bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical trial to test the efficacy of melatonin in COVID‐19
Authors: Acuña‐Castroviejo Dario , Escames Germaine , Figueira Juan C. , de la Oliva Pedro , Borobia Alberto M. , Acuña‐Fernández Carlos
Published: August 2020

The pharmacological properties of melatonin are well known. However, there is noticeable the lack of clinical trials that confirm the efficacy, security, absence of side effects in the short and long term, and the effective doses of melatonin. This point is especially important in diseases with high morbidity and mortality including COVID‐19. There is not treatment for COVID‐19, and several anti‐inflammatory and antiviral molecules are being tested, and different vaccines are in preparation. Although the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is apparently improving, it is expected new resurges next fall. Thus, looking for an effective treatment of COVID‐19 is mandatory. Melatonin has significant anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and mitochondrial protective effects, and its efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple experimental models of disease and in a clinical trial in sepsis. Because COVID‐19 courses with a severe septic response, multiple reviews proposing melatonin as a treatment for COVID‐19 have been published. Nevertheless, there is a lack of experimental and clinical data on the use of melatonin on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Accordingly, we designed a clinical trial with an injectable formulation of melatonin for intravenous perfusion in ICU patients suffering from COVID‐19 that has been just approved by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS). The trial will allow by the first time understand the doses and efficacy of melatonin against COVID‐19.
Reviewing the Field of External Knowledge Search for Innovation: Theoretical Underpinnings and Future (Re‐)search Directions
Authors: Ehls Daniel , Polier Sara , Herstatt Cornelius
Published: August 2020

The field of external knowledge search for innovation has a long tradition and has inspired several schools of thought resulting in a rich and burgeoning body of research. However, the field suffers from two key limitations. First, the pluralism of research across multiple disciplines impedes our attention to the field as a whole, including its intellectual structure and core ideas. Second, recent developments in the business environment and key new ideas in the field complement taken‐for‐granted approaches and provide new opportunities for knowledge search. Based on a systematic co‐citation analysis, we provide a reflective review of the literature and make several contributions. We integrate existing research across disciplines and offer a synthesis of a fragmented research landscape to present a global view of the field. Moreover, we propose a novel external search concept and introduce the idea of “decoupled search.” Leveraging our synthesis and conceptualization further, we recommend future research directions for the entire field of external knowledge search for innovation.
The Probable Mechanism for Silicon Capture by Diatom Algae: Assimilation of Polycarbonic Acids with Diatoms—Is Endocytosis a Key Stage in Building of Siliceous Frustules?
Authors: Annenkov Vadim V. , Gordon Richard , Zelinskiy Stanislav N. , Danilovtseva Elena N.
Published: August 2020

Many organisms including unicellular (diatoms, radiolaria, and chrysophytes), higher plants (rice and horsetail) and animals (sponges) use silica as a main part of skeletons. The bioavailable form of silicon is silicic acid and the mechanism of silicic acid penetration into living cells is still an enigma. Macropinocytosis was assumed as a key stage of the silicon capture by diatoms but assimilation of monomeric silicic acid by this way requires enormous amounts of water to be passed through the cell. We hypothesized that silicon can be captured by diatoms via endocytosis in the form of partially condensed silicic acid (oligosilicates) whose formation on the diatom surface was supposed. Oligosilicates are negatively charged nanoparticles and similar to coils of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). We have synthesized fluorescent tagged PAA as well as several neutral and positively charged polymers. Cultivation of the diatom Ulnaria ferefusiformis in the presence of these polymers showed that only PAA is able to penetrate into siliceous frustules. The presence of PAA in the frustules was confirmed with chromatography and PAA causes various aberrations of the valve morphology. Growth of U. ferefusiformis and two other diatoms in the presence of tri‐ and tetracarbonic fluorescent tagged acids points to the ability of diatoms to recognize substances that bear four acidic groups and to include them into siliceous frustules. Thus, partial condensation of silicic acid is a plausible first stage of silicon assimilation.
The evolution of pyrrolizidine alkaloid diversity among and within Jacobaea species
Authors: Chen Yangan , Mulder Patrick P. J. , Schaap Onno , Memelink Johan , Klinkhamer Peter G. L. , Vrieling Klaas
Published: August 2020

