bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intersectionality, racial discrimination and oral health in Australia
Authors: Schuch Helena S , Haag Dandara G , Bastos João Luiz , Paradies Yin , Jamieson Lisa M
Published: October 2020

Background

There is a dearth of studies on the extent to which perceived racial discrimination shapes oral health. Following an intersectional perspective, we estimated the prevalence of perceived racial discrimination in Australia, its association with oral health impairment, and examined whether this association was more severe among low socioeconomic status (SES) groups.

Methods

Data came from the 2013 National Dental Telephone Interview Survey (N = 2798), a population‐based study of Australian adults. Multivariable Poisson regression models were estimated to test the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and self‐reported oral health impairment, as well as to investigate whether the magnitude of this association was greater among low‐SES respondents. Relative Excess Risks due to Interaction (RERI) were used to indicate the presence of potentially large discrimination effects within low‐SES strata.

Results

Racial discrimination in the past 12 months was reported by 11.5% of all participants. Australians reporting racial discrimination had 1.4 (95% CI 1.1, 1.7) times the prevalence of impaired oral health. The association between perceived racial discrimination and oral health impairment was stronger among low‐SES groups. The RERI was 0.55, indicating a super‐additive Effect Measure Modification (EMM) by income on the additive scale. Similar results were observed with the EMM analyses by educational attainment.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that perceived racial discrimination, as a specific form of widespread inequality, is associated with higher frequencies of oral health impairment among Australian adults. We also suggest that socially marginalized groups bear a greater burden of the oral health effects of racial discrimination.
IVIG ameliorate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis: projection for IVIG therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Halpert G , Katz I , Shovman O , Tarasov S , Ganina K K , Petrova N , Tocut M , Volkov A , Barshack I , Blank M , Amital H
Published: October 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to joint destruction and disability. Despite a significant progress in administration of biological agents for RA patients, there is still a need for improved therapy. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), a pooled polyspecific immunoglobulin (Ig)G extracted from 5000 to 20 000 healthy subjects, showed beneficial therapeutic effect in patients with immune deficiency, sepsis and autoimmune diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of treatment with IVIG in established collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1j mice. Murine arthritis was induced in DBA/1j mice. Treatment with IVIG began when the disease was established. The clinical score was followed twice a week until day 48. The mice were bled for plasma and the paws were hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained. Cytokine profile in the plasma was analyzed by Luminex technology and titers of circulating anti-collagen antibodies in the plasma was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results show that treatment with IVIG in murine significantly reduced the clinical arthritis score (P < 0·001). Moreover, mode of action showed that IVIG significantly reduced circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines [interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, P < 0·001], inhibiting anti-collagen antibodies (P < 0·001) in the plasma of collagen-induced arthritis mice. Importantly, histopathological examination revealed that IVIG treatment prevented the migration of inflammatory immune cells into the cartilage and synovium, reduced the extent of joint damage and preserved joint architecture. Our results proved for the first time the valuable anti-inflammatory treatment of IVIG in experimental RA. We propose IVIG therapy for a subgroup of patients with rheumatologically related diseases.
Effects of knowledge and emotion on support for novel synthetic biology applications
Authors: Mankad Aditi , Hobman Elizabeth V. , Carter Lucy
Published: October 2020

There is sometimes an inherent assumption that the logical head will overrule the emotional heart in matters of science and technology. However, the literature on decision making under risk and uncertainty suggests that emotional responses may be more potent. A representative sample of Australians participated in a large, national, online survey (n = 8037), in which we measured the influence of knowledge and emotion in predicting support for possible synthetic biology (synbio) solutions to conservation, environmental, and industrial problems. A hierarchical regression model was used to examine the relative influence of affect‐ and emotion‐related factors beyond the influence of knowledge factors in predicting support for synbio solutions. Subsequently, interaction analyses were conducted to examine the potentially moderating role of emotions in the knowledge–support relationship. There was 64% variance in overall support for synbio solutions (R2 = 0.64, p < 0.001). The most influential predictor of support in the model was positive emotion. Feeling hopeful, excited, and curious toward a synbio technology was related to greater overall support for the development of that technology. The second strongest set of predictors was affect‐related measures that evaluate the technology as bad or good, harmful or beneficial, and risky or safe. Positive emotion and an assessment that the technology was good significantly moderated the effect of knowledge on support. These findings suggest that, at least initially, people are more likely to be guided by their emotions when considering support for synbio technologies, which has implications for how researchers design and implement engagement and communication strategies more broadly.
Long‐term health‐related quality of life following colorectal cancer surgery: patient‐reported outcomes in a remote follow‐up population
Authors: Malcolm Francesca Ligori , Adiamah Alfred , Banerjea Ayan , Whitehead Denyse , Gupta Alisha , West Joe , Humes David J. ,   the Nottingham Colorectal Service
Published: October 2020

Aim

Remote follow‐up (RFU) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery allows delivery of surveillance tests without the need for regular outpatient clinical appointments. However, little is known about health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in RFU patients. The main aim of this study was to quantify HRQoL in our RFU population to identify particular patient groups that may benefit from a more personalised approach to follow‐up, including access to a survivorship clinic.

