bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐fat diet‐induced obesity worsens TH2 immune response and immunopathologic characteristics in murine model of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Silva Flávia Márcia de Castro e , Oliveira Erick Esteves de , Ambrósio Marcilene Gomes Evangelista , Ayupe Marina Caçador , Souza Viviane Passos de , Gameiro Jacy , Reis Daniele Ribeiro de Lima , Machado Marco Antonio , Macedo Gilson Costa , Mattes Joerg , Ferreira Ana Paula
Published: December 2019

Background

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is an emergent chronic immune‐mediated disease of the oesophagus, which affects both children and adults. It is clinically characterized by dysphagia, food impaction and oesophageal eosinophilia. Epidemiological studies indicate that obesity can worsen allergic symptoms; however, its effect on EoE immunopathological response has not been evaluated yet. This study aimed to assess the effect of obesity on allergic inflammation and T helper‐2 profile in an EoE experimental model.

Methods

Obesity was induced by high‐fat feeding. After 7 weeks of diet, male BALB/c mice were subcutaneously sensitized and orally challenged with OVA.

Results

Obesity itself induced a significant mast cell and eosinophil accumulation in the oesophagus, trachea, gut and lung. After allergy induction, this number was higher, when compared to lean‐allergic mice. Moreover, obese‐allergic mice showed higher remodelling area, in the oesophagus, associated with higher IL‐5 and TSLP mRNA expression. In contrast, FoxP3 and IL‐10 were less expressed in comparison with lean‐allergic mice. In addition, the amount of CD11c+MHCII+PDL1+ dendritic cells was reduced, while the number of CD11c+MHCII+CD80+ DCs and CD3+CD4+GATA3+IL‐4+ cells was increased in obese‐allergic mice in the spleen and lymph nodes when compared to lean‐allergic mice.

Conclusion

Obesity aggravated the immune histopathological characteristics in the EoE experimental model, which was associated with the reduction in the regulatory profile, and the increased inflammatory cells influx, related to the TH2 profile. Altogether, the data provide new knowledge about obesity as a risk factor, worsening EoE symptoms, and contribute for future treatment strategies for this specific profile.
“Roll back the years”: A study of grandparent special guardians' experiences and implications for social work policy and practice in England
Authors: Hingley‐Jones Helen , Allain Lucille , Gleeson Helen , Twumasi Bismark
Published: December 2019

Growing numbers of grandparent special guardians (GSGs) are assuming responsibility for increasing numbers of children in the care system in England. Special guardianship arrangements are increasingly used as a permanency option as they allow children to remain in their kinship networks rather than in local authority care or be adopted; yet there is a scarcity of research on GSG carers' experiences. This paper reports a small qualitative research study where 10 sets of grandparents were interviewed to explore their journey to becoming GSGs and to theorize their subsequent experiences. Two themes emerge. First, experiences of the assessment process are elaborated, decisions often being made at a time of family crisis, impacting on GSGs: financial, employment, and relational. Second, GSGs' experiences of managing often challenging relationships and contact arrangements between the grandchildren and the parents reveal three main relationship management approaches emerging: containing‐flexible, containing‐controlled, and uncontained/defeated approaches. Anthropological concepts of affinity help theorize the GSGs' ambivalent responses to becoming carers in later life, enabling reconfigured kinship relationships in new family forms. Family policy and social work practice is critiqued as GSGs appear often left alone to “roll back the years,” to heal previous harms done to the grandchildren who end up in their care.
Nanopore sequencing reveals a structural alteration of mirror‐image duplicated genes in a genome‐editing mouse line
Authors: Miyamoto Sachiko , Aoto Kazushi , Hiraide Takuya , Nakashima Mitsuko , Takabayashi Shuji , Saitsu Hirotomo
Published: December 2019

CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has been used in various studies; however, it has also been found to introduce unexpected structural alternations. In this study, we used nanopore sequencing to characterize an unexpected structural alteration of mirror‐image duplicated genes in a mouse line, in which we aimed to delete a part of the duplicated genes using genome editing. We removed low‐molecular‐weight DNA fragments and increased the input, which led to improved sequence performance. With 14.9 Gb input for whole‐genome analysis, we detected a complex structural alteration involving inversion and deletion, which appears to be difficult to characterize with short‐read sequencers. Therefore, our study clearly showed the utility of nanopore sequencing for characterizing unexpected complex structural alterations caused by genome editing.
Effect of teriparatide on early sinus graft healing in the ovariectomized rabbit
Authors: Dam Chugeum , Jung Ui‐Won , Park Kyeong‐Mee , Huh Jisun , Park Wonse
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of administering intermittent parathyroid hormone 1–34 [teriparatide, (PTH)] on the maxillary sinus lift and bone grafting in osteoporotic rabbits induced by ovariectomy and glucocorticoid.

