bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of house dust mite sensitization profiles in allergic adults from Canada, Europe, South Africa and USA
Authors: Muddaluru Varun , Valenta Rudolf , Vrtala Susanne , Schlederer Thomas , Hindley James , Hickey Pascal , Larché Mark , Tonti Elena
Published: January 2021

Background

Sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) is a leading cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Despite more than 30 HDM‐derived allergens having been identified to date, specific therapeutic approaches do not yet take into account the local sensitization profiles of patients. This study aimed to identify patterns of HDM sensitization in HDM‐allergic adults living in distinct geographic areas, to inform the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Methods

Serum samples from 685 HDM‐allergic subjects from Canada, Europe, South Africa, and the USA were tested for levels of IgE specific for 17 micro‐arrayed HDM allergens by ImmunoCAP Immuno Solid‐phase Allergen Chip (ISAC) technology.

Results

The results confirmed significant geographical variability in sensitization patterns and levels of IgE. In all areas, the major sensitizers were the group 1 and group 2 allergens and Der p 23. Der p 23 was a frequent sensitizer: 64% of the subjects had IgE specific for Der p 23, and 2.3% were monosensitized to it. In South Africa, Der p 23 was the dominant HDM allergen (86% prevalence) and Der p 7 achieved major allergen status (56%). IgE sensitization to HDM was influenced by asthmatic status, levels of allergen exposure, age, race‐ethnicity and smoking status, but not by BMI.

Conclusion

Sensitization profiles to HDM allergens differ considerably among distinct geographic areas, with Der p 7 and Der p 23 being major sensitizers in South Africa. Such heterogeneity should be taken into account in the diagnosis and treatment of HDM‐allergic patients.
Data from 14,597 penile measurements of vietnamese men
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Bac , Pham Minh Quan , Nguyen Cao Thang , Sansone Andrea , Colonnello Elena , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Penis size is a highly sensitive topic, which has often raised concerns associated with human masculinity and male sexual health. Although data regarding penile dimensions have been published worldwide, little is known about these measurements in South‐East Asian countries.

Objective

This study aimed to provide the reference range in penile length, circumference, and diameter of Vietnamese men and their variations among men with erectile dysfunction and other diseases.

Materials and Methods

Information about flaccid length, stretched length, mid‐shaft circumference, and glans diameter from the health records of 14,597 men attending the Andrology Consultation was collected. These men were classified into three groups being regular reproductive health screening group, sexual dysfunction group, and other disease groups.

Results

We found that penile dimensions follow a non‐parametric distribution, as tested by Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test. The median values are 9.03 cm for flaccid length, 14.67 cm for stretched length, 8.39 cm for mid‐shaft circumference, and 2.86 cm for unaroused glans diameter. Length and girth of the penis also changed among the different groups, especially in flaccid state; specifically, men with erectile dysfunction had a greater value in all penile dimensions except for change ratio compared with other groups. Circumcision, which rarely occurs in Vietnam, was associated with a 2 mm reduced penis length.

Discussion

Findings on correlations between penile dimensions and somatometric parameters from previous studies are questionable and some measurements, such as glans dimension, have not been thoroughly investigated so far. Nevertheless, penile dimensions provide useful insight concerning conditions affecting sexual development and might be a valuable parameter in the assessment of erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

Results of this study provide informative materials for the assessment of penile size, including reference values drawn from a large sample of Vietnamese men that can be useful in clinical practice and sexual health education.
Impact of upper tract urothelial carcinoma on response to BCG in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Bree Kelly K. , Hensley Patrick J. , Brooks Nathan A. , Matulay Justin , Li Roger , Nogueras Gonzalez Graciela M. , Navai Neema , Grossman Herbert Barton , Matin Surena F. , Dinney Colin P. N. , Kamat Ashish M.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the impact of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) on bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) response and progression in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Patients and Methods

We performed an institutional review board‐approved review of patients with NMIBC treated with adequate intravesical BCG, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration, at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Patients were stratified by presence of any UTUC and time of UTUC diagnosis (preceding vs synchronous to NMIBC diagnosis or metachronous disease after NMIBC diagnosis). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data overall and by groups, and t‐tests or Wilcoxon’s rank sum tests and Pearson’s chi‐squared or Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyse continuous and categorical data, respectively.

Results

Of 541 patients with NMIBC treated with adequate BCG, 59 (10.9 %) were diagnosed with UTUC. Of these, 34 had a history of UTUC prior to NMIBC (UTUC‐P; median [interquartile range {IQR}] 13.1 [7.4–27.6] months prior), while 25 developed UTUC after diagnosis of NMIBC (six synchronous and 19 metachronous; median [IQR] 12.1 [1.7–28.1] months after). Compared to the non‐UTUC group, patients with UTUC‐P were more likely to exhibit Tis without papillary tumour in the bladder (20.6% vs 5.0%; P < 0.001), but were less likely to have T1 disease on index transurethral resection (8.8% vs 49.4%; P < 0.001). Patients with UTUC‐P developed more recurrences (55.9% vs 34.0%; P = 0.010), any stage/grade progression (23.5% vs 9.8%; P = 0.012) and progression to muscle‐invasive or metastatic disease (17.6% vs 6.4%; P = 0.014). The presence of high‐grade UTUC‐P compared to low‐grade UTUC‐P was associated with increased NMIBC recurrence (68.2% vs 25.0%; P = 0.049). There was no significant difference in rates of recurrence or progression based on timing of UTUC with respect to the index bladder tumour, although this analysis was limited by small numbers.

