bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECT2 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression through extracellular matrix dynamics and focal adhesion signaling
Authors: Kosibaty Zeinab , Murata Yoshihiko , Minami Yuko , Noguchi Masayuki , Sakamoto Noriaki
Published: November 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer. Epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that has been implicated in oncogenic and malignant phenotypes of LAC. Here, we identified an oncogenic role of ECT2 in the extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics of LAC cells. We showed that suppression of ECT2 decreased adhesion and spreading of LAC cells on ECM components. Morphologically, ECT2‐depleted cells exhibited a rounded shape and cytoskeletal changes. Examination of transcriptional changes by RNA sequencing revealed a total of 1569 and 828 genes whose expressions were altered (absolute fold change and a difference of >2 fold) in response to suppression of ECT2 in two LAC cells (Calu‐3 and NCI‐H2342), respectively, along with 298 genes that were common to both cell lines. Functional enrichment analysis of common genes demonstrated a significant enrichment of focal adhesions. In accord with this observation, we found that ECT2 suppression decreased the expression level of proteins involved in focal adhesion signaling including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Crk, integrin β1, paxillin, and p130Cas. FAK knockdown leads to impaired cell proliferation, adhesion, and spreading of LAC cells. Moreover, in LAC cells, ECT2 binds to and stabilizes FAK and is associated with the formation of the focal adhesions. Our findings provide new insights into the underlying role of ECT2 in cell‐ECM dynamics during LAC progression and suggest that ECT2 could be a promising therapeutic avenue for lung cancer.
Clinical signs, symptoms, perceptions, and impact on quality of life in patients suffering from peri‐implant diseases: a university‐representative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Romandini Mario , Lima Cristina , Pedrinaci Ignacio , Araoz Ana , Costanza Soldini Maria , Sanz Mariano
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To study the symptoms and perception reported by patients with peri‐implant diseases, as well as their signs and their potential impact on the oral health quality of life.

Material and Methods

Two hundred and forty randomly selected patients were invited to participate. As part of the history assessment, the patient OHIP‐14Sp was evaluated together with, for each implant, the patient perception regarding the peri‐implant health status and the history of pain, spontaneous discomfort, bleeding, suppuration, swelling, and discomfort during brushing. As part of the clinical examination, the following potential signs of peri‐implant diseases were collected: probing pocket depth (PPD), mucosal dehiscence (MD), extent of BoP, presence of SoP, and visual signs of redness and swelling. Those parameters were analyzed in relation to the actual peri‐implant health diagnosis.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients with a total of 458 dental implants were studied. Even in case of peri‐implantitis, 88.9% of the implants were perceived by the patients as healthy. The total OHIP‐14Sp sum score did not differ in relation to the peri‐implant health diagnosis. Increased reports of spontaneous discomfort, bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during brushing were observed in presence of disease. However, only a minor proportion of implants with peri‐implant diseases presented symptoms. PPD ≥ 6 mm was more frequent in diseased than in healthy implants (p < .01), while PPD ≥ 8 in pre‐peri‐implantitis/peri‐implantitis than in healthy/mucositis implants (p < .01). Implants with peri‐implantitis showed higher MD than implants without peri‐implantitis (p < .01).

Conclusion

Peri‐implant diseases are in most cases asymptomatic and not perceived by the patients. Despite being unable to accurately discriminate between peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis, PPD and MD resulted as the only two clinical signs associated with pre‐peri‐implantitis/peri‐implantitis.
BANKING COMPETITION, CAPITAL ACCUMULATION, AND INTEREST ON RESERVES
Authors: Ghossoub Edgar A. , Reed Robert R.
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the increased concentration of activity in the banking system has received much attention. In addition, numerous central banks have expanded their range of policy tools to include paying interest on reserves. The objective of this paper is to study the implications of concentration in the banking sector and the effects of various reserve policies. Changes in the competitive structure affect investment, risk‐sharing, and social welfare. In general, perfect competition should not be a regulatory goal for the banking system. Moreover, it is generally not optimal to pay the same interest rate on required reserves as excess reserves. (JEL O42, D42, E52)
A nationwide study on inpatient opportunistic infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the pre‐ibrutinib era
Authors: Steingrímsson Vilhjálmur , Gíslason Gauti Kjartan , Þorsteinsdóttir Sigrún , Rögnvaldsson Sæmundur , Gottfreðsson Magnús , Aspelund Thor , Turesson Ingemar , Björkholm Magnus , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Opportunistic infections in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been described in clinical trials, single‐center studies, and case reports. We performed a nationwide study to estimate the incidence and impact of inpatient opportunistic infections.

Methods

The incidence rate (IR) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) for Swedish CLL patients diagnosed 1994‐2013, and matched controls were calculated, as well as the case‐fatality ratio (CFR).

