bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary validation of the Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument in a Brazilian dental school
Authors: Krois Nicole , Kossioni Anastasia , Barlow Patrick B. , dos Santos Mateus Bertolini Fernandes , Malhão Eduarda Carrera , Marchini Leonardo
Published: August 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to perform a preliminary validation of the Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument (DECLEI) in a Brazilian dental school.

Material and Methods

Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument was translated into Brazilian‐Portuguese, and Brazilian DECLEI's items relevance and content validity were assessed using the content validity index (CVI). DECLEI was then distributed to 155 Brazilian undergraduate dental students attending the 7th and 8th semester of dental studies. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used as an initial exploration of the Brazilian DECLEI's internal structure. Item‐total correlations for the remaining items were calculated to identify items with poor discrimination coefficients. The internal consistency reliability for the final set of 17 items was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The sensitivity of the instrument to measure differences between groups regarding year in dental school, race and sex was also assessed.

Results

The CVI was ≥0.80 for all 24 items of the Brazilian DECLEI indicating that all items were relevant to the local culture. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) provided evidence of a single dominant component containing 17 items (Cronbach's α = .86), and all 17 items met the benchmark of acceptable item‐total correlation. Significant differences were found only when comparing 7th‐ and 8th‐semester students.

Conclusions

Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument has the potential to be used as a reliable instrument to measure clinical learning environments for Brazilian dental students.
Leader Influence beyond the Individual Leader: Group‐Level and Member‐Level Factors that Affect Leader Influence
Authors: Fourie Willem , Mystris Dominique
Published: August 2020

Leadership is inextricably intertwined with the notion of influence. When examining the most prominent contemporary approaches to leadership, notably neo‐charismatic leadership theories, trait‐based approaches to leadership and leader‐member exchange theories, the factors that determine leaders' influence are sought in the individual leader. This paper uses social identity approaches to leadership as a basis for constructing a conceptual argument for investigating factors beyond the individual leader that impact on leaders' influence. We focus on group‐level factors that impact on leader influence. Using a minimal definition of social groups as point of orientation and framed by the philosophy of social constructionism, we show that two factors beyond the individual leader can be identified: group entitativity, or ‘groupiness’, is identified as a group‐level factor, and group identification is identified as a member‐level factor. This research contributes to a wider understanding of leader effectiveness by devoting closer attention to the effect of group dynamics on leader influence.
Methods and approaches to advance soil macroecology
Authors: White Hannah J. , León‐Sánchez Lupe , Burton Victoria J. , Cameron Erin K. , Caruso Tancredi , Cunha Luís , Dirilgen Tara , Jurburg Stephanie D. , Kelly Ruth , Kumaresan Deepak , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Ordonez Alejandro , Phillips Helen R.P. , Prieto Iván , Schmidt Olaf , Caplat Paul
Published: August 2020

Motivation and aim

Soil biodiversity is central to ecosystem function and services. It represents most of terrestrial biodiversity and at least a quarter of all biodiversity on Earth. Yet, research into broad, generalizable spatial and temporal patterns of soil biota has been limited compared to aboveground systems due to complexities of the soil system. We review the literature and identify key considerations necessary to expand soil macroecology beyond the recent surge of global maps of soil taxa, so that we can gain greater insight into the mechanisms and processes shaping soil biodiversity. We focus primarily on three groups of soil taxa (earthworms, mycorrhizal fungi and soil bacteria) that represent a range of body sizes and ecologies, and, therefore, interact with their environment at different spatial scales.

Results

The complexities of soil, including fine‐scale heterogeneity, 3‐D habitat structure, difficulties with taxonomic delimitation, and the wide‐ranging ecologies of its inhabitants, require the classical macroecological toolbox to be expanded to consider novel sampling, molecular identification, functional approaches, environmental variables, and modelling techniques.

Main conclusions

Soil provides a complex system within which to apply macroecological research, yet, it is this property that itself makes soil macroecology a field ripe for innovative methodologies and approaches. To achieve this, soil‐specific data, spatio‐temporal, biotic, and abiotic considerations are necessary at all stages of research, from sampling design to statistical analyses. Insights into whole ecosystems and new approaches to link genes, functions and diversity across spatial and temporal scales, alongside methodologies already applied in aboveground macroecology, invasion ecology and aquatic ecology, will facilitate the investigation of macroecological processes in soil biota, which is key to understanding the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems.
Isolation of Helicobacter pylori using leftover tissue in the rapid urease test kit
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Ahn Ji Yong , Jung Da Kyung , Lee Sun Mi , Pih Gyu Young , Kim Ga Hee , Na Hee Kyong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Kim Jung Mogg
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Isolation of Helicobacter pylori is considered difficult because of the requirement of the additional biopsy tissue and the effort involved in the isolation of the bacterium. We investigated whether H pylori can be cultured from tissue samples used for the rapid urease test (RUT).

