bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collagen Type III Alpha 1 chain regulated by GATA‐Binding Protein 6 affects Type II IFN response and propanoate metabolism in the recurrence of lower grade glioma
Authors: Huang Runzhi , Li Zhenyu , Zhu Xiaolong , Yan Penghui , Song Dianwen , Yin Huabin , Hu Peng , Lin Ruoyi , Wu Shengyu , Meng Tong , Zhang Jie , Huang Zongqiang
Published: August 2020

Some studies suggested the prognosis value of immune gene in lower grade glioma (LGG). Recurrence in LGG is a tough clinical problem for many LGG patients. Therefore, prognosis biomarker is required. Multivariate prognosis Cox model was constructed and then calculated the risk score. And differential expressed transcription factors (TFs) and differential expressed immune genes (DEIGs) were co‐analysed. Besides, significant immune cells/pathways were identified by single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Moreover, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and univariate Cox regression were applied to filter prognostic signalling pathways. Additionally, significant DEIG and immune cells/pathways, and significant DEIG and pathways were co‐analysed. Further, differential enriched pathways were identified by GSEA. In sum, a scientific hypothesis for recurrence LGG including TF, immune gene and immune cell/pathway was established. In our study, a total of 536 primary LGG samples, 2,498 immune genes and 318 TFs were acquired. Based on edgeR method, 2,164 DEGs, 2,498 DEIGs and 31 differentials expressed TFs were identified. A total of 106 DEIGs were integrated into multivariate prognostic model. Additionally, the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.860, and P value of Kaplan‐Meier curve < 0.001. GATA6 (TF) and COL3A1 (DEIG) were selected (R = 0.900, P < 0.001, positive) as significant TF‐immune gene links. Type II IFN response (P < 0.001) was the significant immune pathway. Propanoate metabolism (P < 0.001) was the significant KEGG pathway. We proposed that COL3A1 was positively regulated by GATA6, and by effecting type II IFN response and propanoate metabolism, COL3A1 involved in LGG recurrence.
Isosteviol sodium protects the cardiomyocyte response associated with the SIRT1/PGC‐1α pathway
Authors: Mei Ying , Liu Bo , Su Hao , Zhang Hao , Liu Fei , Ke Qingjin , Sun Xiaoou , Tan Wen
Published: August 2020

Cardiomyocyte dysfunction is attributed to excess oxidative damage, but the molecular pathways involved in this process have not been completely elucidated. Evidence indicates that isosteviol sodium (STVNa) has cardioprotective effects. We therefore aimed to identify the effect of STVNa on cardiomyocytes, as well as the potential mechanisms involved in this process. We established two myocardial hypertrophy models by treating H9c2 cells with high glucose (HG) and isoprenaline (ISO). Our results showed that STVNa reduced H9c2 mitochondrial damage by attenuating oxidative damage and altering the morphology of mitochondria. The results also indicated that STVNa had a positive effect on HG‐ and ISO‐induced damages via mitochondrial biogenesis. The protective effects of STVNa on cardiomyocytes were associated with the regulation of the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signalling pathway. Importantly, the effects of STVNa involved different methods of regulation in the two models, which was confirmed by experiments using an inhibitor and activator of SIRT1. Together, the results provide the basis for using STVNa as a therapy for the prevention of cardiomyocyte dysfunctions.
Primary care providers perform more neurologic visits than neurologists among Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Lin Chun Chieh , Hill Chloe E. , Burke James F. , Kerber Kevin A. , Hartley Sarah E. , Callaghan Brian C. , Skolarus Lesli E.
Published: August 2020

Rationale, aims and objectives

Little is known about which medical providers, other than neurologists, are involved in the care of neurologic conditions. We aimed to describe the current distribution of outpatient neurologic care by provider type.

Methods

We conducted a restrospective, cross‐sectional analysis using a 20% national sample claims database that contains information on medical care utilizations from adult Fee‐for‐Service Medicare beneficiaries in 2015. We identified patient visits for evaluation and management services for common neurologic conditions and by medical provider type. The main outcome was the proportion of visits for neurologic conditions by medical provider type, both in aggregate and across neurologic conditions.

Results

40% of neurologic visits were performed by primary care providers (PCPs) and 17.5% by neurologists. The most common neurologic conditions were back pain (49.3%), sleep disorders (8.0%), chronic pain/abnormality of gait (6.4%), peripheral neuropathy (5.9%), and stroke (5.5%). Neurologists cared for a large proportion of visits for Parkinson's disease (75.6% vs 20.8%), epilepsy (70.9% vs 26.6%), multiple sclerosis (63.9% vs 26.2%), other central NS disorders (54.2% vs 24.9%), and tremor/RLS/ALS (54.0% vs 31.2%) compared to PCPs. PCPs provided a greater proportion of visits for dizziness/vertigo (57.8% vs 9.3%) and headache/migraine (50.4% vs 35.0%) compared to neurologists.