Results

Among 8989 CLL patients, a total of 829 opportunistic infections were registered (IR 16.6 per 1000 person‐years) compared with 252 opportunistic infections in 34 283 matched controls (IR 0.99). The highest incidence in the CLL cohort was for Pneumocystis pneumonia (200 infections, IR 4.03); Herpes zoster (146 infections, IR 2.94), and Pseudomonas (83 infections, IR 1.66) infections. The highest risk relative to matched controls was observed for Pneumocystis pneumonia (IRR 114, 95% confidence interval 58.7‐252). The 60‐day CFR for CLL patients with opportunistic infections was 23% (188/821), highest for progressive multifocal encephalopathy (5/7, 71%) and aspergillosis (25/60, 42%).

Conclusion

We have uniquely depicted the incidence of rare and serious infections in CLL patients and found a relatively high incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Of the most common opportunistic infections, CLL patients with aspergillosis had the poorest prognosis.
The impact of global dimming on crop yields is determined by the source–sink imbalance of carbon during grain filling
Authors: Shao Liping , Liu Zijuan , Li Haozheng , Zhang Yaling , Dong Mingming , Guo Xuanhe , Zhang Han , Huang Baowei , Ni Rongbing , Li Gang , Cai Chuang , Chen Weiping , Luo Weihong , Yin Xinyou
Published: November 2020

Global dimming reduces incident global radiation but increases the fraction of diffuse radiation, and thus affects crop yields; however, the underlying mechanisms of such an effect have not been revealed. We hypothesized that crop source–sink imbalance of either carbon (C) or nitrogen (N) during grain filling is a key factor underlying the effect of global dimming on yields. We presented a practical framework to assess both C and N source–sink relationships, using data of biomass and N accumulation from periodical sampling conducted in field experiments for wheat and rice from 2013 to 2016. We found a fertilization effect of the increased diffuse radiation fraction under global dimming, which alleviated the negative impact of decreased global radiation on source supply and sink growth, but the source supply and sink growth were still decreased by dimming, for both C and N. In wheat, the C source supply decreased more than the C sink demand, and as a result, crops remobilized more pre‐heading C reserves, in response to dimming. However, these responses were converse in rice, which presumably stemmed from the more increment in radiation use efficiency and the more limited sink size in rice than wheat. The global dimming affected source supply and sink growth of C more significantly than that of N. Therefore, yields in both crops were dependent more on the source–sink imbalance of C than that of N during grain filling. Our revealed source–sink relationships, and their differences and similarities between wheat and rice, provide a basis for designing strategies to alleviate the impact of global dimming on crop productivity.
Parental mental health screening in a neuropaediatric sample: Psychometric properties of the Everyday Feeling Questionnaire and variables associated with parental mental health
Authors: Kjærandsen Katarina Smejda , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Brøndbo Per Håkan , Halvorsen Marianne Berg
Published: November 2020

Background

Many previous studies have highlighted distress in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Further knowledge about the relationship between parental mental health and children's characteristics could help neuropaediatric services improve treatment. The current study examined the applicability of the Everyday Feeling Questionnaire (EFQ) as a screening tool for parental mental health in a neuropaediatric sample.

Methods

Children and adolescents (N = 299) referred to neurodevelopmental/neurological assessment at neuropaediatric outpatient clinics in Northern Norway were assessed for concurrent mental health problems; one of their parents completed the EFQ.

Results

The EFQ items loaded highly on a general mental health factor. Parental mental health was more strongly associated with child functional impairment than child emotional/conduct difficulties; it was not associated with child neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions

The EFQ is a suitable screening tool for parental mental health in a neuropaediatric population. Child functional impairment seems an important predictor of parental mental health.
Comprehensive analysis of partial epithelial mesenchymal transition‐related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lei Yu , Yan Wei , Lin Zhuoying , Liu Jingmei , Tian Dean , Han Ping
Published: November 2020

