bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of female investment in a sexual arms race
Authors: Leisler Bernd , Winkler Hans
Published: March 2020

Forced copulations are common among waterfowl species (Anatidae), a group with relatively large eggs and very precocial young. They can be viewed as the outcome of an overt sexual conflict, and an evolutionary arms race between the sexes. We examined the female choice hypothesis suggested, but not properly tested by Briskie and Montgomerie (1997) and Montgomerie and Briskie (2007), that penis size in male ducks might correlate with female investment in eggs, predicting that in species where females lay larger eggs, penis size might be larger, because females would be more reluctant to abandon their eggs if forced to copulate. A larger data set than in earlier studies enabled us to test that hypothesis in a comparative way. Our results compelled us to reject the female choice hypothesis since egg size is negatively correlated with penis length and the number of vaginal spirals, both being seen as adaptations to frequent forced copulations. The apparent trade‐off between egg size and morphological defences (vaginal spirals) is strong particularly among monogamous species. Overall, we conclude that factors that set a lower limit for egg size constrain the morphological defences of females and the arms race between the sexes in waterfowl.
Guaiacol suppresses osteoclastogenesis by blocking interactions of RANK with TRAF6 and C‐Src and inhibiting NF‐κB, MAPK and AKT pathways
Authors: Zhi Xin , Fang Chao , Gu Yanqiu , Chen Huiwen , Chen Xiaofei , Cui Jin , Hu Yan , Weng Weizong , Zhou Qirong , Wang Yajun , Wang Yao , Jiang Hao , Li Xiaoqun , Cao Liehu , Chen Xiao , Su Jiacan
Published: March 2020

Angelica sinensis (AS; Dang Gui), a traditional Chinese herb, has for centuries been used for the treatment of bone diseases, including osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. However, the effective ingredient and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identified guaiacol as the active component of AS by two‐dimensional cell membrane chromatography/C18 column/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (2D CMC/C18 column/TOFMS). Guaiacol suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function in bone marrow monocytes (BMMCs) and RAW264.7 cells in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner. Co‐immunoprecipitation indicated that guaiacol blocked RANK‐TRAF6 association and RANK‐C‐Src association. Moreover, guaiacol prevented phosphorylation of p65, p50, IκB (NF‐κB pathway), ERK, JNK, c‐fos, p38 (MAPK pathway) and Akt (AKT pathway), and reduced the expression levels of Cathepsin K, CTR, MMP‐9 and TRAP. Guaiacol also suppressed the expression of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1) and the RANKL‐induced Ca2+ oscillation. In vivo, it ameliorated ovariectomy‐induced bone loss by suppressing excessive osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that guaiacol inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by blocking the interactions of RANK with TRAF6 and C‐Src, and by suppressing the NF‐κB, MAPK and AKT signalling pathways. Therefore, this compound shows therapeutic potential for osteoclastogenesis‐related bone diseases, including postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Higher risk of advanced histology in adenoma less than 10 mm in fecal immunochemical test screening: Implication for management
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Feng , Cheng Shao‐Yi , Shun Chia‐Tung , Chang Li‐Chun , Tu Chia‐Hung , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chiu Han‐Mo
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

Whether diminutive or small adenomas detected by fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are associated with a higher risk of advanced histology remains unknown. We investigated the prevalence of advanced histology in diminutive and small adenomas detected by FIT and compared with that detected by colonoscopy screening.

Methods

We prospectively compared 1860 FIT‐positive patients (FIT‐positive cohort) and 6691 average‐risk patients (screening colonoscopy cohort). Both groups underwent colonoscopies and were shown to have neoplastic lesions. The prevalence of advanced histology was determined, as was the associations with size and FIT positivity.

Results

We analyzed 3920 neoplastic lesions from the FIT‐positive cohort and 9789 neoplastic lesions from the screening colonoscopy cohort. Eighty (4.3%) diminutive lesions in FIT‐positive cohort had advanced histology but without any invasive cancer. Twenty‐one patients in the FIT‐positive cohort and 49 in the screening colonoscopy cohort with diminutive adenomas displayed advanced histology (3.5% vs 1.2%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.77–5.06). Sixteen patients in the FIT‐positive cohort (2.7%) with diminutive adenomas might have changed the surveillance interval if a resect‐and‐discard strategy was applied, with a higher likelihood compared with the screening colonoscopy cohort (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.53–4.99).

Conclusions

Fecal immunochemical test screening detected more diminutive and small adenomas with advanced histology compared with colonoscopy screening. Its impact on current management of diminutive polyp is limited.
Home Health Rehabilitation Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries Following Critical Illness
Authors: Falvey Jason R. , Murphy Terrence E. , Gill Thomas M. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E. , Ferrante Lauren E.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Medicare beneficiaries recovering from a critical illness are increasingly being discharged home instead of to post‐acute care facilities. Rehabilitation services are commonly recommended for intensive care unit (ICU) survivors; however, little is known about the frequency and dose of home‐based rehabilitation in this population.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 2012 Medicare hospital and home health (HH) claims data, linked with assessment data from the Medicare Outcomes and Assessment Information Set.