Plants produce many secondary metabolites showing considerable inter‐ and intraspecific diversity of concentration and composition as a strategy to cope with environmental stresses. The evolution of plant defenses against herbivores and pathogens can be unraveled by understanding the mechanisms underlying chemical diversity. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites with high diversity. We performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 80 pyrrolizidine alkaloids with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry of leaves from 17 Jacobaea species including one to three populations per species with 4–10 individuals per population grown under controlled conditions in a climate chamber. We observed large inter‐ and intraspecific variation in pyrrolizidine alkaloid concentration and composition, which were both species‐specific. Furthermore, we sequenced 11 plastid and three nuclear regions to reconstruct the phylogeny of the 17 Jacobaea species. Ancestral state reconstruction at the species level showed mainly random distributions of individual pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We found little evidence for phylogenetic signals, as nine out of 80 pyrrolizidine alkaloids showed a significant phylogenetic signal for Pagel's λ statistics only, whereas no significance was detected for Blomberg's K measure. We speculate that this high pyrrolizidine alkaloid diversity is the result of the upregulation and downregulation of specific pyrrolizidine alkaloids depending on ecological needs rather than gains and losses of particular pyrrolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis genes during evolution.
Parasitic plant causes an ephemeral “rainbow” pattern in a reservoir bank
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Salvatori Nicole , Zotti Maurizio , Stinca Adriano , Motti Riccardo , Idbella Mohamed , Cartenì Fabrizio , Mazzoleni Stefano , Giannino Francesco
Published: August 2020

Question

In the fall 2018 we observed an atypical pattern with concentric belts of green, yellow, and brown vegetation. What are the causes of the pattern? Localized water depletion, soil spatial heterogeneity and the activity of pathogenic organisms were tested as alternative hypotheses.

Location

Banks of a water reservoir, Alento basin in south Italy (40°19′04.50″ N; 15°06′45.35″ E).

Methods

Belts were monitored for floristic composition and plant health status. In each zone, 17 soil parameters were analysed (soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, limestone content, organic C, Olsen P, total N, C/N ratio, cations exchange capacity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn). Soil moisture was monitored by soil probes, positioned at 10 cm depth. The incidence of pathogens and parasitic plants was visually estimated. Finally, model simulations were carried out to explore the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in the formation of the belts.

Results

The vegetation survey revealed that the green belt was characterized by a monospecific stand of Xanthium italicum with a plant density >190 individuals per m2. All plants were healthy. In the yellow belt, instead, Xanthium italicum was attacked by the parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris with an incidence >70%. In the brown belt all Xanthium italicum was still standing but dead, with an incidence of Cuscuta campestris attack >94%. No differences in soil chemistry were recorded in the three belts, while soil moisture was slightly lower in the green belt, likely as a result of a higher evapotranspiration rate. The modelling simulation well reproduced the banded vegetation, supporting the role of the parasitic plant in the formation of the pattern.

Conclusions

By combining extensive field measurements with detailed modelling work, we revealed, for the first time, the primary role of a parasitic plant in the formation of a regular and ephemeral vegetation pattern.
Steatosis as main determinant of portal hypertension through a restriction of hepatic sinusoidal area in a dietary rat nash model
Authors: Barberá Aurora , Raurell Imma , García‐Lezana Teresa , Torres‐Arauz Manuel , Bravo Miren , Hide Diana , Gil Mar , Salcedo María Teresa , Genescà Joan , Martell María , Augustin Salvador
Published: August 2020

Background & Aims

Portal hypertension (PH) can be present in pre‐cirrhotic stages, even in absence of fibrosis in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. Liver endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been shown as responsible for this effect in short‐term dietary animal models. We evaluated the persistence of PH and underlying mechanisms in a long‐term rat model of NASH.

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed 8 or 36 weeks with control diet or high‐fat high‐glucose/fructose diet. Metabolic parameters, histology, ED and haemodynamics were characterized. Structural characteristics of liver sections were analysed using image analysis.

Results

Both interventions reproduced NASH histological hallmarks (with steatosis being particularly increased at 36 weeks), but neither induced fibrosis. The 36‐week intervention induced a significant increase in portal pressure (PP) compared to controls (12.1 vs 8.7 mmHg, P < .001) and the 8‐week model (10.7 mmHg, P = .006), but all features of ED were normalized at 36 weeks. Image analysis revealed that the increased steatosis at 36‐week was associated to an increase in hepatocyte area and a significant decrease in the sinusoidal area, which was inversely correlated with PP. The analysis provided a critical sinusoidal area above which animals were protected from developing PH and below which sinusoidal flux was compromised and PP started to increase.

Conclusion

Liver steatosis per se (in absence of fibrosis) can induce PH through a decrease in the sinusoidal area secondary to the increase in hepatocyte area in a long‐term diet‐induced rat model of NASH. Image analysis of the sinusoidal area might predict the presence of PH.
Hepatitis C treatment uptake among people who inject drugs in the oral direct‐acting antiviral era
Authors: Falade‐Nwulia Oluwaseun , Gicquelais Rachel E. , Astemborski Jacquie , McCormick Sean D. , Kirk Greg , Sulkowski Mark , Thomas David L. , Mehta Shruti H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Increased uptake of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) will be critical to achieve HCV elimination goals. There are limited data on HCV treatment uptake among PWID recruited from community‐based settings in the HCV direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) era.

