bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia have a delayed reaction to performing a glucose scan during hypoglycaemia: a prospective observational study
Authors: Moser O. , Ziko H. , Elsayed H. , Hochfellner D. A. , Pöttler T. , Mueller A. , Eckstein M. L. , Sourij H. , Mader J. K. ,   the Hypo‐RESOLVE Consortium
Published: July 2020

Aims

Considering that people with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) have a delayed perception of hypoglycaemia, the question arises whether they perform scans later in case of hypoglycaemia than people without IAH. We assessed whether time to performing a scan after reaching hypoglycaemia while using a flash glucose monitoring (flash GM) system is different in people with IAH compared with people without IAH.

Methods

Ninety‐two people with type 1 diabetes [mean (± sd) age 42 ± 14 years, HbA1c 57 ± 9 mmol/mol] using a flash GM system for 3 months were included. Flash GM data were assessed for time until scan after reaching hypoglycaemia level 1 (< 3.9 mmol/l) and level 2 (< 3.0 mmol/l) and compared for type 1 diabetes with vs. without IAH via unpaired t‐test/Mann–Whitney U test (P < 0.05).

Results

Significant differences were found only for the delay between reaching hypoglycaemia and scan between people with and without IAH for Gold score [hypoglycaemia level 1: IAH 78 (51–105) min vs. without IAH 63 (42–89) min, P = 0.03; night‐time hypoglycaemia level 2: IAH 140 (107–227) min vs. without IAH 96 (41–155) min, P = 0.004] and Pedersen‐Bjergaard score [hypoglycaemia level 1: IAH 76 (52–97) min vs. without IAH 54 (38–71) min, P = 0.011; night‐time hypoglycaemia level 1: IAH 132 (79–209) min vs. without IAH 89 (59–143) min, P = 0.011; night‐time hypoglycaemia level 2: IAH 134 (66–212) min vs. without IAH 80 (37–131) min, P = 0.002). Data are shown as median (i.q.r.).

Conclusions

Time until scan after reaching hypoglycaemia might be an objective assessment tool for IAH, but needs to be investigated comprehensively in future studies.
The impact of different hair‐removal behaviours on the biophysical and biochemical characteristics of female axillary skin
Authors: Evans R. L. , Bates S. , Marriott R. E. , Arnold D. S.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The impact of hair removal on the biophysical and biochemical characteristics of human axillary skin is not fully understood. This study investigated the effect of different hair‐removal techniques on biophysical parameters and the concentrations of key inflammatory biomarkers in the axillae of female Thai subjects. Axillary hair was removed by shaving, plucking or waxing.

Methods

Following a 2‐week washout phase without hair removal, subjects underwent visual assessment for erythema and skin dryness in one (randomized) axilla, then, hair was removed from the axilla by shaving, plucking or waxing according to each subject’s established habit. Erythema and dryness were assessed again 30 min after hair removal, and buffer scrubs collected from depilated and non‐depilated axillae and analysed for inflammatory cytokines; after a further 48 h, erythema, dryness and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP) were assessed in the depilated axilla. Biophysical assessments (skin hydration, barrier integrity, elasticity and roughness) were made in depilated and non‐depilated axillae.

Results

All three hair‐removal techniques induced an increase in axillary erythema and skin dryness. Shaving was associated with significantly less erythema (P < 0.01), but significantly greater skin dryness (P < 0.05) versus the other techniques 30 min after hair removal. There were no between‐technique differences in PIHP or biophysical parameters. Interleukins IL‐1α and IL‐1RA concentrations increased, and IL‐8 concentration decreased following hair removal by each technique.

Conclusion

This is the first study to identify the principal cytokines associated with the inflammatory process triggered by axillary hair removal. A single hair‐removal treatment did not appear to induce PIHP or further biophysical changes to the skin.
Evaluation of health‐related composition and bioactivity of five fruit juices following Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation and simulated digestion
Authors: Zeng Huawei , Shuai Yuying , Zeng Xin , Xin Bingyue , Huang Mingqua , Li Bin , Qiao Jie , Wang Yijia , Qiu Xiaoli , Wang Chengtao
Published: July 2020

This study identified and compared the health‐related components and bioactivity of five fruit juices following Lactobacillus plantarum NRRL‐B‐14768 fermentation and subsequent simulated gastrointestinal digestion. After 48‐h fermentation, the vitamin C and total phenol content of orange juice, the polysaccharide content of watermelon juice and the content of functional elements in orange and tomato juices were relatively high. FTIR spectroscopy was used to reveal changes in phenols and organic acids. During fermentation, orange juice displayed the best 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging capacities and inhibition of α‐glucosidase (α‐GC) and xanthine oxidase (XO), compared to the other fruit juices. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, fermented orange juice had the highest vitamin C content, DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging capacities and XO inhibitory activity, and fermented pineapple juice had the highest α‐GC inhibitory activity. These results indicated the potential of these juices in producing fermented juice with high specific functionality.
Microbiome of the first stool and overweight at age 3 years: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Korpela Katja , Renko Marjo , Vänni Petri , Paalanne Niko , Salo Jarmo , Tejesvi Mysore V. , Koivusaari Pirjo , Ojaniemi Marja , Pokka Tytti , Kaukola Tuula , Pirttilä Anna M. , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: July 2020

Background

Several reports have revealed that the first‐pass meconium hosts a diverse microbiome, but its clinical significance is not known.

