bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Analysis of circular RNAs and validation of hsa_circ_0006719 as a potential novel diagnostic biomarker in congenital scoliosis patients
Authors: Liu Gang , Shen Jianxiong , Chen Chong , Jiao Yang , Li Zheng , Tan Haining , Lin Youxi , Rong Tianhua
Published: May 2020

Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a form of spinal curvature resulting from anomalous development of vertebrae. Recent studies demonstrated that circRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers of disease diagnosis. Genome‐wide circRNAs expression in seven CS patients and three healthy controls was initially detected. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the potential pathological pathway of CS. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to validate the selected circRNAs in the replication cohort with 32 CS patients and 30 healthy controls. Logistic regression controlling for gender was conducted to compare the expression difference. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value. Twenty‐two differentially expressed circRNAs were filtered from genome‐wide circRNA sequencing. Seven circRNAs were validated by qPCR. Only hsa_circ_0006719 was confirmed to have a higher expression level in the CS group than the healthy control group (P = 0.036). Receiver operating characteristic curve also suggested that hsa_circ_0006719 had significant diagnostic value for CS (AUC = 0.739, P = 0.001). We described the first study of circRNAs in CS and validated hsa_circ_0006719 as a potential novel diagnostic biomarker of CS.
Does graduate human capital production increase local economic development? An instrumental variable approach
Authors: Amendola Adalgiso , Barra Cristian , Zotti Roberto
Published: May 2020

Using a survey on Italian graduates, we investigate whether universities' degree production affects the economic development of the regions where academic institutions are located. To deal with suspected endogeneity between human capital development and economic growth, we employ an instrumental variable approach, using a global lump sum transferred to each university as an instrument for human capital production. Once we control for the regional flow of mobile students and graduates, the findings reveal the beneficial effect of the university system on local economic development through the gain in human capital.
Cumulative innovation, open source, and distance to frontier
Authors: Balletta Luigi , Tesoriere Antonio
Published: May 2020

We develop a multistage game in which firms do cumulative research and development (R&D) to complete a lengthy process, and we study whether firms patent intermediate results or release them in Open Source. A patent holder obtains a larger reward in the market, but since in equilibrium it forecloses R&D, it remains alone to complete the process and so pays a larger cost than an Open Source firm. We have Open Source equilibria when R&D is highly complementary, R&D costs are large, and firms are sufficiently different and far from the frontier. We identify two market failures, in the forms of free riding and coordination failure, and we discuss public intervention.
Lindavia intermedia (Bacillariophyceae) and Nuisance lake Snow in New Zealand: Chitin Content and Quantitative PCR Methods to Estimate Cell Concentrations and Expression of Chitin Synthase1
Authors: Novis Phil M. , Sales Ruth E. , Gordon Keith , Manning Nathan , Duleba Mónika , Ács Éva , Dressler Mirko , Schallenberg Marc
Published: May 2020

Lake snow, caused by the freshwater centric diatom Lindavia intermedia, has become problematic in several large, oligotrophic New Zealand lakes over the past decade. Macroaggregates produced by L. intermedia foul fishing lines, intake screens, and water filters, and have a negative impact on recreational values. It was confirmed that the fibers constituting lake snow are composed of chitin, two chitin synthase genes (chs1 and 2) from L. intermedia were characterized, new qPCR‐based tools to quantify the abundance of the species and measure expression of chs2 relative to the reference gene act1 (the product of which has cytoskeletal functions) were developed. The strong heterogeneity and mucilaginous nature of lake snow samples create particular difficulties for calibrations of gene or transcript copy numbers with cell densities and obtaining high yields of mRNA. However, data collected from four lakes during November 2018 and February and May 2019 show that abundance of L. intermedia is always high when lake snow is also abundant, but that a full range of L. intermedia abundance can occur when lake snow is absent, suggesting that chitin production is not obligate in L. intermedia. This result is consistent with the available data for chs2 expression, which suggest higher transcription when lake snow is abundant. Lake snow production by L. intermedia therefore requires an as yet undetermined stimulus independent of cell abundance.
Meeting the WHO hepatitis C virus elimination goal: Review of treatment in paediatrics
Authors: Kim Nathan G. , Kullar Ravina , Khalil Haydar , Saab Sammy
Published: May 2020