Methods

Totally, 174 specimens from 87 patients referred for endoscopy were prospectively included. During endoscopy, two biopsy specimens were obtained, one each from the gastric antrum and the corpus, and were placed into a commercially available RUT kit. After detection of urease activity, H pylori was cultured using tissue leftover in the RUT, regardless of the result.

Results

H pylori was successfully isolated using leftover tissue in 72.4% (63/87) of the patients. In 32 patients, H pylori was isolated from both specimens, while in 31 patients, it was isolated from either antrum or corpus. Eighty‐one H pylori strains were isolated from 141 specimens with positive RUT results (57.4%), whereas 14 strains were isolated from 33 specimens with negative RUT results (42.4%). The median interval between tissue acquisition and inoculation onto the isolation media was 3.6 hours (range: 0.5‐27.5 hours) in cases with successful cultures, compared to 23.5 hours (range: 0.5‐76.0 hours) in cases with failed cultures. Among the positive RUT tissues, 80.4% (45/56) were cultured successfully when the tissue was inoculated within 4 hours of the biopsy.

Conclusions

RUT kits can be used as transport media for H pylori, and this media is most efficient when used within 4 hours of the test.
Polarization reduction by minimum‐cardinality edge additions: Complexity and integer programming approaches
Authors: Interian Ruben , Moreno Jorge R. , Ribeiro Celso C.
Published: August 2020

Real‐world networks are often extremely polarized because the communication between different groups of vertices can be weak and, most of the time, only vertices within the same group or sharing the same beliefs communicate to each other. In this work, we introduce the minimum‐cardinality edge addition problem (MinCEAP) as a strategy for reducing polarization in real‐world networks based on a principle of minimum external interventions. We present the problem formulation and discuss its complexity, showing that its decision version is NP‐complete. We also propose three integer programming formulations for the problem and discuss computational results on artificially generated and real‐life instances. Randomly generated instances with up to 1000 vertices are solved to optimality. On the real‐life instances, we show that polarization can be reduced to the desired threshold with the addition of a few edges. The minimum intervention principle and the methods developed in this work are shown to constitute an effective strategy for tackling polarization issues in practice in social, interaction, and communication networks, which is a relevant problem in a world characterized by extreme political and ideological polarization.
The use of vascularised muscle flaps for treatment or prevention of wound complications following arterial surgery in the groin
Authors: Price Annie , Contractor Ummul , White Richard , Williams Ian
Published: August 2020

Wound complications following arterial surgery in the groin are relatively common and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Vascularised muscle flaps (VMF) may be used as an adjunct to aid healing, either to manage complications or prophylactically. This series describes 46 patients who received sartorius or gracilis muscle flaps, of which 70% were performed as a salvage procedure to treat complications ranging from wound breakdown to vascular graft infection. The remaining 30% were performed at the time of the arterial surgery in patients with risk factors such as re‐do surgery or immunosuppression. The peri‐operative mortality rate was 9% and the major amputation rate was 26%, reflecting the complexity of patients that require intervention. Overall, 85% achieved successful healing in the groin without the need for further treatment following VMF. Only one case of flap necrosis occurred. Wound healing complications occurred more commonly after sartorius muscle flaps. The gracilis muscle offers a bulkier mass and greater mobility and so may be preferable, particularly for larger groin defects. This series has shown that VMF offer a safe and reliable option for selected cases to achieve wound healing in the groin in patients with often significant co‐morbidities.
Understanding student simultaneous smartphone use in learning settings: A conceptual framework
Authors: Fu En , Gao Qiufeng , Wei Chuqian , Chen Qianyi , Liu Yijun
Published: August 2020

Smartphone use in learning settings is a common behaviour amongst college students. Building on the theory of consumerism, self‐efficacy and addictive behaviours, the current study developed a three‐component conceptual framework to understand college students' smartphone use in organizational as well as self‐directed learning settings. One thousand and thirty‐three students in Shenzhen completed an online survey that measured their frequency of using smartphones in learning settings, motivation for using smartphones in learning settings, behavioural control self‐efficacy, smartphone use time, problematic smartphone use, multitask habit and impulsiveness. Regression and configurational analytical approaches were used to examine linear and nonlinear relationships. Results support the use of the proposed framework to explain students' smartphone use behaviour in learning settings.
Student engagement with mobile‐based assessment systems: A survival analysis
Authors: Bacca‐Acosta Jorge , Avila‐Garzon Cecilia
Published: August 2020

Research on mobile‐based assessment systems is still an emerging topic in the mobile learning field. Current research has demonstrated that the use of mobile‐based assessment systems seems to have a positive impact on students' learning outcomes and motivation. The paper identifies some factors that influence student engagement with mobile‐based formative assessment in a language learning course. Survival analysis of the interaction of N = 86 students from eight English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses over 5 weeks showed that students with higher levels of self‐reported effort and perceived importance engaged for longer periods of time. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and behavioural intention to use were all predictors of the longer use of mobile‐based assessment systems. We found that within the first 25–50 min of use, about half of the students might disengage from using a mobile‐based assessment application.
Diagnostic and Prognostic ability of salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 for periodontitis
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Duck , Kim Sungtae , Jeon Sumin , Kim Seon‐Jip , Cho Hyun‐Jae , Choi Young‐Nim
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Salivary diagnostic using matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and S100 for periodontitis is a promising issue. However, its prognostic effect is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic ability of salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 for periodontitis through non‐surgical periodontitis treatment clinical trial.

