bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of soil biochemical properties and microbial community structure to short and long‐term no‐till systems
Authors: Sekaran Udayakumar , Sagar Kavya Laxmisagra , Denardin Luiz Gustavo De Oliveira , Singh Jasdeep , Singh Navdeep , Abagandura Gandura Omar , Kumar Sandeep , Farmaha Bhupinder Singh , Bly Anthony , Martins Amanda Posselt
Published: December 2019

Tillage activities play a crucial role in impacting soil physical and chemical properties, which in turn alter soil biochemical activities and microbial community structure. In this study, responses of soil biochemical activities and microbial community structure to short‐term (NTS, <5 years) and long‐term (NTL, >10 years) no‐till (NT) systems were studied in comparison with conventional till (CT) at four different locations (Garretson, Crooks, Beresford and Mitchell) in South Dakota, USA. Data showed that the NTLresulted in increased soil labile and microbial biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) compared with the CT treatment at the Garretson, Crooks and Beresford sites. At the Crooks and Beresford sites, soils under NTLand NTShad significantly increased the β‐glucosidase, urease, arylamidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase and arylsulphatase enzyme activities compared with those under CT treatment. The β‐glucosidase, urease, acid phosphatase and arylsulphatase enzyme activities showed significant correlations with the microbial biomass content of the soils. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis showed increased PLFA content in NTLsoils compared with the CT. The content of total bacterial, actinobacterial, Gram‐positive bacterial, total fungal, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) and saprophyte PLFAs was consistently increased in the NTLand NTScompared with the CT soils at the Garretson site. These differences were more pronounced between NTLand CT systems than between NTSand CT systems in most of the studied sites. The findings suggest that usage of NT for a longer duration is highly beneficial to soil labile C and N pool retention and enzyme activities, and provides less disturbance to soil microbial activities and their functions, which in turn regulates nutrient transformation. Our results also suggest that converting CT soils into NT can improve some soil health indicators even over a short duration, and hence adopting NT can enhance soil microbial and plant growth.

Highlights

NTSand NTLsystems increased soil labile C and N and microbial biomass as compared to CT

Total fungi biomass was significantly enhanced under NT compared with CT

Short‐term NT significantly increased β‐glucosidase activity at Crooks and Beresford sites compared to CT

Compared to the CT system, NT significantly increased soil biological health
Bond strength between dentine and a novel fast‐setting calcium silicate cement with fluoride
Authors: Ranjkesh Bahram , Kopperud Hilde M. , Kopperud Simen E. , Løvschall Henrik
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dentine bond strength of a novel fast‐setting calcium silicate cement (Protooth) versus a calcium hydroxide‐based cement (Dycal), a calcium silicate cement (ProRoot MTA), and a glass ionomer cement (Ketac‐Molar). Mid‐root dentine slices of 1 mm thickness were obtained from human maxillary incisors. After enlarging the lumen of the canal to 1.3 mm, the cavities were randomly filled with test materials. Samples were immersed in physiological‐like solution. The push‐out bond strength was tested on days 1, 28, and 180 (n = 12). Failure types of bonding were determined using a stereomicroscope. We analysed the data using linear regression. Dycal and day 1 were considered as reference for cement type and assessment time, respectively. Protooth, Ketac‐Molar, and ProRoot MTA demonstrated higher push‐out bond strength than Dycal. The push‐out bond strength in the Protooth group increased on day 28 and 180. The bond strength of Ketac‐Molar was significantly reduced on day 28. Dycal showed a significant decrease in bond strength on day 180 compared with that on day 1 and 28. Mixed failure was the dominant failure type. Protooth bonding to dentine was increased with time, in contrast to that of ProRoot MTA, Dycal, and Ketac‐Molar, as a function of time.
Cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers of status epilepticus
Authors: Hanin Aurélie , Lambrecq Virginie , Denis Jérôme Alexandre , Imbert‐Bismut Françoise , Rucheton Benoît , Lamari Foudil , Bonnefont‐Rousselot Dominique , Demeret Sophie , Navarro Vincent
Published: December 2019

Status epilepticus is a condition resulting either from the failure of the mechanisms responsible for seizure termination or from the initiation of mechanisms that lead to abnormally prolonged seizures and require urgent administration of antiepileptic drugs. Refractory status epilepticus requires anesthetics drugs and may lead to brain injury with molecular and cellular alterations (eg, inflammation, and neuronal and astroglial injury) that could induce neurologic sequels and further development of epilepsy. Outcome scores based on demographic, clinical, and electroencephalography (EEG) condition are available, allowing prediction of the risk of mortality, but the severity of brain injury in survivors is poorly evaluated. New biomarkers are needed to predict with higher accuracy the outcome of patients admitted with status in an intensive care unit. Here, we summarize the findings of studies from patients and animal models of status epilepticus. Specific protein markers can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid and the blood. One of the first described markers of neuronal death is the neuron‐specific enolase. Gliosis resulting from inflammatory responses after status can be detected through the increase of S100‐beta, or some cytokines, like the High Mobility Group Box 1. Other proteins, like progranulin may reflect the neuroprotective mechanisms resulting from the brain adaptation to excitotoxicity. These new biomarkers aim to prospectively identify the severity and development of disability, and subsequent epilepsy of patients with status. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each biomarker, by evaluating their brain specificity, stability in the fluids, and sensitivity to external interferences, such as hemolysis. Finally, we emphasize the need for further development and validation of such biomarkers in order to better assess patients with severe status epilepticus.
Doing without valproate in women of childbearing potential with idiopathic generalized epilepsy: Implications on seizure outcome
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Morano Alessandra , Cocchi Enrico , Casciato Sara , Fanella Martina , Albini Mariarita , Avorio Federica , Basili Luca M. , Fisco Giacomo , Barone Francesca A. , Mascia Addolarata , D’Aniello Alfredo , Manfredi Mario , Fattouch Jinane , Quarato Pierpaolo , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Di Bonaventura Carlo
Published: December 2019

