bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological and dermoscopic features of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma: a retrospective multicentric study
Authors: Paolino Giovanni , Bearzi Pietro , Pampena Riccardo , Longo Caterina , Frascione Pasquale , Rizzo Nathalie , Raucci Margherita , Carbone Anna , Cantisani Carmen , Ricci Francesco , Didona Dario , Frattini Francesca , Bulotta Alessandra , Gregorc Vanesa , Mercuri Santo R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma (AHM) has a higher risk of delayed diagnosis and a significant lower 5‐year melanoma‐specific survival compared to pigmented melanoma. Our aim was the evaluation of the clinicopathological/dermoscopic features of amelanotic melanoma (AM) and hypomelanotic melanoma (HM).

Methods

All participants had a personal history of AHM. We defined HM as showing clinical/dermoscopic pigmentation in < 25% of the lesion’s surface and histopathological focal pigmentation, while AM as melanomas with clinical/dermoscopic and histopathological absence of pigmentation.

Results

The most common phenotypic traits among the 145 AHM patients were as follows: phototype II, blue‐grey eyes, and dark brown hair. Red hair was present in 23.8% AHM cases (AM = 22.60%; HM = 25.80%). The most affected area was the back (29.5%). A total of 67.1% were classified as AM and 32.9% as HM. The most represented hair colors in AM and HM were, respectively, blonde and dark brown hair. Median Breslow thickness was 1.7 mm, superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM) were the most represented histotypes, and mitotic rate > 1 × mm2was reported in 73.3% cases, and regression was significantly more present in HM. Dermoscopy showed high prevalence of white structureless zones (63.4%), linear looped vessels (58.8%), linear irregular vessels (50.0%), and arborizing vessels (47.2%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the association between the presence of pigmentation and the following: histological regression, dermoscopic globules, and arborizing vessels.

Conclusions

Predominance of red hair in AHM patients was not confirmed. AHM affects mostly intermittent sun‐exposed body areas. The deeper median Breslow thickness (versus pigmented melanoma), the association of AM with the nodular histotype, and the high mitotic rate highlight the AHM’s aggressiveness. HM’s higher levels of regression can be explained by the presence of pigmentation, driving the underlying immune response. AHM showed a polymorphous vascular pattern and significant presence of arborizing vessels (especially HM).
Combination of visible reflectance and acoustic response to improve non‐destructive assessment of maturity and indirect prediction of internal quality of red‐fleshed pomelo
Authors: Phuangsombut Kaewkarn , Phuangsombut Arthit , Terdwongworakul Anupun
Published: July 2020

Maturity and the internal quality of red‐fleshed pomelo in terms of the sugar–acid ratio were studied by assessing whole fruit properties using acoustic response and local properties based on the visible reflectance of the fruit surface. Pomelo fruit samples were harvested at different maturity stages. Maturity classification and prediction models were built using discriminant analysis and partial least squares regression, respectively. Better classification was achieved by the model incorporating both surface visible reflectance and the resonant frequency compared with the model based on only surface visible reflectance. Similarly, the sugar–acid ratio was better predicted by the model using both acoustic response and surface visible reflectance. The accuracy of prediction was maintained when the data from two harvest seasons were combined to build the model for prediction.
Serum amyloid A3 is required for caerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis through induction of RIP3‐dependent necroptosis
Authors: Yang Xinyi , Li Runsheng , Xu Lu , Qian Feng , Sun Lei
Published: July 2020

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an early and sensitive biomarker of inflammatory diseases, but its role in acute pancreatitis (AP) is still unclear. Here, we used a caerulein‐induced mouse model to investigate the role of SAA in AP and other related inflammatory responses. In our study, we found that the expression of a specific SAA isoform, SAA3, was significantly elevated in a caerulein‐induced AP animal model. In addition, SAA3‐knockout (Saa3−/−) mice showed lower serum levels of amylase and lipase, tissue damage and proinflammatory cytokine production in the pancreas compared with those of wild‐type mice in response to caerulein administration. AP‐associated acute lung injury was also significantly attenuated in Saa3−/− mice. In our in vitro experiments, treatment with cholecystokinin and recombinant SAA3 significantly induced necroptosis and cytokine production. Moreover, we found that the regulatory effect of SAA3 on acinar cell necroptosis was through a receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3)‐dependent manner. Collectively, our findings indicate that SAA3 is required for AP by inducing an RIP3‐dependent necroptosis pathway in acinar cells and is a potential drug target for AP.
Absent in melanoma 2 enhances anti‐tumour effects of CAIX promotor controlled conditionally replicative adenovirus in renal cancer
Authors: Chai Dafei , Qiu Dong , Zhang Zichun , Yuchen Shi Shang , Wang Gang , Fang Lin , Li Huizhong , Li Hailong , Tian Hui , Zheng Junnian
Published: July 2020

