bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrients and water availability constrain the seasonality of vegetation activity in a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Luo Yunpeng , El‐Madany Tarek , Ma Xuanlong , Nair Richard , Jung Martin , Weber Ulrich , Filippa Gianluca , Bucher Solveig F. , Moreno Gerardo , Cremonese Edoardo , Carrara Arnaud , Gonzalez‐Cascon Rosario , Cáceres Escudero Yonatan , Galvagno Marta , Pacheco‐Labrador Javier , Martín M. Pilar , Perez‐Priego Oscar , Reichstein Markus , Richardson Andrew D. , Menzel Annette , Römermann Christine , Migliavacca Mirco
Published: April 2020

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition and resulting differences in ecosystem N and phosphorus (P) ratios are expected to impact photosynthetic capacity, that is, maximum gross primary productivity (GPPmax). However, the interplay between N and P availability with other critical resources on seasonal dynamics of ecosystem productivity remains largely unknown. In a Mediterranean tree–grass ecosystem, we established three landscape‐level (24 ha) nutrient addition treatments: N addition (NT), N and P addition (NPT), and a control site (CT). We analyzed the response of ecosystem to altered nutrient stoichiometry using eddy covariance fluxes measurements, satellite observations, and digital repeat photography. A set of metrics, including phenological transition dates (PTDs; timing of green‐up and dry‐down), slopes during green‐up and dry‐down period, and seasonal amplitude, were extracted from time series of GPPmax and used to represent the seasonality of vegetation activity. The seasonal amplitude of GPPmax was higher for NT and NPT than CT, which was attributed to changes in structure and physiology induced by fertilization. PTDs were mainly driven by rainfall and exhibited no significant differences among treatments during the green‐up period. Yet, both fertilized sites senesced earlier during the dry‐down period (17–19 days), which was more pronounced in the NT due to larger evapotranspiration and water usage. Fertilization also resulted in a faster increase in GPPmax during the green‐up period and a sharper decline in GPPmax during the dry‐down period, with less prominent decline response in NPT. Overall, we demonstrated seasonality of vegetation activity was altered after fertilization and the importance of nutrient–water interaction in such water‐limited ecosystems. With the projected warming‐drying trend, the positive effects of N fertilization induced by N deposition on GPPmax may be counteracted by an earlier and faster dry‐down in particular in areas where the N:P ratio increases, with potential impact on the carbon cycle of water‐limited ecosystems.
Gluten‐free pasta production from banana and cassava flours with egg white protein and soy protein addition
Authors: Rachman Adetiya , Brennan Margaret A. , Morton James , Brennan Charles S.
Published: April 2020

Egg white protein and soy protein were incorporated into a banana and cassava flour blend (75:25) to produce gluten‐free pasta. The objectives of study were to investigate the effects of the different protein sources on the physico‐chemical properties of gluten‐free pasta. The levels of protein inclusion were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of composite flour (w/w) for each type of protein. Pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina was used as controls. The protein fortification affected the total starch, resistant starch and protein content of gluten‐free pasta compared to semolina pasta. No significant effects of soy/egg white protein addition were found in either insoluble or soluble dietary fibre content. Cooking properties of pasta (optimum cooking time, swelling index, water adsorption index and cooking loss) and texture properties (firmness and extensibility) were affected by the level of protein addition and the type of protein. Results showed the utilisation of 25% cassava flour and protein inclusion have a promising application in gluten‐free pasta production.
Improving storability, physiological disorders, and antioxidant properties of ‘Bartlett’ and ‘d’Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communisL.) by pre‐harvest 1‐methylcyclopropene spraying
Authors: Li Yingli , Zhang Shaoying , Dong Yu
Published: April 2020

Ethylene continues to be a major factor influencing quality of European pears during storage. Although research has been done on the effect of pre‐harvest 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on physiological characteristics in pears, a full understanding of cultivar response and antioxidant metabolism remains elusive. Spraying 1‐MCP on ‘Bartlett’ and ‘d’Anjou’ pears was studied with respect to physiology, storage and eating quality, disorders, and antioxidant properties at two harvest date (H1 and H2) during storage and ripening. Treatment with 1‐MCP extended the harvest window of ‘Bartlett’ and ‘d’Anjou’ pears 3 and 4 days, respectively, without reducing storage or eating quality. Treatment with 1‐MCP reduced ethylene production (EPR) and respiration rates (RR), maintained fruit firmness and green colour during storage and retarded development of desirable melting texture in both cultivars. Additionally, 1‐MCP lowered the incidence of disorders by alleviating membrane lipid peroxidation, retaining high total flavonoids (TF) and antioxidant capacity, and enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in both cultivars. Overall, pre‐harvest 1‐MCP applications could extend storage time of ‘Bartlett’ and ‘d’Anjou’ pears to 5 and 6 months, respectively, at −1.1 ± 0.5 °C, by reducing ethylene synthesis and enhancing antioxidant metabolism.
Mobile applications for managing symptoms of patients with cancer at home: A scoping review
Authors: Putranto Dian , Rochmawati Erna
Published: April 2020

Background

Education plays an important role in cancer symptom management for patients and their families. With the advancement of information and communication technology, there may be additional evidence for the use of mobile apps to support patient and family education.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to explore and synthesize scientific literature about cancer symptom management mobile apps that can be used by patients and their families.

