bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perianal warts as a risk marker for anal high‐risk‐human papillomavirus (HPV) detection and HPV‐associated diseases
Authors: Cerejeira A. , Cunha S. , Coelho R. , Macedo G. , Barkoudah E. , Azevedo F. , Lisboa C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent anal infection by oncogenic genotypes of HPV is a determinant for anal cancer. Currently, anal cancer screening is not widely implemented.

Objectives

Our aim is to evaluate the role of perianal warts as a risk marker for anal high‐risk (HR) HPV detection and anal dysplasia.

Methods

In this observational, retrospective, cohort study of attendees of a STI outpatient clinic between January 2010 and June 2018, all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) who performed anal cytology, anal HPV DNA detection and anoscopy were included. A comparison was made between patients with and without perianal warts. Primary endpoint: proportion of patients with an abnormal anal cytology. Secondary endpoints: proportion of patients with (i) anal HR‐HPV detection; (ii) anal HPV 16 detection; (iii) abnormal anal biopsy; and (iv) anal high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).

Results

Seventy‐eight individuals were included: 39 with perianal warts and 39 without perianal warts. Subjects with perianal warts more frequently had an abnormal anal cytology (71.8% vs. 38.5%; P = 0.003). This group also had a higher rate of anal HPV 16 detection (38.5% vs. 12.8%; P = 0.01). No differences were detected in the proportion of patients with anal HR‐HPV detection, with an abnormal anal biopsy or with anal HSIL. Perianal warts was an independent risk factor for an abnormal anal cytology (OR: 7.2) and for anal HPV 16 detection (OR: 6.7).

Conclusion

Given the high risk of anal cancer in HIV‐positive MSM, effective screening strategies are greatly needed. This study suggests that the presence of perianal warts is a suitable risk marker for anal HPV 16 detection and anal dysplasia.
Sovereign Debt Portfolios, Bond Risks, and the Credibility of Monetary Policy
Authors: DU WENXIN , PFLUEGER CAROLIN E. , SCHREGER JESSE
Published: July 2020

We document that governments whose local currency debt provides them with greater hedging benefits actually borrow more in foreign currency. We introduce two features into a government's debt portfolio choice problem to explain this finding: risk‐averse lenders and lack of monetary policy commitment. A government without commitment chooses excessively countercyclical inflation ex post, which leads risk‐averse lenders to require a risk premium ex ante. This makes local currency debt too expensive from the government's perspective and thereby discourages the government from borrowing in its own currency.
Systematics and Biogeography of the Red Algal Genus Yonagunia (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Indo‐Pacific Including the Description of Two New Species from Taiwan
Authors: Lin Showe‐Mei , De Clerck Olivier , Leliaert Frederik , Chuang Ya‐Chu
Published: July 2020

Carpopeltis maillardii has been regarded as a widely distributed species in the Indo‐Pacific region. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of C. maillardii and related species collected from Taiwan and the Indian Ocean based on rbcL sequences, in order to elucidate species boundaries, diversity, and biogeographic patterns. Our analyses show that C. maillardii specimens are only distantly related to the genus Carpopeltis (type: C. phyllophora) but instead form a clade together with species of Yonagunia. We therefore propose the new combination Yonagunia maillardii comb. nov. In addition, two new species (Yonagunia palmata sp. nov. and Yonagunia taiwani‐borealis sp. nov.) are described from Taiwan. The close relationship of Yonagunia to Grateloupia is corroborated by detailed observations of the female reproductive structures, which demonstrate that the development of auxiliary cell ampullae before and after diploidization is similar to that of Grateloupia sensu stricto. Namely, the ampullae are composed of only two orders of unbranched filaments in which only a few ampullar cells are incorporated into a basal fusion cell after diploidization of the auxiliary cell and the pericarp consists almost entirely of secondary medullary filaments. Of all Yonagunia species, Y. maillardii has the widest distribution in the Indo‐Pacific, and can be identified in the field by its relatively thin, feathery, and highly branched morphology. Most other species, including those that occur in Taiwan, are seemingly more range‐restricted. Our phylogenetic analyses resulted in a well‐resolved phylogeny of Yonagunia, with an origin estimated in the Eocene–Oligocene, and diversification of species mainly in the Miocene.
Conditionals: Truth, safety, and success
Authors: Mellor Hugh , Bradley Richard
Published: July 2020

Whether I take some action that aims at desired consequence C depends on whether or not I take it to be true that if I so act, I will bring C about and that if I do not, I will fail to. And the action will succeed if and only if my beliefs are true. We argue that two theses follow: (I) To believe a conditional is to be disposed to infer its consequent from the truth of its antecedent, and (II) The conditional is true iff the inference would not make a true belief in the antecedent cause a false belief in the consequent.
Genome analysis of sphingolipid metabolism‐related genes in Tetrahymena thermophila and identification of a fatty acid 2‐hydroxylase involved in the sexual stage of conjugation
Authors: Cid Nicolas G. , Puca Gervasio , Nudel Clara B. , Nusblat Alejandro D.
Published: July 2020

Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids present in all eukaryotes. Tetrahymena thermophila is a ciliate that displays remarkable sphingolipid moieties, that is, the unusual phosphonate‐linked headgroup ceramides, present in membranes. To date, no identification has been made in this organism of the functions or related genes implicated in sphingolipid metabolism. By gathering information from the T. thermophila genome database together with sphingolipid moieties and enzymatic activities reported in other Tetrahymena species, we were able to reconstruct the putative de novo sphingolipid metabolic pathway in T. thermophila. Orthologous genes of 11 enzymatic steps involved in the biosynthesis and degradation pathways were retrieved. No genes related to glycosphingolipid or phosphonosphingolipid headgroup transfer were found, suggesting that both conserved and innovative mechanisms are used in ciliate. The knockout of gene TTHERM_00463850 allowed to identify the gene encoding a putative fatty acid 2‐hydroxylase, which is involved in the biosynthesis pathway. Knockout cells have shown several impairments in the sexual stage of conjugation since different mating types of knockout strains failed to form cell pairs and complete the conjugation process. This fatty acid 2‐hydroxylase gene is the first gene of a sphingolipid metabolic pathway to be identified in ciliates and have a critical role in their sexual stage.
Impact of COVID‐19 on maintenance haemodialysis patients: The Indian scenario
Authors: Trivedi Mayuri , Shingada Aakash , Shah Meera , Khanna Umesh , Karnik Niteen D. , Ramachandran Raja
Published: July 2020

There is a lack of data describing the impact of the novel coronavirus 19 pandemic on the patients of chronic kidney disease stage V‐dialysis (CKD V‐D) from resource‐limited countries. A growing body of literature describes an increased susceptibility of CKD V‐D to COVID‐19 with adverse outcomes in those with severe disease. In the current retrospective report, we elucidate the outcome in consecutive 37 CKD V‐D patients with COVID‐19 from two dialysis centres in Mumbai, India. Of the 37 patients included in the study, 56.7% of patients were asymptomatic or had mild disease and 27% presented with severe symptoms. The recovery rate was 63%, all those who presented with a severe disease succumbed to the infection. Thirty per cent of patients presented with an extended dialysis break due to various logistic and social issues. Though the overall clinical presentation and outcomes of this cohort from a limited resource setting mimic the global scenario, unique social and logistic issues are an additional burden to the patient, caregivers and the health‐care facilities, which may worsen the outcomes in the future as the pandemic continues to spread.
Linking functional traits to multiscale statistics of leaf venation networks
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Both Sabine , Jodra Miguel , Xu Hao , Fricker Mark , Matos Ilaíne S. , Majalap Noreen , Burslem David F.R.P. , Teh Yit Arn , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: July 2020

Leaf venation networks evolved along several functional axes, including resource transport, damage resistance, mechanical strength, and construction cost. Because functions may depend on architectural features at different scales, network architecture may vary across spatial scales to satisfy functional tradeoffs.

We develop a framework for quantifying network architecture with multiscale statistics describing elongation ratios, circularity ratios, vein density, and minimum spanning tree ratios. We quantify vein networks for leaves of 260 southeast Asian tree species in samples of up to 2 cm2, pairing multiscale statistics with traits representing axes of resource transport, damage resistance, mechanical strength, and cost.

We show that these multiscale statistics clearly differentiate species’ architecture and delineate a phenotype space that shifts at larger scales; functional linkages vary with scale and are weak, with vein density, minimum spanning tree ratio, and circularity ratio linked to mechanical strength (measured by force to punch) and elongation ratio and circularity ratio linked to damage resistance (measured by tannins); and phylogenetic conservatism of network architecture is low but scale‐dependent.

This work provides tools to quantify the function and evolution of venation networks. Future studies including primary and secondary veins may uncover additional insights.
Protein expression profiles in murine ventricles modeling catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: effects of genotype and sex
Authors: Saadeh Khalil , Achercouk Zakaria , Fazmin Ibrahim T. , Nantha Kumar Nakulan , Salvage Samantha C. , Edling Charlotte E. , Huang Christopher L.‐H. , Jeevaratnam Kamalan
Published: July 2020

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is associated with mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2). These result in stress‐induced ventricular arrhythmic episodes, with clinical symptoms and prognosis reported more severe in male than female patients. Murine homozygotic RyR2‐P2328S (RyR2S/S) hearts replicate the proarrhythmic CPVT phenotype of abnormal sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ leak and disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis. In addition, RyR2S/S hearts show decreased myocardial action potential conduction velocities (CV), all features implicated in arrhythmic trigger and substrate. The present studies explored for independent and interacting effects of RyR2S/S genotype and sex on expression levels of molecular determinants of Ca2+ homeostasis (CASQ2, FKBP12, SERCA2a, NCX1, and CaV1.2) and CV (NaV1.5, Connexin (Cx)‐43, phosphorylated‐Cx43, and TGF‐β1) in mice. Expression levels of Ca2+ homeostasis proteins were not altered, hence implicating abnormal RyR2 function alone in disrupted cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis. Furthermore, altered NaV1.5, phosphorylated Cx43, and TGF‐β1 expression were not implicated in the development of slowed CV. By contrast, decreased Cx43 expression correlated with slowed CV, in female, but not male, RyR2S/S mice. The CV changes may reflect acute actions of the increased cytosolic Ca2+ on NaV1.5 and Cx43 function.
The development of working memory spatialization revealed by using the cave paradigm in a two‐alternative spatial choice
Authors: Guida Alessandro , Fartoukh Michaël , Mathy Fabien
Published: July 2020

