bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual maturation in girls: association with physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Desnouck V , Pedroni C , Dujeu M , Moreau N , Lebacq T , Holmberg E , Castetbon K
Published: November 2019

Introduction

During adolescence, physical activity tends to decline, especially among girls. Adolescent inactivity is due in part to biological factors, among which pubertal development may play a role. Our aim was to study in girls, the relationship of sexual maturation based on menarche with physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

Methods

Analyses were based on a two-stage random sample of 3,911 10-15-year-old girls included in the 2018 cross-sectional Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey carried out in French-speaking schools. Menarche, sufficient levels of physical activity (PA) (global PA: at least 60 min. of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA daily, and vigorous PA: at least 3 times/week), sedentary week time based on all-screen use duration (SWT; categories based on tertiles), and sociodemographic characteristics were self-reported. Multilevel multiple binary (for PA) and multinomial (for SWT) logistic regressions were performed, stratified by age group (≤12.5 years vs. >12.5 years).

Results

Twenty percent of girls aged ≤ 12.5 years and 85.0% of girls aged > 12.5 years have had their first period. Within the group aged ≤12.5, post-menarcheal girls were more likely to spend long SWT (≥8h/day) than pre-menarcheal girls (vs. short SWT (<4h/day): aRRR= 1.74 [1.27-2.37]; NS for moderate SWT (4-7h/day)). Within those aged >12.5, post-menarcheal girls were less likely to engage in sufficient vigorous PA (aOR=0.76 [0.59-0.98]) than pre-menarcheal girls. Moreover, they were more likely to spend moderate (aRRR=1.70 [1.19-2.42]) and long SWT (aRRR=2.74 [1.94-3.88]) than pre-menarcheal girls of same ages. Additional adjustments for age modified the strength of associations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that during adolescence, the physiological changes induced by sexual maturation may contribute to the decline in physical activity (in > 12.5 years), and in the increase in sedentary behaviour in girls. Potential confounding by age will be explored further.

Key messages

Development of strategies aimed at improving physical activity among adolescent girls should take into account, among other aspects, pubertal development. Specific interventions, targeting pubescent girls, should also be developed to reduce screen time in order to prevent its potential negative consequences.
Placing healthy kids meals on the restaurant menu by co-creation between chef-cooks and children
Authors: Bevelander K E , Kwakernaak L , Laset E , Zeinstra G , Molleman G
Published: November 2019

Problem

Eating out is associated with enjoyment, but not healthy meals. The number of families that consume their daily calories from away-from-home foods is increasing. Most restaurants (90%) offer kids meals that are lacking vegetables and are high in calories, sodium and saturated fat. Additionally, families are exposed to many advertisements promoting unhealthy foods and only 3% is aimed at healthy choices.

Description

The local health authority of the city Nijmegen in the Netherlands started a program (January-June 2019) in collaboration with the local hospital, university, city council, restaurants, primary schools and children’s council to promote healthy kids meals in restaurants. Chef-cooks, a dietician and culinary advisor visited the schools they were paired to in their neighborhood to co-create new kids menus. In parallel, students conducted focus groups at schools that could not be visited by the chef-cooks. Information was gathered about which healthy foods children like, and how to present and promote the meals in an attractive way. Next, the children were invited to the restaurants to taste and rate three kids meals created by the input of the children. The winning meals stayed on the restaurant menus for at least a month, while promoting the meals with marketing techniques that were suggested by the children and tested in two experiments: online and in the restaurants.

Results

During the co-creation lessons at schools, children became more aware of the primarily unhealthy food options in restaurants. Preliminary findings suggest that although most parents would choose unhealthy kids menus in restaurants, healthy meals can be promoted to families by use of characters.

Lessons

Restaurants are willing to offer and promote healthy kids menus. Co-creation with the target audience and a collaboration between different parties may increase the effect of an environment-level intervention to achieve individual and family-level behavior change.

Key messages

Involving children and local parties to increase the availability of healthy kids meals in restaurants and promoting these meals can be an effective way to make eating out a healthy experience. A collaboration between different local public and private parties may increase the effect of an environment-level intervention to achieve individual and family-level behavior change.
Suicide mortality and its income-based inequalities in Korea, 2005-2017
Authors: Kang H Y , Bahk J , Khang Y H
Published: November 2019

Backgrounds

The suicide mortality rate in Korea has been the highest in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries between 2003 and 2016. The trends of suicide mortality and its inequalities according to socioeconomic positions provide important information in establishing suicide prevention policies. This study investigated trends in suicide mortality and its income-based inequalities in Korea between 2005 and 2017.

Methods

Data from 2005-2017 National Health Insurance Database individually linked with cause-of-death data of Statistics Korea were employed. A total of 164,412 suicidal deaths from 574,610,162 subjects aged 10 or over were analyzed. Age-standardized suicide mortality rates were calculated by the calendar year, sex, and income quintiles. The slope index of inequality was calculated as an absolute measure for inequality and relative index of inequality was used as a relative inequality measure.