Objective

We designed a prospective population‐based cohort study to evaluate whether the meconium microbiome predicts subsequent growth in children.

Methods

The study comprised 212 consecutive newborns with a meconium sample and a follow‐up sample at 1 year of age. Trained nurses measured the children for weight and length using standardized techniques. We used next‐generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene and machine‐learning approach for the analysis.

Results

The children with overweight at 3 years of age differed in their meconium microbiome from those with normal weight, having a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes phylum (29% vs 15%, P = .013). Using the machine‐learning approach, the gut microbiome at birth predicted subsequent overweight with area under the curve 0.70 (SD 0.04). A lower proportion of Staphylococcus at birth was associated with greater length/height at 1 year (ß = −.68, P = .029) and 2 years of age (β = −.74, P = .030).

Conclusions

The microbiome of the first‐pass meconium predicted subsequent overweight at the age of 3 years. The association between the gut microbiome and overweight appears to start already during pregnancy and at birth.
Intracavernosal Invicorp as a second line injection therapy for erectile dysfunction after failure of alprostadil
Authors: Bazo A. E. , McAllister B. J. , Terry T.
Published: July 2020

We retrospectively reviewed 51 men who switched to Invicorp intracavernosal therapy following failure of treatment, or development of pain, with alprostadil intracavernosal injections. Invicorp was successful in 61% of alprostadil non‐responders, with no reported penile pain. Three patients (6%) were admitted with priapism which was appropriately treated. Invicorp proved successful in two thirds of the patients who had failed to respond to intracavernosal alprostadil. Invicorp is an excellent alternative for alprostadil non‐responders, proving successful in 61% of this group. Unlike alprostadil injection, Invicorp users did not experience penile pain after the injection and experienced a 50% reduction in incidence of priapism.
Tracking the motion of intracardiac structures aids the development of future leadless pacing systems
Authors: Razeghi Orod , Strocchi Marina , Lee Angela , Longobardi Stefano , Sidhu Baldeep S. , Gould Justin , Behar Jonathan M. , Rajani Ronak , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Niederer Steven A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Leadless pacemakers preclude the need for permanent leads to pace endocardium. However, it is yet to be determined whether a leadless pacemaker of a similar design to those manufactured for the right ventricle (RV) fits within the left ventricle (LV), without interfering with intracardiac structures.

Methods

Cardiac computed tomography scans were obtained from 30 patients indicated for cardiac resynchronisation therapy upgrade. The mitral valve annulus, chordae tendineae, papillary muscles and LV endocardial wall were marked in the end‐diastolic frame. Intracardiac structures motions were tracked through the cardiac cycle. Two pacemaker designs similar to commercially manufactured leadless systems (Abbott's Nanostim LCP and Medtronic's Micra TPS) as well as theoretical designs with calculated optimal dimensions were evaluated. Pacemakers were virtually placed across the LV endocardial surface and collisions between them and intracardiac structures were detected throughout the cycle.

Results

Probability maps of LV intracardiac structures collisions on a 16‐segment AHA model indicated possible placement for the Nanostim LCP, Micra TPS, and theoretical designs. Thresholding these maps at a 20% chance of collision revealed only about 36% of the endocardial surface remained collision‐free with the deployment of Micra TPS design. The same threshold left no collision‐free surface in the case of the Nanostim LCP. To reach at least half of the LV endocardium, the volume of Micra TPS, which is the smaller design, needed to be decreased by 41%.

Conclusion

Due to the presence of intracardiac structures, placement of leadless pacemakers with dimensions similar to commercially manufactured RV systems would be limited to apical regions.
Idiopathic right ventricular arrhythmias requiring additional ablation from the left‐sided outflow tract: ECG characteristics and efficacy of an anatomical approach
Authors: Hisazaki Kaori , Hasegawa Kanae , Kaseno Kenichi , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Aoyama Daisetsu , Mukai Moe , Nodera Minoru , Shiomi Yuichiro , Tama Naoto , Ikeda Hiroyuki , Ishida Kentaro , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Despite the characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings of early activation during ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VAs) and/or excellent pacemapping in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), some VAs may require additional, left‐sided ablation for a cure.

Methods and Results

This study included five patients with idiopathic VAs whose QRS morphologies were highly suggestive of an RVOT origin. The ECG characteristics and intracardiac electrocardiograms during catheter ablation were assessed. In all patients, the clinical VAs had an LBBB QRS morphology and inferior axis with a precordial R/S transition through leads V3–V5, and negative components in lead I. The earliest activation during the VAs (local electrogram‐QRS interval = −34 ± 6.8 ms) and excellent pacemapping were obtained at the posterior portion of the RVOT just beneath the pulmonary valve. However, ablation at those sites failed, and the QRS morphology of the VAs changed. During left‐sided OT mapping, the earliest activation was found at sites just contralateral to the initially ablated sites of the RVOT (junction of the left and right coronary cusps = 2, left coronary cusp = 3). In spite of the late activation time and poor pacemapping scores, catheter ablation at those sites cured the VAs. Those successful sites were also near the transitional zone from the great cardiac vein to the anterior interventricular vein (GCV‐AIV).

