bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global, international, and intercultural learning in university classrooms across the disciplines
Authors: Krebs Katharine C.
Published: January 2020

Classroom pedagogies that foster global, international, and intercultural (GII) learning across academic disciplines have the potential to reach all matriculated students, preparing them for diversity in their immediate communities, the international reach of their professions, and their responsibilities as citizens in the world. A number of empirical research studies and professional reports present instructors’ experiences with innovative pedagogies that embed GII learning within existing courses or lead to the design of new courses totally dedicated to the development of intercultural communicative competence. In this article, a review of these studies summarizes the basic features of these efforts, identifies commonalities across practices, and takes note of innovations showing promise for emulation or further study. Of particular value is the analysis of the outcomes the authors report from their efforts and the ways they have assessed their results. These assessments reveal degrees of success in meeting stated learning goals as well as limitations with regard to what has been achieved. The article concludes with a proposed research agenda that would help academics strengthen GII classroom learning. Future research could (a) provide an understanding of GII competencies needed by alumni in their professions and civic engagement, (b) consider how GII learning might take place with an intentional plan across the course of degree programs, and (c) examine how to address gaps and limitations in current classroom practice.Keywords
Isolated Topical Decongestion of the Nasal Septum and Swell Body Is Effective in Improving Nasal Airflow
Authors: Wong Eugene , Deboever Nathaniel , Chong Jessica , Sritharan Niranjan , Singh Narinder
Published: February 2020

Background

Topical nasal decongestant sprays are used commonly in routine otolaryngology practice to reduce the symptoms of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) through vasoconstriction, thereby reducing the bulk of vasoerectile tissue and increasing nasal airflow. Such tissue is found predominantly on the lateral wall of the nose within the inferior turbinates (ITs), but recent evidence suggests that it may also be found medially within the nasal septal swell body (SSB).

Objective

To determine whether isolated topical decongestion of the medial nasal wall, targeting the SSB, is as effective as isolated decongestion of the lateral nasal wall, targeting the IT, in maximizing nasal patency.

Methods

A double-blinded, randomized controlled, crossover study was performed investigating the effect of decongestion of the lateral nasal wall or septum in isolation on nasal airflow. Isolated decongestion was performed by placing a cottonoid, soaked in oxymetazoline and attached to a silastic sheet, into the nasal cavity randomly facing either the septum or lateral nasal wall, bilaterally. Anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and subjective patient-reported outcomes (Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores) were recorded at baseline and postdecongestion. Decongestion of the alternate site was then performed at a later date.

Results

A total of 20 healthy volunteers (30% females, mean age 26.6 ± 3.8 years) were recruited. Improvements in nasal obstruction and SNOT-22 scores were found following decongestion of the septum compared with baseline (mean difference: 0.82, t = 2.32, P = .04; mean difference: 3.30, t = 2.50, P = .04, respectively). Improvements in mean inspiratory flow, minimal cross-sectional area, volume, and PNIF were also demonstrated.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the SSB contains erectile tissue that responds to topical decongestant therapy in a similar manner to IT tissue. The SSB may represent a novel target in surgery for NAO.
European arrest warrants and time-barred enforcement in the state of residence of the convicted person: Too much, too late!
Authors: Verbruggen F. , Verhesschen K.
Published: January 2020

The principle of mutual recognition is considered ‘the cornerstone of judicial cooperation’ in the European Union (hereafter EU). It requires Member States to recognise judicial decisions of other Member States, thus enabling a swift administration of justice. Within the field of criminal law, the Court of Justice of the European Union (hereafter CJEU) links this principle explicitly to the prevention of impunity, most clearly in the Popławski decision (following previous hints in Spajic or Petruhhin). It invokes this principle to oblige a Member State to execute a European arrest warrant (hereafter EAW) issued against one of its residents when the executing State cannot undertake to enforce the sentence itself due to, for instance, its domestic rules on limitation periods. In doing so, the Court overlooks the fact that those domestic rules may serve other fundamental interests and principles recognised by the EU and the CJEU itself, such as social rehabilitation and legal certainty. Moreover, a more balanced approach to (non-)recognition could also contribute to a swift administration of justice, namely as an incentive to the issuing State to avoid undue delays in the issuing of an EAW. Many States believe that, once a certain amount of time has elapsed since the conviction, the enforcement of a criminal sanction will become unfair or even counterproductive. The length of this period is proportionate to the seriousness of the conviction. As EU-broad harmonisation on the subject is unlikely in the short-run, mutual recognition should work both ways if the requested person has significant ties to the executing State.
Practical guidance for the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the adolescent and young adult population
Authors: Carobolante Francesca , Chiaretti Sabina , Skert Cristina , Bassan Renato
Published: February 2020

