bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD25+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25+ cells distribution in decidual departments of women with severe and mild pre‐eclampsia: Comparison with healthy pregnancies
Authors: Orlovic Vlaho Martina , Tomic Vajdana , Vukojevic Katarina , Vasilj Anja , Pejic Renato , Lesko Josip , Soljic Violeta
Published: June 2020

Problem

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the distribution of regulatory CD25+FOXP3+ and activated CD4+CD25+ T cells in decidua basalis and parietalis of severe and mild pre‐eclampsia (PE) to normal healthy pregnancies.

Method of study

Decidual tissue (decidua basalis and parietalis) of 13 women with mild PE, 15 women with severe PE, and 19 women with healthy term pregnancies were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence.

Results

The total number of CD25+FOXP3+ cells/mm2 in decidua basalis was decreased in the severe and mild PE versus normal pregnancy group. The total number of CD4+CD25+ cells/mm2 in decidua basalis was decreased in the severe PE versus normal pregnancy group. The number of CD25+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25+ cells in decidua parietalis was decreased in both PE groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that immunological changes of PE reflect on decidua basalis and parietalis and emphasize the importance of characterizing T cells in both decidual departments.
Confronting the Present: Archaeology in 2019
Authors: Rosenzweig Melissa S.
Published: June 2020

Postmodernity has a distinctly pre‐apocalyptic feel to it, and this feeling has seeped into archaeology. A review of the scholarship from 2019 attests that archaeologists are having to reckon with present‐day conditions and phenomena as they structure their research, delineate the material world, and affirm archaeology's relevance. Furthermore, these concerns have moved from the realm of the rarely spoken and come to constitute a critical conversation in the field. In a number of respects, the contours of archaeology now hinge upon the discipline's responses to developments in real time, including: How can archaeological knowledge production escape the logistical and epistemological bounds of late capitalism and its failures? Can archaeology contribute to future‐building, and what would that look like? Does archaeology have to be scholar‐activism to achieve the goal of making the past matter (to whom) (for what)? [archaeology, contemporary archaeology, future archaeology, current issues]
Reducing the morbidity of parotidectomy for benign pathology
Authors: Petrides George A. , Subramaniam Narayana , Pham My , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Conservative surgical approaches, reconstructive techniques and technology are increasingly used in parotid surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the surgeon‐modifiable factors which impact the rates of post‐operative complications following parotidectomy for benign pathology.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing parotidectomy for benign pathology by or under the supervision of the senior author between 2006 and 2019 was performed. Clinicopathological variables, operative techniques and post‐operative complications were recorded using standardized templates. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) whilst adjusting for the effect of other clinically relevant covariates.

Results

In total, 357 parotidectomies were performed. Independent factors associated with post‐operative facial paresis were re‐operative surgery (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.19–10.33, P = 0.023), nerve integrity monitoring (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26–0.99, P = 0.046) and operation type, with focused tumour dissection (FTD) having the lowest rate of paresis (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.040–0.92, P = 0.038) compared to limited parotidectomy. Factors associated with reduced wound complications on adjusted analysis were dermofat grafting (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.72, P = 0.023), lesion size (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.92, P = 0.01) and FTD (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.59, P = 0.005) compared to limited parotidectomy.

Conclusion

FTD, nerve integrity monitoring and dermofat grafting are surgeon‐modifiable variables associated with lower rates of post‐operative complications following parotidectomy for benign pathology. However, the benefit of these operative techniques relies on their appropriate utilization by performing surgeons.
Using the prone position could help to combat the development of fast hypoxia in some patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Lindahl Sten G. E.
Published: June 2020

The world is facing an explosive COVID‐19 pandemic. Some cases rapidly develop deteriorating lung function, which causes deep hypoxaemia and requires urgent treatment. Many centres have started treating patients in the prone position, and oxygenation has improved considerably in some cases. Questions have been raised regarding the mechanisms behind this. The mini review provides some insights into the role of supine and prone body positions and summarises the latest understanding of the responsible mechanisms. The scope for discussion is outside the neonatal period and entirely based on experimental and clinical experiences related to adults. The human respiratory system is a complex interplay of many different variables. Therefore, this mini review has prioritised previous and ongoing research to find explanations based on three scientific areas: gravity, lung structure and fractal geometry and vascular regulation. It concludes that gravity is one of the variables responsible for ventilation/perfusion matching but in concert with lung structure and fractal geometry, ventilation and regulation of lung vascular tone. Since ventilation distribution does not change between supine and prone positions, the higher expression of nitric oxide in dorsal lung vessels than in ventral vessels is likely to be the most important mechanism behind enhanced oxygenation in the prone position.
Effects of whey protein hydrolysate on growth promotion and immunomodulation in mouse pups in artificial rearing system
Authors: Takeda Shiro , Harauma Akiko , Okamoto Mariko , Enomoto Hirofumi , Kudo Toshiji , Suzuki Takehito , Mizunoya Wataru , Moriguchi Toru
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effects of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) on the growth and immunity of mouse pups in artificial rearing (AR) system. Mouse pups were reared in the AR system with artificial milk including 5% WPH (AR with WPH) or not (AR without WPH), and the remaining pups were reared by their mother (dam) for 14 days after birth. The body weight change and body weight gain rates in the AR with WPH group were significantly higher than those observed in the AR without WPH group and similar to those in the dam group. Moreover the feed and protein efficiencies in the AR with WPH group were significantly higher than those of the AR without WPH group. In addition, the supplement of WPH in the AR system was shown to significantly elevate the number of CD3+CD8+, B220+CD19+, IA/IE+CD11c+, and CD11b+ in the thymocyte and/or splenocyte, and the thymus weight. Furthermore, MALDI‐TOF/MS analysis identified the amino acid sequences corresponding to some peptides, and indicated that VRTPEVDDE had the highest relative intensity among the peptides from tested WPH. Therefore, WPH would be required to not only promote growth, but also exert immunomodulatory activities in mouse pups in AR system.
Yeast population dynamics on air exposure in total mixed ration silage with sweet potato residue
Authors: Jiang Di , Niu Dongze , Zuo Sasa , Tian Pengjiao , Zheng Mingli , Xu Chuncheng
Published: June 2020