Conclusions

Some VAs, highly suggestive of having RVOT origins, require catheter ablation in the left‐sided OT near the initially ablated RVOT site. Those VAs have the same ECG characteristics and might have intramural origins in the superobasal LV surrounded by the RVOT, LVOT, and GCV‐AIV.
MeCP2‐421‐mediated RPE epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and its relevance to the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Li Xue , He Shikun , Zhao Mingwei
Published: July 2020

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding eye disease. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RPE cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PVR. In the current study, we sought to investigate the role of the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2), especially P‐MeCP2‐421 in the pathogenesis of PVR. The expressions of P‐MeCP2‐421, P‐MeCP2‐80, PPAR‐γ and the double labelling of P‐MeCP2‐421 with α‐SMA, cytokeratin, TGF‐β and PPAR‐γ in human PVR membranes were analysed by immunohistochemistry. The effect of knocking down MeCP2 using siRNA on the expressions of α‐SMA, phospho‐Smad2/3, collagen I, fibronectin and PPAR‐γ; the expression of α‐SMA stimulated by recombinant MeCP2 in ARPE‐19; and the effect of TGF‐β and 5‐AZA treatment on PPAR‐γ expression were analysed by Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the binding of MeCP2 to TGF‐β. Our results showed that P‐MeCP2‐421 was highly expressed in PVR membranes and was double labelled with α‐SMA, cytokeratin and TGF‐β, knocking down MeCP2 inhibited the activation of Smad2/3 and the expression of collagen I and fibronectin induced by TGF‐β. TGF‐β inhibited the expression of PPAR‐γ, silence of MeCP2 by siRNA or using MeCP2 inhibitor (5‐AZA) increased the expression of PPAR‐γ. α‐SMA was up‐regulated by the treatment of recombinant MeCP2. Importantly, we found that MeCP2 bound to TGF‐β as demonstrated by Chip assay. The results suggest that MeCP2 especially P‐MeCP2‐421 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PVR and targeting MeCP2 may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of PVR.
Intermittent use of biologic agents for the treatment of psoriasis in adults
Authors: Al‐Hammadi A. , Ruszczak Z. , Magariños G. , Chu C.‐Y. , El Dershaby Y. , Tarcha N.
Published: July 2020

Current clinical recommendations suggest that continuous treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis with biologic agents is more effective than intermittent treatment in terms of achieving remission and maintaining it. Intermittent treatment, however, may provide an alternative approach in patients unwilling or unable to maintain a continuous regimen, such as those who would prefer a ‘treatment vacation’ after achieving long‐term remission, those who require treatment cessation owing to adverse events, and where insurance arrangements do not provide sufficient cover for continuous treatment. We conducted a literature search of PubMed to identify publications reporting data on the efficacy and safety of intermittent treatment with biologic agents in adults with psoriasis, specifically the use of inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept and infliximab), interleukin (IL)‐12/IL‐23 (ustekinumab), IL‐23 (guselkumab) and IL‐17 (brodalumab, ixekizumab and secukinumab). From our search, we identified 18 relevant publications reporting the intermittent use of the biologic therapies of interest: five described etanercept, three described adalimumab, two each described infliximab, ixekizumab or ustekinumab, and one each described certolizumab pegol, guselkumab, brodalumab and secukinumab. In general, there were large proportions of patients (≥60%) who were able to re‐establish disease control (as defined by each study) following re‐treatment, and the safety profiles of the various agents during re‐treatment were as anticipated from their profiles observed during continuous dosing. The exception to these general findings was infliximab, which showed the lowest rate of efficacy‐endpoint achievement (25% and 38% in two dosing groups evaluated) as well as a higher incidence of adverse infusion reactions compared with continuous dosing. In conclusion, the use of biologic agents in psoriasis is changing and current clinical data suggest that intermittent treatment may provide an effective and well‐tolerated option for certain patients.
Increasing the interval between repeated anesthetic exposures reduces long‐lasting synaptic changes in late post‐natal mice
Authors: Ju Xianshu , Cui Jianchen , Lee Yulim , Park Sangil , Hong Boohwi , Yoo Sungho , Kim Yoon Hee , Ko Youngkwon , Lim Chaeseong , Lee Sun Yeul , Kweon Gi Ryang , Heo Jun Young , Chung Woosuk
Published: July 2020