Materials and Methods

Total 149 participants, 99 periodontitis and 50 healthy, were recruited. Among 99 non‐surgical periodontitis treatment participants, 74 participants were revisited after three months. Periodontitis was classified as stage II‐IV of new classification of periodontitis proposed at 2018. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to quantify salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8. Receiver operating characteristic curve was applied for diagnostic ability. Paired t test was applied for prognostic ability evaluating changes in salivary markers between pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results

Salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 were associated with periodontitis (p < .05). The screening ability of algorithm using salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 for periodontitis was 0.86 (p < .05). After treatment, reduction rate of salivary S100A8 and MMP‐9 was 83.7% and 23.5%, respectively, (p < .05): only salivary S100A8 was superior compared to clinical parameters.

Conclusion

Algorithm using salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 showed high diagnostic power for periodontitis. Both salivary S100A8 and MMP‐9 showed prognostic ability for periodontitis, but S100A8 was better.
Methacrylate perspective in current dental practice
Authors: Bishop Susan , Roberts Howard
Published: August 2020

Objective

To provide a current perspective concerning dental personnel sensitivity to methacrylate materials.

Overview

Methacrylate related sensitivity and allergies are currently beyond traditional thoughts concerning denture base resins and methyl methacrylate provisional materials. Methacrylates are now ubiquitous in current dental practice and dental personnel should be aware that dental adhesives contain potent sensitizers that may also cross‐sensitize individuals to other methacrylates not experienced. The growing sensitivity to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) has been described to be epidemic in nature due to the artificial nail industry with dental patients and dental personnel may be more susceptible to dental methacrylate sensitization. While contact dermatitis remains the most prevalent methacrylate‐related clinical presentation, respiratory complications and asthma are increasing associated with methacrylate exposure. While additional personal protective equipment (PPE) is thought to be first protective choice, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers PPE overall largely ineffective and should be considered only as a last resort.

Conclusion

Dental personnel need to be more aware of methacrylate sources and use workplace control measures to limit methacrylate exposures to both dental personnel and patients.

Clinical Significance

Sensitivity to methacrylate materials is a growing dental workplace major concern and dental personnel should be aware of both the methacrylate content of current materials and the products that contain ingredients with the most sensitization potential.
Scavenging behaviour and size‐dependent carcass consumption of the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas)
Authors: Preiszner Bálint , Czeglédi István , Boros Gergely , Liker András , Kern Bernadett , Erős Tibor
Published: August 2020

This study examined the size‐dependent scavenging behaviour of black bullheads Ameiurus melas under laboratory conditions, using common bleak Alburnus alburnus and pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus carcasses. Video camera observations showed that the activity of A. melas was higher at night, but substantial daytime activity was also recorded. Larger A. melas were more active than their smaller conspecifics, especially at night. All size classes exhibited a well‐defined sequence of consuming different parts of the carcasses independent of size, but larger individuals tended to consume carcasses more efficiently. Carcasses of the softer‐bodied A. alburnus were consumed more readily than those of the bonier L. gibbosus, independent of size. This scavenging behaviour of A. melas might facilitate the invasion success of the species.
Understanding Medicare: Hearing Loss and Health Literacy
Authors: Willink Amber , Reed Nicholas S.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Medicare has become an increasingly complex program to navigate with numerous choices available to beneficiaries with important implications for their financial exposure and access to care. Although research has identified poor health literacy as a barrier to understanding Medicare, little information is available on the experience of individuals with hearing loss. This study examined how hearing loss impacts Medicare beneficiaries in understanding the program, their ability to compare and review plan options, and their satisfaction with available information.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional analysis using multivariate ordinal logistic regression.

SETTING

Nationally representative survey of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States (Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey [MCBS]) 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 10,510 Medicare beneficiaries were analyzed, representing 50,084,169 beneficiaries with survey weights applied.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was difficulty understanding Medicare, determined by this MCBS question: “Overall, how easy or difficult do you think the Medicare program is to understand?” The predictor of interest was self‐reported hearing loss measured categorically as no trouble, a little trouble, and a lot of trouble hearing. Covariates included age, sex, race, educational attainment, household income relative to the federal poverty level, enrollment in either traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, dementia diagnosis, trouble with vision, and number of chronic conditions.

