bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Picocyanobacterial cells in near‐surface air above terrestrial and freshwater substrates in Greenland and Antarctica
Authors: Trout‐Haney Jessica V. , Heindel Ruth C. , Virginia Ross A.
Published: March 2020

Bioaerosols are an important component of the total atmospheric aerosol load, with implications for human health, climate feedbacks and the distribution and dispersal of microbial taxa. Bioaerosols are sourced from marine, freshwater and terrestrial surfaces, with different mechanisms potentially responsible for releasing biological particles from these substrates. Little is known about the production of freshwater and terrestrial bioaerosols in polar regions. We used portable collection devices to test for the presence of picocyanobacterial aerosols above freshwater and soil substrates in the southwestern Greenland tundra and the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. We show that picocyanobacterial cells are present in the near‐surface air at concentrations ranging from 2,431 to 28,355 cells m−3 of air, with no significant differences among substrates or between polar regions. Our concentrations are lower than those measured using the same methods in temperate ecosystems. We suggest that aerosolization is an important process linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in these polar environments, and that future work is needed to explore aerosolization mechanisms and taxon‐specific aerosolization rates. Our study is a first step toward understanding the production of bioaerosols in extreme environments dominated by microbial life.
Heathland plant species composition and vegetation structures reflect soil‐related paths of development and site history
Authors: Schellenberg Jenny , Bergmeier Erwin
Published: March 2020

Questions

To improve our knowledge on how environmental conditions determine the development of high‐value Calluna vulgaris heathland habitats, we studied the floristic and structural characteristics of heathland plant communities across North Germany and how they are influenced by edaphic, climatic and management factors. We ask how heathland development is related to these factors and what are the implications for conservation management and restoration.

Location

North German Plain.

Methods

We collected 350 relevés in 18 dry Calluna heathland areas. Plant communities were classified using Isopam, and Redundancy Analysis (RDA) determined effects of environmental conditions. Potential pathways of development and the nature conservation status of the communities were identified on a multifactorial basis.

Results

We found nine floristically and structurally distinct heathland plant communities. Heathland vegetation showed distinct patterns along Calluna age development stages and environmental conditions. Soil conditions and related effects of long‐term site history and recent management turned out to be the predominant factors influencing species composition and diversity, resulting in three potential heathland succession pathways. Mosaic‐like communities with particularly high taxonomic diversity and conservation value occurred on early‐successional inland dunes or as regeneration stage growing on nutrient‐poor sandy soils without humus accumulation.

Conclusions

The study reveals fundamental differences between historically farmed heathland in the oceanic Northwest and former military training areas mainly in northeastern Germany with consequences for restoration ecology. Present nature conservation criteria turned out to be insufficient in predicting habitat quality, as lichens are frequently disregarded. Our findings highlight the need for intense soil disturbance to maintain early‐stage soil conditions and a diverse Calluna growth‐phase composition, as these factors essentially determine species richness in lowland heaths.
Hispidulin attenuates the social withdrawal in isolated disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1 mutant and chronic phencyclidine‐treated mice
Authors: Mouri Akihiro , Lee Hsin‐Jung , Mamiya Takayoshi , Aoyama Yuki , Matsumoto Yurie , Kubota Hisayoshi , Huang Wei‐Jan , Chiou Lih‐Chu , Nabeshima Toshitaka
Published: March 2020

Background and Purpose

Hispidulin is a flavonoid isolated from Clerodendrum inerme that was found to inhibit intractable motor tics. Previously, we found that hispidulin attenuates hyperlocomotion and the disrupted prepulse inhibition induced by methamphetamine and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, two phenotypes of schizophrenia resembling positive symptoms. Hispidulin can inhibit COMT, a dopamine‐metabolizing enzyme in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that is important for social interaction. Here, we investigated whether hispidulin would affect social withdrawal, one of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Experimental Approach

We examined whether acute administration of hispidulin would attenuate social withdrawal in two mice models, juvenile isolated disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1 mutant (mutDISC1) mice and chronic phencyclidine (PCP)‐treated naïve mice.

Key Results

In chronic PCP‐treated mice, hispidulin (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.) attenuated social withdrawal similar to that observed with dopamine D1 receptor antagonist (SCH‐23390, 0.02 mg·kg−1, i.p.) and was mimicked by the selective COMT inhibitor, OR‐486 (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.). Hispidulin increased extracellular dopamine levels in the PFC of chronic PCP‐treated mice. In isolated mutDISC1 mice, hispidulin also reversed social withdrawal. In both models, intra‐PFC microinjection of a D1 agonist (SKF‐81297: 10 nmol/mouse/bilateral) reversed the impairment of Ser897phosphorylation at the GluN1 subunit of NMDA receptors, suggesting the association between GluN1 Ser897‐phosphorylation and D1 activation in the PFC exits in both models.