While recent studies strongly suggest that a single, short anesthetic exposure does not affect neurodevelopment, the effects of multiple exposures remain unclear. Unfortunately, studying “multiple exposures” is challenging as it is an extremely heterogeneous descriptor comprising diverse factors. One potentially important, but unrecognized factor is the interval between anesthetic exposures. In order to evaluate the significance of interval, we exposed post‐natal day 16, 17 mice to three sevoflurane exposures (2.5%, 1 hr) with short (2 hr) or long (24 hr) intervals. Changes in synaptic transmission, plasticity, protein expression, and behavior were assessed in male and female mice. We discovered that short‐interval exposures induced a female‐dependent decrease in miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic current (mIPSC) frequency 5 days after the last exposure (control: 18.44 ± 2.86 Hz, sevoflurane:14.65 ± 4.54 Hz). Short‐interval sevoflurane exposed mice also displayed long‐term behavioral deficits at adult age (hypoactivity, anxiety). These behavioral changes were consistent with the sex‐dependent changes in inhibitory transmission, as they were more robust in female mice. Although there was no change in learning and memory, short‐interval sevoflurane exposures also impaired LTP in a non‐sex‐dependent manner (control: 171.10 ± 26.90%, sevoflurane: 149.80 ± 26.48 %). Most importantly, we were unable to find long‐lasting consequences in mice that received long‐interval sevoflurane exposures. Our study provides novel insights regarding the significance of the interval between multiple exposures, and also suggests that the neurotoxic effects of multiple anesthetic exposures may be reduced by simply increasing the interval between each exposure.

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FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES, INCOME INEQUALITY, AND POVERTY: EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Couharde Cecile , Mouhoud Sara
Published: July 2020

The past two decades have witnessed widespread attempts to reform fossil fuel subsidies in developing countries. If the reforms are likely to improve economic efficiency, the expected effects on income distribution and poverty are more controversial. This paper reviews the recent literature that examines the impacts of fossil fuel subsidies and their reforms on income inequality and poverty in developing countries. It identifies the different channels that have been explored in the literature and surveys the empirical evidence on the importance of these channels in practice. Drawing on diverse country experiences, it also discusses why fossil fuel subsidies are particularly challenging to reform and highlights several ways in which efforts to reform may be feasible and successful.
Stepfamily Effects on Early Home‐Leaving: The Role of Conflict and Closeness
Authors: van den Berg Lonneke , Kalmijn Matthijs , Leopold Thomas
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study examined the role of stepfamily experiences on early home‐leaving with detailed measures for stepfamily experiences that capture levels of closeness and conflict, and with a detailed measure for home‐leaving that captures pathways out of the home.

Background

Young adults raised in stepfamilies leave home and form unions earlier than young adults raised in single‐parent families. Little is known about the reasons for this difference. This study examined two potential explanations—conflict and lack of closeness in the stepparent‐stepchild relationship.

Method

This study was based on Dutch OKiN data (Ouders en Kinderen in Nederland; Parents and Children in the Netherlands) on 3,566 young adults from separated families. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to estimate effects of stepfamily experiences on different pathways of early home‐leaving. Stepfamily experiences were measured with the level of closeness and conflict in the stepparent‐stepchild relationship.

Results

The results showed that young adults from stepfamilies were more likely to enter trajectories of both early home‐leaving and early union formation. Yet this effect was limited to those having a distant or conflicted relationship with their stepparent.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the role of the stepparent in the home‐leaving process and the heterogeneity in stepparent effects.
Cortical Morphometry is Associated with Neuropsychological Function in Healthy 8‐Year‐Old Children
Authors: Li Ting , McCorkle Ginger S. , Williams David K. , Badger Thomas M. , Ou Xiawei
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cortical development is essential for children's neurocognition. In this study, we evaluated how variations in cortical morphometry in normal children are associated with outcome differences in multiple domains of cognition.

METHODS

Eight‐year‐old children were recruited for a brain MRI followed by a battery of neuropsychological assessments. The MRI scan included 3D‐T1‐weighted imaging for cortical morphometry in 34 regions defined by the Desikan atlas. The neuropsychological assessments included the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) for IQ, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF‐4) for language, Children's Memory Scale (CMS) for memory, Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT‐4) for academic skills, and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) for executive functions. The relationships between MRI measured cortical features, including gray matter volume, surface area, and cortical thickness for different brain regions and neuropsychological test scores, were evaluated using partial correlation analyses controlled for age and sex.

RESULTS

RIAS/CELF‐4/CMS/WRAT‐4/BRIEF scores showed significant correlations (R: [.38‐.44], P: [.005‐.046]) with gray matter volume, surface area, or cortical thickness in multiple brain regions. Gray matter volume in the medial orbitofrontal/ventromedial prefrontal cortex appeared to be a sensitive marker for overall neurocognition as it significantly correlated with IQ, language, memory, and executive function behaviors. The superior temporal gyrus and banks of superior temporal sulcus appeared to be most sensitive to reflect overall language function as their cortical features consistently correlated with language‐related test scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Cortical morphometry significantly correlated with neuropsychological function in healthy children; certain regions/features may serve as sensitive imaging markers.
DNA Sequencing of Type Material Reveals Pneophyllum marlothii comb. nov. from South Africa and P. discoideum comb. nov. (Chamberlainoideae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from Argentina
Authors: Puckree‐Padua Courtney A. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Hughey Jeffery R. , Maneveldt Gavin W.
Published: July 2020

