bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Situational insecurity versus entrenched ideologies as the source of right‐wing voters’ anti‐migrant sentiment on both sides of the Atlantic
Authors: Cheung‐Blunden Violet
Published: March 2020

A popular explanation for the emergence of right‐wing populism is that perceived threats toward migrants triggered a wave of anti‐migrant sentiment. This kind of insecurity narrative paints ethnocentrism as a reaction to ongoing events rather than an entrenched belief that coexists with related right‐wing ideologies. A mediation model was constructed with an anti‐migrant sentiment as the outcome, a sense of insecurity as the mediator and a composite of right‐wing ideologies as predictors. Study 1 was conducted with 220 Americans and 231 Germans a few months after the Paris terrorist attack. Study 2, a preregistered replication, was conducted two years later on 151 British as well as 183 Spanish participants where both countries saw a recent terrorist attack on their own soil. A replicated finding across the four samples rejected insecurity as a mediator. In all samples, the indirect pathways showed the same weakness—while conservatives were risk averse, their sense of insecurity was not a linchpin to anti‐migrant sentiment. The significant direct pathways confirmed the integrity of the conservative belief system where anti‐migrant sentiment was best explained by related componential beliefs, such as right‐wing authoritarianism, nationalism, and neoliberalism. Concerns about terror threats and migrant crises seem to have been hijacked to sugarcoat the ideological nature of ethnocentrism, at least under the present threat scenarios. Suggestions are made to further examine the insecurity narrative in the future.
Investigating the potential for genetic improvement of nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency in a Swiss large white pig population using chemical analysis
Authors: Kasper Claudia , Ruiz‐Ascacibar Isabel , Stoll Peter , Bee Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

Pig production contributes to environmental pollution through excretion of phosphorus and nitrogenous compounds. European pig production requires annual imports of currently 36 million tons of soya bean, because domestic plant protein sources often do not meet the required protein quality. Most of the mineral phosphate sources are also imported. It is therefore desirable to improve nutrient deposition efficiency through selective breeding, that is to realise similar growth rates and carcass compositions as currently achieved but with a lower intake of dietary crude protein or phosphate. For a preliminary evaluation of the potential of selecting for increased nutrient deposition efficiency, we estimated genetic parameters for nitrogen and phosphorus efficiencies in a Swiss Large White pig population including 294 individuals. Nutrient efficiency phenotypes were obtained from wet‐chemistry analyses of pigs of various live weights. Heritability of nitrogen efficiency was estimated at 41%. Heritability of phosphorus efficiency was very low (0.3%), but positive genetic correlations with nitrogen efficiency suggest that breeding for nitrogen efficiency would positively affect phosphorus efficiency. Further studies are needed to improve the quality of estimates and to obtain accurate high‐throughput measures of nutrient efficiency to be implemented on farms.
Long non‐coding RNA‐H19 stimulates osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the microRNA‐149/SDF‐1 axis
Authors: Li Guangjie , Yun Xiangdong , Ye Kaishan , Zhao Haiyan , An Jiangdong , Zhang Xueliang , Han Xingwen , Li Yanhong , Wang Shuanke
Published: March 2020

Bone defects resulting from non‐union fractures or tumour resections are common clinical problems. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play vital roles in stem cell differentiation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of lncRNA‐H19 in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Following the establishment of an osteogenic differentiation model in rats, the expression of H19, microRNA‐149 (miR‐149) and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) was measured by RT‐qPCR. Thereafter, BMMSCs were isolated from rats and treated with a series of mimic, inhibitor or siRNA. SDF‐1 expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) content were detected. The mineralized and calcified nodules were assessed by alizarin red S and Von Kossa staining. BMMSC surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of ALP, OCN, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osterix (OSX) proteins. Lastly, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were applied to verify the relationship of H19, miR‐149 and SDF‐1. Overexpressed H19 and SDF‐1 and poorly expressed miR‐149 were found in rats with osteogenic differentiation. H19 increased SDF‐1 expression by binding to miR‐149. H19 enhanced ALP activity, OCN content, calcium deposit and ALP, OCN, RUNX2 and OSX protein expression of BMMSCS by up‐regulating SDF‐1 via binding to miR‐149. Taken together, up‐regulated H19 could promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs by increasing SDF‐1 via miR‐149.
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA Sox2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) promotes multiple myeloma progression via microRNA‐143‐3p/c‐MET axis
Authors: Tianhua Yu , Dianqiu Li , Xuanhe Zhang , Zhe Zhang , Dongmei Gao
Published: March 2020