Conclusions

Presence of UTUC prior to a diagnosis of NMIBC was associated with an almost twofold increased recurrence and progression rates after adequate BCG therapy. This should be considered when counselling patients and designing cohorts for clinical trials.
Long‐term monitoring of seed dispersal by Asian elephants in a Sundaland rainforest
Authors: Tan Wei Harn , Hii Adeline , Solana‐Mena Alicia , Wong Ee Phin , Loke Vivienne P. W. , Tan Ange S. L. , Kromann‐Clausen Anders , Hii Ning , bin Pura Param , bin Tunil Muhamad Tauhid , A/L Din Sudin , Chin Chiew Foan , Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa
Published: January 2021

Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) have inhabited almost all forests in tropical Asia until recently, yet little is known about their role in ecological processes, particularly in the Sundaic forests of South‐East Asia. These forests are peculiar in their phenology, with supra‐annual and highly irregular episodes of mast fruiting. Here, we present a long‐term (6‐year) monitoring of the seeds dispersed by elephants in dipterocarp forests of northern Peninsular Malaysia. We conducted monthly dung surveys at two mineral licks (11.3 km apart) frequently visited by elephants. Additionally, we recorded haphazard observations of seeds and seedlings in elephant dung at other locations. We recorded a minimum of 48 morphospecies from at least 25 plant families dispersed by elephants. Elephant seed dispersal was very heterogenous in space, with only 30.3% of the morphospecies dispersed at both sites (Jaccard dissimilarity index = 0.48). Temporally, elephants dispersed seeds in sporadic pulses of abundance and diversity, without any apparent seasonality (seeds appeared in 19.1% of 1,284 dung piles and 57.1% of the 63 months in which we found dung) and with long periods without any seed being dispersed. Nearly half (48%) of the plants dispersed by elephants belong to a megafaunal dispersal syndrome. Our long‐term approach allowed us to unravel an important aspect of Asian elephants’ role and effectiveness in the seed dispersal cycle. Sundaland's forests are undergoing a rapid loss of their previously common megaherbivores (rhinos and elephants), with profound and long‐term consequences for ecosystem functioning.

Abstract in Malay is available with online material.
Conservation resource allocation, small population resiliency, and the fallacy of conservation triage
Authors: Wiedenfeld David A. , Alberts Allison C. , Angulo Ariadne , Bennett Elizabeth L. , Byers Onnie , Contreras‐MacBeath Topiltzin , Drummond Gláucia , da Fonseca Gustavo A. B. , Gascon Claude , Harrison Ian , Heard Nicolas , Hochkirch Axel , Konstant William , Langhammer Penny F. , Langrand Olivier , Launay Frederic , Lebbin Daniel J. , Lieberman Susan , Long Barney , Lu Zhi , Maunder Michael , Mittermeier Russell A. , Molur Sanjay , Khalifa al Mubarak Razan , Parr Michael J. , Ratsimbazafy Jonah , Rhodin Anders G. J. , Rylands Anthony B. , Sanderson Jim , Sechrest Wes , Soorae Pritpal , Supriatna Jatna , Upgren Amy , Vié Jean‐Christophe , Zhang Li
Published: January 2021

Some conservation prioritization methods are based on the assumption that conservation needs overwhelm current resources and not all species can be conserved; therefore, a conservation triage scheme (i.e., when the system is overwhelmed, species should be divided into three groups based on likelihood of survival, and efforts should be focused on those species in the group with the best survival prospects and reduced or denied to those in the group with no survival prospects and to those in the group not needing special efforts for their conservation) is necessary to guide resource allocation. We argue that this decision‐making strategy is not appropriate because resources are not as limited as often assumed, and it is not evident that there are species that cannot be conserved. Small population size alone, for example, does not doom a species to extinction; plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals offer examples. Although resources dedicated to conserving all threatened species are insufficient at present, the world's economic resources are vast, and greater resources could be dedicated toward species conservation. The political framework for species conservation has improved, with initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other international agreements, funding mechanisms such as The Global Environment Facility, and the rise of many nongovernmental organizations with nimble, rapid‐response small grants programs. For a prioritization system to allow no extinctions, zero extinctions must be an explicit goal of the system. Extinction is not inevitable, and should not be acceptable. A goal of no human‐induced extinctions is imperative given the irreversibility of species loss.
Adhesion molecules as diagnostic and severity biomarkers in pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Tanır Basaranoglu Sevgen , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Aykac Kubra , Iyigun Irem , Satirer Ozlem , Akin Mustafa Senol , Ceyhan Mehmet
Published: January 2021

Background

Discrimination of the cases with severe and mild pneumonia is crucial due to the requirement of hospitalization, additional management, and treatment protocols. We aimed to analyze the role of IL6 (Interleukin), IL8, IL10, VCAM‐1 (soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule), and sSELE (soluble E‐selectin) in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

Pediatric patients with severe pneumonia (SP) were hospitalized and patients with mild disease (MP) were treated in the community. IL6, IL8, IL10, VCAM‐1, and sSELE levels of the patients were investigated and compared with the age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects.