Over 3 million paediatric patients globally and ~50 000 in the United States are estimated to be infected with HCV. Eradicating HCV in children helps prevent liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; reduces extra‐hepatic manifestations of HCV; improves quality of life; and increases survival. The 2019 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases‐Infectious Diseases Society of America (AASLD‐IDSA) guidelines now recommend direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment with an approved regimen for all children and adolescents with HCV infection aged ≥3 years. We conducted a descriptive review of the new DAA treatments for HCV infection in the paediatric population. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) and sofosbuvir with ribavirin (SOF/RBV) are now approved for those ≥3 years old under specific clinical scenarios; sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is the only pangenotypic agent approved for those ≥6 years or ≥17 kg, and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) is approved for adolescents ≥12 years old or ≥45 kg. These DAA regimens are well‐tolerated and have comparable sustained virologic response rates at 12 weeks post‐treatment compared to those reported in adults (close to 100%). The introduction of DAAs has significantly changed the landscape of HCV treatment in adults and children with HCV infection and has increased confidence that the 2030 World Health Organization elimination goal may be attainable. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal treatment for children with HCV infection, including timing, regimen and duration. Additionally, with the recent paediatric approvals, long‐term safety data are needed.
Functional diets improve survival and physiological response of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to amoebic gill disease
Authors: Mullins Julia , Nowak Barbara , Leef Melanie , Røn Øyvind , Eriksen Tommy Berger , McGurk Charles
Published: May 2020

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a major challenge for the marine salmonid farming industry. This disease is caused by Paramoeba perurans, which is a parasitic amoeba that affects fish growth and survival. The present work aimed at improving Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) diet formulation as a preventive treatment for AGD. Four diets with different quantitative composition of functional ingredients, such as arginine, premixes, plant extracts, nucleotides, beta glucans, and vitamins C and E were tested. In the first trial, fish fed the different diets were exposed to a 74‐day challenge trial with P. perurans, and their survival, feed intake, and growth performance were analyzed together with plasma properties and gill histopathology. Additionally, a second trial was performed where mucus constituents of Atlantic salmon fed the same diets were analyzed from fish that were not exposed to AGD. Results suggest a positive effect of the functional ingredients on Atlantic salmon survival and immune response. Particularly, the inclusion of arginine, microadditives, and vitamins C and E improved survival, with arginine being an important driver of pathogen protection. The protective role of mucus also improved with these functional ingredients in nonchallenged fish, as suggested by its greater viscosity and by the increased levels of lysozymes and polysaccharides. Overall, the present work supports improving diet formulation as a promising approach for the preventive treatment of AGD.
The power of the phytoglobin–NO cycle in the regulation of nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Singh Pooja , Kumari Aprajita , Foyer Christine H. , Gupta Kapuganti Jagadis
Published: May 2020

This article is a Commentary on Berger et al. (2020), 227: 84–98.
Drought‐induced lacuna formation in the stem causes hydraulic conductance to decline before xylem embolism in Selaginella
Authors: Cardoso Amanda A. , Visel Dominik , Kane Cade N. , Batz Timothy A. , García Sánchez Clara , Kaack Lucian , Lamarque Laurent J. , Wagner Yael , King Andrew , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Corso Déborah , Burlett Régis , Badel Eric , Cochard Hervé , Delzon Sylvain , Jansen Steven , McAdam Scott A. M.
Published: May 2020

Lycophytes are the earliest diverging extant lineage of vascular plants, sister to all other vascular plants. Given that most species are adapted to ever‐wet environments, it has been hypothesized that lycophytes, and by extension the common ancestor of all vascular plants, have few adaptations to drought.

We investigated the responses to drought of key fitness‐related traits such as stomatal regulation, shoot hydraulic conductance (Kshoot) and stem xylem embolism resistance in Selaginella haematodes and S. pulcherrima, both native to tropical understory.

During drought stomata in both species were found to close before declines in Kshoot, with a 50% loss of Kshoot occurring at −1.7 and −2.5 MPa in S. haematodes and S. pulcherrima, respectively. Direct observational methods revealed that the xylem of both species was resistant to embolism formation, with 50% of embolized xylem area occurring at −3.0 and −4.6 MPa in S. haematodes and S. pulcherrima, respectively. X‐ray microcomputed tomography images of stems revealed that the decline in Kshoot occurred with the formation of an air‐filled lacuna, disconnecting the central vascular cylinder from the cortex.

We propose that embolism‐resistant xylem and large capacitance, provided by collapsing inner cortical cells, is essential for Selaginella survival during water deficit.
Protecting tobacco plants from O3 injury by Bacillus velezensis with production of acetoin
Authors: Liu Lidong , Zhao Xiuyun , Huang Yong , Ke Luxin , Wang Rui , Qi Gaofu
Published: May 2020

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) confer benefits to crops by producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to trigger induced systemic tolerance (IST). Here we show that Bacillus velezensis GJ11, a kind of PGPRs, produce VOCs such as 2,3‐butanediol and acetoin to trigger IST and cause stomatal closure against O3 injury in tobacco plants. Compared to 2,3‐butanediol, acetoin was more effective on triggering IST against O3 injury. The bdh‐knockout strain GJ11Δbdh with a blocked metabolic pathway from acetoin to 2,3‐butanediol produced more acetoin triggering stronger IST against O3 injury than GJ11. Both acetoin and GJ11Δbdh effectively enhance the antioxidant enzymes activity (e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalases) that is favorable for scavenging the reactive oxygen species like H2O2 in leaves after exposure to O3. Consequently, less H2O2 accumulation was observed, and reasonably less chlorophylls and proteins were damaged by H2O2 in the tobacco leaves treated with acetoin or GJ11Δbdh. The field experiment also showed that both acetoin and GJ11Δbdh could protect tobacco plants from O3 injury after application by root‐drench. This study provides new insights into the role of rhizobacterial B. velezensis and its volatile component of acetoin in triggering defense responses against stresses such as O3 in plants.
Diabetes as a potential risk for periodontitis: association studies
Authors: Genco Robert J. , Borgnakke Wenche S.
Published: May 2020