Long non‐coding RNA Sox2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) was reported to be involved in progression of multiple cancers. However, the role and mechanism of SOX2OT in multiple myeloma (MM) has yet to be unravelled. In the present study, elevated SOX2OT levels are reported in MM cell lines and patient samples as compared to normal plasma cells (nPCs) and healthy donors, respectively. Knock‐down of SOX2OT led to a significant inhibition of cell proliferation, arrested cells at G0/G1 phase and induced cell apoptosis in MM samples in vitro, as well as slowed the growth of tumours in vivo. Additionally, our data indicated that SOX2OT functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in MM cells that regulated miR‐144‐3p expression. Repression of miR‐144‐3p reversed the inhibition of MM development due to SOX2OT knock‐down. Our data also revealed that SOX2OT regulated the expression of the cellular‐mesenchymal to epithelial transition factor (c‐MET, a known target of miR‐143‐3p) by functioning as a sponge of miR‐144‐3p in MM samples. These data support that SOX2OT promotes MM progression through regulating the miR‐144‐3p/c‐MET axis, suggesting that SOX2OT might be as a potential therapeutic target for MM.
Diagnostic accuracy of IL1β in saliva: The development of predictive models for estimating the probability of the occurrence of periodontitis in non‐smokers and smokers
Authors: Arias‐Bujanda Nora , Regueira‐Iglesias Alba , Blanco‐Pintos Triana , Alonso-Sampedro Manuela , Relvas Marta , González‐Peteiro Maria Mercedes , Balsa‐Castro Carlos , Tomás Inmaculada
Published: March 2020

Aim

To obtain salivary interleukin (IL) 1β‐based models to predict the probability of the occurrence of periodontitis, differentiating by smoking habit.

Materials/Methods

A total of 141 participants were recruited, 62 periodontally healthy controls and 79 subjects affected by periodontitis. Fifty of the diseased patients were given non‐surgical periodontal treatment and showed significant clinical improvement in 2 months. IL1β was measured in the salivary samples using the Luminex instrument. Binary logistic regression models were obtained to differentiate untreated periodontitis from periodontal health (first modelling) and untreated periodontitis from treated periodontitis (second modelling), distinguishing between non‐smokers and smokers. The area under the curve (AUC) and classification measures were calculated.

Results

In the first modelling, IL1β presented AUC values of 0.830 for non‐smokers and 0.689 for smokers (accuracy = 77.6% and 70.7%, respectively). In the second, the predictive models revealed AUC values of 0.671 for non‐smokers and 0.708 for smokers (accuracy = 70.0% and 75.0%, respectively).

Conclusion

Salivary IL1β has an excellent diagnostic capability when it comes to distinguishing systemically healthy patients with untreated periodontitis from those who are periodontally healthy, although this discriminatory potential is reduced in smokers. The diagnostic capacity of salivary IL1β remains acceptable for differentiating between untreated and treated periodontitis.
Associated evolution of fruit size, fruit colour and spines in Neotropical palms
Authors: Nascimento Lucas Ferreira do , Guimarães Paulo R. , Onstein Renske E. , Kissling W. Daniel , Pires Mathias M.
Published: March 2020

Understanding how ecological interactions have shaped the evolutionary dynamics of species traits remains a challenge in evolutionary ecology. Combining trait evolution models and phylogenies, we analysed the evolution of characters associated with seed dispersal (fruit size and colour) and herbivory (spines) in Neotropical palms to infer the role of these opposing animal–plant interactions in driving evolutionary patterns. We found that the evolution of fruit colour and fruit size was associated in Neotropical palms, supporting the adaptive interpretation of seed‐dispersal syndromes and highlighting the role of frugivores in shaping plant evolution. Furthermore, we revealed a positive association between fruit size and the presence of spines on palm leaves, bracteas and stems. We hypothesize that interactions between palms and large‐bodied frugivores/herbivores may explain the evolutionary relationship between fruit size and spines. Large‐bodied frugivores, such as extinct megafauna, besides consuming the fruits and dispersing large seeds, may also have consumed the leaves or damaged the plants, thus simultaneously favouring the evolution of large fruits and defensive structures. Our findings show how current trait patterns can be understood as the result of the interplay between antagonistic and mutualistic interactions that have happened throughout the evolutionary history of a clade.
Application of waterborne rosin polymer coating for preserving strawberry during storage
Authors: Xu Jia‐li , Gao Hong , Zhang Hai‐bo , Yao Shu‐feng , Wang Dan , Shang Shi‐bin
Published: March 2020

A water‐soluble rosin polymer (RP) was prepared via polymerization of rosin and maleic anhydride. The structure of the RP was characterized via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The RP was used as a film‐forming agent on strawberries to improve their postharvest quality at room temperature. The effectiveness of this treatment was evaluated based on the impact of the RP coating on the following parameters: weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), firmness, respiration rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, anthocyanin content, and total phenolic content (TPC). The samples that coated with the RP exhibited delayed respiration and loss of firmness compared with the control. Correspondingly, the samples coated with the RP had lower weight loss (14.78%), MDA content (8.13 × 10−2 μmol/g), anthocyanin content (37.86 mg/100 g), TPC (3.41 × 10−4 mg/100 g), and higher TSS (8.09%). The results indicated that the RP preservative could effectively maintain the freshness of fruits.
Intestinal microbiota and its association with colon cancer and red/processed meat consumption
Authors: Abu‐Ghazaleh Nadine , Chua Weng Joe , Gopalan Vinod
Published: March 2020

