bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors independently associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Afolabi Paul R. , Scorletti Eleonora , Calder Philip C. , Byrne Christopher D.
Published: July 2020

Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and low CRF is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The factors that influence CRF in NAFLD are poorly understood and it has been suggested that reduced hepatic mitochondrial function (HMF) may be linked to low CRF. Therefore, our aim was to determine the factors associated with CRF in NAFLD.

Methods

Ninety‐seven patients with NAFLD were studied. CRF was assessed by treadmill testing and expressed as maximal O2 consumption (VO2 peak) per lean body mass. HMF was assessed by the 13C‐ketoisocaproate breath test. Multivariable linear regression modelling was undertaken to test the independence of associations with CRF.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 51 (13) years and 61% were men. With CRF as the outcome, age (B coefficient −0.3, 95%CI −0.4, −0.2, P < .0001), total body fat mass (B coefficient −0.2, 95%CI −0.3, −0.05, P = .01), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (B coefficient −3.6, 95%CI −1.1, −6.1, P = .005), smoking status (B coefficient −5.7, 95%CI −1.9, −9.5, P = .004), serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (B coefficient −0.04, 95%CI −0.05, −0.02, P < .0001), HMF (B coefficient −0.5, 95%CI −0.8, −0.1, P = .01) and diastolic function (B coefficient 0.1, 95%CI 0.05, 0.13, P < .0001) were independently associated with CRF. This model explained 60% of the total variance in CRF (R2 = 0.6, P < .0001); and this model with GGT alone explained 24% of the variance in CRF.

Conclusions

In patients with NAFLD, HMF is independently associated with CRF and a model with GGT alone explained most of the variance in CRF.
Be Healthy in Pregnancy: Exploring factors that impact pregnant women's nutrition and exercise behaviours
Authors: Grenier Lindsay N. , Atkinson Stephanie A. , Mottola Michelle F. , Wahoush Olive , Thabane Lehana , Xie Feng , Vickers‐Manzin Jennifer , Moore Caroline , Hutton Eileen K. , Murray‐Davis Beth
Published: July 2020

Excess gestational weight gain is associated with short‐ and long‐term pregnancy complications. Although a healthy diet and physical activity during pregnancy are recommended and shown to reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes, adherence to these recommendations is low. The aims of this study were to explore women's view of nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy and to describe barriers and facilitators experienced in implementing physical activity and nutrition recommendations. In a substudy of the Be Healthy in Pregnancy randomized trial, 20 semistructured focus groups were conducted with 66 women randomized to the control group when they were between 16 and 24 weeks gestation. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed. The results indicate that women felt motivated to be healthy for their baby, but competing priorities may take precedence. Participants described limited knowledge and access to information on safe physical activity in pregnancy and lacked the skills needed to operationalize both physical activity and dietary recommendations. Women's behaviours regarding diet and physical activity in pregnancy were highly influenced by their own and their peers' beliefs and values regarding how weight gain impacted their health during pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms beyond women's control such as fatigue and nausea made physical activity and healthy eating more challenging. Counselling from care providers about nutrition and physical activity was perceived as minimal and ineffective. Future interventions should address improving counselling strategies and address individual's beliefs around nutrition and activity in pregnancy.
Age‐dependent changes in infidelity in Seychelles warblers
Authors: Raj Pant Sara , Hammers Martijn , Komdeur Jan , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S.
Published: July 2020

Extra‐pair paternity (EPP) is often linked to male age in socially monogamous vertebrates; that is, older males are more likely to gain EPP and less likely to be cuckolded. However, whether this occurs because males improve at gaining paternity as they grow older, or because “higher quality” males that live longer are preferred by females, has rarely been tested, despite being central to our understanding of the evolutionary drivers of female infidelity. Moreover, how extra‐pair reproduction changes with age within females has received even less attention. Using 18 years of longitudinal data from an individually marked population of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we found considerable within‐individual changes in extra‐pair reproduction in both sexes: an early‐life increase and a late‐life decline. Furthermore, males were cuckolded less as they aged. Our results indicate that in this species age‐related patterns of extra‐pair reproduction are determined by within‐individual changes with age, rather than differences among individuals in longevity. These results challenge the hypothesis—based on longevity reflecting intrinsic quality—that the association between male age and EPP is due to females seeking high‐quality paternal genes for offspring. Importantly, EPP accounted for up to half of male reproductive success, emphasizing the male fitness benefits of this reproductive strategy. Finally, the occurrence of post‐peak declines in extra‐pair reproduction provides explicit evidence of senescence in infidelity in both males and females.
Regulatory control of the Streptococcus mutans HdrRM LytTR Regulatory System functions via a membrane sequestration mechanism
Authors: Xie Zhoujie , Zou Zhengzhong , Raz Assaf , Qin Hua , Fischetti Vincent , Zhang Shan , Kreth Jens , Merritt Justin
Published: July 2020