SETTING

Participant homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Medicare beneficiaries recovering from an ICU stay longer than 24 hours, who were discharged directly home with HH services within 7 days of discharge and survived without readmission or hospice transfer for at least 30 days (n = 3,176).

MEASUREMENTS

Count of rehabilitation visits received during HH care episode.

RESULTS

A total of 19,564 rehabilitation visits were delivered to ICU survivors over 118,145 person‐days in HH settings, a rate of 1.16 visits per week. One‐third of ICU survivors received no rehabilitation visits during HH care. In adjusted models, those with the highest baseline disability received 30% more visits (rate ratio [RR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17‐1.45) than those with the least disability. Conversely, an inverse relationship was found between multimorbidity (Elixhauser scores) and count of rehabilitation visits received; those with the highest tertile of Elixhauser scores received 11% fewer visits (RR = .89; 95% CI = .81‐.99) than those in the lowest tertile. Participants living in a rural setting (vs urban) received 6% fewer visits (RR = .94; 95% CI = .91‐.98); those who lived alone received 11% fewer visits (RR = .89; 95% CI = .82‐.96) than those who lived with others.

CONCLUSION

On average, Medicare beneficiaries discharged home after a critical illness receive few rehabilitation visits in the early post‐hospitalization period. Those who had more comorbidities, who lived alone, or who lived in rural settings received even fewer visits, suggesting a need for their consideration during discharge planning. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1512‐1519, 2020.
Job Satisfaction and Career Intention of Australian General Practice Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Halcomb Elizabeth , Bird Sonia
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The nursing workforce in Australian general practice has increased exponentially in size over recent years to meet the growing demand for health care. Nurses are more likely to remain working if they are satisfied with their jobs. Satisfaction is impacted by a complex range of factors, including the environment, workplace relationships, and the nurses’ role. Therefore, satisfaction data cannot be generalized across disparate clinical settings. This study sought to investigate the job satisfaction and turnover intentions of nurses working in Australian general practice.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey of nurses employed in general practices across Australia was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The survey tool contained a 29‐item job satisfaction scale and 8 items around turnover intention.

Findings

786 responses were included in the analysis. Respondents were most satisfied with the work nature aspects of their job and least satisfied with the pay items. While most participants intended to stay in nursing (86%) and general practice (77%) employment, a substantial group were undecided about their future (16%). Those who were dissatisfied with their job or neutral in their satisfaction were more likely to be intending to leave than those who were satisfied with their job.

Conclusions

This is the first study of job satisfaction and turnover intention reported about nurses working in Australian general practice. It has highlighted that a substantial proportion of the workforce is undecided about their future. Therefore, strategies need to be developed to address the issues raised around job satisfaction to reduce the potential loss of these skilled nurses.

Clinical Relevance

Those intending to leave general practice nursing are more likely to be dissatisfied in their jobs. Understanding the factors that impact job satisfaction is important to inform strategies that will facilitate retention of nurses in general practice employment.
Managing intravascular complications following treatment with calcium hydroxylapatite: An expert consensus
Authors: van Loghem Jani , Funt David , Pavicic Tatjana , Goldie Kate , Yutskovskaya Yana , Fabi Sabrina , Siebenga Pieter , Thuis Job , Hkeik Joseph , Kadouch Jonathan , Prager Welf , Azib Nabila , Casabona Gabriela , Dayan Steve , Bay Aguilera Shino , Snozzi Philippe , Saeed Peerooz
Published: March 2020

Background

Inadvertent intra‐arterial injection of dermal fillers including calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) can result in serious adverse events including soft tissue necrosis, permanent scarring, visual impairment, and blindness. When intra‐arterial injection occurs, immediate action is required for optimal outcomes, but the infrequency of this event means that many physicians may never have experienced this scenario. The aim of this document is to provide evidence‐based and expert opinion recommendations for the recognition and management of vascular compromise following inadvertent injection of CaHA.

Methods

An international group of experts with experience in injection of CaHA and management of vascular complications was convened to develop a consensus on the optimal management of vascular compromise following intra‐arterial CaHA injection. The consensus members were asked to provide preventative advice for the avoidance of intravascular injection and to produce a treatment protocol for acute and delayed presentation. To ensure all relevant treatment options were included, the recommendations were supplemented with a PubMed search of the literature.

Results

For prevention of intra‐arterial CaHA injection, consensus members outlined the importance of a thorough knowledge of facial vascular anatomy and patient history, as well as highlighting potential risk zones and optimal injection techniques. Individual sections document how to recognize the symptoms of vascular occlusion leading to vision loss and tissue necrosis as well as detailed treatment protocols for the management of these events. For impending tissue necrosis, recommendations are provided for early and delayed presentations with treatment protocols for acute and follow‐up treatment. A separate section details the treatment options for open and closed wounds.