The human colon harbors a high number of microorganisms that were reported to play a crucial role in colorectal carcinogenesis. In the recent decade, molecular detection and metabolomic techniques have expanded our knowledge on the role of specific microbial species in promoting tumorigenesis. In this study, we reviewed the association between microbial dysbiosis and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Various microbial species and their association with colorectal tumorigenesis and red/processed meat consumption have been reviewed. The literature demonstrated a significant abundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus bovis/gallolyticus, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis in patients with adenoma or adenocarcinoma compared to healthy individuals. The mechanisms in which each organism was postulated to promote colon carcinogenesis were collated and summarized in this review. These include the microorganisms' ability to adhere to colon cells; modulate the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes, the activations of oncogenes, and genotoxicity; and activate downstream targets responsible for angiogenesis. The role of these microorganisms in conjugation with meat components including N‐nitroso compounds, heterocyclic amines, and heme was also evident in multiple studies. The outcome of this review supports the role of red meat consumption in modulating CRC progression and the possibility of gut microbiome influencing the relationship between CRC and diet. The study also demonstrates that microbiota analysis could potentially complement existing screening methods when detecting colonic lesions.
Phytohormone dynamics in developing endosperm influence rice grain shape and quality
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Fan , Tong Jian‐Hua , Bai Ai‐Ning , Liu Chun‐Ming , Xiao Lang‐Tao , Xue Hong‐Wei
Published: March 2020

Hormones are important signaling molecules regulating developmental processes and responses to environmental stimuli in higher plants. Rice endosperm, the portion of the seed surrounding the embryo, is the main determinant of rice grain shape and yield; however, the dynamics and exact functions of phytohormones in developing endosperm remain elusive. Through a systemic study including transcriptome analysis, hormone measurement, and transgene‐based endosperm‐specific expression of phytohormone biosynthetic enzymes, we demonstrated that dynamic phytohormone levels play crucial roles in the developing rice endosperm, particularly in regard to grain shape and quality. We detected diverse, differential, and dramatically changing expression patterns of genes related to hormone biosynthesis and signaling during endosperm development, especially at early developmental stages. Liquid chromatography measurements confirmed the dynamic accumulation of hormones in developing endosperm. Further transgenic analysis performed on plants expressing hormone biosynthesis genes driven by an endosperm‐specific promoter revealed differential effects of the hormones, especially auxin and brassinosteroids, in regulating grain shape and quality. Our studies help elucidate the distinct roles of hormones in developing endosperm and provide novel and useful tools for influencing crop seed shape and yield.
Targeting and signaling of Rho of plants guanosine triphosphatases require synergistic interaction between guanine nucleotide inhibitor and vesicular trafficking
Authors: Ge Fu‐Rong , Chai Sen , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2020

Most eukaryotic cells are polarized. Common toolbox regulating cell polarization includes Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), in which spatiotemporal activation is regulated by a plethora of regulators. Rho of plants (ROPs) are the only Rho GTPases in plants. Although vesicular trafficking was hinted in the regulation of ROPs, it was unclear where vesicle‐carried ROP starts, whether it is dynamically regulated, and which components participate in vesicle‐mediated ROP targeting. In addition, although vesicle trafficking and guanine nucleotide inhibitor (GDI) pathways in Rho signaling have been extensively studied in yeast, it is unknown whether the two pathways interplay. Unclear are also cellular and developmental consequences of their interaction in multicellular organisms. Here, we show that the dynamic targeting of ROP through vesicles requires coat protein complex II and ADP‐ribosylation factor 1‐mediated post‐Golgi trafficking. Trafficking of vesicle‐carried ROPs between the plasma membrane and the trans‐Golgi network is mediated through adaptor protein 1 and sterol‐mediated endocytosis. Finally, we show that GDI and vesicle trafficking synergistically regulate cell polarization and ROP targeting, suggesting that the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity is regulated by an evolutionarily conserved mechanism.
Personality‐cognition associations across the adult life span and potential moderators: Results from two cohorts
Authors: Simon Sharon S. , Lee Seonjoo , Stern Yaakov
Published: March 2020

Objective

Personality and cognitive abilities have been previously linked. However, there are inconsistencies regarding whether this relationship varies as a function of age, and a lack of evidence on whether gender contributes to this relation, particularly across the adulthood. Therefore, this study investigated the association between personality and cognition across the adult life span, accounting for age and gender.

Methods

We examined the association between personality and cognition in two large samples (Sample 1: N = 422; Sample 2: N = 549) including young, middle‐aged and older adults. Participants completed personality scales and several cognitive measures related to reasoning, language, memory and speed of processing. Structural equation modeling was applied in order to investigate associations between personality and cognition, and moderation of age and gender within this relationship. We also conducted a mini‐meta‐analysis procedure in order to examine personality‐cognition associations, combining results from the two samples.

Results

Openness was the main trait associated with cognitive performance; however, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism were also independently associated with cognition. Age and gender did not consistently moderate personality‐cognition in each sample, but the mini‐metanalysis showed that gender moderated Conscientiousness‐cognition associations.

