bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of burning mouth Syndrome: A position paper of the Chinese Society of Oral Medicine
Authors: Chen Qianming , Shi Yujie , Jiang Lu , Zhou Yu , Dan Hongxia , Jin Xin , Sun Silu , Zeng Xin
Published: June 2020

Background

Burning mouth syndrome is a syndrome with tongue as the main affected site and burning pain as the main complaint. Although a variety of therapies have been reported to treat BMS, there is a lack of widely recognized therapies and it is still a dilemma for clinicians to treat BMS.

Objective

To develop the position paper and provide the references for clinical practice of BMS in China.

Methods

Under the guidance of WHO (World Health Organization) Handbook for Guideline Development, we used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach as a tool to develop this position paper in the following steps: setting up the groups, formulating the clinical questions and choosing the outcomes, retrieving and synthesizing of evidence, assessing the evidence, investigating the patients' values and preferences, developing the recommendations, reviewing the recommendations, and writing the position paper.

Results

The 27 recommendations were formed from the following 7 aspects: pre‐treatment examination, removal of stimuli, medication, physical therapy, psychological therapy, and antipsychotics. There are 3 strong recommendations and 12 weak recommendations in pre‐treatment examination and removal of stimuli, as well as 12 weak recommendations in therapies.

Conclusion

The Chinese position paper for management of BMS has been developed, which could provide the references for clinical practice of BMS in China. Twenty‐seven recommendations were formed based on consensus of experts on the balance of benefits vs side effects, evidence, cost, and patients’ values and preferences, although the quality of evidence is relatively low.
Weak evidence for the management of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Moraschini Vittorio , Calasans‐Maia Monica Diuana , Louro Rafael Seabra , Arantes Eugênio Braz Rodrigues , Calasans‐Maia José de Albuquerque
Published: June 2020

Background

Although several therapies are proposed for medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), to date there is no consensus or treatment protocol for MRONJ. This overview aims to summarize the available evidence on the management and outcomes of MRONJ.

Methods

An electronic search without language or date restrictions occurred in five databases and gray literature for articles published until March 2020. This overview was performed according to the PICO format. The eligibility criteria comprised systematic reviews (RS) with or without meta‐analyses that analyzed treatments outcomes for MRONJ. The methodological quality of each SR was evaluated using AMSTAR 2.

Results

Fifteen studies published between 2014 and 2020 were included in this overview. The summary of the evidence showed that conservative treatment and low level laser therapy can yield favorable results for early stages of MRONJ whereas surgical treatment seems to be better for advanced stages. However, qualitative assessment of the SRs highlighted a global low level of quality.

Conclusions

There is weak evidence to support treatment protocols for MRONJ. Because of the low quality of the SRs, highlighted by this overview, no insightful therapeutic recommendations can be issued for any intervention for MRONJ.
Developmental changes in physiological amino acids and hepatic methionine remethylation enzyme activities in E10‐21 chick embryos and D1‐49 broilers
Authors: Lu Jianwei , Weil Jordan , Cerrate Sandro , Coon Craig
Published: June 2020

The remethylation of homocysteine to methionine is important for chick embryos to sustain the S‐adenosylmethionine transmethylation reactions, which are essential for the rapid proliferation of cells. Developmental changes in hepatic 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate‐homocysteine methyltransferase (MFMT), betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) and hepatic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) were determined in E10‐21 Cobb 500 broiler chick embryos and hatched chicks from D1‐49. Hepatic levels of free serine, glycine, putrescine, spermidine and spermine levels were also determined. Analyses showed hepatic MFMT‐specific activity doubled from E10 to E12, with remaining embryo development experiencing small fluctuations in activity through E21. Hepatic MFMT doubled immediately after hatch, with peak activity occurring at D3. Afterwards, hepatic MFMT‐specific activity steadily declined from D7‐49. Hepatic BHMT activity was higher from E10 to E16 of embryogenesis, decreased rapidly at E17 and remained lower through E21 (p < .05). Hepatic BHMT‐specific activity was also lower in chicks, with the exception of a peak in specific activity on D7. BHMT activity returned to lower levels by D21. Throughout embryogenesis, hepatic SHMT activity in chick embryos remained relatively constant except for a decrease at 13E, followed by an increase at 14E. Maximal activity of SHMT was found the first day post‐hatch. Additionally, SHMT activity was significantly lower in growing chicks than that in embryos. Hepatic‐free serine and glycine levels were negatively correlated with SHMT in hatched chicks. Hepatic polyamine, putrescine and spermidine shared a similar development pattern: peak level in the middle of incubation, low at late embryogenesis and lowest during the post‐hatch period except an increase within one week after hatch. The sharp increase in hepatic concentrations of glycine, serine and putrescine, along with increased specific activities of MHMT, BHMT and SHMT from D1‐7, suggests that methionine conservation (remethylation from homocysteine) and glycine/serine is critical for young chicks for organ growth, maturation, and development.
Influence of the effective microorganisms (EM) on performance, intestinal morphology and gene expression in the jejunal mucosa of pigs fed different diets
Authors: Reszka Patrycja , Dunislawska Aleksandra , Slawinska Anna , Siwek Maria , Kapelański Wojciech , Bogucka Joanna
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the effective microorganisms (EM) on performance parameters, intestinal morphology and gene expression in the jejunal mucosa in pigs under different feeding regimes. The study group comprised of 150 piglets divided into three feeding groups: C, E1 and E2. Feeding groups included: C—standard fodder, blend with a full share of post‐extracted soy meal, E1—in the phase I of fattening: pea and lupin/soybean 50/50%; in the phase II of fattening: pea and lupin/soybean 75/25%, and E2—in the phase I of fattening: pea and lupin/soybean 50/50%; in the phase II of fattening: pea and lupin 100%. The experimental factor was addition of a probiotic EM Carbon Bokashi to the diets (C + EM, E1 + EM and E2 + EM). After slaughter, histological evaluation and gene expression analysis were performed. The highest intestinal villi were reported in E2 + EM. A higher intestinal absorption area was demonstrated in groups C + EM and E2 + EM. An interaction between feeding and EM Bokashi supplementation was found in villus surface area crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth and number of goblet cells. Mucosa thickness and number of goblet cells was the largest in E2 + EM. Gene expression of FABP4 increased in E1, and GLUT2 decreased in E2. Gene expression of IL10 and FABP4 increased in E2 + EM. The results indicate that the E2 diet is more optimal for EM Bokashi supplementation, because in this group, EM positively influenced the morphological characteristics of the porcine jejunum and caused an increase in the expression of genes related to the metabolism and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia does not appear to have a substantial impact on early markers of cardiovascular disease: A preliminary randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johann Anna Friederike , Hertenstein Elisabeth , Feige Bernd , Akram Umair , Holub Florian , Baglioni Chiara , Domschke Katharina , Schramm Elisabeth , Nissen Christoph , Kyle Simon D. , Riemann Dieter , Biermann Jürgen , Spiegelhalder Kai
Published: June 2020