Bacteria sense and respond to environmental changes via several broad categories of sensory signal transduction systems. Recently, we described the key features of a previously unrecognized, but widely conserved class of prokaryotic sensory system that we refer to as the LytTR Regulatory System (LRS). Our previous studies suggest that most, if not all, prokaryotic LRS membrane proteins serve as inhibitors of their cognate transcription regulators, but the inhibitory mechanisms employed have thus far remained a mystery. Using the Streptococcus mutans HdrRM LRS as a model, we demonstrate how the LRS membrane protein HdrM inhibits its cognate transcription regulator HdrR by tightly sequestering HdrR in a membrane‐localized heteromeric HdrR/M complex. Membrane sequestration of HdrR prevents the positive feedback autoregulatory function of HdrR, thereby maintaining a low basal expression of the hdrRM operon. However, this mechanism can be antagonized by ectopically expressing a competitive inhibitor mutant form of HdrR that lacks its DNA binding ability while still retaining its HdrM interaction. Our results indicate that sequestration of HdrR is likely to be the only mechanism required to inhibit its transcription regulator function, suggesting that endogenous activation of the HdrRM LRS is probably achieved through a modulation of the HdrR/M interaction.
Variation in key leaf photosynthetic traits across wheat wild relatives is accession dependent not species dependent
Authors: McAusland Lorna , Vialet‐Chabrand Silvere , Jauregui Iván , Burridge Amanda , Hubbart‐Edwards Stella , Fryer Michael J. , King Ian P. , King Julie , Pyke Kevin , Edwards Keith J. , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Lawson Tracy , Murchie Erik H.
Published: July 2020

The wild relatives of modern wheat represent an underutilized source of genetic and phenotypic diversity and are of interest in breeding owing to their wide adaptation to diverse environments. Leaf photosynthetic traits underpin the rate of production of biomass and yield and have not been systematically explored in the wheat relatives.

This paper identifies and quantifies the phenotypic variation in photosynthetic, stomatal, and morphological traits in up to 88 wheat wild relative accessions across five genera. Both steady‐state measurements and dynamic responses to step changes in light intensity are assessed.

A 2.3‐fold variation for flag leaf light and CO2‐saturated rates of photosynthesis Amax was observed. Many accessions showing higher and more variable Amax, maximum rates of carboxylation, electron transport, and Rubisco activity when compared with modern genotypes. Variation in dynamic traits was also significant; with distinct genus‐specific trends in rates of induction of nonphotochemical quenching and rate of stomatal opening.

We conclude that utilization of wild relatives for improvement of photosynthesis is supported by the existence of a high degree of natural variation in key traits and should consider not only genus‐level properties but variation between individual accessions.
Appetite for grass: Re‐engineering landscapes of Otago and Southland 1864–1914
Authors: Holland Peter , Olson Sherry
Published: July 2020

Family farms of southern New Zealand, by effective integration of their biological engines—equine, ovine and bovine—sustained a rising productivity for half a century. In response to demand in the North Atlantic core, settlers on a South Pacific frontier were converting indigenous landscapes of tussock, scrub and wetland to introduced grasses. The comments that farmers entered to a daybook or reported to a journalist demonstrate a systems understanding. The changes in landscape and diet were part of a worldwide trend towards dependence on grass, recognized today as a source of severe environmental costs.
The prevalence of corneal abnormalities in first‐degree relatives of patients with keratoconus: a prospective case‐control study
Authors: Shneor Einat , Frucht‐Pery Joseph , Granit Edna , Gordon‐Shaag Ariela
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Although there is a high prevalence of keratoconus in the Middle East including Israel, limited data is available describing first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic keratoconus (KC) using Scheimpflug imaging. The purpose of this study is to accurately phenotype first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic KC in Israel using corneal tomography, which may help determine the genetic aetiology of KC.

Methods

First‐degree relatives (N = 56) of 16 KC probands participated in this prospective case‐control study. Healthy controls (N = 96) were from a previous study. Autorefraction, visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, retinoscopy, subjective refraction and Scheimpflug imaging (CSO Sirius Topographer) of keratoconus patients and their first‐degree relatives were evaluated. The worse eye was used for KC and KC suspects. The main outcome measure was prevalence of abnormal corneal topography and tomography parameters, which was compared between first‐degree relatives vs controls. p values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

KC (N = 2) or KC suspect (N = 8) was diagnosed in 18% (95% CI 8‐28%) of the first‐degree relatives. At least one abnormal corneal parameter was evident in 34% of first‐degree relatives, while this was significantly lower for controls (14%, χ2(1, N = 152) = 8.8, p = 0.01). Qualitative analysis showed KC first‐degree relatives had significantly more abnormal anterior corneal topography patterns than controls (34% vs 17%, χ2(1, N = 152) = 5.9, p = 0.02). For first‐degree relatives, sex was not a factor influencing prevalence of corneal abnormalities (18% for both men and women, χ2(1, N = 56) = 0.0, p = 1.0). A significant correlation was found for first‐degree relatives between age and most corneal parameters, while this was not evident for the control group.