Results

The suicide mortality in Korea increased from 29.3 per 100,000 in 2005 to 33.3 in 2011, then decreased to 23.1 in 2017. Suicide mortality rates in men were more than twice as high as the rates in women and the gender gap remained throughout the period. The lower income-level, the higher the suicide mortality rate, especially in men. The absolute inequality in suicide measured by the slope index of inequality has changed as the suicide mortality rate fluctuated, but the relative inequality in suicide has increased since 2012.

Conclusions

The suicide mortality in Korea has increased due to the global financial crisis and copycat suicide following celebrity suicides in 2008, but it has decreased since the paraquat ban in 2011-12. Despite the recent decline in suicide mortality, the gap between income quintiles did not change meaningfully during the study period. In particular, the magnitude of relative inequality has increased. Progressive national policies should be implemented to reduce suicide mortality and its income gaps.

Key messages

Despite the recent decline in suicide mortality in Korea, the income-based inequalities in suicide did not change meaningfully. The magnitude of relative inequalities has increased recently.
A systematic scoping review to approach the construct of gender discrimination
Authors: de la Torre L , Oliver A , Torres X , Bertran M J
Published: November 2019

Gender discrimination (GD) has been frequently linked to mental health. The heterogeneity of GD definition has led to different assessment methodologies and variation around the analysis of GD. This can affect the study of the association between GD and health outcomes. The main goal of this systematic scoping review is the review of previous studies to operationalize the definition of the GD construct.

Three search strategies were set in Pubmed, CINAHL and PsycINFO. 1st and 2nd search strategies included studies if their main focus was either, the analysis of discrimination perception, triggers of discrimination or the analysis of GD effects and associated factors to its perception. 3rd strategy was focused on the identification of GD questionnaires. The prevalence of GD, factors and consequences associated with GD perception and forms of discrimination were the principal variables collected. Risk of bias was assessed (PROSPERO: CRD42019120719).

A total of 925 studies were obtained and 84 papers included. GD analysis environments were described. 60 questionnaires of discrimination were identified. Prevalence of GD varied between 3.4-67%. Female gender and a younger age were the factors most frequently related to GD. Poorer mental health was the most frequent consequence. Two components of the GD construct were identified: undervaluation (different recognition, opportunities in access, evaluation standards and expectations) and different treatment (verbal abuse and behavior).

GD is measured in several environments and with different methodologies. The two component definition of GD can add order and precision to the measurement, increase response rates and reported GD.

Key messages

The heterogeneity in the conception of gender discrimination has led to different ways of assessment and to a great heterogeneity around the analysis of GD perception. This operative gender discrimination construct could add order and precision to its measurement, increase response rates and reported GD.
Outpatient health care 30 days after hospitalization for heart failure in France
Authors: Lesuffleur T , Feldman S , Tuppin P , Constantinou P , Olié V , Jullière Y
Published: November 2019

Background

Recommendations for heart failure (HF) outpatient follow-up have been published. The SNDS offers the opportunity to confront them to real-life, including geographical disparities. Moreover, estimation variation has to be explored when population excludes institutionalized patients (IP) that have specific healthcare use and refund: rehabilitation (SSR), psychiatric hospitalization (psy), skilled nursing home (EHPAD) which is not usually done.The Purpose is to study outpatient healthcare use variations in France after hospitalization for HF, using SNDS data.

Methods

The first stay for HF (>0days) in 2015 of patients over 18 yo covered by the general scheme (RG/SLM 88% of population) was considered. Healthcare use 30 days after was compared with (RG/SLM) or without IP (RG/SLM eIP). Regional outpatient care use rates were standardized by age and sex.

Results

Among 104 984 alive patients 30 days after HF hospitalization (RG/SLM, female 52%, mean age 79 yo), 16% stayed in SSR, 9% in cardiologic SSR, 12% in EHPAD, 0.2% in psy and 75% returning home and not institutionalized (RG/SLM eIP; n = 70367). Among all RG/SLM patients vs RG/SLM eIP (mean age 79 yo vs 78 yo), a cardiologist was seen at least once in 30 days post hospitalization 20% vs 21% (median delay 14 days IQR 7-23 vs 16 IQR 9-24), a general practitioner 69% vs 78% (8 IQR 3-16 vs 7 IQR 3-15), a nurse 58% vs 69% (3 IQR 1-9 vs 2 IQR 1-7). ACE inhibitors were reimbursed at least once for 34% vs 39%, ARBs 14% vs 17%, and diuretics 69% vs 77%. Among RG/SLM eIP patients, departmental disparities were high: cardiologist (3% to 46%), GP (59% to 93%), nurse visit (49% to 82%). Lower rates for GP were found in the center of France but with higher rates for nurse visits.

Conclusions

We recommend using RG/SLM eIP when studying outpatient healthcare use in the SNDS. Low visit rates and high delays regarding the recommendations point out the need of a multidisciplinary community health care in France.

