bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial implications of digitization: State of the field and research agenda
Authors: Haefner Lukas , Sternberg Rolf
Published: September 2020

Digitization is an influential megatrend that is quickly and comprehensively transforming economic spaces worldwide. Its disruptive power has not yet been fully developed but, despite a lack of topical empirical or theoretical research, it nevertheless seems clear that it will significantly affect the economic order within and between economic spaces and places. Currently, digitization is high on the policy agenda in many countries. Several related programs and initiatives combine expansion and improvement of digital infrastructure with efforts to reduce spatial economic inequality and to facilitate a general catch‐up process for lagging (often rural) regions. However, the idea that digitization can reduce spatial inequality remains highly controversial. This study aims to focus on the economic geography implications of digitization and to enrich the existing literature in two ways. First, the study overviews the state of research on the spatial consequences of digitization. Deploying a comprehensive literature review, this section discusses the primary theoretical and empirical results from two contradictory narratives on the ability of digitization to reinforce the death of distance and thus reduce spatial inequality. Second, we develop a research agenda concerning select fields of research that could appropriately be addressed in the future by economic geographers. These fields include spatial economic digitization effects, digital competencies, entrepreneurial activities, and innovation activities in both urban and rural regions. Closing the research gaps would contribute to the development of much‐needed policy measures.
6. FROM DECOLONIAL INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES TO VERNACULAR IDEAS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Authors: PARREÑAS JUNO SALAZAR
Published: September 2020

Relations between humans and orangutans in present‐day Malaysia show the historiographic and ethnographic problem of using the term “Indigenous knowledge.” Iban and Malay relationships with nonhuman animals are intersubjective and informed by particular subject formations, and indigeneity explains only one kind of relation. To analyze their relations simply in terms of decolonial Indigenous knowledge would be a culturally imperialist act from the Americas: decoloniality is specific to the development of racialization in the West via white settler colonialism, antiblack enslavement, and anti‐Indigenous exploitation and genocide. Instead, this article draws from southern African historical sources and Southeast Asian ethnographic sources to advocate a historiography and ethnography of vernaculars, both vernacular knowledge and vernacular ignorance, in order to avoid autochthonous and potentially xenophobic claims.
8. FINDING DECOLONIAL METAPHORS IN POSTCOLONIAL HISTORIES
Authors: ANDERSON WARWICK
Published: September 2020

This is a reflection on the close relations of the writing of postcolonial histories and recent decolonial critiques, and on the tensions between them. Postcolonial historical analysis often has been preoccupied with hybridity and mixture, conjugation and adaptation, exchange and interaction—with subversions of sovereignty in contact zones, borderlands, and on the beach. As a structuralist formulation, decolonial historical binarism in contrast echoes Indigenous politics of self‐determination, even suggesting at times an ontological decoupling of settler and Indigenous histories and practices. Stringent decolonization of historical inquiry—implying the sabotage and superseding of settler colonial linguistic, narrative, and temporal conventions and the disturbing of standardized assumptions about evidence, agency, and authorship—would give us an epistemic assemblage perhaps not recognizable as “history.” Even if desirable, is that imaginable now except as metaphor or ideal?
THE DYNAMIC AND DISTRIBUTIONAL ASPECTS OF IMPORT TARIFFS
Authors: Lechthaler Wolfgang , Mileva Mariya
Published: September 2020

We use a dynamic trade model with two sectors and two types of workers to analyze the optimal setting of income‐generating tariffs. We study dynamic and distributional aspects focusing on the time horizon of policymakers and workers. The level of tariffs preferred by workers depends on the sector where they are employed as well as their skill class, with the relative weight of both aspects determined by the time horizon of the workers. Unskilled workers in the unskilled‐intensive sector are the ones most in favor of protectionism and might even benefit from a trade war.
STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND AGGREGATE EMPLOYMENT FLUCTUATIONS IN CHINA
Authors: Yao Wen , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: September 2020

In developed countries, aggregate employment is strongly procyclical and almost as volatile as output. In China, the correlation of aggregate employment and output is close to zero, and the volatility of aggregate employment is very low. We argue that the key to understanding aggregate employment fluctuations in China is labor reallocation between the agricultural and nonagricultural sectors, and that the income effect plays an important role in determining the labor reallocation dynamics in both the long run and short run.
Review of smartphone mobile applications for skin cancer detection: what are the changes in availability, functionality, and costs to users over time?
Authors: Kong Fleur W. , Horsham Caitlin , Ngoo Alexander , Soyer H. Peter , Janda Monika
Published: September 2020