Methods

We analysed data from PWID with HCV newly recruited into the Baltimore, Maryland‐based AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort between 2015 and 2018. We characterized the HCV care continuum and evaluated factors associated with HCV treatment uptake.

Results

Of the 418 PWID with HCV, the median age was 49 years and most (88%) reported recent injection drug use (IDU). Overall, 23% had ever been evaluated by a provider for HCV treatment, 17% ever initiated DAA treatment and 13% were cured of HCV infection. Treatment uptake approximately doubled between 2015 and 2018 (13% to 26%, P = .01). In multivariable analyses, HIV infection (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 2.5 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3, 4.8]), current employment (aOR 4.1 [CI 1.2, 14.4]), having a primary care provider (aOR 4.3 [CI 1.2, 14.9) and longer duration of IDU (aOR 1.3 [CI 1.1, 1.6]) were positively associated with HCV treatment. PWID with a lower annual income (≤$5000) were less likely to have initiated HCV treatment (aOR 0.5 [CI 0.3, 0.98]).

Conclusions

Although HCV treatment uptake among PWID in this community‐based setting in the DAA era remains suboptimal, it is encouraging that treatment uptake has increased in recent years. Innovative strategies are needed to reach all PWID infected with HCV.
The Un Oeuf study: Design, methods and baseline data from a cluster randomised controlled trial to increase child egg consumption in Burkina Faso
Authors: Stark Heather , Omer Anteneh , Wereme N'Diaye Aïssata , Sapp Amanda C. , Moore Emily V. , McKune Sarah L.
Published: August 2020

In many low‐income countries, such as Burkina Faso, rates of malnutrition are high among children. Research indicates that animal source foods may provide important elements to improve growth and development of young children, especially during periods of rapid development, such as the first 1,000 days of life. The Un Oeuf study is designed to test an innovative behaviour change communication strategy to increase egg consumption in children 6–24 months in Burkina Faso, thereby improving dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes. This 1‐year cluster randomised controlled trial tests whether the gifting of chickens by a community champion directly to a child, combined with a behaviour change package of integrated poultry management and human nutrition trainings, can significantly increase egg consumption among children under 2 years in rural communities where egg consumption is very low. The nutrition‐sensitive behaviour change package is designed to increase egg consumption through improving livestock production, women's empowerment and food security at the household level. This paper presents a detailed account of the study design and protocol for the Un Oeuf study, alongside a description of the study population. Baseline data show a study population with high rates of malnutrition (stunting 21.6%, wasting 10.8% and underweight 20.4%) and a very low rate of egg consumption—less than 10% among children. Although poultry production is quite common, egg consumption is low reportedly because of cultural norms, including widespread practice of allowing eggs to hatch and a lack of knowledge about the nutritional benefits of egg consumption.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition improves cognitive function and parenchymal artery dilation in a hypertensive model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
Authors: Matin Nusrat , Fisher Courtney , Lansdell Theresa A. , Hammock Bruce D. , Yang Jun , Jackson William F. , Dorrance Anne M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Parenchymal arterioles (PAs) regulate perfusion of the cerebral microcirculation, and impaired PA endothelium‐dependent dilation occurs in dementia models mimicking chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are vasodilators; their actions are potentiated by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition. We hypothesized that chronic sEH inhibition with trifluoromethoxyphenyl‐3 (1‐propionylpiperidin‐4‐yl) urea (TPPU) would prevent cognitive dysfunction and improve PA dilation in a hypertensive CCH model.

Methods

Bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) was used to induce CCH in twenty‐week‐old male stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHSRP) that were treated with vehicle or TPPU for 8 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed by novel object recognition. PA dilation and structure were assessed by pressure myography, and mRNA expression in brain tissue was assessed by qRT‐PCR.

Results

TPPU did not enhance resting cerebral perfusion, but prevented CCH‐induced memory deficits. TPPU improved PA endothelium‐dependent dilation but reduced the sensitivity of PAs to a nitric oxide donor. TPPU treatment had no effect on PA structure or biomechanical properties. TPPU treatment increased brain mRNA expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor, doublecortin, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, sEH, and superoxide dismutase 3,

Conclusions

These data suggest that sEH inhibitors may be viable treatments for cognitive impairments associated with hypertension and CCH.
Correlation between urinary incontinence and psychosis in patients with advanced‐stage Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Nakahara Keiichi , Kurisaki Ryoichi , Nakane Shunya , Sakamoto Tetsuro , Ikeda Tokunori , Yamashita Tetsuji , Uekawa Kazutoshi , Ando Yukio
Published: August 2020

Objective

To clarify the factors associated with psychosis in advanced‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

In this observational cross‐sectional study, we reviewed clinical personal records of patients with PD. They were classified as a stage 3 or above on the Hoehn and Yahr scale, and were treated as outpatients or inpatients at our institute between April 1, 2013, and November 30, 2013. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to discriminate PD with psychosis from PD without psychosis.

