bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sixteenth Annual Warren K. Sinclair Keynote Address: Frontiers in Medical Radiation Science
Authors: Coleman C. Norman
Published: February 2020

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and its 55th anniversary since being Congressionally Chartered, the theme of “Providing Best Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Radiation” is most appropriate. The question proposed here is, “What are the new frontiers for the NCRP with its breadth of talent and expertise in the rapidly evolving era of precision medicine?” Three closely related themes are presented for new applications of radiation science for research and career opportunities: (1) introduction of the new concept of defining radiation dose in biological perturbations in addition to physical dose, particularly for cancer treatment; (2) assessment of early biomarkers of radiation injury for mass casualty exposure (biodosimetry) to guide triage and for clinical application to guide radiation therapy; and (3) proposal to expand opportunities for radiation professionals, including consideration of a new training program within NCRP’s “Where are the radiation professionals?” initiative that trains radiation oncologists as molecular radiation epidemiologists.
Histopathological Study of an Explanted Novel Artificial Corneal Device
Authors: Farid Marjan , Sabeti Sara , Minckler Donald S.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To report the first histopathological examination of an explanted KeraKlear keratoprosthesis device and surrounding host corneal tissue 1 year after transplantation.

Methods:

An explanted KeraKlear artificial cornea was evaluated by histopathology to assess for tissue integration and corneal remolding.

Results:

Histopathological examination revealed collagenous ingrowth between the anterior and posterior corneal stromal lamellae through the holes in the device skirt. Hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E), periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson trichrome stains demonstrated no significant inflammation, vascularization, or edema.

Conclusions:

The KeraKlear artificial corneal device seems to be a biocompatible alternative to donor corneal tissues for visual rehabilitation for suitable patients.
Early Application of Bevacizumab After Sclerocorneal Grafting for Patients With Severe Late-Stage Ocular Chemical Burns
Authors: Huang Shi-tong , Zhou Tao , Yang Yuan-xia , Zhou Bin-bing , Yin Xiao-fang , Zhou Shi-you
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To investigate whether subconjunctival bevacizumab help prevent corneal graft neovascularization and prolong the graft survival of patients with chemical burns.

Methods:

We performed a prospective nonrandomized comparative case series study. Twenty-six eyes received subconjunctival bevacizumab (10 mg/0.4 mL) once and topical immunosuppressive agents after sclerocorneal lamellar keratoplasty as the treatment, and 13 eyes received a topical immunosuppressant alone and served as the control group. The main outcomes were a cumulative probability of graft survival, development of corneal neovascularization, and complications.

Results:

The postoperative follow-up time was 14.3 months (range, 2–62 mo). The cumulative graft survival time was significantly longer in the treatment group than that in the control group (42.9 ± 5.9 vs. 4.8 ± 0.7 mo; log rank < 0.001). In the treatment group, 19 of the 26 grafts (73.1%) survived as transparent with a mean follow-up of 18.7 ± 3.0 months. At the end of the follow-up, 4 grafts remained free of neovascularization, 2 developed edema without neovascularization, and 15 remained transparent with a stable ocular surface and some neovascular vessels in the peripheral transplant interface. The other 5 grafts became opaque and neovascularized. In the control group, all grafts became opaque and neovascularized within the follow-up period (5.5 ± 0.7 mo). During the follow-up, a corneal epithelial defect developed in 9 eyes in the treatment group and 7 in the control group.

Conclusions:

Early application of subconjunctival bevacizumab after sclerocorneal lamellar keratoplasty can significantly prevent corneal neovascularization and promote graft survival for severe late-stage ocular chemical burns.
The Effect of Intraoperative Angle Kappa Adjustment on Higher-Order Aberrations Before and After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Authors: Shao Ting , Wang Yan , Ng Alex L. K. , Chan Tommy C. Y. , Hao Weiting , Zhang Jiamei , Cheng George P. M. , Jhanji Vishal
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To compare higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in patients with and without intraoperative angle kappa adjustments.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series. One hundred six eyes of 106 patients who underwent SMILE at Tianjin Eye Hospital (Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China) for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of eyes with intraoperative angle kappa adjustment and the second group consisted of eyes without adjustment. Preoperative and postoperative visual outcome, refraction, and HOA measurements at 1 and 3 months were compared.

Results:

At the pupil size of 6 mm, vertical coma at 1 and 3 months after SMILE for the angle kappa-adjusted group was 0.153 ± 0.107 and 0.157 ± 0.094 μm, which were significantly lower than those of the nonadjusted group (0.204 ± 0.117 and 0.203 ± 0.113 μm, respectively) (P = 0.026 at 1 mo, P = 0.047 at 3 mo). The change in vertical coma between preoperative and postoperative measurements was 0.011 ± 0.136 and 0.023 ± 0.129 μm at 1 and 3 months postoperatively for the angle kappa-adjusted group, which were lower than those of the nonadjusted group (0.082 ± 0.165 and 0.085 ± 0.150 μm, respectively) (P = 0.023 at 1 mo, P = 0.045 at 3 mo). Subgroup analysis for eyes with large angle kappa demonstrated that the vertical coma was significantly less in the angle kappa-adjusted group at both 1 and 3 months (P = 0.009, P = 0.043, respectively). No significant correlation was observed between angle kappa and HOAs in the angle kappa-adjusted group.

