bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous operation of opposing reaction mechanisms: The influence of matrix heterogeneity on post‐kinematic garnet crystallization in an inverted metamorphic sequence
Authors: George Freya R. , Gaidies Fred
Published: May 2020

Metapelites from the inverted Barrovian sequence in the Sikkim Himalaya (northeast India) are shown to be largely continuous with respect to their bulk rock compositions, microstructures and pressure–temperature–time–deformation (P–T–t–D) histories. However, the upper garnet–lower staurolite zone demarcates a region of microstructurally anomalous post‐kinematic garnet populations contained within strongly segregated matrices. The different microstructures within samples from this region cannot be attributed to differences in their thermobarometric histories or bulk compositions, but are instead interpreted to represent an otherwise unexposed level of the Daling Group that is now exposed along a post‐metamorphic thrust splay. These heterogeneous samples contain several discrete garnet populations that progressively crystallized with increasing P–T. Garnet populations that experienced the most protracted growth now form complex polycrystals that exhibit crystallographically controlled and morphologically irregular interfaces adjacent to micaceous and quartzofeldspathic domains respectively. Electron backscatter diffraction indicates that these polycrystalline garnet structures contain numerous coalesced porphyroblasts that are structurally uncorrelated across their grain boundaries. However, a crystallographically preferred orientation at the polycrystal scale is interpreted to derive from epitaxial crystallization of early‐formed garnet porphyroblasts on precursor mica. Later‐nucleated porphyroblasts within polycrystals preferentially concentrated towards quartzofeldspathic domains, with the overall nucleation distribution likely controlled by a complex interplay between chemical heterogeneities, strain partitioning and epitaxial crystallization. The subsequent growth of these polycrystals was equally spatially heterogeneous; it was moderated by differences in the efficiency of grain boundary transfer between quartzofeldspathic and micaceous domains that precluded thin section‐scale chemical equilibration. In contrast to samples from Sikkim containing more typical porphyroblastic populations in continuous and disseminated matrices, heterogeneous availability of garnet‐forming components within this strongly layered matrix is shown to have resulted in grain‐scale variations in growth rates and the spatial juxtapositioning of interface‐controlled microstructures and locally equilibrated chemical compositions with those that were transport controlled.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging reveals regulation of presynaptic Ca2+ by glutamate uptake and mGluRs, but not somatic voltage in cortical neurons
Authors: Tyurikova Olga , Zheng Kaiyu , Nicholson Elizabeth , Timofeeva Yulia , Semyanov Alexey , Volynski Kirill E. , Rusakov Dmitri A.
Published: May 2020

Brain function relies on vesicular release of neurotransmitters at chemical synapses. The release probability depends on action potential‐evoked presynaptic Ca2+ entry, but also on the resting Ca2+ level. Whether these basic aspects of presynaptic calcium homeostasis show any consistent trend along the axonal path, and how they are controlled by local network activity, remains poorly understood. Here, we take advantage of the recently advanced FLIM‐based method to monitor presynaptic Ca2+ with nanomolar sensitivity. We find that, in cortical pyramidal neurons, action potential‐evoked calcium entry (range 10–300 nM), but not the resting Ca2+ level (range 10–100 nM), tends to increase with higher order of axonal branches. Blocking astroglial glutamate uptake reduces evoked Ca2+ entry but has little effect on resting Ca2+ whereas both appear boosted by the constitutive activation of group 1/2 metabotropic glutamate receptors. We find no consistent effect of transient somatic depolarization or hyperpolarization on presynaptic Ca2+ entry or its basal level. The results unveil some key aspects of presynaptic machinery in cortical circuits, shedding light on basic principles of synaptic connectivity in the brain.

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The six different injection techniques for the temple relevant for soft tissue filler augmentation procedures – Clinical anatomy and danger zones
Authors: Cotofana Sebastian , Gaete Andres , Hernandez Claudia A. , Casabona Gabriela , Bay Shino , Pavicic Tatjana , Coimbra Daniel , Suwanchinda Atchima , Swift Arthur , Green Jeremy B. , Nikolis Andreas , Frank Konstantin
Published: May 2020

Objective

The most promising facial region for inducing pan‐facial effects is the temporal region. The temple displays signs of facial aging itself which include temporal volume loss and increased visibility of the temporal crest, the temporal vasculature, the lateral orbital rim, and the upper zygomatic arch. The objective of this article is to provide a detailed review of temple anatomy pertaining to routinely performed temporal injection techniques, their expected esthetic outcomes as well as the intendant advantages, disadvantages, and procedure pearls.

Materials and Methods

This narrative review is based on the clinical experience of the authors treating the temporal region for esthetic purposes. The postulated outcome of each technique was observed during the routine clinical practice of the authors.

Results

The temporal region is based on a bony platform consisting of the parietal, frontal, sphenoid, and temporal bones. The overlying soft tissues are arranged in layers which contain the temporal neurovascular structures. The temporal soft tissues consist of 10 parallel layers which vary in their thickness depending on age‐related influences. Six different techniques will be addressed, which include subdermal and interfascial techniques for volumizing, low and high supraperiosteal techniques for volumizing, and supraauricular and temporal lifting techniques.

