bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to nectar‐realistic sugar concentrations negatively impacts the ability of the trypanosome parasite (Crithidia bombi) to infect its bumblebee host
Authors: Folly Arran J. , Barton‐Navarro Marta , Brown Mark J. F.
Published: June 2020

1. The ideal conditions for a parasite are typically found with its preferred host. However, prior to transmission to a naïve host and successful infection, a parasite may have to withstand extrinsic environmental conditions. Some parasites have adapted to time away from hosts, for example, by co‐opting vectors or by having drought‐resistant growth stages. However, other parasites may have no obvious adaptations to persist during prolonged transmission cycles. Consequently, the environment may detrimentally impact parasite fitness and ultimately epidemiology.

2. Here, we investigate the impact of nectar‐realistic sugar concentrations on the ability of the trypanosome parasite Crithidia bombi, which may be transmitted between conspecifics at flowers, to infect its bumblebee host Bombus terrestris and to reproduce during the infection (parasitaemia). Our results show, following 30 min exposure to our experimental nectars that as sugar concentration increases, infection prevalence and parasitaemia decrease. This is likely due to the increased osmotic stress C. bombi experiences in high sugar, aqueous environments.

3. Consequently, if C. bombi transmission is facilitated by nectar or a high‐sugar environment, it may have a negative impact on parasite fitness.
Distinguishing vigilance decrement and low task demands from mind‐wandering: A machine learning analysis of EEG
Authors: Jin Christina Yi , Borst Jelmer P. , van Vugt Marieke K.
Published: June 2020

Mind‐wandering is a ubiquitous mental phenomenon that is defined as self‐generated thought irrelevant to the ongoing task. Mind‐wandering tends to occur when people are in a low‐vigilance state or when they are performing a very easy task. In the current study, we investigated whether mind‐wandering is completely dependent on vigilance and current task demands, or whether it is an independent phenomenon. To this end, we trained support vector machine (SVM) classifiers on EEG data in conditions of low and high vigilance, as well as under conditions of low and high task demands, and subsequently tested those classifiers on participants' self‐reported mind‐wandering. Participants' momentary mental state was measured by means of intermittent thought probes in which they reported on their current mental state. The results showed that neither the vigilance classifier nor the task demands classifier could predict mind‐wandering above‐chance level, while a classifier trained on self‐reports of mind‐wandering was able to do so. This suggests that mind‐wandering is a mental state different from low vigilance or performing tasks with low demands—both which could be discriminated from the EEG above chance. Furthermore, we used dipole fitting to source‐localize the neural correlates of the most import features in each of the three classifiers, indeed finding a few distinct neural structures between the three phenomena. Our study demonstrates the value of machine‐learning classifiers in unveiling patterns in neural data and uncovering the associated neural structures by combining it with an EEG source analysis technique.
Clostridium difficile infection and risk of Parkinson's disease: a Swedish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kang X. , Ploner A. , Ludvigsson J. F. , Williams D. M. , Larsson H. , Pedersen N. L. , Wirdefeldt K.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Gastrointestinal inflammation has been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to examine whether individuals with a history of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are at elevated risk of PD.

Methods

We performed a population‐based cohort study using Swedish national register data. Adults aged ≥35 years were identified from the Swedish Population and Housing Census 1990 and followed during the period 1997–2013. Diagnoses of CDI and PD were extracted from the National Patient Register. Associations of CDI history with PD risk were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. We also explored whether the association differed by the source of CDI diagnosis (inpatient vs. outpatient), presence of recurrent infections, and pre‐infection use of antibiotics.

Results

Amongst the study population (N = 4 670 423), 34 868 (0.75%) had a history of CDI. A total of 165 and 47 035 incident PD cases were identified from individuals with and without CDI history, respectively. Across the entire follow‐up, a 16% elevation of PD risk was observed among the CDI group [hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)1.00–1.36], which was mainly driven by increased PD risk within the first 2 years after CDI diagnosis (hazard ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.69). In longer follow‐up, CDI was not associated with subsequent PD occurrence. This temporal pattern of CDI–PD associations was generally observed across all CDI subgroups.