Conclusions:

Adjustment of angle kappa during SMILE resulted in less HOAs. It would provide more insight on how to optimize treatment centration in SMILE.
Secondary Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety Trial Data of the Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine in Children and Adolescents in Colombia
Authors: Reynales Humberto , Carrasquilla Gabriel , Zambrano Betzana , Cortés S Margarita , Machabert Tifany , Jing Jin , Pallardy Sophie , Haney Owen , Faccini Martha , Quintero Juliana , Noriega Fernando
Published: February 2020

Background:

The efficacy of the recombinant, live, attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) against virologically-confirmed dengue (VCD) has been documented in a phase 3 trial in Latin America (CYD15, NCT01374516). This is a descriptive secondary analysis of the efficacy and safety of CYD-TDV in participants from Colombia.

Methods:

Data from 9740 Colombian participants 9–16 years of age who were randomized 2:1 to receive CYD-TDV or placebo were assessed to describe the vaccine efficacy of CYD-TDV against VCD and severe VCD. Estimation was made of the relative risk (RR) for hospitalized VCD cases and severe hospitalized VCD cases after the first dose of CYD-TDV, as well as a description of the incidence of hospitalized dengue from the start of the study and per year of the study until study completion.

Results:

During the active phase of the trial in Colombia, the efficacy of CYD-TDV was 67.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 58.3–74.7] against symptomatic VCD due to any serotype from injection 1 (month 0) to 25 months postinjection 1. Over 6 years, the RR across all 4 serotypes was 0.166 (95% CI: 0.09–0.29) in hospitalized VCD patients and 0.154 (95% CI: 0.04–0.50) in patients with severe hospitalized VCD.

Conclusions:

Analysis of the data from Colombia mimics the efficacy observed in CYD15 during the active surveillance follow-up (25 months), but with a sustained beneficial RR for dengue hospitalizations on the subsequent years of follow-up. In Colombia, where seroprevalence has been demonstrated to be high in several regions of the country, CYD-TDV is a useful tool to consider as part of an integrated control strategy against endemic dengue, a disease with a high economic impact on the health system.
Nociceptive input after peripheral nerve injury results in cognitive impairment and alterations in primary afferent physiology in rats
Authors: Boada M. Danilo , Ririe Douglas G. , Martin Conner W. , Martin Salem J. , Kim Susy A. , Eisenach James C. , Martin Thomas J.
Published: February 2020

Pain alters cognitive performance through centrally mediated effects in the brain. In this study, we hypothesized that persistent activation of peripheral nociceptors after injury would lead to the development of a chronic pain state that impairs attention-related behavior and results in changes in peripheral neuron phenotypes. Attentional performance was measured in rats using the 5-choice serial reaction time titration variant to determine the initial impact of partial L5 spinal nerve ligation and the effect of persistent nociceptor activation on the resolution of injury. The changes in peripheral neuronal sensibilities and phenotypes were determined in sensory afferents using electrophysiologic signatures and receptive field properties from dorsal root ganglion recordings. Partial spinal nerve injury impaired attentional performance, and this was further impaired in a graded fashion by nociceptive input through an engineered surface. Impairment in attention persisted for only up to 4 days initially, followed by a second phase 7 to 10 weeks after injury in animals exposed to nociceptive input. In animals with prolonged impairment in behavior, the mechanonociceptors displayed a persistent hypersensitivity marked by decreased threshold, increased activity to a given stimulus, and spontaneous activity. Nerve injury disrupts attentional performance acutely and is worsened with peripheral mechanonociceptor activation. Acute impairment resolves, but persistent nociceptive activation produces re-emergence of impairment in the attention-related task associated with electrophysiological abnormalities in peripheral nociceptors. This is consistent with the development of a chronic pain state marked by cognitive impairment and related to persistently abnormal peripheral input.
Clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent in bifurcation and nonbifurcation lesions: a meta-analysis of 23 981 patients
Authors: Burzotta Francesco , Annone Umberto , Paraggio Lazzaro , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Aurigemma Cristina , Romagnoli Enrico , Verdirosi Diana , Trani Carlo , Crea Filippo
Published: February 2020

Background

PCI in CBL is common and technically demanding. Whether such patients have adverse outcome during the follow-up after successful PCI is unclear. We aim to compare the clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation of coronary bifurcation lesions (CBL) and non-CBL.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies reporting the clinical outcome of patients undergoing PCI in CBL or not. Patients with left main disease constituted a predefined subgroup. Primary study end-point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

Fifteen publications on 23 891 patients with coronary artery disease treated by DES in CBL or not were identified. Median follow-up length was 24 months (range: 12–60). MACE at the longest available follow-up were significantly higher in CBL as compared with non-CBL (19.0 vs. 12.1%, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in the subanalysis restricted to second-generation DES studies. The MACE rate was higher early, then decreased during the follow-up being, however, appreciable at all timings up to 36 months. In the left main (LM) subanalysis (four studies, 3210 patients), patients underwent DES implantation in distal LM, as compared with nondistal LM, had increased the MACE rate during the follow-up (27.4 vs. 17.4%, P < 0.001), which was driven by higher target vessel revascularization.

