bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARP1 and PRC2 double deficiency promotes BRCA‐proficient breast cancer growth by modification of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yang A‐Yeong , Choi Eun‐Bee , So Park Mi , Kim Seon‐Kyu , Park Min‐Seok , Kim Mi‐Young
Published: November 2020

Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and polycomb‐repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are each known for their individual roles in cancer, but their cooperative roles have only been studied in the DNA damage repair process in the context of BRCA‐mutant cancers. Here, we show that simultaneous inhibition of PARP1 and PRC2 in the MDA‐MB‐231 BRCA‐proficient triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line leads to a synthetic viability independent of the mechanisms of DNA damage repair. Specifically, we find that either genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of both PARP1 and PRC2 can accelerate tumor growth rate. We attribute this to modifications in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that are induced by double‐depleted breast cancer cells, such as promoting intratumoral angiogenesis and increasing the proportion of tumor‐promoting type 2 (M2) macrophages. These changes subsequently inhibit cell death and promote proliferation. Mechanistically, we find that PARP1 and PRC2 double depletion induces not only a basal activation of the NF‐κB pathway but also a maximal activation of NF‐κB within the TME in response to external stimuli such as hypoxia and the presence of macrophages. In summary, our study reveals an unprecedented synthetic viable interaction between PARP1 and PRC2 in BRCA‐proficient TNBC and identifies NF‐κB as the downstream mediator.

Database

RNA‐seq data are available in the GEO databases under the accession GSE142769.
American trade with the British colony of New South Wales, 1792–1816—A reappraisal
Authors: Stuart David
Published: November 2020

The founders of the penal colony established in New South Wales (NSW) in 1788 envisaged it as a limited agricultural economy, self‐sufficient but fully respecting the East India Company's mercantilist interests in the Pacific. These expectations were soon confounded. The article explores how American merchant mariners, frequent visitors between 1792 and 1811, contributed to Sydney's precocious emergence as a trading port. Historians have recognized this contact in the context of the US–China trade that developed after American independence. The resulting commerce has, however, been largely overlooked or understated. Synthesizing research into Australian colonial history records and American archival collections, the article reviews: engagement from 1792 when Providence merchants took the initiative in importing basic provisions and liquor, the evolving pattern of contact until the 1812 War and the end to this era of pragmatic commerce dictated by London in 1816. An analysis of the substance and drivers of this commerce highlights the American contribution to meeting the new colony's basic needs and their relationships with its key economic actors, both the officer‐traders of the NSW Corps and, after 1800, the emerging Sydney merchant class.
Using the shifting standards model of stereotype‐based judgments to examine the impact of race on compensation decisions
Authors: Weeks Matthew , Weeks Kelly P. , Watkins Emily C.
Published: November 2020

The Shifting Standards Model (SSM) of stereotypic judgments is presented as a model of implicit bias that produces a psychological mechanism contributing to continued racial wage disparities. The SSM is used to explain race‐based differences in subjective evaluations of compensation decisions. We report three experimental studies in which research participants made compensation decisions for either a White or Black employee. Across three studies, participants judged a Black employee's raise as subjectively better than a comparably described White employee's raise. Participants who work in Human Resources fields (Study 3) and those with experience making compensation decisions (Study 2) were as likely as other participants to show evidence of the shifting standards effect. The findings are discussed in the context of individual implicit biases contributing to continued wage disparities and potential organizational practices to ameliorate these influences.
Circular RNA circANKRD36 regulates Casz1 by targeting miR‐599 to prevent osteoarthritis chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation
Authors: Zhou Jian‐Lin , Deng Shuang , Fang Hong‐Song , Du Xian‐jin , Peng Hao , Hu Qiong‐jie
Published: November 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an ageing‐related disease characterized by articular cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. circRNA has been known to involve in the regulation of multiple inflammatory diseases including OA. However, the mechanism underlying how circRNA regulates OA remains to be elucidated. Here, we report circANKRD36 prevents OA chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation by targeting miR‐599, which specifically degrades Casz1. We performed circRNA sequencing in normal and OA tissues and found the expression of circANKRD36 is decreased in OA tissues. circANKRD36 is also reduced in IL‐1β–treated human chondrocytes. FACS analysis and Western blot showed that the knockdown of circANKRD36 promotes the apoptosis and inflammation of chondrocytes in IL‐1β stress. We then found miR‐599 to be the target of circANKRD36 and correlate well with circANKRD36 both in vitro and in vivo. By database analysis and luciferase assay, Casz1 was found to be the direct target of miR‐599. Casz1 helps to prevent apoptosis and inflammation of chondrocytes in response to IL‐1β. In conclusion, our results proved circANKRD36 sponge miR‐599 to up‐regulate the expression of Casz1 and thus prevent apoptosis and inflammation in OA.
Carboxytherapy for striae distensae: A promising modality
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Hosam El‐Din Wael , Medhat Walid , Ibrahim Michel R. , khaled Yasmin
Published: November 2020

Background

Striae distensae (SD) is a very common skin problem. Although a lot of treatment modalities have been proposed, few of them are effective. Recently, carbon dioxide therapy (CDT) or carboxytherapy was used in many indications of cosmetic dermatology such as SD.