Results

A total of 113 patients fulfilling the criteria for a diagnosis of CAP were enrolled in the study, 62 (54.8%) of which had SP and 51 (45%) had MP. MP and SP groups were significantly different in terms of IL8, IL10, and sSELE levels. Patients with SP and MP had significantly different WBC, ESR, and CRP values, as well.

Conclusions

Besides classical acute phase parameters, inflammatory response parameters such as IL6 and VCAM‐1 levels may be helpful in diagnosis of pneumonia. In terms of determination of disease severity in pediatric CAP, systemic inflammatory markers like IL8 and IL10 and adhesion molecules like sSELE seem useful in clinical settings.
Ivabradine plus conventional treatment vs conventional treatment alone in reducing the mean heart rate in heart transplant recipients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: dos Santos Carolina Casadei , Rossi Neto Joao Manoel , Finger Marco Aurelio , Timerman Ari , Contreras Carlos , Chaccur Paulo
Published: January 2021

The absence of afferent nerves for heart rate (HR) regulation leaves the transplanted heart under the influence of its internal and hormonal control. The HR of heart transplantation (HTx) recipients varies from to 90–110 bpm, indicating a lack of vagal parasympathetic tone. We hypothesized that the reduction in mean HR using an If‐channel antagonist (ivabradine) could be effective and safe in HTx recipients. The primary objective of this open‐label randomized clinical trial was to compare the mean HR at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after randomization between an ivabradine plus conventional treatment group (IG) and conventional treatment alone group (CG). The secondary objectives were reduction in mortality, graft dysfunction, and ventricular mass. All patients were randomized between 1 and 12 months after HTx. Ivabradine started at randomization. Of the 35 patients, 54.28% were in the CG and 45.72% in the IG. There were no significant between‐group differences in demographics. Over time, the HR differences between the groups became significant (P < .01). There were no significant between‐group differences in mortality, graft dysfunction, and ventricular mass. We conclude that ivabradine could effectively and consistently reduce the HR in HTx recipients.
Service‐Level Agreement with Dynamic Inventory Policy: The Effect of the Performance Review Period and the Incentive Structure
Authors: Hosseinifard Zahra , Shao Lusheng , Talluri Srinivas
Published: January 2021

Performance measures are often outlined in the section of the service‐level agreement (SLA) of the contract between a supplier and a retailer. They are monitored periodically, and penalty and/or bonus payments are imposed in each performance review period, according to the SLA clauses. Previous studies have mostly considered a static inventory policy in analyzing SLAs. However, in practice, the supplier may have an opportunity to adjust the stock level in each inventory review period, according to the observed performance. This study analyzes the dynamic stocking decision for a supplier facing an SLA where the supplier sells a single product to the retailer. The ready rate is used to measure the performance in an SLA. To this end, models for both lump‐sum and linear penalty/bonus structures are developed, and the optimal stocking decisions for a strategic supplier are calculated using the stochastic dynamic programming approach. The results are then compared with the optimal static inventory policy, and new insights are derived to efficiently design an inventory system for the suppliers that are subject to service‐level incentives. In addition, we investigate the impact of SLA parameters—such as the length of the performance review period and incentive structures—on a supplier's performance, with the probability of meeting or exceeding the target service levels and the supplier's cost. We also consider the impact of demand distribution and inventory holding costs. Results show that under lump‐sum incentives, a longer performance review period benefits both the supplier and the buyer, given that the average ready rate increases with less variability as the length of the performance review period increases, leading to decrements in the supplier's total costs. In this scenario, there is a higher chance of gaining bonuses/avoiding penalties for a strategic supplier who adopts a dynamic inventory policy. On the other hand, under linear incentives, the impact of the performance review period on the supplier's cost and the performance measure (i.e., ready rate) is complicated and depends on the magnitude of the holding cost and the bonus and/or penalty structure of the contract. Under this scheme, the performance of a static inventory policy is highly dependent on the holding cost because a high holding cost may lead to failure to meet the contract requirements in terms of the service level.
“Look! It is not a bamoule!”: 18‐ and 24‐month‐olds can use negative sentences to constrain their interpretation of novel word meanings
Authors: de Carvalho Alex , Crimon Cécile , Barrault Axel , Trueswell John , Christophe Anne
Published: January 2021

