bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nemo militans Deo implicat se saecularia negotia: Carolingian interpretations of II Timothy II.4
Authors: Heydemann Gerda
Published: January 2021

In II Timothy II.4, the apostle Paul forbids the servant of God to involve himself in saecularia negotia. While traditionally understood as a reference to commercial activities, for Carolingian thinkers the verse became a way to reflect on the political engagement of prelates and the relationship between religious and secular duties carried out by ecclesiastical office‐holders. This article traces the changing significance of II Timothy II.4 in the first half of the ninth century, as councils and exegetes grappled with the question of whether there was a ‘neutral’ secular beyond the saecularia negotia prohibited by Paul?
Heads up! Variation in the vigilance of foraging chipmunks in response to experimental manipulation of perceived risk
Authors: McWaters Shannon R. , Pangle Wiline M.
Published: January 2021

Vigilance is a behavior in which an organism is gaining information about its environment, often used for predator detection. Vigilance is influenced by the risk that an organism perceives. Animals may vary their use of vigilance behaviors by modifying not only the percent time they dedicate to vigilance, but also the duration of vigilance bouts, rate of vigilance bouts, and type of vigilance posture. Assuming these different vigilance tactics come at different costs to the individual, different sources of perceived risk should elicit specific vigilance strategies. Here, we experimentally altered the sight lines of foraging Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus). We carried out our field work in three locations in Michigan that vary from low (an island site) to high predator pressure. Our results show that chipmunks respond to changes in their immediate microhabitat by altering the rate of vigilance, regardless of predator density. On the other hand, chipmunks at sites with lower predator densities spend less time vigilant when compared to sites with higher predator densities and they utilize vigilance postures that decrease vigilance but do not completely halt feeding. Further research should aim to quantify costs and benefits of vigilance postures and strategies to further our understanding of how individuals balance the trade‐off between mortality and energy gain.
Standing genetic variation in laboratory populations of insecticide‐susceptible Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) for the evolution of resistance
Authors: Denlinger David S. , Hudson Spencer B. , Keweshan Nadya S. , Gompert Zachariah , Bernhardt Scott A.
Published: January 2021

Insecticides can exert strong selection on insect pest species, including those that vector diseases, and have led to rapid evolution of resistance. Despite such rapid evolution, relatively little is known about standing genetic variation for resistance in insecticide‐susceptible populations of many species. To help fill this knowledge gap, we generated genotyping‐by‐sequencing data from insecticide‐susceptible Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies that survived or died from a sub‐diagnostic exposure to either permethrin or malathion using a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassay. Multi‐locus genome‐wide association mapping methods were used to quantify standing genetic variation for insecticide resistance in these populations and to identify specific alleles associated with insecticide survival. For each insecticide treatment, we estimated the proportion of the variation in survival explained by the genetic data (i.e., “chip” heritability) and the number and contribution of individual loci with measurable effects. For all treatments, survival to an insecticide exposure was heritable with a polygenic architecture. Both P. papatasi and L. longipalpis had alleles for survival that resided within many genes throughout their genomes. The implications for resistance conferred by many alleles, as well as inferences made about the utility of laboratory insecticide resistance association studies compared to field observations, are discussed.
Oxygen regulation of TET enzymes
Authors: Matuleviciute Rugile , Cunha Pedro P. , Johnson Randall S. , Foskolou Iosifina P.
Published: January 2021

Hypoxia has a significant impact on many physiological and pathological processes. Over the recent years, its role in modulation of epigenetic remodelling has also become clearer. In cancer, low oxygen environments and aberrant epigenomes often go hand in hand, and changes in DNA methylation are now commonly recognised as potential outcome indicators. TET (ten‐eleven translocation) family enzymes are alpha‐ketoglutarate‐, iron‐ and oxygen‐dependent DNA demethylases and are key players in these processes. Although TETs have historically been considered tumour suppressors, recent studies suggest that their functions in cancer might not be straightforward. Recently, inhibition of TETs has been reported to have positive impact in cancer immunotherapy and vaccination studies. This underlines the current interest in developing targeted pharmaceutical inhibitors of these enzymes. Here, we will survey the complexity of TET roles in cancer, and its hypoxic modulation, as well as highlight the potential of these enzymes as therapeutic targets.
Expression of a constitutively active p38α mutant in mice causes early death, anemia, and accumulation of immunosuppressive cells
Authors: Darlyuk‐Saadon Ilona , Heng Chew Kiat Matthew , Bai Chen , Gilad Nechama , Yu Wei‐Ping , Meng Huang Mok Michelle , Wong W.S. Fred , Engelberg David
Published: January 2021

