bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mutual interplay of gut microbiota, diet and human disease
Authors: Illiano Placido , Brambilla Roberta , Parolini Cinzia
Published: January 2020

The intestinal milieu harbours the gut microbiota, consisting of a complex community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses and protozoans that bring to the host organism an endowment of cells and genes more numerous than its own. In the last 10 years, mounting evidence has highlighted the prominent influence of the gut mutualistic bacterial communities on human health. Microbial colonization occurs alongside with immune system development and plays a role in intestinal physiology. The community of the gut microbiota does not undergo significant fluctuations throughout adult life. However, bacterial infections, antibiotic treatment, lifestyle, surgery and diet might profoundly affect it. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, defined as marked alterations in the amount and function of the intestinal microorganisms, is correlated with the aetiology of chronic noncommunicable diseases, ranging from cardiovascular, neurologic, respiratory and metabolic illnesses to cancer. In this review, we focus on the interplay among gut microbiota, diet and host to provide a perspective on the role of microbiota and their unique metabolites in the pathogenesis and/or progression of various human disorders. We discuss interventions based on microbiome studies, that is faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics and prebiotics, to introduce the concept that correcting gut dysbiosis can ameliorate disease symptoms, thus offering a new approach towards disease treatment.
Climate drives global soil carbon sequestration and crop yield changes under conservation agriculture
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Canadell Josep G. , Yu Lijun , Yu Lingfei , Zhang Wen , Smith Pete , Fischer Tony , Huang Yao
Published: January 2020

Conservation agriculture has been shown to have multiple benefits for soils, crop yield and the environment, and consequently, no‐till, the central practice of conservation agriculture, has rapidly expanded. However, studies show that the potential for carbon (C) sequestration in no‐till farming sometimes is not realized, let alone the ability to maintain or improve crop yield. Here we present a global analysis of no‐till‐induced changes of soil C and crop yield based on 260 and 1,970 paired studies; respectively. We show that, relative to local conventional tillage, arid regions can benefit the most from conservation agriculture by achieving a win‐win outcome of enhanced C sequestration and increased crop yield. However, more humid regions are more likely to increase SOC only, while some colder regions have yield losses and soil C loss as likely as soil C gains. In addition to site‐specific characteristics and management, a careful assessment of the regional climate is needed to determine the potential benefits of adopting conservation agriculture.
Of bombs and belts: Exploring potential ruptures within China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ruwanpura Kanchana N. , Rowe Peter , Chan Loritta
Published: January 2020

Recently, much scholarship has been dedicated to exploring China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A majority of this work has focused on global dimensions of the BRI, typically considering notions of a changing geopolitical landscape or South–South cooperation. However, these grand narratives often displace local realities, especially in the arenas of local political conflict and environmental degradation. Using examples from Sri Lanka, we question whether existing BRI narratives adequately and critically consider local politics of place and environmental degradation in a time of global climate change, two unstable fault lines which could hinder China's implementation of the BRI. In this short commentary, we employ the notion of the blank figure, which draws attention to both absences and presence of undetermined factors that suggest existing narratives fail to adequately consider potential ruptures that may compound effects of mega‐infrastructure and associated environmental degradation. Given this, much more localised research concerning the BRI is needed.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP OVER THE LIFE CYCLE: WHERE ARE THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
Authors: Hincapié Andrés
Published: January 2020

Most individuals do not start a business and, if they do, they start well into their 30s. To explain these stylized facts, I estimate a dynamic Roy model with experience accumulation, risk aversion, and imperfect information about ability using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Information frictions and income risk reduce entrepreneurship by up to 40% and 35%, respectively. Entry costs and information frictions explain most of the delayed entry. Results from counterfactual policies targeting delayed entry suggest that entrepreneurship education can yield higher returns than subsidies. Fostering young entrepreneurship yields higher returns than fostering old entrepreneurship.
INNOVATION AND INEQUALITY IN A SMALL WORLD
Authors: Lindner Ines , Strulik Holger
Published: January 2020

We present a multicountry theory of economic growth and R&D‐driven technological progress in which countries are connected by a network of knowledge exchange. Technological progress in any country depends on the state of technology in the countries it exchanges knowledge with. The diffusion of knowledge throughout the world explains a period of increasing world inequality, followed by decreasing relative inequality. Knowledge diffusion through a small world network produces an extraordinary diversity of country growth performances, including the overtaking of individual countries and the replacement of the technologically leading country in the course of world development.
GIRLS' SCHOOLING CHOICES AND HOME PRODUCTION: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN
Authors: Reis Hugo
Published: January 2020

The article develops and estimates a dynamic structural model of girls' school‐going decisions and mother's labor market participation. It seeks to determine the causes of low school participation and to evaluate alternative public policies. The model incorporates mother's education, school availability, the productivity of the girl when engaged in household production, and the potential trade‐off between mother's and daughter's housework decisions. Our findings suggest that school construction is the most cost‐effective program. When using monetary incentives, our results highlight the effectiveness of conditionality, as opposed to unconditional transfers, and the existence of a trade‐off between maternal employment and daughter's schooling.
Novolac‐Polydimethyl Siloxane networks through click chemistry: Thermal and Thermophysical characterization
Authors: Sunitha Kayyoorkarathi , Soumyamol Panthaplackal Bhaskaran , Mathew Dona , Unnikrishnan Gopalakrishna Panicker , Reghunadhan Nair Chethrapilly Padmanabhan
Published: January 2020

