bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Campomanesia sp. flour attenuates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease on rats fed with a hypercaloric diet
Authors: Loubet Filho Paulo Sérgio , Santos Thayná Gil , Reis Vitória Helena de Oliveira Teixeira , Santee Cynthia Monteiro , da Costa Matheus Pereira , Cândido Camila Jordão , Filiú Wander Fernando de Oliveira , Portugal Luciane Candeloro , dos Santos Elisvânia Freitas
Published: April 2020

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder caused by excess consumption of hypercaloric foods. Guavira (Campomanesia sp.) pulp has broad technological applicability, yet the peel and seeds are considered industrial residue. The objective of this unprecedented study was to evaluate the effects of the flour from guavira's industrial residue (GF) consumption in rats fed with hypercaloric diet (HD). During 65 days, 50 rats were separated into a control group: 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% HD with GF complementation in the diet. The GF chemical composition, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, serum biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, HDL, non‐HDL, triglycerides, AST, ALT, and oral glucose tolerance test), fat liver content, and hepatic histomorphology had been characterized. GF is mainly composed of fibres, with phenolic content of 7,391.09 mg AGE/100 g GF and relevant antioxidant capacity (IC50 2.22 and ORAC 155.68 μmol/TE g−1). Serum biochemical analysis did not differ statistically (except ALT reduction, p < .05). Fat liver content was smaller on HD2%GF (p < .0001). The control group and 1% GF showed greater diffuse microvesicular steatosis compared to the other groups when using hepatic morphological analysis (p < .05). GF consumption attenuated NAFLD caused by a hypercaloric diet, and this effect may be related to the fibre content and bioactive compounds in GF.
CO2 Enrichment Stimulates Dissolved Organic Carbon Release in Coral Reef Macroalgae
Authors: Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo , Barrón Cristina
Published: April 2020

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by macroalgae is important in the context of coral reef degradation as it contributes to coral mortality by promoting bacterial metabolism on the coral surface. Using experimental carbon dioxide (CO2) manipulations in outdoor flow‐through tanks, we found that seawater CO2 enrichment enhances daily net DOC release in a range of macroalgal species in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia). There was, however, large variability in DOC release among species, light and dark conditions, and CO2 exposure times. Under light conditions, DOC release in the red macroalga Amansia was 15 times higher under high CO2 conditions compared to ambient CO2, however, CO2 enhancement did not affect DOC production in the other species. Results from the night incubations were more consistent as three of the four species (Amansia, Lobophora, and Sargassum) enhanced DOC release when enriched with CO2. DOC fluxes shifted from production in the 1‐d incubations to consumption in the 19‐d experiment under light conditions, suggesting an important role of bacteria in DOC balances. The results suggest that rising CO2 (and ocean acidification) will continue to intensify space competition in favor of the macroalgae, potentially exacerbating reef degradation and ecological phase shifts from coral to macroalgal dominance.
Using species abundance and phylogeny conjointly to approach vegetation classification: A case study on Macaronesia’s woody vegetation
Authors: Capelo Jorge
Published: April 2020

Questions

Can co‐occurrence and phylogenetic resemblance of taxa in plots be integrated into a single composite numerical framework so that vegetation classification expresses both in a unique system? How should phylogenetic similarity of vicariant taxa, in synvicariant communities, be dealt with for use in vegetation classifications? Is this meaningful to Vegetation Science and Biogeography? Is Macaronesia's woody vegetation an adequate paradigm to test a methodological workflow for phylogenetically informed classification?

Location

Macaronesia: the Azores, Madeira, Canaries, and Cape Verde archipelagos.

Methods

We used both (a) co‐occurrence‐only and (b) phylogenetic Bray–Curtis similarity indexes in straightforward classification algorithms: Ward's method clustering andisopamdivisive classification. Phylogenetic distances for (b) were taken from an ad hoc phylogenetic tree. The tree was obtained by grafting/pruning subtrees from DNA sequence alignments ofrcbL, ITS andmatKinto a subset of an available megaphylogeny.

Results

Co‐occurrence‐only similarity is not a reliable predictor of phylogenetic similarity. Two distinct approaches to similarity imply significant differences in classifications. As groups in both classifications may be equated to woody‐vegetation classes, alternative arrangements of such will appear. Vegetation classes are quasi‐specific to each archipelago if accounting for co‐occurrence‐only. Conversely, larger units spanning several archipelagos emerge when phylogeny is considered.

Conclusion

We recognise the usefulness of incorporating phylogeny in the definition of formal vegetation units so that the concept ofsyntaxonmay include it. Supra‐class units issuing from phylogenetically informed similarity originate, for the most, from vegetation synvicariance rather than from sharing of species. Therefore, these units correspond preferably to biogeographical concepts (phytochoria), not to phytocoenological units. Regarding “Macaronesia” being a consistent biogeographical unit, if compositional and ecological vegetation patterns are preferred, we support the separation of Macaronesia in several biomes and thus into several Regions within two Kingdoms. Contrariwise, if common ancestry of taxa and synvicariance in syntaxa is to be emphasised, then the one‐Macaronesia Region model re‐appears.
Integrating permanent plot and palaeoecological data to determine subalpine post‐fire succession, recovery and convergence over 128 years
Authors: Burge Olivia R. , Bellingham Peter J. , Arnst Elise A. , Bonner Karen I. , Burrows Larry E. , Richardson Sarah J. , Wiser Susan K. , Wood Jamie R. , Wilmshurst Janet M.
Published: April 2020

Aims

Post‐fire succession in low‐productivity ecosystems is rarely directly measured. We test whether taxonomic, functional, or baseline convergence has occurred 128 years after a major fire in 1890 in a low‐productivity, fire‐susceptible subalpine ecosystem. The historical plots represent one of the longest‐running quantitative ecological studies in the world.

