bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the amino‐terminal fragment of Ara h 1 as a major target of the IgE‐binding activity in the basic peanut protein fraction
Authors: Aalberse Rob C. , Mueller Geoffrey A. , Derksen Ninotska I. L. , Aalberse Joost A. , Edwards Lori L. , Pomés Anna , Lidholm Jonas , Rispens Theo , Briza Peter
Published: December 2019

Background

Small, basic peanut proteins are often poorly extracted in pH‐neutral buffers that are optimal for the extraction of peanut storage proteins such as Ara h 1. As a result, such proteins are easily missed as potential allergens.

Objective

To analyse the allergenic composition of the basic peanut protein (BPP) fraction.

Methods

A peanut extract prepared at pH 4 was fractionated by physicochemical procedures. Chemical analysis was performed by SDS‐PAGE and mass spectrometry. Because immunoblotting was found to be inefficient for most of these small basic proteins, IgE‐binding activity was measured by coupling the fractions to CNBr‐activated Sepharose, followed by incubation with sera from 55 Dutch peanut‐allergic children and 125I‐labelled anti‐IgE.

Results

Most IgE reactivity of the BPP fraction was due to the 5‐7 kDa amino‐terminal fragment of Ara h 1. This finding was confirmed by the use of the fragment in recombinant form, to which 25/55 of the sera was IgE‐positive.

Conclusion

The amino‐terminal fragment of Ara h 1, a member of a family of small anti‐microbial proteins, is an allergen independent of the carboxy‐terminal fragment of Ara h 1.
Niacin for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Seamon Marissa , Purohit Sharad , Giri Banabihari , Baban Babak , Morgan John , Chong Raymond , Wakade Chandramohan
Published: December 2019

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with progressive loss of motor function and cognitive decline occurring in 1% of the USA population. There is no cure for PD, and current treatment regimens are directed towards treating symptoms and not treating the underlying cause of the disease. Chronic neuroinflammation is associated with loss of neuronal cells, leading to motor and cognitive decline. Current clinical trials on drugs and nutraceuticals, such as coenzyme Q10 and niacin, are being carried out to delay progression and reduce damage by inflammatory molecules, such as reactive oxygen species and cytokines, in PD patients. In this review, we present available clinical trials and the role of niacin in reducing neuroinflammation in PD.
Validity of single‐point assessments for determining leg pulse wave velocity in sitting and supine positions
Authors: Fryer Simon , Stone Keeron , Zieff Gabriel , Faulkner James , Credeur Daniel , Stoner Lee
Published: December 2019

There has been a great deal of interest into the effects of prolonged sitting on lower limb vascular function. However, most studies use flow‐mediated dilation which is technically challenging. A simpler technique is pulse wave velocity (PWV) which can be estimated at any single arterial site of interest using a number of different calculations (Bramwell–hill [PWVBH], β‐stiffness index [PWVβ] and blood flow [PWVBF]). Findings from this technique would be better inferred if they compare to a standard criterion 2‐point PWV assessment. The current study used ultrasound to determine which estimation of single‐point PWV is most valid. The criterion was traditional ECG‐gated 2‐point (superficial femoral [SF]‐posterior tibialis [PT]) PWV. Single‐point estimates were calculated at the SF and PT arteries in both supine and seated positions. Single‐point PWV was considered valid if the aSEE was <1.0 m·s. Findings show that for both postural positions, the absolute standard error of estimates (aSEE) criterion of <1.0 m·s was not achieved in either the PT or SF arteries using any of the single‐point PWV calculations. However, single‐point calculations consistently demonstrated the lowest error at the SF artery using PWVβ in both supine (SF aSEE = 1.7 vs. PT 2.7 m·s) and seated (SF aSEE = 1.5 vs. PT 3.0 m·s) positions. All single‐point ΔPWV (supine – seated) calculations were higher in sitting, with PWVβ having the closest agreement (ΔSF aSEE 1.7 m·s) to the 2‐point criterion. Single‐point PWV calculations do not directly reflect regional 2‐point PWV. However, they are sensitive to change when moving from supine to seated positions.
Fetal hypoxia‐ischaemia: wrong time, wrong place
Authors: Fahey Michael
Published: December 2019

This commentary is on the invited review by Baxter on pages 563–568 of this issue.
Development of the pyruvate kinase deficiency diary and pyruvate kinase deficiency impact assessment: Disease‐specific assessments
Authors: Salek Sam , Boscoe Audra N. , Piantedosi Sarah , Egan Shayna , Evans Christopher J , Wells Ted , Cohen Jennifer , Klaassen Robert J. , Grace Rachael , Storm Michael
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Currently recommended patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures for patients with pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency are non‐disease‐specific. The PK Deficiency Diary (PKDD) and PK Deficiency Impact Assessment (PKDIA) were developed to be more targeted measures for capturing the symptoms and impacts of interest to this patient population.

Methods

The instruments were developed based on concept elicitation interviews with 21 adults and modified based on 20 cognitive interviews. The domain structure and item concepts of the PKDD and PKDIA were compared with currently recommended measures, the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the SF‐36v2®.