Smartphone applications (apps) are available to consumers for skin cancer prevention and early detection. This study aims to review changes over time in the skin cancer apps available to consumers as well as their functionality and costs. Apps for the prevention of skin cancer were searched on two major smartphone app stores (Android and iOS) in June 2019. The number, functionality, ratings, and price of the apps were described and compared to similar reviews of the skin cancer app market from 2014 to 2017. Overall, the June 2019 search identified 66 apps. Of 39 apps found in 2014, 30 were no longer available in 2019 representing an attrition rate of 77%; of 43 apps available in 2017, attrition was 46.5%. In 2019, 63.6% (n = 42/66) of apps were free to download compared to 53.5% (n = 23/43) in 2017. Input from clinician/professional bodies was evident for 47.0% (n = 31/66) of the apps in 2019 compared to 34.9% (15/43) in 2017. The most common app functionality offered in 2019 was monitoring/tracking of lesions at 48.5% (n = 32/66). Since 2014, there has been a steady increase in the number of apps available for the general public to support the prevention or early detection of skin cancers. There continues to be a high turnover of apps, and many apps still appear to lack clinician input and/or evidence for their safety and value.
γδ T cells and inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Jee Mia Hamilton , Mraz Veronika , Geisler Carsten , Bonefeld Charlotte Menné
Published: September 2020

Approximately 25% of the population suffers from skin diseases. The most common forms of skin diseases are the inflammatory skin diseases such as allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. These diseases are described as T cell–mediated diseases induced by either allergens or autoantigens. Classically, the focus has been on the role of αβ T cells, but it is becoming increasingly clear that γδ T cells play a central role in inflammatory skin diseases. In particular, an important role of IL‐17A–producing γδ T cells in these inflammatory skin diseases has been shown in various disease models in mice. Interestingly, various epidermal proteins, which appear to be linked to inflammatory conditions in the skin by yet undescribed mechanisms, are expressed by specific subsets of thymic epithelial cells and mutations in these proteins seem to affect γδ T cell development. The focus of this review is how mutations in epidermal proteins affect γδ T cell development and how γδ T cells, and in particular of IL‐17A–producing γδ T cells, contribute to inflammatory skin diseases such as allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
A light‐touch routing optimization tool (RoOT) for vaccine and medical supply distribution in Mozambique
Authors: P.G. Petroianu Larissa , Zabinsky Zelda B. , Zameer Mariam , Chu Yi , Muteia Mamiza M. , Resende Mauricio G.C. , Coelho Aida L. , Wei Jiarui , Purty Turam , Draiva Abel , Lopes Alvaro
Published: September 2020

Planning vaccine distribution in rural and urban poor communities is challenging, due in part to inadequate vehicles, limited cold storage, road availability, and weather conditions. The University of Washington and VillageReach jointly developed and tested a user‐friendly, Excel spreadsheet based optimization tool for routing and scheduling to efficiently distribute vaccines and other medical commodities to health centers across Mozambique. This paper describes the tool and the process used to define the problem and obtain feedback from users during the development. The distribution and routing tool, named route optimization tool (RoOT), uses an indexing algorithm to optimize the routes under constrained resources. Numerical results are presented using five datasets, three realistic and two artificial datasets. RoOT can be used in routine or emergency situations, and may be easily adapted to include other products, regions, or logistic problems.
The use of permitted additives and heat‐treatment to optimize the heat‐stability of skim milk and concentrated skim milk
Authors: Sweetsur A. W. M. , Muir D. D.
Published: September 2020

Changes in heat stability induced by forewarming and addition of permitted stabilizers have been investigated for skim milk, concentrated (22·5 per cent total solids) skim milk and reconstituted skim‐milk powder. Forewarming slightly reduced the heat stability of skim milk, but markedly improved the heat stability of concentrated skim milk. The effect of stabilizer addition was largely dependent on the initial pH of the milk and its position on the coagulation time/pH profile with respect to the maximum heat stability in the curve. It was shown that the combination of forewarming and addition of suitable stabilizers could induce a large increase in the heat stability of both skim and concentrated skim milk. Addition of stabilizers could likewise increase the heat stability of reconstituted ‘high‐heat’ skim‐milk powder, but was ineffective in improving the basic heat stability of non‐forewarmed milk and reconstituted ‘low‐heat’ skim‐mlk powder.
Variation in stomatal conductance responses of cotton cultivars to high vapour pressure deficit under controlled and rainfed environments
Authors: Shekoofa Avat , Safikhan Sara , Snider John L. , Raper Tyson B. , Bourland Freddie M.
Published: September 2020