Conclusions

In the contemporary DES era, CBL represent a subset of lesions associated with increased rate of MACE after PCI. This data prompt for studies aimed at improving the clinical outcomes of patients with CAD.
Combat Experiences Link With Posttraumatic Growth Among Veterans Across Conflicts
Authors: LaRocca Michael A. , Avery Timothy J.
Published: February 2020

Research has established posttraumatic growth as a potential outcome of highly stressful experiences such as combat. However, a deeper understanding of this relationship is needed to provide practical implications for clinical work and to influence new research directions. We examined the relation between combat experiences and posttraumatic growth along with its subscales, as well as the influence of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptom severity. The study contained a sample of 130 combat veterans representing a variety of deployment locations. Regression analysis revealed combat experiences to be associated with posttraumatic growth beyond the effect of age (β = 0.21; p = 0.014). In addition, the association between combat experiences and posttraumatic growth was most evident among those endorsing low levels of depression symptom severity (partial η squared = 0.07; p = 0.009). These results highlight the need to consider negative cognitions and other depressive symptoms as potential barriers to posttraumatic growth.
Radiographic Severity of Metopic Craniosynostosis Correlates with Long-Term Neurocognitive Outcomes
Authors: Gabrick Kyle S. , Wu Robin T. , Singh Anusha , Persing John A. , Alperovich Michael
Published: February 2020

Background:

Reports of neurodevelopmental delays in adolescents with metopic craniosynostosis have ranged from 15 to 61 percent. Previously, event-related potentials have correlated preoperative radiographic severity with language deficiencies in infancy. This study sought to characterize neurocognitive testing at cranial maturity and correlate outcomes to preoperative radiographic severity.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with metopic craniosynostosis who underwent surgical correction in infancy completed a neurodevelopmental battery evaluating age-normalized intelligence quotient, academic achievement, and visuomotor integration. Data were stratified by preoperative endocranial bifrontal angle (moderate, >124 degrees; severe, <124 degrees). Multiple variable regression was used to control measured intelligence and achievement for age at surgery, age at testing, parental education, and income. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

Twenty patients completed neurodevelopmental testing. Mean intelligence quotient was 111.7 ± 13 and academic achievement was similar to national averages (word reading, 53.4 percent; reading comprehension, 53.4 percent; reading composite, 53.5 percent; spelling, 44 percent; and math, 52.9 percent). Radiographic measurements revealed 36 percent of patients with moderate phenotype and 64 percent with severe. Patients with severe phenotypes had lower intelligence quotient measures and scored more poorly in every academic measure tested. Word reading (113 versus 95; p = 0.035) and reading composite (109 versus 98; p = 0.014) reached significance.

Conclusions:

Overall, cranial mature patients with metopic craniosynostosis had above average intelligence quotient and academic achievement near the national mean. Long-term neurocognitive function was correlated to preoperative radiographic severity in metopic craniosynostosis, with more severe cases performing worse.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, II.
Limb Salvage Rates and Functional Outcomes Using a Longitudinal Slit Arteriotomy End-to-Side Anastomosis for Limb-Threatening Defects in a High-Risk Patient Population
Authors: Black Cara , Fan Kenneth L. , Defazio Michael V. , Luvisa Kyle , Reynolds Kyle , Kotha Vikas S. , Attinger Christopher E. , Evans Karen K.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Limb salvage techniques using free tissue transfer in patients with chronic wounds caused by longstanding osteomyelitis, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease are technically challenging. The longitudinal slit arteriotomy end-to-side anastomosis is the authors’ preferred technique because it is the least invasive arteriotomy and is especially important for diseased recipient arteries. The authors reviewed highly comorbid patients who underwent free tissue transfer with this technique to understand the success rates, overall outcomes, and long-term limb salvage rates.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed to analyze outcomes of free tissue transfer using longitudinal slit arteriotomy end-to-side anastomosis between 2012 and 2018 performed by the senior surgeon (K.K.E.).

Results:

One hundred fifteen free flaps were identified. Patients were, on average, 55.9 years old, with a body mass index of 29.2 kg/m2. Comorbidities included osteomyelitis (83.5 percent), hypertension (60.9 percent), tobacco use (46.1 percent), diabetes (44.3 percent), peripheral vascular disease (44.3 percent), hypercoagulability (35.7 percent), and arterial calcifications (17.4 percent). Overall flap success was 93.0 percent; 27.8 percent required reoperation perioperatively because of complications. On univariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercoagulability were significantly associated with eventual amputation (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative thrombosis and take back was independently associated with flap failure. There was an overall limb salvage rate of 83.5 percent, and of those salvaged, 92.7 percent were ambulating without a prosthesis at a mean follow-up of 1.53 years.

