bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The secreted protein signature of hydatid fluid from pulmonary cystic echinococcosis
Authors: dos Santos Guilherme Brzoskowski , da Silva Edileuza Danieli , Kitano Eduardo Shigueo , Battistella Maria Eduarda , Monteiro Karina Mariante , de Lima Jeferson Camargo , Ferreira Henrique Bunselmeyer , de Toledo Serrano Solange Maria , Zaha Arnaldo
Published: July 2020

The vast majority of cystic echinococcosis cases in Southern Brazil are caused byEchinococcus granulosusandEchinococcus ortleppi. Comparative proteomic studies of helminths have increased the knowledge about the molecular survival strategies adopted by parasites. Here, we surveyed the protein contents of the hydatid fluid compartment ofE. granulosusandE. ortleppipulmonary bovine cysts, in an attempt to compare their molecular arsenal in this host-parasite interface. Hydatid fluid samples from three isolates of each species were analyzed by trypsin digestion and mass spectrometry. We identified 280 proteins inE. granulosusand 251 proteins inE. ortleppi, highlighting a core of 52 proteins common to all samples of hydatid fluid. Thein silicofunctional analysis revealed important molecular functions and processes active in pulmonary cystic echinococcosis. Some were more evident in one species, such as apoptosis inE. ortleppi, and cysteine protease activity inE. granulosus, while many molecular activities have been found in fluids of both species, such as proteolysis, development signaling and extracellular structures organization. The similar molecular tools employed byE. granulosusandE. ortleppifor their survival within the host are potential targets for new therapeutic approaches to deal with cystic echinococcosis and other larval cestodiases.
Activity throughout the lichen phylogeny indicates a focus on regulation of specialized metabolites
Authors: Roze Ludmila V. , Laivenieks Maris , Gdanetz Kristi , Linz John E. , Fryday Alan M. , Trail Frances
Published: July 2020

Lichens are complex multi-microorganismal communities that have evolved the ability to share their thalli with a variety of microorganisms. As such, the lichenized fungus becomes a scaffold for a variety of microbes and occasionally insects. Lichens are known to produce a plethora of unique specialized (secondary) compounds that demonstrate biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant, that may provide protection from harmful microbes. The longevity of lichens and their robustness, despite a close association with diverse microbes, provides an interesting study system to view the role of specialized metabolites in managing a microbial community. The objective of this study was to identify the effects lichens may have on basic functions of fungi in and on the lichens. We tested chemical extracts from lichen species across the phylogenetic tree for their effects on sporulation, hyphal growth and specialized metabolite production, using two well-studied mycotoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus parasiticus(aflatoxin) andFusarium graminearum(trichothecenes) whose functions are easily observed in culture. By far the most prevalent activity among the 67 lichens we tested were effects on accumulation of fungal specialized metabolites, which appeared in 92% of the lichen species analyzed across the phylogeny, although the lichen extracts were also active against fungal sporulation (31%) and growth (12%). The consistent presence of this regulatory activity for specialized metabolism indicates this is an important aspect of lichen integrity. Interestingly, inhibition of accumulation of products of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway was the predominant activity, whereas increased accumulation versus decreased accumulation of the production of trichothecenes were about equal. This suggests multiple mechanisms for addressing fungal processes. We performed microbiome analysis of four lichen species and identified oomycetes as members of the microbiomes. Although a small sample size was used for comparing microbiomes, the lichen species exhibiting lower effects on the test fungi had a higher number of OTUs. Members of the lichen community may manipulate specialized metabolism of the essential and transient fungal members and thus attenuate negative interactions with the incumbent fungi or, alternatively, may support the production of compounds by beneficial fungal partners. The ability to control the microbiome by specialized metabolites as opposed to controlling by reducing sporulation of growth, can be effective, discerning, and energetically thrifty, allowing the microbiome members to be controlled without being invasive. Elucidating the role of specialized metabolites in the mechanisms underlying lichen assembly and function has important implications for understanding not only lichen community assembly but for revealing the fundamental processes in microbiota in general.
Uncovering modeling features of viral replication dynamics from high-throughput single-cell virology experiments
Authors: Teufel Ashley I. , Liu Wu , Draghi Jeremy A. , Cameron Craig E. , Wilke Claus O.
Published: July 2020

Viruses experience selective pressure on the timing and order of events during infection to maximize the number of viable offspring they produce. Additionally, they may experience variability in cellular environments encountered, as individual eukaryotic cells can display variation in gene expression among cells. This leads to a dynamic phenotypic landscape that viruses must face to produce offspring. To examine replication dynamics displayed by viruses faced with this variable landscape, we have developed a method for fitting a stochastic mechanistic model of viral infection to growth data from high-throughput single-cell poliovirus infection experiments. The model’s mechanistic parameters provide estimates of several aspects associated with the virus’s intracellular dynamics. We examine distributions of parameter estimates and assess their variability to gain insight into the root causes of variability in viral growth dynamics. We also fit our model to experiments performed under various drug treatments and examine which parameters differ under these conditions. We find that parameters associated with translation and early stage viral replication processes are essential for the model to capture experimentally observed dynamics. In aggregate, our results suggest that differences in viral growth data generated under different treatments can largely be captured by steps that occur early in the replication process.

