bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheSalmonella entericaSerovar TyphiltrRGene Encodes Two Proteins Whose Transcriptional Expression Is Upregulated by Alkaline pH and Repressed at Their Promoters and Coding Regions by H-NS and Lrp
Authors: Rebollar-Flores J. E. , Medina-Aparicio L. , Osio-Becerro V. E. , Villarreal J. M. , Mayo S. , Mendoza B. D. , Rodríguez-Gutierrez S. , Olvera L. , Dávila S. , Encarnación S. , Martínez-Batallar A. G. , Calva E. , Hernández-Lucas I.
Published: April 2020

LtrR is a LysR-type regulator involved in the positive expression ofompRto promoteompCandompFexpression. This regulatory network is fundamental for the control of bacterial transformation and resistance to the bile salt sodium deoxycholate inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi. In this work, the transcriptional regulation ofltrRwas characterized, revealing that the use of alternative promoters results in two transcripts. The larger one, theltrR2mRNA, was repressed at promoter and coding regions by H-NS, whereas Lrp repressed its expression at the coding region. In the case of the second and shorterltrR1transcript, it was repressed only at the coding region by H-NS and Lrp. Remarkably, pH 7.5 is a positive signal involved in the transcriptional expression of bothltrRunits. Translational fusions and Western blot experiments demonstrated thatltrR2andltrR1mRNAs encode the LtrR2 and LtrR1 proteins. This study adds new data on the complex genetic and regulatory characteristics of one of the most predominant types of transcriptional factors in bacteria, the LysR-type transcriptional regulators.

IMPORTANCEThe LysR-type transcriptional regulators are present in viruses, archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, these proteins are the most abundant transcriptional factors in bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that two LysR-type proteins are generated from theltrRgene. These proteins are genetically induced by pH and repressed at the promoter and coding regions by the global regulators H-NS and Lrp. Thus, novel basic aspects of the complex genetic regulation of the LysR-type transcriptional regulators are described.
Improving Quantitative Power in Digital PCR through Digital High-Resolution Melting
Authors: Aralar April , Yuan Yixu , Chen Kevin , Geng Yunshu , Ortiz Velez Daniel , Sinha Mridu , Lawrence Shelley M. , Fraley Stephanie I.
Published: April 2020

Applying digital PCR (dPCR) technology to challenging clinical and industrial detection tasks has become more prevalent because of its capability for absolute quantification and rare target detection. However, practices learned from quantitative PCR (qPCR) that promote assay robustness and wide-ranging utility are not readily applied in dPCR. These include internal amplification controls to account for false-negative reactions and amplicon high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis to distinguish true positives from false positives.
Impact of Měnglà Virus Proteins on Human and Bat Innate Immune Pathways
Authors: Williams Caroline G. , Gibbons Joyce Sweeney , Keiffer Timothy R. , Luthra Priya , Edwards Megan R. , Basler Christopher F.
Published: April 2020

EBOV and MARV, members of the family
Filoviridae
, are highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses that cause severe disease in humans. Both viruses use several mechanisms to modulate the host innate immune response, and these likely contribute to the severity of disease. Here, we demonstrate that MLAV, a filovirus newly discovered in a bat, suppresses antiviral type I interferon responses in both human and bat cells. Inhibitory activities are possessed by MLAV VP35 and VP40, which parallels how MARV blocks IFN responses. However, whereas MARV activates cellular antioxidant responses through an interaction between its VP24 protein and host protein Keap1, MLAV VP24 lacks a Keap1-binding motif and fails to activate this cytoprotective response. These data indicate that MLAV possesses immune-suppressing functions that could facilitate human infection. They also support the placement of MLAV in a different genus than either EBOV or MARV.
Targeting Hidden Pathogens: Cell-Penetrating Enzybiotics Eradicate Intracellular Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Röhrig Christian , Huemer Markus , Lorgé Dominique , Luterbacher Samuel , Phothaworn Preeda , Schefer Christopher , Sobieraj Anna M. , Zinsli Léa V. , Mairpady Shambat Srikanth , Leimer Nadja , Keller Anja P. , Eichenseher Fritz , Shen Yang , Korbsrisate Sunee , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Loessner Martin J. , Schmelcher Mathias
Published: April 2020

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the most urgent problems of our time.
Staphylococcus aureus
is an important human pathogen that has acquired several mechanisms to evade antibiotic treatment. In addition,
S. aureus
is able to invade and persist within human cells, hiding from the immune response and antibiotic therapies. For these reasons, novel antibacterial strategies against these pathogens are needed. Here, we developed lytic enzymes which are able to effectively target drug-resistant and intracellular
S. aureus
. Fusion of these so-called enzybiotics to cell-penetrating peptides enhanced their uptake and intracellular bactericidal activity in cell culture and in an abscess mouse model. Our results suggest that cell-penetrating enzybiotics are a promising new class of therapeutics against staphylococcal infections.
A Sensitive Yellow Fever Virus Entry Reporter Identifies Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP/p97) as an Essential Host Factor for Flavivirus Uncoating
Authors: Ramanathan Harish N. , Zhang Shuo , Douam Florian , Mar Katrina B. , Chang Jinhong , Yang Priscilla L. , Schoggins John W. , Ploss Alexander , Lindenbach Brett D.
Published: April 2020

