bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Intake Regulates White Adipose Tissues Angiogenesis via Liver Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Male Mice
Authors: Hua Lun , Li Jing , Feng Bin , Jiang Dandan , Jiang Xuemei , Luo Ting , Che Lianqiang , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Fang Zhengfeng , Wu De , Zhuo Yong
Published: December 2020

Obesity and related metabolic disorders have become epidemic diseases. Intermittent fasting has been shown to promote adipose tissue angiogenesis and have an anti-obesity feature; however, the mechanisms of how intermittent fasting modulates adipose tissues angiogenesis are poorly understood. We investigated the effect of fasting on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in white adipose tissues (WAT) and the function of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in 1-time fasting and long-term intermittent fasting-induced VEGF expression. In the current study, fasting induced a selective and drastic elevation of VEGF levels in WAT, which did not occur in interscapular brown adipose tissue and liver. The fasting-induced Vegfa expression occurred predominantly in mature adipocytes, but not in the stromal vascular fraction in epididymal WAT and inguinal WAT (iWAT). Furthermore, a single bolus of recombinant mouse FGF21 injection increased VEGF levels in WAT. Long-term intermittent fasting for 16 weeks increased WAT angiogenesis, iWAT browning, and improved insulin resistance and inflammation, but the effect was blunted in FGF21 liver-specific knockout mice. In summary, these data suggest that FGF21 is a potent regulator of VEGF levels in WAT. The interorgan FGF21 signaling-induced WAT angiogenesis by VEGF could be a potential new therapeutic target in combination with obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Conceiving of the End of the World: Christian Doctrine and Nahua Perspectives in the Sermonary of Juan Bautista Viseo
Authors: Schmidt Stephanie
Published: December 2020

This article considers questions of authorship in Juan Bautista Viseo’s “Second Sermon for Advent” about “frightful, and terrible signs” of Judgment Day. Although Bautista acknowledges important contributions by Nahua scholars in the production of his Nahuatl-language sermonary, he does not plainly recognize them as coauthors. However, the text itself registers indigenous perspectives. This sermon describes several natural phenomena, such as eclipses, comets, floods, windstorms, and earthquakes, as signs of the Apocalypse. For Nahuas, these phenomena similarly foretold disaster or correlated to storied calamities of ages past. Therefore, the sermon refutes ancestral teachings on celestial signs and age-ending cataclysms, distinguishing so-called lies from doctrinal truth. Yet other passages take a heterodox step in the opposite direction, reinforcing connections between Christian and native thought on world time and portents of doom, or citing figurative “signs” of ancestral tradition that speak to the theme of divine judgment. Such passages, this article demonstrates, suggest Nahua co-authorship.
¿Puede influir una práctica docente emocional en el cambio de emociones del alumnado? Un estudio en la formación inicial de maestros.
Authors: Retana Alvarado Diego Armando , de las Heras Pérez María Ángeles , Jiménez Pérez Roque
Published: December 2020

Las emociones son el factor afectivo más influyente en la identidad profesional del profesorado. Las emociones configuran su Conocimiento Didáctico del Contenido (CDC) en la integración de la reflexión y práctica. Este artículo presenta el análisis del cambio en las emociones de 54 maestros en formación inicial hacia una formadora experta, mientras participan en una asignatura de Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales con una intervención basada en investigación escolar que promovía la regulación emocional. La intensidad de catorce emociones se analizó a partir del grado de acuerdo en una escala Likert, antes, durante y después de la intervención. También, se llevaron a cabo entrevistas a la formadora y una profesora novel, observaciones de aula y narrativas de los estudiantes para identificar las causas del cambio. Los datos se sometieron a análisis descriptivo, inferencial y de contenido. Los resultados sugieren una mejora en las emociones positivas y una disminución considerable de las emociones negativas. Se detecta un incremento significativo para entusiasmo, satisfacción, interés, tranquilidad, bienestar y asombro.También, se reporta una disminución significativa para temor, frustración, aburrimiento y rechazo. El cambio se relaciona con el perfil vocacional y afectivo de la formadora, quien promueve relaciones auténticas con los futuros maestros a través de su labor con aproximación al modelo de CDC de Gess-Newsome, transfiriendo emociones positivas en el clima de aula.
Factores que promueven el cambio emocional del profesorado en formación inicial hacia la física y la química en época de pandemia: presencialidad vs virtualidad.
Authors: Pipitone Carolina , García Lladó Àngela
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se han identificado las emociones y las razones de cambio emocional del profesorado en formación inicial (PFI) en relación con las ciencias en general y la física y la química en particular, en el contexto de las asignaturas de Didáctica de las Ciencias de una Universidad Pública Catalana. Además, se pretende conocer los factores que promueven el cambio emocional y determinar si hay diferencia entre la modalidad de enseñanza presencial y en línea desde la perspectiva del PFI. Para ello se pasaron dos cuestionarios al iniciar y finalizar el curso académico. Los resultados muestran una modificación notable de emociones negativas hacia emociones positivas con respecto a la física y la química. Dichos cambios se relacionan con el rol del profesorado como acompañante del proceso de formación, así como también con la metodología de aula de carácter experimental. En relación con la modalidad de docencia, se observa que el PFI sin formación previa en ciencias atribuye su cambio emocional a las clases presenciales, mientras que los que tienen más conocimientos en ciencias muestran una mayor independencia de la modalidad de aula como factor de cambio emocional. Además, las prácticas que se realicen y la gestión del aula deben ser realmente significativas para promover un cambio favorable en las emociones del PFI.
Futuros maestros: qué piensan sobre su formación en ciencias y qué hacen en sus prácticas escolares.
Authors: Valverde Pérez Magdalena , Sánchez Blanco Gaspar
Published: December 2020