Results

The PKDD is a seven‐item measure of the core signs and symptoms of PK deficiency. The PKDIA is a 14‐item measure of the impacts of PK deficiency on patients’ health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Minimal similarities were found between the new measures and the EORTC QLQ‐C30 (eg, 43% of concepts were similar to the PKDD; 42% were similar to the PKDIA) and SF‐36v2® (57% of concepts were similar to the PKDD; 17% were similar to the PKDIA).

Conclusions

The PKDD and PKDIA fill a gap in the existing outcomes measurement strategy for PK deficiency. Future work includes psychometric evaluation of these newly developed measures.
Spatial genetic structure in a crustacean herbivore highlights the need for local considerations in Baltic Sea biodiversity management
Authors: De Wit Pierre , Jonsson Per R. , Pereyra Ricardo T. , Panova Marina , André Carl , Johannesson Kerstin
Published: December 2019

Incorporating species' eco‐evolutionary responses to human‐caused disturbances remains a challenge in marine management efforts. A prerequisite is knowledge of geographic structure and scale of genetic diversity and connectivity—the so‐called seascape genetic patterns. The Baltic Sea is an excellent model system for studies linking seascape genetics with effects of anthropogenic stress. However, seascape genetic patterns in this area are only described for a few species and are completely unknown for invertebrate herbivores, which constitute a critical part of the ecosystem. This information is crucial for sustainable management, particularly under future scenarios of rapid environmental change. Here, we investigate the population genetic structure among 31 locations throughout the Baltic Sea, of which 45% were located in marine protected areas, in one of the most important herbivores of this region, the isopod crustacean Idotea balthica, using an array of 33,774 genome‐wide SNP markers derived from 2b‐RAD sequencing. In addition, we generate a biophysical connectivity matrix for I. balthica from a combination of oceanographic current models and estimated life history traits. We find population structure on scales of hundreds of kilometers across the Baltic Sea, where genomic patterns in most cases closely match biophysical connectivity, indicating passive transport with oceanographic currents as an important mean of dispersal in this species. We also find a reduced genetic diversity in terms of heterozygosity along the main salinity gradient of the Baltic Sea, suggesting periods of low population size. Our results provide crucial information for the management of a key ecosystem species under expected changes in temperature and salinity following global climate change in a marine coastal area.
Preparation and Certification of Reference Materials (GBW07397, GBW07398, GBW07399 and GBW07400) for Selenium and Other Trace Element Mass Fractions
Authors: Tang Molan , Fan Bolun , Yao Lingyang , Bao Zhengyu , Tian Huan , Ma Zhenzhen , An Ziyi , Ma Ming , Zhang Hongyu , Fu Zhongbiao
Published: December 2019

The preparation and characterisation of certified reference materials of four selenium‐rich rocks (GBW07397 to GBW07400) are described in this paper. The raw materials were derived from selenium‐rich rocks in two famous seleniferous regions, Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province and Ziyang County, Shaanxi Province, China. Sample homogeneity and stability were tested by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The determined element mass fractions included selenium, arsenic, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, vanadium and silver. Except for silver, the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the relative standard deviations of the element mass fractions showed that the four materials exhibited good homogeneity and stability. Ten laboratories were involved in an interlaboratory comparison scheme for certification. Eight element mass fractions in the selenium‐rich rocks were assigned as certified values, while only indicative values were obtained for Ag mass fractions. The certified values and expanded uncertainties for the selenium mass fractions in GBW07397–GBW07400 are 0.96 ± 0.05, 1.03 ± 0.05, 49 ± 4 and 38.5 ± 1.9 μg g−1, respectively.
English as a Lingua Franca: A random forests approach to particle placement in multi‐speaker interactions
Authors: Deshors Sandra C.
Published: December 2019

This multifactorial corpus‐based exploration of particle placement focuses specifically on the verb‐object‐particle vs. verb‐particle‐object alternation in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). Theoretically, ELF is approached as a complex adaptive system that develops as a result of real‐time interaction between multiple speakers. Methodologically, the study operationalizes this theoretical approach with a random forests analysis with interactions between linguistic, socio‐demographic and conversational factors. Empirical results show the importance of integrating extra‐linguistic factors to large‐scale quantitative linguistic analyses (e.g., speakers' native language and conversational roles contribute to the linguistic developments and changes that occur in ELF). Ultimately, the influence of speakers' native language over their constructional choices revives the question whether the typology of speakers' native languages should be accounted for when exploring the shape of ELF.
Rosacea: a wholistic review and update from pathogenesis to diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Marson Justin W. , Baldwin Hilary E.
Published: December 2019

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central face with multiple overlapping presentations. Recent advancements are reshaping our understanding of rosacea from both a pathophysiologic perspective and clinical approach to therapy, introducing novel agents that have improved patient outcomes and reduced morbidity. In this article, we aim to outline the advancements in understanding, diagnosing, and managing rosacea and to familiarize physicians with the literature, thereby allowing us to better practice safe and effective medicine.
Development, reliability, and validity of the Insulin Treatment Self‐Management Scale
Authors: Karahan Okuroglu Gülten , Karaçanta Atbaş Sema , Ecevit Alpar Şule
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable measuring tool to determine the level of self‐management of insulin treatment by individuals with diabetes.