Diabetes affects one in 10 adults and periodontal disease affects four in 10 adults in the USA, and they are linked. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and periodontal disease affects glycemic control and complications of diabetes. The role of diabetes as a risk factor for periodontal disease and other oral conditions will be discussed in this review. The fact that type 2 diabetes, especially uncontrolled, is a risk factor for periodontal disease has long been recognized. However, the role of type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes in periodontal risk has recently been described. Also, diabetes as a risk factor for tooth loss has more recently been described and the deleterious effects of tooth loss, especially edentulism, in comparing the diets of patients with diabetes is now fully appreciated. From longitudinal studies it is clear that diabetes often precedes periodontitis and, hence, may contribute to the causal pathway of periodontitis. Other oral manifestations of diabetes include increased risk of oral and nonoral (vaginal) fungal infections. In patients with diabetes there is often reduced salivary flow associated with diabetes medications and neuropathy affecting the salivary glands. This may lead to increased caries. Burning mouth, resulting from diabetes neuropathy, and taste impairment may also be seen. It has long been known that there is delayed wound healing in patients with diabetes, especially if uncontrolled. Hence, it is critical to achieve good glycemic control before carrying out surgical procedures or dental implant placement in patients with diabetes.
Periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Mechanisms
Authors: Figuero Elena , Han Yiping W. , Furuichi Yasushi
Published: May 2020

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) have been defined as (a) pre‐term birth, when there is a delivery before 37 completed weeks (<259 days); (b) pre‐eclampsia, which is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy characterized by maternal hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th gestational week; (c) low and very low birthweight, depending on whether the weight of the baby is less of 2500 g or <1500 g and (d) the spontaneous death of the fetus with <20 weeks (miscarriage) or between 20 and 36 weeks (stillbirth). In 2012, during the Consensus Report from the Joint EFP/AAP workshop on periodontitis and systematic diseases the role of periodontal diseases on APOs was reviewed. Some years later, this evidence has grown, and an update on the literature regarding the mechanisms related to this potential association (APOs and periodontal diseases) needs to be presented. The two major pathways (direct and indirect) already accepted in 2012 are still valid nowadays. Most evidence published in the last 5 years deals with a strong and solid evidence coming from the direct pathway while there is as scarce new evidence regarding indirect pathway. In this direct pathway, the haematological dissemination of oral microorganisms and their products, would later induce an inflammatory/Immune response in the foetal‐placental unit. The most plausible route for this direct pathway is the hematogenous transmission through dental bacteremia, although not many new studies dealing with bacteremia has been performed lately.
Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: An update 2012‐2017
Authors: Bartold Peter Mark , Lopez‐Oliva Isabel
Published: May 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis are both chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory reaction that leads to destruction of bone and other connective tissue. Owing to these similarities, the relationship between these two diseases has been investigated for over two decades. In the 2013 proceedings from a workshop jointly held by the European Federation of Periodontology and American Academy of Periodontology in 2012 it was concluded that there was at least minimal evidence of an association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this review, we consider publications in the field over the past 5 years and determine whether the evidence for this relationship has increased.
Oral‐lung microbiome interactions in lung diseases
Authors: Mammen Manoj J. , Scannapieco Frank A. , Sethi Sanjay
Published: May 2020

