bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylserine flux into mitochondria unveiled by organelle‐targeted Escherichia coli phosphatidylserine synthase PssA
Authors: Shiino Hiroya , Furuta Shiina , Kojima Rieko , Kimura Keisuke , Endo Toshiya , Tamura Yasushi 
Published: December 2020

Most phospholipids are synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum and distributed to other cellular membranes. Although the vesicle transport contributes to the phospholipid distribution among the endomembrane system, exactly how phospholipids are transported to, from and between mitochondrial membranes remains unclear. To gain insights into phospholipid transport routes into mitochondria, we expressed the Escherichia coli phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase PssA in various membrane compartments with distinct membrane topologies in yeast cells lacking a sole PS synthase (Cho1). Interestingly, PssA could complement loss of Cho1 when targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), peroxisome, or lipid droplet membranes. Synthesised PS could be converted to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) by Psd1, the mitochondrial PS decarboxylase, suggesting that phospholipids synthesised in the peroxisomes and low doses (LDs) can efficiently reach mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that PssA which has been integrated into the mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM) from the matrix side could partially complement the loss of Cho1. The PS synthesised in the MIM was also converted to PE, indicating that PS flops across the MIM to become PE. These findings expand our understanding of the intracellular phospholipid transport routes via mitochondria.
Optimisation of 186Os/188Os Measurements by N‐TIMS Using Amplifiers Equipped with 1013 Ω Resistors
Authors: Reisberg Laurie , Zimmermann Catherine 
Published: December 2020

Analysis of 186Os/188Os variations in most natural samples is hampered by their low Os mass fractions (usually < 100 pg g−1), requiring Os separation from up to a kilogram of powder to obtain high precision measurement results. Recently developed amplifiers equipped with 1013 Ω feedback resistors improve the signal to noise ratio by an order of magnitude, allowing acquisition of high precision data (2SE < 50 ppm) from 186Os16O3− ion beams of ~ 40 fA and thus analysis of less material (~ 10–500 g). Factors controlling the uncertainty of 186Os/188Os N‐TIMS measurement results, using a mixed array of 1013 and 1011 Ω amplifiers, include isobaric interferences, baseline variability, gain calibration, decay time corrections and oxygen isotope composition variations. Isobaric interferences present the greatest challenges, but these can be largely overcome by using double Pt filaments and periodically monitoring interferences during each measurement. The optimised procedures produce 186Os/188Os ratios with precisions close to the theoretical limits imposed by counting statistics and Johnson–Nyquist electronic noise for ion beams of 10–70 fA. The intermediate measurement precision (85 ppm; 2s) approaches theoretically expected values (~ 50–80 ppm). This precision is sufficient to allow 186Os/188Os analyses of crustal rocks, for which relatively large variations are expected.
IgA binds to the AD‐2 epitope of glycoprotein B and neutralizes human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Siddiqui Saima , Hackl Sarah , Ghoddusi Hamid , McIntosh Megan R. , Gomes Ariane C. , Ho Joshua , Reeves Matthew B. , McLean Gary R. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that is potentially pathogenic in immunosuppressed individuals and pregnant females during primary infection. The HCMV envelope glycoprotein B (gB) facilitates viral entry into all cell types and induces a potent immune response. AD‐2 epitope is a highly conserved linear neutralizing epitope of gB and a critical target for antibodies; however, only 50% of sero‐positive individuals make IgG antibodies to this site and IgA responses have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to compare IgG and IgA responses against gB and the AD‐2 epitope in naturally exposed individuals and those receiving a recombinant gB/MF59 adjuvant vaccine. Thus, vaccination of sero‐positive individuals improved pre‐existing gB‐specific IgA and IgG levels and induced de novo gB‐specific IgA and IgG responses in sero‐negative recipients. Pre‐existing AD‐2 IgG and IgA responses were boosted with vaccination, but de novo AD‐2 responses were not detected. Naturally exposed individuals had dominant IgG responses towards gB and AD‐2 compared with weaker and variable IgA responses, although a significant IgA binding response to AD‐2 was observed within human breastmilk samples. All antibodies binding AD‐2 contained kappa light chains, whereas balanced kappa/lambda light chain usage was found for those binding to gB. V region‐matched AD‐2‐specific recombinant IgG and IgA bound both to gB and to AD‐2 and neutralized HCMV infection in vitro. Overall, these results indicate that although human IgG responses dominate, IgA class antibodies against AD‐2 are a significant component of human milk, which may function to protect neonates from HCMV.