Conclusions and Implications

Hispidulin attenuated social withdrawal by activating D1 receptors indirectly through elevated dopamine levels in the PFC by COMT inhibition. This nature of hispidulin suggests that it a potential novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Epiphytic bryophyte diversity and range distributions along an elevational gradient in Marojejy, Madagascar
Authors: Marline Lovanomenjanahary , Ah‐Peng Claudine , Hedderson Terry A. J.
Published: March 2020

Describing spatial variation in species richness and understanding its links to ecological mechanisms are complementary approaches for explaining geographical patterns of richness. The study of elevational gradients holds enormous potential for understanding the factors underlying global diversity. This paper investigates the pattern of species richness and range‐size distribution of epiphytic bryophytes along an elevational gradient in Marojejy National Park, northeast Madagascar. The main objectives are to describe bryophyte species composition and endemism in Marojejy National Park, to describe the species richness and distribution patterns of epiphytic bryophytes along an elevational gradient from 250 m to 2050 m and to evaluate the explanatory value of environmental variables for the observed patterns. Bryophyte samples were collected following a nested design with four hierarchical levels: elevational belts, plots, quadrats, and microplots. In total, 254 epiphytic bryophyte species were recorded, comprising 157 liverworts and 97 mosses. Twenty‐three of these are endemic to Madagascar. Species richness exhibits a hump‐shaped pattern along the elevational gradient, peaking at 1,250 m. Eighty‐seven percent of the total recorded species have a range distribution lower than 1,000 m, at which point 36% are restricted to these single elevations. Our results suggest that mean temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit play important roles in shaping the richness pattern observed in this study. While the liverwort richness pattern did not correlate to vapor pressure deficit and responded only weakly to relative humidity, the richness pattern shown by mosses correlates well with mean temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.
Elevation of CD109 promotes metastasis and drug resistance in lung cancer via activation of EGFR‐AKT‐mTOR signaling
Authors: Lee Kang‐Yun , Shueng Pei‐Wei , Chou Chih‐Ming , Lin Bo‐Xing , Lin Mei‐Hsiang , Kuo Deng‐Yu , Tsai I‐Lin , Wu Sheng‐Ming , Lin Cheng‐Wei
Published: March 2020

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and metastasis in lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. Thus, understanding the mechanism of lung cancer metastasis will improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer patients. Herein, we found that expression of cluster of differentiation 109 (CD109) was correlated with the invasive and metastatic capacities of lung adenocarcinoma cells. CD109 is upregulated in tumorous tissues, and CD109 overexpression was associated with tumor progression, distant metastasis, and a poor prognosis in patient with lung adenocarcinoma. Mechanistically, expression of CD109 regulates protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling via its association with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Inhibition of CD109 decreases EGFR phosphorylation, diminishes EGF‐elicited activation of AKT/mTOR, and sensitizes tumor cells to an EGFR inhibitor. Taken together, our results show that CD109 is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in lung cancer patients.
Understanding oral health help‐seeking among Middle Eastern refugees and asylum seekers in Australia: An exploratory study
Authors: Due Clemence , Aldam Isadora , Ziersch Anna
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Andersen's behavioural model of healthcare utilization is one of the most commonly used frameworks for help‐seeking across a broad range of health areas, including oral health. The Model has been used in a wide range of previous studies to explore and understand oral health service use among both general populations and ethnic minorities. However, no research has explored its utility in understanding refugees' and asylum seekers' oral health help‐seeking. As such, this study aimed to improve understanding of Middle Eastern refugees' and asylum seekers' oral health help‐seeking and to determine the utility of Andersen's Model in this context.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 26 participants: 20 refugees and asylum seekers, and six oral health practitioners. Results were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The results indicated that systemic barriers were of particular concern for refugees and asylum seekers in relation to oral healthcare access. Other components supported previous research concerning the domains of the Model, with additions in relation to acculturation and previous experiences of dental care either in home or resettlement contexts.

Conclusions

Overall, this study highlights the need for a tailored approach to understanding oral health help‐seeking for refugees and asylum seekers, who have particular dental care needs. Resettlement policies should consider system‐level barriers to accessing dental services when considering access to health services more generally for refugees and asylum seekers.
Aerial drone technology can assist compliance of trap fisheries
Authors: Provost Euan J. , Butcher Paul A. , Coleman Melinda A. , Bloom Daniel , Kelaher Brendan P.
Published: March 2020

Illegal fishing is a global issue that threatens the viability of fishing industries and biodiversity conservation. Management agencies typically use on‐ground surveillance to monitor and minimise illegal fishing practices, the efficacy of which may be enhanced by integrating emerging remote sensing technology. Affordable drones may contribute to cost‐effective detection of illegal fishing activity and associated gear, although their application has yet to be evaluated in many types of fisheries. Here, the utility of drones for the detection of crab traps and floats set in a shallow estuary was quantitatively tested, and the effects of survey altitudes, cameras and monitor screens on detection rates were determined. It was found that drone flight altitude and float colour influenced the detection rates of common crab trap floats, with infrared cameras improving the detection of floats camouflaged by black paint. However, the type of monitor screen used by the drone operator had no influence on the detection of crab traps. Overall, it appears drones can contribute to cost‐effective compliance in estuarine trap fisheries, and the approach can contribute to evidence‐based standard operating procedures.
Structural and electric properties of Ce‐doped Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 piezoceramics with high Curie temperatures
Authors: Qin Lu , Jiang Chaobin , Liu Kanghui , Chen Ye , Du Yike , Zuo Yuandong , Chen Yong , Cao Wanqiang
Published: March 2020