Author Summary

Understanding the intercellular processes associated with virus replication is essential for controlling viral diseases. Single-cell infection experiments with poliovirus have shown that viral growth differs among individual cells in terms of both the total amount of virus produced and the rate of viral production. To better understand the source of this variation we here develop a modeling protocol that simulates viral growth and we then fit our model to data from high-throughput single-cell experiments. Our modeling approach is based on generating time course simulations of populations of single-cell infections. We aggregate metrics from our simulated populations such that we can describe our simulated viral growth in terms of several distributions. Using the corresponding distributions calculated from experimental data we minimize the difference between our simulated and experimental data to estimate parameters of our simulation model. Each parameter corresponds to a specific aspect of the intercellular viral replication process. By examining our estimates of these parameters, we find that steps that occur early in the viral replication process are essential for our model to capture the variability observed in experimental data.
Unravelling the molecular players at the cholinergic efferent synapse of the zebrafish lateral line
Authors: Carpaneto Freixas Agustín E. , Moglie Marcelo J. , Castagnola Tais , Salatino Lucia , Domene Sabina , Marcovich Irina , Gallino Sofia , Wedemeyer Carolina , Goutman Juan D. , Plazas Paola V. , Elgoyhen Ana Belén
Published: July 2020

The lateral line (LL) is a sensory system that allows fish and amphibians to detect water currents. LL responsiveness to external stimuli is modulated by descending efferent neurons. LL efferent modulation aids the animal to distinguish between external and self-generated stimuli, maintaining sensitivity to relevant cues. One of the main components of the efferent system is cholinergic, the activation of which inhibits afferent activity. Since LL hair cells (HC) share structural, functional and molecular similarities with those of the cochlea, one could propose that the receptor at the LL efferent synapse is a α9α10 nicotinic cholinergic one (nAChR). However, the identity of the molecular players underlying acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated inhibition in the LL remain unknown. Surprisingly, through the analysis of single-cell expression data andin situhybridization, we describe that α9, but not α10 subunits, are enriched in zebrafish HC. Moreover, the heterologous expression of zebrafish α9 subunits indicates that α9 homomeric receptors are functional and exhibit robust ACh-gated currents which are blocked by α-Bungarotoxin (α-Btx). In addition,in vivoCa2+imaging on mechanically-stimulated zebrafish LL HC showed that ACh elicits a decrease in evoked Ca2+signals, irrespective of HC polarity. This effect was blocked by both α-Btx and apamin, indicating coupling of ACh mediated effects to SK potassium channels. Collectively, our results indicate that an α9-containing (α9*) nAChR operates at the zebrafish LL efferent synapse. Moreover, the activation of α9* nAChRs most likely leads to LL HC hyperpolarization served by the ACh-dependent activation of Ca2+-dependent SK potassium channels.

Significance Statement

Fishes and amphibians have a mechanosensory system, the lateral line (LL), which serves to detect hydromechanical variations around the animal’s body. The LL receives descending efferent innervation from the brain that modulates its responsiveness to external stimuli. LL efferent inhibition is mediated by ACh, however the identity of the molecular players at the LL efferent synapse is unknown. Here we demonstrate that a nicotinic cholinergic receptor (nAChR) composed of α9 subunits operates at the LL efferent synapse. Activation of α9-containing (α9*) nAChRs leads to LL hair cell hyperpolarization. The inhibitory signature of this process is brought about by the subsequent activation of Ca2+-dependent potassium SK channels, functionally coupled to α9* nAChRs.
A transgenic line that reports CSF1R protein expression provides a definitive marker for the mouse mononuclear phagocyte system
Authors: Grabert Kathleen , Sehgal Anuj , Irvine Katharine M. , Wollscheid-Lengeling Evi , Ozdemir Derya D. , Stables Jennifer , Luke Garry A. , Ryan Martin D. , Adamson Antony , Humphreys Neil E. , Sandrock Cheyenne J. , Rojo Rocio , Verkasalo Veera A. , Mueller Werner , Hohenstein Peter , Pettit Allison R. , Pridans Clare , Hume David A.
Published: July 2020