Conclusion

This narrative provides a detailed anatomic overview of the temporal region and describes each commonly performed injection technique with respect to anatomy, esthetic outcome, as well as potential pearls and pitfalls. It is hoped that the description contained herein may guide esthetic practitioners toward safer and more natural outcomes when treating the face.
Imaging Mechanisms of Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: Beyond Brain Atrophy
Authors: Bagnato Francesca , Gauthier Susan A. , Laule Cornelia , Moore George R. Wayne , Bove Riley , Cai Zhengxin , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Harrison Daniel M. , Klawiter Eric C. , Morrow Sarah A. , Öz Gülin , Rooney William D. , Smith Seth A. , Calabresi Peter A. , Henry Roland G. , Oh Jiwon , Ontaneda Daniel , Pelletier Daniel , Reich Daniel S. , Shinohara Russell T. , Sicotte Nancy L. ,   NAIMS Cooperative
Published: May 2020

Clinicians involved with different aspects of the care of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and scientists with expertise on clinical and imaging techniques convened in Dallas, TX, USA on February 27, 2019 at a North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis Cooperative workshop meeting. The aim of the workshop was to discuss cardinal pathobiological mechanisms implicated in the progression of MS and novel imaging techniques, beyond brain atrophy, to unravel these pathologies. Indeed, although brain volume assessment demonstrates changes linked to disease progression, identifying the biological mechanisms leading up to that volume loss are key for understanding disease mechanisms. To this end, the workshop focused on the application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging techniques to assess and measure disease progression in both the brain and the spinal cord. Clinical translation of quantitative MRI was recognized as of vital importance, although the need to maintain a relatively short acquisition time mandated by most radiology departments remains the major obstacle toward this effort. Regarding PET, the panel agreed upon its utility to identify ongoing pathological processes. However, due to costs, required expertise, and the use of ionizing radiation, PET was not considered to be a viable option for ongoing care of persons with MS. Collaborative efforts fostering robust study designs and imaging technique standardization across scanners and centers are needed to unravel disease mechanisms leading to progression and discovering medications halting neurodegeneration and/or promoting repair.
Divergent Findings in Brain Reorganization After Spinal Cord Injury: A Review
Authors: Melo Mariana Cardoso , Macedo Dhainner Rocha , Soares Alcimar Barbosa
Published: May 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a general lack of sensory and motor functions below the level of injury and may promote deafferentation‐induced brain reorganization. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been established as an essential tool in neuroscience research and can precisely map the spatiotemporal distribution of brain activity. Task‐based fMRI experiments associated with the tongue, upper limbs, or lower limbs have been used as the primary paradigms to study brain reorganization following SCI. A review of the current literature on the subject shows one common trait: while most articles agree that brain networks are usually preserved after SCI, and that is not the case as some articles describe possible alterations in brain activation after the lesion. There is no consensus if those alterations indeed occur. In articles that show alterations, there is no agreement if they are transient or permanent. Besides, there is no consensus on which areas are most prone to activation changes, or on the intensity and direction (increase vs. decrease) of those possible changes. In this article, we present a critical review of the literature and trace possible reasons for those contradictory findings on brain reorganization following SCI. fMRI studies based on the ankle dorsiflexion, upper‐limb, and tongue paradigms are used as case studies for the analyses.
Redefining Self‐Advocacy: A Practice Theory‐Based Approach
Authors: Petri Gabor , Beadle‐Brown Julie , Bradshaw Jill
Published: May 2020

The disabled people's movements have successfully influenced public policies and laws. Self‐advocates who are autistic or have an intellectual disability have been working alongside other advocates for recent decades. Practice theory has rarely been used in disability research. This study explores “practice theory” through the analysis of interviews with advocates and self‐advocates within the autism and intellectual disability advocacy movements. This is a qualitative, empirical study based on interviews and focus groups with 43 participants in two countries. The data were collected in 2016–17. Content analysis was used to identify themes. Data indicate that everyday practices of self‐advocates and advocates such as parent advocates and professional advocates largely overlap. There are five major types of practices that are done by nearly all advocates: “informing and being informed,” “using media,” “supporting each other,” “speaking up,” and “bureaucratic duties.” Contrary to several previous studies on self‐advocacy that emphasized “speaking up” as the main activity in advocacy, this study found that most practices of advocates and self‐advocates are “para‐advocacy” practices that may or may not lead directly to “speaking up.” Practices of self‐advocates are often embedded in other everyday activities people do. The line between practices that belong to self‐advocacy and practices outside self‐advocacy may not always be clear even to self‐advocates. Findings also indicate that hierarchies in the disability movement influence strongly the position of self‐advocates.
Phosphate and Nitrate Uptake Dynamics in Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyceae): Ecological and Physiological Aspects of Nutrient Availability
Authors: Lubsch Alexander , Timmermans Klaas R.
Published: May 2020

