bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NMR structures and functional roles of two related chitin-binding domains of a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase fromCellvibrio japonicus
Authors: Madland Eva , Forsberg Zarah , Wang Yong , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Niebisch Axel , Modregger Jan , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Aachmann Finn L. , Courtade Gaston
Published: April 2021

Among the extensive repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) have a key role in recalcitrant biomass degradation. LPMOs are copper-dependent enzymes that catalyze oxidative cleavage of glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides such as cellulose and chitin. Several LPMOs contain carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) that are known to promote LPMO efficiency. Still, structural and functional properties of some of these CBMs remain unknown and it is not clear why some LPMOs, likeCjLPMO10A fromCellvibriojaponicus, have two CBMs (CjCBM5 andCjCBM73). Here, we studied substrate binding by these two CBMs to shine light on the functional variation, and determined the solution structures of both by NMR, which includes the first structure of a member of the CBM73 family. Chitin-binding experiments and molecular dynamics simulations showed that, while both CBMs bind crystalline chitin withKdvalues in the µM range,CjCBM73 has higher affinity thanCjCBM5. Furthermore, NMR titration experiments showed thatCjCBM5 binds soluble chitohexaose, whereas no binding to soluble chitin was detected forCjCBM73. These functional differences correlated with distinctly different architectures of the substrate-binding surfaces of the two CBMs. Taken together, these results provide insight into natural variation among related chitin-binding CBMs and the possible functional implications of such variation.
The cortical hubs related to recovery of consciousness
Authors: Wu Hang , Qi Zengxin , Zhang Jun , Wu Changwei , Wu Xuehai , Huang Zirui , Zang Di , Fogel Stuart , Tanabe Sean , Hudetz Anthony G. , Northoff Georg , Mao Ying , Qin Pengmin
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

The neural mechanism that enables the recovery of consciousness in patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) remains unclear. The aim of the current study is to characterize the cortical hub regions related to the recovery of consciousness in patients with UWS.

Methods

Voxel-wise degree centrality analysis was adopted to identify the cortical hubs related to the recovery of consciousness, for which a total of 27 UWS patients were used, including 13 patients who emerged from UWS (UWS-E), and 14 patients who remained in UWS (UWS-R) at least three months after the experiment performance. Furthermore, other recoverable unconscious states including three independent deep sleep datasets (n = 12, 9, 9 respectively) and three independent anesthesia datasets (n = 27, 14, 6 respectively) were adopted as validation groups. Spatial similarity of the hub characteristic with the validation groups between the UWS-E and UWS-R was compared using the dice coefficient. Finally, with the cortical regions persistently shown as hubs across UWS-E and validation states, functional connectivity analysis was further performed to explore the connectivity patterns underlying the recovery of consciousness.

Results

Four cortical hubs were identified with significantly higher degree centrality for UWS-E than UWS-R, including the anterior precuneus, left inferior parietal lobule, left inferior frontal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus, of which the degree centrality value also positively correlated with the patients’ Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score. Furthermore, the anterior precuneus was found to show significantly higher similarity of hub characteristics as well as functional connectivity pattern between UWS-E and validation groups, compared with UWS-R.

Discussion

The results suggest that the recovery of consciousness may be relevant to the integrity of cortical hubs, especially the anterior precuneus. The identified cortical hub regions could serve as potential targets for noninvasive stimulation aimed at promoting the patients’ consciousness recovery.
The nematode wormC. eleganschooses between bacterial foods as if maximizing economic utility
Authors: Katzen Abraham , Chung Hui-Kuan , Harbaugh William T. , Iacono Christina Della , Jackson Nicholas , Glater Elizabeth E. , Taylor Charles J. , Yu Stephanie K. , Flavell Steven W. , Glimcher Paul W. , Andreoni James , Lockery Shawn R.
Published: April 2021

In value-based decision making, options are selected according to subjective values assigned by the individual to available goods and actions. Despite the importance of this faculty of the mind, the neural mechanisms of value assignments, and how choices are directed by them, remain obscure. To investigate this problem, we used a classic measure of utility maximization, the Generalized Axiom of Revealed Preference, to quantify internal consistency of food preferences inCaenorhabditis elegans, a nematode worm with a nervous system of only 302 neurons. Using a novel combination of microfluidics and electrophysiology, we found thatC. elegansfood choices fulfill the necessary and sufficient conditions for utility maximization, indicating that nematodes behave as if they maintain, and attempt to maximize, an underlying representation of subjective value. Food choices are well-fit by a utility function widely used to model human consumers. Moreover, as in many other animals, subjective values inC. elegansare learned, a process we find requires intact dopamine signaling. Differential responses of identified chemosensory neurons to foods with distinct growth potentials are amplified by prior consumption of these foods, suggesting that these neurons may be part of a value-assignment system. The demonstration of utility maximization in an organism with a very small nervous system sets a new lower bound on the computational requirements for utility maximization and offers the prospect of an essentially complete explanation of value-based decision making at single neuron resolution in this organism.
Disruption ofmiR-18aalters proliferation, photoreceptor replacement kinetics, inflammatory signaling and microglia/macrophage numbers during retinal regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Magner Evin , Sandoval-Sanchez Pamela , Kramer Ashley C. , Thummel Ryan , Hitchcock Peter F. , Taylor Scott M.
Published: April 2021