The MAP kinase p38α is associated with numerous processes in eukaryotes, and its elevated activity is a prominent feature of inflammatory diseases, allergies, and aging. Since p38α is a nodal component of a complex signaling network, it is difficult to reveal exactly how p38α contributes to disparate outcomes. Identification of p38α ‐specific effects requires activation of p38α per se in vivo. We generated a transgenic mouse model that meets this requirement by allowing inducible and reversible expression of an intrinsically active p38α molecule (p38αD176A+F327S). p38α's activation across all murine tissues resulted in a significant loss of body weight and death of about 40% of the mice within 17 weeks of activation, although most tissues were unaffected. Flow cytometric analysis of the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid detected an accumulation of ‘debris’ within the airways, suggesting impaired clearance. It also revealed increased numbers of alternatively activated alveolar macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells within the lung, pointing at suppression and resolution of inflammation. Blood count suggested that mice expressing p38αD176A+F327S suffer from hemolytic anemia. Flow cytometry of bone marrow revealed a reduced number of hematopoietic stem cells and abnormalities in the erythroid lineage. Unexpectedly, p38α's substrate MAPKAPK2, mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐activated protein kinase 2 was downregulated in mice expressing p38αD176A+F327S, suggesting that constitutive activity of p38α may impose pathological phenotypes by downregulating downstream components, perhaps via a feedback inhibition mechanism. In summary, this new mouse model shows that induced p38α activity per se is hazardous to mouse vitality and welfare, although pathological parameters are apparent only in blood count, bone marrow, and lungs.
After the anthropause: Lockdown lessons for more‐than‐human geographies
Authors: Searle Adam , Turnbull Jonathon , Lorimer Jamie
Published: January 2021

The drastic reductions in human activities and mobilities associated with quarantines implemented to curb the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 was recently described as “the anthropause” by Christian Rutz and colleagues. Field scientists argue that the anthropause is a once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity for observation and data collection in a world devoid of anthropogenic disturbances, notably those from extractive industries and travel. In this commentary, we unpack the anthropause as a spatio‐temporal event, attending to its geographies, histories, and genealogies. There are multiple precursors of anthropause events which have locally altered human impacts on the environment. We document the ways in which the COVID‐19 anthropause has brought into focus human–animal relations through an analysis of the practices of scientists, publics, and nonhuman animals themselves. Following Arundhati Roy, we conclude by advancing an understanding of the pandemic as a “portal” rather than a pause, identifying lockdown lessons from the anthropause for a post‐pandemic new normality.
Surface roughness of acrylic resins used for denture base after chemical disinfection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Costa Rayanna Thayse Florêncio , Pellizzer Eduardo Piza , Vasconcelos Belmiro Cavalcanti do Egito , Gomes Jéssica Marcela Luna , Lemos Cleidiel Aparecido Araújo , de Moraes Sandra Lúcia Dantas
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the surface roughness of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for denture bases, disinfected with different chemical agents and analyse the outcomes of the included studies.

Background

Various chemical disinfection protocols to clean the removable dental prosthesis are reported in the literature, however systematic reviews analysing the outcomes in the surface roughness of the PMMA are lacking.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used to structure this systematic review. The inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical trials, in vitro studies, studies in English and studies comparing the effects of chemical disinfection products on the surface roughness of PMMA. An electronic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science.; we also conducted a manual search for articles published in specific journals of dental prostheses and dental materials.

Results

Thirteen in vitro studies in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. According to the meta‐analysis, the effects of 0.5% (P = .32; MD: 0.06; CI: −0.05 to 0.17; heterogeneity: P < .00001; I2 = 92%) and 1% NaOCl solutions (P = .27; MD: 0.01; CI: −0.01. to 0.03; heterogeneity: P = .03; I2 = 55%) did not statistically differ between the groups studied. Effects of alkaline peroxide were statistically significant (P = .0009; MD: 0.01; CI: 0.01‐0.02; heterogeneity: P = .004; I2 = 65%), suggesting that it promotes deterioration of the PMMA surface.

Conclusion

The alkaline peroxide, when used as a disinfectant, generated changes on the surface roughness of PMMA and should be used with caution; however, NaOCl, even at different concentrations, caused fewer changes on the surface of the denture base.
Purification of stevia extract by chitosan precipitation and reversed‐phase chromatography
Authors: Zhang Menglei , Hua Xiao , Liu Yaxian , Wang Zijie , Wang Mingming , Yang Ruijin
Published: January 2021

To improve the shortness of the current purification technology of steviol glycosides (SG) extract, a two‐step purification procedure consisting of chitosan precipitation and reversed‐phase chromatography (RPC) was investigated. The impurity‐to‐SG ratio in the SG extract obtained from non‐destructive soaking was 5:1 ~ 6:1. It was found that 80.90% of the impurities could be removed by RPC using 20% (v/v) ethanol solution as the eluent with a high SG recovery of 96.98%. When 25% ethanol was applied, the SG recovery was reduced to 71.23%. An adsorption test using D280 anionic resin suggested that the impurities were negatively charged; thus, chitosan was used to co‐precipitate the impurities. An optimal decolourisation result of ~ 70% was obtained at 0.06 g·g−1 (w/w, to solids in extract) chitosan addition, shaking at 28 °C for 1 h. Afterwards, the extract was further purified by RPC. The total removal rate of impurities was increased to 91.20%, and the SG recovery was 85.15%.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the inhibition of reproduction in rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, after silencing the gene of MagR (IscA1)
Authors: Liu X. , Chen G. , He J. , Wan G. , Shen D. , Xia A. , Chen F.
Published: January 2021