Conclusions:

This is the largest series of longitudinal slit arteriotomy end-to-side anastomosis for patients undergoing free tissue transfer for limb-threatening defects in the compromised host. Overall flap success, limb salvage rates, and functional outcomes are high using this technique.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
The Effect of Multiple Surgeries on Psychosocial Outcomes in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Hu Allison C. , Bertrand Anthony A. , Dang Brian N. , Chan Candace H. , Lee Justine C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Birth defects affect 3% of all babies born in the United States each year. Unlike reconstruction for many acquired deformities, one hallmark of reconstruction for complex congenital conditions is the requirement of multiple surgeries, procedures, and therapies from birth to maturity. These interventions often result in significant medical burden on children during development with potential long-term psychosocial consequences. The aim of this study was therefore to better define the psychosocial impact of repetitive operations on the pediatric patient.

Methods

A scoping review was performed under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review guidelines. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases using key words “number of surgeries,” “psychosocial,” “pediatric,” and related terms. Primary articles published in English describing psychosocial outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent more than one procedure or surgery were included (n = 25). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of each study.

Results

We included 25 articles published between 1995 and 2019, which included 6520 patients. The most common diagnosis across all studies was congenital heart disease (CHD) (n = 4169, 63.9%), followed by cleft lip and palate (n = 1196, 18.3%). The average number of operations and procedures was 3.4 (range = 1–18) and 32.1 (range = 6–89), respectively. The association between repetitive surgeries and poorer psychosocial outcomes was demonstrated in children with early-onset scoliosis, CHD, hydrocephalus, bladder exstrophy, posterior urethral rupture, anorectal anomalies, and conditions requiring numerous nonsurgical procedures. There were also a few CHD, cleft lip and/or palate, and hydrocephalus studies that did not find a significant correlation.

Conclusions

The studies here suggest that certain pediatric patient populations are at risk for impaired psychosocial functioning as a result of repetitive procedures. However, it is important to differentiate whether the association with poorer psychosocial outcomes is from the number of surgical procedures or whether the number if just a surrogate for increased disease complexity. Standardized psychosocial outcomes measures and future prospective, long-term, randomized clinical trials are also warranted.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in urban women
Authors: Robles-García Rebeca , Fresán Ana , Yoldi María
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

To provide an update of recent or relevant studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in urban women, with a special focus on biopsychosocial risk factors.

Recent findings

Urbanization itself can increase the risk for PTSD due to the concentration of poverty, substance use and crime. Women are usually at a greater social and economic disadvantage and are victims of collective and domestic violence more often than men. Accordingly, urban women are more exposed to traumatic events that increase the prevalence of PTSD than rural women and both rural and urban men, especially those with lack of social and family protection and support (including refugees) and/or with a history of interpersonal violence. This type of events has sensitizing effects on the PTSD response to other traumatic experiences even if they are of a lesser magnitude, which may reflect women's biological susceptibility to PTSD, and could explain their higher risk of developing chronic PTSD.

A complex interaction of biopsychological factors may contribute to the ultra-high-risk for PTSD among urban women. The socially modifiable factors involved highlight the importance of strategies focused on women's social development that could reduce their social suffering and its negative mental health outcomes.
Passive antiamyloid immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Loureiro Júlia C. , Pais Marcos V. , Stella Florindo , Radanovic Marcia , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Forlenza Orestes V. , de Souza Leonardo Cruz
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Antiamyloid therapy of Alzheimer's disease tackles the overproduction and clearance of the amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ). Immunotherapeutic compounds were tested in large-scale trials. We revisit the recent literature focusing on randomized-controlled trials (RCT) using monoclonal anti-Aβ antibodies.

Recent findings

Forty-three articles on anti-Aβ passive immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease were published between January 2016 and October 2019 regarding 17 RCTs: 13 phase III trials using the monoclonal antibodies bapineuzumab, solanezumab, gantenerumab, crenezumab, and aducanumab; three phase II with crenezumab and aducanumab; and one phase I trial with BAN2401. Studies resulted largely negative considering the effect of the treatment on primary and secondary outcome variables. The incidence of the most important adverse effect, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) ranged between 0.2 and 22%, in treatment groups. Primary endpoints were not met in eight trials, and five trials were discontinued prior to completion.

