bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When a Social Movement Quarantines: The Power of Urban Memory in the 2019 Chilean Anti-neoliberal Uprising
Authors: Badilla Rajevic Manuela
Published: July 2020

This article reflects on the connections between space, social movements, and urban memory by analyzing the effects of quarantine on the massive Chilean anti-neoliberal movement. It explores two aspects of the quarantine that have unsettled and challenged the spatial dimension of collective action: restrictions on transit through the city and the imposition of hygienic measures on infrastructure and social interactions. The article suggests that these aspects represent a concrete threat to social movements, while at the same time push to strengthen alternative spaces and repertoires of action. It concludes by illustrating the role of urban memories on the potential continuity of the mobilizations and their demands.
This Is My Voice in a Mask
Authors: Vallee Mickey
Published: July 2020

Our bodies have become attuned to a new regime of sensory experiences that now mediate our participation in the public sphere. This commentary is about the day I started to quarantine my voice and to wear a mask. In it, I explore the mask as a media object, and as a border between the body and the commons, including the ethics of communicable transmission. It marks some provisional thoughts in the context of a broader project on mask cultures.
Online assessment of problem-solving skills among fathers of young and school-age children with type 1 diabetes: Associations with parent and child outcomes
Authors: Teasdale Ashley , Limbers Christine A
Published: July 2020

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a pediatric chronic illness that is associated with significant parenting stress due to its lifelong course, burdensome disease management, and life-threatening complications. Although mothers of children with T1D have been studied extensively in relation to parenting stress, coping, and diabetes outcomes, there is a need to examine similar variables among fathers. The aim of the present study was to examine if fathers’ use of problem-solving skills was related to parenting stress and diabetes regimen adherence and if problem-solving skills moderated the associations between paternal involvement in diabetes care and parenting stress in a national online sample of 215 fathers of children with T1D. Self-report measures completed by fathers through Qualtrics included a demographic and disease-related questionnaire, the Social Problem-Solving Inventory—Revised; Parenting Stress Index—Fourth Edition, Short Form; Pediatric Inventory for Parents; Dads’ Active Disease Support Scale; and Self-Care Inventory—Revised. Pearson correlations were computed to assess associations among study variables. Four separate multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the interactive effects of problem-solving skills and paternal involvement on parenting stress. Analyses revealed a large positive correlation between problem-solving skills and general parenting stress ( r = .63), and a large negative correlation between problem-solving skills and pediatric parenting stress ( r = −.52). The interaction between problem-solving skills and father involvement accounted for a significant amount of variance in a general parenting stress subscale ( p < .01) and pediatric parenting stress ( p < .05). These results highlight the importance of problem-solving skills for father outcomes in the context of T1D while implicating the potential benefit of a problem-solving intervention for this population.
Model predictive air path control for a two-stage turbocharged spark-ignition engine with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation
Authors: Keller Martin , Geiger Severin , Günther Marco , Pischinger Stefan , Abel Dirk , Albin Thivaharan
Published: July 2020

Innovative air path concepts for turbocharged spark-ignition engines with exhaust gas recirculation impose high demands on the control due to nonlinearities and cross-couplings. This contribution investigates the control of the air and exhaust gas recirculation paths of a two-stage turbocharged spark-ignition engine with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation. Using exhaust gas recirculation at high loads, the in-cylinder temperature can be lowered, reducing the knock tendency, while at the same time preventing the need for the enrichment of the air/fuel ratio. Air and exhaust gas recirculation paths are cross-coupled and show different delay times. To tackle these challenges, a data-based two-stage model predictive controller is proposed: The target selector accounts for the overactuated system structure, while the dynamic controller adjusts the charging pressure and exhaust gas recirculation rate. The prediction model setup is based on a small amount of dyno-run measurement data. To ensure real-time capability, the model is kept as simple as possible. This allows for fast turnaround times of the algorithm, while maintaining the necessary accuracy in steady-state and transient operation. This study focuses on a two-stage control concept based on a target selector for optimal stationary control inputs and the dynamic controller considering the dynamic behavior of the air and exhaust gas recirculation paths. Subsequently, the control concept for the two-stage turbocharged spark-ignition engine with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation is validated via experimental tests under real-driving conditions on an automotive test track, using a prototype test vehicle. Results show that boost pressure as well as exhaust gas recirculation rate setpoints are met without overshoot and control deviation with settling times being close to the boundaries set by the hardware.
The transmedia tourist: A theory of how digitalization reinforces the de-differentiation of tourism and social life
Authors: Jansson André
Published: July 2020