Method

EQ‐5D, QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐C29 questionnaires were distributed to CRC patients enrolled in a RFU programme. The primary outcome of HRQoL scores was analysed by year of RFU, demographics, operation type, stoma and adherence to RFU protocols.

Results

A total of 428 respondents were included, with a mean age of 71 years (SD 10.1 years) and a median RFU time of 2.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.6–4.8 years]. ‘Perfect health’ was reported by 26.6% of patients. The median EQ‐5D index score was 0.785 (IQR 0.671–1) and the median QLQ‐C30 Global HRQoL score was 75 (IQR 58.3–83.3). Women had a significantly lower EQ‐5D median score of 0.767 (IQR 0.666–0.879, P = 0.0088). Lower QLQ‐C30 HRQoL scores were seen in stoma patients (median 66.6, IQR 58.3–83.3, P = 0.0029). Erectile dysfunction (P = 0.0006) and poor body image (P = 0.001) were also reported more frequently in stoma patients. Patients undergoing right‐sided resection reported a lower median EQ‐5D score of 0.765 (IQR 0.666–0.879, P = 0.028) and higher pain severity (P = 0.0367) compared with left‐sided resections. There were 128 (29.4%) patients who breached RFU protocol and were seen in ad hoc colorectal clinics. However, there was no statistical difference in HRQoL between patients who adhered to or breached RFU protocols.

Conclusion

Overall HRQoL in patients in RFU is good, with no difference in those strictly followed up remotely. However, women, patients with right‐sided resection and patients with a stoma may require additional clinical reviews.
Field sizes and the future of farmland biodiversity in European landscapes
Authors: Clough Yann , Kirchweger Stefan , Kantelhardt Jochen
Published: October 2020

Lower diversity of plant and animal farmland species are usually reported where cropland has been aggregated into larger fields, which raises prospects of curbing declines in European farmland biodiversity and associated ecosystem services by halting trends to field size increases associated to agricultural intensification, without having to set aside arable land for conservation. Here, we consider the factors underlying trade‐offs between farmer income and biodiversity as mediated by field size at local and landscape scales, and how these trade‐offs may be overcome. Field sizes are still increasing, facilitated by increasing farm sizes and land consolidation. Decreases in working time and fuel expenses when fields are larger, uptake of larger machinery and subsidies favoring larger farms provide incentives to manage land in larger units, putting farmland biodiversity further at risk. Yet, field size‐mediated ecological–economic trade‐offs are largely ignored in policy and research. We recommend internalizing the ecological effects of changes in landscape‐scale field size into land consolidation scheme design, ensuring that EU Common Agricultural Policy post‐2020 rewards farmers that maintain and recreate fine‐grained landscapes where these are essential for farmland biodiversity targets, and reducing economic–ecological trade‐offs by stimulating agricultural research and innovation for economically efficient yet biodiversity‐friendly farming in fine‐grained landscapes.
The endoscopic diagnosis of mucosal healing and deep remission in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Moriichi Kentaro , Fujiya Mikihiro , Okumura Toshikatsu
Published: October 2020

The therapeutic goal in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has shifted from controlling the clinical activity alone to managing other associated problems. The concept of mucosal healing (MH) and deep remission (DR) are advocated and regarded as new therapeutic goals in IBD. However, the definition of MH still remains controversial. It is unclear whether or not the histological structures or functional factors should be included in the definition of DR in addition to clinical remission and MH. The classifications of white‐light imaging (e.g. Mayo endoscopic subscore, UCEIS, CD Endoscopic Index of Severity, simple Endoscopic Score‐CD) have been proposed and are now widely used to assess the severity as well as the MH of inflammation in IBD. In ulcerative colitis, magnifying chromoendoscopy has been shown to be useful to assess the MH of inflammation while other types of image‐enhanced endoscopy, such as narrow‐band imaging, have not. Endocytoscopy and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) are also applied to assess the activity in IBD. These endoscopic procedures can estimate MH with more precision through observing the details of superficial structures, such as crypt openings. In addition, CLE can partially assess the mucosal function by detecting fluorescence leakage. Molecular imaging can possibly detect the molecules associated with inflammation, intestinal regeneration and differentiation, and various functions including the intestinal barrier and mucus secretion. These novel procedures may improve the diagnosis strategy of DR through the assessment of DR‐associated factors such as the histological structures and functional factors in the near future.
Increased paediatric presentations of severe diabetic ketoacidosis in an Australian tertiary centre during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lawrence C. , Seckold R. , Smart C. , King B. R. , Howley P. , Feltrin R. , Smith T. A. , Roy R. , Lopez P.
Published: October 2020

Aims

To determine if the frequency of severe diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation of new‐onset type 1 diabetes to an Australian tertiary centre increased during the initial period of restrictions resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic (March to May 2020).