Objective

Valproate (VPA) use in women with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) who are of reproductive age has been a matter of concern and debate, which eventually led to the recent restrictions by regulatory agencies. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between VPA avoidance/switch and seizure outcome in women of childbearing potential.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from female patients with IGE, 13‐50 years of age, followed since 1980. We evaluated the prescription habits, and the rate of VPA switch for other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and its prognostic implications. Seizure remission (SR) was defined as the absence of any seizure type more than 18 months before the last medical observation. The main aim of the study was to assess (a) possible changes in seizure outcome related to VPA switch for other AEDs, especially in patients planning a pregnancy; and (b) possible differences in SR based on the presence/absence of VPA at last observation.

Results

One hundred ninety‐eight patients were included in the study. Overall SR at last medical observation was 62.7%. SR significantly differed between subjects taking and those not taking VPA (P < .001) at last visit. Multiple regression models showed that taking VPA at last medical observation was strongly associated with SR in both the general population (P < .001) and the juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) group (P < .001). Thirty‐six (70.6%) of 51 patients who switched from VPA during follow‐up experienced a clinical worsening. Switching back to VPA was more frequently associated with SR at last observation (P < .001). In those patients who substituted VPA in view of a pregnancy, SR and drug burden (monotherapy vs polytherapy) differed significantly before and after the switch.

Significance

Our study suggests that VPA avoidance/switch might be associated with unsatisfactory seizure control in women with IGE who are of childbearing potential. Our findings further highlight the complexity of the therapeutic management of female patients of reproductive age.
Long‐term variability and density dependence in Hudson River Dreissena populations
Authors: Strayer David L. , Fischer David T. , Hamilton Stephen K. , Malcom Heather M. , Pace Michael L. , Solomon Christopher T.
Published: December 2019

We used a 27‐year record of Dreissena populations in the freshwater tidal Hudson River to describe interannual variation in population density, body size, and body condition; estimate long‐term variation in recruitment, survivorship, and shell growth; and assess possible controls on the populations.

Dreissena populations in the Hudson have been highly variable, with interannual ranges of c. 100‐fold in abundance and biomass, and 7‐fold in mean body mass. This large interannual variation arises from both long‐term trends and 2–5‐year cycles.

Long‐term trends include the 2008 appearance of the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis), which still forms a small part (<10%) of the dreissenid community, and a decline in zebra mussel body size. The decline in body size was caused by a long‐term decline in adult survivorship rather than a decline in rates of shell growth. We could detect no long‐term trends in adult abundance or spread of Dreissena onto soft sediments in the Hudson.

We observed persistent, strong cycles in adult abundance and body size. These were driven by the appearance and decay of eight dominant year classes over the 27 years of our study, and were a result of temporal variation in recruitment rather than temporal variation in survivorship. The observed strongly irregular recruitment appears to arise from strong adult–larval interactions, and is consistent with previous simulation model results showing that interactions between adults and larvae can drive persistent cycling.

We found evidence that negative density dependence affects recruitment, somatic growth, and body condition of Dreissena in the Hudson. Warm summers may also cause high adult mortality.

We put our results into the context of a conceptual model of Dreissena population dynamics, and argue that neither the dynamics nor the controls of populations of these important invaders is known satisfactorily.
Association of hospital transfusion use and infection‐related rehospitalizations among patients receiving hemodialysis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Suying , Liu Jiannong , Dluzniewski Paul J. , Wetmore James B. , Gilbertson David T. , Bradbury Brian D.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Red blood cell transfusions have been associated with infection risk. We investigated whether hospital transfusions are associated with infections in maintenance hemodialysis patients requiring transfusions for chronic anemia.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, hemodialysis patients who experienced an incident hospitalization during 2012–2013 were identified from the Medicare end‐stage renal disease database. Hospital transfusions were first categorized into one of five groups based on adjusted likelihood of administering red blood cell transfusions during inpatient hospital stays that occurred over the previous year (2011) among the general Medicare cohort. Next, in a patient‐level analysis, patients were categorized according to transfusion use at the incident hospitalization hospital. Outcomes were infection‐related rehospitalization and a composite of infection‐related hospitalization and all‐cause mortality during the 60 days following hospital discharge. We estimated adjusted rate ratios for the association between hospital transfusion use and risk of rehospitalization or the composite endpoint using Poisson regression models.