Materials and methods

Ovariectomies were performed on 20 female New Zealand white rabbits that were randomly divided into two groups: (a) the PTH group (n = 10), in which 10 μg kg−1 day−1 PTH was injected subcutaneously 5 days a week for 5 weeks (from 1 week before until 4 weeks after sinus surgery), and (b) the saline group (n = 10), in which saline substituted PTH at the same dose, mode of administration, and duration. Bone grafting with bovine bone mineral was augmented into 13 sinuses, and bone grafts and implants were simultaneously performed in seven sinuses, in both groups. Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks after surgery. To determine whether PTH was an effective treatment for osteoporosis, we measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of the right femur using micro‐computed tomography and performed radiographic and histometric analyses of the maxillary sinus surgery site. The Mann–Whitney test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

It was found that BMD increased in the femur, whereas none of the radiographic and histometric parameters differed significantly between the groups in the sinus, while there were large interindividual variations within groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that intermittent PTH does not promote new bone formation in the augmented maxillary sinus of ovariectomized rabbits.
Prestatus and status dystonicus in children and adolescents
Authors: Garone Giacomo , Graziola Federica , Nicita Francesco , Frascarelli Flaminia , Randi Franco , Zazza Marco , Cantonetti Laura , Cossu Silvia , Marras Carlo Efisio , Capuano Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Aim

To critically analyse the management of status dystonicus and prestatus dystonicus in children and adolescents, in order to examine clinical features, acute management, and risk of relapse in a paediatric cohort.

Method

Clinical, demographic, and therapeutic features were analysed according to disease severity. Risk of subsequent relapse was estimated through Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (eight females, 26 males) experiencing 63 episodes of acute dystonia exacerbations at a tertiary referral Italian hospital were identified. Mean age at status dystonicus presentation was 9 years 11 months (11y at inclusion in the study). Onset of dystonia dated back to infancy in most cases. Fourteen patients experienced two or more episodes. Infections were the most common trigger (48%). Benzodiazepines were the most commonly used drugs for acute management. Stereotactic pallidotomy was performed in six cases during status dystonicus, and in two additional patients it was electively performed after medical management. The probability of survival free from status dystonicus relapses was 78% after 4 months and 61% after 27 months.

Interpretation

Dystonia exacerbations are potentially life‐threating emergencies, with a considerable risk of relapse. Nevertheless, no obvious factors for relapse risk stratification exist. Pallidotomy is a feasible option in medical refractory status dystonicus for patients with limited deep brain stimulation applicability, but the risk of recurrence is elevated.

What this paper adds

Acute exacerbations may affect up to 10% of children with dystonia.

Infections are the most common precipitant factor.

In about 30% of the cases, intensive care unit admission is needed.

Subsequent relapses are common, reaching 25% risk at 1 year.

Pallidotomy can be considered in medical‐refractory cases with no deep brain stimulation applicability.
Species traits predict stream‐fish invaders in an Appalachian (U.S.A.) river basin
Authors: Buckwalter Joseph D. , Frimpong Emmanuel A. , Angermeier Paul L. , Barney Jacob N.
Published: December 2019

We compared the influence of biological traits (morphology, physiology, reproduction, and life history), ecological traits (geographic distribution, habitat associations, food habits), and introduction attributes (propagule pressure, human use of a species, residence time) on invasion success of native and introduced stream fishes during the colonisation and spread stages in an Appalachian (U.S.A.) river basin.

Colonisation success was positively related to residence time, benthic feeding, an equilibrium life‐history strategy, and nest spawning. Successful spread was associated with tolerance to increased temperature and an equilibrium life‐history strategy. The spread of introduced fishes was negatively related to gamefish status. No effect of propagule pressure was detected.

Traits linked to invasion success were consistent with the hypothesis that human land‐use practices increase the invasibility of highland catchments by creating novel conditions better suited to lowland and equilibrium invaders.

We found biological traits to be more useful than ecological traits in predicting invasion success and suggesting invasion mechanisms. Parental care and nest association can facilitate invasions over large spatial extents for both native and introduced fishes. Analyses of suites of traits can reveal mechanisms of invasions and tactics for controlling them; such mechanisms and tactics may be system‐specific and scale‐dependent.
Modelling the effect of the 2018 summer heatwave and drought on isoprene emissions in a UK woodland
Authors: Otu‐Larbi Frederick , Bolas Conor G. , Ferracci Valerio , Staniaszek Zosia , Jones Roderic L. , Malhi Yadvinder , Harris Neil R. P. , Wild Oliver , Ashworth Kirsti
Published: December 2019