The outstanding therapeutic progress achieved with modern pediatric regimens in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) led efforts to explore whether a similar treatment approach could be equally effective and safe in older patients, starting initially with older adolescents and young adults (AYA), variably defined in different studies by an age between 15–18 and 25–39 years. Several comparative and noncomparative trials of this type have been carried out during the last two decades, enrolling thousands of patients. Almost without exception, the new strategy improved patients’ outcomes compared with traditional adult treatments in B-lineage and T-lineage Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-negative B-ALL, while the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) led to comparative progress in Ph+ ALL, a former high-risk subset more typically observed in older age groups. At present, highly effective pediatric-based regimens warrant 5-year survival rates of 60–70% in AYA patients. In view of these data, the same approach was progressively extended to older patients, improving the results up to 55 years of age. Issues of treatment compliance and drug-related toxicity have thus far prevented a comparable therapeutic advancement in patients aged >55 years. This critical review updates and summarizes with pertinent examples this global, positive therapeutic change, and examines how to promote further progress with new targeted therapies that include novel immuno-therapeutics and other agents developed against the many molecular dysfunctions detectable in various ALL subsets. Substantial progress is expected to occur soon, bringing AYA survival figures very close to that of children, and also to improve the outcome of ALL at all ages.
Acute exposure to diesel affects inflammation and vascular function
Authors: Tousoulis Dimitris , Fountoulakis Petros , Oikonomou Evangelos , Antoniades Charalambos , Siasos Gerasimos , Tsalamandris Sotirios , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Pallantza Zoi , Pavlou Efthimia , Milliou Antigoni , Assimakopoulos Margarita N , Barmparesos Nikolaos , Giannarakis Ioannis , Siamata Pinelopi , Kaski Juan C
Published: January 2020

Background

Diesel exhaust fumes represent one of the most common toxic pollutants. The prolonged effects of acute exposure to this pollutant on inflammatory status and vascular properties are unknown.

Methods

During a 2-h session, 40 healthy subjects were exposed to diesel exhaust fumes and/or filtered air. Endothelial function was assessed with flow mediated dilation, arterial stiffness with pulse wave velocity and reflected waves with augmentation index. C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, protein C levels and protein S activity were also measured. Standard deviation of normal to normal R–R intervals (SDNN) was used to assess heart rate variability. Measurements were assessed before exposure and 2 and 24 h after diesel exposure.

Results

Compared with filtered air, exposure to diesel exhaust fumes decreased flow mediated dilation and increased pulse wave velocity and augmentation index up to 24 h after the exposure (p < 0.001 for all). Similarly, compared with filtered air, diesel exhaust exposure impaired SDNN during the 24-h study period (p = 0.007). C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were significantly increased after diesel exhaust exposure while protein C levels and protein S activity decreased (p < 0.01 for all). Exposure to diesel exhaust fumes resulted in higher C-reactive protein concentration in smokers compared with non-smokers (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes has a prolonged adverse impact on endothelial function and vascular wall properties, along with impaired heart rate variability, abnormal fibrinolytic activity and increased markers of inflammation. These findings give insights into the mechanisms underlining the increased cardiovascular risk of subjects regularly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes.
Reported effects of psychedelic use on those with low well-being given various emotional states and social contexts
Authors: Mason Natasha L , Dolder Patrick C , Kuypers Kim PC
Published: January 2020

Background

It has been suggested that the outcome of the psychedelic experience is dependent on set and setting. While scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is growing, it is clear that in clinical populations an optimal set and setting will not always be attainable. It was aimed to assess under which emotional and environmental circumstances psychedelic users use psychedelics, and the outcome of use given clinical characteristics, defined as low well-being and higher rates of neuroticism.

Methods

Online respondents (N = 1967) provided information about their psychedelic use, environment they consume the substance in (setting), and mood state pre/post-substance (set). Based on subjective mental well-being, respondents were separated into two groups, those with low (N = 643), and those with normal well-being (N = 1324). Personality traits, with a particular focus on neuroticism, were also assessed.