En el contexto de la formación inicial de maestros, se estudian los logros del programa en didáctica de las ciencias experimentales, incluyendo la utilidad que tiene para promover cambios docentes durante las prácticas escolares. Concretamente, hemos preguntado a los alumnos por los contenidos y actividades de formación del programa, sus ideas sobre la enseñanza de las ciencias en primaria y sobre lo que hacen cuando enseñan ciencias durante sus prácticas escolares. Para ello, utilizando dos cuestionarios, hemos recogido las opiniones de 131 alumnos de tercer curso del Grado de Educación Primaria al finalizar su formación en ciencias y sus prácticas escolares. Los resultados muestran una valoración muy positiva del programa en didáctica de ciencias, con un claro posicionamiento de los alumnos sobre la enseñanza de las ciencias en primaria coherente con sus presupuestos teóricos, aunque persisten algunas ideas propias del modelo transmisivo en sus planteamientos metodológicos, así como, escasa incidencia en las actuaciones docentes que llevan a cabo durante las prácticas escolares. En ese contexto, el modelo de enseñanza tradicional percibido por los futuros maestros en las aulas y su bajo nivel de autoeficacia para realizar prácticas docentes innovadoras, parecen dificultar la conexión entre los conocimientos académicos y la práctica profesional.
Aprendizaje Servicio. Análisis de una experiencia universitaria.
Authors: Herrera Pastor David
Published: December 2020

En este artículo se revisan los fundamentos pedagógicos y sociales de una experiencia de Aprendizaje Servicio (ApS) llevada a cabo en la Universidad que resultó muy satisfactoria. En dicha experiencia se combinaron dos asignaturas (de dos Facultades distintas) y participaron 120 alumnos, 10 profesores y 12 entidades del tercer sector que trabajaban sobre situaciones de exclusión social. El objetivo era materializar un ApS a través del cual: 1) El alumnado trabajase en situaciones reales de esas entidades, para favorecer la inclusión de minorías (Diversidad funcional, Inmigración, LGTBI, etc.). 2) Realizase piezas audiovisuales con el propósito de sensibilizar y transformar el imaginario social al respecto. Dicha experiencia se examina a través de la vivencia concreta de uno de los grupos de alumnos (concretamente, el que tutorizó el autor de este artículo). Para escudriñar dicha experiencia se ha realizado un trabajo de campo que, además de otras acciones, fundamentalmente, se sustenta en entrevistas a representantes de todos los colectivos participantes en aquel proceso de aprendizaje: alumnado de las dos facultades, profesorado de las dos facultades, tutor y representante de la entidad colaboradora. Los datos evidencian las múltiples potencialidades educativas de este modelo de aprendizaje. Y los argumentos socio-pedagógicos que se esgrimen, muestran un proceso formativo muy adecuado, particularmente, para la enseñanza superior, y pretenden animar al profesorado universitario a su implementación.
Following the MAP (Methods, Approaches, Perspectives) in Information Systems Research
Authors: Levallet Nadège , Denford James S. , Chan Yolande E.
Published: December 2020

Following the Methods, Approaches, Perspectives (MAP) in IS Research
Heart failure and COVID-19: synergism of two inflammatory conditions?
Authors: Khan Ehsan
Published: December 2020

Heart failure as a comorbidity in the older population with COVID-19 poses an additional threat to those affected. Patients with both COVID-19 and heart failure share similar risk factors, which result in magnification of pathological outcomes. These include a common inflammatory pathology and related coagulopathy. Both illnesses pose a risk of arrhythmia. Polypharmacy further complicates safe drug administration and worsens the risk of medication-induced arrhythmia. Additionally, both conditions present challenges regarding attaining and maintaining an appropriate nutritional state. Exploration of the interplay between these factors demonstrates the gravity of the co-existence of these conditions and helps understand the difficulties faced when caring for this patient group. Although care provided to COVID-19 patients is primarily related to symptom presentation, based on the analysis conducted, there are some recommendations for practice in relation to evidence and guidelines when managing heart failure patients in primary care within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carer and staff perceptions of end-of-life care provision: case of a hospice-at-home service
Authors: Ward Alison , Sixsmith Judith , Spiro Stephen , Graham Anne , Ballard Heather , Varvel Sue , Youell Jane
Published: December 2020

