bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forkhead box B2 inhibits the malignant characteristics of the pancreatic cancer cell line Panc‐1 in vitro
Authors: Fukuchi Hiroki , Hayashida Yukinobu , Inoue Kunio , Sadamura Yoshifusa
Published: August 2019

Forkhead box (FOX) proteins constitute a family of transcription factors that are evolutionarily conserved in various species ranging from yeast to humans. These proteins have functions during development as well as in adulthood. To date, many reports have described the functions of FOX family genes in cancer cells, but the role of FOXB2 is not well understood. In one of the pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines, Panc‐1 cells, we showed here that FOXB2 expression is barely detectable and that CpG islands in the 5′ regions of the FOXB2 are highly methylated. These findings led us to hypothesize that FOXB2 acts as a tumor suppressor. To clarify our hypotheses, we investigated the effects of FOXB2 over‐expression in Panc‐1 cells. We obtained FOXB2 stable transfectants, and these clones exhibited reduced spheroid formation ability. Expression of β‐catenin, which is reported to be over‐expressed in various cancer cells, was highly suppressed in FOXB2 stable transfectants. Moreover, side population (SP) cell fractions, which have a high tumorigenesis and metastatic potential, as well as anchorage‐independent growth ability, were reduced. These results suggest that FOXB2 has the ability to inhibit the malignant characteristics of Panc‐1 in vitro.
Lack of effectiveness of adherence counselling in reversing virological failure among patients on long‐term antiretroviral therapy in rural Uganda
Authors: Birungi J , Cui Z , Okoboi S , Kapaata A , Munderi P , Mukajjanga C , Nanfuka M , Nyonyintono MS , Kim J , Zhu J , Kaleebu P , Moore DM
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The current World Health Organization and Uganda Ministry of Health HIV treatment guidelines recommend that asymptomatic patients who have a viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL should receive adherence counselling and repeat VL testing before switching to second‐line therapy. We evaluated the effectiveness of this strategy in a large HIV treatment programme of The AIDS Support Organisation Jinja in Jinja, Uganda.

Methods

We measured the HIV VL at enrolment, and for participants with VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL we informed them of their result, offered enhanced adherence counselling and repeated the VL measurement after 3 months. All blood samples with VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL were sequenced in the polymerase (pol) region, a 1257‐bp fragment spanning the protease and reverse transcriptase genes.

Results

One thousand and ninety‐one participants were enrolled in the study; 74.7% were female and the median age was 44 years [interquartile range (IQR) 39–50 years]. The median time on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at enrolment was 6.75 years (IQR 5.3–7.6 years) and the median CD4 cell count was 494 cells/μL (IQR 351–691 cells/μL). A total of 113 participants (10.4%) had VLs ≥ 1000 copies/mL and were informed of the VL result and its implications and given adherence counselling. Of these 113 participants, 102 completed 3 months of follow‐up and 93 (91%) still had VLs ≥ 1000 copies/mL. We successfully genotyped HIV for 105 patients (93%) and found that 103 (98%) had at least one mutation: eight (7.6%) had only one mutation, 94 (89.5%) had two mutations and one sample (1%) had three mutations.

Conclusions

In this study, enhanced adherence counselling was not effective in reversing virologically defined treatment failure for patients on long‐term ART who had not previously had a VL test.
Structural and ESR studies of Cu‐doped ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Guler Adil
Published: August 2019

Surface morphology, structural phases, and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements were performed for Zn1‐xCuxO nanoparticles (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05) synthesized by sol‐gel method. The optimum annealing temperature (600°C) and weight loss was clarified using differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TG). By means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique, the phase of the samples was defined as single with ZnO wurtzite hexagonal structure and proofed by Rietveld analysis for Zn0.98Cu0.02O sample with calculating c/a rate. Spherical shape random particle distributions were observed in all scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements. ESR measurements were conducted for all samples and g‐value and ΔH (G) values were calculated and correlated from ESR measurements.
Effect of adding zein, soy protein isolate and whey protein isolate on the physicochemical and in vitro digestion of proso millet starch
Authors: Zheng Mingzhu , Xiao Yu , Yang Shuang , Liu Meihong , Feng Ling , Ren Yuhang , Yang Xinbiao , Lin Nan , Liu Jingsheng
Published: August 2019

Mixtures of proso millet starch with zein (15%, w/v), soy protein isolate (SPI, 15%, w/v) and whey protein isolate (WPI, 10%, w/v) as starch–protein composites were prepared through heat–moisture treatment, and the effects of protein addition on the physicochemical, structural and digestibility properties of starch were investigated. Rapid Visco Analysis showed that the addition of zein, SPI and WPI gave significantly decreased setback values to 240.7cp, 192.0cp and 83.0cp, respectively, and setback values decreased reflected the excellent cold paste properties. Thermal analysis showed that each protein reduced the enthalpy, but especially WPI (reduced by 94.7%), suggesting that the double helices of the starch granules were decreased. X‐ray diffraction showed that starch crystallinity was decreased after protein addition. The digestibility studies revealed that the addition of zein, SPI and WPI decreased the content of rapidly digestible starch and increased the resistant starch content to 8.4%, 14.6% and 17.5%, respectively. The whey protein displayed a more obvious impact on the digestibility of proso millet starch. These results will help guide the production and processing of starchy foods with desirable properties.
Influence of four different coagulants on the physicochemical properties, textural characteristics and flavour of tofu
Authors: Shi Yan‐guo , Yang Yang , Piekoszewski Wojciech , Zeng Jian‐hua , Guan Hua‐nan , Wang Bing , Liu Lin‐lin , Zhu Xiu‐qing , Chen Feng‐lian , Zhang Na
Published: August 2019