Findings: The study included 1578 hospitals and 61,455 hemodialysis patients. Patient characteristics were balanced across hospital transfusion use groups. The overall transfusion rate was 16.0%. The overall 30‐day infection‐related hospitalization rate (95% confidence interval) per 100 patient‐months was 8.8 (8.6–9.1); rates did not differ by transfusion use group. Rate ratios for infection‐related rehospitalization were 1.00 (0.91–1.10) over 30 days and 0.98 (0.91–1.05) over 60 days comparing the lowest and highest transfusion use groups.

Discussion: We found no differences in risk of infection‐related rehospitalization for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis across the varying blood transfusion rates of US hospitals.
Evaluation of the predictive value of the hematopoietic progenitor cell count using an automated hematology analyzer for CD34+ stem cell mobilization and apheresis product yield
Authors: Furundarena José Ramón , Uranga Alasne , Alkorta Aitziber , González Carmen , Javier Ferreiro José , Rey Mercedes , Aragón Larraitz , Urreta Iratxe , Emparanza José Ignacio , Redín Helena , Garrido Adolfo , Araiz María
Published: December 2019

Introduction

We evaluated the value of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) counted in Sysmex XN analyzers to predict the mobilization and collection of CD34+ cells in apheresis for stem cell transplantation.

Methods

Eighty patients who underwent stem cell transplantation were enrolled (50 autologous and 30 allogeneic). In the autologous group, patients were considered poor mobilizers when the CD34+ count was <10 × 106/L or <20 × 106/L in patients with multiple myeloma who were going to undergo two transplants. ROC curves were generated, and HPC cutoffs were calculated.

Results

The correlation between the HPC and CD34+ cell counts was good. Two algorithms were proposed. In the first algorithm, samples collected the day before apheresis, negative and positive HPC cutoffs were selected to detect poor and good mobilization and, therefore, the need or not to administer plerixafor. In the second algorithm, samples collected pre‐apheresis, the negative HPC cutoff was an indication to delay apheresis; an HPC higher than the optimal cutoff was an indication to start apheresis. When the HPC values were between these cutoffs, there was an indication to count CD34+ cells for a better decision‐making. Finally, in samples collected pre‐apheresis, HPC counts could be used to predict patients who would have poor CD34+ cell collections. In the allogeneic group, all the donors mobilized well, and very few needed two apheresis procedures.

Conclusions

The HPC count is useful for decision‐making in the management of patients subjected to apheresis procedures to collect peripheral blood stem cells.
Using the big five inventory to evaluate the personality traits of Australian pharmacists
Authors: Waddell Jason J , Nissen Lisa M , Hale Andrew R , Kyle Gregory
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Pharmacist personality traits may explain the incomplete uptake of extended scope pharmacy practice roles. The objective of this study was to explore the personality traits of Australian pharmacists using the Big Five Inventory (BFI).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of Australian pharmacists was undertaken. Pharmacists were asked to complete a short demographic survey and the BFI, a 44-item survey that measures the Big Five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness. Each trait can be scored out of a maximum of 5. The BFI and multivariate linear regression were used to assess associations between personality traits and demographic variables.

Key findings

A total of 122 responses were available for analysis. The majority of study participants were female (79.5%), were aged between 30 and 39 years (32.0%) and worked in hospital pharmacy (46.7%). Pharmacists scored (mean (standard deviation)) 3.4 (0.7) for extraversion, 3.9 (0.5) for agreeableness, 4.2 (0.5) for conscientiousness, 2.5 (0.8) for neuroticism and 3.5 (0.6) for openness. Associations were found between agreeableness and qualifications and location of pharmacy practice, neuroticism and working in a practice location (rural versus metropolitan) and age, and openness and practice location (rural versus metropolitan) and principle role in pharmacy.

Conclusions

Pharmacists displayed high scores on the traits of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness and scored moderately on the trait of openness. Confirmation with a larger sample size and evaluation in the context of pharmacy practice change may assist in overcoming barriers to change in the pharmacy profession.
Effect of rice straw biochar and irrigation on growth, dry matter yield and radiation‐use efficiency of maize grown on an Acrisol in Ghana
Authors: Oppong Danso Eric , Yakubu Adam , Arthur Emmanuel , Sabi Edward B. , Abenney‐Mickson Stephen , Andersen Mathias N.
Published: December 2019