Objectives

To objectively evaluate the use and effectiveness of CDT for treatment of SD.

Patients and methods

Twenty patients were subjected to 8 sessions of CDT injection at 2‐week intervals using carboxy‐gun. Patients were photographed, and skin specimens were obtained from the treated area before and after 4 months of treatment. Using a computerized 3D camera, skin topography was objectively analyzed before and after treatment. Evaluation of collagen and elastic fibers by special histopathological staining, in addition to histometric analysis, was also done to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Results

Clinically, SD was statistically significantly improved after CDT injection compared with baseline (mean percentage of improvement of length and width, 59.8 ± 15.9; P < .05). Meanwhile, the improvement observed by the 3D camera correlated with the clinical improvement. Histometric analysis showed an increase in epidermal thickness (P < .0001) in association with re‐appearance of rete ridges following treatment. Histochemical evaluation of changes in elastic and collagen fibers after treatment showed better organization of curled and fragmented elastic fibers, which was accompanied by an increase in collagen content that became denser, arranged in bundles and parallel to the epidermis.

Conclusions

CDT is an effective, promising, and simple minimally invasive procedure for improving SD with few side effects and low downtime.
Perceptions and attitudes of parents and healthcare professionals about the option of using infant massage in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Abdallah Bahia , Whitford Heather , Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Jones Martyn
Published: November 2020

Background

Infant moderate pressure massage is an effective evidence‐based intervention that counters the consequences of prematurity and exposure to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment. This touch‐based therapy reduces physiological stress and improves physical, cognitive and neurological development in stable preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. Currently, little is known about the barriers and facilitators that surround its implementation.

Aims

This study explored the cultural, organisational and contextual factors perceived by parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) about the option of implementing infant massage in the Lebanese context.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory approach informed by normalisation process theory (NPT) was used; 22 parents and 38 HCPs were recruited from three university hospitals over 7‐month period. COREQ guidelines were used to inform reporting and as a quality appraisal checklist. Framework approach was used for data analysis of the focus groups (seven with parents, six with HCPs) and non‐participant observation. The four constructs of NPT guided data collection and analysis, interpretation of the findings and understanding of the implementation issues.

Findings

Four themes emerged: understanding infant massage; perception of massage benefits and risks; perceived barriers for engaging in the practice of massage, and strategies to facilitate future implementation. Participants were accepting of the massage concept. However, HCPs were concerned that workload and lack of time would make implementation difficult and interfere with daily care. Both groups highlighted parental fear and anxiety, entry to NICU, and space availability as main contextual and organisational implementation barriers. Communication, gradual implementation, encouragement and support were potential facilitators perceived by parents while adequate preparation, commitment, and establishing protocol and guidelines were the identified facilitators for HCPs.

Conclusion

Study findings provide important insights into the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of massage to assist in future evidence‐based interventions within and beyond the Lebanese NICU context.
Job burnout and its influencing factors among newly graduated nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xie Jianfei , Li Jie , Wang Sha , Li Lijun , Wang Kewei , Duan Yinglong , Liu Qiao , Zhong Zhuqing , Ding Siqing , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Burnout affects the quality of work and health of newly graduated nurses, increases the turnover rate among newly graduated nurses and leads to a shortage of nurses. Reducing job burnout among newly graduated nurses is critical. However, the factors that impact burnout among newly graduated nurses are currently not well known.

Objective

This exploratory study aims to identify the factors that influence burnout among newly graduated nurses in China.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of newly graduated nurses from 15 cities in 13 provinces in China. We used online questionnaires to conduct the survey and obtain the results in this study. A STROBE checklist was used to report the results.

Results

Of the 2400 questionnaires distributed, 2071 (86.29%) were returned. Job satisfaction, professional rank, hospital level, professional values and core competence were negatively correlated with burnout, while negative emotions were positively correlated with burnout. Women were more prone to burnout than men.

Conclusions

Burnout among newly graduated nurses was divided into three dimensions based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale. Our findings provided new evidence that newly graduated nurses had average levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation and low levels of personal accomplishment. Job satisfaction, professional rank, hospital level, gender, professional values, negative emotions and core competence were predictors of job burnout among NGNs in China.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing managers should pay attention to burnout management, standardise training about professional values, core competence and coping mechanisms and promote mental health and job satisfaction among newly graduated nurses.
Diastasis recti abdominis in adult women based on abdominal computed tomography imaging: Prevalence, risk factors and its impact on life
Authors: Wu Lina , Gu Yechun , Gu Yanlan , Wang Yawen , Lu Xueqin , Zhu Cong , Lu Zhongqiu , Xu Hongbo
Published: November 2020

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to obtain the incidence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and analyse possible risk factors in adult females. Moreover, the relationships between DRA and lower back pain, pelvic floor function and quality of life were also analysed.