Conclusions and Relevance

Eye care practitioners should consider first‐degree relatives of patients with KC at moderate risk for the disease and/or corneal abnormalities.
Effect of etomidate on systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease: A prospective observational study
Authors: Dennhardt Nils , Elfgen‐Schiffner Frederike‐Debora , Keil Oliver , Beck Christiane E. , Heiderich Sebastian , Sümpelmann Robert , Nickel Katja
Published: July 2020

Background

Neonates and infants with congenital heart disease undergoing general anesthesia have an increased risk for critical cardiovascular events. Etomidate produces very minimal changes in hemodynamic parameters in older children with congenital heart disease. There is a lack of studies evaluating the effect of etomidate on systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease.

Aim

The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the effect of etomidate on systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease.

Methods

In fifty infants aged 0‐11 months (24% neonates n = 12) with congenital heart disease, mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac index using electrical cardiometry, and regional cerebral oxygen saturation using near‐infrared spectroscopy were measured at baseline and 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after induction by 0.4 mg kg−1 etomidate. Hypotension was defined as a mean arterial blood pressure under 35 mm Hg and cerebral desaturation as a regional cerebral oxygen saturation of less than 80% of baseline.

Results

Mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac index, and regional cerebral oxygen saturation remained stable above the predefined limits. Mean arterial blood pressure decreased slightly within a physiological range after 3 minutes (P = .005, 95% CI:‐5.9 to −1.0). No significant change in cardiac index could be observed.

Conclusion

Etomidate 0.4mg kg−1 does not impair systemic or regional cerebral perfusion in neonates or infants with congenital heart disease.
Ultrasonographic findings of pediatric dermoid cyst
Authors: Ha Dae‐Lyong , Kim Tae‐Rim , Shin Kihyuk , Kim Hoon‐Soo , Kim Byung‐Soo , Kim Moon‐Bum , Ko Hyun‐Chang
Published: July 2020

Background

The precise diagnosis of dermoid cysts, which are usually located deeper than other common cysts, is important because dermoid cysts occasionally recur after incomplete excision. Ultrasonography (US) could give useful preoperative information of dermoid cysts but only a few studies have been conducted on US findings related to dermoid cysts. This study aimed to investigate clinical and US findings on pediatric dermoid cysts.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, clinical photographs, and US findings of 31 pediatric patients (≤18 years of age) with histopathologically diagnosed dermoid cysts who visited the Pusan National University Hospital between 2007 and 2016.

Results

Of the 31 patients, 25 underwent ultrasonography. The mean long diameter, short diameter, and depth of the cysts were 12.7, 9.0, and 3.8 mm, respectively. Sixteen cysts (64%) were ovoid, 23 (92%) showed hypoechogenicity, 20 (80%) showed heterogeneity, 19 (76%) showed well‐demarcated outer margins, and all cysts showed positive posterior acoustic enhancement. All cysts extended to the subcutaneous tissue, and 15 (60%) showed a connection with the underlying muscle.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography may be a useful diagnostic method to visualize the extent and location of the dermoid cyst and make an accurate diagnosis prior to surgical intervention.
Successful non‐directed living liver donor transplant for an infant with biliary atresia during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Feldman Amy G. , Adams Megan A. , Wachs Michael E. , Abzug Mark J. , Pratscher Lauren , Jackson Whitney E. , Pomfret Elizabeth A. , Sundaram Shikha S.
Published: July 2020

Amidst the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, the American Society for Transplant Surgeons has recommended that only urgent liver transplant with deceased donors should occur. However, young pediatric candidates rely on living donors for lifesaving transplant. We present a case of non‐directed left lateral lobe living liver donor transplant for a 7‐month‐old child with biliary atresia experiencing repeated life‐threatening episodes of sepsis and cholangitis from infected bile lakes. Using careful preoperative planning among the entire multidisciplinary team, paying meticulous attention to infection control pre‐ and post‐operatively, and taking advantage of robust telehealth technology both in and out of the hospital, a successful transplant was achieved. Amidst the COVID pandemic, non‐directed liver transplantation can be safely achieved for pediatric recipients.
Surface Functionalization of Green‐synthesized Reduced Graphene Oxide with PPIX Enhances Photosensitization of Cancer Cells
Authors: Shuvra Smita Soumya , Das Ankita , Barui Ananya
Published: July 2020

Photosensitizer‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles are promising materials for photodynamic therapy in cancer management. In this study, rGO is synthesized by a green route employing glucose as the reducing agent and functionalized with photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in a convenient, single‐step procedure. PPIX‐functionalized rGO exhibits photodynamic effect against cancer cells (HeLa) at 0.001 mg mL−1 under visible light illumination (635 nm). A 50% elimination of HeLa cells after 5 min irradiation is observed while very low phototoxicity (80% cell viability) is noted against normal dermal fibroblast cells. A positive correlation with ROS accumulation and increased expression of caspase‐3 in PPIX‐functionalized rGO‐treated cancer cells is also established. The results evidence a simple and cost‐effective route for developing photosensitizer‐functionalized rGO for effective and selective killing of cancer cells.
Silver nanoparticle pollutants activate oxidative stress responses and rosmarinic acid accumulation in sage
Authors: Moazzami Farida Seyed Hamed , Karamian Roya , Albrectsen Benedicte R
Published: July 2020