Increasing evidence has revealed that cancer cells undergoing an intermediate state, partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (p‐EMT), tend to metastasize rather than complete EMT. We performed a comprehensive analysis of E‐cadherin and 25 p‐EMT‐related genes in HCC to explore the roles and regulatory mechanisms of them in HCC. We analysed E‐cadherin and 25 p‐EMT‐related genes in HCC and constructed an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA ceRNA subnetwork containing p‐EMT‐related genes by bioinformatic approaches. IHC was used to identify the protein expression of key p‐EMT‐related genes, P4HA2, ITGA5, MMP9, MT1X and SPP1. Complete EMT is not necessary for HCC progression. Overexpression of P4HA2, ITGA5, MMP9, SPP1 and down‐regulation of MT1X were found in HCC tissues, which were significantly associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. By means of stepwise reverse prediction and validation from mRNA to lncRNA, an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA ceRNA subnetwork correlated with HCC prognosis was identified by expression and survival analysis. This study implied that key p‐EMT‐related genes P4HA2, ITGA5, MMP9, MT1X, SPP1 could be prognostic biomarkers and potential targets of therapy for HCC patients. We constructed an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA subnetwork containing p‐EMT‐related genes successfully, among which each component might be utilized as a prognostic biomarker of HCC.
Maltol prevents the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB pathway: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Lu Hongwei , Fu Changchang , Kong Suyan , Wang Xudong , Sun Lin , Lin Zeng , Luo Peng , Jin Haidong
Published: November 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent degenerative arthritis disease, principle characterized by the destruction of cartilage and associated with the inflammatory response. Maltol, a product formed during the processing of red ginseng (Panax ginseng, CA Meyer), has been reported to have the potential effect of anti‐inflammatory. However, its specific mechanisms are not demonstrated. We investigated the protective effect of maltol in the progression of OA both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Human chondrocytes were pre‐treated with maltol (0, 20, 40, 60 μM, 24 hours) and incubated with IL‐1β (10 ng/mL, 24 hours) in vitro. Expression of PGE2, TNF‐α and NO was measured by the ELISA and Griess reaction. The expression of iNOs, COX‐2, aggrecan, ADAMTS‐5, MMP‐13, IκB‐α, p65, P‐AKT, AKT, PI3K and P‐PI3K was analysed by Western blotting. The expression of collagen II and p65‐active protein was detected by immunofluorescence. Moreover, the serious level of OA was evaluated by histological analysis in vivo. We identified that maltol could suppress the IL‐1β‐stimulated generation of PGE2 and NO. Besides, maltol not only suppressed the production of COX‐2, iNOs, TNF‐α, IL‐6, ADAMTS‐5, MMP‐13, but also attenuated the degradation of collagen II and aggrecan. Furthermore, maltol remarkably suppressed the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB induced by IL‐1β in human OA chondrocytes. Moreover, maltol could block the cartilage destroy in OA mice in vivo. To date, all data indicate maltol is a potential therapeutic agent by inhibiting inflammatory response via the regulation of NF‐κB signalling for OA.
Procyanidin B2 improves endothelial progenitor cell function and promotes wound healing in diabetic mice via activating Nrf2
Authors: Fan Jiawei , Liu Hairong , Wang Jinwu , Zeng Jiang , Tan Yi , Wang Yashu , Yu Xiaoping , Li Wenlian , Wang Peijian , Yang Zheng , Dai Xiaozhen
Published: November 2020

One of the major reasons for the delayed wound healing in diabetes is the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) induced by hyperglycaemia. Improvement of EPC function may be a potential strategy for accelerating wound healing in diabetes. Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) is one of the major components of procyanidins, which exhibits a variety of potent pharmacological activities. However, the effects of PCB2 on EPC function and diabetic wound repair remain elusive. We evaluated the protective effects of PCB2 in EPCs with high glucose (HG) treatment and in a diabetic wound healing model. EPCs derived from human umbilical cord blood were treated with HG. The results showed that PCB2 significantly preserved the angiogenic function, survival and migration abilities of EPCs with HG treatment, and attenuated HG‐induced oxidative stress of EPCs by scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). A mechanistic study found the protective role of PCB2 is dependent on activating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). PCB2 increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes to attenuate the oxidative stress induced by HG in EPCs, which were abolished by knockdown of Nrf2 expression. An in vivo study showed that intraperitoneal administration of PCB2 promoted wound healing and angiogenesis in diabetic mice, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in ROS level and an increase in circulating EPC number. Taken together, our results indicate that PCB2 treatment accelerates wound healing and increases angiogenesis in diabetic mice, which may be mediated by improving the mobilization and function of EPCs.
Circular economy framework for automobiles: Closing energy and material loops
Authors: Aguilar Esteva Laura C. , Kasliwal Akshat , Kinzler Michael S. , Kim Hyung Chul , Keoleian Gregory A.
Published: November 2020

Corporations, including automotive manufacturers, are increasingly exploring extended circular economy strategies as a means to enhance the sustainability of their products. The circular economy paradigm focuses on reducing nonrenewable materials and energy, promoting renewable feedstocks and energy, and keeping products/materials in use across the life cycle of a system. As such, life cycle environmental burdens associated with vehicle manufacturing, use, and disposal could potentially be reduced through circular economy strategies; however, no such comprehensive circular economy framework currently exists for the automotive industry. We develop the first circular economy schematic of automobiles, derived from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's framework. Further, we characterize the current automotive circular economy using metrics of renewable energy and recycled materials. Specifically, for current U.S. average sedans, we find that internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) use ∼6% renewable life cycle primary energy and 27% recycled materials; for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), these measures are ∼8% and 21%, respectively. On a vehicle‐miles‐traveled basis, BEVs use ∼47% less nonrenewable life cycle primary energy than ICEVs, highlighting the importance of electrification as a strategy for automotive manufacturers to reduce environmental burdens. Our proposed circular economy framework is then applied to Ford Motor Company's sustainability programs and initiatives as an example. This schematic aims to provide a starting point for the automotive industry to operationalize circular economy strategies, the application of which could advance its overall sustainability performance.
Adhesion of Denture Characterizing Composites to Heat‐Cured, CAD/CAM and 3D Printed Denture Base Resins
Authors: Choi Joanne Jung Eun , Ramani Rishi Sanjay , Ganjigatti Ritu , Uy Caira Ellyse , Plaksina Polina , Waddell John Neil
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To measure the adhesion of the denture characterizing composite to heat‐cured, CAD/CAM and 3D printed denture base resins.