Conclusions

PCPs perform more neurologic visits than neurologists. With the anticipated increased demand for neurologic care, strategies to optimize neurologic care delivery could consider expanding access to neurologists as well as supporting PCP care for neurologic conditions.
Effect of substrate and cement on the final color of zirconia‐based all‐ceramic crowns
Authors: Sonza Queli N. , Della Bona Alvaro , Pecho Oscar E. , Borba Marcia
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the influence of the substrate and the cement on the final color of ceramic crowns.

Methods

Prosthetic crowns (framework + porcelain) were fabricated using two all‐ceramic systems (YZ, 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia; IZ, alumina‐based zirconia‐reinforced glass‐infiltrated ceramic) and a metal‐ceramic system (MC; n = 8). Metal (M) and resin (R) were used as substrate abutments. For R substrate, crowns were evaluated as seated (R) and after cementation (R‐C). CIELAB color coordinates were obtained using a dental spectrophotometer with D65 light illumination. CIELAB, CIEDE2000 (1:1:1) and CIEDE2000 (2:1:1) color difference metrics were used. Data were analyzed using 95% confidence intervals and compared to perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) thresholds.

Results

The , ∆E00(1 : 1 : 1), and ∆E00(2 : 1 : 1) values of the restorative systems evaluated using different substrates (M.R) were similar to the AT values of each metric. When non‐cemented and cemented crowns were evaluated (R.R‐C), MC had color difference values at PT and below AT; while YZ and IZ showed similar values to AT, for and ∆E00(1 : 1 : 1) metrics.

Conclusion

The substrate and cement affected the final color of zirconia‐based all‐ceramic crowns, but the color differences corresponded to an acceptable match.

Clinical Significance

As both substrate and cement influence the final color of multi‐layered ceramic prosthesis, dentists and dental technicians should understand the optical properties of dental ceramics to reproduce the natural appearance of dental structures and maximize the chance for excellent color matches.
Nudge tools for improving hygiene behavior among food handlers: Case study
Authors: Štefančič Valentina , Jevšnik Mojca
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research is to determine the actual state of food handlers' hygiene behavior and analyze the effectiveness of selected nudge tools in the retirement home kitchen. The observation process of the food handlers' work was performed by following a pre‐prepared observation checklist. Based on the actual state of hygiene behavior of the food handlers, we consecutively introduced the following nudge tools: stories about foodborne disease outbreaks, the image of a probe thermometer, citrus scent and citrus scent with an inscription. The data were processed using Excel and the calculated proportions of relevance of the criteria for hygiene behavior were compared by stages of observation according to working time. The observation before the introduction of nudge tools revealed that the food handlers in the selected kitchen do not always follow all criteria of hygienic behavior. The nudge tools affected the food handlers differently. The stories about foodborne disease outbreaks used as a nudge tool did not significantly affect the hygiene behavior of the food handlers. The image of a probe thermometer as a nudge tool significantly improved compliance with and control of the critical control points. Citrus scent as a nudge tool had a very different effect on the behavior of the food handlers: some of them were disturbed by the presence of the diffuser, while others felt more relaxed. Citrus scent with a short inscription significantly improved the hygiene behavior of the food handlers at all critical stages of food preparation.
Mobilizing Hospitals to Mobilize Patients
Authors: Hastings Susan N. , Zullig Leah L.
Published: August 2020

J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2202–2204, 2020.
How does workplace bullying influence nurses’ abilities to provide patient care? A nurse perspective
Authors: Anusiewicz Colleen V. , Ivankova Nataliya V. , Swiger Pauline A. , Gillespie Gordon L. , Li Peng , Patrician Patricia A.
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

To explore how workplace bullying influences nurses’ abilities to provide patient care.

Background

Nurses’ experiences of workplace bullying undermine nursing work environments and potentially threaten patient care. Although there is a link between nurses’ experiences of workplace bullying and poor patient care, additional exploration is necessary as current evidence remains underdeveloped and inconclusive.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Fifteen inpatient staff nurses who have experienced workplace bullying while working in one hospital located in the southern region of the USA participated in individual, semi‐structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts in NVivo 12 software. The COREQ checklist for qualitative studies has been used in reporting this study.

Results

Three themes, and respective subthemes, were generated from data analysis: (a) workplace bullying as part of the nursing work environment, (b) workplace bullying's influence on nurses and (c) workplace bullying's influence on patient care. Workplace bullying was perceived to be inherent in the nursing work environment; nurses felt that they were targets of workplace bullying because (a) they were new nurses, (b) there was an abuse of power, or (c) the nature of the work occasioned it. Nurses were mentally and emotionally influenced by the bullying. Some nurses perceived that workplace bullying did influence their ability to provide patient care; however, others did not.

