bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital dissection of the head of the frogs Calyptocephalella gayi and Leptodactylus pentadactylus with emphasis on the feeding apparatus
Authors: Kunisch Stephanie , Blüml Valentin , Schwaha Thomas , Beisser Christian Josef , Handschuh Stephan , Lemell Patrick
Published: March 2021

Micro‐computed tomography (microCT) of small animals has led to a more detailed and more accurate three‐dimensional (3D) view on different anatomical structures in the last years. Here, we present the cranial anatomy of two frog species providing descriptions of bone structures and soft tissues of the feeding apparatus with comments to possible relations to habitat and feeding ecology. Calyptocephalella gayi, known for its aquatic lifestyle, is not restricted to aquatic feeding but also feeds terrestrially using lingual prehension. This called for a detailed investigation of the morphology of its feeding apparatus and a comparison to a fully terrestrial species that is known to feed by lingual prehension such as Leptodactylus pentadactylus. These two frog species are of similar size, feed on similar diet but within different main habitats. MicroCT scans of both species were conducted in order to reconstruct the complete anatomical condition of the whole feeding apparatus for the first time. Differences in this regard are evident in the tongue musculature, which in L. pentadactylus is more massively built and with a broader interdigitating area of the two main muscles, the protractor musculus genioglossus and the retractor musculus hyoglossus. In contrast, the hyoid retractor (m. sternohyoideus) is more massive in the aquatic species C. gayi. Moreover, due to the different skull morphology, the origins of two of the five musculi adductores vary between the species. This study brings new insights into the relation of the anatomy of the feeding apparatus to the preferred feeding method via 3D imaging techniques. Contrary to the terrestrially feeding L. pentadactylus, the skeletal and muscular adaptations of the aquatic species C. gayi provide a clear picture of necessities prescribed by the habitat. Nevertheless, by keeping a certain amount of flexibility of the design of its feeding apparatus, C. gayi is able to employ various methods of feeding.
Comparison of hyaluronic acid filler ejection pressure with injection force for safe filler injection
Authors: Lee Yongkoo , Oh Seung Min , Lee Won , Yang Eun‐Jung
Published: March 2021

Background

Owing to the increase in the number of medical procedures performed every year, the frequency of filler injection‐related complications has also increased. Although slow, gentle injections with low pressure are usually considered to be safe, the differences in ejection pressure during a filler injection remain to be determined. This study aimed to identify the optimal pressure during filler injections and evaluate its capacity to overcome the arterial blood pressure and reflux the filler material.

Methods

Twelve combinations of four hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers with different rheological properties and three needles of different diameters were assessed to determine the force exerted by the injection model. The ejection forces corresponding to varying injection forces were measured and HA filler ejection pressures were calculated.

Results

The highest and lowest injection forces were achieved using 30‐ and 25‐G needles, respectively. In accordance with the expected ejection force, high ejection pressure was achieved by administering the HA filler under a high injection force. Irrespective of the injection force, the ejection pressure was likely to be higher than the vascular pressure at the time of entry into the vessel, rendering the injection dangerous.

Conclusion

During filler injection, penetration of blood vessels and intravascular injection can be avoided by approaching the target area gently using a cannula or needle.
Corrective strategies for poor appearance after tissue expansion for temporal and sideburn cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Jiang Wenjie , Chen Lulu , Jia Lingling , Wang Meng , Wang Bo
Published: March 2021

Background

The expanded scalps are usually used to repair the scalp defects. However, hair growth direction and hair density of the expanded scalps may be inconsistent with those of the defective sites, resulting in unsatisfactory results.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of local flap modification and follicular unit extraction (FUE) on the repair of poor appearance of temporal and sideburn after unsatisfactory tissue expansion.

Methods

In our study, 19 patients with problems of hair growth direction or hair density after surgery were treated with the following four methods: single local flap modification; removal of hair follicles by FUE to reduce follicle density; removal of disordered hair follicles by FUE and ectopic transplantation simultaneously; and removal of hair follicles by FUE and ectopic transplantation after local flap modification. The follow‐up periods of 19 patients varied from 6 to 30 months, and natural, standardized aesthetic sideburn for each patient was achieved.

Results

All incisions healed by first intention and all flaps survived well. The scars involved in the removal of FUE hair follicles were not obvious.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that the ideal and cosmetic results can be obtained by flexible using of local flap modification, single FUE method, and FUE ectopic hair transplantation to repair the dissatisfied postoperative outcomes of temporal and sideburn cicatricial alopecia after tissue expansion.
Rehabilitation of shortened dental arches: A fifteen‐year randomised trial
Authors: Walter Michael Horst , Marré Birgit , Dreyhaupt Jens , Heydecke Guido , Rauch Angelika , Mundt Torsten , Hannak Wolfgang , Kohal Ralf Joachim , Kern Matthias , Nothdurft Frank , Hartmann Sinsa , Böning Klaus , Boldt Julian , Stark Helmut , Edelhoff Daniel , Wöstmann Bernd , Wolfart Stefan , Jahn Florentine , Luthardt Ralph Gunnar
Published: March 2021

Background

Few long‐term studies on treatments in the shortened dental arch (SDA) are available.