Projected future climatic extremes such as heatwaves and droughts are expected to have major impacts on emissions and concentrations of biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOCs) with potential implications for air quality, climate and human health. While the effects of changing temperature and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the synthesis and emission of isoprene, the most abundant of these bVOCs, are well known, the role of other environmental factors such as soil moisture stress are not fully understood and are therefore poorly represented in land surface models. As part of the Wytham Isoprene iDirac Oak Tree Measurements campaign, continuous measurements of isoprene mixing ratio were made throughout the summer of 2018 in Wytham Woods, a mixed deciduous woodland in southern England. During this time, the United Kingdom experienced a prolonged heatwave and drought, and isoprene mixing ratios were observed to increase by more than 400% at Wytham Woods under these conditions. We applied the state‐of‐the‐art FORest Canopy‐Atmosphere Transfer canopy exchange model to investigate the processes leading to these elevated concentrations. We found that although current isoprene emissions algorithms reproduced observed mixing ratios in the canopy before and after the heatwave, the model underestimated observations by ~40% during the heatwave–drought period implying that models may substantially underestimate the release of isoprene to the atmosphere in future cases of mild or moderate drought. Stress‐induced emissions of isoprene based on leaf temperature and soil water content (SWC) were incorporated into current emissions algorithms leading to significant improvements in model output. A combination of SWC, leaf temperature and rewetting emission bursts provided the best model‐measurement fit with a 50% improvement compared to the baseline model. Our results highlight the need for more long‐term ecosystem‐scale observations to enable improved model representation of atmosphere–biosphere interactions in a changing global climate.
Texture and colour characteristics, and optimisation of sodium chloride, potassium chloride and glycine of reduced‐sodium frankfurter
Authors: Wilailux Chartchai , Sriwattana Sujinda , Chokumnoyporn Napapan , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: December 2019

The three‐components mixture design was applied to optimise a ratio of NaCl (0%–65%), KCl (35%–100%) and glycine (0%–20%) in reduced‐sodium frankfurters. Fourteen frankfurters were analysed for texture and colour, and consumer (n = 100) acceptability. Results indicated that NaCl levels affected consumer acceptability of reduced‐sodium frankfurters. Increasing NaCl generally increased texture hardness. Optimisation of a salt mixture was performed by superimposing contour plots of predicted acceptability scores (≥5.5 on a 9‐points hedonic scale) of all sensory attributes and revealed the optimal salt mixture: 40.03%–63.66% NaCl, 35.00%–55.90% KCl and 0.00%–20.00% glycine. The optimal salt mixture contained 220–340 mg Na/100g frankfurter compared with 540 mg Na/100 g of the control formulation (100% NaCl). The mean overall liking score (5.9 vs. 5.9) of the optimal reduced‐sodium frankfurter was not different from the control (100% NaCl). This optimal formulation had >25% sodium reduction and could be claimed as ‘reduced‐sodium’ according to US Food and Drugs Administration regulation.
Influence of Na2CO3 on the quality of dough with rice wine sourdough and steamed bread
Authors: Sun Xiangxiang , Liu Changhong , Wang Yuanhui
Published: December 2019

The potential use of Na2CO3 in the dough with rice wine sourdough and steamed bread was studied in the processing steamed bread, by looking at the effects of Na2CO3 addition on the dough and steamed bread quality. The relationship between Na2CO3 concentration and pH was linear. Increasing the added Na2CO3 levels from 0.10% to 0.30% resulted initially in a lower content of free sulfhydryl groups (SH), but this eventually increased. Na2CO3 addition resulted in increased glutenin macropolymer (GMP) content in the dough and reduced the softness of the dough. Dough with 0.20% Na2CO3 had significantly lower Jmax and a values compared to the other Na2CO3 concentrations tested, indicating this concentration to be ideal for reduced dough softness and appropriate interaction between molecules in dough structure. The addition of 0.20% and 0.25% Na2CO3 was also beneficial to the extension of gluten and the formation of a proper and uniform gluten network, making the dough more fine and smooth. Additionally, significant correlations were found between the creep–recovery of dough and the specific volume and hardness of steamed bread. Finally, the addition of 0.20% Na2CO3 in dough resulted in improved specific volume, whiteness and the sensory score of rice wine sourdough steamed bread.
Technological and sensorial properties of liquid nitrogen ice cream enriched with protein from brewing waste (trub)
Authors: Saraiva Bianka Rocha , da Silva Lucas Henrique Maldonado , Anjo Fernando Antônio , Vital Ana Carolina Pelaes , Da Silva Jéssica Bassi , Bruschi Marcos Luciano , Matumoto Pintro Paula Toshimi
Published: December 2019

Debittered trub (brewing waste) is an important source of protein source (70.26%). Trub and whey protein were used for 5% protein enrichment of ice cream frozen by liquid nitrogen. Three formulations were elaborated: ice cream standard (ICS), ice cream with whey protein (ICW) and ice cream with trub (ICT). Chemical composition, rheological properties, texture, overrun, melting rate, scanning electron microscopy and a sensorial test were performed. Results showed that ICT presented a higher viscosity, obtained on the upward curve up to 6.76 Pa s−1, consistency index (22.96 (Pa s−1)n), hysteresis area (140.40 mPa s−1) and hardness (31113.33 g) but a lower melting rate (0.38 g min−1), overrun (13.92%) and sensorial acceptability than the other formulations. The addition of trub debittered for protein enrichment improved ice cream properties and demonstrated that it could be used as a food ingredient.
Circadian rhythms in adaptive immunity
Authors: Downton Polly , Early James O. , Gibbs Julie E.
Published: December 2019