Conclusions

We provided robust evidence of personality‐cognition associations across the adult life span, which was not consistently moderated by age, but in part by gender.
For Better, For Worse: Manatee‐Associated Tursiocola (Bacillariophyta) Remain Faithful to Their Host
Authors: Majewska Roksana , Goosen William E.
Published: March 2020

With the advent of more comprehensive research into the microbiome and interactions between animals and their microbiota, new solutions can be applied to address conservation challenges such as husbandry and medical care of captive animals. Although studies on epizoic algae are relatively rare, and the function and role of those mainly photosynthetic organisms in the animal microbiome is not well understood, recent surveys on epizoic diatoms show that some of them exhibit traits of obligate epibionts. This study explores diatom communities on captive–born manatees from the Africarium in Wroclaw, Poland. Light and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that skin of all animals sampled was dominated by apochlorotic Tursiocola cf. ziemanii, an epizoic species described recently from Florida manatees, that reached 99,9% of the total diatom abundance. Despite using media with a wide range of salinity (0–34), the isolated Tursiocola cells did not grow, whereas the normally pigmented Planothidium sp., that was only occasionally found on the animal substratum, survived in all culture media tested. Our observations provide direct evidence that manatee–associated Tursiocola endure the dramatic salinity changes that occur regularly during their host life cycle, and can thrive in an artificial captive setting, if the manatee substratum is available. The impact of practices and routines used by the Africarium on manatee–associated diatoms, as well as ultrastructure of areolae in Tursiocola, are briefly discussed.
Specificity profile of NAT/NCS2 purine transporters inSinorhizobium(Ensifer)meliloti
Authors: Botou Maria , Yalelis Vassilis , Lazou Panayiota , Zantza Iliana , Papakostas Konstantinos , Charalambous Vassiliki , Mikros Emmanuel , Flemetakis Emmanouil , Frillingos Stathis
Published: March 2020

Sinorhizobium(Ensifer)melilotiis a model example of a soil alpha‐proteobacterium which induces the formation of nitrogen‐fixing symbiotic nodules on the legume roots. In contrast to all other rhizobacterial species,S. meliloticontains multiple homologs of nucleobase transporter genes that belong to NAT/NCS2 family (Nucleobase‐Ascorbate Transporter/Nucleobase‐Cation Symporter‐2). We analyzed functionally all (six) relevant homologs ofS. meliloti1,021 usingEscherichia coliK‐12 as a host and found that five of them are high‐affinity transporters for xanthine (SmLL9), uric acid (SmLL8, SmLL9, SmX28), adenine (SmVC3, SmYE1), guanine (SmVC3), or hypoxanthine (SmVC3). Detailed analysis of substrate profiles showed that two of these transporters display enlarged specificity (SmLL9, SmVC3). SmLL9 is closely related in sequence with the xanthine‐specific XanQ ofE. coli. We subjected SmLL9 to rationally designed site‐directed mutagenesis and found that the role of key binding‐site residues of XanQ is conserved in SmLL9, whereas a single amino‐acid change (S93N) converts the xanthine/uric‐acid transporter SmLL9 to a xanthine‐preferring variant, due to disruption of an essential hydrogen bond with the C8 oxygen of uric acid. The results highlight the presence of several different purine nucleobase transporters inS. melilotiand imply that the purine transport might be important in the nodule symbiosis involvingS. meliloti.
Linking root structure to functionality: the impact of root system architecture on citrate‐enhanced phosphate uptake
Authors: McKay Fletcher Daniel M. , Ruiz Siul , Dias Tiago , Petroselli Chiara , Roose Tiina
Published: March 2020

Root citrate exudation is thought to be important for phosphate solubilization. Previous research has concluded that cluster‐like roots benefit most from this exudation in terms of increased phosphate uptake, suggesting that root structure plays an important role in citrate‐enhanced uptake (additional phosphate uptake due to citrate exudation).

Time‐resolved computed tomography images of wheat root systems were used as the geometry for 3D citrate‐phosphate solubilization models. Citrate‐enhanced uptake was correlated with morphological measures of the root systems to determine which had the most benefit.

A large variation of citrate‐enhanced uptake over 11 root structures was observed. Root surface area dominated absolute phosphate uptake, but did not explain citrate‐enhanced uptake. Number of exuding root tips correlated well with citrate‐enhanced uptake. Root tips in close proximity could collectively exude high amounts of citrate, resulting in a delayed spike in citrate‐enhanced uptake.

Root system architecture plays an important role in citrate‐enhanced uptake. Singular morphological measurements of the root systems cannot entirely explain variations in citrate‐enhanced uptake. Root systems with many tips would benefit greatly from citrate exudation. Quantifying citrate‐enhanced uptake experimentally is difficult as variations in root surface area would overwhelm citrate benefits.
Clinico‐pathological correlation of optical fluorescence imaging in oral mucosal lesions
Authors: Tiwari Lalima , Kujan Omar , Farah Camile S.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to identify clinical and pathological characteristics of oral mucosal lesions that may be predictive of optical autofluorescence imaging patterns.

Methods

Clinical data and archival histopathological material were collected from patients who presented with at least one oral mucosal lesion and underwent assessment via conventional oral examination, optical autofluorescence imaging and histopathological analysis. An open‐source digital pathology image analysis software was used to perform histomorphometric measurements. Classification and regression trees were used to determine histopathological characteristics most predictive of a clinical autofluorescence outcome.