MagR (IscA1) is a member of the iron–sulphur cluster assembly proteins, which plays vital roles in many physiological processes, such as energy metabolism, electron transfer, iron homeostasis, heme biosynthesis and physiologically magnetic response. Its deletion leads to the loss of mitochondrial DNA, inactivation of iron–sulphur proteins and abnormal embryonic development in organisms. However, the physiological roles of MagR in insects are unclear. This study characterized the effects and molecular regulatory mechanism of MagR gene silencing on the reproduction of brachypterous female adults of Nilaparvata lugens. After silencing the MagR gene using RNAi approach, the duration of reproductive period was shortened and the fecundity and hatchability reduced significantly. A total of 479 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for female adults after 2 days of dsRNA injection through RNA‐sequencing technology, including 352 significantly upregulated DEGs and 127 significantly downregulated DEGs, among which 44 DEGs were considered the key genes involved in the effects of NlMagR silencing on the reproduction, revealing the regulatory mechanism of MagR at RNA transcription level and providing a new strategy for the control of N. lugens.
The cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase from Trypanosoma cruzi induces a pro‐inflammatory Th1 immune response in a peroxidatic cysteine‐dependent manner
Authors: López Lucía , Chiribao María Laura , Girard Magalí C. , Gómez Karina A. , Carasi Paula , Fernandez Marisa , Hernandez Yolanda , Robello Carlos , Freire Teresa , Piñeyro María Dolores
Published: January 2021

Trypanosoma cruzi cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase (c‐TXNPx) is a 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) with an important role in detoxifying host cell oxidative molecules during parasite infection. c‐TXNPx is a virulence factor, as its overexpression enhances parasite infectivity and resistance to exogenous oxidation. As Prxs from other organisms possess immunomodulatory properties, we studied the effects of c‐TXNPx in the immune response and analysed whether the presence of the peroxidatic cysteine is necessary to mediate these properties. To this end, we used a recombinant c‐TXNPx and a mutant version (c‐TXNPxC52S) lacking the peroxidatic cysteine. We first analysed the oligomerization profile, oxidation state and peroxidase activity of both proteins by gel filtration, Western blot and enzymatic assay, respectively. To investigate their immunological properties, we analysed the phenotype and functional activity of macrophage and dendritic cells and the T‐cell response by flow cytometry after injection into mice. Our results show that c‐TXNPx, but not c‐TXNPxC52S, induces the recruitment of IL‐12/23p40‐producing innate antigen‐presenting cells and promotes a strong specific Th1 immune response. Finally, we studied the cellular and humoral immune response developed in the context of parasite natural infection and found that only wild‐type c‐TXNPx induces proliferation and high levels of IFN‐γ secretion in PBMC from chronic patients without demonstrable cardiac manifestations. In conclusion, we demonstrate that c‐TXNPx possesses pro‐inflammatory properties that depend on the presence of peroxidatic cysteine that is essential for peroxidase activity and quaternary structure of the protein and could contribute to rational design of immune‐based strategies against Chagas disease.
Plastid introgression and evolution of African miombo woodlands: New insights from the plastome‐based phylogeny of Brachystegia trees
Authors: Boom Arthur F. , Migliore Jérémy , Kaymak Esra , Meerts Pierre , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Miombo woodlands form a characteristic vegetation type covering 2.7 million km2 in southern and eastern Africa. Despite their wide geographical extent, their origin, floristic and spatial evolution through time remain understudied. To fill this gap, we studied the evolution of Brachystegia trees, one of the most representative genera of these woodlands (20 species), also represented in Guineo‐Congolian rain forests (8 species).

Location

Tropical Africa, Guineo‐Congolian forests and Zambezian savannas.

Taxon

Brachystegia genus.

Methods

We used a genome skimming approach to sequence the plastomes of 45 Brachystegia samples, covering 25 of the 29 existing species, and one outgroup (Julbernardia paniculata). The phylogeny of the plastomes was reconstructed and time‐calibrated. We tested if the genetic divergence between lineages reflected taxonomic and/or geographical distances using Mantel tests. Finally, we inferred the evolutionary history of Brachystegia based on the age and spatial distribution of its lineages.

Results

Surprisingly, species represented by multiple specimens appear rarely monophyletic while plastid clades display strong geographical structuring, independently of the species. Two main clades separate woodland and rain forest species, which diverged during the late Miocene–Pliocene (95% HPD = 2.78–8.59 Ma). In miombo woodlands, three subclades occur in parapatry along an East–West axis, ranging from Angola to East Africa. Their divergence started from the Plio‐Pleistocene (95% HPD = 1.17–3.69 Ma). Divergence dates (TMRCA) within miombo subclades decrease from East Africa (1.53 Ma) to Angola (0.76 Ma).