People requiring palliative care should have their needs met by services acting in accordance with their wishes. A hospice in the south of England provides such care via a 24/7 hospice at home service. This study aimed to establish how a nurse-led night service supported patients and family carers to remain at home and avoid hospital admissions. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with family carers (n=38) and hospice-at-home staff (n=9). Through night-time phone calls and visits, family carers felt supported by specialist hospice staff whereby only appropriate hospital admission was facilitated. Staff provided mediation between family carer and other services enabling more integrated care and support to remain at home. A hospice-at-home night service can prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and meet patient wishes through specialist care at home.
Theory … “With feet on the Ground”
Authors: Brigos Jesús Pastor García
Published: December 2020

It is essential to develop the theory for the socialist transformation as the
guide for permanent development, based on experience and accumulated knowledge,
to orient our process of socialist socialisation with greater effectiveness and
sustainability in current and future conditions. This text reflects on and
presents proposals on conceptual elements present in the current Cuban process
of transformations, and their expression in the terms that appear in the
Island's governing documents, in the first place the new Magna Carta. We focus
our attention on state work in socialist planning. Socialist planning is
essentially a political task, the content of which is inextricably linked to
that of the new type of state. From this comes the importance of the
conceptualisation of the state, as an organisation of society and as a
specialised political institution - the System of Popular Power - and the
conceptualisation of the “work of governing” in a process of socialist
transformation.
Toward a more inclusive history of the Cuban revolution of
1959
Authors: Linger Eloise
Published: December 2020

The article claims that most historiography of the Cuban revolution of 1959 has
omitted women, people of colour, and to some extent student youth and labourers.
The shorter first part of the paper presents reasons of historical context and
dominant Euro-male mindset that help explain why histories of Cuba's and other
revolutions omitted women and people of colour until recent scholarship. Then,
excerpts from oral testimonials of three activists in revolutionary movements of
the 1950s give a livelier picture of how Afro-Cubans, women and youth provided
the backbone and vast networks that kept alive and pushed forward the more
highly celebrated guerrilla forces that came to power, led by Fidel Castro.
Twentieth-century Cuban revolutionary context and continuity is evident in the
quotes from Aida Pelayo, a leader of the civic coalition Mujeres Martianas in
the 1950s, about her student days in the 1930s.
Chromatin modifiers and recombination factors promote a telomere fold-back structure, that is lost during replicative senescence
Authors: Wagner Tina , Pérez-Martínez Lara , Schellhaas René , Barrientos-Moreno Marta , Öztürk Merve , Prado Félix , Butter Falk , Luke Brian
Published: December 2020

Telomeres have the ability to adopt a lariat conformation and hence, engage in long and short distance intra-chromosome interactions. Budding yeast telomeres were proposed to fold back into subtelomeric regions, but a robust assay to quantitatively characterize this structure has been lacking. Therefore, it is not well understood how the interactions between telomeres and non-telomeric regions are established and regulated. We employ a telomere chromosome conformation capture (Telo-3C) approach to directly analyze telomere folding and its maintenance inS.cerevisiae. We identify the histone modifiers Sir2, Sin3 and Set2 as critical regulators for telomere folding, which suggests that a distinct telomeric chromatin environment is a major requirement for the folding of yeast telomeres. We demonstrate that telomeres are not folded when cells enter replicative senescence, which occurs independently of short telomere length. Indeed, Sir2, Sin3 and Set2 protein levels are decreased during senescence and their absence may thereby prevent telomere folding. Additionally, we show that the homologous recombination machinery, including the Rad51 and Rad52 proteins, as well as the checkpoint component Rad53 are essential for establishing the telomere fold-back structure. This study outlines a method to interrogate telomere-subtelomere interactions at a single unmodified yeast telomere. Using this method, we provide insights into how the spatial arrangement of the chromosome end structure is established and demonstrate that telomere folding is compromised throughout replicative senescence.
Lotus japonicus karrikin receptors display divergent ligand-binding specificities and organ-dependent redundancy
Authors: Carbonnel Samy , Torabi Salar , Griesmann Maximilian , Bleek Elias , Tang Yuhong , Buchka Stefan , Basso Veronica , Shindo Mitsuru , Boyer François-Didier , Wang Trevor L. , Udvardi Michael , Waters Mark T. , Gutjahr Caroline
Published: December 2020