To investigate the yeast population dynamics during air exposure in total mixed ration (TMR) silage containing sweet potato residue. TMR were ensiled in laboratory silos (1 kg) with or without two lactic acid bacteria strains, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), and Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA). Fermentation characteristics were measured and yeast population was investigated by ITS1 region gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform. All treatments were well ensiled, and L. amylovorus improved aerobic stability. During aerobic exposure, Pichia kudriavzevii was detected with increased relative abundance in all treatments and more relative abundant in LP. Pichia fermentans was more relative abundant in control. Higher relative abundance of Pichia anomala was detected in deteriorating LP. The relative abundance of Pichia ohmeri increased during later aerobic exposure in the control and LA, with a significant increase in the count of yeast population. Despite Cryptococcus was detected more relative abundant during early stage of aerobic exposure, the yeast population was below the detection limit. Aerobic deterioration was characterized by an increase in operational taxonomic units of Pichia. High relative abundance of P. anomala and P. kudriavzevii made aerobic deterioration easier. Inhibition of P. fermentans might be an effective strategy for improving the aerobic stability to some instance.
Silencing of spontaneous activity at α4β1/3δ GABAA receptors in hippocampal granule cells reveals different ligand pharmacology
Authors: Dalby Nils Ole , Falk‐Petersen Christina Birkedahl , Leurs Ulrike , Scholze Petra , Krall Jacob , Frølund Bente , Wellendorph Petrine
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose

The δ‐subunit‐containing GABAA receptors, α4β1δ and α4β3δ, in dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs) are known to exhibit both spontaneous channel openings (i.e. constitutive activity) and agonist‐induced current. The functional implications of spontaneous gating are unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that constitutively active α4β1/3δ receptors limit agonist efficacy.

Experimental Approach

Whole‐cell electrophysiological recordings of adult male rat and mouse hippocampal DGGCs were used to characterize known agonists and antagonists at δ‐subunit‐containing GABAA receptors. To separate constitutive and agonist‐induced currents, different recording conditions were employed.

Key Results

Recordings at either 24°C or 34°C, including the PKC autoinhibitory peptide (19–36) intracellularly, removed spontaneous gating by GABAA receptors. In the absence of spontaneous gating, DGGCs responded to the α4β1/3δ orthosteric agonist Thio‐THIP with a four‐fold increased efficacy relative to recording conditions favouring constitutive activity. Surprisingly, the neutral antagonist gabazine was unable to antagonize the current by Thio‐THIP. Furthermore, a current was elicited by gabazine alone only when the constitutive current was silenced (EC50 2.1 μM). The gabazine‐induced current was inhibited by picrotoxin, potentiated by DS2, completely absent in δ−/− mice and reduced in β1−/− mice, but could not be replicated in human α4β1/3δ receptors expressed heterologously in HEK cells.

Conclusion and Implications

Kinase activity infers spontaneous gating in α4β1/3δ receptors in DGGCs. This significantly limits the efficacy of GABAA agonists and has implications in pathologies involving aberrant excitability caused by phosphorylation (e.g. addiction and epilepsy). In such cases, the efficacy of δ‐preferring GABAA ligands may be reduced.
Next‐generation sequencing through multigene panel testing for the diagnosis of hereditary epidermolysis bullosa in Chinese population
Authors: Chen Fuying , Huang Linting , Li Changcan , Zhang Jia , Yang Weiqin , Zhang Beibei , Li Huaguo , Deng Dan , Liang Jianying , Shen Jinwen , Yao Zhirong , Li Ming
Published: June 2020