Methods

This review adopted a scoping review study framework, using electronic databases including EBSCO, PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using search keywords: ‘caregiver family’, ‘mobile application’, ‘symptom management’ and ‘palliative care’. Of a total of 2633 papers found, 11 papers were selected.

Findings

Assessment tools are a major component of mobile apps in reporting and assessing symptoms to provide appropriate education. The information in mobile apps is delivered through various mediums that include modules, videos, avatars and cultural integration features.

Conclusion

Mobile apps can improve provision of palliative care in several ways, most importantly by increasing the knowledge of the patient's family to manage cancer symptoms. Nurses are expected to play an active role in finding and utilizing appropriate mobile apps to assist families in managing a patient's symptoms at home.
Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma: Incidence in a Japanese cohort and diagnostic utility of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kaneko Kasumi , Yoshida Soichiro , Yamamoto Kouhei , Arita Yuki , Kijima Toshiki , Yokoyama Minato , Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Saito Kazutaka , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To show the epidemiological characteristics of epithelioid angiomyolipoma in a Japanese population, and to establish the preoperative diagnosis method of epithelioid angiomyolipoma.

Methods

Among the 855 tumors of patients who underwent partial/radical nephrectomy or renal biopsy for presumed renal cell carcinoma between 2007 and 2018, 39 renal tumors were diagnosed as nonclassical angiomyolipoma, including epithelioid angiomyolipoma and fat‐poor angiomyolipoma. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of epithelioid angiomyolipoma. Furthermore, we analyzed computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results, including diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging findings of epithelioid angiomyolipoma and fat‐poor angiomyolipoma.

Results

The incidence of epithelioid angiomyolipoma (n = 7) was 17.9% of surgically resected non‐classical angiomyolipoma. The radiological appearance of epithelioid angiomyolipoma was hyperattenuating on unenhanced computed tomography images with iso or low intensity on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient value of the solid component in epithelioid angiomyolipoma was significantly lower than that in fat‐poor angiomyolipoma (median 0.79 × 10−3 vs 1.07 × 10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.0019).

Conclusions

The proportion of epithelioid angiomyolipoma in our Japanese cohort was equivalent to that of the reported series in the USA. The apparent diffusion coefficient value is potentially useful to differentiate between epithelioid angiomyolipoma and fat‐poor angiomyolipoma. Further research is required to establish the imaging diagnostic criteria for epithelioid angiomyolipoma.
Pristimerin‐induced uveal melanoma cell death via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signalling pathway
Authors: Yan Fengxia , Liao Rifang , Silva Marta , Li Shuai , Jiang Yizhou , Peng Tangming , Lazarovici Philip , Zheng Wenhua
Published: April 2020

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly invasive intraocular malignancy with high mortality. Presently, there is no FDA‐approved standard for the treatment of metastatic UM. Pristimerin is a natural quinine methide triterpenoid compound with anti‐angiogenic, anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory activities. However, Pristimerin potential cytotoxic effect on UM was poorly investigated. In the present study, we found the migration and invasion of UM‐1 cells were inhibited by Pristimerin which also caused a rapid increase of ROS, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, induced the accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase, ending with apoptotic cell death. Pristimerin inhibited Akt and FoxO3a phosphorylation and induced nuclear accumulation of FoxO3a in UM‐1 cells, increased the expression of pro‐apoptotic proteins Bim、p27Kip1, cleaved caspase‐3, PARP and Bax, and decreased the expression of Cyclin D1 and Bcl‐2. LY294002 or Akt‐siRNA inhibited the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway and promoted the Pristimerin‐induced apoptosis, while Pristimerin effects were partially abolished in FoxO3a knockdown UM‐1 cell cultures. Taken together, present results showed that Pristimerin induced apoptotic cell death through inhibition of PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway in UM‐1 cells. These findings indicate that Pristimerin may be considered as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for patients with UM.
Phoenixin influences the excitability of nucleus of the solitary tract neurones, effects which are modified by environmental and glucocorticoid stress
Authors: Grover Hanna M. , Smith Pauline M. , Ferguson Alastair V.
Published: April 2020