Methods

This was a methodological instrument development study. This study was conducted in a training and research hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, between January and June 2014.The sample of the study included 311 individuals with diabetes. The item pool was formed with 63 items. The content validity was assessed by 14 experts. The draft scale with 58 items was formed with a five‐point Likert type scale. The structural validity of the scale was assessed via exploratory factor analysis. In the context of reliability analyses, the item‐total score correlation, the split‐half method, and the test‐retest application were used.

Results

The scale had 32 items and three subscales. The first factor was called “behavioral subdimension,” the second as “cognitive subdimension,” and the third, “affective subdimension.” The total Cronbach alpha value of the scale was 0.91.

Conclusion

Preliminary validity and reliability was demonstrated for a newly developed scale for measuring insulin treatment self‐management of adult individuals with diabetes.
Long non‐coding RNA F11‐AS1 inhibits HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating NR1I3 via binding to microRNA‐211‐5p
Authors: Deng Yibin , Wei Zhongheng , Huang Meijin , Xu Guidan , Wei Wujun , Peng Bin , Nong Shunqiang , Qin Houji
Published: December 2019

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could regulate growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of lncRNA F11‐AS1 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related HCC. The relation of lncRNA F11‐AS1 expression in HBV‐related HCC tissues to prognosis was analysed in silico. Stably HBV‐expressing HepG2.2.15 cells were established to explore the regulation of lncRNA F11‐AS1 by HBx protein, as well as to study the effects of overexpressed lncRNA F11‐AS1 on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis in vitro. Subsequently, the underlying interactions and roles of lncRNA F11‐AS1/miR‐211‐5p/NR1I3 axis in HBV‐related HCC were investigated. Additionally, the influence of lncRNA F11‐AS1 and miR‐211‐5p on tumour growth and metastasis capacity of HepG2.2.15 cells were studied on tumour‐bearing nude mice. Poor expression of lncRNA F11‐AS1 was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HBV‐related HCC, and its down‐regulation was caused by the HBx protein. lncRNA F11‐AS1 was proved to up‐regulate the NR1I3 expression by binding to miR‐211‐5p. Overexpression of lncRNA F11‐AS1 reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion, yet induced apoptosis of HepG2.2.15 cells in vitro, which could be abolished by overexpression of miR‐211‐5p. Additionally, either lncRNA F11‐AS1 overexpression or miR‐211‐5p inhibition attenuated the tumour growth and metastasis capacity of HepG2.2.15 cells in vivo. Collectively, lncRNA F11‐AS1 acted as a modulator of miR‐211‐5p to positively regulate the expression of NR1I3, and the lncRNA F11‐AS1/miR‐211‐5p/NR1I3 axis participated in HBV‐related HCC progression via interference with the cellular physiology of HCC.
Inhibition of PFKFB3 suppresses osteoclastogenesis and prevents ovariectomy‐induced bone loss
Authors: Wang Jia , Guan Hanfeng , Liu Hui , Lei Zuowei , Kang Honglei , Guo Qian , Dong Yimin , Liu Huiyong , Sun Yunlong , Fang Zhong , Li Feng
Published: December 2019

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells derived from the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage under the regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL). In previous studies, stimulation by RANKL during osteoclastogenesis was shown to induce a metabolic switch to enhanced glycolytic metabolism. Thus, we hypothesized that blockage of glycolysis might serve as a novel strategy to treat osteoclast‐related diseases. In the present study, 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), an essential regulator of glycolysis, was up‐regulated during osteoclast differentiation. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 in bone marrow‐derived macrophages suppressed the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of the PFKFB3 inhibitor PFK15 prevented ovariectomy‐induced bone loss. In addition, glycolytic activity characterized by lactate accumulation and glucose consumption in growth medium was reduced by PFKFB3 inhibition. Further investigation indicated that the administration of L‐lactate partially reversed the repression of osteoclastogenesis caused by PFKFB3 inhibition and abrogated the inhibitory effect of PFK15 on the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that blockage of glycolysis by targeting PFKFB3 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for osteoclast‐related disorders.
Up‐regulation of paired‐related homeobox 2 promotes cardiac fibrosis in mice following myocardial infarction by targeting of Wnt5a
Authors: Bai Wen‐Wu , Tang Zhen‐Yu , Shan Ti‐Chao , Jing Xue‐Jiao , Li Peng , Qin Wei‐Dong , Song Ping , Wang Bo , Xu Jian , Liu Zhan , Yu Hai‐Ya , Ma Zhi‐Min , Wang Shuang‐Xi , Liu Chao , Guo Tao
Published: December 2019