Conditionally replicative adenoviruses (CRAds) were promising approach for solid tumour treatment, but its oncolytic efficiency and toxicity are still not satisfactory for further clinical application. Here, we developed the CAIX promotor (CAIXpromotor)‐controlled CRAd armed with a tumour suppressor absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) to enhance its oncolytic potency. The CAIXpromotor‐AIM2 adenoviruses (Ad‐CAIXpromotor‐AIM2) could efficiently express E1A and AIM2 in renal cancer cells. Compared with Ad‐CAIXpromotor, Ad‐CAIXpromotor‐AIM2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis and cell killing, thus resulting in the oncolytic efficiency in 786‐O cells or OSRC‐2 cells. To explore the therapeutic effect, various Ads were intratumourally injected into OSRC‐2‐xenograft mice. The tumour growth was remarkably inhibited in Ad‐CAIXpromotor‐AIM2‐treated group as demonstrated by reduced tumour volume and weight with a low toxicity. The inflammasome inhibitor YVAD‐CMK resulted in the reduction of anti‐tumour activity by Ad‐CAIXpromotor‐AIM2 in vitro or in vivo, suggesting that inflammasome activation response was required for the enhanced therapeutic efficiency. Furthermore, lung metastasis of renal cancer mice was also suppressed by Ad‐CAIXpromotor‐AIM2 treatment accompanied by the decreased tumour fossil in lung tissues. These results indicated that the tumour‐specific Ad‐CAIXpromotor‐AIM2 could be applied for human renal cancer therapy. The therapeutic strategy of AIM2‐based CRAds could be a potential and promising approach for the therapy of primary solid or metastasis tumours.
Effectiveness of Advance Care Planning Group Visits Among Older Adults in Primary Care
Authors: Lum Hillary D. , Dukes Joanna , Daddato Andrea E. , Juarez‐Colunga Elizabeth , Shanbhag Prajakta , Kutner Jean S. , Levy Cari R. , Sudore Rebecca L.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Group visits can support health behavior change and self‐efficacy. In primary care, an advance care planning (ACP) group visit may leverage group dynamics and peer mentorship to facilitate education and personal goal setting that result in ACP engagement.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the ENgaging in Advance Care Planning Talks (ENACT) group visits intervention improves ACP documentation and readiness in older adults.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted among geriatric primary care patients from the University of Colorado Hospital Seniors Clinic, Aurora, CO, from August 2017 to November 2019. Participants randomized to ENACT group visits (n = 55) participated in two 2‐hour sessions with discussions of ACP topics and use of ACP tools (i.e., Conversation Starter Kit, Medical Durable Power of Attorney form, and PREPARE videos). Participants randomized to the control arm (n = 55) received the Conversation Starter Kit and a Medical Durable Power of Attorney form by mail. The primary outcomes included presence of ACP documents or medical decision‐maker documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) at 6 months, and a secondary outcome was ACP readiness (validated four‐item ACP Engagement Survey) at 6 months.

RESULTS

Participants were a mean of 77 years old, 60% female, and 79% white. At 6 months, 71% of ENACT participants had an advance directive in the EHR (26% higher) compared with 45% of control arm participants (P < .001). Similarly, 93% of ENACT participants had decision‐maker documentation in the EHR (29% higher) compared with 73% in the control arm (P < .001). ENACT participants trended toward higher readiness to engage in ACP compared with control (4.56 vs 4.13; P = .16) at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

An ACP group visit increased ACP documentation and readiness to engage in ACP behavior change. Primary care teams can explore implementation and adaptation of ACP group visits into routine care, as well as longer‐term impact on patient health outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2382–2389, 2020.
Do images of dietitians on the Internet reflect the profession?
Authors: Porter J. , Collins J.
Published: July 2020

Background

The image of dietitians presented on the Internet shapes public perception of the profession, which in turn may influence engagement with professionals. The aim was to describe the portrayal of the dietetic profession on the Internet and how this aligns with international professional demographics.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional observational study, images appearing in two Google image searches using the word ‘dietitian’ were analysed for content by two independent researchers. A coding framework was used to identify personal characteristics of professionals and others presented in the image, as well as the work setting. These were compared to demographic data of members of professional associations in Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

Results

The dietitian portrayed in the images (n = 339) was most often female (88%), Caucasian (72%), aged between 26–39 years (63%), pictured alone (78%), pictured with food (78%) and in a setting that could not be determined (76%). The age and gender profile presented matches the characteristics of the international workforce; however, there was an absence of images illustrating dietitians in authentic work roles.

Conclusions

The images resulting from an online search for ‘dietitian’ do not fully illustrate the profession. There are opportunities to create and share authentic images online that show the breadth of work roles and diversity of professionals’ age, gender, cultural background and size.
Big Data for Creating and Capturing Value in the Digitalized Environment: Unpacking the Effects of Volume, Variety, and Veracity on Firm Performance*
Authors: Cappa Francesco , Oriani Raffaele , Peruffo Enzo , McCarthy Ian
Published: July 2020