Background

Diastasis recti abdominis is a separation of the abdominal muscles at the linea alba. Currently, studies on the prevalence rates, risk factors and consequences of DRA are varied. In particular, reports on DRA among adult women are lacking.

Design

A one‐sample questionnaire study design is used following the STROBE checklist.

Methods

The inter‐rectus distance was measured by computed tomography in 644 women. Custom questionnaires, the Oswestry Disability Index, The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form and the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) were used to investigate personal information, the subjects’ back pain, pelvic floor function and quality of life, respectively.

Results

The incidence of DRA was 28.4%. Age, the number of pregnancies, BMI and diabetes were influencing factors for DRA. After age stratification, pregnancy and diabetes were found to be risk factors for DRA in young women, and obesity and diabetes were risk factors for DRA in older women. This study showed that the association between DRA and low back pain was highly significant.

Conclusions

Diastasis recti abdominis is common in adult women. Avoiding multiple pregnancies, preventing diabetes and controlling weight may prevent DRA, which may be beneficial for decreasing low back pain in women.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings have important implications for the health of adult women which can provide the basis for appropriate nursing implementation for DRA patients. The application of specific prevention and intervention measures for the risk factors may reduce the severity of low back pain.
Description of Flexiglena gen. nov. and new members of Discoplastis and Euglenaformis (Euglenida)
Authors: Łukomska‐Kowalczyk Maja , Chaber Katarzyna , Fells Alicja , Milanowski Rafał , Zakryś Bożena
Published: November 2020

Environmental sampling in Poland and the United States and phylogenetic analyses based on 567 sequences of four genes (155 sequences of nuclear SSU rDNA, 139 of nuclear LSU rDNA, 135 of plastid‐encoded SSU rDNA, and 138 of plastid‐encoded LSU rDNA) resulted in description of the new genus Flexiglena, which has been erected by accommodating Euglena variabilis, and enriching the Discoplastis and Euglenaformis genera with five new species. Four of them have joined the Discoplastis genus, currently consisting of six representatives: D. adunca, D. angusta (=Euglena angusta), D. constricta (=Lepocinclis constricta), D. excavata (=E. excavata), D. gasterosteus (=E. gasterosteus), and D. spathirhyncha. One of them has enriched the Euglenaformis genus, currently represented by two species: Euf. chlorophoenicea (= E. chlorophoenicea) and Euf. proxima. For most studied species, the diagnostic descriptions have been emended and epitypes were designated. Furthermore, the emending of Discoplastis and Euglenaformis diagnoses was performed.
Sexual aggression in mammals
Authors: Cassini Marcelo H.
Published: November 2020

In non‐human mammals, sexual conflict should be particularly intense because males rarely provide parental care. An expected consequence of sexual conflict is male aggression towards mates. Considering how complex measurements and interpretations of behaviours such as sexual aggression and sexual coercion are, I preferred to define operationally, as ‘sexual disturbance’, any male behaviour towards females during the pericopulatory period that can be costly for females.

The objectives in this review were as follows: 1) to estimate how widespread sexual disturbance is among mammals, 2) to analyse the types of female response to sexual disturbance, and 3) to characterise the costs of sexual disturbance to females. I conducted a systematic review by searching the literature in the Web of Knowledge database using the search tools available for 19 main journals, and I conducted a qualitative review via a taxon‐by‐taxon analysis.

Sexual disturbance was frequent in four of the 32 mammalian orders: Primates, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, and Cetacea, which all include highly polygynous taxa. The most common expression of sexual conflict around copulation is seen in behaviours associated with female retention attempts that cause minor harm. Research suggests that the most common response of females to sexual disturbance comprises female grouping around a dominant male.
Positive pressure in xylem and its role in hydraulic function
Authors: Schenk H. Jochen , Jansen Steven , Hölttä Teemu
Published: November 2020

Although transpiration‐driven transport of xylem sap is well known to operate under absolute negative pressure, many terrestrial, vascular plants show positive xylem pressure above atmospheric pressure on a seasonal or daily basis, or during early developmental stages. The actual location and mechanisms behind positive xylem pressure remain largely unknown, both in plants that show seasonal xylem pressure before leaf flushing, and those that show a diurnal periodicity of bleeding and guttation. Available evidence shows that positive xylem pressure can be driven based on purely physical forces, osmotic exudation into xylem conduits, or hydraulic pressure in parenchyma cells associated with conduits. The latter two mechanisms may not be mutually exclusive and can be understood based on a similar modelling scenario. Given the renewed interest in positive xylem pressure, this review aims to provide a constructive way forward by discussing similarities and differences of mechanistic models, evaluating available evidence for hydraulic functions, such as rehydration of tissues, refilling of water stores, and embolism repair under positive pressure, and providing recommendations for future research, including methods that avoid or minimise cutting artefacts.
High CO2‐ and pathogen‐driven expression of the carbonic anhydrase βCA3 confers basal immunity in tomato
Authors: Hu Zhangjian , Ma Qiaomei , Foyer Christine H. , Lei Cui , Choi Hyong Woo , Zheng Chenfei , Li Jianxin , Zuo Jinhua , Mao Zhuo , Mei Yuyang , Yu Jingquan , Klessig Daniel F. , Shi Kai
Published: November 2020

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations exert a strong influence on the susceptibility of plants to pathogens. However, the mechanisms involved in the CO2‐dependent regulation of pathogen resistance are largely unknown.