Results

Findings showed that psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin were most commonly used at home and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in a party/festival setting. In most instances, all substances were used when individuals were in a positive mood, and this remained in general positive, or, when not initially positive, shifted to positive, after use. Individuals with low well-being were more likely to experience a positive mood change after use of lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin or MDMA than individuals with normal well-being. Furthermore, as neuroticism scores increased, so did likelihood of positive mood change, as well as likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that psychedelics are used in varying emotional states and environmental settings. Importantly in the light of future clinical studies with patients, individuals with low psychological well-being and higher scores of neuroticism report consuming such substances with positive outcomes.
Does Comanagement of Patients With Hip Fracture Influence 30-Day Outcomes
Authors: Patel Nirav K. , Ko Clifford Y. , Meng Xiangju , Cohen Mark E. , Hall Bruce L. , Kates Stephen
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Comanagement of hip fractures is thought to optimize outcomes for these high-risk patients, but this practice is not universal. We aimed to determine whether comanagement of patients with hip fracture affects 30-day outcomes.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all hip fractures between January 2015 and January 2017, totaling 15 461 patients (144 hospitals). Patients were divided into 3 cohorts: 11 233 comanaged throughout stay (CM), 2537 partially comanaged during stay (PCM), or 1691 not comanaged (NCM), by orthopedic surgeons with medicine physicians or geriatricians. Data collected included demographics, hip fracture type, postoperative outcomes, and length of stay (LOS). Logistic regression and linear regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Both CM and PCM patients were older, with more dementia, poorer mobility, and more comorbidities than NCM patients. Mortality rates were 4.55%, 0.81%, and 0.33% for CM, PCM, and NCM, respectively, and risk-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.63 (95% confidence interval = 1.22-2.23) and 1.22 (0.87-1.74) for CM and PCM, respectively, compared to NCM. Morbidity rates were 11.06%, 15.45%, and 7.63% for CM, PCM, and NCM, respectively, and ORs were 1.74 (1.41-2.16) and 1.94 (1.57-2.41) for CM and PCM, respectively, compared to NCM. Risk-adjusted mean square LOS was 6.38, 8.80, and 7.23 for CM, PCM, and NC, respectively (P < .01).

Conclusions:

Comanaged patients with hip fracture had poorer cognition, function, and general health, with the shortest LOS. Surprisingly, NCM was associated with reduced morbidity and mortality, which may relate to them being the healthiest patients. Overall, our findings still support orthogeriatric comanagement in this high-risk group to maximize outcomes.
Nursing Students’ Occupational Health and Safety Problems in Surgical Clinical Practice
Authors: Eyi Semra , Eyi İbrahim
Published: January 2020

Student nurses are exposed to hazards in terms of occupational health and safety (OHS) problems in Turkey. Researching these problems in the clinical setting, improving the health and safety of student nurses is an issue that needs to be investigated. The aim of this study is to present OHS-related impressions and OHS experiences of nursing students in relation to the risk assessment process and from an educational perspective. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 students at a nursing school. The study indicated that almost all of the students’ OHS knowledge and awareness level were low, were exposed to contact with blood and body fluids as most dangerous situations, have difficulties in the provision of personnel protective equipment (PPE), were subjected to verbal assault, and experienced anxiety and irritability. They encountered dangerous situations applying treatment in the clinic, preparing drugs, following vital signs, giving general care, and during the intervention in the emergency room, and experienced back pain, headache, increased tendency to sleep, fatigue, and forearm, wrist, hand, and finger injuries. Because of contact with hand antiseptic/latex, skin irritation, and burning eyes, nose, and throat, allergy symptoms were detected. Carelessness and intensive work tempo were the most common causes of workplace accidents. The clinical practice areas are limited in terms of OHS; students are exposed to physical, psychological, and chemical risks with respect to OHS, and they are most psychologically affected by experiencing anxiety and irritability, as well as physiologically, and have symptoms similar to burnout syndrome; they are at risk of getting burnout syndrome.
Examining the Relationships Among Work–Life Constructs: A Review
Authors: Bansal Nidhi , Agarwal Upasna A
Published: February 2020

Although there has been much research conducted on the work–life interface, the absence of an integrated review of its conceptualization is mystifying to many researchers. This study addresses this gap in the work–family research. The purpose of this article is to review and synthesize existing literature on the work–life interface. The article examines the conceptualization of the key constructs of work life interface, such as work–family conflict (WFC), work–family enrichment (WFE), and work–life balance (WLB), and draws differences among them. The study contributes to the work–family research by giving clarity about the meaning and relationship of work–life constructs. The study also gives an idea about the measures used in empirical work–life studies. The article concludes by suggesting propositions and a model which offers directions for future work–life researchers. The main limitation of this study is that it may have overlooked studies which are inaccessible or unpublished and having focused on research articles only in English. To the best of our knowledge, this study is among a few articles which attempted to understand the conceptualization of three work–life constructs simultaneously.
Making Your School Nurse Philosophy Visible
Authors: Garmy Pernilla
Published: January 2020

As a school nurse, it can be challenging to make values and philosophy useful in the context of a busy and stressful workday. However, values and philosophy can help guide school nurses in their profession. This article proposes strategies for how school nurses can make their school nurse’s values and philosophy visible. The first step in formulating a school nurse philosophy is to identify overall values, such as how one views society and people’s equal values. A peer-mentoring group, such as a mastermind group, could offer a place to have philosophical discussions with colleagues.
Containing climate change: The new governmental strategies of catastrophic environments
Authors: Beuret Nicholas
Published: January 2020