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, early prevention of these diseases is a public health priority. Epidemiological data suggest that insomnia may be a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A randomized controlled trial in a sample of insomnia patients without cardiovascular disease was conducted to investigate the effects of insomnia treatment on early markers of cardiovascular diseases assessed by 24‐hr ambulatory blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability monitoring, and morning fasting blood samples. Forty‐six patients with insomnia disorder were randomized to cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I; n = 23) or a waitlist control condition (n = 23). Contrary to the hypothesis, intention‐to‐treat analyses did not show any significant treatment effects on early markers of cardiovascular disease (d = 0.0–0.6) despite successful insomnia treatment (d = 1.3). Potential methodological and conceptual reasons for these negative findings are discussed. Future studies might include larger sample sizes that are at risk of cardiovascular diseases and focus on other cardiovascular markers.
Deep sequencing of liver explant transcriptomes reveals extensive expression from integrated hepatitis B virus DNA
Authors: Ringlander Johan , Skoglund Catarina , Prakash Kasthuri , Andersson Maria E. , Larsson Simon B. , Tang Ka‐Wei , Rydell Gustaf E. , Abrahamsson Sanna , Castedal Maria , Norder Heléne , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Lindh Magnus
Published: June 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Integration of HBV DNA into the human genome may contribute to oncogenesis and to the production of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Whether integrations contribute to HBsAg levels in the blood is poorly known. Here, we characterize the HBV RNA profile of HBV integrations in liver tissue in patients with chronic HBV infection, with or without concurrent hepatitis D infection, by transcriptome deep sequencing. Transcriptomes were determined in liver tissue by deep sequencing providing 200 million reads per sample. Integration points were identified using a bioinformatic pipeline. Explanted liver tissue from five patients with end‐stage liver disease caused by HBV or HBV/HDV was studied along with publicly available transcriptomes from 21 patients. Almost all HBV RNA profiles were devoid of reads in the core and the 3′ redundancy (nt 1830‐1927) regions, and contained a large number of chimeric viral/human reads. Hence, HBV transcripts from integrated HBV DNA rather than from covalently closed circular HBV DNA (cccDNA) predominated in late‐stage HBV infection, in particular in cases with hepatitis D virus co‐infection. The findings support the suggestion that integrated HBV DNA can be a significant source of HBsAg in humans.
Hyperintensive stocking densities for Litopenaeus vannamei grow‐out in biofloc technology culture system
Authors: da Silveira Lucas Genesio P. , Krummenauer Dariano , Poersch Luís H. , Rosas Victor Torres , Wasielesky Wilson
Published: June 2020