Two word‐learning experiments were conducted to investigate the understanding of negative sentences in 18‐ and 24‐month‐old children. In Experiment 1, after learning that bamoule means “penguin” and pirdaling means “cartwheeling,” 18‐month‐olds (n = 48) increased their looking times when listening to negative sentences rendered false by their visual context (“Look! It is not a bamoule!” while watching a video showing a penguin cartwheeling); however, they did not change their looking behavior when negative sentences were rendered true by their context (“Look! It is not pirdaling!” while watching a penguin spinning). In Experiment 2, 24‐month‐olds (n = 48) were first exposed to a teaching phase in which they saw a new cartoon character on a television (e.g., a blue monster). Participants in the affirmative condition listened to sentences like “It's a bamoule!” and participants in the negative condition listened to sentences like “It's not a bamoule!.” At test, all participants were asked to find the bamoule while viewing two images: the familiar character from the teaching phase versus a novel character (e.g., a red monster). Results showed that participants in the affirmative condition looked more to the familiar character (i.e., they learned the familiar character was a bamoule) than participants in the negative condition. Together, these studies provide the first evidence for the understanding of negative sentences during the second year of life. The ability to understand negative sentences so early might support language acquisition, providing infants with a tool to constrain the space of possibilities for word meanings.
Brucellosis aortitis: An interesting case
Authors: Joghataie Pegah , Salahi Sarvenaz , Hosseini Leila , Rezaeian Nahid
Published: January 2021

A 24‐year‐old woman referred to our radiology department with the diagnosis of new positive blood culture brucellosis and severe aortic regurgitation for evaluation of periaortic thickening. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging elegantly revealed the presence of active aortitis, most probably caused by brucellosis.
Left ventricular and atrial global strain evaluation within subtypes of ventricular remodeling
Authors: Espinola‐Zavaleta Nilda , Antonio‐Villa Neftali Eduardo , Briseño‐Diaz Nidia , Oregel‐Camacho Diego , Camacho‐Camacho Gyselle , Keirns Candace , Alexanderson‐Rosas Erick
Published: January 2021

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with poor prognosis and adverse events. Left ventricular and left atrial global strain and left atrial reservoir strain (LV‐GS; LA‐GS; LA‐RS) could be used as markers for myocardial function in different ventricular remodeling forms. This study aimed to evaluate LV‐GS and LA‐GS scores in different ventricular remodeling variants and identify risk factors for myocardial dysfunction.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study was divided into four groups of ventricular remodeling: normal geometry, eccentric hypertrophy (EH), concentric hypertrophy (CH), and concentric remodeling (CR). Strain analysis was obtained using standardized protocols.

We included 121 subjects, 33 with previous myocardial infarction (MI). We found that EH had the lowest LV‐GS and CH, the lowest LA‐GS, and LA‐RS. Atrial and ventricular dysfunction was present in 40 (33%) and 14 (11.5%) subjects, respectively. Smoking, male sex, and previous MI were associated with LV dysfunction and smoking and dyslipidemia with LA dysfunction; EH was closely associated with LV dysfunction and CH with LA dysfunction.

Conclusions

We conclude that different ventricular geometry types had echocardiographic profiles associated with different risk factors for dysfunction assessed by strain. The assessment of ventricular remodeling by global strain could be used as a complementary tool in the echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular and atrial function.
Integrated care and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and comorbidities
Authors: Proietti Marco , Vitolo Marco , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: January 2021

Background

Integrated care for management of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients has been associated with a reduction in adverse events. The ‘Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway’ has been proposed to streamline such integrated management. In this paper, we analysed the impact of ABC pathway adherent clinical management on outcomes in AF patients with high‐risk ‘metabolic’ comorbidities (i.e. diabetes mellitus [DM], chronic kidney disease [CKD], metabolic syndrome [MetS].

Methods

Patients from the SPORTIF III and V trials and with available data to evaluate ABC criteria were analysed. DM, CKD and MetS were evaluated according to baseline data. A composite of major adverse cardiovascular events and all‐cause death was the study outcome.

Results

A total of 3637 patients (median age 72 [IQR 66‐77], 30.3% female) were analysed. DM was evident in 23.4%, CKD in 25.8% and MetS in 31.5% among the overall cohort. Respectively, 23.2% were ABC pathway adherent in the DM subgroup, 21.2% in CKD and 23.7% in MetS subgroups. Composite outcome occurred less frequently in patients managed adherent to ABC pathway than those nonadherents, in all three groups. In the final multivariate model, ABC adherent care was inversely associated with a lower risk of composite outcome in the DM (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23‐0.88), CKD (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.36‐0.98) and MetS (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19‐0.71) subgroups.

