bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apatinib attenuates phenotypic switching of arterial smooth muscle cells in vascular remodelling by targeting the PDGF Receptor‐β
Authors: Shao Wenchao , Li Xiaoguang , Peng Jiangtong , Fan Siyuan , Liang Minglu , Huang Kai
Published: July 2020

Apatinib (YN968D1) is a small‐molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor（TKI）which can inhibit the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2). It has been reported that apatinib has anti‐tumour effect of inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of a variety of solid tumour cells, whereas its effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of apatinib on phenotypic switching of arterial smooth muscle cells in vascular remodelling. Compared to the vehicle groups, mice that were performed carotid artery ligation injury and treated with apatinib produced a reduction in abnormal neointimal area. For in vitro experiment, apatinib administration inhibited VSMC proliferation, migration and reversed VSMC dedifferentiation with the stimulation of platelet‐derived growth factor type BB (PDGF‐BB).In terms of mechanism, with the preincubation of apatinib, the activations of PDGF receptor‐β (PDGFR‐β) and phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C‐γ1 (PLC‐γ1) induced by PDGF‐BB were inhibited in VSMCs. With the preincubation of apatinib, the phosphorylation of PDGFR‐β, extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERK1/2) and Jun amino‐terminal kinases (JNK) induced by PDGF‐BB were also inhibited in rat vascular smooth muscle cell line A7r5. Herein, we found that apatinib attenuates phenotypic switching of arterial smooth muscle cells induced by PDGF‐BB in vitro and vascular remodelling in vivo. Therefore, apatinib is a potential candidate to treat vascular proliferative diseases.
An economic model of patent exhaustion
Authors: Ivus Olena , Lai Edwin L.‐C. , Sichelman Ted
Published: July 2020

The doctrine of patent exhaustion implies that the authorized sale of patented goods “exhausts” the patent rights in the goods sold and precludes additional license fees from downstream buyers. Courts have considered absolute exhaustion, in which the patent owner forfeits all rights upon an authorized sale, and presumptive exhaustion, in which the patent owner may opt‐out of exhaustion via contract. This paper offers the first economic model of domestic patent exhaustion that incorporates transaction costs in licensing downstream buyers and considers how the shift from absolute to presumptive exhaustion affects social welfare. We show that when transaction costs are high, the patent owner has no incentive to individually license downstream users, and absolute and presumptive exhaustion regimes are equivalent. But when transaction costs are at the intermediate level, the patent owner engages in mixed licensing, individually licensing high‐valuation buyers and uniformly licensing low‐valuation buyers. Presumptive exhaustion is socially optimal when social benefits from buyer‐specific pricing outweigh social costs from transaction cost frictions in individualized licensing, which requires sufficiently low transaction costs.
Oxidative stress and nitrate/nitrite (NOx) status following citrulline supplementation in type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Azizi S. , Ebrahimi‐Mameghani M. , Mobasseri M. , Karamzad N. , Mahdavi R.
Published: July 2020

Background

The pathogenesis of diabetes is accompanied by oxidative stress. Citrulline can be considered as a potent antioxidant. The present study aimed to examine the effects of citrulline supplementation on the status of oxidative stress and serum levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx) in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

The present study comprises a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomised clinical trial. The study subjects include 54 patients with T2DM chosen from specialised clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The patients were allocated to one of the placebo or intervention groups. The patients in the placebo and the intervention group received one sachet of microcrystalline cellulose or l‐citrulline (3 g), respectively, every day for 2 months. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), citrulline and NOx were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

Forty‐five patients completed the trial. Significant decreases were found in serum levels of FBS and MDA. Serum levels of TAC, citrulline and NOx in the intervention group increased compared to those of the placebo group, after adjusting the data for the baseline values and confounders. Differences between and within the two groups were statistically nonsignificant for GPx and SOD at the end of the study. Body mass index and energy intake were not changed significantly after the intervention.

Conclusions

The results of the present study show the positive effects of citrulline supplementation with respect to attenuating FBS levels and oxidative stress, as well as boosting NOx status, in patients with T2DM.
Consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and serum uric acid concentrations: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ebrahimpour‐koujan S. , Saneei P. , Larijani B. , Esmaillzadeh A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Serum uric acid concentration has been linked with metabolic abnormalities. The available evidence on the association of Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage (SSB) intake with serum uric acid concentrations is conflicting. The present study aimed to summarise earlier findings on the association of SSB consumption with serum uric acid concentrations in adults.

Methods

Using relevant keywords, we conducted a search in PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Scopus (https://www.scopus.com) and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com) up to September 2017 for all published papers assessing SSB intake and serum uric acid concentrations. SSBs were defined as the dietary intake of Sugar‐Sweetened Soft Drinks and Fruit Juice (FJ), or as Sugar‐Sweetened Soft Drinks, Diet Soft Drinks and Orange Juice or as Soda and FJ.

