bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic prediction for latent variables related to milk fatty acid composition in Holstein, Simmental and Brown Swiss dairy cattle breeds
Authors: Palombo Valentino , Pegolo Sara , Conte Giuseppe , Cesarani Alberto , Macciotta Nicolò Pietro Paolo , Stefanon Bruno , Ajmone Marsan Paolo , Mele Marcello , Cecchinato Alessio , D’Andrea Mariasilvia
Published: December 2020

Genomic selection (GS) reports on milk fatty acid (FA) profiles have been published quite recently and are still few despite this trait represents the most important aspect of milk nutritional and sensory quality. Reasons for this can be found in the high costs of phenotype recording but also in issues related to its nature of complex trait constituted by multiple genetically correlated variables with low heritabilities. One possible strategy to deal with such constraint is represented by the use of dimension reduction methods. We analysed 40 individual FAs from Italian Brown Swiss, Holstein and Simmental milk through multivariate factor analysis (MFA) to study the genetics of milk FA‐related latent variables (factors) and assess their potential use in breeding. A total of nine factors were obtained, and their genetic parameters were inferred under a Bayesian framework using two statistical approaches: the classical pedigree best linear unbiased prediction (ABLUP) and the single‐step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). The resulting factorial solutions were able to represent groups of FAs with common origin and function and can be considered concise pathway‐level phenotypes. The heritability (h2) values showed relevant variations across different factors in each breed (0.03 ≤ h2 ≤ 0.38). The accuracies of breeding values predicted were low to high, ranging from 0.13 to 0.72 and from 0.18 to 0.74 considering the pedigree and the genomic model, respectively. The gain in accuracy in genetic prediction due to the addition of genomic information was ~30% and ~5% in validation and training groups respectively, confirming the contribution of genomic information in yielding more accurate predictions compared to the traditional ABLUP methodology. Our results suggest that MFA in combination with GS can be a valuable tool in dairy cattle breeding and deserves to be further investigated for use in future breeding programs to improve cow's milk FA‐related traits.
Evaluation of left atrial remodeling by 2D‐speckle‐tracking echocardiography versus by high‐density voltage mapping in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Laish‐Farkash Avishag , Perelshtein Brezinov Olga , Valdman Andrei , Tam Dudi , Rahkovich Michael , Kogan Yonatan , Marincheva Gergana
Published: December 2020

Background

Strain imaging during left atrial (LA) reservoir phase (LASr) is used as a surrogate for LA structural remodeling and fibrosis. Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with >5% low‐voltage zones (LVZs) obtained by 3D‐electro‐anatomical‐mapping have higher recurrence rate post‐ablation. We investigated the relationship between LA remodeling using two‐dimensional‐speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) and high‐density voltage mapping in AF patients.

Methods

A prospective study of 42 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation. 2D‐echo, 2D‐STE, and high‐density contact LA bipolar voltage maps were constructed before ablation. LVZs were determined with different bipolar amplitudes and their ratio per patient's LA area were investigated for correlation with LASr. We compared 2D‐LASr results in patients with LVZs ≥ 5% (LVZs group) versus those with LVZ < 5% (non‐LVZs group).

Results

Compared with non‐LVZs group (n = 15), LVZs group (n = 27) included significantly older patients, more women, more persistent AF, higher CHA2DS2‐VASc score, higher E/A ratio and higher LA volume index (p < .05). LVZs group had lower %LASr values (12.4 ± 5.9% vs. 21.1 ± 6.3, respectively; p<.001). LVZs% in different amplitudes (<0.1 mV, <0.2 mV, and <0.5 mV) were negatively correlated with %LASr (r = −.63, r = −.68, and r = −.72, respectively; p< .001). Atrial strain thresholds for LVZs ≥ 5% in amplitudes <0.1 mV, <0.2 mV, and <0.5 mV were associated with %LASr 12.98, 16.16 and 19.55, respectively; p< .05). In a multivariate analysis, %LASr was the only independent indicator of LVZs (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6–0.9; p= .04).

Conclusions

LVZs ≥ 5% has a negative association with atrial %LASr. Thus, a simple 2D‐STE measurement of %LASr can be used as a noninvasive method to evaluate significant LA remodeling and fibrosis in AF patients.
Effect of bariatric surgery on cardiac structure and function in obese patients: Role of the renin‐angiotensin system
Authors: Oliveras Anna , Molina Lluís , Goday Albert , Sans Laia , Riera Marta , Vazquez Susana , Benaiges David , Granados Ana Marina , Ramon José Manuel , Pascual Julio
Published: December 2020