Results

The majority of patients with PD were female (male, 34; female, 57). Median age was 75.0 years (interquartile range: 67.0 to 80.0), and median duration of PD was 9 years (interquartile range: 5.0 to 13.0). Psychosis was diagnosed in 21 patients (23.1%): 19 had hallucinations and five had delusions. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that psychosis significantly correlated with the presence of urinary incontinence (UI) and dyskinesia.

Conclusion

In advanced‐stage PD, psychosis is related to UI and dyskinesia.
RPW8.1 enhances the ethylene‐signaling pathway to feedback‐attenuate its mediated cell death and disease resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Xue , Feng Qin , Liu Peng‐Qiang , He Xiao‐Rong , Zhao Jing‐Hao , Xu Yong‐Ju , Zhang Ling‐Li , Huang Yan‐Yan , Zhao Ji‐Qun , Fan Jing , Li Yan , Xiao Shunyuan , Wang Wen‐Ming
Published: August 2020

The Arabidopsis RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW 8.1 (RPW8.1) activates confined cell death and defense against different pathogens. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms still remain elusive.

Here, we show that RPW8.1 activates ethylene signaling that, in turn, negatively regulates RPW8.1 expression. RPW8.1 binds and stabilizes 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase 4 (ACO4), which may in part explain increased ethylene production and signaling in RPW8.1‐expressing plants. In return, ACO4 and other key components of ethylene signaling negatively regulate RPW8.1‐mediated cell death and disease resistance via suppressing RPW8.1 expression.

Loss of function in ACO4, EIN2, EIN3 EIL1, ERF6, ERF016 or ORA59 increases RPW8.1‐mediated cell death and defense response. By contrast, overexpression of EIN3 abolishes or significantly compromises RPW8.1‐mediated cell death and disease resistance. Furthermore, ERF6, ERF016 and ORA59 appear to act as trans‐repressors of RPW8.1, with OAR59 being able to directly bind to the RPW8.1 promoter.

Taken together, our results have revealed a feedback regulatory circuit connecting RPW8.1 and the ethylene‐signaling pathway, in which RPW8.1 enhances ethylene signaling, and the latter, in return, negatively regulates RPW8.1‐mediated cell death and defense response via suppressing RPW8.1 expression to attenuate its defense activity.
Involvement of astrocytes activation in orofacial hyperalgesia induced by experimental tooth movement
Authors: Li Cui‐Xia , Liu Jia , Zhou Kai‐Xiang , Zhao Wen‐Jun , Zhao Yan , Jin Zuo‐Lin , Gu Ze‐Xu
Published: August 2020

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the involvement of astrocytes in the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) in the orofacial hyperalgesia induced by experimental tooth movement (ETM) and related mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Experimental tooth movement was produced with nickel‐titanium alloy closed‐coil spring fixed between the left maxillary first molar and the left upper incisor. Fluorocitrate was administrated through medullary subarachnoid at 3 days after ETM. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) in masseter cutaneous area was measured. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and c‐Fos in MDH was measured using immunofluoroscence staining. The expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and phosphorylated N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subunit NR1 (p‐NR1) was measured with Western blotting.

Results

Experimental tooth movement‐induced orofacial hyperalgesia from 1 to 9 days as the PPT was significantly reduced (P < .05). Immunofluoroscence staining showed that the expression of c‐Fos in MDH was dramatically upregulated at 1 day and 3 days after ETM, while GFAP expression with both immunofluoroscence staining and Western blotting was significantly enhanced at 3 days and 7 days after ETM. Western blotting analysis indicated that the expression of IL‐1β and p‐NR1 in MDH was significantly enhanced at 3 days after ETM. Furthermore, we found that fluorocitrate administration at 3 days after ETM could markedly suppress the expression of c‐Fos, GFAP, IL‐1β and p‐NR1 and attenuate the reduction of PPT induced by ETM.

Conclusion

Astrocyte activation in MDH is involved in the mechanical hyperalgesia, and the subsequent upregulated IL‐1β and overexpression of p‐NR1 may participate in this process.
Development of lung metastases in mouse models of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Marcazzan Sabrina , Dadbin Ali , Brachi Giulia , Blanco Elvin , Varoni Elena Maria , Lodi Giovanni , Ferrari Mauro
Published: August 2020

Objective

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents 3%–4% of all cancers. Despite the increasing incidence of OSCC distant metastasis and poor prognosis, few animal models of OSCC distant metastasis have been reported. In this study, we established mouse models of OSCC lung metastasis by orthotopic and tail vein injection of new OSCC cell lines.

Methods

For the tail vein model, we used a novel cell line isolated from lung metastases reproduced in vivo after intravenous injection of HSC‐3 GFP/luciferase cells and sorted for GFP expression (HSC‐3 M1 GFP/luciferase). Lung metastases were assessed by imaging techniques and further confirmed by histology. For the orthotopic model, HSC‐3 GFP/luciferase cells were injected into the tongue of athymic nude mice. The primary tumor and metastases were assessed by in vivo imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The orthotopic model presented spontaneous lung metastases in 50% of the animals and lymph node metastases were present in 83% of cases. In the tail vein model, a lung metastasis rate of 60% was observed.