When Western participants are asked to keep in mind a sequence of verbal items, they tend to associate the first items to the left and the last items to the right. This phenomenon, known as the spatial–positional association response codes effect, has been interpreted as showing that individuals spatialize the memoranda by creating a left‐to‐right mental line with them. One important gap in our knowledge concerns the development of this phenomenon: when do Western individuals start organizing their thought from left to right? To answer this question, 274 participants in seven age groups were tested (kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and adults). We used a new protocol meant to be child‐friendly, which involves associating two caves with two animals using a two‐alternative spatial forced choice. Participants had to guess in which cave a specific animal could be hidden. Results showed that it is from Grade 3 on that participants spatialize information in working memory in a left‐to‐right fashion like adults.
Achalasia: what to do in the face of failures of Heller myotomy
Authors: Felix Valter N. , Murayama Kenric M. , Bonavina Luigi , Park Moo In
Published: July 2020

Achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, and while there are several treatment options, there is no consensus regarding them. When therapeutic intervention for achalasia fails, a careful evaluation of the cause of the persistent or recurrent symptoms using upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and contrast radiologic studies is required to understand the cause of therapy failure and guide plans for subsequent treatment. Options for reintervention are the same as for primary intervention and include pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injection, peroral endoscopic myotomy, or redo esophageal myotomy. When reintervention fails or if the esophagus is not amenable to intervention and the disease is considered end‐stage, esophagectomy is the last option to manage recurrent achalasia.
Herbivore‐induced DMNT catalyzed by CYP82D47 plays an important role in the induction of JA‐dependent herbivore resistance of neighboring tea plants
Authors: Jing Tingting , Du Wenkai , Gao Ting , Wu Yi , Zhang Na , Zhao Mingyue , Jin Jieyang , Wang Jingming , Schwab Wilfried , Wan Xiaochun , Song Chuankui
Published: July 2020

Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles play important ecological roles in defense against stresses. However, if and which volatile(s) are involved in the plant–plant communication in response to herbivorous insects in tea plants remains unknown. Here, plant–plant communication experiments confirm that volatiles emitted from insects‐attacked tea plants can trigger plant resistance and reduce the risk of herbivore damage by inducing jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation in neighboring plants. The emission of six compounds was significantly induced by geometrid Ectropis obliqua, one of the most common pests of the tea plant in China. Among them, (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene (DMNT) could induce the accumulation of JA and thus promotes the resistance of neighboring intact plants to herbivorous insects. CsCYP82D47 was identified for the first time as a P450 enzyme, which catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of DMNT from (E)‐nerolidol. Down‐regulation of CsCYP82D47 in tea plants resulted in a reduced accumulation of DMNT and significantly reduced the release of DMNT in response to the feeding of herbivorous insects. The first evidence for plant–plant communication in response to herbivores in tea plants will help to understand how plants respond to volatile cues in response to herbivores and provide new insight into the role(s) of DMNT in tea plants.
When lending an ear turns into mistreatment: An episodic examination of leader mistreatment in response to venting at work
Authors: Rosen Christopher C. , Gabriel Allison S. , Lee Hun Whee , Koopman Joel , Johnson Russell E.
Published: July 2020

Venting—an emotion‐focused form of coping involving the discharge of negative feelings to others—is common in organizational settings. Venting may benefit the self via the release of negative emotion, or by acting as a catalyst for changes to problematic work situations. Nonetheless, venting might have unintended consequences via its influence on those who are the recipients of venting from others. In light of this idea, we provide a theoretical explanation for how leaders in particular are affected by venting receipt at work. Drawing from the transactional model of stress, we theorize that venting tends to be appraised as a threat, which triggers negative emotion that, in turn, potentiates deviant action tendencies (i.e., interpersonal mistreatment). Yet, our theory suggests that not all leaders necessarily experience venting in the same way. Specifically, leaders with higher need for cognition are less influenced by surface‐level cues associated with others’ emotional expressions and find challenging interpersonal situations to be less aversive, thereby attenuating the deleterious effects of receipt of venting. In an experience sampling study of 112 managers across 10 consecutive workdays, we find support for our theoretical model. Altogether, our findings provide insight into the costs incurred when leaders lend an ear to those who vent, which can result in negative downstream consequences.
Cleaner fish in aquaculture: review on diseases and vaccination
Authors: Erkinharju Toni , Dalmo Roy A. , Hansen Miroslava , Seternes Tore
Published: July 2020