Passive immunotherapy RCTs failed to show clinically relevant effects in patients with clinically manifest or prodromal dementia. The high incidence of ARIAs indicates that the risk of adverse events may outweigh the benefits of these interventions. Ongoing studies must determine the benefit of such interventions in preclinical Alzheimer's disease, addressing the effect of antiamyloid immunotherapy in samples of asymptomatic carriers of autosomal-dominant mutations related to early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
A Case Report of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation–Related Seizure in a Young Patient With Major Depressive Disorder Receiving Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Kallel Lassaad , Brunelin Jerome
Published: February 2020

We report here the case of a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)–related seizure observed after an accelerated TMS protocol in a young patient with major depressive disorder. The protocol consisted of delivering 5 sessions per day during 4 consecutive working days over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Stimulations were delivered at 20 Hz, with 40 trains, train duration of 1.9 seconds, intertrain interval of 12 seconds, and 1560 pulses per session. The event occurred during the third session (out of 5) of the second day (out of 4) into the 26th train (out of 40). Twelve days after the event, new sessions of stimulation (30 sessions of 1 Hz, 6 trains, train duration of 60 seconds, intertrain 30 seconds, 360 stimulations per session) followed by a maintenance protocol (1 session every 2 weeks) were proposed to the patient. This strategy allows us to achieve and maintain remission.
Cellulomonas shaoxiangyii sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Tian Zhi , Lu Shan , Jin Dong , Yang Jing , Pu Ji , Lai Xin-He , Ren Zhi-hong , Wu Xiao-Min , Li Junqin , Wang Suping , Xu Jianguo
Published: February 2020

Two Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, aerobic, non-motile, cellobiose-utilizing, short-rod-shaped strains (Z28T and Z29) were isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) collected on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Strain Z28T shared 98.1, 98.0, 97.8 and 97.4 % 16S rRNA gene similarity, 24.1, 22.8, 23.2 and 26.3 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness and 80.8, 80.0, 80.7 and 80.9 % average nucleotide identity values with

Cellulomonas oligotrophica

DSM 24482T,

Cellulomonas flavigena

DSM 20109T,

Cellulomonas iranensis

DSM 14785T and

Cellulomonas terrae

JCM 14899T, respectively. Results from further phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and 148 core genes indicated that strains Z28T and Z29 were closest to

C. oligotrophica

DSM 24482T and

C. flavigena

DSM 20109T, but clearly separated from the currently recognized species of the genus

Cellulomonas

. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Z28T was 75.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 1 A, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Ribose and mannose were detected as the whole-cell sugars. The major respiratory quinone was MK-9(H4) and ornithine was the diamino acid of the cell wall. The polar lipids present in strain Z28T were phosphatidylethanolamine, five phospholipids, two aminophospholipids, aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. Comparison of phenotypic and phylogenetic features between the two strains and the related organisms revealed that Z28T and Z29 represent a novel species of the genus

Cellulomonas

, for which the name Cellulomonas shaoxiangyii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z28T (=CGMCC 1.16477T=DSM 106200T).
Paracoccus bengalensis is a later heterotypic synonym of Paracoccus versutu
Authors: Liu Yang , Pei Tao , Zhu Honghui
Published: February 2020

The present study aimed to examine the taxonomic relationship between two species,

Paracoccus bengalensis

Ghosh et al. 2006 and

Paracoccus versutus

(Harrison 1983) Katayama et al. 1996. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that

P. bengalensis

JJJT was highly similar (99.9 %) to

P. versutus

A2T. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains formed a tight cluster within the genus

Paracoccus

. Whole genomic comparison between the two strains showed a digital DNA–DNA hybridization estimate of 82. 0 % and an average nucleotide identity value of 98.2 %, clearly indicating that the two strains were members of the same species. Moreover, the type strains of both species shared similar physiological and biochemical properties and fatty acids profiles. Based on genotypic and phenotypic evidence, we conclude that

Paracoccus bengalensis

Ghosh et al. 2006 is a later heterotypic synonym of

Paracoccus versutus

(Harrison 1983) Katayama et al. 1996 according to the priority of publication and validation of the name.
The Habitat Amount Hypothesis implies negative effects of habitat fragmentation on species richness and occurrence
Authors: Saura Santiago
Published: February 2020

The Habitat Amount Hypothesis (HAH) predicts that species richness, abundance or occurrence in a habitat site increases with the amount of habitat in the ‘local landscape’ defined by an appropriate distance around the site, with no distinct effects of the size of the habitat patch in which the site is located. It has been stated that a consequence of the HAH, if supported, would be that it is unnecessary to consider habitat configuration to predict or manage biodiversity patterns, and that conservation strategies should focus on habitat amount regardless of fragmentation. Here, I assume that the HAH holds and apply the HAH predictions to all habitat sites over entire landscapes that have the same amount of habitat but differ in habitat configuration. By doing so, I show that the HAH actually implies clearly negative effects of habitat fragmentation, and of other spatial configuration changes, on species richness, abundance or occurrence in all or many of the habitat sites in the landscape, and that these habitat configuration effects are distinct from those of habitat amount in the landscape. I further show that, contrary to current interpretations, the HAH is compatible with a steeper slope of the species-area relationship for fragmented than for continuous habitat, and with higher species richness or abundance for a single large patch than for several small patches with the same total area (SLOSS). This suggests the need to revise the ways in which the HAH has been interpreted and can be actually tested. The misinterpretation of the HAH has arisen from confounding and overlooking the differences in the spatial scales involved: the individual habitat site at which the HAH gives predictions, the local landscape around an individual site, and the landscapes or regions (with multiple habitat sites and different local landscapes) that need to be analysed and managed. The HAH has been erroneously viewed as negating or diminishing the relevance of fragmentation effects, while it actually supports the importance of habitat configuration for biodiversity. I conclude that, even in the cases where the HAH holds, habitat fragmentation and configuration are important for understanding and managing species distributions in the landscape.
Vascular-Derived SPARC and SerpinE1 Regulate Interneuron Tangential Migration and Accelerate Functional Maturation of Human Stem Cell-Derived Interneurons
Authors: Genestine Matthieu , Ambriz Daisy , Crabtree Gregg W. , Molotkova Anna , Quintero Michael , Mela Angeliki , Biswas Saptarshi , Canoll Peter , Hargus Gunnar , Agalliu Dritan , Gogos Joseph A. , Au Edmund
Published: February 2020