The circadian clock provides organisms with the ability to track time of day, allowing them to predict and respond to cyclical changes in the external environment. In mammals this clock consists of multiple auto‐regulatory feedback loops generated by a network of circadian clock proteins. This network provides the fundamental basis for rhythms in behaviour and physiology. This clockwork machinery exists in most cells, including those of the immune system. In recent years evidence has emerged highlighting the important role of molecular clocks in dictating the response of immune pathways. While initial work highlighted the effect of the clock in the ‘first line of defence’, the innate immune system, it has become increasingly apparent that it also plays a role in the more tailored, later‐stage adaptive immune response. This review provides an overview of the role of the circadian cycle in the adaptive immune response. We interrogate the depth of knowledge on cell intrinsic clocks within adaptive immune cells and how these cells may be temporally directed by extrinsic rhythmic signals. We discuss the role of the circadian clock in diseases associated with adaptive immunity such as multiple sclerosis, asthma and parasitic infection. We also discuss the current knowledge on timing of vaccination, and the implications this may have on how we can harness and modulate temporal gating of the adaptive immune response in a clinical setting.
Multi‐source Statistics: Basic Situations and Methods
Authors: de Waal Ton , van Delden Arnout , Scholtus Sander
Published: December 2019

Many National Statistical Institutes (NSIs), especially in Europe, are moving from single‐source statistics to multi‐source statistics. By combining data sources, NSIs can produce more detailed and more timely statistics and respond more quickly to events in society. By combining survey data with already available administrative data and Big Data, NSIs can save data collection and processing costs and reduce the burden on respondents. However, multi‐source statistics come with new problems that need to be overcome before the resulting output quality is sufficiently high and before those statistics can be produced efficiently. What complicates the production of multi‐source statistics is that they come in many different varieties as data sets can be combined in many different ways. Given the rapidly increasing importance of producing multi‐source statistics in Official Statistics, there has been considerable research activity in this area over the last few years, and some frameworks have been developed for multi‐source statistics. Useful as these frameworks are, they generally do not give guidelines to which method could be applied in a certain situation arising in practice. In this paper, we aim to fill that gap, structure the world of multi‐source statistics and its problems and provide some guidance to suitable methods for these problems.
The effects of intravenous lidocaine on wound pain and gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Wei Shi , Yu‐han Zhang , Wei‐wei Jing , Hai Yu
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in relieving postoperative pain and promoting rehabilitation in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, we conducted this meta‐analysis. The systematic search strategy was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese databases, and Cochrane Library before September 2019. As a result, 10 randomised clinical trials were included in this meta‐analysis (n = 527 patients). Intravenous lidocaine significantly reduced pain scores at 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours on movement and 2, 4, and 12 hours on resting‐state and reduced opioid requirement in first 24 hours postoperatively (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −5.02 [−9.34, −0.70]; P = .02). It also decreased the first flatus time (WMD: −10.15 [−11.20, −9.10]; P < .00001), first defecation time (WMD: −10.27 [−17.62, −2.92]; P = .006), length of hospital stay (WMD: −1.05 [−1.89, −0.21]; P = .01), and reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio: 0.53 [0.30, 0.93]; P = .03) when compared with control group. However, it had no effect on pain scores at 24 and 48 hours at rest, the normal dietary time, and the level of serum C‐reactive protein. In summary, perioperative intravenous lidocaine could alleviate acute pain, reduce postoperative analgesic requirements, and accelerate recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Tunable dual‐mode emission with excellent thermal stability in Ca4ZrGe3O12:Eu phosphors prepared in air for NUV‐LEDs
Authors: Wei Rongfei , Li Kunjiao , Feng Jingjing , Tian Xiangling , Shi Yafei , Li Xiaoman , Hu Fangfang , Guo Hai
Published: December 2019

Novel dual valence Eu‐doped Ca4ZrGe3O12 (CZGO) phosphors were successfully fabricated in air atmosphere through a solid‐state route. Their crystal structure, photoluminescence properties as well as thermal quenching performance were investigated systematically. The spectra show that part of Eu3+ were reduced to Eu2+ and the mechanism is interpreted by the charge compensation. By altering Eu concentration, multi‐color luminescence covering from blue to red is realized when irradiated by 370 nm light, which perfectly matches with the near ultraviolet (NUV) light‐emitting diode (LED) chips. More importantly, under NUV excitation, luminescent intensities are almost unchanged even up to 423 K. And chromaticity exhibits only a tiny shift with growing temperature. Such suitable luminescent spectra and superior thermal stability indicate that CZGO:Eu phosphors are promising candidates for blue‐red components in NUV pumped W‐LEDs. Finally, the fabricated W‐LED based on the combination of CZGO:Eu phosphors, Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ and a 365 nm NUV‐LED chip gives a high color rendering index, a low correlated color temperature and suitable CIE chromaticity coordinates.
The protective effect of WKYMVm peptide on inflammatory osteolysis through regulating NF‐κB and CD9/gp130/STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Hu Junxian , Li Xianghe , Chen Yueqi , Han Xinyun , Li Li , Yang Zhengwei , Duan Lianli , Lu Hongwei , He Qingyi
Published: December 2019