The coagulation mechanism and quality characteristics of tofu depend on the choice of coagulant. The effects of using magnesium chloride (MgCl2), calcium sulphate (CaSO4), glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) and fermented soybean whey (FSW) as coagulants for tofu were investigated using solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC‐MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of textural characteristics and physicochemical properties. Results showed that GDL tofu exhibited the highest yield (202 g 100 g−1) and moisture content (76.3%). FSW tofu had the highest protein content (18.5%), amino acid content (15.85%) and textural properties. GC×GC‐MS analysis revealed the number of 49, 44, 55 and 63 flavour substances, respectively. In sensory evaluation tests, GDL tofu was reported to possess a smooth surface and white colour. The microstructure of FSW tofu was dense and uniform. Through the above technical researches, the study suggested FSW gave tofu the best quality, more unique flavour and more potential popular among consumers.
Association study of copy number variants in CCL3L1, FCGR3A and FCGR3B genes with risk of ankylosing spondylitis in a West Algerian population
Authors: Dahmani Chahinez Amira , Benzaoui Ahmed , Amroun Habiba , Zemani‐Fodil Faouzia , Petit‐Teixeira Elisabeth , Boudjema Abdallah
Published: August 2019

Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were explored in the Algerian population to evaluate associated ankylosing spondylitis (AS) genetic risk factors, but no study has identified the impact of copy number variations (CNVs). The aim of the study was to determine whether CNVs of CCL3L1, FCGR3A and FCGR3B genes were also associated with the susceptibility of AS disease in Algerian population. The data set of the current study is composed of 81 patients with AS and 119 healthy controls. All samples were genotyped by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Chi‐square test and OR calculation were used to evaluate association between CNVs and AS and the risk associated with copy numbers (CN). In results, FCGR3A CN less than two copies (<2) was significantly increased in spondylitis patients (p = .0001, OR = 7.74 [2.32–25.74]). Additionally, FCGR3A CN < 2 copies association was present only in HLA‐B27 (‐) patients. We have concluded that FCGR3A deletions have an independent effect on AS regarding HLA‐B27 status. This is the first study that investigated the CCL3L1 CNVs in relation to AS risk disease. It reveals that CCL3L1 and FCGR3B CNVs may not be involved in susceptibility to AS risk in the Algerian population.
Gut eosinophils and their impact on the mucus‐resident microbiota
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Brass Andrew , Knight Christopher G. , Cruickshank Sheena M.
Published: August 2019

The gut has the largest commensal bacterial population in the body and its composition can be impacted by host factors such as production of immunoglobulin A (IgA). Eosinophils in the gut have been implicated in the production of antibacterial factors and maintenance of IgA‐secreting plasma cells. We used an eosinophil‐deficient mouse (∆dblGATA‐1−/−) and littermate controls to investigate the role of eosinophils in the regulation of the microbiota, with particular emphasis on mucus‐resident species in the small and large intestine. We found no differences in IgA production or IgA‐expressing plasma cells between naive littermates in the small or large intestine. However, denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis revealed differences in the bacterial communities of the mucus and stools between wild‐type mice and ∆dblGATA‐1−/− mice, with the greatest separation between the mucus microbial communities. Mucus‐resident bacteria in ∆dblGATA‐1−/− mice had reduced diversity in the mucus compared with the stools. A quantitative PCR panel of selected bacteria showed that the most significant differences in the microbiota were between mucus‐resident bacteria and those in stool, such as the abundance of Clostridiales and Bacteroides. Our data implicate eosinophils in the regulation of the microbiota, especially the bacteria most hyperlocal to the gut barrier. Although we see differences between host genotypes in the overall microbial communities, further work is required to establish specifically which bacteria are different between these groups. Most importantly, the data revealed that the mucus and stool microbiota are discrete communities. Stool analysis alone may be insufficient to comprehensively explore and define the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease.
Estimates of influenza‐associated hospitalisations in tropical Singapore, 2010‐2017: Higher burden estimated in more recent years
Authors: Ng Yixiang , Chua Lily Ai Vee , Ma Stefan , Jian Ming Lee Vernon
Published: August 2019

Background

We previously estimated Singapore's influenza‐associated hospitalisation rate for pneumonia and influenza (P&I) in 2010‐2012 to be 29.6 per 100 000 person‐years, which corresponds to 11.2% of all P&I hospitalisations.

Objectives

This study aims to update Singapore's estimates of the influenza‐associated pneumonia and influenza (P&I) hospitalisation burden using the latest data from 2010 to 2017.

Methods

We estimated the number of P&I hospitalisations associated with influenza using generalised additive models. We specified the weekly number of admissions for P&I and the weekly influenza positivity in the models, along with potential confounders such as weekly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity and meteorological data.

