bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Garlic alters the expression of putative virulence factor genes SIR2 and ECE1 in vulvovaginal C. albicans isolates
Authors: Said Mohamed M. , Watson Cathy , Grando Danilla
Published: February 2020

Vulvovaginal candidiasis causes sufferers much discomfort. Phytotherapy with garlic has been reported to be a possible alternative form of treatment; however, it is unknown why patients report varying success with this strategy. Fresh garlic extract has been shown to down-regulate the putative virulence gene, SIR2 in C. albicans. Our study aimed to see if previous observations were reproducible for the gene responsible for Candidalysin (ECE1). Two clinical strains from patients with reported variable efficacy of using garlic for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis were compared through biofilm assays and antimicrobial susceptibility. Real-time PCR was used to assess changes in gene expression when exposed to garlic. Treatment with fresh garlic extract and pure allicin (an active compound produced in cut garlic) resulted in a decrease in SIR2 expression in all strains. In contrast, ECE1 expression was up-regulated in a reference strain and an isolate from a patient unresponsive to garlic therapy, while in an isolate from a patient responsive to garlic therapy, down-regulation of ECE1 occurred. Future studies that investigate the effectiveness of phytotherapies should take into account possible varying responses of individual strains and that gene expression may be amplified in the presence of serum.
Breakdown of the electric dipole approximation at Cooper minima in direct two-photon ionisation
Authors: Hofbrucker J. , Volotka A. V. , Fritzsche S.
Published: February 2020

We predict breakdown of the electric dipole approximation at nonlinear Cooper minimum in direct two-photon K–shell atomic ionisation by circularly polarised light. According to predictions based on the electric dipole approximation, we expect that tuning the incident photon energy to the Cooper minimum in two-photon ionisation results in pure depletion of one spin projection of the initially bound 1s electrons, and hence, leaves the ionised atom in a fully oriented state. We show that by inclusion of electric quadrupole interaction, dramatic drop of orientation purity is obtained. The low degree of the remaining ion orientation provides a direct access to contributions of the electron-photon interaction beyond the electric dipole approximation in the two-photon ionisation of atoms and molecules. The orientation of the photoions can be experimentally detected either directly by a Stern-Gerlach analyzer, or by means of subsequent Kα fluorescence emission, which has the information about the ion orientation imprinted in the polarisation of the emitted photons.
Neuroestrogen synthesis modifies neural representations of learned song without altering vocal imitation in developing songbirds
Authors: Vahaba Daniel M. , Hecsh Amelia , Remage-Healey Luke
Published: February 2020

Birdsong learning, like human speech, depends on the early memorization of auditory models, yet how initial auditory experiences are formed and consolidated is unclear. In songbirds, a putative cortical locus is the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), and one mechanism to facilitate auditory consolidation is 17β-estradiol (E2), which is associated with human speech-language development, and is abundant in both NCM and human temporal cortex. Circulating and NCM E2 levels are dynamic during learning, suggesting E2’s involvement in encoding recent auditory experiences. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis in juvenile male songbirds using a comprehensive assessment of neuroanatomy, behavior, and neurophysiology. First, we found that brain aromatase expression, and thus the capacity to synthesize neuroestrogens, remains high in the auditory cortex throughout development. Further, while systemic estrogen synthesis blockade suppressed juvenile song production, neither systemic nor unilateral E2 synthesis inhibition in NCM disrupted eventual song imitation. Surprisingly, early life neuroestrogen synthesis blockade in NCM enhanced the neural representations of both the birds’ own song and the tutor song in NCM and a downstream sensorimotor region, HVC, respectively. Taken together, these findings indicate that E2 plays a multifaceted role during development, and that, contrary to prediction, tutor song memorization is unimpaired by unilateral estrogen synthesis blockade in the auditory cortex.
Uncovering pathophysiological changes in frontotemporal dementia using serum lipids
Authors: Phan Katherine , He Ying , Pickford Russell , Bhatia Surabhi , Katzeff Jared S. , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier , Halliday Glenda M. , Kim Woojin Scott
Published: February 2020

Blood serum is enriched in lipids and has provided a platform to understand the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases with improved diagnosis and development of biomarkers. Understanding lipid changes in neurodegenerative diseases is particularly important because of the fact that lipids make up >50% of brain tissues. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common cause of early onset dementia, characterized by brain atrophy in the frontal and temporal regions, concomitant loss of lipids and dyslipidemia. However, little is known about the link between dyslipidemia and FTD pathophysiology. Here, we utilized an innovative approach – lipidomics based on mass spectrometry – to investigate three key aspects of FTD pathophysiology – mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We analyzed the lipids that are intrinsically linked to neurodegeneration in serum collected from FTD patients and controls. We found that cardiolipin, acylcarnitine, lysophosphatidylcholine, platelet-activating factor, o-acyl-ω-hydroxy fatty acid and acrolein were specifically altered in FTD with strong correlation between the lipids, signifying pathophysiological changes in FTD. The lipid changes were verified by measurement of the common disease markers (e.g. ATP, cytokine, calcium) using conventional assays. When put together, these results support the use of lipidomics technology to detect pathophysiological changes in FTD.
Habitat patches for newts in the face of climate change: local scale assessment combining niche modelling and graph theory
Authors: Préau Clémentine , Grandjean Frédéric , Sellier Yann , Gailledrat Miguel , Bertrand Romain , Isselin-Nondedeu Francis
Published: February 2020