Searching for potential increases in shrimp yields, this study evaluated the effects of different stocking densities on water quality and production performance of juvenile shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, reared on a biofloc‐dominated system throughout 77 days. The organisms (1.27 ± 0.54 g) were stocked at three densities, 400 (T400), 500 (T500), and 600 (T600) shrimp/m2 corresponding to 500, 625, and 750 shrimp/m3, with three replicates each, in nine 35 m2 tanks with 28 m3 of workable volume inside a greenhouse. Shrimp were maintained at optimal conditions for the species with an average temperature of 28.9 ± 0.1°C, dissolved oxygen average above 6.0 mg/L, and pH above 7.3. Significant differences in yields (3.52 ± 0.05, 4.02 ± 0.06 and 4.22 ± 0.40 kg/m2 or 4.39 ± 0.07, 4.48 ± 0.08, and 5.27 ± 0.49 kg/m3) were observed between treatments (T400, T500, and T600, respectively), and for final mean weights (12.3 ± 5.53, 12.2 ± 3.89, and 10.2 ± 3.49 g, respectively). These results suggest that 500 shrimp/m2 or 625 shrimp/m3 is the optimum stocking density for Biofloc Technology culture under the defined study conditions.
Use Data‐based Individualization to Improve High School Students’ Mathematics Computation and Mathematics Concept, and Application Performance
Authors: Dennis Minyi Shih , Gratton‐Fisher Emma
Published: June 2020

Secondary students with persistent mathematics difficulties need the most intensive intervention in order to improve their mathematics outcomes. One approach to intensifying and individualizing intervention is through data‐based individualization (DBI). The present study used a single‐subject, multiple‐baseline‐across‐participants, replicated‐across‐skills design to investigate the effectiveness of DBI process on mathematics computation and mathematics concept and application performance of high school students who had intense needs in mathematics. Results suggest the interventions guided by the DBI process improved mathematics computation and mathematics concept and application performance of the participants. Implications of these findings and indications for future research are discussed.
Noncontact cable force estimation with unmanned aerial vehicle and computer vision
Authors: Tian Yongding , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Shang , Zhang Jian , Duan Wenhui
Published: June 2020

Cables and hangers are critical components of long‐span bridges, tension forces of them are needed to be accurately measured for ensuring the safety of bridges. Traditionally, cable tension forces are measured by attached accelerometers or elastomagnetic (EM) sensors, however, applying these sensors into engineering practice are time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and highly dangerous. To address these problems, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based noncontact cable force estimation method with computer vision technologies was proposed in this article. Basic concept of the proposed method is to use the UAV‐installed camera for capturing vibration images of cables from a certain distance and cable dynamic properties are extracted by analyzing captured images. It includes two aspects: (a) a line segments detector (LSD) was employed for detecting cable edges from captured video and a line matching algorithm was further proposed for extracting dynamic displacements; (b) the frequency difference of adjacent higher modal frequencies identified from relative displacements of the cable was employed for cable force calculation to avoid the difficulty of extracting fundamental frequency from UAV‐captured video. It should be noted that relative displacement herein refers to the difference between displacements of two points on the same cable. Advantages of the proposed method lie in that the proposed LSD and matching algorithm are more robust than traditional correlation‐based algorithm for calculating dynamic displacements of bridge cables and it does not need to adjust predefined parameters (i.e., subset size in correlation‐based algorithms). In addition, the combination of relative displacement and frequency difference‐based cable force estimation has the capability of enhancing the Fourier spectrum magnitude of bridge cables and reducing the effect of UAV motion on extraction of cable vibration frequencies. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method was verified by using an experimental inclined cable and field‐testing data of a long‐span suspension bridge. Results show that calculated cable forces with UAV technology have a good agreement with reference values measured by attached accelerometers and fixed camera, demonstrating correctness and robustness of the proposed method for cable force estimation.
TRICHOME AND ARTEMISININ REGULATOR 2 positively regulates trichome development and artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Tan Hexin , Li Qi , Li Qing , Wang Yun , Bu Qitao , Li Yaoxin , Wu Yu , Chen Wansheng , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2020

Glandular secretory trichomes (GSTs) are regarded as biofactories for synthesizing, storing, and secreting artemisinin. It is necessary to figure out the initiation and development regulatory mechanism of GSTs to cultivate high‐yielding Artemisia annua.

Here, we identified an MYB transcription factor, AaTAR2, from bioinformatics analysis of the A. annua genome database and Arabidopsis trichome development‐related genes. AaTAR2 is mainly expressed in young leaves and located in the nucleus. Repression and overexpression of AaTAR2 resulted in a decrease and increase, respectively, in the GSTs numbers, leaf biomass, and the artemisinin content in transgenic plants. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics changed obviously in trichomes, suggesting AaTAR2 plays a key role in trichome formation.

In addition, the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes and total flavonoid content increased dramatically in AaTAR2‐overexpressing transgenic plants. Owing to flavonoids possibly counteracting emerging resistance to artemisinin in Plasmodium species, AaTAR2 is a potential target to improve the effect of artemisinin in clinical therapy.

Taken together, AaTAR2 positively regulates trichome development and artemisinin and flavonoid biosynthesis. A better understanding of this ‘multiple functions’ transcription factor may enable enhanced artemisinin and flavonoids yield. AaTAR2 is a potential breeding target for cultivating high‐quality A. annua.
Can natural gene drives be part of future fungal pathogen control strategies in plants?
Authors: Gardiner Donald M. , Rusu Anca , Barrett Luke , Hunter Gavin C. , Kazan Kemal
Published: June 2020

Globally, fungal pathogens cause enormous crop losses and current control practices are not always effective, economical or environmentally sustainable. Tools enabling genetic management of wild pathogen populations could potentially solve many problems associated with plant diseases.