In mammals, photoreceptor loss causes permanent blindness, but in zebrafish (Danio rerio), photoreceptor loss reprograms Müller glia to function as stem cells, producing progenitors that regenerate photoreceptors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate CNS neurogenesis, but the roles of miRNAs in injury-induced neuronal regeneration are largely unknown. In the embryonic zebrafish retina,miR-18aregulates photoreceptor differentiation. The purpose of the current study was to determine, in zebrafish, the function ofmiR-18aduring injury-induced photoreceptor regeneration. RT-qPCR, in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed thatmiR-18aexpression increases throughout the retina between 1 and 5 days post-injury (dpi). To testmiR-18afunction during photoreceptor regeneration, we used homozygousmiR-18amutants (miR-18ami5012), and knocked downmiR-18awith morpholino oligonucleotides. During photoreceptor regeneration,miR-18ami5012retinas have fewer mature photoreceptors than WT at 7 and 10 dpi, but there is no difference at 14 dpi, indicating that photoreceptor regeneration is delayed. Labeling dividing cells with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) showed that at 7 and 10 dpi, there are excess dividing progenitors in both mutants and morphants, indicating thatmiR-18anegatively regulates injury-induced proliferation. Tracing 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and BrdU-labeled cells showed that inmiR-18ami5012retinas excess progenitors migrate to other retinal layers in addition to the photoreceptor layer. Inflammation is critical for photoreceptor regeneration, and RT-qPCR showed that inmiR-18ami5012retinas, inflammatory gene expression and microglia activation are prolonged. Suppressing inflammation with dexamethasone rescues themiR-18ami5012phenotype. Together, these data show that in the injured zebrafish retina, disruption ofmiR-18aalters proliferation, inflammation, the microglia/macrophage response, and the timing of photoreceptor regeneration.
A SARS CoV-2 nucleocapsid vaccine protects against distal viral dissemination
Authors: Class Jacob , Dangi Tanushree , Richner Justin M. , Penaloza-MacMaster Pablo
Published: April 2021

The SARS CoV-2 pandemic has killed millions of people. This viral infection can also result in substantial morbidity, including respiratory insufficiency and neurological manifestations, such as loss of smell and psychiatric diseases. Most SARS CoV-2 vaccines are based on the spike antigen, and although they have shown extraordinary efficacy at preventing severe lung disease and death, they do not always confer sterilizing immune protection. We performed studies in K18-hACE2 mice to evaluate whether the efficacy of SARS CoV-2 vaccines could be augmented by incorporating nucleocapsid as a vaccine antigen. We vaccinated mice with adenovirus-based vaccines encoding spike antigen alone, nucleocapsid antigen alone, or combined spike and nucleocapsid antigens. Mice were then challenged intranasally with SARS CoV-2, and acute viral loads were quantified at a proximal site of infection (lung) and a distal site of infection (brain). Interestingly, the spike-based vaccine conferred acute protection in the lung, but not in the brain. The spike-based vaccine conferred acute protection in the brain only if combined with the nucleocapsid-based vaccine. These findings suggest that nucleocapsid-specific immunity is important for the distal control of SARS CoV-2, warranting the inclusion of nucleocapsid in next-generation COVID-19 vaccines.
Oral health changes among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians: findings from two national oral health surveys
Authors: Jamieson L , Do L , Kapellas K , Chrisopoulos S , Luzzi L , Brennan D , Ju X
Published: April 2021

Background

Historically, Indigenous Australians experienced poorer oral health than non‐Indigenous Australians. We aimed to ascertain if Indigenous Australian oral health improved relative to non‐Indigenous oral health between the 2004‐06 and 2017‐18 National Surveys of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH).

Methods

Both NSAOHs were population‐based cross‐sectional surveys of Australian adults aged 15 years or more. In both surveys, representative samples of adults were drawn through a three‐stage, stratified sample design within metropolitan and regional areas in each state/territory. Frequencies of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous self‐reported and clinical oral health variables were ascertained, and differences were calculated between the 2004‐06 and 2017‐18 NSAOHs. Ninety‐five per cent confidence intervals were calculated and weights were used to account for the complex sampling methodology of both surveys.

Results

In 2004‐06, 229 Indigenous and 13 882 non‐Indigenous Australians provided self‐report data, and 87 and 5418 of these had dental examinations, respectively. In 2017‐18, 334 Indigenous and 15 392 non‐Indigenous Australians provided self‐report data, and 84 and 4937 of them had dental examinations respectively. Between the surveys, relative to their non‐Indigenous counterparts, Indigenous Australians experienced greater levels of: inadequate dentition (4.2%), experience of toothache (4.8%), problem‐based dental attendance (4.5%) and 1+ teeth decayed, missing or filled (4.4%).