Triturus cristatusandTriturus marmoratusare two protected and declining newts occurring in the administrative department of Vienne, in France. They have limited dispersal abilities and rely on the connectivity between habitats and their suitability. In a warming climate, the locations of suitable habitats are expected to change, as is the connectivity. Here, we wondered how climate change might affect shifts in habitat suitability and connectivity of habitat patches, as connectivity is a key element enabling species to realize a potential range shift. We used ecological niche modelling (ENM), combining large-scale climate suitability with local scale, high-resolution habitat features, to identify suitable areas for the two species, under low and high warming scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5). We associated it with connectivity assessment through graph theory. The variable ‘small ponds’ contributed most to land cover-only ENMs for both species. Projections with climate change scenarios revealed a potential impact of warming on suitable habitat patches for newts, especially forT. cristatus. We observed a decrease in connectivity following a decrease in patch suitability. Our results highlight the important areas for newt habitat connectivity within the study area, and define those potentially threatened by climate warming. We provide information for prioritizing sites for acquisition, protection or restoration, and to advise landscape policies. Our framework is a useful and easily reproducible way to combine global climate requirements of the species with detailed information on species habitats and occurrence when available.
Identification of risk factors for morbidity and mortality after Hartmann’s reversal surgery – a retrospective study from two French centers
Authors: Christou Niki , Rivaille Thibaud , Maulat Charlotte , Taibi Abdelkader , Fredon Fabien , Bouvier Stephane , Fabre Anne , Derbal Sophiane , Durand-Fontanier Sylvaine , Valleix Denis , Robert-Yap Joan , Muscari Fabrice , Mathonnet Muriel
Published: February 2020

Hartmann’s reversal procedures are often fraught with complications or failure to recover. This being a fact, it is often difficult to select patients with the optimal indications for a reversal. The post-recovery morbidity and mortality rates in the literature are heterogeneous between 0.8 and 44%. The identification of predictive risk factors of failure of such interventions would therefore be very useful to help the practitioner in his approach. Given these elements, it was important to us to analyze the practice of two French university hospitals in order to highlight such risk factors and to allow surgeons to select the best therapeutic strategy. We performed a bicentric observational retrospective study between 2010 and 2015 that studied the characteristics of patients who had undergone Hartmann surgery and were subsequently reestablished. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing morbidity and postoperative mortality of Hartmann’s reversal. Primary outcome was complications within the first 90 postoperative days. 240 patients were studied of which 60.4% were men. The mean age was 69.48 years. The median time to reversal was 8 months. 79.17% of patients were operated as emergency cases where the indication was a diverticular complication (39.17%). Seventy patients (29.2%) underwent a reversal and approximately 43% of these had complications within the first 90 postoperative days. The mean age of these seventy patients was 61.3 years old and 65.7% were males. None of them benefited from a reversal in the first three months. We identified some risk factors for morbidity such as pre-operative low albuminemia (p = 0.005) and moderate renal impairment (p = 0.019). However, chronic corticosteroid use (p = 0.004), moderate renal insufficiency (p = 0.014) and coronary artery disease (p = 0.014) seem to favour the development of anastomotic fistula, which is itself, a risk factor for mortality (p = 0.007). Our study highlights an important rate of complications including significant anastomotic fistula after Hartmann’s reversal. Precarious nutritional status and cardiovascular comorbidities should clearly lead us to reconsider the surgical indication for continuity restoration.
Decreased mandibular cortical bone quality after botulinum toxin injections in masticatory muscles in female adults
Authors: Hong Seok Woo , Kang Jeong-Hyun
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to clarify how masticatory muscle atrophy induced by botulinum toxin (BTX) injection affects cortical bone quality of the mandible using 3D modeling technology. A total of 39 young (26.9 ± 6.0 years) and 38 post-menopausal (55.3 ± 6.3 years) females were included. Computed tomography (CT) images were obtained before and after 12 months of treatment. Predictor variables were application of a stabilization splint, and/or two times of BTX injection in the bilateral temporalis and masseter muscles within a six-month interval. Outcome variables were changes in average Hounsfield units (HU) and cortical thickness of region of interest (ROI). 3D mandibular models were reconstructed using CT images, and models were used to calculate average HU and cortical thickness of ROIs, including inferior half of the lateral surface of ascending ramus, coronoid process, and temporomandibular joint condyle. Cortical bone quality at muscle insertion site was influenced by decreased muscle thickness but seemed not to be affected by decreased functional loading. Reduced functional loading seemed to influence cortical bone quality of the condyles. These effects were more remarkable in post-menopausal females. Hence, decreased masticatory muscle thickness may lead to alterations of the mandibular cortical structures, especially in post-menopausal females.
Captivity-induced metabolic programming in an endangered felid: implications for species conservation
Authors: Reeves Jessica , Smith Carl , Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Whitehouse-Tedd Katherine
Published: February 2020