NLRP9 in innate immunity and inflammation
Authors: Mullins Breanne , Chen Jueqi 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThe nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat containing receptors (NLRs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins. Several members of NLRs, notably NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRC4, are able to form cytosolic oligomeric signalling platforms termed inflammasomes to mediate immune response towards pathogens, damage and stress. However, the functions of many NLRs still remain elusive. In the past few years, a couple of less‐characterized NLR members are emerging as important signalling molecules with fundamental functions in host defence and inflammation. Among them, NLRP9 is an NLR originally proposed to be expressed and function solely in the reproductive system. Recent evidence has suggested that NLRP9 is also capable of initiating inflammasome formation in the intestine to restrict replication and damage brought by rotavirus infection. Here, we highlight the latest progress in characterization of the role of NLRP9 in infectious and inflammatory diseases, as well as the newest crystallographic and biochemical studies on NLRP9. Finally, we discuss some important questions remained to be answered regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing NLRP9's function in innate immunity and inflammation.
Self‐measured worksite blood pressure and its association with organ damage in working adults: Japan Morning Surge Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) worksite study
Authors: Tomitani Naoko , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe effects of elevations in blood pressure (BP) on worksite stress as an out‐of‐office BP setting have been evaluated using ambulatory BP monitoring but not by self‐measurement. Herein, we determined the profile of self‐measured worksite BP in working adults and its association with organ damage in comparison with office BP and home BP measured by the same home BP monitoring device. A total of 103 prefectural government employees (age 45.3 ± 9.0 years, 77.7% male) self‐measured their worksite BP at four timepoints (before starting work, before and after a lunch break, and before leaving the workplace) and home BP in the morning, evening, and nighttime (at 2, 3, and 4 a.m.) each day for 14 consecutive days. In the total group, the average worksite systolic BP (SBP) was significantly higher than the morning home SBP (129.1 ± 14.3 vs. 124.4 ± 16.4 mmHg, p = .026). No significant difference was observed among the four worksite SBP values. Although the average worksite BP was higher than the morning home BP in the study participants with office BP < 140/90 mmHg (SBP: 121.4 ± 9.4 vs. 115.1 ± 10.4 mmHg, p < .001, DBP: 76.0 ± 7.7 vs. 72.4 ± 8.4 mmHg, p = .013), this association was not observed in those with office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or those using antihypertensive medication. Worksite SBP was significantly correlated with the left ventricular mass index evaluated by echocardiography (r = 0.516, p < .0001). The self‐measurement of worksite BP would be useful to unveil the risk of hypertension in working adults who show normal office and home BP.
First report of voltage‐gated sodium channel M918V and molecular diagnostics of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor R81T in the cotton aphid
Authors: Munkhbayar Otgonzaya , Liu Nian , Li Mei , Qiu Xinghui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is one of the most important agricultural insect pests. Pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides have generally shown excellent control of A. gossypii, but many populations of this pest have developed resistance against these classes of insecticides. The success of insecticide resistance management strategies requires detailed knowledge of both phenotype and genotype of the target insect pest. In this study, we attempted to understand the molecular status of insecticide resistance in cotton aphid populations in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, the major cotton planting region of China. In addition to the previously reported M918L mutation, we discovered another substitution (M918V) in the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC). Moreover, we developed a molecular assay that could be used to detect precisely the R81T mutation in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This survey revealed that 918L was the predominant VGSC allele with a frequency ranging from 50.0% to 56.7%. Notably, appreciable frequencies (between 10% and 40%) of the resistance 81T allele of the nAChR gene were detected in three investigated populations. The prevalent co‐occurrence of both VGSC 918L/V and nAchR 81T indicates a worrisome situation of multiple resistance to both pyrethroids and neonicotinoids.