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heritable blistering disorder. We performed a next‐generation sequencing‐based multigene panel test and successfully predicted 100% of the EB types, including, 36 EB simplex (EBS), 13 junctional EB (JEB), 86 dystrophic EB (DEB), and 3 Kindler EB. Chinese JEB and recessive DEB (RDEB) patients have relatively mild phenotypes; for severe type separately accounts for 45.5% and 23.8%, respectively. We identified 96 novel and 49 recurrent pathogenic variants in 11 genes, although we failed to detect the second mutation in one JEB and five RDEB patients. We identified one novel p.E475K mosaic mutation in the clinically normal mother of one out of 13 EBS patients with KRT5 mutations, one recurrent p.G2034R mosaic mutation, and one novel p.G2043R mosaic mutation in the clinically normal relatives of two out of 19 dominant DEB patients. This study shows that next‐generation technology could be an effective tool in diagnosing EB.
Scarring alopecia in chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus with neutrophils: A new scenario with therapeutic connotations
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Hermosa‐Gelbard Angela , Pérez Alberto , Bello José Antonio , Cabo Fernando
Published: June 2020

The relationship between autoinflammatory and autoimmune conditions has been demonstrated in recent decades. Several autoimmune conditions exhibit an autoinflammatory component, which can manifest in various ways. Neutrophilic dermatosis in the context of lupus erythematosus (LE) is one example. Otherwise, neutrophils are rare in LE, except for the bullous variant and nonbullous neutrophilic LE. In this paper, we describe a case of scarring alopecia due to LE that stopped responding to a treatment that had been effective for years. The biopsy specimen demonstrated the presence of neutrophils in the inflammatory infiltrate. A treatment with dapsone was prescribed and yielded rapid improvement. This first case of scarring alopecia in the context of nonbullous neutrophilic LE emphasizes the importance of the infiltrate in determining the optimal therapeutic choice.
Classification in the Paralympics: the relationship between impairment and participation
Authors: Jaeken Denis
Published: June 2020

Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/x66t_l2tvDY
Impact of pain on affective disorders among adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Grandidge Lisa , Nair Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman
Published: June 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Whitney et al. on pages 926–932 of this issue.
The effect of diet‐induced obesity and pasture on blood pressure and serum cortisol in Standardbred mares
Authors: Nostell Katarina , Lindåse Sanna , Winqvist Ellen , Bröjer Johan
Published: June 2020

Background

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction and altered cortisol metabolism both in humans and in horses.

Objectives

Evaluate the effect of weight gain induced by a haylage diet low in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and serum cortisol concentrations.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Nine adult Standardbred mares fed a fat supplemented haylage diet at 250% of the horses’ daily metabolisable energy requirements for 22 weeks. Horses were then turned out on pasture for 4 weeks. Insulin sensitivity (SICLAMP) was measured before and after weight gain and after 4 weeks of pasture using the euglycemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) method. Body condition score (BCS), blood pressure and serum cortisol were monitored throughout the study. All data were analysed using the linear mixed model procedure. Values of P < 0.05 were considered as statistically different.

Results

All horses became obese during the weight gain period (BCS> 7). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) increased during the weight gain period and was significantly higher than initial values at the end of the weight gain period (78 ± 3 mm Hg vs 92 ± 3 mmHg). MAP remained increased on pasture (93 ± 3 mmHg). SICLAMP was unaffected by weight gain 0.9 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1 ([mg/kg/min × 103]/[µIU/mL × mmol/L])) but improved after pasture (1.6 ± 0.1 ([mg/kg/min × 103]/ [mU/L]). Serum cortisol concentrations increased during the weight gain period (80 ± 9 nmol/L vs 112 ± 9 nmol/L) and remained increased during pasture.

Main limitations

Limited number of horses and no control group.

Conclusions

Obesity was associated with a linear increase in blood pressure and an increase in serum cortisol that was not associated with insulin sensitivity.
RETRACTED: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist‐mediated cognitive improvement in a mouse model of Alzheimer's type: possible involvement of BDNF‐H2S‐Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Chen Li , Shi Rui , She Xia , Gu Chaochao , Chong Li , Zhang Lina , Li Rui
Published: June 2020

The present study explored the role and mechanisms of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced cognitive impairment. A single intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1‐42 was given to mice, and after 14 days of injection, memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Spironolactone (25 and 50 mg/kg) and eplerenone (50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered for two days before and for 14 days after Aβ injection. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers attenuated Aβ‐induced cognitive impairment assessed in terms of decrease in day 4 escape latency time (ELT) in comparison to day 1 ELT (suggesting an increase in learning) along with an increase in time spent in target quadrant on day 5 (suggesting the retrieval of learned things). These drugs also increased the expression of BDNF, H2S, Nrf2, reduced glutathione, and decreased β‐amyloid and TNF‐α in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Co‐administration of ANA‐12, BDNF receptor antagonist (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) abolished cognitive improving functions of mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, attenuated H2S, Nrf2, reduced glutathione, and decreased β‐amyloid and TNF‐α. It is concluded that spironolactone and

eplerenone attenuate cognitive decline of Alzheimer's type, possibly through upregulation of BDNF levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, which may increase H2S, decrease Aβ, activate Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant system, and decrease neuroinflammation.
Hif‐1alpha stabilisation is protective against infection in zebrafish comorbid models
Authors: Schild Yves , Mohamed Abdirizak , Wootton Edward J. , Lewis Amy , Elks Philip M.
Published: June 2020