Objective

The objective of this trial was to analyse the long‐term success of two different treatment concepts.

Methods

Patients over 35 years of age with missing molars in one jaw and at least the canine and one premolar present on both sides were eligible. In the partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP) group (N = 81), molars and missing second premolars were replaced by a precision attachment retained prosthesis. In the SDA group (N = 71), the dental arch ended with the second premolar that had to be present or replaced by a cantilever fixed dental prosthesis. Follow‐up examinations were carried out over 15 years.

Results

A comprehensive outcome variable comprised four failure categories for which Kaplan‐Meier survival (success) analyses were conducted. Half of the patients exhibited a continuous preservation of the per protocol prosthetic status that remained totally unaffected by complications for more than 10 years. The event‐free success rates for moderate or worse failure implied a loss of the per protocol prosthetic status. The respective survival rates fell below 50% at 14.2 years in the PRDP group and 14.3 years in the SDA group. In none of the analyses, a significant group difference was found.

Conclusions

In patients with an SDA condition, changes in the prosthetic status have to be expected. The affected proportion increases almost linearly from shortly after treatment and comprises the majority after 15 years. The influence of the examined treatments on success appears to be low.
Effects of dietary Bacillus coagulans and yeast hydrolysate supplementation on growth performance, immune response and intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets
Authors: Fu Runqi , Liang Chan , Chen Daiwen , Yan Hui , Tian Gang , Zheng Ping , He Jun , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Yu Bing
Published: March 2021

The present study investigated the effects of Bacillus coagulans and yeast hydrolysate supplementation on growth performance, immune response and intestinal barrier function of weaned piglets. Twenty‐four weaned piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 0.15 kg were divided into four diets for 28 days. The treatments were basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with antibiotic (20 mg/kg colistin sulphate and 40 mg/kg bacitracin zinc, AT), probiotics (400 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans ≥5 × 109 CFU/g, BC) or yeast hydrolysate (5000 mg/kg yeast hydrolysate, YH). Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were improved by AT and YH diets (p < 0.05), while BC diet only increased ADG (p < 0.05). The complement 3 (C3), lysozyme (LZM) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations in serum were increased in BC diet (p < 0.05). Feeding AT and YH caused the increase of jejunal villus height (p < 0.05), and a higher ratio of villus height/crypt depth was observed in AT, BC and YH groups (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) in jejunal mucosa was up‐regulated by AT, BC and YH diets (p < 0.05). Dietary AT, BC or YH inclusion decreased the interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) concentration and TNF‐α mRNA expression (p < 0.05), and YH supplementation even down‐regulated toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD14 expressions (p < 0.05). In summary, the dietary administration of BC or YH both improves growth performance through promoting the intestinal barrier function, indicating both of them can serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics growth promoters for the piglet production.
Watanabeales ord. nov. and twelve novel species of Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Li Shuyin , Tan Haochen , Liu Benwen , Zhu Huan , Hu Zhengyu , Liu Guoxiang
Published: March 2021

The Trebouxiophyceae include Chlorellales, Prasiolales, Trebouxiales, Microthamniales, and numerous members for which taxonomic locations have not been determined. The Watanabea clade is a group in the Trebouxiophyceae of Chlorella‐like taxa, which are predominantly solitary and terrestrial. With the increase in descriptions of new species within the Watanabea clade in recent years, it is necessary to define the boundary and taxonomic status of the clade. In this study, nineteen strains of terrestrial algae collected from China were investigated based on molecular and morphological data, involving phylogenetic analyses, light and electron microscopy, and ITS‐2 secondary structures. These 19 strains were described as five known species and 12 novel ones. Based on the consistent topological structures of the phylogenetic analyses for three taxonomic levels (the core Chorophyta, Trebouxiophyceae based on 18S sequences, Watanabeales and Symbiochloris based on 18S, 5.8S, ITS2 and rbcL gene sequences) and common morphological characteristics, especially the key phenotypic feature of unequally sized autospores, the Watanabea clade was defined as a new order, Watanabeales ord. nov., with one family, Watanabeaceae fam. nov. The boundary of Watanabeales was delineated and included the genera Chloroidium, Calidiella, Jaagichlorella, Kalinella, Massjukichlorella, Mysteriochloris, Polulichloris, Phyllosiphon, Watanabea, and Viridiella. Symbiochloris did not belong to Watanabeales according to the phylogenetic analyses and the reproduction by equal‐sized autospores, aplanospores, or zoospores. The Watanabeales were separated into four groups during the phylogenetic analyses, but no regular differences in habitats or morphology could be used as the morphological basis to split Watanabeales into the four groups.
A new method for indicator species analysis in the framework of multivariate analysis of variance
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , Pavoine Sandrine , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Pillar Valério D.
Published: March 2021

Question

In vegetation science, the compositional dissimilarity among two or more groups of plots is usually tested with dissimilarity‐based multivariate analysis of variance (db‐MANOVA), whereas the compositional characterization of the different groups is performed by means of indicator species analysis. Although db‐MANOVA and indicator species analysis are apparently very far from each other, the question we address here is: can we put both approaches under the same methodological umbrella?