Cotton is often negatively impacted by drought periods; thus, plant traits that alleviate the impacts of drought on cotton are highly desirable. The limited‐transpiration rate (TRlim) trait under high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) can conserve soil water and prolong crop physiological activity as water deficit progresses. The current research objective was to compare the expression of TRlim in cotton cultivars under variable VPD and temperatures by whole‐plant transpiration in controlled environments and by leaf‐level gas exchange measurements in the field. All cultivars expressed the TRlim trait in a controlled environment with high VPD at 32°C; however, at 38°C, only 5 out of 7 commercial and 2 out of 4 conventional cultivars expressed TRlim. Field trials during 2017 and 2018 showed all 4 commercial cultivars that expressed TRlim in a controlled environment at 38°C expressed TRlim, but shifts in VPD breakpoints were observed. Among conventional cultivars, 2 out of 4 expressed TRlim trait. Cultivars that expressed TRlim also delayed wilting under rainfed environments when soil water deficits developed and resulted in greater lint yields. Three commercial and two conventional cultivars that expressed the TRlim trait in field trials also resulted in greater predawn leaf water potential (LWP). Cultivars that expressed the TRlim trait had significantly higher lint yields only during 2017. This study indicates that the impact of TRlim trait on yield is relatively small in years with adequate rainfall.
Overview of systematic reviews: Effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for eating difficulties in people with dementia
Authors: Li Liyu , Zhao Yajie , Wang Yi , Wang Zhiwen
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for eating difficulties in people with dementia (PWD).

Background

Eat difficulties are common problems in PWD. Prolonged eating difficulties may lead to inadequate/excessive food and drink intake and other adverse outcomes.

Design

Overview of systematic reviews.

Data sources

Cochrane Library, JBI Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, CNKI, WANFANG, from inception up until 23 September 2019.

Review methods

This overview was conducted in accordance with methodological recommendations of Cochrane. Two researchers independently selected studies based on inclusion criteria, extracted data, assessed eligible studies using AMSTAR 2 and GRADE system, and summarized the conclusions.

Results

Eighteen systematic reviews were included. Some evidence showed that environmental modifications, education/training, and Oral nutrition supplements (ONS) were beneficial to improving eating difficulties. But the current evidence failed to support the effectiveness of other interventions.

Conclusion

The overall confidence of systematic reviews is relatively low. High‐quality studies are needed to further validate the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for eating difficulties in PWD.

Impact

This overview provides evidence on the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for eating difficulties in PWD. It will guide caregivers to choose more effective interventions to cope with eating difficulties and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
Sensors for rate‐adaptive pacing: How they work, strengths, and limitations
Authors: Trohman Richard G. , Huang Henry D. , Larsen Timothy , Krishnan Kousik , Sharma Parikshit S.
Published: September 2020

Chronotropic incompetence is the inability of the sinus node to increase heart rate commensurate with increased metabolic demand. Cardiac pacing alone may be insufficient to address exercise intolerance, fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and other symptoms of chronotropic incompetence. Rate‐responsive (adaptive) pacing employs sensors to detect physical or physiological indices and mimic the response of the normal sinus node. This review describes the development, strengths, and limitations of a variety of sensors that have been employed to address chronotropic incompetence. A mini‐tutorial on programming rate‐adaptive parameters is included along with emphasis that patients' lifestyles and underlying medical conditions require careful consideration. In addition, special sensor applications used to respond prophylactically to physiologic signals are detailed and an in‐depth discussion of sensors as a potential aid in heart failure management is provided.
Endogenous GDF11 regulates odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Qi Xingying , Xiao Qingyue , Sheng Rui , Jiang Shuang , Yuan Quan , Liu Weiqing
Published: September 2020

Dental stem cell‐based tooth regeneration is the futuristic treatment for missing teeth. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a novel member of the TGF‐beta superfamily, has been reported to play a critical role in regulating stem cell differentiation. However, the role of endogenous GDF11 during dental stem cell differentiation remains unknown. Here, we have shown that GDF11 was highly expressed in dental pulp tissues in both mouse and human. Knockdown of endogenous GDF11 in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) led to comparable proliferation and migration but attenuated odontogenic differentiation as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S staining. In addition, transcriptional levels of odontogenic‐related genes were significantly down‐regulated according to real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Mechanistically, we performed RNA sequencing analysis and found that silencing of endogenous GDF11 compromised the process of ossification and osteoblast differentiation, especially down‐regulated transcription expression of Wnt pathway‐specific genes. Immunofluorescence staining also showed diminished β‐catenin expression and nuclei accumulation after knockdown of endogenous GDF11 in hDPSCs. In summary, our results suggested that endogenous GDF11 positively regulate odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs through canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
New Partners for the Planet? The European Union and China in International Climate Governance from a Role‐Theoretical Perspective†
Authors: Gurol Julia , Starkmann Anna
Published: September 2020

Only with the three largest emitters (the EU, China and the US) building a coalition was it possible to conclude the Paris Agreement in 2015. With the announced withdrawal of the US, the interdependence between the EU and China has increased significantly. Both actors have reiterated their will to implement the Paris Agreement and to cooperate on climate change. In times of political constraints between the EU and China, this seems puzzling. The paper takes a role‐theoretic perspective to assess the following question: How can the changing roles of the EU and China, ascribed to them by external and internal expectations, explain their increased climate cooperation? It draws on a qualitative text analysis of policy documents and expert interviews. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings against the backdrop of growing tensions between the EU and China.
Micro‐ribonucleic acid‐23a‐3p prevents the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus by suppressing the activation of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory bodies‐caused pyroptosis through negatively regulating NIMA‐related kinase 7
Authors: Chang Hongye , Chang Hongjuan , Cheng Tuanjie , Lee Garrick D , Chen Xiaoping , Qi Kunqing
Published: September 2020