Cardiac fibrosis is a key factor to determine the prognosis in patient with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the transcriptional factor paired‐related homeobox 2 (Prrx2) regulates Wnt5a gene expression and the role in myocardial fibrosis following MI. The MI surgery was performed by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. Cardiac remodelling was assessed by measuring interstitial fibrosis performed with Masson staining. Cell differentiation was examined by analysis the expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Both Prrx2 and Wnt5a gene expressions were up‐regulated in mice following MI, accompanied with increased mRNA and protein levels of α‐SMA, collagen I and collagen III, compared to mice with sham surgery. Adenovirus‐mediated gene knock down of Prrx2 increased survival rate, alleviated cardiac fibrosis, decreased infarction sizes and improved cardiac functions in mice with MI. Importantly, inhibition of Prrx2 suppressed ischaemia‐induced Wnt5a gene expression and Wnt5a signalling. In cultured cardiac fibroblasts, TGF‐β increased gene expressions of Prrx2 and Wnt5a, and induced cell differentiations, which were abolished by gene silence of either Prrx2 or Wnt5a. Further, overexpression of Prrx2 or Wnt5a mirrored the effects of TGF‐β on cell differentiations of cardiac fibroblasts. Gene silence of Wnt5a also ablated cell differentiations induced by Prrx2 overexpression in cardiac fibroblasts. Mechanically, Prrx2 was able to bind with Wnt5a gene promoter to up‐regulate Wnt5a gene expression. In conclusions, targeting Prrx2‐Wnt5a signalling should be considered to improve cardiac remodelling in patients with ischaemic heart diseases.
Practicing Geriatrics: Mission Impossible?
Authors: Reuben David B. , Ganz David A.
Published: December 2019

This editorial comments on the article by Johnston et al.
Post‐Acute Care Locations: Hospital Discharge Destination Reports vs Medicare Claims
Authors: Zhu Ye , Stearns Sally C.
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

Administrative records such as Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) claims provide accurate information on services paid for by Medicare. However, the increasing availability of electronic health records means many researchers may be inclined to rely on data coded in hospital information systems rather than claims. The current quality and accuracy of hospital reports on the use of post‐acute care (PAC) services are not known.

DESIGN

This study examined differences in the PAC use between hospital discharge status recorded on Medicare Provider and Analysis Review inpatient hospital records and claims for PAC services.

SETTING

In addition to assessments of the three types of Medicare‐reimbursed PAC (home health agency [HHA], skilled nursing facility [SNF], and inpatient rehabilitation facility [IRF]), the analysis also considered home without PAC services as a default discharge location.

PARTICIPANTS

The analysis was conducted using data for FFS beneficiaries who participated in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and had one or more inpatient hospitalizations from 2006 to 2011.

MEASUREMENTS

This study measured discrepancies between hospital‐reported discharges to PAC and PAC use based on Medicare claims.

RESULTS

The study found that, on average, 27.9% of hospital reports of discharging to Medicare‐covered PAC services were not substantiated by Medicare PAC claims. Among all the discharge pathways, discharging to HHAs had the highest discrepancy rate (29.6%), followed by IRFs (14.7%) and SNFs (13.8%).

CONCLUSION

The study results call for cautions about the extent to which the reported discharge locations on hospital claims may differ from actual PAC services used. Assuming that Medicare FFS claims were complete and accurate, researchers using the discharge status reported on Medicare hospital claims should be aware of possible measurement errors when using hospital‐reported discharge locations. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:847–851, 2020
A Welfare‐Based Analysis of International Monetary Policy Spillovers at the Zero Lower Bound
Authors: HABERIS ALEX , LIPIŃSKA ANNA
Published: December 2019

We study the welfare effects of international monetary policy spillovers at the zero lower bound, focusing on the effects of forward guidance in a large economy (“foreign”) on its smaller trading partner (“home”) in scenarios motivated by the global financial crisis. We find that foreign forward guidance has an overall prosper‐thy‐neighbor effect on the home economy as long as it increases foreign welfare. This finding holds under alternative assumptions about exchange rate pass‐through or the degree of international financial integration. However, foreign forward guidance may worsen the trade‐off between the stabilization objectives of home monetary policy.
Monte Carlo study for correcting the broadened line‐scan profile in scanning electron microscopy
Authors: ZHANG P.
Published: December 2019

Line‐scan profile is always broadened due to the probe shape of the primary electron (PE) beam in scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which leads to an inaccurate dimension metrology. Currently, the effective electron beam shape (EEBS) is suggested as the broadening function to overcome this issue for theoretical analysis, rather than the widely used Gaussian profile. However, EEBS is almost impossible to be acquired due to it strongly depends on both the sample topography and the electron beam focusing condition, which makes it is impossible to be applied in practical analysis. Taking the case of gate linewidth measurement, an approach is proposed to find a best‐fit traditional Gaussian profile, which can optimally replace the EEBS in the case of the same sample structure and experimental condition for construction of a database of the parameter in traditional Gaussian profile. This approach is based on the use of the ideal and broadened line‐scan profiles which are both obtained from Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, but respectively by an ideal and a focusing incident electron beam model. The expected value of parameter can be obtained through deconvoluting (here using a maximum‐entropy algorithm) the broadened line‐scan profile then fitting it to the ideal profile. Experimenters can benefit from this database to obtain true line‐scan profiles for accurate gate linewidth measurement. This work should prove useful for samples of other structures and be an extension of the database in the future.
Does occlusal reduction reduce post‐endodontic pain? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shamszadeh Sayna , Shirvani Armin , Asgary Saeed
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Pain management during endodontic therapy is an important issue in clinical practice. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of occlusal reduction to control the post‐operative endodontic pain in adults undergoing root canal therapy.