The proliferation, differentiation and survival of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS, progenitors, monocytes, macrophages and classical dendritic cells) is controlled by signals from the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF1R). Cells of the MPS lineage have been identified using numerous surface markers and transgenic reporters but none is both universal and lineage-restricted. Here we report the development and characterization of a novel CSF1R reporter mouse. A Fusion Red (FRed) cassette was inserted in-frame with the C-terminus of CSF1R, separated by a T2A-cleavable linker. The insertion had no effect of CSF1R expression or function. CSF1R-FRed was expressed in monocytes and macrophages and absent from granulocytes and lymphocytes. In bone marrow, CSF1R-FRed was absent in lineage-negative hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), arguing against a direct role for CSF1R in myeloid lineage commitment. It was highly-expressed in marrow monocytes and common myeloid progenitors (CMP) but significantly lower in granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP). In sections of bone marrow, CSF1R-FRed was also detected in osteoclasts, CD169+resident macrophages and, consistent with previous mRNA analysis, in megakaryocytes. In lymphoid tissues, CSF1R-FRed highlighted diverse MPS populations including classical dendritic cells. Whole mount imaging of non-lymphoid tissues in mice with combined CSF1R-FRed/Csf1r-EGFP confirmed the restriction of CSF1R expression to MPS cells. The two markers highlight the remarkable abundance and regular distribution of tissue MPS cells including novel macrophage populations within tendon and skeletal muscle and underlying the mesothelial/serosal/capsular surfaces of every major organ. The CSF1R-FRed mouse provides a novel reporter with exquisite specificity for cells of the MPS.
Improving recombinant protein production using TISIGNER.com
Authors: Bhandari Bikash K. , Lim Chun Shen , Gardner Paul P.
Published: July 2020

Planning experiments using accurate prediction algorithms could mitigate failures in recombinant protein production. We have developedTISIGNER.comwith the aim of addressing the technical challenges in recombinant protein production. We offer two web services, TIsigner (Translation Initiation coding region designer) and SoDoPE (SolubleDomain forProteinExpression), which are specialised in prediction/optimisation of recombinant protein expression and solubility, respectively. Importantly, TIsigner and SoDoPE are linked, which allows users to switch between the tools when optimising their genes of interest.
Operational TBE incidence forecasts for Austria, Germany, and Switzerland 2019–2021
Authors: Rubel Franz , Brugger Katharina
Published: July 2020

In spring 2019, forecasts of the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) for the next two years, i.e. 2019 and 2020, were made for the first time. For this purpose, negative binomial regression models with 4–5 predictors were fitted to the time series of annual human TBE incidences from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The most important predictor for TBE incidences is the fructification index of the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) 2 years prior as a proxi for the intensity of the TBE virus transmission cycle. These forecasts were repeated in spring 2020 after the updated predictors and the confirmed TBE cases for 2019 became available. Forecasting TBE incidences for 2020 and 2021 results in 156±19 and 131±23 TBE cases for Austria, 663±95 and 543±112 TBE cases for Germany as well as 472±56 and 350±62 TBE cases for Switzerland. The newly implemented operational TBE forecasts will be verified every year with confirmed TBE cases. An initial verification for 2019 demonstrates the high reliability of the forecasts.
ALeRT-COVID: Attentive Lockdown-awaRe Transfer Learning for Predicting COVID-19 Pandemics in Different Countries
Authors: Li Yingxue , Jia Wenxiao , Wang Junmei , Guo Jianying , Liu Qin , Li Xiang , Xie Guotong , Wang Fei
Published: July 2020

Countries across the world are in different stages of COVID-19 trajectory, among which many have implemented the lockdown measures to prevent its spread. Although the lockdown is effective in such prevention, it may put the economy into a depression. Predicting the epidemic progression with government switching the lockdown on or off is critical. We propose a transfer learning approach called ALeRT-COVID using attention-based recurrent neural network (RNN) architecture to predict the epidemic trends for different countries. A source model was trained on the pre-defined source countries and then transferred to each target country. The lockdown measure was introduced to our model as a predictor and the attention mechanism was utilized to learn the different contributions of the confirmed cases in the past days to the future trend. Results demonstrated that the transfer learning strategy is helpful especially for early-stage countries. By introducing the lockdown predictor and the attention mechanism, ALeRT-COVID showed a significant improvement on the prediction performance. We predicted the confirmed cases in one week when extending and easing lockdown separately. Results showed the lockdown measures is still necessary for a number of countries. We expect our research can help different countries to make better decisions on the lockdown measures.
Solving two-dimensional linear partial differential equations based on Chebyshev neural network with extreme learning machine algorithm
Authors: Liu Min , Hou Muzhou , Wang Juan , Cheng Yangjin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a novel algorithm and apply it to solve two-dimensional linear partial differential equations (PDEs). The proposed method is based on Chebyshev neural network and extreme learning machine (ELM) called Chebyshev extreme learning machine (Ch-ELM) method.