Methods

We will show that for a specific class of dissimilarity measures, the partitioning of variation used in one‐factor db‐MANOVA can be additively decomposed into species‐level values allowing us to identify the species that contribute most to the compositional differences among the groups.

Results

The proposed method, for which we provide a simple R function, is illustrated with one small data set on alpine vegetation sampled along a successional gradient.

Conclusion

The species that contribute most to the compositional differences among the groups are preferentially concentrated in particular groups of plots. Therefore, they can be appropriately called indicator species. This connects multivariate analysis of variance with indicator species analysis.
Prolonged exposure to welding fumes as a novel cause of systemic iron overload
Authors: Mariani Raffaella , Pelucchi Sara , Paolini Valentina , Belingheri Michael , di Gennaro Filiberto , Faverio Paola , Riva Michele , Pesci Alberto , Piperno Alberto
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims

Inhalation of welding fume may cause pulmonary disease known as welder's lung. At our centre we came across a number of welders with systemic iron overload and prolonged occupational history and we aimed at characterizing this novel clinical form of iron overload.

Methods

After exclusion of other known causes of iron overload, 20 welders were fully evaluated for working history, hepatic, metabolic and iron status. MRI iron assessment was performed in 19 patients and liver biopsy in 12. We included 40 HFE‐HH patients and 24 healthy controls for comparison.

Results

75% of patients showed lung HRCT alterations; 90% had s‐FERR > 1000 ng/mL and 60% had TSAT > 45%. Liver iron overload was mild in 8 and moderate‐severe in 12. The median iron removed was 7.8 g. Welders showed significantly lower TSAT and higher SIS and SIS/TIS ratio than HFE‐HH patients. Serum hepcidin was significantly higher in welders than in HFE‐HH patients and healthy controls. At liver biopsy, 50% showed liver fibrosis that was mild in four, and moderate‐severe in two. Liver staging correlated with liver iron overload.

Conclusions

Welders with prolonged fume exposure can develop severe liver iron overload. The mechanism of liver iron accumulation is quite different to that of HFE‐HH suggesting that reticuloendothelial cells may be the initial site of deposition. We recommend routine measurement of serum iron indices in welders to provide adequate diagnosis and therapy, and the inclusion of prolonged welding fume exposure in the list of acquired causes of hyperferritinemia and iron overload.
Environmental adaptation is stronger for abundant rather than rare microorganisms in wetland soils from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wan Wenjie , Gadd Geoffrey Michael , Yang Yuyi , Yuan Wenke , Gu Jidong , Ye Luping , Liu Wenzhi
Published: March 2021

Disentangling the biogeographic patterns of rare and abundant microbes is essential in order to understand the generation and maintenance of microbial diversity with respect to the functions they provide. However, little is known about ecological assembly processes and environmental adaptation of rare and abundant microbes across large spatial‐scale wetlands. Using Illumina sequencing and multiple statistical analyses, we characterized the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of rare and abundant bacteria and fungi in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau wetland soils. Abundant microbial taxa exhibited broader environmental thresholds and stronger phylogenetic signals for ecological traits than rare ones. By contrast, rare taxa showed higher sensitivity to environmental changes and closer phylogenetic clustering than abundant ones. The null model analysis revealed that dispersal limitation belonging to stochastic process dominated community assemblies of abundant bacteria, and rare and abundant fungi, while variable selection belonging to deterministic process governed community assembly of rare bacteria. Neutral model analysis and variation partitioning analysis further confirmed that abundant microbes were less environmentally constrained. Soil ammonia nitrogen was the crucial factor in mediating the balance between stochasticity and determinism of both rare and abundant microbes. Abundant microbes may have better environmental adaptation potential and are less dispersed by environmental changes than rare ones. Our findings extend knowledge of the adaptation of rare and abundant microbes to ongoing environmental change and could facilitate prediction of biodiversity loss caused probably by climate change and human activity in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau wetlands.
Cell wall protein variation, break‐induced replication, and subtelomere dynamics in Candida glabrata
Authors: Xu Zhuwei , Green Brian , Benoit Nicole , Sobel Jack D. , Schatz Michael C. , Wheelan Sarah , Cormack Brendan P.
Published: March 2021