Main conclusions

Brachystegia plastomes appear unreliable to identify species, probably due to species introgression leading to recurrent chloroplast captures. However, they prove very informative for tracking the past dynamics of the genus, and suggest a historical westwards expansion of miombo Brachystegia, and possibly of miombo vegetation, during the Plio‐Pleistocene. Further investigations using nuclear DNA are needed to assess the species tree as well as speciation and hybridization events between species.
Up‐regulation of TβRIII facilitates the osteogenesis of supraspinous ligament‐derived fibroblasts from patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Wu‐gui , Yang Si‐zhen , Qiu Hao , Hu Xu , Qiu Yi‐yun , Wen Xuan , Zhou Yue , Chu Tong‐wei
Published: January 2021

Spinal supraspinous ligament (SL) osteogenesis is the key risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with an unclear pathogenesis. We previously found that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), bone morphogenetic proteins (eg BMP2) and type III TGF‐β1 receptor (TβRIII) expression were markedly up‐regulated in AS‐SLs. However, the roles of these closely related molecules in AS are unknown. Here, we showed that BMP2, TGF‐β1, TβRIII and S100A4 (a fibroblast marker) were abundant in active osteogenic AS‐SL tissues. In vitro, AS‐SL fibroblasts (AS‐SLFs) showed high BMP2, TGF‐β1 and TβRIII expression and auto‐osteogenic capacity. We further evaluated the role of TβRIII in the osteogenesis of normal SLFs. BMP2 combined with TGF‐β1 induced the osteogenesis of TβRIII‐overexpressing SLFs, but the activity was lost in SLFs upon TβRIII knockdown. Moreover, our data suggested that BMP2 combined with TGF‐β1 significantly activated both TGF‐β1/Smad signalling and BMP2/Smad/RUNX2 signalling to induce osteogenesis of SLFs with TβRIII up‐regulation. Furthermore, our multi‐strategy molecular interaction analysis approach indicated that TGF‐β1 presented BMP2 to TβRIII, sequentially facilitating BMP2 recognition by BMPR1A and promoting the osteogenesis of TβRIII‐overexpressing SLFs. Collectively, our results indicate that TGF‐β1 combined with BMP2 may participate in the osteogenic differentiation of AS‐SLF by acting on up‐regulated TβRIII, resulting in excessive activation of both TGF‐β1/Smad and BMP2/BMPR1A/Smad/RUNX2 signalling.
Quality in orthodontics: The role of customized appliances
Authors: Grauer Dan
Published: January 2021

Orthodontics as well as dentistry are undergoing a technological revolution with advances in medical imaging, 3D printing and customization of appliances and devices. Digital orthodontics can be defined as the process of manufacturing customized appliances based on a target setup which incorporates tooth positioning in six‐degrees‐of‐freedom. Three‐dimensional medical imaging provides better diagnostic tools and allows for fabrication of orthodontic appliances based on the coordinates system of the occlusal plane within the facial anatomy. This article describes the state‐of‐the‐art in goal‐driven orthodontic treatment, warns against the commercialization of our profession, and highlights the advantages of lingual orthodontics in terms of protection of the enamel.
Physiology, endocrinology and chemical communication in aggressive behaviour of fishes
Authors: da Silva Melina Coelho , Canário Adelino Vicente Mendonça , Hubbard Peter Colin , Gonçalves David Manuel Flores
Published: January 2021

Fishes show remarkably diverse aggressive behaviour. Aggression is expressed to secure resources; adjusting aggression levels according to context is key to avoid negative consequences for fitness and survival. Nonetheless, despite its importance, the physiological basis of aggression in fishes is still poorly understood. Several reports suggest hormonal modulation of aggression, particularly by androgens, but contradictory studies have been published. Studies exploring the role of chemical communication in aggressive behaviour are also scant, and the pheromones involved remain to be unequivocally characterized. This is surprising as chemical communication is the most ancient form of information exchange and plays a variety of other roles in fishes. Furthermore, the study of chemical communication and aggression is relevant at the evolutionary, ecological and economic levels. A few pioneering studies support the hypothesis that aggressive behaviour, at least in some teleosts, is modulated by “dominance pheromones” that reflect the social status of the sender, but there is little information on the identity of the compounds involved. This review aims to provide a global view of aggressive behaviour in fishes and its underlying physiological mechanisms including the involvement of chemical communication, and discusses the potential use of dominance pheromones to improve fish welfare. Methodological considerations and future research directions are also outlined.
Implications of comparative ventral body wall histology on selection of abdominal surgical approach and closure in 12 species of fish
Authors: Mones Alissa B. , Harms Craig A. , Stoskopf Michael K.
Published: January 2021