This article elaborates the post-tourist de-differentiation thesis in the light of digitalization and the coming of transmedia as the dominant mode of cultural circulation. It is argued that transmedia extends and provides new facets to the de-differentiation of tourism and social life. Based on an overview of previous research, three versions of the ‘transmedia tourist’ are theorized – the ubiquitous transmedia tourist, the decapsulated transmedia tourist and the streamable transmedia tourist – representing different trajectories of de-differentiation. The typology provides an argument for the continued relevance of the de-differentiation thesis and a research agenda for future research on tourism and digitalization.
Efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy in clinical trials
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhao Hong , Zhao Jiaxin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Inhibitors targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have unprecedented effects in cancer treatment. However, the objective response rates (ORRs), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy have not been systematically evaluated.

Methods:

We searched Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane database from inception to July 2019 for prospective clinical trials on single-agent PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (avelumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, cemiplimab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab) with information regarding ORR, PFS, and OS.

Results:

Totally, 28,304 patients from 160 perspective trials were included. Overall, 4747 responses occurred in 22,165 patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy [ORR, 20.21%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 18.34–22.15%]. Compared with conventional therapy, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy was associated with more tumor responses (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.52–2.57) and better OS [hazard ratio (HR), 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.83]. The ORRs varied significantly across cancer types and PD-L1 expression status. Line of treatment, clinical phase and drug target also impacted the response rates in some tumors. A total of 2313 of 9494 PD-L1 positive patients (ORR, 24.39%; 95% CI, 22.29–26.54%) and 456 of 4215 PD-L1 negative patients (ORR, 10.34%; 95% CI, 8.67–12.14%) achieved responses. For PD-L1 negative patients, the ORR (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.20) and PFS (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.87–1.51) associated with immunotherapy and conventional treatment were similar. However, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy decreased the risk of death in both PD-L1 positive (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.60–0.72) and PD-L1 negative (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74–0.99) patients compared with conventional therapy.

Conclusion:

The efficacies associated with PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy vary significantly across cancer types and PD-L1 expression. This comprehensive summary of clinical benefit from immunotherapy in cancer patients provides an important guide for clinicians.
Nurses’ Participation in the Design of an Intensive Care Unit: The Use of Virtual Mock-Ups
Authors: Jouppila Tiina , Tiainen Tarja
Published: July 2020

Background:

Co-design with multiple tools is useful when end users’ knowledge is important, especially when designers work with people unfamiliar with design. Many studies have highlighted the importance of nurses’ participation in design, and such participation requires the development of techniques and tools to facilitate collaboration. This article analyzes how nurses participated in designing a general intensive care unit in a walk-in virtual environment (VE) and examines how their work-related knowledge can be transferred to the design process of spaces.

Method:

In this action research study, the design process was conducted by using virtual mock-ups, which were evaluated by multi-occupational groups in a walk-in VE. Nurses were the largest occupational group. Their work processes were under modification, since existing multi-patient rooms were being redesigned as single-patient rooms. The design of single-patient rooms was performed in three iterative cycles in the walk-in VE.

Results:

The nurses could specify their requirements in the walk-in VE, and their suggestions were incorporated into the architectural design process. The nurses were satisfied with their role in the design process.

Conclusion:

Co-design with virtual mock-ups in walk-in VE is appropriate when designing new healthcare facilities and when the opinions of workers are important. Virtual mock-ups in walk-in VE can be used collaboratively, facilitating simultaneous feedback from multiple users. Virtual reality (VR) technology has evolved, and changes can be made rapidly and at a lower cost. Another advantage of VR is that it allows one to design larger spaces, thus providing larger layouts of facilities for evaluation.
Being Moved or Being Satisfied? The Effect of Unexpected Acts of Personal Kindness in Hospitality Service Encounters
Authors: Griessmair Michele , Han Spring H. , Masuda Hisashi
Published: July 2020

Prior research has revealed that merely satisfying customers is not sufficient to secure a lasting competitive advantage during service encounters in the hospitality industry. We propose and demonstrate that hospitality providers can evoke feelings of “being moved” in their customers by providing unexpected acts of personal kindness rather than merely satisfying them by meeting their expectations. The distinct emotional signature associated with being moved, in turn, significantly increases customers’ loyalty and commitment (LoC) and the extent to which they engage in positive word of mouth (WoM), on top on what can be achieved by simply satisfying customers. We show that the joy/happiness component of being moved significantly increases LoC and WoM, and that this effect is shared with satisfaction. Moreover, surprise and guilt, which are emotions uniquely associated with being moved, also both significantly increase customers’ LoC and WoM. The positive effect of being moved can be enhanced by minimizing shame, an emotion occasionally associated with being moved. We also show that being moved has a positive effect on how customers perceive the workplace environment of an organization and the extent to which a hospitality organization is perceived as socially and environmentally responsible, which are core measures of organizations’ corporate social responsibility efforts.
Effect of Human Disturbance on Genetic Structure of Rare and Endangered Paphiopedilum micranthum Implied the Habitat Status
Authors: Li Zongyan , Li Jing , Li Minyang
Published: July 2020

