bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in India
Authors: Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Mishra Surabhi
Published: January 2020

Systemic hypertension and its related complications are the important contributing factors for major adverse cardiovascular events all over the world. Evidence from Asia and even from India reveals that both its incidence and prevalence are increasing even in young population both in urban and rural areas. The HOPE (Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence) Asia network data clearly say that most of these hypertensive patients are undiagnosed and undertreated. Even among the treated patients, the regular follow‐up visits and compliance of antihypertensive drug intake are not effective. The blood pressure variability (BPV) and the exaggerated morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) leading to high cardiovascular mortality and morbidity have been demonstrated in many studies. The role of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) to detect BPV and MBPS to treat hypertensive patients more effectively has been published by the HOPE Asia Network. This article is to review the evidence and literature from the Indian perspective and the role of HBPM for the effective control of hypertension in general population.
Intensity and frequency of physical activity and high blood pressure in adolescents: A longitudinal study
Authors: Wellman Robert J. , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Abi Nader Patrick , Chiolero Arnaud , Mesidor Miceline , Dugas Erika N. , Tougri Gauthier , O'Loughlin Jennifer
Published: January 2020

Despite limited evidence on the association between physical activity (PA) and blood pressure (BP) in youth, experts recommend that adolescents engage regularly in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA. We examined the relationships between PA intensity and frequency and the likelihood of having high BP in a population‐based cohort of adolescents from Montréal, Canada. PA was self‐reported every 3 months from grade 7 to 11, and BP was measured at ages 12.8, 15.2, and 17.0 years on average. We analyzed data from 993 participants (mean [SD] age = 16.0 [1.0], 51.6% female) with BP data at ages 15.2 and/or 17.0 years, using pooled ordinal logistic regression. BP (normal/elevated/hypertensive range) was the outcome, and past‐year PA intensity and frequency were potential predictors. Eight percent of participants had elevated BP (120‐129/<80), and 3.2% had BP in the hypertensive range (≥130/≥80). Participants engaged in a median (interquartile range) of 7.0 (4.5, 9.3) and 5.5 (2, 10.8) moderate and vigorous PA sessions/week, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, mother's education, use of alcohol and cigarette consumption, engaging in PA more intense than light during the previous year was associated with a lower odds of having BP in the hypertensive range (ORs [95% CIs] = 0.93 [0.88, 0.97] to 0.97 [0.94, 0.99]). The relationships were not altered by adjusting for BMI. Our findings support recommendations that adolescents engage in at least moderate PA on a regular basis to prevent development of BP in the hypertensive range.
Left ventricular hypertrophy in isolated and dual masked hypertension
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Facchetti Rita , Quarti‐Trevano Fosca , Dell'Oro Raffaella , Tadic Marijana , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Masked hypertension (MH) is defined as normal office blood pressure (BP) and elevated ambulatory BP (ABP) or home BP or both. This study assessed the association of MH (ie, isolated home, isolated ABP and dual MH) with echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The present analysis of the PAMELA study included 1087 untreated and treated participants with normal office BP and a measurable LV mass (LVM). A total of 193 individuals (17.7%) had any MH (ie, normal office BP, elevated ABP or home BP or both), 48 had dual MH (25%), 62 isolated ambulatory MH (32%), and 83 isolated home MH (43%). Average LVM indexed to body surface area was superimposable in the three MH phenotypes (being the largest difference between groups <3 g/m2) and significantly higher than in true normotensives. This was also for the LVH prevalence that varied across the MH subgroups in a narrow range (from 8.3% to 10.8%). In conclusion, individuals from the general population with isolated MH, in which either home or ABP was elevated, exhibited an increased risk of LVH similar to that entailed by dual MH. Our findings add the notion both home and ABP measurements are useful to more accurately assess the risk of LVH associated with MH in the community.
Association of pulse wave velocity and intima‐media thickness with cardiovascular risk factors in young adults
Authors: Cecelja Marina , Sriswan Raja , Kulkarni Bharati , Kinra Sanjay , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: January 2020

Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, and intima‐media thickening (IMT), a measure of early atherosclerosis, are intermediate markers of cardiovascular disease which are predictive of cardiovascular events. Traditionally, both were thought to result from accumulative exposure to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. However, their association with risk factors in young adults in low‐income settings is unknown. We sought to investigate the association between PWV and IMT with traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study cohort from Southern India. Male and female adults (N = 1440) aged between 20 and 24 years underwent measures of PWV and IMT. Exposure variables included smoking, body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐cholesterol), and triglycerides. Association between outcome and exposure variables was assessed using linear regression analysis. Average values for PWV and IMT were 5.9 ± 0.6 m/s and 0.5 ± 0.1 mm. In univariable analysis, PWV associated with MAP, BMI, smoking, total cholesterol, glucose, and HOMA‐IR and IMT associated with MAP, BMI, tobacco use, and HDL‐cholesterol. In multivariable analysis, PWV remained strongly positively associated with MAP increasing by 0.5 m/s (P < .001) for a 10 mm Hg increase in MAP (R2 = .37). In contrast, IMT negatively associated with HDL‐cholesterol (β = −.10; P = .012, R2 = .02). There was weak evidence that PWV and IMT positively associated with BMI. In young adults from Southern India, PWV positively associated with blood pressure and IMT negatively associated with HDL‐cholesterol. This suggests separate etiologies for atherosclerosis and arterial stiffening in young adults.
FGFRL1 affects chemoresistance of small‐cell lung cancer by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway via ENO1
Authors: Chen Rui , Li Deyu , Zheng Meng , Chen Bin , Wei Ting , Wang Yu , Li Man , Huang Weimei , Tong Qin , Wang Qi , Zhu Yaru , Fang Wei , Guo Linlang , Fang Shun
Published: January 2020

