bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human‐facilitated dispersal of the Gulf toadfish Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1880) in the Guaratuba Bay, south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: de Carvalho Barbara M. , Ferreira Junior Augusto L. , Fávaro Luís F. , Artoni Roberto F. , Vitule Jean
Published: June 2020

Opsanus beta is endemic to the Gulf of Mexico and has recently been introduced to the Brazilian coast; probably the introduction is via ballast water and/or oil rigs. In this study, the presence of the species is recorded for the first time in Guaratuba Bay, on the southern coast of Brazil. In this region there are no port terminals, which suggests that O. beta used a different mode of human‐facilitated transport to colonize Guaratuba Bay.
Tube‐like structures within the ovarian follicle of Hydrolagus colliei indicate the early origins of follicle cell processes
Authors: Crawford Lydia , Bart Henry , Harold Enrique L. , Huckaba Thomas M. , Davenport Ian R.
Published: June 2020

Follicle cell processes (FCP) are actin‐based, tube‐like structures that connect the developing oocyte to the follicle cells throughout oogenesis. They were first described in Selachians (sharks) where their suggested roles were facilitating the transport of metabolites to the developing oocyte and providing structural support to the large egg cells of sharks, an early stage in the evolution of viviparity. Subsequent studies found that FCP are absent in Rajiformes (skates), suggesting that FCP may have been novel structures specific to the sharks. Here, FCP in Hydrolagus colliei, a Chimaeriform, were described. The FCP of H. colliei differ morphologically from those previously described in sharks, but as they also contain actin, they presumably play similar roles provisioning the developing oocyte and providing structural support. The presence of FCP in the order Chimaeriformes suggests that their origin predates the split of the elasmobranchs and the holocephalans.
Immigrants, Financial Knowledge, and Financial Behavior
Authors: Rostamkalaei Anoosheh , Riding Allan
Published: June 2020

This research seeks to identify gaps in financial knowledge and behaviors between immigrants to Canada and individuals who are born in Canada. The research aims to evaluate to what extent immigrants involve themselves in financial planning and avoid harmful financial behaviors. Employing the Canadian Financial Capability Survey (2009), the findings of the study suggest that immigrants are less likely to show high levels of financial knowledge compared to born citizens. The knowledge gap between immigrants and born citizens narrows as an individual resides longer in Canada. In addition, immigrants are less likely to prepare themselves financially for their retirement or to have long‐term investments. The findings provide a basis for addressing the implications of weak financial knowledge.
Safety guidelines for nonsurgical facial procedures during COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Mohsahebi Ash , Philipp‐Dormston Wolfgang G , Heidenrich Izolda , Pirayesh Ali , D’Souza Alwyn , Saleh Hesham , Yavuzer Rezha , Fakih Nabil , Vent Julia , Rahman Eqram , Kapoor Krishan Mohan
Published: June 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic is expected to last for an extended time, making strict safety precautions for office procedures unavoidable. The lockdown is going to be lifted in many areas, and strict guidelines detailing the infection control measures for aesthetic clinics are going to be of particular importance.

Methods

A virtual meeting was conducted with the members (n = 12) of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery Focus Group to outline the safety protocol for the nonsurgical facial aesthetic procedures for aesthetic practices in order to protect the clinic staff and the patients from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The data analysis was undertaken by thematic and iterative approach.

Results

Consensus guidelines for nonsurgical facial aesthetic procedures based on current knowledge are provided for three levels: precautions before visiting the clinic, precautions during the clinic visit, and precautions after the clinic visit.

Conclusions

Sound infection control measures are mandatory for nonsurgical aesthetic practices all around the world. These may vary from country to country, but this logical approach can be customized according to the respective country laws and guidelines.
Effect of dysphagia rehabilitation in patients receiving enteral nutrition at home nursing care: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Furuya Hiroyasu , Kikutani Takeshi , Igarashi Kumi , Sagawa Keiichiro , Yajima Yuri , Machida Reiko , Tohara Takashi , Takahashi Noriaki , Tamura Fumiyo
Published: June 2020

Objective

We considered the effect of dysphagia rehabilitation and investigated parameters associated with the resumption of oral intake in the elderly patients receiving home nursing care who were not eating by mouth.

Methods

The participants were 116 patients aged ≥65 years (66 men and 50 women, mean age 79.7 ± 8.9 years) who were receiving home nursing care and not eating by mouth because of dysphagia. All patients underwent dysphagia rehabilitation for 6 months with the objective of resuming oral intake. After 6 months of dysphagia rehabilitation, the patients’ eating status was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and the associations of the post‐intervention FOIS score with age, history of pneumonia, duration of enteral nutrition, body mass index (BMI), alertness, physical function (ability to walk) and swallowing function at the initial examination.