Echocardiographic alterations have been described in obesity, but their modifications after bariatric surgery (BS) and mechanisms are little known, mostly in normotensive patients. We aimed to analyze cardiac changes 1 year post‐BS and to explore possible mechanisms. A cohort of patients with severe obesity (58% normotensives) were prospectively recruited and examined before surgery and after 12 months. Clinical and echocardiographic data, 24 h BP, renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) components, cytokines, and inflammatory markers were analyzed at these two time points. Overall reduction in body weight was mean (IQR) = 30.0% (25.9–33.8). There were statistically significant decreases in left ventricle mass index2.7(LVMI)2.7, septum thickness (ST), posterior wall thickness (PWT), relative wall thickness (RWT), and E/e’, both in the whole cohort and in patients without RAAS blockers (p ≤ .04 for all). Plasma renin activity (PRA) decreased from (median, IQR) = 0.8 (0.3;1.35) to 0.4 (0.2;0.93) ng/ml/h, plasma aldosterone from 92 (58.6;126) to 68.1 (56.2;83.4) ng/dl, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐2 activity from 7.7 (5.7;11.8) to 6.8 (5.3;11.2) RFU/µl/h, p < .05. The body weight loss correlated with a decrease in both 24 h SBP and 24 h DBP (Pearson's coefficient 0.353, p = .022 and 0.384, p = .012, respectively). Variation (Δ) of body weight correlated with ΔE/e’ (Pearson's coeff. 0.414, p = .008) and with Δ lateral e’ (Pearson's coeff. = −0.363, p = .018). Generalized linear models showed that ΔPRA was an independent variable for the final (12‐months post‐BS) LVMI2.7 (p = .028). No other changes in cardiac parameters correlated with ΔBP. In addition to the respective baseline value, final values of PWT and RWT were dependent on 12‐month Δ of PRA, ACE, and ACE/ACE2 (p < .03 for all). We conclude that there are cardiac changes post‐BS in patients with severe obesity, normotensives included. Structural changes appear to be related to modifications in the renin‐angiotensin axis.
Pax3 inhibits Neuro‐2a cells proliferation and neurite outgrowth
Authors: Huo Bingqing , Yang Yang , Li Manhui , Wan Jun , Zhang Wei , Yu Bo , Chen Xiaofan
Published: December 2020

Pax3 and Pax7 are closely related transcription factors that are widely expressed in the developing nervous system and somites. During the normal development in the central nervous system (CNS), Pax3 and Pax7 are mainly expressed in the dorsal part of the neural tube. Further analysis revealed that Pax3 and Pax7 shared redundant functions in the spinal cord development. However, it is still unknown whether Pax3 and Pax7 play a role in neuronal differentiation. In this study, Pax3 and Pax7 genes were overexpressed in Neuro‐2a, the mouse neuroblastoma cell line. CCK‐8 and EdU assay results showed that overexpression of Pax3 inhibited cell viability and proliferation of Neuro‐2a cells, whereas the overexpression of Pax7 had no significant difference on their cell viability and proliferation. Overexpression of Pax3 not only increased the percentage of cells in the S phase and G0/G1 phase, but also decreased that in the G2 phase. Moreover, the total neurite lengths of Neuro‐2a cells were significantly shorter in Pax3 overexpressed group than those in negative control group and showed no significant difference between Pax7 overexpressed group and negative control group. These results suggested that Pax3 not only inhibited the cell viability and proliferation but also affected the cell cycle and the neurite outgrowth of Neuro‐2a cells. RNA sequencing analysis showed up‐regulated genes in Pax3 overexpressed group were involved in cell cycle machinery, which may reveal the potential mechanism of Neuro‐2a cells proliferation.
Toll‐like receptors (TLRs): An old family of immune receptors with a new face in cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Mokhtari Yazdan , Pourbagheri‐Sigaroodi Atieh , Zafari Parisa , Bagheri Nader , Ghaffari Seyed H. , Bashash Davood
Published: December 2020

In the dark path of tumorigenesis, the more carefully the cancer biology is studied, the more brilliant answers could be given to the countless questions about its orchestrating derivers. The identification of the correlation between Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and different processes involved in carcinogenesis was one of the single points of blinding light highlighting the interconnection between the immune system and cancer. TLRs are a wide family of single‐pass membrane‐spanning receptors that have developed through the evolution to recognize the structurally conserved molecules derived from microorganisms or damaged cells. But this is not everything about these receptors as they could orchestrate several downstream signalling pathways leading to the formation or suppression of cancer cells. The present review is tempted to provide a concise schematic about the biology and the characters of TLRs and also summarize the major findings of the regulatory role of TLRs and their associated signalling in the pathogenesis of human cancers.
Exposure to challenging behaviours and burnout symptoms among care staff: the role of psychological resources
Authors: Klaver M. , van den Hoofdakker B. J. , Wouters H. , de Kuijper G. , Hoekstra P. J. , de Bildt A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Staff supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities are at risk of burnout symptoms. Evidence suggests an association between exposure to challenging behaviours of individuals with intellectual disabilities and burnout symptoms of staff, but the protective role of staff psychological resources in this relation has been understudied.