Reintroduction of captive-bred individuals into the wild is an important conservation activity. However, environmental conditions can influence developmental programming, potentially causing metabolic disorders in adults. These effects are investigated here for the first time in an endangered species. Using body weight and feed intake data for Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) (n = 22), we compared the growth of captive versus wild born and/or reared individuals. Captive-born individuals gained weight as a function of calorie intake, unlike wild-born individuals. When compared with females reared in the wild, captive-reared females achieved a larger body size, without evidence of obesity. Captivity-associated changes to metabolic programming may compromise survival in the wild if an increased body size incurs a greater energy requirement. Large body size may also confer a competitive advantage over smaller, wild-born individuals, disrupting the social organisation of existing wild populations, and inferring long-term implications for the phenotypic composition of wild populations.
Level of obesity is directly associated with the clinical and functional consequences of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Raud Benjamin , Gay Chloé , Guiguet-Auclair Candy , Bonnin Armand , Gerbaud Laurent , Pereira Bruno , Duclos Martine , Boirie Yves , Coudeyre Emmanuel
Published: February 2020

Obesity is one of the most important risk factors of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but its impact on clinical and functional consequences is less clear. The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the relation between body mass index (BMI) and clinical expression of KOA. Participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and KOA completed anonymous self-administered questionnaires. They were classified according to BMI in three groups: overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2), stage I obesity (BMI 30–35 kg/m2) and stage II/III obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). The groups were compared in terms of pain, physical disability, level of physical activity (PA) and fears and beliefs concerning KOA. Among the 391 individuals included, 57.0% were overweight, 28.4% had stage I obesity and 14.6% had stage II/III obesity. Mean pain score on a 10-point visual analog scale was 4.3 (SD 2.4), 5.0 (SD 2.6) and 5.2 (SD 2.3) with overweight, stage I and stage II/III obesity, respectively (p = 0.0367). The mean WOMAC function score (out of 100) was 36.2 (SD 20.1), 39.5 (SD 21.4) and 45.6 (SD 18.4), respectively (p = 0.0409). The Knee Osteoarthritis Fears and Beliefs Questionnaire total score (KOFBEQ), daily activity score and physician score significantly differed among BMI groups (p = 0.0204, p = 0.0389 and p = 0.0413, respectively), and the PA level significantly differed (p = 0.0219). We found a dose–response relation between BMI and the clinical consequences of KOA. Strategies to treat KOA should differ by obesity severity. High PA level was associated with low BMI and contributes to preventing the clinical consequences of KOA.
Scalable radiative thermal logic gates based on nanoparticle networks
Authors: Kathmann Christoph , Reina Marta , Messina Riccardo , Ben-Abdallah Philippe , Biehs Svend-Age
Published: February 2020

We discuss the design of the thermal analog of logic gates in systems made of a collection of nanoparticles. We demonstrate the possibility to perform NOT, OR, NOR, AND and NAND logical operations at submicrometric scale by controlling the near-field radiative heat exchanges between their components. We also address the important point of the role played by the inherent non-additivity of radiative heat transfer in the combination of logic gates. These results pave the way to the development of compact thermal circuits for information processing and thermal management.
Psychological stress, cognitive decline and the development of dementia in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Sussams Rebecca , Schlotz Wolff , Clough Zoe , Amin Jay , Simpson Sharon , Abbott Amelia , Beardmore Rebecca , Sharples Richard , Raybould Rachel , Brookes Keeley , Morgan Kevin , Culliford David , Holmes Clive
Published: February 2020

To determine the relationship between psychological stress with cognitive outcomes in a multi-centre longitudinal study of people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) we assessed three parameters of psychological stress (Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ); the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and salivary cortisol) and their relationship with rates of cognitive decline over an 18 month follow up period and conversion to dementia over a 5.5 year period. In 133 aMCI and 68 cognitively intact participants the PSS score was higher in the aMCI compared with control group but neither the RLCQ scores nor salivary cortisol measures were different between groups. In the aMCI group the RLCQ and the PSS showed no significant association with cognitive function at baseline, cognitive decline or with conversion rates to dementia but high salivary cortisol levels were associated with RLCQ scores and poorer cognitive function at baseline and lower rates of cognitive decline. No relationship was found between salivary cortisol levels and conversion rate to dementia. We conclude that psychological stress as measured by the RLCQ or PSS was not associated with adverse cognitive outcomes in an aMCI population and hypothesise that this may reflect diminished cortisol production to psychological stress as the disease progresses.
Spectrophotometric and chromatographic strategies for exploring of the nanostructure pharmaceutical formulations which contains testosterone undecanoate
Authors: Butnariu Monica , Sarac Ioan , Samfira Ionel
Published: February 2020