Here we show that the expression of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) β‐CARBONIC ANHYDRASE 3 (βCA3) is induced by the virulent pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. The role of βCA3 in the high CO2‐mediated response in tomato and two other Solanaceae crops is distinct from that in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using βCA3 knock‐out and over‐expression plants, we demonstrate that βCA3 plays a positive role in the activation of basal immunity, particularly under high CO2.

βCA3 is transcriptionally activated by the transcription factor NAC43 and is also post‐translationally regulated by the receptor‐like kinase GRACE1. The βCA3 pathway of basal immunity is independent on stomatal‐ and salicylic‐acid‐dependent regulation. Global transcriptome analysis and cell wall metabolite measurement implicate cell wall metabolism/integrity in βCA3‐mediated basal immunity under both CO2 conditions.

These data not only highlight the importance of βCA3 in plant basal immunity under high CO2 in a well‐studied susceptible crop–pathogen system, but they also point to new targets for disease management strategies in a changing climate.
Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in asthmatic children with vitamin D deficiency: A randomized controlled trial (ESDAC trial)
Authors: Jat Kana Ram , Goel Nancy , Gupta Nandita , Gupta Chandra Prakash , Datta Sudip , Lodha Rakesh , Kabra Sushil K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Vitamin D supplementations for asthma control had shown inconsistent results. We aimed to study efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in asthmatic children who were vitamin D deficient.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled asthmatic children of 4‐12 years of age who had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels <20 ng/mL. The participants were randomized to receive either vitamin D orally 1000 IU/d for 9 months or similar‐looking placebo. The primary outcomes were the proportion of children having the Childhood Asthma Control Test (CACT) score of ≥20 at the end of the treatment and adverse effects.

Results

The trial included 250 children (125 in each group) with a mean age of 8.1 ± 2.3 years and 180 boys. The baseline parameters were similar between the groups, including CACT score (21.7 ± 4.2 vs 21.9 ± 3.6, vitamin D vs placebo). At the end of the study, the proportion of asthmatic children who had CACT score ≥ 20 was similar between vitamin D and placebo group (93.6% vs 92.0%, P = .625). The number of exacerbations of asthma and side effect profile was also identical between the groups. 25(OH)D levels increased significantly in the vitamin D group (18.06 ± 7.11 vs 12.03 ± 5.98 ng/mL, P < .001). The results did not change when we did subgroup analysis for children with baseline CACT score < 20 and 25(OH)D levels at the end of the study ≥20 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation in asthmatic children with vitamin D deficiency did not improve control of asthma.
Ethnographies of Justice: Doing Some Justice to “Justice and Law”
Authors: Brunnegger Sandra
Published: November 2020

This symposium seeks to generate fresh theoretical thinking about the relations between justice and law. In particular, it aims to reappraise justice conceptually by insisting on a theoretical openness to justice within and beyond law, and indeed against law. The symposium's articles conceive justice and law both within their plurality and variety and in their own terms and relations. The symposium carries the inquiry into fields beyond defined categories so as to reveal some of the social, political, and ethical ideas, registers, and concealed forces at work and at stake in the domain of justice.
The fast response of academic spinoffs to unexpected societal and economic challenges. Lessons from the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis
Authors: Battaglia Daniele , Paolucci Emilio , Ughetto Elisa
Published: November 2020

The rapid emergence of the COVID‐19 crisis has challenged both private and public firms, requiring them to reshape their internal processes and external linkages in the fight against the virus, but also to survive the disrupting economic impact of the pandemic on their activities. Academic spinoffs have not been exempted from these dynamics. In this paper, we present and discuss a case study of an academic spinoff, Omnidermal, which has developed a new, efficient and easy‐to‐realize emergency life support machine for use in intensive and sub‐intensive care units. This case, apart from offering information on the best practices of how spinoffs may contribute socially to the fight against COVID‐19 and – more in general – against other exogenous shocks, also provides insights on their stages of development, evolution patterns and ability to define new solutions. The case shows that when the market needs are clear to a firm (as in the case of medical devices during the COVID‐19 crisis), the ‘legacy competences and practices’ of spinoffs (i.e., technical competences and work practices) can be fully exploited to compress the development time and to realize products demanded by the market. We also identify access to a network as being an essential boundary condition for this process. These results introduce an alternative scope for academic spinoffs. Given the ‘legacy competences and practices’ they are able to develop, they are ideal candidates to respond to the societal and economic challenges posed by a crisis over short periods of time. On the basis of these insights, we draw a series of implications for practitioners, policy makers and academics.
Affect and emotions in placebo and nocebo effects: What do we know so far?
Authors: Geers Andrew L. , Faasse Kate , Guevarra Darwin A. , Clemens Kelly S. , Helfer Suzanne G. , Colagiuri Ben
Published: November 2020