Results

Histomorphometric features associated with tissue architecture, epithelial changes, inflammation and vasculature were found to be significantly associated with autofluorescence patterns. Diascopic fluorescence was found to be significantly predicted by lichenoid inflammation and was significantly associated with a diagnosis of oral lichen planus. Loss of autofluorescence with partial blanching was significantly associated with histopathological features noted in dysplastic and malignant lesions.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the use of diascopic fluorescence as a technique to aid in clinical differentiation of benign inflammatory lesions from potentially malignant pathology. Based on the findings of this study, optical fluorescence imaging is a technique of added value in discernment of oral mucosal lesions, and our results support its clinical use.
“Le bateau ivre”—an aporetic journey
Authors: Cooke Roderick
Published: March 2020

This article examines the network of references to childhood in Rimbaud’s “Le bateau ivre.” Four in number, they reveal the deeper architecture of the poem through their syntactic and thematic traits. In consequence, the boat’s journey can be divided into two principal parts—unreflective, self‐absorbed escape followed by increasingly weary, skyward rise. These are followed by a two‐part, four‐stanza conclusion which articulates two different aporias. The boat ends hovering between life among the stars and death by water in stanzas 22 and 23. Meanwhile, the final two stanzas successively reject the worlds of both childhood and adulthood. Rimbaud affirms that the poet stands apart from both boy and man, both of whom he has left behind. Uncertainty over “future vigeur” is balanced by the certainty that the aesthetic life separates the poet from both childhood innocence and modern civilization. I end by contrasting Rimbaud’s conjunction of Eros and Thanatos with Freud’s inCivilization and Its Discontents, suggesting that the essential difference is the absence of both a superego and a desire to live communally in “Le bateau ivre.”
The effectiveness of PC6 acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Chang , Yan Meihua , Wang Ningyu , Liu Jinfeng , Wu Anshi
Published: March 2020

Background

A growing number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in preventing and treating postoperative nausea and vomiting. Here, we used meta‐analysis to confirm these benefits in children and to determine the optimal time to perform this treatment.

Methods

Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Chinese Database of Biology and Medicine) were searched from inception until January 16, 2019. We included randomized controlled trials for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the early stage (0‐4 hours) and within 24 hours postoperatively in pediatrics. Control groups received standardized care control or standardized care combined with sham control.

Results

Sixteen literatures and 1773 patients undergoing general anesthesia were included in the study. The results indicated that acupuncture was effective in reducing postoperative vomiting, both during the first 4 hours (RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84; low quality) and within 24 hours postoperatively (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.60, 0.91; low quality). Stratifying by the timing of acupuncture, acupuncture was effective in reducing the first 4 hours (RR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.18, 0.64; moderate quality), and 0‐24 hours postoperative vomiting (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.70, 0.93; moderate quality) when performed before and during anesthesia, respectively. Further, the RR value was more robust when acupuncture was performed before anesthesia. Acupuncture was also effective in treating 0‐24 hours postoperative nausea (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.60, 0.88; moderate quality) and in reducing the utilization of remedies during the first 4 hours (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.45, 0.89; moderate quality).

Conclusion

Acupuncture reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as the utilization of antiemetic remedies, particularly during the first 4 hours following the operation. Acupuncture performed before anesthesia was demonstrated to be the most ideal intervention time for children.
Lipoatrophic panniculitis in an adolescent
Authors: Comstock Jeanette R. , Buhalog Brittany , Peebles J. Klint , Hinshaw Molly A. , Co Dominic O. , Arkin Lisa M.
Published: March 2020

Lipoatrophic panniculitis (LP) is a rare childhood panniculitis characterized by sclerotic, atrophic plaques on the extremities. We present a case of LP diagnosed during the inflammatory phase that was difficult to distinguish clinically from eosinophilic fasciitis. This report adds to the limited phenotypic spectrum of LP by differentiating the clinical features of disease activity from disease damage and highlighting the importance of biopsy in establishing a diagnosis.
Review of interactions between high‐risk pediatric heart transplant recipients and marginal donors including utilization of risk score models
Authors: Gossett Jeffrey G. , Amdani Shahnawaz , Khulbey Sanjeev , Punnoose Ann R. , Rosenthal David N. , Smith Jonathan , Smits Jacqueline , Dipchand Anne I. , Kirk Richard , Miera Oliver , Davies Ryan R.
Published: March 2020

Background

Donor organ acceptance practices vary among pediatric heart transplant professionals. We sought to understand what is known about the interactions between the “high‐risk” recipient and the “marginal donor,” and how donor risk scores can impact this discussion.

Methods

A systematic review of published literature on pediatric HTx was undertaken with the assistance of a medical librarian. Two authors independently assessed search results, and papers were reviewed for inclusion.