Fibroblast growth factor receptor‐like 1 (FGFRL1), a member of the FGFR family, has been demonstrated to play important roles in various cancers. However, the role of FGFRL1 in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of FGFRL1 in chemoresistance of SCLC and elucidate the possible molecular mechanism. We found that FGFRL1 levels are significantly up‐regulated in multidrug‐resistant SCLC cells (H69AR and H446DDP) compared with the sensitive parental cells (H69 and H446). In addition, clinical samples showed that FGFRL1 was overexpressed in SCLC tissues, and high FGFRL1 expression was associated with the clinical stage, chemotherapy response and survival time of SCLC patients. Knockdown of FGFRL1 in chemoresistant SCLC cells increased chemosensitivity by increasing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, whereas overexpression of FGFRL1 in chemosensitive SCLC cells produced the opposite results. Mechanistic investigations showed that FGFRL1 interacts with ENO1, and FGFRL1 was found to regulate the expression of ENO1 and its downstream signalling pathway (the PI3K/Akt pathway) in SCLC cells. In brief, our study demonstrated that FGFRL1 modulates chemoresistance of SCLC by regulating the ENO1‐PI3K/Akt pathway. FGFRL1 may be a predictor and a potential therapeutic target for chemoresistance in SCLC.
Catechin relieves hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced myocardial cell apoptosis via down‐regulating lncRNA MIAT
Authors: Cong Lin , Su Yisheng , Wei Dazhen , Qian Lu , Xing Dawei , Pan Jialin , Chen Ye , Huang Mingyuan
Published: January 2020

Background

Catechin protects heart from myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. However, whether catechin inhibits H/R‐induced myocardial cell apoptosis is largely unknown.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of catechin in inhibiting the apoptosis of H/R‐induced myocardial cells.

Methods

LncRNA MIAT expression was detected by qRT‐PCR. Cell viability of H9C2 cells was detected using CCK‐8 assay. The apoptosis of H9C2 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The interaction between CREB and MIAT promoter regions was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and ChIP assay.

Results

In MI/R rats, catechin improved heart function and down‐regulated lncRNA MIAT expression in myocardial tissue. In H/R‐induced H9C2 cells, catechin protected against cell apoptosis, and lncRNA MIAT overexpression attenuated this protective effect of catechin. We confirmed that transcription factor CREB could bind to MIAT promoter region, and catechin suppressed lncRNA MIAT expression through up‐regulating CREB. Catechin improved mitochondrial function and relieved apoptosis through promoting Akt/Gsk‐3β activation. In addition, MIAT inhibited Akt/Gsk‐3β activation and promoted cell apoptosis in H/R‐induced H9C2 cells. Finally, we found catechin promoted Akt/Gsk‐3β activation through inhibiting MIAT expression in H/R‐induced H9C2 cells.

Conclusion

Catechin relieved H/R‐induced myocardial cell apoptosis through regulating CREB/lncRNA MIAT/Akt/Gsk‐3β pathway.
Levels of smoking and dental implants failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Naseri Roohollah , Yaghini Jaber , Feizi Awat
Published: January 2020

Aim

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to investigate if there was a significantly enhanced risk of dental implant failure due to the increased number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Materials and Methods

Four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus, were searched until January, 2019. The search terms “dental implant, oral implant, smoking, smoker, tobacco, nicotine and non‐smoker” were used in combination to identify the publications providing data for dental implant failures related to the smoking habit. Publications were excluded if the quantity of cigarettes consumed per day was not reported. Fixed‐ or random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to pool the estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Having additional information supplied by the authors, 23 articles were selected for final analysis. The meta‐analyses based on implant‐ and patient‐related data showed a significant increase in the RR of implant failure in patients who smoked >20 cigarettes per day compared with non‐smokers (implant based:p = .001; RR: 2.45; CI: 1.42–4.22 and patient based:p < .001; RR: 4; CI: 2.72–5.89).

Conclusion

The risk of implant failure was elevated with an increase in the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
Identification of factors associated with minimal erythema dose variations in a large‐scale population study of 22 146 subjects
Authors: Tan Y. , Wang F. , Fan G. , Zheng Y. , Li B. , Li N. , Liu Y. , Wang X. , Liu W. , Krutmann J. , Zou Y. , Wang S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Minimal erythema dose (MED) has substantial inter‐ and intraindividual variations, reflecting the influence of very diverse factors. However, related studies showed little consistency probably because of their limited sample size.