In this study, physiological and molecular responses of sage (Salvia officinalis) to silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were studied. It is supposed that sage oxidative responses can be activated to overcome the negative effects of SNPs. Results showed the penetration of SNPs via leaf epidermis into the parenchyma cells after foliar application. A significant decrease of photosynthetic pigments and increase of cell injury indicators, the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and also the content of non‐enzymatic antioxidants were observed after exposure of sage plants to 50 and 1000 mg l−1 SNPs compared to control plants. Phenolic compounds generally increased, but not in linear response to the dose level. The most abundant phenolic acid, rosmarinic acid (RA), increased more than eightfold at 100 mg l−1 SNPs. Furthermore, the content of RA, salvianolic acid A and B was positively correlated with the activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and RA synthase, but not with tyrosine aminotransferase. It could be concluded that the content of phenolic compounds increased in response to lower SNPs concentrations (50 and 100 mg l−1). However, the oxidative stress responses continued above these concentrations.
Probiotics and competitive exclusion of pathogens in shrimp aquaculture
Authors: Knipe Hazel , Temperton Ben , Lange Anke , Bass David , Tyler Charles R.
Published: July 2020

Probiotics, live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, offer an alternative to antibiotics and have become popular among shrimp farmers for use in the regulation of pond water quality, promotion of shrimp growth and the prevention of disease. Most shrimp probiotics are selected for testing based on their ability to competitively exclude pathogens through bacterial antagonism assays, although the mechanisms of pathogen exclusion are rarely investigated. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of competitive exclusion (interference and exploitation competition) by species screened and subsequently identified as shrimp probiotics based on their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in vitro. We show that the current methods used to identify potential probiotics preferentially select for interference‐based competitive mechanisms and may overlook the potential of many species to be considered a probiotic. Furthermore, we show that the efficiency of a probiotic in vivo may be improved by considering the suitability of competitive strategies to shrimp farming conditions. We highlight important limitations and future directions for the screening and identification of probiotics in shrimp aquaculture, to aid in the development of effective and sustainable microbial management strategies.
Ontological Soufflé
Authors: Goldschmidt Tyron
Published: July 2020

Possibilities are so much easier to swallow. So transform those left‐over cosmological arguments into scrumptious new ontological arguments.
Expression pattern of GLUT 1, 5, 8 and citrate synthase transcripts in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preimplantation embryos produced in vitro and derived in vivo
Authors: Taru Sharma Gutulla , Nath Amar , Prasad Shiv , Singhal Sumit , Chandra Vikash , Saikumar Gutulla
Published: July 2020

In vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos are reported to be developmentally lesser competent than in vivo‐derived (IVD) embryos and supposed to differ in the expression of genes related with glucose metabolism. So, the present study was conducted to analyse the expression pattern of GLUT 1, 5, 8 and citrate synthase (CS) in oocytes and embryos produced in vivo or in vitro in buffalo. IVD embryos were obtained from 18 superovulated buffaloes. IVP embryos were obtained from slaughterhouse‐derived oocytes subsequently subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. Total RNA was isolated from different stages of oocytes (immature and in vitro matured) and embryos (8–16 cell to blastocysts of IVP embryos and morula to blastocysts of IVD embryos). Results demonstrated that the expression of GLUT1, GLUT 8 increased from 8 to 16 cells to blastocyst and was significantly (p < .05) higher in IVP embryos. Expression of both genes was (p < .05) higher in IVD than in IVP blastocysts; though GLUT5 transcripts were not detected at 8‐ to 16‐cell stage IVP embryos, significantly (p < .05) higher transcripts were found at morula and blastocyst stages irrespective of embryo source with significantly (p < .05) higher expression in IVD embryos compared to IVP embryos. No significant difference was observed in citrate synthase expression in embryos at morula stage irrespective of the embryo source while significantly (p < .05) higher transcript level was observed at blastocyst stage with no difference between in vivo and in vitro embryos. It can be concluded that expression of GLUTs and CS is upregulated with progression of embryonic stage and expression is higher in in vivo embryos than in vitro counter parts; thus, it can be said that in vivo‐produced embryos are metabolically superior to in vitro embryos.
Media‐Based Sentiment Indices as an Alternative Measure of Consumer Confidence
Authors: Odendaal Hanjo , Reid Monique , Kirsten Johann F.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider the feasibility of constructing online sentiment indices, using large amounts of media data, as an alternative to the conventional survey method used to create the consumer confidence index in South Africa. A clustering framework is adopted to provide an indication of possible candidate sentiment indices constructed from a combination of different text sources and dictionaries that best mimic the traditional survey‐based consumer confidence index from the South African Bureau for Economic Research (BER). The results conclude that it is possible to create an index using sentiment analysis using online editorial data that does resemble the BER’s consumer confidence index. The different media‐based sentiment indices (MSI) show a significant level of correlation and co‐movement with the BER’s CCI. Impulse responses and cross‐correlation functions indicate that the MSI could potentially lead the survey‐based method up to two quarters. Furthermore, Granger‐causality tests show that the media‐based indices are good predictors of future consumer confidence index values. The results provide motivation for further study on the use of sentiment‐based techniques and online media data sources to track consumer confidence within an emerging market such as South Africa.
Effects of oral care on prolonged viral shedding in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Warabi Yoko , Tobisawa Shinsuke , Kawazoe Tomoya , Murayama Aki , Norioka Ryohei , Morishima Ryo , Inoue Tomoyuki , Shimizu Toshio , Takahashi Kazushi
Published: July 2020

Aim

To assess the effects of oral care on prolonged viral shedding in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients.