Candida glabrata is an opportunistic pathogen of humans, responsible for up to 30% of disseminated candidiasis. Adherence of C. glabrata to host cells is mediated by adhesin‐like proteins (ALPs), about half of which are encoded in the subtelomeres. We performed a de novo assembly of two C. glabrata strains, BG2 and BG3993, using long single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) reads, and constructed high‐quality telomere‐to‐telomere assemblies of all 13 chromosomes to assess differences between C. glabrata strains. We documented variation between strains, and in agreement with earlier studies, found high (~0.5%–1%) frequencies of SNVs across the genome, including within subtelomeric regions. We documented changes in ALP gene structure and complement: there are large length differences in ALP genes in different strains, resulting from copy number variation in tandem repeats. We compared strains to characterize chromosome rearrangement events including within the poorly characterized subtelomeric regions. We show that rearrangements within the subtelomere regions all affect ALP‐encoding genes, and 14/16 involve just the most terminal ALP gene. We present evidence that these rearrangements are mediated by break‐induced replication. This study highlights the constrained nature of subtelomeric changes impacting ALP gene complement and subtelomere structure.
Specific microRNA/mRNA expression profiles and novel immune regulation mechanisms are induced in THP‐1 macrophages by in vitro exposure to Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Zhang Mingwang , Xia Zhikuan , Yang Xin , Ao Junhong , Yang Rongya
Published: March 2021

Background

Trichosporon asahii is considered the most prominent species associated with invasive trichosporonosis, but little is known about the pathogenesis of T. asahii infection in the host. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding endogenous small RNAs that play vital roles by manipulating immune responses against pathogenic microorganisms. Nevertheless, the exact functions of miRNAs in T. asahii infection are still unknown.

Objective

To investigate the interactions involved in the miRNA immune response in THP‐1 macrophages following in vitro exposure to T. asahii.

Methods

We utilized next‐generation sequencing to detect differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and mRNAs in THP‐1 cells after 24 h of in vitro exposure to T. asahii. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to verify the sequencing results. The miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was constructed with the DE miRNAs and DE mRNAs. We performed Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the predicted targeting mRNAs in the miRNA‐mRNA network. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were utilized to demonstrate the reliability of the miR‐342‐3p/Dectin‐1 pair.

Results

A total of 120 DE miRNAs and 588 DE mRNAs were identified after 24 h of in vitro exposure to T. asahii. The miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was constructed with 39 DE miRNAs and 228 DE mRNAs. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the up‐regulated DE mRNAs in the complex interaction network were mainly involved in immune‐related pathways. In addition, we verified the target relationship between miR‐342‐3p and Dectin‐1 and found that miR‐342‐3p could promote the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 by negatively regulating Dectin‐1.

Conclusions

This study evaluated the expression profiles of miRNA/mRNA and revealed the immunological consequences of THP‐1 macrophages in response to T. asahii exposure. Moreover, our data suggest that miR‐342‐3p can indirectly promote inflammatory responses and may be a potential therapeutic target against trichosporonosis.
Functional understanding of secondary cell wall cellulose synthases in Populustrichocarpa via the Cas9/gRNA‐induced gene knockouts
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Cheng Hao , Zhu Siran , Cheng Jiyao , Ji Huanhuan , Zhang Baocai , Cao Shenquan , Wang Chong , Tong Guimin , Zhen Cheng , Mu Liqiang , Zhou Yihua , Cheng Yuxiang
Published: March 2021

Plant cellulose is synthesized by a large plasma membrane‐localized cellulose synthase (CesA) complex. However, an overall functional determination of secondary cell wall (SCW) CesAs is still lacking in trees, especially one based on gene knockouts.

Here, the Cas9/gRNA‐induced knockouts of PtrCesA4, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B genes were produced in Populus trichocarpa. Based on anatomical, immunohistochemical and wood composition evidence, we gained a comprehensive understanding of five SCW PtrCesAs at the genetic level.

Complete loss of PtrCesA4, 7A/B or 8A/B led to similar morphological abnormalities, indicating similar and nonredundant genetic functions. The absence of the gelatinous (G) layer, one‐layer‐walled fibres and a 90% decrease in cellulose in these mutant woods revealed that the three classes of SCW PtrCesAs are essential for multilayered SCW structure and wood G‐fibre. In addition, the mutant primary and secondary phloem fibres lost the n(G + L)‐ and G‐layers and retained the thicker S‐layers (L, lignified; S, secondary). Together with polysaccharide immunolocalization data, these findings suggest differences in the role of SCW PtrCesAs‐synthesized cellulose in wood and phloem fibre wall structures.

Overall, this functional understanding of the SCW PtrCesAs provides further insights into the impact of lacking cellulose biosynthesis on growth, SCW, wood G‐fibre and phloem fibre wall structures in the tree.
Development of a rat model for type 2 diabetes mellitus peri‐implantitis: A preliminary study
Authors: He Qingqing , Mu Zhixiang , Shrestha Annie , Wang Chao , Wang Si , Tang Han , Li Yihan , Song Jinlin , Ji Ping , Huang Yuanding , Chen Tao
Published: March 2021

Objective

To develop an in vivo model to simulate the complex internal environment of diabetic peri‐implantitis (T2DM‐PI) model for a better understanding of peri‐implantitis in type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and methods

Maxillary first molars were extracted in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats, and customized cone‐shaped titanium implants were installed in the extraction sites. Thereafter, implants were uncovered and customized abutments were screwed into implants. A high‐fat diet and a low‐dose injection of streptozotocin were utilized to induce T2DM. Finally, LPS was locally injected in implant sulcus to induce peri‐implantitis.