Conclusions

The gap between poor self‐reported and clinical oral health between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians was greater in the more recent survey.
Ceramic technology and paintings of archaic architectural slabs, louteria and antefixes from the Palatine Hill in Rome (Italy)
Authors: Fugazzotto Maura , Stroscio Antonio , Mazzoleni Paolo , Panella Clementina , Russo Alfonsina , Raneri Simona , Barone Germana
Published: April 2021

Archaic Roman painted antefixes, architectural slabs and louteria from the Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy, were studied by non‐destructive and micro‐destructive methods: Portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The investigation enabled the characterization of raw materials and ceramic technology, providing insights on provenance. In fact, similarities were recognized with terracottas from the neighbouring Etruscan Veii. The analysis of pictorial layers revealed the use of Fe‐ and Mn‐based pigments, as well as the identification of more precious pigments on worthy pieces. The research intended to support the archaeological discussion about the frame of the nascent city of Rome, also in relation to the coeval Etruscan culture.
Pharmacogenetic testing to guide therapeutic decision‐making and improve outcomes for children undergoing anthracycline‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Loucks Catrina M. , Yan Kevin , Tanoshima Reo , Ross Colin J. D. , Rassekh Shahrad R. , Carleton Bruce C.
Published: April 2021

Anthracyclines are widely used as part of chemotherapeutic regimens in paediatric oncology patients. The most serious adverse drug reaction caused by anthracycline use is cardiotoxicity, a serious condition that can lead to cardiac dysfunction and subsequent heart failure. Both clinical and genetic factors contribute to a patient's risk of experiencing anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity. In particular, genetic variants in RARG, UGT1A6 and SLC28A3 have been consistently shown to influence an individual's risk of experiencing this reaction. By combining clinical and genetic risks, decision‐making can be improved to optimize treatment and prevent potentially serious adverse drug reactions. As part of a precision medicine initiative, we used pharmacogenetic testing, focused on RARG, UGT1A6 and SLC28A3 variants, to help predict an individual's risk of experiencing anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity. Pharmacogenetic results are currently being used in clinical decision‐making to inform treatment regimen choice, anthracycline dosing and decisions to initiate cardioprotective agents. In this case series, we demonstrate examples of the impact of genetic testing and discuss its potential to allow patients to be increasingly involved in their own treatment decisions.
Lymphocyte modulation by tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Isailovic Natasa , Ceribelli Angela , Cincinelli Gilberto , Vecellio Matteo , Guidelli Giacomo , Caprioli Marta , Luciano Nicoletta , Motta Francesca , Selmi Carlo , De Santis Maria
Published: April 2021

Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule targeting the intracellular Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathways approved for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effects of tofacitinib on the response of RA lymphocytes to B and T cell collagen epitopes in their native and post-translationally modified forms. In particular, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with RA and healthy subjects were cultured with type II collagen peptides (T261-273, B359-369, carT261-273, citB359-369) or with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin/CD40L in the presence or absence of 100 nM tofacitinib for 20 h and analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). Cultures without brefeldin A were used for cytokine supernatant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Tofacitinib down-regulated inflammatory cytokines by stimulated B [interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] and T [interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17 or TNF-α] cells in the short term, while a significant reduction of IL-17 and IL-6 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatant was also observed. IL-10 was significantly reduced in collagen-stimulated B cells from patients with RA and increased in controls, thus mirroring an altered response to collagen self-epitopes in RA. Tofacitinib partially prevented the IL-10 down-modulation in RA B cells stimulated with collagen epitopes. In conclusion, the use of tofacitinib exerts a rapid regulatory effect on B cells from patients with RA following stimulation with collagen epitopes while not reducing inflammatory cytokine production by lymphocytes.
Effect of forging process on high cycle and very high cycle fatigue properties of TC4 titanium alloy under three‐point bending
Authors: Wang Bohan , Cheng Li , Cui Wenbin , Chen Xuan , Wang Changkai , Li Dongchun
Published: April 2021

The ultrasonic fatigue tests under two three‐point bending loading modes were carried out on TC4 specimens with the equiaxed, bimodal, and lamellar microstructure in the range of 105 to 109 cycles. The S‐N curves with different shapes were obtained, and it was found that the crack initiation in very high cycle regime changed from surface to subsurface. The crack initiation mechanism with different microstructures was revealed by fracture analysis. The axial tension influence mechanism is that it changes the axial stress distribution on the specimen cross section and makes the crack origin migrate to the interior.
Pathways to prejudice and outgroup hostility: Group alignment and intergroup conflict among football fans
Authors: White Fiona A. , Newson Martha , Verrelli Stefano , Whitehouse Harvey
Published: April 2021