Aims/Introduction

Micro‐ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) possess crucial functions in governing metabolisms associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR‐23a‐3p in pyroptosis caused by nucleotide‐binding oligomerization‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory body activation, thereby reducing the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

miR‐23a‐3p and NIMA‐related kinase 7 (NEK7) expression in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and rat models was examined. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene experiments were used to verify the targeting relationship between miR‐23a‐3p and NEK7. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages were transfected with miR‐23a‐3p mimic, miR‐23a‐3p inhibitor or short hairpin NEK7 and were treated with a specific activator of NLRP3 inflammatory body (lipopolysaccharide + adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate) to evaluate expression of NEK7, miR‐23a‐3p, gasdermin D p30, pro‐caspase‐1 and caspase‐1 in cells, and interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α in supernatant. Type 2 diabetes mellitus rat models were used to observe the influences of miR‐23a‐3p, NEK7 and NLRP3 inflammatory body on pyroptosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus in vivo.

Results

NEK7 was overexpressed, whereas miR‐23a‐3p was underexpressed in patients and rat models with type 2 diabetes mellitus. NEK7 was a target gene of miR‐23a‐3p. After the addition of lipopolysaccharide + adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate in bone marrow‐derived macrophages, the expression of miR‐23a‐3p subsequently declined. Furthermore, the addition of lipopolysaccharide + adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate elevated NEK7, NLRP3, pro‐caspase‐1, cle‐caspase‐1 and gasdermin D p30 expressions in bone marrow‐derived macrophages, and enhanced levels of interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the supernatant, accompanied with conspicuous cell pyroptosis, which was reversed after miR‐23a‐3p overexpression and NEK7 silencing. miR‐23a‐3p overexpression alleviated liver and kidney damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats, and reduced NLRP3‐induced pyroptosis.

Conclusions

Targeting NEK7 by miR‐23a‐3p could reduce NLRP3‐induced pyroptosis, and assuage liver and kidney injuries in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.
Conspecific density and environmental complexity impact behaviour of turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri)
Authors: Thoré Eli S. J. , Brendonck Luc , Pinceel Tom
Published: September 2020

Fish models are essential for research in many biological and medical disciplines. With a typical lifespan of only 6 months, the Turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) was recently established as a time‐ and cost‐efficient model to facilitate whole‐life and multigenerational studies in several research fields, including behavioural ecotoxicology. Essential information on the behavioural norm and on how laboratory conditions affect behaviour, however, is deficient. In the current study, we examined the impact of the social and structural environment on a broad spectrum of behavioural endpoints in N. furzeri. While structural enrichment affected only fish boldness and exploratory behaviour, fish rearing density affected the total body length, locomotor activity, boldness, aggressiveness and feeding behaviour of N. furzeri individuals. Overall, these results contribute to compiling a behavioural baseline for N. furzeri that increases the applicability of this new model species. Furthermore, our findings will fuel the development of improved husbandry protocols to maximize the welfare of N. furzeri in a laboratory setting.
Phylogenetic characterization of Polish isolates of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in salmonid fish
Authors: Maj‐Paluch Joanna , Matras Marek , Borzym Ewa , Stachnik Magdalena , Reichert Michal
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus belongs to the genus Aquabirnavirus and family Birnaviridae. By VP2 gene similarity, aquatic birnavirus is clustered into seven genogroups. The aim of this study was to genetically analyse IPN viruses occurring on Polish fish farms.

Materials and Methods

Samples from freshwater fish mostly from 2012 to 2013 and from northern Poland were examined for the presence of IPN virus using isolation on cell cultures, real‐time RT‐PCR and RT‐PCR. Fragments of 1,377 and 1,079 bp of the VP2 and VP5 genes, respectively, were sequenced, and the results were assembled into one consensus and analysed by Geneious software. The same VP2 gene region was compared and a phylogenetic tree generated by the neighbour‐joining method and MEGA6 software.

Results

All tested Polish isolates belonged to genogroup 5, like other European Spajurup isolates.

