bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of respiratory viruses in patients with severe acute respiratory infections and influenza‐like illness in Suriname
Authors: Grunberg Meritha , Sno Rachel , Adhin Malti R.
Published: September 2020

Background

Influenza has been well studied in developed countries with temperate climates, in contrast to low‐ and middle‐income (LMIC) countries, thus hampering the effort to attain representative global data. Furthermore, data on non‐influenza respiratory infections are also limited. Insight in viral respiratory infections in Suriname, a tropical LMIC in South America, would contribute to improved local preventive measures and a better global understanding of respiratory viruses.

Methods

From May 2016 through April 2018, all patients (n = 1096) enrolled in the national severe acute respiratory infection and influenza‐like illness surveillance were screened for the presence of 10 respiratory viruses with singleplex RT‐PCR.

Results

The overall viral‐positive detection rate was 45.3%, specified as RSV (19.4%), influenza (15.5%), hMPV (4.9%), AdV (4.6%), and parainfluenza (3.8%). Co‐infections were detected in 6.2% of the positive cases. Lower overall positivity was observed in the SARI vs ILI surveillance and influenza prevalence was higher in outpatients (45.0% vs 6.7%), while RSV exhibited the reverse (4.8% vs 23.8%). Respiratory infections in general were more common in children than in adults (54.4% vs 29.5%), although children were significantly less affected by influenza (11.5% vs 22.7%). None of the respiratory viruses displayed a clear seasonal pattern, and viral interference was observed between RSV and influenza.

Conclusions

The comprehensive information presented for Suriname, including first data on non‐influenza respiratory viruses, displayed distinct differences between the viruses, in seasonality, within age groups and between SARI/ILI, accentuating the need, especially for tropical LMIC countries to continue ongoing surveillance and accumulate local data.
Clinical impact of rapid influenza PCR in the adult emergency department on patient management, ED length of stay, and nosocomial infection rate
Authors: Peaper David R. , Branson Brittany , Parwani Vivek , Ulrich Andrew , Shapiro Marc J. , Clemons Crystal , Campbell Melissa , Owen Maureen , Martinello Richard A. , Landry Marie L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Seasonal influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality and incurs large economic costs. Influenza like illness is a common presenting concern to Emergency Departments (ED), and optimizing the diagnosis of influenza in the ED has the potential to positively affect patient management and outcomes. Therapeutic guidelines have been established to identify which patients most likely will benefit from anti‐viral therapy.

Objectives

We assessed the impact of rapid influenza PCR testing of ED patients on laboratory result generation and patient management across two influenza seasons.

Methods

A pre‐post study was performed following a multifaceted clinical redesign including the implementation of rapid influenza PCR at three diverse EDs comparing the 2016‐2017 and 2017‐2018 influenza seasons. Testing parameters including turn‐around‐time and diagnostic efficiency were measured along with rates of bed transfers, hospital‐acquired (HA) influenza, and ED length of stay (LOS).

Results

More testing of discharged patients was performed in the post‐intervention period, but influenza rates were the same. Identification of influenza‐positive patients was significantly faster, and there was faster and more appropriate prescription of anti‐influenza medication. There were no differences in bed transfer rates or HA influenza, but ED LOS was reduced by 74 minutes following clinical redesign.

Conclusions

Multifaceted clinical redesign to optimize ED workflow incorporating rapid influenza PCR testing can be successfully deployed across different ED environments. Adoption of rapid influenza PCR can streamline testing and improve antiviral stewardship and ED workflow including reducing LOS. Further study is needed to determine if other outcomes including bed transfers and rates of HA influenza can be affected by improved testing practices.
A novel zipper device versus sutures for wound closure after surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Cheng‐Xin , Yu Cheng‐Qiang , Wang Wei , Wang Cheng‐Long , Yin Dong
Published: September 2020

We performed an updated meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy of the zipper device and sutures for wound closure after surgery. A computerised literature search was performed for published trials in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently scrutinised the trials, extracted data, and assessed the quality of trials. The primary outcome was surgical site infections (SSI). The secondary outcomes were wound dehiscence, total wound complications, wound closure time, and scar score. Statistical analysis was performed in the Stata 12.0. Of the 130 citations, eight trials (1207 participants) met eligibility criteria and were included. The zipper device achieved a lower SSI rate (RR: 0.63, [95% CI: 0.41‐0.96, P = 0.032]), a shorter wound closure time (SMD: −8.53 [95% CI: −11.93 to −5.13, P = 0.000]) and a better scar score (SMD: 0.42 [95% CI: 0.22‐0.62, P = 0.000]) than sutures. No significant difference was shown in the incidence of wound dehiscence and total wound complications. Therefore, the zipper device provides the advantages of anti‐infection, time‐saving, and cosmesis for wound closure.
The utilization of permeates from the ultrafiltration of whey and skim milk
Authors: Coton S. G.
Published: September 2020

Paper given at the above symposium. Previously read at the International Dairy Federation Sessions in Montreux in September, 1979, and published here by permission of the IDF.
Development of a group dairy business
Authors: Berry L.
Published: September 2020