Methods

Data were collected on presentations of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes as well as on all paediatric presentations to the emergency department of a tertiary centre between 2015 and 2020. Data from the period of initial COVID restrictions in Australia (March to May 2020) were compared to the period March to May of the previous 5 years (pre‐pandemic periods).

Results

The number of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes was comparable in the pandemic period and pre‐pandemic periods (11 in 2020 vs range 6–10 in 2015–2019). The frequency of severe diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly higher in the pandemic period compared to the pre‐pandemic periods (45% vs 5%; P <0.003), odds ratio 16.7 (95% CI 2.0, 194.7). The overall frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis was also significantly higher during the pandemic period (73% vs 26%; P <0.007), odds ratio 7.5 (95% CI 1.7, 33.5). None of the individuals tested positive for COVID‐19. Presentations of people aged <18 years to the emergency department decreased by 27% in the pandemic period compared to the average of the pre‐pandemic periods (4799 vs 6550; range 6268 to 7131).

Conclusions

A significant increase in the frequency of severe diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation of type 1 diabetes was observed during the initial period of COVID‐19 restrictions. We hypothesize that concern about presenting to hospital during a pandemic led to a delay in diagnosis. These data have important implications for advocacy of seeking healthcare for non‐pandemic‐related conditions during a global pandemic.
Evaluating a decision tool for diagnosing diastolic dysfunction and estimation of left ventricular filling pressures in the presence of mitral annular calcium
Authors: Haines Philip G. , Dickey John B. , Chambers Alison B. , Ogunsua Adedotun , Wu Wen‐Chih , Aurigemma Gerard P.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate a decision algorithm for the estimation of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC).

Background

In a single center study, Abudiab et al evaluated echocardiographic parameters to estimate LVFP in patients with MAC against invasive hemodynamic measurements and developed a decision algorithm which demonstrated high predictive accuracy.

Methods

Retrospectively, 55 patients (mean age 68.5 ± 11.5) with MAC and a left heart catheterization within 24 hours of an echocardiogram were identified. The decision algorithm was applied using echo data to classify patients as having normal or elevated LVFP which was then compared with the invasively obtained LVFP.

Results

The algorithm performed poorly at predicting pre‐A LVFP as normal or high (P = .182). Accuracy for the algorithm was 0.59 [0.46, 0.72] (mean [95% CI]), sensitivity was 0.45 [0.28, 0.62], specificity was 0.73 [0.54, 0.86], false positive rate was 0.27 [0.14, 0.46], and false negative rate was 0.55 [0.38, 0.72]. E/A ratio, IVRT, and E/e'ratio showed no significant relationship to actual patient LVFP.

Conclusions

The Abudiab et al algorithm failed to demonstrate comparable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in our sample. Additional study is necessary to refine this tool prior to more widespread use in clinical practice.
The geography of banking: Evidence from branch closings
Authors: Galardo Maddalena , Garrì Iconio , Mistrulli Paolo Emilio , Revelli Davide
Published: October 2020

In the aftermath of the Great Recession, the number of bank branches declined in most developed countries. In this paper, we investigate how banks have downsized their branch networks in Italy, by comparing the pre‐ and post‐crisis spatial distribution of branches. By using a detailed data set that includes a wide set of controls for the characteristics of each bank branch, we estimate the probability of a branch being closed as a function of its distance from both proprietary and competitors' branches. We find that banks are more prone to close branches in those areas where other proprietary branches are closer and where competitors' branches are closer. This indicates that, since the start of the crisis, banks have closed branches especially in those areas where their proprietary network was relatively more populated and the competition was fiercer.
Non‐invasive epigenomic molecular phenotyping of the human brain via liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid and next generation sequencing
Authors: Pan Lisa , McClain Lora , Shaw Patricia , Donnellan Nicole , Chu Tianjiao , Finegold David , Peters David
Published: October 2020

Our goal was to undertake a genome‐wide epigenomic liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the comprehensive analysis of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) methylation signatures in the human central nervous system (CNS). Solution‐phase hybridization and massively parallel sequencing of bisulfite converted human DNA was employed to compare methylation signatures of cfDNA obtained from CSF with plasma. Recovery of cfDNA from CSF was relatively low (68–840 pg/mL) compared to plasma (2720–8390 pg/mL) and cfDNA fragments from CSF were approximately 20 bp shorter than their plasma‐derived counterparts. Distributions of CpG methylation signatures were significantly altered between CSF and plasma, both globally and at the level of functional elements including exons, introns, CpG islands, and shores. Sliding window analysis was used to identify differentially methylated regions. We found numerous gene/locus‐specific differences in CpG methylation between cfDNA from CSF and plasma. These loci were more frequently hypomethylated in CSF compared to plasma. Differentially methylated CpGs in CSF were identified in genes related to branching of neurites and neuronal development. Using the GTEx RNA expression database, we found clear association between tissue‐specific gene expression in the CNS and cfDNA methylation patterns in CSF. Ingenuity pathway analysis of differentially methylated regions identified an enrichment of functional pathways related to neurobiology. In conclusion, we present a genome‐wide analysis of DNA methylation in human CSF. Our methods and the resulting data demonstrate the potential of epigenomic liquid biopsy of the human CNS for molecular phenotyping of brain‐derived DNA methylation signatures.
Melatonin promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration via the shh signalling pathway after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Pan Bin , Jing Li , Cao Menghan , Hu Youzhong , Gao Xiao , Bu Xiangbo , Li Ziang , Feng Hu , Guo Kaijin
Published: October 2020