Polydimethyl siloxane combs projecting from a novolac stem were synthesized using click reaction of azide‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (AZ‐PDMS), and novolac propargyl ether (NPE) under ambient (30°C) conditions. Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) indicated the transition of soft segments at nearly −100°C and that of the hard segments in the range of 25°C‐30°C. The hybrid novolac‐siloxane networks have been found to possess an elongation at break of 100%–260%. Thermal degradation behavior of the networks of different crosslink densities was studied using TGA and pyrolysis GC‐MS. Thermogravimetry revealed an anaerobic char residue of 23%–40% at 900°C. Further rise in temperature up to 1500°C has been observed to result in hardly 1% reduction in the char yield/ceramic residue, thus attributing to the presence of high char‐yielding aromatic part. The ceramic residue obtained at 1500°C under argon atmosphere was analyzed using FTIR, Raman, and XRD. XRD studies implied formation of βSiC, and SiO2. Morphology of the ceramics conformed to nanowires with diameters in the range of 20‐100 nm. The nanowire consisted of mainly SiOC as attested by EDS analysis.
Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of snacks developed from broken rice grains and turmeric powder
Authors: Ribeiro Oliveira Aryane , Chaves Ribeiro Alline Emannuele , Resende Oliveira Érica , Oliveira Ribeiro Keyla , Costa Garcia Marina , Careli‐Gondim Ítalo , Soares Soares Júnior Manoel , Caliari Márcio
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study was to develop extruded snacks from broken rice grains (BRG) and turmeric powder (TP). Different levels of substitution of BRG by TP (0%, 2%, 4%, 8% and 10% w/w) were used. Snacks were processed in a single‐screw extruder with three heating zones (41, 61 and 84 °C, respectively), using a helicoidal grooved extrusion sleeve, a 4 mm (diameter) matrix, 3:1 screw compression ratio, screw rotation of 3600 × g and a feed rate of 335 g min−1. Snacks were evaluated for their physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics; as well as for the chemical composition, phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the selected savoury snack formulation. The selected snack, with the physical characteristics closest to the traditional corn product, was obtained with 6% substitution of BRG by TP and was constituted by 7.76% protein, 4.78% lipid, 5.84% dietary fibre, 75.3% available carbohydrates, and 174.75 mg gallic acid equivalent per100 g and 6.52% of DPPH• scavenging capacity. The selected snack was shown to be feasible, once TP is an ingredient that aggregates sensory (colour and taste), nutritional (dietary fibres and total energy value) and functional (antioxidants) values to the BRG‐based snack, being an alternative for the production of gluten‐free snacks.
Comparison of uniaxial/biaxial extensional rheological properties of mixed dough with traditional rheological test results: relationship with the quality of steamed bread
Authors: Yue Qinghua , Li Mingfei , Liu Chong , Li Limin , Zheng Xueling , Bian Ke
Published: January 2020

The formula and preparation of steamed bread are different from those of western bread. The extensional rheological behaviour plays a key role in the development of steamed bread dough. However, there are inadequate studies on the rheological properties of mixed dough with yeast. In this study, the relationship between properties of dough in the presence or absence of yeast was elucidated. Besides, the flour characteristics and quality of steamed bread prepared from different wheat varieties were evaluated. The uniaxial/biaxial extensional rheological properties of wheat dough were compared with traditional rheological test results. Large deformations in the extensional properties were measured by Extensograph and the Kieffer extensibility rig, while the biaxial extension was quantified using uniaxial compression. These characteristics of dough and flour correlated with each other in different ways. Correlation analysis illustrated that the uniaxial extensional rheological properties of dough with yeast better indicated the quality of the steamed bread. Moreover, the total work for breakage of the dough with yeast was the best predictor for specific volume of steamed bread. The texture‐based properties of steamed bread showed correlation with biaxial extension viscosity. The rheological tests provide useful information for evaluating wheat flour and steamed bread quality.
Paul and Grace in Theological Perspective: A Grateful Response
Authors: Barclay John M.G.
Published: January 2020

This response to the above seven articles engages with some of the significant ways in which each takes forward the theological discussion of grace. While some areas of disagreement arise, the overall sense is of a conversation that is moving beyond Paul and the Gift, using its contribution to open fresh avenues for understanding between Catholic and Protestant theologians on this deeply controversial topic, and new possibilities for conversation between biblical exegesis and theology.
Dynamic Reciprocity and Ontological Affinity in the Pauline Account of Solidarity
Authors: Macaskill Grant
Published: January 2020