Cortical interneurons establish inhibitory microcircuits throughout the neocortex and their dysfunction has been implicated in epilepsy and neuropsychiatric diseases. Developmentally, interneurons migrate from a distal progenitor domain in order to populate the neocortex – a process that occurs at a slower rate in humans than in mice. In this study, we sought to identify factors that regulate the rate of interneuron maturation across the two species. Using embryonic mouse development as a model system, we found that the process of initiating interneuron migration is regulated by blood vessels of the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), an interneuron progenitor domain. We identified two endothelial cell-derived paracrine factors, SPARC and SerpinE1, that enhance interneuron migration in mouse MGE explants and organotypic cultures. Moreover, pre-treatment of human stem cell-derived interneurons (hSC-interneurons) with SPARC and SerpinE1 prior to transplantation into neonatal mouse cortex enhanced their migration and morphological elaboration in the host cortex. Further, SPARC and SerpinE1-treated hSC-interneurons also exhibited more mature electrophysiological characteristics compared to controls. Overall, our studies suggest a critical role for CNS vasculature in regulating interneuron developmental maturation in both mice and humans.
Engineering Functional Pseudo-Islets of Defined Sizes from Primary Murine Cells Using PEG Microwell Devices
Authors: Shekiro Kelly MT , Hraha Thomas H , Bernard Abigail B , Benninger Richard KP , Anseth Kristi S
Published: February 2020

A major limitation of islet transplantation as a therapy for treating Type 1 Diabetes is eventual graft failure, which can be partially attributed to islet cell death. When culturedin vitro,cells in the center of large islets show increased necrosis and exhibit decreased viability and insulin secretion compared to smaller islets. Given the necessity of β-cell-to-β-cell coupling for the physiological response to glucose, a technique to re-aggregate primary islet cells or cells derived from progenitor cells into small clusters of defined sizes may prove advantageous for promoting function upon transplantation. Here, hydrogel microwell arrays were utilized to generate 3-dimensional pseudo-islets from primary murine islets. Pseudo-islets ranged from 50 to 100 μm in diameter as controlled through the microwell dimensions, and contained β-, α-, and δ-cells with ratios similar to those in whole murine islets. Over two weeks in culture, pseudo-islets remained highly viable and responsive to glucose. Intracellular calcium flux showed more robust and coordinated dynamics at high glucose and decreased activity at low glucose compared to age-matched wild-type islets. Therefore, microwell devices can control the aggregation of cells isolated from primary islets to produce islet-like clusters that are functionally similar to freshly isolated islets, and may provide a technique to create improved cellular therapies for Type 1 Diabetes.
Brown Adipose Tissue is Associated with Improved Cardiometabolic Health and Regulates Blood Pressure
Authors: Becher Tobias , Palanisamy Srikanth , Kramer Daniel J. , Marx Sarah J. , Wibmer Andreas G. , Del Gaudio Ilaria , Butler Scott D. , Jiang Caroline S. , Vaughan Roger , Schöder Heiko , Di Lorenzo Annarita , Mark Allyn , Cohen Paul
Published: February 2020

White fat stores excess energy, while brown and beige fat dissipate energy as heat1. These thermogenic adipose tissues markedly improve glucose and lipid homeostasis in mouse models, though the extent to which brown adipose tissue (BAT) influences metabolic and cardiovascular disease in humans is unclear2, 3, 4. Here, we categorized 139,22418F-FDG PET/CT scans from 53,475 patients by presence or absence of BAT and used propensity score matching to assemble a study cohort. Individuals with BAT showed lower prevalences of cardiometabolic diseases. Additionally, BAT independently correlated with lower odds of type II diabetes, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. These findings were supported by improved glucose, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein values. The effects of BAT were more pronounced in overweight and obesity, indicating that BAT can offset the deleterious effects of obesity. Strikingly, we also found lower rates of hypertension among patients with BAT. Studies in a mouse model with genetic ablation of beige fat demonstrated elevated blood pressure due to increased sensitivity to angiotensin II in peripheral resistance arteries. In addition to highlighting a role for BAT in promoting overall cardiometabolic health, this study reveals a new link between thermogenic adipose tissue and blood pressure regulation.
Intracorneal delivery of HSV-targeting CRISPR/Cas9 mRNA prevents herpetic stromal keratitis
Authors: Yin Di , Ling Sikai , Wang Dawei , Yao Dai , Jiang Hao , Paludan Soren Riis , Hong Jiaxu , Cai Yujia
Published: February 2020