RESULTS

Medicare beneficiaries with a little or a lot of trouble hearing had 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] odds ratio [OR] = 1.10–1.27) and 25% (95% CI OR = 1.07–1.47) increased odds of reporting greater difficulty with understanding Medicare, respectively, compared with those with no hearing trouble. About one in five Medicare beneficiaries with hearing loss identified that their hearing made it difficult to find Medicare information.

CONCLUSION

The existing tools to support Medicare beneficiaries’ understanding and navigation of the program must evolve to meet the needs of those with hearing loss, a highly prevalent condition among Medicare beneficiaries. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2336–2342, 2020.
Substrate reduction therapy using Genz‐667161 reduces levels of pathogenic components in a mouse model of neuronopathic forms of Gaucher disease
Authors: Blumenreich Shani , Yaacobi Chen , Vardi Ayelet , Barav Or B. , Vitner Einat B. , Park Hyejung , Wang Bing , Cheng Seng H. , Sardi Sergio P. , Futerman Anthony H.
Published: August 2020

Most lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) have a significant neurological component, including types 2 and 3 Gaucher disease (neuronal forms of Gaucher disease; nGD). No therapies are currently available for nGD since the recombinant enzymes used in the systemic form of Gaucher disease do not cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, a number of promising approaches are currently being tested, including substrate reduction therapy (SRT), in which partial inhibition of the synthesis of the glycosphingolipids (GSLs) that accumulate in nGD lowers their accumulation. We now induce nGD in mice by injection with conduritol B‐epoxide (CBE), an irreversible inhibitor of acid beta‐glucosidase (GCase), the enzyme defective in nGD, with or without co‐injection with Genz‐667161, a prototype for SRT which crosses the BBB. Significant neuropathology, and a reduction in lifespan, was observed upon CBE injection, and this was largely reversed by co‐injection with Genz‐667161, along with a reduction in glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine levels. Analysis of gene expression by RNAseq revealed that Genz‐667161 largely reversed the changes in genes and pathways that were differentially expressed upon CBE injection, specifically pathways of GSL metabolism, lipoproteins and other lipid metabolic pathways, lipid droplets, astrocyte activation, neuronal function, and to some extent, neuroinflammation. Together, this demonstrates the efficacy of SRT to reverse the effects of substrate accumulation on pathological components and pathways in nGD brain.

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Ganglioside GD3 regulates dendritic growth in newborn neurons in adult mouse hippocampus via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Tang Fu‐Lei , Wang Jing , Itokazu Yutaka , Yu Robert K.
Published: August 2020

Ganglioside GD3, a major ganglioside species in neural stem cells, plays a crucial role in maintenance of the self‐renewal capacity of these cells. However, its bioactivity in postnatally differentiated neurons in the neurogenic regions of adult brains has not been elucidated. Here, we describe for the first time that deletion of GD3 not only impairs neurotrophin‐induced stem cell proliferation, but also alters the dendritic structure as well as the number of synapses of nascent neurons in the dentate gyrus of adult brain. When examining the behavioral phenotypes, GD3 synthase‐knockout (GD3S‐KO) mice displayed impairment in hippocampus‐dependent memory function. To further gain insight into its cellular function, we examined GD3‐binding partners from mouse brain extract using a GD3‐specific monoclonal antibody, R24, followed by LC‐MS/MS analysis and identified a mitochondrial fission protein, the dynamin‐related protein‐1 (Drp1), as a novel GD3‐binding protein. Biochemical and imaging analyses revealed mitochondrial fragmentation in GD3‐depleted dentate gyrus neurons, suggesting that GD3 is essential for the mitochondrial Drp1 turnover that is required for efficient mitochondrial fission. These results suggest that GD3 is required for proper dendritic and spine maturation of newborn neurons in adult brain through the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics.

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Xanthone-enriched fraction of Garcinia mangostana and α-mangostin improve the spatial learning and memory of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats
Authors: Tiang Ning , Ahad Mohamad Anuar , Murugaiyah Vikneswaran , Hassan Zurina
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Xanthones isolated from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effect.

Methods

In this study, the effect of xanthone-enriched fraction of Garcinia mangostana (XEFGM) and α-mangostin (α-MG) were investigated on cognitive functions of the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rats.

Key findings

HPLC analysis revealed that XEFGM contained 55.84% of α-MG. Acute oral administration of XEFGM (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and α-MG (25 and 50 mg/kg) before locomotor activity and Morris water maze (MWM) tests showed no significant difference between the groups for locomotor activity.