Conclusions

All physicians should be prepared for the eventuality of intra‐arterial injection of a dermal filler, despite its rarity. These consensus recommendations combine advice from aesthetic experts with the latest reports from the published literature to provide an up‐to‐date office‐based protocol for the prevention and treatment of complications arising from intra‐arterial CaHA injection.
Serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin profile and its correlations with ultrasound parameters in low‐lying‐implantation ectopic pregnancy in the first trimester
Authors: Tsai Ni‐Chin , Cheng Ling‐Yun , Yang Tsai‐Hwa , Hsu Te‐Yao , Kung Fu‐Tsai
Published: March 2020

Aim

Cervical pregnancy (CP) and cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), defined as low‐lying‐implantation ectopic pregnancy (LLIEP), are rare conditions of aberrant implantation around the lowest portion of the uterus. This study aimed to illustrate the serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) profile of LLIEP and to explore its implications with the clinical characteristics.

Methods

Women with LLIEP during the first trimester were retrospectively evaluated at a tertiary referral center from August 1999 to July 2016. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, including maternal age, gestational age (GA), serum β‐hCG level, maximal diameter of the gestational mass/sac (MDM/MDS) by ultrasonography and CSP implantation types. The serum β‐hCG level was measured on the day of ultrasound imaging. The significance of pretreatment the serum β‐hCG level and its correlations with the clinical characteristics were analyzed.

Results

A total of 88 LLIEP with 64 CSP and 24 CP was included. The mean GA at the time of diagnosis was 7 weeks (range, 5–12 weeks). The β‐hCG concentrations rapidly increased from GA 5 to 9 weeks and fluctuated thereafter. The β‐hCG levels correlated positively with GA and ultrasound MDM/MDS. In the CSP group, there was no difference in the β‐hCG level between superficial and deep implantation types. β‐hCG levels demonstrated no significant differences among simple and complicated LLIEP.

Conclusion

This study established the serum β‐hCG profile in LLIEP in the first trimester. The exponential increase of β‐hCG levels was similar to that of normal intrauterine pregnancies. The β‐hCG levels were not associated with placentation complexity of CSP. Higher β‐hCG levels did not implicate less success in conservative surgical management.
Furosemide administration results in a transient alteration in calcium balance in mature horses
Authors: Pritchard Abby , Nielsen Brian D. , Robison Cara , Spooner Holly
Published: March 2020

Previous research documented that furosemide negatively impacted calcium balance for 3 days but did not determine when calcium balance returned to baseline. This study hypothesized that furosemide's impact on calcium would return to control values before 7 days post‐administration. Ten mature geldings were assigned to either control (CON,n = 5) or treatment (FUR,n = 5) for the first of two 8‐day total collections in crossover design. Treatment horses received one administration of furosemide (1 mg/kg, IV). A 10% sample of pooled faeces and urine from each day was kept. Calcium concentrations in hay, faeces and urine were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analysed using mixed‐model‐repeated measures ANOVA to determine influence of day and treatment. For urine output, FUR urinated twice as much during the 24 hr after administration than CON (p < .001). Horses in FUR excreted more urinary calcium 24‐hr post‐administration as compared to CON (9.3 ± 1.0 and 4.2 ± 1.0 g, respectively;p < .001). Calcium balance in FUR was more negative on day 1 than day 3 (p < .05). Faecal calcium concentrations remained the same from day 1 to day 7 in CON (6.3 ± 1.3 and 5.5 ± 1.3 g/kg, respectively;p > .10) but were lower in FUR on day 7 as compared to day 1 (4.8 ± 1.3 and 7.3 ± 1.3 g/kg, respectively;p < .001), indicating a potential mechanism to restore calcium balance. These findings corroborate previous studies on furosemide and calcium balance and provide evidence for a possible mechanism to recover net calcium losses after furosemide administration. Since calcium balance returns to baseline in 3 days and previous results have examined frequent, long‐term use, furosemide may not negatively impact bone mineral content even if used over long periods.
Respiratory safety of lemborexant in healthy adult and elderly subjects with mild obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study
Authors: Cheng Jocelyn Y. , Filippov Gleb , Moline Margaret , Zammit Gary K. , Bsharat Mohammad , Hall Nancy
Published: March 2020

Lemborexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of adult and elderly individuals with insomnia. Some current pharmacologic treatments for insomnia cause respiratory depression, a serious safety concern, particularly for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This phase 1, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, two‐period crossover study examined respiratory safety parameters in individuals with mild OSA following treatment with lemborexant. Participants (n = 39) were randomized to one of two treatment sequences, including placebo and lemborexant 10 mg. Each treatment period lasted 8 days and was separated by a washout of at least 14 days. Following single or multiple doses, there were no significant differences in mean apnea–hypopnea index for lemborexant 10 mg versus placebo (least squares mean [LSM] difference [95% confidence interval {CI}]: day 1, −0.03 [−2.22, 2.17]; day 8, −0.06 [−1.95, 1.83]) or peripheral capillary oxygen saturation during sleep (LSM difference [95% CI]: day 1, 0.07 [−0.31, 0.46]; day 8, 0.25 [−0.11, 0.61]). There were no significant differences versus placebo for the percentage of total sleep time during which peripheral capillary oxygen saturation was <80% (LSM difference [95% CI]: day 1, 0.002 [−0.019, 0.023]; day 8, 0.006 [−0.015, 0.026]), <85% (LSM difference [95% CI]: day 1, 0.067 [−0.124, 0.258]; day 8, 0.056 [−0.117, 0.228]) or <90% (LSM difference [95% CI]: day 1, 0.312 [−0.558, 1.181]; day 8, 0.088 [−0.431, 0.607]). The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was low and similar for lemborexant and placebo. Lemborexant demonstrated respiratory safety in this study population and was well tolerated.
New hepatitis C diagnoses in Ontario, Canada are associated with the local prescription patterns of a controlled‐release opioid
Authors: Meyer Matthew , Bondy Lise , Koivu Sharon , Koval John , Scarffe Andrew D. , Silverman Michael S.
Published: March 2020