Results

Functional Oral Intake Scale scores increased significantly after 6 months rather than those at the initial evaluation (P < .001). Eighty patients (69.0%) resumed oral intake (FOIS score ≥2), thirty patients (25.9%) of whom became capable of daily oral intake (FOIS score ≥3). Swallowing function was associated with the resumption of oral intake. In addition, physical function before dysphagia rehabilitation was an important factor to resume daily oral intake.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that the resumption of oral intake by patients receiving enteral nutrition requires improvement in swallowing function. In addition, anyone who cannot walk may not recover daily oral intake.
Sarcomatoid variant of squamous carcinoma in recurrent and second primary tumors of the oral cavity
Authors: Singh Arjun , Sharin Florida , Singhavi Hitesh , Patil Akshay , Nair Sudhir , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: June 2020

Background

Sarcomatoid variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is aggressive tumors that frequently recur and metastasize. Our aim was to determine the survival outcomes and factors that predict its incidence in recurrent and second primary tumors (SPT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of SPT and recurrent OSCC cases with sarcomatoid differentiation. The overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were determined by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with SPT and recurrent sarcomatoid OSCC. Recursive partitioning was performed to classify the sample based on the clinicopathological factors of the index tumor.

Results

A total of 82 patients were included in the study with a median survival, calculated from the date of diagnosis of recurrence or SPT, of 6 months (recurrence‐2 months, SPT‐8 months). The 3‐year OS for the recurrence group was 19.9% and for SPT group was 29%. Perineural invasion in the index tumor was significantly associated with sarcomatoid differentiation in the recurrent tumor. At one end of the spectrum of the recursive partitioning were the SPTs that had small index tumor sizes and DOI/thickness less than 14.5 cm (lowest risk), and at the other end were recurrent diseases that had index tumors of advanced T stage (highest risk).

Conclusion

Sarcomatoid variant in the recurrent/SPT OSCC infers a poor prognosis. Recurrent disease that had an index tumor with advanced T stage carries the worst outcomes. Perineural invasion in the index tumor can help predict the presence of sarcomatoid carcinoma in the recurrent or SPT.
Prevalence, knowledge of and attitude towards hepatitis B virus among pregnant females in Jordan
Authors: Othman Bayan , Al‐Najjar Mohammad A. A. , Othman Dalia , Al‐Qudah Rajaa , Basheti Iman
Published: June 2020

This observational study was designed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and attitude of pregnant females towards hepatitis B infection, in addition to their perspective of the healthcare practice about HBV in Jordan. A randomly selected group of pregnant females visiting public gynaecology clinics in Jordan were approached to participate in the study. Blood samples were collected from the participants, and HBV markers were detected in their serum using specialized ELISA Kits to assess for the prevalence of infection. Knowledge and attitude of participants was assessed via a developed and validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Blood samples (n = 300) from 330 pregnant females were collected. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among the pregnant females was found to be 5%. Anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc were found to be 33.3% and 7%, respectively. No significant correlation between age, socio‐economic status and educational level was found with HBsAg positivity. Limited knowledge regarding HBV was revealed among the pregnant females (9.1%‐41.3%, P < .05). The majority had a positive attitude regarding HBV vaccination and antiviral medications in case of infectivity. More than 90% agreed on the present lack of counselling and screening of HBV they obtained during their first perinatal visit to the gynaecology clinics. This study revealed a lack of knowledge on HBV, and low counselling and screening received were reported. Policymakers need to introduce new interventions to improve the current awareness of patients and gynaecologists regarding hepatitis B infection.
Assessment of serum symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine concentrations in hyperthyroid cats before and after a fixed dose of orally administered radioiodine
Authors: Yu Lucia , Lacorcia Lauren , Finch Sue , Johnstone Thurid
Published: June 2020

Background

Serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a sensitive renal biomarker for detecting early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in nonhyperthyroid cats, but knowledge regarding its performance in hyperthyroid cats remains limited.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between serum SDMA, creatinine and total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations in hyperthyroid cats before (T0) and 3 months after (T1) receiving a PO fixed dose of radioiodine.

Animals

Eighty client‐owned hyperthyroid cats.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Serum TT4, and SDMA, creatinine concentrations, and urine specific gravity were measured at T0 and T1. Nonparametric tests were used to determine the relationship among SDMA, and creatinine and TT4 concentrations. Agreement between SDMA and creatinine regarding CKD staging at both time points was assessed using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma statistic.

Results

Mean serum SDMA concentration increased after treatment of hyperthyroidism. However, 21 of 75 cats experienced a decrease in SDMA between T0 and T1, whereas creatinine decreased in only 2 cats. A moderate correlation between SDMA and creatinine was seen at T1 (r= 0.53;P <.001) but not at T0 (r= 0.13;P =.25). Where assessable at T1, poor agreement was observed between SDMA and creatinine and CKD stage (Goodman and Kruskal's gamma 0.20;P =.29).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Discordant outcomes between SDMA and creatinine after radioiodine treatment in cats with hyperthyroidism suggest extrarenal factors may interfere with the reliability of SDMA to adequately reflect renal function. As a result, SDMA should not be interpreted in isolation in hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine.
Improved deferred antagonism technique for detecting antibiosis
Authors: Klein J.M. , Stockwell V.O. , Minsavage G.V. , Vallad G.E. , Goss E.M. , Jones J.B.
Published: June 2020