Utilization of both manpower and capital in the development of a group dairy business is described and the significance of good staff relations with the employment of first class technical staff emphasized. The future of the liquid milk market is discussed and the importance of its survival stressed. (Editor's summary)
Enzymes other than rennets in dairy technology
Authors: Fox Patrick F.
Published: September 2020

Lecture delivered to the XXth International Dairy Congress held in the Palais des Congrés, Paris, on Tuesday 27th June, 1978.
The use of single starter organisms for yoghurt manufacture
Authors: Marshall Valerie M. E. , Mabbitt L. A.
Published: September 2020

Yoghurt has been made successfully on a laboratory scale using single‐starter organisms. The resulting yoghurts have acidity and acetaldehyde content comparable to those made with mixed starter organisms. These products may therefore be of interest commercially. The advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Testing the segmentation effect of multimedia learning in a biological system
Authors: Soicher Raechel N. , Becker‐Blease Kathryn A.
Published: September 2020

Multimedia instruction, the combination of pictures and words to produce meaningful learning, involves attention, selection, organization, and integration of new information with previously learned information. Because there is a large, theory‐based literature supporting the effectiveness of multimedia instruction, we proposed that multimedia instruction could be leveraged to address issues in health communication. The cognitive theory of multimedia learning outlines techniques to improve meaningful learning when the processing load of essential information exceeds the cognitive capacity of the learner (Mayer, 2014). Specifically, segmentation, or presentation of the material in a learner paced fashion, results in deeper learning of the material than continuous presentation (Mayer & Chandler, 2001). We proposed a conceptual replication of the segmentation effect with multimedia materials relevant in a health communication context. We hypothesized that transfer of information from a multimedia presentation about kidney function would be improved in a segmented, versus continuous, condition. Additionally, we hypothesized that participants' perceived cognitive load during the learning task would be lower in the segmented, versus continuous, presentation condition. We were unable to replicate either of these advantages for the use of segmentation with health‐related materials.
Molecular mechanism for impaired suppressive function of Tregs in autoimmune diseases: A summary of cell‐intrinsic and cell‐extrinsic factors
Authors: Yang Luting , Wang Gang , Xia Haibin
Published: September 2020

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are responsible for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. In immune homeostasis condition, Tregs exert their suppressive function through inhibiting the proliferation of effector T cells. In response to environmental signals, Tregs display phenotypic heterogeneity and altered stability, which endows their suppressive function in a context‐dependent manner. Compelling evidence indicates deficiency of Treg suppressive function is related to the immunopathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Consequently, it is vital to further our understanding of the molecular mechanism accounting for the regulation of Treg suppressive functions. In this review, we outline the current knowledge that highlights how cell‐intrinsic factors, such as inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, signalling pathways, post‐translational modification (PTM), miRNAs, protein and protein complex, and cell‐extrinsic factors orchestrate the suppressive function of Tregs. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanism related to the suppressive functional property of Tregs should provide new insights into autoimmunity and disease pathogenesis, which offers opportunity for identifying new therapeutic targets for Treg‐related autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Pioglitazone alleviates cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppressing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis via SIRT1/p53 signalling
Authors: Zhang Jiong , Zou Yang , Cheng‐Jing Yan , Xiang‐Heng Lu , Wang Xue‐Peng , Yu Xiao‐Jia , Li Gui‐sen , Wang Jia
Published: September 2020

Pioglitazone (PIO) attenuates cisplatin nephrotoxicity whereas the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Apoptosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and SIRT1 activation can decrease cell apoptosis in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Therefore, we explored whether the protective effect of PIO in cisplatin nephrotoxicity is achieved by suppressing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis through SIRT1/p53 signalling regulation. Cell viability, apoptosis, survival rate, renal pathology and function were examined. Moreover, we also analysed the expression of SIRT1, Acetyl‐p53, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and apoptosis‐related protein in vivo and in vitro. Pioglitazone treatment significantly increased cell viability, promoted SIRT1‐p53 interaction, upregulated Bcl‐2 expression, activated SIRT1 and elevated mitochondrial ATP synthesis after cisplatin treatment. However, PIO decreased the generation of ROS, opening of mPTP, dissipation of MMP and translocation of cytochrome c after cisplatin treatment. Pioglitazone also reduced the activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9, lowered the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2, attenuated kidney pathological damage and dysfunction, down‐regulated the expression of Acetyl‐p53, PUMA‐α and Bax and abated cell apoptosis after cisplatin treatment. The SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, clearly reversed the protective effects of PIO. These results implied PIO attenuated cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppressing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis through regulating SIRT1/p53 signalling.
A new maximum size for the family Nomeidae and the third record of a longfin cigarfish, Cubiceps paradoxus (Stromateoidei: Nomeidae) from California, USA
Authors: Frable Benjamin W. , Mccrea Merit H. , Love Milton S. , Craig Matthew T.
Published: September 2020