Conclusions

In high‐risk AF patients with DM, CKD and MetS, ABC pathway adherent management was associated with a lowered risk of the composite outcome of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular and all‐cause death.
Eric Williams and William Forbes: copper, colonial markets, and commercial capitalism†
Authors: Zahedieh Nuala
Published: January 2021

Eric Williams placed the Caribbean centre stage in discussions of Britain's industrial revolution and historians are increasingly persuaded by his intuition that the Atlantic trading system, underpinned by enslaved labour, played a major role. Early critics focused discussion on the profits of the slave trade but his thesis was broader, and more sophisticated, than they acknowledged. It left room for linkages of many kinds and it is now time to take a broader look at the connections between the rise of merchant capitalism, in which slavery played a central role, and British economic growth. This study looks at one small, fast‐growing industry, wrought copper, largely through the lens of William Forbes, a London smith. Quantitative data from output and trade records are combined with Forbes's business records to show how the demands of sugar cultivation, a particularly concentrated form of agro‐industrial activity, stimulated the development of a supply network which chained thousands of workers in Cornwall, South Wales, Bristol, and London to enslaved labour in the fields and factories of the Caribbean. Market opportunities allowed Forbes to amass great wealth but also directed investment, innovation, and the accumulation of skills that shaped Britain's particular path to industrial revolution.
Inconsistent effects of agricultural practices on soil fungal communities across 12 European long‐term experiments
Authors: Hannula Silja Emilia , Di Lonardo Dominico Paolo , Christensen Bent T. , Crotty Felicity V. , Elsen Annemie , van Erp Peter J. , Hansen Elly M. , Rubæk Gitte H. , Tits Mia , Toth Zoltan , Termorshuizen Aad J.
Published: January 2021

Cropping practices have a great potential to improve soil quality through changes in soil biota. Yet the effects of these soil‐improving cropping systems on soil fungal communities are not well known. Here, we analysed soil fungal communities using standardized measurements in 12 long‐term experiments and 20 agricultural treatments across Europe. We were interested in whether the same practices (i.e., tillage, fertilization, organic amendments and cover crops) applied across different sites have predictable and repeatable effects on soil fungal communities and guilds. The fungal communities were very variable across sites located in different soil types and climatic regions. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were the fungal guild with most unique species in individual sites, whereas plant pathogenic fungi were most shared between the sites. The fungal communities responded to the cropping practices differently in different sites and only fertilization showed a consistent effect on AMF and plant pathogenic fungi, whereas the responses to tillage, cover crops and organic amendments were site, soil and crop‐species specific. We further show that the crop yield is negatively affected by cropping practices aimed at improving soil health. Yet, we show that these practices have the potential to change the fungal communities and that change in plant pathogenic fungi and in AMF is linked to the yield. We further link the soil fungal community and guilds to soil abiotic characteristics and reveal that especially Mn, K, Mg and pH affect the composition of fungi across sites. In summary, we show that fungal communities vary considerably between sites and that there are no clear directional responses in fungi or fungal guilds across sites to soil‐improving cropping systems, but that the responses vary based on soil abiotic conditions, crop type and climatic conditions.

Highlights

Soil fungi were analysed using standardized measurements in 12 long‐term experiments and 20 agricultural treatments

Fungal communities responded to the cropping practices differently at different sites

Only reduced fertilization showed a consistent effect on AMF and plant pathogenic fungi, whereas the responses to tillage, cover crops and organic amendments were site specific.

Fungal community structure varied significantly between sites, crops and climate conditions; therefore, more cross‐site studies are needed in order to manage beneficial soil fungi in agricultural systems.
Importance of the leader peptide sequence on the lanthipeptide secretion level
Authors: Lagedroste Marcel , Smits Sander H.J. , Schmitt Lutz
Published: January 2021

Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides. Their precursor peptide comprises of an N‐terminal leader peptide and a C‐terminal core peptide. Here, the leader peptide is crucial for enzyme recognition especially for the modification enzymes and acts furthermore as a secretion signal for the lanthipeptide exporter. The core peptide is the target site for the posttranslational modifications and contains dehydrated amino acids and lanthionine rings. Nisin produced by the Gram‐positive bacterium Lactococcus lactis is one of the best‐studied lanthipeptides and used as a model system to study their modification and secretion processes. Nisin is secreted as a precursor peptide. Here, we present an in vivo secretion analysis of NisT in the absence of the modification machinery allowing the secretion of leader peptide mutants and their impact solely on the secretion activity of NisT. Additionally, we created leader peptide hybrids to provide new insights, how the secretion is effected by unnatural leader peptides. The focus on the secretion activity of the transporter alone enabled us to determine the recognition site of NisT within the leader peptide of nisin.
Dynamics and multi‐annual fate of atmospherically deposited nitrogen in montane tropical forests
Authors: Wang Ang , Chen Dexiang , Phillips Oliver L. , Gundersen Per , Zhou Xulun , Gurmesa Geshere A. , Li Shanlong , Zhu Weixing , Hobbie Erik A. , Wang Xueyan , Fang Yunting
Published: January 2021

The effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on forests largely depend on its fate after entering the ecosystem. While several studies have addressed the forest fate of N deposition using 15N tracers, the long‐term fate and redistribution of deposited N in tropical forests remains unknown. Here, we applied 15N tracers to examine the fates of deposited ammonium () and nitrate () separately over 3 years in a primary and a secondary tropical montane forest in southern China. Three months after 15N tracer addition, over 60% of 15N was retained in the forests studied. Total ecosystem retention did not change over the study period, but between 3 months and 3 years following deposition 15N recovery in plants increased from 10% to 19% and 13% to 22% in the primary and secondary forests, respectively, while 15N recovery in the organic soil declined from 16% to 2% and 9% to 2%. Mineral soil retained 50% and 35% of 15N in the primary and secondary forests, with retention being stable over time. The total ecosystem retention of the two N forms did not differ significantly, but plants retained more than and the organic soil more than . Mineral soil did not differ in and retention. Compared to temperate forests, proportionally more 15N was distributed to mineral soil and plants in these tropical forests. Overall, our results suggest that atmospherically deposited and is rapidly lost in the short term (months) but thereafter securely retained within the ecosystem, with retained N becoming redistributed to plants and mineral soil from the organic soil. This long‐term N retention may benefit tropical montane forest growth and enhance ecosystem carbon sequestration.
Improving lignocellulosic biofuel production by CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated lignin modification in barley
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Won Hyo Jun , Hoang Nguyen Tran Phuong , Lee Sun‐mi , Kim Ho‐Youn , Jung Je Hyeong
Published: January 2021

Barley is a major cereal crop with a wide ecological range, and its lignocellulosic residues have the potential to be used as a feedstock for various purposes, including biofuel production. Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable source of carbon energy. However, its heterogeneous properties and intrinsic recalcitrance caused by cell wall lignification have lowered the biorefinery efficiency. The reduced lignin content and/or altered lignin structure have been desirable traits for lignocellulosic feedstock. We report the reduction of lignin content in barley by CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis of caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase 1 (HvCOMT1), the lignin biosynthetic gene responsible for lignin syringyl unit formation. The transgene‐free, homozygous HvCOMT1 mutant was generated and analyzed for its cell wall composition, saccharification efficiency, and bioethanol production performance. The mutant had 14% lower total lignin content and 34% higher fermentable glucose recovery rate, compared to the wild‐type (WT). The bioethanol concentration and yield from the hydrolysates of the mutant biomass were 14.3 g/L and 0.46 g/g total sugar, respectively. This result was 34% and 12% higher than those obtained from WT (10.7 g/L and 0.41 g/g total sugar). Under controlled environmental conditions, the overall growth performance of the HvCOMT1 mutant was similar to WT, with no distinct morphological variations between them. The HvCOMT1 mutant barley could offer improved quality lignocellulosic feedstock for efficient lignocellulosic biofuel production.
Tempered disruption: Gender and agricultural professional services
Authors: Sheridan Alison , Newsome Lucie
Published: January 2021

Agriculture has traditionally been framed as men's work, while women's contributions to the sector have largely been rendered invisible. This article examines the emerging agricultural professional services sector, asking how a changing environment for agriculture may be disrupting traditional gender norms framing agricultural employment. Drawing together the literature in gender and agriculture, professional services and entrepreneurship and interviews with 22 women who have built businesses in agricultural professional services in Australia, our analysis identifies that a confluence of macro and micro activities are shaping new opportunities for women in agricultural employment. Through leveraging a changing industry environment, exercising agency, (valuing) local matters and communion, participants are disturbing traditional gendered patterns of agricultural employment. Our analysis highlights how, as participants build their businesses and demonstrate agency in a dynamic environment, they value the integrating, reconciling, and synthesizing they experience from supporting the flow of activities in their communities. In claiming their space in the changing landscape of agricultural professional services, they exemplify communion enriched by agency, and we see a tempered disruption of the gendered norms in agricultural employment. The article contributes to scholarship on agricultural professional work and identifies how historical patterns of employment and masculine privilege are being disrupted.
Release of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory peptides from salmon (Salmosalar) skin collagen based on digestion–intestinal absorption invitro
Authors: Ritian Jin , Teng Xiangyu , Liao Minhe , Zhang Ligang , Wei Zikai , Meng Ran , Liu Ning
Published: January 2021

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) was considered to be a crucial target for type 2 diabetes, and food‐derived peptides were superior source of DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides. The purpose of this investigation was to identify inhibitory peptides from salmon skin collagen using simulated digestion combined with Caco‐2 cell monolayer membrane model. The analysis in silico showed that TKLPAVF and YLNF were potential inhibitory peptides. Determination of the inhibition activity showed that the IC50 values of TKLPVAF and YLNF were 242.10 ± 3.40 and 146.90 ± 4.40 µm, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that seven hydrogen bonds were formed between YLNF and key residues of DPP‐IV. YLNF may be considered a novel DPP‐IV inhibitory peptide. In addition, YLNF could be transported by Caco‐2 cell monolayer membrane in intact, and the apparent permeability coefficient value was (3.54 ± 0.34) × 10‐6 cm s−1 at 5 mm.
Heparin versus 0.9% saline solution to maintain patency of totally implanted venous access ports in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Hong , Chen Li‐Chan , Liu Gen‐Li , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Chen Xi‐Sui
Published: January 2021

Aim

The use of heparin and 0.9% saline solution is always controversial for central venous catheters. However, there is no systematic review or guideline about whether saline solution can replace heparin solution in adult cancer patients with totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs). The purpose of this review is to evaluate whether saline solution can replace heparin saline to lock TIVAPs.