Methods and Materials

Two different denture characterizing composites with different viscosities (SR Nexco; high viscosity (SR) and Kulzer Cre‐active; low viscosity (K)) and three denture base resins (Heat cure, CAD‐milled and 3D printed) were investigated. 60 beams (25 × 4 × 3 mm) were fabricated for each denture base resin; 30 were bonded to SR and 30 to K to form a beam 50 × 4 × 3 mm. These were further divided (n = 10/group) to simulate the effects of 0, 6, and 12 months intraorally via thermocycling. The beams were subjected to a 4‐point bend test using the chevron‐notched beam method. Fracture toughness K1C (MPa ·m1/2) and flexural bond strength (MPa) were calculated. All specimens were analyzed for the mode of failure under the light microscope and selected specimens under scanning electron microscope. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (SPSS Ver 25).

Results

The mean K1C was highest for the SR composite bonded to the heat‐cured denture resin group (0.28 ± 0.11), followed by CAD/CAM (0.18 ± 0.04) and 3D printed groups (0.23 ± 0.16). Differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.268). Within each group, aging showed no statistical significance between the mean K1C and flexural bond strength (p = 0.209). The mean K1C for the K composites bonded to the three different denture bases were significantly lower compared to the SR group (p < 0.001). The mean K1C for the heat‐cured denture resin group was (0.21 ± 0.1), followed by CAD/CAM (0.13 ± 0.04) and 3D printed groups (0.03 ± 0.02). Within each of the K group, aging showed a statistical significance for both the mean K1C and flexural bond strength (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The high viscosity SR showed significantly higher K1C and flexural bond strength to the lower viscosity K when bonded to heat‐cured, CAD‐milled and 3D printed denture base resins. Heat‐cured denture base resins produced the highest K1C and flexural bond strength when bonded to two different types of characterizing composites.
Exploring Core Response Mechanisms to Multiple Environmental Stressors Via A Genome‐Wide Study in the Brown Alga Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Fan Xiao , Wang Yitao , Xu Dong , Zhang Jian , Ye Naihao
Published: November 2020

Saccharina japonica is an important large brown alga and a major component of productive beds on the northwest coast of the Pacific Ocean. Abiotic stress response mechanisms are receiving considerable attention because global climate change is increasing their abiotic stress levels. However, our knowledge of how S. japonica broadly responds to stress is limited. In this study, we investigated the S. japonica responsive genes underlying acclimation to diverse stressors of acidification, high light, high temperature, hypersalinity, and hyposalinity and identified 408 core genes constantly and differentially expressed in response to all stressors. Our results confirm that stressors had strong effects on genes participating in photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, halogen metabolism, and reactive oxygen species defense. These findings will improve our understanding of brown algal response mechanisms linked to environmental stress and provide a list of candidate genes for improving algal stress tolerance in light of environmental stress in future studies.
Retrospective evaluation of the use of the International Myeloma Working Group response criteria in dogs with secretory multiple myeloma
Authors: Moore A Russell , Harris Adam , Jeffries Christina , Avery Paul R. , Vickery Kate
Published: November 2020

Background

Current recommendations for monitoring disease progression and response to treatment in humans with multiple myeloma include evaluation of serum paraprotein (M‐protein) concentration. Densitometry, species‐specific radial immunodiffusion (RID) and ELISA methods can be used to quantify M‐proteins.

Objective

Retrospectively evaluate use of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) response criteria for humans in dogs with multiple myeloma.

Animals

Sixteen dogs with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, M‐protein documented by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IF) in an initial sample and subsequent electrophoretic evaluation of serial samples.

Methods

Retrospectively, densitometric M‐proteins, RID and globulins were measured and characterized according to IMWG criteria. Available clinical history was reviewed. Overall survival time (OST) was calculated from initial electrophoretic evaluation to death or last contact.

Results

All cases received some form of nonstandardized chemotherapy. Complete response (CR), a lack of detectable M‐protein by SPE and IF, was documented in 1 case. Median survival was longer for dogs that attained ≥90% densitometric M‐protein reduction (630 days) than for those that did not attain at least 50% reduction in densitometric M‐protein (284 days; log rank P = .006). Five dogs were defined as having progressive disease (M‐protein increase of >25% and at least 0.5 g/dL from nadir), which correlated with concurrent or subsequent clinical deterioration. Response criteria categorized by serum globulins or RID was not correlated with OST or clinical findings.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Densitometric M‐protein characterized using IMWG response criteria correlated with OST and clinical findings. Densitometric M‐protein detection should be used to monitor dogs with multiple myeloma.
The cross‐linguistic patterns of phonation types
Authors: Esposito Christina M. , Khan Sameer ud Dowla
Published: November 2020