Conclusions

Organisations must support new nurses and manage relational attributes of the nursing work environment to reduce workplace bullying. Nursing leaders should receive education on fostering and sustaining favourable nursing work environments and be held accountable for behavioural expectations of the organisation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding how nurses perceive the work environment to influence their experiences of workplace bullying informs the development of organisational interventions to reduce the behaviour. Furthermore, exploring how nurses’ experiences of workplace bullying influences their abilities to provide patient care increases our understanding of workplace bullying implications.
Dementia caregivers training needs and preferences for online interventions: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Teles Soraia , Paúl Constança , Sosa Napolskij Milaydis , Ferreira Ana
Published: August 2020

Aim

To explore how informal caregivers of persons with dementia perceive training needs and preferences in the context of online training and support interventions.

Background

Informal dementia caregivers commonly present high needs across several domains. Paradoxically, they are more likely to have unmet needs and lower levels of service usage when compared to other caregivers. Most studies on unmet needs of dementia caregivers have been quantitative and resorted to assessment checklists, with a minority focusing on subjective needs.

Design

Mixed‐methods.

Methods

Eighty‐eight Portuguese digitally literate caregivers filled a web‐based questionnaire collecting written statements on training needs and importance ratings on design preferences. Content analysis of text data was carried out by two independent researchers to check the reliability of the analytic process. Descriptive statistics were produced for ratings on design preferences, and associations with caregivers' sociodemographic and care‐related variables were inspected. Reporting followed the criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist.

Results

Five main categories of training needs have emerged: knowledge of dementia; care interactions; caregiver self‐care; community resources; and laws or regulations affecting the caregiver and the care recipient. The most reported need was on care interactions, on the subcategory of providing good quality care. Thematic prominence was analysed according to the caregiver, caregiving and health perception characteristics, with trends found on formal education, relationship with the care recipient, number of hours caring per week, perceived level of dependence of the care recipient and perceived physical and psychological health status of the caregiver. Most valued design features included the use of plain language, easy to interact interface and communication with a professional.

Conclusions

Findings from this study further support the delivery of comprehensive interventions addressing the multiple needs of caregivers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clues are provided for the delivery of online interventions, and conclusions are useful to health professionals working with dementia caregivers.
Oral retinoid, acitretin, is effective in the management of resistant recurrent vulval verrucous carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Fox Emily , Elghobashy Mirna , Hamad Hamdi , Moiemen Naiem , El‐Ghobashy Alaa
Published: August 2020

Verrucous carcinomas are a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Vulval verrucous carcinoma comprises only 1% of vulval malignancies. This case report discusses the successful management of aggressive recurrent vulval verrucous carcinoma with acitretin, an oral synthetic retinoid used to manage severe psoriasis, after multiple surgical interventions and radiotherapy had failed. This is the first reported case in which verrucous carcinoma had recurred in a musculocutaneous graft. To manage the recurrence, the patient underwent radiotherapy, which did not resolve the condition. The patient was then administered acitretin 25 mg once daily, which successfully resolved the condition, and the patient has been symptom free for 6 months. This report aims to propose the use of acitretin as a management option for recurrent verrucous carcinomas.
When and how favour rendering ameliorates workplace ostracism over time: Moderating effect of self‐monitoring and mediating effect of popularity enhancement
Authors: Wu Chia‐Huei , Kwan Ho Kwong , Liu Jun , Lee Cynthia
Published: August 2020

Despite increasing scholarly attention to workplace ostracism, victims receive little guidance regarding how to break its negative spiral over time. Drawing on a multi‐motive model of rejection‐related experiences and the cybernetic model of impression management, this study examines how and why ostracized employees might ameliorate workplace ostracism through impression management efforts to enhance their popularity. Specifically, an ostracized worker may employ favour rendering tactics to enhance her or his popularity, as reported by peers, which can help reduce ostracism. In addition, ostracized employees with strong self‐monitoring tendencies may be more likely to employ favour rendering tactics and use them more effectively to enhance their popularity and thus reduce ostracism. Data collected from 277 employee–coworker pairs in a three‐wave, time‐lagged design over 2 years confirm the proposed hypotheses, tested in a two‐stage moderated mediation model. These findings have theoretical implications for ostracism research, as well as practical implications to help employees and organizations overcome ostracism.

Practitioner points

Being ostracized often prompts self‐focused responses, but to reduce it, ostracized employees instead should pay attention to others and seek to help others to alter the treatment they receive from others.

High self‐monitoring employees tend to employ favour rendering tactics to increase their popularity and mitigate ostracism.

To help ostracized employees mitigate ostracism, managers and organizations can suggest ways to increase their popularity among their peers.
Preferred attribute elicitation methodology compared to conventional descriptive analysis: A study using probiotic yogurt sweetened with xylitol and added with prebiotic components
Authors: da Costa Guilherme Mamede , de Paula Marlon Memédio , Costa Giselle Nobre , Esmerino Erick Almeida , Silva Ramon , de Freitas Mônica Queiroz , Barão Carlos Eduardo , Cruz Adriano Gomes , Pimentel Tatiana Colombo
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to compare the preferred attribute elicitation—PAE methodology (n = 20 consumers) with conventional descriptive analysis—DA (n = 15 trained judges) to determine the sensory profile of probiotic yogurts (L. casei) sweetened with xylitol, sucrose, or sucralose and added with prebiotic components (oligofructose or polydextrose). The sensory acceptance obtained using PAE (n = 20) and general (n = 65) consumers was compared. The majority of the elicited attributes (color, brightness, sweet taste, acid taste, bitter taste, consistency, and creaminess) were considered important for the characterization/acceptance of yogurts by both trained judges (DA) and consumers (PAE). The three most important attributes for the acceptance of yogurts (sweet taste, creaminess, and consistency) were provided by PAE. A similar sensory profile was described in both methods (Rv = 0.92, p = .02), and the sensory acceptance obtained using PAE consumers was similar to that obtained with general consumers. PAE methodology can be used to characterize sensorially and to determine the consumers' acceptance of functional yogurts.