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common and incurable disease in the clinic, but the effects of available treatments are still not satisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new treatment methods. To explore the effect and mechanism of melatonin in peripheral nerve regeneration, we administered melatonin to mice with PNI by intraperitoneal injection. We applied microarray analysis to detect differentially expressed genes of mice with sciatic nerve injury after melatonin application. Then, we conducted gene ontology and protein–protein interactions to screen out the key genes related to peripheral nerve regeneration. Cell biology and molecular biology experiments were performed in Schwann cells in vitro to verify the key genes identified by microarray analysis. Our results showed that a total of 598 differentially expressed genes were detected after melatonin subcutaneously injecting into mice with sciatic nerve injury. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Shh may be the key gene for the promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration by melatonin. In vitro, the proliferation and migration abilities of schwann cells in the melatonin group were significantly higher than those of Schwann cells in the control group; while after treating with both melatonin and luzindole (a Shh signalling pathway inhibitor), the proliferation and migration abilities of Schwann cells decreased compared with the melatonin group. Our study suggests that melatonin might improve the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells via the Shh signalling pathway after PNI, thus promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Our study provides a new approach and target for the clinical treatment of PNI.
Microclimate limits thermal behaviour favourable to disease control in a nocturnal amphibian
Authors: Beukema Wouter , Pasmans Frank , Van Praet Sarah , Ferri‐Yáñez Francisco , Kelly Moira , Laking Alexandra E. , Erens Jesse , Speybroeck Jeroen , Verheyen Kris , Lens Luc , Martel An
Published: October 2020

While epizootics increasingly affect wildlife, it remains poorly understood how the environment shapes most host–pathogen systems. Here, we employ a three‐step framework to study microclimate influence on ectotherm host thermal behaviour, focusing on amphibian chytridiomycosis in fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) infected with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Laboratory trials reveal that innate variation in thermal preference, rather than behavioural fever, can inhibit infection and facilitate salamander recovery under humidity‐saturated conditions. Yet, a 3‐year field study and a mesocosm experiment close to the invasive Bsal range show that microclimate constraints suppress host thermal behaviour favourable to disease control. A final mechanistic model, that estimates range‐wide, year‐round host body temperature relative to microclimate, suggests that these constraints are rule rather than exception. Our results demonstrate how innate host defences against epizootics may remain constrained in the wild, which predisposes to range‐wide disease outbreaks and population declines.
Ambidexterity for my Job or Firm? Investigation of the Impacts of Psychological Ownership on Exploitation, Exploration, and Ambidexterity
Authors: Lee Kyootai , Kim Youngkyun
Published: October 2020

This study considers individuals' psychological ownership of the organization (POO) and psychological ownership of the job (POJ) as key factors that may interact to motivate ambidexterity. We collected responses from organizations in South Korea and analyzed the data. The results indicate that the relationship of POJ with exploitation is stronger than that of POO, while the relationship of POO with exploration is stronger than that of POJ. Furthermore, the interaction of POO and POJ is positively related to ambidexterity. This study contributes to a novel understanding of how individuals' POO and POJ may be differently motivated to pursue exploitation and exploration behaviors as well as how reconciliation of the psychological states related to their ownership targets can create synergies and support the emergence of ambidextrous behaviors. Thus, this study contributes to the emerging dialogue on the micro‐foundations of ambidexterity and provides new insights into the psychological ownership literature.
Cost of mating in male Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Shandilya Apoorva , Singh Priya , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar Omkar
Published: October 2020

Mating and reproduction not only provide benefits but can also incur substantial costs. An increasing number of recent studies have indicated that mate searching, mating, and ejaculate production requires large amount of energy which can result in high cost to males. Here, we examine the effect of number of matings of males and mating duration on mating and reproductive success in Menochilus sexmaculatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) by subjecting them to 3 consecutive matings of 30, 60, 90 min, and complete mating (a) with no interval and (b) with interval of 24 hr between the matings. The results reveal a reduction in reproductive performance for both the setup and reduction is more when mating is consecutive without gap. This shows that between subsequent matings males require time to recuperate the sperm/ejaculate. As a male engages in a greater number of matings, the time it takes to begin mating when paired with a female increases and the overall duration of mating decreases. However, frequent mating attempts made by males result in reduction in their body weight. Thus, in this ladybird beetle mating and related physiological process consume lots of energy and the body weight of males tend to decrease which further modifies their reproductive performance. The study helps us to identify the cost of mating from male's perspective and indicates that males need to rejuvenate between the matings.
Successful outcome after surgical correction of large colon atresia in a colt foal
Authors: Skov Hansen S. , Mattei C. , Treffenberg Pettersson H. , Grabski M.
Published: October 2020