We provide an update on the state of research on phonation (the production of sound by the vocal folds) since Gordon and Ladefoged's, Journal of Phonetics, 2001 29, 383–406 overview, focusing on the acoustics of breathiness, creak, and other linguistic voice qualities. We highlight cross‐linguistic variation, introduce measuring techniques, and discuss the relationship between phonation and other phonological dimensions (e.g., tone, vowel quality). We also review perceptual literature, an area of phonation research that has greatly expanded recently. Taken together, the studies reviewed demonstrate that phonation types indeed lie not just on a single continuum, but in a multidimensional space.
RAD‐sequencing reveals patterns of diversification and hybridization, and the accumulation of reproductive isolation in a clade of partially sympatric, tropical island trees
Authors: Linan Alexander G. , Lowry Porter P. , Miller Allison J. , Schatz George E. , Sevathian Jean‐Claude , Edwards Christine E.
Published: November 2020

A common pattern observed in temperate tree clades is that species are often morphologically distinct and partially interfertile but maintain species cohesion despite ongoing hybridization where ranges overlap. Although closely related species commonly occur in sympatry in tropical ecosystems, little is known about patterns of hybridization within a clade over time, and the implications of this hybridization for the maintenance of species boundaries. In this study, we focused on a clade of sympatric trees in the genus Diospyros in the Mascarene islands and investigated whether species are genetically distinct, whether they hybridize, and how patterns of hybridization are related to the time since divergence among species. We sampled multiple populations from each of 12 Mascarene Diospyros species, generated genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data using 2bRADseq, and conducted population genomic and phylogenomic analyses. We found that Mascarene Diospyros species diverged millions of years ago and are today largely genetically distinct from one another. Although hybridization was observed between closely related species belonging to the same subclade, more distantly related species showed little evidence of interspecific hybridization. Phylogenomic analyses also suggested that introgression has occurred during the evolutionary history of the clade. This suggests that, as diversification progressed, interspecific hybridization occurred among species, but became infrequent as lineages diverged from one another and evolved reproductive barriers. Species now coexist in partial sympatry, and experience limited hybridization between close relatives. Additional research is needed to better understand the role that introgression may have played in adaptation and diversification of Mascarene Diospyros, and its relevance for conservation.
Salivary diagnostics of the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Michailidou Evangelia , Poulopoulos Athanasios , Tzimagiorgis Georgios
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Laboratory testing for the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and the consequent respiratory coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is categorized into methods that detect the viral presence and methods that detect antibodies produced in the host as a response to infection. Methods that detect viral presence into the host excretions measure current infection by SARS‐CoV‐2, whereas the detection of human antibodies exploited against SARS‐CoV‐2 evaluates the past exposure to the virus.

Objective

This review provides a comprehensive overview for the use of saliva as a specimen for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, the methods for the salivary diagnostics utilized till very recently, and the arisen considerations for the diagnosis of COVID‐19 disease.

Conclusion

The major advantage of using saliva as a specimen for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 is that saliva collection is a non‐invasive method which produces no discomfort to the patient and permits the patients to utilize home self‐sampling techniques in order to protect health providers from the exposure to the pathogen. There is an urgent need to increase the active research for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the saliva because the non‐invasive salivary diagnostics may provide a reliable and cost‐effective method suitable for the fast and early detection of COVID‐19 infection.
The unfolded protein and integrated stress response in melanoma and vitiligo
Authors: Manga Prashiela , Choudhury Noshin
Published: November 2020

Epidermal melanocytes are constantly exposed to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet light (UV) and chemotoxins. Several evolutionarily conversed survival mechanisms are deployed to ensure melanocyte recovery after damage including the unfolded protein response (UPR) and integrated stress response (ISR). The UPR/ISR promote restoration of homeostasis, by modulating transcription and translation as well as activating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2)‐mediated antioxidant activity. If repair fails, the UPR/ISR either stimulate cell death, or adaptation that can lead to survival of damaged cells and promote disease. For example, the UPR/ISR may support melanomagenesis by allowing UV‐damaged, mutated cells to survive and adapt to a hostile tumor microenvironment that subjects cells to hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and sub‐optimal pH. The UPR and ISR can also promote transcriptional changes that support tumor growth and/or metastasis. Furthermore, these pathways may also underlie acquisition of chemoresistance and modulation of protein expression that alters the efficacy of immunotherapies. UPR activation has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and may promote increased expression of chemokines such as interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 that trigger an autoimmune response against melanocytes. We herein review the potential roles of the UPR/ISR in the etiology of melanoma and vitiligo.
Draft genome and transcriptome analyses of halophyte rice Oryza coarctata provide resources for salinity and submergence stress response factors
Authors: Bansal Juhi , Gupta Khushboo , Rajkumar Mohan Singh , Garg Rohini , Jain Mukesh
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Oryza coarctata is a wild relative of rice that has adapted to diverse ecological environments, including high salinity and submergence. Thus, it can provide an important resource for discovering candidate genes/factors involved in tolerance to these stresses. Here, we report a draft genome assembly of 573 Mb comprised of 8877 scaffolds with N50 length of 205 kb. We predicted a total of 50,562 protein‐coding genes, of which a significant fraction was found to be involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis and hormone signal transduction pathways. Several salinity and submergence stress‐responsive protein‐coding and long noncoding RNAs involved in diverse biological processes were identified using RNA‐sequencing data. Based on small RNA sequencing, we identified 168 unique miRNAs and 3219 target transcripts (coding and noncoding) involved in several biological processes, including abiotic stress responses. Further, whole genome bisulphite sequencing data analysis revealed at least 19%–48% methylcytosines in different sequence contexts and the influence of methylation status on gene expression. The genome assembly along with other datasets have been made publicly available at http://ccbb.jnu.ac.in/ory-coar. Altogether, we provide a comprehensive genomic resource for understanding the regulation of salinity and submergence stress responses and identification of candidate genes/factors involved for functional genomics studies.
Upper Pleistocene parabolic ridges (i.e. ‘chevrons’) from the Bahamas: Storm‐wave sediments or aeolian deposits? A quantitative approach
Authors: Vimpere Lucas , Del Piero Nicoló , Shawwa Nabil A. , Beguelin Karim , Kindler Pascal , Castelltort Sébastien
Published: November 2020