Design/methodology/approach

The network used in the proposed method is a single hidden layer feedforward neural network. The Kronecker product of two Chebyshev polynomials is used as basis function. The weights from the input layer to the hidden layer are fixed value 1. The weights from the hidden layer to the output layer can be obtained by using ELM algorithm to solve the linear equations established by PDEs and its definite conditions.

Findings

To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, two-dimensional linear PDEs are selected and its numerical solutions are obtained by using the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by comparing with the analytical solutions, and its superiority is illustrated by comparing with other existing algorithms.

Originality/value

Ch-ELM algorithm for solving two-dimensional linear PDEs is proposed. The algorithm has fast execution speed and high numerical accuracy.
The relationship between logistics performance and carbon emissions: an empirical investigation on Balkan countries
Authors: Karaduman Hasan Ağan , Karaman-Akgül Arzu , Çağlar Mehmet , Akbaş Halil Emre
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of logistics performance on the carbon (CO2) emissions of Balkan countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed-effects panel regression analysis is used to estimate the causal relationship between CO2 emissions and logistic performances of Balkan countries. Logistics performance is measured by logistics performance index (LPI) which was published by the World Bank in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 and used for ranking countries by means of their logistics performance. LPI is based on six main indicators: customs procedures, logistics costs and the quality of the infrastructure for overland and maritime transport. As a measure of carbon emissions of sampled countries, the natural logarithm of carbon dioxide emission per capita is used in this study.

Findings

The results obtained reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship between logistics performance and CO2 performances of the sampled Balkan countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on only 11 Balkan countries. In this sense, the data used in the analysis is limited.

Originality/value

Considering the important geostrategic position of the Balkan region, logistics sector has an important role for the development of the countries in that region. In this sense, the findings of this study may provide useful insights for policymakers to achieve sustainable economic development. Furthermore, as far as the authors know, this is the first study that focuses on the relationship between logistics performance and carbon emissions of Balkan countries.
Gendered and diversified? Leadership in global hospitality and tourism academia
Authors: Gewinner Irina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to represent a unique and original piece of research on full professors in global hospitality and tourism academia. Aimed at revisiting academic leadership, this study identifies its components and gains insight into the so far understudied dimensions of diversity in academic contexts worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the careers of senior researchers (R3 and R4, according to European Commission) in hospitality and tourism, with special attention given to diversity. Based on quantitative methodology and a standardised online search, it uses individual-level data to give insights into dimensions of academic leadership. Full professors from the UK, the USA, German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea) build the sample.

Findings

Academic leadership in hospitality and tourism academia is not yet fully tied to cooperation with industry, as predicted by the “Triple Helix” model. Currently, the majority of the intellectual component constitutes academic leadership, outweighing administrative and innovative angles. Gender, age and ethnic diversity are underrepresented. While some regions can be considered sealed to ethnic diversity, others are more open and attract international scholars.

Originality/value

Rooted in interdisciplinary explanations, this study is the first of its kind to consider various diversity dimensions of academic leadership from a global perspective. It not only enriches the notion of academic leadership but also provides several practical implications and suggestions for further research.
The evolution of predictive models and tourism
Authors: Gharibi Najmeh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the predictive technology acceptance models and their evolution in the tourism context. These predictive models make a knowledgeable decision about the possibility of future outcomes by analysing data. As futurists are interested in making a prediction about the likelihood of different behaviours over time, researchers of these predictive models have focussed on behaviour and predicting the intentions of users. This study proposes to demonstrate the revolution of these models and how are changed overtime. It also indicates the role of them in future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing the predictive models and literature, this study looks in-depth in the process of alteration of these models.

Findings

This study explores the reasons of the evolution of predictive models and how they are changed. It shed light on the role of predictive models in future research and will suggest new directions for forthcoming studies.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main limitations of this study is that as the world is currently struggling with COVID-19 and predictability of these models will be changed. As the future is disruptive, it cannot be concluded that how these models will be altered in future.

Practical implications

Role of predictive behavioural models of tourists is fundamentally crucial in assessing the performance of planners and marketers of tourism services in the future. It will also vastly helps the successful development of tourism sectors, and it has practical value for all tourism stakeholders.

Originality/value

Few studies have focussed on the evaluation of these models and their role in future research.
Experimental study of surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication of parts produced by fused deposition modelling
Authors: Vyavahare Swapnil , Kumar Shailendra , Panghal Deepak
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on an experimental study of surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication of parts produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique of additive manufacturing. The fabricated parts of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material have pyramidal and conical features. Influence of five process parameters of FDM, namely, layer thickness, wall print speed, build orientation, wall thickness and extrusion temperature is studied on response characteristics. Furthermore, regression models for responses are developed and significant process parameters are optimized.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprehensive experimental study is performed using response surface methodology. Analysis of variance is used to investigate the influence of process parameters on surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication in both outer pyramidal and inner conical regions of part. Furthermore, a multi-response optimization using desirability function is performed to minimize surface roughness, improve dimensional accuracy and minimize time of fabrication of parts.