Increases in acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence may be a result of the rising prevalence of injection drug use and the opioid epidemic. Among persons who inject drugs, sharing of needles/syringes is less common and leads to a smaller proportion of incident cases than does sharing of injection drug preparation equipment. In Canada and Europe, hydromorphone controlled release has been associated with frequent reuse and sharing of IDPE. Drug excipients within HCR have been shown to preserve virus survival within IDPE. We hypothesized that regional differences in HCV incidence would mirror regional differences in HCR prescribing. We reviewed HCV incidence data across Ontario, Canada for 2016. Opioid prescribing patterns in each Health Unit were reviewed. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses were performed to test the strength of hydromorphone controlled release dispensing patterns in explaining HCV incidence compared to all opioids. Less vehicle access, lack of education, lower income, less population density, higher white race/ethnicity and more opioid substitution therapy recipients remained significant positive predictors of hepatitis C incidence in the Ontario model. Higher hydromorphone controlled release dispensing rate was a stronger predictor of HCV incidence than all opioid prescriptions (standardized risk ratio = 1.17, P < .0001 vs sRR = 1.11, P = .02). When hydromorphone controlled release was excluded from the opioid prescription variable, dispensing patterns of all other opioids no longer remained a significant predictor (sRR = 1.042, P = .34). The observed relationship between HCV incidence and hydromorphone controlled release dispensing suggests that the type of opioid prescribed locally may contribute to variations in HCV incidence. These data add support to evidence that hydromorphone controlled release use is contributing to HCV spread in Ontario.
Measuring hepatitis C virus elimination as a public health threat: Beyond global targets
Authors: van Santen Daniela K. , Sacks‐Davis Rachel , Doyle Joseph S. , Scott Nick , Prins Maria , Hellard Margaret
Published: March 2020

An increasing number of countries are committing to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) targets to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat by 2030. These include service coverage targets (90% diagnosed and 80% of diagnosed patients treated) and impact targets (80% and 65% reductions in incidence and mortality, respectively, compared to 2015 levels). Currently, a dozen countries are on track to reach 2030 WHO HCV targets. However, while striving for the WHO targets is important, it should be recognized that progress on impact targets is derived from mathematical models projecting decreases in incidence and mortality on a global scale. Despite HCV treatment access in many counties for a number of years, limited empirical data are available to evaluate progress towards elimination. In some countries, substantial incidence and mortality reductions based on reaching the WHO service coverage targets may be unachievable. For example, in countries with ageing hepatitis C–infected populations, even if they have a quality hepatitis C response, high hepatitis C–related morbidity at baseline may not be reversible even with increased HCV treatment uptake and diagnosis. Finally, WHO targets are not necessarily easily or reliably measurable. Measuring relative impact targets requires high‐quality data at baseline (ie 2015) and longitudinal data to assess temporal trends. In this commentary, we propose alternative additional measures to track progress on reducing the HCV burden, offer examples where the WHO targets may not be informative or achievable, and potential practical solutions.
Implications of biological information digitization: Access and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources
Authors: Smyth Stuart J. , Macall Diego M. , Phillips Peter W. B. , de Beer Jeremy
Published: March 2020

The decoupling of biological information from its material source has changed debates about global access and benefit sharing (ABS) of genetic resources. What does the digitization of biological information imply for genetic resources of proven and potential value? What implications does digital sequence information (DSI) have for individuals and groups, who have invested time and effort in augmenting and refining valuable characteristics in genetic resources? Stakeholders discussing this issue in various international fora unanimously acknowledge there are currently more questions than answers. Online digital publicly accessible resources represent a transformative technological shift, resulting in intellectual property governance gaps. This article provides interdisciplinary perspectives on options available to governments to continue advancing the goals of ABS, when physical access to genetic resources is no longer needed because DSI is readily accessible. It envisions four governance scenarios.
Selective and non‐selective bottlenecks as drivers of the evolution of hypermutable bacterial loci
Authors: De Ste Croix Megan , Holmes Jonathan , Wanford Joseph J. , Moxon E. Richard , Oggioni Marco R. , Bayliss Christopher D.
Published: March 2020