Conclusions

However, α-MG (50 mg/kg) and XEFGM (100 mg/kg) reversed the cognitive impairment induced by CCH in MWM test. α-MG (50 mg/kg) was further tested upon sub-acute 14-day treatment in CCH rats. Cognitive improvement was shown in MWM test but not in long-term potentiation (LTP). BDNF but not CaMKII was found to be down-regulated in CCH rats; however, both parameters were not affected by α-MG. In conclusion, α-MG ameliorated learning and memory deficits in both acute and sub-acute treatments in CCH rats by improving the spatial learning but not hippocampal LTP. Hence, α-MG may be a promising lead compound for CCH-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Effects of transport stress on pathological injury and main heat shock protein expression in the respiratory system of goats
Authors: Zheng Wenya , Liu Ben , Hu Wei , Cui Yan
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pathological injury and the expression of heat shock proteins in the caprine lung, trachea and bronchus under transport stress. 12 healthy male goats were selected and randomly divided into three groups. The control group (non‐transported group), 2 hr transport‐treated group and 6 hr transport‐treated group. Morphological changes as well as the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs, mainly HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90) in three parts of the respiratory tract were examined. Our results showed swollen mucosa and congestive blood vessels in mucous layer and submucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration as well as degeneration and necrosis of mucosal epithelial cells in trachea and bronchus of the transport‐treated groups. The epithelial cells were degenerated, and the exfoliated cells and debris could be seen in the alveolar cavity. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that HSP27 and HSP70 were strongly expressed in tracheal and bronchial epithelium, glandular epithelium, vascular endothelium and bronchiole epithelium. And the amount of positive inflammatory cells was increased in transport‐treated groups. Western blot results indicated that the expression of all three proteins had no obvious difference among the three groups in bronchi (p > .05). In trachea, there was no significant difference in the expression of heat shock proteins among the three groups except that the expression of HSP70 which was obviously higher in the two transported groups than the control group (p < .05). The expression level of HSP70 in the 2 hr transport‐treated group was significantly higher than the 6 hr group (p < .05) and control groups (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the expression level of HSP27 and HSP90 in three groups (p > .05). In conclusion, our data showed that transport stress could damage the caprine respiratory system.
Effect of dose on the intravenous pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid in goats
Authors: Tekeli Ibrahim Ozan , Turk Erdinc , Durna Corum Duygu , Corum Orhan , Kirgiz Fatma Ceren , Uney Kamil
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid (TA) following intravenous (IV) administration at doses of 2 and 4 mg/kg in goats. In this study, six healthy goats were used. TA was administered intravenously to each goat at 2 and 4 mg/kg doses in a cross‐over pharmacokinetic design with a 15‐day washout period. Plasma concentrations of TA were analyzed using the high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector, and pharmacokinetic parameters were assigned by noncompartmental analysis. Following IV administration at dose of 2 mg/kg, area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0−∞), elimination half‐life (t1/2ʎz), total clearance (ClT) and volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) were 6.64 ± 0.81 hr*µg/ml, 1.57 ± 0.14 hr, 0.30 ± 0.04 L h‐1 kg‐1and 0.40 ± 0.05 L/kg, respectively. After the administration of TA at a dose of 4 mg/kg showed prolongedt1/2ʎz, increased dose‐normalized AUC0‐∞, and decreased ClT. In goats, TA at 4 mg/kg dose can be administered wider dose intervals compared to the 2 mg/kg dose. However, further studies are needed to determine the effect of different doses on the clinical efficacy of TA in goats.
Standard trade marks, geographical indications and provenance branding in Australia: What we can learn from King Island
Authors: Van Caenegem William , Nakano Kana
Published: August 2020

The topic of food geographical indications (GIs) in Australia is crucial to the free trade agreement negotiations currently proceeding between Australia and the EU, as the latter is seeking exclusive rights to use European GIs in Australia. Australia does not currently have a sui generis GI registration scheme for food products (other than wine) therefore we sought to contrast the standard trade mark system in operation with a hypothetical food GI scheme. We identified King Island (KI), Tasmania, as a suitable case study because the KI provenance brand is well known in the beef, dairy and lobster industries. We conducted desktop research, and interviews with producers in all industries on the Island. Our analysis suggests that food GIs could provide base‐line certainty about provenance while allowing competition around individual trade marks to proceed to the benefit of consumers and the Island community as a whole. Our study tends to reinforce the case favouring Australian legislative changes which would enable local producers to seek registration of food GIs around uncontroversial specifications.
LncRNANEAT1: Shedding light on mechanisms and opportunities in liver diseases
Authors: Bu Fang‐tian , Wang Ao , Zhu Yan , You Hong‐mei , Zhang Ya‐fei , Meng Xiao‐ming , Huang Cheng , Li Jun
Published: August 2020