This article suggests that the dynamic elements of gift‐giving and reciprocity, which are incisively re‐evaluated in John Barclay's study Paul and the Gift, might fruitfully be combined with the classical incarnational understanding of the union of natures to better our understanding of Paul's soteriology. Setting Paul's account of salvation within the framework of the wider New Testament, the article highlights the presence of key elements that might best be articulated in terms of the dual kinship of Jesus with both God and humanity and that require some discussion of the ontology of the one who saves. When Paul speaks of the solidarity that exists within the Christian community, he does so in a way that links it to the presence of the Spirit, by whom we participate in the oneness of God through the one mediator; his development of this emphasis draws heavily upon the Shema, which Jewish traditions associate with the distinctive ‘being’ of God.
Paradox and Paul: Catholic and Protestant Theologies of Grace
Authors: Kilby Karen
Published: January 2020

John Barclay offers a capacious and helpful framework for reflection on large swathes of the history of the theology of grace with his notion of the six ways of ‘perfecting the gift’. In this article, I extend his analysis to a consideration of certain typical differences between Catholic and Protestant conceptions of grace. Where Protestant theology tends toward a juxtaposition of grace with sin, Catholic theology often considers grace in relation to nature, and each side, I suggest, has its own characteristic proclivity towards paradox.
Antigenic variants of influenza B viruses isolated in Japan during the 2017‐2018 and 2018‐2019 influenza seasons
Authors: Kato‐Miyashita Sari , Sakai‐Tagawa Yuko , Yamashita Makoto , Iwatsuki‐Horimoto Kiyoko , Ito Mutsumi , Tokita Akifumi , Hagiwara Haruhisa , Izumida Naomi , Nishino Tamon , Wada Noriyuki , Koga Michiko , Adachi Eisuke , Jubishi Daisuke , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Imai Masaki
Published: January 2020

Background

Here, we genetically and antigenically analyzed influenza B viruses (IBVs) isolated in Japan during the 2017‐2018 and 2018‐2019 influenza seasons.

Methods

A total of 68 IBVs (61 B/Yamagata/16/88‐like [B/Yamagata]‐lineage and 7 B/Victoria/2/87‐like [B/Victoria]‐lineage) were antigenically and genetically characterized by using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays and phylogenetic analysis, respectively. The susceptibility of IBVs to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors was assessed by using a fluorescence‐based NA inhibition assay.

Results

All 61 B/Yamagata‐lineage isolates were genetically closely related to B/Phuket/3073/2013, the vaccine strain for these two seasons. Eleven B/Yamagata‐lineage isolates tested were antigenically similar to B/Phuket/3073/2013 by the HI test. Seven B/Victoria‐lineage isolates were genetically closely related to B/Texas/02/2013, the WHO‐recommended vaccine strain for the 2017‐2018 season; however, they were antigenically distinct from B/Texas/02/2013 with an eightfold or 16‐fold difference in HI titer. Of these 7 isolates, 4 possessed a two‐amino‐acid deletion at positions 162 and 163 in hemagglutinin (HA) and the other 3 had a three‐amino‐acid deletion at positions 162‐164 in HA. Importantly, the variants with the three‐amino‐acid deletion appeared to be antigenically different from the B/Colorado/06/2017 virus with the two‐amino‐acid deletion, the vaccine strain for the 2018‐2019 season with a fourfold or eightfold difference in HI titer. One B/Yamagata‐lineage isolate carrying a G407S mutation in its NA showed a marked reduction in susceptibility to zanamivir, peramivir, and laninamivir.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for continued monitoring for the prevalence of the antigenic variant with the three‐amino‐acid deletion and the variant with reduced NA inhibitor susceptibility.
Multiple lineages of hyper‐diverse Zopheridae beetles survived the New Zealand Oligocene Drowning
Authors: Buckley Thomas R. , Lord Nathan P. , Ramón-Laca Ana , Allwood Julia S. , Leschen Richard A. B.
Published: January 2020

Aim

During the late Oligocene (23 mya) the New Zealand landmass was reduced to approximately 18% of its current area. It has been hypothesized that this event, known as the Oligocene Drowning, caused population bottlenecking and mass extinction. Using phylogenetic methods, we examine the effect of this and other environmental events on the hyper‐diverse Zopheridae beetles (162 morphospecies), which largely inhabit leaf litter and dead wood.

Location

New Zealand.

Taxon

Zopheridae, Coleoptera.

Methods

Here we use a fossil‐calibrated phylogenetic tree estimated from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear large subunit rRNA genes to identify monophyletic New Zealand zopherid lineages and date the age of these lineages. We used Bayesian diversification models (compound Poisson process on mass extinction times) to test the hypothesis that the New Zealand zopherids underwent a mass extinction in the late Oligocene followed by an increase in speciation rate in the Miocene. We also used these data to estimate the age of these lineages in New Zealand.

Results

We demonstrate that 15–20 zopherid lineages survived the Oligocene Drowning depending on the calibration scheme. Of these lineages from 3 to 11 have posterior intervals that encompass the rifting of New Zealand from Gondwana in the late Cretaceous, again depending on the calibration scheme. The diversification model shows no evidence of an increase in extinction rate during the Oligocene Drowning or during any other period since the Cretaceous. Furthermore, rather than recovering an increase in speciation rate during the Miocene and Pliocene, due to environmental changes, we instead recovered a large drop in the speciation rate during this time.