The Upper Pleistocene (Marine Isotope Stage 5e; ca 120 ka) stratigraphic record from the Bahamas comprises large, kilometre‐long parabolic ridges of oolitic composition, that point landward, and have been up to now called ‘chevrons’. A debate about their genesis has led previous researchers to consider two processes of deposition: (i) a catastrophic event involving giant storm‐generated waves produced by specific climatic conditions at the end of Marine Isotope Stage 5e; and (ii) a more uniformitarian process which characterizes ‘chevrons’ as aeolian parabolic dunes because of their similar morphology. Since there are few unequivocal sedimentological criteria to discriminate aeolian from water‐deposited sediments, only a quantitative, multi‐method approach could provide enough evidence to produce a viable diagnosis on the genetic processes involved. Following this reasoning, the quantification of the morphological parameters of ‘chevrons’, a precise study of their sedimentary structures on previously and newly discovered sections, and several statistical grain‐size analyses, all advocate for an aeolian origin. Moreover, when the aforementioned characteristics of ‘chevrons’ are compared with those of storm deposits (for example, washovers) and parabolic dunes occurring elsewhere on Earth, the dissimilarity with the former and the resemblance with the latter is evident. Amino‐acid racemization dating, together with stratigraphic and petrographic investigations, constrain the age of the ‘chevrons’ to the late part of Marine Isotope Stage 5e. Their occurrence during this specific time interval can be explained by both strengthened easterly winds and drier climatic conditions associated with changing vegetation cover. Fixation of the arms by sparse vegetation, coupled with the loose ‘chevron’ nose sediment migrating farther inland, form the peculiar U‐shaped morphology of these ridges.
Five‐year outcomes of ADHD diagnosed in adulthood
Authors: Nylander Elin , Floros Orestis , Sparding Timea , Rydén Eleonore , Hansen Stefan , Landén Mikael
Published: November 2020

There is a dearth of long‐term follow‐up studies of adults diagnosed with ADHD. Here, the aim was to evaluate long‐term outcomes in a group of ADHD patients diagnosed in adulthood and receiving routine psychiatric health care. Adults diagnosed with any type of ADHD (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 73) were assessed at baseline and at a 5‐year follow‐up, using Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Brown ADD Scale (BADDS) and Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS). A multivariate regression method was used to identify factors predicting 5‐year outcomes, including baseline ratings, medication intensity, comorbidity, intelligence quotient (IQ), age, and sex. After 5 years, ADHD patients reported fewer and/or less severe symptoms compared to baseline, but remained at clinically significant symptom levels and with functional deficits. Baseline self‐reports of ADHD symptoms predicted their own 5‐year outcome and low baseline functioning level predicted improved global functioning at follow‐up. Factors previously reported to predict short‐term outcomes (i.e., medication, comorbidity, IQ, age, and sex) did not anticipate long‐term outcomes in present study.
Nonparametric estimation of the fragmentation kernel based on a partial differential equation stationary distribution approximation
Authors: Hoang Van Ha , Pham Ngoc Thanh Mai , Rivoirard Vincent , Tran Viet Chi
Published: November 2020

We consider a stochastic individual‐based model in continuous time to describe a size‐structured population for cell divisions. This model is motivated by the detection of cellular aging in biology. We here address the problem of nonparametric estimation of the kernel ruling the divisions based on the eigenvalue problem related to the asymptotic behavior in large population. This inverse problem involves a multiplicative deconvolution operator. Using Fourier techniques we derive a nonparametric estimator whose consistency is studied. The main difficulty comes from the nonstandard equations connecting the Fourier transforms of the kernel and the parameters of the model. A numerical study is carried out and we pay special attention to the derivation of bandwidths by using resampling.
Massage enhances recovery following exercise‐induced muscle damage in older adults
Authors: Naderi Aynollah , Aminian‐Far Atefeh , Gholami Farhad , Mousavi Seyed Hamed , Saghari Moein , Howatson Glyn
Published: November 2020