Once considered nuisance variance in clinical trials, placebo effects and nocebo effects are now widely recognized as important and mutable psychobiological contributors to mental and physical health. Psychological theory explaining these effects emphasizes associative learning and conscious expectations. It has long been suggested, however, that affective states such as moods, emotions, and distress could play a significant role. In this paper, we draw together and review the empirical data linking affective states to placebo and nocebo effects. To organize this disparate literature, three questions are addressed: (1) Does pre‐existing state and trait affect modulate placebo and nocebo effects? (2) Does administering placebo and nocebo treatments change affective states, and if so, does the resulting affect causally influence placebo and nocebo effects? Finally, (3) Can placebo treatments be successfully employed as a regulation strategy to modulate different affective states? In reviewing the evidence in relation to these three questions, it is clear that affect does play a key role in placebo and nocebo effects in many circumstances, and further, there may be a reciprocal dynamic at play between a treatment event, affect, and placebo/nocebo effects. The paper concludes by discussing implications for theory and intervention and recommends future research priorities.
Social work and the state: Perspectives and practice
Authors: Feldman Guy
Published: November 2020

The state has been central to social work throughout the profession's history. Despite its theoretical and political significance, the mainstream of the social work field has long disregarded the state as an object of inquiry. The scant attention given to the state within social work is especially puzzling given a resurgence of interest in the state within the social sciences over the past few decades. To redress this imbalance, this article explores six influential theories of the state and discusses their implications for social work practice and policy. These theories suggest we conceive of the state as: a liberal and caring guardian; a tool for class dominance; a means of social control; a political practice; an institutional structure; and a cultural construct. Drawing on diverse literatures, the article advances the understanding of social work that takes seriously the problem of the state.
Discrete Events and Hate Crimes: The Causal Role of the Brexit Referendum
Authors: Devine Daniel
Published: November 2020

Objective

The article contributes to the literature on discrete events and behavioral change among the public by studying the link between the United Kingdom's 2016 “Brexit”referendum and racial and religious hate crime.

Methods

Time series intervention models on daily and monthly hate crime numbers from the UK Home Office and police forces, controlling for other events such as terror attacks. A range of robustness tests including additional vector auto‐regression.

Results

The Brexit referendum led to a 19–23 percent increase in hate crimes, but did not lead to a longer‐term increase. The results are robust to a range of alternative specifications, and there is no evidence of a relationship between media coverage of hate crime or immigration salience and hate crimes. The results also show the consistent, large effect of terror attacks on increasing the number of hate crimes.

Conclusion

The Brexit referendum caused an increase in hate crimes on par with terror attacks. Discrete political events, like referendums and elections, can play a sizeable role in prejudicial behavioral change.
Efficacy of black plastic film mulching as a cultivation strategy to cope with leaf senescence and increase yield of rainfed spring maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Fu Yafang , Si Leiyong , Jin Yan , Xia Zhenqing , Wang Qi , Lu Haidong
Published: November 2020

Long‐term use of white plastic film mulching is an important reason for premature leaf senescence of spring mulch maize in the Weibei Plateau area of China. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of black plastic film mulching on leaf senescence characteristics and yield of spring maize. In 2017 and 2018, a field experiment was conducted in Changwu County, China. The experiments included three treatments: black film mulching (BFM), white plastic film mulching (WFM) and bare land (BL), and two varieties: Shandan 609 (green keeping variety sd609) and Shandan 902 (early maturing variety sd902). A split‐plot experimental design was used to research the effects of different mulching techniques on leaf protective enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, chlorophyll content of leaves as represented by the SPAD value, dry matter quality and yield of spring maize. The results indicated that the SPAD value, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity of maize leaves under the BFM treatment were significantly higher than that under the WFM or BL treatment. The MDA content was also lower than that in the WFM and BL treatments. There were differences in the degree of influence among the varieties. Compared with WFM and BL, BFM significantly increased aboveground biomass and yield of the two maize varieties. In the dryland area, which had intense light and high temperature, using BFM helped to slow down leaf senescence in the late maize stage and increase yield; it was especially effective for the early maturing maize variety.
Chronic atrophic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection status in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Rao Wei , Xie Man , Zang Yun‐jin , Zhi Ke‐qian
Published: November 2020

Aim

To investigate the abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract in liver transplant (LT) recipients, especially the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the incidence of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), and to explore the efficacy and safety of H pylori eradication treatment.

Methods

Endoscopic screening was performed prospectively on LT recipients who received regular follow‐up in our center. A group of healthy subjects with same age and sex was selected as a control group at a ratio of 1:3 with propensity score matching. All H pylori‐positive recipients received Bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole 20 mg + clarithromycin 500 mg + amoxicillin 1 g + bismuth 220 mg, all of the medicines were applied twice daily, for 14 days).