In order to determine whether the current low productivity associated with rainfed cultivation on degraded soils in Ghana can be improved by biochar amendment and irrigation, field experiments with maize were conducted over two seasons in 2017 and 2018. Rice straw biochar at rates of 0 t/ha (B0), 15 t/ha (B15) and 30 t/ha (B30) was combined with irrigation regimes of full irrigation (I100), deficit irrigation (I60) and no irrigation (I0). The I100 treatment was irrigated to field capacity every 3–4 days according to time domain reflectometry measurements while the I60 treatment received 60% of the irrigation amount given to I100 but with the same irrigation frequency. The I0 treatment was not irrigated. In both seasons, the B30 treatment recorded the highest total dry matter yield (TDMY), intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and radiation‐use efficiency (RUE) and these were significantly (p ≤ .05) higher than B0 except for RUE in 2017. Irrigation regimes did not significantly affect TDMY, IPAR and RUE in 2017 but compared to I100, I0 significantly reduced TDMY, IPAR and RUE in the relatively dryer 2018 season. Measured ratio vegetation indices differentiated biochar treatments earlier in the 2018 season than during 2017 and increase of leaf chlorophyll content indices with biochar rate in both seasons indicated that biochar amendment improved nitrogen uptake. Our study demonstrated that rice straw biochar is capable of increasing TDMY, IPAR and RUE of maize grown on degraded soils in Ghana. The study further showed that TDMY, IPAR and RUE of deficit irrigated maize for two seasons were similar to the counterpart fully irrigated maize and may be a viable water management option for farmers in Ghana to save irrigation water resources.
Morphological, physiological and biochemical aspects of osmopriming‐induced drought tolerance in lentil
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Romdhane Leila , Al Sulti Mayaa K. R. A. , Rehman Abdul , Al‐Busaidi Walid M. , Lee Dong‐Jin
Published: December 2019

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important grain legume crop, mostly grown in semi‐arid environments and often faces intermittent drought spells during different growth stages, which severely hamper its yield. This study, comprising of three separate experiments, was conducted to evaluate the potential of seed priming with CaCl2 in improving drought tolerance in lentil. In the first experiment, lentil seeds were hydroprimed (water) or osmoprimed with 0.5 and 1% CaCl2; while non‐primed seeds were taken as control. In the second and third experiments, lentil seeds were subjected to pre‐optimized osmopriming (1% CaCl2) and hydropriming followed by surface drying or re‐drying of primed seeds to original weight. The first two experiments were conducted in petri plates, while, in experiment 3, seeds were planted in plastic pots containing peat moss, maintained at 75% water holding capacity (WHC; well‐watered) or 50% WHC (water deficit). Hydropriming and osmopriming improved seed germination, seedling growth, biomass production, chlorophyll intensity, sugar accumulation and reduced the oxidative stress in lentil under water deficit. However, osmopriming (1% CaCl2) was more effective than the hydropriming in improving the lentil growth, biomass production, Ca accumulation and sugar metabolism under both well‐watered and water deficit conditions. Seed surface drying, after priming, was more beneficial in improving the lentil performance, under both well‐watered and water deficit conditions, than re‐drying to original weight. Osmopriming (1% CaCl2) increased the seeding dry weight (67%), SPAD value (140%), leaf Ca concentration (56%), α‐amylase activity (55%), total soluble sugars (48%) and reduced malanodialdehyde content (35.9%) and total antioxidant activity (29.2%) than un‐primed seeds under water deficit. In conclusion, osmopriming improved the lentil performance under optimal and water deficit conditions through early and synchronized emergence, better sugar and Ca accumulation which reduced the oxidative damage and resulted in better seedling growth and biomass production.
Patient‐tailored SyncAV algorithm: A novel strategy to improve synchrony and acute hemodynamic response in heart failure patients treated by cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Liang Yixiu , Chen Haiyan , Wang Wei , Bai Jin , Chen Xueying , Qin Shengmei , Su Yangang , Ge Junbo
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Several automatic algorithms have developed to optimize the timing cycle setting in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The present study aims to investigate whether the novel device‐based SyncAV algorithm could elicit better synchrony and acute hemodynamic response.

Methods and Results

Thirty five patients undergoing CRT implantation were prospectively studied. The device was programmed to three biventricular (BiV) pacing modes sequentially after the procedure: QuickOpt algorithm (mode I), SyncAV algorithm with default 50 ms offset (mode II), and SyncAV algorithm with optimized offset minimizing QRS duration (QRSd) (mode III). After each setting, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data were collected. As a result, QRSd was reduced from 172.8 ± 17.9 ms during intrinsic conduction to 153.1 ± 15.9 ms in mode I, further narrowed to 140.5 ± 16.7 ms in mode II, and reached shortest (134.8 ± 16.1 ms) in mode III (P < .01 for all). Besides, significantly shorter QT intervals were observed in mode I (453.2 ± 45.5 ms), mode II (443.9 ± 34.2 ms) and mode III (444.1 ± 28.7 ms), compared with native condition (472.5 ± 51.2 ms) (P < .01). All three BiV modes exhibited comparable TpTe interval and TpTe/QT ratio (P > .05). Mode I presented significantly higher aortic velocity time integral than intrinsic conduction (21.0 ± 6.4 cm vs 18.4 ± 5.5 cm; P < .01), which was even higher in mode II (22.0 ± 6.5 cm) and mode III (23.7 ± 6.5 cm). All three BiV modes significantly reduced standard deviation of time to peak contraction of 12‐LV segments (Ts‐SD) (Mode I: 55.2 ± 16.5 ms, Mode II: 50.2 ± 14.7 ms, Mode III: 45.4 ± 14.4 ms) compared with intrinsic conduction (66.3 ± 18.4 ms) (P < .01), with Mode III demonstrating the smallest (P < .01).