Conclusions

Clostridium difficile may be associated with an increased short‐term PD risk, but this might be explained by reverse causation and/or surveillance bias. Our results do not imply that CDI history affects long‐term PD risk.
Hybrid genetic‐discretized algorithm to handle data uncertainty in diagnosing stenosis of coronary arteries
Authors: Alizadehsani Roohallah , Roshanzamir Mohamad , Abdar Moloud , Beykikhoshk Adham , Khosravi Abbas , Nahavandi Saeid , Plawiak Pawel , Tan Ru San , Acharya U Rajendra
Published: June 2020

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Invasive coronary angiography is the most accurate technique for diagnosing CAD, but is invasive and costly. Hence, analytical methods such as machine learning and data mining techniques are becoming increasingly more popular. Although physicians need to know which arteries are stenotic, most of the researchers focus only on CAD detection and few studies have investigated stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA), left circumflex (LCX) artery and left anterior descending (LAD) artery separately. Meanwhile, most of the datasets in this field are noisy (data uncertainty). However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study conducted to address this important problem. This study uses the extension of the Z‐Alizadeh Sani dataset, containing 303 records with 54 features. A new feature selection algorithm is proposed in this work. Meanwhile, by discretization of data, we also handle the uncertainty in CAD prediction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study attempted to handle uncertainty in CAD prediction. Finally, the genetic algorithm (GA) is used to determine the hyper‐parameters of the support vector machine (SVM) kernels. We have achieved high accuracy for the stenosis diagnosis of each main coronary artery. The results of this study can aid the clinicians to validate their manual stenosis diagnosis of RCA, LCX and LAD coronary arteries.
Mesohabitat modelling in fish ecology: A global synthesis
Authors: Wegscheider Bernhard , Linnansaari Tommi , Curry R. Allen
Published: June 2020

Modelling the linkage between physical habitat and aquatic organisms on multiple spatial scales has become an important tool in the management of rivers. The mesoscale (100–102 m) represents an intermediate resolution in modelling that bridges the gap between available resources and conservation efforts for riverine species. However, existing mesohabitat classification schemes for lotic systems vary significantly in the definition of habitat types as well as in their application in the field. This article aims to provide an overview of current attempts to model the mesoscale pattern of physical habitats with a focus on fish. First, we outline descriptive, qualitative as well as objective, quantitative classification methods that are available in the literature. Next, the ecological relevance of the mesohabitat concept is being discussed, using single‐species and community‐level approaches as examples. Different modelling approaches that describe and quantify riverine mesohabitats are presented, and finally, limitations and uncertainties in the modelling process are discussed, followed by an outline of future perspectives in mesohabitat modelling.
Estimates of population‐based incidence of malignant arrhythmias associated with medication use—a narrative review
Authors: Huang Yichang , Alsabbagh Mhd. Wasem
Published: June 2020

Certain medications are reported to be associated with acquired long‐QT syndrome (ALQTS), which can degenerate into a potentially severe ‘malignant’ arrhythmia known as torsades de pointes (TdP). However, population‐based estimations of the incidence of medication‐associated malignant arrhythmia are limited. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical symptoms, cellular mechanism, categorization, and risk factors of these malignant arrhythmias, as well as illustrate results and methodological limitations of epidemiological literature which have previously estimated population‐based incidence of ALQTS and malignant arrhythmia. Administrative databases in universal healthcare systems (such as Canada) can be used to provide a robust estimate of this incidence. We present a valid operational definition of medication‐associated malignant arrhythmia, using Canadian hospital administrative data linked to prescription databases that can be used to estimate the population‐based incidence. An estimation of incidence may have important implications with regard to understanding the potential widespread distribution of this adverse effect—which may influence medication prescribing patterns.
Diagnosis of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders ‐ Is a new paradigm needed?
Authors: Srivastava Alok
Published: June 2020

The current paradigm for the diagnosis of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) based on clinical assessment followed by screening tests and confirmation by assays of clotting factor levels or platelet functions is complex and cumbersome. These have been difficult to establish and standardize around the world for many reasons. Therefore, more than half of the expected number of people with these disorders in the world remain unidentified. A new approach is therefore needed. Use of validated bleeding assessment tools (BATs) offers an opportunity for standardized evaluation of clinically significant bleeding at the primary care level or even to be self‐assessed. Advances in genetic evaluation of these disorders through gene panels covering a wide range of IBDs based on next generation sequencing (NGS) technology enable the identification of the primary defect in the haemostasis system with high degree of accuracy. These methods can be centralized and made highly cost‐effective when done in large batches. The combination of high BAT score followed by NGS‐based genetic diagnosis could be the new paradigm for the primary diagnosis of IBDs. This will need to be followed by confirmation with functional haemostasis tests, as required. This approach will increase rates of detection of the known common disorders many folds and reduce the burden on these families towards accessing facilities for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on that.
WFH State‐of‐the‐art paper 2020: In vivo lentiviral vector gene therapy for haemophilia
Authors: Cantore Alessio , Naldini Luigi
Published: June 2020