Result

The prevalence of H pylori infection was significantly lower in LT group than control group [12/102 (11.8%) vs 98/306 (32.0%), P < .001], whereas the prevalence of CAG was similar between the two groups [48/102 (47.1%) vs 138/306 (45.1%), P = .731]. Meanwhile, the incidence of reflux esophagitis [18/102 (17.6%) vs 31/306 (10.1%), P = .043] and bile regurgitation [19/102 (18.6%) vs 30/306 (9.8%), P = .018] were higher in LT group. No correlation between the incidence of upper gastroduodenal abnormalities and postoperative time after liver transplantation was found. The success rate of H pylori eradication therapy was 100% (10/10). The blood concentration of immunosuppressants was 1.7‐3.6 times above baseline values during H pylori eradication therapy; however, no severe adverse effects were observed during the proceed with dose adjustments of the immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of H pylori infection was lower in LT recipients than in control subjects, the prevalence of CAG was like that of the general population. H pylori eradication therapy was safe and effective after liver transplantation in our preliminary study.
Establishment of a reference interval for a novel viscoelastic coagulometer and comparison with thromboelastography in healthy cats
Authors: Rosati Tommaso , Jandrey Karl E. , Burges Julie W. , Kent Michael S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Viscoelastic analysis provides information on the dynamics and strength of clot formation as well as clot stability. A novel point‐of‐care viscoelastic test (Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor Vet, VCM Vet) could be more cost‐effective, simpler to use, and more portable than thromboelastography (TEG).

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to establish a feline reference interval (RI) for the VCM Vet. A secondary aim was to compare VCM Vet analysis with TEG in healthy cats.

Methods

Fifty‐six healthy cats were enrolled in this study. Linear regression was completed to determine whether age and CBC parameters were associated with the VCM Vet parameters and if TEG parameters were correlated with VCM Vet data. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Fifty‐three VCM Vet tracings were used to determine RIs for healthy cats. The determined RIs were: clot time (CT) 104‐438 seconds; clot formation time (CFT) 104.5‐488 seconds; alpha angle (AA) 30.5°‐70°; a10 13.8‐32.7 VCM units; a20 19.2‐40.1 VCM units; maximum clot formation (MCF) 22.5‐44.8 VCM units; Lysis Index 30 (Li30) 92.9%‐100.9%; and Lysis Index 45 (Li45) 92%‐100%. Linear regression identified a strong positive correlation between the CT and R‐time measured using the VCM Vet and TEG methods, respectively; no other parameters were correlated.

Conclusions

The use of VCM Vet is feasible in cats, and we determined the first described feline RIs for this test. In general, the VCM Vet data did not correlate with TEG in healthy cats.
Why the EFSUMB guidelines in musculoskeletal ultrasonography are necessary?
Authors: Fodor Daniela
Published: November 2020

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The GDR: Thirty Years On, Incidentally
Authors: Novero Cecilia
Published: November 2020

Introduction
Imperfect Recall: In So Many Words
Authors: Denlinger Tom
Published: November 2020

Photographer's explanation of his artwork
Arrival—A Postcommunist Émigré in the Prairies
Authors: Pinkert Anke
Published: November 2020

Memoir
Utopia and Disillusion in the Songs of Gundermann: From the Brigade Feuerstein Productions in the GDR to his Solo Albums (1990s)
Authors: Robb David
Published: November 2020

About Gundermann, the Liedermacher
"You won't get my remorse": Laila Stieler Talks with Maxi Leinkauf
Authors: Stieler Laila
Published: November 2020

Interview with Screenwriter of Dresen's Film Gundermann
An Unconventional Melanin Biosynthesis Pathway in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Reyes-Fernández Esmeralda Z. , Shi Yi-Ming , Grün Peter , Bode Helge B. , Bölker Michael
Published: November 2020

The fungus
Ustilago maydis
represents one of the major threats to maize plants since it is responsible for corn smut disease, which generates considerable economical losses around the world. Therefore, contributing to a better understanding of the biochemistry of defense mechanisms used by
U. maydis
to protect itself against harsh environments, such as the synthesis of melanin, could provide improved biological tools for tackling the problem and protect the crops.
Genome Sequence of a Ranavirus Isolated from a Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) in Poland
Authors: Borzym Ewa , Stachnik Magdalena , Reichert Michał , Rzeżutka Artur , Jasik Agnieszka , Waltzek Thomas B. , Subramaniam Kuttichantran
Published: November 2020

The red-eared slider (RES) ranavirus (RESRV) was isolated from a free-ranging RES turtle that died with evidence of respiratory disease. The RESRV genome sequence (106,878 bp) was determined, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it is a common midwife toad virus (CMTV) strain. This study is the first report of CMTV in RES.
Draft Genome Sequence of Psychrotolerant
Shewanella
sp. Strain VB17, Isolated from Marine Intertidal Sediment near Virginia Beach, Virginia
Authors: Clement Julia C. , Kastner Paul D. , Essig David A.
Published: November 2020