The only existing plans to arrest dangerous climate change depend on either yet to be invented technologies to keep us below 2°C or on crashing the world economy for decades to come. The political choice appears to be between doing what is scientifically necessary or what is politically realistic; between shifting to an entirely different kind of global socio-economic system or suffering catastrophe. We are thus in a moment of governmental impasse, caught between old and still-emerging political rationalities. Working through the liminal governmental role of environmental non-governmental organisations, this paper explores the shift from governmental regimes centred on biopower to ones that work through the register of geopower, from governing life to governing the conditions of life. Confronted with climate change as an irresolvable problem, what we find emerging are techniques that aim to contain the worst effects of climate change without fundamentally transforming the global economy.
Isolating the effect of ground-motion duration on structural damage and collapse of steel frame buildings
Authors: Zengin Esra , Abrahamson Norman A , Kunnath Sashi
Published: January 2020

The debate over the significance of ground-motion duration is long-standing and the literature on the influence of duration on structural response is extensive. Decoupling of the duration from other characteristics of the ground motion is crucial for accurate quantification of its effect on structural responses. This article presents a new methodology that isolates the duration from the amplitude, frequency content, and rate of energy build-up of the ground motion. This is achieved by selecting short- and long-duration record pairs that are equated on the basis of spectral shape and the slope of the Husid plot. The use of the initial rate of Arias Intensity as a control parameter is novel in the literature. The proposed approach enables the examination of the sole effect of the duration on structural responses of 2-story and 9-story steel frame buildings. We find that the maximum interstory-drift ratios are not generally sensitive to the duration differences between short- and long-duration record sets, whereas the cumulative damage parameters (i.e. dissipated hysteretic energy and Modified Park–Ang Damage Index) of the buildings considered in this study are affected by duration. Finally, we extend the study to collapse limit states and find that duration has a small effect on structural collapse capacity, after controlling three key ground-motion parameters.
A database of test results from steel and reinforced concrete infilled frame experiments
Authors: Huang Honglan , Burton Henry V
Published: February 2020

Extensive experimental investigations into the behavior of reinforcement concrete and steel frames with infill have been conducted worldwide. However, there are very few systematically created and publicly available databases on infilled frame experiments. This article assembles a database of 264 experiments on single-story infilled frames, which includes specimens with different types of frames and panels. It has been utilized by the authors (in separate studies) to develop (1) empirical equations for modeling the infill panels as equivalent struts and (2) machine learning models for failure mode classification. The intent is for the database to be augmented and further used in various other applications in studying the seismic behavior of masonry-infilled frames.
Selecting, scaling, and orienting three components of ground motions for intensity-based assessments at far-field sites
Authors: Kwong N. Simon , Chopra Anil K.
Published: February 2020

This article develops a methodology for selecting, scaling, and orienting three orthogonal components of ground motion (GM) when conducting intensity-based assessments of structures. Target spectra for selecting multicomponent GMs are critically examined and strategies for selecting hazard-consistent GMs are investigated. The Conditional Mean Spectrum–Uniform Hazard Spectrum (CMS-UHS) Composite Spectrum is proposed as an alternative to several Conditional Mean Spectra for selecting multicomponent GMs when conducting intensity-based assessments of complex three-dimensional (3D) structures. To ensure hazard consistency, multicomponent GMs should be selected using (a) the target spectrum for the vertical component of GM, (b) a wide range of vibration periods, and (c) scale factors that are constrained. With constrained scale factors, all three components of a GM can be reasonably scaled either by the same scale factor or by different scale factors.
Correction to: The difference in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity between older adults with ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ cardiometabolic profiles: a cross-sectional compositional data analysis approach
Authors: Ryan Declan John , Wullems Jorgen Antonin , Stebbings Georgina Kate , Morse Christopher Ian , Stewart Claire Elizabeth , Onambele-Pearson Gladys Leopoldine
Published: January 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error on the content of Availability of data and materials section in their paper.
Increase in diastolic blood pressure induced by fragrance inhalation of grapefruit essential oil is positively correlated with muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Kawai Eriko , Takeda Ryosuke , Ota Akemi , Morita Emiko , Imai Daiki , Suzuki Yuta , Yokoyama Hisayo , Ueda Shin-ya , Nakahara Hidehiro , Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Okazaki Kazunobu
Published: January 2020