Results

After excluding non‐relevant papers, five studies, with six effect sizes, remained in our systematic review. All studies included in the current systematic review were of cross‐sectional design that were published between 2007 and 2013. The number of participants ranged from 483 to 14 761 people. Most studies had controlled for age, body mass index, weight and sex. We found that individuals in the highest category of SSB intake had 0.18 mg dL–1 greater concentrations of serum uric acid compared to those in the lowest category (summary effect size: 0.18 mg dL–1; 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.25). No significant between‐study heterogeneity was found (I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.698). In the sensitivity analysis, we found no particular study influence on the summary effect. There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

We found that SSB consumption was significantly associated with increased serum uric acid concentrations in an adult population.
Wild‐type and mutant SOD1 localizes to RNA‐rich structures in cells and mice but does not bind RNA
Authors: Da Ros Matteo , Deol Harmeen K. , Savard Alexandre , Guo Huishan , Meiering Elizabeth M. , Gibbings Derrick
Published: July 2020

Many of the genes whose mutation causes Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are RNA‐binding proteins which localize to stress granules, while others impact the assembly, stability, and elimination of stress granules. This has led to the hypothesis that alterations in the dynamics of stress granules and RNA biology cause ALS. Genetic mutations in Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) also cause ALS. Evidence demonstrates that SOD1 harboring ALS‐linked mutations is recruited to stress granules, induces changes in alternative splicing, and could be an RNA‐binding protein. Whether SOD1 inclusions contain RNA in disease models and whether SOD1 directly binds RNA remains uncertain. We applied methods including cross‐linking immunoprecipitation and in vitro gel shift assays to detect binding of SOD1 to RNA in vitro, in cells with and without stress granules, and in mice expressing human SOD1 G93A. We find that SOD1 localizes to RNA‐rich structures including stress granules, and SOD1 inclusions in mice contain mRNA. However, we find no evidence that SOD1 directly binds RNA. This suggests that SOD1 may impact stress granules, alternative splicing and RNA biology without binding directly to RNA.

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Roles of glutamate receptors in a novel in vitro model of early, comorbid cerebrovascular, and Alzheimer’s diseases
Authors: Simões‐Pires Elisa N. , Ferreira Sergio T. , Linden Rafael
Published: July 2020

Systemic multimorbidity is highly prevalent in the elderly and, remarkably, coexisting neuropathological markers of Alzheimer's (AD) and cerebrovascular (CVD) diseases are found at autopsy in most brains of patients clinically diagnosed as AD. Little is known on neurodegeneration peculiar to comorbidities, especially at early stages when pathogenesis may propagate at subclinical levels. We developed a novel in vitro model of comorbid CVD/AD in organotypic hippocampal cultures, by combining oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and exposure to amyloid‐Aβ oligomers (AβOs), both applied at levels subtoxic to neurons when used in isolation. We focused on synaptic proteins and the roles of glutamate receptors, which have been implicated in many basic and clinical approaches to either CVD or AD. Subtoxic insults by OGD and AβOs synergized to reduce levels of synaptophysin (SYP) and PSD‐95 without cell death, while effects of antagonists of either metabotropic or ionotropic glutamate receptors were distinct from reports in models of isolated CVD or AD. In particular, modulation of glutamate receptors differentially impacted SYP and PSD‐95, and antagonists of a single receptor subtype had distinct effects when either isolated or combined. Our findings highlight the complexity of CVD/AD comorbidity, help understand variable responses to glutamate receptor antagonists in patients diagnosed with AD and may contribute to future development of therapeutics based on investigation of the pattern of progressive comorbidity.

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Macro/microscopic distribution of the dorsal nerve of penis in human glans penis
Authors: Lee Shin‐Hyo , Koh Ki‐Seok , Song Wu‐Chul
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to elucidate the macroscopic and microscopic distributions of the dorsal nerve of penis (DNP) that provides the greatest sensitivity over the glans penis. The glandes of 23 penises of formalin‐embalmed cadavers were investigated to confirm the macroscopic and microscopic distributions of the DNP within the glans penis by whole‐mount Sihler's staining and histological sectioning. Superficial regions of the mid‐glans were reconstructed in three dimensions to define the microstructure of terminal branches of the DNP that project towards the skin surface. A mean of 6.7 bundles of the DNP consisting of several nerve fibres converged linearly towards the distal end of the penis, rather than diverging laterally as they travelled. Lateral branches of the DNP extended linearly to the distal end with ramifications, while dorsomedial branches of the DNP gave off nerve fibres to the dorsum of the mid‐glans and the corona. The intrastromal ramifications of the DNP were more developed in the distal half of the glans penis than the proximal glans containing the corpus cavernosum. These ramifications gave rise to radial nerve fibres that project towards the skin surface to form a plexiform network of terminal branches in the dermis. Linear projections of the main branches of the DNP throughout the glans and fine networks of terminal branches in the dermis were distinctly visualized in the human penis.
Effects of Opuntia ficus‐indica in the diet of primiparous sows on the metabolic profile during late gestation and lactation and feed intake during lactation
Authors: Ordaz Gerardo , Juárez Aureliano , Pérez Rosa E. , Martínez Héctor E. , Ortiz Ruy
Published: July 2020