The proximity and continuity of the oral cavity and the lower respiratory tract allows the oropharyngeal microbiome to be a major determinant of the lung microbiome. In addition, host‐pathogen interactions related to the oropharyngeal microbiome or its metabolites could propagate systemic inflammation or modulate host defense mechanisms that could affect other organs, including the lung. There is increasing appreciation of the pathophysiologic significance of the lung microbiome, not only in the classical infection‐related diseases, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis, but also in chronic noninfectious lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we will explore the relationship of the oral microbiome with lung diseases, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
Periodontal diseases and association with atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Herrera David , Molina Ana , Buhlin Kare , Klinge Bjorn
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular diseases still account for the majority of deaths worldwide, although significant improvements in survival, after being affected by cardiovascular disease, have been achieved in the last decades. Periodontal diseases are also a common global burden. Several studies have shown a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontitis, although evidence is still lacking regarding the direct cause‐effect relation. During the 2012 “Periodontitis and systemic diseases” workshop, the available evidence on the association between cardiovascular and periodontal diseases was discussed, covering biologic plausibility and clinical studies. The objective of the present narrative review was to update the previous reviews presented at the 2012 workshop, following similar methodological approaches, aiming to critically assess the available evidence. With regard to biologic plausibility, two aspects were reviewed: (a) for microbiologic mechanisms, assessing periodontal bacteria as a contributing factor to atherosclerosis based on seven “proofs,” substantial evidence was found for Proofs 1 through 6, but not for Proof 7 (periodontal bacteria obtained from human atheromas can cause atherosclerosis in animal models), concluding that periodontal pathogens can contribute to atherosclerosis; (b) mechanistic studies, addressing five different inflammatory pathways that could explain the links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease with the addition of some extra pathways , suggest an association between both entities, based on the presence of higher levels of these inflammatory markers in patients with periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, vs healthy controls, as well as on the evidence that periodontal treatment reduces serum levels of these mediators. When evidence from clinical studies was analyzed, two aspects were covered: (a) epidemiologic studies support the estimation that the incidence of atherosclerotic disease is higher in individuals with periodontitis than in individuals with no reported periodontitis, irrespective of many common risk factors, but with a substantial variability in the definitions used in reporting of exposure to periodontal diseases in different studies; (b) intervention trials have shown that periodontal therapy can reduce serum inflammatory mediators, improve the lipids profile, and induce positive changes in other cardiovascular disease surrogate measures, but no evidence is available to support that adequate periodontal therapy is able to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases, or the incidence of cardiovascular disease events in periodontitis patients.
Mechanisms underlying the association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Schenkein Harvey A. , Papapanou Panos N. , Genco Robert , Sanz Mariano
Published: May 2020

Atherosclerosis is central to the pathology of cardiovascular diseases, a group of diseases in which arteries become occluded with atheromas that may rupture, leading to different cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. There is a large body of epidemiologic and animal model evidence associating periodontitis with atherosclerotic disease, and many potential mechanisms linking these diseases have been elucidated. This chapter will update knowledge on these mechanisms, which generally fall into 2 categories: microbial invasion and infection of atheromas; and inflammatory and immunologic. With respect to the invasion and infection of atheromas, it is well established that organisms from the subgingival biofilm can enter the circulation and lodge in most distant tissues. Bacteremias resulting from oral interventions, and even oral hygiene activities, are well documented. More recently, indirect routes of entry of oral organisms (via phagocytes or dendritic cells) have been described for many oral organisms, into many tissues. Such organisms include the periodontal pathogensPorphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, andFusobacterium nucleatum. Intracellular survival of these organisms with dissemination to distant sites (The Trojan Horse approach) has been described. Their relative contribution to atheroma formation and progression has been studied mainly in experimental research, with results demonstrating that these organisms can invade endothelial cells and phagocytic cells within the atheroma, leading to pathogenic changes and progression of the atheroma lesion. The second category of mechanisms potentially linking periodontitis to atherosclerosis includes the dumping of inflammatory mediators originating from periodontal lesions into the systemic circulation. These inflammatory mediators, such as C‐reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinases, fibrinogen, and other hemostatic factors, would further accelerate atheroma formation and progression, mainly through oxidative stress and inflammatory dysfunction. Moreover, direct effects on lipid oxidation have also been described. In summary, the evidence supports the concept that periodontitis enhances the levels of systemic mediators of inflammation that are risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases.
Application of meta‐analysis towards understanding the effect of adding a methionine hydroxy analogue in the diet on growth performance and feed utilization of fish and shrimp
Authors: Guo Jingping , Bao Yida , Davis Robert , Abebe Ash , Wilson Alan E. , Davis Donald Allen
Published: May 2020

Methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) has been widely used and shows positive effects on growth in poultry, swine, ruminant and aquatic animals. Nevertheless, the utilization efficiency of methionine hydroxy analogue remains controversial considering the wide variation in effects across studies, feeding parameters and environmental culture conditions. Meta‐analysis can quantify the effect of adding MHA on animal performance. Here, we analysed the effect of MHA‐supplemented diets on the final weight (FW), per cent weight gain (WG), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency (FE) in common, diverse aquaculture taxa. To conduct the meta‐analyses, twenty‐three published studies were included that accounted for 249 effect sizes estimated across eight fish and one shrimp species. The effect size (measured as the standardized mean difference; Hedges’ g) of response parameters between MHA level in a diet formulation and an MHA‐less control condition was calculated. Based on these results, adding MHA in the diet can significantly improve FW, WG, PER, and FE and decrease FCR for fish rather than shrimp. Using meta‐regression analysis, there was a significant quadratic linear relationship between MHA addition and effect size for FW (P = 0.002 for MHA, P = 0.042 for MHA2), and significant linear relationships between MHA addition and effect size for WG (P = 0.0005) and FCR (P = 0.002). There was no significant relationship, linear or non‐linear, between the MHA addition and effect size for FE (P = 0.985) and PER (P = 0.461). In all, when properly dosed in diets, MHA can significantly improve aquaculture production for fish.
Impact of thermal stress exposure on seminal quality, antioxidant defence system, TNF‐α and TIMP‐3 in Ossimi ram
Authors: El‐Zeftawy Marwa , Mahmoud Gamal B. , Hassan Mervat
Published: May 2020