Fragrance inhalation of essential oils is widely used in aromatherapy, and it is known to affect blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) via autonomic control of circulation. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the changes in hemodynamics with fragrance inhalation were observed along with changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). In study 1, thirteen healthy men were exposed to fragrance stimulation of grapefruit essential oil for 10 min, and BP, HR, and MSNA were continuously measured. In study 2, another nine healthy men were exposed to the same fragrance stimulation; responses in BP and HR were continuously measured, and plasma noradrenaline and cortisol concentrations were determined. We found that diastolic BP increased significantly during fragrance inhalation, while the other variables remained unchanged in both studies. Although MSNA burst frequency, burst incidence, and total activity remained unchanged during fragrance inhalation, we found a significant linear correlation between changes in diastolic BP in the last 5 min of fragrance inhalation and changes in MSNA burst frequency. The plasma cortisol concentration decreased significantly at 10 min of fragrance inhalation, though the noradrenaline concentration remained unchanged. These results suggest, for the first time, that changes in BP with fragrance inhalation of essential oil are associated with changes in MSNA even with decreased stress hormone.
Simulating metagenomic stable isotope probing datasets with MetaSIPSim
Authors: Barnett Samuel E. , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: January 2020

Background

DNA-stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) links microorganisms to their in-situ function in diverse environmental samples. Combining DNA-SIP and metagenomics (metagenomic-SIP) allows us to link genomes from complex communities to their specific functions and improves the assembly and binning of these targeted genomes. However, empirical development of metagenomic-SIP methods is hindered by the complexity and cost of these studies. We developed a toolkit, ‘MetaSIPSim,’ to simulate sequencing read libraries for metagenomic-SIP experiments. MetaSIPSim is intended to generate datasets for method development and testing. To this end, we used MetaSIPSim generated data to demonstrate the advantages of metagenomic-SIP over a conventional shotgun metagenomic sequencing experiment.

Results

Through simulation we show that metagenomic-SIP improves the assembly and binning of isotopically labeled genomes relative to a conventional metagenomic approach. Improvements were dependent on experimental parameters and on sequencing depth. Community level G + C content impacted the assembly of labeled genomes and subsequent binning, where high community G + C generally reduced the benefits of metagenomic-SIP. Furthermore, when a high proportion of the community is isotopically labeled, the benefits of metagenomic-SIP decline. Finally, the choice of gradient fractions to sequence greatly influences method performance.

Conclusions

Metagenomic-SIP is a valuable method for recovering isotopically labeled genomes from complex communities. We show that metagenomic-SIP performance depends on optimization of experimental parameters. MetaSIPSim allows for simulation of metagenomic-SIP datasets which facilitates the optimization and development of metagenomic-SIP experiments and analytical approaches for dealing with these data.
Molecular genetic diversity and differentiation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L. 1758) in East African natural and stocked populations
Authors: Tibihika Papius Dias , Curto Manuel , Alemayehu Esayas , Waidbacher Herwig , Masembe Charles , Akoll Peter , Meimberg Harald
Published: January 2020

Background

The need for enhancing the productivity of fisheries in Africa triggered the introduction of non-native fish, causing dramatic changes to local species. In East Africa, the extensive translocation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the major factors in this respect. Using 40 microsatellite loci with SSR-GBS techniques, we amplified a total of 664 individuals to investigate the genetic structure ofO. niloticusfrom East Africa in comparison to Ethiopian and Burkina Faso populations.

Results

All three African regions were characterized by independent gene-pools, however, the Ethiopian population from Lake Tana was genetically more divergent (Fst = 2.1) than expected suggesting that it might be a different sub-species. In East Africa, the genetic structure was congruent with both geographical location and anthropogenic activities (Isolation By Distance for East Africa, R2 = 0.67 and Uganda, R2 = 0.24).O. niloticusfrom Lake Turkana (Kenya) was isolated, while in Uganda, despite populations being rather similar to each other, two main natural catchments were able to be defined. We show that these two groups contributed to the gene-pool of different non-native populations. Moreover, admixture and possible hybridization with other tilapiine species may have contributed to the genetic divergence found in some populations such as Lake Victoria. We detected other factors that might be affecting Nile tilapia genetic variation. For example, most of the populations have gone through a reduction in genetic diversity, which can be a consequence of bottleneck (G-W, < 0.5) caused by overfishing, genetic erosion due to fragmentation or founder effect resulting from stocking activities.

Conclusions

The anthropogenic activities particularly in the East AfricanO. niloticustranslocations, promoted artificial admixture among Nile Tilapia populations. Translocations may also have triggered hybridization with the native congenerics, which needs to be further studied. These events may contribute to outbreeding depression and hence compromising the sustainability of the species in the region.
Genome-wide analysis of the NAC transcription factor family in broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and expression analysis under drought stress
Authors: Shan Zhongying , Jiang Yanmiao , Li Haiquan , Guo Jinjie , Dong Ming , Zhang Jianan , Liu Guoqing
Published: January 2020

Background

Broomcorn millet is a drought-tolerant cereal that is widely cultivated in the semiarid regions of Asia, Europe, and other continents; however, the mechanisms underlying its drought-tolerance are poorly understood. The NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2 (NAC) transcription factors form a large plant-specific gene family that is involved in the regulation of tissue development and abiotic stress. To date, NAC transcription factors have not been systematically researched in broomcorn millet.