Practical applications

DA is an established methodology that provides reproducible, consistent, and detailed results. However, it has the disadvantages of high cost and long training time. This study demonstrated that PAE methodology can be used to characterize the functional yogurts similarly to the DA. This methodology could be applied in one evaluation section, without the need for training the panel. In addition, PAE determined that consumers are interested in buying yogurts with a higher sweet taste, creamier, and more consistent, which can assist industries in reformulating their products. Finally, PAE can be used to determine the consumers' acceptance of functional yogurts.
Black mulberry fruit extract alleviates streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats: targeting TNF-α inflammatory pathway
Authors: Abouzed Tarek Kamal , Sadek Kadry M , Ghazy Emad Waded , Abdo Walied , Kassab Mohmed Atef , Hago Salma , Abdel-Wahab Samia , Mahrous Engy A , Abdel-Sattar Essam , Assar Doaa H
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Morus nigra fruit extract in retarding the progression of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Diabetic male Wistar rats were injected with black mulberry fruit extract (BMFE) at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight. After 4 weeks, microalbuminuria was estimated in addition to serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, creatinine and albumin.

Key findings

The study revealed a significant amelioration of all the measured parameters in diabetic animals. In addition, MDA, lipid peroxide levels and catalase activity were also improved. The histopathological examination of kidney tissues revealed significant improvement of the pathological changes and glomerular sclerosis in diabetic rats treated with BMFE. Treated rats showed downregulation of TNF-α, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and fibronectin mRNA expression.

Conclusion

The ameliorative effect of BMFE on diabetic nephropathy is not only through its potent antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effects but also through its downregulation of TNF-α, VCAM-1 and fibronectin mRNA expression in renal tissues of diabetic-treated rats. Therefore, BMFE as dietary supplement could be a promising agent in improving diabetic nephropathy.
RADseq resolves the phylogeny of Hawaiian Myrsine (Primulaceae) and provides evidence for hybridization
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , Paetzold Claudia , Wood Kenneth R. , Wagner Warren L.
Published: August 2020

The Hawaiian radiation of Myrsine (primrose family, Primulaceae) is the only one among the ten most species‐rich Hawaiian plant lineages that has never been included in a phylogenetic analysis. Our study is based on a RADseq dataset of nearly all Hawaiian Myrsine species and a Sanger sequencing dataset based on a worldwide sampling of Myrsine and related genera. Myrsine as a whole might be paraphyletic with respect to the monotypic Macaronesian genera Heberdenia and Pleiomeris, whereas Hawaiian Myrsine is resolved as monophyletic. The Sanger sequencing proved to be insufficient to resolve the Hawaiian lineage, whereas RADseq fully resolved the relationships with high support. Hawaiian Myrsine consists of three main lineages, of which one contains the majority of species and is mainly confined to Kauaʻi, and the other two lineages primarily consist of few widespread species. Although phylogenetic reconstructions delivered fully resolved and supported tree topologies, Quartet Sampling and HyDe analyses reveal phylogenetic incongruence throughout the phylogeny and provide the first molecular evidence of extensive hybridization in the lineage.
Does the Bible Tell Me So? Weighing the Influence of Content versus Bias on Bible Interpretation Using Survey Experiments
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , McElroy Elizabeth E.
Published: August 2020

Discussions of biblical interpretation often proceed under one of two assumptions. Readers’ interpretations are primarily formed (1) inductively, according to the Bible's objective content, or (2) through the lens of preformed ideologies and biases. We assessed the influence of these two factors using two survey experiments with undergraduates. In study 1 (N= 214), participants were randomly assigned one of two nearly identical translations of Ephesians 5:22‐28 (a famous passage describing gendered marital submission), with the only difference being that one translation included verse 21 in which Christians are told to “submit to one another.” Participants did not perceive a different message about gendered submission between translations, nor were they more likely to interpret either as misogynistic. However, gender ideology and religious importance did predict interpretation. Study 2 (N= 217) essentially replicated study 1 (using different translations of Ephesians 5:21‐28), but one version replaced all “subjection” language with “commitment” language. Participants were significantly more likely to perceive a complementarian message from the translation that referenced “subjection” and they were also more likely to perceive it as misogynistic. Again, gender ideology and religious characteristics predicted interpretation. Findings suggest bias shapes interpretation, but more extreme content modifications (e.g., removing/changing key terms) can also influence interpretation.
Identifying ecotone location using the co‐occurrence property
Authors: Shea Monika E. , Clayton Murray K. , Townsend Philip A. , Berg Stephen , Elza Hayden , Mladenoff David J.
Published: August 2020

