bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid visual detection of Japanese hornwort mosaic virus infecting Angelica sinensis by reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Zhang Yubao , Wang Ruoyu , Xie Zhongkui , Wang Yajun , Zhao Xia , Liu Yang , Zhou Qin
Published: September 2020

Japanese hornwort mosaic virus (JHMV; genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) is a widespread virus that infects angelica (Angelica sinensis [Oliv.] Diels), an important Chinese herbal medicine plant grown in Gansu, China. JHMV infection has contributed to the deterioration in angelica quality and a reduction in yield. Consequently, there is a need to develop a reliable, simple and rapid detection method to accurately identify JHMV infection and help limit its spread. We describe here, a reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) developed to detect the coat protein gene of JHMV. RT‐LAMP amplification products were assessed through real‐time fluorescence detection and by gel electrophoresis and SYBR Green I DNA staining for visual observation. This assay successfully detected JHMV in infected plants without cross reactivity recorded from six other plant viruses. Optimum LAMP reactions were conducted in betaine‐free media with 6 mM Mg2+ at 60°C for 60 min for JHMV. The detection limit was 0.28 pg/ml using RT‐LAMP for JHMV plasmids. This detection limit for the RT‐LAMP assay was 100 times lower than that of the conventional RT‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. Our field survey of angelica crops for JHMV using RT‐LAMP further demonstrated a higher sensitivity than RT‐PCR, detecting 78% versus 72%. Agreement (κ) between the results obtained from the two tests was 0.844. We found RT‐LAMP is accurate and efficient in diagnosis and potentially improving JHMV disease management and forecasting in A. sinensis in China.
Discriminating between allele‐ and genotype‐specific transmission ratio distortion
Authors: Casellas J. , Id‐Lahoucine S. , Cánovas A.
Published: September 2020

Transmission ratio distortion (TRD) is defined as the observed deviation from the expected Mendelian inheritance of alleles from heterozygous parents. This phenomenon is attributed to various biological mechanisms acting on germ cells, embryos or fetuses, or even in early postnatal life. Current statistical approaches typically use two independent parametrizations assuming that TRD relies on allele‐ or genotype‐related mechanisms, although they have never been tested and compared. This study compared allele‐ and genotype‐related TRD models on simulated datasets with 1000 genotyped offspring and real data from 168 sire–dam–offspring beef cattle trios. The analysis of simulated datasets favored the true model of analysis in most cases (>93%), and a low percentage of missidentification occurred under (almost) null dominance (genotype‐related model) or similar and moderate‐to‐low sire‐ and dam‐specific TRD parameters (allele‐related model). Moreover, the correlation between simulated and predicted distortion parameters was high (>0.97) under the true model. The comparison of allele‐ and genotype‐related TRD models is an appealing tool to infer the biological source of TRD (i.e. haploid vs. diploid cells) when screening the whole genome. The analysis of beef cattle data corroborated a TRD region previously reported in chromosome 4, although discarding allele‐related mechanisms and favoring the genotype‐related model as the more reliable one. The results of this study highlight the relevance of implementing and comparing different parametrizations to capture all kinds of TRD, and to compare them using appropriate statistical methods.
Advances and recent developments in asthma in 2020
Authors: Cevhertas Lacin , Ogulur Ismail , Maurer Debbie J. , Burla Daniel , Ding Mei , Jansen Kirstin , Koch Jana , Liu Chengyao , Ma Siyuan , Mitamura Yasutaka , Peng Yaqi , Radzikowska Urszula , Rinaldi Arturo O. , Satitsuksanoa Pattraporn , Globinska Anna , van de Veen Willem , Sokolowska Milena , Baerenfaller Katja , Gao Ya‐dong , Agache Ioana , Akdis Mübeccel , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: September 2020

In this review, we discuss recent publications on asthma and review the studies that have reported on the different aspects of the prevalence, risk factors and prevention, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of asthma. Many risk and protective factors and molecular mechanisms are involved in the development of asthma. Emerging concepts and challenges in implementing the exposome paradigm and its application in allergic diseases and asthma are reviewed, including genetic and epigenetic factors, microbial dysbiosis, and environmental exposure, particularly to indoor and outdoor substances. The most relevant experimental studies further advancing the understanding of molecular and immune mechanisms with potential new targets for the development of therapeutics are discussed. A reliable diagnosis of asthma, disease endotyping, and monitoring its severity are of great importance in the management of asthma. Correct evaluation and management of asthma comorbidity/multimorbidity, including interaction with asthma phenotypes and its value for the precision medicine approach and validation of predictive biomarkers, are further detailed. Novel approaches and strategies in asthma treatment linked to mechanisms and endotypes of asthma, particularly biologicals, are critically appraised. Finally, due to the recent pandemics and its impact on patient management, we discuss the challenges, relationships, and molecular mechanisms between asthma, allergies, SARS‐CoV‐2, and COVID‐19.
A comparison of in vivo viral targeting systems identifies adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) as an effective vector for genetic manipulation of Leydig cells in adult mice
Authors: Darbey Annalucia , Rebourcet Diane , Curley Michael , Kilcoyne Karen , Jeffery Nathan , Reed Natalie , Milne Laura , Roesl Cornelia , Brown Pamela , Smith Lee B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite the increasing popularity of deliverable transgenics, a robust and fully validated method for targeting Leydig cells, capable of delivering long‐term transgene expression, is yet to be defined.