Location

Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand.

Methods

We remeasured historical plots at sites established 42 years after the fire, and modernised previous chart quadrat data to percentage frequency. We tested whether taxonomic and functional dissimilarity within the site, and within environmentally similar transect groups, reduced over time. We used pollen data preserved in soil cores taken on the plots to test whether the site had returned to the reference pre‐fire baseline.

Results

There is little evidence of taxonomic convergence across the site and dissimilarity remains high. Functional dissimilarity showed little reduction or evidence of convergence. Within maximally similar groups of transects, taxonomic and functional dissimilarity declined over time. Tree frequency increased significantly year‐on‐year. There is a lack of convergence with the pre‐fire baseline, accompanied by a reduction in the proportion of tree pollen represented on most transects.

Conclusions

The taxonomic rate of successional change has yet to slow, and a steady state has yet to be reached, suggesting it is too early to consider the site has attained maximal convergence. Palaeoecological data have allowed quantification of the effect of a novel fire regime to which the ecosystems are poorly adapted: we found compositional, structural, and dominant‐species differences between pre‐ and post‐fire vegetation. Combining permanent transects and palaeoecological data allows for a synthesis of data at multiple time scales, permitting investigations of long‐duration successions.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cai Xiaoyan , Zheng Sulin , Liu Ying , Zhang Yan , Lu Jianhua , Huang Yuli
Published: April 2020

Background & Aims

Whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) independent of established cardiovascular risk factors remains controversial. We aimed to provide a quantitative estimate of the association between NAFLD and risk of AF after adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

In this study, we searched PubMed and Embase for studies published from database inception until January 31, 2020. Cohort studies reported adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AF of NAFLD compared with non‐NAFLD were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 6 cohort studies were included, comprising 614 673 individuals for analysis. The median follow‐up duration was 10.0 years with 7271 cases of incident AF. Compared with non‐NAFLD, minimally adjusted models without adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors showed that NAFLD was associated with increased risk of AF (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.23‐2.20, I2 = 63.0%). After adjustment for multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, the association between NAFLD and risk of AF was still higher than that in non‐NAFLD (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04‐1.31, I2 = 54.0%). There was significant heterogeneity for the risk of AF between minimally and maximally adjusted models (I2 = 77.1%, P for heterogeneity = 0.04). Compared with non‐NAFLD, the absolute risk increase in NAFLD for AF was 1.3 (95% CI 0.5‐2.1) per 1000 person‐years.

Conclusions

NAFLD is associated with increased risk of incident AF. The strength of the association between NAFLD and AF is partially attributed to the co‐existing cardiometabolic risk factors.
Ramucirumab in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated alpha‐fetoprotein after sorafenib in REACH and REACH‐2
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Galle Peter R. , Llovet Josep M. , Finn Richard S. , Vogel Arndt , Motomura Kenta , Assenat Eric , Merle Philippe , Brandi Giovanni , Daniele Bruno , Okusaka Takuji , Tomášek Jiří , Borg Christophe , Dadduzio Vincenzo , Morimoto Manabu , Pracht Marc , Jen Min‐Hua , Drove Ubreva Nora , Widau Ryan C. , Shinozaki Kenta , Yoshikawa Reigetsu , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: April 2020

Background & Aims

Limited data on treatment of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increase the unmet need. REACH and REACH‐2 were global phase III studies of ramucirumab in patients with HCC after prior sorafenib, where patients with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/mL showed an overall ssurvival (OS) benefit for ramucirumab. These post‐hoc analyses examined efficacy and safety of ramucirumab in patients with HCC and baseline AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL by three prespecified age subgroups (<65, ≥65 to <75 and ≥75 years).

Methods

Individual patient data were pooled from REACH (baseline AFP ≥400 ng/mL) and REACH‐2. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression methods (stratified by study) assessed OS, progression‐free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP) and patient‐reported outcomes (Functional Hepatobiliary System Index‐8 [FHSI‐8] score).

Results

A total of 542 patients (<65 years: n = 302; ≥65 to <75 years: n = 160; ≥75 years: n = 80) showed similar baseline characteristics between ramucirumab and placebo. Older subgroups had higher hepatitis C and steatohepatitis incidences, and lower AFP levels, than the <65 years subgroup. Ramucirumab prolonged OS in patients <65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.753; 95% CI 0.581‐0.975), ≥65 to <75 years (0.602; 0.419‐0.866) and ≥75 years (0.709; 0.420‐1.199), PFS and TTP irrespective of age. Ramucirumab showed similar overall safety profiles across subgroups, with a consistent median relative dose intensity ≥97.8%. A trend towards a delay in symptom deterioration in FHSI‐8 with ramucirumab was observed in all subgroups.