Main conclusions

The New Zealand zopherid fauna is a combination of lineages, some of which may have existed on New Zealand since the rifting from Gondwana and other more recent arrivals. The late Oligocene reduction in land area was insufficient to cause a mass extinction in the Zopheridae. This suggests the amount of emergent land was great enough to support a diverse invertebrate fauna. Our study demonstrates the different biogeographic patterns evident in cryptic, hyper‐diverse, and poorly dispersing invertebrate species relative to more mobile plants and animals.
Trait‐modulated decline of carabid beetle occurrence along elevational gradients across the European Alps
Authors: Chamberlain Dan , Gobbi Mauro , Negro Matteo , Caprio Enrico , Palestrini Claudia , Pedrotti Luca , Brandmayr Pietro , Pizzolotto Roberto , Rolando Antonio
Published: January 2020

Aim

To assess how species traits modulate the responses of carabids to elevational gradients, and how consistent these relationships are across different Alpine regions.

Location

Italian Alps.

Taxon

Coleoptera, Carabidae (ground beetles).

Methods

Carabid communities were sampled using pitfall traps along elevational gradients (697–2,840 m) in 416 study sites comprising a range of habitat types. The probability of carabid occurrence was modelled in relation to elevation and its interaction with two key traits, body size and wing development, using a mixed‐modelling framework. The consistency of these associations was then assessed across three geographically separated regions.

Results

Carabid occurrence declined with increasing elevation, although this relationship was modulated by both body size and wing development. Smaller species were less likely to occur than larger‐bodied species at lower elevations. There was a steep decline in occurrence of larger species from low to high elevation, but a slight increase in smaller species, when considering all regions combined. All wing development types declined with elevation, most notably for brachypterous (reduced wings) species. However, these patterns also varied regionally, especially for wing development, indicating that trait‐elevation interactions are not geographically consistent. Habitat could not explain the differences between regions for body size, but was likely an important driver of regional differences in the role of wing development on carabid occurrence.

Main conclusions

Species traits are important in explaining the distribution of carabids along elevational gradients in mountains, and they may help to identify the species that are the most vulnerable, and the most resilient, to future environmental change. Increased probability of occurrence of smaller species at higher elevations suggests that they may be particularly vulnerable to environmental change in the future. However, the difference in responses to elevation between regions has important implications for modelling species distributions, as it suggests low model transferability, that is, a trait‐based model derived from one region cannot necessarily be used to project relative elevational shifts in a wider area.
The first study comparing a wearable watch‐type blood pressure monitor with a conventional ambulatory blood pressure monitor on in‐office and out‐of‐office settings
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Shimbo Daichi , Tomitani Naoko , Kanegae Hiroshi , Schwartz Joseph E. , Williams Bryan
Published: January 2020

Wearable blood pressure (BP) monitoring devices which measure BP levels accurately both in and out of the office are valuable for hypertension management using digital technology. The authors have conducted the first comparison study of BPs measured by a recently developed wrist‐worn watch‐type oscillometric BP monitoring (WBPM) device, the “HeartGuide,” versus BPs measured by an ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) device, A&D TM‐2441, in the office (total of 4 readings alternately measured in the sitting position) and outside the office (30‐minutes interval measurements during daytime) in 50 consecutive patients (mean age 66.1 ± 10.8 years). The 2 BP monitoring devices were simultaneously worn on the same non‐dominant arm throughout the monitoring period. The mean difference (±SD) in systolic BPs (average of 2 readings) between WBPM and ABPM was 0.8 ± 12.8 mm Hg (P = .564) in the office and 3.2 ± 17.0 mm Hg (P < .001) outside the office. The proportion of differences that were within ±10 mm Hg was 58.7% in the office and 47.2% outside the office. In a mixed‐effects model analysis, the temporal trend in the difference between the out‐of‐office BPs measured by the two devices was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the difference between the WBPM and ABPM device was acceptable both in and out of the office.
What is new in the 2018 Chinese hypertension guideline and the implication for the management of hypertension in Asia?
Authors: Wang Ji‐Guang , Chia Yook‐Chin , Chen Chen‐Huan , Park Sungha , Hoshide Satoshi , Tomitani Naoko , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Shin Jinho , Turana Yuda , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Tay Jam Chin , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Nailes Jennifer , Van Minh Huynh , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Teo Boon Wee , Verma Narsingh , Zhang Yu‐Qing , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Kario Kazuomi
Published: January 2020