Uptake dynamics of dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) and dissolved inorganic nitrate (DIN) in young Palmaria palmata (n = 49), cultivated in a range of DIP concentrations (0.0–6.0 µmol · L−1) and nonlimiting DIN concentration (50 µmol · L−1) under fully controlled laboratory conditions, were quantified in a ‘pulse‐and‐chase’ approach over 5 weeks. Two different uptake rates were specified: (1) surge uptake (VS) after starvation and (2) maintenance uptake with filled nutrient pools (VM). VS for DIP of 1.57 ± 0.29 µmol · cm−2 · d−1 and DIN of 15.6 ± 4.3 µmol · cm−2 · d−1, as well as VM for DIP of 0.57 ± 0.22 µmol · cm−2 · d−1 and DIN of 5.6 ± 2.1 µmol · cm−2 · d−1 were calculated. In addition, an absolute size of the internal storage capacity (ISC) for DIP of 22 µmol · cm2 and DIN of 222 µmol · cm2 was determined. A DIP‐to‐DIN uptake ratio of 1:10 under VM showed a weekly rhythmic uptake pattern, highlighted by a high correlation between DIP and DIN uptake (R = 0.943). VS for DIN did not occur under DIP depletion, but uptake rates increased with increasing DIP availability. Hence, DIP availability limited access to DIN, which was also reflected by total dissolvable protein concentrations in sporophytes, which ranged from 10.2 ± 2.5% to 24.6 ± 8.0% dry weight depending on DIP availability. Similarly, total dissolvable carbohydrate concentration ranged from 22.1 ± 3.6% to 54.3 ± 12.3% dry weight. The data presented in this study open further insight into ecological and physiological aspects of nutrient availability in P. palmata and allow for an optimization in cultivation.
Association between anesthesia duration and outcome in dogs with surgically treated acute severe spinal cord injury caused by thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation
Authors: Fenn Joe , Ru Hongyu , Jeffery Nick D. , Moore Sarah , Tipold Andrea , Soebbeler Franz J. , Wang‐Leandro Adriano , Mariani Christopher L. , Early Peter J. , Muñana Karen R. , Olby Natasha J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Retrospective research recently identified a possible relationship between duration of surgery and outcome in severely affected dogs treated surgically for acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (TL‐IVDH).

Hypothesis

That increased duration of surgery is associated with poorer outcome in dogs with absent pain perception treated surgically for TL‐IVDH.

Animals

Two hundred ninety‐seven paraplegic dogs with absent pain perception surgically treated for acute TL‐IVDH.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Medical records of 5 institutions were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were paraplegia with absence of pain perception, surgical treatment of TL‐IVDH, and 1‐year postoperative outcome (ambulatory: yes or no). Canine data, outcome, and surgery and total anesthesia duration were retrieved.

Results

In this study, 183/297 (61.6%) dogs were ambulatory within 1 year, 114 (38.4%) dogs failed to recover, including 74 dogs (24.9%) euthanized because of progressive myelomalacia. Median anesthesia duration in dogs that regained ambulation within 1 year of surgery (4.0 hours, interquartile range [IQR] 3.2‐5.1) was significantly shorter than those that did not (4.5 hours, IQR 3.7‐5.6, P = .01). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated a significant negative association between both duration of surgery and total anesthesia time and ambulation at 1 year when controlling for body weight and number of disk spaces operated on.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Findings support a negative association between increased duration of anesthesia and outcome in this group of dogs. However, the retrospective nature of the data does not imply a causal relationship.
Are there common assembly rules for different grasslands? Comparisons of long‐term data from a subtropical grassland with temperate grasslands
Authors: Ward David , Kirkman Kevin P. , Tsvuura Zivanai , Morris Craig , Fynn Richard W. S.
Published: May 2020

Questions

How consistent are assembly rules for grassland communities from different regions in response to management? We compared vegetation response using long‐term experiments in subtropical South Africa with published temperate Park Grass (UK) and Konza Prairie (USA) results.

Location

Ukulinga, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Methods

Long‐term experiments in the South African site included a fertilizer experiment (VFE) that was compared with Park Grass and a burning and mowing experiment (BME) that was compared with Konza Prairie.

Results

We found consistent vegetation patterns of this subtropical grassland and the temperate grasslands at Park Grass and Konza Prairie. In the comparison of the burning and mowing experiments, species richness in the BME at Ukulinga declined across mowing treatments but did not change between control and intermediate burns as found at Konza Prairie. There was dominance by a few species in the subtropical grassland and the two temperate grasslands under high productivity and frequent burns. Annual burns resulted in lower species richness at both subtropical Ukulinga and temperate Konza Prairie. At both temperate Park Grass and Ukulinga, few species dominated in highly fertilized plots, both sites showed a negative effect of nitrogen amount, and there was a positive effect of lime on species richness.