A partial rbcL sequence from the type material of Spongites discoideus from southern Argentina showed that it was distinct from rbcL sequences of South African specimens to which that name had been applied based on morpho‐anatomy. A partial rbcL sequence from an original syntype specimen, herein designated the lectotype, of Lithophyllum marlothii, type locality Camps Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa, was identical to rbcL sequences of South African field‐collected specimens assigned to S. discoideus. Based on phylogenetic analyses of rbcL and/or psbA sequences, both of these species belong in Pneophyllum and are transferred there as P. discoideum comb. nov. and P. marlothii comb. nov. The two species exhibit a distinct type of development where thick, secondary, monomerous disks are produced from thin, primary, dimerous crusts. Whether this type of development represents an example of convergent evolution or is characteristic of a clade of species within Pneophyllum remains to be resolved.
Fungal communities living within leaves of native Hawaiian dicots are structured by landscape‐scale variables as well as by host plants
Authors: Darcy John L. , Swift Sean O. I. , Cobian Gerald M. , Zahn Geoffrey L. , Perry Brian A. , Amend Anthony S.
Published: July 2020

A phylogenetically diverse array of fungi live within healthy leaf tissue of dicotyledonous plants. Many studies have examined these endophytes within a single plant species and/or at small spatial scales, but landscape‐scale variables that determine their community composition are not well understood, either across geographic space, across climatic conditions, or in the context of host plant phylogeny. Here, we evaluate the contributions of these variables to endophyte beta diversity using a survey of foliar endophytic fungi in native Hawaiian dicots sampled across the Hawaiian archipelago. We used Illumina technology to sequence fungal ITS1 amplicons to characterize foliar endophyte communities across five islands and 80 host plant genera. We found that communities of foliar endophytic fungi showed strong geographic structuring between distances of 7 and 36 km. Endophyte community structure was most strongly associated with host plant phylogeny and evapotranspiration, and was also significantly associated with NDVI, elevation and solar radiation. Additionally, our bipartite network analysis revealed that the five islands we sampled each harboured significantly specialized endophyte communities. These results demonstrate how the interaction of factors at large and small spatial and phylogenetic scales shapes fungal symbiont communities.
Functional analysis of RXLR effectors from the New Zealand kauri dieback pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida
Authors: Guo Yanan , Dupont Pierre‐Yves , Mesarich Carl H. , Yang Bo , McDougal Rebecca L. , Panda Preeti , Dijkwel Paul , Studholme David J. , Sambles Christine , Win Joe , Wang Yuanchao , Williams Nari M. , Bradshaw Rosie E.
Published: July 2020

New Zealand kauri is an ancient, iconic, gymnosperm tree species that is under threat from a lethal dieback disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora agathidicida. To gain insight into this pathogen, we determined whether proteinaceous effectors of P. agathidicida interact with the immune system of a model angiosperm, Nicotiana, as previously shown for Phytophthora pathogens of angiosperms. From the P. agathidicida genome, we defined and analysed a set of RXLR effectors, a class of proteins that typically have important roles in suppressing or activating the plant immune system. RXLRs were screened for their ability to activate or suppress the Nicotiana plant immune system using Agrobacterium tumefaciens transient transformation assays. Nine P. agathidicida RXLRs triggered cell death or suppressed plant immunity in Nicotiana, of which three were expressed in kauri. For the most highly expressed, P. agathidicida (Pa) RXLR24, candidate cognate immune receptors associated with cell death were identified in Nicotiana benthamiana using RNA silencing‐based approaches. Our results show that RXLRs of a pathogen of gymnosperms can interact with the immune system of an angiosperm species. This study provides an important foundation for studying the molecular basis of plant–pathogen interactions in gymnosperm forest trees, including kauri.
Reconstructing development of the earliest seed integuments raises a new hypothesis for the evolution of ancestral seed‐bearing structures
Authors: Meade Luke E. , Plackett Andrew R. G. , Hilton Jason
Published: July 2020

How plant seeds originated remains unresolved, in part due to disconnects between fossil intermediates and developmental genetics in extant species. The Carboniferous fossil Genomosperma is considered among the most primitive known seeds, with highly lobed integument and exposed nucellus. We have used this key fossil taxon to investigate the evolutionary origins of seed development.

We examined sectioned Genomosperma specimens using modern digital 3D reconstruction techniques and established population‐level measurements of Genomosperma ovules for quantitative analysis.

Genomosperma ovules show significant variation in integumentary lobe fusion and curvature. Our analysis suggests that this variation represents a single species with significant variations in lobe number and fusion, reminiscent of floral development in extant species. We conclude that changes in lobe flexure occurred late in development, consistent with a previously hypothesized function in pollen guidance/retention. We also identify seeds of Genomosperma within cupules for the first time.

The presence of a cupule adds evidence towards the plesiomorphy of cupules within seed plants. Together with the similarities identified between the Genomosperma lobed integument and floral organs, we propose that the cupule, integument and nucellus together developed in a shoot‐like fashion, potentially ancestral to extant seed plant reproductive shoots.
Microtomographic analysis of the effect of sodium alendronate on orthodontic movement in rats
Authors: Lopes Luiza Lassi de Araújo , de Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio , Damasceno Juliana Ximenes , Martins Joyce Ohana de Lima , da Silva Karla Rovaris , de Sousa Frederico Barbosa , Dantas Hugo Victor , Ribeiro Thyciana Rodrigues , Alencar Phillipe Nogueira Barbosa
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of sodium alendronate on orthodontic tooth movement in rats using microtomographic analysis.