Multi‐drug‐resistant tuberculosis is a worldwide problem, and there is an urgent need for host‐derived therapeutic targets, circumventing emerging drug resistance. We have previously shown that hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (Hif‐1α) stabilisation helps the host to clear mycobacterial infection via neutrophil activation. However, Hif‐1α stabilisation has also been implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases caused by prolonged neutrophilic inflammation. Comorbid infection and inflammation can be found together in disease settings, and it remains unclear whether Hif‐1α stabilisation would be beneficial in a holistic disease setting. Here, we set out to understand the effects of Hif‐1α on neutrophil behaviour in a comorbid setting by combining two well‐characterisedin vivozebrafish models – TB infection (Mycobacterium marinuminfection) and sterile injury (tailfin transection). Using a local Mm infection near to the tailfin wound site caused neutrophil migration between the two sites that was reduced during Hif‐1α stabilisation. During systemic Mm infection, wounding leads to increased infection burden, but the protective effect of Hif‐1α stabilisation remains. Our data indicate that Hif‐1α stabilisation alters neutrophil migration dynamics between comorbid sites and that the protective effect of Hif‐1α against Mm is maintained in the presence of inflammation, highlighting its potential as a host‐derived target against TB infection.
Informativeness of mutual fund advertisements: Does advertising communicate fund quality to investors?
Authors: Obaid Khaled , Pukthuanthong Kuntara
Published: June 2020

We uncover a positive relation between advertising expenditures and skill in the mutual fund industry. Motivated by economic signaling models, we find that funds advertising in magazines outperform their peers by 83 basis points in the subsequent year. We determine that the performance differential between advertising and nonadvertising funds is largest when investment opportunities are high and persists for 36 months. Generally, the positive relation between advertising expenditures and future fund flows is not sensitive to the content of the advertisements and is strongest when investor attention is high.
Cambio tecnológico y empleo en el Brasil, Colombia y México: ¿Qué trabajadores son los más afectados?
Authors: ARIZA John , RAYMOND BARA Josep Lluís
Published: June 2020

A partir de un enfoque basado en tareas se analizan los patrones de empleo ocupacionales y de calificación en los mercados laborales urbanos del Brasil, Colombia y México entre 2002 y 2015. Se observa una fuerte disminución del empleo en ocupaciones de calificación media y un ligero aumento en las de baja y alta calificación. Según una descomposición shift‐share, la disminución se explica por cambios intrasectoriales (hipótesis de rutinización) en ciertos casos (secretarios y taquígrafos), y por cambios intersectoriales en otros (artesanos y operadores de máquinas). Los cambios tecnológicos afectaron negativamente a las mujeres y beneficiaron a los jóvenes y a los más calificados.
Multichannel retailing and price competition
Authors: Karray Salma , Sigué Simon Pierre
Published: June 2020

We investigate the profitability of multichannel retailing for competing offline retailers. Each firm can sell a product both offline and online in a position of a first mover or follower in the online market. We find that, depending on the online market size and price competition levels across channels and retailers, the adoption of multichannel retailing may or may not enhance an offline retailer's profits in the first‐mover position. If one retailer profitably expands online, the second can also improve its profit by introducing another online channel to the detriment of the pioneer. However, when offline retailers are given the possibility of selecting an equilibrium channel mix, multichannel retailing could be adopted strategically by the two retailers to maintain their market shares, resulting in a prisoner's dilemma situation. In such a context, it drives down retail prices, increases sales, and reduces the profits of the two competing retailers.
Impacts of Coal Resource Development on Surface Water Quality in a Multi‐jurisdictional Watershed in the Western United States
Authors: Bulltail Grace , Walter M. Todd
Published: June 2020

This study focuses on water quality and quantity impacts from natural resource development on watersheds originating on Crow tribal lands in southeastern Montana. Field research analysis will focus on the surface water quality in three adjacent watersheds. This study will determine impacts to water quality from reclaimed coal mine spoils surface runoff and produced water discharge from coal bed methane wells within the watersheds. A secondary research objective is to determine a baseline assessment of surface water in watersheds prior to proposed mine development, particularly on tribally owned and allotted tracts. Historical data from state agencies will also be compared to data collected within watersheds on tribal lands. Water quality impacts from mining development may be more pronounced than that of coal bed methane as the reclaimed mining sites have demonstrated lasting impacts on the nearby surface water quality in the study area. Historical and current samples have demonstrated increased sodium absorption ratio and sodium levels downstream of a mine site in a tributary to the primary watershed. A sample from a pond in another reclaimed mine site contained the highest sodium adsorption ratio levels of all surface water samples. Coal bed methane development impacts may have been transient in the primary watershed surface water based on sample results. Historical oil and gas development appears to be impacting surface water quality within the southernmost watershed. Analysis has shown the increasing degradation of water quality in watersheds downstream and across the state boundary of Montana into Wyoming where natural resource development has occurred.
Unregulated and Emerging Contaminants in Tribal Water
Authors: Conroy‐Ben Otakuye , Crowder Emily
Published: June 2020