Flaviviruses are an important group of RNA viruses that cause significant human disease. The mechanisms by which flavivirus nucleocapsids are disassembled during virus entry remain unclear. Here, we used a yellow fever virus entry reporter, which expresses a sensitive reporter enzyme but does not replicate, to show that nucleocapsid disassembly requires the cellular protein-disaggregating enzyme valosin-containing protein, also known as p97.
Romo1-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide Is a New Antimicrobial Agent against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in a Murine Model of Sepsis
Authors: Lee Hye-Ra , You Deok-gyun , Kim Hong Kyu , Sohn Jang Wook , Kim Min Ja , Park Jong Kuk , Lee Gi Young , Yoo Young Do
Published: April 2020

Abuse of antibiotics often leads to increase of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, which threatens the life of human beings. To overcome threat of antibiotic resistance, scientists are developing a novel class of antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, that can eradicate MDR bacteria. Unfortunately, these antibiotics have mainly been developed to cure bacterial skin infections rather than others, such as life-threatening sepsis. Major pharmaceutical companies have tried to develop antiseptic drugs; however, they have not been successful. Here, we report that AMPR-11, the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from mitochondrial nonselective channel Romo1, has antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria comprising many clinically isolated MDR strains. Moreover, AMPR-11 increased the survival rate in a murine model of sepsis caused by MDR bacteria. We propose that AMPR-11 could be a novel antiseptic drug candidate with a broad antimicrobial spectrum to overcome MDR bacterial infection.
Meta-analysis of 16S rRNA Microbial Data Identified Distinctive and Predictive Microbiota Dysbiosis in Colorectal Carcinoma Adjacent Tissue
Authors: Mo Zongchao , Huang Peide , Yang Chao , Xiao Sihao , Zhang Guojia , Ling Fei , Li Lin
Published: April 2020

Turbulent fecal and tissue microbiome dysbiosis of colorectal carcinoma and adenoma has been identified, and some taxa have been proven to be carcinogenic. However, the microbiomes of surrounding adjacent tissues of colonic cancerous tissues were seldom investigated uniformly on a large scale. Here, we characterize the microbiome signatures and dysbiosis of various colonic cancer sample groups. We found a high correlation between colorectal carcinoma adjacent tissue microbiomes and their on-site counterparts. We also discovered that the microbiome dysbiosis in adjacent tissues could discriminate colorectal carcinomas from healthy controls effectively. These results extend our knowledge on the microbial profile of colorectal cancer tissues and highlight microbiota dysbiosis in the surrounding tissues. They also suggest that microbial feature variations of cancerous lesion-adjacent tissues might help to reveal the microbial etiology of colonic cancer and could ultimately be applied for diagnostic and screening purposes.
Selective Upregulation of Transcripts for Six Molecules Related to T Cell Costimulation and Phagocyte Recruitment and Activation among 734 Immunity-Related Genes in the Brain during Perforin-Dependent, CD8+T Cell-Mediated Elimination of Toxoplasma gondii Cysts
Authors: Lutshumba Jenny , Ochiai Eri , Sa Qila , Anand Namrata , Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: April 2020

T. gondiiestablishes a chronic infection by forming tissue cysts, which can grow into sizes greater than 50 μm in diameter as a consequence of containing hundreds to thousands of organisms surrounded by the cyst wall within infected cells. Our recent studies using murine models uncovered that CD8+cytotoxic T cells penetrate into the cysts in a perforin-dependent manner and induce their elimination, which is accompanied with an accumulation of phagocytic cells to the T cell-attacked target. This is the first evidence of the ability of the T cells to invade into a large target for its elimination. However, the mechanisms involved in anticyst immunity remain unclear. Immune profiling analyses of 734 immune-related genes in the present study provided a valuable foundation to initiate elucidating detailed molecular mechanisms of the novel effector function of the immune system operated by perforin-mediated invasion of CD8+T cells into large targets for their elimination.
Repurposing Didanosine as a Potential Treatment for COVID-19 Using Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Alakwaa Fadhl M.
Published: April 2020

As of today (7 April 2020), more than 81,000 people around the world have died from the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is no approved drug or vaccine for COVID-19, although more than 10 clinical trials have been launched to test potential drugs. In an urgent response to this pandemic, I developed a bioinformatics pipeline to identify compounds and drug candidates to potentially treat COVID-19. This pipeline is based on publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and the drug perturbation database “Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures” (LINCS).
Selection Is a Significant Driver of Gene Gain and Loss in the Pangenome of the Bacterial Genus
Sulfurovum
in Geographically Distinct Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
Authors: Moulana Alief , Anderson Rika E. , Fortunato Caroline S. , Huber Julie A.
Published: April 2020