The balance between bone formation and bone resorption is closely related to bone homeostasis. Osteoclasts, originating from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, are the only cell type possessing bone resorption ability. Osteoclast overactivity is thought to be the major reason underlying osteoclast‐related osteolytic problems, such as Paget's disease, aseptic loosening of prostheses and inflammatory osteolysis; therefore, disruption of osteoclastogenesis is considered a crucial treatment option for these issues. WKYMVm, a synthetic peptide, which is a potent FPR2 agonist, exerts an immunoregulatory effect. This peptide inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as (IL)‐1β and TNF‐α, thus regulating inflammation. However, there are only few reports on the role of WKYMVm and FPR2 in osteoclast cytology. In the current study, we found that WKYMVm negatively regulates RANKL‐ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced osteoclast differentiation and maturation in vitro and alleviates LPS‐induced osteolysis in animal models. WKYMVm down‐regulated the expression of osteoclast marker genes and resorption activity. Furthermore, WKYMVm inhibited osteoclastogenesis directly through reducing the phosphorylation of STAT3 and NF‐kB and indirectly through the CD9/gp130/STAT3 pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the potential medicinal value of WKYMVm for the treatment of inflammatory osteolysis.
Moral Distress and Intention to Leave the Profession: Lithuanian Nurses in Municipal Hospitals
Authors: Laurs Lina , Blaževičienė Aurelija , Capezuti Elizabeth , Milonas Daimantas
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the level of moral distress experienced by nurses, situations that most often caused moral distress, and the intentions of the nurses to leave the profession.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational design was applied in this study. Registered nurses were recruited from five large, urban Lithuanian municipal hospitals representing the five administrative regions in Lithuania. Among the 2,560 registered nurses, from all unit types and specialities (surgical, therapeutic, and intensive care), working in the five participating hospitals, 900 were randomly selected to be recruited for the study. Of the 900 surveys distributed, 612 questionnaires were completed, for a response rate of 68%. Depending on the hospital, the response rate ranged from 61% to 81%. Moral distress was measured using the Moral Distress Scale–Revised (MDS‐R). The MDS‐R is designed to measure nurses’ experiences of moral distress in 21 clinical situations. Each of the 21 items is scored using a Likert scale (0–4) in two dimensions: how often the situation arises (frequency) and how disturbing the situation is when it occurs (intensity). On the Likert scale, 0 correlates to situations that have never been experienced, and 4 correlates to situations that have occurred very often.

Results

Among the 612 participants, 206 (32.3%) nurses reported a low level of moral distress (mean score 1.09); 208 (33.9%) a moderate level of distress (mean score 2.53), and 207 (33.8%) a high level of distress (mean score 3.0). The most commonly experienced situations that resulted in moral distress were as follows: “Carrying out physician’s orders for what I consider to be unnecessary tests and treatments” (mean score 1.66); “Follow the family’s wishes to continue life support even though I believe it is not in the best interest of the patient” (mean score 1.31); and “Follow the physician’s request not to discuss the patient’s prognosis with the patient or family” (mean score 1.26). Nurses who had a high moral distress level were three times more likely to consider leaving their position compared with respondents who had a medium or low moral distress level (8.7% and 2.9%, respectively; p < .05).

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence on the association between moral distress and intention to leave the profession. Situations that may lead health professionals to be in moral distress seem to be mainly related to the unethical work environment.

Clinical Relevance

The findings of this study reported that moral distress plays a role in both personal and organizational consequences, including negative emotional impacts upon employees.
Anatomy and academies of art II − a tale of two cities
Authors: Lee T.C.
Published: December 2019

Anatomy played a significant role in the establishment of academies in art, initially in Italy and France, and then more widely in Europe and the Americas. This paper considers the role of anatomy in two such academies, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts in Dublin. In both cases, anatomy teaching for art students was formalised by the appointment of a Professor of Anatomy, positions that continue to this day. The first Professor of Anatomy in the RA, William Hunter, set the standard by delivering lectures, carrying out dissections and producing écorchés. Some of his successors have published anatomy books specifically for artists, but their enthusiasm has varied. Unlike the continuity of the RA, the RHA has only had bespoke premises from 1826 to 1916, and from 1985 onwards, and its Schools or School have operated from 1826 to 1942, and from 2008 onwards. Anatomy teaching was a casualty of the decline of the formal art academy in the 20th century, but the fortunes of both are reviving in the early 21st century.
Toward a Theory of Activist‐Driven Responsible Innovation: How Activists Pressure Firms to Adopt More Responsible Practices
Authors: Waldron Theodore L. , Navis Chad , Karam Elizabeth P. , Markman Gideon D.
Published: December 2019

Accounts of stakeholder influence on corporate social responsibility (CSR), situated in the CSR domain, have recognized that activists mitigate information asymmetries between firms and consumers. However, depictions of activists as information disseminators do not explain how they perform their quintessential role – pressuring resistant firms to engage in responsible innovation that emphasizes the creation of socioenvironmental value. Drawing from social movement theory that identifies claims as the instrument of such pressure, we examine four activist organizations’ use of claims across six campaigns to drive firms to adopt more socially and environmentally responsible practices, a form of responsible innovation. Our core contribution is an empirically grounded theory of activist‐driven responsible innovation (ARI) that proposes how activists use claims to drive firms to engage in responsible innovation, as well as how features of the two sides may shape this outcome. Our ARI theory primarily enriches accounts of stakeholder influence on corporate social responsibility in the CSR domain and, in doing so, secondarily enriches accounts of the influence of activists’ claims on firms in the social movement domain. These contributions also speak to the resolution of grand challenges, a core interest of the special issue.
Improvement of oral function and hygiene in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Baram Sara , Karlsborg Merete , Bakke Merete
Published: December 2019