Results

In 2010‐2017, 16.3% of all P&I hospitalisations in Singapore were estimated to be attributed to influenza, corresponding to an excess influenza‐associated P&I hospitalisation rate of 50.1 per 100 000 person‐years. Higher excess rates were estimated for children aged 0‐4 years (186.8 per 100 000 person‐years) and elderly aged ≥ 65 years (338.0 per 100 000 person‐years). Higher influenza‐associated hospitalisation rates were estimated for 2016 and 2017 (67.9 and 75.1 per 100 000 persons, respectively) years when the influenza A(H3N2) subtype was dominant.

Conclusion

Influenza burden in Singapore has increased since 2010. Influenza vaccination programmes should continue to be prioritised for the young and the elderly.
Comment to “Continuous‐wave laser irradiation to form Cd1−xZnxSe shell on CdSe QDs in silicate glasses” (J. Amer. Ceram. Soc. 102, 4555‐4561 (2019))
Authors: Azhniuk Yuriy M. , Gomonnai Alexander V. , Lopushansky Vasyl V. , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: August 2019

The paper by Lee et al (J Am Ceram Soc 102:4555‐4561, 2019) reports on semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) obtained in a silicate glass matrix by a novel modification of the solid‐state precipitation technique and characterized by a variety of techniques. Based on their experimental data, we critically discuss their assessment of the QDs obtained as CdSe/Cd1−xZnxSe core/shell structures. By analyzing their results (in particular, Raman scattering data) and comparing them to other data available in literature, we show that the data presented give no evidence for the formation of core/shell structures and conclude that the authors obtained rather homogeneous Cd1−xZnxSe QDs without any noticeable compositional gradient.
High‐recoverable energy‐storage density and dielectric tunability in Eu3+‐doped NBT‐xSTO binary solid solution films
Authors: Huang Wenhua , Thatikonda Santhosh Kumar , Ke Yifu , Du Xingru , Qin Ni , Hao Aize , Bao Dinghua
Published: August 2019

The Eu3+‐doped (1 − x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐xSrTiO3 (Eu‐NBT‐xSTO) thin films were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates. Raman analysis reveals that the phase structure may undergo a phase evolution of rhombohedral → rhombohedral + tetragonal (morphotropic phase boundary) → tetragonal with increasing content of STO. The scanning electron microscopy images show that the uniformity and high density of Eu‐NBT‐xSTO films were increased by adding STO, resulting in a pronounced effect on energy storage properties. The ɛ‐T curves confirm that a high phase transition diffuseness of γ = 2.02 ± 0.03 and 1.98 ± 0.03 was achieved in Eu‐NBT‐0.24STO and Eu‐NBT‐0.3STO films, respectively. Furthermore, a large recoverable energy storage density of 31.5 J cm−3 with an efficiency of 64% was obtained in Eu‐NBT‐0.3STO film, which also exhibited good thermal stability in the temperature range between −60°C and 80°C as well as long‐term stability up to 1 × 108 switching cycles. These results suggest that the Eu‐NBT‐xSTO films may be used in the novel and advanced energy storage capacitors.
Modelling Experiential Knowledge Ethically: An Artefact‐Based Approach to Visually Documenting a Participatory Design Process with Young People
Authors: McAra Marianne
Published: August 2019

This article contributes to the growing debate within art and design education research about the role, legitimacy and accountability of artefacts in the creation and generation of knowledge. I present an artefact‐based approach to visually documenting and disseminating my doctoral practice‐based fieldwork that protected the anonymity of the participants whilst supporting my exploration of the situational, interactional and tacit dimensions of participation. Constructing a three‐dimensional scaled model of the fieldwork setting and using narratives from my field notes, I undertook a cyclical reflective process where I reconstructed critical moments that took place. This was used as both a tool for communicating my participatory design educational practice and for evaluating my findings with the participants. By sharing this sense‐making process, I offer an ethical means of visually documenting fieldwork when working in sensitive contexts and with vulnerable participants, setting out the dual role this design artefact played as both a producer and carrier of experiential knowledge.
The Project ‘Art for Learning Art’ in Contemporary Art Museums
Authors: Roldan Joaquin , Lara‐Osuna Rocio , Gonzalez‐Torre Antonio
Published: August 2019

Projection‐based augmented reality and virtual reality are used in a visual arts‐based educational project in contemporary art museums from an a/r/tographic perspective. The project ‘Art for Learning Art’ (in Spanish, Arte para aprender arte), at the Museo CajaGRANADA in Granada (Spain) has been developed in collaboration with the University of Granada since 2013. We have employed creative, educational and research methodologies inspired by exhibited works in art museums to encourage visual feedback of visitors participating in collaborative installations. Two such experiences also were produced at the Tate Liverpool Gallery and Museum in March 2018; utilising the methodology of mediation through projection‐based augmented reality and virtual reality, which introduces facets of visual and physical experience that alter the whole experience for the museum's public. By putting on virtual reality headsets, and playing with physical movements, we generate images and change the projections in the museum using projection‐based augmented reality to disrupt the way the public typically moves in the museum. The purpose of the developed interrelations with artworks in the Museo CajaGRANADA and the Tate Liverpool Gallery and Museum was to create collaborative digital images by playing with select artworks exhibited in the museums’ collections. We use this kind of mediation in art museums to develop a visual understanding to provoke learning about art through art creation in a contemporary way. The results are extraordinary as images; they are collaborative artworks, which connect visually with the artworks in the exhibition.
Contested Latitudes: When is Artwork Scholarship?
Authors: Sinner Anita
Published: August 2019