Conclusions

In this post‐hoc analysis, ramucirumab showed a survival benefit across age subgroups with a tolerable safety profile, supporting its use in advanced HCC with elevated AFP, irrespective of age, including ≥75 years.
Preoperative evaluation of microvascular invasion with circulating tumour DNA in operable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Dong , Xu Yaping , Goldstein Jennifer B. , Ye Ke , Hu Xi , Xiao Liang , Li Lifeng , Chang Lianpeng , Guan Yanfang , Long Guo , He Qiongzhi , Yi Xin , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Zhiming , Xia Xuefeng , Zhou Ledu
Published: April 2020

Background & Aims

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a critical prognostic factor for operable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to explore the performance of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in evaluating MVI status preoperatively.

Methods

Seventy‐three HCC patients were enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort in a 2:1 ratio, and preoperative blood and surgical tissue samples were obtained. Genomic alterations were analysed using targeted deep sequencing with a 1021‐gene panel.

Results

In training cohort, 260 somatic mutations were identified in 40 blood samples (81.6%). CtDNA mutation was verified in paired tissue sample in 39 patients (97.5%). In univariate analysis, ctDNA allele frequency (AF) and largest tumour diameter were associated with the presence of MVI, but ctDNA AF was the only independent risk factor in multivariate analysis. With the cut‐off value of 0.83%, ctDNA AF determined the presence of MVI with the sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 80.0% in the training cohort, and the sensitivity of 78.6% and the specificity of 81.8% in the validation cohort. In preoperative evaluation, ctDNA AF, AFP level and BCLC staging were associated with recurrence‐free survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

CtDNA can serve as an independent risk factor of MVI for operable HCC and help determining precise treatment strategies. The integration of ctDNA in the management of operable HCC may achieve better clinical outcomes.
Soluble CD163 and mannose receptor as markers of liver disease severity and prognosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Bossen Lars , Rebora Paola , Bernuzzi Francesca , Jepsen Peter , Gerussi Alessio , Andreone Pietro , Galli Andrea , Terziroli Benedetta , Alvaro Domenico , Labbadia Giancarlo , Aloise Chiara , Baiocchi Leonardo , Giannini Edoardo , Abenavoli Ludovico , Toniutto Pierluigi , Marra Fabio , Marzioni Marco , Niro Grazia , Floreani Annarosa , Møller Holger J. , Valsecchi Maria G. , Carbone Marco , Grønbæk Henning , Invernizzi Pietro
Published: April 2020

Introduction

In primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), macrophages are involved in liver inflammation and fibrosis. The macrophage activation markers, soluble (s)CD163 and mannose receptor (sMR) are associated with liver disease severity and prognosis in other chronic liver diseases. We aimed to investigate sCD163 and sMR in patients with PBC.

Methods

We investigated PBC patients from the Italian PBC Study Group cohort and measured macrophage activation markers in serum at study enrolment. Patients were followed from enrolment until they experienced an event or were censored at their last visit. Events were defined as follows: (a) death from a liver‐related cause; or (b) liver transplantation (LT) for PBC. We used Cox regression to investigate the association between sCD163 and sMR and long‐term prognosis.

Results

In total, 202 PBC patients were included. Median age was 62 years (interquartile range (IQR), 53‐71) at enrolment and 93% were women. Median sCD163 was 3.43 mg/L (IQR 2.48‐5.35) and median sMR was 0.35 mg/L (IQR 0.28‐0.45). There was an increase in sCD163 and sMR with increasing alkaline phosphatase. Two hundred and one patients were followed for a median of 8.6 years, and sCD163 and sMR predicted long‐term risk of liver‐related death or LT in univariate analyses, while sCD163 was also associated with outcome after confounder adjusting (adjusted HR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.00‐1.30). Finally, we showed an increase in the prediction accuracy of poor outcome by adding sCD163 to the UK‐PBC risk score.

Conclusion

The macrophage activation markers sCD163 and sMR represent a non‐invasive measure of PBC disease severity that provides useful long‐term prognostic information.
A multicentre retrospective analysis on growth of residual hepatocellular adenoma after resection
Authors: Klompenhouwer Anne J. , van Rosmalen Belle V. , Haring Martijn P. D. , Thomeer Maarten G. J. , Doukas Michail , Verheij Joanne , de Meijer Vincent E. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Takkenberg Robert B. , Kazemier Geert , Nevens Frederik , de Man Robert A. , Ijzermans Jan N. M.
Published: April 2020

Background & Aims

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumour that may require resection in select cases. The aim of this study was to the assess growth of residual HCA in the remnant liver and to advise on an evidence‐based management strategy.

Method

This multicentre retrospective cohort study included all patients with HCA who underwent surgery of HCA and had residual HCA in the remnant liver. Growth was defined as an increase of >20% in transverse diameter (RECIST criteria). Data on patient and HCA characteristics, diagnostic work‐up, treatment and follow‐up were documented and analysed.