Conclusions

Lung metastases were successfully reproduced by orthotopic and tail vein injection. Since lymph node metastases were present, the orthotopic model with HSC‐3 GFP/luciferase cells may be suitable to investigate metastatic dissemination in OSCC.
Cognitive dysfunction and quality of life during pollen season in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Papapostolou Georgia , Kiotseridis Hampus , Romberg Kerstin , Dahl Åslög , Bjermer Leif , Lindgren Magnus , Aronsson David , Tunsäter Alf , Tufvesson Ellen
Published: August 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis often gives rise to impaired quality of life and is believed to also affect cognitive function. We aimed to examine whether cognitive functions were impaired during grass pollen season in symptomatic allergic children and to relate the degree of impairment to quality of life and biomarkers related to stress and inflammation.

Methods

Forty‐three grass pollen‐allergic children (age 8‐17 years) with non‐satisfactory effect of medication (antihistamines and nasal steroids daily) during previous seasons were included. In addition, 26 matched non‐allergic children were included as controls. Both groups performed cognitive tests (CANTAB) and completed Quality of Life questionnaires outside and during the pollen season. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Pollen level was measured daily.

Results

Impaired cognitive function was found in spatial working memory, where the allergic group made more errors compared to the non‐allergic group during pollen season, but not off‐season. No significant differences could be seen between the allergic group and the controls in the other tests investigating visual memory or attention. Quality of health questionnaires revealed more symptoms and impaired quality of life in allergic compared to non‐allergic children, and increased symptoms in allergic children were associated with longer reaction time for simple movement during pollen season. No differences in stress or inflammatory biomarkers could be found between the groups.

Conclusion

Cognitive function was affected during pollen season in pollen‐allergic children, and the more symptoms the allergic children had, the longer the reaction time in the cognitive tests.
Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face with lingual mucosal neuromas associated with a PIK3CA mutation
Authors: Briand Clémence , Galmiche‐Rolland Louise , Vabres Pierre , Couloigner Vincent , Audebert Severine , Misery Laurent , Abasq‐Thomas Claire
Published: August 2020

We report the case of a 5‐year‐old girl with congenital right‐sided facial hemihypertrophy and right hemi‐macroglossia with lingual mucosal neuromas. The segmental presentation of findings suggested the diagnosis of congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face (CILF), which belongs within the PIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum (PROS). This was confirmed by genetic analysis showing a mosaic mutation in PIK3CA H1047R. CILF/PROS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mucosal neuromas.
Epidermal necrolysis as the presenting manifestation of pediatric lupus
Authors: Bhattarai Dharmagat , Vignesh Pandiarajan , Chaudhary Himanshi , Bharadwaj Niteesh , Saini Lokesh , Gupta Kirti , Rawat Amit
Published: August 2020

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) represents the spectrum of skin lesions characterized by rashes, exfoliation, and sloughing usually following drug intake. Occasionally, TEN‐like cutaneous manifestations have also been described with systemic lupus erythematosus. Recognition of lupus in a child presenting with TEN‐like skin changes is clinically challenging and requires a high degree of suspicion. We describe the case of a child who had epidermal necrolysis as the presenting feature of lupus and had severe neurological complications. TEN‐like skin changes in association with severe neurological complications in pediatric lupus are uncommon. Lupus must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with epidermal necrolysis with no provocative risk factors such as a history of exposure to medications.
The Endogenous Tryptophan‐derived Photoproduct 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (FICZ) is a Nanomolar Photosensitizer that Can be Harnessed for the Photodynamic Elimination of Skin Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Justiniano Rebecca , de Faria Lopes Lohanna , Perer Jessica , Hua Anh , Park Sophia L. , Jandova Jana , Baptista Maurício S. , Wondrak Georg T.
Published: August 2020