Method

We investigated the association between exposure to challenging behaviours and burnout symptoms of staff and the direct and moderating effects of several psychological resources. Staff (N = 1271) completed an online survey concerning burnout symptoms (subscale Emotional Exhaustion of the Maslach Burnout Inventory), exposure to challenging behaviours and a range of potential psychological resources. We examined main and moderating effects with multilevel analyses. In order to control for the multiple comparisons, P values corrected for false discovery rate (PFDR) were reported.

Results

We found a direct relation between exposure to challenging behaviours and increased levels of burnout symptoms in staff (b = .15, t(670) = 4.466, PFDR < .0001). Perceived supervisor social support (b = −.97, t(627) = −7.562, PFDR < .0001), staff self‐efficacy (b = −.23, t(673) = −3.583, PFDR < .0001), resilience (b = −.19, t(668) = −2.086, PFDR < .05) and extraversion (b = −.20, t(674) = −3.514, PFDR < .05) were associated with reduced burnout symptoms. None of the proposed psychological resources moderated the association between exposure to challenging behaviours and burnout symptoms of staff.

Conclusions

Of the psychological resources found to be associated with reduced risk of burnout symptoms, staff self‐efficacy and access of staff to supervisor social support seem to be the factors that can be influenced best. These factors thus may be of importance in reducing the risk of developing burnout symptoms and improving staff well‐being, even though the current study was not designed to demonstrate causal relations between psychological resources and burnout symptoms.
Alpha‐Synuclein oligomerization and aggregation: All models are useful but only if we know what they model
Authors: Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: December 2020

Alpha‐synuclein oligomerization is one of the early events on the pathway to Lewy body formation. Therefore, interfering with this process holds tremendous potential for developing therapies that block α‐Syn pathology formation and toxicity. The development of robust and reliable cellular models of alpha‐synuclein oligomerization is one important step toward achieving this goal. Unlike α‐Syn fibrils, which can be detected and labeled using multiple tools and validated antibodies, α‐Syn oligomers are very difficult to differentiate from soluble monomeric α‐Syn in cells. This has led to increased reliance on fusing fluorescent proteins or fragments thereof to α‐Syn to develop assays and cellular models to investigate α‐Syn oligomerization. We recently presented results that highlight the limitation of one of these assays, the α‐Syn Bimolecular Fluorescence (BIFC) assay (Frey et al. 2020b). Our findings underscored the critical importance of characterizing and validating cellular models before their use in mechanistic studies or drug discovery studies. In this commentary, I present my response to Dr Tiago Outeiro's recent commentary on this work, expand on our previous discussions on the BIFC assay, and propose an integrated approach for the development characterization, validation, and improvements of cellular models of α‐Syn oligomerization and aggregation. Having access to multiple well‐characterized and validated cellular models is essential not only for advancing our understanding of the biology of α‐Syn and PD but also to identify novel therapeutic targets and drugs that could be successfully developed into treatments for PD and synucleinopathies. The more reliable the models, the faster we are likely to achieve these goals.

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The Risk Factors for the Exacerbation of COVID‐19 Disease: A Case–control Study
Authors: Fan Ying , Wang Xuefei , Jun Zhang  , Mo Daorong , Xiao Xuexia
Published: December 2020

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the factors associated with the exacerbations of COVID‐19.

Background

At present, COVID‐19 is prevalent in the world, seriously endangering the property and life safety of people around the world. Currently, there are many reports on the clinical features, complications and risk factors of death of COVID‐19, but there are few reports on the factors associated with the exacerbation of COVID‐19.

Design

Case–control Study.

Methods

Patients with COVID‐19 were recruited from four designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province from January to April 2020. The patients were divided into disease exacerbation group (n = 53) and disease stabilisation group (n = 265) according to the disease progression during hospitalisation. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the factors associated with the exacerbation of COVID‐19. The research was reported according to STROBE statement.

Results

Univariate analysis showed there were significant differences in gender, age, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophil, percentage of lymphocyte, C‐reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, creatinine, calcium ion, rate of erythrocyte sedimentation, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, gastrointestinal discomfort and dyspnoea between the two groups. The variables with p < 0.05 in the aforementioned difference analysis were included in binary logistic regression analysis, which showed that age, hypertension history, chest tightness, percentage of neutrophil, percentage of lymphocyte, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine were independent factors associated with COVID‐19 disease exacerbation.

Conclusion

Clinicians may warn the exacerbation of COVID‐19 facing above risk factors and associated characteristics, and adjust the diagnosis and treatment plan to delay the disease progression, reduce complications and mortality and improve the prognosis of patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Patients with certain risk factors associated with COVID‐19 diseases exacerbation should be observed and targeted by using effective early interventions.
Does the Stomatognathic System Adapt to Changes in Occlusion? Best Evidence Consensus Statement
Authors: Goodacre Charles J. , Roberts W. Eugene , Goldstein Gary , Wiens Jonathan P.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this Best Evidence Consensus Statement was to evaluate the existing literature on the stomatognathic system's ability to adapt to occlusal changes.