The nanostructure pharmaceutical formulations (NPF) which contains testosterone undecanoate (TU) been used in life science as parent compound delivery systems for therapeutic, but and been used to enhance the performance in sport, so it is a significant substance for public health and nutritional supplements. In most Pharmacopoeias testosterone is described as an ester of some lower acids (often propionate). The aim of this study is to determine purity of the parent compound by chromatography and absorption spectrum in the frame of middle infrared. Chemical structure of undecanoate was prepared and used in order to achieve a better absorption. This is explained by increased lipophilicity of undecanoate. Due to its lipophilic character, TU is soluble in non–polar solvents but shows a satisfactory solubility in absolute ethanol. Based on the molecular structure, a moderate absorption in the frame of UV with a maximum absorption at a not too high wave-length can be predicted. Maximum absorption occurs in a spectral region in which usual ingredients do not present significant interference.
Author Correction: Liposomal formulation of Galbanic acid improved therapeutic efficacy of pegylated liposomal Doxorubicin in mouse colon carcinoma
Authors: Nik Maryam Ebrahimi , Malaekeh-Nikouei Bizhan , Amin Mohamadreza , Hatamipour Mahdi , Teymouri Manouchehr , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The enhancement of excitonic emission crossing Saha equilibrium in trap passivated CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite
Authors: Mariano Fabrizio , Cretì Arianna , Carbone Luigi , Genco Armando , D’Agostino Stefania , Carallo Sonia , Montagna Giovanni , Lomascolo Mauro , Mazzeo Marco
Published: February 2020

Metal-halide semiconductor perovskites have received great attention for the development of stable and efficient light emitting diodes and lasers, since they combine high charge carrier mobility and light emission spectral-purity with low-cost fabrication methods. Nevertheless, the role of excitons, free carries and trap states in perovskite light emission properties is still unclear due to their interdependence. In this paper we selectively manage trapping and light emission mechanisms by a reversible laser-assisted trap-passivation process performed on a CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite layer, coupled to the inner modes of a high-quality micro-cavity, which only affects the radiative recombination. We show that photoluminescence is dominated by exciton radiative decay process and that trap states passivation increases the exciton gemination rate by reducing coulombic scattering of free electrons due to the ionized impurities. This picture provides a more general description than the model based on trap states-free Saha thermodynamic equilibrium between photo-generated species.
Vascular tone and angiogenesis modulation by catecholamine coordinated to ruthenium
Authors: Alves Jacqueline Querino , Pernomian Laena , Silva Cássia Dias , Gomes Mayara Santos , de Oliveira Ana Maria , da Silva Roberto Santana
Published: February 2020

The interaction of catecholamine site to receptors drives the proangiogenic to antiangiogenic character.
Permeation of nanoparticles across the intestinal lipid membrane: dependence on shape and surface chemistry studied through molecular simulations
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Badhe Yogesh , Mitragotri Samir , Rai Beena
Published: February 2020

In-silico design & testing of nanoparticles for oral drug delivery applications.
Mechanically robust and reprocessable imine exchange networks from modular polyester pre-polymers
Authors: Snyder Rachel L. , Lidston Claire A. L. , De Hoe Guilhem X. , Parvulescu Maria J. S. , Hillmyer Marc A. , Coates Geoffrey W.
Published: February 2020

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) containing dynamic imine cross-links impart recyclability to thermoset materials, and the distribution of these cross-links greatly affects their observed thermomechanical properties.
Mechanism and activity of the oxygen reduction reaction on WTe2 transition metal dichalcogenide with Te vacancy
Authors: My Na O , Xuan Huynh Nguyen Thi , Thi Pham Tan , Chihaia Viorel , Ngoc Son Do
Published: February 2020

For the first time, the oxygen reduction reaction was studied on WTe2 transition metal dichalcogenide with Te vacancy.
The tesseract in two dimensional materials, a DFT approach
Authors: Zhou Long , Zhang Guanglong , Xiu Fangyuan , Xia Shuwei , Yu Liangmin
Published: February 2020

The tesseract contained 2D material, C24Se12, is an effective molecular sieve with high selectivity to recover helium from natural gas under ambient conditions.
The redox-coupled proton-channel opening in cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Wolf Alexander , Dragelj Jovan , Wonneberg Juliane , Stellmacher Johannes , Balke Jens , Woelke Anna Lena , Hodoscek Milan , Knapp Ernst Walter , Alexiev Ulrike
Published: February 2020

The interplay of cytochrome c oxidase's cofactor electrostatics, long-range conformational changes, H-bond rearrangement, and water dynamics enables transient proton-channel activation.
Cross-linked small-molecule capsules with excitation wavelength-dependent photoluminescence and high loading capacity: design, synthesis and application in imaging-guided drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Yun , Lu Ruilin , Yao Yongchao , Li Chuanqi , Yu Yunlong , Zhang Shiyong
Published: February 2020