Combating and controlling sea lice causes large economic costs for the farmers, with estimated values of more than 305 million euros (€) per year. Increased resistance against traditional chemotherapeutants due to evolutionary drivers in the sea lice combined with the lack of an effective vaccine and few other chemical treatments available are expected to cause these costs to increase. Several possible methods for managing sea lice infestations have been investigated, but only cleaner fish has proven to have an effect on lice levels. Cleaning activity is well known in marine fish and has been observed in the wild as a form of symbiosis between two species: one species, the ‘client’ fish, seek out the other species, the ‘cleaner’ fish, to have ectoparasites and dead tissue cleared from its body. The Atlantic lumpfish is a relatively new aquaculture species, and wild‐caught mature fish are used as brood stock for farmed production. This poses a biosecurity risk, as wild fish can carry pathogens, and the use of quarantine and health screening is recommended. Vaccine development is unfortunately lagging far behind relatively to the wide spread and high utilisation of the fish. This review contains description of the main pathogens and diseases that affect cleaner fish.
Estimation of (co)variance components for birth weight in Nellore cattle using alternative data editing criteria
Authors: dos Santos Correia Luiz Eduardo Cruz , da Silva Faria Ricardo António , de Oliveira Matheus Henrique Vargas , Aspilcueta Borquis Rusbel Raúl , Curi Rogério Abdallah , de Vasconcelos Silva Josineudson Augusto II
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to estimate the (co)variance components and breeding values for birthweight (BW) in Nellore cattle by considering or not identical weights that exhibit a high frequency within the contemporary group (CG). A total of 175,258 BW records of Nellore cattle born between 2002 and 2018 were used. The CG was formed by farm, year of birth, sex and feeding regime at birth. CGs with more than 16% of identical BW values were eliminated, generating a data file called BWd. Another file was created without removing these animals (BWt). A mixed linear model was used for statistical analysis, which included fixed and random effects. In both data files analysed, single‐trait analysis was performed by Bayesian inference. The mean direct and maternal heritability for BW and the correlation between direct and maternal effects were 0.27, 0.07 and −0.07 for BWt, respectively, and 0.30, 0.093 and −0.07 for BWd. This method should affect the estimation of genetic merits of animals for BW, providing greater safety in the choice of sires.
Electronic cigarettes: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand*
Authors: McDonald Christine F. , Jones Stuart , Beckert Lutz , Bonevski Billie , Buchanan Tanya , Bozier Jack , Carson‐Chahhoud Kristin V. , Chapman David G. , Dobler Claudia C. , Foster Juliet M. , Hamor Paul , Hodge Sandra , Holmes Peter W. , Larcombe Alexander N. , Marshall Henry M. , McCallum Gabrielle B. , Miller Alistair , Pattemore Philip , Roseby Robert , See Hayley V. , Stone Emily , Thompson Bruce R. , Ween Miranda P. , Peters Matthew J.
Published: July 2020

The TSANZ develops position statements where insufficient data exist to write formal clinical guidelines. In 2018, the TSANZ addressed the question of potential benefits and health impacts of electronic cigarettes (EC). The working party included groups focused on health impacts, smoking cessation, youth issues and priority populations. The 2018 report on the Public Health Consequences of E‐Cigarettes from the United States NASEM was accepted as reflective of evidence to mid‐2017. A search for papers subsequently published in peer‐reviewed journals was conducted in August 2018. A small number of robust and important papers published until March 2019 were also identified and included. Groups identified studies that extended, modified or contradicted the NASEM report. A total of 3793 papers were identified and reviewed, with summaries and draft position statements developed and presented to TSANZ membership in April 2019. After feedback from members and external reviewers, a collection of position statements was finalized in December 2019. EC have adverse lung effects and harmful effects of long‐term use are unknown. EC are unsuitable consumer products for recreational use, part‐substitution for smoking or long‐term exclusive use by former smokers. Smokers who require support to quit smoking should be directed towards approved medication in conjunction with behavioural support as having the strongest evidence for efficacy and safety. No specific EC product can be recommended as effective and safe for smoking cessation. Smoking cessation claims in relation to EC should be assessed by established regulators.
Case report: Rehabilitation of a child with dentinogenesis imperfecta with CAD/CAM approach: Three‐year follow‐up
Authors: Sarapultseva Maria , Leleko Alina , Sarapultsev Alexey
Published: July 2020

Aim

This study was aimed to describe a minimally invasive and effective method for the aesthetic and functional teeth restoration in dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI‐II) patient.