UV‐chromophores contained in human skin may act as endogenous sensitizers of photooxidative stress and can be employed therapeutically for the photodynamic elimination of malignant cells. Here, we report that 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan‐derived photoproduct and endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, displays activity as a nanomolar sensitizer of photooxidative stress, causing the photodynamic elimination of human melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. FICZ is an efficient UVA/Visible photosensitizer having absorbance maximum at 390 nm (ε = 9180 L mol−1 cm−1), and fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.15 and 0.5, respectively, in methanol. In a panel of cultured human squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancer cells (SCC‐25, HaCaT‐ras II‐4, A375, G361, LOX), photodynamic induction of cell death was elicited by the combined action of solar simulated UVA (6.6 J cm−2) and FICZ (≥10 nm), preceded by the induction of oxidative stress as substantiated by MitoSOX Red fluorescence microscopy, comet detection of Fpg‐sensitive oxidative genomic lesions and upregulated stress response gene expression (HMOX1, HSPA1A, HSPA6). In SKH1 “high‐risk” mouse skin, an experimental FICZ/UVA photodynamic treatment regimen blocked the progression of UV‐induced tumorigenesis suggesting feasibility of harnessing FICZ for the photooxidative elimination of malignant cells in vivo.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can ameliorate salt stress in Elaeagnus angustifolia by improving leaf photosynthetic function and ultrastructure
Authors: Liang B. B. , Wang W. J. , Fan X. X. , Kurakov A. V. , Liu Y. F. , Song F. Q. , Chang W.
Published: August 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form symbiosis with Elaeagnus angustifolia, allowing this species to tolerate salt stress. However, the physiological mechanism through which AMF improve E. angustifolia tolerance is still unclear.

In this study, we examined E. angustifolia inoculated with AMF Rhizophagus irregularis (M) or inactivated inoculum (NM) under 0 and 300 mM NaCl stress for the determination of photosynthetic gas exchange, pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant capacity and chloroplast ultrastructural in leaves.

Photosynthetic gas exchange parameters in the leaves of M and NM decreased significantly under salt stress, while the M treatment significantly reduced the effect of salt stress compared with NM. Various chlorophyll components in the M treatment were two‐ to three‐fold higher than in NM, together with a much more complex chloroplast structure and higher number of plastoglobules. The total flavonoid and proline content in leaves of M increased significantly, while the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly under salt stress. Chlorophyll fluorescence data also showed good PSII function in the M treatment, together with salt stress reduction of photochemical reactions and sharp enhancements in non‐photosynthetic quenching (NPQ). AMF inoculation ameliorated the inhibition on the actual PSII efficiency (ФPSII) and the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) by 10–15%.

Our results clearly demonstrate that R. irregularis can improve the salt tolerance of plants by improving leaf photosynthetic performance, PSII function, antioxidant capacity and leaf chloroplast ultrastructure, and that E. angustifolia inoculated with AMF could enhance saline soil rehabilitation.
Multiplex qPCR assay for simultaneous quantification of CYP51‐S524T and SdhC‐H152R substitutions in European populations of Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Hellin Pierre , Duvivier Maxime , Clinckemaillie Aurélie , Bataille Charlotte , Legrève Anne , Heick Thies M. , Jørgensen Lise N. , Andersson Björn , Samils Berit , Rodemann Bernd , Berg Gunilla , Kildea Steven
Published: August 2020

Demethylation inhibitor (DMI) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides are currently relied upon for the control of septoria tritici blotch (STB) in European wheat fields. However, multiple mutations have occurred over time in the genes encoding the targeted proteins that have led to a practical loss of fungicide efficacies. Among the different amino acid substitutions in Zymoseptoria tritici associated with resistance to these fungicides, S524T in CYP51 (DMI target) and H152R in SdhC (SDHI target) are regarded as conferring the highest resistance factors to DMI and SDHI, respectively. To facilitate further studies on the monitoring and selection of these substitutions in Z. tritici populations, a multiplex allele‐specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay allowing for estimation of both allele frequencies in bulk DNA matrices was developed. The assay was then used on complex DNA samples originating from a spore trap network set up in Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Ireland in 2017 and 2018, as well as on leaf samples with symptoms. The S524T allele was present in all field samples and its proportion was significantly higher in Ireland than in Belgium, whereas the proportion of H152R was only sporadically present in both countries. The frequency of S524T varied greatly in the airborne inoculum of all four countries; however, the H152R allele was never detected in the airborne inoculum. The method developed in this study can be readily adopted by other laboratories and used for multiple applications including resistance monitoring in field populations of Z. tritici.
What Drives Successful Administrative Performance during Crises? Lessons from Refugee Migration and the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Schomaker Rahel M. , Bauer Michael W.
Published: August 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic affects societies worldwide, challenging not only health sectors but also public administration systems in general. Understanding why public administrations perform well in the current situation—and in times of crisis more generally—is theoretically of great importance, and identifying concrete factors driving successful administrative performance under today's extraordinary circumstances could still improve current crisis responses. This article studies patterns of sound administrative performance with a focus on networks and knowledge management within and between crises. Subsequently, it draws on empirical evidence from two recent public administration surveys conducted in Germany in order to test derived hypotheses. The results of tests for group differences and regression analyses demonstrate that administrations that were structurally prepared, learned during preceding crises, and displayed a high quality in their network cooperation with other administrations and with the civil society, on average, performed significantly better in the respective crises.

Evidence for Practice

While practitioners often prefer centralized and hierarchical solutions in times of crisis, this study highlights the potential of reflexive and adaptive use of multiactor networks to cope with the extraordinary.