Cross-linked small-molecule capsules with excitation wavelength-dependent photoluminescence and high loading capacity: design, synthesis and application in imaging-guided drug delivery.
A rhodol-enone dye platform with dual reaction triggers for specific detection of Cys
Authors: Hu Linan , Chen Zhu , Yu Cheng , Zhang Jie , Zhang Hailiang , Xu Pengfei , Xiao Enhua
Published: February 2020

In this work, we have developed a rhodol-enone dye platform with bis-reaction-triggers for the selective detection of Cys.
Novel electrically-conductive electro-responsive hydrogels for smart actuators with a carbon-nanotube-enriched three-dimensional conductive network and a physical-phase-type three-dimensional interpenetrating network
Authors: Ying Zongrong , Wang Qi , Xie Jie , Li Bo , Lin Xuemei , Hui Shengjie
Published: February 2020

An innovative hydrogel with a CNT-enriched three-dimensional conductive network and a physical-phase-type three-dimensional interpenetrating network was developedviaemploying nickel foam.
Analysis and optimization of process parameters for in vitro biomineralization of CaCO3 by Klebsiella pneumoniae, isolated from a stalactite from the Sahastradhara cave
Authors: Rautela Rachna , Rawat Seema
Published: February 2020

Stalactite is a speleothem which is usually made up of calcium carbonate crystals.
Vertical kinetically oriented MoS2–Mo2N heterostructures on carbon cloth: a highly efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Huang Chao , Ruan Qingdong , Song Hao , Luo Yang , Bai Hongzhen , Gao Biao , Chu Paul K.
Published: February 2020

Vertically aligned MoS2–Mo2N/CC enables fast electron transfer, moderates the hydrogen binding energy, and shortens the H2 diffusion path.
Face-on reorientation of π-conjugated polymers in thin films by surface-segregated monolayers
Authors: Wang Wei-Chih , Chen Sheng-Yuan , Yang Yaw-Wen , Hsu Chain-Shu , Tajima Keisuke
Published: February 2020

A new π-conjugated polymer based on naphthalenediimide with a branched semifluoroalkyl side chain (FNDIT2) was synthesized and used to change the polymer orientations in thin films.
Intermolecular electron modulation by P/O bridging in an IrO2-CoPi catalyst to enhance the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zheng Xiannuo , Nie Huagui , Zhan Yingxin , Zhou Xuemei , Duan Huan , Yang Zhi
Published: February 2020

Development and regulation of IrO2-CoPi-CNTs catalyst electronic structure to achieve Pt-like hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.
Facile synthesis of monodisperse chromogenic amylose–iodine nanoparticles as an efficient broad-spectrum antibacterial agent
Authors: Sun Yanbin , Wang Xianwen , Fan Linxin , Xie Xianli , Miao Zhaohua , Ma Yan , He Tao , Zha Zhengbao
Published: February 2020

Monodisperse chromogenic amylose–iodine nanoparticles were developed as an efficient broad-spectrum antibacterial agent under the assistance of near-infrared laser irradiation.
A Randomized Study on the Efficacy of Music Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Nasal Septal Surgery
Authors: Gogoularadja Avinash , Bakshi Satvinder Singh
Published: February 2020

Introduction Nasal septal surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed by otolaryngology surgeons; however, anxiety before surgery and postoperative pain remain a significant cause of morbidity. The search for a complimentary modality to reduce the symptoms and side effects has gained momentum in recent years.

Objective Music therapy is an exciting and inexpensive modality in this regard, but scientific evidence in terms of randomized clinical trials is still lacking for common otolaryngology surgeries. Hence, we performed the present study.

Method The sample of our study was composed of 59 patients, 30 of which were submitted to conventional medicine, while the remaining 29 were submitted to both conventional medicine and music therapy with music of their own choice, with 2 sessions per day, each lasting 30 minutes. This was performed using the generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale and the pain visual analogue scale until postoperative day 2, when the patients were discharged from the hospital.

Result On comparing the anxiety and pain scores between the two groups, the group who underwent music therapy showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety both preoperatively (p < 0.0001) and postoperatively (p < 0.0001), as well as reduced postoperative pain starting from day 0 (p < 0.001), which continued until postoperative day 2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Music therapy is an effective adjunct in the control of anxiety and postoperative pain following nasal septal surgery.
Vestibular Syndromes in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Duarte Juliana Antoniolli , Leão Elisa Morais , Fragano Daniel Sobral , Marquez Germana Jardim , Pires Anna Paula Batista de Ávila , Silva Maria Laura Solferini , Ganança Fernando Freitas
Published: February 2020

Introduction The prevalence of vestibular disorders in childhood ranges from 0.4% to 15%; they may be the result of several factors, but most of the time it's an episodic vestibular syndrome related to migraine equivalents.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of children with vestibular signs and symptoms.

Methods The present cross-sectional study evaluated data from the records of patients treated in an outpatient pediatric neurotology clinic over a 10-year period. These data included sociodemographic and clinical variables, results of complementary examinations, the treatment provided, and the clinical evolution.