Settings and sample population

Thirty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into three groups of 10 rats and administered saline (control), 1 mg/kg sodium alendronate or 6 mg/kg sodium alendronate, respectively.

Materials and Methods

The drug was administered once per week for 5 weeks by gavage. Orthodontic movement was induced during the last 2 weeks of medication administration by inserting a closed nickel‐titanium spring between the left upper first molar and central incisors. The opposite side served as the control. Tooth movement and bone trabeculation in the furcation region were evaluated by microtomographic analysis in the first (moved) and third (static) molars. The data were subjected to one‐way or two‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (P < .05).

Results

The microtomographic images of the group that received 6 mg/kg sodium alendronate demonstrated significantly less tooth movement (P = .048), less space between the trabeculae (P = .031) and greater number of bone trabeculae (P = .033) compared to the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in bone volume and mean trabecular thickness between the three groups. The static teeth did not show the same alterations (P > .05).

Conclusion

Sodium alendronate treatment reduced tooth movement in rats.
Dietary fat and male sex increase histopathological changes in a mouse model of oral cancer
Authors: Green Jacalyn M. , Ciancio Mae J. , Goral Joanna , Pytynia Matthew , Pitstick Lenore , Meyer Alice , Nguyen Andrew , Lee Katherine , Barakat Ameir , Jham Bruno C.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare the effects of dietary fat and sex on murine oral squamous cell carcinoma pathology.

Materials and methods

Male and female C57Bl/6 mice (36/sex) received a low‐fat (10 kcal%) or high‐fat (60 kcal%) diet. Water (control), vehicle, or 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide in vehicle (50 μg/ml) was provided for 17 weeks followed by six additional weeks of water. Oral lesion development was recorded weekly. Histopathologic changes in tongues were examined, and T cells (CD3+), macrophages (CD68+), and neutrophils (Ly6+) were quantified.

Results

All 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐treated mice developed oral tumors. High‐fat diet exacerbated pathology, demonstrated by an increased final tumor burden (10.9 ± 4.5 vs. 7.9 ± 2.5, mm/mouse, p < .05; high‐fat diet vs. low‐fat diet, respectively), and a greater histopathology score. When dietary groups were combined, 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐treated males displayed higher histopathology scores than females (4.2 ± 0.3 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2, respectively, p < .05). Lymphoid cell infiltration was greater in the 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide mouse tongues than controls: T cells (14.0 vs. 0.96 cells/mm2), macrophages (3.6 vs. 1.8 cells/mm2), and neutrophils (12.0 vs. 0.38 cells/mm2).

Conclusion

High‐fat diet and male sex increased the pathology of 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐induced oral cancer. Elevated lymphoid cell infiltration contributed to disease pathology.
The use of functional performance tests and simple anthropomorphic measures to screen for comorbidity in primary care
Authors: Nevill Alan , Duncan Michael , Cheung Daphne S. K. , Wong Anthony S. W. , Kwan Rick Yiu Cho , Lai Claudia K. Y.
Published: July 2020

Background

Many older adults are unaware that they have comorbid diseases. Increased adiposity and reduced muscle mass are identified as key contributors to many chronic diseases in older adults. Understanding the role they play in the development of comorbidities in older populations is of prime importance.

Objectives

To identify the optimal body shape associated with three common functional performance tests and to determine which anthropometric and functional performance test best explains comorbidity in a sample of older adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

A total of 432 older adults participated in this cross‐sectional study. Researchers assessed their body height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, handgrip strength (kg), functional reach (cm) and results in the timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG) test (seconds). The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to assess comorbidity.

Results

Allometric modelling indicated that the optimal body shape associated with all functional performance tests would have required the participants to be taller and leaner. The only variable that predicted comorbidity was the TUG test. The inclusion of body size/shape variables did not improve the prediction model.

Conclusion

Performance in the TUG test alone was found to be capable of identifying participants at risk of developing comorbidities. The TUG test has potential as a screening tool for the early detection of chronic diseases in older adults.

Implications for Practice

Many older people are unaware of their own co‐existing illnesses when they consult physicians for a medical condition. TUG can be a quick and useful screening measure to alert nurses in primary care to the need to proceed with more detailed assessments. It is an especially useful screening measure in settings with high patient volumes and fiscal constraints. TUG is low cost and easy to learn and is therefore also relevant for nurses and health workers in low‐resource, low‐income countries.
A comparison of figure‐of‐8‐suture versus manual compression for venous access closure after cardiac procedures: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Mujer Mark Terence , Al‐Abcha Abdullah , Flores Jairus , Saleh Yehia , Robinson Peter
Published: July 2020

Background

Manual compression (MC) is the current standard to achieve postprocedural hemostasis in patients who need venous vascular access closure after cardiovascular procedures. Figure‐of‐8 (F8) suture for venous access closure has been reported to be a safe and efficacious alternative to MC.