Seven populations of Paphiopedilum micranthum from Southeast China were used to assess the influence of human disturbance on genetic structure through analysis with sequence-related amplified polymorphism technology. The results indicated that there was high genetic diversity at species level ( p =  81.25%; I =  0.3709) and a significantly higher differentiation level compared to that those of other outcrossing orchid species, and that moderately disturbed populations sustained higher genetic diversity indexes than the natural populations. This study revealed that human disturbance and population size did not significantly affect the populations’ genetic diversity but aggravated their differentiation. This may suggest that the habitat had a much greater influence on genetic variation.
The Potential of Music to Effect Social Change
Authors: Rabinowitch Tal-Chen
Published: July 2020

Can music effect social change? This is a complex question, because both music and social change exist in multiple forms and within diverse contexts. What types of music cause social change and what kinds of social change are generated by music are questions that deserve systematic empirical investigation. Addressing these questions may have important benefits for advancing society and for revealing the important aspects of the human connection to music. Several studies have begun to explore such questions, so it is useful at this stage to pause and consider what is actually meant by social change and what are the cognitive and emotional processes that underlie musical responses and behaviour, which is the goal of this interdisciplinary review paper. Social behaviour appears in different forms (e.g., collaboration, helpfulness), and contexts (e.g., dyad, group, community). At the same time, engagement in music involves a variety of behaviours (e.g., synchronisation). In order to better understand how these different musical and social behaviours interact, and in order to produce high-quality research in this area, it is necessary to carry out more investigations of the mechanistic basis of the links between music and social change. Such a research agenda will include a thorough deconstruction of music into its essential elements and, subsequently, and may involve a reconstruction of the most socially relevant components into novel forms of music.
(Self-)Confidence, Migration, and the State: A Study of Emigration from Latvia
Authors: Ķešāne Iveta , Weyher L. Frank
Published: July 2020

How do Latvian emigrants’ emotional apprehensions of social and cultural change in post-Soviet Latvia, and the contrasting experience they gain abroad, affect their relationship with the Latvian state and their ongoing emigration status? By contrasting the personal narratives of 59 emigrants with the Latvian state’s public transformation discourse, we argue that the culture the sending state presents to its public—both in its official discourse and day-to-day interactions with civilians—and the emotions this triggers in people based on their everyday life experiences, deepens our understanding of the post-Soviet emigration regime. Specifically, how state discourse and interactions affect feelings of recognition and the related emotions of confidence (particularly, self-confidence), pride, and shame are important for understanding post-Soviet emigration. Exaggerated neoliberal notions of the “West” dominated both the post-Soviet civil discourse and the policies and practices implemented to guide the transition, fashioning an environment where people felt shamed, and their self-confidence was injured. However, emigration and growing confidence in receiving states helped many regain a sense of comfort, self-confidence, and empowerment.
Generational Differences in Faculty and Student Comfort With Technology Use
Authors: Culp-Roche Amanda , Hampton Debra , Hensley Angie , Wilson Jessica , Thaxton-Wiggins Amanda , Otts Jo Ann , Fruh Sharon , Moser Debra K.
Published: July 2020

Background

Navigating through online education courses continues to be a struggle for some nursing students. At the same time, integrating technology into online courses can be difficult for nursing faculty.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess faculty technology integration practices, student attitudes about technology use, and generational differences related to faculty and student technology use.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to obtain data for this study.

Results

Integration of technology into online courses and student attitudes about technology use were not significantly different by generation. Faculty and students from the Baby Boomer and Generation X reported less comfort using technology and higher levels of anxiety using technology than did individuals from Generation Y.