Objective

To identify the factors associated with MED variations in a large‐scale population study.

Methods

The MED test was performed by following the international standard procedure on 22 146 subjects. The results were analysed in adjusted multivariable linear and logistic regression models.

Results

This large‐scale study revealed that lower MED was consistently associated with lighter skin [β‐coefficient = −0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.36 to 0.30, P = 6.41 × 10−84]. Females had significantly higher MED than male (β = 0.91, 0.32–1.50, P = 2.93 × 10−3). Stratified analyses showed that MED was not associated with age [female: odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 0.98–1.01; male: OR = 0.99, 0.97–1.00]. MED was lower in summer than in other seasons (spring: OR = 1.08, 1.06–1.11; autumn: OR = 1.11, 1.08–1.13; winter: OR = 1.20, 1.18–1.22). Furthermore, MED was associated with air temperature (β = −0.36, −0.49 to 0.23, P = 4.81 × 10−8) and air pressure (β = −0.64, −0.82 to 0.46, P = 8.01 × 10−12) in summer only while not in other seasons.

Conclusions

This study provides unprecedented evidence that MED is associated with skin colour, sex, season and meteorological factors, but not with age.
Minimizing the dermatoscopic morphologic overlap between basal and squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis of initially misclassified tumours
Authors: Neagu N. , Lallas K. , Maskalane J. , Salijuma E. , Papageorgiou C. , Gkentsidi T. , Spyridis I. , Morariu S.‐H. , Apalla Z. , Lallas A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have well‐established dermatoscopic criteria that make them relatively easy to recognize on a clinical basis. However, even with the addition of dermatoscopy, a morphologic overlap between the two tumours does exist.

Objectives

To analyse the dermatoscopic morphology of clinically and dermatoscopically misclassified BCCs and SCCs, to identify factors causing the erroneous clinical interpretation and, therefore, minimize the morphologic overlap between BCC and SCC.

Methods

Retrospective study including histopathologically diagnosed BCCs or SCCs that had been clinically inversely diagnosed. Their dermatoscopic images were blindly evaluated for the presence of predefined criteria. Descriptive statistics were performed and univariate and multivariate predictors were calculated.

Results

A total of 68 cases were included, 41 of which were BCCs and 27 SCCs. Most tumours in both groups were non‐pigmented, ulcerated and displayed a polymorphous vascular pattern. The presence of erosions was positively associated to BCC (5.2‐fold higher odds, P = 0.05), whereas scales/keratin masses were positively associated to SCC (3.7‐fold higher odds, P = 0.07), although marginally not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Clinically misclassified BCCs and SCCs are usually non‐pigmented ulcerated tumours. Erosions and keratin masses/scales are more robust criteria as compared to vascular structures for the differential diagnosis between BCC and SCC.
Daylight photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate cream is as effective as conventional photodynamic therapy with blue light in the treatment of actinic keratosis: a controlled randomized intra‐individual study
Authors: Assikar S. , Labrunie A. , Kerob D. , Couraud A. , Bédane C.
Published: January 2020

Background

We know the efficacy of daylight phototherapy dynamic (DL‐PDT) in the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). But the almost studies have compared daylight with red light using methyl aminolevulinate cream and not with blue light. PDT with blue light is another conventional PDT that is effective in the treatment of AKs.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and the safety of DL‐PDT vs. PDT in blue light in the treatment of AKs.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, intra‐individual efficacy and safety study enrolled 26 subjects. AKs on the face/scalp were treated once, with DL‐PDT on one side and c‐PDT on the contralateral side. Primary endpoints for DL‐PDT at week 12 were efficacy with clearance of AKs and safety with assessment of pain. Lesions with complete response 12 weeks after one treatment session were followed until week 24.

Results

More than 1000 AK were studied. At week 12, the raw number of disappeared AK lesions at 3‐month follow‐up was 19.6 (±6.0) for DL‐PDT and 20.0 (±6.9) for c‐PDT with P = 0.8460 (90.5% vs. 94.2% of AK disappearance, respectively). The response was maintained at 6 months (90.0% and 94.6% of AK reduction, respectively). DL‐PDT was nearly painless than c‐PDT with light blue: 1.2 vs. 5.1, respectively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Daylight‐PDT seems as effective as c‐PDT with light blue and DL‐PDT is less painful. The response of DL‐PDT was sustainable until 6 months.
Reticulohistiocytoses: a revision of the full spectrum
Authors: Bonometti A. , Berti E. ,   for Associazione Italiana Ricerca Istiocitosi ONLUS
Published: January 2020