Conclusions

Consistent results from long‐term series of subtropical and temperate grasslands suggest that there are similar community assembly rules regardless of different climatic conditions and different species pools. A possible underlying mechanism for community assembly at Ukulinga and Konza Prairie for both fertilization, burning and mowing may be shade tolerance. At Ukulinga and Park Grass, changes in species richness (negative effects of increasing nitrogen amount and positive effects of lime) were remarkably similar. Most of the common grass species in South Africa showed evidence of competition, supporting niche‐based assembly rules.
Small biodiversity effects on leaf litter production of a seasonal heath vegetation
Authors: Silva José Luiz Alves , Souza Alexandre Fadigas , Santiago Louis Stephen , Gripp Anderson da Rocha , Asato Ana Elizabeth Bonato , Silva Gabriel Henrique Santos , Alencar Mery Ingrid Guimarães de , Caliman Adriano
Published: May 2020

Aims

We evaluated the relative importance that biodiversity factors, abiotic conditions, and vegetation structure have on monthly leaf litter production. We tested if biodiversity drives leaf litter production through the increase in species richness or community‐weighted mean traits regardless of the influence of other biodiversity factors that reflect species niche differentiation, such as phylogenetic and functional diversities. We also tested if precipitation imposes greater influence on the production than any asynchronous effects between species that result from temporal niche partitioning.

Location

Seasonal heath vegetation that covers white‐sand coastal areas in northeastern Brazil.

Methods

We conducted an observational study across 41 25‐m2permanent plots to sample leaf litter production of the vegetation during 18 months from January 2016 to June 2017 at monthly intervals. We used structural equation modeling in combination with linear mixed models to test the above‐mentioned hypotheses.

Results

Our study encompassed 22 focal species. Species richness was the only biodiversity factor to influence leaf litter production, although its effect was weak, suggesting that the chance of including high‐yielding species by increasing richness enhances the production regardless of the degree of species niche complementarity through functional and phylogenetical dissimilarities. We also observed a major control of precipitation on leaf litter production, as well as a lack of interaction between species richness and its temporal dynamic of production, demonstrating the key role of climate‐mediated controls.

Conclusion

We believe that plant diversity loses importance for ecosystem functioning in ecological contexts where the entire community responds similarly to abiotic pressures, particularly if the ecosystem process is marked by strong temporal dynamics. Our study provided empirical support for this line of reasoning since the seasonal heath vegetation responded mostly to rainfall seasonality.
First case of drug‐induced liver injury associated with the use of tocilizumab in a patient with COVID‐19
Authors: Muhović Damir , Bojović Jelena , Bulatović Ana , Vukčević Batrić , Ratković Marina , Lazović Ranko , Smolović Brigita
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Tocilizumab (TCZ; interleukine‐6 receptor antagonist) has been proposed to treat severe forms of Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) because interleukine‐6 plays an important role in COVID‐19‐induced cytokine storm. Several clinical studies have shown very good effects of TCZ in patients with COVID‐19, with a few minor side effects reported. Only eight serious liver injuries caused by TCZ were reported before being used in the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. Considering the significantly increased use of TCZ for the treatment of COVID‐19, we would like to warn of its rare but possible serious hepatotoxicity, especially when used together with other hepatotoxic drugs.

Methods

We describe a patient with COVID‐19‐induced cytokine storm who developed drug‐induced liver injury associated with the use of TCZ.

Results

One day after TCZ administration, serum transaminase levels increased 40‐fold. Nevertheless, TCZ had a positive effect on clinical and laboratory parameters in cytokine storm, with transaminases values normalizing in 10 days.

Conclusions

This is the first reported case of DILI caused by TCZ in a COVID‐19 patient. Intensive liver function monitoring is imperative in COVID‐19 patients, because of frequent polypharmacy with potentially hepatotoxic drugs.
Genomic footprints of an old affair: Single nucleotide polymorphism data reveal historical hybridization and the subsequent evolution of reproductive barriers in two recently diverged grasshoppers with partly overlapping distributions
Authors: Tonzo Vanina , Papadopoulou Anna , Ortego Joaquín
Published: May 2020

Secondary contact in close relatives can result in hybridization and the admixture of previously isolated gene pools. However, after an initial period of hybridization, reproductive isolation can evolve through different processes and lead to the interruption of gene flow and the completion of the speciation process. Omocestus minutissimus and O. uhagonii are two closely related grasshoppers with partially overlapping distributions in the Central System mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. To analyse spatial patterns of historical and/or contemporary hybridization between these two taxa and understand how species boundaries are maintained in the region of secondary contact, we sampled sympatric and allopatric populations of the two species and obtained genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data using a restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing approach. We used Bayesian clustering analyses to test the hypothesis of contemporary hybridization in sympatric populations and employed a suite of phylogenomic approaches and a coalescent‐based simulation framework to evaluate alternative hypothetical scenarios of interspecific gene flow. Our analyses rejected the hypothesis of contemporary hybridization but revealed past introgression in the area where the distributions of the two species overlap. Overall, these results point to a scenario of historical gene flow after secondary contact followed by the evolution of reproductive isolation that currently prevents hybridization among sympatric populations.
Development of FRET‐based high‐throughput screening for viral RNase III inhibitors
Authors: Wang Linping , Saarela Jani , Poque Sylvain , Valkonen Jari P.T.
Published: May 2020