Contents

Heat stress (HS) occupies huge importance nowadays as it leads to severe economic losses especially in livestock. Preserving sheep against HS is one of the governmental scopes where it represents huge percentage of global ruminant. The present research was conducted to study semen quality, some stress and inflammatory markers in Ossimi rams under both hot and mild climatic conditions. The current study was conducted on selected 46 ram samples divided into two groups during summer and winter. Semen analysis, testosterone (TES), cortisol (COR) and blood glucose (BG) levels, and lipid and protein profiles were done. Concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP‐3), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and specific activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. The results in summer compared to winter revealed significant elevation of total defects and number of dead sperms; however, there was reduction in sperm total motility and concentration and external epididymal tail duct diameter. Histological study of epididymal tail lumen exhibited azoospermia. Further, TES, TIMP‐3 and GSH levels were decreased and COR, TNF‐α, NO and MDA were raised. Specific activities of GPx and SOD were also declined. Additionally, there was a significant increase in concentrations of BG and lipid profiles except high‐density lipoprotein. Our data concluded that there were new insights into TNF‐α and TIMP‐3 as biomarkers can be used in diagnosis of sheep suffering from HS, but further studies are recommended to do in future work about such aspect.
Statistical Inference on Tree Swallow Migrations with Random Forests
Authors: Coleman Tim , Mentch Lucas , Fink Daniel , La Sorte Frank A. , Winkler David W. , Hooker Giles , Hochachka Wesley M.
Published: May 2020

Bird species’ migratory patterns have typically been studied through individual observations and historical records. In recent years, the eBird citizen science project, which solicits observations from thousands of bird watchers around the world, has opened the door for a data-driven approach to understanding the large-scale geographical movements. Here, we focus on the North American tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) occurrence patterns throughout the eastern USA. Migratory departure dates for this species are widely believed by both ornithologists and casual observers to vary substantially across years, but the reasons for this are largely unknown. In this work, we present evidence that maximum daily temperature is predictive of tree swallow occurrence. Because it is generally understood that species occurrence is a function of many complex, high order interactions between ecological covariates, we utilize the flexible modelling approach that is offered by random forests. Making use of recent asymptotic results, we provide formal hypothesis tests for predictive significance of various covariates and also develop and implement a permutation-based approach for formally assessing interannual variations by treating the prediction surfaces that are generated by random forests as functional data. Each of these tests suggest that maximum daily temperature is important in predicting migration patterns.
A Pragmatic Logic for Expressivism
Authors: Dalla Pozza Carlo , Garola Claudio , Negro Antonio , Sergio Davide
Published: May 2020

This article aims to show that the incompatibility between the application of logic to norms and values and the expressive conception of these notions – basically summed up by the Frege–Geach problem – can be overcome. To this end, a logic is constructed for the expressive conception of norms and values which provides a solution to the Frege–Geach problem and is not affected by the limitations that occur in some previous attempts. More specifically, a pragmatic language LP is introduced which is an extension of the language L of standard propositional logic, obtained by adding two categories of logical‐pragmatic signs to the vocabulary of L: the signs of pragmatic mood (, , , standing for assertion, obligation and approval, respectively) and the pragmatic connectives (∼, ∩, ∪, ⊃, ≡, standing for pragmatic negation, conjunction, disjunction, implication and bi‐implication, respectively). The notions of pragmatic validity, consistency (satisfiability), compatibility, equivalence and inference are then defined, and some criteria of pragmatic validity are given. It is thus possible to carry out in LP inferences on norms and values expressively understood, adequately formalizing Geach's problematic inferences.
Successful treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus sternal osteomyelitis with isavuconazole in a heart transplant recipient
Authors: Assaf Ady , Faure Emmanuel , Sermet Kevin , Loridant Severine , Leroy Jordan , Goeminne Celine , Dozier Aurelie , Chopin Marie‐Charlotte , Panaget Sophie , Faure Karine , Vuotto Fanny
Published: May 2020

A 65‐year‐old man was diagnosed with an invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infection with sternal osteomyelitis 4 months after heart transplantation. Unfortunately, after 8 weeks patient developed severe cutaneous and neurological toxicities induced by voriconazole leading to drug discontinuation. Therefore, isavuconazole was chosen as second‐line therapy. The patient presented a favorable outcome and tolerance was excellent after ten months monotherapy. Here, we report for a first time, an successful isavuconazole‐based treatment of sternal osteomyelitis aspergillosis in a cardiac recipient.
Epidemiology, management, and graft outcomes after West Nile virus encephalitis in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Aziz Fahad , Saddler Christopher , Jorgenson Margaret , Smith Jeannina , Mandelbrot Didier
Published: May 2020

Background

Minimal data exist describing the epidemiology, management, and long‐term graft outcomes after West Nile viral disease in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

Methods

Single‐center observational cohort study of patients who received a kidney transplant between 1/1/1994 and 12/31/2018 and developed WNV at any time point after transplantation.