A natural gene drive from a heterologous species can be used in the globally important cereal pathogen Fusarium graminearum to remove pathogenic traits from contained populations of the fungus. The gene drive element became fixed in a freely crossing population in only three generations.

Repeat‐induced point mutation (RIP), a natural genome defence mechanism in fungi that causes C to T mutations during meiosis in highly similar sequences, may be useful to recall the gene drive following release, should a failsafe mechanism be required.

We propose that gene drive technology is a potential tool to control plant pathogens once its efficacy is demonstrated under natural settings.
‘Where are they now’? A survey of former oral surgery trainees
Authors: Gormley M. , Ali S. , French K. , Wilson G. , Stagnell S. , Bailey E.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to gather demographic data from the oral surgery workforce who have experienced a formal training pathway, their current roles, commitments, competencies and how they believe oral surgery training could be improved.

Methods

A 22‐question online survey was developed and distributed to 70 former oral surgery trainees. Trainee details were retrospectively obtained using the British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) Consultants and Senior Trainers (CAST) group mailing list and the oral surgery trainee mailing list and potential participants were invited via email.

Results

Six participants reported not having had formal training and were excluded, resulting in a 47% response rate. The majority (78%) of former oral surgery trainees appear to spend most of their working week in hospital practice, with 63% in oral surgery consultant or honorary consultant positions. Participants reported a mean average of five WTE oral surgery sessions working for the NHS and one WTE private session. Oral surgeons have a broad remit of roles and responsibilities including teaching and training, policy making, research, leadership and management. Respondents suggested improvements for any future oral surgery specialty curriculum, including more leadership and management training to ensure trainees are well prepared for senior posts.

Conclusion

Overall, this survey demonstrates the broad and diverse skills of the oral surgery workforce. The majority of former oral surgery trainees currently hold consultant level positions and are mainly based in hospital practice. This study also demonstrated that a large proportion of the oral surgery workforce commitment is to the public sector and education.
Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy for Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Six Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Ying Zhi‐min , Hu Bin , Yan Shi‐gui
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral bisphosphonates in increasing bone mineral density (BMD), reducing fractures, and improving clinical function in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

Methods

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were randomized controlled trials of directly comparing oral bisphosphonate therapy with placebo‐group in OI patients. Data synthesis regarding to bone mineral density as measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), decreased fracture incidence, change in biochemical markers of bone and mineral metabolism, bone histology, growth, bone pain, quality of life, and others were assessed, and meta‐analysis done when possible.

Results

From 98 potential references and six randomized controlled studies a total of 263 participants receiving oral bisphosphonates and 143 placebo treatments contributed data to meta‐analysis. Pooled meta‐analysis of three studies suggested that there was significant difference between bisphosphonate treated group and placebo in number of patients with at least one fracture (mean difference 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.89, P = 0.02). Pooled meta‐analysis of two studies suggested that significant difference was noted between bisphosphonate treated group and placebo in mean percentage change in spine BMD (T‐score) (mean difference 28.43, 95% confidence interval 7.09‐49.77, P = 0.009). The similar effect was shown in the term of mean change (Z‐score) in spine BMD.

Conclusions

Significant improvement in lumbar areal BMD in patients affected with OI has been shown when treated with oral bisphosphonates, even though only a small population was enrolled. We cannot draw a definite conclusion that the increase in BMD can be translated into fracture reduction and clinical functional improvement. The optimal method, dose, type, initiation, and duration of oral bisphosphonates therapy still remains unclear. Well‐designed, adequately‐powered, placebo‐controlled RCTs investigating the effects of oral bisphosphonates on fractures reduction and improvement in quality of life in both children and adults are studied here.
Oldest fossil ciliates from the Cryogenian glacial interlude reinterpreted as possible red algal spores
Authors: Cohen Phoebe A. , Vizcaíno Maoli , Anderson Ross P.
Published: June 2020

The Cryogenian Period experienced two long lived global glaciations known as Snowball Earths. While these events were dramatic, eukaryotic life persisted through them, and fossil evidence shows that eukaryotes thrived during the c. 30‐million‐year interlude between the glaciations. Carbonate successions have become an important taphonomic window for this interval. One of the most notable examples is the c. 662–635 Ma Taishir Formation (Tsagaan Olom Group, Zavkhan Terrane, Mongolia) which has yielded a number of eukaryotic fossil taxa. Here, we examine more closely the morphology and taxonomic affinity of some of these Taishir fossils previously interpreted as remains of ciliate tintinnid loricae (purportedly the oldest fossil ciliates). New morphological and ultrastructural analyses indicate that these fossils are not ciliate tintinnids. Instead, we propose a new interpretation: that they are algal reproductive structures related to coeval macroscopic organic warty sheets described as putative red algae. We report the first occurrence of these fossils in the earliest Ediacaran Ol Formation, indicating that this taxon persisted through the Marinoan Snowball Earth. A new interpretation of these fossils as putative red algal spores has broad implications for our understanding of biodiversity in the Neoproterozoic Era, specifically during the Cryogenian Period, and for the antiquity of ciliates.
Caregiver anxiety and the association with acute postoperative pain in children undergoing elective ambulatory surgery in a lower‐middle‐income country setting
Authors: Knoetze Reynard , Lachman Anusha , Moxley Karis , Chetty Sean
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