Conclusion

SyncAV CRT ameliorated electrical and mechanical synchrony as well as acute hemodynamic response beyond conventional QuickOpt optimization. An additional individualized adjustment to the SyncAV offset added to its advantage.
The CCN1 (CYR61) protein promotes skin growth by enhancing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition during skin expansion
Authors: Zhou Yiwen , Li Haizhou , Liang Xiao , Du Hengyu , Suo Yingjun , Chen Hao , Liu Wenhui , Duan Ran , Huang Xiaolu , Li Qingfeng
Published: December 2019

The skin expansion technique is widely used to induce skin growth for large‐scale skin deformity reconstruction. However, the capacity for skin expansion is limited and searching for ways to improve the expansion efficiency is a challenge. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible mechanism of skin expansion and to find a potential therapeutic target on promoting skin growth. We conducted weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray data generated from rat skin expansion and found CCN1 (CYR61) to be the central hub gene related to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). CCN1 up‐regulation was confirmed in human and rat expanded skin and also in mechanically stretched rat keratinocytes, together with acquired mesenchymal phenotype. After CCN1 stimulation on keratinocytes, cell proliferation was promoted and partial EMT was induced by activating β‐catenin pathway. Treatment of CCN1 protein could significantly increase the flap thickness, improve the blood supply and restore the structure in a rat model of skin expansion, whereas inhibition of CCN1 through shRNA interference could dramatically reduce the efficiency of skin expansion. Our findings demonstrate that CCN1 plays a crucial role in skin expansion and that CCN1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target to promote skin growth and improve the efficiency of skin expansion.
LMO1 polymorphisms and the risk of neuroblastoma: Assessment of meta‐analysis of case‐control studies
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad , Sarabandi Sahel , Karami Shima , Śmieja Jarosław , Moazeni‐Roodi Abdolkarim , Ghavami Saeid , Łos Marek J.
Published: December 2019

Neuroblastoma (NB), a neuroendocrine tumour, is one of the most prevalent cancers in children. The link between LMO1 polymorphisms and NB has been investigated by several groups, rendering inconclusive results. Here, with this comprehensive systematic review and up‐to‐date meta‐analysis, we aim to distinctively elucidate the possible correlation between LMO1 polymorphisms and NB susceptibility. Eligible studies were systematically researched and identified using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to 10 February 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the associations. Our findings revealed that rs110419 and rs2168101 polymorphisms were significantly associated with a decreased risk of NB in all genetic models. In addition, the rs4758051 variant appeared protective against NB in homozygous, dominant and allele genetic models, whereas the rs10840002 variant markedly decreased the risk of NB in the allele model. In contrast, the rs204938 polymorphism showed a positive association with NB susceptibility in allele genetic models. In summary, our meta‐analysis is the first to provide clear evidence of an association between specific polymorphisms of LMO1 and susceptibility to NB. Of note, additional larger well‐designed studies would be helpful to further evaluate and confirm this association.
Freshwater entry behaviour of a non‐migratory stenohaline marine fish Takifugu snyderi
Authors: Nakamura Masahiro , Masuda Reiji , Tsukamoto Katsumi , Otake Tsuguo
Published: December 2019

We conducted salinity choice trials with the stenohaline marine species Takifugu snyderi to test their freshwater (FW) entry frequency in relation to starvation. The fish preferred to enter non‐natal FW rather than remain in seawater. No relationship was detected between starvation and FW entry behaviour. Our results provide new empirical evidence of a stenohaline fish entering a non‐natal osmotic environment. Further research on the entry of stenohaline species such as this one into lethal environments may help determine if this might help promote the evolution of diadromous life histories.
Effects of ultrasonicated methylcellulose coating on French fries during deep frying process
Authors: Lua Hwee Ying , Naim Mohd Nazli , P. Mohammed Mohd Afandi , Hamidon Fariza , Abu Bakar Noor Fitrah
Published: December 2019

Ultrasonic treatment (UT) effects on methylcellulose (MC) for the food coating purpose prior to deep‐fat frying process of potato strips were demonstrated. Different concentration of MC (0.5–2.0 wt/vol%) solutions were subjected to UT at 20 W to evaluate the effect of UT treated coatings on rheological behavior of the coated samples and their efficiency in minimizing the oil uptake. Application of UT to methylcellulose (UTMC) clearly showed a phase transition from fluid‐ to gel‐like between 20 and 65°C with the increasing in the oscillatory frequency and temperature ramp test of UTMC showed the sol–gel transition occurrence is lower than non‐UTMC at 20 and 29°C, respectively, within the linear viscoelastic region. When the MC concentrations were varied, the most effective concentration was noticed to occur at 1.0 (wt/vol%) UTMC whereby the relative variation of water retention and oil uptake were reduced to about 49.9 and 31.0%, respectively, as compared to 1.0 wt/vol% non‐UTMC formulation. Experimental results affirm that UTMC coating application can be used successively to improve rheological properties of MC by minimizing oil uptake on fried food.