Microbes can alter their gene content through the gain and loss of genes. However, there is some debate as to whether natural selection or neutral processes play a stronger role in molding the gene content of microbial genomes. In this study, we examined variation in gene content for the Epsilonbacteraeota genus
Sulfurovum
from deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which are dynamic habitats known for extensive horizontal gene transfer within microbial populations. Our results show that natural selection is a strong driver of
Sulfurovum
gene content and that nutrient limitation in particular has shaped the
Sulfurovum
genome, leading to differences in gene content between ocean basins. Our results also suggest that recently acquired genes undergo stronger selection than genes that were acquired in the more distant past. Overall, our results highlight the importance of natural selection in driving the evolution of microbial populations in these dynamic habitats.
Origin of noble-metal nuggets in sulfide-saturated arc magmas: A case study of olivine-hosted sulfide melt inclusions from the Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka, Russia)
Authors: Kamenetsky Vadim S. , Zelenski Michael
Published: April 2020

Minerals that contain platinum-group elements (PGEs) and occur in some magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposits have been ascribed to crystallization from an originally PGE-rich sulfide liquid. The occurrence of PGE-bearing minerals (PGMs) in some sulfide-undersaturated primitive melts has been envisaged and recently reported, whereas direct crystallization of PGMs in sulfide-saturated silicate magmas is seemingly hindered by strong partitioning of PGE into immiscible sulfide melts. In this study, we discovered abundant nanoparticles containing noble metals in association with sulfide melt inclusions entrapped inside primitive olivine phenocrysts (Fo85–92) from the recent basaltic magma of the Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka arc, Russia). These nuggets occur in swarms on the surface of the sulfide globules and are represented by native metals, sulfides, and alloys of Pd, Pt, Au, Pb, and Bi. The nuggets on different globules can be either Pd- or Pt-rich nuggets, and the compositions are highly variable, even among adjacent nuggets. We argue that the diffusive supply of Pd from the external nuggets can be responsible for significant uptake of Pd (up to 2 wt%) in the sulfide melt. We consider direct crystallization of PGMs in a primitive basaltic melt undergoing sulfide unmixing, and possibly sulfide breakdown due to oxidation, as another mechanism additional to their “classic” origin from the PGE-rich sulfide melt in response to solidification.
Delayed maximum and recession of an East Antarctic outlet glacier
Authors: King Courtney , Hall Brenda , Hillebrand Trevor , Stone John
Published: April 2020

During the last glaciation, East Antarctic outlet glaciers contributed to a grounded ice sheet in the Ross Embayment. The timing of maximum ice extent, as well as of subsequent deglaciation of these outlets, has implications for the behavior of the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) and its impact on global sea level. We present 45 radiocarbon ages of lacustrine cyanobacteria from the Lake Wellman region alongside Hatherton Glacier, which are the first terrestrial data to both record advance of an Antarctic glacier to its maximum position as well as document a high-resolution chronology of subsequent retreat. Seventeen new exposure ages are widely scattered, but the youngest four are in broad agreement with the radiocarbon data. Hatherton Glacier slowly thickened from 13,000 to 9500 yr B.P. and then thinned steadily until at least ca. 2800 yr B.P. Our work affords evidence of both a delayed maximum and recession of an East Antarctic outlet glacier compared to the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and supports growing evidence of a time-transgressive local LGM within the Ross Sea sector of the ice sheet. Both observations are consistent with the idea that the timing of outlet glacier expansion and timing of recession are controlled by the balance between dynamic thinning from ocean forcing and increased accumulation due to atmospheric warming.
Usual care and a self-management support programme versus usual care and a relaxation programme for people living with chronic headache disorders: a randomised controlled trial protocol (CHESS)
Authors: Patel Shilpa , Achana Felix , Carnes Dawn , Eldridge Sandra , Ellard David R , Griffiths Frances , Haywood Kirstie , Hee Siew Wan , Mistry Dipesh , Mistry Hema , Nichols Vivien P , Petrou Stavros , Pincus Tamar , Potter Rachel , Sandhu Harbinder Kaur , Stewart Kimberley , Taylor Stephanie , Underwood Martin , Matharu Manjit
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Chronic headaches are poorly diagnosed and managed and can be exacerbated by medication overuse. There is insufficient evidence on the non-pharmacological approaches to helping people living with chronic headaches.

Methods and analysis

Chronic Headache Education and Self-management Study is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a self-management education support programme on top of usual care for patients with chronic headaches against a control of usual care and relaxation. The intervention is a 2-day group course based on education, personal reflection and a cognitive behavioural approach, plus a nurse-led one-to-one consultation and follow-up over 8 weeks. We aim to recruit 689 participants (356 to the intervention arm and 333 to the control) from primary care and self-referral in London and the Midlands. The trial is powered to show a difference of 2.0 points on the Headache Impact Test, a patient-reported outcome measure at 12 months post randomisation. Secondary outcomes include health related quality of life, self-efficacy, social activation and engagement, anxiety and depression and healthcare utilisation. Outcomes are being measured at 4, 8 and 12 months. Cost-effectiveness will be expressed in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial will provide data on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a self-management support programme for chronic headaches. The results will inform commissioning of services and clinical practice. North West – Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee have approved the trial. The current protocol version is 3.6 date 7 March 2019.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN79708100.
Novel compound LL-a produces long and nociceptive-selective regional anesthesia via TRPV1 channels in rodents sciatic nerve block model
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Tang Lei , Yin Qinqin , Yang Linghui , Gong Deying , Kang Yi , Cao Hangxue , Fan Jing , Zhang Yujun , Qian Duo , Zhang Qianqian , Ke Bowen , Liu Jin , Zhang Wensheng , Yang Jun
Published: April 2020

Background and objective

Long-acting nociceptive-selective regional anesthesia has remained an elusive clinical goal. We aspired to identify a novel compound that would produce nociceptive-selective regional anesthesia through the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels.