Moderate to severe postoperative pain complicates surgeries performed on children in upper‐income countries. The successful management of postoperative pain in children requires a biopsychosocial approach. Situational anxiety and anxiety disorders among caregivers influence a child's perioperative experience. This study aims to determine whether there is an association between caregiver's preoperative anxiety and children's postoperative pain in a lower‐middle‐income country (LMIC) setting.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional, descriptive study, we recruited 76 children aged 4‐12 years, undergoing elective ambulatory tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. Primary caregivers completed validated measures of anxiety (the Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI] and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K10]) prior to the children undergoing surgery. Postoperative pain was measured using the Wong‐Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale 4 hours after surgery.

Results

Caregiver anxiety was found in 31.7% of participants using the K10 and in 42.1% using the BAI. Moderate to severe postoperative pain was reported by 51% of children. There was a statistically significant correlation of moderate strength between anxiety scores of caregivers and children's self‐reported postoperative pain scores (r = .47 for K10, r = .44 for BAI, P < .001 for both). Two median quantile regression models confirmed that K10 was positively associated with caregiver anxiety (WBFS) with slope = 0.16 and pseudo R2 = 0.25 (P = .002, 95CI: 0.06‐0.26) as was BAI with slope = 0.12 and pseudo R2 = 0.22 (P = .013 95CI: 0.03‐0.22).

Conclusions

This study showed that preoperative caregiver anxiety is significantly associated with postoperative pain in children undergoing elective, ambulatory surgery in a LMIC setting (correlation of moderate strength). Interventions aimed at reducing caregiver anxiety should become an important component of the biopsychosocial management of postoperative pain in children.
Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose on avocado fruit in Mexico: Current status
Authors: Fuentes‐Aragón Dionicio , Silva‐Rojas Hilda V. , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Mora‐Aguilera José A. , Aranda‐Ocampo Sergio , Bautista‐Martínez Néstor , Téliz‐Ortíz Daniel
Published: June 2020

Colletotrichum species cause anthracnose disease in tropical and subtropical fruit crops worldwide. Mexico is the main producer and exporter of avocado (Persea americana) globally and has yearly outbreaks of anthracnose on this crop. However, which specific Colletotrichum spp. cause these outbreaks in avocado‐producing regions remain uncertain; thus, the objective of the present study was to identify the species responsible. A survey performed in six production regions of Mexico yielded 232 isolates, from which a subset of 104 strains was selected based on morphological characteristics and origin. This subset was sequenced and haplotypes were analysed in the gapdh partial gene. Finally, 31 strains were identified through multilocus phylogenetic analyses using the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region and six loci. This study revealed the presence of two species previously reported in Mexico (C. karsti and C. godetiae), three novel records in Mexico (C. siamense, C. fioriniae, and C. cigarro), four novel records on avocado (C. chrysophilum, C. jiangxiense, C. tropicale, and C. nymphaeae), and two novel lineages (Colletotrichum sp. 1 and Colletotrichum sp. 2). C. siamense was the most prevalent, while the species reported for the first time on avocado, including the novel lineages, were the least prevalent. C. karsti was the most widespread (four regions), followed by C. siamense, C. jiangxiense, and C. chrysophilum (three regions). Pathogenicity tests showed that all species caused anthracnose on avocado fruit. These findings will be useful for improving the management of avocado anthracnose outbreaks in Mexico.
Moulting in the grow‐out of farmed shrimp: a review
Authors: Lemos Daniel , Weissman Delphine
Published: June 2020

The importance of moulting for growth in farmed shrimp is reviewed in relation to the physiological cycle, induction triggers, behavioural and compositional changes, elements for successful moulting and potential strategies for moulting management. Successful ecdysis is also dependent on pond water quality, health and nutritional status. The stages in the moulting cycle are as follows: premoult, the preparation period for moulting that comprises the longest period in the cycle and includes accumulation of nutrient reserves; post‐moult, short and crucial stage for shrimp recovery after moulting; and intermoult, when feeding is continuous and most of growth occurs. The ecdysis is very rapid and mainly dependent on suitable physiological status of individuals. Up to 10% of the whole shrimp moulting cycle may rely on body nutrient reserves, once feeding is decreased or ceased (premoult and post‐moult). Moulting is started by hormonal increments in haemolymph, 20‐hydroxyecdysone and methyl farnesoate, which are found similar in insects. Beyond health and nutrition, proper environmental conditions such as good water quality are essential for successful moulting, hardening of exoskeleton and rapid growth. Moulting prediction and management may result in significant feed savings in pond farming and potential effects of, for example, moon phases and stressors have to be further considered. The complex nature of moulting in shrimp, including different sorts of endocrine regulation and environmental stimuli, suggests it is difficult to be precisely controlled in farmed populations. Moulting physiology of shrimp is discussed in relation to some farming practices.
Quantifying effects of increased hydroperiod on wetland nutrient concentrations during early phases of freshwater restoration of the Florida Everglades
Authors: Sarker Shishir K. , Kominoski John S. , Gaiser Evelyn E. , Scinto Leonard J. , Rudnick David T.
Published: June 2020