This report describes successful surgical correction and long‐term survival of a case of large colon atresia in a 24‐h‐old Warmblood colt, referred with signs of unrelenting abdominal pain and a suspicion of meconium impaction. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examination was indicative of large colon meconium impaction with secondary ileus. Due to deterioration of the foal, surgery was recommended. An atretic segment was found between the left ventral and dorsal large (ascending) colon. A band of fibrous tissue with no identifiable lumen connected the segments. Surgical correction was done by performing a stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis. Twelve days after surgery, the foal was discharged. Twenty‐two months after discharge, the owner reported the foal developing as expected compared with its peers, but had a mild, self‐limiting episode of colic at 20 months of age.
Ameliorative effect of ozagrel, a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, in hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced experimental vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Bhatia Pankaj , Singh Nirmal
Published: October 2020

The present study investigates the effect of ozagrel, a selective thromboxane A2 (TXA2) inhibitor, in rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)‐induced vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Wistar rats were administered L‐methionine (1.7 g/kg/day; p.o. × 8 weeks) to induce VCID. Morris water maze (MWM) test was employed to assess learning and memory. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed in the isolated aorta by observing endothelial‐dependent vasorelaxation and levels of serum nitrite. Various biochemical and histopathological estimations were also performed. L‐methionine produced significant impairment in endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation and decreases serum nitrite levels indicating endothelial dysfunction. Further, these animals performed poorly on MWM, depicting impairment of learning and memory. Further, a significant rise in brain oxidative stress level (indicated by increase in brain thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species and decrease in reduced glutathione levels), brain acetylcholinesterase activity, brain myeloperoxidase activity, brain TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, and brain leukocyte (neutrophil) infiltration was also observed. Treatment of ozagrel (10 and 20 mg/kg, p. o.)/donepezil (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., serving as standard) ameliorated L‐methionine‐induced endothelial dysfunction, memory deficits, and biochemical and histopathological changes. It may be concluded that ozagrel markedly improved endothelial dysfunction, learning and memory, and biochemical and histopathological alteration associated with L‐methionine‐induced VCID and that TXA2 can be considered as an important therapeutic target for the management of VCID.
A Crisis for a System in Crisis: Forecasting from the Short‐ and Long‐Term Impacts of COVID‐19 on the Child Welfare System1
Authors: Pisani‐Jacques Kristen
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has thrust the world into a crisis – and the child welfare system is particularly susceptible to its effects. This pandemic has exacerbated some of the most problematic aspects of the system, and its impacts will reverberate long after the immediate crisis ends. As COVID‐19 spread, families were instantly impacted – in‐person family time was cancelled, youth and families were unable to access basic resources, services, and technology, and access to the courts was curtailed. Those short‐term effects may give way to long‐term harms such as disrupted attachments and delays in achieving permanency. The pandemic also reinforced the importance of key tenets of a well‐functioning child welfare system: high‐quality legal representation, creativity, and youth and family engagement. Attorneys must learn from the fallout of the pandemic, retain the best responsive practices, and use the lessons learned from this crisis to transform dependency cases, and the system writ large, into what families need and deserve.
Role of post‐translational modifications in the acquisition of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Arora Gunjan , Bothra Ankur , Prosser Gareth , Arora Kriti , Sajid Andaleeb
Published: October 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the primary causes of deaths due to infectious diseases. The current TB regimen is long and complex, failing of which leads to relapse and/or the emergence of drug resistance. There is a critical need to understand the mechanisms of resistance development. With increasing drug pressure, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) activates various pathways to counter drug‐related toxicity. Signaling modules steer the evolution of Mtb to a variant that can survive, persist, adapt, and emerge as a form that is resistant to one or more drugs. Recent studies reveal that about 1/3rd of the annotated Mtb proteome is modified post‐translationally, with a large number of these proteins being essential for mycobacterial survival. Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and pupylation play a salient role in mycobacterial virulence, pathogenesis, and metabolism. The role of many other PTMs is still emerging. Understanding the signaling pathways and PTMs may assist clinical strategies and drug development for Mtb. In this review, we explore the contribution of PTMs to mycobacterial physiology, describe the related cellular processes, and discuss how these processes are linked to drug resistance. A significant number of drug targets, InhA, RpoB, EmbR, and KatG, are modified at multiple residues via PTMs. A better understanding of drug‐resistance regulons and associated PTMs will aid in developing effective drugs against TB.
The characteristics and roles of β‐TrCP1/2 in carcinogenesis
Authors: Bi Yanli , Cui Danrui , Xiong Xiufang , Zhao Yongchao
Published: October 2020