Methods and results

A six‐year‐old boy visited orthodontist and pediatric dentist for the initial consultation with the complaints of aesthetic problems. The treatment plan aimed to correct the vertical dimension of occlusion by prosthetics of the posterior group of teeth with individual milled crowns, followed by restoration of the anterior teeth with crowns made up of the composite material. The digital prosthetic protocol that included the use of an intraoral scanner to take the impressions, minimal teeth preparation, and individual manufacturing via CAD/CAM was followed. Crowns for the first permanent molars were milled from titanium. Crowns from composite material were made on the incisors of the upper and lower jaw, the diastemas between the teeth were closed with the crowns, and the aesthetic disadvantage was corrected.

Conclusion

As a result of the complex treatment, the function and aesthetics were restored, and the prevention of further tooth wear was implemented. This method of rehabilitation is suitable to treat DGI. During 3 years of follow‐up, the treatment outcome was considered stable.
Measuring associations between social anxiety and use of different types of social media using the Swedish Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users: A psychometric evaluation and cross‐sectional study
Authors: Erliksson Olivia J. , Lindner Philip , Mörtberg Ewa
Published: July 2020

Research on the association between social anxiety and social media usage remains inconclusive: despite the preference for computer‐mediated communication there is currently no clear empirical support for social anxiety being associated with longer duration of social media use. Self‐report measures for social anxiety that are adapted for the context of social media could facilitate further research. The current study aimed to develop a Swedish version of the recently developed Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS‐SMU), evaluate its psychometric properties, and explore associations between different uses of social media and social anxiety. Three factors were retained for SAS‐SMU with excellent internal consistency. SAS‐SMU evidenced convergent validity with measures of social anxiety, negative convergent validity with satisfaction with life, and divergent validity with measures of obsessive‐compulsive disorder, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Results indicated that higher levels of social anxiety were associated with passive and active use as well as longer duration of social media use in general, which is at odds with a previous study where passive use remained the only significant predictor for social anxiety.
The relationship between collision metrics from micro‐sensor technology and video‐coded events in rugby union
Authors: Tierney Peter , Blake Catherine , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to determine the relationship between collision metrics from a commercially available micro‐sensor technology unit (MST) and the count of collisions coded by expert video analysts in professional rugby union. Forty‐four professional rugby union players wore MST units during match play. We analyzed 245 combined data files from 11 competitive matches, resulting in the inclusion of a total of 9202 individual collision events. Collision metrics (the count of collisions and the Collision Load™) were analyzed via the manufacturer's software. Each match was also video recorded and evaluated by two expert video analysts. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the count of collisions coded by the expert video analysts, and both MST collision metrics. One‐way ANOVA was used to determine whether differences in the Collision Load™ for individual collision events existed between different playing positions. Very large—nearly perfect correlations were observed between the count of collisions coded by the expert video analysts and both MST collision metrics (the count of collisions: r = 0.91, 90% CI = 0.89‐0.93; the Collision Load™: r = 0.89; 90% CI = 0.87‐0.91). Differences in the Collision Load™ for individual collision events were identified between different playing positions. Collision metrics registered by the MST software relate very strongly with the count of collisions coded by expert video analysts. The typical Collision LoadTM per individual collision event varies depending on player position. The application of automated collision detection for rugby union appears feasible.
How socialization goals and peer social climate predict young children's concern for others: Evidence for a development shift between 2 and 4 years of age
Authors: Schmerse Daniel , Hepach Robert
Published: July 2020

Children's concern for others is shaped through socialization, but current theories make different predictions as to how and when in development this socializing occurs. Here we found that mothers' prosocial socialization goals (SGs) predicted concern for others in 2‐year‐old (n = 804) and 4‐year‐old (n = 714) children. In contrast, preschool teachers' SGs predicted concern for others only for 4‐year‐old children. In addition, a positive social climate among classroom peers predicted 4‐year‐olds' prosociality. These results suggest that the nuclear family environment impacts toddlers' concern for others before the broader social environment shapes their prosociality at preschool age.
In vivo multiphoton imaging for non‐invasive time course assessment of retinoids effects on human skin
Authors: Tancrède‐Bohin Emmanuelle , Baldeweck Thérèse , Brizion Sébastien , Decencière Etienne , Victorin Steeve , Ngo Blandine , Raynaud Edouard , Souverain Luc , Bagot Martine , Pena Ana‐Maria
Published: July 2020

Background

In vivo multiphoton imaging and automatic 3D image processing tools provide quantitative information on human skin constituents. These multiphoton‐based tools allowed evidencing retinoids epidermal effects in the occlusive patch test protocol developed for antiaging products screening. This study aimed at investigating their relevance for non‐invasive, time course assessment of retinoids cutaneous effects under real‐life conditions for one year.

Materials and Methods

Thirty women, 55‐65 y, applied either retinol (RO 0.3%) or retinoic acid (RA 0.025%) on one forearm dorsal side versus a control product on the other forearm once a day for 1 year. In vivo multiphoton imaging was performed every three months, and biopsies were taken after 1 year. Epidermal thickness and dermal‐epidermal junction undulation were estimated in 3D with multiphoton and in 2D with histology, whereas global melanin density and its z‐epidermal distribution were estimated using 3D multiphoton image processing tools.