Questions

Spatial characteristics of ecotones can affect ecotone function and define their role in ecological systems. Identifying ecotone location is necessary to quantify the relationship between spatial characteristics and function, yet there is no standard approach, particularly for compositionally complex ecotones where binary classification for the two adjacent systems is difficult to assign. We tested a new approach for identifying ecotone location based on the co‐occurrence property, which recognizes ecotones as areas where species from adjacent systems co‐occur. We assessed whether the approach can objectively identify the location of the Tension Zone in Wisconsin.

Location

Wisconsin, USA.

Methods

Ecotone Co‐occurrence Mapping (ECoMap) is a multi‐step approach: (a) indicator species analysis identifies representative species of two adjacent systems; (b) a ratio map constructed from the spatial densities of the indicator species identifies high co‐occurrence areas; and (c) contour lines encapsulate highest co‐occurrence areas. We applied this approach to identify the Tension Zone location using point locations of witness trees from the mid‐1800s Public Land Survey. We assessed the approach by examining results of multiple permutations, testing sensitivity to different initial boundary configurations, and comparing it to a subjectively derived map, the Curtis Tension Zone.

Results

The location of the Tension Zone was identified consistently in multiple permutations, though there is minor variability in certainty of final ecotone location. Ecotone width varied substantially along the Tension Zone. The location was similar to the Curtis Tension Zone but slightly farther north and more spatially detailed. Sensitivity to initial boundary configuration was low.

Conclusions

The ECoMap approach was robust and identified a spatially detailed Tension Zone location. This approach is broadly applicable and can be used to identify the location of simple or compositionally complex ecotones where spatial data of species occurrences and modest prior knowledge of general boundary location are available.
Primary biliary cholangitis management: controversies, perspectives and daily practice implications from an expert panel
Authors: Alvaro Domenico , Carpino Guido , Craxi Antonio , Floreani Annarosa , Moschetta Antonio , Invernizzi Pietro
Published: August 2020

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare progressive immune‐mediated liver disease that, if not adequately treated, may culminate in end‐stage disease and need for transplantation. According to current guidelines, PBC is diagnosed in the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) or specific antinuclear antibodies, and of a cholestatic biochemical profile, while biopsy is recommended only in selected cases. All patients receive ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in first line; the only registered second‐line therapy is obeticholic acid (OCA) for UDCA‐inadequate responders. Despite the recent advances in understanding PBC pathogenesis and developing new treatments, many grey areas remain. Six Italian experts selected the following topics as the most urgent to address in PBC management: diagnosis and natural history of PBC: as a portion of the subjects with isolated AMA, normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and no symptoms of liver disease could have PBC by histology, defining how to manage and follow this population is crucial; role of liver biopsy: recent evidence suggests that biopsy may provide relevant information for risk stratification and prediction of UDCA response, possibly facilitating personalized approaches; risk stratification: the tools for risk stratification are well established, but some issues (eg bile acid dosage in routine practice) remain controversial; and therapy: those in more advanced stages of development are nuclear receptor modulators and fibrates, but more data are needed to plan personalized strategies. In this manuscript, for each topic, current evidence, controversies and future perspectives are summarized with the possible implications for clinical practice.
Bi‐objective mountain railway alignment optimization incorporating seismic risk assessment
Authors: Song Taoran , Pu Hao , Schonfeld Paul , Zhang Hong , Li Wei , Hu Jianping , Wang Jie , Wang Jianxi
Published: August 2020

Mountain railway alignment optimization is known as a very complex engineering problem that should consider many factors, such as drastically undulating terrain, geological hazard impacts, and additional constraints. Moreover, many mountain railway projects are located in earthquake‐prone regions and hence are greatly threatened by seismic activity. Thus far, most alignment optimization studies aim at finding the least‐cost solutions within budget but slight attention has been paid to reducing the complex seismic risk through optimization. In this paper, the first known quantitative seismic risk assessment model for railway alignment optimization is presented, which combines probabilistic seismic fragility analysis and probabilistic seismic loss analysis. Three methods for fragility analysis of bridge, tunnel, and earthwork sections are designed and a specific event tree is developed for seismic loss analysis. Moreover, multiple preliminary constraints are specified for alignments traversing active faults. Afterwards, the seismic risk assessment model is combined with a least‐cost model to formulate a bi‐objective optimization model. To solve it, a particle swarm optimization algorithm is improved by blending the crowding distance computation (CDC) and, especially, a novel marginal benefit analysis (MBA) to search for pareto‐optimal solutions during optimization. A prescreening and repairing operator is also designed to handle the fault constraints. Finally, when applying the proposed procedure to a complex realistic railway case, the results show that the hybrid CDC+MBA bi‐objective solver can find better pareto‐optimal solutions than the generic CDC method. Besides, detailed data analysis shows that the present method can produce less expensive as well as safer solutions than the best alignment designed by experienced human engineers.
The apple bHLH transcription factor MdbHLH3 functions in determining the fruit carbohydrates and malate
Authors: Yu Jian‐Qiang , Gu Kai‐Di , Sun Cui‐Hui , Zhang Quan‐Yan , Wang Jia‐Hui , Ma Fang‐Fang , You Chun‐Xiang , Hu Da‐Gang , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: August 2020