Methods and results

We evaluated the clinical course of eight COVID‐19 patients, including their duration of viral shedding, by PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs. The average time from the onset of symptoms until the virus was no longer detectable was 31.6 ± 11.8 days (mean ± SD; range 17‐53). Thus, it took 15.1 ± 14.7 (1‐40) days from the time of clinical recovery for the virus to become undetectable. In two patients who had mental retardation and psychiatric disorders, the viral shedding period continued for 44 days or 53 days. These two patients did not voluntarily brush their teeth. When they were instructed on the importance of oral care, including tooth brushing and gargling, their tests for the coronavirus became negative.

Conclusion

Most of the patients with COVID‐19 had a viral shedding period of 30 days or less. In cases of prolonged viral shedding (≥44 days), noninfectious viral nucleic acid may have accumulated in uncleaned oral cavities and continued to be detected. We propose that tooth brushing and gargling remove such viral nucleic acid and improve the accuracy of PCR testing.
Exposure‐based cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety related to asthma: A feasibility study with multivariate baseline design
Authors: Bonnert Marianne , Andersson Erik , Serlachius Eva , Manninen Ida‐Kaisa , Bergström Sten‐Erik , Almqvist Catarina
Published: July 2020

In the presence of asthma, the risk of having an anxiety disorder is increased twofold. The few trials conducted on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety and asthma have mainly targeted panic disorder, and with mixed results. Experimental laboratory research indicates that increased anxiety may lead to hypervigilance toward asthma. Hence, fear and avoidance associated with increased anxiety due to asthma may be an important treatment target. A treatment that learn participants to differentiate between anxiety and asthma through gradual exposure to situations that risk triggering anxiety for asthma may be a possible avenue. As a first step to investigate this issue further, we developed a 10‐week exposure‐based CBT protocol for anxiety related to asthma and tested it in six participants using multivariate baseline design with repeated assessments throughout treatment. All participants reported satisfaction with treatment, as well as subjective overall improvement after treatment. Visual analysis, using graphs over each individual's trajectory, as well as potential efficacy on group level analyzing standardized mean change, indicated improvements in important outcomes. We conclude that exposure‐based CBT is feasible and may improve anxiety related to asthma. Further investigation under randomized controlled trial conditions is warranted.
Defying the Rally During COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Regression Discontinuity Approach
Authors: Shino Enrijeta , Binder Michael
Published: July 2020

Objective

Do people set aside their partisan differences and rally around elected officials during a pandemic? President Trump's delegation of responsibility to the states during the COVID‐19 pandemic placed governors on the frontlines of the battle; some have shined and garnered positive national attention, others have wilted under the pressure of the national spotlight.

Methods

We use regression discontinuity design and exploit a discontinuity in the state's political events to assess the support of a governor's response to the pandemic.

Results

Using survey data from Florida's registered voters, we find that Governor DeSantis's approval dropped by 7 percentage points following his “Safer at Home” order press conference on April 1.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that under certain circumstances partisanship can blunt a “rally around the flag” effect. This finding provides context to understanding when and under which circumstances elected officials can expect increases (or decreases) in public support.
The Chinese Dream: Hukou, Social Mobility, and Trust in Government
Authors: Huang Xian
Published: July 2020

Objective

Social mobility plays an important role in stabilizing the political order. This article leverages China's hukou (household registration) reforms to examine the effects of state‐engineered social mobility on individuals’ trust in the government.

Methods

Using China General Social Survey data for 2010 and entropy balancing for causal effects, this article provides empirical evidence for the attitudinal effects of social mobility at the individual level.

Results

It finds that, first, individuals with the rural‐to‐urban hukou change are more likely to experience upward mobility, while individuals with the nonlocal‐to‐local hukou change are more pessimistic about their prospects of upward mobility; second, the rural‐to‐urban hukou change increases beneficiaries’ trust in the central government, while the nonlocal‐to‐local hukou change increases beneficiaries’ trust in the local government.