Karrikins (KARs), smoke-derived butenolides, are perceived by the α/β-fold hydrolase KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) and thought to mimic endogenous, yet elusive plant hormones tentatively called KAI2-ligands (KLs). The sensitivity to different karrikin types as well as the number of KAI2 paralogs varies among plant species, suggesting diversification and co-evolution of ligand-receptor relationships. We found that the genomes of legumes, comprising a number of important crops with protein-rich, nutritious seed, contain two or more KAI2 copies. We uncover sub-functionalization of the two KAI2 versions in the model legume Lotus japonicus and demonstrate differences in their ability to bind the synthetic ligand GR24ent-5DS in vitro and in genetic assays with Lotus japonicus and the heterologous Arabidopsis thaliana background. These differences can be explained by the exchange of a widely conserved phenylalanine in the binding pocket of KAI2a with a tryptophan in KAI2b, which arose independently in KAI2 proteins of several unrelated angiosperms. Furthermore, two polymorphic residues in the binding pocket are conserved across a number of legumes and may contribute to ligand binding preferences. The diversification of KAI2 binding pockets suggests the occurrence of several different KLs acting in non-fire following plants, or an escape from possible antagonistic exogenous molecules. Unexpectedly, L. japonicus responds to diverse synthetic KAI2-ligands in an organ-specific manner. Hypocotyl growth responds to KAR1, KAR2 and rac-GR24, while root system development responds only to KAR1. This differential responsiveness cannot be explained by receptor-ligand preferences alone, because LjKAI2a is sufficient for karrikin responses in the hypocotyl, while LjKAI2a and LjKAI2b operate redundantly in roots. Instead, it likely reflects differences between plant organs in their ability to transport or metabolise the synthetic KLs. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution and diversity of butenolide ligand-receptor relationships, and open novel research avenues into their ecological significance and the mechanisms controlling developmental responses to divergent KLs.
Super-resolution visualization of distinct stalled and broken replication fork structures
Authors: Whelan Donna R. , Lee Wei Ting C. , Marks Frances , Kong Yu Tina , Yin Yandong , Rothenberg Eli
Published: December 2020

Endogenous genotoxic stress occurs in healthy cells due to competition between DNA replication machinery, and transcription and topographic relaxation processes. This causes replication fork stalling and regression, which can further collapse to form single-ended double strand breaks (seDSBs). Super-resolution microscopy has made it possible to directly observe replication stress and DNA damage inside cells, however new approaches to sample preparation and analysis are required. Here we develop and apply multicolor single molecule microscopy to visualize individual replication forks under mild stress from the trapping of Topoisomerase I cleavage complexes, a damage induction which closely mimics endogenous replicative stress. We observe RAD51 and RAD52, alongside RECQ1, as the first responder proteins to stalled but unbroken forks, whereas Ku and MRE11 are initially recruited to seDSBs. By implementing novel super-resolution imaging assays, we are thus able to discern closely related replication fork stress motifs and their repair pathways.
Multi locus sequence typing of clinical Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from Malaysia
Authors: Arushothy Revathy , Amran Fairuz , Samsuddin Nazirah , Ahmad Norazah , Nathan Sheila
Published: December 2020

Background

Melioidosis is a neglected tropical disease with rising global public health and clinical importance. Melioidosis is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia and is of increasing concern in Malaysia. Despite a number of reported studies from Malaysia, these reports are limited to certain parts of the country and do not provide a cohesive link between epidemiology of melioidosis cases and the nation-wide distribution of the causative agent Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Methodology/principle findings

Here we report on the distribution of B. pseudomallei sequence types (STs) in Malaysia and how the STs are related to STs globally. We obtained 84 culture-confirmed B. pseudomallei from confirmed septicaemic melioidosis patients from all over Malaysia. Prior to performing Multi Locus Sequence Typing, the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and detection of the YLF/BTFC genes and BimA allele. Up to 90.5% of the isolates were sensitive to all antimicrobials tested while resistance was observed for antimicrobials typically administered during the eradication stage of treatment. YLF gene cluster and bimABp allele variant were detected in all the isolates. The epidemiological distribution patterns of the Malaysian B. pseudomallei isolates were analysed in silico using phylogenetic tools and compared to Southeast Asian and world-wide isolates. Genotyping of the 84 Malaysian B. pseudomallei isolates revealed 29 different STs of which 6 (7.1%) were novel. ST50 was identified as the group founder followed by subgroup founders ST376, ST211 and ST84. A low-level diversity is noted for the B. pseudomallei isolates described in this study while phylogenetic analysis associated the Malaysian STs to Southeast Asian isolates especially isolates from Thailand. Further analysis also showed a strong association that implicates agriculture and domestication activities as high-risk routes of infection.

Conclusions/significance

In conclusion, MLST analysis of B. pseudomallei clinical isolates from all states in Malaysia revealed low diversity and a close association to Southeast Asian isolates.
Podocyte-specific knockout of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) results in differential protection depending on the model of glomerulonephritis
Authors: Dylewski James F. , Tonsawan Pantipa , Garcia Gabriela , Lewis Linda , Blaine Judith
Published: December 2020

Podocytes have been proposed to be antigen presenting cells (APCs). In traditional APCs, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is required for antigen presentation and global knockout of FcRn protects against glomerulonephritis. Since podocytes express FcRn, we sought to determine whether the absence of podocyte FcRn ameliorates immune-mediated disease. We examined MHCII and costimulatory markers expression in cultured wild type (WT) and FcRn knockout (KO) podocytes. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) induced MHCII expression in both WT and KO podocytes but did not change CD80 expression. Neither WT nor KO expressed CD86 or inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOSL) at baseline or with IFNγ. Using an antigen presentation assay, WT podocytes but not KO treated with immune complexes induced a modest increase in IL-2. Induction of the anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) model resulted in a significant decrease in glomerular crescents in podocyte-specific FcRn knockout mouse (podFcRn KO) versus controls but the overall percentage of crescents was low. To examine the effects of the podocyte-specific FcRn knockout in a model with a longer autologous phase, we used the nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS) model. We found that the podFcRn KO mice had significantly reduced crescent formation and glomerulosclerosis compared to control mice. This study demonstrates that lack of podocyte FcRn is protective in immune mediated kidney disease that is dependent on an autologous phase. This study also highlights the difference between the anti-GBM model and NTS model of disease.
The protective mutation A673T in amyloid precursor protein gene decreases Aβ peptides production for 14 forms of Familial Alzheimer’s Disease in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Guyon Antoine , Rousseau Joël , Lamothe Gabriel , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: December 2020