The deferred antagonism technique has been utilized for several decades for detecting antibiosis activity. Most protocols require the elimination of antibiotic-producing cells by exposing them to chloroform vapour, UV radiation or filter sterilizing the filtrate steps that require additional time and expense to complete. We provide a modified approach to current soft agar overlay practices, which involves addition of antibiotics to the soft agar overlay to inhibit growth of the producer but not the indicator strain. This technique can be used to reproducibly and efficiently screen for antibiotic production with ease. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique with three bacterial systems: inhibition of the bacterial spot of tomato pathogen, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, by its pathogenic competitor Xanthomonas perforans; and inhibition of the fire blight pathogen, Erwinia amylovora, by Pantoea vagans C9-1 or Pseudomonas fluorescens A506.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Deferred antagonism assays are used commonly to observe antibiotic production by micro-organisms. Killing or removing the producer cells prior to introduction of the indicator strain is a standard practice but requires additional time and special handling procedures. We evaluated a modification of the assay, where the overlay medium is amended with an antibiotic to which the indicator strain is resistant and the producer strain is sensitive. This modification obviates extra steps to kill the producer strain prior to overlaying with the indicator strain and provides a rapid, consistent and cost-effective method to detect antibiosis.
Adaptive changes in the genomes of wild rabbits after 16 years of viral epidemics
Authors: Schwensow Nina , Pederson Stephen , Peacock David , Cooke Brian , Cassey Phillip
Published: June 2020

Since its introduction to control overabundant invasive European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the highly virulent rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has caused regular annual disease outbreaks in Australian rabbit populations. Although initially reducing rabbit abundance by 60%, continent‐wide, experimental evidence has since indicated increased genetic resistance in wild rabbits that have experienced RHDV‐driven selection. To identify genetic adaptations, which explain the increased resistance to this biocontrol virus, we investigated genome‐wide SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) allele frequency changes in a South Australian rabbit population that was sampled in 1996 (pre‐RHD genomes) and after 16 years of RHDV outbreaks. We identified several SNPs with changed allele frequencies within or close to genes potentially important for increased RHD resistance. The identified genes are known to be involved in virus infections and immune reactions or had previously been identified as being differentially expressed in healthy versus acutely RHDV‐infected rabbits. Furthermore, we show in a simulation study that the allele/genotype frequency changes cannot be explained by drift alone and that several candidate genes had also been identified as being associated with surviving RHD in a different Australian rabbit population. Our unique data set allowed us to identify candidate genes for RHDV resistance that have evolved under natural conditions, and over a time span that would not have been feasible in an experimental setting. Moreover, it provides a rare example of host genetic adaptations to virus‐driven selection in response to a suddenly emerging infectious disease.
Epidemiological investigation for grouped cases of Trichosporon asahii using whole genome and IGS1 sequencing
Authors: Desnos‐Ollivier Marie , Maufrais Corinne , Pihet Marc , Aznar Christine , Dromer Françoise ,   the French Mycoses Study Group
Published: June 2020

Background

Trichosporonosis is a rare invasive infection in humans mainly due to Trichosporon asahii, and especially recovered from patients having haematological malignancy. Since 2012, IGS1 region sequencing is used as a genotyping method to distinguish isolates, with high frequency of one haplotype worldwide and a geographic specificity for some haplotypes.

Objectives

We compared the IGS1 genotyping method and whole genome sequencing (WGS) to study the relationship between clinical isolates involved in two grouped cases in France.

Methods

IGS1 sequencing and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed for 54 clinical isolates. Clinical data for 28 isolates included in surveillance programs were analysed. Whole genome was sequenced for 32 clinical isolates and the type strain.

Results

All isolates were intrinsically resistant to flucytosine, while voriconazole had the most potent in vitro activity. The majority of the isolates was recovered from patients with haematological malignancies (42.86%), with a high proportion of children (<15 yrs‐old, 32.14%) and a high mortality rate at three months (46.15%). Based on the WGS analysis, isolates exhibiting IGS1 haplotype 1, 3 and 7 belonged to different clades. Five isolates recovered during the first grouped cases had the same IGS1 haplotype and shared 99% of SNPs similarity. For the second grouped cases, four isolates had 98.7% of SNPs similarity while the isolate recovered 4 years earlier was totally unlinked.

Conclusions

We confirmed the usefulness of IGS1 sequencing for grouped cases infection of T. asahii. We underlined its limitation for the study of population structure and the utility of WGS analysis for the study of epidemiologically unrelated isolates.
In vitro antidermatophytic synergism of double and triple combination of clioquinol with ciclopirox and terbinafine
Authors: da Costa Bárbara , Pippi Bruna , Andrzejewski Kaminski Taís Fernanda , Andrade Saulo F. , Fuentefria Alexandre M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Dermatophytoses are the most frequent fungal infections worldwide and there have been described clinical resistance to the commonly used antifungals. Clioquinol is an antimicrobial that had the oral formulations withdrawn from the market in the 70s due to the report of neurotoxicity and recently has been considered as an effective alternative for the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of the double and triple association between clioquinol with terbinafine and ciclopirox on clinical isolates of dermatophytes. The cytotoxicity of these associations on human leukocytes was also verified.