Materials and methods

Electronic database and manual searches of English papers were conducted up to August 2019 to identify randomised placebo‐controlled trials. The MeSH terms used were (endodontics OR root canal therapy) AND (postoperative pain) AND (occlusal reduction). The primary outcome measure was the post‐operative pain intensity up to 72 hours. Pooled standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random‐effects inverse variance method. The statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test. The significance level was set at P < .05.

Results

In total, six randomised controlled trials including 344 participants were included. Our meta‐analyses showed that relief of occlusal surface did not significantly reduce the pain intensity scores at 12‐ (SMD = −0.46; 95% CI = −1.24, 0.30; P = .239), 24‐ (SMD = −0.17; 95% CI = −0.73, 0.38; P = .533) and 48‐ (SMD = −0.67; 95% CI = −1.38, 0.03; P = .063) when compared to placebo. However, at 72 hours, patients received intervention showed significant more pain reduction than placebo groups (SMD = −1.07; 95% CI = −1.81, −0.32; P = .005).

Conclusion

Based on this meta‐analysis, the efficacy of occlusal reduction in post‐endodontic pain control for up to 2 days is not supported. However, on day three, it had a positive influence on the control of post‐endodontic pain.
Effects of dietary supplementation with l‐arginine on the intestinal barrier function in finishing pigs with heat stress
Authors: Yi Hongbo , Xiong Yunxia , Wu Qiwen , Wang Mengzhu , Liu Shuai , Jiang Zongyong , Wang Li
Published: December 2019

Previous studies showed heat stress reduces body weight gain and feed intake associated with damaged intestinal barrier function, and l‐arginine (L‐Arg) enhanced intestinal barrier function in young animals under stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of L‐Arg on serum hormones, intestinal morphology, nutrients absorption and epithelial barrier functions in finishing pigs with heat stress. Forty‐eight finishing pigs (Landrace) were balanced for sex and then randomly assigned to six groups: TN group, thermal neutral (22°C, ~80% humidity) with a basal diet; HS group, heat stress (cyclical 35°C for 12 hr and 22°C for 12 hr, ~80% humidity) with a basal diet; PF group, thermal neutral (22°C, ~80% humidity) and pair‐fed with the HS; the TNA, HSA and PFA groups were the basal diet of TN group, HS group and PF group supplemented with 1% L‐Arg. Results showed that HS decreased (p < .05) the thyroxine concentrations and increased (p < .05) the insulin concentrations in serum compared with the TN group, but 1% L‐Arg had no significant effects on them. Both HS and PF significantly increased (p < .05) the mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters (CAT1 and CAT2) and decreased the mRNA expression of solute carrier family 5 member 10 (SGLT1) in the jejunum compared with the TN group. Compared with the TN group, HS reduced the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1) and occludin, but PF only decreased ZO‐1 expression in the jejunum. Results exhibited that dietary supplementation with 1% L‐Arg improved the intestinal villous height, the ratio of villous height to crypt depth, and the expression of occludin and porcine beta‐defensin 2 (pBD2) in the jejunum of intermittent heat‐treated finishing pigs. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% L‐Arg could partly attenuate the intermittent heat‐induced damages of intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier functions in finishing pigs.
The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats
Authors: Donadelli Renan A. , Aldrich Charles G.
Published: December 2019

Pet food companies use fibrous ingredients in cat foods to aid weight and hairball management. Miscanthus grass could be an alternative novel fibre source for cat foods. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of Miscanthus grass as a fibre source on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats. Dry extruded cat foods (average chemical composition; digestibility trial: 94.54% dry matter—DM, 34.47% crude protein—CP, 11.67% crude fat, 7.06% ash and 13.04% total dietary fibre—TDF; and hairball trial: 94.88% DM, 34.60% CP, 11.30% crude fat, 7.02% ash and 9.77% TDF) were fed to 12 cats for a 9‐day (digestibility trial) or 16‐day (hairball trial) adaptation period followed by a 5‐day total faecal collection period. Digestibility trial was performed as a replicated Latin square design, and the hairball trial was performed as a switchback design. In general, the cats fed the beet pulp diet (BPD) had higher DM, organic matter, gross energy and TDF digestibility than cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGD) or cellulose (CED) diet (p < .05). However, CP digestibility was lower for cats fed BPD (82.1 vs. 84.7 and 85.1%, respectively, for BPD, MGD and CED). These differences could be due to the differences in dietary fibre content and(or) composition. Faecal scores were lower for cats fed BPD (2.84) compared with MGD (3.32) and CED (3.21; p < .05). No effects due to fibre were reported on the faecal hairball variables, with the exception of less total hair weight and hair clumps per gram of dry faeces for cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGH) compared with control diet (COH; p < .05). In conclusion, Miscanthus grass could be used as an alternative ingredient to cellulose in cat diets.
Spread of Risk Information Through Microblogs: Twitter Users with More Mutual Connections Relay News That is More Dreadful1
Authors: Komori Masashi , Miura Asako , Matsumura Naohiro , Hiraishi Kai , Maeda Kazutoshi
Published: December 2019