We report the largest specimen from the stromateoid family Nomeidae. The specimen, measuring 1283 mm total length unpreserved, was caught on hook and line from shore in Port Hueneme, California, USA in June 2019. Despite scavenging damage, the specimen was identified as a longfin cigarfish, Cubiceps paradoxus, using morphological characters and molecular techniques. This is the third record of C. paradoxus from California. We also provide an account of a previously unreported C. paradoxus collected off the US‐Mexico Border in 1999 that was examined but not preserved.
Impact of liver‐stiffness measurement on hepatocellular carcinoma development in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct‐acting antivirals: A systematic review and time‐to‐event meta‐analysis
Authors: You Myung‐Won , Kim Kyung Won , Shim Jae‐Jun , Pyo Junhee
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) are still at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Liver‐stiffness measurement (LSM) on imaging has been investigated as a predictor of HCC occurrence.

Objectives

To provide systematic summary of the predictive value of LSM in predicting HCC occurrence in HCV patients treated with DAA.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed–MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies that evaluated the predictive value of LSM in CHC patients treated with DAAs. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing HCC occurrence between patients with positive and negative results on LSM was calculated for all studies and various subgroups. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were performed.

Results

A review of 135 candidate articles identified eight eligible articles with a total of 3398patients for qualitative review and meta‐analysis. The pooled HR for HCC occurrence determined by LSM was 3.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–7.19) with heterogeneity (I2 = 81.87%, P < 0.001), thus indicating that LSM might be helpful for predicting HCC occurrence. In subgroup analyses, pooled HRs were different according to the study design (2.29; [95% CI, 0.96–5.45] for retrospective studies; 4.61 [95% CI, 2.44–8.71] for prospective studies), study population (4.00 [95% CI, 2.00–7.99] for CHC; 2.64 [0.99–7.00] for CHC with liver cirrhosis) and LSM parameter (3.17 [95% CI, 1.35–7.41] for baseline LSM; 4.19 [95% CI, 1.89–9.29] for others). In multivariate meta‐regression, study design was the only influencing factor for pooled HR for HCC occurrence (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Consistent evidence demonstrated the predictive value of LSM for HCC occurrence in CHC patients treated with DAA. The significant influencing factor for risk of HCC occurrence indicated by LSM was study design.
Influence of the pandemic dissemination of COVID‐19 on facial rejuvenation: A survey of Twitter
Authors: Pang Ran , Wei Zhiru , Liu Wenhui , Chen Zong , Cheng Xu , Zhang Han , Li Guangshuai , Liu Linbo
Published: September 2020

Background

With the pandemic dissemination of COVID‐19, attitude and sentiment surrounding facial rejuvenation have evolved rapidly.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to understanding the impact of pandemic on the attitude of people toward facial skin rejuvenation.

Methods

Twitter data related to facial rejuvenation were collected from January 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020. Sentiment analysis, frequency analysis, and word cloud were performed to analyze the data. Statistical analysis included two‐tailed t tests and chi‐square tests.

Results

In the post‐declaration, the number of tweets about facial rejuvenation increased significantly, and the search volume in Google Trends decreased. Negative public emotions increased, but positive emotions still dominate. The words frequency of “discounts” and “purchase” decreased. The dominant words in word cloud were “Botox,” “facelift,” “hyaluronic,” and “skin.”

Conclusion

The public has a positive attitude toward facial rejuvenation during the pandemic. In particular, minimally invasive procedures dominate the mainstream, such as “Botox,” “Hyaluronic acid,” and “PRP.” The practitioners could understand the change of the public interest in facial rejuvenation in time and decide what to focus on.
FROM THE CLASSICAL ECONOMISTS TO EMPIRICISTS: A REVIEW OF THE TERMS OF TRADE CONTROVERSY
Authors: Chakraborty Shouvik , Sarkar Prabirjit
Published: September 2020

Contrary to the classical position, the works of Prebisch and Singer in the middle of the last century launched the controversial hypothesis of a long‐term decline in the terms of trade of primary products vis‐á‐vis manufactured goods and a corresponding decline in the terms of trade of developing countries vis‐á‐vis advanced ones. The present study traces the origin and evolution of the hypothesis and reviews the related statistical debate. It also reviews the theoretical support for the Prebisch–Singer hypothesis. It is an exercise in the history of economic thought to trace how the controversies surrounding the terms of trade have evolved over time, specifically noting that, with the development of the field of econometrics, the central thesis of the argument got lost somewhere in the realm of hi‐tech statistical debates.
Impact of clinical practice guidelines for vacuum‐assisted delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Japan: A single‐center observational study
Authors: Egami Naoki , Muta Ryuji , Anami Ai , Koga Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Aim

Practice guidelines for vacuum‐assisted delivery in Japan were revised in 2014 to improve clinical safety. We aimed to determine the success rates of vacuum delivery before and after the release of the revised guidelines.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included singleton deliveries at term gestation. Success rate of vacuum delivery, duration of extraction, number of tractions and maternal and neonatal injuries were compared between 2011–2014 and 2015–2019.