How do different forms of group alignment influence our attitudes toward outgroups? To answer this, the current fieldwork study explored how identification and identity fusion differentially impact outgroup anxiety, prejudice, and hostility toward rival football fan supporter groups in Australia. The community participants (N = 100) were members of two active fan groups who had experienced a history of intergroup tensions. The findings from the full path model confirmed that the predictor group alignment variables of identification and fusion were correlated, and the two outcome variables of outgroup prejudice and hostility were correlated, as predicted. The findings also revealed that fusion with one's club predicted outgroup hostility, but not prejudice, whereas identification with one's club predicted outgroup prejudice, but not hostility. Additionally, outgroup anxiety was found to significantly mediate the relationship between ingroup identification and outgroup prejudice, whereas a similar relationship was not found for fusion. These findings highlight the differential impact of group alignment (i.e., identification and identity fusion) on social constructs of outgroup anxiety, prejudice, and hostility. Empirically, this is the first study to demonstrate the workings of these distinct group alignment pathways in an applied setting involving hard‐core football fans. We discuss the broader implications of these findings for a fuller understanding of the drivers of intergroup tensions and conflict.
The energy and nutritional content of snacks sold at supermarkets and coffee shops in the UK
Authors: Marty Lucile , Evans Rebecca , Sheen Florence , Humphreys Gabrielle , Jones Andrew , Boyland Emma , Robinson Eric
Published: April 2021

Background

Snacking is associated with a higher daily energy intake and dietary guidelines recommend snacks of no more than 200 kcal for adults and 100 kcal for children. The present study examines the energy content, nutritional quality and price of single‐serving snack food products sold by major supermarket and coffee shop chains in the UK.

Methods

Energy content, nutritional content and price of single‐serving snack products were recorded in 2019 via the websites of 14 major chains (seven supermarkets; seven coffee shops).

Results

The mean energy content of all eligible snack products (n = 2283) was 186 kcal [95% confidence interval (CI) = 182–190]. The mean energy content of the snack products sold at coffee shops (n = 379; 282 kcal [95% CI = 269–295]) was significantly higher than the energy content of the snack products sold at supermarkets (n = 1904; 167 kcal [95% CI = 164–170]). Seventy nine % of supermarket snacks exceeded energy recommendations for children and 32% for adults. In coffee shops, 91% exceeded recommendations for children and 73% for adults. Forty one % of snacks were high in fat, 42% were high in saturated fat, 39% were high in sugar and 7% were high in salt. Cheaper snack products were more likely to be of lower nutritional quality.

Conclusions

The high proportion of snack products that do not meet public health recommendations for energy content may contribute to the association between snacking and increased energy intake. Public health measures to increase the availability and reduce the price of snack products that meet public health energy content recommendations may reduce population‐level obesity.
Temporal augmentation using autologous fat grafting in Chinese women: Effect on temporal hairline
Authors: Diao Zhiyong , Han Xuefeng , Zhang Xinyu
Published: April 2021

Background

Temporal hollowing causes an old and gaunt appearance. An inward curve of the temporal hairline adds to the severity of temporal hollowing, which is visually exacerbated by the dark‐colored hairline in most Chinese women. Whether temporal augmentation using autologous fat grafting (AFG) is effective for correcting an inwardly curved temporal hairline remains unclear.

Aims

To assess the effect of temporal augmentation using AFG on the temporal hairline.

Methods

Forty‐six women with an inward‐curved temporal hairline, who underwent temporal augmentation using AFG, were recruited. The preoperative and postoperative severity of temporal hollowing was evaluated, and anthropometric measurements regarding the temporal hairline were performed on photographs taken in the frontal and lateral views. Subject satisfaction and incidence of complications were documented.

Results

A slight increase in forehead width was observed. The minimal forehead width and minimal forehead width/forehead width ratio were increased. The width, depth, and height of the temporal peak were all increased as well, indicating that the previously inwardly oriented temporal peak was shifted slightly outward, upward, and backward after augmentation.

Conclusion

Autologous fat grafting satisfactorily smoothened the temporal hairline without excessively increasing forehead width in subjects with temporal hollowing and an inward‐curved temporal hairline.
Men’s experiences and need for targeted support after termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly: A qualitative study
Authors: Obst Kate Louise , Due Clemence , Oxlad Melissa , Middleton Philippa
Published: April 2021

Aims and objectives

To explore men's experiences of termination of pregnancy for life‐limiting foetal anomaly, including how healthcare providers, systems and policies can best support men and their families.

Background

While there is a sizable body of research and recommendations relating to women's experiences of grief and support needs following a termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, very few studies specifically examine men's experiences.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were completed with ten Australian men who had experienced termination of pregnancy for life‐limiting foetal anomalies with a female partner between six months and 11 years ago. Interviews were completed over the telephone, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. COREQ guidelines were followed.