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is associated with reduced oral health and impaired oro‐facial function, but besides recommendations of dental visits and drooling treatment, there are little documented odontological treatment options.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of standardised home exercise jaw opening and chewing programmes, as well as home oral hygiene measures instructed and controlled by a trained dentist.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients (median 65 years) with moderate to advanced PD participated in the project after informed consent. They were followed at a Neurology Department, were able to cooperate, and had stable medical treatment and nine also deep brain stimulation. The interventions were individual dental hygiene instruction, training of jaw opening (JawTrainer), and lip and chewing exercises (Ulmer Oral Screen and Proxident Fluoride Gum). The study was performed as a randomised controlled study. The treatment effect was evaluated after 2 and 4 months. The primary outcome was maximum unassisted jaw opening capacity, chewing time of a standardised apple slice, and the Simplified Debris Index. Results were analysed with Wilcoxon matched pairs test and Mann‐Whitney U test (significance level P < .05).

Results

Jaw opening, chewing time and hygiene were significantly improved 2 months from the start of the invention, respectively, 6%, 49%, and 25%, and the improvement was still significant after 4 months. No significant changes were found after the 2‐month control period without intervention.

Conclusion

The simple measures had a substantial and significant clinical effect which is promising despite the progressive nature of the PD.
Should we spend more on fish?—How consumer beliefs about fish influence fish and meat expenditure shares
Authors: Morales Luis Emilio , Higuchi Angie
Published: December 2019

Health benefits derived from regular fish intake have encouraged governments to promote its consumption. However, can beliefs about fish increase expenditure on fish and reduce meat expenditure? Survey data from Modern Metropolitan Lima, Peru, indicate that female respondents were more likely to spend a bigger proportion on fish, while more educated respondents spent less on fish. Also, those with a higher household income and who eat fast food regularly were more likely to spend a bigger proportion on beef. Factors that positively influence expenditure share on fish were the belief that fish is healthy and nutritious, a preference for fish flavor and familiarity with fish. Conversely, these beliefs reduced the expenditure shares on beef and chicken. These outcomes demonstrate both the positive effect of fish consumption campaigns on fish expenditure and their negative impacts on meat expenditure, which has implications for campaigns developed by governments and the meat industry.

Practical applications

Food policies and campaigns that promote regular fish consumption by highlighting its positive health benefits and nutritional content can influence the proportion that consumers spend on fish versus other sources of animal protein, beyond their effects on consumer preferences and willingness‐to‐pay for fish. However, these campaigns can result in reduced meat expenditure. These substitution effects between expenditure on related products, such as the case of fish and different types of meats, need to be considered by the authorities and the food industry, as new marketing strategies may need to be developed to increase the consumption of specific fish and meat products that have positive health and nutrition properties. In addition, food processors and retailers could introduce and promote new products in convenient formats for meal preparation to encourage consumption of fish and meat as part of a healthy diet.
Predictive factors for persistence of preoperative overactive bladder symptoms after transvaginal mesh surgery in women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Otsuka Atsushi , Watanabe Kyohei , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Miyake Hideaki
Published: December 2019

Background

We aimed to evaluate the effect of transvaginal mesh surgery on overactive bladder symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse and to identify predictive factors for persistence of a preoperative overactive bladder after surgery.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 102 patients who underwent transvaginal mesh surgery. All patients had stage 2 or greater pelvic organ prolapse accompanied by cystocele. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine volume were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. To identify predictive factors for the persistence of a preoperative overactive bladder after surgery, preoperative parameters were statistically compared between patients with and without the persistence of preoperative overactive bladder symptoms. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated, and the area under the curve was calculated.

Results

Preoperatively, 54 women (53%) had an overactive bladder. After surgery, the symptoms disappeared in 34 (63%) and persisted in 20 (37%) women. There were no significant differences in preoperative parameters including age, body mass index, parity, or severity of pelvic organ prolapse between patients with and without persistent preoperative overactive bladder. Preoperative Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score were significantly higher in patients with persistent preoperative overactive bladder symptoms. The International Prostate Symptom Score storage subscore had the highest area under the curve, with a cutoff value of 9.5.

Conclusion

Transvaginal mesh surgery eliminates overactive bladder symptoms in about two‐thirds of pelvic organ prolapse patients. The preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score storage subscore was the most useful predictive factor for the persistence of preoperative overactive bladder symptoms after surgery.
RORγt antagonist improves Sjögren's syndrome‐like sialadenitis through downregulation of CD25
Authors: Ono Yuko , Tsuboi Hiroto , Moriyama Masafumi , Asashima Hiromitsu , Kudo Hanae , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Honda Fumika , Abe Saori , Kondo Yuya , Takahashi Satoru , Matsumoto Isao , Nakamura Seiji , Sumida Takayuki
Published: December 2019

Objective

We reported previously that T‐cell‐specific RORγt‐transgenic mice under human CD2 promoter (RORγt‐Tg mice) developed severe spontaneous Sjögren's syndrome (SS)‐like sialadenitis, induced by RORγt‐overexpressing CD4+T cells and reduced regulatory T cells. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of A213, a RORγt antagonist, in RORγt‐Tg mice with SS‐like sialadenitis.