Changes in carbohydrates and organic acids largely determine the palatability of edible tissues of horticulture crops. Elucidating the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the change in carbohydrates and organic acids, and their temporal and spatial crosstalk are key steps in understanding fruit developmental processes. Here, we used apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) as research materials and found that MdbHLH3, a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor (bHLH TF), modulates the accumulation of malate and carbohydrates. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that MdbHLH3 directly binds to the promoter of MdcyMDH that encodes an apple cytosolic NAD‐dependent malate dehydrogenase, activating its transcriptional expression, thereby promoting malate accumulation in apple fruits. Additionally, MdbHLH3 overexpression increased the photosynthetic capacity and carbohydrate levels in apple leaves and also enhanced the carbohydrate accumulation in fruits by adjusting carbohydrate allocation from sources to sinks. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of how the bHLH TF MdbHLH3 modulates the fruit quality. It directly regulates the expression of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase MdcyMDH to coordinate carbohydrate allocation and malate accumulation in apple.
Two pediatric cases of isotretinoin‐induced sacroiliitis successfully treated with adalimumab
Authors: Ozdel Semanur , Baglan Esra , Kargın Cakıcı Evrim , Yazılıtas Fatma , Celikkaya Evra , Bulbul Mehmet
Published: August 2020

Isotretinoin is widely used in severe acne. Isotretinoin has many side effects. Sacroiliitis is one of these side effects and has been rarely reported in the children. Herein, we present two children with isotretinoin‐induced sacroiliitis resistant to anti‐rheumatic drugs and successfully treated with adalimumab.
Kidney transplantation with allografts from infant donors—Small organs, big value
Authors: Hoyer Dieter Paul , Dittmann Susanne , Büscher Anja , Benkö Tamas , Treckmann Juergen Walter , Gallinat Anja , Kribben Andreas , Paul Andreas , Hoyer Peter Friedrich
Published: August 2020

Background

Although infant organ donors remain a rare source of organs for transplantation, technical challenges have resulted in increased rates of complications and inferior graft function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of kidneys procured from juvenile and infant donors.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated all kidney transplants from deceased donors < 16 years of age performed at our center between 01/2008 and 08/2019. We defined three groups based on quartiles of donor body weight: <13 kg (infant donors), 13‐40 kg (juvenile donors), and > 40 kg (standard criteria donors). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Ninety‐two transplants were included in this study. Out of 92 recipients, there were 32 (34.8%) adult and 60 (65.2%) pediatric patients. All groups demonstrated excellent graft function and survival on both short and long‐term follow‐up. 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year graft survival rates for the standard criteria donor group were 100%, 95.2%, and 88.4%, respectively, compared with 95.8% for infant and 95% for juvenile donors at all times (P = .79). eGFR at 5 years was 98.9 ± 5.5, 74.1 ± 6.2, and 81.6 ± 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 for infant, juvenile, and standard criteria donors, respectively (P < .01).

Conclusion

Infant donor allografts can be transplanted with excellent long‐term outcomes in both pediatric and adult recipients. Implanting them as single allografts onto pediatric candidates allows for the transplantation of two patients. As such, pediatric recipients should be prioritized for these donor organs.
Absorption and Fluorescence Spectral Database of Chlorophylls and Analogues
Authors: Taniguchi Masahiko , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: August 2020

Absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra are essential for use across the photosciences, yet such spectra along with the all‐important values for molar absorption coefficient (ε) and fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) often are found with great difficulty. Here, a literature survey concerning the vital class of chlorophyll compounds has led to identification of spectra for 150 members. Spectra in print form have been digitized (with baseline corrections) and assembled into a database along with literature references, solvent identity and values for ε and Φf (where available). The database encompasses photosynthetic tetrapyrroles wherein the chromophore is a porphyrin (e.g. chlorophyll c1, protochlorophyll a), chlorin (e.g. chlorophyll a, bacteriochlorophyll c) or bacteriochlorin (e.g. bacteriochlorophyll a). Altogether, the database contains 305 absorption spectra (from 19 porphyrins, 109 chlorins and 22 bacteriochlorins) and 72 fluorescence spectra (from 10 porphyrins, 30 chlorins and 4 bacteriochlorins). The spectral database should facilitate comparisons and quantitative calculations. All spectra are available in print form in the Supporting Information. The entire database in digital form is available with the PhotochemCAD program for free downloading and further use at http://www.photochemcad.com.
Combined linkage mapping and association analysis reveals genetic control of maize kernel moisture content
Authors: Zhang Yinchao , Hu Yu , Guan Zhongrong , Liu Peng , He Yongcong , Zou Chaoying , Li Peng , Gao Shibin , Peng Hua , Yang Cong , Pan Guangtang , Shen Yaou , Ma Langlang
Published: August 2020