Objectives

We compared three viral vector systems in terms of their cell targeting specificity, longevity of gene expression and impact on targeted cell types when delivered to the interstitial compartment of the mouse testis.

Materials & Methods

We delivered lentiviral, adenoviral and adeno‐associated (AAV) viral particles to the interstitial compartment of adult mouse testis. Immunolocalization and stereology were performed to characterize ability of vectors to target and deliver transgenes to Leydig cells.

Results

Viral vectors utilized in this study were found to specifically target Leydig cells when delivered interstitially. Transgene expression in lentiviral‐targeted Leydig cells was detected for 7 days post‐injection before Leydig cells underwent apoptosis. Adenoviral‐delivered transgene expression was detected for 10 days post‐injection with no evidence of targeted cell apoptosis. We found serotype differences in AAV injected testis with AAV serotype 9 targeting a significant proportion of Leydig cells. Targeting efficiency increased to an average of 59.63% (and a maximum of 80%) of Leydig cells with the addition of neuraminidase during injection. In AAV injected testis sections, transgene expression was detectable for up to 50 days post‐injection.

Discussion & Conclusion

Lentivirus, Adenovirus and Adeno‐Associated virus delivery to the testis resulted in key variances in targeting efficiency of Leydig cells and in longevity of transgene expression, but identified AAV9 + Neuraminidase as an efficient vector system for transgene delivery and long‐term expression. Simple viral delivery procedures and the commercial availability of viral vectors suggests AAV9 + Neuraminidase will be of significant utility to researchers investigating the genetics underpinning Leydig cell function and holds promise to inform the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of male reproductive disorders.
La Envidia: An Illness Manifest at the Level of the Community Body
Authors: Phillips Wendy
Published: September 2020

In Curanderismo and other traditional medicine systems, illnesses are understood to have somatic and emotional components and symptoms may be elicited by disruptions in interpersonal relationships between community members. An aspect of ritual interventions involves returning interpersonal relationships to balance and restoring harmonious interactions between members of the community. Important are shared understandings of the meaning of the symptoms, the mode of transmission of the illness, and the resolution that occurs through the process of the healer’s ritual interventions. In this essay, I present a narrative description of the illness, La Envidia, which is associated with the expression of the emotion, envy. The narrative was shared with me by a person who is a migrant from an Afromestizo community of the Pacific Coast of Mexico to Atlanta, Georgia. The illness, La Envidia, is discussed and interpreted framed by perspectives including Participation Mystique and blurred psychological boundaries, traditional indigenous conceptualizations of illness, shamanism and symbolization processes, shared meaning, traditional Yoruba informed African conceptualizations of illness and healing practices, and somatic and embodied ritual experiences.
Effect of dichoptic video game treatment on mild amblyopia – a pilot study
Authors: Pang Peter C. K. , Lam Carly S. Y. , Hess Robert F. , Thompson Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The effect of contrast‐balanced dichoptic video game training on distance visual acuity (DVA) and stereo acuity has been investigated in severe‐to‐moderate amblyopia, but its effect on mild amblyopia and fixation stability has not been assessed. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of home‐based dichoptic video game on amblyopic eye DVA, stereo acuity and fixation stability in adults with mild amblyopia.

Methods

A randomized single‐masked design was adopted. The active 6‐week home‐based treatment was an anaglyphic, contrast‐balanced dichoptic video game, and the placebo was an identical non‐dichoptic game. Participants (n = 23) had mild amblyopia (amblyopic DVA ≤ 0.28 log Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR)). The primary outcome was change in amblyopic DVA at 6 weeks postrandomization. Near visual acuity, stereo acuity and fixation stability (bivariate contour eclipse area) were also measured. Follow‐up occurred at 12 and 24 weeks postrandomization.

Results

Mean amblyopic eye DVA was 0.21 ± 0.06 and 0.18 ± 0.06 logMAR for the active (n = 12) and placebo (n = 11) group, respectively. Amblyopic DVA improved significantly more in the active group (0.09 ± 0.05) than in the placebo group (0.03 ± 0.04 logMAR; p < 0.05). The difference between groups remained at 12 weeks postrandomization (p = 0.04) but not at 24 weeks (p = 0.43). Titmus stereo acuities improved significantly more in the active group (0.40 log arcsec) than in the placebo group (0.09 log arcsec) after 6 weeks of gameplay. The between‐group difference was still present at 24 weeks postrandomization (p = 0.05). There were no differences between groups on any other secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Home‐based dichoptic video gameplay may be an effective method to improve amblyopic DVA and stereo acuity in mild amblyopia.
Who is the Most Stressed During the COVID‐19 Pandemic? Data From 26 Countries and Areas
Authors: Kowal Marta , Coll‐Martín Tao , Ikizer Gözde , Rasmussen Jesper , Eichel Kristina , Studzińska Anna , Koszałkowska Karolina , Karwowski Maciej , Najmussaqib Arooj , Pankowski Daniel , Lieberoth Andreas , Ahmed Oli
Published: September 2020

Background

To limit the rapid spread of COVID‐19, countries have asked their citizens to stay at home. As a result, demographic and cultural factors related to home life have become especially relevant to predict population well‐being during isolation. This pre‐registered worldwide study analyses the relationship between the number of adults and children in a household, marital status, age, gender, education level, COVID‐19 severity, individualism–collectivism, and perceived stress.