Emerging contaminants in Tribal water have been unexplored until implementation of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) campaigns, which mandated the analysis of up to 30 new contaminants in drinking water every five years. As additions to the Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA), the UCMR1 – 3 were created to assess contaminants which have not yet been assigned a maximum contaminant level (MCL) but may be regulated in the future to protect human health. While a handful of Tribes (n = 6) participated in UCMR1, public water systems (PWS) within reservation boundaries were intentionally included in representative nation‐wide sampling beginning with UCMR2 after a period of Tribal consultation. Still, less than 3% of Tribal PWS were surveyed. The results from UCMR2 revealed that samples from all surveyed Tribal PWS fell below the method detection limits. Target analytes shifted to metals, perfluorinated chemicals, hormones, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dioxane, and chlorate under UCMR3. Detectable levels of metals (chromium, hexavalent chromium, strontium, and vanadium), chlorate, and dioxane were observed, and in some cases, at concentrations greater than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) recommended health reference limit (HRL). The presence of elevated levels of vanadium, strontium, 1,4‐dioxane, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), and chlorate defines a new set of emerging contaminants that needs to be considered with regards to risk, reporting and monitoring, and water treatment in Tribal drinking water.
Simplified melting rate correlation for radioactive waste vitrification in electric furnaces
Authors: Lee SeungMin , Ferkl Pavel , Pokorny Richard , Klouzek Jaroslav , Hrma Pavel , Eaton William C. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: June 2020

A recently proposed glass melting rate correlation (MRC) equation expresses an essential relationship between the melting rate and material and process variables (melt viscosity, cold‐cap bottom temperature, feed‐to‐glass conversion heat, melter operating temperature, and bubbling flux). It agreed well with data for high‐level waste (HLW) melter feeds processed in an electric melter. However, the nonlinear form and four coefficients made the original MRC somewhat cumbersome for representing existing data sets. Introducing new variables (glass melt density and depth of melt pool) makes the new MRC more broadly applicable. Also, reducing the number of coefficients to two simplifies it substantially. The simplified generalized MRC demonstrates good agreement with an extended data set encompassing additional melter feeds and melter sizes.
Comparison study of static and alternating magnetic field treatments on the quality preservation effect of cherry tomato at low temperature
Authors: Yang Zhao , Zhang Lei , Zhao Songsong , Luo Na , Deng Qiujia
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) and alternating magnetic field (AMF) treatment on thermophysical property and preservation quality of cherry tomato. Freshly harvested cherry tomatoes were treated with SMF and AMF at 40 Gs and 80 Gs when hydrocooling pretreatment was performed at 2°C for 30 min. Control tomato fruits were hydrocooled without magnetic field treatment at 2°C for 30 min. The cooling rate, weight loss, color difference, electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde, and catalase were measured. The results showed that the cooling time of SMF treatment was decreased by 16.7% compared with the control treatment. SMF and AMF treatments significantly (p < .05) increased catalase activity and improved the quality of cherry tomatoes during storage. AMF strength at 80 Gs, was the best treatment for reducing weight loss and increasing catalase activity, while the smallest color difference was observed when the SMF at 40 Gs was applied. The results demonstrated that SMF is an alternative method to delay the postharvest ripening process and maintaining the quality of the cherry tomato, which could be due to the higher activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase.

Practical applications

The main aim of this study was to compare the effects of SMF and AMF treatment on the preservation quality of cherry tomato. The results demonstrated that magnetic field technology could be applied to fruit and vegetable preservation, and SMF treatment was more helpful to inhibit the ripening of the cherry tomato. This study will broaden the knowledge of food preservation engineers and provide an alternative technology of fruit and vegetable preservation. The parameters used in this study can provide a reference for the development of commercial equipment.
No Job, No Money, No Refi: Frictions to Refinancing in a Recession
Authors: DEFUSCO ANTHONY A. , MONDRAGON JOHN
Published: June 2020

We study how employment documentation requirements and out‐of‐pocket closing costs constrain mortgage refinancing. These frictions, which bind most severely during recessions, may significantly inhibit monetary policy pass‐through. To study their effects on refinancing, we exploit a Federal Housing Administration policy change that excluded unemployed borrowers from refinancing and increased others' out‐of‐pocket costs substantially. These changes dramatically reduced refinancing rates, particularly among the likely unemployed and those facing new out‐of‐pocket costs. Our results imply that unemployed and liquidity‐constrained borrowers have a high latent demand for refinancing. Cyclical variation in these factors may therefore affect both the aggregate and distributional consequences of monetary policy.
Pravastatin for preeclampsia: From animal to human
Authors: Kumasawa Keiichi , Iriyama Takayuki , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: June 2020