Despite significant academic and managerial interest in big data, there is a dearth of research on how big data impacts the long‐term firm performance. Reasons for this gap include a lack of objective indices to measure big data availability and its impact, and the tendency of studies to ignore the costs associated with collecting and analyzing big data, assuming that big data automatically delivers benefits to firms. Focusing on how firms create and capture value from big data about customers, we use the resource‐based view and three dimensions of big data (i.e., volume, variety, and veracity) to understand when the benefits outweigh the costs. Relying on the number of downloads of mobile device applications, we find that volume of big data has a negative effect on firm performance. This result suggests that the “bigness” of big data alone does not ensure value creation for a firm, and could even constitute a “dark side” of big data. Because big data variety—measured as the number of types of information taken per each application—moderates the negative effects of big data volume, simultaneous high values of volume and variety allow firms to create value that positively affects their performance. In addition, high levels of veracity (i.e., a high percentage of employees devoted to big data analysis), are linked to firms benefiting from big data via value capture. These findings shed light on the circumstances in which big data can be beneficial for firms, contributing to a better theoretical understanding of the opportunities and challenges and providing useful indications to managers.
Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis based on antigen 85B via real-time recombinase polymerase amplification
Authors: Xu Y. , Wu P. , Zhang H. , Li J.
Published: July 2020

Tuberculosis (TB), as a common infectious disease, still remains a severe challenge to public health. Due to the unsatisfied clinical needs of currently available diagnostic vehicles, it is desired to establish a new approach for universally detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Herein, we designed a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology for identifying M. tuberculosis within 20 min at 39°C via custom-designed oligonucleotide primers and probe, which could specifically target antigen 85B (Ag85B). Particularly, the primers F4-R4 produced the fastest fluorescence signal with the probe among four pairs of designed primers in the RPA assays. The optimal primers/probe combination could effectively identify M. tuberculosis with the detection limit of 4·0 copies per μl, as it could not show a positive signal for the genomic DNA from other mycobacteria or pathogens. The Ag85B-based RPA could determine the genomic DNA extracted from M. tuberculosis with high reliability (100%, 22/22). More importantly, when testing clinical sputum samples, the real-time RPA displayed an admirable sensitivity (90%, 95% CI: 80·0-96·0%) and specificity (98%, 95% CI: 89·0-100·0%) compared to traditional smear microscopy, which was similar to the assay of Xpert MTB/RIF. This real-time RPA based Ag85B provides a promising strategy for the rapid and universal diagnosis of TB.
The change laboratory in medical education: Two examples of tackling contradictory challenges
Authors: Skipper Mads , Nøhr Susanne Backman , Engeström Yrjö
Published: July 2020

Context

Medical education and workplace learning is bound to develop through tensions between providing high quality patient care and providing training of the future specialist healthcare workforce. This paper on the Change Laboratory and the theoretical framework supporting it, shows examples on how to explore inherent and contradictory tensions in medical education and healthcare and use them as a driving force for change. We argue that the traditional tools and theories for change and fixing tensions are inadequate and therefore suggest an alternative strategy found in Cultural‐Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and the Change Laboratory method.

Methods

The Change Laboratory intervention method builds on the theoretical framework of CHAT and specifically the theory of expansive learning. The Change Laboratory intervention method uses well‐defined steps for participants in collaboration with researchers/facilitators to co‐construct and develop new ways of going about their work practice.

Results

Drawing on our own research on implementing the Change Laboratory intervention method we present two case examples of interventions in respectively a Finnish surgical unit and a Danish paediatric outpatient clinic.

Conclusions

The Change Laboratory intervention offers ways to systematically leverage tensions in medical education and thus could be effective in developing and designing organisational and professional change. It is not a quick fix solution as participators must be motivated and engaged in uncovering inherent contradictions in their activity systems (workplace) and get familiar with the concepts and theory underlying the intervention and its procedures. Profound knowledge and transformative agency emerges when participants and facilitators/researchers are given the time and opportunity to analyse both historical practice, current data on practice, and organisational issues collaboratively in order to envision and redesign their practice and learning environment.
Time to second kidney transplantation in young adults after failed pediatric kidney transplant
Authors: Phonphok Korntip , Homkrailas Piyavadee , Duong Tin , Panombualert Sunee , Cho Yong W. , Sampaio Marcelo , Lum Erik L. , Bunnapradist Suphamai
Published: July 2020

Background

Under the current kidney allocation system, pediatric candidates listed prior to age 18 receive priority for high‐quality deceased donor organs. This has resulted in a decline in living donor transplantation in pediatrics, despite superior outcomes of living donor transplantation. Due to a young age at transplantation, most pediatric kidney transplant recipients require re‐transplantation. The effects of a previously failed deceased donor vs a previously failed living donor on re‐transplant candidates are unknown.

Methods

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we examined 2772 re‐transplant recipients aged 18‐30 years at time of relisting for second KT from 2000 to 2018 with history of prior pediatric KT (age ≤ 18 years).

Results

PFLDKT recipients compared to those with PFDDKT had shorter median waiting times and dialysis time regardless of their second donor type (14.0 vs 20.3 months, and 19.1 vs 34.5 months, respectively). PFLDKT recipients had higher re‐transplant rates (adjusted HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09‐1.27, and adjusted HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.95‐1.15 when calculating from time of relisting and time of returning to dialysis, respectively). PFDDKT recipients were more likely to have higher median PRA levels (90% vs 73%).