Results

Vacuum extraction was attempted in 249 (15%) of 1657 deliveries. Duration of extraction was shorter in 2015–2019 (median, 3.0 min; interquartile range [IQR], 1.0–5.8 min) than in 2011–2014 (median, 4.0 min; IQR, 2.0–6.5 min; P = 0.0045). No significant differences were seen in success of vacuum extraction (98%), prolonged (>20 min) duration of extraction (1.5%) and repeated (>5 pulls) tractions (3.1%) in vacuum deliveries during 2011–2014, compared to success of vacuum extraction (94%), prolonged duration of extraction (1.6%) and repeated tractions (1.1%) in those during 2015–2019. Likewise, no significant differences were identified in maternal or neonatal injuries.

Conclusion

Successful vacuum‐assisted deliveries and shortened duration of extraction were still confirmed after guideline revision. However, because of consistent safe practice with vacuum delivery from before the revision, improvements in maternal and neonatal injuries were not observed.
Concentration profiles and safety of topically applied betulinic acid and NVX‐207 in eight healthy horses—A randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover pilot study
Authors: Weber Lisa A. , Puff Christina , Kalbitz Jutta , Kietzmann Manfred , Feige Karsten , Bosse Konstanze , Rohn Karl , Cavalleri Jessika‐M. V.
Published: September 2020

The naturally occurring betulinic acid (BA) and its derivative NVX‐207 show anticancer effects against equine malignant melanoma (EMM) cells and a potent permeation in isolated equine skin in vitro. The aim of the study was to determine the in vivo concentration profiles of BA and NVX‐207 in equine skin and assess the compounds’ local and systemic tolerability with the intent of developing a topical therapy against EMM. Eight horses were treated percutaneously in a crossover design with 1% BA, 1% NVX‐207 or a placebo in a respective vehicle twice a day for seven consecutive days with a seven‐day washout period between each formulation. Horses were treated at the neck and underneath the tail. Concentration profiles of the compounds were assessed by high‐performance liquid chromatography in the cervical skin. Clinical and histopathological examinations and blood analyses were performed. Higher concentrations of NVX‐207 were found in the skin compared to BA. Good systemic tolerability and only mild local adverse effects were observed in all three groups. This study substantiates the topical application of BA and NVX‐207 in further clinical trials with horses suffering from EMM; however, penetration and permeation of the compounds may be altered in skin affected by tumors.
Pharmacokinetics and effects on clinical and physiological parameters following a single bolus dose of propofol in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Muta Kanako , Miyabe‐Nishiwaki Takako , Masui Kenichi , Yajima Isao , Iizuka Tomoya , Kaneko Akihisa , Nishimura Ryohei
Published: September 2020

The objectives of this study were (a) to establish a population pharmacokinetic model and (b) to investigate the clinical and physiological effects of a single bolus dose of propofol in common marmosets. In Study 1, pharmacokinetic analysis was performed in six marmosets under sevoflurane anaesthesia. 8 mg/kg of propofol was administrated at a rate of 4 mg kg−1 min−1. Blood samples were collected 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180 min after starting propofol administration. Plasma concentration was measured, and population pharmacokinetic modelling was performed. A two‐compartment model was selected as the final model. The population pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: V1 = 1.14 L, V2 = 77.6 L, CL1 = 0.00182 L/min, CL2 = 0.0461 L/min. In Study 2, clinical and physiological parameters were assessed and recorded every 2 min after 12 mg/kg of propofol was administrated at a rate of 4 mg kg−1 min−1. Immobilization was sustained for 5 min following propofol administration without apparent bradycardia. While combination of propofol and sevoflurane caused apnoea in Study 1, apnoea was not observed following single administration of propofol in Study 2. These data provide bases for further investigation on intravenous anaesthesia using propofol in common marmosets.
What James Boswell tells us about 18th‐century acting theory
Authors: Harriman‐Smith James
Published: September 2020

This article reads a series of essays on the actor by James Boswell through recent scholarship on the theory of acting in order to elaborate an expansive and historically grounded definition of what was and is meant by ‘18th‐century acting theory’. I thus show how 18th‐century texts on acting are important documents that should be read not as isolated phenomena but as works that can illuminate contemporary stage performance and the culture that produced it. In particular, I follow Boswell by placing a specific, illustrative emphasis on three key themes of professionalism, theatrical expression and ephemerality: each theme is both essential to thinking about the stage (and criticism on this topic) while also, like so much about the 18th‐century theatre, applicable far more widely both then and now.
Adaptation and molecular evidence for convergence in decapod crustaceans from deep‐sea hydrothermal vent environments
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Zhang Xiaojun , Gao Yi , Zhang Xiaoxi , Liu Chengzhang , Xiang Jianhai , Li Fuhua
Published: September 2020