To examine efficacy of cold water immersion (CWI) and massage as recovery techniques on joint position sense, balance, and fear of falling following exercise‐induced muscle damage in older adults. Seventy‐eight older men and women performed a single bout of strength training on the calf muscles (3 exercises with 4 sets of 10 reps with 75% of 1RM) to induce muscle damage. After the damaging exercise, participants received either a 15‐minute massage on calf muscles, or a CWI of the lower limb in cold water (15 ± 1°C) for 15 minute, or passive rest. Interventions were applied immediately after the exercise protocol and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post‐exercise. Muscle pain, calf muscle strength, joint position sense, dynamic balance, postural sway, and fear of falling were measured at each time point. Repeated application of massage after EIMD relieved muscle pain, attenuated the loss of muscle strength and joint position senses, reduce balance impairments, and fear of falling in older adults (P ≤ .05). However, repeated applications of CWI, despite relieving muscle pain (P ≤ .05), did not attenuate the loss of muscle strength, joint position senses, balance impairments, and fear of falling. CWI had only some modest effects on muscle pain, but massage attenuated EIMD symptoms and the related impairments in muscle strength, joint position sense, balance, and postural sway in untrained older individuals. Therefore, older exercisers who plan to participate in strength training can benefit from massage for recovery from muscle damage indices and balance to decrease falling risk during the days following strength training.
Phylogenomics of the North American Plecoptera
Authors: South Eric J. , Skinner Rachel K. , DeWalt R. Edward , Kondratieff Boris C. , Johnson Kevin P. , Davis Mark A. , Lee Jonathan J. , Durfee Richard S.
Published: November 2020

Stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera) provide essential ecosystem services and are vital components of aquatic ecological systems worldwide. Despite this importance, a well‐supported and fully‐resolved phylogeny of the order has remained elusive for over a century. Using transcriptome data from 94 species, we performed maximum likelihood and multispecies coalescent analyses with 1400 orthologous genes. This taxon sample includes representatives of all families, subfamilies and tribes of the North American fauna, providing the most complete molecular phylogenetic study of the North American Plecoptera to date. Analyses recovered high support for the resolution of previously unresolved or contested relationships and the elucidation of a few novel relationships among historically accepted clades. Results included recovering (i) Perlidae as the earliest diverging family of Perloidea, (ii) the clade Nemouridae + Capniidae instead of the traditionally recognized Leuctridae + Capniidae, (iii) Peltoperlidae as sister to four Systellognatha families and (iv) non‐monophyly of Chloroperlidae due to placement of the genus Kathroperla Banks. The position of Taeniopterygidae and Leuctridae remain inconclusive, as the placement of these taxa was not consistent between analyses of different data types nor was strong support for their relationships to other stoneflies recovered in a four‐cluster likelihood analysis. However, our results for the North American taxa establish a robust foundation for future phylogenetic studies of the Plecoptera world fauna.
Emergence of letermovir resistance in solid organ transplant recipients with ganciclovir resistant cytomegalovirus infection: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Hofmann Eveline , Sidler Daniel , Dahdal Suzan , Bittel Pascal , Suter‐Riniker Franziska , Manuel Oriol , Walti Laura N. , Hirzel Cédric
Published: November 2020

Ganciclovir (GCV)‐resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common problem among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients without prior CMV immunity (CMV D+/R−). GCV‐resistant CMV represents a particular challenge for CMV management. Letermovir is a recently licensed antiviral agent for primary CMV prophylaxis in allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Given the favorable safety profile and its oral bioavailability letermovir may be considered a valuable off‐label option for secondary prophylaxis of GCV‐resistant CMV in SOT recipients. Here, we describe our experience with letermovir as secondary prophylaxis for GCV‐resistant CMV in two renal transplant recipients and review the literature in regard of previously published cases. Letermovir resistance emerged after a few months of secondary prophylaxis in the two renal transplant recipients. In both cases, the previously described UL56 C325Y letermovir resistance mutation was detected. In vitro studies of letermovir suggest a relatively low genetic barrier to resistance. Therefore, caution is warranted when using letermovir as secondary prophylaxis for GCV‐resistant CMV infection.
On the outside looking in: roles of endogenous and exogenous strigolactones
Authors: Aquino Bruno , Bradley James M. , Lumba Shelley
Published: November 2020

A collection of small molecules called strigolactones (SLs) act as both endogenous hormones to control plant development and as ecological communication cues between organisms. SL signalling overlaps with that of a class of smoke‐derived compounds, karrikins (KARs), which have distinct yet overlapping developmental effects on plants. Although the roles of SLs in shoot and root development, in the promotion of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal branching and in parasitic plant germination have been well characterized, recent data have illustrated broader roles for these compounds in the rhizosphere. Here, we review the known roles of SLs in development, growth of AM fungi and germination of parasitic plants to develop a framework for understanding the use of SLs as molecules of communication in the rhizosphere. It appears, for example, that there are many connections between SLs and phosphate utilization. Low phosphate levels regulate SL metabolism and, in turn, SLs sculpt root and shoot architecture to coordinate growth and optimize phosphate uptake from the environment. Plant‐exuded SLs attract fungal symbionts to deliver inorganic phosphate (Pi) to the host. These and other examples suggest the boundary between exogenous and endogenous SL functions can be easily blurred and a more holistic view of these small molecules is likely to be required to fully understand SL biology. Related to this, we summarize and discuss evidence for a primitive role of SLs in moss as a quorum sensing‐like molecule, providing a unifying concept of SLs as endogenous and exogenous signalling molecules.
Prophylactic dressings in the prevention of pressure ulcer related to the use of personal protective equipment by health professionals facing the COVID‐19 pandemic: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gasparino Renata Cristina , Lima Maria Helena Melo , de Souza Oliveira‐Kumakura Ana Railka , da Silva Vanessa Abreu , de Jesus Meszaros Mariana , Antunes Ivan Rogério
Published: November 2020