The deposition of Aβ plaques in the brain leads to the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease. The Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by α-secretase (non-amyloidogenic processing of APP), however increased cleavage by β-secretase (BACE1) leads to the accumulation of Aβ peptides, which forms plaques. APP mutations mapping to exons 16 and 17 favor plaque accumulation and cause Familial Alzheimer Disease (FAD). However, a variant of the APP gene (A673T) originally found in an Icelandic population reduces BACE1 cleavage by 40%. A series of plasmids containing the APP gene, each with one of 29 different FAD mutations mapping to exon 16 and exon 17 was created. These plasmids were then replicated with the addition of the A673T mutation. Combined these formed the library of plasmids that was used in this study. The plasmids were transfected in neuroblastomas to assess the effect of this mutation on Aβ peptide production. The production of Aβ peptides was decreased for some FAD mutations due to the presence of the co-dominant A673T mutation. The reduction of Aβ peptide concentrations for the London mutation (V717I) even reached the same level as for A673T control in SH-SY5Y cells. These preliminary results suggest that the insertion of A673T in APP genes containing FAD mutations might confer a clinical benefit in preventing or delaying the onset of some FADs.
Research on hot rolling scheduling problem based on Two-phase Pareto algorithm
Authors: Chen Wang , Xiufeng Zhang , Guohua Zhao
Published: December 2020

Under the background of excess capacity and energy saving in iron and steel enterprises, the hot rolling batch scheduling problem based on energy saving is a multi-objective and multi constraint optimization problem. In this paper, a hybrid multi-objective prize-collecting vehicle routing problem (Hybrid Price Collect Vehicle Routing Problem, HPCVRP) model is established to ensure minimum energy consumption, meet process rules, and maximize resource utilization. A two-phase Pareto search algorithm (2PPLS) is designed to solve this model. The improved MOEA/D with a penalty based boundary intersection distance (PBI) algorithm (MOEA/D-PBI) is introduced to decompose the HPCVRP in the first phase. In the second phase, the multi-objective ant colony system (MOACS) and Pareto local search (PLS) algorithm is used to generate approximate Pareto-optimal solutions. The final solution is then selected according to the actual demand and preference. In the simulation experiment, the 2PPLS is compared with five other algorithms, which shows the superiority of 2PPLS. Finally, the experiment was carried out on actual slab data from a steel plant in Shanghai. The results show that the model and algorithm can effectively reduce the energy consumption in the process of hot rolling batch scheduling.
Complete chloroplast genome comparisons for Pityopsis (Asteraceae)
Authors: Hatmaker E. Anne , Wadl Phillip A. , Rinehart Timothy A. , Carroll Jennifer , Lane Thomas S. , Trigiano Robert N. , Staton Margaret E. , Schilling Edward E.
Published: December 2020

Pityopsis includes several regionally and one federally endangered species of herbaceous perennials. Four species are highly localized, including the federally endangered P. ruthii. The genus includes several ploidy levels and interesting ecological traits such as drought tolerance and fire-dependent flowering. Results from previous cladistic analyses of morphology and from initial DNA sequence studies did not agree with one another or with the infrageneric taxonomic classification, with the result that infrageneric relationships remain unresolved. We sequenced, assembled, and compared the chloroplast (cp) genomes of 12 species or varieties of Pityopsis to better understand generic evolution. A reference cp genome 152,569 bp in length was assembled de novo from P. falcata. Reads from other sampled species were then aligned to the P. falcata reference and individual chloroplast genomes were assembled for each, with manual gapfilling and polishing. After removing the duplicated second inverted region, a multiple sequence alignment of the cp genomes was used to construct a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogeny for the twelve cp genomes. Additionally, we constructed a ML phylogeny from the nuclear ribosomal repeat region after mapping reads to the Helianthus annuus region. The chloroplast phylogeny supported two clades. Previously proposed clades and taxonomic sections within the genus were largely unsupported by both nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies. Our results provide tools for exploring hybridity and examining the physiological and genetic basis for drought tolerance and fire-dependent flowering. This study will inform breeding and conservation practices, and general knowledge of evolutionary history, hybridization, and speciation within Pityopsis.
Factors affecting the implementation of evidence-based Progressive Tinnitus Management in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Zaugg Tara L. , Thielman Emily J. , Carlson Kathleen F. , Tuepker Anaïs , Elnitsky Christine , Drummond Karen L. , Schmidt Caroline J. , Newell Summer , Kaelin Christine , Choma Christie , Henry James A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) is an evidence-based interdisciplinary stepped-care approach to improving quality of life for patients with tinnitus. PTM was endorsed by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Audiology leadership in 2009. Factors affecting implementation of PTM are unknown. We conducted a study to: 1) estimate levels of PTM program implementation in VA Audiology and Mental Health clinics across the country; and 2) identify barriers and facilitators to PTM implementation based on the experiences of VA audiologists and mental health providers.