Materials and Methods

The search term stomatognathic system was not useful as it resulted in over 400,000 results nor was the search term temporomandibular joint adaptation with 738 results due to the large number of references not related to the topic. The terms stomatognathic system adaptation to occlusal changes (186 results), teeth flexion (139 results), muscle adaptation to dental occlusion (278 results), and occlusal changes and neuroplasticity (11 results) provided the best selection of articles related to the topic. Limiting the above searches to systematic reviews and randomized controlled clinical trials resulted in multiple publications that were related to the question. Other literature reviews, data‐based publications, and expert opinion resources have been included due to their relationship to the question.

Results

From the extensive list of search results, 242 articles were determined to be potentially related to the focus question and were evaluated with 56 being included in this paper. It was determined that the stomatognathic system adapts to occlusal changes through the temporomandibular joint, muscles, teeth and bone. The dynamically modified periosteum on the articulator surfaces of the condyle and fossa has a unique load‐bearing morphology with 3 subarticular layers of fibrocartilage that absorb and dissipate both peak (impact) and sustained loads. Adaptability of the TMJs and muscles can be documented through studies where artificially produced occlusal interferences were placed in patients and those study participants with normal temporomandibular joints (TMJs) adapted fairly well whereas those with a previous history of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) did not adapt as well.

Conclusions

Available evidence indicates patients generally adapt to the occlusal change inherent in orthodontic treatment, mandibular advancement surgery, and the use of mandibular advancement devices. The head and neck muscles also adapt to occlusal changes in patients without a history of TMD. The dentition adapts to changes through the bone and periodontal ligaments as well as the ability of teeth to undergo slight flexion under masticatory loading.
Intersecting sexual identities, oppressions, and social justice work: Comparing LGBTQ Baby Boomers to Millennials who came of age after the 1980s AIDS epidemic
Authors: Hagai Ella Ben , Annechino Rachelle , Young Nicholas , Antin Tamar
Published: December 2020

In this study, we analyze 50 interviews with racially diverse, predominantly low‐income, LGBTQ participants living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rooted in intersectional theory that conceptualizes identities as shaped by interlocking forms of oppression and privilege, we compared interviews with “Baby Boomers” to those with “Millennial” participants, who came into adulthood in a time of greater legal and social inclusion for LGBTQ people. Our analysis focused on three questions: How do participants understand their sexual identities? How are the identities of sexual minority participants coconstructed with intersecting forms of oppression? What motivates LGBTQ people in our sample to engage in social justice work? We found that white LGBTQ people tended to see their sexualities as primary to their identity, compared to LGBTQ Black and/or Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) who tended to see their identities in intersectional terms. Younger LGBTQ people were more likely to delink sex and gender identity; consequently, they were more likely to frame their sexual identities with terms not rooted in a gender binary (e.g., pansexual or queer). Experiences with homophobia were prevalent across generations, and intersected with racism and economic oppressions, but younger people more often described support from institutional agents. Participants’ sense of community and commitment to giving back after experiences of trauma motivated them to engage in social justice work. Our findings highlight the intersectional nature of oppressions faced by LGBTQ people and the need for organizations to move away from focusing exclusively on homophobic oppression as a monolith.
Supply Chain Management for Extreme Conditions: Research Opportunities
Authors: Sodhi ManMohan S. , Tang Christopher S.
Published: December 2020

Large companies were concerned about their supply chains with environmental and social sustainability and disruption from natural disasters, conflict, and trade disagreements even before the advent of COVID‐19. The additional challenges presented by COVID‐19 in 2020 are “extreme” in being distinct from supply chain risk in that not just particular companies, but also entire societies are affected. Therefore, it is appropriate to rethink supply chain management (SCM) for research and practice to cope with extreme conditions, now and in the future, whether due to pandemics, war, climate change, or biodiversity collapse. In this essay, we first present the widespread challenges, along with some of the responses. We then list research opportunities for supply chain management in extreme conditions. These opportunities pertain to retailers' survival in the face of highly successful e‐commerce giants and the mixed use of robots and human workers. There are also opportunities to share supply chain capacity in distribution and coopetition regarding medically necessary items such as anti‐virals or vaccines. The growing role of government in supporting business, including the creation of industry commons, also presents avenues for further research.
Phylogenetic relationships withinPyrenodesmiasensu lato and the role of pigments in its taxonomic interpretation
Authors: Frolov Ivan , Vondrák Jan , Košnar Jiří , Arup Ulf
Published: December 2020