Results

In the present study, T2DM‐PI model has been successfully established. Imaging analysis revealed that abundant inflammatory cells infiltrated in the soft tissue in T2DM‐PI group with concomitant excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, higher expression of MMP and increased number of osteoclasts led to collagen disintegration and bone resorption in T2DM‐PI group.

Conclusions

These results describe a novel rat model which stimulate T2DM‐PI in vivo, characterized by overwhelming inflammatory response and bone resorption. This model has a potential to be used for investigation of initiation, progression and interventional therapy of T2DM‐PI.
Clinical and biochemical effect of laser as an adjunct to non‐surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Jiang Yiyang , Feng Jie , Du Juan , Fu Jingfei , Liu Yitong , Guo Lijia , Liu Yi
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and biochemical efficacy of laser therapy as an adjunct to non‐surgical treatment in chronic periodontitis.

Methods

A systematic search was performed through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for eligible articles published as of May 2, 2020, supplemented by information search in the System for Information on Programme Literature in Europe and a manual literature search. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used to compare the adjunctive use of laser and non‐surgical treatment alone with an observation period of at least 6 months were included.

Results

Sixteen RCTs with a total of 525 subjects were included. Meta‐analysis suggested that the additional use of laser to scaling and root planing (SRP) showed significant superiority over SRP alone among most of clinical parameters involved. Regarding the GCF, although volume in the laser group was lower at week 4 and 12, no significant difference was found regarding the cytokines level. Subgroup analysis revealed that the combined therapy produced no significant difference in PD, CAL and PI at most time points for studies in respect to smokers. No treatment‐related adverse events had been reported in the included studies.

Conclusions

Pooled analysis suggested that laser‐assisted non‐surgical treatment improved clinical outcome to SRP alone in the management of non‐smoking chronic periodontitis patients.
Factors influencing physical activity: A cross‐sectional study of the community‐dwelling older adults in a Portuguese rural area
Authors: Carrasco Cristina , Mendes Felismina , Bravo Jorge , Pereira Catarina , Tomas‐Carus Pablo
Published: March 2021

Background

There are a variety of intrinsic determinants which are key to understand the reasons for older people to stay (or not) active.

Objectives

To identify and analyse the factors underlying the physical activity engagement in older Portuguese living in a rural area. Methods: A total of 504 community‐dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Sociodemographic data, physical activity levels, physical fitness and body composition were analysed.

Results

Gender, age, income level, lower body strength, overweight, muscle mass and sedentarism (sitting time) were significantly associated with different physical activity levels. The multinomial logistic regression pointed out that dynamic balance, BMI and sitting time for moderate levels, as well as muscle mass for high levels, were the main independent factors that seem to influence the engagement in these levels compared to low physical activity levels. Additionally, classification tree analysis confirmed sitting time, dynamic balance and gender as discriminating factors for physical activity levels.

Conclusion

Physical fitness‐related variables seem to mainly determine the levels of physical activity in the studied population. Thus, nursing care must promote the integration of physical activity into daily life routines of community‐dwelling older adults, especially in rural areas.

Implications for practice

The diverse nature of factors influencing physical activity must be taken into account in primary health care, particularly in rural areas. Nursing care for older people must promote the integration of physical activity into daily life routines of community‐dwelling older adults.
Increased Th22 cell numbers in a general pediatric population with filaggrin haploinsufficiency: The Generation R Study
Authors: Looman Kirsten I. M. , van Mierlo Minke M. F. , van Zelm Menno C. , Hu Chen , Duijts Liesbeth , de Jongste Johan C. , Nijsten Tamar , Pardo Luba M. , Kiefte‐de Jong Jessica C. , Moll Henriëtte A. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) affect epidermal barrier function and increase the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). We hypothesized that FLG mutations affect immune cell composition in a general pediatric population. Therefore, we investigated whether school‐aged children with and without FLG mutations have differences in T‐ and B‐cell subsets.

Methods

This study was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study, the Generation R Study, and included 523 children of European genetic ancestry aged 10 years. The most common FLG mutations in the European population (R501X, S1085CfsX36, R2447X, and S3247X) were genotyped. Additionally, 11‐color flow cytometry was performed on peripheral blood samples to determine helper T (Th), regulatory T (Treg), and CD27+ and CD27‐ memory B cells. Subset analysis was performed in 358 non‐AD and 102 AD cases, assessed by parental questionnaires.

Results

FLG mutations were observed in 8.4% of the total population and in 15.7% of the AD cases. Children with any FLG mutation had higher Th22 cell numbers compared to FLG wild‐type children in the general and non‐AD population. Children with and without FLG mutations had no difference in Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, or memory B‐cell numbers. Furthermore, in children with AD, FLG mutation carriership was not associated with differences in T‐ and B‐cell subsets.