Wetland restoration requires managing long‐term changes in hydroperiod and ecosystem functions. We quantified relationships among spatiotemporal variability in wetland hydrology and total phosphorus (TP) and its stoichiometric relationships with total organic carbon (TOC:TP) and total carbon (TC:TP) and total nitrogen (TN:TP) in water, flocculent organic matter (floc), periphyton, sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and soil during early phases of freshwater wetland restoration—water year (WY) 2016 (1 May, 2015 to 30 April, 2016) to WY 2019—in Everglades National Park (ENP, Homestead, FL, U.S.A.). Wetland hydroperiod increased by 87 days, following restoration actions and rainfall events that increased median stage in the upstream source canal. Concentrations of TP were highest and most variable at sites closest (<1 km) to canal inputs and upstream wetland sources of legacy P. Surface water TOC:TP and TN:TP ratios were highest in wetlands >1 km downstream of the canal in wet season 2015 with spatial variability reflecting disturbances including droughts, fires, and freeze events. The TP concentrations of flocculent soil surface particles, periphyton, sawgrass, and consolidated soil declined, and TC:TP and TN:TP ratios increased (except soil) logarithmically with downstream distance from the canal. We measured abrupt increases in periphyton (wet season 2018) and sawgrass TP (wet season 2015 and 2018) at sites <1 km from the canal, likely reflecting legacy TP loading. Our results suggest restoration efforts that increase freshwater inflow and hydroperiod will likely change patterns of nutrient concentrations among water and organic matter compartments of wetlands as a function of nutrient legacies.
Uncertainty, institutions and regulatory responses to emerging technologies: CRISPR Gene editing in the US and the EU (2012–2019)
Authors: Asquer Alberto , Krachkovskaya Inna
Published: June 2020

This study aims to improve theoretical accounts of regulatory responses to emerging technologies by proposing a model of regulatory development, which incorporates a role for types of uncertainty and for existing regulatory institutions. Differently from existing theories of regulatory development, the model proposed here posits a sequence of cyclical activities where regulatory responses arise in incremental fashion out of efforts to make sense of emerging technologies and to ponder the applicability of existing regulatory tools. The model is discussed on the basis of the comparison between regulatory responses to the emergence of CRISPR gene editing in the US and the EU in the period 2012–2019. The comparison between the two cases suggests how regulatory responses to emerging technologies are affected by expectations of future technological and regulatory developments and by existing regulatory institutions.
Racial microaggressions: Bridging psychology and sociology and future research considerations
Authors: Domínguez Silvia , Embrick David G.
Published: June 2020

This article reviews racial microaggressions, specifically psychology and sociology's historical trajectory in informing existing literatures and disciplines, in its connections to meso and macro levels of systemic racism. In doing so, we contend that a sociological understanding of racial microaggressions presents opportunities to better understand the cumulative and deleterious effects of racial violence on racialized groups. Furthermore, we argue that beyond bridging the disciplines of psychology and sociology to allow for more interdisciplinary analyses of racial microaggressions will help to move conversations in ways that more meaningfully capture the monstrosity of white supremacy and its cumulative deleterious effects of daily racial terrorism at all levels of society.
Reflectance confocal microscopy in actinic keratosis—Comparison of efficacy between cryotherapy protocols
Authors: Mota Amanda Nascimento Cavalleiro Macedo , De Carvalho Nathalie , Pellacani Giovanni , de Faria Paula Carolina Pessanha , Melo Daniel Fernandes , Pineiro‐Maceira Juan Manuel , Barcaui Carlos Baptista
Published: June 2020

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) incidence is increasing. Due to the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, early detection and treatment are essential. The method stated in the European Consensus is cryotherapy, but there is no standard protocol defined for better results.

Objectives

To compare two different cryotherapy protocols for AK using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) as a noninvasive imaging method for evaluation.

Methods

A self‐controlled clinical trial was proposed to compare the efficacy of cryotherapy in two different application protocols. Grade II AKs in the forearms were submitted to freezing and thawing time of 10 seconds for 1 cycle (group A) or 2 cycles (group B). At baseline and 4 weeks after treatment, the same dermatologists assessed RCM evaluation (thickness of horny layer, parakeratosis, dyskeratosis, atypia in spinous layer, fibrosis, and presence of inflammatory cells in epidermis and dermis).

Results

We examined 24 AK lesions in each group. Statistical evaluation of the results evidenced superior response after 2 cycles of cryotherapy in parakeratosis and number of inflammatory cells in epidermis.