Findings

It is found that layer thickness and build orientation are significant process parameters for surface roughness of parts. Surface roughness increases with increase in layer thickness, while it decreases initially and then increases with increase in build orientation. Layer thickness, wall print speed and build orientation are significant process parameters for dimensional accuracy of FDM parts. For the time of fabrication, layer thickness and build orientation are found as significant process parameters. Based on the analysis, statistical non-linear quadratic models are developed to predict surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication. Optimization of process parameters is also performed using desirability function.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is restricted to the parts of ABS material with pyramidal and conical features only fabricated on FDM machine with delta configuration.

Originality/value

From the critical review of literature it is found that some researchers have made to study the influence of few process parameters on surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and time of fabrication of simple geometrical parts. Also, regression models and optimization of process parameters has been performed for simple parts. The present work is focussed on studying all these aspects in complicated geometrical parts with pyramidal and conical features.
Democratization and Violent Conflict: Is There A Scandinavian Exception?
Authors: Andersen David
Published: July 2020

The notion that the paths to democracy in Scandinavia were exceptionally peaceful remains a popular argument, but an equally large number of studies opposes this view. This research note provides the first systematic attempt to compare records of violence during democratization in Scandinavia with other regions and countries. By using Varieties of Democracy data, I construct novel measures of democratization and violent conflict that align with extant propositions on Scandinavian exceptionalism and conflict‐democratization research while appreciating multiple dimensions of democratization for a global sample of countries from 1789 to 2018. The results show stable support for a substantial Scandinavian exception of peaceful democratization, but only evidently so for moves toward greater executive constraints and civil and political liberties. The exception is less clear for democratization considering competitive elections and suffrage. On this basis, I propose that we may improve the understanding of the causes of Scandinavian democratic exceptionalism and democratic sustainability more generally by studying the origins of peaceful democratization in Scandinavia compared with Western Europe in the ‘age of liberalization’ from approx. the mid‐eighteenth to the mid‐nineteenth century.
Modeling analysis revealed the distinct global transmission patterns of influenza A viruses and their influencing factors
Authors: CHENG Chaoyuan , LI Jing , LIU Wenjun , XU Lei , ZHANG Zhibin
Published: July 2020

Influenza A virus has caused huge damage to human health and poultry production worldwide, but its global transmission patterns and influencing factors remain unclear. Here, by using the Nearest Genetic Distance Approach with genetic sequences data, we reconstructed the global transmission patterns of 4 most common subtypes of influenza A virus (H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, and H7N9) and analyzed associations of transmission velocity of these influenza viruses with environmental factors. We found that the transmission patterns of influenza viruses and their associations with environmental factors were closely related to their host properties. H1N1 and H3N2, which are mainly held by humans, are transmitted between regions at high velocity and over long distances, which may be due to human transportation via airplane; while H5N1 and H7N9, which are mainly carried by animals, are transmitted locally at short distances and at low velocity, which may be facilitated by poultry transportation via railways or high ways. H1N1 and H3N2 spread faster in cold seasons, while H5N1 spread faster in both cold and warm seasons, and H7N9 spread faster in wet seasons. H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1 spread faster in places with both high and low human densities. Our study provided novel insights into the global transmission patterns, processes, and management strategies for influenza under accelerated global change.
How to treat mania
Authors: Pacchiarotti I. , Anmella G. , Colomer L. , Vieta E.
Published: July 2020

Objective

In this paper, we aimed at reviewing evidence‐based treatment options for bipolar mania and proposed tentative evidence‐based clinical suggestions regarding the management of a manic episode, especially regarding the choice of the proper mood stabilizer and antipsychotic medication.

Method

A narrative review was undertaken addressing 'treatment of bipolar mania'. Findings have been synthesized and incorporated with clinical experience into a model to support different treatment choices.

Results

To date, there is solid evidence supporting the use of several medications, such as lithium, divalproex, and carbamazepine, and antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, inhaled loxapine, asenapine, and cariprazine in acute mania, and some evidence supporting the use of clozapine or electroconvulsive therapy in treatment‐refractory cases. However, in clinical practice, when making decisions about treatment, personalized treatment is needed, according to the different clinical presentations and more complex clinical situations within the manic episode and considering a long‐term view and with the objective of not only a symptomatic but also functional recovery. After remission from acute mania, psychoeducation strategies are useful to ensure adherence.