Results

Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three over‐arching themes, each with two sub‐themes. First, participants described the decision to terminate their pregnancy as The most difficult choice, with two sub‐themes detailing ‘Challenges of decision‐making’ and ‘Stigma surrounding TOPFA’. Second, participants described that they were Neither patient, nor visitor in the hospital setting, with sub‐themes ‘Where do men fit?’ and ‘Dual need to support and be supported’. Finally, Meet me where I am described men's need for specific supports, including the sub‐themes ‘Contact men directly’ and ‘Tailor support and services’.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that termination of pregnancy for life‐limiting foetal anomaly (TOPFA) is an extremely difficult experience for men, characterised by challenges in decision‐making and perceived stigma. Men felt overlooked by current services and indicated that they need specific support to assist with their grief. Expansion of existing infrastructure and future research should acknowledge the central role of fathers and support them in addressing their grief following TOPFA.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing/midwifery professionals are well situated to provide men with tailored information and to promote genuine inclusion, acknowledgement of their grief, and facilitate referrals to community supports.
Daytime and nighttime smartphone use: A study of associations between multidimensional smartphone behaviours and sleep among 24,856 Danish adults
Authors: Dissing Agnete Skovlund , Andersen Thea Otte , Nørup Liv Nielsen , Clark Alice , Nejsum Miriam , Rod Naja Hulvej
Published: April 2021

The around‐the‐clock smartphone use and its relation to disturbed sleep is a public health concern. The present study aimed to quantify the effects of different dimensions of smartphone behaviours (frequency of daytime use, problematic use, use before sleep and use during the sleep period) on disturbed sleep (sleep quality and sleep quantity) and to disentangle their inter‐relationship in a large population‐based sample of 24,856 Danish adults aged ≥16 years. Data come from the SmartSleep Experiment, which is a web‐based survey carried out using a citizen science approach. Tested items were used to evaluate smartphone use and disturbed sleep was evaluated with the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire (KSQ). Linear and multinomial logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between smartphone use and disturbed sleep. While several of the smartphone measures were associated with disturbed sleep when assessed individually, smartphone use during the sleep period was the only dimension consistently associated with disturbed sleep when assessed independently of other smartphone behaviours. Weekly smartphone use during the sleep period versus no use was associated on average with a 0.96 point higher score (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90–1.02) on the 5‐point KSQ scale, and a higher risk of both short (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.62) and long (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.63–2.32) sleep duration. Smartphone use during the sleep period is the factor strongest associated to disturbed sleep relative to other dimensions of smartphone use. Recommendations around smartphone use during the sleep period are warranted in order to protect the fundamentally important biological and mental processes of sleep.
Geography Scholarship, scholarship and thinking
Authors: Calderwood Richard , Chalmers Lex
Published: April 2021

We take a broad approach to thinking geographically, but a narrower view on the point at which thinking geographically is critically evaluated and assessed in our education system. The Scholarship Assessment Specification attracted our interest. The Scholarship is offered as the capstone assessment of a 3‐year Geography programme in New Zealand secondary education. We describe the institutions, actors and formats of Geography Scholarship. Our purpose is to promote thinking and scholarship as an integral part of the intellectual development of Geographers in contemporary education and beyond. Our concluding comments outline some of the options we think are available to Scholarship candidates and geography teachers.
Spurring Economic Growth through Human Development: Research Results and Guidance for Policymakers
Authors: Bloom David E. , Khoury Alex , Kufenko Vadim , Prettner Klaus
Published: April 2021

Education, general health, and reproductive health are key indicators of human development. Investments in these domains can also promote economic growth. This paper argues for human development–related investments based on (1) a theoretical economic growth model with poverty traps, (2) a literature review of evidence that different human development–related investments can promote growth, and (3) own empirical analyses of 1980–2015 data that aim to estimate the relative contribution of different human development indicators to economic growth across heterogeneous growth regimes. Our results suggest the following associations: (1) a one‐child decrease in the total fertility rate corresponds to a 2 percentage point (pp) increase in annual per capita gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the short run (five years) and 0.5 pp higher annual growth in the mid‐run to long run (35 years), (2) a 10 percent increase in life expectancy at birth corresponds to a 1 pp increase in annual per capita GDP growth in the short run and 0.4 pp higher growth in the mid‐run to long run, and (3) a one‐year increase in average educational attainment corresponds to a 0.7 pp increase in annual growth in the short run and 0.3 pp higher growth in the mid‐run to long run. By contrast, infrastructure proxies are not significantly associated with subsequent growth in any of the models estimated.
Aphid‐borne viruses infecting cultivated watermelon and squash in Spain: Characterization of a variant of cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV)
Authors: Rabadán M. Pilar , Juárez Miguel , De Moya‐Ruiz Celia , Gómez Pedro
Published: April 2021