Conclusions

Re‐transplant candidates who received a previous deceased donor as a child had a higher level of sensitization, longer waiting time, and dialysis exposure compared to those with PFLDKT. Among primary pediatric kidney transplant candidates, consideration should be considered for living donor transplantation, despite the priority for deceased donor organs, to avoid increased sensitization and longer waiting times for with re‐transplantation.
Complications of rigid bronchoscopy
Authors: Chaddha Udit , Murgu Septimiu
Published: July 2020

See related article
REPAIR OF FLEXURAL DAMAGED REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS USING EMBEDDED BAMBOO REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE
Authors: Odeyemi Samson Olalekan , Abdulwahab Rasheed , Bello Sefiu Adekunle , Omoniyi Ahmed Olatunbosun , Adeniyi Adewale George
Published: July 2020

In recent years, repair and retrofit of existing structures such as buildings and bridges have been among the most important challenges in Civil Engineering. Strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) members with steel plates is a conventional method that has been adopted for decades. The corrosive nature of steel plates, its weight and the need for many anchor bolts for attachment makes it inefficient for retrofitting damaged structures. Thus, there is a need to source for an alternative material which does not corrode and still be used in the strengthening of reinforced concrete. Bamboo Reinforced Epoxy Composite (BREC) was used to repair five (5) damaged reinforced concrete beams in this research. Two of the beams were preloaded to 40 % and 60 % of the ultimate load before strengthening with BREC and all the beams were loaded to failure. The RC beams implanted with BREC rods experienced a rise in their load carrying capacity when tested. Beams preloaded up to 40 % and 60 % had an increase in flexural strength of 33.7 % and 39.3 % respectively when compared with beams reinforced with steel reinforcements. BREC rods in concrete is an effective method in increasing the flexural strength of RC beams.
PARADISGM SHIFT AGENDA IN “THE WORLD IN 2050”
Authors: Krishnan Santhana , Md. Din Mohd Fadhil , Li Yu-You , Qin Yu
Published: July 2020

“The World in 2050” (TWI-2050) aims not only to contribute to this understanding of sustainable development goals (SDGs) but also develop science-based transformational and equitable pathways to achieve it. TWI-2050 article which was published by The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), covers members from National Member Organizations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. This publication is a tool or guideline- for policy-makers, experts, scientist and engineers, and revolutionist in SDGs implementers [Nakicenovic, 2019]. TWI-2050 represents the integrated pathways which harness the synergies and multiple benefits across SDGs, and approaches to governing this sustainability transformation [UNSDN, 2019]. The Roadmap 2050 anchored six pillars and reported the most influential component in SDGs. It is translated with variety of hopes, intentions, action plan and more holistic approach with the vital transformational agenda [Horan, 2019]. The endeavour of transformation is about courage to utilize the Industrial Revolution 4.0 [Lafortune and Schmidt Traub, 2019] with the numerous data and autonomous technical system should be the advantage in improving the global issues. The limitation to the poorest country or region must be shaped through the sustainable empowerment, create more benefits rather than competing, and exploitation of opportunities. Finally, transformation on connectivity is the most tremendous effort in the future
RECYCLED TIRE ISOLATOR AS EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE SYSTEM FOR SINGLE STOREY BUILDING IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Tong Siow Yun , Kasa Anuar , Osman Siti Aminah
Published: July 2020

The studies of seismic isolation have gradually become important particularly in countries of active seismicity activity. The main idea of isolation is to provide flexibility to the structural foundation as well as to absorb energy and mitigating ground acceleration generated from earthquake forces. However, the cost to manufacture conventional commercial rubber isolator is high due to its heavy weight complicated in the process of preparation involving expensive machinery. When earthquake occurs, the building structure especially low rise residential buildings such as single storey buildings are subjected to high inertia forces which lead to structural damages. Country such as Malaysia which located outside the earthquake region is now even facing the threat of earthquake too in some areas especially Sabah. This alerts Malaysia that there is a need to develop an earthquake resistance mechanism. Recycled Tire Isolator (RTI) is a model designed to be embedded into the foundation of a low rise building in order to withstand earthquake forces. The main component in the fabrication of RTI is recycled tire. The useable section of the recycle tire is the tread and will be split into small pieces with measurement of 300mm x 210mm. Each piece of cut tire is about 10mm thick. The method of preparation of RTI samples is simple which is cost effective and sustainable. RTI samples consist of four to five layers of cut recycled tire pads. Static compression test was conducted to examine the vertical capacity of RTI. A controlled vertical force of 380 kN (maximum capacity of the compression test machine) was applied on to the RTI during the compression test. An average displacement of 11.5mm was recorded when the cracking sound was heard indicating the failure of RTI sample. The static or vertical stiffness of RTI was determined. Besides, dynamic compressive load test was another experiment carried out to examine the damping coefficient, damping ratio and also dynamic stiffness of RTI. The results obtained from the experiment were compared with the commercial available isolators and also compared among the RTIs. The similarities of characteristics between RTI and the commercial isolators have given an indication that RTI has great potential to be adopted as earthquake base isolator for single storey residential buildings.
Cell identity and nucleo-mitochondrial genetic context modulate OXPHOS performance and determine somatic heteroplasmy dynamics
Authors: Lechuga-Vieco Ana Victoria , Latorre-Pellicer Ana , Johnston Iain G. , Prota Gennaro , Gileadi Uzi , Justo-Méndez Raquel , Acín-Pérez Rebeca , Martínez-de-Mena Raquel , Fernández-Toro Jose María , Jimenez-Blasco Daniel , Mora Alfonso , Nicolás-Ávila Jose A. , Santiago Demetrio J. , Priori Silvia G. , Bolaños Juan Pedro , Sabio Guadalupe , Criado Luis Miguel , Ruíz-Cabello Jesús , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Jones Nick S. , Enríquez José Antonio
Published: July 2020