The class 1 ribonuclease III (RNase III) encoded by Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (CSR3) suppresses RNA silencing in plant cells and thereby counters the host antiviral response by cleaving host small interfering RNAs, which are indispensable components of the plant RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. The synergy between sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus and sweet potato feathery mottle virus can reduce crop yields by 90%. Inhibitors of CSR3 might prove efficacious to counter this viral threat, yet no screen has been carried out to identify such inhibitors. Here, we report a novel high‐throughput screening (HTS) assay based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for identifying inhibitors of CSR3. For monitoring CSR3 activity via HTS, we used a small interfering RNA substrate that was labelled with a FRET‐compatible dye. The optimized HTS assay yielded 109 potential inhibitors of CSR3 out of 6,620 compounds tested from different small‐molecule libraries. The three best inhibitor candidates were validated with a dose–response assay. In addition, a parallel screen of the selected candidates was carried out for a similar class 1 RNase III enzyme from Escherichia coli (EcR3), and this screen yielded a different set of inhibitors. Thus, our results show that the CSR3 and EcR3 enzymes were inhibited by distinct types of molecules, indicating that this HTS assay could be widely applied in drug discovery of class 1 RNase III enzymes.
Did hard substrate taxa diversify prior to the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event?
Authors: Franeck Franziska , Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: May 2020

The Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) refers to one of the greatest increases in biodiversity during the Phanerozoic. Recent studies have shown that this taxonomic increase can be attributed to elevated origination rates around the Dapingian–Darriwilian boundary in the Middle Ordovician, while extinction rates stayed relatively constant throughout the Ordovician. Even though this global pattern of origination and extinction appears similar across diverse groups and geographical areas, earlier studies suggested that hard substrate taxa may have diversified prior to the GOBE, during the Early Ordovician. Here, we quantify Ordovician diversification dynamics of hard substrate taxa while simultaneously accounting for temporally varying sampling probabilities. Diversification rates of hard substrate taxa, both as a whole and when analysed as separate groups, appear to be very similar to those of free‐living benthic taxa. The observation that the diversification dynamics of many different taxonomic and ecological groups show the same temporal pattern, suggests a common cause of Ordovician diversification dynamics.
Genetically modified live attenuated vaccine: A potential strategy to combat visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Pandey Satish Chandra , Kumar Awanish , Samant Mukesh
Published: May 2020

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani mainly influencing the population of tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. The arsenal of drugs available is limited, and prolonged use of such drugs makes parasite to become resistant. Therefore, it is very imperative to develop a safe, cost‐effective and inexpensive vaccine against VL. Although in recent years, many strategies have been pursued by researchers, so far only some of the vaccine candidates reached for clinical trial and more than half of them are still in pipeline. There is now a broad consent among Leishmania researchers that the perseverance of parasite is very essential for eliciting a protective immune response and may perhaps be attained by live attenuated parasite vaccination. For making a live attenuated parasite, it is very essential to ensure that the parasite is deficient of virulence and should further study genetically modified parasites to perceive the mechanism of pathogenesis. So it is believed that in the near future, a complete understanding of the Leishmania genome will explore clear strategies to discover a novel vaccine. This review describes the need for a genetically modified live attenuated vaccine against VL, and obstacles associated with its development.
Isolation and characterization of Salt Overly Sensitive family genes in spinach
Authors: Zhao Chaoyang , William David , Sandhu Devinder
Published: May 2020

The Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway regulates intracellular sodium ion homeostasis as a salt‐stress response in plants. This pathway involves three main genes designated as SOS1, SOS2 and SOS3, which are members of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHX), CBL‐interacting protein kinase (CIPK) and Calcineurin B‐like (CBL) gene families, respectively. To identify and characterize SOS genes in spinach (Spinacia oleracea), a species of the Amaranthaceae family, we conducted genome‐wide identification and phylogenetic analyses of NHX, CIPK and CBL genes from four Amaranthaceae species, Arabidopsis and rice. Most Amaranthaceae genes exhibited orthologous relationships with Arabidopsis and/or rice, except a clade of Vac‐type Amaranthaceae NHX genes. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed gene gain/loss events in Amaranthaceae species and the intron‐less to intron‐rich evolution of CIPK genes. A bacterial protein‐rooted CIPK tree allowed naming most of the phylogenetic clades based on their evolutionary history. Single S. oleracea (So) SOS1, SOS2 and SOS3 proteins were identified. Direct protein–protein interaction was observed between SoSOS2 and SoSOS3 but not between SoSOS2 and SoSOS1 based on yeast two‐hybrid assay. This may suggest distinct modes of action of spinach SOS proteins compared to Arabidopsis SOS proteins. Unlike SoSOS1 and SoSOS2, which were expressed at similar or higher levels in leaves than roots, SoSOS3 expression was significantly higher in roots than leaves, suggesting its greater importance in roots. The expression of SoSOS3 was upregulated in both roots and leaves under salinity compared to the control; however, SoSOS1 was only upregulated in roots. Thus, this study demonstrated the conservation of SOS pathway genes in spinach and also highlighted the complexity of SOS signaling in Amaranthaceae species.
In vitro susceptibility of Aspergillus and Fusarium associated with equine keratitis to new antifungal drugs
Authors: Roberts Darby , Cotter Henry Van T. , Cubeta Marc , Gilger Brian C.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of four fungal species isolated from horses presented with equine fungal keratitis (EFK) in the southeastern United States to previously untested azole, echinocandin, and carboxamide antifungal drugs.