Hydrothermal vents are unique deep‐sea environments exhibiting extreme temperature gradients and toxic concentrations of H2S that limit the growth of biological communities. Notably, some decapod crustaceans are the dominant organisms inhabiting these environments, and share similar phenotypic and physiological traits, such as white body coloration and chemosynthetic capacity. However, a lack of genomic information has precluded an understanding of these convergent phenotypes. Here, comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed in 14 decapod species, including four deep‐sea hydrothermal vent species and 10 shallow‐water relatives. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the four deep‐sea species stemmed from different ancestors despite being geographically close, and therefore their similar traits were probably the product of convergent evolution rather than lineal inheritance. A total of 391 positively selected genes, 109 parallel substituted genes and 33 significantly expanded gene families were identified in the deep‐sea decapods. Among these, only the SNARE interactions in vesicular transport pathway was significantly enriched, with both positively selected genes and parallel substituted genes, suggesting that specific macromolecule transport might be a strong convergent evolution trait in deep‐sea decapods. Furthermore, many genes involved in protein synthesis, processing and energy metabolism were detected under convergent evolution, suggesting a role for adaptive evolution in association with a specific metabolic pathway in response to chemosynthetic nutrition patterns. Moreover, our study suggests that convergently evolved white body colour might have resulted from the contraction of the crustacyanin gene family and the low content of astaxanthin in the body of deep‐sea decapods. Therefore, this study provides valuable genetic evidence for convergent evolution in deep‐sea decapods.
A case of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy with profound weight loss and increased uptake in the spinal cord on 18F‐FDG PET
Authors: Osakada Yosuke , Omote Yoshio , Ikegami Ken , Tadokoro Koh , Sato Kota , Hishikawa Nozomi , Takemoto Mami , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Kimura Akio , Abe Koji
Published: September 2020

A 76‐year‐old man presented with subacute onset of progressive cognitive impairment, anorexia, tremor, ataxic gait, and urinary dysfunction. He had lost 17 kg in 9 months before his admission (due to persistent anorexia). A brain MRI showed a typical radial pattern of periventricular gadolinium enhancement and longitudinally extensive hyperintensity from cervical to lumbar spinal cord. 18F‐FDG PET newly revealed an increased uptake of the tracer in the cervical and lower thoracic cords. After an intravenous methylprednisolone (1000 mg/d for 3 days) followed by oral prednisolone 40 mg/d, his clinical symptoms and abnormal MRI lesions improved. Anti‐GFAP antibodies were subsequently identified in CSF obtained on admission, confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy.
Histone posttranslational modifications rather than DNA methylation underlie gene reprogramming in pollination‐dependent and pollination‐independent fruit set in tomato
Authors: Hu Guojian , Huang Baowen , Wang Keke , Frasse Pierre , Maza Elie , Djari Anis , Benhamed Moussa , Gallusci Philippe , Li Zhengguo , Zouine Mohamed , Bouzayen Mondher
Published: September 2020

Fruit formation comprises a series of developmental transitions among which the fruit set process is essential in determining crop yield. Yet, our understanding of the epigenetic landscape remodelling associated with the flower‐to‐fruit transition remains poor.

We investigated the epigenetic and transcriptomic reprogramming underlying pollination‐dependent and auxin‐induced flower‐to‐fruit transitions in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using combined genomewide transcriptomic profiling, global ChIP‐sequencing and whole genomic DNA bisulfite sequencing (WGBS).

Variation in the expression of the overwhelming majority of genes was associated with change in histone mark distribution, whereas changes in DNA methylation concerned a minor fraction of differentially expressed genes. Reprogramming of genes involved in processes instrumental to fruit set correlated with their H3K9ac or H3K4me3 marking status but not with changes in cytosine methylation, indicating that histone posttranslational modifications rather than DNA methylation are associated with the remodelling of the epigenetic landscape underpinning the flower‐to‐fruit transition.

Given the prominent role previously assigned to DNA methylation in reprogramming key genes of the transition to ripening, the outcome of the present study supports the idea that the two main developmental transitions in fleshy fruit and the underlying transcriptomic reprogramming are associated with different modes of epigenetic regulations.
Rethinking gastroesophageal reflux disorder
Authors: Banting Samuel P. , Badgery Henry E. , Read Matthew , Mashimo Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common clinical condition for which our understanding has evolved over the past decades. It is now considered a cluster of phenotypes with numerous anatomical and physiological abnormalities contributing to its pathophysiology. As such, it is important to first understand the underlying mechanism of the disease process for each patient before embarking on therapeutic interventions. The aim of our paper is to highlight the mechanisms contributing to GERD and review investigations and interpretation of these results. Finally, the paper reviews the available treatment modalities for this condition, ranging from medical intervention, endoscopic options through to surgery and its various techniques.
Periodontitis in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinze , Gu Hongqiu , Xie Shang , Su Yingying
Published: September 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to summarize and update the evidence regarding the association between periodontitis and psoriasis.