In elucidating the spread of risk information through microblogging, it is important to understand the behaviors of numerous average users, in addition to the activities of authorities. We followed the transmission pathways of 10 actual widely spread tweets concerning several risk information topics, including natural disasters, nuclear disasters, and infectious diseases, and we identified the types of risk that affected retweeting by classifying each tweet based on Slovic's risk‐perception model. Furthermore, we examined the types of users who did and did not retweet the information. Users with few connections in the form of followers (i.e., people who are following a user) or followees (people a user is following), or with a low ratio of mutual followers within their connections, had a tendency to retweet a large amount of risk information, regardless of the type of risk involved. On the other hand, users with a high ratio of mutual followers exhibited a greater tendency to retweet risk information when it was perceived as dreadful, though they did not retweet risk information much on the whole. These results suggest that there are two mechanisms by which risk information is spread within the Twitter network: information exchange and social sharing of personal reactions.
Would St. Thomas Aquinas Baptize an Extraterrestrial?, Revisited
Authors: George Marie
Published: December 2019

Edmund Lazzari in “Would St. Thomas Aquinas Baptize an Extraterrestrial,” maintains that Aquinas would disagree with those who would baptize a fallen extraterrestrial on the grounds that they “disregard the necessity of a human nature for incorporation into the Mystical Body of Christ,” baptism being the means whereby human beings are so incorporated. Lazzari maintains that, “Because of the crucial role that that assumption of a human nature plays … in Thomistic soteriology, it is not possible to simply transfer the effects of the life of Jesus Christ to other intellectual beings who are not sharers in human nature.” I first intend to show that Aquinas does not hold that a being must have a human nature to belong to the Mystical Body; rather having a rational nature suffices. Secondly, I intend to show that while the effects of Christ's death and resurrection are not such as to be automatically applicable to intelligent extraterrestrials (ETIs), much less to be automatically transferred to them through baptism, Aquinas would maintain that God is capable of ordering things in these ways, as they do not imply contradiction. Thus, if there are fallen extraterrestrials, Aquinas would not assume that it would be inappropriate to baptize them.
Contemporary Naturalism, God, and the Methodological Relevance of Thomas Aquinas
Authors: DeLaquil Edward
Published: December 2019

This article claims that the strict methodological considerations of contemporary philosophical naturalism do not hinder serious philosophical reference to the thought of Thomas Aquinas because his methodological principles are just as rigorous. The methodology of Thomas Aquinas is not explicitly stated in the Summa Theologiae. Therefore, the Summa contra Gentiles and On being and essence are referenced to clarify what Thomas seems to have thought about relationship between philosophy and theology. The work of Fiona Ellis is an example of how a contemporary philosopher can methodologically justify taking a position of qualified naturalism. Ellis calls this expansive naturalism. This methodology desires to accept a type of naturalistic philosophy. Yet, Ellis holds that expansive naturalism is able to employ theology as a resource for philosophy without falling into the trap of superstition. In order to arrive at this contemporary reflection, there is a very brief sketch of recent intellectual history concerning the relationship between philosophy and theology.
How does rice cope with too little oxygen during its early life?
Authors: Yu Su‐May , Lee Hsiang‐Ting , Lo Shuen‐Fang , Ho Tuan‐Hua David
Published: December 2019

Most crops cannot germinate underwater. Rice exhibits certain degrees of tolerance to oxygen deficiency for anaerobic germination (AG) and anaerobic seedling development (ASD). Direct rice seeding, whereby seeds are sown into soil rather than transplanting seedlings from the nursery, becomes an increasingly popular cultivation method due to labor shortages and opportunities for sustainable cultivation. Flooding is common under direct seeding, but most rice varieties have poor capability of AG/ASD, which is a major obstacle to broad adoption of direct seeding. A better understanding of the physiological basis and molecular mechanisms regulating AG/ASD should facilitate rice breeding for enhanced seedling vigor under flooding. This review highlights recent advances on molecular and physiological mechanisms and future breeding strategies of rice AG/ASD.
Leaf shape is a predictor of fruit quality and cultivar performance in tomato
Authors: Rowland Steven D. , Zumstein Kristina , Nakayama Hokuto , Cheng Zizhang , Flores Amber M. , Chitwood Daniel H. , Maloof Julin N. , Sinha Neelima R.
Published: December 2019

Commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most widely grown vegetable crops worldwide. Heirloom tomatoes retain extensive genetic diversity and a considerable range of fruit quality and leaf morphological traits.

Here the role of leaf morphology was investigated for its impact on fruit quality. Heirloom cultivars were grown in field conditions, and BRIX by yield (BY) and other traits were measured over a 14‐wk period. The complex relationships among these morphological and physiological traits were evaluated using partial least‐squares path modeling, and a consensus model was developed.

Photosynthesis contributed strongly to vegetative biomass and sugar content of fruits but had a negative impact on yield. Conversely leaf shape, specifically rounder leaves, had a strong positive impact on both fruit sugar content and yield. Cultivars such as Stupice and Glacier, with very round leaves, had the highest performance in both fruit sugar and yield. Our model accurately predicted BY for two commercial cultivars using leaf shape data as input.