Reticulohistiocytoses (RH) are rare and clinically heterogeneous histiocytic disorders of dermatological interest. Three clinical entities with superimposable histopathological features are currently considered, namely solitary reticulohistiocytoma, diffuse/generalized reticulohistiocytosis and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Although in the last decade, RH studies have only minimally progressed, histiocytosis research has advanced considerably: the prognostic and therapeutic importance of the clinical subclassification of histiocytosis patients as well as of the detection of genetic alterations in the genes of the ERK pathway has been highlighted. According to these insights, we previously reported the presence of molecular alteration RH and described a subset of patients with disseminated multisystem involvement lacking arthritis. In the present review, we aim to update and revise the knowledge regarding RH. We first reviewed their histopathological, immunophenotypical and ultrastructural features, discussed their histopathological differential diagnosis with other conditions characterized by infiltrates made of oncocytic or epithelioid cells (with special regard to Destombes–Rosai–Dorfman disease) and finally summarized the molecular landscape of RH. We therefore tried to adjust the clinical subclassification of Langerhans cell histiocytosis to the clinical phenotypes of RH, outlining five clinically different groups of patients. Finally, we reconsidered the clinical workflow to the evaluation of RH patients, in light of the 5 different clinical groups and discussed the different therapeutic approaches and the possible role of target inhibitors.
Clinical diversity and treatment approaches to blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: a retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Brüggen M.‐C. , Valencak J. , Stranzenbach R. , Li N. , Stadler R. , Jonak C. , Bauer W. , Porkert S. , Blaschke A. , Meiss F. , Nicolay J. P. , Wehkamp U. , Schlaak M. , Nguyen V.A. , Romani N. , Cozzio A. , Gayathri N. , Dimitriou F. , French L. E. , Dummer R. , Guenova E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare, aggressive type of haematologic precursor malignancy primarily often manifesting in the skin. We sought to provide a thorough clinical characterization and report our experience on therapeutic approaches to BPDCN.

Methods

In the present multicentric retrospective study, we collected all BPDCN cases occurring between 05/1999 and 03/2018 in 10 secondary care centres of the German–Swiss–Austrian cutaneous lymphoma working group.

Results

A total of 37 BPDCN cases were identified and included. Almost 90% of the patients had systemic manifestations (bone marrow, lymph nodes, peripheral blood) in addition to skin involvement. The latter presented with various types of cutaneous lesions: nodular (in more than 2/3) and bruise‐like (in 1/3) skin lesions, but also maculopapular exanthema (in circa 1/6). Therapeutically, 22 patients received diverse combinations of chemotherapeutic regimens and/or radiotherapy. Despite initial responses, all of them ultimately relapsed and died from progressive disease. Eleven patients underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT; autologous HSCT n = 3, allo‐HSCT n = 8). The mortality rate among HSCT patients was only 33.33% with a median survival time of 60.5 months.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the clinical diversity of cutaneous BPDCN manifestations and the positive development observed after the introduction of HSCT.
The diagnostic value of fetal fibronectin testing in clinical practice
Authors: Cornelissen Lisa G. H. , van Oostrum Noortje H. M. , van der Woude Daisy A. A. , Rolf Christel , Porath Martina M. , Oei S. Guid , van Laar Judith O. E. H.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To evaluate the clinical management to withhold treatment for preterm labor in symptomatic women with an intermediate cervical length and negative fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Pregnant women with a gestational age between 23+5 to 34+0 weeks, with the presence of regular uterine contractions accompanied by a cervical length between 15 and 30 mm and intact membranes, who underwent fFN testing were included to obtain the diagnostic value of fFN testing for preterm delivery within 7 days.

Results

Fetal fibronectin testing has an extremely high negative predictive value (100%) and sensitivity (100%) for delivery within 7 days, in singleton and multiple pregnancies. However, specificity (64%) and positive predictive value (10%) of fFN testing in singleton pregnancies are low. Blood present on the fFN sample does not affect the reliability of the fFN test; the negative predictive value remains 100%.

Conclusion

Women with symptoms of early preterm labor, intact membranes, a cervical length between 15 and 30 mm and negative fFN testing do not deliver within 7 days. Administration of corticosteroids and tocolytics can safely be withhold. Furthermore, blood on the fFN sample does not change the reliability of the fFN test.
Decline number of uterine fundal pressure maneuver in Japan recent 5 years
Authors: Hasegawa Junichi , Sekizawa Akihiko , Arakaki Tatsuya , Ikeda Tomoaki , Ishiwata Isamu , Kinoshita Katsuyuki ,   On behalf of Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG), Tokyo, Japan
Published: January 2020

Aim

To clarify whether the incidence of uterine fundal pressure (UFP) maneuver at delivery and consequent uterine rupture were declined.

Methods

Population‐based postal questionnaire study was conducted. A questionnaire was sent to obstetric institutions across Japan. Questions were included the total number of deliveries, UFP and uterine ruptures associated with UFP in 2012 and 2017. As the primary outcome, frequencies of the UFP and uterine rupture were compared between 2012 and 2017. The secondary outcomes were included improved managements of delivery regarding UFP.