Methods

We used the COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey data of 53,524 online participants from 26 countries and areas. The data were collected between 30 March and 6 April 2020.

Results

Higher levels of stress were associated with younger age, being a woman, lower level of education, being single, staying with more children, and living in a country or area with a more severe COVID‐19 situation.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic revealed that certain people may be more susceptible to experience elevated levels of stress. Our findings highlight the need for public health to be attentive to both the physical and the psychological well‐being of these groups.
Expression of laminin‐5 gamma 2 chain predicts invasion of extramammary Paget’s disease cell
Authors: Tohmatsu Yuuko , Imura Johji , Sakai Takeshi , Takagi Kohji , Minamisaka Takeshi , Tanaka Shinichi , Noguchi Akira , Nakajima Takahiko , Nagata Takuya , Makino Teruhiko , Shimizu Tadamichi , Fujii Tsutomu
Published: September 2020

Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant skin neoplasm characterized by intraepidermal proliferation of tumor cells. The tumor cells of EMPD may sometimes invade into the dermis or metastasize into the regional lymph nodes. Several studies have proposed mechanisms underlying the increased invasiveness of EMPD; however, molecular markers indicating invasiveness have yet to be well characterized. Laminin‐5 (Lam‐5), a heterotrimer composed of three chains (α3, β3, and γ2), is a major component of the basement membrane in many tissues. One of the chains, Lam‐5 γ2, is a marker of invasion, because it often develops as a monomer in malignant neoplasms. We investigated the expression of Lam‐5 γ2 and its role for the invasiveness in EMPD. Paraffin‐embedded specimens of EMPD obtained from 36 patients were examined immunohistochemically for Lam‐5 γ2. The cases adopted into this study comprised 16 cases of intraepidermal lesions and 20 cases with dermal invasion. The basement membrane seen in normal skin disappeared in one‐third of non‐invasive cases and in most invasive cases. The disappearance of Lam‐5 γ2 in the basement membrane and its cytoplasmic expression was more observed in the invasive cases than non‐invasive cases. Expression of Lam‐5 γ2 may be a biological marker to predict invasiveness of EMPD.
Reconsidering law at the edge: How and why do place‐managers balance thrill and compliance at outdoor attraction sites?
Authors: Bennett Luke
Published: September 2020

This paper challenges legal geographers to go further in their claimed rejection of legal closure (the reduction of any situation to a purely legal dimension), by calling for greater exploration of how law’s command is always acting alongside and potentially subordinated to other spatio‐cultural normative influences. The insights of this advocated approach are illustrated using examples drawn from the author's fieldwork conducted across a variety of outdoor attraction settings, which have explored how place‐managers frame, arrange, and present their sites by reference to individual goals and communal interpretive practices deriving from multiple normative drivers. It is argued that this plurality of influences requires place‐managers to act as edgeworkers, developing a finely tuned understanding of how to manage the potentially hazardous co‐presence of visitors’ bodies and physical edges at their sites. This requires active balancing of their interpretation of (and compliance with) broad commandments for their sites to be “reasonably safe,” with the requirements of other pressing normativities, including those set by landscape aesthetics that demand that visitors must be presented with an appropriately thrilling experience. Recent trends in the development of contemporary legal geographic analysis, each of which are suggestive of an increasing attentiveness to law’s limits, are considered in order to develop this critique of conventional legal geographic practice and in support of the potentiality of the recommended new focus, specifically: legal geography’s “contingency orientation” (Orzeck & Hae); emerging interest in the “edge of law” (Jeffrey); and in the purposeful creation of normative atmospheres and law’s dissimulation there (Philippopoulos‐Mihalopoulos; Pavoni). Through these analytical lenses place‐manager’s active and skilful edgework becomes both more visible and more understandable as a dynamic situational balancing of compliance with safety laws and with the satisfaction of thrill and desire.
Single‐incision laparoscopic full‐thickness anterior abdominal wall repair of a Morgagni hernia using a suture‐assisting needle in a child: A case report
Authors: Goto Yudai , Mimori Kotaro , Ogata Seiya , Shimizu Hirofumi , Fukuda Yutaka , Tanaka Hideaki
Published: September 2020

Single‐incision laparoscopic repair of a congenital Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia using a suture‐assisting needle was performed in a 1‐year‐old boy. Three ports were inserted through a single umbilical incision to repair the 2.5 × 2.3‐cm defect. The full‐thickness muscle layer of the anterior abdominal wall and the posterior rim of the defect were penetrated with the suture‐assisting needle holding a thread, which was then released. The needle tip was pulled back over the muscle layer, shifted laterally, and again passed through the muscle layer and the posterior rim. The thread was then captured by the needle and pulled out through the anterior abdominal wall. Five mattress sutures were placed in this way and tied subcutaneously. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the cosmetic outcome was favorable. A suture‐assisting needle is useful for completing full‐thickness anterior abdominal wall repair, which is important for preventing the recurrence of a congenital Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia.
Effects of topography and climate on Neotropical mountain forests structure in the semiarid region
Authors: Diogo Ivan Jeferson Sampaio , dos Santos Karin , da Costa Itayguara Ribeiro , dos Santos Flavio Antonio Maës
Published: September 2020

Question

We aimed to analyze how the topography, temperature and rainfall influence the floristic distribution in three different topographic areas and their surrounding vegetation. We addressed three main questions: (i) How is the distribution of species among the topographic areas? (ii) Which abiotic variable is driving this distribution? and (iii) What is the difference among the mountain forests and between mountain forests and the Caatinga vegetation?