Methods

Checkerboard method was used to evaluate the interaction between antifungal agents. Time‐kill assay was used to verify fungicidal action and evaluate the combination with greater effect for TRU47 isolate. Cell viability was assessed by loss of integrity of the leukocyte membrane in order to verify the toxicity.

Results

Synergistic interaction was observed in 42% of isolates when terbinafine was associated with clioquinol and in 50% of isolates when ciclopirox was associated with clioquinol. The triple association resulted in synergistic interaction for 75% of the isolates. Clioquinol + terbinafine and triple combination were more effective for TRU47 isolate, and the combinations exhibited a time‐dependent fungicidal effect. Furthermore, the results of cell viability demonstrated that clioquinol and terbinafine combination is not cytotoxic to human leukocytes.

Conclusions

Clioquinol in combination with antifungals in the treatment of dermatophytosis can be a therapeutic strategy to overcome problems related to resistance, action spectrum and toxicity of the antifungal drugs used in the clinic.
Cognitive impairment and its association with cholinergic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Baba Toru , Takeda Atsushi
Published: June 2020

Cognitive impairment is an important nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). In recent years, much research has focused on cholinergic dysfunction as a principal cause of early cognitive decline in PD. Cholinergic dysfunction is common and produces characteristic impairments in multiple cognitive domains; furthermore, it is associated with future dementia in PD. Recently, it has become possible to measure the volume of the human cholinergic nucleus, and this technique has been increasingly applied in PD research. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on cognitive dysfunction and neuroimaging studies, with particular focus on atrophy of the cholinergic nucleus in PD.
Fruit development and epigenetic modifications
Authors: Tang Dengguo , Gallusci Philippe , Lang Zhaobo
Published: June 2020

Fruit development is a complex process that is regulated not only by plant hormones and transcription factors, but also requires epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation, histone post‐translational modifications, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNAs. Together, these epigenetic modifications, which are controlled during development and in response to the environment, determine the chromatin state of genes and contribute to the transcriptomes of an organism. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in fleshy fruit ripening. Dysfunction of a DNA demethylase delayed ripening in tomato, and the application of a DNA methylation inhibitor altered ripening process in the fruits of several species. These studies indicated that manipulating the epigenome of fruit crops could open new ways for breeding in the future. In this review, we highlight recent progress and address remaining questions and challenges concerning the epigenetic regulation of fruit development and ripening.
Effects of hypothermia and hypothermia combined with hypocapnia on cerebral tissue oxygenation in piglets
Authors: Ringer Simone K. , Clausen Nicola G. , Spielmann Nelly , Weiss Markus
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypothermia and its combination with hypocapnia are frequently associated with anesthesia.

Aims

The goal was to investigate the effects of hypothermia and hypothermia combined with hypocapnia (hypothermia‐hypocapnia) on cerebral tissue oxygenation in anesthetized piglets.

Methods

Twenty anesthetized piglets were randomly allocated to hypothermia (n = 10) or hypothermia‐hypocapnia (n = 10). Cerebral monitoring comprised a tissue oxygen partial pressure (PtO2), a laser Doppler probe, and a near‐infrared spectroscopy sensor, measuring regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). After baseline recordings, hypothermia (35.5‐36.0°C) with or without hypocapnia (target PaCO2: 28‐30 mm Hg) was induced. Once treatment goals were achieved (Tr0), they were maintained for 30 minutes (Tr30).

Results

No changes in PtO2 but a significant increase in rSO2 (Tr0 (mean difference 8.9[95% CI for difference3.99 to 13.81], P < .001); Tr30 (10.8[6.20 to 15.40], P < .001)) were detected during hypothermia. With hypothermia‐hypocapnia, a decrease in PtO2 (Tr0 (−3.2[−6.01 to −0.39], P = .021; Tr30 (−3.3[−5.8 to −0.80], P = .006)) and no significant changes in rSO2 occurred. Cerebral blood flow decreased significantly from baseline to Tr0 independently of treatment (−0.89[−0.18 to −0.002], P = .042), but this was more consistently observed with hypothermia‐hypocapnia.