"Artwork scholarship" is defined in this context as a forum for inquiry that involves artful expressions, innovative experimentation and critical propositions informed by aesthetic characteristics as well as customary approaches for the advancement of the arts and education. ‘Latitudes’ in turn take into account the adaptations of artful expressions for educational purposes and the contributions of ongoing critique of art as scholarship. If we deliberate on the pedagogic turn to art as research in tandem with a disposition of latitudes, embracing the tensions of ongoing contestations implicated in such evolving conceptual geographies, arts‐based educational research (ABER) becomes a means to negotiate activities that articulate when is artwork scholarship, rather than what is art as research. In this way, latitudes as a proposition – metaphorically, pedagogically and spatially – is a potential mode for the mapping of theoretical, methodological and practical scholarly encounters, embracing the very tension that the arts evoke, and in the course of so doing, makes such work emergent and inclusive of creative possibilities.
Barriers to the uptake and implementation of natural flood management: A social‐ecological analysis
Authors: Wells Josh , Labadz Jillian C. , Smith Amanda , Islam Md. Mofakkarul
Published: August 2019

Natural flood management (NFM) is increasingly promoted as a sustainable flood risk management (FRM) option, but significant barriers remain to its implementation. We assess the barriers to uptake and implementation of NFM using an approach in which we conceptualise a catchment as a social‐ecological system. We investigate the barriers relating to multiple stakeholders, biophysical, and social components and the interactions between these different system elements. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with land managers and practitioners of FRM in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed using qualitative methods, including thematic coding and categorisation. Key barriers of 25 identified were: economic constraints for land managers, the current lack of scientific evidence to support NFM and current lack of governance over long‐term responsibility for NFM, which hinders future monitoring and maintenance. Practitioners within some sectors were less likely to recognise barriers noted by land managers, including cultural challenges, catchment planning concerns, and lack of perceived control. For successful wider implementation of NFM, it is crucial that practitioners recognise the barriers that land managers experience, and that projects should build monitoring programmes into their funding bids, to assess impacts on flood risk and maintenance needs and to build the evidence base to guide future NFM implementation.
Rapid and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus in processed foods using a field‐deployed device to perform an insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction‐based assay
Authors: Yin Hsin‐Yi , Lin Yu‐Yi , Lin Chi‐Huei , Tsai Wen‐Che , Wen Hsiao‐Wei
Published: August 2019

This investigation we evaluated the feasibility of using the insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR) reagent in a POCKIT system to detect Staphylococcus aureus in foods by comparing its results with those obtained using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The iiPCR/POCKIT system could specifically detect S. aureus and Staphylococcus spp. and differentiate them from 10 other foodborne pathogens. In a sensitivity analysis, the iiPCR/POCKIT system had a 100% (3/3) hit rate in detecting 102–105 CFU/mL S. aureus that had been spiked in skimmed milk. Three food samples that were spiked with 0.25 CFU/mL S. aureus—skimmed milk, vegetable mixture, and cooked chicken—yielded positive results following overnight enrichment. Finally, 24 food samples that were bought from traditional markets or convenience stores were tested. The iiPCR/POCKIT system and qPCR yielded the same results for 23 of the samples, excluding one papaya milk sample, indicating that the iiPCR/POCKIT system can be an effective way for the sensitive and automatic detection of S. aureus in various processed foods.

Practical applications

Staphylococccus aureus is a major foodborne pathogen worldwide. Traditional methods for detecting S. aureus are time consuming and laborious, so they are difficult to perform in limited‐resource place. The iiPCR/POCKIT system is a field‐deployed device which combines magnetic bead‐based nucleic acid extraction and insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR) to automatically perform qualitative detection of a specific DNA fragment. In this study, the assay performance of the fully automatic iiPCR/POCKIT system for detecting S. aureus in foods was compared with that of the reference qPCR. The iiPCR/POCKIT system exhibited good specificity by successfully differentiating 21 strains of S. aureus and two strains of Staphylococcus sp. from 12 other foodborne pathogens. After overnight enrichment, the detection limit of the iiPCR/POCKIT system was determined to be 0.25 CFU/mL in skimmed milk, vegetable mixture, and cooked chicken. In testing with 24 commercial food products, the results of the iiPCR/POCKIT system were comparable to those of qPCR and the traditional plate‐counting method. Therefore, the iiPCR/POCKIT system is suited to the routine identification of S. aureus in food industry.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults' Experiences With Elder Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Bloemen Elizabeth M. , Rosen Tony , LoFaso Veronica M. , Lasky Allison , Church Skotti , Hall Porsha , Weber Tom , Clark Sunday
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Little is known about elder abuse and neglect in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community; however, this population faces a greater risk of abuse and likely experiences abuse differently and needs different resources. We conducted focus groups to investigate LGBT older adults' perspectives on and experience with elder mistreatment.