Discussion

Despite the evidence forefficacy of many currently available treatments for mania, the majority of RCTs provide little direction for the clinician as to what steps might be optimal in different presentations of mania as well as in the presence of specific patient characteristics. Manic episodes should be managed on a personalized basis considering the clinical course and patient criteria and with the expectation of maintaining that treatment in the long‐term.
Th17/Treg imbalance modulates rat myocardial fibrosis and heart failure by regulating LOX expression
Authors: Lu Min , Qin Xinglei , Yao Jungong , Yang Yuanyuan , Zhao Minghu , Sun Lin
Published: July 2020

Aim

The imbalance of T helper (Th) 17/T regulatory (Treg) is involved in chronic heart failure (HF). The enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) contributes to myocardial fibrosis. This study was designed to decipher the regulatory mechanism of Th17/Treg on LOX expression and to validate whether Th17/Treg imbalance regulates myocardial fibrosis by modulating LOX expression.

Methods

Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) and co‐cultured with Th17 cells and Tregs which were polarized from control naïve CD4+ T cells. Th17 cells and Tregs were adoptively transferred into abdominal aortic coarctation‐induced chronic HF rats to investigate the efficacy of Th17 and Treg infusions on myocardial fibrosis and HF.

Results

Th17/Treg imbalance (increased Th17 cells and decreased Tregs) was observed in HF patients. Th17 cells/Tregs aggravated/attenuated Ang II‐induced upregulation of LOX and fibrosis‐related indicators (MMP‐2/9 and collagen I/III) in HCFs in vitro and abdominal aortic coarctation‐induced myocardial fibrosis and HF in rats, by promoting/inhibiting LOX expression. Mechanistically, Th17 cells promoted LOX expression by activating the IL‐17/ERK1/2‐AP‐1 pathway, while Tregs inhibited LOX expression by activating the IL‐10/JAK1‐STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion

Increased Th17 cells and decreased Tregs aggravate myocardial fibrosis and HF by inducing LOX expression.
Laparoscopic surgery for familial multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors with germ line c‐kit gene mutation
Authors: Hashimoto Masahiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Kurokawa Yukinori , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2020

Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is an exceedingly rare disease characterized by mutations in the c‐kit and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha genes. We report the case of a 73‐year‐old woman with multiple submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the stomach and small intestine. Her elder sister had previously presented with multiple SMTs on examination and underwent surgery to remove the tumors because they showed a tendency to increase in size during follow‐up. The sister's tumors were pathologically diagnosed as GISTs, and a germ line mutation was recognized in exon 17 of c‐kit. Subsequently, the patient presented with multiple SMTs and the same germ line mutation as her sister. After 9 years of follow‐up, a single tumor was found to have grown in size, and SILS was performed for this SMT, which was also pathologically diagnosed as a GIST. To our knowledge, this is the first report of laparoscopic surgery for a case of familial GIST.
Circulating Ara h 6 as a marker of peanut protein absorption in tolerant and allergic humans following ingestion of peanut‐containing foods
Authors: Bernard Hervé , Turner Paul J. , Ah‐Leung Sandrine , Ruiz‐Garcia Monica , Clare Mills Elizabeth Naomi , Adel‐Patient Karine
Published: July 2020

Background

Bioaccessibility of food allergens may be a key determinant of allergic reactions.

Objective

To develop a protocol allowing the detection of the major peanut allergen, Ara h 6, in the bloodstream following ingestion of low amounts of peanut and to compare Ara h 6 bioaccessibility by food matrix. We further assessed for differences in absorption in healthy versus peanut‐allergic volunteers.

Methods

A blood pretreatment combining acidic shock and thermal treatment was developed. This protocol was then applied to blood samples collected from human volunteers (n = 6, healthy controls; n = 14, peanut‐allergic patients) at various time‐points following ingestion of increasing levels of peanut incurred in different food matrices (cookies, peanut butter and chocolate dessert). Immunodetection was performed using an in‐house immunoassay.

Results

An original pretreatment protocol was optimized, resulting in irreversible dissociation of human antibodies‐Ara h 6 immune complex, thus rendering Ara h 6 accessible for its immunodetection. Ara h 6 was detected in samples from all volunteers following ingestion of 300‐1000 mg peanut protein, although variations in the kinetics of passage were observed between individuals and matrices. Interestingly, in peanut‐allergic subjects, Ara h 6 could be detected following ingestion of lower doses and at higher concentrations than in non‐allergic volunteers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The kinetics and intensity of Ara h 6 passage in bloodstream depend on both individual and food matrix. Peanut‐allergic patients appear to demonstrate higher absorption rate, the clinical significance of which warrants further evaluation.
Intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer: the risk is functional rather than oncological. A 25‐year experience from Bordeaux
Authors: Denost Q. , Moreau J.‐B. , Vendrely V. , Celerier B. , Rullier A. , Assenat V. , Rullier E.
Published: July 2020

Aim

There are few data evaluating the long‐term outcomes of intersphincteric resection (ISR), especially the impact of inclusion of more juxtapositioned and intra‐anal tumours on oncological and functional outcomes. We compared the oncological and functional results of patients treated by total mesorectal excision and ISR for low rectal cancer over a 25‐year period.