BAYESIAN STATE SPACE MODELS IN MACROECONOMETRICS
Authors: Chan Joshua C.C. , Strachan Rodney W. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractState space models play an important role in macroeconometric analysis and the Bayesian approach has been shown to have many advantages. This paper outlines recent developments in state space modelling applied to macroeconomics using Bayesian methods. We outline the directions of recent research, specifically the problems being addressed and the solutions proposed. After presenting a general form for the linear Gaussian model, we discuss the interpretations and virtues of alternative estimation routines and their outputs. This discussion includes the Kalman filter and smoother, and precision‐based algorithms. As the advantages of using large models have become better understood, a focus has developed on dimension reduction and computational advances to cope with high‐dimensional parameter spaces. We give an overview of a number of recent advances in these directions. Many models suggested by economic theory are either non‐linear or non‐Gaussian, or both. We discuss work on the particle filtering approach to such models as well as other techniques that use various approximations – to either the time state and measurement equations or to the full posterior for the states – to obtain draws.
“Marielle, presente”: Metaleptic temporality and the enregisterment of hope in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silva Daniel N. , Lee Jerry Won 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article looks to the assassination of Marielle Franco, a queer Black councilwoman from the Complexo da Maré favela in Rio de Janeiro, to outline a principled metacomunicative action toward “hope.” Empirically, it unpacks features of the pragmatics of her discourse, along with that of mourners who knew her. We identify two main features in their discourse that point to the enregisterment of hope, i.e. to ways in which their communicative practices have been attuned to avoid despair by propelling an alternative indexing of time, authority, and forms of life. These features are as follows: metaleptic temporality, i.e. the reinsertion of Marielle's agentive time into the temporal universe of heroes; andpapo reto, a translational and performative practice of scaling bureaucratic and economic talk into local registers. Finally, we point to the habituated and pedagogic dimension of this sociolinguistics of hope, in part responsible for the fractalization and performativity of the mourning movement.
Interobserver and intraobserver reliability for 2 grading systems for gastric ulcer syndrome in horses
Authors: Wise Jessica C. , Wilkes Edwina J.A. , Raidal Sharanne L. , Xie Gang , Crosby Danielle E. , Hale Josephine N. , Hughes Kristopher J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundGrading of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is undertaken in clinical and research settings, but the reliability of EGUS grading systems is poorly understood.Hypothesis/ObjectivesInvestigate interobserver and intraobserver reliability of an established ordinal grading system and a novel visual analog scale (VAS), and assess the influence of observer experience.AnimalsSixty deidentified gastroscopy videos.MethodsSix observers (3 specialists and 3 residents) graded videos using the EGUS Council (EGUC) system and VAS. Observers graded the videos three 3 for each system, using a cross‐over design with at least 1 week between each phase. The order of videos was randomized for each phase.MethodsInterobserver and intraobserver reliability were estimated using Gwet's agreement coefficient with ordinal weights applied (AC2) for the EGUC system and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the VAS.ResultsUsing the EGUC system, interobserver reliability was substantial for squamous (AC2 = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57‐0.80) and glandular mucosa (AC2 = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.70‐0.75), and intraobserver reliability was substantial for squamous (AC2 = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.90) and glandular mucosa (AC2 = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.86). Interobserver reliability using the VAS was moderate for squamous (ICC = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.96) and poor for glandular mucosa (ICC = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.64), and intraobserver reliability was moderate for squamous (ICC = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62‐0.86) and glandular mucosa (ICC = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.72).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe EGUC system had acceptable intraobserver and interobserver reliability and performed well regardless of observer experience. Familiarity and observer experience improved reliability of the VAS.