Conclusion

Significant generational variations were not noted in relation to technology integration into courses and overall student attitudes about technology in this study, but differences were noted in relation to comfort with use of technology and anxiety when using technology. Student learning outcomes and satisfaction with learning may be influenced by the student’s comfort using technology and faculty’s confidence in integrating and using technology to provide online instruction.
Diagnosis of epilepsy after first seizure. Introducing the SWISS FIRST study
Authors: Jin Baudouin Zongxin , De Stefano Pia , Petroulia Valentina , Rummel Christian , Kiefer Claus , Reyes Mauricio , Schindler Kaspar , van Mierlo Pieter , Seeck Margitta , Wiest Roland
Published: July 2020

Diagnosis of epilepsy after a first unprovoked seizure is possible according to the guidelines by the International League Against Epilepsy, if the risk recurrence of a second unprovoked seizure is exceeding 60%. However, this cutoff constitutes only a proxy depending on the patients’ history, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG) findings but nevertheless also from the treating neurologists’ individual experience. In a Switzerland-wide observational study, we aim to recruit patients that were admitted to the emergency department with the referral diagnosis of a first and unprovoked seizure. We make use of optimized MRI protocols to identify potential structural epileptogenic lesions, introduce new imaging-based markers of epileptogenecity, and use most recent postprocessing methods as automatic morphometry, spike map analysis, and functional connectivity. With these diagnostic tools, we aim to segregate patients that present with epileptic seizures versus mimicks and non-epileptic seizures and stratify for every finding in MRI and EEG its predictive value for a second unprovoked seizure. These findings shall support neurologists to calculate and not only estimate the seizure recurrence rate in future.
Surgeries in Neonates and Small-Weight Babies With Congenital Heart Diseases: Challenges and Gratification
Authors: Dharmapuram Anil Kumar , Ramadoss Nagarajan , Goutami Vejendla , Verma Sudeep , Vuppali Nanda Kishor Kumar , Pallapotu Sandya , Torkadi Rushita
Published: July 2020

Background: Complex cardiac surgery in neonates and small-weight babies is a challenge. In addition to the surgical expertise and skill required, accurate diagnosis, management of anesthesia, perfusion, and postoperative critical care are equally challenging.

Methods: We have analyzed the data of 4 different examples of complex cardiac surgery in neonates and small-weight babies from February 2012 to July 2019 in our unit. The first group included 118 cases of arterial switch operations for transposition of great arteries with and without ventricular septal defect (group 1). The second group included 52 patients of aortic arch repair from midline using selective cerebral perfusion avoiding total circulatory arrest (group 2). The third group included 75 patients of repair of coarctation of aorta from thoracotomy using the modified end-to-side technique (group 3). The fourth group included 40 neonates and small-weight babies who underwent repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (group 4).

Results: In group 1, there was hospital mortality in 6 babies. In group 2, there was no hospital mortality. In group 3, there was 1 hospital death; in group 4, there were 5 hospital deaths. The major contributing cause of death was respiratory or blood-borne infection causing respiratory issues leading to prolonged ventilation. Left diaphragm palsy contributed to morbidity and eventual death in 2 babies. Only 2 patients required tracheostomy to wean off the ventilator.

Conclusions: In the present day, it is possible to achieve satisfactory results with acceptable mortality in neonatal cardiac surgery. Morbidity associated with very early repair in neonatal age, low weight, and infection-related issues is manageable with good outcomes.
Ticagrelor-Induced Paroxysmal Complete Heart Block
Authors: Premchand Rajendra Kumar , Rao Hygriv , Kumar Yerra Shiva , Jena Surya Kant , Sarika P.
Published: July 2020

Complete heart block is an uncommon condition that can be fatal if unidentified, as it affects the conduction system of the heart. The phenomenon may be caused by a drug or underlying medical condition requiring a temporary or permanent pacemaker to stabilize the condition. We report a case of complete heart block precipitated by ticagrelor which was reversed with the cessation of ticagrelor therapy.
Correction of immunosuppression in aged septic rats by human ghrelin and growth hormone through the vagus nerve-dependent inhibition of TGF-β production
Authors: Zhou Mian , Aziz Monowar , Ochani Mahendar , Wang Ping
Published: July 2020

Background

Co-administration of human ghrelin and growth hormone (GH) reverse immunosuppression in septic aged animals, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we hypothesize that ghrelin and GH co-treatment restores the immune response in aged septic rats by inhibiting the production of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an immunoregulatory cytokine, through the vagus nerve.

Methods

Male aged Fischer rats (22–23-month-old) were made septic by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with or without dissecting the vagus nerve (vagotomy). Human ghrelin and GH or vehicle (PBS) were administrated subcutaneously at 5 h post CLP. After 20 h of CLP, serum and spleens were harvested.