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary Opuntia ficus‐indica L. (OFI) on the metabolic profile of primiparous sows during late gestation and lactation, and its impact on voluntary feed intake (VFI) during lactation. From day 85 of gestation to weaning, 32 sows were divided into four feeding schemes (n = 8 sows/scheme): Basal diet (BD) without OFI supplementation; Test scheme I, BD during gestation and BD + OFI during lactation; Test scheme II, BD + OFI during both gestation and lactation, and Test scheme III, BD + OFI during gestation and BD during lactation. Blood samples were obtained during gestation (day 85 and 100) and lactation (day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21) to determine plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, leptin, osteocalcin, ghrelin and agouti‐related protein (AgRP). VFI was higher (20% higher than that of controls) in sows that received dietary OFI during lactation (p < .05). The concentration of plasma glucose was lower in sows that consumed OFI than sows fed the conventional diet (p < .05). Plasma insulin concentrations were higher in sows that consumed OFI, than in sows that did not (p < .05). Triglyceride concentrations during gestation, farrowing and lactation were also lower in sows that consumed OFI (p < .05). OFI intake caused lower plasma concentrations of leptin during lactation (p < .05). Osteocalcin was higher in sows that consumed OFI versus controls (p < .05): 8.6% and 13.4% during gestation and lactation respectively. From day 3 of lactation, sows that consumed OFI had higher concentrations of ghrelin (p < .05). The concentration of plasma AgRP was higher (p < .05) in sows that consumed OFI versus controls: 3.1% and 14.2% in gestation and lactation respectively. We concluded that OFI intake by primiparous sows during late gestation and lactation favourably modulated the factors that caused insulin resistance and increased sow performance.
Effects of dietary cortisol administration on sex ratios in dwarf gouramis and rosy barbs
Authors: Ramee Shane W. , Lipscomb Taylor N. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: July 2020

Sexual differentiation in teleosts is based on diverse and complex combinations of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental conditions during early development can alter gonadal differentiation leading to sex reversal, where the individual's genotypic and phenotypic sexes are opposite. In many species, the mechanism of environmental sex reversal has been linked to the stress axis and fluctuations in cortisol. This mechanism could be utilized to manipulate sex ratios in ornamental aquaculture, where the males of sexually dichromic species are often more economically valuable due to their brighter coloration. Dietary cortisol administration was used as a proxy for environmental stress to evaluate the effects on gonadal differentiation in two ornamental species, rosy barb, Pethia conchonius and dwarf gourami, Trichogaster lalius. Three experiments were run with each species to assess the following: (a) postprandial cortisol levels following dietary administration, (b) the effect of dietary cortisol concentration on sex ratios, and (c) the effect of developmental timing of cortisol feed administration on sex ratios. Whole‐body cortisol enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays confirmed that cortisol feed did cause increased cortisol levels. However, despite cortisol feed being administered during the putative gonadal differentiation period, no effect was observed in the final sex ratios for any of the treatments evaluated.
Urgent issues and prospects in reforming interrogation practices in the United States and Canada
Authors: Snook Brent , Barron Todd , Fallon Laura , Kassin Saul M. , Kleinman Steven , Leo Richard A. , Meissner Christian A. , Morello Lorca , Nirider Laura H. , Redlich Allison D. , Trainum James L.
Published: July 2020

The current article presents a series of commentaries on urgent issues and prospects in reforming interrogation practices in Canada and the United States. Researchers and practitioners, who have devoted much of their careers to the field of police and intelligence interrogations, were asked to provide their insights on an area of interrogation research that they believe requires immediate attention. The submitted independent commentaries covered a variety of topics – from police recruitment, interrogation training, use of proper interrogation practices, and the treatment of confession evidence in court. Common concerns from the contributions pertained to the lag between scientific knowledge on interrogations and the application of such knowledge in the justice system, and the glaring disparity between the treatment of similar issues in the interrogation context versus other criminal justice contexts. A primary intent of this collection of commentaries is to serve as a resource pointing researchers in the direction of the fundamental areas that require immediate consideration and encouraging them to simultaneously pursue solutions to the overarching concerns that emerged from this project.
Quality of life, caregiver burden and mental health disorders in primary caregivers of patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Hareendran Atul , Devadas Krishnadas , Sreesh Srijaya , Tom Oommen Tharun , Varghese Jijo , Lubina Simna , Nahaz Nibin , Krishna Anju , Mullali Mohamed Kunhi Nizar
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

Caregivers are needed for cirrhotic patients as there is progressive decline in cognition and self‐care. We intend to study the quality of life (QOL), psychosocial burden and prevalence of mental health disorders among caregivers.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study where caregivers, defined as person who takes responsibility of providing care to patient, of cirrhotic patients were included. Short form 36 health survey (SF‐36) to assess QOL, Zarit Burdern Index12 (ZBI) for caregiver burden (CB). Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) identified depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7) questionnaires, anxiety.