Conclusions

The hypothermia‐induced reduction in oxygen delivery was compensated by lowered metabolic demand. However, hypothermia was not able to compensate for an additional reduction in oxygen delivery caused by simultaneous hypocapnia. This resulted in a PtO2 drop, which was not reflected by a downshift in rSO2.
Optimal water and fertilizer applications improve growth of Tamarix chinensis in a coal mine degraded area under arid conditions
Authors: Roy Rana , Wang Jinxin , Mostofa Mohammad Golam , Fornara Dario
Published: June 2020

Coal‐mined areas are often associated with hostile environmental conditions where the scarcity of water and key nutrient resources negatively affect plant growth and development. In this study we specifically addressed how different combinations of water (W), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) might affect morpho‐physiological and biochemical attributes of a native shrub species, Tamarix chinensis, grown on coal mine spoils. Our results show that under greenhouse conditions the application of moderate‐to‐high doses of W, N and P considerably improved growth‐associated parameters (i.e. plant height, stem diameter, dry weight), as well as gas‐exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigment contents and leaf water status of T. chinensis. Under field conditions high W and low N, P doses led to significant increases in plant growth‐associated traits, gas‐exchange parameters and leaf water status. Plant growth was generally higher under greenhouse conditions mainly because seedlings faced multiple stress when growing under field conditions. Low W‐regime, regardless of N‐P additions, improved osmotic adjustments in leaf tissues and also boosted the activity of several antioxidant enzymes to reduce the oxidative stress associated with W scarcity under greenhouse conditions. Importantly, our study shows how maximum growth performance of T. chinensis under field conditions was achieved at W, N and P doses of 150 mm year−1, 80 kg ha−1 and 40 kg ha−1, respectively. Our findings suggest that achieving optimal rates of W, N and P application is crucial for promoting the ecological restoration of coal‐mined areas with T. chinensis under arid environmental conditions.
Changes in fertilization medium viscosity using hyaluronic acid impact bull sperm motility and acrosome status
Authors: da Fonseca Junior Aldcejam Martins , Gaita Vincenzo , Argumedo Daniel Ricardo , de Castro Leticia Signori , Losano João Diego de Agostini , Ferreira Leite Roberta , Nichi Marcilio , Assumpção Mayra Elena Ortiz d’Ávila , de Araújo Daniele Ribeiro , Neves Antonio Alvaro Ranha , Milazzotto Marcella Pecora
Published: June 2020

The female reproductive tract, in particular the composition of the uterine and oviduct fluids, is responsible, at least in part, for triggering sperm cell modifications, essential for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan present in these fluids, and its role in the fertilization process and sperm functionality is still barely understood. This work was designed to (a) determine the rheological characteristics of the fertilization medium by the addition of HA and (b) determine the HA influence on sperm motility and functional status. To that end, the in vitro fertilization medium was supplemented with 4 doses of HA (6, 60, 600 and 6,000 µg/ml) and analysed for viscosity and adhesion strength characteristics. Then, thawed semen from 6 bulls were incubated in these media and assessed at 4 different moments for morphological and functional parameters (plasma and acrosomal membrane integrities, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, and motility). The rheological evaluation showed that the addition of HA was able to increase both the viscosity and the adhesion strength of the fertilization medium, especially in the 6,000 µg/ml group in which the effect was more pronounced. No influence of HA could be observed on mitochondrial potential, and acrosomal and plasma membrane integrities. However, HA supplementation, at lower doses, led to an increase in the number of reacted sperm, as well as changes in motility parameters, with increase in the number of motile, rapid and progressive spermatozoa. In conclusion, the addition of HA alters the rheological properties of the fertilization medium and leads to the improvement of the properties related to sperm motility and capacitation, without compromising other functional aspects of the cell.
Revisiting the sectoral Linder hypothesis: Aggregation bias or fixed costs?
Authors: Kruse Hendrik W.
Published: June 2020

This paper reassesses and revisits the Sectoral Linder Hypothesis due to Hallak, which posits that similar tastes for quality lead to more intensive trade between similar countries at the sectoral level. First, the measure of demand similarity used in this paper is based on the distribution of income estimated from household surveys. The paper finds that a similarity measure based on the income distribution produces stronger results than the traditionally used measure based on GDP per capita. Moreover, the country/product level extensive margin is taken into account. This is important because similarity is likely to affect the fixed costs of trade and the fixed costs of alternative means of servicing a market (i.e., licensing and FDI). Fixed costs, in turn, affect the number and average productivity of firms that engage in bilateral trade and hence the overall volume of trade. This paper employs the method by Helpman et al. to control for the extensive margin. Heteroskedasticity is addressed using a feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) approach. The findings show that once controlling for the effect of similarity on the extensive margin, the Linder hypothesis holds at more aggregate levels. Other robustness checks suggest that results are not confined to products that are vertically differentiated.
Thinking of you: Relations between mind‐mindedness, theory of mind, and social anxiety traits in middle childhood and adulthood
Authors: Pequet Allison , Warnell Katherine Rice
Published: June 2020