With advances in genome and transcriptome research technology, the function and mechanism of lncRNAs in physiological and pathological states have been gradually revealed. Nuclear Enriched Abundant Transcript 1 (NEAT1, a long non‐coding RNA), a vital component of paraspeckles, plays an indispensable role in the formation and integrity of paraspeckles. Throughout the research history,NEAT1is mostly aberrantly upregulated in various cancers, and high expression ofNEAT1often contributes to poor prognosis of patients. Notably, the role and mechanism ofNEAT1in liver diseases have been increasingly reported.NEAT1accelerates the progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while exerting a protective role in the pathogenesis of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure by inhibiting the inflammatory response. In this review, we will elaborate on relevant studies on the different casting ofNEAT1in liver diseases, especially focusing on its regulatory mechanisms and new opportunities for alcoholic liver disease.
Sound symbolism and theoretical phonology
Authors: Kawahara Shigeto
Published: August 2020

A received wisdom in modern linguistic theories is that the relationships between sounds and meanings are generally arbitrary. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that in some cases sounds and meanings have systematic relationships—patterns known as “sound symbolism.” Yet most of these studies are conducted by psychologists, cognitive scientists, or cognitive linguists, and currently, only a few theoretical phonologists pay serious attention to sound symbolism. This paper reviews major studies on sound symbolism and argues that sound symbolism can be an interesting topic of exploration for theoretical phonologists. This paper also demonstrates that insights gained by phonological research can shed light on some important issues in the studies of sound symbolism, and vice versa. Overall, I hope that this paper is informative for both theoretical phonologists and researchers who work on sound symbolism.
Telomere shortening correlates with harsh weather conditions in the bat species Myotis myotis
Authors: Seeker Luise A.
Published: August 2020

The relationship of telomere shortening and cellular ageing in cultured cells such as fibroblasts is straightforward: telomeres shorten with an increasing number of cell divisions until they trigger replicative senescence which prevents further mitotic cycles. But studies investigating the relationship between telomere shortening and ageing in whole organisms show contrasting results: while there is a clear decline in telomere length (TL) with chronological age in some species such as humans, no such decline is observed in others. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Foley et al. (2020) show that experiencing harsh weather conditions correlates with longitudinal telomere shortening in the bat species Myotis myotis, whereas chronological age does not (Foley et al., 2020). Further, the authors investigated whether genetics influence TL and find a low heritability (h2 = 0.01–0.06) again suggesting that environmental effects are the dominant drivers of variation in TL in this species. These are important findings as there is disagreement in the literature about the relative magnitude of genetic and environmental effects contributing to TL variation in different species. This paper investigating the impact of environmental effects makes a novel and important contribution to the literature on TL in free‐living mammals.
Invited Review – A 5‐year update on epigenome‐wide association studies of DNA modifications in Alzheimer’s disease: progress, practicalities and promise
Authors: Smith A. R. , Wheildon G. , Lunnon K.
Published: August 2020

In late 2014, the first epigenome‐wide association studies of DNA modifications in Alzheimer’s disease brain samples were published. Over the last 5 years, further studies have been reported in the field and have highlighted consistent and robust alterations in DNA modifications in AD cortex. However, there are some caveats associated with the majority of studies undertaken to date; for example, they are predominantly restricted to profiling a limited number of loci, are principally focused on DNA methylation, are performed on bulk tissue at the end stage of disease and are restricted to nominating associations rather than demonstrating causal relationships. Consequently, the downstream interpretation of these studies is limited. Owing to recent advances in state‐of‐the‐art cell profiling techniques, long‐read genomic technologies and genetic engineering methodologies, identifying cell‐type‐specific causal epigenetic changes is becoming feasible. This review seeks to provide an overview of the last 5 years of epigenomic studies of DNA modifications in Alzheimer’s disease brain samples and propose new avenues for future research.
Falsely Identifying Original Sin and Pure Nature: Christological Implications
Authors: Henderson Aaron
Published: August 2020

Robert Barry argues that man's condition in a state of pure nature and man's condition in the state of original sin are one and the same. This article aims to show that this thesis is false and is not the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas. The Angelic Doctor teaches that man in pure nature would be more capable of doing the good proportionate to his nature and would be able to love God above all things with a natural love. Important here is the truth posited by many in the Thomist commentatorial tradition, namely, that on account of sin man is directly averted from his supernatural end and at least indirectly averted from his natural end. Furthermore, this thesis has undesirable consequences, albeit consequences unintended by Barry, for Christology and soteriology. We must understand what pertains to human nature as such if we are to understand the various states in which we find human nature, including in Christ. If a natural analogue to supernatural charity cannot even in principle obtain, charity will be something alien to human nature. Christ came not only to elevate us to supernatural life and divine friendship, but to heal human nature.
Alport syndrome: Proteomic analysis identifies early molecular pathway alterations in Col4a3 knock out mice
Authors: Nicolaou Orthodoxia , Kousios Andreas , Sokratous Kleitos , Potamiti Louiza , Koniali Lola , Neophytou George , Papacharalampous Revekka , Zanti Maria , Ioannou Kyriakos , Hadjisavvas Andreas , Stingl Christoph , Luider Theo M. , Kyriacou Kyriacos
Published: August 2020

Aim

Alport syndrome (AS) is the second most common hereditary kidney disease caused by mutations in collagen IV genes. Patients present with microhaematuria that progressively leads to proteinuria and end stage renal disease. Currently, no specific treatment exists for AS. Using mass spectrometry based proteomics, we aimed to detect early alterations in molecular pathways implicated in AS before the stage of overt proteinuria, which could be amenable to therapeutic intervention.