Method

This is a retrospective study from a single institution evaluating results of ISR over three periods: 1990–1998, 1999–2006 and 2007–2014. Patients treated by partial or total ISR, with or without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, for low rectal cancer (≤ 6 cm from the anal verge) were included. We compared postoperative morbidity, quality of surgery and oncological and functional outcomes in the time periods studied.

Results

Of 813 patients operated on for low rectal cancer, 303 had ISR. Tumour stage did not differ; however, the distance of the tumour from the anorectal junction decreased from 1 to 0 cm (P < 0.001) and the distal resection margin shortened from 25 to 10 mm (P < 0.001) from 1990 to 2014. The postoperative morbidity and quality of surgery did not change significantly over time. The 5‐year local recurrence (4.3% vs 5.9% vs 3.5%; P = 0.741) and disease‐free survival (72% vs 71% vs 75%; P = 0.918) did not differ between the three time periods. Functional results improved during the last period; however, overall 42% of patients experienced major bowel dysfunction.

Conclusion

Pushing the envelope of sphincter‐saving resection in ultra‐low rectal cancer reaching or invading the anal sphincter did not compromise oncological and functional outcomes. The main limitation of the ISR procedure appears to be functional rather than oncological, suggesting that bowel rehabilitation programmes should be developed.
Evaluation of the chylomicron‐TG to VLDL‐TG ratio for type I hyperlipoproteinemia diagnostic
Authors: Rioja José , Ariza María‐José , García‐Casares Natalia , Coca‐Prieto Inmaculada , Arrobas Teresa , Muñiz‐Grijalvo Ovidio , Mangas Alipio , Ibarretxe Daiana , Sánchez‐Chaparro Miguel Ángel , Valdivielso Pedro
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to confirm the diagnostic performance of the Chylomicron to very low‐density lipoproteins triglycerides (CM/VLDL‐TG) ratio, the triglycerides to cholesterol ratio (TG/TC) and a dichotomic rule including the tryglycerides to apolipoprotein B (TG/APOB) ratio for the presence of Type I hyperlipoproteinemia (HPLI) in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) that were at high risk for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS).

Methods

Two cohorts (derivation and validation) of patients with sHTG were included in the study. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and genetic data were obtained. The CM/VLDL‐TG, TG/TC and TG/APOB ratios were calculated. Finally, a diagnostic performance study was developed to establish sensitivity, specificity and cut‐offs by a ROC curve analysis in the derivation cohort as well as agreement and predictive values in the validation cohort.

Results

Patients with FCS in both cohorts showed an earlier presence in pancreatitis, greater number of acute pancreatitis episodes and lower BMI. FCS patients also showed higher ratios of CM/VLDL‐TG, TG/TC and TG/APOB ratios, whereas their HDL‐C, LDL‐C and APOB levels were lower than in non‐FCS patients. Sensitivity and agreement were low for both the TG/TC and TG/APOB ratios, although predictive values were good. The CM/VLDL‐TG ratio showed greatest sensitivity, specificity, agreement and predictive values for cut‐off of 3.8 and 4.5.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in subjects at high risk of FCS a total serum TG/TC ratio or TG/APOB ratio are feasible to initially screen for HLPI; however, a CM/VLDL‐TG ratio ≥4.5 is a better diagnostic criterion for HPLI.
Dental students’ perceptions of case‐based learning method and the impact of clinical information in imaging diagnosis
Authors: Tostes Hellen C. M. R. , Oliveira Luciana B. , Franco Ademir , Junqueira José L. C. , Nascimento Monikelly C. C. , Oenning Anne C.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Education in oral imaging diagnosis is provided early in most dental curricula worldwide. Stressing the importance of clinical and radiographic information for oral diagnosis is of utmost importance for dental students. In this context, active learning methods, such as case‐based learning (CBL), represent contemporary tools in the armamentarium of dental education. This study aimed to investigate (a) dental students’ perceptions on CBL and (b) the importance of clinical data for image‐based diagnosis.

Methods

Fifteen cases of bone lesions were presented to 56 undergraduate students; group 1 (n = 24) was provided with the imaging data alone from each case, while group 2 (n = 32) received clinical information followed by the imaging data. Students’ performance and perception on the teaching approach were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Their differential diagnoses for each of the lesions figured as variables to be compared with the known diagnosis.