Results

A total of 134 patients were included, one male. At diagnosis, median age was 38yrs (IQR 30.0‐44.0) and median BMI was 29.9 kg/m2 (IQR 24.6‐33.3). After resection, median number of residual sites of HCA was 3 (IQR 2‐6). Follow‐up of residual HCA showed regression in 24.6%, stable HCA in 61.9% and growth of at least one lesion in 11.2%. Three patients (2.2%) developed new HCA that were not visible on imaging prior to surgery. Four patients (3%, one male) underwent an intervention as growth was progressive. No statistically significant differences in clinical characteristics were found between patients with growing residual or new HCA versus those with stable or regressing residual HCA.

Conclusion

In patients with multiple HCA who undergo resection, growth of residual HCA is not uncommon but interventions are rarely needed as most lesions stabilize and do not show progressive growth. Surveillance is indicated when residual HCA show growth after resection, enabling intervention in case of progressive growth.
From bedside to webside: A neurological clinical teaching experience
Authors: Tsang Anderson Chun On , Lee Pamela Pui‐wah , Chen Julie Yun , Leung Gilberto Ka Kit
Published: April 2020

With this issue we begin print publishing the responses received in our call for Medical Education Adaptations: Lessons learned from educators' experiences rapidly transforming practice on account of COVID‐19 related disruption.
Sigma‐1 receptor activation‐induced glycolytic ATP production and endothelial barrier enhancement
Authors: Motawe Zeinab Y. , Farsaei Forouzandeh , Abdelmaboud Salma S. , Cuevas Javier , Breslin Jerome W.
Published: April 2020

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that σ1 modulates endothelial barrier function due to its influence on endothelial bioenergetics.

Methods

Cultured HUVEC monolayers were used to model the endothelial barrier. ECIS, Transwell assays, and immunofluorescence labeling of junctional proteins were used to evaluate endothelial barrier function. Endothelial cell bioenergetics was determined using extracellular flux analysis and direct ATP level measurements. The endothelial‐specific contribution of σ1 was tested using the σ1‐selective agonist, PRE‐084, and with targeted knockdown of σ1 expression using siRNA.

Results

Activation of σ1 with PRE‐084 significantly enhanced endothelial barrier function and decreased permeability to albumin and dextran. Knockdown of σ1 with siRNA reduced barrier function and abolished PRE‐084‐induced endothelial barrier enhancement. PRE‐084 upregulated endothelial glycolysis and glycolytic ATP production, but this response was abolished by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of σ1 expression. PRE‐084 also reduced the degree of endothelial barrier dysfunction caused by the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler CCCP.

Conclusion

Activation of σ1 enhances endothelial barrier function and modulates the ratio of glycolytic versus mitochondrial ATP production. These novel findings suggest that endothelial σ1 may prove beneficial as a novel therapeutic target for reducing microvascular hyperpermeability and counteracting mitochondrial dysfunction.
Convex relaxation for efficient sensor layout optimization in large‐scale structures subjected to moving loads
Authors: Błachowski Bartłomiej , Świercz Andrzej , Ostrowski Mariusz , Tauzowski Piotr , Olaszek Piotr , Jankowski Łukasz
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a computationally effective framework for load‐dependent optimal sensor placement in large‐scale civil engineering structures subjected to moving loads. Two common problems are addressed: selection of modes to be monitored and computational effectiveness. Typical sensor placement methods assume that the set of modes to be monitored is known. In practice, determination of such modes of interest is not straightforward. A practical approach is proposed that facilitates the selection of modes in a quasi‐automatic way based on the structural response at the candidate sensor locations to typical operational loads. The criterion used to assess sensor placement is based on Kammer's Effective Independence (EFI). However, in contrast to typical implementations of EFI, which treat the problem as a computationally demanding discrete problem and use greedy optimization, an approach based on convex relaxation is proposed. A notion of sensor density is applied, which converts the original combinatorial problem into a computationally tractable continuous optimization problem. The proposed framework is tested in application to a real tied‐arch railway bridge located in central Poland.
Nitrogen acquisition from mineral‐associated proteins by an ectomycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Wang Tao , Tian Zhaomo , Tunlid Anders , Persson Per
Published: April 2020

In nitrogen (N)‐limited boreal forests, trees depend on the decomposing activity of their ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal symbionts to access soil N. A large fraction of this N exists as proteinaceous compounds associated with mineral particles. However, it is not known if ECM fungi can access these mineral‐associated proteins; accordingly, possible acquisition mechanisms have not been investigated.

With tightly controlled isotopic, spectroscopic, and chromatographic experiments, we quantified and analyzed the mechanisms of N acquisition from iron oxide mineral‐associated proteins by Paxillus involutus, a widespread ECM fungus in boreal forests.

The fungus acquired N from the mineral‐associated proteins. The collective results indicated a proteolytic mechanism involving formation of the crucial enzyme–substrate complexes at the mineral surfaces. Hence, the enzymes hydrolyzed the mineral‐associated proteins without initial desorption of the proteins. The proteolytic activity was suppressed by adsorption of proteases to the mineral particles. This process was counteracted by fungal secretion of mineral‐surface‐reactive compounds that decreased the protease–mineral interactions and thereby promoted the formation of enzyme–substrate complexes.