Results

A number of vaginal deliveries were significantly declined from 80.4% in 2012 to 78.1% in 2017 (P < 0.001). Frequencies of UFP per vaginal deliveries were also significantly declined 11.2% (38 973/347771) in 2012 to 9.5% (35 205/404444) in 2017 (<0.001). Number of uterine ruptures were 6 cases in 2012 (1:6496) and 11 cases in 2017 (1:3473) (P = 0.210). Compared to situation in 2012, informed consent was more frequently obtained for UFP in 2017. Written informed consent for UFP became to be obtained in 12% of institutions in 2017 from only 3% in 2012. More than 80% of institutions are performing UFP within 3 times. Regarding to uterine rupture, try of labor after the cesarean section, UFP and augmentation were improved in more than 10% of institutions. Most impact vehicle changing behavior was OBGY clinical guideline.

Conclusion

Although significant declined incidence of uterine rupture after UFP could not be demonstrated, frequency of UFP was decreased recent 5 years. This is due to improvement of obstetric management by obstetric caregivers throughout Japan.
Fetal cloacal dysgenesis sequence presented with first trimester megacystis and associated umbilical cord abnormalities
Authors: Gursoy Erzincan Selen , Sayin N. Cenk , Inan Cihan , Uzun Isil , Yapici Ugurlar Ozge , Varol Fusun G.
Published: January 2020

Cloacal dysgenesis sequence occurs as a result of complete developmental failure of the urorectal septum. Typically, the sequence is featured by a smooth perineum, without any urethral, genital or anal openings. Its clinical manifestation differs throughout gestation. We report an interesting case of first trimester megacystis with associated umbilical cord abnormalities in a female fetus having cloacal dysgenesis sequence. This rare association reflecting high urinary pressure should first suggest urethral atresia. Our case highlights the importance of routine inspection of umbilical cord in the workup of early megacystis in terms of both etiology and fetal diagnosis.
Accuracy and bias in first impressions of attachment style from faces
Authors: Alaei Ravin , Lévêque Germain , MacDonald Geoff , Rule Nicholas O.
Published: January 2020

Objective

People gather important social information from subtle nonverbal cues. Given that one's attachment style can meaningfully affect the quality of one's relationships, we investigated whether people could perceive men's and women's attachment styles from photos of their neutral faces.

Method

In two studies, we measured targets' attachment styles then asked participants (total N = 893) to judge the male and female targets' attachment anxiety and avoidance from photos of their neutral faces (total N = 331) and to report their own attachment anxiety and avoidance.

Results

Participants detected men's attachment style from face photos significantly better than chance in an initial exploratory study and in a preregistered replication but did not consistently detect women's attachment style from their face photos. Moreover, participants' own attachment style biased these first impressions: Individuals with greater attachment anxiety viewed others as more anxiously attached.

Conclusions

People can detect some hints of unacquainted others' attachment styles from their faces but their own anxious attachment can bias these judgments.
Clustering of instrumental methods to characterize the texture and the rheology of slimy okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) suspensions
Authors: Savouré Timoty , Dornier Manuel , Vachoud Laurent , Collignan Antoine
Published: January 2020

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of the ingredients widely used in African gastronomy because of the unique slimy texture it gives to sauces. However, processing and formulation can affect the textural and rheological properties of these sauces, leading to unacceptable quality for the African consumer. The aim of this study was to select the instrumental measurements best enabling (a) characterization of the rheology and texture of slimy sauces prepared from okra and (b) monitoring its evolution during the preservation process. Thirty‐seven slimy suspensions (sauces and purées) were measured with 16 rheological and textural parameters. A principal component analysis revealed that flow consistency index K and flow behavior index n were well correlated with visco‐elastic, adhesive, and shear thinning properties, and that stringiness was well correlated with elongational, cohesive, and ductile properties. These two sets of measurement methods are sufficient to characterize their rheological and textural properties, and necessary to discriminate them according to their process and formulation.
Applying sensory and instrumental techniques to evaluate the texture of French fries from fast food restaurant
Authors: Li Peiyan , Wu Gangcheng , Yang Dan , Zhang Hui , Qi Xiguang , Jin QingZhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: January 2020

The aim of the work is to explore the relationship between the instrument and sensory data and to select the type of probes suitable for determining the texture of French fries. Ten commercial French fries were assessed using different probe types and perceived sensations through descriptive analysis. The eight sensory attributes developed by trained panelists can distinguish samples well. Simultaneously, the result of instrument data analysis revealed that the variation coefficient of three‐point bending was the largest, which indicates that the measurement accuracy was lower. The compression test showed significant correlation with most of the sensory attributes (r = .64–.90), while the cut test with a Volodkevich Bite Jaws probe does not correlate with all sensory attributes (r = .03–.49). Among these instrumental methods, compression, blade with guillotine probe, and puncture test are recommended for texture measuring of French fries. These results will provide a time‐saving and efficient method for determining the texture of French fries.
Multi‐stemming and size enhance survival of dominant tree species in a frequently typhoon‐disturbed forest
Authors: Su Sheng‐Hsin , Guan Biing T. , Chang‐Yang Chia‐Hao , Sun I‐Fang , Wang Hsiang‐Hua , Hsieh Chang‐Fu
Published: January 2020

Questions

Quantifying tree species persistence through recurrent disturbances is of crucial importance for understanding forest dynamics in typhoon‐prone regions. We ask the following: (a) What are the major determinants of dominant tree survival in frequently typhoon‐disturbed forests? (b) Are survival determinants different between small and large trees?