METHODS

We conducted three focus groups with 26 participants recruited from senior centers dedicated to LGBT older adults. A semistructured questionnaire was developed, and focus groups were audio recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory.

RESULTS

Key themes that emerged included: definitions and etiologies of abuse, intersectionality of discrimination from multiple minority identities, reluctance to report, and suggestions for improving outreach. Participants defined elder abuse in multiple ways, including abuse from systems and by law enforcement and medical providers. Commonly reported etiologies included: social isolation due to discrimination, internalization of stigma, intersection of discrimination from multiple minority identities, and an abuser's desire for power and control. Participants were somewhat hesitant to report to police; however, most felt strongly that they would not report abuse to their medical provider. Most reported that they would feel compelled to report if they knew someone was being abused; however, they did not know who to report to. Strategies participants suggested to improve outreach included: increasing awareness about available resources and researchers engaging with the LGBT community directly.

CONCLUSION

LGBT older adults conceptualize elder abuse differently and have different experiences with police and medical providers. Improved outreach to this potentially vulnerable population is critical to ensuring their safety. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2338–2345, 2019
Explanation for different behavior of peripheral and central giant cell granuloma by CD44 and CD34 immunostaining
Authors: Zargaran Massoumeh , Baghaei Fahimeh , Moghimbeigi Abbas , Baghai Fereshteh
Published: August 2019

Aim

Despite their histopathological similarity, unlike peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG), central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an osteolytic lesion. Low motility of osteoclasts as bone‐resorbing agents decreases osteolysis where CD44 plays a role. The lesion requires angiogenesis to grow which in turn may cause bone resorption. This study aims to compare CD44 and CD34 expression in PGCG and CGCG.

Methods

30 PGCG (group A) and 30 CGCG (group B) including non‐aggressive (B1, N = 14) and aggressive (B2, N = 16) subgroups were evaluated for CD44 and CD34 expression through immunohistochemistry.

Results

CD44 staining intensity distribution (SID) score and CD44 labelling index (LI) in PGCG were significantly higher than those in CGCG, while microvessel density assessed by CD34 (MVD‐CD34) was significantly higher in CGCG compared with PGCG. CD44‐SID score and CD44‐LI were higher for B1 whereas MVD‐CD34 was higher for B2 (P < .05).

Conclusion

Different CD44 expression among the studied groups may be indicative of the different motility of osteoclastic giant cells which may influence bone resorption. Lower CD44 expression probably indicates higher osteoclastic giant cell motility in CGCG, which with its higher angiogenesis may explain the different clinical behavior of CGCG compared with that of PGCG.
Randomized Trial of 3 Techniques of Perineal Skin Closure During Second‐Degree Perineal Laceration Repair
Authors: Swenson Carolyn W. , Low Lisa Kane , Kowalk Katherine M. , Fenner Dee E.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Perineal lacerations during childbirth are common, and suturing the perineal skin during repair has been associated with increased postpartum pain. This study sought to test the hypothesis that no difference in postpartum perineal pain exists between 3 methods of skin closure for second‐degree repair: suture, no suture, and surgical glue.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized controlled trial of women after vaginal birth who had a second‐degree perineal laceration was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital from August 2014 to April 2017. Women were randomized to perineal skin closure with suture, no suture, or surgical glue using a 1:1:1 allocation. Pain was assessed using the short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire, a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS), and Present Pain Index (PPI) at one day, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postpartum. Wound healing was assessed at 6 weeks using the Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Drainage, Approximation (REEDA) scale. Pain scores were compared across groups using a chi‐square test, Mann‐Whitney U test, or analysis of variance where appropriate.

Results

A total of 35 women were randomized: 14 received suture, 11 had no suture, and 10 received surgical glue for perineal skin repair. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. At 2 weeks postpartum, women with suture had higher median pain scores on the short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire (15.0 suture vs 2.0 glue vs 2.0 no suture, P = .03) and VAS (50.0 suture vs 3.0 glue vs 7.0 no suture, P = .02). Significant differences in pain were not seen on the PPI. At 3 months, women in the suture group had higher median pain scores on the short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire compared with surgical glue (1.0 vs 0, P = .04). Wound healing was similar across groups (REEDA score: 0 suture vs 1.0 no suture, vs 0 surgical glue, P = .24).

Discussion

Compared with no suture and surgical glue, suturing the perineal skin was associated with the highest postpartum pain scores.
Language, Culture, and Justice: Ixil Mayan Verbal Art in the 2013 Genocide Trial of José Efraín Ríos Montt in Guatemala
Authors: García María Luz
Published: August 2019

In Sherzer's 1987 approach, verbally artistic language was given a privileged position in understanding the relationship of language and culture through discourse. By contrast, the language ideologies governing discourse in Western courtrooms seek to divorce language use from cultural context through the proposition that content can be transferred from one language to another without loss of meaning. However, courtrooms are also among the spaces in which Sherzer's discourse‐centered approach to language and culture are particularly consequential. This article considers communicative disjunctures arising in the context of Ixil Maya use of verbally artistic language during the 2013 trial of former de facto president of Guatemala, José Efraín Ríos Montt, for genocide of the Ixil people. As a domain in which the language‐culture relationship is heightened, verbally artistic language provides a context in which this disconnect between Ixil and non‐Ixil participants in the trial is especially evident. A failure to engage with the use of verbally artistic language becomes a significant site of exclusion that has been largely invisible in the courtroom. Verbally artistic language also provides an important lens for considering cross‐cultural communication in the courtroom more broadly.
‘Immanent Nation: The Rohingya quest for international recognition'
Authors: Abraham Itty , Jaehn Miriam
Published: August 2019