β‐transducin repeat‐containing protein (β‐TrCP), one of the well‐characterized F‐box proteins, acts as a substrate receptor and constitutes an active SCFβ‐TrCP E3 ligase with a scaffold protein CUL1, a RING protein RBX1, and an adaptor protein SKP1. β‐TrCP plays a critical role in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes, including signal transduction, cell cycle progression, cell migration, DNA damage response, and tumorigenesis, by governing burgeoning amounts of key regulators for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Given that a variety of β‐TrCP substrates are well‐known oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, and dysregulation of β‐TrCP is frequently identified in human cancers, β‐TrCP plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. In this review, we first briefly introduce the characteristics of β‐TrCP1, β‐TrCP2, and SCFβ‐TrCP ubiquitin ligase, and then discuss SCFβ‐TrCP ubiquitin ligase regulated biological processes by targeting its substrates for degradation. Moreover, we summarize the regulation of β‐TrCP1 and β‐TrCP2 at multiple layers and further discuss the various roles of β‐TrCP1 and β‐TrCP2 in human cancer, functioning as either an oncoprotein or a tumor suppressor in a manner dependent of cellular context. Finally, we provide novel insights for future perspectives on the potential of targeting β‐TrCP1 and β‐TrCP2 for cancer therapy.
Does rapid glacial recession affect feeding habits of alpine stream insects?
Authors: Sertić Perić Mirela , Nielsen Jens M. , Schubert Carsten J. , Robinson Christopher T.
Published: October 2020

Glacial retreat, accompanied by shifts in riparian vegetation and glacier meltwater inputs, alters the energy supply and trophic structure of alpine stream food webs. Our goal in this study was to enhance understanding of dietary niches of macroinvertebrates inhabiting different alpine streams with contrasting glacial and non‐glacial (groundwater, precipitation, snowmelt) water inputs in conjunction with seasonal and habitat‐specific variation in basal resource availability.

We measured a range of stream physico‐chemical attributes as well as carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) of macroinvertebrates and primary food sources at seven sites across seasons within a Swiss glaciated catchment (Val Roseg) undergoing rapid glacial retreat (1–2 km between 1997 and 2014). Sampling sites corresponded to streams used in a previous (1997/1998) study within the same alpine catchment.

Physico‐chemical attributes showed wide variation in environmental conditions across streams and seasons. Significant correlation among physico‐chemical proxies of glacier meltwater (phosphate‐P, total inorganic carbon, conductivity, turbidity) and macroinvertebrate δ13C, δ15N, and size‐corrected standard ellipse area (a proxy for feeding niche width) values showed that the extent of glacial water input shapes the energy base among alpine streams. Feeding niche differences among common alpine stream insect taxa (Chironomidae, Baetidae, Heptageniidae) were not significant, indicating that these organisms probably are plastic in feeding behaviour, opportunistically relying on food resources available in a particular stream and season.

Seasonal trends in macroinvertebrate δ13C largely followed patterns in periphyton δ13C values, indicating that autochthonous resources were the main consumer energy source within the stream network, as shown previously. The overall range in macroinvertebrate δ13C (−33.5 to −18.4‰) and δ15N (−6.9 to 6.7‰) values also corresponded to values measured in the previous study, suggesting that macroinvertebrates altered diets in line with changes in environmental conditions and food resources during a period of rapid glacial retreat. Our results suggest that environmental changes brought on by rapid glacial retreat have not yet caused a profound change in the trophic structure within these fluvial networks.
Ecosystem transpiration and evaporation: Insights from three water flux partitioning methods across FLUXNET sites
Authors: Nelson Jacob A. , Pérez‐Priego Oscar , Zhou Sha , Poyatos Rafael , Zhang Yao , Blanken Peter D. , Gimeno Teresa E. , Wohlfahrt Georg , Desai Ankur R. , Gioli Beniamino , Limousin Jean‐Marc , Bonal Damien , Paul‐Limoges Eugénie , Scott Russell L. , Varlagin Andrej , Fuchs Kathrin , Montagnani Leonardo , Wolf Sebastian , Delpierre Nicolas , Berveiller Daniel , Gharun Mana , Belelli Marchesini Luca , Gianelle Damiano , Šigut Ladislav , Mammarella Ivan , Siebicke Lukas , Andrew Black T. , Knohl Alexander , Hörtnagl Lukas , Magliulo Vincenzo , Besnard Simon , Weber Ulrich , Carvalhais Nuno , Migliavacca Mirco , Reichstein Markus , Jung Martin
Published: October 2020