The new Chinese hypertension guideline comprehensively covers almost all major aspects in the management of hypertension. In this new guideline, hypertension remains defined as a systolic/diastolic blood pressure of at least 140/90 mm Hg. For risk assessment, a qualitative approach is used similarly as in previous Chinese guidelines according to the blood pressure level and the presence or absence of other risk factors, target organ damage, cardiovascular complications, and comorbid diseases. The therapeutic target is 140/90 mm Hg in general, and if tolerated, especially in high‐risk patients, can be more stringent, that is, 130/80 mm Hg. However, a less stringent target, that is, 150/90 mm Hg, is used in the younger (65‐79 years, if tolerated, 140/90 mm Hg) and older elderly (≥80 years). Five classes of antihypertensive drugs, including β‐blockers, can be used either in initial monotherapy or combination. The guideline also provided information on the management of hypertension in several special groups of patients and in the presence of secondary causes of hypertension. To implement the guideline recommendations, several nationwide hypertension control initiatives are being undertaken with new technology. The new technological platforms hopefully will help improve the management of hypertension and generate scientific evidence for future hypertension guidelines, including a possible Asian hypertension guideline in the near future.
Allergen‐specific immunotherapy with apples: selected cultivars could be a promising tool for birch pollen allergy
Authors: Nothegger B. , Reider N. , Covaciu C.E. , Cova V. , Ahammer L. , Eidelpes R. , Unterhauser J. , Platzgummer S. , Tollinger M. , Letschka T. , Eisendle K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Most birch pollen‐allergic patients develop allergic cross‐reactions to the major allergen found in apples Mal d1, known as pollen‐related food allergy (prFA). This is due to a strong clinically relevant homology between the major allergen in birch Bet v 1 and Mal d 1. Daily apple consumption induces oral tolerance in prFA, but its effect on the inhalational allergy has not been investigated.

Objectives

As continuous apple consumption might also mitigate the inhalational allergy, this study aimed to uncover apple cultivars suitable for treatment of birch pollen rhinoconjunctivitis and apple allergy in a controlled and established dosage.

Methods

Patients (n = 52) with birch pollen allergy and prFA to apples were subjected to a prick‐to‐prick test (SPT) with 23 cultivars (red‐fleshed, old traditional and new commercial). By SPT, the apple parts flesh, peel equatorial and peel apical near the stalk were compared for their reactivity. One apple cultivar of each allergenicity class (low, middle and high) was subsequently tested in an oral provocation test (OPT).

Results

According to the SPTs, we provide a ranking of all 23 cultivars. Red‐fleshed apples displayed the lowest reactivity, followed by old and new cultivars. Four cultivars showed disagreement from their allergenicity class: Santana and Pink Lady®, new cultivars that provoked only low to moderate. In contrast, White Rosemary and Goldparmäne, two old cultivars, induced strong reactions. Skin reactivity increased from flesh to peel to stalk, and SPT results could predict the severity of prFA of each allergenicity class.

Conclusions

Herein, we propose a treatment protocol for allergen immunotherapy to birch pollen and prFA with daily apple consumption. Red‐fleshed, old and the new cultivars Santana and Pink Lady® provoke less allergic reactions and are suitable for initial induction. After a controlled and well‐tolerated increase of intake, also moderate and finally high allergenic apple cultivars should be integrated into treatment of birch pollen allergenic patients.
Circulating microRNAs in extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Pasquali L. , Svedbom A. , Srivastava A. , Rosén E. , Lindqvist U. , Ståhle M. , Pivarcsi A. , Sonkoly E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) develops in ~30% of patients with psoriasis. The diagnosis of PsA is challenging, and there are no reliable molecular markers in clinical use. MicroRNAs are short non‐coding regulatory RNAs, which can be actively packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and secreted to the circulation.

Objectives

To explore whether plasma‐derived EV microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for PsA in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

Plasma samples were obtained from patients with cutaneous‐only psoriasis (PsC) and patients with psoriasis and PsA. Plasma EVs were isolated using miRCURY™ Exosome Isolation Kit. RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed EV miRNAs in the discovery phase (PsC, n = 15; PsA, n = 14). In the validation phase (PsC, n = 29; PsA, n = 28), 41 selected miRNAs were analysed in plasma EVs by qPCR. The association of the identified miRNAs with PsA was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

RNA sequencing identified 19 plasma EV miRNAs with significantly different levels between PsA and PsC in the discovery cohort. Significantly lower levels of plasma EV let‐7b‐5p and miR‐30e‐5p in PsA vs. PsC were confirmed in the validation cohort, and their decreased levels were found to be associated with the presence of PsA. ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI 0.53–0.83) for let‐7b‐5p and 0.69 (95% CI 0.55–0.84) for miR‐30e‐5p.

Conclusions

Circulating EV microRNA levels are altered in patients with PsA as compared with PsC. Findings of this exploratory study suggest that circulating EV microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for arthritis in psoriasis patients.
Omalizumab response correlates with reduced IFN‐γ‐, IL‐10‐ and IL‐31‐secreting cells in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Rauber M.M. , Pickert J. , Holiangu L. , Möbs C. , Pfützner W.
Published: January 2020

Background

The anti‐IgE antibody omalizumab has been approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in patients insufficiently responding to antihistamines. However, its mode of action in CSU is not clearly understood.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to get a better insight in the immune mechanisms involved in clinical improvement of CSU patients treated with omalizumab.