Na0.5Bi4.5‐xCexTi4O15 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics with high Curie temperatures are fabricated using the conventional solid‐phase method. The effects of the Ce content on the phase structures, morphologies, and electrical properties of the Na0.5Bi4.5‐xCexTi4O15 ceramics are systematically investigated. The appropriate content of Ce increases b/a and c/a and induces the distortion of the crystal structure. The increased b/a leads to a transverse asymmetry of the Na0.5Bi4.5‐xCexTi4O15 ceramics, which facilitates the dipole flipping, thus enhancing the piezoelectric properties (d33 = 20 pC/N). Although the improved c/a increases the degree of tetragonality of the Na0.5Bi4.5‐xCexTi4O15 ceramic, which decreases the Curie temperature (TC), the TC values of all samples are higher than 600°C, considerably higher than the practical application temperature. The Ce doping significantly reduces the dielectric loss of the sample and increases its dielectric performance. The improvements in electric properties by the cerium doping can expand its use in high‐temperature environments for oilfield logging, aerospace, and military applications.
The roles of temperature, nest predators and information parasites for geographical variation in egg covering behaviour of tits (Paridae)
Authors: Loukola Olli J. , Adamik Peter , Adriaensen Frank , Barba Emilio , Doligez Blandine , Flensted‐Jensen Einar , Eeva Tapio , Kivelä Sami M. , Laaksonen Toni , Morosinotto Chiara , Mänd Raivo , Niemelä Petri T. , Remeš Vladimir , Samplonius Jelmer M. , Sebastiano Manrico , Senar Juan Carlos , Slagsvold Tore , Sorace Alberto , Tschirren Barbara , Török János , Forsman Jukka T.
Published: March 2020

Aim

Nest building is widespread among animals. Nests may provide receptacles for eggs, developing offspring and the parents, and protect them from adverse environmental conditions. Nests may also indicate the quality of the territory and its owner and can be considered as an extended phenotype of its builder(s). Nests may, thus, function as a sexual and social signal. Here, we examined ecological and abiotic factors—temperature, nest predation and interspecific information utilization—shaping geographical variation in a specific nest structure—hair and feather cover of eggs—and its function as an extended phenotype before incubation in great (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) across Europe. We also tested whether egg covering is associated with reproductive success of great tits.

Location

Fourteen different study sites and 28 populations across Europe.

Taxon

Parus major, Cyanistes caeruleus.

Methods

We recorded clutch coverage estimates and collected egg covering nest material from the tit nests. We also measured nest specific breeding parameters and phenotypic measurements on adults. We tested whether mean spring temperatures, nest predation rates and flycatcher (Ficedulaspp) densities in the study areas explain the large‐scale geographical variation of clutch coverage and reproductive success of tits.

Results

The degree of egg coverage of great tits increased with lower mean spring temperature, higher nest predation rate and higher flycatcher density. We did not find egg covering of blue tits to be associated with any of the ecological or abiotic factors. Moreover, egg covering of great tits was not associated with reproductive success in our cross‐sectional data, yet a rigorous assessment of fitness effects would require long‐term data.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that, in great tits, egg covering may simultaneously provide thermal insulation against cold temperatures during egg‐laying in spring and also represent a counter‐adaptation to reduce information parasitism by flycatchers and nest predation. Hence, geographical variation in interspecific interactions, and consequently in co‐evolutionary processes, may affect the evolution of nest characteristics besides environmental conditions.
Long non‐coding RNA FEZF1‐AS1 induced progression of ovarian cancer via regulating miR‐130a‐5p/SOX4 axis
Authors: Sun Ziqian , Gao Shouyang , Xuan Lili , Liu Xiaojun
Published: March 2020