The ability of ECM fungi to simultaneously generate extracellular proteases and surface‐reactive metabolites suggests that they can play an important role in unlocking the large N pool of mineral‐associated proteins to trees in boreal forests.
Grass secondary cell walls, Brachypodium distachyon as a model for discovery
Authors: Coomey Joshua H. , Sibout Richard , Hazen Samuel P.
Published: April 2020

A key aspect of plant growth is the synthesis and deposition of cell walls. In specific tissues and cell types including xylem and fibre, a thick secondary wall comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin is deposited. Secondary cell walls provide a physical barrier that protects plants from pathogens, promotes tolerance to abiotic stresses and fortifies cells to withstand the forces associated with water transport and the physical weight of plant structures. Grasses have numerous cell wall features that are distinct from eudicots and other plants. Study of the model species Brachypodium distachyon as well as other grasses has revealed numerous features of the grass cell wall. These include the characterisation of xylosyl and arabinosyltransferases, a mixed‐linkage glucan synthase and hydroxycinnamate acyltransferases. Perhaps the most fertile area for discovery has been the formation of lignins, including the identification of novel substrates and enzyme activities towards the synthesis of monolignols. Other enzymes function as polymerising agents or transferases that modify lignins and facilitate interactions with polysaccharides. The regulatory aspects of cell wall biosynthesis are largely overlapping with those of eudicots, but salient differences among species have been resolved that begin to identify the determinants that define grass cell walls.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Serbian Version of the Central Sensitization Inventory
Authors: Knezevic Aleksandar , Neblett Randy , Colovic Petar , Jeremic‐Knezevic Milica , Bugarski‐Ignjatovic Vojislava , Klasnja Aleksandar , Pantelinac Slobodan , Pjevic Mirjana
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The goal of the present study was to explore additional evidence of validity of the Serbian version of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), a patient‐reported outcome measure of symptoms that have been found to be associated with central sensitization (CS). The CSI has been found to be psychometrically sound, and has demonstrated evidence of convergent and discriminant validity in numerous published studies and in multiple languages.

Methods

CSI data were collected from 399 patients with chronic pain who had various diagnoses and from 146 pain‐free controls. In addition, the patient sample completed a battery of validated patient‐reported outcome measures of sleep problems, cognitive problems, pain catastrophizing, pain‐related fear‐avoidance, decreased quality of life, and decreased perception of social support. Six patient subgroups were formed, with presumably different levels of CS (including those with fibromyalgia, multiple pain sites, and localized pain sites).

Results

Significant differences were found in total CSI scores among the controls and patient subgroups. Those with fibromyalgia and multiple pathologies scored highest and the control subjects scored lowest. Other patient‐reported CS‐related symptom dimensions were significantly correlated with total CSI scores. When the patients were divided into CSI severity subgroups (from subclinical to extreme), the severity of these other symptom dimensions increased with the severity of CSI scores.

Conclusions

The current study successfully demonstrated additional evidence of the convergent and discriminant validity of the Serbian version of the CSI.
The ArabidopsisCCCH protein C3H14 contributes to basal defense against Botrytis cinerea mainly through the WRKY33‐dependent pathway
Authors: Wang Dian , Xu Hua , Huang Junyan , Kong Yingzhen , AbuQamar Synan , Yu Diqiu , Liu Shengyi , Zhou Gongke , Chai Guohua
Published: April 2020

Necrotrophic pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea cause significant crop yield losses. Plant CCCH proteins play important roles in pathogen resistance responses. However, the CCCH‐mediated defense mechanisms against necrotrophic pathogens are unclear. Here, we report that the Arabidopsis CCCH protein C3H14 positively regulates basal defense against B. cinerea mainly by WRKY33 signaling. Simultaneous mutation of C3H14 and its paralog C3H15 resulted in enhanced susceptibility to B. cinerea, while C3H14 or C3H15 overexpression lines exhibited reduced susceptibility. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were present in the c3h14c3h15 double mutant and C3H14 overexpression plants compared with wild‐type plants at 24 hr post infection. These DEGs covered over one third of B. cinerea‐responsive WRKY33 targets, including genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) signaling, and camalexin biosynthesis. Genetic analysis indicated that C3H14 mainly depended on WRKY33 to modulate defense against B. cinerea. Moreover, C3H14 activated the WRKY33‐ORA59 and ‐PAD3 cascades to correspondingly control JA/ET‐ and camalexin‐mediated defense responses. However, C3H14 was essential for B. cinerea‐induced production of 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid and it also directly mediated ORA59‐dependent JA/ET signaling after infection. Therefore, C3H14 may act as a novel transcriptional regulator of the WRKY33‐mediated defense pathway.
Revegetation of urban green space rewilds soil microbiotas with implications for human health and urban design
Authors: Mills Jacob G. , Bissett Andrew , Gellie Nicholas J. C. , Lowe Andrew J. , Selway Caitlin A. , Thomas Torsten , Weinstein Philip , Weyrich Laura S. , Breed Martin F.
Published: April 2020