Phoenixin (PNX) is a neuropeptide shown to play roles in the control of reproduction. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a critical autonomic integrating centre in the hindbrain, is one of many areas with dense expression of PNX. Using coronal NTS slices obtained from male Sprague‐Dawley rats, the present study characterised the effects of PNX on both spike frequency and membrane potential of NTS neurones. Extracellular recordings demonstrated that bath‐applied 10 nmol L‐1 PNX increased the firing frequency in 32% of NTS neurones, effects which were confirmed with patch‐clamp recordings showing that 50% of NTS neurones tested depolarised in response to application of the peptide. Surprisingly, the responsiveness to PNX in NTS neurones then declined suddenly to 9% (P < 0.001). This effect was subsequently attributed to stress associated with construction in our animal care facility because PNX responsiveness was again observed in slices from rats delivered and maintained in a construction‐free facility. We then examined whether this loss of PNX responsiveness could be replicated in rats placed on a chronic stress regimen involving ongoing corticosterone (CORT) treatment in the construction‐free facility. Slices from animals treated in this way showed a similar lack of neuronal responsiveness to PNX (9.1 ± 3.9%) within 2 weeks of CORT treatment. These effects were specific to PNX responsiveness because CORT treatment had no effect on the responsiveness of NTS neurones to angiotensin II. These results are the first to implicate PNX with respect to directly controlling the excitability of NTS neurones and also provide intriguing data showing the plasticity of these effects associated with environmental and glucocorticoid stress levels of the animal.
Study of oral tranexamic acid, topical tranexamic acid, and modified Kligman's regimen in treatment of melasma
Authors: Sahu Pooja J. , Singh Adarsh Lata , Kulkarni Sandeep , Madke Bhushan , Saoji Vikrant , Jawade Sugat
Published: April 2020

Background

Melasma is a pigmentary disorder affecting mainly face . Various treatment modalities available as topicals, superficial chemical peels and lasers but none till date gives promising results, until date quest for the best treatment modality is on.

Aim

To study the effect of oral and topical Tranexamic acid (TXA) and modified Kligman’s regimen in treatment of melasma.

Method

Patients having melasma were enrolled after consent for voluntary participation. A detailed history and clinical examination was done. Total 60 patients were enrolled and randomized in three groups, 20 received oral TXA 250 mg twice daily, 20 topical TXA and 20 received modified Kligman’s regimen for 8 weeks along with sunscreen MASI(Melasma area severity index) was calculated at baseline, at end of 4 & 8 weeks. MASI score was compared with that at the end of the study. Based on reduction in mean MASI the therapeutic response was graded. Pre and post treatment photographs was also compared. Statistical analysis done by using student square T test , ANOVA And TUKEY test.

Results

Reduction in MASI score was observed in all the groups but greater reduction in MASI score with modified Kligman’s regimen by 30% followed with oral TXA by 25% reduction and least with topical TXA by 5%.

Conclusion

Although modified Kligman’s regimen is comparatively more efficient but due to its side effects in long term usage oral tranexamic acid could be a promising therapeutic approach for melasma.
COVID‐19 diagnosis and management: a comprehensive review
Authors: Pascarella Giuseppe , Strumia Alessandro , Piliego Chiara , Bruno Federica , Del Buono Romualdo , Costa Fabio , Scarlata Simone , Agrò Felice Eugenio
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV)‐2, a novel coronavirus from the same family as SARS‐CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, has spread worldwide leading the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic. The disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), presents flu‐like symptoms which can become serious in high‐risk individuals. Here, we provide an overview of the known clinical features and treatment options for COVID‐19. We carried out a systematic literature search using the main online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, UpToDate, Embase and Web of Science) with the following keywords: ‘COVID‐19’, ‘2019‐nCoV’, ‘coronavirus’ and ‘SARS‐CoV‐2’. We included publications from 1 January 2019 to 3 April 2020 which focused on clinical features and treatments. We found that infection is transmitted from human to human and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces. Hand hygiene is fundamental to prevent contamination. Wearing personal protective equipment is recommended in specific environments. The main symptoms of COVID‐19 are fever, cough, fatigue, slight dyspnoea, sore throat, headache, conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal issues. Real‐time PCR is used as a diagnostic tool using nasal swab, tracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Computed tomography findings are important for both diagnosis and follow‐up. To date, there is no evidence of any effective treatment for COVID‐19. The main therapies being used to treat the disease are antiviral drugs, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine and respiratory therapy. In conclusion, although many therapies have been proposed, quarantine is the only intervention that appears to be effective in decreasing the contagion rate. Specifically designed randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the most appropriate evidence‐based treatment modality.
The association between melatonin and episodic migraine: A pilot network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the prophylactic effects with exogenous melatonin supplementation and pharmacotherapy
Authors: Tseng Ping‐Tao , Yang Chun‐Pai , Su Kuan‐Pin , Chen Tien‐Yu , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Tu Yu‐Kang , Lin Pao‐Yen , Stubbs Brendon , Carvalho Andre F. , Matsuoka Yutaka J. , Li Dian‐Jeng , Liang Chih‐Sung , Hsu Chih‐Wei , Chen Yen‐Wen , Shiue Yow‐Ling
Published: April 2020