Practical Application

Ultrasonic treatment (UT) application to methylcellulose (MC) solutions with varied concentration (0.5–2.0 wt/vol%) clearly showed a phase transition from fluid‐to‐gel like with the increasing in the oscillatory frequency (10−1 to 102 rad/s) and temperature ramp test (65–10°C) at low shear strains compared to non‐UTMC. The gelation of UTMC was faster than non‐UTMC when coated onto the substrate at the ambient conditions thus allowed the transformation of green coating layer to form the gel layer instantaneously. Application of MC was successfully in minimizing oil uptake on fried potato strips whereby the most effective layer was noticed to occur at 1.0 wt/vol% UTMC. Introducing UT to polysaccharide coating, that is, MC benefit the food coating industries by increasing the food coating process efficiency so that the coated layer can be fully utilized to increase the function of the coated substrate.
Economic Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy in Nursing Homes
Authors: Olivieri‐Mui Brianne L. , Koethe Benjamin , Briesacher Becky
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to clarify if persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have adequate economic access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) when admitted to nursing homes (NHs). Medicare Part A pays NHs a bundled skilled nursing rate that includes prescription drugs for up to 100 days, after which individuals are responsible for the costs.

DESIGN

A cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

NHs.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 694 newly admitted long‐stay (>100 d) NH residents with HIV.

MEASUREMENTS

We used Minimum Dataset v.3.0, pharmacy dispensing data, NH provider surveys, and Medicare claims from 2011 to 2013. We assessed receipt of any HIV antiretrovirals or recommended combinations (ART), as defined by national care guidelines, and the source of payment. We identified predictors of antiretroviral use with risk‐adjusted generalized estimating equation logistic models.

RESULTS

All study persons living with HIV/AIDS in NHs had prescription drug coverage through Medicare's Part D program, and ART was 100% covered. However, only 63.9% received recommended ART, and 15.2% never received any antiretrovirals during their NH stay. The strongest predictor of not receiving antiretrovirals was the first 100 days of a long NH stay (odds ratio [OR] = .44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .24‐.80). The strongest predictor of receiving recommended ART was health acuity (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.20‐1.88).

CONCLUSION

People living with HIV in NHs do not always receive lifesaving ART, but the reasons are unclear and appear unrelated to economic barriers. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:777–782, 2020
Couple‐Level Stress Proliferation and Husbands' and Wives' Distress During the Life Course
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda A.S. , O'Neal Catherine Walker , Klopack Eric T.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The present study investigated the factorial structure of the dyadic stress proliferation process in couples in enduring marriages leading to their psychological distress in later years.

Background

Stress proliferation during short and long periods of time has been shown to drive complex stress–distress processes during the life course. This research has largely been limited to individual‐level stress proliferation with less research demonstrating stress proliferation in the context of enduring relationships.

Methods

Using data from 224 dual‐earner couples in long‐term marriages, the present study examined the aggregation of individual stress (as defined by role‐related stress experiences including provider, work, spousal, and parental roles) into couple‐level stress constructs. These couple‐level stress constructs were examined as predictors of husbands' and wives' psychological distress over 27 years (1991–2017) independent of individual‐level stress.

Results

Couple‐level socioeconomic and relationship stress was highly stable over time, suggesting that stress within a domain proliferates across the life course. Individual‐level psychological distress was significantly associated with couple‐level stress constructs at midlife and in later life after controlling for previous distress.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that husbands' and wives' psychological distress is significantly affected by couple‐level stress processes. Findings have implications for intervention and prevention programs focusing on the well‐being of married couples in later life.
A relational model of career adaptability and career prospects: The roles of leader–member exchange and agreeableness
Authors: Yang Xuhua , Guan Yanjun , Zhang Yejun , She Zhuolin , Buchtel Emma E. , Mak Miranda Chi Kuan , Hu Hanlin
Published: December 2019

Drawing on career construction theory and leader–member exchange (LMX) theory, this research examined the mediating role of LMX in explaining the effect of employee career adaptability on career prospects, as well as the moderating role of agreeableness in this process. Two field studies were conducted among Chinese employees and their supervisors to test this model. In study 1, time‐lagged multisource data were collected from 252 employees and 69 supervisors. The results showed that supervisor‐rated LMX (Time 2) mediated the relationship between employee‐rated career adaptability (Time 1) and supervisor‐rated career prospects (Time 2). In study 2, a cross‐lagged panel study among 149 employees and 47 supervisors across 4 months replicated the mediating effect of LMX for the relationship between career adaptability and career prospects. Results of study 2 also showed that LMX (Time 1, supervisor‐rated) did not significantly predict career adaptability (Time 2, employee‐rated), providing support for the unidirectional relationship from career adaptability to LMX in this context. The moderating role of agreeableness was supported such that the effect of career adaptability on LMX, as well as the indirect effect of career adaptability on career prospects via LMX, was stronger among employees with a higher level of agreeableness. We discussed the theoretical and practical implications of these findings and offered directions for future research.

Practitioner points

Organizations should consider using career adaptability as an important tool to select high‐potential job candidates, provided that other more important selection criteria have been met, since employees with a higher level of career adaptability are more capable of building high‐quality relationships with their supervisors and receiving positive recommendations from them.