Preeclampsia is characterized by the emergence of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and it threatens both maternal and fetal lives if it proceeds unabated. Despite numerous studies, thus far the only fundamental therapy for preeclampsia is termination of pregnancy, leading to preterm birth. Furthermore, preeclamptic women are reported to be at risk for cardiovascular diseases for 10 years after delivery. Therefore, preventative and therapeutic strategies for preeclampsia are required. Recently, statins have been reported to improve the regeneration of vascular endothelium, and pravastatin has attracted attention as a potential preventative or therapeutic candidate for preeclampsia. Pravastatin has been demonstrated to have preventative effects in preeclampsia model mice, and a large volume of human data from pregnant women taking statins supports the safety of these drugs. Moreover, small clinical trials have reported that pravastatin has strong preventative or therapeutic effects on preeclampsia and it has the potential to improve the prognosis of pregnant women, fetuses and neonates affected by this condition.
A home‐based multidisciplinary programme for Down syndrome adults with muscular temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Sena Letícia da Silva , Palma Luiz Felipe , Marques Sérgio Ricardo , Sanches Monique Lalue , de Moraes Luís Otávio Carvalho
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) present functional and anatomical alterations that may negatively impact their health and quality of life. Down syndrome patients have been shown to have a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), but little is known about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention in these individuals.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a home‐based multidisciplinary programme on muscular TMD in DS adults.

Methods

After being diagnosed with TMD‐related masticatory muscle disorder, 20 adult men and 20 adult women with DS received an educational material with instructions on how to perform daily home facial self‐massage and exercises for orofacial and masticatory muscles. Participants were also provided with educational information on TMD. Those who failed to perform at least 50% of the programme (23 days) were considered non‐adherent. Oral parafunctional behaviours, facial pressure‐pain threshold and maximum mouth opening were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

Twenty‐five patients adhered to the programme as opposed to 15 non‐adherent patients. Statistically significant improvements in all parameters were observed among adherent patients, except for the number of parafunctions.

Conclusion

The proposed home‐based multidisciplinary programme seemed to be effective in improving some aspects related to muscular TMD in DS adults.
Water and Food restriction decreases immunoreactivity of oestrogen receptor alpha and antioxidant activity in testes of sexually mature Coturnix coturnix japonica
Authors: Baghel Kalpana , Niranjan Mukesh K. , Srivastava Rashmi
Published: June 2020

Food and water are closely associated with reproductive willingness in vertebrates. These are important for animals and their non‐availability act as stressors which decrease sex steroid secretion suppressing reproductive behaviour. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in reproduction via its receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ). This study tested the hypothesis that ERα in testes of male Japanese quail is regulated during water and food deprivations. The present study reveals that both water and food deprivations cause oxidative stress and subsequently decrease catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while these increase malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Both deprivations reduce plasma oestradiol whereas elevate corticosterone level. The immunofluorescent localization of ERα in the testes occurs predominantly in the seminiferous tubules of control while reduces after both food and water deprivations. All types of spermatogenic cells were seen in control testis, while after water and food deprivations size of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells population decreased. Scanning electron microscopic study exhibited fully mature sperms in clusters with head and elongated flagellum, whereas after water deprivation maximum sperms were distorted, scattered with highly reduced head. On food deprivation, only few sperms were seen with head and tail. Thus, taking into account the localization of ERα in testis, it is obvious that oestrogens produced locally are involved in regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis during stress.
Care quality and outcomes among US veterans with chronic hepatitis B in the hepatitis C direct‐acting antiviral era
Authors: Kaplan David E. , Medvedeva Elina , Serper Marina
Published: June 2020

Adherence to guideline‐recommended hepatitis B virus (HBV) care is suboptimal. We hypothesized that national hepatitis C eradication efforts during the era from 2015 to 2017 would improve the quality of care for cHBV given increased recognition and specialty referrals for liver disease. The study described herein is a retrospective cohort study of veterans with at least one positive HBsAg (HBsAg+) result from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2017 using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) analysed by era (2003‐2004, 2005‐2009, 2010‐2014, 2015‐2017). Relevant covariates such as HCV co‐infection, demographics, cirrhosis and baseline laboratory testing were obtained through previously validated approaches. We evaluated completion of process measures within 2 years of the index HBsAg + result: specialty care referral; testing of ALT, HBV‐DNA, HBeAg and anti‐HBe; testing for co‐infection and/or vaccination for HAV, HCV, HDV and HIV; and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance among those meeting criteria. We also measured use of antiviral therapy in appropriate candidates (ALT ≥ 2 × ULN, HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL). Of the 16 673 individuals with HBsAg + test results, 9,521 were confirmed as chronic HBV. Era‐related (Era 3:2010‐2014 vs Era 4:2015‐2017) increases in guideline‐recommended process measures included the following: outpatient visits with GI/ID specialists (78%‐89%), HBV‐DNA testing (73%‐79%), HDV testing (27%‐35%), appropriate HBV antiviral utilization (55%‐70%) and HCC surveillance (40%‐43%); all P < .0001. In the subset of HBV/HCV‐co‐infected patients, HCV DAA therapy was associated with a trend towards improved overall survival. In conclusion, the overall quality of care for HBV has significantly improved in the era of widespread HCV DAA therapy in an integrated health system possibly due to increased recognition and referral for liver disease.
Physiologic effects of furosemide in combination with water restriction when administered at 4 and 24 hours prior to high‐intensity treadmill training
Authors: Knych Heather K. , Wilson W. David , Vale Alina , Kass Philip H. , Steffey Eugene P. , Jones James H. , Arthur Rick M.
Published: June 2020