Methods

In vitro assays were performed to determine the susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Fusarium falciforme, and F. keratoplasticum to five antifungal drugs representing three modes of action.

Results

Luliconazole exhibited increased growth inhibition against both Aspergillus and Fusarium compared to commonly used, standard antifungal drugs. MIC values for luliconazole at 0.001‐0.002 µg/mL were at least 25‐fold lower than all other antifungal drugs tested, including voriconazole.

Conclusions

The increased antifungal activity of luliconazole observed in this study warrants further investigation for its potential as an antifungal drug for equine fungal keratitis.
Porcine rotavirus C strains carrying human‐like NSP4 and NSP5
Authors: Costa Fábio Burack , Flores Patrícia Soares , Amorim Ariane Ribeiro , Mendes Gabriella da Silva , Santos Norma
Published: May 2020

Background

Rotavirus C (RVC) is an enteric pathogen that affects humans and animals around the world.

Methods

In this study, we characterized the genetic diversity of RVC strains detected in asymptomatic Brazilian pigs by sequencing the NSP4, NSP5 and VP6 genes.

Results

The results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that 53 of 579 samples (9.2%) contained RVC. Positive samples were genotyped by sequencing gene segments NSP4, and NSP5. Most of the RCV strains encountered were classified into typically porcine genotypes: E1‐H1. In two strains, BP182 and BP208, the NSP4 gene grouped with E2‐RVC human strains with 94.2%–96.5% nucleotide identity, although the NSP5 gene was porcine‐like (H1). In strain SD67, the NSP5 gene grouped with human H2‐RVC with 92.5%–98.7% nucleotide identity and the NSP4 gene grouped with porcine strains (E1). Two strains (BP208 and SD67) were also genotyped by sequencing gene segment VP6. The VP6 gene grouped with porcine strains, I6 (89.3%–90.2% nucleotide identity) and I5 (88.7%–90.5% nucleotide identity), for strains BP208 and SD67, respectively.

Conclusions

These results are indicative of genomic reassortment between RVC strains of human and porcine origin. In recent years, the incidence of RVC infection among humans has increased significantly. It is important to measure the frequency of interspecies transmission in order to monitor the evolution of these viruses and to identify rearranged strains that may lead to an epidemic.
Quality of Study Programs Assessment: Validation, Possibilities and Limits of the Questionnaire for Students and Graduates
Authors: Kočvarová Ilona , Kalenda Jan
Published: May 2020

The study presents a validation of a partially modified evaluation tool for the purpose of summative evaluation of the university study programs, namely the modified form of the Norwegian Studiebarometeret questionnaire. The model of a questionnaire for students and graduates, which was validated using CFA, offers a wide range of applications in university practice, but at the same time, it has many limits, especially its partial difference for the two groups of evaluators. Nevertheless, this is a unique heuristic practice in Czech university environment, which has a potential for further application and future clarification.
Positive Education: an Inspiration for Improving the Quality of Education
Authors: Janštová Eva , Slezáčková Alena
Published: May 2020

Positive Psychology represents a relatively new trend in contemporary psychology, which brings interesting ideas and useful inspiration into the field of education and school practice. Evidence exists that higher levels of subjective well-being, optimism and positive emotions are closely related to academic success. A positive education movement builds on these findings and aims to practically apply the scientific knowledge of Positive Psychology into the educational process. The objective of this research study is to introduce the theoretical background and arguments for the establishment and development of positive education in the world and the Czech Republic. We present an overview of main positive education programs which focus on development of psychological resilience and character strengths and on increasing subjective well-being and life satisfaction among the individuals at all the levels of the educational process. We focus mainly on the description of those positive education programs, for which the effectiveness has been empirically verified. Finally, we briefly describe the situation in the Czech Republic, which opens a large space for the development and implementation of Positive Psychology methods to improve the quality of education.
A new class of activation functions. Some related problems and applications
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay V.
Published: May 2020

The cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the discrete two--parameter bathtub hazard distribution has important role in the fields of population dynamics, reliability analysis and life testing experiments.В Also of interest to the specialists is the task of approximating the Heaviside function by new (cdf) in Hausdorff sense.В We define new activation function and family of new recurrence generated functions and study the ''saturation'' by these families.В In this paper we analyze some intrinsic properties of the new Topp-Leone-G-Family with baseline ''deterministic-type'' (cdf) - (NTLG-DT).В Some numerical examples with real data from Biostatistics, Population dynamics and Signal theory, illustrating our results are given.В It is shown that the study of the two characteristics - "confidential curves" and ''super saturation'' is a must when choosing the right model.В Some related problems are discussed, as an example to the Approximation Theory.
Crewed launch deepens ties between NASA and SpaceX
Authors: Mann Adam
Published: May 2020