Organizations should also help employees to recognize the important role of agreeableness in their work, in order to maximize the potential benefits of career adaptability on employees’ career development; otherwise employees’ career prospects will be constrained even if they have a high level of career adaptability.
Local School Wellness Policy as a Means to Advance Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child: Assessing Alignment in Los Angeles County
Authors: DeFosset Amelia R. , Sivashanmugam Megala , Gase Lauren N. , Lai Elaine , Tan Grace , Kuo Tony
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

District wellness policies provide an avenue to advance the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. The extent to which wellness policies currently align with WSCC is unclear; to‐date, tools have been unavailable to examine this issue.

METHODS

We reviewed written health‐focused policies among 37 school districts in Los Angeles County in 2017 utilizing a 54‐item tool designed to examine the quality of policies in the 10 WSCC domains. Descriptive analyses explored overall and domain‐specific comprehensiveness and strength; simple negative binomial regression models examined differences in the policy quality and structure by legislated status.

RESULTS

Approximately half of expected policies were present in wellness policies (mean comprehensiveness score = 52.65, ±18.09), < 20% were strong (mean strength score = 16.97, ±8.05). Content in WSCC domains addressed by legislative mandates was significantly more comprehensive and stronger, and more frequently located within the wellness policies, relative to content in non‐legislated domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Opportunities exist for better alignment of wellness policies with WSCC. Education and health practitioners can utilize the tool developed for this study to identify priority areas where policy support is needed in their jurisdictions. Additional efforts are needed to help schools facilitate and document practice gains around WSCC‐aligned policies.
JUUL on Twitter: Analyzing Tweets About Use of a New Nicotine Delivery System
Authors: Sidani Jaime E. , Colditz Jason B. , Barrett Erica L. , Chu Kar‐Hai , James A. Everette , Primack Brian A.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Initial reports suggest that JUUL, a popular e‐cigarette, is being used in schools and other locations in which cigarette smoking is illegal or discouraged. However, there is little scholarly research documenting this. We aimed to make a systematic analysis of JUUL use themes and sentiment on Twitter.

METHODS

Data were collected from Twitter's Filtered Streams Application Programming Interface from April 12, 2018 to May 10, 2018. This yielded 67,934 tweets, from which a random sample of 2% was selected for coding. The final dataset included 1209 tweets. Inter‐rater reliability ranged κ = 0.64–0.85.

RESULTS

The majority (71.5%) of tweets expressed positive sentiment toward JUUL. JUUL use in places where cigarette smoking is illegal or discouraged appeared in 111 tweets (9.2%); approximately one‐third of these tweets referring to using the device in school. Nearly 20% of tweets mentioned using the device at home and/or directly in front of responsible adults.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms anecdotal reports of JUUL use in places where cigarette smoking is illegal or discouraged. Positive sentiment about use of JUUL suggests that the product is being normalized among young people. It may be valuable for educators to discuss the addictive nature of nicotine delivered through JUUL with younger populations.
Liver safety assessment in clinical trials of new agents for chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Fontana Robert J. , Avigan Mark I. , Janssen Harry L. A. , Regev Arie , Mishra Poonam , Gaggar Anuj , Brown Nathaniel , Wat Cynthia , Mendez Patricia , Anderson Ryan T. , Given Bruce , Miller Veronica , Beumont Maria
Published: December 2019

Investigational agents that reduce or eliminate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) or enhance host immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected hepatocytes are intended to induce a durable off‐treatment clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (referred to as functional cure). The aim of this paper was to highlight challenges in interpreting liver safety data in clinical trials of these agents when given alone or in combination regimens. The incidence, grading and management of spontaneous serum ALT flares in untreated chronic HBV patients are reviewed along with a summary of serum ALT flares observed during the registration trials for peginterferon and nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Recommendations regarding the detection, management and interpretation of liver safety biomarker data in future clinical trials as well as suggested inclusion and exclusion criteria for phase 1/2 vs phase 3 studies are provided. Criteria to help classify liver safety signals as being due to the intended therapeutic response, emergence of drug‐resistant HBV virions, or idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury are provided along with a review of the role of an expert hepatic adjudication panel in assessing a compound's hepatotoxicity profile. Finally, an algorithmic approach to the differential diagnosis and recommended medical evaluation and management of individual clinical trial patients that develop a liver safety signal is provided along with the rationale to collect and test research blood samples for future mechanistic studies.
Identification of potential drugs for treatment of hepatic lipidosis in cats using an in vitro feline liver organoid system
Authors: Haaker Maya W. , Kruitwagen Hedwig S. , Vaandrager Arie B. , Houweling Martin , Penning Louis C. , Molenaar Martijn R. , van Wolferen Monique E. , Oosterhoff Loes A. , Spee Bart , Helms J. Bernd
Published: December 2019

Background

Hepatic lipidosis is increasing in incidence in the Western world, with cats being particularly sensitive. When cats stop eating and start utilizing their fat reserves, free fatty acids (FFAs) increase in blood, causing an accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the liver.

Objective

Identifying potential new drugs that can be used to treat hepatic lipidosis in cats using a feline hepatic organoid system.

Animals

Liver organoids obtained from 6 cats.