Conclusion

The Chinese authoritarian regime's co‐optation tactic of engineering upward social mobility via the hukou reforms contributes to its performance‐based political legitimacy as it effectively bolsters individuals’ trust in government.
Accounting for care within human geography
Authors: Middleton Jennie , Samanani Farhan
Published: July 2020

Drawing on in‐depth interviews with first‐time parents in the city of Oxford, we offer a critical examination of how notions of care can transform practices of research and analysis within human geography. We argue care offers a committed practice of knowing and relating within research where data collection, analysis, and scholarly narratives are all implicated in the remaking of everyday worlds that, in turn, reveal a new terrain of political potentiality.
The impact of foreign direct investment on host country exports: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kastratović Radovan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present a synthesis of the literature examining the impact of foreign direct investment on host country exports. We reviewed and summarised 37 theoretical papers, 27 micro‐level empirical studies and analysed 627 specifications from 117 macro‐level empirical studies. In exploring the reasons behind the variations of the reported effects in the empirical literature, we applied meta‐regression methodology. Our results indicate that the existing empirical literature generally reports a positive impact of foreign direct investment on exports, especially in developing countries. The reported effects are sensitive to research design, model specification and the context of the research. No publication bias was detected in the sampled studies. Based on our results, we provide some avenues and guidelines for future research on this topic. Our results could also have some important implications for policymakers.
Regional Inequality Simulations Based on Asset Exchange Models with Exchange Range and Local Support Bias
Authors: Kato Takeshi , Kudo Yasuyuki , Mizuno Hiroyuki , Hiroi Yoshinori
Published: July 2020

To gain insights into the problem of regional inequality, we proposed new regional asset exchange models based on existing kinetic income-exchange models in economic physics. We did this by setting the spatial exchange range and adding bias to asset fraction probability in equivalent exchanges. Simulations of asset distribution and Gini coefficients showed that suppressing regional inequality requires, firstly an increase in the intra-regional economic circulation rate, and secondly the narrowing down of the exchange range (inter-regional economic zone). However, avoiding over-concentration of assets due to repeat exchanges requires adding a third measure; the local support bias (distribution norm). A comprehensive solution incorporating these three measures enabled shifting the asset distribution from over-concentration to exponential distribution and eventually approaching the normal distribution, reducing the Gini coefficient further. Going forward, we will expand these models by setting production capacity based on assets, path dependency on two-dimensional space, bias according to disparity, and verify measures to reduce regional inequality in actual communities.
Analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine in rats after chronic constriction injury by mediating microRNA‐101 expression and the E2F2–TLR4–NF‐κB axis
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Yu Tingting , Cui Xiangyan , Yu Hong , Li Xinbai
Published: July 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Dexmedetomidine has a capacity for sedation, anti‐anxiety and analgesia with minimal suppression of respiratory function; what is its role in neuropathic pain and what is the involvement of miRNAs?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Dexmedetomidine attenuates inflammation and apoptosis and the stimulation of TLR4–NF‐κB signalling in rat spinal cord via miR‐101 overexpression and E2F2 downregulation.

The significant analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been underscored in neuropathic pain (NPP), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the functional effect of Dex on microRNA (miR)‐101‐regulated E2 promoter binding factor 2 (E2F2) with the engagement of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)–nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) was performed to generate an NPP rat model. The expression of miR‐101, E2F2 and TLR4–NF‐κB signalling‐relevant proteins was assessed by RT–quantitative PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that Dex increased mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal latency to withdraw. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor‐α was increased in CCI rats, but these trends were reversed by Dex. In addition, Dex repressed caspase‐9 expression and apoptotic cell numbers in spinal cord tissues in CCI rats. Moreover, the expression of E2F2 was significantly increased, while miR‐101 was diminished in CCI rats, which was reversed by Dex. Furthermore, miR‐101 inhibitor, E2F2 restoration or administration of a TLR4‐specific agonist weakened the effect of Dex. Together, these results suggest that Dex has the capacity to ameliorate NPP by regulating the miR‐101–E2F2–TLR4–NF‐κB axis in rats subjected to CCI.
The molecular mechanism of synaptic activity‐induced astrocytic volume transient
Authors: Woo Junsung , Jang Minwoo Wendy , Lee Jaekwang , Koh Wuhyun , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Lee C. Justin
Published: July 2020

Key points

Neuronal activity causes astrocytic volume change via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium channels.

The volume transient is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1.

The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel.

Intense neuronal activity is synaptically coupled with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients.

The brain volume changes dynamically and transiently upon intense neuronal activity through a tight regulation of ion concentrations and water movement across the plasma membrane of astrocytes. We have recently demonstrated that an intense neuronal activity and subsequent astrocytic AQP4‐dependent volume transient are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory. We have also pharmacologically demonstrated a functional coupling between synaptic activity and the astrocytic volume transient. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of how intense neuronal activity and the astrocytic volume transient are coupled remain unclear. Here we utilized an intrinsic optical signal imaging technique combined with fluorescence imaging using ion sensitive dyes and molecular probes and electrophysiology to investigate the detailed molecular mechanisms in genetically modified mice. We report that a brief synaptic activity induced by a train stimulation (20 Hz, 1 s) causes a prolonged astrocytic volume transient (80 s) via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium (K2P) channels, but not Kir4.1 or NKCC1. This volume change is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1, but not the volume‐regulated anion channel TTYH. The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel in astrocytes, but not IP3R2. In summary, our study identifies several important astrocytic ion channels (AQP4, TREK‐1, BEST1, TRPA1) as the key molecules leading to the neuronal activity‐dependent volume transient in astrocytes. Our findings reveal new molecular and cellular mechanisms for the synaptic coupling of intense neuronal activity with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients.
Embryonic cardioprotection by hydrogen sulphide: studies of isolated cardiac function and ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in the chicken embryo
Authors: Hess Rita M. , Niu Youguo , Garrud Tessa A. C. , Botting Kimberley J. , Ford Sage G. , Giussani Dino A.
Published: July 2020