Bold company's rise brings benefits and risks for space science.
Solitons and topological waves
Authors: Ablowitz Mark J. , Cole Justin T.
Published: May 2020

A laser-fabricated waveguide array creates a nonlinear medium that supports solitons
Synchronized to an optical atomic clock
Authors: Curtis E. Anne
Published: May 2020

Microwave generation using optical frequency comb technology hits new milestones
Tracking both ultrafast electrons and nuclei
Authors: Domcke Wolfgang , Sobolewski Andrzej L.
Published: May 2020

Electron diffraction correlates the excited-state decay of pyridine with its ring distortion
The secret lives of bees as horticulturists?
Authors: Chittka Lars
Published: May 2020

Pollen-starved bumble bees may manipulate plants to fast-forward flowering
The 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-2-Naphthoyl-Coenzyme A Reductase Reaction in the Anaerobic Degradation of Naphthalene and Identification of Downstream Metabolites
Authors: Weyrauch Philip , Heker Isabelle , Zaytsev Andrey V. , von Hagen Christian A. , Arnold Meike E. , Golding Bernard T. , Meckenstock Rainer U.
Published: May 2020

Anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is poorly investigated despite its significance in anoxic sediments. Using alternative electron donors for the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthoyl-CoA reductase reaction, we observed intermediary metabolites of anaerobic naphthalene degradation via
in vitro
enzyme assays with cell extracts of anaerobic naphthalene degraders. The identified metabolites provide evidence that ring reduction terminates at the stage of hexahydro-2-naphthoyl-CoA and a sequence of β-oxidation-like degradation reactions starts with a hydratase acting on this intermediate. The final product of this reaction sequence was identified as
cis
-2-carboxycyclohexylacetyl-CoA, a compound for which a further downstream degradation pathway has recently been published (P. Weyrauch, A. V. Zaytsev, S. Stephan, L. Kocks, et al., Environ Microbiol 19:2819–2830, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.13806
). Our study reveals the first ring-cleaving reaction in the anaerobic naphthalene degradation pathway. It closes the gap between the reduction of the first ring of 2-naphthoyl-CoA by 2-napthoyl-CoA reductase and the lower degradation pathway starting from
cis
-2-carboxycyclohexylacetyl-CoA, where the second ring cleavage takes place.
Assessment of diabetes and prediabetes prevalence and predictors by HbA1c in a population from sub-Saharan Africa with a high proportion of anemia: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hodel Nikolai Carl , Hamad Ali , Reither Klaus , Mwangoka Grace , Kasella Irene , Praehauser Claudia , Abdulla Salim , Hatz Christoph F R , Mayr Michael
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Epidemiological data about diabetes mellitus (DM) for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce and the utility of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to diagnose DM is uncertain in African populations with a high proportion of anemia.

Research design and methods

In a cross-sectional study, age-adjusted prevalence rates and predictors for DM and pre-DM were prospectively assessed by HbA1c in a semirural walk-in population of Tanzania (n=992). Predictors for DM were calculated by logistic regression. Correlations between HbA1c, hemoglobin, and blood glucose levels were done by Pearson’s correlation.

Results

Overall, DM and pre-DM prevalence rates were 6.8% (95% CI 5.3 to 8.5) and 25% (95% CI 22.8 to 28.3), respectively. There was an increase in DM prevalence in patients 50–59 (14.9%; 95% CI 9.1 to 22.5), ≥60 years old (18.5%; 95% CI 12.2 to 26.2) and in patients with overweight (9.3%; 95% CI 5.9 to 13.7), obesity (10.9%; 95% CI 6.9 to 16) compared with patients 18–29 years old (2.2%; 95% CI 0.9 to 4.4) (p<0.001) and to normal-weight patients (3.6%; 95% CI 2.1 to 5.6) (p<0.01), respectively. Age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.12; p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.16; p<0.001), and acute infection (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.02 to 10.8; p=0.038) were predictors for DM. Comparing patients with a BMI of 20 kg/m2and a BMI of 35 kg/m2, the relative risk for DM increases in average by 2.12-fold (range 1.91–2.24) across the age groups. Comparing patients 20 years old with patients 70 years old, the relative risk for DM increases in average 9.7-fold (range 8.9–10.4) across the BMI groups. Overall, 333 patients (36%) suffered from anemia. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) between HbA1c and hemoglobin was −0.009 (p=0.779), and between HbA1c and fasting blood glucose and random blood glucose, it was 0.775 and 0.622, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusion

We observed a high prevalence of DM and pre-DM, mainly triggered by increasing age and BMI, and provide evidence that HbA1c is suitable to assess DM also in populations of SSA with high proportions of anemia.

Trial registration number

NCT03458338.
Rapid implementation of virtual clinics due to COVID-19: report and early evaluation of a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Gilbert Anthony William , Billany Joe C T , Adam Ruth , Martin Luke , Tobin Rebecca , Bagdai Shiv , Galvin Noreen , Farr Ian , Allain Adam , Davies Lucy , Bateson John
Published: May 2020

Background

The COVID-19 outbreak has placed the National Health Service under significant strain. Social distancing measures were introduced in the UK in March 2020 and virtual consultations (via telephone or video call) were identified as a potential alternative to face-to-face consultations at this time.