Methods

The present systematic review was conducted under the guidelines of Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and was recorded in the PROSPERO database, under registration number CRD42017063799. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to March 2020. Case–control or cohort studies assessing the association between periodontitis and psoriasis were identified. Quantitative synthesis was conducted with meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 13 studies (11 case–control and two cohort studies) assessing the association between periodontitis and psoriasis were included. Of these 13 articles, 9 showed the prevalence of periodontitis or psoriasis. Therefore, meta‐analyses were conducted with data retrieved from the nine studies included. Pooled effect estimate for nine studies showed that patients with periodontitis associated with a higher risk of psoriasis with a pooled OR of 2.87 (95% CI, 1.75–4.69).

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrated a positive association between periodontitis and psoriasis; however, a causal relationship cannot be established. Due to the weak evidence, caution should be taken when interpreting the results regarding periodontal parameters. Well‐designed prospective studies are necessary to evaluate interactions between both diseases.
Rice NIN‐LIKE PROTEIN 4 plays a pivotal role in nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhang Zi‐Sheng , Xia Jin‐Qiu , Alfatih Alamin , Song Ying , Huang Yi‐Jie , Wan Guang‐Yu , Sun Liang‐Qi , Tang Hui , Liu Yang , Wang Shi‐Mei , Zhu Qi‐Sheng , Qin Peng , Wang Yu‐Ping , Li Shi‐Gui , Mao Chuan‐Zao , Zhang Gui‐Quan , Chu Chengcai , Yu Lin‐Hui , Xiang Cheng‐Bin
Published: September 2020

Nitrogen (N) is one of the key essential macronutrients that affects rice growth and yield. Inorganic N fertilizers are excessively used to boost yield and generate serious collateral environmental pollution. Therefore, improving crop N use efficiency (NUE) is highly desirable and has been a major endeavour in crop improvement. However, only a few regulators have been identified that can be used to improve NUE in rice to date. Here we show that the rice NIN‐like protein 4 (OsNLP4) significantly improves the rice NUE and yield. Field trials consistently showed that loss‐of‐OsNLP4 dramatically reduced yield and NUE compared with wild type under different N regimes. In contrast, the OsNLP4 overexpression lines remarkably increased yield by 30% and NUE by 47% under moderate N level compared with wild type. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that OsNLP4 orchestrates the expression of a majority of known N uptake, assimilation and signalling genes by directly binding to the nitrate‐responsive cis‐element in their promoters to regulate their expression. Moreover, overexpression of OsNLP4 can recover the phenotype of Arabidopsis nlp7 mutant and enhance its biomass. Our results demonstrate that OsNLP4 plays a pivotal role in rice NUE and sheds light on crop NUE improvement.
Cyclic AMP mediates heat stress response by the control of redox homeostasis and ubiquitin‐proteasome system
Authors: Paradiso Annalisa , Domingo Guido , Blanco Emanuela , Buscaglia Alessio , Fortunato Stefania , Marsoni Milena , Scarcia Pasquale , Caretto Sofia , Vannini Candida , de Pinto Maria Concetta
Published: September 2020

Heat stress (HS), causing impairment in several physiological processes, is one of the most damaging environmental cues for plants. To counteract the harmful effects of high temperatures, plants activate complex signalling networks, indicated as HS response (HSR). Expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and adjustment of redox homeostasis are crucial events of HSR, required for thermotolerance. By pharmacological approaches, the involvement of cAMP in triggering plant HSR has been recently proposed. In this study, to investigate the role of cAMP in HSR signalling, tobacco BY‐2 cells overexpressing the ‘cAMP‐sponge’, a genetic tool that reduces intracellular cAMP levels, have been used. in vivo cAMP dampening increased HS susceptibility in a HSPs‐independent way. The failure in cAMP elevation during HS caused a high accumulation of reactive oxygen species, due to increased levels of respiratory burst oxidase homolog D, decreased activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, as well as down‐accumulation of proteins involved in the control of redox homeostasis. In addition, cAMP deficiency impaired proteasome activity and prevented the accumulation of many proteins of ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS). By a large‐scale proteomic approach together with in silico analyses, these UPS proteins were identified in a specific cAMP‐dependent network of HSR.
Pilomatricomas and café au lait macules as herald signs of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome—A case report
Authors: Gupta Ankan , George Renu , Aboobacker Fouzia Nambiathayil , ThamaraiSelvi Bernice , Priscilla Anne Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome results from bi‐allelic mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes—MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2. We present two siblings with CMMRD having p.Arg802Ter (c.2404C >T) homozygous mutations in PMS2 exon 14 with typical cutaneous features. This case report highlights the role of the dermatologist in early diagnosis of this condition.
The immune system in infants: Relevance to xenotransplantation
Authors: Bikhet Mohamed , Morsi Mahmoud , Hara Hidetaka , Rhodes Leslie A. , Carlo Waldemar F. , Cleveland David , Cooper David K. C. , Iwase Hayato
Published: September 2020