Results

Of 132 caregivers, mean age of caregiver was 41.2 ± 10.3 years, with female preponderance. Mean MELD was 21.4 ± 7, majority belonged to CHILD C. Comparing the SF36 score of caregivers to normal population showed lower level of QOL for caregivers. Mean ZBI score – 14 ± 5.8. Mean GAD score – 8.1 ± 5.1, 54 (41%) had anxiety. Mean PHQ score – 7.8 ± 5.2, 45 (34%) had depression.

Regression analysis

Alcoholic cirrhosis, history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), Anxiety, Depression and recidivism predicted CB. Treatment costs (ODDS‐1.15), alcoholic cirrhosis (ODDS –8.9), history of HE (ODDS‐7.5) and caregiver duration (ODDS‐0.25) predicted anxiety. Treatment costs (ODDS‐1.5), caregiver age (ODDS‐0.87), spouse as caregiver (ODDS‐10.9) and higher education (ODDS‐0.79) predicted depression.

Conclusions

Caregivers of cirrhotic patients have high prevalence of CB with low QOL and high incidence of anxiety and depression, compared with the general population. Alcoholism in patients precipitates while higher education helps cope up with these disorders.
Dietary patterns of Chinese puerperal women and their association with postpartum weight retention: Results from the mother–infant cohort study
Authors: Li Niuniu , Su Xiao , Liu Tan , Sun Jing , Zhu Yimin , Dai Zhiyong , Zhang Yanchun , Pan Lina , Jiang Wei , Zhu Wenli
Published: July 2020

Dietary intake may affect maternal health, but it remains unclear about puerperal dietary intake and its association with maternal health. This study investigated the dietary patterns and their related factors and association with postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in Chinese puerperal women. Participants were from the mother–infant cohort study, in which both mothers and infants were followed up from childbirth to the next 2 years, in seven cities around China. Maternal puerperal dietary patterns were derived by a food frequency questionnaire and principal component analysis (PCA) within 1 month postpartum. PPWR was assessed by the difference of weight at 42 days and 6 months postpartum minus the pre‐pregnancy weight. Of 503 postpartum women, four dietary patterns were identified, including ‘plant food’ pattern (rice and vegetables as dominant foods), ‘diverse’ pattern (starchy roots, fruit, livestock meat and aquatic products), ‘traditional northern’ pattern (poultry, eggs and soup) and ‘marine‐flour’ pattern (flour, coarse food grains and marine fish). The diverse pattern was associated with professional puerperal family care and counselling service (p < .05). PPWRs at 42 days and 6 months postpartum were 6.37 and 4.70 kg averagely. The plant food dietary pattern tended to be associated with higher 42‐day PPWR (β = .105, p < .05), and diverse pattern was associated with lower 6‐months PPWR (β = −.137, p < .05). Conclusively, this study presented four dominant dietary patterns in Chinese postpartum women and showed a lower PPWR in adherence to diverse dietary pattern. The results would provide evidence to furtherly guide dietary practice and improve maternal health.
Challenging the belief in simple solutions: The need for epistemic practices in professional work
Authors: Nerland Monika , Hasu Mervi
Published: July 2020

Context

As a contribution to the State of the Science issue on ‘The problem with solutions’, this paper discusses how technology‐mediated and assumedly simple and straightforward solutions to professional problems in fact require extensive work from professionals in order that generalised tools and procedures can be made sense of, adapted and employed in local practice.

Theoretical perspective

The authors introduce a perspective on epistemic practices in professional work and learning in order to conceptualise and discuss the diversity of the knowledge‐related actions required to perform professional services. They discuss how the growing numbers and diversity of knowledge‐generating actors who aspire to inform professional practice create ‘multi‐charged’ work settings, imbued with multiple objectives and purposes. This development presents new epistemic challenges to professionals, which require extended capacities for knowledge work.

The authors give examples from empirical studies conducted in Nordic health care settings, which relate to nurses’ engagement with repositories of clinical procedures and to the development of new medical technologies for clinical use. They show how work performance in both cases depends on a range of epistemic practices (ie, collective ways of exploring, assessing, critically examining and justifying knowledge claims), which are necessary if the general tools and technologies are to be put to work in the local environment. This forms a core dynamic in practitioners’ work‐based learning as it moves between what is known and what remains to be explored or improved.