Results

We found that there are a large number of individual factors, and clusters of factors, that have been used to label individual recipients “high‐risk” and individual donors “marginal.” The terms “high‐risk recipient” and “marginal donor” have been used broadly in the literature making it virtually impossible to make comparisons between publications. In general, the data support that patients who could be easily agreed to be “sicker recipients” are at more risk compared to those who are clearly “healthier,” albeit still “sick enough” to need transplantation. Given this variability in the literature, we were unable to define how being a “high‐risk” recipient interplays with accepting a “marginal donor.” Existing risk scores are described, but none were felt to adequately predict outcomes from factors available at the time of offer acceptance.

Conclusions

We could not determine what makes a donor “marginal,” a recipient “high‐risk,” or how these factors interplay within the specific recipient‐donor pair to determine outcomes. Until there are better risk scores predicting outcomes at the time of organ acceptance, programs should continue to evaluate each organ and recipient individually.
Pediatric cardiac waitlist mortality—Still too high
Authors: Denfield Susan W. , Azeka Estela , Das Bibhuti , Garcia‐Guereta Luis , Irving Claire , Kemna Mariska , Reinhardt Zdenka , Thul Josef , Dipchand Anne I. , Kirk Richard , Davies Ryan R. , Miera Oliver
Published: March 2020

Cardiac transplantation for children with end‐stage cardiac disease with no other medical or surgical options is now standard. The number of children in need of cardiac transplant continues to exceed the number of donors considered “acceptable.” Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand which recipients are in greatest need of transplant before becoming “too ill” and which “marginal” donors are acceptable in order to reduce waitlist mortality. This article reviewed primarily pediatric studies reported over the last 15 years on waitlist mortality around the world for the various subgroups of children awaiting heart transplant and discusses strategies to try to reduce the cardiac waitlist mortality.
Review of the discard and/or refusal rate of offered donor hearts to pediatric waitlisted candidates
Authors: Schweiger Martin , Everitt Melanie D. , Chen Sharon , Nandi Deipanjan , Castro Javier , Gupta Dipankar , Scheel Janet , Lal Ashwin K. , Ablonczy Laszlo , Kirk Richard , Miera Oliver , Davies Ryan R. , Dipchand Anne I.
Published: March 2020

We aimed to review current literature on the discard rate of donor hearts offered to pediatric recipients and assess geographical differences. Consequences and ways to reduce the discard rate are discussed. A systemic review on published literature on pediatric transplantation published in English since 2010 was undertaken. Additionally, a survey was sent to international OPOs with the goal of incorporating responses from around the world providing a more global picture. Based on the literature review and survey, there is a remarkably wide range of discard and/or refusal for pediatric hearts offered for transplant, ranging between 18% and 57% with great geographic variation. The data suggest that that the overall refusal rate may have decreased over the last decade. Reasons for organ discard were difficult to identify from the available data. Although the refusal rate of pediatric donor hearts seems to be lower compared to that reported in adults, it is still as high as 57% with geographic variation.
Pediatric donor management to optimize donor heart utilization
Authors: Zimpfer Daniel , Alexander Peta M. A. , Davies Ryan R. , Dipchand Anne I. , Feingold Brian , Joong Anna , Lord Karen , Kirk Richard , Scales Angie , Shih Renata , Miera Oliver
Published: March 2020

Optimal management of pediatric cardiac donors is essential in order to maximize donor heart utilization and minimize the rate of discarded organs. This review was performed after a systematic literature review and gives a detailed overview on current practices and guidelines. The review focuses on optimal monitoring of pediatric donors, donor workup, hormonal replacement, and obliterating the adverse effects of brain death. The current evidence on catecholamine support and thyroid hormone replacement is also discussed. Recognizing and addressing this shall help in a standardized approach toward donor management and optimal utilization of pediatric heart donors organs.
Review of the impact of donor characteristics on pediatric heart transplant outcomes
Authors: Conway Jennifer , Ballweg Jean A. , Fenton Matthew , Kindel Steve , Chrisant Maryanne , Weintraub Robert G. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Kirk Richard , Miera Oliver , Davies Ryan R. , Dipchand Anne I.
Published: March 2020

Heart transplantation (HTx) is a treatment option for end‐stage heart failure in children. HTx is limited by the availability and acceptability of donor hearts. Refusal of donor hearts has been reported to be common with reasons for refusal including preexisting donor characteristics. This review will focus on the impact of donor characteristics and comorbidities on outcomes following pediatric HTx. A literature review was performed to identify articles on donor characteristics and comorbidities and pediatric HTx outcomes. There are many donor characteristics to consider when accepting a donor heart. Weight‐based matching is the most common form of matching in pediatric HTx with a donor‐recipient weight ratio between 0.7 and 3 having limited impact on outcomes. From an age perspective, donors <50 years can be carefully considered, but the impact of ischemic time needs to be understood. To increase the donor pool, with minimal impact on outcomes, ABO‐incompatible donors should be considered in patients that are eligible. Other factors to be considered when accepting an organ is donor comorbidities. Little is known about donor comorbidities in pediatric HTx, with most of the data available focusing on infections. Being aware of the potential infections in the donor, understanding the testing available and risks of transmission, and treatment options for the recipient is essential. There are a number of donor characteristics that potentially impact outcomes following pediatric HTx, but these need to be taken into consideration along with their interactions with recipient factors when interpreting the outcomes following HTx.
Restoring mussel beds in highly dynamic environments by lowering environmental stressors
Authors: Schotanus Jildou , Capelle Jacob J. , Paree Edwin , Fivash Gregory S. , van de Koppel Johan , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: March 2020