Key points

In mammals, pregnancy complications can trigger an embryonic or fetal origin of cardiac dysfunction. However, underlying mechanisms remain uncertain because the partial contributions of the challenge on the mother, placenta or offspring are difficult to disentangle.

The avian embryo permits isolation of the direct effects of suboptimal conditions during development on the cardiac function of the offspring, independent of additional effects on the mother and/or the placenta.

Therefore, the objectives of this work were to adapt the isolated Langendorff technique using the chicken embryo to study the physiology of the developing heart.

Here, we introduce a novel technique and show the utility of the technique for exploring cardioprotective roles of H2S in the chicken embryo heart. This work lays the foundation for studying the direct effects of H2S therapy on the embryonic heart independent of effects on the mother and the placenta in adverse development.

This study adapted the isolated Langendorff preparation to study the chicken embryo heart in response to ischaemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury. The utility of the technique was tested by investigating cardioprotective effects of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and underlying mechanisms. Embryonic hearts (19 out of 21 days of incubation) mounted on a Langendorff preparation were exposed to IR (30 min ischaemia) after 4 treatments administered randomly, all as a 1 mm bolus, into the perfusate: saline vehicle (control); sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS); NaHS plus glibenclamide, an antagonist of KATP opening (NaHS Glib), and Glib alone (Glib). Relative to controls, NaHS treatment improved cardiac function after ischaemia (mean ± SD for area under the curve, AUC, for left ventricular developed pressure, LVDP: 1767.3 ± 929.5 vs. 492.7 ± 308.1; myocardial contractility, dP/dtmax: 2748.9 ± 1514.9 vs. 763.7 ± 433.1) and decreased infarct size (22.7 ± 8.0 vs. 43.9 ± 4.2%) and cardiac damage (% change in creatinine kinase, 49.3 ± 41.3 vs. 214.6 ± 155.1; all P < 0.05). Beneficial effects of NaHS were blocked by Glib. Glib alone had no effects. NaHS increased coronary flow rate (CFR) during baseline (mean ± SD for AUC: 134.3 ± 91.6 vs. 92.2 ± 35.8) and post IR (1467 ± 529.5 vs. 748.0 ± 222.1; both P < 0.05). However, this effect was not prevented by Glib. Therefore, the chicken embryo heart is amenable for study via the Langendorff preparation under basal conditions and during IR. The data show that H2S confers embryonic cardiac protection via opening of myocardial KATP channels and not via increasing CFR. H2S may prove a useful therapeutic agent to protect the human fetal heart against IR injury, as may occur in complicated labour.
Preparation of atomic layer deposited vanadium dioxide thin films using tetrakis(ethylmethylamino) vanadium as precursor
Authors: Bai Guandong , Niang Kham M. , Robertson John
Published: July 2020