Conclusions

The paper argues that the widespread belief in simple or versatile solutions is challenged by research that reveals the diversity of the knowledge practices needed to perform professional services. The paper suggests that professional communities might pay more attention to epistemic practices as means to handle complexity. It raises intriguing questions and discusses implications for medical education.
Another Approach to Spinoza’s De Intellectus Emendatione
Authors: Duran Jane
Published: July 2020

This paper examines Spinoza’s De Intellectus Emendatione from the standpoint of its place in the rationalist canon, and also with respect to certain lines of feminist thought. It concludes that Spinoza’s wholism, lack of interest in skepticism, and insistence on simples are not inconsistent with a variety of feminist concerns. The commentary of Genevieve Lloyd and Harald Hoffding is alluded to, and notions taken from works of contemporary feminism are cited.
Globular glial tauopathy Type I presenting with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Hirano Mitsuaki , Iritani Shuji , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Torii Youta , Kawashima Kunihiro , Sekiguchi Hirotaka , Habuchi Chikako , Yamada Kentaro , Ikeda Toshimasa , Hasegawa Masato , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Yoshida Mari , Ozaki Norio
Published: July 2020

Globular glial tauopathy (GGT) is a recently proposed tauopathy characterized by the globular accumulation of four‐repeat (4R) tau in the oligodendroglia (globular oligodendroglial inclusion (GOI)) and astrocytes (globular astrocytic inclusion (GAI)), in addition to deposition in neurons. Although it is proposed that GGT should be classified into three different neuropathological subtypes, previous reports have indicated that subclassification might be difficult in some cases. We report an autopy case of a 79‐year‐old man with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). He developed behavioral changes at 67 years of age and had auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions at admission to a psychiatric hospital at 69 years of age. Neuropathologically, marked atrophy of the frontotemporal lobes and severe degeneration of the white matter and frontopontine tract were observed. The present case corresponded to GGT Type I, as numerous GOIs were observed, predominantly in the frontotemporal region. However, concurrent degeneration of the motor cortex and corticospinal tract suggest characteristics of Type II. Although the relationship between psychotic symptoms and GGT remains unclear, the present case demonstrates heterogeneity of GGT subtypes.
Obesity is a risk factor for developing critical condition in COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Földi Mária , Farkas Nelli , Kiss Szabolcs , Zádori Noémi , Váncsa Szilárd , Szakó Lajos , Dembrovszky Fanni , Solymár Margit , Bartalis Eszter , Szakács Zsolt , Hartmann Petra , Pár Gabriella , Erőss Bálint , Molnár Zsolt , Hegyi Péter , Szentesi Andrea ,   KETLAK Study Group
Published: July 2020

The disease course of COVID‐19 varies from asymptomatic infection to critical condition leading to mortality. Identification of prognostic factors is important for prevention and early treatment. We aimed to examine whether obesity is a risk factor for the critical condition in COVID‐19 patients by performing a meta‐analysis. The review protocol was registered onto PROSPERO (CRD42020185980). A systematic search was performed in five scientific databases between 1 January and 11 May 2020. After selection, 24 retrospective cohort studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in meta‐analysis. Obesity was a significant risk factor for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in a homogenous dataset (OR = 1.21, CI: 1.002‐1.46; I2 = 0.0%) as well as for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (OR = 2.05, CI: 1.16‐3.64; I2 = 34.86%) in COVID‐19. Comparing body mass index (BMI) classes with each other, we found that a higher BMI always carries a higher risk. Obesity may serve as a clinical predictor for adverse outcomes; therefore, the inclusion of BMI in prognostic scores and improvement of guidelines for the intensive care of patients with elevated BMI are highly recommended.
Electronic cigarette vapor increases Streptococcus mutans growth, adhesion, biofilm formation, and expression of the biofilm‐associated genes
Authors: Rouabhia Mahmoud , Semlali Abdelhabib
Published: July 2020

Objective

It still not known whether electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) contribute to dental caries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of e‐cigarettes on the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the formation of biofilm, and the expression of certain virulence genes.

Materials and Methods

Streptococcus mutans cells were exposed or not to e‐cigarettes with and without nicotine or to cigarette smoke twice a day for 15 min each exposure period. The bacterial growth and the expression of glucosyltranferase, competence, and glucan‐binding genes were evaluated after 24 hr. Biofilm formation was assessed after 1, 2, and 3 days. S. mutans adhesion and growth to e‐cigarette exposed human teeth were assessed.

Results

We observed an increase in S. mutans growth with e‐cigarettes, mainly at the early culture period. This was confirmed by an increase of biofilm mass ranging from 8 ± 0.5 mg with the control to 47 ± 5 mg after six exposures to nicotine‐rich e‐cigarettes. S. mutans cells adhered better to e‐cigarette exposed teeth. E‐cigarettes increased the expression of glucosyltranferase, competence, and glucan‐binding genes.

Conclusions

E‐cigarettes increased the growth of S. mutans and the expression of virulent genes. E‐cigarettes promoted the adhesion to, and formation of biofilms on teeth surfaces.
The seed‐specific heat shock factor A9 regulates the depth of dormancy in Medicago truncatula seeds via ABA signalling
Authors: Zinsmeister Julia , Berriri Souha , Basso Denise Puntel , Ly‐Vu Benoit , Dang Thi‐Thu , Lalanne David , da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido Amaral , Leprince Olivier , Buitink Julia
Published: July 2020