Results

Main results after one year were as follows: a) epidermal thickening with RO (+30%); b) slight increase in dermal‐epidermal junction undulation with RO; c) slight decrease in 3D melanin density with RA; d) limitation of the melanin ascent observed with seasonality and time within supra‐basal layers with both retinoids, using multiphoton 3D‐melanin z‐epidermal profile.

Conclusions

With a novel 3D descriptor of melanin z‐epidermal distribution, in vivo multiphoton imaging allows demonstrating that daily usage of retinoids counteracts aging by acting not only on epidermal morphology, but also on melanin that is shown to accumulate in the supra‐basal layers with time.
Preferential Trade Agreements, Democracy, and the Risk of Coups d’état
Authors: Wu Wen‐Chin , Ye Fangjin
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We seek to investigate the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on coups d’état. We argue that signing PTAs lowers the risk of coups because it acts as a credible commitment of signatory countries to pursuing long‐term economic benefits, which further reduces potential challengers’ incentives to initiate coups. In addition, the effect of PTAs is larger in democracies because democratic signatories are perceived to be more credible in upholding treaty commitments than their authoritarian counterparts.

Methods

We employ binary time‐series cross‐sectional (BTSCS) models to examine a sample of 154 countries between 1960 and 2012.

Results

We find that signing PTAs reduces risks of coups, especially in countries with higher levels of democratic development.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on how PTAs can prolong leader survival through reducing the likelihood of coups and contributes to emerging studies on the consequences of signing PTAs in the age of economic globalization.
Evidence for multiple receptors mediating RALF‐triggered Ca2+ signaling and proton pump inhibition
Authors: Gjetting Sisse K. , Mahmood Khalid , Shabala Lana , Kristensen Astrid , Shabala Sergey , Palmgren Michael , Fuglsang Anja T.
Published: July 2020

Acidification of the apoplastic space facilitates cell wall loosening and is therefore a key step in cell expansion. PSY1 is a growth‐promoting secreted tyrosine‐sulfated glycopeptide whose receptor directly phosphorylates and activates the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, which results in acidification and initiates cellular expansion. Although the mechanism is not clear, the Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF) family of small, secreted peptides inhibits the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, leading to alkalinization of the apoplastic space and reduced growth. Here we show that treating Arabidopsis thaliana roots with PSY1 induced the transcription of genes encoding the RALF peptides RALF33 and RALFL36. A rapid burst of intracellular Ca2+ preceded apoplastic alkalinization in roots triggered by RALFs, with peptide‐specific signatures. Ca2+ channel blockers abolished RALF‐induced alkalinization, indicating that the Ca2+ signal is an obligatory part of the response and that it precedes alkalinization. As expected, fer mutants deficient in the RALF receptor FERONIA did not respond to RALF33. However, we detected both Ca2+ and H+ signatures in fer mutants upon treatment with RALFL36. Our results suggest that different RALF peptides induce extracellular alkalinization by distinct mechanisms that may involve different receptors.
Evaluation of basilar artery and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics using phase‐contrast MRI: Comparison between mannitol and isotonic saline solution
Authors: Hori Ai , Seo Wakako , Miyoshi Kenjirou , Makita Kohei , Hanazono Kiwamu , Nakade Tetsuya
Published: July 2020

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can cause irreversible pathological changes in the canine brain and can be life‐threatening, so prompt diagnosis and therapeutic responses are warranted. The purposes of this prospective experimental study were to evaluate phase‐contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) as a non‐invasive method for quantifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and basilar artery flow, and to assess effects of intravenous administration of hypertonic fluid. A PC‐MRI scan was acquired for six healthy Beagle dogs at the level of the mesencephalic aqueduct. Either 1.0 g/kg mannitol or isotonic saline solution was administered intravenously for 15 min each at a matched dose volume of 5 mL/kg. Basilar artery and CSF flow rates were measured and their values compared between mannitol and isotonic saline solution groups before administration, and subsequently every 15 min for 2 h post‐administration. The CSF dynamics were further assessed by measuring repeat flow from the caudal to rostral direction and the rostral to caudal direction as the number of waves. No significant difference was observed in basilar or and CSF flow velocity between the two groups (P > .05). However, administration of isotonic saline solution tended to increase basilar artery velocity slightly over time, while CSF velocity remained unchanged. In the mannitol group, CSF wave forms tended to be reduced at 60 and 75 min (P > .05). Findings from this preliminary study indicated that it is feasible to measure the dynamics of CSF and basilar artery flow by PC‐MRI, but no flow differences could be detected for mannitol versus isotonic saline administration.
Definitive‐intent intensity modulated radiotherapy for modified‐Adams’ stage 4 canine sinonasal cancer: A retrospective study of 29 cases (2011‐2017)
Authors: Stevens Audrey , Turek Michelle , Vail David , Christensen Neil , Forrest Lisa
Published: July 2020