Key messages

Low visit rates and high delays regarding the recommendations point out the need of a multidisciplinary community health care in France. We recommend using RG/SLM eIP when studying outpatient healthcare use in the SNDS.
Significant improvement in cancer management in Europe
Authors: Jelenc M , Albreht T
Published: November 2019

Background

Cancer management represents one of the most complex disease management segments in health care. Quality National Cancer Control Programmes (NCCPs) play the key role in cancer management in responding to population needs by preventing, detecting and treating cancer only through adequate planning. An effective NCCP represents benefits for patients, citizens, health care providers, health systems and governments. Europe is still characterised by inequalities in cancer control both between and within countries. In response to this challenge, a generic list of evidence-based tools for efficient stewardship and measure of effects of the cancer control will be prepared.

Methods

A survey on the current state of NCCPs in EU Member States, EEA countries and EU candidate countries and on the presence of some key elements, which NCCPs should include, was conducted in 2018 in the frame of the Joint Action (JA) Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer (iPAAC). The completed surveys were analysed; the answers were compared with the report prepared on the basis of the survey carried out in 2011 in the frame of JA EPAAC.

Results

In total, 33 out of 34 EU Member States, some EEA countries and EU candidate countries completed the survey, the response rate was 97%. Thirty-one out of 33 countries reported that they have a NCCP or another relevant cancer document. Belgium does not have a NCCP, Croatia and Serbia prepared draft versions. The inclusion of patient pathways, quality indicators as well as PROMS in NCCPs is not satisfactory. Only 10 countries included PROMS in their NCCP.

Conclusions

On the basis of the preliminary results of the survey we conluded that the situation regarding NCCPs in Europe improved in comparison with the situation in 2011. EU countries have mostly adopted a NCCP, plan or strategy as a single or several documents. We aim at developing practical instructions for the successful governance and steering of cancer care in all EU Member States.

Key messages

The development of NCCPs represents added value for cancer patients in all EU Member States. The inclusion of patient pathways, quality indicators as well as patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) in NCCPs/cancer documents is not satisfactory.
Attitudes and behaviours of theology faculty students on organ donation An Eastern City Of Turkey
Authors: Tekin C , Gokce A , Ozer A
Published: November 2019

Background

Transplantation is the process by which a solid tissue or organ from a living donor or cadaver is transplanted to replace an organ that cannot function properly in the body. Religious beliefs of individuals affect their attitudes and behaviours regarding organ donation. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours of Theology Faculty students about organ donation.

Methods

The study is cross-sectional study which carried out on students in Faculty of Theology.Total number of students was 800 at the time of study. Sample selection was not performed in this study,70% of the population was included. The first part of the questionnaires, which we created as data collection tools, comprised socio-demographic questions, whereas the second part comprised questions, prepared according to the literature that measures the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours on organ donation. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

0.7% Of the students participating in the study stated that they were organ donors, whereas 56.4% said that they considered organ donation as religiously appropriate behaviour, and 38.6% said that they have not become organ donors before because the subject of organ donation was not brought to their attention previously. A comparison of whether the students viewed organ donation as religiously appropriate behaviour with the students’ level of knowledge on organ donation revealed to be 65.8% among students with knowledge on organ donation and 49.5% among students who lacked knowledge on organ donation(p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The ratio of organ donors among the participants was 0.7%. Students with knowledge on organ donation also said that they viewed organ donation as religiously appropriate behaviour. Through training activities, the aim should be to increase the level of knowledge and awareness on organ donation of future religious staff and to thereby increase the level of organ donation in the society.

Key messages

The ratio of organ donation among Theology Faculty students is low. The subject of organ donation should be added to the curriculum of Theology Faculty students.
Cultivation-assisted genome of Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica; the enigmatic ‘X-type’ symbiont of aphids
Authors: Patel V , Chevignon G , Manzano-Marín A , Brandt J W , Strand M R , Russell J A , Oliver K M
Published: November 2019

Heritable symbionts are common in terrestrial arthropods and often provide beneficial services to hosts. Unlike obligate, nutritional symbionts that largely persist under strict host control within specialized host cells, heritable facultative symbionts exhibit large variation in within-host lifestyles and services rendered with many retaining the capacity to transition among roles. One enigmatic symbiont, Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica, frequently infects aphids with reported roles ranging from pathogen, defensive symbiont, mutualism exploiter and nutritional co-obligate symbiont. Here we used an in vitro culture-assisted protocol to sequence the genome of a facultative strain of Fukatsuia from pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum). Phylogenetic and genomic comparisons indicate that Fukatsuia is an aerobic heterotroph, which together with Regiella insecticola and Hamiltonella defensa form a clade of heritable facultative symbionts within the Yersiniaceae (Enterobacteriales). These three heritable facultative symbionts largely share overlapping inventories of genes associated with housekeeping functions, metabolism, and nutrient acquisition, while varying in complements of mobile DNA. One unusual feature of Fukatsuia is its strong tendency to occur as a co-infection with H. defensa. However, the overall similarity of gene inventories among aphid heritable facultative symbionts suggest that metabolic complementarity is not the basis for co-infection, unless playing out on a H. defensa strain-specific basis. We also compared the pea aphid Fukatsuia with a strain from the aphid Cinara confinis (Lachninae) where it is reported to have transitioned to co-obligate status to support decaying Buchnera function. Overall the two genomes are very similar with no clear genomic signatures consistent with such a transition, which suggests co-obligate status in C. confinis was a recent event.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Asymptomatic Middle-Aged Men Is Associated With Routine Blood-Based Biomarkers
Authors: Pencina Karol M , Li Zhuoying , Montano Monty
Published: November 2019

Background

The use of circulating clinically routine biomarkers and volitional physical activity using wristband accelerometry in preclinical middle-aged adults may provide sensitive measures of physical function and predict sooner the onset of age- and HIV-related physical decline.