Aphid‐borne viruses are responsible for major cucurbit diseases and hamper the sustainability of crop production. Systematic monitoring can reveal the occurrence and distribution of these viruses, in addition to unadvertised viruses, facilitating the control of diseases. For three consecutive (2018–2020) seasons, the presence of aphid‐borne viruses was monitored from a total of 292 samples of watermelon and squash plants that showed yellowing symptoms in three major cucurbit‐producing areas (Castilla La‐Mancha, Alicante, and Murcia) in Spain. We observed that cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV) was the most common virus found (29%) in the plants from both crops. Likewise, except for squash samples from Castilla La‐Mancha and Alicante, watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) was also found (23%) with a relatively high frequency. Furthermore, we observed the exacerbation of bright yellowing symptoms in watermelon plants that was often accompanied by considerable fruit abortion. CABYV was the only causative agent for this new yellowing disease, and two infectious cDNA clones (one from watermelon, CABYV‐LP63, and another from melon, CABYV‐MEC12.1) were constructed to further compare and characterize this CABYV disease. Based on the full‐length genome, both isolates were grouped phylogenetically together within the Mediterranean clade. However, the Koch's postulates tests were only successfully completed for the LP63 isolate, which also showed several amino acid changes and two potential recombination events, as compared to MEC12.1. Remarkably, the LP63 isolate caused more severe symptoms and showed higher RNA accumulation than MEC12.1 in five cucurbit plant species. These results suggest that a novel CABYV variant that causes severe yellowing symptoms may be causing outbreaks in cucurbit crops.
The impact of export promotion with matchmaking on exports and service outsourcing
Authors: Makioka Ryo
Published: April 2021

The paper analyzes the effects of support for attending trade fairs on exports, foreign direct investments, and service outsourcing, using Japanese firm‐level data on both performances and trade‐fair participation. To solve the self‐selection problem in the service, I utilize a difference‐in‐differences matching estimation approach with unique firm characteristics, as well as a linear estimation approach with multiple fixed effects. The results show that there are positive effects of attending trade fairs on exporting status. Furthermore, attending a trade fair induces firms to outsource their market research activity.
“I Don’t Feel Very Asian American”: Why Aren’t Japanese Americans More Panethnic?
Authors: Tsuda Takeyuki
Published: April 2021

Because Japanese Americans are among the oldest Asian American groups, they would be expected to have a high level of panethnicity since they apparently have much in common with other U.S.‐born Asian Americans. However, most Japanese Americans interviewed for this paper did not identify panethnically with their Asian co‐ethnics, but felt separate and distinct as Japanese Americans. Research on panethnicity has not sufficiently examined why some Asian Americans are not panethnic. Although Japanese Americans are homogeneously racialized as “Asians,” they also resist their panethnic racialization by insisting on their distinct identity as Japanese descendants. They also continue to experience cultural and generational differences with other Asian Americans. In addition, even third and fourth generation Japanese Americans are not immune to the interethnic prejudices, hostilities, and homeland tensions that continue to simmer among different groups of Asian Americans. Finally, my interviewees were not interested in panethnic activism because they apparently no longer had compelling experiences of racial injustice and socioeconomic marginalization. Nonetheless, national‐origins ethnicity and panethnicity should not be regarded as mutually exclusive opposites.
Science education reform conundrum: An analysis of teacher developed common assessments
Authors: Pitot Lisa N. , Balgopal Meena
Published: April 2021

Science education reform efforts have highlighted the need for scientifically literate citizens, who are capable of using scientific knowledge and skills for reasoning, argumentation, and decision‐making. Concurrently, recent state education policies dictate that teachers’ effectiveness is measured in part by their students’ performance on high stakes assessments. To study these potentially competing reform efforts, we used multiple methods to examine (a) the level of secondary science teachers scientific literacy (SL) and their perceptions of SL skills, (b) how they rank the importance of SL skills and their self reported teaching/assessment of SL skills, and (c) how well their teacher developed common science assessments aligned with SL skills. Survey responses from secondary science teachers (n = 48) from one district revealed that their perceptions of scientific literacy were not in alignment with those of science education reform documents. Secondary science teachers (n = 28) demonstrated that they were scientifically literate, yet the assessments (n = 13) they developed did not align with several scientific literacy sub‐constructs. The findings from this study imply that science teachers would benefit from professional development to increase their assessment literacy and that school districts should reconsider whether teacher‐designed assessments should be tied to teachers' professional security and advancement.
The Effect of Children's Gender on Parents’ Attitudes Toward Women
Authors: Wesley Nicole Y. , Garand James C.
Published: April 2021

Scholars have found that the gender of children—particularly, having daughters—has a discernible effect on parents’ attitudinal and behavioral support for the empowerment of women. In this article, we explore how the gender of children affects the gender attitudes of parents. Using data from the 2016 American National Election Study (ANES) survey, we estimate the effects of children's gender on parents’ feminist self‐identification, support for more women representatives, and attitudes toward traditional gender roles, both in general and separately for men and women. Surprisingly, we find that sons—and not daughters—have a systematic negative effect on feminist self‐identification and support for electing more women, as well as a positive effect on support for traditional gender roles. The effects of sons on feminist self‐identification and traditional gender roles are observed for both men and women, while the effects of sons on support for more women representatives are limited to women. It appears that having a son decreases support for feminist and egalitarian gender attitudes in both men and women to varying degrees across a variety of dimensions.
Transfusion requirement prediction score for patients undergoing cardiac surgery: An experience from a tertiary care set‐up from South India
Authors: Doshi Karishma Ashwin , Shastry Shamee , Pai Vasudev B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Prediction of transfusion requirement is part of preoperative management in a surgical case. We aimed to develop one such tool for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study for a period of 3 years was done to develop the scoring tool, Transfusion Requirement Prediction Score for Cardiac Surgery (TRPS), and internal validation was done prospectively. The primary outcome was administration of allogenic red cell units to the patients during perioperative period. The outcome is dichotomized as controls and cases based on the number of Red Blood Cell units received. Independent variables were chosen based on statistical significance and clinical judgement. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to obtain the cut‐off for each independent variable, odds ratio, and regression coefficients were used to assign the score. All patients with a cumulative score below the cut‐off value were categorised as ‘low risk’ and above the cut off as ‘high risk’ group.