Bottlenecks reduce the size of the gene pool within populations of all life forms with implications for their subsequent survival. Here, we examine the effects of bottlenecks on bacterial commensal‐pathogens during transmission between, and dissemination within, hosts. By reducing genetic diversity, bottlenecks may alter individual or population‐wide adaptive potential. A diverse range of hypermutable mechanisms have evolved in infectious agents that allow for rapid generation of genetic diversity in specific genomic loci as opposed to the variability arising from increased genome‐wide mutation rates. These localised hypermutable mechanisms include multi‐gene phase variation (PV) of outer membrane components, multi‐allele PV of restriction systems and recombination‐driven antigenic variation. We review selected experimental and theoretical (mathematical) models pertaining to the hypothesis that localised hypermutation (LH) compensates for fitness losses caused by bottlenecks and discuss whether bottlenecks have driven the evolution of hypermutable loci.
Galactosylated wall teichoic acid, but not lipoteichoic acid, retains InlB on the surface of serovar 4b Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Sumrall Eric T. , Schefer Christopher R. E. , Rismondo Jeanine , Schneider Stephan R. , Boulos Samy , Gründling Angelika , Loessner Martin J. , Shen Yang
Published: March 2020

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram‐positive, intracellular pathogen harboring the surface‐associated virulence factor InlB, which enables entry into certain host cells. Structurally diverse wall teichoic acids (WTAs), which can also be differentially glycosylated, determine the antigenic basis of the various Listeria serovars. WTAs have many physiological functions; they can serve as receptors for bacteriophages, and provide a substrate for binding of surface proteins such as InlB. In contrast, the membrane‐anchored lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) do not show significant variation and do not contribute to serovar determination. It was previously demonstrated that surface‐associated InlB non‐covalently adheres to both WTA and LTA, mediating its retention on the cell wall. Here, we demonstrate that in a highly virulent serovar 4b strain, two genes gtlB and gttB are responsible for galactosylation of LTA and WTA respectively. We evaluated the InlB surface retention in mutants lacking each of these two genes, and found that only galactosylated WTA is required for InlB surface presentation and function, cellular invasiveness and phage adsorption, while galactosylated LTA plays no role thereof. Our findings demonstrate that a simple pathogen‐defining serovar antigen, that mediates bacteriophage susceptibility, is necessary and sufficient to sustain the function of an important virulence factor.
Advances in bacterial transcriptome understanding: From overlapping transcription to the excludon concept
Authors: Toledo‐Arana Alejandro , Lasa Iñigo
Published: March 2020

In the last decade, the implementation of high‐throughput methods for RNA profiling has uncovered that a large part of the bacterial genome is transcribed well beyond the boundaries of known genes. Therefore, the transcriptional space of a gene very often invades the space of a neighbouring gene, creating large regions of overlapping transcription. The biological significance of these findings was initially regarded with scepticism. However, mounting evidence suggests that overlapping transcription between neighbouring genes conforms to regulatory purposes and provides new strategies for coordinating bacterial gene expression. In this MicroReview, considering the discoveries made in a pioneering transcriptome analysis performed on Listeria monocytogenes as a starting point, we discuss the progress in understanding the biological meaning of overlapping transcription that has given rise to the excludon concept. We also discuss new conditional transcriptional termination events that create antisense RNAs depending on the metabolite concentrations and new genomic arrangements, known as noncontiguous operons, which contain an interspersed gene that is transcribed in the opposite direction to the rest of the operon.
Transcriptional regulation of NIN expression by IPN2 is required for root nodule symbiosis in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Xiao Aifang , Yu Haixiang , Fan Yuqian , Kang Heng , Ren Yaping , Huang Xiaoqin , Gao Xiumei , Wang Chao , Zhang Zhongming , Zhu Hui , Cao Yangrong
Published: March 2020

Expression of Nodule Inception (NIN) is essential for initiation of legume–rhizobial symbiosis. An existing model regarding the regulation of NIN expression involves two GRAS transcription factors – NSP1 (Nodulation Signaling Pathway 1) and NSP2. NSP2 forms a complex with NSP1 to directly bind to NIN promoter. However, rhizobial treatment‐induced NIN expression could still be detected in the nsp1 mutant plants, suggesting that other proteins must be involved in the regulation of NIN expression.

A combination of molecular, biochemical and genetic analyses was used to investigate the molecular basis of IPN2 in regulating root development and NIN expression in Lotus japonicus.

In this study, we identified that IPN2 is a close homolog of Arabidopsis APL (ALTERED PHLOEM DEVELOPMENT) with essential function in root development. However, Lotus IPN2 has a different expression pattern compared with the Arabidopsis APL gene. IPN2 binds to the IPN2‐responsive cis element (IPN2‐RE) of NIN promoter and activates NIN expression. IPN2, NSP1 and NSP2 form a protein complex to directly target NIN promoter and activate NIN expression in the legume–rhizobial symbiosis.