Methods

A systematic search was done using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and ClinicalTrials.gov without language restriction up until April 15, 2020 for studies comparing F8 suture versus MC. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

Time to achieve hemostasis was significantly reduced in the F8 arm [MD −21.04 min (95% CI: −35.66 to −6.42; P = .005)]. Access site bleeding was significantly lower in the F8 group [RR 0.35 (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.66; P = .001)] along with a lower incidence of hematoma formation [RR 0.42 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.67; P = .0003)]. There was no significant difference in rates of fistula or pseudoaneurysm formation between the two groups. Overall access site complications were lower in the F8 arm [RR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.55; P < .00001)] and the effect was more pronounced for sheaths ≥10 Fr [RR 0.33 (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.60; P = .0003)]. There was lower postprocedural protamine use in the F8 group [RR 0.07 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.36; P = .001)].

Conclusion

For large‐bore venous access closure, the F8 suture results in a shortened time to achieve hemostasis along with a lower overall risk of access site complications and postprocedural protamine use.
Unrelenting facial segmental hemangiomas: A case series of late growth and recurrent ulcerations
Authors: Fernandez Faith Esteban , Cordisco Maria
Published: July 2020

Late growth of infantile hemangiomas is an uncommon complication. We report three patients with segmental facial hemangiomas who experienced late growth and recurrent ulceration predominantly of the lower lip. These patients shared common clinical features including involvement of the S3 facial segment, oral and airway hemangiomas, and vascular anomalies associated with PHACE syndrome. This report highlights a clinical presentation at‐risk for late growth and recurrent ulceration.
Wittgenstein and the Method of von Wright’s Varieties of Goodness
Authors: Venturinha Nuno
Published: July 2020

There has been a recent revival of interest in the relationship between Wittgenstein and von Wright’s Varieties of Goodness. In this paper, I discuss some early versions of the published text which make clear that Wittgenstein’s influence is indeed behind many claims made in the Varieties. On the one hand, there is a reaction to the Tractarian transcendentalism as a form of essentialism. On the other hand, there is an endorsement of Wittgenstein’s later philosophy, particularly of the conceptual investigations carried out after the “Blue Book”, with the notion of “family‐resemblance” assuming a particular significance in von Wright’s descriptive method.
Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy associated with extramammary Paget's disease: An autopsy case report
Authors: Oyama Yuzo , Nishida Haruto , Kondo Yoshihiko , Kusaba Takahiro , Kadowaki Hiroko , Harada Taisuke , Saito Shotaro , Takahashi Naohiko , Daa Tsutomu
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is histologically characterized by micro tumor cell embolism and intimal fibrocellular proliferation of pulmonary arteries or arterioles. We report a secondary case of PTTM associated with extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). The patient was a 72‐year‐old man with exertional dyspnea. Clinical examinations found he had pulmonary hypertension and multiple osteolytic lesions of vertebra. Cytological analysis of pulmonary wedge artery sample detected malignant cells and he was dead before treatment was started. Multiple tumor embolisms (>17) were identified in pulmonary arteries or arterioles at autopsy, consistent with PTTM. Metastatic nodules were found in liver and lymph node. Furthermore, disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) was seen. Immunostaining results pointed out that tumor cells possessed mammary gland phenotype. He had 4‐years history of EMPD in the left axilla without recurrence, and immunohistochemistry results were the same as the autopsy specimen. Thus, we diagnosed the primary site of PTTM to be EMPD. Our case highlights the usefulness of the recent proposed classification of PTTM, potential association between PTTM and DCBM, and the necessity for long‐term follow‐up in EMPD. EMPD can rarely cause PTTM to manifest as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
Are novel ecosystems the only novelty of rewilding?
Authors: Klop‐Toker Kaya , Clulow Simon , Shuttleworth Craig , Hayward Matt W.
Published: July 2020

Since the introduction of the term “rewilding” in 1998, several definitions have been proposed, sparking debate around terminology and how (or if) rewilding differs from restoration. Many papers attempt to distinguish between the two terms through a series of descriptive attributes: historic baselines, landscape‐driven transformation, ongoing human intervention, the connection of people with nature, and the creation of novel ecosystems. Here, we discuss the overlap between these terms and illustrate that the creation of novel ecosystems provides the clearest distinction between rewilding and restoration. If the definition of rewilding is distilled down to its most unique component, the creation of novel ecosystems, perhaps scientists can then work to produce a clear framework for rewilding that is based on best conservation practice.
Replanting agricultural landscapes: how well do plants survive after habitat restoration?
Authors: Jellinek Sacha , Harrison Peter A. , Tuck Jonathan , Te Thai
Published: July 2020

Landscape‐scale habitat restoration has the potential to return ecosystem functions and services and mitigate the loss of native flora and fauna. However, restoration projects rarely monitor the effectiveness of restoration efforts, such as quantifying the establishment success (survival) of the planted species. We monitored a landscape‐scale revegetation program in south‐eastern Australia that planted 5 million plants representing 35 native species over a 4‐year period (2012–2015). We assessed the restoration effectiveness across years to evaluate how different lifeforms survived over time and the factors that influenced the differential survival of lifeforms and individual plant species 3 months (spring) and 9 months (after summer) post‐planting. Establishment success varied across years with survival lowest in the 2015 planting season. Survival of different lifeforms after summer were associated with site‐level variables (e.g. mean maximum temperature, rainfall, and soil type) with survival generally declining due to high temperatures, low rainfall, and for species planted on sandy or saline soils. Maximum temperature, rainfall, and soil type were the most important predictors of compositional change in the 20 species commonly planted across years, with two saltbush species (Atriplex paludosa) and one eucalypt species (Eucalyptus fasciculosa) having the highest survival, while one sedge species (Juncus kraussii) and two grass species (Poa poiformis and Puccinellia stricta) had among the lowest observed survival. These results highlight the importance of monitoring establishment success through survival to detect changes in the composition of lifeforms and species to guide future re‐plantings aimed at returning the desired plant diversity.
Beyond Borders: The Euro Crisis and Public Support for Monetary Integration in East Africa
Authors: Bizuneh Menna , Buigut Steven , Valev Neven
Published: July 2020