Method

We conducted an anonymous, web-based survey targeting Audiology and Mental Health leaders at 144 major VA facilities. Quantitative analyses summarized respondents’ facility characteristics and levels of program implementation (full PTM, partial PTM, or no PTM). Qualitative analyses identified themes in factors influencing the implementation of PTM across VA sites.

Results

Surveys from 87 audiologists and 66 mental health clinicians revealed that few facilities offered full PTM; the majority offered partial or no PTM. Inductive analysis of the open-ended survey responses identified seven factors influencing implementation of PTM: 1) available resources, 2) service collaboration, 3) prioritization, 4) Veterans’ preferences and needs, 5) clinician training, 6) awareness of (evidence-based) options, and 7) perceptions of scope of practice.

Conclusion

Results suggest wide variation in services provided, a need for greater engagement of mental health providers in tinnitus care, and an interest among both audiologists and mental health providers in receiving tinnitus-related training. Future research should address barriers to PTM implementation, including methods to: 1) improve understanding among mental health providers of their potential role in tinnitus management; 2) enhance coordination of tinnitus-related care between health care disciplines; and 3) collect empirical data on Veterans’ need for and interest in PTM, including delivery by telehealth modalities.
The role of the MAD2-TLR4-MyD88 axis in paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bates Mark , Spillane Cathy D. , Gallagher Michael F. , McCann Amanda , Martin Cara , Blackshields Gordon , Keegan Helen , Gubbins Luke , Brooks Robert , Brooks Doug , Selemidis Stavros , O’Toole Sharon , O’Leary John J.
Published: December 2020

Despite the use of front-line anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel for ovarian cancer treatment, mortality rates have remained almost unchanged for the past three decades and the majority of patients will develop recurrent chemoresistant disease which remains largely untreatable. Overcoming chemoresistance or preventing its onset in the first instance remains one of the major challenges for ovarian cancer research. In this study, we demonstrate a key link between senescence and inflammation and how this complex network involving the biomarkers MAD2, TLR4 and MyD88 drives paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer. This was investigated using siRNA knockdown of MAD2, TLR4 and MyD88 in two ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and SKOV-3 cells and overexpression of MyD88 in A2780 cells. Interestingly, siRNA knockdown of MAD2 led to a significant increase in TLR4 gene expression, this was coupled with the development of a highly paclitaxel-resistant cell phenotype. Additionally, siRNA knockdown of MAD2 or TLR4 in the serous ovarian cell model OVCAR-3 resulted in a significant increase in TLR4 or MAD2 expression respectively. Microarray analysis of SKOV-3 cells following knockdown of TLR4 or MAD2 highlighted a number of significantly altered biological processes including EMT, complement, coagulation, proliferation and survival, ECM remodelling, olfactory receptor signalling, ErbB signalling, DNA packaging, Insulin-like growth factor signalling, ion transport and alteration of components of the cytoskeleton. Cross comparison of the microarray data sets identified 7 overlapping genes including MMP13, ACTBL2, AMTN, PLXDC2, LYZL1, CCBE1 and CKS2. These results demonstrate an important link between these biomarkers, which to our knowledge has never before been shown in ovarian cancer. In the future, we hope that triaging patients into alterative treatment groups based on the expression of these three biomarkers or therapeutic targeting of the mechanisms they are involved in will lead to improvements in patient outcome and prevent the development of chemoresistance.
Explaining socioeconomic inequalities in self-reported health outcomes: The mediating role of perceived life stress, financial self-reliance, psychological capital, and time perspective orientations
Authors: Schelleman-Offermans Karen , Massar Karlijn
Published: December 2020

Objective

The main aim of the current study was to investigate what role perceived life stress, psychological capital (PsyCap), financial self-reliance and time perspective orientations play in explaining socioeconomic health inequalities, specifically self-perceived health and self-reported physical health conditions.

Methods

Individuals (total n = 600) aged 16+ years from a general Dutch population sample (LISS panel) completed an online questionnaire measuring three different SEP indicators (highest achieved educational level, personal monthly disposable income and being in paid employment), perceived life stress, PsyCap, financial self-reliance, time perspective, self-perceived health, and self-reported physical health conditions. Structural equation modelling using a cross-sectional design was used to test the mediation paths from SEP indicators to self-perceived health and self-reported physical health conditions through perceived life stress, PsyCap, financial self-reliance and time perspective orientations.

Results

Highest achieved educational level and being in paid employment showed to play a role in the social stratification within self-reported and self-perceived health outcomes, whereas this was not found for personal monthly disposable income. The association between a lower highest achieved educational level and lower self-perceived health was mediated by lower PsyCap and higher perceived life stress levels. The association between a lower highest achieved educational level and higher levels of self-reported physical health conditions was mediated by less financial self-reliance and higher perceived life stress levels. Although no mediating role was found for time perspective orientations in the association between the measured SEP indicators and health outcomes, negative time perspective orientations were associated with either self-perceived health or self-reported physical health conditions.