Cells sense the presence of more than one version of mtDNA and select the variant according to its impact on function.
IL-10–producing Tfh cells accumulate with age and link inflammation with age-related immune suppression
Authors: Almanan Maha , Raynor Jana , Ogunsulire Ireti , Malyshkina Anna , Mukherjee Shibabrata , Hummel Sarah A. , Ingram Jennifer T. , Saini Ankur , Xie Markus M. , Alenghat Theresa , Way Sing Sing , Deepe George S. , Divanovic Senad , Singh Harinder , Miraldi Emily , Zajac Allan J. , Dent Alexander L. , Hölscher Christoph , Chougnet Claire , Hildeman David A.
Published: July 2020

Elevated IL-10 in aged mice suppresses immune responses and has implications for vaccine nonresponsiveness in the elderly.
Dual mode standoff imaging spectroscopy documents the painting process of the Lamb of God in theGhent Altarpieceby J. and H. Van Eyck
Authors: Van der Snickt Geert , Dooley Kathryn A. , Sanyova Jana , Dubois Hélène , Delaney John K. , Gifford E. Melanie , Legrand Stijn , Laquiere Nathalie , Janssens Koen
Published: July 2020

Imaging spectroscopies uncover the complex history of the Van Eyck brothers’ painting process and later alterations by restorers.
Voltage-induced ferromagnetism in a diamagnet
Authors: Walter Jeff , Voigt Bryan , Day-Roberts Ezra , Heltemes Kei , Fernandes Rafael M. , Birol Turan , Leighton Chris
Published: July 2020

Ionic liquid gating is shown to enable voltage-induced ferromagnetism in diamagnetic FeS
2
, i.e., in a “nonmagnetic” material.
Multiple Ehrlichia chaffeensis Genes Critical for Its Persistent Infection in a Vertebrate Host Are Identified by Random Mutagenesis Coupled with
In Vivo
Infection Assessment
Authors: Wang Ying , Nair Arathy D. S. , Alhassan Andy , Jaworski Deborah C. , Liu Huitao , Trinkl Kathleen , Hove Paidashe , Ganta Charan K. , Burkhardt Nicole , Munderloh Ulrike G. , Ganta Roman R.
Published: July 2020

Ehrlichia chaffeensis
, a tick-transmitted obligate intracellular rickettsial agent, causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis. In recent reports, we described substantial advances in developing random and targeted gene disruption methods to investigate the functions of
E. chaffeensis
genes. We reported earlier that the Himar1 transposon-based random mutagenesis is a valuable tool in defining
E. chaffeensis
genes critical for its persistent growth
in vivo
in reservoir and incidental hosts.
ISGylation of Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Protein Promotes Viral RNA Replication via Recruitment of Cyclophilin A
Authors: Abe Takayuki , Minami Nanae , Bawono Rheza Gandi , Matsui Chieko , Deng Lin , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Shoji Ikuo
Published: July 2020

Host cells have evolved host defense machinery (such as innate immunity) to eliminate viral infections. Viruses have evolved several counteracting strategies for achieving an immune escape from host defense machinery, including type I interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory cytokines. ISG15 is an IFN-inducible ubiquitin-like protein that is covalently conjugated to the viral protein via specific Lys residues and suppresses viral functions and viral propagation. Here, we demonstrate that HCV NS5A protein accepts ISG15 conjugation at specific Lys residues and that the HERC5 E3 ligase specifically promotes NS5A ISGylation. We obtained evidence suggesting that NS5A ISGylation facilitates the recruitment of CypA, which is the critical host factor for HCV replication, thereby promoting HCV replication. These findings indicate that E3 ligase HERC5 is a potential therapeutic target for HCV infection. We propose that HCV hijacks an intracellular ISG15 function to escape the host defense machinery in order to establish a persistent infection.
SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequence from Morocco, Obtained Using Ion AmpliSeq Technology
Authors: Jouali Farah , Marchoudi Nabila , El Ansari Fatima Zahra , Kasmi Yassine , Chenaoui Mohamed , El Aliani Aissam , Azami Nawfel , Loukman Salma , Ennaji Moulay Mustapha , Benhida Rachid , Fekkak Jamal
Published: July 2020