Methods

Nested cross-sectional cohort study of adult men 50–65 years old with HIV infection on potent antiretroviral therapy and uninfected control participants within the Boston metropolitan area. Gait speed derived from wristband accelerometry, gait speed derived from a standardized 6-minute walk test, cellular immune biomarker levels (CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell), and serum anabolic biomarker levels (total and free testosterone, and sex-hormone-binding globulin) were measured.

Results

Of the five measured biomarkers, four were significantly associated with volitional gait speed based on accelerometry, whereas only one was associated with gait speed based on the 6-minute walk test collected in a laboratory environment.

Conclusion

Levels of selected immune and anabolic biomarkers were associated with volitional physical activity in middle-aged individuals. Digital and circulating biomarkers may be useful in future studies designed to identify presymptomatic individuals at increased risk for age- and HIV-associated functional decline.
Varying Effects of APOE Alleles on Extreme Longevity in European Ethnicities
Authors: Gurinovich Anastasia , Andersen Stacy L , Puca Annibale , Atzmon Gil , Barzilai Nir , Sebastiani Paola
Published: November 2019

APOE is a well-studied gene with multiple effects on aging and longevity. The gene has three alleles: e2, e3, and e4, whose frequencies vary by ethnicity. While the e2 is associated with healthy cognitive aging, the e4 allele is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and early mortality and therefore its prevalence among people with extreme longevity (EL) is low. Using the PopCluster algorithm, we identified several ethnically different clusters in which the effect of the e2 and e4 alleles on EL changed substantially. For example, PopCluster discovered a large group of 1,309 subjects enriched of Southern Italian genetic ancestry with weaker protective effect of e2 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, p = .14) and weaker damaging effect of e4 (OR = 0.82, p = .31) on the phenotype of EL compared to other European ethnicities. Further analysis of this cluster suggests that the odds for EL in carriers of the e4 allele with Southern Italian genetic ancestry differ depending on whether they live in the United States (OR = 0.29, p = .009) or Italy (OR = 1.21, p = .38). PopCluster also found clusters enriched of subjects with Danish ancestry with varying effect of e2 on EL. The country of residence (Denmark or United States) appears to change the odds for EL in the e2 carriers.
Multi-Omic Biological Age Estimation and Its Correlation With Wellness and Disease Phenotypes: A Longitudinal Study of 3,558 Individuals
Authors: Earls John C , Rappaport Noa , Heath Laura , Wilmanski Tomasz , Magis Andrew T , Schork Nicholas J , Omenn Gilbert S , Lovejoy Jennifer , Hood Leroy , Price Nathan D
Published: November 2019

Biological age (BA), derived from molecular and physiological measurements, has been proposed to better predict mortality and disease than chronological age (CA). In the present study, a computed estimate of BA was investigated longitudinally in 3,558 individuals using deep phenotyping, which encompassed a broad range of biological processes. The Klemera–Doubal algorithm was applied to longitudinal data consisting of genetic, clinical laboratory, metabolomic, and proteomic assays from individuals undergoing a wellness program. BA was elevated relative to CA in the presence of chronic diseases. We observed a significantly lower rate of change than the expected ~1 year/year (to which the estimation algorithm was constrained) in BA for individuals participating in a wellness program. This observation suggests that BA is modifiable and suggests that a lower BA relative to CA may be a sign of healthy aging. Measures of metabolic health, inflammation, and toxin bioaccumulation were strong predictors of BA. BA estimation from deep phenotyping was seen to change in the direction expected for both positive and negative health conditions. We believe BA represents a general and interpretable “metric for wellness” that may aid in monitoring aging over time.
Effect of solute concentration on the spectral induced polarization response of calcite precipitation
Authors: Izumoto Satoshi , Huisman Johan Alexander , Wu Yuxin , Vereecken Harry
Published: November 2019