Our data refine the regulatory model of NIN expression that NSP2 works together with NSP1 and IPN2 to activate the NIN gene allowing nodulation in L. japonicus.
Targeting bile acid metabolism in obesity reduction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: So Stephanie Sik Yu , Yeung Chris Ho Ching , Schooling C. Mary , El‐Nezami Hani
Published: March 2020

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted of studies that address the association of bile acid (BA) with obesity and of studies on the effects of treatment in patients with obesity on BA metabolism, assessed from systemic BA, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4) level, and faecal BA. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 1 August 2019 using the keywords obesity, obese, body mass index, and overweight with bile acid, FGF19, FXR, and TGR5. Two reviewers independently searched, selected, and assessed the quality of studies. Data were analysed using either fixed or random effect models with inverse variance weighting. Of 3771 articles, 33 papers were relevant for the association of BA with obesity of which 22 were included in the meta‐analysis, and 50 papers were relevant for the effect of obesity interventions on BA of which 20 were included in the meta‐analysis. Circulating fasting total BA was not associated with obesity. FGF19 was inversely and faecal BA excretion was positively associated with obesity. Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) modulated BA metabolism, ie, increased BA and FGF19. Our results indicate that BA metabolism is altered in obesity. Certain bariatric surgeries including RYGB and SG modulate BA, whether these underlie the beneficial effect of the treatment should be investigated.
The DroughtBox: A new tool for phenotyping residual branch conductance and its temperature dependence during drought
Authors: Billon Lise M. , Blackman Chris J. , Cochard Hervé , Badel Eric , Hitmi Adnane , Cartailler Julien , Souchal Romain , Torres‐Ruiz José M.
Published: March 2020

Xylem hydraulic failure is a major driver of tree death during drought. However, to better understand mortality risk in trees, especially during hot‐drought events, more information is required on both rates of residual water‐loss from small branches (gres) after stomatal closure, as well as the phase transition temperature (Tp), beyond which gres significantly increases. Here, we describe and test a novel low‐cost tool, the DroughtBox, for phenotyping gres and Tp across species. The system consists of a programmable climatically controlled chamber in which branches dehydrate and changes in the mass recorded. Test measurements show that the DroughtBox maintains stable temperature and relative humidity across a range of set points, a prerequisite for getting accurate gres and Tp values. Among a study group of four conifer and one angiosperm species, we observed a range of gres (0.44–1.64 mmol H2O m−2 s−1) and Tp (39.4–43.8°C) values. Furthermore, the measured time to hydraulic failure varied between two conifers species and was shortened in both species following a heatwave event. The DroughtBox is a reliable and customizable tool for phenotyping gres and Tp, as well as for testing models of time to hydraulic failure that will improve our ability to assess climate change impacts on plants.
RNA‐Seq analysis revealed the molecular mechanisms of photobiomodulation effect on human fibroblasts
Authors: Li Wenqi , Hu Xiaojian , Lu Xi , Liu Jie , Chen Zeqing , Zhou Xiaoli , Liu Muqing , Liu Shangfeng
Published: March 2020

Background

The photobiomodulation (PBM) effect has been applied to various clinical therapy for a long time. However, the mechanism related to the PBM effect in terms of wavelengths has been lack of in‐depth study, except that ultraviolet radiation has attracted much attention due to its strong cell‐killing effect.

Purpose

To clarify the principle behind PBM and the main mechanism of improvement.

Methods

To carry on this study, we created light equipment using three LED chips, which emit 390 nm ultraviolet radiation, 415 nm blue light and 660 nm red light, respectively. We choose human fibroblasts (HF) to be irradiated by three different wavelengths for PBM test. In this study, we used cell counting kit (CCK‐8) test to show the cell proliferation roughly and reported on a systematic RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis at transcriptional expression levels from HF, which accepted PBM of different wavelengths of light.

Results

We found that 415 nm blue light inhibited cell proliferation and 660 nm red light stimulated cell proliferation while 390 nm ultraviolet radiation has little influence on cell proliferation. Furthermore, RNA‐seq results showed that CSF1R, PPP3CC, ITGAL, ITGAM, IL2RB, and several other differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in the cell proliferation. Relative DEGs values for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) gene family have shown a great difference in blue and red light radiation especially on MMP25, MMP9, MMP21, and MMP13.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results provide a valuable resource to describe the variation of HFs under PBM of different light at gene level.
Adjusting ADJUST: Optimizing the ADJUST algorithm for pediatric data using geodesic nets
Authors: Leach Stephanie C. , Morales Santiago , Bowers Maureen E. , Buzzell George A. , Debnath Ranjan , Beall Daniel , Fox Nathan A.
Published: March 2020

A major challenge for electroencephalograph (EEG) studies on pediatric populations is that large amounts of data are lost due to artifacts (e.g., movement and blinks). Independent component analysis (ICA) can separate artifactual and neural activity, allowing researchers to remove such artifactual activity and retain a greater percentage of EEG data for analyses. However, manual identification of artifactual components is time‐consuming and requires subjective judgment. Automated algorithms, like ADJUST and ICLabel, have been validated on adults, but to our knowledge, no such algorithms have been optimized for pediatric data. Therefore, in an attempt to automate artifact selection for pediatric data collected with geodesic nets, we modified ADJUST's algorithm. Our “adjusted‐ADJUST” algorithm was compared to the “original‐ADJUST” algorithm and ICLabel in adults, children, and infants on three different performance measures: respective classification agreement with expert coders, the number of trials retained following artifact removal, and the reliability of the EEG signal after preprocessing with each algorithm. Overall, the adjusted‐ADJUST algorithm performed better than the original‐ADJUST algorithm and no ICA correction with adult and pediatric data. Moreover, in some measures, it performed better than ICLabel for pediatric data. These results indicate that optimizing existing algorithms improves artifact classification and retains more trials, potentially facilitating EEG studies with pediatric populations. Adjusted‐ADJUST is freely available under the terms of the GNU General Public License at: https://github.com/ChildDevLab/MADE-EEG-preprocessing-pipeline/tree/master/adjusted_adjust_scripts.
Carbohydrates do not accelerate force recovery after glycogen‐depleting followed by high‐intensity exercise in humans
Authors: Cheng Arthur J. , Chaillou Thomas , Kamandulis Sigitas , Subocius Andrejus , Westerblad Håkan , Brazaitis Marius , Venckunas Tomas
Published: March 2020