Conclusion

Both protocols are effective in clearing clinical AK. Two cycles are not generating more side effects (fibrosis) and could reduce the risk of recurrence (better “clearance” of parakeratosis).
Stereophotogrammetry to reveal age‐related changes of labial morphology among Chinese women aging from 20 to 60
Authors: Chong Yuming , Dong Ruijia , Liu Xinyu , Wang Xiaojun , Yu Nanze , Long Xiao
Published: June 2020

Background

The lip is of important aesthetic value and highly subjected to aging. Collecting anthropometric baseline data and understanding age‐related changes of labial morphology can help with diagnosis of deformity, assessment of aging, and planning of cosmetic procedures. Many studies have focused on Caucasians, while there is a lack of anthropometric data on Chinese women.

Methods

A total of 169 women were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and divided into four consecutive age groups. Linear distances, angles, and surface area data were obtained via stereophotogrammetry. Intergroup comparisons between different age groups were performed to find age‐related differences.

Results

Lip width significantly increased with age while philtrum width seemed to show no obvious change. Cutaneous upper and lower lip height increased, lengthening the lip in the vertical dimension. Decrease of upper vermilion height and changes in angles indicated that aging process shortened the upper vermilion and flattened the vermilion border. Surface area also showed age‐related changes. Intergroup comparison showed no statistical significance in most variables between 20s and 30s or 30s and 40s, while age‐related changes in some variables were significant between 40s and 50s.

Conclusion

This study provided anthropometric data of labial morphology across a wide age range. Aging process affected a variety of labial anthropometric variables. Age‐related changes accelerated after 40 among Chinese women.
Arabidopsis plants expressing only the redox‐regulated Rca‐α isoform have constrained photosynthesis and plant growth
Authors: Kim Sang Yeol , Stessman Dan J. , Wright David A. , Spalding Martin H. , Huber Steven C. , Ort Donald R.
Published: June 2020

Rubisco activase (Rca) facilitates the release of sugar‐phosphate inhibitors from the active sites of Rubisco and thereby plays a central role in initiating and sustaining Rubisco activation. In Arabidopsis, alternative splicing of a single Rca gene results in two Rca isoforms, Rca‐α and Rca‐β. Redox modulation of Rca‐α regulates the function of Rca‐α and Rca‐β acting together to control Rubisco activation. Although Arabidopsis Rca‐α alone less effectively activates Rubisco in vitro, it is not known how CO2 assimilation and plant growth are impacted. Here, we show that two independent transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing Rca‐α in the absence of Rca‐β (‘Rca‐α only’ lines) grew more slowly in various light conditions, especially under low light or fluctuating light intensity, and in a short day photoperiod compared to wildtype. Photosynthetic induction was slower in the Rca‐α only lines, and they maintained a lower rate of CO2 assimilation during both photoperiod types. Our findings suggest Rca oligomers composed of Rca‐α only are less effective in initiating and sustaining the activation of Rubisco than when Rca‐β is also present. Currently there are no examples of any plant species that naturally express Rca‐α only but numerous examples of species expressing Rca‐β only. That Rca‐α exists in most plant species, including many C3 and C4 food and bioenergy crops, implies its presence is adaptive under some circumstances.
TERMINAL FLOWER‐1/CENTRORADIALIS inhibits tuberisation via protein interaction with the tuberigen activation complex
Authors: Zhang Xing , Campbell Raymond , Ducreux Laurence J. M. , Morris Jennifer , Hedley Pete E. , Mellado‐Ortega Elena , Roberts Alison G. , Stephens Jennifer , Bryan Glenn J. , Torrance Lesley , Chapman Sean N. , Prat Salomé , Taylor Mark A.
Published: June 2020

Potato tuber formation is a secondary developmental programme by which cells in the subapical stolon region divide and radially expand to further differentiate into starch‐accumulating parenchyma. Although some details of the molecular pathway that signals tuberisation are known, important gaps in our knowledge persist. Here, the role of a member of the TERMINAL FLOWER 1/CENTRORADIALIS gene family (termed StCEN) in the negative control of tuberisation is demonstrated for what is thought to be the first time. It is shown that reduced expression of StCEN accelerates tuber formation whereas transgenic lines overexpressing this gene display delayed tuberisation and reduced tuber yield. Protein–protein interaction studies (yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation) demonstrate that StCEN binds components of the recently described tuberigen activation complex. Using transient transactivation assays, we show that the StSP6A tuberisation signal is an activation target of the tuberigen activation complex, and that co‐expression of StCEN blocks activation of the StSP6A gene by StFD‐Like‐1. Transcriptomic analysis of transgenic lines misexpressing StCEN identifies early transcriptional events in tuber formation. These results demonstrate that StCEN suppresses tuberisation by directly antagonising the function of StSP6A in stolons, identifying StCEN as a breeding marker to improve tuber initiation and yield through the selection of genotypes with reduced StCEN expression.
The use of cryopreserved platelets in a trauma‐induced hemorrhage model
Authors: Kleinveld Derek J.B. , Sloos Pieter H. , Noorman Femke , Maas M. Adrie W. , Kers Jesper , Rijnhout Tim W.H. , Zoodsma Margreet , Hoencamp Rigo , Hollmann Markus W. , Juffermans Nicole P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Cryopreserved platelet products can be stored for years and are mainly used in military settings. Following thawing, cryopreserved platelets are activated, resulting in faster clot formation but reduced aggregation in vitro, rendering their efficacy in bleeding unknown. Also, concerns remain on the safety of these products. The aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of cryopreserved platelets in a rat model of traumatic hemorrhage.