Conclusion

Our findings prove that there is only one IPN virus genogroup in Poland. Polish isolates show close relationships with each other. There is a close relationship between Polish isolates and isolates from Turkey, Spain and Iran. Isolate 57 is a separate branch related to isolates from the United States and Taiwan. This points to the likelihood of past virus introduction via import of stock from those countries.
1D/2D stormwater modelling to support urban flood risk management in estuarine areas: Hazard assessment in the Dafundo case study
Authors: Cardoso Maria Adriana , Almeida Maria Céu , Brito Rita S. , Gomes João L. , Beceiro Paula , Oliveira Anabela
Published: September 2020

Flood risk management in urban areas adjacent to the coast is essential to increase their resilience. This study aims at improving scientific knowledge of flood risk alongside estuaries, considering different hazards and integrating estuarine and urban drainage modelling. Mathematical modelling of stormwater systems is a useful tool to evaluate the susceptibility to flooding and identify potential measures to reduce flood risk. The assessment of urban drainage flooding uses a coupled 1D/2D model, applying 1D model to the underground system and 2D model for the surface component. Assessment scenarios were based on variables rainfall, estuarine water level, and degree of obstruction in sewers and at system outfalls. Estuarine hydrodynamics were simulated using the SCHISM‐WWM model. A web GIS platform was developed to support urban flood risk forecast and management providing urban analysis visualisation. The main objective is to forecast flooding in the Dafundo catchment supporting definition of population warnings. This paper proposes a flood risk assessment approach, using 1D/2D coupled modelling, estuarine hydrodynamics, integrating the assessment in a forecast web platform. The novelty is supporting an integrated flood risk management in stormwater systems, particularly in estuarine areas, providing an important improvement to assess flooding occurrence, regarding flood depth, area and duration.
Prevalence of Salmonella serotypes S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in poultry and poultry products
Authors: Shivaning Karabasanavar Nagappa , Benakabhat Madhavaprasad Chakkodabail , Agalagandi Gopalakrishna Shilpa , Hiremath Jagadish , Shivanagowda Patil Girish , B Barbuddhe Sukhadeo
Published: September 2020

Salmonella continues to be a major food safety and public health threat. In the present study, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes Enteritidis (SE) and Typhimurium (ST) were isolated from poultry and characterized for virulence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and biofilm formation. Prevalence of Salmonella serotypes in poultry was 3.35%; predominant serotypes isolated were S. Enteritidis (68.1%) and S. Typhimurium (31.8%). Source‐wise, Salmonella were isolated from retail market chicken meat (4.8%), live chicken at farm (2.5%), and table eggs (2.1%). Salmonella isolates produced invA gene of 284 bp (100%), spvR gene of 310 bp (77.27%), spvC gene of 571 bp (22.72%), and stn gene of 260 bp (100%) as virulence/ pathogenicity determinants. Salmonella isolates exhibited resistance to common antimicrobials; 72.7% isolates showed multiple resistance (≥3 antimicrobial class), highest resistance was observed for polymyxin‐B (81.8%) followed by nalidixic acid (72.7%), colistin (59.1%), ampicillin/tetracyline (45.5%), ampicillin + sulbactam (40.9%), cefodroxil (18.2%), streptomycin (9.1%), and cefazidine/ceftriaxone‐tazobactam (4.5%). Multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index of poultry Salmonella isolates ranged from 0.11 to 0.35; wherein, 59.1% isolates showed MAR of >0.2. About 81.8% Salmonella isolates produced biofilm and were categorized as strong (13.6%), moderate (45.4%), and weak (22.7%) biofilm producers. Occurrence of antimicrobial resistant virulent Salmonella strains in poultry requires implementation of suitable strategies so as to protect the public health.
A review on medical management of inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Chela Harleen , Pasha Syed Bilal , Wan Xiu‐Feng , Ghouri Yezaz A
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has engulfed the world and is the highlight of medical community at this time. As humanity fights the battle against this virus, questions are arising regarding the appropriate management of at risk patient populations. The immunocompromised cohort is particularly susceptible to this infection, and we have tried to explore the medical management of one such group, which is composed of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is limited data on the management of IBD during the ongoing pandemic. Several medical societies have put forth suggestions on how to manage immunocompromised patients in order to minimize risk of developing coronavirus disease 2019. This review aims to present available recommendations from experts and provides an insight on preventive and therapeutic strategies that can be implemented for the medical management of patients with IBD. We anticipate that as more information arises, new guidelines will emerge.
Arabidopsis E3 ligase KEG associates with and ubiquitinates MKK4 and MKK5 to regulate plant immunity
Authors: Gao Chenyang , Sun Pengwei , Wang Wei , Tang Dingzhong
Published: September 2020