Results The sample was composed of 117 patients, with 54.7% of female subjects with a mean age of 10 years. The most prevalent diagnosis was benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC) (41.9%), followed by vestibular migraine (16.2%). The most prevalent complaint was vertigo (53.9% of the cases). Most patients (66.7%) had inadequate eating habits. Improvement of symptoms was observed in 40.4% of the patients treated with dietary guidance alone. In 80% of the cases, dietary counseling in combination with vestibular rehabilitation therapy achieved therapeutic success without the need of a drug treatment.

Conclusion The predominant diagnosis was of BPVC, and its close relationship with the personal and family history of migraine, its benign evolution, and the importance of dietary guidance and vestibular rehabilitation for therapeutic success were observed.
The use of hyperlinking as evidential practice in Danish online hate speech
Authors: Millar Sharon , Nielsen Rasmus , Lindø Anna Vibeke , Geyer Klaus
Published: February 2020

Using data from readers’ comments to news articles from a national Danish newspaper, the article addresses the
nature and function of hyperlinks as evidential practice in relation to xenophobic hate speech. Hyperlinks refer to the use of URL
addresses to link to websites; hate speech is understood broadly as stigmatising discourse. Adopting a discursive approach to
evidentiality that accounts for a range of phenomena including source of knowledge, participant roles, epistemic stance and
interactional force, hate speech related hyperlinks and their evidential functions were identified. While not prevalent in number,
hyperlinks serve to legitimise negative stances towards minority groups but also support counter speech targeting prejudicial
views. Links can be used as part of processes of metaphorical shift and sarcasm as well as to provoke hate speech in comment
threads. As URL addresses are frequently textual, they can have evidential functions independent of the material that they link
to.
Civil courage as a communicative act
Authors: Iganski Paul
Published: February 2020

Hate violence which denigrates a person’s social identity
whether it involves physical or verbal aggression off or online – is a
communicative act. It transmits a message to the victim that they are devalued
and unwelcome. It is a marginalising and exclusionary message. Answering back to
hate violence by challenging hateful expression is one way of responding. It is
a form of ‘civil courage’. Yet why should anybody want to take a stand and speak out – given
the risks involved that perpetrators might turn on those who intervene or
respond in some other way? This paper proposes that the importance of civil
courage goes beyond being the right thing to do, or the humane thing, when a
bystander witnesses hate violence off- or online. Instead, if we comprehend hate
violence as a communicative act, and if we understand the particular impact of
the exclusionary message it sends (and understand how bystander inaction can
magnify the felt sense of social exclusion), then we might appreciate the
potential value of an act of civil courage in response. There is a moral
imperative for civil courage as it answers back to hate violence by sending an
inclusionary message to the victim – as reasoned in this paper.
A New Suturing Method for Optimal Wound Healing: Technique and Experience
Authors: Abboud Nicolas M , El Hajj Hiba , Abboud Sofie , Dibo Saad , Abboud Marwan H
Published: February 2020

Background

Wound closure utilizing barbed sutures has been associated with healing problems, such as thread extrusion, infection, and the increase of an inflammatory response around the scar.

Objectives

In our study, the senior author described a novel technique of skin incision and wound closure based on de-epithelization and bi-layer tension-free closure that minimizes complications.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the authors reviewed the evolution of wound healing for the novel technique developed by the senior author by analyzing clinical reports of 817 patients who underwent surgery for abdominoplasty or breast reduction utilizing power-assisted liposuction mammaplasty with the new incision and closure technique. In addition, three separate plastic surgeons reviewed the wound characteristics and overall appearance by analyzing photographs that were taken over the course of 12 months to document the healing process.

Results

The overall complication rate was 14.1%, with 0.4% hematoma, 1.25% infection, 0.8% seroma, 1.5% necrosis, 3.75% erythema, 3.3% delayed wound healing, and 3.1% suture extrusion. The authors reported the rate of step-off border (9%), contour irregularities (6.5%), margin separation (1.25%), edge inversion (3.2%), excessive distortion (0.9%), and bad overall appearance (6.4%) of the cases.

Conclusions

This new technique in wound incision and closure based on de-epithelization and bilayer tension-free closure reduces the complications associated with barbed sutures.
A multifocal approach towards understanding the complexities of carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation in rice grains
Authors: Chettry Upasna , Chrungoo Nikhil K
Published: February 2020