Competent to provide compassionate care? A critical discourse analysis of accreditation standards
Authors: Chen Amanda Y. , Kuper Ayelet , Whitehead Cynthia R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMedical school accreditation is recognised internationally as an important quality control process for programmes that lead to the Medical Doctor (MD) degree. Accreditation standards govern the accreditation process which in turn drives educational objectives. Given the power of these standards to shape what becomes valued in the curricula, it is therefore imperative to ensure that core values and ideals of the profession are meaningfully incorporated. As the provision of compassionate care has long been a central medical value, this value should be clearly articulated in MD programme accreditation standards.MethodsWe conducted a Critical Discourse Analysis of compassionate care within Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Accreditation Standards governing North American medical schools since 1957. We explored how and to what extent the written language of the accreditation standards incorporated compassionate care.ResultsReferences to compassionate care in the UME Accreditation Standards were few and far between. Historically, a statement of ‘The Objectives of Undergraduate Medical Education’ published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) was referenced for the first and only time in the 1957 standards, describing the development of attributes such as the provision of compassionate care as a basic objective of UME. Thereafter, there was infrequent mention of this value. Terms that could potentially incorporate aspects of compassionate care were identified, yet these were explicated in ways that limited connection to compassion. Instead, the term ‘care’ has increasingly been used instrumentally (ie acute care, chronic care).ConclusionThe relative absence of language pertaining to compassionate care in accreditation standards is troubling as compassion is integral to good medical care. This absence is particularly important to attend to in the current era of competency‐based training where we must be explicit about all important curricular objectives lest essential values and practices be unintentionally lost.
The Escherichia coli FadR transcription factor: Too much of a good thing?
Authors: Cronan John E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEscherichia coli FadR is a transcription factor regulated by acyl‐CoA thioester binding that optimizes fatty acid (FA) metabolism in response to environmental FAs. FadR represses the fad genes of FA degradation (β‐oxidation) and activates the fab genes of FA synthesis thereby allowing E. coli to have its cake (acyl chains for phospholipid synthesis) and eat it (degrade acyl chains to acetyl‐CoA). Acyl‐CoA binding of FadR derepresses the transcription of the fad genes and cancels fab gene transcriptional activation. Activation of fab genes was thought restricted to the fabA and fabB genes of unsaturated FA synthesis, but FadR overproduction markedly increases yields of all FA acyl chains. Subsequently, almost all of the remaining fab genes were shown to be transcriptionally activated by FadR binding, but binding was very weak. Why are the low‐affinity sites retained? What effects on cell physiology would result from their conversion to high‐affinity sites (thereby mimicking FadR overproduction)? Investigations of E. coli cell size determinants showed that FA synthesis primarily determines E. coli cell size. Upon modest induction of FadR, cell size increases, but at the cost of growth rate and accumulation of intracellular membranes. Greater induction resulted in further growth rate decreases and abnormal cells. Hence, too much FadR is bad. FadR is extraordinarily conserved in γ‐proteobacteria but has migrated. Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes FadR orthologs one of which is functional in E. coli. Strikingly, the FadR theme of acyl‐CoA‐dependent transcriptional regulation is found in a different transcription factor family where two Bacillus species plus bacterial and archaeal thermophiles contain related proteins of similar function.