Many noncommunicable diseases are linked to degraded diversity in the human and environmental microbiota and are rising globally in epidemic proportions in industrialized urban populations. Reducing this disease burden may be aided by the ecological restoration of microbiota and their habitat in urban green spaces—a process termed microbiome rewilding. Microbiome rewilding could serve as a mechanism to increase urban exposure to biodiversity; biodiversity could introduce microbiota species or functional diversity to improve immune training and regulation in urban populations. As a first step in examining this hypothesis, we explored the microbial diversity and composition of a variety of urban green space vegetation types relative to urban revegetated woodlands of varying levels of vegetation diversity, including lawns, vacant lots, parklands, and remnant woodlands. We generated amplicon sequence variant community profiles from bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA, fungal ITS1 region, and eukaryotic 18S rRNA marker genes. We also made trophic‐mode predictions of the fungal amplicon sequence variants. Across sites, soil microbiotas in revegetated urban green spaces were similar to remnant woodland microbiotas and differed greatly from lawns and vacant lots. There were several differentially abundant genera likely driving these differences that had strong correlations to plant species richness, soil pH, and conductivity. We provide the first evidence, as far as we know, that revegetation can improve urban soil microbiota diversity toward a more natural, biodiverse state by creating more wild habitat conditions. This evidence supports initiating further studies within the growing field of microbiome rewilding.
Dologrus: The impact of meteoric‐water‐controlled diagenesis following early‐marine dolomitization
Authors: Rivers John M. , Kaczmarek Stephen E.
Published: April 2020

Carbonate rocks that have suffered early near‐surface dolomitization followed by extended meteoric exposure commonly undergo partial delithification, a process that results in the formation of dolomitic silts and sands, herein termed dologrus. Dologrus is interpreted to form as a result of diffuse dissolution in porous and permeable dolostones prior to burial and compaction. Such dissolution occurs at the crystal–pore‐water interface, causing individual crystals to corrode along interfacial boundaries, eventually leading to delithification and the formation of sediment composed of corroded crystals. The resulting sediment grain size is likely controlled in part by the crystal size of the precursor dolostone. Loss of rock competency through the process of dologrus formation in the shallow subsurface can lead to collapse of overlying bedrock and the formation of dolines common to karstic carbonate landscapes.
Effects of the FIFA 11+ on injury prevention in amateur futsal players
Authors: Lopes Mário , Simões Daniela , Costa Rui , Oliveira José , Ribeiro Fernando
Published: April 2020

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ in reducing injury in futsal players.

Methods

Ninety‐one male futsal players from six amateur futsal clubs were recruited and assessed for eligibility, and 71 were randomized to the 11+ group (n = 37, age: 27.0 ± 5.1 years) and a control group (n = 34, age: 26.0 ± 5.1 years). The 11+ program was executed twice a week for 20 weeks, separated by a 10‐week period where both groups executed their regular warm‐up. Data on match, training exposure, and injuries were recorded during the regular season.

Results

The players sustained a total of 58 injuries during the futsal regular season, with 24 injuries in the 11+ group and 34 injuries in the control group; the overall incidence of injuries per 1000 player‐hours was significantly higher in the control group (11.6 vs 6.5; mean difference (95% CI) −5.1 (−9.1 to −1.1), P = .014). The 11+ group had a significantly lower incidence of acute (11.2 vs 5.7; −5.5 (−9.4 to −1.6), P = .007) and lower limb (8.7 vs 4.4; −4.2 (−8.1 to −0.4), P = .032) injuries per 1000 player‐hours. Players from the control group had a higher number of days injured (20.4 ± 17.3 vs 10.5 ± 9.1, P = .036).

Conclusion

The FIFA 11+ is an injury prevention program suited for injury reduction in amateur futsal players, as it reduces the incidence of overall, acute, and lower limb injuries during the season.
A case of acute liver failure due to hepatitis E virus, liver transplantation, and development of de novo autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Choi Jae Kyun , Ahn Soomin , Cho Jai Young , Choi YoungRok , Han Ho‐Seong , Jang Boo‐ok , Choi Gwang Hyeon , Jang Eun Sun , Kim Jin‐Wook , Jeong Sook‐Hyang
Published: April 2020

Acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection could lead to acute liver failure (ALF), which requires liver transplantation (LT). HEV infection could progress to chronic infection in an immunosuppressed host. De novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare occurrence of AIH during post‐LT immunosuppressive therapy in patients who underwent LT due to not AIH but some other etiology. Here, we report the first case of ALF due to HEV infection, the recurrence of HEV after LT that responded to ribavirin therapy, and then the development of de novo AIH showing a complete response to glucocorticoid therapy but multiple relapses after steroid withdrawal. This peculiar case suggests that HEV could have a pathogenic role in the development of the de novo AIH; additionally, this case report could help clinicians make therapeutic decisions in the post‐LT condition.
Epidemiology of Chagas disease in pregnant women and congenital transmission ofTrypanosoma cruziin the Americas: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santana Kaio Henrique , Oliveira Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues , Barros de Castro Daniel , Pereira Marcos
Published: April 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women and the vertical transmission of the disease.

Methods

Observational studies were identified from eight electronic databases, and details on study design, population and prevalence of Chagas disease were extracted. The data were pooled using a random‐effects model, and choropleth maps were created based on geopolitical regions and countries.

Results

The search identified 7788 articles, of which 50 were eligible. We observed a 9% prevalence of Chagas disease among pregnant women in the Americas (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8–10,I2 = 99.96%). High disease prevalence was identified in pregnant women in South American countries (12%, 95% CI: 11–13), while lower values were identified in pregnant women in North America (2%, 95% CI: 1–3). Countries with medium Human Development Index (HDI) had a higher prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women (15%, 95% CI: 13–16,I2 = 99.98%) than countries with high HDI (3%, 95% CI: 2–3). The rate of vertical transmission in the continent was 2% (95% CI: 1–2). The statistical analysis showed that this heterogeneity was explained by the study design, region of the Americas and mean income of the country.