A ventral midline surgical approach for fish celiotomy is commonly performed in veterinary clinical medicine and research, although the relevant ventral body wall anatomy of many fish species is not well documented. Histological evaluation of tissue samples from the ventral body wall of 12 fish species was performed to provide a reference for surgical approach and closure decisions. The width between muscle bundles running parallel to the long axis and total thickness of tissue layers varied among species. An appreciable space between longitudinal muscles of the ventral body wall and a lack of muscle, vessels and nerves on midline in all species examined supports recommendations of ventral midline incisions to spare important structures. Dense connective tissue consistent with an aponeurosis between musculature along the ventral body wall was not observed in any species evaluated. Connective tissue was concentrated within the dermis of all species evaluated, with an additional layer of collagen along the coelomic membrane in Russian sturgeonAcipenser gueldenstaedtii, koiCyprinus carpio, goldfishCarassius auratus, black drumPogonias cromis, black seabassCentropristis striata, tomtateHaemulon aurolineatumand scupStenotomus caprinus. A sufficiently wide space on ventral midline for practical targeting during the surgical approach is present inA. gueldenstaedtii,C. carpio, striped bassMorone saxatilis,H. aurolineatum,P. cromis, rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissand brown troutSalmo trutta. Sand perchDiplectrum formosum,C. auratus,S. caprinus, grey triggerfishBalistes capriscusand black sea bassCentropristis striatahave a negligible space between longitudinal muscles on midline. The variation in ventral body wall structure observed in this study helps inform surgical decision making for celiotomy incision and closure in these species.
How long do people wait before seeking couples therapy? A research note
Authors: Doherty William J. , Harris Steven M. , Hall Eugene L. , Hubbard Aimee K.
Published: January 2021

A widely cited but poorly supported idea in the couples therapy field is that the average couple waits six years before starting therapy for serious relationship problems. This figure is often accompanied by the notion that many couples come “too late” and have poor prospects for recovery. This is the first large‐sample study on the delay between the onset of serious marital problems and entry into couples therapy (N = 270) and individual therapy (N = 101) for relationship problems. We found an average interval of 2.68 years from onset of problems and entering couples therapy, with the great majority of couples entering therapy within two years. Findings were similar for seeking individual therapy for relationship problems. The main clinical implication is that therapists have little reason to be pessimistic about the majority of couples waiting so long before starting therapy that their problems are not resolvable.
Clinical characteristics and management of patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Yi Shuijing , Jiang Jianfa
Published: January 2021

Aim

To analyze the clinical characteristics and management of patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 17 patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis admitted to the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between June 2007 and December 2019.

Results

The median age at surgery was 23 years. The most common presenting complaint was infertility. Seven (41.2%) patients were misdiagnosed previously. The obstruction was complete in five patients. All 17 patients underwent vaginoplasty, in which seven adolescent girls underwent vaginoscopic vaginal septum resections. Eight patients underwent hysteroscopic resections of the uterine septum for infertility or spontaneous miscarriage. Laparoscopy was performed in seven patients for specific indications, and only one patient was found to have pelvic endometriosis during the laparoscopy. During the follow‐up, seven patients wished to conceive, and there were five living infants (four cesarean deliveries at term and one preterm vaginal delivery).

Conclusion

Complete septate uterus with double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis is an variant of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome. Consequently, healthcare providers should be aware of this potential variant.
Migration flows by educational attainment: Disentangling the heterogeneous role of push and pull factors
Authors: Piras Romano
Published: January 2021

This paper analyzes the determining factors of South to Center‐North migration flows in Italy for five different educational groups. We find strong support for the paramount role of total and education‐specific migration networks. Furthermore, we unveil an inverse relationship between the magnitude of the response of migration flows by educational level and the regional endowment of human capital. More generally, it emerges that once migrants educational attainment is explicitly considered, the reaction of migration flows is highly heterogeneous with respect to the push and pull factors that usually determine them. In the economics of migration literature, these results have not yet been documented.
Response of meat chickens to different sources of arginine in low‐protein diets
Authors: Dao Hiep T. , Sharma Nishchal K. , Bradbury Emma J. , Swick Robert A.
Published: January 2021