This study describes a genome sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sampled from a male patient with SARS-CoV-2 who was likely infected in Casablanca, Morocco.
A Metagenomic Approach Identified a Novel Phasi Charoen-Like Virus Coinfecting a Chikungunya Virus-Infected Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Brazil
Authors: Cunha Marielton dos Passos , Ioshino Rafaella Sayuri , Costa-da-Silva André Luis , Petersen Vivian , Capurro Margareth Lara , Zanotto Paolo Marinho de Andrade
Published: July 2020

Insect-specific viruses do not replicate in vertebrates. Here, we report the genome sequence of a novel strain of a Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV) that was isolated from a wild
Aedes aegypti
mosquito collected in Aracajú, Sergipe State, Brazil. The coding-complete genome of the PCLV is described in this report.
Acinetobacter baumannii NCIMB8209: a Rare Environmental Strain Displaying Extensive Insertion Sequence-Mediated Genome Remodeling Resulting in the Loss of Exposed Cell Structures and Defensive Mechanisms
Authors: Repizo Guillermo D. , Espariz Martín , Seravalle Joana L. , Díaz Miloslavich Juan Ignacio , Steimbrüch Bruno A. , Shuman Howard A. , Viale Alejandro M.
Published: July 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii
is an ESKAPE (
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
species) opportunistic pathogen, with poorly defined natural habitats/reservoirs outside the clinical setting.
A. baumannii
arose from the
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
-
A. baumannii
complex as the result of a population bottleneck, followed by a recent population expansion from a few clinically relevant clones endowed with an arsenal of resistance and virulence genes. Still, the identification of virulence traits and the evolutionary paths leading to a pathogenic lifestyle has remained elusive, and thus, the study of nonclinical (“environmental”)
A. baumannii
isolates is necessary. We conducted here comparative genomic and virulence studies on
A. baumannii
NCMBI8209 isolated in 1943 from the microbiota responsible for the decomposition of guayule, and therefore well differentiated both temporally and epidemiologically from the multidrug-resistant strains that are predominant nowadays. Our work provides insights on the adaptive strategies used by
A. baumannii
to escape from host defenses and may help the adoption of measures aimed to limit its further dissemination.
Novel use of the transparotid approach to the mandible for benign pathology
Authors: Manzie Timothy , Lewis Emma
Published: July 2020

Access to the mandibular ramus can be difficult. There are a number of described methods for accessing the mandibular ramus and condyle, including a transoral or transcutaneous approach. Access via a transoral approach prevents surgical scars but can result in an excessive amount of bone removal from the anterior mandibular ramus. The transparotid approach has been described and commonly used for the management of mandibular trauma. It allows for direct access to the mandibular ramus and condyle with a number of possible complications, including salivary fistula formation, sialocele and facial nerve injury. Despite these risks, this approach is commonly used in the setting of trauma. This case report describes an additional indication, the successful use of the transparotid approach for the management of benign odontogenic pathology.
Optimal fluence rate of photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Park Dong-Geun , Jeong Seongyong , Noh Donghyoun , Sagong Min
Published: July 2020

Aims

To investigate the lowest effective fluence rate of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods

Fifty-one eyes of 51 patients with chronic CSC were randomly treated with 30% (n=15), 40% (n=16) or 50% (n=17) of the standard-fluence rate of PDT and followed up for 12 months. The success rate, recurrence rate, mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), integrity of the outer retinal layer and complications were evaluated at baseline and at the follow-up periods after PDT.

Results

The rate of complete subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution in the 30%-fluence, 40%-fluence and 50%-fluence groups was 60.0%, 81.2% and 100.0%, respectively, at 3 months (p=0.009), and 80.0%, 94.0% and 100.0%, respectively, at 12 months (p=0.06). The recurrence rate in the 50%-fluence group was lower than that in the 30%- and 40%-fluence groups at 12 months (30% vs 50%, 40% vs 50%; p=0.002, p=0.030, respectively (log-rank test)). The mean BCVA improved significantly 12 months after PDT only in the 40%- and 50%-fluence groups (p=0.005, p=0.003, respectively). Mean CFT and SFCT decreased significantly at 12 months in the three groups. The rate of complications did not differ significantly among the three groups.

Conclusions

A 50%-fluence rate of PDT seems to be the most effective for treating chronic CSC, considering the low recurrence rate and high rate of complete SRF resolution, compared with other low-fluence PDT.

Trial registration number

NCT01630863.
Standardisation of optical coherence tomography angiography nomenclature in uveitis: first survey results
Authors: Pichi Francesco , Salas Ester Carreño , D de Smet Marc , Gupta Vishali , Zierhut Manfred , Munk Marion R
Published: July 2020

Aim

To standardise the nomenclature for reporting optical coherence angiography (OCT-A) findings in the field of uveitis.

Methods

Members of the International Uveitis Study Group, of the American Uveitis Society and of the Sociedad Panamericana de Infermedades Oculares that choose to participate responded to an online questionnaire about their preferred terminology when reporting on OCT-A findings in uveitis. The response of individuals with several publications on OCT-A (experts) was compared with uveitis specialists (users) who have less than five publications on the field of uveitis and OCT-A.