During the later stages of seed maturation, two key adaptive traits are acquired that contribute to seed lifespan and dispersal, longevity and dormancy. The seed‐specific heat shock transcription factor A9 is an important hub gene in the transcriptional network of late seed maturation. Here, we demonstrate that HSFA9 plays a role in thermotolerance rather than in ex situ seed conservation. Storage of hsfa9 seeds of Medicago truncatula and Arabidopsis had comparable lifespan at moderate storage relative humidity (RH), whereas at high RH, hsfa9 seeds lost their viability much faster than wild type seeds. Furthermore, we show that in M. truncatula, Mthsfa9 seeds acquired more dormancy during late maturation than wild type. Transient expression of MtHSFA9 in hairy roots and transcriptome analysis of Mthsfa9 Tnt1 insertion mutants identified a deregulation of genes involved in ABA biosynthesis, catabolism and signalling. Consistent with these results, Mthsfa9 seeds exhibited increased ABA levels and higher sensitivity to ABA. These data suggest that in legumes, HSFA9 acts as a negative regulator of the depth of seed dormancy during seed development via the modulation of hormonal balance.
A Spectroscopy‐based Methodology for Rapid Screening and Characterization of Phytochrome Photochemistry in Search of Pfr‐favored Variants
Authors: Antelo Giuliano Tomás , Sánchez‐Lamas Maximiliano , Goldbaum Fernando Alberto , Otero Lisandro Horacio , Bonomi Hernán Ruy , Rinaldi Jimena
Published: July 2020

Phytochromes are photosensitive proteins with a covalently bound open‐chain chromophore that can switch between two principal states: red light absorbing Pr and far‐red light absorbing Pfr. Our group has previously shown that the bacteriophytochrome from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (XccBphP) is a bathy‐like phytochrome that uses biliverdin IXα as a co‐factor and is involved in bacterial virulence. To date, the XccBphP crystal structure could only be solved in the Pr state, while the structure of its Pfr state remains elusive. The aims of this work were to develop an efficient screening methodology for the rapid characterization and to identify XccBphP variants that favor the Pfr form. The screening approach developed here consists in analyzing the UV‐Vis absorption behavior of clarified crude extracts containing recombinant phytochromes. This strategy has allowed us to quickly explore over a hundred XccBphP variants, characterize multiple variants and identify Pfr‐favored candidates. The high‐quality data obtained enabled not only a qualitative, but also a quantitative characterization of their photochemistry. This method could be easily adapted to other phytochromes or other photoreceptor families.
Performance Management Meets Red Tape: Bounded Rationality, Negativity Bias, and Resource Dependence
Authors: Hong Sounman
Published: July 2020

Governments around the world have implemented reforms to reduce red tape, but little evidence exists about whether they have achieved their goals. Utilizing a quasi‐experimental regression discontinuity design, this research examines the impact of a policy implemented by the Korean central government to reduce local levels of regulatory red tape. The findings show, first, that the centrally designed reform significantly reduced local levels of red tape, but the reduction occurred only among low‐performing localities. This supports the claim that organizations’ responses to positive and negative performance information are asymmetric—the negativity bias hypothesis. This finding is explained by the bounded rationality view of organizational decision‐making. Second, the impact was clearest among localities with high fiscal dependence on the central government. This supports the resource dependence hypothesis, which postulates that a policy's impact depends on the power imbalance between localities and the central government.
Photoprotection by mitochondrial alternative pathway is enhanced at heat but disabled at chilling
Authors: Li Yu‐Ting , Liu Mei‐Jun , Li Ying , Liu Peng , Zhao Shi‐Jie , Gao Hui‐Yuan , Zhang Zi‐Shan
Published: July 2020

The mitochondrial alternative pathway (AP) represents an important photoprotective mechanism for the chloroplast, but the temperature sensitivity of its photoprotective role is unknown. In this study, using the aox1a Arabidopsis mutant, the photoprotective role of the AP was verified under various temperatures, and the mechanism underlying the temperature sensitivity of the AP’s photoprotective role was clarified. It was observed that the photoprotective role of the AP increased with rising temperature but was absent at low temperature. The photoprotective role of the AP was severely reduced under non‐photorespiratory conditions. Disturbance of the AP inhibited the conversion of glycine to serine in mitochondria, which may restrain upstream photorespiratory metabolism and aggravate photoinhibition. With rising temperatures, photorespiration accelerated and the restraint of photorespiration caused by disturbance of the AP also increased, determining the temperature sensitivity of the AP’s photoprotective role. We also verified that not only the AP but also the cytochrome pathway in mitochondria contributes to photoprotection by maintaining photorespiration.
Isolation, identification and associated risk factors of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infection in humans and dromedary camels in Samburu County, Kenya
Authors: Asaava Lucas L. A. , Githui Willie A. , Mwangi Moses , Mwangi Edwin , Juma Ernest , Moraa Ruth , Halakhe Adan , Gicheru Michael M.
Published: July 2020