Administrations that are prepared and that display a high quality in their network cooperation with other administrations and with civil society, on average, performed significantly better in their respective crises.

Knowledge management and resource sharing—both among administrative units and with civil society—increase organizational ability to perform well in crisis situations.

Administrations do best when lessons learned in crises are accessibly stored and when previously successful crisis networks can be quickly revitalized, thus allowing for intercrisis learning—documentation of best practices during crises—via smart or traditional forms of data storing and organizational memory keeping—further boost the performance of administrations during succeeding crises.

In the early stages of a crisis, decision makers need to invest in organizational self‐awareness of how challenges are mastered and how insights about optimal coping are best passed on.
Contract Renewal in Urban Water Services, Incumbent Advantage, and Market Concentration
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Bel Germà , González‐Gómez Francisco , Picazo‐Tadeo Andrés J.
Published: August 2020

Contract renewal with the incumbent is common practice in the contracting‐out of public services. It could, however, affect competition by reinforcing trends towards market concentration. This article contributes empirical evidence on the determinants of the result of public tenders for the renewal of private provision of urban water services. A dataset with information on 215 public tenders held in Spain between 2008 and 2019 is employed. The methodology is based on logistic regression techniques. The findings indicate that incumbent size does not play a role in the probability of alternation between service providers. Furthermore, competition (proxied by the number of bidders) and transparency in managing public tenders both increase the likelihood of alternation between providers. Lastly, the estimates suggest that larger municipality size and discretionary power of entrenched political parties might also play a role in favoring incumbent contract renewal.
What Is Behavioral Public Administration Good for?
Authors: Bertelli Anthony M , M. Riccucci Norma
Published: August 2020

Public administration has seen an influx of work addressing something that has been called “behavioral public administration (BPA)”; A hallmark of BPA is the examination of public administration from a micro‐level perspective with attention to the psychological aspects of human behavior. However, scholars of public administration have long applied a micro‐level lens to their research, even from a psychological standpoint. We argue here that the call for BPA is mainly an appeal for greater reliance on an analytical lens or research method, namely experimental designs. As argued here, however, little attention has been given to major drawbacks: experiments tend not to be theory driven, they overstate their importance to policy and management, and they fail to capture the significance of politics and institutions. If BPA is to be more than a passing fancy, the limits of experimentation must be reevaluated for public administration.
Elevating the Case for Leadership Development Programs: Return on Investment Evaluations
Authors: Abner Gordon , Valdez Bill , Perry James L.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Competent leadership is essential to helping achieve agency missions. While governments around the globe invest in leadership development, most struggle to calculate the return on their investment (ROI). The lack of ROI evaluations makes it difficult to maintain leadership development budgets during financial crises and political changes. In this article we outline three methods for assessing ROI for leadership development.
Microbial sensing by haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells: Vigilance against infections and immune education of myeloid cells
Authors: Sioud Mouldy
Published: August 2020

Bone marrow haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) express pattern recognition receptors such as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) to sense microbial products and activation of these innate immune receptors induces cytokine expression and redirects bone marrow haematopoiesis towards the increased production of myeloid cells. Secreted cytokines by HSPCs in response to TLR ligands can act in an autocrine or paracrine manner to regulate haematopoiesis. Moreover, tonic activation of HSPCs by microbiota‐derived compounds might educate HSPCs to produce superior myeloid cells equipped with innate memory responses to combat pathogens. While haematopoietic stem cell activation through TLRs meets the increased demand for blood leucocytes to protect the host against infection, persistent exposure to inflammatory cytokines or microbial products might impair their function and even induce malignant transformation. This review highlights the potential outcomes of HSPCs in response to TLR ligands.
Grip on Life as a possible antecedent for self‐control beliefs interacts with well‐being and perceived stress
Authors: Bertelsen Preben , Ozer Simon
Published: August 2020

Self‐control has been established as an important factor in various domains of life, significant for general well‐being; thus, a self‐induced lack of self‐control may prove detrimental for well‐being. Self‐induced lack of self‐control may stem from implicit beliefs about self‐control as a limited resource, but research has shown this belief to be unwarranted. Furthermore, it has been shown that a belief about self‐control resources as unlimited has a positive effect on many domains in life and ultimately on well‐being. This study addresses the question of antecedent beliefs about self‐control resources and proposes personal Grip on Life, defined as skill‐based goal setting and goal approaches, as a possible antecedent. This points to development of interventions altering a limited belief to an unlimited belief based on empowerment of one’s Grip on Life.
Investigation of the interpersonal theory of suicide in the context of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology and suicide ideation
Authors: Triece Patricia A. , Oddo Lauren E. , Hill Ryan M. , Pettit Jeremy W. , Meinzer Michael C.
Published: August 2020

Objective

The current study examines components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide as mediators of the association between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and suicide ideation in college students with elevated depressive symptoms. Specifically, indirect effects of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were simultaneously evaluated on the association between self‐reported ADHD symptoms and suicide ideation, controlling for gender and levels of depression.