Although exogenous melatonin supplementation has been suggested to be effective for episodic migraine prophylaxis, there is no conclusive evidence comparing the efficacy of exogenous melatonin supplementation to the other FDA‐approved pharmacotherapy for episodic migraine prophylaxis. The aim of the current network meta‐analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy of exogenous melatonin supplementation in patients with episodic migraine. The randomized placebo‐controlled trials or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating a placebo in the study designs were included in our analyses. All of the NMA procedures were conducted under the frequentist model. The primary outcome was changes in frequency of migraine days and response rate after migraine prophylaxis with melatonin supplementation or pharmacological interventions. We included 25 RCTs in total with 4499 patients (mean age = 36.0 years, mean female proportion = 78.9%). The NMA demonstrated that migraine prophylaxis with oral melatonin 3 mg/d (immediate‐release) at bedtime was associated with the greatest improvement in migraine frequency [mean difference = −1.71 days, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.27 to −0.14 days compared to placebo] and the second highest response rate (odds ratio = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.46 to 12.00 compared to placebo). Furthermore, oral melatonin 3 mg (immediate‐release) at bedtime was the most preferred pharmacological intervention among all of the investigated interventions when improvements in migraine frequency, response rate, dropout rate, and rates of any adverse events were taken into account. This pilot NMA suggests the potential prophylactic role of exogenous melatonin supplementation in patients with episodic migraine.
Technology Push or Market Pull? Strategic Orientation in Business Model Design and Digital Start‐up Performance*
Authors: Guo Hai , Wang Chao , Su Zhongfeng , Wang Donghan
Published: April 2020

The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping the business landscape by generating abundant new opportunities and novel business models. As a new source of value creation, a start‐up’s business model is critical for its survival and growth. How, then, should a digital start‐up design its business model? The present study departs from existing viewpoints on the topic and proposes a strategic orientation view. By integrating the resource‐based view and the demand‐side perspective, we examine the impact of strategic orientation in business model design on the performance of start‐ups in the digital economy. Using a data set of digital start‐ups, our empirical results show that both technology and consumer orientations are beneficial to the performance of start‐ups. However, it would be counterproductive for a digital start‐up to seek a balance between both strategic orientations in business model design. Furthermore, the positive relationship between consumer orientation and firm performance becomes more prominent in a highly open technological environment, but is weakened in environments characterized by high user interactivity. This study advances business model design research by proposing a strategic orientation view, and contributes to business model theory building by offering an integrated view that embraces the resource‐based view and the demand‐side perspective.
Larval growth, survival, and partial budget analysis related to replacing Artemia in larval culture of six freshwater ornamental fishes
Authors: Lipscomb Taylor N. , Patterson Joshua T. , Wood Amy L. , Watson Craig A. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: April 2020

Cultured freshwater ornamental fish are primarily fed Artemia at early life stages. Development of alternative feeding strategies could decrease the Artemia reliance of ornamental producers, reduce labor costs, and improve industry resilience by diversifying larval feeding options. In this study, Corydoras aeneus, Synodontis eupterus, Synodontis nigriventris, Epalzeorhynchos bicolor, Pterophyllum scalare, and Trichogaster lalius larvae were offered one of four diets at first feeding: newly hatched Artemia or one of three microparticulate diets (MDs). After 14 days of feeding, survival and standard length (SL) were evaluated, and partial budget analyses (PBA) were conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of replacing Artemia with MDs. For all species except E. bicolor, at least one MD performed as well as or better than Artemia with regard to the parameters in question. E. bicolor exhibited reduced survival when fed MDs compared to Artemia, although SL did not vary significantly among treatments. PBAs indicated that replacing Artemia with MDs at first feeding resulted in an average net benefit of $0.043 ± 0.004 for all species except E. bicolor, which resulted in a net cost of $0.048. These results indicate that MDs represent a physiologically and economically feasible alternative to Artemia for larval culture of many freshwater ornamental fishes.
Diversity and geographical distribution of resting stages of eukaryotic algae in the surface sediments from the southern Chinese coastline based on metabarcoding partial 18S rDNA sequences
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Zhaohui , Lu Songhui
Published: April 2020

Surface sediment samples were collected from sixteen sites of the southern Chinese coastline in this study. Diversity of eukaryotic microalgae was examined using high‐throughput sequencing of 18S rDNA to understand the community structure and geological distribution of microalgal resting stages. A total of 218 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected for eukaryotic algae, and only 75 OTUs (34.40%) were detected into species level. The algal communities were composed of sixty‐four genera belonged to twelve classes of four phyla. Dinoflagellates were the most abundant and diversified group, which accounted for the average of 56.26% and 53.70% DNA reads and OTUs, respectively. Dinoflagellates were dominated by Protoperidinium, Euduboscquella, Amylax, and Paragymnodinium. Chaetoceros, Thalassiosira, and Skeletonema were abundant in diatoms, while Pedospumella and Paraphysomonas in Chrysophyceae were the most abundant genera due to their massive occurrence in some particular sites. The high abundance of Protoperidinium sequences suggested the high nutrient levels in the southern Chinese coastline. Nineteen of the detected OTUs were assigned to harmful and/or bloom‐forming microalgae. The wide occurrence of the toxic dinoflagellate Azadinium poporum and high abundance of Alexandrium pacificum in some particular sites suggested the potential risk of human poisoning.
Dynamic spawning patterns in the California market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) inferred through paralarval observation in the Southern California Bight, 2012–2019
Authors: Van Noord Joel E.
Published: April 2020