Results

During the 24‐year study period, 11 patients had documented WNV infection. Seven patients were recipients of a kidney transplant alone, and four had a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant. The mean age at the time of transplant was 44.7 ± 17.1 years, and the mean age at the time of WNV infection was 48 ± 17.2 years. All patients received lymphocyte depleting induction at transplant (alemtuzumab (n = 2), OKT3 (n = 1), or anti‐thymocyte globulin (n = 8)). The mean time from transplant to WNV infection was 3.4 ± 5.4 years, and none was suspected of having a donor‐derived infection. Three patients were treated for rejection in the 6 months before infection. The most common presenting symptom was altered mental status (n = 7), followed by a combination of fever and headache (n = 4). All patients had detectable serum WNV IgM antibodies at the time of diagnosis. All patients had a reduction in their immunosuppression and received supportive care; only two patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulins. Nine patients recovered with no residual deficit; however, two suffered permanent neurologic damage. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate drop at 1 year after the infection was 8.4 ± 13 mL/min/1.73 m2. Three patients suffered acute rejection within 1 year after the infection episode, likely attributable to aggressive immunosuppressive reduction. The mean follow‐up after the infection was 5.1 ± 4.3 years. At last follow‐up, two patients lost their kidney allograft, and five patients died. None of the graft losses or deaths occurred within a year of the WNV or were directly attributable to WNV.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with WNV infection after KTR recovered fully with supportive care and immunosuppressive adjustment without residual neurologic sequelae. Additionally, WNV infection was associated with relatively small reductions in eGFR at 1 year.
Nicotine exposure increases markers of oxidant stress in stored red blood cells from healthy donor volunteers
Authors: Stefanoni Davide , Fu Xiaoyun , Reisz Julie A. , Kanias Tamir , Nemkov Travis , Page Grier P. , Dumont Larry , Roubinian Nareg , Stone Mars , Kleinman Steve , Busch Michael , Zimring James C. , D'Alessandro Angelo ,   for the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS III)
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoking is a frequent habit across blood donors (approx. 13% of the donor population), that could compound biologic factors and exacerbate oxidant stress to stored red blood cells (RBCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

As part of the REDS‐III RBC‐Omics (Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study III Red Blood Cell‐Omics) study, a total of 599 samples were sterilely drawn from RBC units stored under blood bank conditions at Storage Days 10, 23, and 42 days, before testing for hemolysis parameters and metabolomics. Quantitative measurements of nicotine and its metabolites cotinine and cotinine oxide were performed against deuterium‐labeled internal standards.

RESULTS

Donors whose blood cotinine levels exceeded 10 ng/mL (14% of the tested donors) were characterized by higher levels of early glycolytic intermediates, pentose phosphate pathway metabolites, and pyruvate‐to‐lactate ratios, all markers of increased basal oxidant stress. Consistently, increased glutathionylation of oxidized triose sugars and lipid aldehydes was observed in RBCs donated by nicotine‐exposed donors, which were also characterized by increased fatty acid desaturation, purine salvage, and methionine oxidation and consumption via pathways involved in oxidative stress‐triggered protein damage‐repair mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

RBCs from donors with high levels of nicotine exposure are characterized by increases in basal oxidant stress and decreases in osmotic hemolysis. These findings indicate the need for future clinical studies aimed at addressing the impact of smoking and other sources of nicotine (e.g., nicotine patches, snuff, vaping, secondhand tobacco smoke) on RBC storage quality and transfusion efficacy.
Conjunctival staining with lissamine green as a predictor of tear film deficiency in dogs
Authors: Smith Sara M. , Holt Elaine , Aguirre Gustavo D.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate a grading scheme for conjunctival staining patterns with lissamine green ocular dye in the diagnosis of tear film deficiencies in dogs.

Procedures

Client‐owned and research colony dogs were enrolled in a prospective study between February and October 2018 in which slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, Schirmer tear test (STT), tear film breakup time (TFBUT), conjunctival lissamine green staining (LGS), and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement were performed in both eyes of all dogs. Lissamine green staining of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva was graded from 0‐3, with a higher grade corresponding to an increased stain intensity.

Results

Fifty‐four dogs (107 eyes), comprising 31 males and 23 females with a mean age of 5.0 ± 3.9 years (range 0.5‐14.3), were enrolled in the study. STT was <15 mm/min in 21 eyes and ≥15 mm/min in 86 eyes. Lissamine green staining grade for eyes with a STT of <15 mm/min (2.0 ± 0.9) was significantly higher than for eyes with a STT ≥15 mm/min (0.2 ± 0.7) (P < .001). TFBUT for eyes with a STT <15 mm/min (6.5 ± 4.4 seconds) was significantly shorter than for eyes with a STT ≥ 15 mm/min (16.1 ± 3.6 seconds) (P < .001). As LGS grade increased, both STT (P < .001) and TFBUT (P < .001) significantly decreased.