Location

The Maranguape mountain forest were divided into three topographic categories: windward (600–800 m, WMA), leeward (600–800 m, LMA) and top (above 800 m, TMA). We also considered another six areas of mountain forests and four Caatinga areas in Ceará State.

Methods

We calculated different structural parameters and the floristic diversity of each category. A Principal Correspondence Analysis was performed to analyze the indirect ordination of forest sites by species abundance. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis was conducted to evaluate which variables were driving species distribution. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling distance and the average linkage method to investigate the similarity among mountain forests and Caatinga.

Results

A total of 1,536 individuals belonging to 144 tree species distributed in 44 families and 93 genera were recorded. Myrtaceae, Fabaceae and Rubiaceae were the most species‐rich families. Myrcia splendens had the highest importance value followed by Guapira nitida and Mollinedia ovata. The leeward slope showed the highest richness and diversity index, whereas the windward showed the highest density and the top showed the highest basal area. The ordination indicated a greater similarity between TMA and WMA than LMA.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that temperature, precipitation and slope angle are the abiotic factors driving species distribution in Maranguape. Those mountains are heavily anthropized and continuously explored, therefore these outcomes will be useful for conservation and restoration purposes in the poorly known semiarid region of Northeast Brazil.
The spectrum of rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors with EWSR1‐non‐ETS fusions: experience from three pediatric institutions with review of the literature
Authors: Lopez‐Nunez Oscar , Cafferata Barbara , Santi Mariarita , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Pearce Thomas M. , Kulich Scott M. , Bailey Kelly M. , Broniscer Alberto , Rossi Sabrina , Zin Angelica , Nasrallah MacLean P. , Li Marilyn M. , Zhong Yiming , Miele Evelina , Alaggio Rita , Surrey Lea F.
Published: September 2020

The group of CNS mesenchymal (non‐meningothelial) and primary glial/neuronal tumors in association with EWSR1‐non‐ETS rearrangements comprises a growing spectrum of entities, mostly reported in isolation with incomplete molecular profiling. Archival files from three pediatric institutions were queried for unusual cases of pediatric (≤21 years) CNS EWSR1‐rearranged tumors confirmed by at least one molecular technique. Extra‐axial tumors and cases with a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1‐ETS family fusions) were excluded. Additional studies, including anchored multiplex‐PCR with next‐generation sequencing and DNA methylation profiling, were performed as needed to determine fusion partner status and brain tumor methylation class, respectively. Five cases (median 17 years) were identified (M:F of 3:2). Location was parenchymal (n = 3) and undetermined (n = 2) with topographic distributions including posterior fossa (n = 1), frontal (n = 1), temporal (n = 1), parietal (n = 1) and occipital (n = 1) lobes. Final designation with fusion findings included desmoplastic small round cell tumor (EWSR1‐WT1; n = 1) and tumors of uncertain histogenesis (EWSR1‐CREM, n = 1; EWSR1‐CREB1, n = 1; EWSR1‐PLAGL1, n = 1; and EWSR1‐PATZ1, n = 1). Tumors showed a wide spectrum of morphology and biologic behavior. For EWSR1‐CREM, EWSR1‐PLAGL1 and EWSR1‐PATZ1 tumors, no significant methylation scores were reached in the known brain tumor classes. Available outcome (4/5) was reported as favorable (n = 2) and unfavorable (n = 2) with a median follow‐up of 30 months. In conclusion, we describe five primary EWSR1‐non‐ETS fused CNS tumors exhibiting morphologic and biologic heterogeneity and we highlight the clinical importance of determining specific fusion partners to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment and monitoring. Larger prospective clinicopathological and molecular studies are needed to determine the prognostic implications of histotypes, anatomical location, fusion partners, breakpoints and methylation profiles in patients with these rare tumors.
Meaningfulness Beats Frequency in Multiword Chunk Processing
Authors: Jolsvai Hajnal , McCauley Stewart M. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: September 2020