Although controversial, due to its reported effectiveness in attenuating bleeding associated with exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), furosemide is currently a permitted race day medication in most North American racing jurisdictions. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of furosemide in reducing the presence and severity of EIPH when administered 24 hr prior to strenuous treadmill exercise. Eight exercised Thoroughbred horses received saline or 250 mg of furosemide either 4 or 24 hr prior to high‐speed treadmill exercise in a balanced 3‐way cross‐over design. Blood samples were collected for determination of furosemide, lactate, hemoglobin, blood gas, and electrolyte concentrations. Heart rate and pulmonary arterial pressure were measured throughout the run and endoscopic examination and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed. Horses were assigned an EIPH score and the number of red blood cells in BAL fluid determined. Although not significantly different, endoscopic EIPH scores were lower in the 4‐hr versus the 24‐hr and saline groups. RBC counts were not significantly different between the treatment groups. Pulmonary arterial pressures were significantly increased at higher speeds; however, there were no significant differences between dose groups when controlling for speed. A small sample size and unknown bleeding history warrant a larger‐scale study.
Mucormycosis in the Middle East and North Africa: Analysis of the FungiScope® registry and cases from the literature
Authors: Stemler Jannik , Hamed Kamal , Salmanton‐García Jon , Rezaei‐Matehkolaei Ali , Gräfe Stefanie K. , Sal Ertan , Zarrouk Marouan , Seidel Danila , Abdelaziz Khedr Reham , Ben‐Ami Ronen , Ben‐Chetrit Eli , Roth Yehudah , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Regional differences in the underlying causes, manifestations and treatment of mucormycosis have been noted in studies covering Europe, Asia and South America.

Objectives

To review cases of mucormycosis across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in order to identify epidemiological, treatment and outcome trends in this region.

Patients/Methods

Cases of proven or probable invasive mucormycosis from the region were identified from the FungiScope® database and the medical literature. For each case, information on underlying condition, site of infection, pathogenic species, therapeutic intervention, type of antifungal therapy and outcome were analysed.

Results

We identified 310 cases of mucormycosis in the MENA region. The number of reported cases increased by decade from 23 before 1990 to 127 in the 2010s. In this region, the most common underlying conditions associated with mucormycosis were diabetes mellitus (49.7%) and conditions associated with immunosuppression (46.5%). The majority of patients received treatment with antifungals (93.5%), with a large proportion treated with both antifungals and surgery (70.6%). Overall mortality rates decreased from 47.8% before 1990 to 32.3% in the 2010s.

Conclusions

The number of reported cases of mucormycosis in the MENA region has risen over the past few decades, in line with increases in the number of patients with underlying conditions associated with this infection. Although the majority of patients received treatment with antifungal therapies and/or surgery, the associated mortality rate remains high and there is a clear need for more effective prevention and treatment strategies in the MENA region.
The role of bread in the UK diet: An update
Authors: Lockyer S. , Spiro A.
Published: June 2020

Bread has been a widely consumed traditional staple food in the UK for centuries, although there has been a decrease in consumption over the past 50 years. This may reflect the increased availability and popularity of other starchy foods such as pasta and rice and potentially negative misconceptions around bread and health (e.g. weight gain and gastrointestinal symptoms). On average, in the UK, bread provides 11–12% of energy, 16–20% of carbohydrate, 10–12% of protein and 17–21% of fibre intakes across all age groups and is a key contributor to micronutrient intakes (9–14% of folate, 15–17% of iron, 12–17% of calcium, 12–13% of magnesium and 10–11% of zinc). White bread is the largest contributor to salt intakes in the UK, though average salt content has been declining, largely as a result of the government reformulation programme with the food industry, including the setting of salt reduction targets. The mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid, a strategy used successfully in >60 other countries as a means of reducing neural tube defects (NTDs), is currently being considered and may be an important public health initiative. The variety of fibre types in bread such as arabinoxylan, oligosaccharides and resistant starch, as well as other bioactives including polyphenols, are an area of emerging interest in relation to nutrition and health. This paper gives an overview of the current contribution of bread to nutrient intakes and considers trends which may change the role of bread in our diet going forward.
Fibrocartilaginous embolism during swimming: A case report
Authors: Tsunogae Marie , Ueda Masayuki
Published: June 2020