Method

Participants were 217 college students with elevated depressive symptoms (Mage = 20.72 years old; SD = 3.74) who participated in a larger study on mood and well‐being. The sample was predominantly female (77.9% female) and Hispanic (72.7%).

Results

In a multivariate mediation model controlling for gender and depressive symptoms, there were significant indirect effects of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness on the association between self‐reported ADHD symptoms and suicide ideation.

Conclusion

Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness may represent promising targets for preventing suicide ideation in individuals with elevated ADHD symptoms.
Monitoring the swimmer’s training load: A narrative review of monitoring strategies applied in research
Authors: Feijen Stef , Tate Angela , Kuppens Kevin , Barry Lorna A. , Struyf Filip
Published: August 2020

The high incidence of injury during swim training and the increasing demands of the sports make monitoring of the swimmer's training load a key concept requiring further investigation. Research has previously introduced numerous methods for the purposes of monitoring the swimmer's training load, but a narrative review discussing the strengths and limitations of each method is lacking. Consequently, this narrative review aims to summarize the monitoring strategies that have been applied in research on competitive swimmers. This knowledge can assist professionals in the field in choosing which method is appropriate in their particular setting. The results from this study showed that external training load was predominantly obtained through real‐life observation of the swimmers’ training volume. However, research has investigated a number of internal load monitoring tools, including blood lactate, training heart rate, and perceived effort of training. To date, blood lactate markers are still considered most accurate and especially recommended at higher levels of competitive swimming or for those at greater risk of injury. Further, mood state profiling has been suggested as an early indicator of overtraining and may be applied at the lower competitive levels of swimming. Professionals in the field should consider the individual, the aim of the current training phase, and additional logistical issues when determining the appropriate monitoring strategy in their setting.
Judicial Performance and Trust in Legal Systems: Findings from a Decade of Surveys in over 20 European Countries
Authors: Magalhães Pedro C. , Garoupa Nuno
Published: August 2020

Objective

Determining the existence of a relationship between judicial performance and citizens’ trust in the legal system.

Method

Cross‐classified multilevel models, using data from more than 20 European countries, 80 surveys, and 100,000 respondents, over a decade.

Results

The longer the time that lower courts take, on average, to dispose of pending cases, the lower is the public's trust in their legal system.

Conclusion

Judicial performance, operationalized as the ability of courts to avoid delays in the delivery of justice, is a significant correlate of citizens’ evaluations of their country's legal system.
Effects of alternative treatments—An EDA team project in high schools
Authors: Warstat Selina , Proemmel Andreas
Published: August 2020

Scientific statistical working in a team is a special challenge for students in high schools, especially with a civic statistical problem. Ideally, they are following the PPDAC cycle: they formulate a problem together, plan an investigation, collect the data, use software to analyze the data, and formulate results in a seminar paper. This article is written jointly by a student and a computer science teacher involved in the project, offering insights from both perspectives.
New blood‐borne virus infections among organ transplant recipients: An Australian data‐linked cohort study examining donor transmissions and other HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B notifications, 2000‐2015
Authors: Waller Karen M. J. , De La Mata Nicole L. , Hedley James A. , Rosales Brenda M. , O'Leary Michael J. , Cavazzoni Elena , Ramachandran Vidiya , Rawlinson William D. , Kelly Patrick J. , Wyburn Kate R. , Webster Angela C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Blood‐borne viral infections can complicate organ transplantation. Systematic monitoring to distinguish donor‐transmitted infections from other new infections post transplant is challenging. Administrative health data can be informative. We aimed to quantify post‐transplant viral infections, specifically those transmitted by donors and those reactivating or arising new in recipients.

Methods

We linked transplant registries with administrative health data for all solid organ donor‐recipient pairs in New South Wales, Australia, 2000‐2015. All new recipient notifications of hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after transplant were identified. Proven/probable donor transmissions within 12 months of transplant were classified using an international algorithm.

Results

Of 2120 organ donors, there were 72 with a viral infection (9/72 active, 63/72 past). These 72 donors donated to 173 recipients, of whom 24/173 already had the same infection as their donor, and 149/173 did not, so were at risk of donor transmission. Among those at risk, 3/149 recipients had proven/probable viral transmissions (1 HCV, 2 HBV); none were unrecognized by donation services. There were no deaths from transmissions. There were no donor transmissions from donors without known blood‐borne viruses. An additional 68 recipients had new virus notifications, of whom 2/68 died, due to HBV infection.

Conclusion

This work confirms the safety of organ donation in an Australian cohort, with no unrecognized viral transmissions and most donors with viral infections not transmitting the virus. This may support targeted increases in donation from donors with viral infections. However, other new virus notifications post transplant were substantial and are preventable. Data linkage can enhance current biovigilance systems.