Conclusions

reserves (PsyCap and financial self-reliance) and perceived life stress seem to play a larger role in explaining the health gradient in achieved educational level than time perspective orientations. Prevention efforts trying to reduce the SEP-health gradient should focus on a) increasing reserves and lowering perceived life stress levels for individuals with a low achieved educational level, and b) reducing unemployment and narrowing opportunity gaps in education for people with a low SEP.
Effects of the implementation of the HIV Treat All guidelines on key ART treatment outcomes in Namibia
Authors: Vu Lung , Burnett-Zieman Brady , Stoman Lizl , Luu Minh , Mdala Johnface , Granger Krista , Forsythe Steven , Zegeye Abeje , Geibel Scott
Published: December 2020

Background

This study aimed to help the Namibian government understand the impact of Treat All implementation (started on April 1, 2017) on key antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes, and how this transition impacts progress toward the UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 HIV targets.

Methods

We collected clinical records from two separate cohorts (before and after treat-all) of ART patients in 10 high- and medium-volume facilities in 6 northern Namibia districts. Each cohort contains 12-month data on patients’ scheduled appointments and visits, health status, and viral load results. We also measured patients’ wait time and perceptions of service quality using exit interviews with 300 randomly selected patients (per round). We compared ART outcomes of the two cohorts: ART initiation within 7 days from diagnosis, loss to follow-up (LTFU), missed scheduled appointments for at least 30 days, and viral suppression using unadjusted and adjusted analyses.

Results

Among new ART clients (on ART for less than 3 months or had not yet initiated treatment as of the start date for the ART record review period), rapid ART initiation (within 7 days from diagnosis) was 5.2 times higher after Treat All than that among clients assessed before the policy took effect [AOR: 5.2 (3.8–6.9)]. However, LTFU was higher after Treat All roll-out compared to before Treat All [AOR: 1.9 (1.3–2.8)]. Established ART clients (on ART treatment for at least three months at the start date of the ART record review period) had over 3 times greater odds of achieving viral suppression after Treat All roll-out compared to established ART clients assessed before Treat All [AOR: 3.1 (1.6–5.9)].

Conclusions and recommendations

The findings indicate positive effect of the “Treat All” implementation on ART initiation and viral suppression, and negative effect on LTFU. Additionally, by April 2018, Namibia seems to have reached the UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 targets.
Association of an increase in serum albumin levels with positive 1-year outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure: A cohort study
Authors: Kato Takao , Yaku Hidenori , Morimoto Takeshi , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Yamamoto Erika , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kitai Takeshi , Taniguchi Ryoji , Iguchi Moritake , Kato Masashi , Takahashi Mamoru , Jinnai Toshikazu , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Nagao Kazuya , Kawai Takafumi , Komasa Akihiro , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Kawato Mitsunori , Seko Yuta , Shiba Masayuki , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite the prognostic importance of hypoalbuminemia, the prognostic implication of a change in albumin levels has not been fully investigated during hospitalization in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods

Using the data from the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry on 3160 patients who were discharged alive for acute heart failure hospitalization and in whom the change in albumin levels was calculated at discharge, we evaluated the association with an increase in serum albumin levels from admission to discharge and clinical outcomes by a multivariable Cox hazard model. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all-cause death or hospitalization for heart failure.

Findings

Patients with increased albumin levels (N = 1083, 34.3%) were younger and less often had smaller body mass index and renal dysfunction than those with no increase in albumin levels (N = 2077, 65.7%). Median follow-up was 475 days with a 96% 1-year follow-up rate. Relative to the group with no increase in albumin levels, the lower risk of the increased albumin group remained significant for the primary outcome measure (hazard ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.90: P = 0.0004) after adjusting for confounders including baseline albumin levels. When stratified by the quartiles of baseline albumin levels, the favorable effect of increased albumin was more pronounced in the lower quartiles of albumin levels, but without a significant interaction effect (interaction P = 0.49).

Conclusions

Independent of baseline albumin levels, an increase in albumin during index hospitalization was associated with a lower 1-year risk for a composite of all-cause death and hospitalization in patients with acute heart failure.
Association of serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D with total and regional adiposity and cardiometabolic traits
Authors: Karuppusami Reka , Antonisami Belavendra , Vasan Senthil K. , Gowri Mahasampath , Selliah Hepsy Y. , Arulappan Geethanjali , Jebasingh Felix , Thomas Nihal , Paul Thomas V.
Published: December 2020

Background

Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with greater adiposity and adverse cardiometabolic risk profile. The evidence is inconsistent among South Asian Indians. We aimed to examine associations between 25(OH)D and cardiovascular (CVD) risk markers in a rural and urban cohort from South India.