Induced calcite precipitation is used in geotechnics to modify the mechanical and hydrological properties of the underground. Laboratory experiments have shown that spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements can detect calcite precipitation. However, the results of previous studies investigating the SIP response of calcite precipitation were not fully consistent. This study aims to investigate how the SIP response of calcite depends on solute concentration to explain the differences in SIP response observed in previous studies. A four-phase experiment with SIP measurements on a column filled with sand was performed. In phase I, calcite precipitation was generated for a period of 12 d by co-injecting Na2CO3 and CaCl2 solutions through two different ports. This resulted in a well-defined calcite precipitation front, which was associated with an increase in the imaginary part of the conductivity ($\sigma ^{\prime\prime}$). In phase II, diluted solutions were injected into the column. This resulted in a clear decrease in $\sigma ^{\prime\prime}$. In phase III, the injection of the two solutions was stopped while calcite precipitation continued and solute concentrations in the mixing zone decreased. Again, this decreased $\sigma ^{\prime\prime}$. Finally, the injection rate of the Na2CO3 solution was reduced relative to that of the CaCl2 solution in phase IV. This resulted in a shift of the mixing zone away from the calcite precipitation front established in phase I and an associated decrease of $\sigma ^{\prime\prime}$. These results imply that the SIP response of calcite is highly sensitive to the solute concentration near the precipitates, which may explain previously reported conflicting results.
Fucoidan suppresses the gastric cancer cell malignant phenotype and production of TGF-β1 via CLEC-2
Authors: Xu Ling , Liu Fenglin , Li Can , Li Shuxuan , Wu Hao , Guo Bao , Gu Jianxin , Wang Lan
Published: November 2019

The sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan displays excellent anticancer properties with low toxicity in many kinds of cancers. However, its detailed pharmacological effect and mechanism of action in gastric carcinoma remains unclear. In this study, we found that fucoidan could suppress gastric cancer (GC) cell growth, as well as cell migration and invasion. A cytokine expression screen demonstrated that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) secretion was decreased in fucoidan-treated cells. Fucoidan has been reported to be a platelet agonist for the C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2), and our previous research found that upregulation of CLEC-2 inhibited GC progression. Here, we confirmed that fucoidan, combined with CLEC-2, significantly increased CLEC-2 expression in GC cells via the transcription factor caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2, an important regulator of gut homeostasis. In addition, the inhibitory effect of fucoidan on the GC cell malignant phenotype and TGF-β1 secretion could be restored by knocking down CLEC-2. Thus, our data suggest that fucoidan targets CLEC-2 to exert antitumorigenesis and antimetastatic activity, suggesting that fucoidan is a promising treatment for gastric carcinoma.
Health system productivity in China: a comparison of pre- and post-2009 healthcare reform
Authors: Chai Peipei , Zhang Yuhui , Zhou Maigeng , Liu Shiwei , Kinfu Yohannes
Published: November 2019

In 2009, China launched an ambitious health system reform that combined extending social health insurance scheme with improving efficiency, access and quality of care in the country. To assess the impact of the policy on efficiency and productivity change, we investigated the country’s health system performance at provincial levels during pre- and post-reform period. Outputs were measured using multiple health outcomes (namely, non-communicable diseases free healthy life years and infant and maternal survival rates), while health expenditure, number of medical personnel and hospital beds per 1000 residents were used as proxy measures for health inputs. Changes in productivity were quantified using a bootstrap Malmquist productivity index (MPI). The analysis focused on the period between 2004 and 2015. This was to capture pre- and post-policy implementation experience and to ensure that enough time was allowed for the policy to work through. Finally, a bootstrap Tobit regression model for panel data was applied to examine the potential effects of contextual factors on productivity change. The result showed that the reform has had negative effects on productivity. Only scale efficiency had improved steadily, but the decline in the scale of technological change observed during the same period meant that the progress in scale efficiency had been masked. Better economic performance (as measured by per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP)) and higher human resource to capital investment ratio (as measured by density of medical staff per hospital beds) tended to boost productivity growth, while population aging, low educational attainment and higher percentage of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments had adverse effects. Improving health system productivity in China requires improving financial risk protection and maintaining proper balance between human and capital investment in the country.
Different but not opposed: perceptions between fishing sectors on the status and management of a crab fishery
Authors: Obregón Clara , Tweedley James R , Loneragan Neil R , Hughes Michael
Published: November 2019

Fisher perceptions are a useful source of information that allows changes in stocks to be detected quickly and indicate the social acceptability of different management regulations. Yet traditionally, such information is rarely employed when developing management approaches. Face-to-face interviews were used to elicit recreational and commercial fishers’ perceptions of a crab (Portunus armatus) fishery in three south-western Australian estuaries. Differences in the perceived changes in the average size of crabs and fishing effort, reported concerns and supported solutions were detected among the recreational fishers utilizing the three estuaries and between recreational and commercial fishers in the Peel-Harvey Estuary. However, some common views were expressed by recreational and commercial fishers, with both sectors stating concerns over recreational fisher compliance and increased fishing and environmental pressures. While both sectors believed that reducing fishing and increasing compliance would benefit crab stocks, the mechanisms for achieving this differed. Recreational fishers favoured increasing the length of the seasonal closure, while commercial fishers favoured the introduction of a recreational shore-based fishing licence. These findings suggest that sector- and estuary-specific management rules may better facilitate the amelioration of pressures affecting individual estuaries and could contribute towards a more socially and biologically sustainable fishery.
Assessing the Potential Infection of Tagosodes orizicolus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) by Rice Hoja Blanca Virus in Texas
Authors: Martin Jaclyn E , Bernal Jimenez Estephanie K , Cruz Maribel G , Zhu-Salzman Keyan , Way Michael O , Badillo-Vargas Ismael E
Published: November 2019