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria are of public health significance, and zoonotic infection is attributed to the sociocultural practice of consumption of raw milk and the close human–livestock contact in pastoral communities. This study aimed at isolation, identification of mycobacteria from human sputum and camel milk and risk factors assessment in Samburu East, Kenya. Six hundred and twelve camels and 48 people presumed to have tuberculosis (TB) from 86 households in Wamba and Waso regions were screened. Camels were categorized into Somali, Turkana and Rendile breeds. Single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) was used as a herd‐screening test on lactating camels and a milk sample collected from reactive camels. Sputum samples were collected from eligible members of participating households. A standard questionnaire on possible risk factors for both humans and camels was administered to respective household heads or their representatives. Total camel skin test reactors were 238/612 (38.9%). Milk and sputum samples were analysed at KEMRI/TB research laboratory for microscopy, GeneXpert®, culture and identification. Isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing at Inqaba biotec in South Africa. Sixty‐four isolates were acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) positive of which M. fortuitum (3), M. szulgai (20), M. monacense (5), M. lehmanni (4), M. litorale (4), M. elephantis (3), M. duvalii (3), M. brasiliensis (1), M. arcueilense (1) and M. lentiflavum (1) were from milk; M. fortuitum (1), M. szulgai (2) and M. litorale (1) were from humans. Risk factors included the following: Turkana breed (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.2–9.3), replacements from outside the County (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 0.3–12.3), presence of other domestic species (small stock; OR = 4.6) and replacement from within the herd (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 0.7–14.7). Zoonotic risk practices included raw milk consumption, shared housing and handling camels. Monitoring of zoonotic NTM through surveillance and notification systems is required.
Changes Regarding Attitudes Towards Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Sweden: The Diversity Barometer (2005-2018)
Authors: Ahmadi Fereshteh , Darvishpour Mehrdad , Palm Irving
Published: July 2020

This article aims to discuss changes in attitudes towards immigrants in Sweden from 2015 onwards, based on the results of the longitudinal Diversity Barometer studies from 2005-2014, 2016 and 2018. The Diversity Barometer studies are based on a national, representative, and randomly selected sample from the Swedish population, with a new sample selected each time. We have analyzed the changes from a sociological perspective, using theories such as contact theory and group conflict theory. The results show an increase in negative attitudes towards ethic and cultural diversity generally, and towards immigrants specifically. Diversity in culture and religion – especially towards Islam – is more negatively perceived as compared to diversity in the work domain. Societal groups with extensive experience from contact with foreigners, those who identify themselves as women, those who are more educated, younger people and city dwellers, have all a more positive attitude towards diversity than others.
The Social Responsibility in the Formation of the Professional of the Communication and Its Professional Practice, the Case of a University of the Mexican Southeast
Authors: Quinto Gabriela Hidalgo , Pérez Mayo Augusto Renato , Ruíz Jannet Rodríguez , Nieto Nohemí Roque
Published: July 2020

The objective of this work is to analyze the Social Responsibility of graduates of the Communication Degree from the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, in the professional practice in the Tabasco companies. Through a comparative study, we will know the academic training versus the professional practice of those in charge of the organizational communication and if this meets the needs of the companies (interest group). It is important to consider that the SR is not focused on a particular aspect but involves social, economic and environmental actions among others, so the university has a social commitment to train professionals to meet the needs of the environment, and the communication professional It has an important role in publicizing the actions carried out by organizations in favor of their own publics. Thus, having a communication professional who handles information responsibly will allow us to create an adequate image before society in general. A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with personnel working in the area of organizational communication, the sample was carried out through snowball. The results indicate that the formation of communication students corresponds to the needs of the organizations, however, they have had to look for ways of training to complement their practice, so it is necessary to look for strategies that allow to adapt the training of the students. students and better meet the needs of the professional field.
Development of Higher Education of Women in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia
Authors: Zormanová Lucie
Published: July 2020

The paper follows the development of conflicts of views on Czech girls’ education from its humble beginnings to the enactment of proper university education of women. In the paper, the author describes the development process of higher institutionalized education of women in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. It is a process beginning with girls learning to cook and manage the household as part of their higher education and ending with the legitimization of university education for women and women’s access to universities as full‑fledged students. The paper also focuses on conditions of establishing girls’ schools and education in these schools. The author also concentrates on an area closely interconnected with the education area, namely the possibility of self fulfilment in the public sector, professional realization. On the basis of historical and contemporary literature and sources, the author describes the difficulty of the process of women’s emancipation in the area of education.
Marriage Versus Partnership: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Tománek Pavol
Published: July 2020