We show that economic experiences in one part of the world affect proposed policies elsewhere. Specifically, we find that the recent crisis in the European Monetary Union (EMU) has impacted negatively the public support for the new proposed monetary union in the East African Community (EAC), with a more pronounced effect for less educated Kenyans. That external effect is robust to controlling for an array of other factors such as the expected economic benefits from the union, the desire to gain international influence as part of a larger community and the memory of an earlier failed EAC monetary union.
Welfare Chauvinism? Refugee Flows and Electoral Support for Populist‐Right Parties in Industrial Democracies
Authors: Vadlamannati Krishna Chaitanya
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The objective of this article is to examine whether refugee flows are associated with an increase in electoral support for populist‐right parties. The empirical evidence on this so far remains mixed. This article argues that refugee inflows alone are an inaccurate predictor of the success of populist‐right parties. Rather, refugee inflows can lead to a rise in electoral support for populist‐right parties where traditional welfare states are expansive—the so‐called welfare chauvinism argument, wherein natives already dependent on high levels of social welfare are likely to see refugees as interlopers who free‐ride on welfare and thereby threaten the welfare of locals.

Methods

This article deploys Tobit and OLS fixed effect estimators in panel data covering 27 OECD countries during the period 1990–2014 (25 years).

Results

There is no evidence to suggest that refugee inflows per se increase electoral support for populist‐right parties. However, a positive effect of refugee inflows on electoral support for populist‐right parties is conditional upon a higher degree of social welfare spending, which supports the propositions of “welfare chauvinism.” Moreover, support for populist‐right parties increases when the degree of labor market regulation and welfare spending is high. These results are robust to alternative data, sample, and estimation techniques.

Conclusion

The results suggest that societies with higher levels of social protection through high taxes might fuel “welfare chauvinism,” in which the segments of native population fear significant welfare losses from inflow of refugees.
The novel HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:21 allele in an individual of the Ao tribe from Nagaland, North‐EastIndia
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Khamo Vinotsole , Alwadhi Ajeet , Kanga Uma
Published: July 2020

A single nucleotide change (C to T) in HLA‐DQB1*01:03:01:03 results in the novel allele, HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:21.
Decision‐based learning in religious education
Authors: Plummer Kenneth , Taeger Stephan , Burton Melissa
Published: July 2020

Student learning in religious educational settings is subject to the same pedagogical forces, both effective and ineffective, as found in secular settings. Lectures, readings, assignments, testing and other activities associated with typical instruction, while of some value, tend to leave students with knowledge that is mostly fragmented. In this paper, we explore the use of an innovative pedagogy called decision‐based learning that is designed to assist students in organizing their knowledge of historical and scriptural content more efficiently than they do with traditional instruction. This preliminary study represents an attempt to capture student impressions of this innovative pedagogy. Students' overall impressions were positive; they reported an enhanced sense of realism for the sacred text as well as an improved overall understanding of the historical content. A few recommendations are also made regarding usability and curriculum integration.
Distribution of ABO and Rh (D) Blood groups in India: A systematic review
Authors: Patidar Gopal K. , Dhiman Yashaswi
Published: July 2020

Background

Blood group selection can be influenced by environmental, geographical conditions and migration frequency of population. Knowledge about distribution of blood groups is important for inventory management and disease trends in relation to blood groups. Aim of this systematic review was to know the distribution of ABO & Rh (D) blood groups in India.

Methods

This systematic review was based on literature search from January 2001 to December 2018 on ABO and Rh (D) distribution in all states of India. We divided India into five regions according to geographical area. Same blood group individuals from all the states were added, and a national data was compiled. Gene frequency was estimated using Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Results

Out of total 112 studies from 23 states of India a total of 1 429 996 donors’ data was analysed. Overall distribution of the A, B, O and AB blood groups in India is 23·16%, 34·10%, 34·56% and 8·18%, respectively. Rh(D)‐positive and Rh(D)‐negative population are 94·13% and 5·87%, respectively. Calculated allelic frequencies are 0·5879, 0·1719 and 0·2402 for IO(r), IA(p) and IB(q), respectively. The allelic frequency is 0·7577, and 0·2423 for ID(v) and Id(u), respectively. Blood group B is common in central (36·18%) region while group O is common in southern (38·95%) region.

Conclusion

Our results showed that allelic frequency of blood group O was greater than B in India. This suggests that along with genetic influence, environmental factors and natural selection also play an important role in shaping blood group frequency in specific region.