Restoration of coastal ecosystem engineers that trap sediment and dampen waves has proven to be difficult, especially in the wave‐exposed and eroding areas where they are needed the most. Environmental stressors, such as hydrodynamic stress and predation, can only be overcome if transplanted organisms are able to establish self‐facilitating feedbacks. We investigate if the artificial lowering of multiple environmental stressors can be used to give transplanted juveniles the opportunity to form a self‐sustainable system and thereby increase their long‐term survival on wave‐exposed and eroding shores. We designed a large field experiment using juvenile mussels (Mytilus edulis) as model species on a wave‐exposed tidal flat in the Oosterschelde estuary (the Netherlands). We tested if the environmental stress caused by a high predation pressure and wave‐driven dislodgement could be reduced by a combination of artificial structures such as fences (to exclude predatory crabs), attachment substrates (such as coir‐net or oyster shells), and breakwaters. Despite a low overall mussel survival (29%), we found that under strong hydrodynamic conditions, experimental fences and attachment substrates increased the retention of transplanted mussel seed. However, modification of local hydrodynamic conditions using breakwaters did not improve mussel coverage preservation. Overall, this study highlights the potential of using techniques that lower multiple environmental stressors to create a window of opportunity for establishment in highly dynamic ecosystems.
Soil seed bank in different vegetation types in the Loess Plateau region and its role in vegetation restoration
Authors: Wang Ning , He Xinyue , Zhao Fuwang , Wang Dongli , Jiao Juying
Published: March 2020

In the Loess Plateau region, soil erosion is a serious problem. Vegetation restoration is an effective approach to control soil erosion and improve ecosystems. The soil seed bank generally plays an important role in vegetation restoration after disturbance. Thus, we reviewed soil seed bank studies to reveal the soil seed bank characteristics and its role in vegetation restoration in three vegetation types (forest, forest‐steppe, and steppe). We selected 38 seed bank studies and analyzed several seed bank characteristics, such as seed density, species composition, and the relationship between seed size and seed bank. We also assessed the role of the soil seed bank in vegetation restoration. The soil seed bank density ranged from 2,331 ± 1,993 to 6,985 ± 4,047 seeds/m2 among the different vegetation types. In the soil seed bank, perennial herbs and grasses accounted for 51.5% of the total species. Native species that were dominant or common in the standing vegetation usually had relatively high seed bank densities. Moreover, species with smaller seeds generally had higher soil seed bank densities. The present study indicates that the soil seed bank plays a significant role in spontaneous vegetation restoration, especially during the early successional stages in abandoned slope farmlands and grazing‐excluded grasslands. However, species with large seeds or transient soil seed banks should be reintroduced through seeding to accelerate target species restoration. More studies on soil seed banks need to be conducted to comprehensively reveal their characteristics.
How Does Temperature Vary Over Time?: Evidence on the Stationary and Fractal Nature of Temperature Fluctuations
Authors: Dagsvik John K. , Fortuna Mariachiara , Moen Sigmund Hov
Published: March 2020

The paper analyses temperature data from 96 selected weather stations world wide, and from reconstructed northern hemisphere temperature data over the last two millennia. Using a non-parametric test, we find that the stationarity hypothesis is not rejected by the data. Subsequently, we investigate further properties of the data by means of a statistical model known as the fractional Gaussian noise (FGN) model. Under stationarity FGN follows from the fact that the observed data are obtained as temporal aggregates of data generated at a finer (basic) timescale where temporal aggregation is taken over a ‘large’ number of basic units. The FGN process exhibits long-range dependence. Several tests show that both the reconstructed and most of the observed data are consistent with the FGN model.
An integrative physical, mineralogical and ichnological approach to characterize underfilled lake‐basins
Authors: Mancuso Adriana C. , Krapovickas Veronica , Benavente Cecilia A. , Marsicano Claudia A.
Published: March 2020