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are highly conserved signaling modules that regulate plant immune responses. The Arabidopsis thaliana Raf‐like MAPK kinase kinase ENHANCED DISEASE RESISTANCE1 (EDR1) is a key negative regulator of plant immunity that affects the protein levels of MKK4 and MKK5, two important MAPK cascade members, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, genome‐wide phosphorylation analysis demonstrated that the E3 ligase KEEP ON GOING (KEG) is phosphorylated in the edr1 mutant but not the wild type, suggesting that EDR1 negatively affects KEG phosphorylation. The identified phosphorylation sites in KEG appear to be important for its accumulation. The keg‐4 mutant, a previously identified edr1 suppressor, enhances susceptibility to the powdery mildew pathogen Golovinomyces cichoracearum. In addition, MKK4 and MKK5 protein levels are reduced in the keg‐4 mutant. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MKK4 and MKK5 associate with full‐length KEG, but not with truncated KEG‐RK or KEG‐RKA, and that KEG ubiquitinates and mediates the degradation of MKK4 and MKK5. Taken together, these results indicate that MKK4 and MKK5 protein levels are regulated by KEG via ubiquitination, uncovering a mechanism by which plants fine‐tune immune responses by regulating the homeostasis of key MAPK cascade members via ubiquitination and degradation.
Prolactin receptor‐mediated activation of pSTAT5 in the pregnant mouse brain
Authors: Gustafson Papillon , Ladyman Sharon R. , McFadden Sarah , Larsen Caroline , Khant Aung Zin , Brown Rosemary S. E. , Bunn Stephen J. , Grattan David R.
Published: September 2020

Pregnancy represents a period of remarkable adaptive physiology throughout the body, with many of these important adaptations mediated by changes in gene transcription in the brain. A marked activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) has been described in the brain during pregnancy and likely drives some of these changes. We aimed to investigate the physiological mechanism causing this increase in phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5) during pregnancy. In various tissues, STAT5 is known to be activated by a number of different cytokines, including erythropoietin, growth hormone and prolactin. Because the lactogenic hormones that act through the prolactin receptor (PRLR), prolactin and its closely‐related placental analogue placental lactogen, are significantly increased during pregnancy, we hypothesised that this receptor was primarily responsible for the pregnancy‐induced increase in pSTAT5 in the brain. By examining temporal changes in plasma prolactin levels and the pattern of pSTAT5 immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus during early pregnancy, we found that the level of pSTAT5 was sensitive to circulating levels of endogenous prolactin. Using a transgenic model to conditionally delete PRLRs from forebrain neurones (Prlrlox/lox/CamK‐Cre), we assessed the relative contribution of the PRLR to the up‐regulation of pSTAT5 in the brain of pregnant mice. In the absence of PRLRs on most forebrain neurones, a significant reduction in pSTAT5 was observed throughout the hypothalamus and amygdala in late pregnancy, confirming that PRLR is key in mediating this response. The exception to this was the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, where only 17% of pSTAT5 immunoreactivity during pregnancy was in PRLR‐expressing cells. Taken together, these data indicate that, although there are region‐specific mechanisms involved, lactogenic activity through the PRLR is the primary signal activating STAT5 in the brain during pregnancy.
Embedding skin tone diversity into undergraduate nurse education: Through the lens of pressure injury
Authors: Oozageer Gunowa Neesha , Brooke Joanne , Hutchinson Marie , Jackson Debra
Published: September 2020

Objective

To explore health disparity in on‐campus undergraduate nurse education through the analysis of teaching and teaching material exploring pressure injuries.

Background

As a discipline, nursing espouses ideologies of inclusion, equity and valuing diversity. However, little is known about how these ideologies translate into clinical care. Pressure injury prevention is a routine aspect of nursing care; yet, there is evidence of inequity in relation to clinical care and patient assessment, as people with darker skin tones have a higher prevalence of severe pressure injuries before detection of damage occurs. Despite limited literature being available surrounding the topic of pressure injuries and skin tone diversity, it remains the responsibility of nurse educators to address contemporary issues and health disparity within the nursing curriculum.

Design

A multiple method collective case study. The STROBE checklist was followed in reporting this study.

Methods

Documentary and observational data of lectures regarding pressure injuries were collected during 2017 and 2018 from five Higher Education Institutes in England delivering approved nursing undergraduate programmes.

Results

Documentary analysis confirmed all Higher Education Institutes overwhelmingly directed teaching and learning activities about pressure injury towards people with Caucasian skin tones. Observation of teaching indicated all teaching sessions only contained brief, separate and superficial information on people with pressure injuries and darker skin tones. There was no discursive language or awareness of colour or colour blindness.

Conclusion

Radical critique of all teaching and learning activities needs to occur, to help explore, improve and meaningfully and authentically include diversity and inclusivity in nurse education, and in particular, how people across the skin tone spectrum are included and represented in teaching and learning activities.

Relevance to clinical practice

Critical examination of current teaching practice is crucial to address disparity and ensure care for people with darker skin tones is optimised.

Nurse educators have a responsibility to educate for the care needs of all, as the quality of nurse education has a direct impact on care delivery and health disparity.

This paper highlights the importance of addressing skin tone diversity and offers the opportunity for reflective practice, not just in formal education, but in clinical settings by preceptors and senior staff.
A narrative of my lived experience of a whole series of psychiatric diagnoses and their impacts on me, ending with a discussion of clinical recovery from psychosis
Authors: Tomlinson Peter
Published: September 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

All health service users in Belgium have the right to be informed about their diagnosis.