Conclusions

School‐aged children of a general population with FLG mutations have higher Th22 cell numbers, which reflects the immunological response to the skin barrier dysfunction. FLG mutations did not otherwise affect the composition of the adaptive immunity in this general pediatric population.
Lactated Ringer's solution versus normal saline in pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation: A matched retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dai Wan‐bing , Chen Ling‐ke , Qi Si‐yi , Pan Zhi‐ying , Zhang Xiao , Huang Li‐li , Zhao Yan‐hua , Tian Jie , Yu Wei‐feng , Yang Li‐qun , Su Dian‐san
Published: March 2021

Background

In pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation, lactated Ringer's solution and normal saline are commonly used for intraoperative fluid management, but the comparative clinical outcomes remain uncertain.

Aims

To compare the effect between lactated Ringer's solution and normal saline for intraoperative volume replacement on clinical outcomes among pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation patients.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective trial study enrolled children who received either lactated Ringer's solution or normal saline during living‐donor liver transplantation between January 2010 and August 2016. The groups with comparable clinical characteristics were balanced by propensity score matching. The primary outcome was 90‐day all‐cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes included early allograft dysfunction, primary nonfunction, acute renal injury, and hospital‐free days (days alive postdischarge within 30 days of liver transplantation).

Results

We included 333 pediatric patients who met the entry criteria for analysis. Propensity score matching identified 61 patients in each group. After matching, the lactated Ringer's solution group had a higher 90‐day mortality rate than the normal saline group (11.5% vs. 0.0%). Early allograft dysfunction and primary nonfunction incidences were also more frequent in the lactated Ringer's solution group (19.7% and 11.5%, respectively) than in the normal saline group (3.3% and 0.0%, respectively). In the lactated Ringer's solution group, four (6.6%) recipients developed acute renal injury within 7 days postoperatively compared with three (4.9%) recipients in the normal saline group. Hospital‐free days did not differ between groups (9 days [1–13] vs. 9 days [0–12]).

Conclusions

For intraoperative fluid management in pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation patients, lactated Ringer's solution administration was associated with a higher 90‐day mortality rate than normal saline. This finding has important implications for selecting crystalloid in pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation. Further randomized clinical trials in larger cohort are necessary to confirm this finding.
What happens at night? Physiological mechanisms related to maintaining grain yield under high night temperature in rice
Authors: Xu Jiemeng , Misra Gopal , Sreenivasulu Nese , Henry Amelia
Published: March 2021

High night temperature (HNT) causes substantial yield loss in rice (Oryza sativaL.). In this study, the physiological processes related to flag leaf dark respiration (Rn) and grain filling under HNT were explored in a multi‐parent advanced generation intercross population developed for heat tolerance (MAGICheat) along with selected high temperature tolerant breeding lines developed with heat‐tolerant parents. Within a subset of lines, flag leaf Rn under HNT treatment was related to lower spikelet number per panicle and thus reduced yield. HNT enhanced the nighttime reduction of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in stem tissue, but not in leaves, and stem nighttime NSC reduction was negatively correlated with yield. Between heading and harvest, the major difference in NSC concentration was found for starch, but not for soluble sugar. HNT weakened the relationship between NSC remobilization and harvest index at both the phenotypic and genetic level. By using genome‐wide association studies, an invertase inhibitor, MADS box transcription factors and a UDP‐glycosyltransferase that were identified as candidate genes orchestrating stem NSC remobilization in the control treatment were lost under HNT. With the identification of physiological and genetic components related to rice HNT response, this study offers promising prebreeding materials and trait targets to sustain yield stability under climate change.
The link between hidradenitis suppurativa and phylloid hypomelanosis in partial trisomy‐13 mosaicism: New evidences and further genetic/pathogenetic insights
Authors: Forconi Riccardo , Bigoni Stefania , Pacetti Lucrezia , Host Cristina , Schettini Natale , Zedde Pierantonia , Buldrini Barbara , Ferlini Alessandra , Bettoli Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Partial trisomy‐13 mosaicism (PT13M) is a rare condition. Among its possible associated cutaneous features, phylloid hypomelanosis (PH), characterized by leaf‐like macules reminiscent of floral ornaments in the form of round or oval spots and patches and oblong lesions, is typical. Two cases of PH associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have been already reported in the literature. We report a third child with PH due to PT13M associated with HS‐like lesions limited to hypomelanotic regions. We hypothesize that follicular occlusion genes may be located in the duplicated part of chromosome 13.
Comparative study on the early growth of preterm infants with the World Health Organization growth standards and the China growth charts
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wang Ying , Li Xing , Ru Xifang , Sang Tian , Zhang Xin , Feng Qi
Published: March 2021

Background

This study focused on comparing the applicability and efficacy of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards and the China growth charts in diagnosing malnutrition and indicating nutritional interventions in preterm infants.