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using a tetrakis(ethylmethylamino) vanadium precursor and an H2O oxidant at a temperature of 150 °C. Optimization of postdeposition annealing results in smooth, continuous VO2 films (thickness, t ∼ 30 nm) with small grains, exhibiting a transition from semiconducting to metal phase, typically known as the metal-insulator transition (MIT), at ∼72 °C with a switching ratio of ∼102. Such films were produced with high repeatability on a wafer scale and have been successfully utilized in resistively coupled oscillators and self-selected resistive devices. Under a smaller process window, thin films (t ∼ 30 nm) with very large grains have also been produced, exhibiting the MIT ratio of ∼103, which is the highest achieved for the ALD VO2 films deposited on SiO2 substrates. Both types of films were characterized again after 120 days to access their stability in air, a property that was rarely investigated.
Longitudinal Performance Analysis in Ultra-Triathlon of the World’s 2 Best Master Triathletes
Authors: Sousa Caio Victor , Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theo
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To analyze the performances of 2 ultra-triathletes who competed in ultra-triathlon events (double Iron ultra-triathlon and triple Iron ultra-triathlon) for the past 3 decades. Longitudinal data of the performance development in ultra-triathlon athletes spanning many years are rare. Prediction of age-related performance declines in the different disciplines in triathlon events (swimming, cycling, and running) are needed for race directors to set realistic goals (time limits) for master athletes in these events. Methods: Athletes A and B had 34 and 53 participations in double Iron at 35–55 and 40–69 y of age, respectively, and 26 and 20 participations in triple Iron at 33–51 and 40–61 y of age, respectively. Nonlinear regression analyses were performed with split and overall performance against age. Results: The average declines in performance in triple Iron ultra-triathlon for athlete A were 0.62%/y, 0.19%/y, and 0.98%/y for swimming, cycling, and running, respectively. For athlete B, a positive change was identified for swimming (0.19%/y) and cycling (1.12%/y) but negative change for running (1.34%/y). Conclusion: Running is the discipline with the greatest performance-decline rate for both athletes, in both double and triple Iron distances. The race time limit of double Iron competitions seems too short, making it difficult for master athletes older than 55 y to finish the race within the event regulations.
Both Caffeine and Placebo Improve Vertical Jump Performance Compared With a Nonsupplemented Control Condition
Authors: Grgic Jozo , Venier Sandro , Mikulic Pavle
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To compare the acute effects of caffeine and placebo ingestion with a control condition (ie, no supplementation) on vertical jump performance. Methods: The sample for this study consisted of 26 recreationally trained men. Following the familiarization visit, the subjects were randomized in a double-blind manner to 3 main conditions: placebo, caffeine, and control. Caffeine was administered in the form of a gelatin capsule in the dose of 6 mg·kg body weight−1. Placebo was also administered in the form of a gelatin capsule containing 6 mg·kg−1 of dextrose. Vertical jump performance was assessed using a countermovement jump performed on a force platform. Analyzed outcomes were vertical jump height and maximal power output. Results: For vertical jump height, significant differences were observed between placebo and control conditions (g = 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.24; +2.5%), caffeine and control conditions (g = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17–0.50; +6.6%), and caffeine and placebo conditions (g = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06–0.34; +4.0%). For maximal power output, no significant main effect of condition (P = .638) was found. Conclusions: Ingesting a placebo or caffeine may enhance countermovement jump performance compared with the control condition, with the effects of caffeine versus control appearing to be greater than the effects of placebo versus control. In addition, caffeine was ergogenic for countermovement jump height compared with placebo. Even though caffeine and placebo ingestion improved vertical jump height, no significant effects of condition were found on maximal power output generated during takeoff.
“Germany Crashes Out of World Cup”: A Mixed-Method Study on the Effects of Crisis Communication on Facebook
Authors: Utz Sonja , Otto Felix , Pawlowski Tim
Published: July 2020

Using social media for crisis communication has been proposed as an effective strategy because it allows teams to build parasocial relationships with fans. The authors focused on the early elimination of Germany during the 2018 Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup to examine the effects of (crisis) communication on Facebook. The authors compared the Facebook posts of the German team, captain Manuel Neuer, and team member Thomas Müller and examined the emoji reactions each received. Although Neuer posted text identical to that of the team, his post received a smaller proportion of angry emoji reactions. Müller received fewer angry reactions than the team, but more than Neuer. The authors also used data from a two-wave panel to study changes in evaluation and parasocial relationships and perceived authenticity as potential mediators. Only the team was evaluated more negatively after the elimination than before. Parasocial relationships mediated the effect of exposure to social media posts on evaluation.
Structure-specific DNA recombination sites: Design, validation, and machine learning–based refinement
Authors: Nivina Aleksandra , Grieb Maj Svea , Loot Céline , Bikard David , Cury Jean , Shehata Laila , Bernardes Juliana , Mazel Didier
Published: July 2020

Synthetic
attC
sites can be embedded into virtually any sequence and constitute a structure-specific DNA recombination system.
Non-neuronal expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes in the olfactory system suggests mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated anosmia
Authors: Brann David H. , Tsukahara Tatsuya , Weinreb Caleb , Lipovsek Marcela , Van den Berge Koen , Gong Boying , Chance Rebecca , Macaulay Iain C. , Chou Hsin-Jung , Fletcher Russell B. , Das Diya , Street Kelly , de Bezieux Hector Roux , Choi Yoon-Gi , Risso Davide , Dudoit Sandrine , Purdom Elizabeth , Mill Jonathan , Hachem Ralph Abi , Matsunami Hiroaki , Logan Darren W. , Goldstein Bradley J. , Grubb Matthew S. , Ngai John , Datta Sandeep Robert
Published: July 2020

Altered olfactory function is a common symptom of COVID-19, but its etiology is unknown. A key question is whether SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) – the causal agent in COVID-19 – affects olfaction directly, by infecting olfactory sensory neurons or their targets in the olfactory bulb, or indirectly, through perturbation of supporting cells. Here we identify cell types in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb that express SARS-CoV-2 cell entry molecules. Bulk sequencing demonstrated that mouse, non-human primate and human olfactory mucosa expresses two key genes involved in CoV-2 entry, ACE2 and TMPRSS2. However, single cell sequencing revealed that ACE2 is expressed in support cells, stem cells, and perivascular cells, rather than in neurons. Immunostaining confirmed these results and revealed pervasive expression of ACE2 protein in dorsally-located olfactory epithelial sustentacular cells and olfactory bulb pericytes in the mouse. These findings suggest that CoV-2 infection of non-neuronal cell types leads to anosmia and related disturbances in odor perception in COVID-19 patients.