Results

In the present study, a total of 180NAC(PmNAC) genes were identified from the broomcorn millet genome and named uniformly according to their chromosomal distribution. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the PmNACs clustered into 12 subgroups, including the broomcorn millet-specific subgroup Pm_NAC. Gene structure and protein motif analyses indicated that closely clusteredPmNACgenes were relatively conserved within each subgroup, while genome mapping analysis revealed that thePmNACgenes were unevenly distributed on broomcorn millet chromosomes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that thePmNACgenes differed greatly in expression in various tissues and under different drought stress durations. The expression of 10 selected genes under drought stress was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR.

Conclusion

In this study, 180NACgenes were identified in broomcorn millet, and their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, protein motifs, chromosomal distribution, duplication, expression patterns in different tissues, and responses to drought stress were studied. These results will be useful for the further study of the functional characteristics ofPmNACgenes, particularly with regards to drought resistance.
Exploring the role of Luman/CREB3 in regulating decidualization of mice endometrial stromal cells by comparative transcriptomics
Authors: Zhao Fan , Liu Huan , Wang Nan , Yu Lijun , Wang Aihua , Yi Yanglei , Jin Yaping
Published: January 2020

Background

Luman is a member of CREB3 (cAMP responsive element-binding) subfamily of the basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors. It may play an important regulatory role during the decidualization process since Luman was highly expressed in the decidual cells. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of how Luman regulating decidualization is unknown.

Results

Using an in vitro model, we prove that Luman knockdown significantly affects the decidualization process of mice endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) as the expression of two decidual markers PRL8a2 and PRL3c1 were repressed. We employed massively parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to understand the changes in the transcriptional landscape associated with knockdown of Luman in ESCs during in vitro decidualization. We found significant dysregulation of genes related to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Several genes involved in decidualization including bone morphogenetic proteins (e.g. BMP1, BMP4, BMP8A, BMP2, and BMP8B), growth factor-related genes (e.g. VEGFB, FGF10, and FGFR2), and transcription factors (IF4E, IF4A2, WNT4, WNT9A, ETS1, NOTCH1, IRX1, IDB1, IDB2, and IDB3), show altered expression. We also found that the knockdown of Luman is associated with increased expression of cell cycle-related genes including cycA1, cycB1, cycB2, CDK1, CDK2, and PLPK1, which resulted in an increased proportion of ESCs in the G1 phase. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly enriched on ECM-receptor interaction signaling, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Luman knockdown results in widespread gene dysregulation during decidualization of ESCs. Genes involved in protein processing in ER, bone morphogenetic protein, growth factor, and cell cycle progression were identified as particularly important for explaining the decidual deficiency observed in this in vitro model. Therefore, this study provides clues as to the underlying mechanisms that may expand our understanding of gene regulation during decidualization.
Genome-wide methylation and transcriptome of blood neutrophils reveal the roles of DNA methylation in affecting transcription of protein-coding genes and miRNAs in E. coli-infected mastitis cows
Authors: Ju Zhihua , Jiang Qiang , Wang Jinpeng , Wang Xiuge , Yang Chunhong , Sun Yan , Zhang Yaran , Wang Changfa , Gao Yaping , Wei Xiaochao , Hou Minghai , Huang Jinming
Published: January 2020

Background

Neutrophils are the first effectors of inflammatory response triggered by mastitis infection, and are important defense cells against pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). DNA methylation, as a critical epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene function, is involved in bovine mastitis.

Results

In this study, we sequenced the blood neutrophils of healthy and E. coli-infected mastitic half-sib cows for the overall DNA methylation levels using transcriptome sequencing and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. The methylation levels in the mastitis cows (MCs) were decreased compared with healthy cows (HCs). A total of 494 differentially methylated regions were identified, among which 61 were up-methylated and 433 were down-methylated (MCs vs. HCs). The expression levels of 1094 differentially expressed genes were up-regulated, and 245 genes were down-regulated. Twenty-nine genes were found in methylation and transcription data, among which seven genes’ promoter methylation levels were negatively correlated with expression levels, and 11 genes were differentially methylated in the exon regions. The bisulfite sequencing PCR and quantitative real-time PCR validation results demonstrated that the promoter methylation of CITED2 and SLC40A1 genes affected differential expression. The methylation of LGR4 exon 5 regulated its own alternative splicing. The promoter methylation of bta-miR-15a has an indirect effect on the expression of its target gene CD163. The CITED2, SLC40A1, and LGR4 genes can be used as candidates for E. coli-induced mastitis resistance.