Tagosodes orizicolus (Muir) is the most important pest of rice in Latin America. Besides causing direct damage called hopperburn from feeding on and ovipositing in rice leaves, this insect pest also transmits rice hoja blanca virus (RHBV, Family Phenuiviridae, Genus Tenuivirus) in a persistent-propagative manner. This pathosystem can cause up to 100% yield loss in Latin American rice fields. T. orizicolus and RHBV symptoms were detected in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida rice fields in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1980s. However, neither has been detected in the United States since. Two outbreaks of T. orizicolus on ratoon rice occurred in the fall of 2015 and 2018 in counties southwest and south of Houston, TX. Insects were collected from ratoon rice fields by sweep net methods. Insects from the 2015 and 2018 outbreaks were tested individually and in pools of 10, respectively, for RHBV infection and the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene from Delphacidae. No insects were positive for RHBV, however, all samples yielded amplicons for the CO1 gene. Furthermore, the CO1 gene from five 2015 individuals was sequenced and found to have a 100% identity to the Fer26_Argentina and 99.81% identity to the DEL074 Venezuela isolates of T. orizicolus. Five new sequences from 2015 individuals have now been deposited in GenBank. It is imperative to stay up to date on the potential invasion and establishment of this exotic pest of rice in Texas and other rice-growing regions of the United States through continued monitoring and research.
Effect of epistasis and environment on flowering time in barley reveals a novel flowering-delaying QTL allele
Authors: Afsharyan Nazanin P , Sannemann Wiebke , Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim
Published: November 2019

Flowering time is a complex trait and has a key role in crop yield and adaptation to environmental stressors such as heat and drought. This study aimed to better understand the interconnected dynamics of epistasis and environment and look for novel regulators. We investigated 534 spring barley MAGIC DH lines for flowering time at various environments. Analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), epistatic interactions, QTL × environment (Q×E) interactions, and epistasis × environment (E×E) interactions were performed with single SNP and haplotype approaches. In total, 18 QTLs and 2420 epistatic interactions were detected, including intervals harboring major genes such as Ppd-H1, Vrn-H1, Vrn-H3, and denso/sdw1. Epistatic interactions found in field and semi-controlled conditions were distinctive. Q×E and E×E interactions revealed that temperature influenced flowering time by triggering different interactions between known and newly detected regulators. A novel flowering-delaying QTL allele was identified on chromosome 1H (named ‘HvHeading’) and was shown to be engaged in epistatic and environment interactions. Results suggest that investigating epistasis, environment, and their interactions, rather than only single QTLs, is an effective approach for detecting novel regulators. We assume that barley can adapt flowering time to the environment via alternative routes within the pathway.
Modulation of NAC transcription factor NST1 activity by XYLEM NAC DOMAIN1 regulates secondary cell wall formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Luo Fang , Zhong Yu , He Jiajia , Li Laigeng
Published: November 2019

In Arabidopsis, secondary cell walls (SCW) are formed in fiber cells and vessel cells in vascular tissue for providing plants with mechanical strength and channels for the long distance transportation of water and nutrients. NAC SECONDARY WALL THICKENING PROMOTING FACTOR1 (NST1) acts as a key gene for the initiation of SCW formation through a hierarchical transcription network. In this study, we report that NST activity is modulated by the NAC domain transcription factor XYLEM NAC DOMAIN1 (XND1) during plant growth. Using yeast two-hybrid screening and in vivo protein interaction analysis, XND1 was identified as an NST-interacting protein that modulates NST1 activity. XND1 and NST1 were co-localized in the nucleus and the interaction of XND1 with NST1 resulted in inhibition of NST1 transactivation activity. In the process of inflorescence growth, XND1 was expressed with a similar pattern to NST1. Up-regulation of XND1 in fiber cells repressed SCW formation. The study demonstrates that NST1 activity is modulated by XND1 in the regulation of secondary cell walls formation.
Slicing the cool circumgalactic medium along the major axis of a star-forming galaxy at z = 0.7
Authors: Lopez S , Tejos N , Barrientos L F , Ledoux C , Sharon K , Katsianis A , Florian M K , Rivera-Thorsen E , Bayliss M B , Dahle H , Fernandez-Figueroa A , Gladders M D , Gronke M , Hamel M , Pessa I , Rigby J R
Published: November 2019