Most lichens of the family Teloschistaceae (Ascomycota) produce yellow‐orange‐red anthraquinone pigments. However, the genusPyrenodesmiaencompasses species in which anthraquinones are absent and replaced by a gray pigment Sedifolia‐gray. It was shown recently that these species are related to taxa with both anthraquinones and Sedifolia‐gray (Caloplaca xericagroup,C. haematitesgroup, andC.cretensis) and to species with a brown pigment instead of both anthraquinones and Sedifolia‐gray (C. demissa,C. obscurella, andC. reptans). Nevertheless, relationships between mentioned anthraquinone‐containing and anthraquinone‐lacking species remained unclear. In total, 8 DNA loci from 41 species were used here to resolve these uncertainties. We concluded thatC. demissa,C. obscurella, andC. reptansare rather distant from the core ofPyrenodesmia, and we place them outside ofPyrenodesmiasensu lato. WithinPyrenodesmiasensu lato, three lineages were revealed and recognized on a generic level: the genusPyrenodesmiasensu stricto (21 species), the genusKuettlingeria(14 species), which is resurrected here, and the genusSanguineodiscus(4 species), which is newly described here. The genusPyrenodesmiaincludes taxa that never contain anthraquinones, but Sedifolia‐gray. It matches with the formerC. variabilisgroup. Taxa of the generaKuettlingeriaandSanguineodiscushave anthraquinones in their apothecia and Sedifolia‐gray in their thalli. The genusKuettlingeriaincludes the formerC. xericagroup plusC. cretensisandC. diphyodes. The genusSanguineodiscusincludes the formerC. haematitesgroup andC. bicolor. The identity ofKuettlingeria(Caloplaca)diphyodeswas clarified and the namePyrenodesmia helygeoideswas resurrected. Twenty‐four new combinations were proposed.
Collective Liminality: The Spillover Effects of Indeterminate Detention on Immigrant Families
Authors: Martinez-Aranda Mirian G.
Published: December 2020

This article introduces the concept ofcollective liminality, a shared condition of heightened threat and uncertainty experienced by immigrant detainees and their families, as they wait, caught between two possible outcomes: their loved one's (temporary or permanent) release into the US or deportation. Drawing on 2 years of ethnographic data collection between 2015 and 2017 that included accompanying families to visitation at three Southern California detention facilities, and in-depth interviews with former detainees and their relatives, I demonstrate the broader “collateral consequences” that immigration detention inflicts on detainees' loved ones. I find that not only does the detained individual experience liminality, but the detention of a loved one places the family in a state of shared liminality, which is experienced at two levels:material and emotional. These hardships materialize even before the detainees' deportation and can persist even after their release back into the US. This research extends scholarship on the impacts of detention on detainees, and on the consequences of deportation for families. The concept of collective liminality highlights how immigration detention functions as a critical tool of immigrant surveillance, punishment, and exclusion.
Sally Merry as an Advisor & Advocate for Law & Society Scholars
Authors: López-Espino Jessica
Published: December 2020

Sally Merry's scholarship is wide-ranging and interdisciplinary. Throughout her career she worked in the field of legal anthropology, carrying out research projects in low-income neighborhoods, courthouses, mediation sessions, in Hawaii, and internationally. Sally conducted participant observation, interviews, surveys, used court records, and drew on historical archives. As a graduate student of hers, I have always appreciated the diversity of her knowledge and methods, her creativity in approaching questions about the role of law in society, and her broad interest in how society shaped legal systems. Her long-standing involvement with national and international associations, as well with the American Bar Foundation, meant that she actively participated in the debates surrounding law and society scholarship and was able to communicate the importance of legal anthropology to an interdisciplinary field of sociologists, criminologists, attorneys, political scientists, and historians among many others.
My Walks for 21 Years with Sally Engle Merry
Authors: Stein Nan
Published: December 2020

I knew the outside Sally. We walked together for over 21 years, mostly around Lake Waban at Wellesley College; we could turn a 40-minute walk on the path around the lake into an extended 75-minute excursion by going off the path, then bush whacking our way back. In the winters, we walked on the nearby golf course and into the woods; and when we were pressed for time, we walked in a small neighborhood park near her home in Wellesley. As her breathing became more labored and she was no longer able to walk easily during these past few months, we sat in her backyard in our COVID masks, talking and taking in the sunshine.
Professor Sally Engle Merry: A Candid and Caring Giant
Authors: He Xin
Published: December 2020

According to a Chinese aphorism, one purpose of any mourning activity is to stage a show for those who are still alive. I feel sorry if this short essay leaves such an impression. I do not mean to do that. I was not formally a student of Professor Merry, and so I may not be in the best position to document her achievements which include dispute resolution, mediation, legal consciousness, cultural hegemony, human rights, spatial governmentality, and more. But what I wish to say is that, perhaps, no other scholars has been more influential and inspiring to me.
A rapid review of stocking and marketing practices used to sell sugar‐sweetened beverages in U.S. food stores
Authors: Houghtaling Bailey , Holston Denise , Szocs Courtney , Penn Jerrod , Qi Danyi , Hedrick Valisa
Published: December 2020

Sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a primary source of added sugars in the American diet. Habitual SSB consumption is associated with obesity and noncommunicable disease and is one factor contributing to U.S. health disparities. Public health responses to address marketing‐mix and choice‐architecture (MMCA) strategies used to sell SSB products may be required. Thus, our goal was to identify original research about stocking and marketing practices used to sell SSB in U.S. food stores. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol for rapid reviewing. We searched six databases and Google Scholar using key terms focused on store type and SSB products. We characterized results using an MMCA framework with categories place, profile, portion, pricing, promotion, priming or prompting, and proximity. Our search resulted in the identification of 29 articles. Most results focused on profile (e.g., SSB availability) (n = 13), pricing (e.g., SSB prices or discounts) (n = 13), or promotion (e.g., SSB advertisements) (n = 13) strategies. We found some evidence of targeted MMCA practices toward at‐risk consumers and differences by store format, such as increased SSB prominence among supermarkets. The potential for systematic variations in MMCA strategies used to sell SSB requires more research. We discuss implications for public health, health equity, and environmental sustainability.
Poor prognosis of food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome to fish
Authors: Infante Sonsoles , Pérez‐Pallisé Esperanza , Skrabski Filip , Cabrera‐Freitag Paula , Morales‐Cabeza Cristina , Fuentes‐Aparicio Victoria , Alvarez‐Perea Alberto , Zubeldia José M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Fish is the most common causative food of food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in Southern Europe. In children with FPIES, the development of tolerance varies according to the culprit food and specifically fish seems to have a poorer prognosis than other solid foods. We sought to evaluate the fish‐FPIES resolution rate in children.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective analysis of children with fish‐FPIES, followed during the last 20 years, was performed. The offending fish, age and symptoms at onset, the coexistence of atopic diseases and FPIES to other foods were registered. All the children included had undergone an oral food challenge (OFC) with the offending fish. We recorded those children that overcame their fish‐FPIES and those that did not outgrow the disease.

Results

Seventy children were enrolled in this study (median age: 9 yo; IQR 6.4‐13.8). Forty‐two (60%) achieved tolerance to the offending fish with a median age of 4 years (IQR: 3‐5). Among children ≤5 yo (n = 40), 35 (87.5%) developed tolerance; among 6‐8yo (n = 14), 40% developed tolerance; and only 12.5% among those ≥9 yo (n = 16) developed tolerance. Twenty‐eight children did not outgrow the disease (median age: 8.9 yo; IQR: 9‐13.8). We did not find any statistical differences regarding the offending fish, presence of single vs multiple fish‐FPIES, symptoms at the beginning, coexistence of other atopic diseases or the coexistence of other FPIES, between the children who overcame the disease and those who did not.

Conclusion

One in five children with FPIES to fish will not overcome the disease during childhood.
Otitis media in children: Which phenotypes are most linked to allergy? A systematic review
Authors: De Corso Eugenio , Cantone Elena , Galli Jacopo , Seccia Veronica , Lucidi Daniela , Di Cesare Tiziana , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Sergi Bruno , Paludetti Gaetano , Fetoni Anna Rita
Published: December 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis is a common childhood disease responsible for a major impact on quality of life and healthcare resources. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the link between allergy and otitis media, although a definitive mechanism has not been identified yet. One of the major critical points is that authors failed in distinguishing among different phenotypes of middle ear inflammation. This review pointed out literature evidence from the laboratory and clinical experience linking allergy to different phenotypes of otitis media in children.

Methods

We performed a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) process. Our search yielded 3010 articles that were finally screened. This resulted in 20 manuscripts of which the full texts were included in a qualitative analysis. We paid particular attention in distinguishing among phenotypes of otitis media.

Results

Clinical evidence and analyses of biomarkers suggested that allergy may be linked to some phenotypes of otitis media and, in particular, to otitis media with effusion (OME) and acute re‐exacerbations in children with middle ear effusion. It was not possible to perform the analysis for allergy and acute and chronic otitis media because of paucity and heterogeneity of data.

Conclusion

Allergy should be considered in the diagnostic workup of children with OME as well as OME should be excluded in children with persistent moderate to severe AR. In these cases, clinicians should evaluate prompt and accurate treatment of allergy in improving outcomes, although futures studies are required to increase evidence supporting that anti‐allergy treatment may be effective in the recovery and outcome of otitis media with effusion.
Percutaneous endovascular management of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm after heart transplantation in a pediatric patient
Authors: Skrabonja‐Crespo Antonio , Chavarri‐Velarde Fernando , Pinto‐Salinas Miguel , Tauma‐Arrué Astrid
Published: December 2020

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after HT. Surgery is the most conventional management, but in some patients, it is risky. We report the case of a ten‐year‐old child who underwent HT and developed an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in the aortic anastomosis. He was successfully treated with two covered stents through endovascular management. Endovascular therapy is an alternative management in high‐risk patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report about endovascular therapy of an AAP after HT in a pediatric patient.
The Personalities of Presidents as Independent Variables
Authors: Arana Araya Ignacio
Published: December 2020