This study revealed the importance of leaf shape to fruit quality in tomato, with rounder leaves having significantly improved fruit quality. This correlation was maintained across a range of diverse genetic backgrounds and shows the importance of leaf morphology in tomato crop improvement.
Impact of Elevated Body Mass Index on Surgical Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Cervical Fusion Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Gen‐ai , Zhang Wen‐ping , Chen Ying‐chun , Hou Yu , Qu Wei , Ding Li‐xiang
Published: December 2019

To investigate whether high body mass index (BMI) had adverse effects on the postoperative outcomes for patients who underwent anterior or posterior cervical fusion procedures. A literature search were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Comparative or controlled studies that examined the influences of high BMI on postoperative outcomes after cervical fusion procedures were included. Using a fixed‐effect model or random‐effect model, the effects of high BMI were determined by weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. A total of seven studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled estimate showed that high BMI was associated with longer hospital stay (WMD = 1.61 days, 95% CI: 0.51, 2.71; P = 0.004), longer surgical time (WMD = 4.55, 95% CI: 1.04, 8.07; P = 0.011), higher mortality rate (RR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.75, 3.29; P < 0.001), and higher postoperative rates of cardiac complication (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.52; P = 0.001), deep venous thromboembolism (RR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.86; P = 0.002), and wound complication (RR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.28; P < 0.001). However, there was no significant differences between high and normal BMI groups in terms of Neck Disability Index (WMD = 1.49, 95% CI: −2.34, 5.32; P = 0.447), SF‐36 Mental Component Score (MCS) (WMD = −0.87, 95% CI: −2.09, 0.35; P = 0.164), overall complications (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.76; P = 0.399), central nervous system (CNS) complications (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.17, 2.76; P = 0.586), pulmonary complications (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.87, 2.46; P = 0.150), and septic complications (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.32, 2.38; P = 0.785).High BMI seemed to be associated with longer hospital stay, surgical time, and higher postoperative complication rates compared to normal BMI. Therefore, high BMI patients should be counseled carefully regarding the risk of postoperative complications and surgical outcomes after cervical fusion procedures.
Expanding the donor pool for congenital heart disease transplant candidates by implementing 3D imaging‐derived total cardiac volumes
Authors: Shugh Svetlana B. , Szugye Nicholas A. , Zafar Farhan , Riggs Kyle W. , Villa Chet , Lorts Angela , Morales David L.S. , Moore Ryan A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Heart transplant waitlist mortality remains high in infants <1 year of age and among those with CHD. Currently, the median accepted donor‐to‐recipient weight percentage is approximately 130% of the recipient's weight. We hypothesized that patients with CHD may accept a larger organ using novel 3D‐derived imaging data to estimate donor and recipient TCV.

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective study was performed using CT data for 13 patients with CHD and 94 control patients. 3D visualization software was used to create digital 3D heart models that provide an estimate of TCV. In addition, echocardiograms obtained prior to cross‐sectional imaging were reviewed for presence of ventricular chamber dilation.

Results

Sixty‐two percent (8/13) of patients with CHD had 3D‐derived TCV resulting in a weight that was >130% larger than their actual weight. This was seen in single‐ventricle patients following Blalock‐Taussig shunt and Fontan palliation, and patients with biventricular repair. Of those, 75% (6/8) had reported moderate‐to‐severe ventricular chamber dilation by echocardiogram or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusions

In a large portion of patients with CHD, 3D‐derived TCV place the recipient at a higher listing weight than their actual weight. We propose obtaining cross‐sectional imaging to better assess TCV in a recipient, which may increase the donor range for CHD recipients and improve organ utilization in pediatrics.
The effect of masticatory behaviour on generalized attention in heathy volunteers
Authors: Nagashima Shintaro , Kimoto Katsuhiko , Ono Yumie , Ohno Akinori , Hoshi Noriyuki , Fuchigami Kei , Manabe Yuta
Published: December 2019

Aim

As our society ages, the number of people living with dementia also steadily increases. Some work has focused on masticatory behaviour as a form of daily health care that could help prevent cognitive impairment and dementia. However, it is not yet clear how masticatory behaviour influences various cognitive functions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of masticatory behaviour on the decline of generalized attention, an important cognitive function.

Methods

Participants were 35 healthy, dentulous individuals without stomatognathic abnormalities (24 men, 11 women; mean age: 56.8 ± 4.8 years). All participants completed three interventions: mastication, foot‐stepping, and none (control). Pre‐ and post‐intervention measures of generalized attention were measured by using neuropsychological tests to examine general attention; the results were then compared. Simultaneously, during the generalized attention task, the functional activity of the prefrontal cortex was observed on functional near‐infrared spectroscopy.

Results

Response time of generalized attention improved in both the masticatory and foot‐stepping interventions. There was a transient increase in oxyhaemoglobin activity in the right and left prefrontal cortices in the masticatory intervention.

Conclusions

Masticatory behaviour may be involved in a partial improvement of generalized attention and may induce prefrontal cortex activity in middle‐aged and older adults.
Reminiscence, personality, coping and mood state in institutionalised older adults: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fernández‐Pérez Dolores , Ros Laura , Escribano Flor , Serrano Juan Pedro
Published: December 2019

Background

Reminiscence functions in older adults have been associated with variables related to mental health such as depressive symptoms. Additionally, the way in which older adults cope with stress or their personality traits could influence their use of reminiscence. This study examined the relation between gender, coping styles, personality traits and reminiscence functions and how these variables predict depressive symptoms in institutionalised older adults.