Methods

Six hundred and eighty‐three preterm infants were involved and their anthropometric data were collected. The proportion of weight and head circumference less than the 10th percentile (P10), weight less than the 25th percentile (P25), and weight for length greater than the 90th percentile (P90) identified by the WHO growth standards and the China growth charts were compared.

Results

At corrected age (CA) 1 ~< 2 months (m), the proportion of head circumference <P10 assessed by the WHO growth standards was higher than that assessed by the China growth charts by approximately 4.4% in boys and 6.6% in girls. During infancy, both boys and girls had lower proportions of weight <P10 and weight <P25 with the WHO growth standards than with the China growth charts: 5.1% and 5.6%, respectively, for weight <P10 and 7.0% and 8.8%, respectively, for weight P90 assessed by the WHO growth standards was greater than that assessed by the China growth charts.

Conclusions

Compared with the China growth charts, the WHO growth standards can further reduce the number of diagnoses of abnormal physical growth, are more helpful in avoiding overnutrition interventions, and are more sensitive in the early detection of delayed head circumference growth.
Role of E148Q in familial Mediterranean fever with an exon 10 mutation in MEFV
Authors: Miyashita Kengo , Matsuda Yusuke , Okajima Michiko , Toma Tomoko , Yachie Akihiro , Wada Taizo
Published: March 2021

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. Mutations in exon 10 are associated with typical FMF. Most Japanese patients with typical FMF are compound heterozygotes of M694I in exon 10 and E148Q in exon 2. However, the pathogenic role of E148Q remains controversial.

Methods

We assessed symptoms and serum cytokines among patients with FMF and their family members. They were divided into three subgroups, based on MEFV mutations: individuals carrying M694I and E148Q (group A, n = 14), individuals carrying M694I, but not E148Q (group B, n = 10), and individuals carrying E148Q, but not M694I (group C, n = 11).

Results

All but one individual in group A had typical FMF phenotypes, whereas no individual in groups B and C exhibited any episodes of fever or serositis. The serum levels of interleukin‐18 during the afebrile phase were significantly elevated in group A (2,806 ± 2,107 pg/mL), compared to those in groups B (499 ± 369 pg/mL) and C (427 ± 410 pg/mL). No difference in interleukin‐6 levels was observed among the three groups.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that E148Q may contribute to disease development of FMF in Japanese patients carrying the heterozygous M694I mutation in MEFV and that genetic testing of both parents would lead to better counseling for their children.
Review of Chinese young adults' human papillomavirus knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine acceptability
Authors: Ou Lihong , Chen Angela Chia‐Chen , Reifsnider Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Objective

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in reducing HPV‐related disease. The 2‐, 4‐, and 9‐valent HPV vaccines have been approved by the Chinese FDA since 2016; however, factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptability and use in Chinese young adults remain unclear.

Design and Sample

We conducted a systematic review to analyze factors affecting HPV vaccine acceptability and use in Chinese young adults. A comprehensive search of databases (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) was conducted, and articles between 2011 and 2020 were included.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the final review, and eleven were conducted in mainland China and six in Hong Kong. All studies reported low level of HPV‐related knowledge. Better knowledge, more concerns about HPV‐associated diseases, and being female were found associated with higher vaccine acceptability. The vaccine cost and safety were the major concerns for vaccination.

Conclusions

Findings suggested a low level of HPV‐related knowledge and suboptimal vaccination rate in Chinese young adults. Theory‐based interventions addressing knowledge and other influencing factors and involving both males and females are urgently needed to increase vaccine acceptability and use in Chinese young adults.
Cardiac vagal control in response to acute stress during pregnancy: Associations with life stress and emotional support
Authors: Tung Irene , Krafty Robert T. , Delcourt Meaghan L. , Melhem Nadine M. , Jennings J. Richard , Keenan Kate , Hipwell Alison E.
Published: March 2021

Life stressors during pregnancy can disrupt maternal stress regulation and negatively impact offspring health. Despite the important role of cardiac vagal control (e.g., heart rate variability; HRV) in stress regulation, few studies have investigated how life stressors and emotional support influence vagal control during pregnancy. This study aimed to (a) characterize patterns of cardiac vagal control in response to a stressor administered in pregnancy, and (b) examine the effects of life stress and emotional support on vagal control during rest, reactivity, and recovery. Participants included 191 pregnant women (79% Black; 21% White) living in an urban U.S. city (73% receiving public assistance). Heart rate (HR) and HRV (indexed by RMSSD) were recorded continually during the preparation, task, and recovery periods of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Participants reported recent life stressors (e.g., relationship problems, financial hardship) and emotional support. Piecewise growth curve modeling was used to model rates of reactivity and recovery, adjusting for gestational age at time of assessment and recent health problems. Life stress predicted greater HR and HRV reactivity to the TSST as well as greater HRV recovery (vagal rebound). However, associations were only evident for women reporting high emotional support. Results suggest that pregnant women living with frequent life stressors may exhibit more rapid autonomic responses to acute stress, including more rapid vagal rebound after stressors, potentially reflecting physiological adaptation to anticipated high‐stress environments; emotional support may enhance these responses. Studies are needed to investigate long‐term health outcomes related to this stress response pattern.
Effects of experimentally induced muscle pain on endurance performance: A proof‐of‐concept study assessing neurophysiological and perceptual responses
Authors: Canestri Raul , Franco‐Alvarenga Paulo Estevão , Brietzke Cayque , Vinícius Ítalo , Smith Samuel A. , Mauger Alexis R. , Goethel Márcio Fagundes , Pires Flávio Oliveira
Published: March 2021