Methods

We designed and synthesized a novel compound (LL-a) that penetrates the cell membrane through TRPV1 channels and binds to voltage-gated sodium channels. The regional anesthetic effect of LL-a was evaluated in a rodent sciatic nerve block model. Electrophysiological recording was applied to test the inhibition of LL-a on voltage-gated sodium channel currents.

Results

LL-a inhibited sodium channel currents on the dorsal root ganglion neurons of mice and this action was diminished by TRPV1 channel knockout. In a sciatic nerve block model of a rat, 0.2% and 0.4% (w/v) LL-a produced selective sensory block with median (IQR) durations of 42.0 (24.0, 48.0) and 72.0 (69.0, 78.0) hours, respectively. No motor block was found for 0.2% LL-a. 0.4% LL-a produced a motor block with a median (IQR) duration of 3.0 (0.0, 6.0) hours. This selective sensory block was not observed on TRPV1 knockout mice. As a positive control, 0.5% and 0.75% levobupivacaine produced a non-selective sciatic nerve block with median (IQR) durations of 2.8 (2.6, 2.8) and 3.8 (3.8, 4.8) hours, respectively. No systemic or local irritation was observed during injection of LL-a and sensory and motor function completely recovered for all the animals.

Conclusions

LL-a is a potential novel local anesthetic for long-lasting nociceptive-selective analgesia.
Evidence for the persistence of ancient Beothuk and Maritime Archaic mitochondrial DNA genome lineages among modern Native American peoples
Authors: Carr Steven M.
Published: April 2020

The Beothuk were a Native American people who formerly occupied the island of Newfoundland, and who are generally accepted to have become culturally extinct in 1829. The Beothuk succeeded the Maritime Archaic people on the island after a hiatus of ca. 1.4 ka, and were themselves succeeded by the extant Mi’kmaq within historic times. Genetic continuity between ancient and modern Native Americans remains of interest. Complete aDNA mitogenomes from ancient Beothuk and Maritime Archaic were compared with the most closely related modern mitogenomes as obtained by BLAST search of GenBank. Beothuk mitogenomes in five clades are in one case identical to and otherwise differ by minima of three to eight SNPs from the most closely related modern mitogenomes. Maritime Archaic mitogenomes in 12 clades are in one case identical to and otherwise differ by minima of one to nine SNPs from the most similar modern mitogenomes. The single available modern Mi’kmaq mitogenome differs from the most similar Beothuk and Maritime Archaic mitogenomes by 12 and 22 SNPs, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence similarities imply lineage extinction of most ancient clades, as well as continuity of two Beothuk and at least one Maritime Archaic lineages in modern Native Americans and their descendants.
Stochastic inflaton wave equation from an expanding environment
Authors: Haba Z.
Published: April 2020

We discuss the inflaton $$\phi $$ϕ in an environment of scalar fields $$\chi _{n}$$χn on flat and curved manifolds. We average over the environmental fields $$\chi _{n}$$χn. We study a contribution of superhorizon $$k\ll aH$$k≪aH as well as subhorizon $$k \gg aH$$k≫aH modes $$\chi _{n}(\mathbf{k})$$χn(k). As a result we obtain a stochastic wave equation with a friction and noise. We show that in the subhorizon regime in field theory a finite number of fields is sufficient to produce a friction and diffusion owing to the infinite number of degrees of freedom corresponding to different $$\mathbf{k}$$k in $$\chi _{n}(\mathbf{k})$$χn(k). We investigate the slow roll and the Markovian approximations to the stochastic wave equation. A determination of the metric from the stochastic Einstein–Klein–Gordon equations is briefly discussed.
Interior solutions of relativistic stars in the scale-dependent scenario
Authors: Panotopoulos Grigoris , Rincón Ángel , Lopes Ilídio
Published: April 2020

We study relativistic stars in the scale-dependent scenario, which is one of the approaches to quantum gravity, and where Newton’s constant is promoted to a scale-dependent quantity. First, the generalized structure equations are derived here for the first time. Then they are integrated numerically assuming a linear equation-of-state in the simplest MIT bag model for quark matter. We compute the radius, the mass and the compactness of strange quarks stars, and we show that the energy conditions are fulfilled.
Mechanical roles of anterograde and retrograde intestinal peristalses after feeding in a larval fish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Kikuchi Kenji , Noh Hyeongtak , Numayama-Tsuruta Keiko , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: April 2020

Transport in gut is important, not only for digestion, metabolism, and nutrient uptake, but also for microbiotic circumstance; however, hydrodynamic effects in the intestine have not been fully clarified. We provide the first quantitative evidence of the mechanical roles of anterograde and retrograde intestinal peristalses in the larval fish of Danio rerio by adopting physical parameters of diffusivity and pressure rise. The intestine transitionally regulates mixing and pumping functions by peristaltic propagations after feeding.
Changes in specific esophageal neuromechanical wall states are associated with conscious awareness of a solid swallowed bolus in healthy subjects
Authors: Cock Charles , Leibbrandt Richard E. , Dinning Phil G. , Costa Marcello C. , Wiklendt Lukasz , Omari Taher I.
Published: April 2020