Whereas a growing bulk of work has demonstrated that both adults and children are sensitive to frequently occurring word sequences, little is known about the potential role of meaning in the processing of such multiword chunks. Here, we take a first step toward assessing the contribution of meaningfulness in the processing of multiword sequences, using items that varied in chunk meaningfulness. In a phrasal‐decision study, we compared reaction times for triads of three‐word sequences, corresponding to idiomatic expressions, compositional phrases, and phrasal fragments, while controlling for phrase and substring frequencies. Chunk meaningfulness, as assessed by a separate subjective rating study, was found to speed up decision times for all three types of strings: The more meaningful a multiword sequence was judged to be, the faster it was processed, independently of whether it was idiomatic, compositional in nature, or a phrasal fragment. These results highlight the importance of taking meaning into account when considering the processing of multiword chunks, consistent with predictions of construction‐based approaches to language.
TGF‐β/Smad2 signalling regulates enchondral bone formation of Gli1+ periosteal cells during fracture healing
Authors: Xia Chenjie , Ge Qinwen , Fang Liang , Yu Huan , Zou Zhen , Zhang Peng , Lv Shuaijie , Tong Peijian , Xiao Luwei , Chen Di , Wang Ping‐er , Jin Hongting
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Most bone fracture heals through enchondral bone formation that relies on the involvement of periosteal progenitor cells. However, the identity of periosteal progenitor cells and the regulatory mechanism of their proliferation and differentiation remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Gli1‐CreERT2 can identify a population of murine periosteal progenitor cells and the role of TGF‐β signalling in periosteal progenitor cells on fracture healing.

Materials and methods

Double heterozygous Gli1‐CreERT2;Rosa26‐tdTomatoflox/wt mice were sacrificed at different time points for tracing the fate of Gli1+ cells in both intact and fracture bone. Gli1‐CreERT2‐mediated Tgfbr2 knockout (Gli1‐CreERT2;Tgfbr2flox/flox) mice were subjected to fracture surgery. At 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post‐surgery, tibia samples were harvested for tissue analyses including μCT, histology, real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Through cell lineage‐tracing experiments, we have revealed that Gli1‐CreERT2 can be used to identify a subpopulation of periosteal progenitor cells in vivo that persistently reside in periosteum and contribute to osteochondral elements during fracture repair. During the healing process, TGF‐β signalling is continually activated in the reparative Gli1+ periosteal cells. Conditional knockout of Tgfbr2 in these cells leads to a delayed and impaired enchondral bone formation, at least partially due to the reduced proliferation and chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of Gli1+ periosteal cells.

Conclusions

TGF‐β signalling plays an essential role on fracture repair via regulating enchondral bone formation process of Gli1+ periosteal cells.
Open or laparoscopic mesh repair of incisional hernia in patients that underwent liver transplantation: A systematic review and proportional meta‐analysis
Authors: Frountzas Maximos , Nikolaou Christina , Maris Spyridon , Stavrou Effrosyni , Giannopoulos Panagiotis , Schizas Dimitrios , Stergios Konstantinos , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: September 2020

Background

Incisional hernias, that significantly affect the quality of life of patients, are common complications especially after major surgery, such as liver transplantation. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to outline the available evidence on the complications occurring after mesh implantation as a treatment of ventral incisional hernias (VIH) in liver transplant patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Clinicaltrials.gov, CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles that reported the complications after mesh repair in patients that had undergone liver transplantation.

Results

Eighteen studies, that involved 640 liver transplant patients who developed incisional hernia, were included. 546 of them underwent surgical repair with mesh implantation. 144 (26%) patients developed postoperative complications, and the most common was surgical site infection (17%). The pooled complication rate of open mesh repair of incisional hernia after liver transplantation was 23% (95% CI = 11%‐37%), whereas the pooled complication rate of laparoscopic mesh repair was 20% (95% CI = 12%‐29%).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic VIH repair with the implantation of mesh showed promising results, since the percentage of patients with postoperative complications was lower compared to the available data of those who underwent open VIH repair with mesh.
The structural conundrum of parolees and kidney transplantation
Authors: Ahmad Mahwish U. , Eves Margot M.
Published: September 2020

In the United States, there are a large number of incarcerated individuals, resulting in high numbers of previously incarcerated individuals out on parole undergoing reentry into society. An aging prison population translates to an older parolee population and increased incidence of kidney disease requiring either long‐term dialysis or transplantation. This paper argues that due to challenges specific to the parolee population as well as societal biases and priorities, Transplant Centers and healthcare professionals face an ethical imperative to attend to the needs of parolees as a class and take steps to address challenges related to access to Centers for renal transplantation evaluation for this disadvantaged group. It will first review the regulatory context of kidney transplantation and highlight the specific ways it effects parolees. The paper will then discuss the broader social context of parolee reentry into society and barriers faced by parolees in this process. This ethical analysis examines the complexity of these issues, and deliberates on ways to balance the competing priorities of justice, respect for this patient population as individuals and as a disadvantaged class, and the societal interests regarding organ allocation and considerable economic burdens of end‐stage renal disease on parolees, the justice system, and the public.
The Second Demographic Dividend as a Driver of China's Growth
Authors: Cai Fang
Published: September 2020

As China's demographic transition enters a new stage, the “first demographic dividend” – the economic advantage resulting from demographic changes in recent decades – is bound to disappear permanently. China's future development will be characterized by an aging population. The “second demographic dividend” refers to new sources of economic growth derived from this later population change. This paper reveals major constraints caused by aging in China, which is characterized by a tendency to grow old before becoming rich. As the population ages, human capital improvement slows, labor force participation declines and consumption power reduces. This paper suggests taking advantage of a population “echo effect” to improve human capital at all ages, to enhance workers’ ability to benefit from employment, and to improve the labor participation rate of the elderly, which in turn would increase the income and social security of the aged. These measures are conducive to future economic growth and to the cultivation of the second demographic dividend.
Regeneration of native woody species following artificial gap formation in an early‐successional forest in New Zealand
Authors: Tulod Adrian M. , Norton David A.
Published: September 2020