Emerging studies have revealed the critical role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) development and progression. Till now, the roles and potential mechanisms regarding FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1‐AS1) within ovarian cancer (OC) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to uncover the biological function and the underlying mechanism of LncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 in OC progression. FEZF1‐AS1 expression levels were studied in cell lines and tissues of human ovarian cancer. In vitro studies were performed to evaluate the impact of FEZF1‐AS1 knock‐down on the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of OC cells. Interactions of FEZF1‐AS1 and its target genes were identified by luciferase reporter assays. Our data showed overexpression of FEZF1‐AS1 in OC cell lines and tissues. Cell migration, proliferation, invasion, wound healing and colony formation were suppressed by silencing of FEZF1‐AS1. In contrast, cell apoptosis was promoted by FEZF1‐AS1 knock‐down in vitro. Furthermore, online bioinformatics analysis and tools suggested that FEZF1‐AS1 directly bound to miR‐130a‐5p and suppressed its expression. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of miR‐130a‐5p on the OC cell growth were reversed by FEZF1‐AS1 overexpression, which was associated with the increase in SOX4 expression. In conclusion, our results revealed that FEZF1‐AS1 promoted the metastasis and proliferation of OC cells by targeting miR‐130a‐5p and its downstream SOX4 expression.
Osthole stimulates bone formation, drives vascularization and retards adipogenesis to alleviate alcohol‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Yu Hongping , Zhu Daoyu , Liu Pei , Yang Qianhao , Gao Junjie , Huang Yigang , Chen Yixuan , Gao Youshui , Zhang Changqing
Published: March 2020

Characteristic pathological changes in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) include reduced osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), impaired osseous circulation and increased intramedullary adipocytes deposition. Osthole is a bioactive derivative fromcoumarinwith a wide range of pharmacotherapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to unveil the potential protective role of osthole in alcohol‐induced ONFH. In vitro, ethanol (50 mmol/L) remarkably decreased the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and impaired the proliferation and tube formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs), whereas it substantially promoted the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. However, osthole could reverse the effects of ethanol on osteogenesisviamodulating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, stimulate vasculogenesis and counteract adipogenesis. In vivo, the protective role of osthole was confirmed in the well‐constructed rat model of ethanol‐induced ONFH, demonstrated by a cascade of radiographical and pathological investigations including micro‐CT scanning, haematoxylin‐eosin staining, TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling, immunohistochemical staining and fluorochrome labelling. Taken together, for the first time, osthole was demonstrated to rescue the ethanol‐induced ONFHviapromoting bone formation, driving vascularization and retarding adipogenesis.
Length–weight relationships of mesopelagic fishes from the equatorial and tropical Atlantic waters: influence of environment and body shape
Authors: López‐Pérez Cristina , Olivar M. Pilar , Hulley Percy A. , Tuset Víctor M.
Published: March 2020

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were estimated for 36 mesopelagic fish species collected from the equatorial and tropical Atlantic encompassing several oceanographic regions: oligotrophic, equatorial, Cape Blanc, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. The sample was composed of myctophids (25 species), gonostomatids (5), sternoptychids (3), stomiids (2) and phosichthyids (1). The species were clustered according to body shape: “short‐deep” (sternoptychids), “elongate” (gonostomatids, stomiids and some phosichthyids) and “fusiform” (myctophids and some phosichthyids). Three types of weight and LWRs were considered: wet weight (WW), eviscerated wet weight (eWW) and eviscerated dry weight (eDW). The study demonstrated that most species present a positive allometric growth, independent of the weight used. However, the allometric value varied in 40–50% of species depending on the type of weight considered. Significant variations linked to fish morphology were found in the relationship between the slope and intercept of the LWR equation. Significant differences were also noted in the water content linked to fish body shape. Based on the distributions of several species we compare their fitness between oceanographic regions using the relative condition factor (Krel). Except for Diaphus brachycephalus (oligotrophic vs. equatorial waters) and Lampanyctus alatus (equatorial, Cape Blanc, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands), no regional significant differences were observed in the species analysed.
Prospective evaluation of the utility of cross‐matching prior to first transfusion in cats: 101 cases
Authors: Humm K. R. , Chan D. L.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To: (1) assess the frequency of crossmatch incompatibility in naïve feline blood transfusion recipients using two crossmatching methods, (2) measure the effect of crossmatch incompatibility on change in packed cell volume following transfusion, (3) assess the frequency of acute transfusion reactions and errors in blood transfusions in cats and (4) assess the impact of crossmatch incompatibility on the likelihood of transfusion reactions.

Materials and Methods

Cats being administered a first AB‐matched transfusion in a veterinary teaching hospital were prospectively recruited for this observational study. A slide agglutination method and a commercial test were both used for major and minor crossmatching. We measured increase in packed cell volume at 12 hours after transfusion relative to the mass of red blood cells givenperrecipient bodyweight and recorded transfusion reactions.

Results

A total of 101 cats was included. Crossmatch incompatibility was common using the slide agglutination method (27% and 10% major and minor incompatibility, respectively), but less common with the commercial test (major and minor incompatibility both 4%). Crossmatch incompatibility with any method was not associated with less effective transfusion in terms of change in packed cell volume. Transfusion reactions occurred in 20 cats, most commonly febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions (n = 9) and haemolytic transfusion reactions (n = 7). The commercial test appeared to be most specific for predicting haemolytic transfusion reactions.