This study explores esophageal neuromechanical wall states derived from changes in pressure and impedance-derived distension in relation to conscious awareness of esophageal solid bolus transit in healthy volunteers. There are increases in neuromechanical wall states indicative of esophageal distension in healthy volunteers with conscious awareness of bolus transit as compared with unaware individuals. Bolus-based esophageal distension is postulated as a mechanism for esophageal symptoms such as dysphagia.
Urine cytokines as biomarkers for diagnosing interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and mapping its clinical characteristics
Authors: Jiang Yuan-Hong , Jhang Jia-Fong , Hsu Yung-Hsiang , Ho Han-Chen , Wu Ya-Hui , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: April 2020

The objective of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic values of urine cytokines in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and to identify their correlations with clinical characteristics. Urine samples were collected from 127 patients with IC/BPS [European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis (ESSIC) types 1 and 2] and 28 controls. Commercially available multiplex immunoassays (MILLIPLEX map kits) were used to analyze 31 targeted cytokines. Cytokine levels between patients with IC/BPS and controls were analyzed using ANOVA. Receiver-operating characteristic curves of each cytokine to distinguish IC/BPS from controls were generated for calculation of the area under the curve. Patients with IC/BPS had urine cytokine profiles that differed from those of controls. Between patients with ESSIC type 1 and 2 IC/BPS, urine cytokine profiles were also different. Among cytokines with high diagnostic values (i.e., area under the curve > 0.7) with respect to distinguish patients with ESSIC type 2 IC/BPS from controls, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, and IL-8 were of higher sensitivity, whereas macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10), and eotaxin-1 were of higher specificity. In multivariate logistic regression models controlling for age, sex, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus, the urine cytokines with high diagnostic values (MCP-1, RANTES, CXCL10, IL-7, and eotaxin-1) remained statistically significant in differentiating IC/BPS and controls. MCP-1, CXCL10, eotaxin-1, and RANTES were positively correlated with glomerulation grade and negatively correlated with maximal bladder capacity. In conclusion, patients with IC/BPS had urine cytokine profiles that clearly differed from those of controls. Urine cytokines might be useful as biomarkers for diagnosing IC/BPS and mapping its clinical characteristics.
Western diet induces renal artery endothelial stiffening that is dependent on the epithelial Na+ channel
Authors: Xiong Yuxin , Aroor Annayya R. , Ramirez-Perez Francisco I. , Jia Guanghong , Habibi Javad , Manrique-Acevedo Camila , Lastra Guido , Chen Donqqing , DeMarco Vincent G. , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Hill Michael A. , Jaisser Frederic , Sowers James R. , Whaley-Connell Adam
Published: April 2020

Consumption of a Western diet (WD) induces central aortic stiffening that contributes to the transmittance of pulsatile blood flow to end organs, including the kidney. Our recent work supports that endothelial epithelial Na+ channel (EnNaC) expression and activation enhances aortic endothelial cell stiffening through reductions in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and bioavailable NO that result in inflammatory and oxidant responses and perivascular fibrosis. However, the role that EnNaC activation has on endothelial responses in the renal circulation remains unknown. We hypothesized that cell-specific deletion of the α-subunit of EnNaC would prevent WD-induced central aortic stiffness and protect the kidney from endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffening. Twenty-eight-week-old female αEnNaC knockout and wild-type mice were fed either mouse chow or WD containing excess fat (46%), sucrose, and fructose (17.5% each). WD feeding increased fat mass, indexes of vascular stiffening in the aorta and renal artery (in vivo pulse wave velocity and ultrasound), and renal endothelial cell stiffening (ex vivo atomic force microscopy). WD further impaired aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation and renal artery compliance (pressure myography) without changes in blood pressure. WD-induced renal arterial stiffening occurred in parallel to attenuated eNOS activation, increased oxidative stress, and aortic and renal perivascular fibrosis. αEnNaC deletion prevented these abnormalities and support a novel mechanism by which WD contributes to renal arterial stiffening that is endothelium and Na+ channel dependent. These results demonstrate that cell-specific EnNaC is important in propagating pulsatility into the renal circulation, generating oxidant stress, reduced bioavailable NO, and renal vessel wall fibrosis and stiffening.
Hydrothermal Catalytic Conversion of Glucose into Lactic Acid with Acidic MIL-101(Fe)
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Liu Zhigang , Zhang Qiuyun , Wu Hongguo , Wang Rui
Published: April 2020

MIL-101(Fe) was explored for the first time for the catalytic conversion of glucose into lactic acid (LA). The as-synthesized MIL-101(Fe) was successfully characterized, and its higher specific surface area, porosity, and feasible acid properties were confirmed to determine the remarkable catalytic activity in glucose-to-LA conversion (up to 25.4% yield) compared with other catalysts like MIL-101(Cr, Al) and UiO-66(Zr). The reaction parameters including temperature, reaction time, and substrate species as well as catalyst reusability were discussed.
Improving Dam Seepage Prediction Using Back-Propagation Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Chen Xudong , Li Junjie
Published: April 2020