Dogs with sinonasal tumors with cribriform plate lysis (modified Adams’ stage 4) treated with non‐conformal definitive radiotherapy (RT) have short median survivals of 6‐7 months. Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with its greater conformality and tumor dose homogeneity may result in more favorable outcomes. Dogs with epithelial or mesenchymal sinonasal tumors and CT evidence of cribriform lysis that received 10 daily fractions of 4.2 Gray using IMRT by helical tomotherapy were included in this single‐institution retrospective case series study. Dogs with distant metastasis, previous treatment, or concurrent chemotherapy were excluded. Based on CT, tumors were divided into two groups: cribriform plate lysis only (stage 4a) or intracranial extension (stage 4b). Twenty‐nine dogs were included, 23 with carcinoma and six with sarcoma. Eight dogs had stage 4b tumors; two presented with neurologic signs. Two dogs had lymph node metastasis at diagnosis, one confirmed and one suspected. Radiation dose distributions were standardized and patient positioning for RT was verified daily using on‐board megavoltage CT. All evaluable dogs had improvement of clinical signs. Median progression free survival was 177 days (95% CI, 128‐294 days). Median overall survival was 319 days (95% CI, 188‐499 days). Radiotherapy was well tolerated. The most common side effect was grade 1 or 2 oral mucositis. Two dogs that received additional treatment at progression (stereotactic RT [1]; surgery [1]) developed significant late effects. Image‐guided definitive‐intent IMRT may improve survival in dogs with modified Adams’ stage 4 sinonasal tumors and is associated with low morbidity. Intracranial tumor extension was not prognostic in this cohort of uniformly treated dogs.
Postoperative outcomes of 12 cats with ureteral obstruction treated with ureteroneocystostomy
Authors: Lorange Maxime , Monnet Eric
Published: July 2020

Objective

To report complications and long‐term outcomes of cats with benign ureteral obstruction treated with ureteroneocystostomy and to determine the effects of double pigtail catheter (DPT) placement on postoperative outcomes.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Twelveclient‐owned cats with ureteral urolithiasis treated with ureteroneocystostomy.

Methods

Records were reviewed for signalment, location of the obstruction, diagnostic tests, surgical technique, perioperative complications, long‐term measurements of kidney function, and survival. Cats were divided into two groups; in one group, a DPT was placed at the time of ureteroneocystostomy, and, in the other group, a DPT was not placed at the time of ureteroneocystostomy (NDPT).

Results

A DPT was placed in six of 12 cats. The NDPT group included four cats with temporary catheters and two cats with no catheter. Median creatinine concentration decreased from 10.4 mg/dL (range, 1.6‐20.3) to 2.2 mg/dL (range, 1.1‐3.6) at the time of discharge (P= .015) in all cats. Two cats in the NDPT group required revision surgery for uroabdomen. Eleven cats were discharged from the hospital. Long‐term complications (hematuria, pollakiuria, urinary tract infections) were more common in the DPT group (P= .047). Seven cats were alive a median of 329 days (range, 8‐1772) after surgery. Median creatinine concentration was 2.0 mg/dL (range, 0.6‐6.4) at a median of 157 days (range, 43‐1772) after surgery.

Conclusion

Ureteroneocystostomy resulted in acceptable long‐term outcomes in 11 of 12 cats. The placement of a DPT did not influence the long‐term outcome in this small population.

Clinical significance

Ureteroneocystostomy with or without intraoperative placement of a DPT should be considered to relieve benign ureteral obstructions in cats.
Vocational Education Based on Knowledge or Experience?
Authors: Ďurišová Libuše
Published: July 2020

The development of vocational education will depend on whether it provides future-oriented competencies. That means desired competencies of the knowledge society. At present the vocational education includes two different views. One is based on implicit knowledge, the other on explicit knowledge. Implicit knowledge is understood as the knowledge based on experience. Explicit knowledge represents systematic and theoretical knowledge. Although implicit and explicit knowledge have been identified for the first time in the fifties of the last century, both of these forms were already established as essential parts of a business education in the Bata company in Zlín in the twenties to forties of the last century. The thesis aims to characterize these two forms of knowledge in relation to vocational education and to answer the following research questions: What competencies will provide graduates with vocational education based only on explicit knowledge? What competencies will provide vocational education based solely on implicit knowledge? Document analysis and field research obtained facts and information about these issues are compared with the concept of vocational education in the Bata’s shoe company in the twenties to forties of the last century. Methods conform to the historical method of working with archive documents and literature.
Are Teachers Competent to Teach?
Authors: Balcar Jiří , Šimek Milan
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is not to disparage the competence of Czech teachers, as some readers might assume from the basis of the title, but to present the results of an expert survey of 30 highly qualified educators who shared their opinions on requirements based on the nature and content of their occupation. The generic competency model of Czech teachers presented in the paper describes the competencies and the levels of competencies that are required for high-quality work performance from teachers. This tool of human resource management enables a comparison of an individual with the competency model and a subsequent assessment of his/her current potential for high-quality work performance in this field. It can be used mainly for the hiring of new teachers or identifying further educational needs of already hired ones.
Changes in Requirements for Competences of Public Administration Employees in 2008-2011
Authors: Škutová Markéta , Balcar Jiří , Rečková Anna
Published: July 2020