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a leading cause of infectious blindness. Current treatments for HSV-1 do not eliminate the virus and are incapable of modulating the virus reservoir. Here, we target HSV-1 genome directly using mRNA-carrying lentiviral particle (mLP) that simultaneously delivers spCas9 mRNA and two viral genes-targeting gRNAs (designated HSV-1-erasing lentiviral particles, HELP). We showed HELP efficiently blocked HSV-1 replication in both acute and recurrent infection models, and prevented occurrence of herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). We further showed retrograde transportation of HELP from corneas to trigeminal ganglia (TG) where HSV-1 established latency and found evidence of HELP modulating herpes reservoir. Additionally, the potent antiviral activity of HELP was also replicable in human-derived corneas. These results strongly support clinical development of HELP as a new antiviral therapy and may accelerate mRNA-based CRISPR therapeutics.
Diverse Arctic lake sediment microbiota shape methane emission temperature sensitivity
Authors: Emerson Joanne B. , Varner Ruth K. , Wik Martin , Parks Donovan H. , Neumann Rebecca B. , Johnson Joel E. , Singleton Caitlin M. , Woodcroft Ben J. , Tollerson Rodney , Owusu-Dommey Akosua , Binder Morgan , Freitas Nancy L. , Crill Patrick M. , Saleska Scott R. , Tyson Gene W. , Rich Virginia I.
Published: February 2020

Northern post-glacial lakes are a significant and increasing source of atmospheric carbon (C), largely through ebullition (bubbling) of microbially-produced methane (CH4) from the sediments1. Ebullitive CH4flux correlates strongly with temperature, suggesting that solar radiation is the primary driver of these CH4emissions2. However, here we show that the slope of the temperature-CH4flux relationship differs spatially, both within and among lakes.

Hypothesizing that differences in microbiota could explain this heterogeneity, we compared site-specific CH4emissions with underlying sediment microbial (metagenomic and amplicon), isotopic, and geochemical data across two post-glacial lakes in Northern Sweden. The temperature-associated increase in CH4emissions was greater in lake middles—where methanogens were more abundant—than edges, and sediment microbial communities were distinct between lake edges and middles. Although CH4emissions projections are typically driven by abiotic factors1, regression modeling revealed that microbial abundances, including those of CH4-cycling microorganisms and syntrophs that generate H2for methanogenesis, can be useful predictors of porewater CH4concentrations. Our results suggest that deeper lake regions, which currently emit less CH4than shallower edges, could add substantially to overall CH4emissions in a warmer Arctic with longer ice-free seasons and that future CH4emission predictions from northern lakes may be improved by accounting for spatial variations in sediment microbiota.
A Heat Stress Responsive NAC Transcription Factor Heterodimer Plays Key Roles in Rice Grain Filling
Authors: Ren Ye , Huang Zhouquan , Jiang Hao , Wang Zhuo , Wu Fengsheng , Xiong Yufei , Yao Jialing
Published: February 2020

High temperature often leads to the failure of grain filling in rice (Oryza sativa) to cause yield loss, while the mechanism is not well elucidated yet. Here, we report that two seed-specific NAM/ATAF/CUC domain transcription factors,ONAC127andONAC129, are responsive to heat stress and involved in the grain filling process of rice.ONAC127andONAC129are dominantly expressed in the pericarp and can form a heterodimer during rice grain filling. CRISPR/Cas9 induced mutants and overexpression lines were then generated to investigate the functions of these two transcription factors. Interestingly, both knock-out and overexpression plants showed incomplete grain filling and shrunken grains, which became more severe under heat stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed thatONAC127andONAC129mainly regulate stimulus response and nutrient transport. ChIP-seq analysis identified that the direct targets of ONAC127 and ONAC129 in developing rice seeds include monosaccharide transporterOsMST6, sugar transporterOsSWEET4, calmodulin-like proteinOsMSR2and AP2/ERF factorOsEATB. These results suggest thatONAC127andONAC129may regulate grain filling through affecting sugar transportation and abiotic stress responses. Overall, this study demonstrates a transcriptional regulatory network involving ONAC127 and ONAC129 and coordinating multiple pathways to modulate seed development and heat stress response at rice reproductive stage.