The debate about the relative importance of the personality traits of presidents has a long history. Until the mid‐1970s, scholars of the presidency extensively focused on the uniqueness of the individuals that held office. However, the difficulty in capturing presidential personalities and measuring their impact on executive politics led to a significant quantitative shift that focused more on the institutions within which presidents operate. This change produced a long‐lasting divide between researchers interested in the “institutional” presidency and those focused on the “personal” presidency. I propose to integrate both approaches by incorporating insights from differential psychology to treat the personality traits of presidents as independent variables. In support of the argument, I use data from an expert survey that captured psychometric traits of presidents who governed the Western Hemisphere in 1945–2012 to reassess an influential study about Latin American presidents. The results show that adding openness to experience leads to a deeper understanding of presidential approval. I conclude by arguing that measuring the personality traits of all sorts of leaders is necessary to modernize the study of elites.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as well as their released exosomes suppress proliferation of activated PBMCs in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Baharlooi Hussein , Nouraei Zeynab , Azimi Maryam , Moghadasi Abdorreza Naser , Tavassolifar Mohammad Javad , Moradi Batool , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Izad Maryam
Published: December 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) degenerative disorder which is caused by a targeted autoimmune‐mediated attack on myelin proteins. Previously, mesenchymal stem cells were considered as a novel and successful treatment of MS. One of the underlying mechanisms behind their immunomodulatory function is the release of extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the suppressive efficacy of MSCs and their exosomes on the proliferation of peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) in relapsing‐remitting MS (RRMS) patients and healthy subjects. To do, mesenchymal stem cells were derived from human umbilical cord tissues and used for exosome isolation through ultracentrifugation. Suppressive function of MSCs and MSC‐derived exosomes was examined in a coculture with CFSE‐labelled PBMCs in vitro. PBMC proliferation of the patients and healthy individuals was measured using flow cytometry. We first demonstrated that proliferation of PBMCs decreased in the presence of MSCs and suppression was more efficient by MSC‐derived exosomes, with a minimum alloreaction rate. However, suppression capacity of MSCs and their exosomes significantly decreased during extensive sub‐culturing. The present study showed that MSC‐derived exosomes as an effective cell‐free therapy could prevent proliferation of PBMCs. However, further evaluations are need to move towards a functional approach that can be translated to the clinic.
Organising Alternative Food Networks (AFNs): Challenges and Facilitating Conditions of different AFN types in three EU countries
Authors: Poças Ribeiro Ana , Harmsen Robert , Feola Giuseppe , Rosales Carréon Jesús , Worrell Ernst
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to explore the constraining and facilitating factors impacting the emergence and consolidation of different types of alternative food networks (AFNs) in different countries. Drawing on the expertise of organizers of seventeen AFNs, we investigated the conditions and actors that hinder and promote the development of different types of AFNs in Poland, Portugal and the Netherlands. Using a multi‐actor perspective framework, we categorized six types of AFNs according to their logic and characteristics: consumer‐led, producer‐led, third‐sector led, community supported agriculture, public‐led, and business platforms. Key challenges and facilitating conditions varied according to AFN type, and depended on AFN particularities. In contrast to the Netherlands, low social capital was commonly cited as a challenge in Portugal and Poland. AFN organizers appeared to exercise innovative power when creating new forms of food provision; however, a wide scope of actions by governmental and non‐governmental actors are needed to support the emergence of more AFNs.
Feminisation in Agriculture in a Transition Economy: Women’s Role in Family Farms
Authors: Zhllima Edvin , Xhoxhi Orjon , Imami Drini
Published: December 2020

Research on gender equality for several decades has observed gender roles as related to decisions, asset availability, and bargaining power. Literature examining the influence of intra‐family bargaining power and rights on farm structures is scarce. This article builds on the feminisation thesis for exploring how feminisation in agriculture has been changing women’s agency in family farms. It analyses the effect of farming decision‐making in farm structures in Albania, a post‐communist transition country undergoing rural depopulation and migration. Based on data collected from structured farm surveys, an instrumental variable regression is used for exploring the relationship between women’s farming decision power and production structures. The analysis finds a positive influence of women’s decision‐making power on farms oriented to orchards, and a negative influence on farms oriented to forage (livestock‐oriented farms) and farms with uncultivated (abandoned) land. Women’s farming decision‐making power is highly influenced by their education, perception of land rights equality, and access to advisory services. The article provides evidence for interventions including institutional support to strengthen land rights, empowering women farmers through training, awareness campaigns, and advocacy activities.
Manufacturing capital utilisation, firm dynamics and wage inequality
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chur , Hu May , Nguyen Xuan
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the short‐ and long‐run effects of manufacturing capital utilisation on income distribution and social welfare of an economy. A rise in manufacturing capital utilisation lowers the effective cost of capital. This increases the demand for capital in the urban sector, which raises firm output and profitability but reduces the availability of capital in the rural sector. Unskilled wage is lowered. Thus, a rise in manufacturing capital utilisation increases income inequality in the short run. In the long run, due to the firm‐entry effect, a rise in manufacturing capital utilisation further exacerbates the inequality situation. Empirical analysis confirms the theoretical findings. In particular, a one per cent increase in manufacturing capital utilisation leads to about 0.58% increase in income inequality, of which the contribution from the firm‐entry effect is about 28%.
Mechanism evaluation for an amino acid substitution p.Y246C of B‐glycosyltransferase enzyme with Bweak phenotype
Authors: Ying Yanling , Hong Xiaozhen , Xu Xianguo , Zhang Jingjing , He Ji , Zhu Faming , Xie Xinyou
Published: December 2020