Clinical Significance

Transfusion reactions were fairly common but not associated with increased mortality. Use of crossmatch‐compatible blood did not lead to a greater increase in PCV at 12 hours. The commercial test may predict a haemolytic transfusion reaction.
Cognitive impairment, quality of life and healthcare utilization in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3 to 5
Authors: Thancharoen Onnita , Waleekhachonloet Onanong , Limwattananon Chulaporn , Anutrakulchai Sirirat
Published: March 2020

Aim

This study aimed to examine associations between cognitive impairment and quality of life and healthcare utilization in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 379 outpatients with a mean age of 65.7 years at tertiary care hospitals in Thailand. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and quality of life was measured using the five‐dimension European quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L) multi‐attribute utility instrument. The effects of cognitive impairment on the likelihood of reporting ‘no problems’ for each EQ‐5D dimension, the quality of life scores and healthcare utilization were determined using an appropriate multivariate analysis.

Results

The prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 was 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.3, 19.9). Patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly lower likelihood of achieving good outcomes in the mobility, self‐care, usual activities and anxiety/depression dimensions of the EQ‐5D‐5L than those with normal cognition. Patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly lower quality of life score than those with normal cognition by 0.06 points (95% CI, 0.01, 0.10). Cognitive impairment increased the number of emergency visits (rate ratio, RR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.45, 8.29). Compared to CKD stage 3, CKD stage 5 decreased the quality of life score by 0.06 points (95% CI, 0.01, 0.10) and increased the rate of hospitalization (RR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.27, 4.12).

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment in patients with CKD was associated with lower quality of life scores and increased healthcare utilization.
Genome‐wide identification and expression analysis of the NF‐Y transcription factor family in Populus
Authors: Liu Rui , Wu Min , Liu Huan‐Long , Gao Ya‐Meng , Chen Jun , Yan Han‐Wei , Xiang Yan
Published: March 2020

In the past few years, many studies have reported that the transcription factor Nuclear Factor Y (NF‐Y) gene family plays important roles in embryonic development, photosynthesis, flowering time regulation and stress response, in various plants. Although the NF‐Y gene family has been systematically studied in many species, little is known about NF‐Y genes in Populus. In this study, the NF‐Y gene family in the Populus genome was identified and its structural characteristics were described. Fifty‐two NF‐Y genes were authenticated in the Populus trichocarpa genome and categorized into three subfamilies (NF‐YA/B/C) by phylogenetic analysis. Chromosomal localization of these genes revealed that they were distributed randomly across 17 of the 19 chromosomes. Segmental duplication played a vital role in the amplification of Populus NF‐Y gene family. Moreover, microsynteny analysis indicated that, among Populus trichocarpa, Arabidopsis thaliana, Vitis vinifera and Carica papaya, NF‐Y duplicated regions were more conserved between Populus trichocarpa and Vitis vinifera. Redundant stress‐related cis‐elements were also found in the promoters of most 13 NF‐YA genes and their expression levels varied widely following drought, salt, ABA and cold treatments. Subcellular localization experiments in tobacco showed that PtNF‐YA3 was localized in nucleus and cytomembrane, while PtNF‐YA4 was only in the nucleus in tobacco. According to the transcriptional activity experiments, neither of them had transcriptional activity in yeast. In summary, a comprehensive analysis of the Populus NF‐Y gene family was performed to establish a theoretical basis for further functional studies on this family.
Stress‐related changes in financial risk taking: Considering joint effects of cortisol and affect
Authors: von Helversen Bettina , Rieskamp Jörg
Published: March 2020

Many decisions under risk and uncertainty are made under physical or emotional stress. A recent meta‐analysis suggested that stress reliably influences risk taking but did not find a relation between single measures of stress such as cortisol and risk taking. One reason for the conflicting findings could be that the influence of stress on risk taking depends not only on physiological but also on psychological stress responses, in particular affective valence. We tested this hypothesis in an exploratory empirical study: Seventy participants worked on a financial risk‐taking task. In half of the participants acute stress was induced with a cold pressor task. For all participants we measured cortisol and α‐amylase levels, blood pressure, subjective arousal, and affective valence before and after the task. The stress induction increased participants' levels of cortisol, subjective arousal, and systolic blood pressure but did not directly influence negative affect or risky decision making. Examining the interplay between physiological and psychological stress responses, a moderation analysis revealed an interaction between stress induction and affect valence: Negative affect predicted an increase in risk‐seeking decision making in the stress condition, but not in the control group. A similar moderation was found with cortisol reactivity, that is, negative affect predicted an increase in risk‐seeking decision making in participants with high cortisol reactivity but not in participants with low cortisol reactivity. These results suggest that the effect of stress on risky decision making depends on the interplay of affective valence and cortisol reactivity.
Elevated body mass index during pregnancy and gestational weight gain in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected women in Cape Town, South Africa: association with adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Madlala Hlengiwe P. , Malaba Thokozile R. , Newell Marie‐Louise , Myer Landon
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To examine the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse birth outcomes in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected women.