The free moisture in crop kernels after being naturally dried is referred to as kernel moisture content (KMC). Maize KMC reflects grain quality and influences transportation and storage of seeds. We used an IBM Syn10 DH maize population consisting of 249 lines and an association panel comprising 310 maize inbred lines to identify the genetic loci affecting maize KMC in three environments. Using the IBM population detected 13 QTL on seven chromosomes, which were clustered into nine common QTL. Genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS) identified 16 significant SNPs across the 3 environments, which were linked to 158 genes across the three environments. Combined QTL mapping and GWAS found two SNPs that were located in two of the mapped QTL, respectively. Twenty‐three genes were linked with the loci co‐localized in both populations. Of these 181 genes, five have previously been reported to be associated with KMC or to regulate seed development. These associations were verified by candidate gene association analysis. Two superior alleles and one favorable haplotype for Zm00001d007774 and Zm00001d047868 were found to influence KMC. These findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying maize KMC and contribute to the use of marker‐assisted selection for breeding low‐KMC maize.
Root membrane lipids as potential biomarkers to discriminate silage‐corn genotypes cultivated on podzolic soils in boreal climate
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Thomas Raymond , Adigun Oludoyin , Manful Charles , Wu Jiaxu , Pham Thu Huong , Zhu Xinbiao , Galagedara Lakshman , Cheema Mumtaz
Published: August 2020

Root membrane lipids are important biomolecules determining plant's ability to adapt to different growing environmental or climatic conditions. Herein, we demonstrate the potential use of root membrane lipids as biomarkers to discriminate silage‐corn genotypes based on herbicide and insect/pest resistance genetic traits when cultivated on podzolic soils under short growing and moderately warm summer season in boreal climate. Lipids in root membranes of field grown silage‐corn genotypes were previously quantified at crop maturity by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐hydrophilic interaction chromatography‐heated electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The lipid identified and quantified in silage‐corn roots were phospholipids, glycolipids and sphingolipids. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, three groups of membrane lipids were observed to be very effective in segregating the five silage‐corn genotypes. The first group consisted of hexosylceramide (HexCer), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). The second group consisted of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA16:0) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC16:0), while the third group consisted of 37 molecular species from observed lipids (phospholipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids). Partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) based on 37 membrane lipid species, as well as principal component analysis using the variables important in projection derived from the PLS‐DA segregated the five silage‐corn genotypes into three groups according to their pesticide/herbicide resistant traits. This study is second to none using root lipidomics in discriminating different silage‐corn genotypes based on their herbicide and insect/pest resistance genetic traits for cultivation in boreal climates. The segregated genotypes possess three different genetic traits for herbicide and insect/pest resistance including VT Double Pro (VT2P), VT Triple Pro Roundup Ready (VT3P/RR) and Roundup Ready‐2 corn (RR2). These findings demonstrate that root membrane lipids could serve as appropriate chemical biosignatures to identify silage‐corn genotypes based on herbicide and insect/pest resistance genetic traits suitable for cultivation in boreal climates.
Soil and water nutrients in stem‐only and whole‐tree harvest treatments in restored boreal peatlands
Authors: Tolvanen Anne , Tarvainen Oili , Laine Anna M.
Published: August 2020

In boreal peatlands felling and tree harvest are commonly carried out as part of peatland restoration. Stem‐only harvest is the principal harvest method and it leaves the live crown material (felling residue) containing most tree nutrients at the site. Whole‐tree harvest, where felling residue is removed, is not favored due to higher transport costs, although it might better promote the recovery of nutrient‐poor peatlands towards pristine conditions. We investigated whether initial differences in N mineralization and decomposition rates observed between tree harvest methods continued out to 6 years after restoration and whether the spatial variation in water table (WT) level and water nutrient concentrations parallels with the observed pattern in mineralization and decomposition rates. The study was done at 15 peatland sites in Natura 2000 protection areas in Finland during 2007–2013. Concentration of ammonium in soil water was higher in the stem‐only harvest treatment compared to that of the whole‐tree harvest treatment, whereas the previously observed differences in net N mineralization and decomposition rates had leveled out by the sixth year after restoration. The spatial variation created by the ditch network still affected the hydrology and peatland functions so that the nutrient concentrations were higher near ditches than in other locations, implying potential risk for nutrient leaching. Based on this study, there is no reason to prefer either harvest method over the other in nutrient‐poor drained peatlands with low tree volumes, which constitute the majority of available peatland restoration area in Finland.
Landmark Proportional Subdistribution Hazards Models for Dynamic Prediction of Cumulative Incidence Functions
Authors: Liu Qing , Tang Gong , Costantino Joseph P. , Chang Chung-Chou H.
Published: August 2020