Conclusion

South and Central American countries have a high prevalence and vertical transmission of Chagas disease. Therefore, systematic screens for this disease during the prenatal period are necessary in addition to the diagnosis and treatment of children at risk forTrypanosoma cruziinfection.
Potential distribution of main malaria vector species in the endemic Colombian Pacific region
Authors: Espinosa‐Vélez Yilmar , Altamiranda‐Saavedra Mariano , Correa Margarita M.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the existing fundamental niche, potential distribution and degree of niche overlap for the three main Colombian malaria vectorsAnopheles albimanus,Anopheles darlingiandAnopheles nuneztovariin the major malaria endemic Pacific region.

Methods

We used models based on presence records and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, created using the maximum entropy algorithm.

Results

The three vector species occupied heterogeneous environments, and their NDVI values differed.Anopheles albimanushad the largest niche amplitude and was distributed mainly on coastal areas. Environmentally suitable areas forAn. albimanusandAn. nuneztovariwere the dry forest of inter‐Andean Valleys in south‐western Colombia, as confirmed forAn. albimanusduring model validation. There was a slight degree of niche overlap betweenAn. darlingiandAn. nuneztovari,and the species co‐occurred in humid forests, predominantly in riparian zones of the San Juan and Atrato rivers.

Conclusion

The information obtained may be used for the implementation of vector control interventions in selected priority areas to reduce malaria risk in this region while optimising resources.
Micrografting device for testing systemic signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tsutsui Hiroki , Yanagisawa Naoki , Kawakatsu Yaichi , Ikematsu Shuka , Sawai Yu , Tabata Ryo , Arata Hideyuki , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Notaguchi Michitaka
Published: April 2020

Grafting techniques have been applied in studies of systemic, long‐distance signaling in several model plants. Seedling grafting in Arabidopsis, known as micrografting, enables investigation of the molecular mechanisms of systemic signaling between shoots and roots. However, conventional micrografting requires a high level of skill, limiting its use. Thus, an easier user‐friendly method is needed. Here, we developed a silicone microscaled device, the micrografting chip, to obviate the need for training and to generate less stressed and more uniformly grafted seedlings. The chip has tandemly arrayed units, each of which consists of a seed pocket for seed germination and a micro‐path with pairs of pillars for hypocotyl holding. Grafting, including seed germination, micrografting manipulation and establishment of tissue reunion, is performed on the chip. Using the micrografting chip, we evaluated the effect of temperature and the carbon source on grafting, and showed that a temperature of 27°C and a sucrose concentration of 0.5% were optimal. We also used the chip to investigate the mechanism of systemic signaling of iron status using a quadruple nicotianamine synthase (nas) mutant. The constitutive iron‐deficiency response in the nas mutant because of iron accumulation in shoots was significantly rescued by grafting of wild‐type shoots or roots, suggesting that shoot‐ and root‐ward translocation of nicotianamine–iron complexes and/or nicotianamine is essential for iron mobilization. Thus, our micrografting chip will promote studies of long‐distance signaling in plants.
Identifying the pathways for foliar water uptake in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.): a major role for trichomes
Authors: Schreel Jeroen D. M. , Leroux Olivier , Goossens Willem , Brodersen Craig , Rubinstein Adriana , Steppe Kathy
Published: April 2020

Foliar water uptake (FWU), the direct uptake of water into leaves, is a global phenomenon, having been observed in an increasing number of plant species. Despite the growing recognition of its functional relevance, our understanding of how FWU occurs and which foliar surface structures are implicated, is limited. In the present study, fluorescent and ionic tracers, as well as microcomputed tomography, were used to assess potential pathways for water entry in leaves of beech, a widely distributed tree species from European temperate regions. Although none of the tracers entered the leaf through the stomatal pores, small amounts of silver precipitation were observed in some epidermal cells, indicating moderate cuticular uptake. Trichomes, however, were shown to absorb and redistribute considerable amounts of ionic and fluorescent tracers. Moreover, microcomputed tomography indicated that 72% of empty trichomes refilled during leaf surface wetting and microscopic investigations revealed that trichomes do not have a cuticle but are covered with a pectin‐rich cell wall layer. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that foliar trichomes, which exhibit strong hygroscopic properties as a result of their structural and chemical design, constitute a major FWU pathway in beech.
Digital Design Automation to Support In Situ Embedding of Functional Objects in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Malviya Manoj , Sinha Swapnil , Berdanier Catherine , Meisel Nicholas A.
Published: April 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers designers access to the entire volume of an artifact during its build operation, including the embedding of foreign objects, like sensors, motors, and actuators, into the artifact to produce multifunctional products from the build tray. However, the application of embedding requires extensive designer expertise in AM. This research aims to develop a tool to automate design decisions for in situ embedding, eliminating the need for ad hoc design decisions made by experts. Two unique approaches are proposed in this work: shadow projection and voxel simulation. Both of these approaches follow a three-stage methodology to achieve design automation by (1) identifying the optimum orientation for the object, (2) designing cavity, and finally (3) designing the shape converter for a flush surface at the paused layer. The two approaches differ in Stages 2 and 3. Where the shadow projection approach employs a series of point cloud manipulation to geometry of the embedded object, the voxel simulation approach simulates the process of insertion of the embedding geometry into the part voxel by voxel. While both proposed approaches are successful in automating design for embedding complex geometries, they result in tradeoffs between final designs and the time for computation. Computational experiment with six test cases shows that designers must strategically choose from one of the approaches to efficiently automate the digital design for embedding.
An Efficient Computational Technique for Fractional Model of Generalized Hirota–Satsuma-Coupled Korteweg–de Vries and Coupled Modified Korteweg–de Vries Equations
Authors: Veeresha P. , Prakasha D. G. , Kumar Devendra , Baleanu Dumitru , Singh Jagdev
Published: April 2020