Results

A total of 108 uveitis specialists who participated in the survey were included in the analysis. Of those, 23 were considered OCT-A ‘experts’. There was an agreement in both groups for the definition of wide-field (WF)-OCT-A, and definition of neovascularisation in uveitis. Moreover, there was a difference in the responses in other areas, such as quantification of ischaemia, definition of ‘large’ areas of ischaemia or terms to describe decreased OCT-A signal from different causes. There was an unanimous need of ‘users’ and ‘experts’ to distinguish size of decreased OCT-A signal in uveitis, to implement a quantitative measurement of decreased flow specifically for WF-OCT-A and to use different terms for different causes of decreased OCT-A signal.

Conclusions

While there was considerable agreement in the terminology used by all uveitis experts, significant differences in terminology were noted between ‘users’ and ‘experts’. These differences indicate the need for standardisation of nomenclature among all uveitis specialists both for the purpose of reporting and in clinical use.
Motivational Interview to improve vascular health in Adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 Diabetes (MIAD): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pulkkinen Mari-Anne , Tuomaala Anna-Kaisa , Hero Matti , Gordin Daniel , Sarkola Taisto
Published: July 2020

Introduction

We studied if motivational interviewing (MI) added to standard educational care (SEC) improves vascular health in adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes.

Research design and methods

47 adolescents with type 1 diabetes of at least 2 years duration and hemoglobin A1c >75 mmol/mol (>9.0%) on two visits were randomized to MI+SEC or SEC. We also compared vascular health parameters of patients with type 1 diabetes at trial baseline with a group of healthy historical controls matched for age and body size.

Results

39 adolescents (20 MI+SEC) completed the vascular health study. At 12 months, parameter changes were not statistically significantly different between MI+SEC and SEC (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV): mean difference 0.052 m/s (95% CI −0.395 to 0.500, p=0.81); carotid-radial PWV (crPWV): 0.118 m/s (95% to 0.478 to 0.713, p=0.69), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT): 0.002 mm (95% CI −0.37 to 0.40, p=0.93), systolic blood pressure (BP) z-score: 0.495 (95% CI −0.099 to 1.09, p=0.10). At baseline, duration of type 1 diabetes was associated with radial IMT (r=0.430, p=0.007) and cfPWV (r=0.373, p=0.018), and carotid, femoral and brachial IMT were correlated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) SD (r=0.440, p=0.017; r=0.377, p=0.048; r=0.387, p=0.038). There was an inverse association between CGM time-in-range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) and crPWV (r=−0.476, p=0.022) changes. Systolic BP change was associated with body mass index change (r=0.374, p=0.019) and IMT change (r=0.461, p=0.016 for carotid IMT; r=0.498, p=0.010 for femoral IMT). PWVs were higher and common carotid compliance lower among patients with type 1 diabetes at baseline compared with healthy controls, but no other differences were found.

Conclusion

There was no effect of MI added to SEC on vascular health parameters. Although disease duration and glycemic control were associated with vascular health at baseline, there were only limited associations between glycemic control and vascular health parameter changes. Vascular health parameter changes were interrelated suggesting clustering of cardiovascular risk.

Trial registration number

NCT02637154.
Gene of the month:IDH1
Authors: Bruce-Brand Cassandra , Govender Dhirendra
Published: July 2020

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(IDH1) encodes a protein which catalyses the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate. Mutant IDH1 favours the production of 2-hydroxyglutarate, an oncometabolite with multiple downstream effects which promote tumourigenesis.IDH1mutations have been described in a number of neoplasms most notably low-grade diffuse gliomas, conventional central and periosteal cartilaginous tumours and cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia. Post zygotic somatic mutations ofIDH1characterise the majority of cases of Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome.IDH1mutations are uncommon in epithelial neoplasia but have been described in cholangiocarcinoma.
High-risk coronary plaque in SLE: low-attenuation non-calcified coronary plaque and positive remodelling index
Authors: Stojan George , Li Jessica , Budoff Matthew , Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Petri Michelle A
Published: July 2020

Background

Positive remodelling index and presence of low-attenuation non-calcified plaque (LANCP) are characteristic vessel changes in unstable coronary plaques. We sought to characterise these high-risk plaque features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare them with controls.

Methods

A total of 72 patients who satisfied the SLICC classification criteria for SLE had coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies, 30 of which had follow-up CCTA, as screening for occult coronary atherosclerotic disease in asymptomatic individuals. A total of 100 consecutive controls with no known history of lupus, heart disease or revascularisation who had two coronary CT angiograms at least 1 year apart were included in the study. These were asymptomatic patients referred by their primary physicians for screening of coronary artery disease and the screening interval was decided by the primary physicians. The methodology for image acquisition was identical.

Results

LANCP burden at baseline was significantly greater in patients with SLE compared with controls. LANCP volume was significantly greater in patients over 60 years of age (p<0.05) and in those with current prednisone dose >10 mg/day. LANCP burden remained stable over follow-up. There were no significant differences in remodelling index compared with controls.