Conclusions

This study explored the roles of DNA methylation in affecting transcription of protein-coding genes and miRNAs in E. coli-induced mastitis, thereby helping explain the function of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of mastitis and provided new target genes and epigenetic markers for mastitis resistance breeding in dairy cattle.
Comparative genomic analysis of the secondary flagellar (flag-2) system in the order Enterobacterales
Authors: De Maayer Pieter , Pillay Talia , Coutinho Teresa A.
Published: January 2020

Background

The order Enterobacterales encompasses a broad range of metabolically and ecologically versatile bacterial taxa, most of which are motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Flagellar biosynthesis has been linked to a primary flagella locus, flag-1, encompassing ~ 50 genes. A discrete locus, flag-2, encoding a distinct flagellar system, has been observed in a limited number of enterobacterial taxa, but its function remains largely uncharacterized.

Results

Comparative genomic analyses showed that orthologous flag-2 loci are present in 592/4028 taxa belonging to 5/8 and 31/76 families and genera, respectively, in the order Enterobacterales. Furthermore, the presence of only the outermost flag-2 genes in many taxa suggests that this locus was far more prevalent and has subsequently been lost through gene deletion events. The flag-2 loci range in size from ~ 3.4 to 81.1 kilobases and code for between five and 102 distinct proteins. The discrepancy in size and protein number can be attributed to the presence of cargo gene islands within the loci. Evolutionary analyses revealed a complex evolutionary history for the flag-2 loci, representing ancestral elements in some taxa, while showing evidence of recent horizontal acquisition in other enterobacteria.

Conclusions

The flag-2 flagellar system is a fairly common, but highly variable feature among members of the Enterobacterales. Given the energetic burden of flagellar biosynthesis and functioning, the prevalence of a second flagellar system suggests it plays important biological roles in the enterobacteria and we postulate on its potential role as locomotory organ or as secretion system.
A randomized double-blind comparison of the double-space technique versus the single-space technique in combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean section
Authors: Chun Eun Hee , Cho Sooyoung , Woo Jae Hee , Kim Youn Jin
Published: January 2020

Background

Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) can be performed with either a single-space technique or a double-space technique for cesarean section. We performed a double-blind randomized controlled study to compare the effect of the double-space technique with that of the single-space technique on sensory block level and side effects.

Methods

Parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia were randomized to receive CSEA with either the double-space technique (double group, n = 20) or the single-space technique (single group, n = 20). In the double group, an epidural catheter was inserted at the L1–2 interspace, and dural puncture was performed at the L3–4 interspace. In the single group, the procedure was performed at the L3–4 interspace using the needle-through-needle technique.

Results

There were no differences in time to readiness or intraoperative level of sensory block between the two groups. The postoperative sensory level was maintained at a higher level in the double group than in the single group (1 h postoperatively, P = 0.029; 6 h postoperatively, P = 0.016). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of side effects. The parturient satisfaction scores 48 h postoperatively were significantly different between groups (9.5 in the double group vs. 8 in the single group, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

We conclude that there were no differences in intraoperative variables between the double-space technique and the single-space technique for CSEA. However, double-space CSEA for cesarean section may be beneficial for controlling postoperative pain and improving parturient satisfaction.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered at https://cris.nih.go.kr under the trial ID KCT0002514. Date of registration: October 27, 2017.
A case report of sinoatrial arrest caused by temporal lobe epilepsy in subclinical glioblastoma
Authors: Reifart Jörg , Tschernatsch Marlene , Hamm Christian W. , Sperzel Johannes , Hain Andreas
Published: January 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation with symptomatic bradycardia, higher grade atrioventricular block, and sinus node disease are all common indications for permanent pacemaker implantation. The most frequent causes of sinus node disease treated with pacemaker implantation involve degenerative structural changes of the sinus node; less often, extrinsic causes (such as damage due to myocardial infarction or heightened parasympathetic nervous system activity) lead to pacemaker implantation.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old patient with syncope and documented sinoatrial arrest was referred. Neurologic exams (including CT and EEG) revealed no pathologies, so a pacemaker was implanted. Postoperatively, syncope occurred again due to a focal seizure during which sinus rhythm transitioned to atrial pacing by the device. Further neurologic testing revealed focal epilepsy. Six months later, stage IV glioblastoma was diagnosed and the patient was treated surgically.

Conclusion

Intracerebral tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with unexplained sinoatrial block, as well as in patients with repeat syncope after pacemaker implantation. Cranial MRI could aid the diagnostic workup of such cases.
Influencing factors of vascular endothelial function in patients with non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis: a 1-year observational study
Authors: Li Yin-Ping , Fan Zhen-Xing , Gao Jing , Sun Xi-Peng , Zhu Guo-Hua , Zhang Ying-Hua , Si Jin , Zuo Xue-Bing , Liu Zhi , Hua Qi , Li Jing
Published: January 2020

Background

Endothelial dysfunction may play a key role in non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the vascular endothelial function and its influencing factors in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Methods

A total of 131 consecutive patients with non-obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis were enrolled. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was measured at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were counted by staining the fasting venous blood with antibodies against CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2.