Carotenoids are mostly C40 terpenoids that participate in several important functions in plants including photosynthesis, responses to various forms of stress, signal transduction and photoprotection. While the antioxidant potential of carotenoids is of particular importance for human health, equally important is the role of β-carotene as the precursor for vitamin A in the human diet. Rice, which contributes upto 40% of dietary energy for mankind, contains very low level of β-carotene, thereby making it an important crop for enhancing β-carotene accumulation in its grains and consequently targeting vitamin A deficiency. Biosynthesis of carotenoids in the endosperm of white rice is blocked at the first enzymatic step wherein geranylgeranyl diphosphate is converted to phytoene by the action of phytoene synthase (PSY). Strategies aimed at enhancing β-carotene levels in the endosperm of white rice identified Narcissus pseudonarcissus (npPSY) and bacterial CRT1 as the regulators of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in rice. Besides transcriptional regulation of PSY, posttranscriptional regulation of PSY expression by OR gene, molecular synergism between ε-LCY and β-LCY and epigenetic control of CRITSO through SET DOMAIN containing protein appear to be the other regulatory nodes which regulate carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation in rice grains. In this review, we elucidate a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of carotenoid metabolism in crops that will enable us to identify an effective tool to alleviate carotenoid content in rice grains.
Bortezomib at therapeutic doses poorly passes the blood–brain barrier and does not impair cognition
Authors: Huehnchen Petra , Springer Andreas , Kern Johannes , Kopp Ute , Kohler Siegfried , Alexander Tobias , Hiepe Falk , Meisel Andreas , Boehmerle Wolfgang , Endres Matthias
Published: February 2020

The 26S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is currently used to treat multiple myeloma but also is effective in the treatment of antibody-mediated autoimmune disorders. One clinical concern is bortezomib’s toxicity towards the (central) nervous system. We used standardized neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive function in six patients with myasthenia gravis and systemic lupus erythematodes before and after treatment with a mean cumulative dose of 9.4 mg m−2 bortezomib. In addition, cognitive performance was measured in adult C57Bl/6 mice after treatment with a human equivalent cumulative dose of 15.6 mg m−2. Bortezomib concentrations were analysed in the human CSF as well as the brain tissue and serum of adult C57Bl/6 mice at various time points after the injection of 1.3 mg m−2 bortezomib with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Neither patients nor mice showed signs of cognitive impairment after bortezomib therapy. Bortezomib concentrations in the human CSF and murine brain tissue reached only 5–7% of serum concentrations with comparable concentrations measured in the hippocampus and the neocortex. Five-fold higher concentrations were needed to damage neuronal cells in vitro. In conclusion, penetration of the intact blood–brain barrier by bortezomib is low. Overall, our data show that bortezomib is a safe medication in terms of central nervous system toxicity.
A case report of malignant primary pericardial mesothelioma with atypical imaging appearance: multimodality imaging with histopathological correlation
Authors: Banišauskaitė Audra , Jankauskas Antanas , Šarauskas Valdas , Aržanauskaitė Monika
Published: February 2020

Background 

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is a rare primary cardiac malignancy, with three main histopathological types, sarcomatoid histotype being the rarest. The imaging features were atypical due to concomitant extensive calcification, which resulted in aggravated differential diagnosis.

Case summary 

A 45-year-old man presented to our hospital with non-specific clinical symptoms. According to clinical history, a mediastinal tumour had been suspected with a previous unsuccessful attempt of transthoracic computed tomography-guided biopsy at an overseas hospital with limited data of performed imaging procedures. Multimodality imaging at our centre revealed extensively calcified solid masses in the pericardium, invading the left atrium. As the imaging features suggested an atypical primary pericardial malignancy, a diagnostic thoracoscopy was performed. Histopathological analysis of specimen revealed sarcomatoid type of pericardial mesothelioma with areas of necrosis and foci of osteogenic differentiation. Despite planned treatment, 2 weeks after histological diagnosis, the patient passed away due to perforated peptic ulcer-related sepsis.

Discussion 

The presence of extensive calcification in the lesion resulted in a challenging imaging workup and diagnosis. Initial differential diagnosis included primary or metastatic calcification-prone tumour, secondary calcification due to haemorrhage after previous interventional procedure and other pathologies, such as tuberculous pericarditis, calcified amorphous tumour, among others. Calcification may be part of the histological tumour characteristics; however, proper history taking is crucial as concomitant diseases, previous treatment, and interventional procedures may alter the imaging pattern.
Determination of Heavy Metals in Wheat and Barley Grains Using ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Thabit Tamer M A M , Shokr Shokr Abdelsalam , Elgeddawy Dalia I H , El-Naggar Medhat A H
Published: February 2020

Wheat and barley grains are two of the most important nutritional grains for humans and animals and they play an essential role in the nutritional cycle by different ratios according to people's nutritional habits. This work aimed to monitor ten of the most important heavy metals in some European-origin wheat and barley grains during the season of 2018. The measured elements, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, and V, are of importance ecologically and biologically and may be involved in many health disorders affecting the human body. Moisture, protein, and specific grain weights were checked. Samples were digested using microwave acid digestion and the elements measured with ICP-MS/MS in He mode to increase sensitivity, lower the background, and avoid interference. Method validation and verification were carried out through spiking at two levels (2.0 and 10 ppb), then RSD, LOD, and LOQ were calculated. Recoveries were >97% for all elements at both levels with an RSD of <7.6%. Results revealed that As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were not detected in most wheat and barley samples, whereas Cd was detected in one sample of Ukrainian wheat and two samples of Estonian barley (but in very small traces). Pb was detected in three samples of Polish wheat (in very small traces). Al, Mo, and Ni were detected in some samples of wheat and barley of all origins, whereas other elements were at very low levels considered to be negligible concentrations.
Single-Laboratory Validation of UHPLC-MS/MS Assays for Red Clover Isoflavones in Human Serum and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Muchiri Ruth N , van Breemen Richard B
Published: February 2020

Background

Extracts of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) containing estrogenic and pro-estrogenic isoflavones are used in dietary supplements primarily for the management of menopausal symptoms in women.