Methods

In an urban South African community, 2921 consecutive HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected pregnant women attending primary healthcare services were assessed at their first antenatal visit. A subset of HIV‐infected women enrolled in a longitudinal study was assessed three times during pregnancy. All women had birth outcome data from medical records and study questionnaires. In analyses, the associations between BMI, GWG, maternal factors and adverse birth outcomes were assessed with logistic regression models.

Results

The estimated pre‐pregnancy BMI median was 29 kg/m2 (IQR, 24–34) overall, 29 kg/m2 (IQR, 24–34) for HIV‐uninfected and 28 kg/m2 (IQR, 24–34) for HIV‐infected women; HIV prevalence was 38%. In adjusted models, increased BMI in the overall cohort was positively associated with age, haemoglobin and parity at first antenatal visit. Maternal obesity was associated with increased likelihood of having high birthweight (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.39–4.66) and large size for gestational age (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.20–2.31) infants. In the subset cohort, GWG was associated with increased likelihood of spontaneous preterm delivery (aOR 4.35, 95% CI 1.55–12.21) and high birthweight (aOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.22–7.34) infants.

Conclusion

Obesity during pregnancy is prevalent in this setting and appears associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in both HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected women. Weight management interventions targeting women of child‐bearing age are needed to promote healthy pregnancies and reduce adverse birth outcomes.
Evaluation of a point‐of‐care method for screening blood donors for sickle cell status
Authors: Badawi Maha , Garoot Sara , Tahlawi Mofida , Hindawi Salwa , Adam Soheir
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Turbidity tests are commonly used for screening blood units for the presence of sickle cell trait (SCT) before transfusion to specific patient populations, based on recommendations of the AABB. In this pilot study, we evaluate a new method for screening blood donors and blood units for the presence of sickle hemoglobin.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was based at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Study participants were approached consecutively between July 24, 2016, and August 8, 2016. Blood donors, control individuals, and known patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) were tested using both a point‐of‐care testing technology (Sickle SCAN, Biomedomics, Inc.) and hemoglobin capillary electrophoresis (HEP). Corresponding blood units were also tested using Sickle SCAN.

RESULTS

A total of 200 donors, 13 blood units, and 57 patients and controls were included. Sensitivity and specificity of Sickle SCAN for detection of SCT and SCD was 100%, when compared to HEP as the gold standard.

CONCLUSION

Sickle SCAN is a rapid test that shows high sensitivity and specificity for identification of hemoglobin S among blood donors and when used for testing blood units.
Transfusion‐associated adverse events and implementation of blood safety measures ‐ findings from the 2017 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey
Authors: Savinkina Alexandra A. , Haass Kathryn A. , Sapiano Mathew R. P. , Henry Richard A. , Berger James J. , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Jones Jefferson M.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Serious transfusion‐associated adverse events are rare in the United States. To enhance blood safety, various measures have been developed. With use of data from the 2017 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS), we describe the rate of transfusion‐associated adverse events and the implementation of specific blood safety measures.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from the 2017 NBCUS were used with comparison to already published estimates from 2015. Survey weighting and imputation were used to obtain national estimates of transfusion‐associated adverse events, and the number of units treated with pathogen reduction technology (PRT), screened for Babesia, and leukoreduced.

RESULTS

The rate of transfusion‐associated adverse events requiring any diagnostic or therapeutic interventions was stable (275 reactions per 100,000 transfusions in 2015 and 282 reactions per 100,000 transfusions in 2017). In 2017 among US blood collection centers, 16 of 141 (11.3%) reported screening units for Babesia and 28 of 144 (19.4%) reported PRT implementation; 138 of 2279 (6.1%) hospitals reported transfusing PRT‐treated platelets. In 2017, 134 of 2336 (5.7%) hospitals reported performing secondary bacterial testing of platelets (50,922 culture‐based and 63,220 rapid immunoassay tests); in 2015, 71 of 1877 (3.8%) hospitals performed secondary testing (87,155 culture‐based and 21,779 rapid immunoassay tests). Nearly all whole blood/red blood cell units and platelet units were leukoreduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides leukoreduction, implementation of most blood safety measures reported in this study remains low. Nationally, hospitals might be shifting from culture‐based secondary bacterial testing to rapid immunoassays.
Definitive‐intent radiotherapy for sinonasal carcinoma in cats: A multicenter retrospective assessment
Authors: Stiborova Katerina , Meier Valeria S. , Takada Marilia , Turek Michelle , Poirier Valerie J. , Laliberte Sarah , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: March 2020