We present spatially resolved Echelle spectroscopy of an intervening Mg ii–Fe ii–Mg i absorption-line system detected at zabs = 0.73379 towards the giant gravitational arc PSZ1 G311.65–18.48. The absorbing gas is associated with an inclined disc-like star-forming galaxy, whose major axis is aligned with the two arc-segments reported here. We probe in absorption the galaxy’s extended disc continuously, at ≈3 kpc sampling, from its inner region out to 15× the optical radius. We detect strong ($W_0^{2796}\gt 0.3$Å) coherent absorption along 13 independent positions at impact parameters D = 0–29 kpc on one side of the galaxy, and no absorption at D = 28–57 kpc on the opposite side (all de-lensed distances at zabs). We show that (1) the gas distribution is anisotropic; (2) $W_0^{2796}$, $W_0^{2600}$, $W_0^{2852}$, and the ratio $W_0^{2600}\!/W_0^{2796}$, all anticorrelate with D; (3) the $W_0^{2796}$–D relation is not cuspy and exhibits significantly less scatter than the quasar-absorber statistics; (4) the absorbing gas is co-rotating with the galaxy out to D ≲ 20 kpc, resembling a ‘flat’ rotation curve, but at D ≳ 20 kpc velocities decline below the expectations from a 3D disc-model extrapolated from the nebular [O ii] emission. These signatures constitute unambiguous evidence for rotating extra-planar diffuse gas, possibly also undergoing enriched accretion at its edge. Arguably, we are witnessing some of the long-sought processes of the baryon cycle in a single distant galaxy expected to be representative of such phenomena.
A novel 5′-hydroxyl dinucleotide hydrolase activity for the DXO/Rai1 family of enzymes
Authors: Doamekpor Selom K , Gozdek Agnieszka , Kwasnik Aleksandra , Kufel Joanna , Tong Liang
Published: November 2019

Modifications at the 5′-end of RNAs play a pivotal role in determining their fate. In eukaryotes, the DXO/Rai1 family of enzymes removes numerous 5′-end RNA modifications, thereby regulating RNA turnover. Mouse DXO catalyzes the elimination of incomplete 5′-end caps (including pyrophosphate) and the non-canonical NAD+ cap on mRNAs, and possesses distributive 5′-3′ exoribonuclease activity toward 5′-monophosphate (5′-PO4) RNA. Here, we demonstrate that DXO also catalyzes the hydrolysis of RNAs bearing a 5′-hydroxyl group (5′-OH RNA). The crystal structure of DXO in complex with a 5′-OH RNA substrate mimic at 2.0 Å resolution provides elegant insight into the molecular mechanism of this activity. More importantly, the structure predicts that DXO first removes a dinucleotide from 5′-OH RNA. Our nuclease assays confirm this prediction and demonstrate that this 5′-hydroxyl dinucleotide hydrolase (HDH) activity for DXO is higher than the subsequent 5′-3′ exoribonuclease activity for selected substrates. Fission yeast Rai1 also has HDH activity although it does not have 5′-3′ exonuclease activity, and the Rat1-Rai1 complex can completely degrade 5′-OH RNA. An Arabidopsis DXO1 variant is active toward 5′-OH RNA but prefers 5′-PO4 RNA. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the diverse activities of DXO/Rai1 and expands the collection of RNA substrates that can undergo 5′-3′ mediated decay.
Different class IIa HDACs repressive complexes regulate specific epigenetic responses related to cell survival in leiomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Di Giorgio Eros , Dalla Emiliano , Franforte Elisa , Paluvai Harikrishnareddy , Minisini Martina , Trevisanut Matteo , Picco Raffaella , Brancolini Claudio
Published: November 2019

Transcriptional networks supervising class IIa HDAC expression are poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that MEF2D is the key factor controlling HDAC9 transcription. This control, which is part of a negative feed-back loop during muscle differentiation, is hijacked in cancer. In leiomyosarcomas the MEF2D/HDAC9 vicious circuit sustains proliferation and cell survival, through the repression of the death receptor FAS. Comprehensive genome-wide studies demonstrate that HDAC4 and HDAC9 control different genetic programs and show both specific and common genomic binding sites. Although the number of MEF2-target genes commonly regulated is similar, only HDAC4 represses many additional genes that are not MEF2D targets. As expected, HDAC4−/− and HDAC9−/− cells increase H3K27ac levels around the TSS of the respective repressed genes. However, these genes rarely show binding of the HDACs at their promoters. Frequently HDAC4 and HDAC9 bind intergenic regions. We demonstrate that these regions, recognized by MEF2D/HDAC4/HDAC9 repressive complexes, show the features of active enhancers. In these regions HDAC4 and HDAC9 can differentially influence H3K27 acetylation. Our studies describe new layers of class IIa HDACs regulation, including a dominant positional effect, and can contribute to explain the pleiotropic actions of MEF2 TFs.
Impact of an antimicrobial stewardship bundle for uncomplicated gram-negative bacteremia
Authors: Erickson Reaghan M , Tritle Brandon J , Spivak Emily S , Timbrook Tristan T
Published: November 2019

Background

Recent studies in gram-negative bacteremia (GNB) suggest intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) switch and short treatment durations yield similar clinical outcomes and fewer adverse events. Antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) bundled initiatives have been associated with improved clinical outcomes for blood stream infections.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort evaluation included inpatient adults from 11/2014-10/2015 and 10/2017-9/2018 with GNB. The pre-ASP period was prior to the establishment of an ASP program. In the post-period, the ASP promoted IV to PO switches, avoidance of repeat blood cultures, and short treatment durations for patients with uncomplicated GNB. The primary outcome was duration of antibiotic therapy. Secondary outcomes included associated process measures with the bundle and clinical outcomes.