We present the draft genome sequence of
Shewanella
sp. strain VB17, which was isolated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, intertidal sediment. The 5.2-Mb genome sequence of VB17 will be useful to study the basis for seasonal low-temperature growth and eventual taxonomic classification of the species.
Composite Long- and Short-Read Sequencing Delivers a Complete Genome Sequence of B04Sm5, a Reutericyclin- and Mutanocyclin-Producing Strain of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Baker Jonathon L. , Edlund Anna
Published: November 2020

Streptococcus mutans
strain B04Sm5 was recently described as utilizing reutericyclin, an acylated tetramic acid produced by the
muc
biosynthetic gene cluster, to inhibit the growth of neighboring commensal bacteria. Here, a complete genome sequence of B04Sm5 is reported.
Supplemental Material: Raising the Resurrection plate from an unfolded-slab plate tectonic reconstruction of the northwestern North America since early Cenozoic time
Authors: Fuston Spencer , Wu Jonny
Published: November 2020

Two fully kinematic plate reconstruction files with associated videos, two data tables, and six supporting figures.
Prevalence and risk factors for overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional countrywide study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kaboré Seydou , Millogo Tieba , Soubeiga Joseph Kouesyandé , Lanou Hermann , Bicaba Brice , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity in Burkina Faso using a population-based countrywide sample. We hypothesise that there is a significant burden related to overweight/obesity in Burkina Faso.

Design

Secondary analysis of a population-based countrywide cross-sectional study.

Setting

Burkina Faso, all the 13 regions including both rural and urban residential areas.

Participants

4800 participants of both sexes, aged between 25 and 64 years.

Main outcomes

Overweight and obesity using body mass index cut-off levels of the WHO.

Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Burkina Faso were 13.82% (95% CI: 12.25 to 15.55) and 4.84% (95% CI: 3.99 to 5.86), respectively. Among men, the proportional odds of overweight/obesity increase with urban residency (p<0.001), greater age (p<0.002), marital status different from single (p≤0.007) and decrease with current smoking (p=0.009). Among women, the proportional odds of overweight/obesity increase with urban residency (p<0.001), primary educational level (p=0.01), high total blood cholesterol level (p<0.001) and high fasting blood glucose level (p=0.02), and decrease with current smoking (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that nearly one person out of five in the adult population of Burkina has an abnormal weight status with women being more affected than men. Urban residency is a consistent risk factor in both men and women. Alcohol consumption and education were associated with an increased odds in only women. Overnutrition needs to be recognised as an important public health issue in Burkina Faso and nutrition interventions need to be reshaped to account for it.
Perioperative cannabis use: a longitudinal study of associated clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes
Authors: McAfee Jenna , Boehnke Kevin F , Moser Stephanie M , Brummett Chad M , Waljee Jennifer F , Bonar Erin E
Published: November 2020

Background

Despite increases in cannabis use generally and for pain management, data regarding cannabis use in patients undergoing surgery are lacking. This study examined the prevalence of cannabis use among patients undergoing elective surgery and explored differences in clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes between cannabis users and non-cannabis users.

Methods

This prospective study included 1335 adults undergoing elective surgery. Participants completed self-report questionnaires preoperative and at 3-month and 6-month postsurgery to assess clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes.

Results

Overall, 5.9% (n=79) of patients reported cannabis use (53.2% medical, 19.0% recreational and 25.3% medical and recreational). On the day of surgery, cannabis users reported worse pain, more centralized pain symptoms, greater functional impairment, higher fatigue, greater sleep disturbances and more symptoms of anxiety and depression versus non-cannabis users (all p<0.01). Additionally, a larger proportion of cannabis users reported opioid (27.9%) and benzodiazepine use (19.0%) compared with non-cannabis users (17.5% and 9.2%, respectively). At 3 and 6 months, cannabis users continued to report worse clinical symptoms; however, both groups showed improvement across most domains (p≤0.05). At 6 months, the groups did not differ on surgical outcomes, including surgical site pain (p=0.93) or treatment efficacy (p=0.88).

Conclusions

Cannabis use is relatively low in this surgical population, yet cannabis users have higher clinical pain, poorer scores on quality of life indicators, and higher opioid use before and after surgery. Cannabis users reported similar surgical outcomes, suggesting that cannabis use did not impede recovery.
Constraints on Hořava–Lifshitz gravity from GRB 170817A
Authors: Zhang Tao , Shu Fu-Wen , Tang Qing-Wen , Du Dong-Hui
Published: November 2020

In this work we focus on a toy model: ($$3+1$$

3
+
1

)-dimensional Hořava–Lifshitz gravity coupling with an anisotropic electromagnetic (EM) field which is generated through a Kaluza-Klein reduction of a ($$4+1$$

4
+
1

)-dimensional Hořava–Lifshitz gravity. This model exhibits a remarkable feature that it has the same velocity for both gravitational and electromagnetic waves. This feature makes it possible to restrict the parameters of the theory from GRB 170817A. In this work we use this feature to discuss possible constraints on the parameter $$\beta $$
β
in the theory, by analyzing the possible Lorentz invariance violation effect of the GRB 170817A. This is achieved by analyzing potential time delay of gamma-ray photons in this event. It turns out that it places a stringent constraint on this parameter. In the most ideal case, it gives $$|1-\sqrt{\beta }|<(10^{-19}-10^{-18})$$

|
1
-

β

|
<

(

10

-
19

-

10

-
18

)