Objective

A UHPLC-MS/MS assay was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of the six major red clover isoflavones in dietary supplements and in human serum in support of clinical trials.

Methods

Enzymatic deconjugation of isoflavone glucuronides and sulfate conjugates in human serum specimens was carried out followed by protein precipitation. Isoflavones in red clover dietary supplements were acid hydrolyzed to release aglycons from glycosides. UHPLC separations (< 4 min) were combined with MS/MS using collision-induced dissociation, selective reaction monitoring and deuterated internal standards to measure biochanin A, formononetin, daidzein, genistein, irilone, and prunetin.

Results

The method was validated with respect to selectivity, specificity, accuracy, linearity, precision, LOD, and LOQ. The calibration curves for all analytes were linear (R2 > 0.998). The mean recovery for low-, medium- and high-quality control standards ranged between 80% and 108%. The precision of the method was assessed using coefficients of variation, which were <15%.

Conclusions

The UHPLC-MS/MS method is fast, precise, sensitive, selective, accurate, and applicable to the quantitative analysis of red clover isoflavones in different matrices.

Highlights

This validated UHPLC-MS/MS assay is applicable to the rapid quantitative analysis of red clover isoflavones in human serum and in dietary supplements.
Discovering Novel Cell Types across Heterogeneous Single-cell Experiments
Authors: Brbić Maria , Zitnik Marinka , Wang Sheng , Pisco Angela O. , Altman Russ B. , Darmanis Spyros , Leskovec Jure
Published: February 2020

Although tremendous effort has been put into cell type annotation and classification, identification of previously uncharacterized cell types in heterogeneous single-cell RNA-seq data remains a challenge. Here we present MARS, a meta-learning approach for identifying and annotating known as well as novel cell types. MARS overcomes the heterogeneity of cell types by transferring latent cell representations across multiple datasets. MARS uses deep learning to learn a cell embedding function as well as a set of landmarks in the cell embedding space. The method annotates cells by probabilistically defining a cell type based on nearest landmarks in the embedding space. MARS has a unique ability to discover cell types that have never been seen before and annotate experiments that are yet unannotated. We apply MARS to a large aging cell atlas of 23 tissues covering the life span of a mouse. MARS accurately identifies cell types, even when it has never seen them before. Further, the method automatically generates interpretable names for novel cell types. Remarkably, MARS estimates meaningful cell-type-specific signatures of aging and visualizes them as trajectories reflecting temporal relationships of cells in a tissue.
DGINN, an automated and highly-flexible pipeline for the Detection of Genetic INNovations on protein-coding genes
Authors: Picard Lea , Ganivet Quentin , Allatif Omran , Cimarelli Andrea , Guéguen Laurent , Etienne Lucie
Published: February 2020

Adaptive evolution has shaped major biological processes. Finding the protein-coding genes and the sites that have been subjected to adaptation during evolutionary time is a major endeavor. However, very few methods fully automate the identification of positively selected genes, and widespread sources of genetic innovations as gene duplication and recombination are absent from most pipelines. Here, we developed DGINN, a highly-flexible and public pipeline to Detect Genetic INNovations and adaptive evolution in protein-coding genes. DGINN automates, from a gene’s sequence, all steps of the evolutionary analyses necessary to detect the aforementioned innovations, including the search for homologues in databases, assignation of orthology groups, identification of duplication and recombination events, as well as detection of positive selection using five different methods to increase precision and ranking of genes when a large panel is analyzed. DGINN was validated on nineteen genes with previously-characterized evolutionary histories in primates, including some engaged in host-pathogen arms-races. The results obtained with DGINN confirm and also expand results from the literature, establishing DGINN as an efficient tool to automatically detect genetic innovations and adaptive evolution in diverse datasets, from the user’s gene of interest to a large gene list in any species range.
What do adversarial images tell us about human vision?
Authors: Dujmović Marin , Malhotra Gaurav , Bowers Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) are frequently described as promising models of human and primate vision. An obvious challenge to this claim is the existence ofadversarial imagesthat fool DCNNs but are uninterpretable to humans. However, recent research has suggested that there may be similarities in how humans and DCNNs interpret these seemingly nonsense images. In this study, we reanalysed data from a high-profile paper and conducted four experiments controlling for different ways in which these images can be generated and selected. We show that agreement between humans and DCNNs is much weaker and more variable than previously reported, and that the weak agreement is contingent on the choice of adversarial images and the design of the experiment. Indeed, it is easy to generate images with no agreement. We conclude that adversarial images still challenge the claim that DCNNs constitute promising models of human and primate vision.