Subjects/Methods

In this cross sectional study, 373 individuals (men, n = 205) underwent detailed CVD risk marker assessment including anthropometry [body mass index (BMI), waist, (WC) and hip circumferences (HC)], body composition analysis using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), blood pressure and biochemical analysis (glucose, insulin and lipids). The distribution of CVD risk factors were compared across serum 25(OH)D levels, stratified as deficiency (<20 ng/ml), insufficiency (20 to 29 ng/ml) and normal (≥30 ng/ml) levels. Multiple regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, was used to study associations of 25(OH)D with adiposity and cardiometabolic traits.

Results

The mean and standard deviation (SD) of age, BMI and 25(OH)D levels were 41.4 (1.1) years, 25.5 (4.8) kg/m2 and 23.4 (10.4) ng/ml respectively. The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was 39.9% in this cohort. Individuals in the 25(OH)D deficiency category had significantly higher mean (SD) BMI [26.6 (5.1) kg/m2], waist circumference [89.9 (12.5) cm] and total fat mass [20.6 (7.9) kg] compared with the Vitamin D sufficient group [BMI: 24.0 (4.4); WC 84.7 (12.0); total fat mass: 15.2 (6.8)]. Significantly inverse associations were observed with DXA measured total and regional fat depots with 25(OH)D levels, while anthropometric indices of adiposity showed significant inverse association only in women. After adjusting for total fat mass, no significant associations were observed between 25(OH)D and the cardiometabolic traits.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that lower 25(OH)D is independently associated with both total and regional adiposity, but not with cardiometabolic traits, in this population.
Human Metapneumovirus: Epidemiology and genotype diversity in children and adult patients with respiratory infection in Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Rodriguez Pamela Elizabeth , Frutos María Celia , Adamo María Pilar , Cuffini Cecilia , Cámara Jorge Augusto , Paglini María Gabriela , Moreno Laura , Cámara Alicia
Published: December 2020

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is responsible for acute respiratory infections in humans, with clinical and epidemiological relevance in pediatric, elderly, and immunocompromised populations. These features are largely unknown in Córdoba, Argentina and in adults in general. Hence, our goal was to broadly characterize hMPV infection in patients of all ages hospitalized with acute respiratory infections in Córdoba, Argentina, including epidemiology, clinical features and genetic diversity. Nasopharyngeal secretions were obtained from 795 patients during 2011–2013, 621 patients were 0–25 years old and 174 were 26–85 years old. HMPV was assayed by RT-PCR and other respiratory viruses by indirect immunofluorescence. Local strains were identified by sequence analysis. Human Metapneumovirus was detected in 20.3% (161/795) patients, 13.1% as single infections and 7.2% in co-infections, more frequently with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. HMPV circulated during late winter and spring in all age patients, but mainly in children under 4 years old in 71.4% (115/161) and adults between 26 and 59 years old in 12.4% (20/161). The most prevalent diagnosis was mild acute respiratory infection in 59.6% (96/161) and bronchiolitis in 9.3% (15/161). Local strains were clustered within A2subtype; they presented 73–100% identities among them, showing a high degree of homology compared to isolations from neighboring countries. We demonstrate that hMPV circulated among all age patients with respiratory infection during 2011–2013 in Córdoba, contributing to the understanding of this virus, its diagnosis and patient handling in local health-care centers.
DNA barcoding in the Southeast Pacific marine realm: Low coverage and geographic representation despite high diversity
Authors: Ramirez Jorge L. , Rosas-Puchuri Ulises , Cañedo Rosa Maria , Alfaro-Shigueto Joanna , Ayon Patricia , Zelada-Mázmela Eliana , Siccha-Ramirez Raquel , Velez-Zuazo Ximena
Published: December 2020

The Southeast Pacific comprises two Large Marine Ecosystems, the Pacific Central-American Coastal and the Humboldt Current System; and is one of the less well known in the tropical subregions in terms of biodiversity. To address this, we compared DNA barcoding repositories with the marine biodiversity species for the Southeast Pacific. We obtained a checklist of marine species in the Southeast Pacific (i.e. Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru) from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) database and compared it with species available at the Barcoding of Life Data System (BOLD) repository. Of the 5504 species records retrieved from OBIS, 42% of them had at least one registered specimen in BOLD (including specimens around the world); however, only 4.5% of records corresponded to publicly available DNA barcodes including specimens collected from a Southeast Pacific country. The low representation of barcoded species does not vary much across the different taxonomic groups or within countries, but we observed an asymmetric distribution of DNA barcoding records for taxonomic groups along the coast, being more abundant for the Humboldt Current System than the Pacific Central-American Coastal. We observed high-level of barcode records with Barcode Index Number (BIN) incongruences, particularly for fishes (Actinopterygii = 30.27% and Elasmobranchii = 24.71%), reflecting taxonomic uncertainties for fishes, whereas for Invertebrates and Mammalia more than 85% of records were classified as data deficient or inadequate procedure for DNA barcoding. DNA barcoding is a powerful tool to study biodiversity, with a great potential to increase the knowledge of the Southeast Pacific marine biodiversity. Our results highlight the critical need for increasing taxonomic sampling effort, the number of trained taxonomic specialists, laboratory facilities, scientific collections, and genetic reference libraries.