Results

Serum TGF-β levels were increased in septic aged rats, while ghrelin and GH treatment significantly reduced its levels. Expression of TGF-β in the spleen was upregulated after sepsis, while ghrelin and GH treatment significantly inhibited its expression. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly reduced after ex vivo LPS stimulation of splenocytes from rats that underwent CLP compared to sham rats; while these levels were significantly higher in splenocytes from ghrelin and GH-treated CLP rats compared to vehicle-treated CLP rats. Ghrelin and GH treatment reduced program death receptor-1 (PD-1) expression, increased human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression, attenuated lymphopenia, and cleaved caspase-3 levels in the spleen of septic aged rats. Vagotomy diminished the beneficial effects of ghrelin and GH treatment in septic rats. In vitro, the addition of ghrelin, GH, or ghrelin and GH together had no effect on restoring immune response in splenocytes from CLP rats following LPS stimulation, indicating the requirement of the vagus nerve for ghrelin and GH’s effect.

Conclusions

Ghrelin and GH attenuate immunosuppression in aged septic rats through the vagus nerve-dependent inhibition of TGF-β production.
AutoCloner: automatic homologue-specific primer design for full-gene cloning in polyploids
Authors: Coulton Alexander , Edwards Keith J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Polyploid organisms such as wheat complicate even the simplest of procedures in molecular biology. Whilst knowledge of genomic sequences in crops is increasing rapidly, the scientific community is still a long way from producing a full pan-genome for every species. Polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing therefore remain widely used as methods for characterizing gene sequences in many varieties of crops. High sequence similarity between genomes in polyploids means that if primers are not homeologue-specific via the incorporation of a SNP at the 3’ tail, sequences other than the target sequence will also be amplified. Current consensus for gene cloning in wheat is to manually perform many steps in a long bioinformatics pipeline.

Results

Here we present AutoCloner (www.autocloner.com), a fully automated pipeline for crop gene cloning that includes a free-to-use web interface for users. AutoCloner takes a sequence of interest from the user and performs a basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) search against the genome assembly for their particular polyploid crop. Homologous sequences are then compiled with the input sequence into a multiple sequence alignment which is mined for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Various combinations of potential primers that cover the entire gene of interest are then created and evaluated by Primer3; the set of primers with the highest score, as well as all possible primers at every SNP location, are then returned to the user for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We have successfully used AutoCloner to clone various genes of interest in the Apogee wheat variety, which has no current genome sequence. In addition, we have successfully run the pipeline on ~ 80,000 high-confidence gene models from a wheat genome assembly.

Conclusion

AutoCloner is the first tool to fully-automate primer design for gene cloning in polyploids, where previously the consensus within the wheat community was to perform this process manually. The web interface for AutoCloner provides a simple and effective polyploid primer-design method for gene cloning, with no need for researchers to download software or input any other details other than their sequence of interest.
Assessing the utility of Hsp90 gene for inferring evolutionary relationships within the ciliate subclass Hypotricha (Protista, Ciliophora)
Authors: Zhang Qi , Xu Jiahui , Warren Alan , Yang Ran , Shen Zhuo , Yi Zhenzhen
Published: July 2020

Background

Although phylogenomic analyses are increasingly used to reveal evolutionary relationships among ciliates, relatively few nuclear protein-coding gene markers have been tested for their suitability as candidates for inferring phylogenies within this group. In this study, we investigate the utility of the heat-shock protein 90 gene (Hsp90) as a marker for inferring phylogenetic relationships among hypotrich ciliates.

Results

A total of 87 novel Hsp90 gene sequences of 10 hypotrich species were generated. Of these, 85 were distinct sequences. Phylogenetic analyses based on these data showed that: (1) the Hsp90 gene amino acid trees are comparable to the small subunit rDNA tree for recovering phylogenetic relationships at the rank of class, but lack sufficient phylogenetic signal for inferring evolutionary relationships at the genus level; (2) Hsp90 gene paralogs are recent and therefore unlikely to pose a significant problem for recovering hypotrich clades; (3) definitions of some hypotrich orders and families need to be revised as their monophylies are not supported by various gene markers; (4) The order Sporadotrichida is paraphyletic, but the monophyly of the “core” Urostylida is supported; (5) both the subfamily Oxytrichinae and the genusUrosomaseem to be non-monophyletic, but monophyly ofUrosomais not rejected by AU tests.

Conclusions

Our results for the first time demonstrate that the Hsp90 gene is comparable to SSU rDNA for recovering phylogenetic relationships at the rank of class, and its paralogs are unlikely to pose a significant problem for recovering hypotrich clades. This study shows the value of careful gene marker selection for phylogenomic analyses of ciliates.
Auxin mediates the touch-induced mechanical stimulation of adventitious root formation under windy conditions in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Nam Bo Eun , Park Young-Joon , Gil Kyung-Eun , Kim Ju-Heon , Kim Jae Geun , Park Chung-Mo
Published: July 2020

Background

It is widely perceived that mechanical or thigmomorphogenic stimuli, such as rubbing and bending by passing animals, wind, raindrop, and flooding, broadly influence plant growth and developmental patterning. In particular, wind-driven mechanical stimulation is known to induce the incidence of radial expansion and shorter and stockier statue. Wind stimulation also affects the adaptive propagation of the root system in various plant species. However, it is unknown how plants sense and transmit the wind-derived mechanical signals to launch appropriate responses, leading to the wind-adaptive root growth.