The California market squid is ecologically and economically important to the California Current Ecosystem and coastal communities. However, the population undergoes periodic and large‐scale fluctuations on the order of magnitudes, largely as a result of warm ocean temperature and reduced ocean productivity related to cycles in El Niño Southern Oscillation. These fluctuations can lead to cascading trophic effects on the ecosystem, market uncertainty, and substantial revenue losses for fishing communities. In order to investigate the role that spawning behavior may play in mitigating the detrimental environmental effects on the population as well as allowing the species to capitalize during favorable ocean conditions, surveys for market squid paralarvae were conducted three times per hatching season from 2012 to 2019. The specific objectives were to (a) assess whether there was a large‐scale synchronous peak in paralarval abundance each season, (b) investigate whether market squid paralarvae were found at certain locations in similar abundances throughout the duration of a hatching season, and (c) to understand the influence of oceanographic parameters, such as zooplankton availability, sea surface temperature, and chl‐a on paralarvae abundance during each hatching season. Adaptable spawning strategies that varied over time were observed. Market squid displayed large‐scale synchronous spawning during cool and productive oceanographic conditions; protracted spawning was observed during warm and oligotrophic conditions. No overall site fidelity was observed across all effort, but during two seasons where habitat compression was possible, market squid consistently spawned in certain areas. Generalized additive models were used to explore the effects of a small set of oceanographic variables on paralarval density on a seasonal basis. Sea surface temperature and geographic variables were generally the most important variables. These findings indicate that market squid spawning behaviors and habitat are adaptable and dependent on oceanography and population density.
Flood hydrograph simulation using the SWMM model: A semiarid zone watershed case study, Shiraz Khoshk River, Iran
Authors: Khaleghi Esmaeil , Sadoddin Amir , Najafinejad Ali , Bahremand Abdolreza
Published: April 2020

In the past few decades, considerable efforts have been made to model rainfall‐runoff and to predict the hydrological impacts of various factors using computer technology. The Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) has been proved to be a powerful tool which simulates the flow of watersheds with different characteristics. The SWMM model is a dynamic rainfall‐runoff simulation model used for single event and/or continuous runoff simulation. It is widely used throughout the world for analysis, planning, and design related to storm water of drainage systems in urban areas, with many applications in nonurban areas as well. This study aimed to assess the performance of the SWMM model for flood simulation in the Shiraz Khoshk River originated from an arid zone watershed. The study area with a combination of natural and urban watersheds (900.3 km2) is located in South‐West of Iran in Fars Province. In this study, the model was calibrated using 12 flood events recorded at the Eghbal‐Abad gauge station. Then, for validation, 10 and 4 other hydrographs were simulated for the Nahre‐Azam and Chenarsukhte gauge stations, respectively. The calibration and validation results show a good agreement between the observed and simulated flows (R2 = 0.96 for the calibration, 0.91 and 0.87 for validation). The model performance criteria were plausible (e.g., Nash‐Sutcliff coefficient = 0.91 for calibration; and 0.88 and 0.86 for validation). Therefore, the results indicate the high efficiency of the model to simulate the flow in this watershed, useful for predicting the impact of various management scenarios on flow characteristics.

Recommendations for resource managers

The SWMM model can be successfully applied to semiarid zone watersheds.

The model is suitable for urban and nonurban watershed simulations.
Income at birth and tooth loss due to dental caries in adulthood: The 1982 Pelotas birth cohort
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo G. , Seerig Lenise M. , Schuch Helena S. , Horta Bernardo L. , Peres Karen G. , Peres Marco A. , Corrêa Marcos B. , Demarco Flavio F.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To estimate the effect of income at birth on adulthood tooth loss due to dental caries in 539 adults from the 1982 Pelotas birth cohort.

Methods

Family income was collected at birth. Tooth loss was clinically assessed when individuals were aged 31. Dental visit and oral hygiene at age 25 were considered mediators. Confounders included maternal skin color, and individual's skin color, sex, and income in adulthood. Marginal structural modeling was used to estimate the controlled direct effect of income at birth on tooth loss due to dental caries that was neither mediated by the use of dental service nor oral hygiene.

Results

Forty‐three percent of the individuals of low income at birth lost one/two teeth, and 23% lost three or more; among those non‐poor, the prevalence was 30% and 14%, respectively. Poor individuals at birth had a 70% higher risk for missing teeth in adulthood than those non‐poor. The risk of losing one/two (risk ratio 1.68) and three or more teeth (risk ratio 3.84) was also higher among those of low income at birth.

Conclusions

Economic disadvantage at birth had an effect on tooth loss due to dental caries at age 31 not mediated by individual risk factors.
Feasibility and Safety of Cervical Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury without Fracture and Dislocation
Authors: Bao Yongzheng , Zhong Xueren , Zhu Wengang , Chen Yu , Zhou Longze , Dai Xiangheng , Liao Junjian , Li Zhong , Hu Konghe , Bei Kangsheng , Xiong Yinghui , Hu Yongyu , Zhao Qinfu , Zhu Zhouxing , Yu Yanli , Wu Qiang , Xi Xinhua
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of cervical kinematic MRI (KMRI) in patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation (CSCIWFD).