Pain arising from exercise potentiates fatigue and impairs the performance of endurance exercise. We assessed neurophysiological and perceptual responses to endurance exercise performed under experimentally induced muscle pain by a model that separates muscle pain from muscle fatigue. After a series of pilot studies investigating different hypertonic saline volumes, 17 healthy males performed a preliminary VO2PEAK test before performing a familiarization of the cycling time‐to‐exhaustion exercise (80% of the peak power output in the VO2PEAK test). Participants, performed a baseline exercise session before the sessions with hypertonic and isotonic saline injections in the vastus lateralis of both legs, in a crossover and counterbalanced design. Neurophysiological and perceptual responses such as electroencephalography (EEG) in frontal, prefrontal, parietal, and motor cortex, electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), pain sensation, and affective valence were measured at rest and during exercise. The hypertonic injection reduced the resting EEG alpha‐beta ratio in the frontal and prefrontal cortex. When compared to exercise performed after the isotonic injection (430.5 ± 152.6 s), hypertonic injection shortened the time‐to‐exhaustion (357.5 ± 173.0 s), reduced the EMG of the assessed muscles, and increased the muscle co‐contraction during exercise. The hypertonic injection also reduced the EEG alpha‐beta ratio in the prefrontal and parietal cortex, increased RPE and pain sensation, and reduced affective valence during exercise. This proof‐of‐concept study showed that hypertonic injection‐induced muscle pain reduced endurance performance, promoting centrally mediated alterations in motor command and cortical activation, as well as an interplay of perceptual responses.
Recognition of the HLA‐A*24:353 allele and its associated HLA haplotype in a Taiwanese patient
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Chen Tsung‐Chih , Teng Chieh‐Lin J. , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: March 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 316 of HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*24:353.
Lyapunov–Perron Transformation for Quasi-Periodic Systems and Its Applications
Authors: Subramanian Susheelkumar C. , Redkar Sangram
Published: March 2021

This paper depicts the application of symbolically computed Lyapunov–Perron (L–P) transformation to solve linear and nonlinear quasi-periodic systems. The L–P transformation converts a linear quasi-periodic system into a time-invariant one. State augmentation and the method of normal forms are used to compute the L–P transformation analytically. The state augmentation approach converts a linear quasi-periodic system into a nonlinear time-invariant system as the quasi-periodic parametric excitation terms are replaced by “fictitious” states. This nonlinear system can be reduced to a linear system via normal forms in the absence of resonances. In this process, one obtains near identity transformation that contains fictitious states. Once the quasi-periodic terms replace the fictitious states they represent, the near identity transformation is converted to the L–P transformation. The L–P transformation can be used to solve linear quasi-periodic systems with external excitation and nonlinear quasi-periodic systems. Two examples are included in this work, a commutative quasi-periodic system and a non-commutative Mathieu–Hill type quasi-periodic system. The results obtained via the L–P transformation approach match very well with the numerical integration and analytical results.
Experiments and Numerical Implementation of a Boundary Value Problem Involving a Magnetorheological Elastomer Layer Subjected to a Nonuniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Dorn Charles , Bodelot Laurence , Danas Kostas
Published: March 2021

This study investigates experimentally and numerically the response of a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) layer placed atop an electromagnetic coil. The MRE layer is deflected upon application of a current in the coil, which creates highly nonuniform magnetic fields. Isotropic and transversely isotropic layers (i.e., containing chains of magnetic particles) are tested experimentally, and the isotropic layer exhibits the largest deflection. To enhance the energetic efficiency of the model device, an iron core is introduced inside the electromagnetic coil, thereby leading to an increase in the resulting magnetic field near the center of the MRE layer. In parallel, the boundary value problem —including the MRE layer, the coil, the core (if present) and the surrounding air—is modeled numerically. For this, a magneto-mechanical, vector potential-based variational formulation is implemented in a standard three-dimensional finite element model at finite strains. For the material description, a recently proposed analytical homogenization-guided model is used to analyze the MRE in the “coil-only” configuration. It is then employed to predict the response of the layer in the “coil plus core” configuration, thus circumventing the need for a separate material characterization procedure. The proposed numerical simulation strategy provides a deeper understanding of the underlying complexity of the magnetic fields and of their interaction with the MRE layer. This study also reveals the importance of modeling the entire setup for predicting the response of MRE materials and, as a result, constitutes a step toward designing more efficient MRE-based devices.