Location

A subtropical old‐growth forest located in Fushan, Taiwan (24°45′34″N, 121°33′58″E), with frequent typhoon disturbances.

Methods

Data were from three consecutive censuses of a 25‐ha permanent forest plot that censused trees ≥1 cm in diameter every five years. The survival of three dominant tree species was modeled using generalized additive model and boosted trees with abiotic and biotic predictors. We evaluated model performance using validation data obtained from the two available census intervals.

Results

Model validations showed that multi‐stemming and tree size enhanced the survival of large and small trees, respectively. For the most dominant species, multi‐stemming had a consistently positive effect on survival irrespective of diameter classes. Abiotic factors and conspecific density had little effect on tree survival. Furthermore, evaluating model performance based on the data used in the model construction (i.e., training data) overestimated the predictive ability of survival models.

Conclusions

We showed that the survival determinants for the three most dominant species at Fushan changed from tree size for small trees to multi‐stemming for large trees. The results suggest that the dominant species in this frequently typhoon‐disturbed forest have the stature and architectural traits to persist, and thereby maintain their dominance and shape the forest physiognomy. Our approach illustrates how datasets from different census periods can be used in model validation to better assess model performance.
Biogeographic barriers, Pleistocene refugia, and climatic gradients in the southeastern Nearctic drive diversification in cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus complex)
Authors: Myers Edward A. , McKelvy Alexander D. , Burbrink Frank T.
Published: January 2020

The southeastern Nearctic is a biodiversity hotspot that is also rich in cryptic species. Numerous hypotheses (e.g., vicariance, local adaptation, and Pleistocene speciation in glacial refugia) have been tested in an attempt to explain diversification and the observed pattern of extant biodiversity. However, previous phylogeographic studies have both supported and refuted these hypotheses. Therefore, while data support one or more of these diversification hypotheses, it is likely that taxa are forming within this region in species‐specific ways. Here, we generate a genomic data set for the cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus complex), which are widespread across this region, spanning both biogeographic barriers and climatic gradients. We use phylogeographic model selection combined with hindcast ecological niche models to determine regions of habitat stability through time. This combined approach suggests that numerous drivers of population differentiation explain the current diversity of this group of snakes. The Mississippi River caused initial speciation in this species complex, with more recent divergence events linked to adaptations to ecological heterogeneity and allopatric Pleistocene refugia. Lastly, we discuss the taxonomy of this group and suggest there may be additional cryptic species in need of formal recognition.
The Lon‐2 protease of Borrelia burgdorferi is critical for infection in the mammalian host
Authors: Mason Charlotte , Thompson Christina , Ouyang Zhiming
Published: January 2020

Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a functional homolog of canonical Lon protease termed Lon‐2. To date, the contribution of Lon‐2 to B. burgdorferi fitness and infection remains unexplored. Herein, we showed that expression of lon‐2 was highly induced during animal infection, suggesting that Lon‐2 is important for B. burgdorferi infection. We further generated a lon‐2 deletion mutant. Compared with that of wild‐type (WT) strain, the infectivity of the mutant was severely attenuated in a murine infection model. Although no growth defect was observed for the mutant in normal BSK‐II medium, resistance of the lon‐2 mutant to osmotic stress was markedly reduced. In addition, when exposed to tert‐Butyl hydroperoxide, survival of the lon‐2 mutant was impaired. In addition, we found that the protein levels of RpoS and RpoS‐dependent OspC were decreased in the mutant. All these phenotypes were restored to WT or near‐WT levels when lon‐2 mutation was complemented in cis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Lon‐2 is critical for B. burgdorferi to establish infection and to cope with environmental stresses. This study provides a foundation for further uncovering the direct link between the dual roles of Lon‐2 in protein quality control and bacterial pathogenesis.
Targeting of proteins to the twin‐arginine translocation pathway
Authors: Palmer Tracy , Stansfeld Phillip J.
Published: January 2020

The twin‐arginine protein transport (Tat pathway) is found in prokaryotes and plant organelles and transports folded proteins across membranes. Targeting of substrates to the Tat system is mediated by the presence of an N‐terminal signal sequence containing a highly conserved twin‐arginine motif. The Tat machinery comprises membrane proteins from the TatA and TatC families. Assembly of the Tat translocon is dynamic and is triggered by the interaction of a Tat substrate with the Tat receptor complex. This review will summarise recent advances in our understanding of Tat transport, focusing in particular on the roles played by Tat signal peptides in protein targeting and translocation.
Invited Review: DNA methylation‐based classification of paediatric brain tumours
Authors: Perez E. , Capper D.
Published: January 2020