Prolonged low‐frequency force depression (PLFFD) induced by fatiguing exercise is characterized by a persistent depression in submaximal contractile force during the recovery period. Muscle glycogen depletion is known to limit physical performance during prolonged low‐ and moderate‐intensity exercise, and accelerating glycogen resynthesis with post‐exercise carbohydrate intake can facilitate recovery and improve repeated bout exercise performance. Short‐term, high‐intensity exercise, however, can cause PLFFD without any marked decrease in glycogen. Here, we studied whether recovery from PLFFD was accelerated by carbohydrate ingestion after 60 minutes of moderate‐intensity glycogen‐depleting cycling exercise followed by six 30‐seconds all‐out cycling sprints. We used a randomized crossover study design where nine recreationally active males drank a beverage containing either carbohydrate or placebo after exercise. Blood glucose and muscle glycogen concentrations were determined at baseline, immediately post‐exercise, and during the 3‐hours recovery period. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle was performed to determine the extent of PLFFD by eliciting low‐frequency (20 Hz) and high‐frequency (100 Hz) stimulations. Muscle glycogen was severely depleted after exercise, with a significantly higher rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis during the 3‐hours recovery period in the carbohydrate than in the placebo trials (13.7 and 5.4 mmol glucosyl units/kg wet weight/h, respectively). Torque at 20 Hz was significantly more depressed than 100 Hz torque during the recovery period in both conditions, and the extent of PLFFD (20/100 Hz ratio) was not different between the two trials. In conclusion, carbohydrate supplementation enhances glycogen resynthesis after glycogen‐depleting exercise but does not improve force recovery when the exercise also involves all‐out cycling sprints.
Dynamic knee valgus in competitive alpine skiers: Observation from youth to elite and influence of biological maturation
Authors: Ellenberger Lynn , Oberle Felix , Lorenzetti Silvio , Frey Walter O. , Snedeker Jess G. , Spörri Jörg
Published: March 2020

Numerous studies investigated the association between dynamic knee valgus and injury risk in post‐pubertal and elite athletes; however, normative reference scores for competitive alpine skiers and observations on the development process throughout and beyond athletes' growth spurt are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the dynamic knee valgus of competitive alpine skiers during drop jump landings (DJ) and single‐leg squats (SLS) with respect to sex, sportive level, and biological maturation. Thirty‐seven elite and 104 youth competitive alpine skiers around the growth spurt (U15) were examined for their maximal medial knee displacement (MKD) during DJ and SLS by a marker‐based 3D motion analysis evaluating dynamic knee valgus. Additionally, skiers' age, anthropometry and biological maturation were assessed. MKD of youth and elite alpine skiers during DJ was comparable and did not improve with increasing training age. Female U15 skiers (on average further matured) had significantly larger MKD values during DJ than male U15 skiers (less matured) (P < .01). Moreover, MKD during DJ was directly associated with the athlete's individual biological maturation status. MKD values obtained from DJ significantly differed from those obtained during SLS (P < .01). The gender‐specific difference in MKD values during DJ and their relationship with maturity offset highlight the fundamental changes to the neuromuscular control system during the growth spurt. Thus, biological maturation needs to be considered as a confounding factor for knee valgus screening. Caution is required when evaluating MKD by using high‐ and low‐dynamic tasks, as corresponding information can differ.
Social capital and the impact of the recent economic crisis: Comparing the effects of economic and fiscal policy developments
Authors: Hörisch Felix , Obert Peter
Published: March 2020

In this contribution, we offer an analysis that evaluates the impact of the recent financial and economic crisis on social capital. An economic crisis offers a unique chance to study people's associational lives, volunteering, network‐making, and trust‐building under duress. Theoretical perspectives on the relationship between social capital and economic development emphasize a reciprocal relationship between the two. Therefore, we hypothesize that if economic performance is compromised, this might lead to an erosion of social capital. More importantly, however, we also argue that states can actively intervene by means of fiscal policy measures. We will illustrate our approach by comparing 29 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries before and after the crisis. Using qualitative comparative analysis, we demonstrate that imperatives related to fiscal policy stimuli provide leverage on social capital development.
Relationships of Horizontalism and Hierarchy: Exploring Divergent Forms of Sociopolitical Trust
Authors: Williams Dana M.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Propose a conceptualization of trust that acknowledges varying levels of power between trusting partners. The weak, positive statistical correlation between social and political trust conceals very different experiences of trust. While many people possess either high or low levels of both forms of trust, others have divergent levels of the two forms of trust. Present a simple typology of sociopolitical trust that categorizes individuals as trusters, distrusters, hierarchicalists, and horizontalists.