Arginine activity in broiler diets can be supplied by L‐arginine (Arg), guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and L‐citrulline (Cit), all of which are commercially available. This study was conducted to assess the effects of Arg source and level on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass parameters. Day‐old Ross 308 cockerels (n = 768) were assigned to one of eight dietary treatments using a completely randomized design: normal protein (NP), low protein deficient in Arg (LP) and LP with two levels of either Arg (0.238% and 0.476%), GAA (0.309% and 0.618%) or Cit (0.238 and 0.476%). The LP was 5 percentage points lower in protein level than the NP. Wheat, sorghum, soya bean meal, canola meal, and meat and bone meal‐based diets were fed over three feeding phases to 6 replicate floor pens with 16 birds each. Compared to NP, birds fed LP had reduced feed intake (FI, p < 0.001), reduced body weight gain (BWG, p < 0.001) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.001) from day 0 to day 35. Additions of Arg or Cit to the LP at both levels resulted in increased BWG and reduced FCR (p < 0.05). Birds fed LP with GAA added had lower FCR (p < 0.05) but not higher BWG (p > 0.05) compared with the LP observed from day 0 to day 35. Supplementation of Arg, Cit and the low level of GAA to LP resulted in increased carcass yield, bone length, diameter and ash (p < 0.05) but did not increase ileal energy or nitrogen digestibility (p > 0.05). The findings indicate that Cit is an efficacious source of Arg activity in Arg‐deficient diets.
Effect of soybean oil content on textural, rheological, and microstructural properties of WBAXs‐SPI emulsion‐filled gels
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yin Lijun , Chen Fusheng , Zhang Penglong , Lv Dingyang , Zhu Tingwei , Duan Xiaojie
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to prepare wheat bran arabinoxylans‐soy protein isolate (WBAXs‐SPI) emulsion‐filled gels with different oil contents and investigate their rheological, textural, water‐holding capacity (WHC), and microstructural properties. The rheological analysis results showed that the maximum correlation interaction occurs when the soybean oil concentration was 10%, and the elastic modulus (G′) reaches the highest value of 13,562 Pa. Interestingly, the WHC and texture change trend of WBAXs‐SPI emulsion‐filled gel were consistent with rheology. Meanwhile, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation indicated that the emulsion‐filled gels formed an interpenetrating polysaccharide‐protein complex network system. Therefore, the filling emulsion performance could be adjusted by changing the concentration of oil droplets as the active filler. This provides the possibility of developing new food materials encapsulating fat‐soluble substances with a low oil rate and more stable structure.
Arts‐based responses to teaching poetry: a literature review of dance and visual arts in poetry education
Authors: Jusslin Sofia , Höglund Heidi
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the use of dance and visual arts in poetry education by systematically reviewing peer‐reviewed articles published on the topic from 2000 to 2019. The review focuses on empirical results in studies concerned with using dance and visual arts in poetry education and implications for poetry pedagogy in research and practice. The review encompasses 21 articles that were analysed thematically. The thematic analysis yielded seven themes: expand and deepen understandings of poetry; break curricular boundaries; interaction and collaboration; personal knowledge, reflection and experience; increase interest, motivation and confidence; challenges, limitations and constraints; and disciplinary knowledge. With research on this topic having increased in the 2010s, the findings show the potentials and challenges of using dance and visual arts in different ways in poetry education. Still, the research field is understudied, and many questions remain unanswered. Consequently, this study concludes with suggestions for future research on arts‐based responses in poetry education. The study adds to the dialogue on poetry education and contributes to raising awareness of the possibilities and challenges of using dance and visual arts in the poetry classroom.
Clinical, neuropsychological and neurophysiological indices and predictors of hepatic encephalopathy (HE)
Authors: Formentin Chiara , Zarantonello Lisa , Mangini Chiara , Frigo Anna C. , Montagnese Sara , Merkel Carlo
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

The occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) marks a significant progression in the natural history of liver disease. The aims of the present study were to: 1) describe a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis in terms of neuropsychological or neurophysiological HE indices, and 2) test if the severity of liver disease and/or any such indices [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES), Scan test, electroencephalography (EEG)] predicted mortality/HE risk in a subgroup of such cohort.

Method

Four hundred and sixty‐one patients with cirrhosis (59 ± 10 years; 345 males) were included; information on previous overt HE episodes was available in 407. Follow‐up information on mortality/HE‐related hospitalization in 134/127 respectively. Information on previous overt HE episodes and both mortality and HE‐related hospitalization over the follow‐up in 124.

Results

Patients with a history of overt HE (60%) had poorer liver function, worse neuropsychiatric indices, higher ammonia levels and higher prevalence of portal‐systemic shunt. The risk of HE‐related hospitalization over the follow‐up was higher in patients with higher MELD score and worse Scan performance. Mortality was higher in those with higher MELD. Among patients without a history of overt HE, those with worse PHES had higher HE risk. Among patients with a history, those with higher MELD, better PHES and worse Scan performance had higher HE risk.

Conclusions

In patients without previous overt HE episodes, neuropsychological and neurophysiological tests predict HE, while in those with previous overt HE episodes, HE development largely depends on the severity of liver dysfunction.
Life course learning experiences and infant feeding practices in rural Rwanda
Authors: Ahishakiye Jeanine , Vaandrager Lenneke , Brouwer Inge D. , Koelen Maria
Published: January 2021

Most studies about infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are often perceived as an individual choice depending on mothers' or caregivers' knowledge or attitudes and are focused on mothers' failure rather than successes in adequately feeding their children. However, the role of life course experiences in IYCF is less investigated. Applying a Salutogenic Model of Health, this study on 14 mothers looks at women's life course learning experiences shaping appropriate IYCF practices during the first year of child's life in a rural district of Rwanda. Transcripts from in‐depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that positive social interaction with parents or grandmothers during childhood such as sharing meals, parental role models for dietary choices and cooking skills gained by participating in household food preparation played a role in shaping appropriate IYCF practices. Negative experiences during childhood also had a positive influence on IYCF practices for some participants by converting life course constraints into learning opportunities. Motherhood increased mothers' sense of responsibility over their children's health and nutrition. Moreover, mothers' participation in community cooking classes and role modelling approach were strong avenues that enabled their learning through positive interactions and encouragement. Nutrition promotion interventions should consider tailoring nutrition advice to the complexity of mothers' life course experiences by creating opportunities for positive learning experiences of appropriate IYCF practices.
Bacterial type VII secretion: An important player in host‐microbe and microbe‐microbe interactions
Authors: Tran Hiu‐Ki R. , Grebenc Dirk W. , Klein Timothy A. , Whitney John C.
Published: January 2021