The present study deals with the issue of marriage and legalized partner cohabitation. The paper offers a contemporary view on the phenomenon of legalized homosexual partnership and reflects the views of selected world religions on the phenomenon of marriage. The paper also points out current challenges and perspectives, relevantly argues certain facts and makes suggestions and recommendations for practice.
Music Therapy Intervention with Autistic Children
Authors: Vlachová Zuzana
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a qualitative empirical research project, research design and research methods used in the preparation of a dissertation which deals with music therapy interventions in children with autism. The reason for examining this issue is a considerable lack of research activity in this area, and thus also a lack of relevant results on which clinical practice could rely. The results of future investigations should bring answers to the question of how children with autism receive and experience music therapy intervention and also what the effect of music therapy intervention in the social interaction of children is; research will be directed to a deeper understanding of this influence and its characteristics using the multiple case study design.
Exploitation of Video Interaction Guidance in the Development of Professional Competencies of Teachers of Practical and Vocational Subjects
Authors: Horáčková Marie , Kadlecová Petra
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a method of video interaction guidance as a tool for short-term interventions expanding client’s communication competencies and its application in the preparation of teachers of secondary schools. The video interaction guidance is used to develop communication skills of students in bachelor’s degree Specialization in pedagogy in the field of study Teaching practical and vocational subjects. The method was employed by several students of the subject Pedagogical communication, a course aiming at introducing communication between a teacher and a pupil of secondary school. A case study illustrating the progress of cooperation is presented at the end of the paper.
Business Education for Students at Faculties of Technology
Authors: Koudelková Petra
Published: July 2020

Many small and midsize companies are being closed down in the Czech Republic nowadays and new ones are not being established. It is necessary to introduce students and graduates to entrepreneurship to encourage business on the Czech market and to increase the competitiveness of the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, young people, above all students and graduates, have no effort to establish new start ups. This article deals with entrepreneurship among students at faculties of technology. The research used both quantitative and qualitative method.
The Influence of Emotional Relationships in Family on the Way of Spending Leisure Time in Adolescence
Authors: Žumárová Monika
Published: July 2020

The paper focuses on the possible relations between leisure time activities and the quality of relationships with parents and peers of secondary school students during the period of late adolescence. It also deals with the relations between leisure time activities and some manifestations of risk behaviour in this period. In the empirical part we used the following methods: Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, Inventory of Leisure-time Activities “What do I do after school“, and Inventory of Risk Behaviour.
Education of Mothers in Childcare
Authors: Vařejková Zuzana
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with the education of mothers in the care of the child and is a project of qualitative empirical research. First, it presents a theoretical definition of the topic – parenting, child care and parental learning. Subsequently, it describes the methodology and results of qualitative research which dealt with the issue of parental education of mothers in child care, specifically their access to information resource.
Conceptual Framework Development for a Double-Walled Aortic Stent-Graft to Manage Blood Pressure
Authors: Kizilski Shannen B. , Amili Omid , Coletti Filippo , Faizer Rumi , Barocas Victor H.
Published: July 2020

A double-walled stent-graft (DWSG) design with a compressible gas layer was conceived with the goal of treating hypertension in patients receiving an aortic stent-graft. Early prototypes were developed to evaluate the design concept through static measurements from a finite element (FE) model and quasi-static inflation experiments, and through dynamic measurements from an in vitro flow loop and the three-element Windkessel model. The amount of gas in the gas layer and the properties of the flexible inner wall were the primary variables evaluated in this study. Properties of the inner wall had minimal effect on DWSG behavior, but increased gas charge led to increased fluid capacitance and larger reduction in peak and pulse pressures. In the flow loop, placement of the DWSG decreased pulse pressure by over 20% compared to a rigid stent-graft. Capacitance measurements were consistent across all methods, with the maximum capacitance estimated at 0.07 mL/mmHg for the largest gas charge in the 15 cm long prototype. Windkessel model predictions for in vivo performance of a DWSG placed in the aorta of a hypertensive patient showed pulse pressure reduction of 14% compared to a rigid stent-graft case, but pressures never returned to unstented values. These results indicate that the DWSG design has potential to be developed into a new treatment for hypertensive patients requiring an aortic intervention.
Liars, Cheaters, and Short-Haired Girls: Gender Identity Denial of Young Athletes
Authors: Minikel-Lacocque Julie
Published: July 2020

Gender-based discrimination in sport is omnipresent and manifests in various forms, including unequal pay, disparate access to facilities, and imbalanced media exposure. This discrimination also extends to those female athletes who do not meet stereotypical notions of how females should look and how they should move on the sporting field. Four gender nonconforming youth athletes who have faced gender and gender-identity discrimination in sport were recruited for this study, as well as their families and two of their coaches. A qualitative case study was conducted and data from in-depth interviews with each participant, one focus group with the young athletes, and observational field notes are analyzed. Through the lens of Critical Feminist Theory, this study examines the gender and gender-identity discrimination these young athletes have endured, the perpetrators of which are adults charged with organizing and regulating youth sport. The study finds that these athletes are repeatedly accused of lying about their identities, that they are often subjected to gender identity denial, and that their bodies are routinely policed and objectified. Implications for institutions of higher education, sport management, coaches, referees, and fans are discussed and include targeted education on nuanced understandings of gender, sex, misgendering, and gender identity denial. This study also calls for sport to believe youth athletes regarding their identities as well as for a re-examination of the gendered structure of youth sport.
Could gut flora cycles be key to treating diabetes?
Authors: Hurley Jennifer M.
Published: July 2020

Gut microbiota abundance rhythms are ablated in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Loss of TET2 boosts cell fitness
Authors: Giannarelli Chiara
Published: July 2020

The loss of TET2 favors a pathogenic switch to a stem cell–like state in cancer.