Results

Here, we found that Brachypodium distachyon, a model grass widely used for studies on bioenergy crops and cereals, efficiently adapts to wind-mediated lodging stress by forming adventitious roots (ARs) from nonroot tissues. Experimental dissection of wind stimuli revealed that not bending of the mesocotyls but physical contact of the leaf nodes with soil particles triggers the transcriptional induction of a group of potential auxin-responsive genes encoding WUSCHEL RELATED HOMEOBOX and LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN transcription factors, which are likely to be involved in the induction of AR formation.

Conclusions

Our findings would contribute to further understanding molecular mechanisms governing the initiation and development of ARs, which will be applicable to crop agriculture in extreme wind climates.
Stimulation of homologous recombination in plants expressing heterologous recombinases
Authors: Barakate Abdellah , Keir Ewan , Oakey Helena , Halpin Claire
Published: July 2020

Background

Current excitement about the opportunities for gene editing in plants have been prompted by advances in CRISPR/Cas and TALEN technologies. CRISPR/Cas is widely used to knock-out or modify genes by inducing targeted double-strand breaks (DSBs) which are repaired predominantly by error-prone non-homologous end-joining or microhomology-mediated end joining resulting in mutations that may alter or abolish gene function. Although such mutations are random, they occur at sufficient frequency to allow useful mutations to be routinely identified by screening. By contrast, gene knock-ins to replace entire genes with alternative alleles or copies with specific characterised modifications, is not yet routinely possible. Gene replacement (or gene targeting) by homology directed repair occurs at extremely low frequency in higher plants making screening for useful events unfeasible. Homology directed repair might be increased by inhibiting non-homologous end-joining and/or stimulating homologous recombination (HR). Here we pave the way to increasing gene replacement efficiency by evaluating the effect of expression of multiple heterologous recombinases on intrachromosomal homologous recombination (ICR) in Nicotiana tabacum plants.

Results

We expressed several bacterial and human recombinases in different combinations in a tobacco transgenic line containing a highly sensitive β-glucuronidase (GUS)-based ICR substrate. Coordinated simultaneous expression of multiple recombinases was achieved using the viral 2A translational recoding system. We found that most recombinases increased ICR dramatically in pollen, where HR will be facilitated by the programmed DSBs that occur during meiosis. DMC1 expression produced the greatest stimulation of ICR in primary transformants, with one plant showing a 1000-fold increase in ICR frequency. Evaluation of ICR in homozygous T2 plant lines revealed increases in ICR of between 2-fold and 380-fold depending on recombinase(s) expressed. By comparison, ICR was only moderately increased in vegetative tissues and constitutive expression of heterologous recombinases also reduced plant fertility.

Conclusion

Expression of heterologous recombinases can greatly increase the frequency of HR in plant reproductive tissues. Combining such recombinase expression with the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to induce DSBs could be a route to radically improving gene replacement efficiency in plants.
Effects of a 16-week multimodal exercise program on gait performance in individuals with dementia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trautwein Sandra , Barisch-Fritz Bettina , Scharpf Andrea , Ringhof Steffen , Stein Thorsten , Krell-Roesch Janina , Woll Alexander
Published: July 2020

Background

There is a high prevalence of gait impairments in individuals with dementia (IWD). Gait impairments are associated with increased risk of falls, disability, and economic burden for health care systems. Only few studies have investigated the effectiveness of physical activity on gait performance in IWD, reporting promising but inconsistent results. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a multimodal exercise program (MEP) on gait performance in IWD.

Methods

In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 319 IWD of mild to moderate severity, living in care facilities, aged ≥ 65 years, and being able to walk at least 10 m. The control group (n = 118) received conventional treatment, whereas the intervention group (n = 201) additionally participated in a 16-week MEP specifically tailored to IWD. We examined the effects of the MEP on spatiotemporal gait parameters and dual task costs by using the gait analysis system GAITRite. Additionally, we compared characteristics between positive, non-, and negative responders, and investigated the impact of changes in underlying motor and cognitive performance in the intervention group by conducting multiple regression analyses.