The mapping of developmental relations between social cognition and real‐world social behaviors has theoretical and practical importance. In the domain of social anxiety, however, studies examining links between social cognitive ability and anxiety have produced mixed results. One potential explanation is that varied facets of social cognition are differentially linked to social anxiety across development. To better understand how social cognition relates to social anxiety, we assessed multiple facets of two important social cognitive capacities—mind‐mindedness and theory of mind— in school‐aged children aged 7–12 and young adults aged 18–24. We also measured social anxiety traits. We found that, across ages, mind‐mindedness and theory of mind were not related to each other. Additionally, for children and adults, higher levels of social anxiety correlated with higher levels of mind‐mindedness toward close social partners, indicating an increased propensity to describe partners using mental state terms. By contrast, social anxiety was not correlated with theory of mind, which measured the ability to decipher or attribute mental states to photographs, videos, or story characters. These findings offer insight into how different components of social cognition are related and how more naturalistic measures of social cognition involving relationships may relate to social anxiety across development.
Economic Vulnerability and Anti‐Immigrant Attitudes: Isolated Anomaly or Emerging Trend
Authors: Hickel Flavio , Bredbenner Melissa
Published: June 2020

Objective

Donald Trump's sustained emphasis on the negative impact of immigration policies for personal economic conditions necessitates reevaluating the influence of the latter on the former. We assess the interaction between income and individual economic anxiety on immigration attitudes.

Methods

Multivariate analysis of the 2012 and 2016 American National Election Study survey data.

Results

After controlling for conventional explanations and standard political covariates, those who share an income bracket with foreign‐born workers and also expressed individual economic anxiety were significantly more likely to express negative attitudes toward immigrants in 2016, but not in 2012.

Conclusion

The discrepancy between the results in 2016 and 2012 is partially attributed to the different rhetorical approaches toward immigration policy adopted by Donald Trump and Mitt Romney. Whether the 2016 results represent an isolated anomaly or emerging trend may depend on the rhetorical choices of future presidential candidates.
Neoproterozoic sedimentation and tectonics of the Laurentian midcontinent: Detrital zircon provenance of the Jacobsville Sandstone, Lake Superior Basin, USA and Canada
Authors: Malone David H. , Stein Carol A. , Craddock John P. , Stein Seth , Malone John E.
Published: June 2020

The Neoproterozoic Jacobsville Sandstone outcrops along the south and east shores of Lake Superior, USA. It records intraplate deformation, some during its deposition and some afterwards, after the c. 1,100 Ma Midcontinent Rift (MCR) failed. Here we analyse 549 new detrital zircon ages from five sites, combined with prior data. Initially, local palaeo‐topography controlled the source material, including the MCR‐adjacent Penokean and Archaean rocks. With time the percentage of distal sources increased, including the c. 1,300–980 Ma Grenville orogeny and 1,480–1,360 Ma Granite‐Rhyolite Province. Sites near the Keweenaw fault contain a significant number of MCR‐age zircons, presumably uplifted to the surface, indicating fault motion during deposition. Only a relatively small percentage of 1,090–980 Ma Grenville‐age zircons from collisions to the east are present, suggesting that they were not efficiently transported to the Lake Superior area. This work is innovative in that it is the first to use detrital zircon geochronology to understand the internal stratigraphy of the Jacobsville Sandstone, whose provenance provides new information about the Neoproterozoic tectonic and sedimentary history of Laurentia.
Functional characterization of Arabidopsis ARGONAUTE 3 in reproductive tissues
Authors: Jullien Pauline E. , Grob Stefan , Marchais Antonin , Pumplin Nathan , Chevalier Clement , Bonnet Diane M. V. , Otto Caroline , Schott Gregory , Voinnet Olivier
Published: June 2020

Arabidopsis encodes 10 ARGONAUTE (AGO) effectors of RNA silencing, canonically loaded with either 21–22 nucleotide (nt) long small RNAs (sRNAs) to mediate post‐transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) or 24 nt sRNAs to promote RNA‐directed DNA methylation. Using full‐locus constructs, we characterized the expression, biochemical properties and possible modes of action of AGO3. Although AGO3 arose from a recent duplication at the AGO2 locus, their expression patterns differ drastically, with AGO2 being expressed in both male and female gametes whereas AGO3 accumulates in aerial vascular terminations and specifically in chalazal seed integuments. Accordingly, AGO3 downregulation alters gene expression in siliques. Similar to AGO2, AGO3 binds sRNAs with a strong 5′ adenosine bias, but unlike Arabidopsis AGO2, it binds 24 nt sRNAs most efficiently. AGO3 immunoprecipitation experiments in siliques revealed that these sRNAs mostly correspond to genes and intergenic regions in a manner reflecting their respective accumulation from their loci of origin. AGO3 localizes to the cytoplasm and co‐fractionates with polysomes to possibly mediate PTGS via translation inhibition.
The fate of 35S rRNA genes in the allotetraploid grass Brachypodium hybridum
Authors: Borowska‐Zuchowska Natalia , Kovarik Ales , Robaszkiewicz Ewa , Tuna Metin , Tuna Gulsemin Savas , Gordon Sean , Vogel John P. , Hasterok Robert
Published: June 2020