Results

137 patients met criteria for inclusion, with 51 patients in the pre- group, and 86 patients in the post- group. Background characteristics were similar between groups. The median duration of therapy was 14 days (IQR = 10-16) in the pre- group and 10 days (7-14) in the post- group (p<0.001). The median day of IV to PO switch was on day 5 (4-6) in the pre- group versus day 4 (3-5) in the post- group (p=0.046). Average total hospital cost per case decreased by 27% in the post- group (p=0.19). Mortality rates and bacteremia recurrence were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

An ASP bundle for uncomplicated GNB was associated with reduced durations of therapy and earlier PO switch. These findings highlight the synergistic role of ASPs in optimizing antibiotic use and promoting patient safety.
Flipping the Pain Care Model: A Sociopsychobiological Approach to High-Value Chronic Pain Care
Authors: Mardian Aram S , Hanson Eric R , Villarroel Lisa , Karnik Anita D , Sollenberger John G , Okvat Heather A , Dhanjal-Reddy Amrita , Rehman Shakaib
Published: November 2019

Objective

Much of the pain care in the United States is costly and associated with limited benefits and significant harms, representing a crisis of value. We explore the current factors that lead to low-value pain care within the United States and provide an alternate model for pain care, as well as an implementation example for this model that is expected to produce high-value pain care.

Methods

From the perspective of aiming for high-value care (defined as care that maximizes clinical benefit while minimizing harm and cost), we describe the current evidence practice gap (EPG) for pain care in the United States, which has developed as current clinical care diverges from existing evidence. A discussion of the biomedical, biopsychosocial, and sociopsychobiological (SPB) models of pain care is used to elucidate the origins of the current EPG and the unconscious factors that perpetuate pain care systems despite poor results.

Results

An interprofessional pain team within the Veterans Health Administration is described as an example of a pain care system that has been designed to deliver high-value pain care and close the EPG by implementing the SPB model.

Conclusions

Adopting and implementing a sociopsychobiological model may be an effective approach to address the current evidence practice gap and deliver high-value pain care in the United States. The Phoenix VA Health Care System’s Chronic Pain Wellness Center may serve as a template for providing high-value, evidence-based pain care for patients with high-impact chronic pain who also have medical, mental health, and opioid use disorder comorbidities.
miR-214 stimulated by IL-17A regulates bone loss in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Liu Zizhong , Huang Feng , Luo Gui , Wang Yiwen , Du Ruikai , Sun Weijia , Li Jianwei , Yuan Xinxin , Cao Dengchao , Li Yuheng , Liu Caizhi , Liang Shuai , Jin Xiaoyan , Ling Shukuan  , Wang Deqing , Li Yingxian
Published: November 2019

Objective

Bone loss is common in AS, and miR-214 plays an important role in regulating bone formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of miR-214, the production of which is stimulated by IL-17A, on bone loss in AS.

Methods

Peripheral blood was obtained from 32 patients with AS and 24 healthy controls. Levels of IL-17A, soluble RANK ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin in serum were evaluated by ELISA, and the relative level of miR-214 in serum was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, we assessed the relationship between levels of miR-214, IL-17A and bone loss in primary murine osteoblasts and mouse bone marrow cells.

Results

The expression of RANKL and miR-214 in osteoblasts was increased following stimulation by IL-17A, and osteoblasts stimulated by IL-17A promoted the expression of miR-214 in osteoclasts and the activity of osteoclasts. We showed that osteoblast-derived miR-214 could be transferred to osteoclasts and could then regulate their activity. The levels of IL-17A and miR-214 were much higher in the serum of patients with AS than in that of healthy controls, and the relative level of miR-214 was positively correlated with the level of IL-17A in the serum and synovial fluid of the patients with AS, not healthy controls. The level of miR-214 in the serum of AS patients has potential diagnostic value.

Conclusion

The production of miR-214 in osteoblasts is stimulated by IL-17A. It is an important inhibitor of bone formation in AS, and the serum level of miR-214 might be of potential diagnostic value for AS.
Second-harmonic generation in focused beam fields of phased-array transducers in a nonlinear solid with a stress-free boundary
Authors: Jeong Hyunjo , Zhang Shu-zeng , Li Xiong-bing
Published: November 2019

In nonlinear acoustic harmonic generation in solids with stress-free boundaries, such a boundary is known to destructively change the second harmonic generation, and the pulse-echo method is not practically applicable. Focused beams have often been used for fluid nonlinearity and biomechanical imaging in pulse-echo test setups. This paper considers the focused beam fields of linear phased-array transducers to ensure that pulse-echo harmonic generation can be applied to solids with stress-free boundaries. The fundamental and second-harmonic beam fields that are focused and reflected at the stress-free and rigid boundaries are calculated and their properties are investigated in terms of the received average fields. The phase difference between the two second-harmonic components after reflection from the boundary—that is, the reflected and the newly generated second harmonic—is emphasized. The phase difference is used to explain the improved and accumulated second harmonic observed in the simulation results.