Results

Two-factor analyses of variance with repeated measurements did not reveal any statistically significant time*group effects on either spatiotemporal gait parameters or dual task costs. Differences in baseline gait performance, mobility, lower limb strength, and severity of cognitive impairments were observed between positive, non-, and negative responders. Positive responders were characterized by lower motor performance compared to negative and non-responders, while non-responders showed better cognitive performance than negative responders. Changes in lower limb strength and function, mobility, executive function, attention, and working memory explained up to 39.4% of the variance of changes in gait performance.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of a standardized MEP on gait performance in IWD was limited, probably due to insufficient intensity and amount of specific walking tasks as well as the large heterogeneity of the sample. However, additional analyses revealed prerequisites of individual characteristics and impacts of changes in underlying motor and cognitive performance. Considering such factors may improve the effectiveness of a physical activity intervention among IWD.

Trial registration

DRKS00010538 (German Clinical Trial Register, date of registration: 01 June 2016, retrospectively registered, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do).
Validation of the T86I mutation in the gyrA gene as a highly reliable real time PCR target to detect Fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Espinoza Nereyda , Rojas Jesús , Pollett Simon , Meza Rina , Patiño Lilian , Leiva Manuel , Camiña Máximo , Bernal Manuela , Reynolds Nathanael D. , Maves Ryan , Tilley Drake H. , Kasper Matthew , Simons Mark P.
Published: July 2020

Background

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide, and increasing rates of fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance in C. jejuni are a major public health concern. The rapid detection and tracking of FQ resistance are critical needs in developing countries, as these antimicrobials are widely used against C. jejuni infections. Detection of point mutations at T86I in the gyrA gene by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a rapid detection tool that may improve FQ resistance tracking.

Methods

C. jejuni isolates obtained from children with diarrhea in Peru were tested by RT-PCR to detect point mutations at T86I in gyrA. Further confirmation was performed by sequencing of the gyrA gene.

Results

We detected point mutations at T86I in the gyrA gene in 100% (141/141) of C. jejuni clinical isolates that were previously confirmed as ciprofloxacin-resistant by E-test. No mutations were detected at T86I in gyrA in any ciprofloxacin-sensitive isolates.

Conclusions

Detection of T86I mutations in C. jejuni is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method to identify fluoroquinolone resistance in Peru. This detection approach could be broadly employed in epidemiologic surveillance, therefore reducing time and cost in regions with limited resources.
Correlation analysis between disease severity and clinical and biochemical characteristics of 143 cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a descriptive study
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Ruifang , Wang Juan , Jiang Qunqun , Gao Chang , Yang Juan , Ge Lintong , Hu Qing
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan and has quickly spread across the world. The mortality rate in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is high. This study analyzed clinical and biochemical parameters between mild and severe patients, helping to identify severe or critical patients early.

Methods

In this single center, cross-sectional study, 143 patients were included and divided to mild/moderate and sever/critical groups. Correlation between the disease criticality and clinical features and peripheral blood biochemical markers was analyzed. Cut-off values for critically ill patients were speculated through the ROC curve.

Results

Significantly, disease severity was associated with age (r = 0.458, P < 0.001), comorbidities (r = 0.445, P < 0.001), white cell count (r = 0.229, P = 0.006), neutrophil count (r = 0.238, P = 0.004), lymphocyte count (r = − 0.295, P < 0.001), albumin (r = − 0.603, P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = − 0.362, P < 0.001), serum potassium (r = − 0.237, P = 0.004), plasma glucose (r = 0.383, P < 0.001), total bilirubin (r = 0.340, P < 0.001), serum amyloid A (r = 0.58, P < 0.001), procalcitonin (r = 0.345, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (r = 0.477, P < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.548, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.342, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.264, P = 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.284, P = 0.001) and D-dimer (r = 0.477, P < 0.001) .

Conclusions

With the following parameters such as age > 52 years, C-reactive protein > 64.79 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase > 245 U/L, D-dimer > 0.96 μg/mL, serum amyloid A > 100.02 mg/L, or albumin < 36 g/L, the progress of COVID-19 to critical stage should be closely observed and possibly prevented. Lymphocyte count, serum potassium, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and procalcitonin may also be a prognostic indicator.
Discrepant glomerular filtration rate trends from creatinine and cystatin C in patients with chronic kidney disease: results from the KNOW-CKD cohort
Authors: Kang Eunjeong , Han Seung Seok , Kim Jayoun , Park Sue Kyung , Chung Wookyung , Oh Yun Kyu , Chae Dong-Wan , Kim Yong-Soo , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: July 2020

Background

Serum creatinine (Cr) and cystatin C (CysC) can both be used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCr and eGFRCysC). However, certain conditions may cause discrepancies between eGFR trends from Cr and CysC, and these remain undetermined in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A total of 1069 patients from the Korean CKD cohort (KNOW-CKD), which enrolls pre-dialytic CKD patients, whose Cr and CysC had been followed for more than 4 years were included in the sample. We performed trajectory analysis using latent class mixed modeling and identified members of the discrepancy group when patient trends between eGFRCr and eGFRCysC differed. Multivariate logistic analyses with Firth’s penalized likelihood regression models were performed to identify conditions related to the discrepancy.