Background

The amino acid substitutions caused by ABO gene variants are usually predicted to impact the glycosyltransferase function. Here, the effect of an amino acid substitution in the vicinity of the catalytic active region of the B‐glycosyltransferase was explored in vitro and in silico study, which is important for further recognizing the ABO subgroup.

Methods

The ABO serological tests were performed by the routine methods. The ABO genotype was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced bidirectionally. The haplotype of the variant allele was separated using single‐strand amplification and sequencing with allele‐specific primers. Stably expression cell lines with variant were constructed for study in vitro. 3D structure of the B‐glycosyltransferase (GTB) variant was simulated by PyMOL software. The free energy change (ΔΔG) was calculated by FoldX.

Results

A variant c.737A > G was identified in a Chinese individual with Bweak phenotype, which led to an amino acid substitution p.Y246C in the vicinity of the catalytic active region of GTB enzyme. The stably expression cell lines with variant and wild type were successfully established and showed that the variant caused a decrease in protein levels and/or enzyme activity. The 3D structural of the GTB modelling found the amino acid substitution p.Y246C caused the hydrogen bond of the protein changes. Meanwhile, the free energy change (ΔΔG) value predicted the destabilizing effect on the variant GTB.

Discussion

The p.Y246C variant in the vicinity of the enzyme active centre reduced the antigen expression because of greatly destabilizing effect on the GTB variant.
The immune potential of ex vivo stored platelets: a review
Authors: Wood Ben , Padula Matthew P. , Marks Denese C. , Johnson Lacey
Published: December 2020

Platelets are now acknowledged as key regulators of the immune system, as they are capable of mediating inflammation, leucocyte recruitment and activation. This activity is facilitated through platelet activation, which induces significant changes in the surface receptor profile and triggers the release of a range of soluble biological response modifiers (BRMs). In the field of transfusion medicine, the immune function of platelets has gained considerable attention as this may be linked to the development of adverse transfusion reactions. Further, component manufacturing and storage methodologies may impact the immunoregulatory role of platelets, and an understanding of this impact is crucial and should be considered alongside their haemostatic characteristics. This review highlights the key interactions between platelets and traditional immune modulators. Further, the potential impact of current and novel component storage methodologies, such as refrigeration and cryopreservation, on this functional capacity is examined, highlighting why further knowledge in this area would be of benefit.
Variability in tumor margin reporting for soft tissue sarcoma and cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs: A systematic review
Authors: Abrams Brittany E. , Putterman Allison B. , Ruple Audrey , Wavreille Vincent , Selmic Laura E.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To identify which classification systems have been used for tumor margin reporting and to determine whether factors (publication year, tumor type, and specialty of the contributing authors) influenced trends in margin reporting within literature describing canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCT).

Study design

Systematic literature review.

Methods

Eligible articles were identified through electronic database searches performed for STS and MCT. Data abstracted from relevant studies included publication year, author list, specialty of contributing authors, criteria used to report the planned surgical margins, and the status of histologic margins. Categorization of papers was based on the classification systems used to report surgical and histologic tumor margins.

Results

Fifty‐three articles were included, 11 on STS, 37 on MCT, and five that included both tumor types. Criteria for classifying the planned surgical margins were described in only 50.9% of studies. Articles that listed a veterinary surgeon as a contributing author (P =.01) and STS articles compared to MCT papers (P =.01) were more likely to report surgical margins. Most (56.6%) studies reported the status of histologic margins dichotomously as “complete” or “incomplete.” Although a previously published consensus statement recommended that quantitative criteria be used to report histologic margins, only 7.5% of articles used quantitative methods.

Conclusion

Classification systems used for reporting tumor margins were highly variable among studies.

Clinical significance

The findings of this review provide evidence that a standardized classification system for reporting surgical and histologic tumor margins is required in veterinary medicine. A universal system may support more consistent reporting of neoplastic biopsy specimens and allow for more meaningful comparisons across research studies.