Gap creation in recovering rainforests may reduce the intensity of competition and provide opportunities for later successional species to co‐occur with predominant earlier successional species. This study examined the potential of artificial gaps to facilitate the natural regeneration and establishment of woody species in dense regenerating stands of Kānuka (Kunzea robusta) that have developed following the removal of degrading factors especially clearing and grazing in many parts of New Zealand. Artificial gaps were created through selective felling of Kānuka canopy trees and the species composition, density, growth and survival of native woody species regenerating in the canopy gaps and under paired intact Kānuka canopies were monitored for 28 months. Gap creation resulted in a significant increase in the number of species and density of woody regeneration including a wider range of woody species, although no mature phase species (including podocarps) were found, potentially due to seed limitations. There was no significant effect detected with respect to the interaction of time and gap creation on species recruitment. Survival and growth of woody regeneration were significantly greater in canopy gaps than beneath the intact canopy despite the higher proportions of herbaceous ground vegetation and browsing incidence in gap treatments. The tendency of woody seedlings to grow taller in canopy gaps may have permitted them more rapid recovery from browsing. The duration of the study was too short to fully capture the potential of canopy intervention, but woody regeneration within the artificial gaps is likely to accelerate as the regeneration proceeds, especially if browsing is controlled, and the results presented here provide useful insight into the early stages of this process.
Topical doxycycline monohydrate hydrogel 1% targeting proteases/PAR2 pathway is a novel therapeutic for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bohannon Mary , Liu Mingjin , Nadeau Peter , Talton Judy , Gibson Daniel , Datta Susmita , Schultz Gregory , Talton James , De Benedetto Anna
Published: September 2020

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is characterized by skin barrier disruption and an aberrant immune response. Doxycycline is tetracycline antibiotics broadly used systemically to treat inflammatory dermatologic conditions. Several studies have shown doxycycline has anti‐inflammatory and pro‐healing properties, mainly by blocking tissue proteolytic activity. It is our hypothesis that daily application of a novel doxycycline topical formulation in AD subjects will reduce severity of the disease, by blocking cutaneous proteases activity and restoring skin barrier function and inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we performed a proof of concept, open‐label clinical study. Subjects enrolled in the study (n = 15) applied NanoDOX® Hydrogel 1% daily for 4 weeks on a chosen eczematous area. Investigational drug was well tolerated, and no local or systemic adverse events due to investigational drug were reported. Notably, a significant clinical improvement was observed based on a modified Eczema Area & Severity Index (EASI) score of the treated area from start of treatment to 14 and 28 days post‐treatment (P < .001). A significant improvement of pruritus was also observed (P = .02). This proof of concept clinical trial is first to explore the impact of a non‐systemic doxycycline treatment on AD patients. Our results provide evidence to investigate novel AD treatment strategies targeting cutaneous proteases activity.
PRICE SEARCH, CONSUMPTION INEQUALITY AND EXPENDITURE INEQUALITY OVER THE LIFE ‐CYCLE
Authors: Arslan Yavuz , Guler Bulent , Taskin Temel
Published: September 2020

We differentiate consumption from expenditure by incorporating price search decision into an otherwise standard life‐cycle model. We first analytically show that, under very general conditions, poorer households search more and pay lower prices compared to wealthier ones. As a result, consumption inequality is smaller than expenditure inequality, and the gap between them increases over the life‐cycle. Next, using a plausibly calibrated model, we find that life‐cycle increase in consumption inequality is about 30% lower than the increase in expenditure inequality. Price search provides an insurance mechanism against income shocks and increases the welfare of a newborn by 3.9%.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INCOME DISTRIBUTION DYNAMICS: WHY IS THE INCOME SHARE OF TOP INCOME EARNERS ACYCLICAL OVER THE BUSINESS CYCLE?
Authors: Kwark Noh‐Sun , Ma Eunseong
Published: September 2020