Factors influencing obesogenic behaviours of adolescent girls and women in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Trübswasser Ursula , Verstraeten Roos , Salm Leah , Holdsworth Michelle , Baye Kaleab , Booth Andrew , Feskens Edith J.M. , Gillespie Stuart , Talsma Elise F. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThis systematic review synthesized the qualitative evidence on factors influencing obesogenic behaviours in adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This qualitative evidence synthesis followed the framework synthesis approach to extract, analyse and synthesize data. Electronic searches were conducted in the Web of Science, SCOPUS, CABI Abstracts, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible if they were conducted in LMICs, of qualitative nature, and reported obesogenic behaviours of female adolescents (10–19 years of age) or women of reproductive age (15–49 years of age). The review resulted in 71 included studies from 27 different countries. Thirty‐two studies focused on dietary behaviours, 17 on physical activity and 22 on both behaviours. Gender norms and failures to recognize the importance of healthy behaviours across the life cycle were important factors. The abundance and promotion of affordable but unhealthy food, food safety concerns, taste preferences and social desirability of foods drive consumption of unhealthy foods. Busy lives and limited exercise spaces keep girls and women from being physically active. Obesogenic behaviours of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age are influenced by factors at individual, social, physical and environmental levels and require diverse solutions to address these factors in LMICs.
Pneumothorax leading to pneumopericardium after transvenous lead implantation in a patient with previous epicardial lead
Authors: Bansal Raghav , Mahajan Ankit , Rathi Chetan , Lokhandwala Yash 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA 44‐year‐old lady, a follow‐up case of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator device implantation with epicardial left ventricular (LV) lead, underwent a transvenous LV lead revision in view of epicardial lead malfunction. A chest X‐ray after this, done for worsening dyspnea, revealed pneumopericardium along with left pneumothorax. The computed tomography (CT) revealed a communication between the left pleural and pericardial cavities, around the old epicardial lead. Drainage of the left pleural cavity resolved both the pneumothorax and pneumopericardium and the patient remained well on follow up.
Cardiac resynchronization with His‐CRT‐D in a patient with severe heart failure and Scimitar syndrome
Authors: Yang Quinton Jia Qi , Raja Deep Chandh , Stolcman Simon , Abhilash Sreevilasam Pushpangadhan , Greenough Robert , Abhayaratna Walter P. , Tan Ren Peng , Pathak Rajeev Kumar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCardiac resynchronization therapy with His‐bundle pacing is evolving rapidly as a viable cardiac device strategy for the treatment of severe chronic heart failure. The success of this technique in patients with congenital heart disease is facilitated by advanced integrated imaging modalities. We report a case of cardiac resynchronization therapy with His‐bundle pacing with defibrillator for the management of a patient with heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction, left bundle branch block, and congenital heart disease characterized by Scimitar syndrome with cardiac dextroposition. We highlight the contribution of integrated imaging modalities to guide accurate lead positioning.
Anatomical targets and expected outcomes of catheter‐based ablation of atrial fibrillation in 2020
Authors: La Rosa Giulio , Quintanilla Jorge G. , Salgado Ricardo , González‐Ferrer Juan José , Cañadas‐Godoy Victoria , Pérez‐Villacastín Julián , Jalife José , Pérez‐Castellano Nicasio , Filgueiras‐Rama David 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAnatomical‐based approaches, targeting either pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) or additional extra PV regions, represent the most commonly used ablation treatments in symptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences despite antiarrhythmic drug therapy. PVI remains the main anatomical target during catheter‐based AF ablation, with the aid of new technological advances as contact force monitoring to increase safety and effective radiofrequency (RF) lesions. Nowadays, cryoballoon ablation has also achieved the same level of scientific evidence in patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI. In parallel, electrical isolation of extra PV targets has progressively increased, which is associated with a steady increase in complex cases undergoing ablation. Several atrial regions as the left atrial posterior wall, the vein of Marshall, the left atrial appendage, or the coronary sinus have been described in different series as locations potentially involved in AF initiation and maintenance. Targeting these regions may be challenging using conventional point‐by‐point RF delivery, which has opened new opportunities for coadjuvant alternatives as balloon ablation or selective ethanol injection. Although more extensive ablation may increase intraprocedural AF termination and freedom from arrhythmias during the follow‐up, some of the targets to achieve such outcomes are not exempt of potential severe complications. Here, we review and discuss current anatomical approaches and the main ablation technologies to target atrial regions associated with AF initiation and maintenance.