We apply and compare three widely applicable methods for estimating ecosystem transpiration (T) from eddy covariance (EC) data across 251 FLUXNET sites globally. All three methods are based on the coupled water and carbon relationship, but they differ in assumptions and parameterizations. Intercomparison of the three daily T estimates shows high correlation among methods (R between .89 and .94), but a spread in magnitudes of T/ET (evapotranspiration) from 45% to 77%. When compared at six sites with concurrent EC and sap flow measurements, all three EC‐based T estimates show higher correlation to sap flow‐based T than EC‐based ET. The partitioning methods show expected tendencies of T/ET increasing with dryness (vapor pressure deficit and days since rain) and with leaf area index (LAI). Analysis of 140 sites with high‐quality estimates for at least two continuous years shows that T/ET variability was 1.6 times higher across sites than across years. Spatial variability of T/ET was primarily driven by vegetation and soil characteristics (e.g., crop or grass designation, minimum annual LAI, soil coarse fragment volume) rather than climatic variables such as mean/standard deviation of temperature or precipitation. Overall, T and T/ET patterns are plausible and qualitatively consistent among the different water flux partitioning methods implying a significant advance made for estimating and understanding T globally, while the magnitudes remain uncertain. Our results represent the first extensive EC data‐based estimates of ecosystem T permitting a data‐driven perspective on the role of plants’ water use for global water and carbon cycling in a changing climate.
Plasmablastic lymphoma in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the era of widescale antiretroviral therapy use
Authors: Vaughan J , Perner Y , Mayne E , Wiggill T
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a clinically aggressive lymphoma which has a predilection for extranodal sites and is frequently HIV‐associated. The incidence of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma is thought to be reduced by widescale antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, but the literature is sparse as regards the impact of ART on the incidence of PBL and its outcomes in South Africa (SA). This study aimed to compare factors of interest in cases of PBL diagnosed before and after the widespread availability of ART in Johannesburg, SA.

Methods

All cases of PBL diagnosed in the state sector hospitals of Johannesburg in 2007 and 2017 (before and after the widespread availability of ART, respectively) were extracted from the laboratory information system, and factors of interest compared.

Results

The majority (> 95%) of cases of PBL were seen among people with HIV infection (PWH) at both time‐points, and the proportion of patients on ART and with virological suppression (VS) increased significantly in 2017. However, the number of cases of PBL did not differ significantly between the two years assessed, comprising 46/397 (11.6%) and 53/582 (9.6%) of all lymphomas in 2007 and 2017, respectively (P = 0.23). Ongoing risk for PBL among PWH with virological control and immunological recovery was evident in 2017, as 18.9% of the patients had both VS and CD4 counts > 200 cells/μL at diagnosis. Inferior survival times were associated with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) negativity, but were not influenced by the presence of AIDS, ART or VS. EBV negativity was significantly associated with VS, and appeared to flag a particularly aggressive form of the disease.

Conclusions

Widescale ART coverage has not reduced the incidence of PBL in Johannesburg, and an ongoing risk for this disease among PWH with adequate virological control and immunological recovery persists.
Effectiveness of denture microwave disinfection for treatment of denture stomatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santos Sousa Taisa Mara , Rodrigues de Farias Ohana , Dantas Batista André Ulisses , Souto de Medeiros Eliton , Santiago Bianca Marques , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of removable complete denture disinfection using microwaves for the treatment of denture stomatitis.

Methods

This review identified studies comparing the efficacy of microwave prosthesis disinfection (I) to topical antifungal therapy (C) in the treatment of denture stomatitis (O), which included only individuals who used complete dentures and presented with denture stomatitis (P). The search was performed in six databases and identified 1524 records; after the removal of duplicates, 816 articles remained. Three articles were selected for qualitative synthesis and two for meta‐analysis. Random‐effects meta‐analysis estimated the polled effects of microwave disinfection and antifungal therapy on the Candida counts and clinical manifestation of denture stomatitis. The GRADE approach was used to estimate the certainty of evidence.

Results

All included studies reported significant reductions in Candida counts and the frequency of denture stomatitis of groups subjected to microwave disinfection of dentures and topical antifungal therapy with nystatin. Significative differences between treatments were only detected for Candida quantification in the palate, within 90 days follow‐up period (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.02–0.91). Meta‐analyses did not show any further differences between treatments (p > .05), considering the Candida quantification in dentures and the frequency of clinical signs of denture stomatitis. The certainty of the evidence was considered as low, according to GRADE approach.