Device‐related pressure injury (DRPI) is a serious problem that is affecting professionals working on the front lines against COVID‐19 due to the prolonged use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to the physical and psychological integrity of professionals, these injuries can compromise the quality of care. Therefore, using technologies to prevent this adverse effect is an urgent matter. This is a parallel two‐arm randomized clinical trial without the use of a control group to compare the use of foam and extra‐thin hydrocolloid in preventing DRPI associated with the use of PPE by health professionals working on the front lines against coronavirus. In total, 88 professionals were divided into two groups: foam and hydrocolloid. Data were collected using two instruments and related to demographic and professional characteristics and skin evaluation. Each volunteer received one of the dressings, both with the same dimensions and arranged over similar regions, and data were gathered at baseline and after 6 or 12 hours. Descriptive and inferential analytic statistical methods were used; the significance level adopted was 5%. No participant developed DRPI, but four areas with hyperemia were observed in the foam group (two in the forehead, one in the cheeks, and one in the nose bridge), as well as four areas with hyperemia in the hydrocolloid group (two in the nose bridge, one in the right ear, and one in the left ear). There was no difference between the groups regarding skin conditions and discomfort (P > .05). The average cost obtained was $ 5.8/person and $ 4.4/person in the foam group and the hydrocolloid group, respectively, considering the dressing measurements. The results show that foam and extra‐thin hydrocolloid were effective in preventing DRPI associated with the use of PPE.
The Development of Data Collection Tools to Measure Parent–Infant Closeness and Family‐Centered Care in NICUs
Authors: Axelin Anna , Raiskila Simo , Lehtonen Liisa
Published: November 2020

Background

Preterm and sick infants benefit from parent–infant closeness and family‐centered care (FCC) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Prospective and feasible tools are needed to measure these care practices to facilitate their implementation.

Aims

To describe the development process of three prospective data collection tools that measure parent–infant closeness and the quality of FCC.

Methods

Data collection tools were developed in an iterative process consisting of three development cycles. Feedback was gathered from parents, staff, and researchers. The first stages of development focused on the content validity, appropriate scaling, and optimization of the response rate of these tools.

Results

The study included parents of 490 infants and the nurses working at bedside in 15 NICUs in six countries. The Parent‐Infant Closeness Diary was developed to measure the daily duration of parental presence, holding, and skin‐to‐skin contact. The optimal duration for daily diaries was 14 consecutive days to maintain a good response rate. Parents provided reliable documentation of parent–infant closeness. Digital FCC tools covering the nine aspects of FCC for parents and nurses were developed to measure the quality of FCC. Participants provided answers on a 7‐point Likert scale. Parents’ response rates remained >50% for approximately 1 month, and the nurses’ mean response rate was 55% (39%–87%) for the 3‐month study period.

Linking Evidence to Action

These new tools provide prospective daily information to aid the implementation of parent–infant closeness and the quality of FCC in NICU in different countries. They can be used to study and evaluate the implementation of these clinical practices NICUs in an international context.
Desregulación emocional y conducta disocial en una muestra de adolescentes en conflicto con la ley
Authors: Cabrera Gutiérrez Germán , Londoño Arredondo Nora Helena , Arbel´áez Caro Joan Sebastián , Cruz Valencia Juan David , Macías Castillo Leidy Yovanna , España Macías Ana María
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Establecer el grado de relación entre la desregulación emocional y la conducta antisocial y delictiva en adolescentes que se encuentran en conflicto con la ley. Método. Diseño no experimental, enfoque cuantitativo, con alcance descriptivo-correlacional de temporalidad transversal. Participaron 62 adolescentes en conflicto con la ley. Se implementaron la ficha de caracterización MINI KID y la Escala de Desregulación Emocional (DERS-E). Resultados. El 54.8% de los adolescentes reportaron problemas de conducta. Según los hallazgos, la desatención emocional es diferente entre las personas con trastorno disocial y las que no lo presentan (t = 4.853, p = 0.031). La desatención emocional predice la aparición de trastorno disocial (β = 0.030, p = 0.05, Exp(β) = 1.362). Conclusión. Los datos dan cuenta de la importancia de la revisión teórica de la conducta antisocial y de los factores asociados a ella, para establecer mejores modelos de intervención y de comprensión del fenómeno, principalmente la influencia de la regulación emocional en la aparición de la conducta disocial en adolescentes.