DNA methylation‐based machine learning algorithms represent powerful diagnostic tools that are currently emerging for several fields of tumour classification. For various reasons, paediatric brain tumours have been the main driving forces behind this rapid development and brain tumour classification tools are likely further advanced than in any other field of cancer diagnostics. In this review, we will discuss the main characteristics that were important for this rapid advance, namely the high clinical need for improvement of paediatric brain tumour diagnostics, the robustness of methylated DNA and the consequential possibility to generate high‐quality molecular data from archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded pathology specimens, the implementation of a single array platform by most laboratories allowing data exchange and data pooling to an unprecedented extent, as well as the high suitability of the data format for machine learning. We will further discuss the four most central output qualities of DNA methylation profiling in a diagnostic setting (tumour classification, tumour sub‐classification, copy number analysis and guidance for additional molecular testing) individually for the most frequent types of paediatric brain tumours. Lastly, we will discuss DNA methylation profiling as a tool for the detection of new paediatric brain tumour classes and will give an overview of the rapidly growing family of new tumours identified with the aid of this technique.
TubZIP28, a novel bZIP family transcription factor from Triticum urartu, and TabZIP28, its homologue from Triticum aestivum, enhance starch synthesis in wheat
Authors: Song Yanhong , Luo Guangbin , Shen Lisha , Yu Kang , Yang Wenlong , Li Xin , Sun Jiazhu , Zhan Kehui , Cui Dangqun , Liu Dongcheng , Zhang Aimin
Published: January 2020

Starch in wheat grain provides humans with carbohydrates and influences the quality of wheaten food. However, no transcriptional regulator of starch synthesis has been identified first in common wheat (Triticum aestivum) due to the complex genome.

Here, a novel basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family transcription factor TubZIP28 was found to be preferentially expressed in the endosperm throughout grain‐filling stages in Triticum urartu, the A genome donor of common wheat.

When TubZIP28 was overexpressed in common wheat, the total starch content increased by c. 4%, which contributed to c. 5% increase in the thousand kernel weight. The grain weight per plant of overexpression wheat was also elevated by c. 9%. Both in vitro and in vivo assays showed that TubZIP28 bound to the promoter of cytosolic AGPase and enhanced both the transcription and activity of the latter. Knockout of the homologue TabZIP28 in common wheat resulted in declines of both the transcription and activity of cytosolic AGPase in developing endosperms and c. 4% reduction of the total starch in mature grains.

To the best of our knowledge, TubZIP28 and TabZIP28 are transcriptional activators of starch synthesis first identified in wheat, and they could be superior targets to improve the starch content and yield potential of wheat.
Leaf carbon and water status control stomatal and nonstomatal limitations of photosynthesis in trees
Authors: Salmon Yann , Lintunen Anna , Dayet Alexia , Chan Tommy , Dewar Roderick , Vesala Timo , Hölttä Teemu
Published: January 2020

Photosynthetic rate is concurrently limited by stomatal limitations and nonstomatal limitations (NSLs). However, the controls on NSLs to photosynthesis and their coordination with stomatal control on different timescales remain poorly understood. According to a recent optimization hypothesis, NSLs depend on leaf osmotic or water status and are coordinated with stomatal control so as to maximize leaf photosynthesis.

Drought and notching experiments were conducted on Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Betula Pendula and Populus tremula seedlings in glasshouse conditions to study the dependence of NSLs on leaf osmotic and water status, and their coordination with stomatal control, on timescales of minutes and weeks, to test the assumptions and predictions of the optimization hypothesis.

Both NSLs and stomatal conductance followed power‐law functions of leaf osmotic concentration and leaf water potential. Moreover, stomatal conductance was proportional to the square root of soil‐to‐leaf hydraulic conductance, as predicted by the optimization hypothesis.

Though the detailed mechanisms underlying the dependence of NSLs on leaf osmotic or water status lie outside the scope of this study, our results support the hypothesis that NSLs and stomatal control are coordinated to maximize leaf photosynthesis and allow the effect of NSLs to be included in models of tree gas‐exchange.
Host and pathogen autophagy are central to the inducible local defences and systemic response of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera against the oomycete pathogen Anisolpidium ectocarpii
Authors: Murúa Pedro , Müller Dieter G. , Etemadi Mohammad , van West Pieter , Gachon Claire M. M.
Published: January 2020

Kelps are key primary producers of cold and temperate marine coastal ecosystems and exhibit systemic defences against pathogens. Yet, the cellular mechanisms underpinning their immunity remain to be elucidated.

We investigated the time course of infection of the kelp Macrocystis pyrifera by the oomycete Anisolpidium ectocarpii using TEM, in vivo autophagy markers and autophagy inhibitors.

Over several infection cycles, A. ectocarpii undergoes sequential physiological shifts sensitive to autophagy inhibitors. Initially lipid‐rich, pathogen thalli become increasingly lipid‐depleted; they subsequently tend to become entirely abortive, irrespective of their lipid content. Moreover, infected algal cells mount local defences and can directly eliminate the pathogen by xenophagy. Finally, autophagy‐dependent plastid recycling is induced in uninfected host cells.