Methods

Chronic spontaneous urticaria patients (n = 15) were followed for 5 months after initiation of omalizumab treatment. Clinical symptoms were assessed by UCT and CU‐Q2oL. Cell‐bound IgE was quantified on both FcεRI‐ and FcεRII‐expressing cell populations in peripheral blood. In addition, IgE and IgG as well as their receptors were measured on basophils, and basophil activation was assessed with different concentrations of anti‐FcεRI and fMLP. Furthermore, the frequencies of different T‐cell subsets secreting IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐31 or IFN‐γ were analysed by ELISpot assay.

Results

Seven patients showed a full, five a partial and three no clinical response to omalizumab. Cell‐bound IgE was reduced on FcεRI‐bearing cells, but not on FcεRII‐expressing cells. Likewise, the expression of FcεRI declined. Basophil activation increased upon FcεRI‐stimulation while their sensitivity was not affected. Both basophil and T‐cell frequencies remained unchanged. However, when comparing the individual response to omalizumab treatment with distinct T‐cell subsets, a significant correlation was found between improved UCT and decreased frequencies of IL‐10‐, IL‐31‐ and IFN‐γ‐secreting T cells.

Conclusions

We here show that besides addressing IgE‐dependent immune mechanisms, omalizumab treatment of CSU patients has effects on distinct T‐cell subsets, which correlate with clinical improvement.
Dietary supplement of essential oil from oregano affects growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology and antioxidant ability in Pekin ducks
Authors: Ding Xuemei , Wu Xuepeng , Zhang Keying , Bai Shiping , Wang Jianping , Peng HuanWei , Xuan Yue , Su Zhuowei , Zeng Qiufeng
Published: January 2020

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of oregano essential oil (EO) on growth performance, nutrients utilization, intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier‐related gene expression and antioxidant capability in meat ducks. A total of 360 1‐day‐old ducks were divided into three groups (12 replicates pens per diet of 10 ducks in each pen): negative control (no essential oil or antibiotic), positive control (antibiotic: 500 mg/kg aureomycin of diet) and oregano EO (100 mg/kg of diet). The experiment was carried out for 35 days. Ducks were given feed and water ad libitum. Ducks fed EO supplement showed similar body weight and feed to gain ratio to antibiotic fed ducks. EO supplementation significantly increased (p < .05) feed intake (day 1–35), jejunal villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD) ratio, serum superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) and jejunal total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) of ducks compared to controls. Ducks fed diets supplemented with oregano EO also had decreased (p < .05) jejunal CD, serum and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and the mRNA expression of jejunal zonula occludens‐3 (ZO‐3) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) genes in comparison to the control group. Compared to the antibiotic supplementation group, the mRNA expression of claudin1 (CLND1) and CLND2 significantly increased (p < .05), but the mRNA expression of ZO‐3 and mucin 2 markedly decreased (p < .05) in the jejunum of ducks in oregano EO supplementation group. These results suggest that oregano EO improves the antioxidant capacity and intestinal defence and structural measures and may aide in helping to maintain enteric health in production without growth‐promoting antibiotics.
Future Planning Among Families of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Chung eun , Burke Meghan M.
Published: January 2020

Considering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are having longer lives and outliving their parents, future planning has emerged as one of the most important topics in the IDD field. Without future planning, individuals with IDD and their families may be at greater risk for negative outcomes such as inappropriate living conditions of individuals with IDD (e.g., institutions) and greater anxiety for families. Thus, it is important to examine future planning for individuals with IDD. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the literature about future planning among families of individuals with IDD. Specifically, the purpose was to summarize the literature with respect to: existing future plans, barriers to future planning, benefits of future planning, and correlates of future planning. A systematic literature review was conducted about future planning among families of individuals with IDD. In total, 43 studies were identified. Results indicated that few families have conducted future planning for individuals with IDD. Further, family caregivers (e.g., siblings and parents) reported different barriers. However, conducting future planning benefitted all family members including individuals with IDD. It is necessary to conduct future planning with all family members, including individuals with IDD. Further, it is critical to include individuals with IDD in research about planning. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Photosynthetic and biochemical traits change in the green‐tide‐forming macroalga Ulva pertusa during sporulation1
Authors: Park Jihae
Published: January 2020

The physiological and biochemical changes in the green macroalga Ulva pertusa during the progression of sporulation have been characterized. The transition from the vegetative to the sporulation stage was accompanied by an increase in chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and carotenoid content, as well as an increase in DPPH scavenging and responsiveness to diphenylamine. However, oxygen evolution and maximum electron transport rate decreased. The discrepancy between photosynthetic performance and pigment content might relate to the self‐shading of spores within a sporangium. Spore‐forming U. pertusa thalli were low‐light‐adapted, due to an increase in the number of photosynthetic units. Decreased electron transport during sporulation might trigger sporulation, as for some cyanobacteria and other Ulva spp., via oxidization of the plastoquinone pool and cyclic phosphorylation, thus producing ATP to generate carbon and nitrogen skeletons required for spores. It is thus concluded that carotenoids function both in spore initiation and/or maturation and in their photoprotection.
Efficacy of dexamethasone, salbutamol, and reduced respirable particulate concentration on aerobic capacity in horses with smoke‐induced mild asthma
Authors: Bond Stephanie L. , Greco‐Otto Persephone , MacLeod Jacqueline , Galezowski Angelica , Bayly Warwick , Léguillette Renaud
Published: January 2020

Background

Mild asthma in horses decreases racing performance and impairs gas exchange. The efficacy of treatment on performance is unknown.