Methods

This was a single‐institution case‐only study. Patients with CSCIWFD were enrolled in our institution from February 2015 to July 2019. Cervical radiography and CT were performed first to exclude cervical tumors, and major fracture or dislocation. Then neutral static and kinematic (flexion and extension) MRI was performed for patients who met the inclusion criteria under the supervision of a spinal surgeon. Any adverse events during the KMRI examination were recorded. Patients received surgical or conservative treatment based on the imaging results and patients’ own wishes. The American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) grade and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score were evaluated on admission, before KMRI examination, and after KMRI examination. For the surgical patients, AIS grade and JOA score were evaluated again 1 week after the operation. The JOA scores were compared among different time points using the paired t‐test.

Results

A total of 16 patients (12 men and 4 women, mean age: 51.1 [30–73] years) with CSCIWFD were included in the present study. Clinical symptoms included facial trauma, neck pain, paraplegia, paresthesia, hyperalgesia, sensory loss or weakness below the injury level, and dyskinesia. On admission, AIS grades were B for 2 cases, C for 5, and D for 9. A total of 14 patients underwent neutral, flexion, and extension cervical MRI examination; 2 patients underwent neutral and flexion examination because they could not maintain the position for a prolonged duration. No patient experienced deterioration of neurological function after the examinations. The AIS grades and JOA scores evaluated post‐examination were similar to those evaluated pre‐examination (P > 0.05) and significantly higher than those on admission (P < 0.05). A total of 12 patients received surgical treatment, 11 of whom underwent anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion and 1 underwent posterior C3/4 fusion with lateral mass screws. The remaining 4 patients were offered conservative therapy. None of the patients experienced any complications during the perioperative period. The AIS grade did not change in most surgical patients, except that 1 patient changed from grade C to D 1 week after the operation. The JOA score 1 week after surgery was significantly higher than those on admission and around examination for the surgical patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cervical KMRI is a safe and useful technique for diagnosis of CSCIWFD, which is superior to static cervical MRI for therapeutic decision‐making in patients with CSCIWFD.
Secondary attachment and mental health in Pakistani and Scottish adolescents: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Imran Somia , MacBeth Angus , Quayle Ethel , Chan Stella W.Y.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Research into adolescent mental health has tended to focus on primary attachment relationships. However, the effect of secondary attachment relationships and the role of culture remain under‐explored. This study examined the associations between primary attachment, secondary attachment, and coping strategies (task‐focused, emotion‐focused, and avoidant coping) with psychological well‐being and psychological distress in adolescents across two cultural settings.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

An identical test battery was used across two geographic sites in Pakistan (N = 510; 12–18 years; 51.5% male; mean age = 14.50) and Scotland (N = 610; 12–18 years; 53.6% male; mean age = 13.97). Associations were tested separately in each sample using moderated mediation modelling for the outcome variables: psychological well‐being and psychological distress.

Results

For psychological well‐being, all three coping strategies were significant partial mediators and secondary attachment was a significant moderator in both samples. Secondary attachment moderated the association between emotion‐focused coping and psychological well‐being in the Pakistani sample only. For psychological distress, task‐focused coping was a significant full mediator in the Pakistani sample only. In contrast, for the Scottish sample, task‐focused coping and emotion‐focused coping were significant partial mediators. Secondary attachment’s direct effect on psychological distress was significant in both samples. Secondary attachment also moderated the association between emotion‐focused coping and psychological distress in the Pakistani sample only.

Conclusions

The cross‐cultural evidence suggests that alongside primary attachment, it is important to target secondary attachment through coping strategies, in order to enhance psychological well‐being and lessen psychological distress in adolescents.

Practitioner points

Secondary attachment plays a different role from primary attachment in adolescents. Therefore, it is important to target both primary attachment and secondary attachment security to enhance psychological well‐being and lessen psychological distress.

Cross‐cultural differences in coping suggest that differential strategies to target different coping dimensions may enhance adolescent well‐being across cultures.

These cross‐cultural differences highlight the ethical importance of cultural sensitivity among clinicians working with adolescents globally.
Value of multi‐slice spiral computed tomography for diagnosis of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children: 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Shen Jianqiang , Huang Lizhen , Hao Chuangli
Published: April 2020

Background

Tracheobronchial foreign body (TFB) aspiration is a significant cause of respiratory problems in children. The timely diagnosis of TFB is important to decrease the mortality rate and the incidence of complications. Advances in radiology have led multi‐slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) to become the best technique for diagnosing TFB.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study over 5 years from July 2008 to June 2013. We collected information on children who were diagnosed with a TFB by bronchoscopy, and analyzed age, sex, location, type of foreign body, and various MSCT manifestations.