Conclusion

Microwave disinfection of complete dentures can be considered as efficient as antifungal therapy for the treatment of denture stomatitis. However, further well‐designed studies are necessary to confirm such evidence.
Personality traits influencing young adults' conspicuous consumption
Authors: Barrera Gustavo A. , Ponce Héctor R.
Published: October 2020

Young consumers contribute significantly to the growth of luxury consumption worldwide, particularly in the new‐luxury category. Studies addressing personality conditions that influence the consumption of new‐luxury brands are still limited. Based on the 3M Model of Motivation and Personality, this study demonstrates that the competitiveness and need for learning personality traits influence bandwagon and snob consumption of new‐luxury brands. The main hypotheses establish that bandwagon and snob consumption are affected positively by the competitiveness personality trait and negatively by the need for learning personality trait. Data were collected through a survey responded by 717 college students, representing young adult group and also distributed in five different Chilean cities. The analysis was carried out using structural equation models. The results confirmed that competitiveness predisposed individuals to conspicuous consumption associated with new‐luxury brands in the clothing, perfume and smartphone categories. Regarding the need for learning trait, only a negative relationship was found in the clothing category but not in the perfume and smartphone categories. This study contributes to extend our understanding of luxury consumption, providing empirical evidence of the effects of psychological conditions on the consumption of new‐luxury goods by young adults.
How does the replacement of rice flour with flours of higher nutritional quality impact the texture and sensory profile and acceptance of gluten‐free chocolate cakes?
Authors: Nespeca Lucas de Souza , da Silva Paulino Hellen Fernanda , Barlati Vieira da Silva Tamires , Bona Evandro , Leimann Fernanda Vitória , Marques Leila Larisa Medeiros , Cardoso Flávia Aparecida Reitz , Droval Adriana Aparecida , Fuchs Renata Hernandez Barros
Published: October 2020

Gluten‐free bakery products usually use rice flour as substitute for wheat flour. This paper aims to evaluate whether and how the substitution of rice flour for sorghum and teff flour changes the overall acceptance, texture and sensory profile of gluten‐free chocolate cakes. An experimental design composed of three factors (rice, sorghum and teff flours) was developed, and formulations were analysed by acceptance test and fibre content. Four formulations were submitted to sensory descriptive analysis. The formulations did not show significant differences in the overall acceptance although the sensory profile has changed. The texture was affected by the type of flour, being the optimised formulation the softer among the samples. From these data, it can be concluded that it is possible to replace rice flour with sorghum and teff flour in chocolate cake formulations, since the change in the sensory profile did not affect the acceptance of the products.
Cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma treatment of turmeric powder: microbial load, essential oil profile, bioactivity and microstructure analyses
Authors: Hemmati Vahid , Garavand Farhad , Goudarzi Mostafa , Sarlak Zahra , Cacciotti Ilaria , Tiwari Brijesh K.
Published: October 2020

Turmeric powder treated by cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma (CAPP) at 25 kV for various times of 3, 5 and 7 min was examined for microbial load, essential oil profile, colour parameters, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and microstructure. CAPP treatment caused a reduction of approximately 1.5 log CFU g−1 in aerobic viable cell count of turmeric powder, which was most pronounced during the first 3 min of the treatment. The inactivation kinetic was fitted to the Weibull model with R2 of 0.9913 and RMSE of 0.0641. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of essential oils identified twelve different components for turmeric powder of which 1,8‐Cineole, α‐Terpinolene and trans‐Caryophyllene were lost and ar‐Turmerone and α‐Zingiberene experienced considerable increases after plasma treatment. The double‐edged effect of plasma treatment was also observed on bioactivity. Scanning electron microscopy showed formation of super‐agglomerates in plasma‐treated samples due probably to coalescence of the granules with plasma‐damaged walls.
The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and Diversity of Experiences of Different Categories of Migrants: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yeboah Thomas , Kandilige Leander , Bisong Amanda , Garba Faisal , Kofi Teye Joseph
Published: October 2020

While studies have drawn attention to the operationalization, and implementation challenges associated with the ECOWAS free movement protocol, our understanding of how different categories of migrants experience the protocol is far more limited. Drawing on data from interviews conducted with 23 ECOWAS migrants living or travelling to Ghana, immigration officials and a trade union representative, this paper examines the diversity of experiences of ECOWAS migrants in relation to the free movement protocol. The findings suggest that the experiences of ECOWAS nationals in areas such as awareness and knowledge of provisions in the protocol, border crossing, processes of acquiring residence and work permits and renewing permits, and rights of establishment differ remarkably by dimensions of social difference. The gender, social class and nationality of migrants are fundamental and shape the experiences of ECOWAS migrants in divergent ways. These findings have important implication for policies seeking to promote free movement in West Africa.
Commemorating Public Figures – In Favour of a Fictionalist Position
Authors: Berninger Anja
Published: October 2020

In this article, I discuss the commemoration of public figures such as Nelson Mandela and Yitzhak Rabin. In many cases, our commemoration of such figures is based on the admiration we feel for them. However, closer inspection reveals that most (if not all) of those we currently honour do not qualify as fitting objects of admiration. Yet, we may still have the strong intuition that we ought to continue commemorating them in this way. I highlight two problems that arise here: the problem that the expressed admiration does not seem appropriate with respect to the object and the problem that continued commemorative practices lead to rationality issues. In response to these issues, I suggest taking a fictionalist position with respect to commemoration. This crucially involves sharply distinguishing between commemorative and other discourses, as well as understanding the objects of our commemorative practices as fictional objects.