Hypothesis

Treatment targeting lung inflammation improves O2peak in horses with mild asthma.

Animals

Thoroughbred polo horses (n = 12) with smoke‐induced mild asthma. Horses were exposed to increased ambient particulate matter (35.51 μg/m3 [PM2.5]; day mean, centrally measured) from day −33 to 0, from bushfire smoke (natural model).

Methods

Prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded clinical trial. All horses completed 3 O2peak tests, measuring aerobic and anaerobic variables: day 0 ‐baseline; day 16 ‐after dexamethasone (20 mg IM q24h; DEX, n = 6) or saline treatment (SALINE, n = 6), under improved ambient PM2.5 concentrations (7.04 μg/m3); day 17‐15‐30mins after inhaled salbutamol (1500 μg). Bronchoalveolar lavage and mucus scoring were performed on day −8 and day 20. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the effects of timepoint and treatment group on BAL differential cell counts, mucus scores, aerobic and anaerobic variables.

Results

Horses’ mucus scores improved significantly from day −8 to 20 by 1.27 ± .38 (P = .01). There was a significant increase in O2peak of 15.5 ± 4.0 mL(min.kg)−1 from day 0 to 17 (P = .002), representing an average (mean) increase in O2peak of 13.2%. There was no difference in V˙O2peak between treatment groups (SALINE versus DEX) at any timepoint.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study highlighted the key role of improved air quality on functionally important airway inflammation. Evidence provided is central to increasing owner compliance regarding improved air quality for the treatment and prevention of mild asthma.
Exploring transformative learning when developing medical students' non‐technical skills
Authors: Kerins Joanne , Smith Samantha Eve , Phillips Emma Claire , Clarke Benjamin , Hamilton Ailsa Lauren , Tallentire Victoria Ruth
Published: January 2020

Context

Non‐technical skills (NTS) training should be incorporated into medical students' education and simulation‐based approaches are often utilised to facilitate this. Such experiences have the potential to foster transformative learning by facilitating a reassessment of one's prior assumptions and a significant shift in one's outlook, referred to as the process of perspective transformation. The aim of this research was to explore how NTS training might facilitate transformative learning in final‐year medical students.

Methods

Following ethical approval, medical student volunteers from four medical schools (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow) participated in simulation sessions, were debriefed with an emphasis on NTS using a behavioural marker system and then took part in focus groups. Focus group discussions were semi‐structured and questions were based on the phases of perspective transformation identified by Jack Mezirow. Focus group discussions were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymised and analysed using template analysis.

Results

A total of 33 medical students took part in five focus groups. There was evidence of the following stages of perspective transformation: Phase 2 (self‐examination with emotional disturbance, including fear, anxiety, guilt, shame and frustration); Phase 3 (critical assessment of assumptions, including the undervaluing of NTS, recognising that technical skills alone are insufficient, and recognising that it is possible to improve one’s NTS); Phase 5 (exploring options for new roles, relationships and actions), and Phase 6 (planning a course of action for future simulations, as a medical student and as a doctor).

Conclusions

This study deepens our understanding of how exposure to NTS training in simulation‐based education influences the learning of medical students and shows that such exposure can result in the cognitive phases of transformative learning. It provides us with valuable insights into medical students' perspectives on their learning of NTS at a pivotal stage in training and represents an interesting way of assessing the educational impact of such sessions.
Changing epidemiology of candidaemia: Increase in fluconazole‐resistant Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Mesini Alessio , Mikulska Małgorzata , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Del Puente Filippo , Gandolfo Nemo , Codda Giulia , Orsi Andrea , Tassinari Federico , Beltramini Sabrina , Marchese Anna , Icardi Giancarlo , Del Bono Valerio , Viscoli Claudio
Published: January 2020

Aim

During the last decade a continuous increase in non‐albicans species isolation has been observed with Candida parapsilosis being one of the leading species. Aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of candidemia, particularly of C parapsilosis, its predictors and clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods

Incidences of candidemia was evaluated analyzing data from both a prospective collection (2012‐2016) and a retrospective one (2008‐2011). Predictors and outcome were based only on the prospective phase. C parapsilosis potential clusters were analysed by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique.