.
Using Network Pharmacology for Systematic Understanding of Geniposide in Ameliorating Inflammatory Responses in Colitis Through Suppression of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Macrophage by AMPK/Sirt1 Dependent Signaling
Authors: Pu Zhichen , Liu Yanhao , Li Chao , Xu Moadi , Xie Haitang , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2020

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory bowel disease mediated by immune response. Geniposide is the main active ingredient extracted from Gardenia jasminoides, which has been suggested to exert excellent efficacy on inflammatory disease. Herein, in this study, we aimed to uncover the systematic understanding of the mechanism and effects of geniposide in ameliorating inflammatory responses in colitis. In brief, the TCMSP server and GEO DataSets were used to analyze the systematic understanding of the mechanism and effects of geniposide in ameliorating inflammatory responses in colitis. Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis of mice were administered with 25–100[Formula: see text]mg/kg of geniposide for 7 days by gavage. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Bone Marrow Derived Macrophage (BMDM) cell or RAW264.7 cell models were treated with 20, 50 and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M of geniposide for 4[Formula: see text]h. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and Interleukin-1[Formula: see text] (IL-1[Formula: see text] levels were measured using MPO activity kits and IL-1[Formula: see text] levels enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, respectively. Additionally, Western blot was used to determine the relevant protein expression. As a result, Geniposide could ameliorate inflammatory responses and prevent colitis in DSS-induced acute colitis of mice by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Transcription 1 (Sirt1) dependent signaling via the suppression of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Geniposide attenuated macrophage differentiation in DSS-induced acute colitis of mice. Geniposide suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome and induced AMPK/Sirt1 signaling in LPS-induced BMDM cell or RAW264.7 cell models. In mechanism studies, the inhibition of AMPK/Sirt1 attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects of geniposide in colitis. The activation of NLRP3 attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects of geniposide in colitis. Taken together, our results demonstrated that geniposide ameliorated inflammatory responses in colitis vai the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages by AMPK/Sirt1-dependent signaling.
Numerical simulation of internal defect imaging with the longitudinal wave generated by laser induced ultrasonic array
Authors: Sui Hao , Li Kesi , Zhu Zhenyu , Cheng Le , Gao Xiaorong , Zhu Hongna , Hu Zhengliang
Published: November 2020

To verify the performance of longitudinal waves induced by laser phased arrays (LPA) for detection and quantitative evaluation in internal defects, the finite element method (FEM) is utilized to establish the models of LPA scanning processing. The interaction of longitudinal wave and internal defect is analyzed. Besides, the two components of the reflected longitudinal waves (the longitudinal wave component [Formula: see text] and the shear wave component [Formula: see text] are focused on the imaging of defects with the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) and total focusing method (TFM) algorithms. It shows that the imaging of internal sub-millimeter defect is obtained using the LPA. The defect size and location are simultaneously calculated, with the relative error being 6.7% and 2.9%, respectively. The proposed longitudinal wave-based LPA is a promising method for the imaging and evaluation of internal micro defects.
Non-GAAP Disclosures and CEO Pay Levels
Authors: Lont David H. , Ranasinghe Dinithi , Roberts Helen
Published: November 2020

We examine the association between CEO cash and equity compensation and non-GAAP disclosure practices in a responsive regulatory and opaque compensation reporting environment. Our empirical evidence, based on a sample of public companies in New Zealand, shows that CEO cash compensation is associated with the likelihood and frequency of non-GAAP disclosures, whereas equity incentives are not. Our results document evidence of an increase in the frequency of non-GAAP disclosures and a decrease in the provision and quality of reconciliation between non-GAAP measures and closely related GAAP measures around CEO cash compensation. In particular, managers use these disclosures when their GAAP earnings benchmarks are missed. A marginal decrease in opportunistic non-GAAP disclosures following the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) indicates little change in reporting behavior following adoption of IFRS. Our findings suggest that managers disclose non-GAAP measures with opportunistic intentions motivated by compensation and points to the need for regulators to set policy about clear reconciliation standards.
Does Stock Liquidity Affect Corporate Debt Maturity Structure?
Authors: Marks Joseph M. , Shang Chenguang
Published: November 2020

We show an inverse relation between the use of short-term debt and stock market liquidity. This finding is robust to a battery of control variables, alternative measures of the key variables, and various identification strategies. A difference-in-difference (DiD) approach suggests that the relation between debt maturity structure and stock liquidity may be causal. The impact of stock liquidity on debt maturity is stronger in the presence of large institutional holdings and when borrowers are subject to greater refinancing risk. We also provide evidence that firms with liquid stock tend to issue longer-term bonds and enjoy lower bond yield spreads. Overall, our results support the view that the governance function of stock market liquidity reduces the necessity of debt market monitoring, which allows firms to shift toward longer-term debt to avoid the costs and risk of frequent refinancing.