Conclusions

A higher LGS grade was significantly associated with a lower STT and more rapid TFBUT in dogs. Lissamine green ocular dye can be considered as an adjunctive diagnostic test when evaluating tear film deficiency in dogs.
Novel hybrid genes and a splice site mutation encoding the Sta antigen among Japanese blood donors
Authors: Watanabe‐Okochi Naoko , Tsuneyama Hatsue , Isa Kazumi , Sasaki Kana , Suzuki Yumi , Yabe Ryuichi , Tsuno Nelson‐Hirokazu , Nakajima Kazunori , Ogasawara Kenichi , Uchikawa Makoto
Published: May 2020

Background

The low‐incidence antigen Sta of the MNS system is usually associated with the GP(B‐A) hybrid molecule, which carries the ‘N’ antigen at the N terminus. The GP(A‐A) molecule with trypsin‐resistant M antigen has been found in a few St(a+) individuals.

Materials and Methods

Among Japanese blood donors, we screened 24 292 individuals for the presence of St(a+) with trypsin‐resistant ‘N’ antigen and 193 009 individuals for the presence of St(a+) with trypsin‐resistant M antigen. The breakpoints responsible for the Sta antigen were analysed by sequencing the genomic DNAs.

Results

A total of 1001 (4·1%) individuals were identified as St(a+) with trypsin‐resistant ‘N’ antigen. Out of 1001 individuals, 115 were selected randomly for sequencing. Two novel GYP*Sch (GYP*401) variants with new intron 3 breakpoints of GYPA were detected in three cases. Twenty‐five (0·013%) individuals were identified as St(a+) with trypsin‐resistant M antigen. Five individuals had the GYP(A‐ψB‐A) hybrid allele; two of these five individuals were GYP*Zan (GYP*101.01), and the remaining three had a novel GYP(A‐ψB‐A) allele with the first breakpoint in GYPA exon A3 between c.178 and c.203. Nine individuals had a novel GYP(A‐E‐A) allele with GYPE exon E2 and pseudoexon E3 instead of GYPA exon A2 and A3. The 11 remaining individuals had a novel GYP(A‐A) allele with a 9‐bp deletion that included the donor splice site of intron 3 of GYPA.

Conclusion

Our finding on diversity of glycophorin genes responsible for Sta antigen provides evidence for further complexity in the MNS system.
A computed tomographic graphical approach to guide correction of femoral torsion
Authors: Eby Adam , Bleedorn Jason
Published: May 2020

Objective

To report geometric methods to assess femoral transverse bone morphology and develop a virtual method to guide the surgical correction of femoral torsional deformities.

Study design

Observational study.

Sample population

Sixteen client‐owned dogs comprising 14 normal femurs and 14 femurs with angulation‐rotation bone deformities.

Methods

Femoral torsion angle was measured with computed tomographic (CT) three‐dimensional (3D) multiplanar reconstruction. Distal femoral transverse morphology was estimated with geometric methods and compared to direct measurements to span a target 20° angle on 3D reconstructions. A virtual correction of 20° was performed, and 3D‐printed bone models were created. Femoral torsion of corrected bone models was compared to precorrection.

Results

Geometric estimates with an arc and chord of the metaphyseal area and chord of a best fit circle did not differ from direct measurement of femoral cortical length along the cranial cortex. Femoral torsion differed between normal femurs (25.8° ± 6°) and those with deformity (36.9° ± 8.4°, P < .001). Torsion that was measured on corrected 3D bone models did not differ from the expected torsion (preoperative +20°).

Conclusion

Geometric methods provided an accurate estimate of distal femoral transverse bone morphology. Rotation of the distal femur based on geometric methods resulted in an accurate correction of torsion.

Clinical significance

Femoral bone diameter can be measured on a CT cross‐section, and rotation distance can be calculated to achieve a desired correction of torsion. This approach provides a simple and accurate method to guide the correction of femoral torsion.
Use of a bipolar sealing device to seal partial cystectomy with and without augmentation with a single‐layer simple continuous suture pattern in an ex vivo canine model
Authors: Scharf Valery F. , Milovancev Milan , Townsend Katy L. , Luff Jennifer A.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate the ability of a bipolar sealing device (BSD) to seal canine bladder tissue and to determine the influence of suture augmentation on resistance to leakage of sealed partial cystectomies.

Study design

Ex vivo, simple randomized study.

Sample population

Urinary bladders harvested from canine cadavers (n = 23).

Methods

Partial cystectomy of the cranial third of each bladder was performed with a BSD. This seal was augmented with a simple continuous pattern of 4‐0 polydioxanone in half of the specimens. A pressure transducer inserted through the ureter measured intraluminal pressure at initial leakage and catastrophic failure as dyed saline was infused via a catheter inserted through the urethra. Initial leakage pressure and pressure at catastrophic failure were compared between sutured and nonsutured sealed partial cystectomies.