Results

A total of 382 children were included and 68.6% of them were aged 1 to <2 years. The majority (95.8%) of aspirated foreign bodies were vegetation items, and nearly half (47.6%) of them were peanut kernels, followed by sunflower seeds (26.2%). A total of 4.7% of TFBs were in the trachea, 51.0% were in the left main bronchus, and 44.2% were in the right main bronchus. Among the TFBs, 359 (95.5%) showed a high‐density shadow in the tracheal / bronchial lumen using MSCT, which could establish the presence of a foreign body directly. Emphysema, localized obstruction and pneumonia were more commonly detected in the 7–21 days and ≥21 days group compared with those in the <7 days group (all P < 0.01). Bronchiectasis was found in two children who were diagnosed at least 21 days after aspiration.

Conclusions

Multi‐slice spiral computed tomography is very sensitive to TFBs. Timely diagnosis and treatment of TFB is important to prevent long‐term sequelae in children.
Monitoring of Solar Irradiance in the High Andes
Authors: Häder Donat‐Peter , Cabrol Nathalie A.
Published: April 2020

Solar radiation has been measured in the high Andes near Laguna Lejia (latitude 23° 26′ 23.30" S, longitude 67° 38′ 14.29" W) at an elevation of 4715 m between December 2016 and December 2017. Irradiances were monitored in four wavelength channels: PAR (400–700 nm), UV‐A (315–400 nm), UV‐B (295–315 nm) and short‐wavelength UV‐B (295–310 nm) with a new radiometer. In addition, ambient temperatures were recorded. Record values have been found for PAR (exceeding 600 W m−2), UV‐A (close to 95 W m−2), UV‐B (3.13 W m−2) and short‐wavelength UV‐B (0.144 W m−2) during Austral spring. The winter irradiance values slightly exceeded 50% of these values. Maximal cloud effects due to multiple reflections were 45, 38, 32 and 35% higher than values under cloudless skies for PAR, UV‐A, UV‐B and short‐wavelength UV‐B, respectively. Record irradiance for this site shows a UV index reaching and exceeding 20, which is due to low solar zenith angles, the altitude, low water vapor and aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere as well as low total column ozone concentrations.
Magnetic characterization of the zigzag shaped J‐anomaly: Implications for kinematics and breakup processes at the Iberia–Newfoundland margins
Authors: Szameitat Luizemara S. A. , Manatschal Gianreto , Nirrengarten Michael , Ferreira Francisco J. F. , Heilbron Monica
Published: April 2020

Lithospheric breakup is generally defined as the process that results in a new plate boundary and oceanic crust. However, how this process occurs in magma‐poor systems remains debated. As recently suggested, the J‐magnetic anomaly at the Iberia–Newfoundland margins has polygenic sources and therefore cannot be interpreted as an isochron. However, the presence of the J‐anomaly on both margins suggests a common origin. By using analytic signal map of magnetic data, we highlight landward zigzagged limits for the J‐anomalies at the Iberian–Newfoundland margins. The zigzag segments neither match the axis nor the transform systems of previously proposed plate reconstructions, but are aligned with NE‐SW Palaeozoic trends. However, they can be fitted using recently published plate restorations, as expected if they have a single origin. Therefore, a link between the location of syn‐ to post‐breakup magmatic additions along the J‐anomaly and an inherited lithospheric trend is proposed.
How to pick a peak: Pitch and peak shifting in temporal models of pitch perception
Authors: Dahlbom David A. , Braasch Jonas
Published: April 2020

The standard autocorrelation model of pitch perception posits that the pitch of a stimulus can be predicted from the first major peak of a summary autocorrelation function (SACF) after the zero-delay peak. Models based on this theory are capable of predicting a wide range of pitch phenomena. There are, however, a number of cases where the approach fails. Two examples are noise edge pitch (NEP) and the pitch induced by the mistuning of a single component of an otherwise harmonic stimulus. Hartmann, Cariani, and Colburn [(2019). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 145, 1993–2008] recently proposed the use of multiple SACF peaks in the estimation process. This enables prediction of the NEP but suppresses the shift associated with a mistuned harmonic. A functional model is developed that can predict both of these pitch phenomena. The multiple-peak framework is extended with a non-standard peak-selection method that associates a delay time to a given peak in a manner that takes into account the entire shape of the bump surrounding the peak. This effectively shifts the peak location slightly for non-harmonic stimuli. A possible physiological mechanism that could induce such peak shifting is discussed, and the model is tested against existing psychophysical data.
miR-26a regulates extracellular vesicle secretion from prostate cancer cells via targeting SHC4, PFDN4, and CHORDC1
Authors: Urabe Fumihiko , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Sawa Yurika , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ito Kagenori , Yamamoto Tomofumi , Kimura Takahiro , Egawa Shin , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: April 2020

MicroRNA-based screening identifies the novel regulators of EV secretion from cancer cells.
Lineage hierarchies and stochasticity ensure the long-term maintenance of adult neural stem cells
Authors: Than-Trong Emmanuel , Kiani Bahareh , Dray Nicolas , Ortica Sara , Simons Benjamin , Rulands Steffen , Alunni Alessandro , Bally-Cuif Laure
Published: April 2020

Adult neural stem cells in vertebrates are maintained at long term through a hierarchy of subfunctionalized stem cell pools.
Changes in contact patterns shape the dynamics of the COVID-19 outbreak in China
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Litvinova Maria , Liang Yuxia , Wang Yan , Wang Wei , Zhao Shanlu , Wu Qianhui , Merler Stefano , Viboud Cécile , Vespignani Alessandro , Ajelli Marco , Yu Hongjie
Published: April 2020

Who and what next?