Methods

Six‐week‐old RORγt‐Tg mice were administered orally of A213 or phosphate‐buffered saline every 3 days for 2 weeks. We analyzed saliva volume, histopathology of salivary glands, populations of T cells in splenocytes and cervical lymph nodes (cLNs), and the protein expression levels of CD69 on CD4+CD25+Foxp3− and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in cLNs. We also investigated in vitro the potential immunomechanisms of action of A213.

Results

A213 significantly increased saliva volume, reduced mononuclear cell infiltration in salivary glands, and reduced the focus score of sialadenitis. Analysis of the immunomechanisms using cLNs showed A213 significantly reduced the proportion of CD4+CD25+/CD4+ T cells and the protein expression levels of CD69 on CD4+CD25+Foxp3− cells. In vitro experiments showed that A213 suppressed CD25 expression on CD4+ T cells and reduced IL‐2 production from CD4+ T cells derived from RORγt‐Tg mice.

Conclusion

A213 improves SS‐like sialadenitis through the inhibition of CD4+CD25+ cells in cLNs.
Infection by Neopestalotiopsis spp. occurs on unwounded eucalyptus leaves and is favoured by long periods of leaf wetness
Authors: Belisário R. , Aucique‐Pérez C. E. , Abreu L. M. , Salcedo S. S. , Oliveira W. M. de , Furtado G. Q.
Published: December 2019

Brazil is the leader in the global ranking of forest productivity; however, one of the major challenges to eucalyptus production is the existence of fungal diseases. A severe epidemic caused by pestalotiopsis‐like fungi was observed in a forest nursery in Brazil, causing a huge impact on the eucalyptus micropropagation stages. The aims of the present study were to identify the causal agents associated with pestalotiopsis leaf spot and dieback in eucalyptus, assess their pathogenicity to different commercial clones, and evaluate which conditions favour conidial germination and infection by the pathogens. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses using ITS, TEF and TUB identified the isolates as members of Neopestalotiopsis and segregated them into three species. Isolates from all Neopestalotiopsis spp. caused symptoms on unwounded eucalyptus leaves and disease development was strongly dependent on long leaf wetness periods (≥72 h). All four commercial clones tested were susceptible to the pathogen. These results clearly dispute the commonly held assumption that pestalotioid fungi are weak and opportunistic pathogens. This is the first report of different phylogenetic species of Neopestalotiopsis causing dieback, leaf and stem lesions in eucalyptus cuttings and provides a basis for developing novel disease management strategies in forest nurseries.
Potassium and storage root development: focusing on photosynthesis, metabolites and soluble carbohydrates in cassava
Authors: Omondi John Okoth , Lazarovitch Naftali , Rachmilevitch Shimon , Kukew Titaya , Yermiyahu Uri , Yasuor Hagai
Published: December 2019

The linkage between K and the development of storage roots in root crops is partially understood, hence this experiment determined some of the mechanisms involved in cassava. The effects of 10, 40, 70, 100, 150 and 200 mg K l−1 fertigation on photosynthetic attributes, soluble carbohydrates, starch, metabolites, growth and yield were studied in a greenhouse. Storage root yield, number of storage roots, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis reached maximum at 150 mg K l−1. However, soluble carbohydrates and starch in the leaves significantly declined with an increasing concentration of K solution, similarly to the trend of glycerol in the leaves. Conversely, malic acid, citric acid and propionic acid gradually increased reaching maximum at 150, 150 and 70 mg K l−1 respectively. Combined, these results suggest that sugars were transported from the leaves to a stronger sink – the bulking storage roots. This and the increase of intermediate metabolites of tricarboxylic acid cycle provided the energy required for the bulking process and the development of the storage roots. Although the measured parameters indirectly link K to storage root development, they nonetheless form a basis for studies on direct interactions.
Protected area stewardship in the Anthropocene: integrating science, law, and ethics to evaluate proposals for ecological restoration in wilderness
Authors: Landres Peter , Hahn Beth A. , Biber Eric , Spencer Daniel T.
Published: December 2019

Every year, the four federal agencies that manage designated wilderness in the United States receive proposals to implement small‐ and large‐scale ecological restorations within the National Wilderness Preservation System. The combination of climate change with other landscape stressors is driving ecological restoration to be one of the single most important, challenging, and potentially litigious wilderness stewardship issues. In addition, different stakeholders may have strongly divergent views about what the right decision should be, and decisions need to go beyond routine technical and scientific analyses to incorporate a broader range of legal and ethical considerations. We present a framework based on a comprehensive, structured set of scientific, legal, and ethical questions to guide the evaluation of proposals for ecological restoration and other types of ecological intervention in wilderness. This framework of questions is a voluntary tool designed to increase communication and transparency among scientists, managers, and interested publics regarding the trade‐offs and uncertainties of ecological restoration, and promote informed public deliberation in managing the public resource of wilderness.
A piperic acid CoA ligase produces a putative precursor of piperine, the pungent principle from black pepper fruits
Authors: Schnabel Arianne , Cotinguiba Fernando , Athmer Benedikt , Yang Changqing , Westermann Bernhard , Schaks Angela , Porzel Andrea , Brandt Wolfgang , Schumacher Frank , Vogt Thomas
Published: December 2019