Results

Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and the levels of HbA1c in participants with baseline FMD < 6% (n = 65) were significantly higher than those with baseline FMD ≥ 6% (n = 66). Baseline FMD was negatively associated with EPC counts (r = − 0.199, P < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (r = − 0.315, P < 0.01). The 1-year FMD was significantly increased compared to the baseline FMD [(9.31 ± 5.62) % vs (7.31 ± 5.26) %, P < 0.001]. Independent predictors of FMD improvement included elevated EPC counts (OR = 1.104, 95% CI: 1.047–1.165, P < 0.001) and decreased levels of serum creatinine (OR = 0.915, 95% CI: 0.843–0.993, P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, elevated systolic pressure, and HbA1c > 6.5% are independent risk factors for endothelial dysfunction in non-obstructive atherosclerotic patients. Elevated peripheral blood EPC counts and decreased levels of serum creatinine are independent predictors of endothelial function improvement.
Waterpipe smoking cessation: knowledge, barriers, and practices of primary care physicians- a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Romani Maya , Jawhar Sarah , Shalak Manar , Antoun Jumana
Published: January 2020

Background

While cigarette smoking has been considered the most relevant tobacco product worldwide, waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) has increased in prevalence globally and calls for more considerable attention now. However, little is known about WTS cessation knowledge and clinical practices among physicians, particularly in Lebanon. This study aims to examine the knowledge, barriers, and cessation practices of primary care practitioners towards WTS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study where an anonymous self-reported questionnaire was completed by physicians attending the Annual Conference of the Lebanese Society of Family Medicine for family medicine physicians, general practitioners, and internists in Lebanon.

Results

Out of 180 attendees, 105 primary care practitioners (PCPs) responded to the questionnaire. Only 38.1% of the physicians think similar techniques are used for the cessation of smoking of both cigarette and waterpipe. Similarly, 30.5% of the physicians believe that nicotine replacement therapy works in the cessation of waterpipe smoking. There was a statistically significant difference between the percentage of physicians who counsel for cigarette smoking and those who counsel for waterpipe smoking cessation (p = 0.005) where 30% of the physicians tend to counsel against cigarette smoking more than waterpipe smoking.

Conclusions

This study shows a difference in the attitude and behavior of PCPs towards cigarette and waterpipe smoking cessation. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge about water pipe smoking cessation techniques. There is a great room for continued medical education to PCPs in their private practice to improve their knowledge.
High rates of cirrhosis and severe clinical events in patients with HBV/HDV co-infection: longitudinal analysis of a German cohort
Authors: Bockmann Jan-Hendrik , Grube Marcel , Hamed Vanessa , von Felden Johann , Landahl Johanna , Wehmeyer Malte , Giersch Katja , Hall Michaela T. , Murray John M. , Dandri Maura , Lüth Stefan , Lohse Ansgar W. , Lütgehetmann Marc , Schulze Zur Wiesch Julian
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection causes severe liver disease which often leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aim of this study was to establish the disease severity and prognostic factors for disease outcome by analysing frequencies of clinical events and their correlation with baseline virological and biochemical parameters as well as interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment choice.

Methods

We studied a single-centre cohort of 49 anti-HDAg-positive patients with HBsAg persistence for at least 6 months. Virological and biochemical parameters, interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment choice as well as clinical events during follow-up were analysed by retrospective chart review (mean follow-up time 3 years, range 0.25–7.67 years).

Results

Severe clinical events occurred in 11/49 hepatitis D patients, including HCC (8/49), death (8/49) or liver transplantation (2/49). HCCs only occurred secondary to liver cirrhosis and their event rates in this cohort of hepatitis D patients did not differ from a matched HBV mono-infected cohort with comparable frequency of liver cirrhosis. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression revealed low platelet count (p = 0. 0290) and older age (p = 0.0337) correlating most strongly with overall clinical events, while serum HDV RNA positivity at baseline did not correlate with any clinical outcome. Interferon-free but not nucleos(t)ide analogue-free patient care correlated with the occurrence of HCC at logistic regression, although only 3/18 interferon-treated patients demonstrated repeatedly negative HDV PCR results post therapy.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that progressive liver disease at baseline plays a major role as predictive factor for overall clinical outcome of hepatitis D patients. In particular, HCC risk may not be underestimated in hepatitis D virus RNA negative hepatitis D patients with advanced liver fibrosis.