This paper lies at the intersection of scholarly literatures on forced migration, politically engaged diasporas, and the use of online platforms and digital technologies for political ends. It follows the efforts of a group of Rohingya diasporic activists using a variety of means, online and offline, to contest the claims and authority of Myanmar, an established territorial state. Their actions can be subsumed into two kinds of politics, a politics of confrontation and a politics of recognition. Taken together, these actions lead to an emergent political formation, a reterritorialised, dispersed, and virtual national community that seeks to mimic some state functions without explicitly calling for self‐determination or an independent nation‐state. This paper follows four activist projects: YouTube‐based Rohingya TV, the effort to join the ConIFA alternative World Football Cup tournament, the campaign to have the Rohingya script recognized by the Unicode Consortium, and the effort to build a database for undocumented Rohingyas using blockchain. This complex of social, political, electronic, and virtual relations is situated against a 20th century political imaginary built around the homeland–people–language trinity, dialectically producing an immanent contradiction.
A novel mutation in PRPS1 causes X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease‐5
Authors: Meng Lingchao , Wang Kang , Lv He , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Wei , Yuan Yun
Published: August 2019

X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease‐5 (CMTX5) is a rare hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the gene for phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase‐1 (PRPS1). We investigated a boy with a novel PRPS1 mutation (c.334G>C, p.V112L) via genetic, neuropathological and enzymatic tests. The proband was a 13‐year‐old boy with congenital non‐syndromic sensorineural deafness. At 3 year old, he developed progressive distal weakness of all limbs with muscle atrophy of both hands and shanks. Nerve conduction study revealed the loss of sensory nerve action potentials, and slowing down of motor nerve conduction velocities with a decrease of amplitudes of compound motor action potentials. Visual evoked potentials and brainstem auditory evoked potentials were not bilaterally evocable. Sural biopsy proved the loss of myelinated nerve fibers, with axonal degeneration, regenerating clusters and onion bulbs. Enzymatically, PRPS1 activity was close to zero in the proband and mildly reduced in his mother, compared with controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMTX5 in a Chinese population. The genetic finding has expanded the genotypic spectrum of PRPS1 mutations.
DEGENERATED PANICLE AND PARTIAL STERILITY 1 (DPS1) encodes a cystathionine β‐synthase domain containing protein required for anther cuticle and panicle development in rice
Authors: Zafar Syed Adeel , Patil Suyash B. , Uzair Muhammad , Fang Jingjing , Zhao Jinfeng , Guo Tingting , Yuan Shoujiang , Uzair Muhammad , Luo Qian , Shi Jianxin , Schreiber Lukas , Li Xueyong
Published: August 2019

Degeneration of apical spikelets and reduced panicle fertility are common reasons for low seed‐setting rate in rice (Oryza sativa). However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Here, we report a novel degenerated panicle and partial sterility 1 (dps1) mutant that showed panicle apical degeneration and reduced fertility in middle spikelets. dps1 plants were characterized by small whitish anthers with altered cuticle morphology and absence of pollen grains. Amounts of cuticular wax and cutin were significantly reduced in dps1 anthers. Panicles of dps1 plants showed an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lower antioxidant activity, and increased programmed cell death.

Map‐based cloning revealed that DPS1 encodes a mitochondrial‐localized protein containing a cystathionine β‐synthase domain that showed the highest expression in panicles and anthers. DPS1 physically interacted with mitochondrial thioredoxin proteins Trx1 and Trx20, and it participated in ROS scavenging. Global gene expression analysis in dps1 revealed that biological processes related to fatty acid metabolism and ROS homeostasis were significantly affected, and the expression of key genes involved in wax and cutin biosynthesis were downregulated.

These results suggest that DPS1 plays a vital role in regulating ROS homeostasis, anther cuticle formation, and panicle development in rice.
A systematic review on recurrent cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope: Does pacing therapy break the fall?
Authors: da Cunha Gonçalo José Lopes , Rocha Bruno Miguel Lopes , Gomes Rita Ventura , Silva Beatriz Valente , Mendes Gonçalo , Morais Rui , Araújo Inês Fornelos , Fonseca Cândida
Published: August 2019