Methods

The following databases were searched: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and Ovid (January 1, 1982, and February 21, 2020). All statistical analyses of the meta‐analysis were completed using the Review Manager 5.3.

Results

A total of 201 studies were identified from these databases after initial review, and four studies met inclusion criteria, including 2652 cases. There was little heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 < 30%), and all analyses were conducted by the fixed‐effects model. The total complications, catheter occlusions, catheter‐related bloodstream infections and other complication rates in the heparin solution group were higher than in the saline solution group. In the subgroup analysis of heparin concentration, total complication rates in the saline solution group were higher than with 50 U of heparin and lower than with 100 U of heparin. However, the differences in these complications were small, and no significant difference was observed (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on existing clinical studies, we recommend that saline solution can replace 50 or 100 U/ml of heparin as a safe and effective flush solution for TIVAPs.
Ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for female urethral stricture
Authors: Coguplugil Adem Emrah , Ebiloglu Turgay , Sarikaya Selcuk , Yilmaz Sercan , Topuz Bahadir , Gurdal Mesut
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Female urethral stricture is a rare disease. Urethroplasty with different techniques using grafts or flaps are successful treatment options. The objective of this study was to present our experience with ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for the treatment of female urethral stricture disease.

Methods

Eight female patients treated with ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty were identified retrospectively. Patient evaluation included physical examination, uroflowmetry with postvoid residual urine measurement, videourodynamics and urethrocystoscopy. Stricture was identified by videourethrography and/or urethrocystoscopy. Urodynamic evidence of stricture was considered as a persistent low maximum flow rate of <12 mL/s combined with detrusor pressure at maximum measured flow rate of >20 cmH2O in the pressure flow study.

Results

The mean age was 50.5 ± 4.14 years. Stricture etiology was idiopathic (62.5%) or iatrogenic (37.5%). Two patients (25%) had undergone prior urethral dilations before buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty. Mean stricture length was 1.62 ± 0.44 cm. Stricture location was as follows: four distal urethra (50%), two mid‐distal (25%) and two mid‐urethra (25%). The mean postoperative follow‐up period was 16.37 ± 5.75 months, and the during follow‐up success rate was 100%. No complication, such as incontinence or vaginal fistula, was noted, except dyspareunia developed in one patient (12.5%).

Conclusions

Ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty is a safe and effective treatment option for female urethral stricture. Unnecessary dilation should not be carried out and buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty in expert centers should be recommended to these patients.
The many faces of islet antigen‐specific CD8 T cells: clues to clinical outcome in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wiedeman Alice E , Speake Cate , Long Sarah Alice
Published: January 2021

Immune monitoring enables a better understanding of disease processes and response to therapy, but has been challenging in the setting of chronic autoimmunity because of unknown etiology, variable and protracted kinetics of the disease process, heterogeneity across patients and the complexity of immune interactions. To begin to parse this complexity, we focus here on type 1 diabetes (T1D) and CD8 T cells as a cell type that has features that are associated with different stages of disease, rates of progression and response to therapy. Specifically, we discuss the current understanding of the role of autoreactive CD8 T cells in disease outcome, which implicates particular CD8 functional subsets, rather than unique antigens or total number of autoreactive T cells. Next, we discuss how autoreactive CD8 T‐cell features can be reflected in measures of global CD8 T cells, and then pull these concepts together by highlighting immune therapies recently shown to modulate both CD8 T cells and disease progression. We end by discussing outstanding questions about the role of specific subsets of autoreactive CD8 T cells in disease progression and how they may be optimally modulated to treat and prevent T1D.
Are Minimum Wage Effects Greater in Low‐Wage Areas?
Authors: Godoey Anna , Reich Michael
Published: January 2021

Empirical work on the minimum wage typically estimates effects averaged across high‐ and low‐wage areas. Low‐wage labor markets could potentially be less able to absorb minimum wage increases, in turn leading to more negative employment effects. In this article, we examine minimum wage effects in low‐wage counties, where relative minimum wage ratios reach as high as 0.82, well beyond the state‐based ratios in extant studies. Using data from the American Community Survey, the Quarterly Workforce Indicators, and the Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages, we implement event study and difference‐in‐differences methods, estimating average causal effects for all events in our sample and separately for areas with lower and higher impacts. We find positive wage effects, especially in high‐impact counties, but do not detect adverse effects on employment, weekly hours, or annual weeks worked. We do not find negative employment effects among women, Blacks, and/or Hispanics. In high‐impact counties, we find substantial declines in household and child poverty. These results inform policy debates about providing exemptions to a $15 federal minimum wage in low‐wage areas.
Systematic review: An exploration of core componentry characterizing effective sustained nurse home visiting programs
Authors: Beatson Ruth , Molloy Carly , Perini Nicholas , Harrop Christopher , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: January 2021

Aims

To identify the core components or potential ‘active ingredients’ of sustained nurse home visiting (SNHV) programs that have demonstrated positive effects on maternal or child health, psychosocial development, or self‐sufficiency outcomes among disadvantaged families in high‐income countries.