Type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) are poorly understood protein export apparatuses found in mycobacteria and many species of Gram‐positive bacteria. To date, this pathway has predominantly been studied in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, where it has been shown to play an essential role in virulence; however, much less studied is an evolutionarily divergent subfamily of T7SSs referred to as the T7SSb. The T7SSb is found in the major Gram‐positive phylum Firmicutes where it was recently shown to target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in host‐microbe and microbe‐microbe interactions. In this review, we compare the current understanding of the molecular architectures and substrate repertoires of the well‐studied mycobacterial T7SSa systems to that of recently characterized T7SSb pathways and highlight how these differences may explain the observed biological functions of this understudied protein export machine.
Stage‐specific regulation of purine metabolism during infectious growth and sexual reproduction in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Sun Manli , Bian Zhuyun , Luan Qiaoqiao , Chen Yitong , Wang Wei , Dong Yongrong , Chen Lingfeng , Hao Chaofeng , Xu Jin‐Rong , Liu Huiquan
Published: January 2021

Ascospores generated during sexual reproduction are the primary inoculum for the wheat scab fungus Fusarium graminearum. Purine metabolism is known to play important roles in fungal pathogens but its lifecycle stage‐specific regulation is unclear.

By characterizing the genes involved in purine de novo and salvage biosynthesis pathways, we showed that de novo syntheses of inosine, adenosine and guanosine monophosphates (IMP, AMP and GMP) are important for vegetative growth, sexual/asexual reproduction, and infectious growth, whereas purine salvage synthesis is dispensable for these stages in F. graminearum.

Addition of GMP rescued the defects of the Fgimd1 mutant in vegetative growth and conidiation but not sexual reproduction, whereas addition of AMP rescued all of these defects of the Fgade12 mutant, suggesting that the function of de novo synthesis of GMP rather than AMP is distinct in sexual stages. Moreover, Acd1, an ortholog of AMP deaminase, is dispensable for growth but essential for ascosporogenesis and pathogenesis, suggesting that AMP catabolism has stage‐specific functions during sexual reproduction and infectious growth. The expression of almost all the genes involved in de novo purine synthesis is downregulated during sexual reproduction and infectious growth relative to vegetative growth.

This study revealed that F. graminearum has stage‐specific regulation of purine metabolism during infectious growth and sexual reproduction.
Eating disorder risk in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Jebeile Hiba , Lister Natalie B. , Baur Louise A. , Garnett Sarah P. , Paxton Susan J.
Published: January 2021

The intersection between adolescent obesity and eating disorder risk is one that requires urgent attention. This review aimed to synthesize the literature on the risk of clinical eating disorders in adolescents with obesity, discuss challenges with assessing risk, and examine implications for clinical practice and future research. Obesity and eating disorders can coexist resulting in exacerbated physical and psychological health issues. Recognized eating disorder risk factors, including body dissatisfaction, poor self‐esteem, depression, and engaging in dieting behaviors, are elevated and frequently reported in adolescents with obesity, highlighting a vulnerability to the development of eating disorders. Unsupervised dieting to manage weight may exacerbate eating disorder risk, while structured and supervised weight management is likely to reduce eating disorder risk for most adolescents. However, some adolescents may present to an obesity service with an undiagnosed eating disorder or may develop an eating disorder during or following treatment. We conclude that a risk management approach, with screening or monitoring for eating disorder‐related risk factors and behaviors, should be utilized to identify those at risk. Future research to identify eating disorder risk factors specific to adolescents with obesity is required to inform screening and monitoring protocols, patient care, and address current knowledge gaps.
Delayed Presentation of Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Following Pedicle Screw Implantation: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Li‐di , Hong Xin , Li Jiang‐bi , Zhang Shao‐kun
Published: January 2021

Background

Pedicle screw insertion has been known to have several complications even in the most skilled surgical hands. However, injury to the thoracic aorta during pedicle screw insertion is rare, delayed presentation secondary to pseudoaneurysm is even rarer, the pseudoaneurysm formation caused by a series of malpositioned pedicle screws has perhaps not been reported so far.