Despite the improvement in surgical interventions in the treatment of congenital heart disease, many life‐threatening lesions (eg, hypoplastic left heart syndrome) ultimately require transplantation. However, there is a great limitation in the availability of deceased human cardiac donors of a suitable size. Hearts from genetically engineered pigs may provide an alternative source. The relatively immature immune system in infants (eg, absence of anti‐carbohydrate antibodies, reduced complement activation, reduced innate immune cell activity) should minimize the risk of early antibody‐mediated rejection of a pig graft. Additionally, recipient thymectomy, performed almost routinely as a preliminary to orthotopic heart transplantation in this age‐group, impairs the T‐cell response. Because of the increasing availability of genetically engineered pigs (eg, triple‐knockout pigs that do not express any of the three known carbohydrate antigens against which humans have natural antibodies) and the ability to diagnose congenital heart disease during fetal life, cardiac xenotransplantation could be preplanned to be carried out soon after birth. Because of these several advantages, prolonged graft survival and even the induction of tolerance, for example, following donor‐specific pig thymus transplantation, are more likely to be achieved in infants than in adults. In this review, we summarize the factors in the infant immune system that would be advantageous in the success of cardiac xenotransplantation in this age‐group.
A community divided: Post‐transplant live vaccine practices among Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) centers
Authors: Kemme Sarah , Sundaram Shikha S. , Curtis Donna J. , Lobritto Steven , Mohammad Saeed , Feldman Amy G.
Published: September 2020

Background

Historically, the IDSA and the AST have recommended that live vaccines not be administered post‐transplant due to concern for induction of vaccine‐strain disease in immunocompromised hosts. However, recent prospective studies and revised AST guidelines published in April 2019 suggest that in the current era of immunosuppression minimization, live vaccines may be safely administered to select transplant recipients with resulting immunoprotection. The goal of this study was to assess current post‐transplant live vaccine practices at individual pediatric liver transplant centers following the updated AST guidelines.

Methods

A six‐item email survey detailing center‐specific post‐transplant live vaccine practices followed by up to three response‐specific questions were distributed between July 2019 and May 2020 to a representative from each center participating in the SPLIT consortium.

Results

The overall survey response rate was 93% (41/44 centers). Only 29% (12/41) of centers offer live vaccines post‐transplant; each of these 12 centers uses different eligibility criteria for live vaccines. There was no difference between large (ten or more transplants per year) and small (less than ten transplants per year) centers in likelihood to offer live vaccines post‐transplant. The main reasons for a center not offering post‐transplant live vaccines were safety concerns and inability to reach group consensus.

Conclusions

The majority of pediatric liver transplant centers are reluctant to offer live vaccines post‐transplant despite the updated AST guidelines. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm safety and immunogenicity of live vaccines post‐transplant.
Strategic Service Design Attributes, Customer Experience, and Co‐Created Service Choice: Evidence from Florida Hospitals
Authors: Wani Deepa , Malhotra Manoj , Clark Jonathan
Published: September 2020

Services are typically characterized by the direct participation of customers in the production process. The service‐dominant (S‐D) logic argues that value to consumers is always co‐created by service providers and consumers jointly and reciprocally. While prior research has addressed the indirect impact of structural, infrastructural, and technology service design attributes on a customer’s perceived value via the realized service delivery system, an important question remains unanswered: Do these strategic service design attributes directly affect co‐created service choice? In this study, we explicitly consider the extent to which service delivery design characteristics—structural, infrastructural, and technology attributes— directly affect this co‐created choice. Using detailed patient‐level data from Florida hospitals on elective hip and knee surgeries, we find evidence of structural, infrastructural, and technological influences on patient–surgeon co‐created choice of hospitals. We also find that the characteristics of the service encounter—in this case, the interpersonal care experience—interact in essential ways with these design attributes to influence co‐created service choice. Specifically, structural and technological attributes may serve as a substitute for interpersonal care experience in determining co‐created choice of a hospital. These results inform our understanding of how patients choose hospitals for elective surgeries under conditions of information asymmetry. An extended analysis of data for elective heart surgery patients generally supports our framework. Theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed.
Induction of sexual reproduction reveals the presence of heterothallic Spirogyra strains (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta)
Authors: Takano Tomoyuki , Ikegaya Hisato , Nozaki Hisayoshi , Sakayama Hidetoshi
Published: September 2020

Conjugating algae perform characteristic sexual reproduction through conjugation by gametes without flagella. These algae sexually reproduce through the formation of zygospores from single clones (homothallic) and through the formation of zygospores between different clones (heterothallic). The conjugating algae genus Spirogyra is generally found in freshwater environments, and its conjugation process has been well investigated. However, due to experimental difficulties in inducing conjugation, heterothallism has not been described in Spirogyra. Herein, we reported, to the best of our knowledge, the first discovery of heterothallic Spirogyra strains following the induction of conjugation. The conjugation of the strains of Spirogyra fluviatilis required two clearly genetically differentiated strains. Our mating experiments with these strains also demonstrated that their sexuality was genetically determined and that the F1 strain from germinated zygospores conjugated with only one parental strain. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses showed that these heterothallic strains were phylogenetically related to their homothallic relatives. In this study conducted on Spirogyra, the induction of conjugation in heterothallic strains facilitated our understanding of their diversity.
Availability and usefulness of economic data on the effects of aquaculture: a North Atlantic comparative assessment
Authors: Mikkelsen Eirik , Fanning Lucia , Kreiss Cornelia , Billing Suzannah‐Lynn , Dennis John , Filgueira Ramon , Grant Jon , Krause Gesche , Lipton Doug , Miller Molly , Perez José , Stead Selina , Villasante Sebastian
Published: September 2020