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought tighter restrictions on the daily lives of millions of people, but we do not yet understand what measures are the most effective. Zhang
et al.
modeled virus transmission in Wuhan, China, in February 2020, investigating the effects of interventions ranging from patient management to social isolation. Age-mixing patterns were estimated by contact surveys conducted in Wuhan and Shanghai at the beginning of February 2020. Once people reduced their average daily contacts from 14 to 20 down to 2, transmission rapidly fell below the epidemic threshold. The model also showed that preemptive school closures helped to reduce transmission, although alone they would not prevent a COVID-19 outbreak. Limiting human mixing to within households appeared to be the most effective measure.

Science
, this issue p.
1481
Discovery and pharmacological characterization of AZD3229, a potent KIT/PDGFRα inhibitor for treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Banks Erica , Grondine Michael , Bhavsar Deepa , Barry Evan , Kettle Jason G. , Reddy Venkatesh Pilla , Brown Crystal , Wang Haiyun , Mettetal Jerome T. , Collins Teresa , Adeyemi Oladipupo , Overman Ross , Lawson Deborah , Harmer Alexander R. , Reimer Corinne , Drew Lisa , Packer Martin J. , Cosulich Sabina , Jones Rhys DO. , Shao Wenlin , Wilson David , Guichard Sylvie , Fawell Stephen , Anjum Rana
Published: April 2020

AZD3229 demonstrates pan-KIT/PDGFRα activity in several preclinical models and is a promising agent for the treatment of GIST.
A Toxic Environment: a Growing Understanding of How Microbial Communities Affect Escherichia coli O157:H7 Shiga Toxin Expression
Authors: Nawrocki Erin M. , Mosso Hillary M. , Dudley Edward G.
Published: April 2020

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) strains, including
E. coli
O157:H7, cause severe illness in humans due to the production of Shiga toxin (Stx) and other virulence factors. Because Stx is coregulated with lambdoid prophage induction, its expression is especially susceptible to environmental cues. Infections with Stx-producing
E. coli
can be difficult to model due to the wide range of disease outcomes: some infections are relatively mild, while others have serious complications.
Small Noncoding RNA CjNC110 Influences Motility, Autoagglutination, AI-2 Localization, Hydrogen Peroxide Sensitivity, and Chicken Colonization in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Kreuder Amanda J. , Ruddell Brandon , Mou Kathy , Hassall Alan , Zhang Qijing , Plummer Paul J.
Published: April 2020

Small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in many important physiological functions in pathogenic microorganisms. Previous studies have identified the presence of noncoding RNAs in the major zoonotic pathogen
Campylobacter jejuni
; however, few have been functionally characterized to date. CjNC110 is a conserved ncRNA in
C. jejuni
, located downstream of the
luxS
gene, which is responsible for the production of the quorum sensing molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2).
The Role of Antibody Testing for SARS-CoV-2: Is There One?
Authors: Theel Elitza S. , Slev Patricia , Wheeler Sarah , Couturier Marc Roger , Wong Susan J. , Kadkhoda Kamran
Published: April 2020

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) brought with it rapid development of both molecular and serologic assays for identification of COVID-19 infections. While Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization (EUA) is required for clinical application of SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests, submission for EUA is currently a voluntary process for manufacturers of serologic assays. The absence of FDA oversight of serologic tests is concerning given that the commercially available serologic assays are highly variable, differing in their format, the antibody class detected, the targeted antigen, and the acceptable specimen types.
Complete Genome Sequence of Helicobacter pylori Strain ATCC 43504, a Type Strain That Can Infect Gerbils
Authors: Kinoshita-Daitoku Ryo , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Kiga Kotaro , Maruyama Fumito , Kondo Tomoyo , Nakagawa Ichiro , Hayashi Tetsuya , Mimuro Hitomi
Published: April 2020

Helicobacter pylori
ATCC 43504 is a type strain isolated from a gastric cancer patient in Australia and is commonly used for pathogenicity studies. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of a strain that can infect gerbils. The data provide a basis for future
H. pylori
research.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a Plant Growth-Promoting Strain, Serratia marcescens BTL07, Isolated from the Rhizoplane of Capsicum annuum L
Authors: Dutta Sudipta , Khatun Amena , Gupta Dipali Rani , Surovy Musrat Zahan , Rahman M. Mahbubur , Mahmud Nur Uddin , Emes Richard D. , Warry Andrew , West Helen M. , Clarke Michèle L. , Hoque M. Nazmul , Hossain Muhammad Maqsud , Salam Mohammad Abdus , Islam M. Tofazzal
Published: April 2020

Serratia marcescens
strain BTL07, which has the ability to promote growth and suppress plant diseases, was isolated from the rhizoplane of a chili plant. The draft genome sequence data of the strain will contribute to advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth promotion and tolerance to different stresses.