Methods

Exploratory analysis of United States using the World Values Survey. Multivariate analysis of sociopolitical trust's effect upon protest and voting.

Results

Americans have low levels of political trust and higher levels of social trust. Protesters possess social trust and political distrust, and voters are both social and political trusters.

Conclusion

The combination of social trust and political trust impacts public participation preferences. Protesters embody a libertarian‐socialist orientation toward sociopolitical trust, while voters possess a social‐democrat orientation.
Crack path tracking from full field measurements: A novel empirical methodology
Authors: Feld‐Payet Sylvia , Le Besnerais Guy , Bonnand Vincent , Pacou Didier , Thiercelin Léo
Published: March 2020

The identification of crack growth models requires the knowledge of the crack path geometry and, in particular, of the crack tip position. The objective of the present paper is to provide a criterion for the detection of the crack tip position regardless of the loading conditions or the material behavior. The novelty of the proposed approach is its ability to provide a good estimation of the crack tip even when large plastic deformations occur. The proposed empirical criterion uses the evolution of the displacement gradient standard deviation along a potential crack path to locate the crack tip. It thus relies on full field measures that are relatively smooth while providing accurate displacement vectors even close to the lips. We successfully apply the proposed criterion in two cases of fatigue crack growth: A straight crack at high temperature and a curved crack at room temperature involving large plastic deformations.
The novel HLA‐B*07:387 allele, identified by next‐generation sequencing in a Saudi individual
Authors: Jawdat Dunia , Almutairi Yasser , Alnafie Qamariyyah , Alaskar Ahmed S. , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: March 2020

HLA‐B*07:387 differs from HLA‐B*07:05:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution in codon 91 (Glycine to Tryptophan).
No evidence of transfusion transmitted sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease: results from a bi‐national cohort study
Authors: Holmqvist Jacob , Wikman Agneta , Pedersen Ole Birger Vesterager , Nielsen Kaspar René , Rostgaard Klaus , Hjalgrim Henrik , Edgren Gustaf
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) is an uncommon, invariably fatal, neurodegenerative disorder that presents as progressive dementia with concurrent motor symptoms and myoclonia. The pathophysiology involves prion protein misfolding and spreading in a self‐catalyzed manner. It has been shown to be transmissible through tissue transplants. Variant CJD (vCJD), a subtype of the disease is also transmissible through transfusion of blood products. This study aims to corroborate the scarce data that suggest that sporadic CJD (sCJD) is not transmitted via blood transfusion.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed, using data from the bi‐national Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions (SCANDAT2) database containing data on blood donors, donations, transfusions, and transfused patients in Sweden and Denmark since 1968 and 1982, respectively. Mortality and medical data were collected from nationwide health care and population registries. Donors with subsequent CJD were identified, as well as recipients of blood products from these donors. A second analysis was performed, screening for clustering of CJD cases from donors without a CJD diagnosis.

RESULTS

We identified 39 donors with a subsequent diagnosis of sCJD. No cases of CJD occurred among the 883 recipients of blood products from these donors. A total of 89 CJD cases were identified among recipients of transfusions. No clustering of cases from the same donor occurred.

DISCUSSION

Using data from a large, bi‐national database of transfused patients, we find no evidence of sCJD transmission. Our data adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that sCJD is not transfusion transmitted.
Long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 hypomethylation in canine malignant mucosal melanoma
Authors: Ishizaki Teita , Yamazaki Jumpei , Meagawa Shinji , Yokoyama Nozomu , Aoshima Keisuke , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi , Kimura Takashi
Published: March 2020

Canine malignant melanoma is a common cancer with a high mortality rate and is a clinically important disease. DNA methylation has been considered to be a potential tumorigenic mechanism through aberrant DNA methylation at promoter region which represses gene transcription. Global hypomethylation could also facilitate chromosome instability. There are few reports regarding DNA methylation in canine malignant melanoma; therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine DNA methylation status of long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 (LINE‐1) to be a surrogate marker of genome‐wide methylation changes in this disease. We measured levels of DNA methylation of two adjacent cytosine‐guanine sites on CpG island (CGI) at the putative promoter of canine LINE‐1 sequence by bisulphite‐pyrosequencing in 41 canine melanoma patient samples as well as six cell lines compared with normal mucosae. The survival rates were obtained from owners or medical records. We found DNA methylation levels of LINE‐1 in normal mucosae were methylated. Interestingly, both melanoma cell lines and clinical melanoma samples showed remarkable hypomethylation. In addition, patients with lower LINE‐1 methylation showed worse prognosis than those with higher LINE‐1 methylation, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .09). Here, we demonstrate that hypomethylation of LINE‐1 is an epigenetically aberrant feature in canine melanoma with possible prognostic value.