Lakes are particularly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, which are recorded in their facies and stratigraphy. Ephemeral lakes reveal their sensitivity to palaeoenvironmental changes in the overprinting of the sedimentary features in every single bed. Tetrapod‐track taphonomic‐modes and ichnological taphonomic‐pathways can be used as sensitive indicators of environmental conditions of the track‐bearing beds during deposition and imprinting. The Middle Triassic Cerro de las Cabras succession (Cuyana Basin, Argentina) provides an excellent opportunity to these environmental indicators in an underfilled palaeolake. A model of ichnological preservation for underfilled lake systems is proposed and the role of the ichnology record in the sequence stratigraphy analysis is evaluated, based on the integration of tetrapod‐track modes, taphonomic‐pathways of playa‐lake ichnofauna, mineralogy and physical data. Soft‐ground suites include those dominated by invertebrate grazing traces and arthropod locomotion traces (Suite 1), and those overprinted by horizontal‐vertical dwelling burrows with tetrapod tracks preserved in taphonomic modes B and C (Suite 2). The firm‐ground suite (Suite 3) comprises tetrapod‐tracks with the best preservation styles (modes A and B) along less abundant invertebrate dwelling and feeding traces as found in Suite 2. Clay mineralogy (dominated by illite with subordinate smectite) suggests low plasticity of the layers, in agreement with low‐relief deformation structures observed in tetrapod‐track taphonomic‐modes. The well‐preserved track tetrapod features documented in the Cerro de las Cabras succession, together with the absence of pedogenic disturbance, trampling obliterating the footprints, and/or evidence of strong disturbance by wind, desiccation and/or precipitation, supports short periods of exposure of the imprinted surface particular to this succession. An integrated multiproxy approach is proposed to evaluate the evolutionary interpretation and identification of autogenic versus allogenic controls in underfilled lake‐basin histories. The observed aggradational‐trend suggests an equilibrium between rates of accommodation change and sediment supply, and that the basin‐centre did not experience prolonged sediment‐starved conditions.
The Noble or Sour Wine: European Commission’s Competing Discourses on the Main CAP Reforms
Authors: Erjavec Karmen , Erjavec Emil
Published: March 2020

In this article, we apply discourse analysis to the European Commission's Communications on reforms of the European Union's Common agricultural policy (CAP). The results of the historical discourse analysis of the European Commission’s strategy documents in the form of Communications on the CAP from 1991 to 2017 showed that the discourse was a hybrid, modified according to the specific political economic context and the European Commission’s need to justify the CAP reforms. In the first two Communications of 1991 and 1997, the neomercantilist and neoliberal discourses dominated to justify the reduction of market price support. In the Communications of the 2000s the neoliberal and multifunctionality discourse dominated to justify further CAP reforms based on decoupling and liberalisation of support. In the last Communication from 2017 the multifunctionality discourse in populist form prevailed to find the new societal argumentation for maintaining the policy.
Prepare to adapt: blood supply and transfusion support during the first 2 weeks of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic affecting Washington State
Authors: Pagano Monica B. , Hess John R. , Tsang Hamilton C. , Staley Elizabeth , Gernsheimer Terry , Sen Nina , Clark Christine , Nester Theresa , Bailey Curt , Alcorn Kirsten
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The first coronavirus (COVID‐19) case was reported in United States in the state of Washington, approximately 3 months after the outbreak in Wuhan, China. Three weeks later, the US federal government declared the pandemic a national emergency. The number of confirmed COVID‐19 positive cases increased rather rapidly and changed routine daily activities of the community.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This brief report describes the response from the hospital, the regional blood center, and the hospital‐based transfusion services to the events that took place in the community during the initial phases of the pandemic.

RESULTS

In Washington State, the first week of March started with four confirmed cases and ended with 150; by the end of the second week of March there were more than 700 cases of confirmed COVID‐19. During the first week, blood donations dropped significantly. Blood units provided from blood centers of nonaffected areas of the country helped keep inventory stable and allow for routine hospital operations. The hospital‐based transfusion service began prospective triaging of blood orders to monitor and prioritize blood usage. In the second week, blood donations recovered, and the hospital postponed elective procedures to ensure staff and personal protective equipment were appropriate for the care of critical patients.

CONCLUSION

As community activities are disrupted and hospital activities switch from routine operations to pandemic focused and urgent care oriented, the blood supply and usage requires a number of transformations.
Formulae to correct sodium concentrations for serum water fraction in cases of hypo‐ and hyperproteinemia in cats
Authors: Evans Samantha J. M. , Truelove Matthew P. , Tebbe Nicole A. , Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Radin M. Judith , Santangelo Kelly S.
Published: March 2020

Background

Biochemistry analyzers in many high‐throughput laboratories use indirect potentiometry to determine serum electrolyte concentrations, which involves a pre‐analytical dilution step that may be associated with artifactual increases or decreases in electrolyte concentrations under circumstances of altered serum water fraction (SWF). Severe hypo‐ and hyperproteinemia, conditions that cause altered SWF, are recognized but under‐emphasized causes of falsely measured serum sodium concentrations.

Objectives

The goals of this study were to determine the average actual SWF (SWFA) and establish formulae to correct serum sodium concentration measured by indirect potentiometry in hypo‐ and hyperproteinemic cats.

Methods

Serum samples from 112 feline patients were analyzed for electrolytes (measured by both indirect and direct potentiometry), total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Each serum sample was also lyophilized to determine the SWFA. A feline‐specific formula to estimate SWF (SWFE‐FEL) was developed and evaluated with a multivariable linear model.

Results

The mean SWFA in this population of cats was 91.2%, which was significantly different (P < .0001) than the mean (93.9%) calculated using the human estimated formula (SWFE‐HUM). The formula devised for the SWFE‐FEL better recapitulated the SWFA than did the SWFE‐HUM, and the corrected sodium concentrations calculated using the feline formula were better correlated with serum sodium measured by direct potentiometry than those determined using the human formula.

Conclusions

Application of feline‐specific formulae is expected to limit the misinterpretation of electrolyte data from indirect potentiometry when altered SWF occurs. To demonstrate this, a case example of a hypoproteinemic cat is provided.