Methods

Kidneys were harvested from male Col4a3−/− knock out and sex and age‐matched Col4a3+/+ wild‐type mice at 4 weeks of age. Purified peptides were separated by liquid chromatography and analysed by high resolution mass spectrometry. The Cytoscape bioinformatics tool was used for function enrichment and pathway analysis. PPARα expression levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting.

Results

Proteomic analysis identified 415 significantly differentially expressed proteins, which were mainly involved in metabolic and cellular processes, the extracellular matrix, binding and catalytic activity. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed among others, downregulation of the proteasome and PPAR pathways. PPARα protein expression levels were observed to be downregulated in Alport mice, supporting further the results of the discovery proteomics.

Conclusion

This study provides additional evidence that alterations in proteins which participate in cellular metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis in kidney cells are early events in the development of chronic kidney disease in AS. Of note is the dysregulation of the PPAR pathway, which is amenable to therapeutic intervention and provides a new potential target for therapy in AS.
Beyond flowering time: diverse roles of an APETALA2‐like transcription factor in shoot architecture and perennial traits
Authors: Zhou Yanhao , Gan Xiangchao , Viñegra de la Torre Natanael , Neumann Ulla , Albani Maria C.
Published: August 2020

Polycarpic perennials maintain vegetative growth after flowering. PERPETUAL FLOWERING 1 (PEP1), the orthologue of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) in Arabis alpina regulates flowering and contributes to polycarpy in a vernalisation‐dependent pathway. pep1 mutants do not require vernalisation to flower and have reduced return to vegetative growth as all of their axillary branches become reproductive.

To identify additional genes that regulate flowering and contribute to perennial traits we performed an enhancer screen of pep1. Using mapping‐by‐sequencing, we cloned a mutant (enhancer of pep1‐055, eop055), performed transcriptome analysis and physiologically characterised the role it plays on perennial traits in an introgression line carrying the eop055 mutation and a functional PEP1 wild‐type allele.

eop055 flowers earlier than pep1 and carries a lesion in the A. alpina orthologue of the APETALA2 (AP2)‐like gene, TARGET OF EAT2 (AaTOE2). AaTOE2 is a floral repressor and acts upstream of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER‐BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE 5 (AaSPL5). In the wild‐type background, which requires cold treatment to flower, AaTOE2 regulates the age‐dependent response to vernalisation. In addition, AaTOE2 ensures the maintenance of vegetative growth by delaying axillary meristem initiation and repressing flowering of axillary buds before and during cold exposure.

We conclude that AaTOE2 is instrumental in fine tuning different developmental traits in the perennial life cycle of A. alpina.
HBI1 acts downstream of ERECTA and SWR1 in regulating inflorescence architecture through the activation of the brassinosteroid and auxin signaling pathways
Authors: Cai Hanyang , Chai Mengnan , Chen Fangqian , Huang Youmei , Zhang Man , He Qing , Liu Liping , Yan Maokai , Qin Yuan
Published: August 2020

Inflorescence architecture critically influences plant reproductive success and crop yield, and it reflects the activity of the inflorescence meristem and pedicel length. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the ERECTA (ER) signaling pathway and the SWR1 chromatin remodeling complex jointly regulate inflorescence architecture by promoting the expression of the PACLOBUTRAZOL RESISTANCE (PRE) gene family. However, how PREs regulate inflorescence architecture remains unclear.

RNA‐sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative PCR analyses were performed. Genetic interactions between HOMOLOG OF BEE2 INTERACTING WITH IBH1 (HBI1) and the SWR1‐ER‐MPK6 pathway in the control of inflorescence architecture were further studied.

The present findings support that HBI1 functions downstream of PREs in the SWR1 and ER pathways to regulate inflorescence architecture by promoting pedicel elongation. Specifically, it binds to the promoters of the brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis gene CYP85A2 and a series of auxin‐related genes, including auxin response factor ARF3, and promotes their expression. In turn, ARF3 can also bind to auxin signaling genes as well as CYP85A2 to activate their expression and promote pedicel elongation.