Treatment of epithelial sinonasal tumours in cats is not commonly reported. In the newer reports, palliative radiation protocols have been described more often than definitive‐intent protocols. In this multi‐institutional retrospective study, we included 27 cats treated with single‐modality radiotherapy. Cats were irradiated using 10 daily fractions of 4.2 Gy. Three cats (11.1%) experienced a complete clinical response and 17 (63%) had a partial clinical response. Stable clinical disease was noted in three cats (11.1%). Four cats (14.8%) showed progression within 3 months following treatment. The median time to progression for all cases was 269 days (95 % confidence intervals [CI]: 225; 314). The proportion of cats free of progression at 1 and 2 years was 24% (95% CI: 22%; 26%) and 5% (95% CI: 5%; 6%), respectively. None of the prognostic factors evaluated were predictive of outcome (anaemia, tumour volume at the time of staging, modified Adams stage, intracranial involvement, facial deformity, epistaxis, inappetence or weight loss). Median overall survival (OS) for all deaths was 452 days (95% CI: 334; 571). The proportion of cats alive at 1 and 2 years was 57% (95% CI: 37%; 77%) and 27% (95% CI: 25%; 29%), respectively. Surprisingly, cats with epistaxis had a longer median OS of 828 days (95% CI: 356; 1301) compared to 296 days (95% CI: 85; 508) in cats without epistaxis, (P= .04, Breslow). Radiation therapy used as a single modality for the treatment of feline sinonasal carcinoma improved clinical signs and was well tolerated but progression within a year was common.
Remote liver ischaemic preconditioning protects rat brain against cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury by activation of an AKT‐dependent pathway
Authors: Yang Guang , Yang Yu , Li Yanmei , Hu Zhaoyang
Published: March 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can remote liver ischaemic preconditioning (RLIPC) protect rat brain against cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Pretreatment with RLIPC reduced cerebral infarct volume, improved neurological outcomes and inhibited neuron apoptosis. RLIPC led to increased phosphorylation of AKT, while inhibition of AKT abolished the effects of RLIPC. Our data suggest that liver ischaemic preconditioning exerts a strong neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury by activating an AKT‐dependent pathway.

Remote limb ischaemic preconditioning has been shown to have beneficial effects in protecting brains against ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, little is known regarding the effect of remote liver ischaemic conditioning (RLIPC). We therefore investigated the effect of RLIPC on brain tissues suffering from I/R injury. Rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, a control group or a RLIPC group. Rats in all groups except for the sham group received middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 h, followed by 48 h of reperfusion. For the RLIPC rats, four cycles of 5 min of liver ischaemia (portal vein, hepatic arterial and venous trunk occlusion) with 5 min intermittent reperfusion were carried out before cerebral ischaemia. Infarct volume was assessed after 48 h of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken for serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) tests. Morphological changes of cortical tissue and cellular apoptosis were determined. Right cortex tissues were taken for western blotting measurements. Our data demonstrate that RLIPC reduced cerebral I/R injury, decreased the volume of the MCAO‐evoked infarct region, decreased serum levels of LDH and CK‐MB, and reduced neurological deficits and apoptosis after I/R injury. Moreover, rats receiving RLIPC showed increased cortical AKT phosphorylation, but protein phosphorylation level was unchanged in the survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) signalling pathway. Accordingly, inhibition of AKT with wortmannin abolished the neuroprotective action of liver preconditioning. Our study showed for the first time that liver ischaemic preconditioning effectively protects brain against cerebral I/R injury by activating an AKT‐dependent pathway.
Speech detection and localization in a reverberant multitalker environment by normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Buchholz Jörg M. , Best Virginia
Published: March 2020

Spatial perception is an important part of a listener's experience and ability to function in everyday environments. However, the current understanding of how well listeners can locate sounds is based on measurements made using relatively simple stimuli and tasks. Here the authors investigated sound localization in a complex and realistic environment for listeners with normal and impaired hearing. A reverberant room containing a background of multiple talkers was simulated and presented to listeners in a loudspeaker-based virtual sound environment. The target was a short speech stimulus presented at various azimuths and distances relative to the listener. To ensure that the target stimulus was detectable to the listeners with hearing loss, masked thresholds were first measured on an individual basis and used to set the target level. Despite this compensation, listeners with hearing loss were less accurate at locating the target, showing increased front–back confusion rates and higher root-mean-square errors. Poorer localization was associated with poorer masked thresholds and with more severe low-frequency hearing loss. Localization accuracy in the multitalker background was lower than in quiet and also declined for more distant targets. However, individual accuracy in noise and quiet was strongly correlated.
Novel technology for storage and distribution of live vaccines and other biological medicines at ambient temperature
Authors: Bajrovic Irnela , Schafer Stephen C. , Romanovicz Dwight K. , Croyle Maria A.
Published: March 2020

Temperature-stable dissolving film eliminates cold-chain storage and successfully immunizes mice sublingually and buccally.
Efficient inverse graphics in biological face processing
Authors: Yildirim Ilker , Belledonne Mario , Freiwald Winrich , Tenenbaum Josh
Published: March 2020

Neural networks in the primate brain may invert a graphics style model of how 3D object shapes and textures cause observed images.
Viral evolution identifies a regulatory interface between paramyxovirus polymerase complex and nucleocapsid that controls replication dynamics
Authors: Sourimant Julien , Thakkar Vidhi D. , Cox Robert M. , Plemper Richard K.
Published: March 2020