Design

Systematic review with narrative summary.

Data sources

Programs were identified from searches of several reputable evidence clearing houses and the following bibliographic databases: Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Year of publication was originally restricted from 2008 ‐2018, with additional searches conducted up to 2019.

Review methods

This review of SNHV program componentry builds on a previous evaluation of program effectiveness. Programs were selected for inclusion if they had been tested in a randomized or cluster‐randomized controlled trial (RCT/CRCT). Componentry characteristics related to program delivery, nurse provider, and outcome‐specific intervention content were then extracted.

Results

Comparison of the seven eligible programs showed seven common core components: antenatal commencement, support to child age 2 years, at least 19 scheduled visits and experienced or highly qualified nurses with program‐specific training, caseloads of approximately 25 families, regular supervision, and multidisciplinary supports. Outcome‐specific program content was generally not well reported.

Conclusion

The findings from this review have utility in guiding the development of minimum standard benchmarks and best‐practice recommendations for SNHV programs and call for more detailed publication of core content componentry in the SNHV literature.

Impact

Identification of the core componentry underpinning program effectiveness should inform policy decisions on program selection, adaptation for specific populations, and quality control. Such evidence‐based decision‐making should in turn lead to better maternal and child outcomes among disadvantaged families in high‐income countries, reducing societal and economic burdens of inequity.
The effect of posterior wall isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation on recurrent arrhythmia
Authors: Tokioka Sayuri , Fukamizu Seiji , Kimura Takashi , Takahashi Masao , Kitamura Takeshi , Hojo Rintaro
Published: January 2021

Introduction

It is important to consider recurrent arrhythmia after catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) for planning an ablation strategy. However, the studies are limited to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus posterior wall isolation (PWI), which were reported to improve procedural outcomes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of PWI on recurrent arrhythmia.

Methods

This is an observational study on patients with persistent AF comparing PVI plus PWI and PVI only strategies. In PVI plus PWI group, linear ablation of the left atrium roofline and bottom line were performed to achieve PWI after PVI. Some patients with AF recurrence underwent the second procedure. The presence of recurrent arrhythmia and results of the second procedures were evaluated.

Results

A total of 181 patients (mean age, 66.9 ± 10.2 years; male, 76.8%) were included. PVI plus PWI group and PVI only group consisted of 90 and 91 patients, respectively. AF recurrence was observed in 28 of 90 (31.1%) patients with PVI plus PWI and in 43 of 91 (47.3%) with PVI only, and log‐rank test did not show any significant difference (p = .35). The occurrence of recurrent persistent AF was significantly lower in PVI plus PWI group than in PVI only group (5/90; 5.6% vs. 18/91; 20.9%, p = .002). There was no significant difference between the two groups in recurrent paroxysmal AF and atrial tachycardia (AT).

Conclusion

PWI, in addition to PVI, for persistent AF was significantly related to fewer episodes of recurrent persistent AF, and it did not increase recurrent AT.
Comparison of burst versus ramp antitachycardia pacing therapy for ventricular tachycardia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: de Sousa Marcos R. , Cota Gláucia F. , Burger Achim L. , Pezawas Thomas
Published: January 2021

Current guidelines recommend at least one attempt of defibrillator antitachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy, showing preference for burst therapy. The objective of this study is to compare ramp versus burst ATP therapy proportion of success and acceleration in treating spontaneous or induced ventricular tachycardia (VT). The review protocol was previously published in PROSPERO. Data synthesis and measures of heterogeneity (I2) was performed by CMA® software v.3 comparing proportions in both groups. Sensitivity analysis was performed as subgroup or meta‐regression according to quality, clinical characteristics, and differences in design. Thirteen studies including 30,117 VT episodes in 1672 patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the proportion of success between burst and ramp therapy in spontaneous VT (odds ratio = 1.116; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.788–1.579; I2 = 89%). There was no significant difference in the proportion of success between burst and ramp therapy in induced VT (odds ratio = 0.820; 95% CI = 0.468–1.437; I2 = 93%). No significant difference was found in the proportion of acceleration between burst and ramp in spontaneous VT (odds ratio = 0.792; 95% CI = 0.476–1.317; I2 = 83%). No significant difference was found in the proportion of acceleration between burst and ramp in induced VT (odds ratio = 1.234; 95% CI = 0.802–1.898; I2 = 55%). Sensitivity analysis did not change main results. There is no difference in success or in acceleration proportion between burst or ramp ATP therapy irrespective if the VT was spontaneous or induced. Future implantable cardioverter defibrillator programming guidelines should offer both ATP therapies without preference in one of them.