Nucleolar dominance (ND) consists of the reversible silencing of 35S/45S rDNA loci inherited from one of the ancestors of an allopolyploid. The molecular mechanisms by which one ancestral rDNA set is selected for silencing remain unclear. We applied a combination of molecular (Southern blot hybridization and reverse‐transcription cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence analysis), genomic (analysis of variants) and cytogenetic (fluorescence in situ hybridization) approaches to study the structure, expression and epigenetic landscape of 35S rDNA in an allotetraploid grass that exhibits ND, Brachypodium hybridum (genome composition DDSS), and its putative progenitors, Brachypodium distachyon (DD) and Brachypodium stacei (SS). In progenitor genomes, B. stacei showed a higher intragenomic heterogeneity of rDNA compared with B. distachyon. In all studied accessions of B. hybridum, there was a reduction in the copy number of S homoeologues, which was accompanied by their inactive transcriptional status. The involvement of DNA methylation in CG and CHG contexts in the silencing of the S‐genome rDNA loci was revealed. In the B. hybridum allotetraploid, ND is stabilized towards the D‐genome units, irrespective of the polyphyletic origin of the species, and does not seem to be influenced by homoeologous 35S rDNA ratios and developmental stage.
Heterogeneity in the endocytic capacity of individual macrophage in a population determines its subsequent phagocytosis, infectivity and subcellular trafficking
Authors: Sachdeva Kuldeep , Goel Manisha , Sundaramurthy Varadharajan
Published: June 2020

Phagocytosis is a complex cellular uptake process involving multiple distinct steps of cargo recognition, uptake, phagosome maturation and eventual phagolysosome resolution. Emerging literature shows that heterogeneity of phagocytosis at multiple steps at a single cell level influences the population outcome. However, the determinants of phagocytic heterogeneity are not clear. Here we show that the variance in the endocytic capacity of individual cells in a macrophage population determines subsequent phagocytic uptake and trafficking. Our results document the extensive heterogeneity in the endocytic uptake of individual macrophages, and show that cells with higher endocytic capacity preferentially phagocytose diverse cargo, including pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Interestingly, M. tuberculosis infected cells sustain the higher endocytic capacity following infection. Modulating endocytic capacity by inhibiting endocytosis reduces phagocytic uptake. Differential uptake of M. tuberculosis into cells with different endocytic capacities correlates with the efficiency of phagocytic delivery to lysosomes, thus contributing further to phagocytic as well as mycobacterial heterogeneity. Thus, variance in endocytic capacity is a determinant of generating heterogeneity in phagocytosis at multiple steps.
English in Iran
Authors: Goodrich Negin Hosseini
Published: June 2020

Iran, a country in the Expanding Circle of world Englishes, has not received much academic attention in international journals. The English language has faced many ups and downs in this country over the past 50 years, which makes its story even more entitled to academic investigation. The objective of this paper is to add to the existing but still limited literature of English in Iran. Having followed the model suggested by Berns (1990), this paper provides a sociolinguistic profile of English in Iran from the Qajar era (1796‐1925) through the Pahlavi dynasty (1925‐1979) and the Islamic Revolution to the present era. In addition to the status of English (and other foreign languages), political, historical, and social factors which have contributed to the rise and/or decline of this language in the country are discussed for each era.
Evidence‐based therapy in hypertrophic scars: An update of a systematic review
Authors: Nischwitz Sebastian P. , Rauch Katharina , Luze Hanna , Hofmann Elisabeth , Draschl Alexander , Kotzbeck Petra , Kamolz Lars‐Peter
Published: June 2020

Hypertrophic scars are still a major burden for numerous patients, especially after burns. Many treatment options are available; however, no evidence‐based treatment protocol is available with recommendations mostly emerging from experience or lower quality studies. This review serves to discuss the currently available literature. A systematic review was performed and the databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched for suitable publications. Only original articles in English that dealt with the treatment of hypertrophic scars in living humans were analyzed. Further, studies with a level of evidence lower than 1 as defined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons were excluded. After duplicate exclusion, 1638 studies were screened. A qualitative assessment yielded 163 articles eligible for evidence grading. Finally nine studies were included. Four of them used intralesional injections, four topical therapeutics and one assessed the efficacy of CO2‐laser. Intralesional triamcinolone + fluorouracil injections, and topical pressure and/or silicone therapy revealed significant improvements in terms of scar height, pliability, and pigmentation. This systematic review showed that still few high‐quality studies exist to evaluate therapeutic means and their mechanisms for hypertrophic scars. Among these, most of them assessed the efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone injections with the same treatment protocol. Intralesional injection appears to be the best option for hypertrophic scar treatment. Future studies should focus on a possible optimization of infiltrative therapies, consistent end‐point evaluations, adequate follow‐up periods, and possibly intraindividual treatments.
Anodal and cathodal tDCS modulate neural activity and selectively affect GABA and glutamate syntheses in the visual cortex of cats
Authors: Zhao Xiaojing , Ding Jian , Pan Huijun , Zhang Shen , Pan Deng , Yu Hao , Ye Zheng , Hua Tianmiao
Published: June 2020

Key points

The present study showed that anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can respectively increase and decrease the amplitude of visually evoked field potentials in the stimulated visual cortex of cats, with the effect lasting for ∼60–70 min.