A protein interface between paramyxovirus polymerase and nucleocapsid is involved in regulating viral replication dynamics.
Rings rule three-dimensional active matter
Authors: Bartolo Denis
Published: March 2020

Dynamical defect networks are imaged in viral-particle liquid crystals driven by biomotors
“Eat breakfast like a king and dinner like a pauper”?
Authors: Vellanki Priyathama
Published: March 2020

Eating most of one’s calories at breakfast results in higher diet-induced thermogenesis.
Effects of Tenofovir on the Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Morinidazole in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Wu Guolan , Tang Wenling , Lv Duo , Wu Lihua , Zhou Huili , Yang Xi , Zheng Yunliang , Zhai You , Shentu Jianzhong
Published: March 2020

The effects of multiple-dose administration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on the pharmacokinetics of morinidazole (MOR) were compared in healthy subjects. MOR exposure was similar, with an area under the curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC
0-∞
) treatment ratio for MOR+TDF/MOR of 1.01 (90% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.06). No relevant differences were observed regarding plasma exposure of metabolites. Renal clearances of MOR and its metabolites were not affected by TDF.
Paroxysmal head drops with ataxia-like symptoms presenting as Sandifer syndrome in a 3-year old girl
Authors: Sharif Abubakar , Carr Lucinda , Saliakellis Efstratios , Chakraborty Himadri
Published: March 2020

We present a case of Sandifer syndrome in a 3-year-old girl who initially presented with a history of recurrent paroxysmal head drops associated with ataxia-like symptoms and recurrent falls sustaining a clavicular fracture on one occasion. She was referred to and seen by the paediatric neurologist. Physical examination, electroencephalogram, MRI brain, electromyograph single fibre study and blood tests were all normal. With the history of hiccups and choking-like episodes she was referred to the speech and language therapist (SALT). SALT assessment did not reveal indications of swallowing impairment or possible aspiration. A barium swallow later showed small amount of reflux into the distal oesophagus. This prompted a trial of lansoprazole and she was referral to the gastroenterologists. Endoscopy and oesophageal manometry were essentially normal. However, the pH impedance study revealed severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. She continued with lansoprazole and dairy-free diet and her symptoms resolved.
Intervention reporting of clinical trials published in high-impact cardiology journals: effect of the TIDieR checklist and guide
Authors: Palmer William , Okonya Ochije , Jellison Samuel , Horn Jarryd , Harter Zachery , Wilkett Matt , Vassar Matt
Published: March 2020

Background

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide the highest-level of evidence among primary research in cardiovascular medicine. Yet, even the best trial may be less useful if it fails to provide an accurate means of reproducibility. Unfortunately, discrepancies in the standards of trial reporting have been persistent in previous trials. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist aims to improve research efficacy by setting standards for quality intervention reporting and reproducibility. The goal of this study was to assess adherence to the TIDieR checklist among RCTs published in cardiovascular health journals. We also compared the quality of intervention reporting before and after the publication of TIDieR.

Methods

This cross-sectional, methodological study analysed 101 trials published within high-impact cardiology journals. Our primary objective was to assess overall adherence to the TIDieR checklist. Our secondary objective was to use an interrupted time-series analysis to determine if intervention reporting increased following the publication of TIDieR in March 2014. Additionally, we used generalised estimating equations to identify trial characteristics associated with intervention reporting.

Results

Trials in our sample reported 8.6/12 TIDieR checklist items, on average. The most under-reported items were those for describing the expertise of the interventionists and for describing the location of the intervention.

Conclusion

Improved outcome reporting and intervention reproducibility among RCTs are greatly needed in cardiovascular medicine. Clinicians and researchers should advocate for the ethical publication of complete, translatable and replicable clinical research results.
Diagnosing lymphoma in dogs
Authors: Villiers Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

Background: In recent years, the veterinary oncology community has started to consider lymphoma as being a multitude of different diseases. Different types of lymphoma respond differently to different treatments and carry different prognoses, so it is important to identify these individual forms rather than giving a blanket diagnosis of ‘lymphoma’.

Aim of the article: This article lists the various forms of lymphoma and describes the methods that are available for accurate identification of the different subtypes, which leads to better prognosis prediction and selection of the most appropriate treatment for patients.
Update on caseous lymphadenitis in sheep
Authors: Gascoigne Emily , Ogden Nicky , Lovatt Fiona , Davies Peers
Published: March 2020

Background: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), caused by the gram‐positive bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, has been present in Great Britain since the 1980s and is now considered endemic. CLA is considered to be an iceberg disease; that is, it is a production‐limiting disease, characterised by slow insidious onset, that has production‐limiting effects in a larger proportion of the flock than is exhibiting clinical signs at any given point in time.

Aim of the article: The disease has been previously reviewed in In Practice (Baird 2003). In this article we consider updates in our understanding of the pathology, risk factors for flocks and the challenges of initiating control where the cost of the disease is still relatively unquantified.