Methods

Eight different drugs were tested, and the 2 most promising were further studied using a quantitative TAG assay, lipid droplet staining, and qPCR.

Results

Both T863 (a diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase 1 [DGAT1] inhibitor) and 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR; an adenosine monophosphate kinase activator) decreased TAG accumulation by 55% (P < .0001) and 46% (P = .0003), respectively. Gene expression of perilipin 2 (PLIN2) increased upon the addition of FFAs to the medium and decreased upon treatment with AICAR but not significantly after treatment with T863.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Two potential drugs useful in the treatment of hepatic lipidosis in cats were identified. The drug T863 inhibits DGAT1, indicating that DGAT1 is the primary enzyme responsible for TAG synthesis from external fatty acids in cat organoids. The drug AICAR may act as a lipid‐lowering compound via decreasing PLIN2 mRNA. Liver organoids can be used as an in vitro tool for drug testing in a species‐specific system and provide the basis for further clinical testing of drugs to treat steatosis.
Commercializing religion via trademarking God
Authors: Aseri Ankita
Published: December 2019

Religion plays a vital role in the life of people. People are emotionally attached to their religion. But, unfortunately, the devotion and sentiments of people are misused by traders by using the name of God or religious marks as their trademark. Trademark legislations prohibit the use of any such trademark which is likely to hurt the religious sentiments of people. But we can still find a number of goods and services using or registering the religious content as their trademark. Similarly, temples and trusts are commercializing merchandizes by using religious sentiments, symbols, and names. In this study, the researcher will make an attempt to evaluate the issue of the intersection of trademark with religious names and symbols in India in light of section 9(2)(b) of the Indian Trademark Act, 1999. Further, the researcher will analyze the position on the subject matter in different jurisdictions around the world including China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The research paper will also include the judicial precedents to provide more clarity on the current position on the issue of trademarking religious names and symbols along with principles of legal philosophy.
Epidemiological and clinical comparisons of paediatric and adult sporotrichosis in Jilin Province, China
Authors: Yao Lei , Song Yang , Zhou Jun‐feng , Cui Yan , Li Shan‐Shan
Published: December 2019

Sporotrichosis is endemic in Jilin Province of Northeast China. While paediatric cases make a substantial contribution to the epidemiological profile of sporotrichosis, the differences in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of sporotrichosis between paediatric and adult patients remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 2968 cases of sporotrichosis (2113 adult patients aged ≥ 15 years and 855 paediatric patients aged < 15 years) over a nine‐year period (01/01/2010‐31/12/2018‐). All the patients were diagnosed with sporotrichosis based on fungal culture of material from a skin lesion. In paediatric patients, the male:female ratio was 1.3:1, the incidence of sporotrichosis in the cold seasons was high (79.0%), most lesions occurred in the facial region (92.2%), and there was a preponderance of fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis (86.8%). In adult patients, the male:female ratio was 1:2.4, the incidence of sporotrichosis in the cold seasons was 66.0%, most lesions affected the extremities (48.6%) and the face (44.9%), and fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis was common (69.3%). The results indicate there were significant differences in the distribution of paediatric and adult sporotrichosis patients by sex, season with the highest occurrence of sporotrichosis, lesion sites and clinical types. Our results suggest that the epidemiology and clinical manifestations between paediatric and adult patients were different, and the route of infection of sporotrichosis in children may differ from that of adults in Jilin Province.
Terminating rice innate immunity induction requires a network of antagonistic and redox‐responsive E3 ubiquitin ligases targeting a fungal sirtuin
Authors: Li Gang , Qi Xiaobo , Sun Guangchao , Rocha Raquel O. , Segal Lauren M. , Downey Katherine S. , Wright Janet D. , Wilson Richard A.
Published: December 2019

Fungal phytopathogens can suppress plant immune mechanisms in order to colonize living host cells. Identifying all the molecular components involved is critical for elaborating a detailed systems‐level model of plant infection probing pathogen weaknesses; yet, the hierarchy of molecular events controlling fungal responses to the plant cell is not clear.

Here we show how, in the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, terminating rice innate immunity requires a dynamic network of redox‐responsive E3 ubiquitin ligases targeting fungal sirtuin 2 (Sir2), an antioxidation regulator required for suppressing the host oxidative burst.

Immunoblotting, immunopurification, mass spectrometry and gene functional analyses showed that Sir2 levels responded to oxidative stress via a mechanism involving ubiquitination and three antagonistic E3 ubiquitin ligases: Grr1 and Ptr1 maintained basal Sir2 levels in the absence of oxidative stress; Upl3 facilitated Sir2 accumulation in response to oxidative stress. Grr1 and Upl3 interacted directly with Sir2 in a manner that decreased and scaled with oxidative stress, respectively.

Deleting UPL3 depleted Sir2 during growth in rice cells, triggering host immunity and preventing infection. Overexpressing SIR2 in the Δupl3 mutant remediated pathogenicity. Our work reveals how redox‐responsive E3 ubiquitin ligases in M. oryzae mediate Sir2 accumulation‐dependent antioxidation to modulate plant innate immunity and host susceptibility.