Case presentation

In this paper, we report here a case in which inadvertent injury to the thoracic aorta resulted in pseudoaneurysm, its manifestation was initially vague, resulting in a delayed diagnosis. Delayed aortic pseudoaneurysm or injury can be asymptomatic for a long time. Patients with renewed or continued back pain should alert orthopaedic surgeons regarding the possibility of pseudoaneurysms, regardless of the period that has elapsed after pedicle screw implantation.
Stretching Force of Incision Affects Early Clinical Results After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiang‐sheng Tang , Hu Zhang , Lei Chen , Huan‐juan Qian , Ping Yi
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of different skin incisions on recovery from total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital. A total of 1210 patients accepted primary and unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at the authors' affiliated institutions between January 2015 and January 2019. Patients who accepted primary and unilateral TKA due to OA under epidural anesthesia were included. Excluded cases included patients who had no completed follow‐up; preoperative flexion contracture greater than 15° and preoperative flexion less than 90°; paresthesia in lower limb; scar within the knee area; patella alta or baja. We recorded and analyzed the following data, including each patient's characteristics, incision stretching index (IS index), perioperative information, and follow‐up assessments. Patients were grouped by trisecting the range of IS index we observed in the present study. The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score rated on a scale of 0–10 from no pain to severe pain. Secondary outcome measures include knee girth reflecting postoperative swelling, knee range of motion (ROM), sensory testing, and the strength of quadriceps. These measures were completed 2 weeks postoperatively.

Results

A total of 1089 patients undergoing primary and unilateral TKA in our two institutions were screened for final analysis, and 121 ones were excluded. The patients were followed up for an average of 13.3 months postoperatively. The mean length of FL was 28.3 cm (range: 21.0–38.8 cm). The mean IS index was 2.7 cm (range: 0.4–5.1 cm). We found no significant difference in those data among groups (P > 0.05). VAS pain scores among group IS A, IS B, and IS C were significantly different (2.3 ± 0.6 vs 3.4 ± 1.6 vs 3.9 ± 1.5, P = 0.0001). Similar situations were seen in knee circumference, ROM, area of abnormal sensation, and quadriceps strength among groups (all P < 0.05). With the increase in the IS index, VAS pain score, knee circumference, area of abnormal sensation, and incision problems were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At the same time, ROM and the strength of quadriceps decreased (P < 0.05). With the increase in the IS index, the number of patients with incision problems was increased significantly (P < 0.05). Besides, no significant difference in PJI and DVT among groups was observed (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Proper incision stretching can improve postoperative pain relief, surgical swelling, ROM, sensory disturbance of the knee, and the strength of quadriceps with reduced risk of incision complications.
Chronic urticaria in children under 15 years of age: Clinical experience beyond the clinical trials
Authors: Corral‐Magaña Oriol , Gil‐Sánchez José Antonio , Bover‐Bauzá Catalina , Martinez‐Cepas Patricia , Montis‐Palos María Concepción , Martín‐Santiago Ana
Published: January 2021

Background/Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of a series of children with chronic urticaria (CU).

Methods

We retrospectively studied children aged <15 years diagnosed with CU in a tertiary teaching hospital in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, between January 2014 and March 2019. CU was defined as persistence of symptoms of wheals, with or without angioedema, for >6 weeks.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (17 girls, mean age 8 years) were included. Family history of atopy was found in 31% of the cases. In 41.3% of patients, episodes of CU were associated with angioedema. Physical triggers were found in 34.5% of the cases. Most episodes of CU were successfully managed with the recommended (60.7%) or double the recommended dose (17.2%) of H1‐antihistamines. Quadruple the recommended dose of H1 antihistamines was used in six patients, five of whom were finally treated with off‐label omalizumab. Treatment with anti‐leukotrienes was needed in one patient. Associated thyroiditis was diagnosed in one patient, which was controlled with levothyroxine.

Conclusions

Pediatric CU showed features similar to CU in adulthood, including a greater predominance in females and frequent association with personal or family history of atopy. Adult guidelines for the treatment of CU are currently extrapolated to the pediatric population. Specific tools for the assessment of disease activity and impairment of quality of life in pediatric CU are needed for use in prospective studies aimed to define treatment strategies for children with CU.
Use of trajectory models to track air pollution from source to exposure: A methodological approach for identifying communities at risk
Authors: Doede Aubrey L. , Davis Robert , DeGuzman Pamela B.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Ongoing environmental changes increasingly require public health nurses to understand how environmental factors impact the health of populations. One approach to researching these impacts is incorporating environmental research methods to determine associations between harmful exposures and health. We use the Salton Sea in Southern California as a demonstration of how environmental exposure can be examined using air parcel trajectory analysis.

Design

We demonstrate a methodology for public health nurses to better understand and apply data from the Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory meteorological model to estimate the effect of airborne particulate matter from a single source.

Measurements

We explain a method for tracking air parcel trajectories to populations: selection of meterological data to identify air parcels, geographic identification of population centers, generation of trajectories, classification of trajectory dispersions, adjusting for atmospheric stability, and merging environmental variables with health data.

Conclusions

Climate change‐related environmental events are expected to become more commonplace and disproportionately affect those populations impacted by health disparities. Public health nurses can identify communities at risk so that public health nursing researchers can use these techniques in collaboration with environmental science to robustly examine health effects of proximal air pollution sources for communities at risk.