Local problem

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) sees on average 11 200 face-to-face consultations a month. On average 7% of these are delivered virtually via telephone. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the RNOH set a target of reducing face-to-face consultations to 20% of all outpatient attendances. This report outlines a quality improvement initiative to rapidly implement virtual consultations at the RNOH.

Methods

The COVID-19 Action Team, a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals, was assembled to support the implementation of virtual clinics. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement approach to quality improvement was followed using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. A process of enablement, process redesign, delivery support and evaluation were carried out, underpinned by Improvement principles.

Results

Following the target of 80% virtual consultations being set, 87% of consultations were delivered virtually during the first 6 weeks. Satisfaction scores were high for virtual consultations (90/100 for patients and 78/100 for clinicians); however, outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultations would be preferred less than 50% of the time. Information to support the future redesign of outpatient services was collected.

Conclusions

This report demonstrates that virtual consultations can be rapidly implemented in response to COVID-19 and that they are largely acceptable. Further initiatives are required to support clinically appropriate and acceptable virtual consultations beyond COVID-19.

Registration

This project was submitted to the RNOH’s Project Evaluation Panel and was classified as a service evaluation on 12 March 2020 (ref: SE20.09).
Exploring the use of high and low demand simulation for human performance
assessment during multiorgan retrieval with the joint scrub practitioner
Authors: Morozova Gala , Martindale Amanda , Richards Hugh , Stirling John , Currie Ian
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The National Organ Retrieval Service (NORS) 2015 review recommended a
Joint Scrub Practitioner for abdominal and cardiac teams during combined organ
retrieval. To evaluate the feasibility of this role, and to understand the
functional implications, this study explores the use of simulation and provides
a novel and comprehensive approach to assess individual and team performance in
simulated multiorgan retrievals.

Methods

Two high-fidelity simulations were conducted in an operating theatre with
porcine organs, en bloc, placed in a mannequin. For donation after brainstem
death (DBD) simulation, an anaesthetic machine provided simulated physiological
output. Retrievals following donation after circulatory death (DCD) began with
rapid arrival in theatre of the mannequin. Cardiothoracic (lead surgeon) and
abdominal (lead and assistant surgeons; joint scrub practitioner, n=9) teams
combined for the retrievals. Data collected before, during and after
simulations used self-report and expert observers to assess: attitudinal
expectations, mental readiness, mental effort, non-technical skills, teamwork,
task workload and social validation perceptions.

Results

Attitudinal changes regarding feasibility of a joint scrub practitioner
for DBD and DCD are displayed in the main body. There were no significant
differences in mental readiness prior to simulations nor in mental effort
indicated afterwards; however, variance was noted between simulations for
individual team members. Non-technical skills were slightly lower in DCD than
in DBD. Global ratings of teamwork were significantly (p<0.05) lower in DCD
than in DBD. Measures of attitude indicated less support for the proposed joint
scrub practitioner role for DCD than for DBD.

Discussion

The paper posits that the joint scrub practitioner role in DCD multiorgan
retrieval may bring serious and unanticipated challenges. Further work to
determine the feasibility of the NORS recommendation is required. Measures of
team performance and individual psychological response can inform organ
retrieval feasibility considerations nationally and internationally.
Knockout of the circadian clock protein PER1 results in sex-dependent alterations of ET-1 production in mice in response to a high-salt diet plus mineralocorticoid treatment
Authors: Douma Lauren G. , Crislip G. Ryan , Cheng Kit-Yan , Barral Dominique , Masten Sarah , Holzworth Meaghan , Roig Emilio , Glasford Krystal , Beguiristain Kevin , Li Wendy , Bratanatawira Phillip , Lynch I. Jeanette , Cain Brian D. , Wingo Charles S. , Gumz Michelle L.
Published: May 2020

Previously, we showed that global knockout (KO) of the circadian clock transcription factor PER1 in male, but not female, mice fed a high-salt diet plus mineralocorticoid treatment (HS/DOCP) resulted in nondipping hypertension and decreased night/day ratio of sodium (Na) excretion. Additionally, we have shown that the endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene is targeted by both PER1 and aldosterone. We hypothesized that ET-1 would exhibit a sex-specific response to HS/DOCP treatment in PER1 KO. Here we show that male, but not female, global PER1 KO mice exhibit a decreased night/day ratio of urinary ET-1. Gene expression analysis revealed significant genotype differences in ET-1 and endothelin A receptor (ETA) expression in male, but not female, mice in response to HS/DOCP. Additionally, both wild-type and global PER1 KO male mice significantly increase endothelin B receptor (ETB) expression in response to HS/DOCP, but female mice do not. Finally, siRNA-mediated knockdown of PER1 in mouse cortical collecting duct cells (mpkCCDc14) resulted in increased ET-1 mRNA expression and peptide secretion in response to aldosterone treatment. These data suggest that PER1 is a negative regulator of ET-1 expression in response to HS/DOCP, revealing a novel mechanism for the regulation of renal Na handling in response to HS/DOCP treatment.