In the United States, the income share of the top 5% income group is acyclical over the business cycle. This study attempts to explain the cyclical behavior of the income distribution over the business cycle, particularly focusing on the top 5% income earners' share, using a heterogeneous agent model featuring a choice to become an entrepreneur. The model economy successfully reproduces the acyclical behavior of the income share of the top 5%. During expansions, relatively more people become entrepreneurs at the top, which offsets the decline in the income share of the high‐income earners from workers' side.
Study on the polymorphisms of HLA‐ABCDQB1DRB1 alleles and haplotypes in Hubei Han population of China
Authors: Zou Jie , Shen Gang , Qiang Wen , Zhu Yuan Yan , Li Wang Xia
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to analyse the frequencies of human leukocyte antigen HLA‐ABCDQB1 and HLA‐DRB1 alleles and haplotypes in a subset of 3,732 Han population from Hubei of China. All samples were typed in the HLA‐ABCDQB1 and HLA‐DRB1 loci using the sequence‐based typing method; subsequently, the HLA polymorphisms were analysed. A total of 47 HLA‐A, 89 HLA‐B, 43 HLA‐C, 49 HLA‐DRB1 and 24 HLA‐DQB1 alleles were identified in the Hubei Han population. The top three most frequent alleles in the HLA‐ABCDQB1 and HLA‐DRB1 were A*11:01 (0.2617), A*24:02 (0.1590), A*02:07 (0.1281); B*46:01 (0.1502), B*40:01 (0.1409) and B*58:01 (0.0616); C*01:02 (0.2023), C*07:02 (0.1691) and C*03:04 (0.1175); and DQB1*03:01 (0.2000), DQB1*03:03 (0.1900), DQB1*06:01 (0.1187); DRB1*09:01 (0.1790), DRB1*15:01 (0.1062) and DRB1*12:02 (0.0841), respectively. Meanwhile, the three most frequent two‐loci haplotypes were A*02:07‐C*01:02 (0.0929), B*46:01‐C*01:02 (0.1366) and DQB1*03:03‐DRB1*09:01 (0.1766). The three most frequent three‐loci haplotypes were A*02:07‐B*46:01‐C*01:02 (0.0883), B*46:01‐DQB1*03:03‐DRB1*09:01 (0.0808) and C*01:02‐DQB1*03:03‐DRB1*09:01 (0.0837). The three most frequent four‐loci haplotypes were A*02:07‐B*46:01‐C*01:02‐DQB1*03:03 (0.0494), B*46:01‐DRB1*09:01‐C*01:02‐DQB1*03:03 (0.0729) and A*02:07‐B*46:01‐DQB1*03:03‐DRB1*09:01 (0.0501). The most frequent five‐loci haplotype was A*02:07‐B*46:01‐C*01:02‐DQB1*03:03‐DRB1*09:01 (0.0487). Heat maps and multiple correspondence analysis based on the frequencies of HLA specificity indicated that the Hubei Han population might be described into Southern Chinese populations. Our results lay a certain foundation for future population studies, disease association studies and donor recruitment strategies.
Adherence to the 24‐hour movement guidelines and adiposity in a cohort of at risk youth: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Chemtob Keryn , Reid Ryan E. R. , Guimarães Roseane de Fátima , Henderson Mélanie , Mathieu Marie‐Eve , Barnett Tracie A. , Tremblay Angelo , Van Hulst Andraea
Published: September 2020

Background

The 24‐hour movement guidelines provide recommendations for physical activity, screen time and sleep duration for children.

Objectives

Describe adherence to the guidelines and their cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations with adiposity from childhood to adolescence.

Methods

Data are from the QUALITY Cohort. Children were followed at 8 to 10 years (childhood; n = 630), 10 to 12 years (early adolescence; n = 564) and 15 to 17 years (adolescence; n = 377). Physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration were measured by accelerometry and questionnaires. Body mass index z‐scores (zBMI), waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio and percent body fat were based on clinical measurements. Multiple linear regressions estimated associations.

Results

In childhood, early adolescence and adolescence, 14%, 6%, and 0% of participants met the 24‐hour movement guidelines, respectively. Meeting fewer guideline components was cross‐sectionally associated with higher adiposity at each visit. Meeting fewer guideline components in childhood was longitudinally associated with higher adiposity at later visits. For example, those meeting none of the guideline components (vs all) in childhood had a 1.66 SD (95% CI: 0.42, 2.89) higher zBMI in early adolescence.

Conclusion

Few participants met the guidelines. Not meeting the guidelines in childhood is associated with higher adiposity 2 and 7 years later. Interventions are needed to increase adherence to the 24‐hour movement guidelines across childhood and adolescence.
Employability as a compass for career success: a time‐lagged test of a causal model
Authors: Lo Presti Alessandro , Magrin Maria Elena , Ingusci Emanuela
Published: September 2020

This study aimed at verifying the causal assumptions of a recent employability model examining the associations of employability with different clusters of predictors, and with both subjective and objective career success as outcomes. Through a time‐lagged research design, antecedent variables were assessed at time 1, employability at time 2 and career success at time 3. The initial sample included 1288 Italian employees. Among them, 680 participated to the second survey, and 600 to the third/last survey (attrition rate = 53.4%). Structural equation modelling analyses were implemented to examine associations between variables. Employability mediated the associations between core self‐evaluations, proactive personality and educational level on one side, and subjective career success on the other side. In regards to objective career success, employability mediated the effects by core self‐evaluations and proactive personality. Several implications for both research (i.e. employability and career success literature) and practice (individual‐ and organizational‐level interventions) can be drawn.
Impact of prebiotics on immune response: from the bench to the clinic
Authors: Pujari Radha , Banerjee Gautam
Published: September 2020

Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the immunomodulatory role exerted by prebiotics in regulating the immune response. In this review, we describe the mechanistic and clinical studies that decipher the cell signaling pathways implicated in the process. Prebiotic fibers are conventionally known to serve as substrate for probiotic commensal bacteria that release of short‐chain fatty acids in the intestinal tract along with several other metabolites. Subsequently, they then act on the local as well as the systemic immune cells and the gut‐associated epithelial cells, primarily through G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐mediated pathways. However, other pathways including histone deacetylase inhibition and inflammasome pathway have also been implicated in regulating the immunomodulatory effect. The prebiotics can also induce a microbiota‐independent effect by directly acting on the gut‐associated epithelial and innate immune cells through the Toll‐like receptors. The cumulative effect results in the maintenance of the epithelial barrier integrity and modulation of innate immunity through secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, switches in macrophage polarization and function, neutrophil recruitment and migration, dendritic cell and regulatory T‐cell differentiation. Extending these in vitro and ex vivo observations, some prebiotics have been well investigated, with successful human and animal trials demonstrating the association between gut microbes and immunity biomarkers leading to improvement in health endpoints across populations. This review discusses scientific insights into the association between prebiotics, innate immunity and gut microbiome from in vitro to human oral intervention.
Epidemiology and burden of illness of seasonal influenza among the elderly in Japan: A systematic literature review and vaccine effectiveness meta‐analysis
Authors: Taniguchi Kiyosu , Ikeda Shunya , Hagiwara Yuriko , Tsuzuki Daisuke , Klai Marwa , Sakai Yoko , Crawford Bruce , Nealon Joshua
Published: September 2020

Background

Elderly populations are particularly vulnerable to influenza and often require extensive clinical support. In Japan, nationwide passive surveillance monitors seasonal influenza but does not capture the full disease burden. We synthesized existing evidence on the epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness (VE), and economic burden of seasonal influenza in the elderly population.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and ICHUSHI were searched for articles on seasonal influenza in Japan, published between 1997 and 2018, in English or Japanese. Grey literature was also assessed. A random‐effects meta‐analysis characterized VE of influenza vaccines among studies reporting this information.

Results

Of 1,147 identified articles, 143 met inclusion criteria. Reported incidence rates varied considerably depending on study design, season, study setting and, most importantly, case definition. In nursing homes, the maximum reported attack rate was 55.2% and in the 16 articles reporting mortality rates, case fatality rates varied from 0.009% to 14.3%. Most hospitalizations were in people aged >60; healthcare costs were partially mitigated by vaccine administration. Meta‐analysis estimated overall VE of 19.1% (95% CI: 2.3% ‐ 33.0%) with a high proportion of heterogeneity (I2: 89.1%). There was a trend of lower VE in older people (40.1% [−57.3‐77.2] in the <65 group; 12.9% [−8.0‐29.8] in those 65; P = .21).

Conclusions

Despite differences between studies that make comparisons challenging, the influenza burden in elderly Japanese is significant. While vaccines are effective, current vaccination programs offer suboptimal protection. Health economic data and cost‐effectiveness analyses were limited and represent areas for policy‐relevant future research.
The relative effectiveness of different types of exercise for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia: Systematic review protocol
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Huang Xiuxiu , Li Bei , Cai Ying , Cao Peiye , Wan Qiaoqin
Published: September 2020

Aims

To investigate which type of exercise is the most effective for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

Background

Exercise is recommended as a promising intervention for people with cognitive impairment. However, which type of exercise is the most beneficial for people with MCI or dementia seems still unclear. The objective of this article is to assess the relative effectiveness of different types of exercise on cognitive function in people with MCI or dementia using network meta‐analysis.

Design

Systematic review, meta‐analysis, and network meta‐analysis.

Methods

We will systematically search electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. To avoid missing the eligible literature, we will examine the reference lists of systematic reviews publication since 2017. WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov will also be retrieved to identify eligible trials. Two independent researchers will identify the eligible trials according to selection criteria and extract data. The risk of bias for included studies will be assessed by two pairs of reviewers based on the modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Discrepancies or disagreement will be discussed and resolved. Data will be analysed using pairwise meta‐analysis and network meta‐analysis.

Discussion

This study will compare the relative effectiveness of different types of exercise and identify which type of exercise is the most effective for people with MCI or dementia.

Impact

The results of this review will provide evidence on which domains of cognitive function are more responsive to what type of exercise. It will also help guide nursing clinical practice to optimize exercise therapy in people with MCI or dementia.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020160620.
Long noncoding RNA LINC00346 promotes glioma cell migration, invasion and proliferation by up‐regulating ROCK1
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Deheng , Chen Lei , Hao Bin , Gao Yang , Li Liangdong , Zhou Changshuai , He Xiayun , Cao Yiqun
Published: September 2020

Long noncoding RNAs have key roles in glioma progression. However, the function and mechanisms of action of the long noncoding RNA, LINC00346, in glioma remain unclear. In our study, we observed that LINC00346 levels were increased in glioma tissue samples, and according to Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, its levels were related to disease‐free survival and overall survival rates, suggesting that a high level of LINC00346 expression corresponds to a poor prognosis. We next confirmed the high levels of LINC00346 expression in glioma tissues and cell lines and showed that LINC00346 knockdown suppressed glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion; promoted apoptosis; and delayed tumour growth. Moreover, the oncogenic function of LINC00346 may be explained, in part, by the down‐regulation of miR‐340‐5p and the de‐repression of ROCK1. We showed that LINC00346 may function as a competing endogenous RNA of miR‐340‐5p, thereby de‐repressing ROCK1. This study revealed a new regulatory network in glioma and identified potential therapeutic targets for this cancer.