We demonstrate the existence of local, inducible autophagic processes both in the pathogen and infected host cells, which result in the restriction of pathogen propagation. We also show the existence of a systemic algal response mediated by autophagy. We propose a working model accounting for all our observations, whereby the outcome of the algal–pathogen interaction (i.e. completion or not of the pathogen life cycle) is dictated by the induction, and possibly the mutual hijacking, of the host and pathogen autophagy machineries.
Moving on up – controlling internode growth
Authors: McKim Sarah M.
Published: January 2020

Plant reproductive success depends on making fertile flowers but also upon developing appropriate shoot internodes that optimally arrange and support the flowering shoot. Compared to floral morphogenesis, we understand little about the networks directing internode growth during flowering. However, new studies reveal that long‐range signals, local factors, and age‐dependent micoRNA‐networks are all important to harmonize internode morphogenesis with shoot development. Some of the same players modulate symplastic transport to seasonally regulate internode growth in perennial species. Exploring possible hierarchical control amongst symplastic continuity, age, systemic signals and local regulators during internode morphogenesis will help elucidate the mechanisms coordinating axial growth with the wider plant body.
Auxin canalization and vascular tissue formation by TIR1/AFB‐mediated auxin signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mazur Ewa , Kulik Ivan , Hajný Jakub , Friml Jiří
Published: January 2020

Plant survival depends on vascular tissues, which originate in a self‐organizing manner as strands of cells co‐directionally transporting the plant hormone auxin. The latter phenomenon (also known as auxin canalization) is classically hypothesized to be regulated by auxin itself via the effect of this hormone on the polarity of its own intercellular transport. Correlative observations supported this concept, but molecular insights remain limited.

In the current study, we established an experimental system based on the model Arabidopsis thaliana, which exhibits auxin transport channels and formation of vasculature strands in response to local auxin application.

Our methodology permits the genetic analysis of auxin canalization under controllable experimental conditions. By utilizing this opportunity, we confirmed the dependence of auxin canalization on a PIN‐dependent auxin transport and nuclear, TIR1/AFB‐mediated auxin signaling. We also show that leaf venation and auxin‐mediated PIN repolarization in the root require TIR1/AFB signaling.

Further studies based on this experimental system are likely to yield better understanding of the mechanisms underlying auxin transport polarization in other developmental contexts.
Changes in physical activity, diet, and body weight across the education and employment transitions of early adulthood: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Winpenny Eleanor M. , Smith Miranda , Penney Tarra , Foubister Campbell , Guagliano Justin M. , Love Rebecca , Clifford Astbury Chloe , van Sluijs Esther M.F. , Corder Kirsten
Published: January 2020

Early adulthood is a time when individuals go through important life transitions, such as moving from high school into higher education or employment, but the impact of these life transitions on changes in body weight, diet, and physical activity is not known. We searched six electronic databases to July 2019 for longitudinal observational studies providing data on adiposity, diet, and/or physical activity across education or employment transitions in young people aged between 15 and 35 years. We found 19 studies, of which 17 assessed changes in physical activity, three body weight, and five diet or eating behaviours. Meta‐analysis (n=9) found that leaving high school was associated with a decrease of −7.04 (95% CI, −11.26, −2.82) min/day of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. Three studies reported increases in body weight on leaving high school. A small number of studies suggested decreases in diet quality on leaving high school (n=2/4 papers) and leaving university (n=1) but not on starting employment (n=1). Studies suggested no change in physical activity on leaving university (n=4) but decreases in physical activity on starting employment (n=2/3). The transition of leaving high school is an important time to support individuals to prevent decreases in physical activity and gains in body weight.
Mechanical stimulation in Brachypodium distachyon: Implications for fitness, productivity, and cell wall properties
Authors: Gladala‐Kostarz Agnieszka , Doonan John H. , Bosch Maurice
Published: January 2020

Mechanical stimulation, including exposure to wind, is a common environmental variable for plants. However, knowledge about the morphogenetic response of the grasses (Poaceae) to mechanical stimulation and impact on relevant agronomic traits is very limited. Two natural accessions of Brachypodium distachyon were exposed to wind and mechanical treatments. We surveyed a wide range of stem‐related traits to determine the effect of the two treatments on plant growth, development, and stem biomass properties. Both treatments induced significant quantitative changes across multiple scales, from the whole plant down to cellular level. The two treatments resulted in shorter stems, reduced biomass, increased tissue rigidity, delayed flowering, and reduced seed yield in both accessions. Among changes in cell wall‐related features, a substantial increase in lignin content and pectin methylesterase activity was most notable. Mechanical stimulation also reduced the enzymatic sugar release from the cell wall, thus increasing biomass recalcitrance. Notably, treatments had a distinct and opposite effect on vascular bundle area in the two accessions, suggesting genetic variation in modulating these responses to mechanical stimulation. Our findings highlight that exposure of grasses to mechanical stimulation is a relevant environmental factor affecting multiple traits important for their utilization in food, feed, and bioenergy applications.