Conclusion

This is the first study describing high-risk CCTA features of coronary plaque in patients with SLE. Both LANCP and positive remodelling are common in SLE. These characteristic vessel changes may identify patients with SLE at increased risk of cardiovascular events and those in need for more frequent cardiac monitoring.
Differences in patient characteristics and external validity of randomized clinical trials on pain management following total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Pedersen Casper , Troensegaard Hannibal , Laigaard Jens , Koyuncu Seda , Schrøder Henrik Morville , Overgaard Søren , Mathiesen Ole , Karlsen Anders Peder Højer
Published: July 2020

Background

The external validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is critical for the relevance of trial results in a clinical setting. We aimed to assess the external validity of RCTs investigating postoperative pain treatment after total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) by comparing patient characteristics in these trials with a clinical cohort. Further, we assessed the use of exclusion criteria of the included RCTs.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant RCTs up to June 2019. Data on patient characteristics from this research population were compared with an unselected clinical cohort from the Danish Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Registries in the period 2005–2019. Trends in patient characteristics and the use of exclusion criteria were assessed with control charts.

Results

In total, 550 RCTs with 48 962 participants were included in the research cohort. The clinical cohort included 101 439 THA patients and 90 505 TKA patients. Patient characteristics (age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and sex distribution) in the research cohort resembled those of the clinical cohort. Age, BMI and ASA scores did not change over time in the research cohort. In the clinical cohort, age increased among both THA and TKA patients, and BMI and ASA scores increased among TKA patients. Most commonly used exclusion criteria in the RCTs were high ASA score (62%), older age (45%), obesity (32%) and chronic opioid use (41%). Exclusion of chronic opioid users and individuals with obesity increased over time.

Conclusion

Patient characteristics in research trials investigating postoperative pain management after THA and TKA currently resemble those of a clinical cohort. However, individuals in the clinical cohort are getting older, and TKA patients more obese with increasing ASA scores. Concomitantly, RCTs increase the tendency to exclude patients with older age, obesity, chronic pain and/or opioid use. This trending discrepancy can hinder the generalizability of future research results, and therefore increased focus on pragmatic trials resembling real-world conditions are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019125691
Delayed random walk on deterministic weighted scale-free small-world network with a deep trap
Authors: Xu Guangyao , Wu Zikai
Published: July 2020

How to effectively control the trapping process in complex systems is of great importance in the study of trapping problem. Recently, the approach of delayed random walk has been introduced into several deterministic network models to steer trapping process. However, exploring delayed random walk on pseudo-fractal web with the co-evolution of topology and weight has remained out of reach. In this paper, we employ delayed random walk to guide trapping process on a salient deterministic weighted scale-free small-world network with the co-evolution of topology and weight. In greater detail, we first place a deep trap at one of initial nodes of the network. Then, a tunable parameter [Formula: see text] is introduced to modulate the transition probability of random walk and dominate the trapping process. Subsequently, trapping efficiency is used as readout of trapping process and average trapping time is employed to measure trapping efficiency. Finally, the closed form solution of average trapping time (ATT) is deduced analytically, which agrees with corresponding numerical solution. The analytical solution of ATT shows that the delayed parameter [Formula: see text] only modifies the prefactor of ATT, and keeps the leading scaling unchanged. In other words, ATT grows sublinearly with network size, whatever values [Formula: see text] takes. In summary, the work may serves as one piece of clues for modulating trapping process toward desired efficiency on more general deterministic networks.
Sudden generation of anomalous anti-vortex states in a two-component superconductor
Authors: Aguirre C. A. , Martins Q. D. , Barba-Ortega J.
Published: July 2020

We studied the influences of the inclusion of different geometrical defects (circle, triangle, and square) with different Ginzburg–Landau parameters [Formula: see text] on the vortex state of a mesoscopic superconducting square immersed in an external applied magnetic field. We calculated the magnetization, vorticity, and density of Cooper pairs for this system, solving the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations. We found a novel and interesting behavior of the vorticity [Formula: see text] at low magnetic fields: a spontaneous generation of anti-vortices due to the breaking inversion symmetry.
π-Rickart rings
Authors: Birkenmeier Gary F. , Kara Yeliz , Tercan Adnan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we introduce and investigate three new versions of the Rickart condition for rings. These conditions, as well as, three new corresponding regularities are defined using projection invariance. We show how these conditions relate to each other as well as their connections to the well-known Baer, Rickart, quasi-Baer, p.q.-Baer, regular, and biregular conditions. Applications to polynomial extensions and to triangular and full matrix rings are provided. Examples illustrate and delimit results.
Additional symmetries for the supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy
Authors: Li Jian , Li Chuanzhong
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we first define a supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy using the Sato equation. Then we introduce some time variables and derivations involving those that from a non-abelian Lie superalgebra. Next, we construct additional symmetries for the supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy with the aid of the Orlov–Schulman operators which involve the above time variables and dressing operators. We give the additional flow equations of the supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy, and prove that the additional flows are symmetries of the supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy. In this way, an isomorphism between the additional symmetries of the supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy and the super [Formula: see text] algebra is constructed. Finally, the [Formula: see text] type supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy is constructed and we consider the additional symmetries for the supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy with the [Formula: see text] type condition which is compatible with the flows of the [Formula: see text] type supersymmetric Gelfand–Dickey hierarchy.