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is known for its high content of piperine, a cinnamoyl amide derivative regarded as largely responsible for the pungent taste of this widely used spice. Despite its long history and worldwide use, the biosynthesis of piperine and related amides has been enigmatic up to now. In this report we describe a specific piperic acid CoA ligase from immature green fruits of P. nigrum. The corresponding enzyme was cloned and functionally expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme displays a high specificity for piperic acid and does not accept the structurally related feruperic acid characterized by a similar C‐2 extension of the general C6–C3 phenylpropanoid structure. The enzyme is also inactive with the standard set of hydroxycinnamic acids tested including caffeic acid, 4‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid. Substrate specificity is corroborated by in silico modelling that suggests a perfect fit for the substrate piperic acid to the active site of the piperic acid CoA ligase. The CoA ligase gene shows its highest expression levels in immature green fruits, is also expressed in leaves and flowers, but not in roots. Virus‐induced gene silencing provided some preliminary indications that the production of piperoyl‐CoA is required for the biosynthesis of piperine in black pepper fruits.
Isoagglutinin‐reduced immunoglobulin retains efficacy in mouse models of immune thrombocytopenia and rheumatoid arthritis and is less likely to cause intravenous immunoglobulin–associated hemolysis
Authors: Cen Selena Y. , Branch Donald R.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin therapy including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been used as an effective treatment for autoimmune/inflammatory conditions with few side effects. However, high‐dose IVIg (1‐2 g/kg) has been recognized as a cause of hemolytic anemia in non–blood group O patients. Hemolysis when observed has been due to anti‐A/anti‐B isoagglutinins contained in the IVIg. Recently, an isoagglutinin‐reduced IVIg, whereby the anti‐A and anti‐B titers have been reduced by immunoaffinity chromatography, has been introduced; however, whether this new product is as efficacious as nonreduced immunoglobulin (Ig) or will result in less IVIg‐associated hemolysis has not been resolved.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We used in vitro phagocytosis by monocytes and proinflammatory/anti‐inflammatory macrophages, with isoagglutinin‐reduced and ‐nonreduced Ig opsonized group A1, B, and A1B red blood cells, to estimate clinical significance of the IgG isoagglutinins. We also used immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse models to examine the in vivo efficacy of isoagglutinin‐reduced versus ‐nonreduced Ig on the amelioration of the diseases.

RESULTS

In contrast to nonreduced Ig, phagocytosis was largely absent when isoagglutinin‐reduced Ig was used at a concentration equivalent to a patient receiving 2 g/kg.

The in vivo efficacy of isoagglutinin‐reduced versus nonreduced Ig on the amelioration of experimental ITP and RA was similar, indicating no loss of efficacy due to the chromatographic removal of isoagglutinins.

CONCLUSION

Isoagglutinin‐reduced Ig should have efficacy similar to nonreduced Ig and result in less IVIg‐associated hemolysis.
Blood product transfusion and mortality in neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Keene Sarah D. , Patel Ravi Mangal , Stansfield Brian K. , Davis Joel , Josephson Cassandra D. , Winkler Anne M.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Neonates receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are transfused large volumes of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets (PLTs). Transfusions are often administered in response to specific, but largely unstudied thresholds. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between RBC and PLT transfusion rates and mortality in neonates receiving ECMO support.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined outcomes of neonates receiving ECMO support in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for respiratory failure between 2010 and 2016 at a single quaternary‐referral NICU. We examined the association between RBC and PLT transfusion rate (mL per kg per day) and in‐hospital mortality, adjusting for confounding by using a validated composite baseline risk score (Neo‐RESCUERS).

RESULTS

Among the 110 neonates receiving ECMO support, in‐hospital mortality was 28%. The median RBC transfusion rate (mL/kg/d) after cannulation was greater among non‐survivors, compared to survivors: 12.4 (IQR 9.3‐16.2) versus 7.3 (IQR 5.1‐10.3), p < 0.001. Similarly, PLT transfusion rate was greater among non‐survivors: 22.9 (9.3‐16.2) versus 12.1 (8.4‐20.1), p = 0.02. After adjusting for baseline mortality risk, both RBC transfusion (adjusted relative risk per 5 mL/kg/d increase: 1.33; 95% CI 1.05‐1.69, p = 0.02) and PLT transfusion (adjusted relative risk per 5 mL/kg/d increase: 1.12; 95% CI 1.02‐1.23, p = 0.02) were both associated with in‐hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

RBC and PLT transfusion rates are associated with in‐hospital mortality among neonates receiving ECMO. These data provide a basis for future studies evaluating more restrictive transfusion practices for neonates receiving ECMO support.