Study Design and Methods

After 1 hour of shock, rats (n = 13/group) were randomized to receive a balanced transfusion pack (1:1:1 red blood cell:plasma:platelet) made from syngeneic rat blood, containing either liquid stored platelets or cryopreserved platelets. Primary outcome was the transfusion volume required to obtain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 60 mmHg. Secondary outcomes were coagulation as assessed by thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and organ failure as assessed by biochemistry and histopathology.

Results

The transfusion volume to obtain a MAP of 60 mmHg was lower in animals receiving cryopreserved platelets (5.4 [4.1‐7.1] mL/kg) compared to those receiving liquid stored platelets (7.5 [6.4‐8.5] mL/kg, p < 0.05). ROTEM® clotting times were shorter (45 [41‐48] vs. 49 [45‐53]sec, p < 0.05), while maximum clot firmness was slightly lower (68 [67‐68] vs. 69 [69‐71]mm, p < 0.01). Organ failure was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Use of cryopreserved platelets required less transfusion volume to reach a targeted MAP compared to liquid stored platelets, while organ injury was similar. These results provide a rationale for clinical trials with cryopreserved platelets in (traumatic) bleeding.
What goes around comes around: The effects of sanctions on Swedish firms in the wake of the Ukraine crisis
Authors: Gullstrand Joakim
Published: June 2020

This study uses the sanctions imposed on and by Russia in 2014 as an exogenous shock on Swedish firms. The results suggest that the total short‐run cost of these sanctions on the Swedish economy amounted to around 1 billion SEK in 2013 prices, which implies a rather limited impact (around 0.025% of the Swedish GDP). The sanction effects were, however, highly asymmetric, and the direct effect on firms exporting banned products to Russia was a 70% drop in exports to Russia and an increased probability of exiting this market with 0.6 units. The indirect effects on nonbanned products were a 36% drop in sales and an increased probability of exiting of around 0.2 units. The disruption on the Russian market also created ripple effects outside this market, which was manifested in a 20% drop in the domestic production of banned products, a 12% drop in sales on markets outside Russia and a new export pattern. These negative ripple effects were also found to be pronounced in firms with their core products exposed to these sanctions, in firms with financial distress and in regions with a relatively low level of labour productivity.
How trade and investment agreements affect bilateral foreign direct investment: Results from a structural gravity model
Authors: Kox Henk L. M. , Rojas‐Romagosa Hugo
Published: June 2020

We employ a structural gravity approach to analyse the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and other policies on bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI). We use the UNCTAD global database on bilateral FDI stocks and flows. To control for the heterogeneous nature of PTAs, we employ two different indicators of PTA depth. We find that on average signing a PTA increases bilateral FDI stocks by around 30%. Nevertheless, we also find that ‘deeper’ or comprehensive PTAs (e.g., including provisions on investment, public procurement and intellectual property rights provisions) do not have a significantly different impact than signing regular PTAs. Belonging to the EU single market, on the other hand, has a strong impact and increases bilateral FDI by around 135%, and signing a BIT has an effect that is comparable to signing a PTA.
Repeatable and objective method for evaluating angiogenesis using real‐time RT‐PCR of endoglin expression in canine tumours
Authors: Kimura Mayu , Yamasaki Masahiro , Satoh Hiroshi , Uchida Naohiro
Published: June 2020

Anti‐angiogenic therapy is a cancer treatment strategy targeting new blood vessel formation. Microvessel density (MVD) is a histopathological method for evaluating angiogenesis and endoglin is used as an activated endothelial marker in human medicine. The assessment of the treatment effect using MVD is difficult because it is a non‐repeatable method. To develop a repeatable method for evaluating angiogenesis, we investigated correlations among MVD, mRNA transcription levels of endothelial markers and angiogenesis factors, and confirmed the agreement of mRNA transcription levels between tissue samples and small samples obtained by fine needle aspiration (FNA). The various types of spontaneous tumours were collected from 51 dogs. MVD was assessed by immunostaining for von Willebrand factor (vWF). mRNA transcription levels of vWF, endoglin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR2) were analysed using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR). There were significant correlations between MVD and mRNA transcription levels of vWF, endoglin and VEGFR2. VEGFR2 was more strongly correlated with endoglin (P <.01, Rs = 0.649) than vWF (P <.01, Rs = 0.512), indicating that angiogenesis can be evaluated more accurately by the measurement of mRNA transcription levels of endoglin. The mRNA transcription levels in tissue and FNA samples were strongly correlated, suggesting that evaluating angiogenesis using FNA samples is possible. In conclusion, we developed a repeatable and objective method for angiogenesis evaluation using mRNA transcription levels of endothelial markers by FNA sampling.