Our study provides evidence that inflorescence architecture regulation by SWR1 and ER involves the HBI1 regulatory hub and its activation of both the BR and auxin hormone pathways.
British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society Guidelines on perioperative and postoperative biochemical monitoring and micronutrient replacement for patients undergoing bariatric surgery—2020 update
Authors: O'Kane Mary , Parretti Helen M. , Pinkney Jonathan , Welbourn Richard , Hughes Carly A. , Mok Jessica , Walker Nerissa , Thomas Denise , Devin Jennifer , Coulman Karen D. , Pinnock Gail , Batterham Rachel L. , Mahawar Kamal K. , Sharma Manisha , Blakemore Alex I. , McMillan Iris , Barth Julian H.
Published: August 2020

Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most clinically and cost‐effective treatment for people with severe and complex obesity. Many people presenting for surgery have pre‐existing low vitamin and mineral concentrations. The incidence of these may increase after bariatric surgery as all procedures potentially cause clinically significant micronutrient deficiencies. Therefore, preparation for surgery and long‐term nutritional monitoring and follow‐up are essential components of bariatric surgical care. These guidelines update the 2014 British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society nutritional guidelines. Since the 2014 guidelines, the working group has been expanded to include healthcare professionals working in specialist and non‐specialist care as well as patient representatives. In addition, in these updated guidelines, the current evidence has been systematically reviewed for adults and adolescents undergoing the following procedures: adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch. Using methods based on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology, the levels of evidence and recommendations have been graded. These guidelines are comprehensive, encompassing preoperative and postoperative biochemical monitoring, vitamin and mineral supplementation and correction of nutrition deficiencies before, and following bariatric surgery, and make recommendations for safe clinical practice in the U.K. setting.
Efficacy and tolerability of the updosing of second‐generation non‐sedating H1 antihistamines in children with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Sarti Lucrezia , Barni Simona , Giovannini Mattia , Liccioli Giulia , Novembre Elio , Mori Francesca
Published: August 2020

Background

Chronic urticaria (CU), daily wheals or angioedema that lasts more than 6 weeks, is a common skin disease; CU is classified as spontaneous (no specific eliciting factor involved) or inducible (specific eliciting factor involved). Recent EAACI guidelines for management of CSU recommend second‐generation non‐sedating H1 antihistamines (sgAH1s) as initial treatment in children (weight‐adjusted) as in adults, followed by increased doses (up to 4 times) if the standard dose is not effective. The efficacy and tolerability of fourfold updosing in adults are known, but there is little documentation regarding updosing in the pediatric population. This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of the updosing of sgAH1s in children with CSU in a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Methods

The electronic charts of patients diagnosed with CSU and referred to the Allergy Unit of Meyer Children's University hospital were reviewed during a period of 4 years. For each patient, an examination of demographic characteristics, diagnostic workup, efficacy, and tolerability of the treatment was performed. Disease activity was monitored using UAS7.

Results

Sixty‐six cases of CSU were identified, and all of them were treated initially with a standard dose of sgAH1s, followed by increased doses up to fourfold when standard dosing was not effective. 44/66 patients (66.7%) treated with sgAH1s responded: 25 with a standard dose, 16 with a double, 2 with threefold dose, and 1 with fourfold dose. 12/66 (18.2%) patients began a therapy with omalizumab. As for the remaining patients, 10/66 (15.1%), they are still undergoing therapy with sgAH1s because of the relapse of the symptoms after the stepped‐down dosage. Regarding tolerability, 9/66 (13.6%) patients treated with sgAH1s experienced side effects: three that required treatment change and six that did not.

Conclusion

Our data were consistent with the tolerability of updosing of sgAH1s in children with CSU, although the efficacy appears to be limited to double the standard dose.
Retrospective analysis of biochemical limitations to photosynthesis in 49 species: C4 crops appear still adapted to pre‐industrial atmospheric [CO2]
Authors: Pignon Charles P. , Long Stephen P.
Published: August 2020

Leaf CO2 uptake (A) in C4 photosynthesis is limited by the maximum apparent rate of PEPc carboxylation (Vpmax) at low intercellular [CO2] (ci) with a sharp transition to a ci‐saturated rate (Vmax) due to co‐limitation by ribulose‐1:5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and regeneration of PEP. The response of A to ci has been widely used to determine these two parameters. Vmax and Vpmax depend on different enzymes but draw on a shared pool of leaf resources, such that resource distribution is optimized, and A maximized, when Vmax and Vpmax are co‐limiting. We collected published A/ci curves in 49 C4 species and assessed variation in photosynthetic traits between phylogenetic groups, and as a function of atmospheric [CO2]. The balance of Vmax‐Vpmax varied among evolutionary lineages and C4 subtypes. Operating A was strongly Vmax‐limited, such that re‐allocation of resources from Vpmax towards Vmax was predicted to improve A by 12% in C4 crops. This would not require additional inputs but rather altered partitioning of existing leaf nutrients, resulting in increased water and nutrient‐use efficiency. Optimal partitioning was achieved only in plants grown at pre‐industrial atmospheric [CO2], suggesting C4 crops have not adjusted to the rapid increase in atmospheric [CO2] of the past few decades.