Results

Sutured sealed cystectomies showed initial leakage at lower pressures compared to non‐sutured cystectomies (8.6 vs. 17.7 mm Hg; P = .0365) but were able to sustain greater pressures at catastrophic failure (34.3 vs. 21.8 mm Hg; P = .007). Catastrophic failure occurred along the seam of all nonsutured sealed cystectomies and at the suture holes in 10 of the 12 sutured bladders.

Conclusion

Partial cystectomies were effectively sealed with a BSD in this canine cadaveric bladder model. Augmentation with a simple continuous suture pattern increased the pressure at which catastrophic leakage occurred but lowered initial leak pressure.

Clinical significance

This study provides evidence supporting the evaluation of BSD use for partial cystectomy in live animals.
Epidemiological investigation of vascular etiological examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of lower‐extremity ulcers in China
Authors: Dong Jiaoyun , Tian Ming , Song Fei , Tang Jiajun , Liu Yingkai , Wu Minjie , Li Jian , Zhou Jingqi , Huang Lifang , Dong Wei , Lu Shuliang
Published: May 2020

The vascular causes of lower‐extremity ulcers cannot be neglected because they can directly affect treatment methods. No detailed epidemiological statistics have described vascular etiological diagnosis in China. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of clinical vascular etiological examination of lower‐extremity ulcers and improve the diagnosis and treatment effectiveness of lower‐extremity ulcers. Data were collected from the WoundCareLog database, which includes 2413 cases of lower‐extremity ulcers from 478 hospitals nationwide. Data analysis revealed that 1698 (70.4%) lower‐extremity blood flow examinations (including physical examination [PE] and assistant examinations [AE]) were performed, of which 61.7% were PE, 10.4% were AE only, and 27.9% were the combined PE and AE[PAE]. The proportion of nonexaminations was higher in the nondiabetic group than in the diabetic group (χ2 = 34.5; P < .01). The positive rates of vascular etiological examination in the diabetic and nondiabetic groups were 69.7% and 70.7%, respectively. Among the four economic regions of China, there were statistically significant differences in the use of the different examination methods. The examination of vascular diseases in lower‐extremity ulcers in China has not been fully popularized and requires improvement; there was no statistically significant difference between examination rates by doctors and nurses, which is mainly based on PE. However, PE has certain rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. The false‐positive and false‐negative rates were 25.7% and 57.6%, respectively. The use of an AE can compensate for this deficiency by making diagnosis more precise, while the quantitative diagnostic criteria allow disease diagnosis to transcend geographical and operator differences and maximize uniformity. The vascular B‐ultrasound examination is more suitable for the medical environment in China because of its mature technology, high hospital penetration rate, and low cost.
The eye in extreme environments
Authors: Jaki Mekjavic Polona , Tipton Michael J. , Mekjavic Igor B
Published: May 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review describes the effect of extreme environments on the visual system.

What advances does it highlight?

The review highlights the way in which environmental stressors affect the eye and vision, both directly and indirectly.

Much is known about the physiology and anatomy of the eye. Much less is known about the impact of different environments on the eye, and yet it is the pathophysiology that results from this interaction that is often the precursor to disaster. The present review focuses on the effect of different extreme environments on the visual system; in particular, the way in which such environments affect the sensory mechanism of that system.
The death-inducing activity of RIPK1 is regulated by the pH environment
Authors: Moriwaki Kenta , Balaji Sakthi , Ka-Ming Chan Francis
Published: May 2020

Low extracellular pH suppresses RIPK1-dependent cell death.
Genome Sequencing and Analysis of the Fungal Symbiont of Sirex noctilio, Amylostereum areolatum: Revealing the Biology of Fungus-Insect Mutualism
Authors: Fu Ningning , Wang Ming , Wang Lixiang , Luo Youqing , Ren Lili
Published: May 2020

Sirex noctilio
(F.), together with
Amylostereum areolatum
, a wood-decaying symbiotic fungus, causes severe damage to
Pinus
species worldwide. In China, it causes extensive death of Mongolian pine (
Pinus sylvestris
var.
mongolica
). There is an obligate dependency mutualism between the woodwasp and its fungus. Studies have suggested that the fungal growth rate affected the size of the wasps: larger adults emerged from sites with a higher fungus growth rate. This genome is the first reported genome sequence of a woodwasp symbiotic fungus. Genome sequence analysis of this fungus would prove the possibility of
A. areolatum
volatiles affecting the host selection of
S. noctilio
on a molecular basis. We further clarified that
A. areolatum
was a strict obligate symbiotic fungus and that it would provide
S. noctilio
with a suitable environment and with nutrients for the larval growth. These results would lay a foundation for our understanding of the mechanism of this entomogenous symbiosis.