Results

All the students reported a positive experience with the case‐based teaching method and confirmed this approach as a valuable tool in dental education. The diagnosis of a simple bone cyst, a periapical cyst or an ameloblastoma improved when they were provided with clinical data prior to the complementary images. No significant difference was detected, however, when the total amount of correct diagnoses were combined together and compared between groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

Case‐based learning was corroborated as an optimal method for educating undergraduate dental students. Clinical data might contribute to diagnostic imaging, especially regarding lesions with multiple differential diagnoses.
Patterns of Interactions Between Youth and Resident Stepmothers: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Jensen Todd M.
Published: July 2020

Stepparent–child relationships are a core pillar of stepfamily functioning and well‐being. Stepparents can take on a variety of roles in the lives of their stepchildren, ranging from de facto parents to distant acquaintances. There remain important opportunities to explore specific interactional patterns between youth and stepparents, particularly resident stepmothers. Drawing from a family systems perspective, the purpose of the current study is to explore patterns of youth–stepmother interaction across recreational, personal, academic, and disciplinary domains of family life. Latent class analysis is conducted using a representative sample of 295 youth (mean age: 15.82 years, SD = 1.63; 41% female; 65% non‐Hispanic White) residing in father–stepmother households who have living nonresident mothers at Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The optimal latent class solution yielded four interactional patterns, labeled versatile and involved (21%), inactive (12%), casually connected (17%), and academically oriented (50%). The latent classes are also contrasted with respect to stepfamily relationship quality, youth well‐being, and socio‐demographic characteristics. Foremost, the results illustrate significant variability in the patterns of interactions between youth and their resident stepmothers, which could be attributed to youths’ varying autonomy‐seeking efforts and other complex family dynamics. Consistent with a family systems perspective, associations between youth–stepmother interactional patterns and family and youth outcomes highlight the importance of the relationship between youth and their resident stepmothers. Importantly, not all interactional patterns differed significantly across outcomes, suggesting that no one pattern is universally optimal in father–stepmother families with adolescent children.
A trait space at an overarching scale yields more conclusive macroecological patterns of functional diversity
Authors: Múrria Cesc , Iturrarte Gabone , Gutiérrez‐Cánovas Cayetano
Published: July 2020

Aim

Macroecological studies have commonly used study‐specific subsets of taxa to calculate metrics of functional diversity (FD) and explore their spatial patterns. However, FD metrics can be biased if the functional space (FS) does not cover an extensive, common and representative range of trait variation. Here, we propose an overarching FS covering the widest range of European freshwater taxa and trait variation compiled to date for a better evaluation of macroecological FD patterns.

Location

Six regions distributed from Morocco to Scandinavia.

Time period

2008.

Major taxa studied

Major orders of European freshwater macroinvertebrates (541 taxa).

Methods

FD metrics (functional richness, dispersion and evenness) were estimated on FSs covering three decreasing grain sizes of trait variation: an overarching European scale (541 taxa), a continental context‐dependent scale that covers six regions (180 taxa) and six regional scale FSs (63–108 taxa). Taxonomic richness and FD metrics were modelled over the latitudinal gradient. Null models were performed to assess if FD patterns were independent of taxonomic richness variation and to identify community assembly mechanisms (filtering or overdispersion) along the latitudinal gradient.

Results

The scale at which FSs were calculated influenced the shape and strength of the latitudinal FD patterns. Continental or regional scale FSs captured different axes of trait variation associated with scale‐specific taxa composition. These FS axes and resulting FD metrics moderately or poorly represent those based on the overarching FS. Null model analysis revealed distinct latitudinal patterns for each FS and FD metric, which led to contrasting assembly mechanisms along latitude.

Main conclusions

An overarching FS (a) captures a wide, common and more representative range of trait variation, (b) offers a more generalizable framework to explore large‐scale functional patterns and community assembly mechanisms, and (c) enhances the comparison of FD metrics across studies to obtain more reliable macroecological patterns.
Associations between Aminoquinoline Resistance Genotypes and Clinical Presentations of Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Uganda
Authors: Cuu Gloria , Asua Victor , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Nsobya Sam L. , Nanteza Ann , Kimuda Magambo Phillip , Mpimbaza Arthur , Rosenthal Philip J.
Published: July 2020

Mutations that mediate resistance of
Plasmodium falciparum
to aminoquinoline antimalarials are selected by prior drug use and may alter parasite fitness, but associations with clinical presentations are uncertain. We evaluated genotypes in samples from a case-control study of determinants of severe malaria in Ugandan children 4 months to 10 years of age. We studied 274 cases with severe malaria matched by age and geography to 275 uncomplicated malaria controls and 179 asymptomatic parasitemic controls.