Results

During the study period, out of 602 patients, 345 met the inclusion criteria (controls: 175; cases: 170). Six variables such as age (more than 58 years), gender (female), bypass time (more than 148 min), haemoglobin (less than 12.5 g/dL), ejection fraction (less than 57%), and history of warfarin prophylaxis were chosen to develop the score. The total score value of 5 was chosen as the cut‐off for the two risk groups. It predicted blood utilisation with a strength of 68% sensitivity and 79% specificity. On internal validation, the score was observed to have an accuracy of 70%.

Conclusion

The TRPS is a simple reliable and handy tool with high accuracy.
Preliminary study on the function of TMEM50A and its correlation with the RH genes
Authors: Chen Hongtian , Lv Piao , Liu Ziwei , Chen Wanjun , Yao Yuan , Liu Chixiang , Cao Qiong , Zhou Huayou
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association and impact of TMEM50A on RH genes activity and function.

Background

SMP1 is located on chromosome 1p36.11 in the RH gene locus, between the RHD and RHCE gene, where its position may be linked to RH haplotypes and contribute to selective pressures regarding certain RH haplotypes. TMEM50A is encoded by the SMP1 located in the intergenic region of RH, its influence on the function of the RH genes remains unclear.

Methods

The expression of TMEM50A was regulated by transfection of plasmid and siRNA in K562 cell model. Western blot and real‐time PCR were used to detect possible expression changes in the RH. The ammonium transport function of cells was monitored using pH‐sensitive dye, while transcriptome sequencing was used to predict the potential function of TMEM50A.

Results

The overexpression of TMEM50A significantly up‐regulated RHCE gene activity (63.56%). The inhibition of TMEM50A resulted in significantly decreased RHCE (41.82%) and RHD expression (27.35%). Compared to control group, there was no significant change in the NH4+ transport function of cells in the overexpressed TMEM50A group. Transcriptome analysis showed that TMEM50A not only affected the transcription of target gene through splicing activities, but also played a role in the development of embryonic nervous system.

Conclusions

TMEM50A may regulate the expression of RH gene by affecting the stability of RH mRNA through splicing function. It speculates that TMEM50A may play an important role in the development of embryonic nervous system.
Molecular insights into plant desiccation tolerance: transcriptomics, proteomics and targeted metabolite profiling in Craterostigma plantagineum
Authors: Xu Xuan , Legay Sylvain , Sergeant Kjell , Zorzan Simone , Leclercq Céline C. , Charton Sophie , Giarola Valentino , Liu Xun , Challabathula Dinakar , Renaut Jenny , Hausman Jean‐Francois , Bartels Dorothea , Guerriero Gea
Published: April 2021

The resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum possesses an extraordinary capacity to survive long‐term desiccation. To enhance our understanding of this phenomenon, complementary transcriptome, soluble proteome and targeted metabolite profiling was carried out on leaves collected from different stages during a dehydration and rehydration cycle. A total of 7348 contigs, 611 proteins and 39 metabolites were differentially abundant across the different sampling points. Dynamic changes in transcript, protein and metabolite levels revealed a unique signature characterizing each stage. An overall low correlation between transcript and protein abundance suggests a prominent role for post‐transcriptional modification in metabolic reprogramming to prepare plants for desiccation and recovery. The integrative analysis of all three data sets was performed with an emphasis on photosynthesis, photorespiration, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. The results revealed a set of precise changes that modulate primary metabolism to confer plasticity to metabolic pathways, thus optimizing plant performance under stress. The maintenance of cyclic electron flow and photorespiration, and the switch from C3 to crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis, may contribute to partially sustain photosynthesis and minimize oxidative damage during dehydration. Transcripts with a delayed translation, ATP‐independent bypasses, alternative respiratory pathway and 4‐aminobutyric acid shunt may all play a role in energy management, together conferring bioenergetic advantages to meet energy demands upon rehydration. This study provides a high‐resolution map of the changes occurring in primary metabolism during dehydration and rehydration and enriches our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant desiccation tolerance. The data sets provided here will ultimately inspire biotechnological strategies for drought tolerance improvement in crops.
Rebound and overshoot of donor‐specific antibodies to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) during desensitization with plasma exchanges in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: Hassan Sajjad , West Kamille A. , Ward William W. , Kanakry Jennifer A. , Flegel Willy A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) to HLA have been associated with graft loss in hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation. Limited data associate therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with desensitization and successful engraftment. We report an attempt of desensitization and observed overshooting of DSA during transplantation.