Results

Trajectory patterns of eGFRCr were classified into three groups: two groups with stable eGFRCr (stable with high eGFRCr and stable with low eGFRCr) and one group with decreasing eGFRCr. Trajectory analysis of eGFRCysC also showed similar patterns, comprising two groups with stable eGFRCysC and one group with decreasing eGFRCysC. Patients in the discrepancy group (decreasing eGFRCr but stable & low eGFRCysC; n = 55) were younger and had greater proteinuria values than the agreement group (stable & low eGFRCr and eGFRCysC; n = 706), differences that remained consistent irrespective of the measurement period (4 or 5 years).

Conclusions

In the present study, we identify conditions related to discrepant trends of eGFRCr and eGFRCysC. Clinicians should remain aware of such potential discrepancies when tracing both Cr and CysC.
Predictors of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients receiving treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Bian Wei , Wan Junli , Tan Mingqiong , Su Jun , Yuan Yi , Wang Zonghua , Li Shiying
Published: July 2020

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in developed countries and seriously affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. However, the majority of the research in this area employs cross-sectional design; longitudinal research investigating changes in HRQoL and influencing factors is limited. The aim of this study was to use a longitudinal study design to investigate descriptive trends in HRQoL and their predictive factors in Chinese AMD patients receiving treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) at baseline and follow-ups.

Methods

In a sample of 142 AMD patients from the outpatient clinic of the Southwest Eye Hospital, a tertiary major hospital in the southwest of China, each patient completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, clinical features, HRQoL, depression, anxiety, coping style, social support, and self-efficacy at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up appointments.

Results

The total score of HRQoL fluctuated, with the highest score at the 6-month follow-up and the lowest score at baseline. Multivariable linear regression showed the predictors of HRQoL are best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), income level, depression, and visual acuity (VA) of the treated eye at baseline; BCVA, income, and depression at the 1-month follow-up; duration, area of residence, gender, VA of the treated eye, BCVA, income, anxiety, social support, self-efficacy, and depression at the 3-month follow-up; gender, BCVA, income, anxiety, social support, self-efficacy, depression, negative coping, and positive coping at the 6-month follow-up; and BCVA, social support, self-efficacy, and depression at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

The HRQoL and its predictive factors in Chinese AMD patients receiving anti-VEGF treatment fluctuated over time. It is suggested that medical staff should get more information when planning precise care for improving patients’ HRQoL.
Relationship between different domains of physical activity and positive mental health among young adult men
Authors: Appelqvist-Schmidlechner Kaija , Vaara Jani P. , Vasankari Tommi , Häkkinen Arja , Mäntysaari Matti , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: July 2020

Background

There is growing evidence on positive effects of physical activity (PA) on mental health. However, the focus of previous research on this relationship has typically been on mental health from the perspective of mental health problems rather than from the perspective of mental wellbeing. Further, previous research has commonly focused rather on leisure time PA without evidence on the role of other domains of PA. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between positive mental health (PMH) and different domains of PA in young Finnish men. The secondary aim was to examine the reasons for physical inactivity among individuals with a low level of PMH.

Methods

Positive mental health (measured with Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, SWEMWBS), self-reported leisure time, occupational and commuting PA as well as reasons for physical inactivity were measured using questionnaires (n = 456, mean age 29 years) among young Finnish males. Logistic regression modelling was used to generate odds for low and high levels of positive mental health for different levels of PA and sociodemographic variables.

Results

A weak positive association between leisure time PA and PMH was found in men with a low level of PMH (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.86). No association was found in the domains of commuting and occupational PA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed lower level of leisure time PA, unemployment and being single independently predicting low level of PMH. No associations were found between any domains of PA and high level of PMH. The most common reasons for physical inactivity among men with a low level of PMH were lack of interest (28%) and unwillingness to practise sports alone (27%).

Conclusions

The relationship between physical activity and positive mental health seems to vary between different domains of physical activity. The findings highlight the important role of leisure time physical activity, particularly in men with a low level of positive mental health. Strategies aimed at increasing physical activity for mental health benefits should focus particularly on providing opportunities for leisure time physical activity involving social interactions for men with lower mental wellbeing.