Methods

The participants were 117 institutionalised older adults (range 62–98 years). They completed measures of reminiscence functions, depressive symptoms, coping styles and personality traits.

Results

Neuroticism and avoidance coping styles were related to a maladaptive use of reminiscence functions. The results showed that institutionalised older adults with high neuroticism and who usually use emotional discharge and logical analysis as avoidance coping styles and bitterness revival as a reminiscence function may be more likely to present depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings may help enhance the efficacy of interventions using reminiscence.
Soldiers as Public Officials: A Moral Justification for Combatant Immunity
Authors: Thorburn Malcolm
Published: December 2019

How can we make moral sense of the international humanitarian law doctrine of combatant immunity? The doctrine is morally shocking to many: It holds soldiers on both sides of a war immune from criminal prosecution for their otherwise criminal acts of killing, maiming, destroying property, etc., carried out as part of their country's war effort. That is, soldiers who kill as part of an attack benefit from the immunity just as much as those defending their country. Traditionally, just war theorists have tried to provide situation‐specific arguments to show that soldiers on both sides had a good moral justification for their actions. Recently, self‐styled “revisionist just war theorists” have suggested that the doctrine of combatant immunity is just a convention designed to minimize harm. In this article, I suggest that the moral foundation of the doctrine lies in the status of soldiers as public officials in the service of their country. The reason why we hold them immune from prosecution for their war‐making acts is that such acts are properly thought of as acts of a state, rather than as acts of a particular individual. And the reason why states are immune from prosecution for their acts is one of moral standing: No other state has the moral standing to tell another how to carry out the matters that define its jurisdiction. So as long as a country deems (however implausibly) that it must use force to defend itself from aggression, then it may do what is required to defend itself. No other state has the standing to prohibit such acts or to punish those who carry them out. This argument is rooted in an understanding of how individuals may interact as free and equal under law. It does not aim at the perfection of human action, but it does serve to eliminate the worst forms of tyranny.
What Is the Will Theory of Rights?
Authors: Frydrych David
Published: December 2019

This article helps to clear up some misunderstandings about the Will Theory of rights. Section 2 briefly outlines the Theories of Rights. Section 3 elucidates some salient differences amongst self‐described anti–Interest Theory accounts. Section 4 rebuts Carl Wellman's and Arthur Ripstein's respective arguments about the Will Theory differing from “Choice” or Kantian theories of a right. Section 5 then offers a candidate explanation of why people might subscribe to the Will Theory in the first place.
Disseminated adenovirus infection after autologous stem cell transplant
Authors: Kim Nicole J. , Hyun Teresa S. , Pergam Steven A. , Issaka Rachel B.
Published: December 2019

Adenovirus is an infrequent but challenging viral complication of transplantation that is rarely reported after autologous stem cell transplant. We present a case of disseminated adenovirus infection in a woman who received an autologous stem cell transplant for treatment of multiple sclerosis. After presenting with post‐transplant episodic diarrhea and viremia, endoscopic biopsies and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated adenovirus infection. Her symptoms and viremia resolved after treatment with cidofovir. This case demonstrates that a high index of suspicion, a systematic clinical approach, and immunohistochemical tissue staining are necessary to diagnose disseminated adenovirus infection in an unexpected host.
Trade liberalisation and domestic brands: Evidence from China's accession to the WTO
Authors: Deng Xinghua , Jing Ran , Liang Zheng
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we examine how trade liberalisation affects firms' branding behaviours. We investigate this question with China's accession to the WTO in late 2001. We find that firms in sectors with large import tariff reductions discontinue more trademarks. Meanwhile, these firms file more trademark applications and their total number of effective trademarks increases after trade liberalisation. This growth in trademarks is mainly driven by large firms, as measured by the number of employees. In fact, small firms' applications and effective trademarks decline during trade liberalisation. It is also found that trademark applications are mainly filed for the traditionally non‐dominant products of industries. We provide a conceptual model that incorporates the channels through which both passive and active responses occur.
Critical review: Growth mechanisms of the self-assembling of silicon wires
Authors: Li Fengji , Huang Yuehua , Wang Shu , Zhang Sam
Published: December 2019

The unique characteristics of silicon (Si) wires strongly depend on the wire structure, which is dictated by the growth technique and mechanism. The in-depth understanding of the wire growth mechanism is the key to the commercial application of the growth technique. This article critically reviews the mechanisms governing the self-assembled growth of Si wires including (1) vapor-liquid-solid growth (in chemical vapor deposition and molecular beam epitaxy), (2) vapor-solid-solid growth (in chemical vapor deposition), (3) solvent-based growth (in supercritical-fluid-liquid-solid and solvent-liquid-solid process), and (4) solid-liquid-solid growth (in laser ablation, thermal evaporation, and thermal annealing). The morphology, orientation, defects, and the origins of the silicon wires are discussed. This article presents insights into the Si wire growth mechanisms, future research directions, and remaining barriers that must be overcome for commercial applications.