This paper focuses on the availability of economic indicators and metrics to assess effects of marine aquaculture production in the North Atlantic area (the EU, Norway, Canada and USA), including also social and environmental effects. We consider how aquaculture planning and management is organised in the different countries and the usefulness of economic information to address different aquaculture‐related policies. We find that the most relevant economic data for aquaculture management should be at the local and regional levels rather than nationally. The availability of such economic data is mapped for national, regional and local level. The focus is on data that are publicly available from authorities or research institutions. The availability of data is generally fairly good for national and regional data on the direct economic effects of aquaculture. Data on how aquaculture‐related products or input markets are affected are however poorly available, as are economic data on external effects from aquaculture. Countries with a larger aquaculture sector tend to have better availability of aquaculture‐related economic data than those with a smaller sector. An index is developed and calculated to show more specifically where the countries have relatively good or poor data availability compared to their needs. While it will not always be cost‐effective or meaningful to collect economic data on the effects of aquaculture, our study indicates that several countries could benefit from expanding such data collection. It can make trade‐off decisions more consistent and easier to perform, and aquaculture policies and measures can be better tailored to specific contexts.
Anti‐fibrotic effects of different sources of MSC in bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis in C57BL6 male mice
Authors: Periera‐Simon Simone , Xia Xiaomei , Catanuto Paola , Coronado Ramon , Kurtzberg Joanne , Bellio Michael , Lee Yee‐Shuan , Khan Aisha , Smith Robin , Elliot Sharon J. , Glassberg Marilyn K.
Published: September 2020

Background and objective

IPF is a fatal and debilitating lung disorder increasing in incidence worldwide. To date, two approved treatments only slow disease progression, have multiple side effects and do not provide a cure. MSC have promising therapeutic potential as a cell‐based therapy for many lung disorders based on the anti‐fibrotic properties of the MSC.

Methods

Critical questions remain surrounding the optimal source, timing and efficacy of cell‐based therapies. The present study examines the most effective sources of MSC. Human MSC were derived from adipose, WJ, chorionic membrane (CSC) and chorionic villi (CVC). MSC were injected into the ageing mouse model of BLM‐induced lung fibrosis.

Results

All sources decreased Aschroft and hydroxyproline levels when injected into BLM‐treated mice at day 10 with the exception of CSC cells that did not change hydroxyproline levels. There were also decreases in mRNA expression of αv‐integrin and TNFα in all sources except CSC. Only ASC‐ and WJ‐derived cells reduced AKT and MMP‐2 activation, while Cav‐1 was increased by ASC treatment as previously reported. BLM‐induced miR dysregulation of miR‐29 and miR‐199 was restored only by ASC treatment.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that sources of MSC may differ in the pathway(s) involved in repair.
Is the devil in the shadow? The effect of institutional quality on income
Authors: Jahan Israt , Bologna Pavlik Jamie , Williams Ryan Blake
Published: September 2020

The positive relationship between institutional quality and “official” income is well documented. It is unclear, however, whether this relationship holds once the “unofficial” economy is accounted for. An improvement in institutional quality tends to shift production out of the shadow and into the official sector, resulting in an increase in official income. However, this shift comes at the expense of the informal economy, potentially negating the perceived gains in output. This paper uses data from 5,506 Brazilian municipalities to explore the effects of institutional quality on total income per person. We additionally estimate the effect of institutions on informal sector size. Our most robust finding suggests that higher‐quality institutions using our broadest measure are significantly related to development. While good institutions do decrease the size of the informal sector, the consequential switch to formality raises overall productivity.
Rethinking the aid–growth relationship: A network approach
Authors: Horowitz Andrew W. , Kali Raja , Song Hongwei
Published: September 2020

Over 40 years of conventional economic analysis has not reached consensus on the effect of foreign aid on recipient country growth. We provide new insight into this relationship by using a network approach to characterize the topological properties of the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) foreign aid network. Viewing the OECD foreign aid community as an interdependent and complex system, we characterize not only the amount of aid but also the position of both donor and recipient within the network. We find that the degree centrality of the recipient, with an edge inclusion threshold that sets a minimum share of a donor’s aid to a particular recipient, is significantly correlated with the growth impact of that donor’s aid. Contrarily, aid is uncorrelated with growth with a recipient‐side filter on the importance of the donor to the recipient. These results suggest that the importance of a recipient within the donor’s network, rather than the volume of aid alone, is associated with the growth impact of bilateral aid. We explore mechanisms for these findings that include the complementarity of aid from multiple attentive donors. Our findings speak to the aid–growth puzzle and suggest that network metrics may illuminate non‐obvious channels of aid impact.