There is a whole spectrum of prognoses for psychosis, but many practitioners show a bias towards believing that psychosis is always regressive.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper is a first person narrative of one thread through my experiences as a mental health service user: the story of my diagnoses.

A case study of the functions and impacts of diagnosis.

What are the implications for practice?

Practitioners need to reflect on the impact diagnosis can have on a person and avoid assumptions that the experience and prognosis is universal.

A diagnosis can play a positive therapeutic role.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate nurses and other mental health professionals to reflect on what they understand by a psychiatric diagnosis and how they use this understanding.

Background

I have twenty years’ experience as mental health service user, and in this time, I have received numerous diagnoses which have had a variety of impacts on me.

Methods

The paper began as notes drawn from introspection. I ordered my memories and reflections chronologically to reconstruct this narrative.

Keypoints

My case makes the point that psychiatric diagnosis is not an established, universal science like in somatic medicine, but a still evolving complex of contradictions and opinions and should not be treated as authoritative. I aim to challenge what I see as a general overestimation of how much a diagnosis tells you about a person and how you should treat them.
PCP Opinions of Universal Suicide Risk Screening in Rural Primary Care: Current Challenges and Strategies for Successful Implementation
Authors: LeCloux Mary , Aguinaldo Laika D. , Lanzillo Elizabeth C. , Horowitz Lisa M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Universal suicide risk screening has the potential to address the disproportionately high rates of suicide in the rural United States, as 83% of people who have died by suicide have visited a health care provider in the year prior to their deaths, and rural patients are more likely to visit medical professionals than behavioral health professionals for mental health concerns. This study describes the opinions of primary care providers (PCPs) practicing in a primarily rural state regarding universal suicide risk screening, barriers to implementation, and strategies to increase the feasibility of screening in their practices.

Methods

In‐depth, individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of PCPs practicing in West Virginia (N = 15). Applied thematic analysis of the data was completed by a team of 3 coders using a consensus‐coding methodology.

Findings

The majority of PCPs supported the practice of screening, but they identified multiple barriers, including a lack of access to mental health and crisis support services, concerns about clinic flow and follow‐up with suicidal patients, cultural beliefs specific to rural Appalachia, and provider discomfort with screening. Strategies suggested to address these barriers included the use of technology for screening, a multidisciplinary team approach, streamlined methods for screening and risk assessment, co‐located behavioral health, and additional trainings for PCPs on the topic of suicide.

Conclusion

Future research should examine the efficacy of universal suicide risk screening programs in rural adult primary care that utilize these strategies in diverse samples with longitudinal data.
What does Jerome Powell know that William McChesney Martin did not—And what role did academic research play in that?
Authors: Blinder Alan S.
Published: September 2020

Much has changed over the past 50 years, both in central banking circles and in academic monetary economics. This paper inquires about the interaction between the two: how much and in what ways has academic research influenced the practice of monetary policy, especially by the Federal Reserve? More specifically, the paper takes up five issues: (a) the inflation target, (b) the monetary policy instrument (e.g., interest rate, money supply or “unconventional” instrument?), (c) the model of monetary policy transmission, (d) central bank communications and (e) rules versus discretion.
Genomic evidence of introgression and adaptation in a model subtropical tree species, Eucalyptus grandis
Authors: Mostert‐O'Neill Marja Mirjam , Reynolds Sharon Melissa , Acosta Juan Jose , Lee David John , Borevitz Justin O. , Myburg Alexander Andrew
Published: September 2020

The genetic consequences of adaptation to changing environments can be deciphered using population genomics, which may help predict species' responses to global climate change. Towards this, we used genome‐wide SNP marker analysis to determine population structure and patterns of genetic differentiation in terms of neutral and adaptive genetic variation in the natural range of Eucalyptus grandis, a widely cultivated subtropical and temperate species, serving as genomic reference for the genus. We analysed introgression patterns at subchromosomal resolution using a modified ancestry mapping approach and identified provenances with extensive interspecific introgression in response to increased aridity. Furthermore, we describe potentially adaptive genetic variation as explained by environment‐associated SNP markers, which also led to the discovery of what is likely a large structural variant. Finally, we show that genes linked to these markers are enriched for biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Introgression across evolutionary scales suggests reticulation contributes to Amazonian tree diversity
Authors: Schley Rowan J. , Pennington R. Toby , Pérez‐Escobar Oscar Alejandro , Helmstetter Andrew J. , de la Estrella Manuel , Larridon Isabel , Sabino Kikuchi Izai Alberto Bruno , Barraclough Timothy G. , Forest Félix , Klitgård Bente
Published: September 2020