Case report and results

A 27‐year‐old female with cutaneous T cell lymphoma was scheduled for HPC transplantation from her HLA‐haploidentical half‐sister, who carried the HLA‐DRB1*13:03:01 allele. The patient had the corresponding DSA. Lacking an alternative donor option at the time, we attempted a desensitization approach by immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Unexpectedly, DSA increased from a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 1835 on day −63 to 9008 on day −7. The MFI increased further during 3 TPE procedures and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) until day −1. After transplantation, the DSA remained elevated despite 2 more TPE/IVIG procedures and graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis with high‐dose cyclophosphamide, sirolimus, and MMF. Flow cytometric crossmatch, initially negative, turned positive after transplantation. Primary graft failure occurred and was attributed to antibody‐mediated rejection. A second transplantation from a 7/8 HLA‐matched unrelated donor, not carrying DRB1*13:03 allele, resulted in successful engraftment.

Conclusion

Unexpected and rapid increases of a DSA can occur despite the use of current desensitization approaches. This is problematic when conditioning has already started, as such increases are unlikely to be overcome by TPE or other interventions for desensitization. Overshoot of DSA in HPC transplantation has rarely been reported. Its cause remains unclear and can include underlying disease, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or TPE.
Transfusion burden following reduced intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: Impact of donor type
Authors: Subramanian Sitalakshmi , Cohn Claudia , DeFor Todd , Welbig Julie , Brunstein Claudio , El Jurdi Najla , Weisdorf Daniel
Published: April 2021

Background

Transfusions are essential for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), yet they are influenced by graft, donor, and other factors.

Study design

We analyzed transfusions in 165 adult reduced intensity HCTs (2016–2019): HLA matched sibling donor (MSD) (n = 59), matched URD (n = 25), UCB (n = 33), and haploidentical (haplo, n = 48) detailing the cumulative incidence of platelet and RBC transfusion independence, total transfusions (day−10 to day+100) plus transfusion densities (per week) over 110 days.

Results

Platelet recovery to 20 × 109/L by 6 months occurred in 39/48 (81.25%) haplo recipients (median 33 [range, 0–139]) days vs. 58/59 (98.3%) MSD (median 10 [0–37]), 21/25 (84%) matched URD (median 20 [0–153]), and 29/33 (87.87%) UCB (median 48 [29–166]) days, p < .01. Regression analysis demonstrated a lower likelihood of prompt platelet recovery in matched URD, UCB, or haplo HCTs vs. MSD.

Recovery to platelet independence was quickest in MSD (median 8 days [range 0–94]), vs. URD (median 16 days [0–99]), UCB (median 57 [0–94]), or haplo (median 45 [12–97]) days, p < .01. Platelet needs were unaffected by age, conditioning, or acute GVHD.

RBC transfusion independence was achieved in 78% of MSD, 64% URD, and 82% UCB, though less frequent (58%) and slowest in haplo recipients, p < .01. All haplo and UCB recipients required platelet transfusions vs. only 51% of MSD and 76% of URD. RBC needs were highest in UCB and haplo HCTs.

Discussion

The transplant donor influences the transfusion burden with greater platelet and RBC needs in haplo and UCB HCT which directly contributes to increased cost of care.
West Nile virus and blood transfusion safety: A European perspective
Authors: Garzon Jimenez Rossana C. , Lieshout‐Krikke Ryanne W. , Janssen Mart P.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

There is a growing concern for the transmission of arboviral infections by blood transfusion in Europe. However, no assessment of the risk of transmission through all European blood supplies has been reported. Risk regulations at a European level should take differences in local transmission risk and the risk of transmission by travelling donors into consideration.

Materials and Methods

A risk model and publicly available tool were developed to calculate the risk of transmission by all European blood supplies for arboviral outbreaks within Europe. Data on individual European blood supplies from Council of Europe reports and inter‐European travel data from EUROSTAT were used to populate this model.

Results

Each neuroinvasive case of WNV reported in Europe will on average result in 0·43 (95%CI: 0·32–0·55) infected blood product by locally infected donors and 0·010 (95%CI: 0·006–0·015) infected products by travelling donors. On basis of the 1373 neuroinvasive human WNV cases reported in the outbreak of 2018, it is estimated that without safety interventions this outbreak would have resulted in 708 (95%CI: 523–922) infected components derived from resident donors. Noncompliance to European regulations, which requires donor deferral or testing of donors who visited WNV‐infected areas, would have resulted in 7.4 (95%CI: 4·7–11·1) infected blood components derived from infectious travelling donors exposed in outbreak areas throughout Europe.

Conclusion

The risk of WNV transmission by a local outbreak is on average 113 times (95%CI: 95–139), so two orders of magnitude higher than the risk of transmission by travelling donors in Europe.