Vasovagal reflex is the most common cause of syncope. Pacemaker with rate drop response (RDR) or closed‐loop stimulation (CLS) anti‐syncope algorithms have been studied in recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS), with conflicting results. We aim to investigate the role of pacemaker therapy and anti‐syncope pacing mode in cardioinhibitory recurrent VVS. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and registered clinical trials were searched for single or double‐blind randomized controlled trials on pacing as a treatment for recurrent VVS. Five studies were eligible, overall enrolling 228 patients. After pooling data from all trials, pacemaker therapy showed a 63% reduction in syncope recurrence compared to control [Risk Ratio (RR): 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14‐0.98; I2 = 67%)]. Subgroup analyses suggested that the effect was greater in single‐blind studies (RR: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01‐0.52, I2 = 0%). When comparing pacing algorithms, the results from RDR versus no pacing trials (n = 2) did not show a significant reduction in syncope recurrence (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.25‐2.16, I2 60 = 75%). In contrast, the data from the CLS versus standard pacing trials (n = 3) evidenced a statistically meaningful reduction in syncopal burden (RR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07‐0.47, I2 = 0%). It is unclear whether pacemaker therapy reduces syncopal burden in cardioinhibitory recurrent VVS. However, our results suggest effectiveness of CLS pacing mode.
Ultrasound‐guided dorsal penile nerve block vs neurostimulator‐guided pudendal nerve block in children undergoing hypospadias surgery: A prospective, randomized, double‐blinded trial
Authors: Aksu Can , Akay Mustafa Alper , Şen Mehmet Celal , Gürkan Yavuz
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation in pediatric patients. Surgical repair of this malformation is a painful procedure and has long‐term effects. Pudendal and penile nerve blocks are commonly preferred techniques for maintaining postoperative analgesia. However, the conventional landmark‐based penile block technique involves numerous potential complications and provides a shorter analgesic period compared to the pudendal block. A promising ultrasound‐guided dorsal penile nerve block was recently described. We aimed to compare the analgesic effectiveness of ultrasound‐guided penile nerve block with that of neurostimulator‐guided pudendal nerve block.

Method

Thirty‐three patients aged 1‐7 years were included in this prospective, double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients were divided into two groups and received either ultrasound‐guided dorsal penile nerve block or neurostimulator‐guided pudendal nerve block. All blocks were performed by the same two anesthesiologists, and the same surgeons performed the surgical procedures. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale was used for postoperative pain management. The primary outcome of the study was time to first analgesic requirement. Secondary outcomes were FLACC scores at different time points, and types and cumulative doses of analgesic drugs.

Results

Dorsal penile nerve block provided longer analgesia than pudendal nerve block (32.29 ± 5.47 hours and 21.13 ± 3.53 hours, respectively; differences in mean: 11.16, 95% CI: 7.873‐14.465) (P < .001). FLACC scores at the time of first analgesic requirement were significantly lower in dorsal penile nerve block group than pudendal nerve block group (median [IQR]: 2 [2‐2.5] and 3 [3‐5], respectively; differences in median: −1, 95% CI: −1.851 to −0.149) (P < .001).

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐guided dorsal penile nerve block provided a longer analgesic period and reduced opioid consumption compared to neurostimulator‐guided pudendal nerve block.
Frequent fires alter tree architecture and impair reproduction of a common fire‐tolerant savanna tree
Authors: Gawryszewski F. M. , Sato M. N. , Miranda H. S.
Published: August 2019

Several Cerrado tree species have traits and structures that protect from fires. The effectiveness of a trait depends on the fire regime, especially the frequency. We used Vochysia elliptica, a common Cerrado tree, as a model to test whether different fire frequencies alter crown architecture and flower, fruit and seed production.

We analysed the effect of fire on the production of inflorescences, fruits and seeds, as well as seed germination and tree architecture of 20 trees in each of three plots of a long‐term ecological experiment managed with different fire regimes: burned every 2 years (B), burned every 4 years (Q) in mid‐dry season and an area protected from fire (C).

We found a large negative effect of fire frequency on crown architecture and on flower and fruit production. Trees in C and Q had significantly more main branches and a larger crown area than trees in B. At its peak, a tree in C was expected to produce 2.4 times more inflorescences than Q, and 15.5 times more than B, with similar magnitudes for fruits. Sixty per cent of trees in B and 10% in Q produced no fruits.

The differences in architecture might explain the reduction in sexual reproduction due to a smaller physical space to produce flowers at the branch apices. Resource limitation due to plant investment to replace burned vegetative parts may also decrease sexual reproduction. Our results indicate potentially severe consequences of high fire frequencies for population dynamics and species persistence in Cerrado communities.
Mapping diversity of species in global aquaculture
Authors: Metian Marc , Troell Max , Christensen Villy , Steenbeek Jeroen , Pouil Simon
Published: August 2019

Aquaculture is the world's most diverse farming practice in terms of number of species, farming methods and environments used. While various organizations and institutions have promoted species diversification, overall species diversity within the aquaculture industry is likely not promoted nor sufficiently well quantified. Using the most extensive dataset available (FAO‐statistics) and an approach based on the Shannon Diversity index, this paper provides a method for quantifying and mapping global aquaculture species diversity. Although preliminary analyses showed that a large part of the species forming production is still qualified as undetermined species (i.e. ‘not elsewhere included’); results indicate that usually high species diversity for a country is associated with a higher production but there are considerable differences between countries. Nine of the top 10 countries ranked highest by Shannon Diversity index in 2017 are from Asia with China producing the most diverse collection of species. Since species diversity is not the only level of diversity in production, other types of diversity are also briefly discussed. Diversifying aquatic farmed species can be of importance for long‐term performance and viability of the sector with respect to sustaining food production under (sometimes abrupt) changing conditions. This can be true both at the global and regional level. In contrast, selection and focus on only a limited number of species can lead to rapid improvements in terms of production (towards sustainability or not) and profitability. Therefore, benefits and shortcomings of diversity are discussed from both economical and social‐ecological perspectives that concurrently are shaping the expanding aquaculture industry.
Buying versus Leasing Fuel Deposits for Preservation*
Authors: Eichner Thomas , Kollenbach Gilbert , Schopf Mark
Published: August 2019