An individualized dynamic risk prediction model that incorporates all available information collected over the follow-up can be used to choose an optimal treatment strategy in realtime, although existing methods have not been designed to handle competing risks. In this study, we developed a landmark proportional subdistribution hazard (PSH) model and a comprehensive supermodel for dynamic risk prediction with competing risks. Simulations showed that our proposed models perform satisfactorily (assessed by the time-dependent relative difference, Brier score and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) under PSH or non-PSH settings. The models were used to predict the probabilities of developing a distant metastasis among breast cancer patients where death was treated as a competing risk. Prediction can be estimated by using standard statistical packages.
Entrustable professional activities for apheresis medicine education
Authors: Pagano Monica B. , Treml Angela , Stephens Laura D. , Joshi Sarita , Li Yanhua , Lopez‐Plaza Ileana , Poyyapakkam Srivaths , Schwartz Joseph , Tanhehco Yvette , Zantek Nicole D.
Published: August 2020

Background

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are well‐defined, executable, observable, and measurable activities that are performed by a trainee and can be performed independently as training progresses. The purpose of this study is to develop EPAs specific for the practice of apheresis medicine (AM).

Methods

Members of the American Society for Apheresis Graduate Medical Education subcommittee developed a list of 28 apheresis medical activities linked to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones and competencies in five areas: (a) consultation, (b) clinical care for therapeutic apheresis, (c) clinical care for donor collections, (d) test optimization, and (e) vascular access. Ten AM experts using a validated tool to measure the quality of the EPAs (QUEPA) evaluated these activities with use of a Likert scale. Per group consensus, an activity was considered acceptable for each domain if it had received an average score greater than 3.7, and it was rated 4 or 5 (agree or strongly agree) by at least 70% of experts.

Results

Of the 28 activities, 11 did not have acceptable QUEPA scores: 7 activities were rated as unobservable, 4 were rated unfocused, 2 were rated unrealistic and not generalizable, and 2 were rated as not addressing multiple competencies. Four activities had unacceptable scores in more than one domain. Subcommittee members edited these 11 activities over two review cycles to produce a final list of 26 activities.

Conclusion

A set of practical, focused, and observable EPAs in AM were systematically developed. These EPAs can be used to assess and support trainee performance in AM.
The Determinants of Global Competitiveness of Economy: A Dynamic Panel Approach Applied to the WAEMU Countries
Authors: Sigue Moussa
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the determinants of the global competitiveness of the WAEMU economy applying a dynamic panel approach from 2011 to 2017. After providing a synthesis of the both theoretical and empirical debates on the subject, we derived a dynamic panel model which estimation was reached using the system generalized method of moments (GMM). The result of the estimation shows that competitiveness lagged by one period, financial development, GDP per capita, internal absorption and foreign trade taxes positively and significantly affect the global competitiveness of WAEMU countries, while economic openness, the inflation rate and the quality of institutions have a negative and significant contribution.
Maternal sildenafil impairs the cardiovascular adaptations to chronic hypoxaemia in fetal sheep
Authors: Inocencio Ishmael M. , Polglase Graeme R. , Nitsos Ilias , Miller Suzanne L. , Allison Beth J.
Published: August 2020

Key points

Fetal growth restriction induces a haemodynamic response that aims to maintain blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, in the face of chronic hypoxaemia

Maternal sildenafil treatment impairs the hypoxaemia‐driven haemodynamic response and potentially compromises fetal development.

Inadequate substrate delivery to a fetus results in hypoxaemia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). In response, fetal cardiovascular adaptations redirect cardiac output to essential organs to maintain oxygen delivery and sustain development. However, FGR infants remain at risk for cardiovascular and neurological sequelae. Sildenafil citrate (SC) has been examined as a clinical therapy for FGR, but also crosses the placenta and may exert direct effects on the fetus. We investigated the effects of maternal SC administration on maternal and fetal cardiovascular physiology in growth‐restricted fetal sheep. Fetal sheep (0.7 gestation) underwent sterile surgery to induce growth restriction by single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) or sham surgery (control, AG). Fetal catheters and flow probes were implanted to measure carotid and femoral arterial blood flows. Ewes containing SUAL fetuses were randomized to receive either maternal administration of saline or SC (36 mg i.v. per day) beginning 4 days after surgery, and continuing for 20 days. Physiological recordings were obtained throughout the study. Antenatal SC treatment reduced body weight by 32% and oxygenation by 18% in SUAL compared to AG. SC did not alter maternal or fetal heart rate or blood pressure. Femoral blood flow and peripheral oxygen delivery were increased by 49% and 30% respectively in SUALSC compared to SUAL, indicating impaired cardiovascular adaptation to chronic hypoxaemia. Antenatal SC directly impairs the fetal haemodynamic response to chronic hypoxaemia. Consideration of the consequences upon the fetus should be paramount when administering interventions to the mother during pregnancy.