A 70‐year‐old woman presented sudden back pain and right leg monoplegia just after her coach pushed her back during swimming. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thoracic spinal infarction, and computed tomography showed Schmorl's nodules and air densities in the intervertebral disks near the spinal lesion, indicating disk degeneration. A diagnosis of fibrocartilaginous embolism, caused by minor compression of intervertebral disks, was made. Physicians should consider fibrocartilaginous embolism as a cause of spinal infarction in patients without any risk of embolization, atherosclerosis, or surgical history.
Biomass–density relationships of plant communities deviate from the self‐thinning rule due to age structure and abiotic stress
Authors: Herberich Maximiliane Marion , Gayler Sebastian , Anand Madhur , Tielbörger Katja
Published: June 2020

A pertinent debate in plant ecology centers around the generality of the self‐thinning rule. However, studies focused on highly simplified settings such as even‐aged monospecific populations or optimal conditions. This neglects the fact that most natural communities, to which the classical self‐thinning slope is often applied, are age‐structured, composed of multiple species and exposed to various types of abiotic stress. With the help of an individual‐based model, we relax these simplified assumptions and systematically test for changes in the biomass–density relationships of uneven‐aged, functionally diverse plant communities across a complete stress gradient, using excessive to insufficient soil water as a case study. We show that frequent recruitment, which resulted in an uneven‐aged community, and stress intensity caused predictable changes in the entire biomass–density trajectory. Increasing stress resulted in steeper (more negative) slopes and increased the intercept in the classical self‐thinning section irrespective of excessive or insufficient soil water as a stress type. Recruitment steepened the slope, too and enabled a novel section in the biomass–density trajectory. This novel section represented a quasi‐steady state of the density‐dependent dynamics of new generations which occurred locally within patches of recruitment. At the community level, the slope of the biomass–density relationship at quasi‐steady state had a significantly flatter slope of −1.1 under optimal soil water conditions. Functional diversity showed little impact on density‐dependent mortality. Namely, it resulted in an earlier onset of mortality but not in changes in the values of the slope and intercept. We conclude that the classical −3/2 slope is not useful to describe the biomass–density relationship in natural and semi‐natural plant communities. The magnitude and direction of variation in the slope are related to the age‐structure and abiotic stress intensity in the plant community.
Extranuptial nectaries in flowers: ants increase the reproductive success of the ant‐plant Miconia tococa (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Belan H. C. , Barônio G. J. , Kuster V. C. , Oliveira D. C. , Vasconcelos H. L.
Published: June 2020

Although the production of extranuptial nectar is a common strategy of indirect defence against herbivores among tropical plants, the presence of extranuptial nectaries in reproductive structures is rare, especially in ant‐plants. This is because the presence of ants in reproductive organs can generate conflicts between the partners, as ants can inhibit the activity of pollinators or even castrate their host plants. Here we evaluate the hypothesis that the ant‐plant Miconia tococa produces nectar in its petals which attracts ants and affects fruit set.

Floral buds were analysed using anatomical and histochemical techniques. The frequency and behaviour of floral visitors were recorded in field observations. Finally, an ant exclusion experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of ant presence on fruit production.

The petals of M. tococa have a secretory epidermis that produces sugary compounds. Nectar production occurred during the floral bud stage and attracted 17 species of non‐obligate ants (i.e. have a facultative association with ant‐plants). Ants foraged only on floral buds, and thus did not affect the activity of pollinators in the neighbouring open flowers. The presence of ants in the inflorescences increased fruit production by 15%.

To our knowledge, the production of extranuptial nectar in the reproductive structures of a myrmecophyte is very rare, with few records in the literature. Although studies show conflicts between the partners in the ant–plant interaction, ants that forage on M. tococa floral buds protect the plant against floral herbivores without affecting bee pollination.
Pre‐Hurricane Consumer Stockpiling and Post‐Hurricane Product Availability: Empirical Evidence from Natural Experiments
Authors: Pan Xiaodan , Dresner Martin , Mantin Benny , Zhang Jun A.
Published: June 2020

The provision of essential supplies is a key service provided by retailers when demand spikes due to consumer stockpiling during environmental emergencies. Moreover, it is important for retailers to quickly recover from these events by replenishing the stock of essential supplies to meet the continuing needs of local residents. The main purpose of this research is to study consumer precautionary stockpiling behavior prior to the onset of hurricane landfalls and determine the impact of this behavior on in‐store product availability for various formats of retail store outlets. Specifically, we focus on the bottled water product category, an essential emergency category in hurricane preparedness. This study combines an event analysis methodology with econometric models using archival retail scanner data from 60 US retail chains located in 963 counties and real‐time data from four recent US continental hurricanes. We find that supply‐side characteristics (retail network and product variety), demand‐side characteristics (hurricane experience and household income), and disaster characteristics (hazard proximity and hazard intensity) significantly affect consumer stockpiling propensity as the hurricanes approach. The increased consumer stockpiling has immediate and longer‐term impacts on retail operations, namely, in‐store product availability. Among various retail formats, drug stores are associated with the highest consumer stockpiling propensity before hurricanes, while dollar stores and discount stores are associated with the lowest in‐store product availability following hurricanes. Our study points to the need for retailers and policymakers to carefully monitor factors affecting consumer stockpiling behavior that will allow for better allocation of critical supplies during the hurricane season.