Statistical model is a traditional safety diagnostic model for dam seepage. It can hardly display the nonlinear relationship between dam seepage and the load sets and has the disadvantage of poor extension prediction. In this paper, the theories of Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) combined with Genetic Algorithm (GA) are applied to the seepage prediction model. Taking a typical dam in China as an example, the prediction results of BPNN-GA model and statistical model are compared with the monitoring values. The results show that the improved dam seepage model enhances the ability of nonlinear mapping and generalization and makes the seepage prediction more accurate and reasonable in the near future. According to the established criterion, the safety state of the dam in flood season is evaluated.
CD7-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as an Intranasal Tumor
Authors: Teshima Kazuaki , Kume Masaaki , Kawaharada Yasushi , Saito Takashi , Abe Ko , Ikeda Sho , Ohyagi Hideaki , Zuguchi Megumi , Zuguchi Masashi , Kubota Yosuke , Enomoto Yoshitaka , Miura Masahito , Takahashi Satsuki , Saito Masahiro , Saito Ken , Takahashi Naoto
Published: April 2020

We report a case of a 74-year-old man with a cluster of differentiation (CD) 7-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the right nasal cavity. Flow cytometry analyses showed CD7 and CD20 positivity in tumor cells. The patient received 6 cycles of R-CHOP plus local radiation therapy because positron emission tomography-computed tomography after R-CHOP revealed an intranasal lesion. The patient achieved complete remission (CR) after radiation therapy. The frequency of CD7-positive DLBCL is rare, and only 11 cases with follow-up of clinical course have been reported thus far. CR or partial response was noted in 8 of 11 cases after receiving rituximab combined with chemotherapy. In total, 9 of 12 cases involved the development of extranodal lesions, which occurred as an intranasal tumor in 3 cases. It is important to examine the clinical features by accumulation of further cases.
Effects of Population Weighting on PM10 Concentration Estimation
Authors: Abdul Shakor Ameerah Su’ad , Pahrol Muhammad Alfatih , Mazeli Mohamad Iqbal
Published: April 2020

Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10) pollution poses a considerable threat to human health, and the first step in quantifying health impacts of human exposure to PM10 pollution is exposure assessment. Population-weighted exposure level (PWEL) estimation is one of the methods that provide a more refined exposure assessment as it includes the spatiotemporal distribution of the population into the pollution concentration estimation. This study assessed the population weighting effects on the estimated PM10 concentrations in Malaysia for years 2000, 2008, and 2013. Estimated PM10 annual mean concentrations with a spatial resolution of 5 kilometres retrieved from satellite data and population count obtained from the Gridded Population of the World version 4 (GPWv4) from the Centre for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) were overlaid to generate the PWEL of PM10 for each state. The calculated PWEL of PM10 concentrations were then classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and the national Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) and interim targets (IT) for comparison. Results revealed that the annual mean PM10 concentrations in Malaysia ranged from 31 to 73 µg/m3 but became generally lower, ranging from 20 to 72 µg/m3 after population weighting, suggesting that the PM10 population exposure in Malaysia might have been overestimated. PWEL of PM10 distribution showed that the majority of the population lived in areas that complied with the national AQG, but were vulnerable to exposure level 3 according to the WHO AQG and IT, indicating that the population was nevertheless potentially exposed to significant health effects from long-term exposure to PM10 pollution.
Unilateral Global Interval Bifurcation for the Hessian Equation and Its Applications
Authors: Shen Wenguo
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we establish a unilateral global bifurcation result from the interval for the k-Hessian equations with nondifferentiable nonlinearity. By applying the above result, we shall prove the existence of the principal half-eigenvalues for the half quasilinear problems. Furthermore, we shall determine the interval of γ, in which there exist one-sign solutions for the following k-Hessian equations: SkD2u=αx−u+k+βx−u−k+γaxfu, in B,ux=0, on ∂B.
Development of Novel Continuous and Interval Exercise Programs by Applying the FITT-VP Principle in Dogs
Authors: Lee H. S. , Lee S. H. , Kim J. W. , Lee Y. S. , Lee B. C. , Oh H. J. , Kim J. H.
Published: April 2020

Although proper exercise training induces positive physiological effects, improper exercise can lead to injury, fatigue, and poor performance. The frequency, intensity, time/duration, type, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) are the essential components of exercise training to maintain or improve physical fitness and health. The purpose of this study was to develop specific exercise programs by applying the FITT-VP principle and to examine the effects on heart rate (HR) and hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs. The healthy male Beagles (n = 4) included in this study performed continuous and interval exercises, comprising 12 protocols. The HR monitoring elicited an affirmative response to activities but varied depending on the protocols. The hematologic parameters (e.g., red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were within the reference ranges both before and after exercise. The creatine kinase level significantly increased, and the cholesterol level decreased after exercises. In conclusion, the continuous and interval exercise program elicits an appropriate HR reaction, has no adverse effects on the serum parameters, and provides valuable insight for healthcare in dogs.
Local Path Planning for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Collision Avoidance Based on Modified Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Xia Guoqing , Han Zhiwei , Zhao Bo , Wang Xinwei
Published: April 2020