We directly measured tDCS‐induced changes in the concentration of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the visual cortex using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method and showed that anodal and cathodal tDCS can selectively decrease the concentration of GABA and glutamate in the stimulated cortical area.

Anodal and cathodal tDCS can selectively inhibit the synthesis of GABA and glutamate by suppressing the expression of GABA‐ and glutamate‐synthesizing enzymes, respectively.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) evokes long‐lasting neuronal excitability in the target brain region. The underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study examined tDCS‐induced alterations in neuronal activities, as well as the concentration and synthesis of GABA and glutamate (GLU), in area 21a (A21a) of cat visual cortex. Our analysis showed that anodal and cathodal tDCS respectively enhanced and suppressed neuronal activities in A21a, as indicated by a significantly increased and decreased amplitude of visually evoked field potentials (VEPs). The tDCS‐induced effect lasted for ∼60–70 min. By contrast, sham tDCS had no significant impact on the VEPs in A21a. On the other hand, the concentration of GABA, but not that of GLU, in A21a significantly decreased after anodal tDCS relative to sham tDCS, whereas the concentration of GLU, but not that of GABA, in A21a significantly decreased after cathodal tDCS relative to sham tDCS. Furthermore, the expression of GABA‐synthesizing enzymes GAD65 and GAD67 in A21a significantly decreased in terms of both mRNA and protein concentrations after anodal tDCS relative to sham tDCS, whereas that of GLU‐synthesizing enzyme glutaminase (GLS) did not change significantly after anodal tDCS. By contrast, both mRNA and protein concentrations of GLS in A21a significantly decreased after cathodal tDCS relative to sham tDCS, whereas those of GAD65/GAD67 showed no significant change after cathodal tDCS. Taken together, these results indicate that anodal and cathodal tDCS may selectively reduce GABA and GLU syntheses and thus respectively enhance and suppress neuronal excitability in the stimulated brain area.
A nonlinear relationship between marsh size and sediment trapping capacity compromises salt marshes’ stability
Authors: Donatelli Carmine , Zhang Xiaohe , Ganju Neil K. , Aretxabaleta Alfredo L. , Fagherazzi Sergio , Leonardi Nicoletta
Published: June 2020

Global assessments predict the impact of sea-level rise on salt marshes with present-day levels of sediment supply from rivers and the coastal ocean. However, these assessments do not consider that variations in marsh extent and the related reconfiguration of intertidal area affect local sediment dynamics, ultimately controlling the fate of the marshes themselves. We conducted a meta-analysis of six bays along the United States East Coast to show that a reduction in the current salt marsh area decreases the sediment availability in estuarine systems through changes in regional-scale hydrodynamics. This positive feedback between marsh disappearance and the ability of coastal bays to retain sediments reduces the trapping capacity of the whole tidal system and jeopardizes the survival of the remaining marshes. We show that on marsh platforms, the sediment deposition per unit area decreases exponentially with marsh loss. Marsh erosion enlarges tidal prism values and enhances the tendency toward ebb dominance, thus decreasing the overall sediment availability of the system. Our findings highlight that marsh deterioration reduces the sediment stock in back-barrier basins and therefore compromises the resilience of salt marshes.
Long-term effects of socioeconomic status on the incidence of decreased glomerular filtration rate in a Southeast Asian cohort
Authors: Kitiyakara Chagriya , Saranburut Krittika , Thongmung Nisakorn , Chittamma Anchalee , Vanavanan Somlak , Donsakul Kobkiat , Sritara Piyamitr , Vathesatogkit Prin
Published: June 2020

Background

There is limited information on the role of low socioeconomic status (SES) in the development of new chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population, especially from developing countries. This study will test the hypothesis that low SES increases the risk of incidence of decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR, used as an estimate for CKD) in a Thai worker cohort.

Method

In this prospective, longitudinal observational study, we evaluated the association of income and educational attainment on incident decreased GFR (iGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) over a 27-year period in employees of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. In 1985, subjects participated in a health survey and were re-examined in 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012. Education was classified into three categories: low, 0–8th grade; medium, 9–12th grade; and high, >12th grade. Income was categorised as follows: low <10 000 Thai Baht (THB)/month; medium, 10 000–20 000 THB/month; and high, >20 000 THB/month. HRs ofiGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2were estimated using Cox interval-censored models with high income or education as the reference groups after adjustments for clinical risk factors.

Results

Participants (n=3334) were followed for 23 (15, 27) years. When evaluated separately, both education and income were risk factors foriGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2(adjusted HR education: medium—1.26 (95% CI 1.13 to1.42) and low—1.57 (95% CI 1.36 to 1.81) and adjusted HR income: medium—1.21 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.50) and low—1.47 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.82)). When both income and education were included together, low and medium education remained independently associated withiGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusions

Low education was independently associated with increased risk of decreased GFR in a Thai worker population. Strategies to identify risk factors among low SES may be useful to prevent early CKD.