Highlight

A NAC transcription factor heterodimer plays vital roles in heat stress response and sugar transportation at rice grain filling stage.
Textile waste and microplastic induce activity and development of unique hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterial communities
Authors: Girard Elsa B. , Kaliwoda Melanie , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Wörheide Gert , Orsi William D.
Published: February 2020

Biofilm-forming microbial communities on plastics and textile fibers are of growing interest since they have potential to contribute to disease outbreaks and material biodegradability in the environment. Knowledge on microbial colonization of pollutants in the marine realm is expanding, but metabolic responses during substrate colonization remains poorly understood. Here, we assess the metabolic response in marine microbial communities to three different micropollutants, virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microbeads, polysorbate-20 (Tween), and textile fibers. Intertidal textile fibers, mainly cotton, virgin HDPE, and Tween induced variable levels of microbial growth, respiration, and community assembly in controlled microcosm experiments. RAMAN characterization of the chemical composition of the textile waste fibers and high-throughput DNA sequencing data shows how the increased metabolic stimulation and biodegradation is translated into selection processes ultimately manifested in different communities colonizing the different micropollutant substrates. The composition of the bacterial communities colonizing the substrates were significantly altered by micropollutant substrate type and light conditions. Bacterial taxa, closely related to the well-known hydrocarbonoclastic bacteriaKordiimonasspp. andAlcanivoraxspp., were enriched in the presence of textile-waste. The findings demonstrate an increased metabolic response by marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial taxa in the presence of microplastics and textile waste, highlighting their biodegradation potential. The metabolic stimulation by the micropollutants was increased in the presence of light, possibly due to photochemical dissolution of the plastic into smaller bioavailable compounds. Our results suggest that the development and increased activity of these unique microbial communities likely play a role in the bioremediation of the relatively long lived textile and microplastic pollutants in marine habitats.

Graphical Abstract
Aesthetic preference for art emerges from a weighted integration over hierarchically structured visual features in the brain
Authors: Iigaya Kiyohito , Yi Sanghyun , Wahle Iman A. , Tanwisuth Koranis , O’Doherty John P.
Published: February 2020

It is an open question whether preferences for visual art can be lawfully predicted from the basic constituent elements of a visual image. Moreover, little is known about how such preferences are actually constructed in the brain. Here we developed and tested a computational framework to gain an understanding of how the human brain constructs aesthetic value. We show that it is possible to explain human preferences for a piece of art based on an analysis of features present in the image. This was achieved by analyzing the visual properties of drawings and photographs by multiple means, ranging from image statistics extracted by computer vision tools, subjective human ratings about attributes, to a deep convolutional neural network. Crucially, it is possible to predict subjective value ratings not only within but also across individuals, speaking to the possibility that much of the variance in human visual preference is shared across individuals. Neuroimaging data revealed that preference computations occur in the brain by means of a graded hierarchical representation of lower and higher level features in the visual system. These features are in turn integrated to compute an overall subjective preference in the parietal and prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that rather than being idiosyncratic, human preferences for art can be explained at least in part as a product of a systematic neural integration over underlying visual features of an image. This work not only advances our understanding of the brain-wide computations underlying value construction but also brings new mechanistic insights to the study of visual aesthetics and art appreciation.
Impact of CSR news reports on firm value
Authors: Seok Junhee , Lee Youseok , Kim Byung-Do
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study clarifies the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) news reports and firm value and identifies the mechanisms that constitute this relationship. Specifically, it identifies the roles of word of mouth (WOM) and traditional advertising in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set used for the analysis covers 77 firms in Korea from 2012 to 2015. The random-effects model is applied to verify three hypotheses. Using a three-step regression analysis and the Sobel test, this study reveals the roles of WOM and advertising expenditure in the relationship between CSR news reports and firm value.

Findings

CSR news reports positively affect firm value, and this relationship is mediated by WOM and moderated by advertising expenditure. Notably, the positive effect of WOM on firm value is stronger for companies that spend less on advertising.

Practical implications

The evidence implies that marketing managers could benefit from not only conducting CSR activities but also widely publicizing them. CSR news reports could help companies enhance public awareness of and interest in them.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate the influence of CSR news reports using empirical data in Korea.
Role of gender and corporate risk taking
Authors: Hurley Dene , Choudhary Amod
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of chief financial officers’ (CFOs’) gender in financial risk taking of 58 US companies along with the impact of having women board members.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel data of 58 selected S&P 500 companies during the period 2012-2016, this paper determines whether the gender of CFOs and having women board members play a role in risk-taking behavior of firms.

Findings

Firms led by female CFOs are smaller in size with lower net income and net revenue. The panel data analysis shows that the impact of female CFOs on firms’ financial risk is mixed, depending on risk measures used, whereas increasing female board members reduces that risk.

Research limitations/implications

The data used is limited to 58 S&P 500 companies, and two of the three risk-taking measures used in the study, specifically investment in property, plant and equipment (PPE) and debt/equity ratio, may not be applicable to some industries.

Practical implications

The findings provide mixed evidence of risk aversion by females in executive and leadership positions, depending on the measures used and the management responsibilities they undertake (CFO versus board member) with support for the glass cliff phenomenon in which females may be leading financially precarious organizations.

Social implications

Female CFOs are found to be leading relatively smaller and financially poor-performing firms compared with the male CFO-led firms, thereby giving support to the glass cliff arguments.

Originality/value

The paper examines the role of CFOs’ gender and board diversity in risk taking as measured by the investment in PPE, debt/equity ratio and stock return volatility.