An unmanned surface vehicle (USV) plans its global path before the mission starts. When dynamic obstacles appear during sailing, the planned global path must be adjusted locally to avoid collision. This study proposes a local path planning algorithm based on the velocity obstacle (VO) method and modified quantum particle swarm optimization (MQPSO) for USV collision avoidance. The collision avoidance model based on VO not only considers the velocity and course of the USV but also handles the variable velocity and course of an obstacle. According to the collision avoidance model, the USV needs to adjust its velocity and course simultaneously to avoid collision. Due to the kinematic constraints of the USV, the velocity window and course window of the USV are determined by the dynamic window approach (DWA). In summary, local path planning is transformed into a multiobjective optimization problem with multiple constraints in a continuous search space. The optimization problem is to obtain the USV’s optimal velocity variation and course variation to avoid collision and minimize its energy consumption under the rules of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the kinematic constraints of the USV. Since USV local path planning is completed in a short time, it is essential that the optimization algorithm can quickly obtain the optimal value. MQPSO is primarily proposed to meet that requirement. In MQPSO, the efficiency of quantum encoding in quantum computing and the optimization ability of representing the motion states of the particles with wave functions to cover the whole feasible solution space are combined. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can obtain the optimal values of the benchmark functions and effectively plan a collision-free path for a USV.
Picroside II Improves Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Induced Intestinal Barrier Injury by Inactivating Oxidative and Inflammatory TLR4-Dependent PI3K/AKT/NF-κB Signaling and Improving Gut Microbiota
Authors: Piao Xuehua , Liu Baohai , Sui Xiaodan , Li Shuangdi , Niu Wei , Zhang Qingyu , Shi Xuan , Cai Shusheng , Fan Ying
Published: April 2020

Background. Picroside II exerts anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal effects for treating the diseases associated with oxidative injury. However, its function on pancreatitis-induced intestinal barrier injury remains unclear. Hypothesis/Purpose. We hypothesized that picroside II will have protective effects against pancreatitis-induced intestinal barrier injury by affecting oxidative and inflammatory signaling (Toll-like receptor 4- (TLR4-) dependent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)). Study Design and Methods. A Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced via the injection of sodium taurocholate (4% wt/vol; 1 mL/kg). All rats were divided into 3 groups: sham (CG), SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury (MG), and picroside II (PG) groups. Intestinal barrier injury was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin and eosin staining, and pathological scores. We measured the levels of pancreatitis biomarkers (amylase and lipase), oxidative and inflammatory signaling (TLR4-dependent PI3K/AKT/NF-κB), oxidative stress marker (superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx), and malondialdehyde), and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin- (IL-) 1, IL-6, and IL-10) in serum and/or gut tissues. Gut microbiota composition in feces was measured by using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results. SEM showed that intestinal barrier injury was caused with the loss of intestinal villi and mitochondria destruction, and pathological scores were increased in the MG group. The levels of amylase, lipase, malondialdehyde, TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, TLR4, PI3K, AKT, and NF-κB were increased, and the levels of SOD, GPx, CAT, and IL-10 was reduced in the MG group when compared with CG group (P<0.05). Picroside II treatment inhibited the symptoms in the MG group and showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The serum levels of picroside II had strong correlation with the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers (P<0.05). Picroside II treatment increased the proportion of Lactobacillus and Prevotella and decreased the proportion of Helicobacter and Escherichia_Shigella in the model. Conclusions. Picroside II improved the SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury in the rat model by inactivating oxidant and inflammatory signaling and improving gut microbiota.
Therapeutic Effect of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Combined with Meibomian Gland Expression (MGX) on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Authors: Wei Shanshan , Ren Xiaotong , Wang Yuexin , Chou Yilin , Li Xuemin
Published: April 2020

Purpose. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods. This study was a prospective interventional study. A total of 53 patients were included in the study and received a series of three treatments at an interval of 3-4 weeks. Follow-up examinations were completed 4 weeks after the last treatment. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear meniscus height (TMH), tear break-up time (TBUT), slit-lamp examinations, and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were recorded before and after treatment. Additionally, an artificial intelligence automated software program was applied in our study for corneal nerve analysis. Results. The OSDI score was significantly reduced after the IPL treatment compared with baseline (P<0.001). Meibomian gland assessment scores, including meibum quality and expressibility, eyelid margin abnormalities, and corneal staining, significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05). Moreover, the corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) significantly increased after the treatment (P<0.001). Conclusion. Intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with MGX is an effective treatment for MGD, and neurotrophism could be one of the mechanisms of IPL.
Pregnancy and Venous Thromboembolism: Risk Factors, Trends, Management, and Mortality
Authors: Alsheef Mohammed A. , Alabbad Alhanouf M. , Albassam Rowida A. , Alarfaj Rawan M. , Zaidi Abdul Rehman Z. , Al-Arfaj Ohoud , Abu-Shaheen Amani
Published: April 2020