Results

1240 episodes were identified. Incidences of candidemia increased from 1.97 episodes/10 000 patient‐days in 2008 to 4.59/10 000 patient‐days in 2016 (P < .001), mainly due to an increase of C parapsilosis (incidence rate ratio, IRR: 1.04, P < .001). 33.0% of C parapsilosis strains were resistant to fluconazole; no resistance to echinocandins was found. Independent predictors of C parapsilosis candidemia were time of infection (P = .007), previous use of echinocandins (P < .0001) and year in which the episode was registered (P < .0001). 30 days mortality was 32.4% for C parapsilosis, with a significant difference compared to C non‐parapsilosis. Potential clonal C parapsilosis strains were detected by genetic analyses, showing RAPD profile A as the most represented (72.6% of isolates).

Discussion

C parapsilosis candidemia is an emerging issue in our center, possibly attributed to some extent to horizontal transmission of the pathogen, as confirmed by the analysis of isolates similarities. Further microbiological and epidemiological investigations are needed in order to identify the most effective measures to reduce the rate of this infection.
Neither xylem collapse, cavitation, or changing leaf conductance drive stomatal closure in wheat
Authors: Corso Déborah , Delzon Sylvain , Lamarque Laurent J. , Cochard Hervé , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , King Andrew , Brodribb Timothy
Published: January 2020

Identifying the drivers of stomatal closure and leaf damage during stress in grasses is a critical prerequisite for understanding crop resilience. Here, we investigated whether changes in stomatal conductance (gs) during dehydration were associated with changes in leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), xylem cavitation, xylem collapse, and leaf cell turgor in wheat (Triticum aestivum). During soil dehydration, the decline of gs was concomitant with declining Kleaf under mild water stress. This early decline of leaf hydraulic conductance was not driven by cavitation, as the first cavitation events in leaf and stem were detected well after Kleaf had declined. Xylem vessel deformation could only account for <5% of the observed decline in leaf hydraulic conductance during dehydration. Thus, we concluded that changes in the hydraulic conductance of tissues outside the xylem were responsible for the majority of Kleaf decline during leaf dehydration in wheat. However, the contribution of leaf resistance to whole plant resistance was less than other tissues (<35% of whole plant resistance), and this proportion remained constant as plants dehydrated, indicating that Kleaf decline during water stress was not a major driver of stomatal closure.
Effects of mindfulness on psychological and psychophysiological responses during self‐paced walking
Authors: Bigliassi Marcelo , Galano Bruno M. , Lima‐Silva Adriano E. , Bertuzzi Romulo
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an audio‐guided mindfulness (MF) single session on psychological and psychophysiological responses during an outdoor walking task. Twenty‐four participants (12 females and 12 males; Mage = 23.6, SD = 3.9 years) were required to walk 200 m at a pace of their choosing. Two experimental conditions (mindfulness meditation and mindlessness [ML] meditation) and a control condition (CO) were administered. Electrical activity in the brain was measured by the use of a portable electroencephalography (EEG) system during walking. Fast Fourier Transform was used to decompose the EEG samples into theta (5–7 Hz), alpha (8–14 Hz), and beta (15–29 Hz) frequencies. Brain connectivity analysis between frontal and temporo‐parietal electrode sites was conducted to explore functional interactions through the use of spectral coherence. Affective and perceptual responses were measured by the use of single‐item scales and questionnaires. The present findings indicate that MF was sufficiently potent to reallocate attention toward task‐related thoughts, downregulate perceived activation, and enhance affective responses to a greater degree than the other two conditions. Conversely, ML was sufficient to increase the use of dissociative thoughts, make participants less aware of their physical sensations and emotions, induce a more negative affective state, and upregulate perceived activation to a greater extent than MF and CO. The brain mechanisms that underlie the effects of MF on exercise appear to be associated with the enhanced inter‐hemispheric connectivity of high‐frequency waves between right frontal and left temporo‐parietal areas of the cortex.
Effects of eccentricity on the attention‐related N2pc component of the event‐related potential waveform
Authors: Papaioannou Orestis , Luck Steven J.
Published: January 2020

The N2pc ERP component has been widely used as a measure of lateralized visual attention. It is characterized by a negativity contralateral to the attended location or target, and it is thought to reflect contralaterally enhanced processing of attended information in intermediate to high levels of the ventral visual pathway. Given that the receptive fields in these areas often extend a few degrees into the ipsilateral hemifield, we might expect that near‐midline stimuli would be processed by both the contralateral and ipsilateral hemispheres, resulting in a diminished N2pc. However, little is known about the effect of eccentricity on the N2pc component. To address this gap in knowledge, we recorded the EEG while participants performed a discrimination task with stimuli presented at one of five eccentricities (0°, 0.05°, 1°, 2°, 4° and 8° between the inner edge of the stimulus and the midline). We found that the N2pc amplitude remained relatively constant across eccentricities, including when the inner edge was at the midline, except that N2pc amplitude was reduced by more than 50% at the greatest eccentricity (8°). We also examined the contralateral positivity that often follows the N2pc. This positivity became progressively larger, and the transition from negative to positive occurred progressively later, as the eccentricity increased. These findings suggest that future experiments looking at the N2pc can use near‐midline stimuli without compromising the N2pc amplitude, but should avoid large eccentricities. Implications about the neural generators of the N2pc are also discussed.