The paper analyzes job listings for the public sector. This market segment is characterized primarily by a high degree of codification of the qualitative dimension of occupations, their characteristics and the work environment. The paper provides a basic overview of what is required for employees of authorities in public administration. These requirements for employees were observed in November 2008, when the labor market had not yet been significantly affected by the global economic recession, and then again in May 2011, when the labor market was dealing with the consequences of economic crisis. This approach makes it possible to describe the changes in requirements for potential employees during the period 2008-2011. The analysis shows the key role of soft skills in public administration.
Pilot study to establish a prospective neonatal cohort: Study of Preterm Infants and Neurodevelopmental Genes (SPRING)
Authors: Wong Hilary S , Hopkins Lucinda , O'Donovan Michael C , Thapar Anita , Modi Neena
Published: July 2020

Background

Genetic risk variants and preterm birth are early and potent risk factors for later neuropsychiatric disorders. To understand the interrelationships between these factors, a large-scale genetic study of very preterm (VPT, <32 weeks gestation) infants with prospective follow-up is required. In this paper, we describe a streamlined study approach, using efficient processes for biological and clinical data collection, to feasibly establish such a cohort.

Methods

We sought to recruit 500 VPT families within a 1 year period from neonatal units. Treating clinical teams recruited eligible participants, obtained parent consent, collected blood samples and posted specimens to the research laboratory. We extracted all clinical data from the National Neonatal Research Database, an existing UK resource that captures daily patient-level data on all VPT infants.

Results

Between May 2017 and June 2018, we established a cohort of 848 VPT infants and their parents from 60 English neonatal units. The study population (median (IQR), gestation: 28.9 (26–30) weeks; birth weight: 1120 (886–1420) g) represented 18.9% of eligible infants born at the study sites during the recruitment period (n=4491). From the subset of 521 complete family trios, we successfully completed genotyping for 510 (97.9%) trios. Of the original 883 infants whose parents consented to participate, the parents of 796 (90.1%) infants agreed to future data linkage and 794 (89.9%) agreed to be recalled.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of streamlined strategies for genetic, neonatal and longitudinal data collection and provide a template for future cost-effective and efficient cohort development.
A novel astrophysics-based framework for prediction of binding affinity of glucose binder
Authors: Kondabala Rajesh , Kumar Vijay , Ali Amjad , Kaur Manjit
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a novel astrophysics-based prediction framework is developed for estimating the binding affinity of a glucose binder. The proposed framework utilizes the molecule properties for predicting the binding affinity. It also uses the astrophysics-learning strategy that incorporates the concepts of Kepler’s law during the prediction process. The proposed framework is compared with 10 regression algorithms over ZINC dataset. Experimental results reveal that the proposed framework provides 99.30% accuracy of predicting binding affinity. However, decision tree provides the prediction with 97.14% accuracy. Cross-validation results show that the proposed framework provides better accuracy than the other existing models. The developed framework enables researchers to screen glucose binder rapidly. It also reduces computational time for designing small glucose binding molecule.
Evolutionary Computation with User’s Preference for Solving Fuzzy Fitness Forecasting Problems
Authors: Guo Guangsong , Chen Liangji
Published: July 2020

Interactive Evolutionary Computation (IEC) is a kind of human–machine interaction calculation method derived from evolutionary computation. The main problem of interactive evolutionary computation is that fitness noise can make evolution direction to deviate from user’s preferences because user’s evaluation has cognitive fluctuations and fatigue. To improve these deficiencies, this paper recommends a fuzzy fitness prediction method based on fuzzy gray model FGM (1,1) with a precise number fitness. First of all, the relationship between fitness noise intensity and the fitness function is proposed. Then, it suggests a linear programming of fuzzy fitness set width under the restriction of minimum noise intensity, which can calculate the fuzzy fitness prediction parameters. Finally, the fuzzy gray model forecasts the fuzzy fitness. The proposed method uses new computation of individual’s dominance relation and crowding distance to realize NSGA–II. The experimental results verify that this method has advantages in improving optimization quality, alleviating user’s fatigue and improving efficiency in exploration.
Fisher and skew information for two-qubit Bell states under decoherence effects
Authors: Laghmach R. , Hadfi H. El , Maroufi B. , Daoud M.
Published: July 2020

We give the explicit expressions of quantum Fisher information and skew information for a two-qubit Bell states. We investigate their dynamics under the decoherence effects: phase-damping channel, depolarizing channel and amplitude-damping channel. We also discuss the thermal entanglement quantified by Wootters concurrence for these three decoherence channels and we compare its dynamical behavior with the quantum Fisher information and skew information. We then use this comparison to investigate the influence of noisy channels on thermal entanglement and its role in boosting the performance of metrology protocols. It is shown that the correlations in two-qubit Bell states are more resistant to phase-damping channel and depolarizing channels.