Background. Pregnancy is one of the major risk factors for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objective. To elucidate the circumstances surrounding pregnancy‐induced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), assess potential factors triggering thrombosis (e.g., thrombophilia, obesity, age, parity, and family history), initial and long‐term management, and assess recurrence rate and mortality for VTE in pregnant Saudi women. Methods. A retrospective chart review of 180 patients with objectively confirmed VTE (DVT, PE, or both) that occurred during pregnancy, or the postpartum period was conducted. All patients who experienced episodes of objectively confirmed VTE were included. Results. Overall, 180 patients were included. Further, 60% (n = 109) and 40% (n = 71) of the VTE cases occurred during the postpartum and antenatal periods, respectively. Cesarean section was the most prevalent risk factor among study participants (n = 86 (47.8%)), followed by obesity (n = 73 (40.6%)). The most common clinical presentations were lower leg pain (57.2%) and lower limb swelling (54.4%). VTE recurrences were observed in approximately 11% of the participants, and maternal mortality occurred in 2 (1.1%) cases. Conclusion. Pregnancy was the most common provoking factor for VTE in our study. Pregnant women should undergo formal, written assessments of risk factors for VTE at the first visit and delivery. Larger studies with a randomized design, and control groups are required to confirm the current findings.
Signs of ROS-Associated Autophagy in Testis and Sperm in a Rat Model of Varicocele
Authors: Sadeghi Niloofar , Erfani-Majd Naeem , Tavalaee Marziyeh , Tabandeh Mohammad R. , Drevet Joël R. , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad H.
Published: April 2020

Since autophagy was suspected to occur in the pathological situation of varicocele (VCL), we have attempted to confirm it here using a surgical model of varicocele-induced rats. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups (varicocele/sham/control) and analyzed two months after the induction of varicocele. Testicular tissue sections and epididymal mature sperm were then monitored for classic features of varicocele, including disturbance of spermatogenesis, impaired testicular carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis, decreased sperm count, increased sperm nuclear immaturity and DNA damage, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. At the same time, we evaluated the Atg7 protein content and LC3-II/LC3-1 protein ratio in testis and mature sperm cells, two typical markers of early and late cellular autophagy, respectively. We report here that testis and mature sperm show higher signs of autophagy in the varicocele group than in the control and sham groups, probably to try to mitigate the consequences of VCL on the testis and germ cells.
Bacteriological Contamination of Drinking Water Supply from Protected Water Sources to Point of Use and Water Handling Practices among Beneficiary Households of Boloso Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Gizachew Matusala , Admasie Amha , Wegi Chala , Assefa Etagegnehu
Published: April 2020

The quality of drinking water is a powerful environmental determinant of health. Water becomes contaminated with faecal material due to inadequate protection of the source, unhygienic practices of the community at the source, and poor household handling practices. The objective of this study was to assess the level of bacteriological contamination of drinking water supply from protected water sources to point of use and water handling practices among beneficiary households of Boloso Sore woreda, Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey and bacteriological analysis of water were conducted in January 2019. The study included 545 households for water handling practices, and 75 samples from stored water from households and eighteen water sources were included for faecal coliform test. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.0. Descriptive and logistic regression statistical models were used. Sixty percent of shallow wells, 60% of protected hand-dug wells, and 25% of protected on-spot springs were found positive for faecal coliform. In general, 44% of water source samples and 91% of household water samples were positive for faecal coliform. In general, 38% of households were practicing unsafe water handling practices. High school and above level of education (AOR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.03, 11.57), getting higher monthly income (AOR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.96, 5.85), households with small family size (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.83), frequency of water collection twice a day (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI:1.56, 5.33), and presence of water payments (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.72) were significantly associated with water handling practice. Unsafe water handling was a common practice in the study area, and water sources and household water storage were not free of faecal coliform, indicating noncompliance with the World Health Organization water quality guideline. Hence, capacity building is mandatory for the protection and management of water sources and safe water handling practices in the household and community.
Effect of Astragalus membranaceus Oral Solution on Lifespan and Learning and Memory Ability of Honey Bees
Authors: Hong Tao , Li Long-Xue , Han Xiao-ping , Shi Jing-liang , Dan Cai-yun , Liu Zhi-Yong , Wu Xiao-Bo
Published: April 2020

In this study, the effects of Astragalus membranaceus oral solution on lifespan and learning and memory abilities of honey bees were evaluated. Two groups of bees were fed with sucrose syrup (50%) containing low dose (1.33%) and high dose (13.3%) of A. membranaceus oral solution, respectively. The proboscis extension response (PER) analysis was applied to examine the learning and memory capabilities of bees. Two genes related to memory formation in honey bees were determined by real‐time PCR. High dose (13.3%) of A. membranaceus significantly decreased the mean lifespan of bees compared to the bees fed with low dose (1.33%) and control bees. No significant differences in lifespan of bees were found between low‐dose‐fed bees and control bees. The results of PER experiments showed apparent improvement in the memorizing ability of the high‐dose group (in comparison with the control group). Moreover, the relative expression levels of Nmdar1 in the low‐dose group and control group were significantly lower than those in the high‐dose group. It is preliminarily concluded that A. membranaceus has an adverse effect on the mean lifespan of honey bees but might be helpful in strengthening memories.