacted with partial or full unbundling.