Hybridization has the potential to generate or homogenize biodiversity and is a particularly common phenomenon in plants, with an estimated 25% of plant species undergoing interspecific gene flow. However, hybridization in Amazonia's megadiverse tree flora was assumed to be extremely rare despite extensive sympatry between closely related species, and its role in diversification remains enigmatic because it has not yet been examined empirically. Using members of a dominant Amazonian tree family (Brownea, Fabaceae) as a model to address this knowledge gap, our study recovered extensive evidence of hybridization among multiple lineages across phylogenetic scales. More specifically, using targeted sequence capture our results uncovered several historical introgression events betweenBrownealineages and indicated that gene tree incongruence inBrowneais best explained by reticulation, rather than solely by incomplete lineage sorting. Furthermore, investigation of recent hybridization using ~19,000 ddRAD loci recovered a high degree of shared variation between twoBrowneaspecies that co‐occur in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our analyses also showed that these sympatric lineages exhibit homogeneous rates of introgression among loci relative to the genome‐wide average, implying a lack of selection against hybrid genotypes and persistent hybridization. Our results demonstrate that gene flow between multiple Amazonian tree species has occurred across temporal scales, and contrasts with the prevailing view of hybridization's rarity in Amazonia. Overall, our results provide novel evidence that reticulate evolution influenced diversification in part of the Amazonian tree flora, which is the most diverse on Earth.
Molecular detection of the reptile‐associated Borrelia group in Amblyomma dissimile, Mexico
Authors: Colunga‐Salas P. , Sánchez‐Montes S. , Ochoa‐Ochoa L. M. , Grostieta E. , Becker I.
Published: September 2020

Recently, the first record of Borrelia associated with reptiles in Mexico was published; however, no studies have been done to assess the role of Mexican ticks as potential vectors of this Borrelia group. Amblyomma dissimile is a hard tick mainly associated with amphibians and reptiles in this country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Borrelia in A. dissimile from Mexico. We collected 60 A. dissimile individuals attached to 16 Rhinella horribilis. DNA was extracted and all specimens were screened individually for Borrelia by amplification of a fragment of the 16S rDNA and an additional fragment of the flagellin gene. Five ticks were positive for Borrelia, DNA sequences corresponded to Borrelia sp. and group with sequences of the reptile‐associated Borrelia group. This is the first report of Borrelia in A. dissimile and the second report of the reptile‐associated Borrelia group in Mexico. This study also highlights the importance of this tick species as potential vector of this group.
Ideas of caring in nursing practice
Authors: Karlsson Margareta , Pennbrant Sandra
Published: September 2020

In nursing practice, awareness of ethical inner values and a common understanding of nursing and caring are needed. It is therefore important to highlight ideas of caring in nursing practice. The aim of this paper was to illuminate nursing, caring and ethical inner values in caring and caring in nursing practice. By being attentive, open, respectful and treating the patient as a person, nurses can enhance both their own and the patient's sense of personal meaning in the caring relationship. Nurses can use self‐reflection to create an awareness of nursing, caring and ethical inner values in caring.
Pathologic assessment of endoscopic resection specimens with superficial carcinoma of the esophagus: current practice and practical issues
Authors: Marginean Esmeralda Celia , Dhanpat Jain
Published: September 2020

Endoscopic resection (ER) has become the first‐line therapy for early esophageal cancer and offers a treatment alternative to surgery, owing to less morbidity and better quality of life. ER techniques include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). EMR is faster, simpler, and cheaper than ESD, but limited by its ability to resect lesions larger than 1.5 centimeters. Piecemeal EMR has limitations, including a high local recurrence rate and a suboptimal specimen for an accurate pathologic assessment. ESD, on the other hand, allows en bloc resections with negative (R0) margins, irrespective of lesion size, providing an excellent pathologic specimen, however, is technically challenging with a higher risk of complications. The evaluation of ER specimens in pathology varies slightly from institution to institution. Our review summarizes the current practices and issues in the pathologic assessment of esophageal ER specimens, which highlights the necessity of a systematic approach and standardization of both macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. There is a need for a comprehensive and standardized pathology report that will allow for uniform terminology for endoscopists, surgeons, and pathologists, which, in turn, will result in better treatment guidance.
Clinical outcomes of His‐Purkinje conduction system pacing
Authors: Muthumala Amal , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi
Published: September 2020

His‐Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) in the form of His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) allows normal left ventricular activation, thereby preventing the adverse consequences of right ventricular pacing. HBP has been established for several years with centers from China, Europe, and North America reporting their experience. There is international guidance as to how to implant such systems with the differing patterns of His bundle capture clearly described. LBBP is a more recent innovation with potential advantages including improved pacing parameters. HPCSP has been extensively studied in a variety of indications including cardiac resynchronization therapy, atrioventricular node ablation, and bradycardia pacing. This review will focus on the clinical outcomes of HPCSP including mortality and morbidity of heart failure hospitalization and symptoms.