The aim of the present investigation to find the solution for fractional generalized Hirota–Satsuma coupled Korteweg–de-Vries (KdV) and coupled modified KdV (mKdV) equations with the aid of an efficient computational scheme, namely, fractional natural decomposition method (FNDM). The considered fractional models play an important role in studying the propagation of shallow-water waves. Two distinct initial conditions are choosing for each equation to validate and demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested technique. The simulation in terms of numeric has been demonstrated to assure the proficiency and reliability of the future method. Further, the nature of the solution is captured for different value of the fractional order. The comparison study has been performed to verify the accuracy of the future algorithm. The achieved results illuminate that, the suggested computational method is very effective to investigate the considered fractional-order model.
Optimization of PV Cleaning Practices: Comparison Between Performance-Based and Periodic-Based Approaches
Authors: Alhajeri Rashed Abdulla , Abu-Hijleh Bassam
Published: April 2020

Soiling of photovoltaics (PV) panels is affected by various factors such as relative humidity, dust concentration, and panel tilt angle. The soiling can lead to significant losses in electricity production, especially in a place like Dubai, UAE. Soiling can also lead to long-term damage of the PV panels such as degradation and delamination due to the hot spots caused by dirt deposition. It is important to choose the right cleaning strategy (method and frequency) to maximize the electricity production and economic performance of the PV facility. An optimization algorithm was developed and tested for multiple PV panel configurations based in Dubai Water and Electricity Authority’s (DEWA) outdoor test facility (OTF) solar lab. The algorithm’s input included electricity production, soiling rates (SRs), electricity price, and cleaning costs. The output included number of cleaning events and the extra revenue as compared with the current practice of periodic (5-day cycle) manual cleaning. Four different cleaning scenarios were tested and compared with the current scenario. Three scenarios resulted in improved net cost benefit (NCB), up to 34% for the case of performance-based manual cleaning. The fourth scenario resulted in diminished NCB, down by 245% for the case of daily automatic cleaning. Other findings of the study included higher tilt angles that resulted in lower cleaning requirements and thin-film PV panels that required less cleaning than first generation PV panels (mono/polycrystalline). The algorithm is an effective yet simple tool to help operators optimize the NCB of their PV facilities.
The Diversity Outbred Mouse Population Is an Improved Animal Model of Vaccination against Tuberculosis That Reflects Heterogeneity of Protection
Authors: Kurtz Sherry L. , Rossi Amy P. , Beamer Gillian L. , Gatti Dan M. , Kramnik Igor , Elkins Karen L.
Published: April 2020

We vaccinated the Diversity Outbred (DO) population of mice with BCG, the only vaccine currently used to protect against tuberculosis, and then challenged them withM. tuberculosisby aerosol. We found that the BCG-vaccinated DO mouse population exhibited a wide range of outcomes, in which outcomes in individual mice ranged from minimal respiratory or systemic disease to fulminant disease and death. The breadth of these outcomes appears similar to the range seen in people, indicating that DO mice may serve as an improved small-animal model to study tuberculosis infection and immunity. Moreover, sophisticated tools are available for the use of these mice to map genes contributing to control of vaccination. Thus, the present studies provided an important new tool in the fight against tuberculosis.
Impact force of granular flows on walls normal to the bottom: slow versus fast impact dynamics
Authors: Faug T.
Published: April 2020

The devastating effects of natural hazards due to the propagation of mass flows, such as landslides, debris flows, and avalanches, can be avoided, or at least reduced, by placing protective barriers or catching dams in the runout zones. Such structures can store the whole mass and finally stop the flow before it may reach vulnerable infrastructures. Their design requires the modelling of the runup of granular flows on rigid walls and the induced impact force. In this study, careful attention is paid on how the incoming flow regime (either slow or fast flow) that takes place before the impact with the wall can drive the prevailing process at stake during the impact of the flow with the wall. Slow flows produce gentle pile-up of the mass behind the wall with gradually varied streamlines, while faster flows give rise to a granular jump traveling upstream. Two different analytic solutions are proposed and checked against recent small-scale laboratory tests by Ashwood and Hungr (2016), who investigated both slow and fast impact dynamics of granular flows against a wall. This allows to clarify the intertwinned relation between the incoming flow regime and the induced impact force, thus providing crucial information for the geotechnical engineers in charge of the design of mitigation structures against mass flows and mountain hazards.