In a two‐period model with two groups of countries that extract, trade, and consume fossil fuels, a climate coalition fights against climate change by purchasing or leasing deposits to prevent their extraction and seeks to manipulate fuel prices in its favor. The policy of purchasing deposits is inefficient because it leaves the first‐period climate externality non‐internalized. By contrast, the deposit‐lease policy turns out to be efficient if it eliminates strategic action in the fuel markets. In an empirically calibrated economy, the coalition's welfare and total welfare are greater with the deposit‐lease policy than with the deposit‐purchase policy if the discount rate is smaller than 2.7 percent per annum.
Trade and foreign direct investment‐related impacts of Brexit
Authors: Latorre María C. , Olekseyuk Zoryana , Yonezawa Hidemichi
Published: August 2019

We offer a general‐equilibrium analysis of Brexit incorporating the state‐of‐the‐art differences in productivity and firms' selection within manufacturing sectors à la Melitz (Econometrica, 2003, 71, 1695) and multinationals in services. Our results suggest that trade, output and average productivity diminish across most sectors in the UK and the Rest of the European Union (REU), as well as GDP, welfare, wages and capital remuneration. However, the UK loses more due to the missing preferential access to the huge EU market. Significant welfare losses along the extensive margin occur in the UK due to the lost imported varieties produced by highly productive European firms. These cannot be compensated by the new varieties of less productive domestic firms that enter the British market due to increased protectionism and reduced import competition. In addition, the emergence of barriers against multinationals, which is often ignored in previous studies, explains approximately one third of the negative effect in both the UK and REU. Furthermore, we show that the Brexit impact is about only half if we do not include both foreign direct investment barriers and Melitz structure. Thus, previous studies without these important model features would underestimate the Brexit impact significantly.
Discriminative T cell recognition of cross-reactive islet-antigens is associated with HLA-DQ8 transdimer–mediated autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Chow I-Ting , Gates Theresa J. , Papadopoulos George K. , Moustakas Antonis K. , Kolawole Elizabeth M. , Notturno Richard J. , McGinty John W. , Torres-Chinn Nadia , James Eddie A. , Greenbaum Carla , Nepom Gerald T. , Evavold Brian D. , Kwok William W.
Published: August 2019

A functional epistatic interaction between susceptible HLAs provides a molecular basis for the contribution of HLA-DQ8 transdimer.
Weakening Atlantic Niño–Pacific connection under greenhouse warming
Authors: Jia Fan , Cai Wenju , Wu Lixin , Gan Bolan , Wang Guojian , Kucharski Fred , Chang Ping , Keenlyside Noel
Published: August 2019

Future strong ENSO events, although projected to increase, are more difficult to predict as an Atlantic precursor weakens.
Soft phototactic swimmer based on self-sustained hydrogel oscillator
Authors: Zhao Yusen , Xuan Chen , Qian Xiaoshi , Alsaid Yousif , Hua Mutian , Jin Lihua , He Ximin
Published: August 2019

A self-sustained hydrogel oscillator, fueled by constant light, exhibits omnidirectional oscillation and powerful phototactic locomotion.
Improved Species-Level Clinical Identification of Enterobacteriaceae through Broad-Range
dnaJ
PCR and Sequencing
Authors: McLean Kathryn , Rosenthal Christopher A. , Sengupta Dhruba , Owens Jennifer , Cookson Brad T. , Hoffman Noah G. , Salipante Stephen J.
Published: August 2019

Enterobacteriaceae
represent a diverse and medically important family of bacteria that are difficult to identify to the species level using the standard molecular method of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Prior work has demonstrated the value of
dnaJ
gene sequence analysis in resolving different members of the family. However, existing protocols are not optimized for clinical use and exhibit several limitations in practice.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequences of Human Norovirus Belonging to Several Genotypes from Valencia, Spain
Authors: Santiso-Bellón Cristina , Monzó Carolina , Fuentes-Trillo Azahara , Vila-Vicent Susana , da Silva Ribeiro de Andrade Juliana , Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Buesa Javier , Chaves Felipe J. , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús
Published: August 2019

Human noroviruses are responsible for most nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis cases. The GII.2, GII.4, and GII.17 genotypes of human noroviruses have recently arisen as the most frequent genotypes found in humans worldwide. We report here seven nearly complete genomes of these genotypes from patients with acute gastroenteritis in Valencia, Spain.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Flavobacterium psychrophilum Strains Isolated from Diseased Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelisaltivelis) Caught at Three Sites in the Kagami River in Kochi, Japan
Authors: Yamashita Hazuki , Wada Takayuki , Kato Yusuke , Ikeda Takuji , Imajoh Masayuki
Published: August 2019

Flavobacterium psychrophilum
is a Gram-negative, psychrophilic bacterium within the family
Flavobacteriaceae
. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three
F. psychrophilum
strains isolated from skin ulcers of diseased ayu caught by tomozuri angling at three sites in the Kagami River in Japan.