Over the last decade, the development of new treatments for haemophilia has progressed at a very rapid pace. Despite all the promising advances in protein products, the prospect offered by gene therapy of a single potentially lifelong treatment remains attractive for people with haemophilia. Transfer to the liver of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX) transgenes has indeed the potential to stably restore the dysfunctional coagulation process. Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐derived vectors are widely employed for liver‐directed gene therapy, given their very good efficacy and safety profile, shown in several preclinical and clinical studies. However, there are some limitations associated with AAV vectors, such as their predominantly episomal nature in the nucleus of target cells and the widespread pre‐existing immunity against the parental virus in humans. By contrast, HIV‐derived lentiviral vectors (LV) integrate into the target cell chromatin and are maintained as the cells duplicate their genome, a potential advantage for establishing long‐term expression especially in paediatric patients, in which the liver undergoes substantial growth. Systemic administration of LV allowed stable multi‐year transgene expression in the liver of mice and dogs. More recently, improved phagocytosis‐shielded LV were generated, which, following intravenous administration to non‐human primates, showed selective targeting of liver and spleen and enhanced hepatocyte gene transfer, achieving up to supra‐normal activity of both human FVIII and FIX transgenes. These studies support further preclinical assessment and clinical evaluation of in vivo liver‐directed LV gene therapy for haemophilia.
The Complexities of ‘Home’: Young People ‘on the Move’ and State Responses
Authors: MALLOCH MARGARET , RIGBY PAUL
Published: June 2020

‘Home’ invokes ambiguous meanings for policy, practice and academia. This article explores the complexities of ‘home’ in relation to the experiences of two groups of young people in transitory circumstances (UK children who go missing from the family home or alternative care; and young people who have been separated from their home and families as refugees). We consider how the meaning given to ‘home’, despite its inherent ambiguity, functions as a central concept around which the vulnerability and credibility of children and young people are constructed. By problematising the universalised concept of home and the notion of ‘family’ that it implies, this article contributes to criminology and refugee studies by exploring State responses to ‘youth journeys’ (within and to the UK) through an idealised lens of ‘home’. This normative view, we suggest, forms the basis for determining State responses, with significant consequences for these young people.
Left maxillary sinus tumour‐induced hypophosphataemic osteomalacia and combined with thyroid papillary carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Baoxin , Dong Yuehua , Liu Dandan , Yao Qi , Guo Shuqin , Xin Huanhuan , Wang He , Liu Lifang , Zhang Yunliang
Published: June 2020

Tumour‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare disease characterised by hypophosphataemia and clinical symptoms of osteomalacia. Herein we report the case of a 29‐year‐old man who was admitted to hospital with progressive bone pain and was diagnosed with TIO caused by maxillary sinus tumours. In the preoperative evaluation, it was found that the patient had thyroid malignant tumours at the same time. Two operations were performed separately on the left maxillary sinus tumour and thyroid tumour after complete examination. After tumour resections, the symptoms of bone pain were relieved and the level of blood phosphorus was restored, long‐term replacement therapy was needed for thyroid. When a patient is diagnosed with TIO, it is necessary to screen for the presence of other malignant tumours and explore the treatment options in order to benefit patients preferably.
Patient involvement in surgical wound care research: A scoping review
Authors: Muir Rachel , Carlini Joan Julie , Harbeck Emma Louise , Gillespie Brigid Mary , Tuffaha Haitham Wadah , Walker Rachel Michell , McInnes Elizabeth Catherine , Latimer Sharon Leanne , Lin Frances Fengzhi , Pearcy Josh Michael , Chaboyer Wendy Pearl
Published: June 2020

Active involvement of patients in planning, conducting, and disseminating research has been adopted by many organisations internationally, but the extent to which this occurs in surgical wound care is not evident. This scoping review aimed to identify how patients have been involved in surgical wound care research and the quality of its reporting. Full‐text studies focused on preoperative and postoperative surgical wound care in the acute care setting, published in English between 2004 and 2019, were included in the review. Screening, data charting, and quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers independently, adjudicated by a third, and then reviewed by five others. Thematic analysis synthesised the findings. Of the eight included studies, seven explained the methods for patient involvement and five described aims related to patient involvement and commented on patient involvement in the discussion. None met all of the quality assessment criteria. Three themes emerged: involvement in modifying and refining research processes, connecting and balancing expert and patient views, and sharing personal insights. Recommendations to improve patient involvement in surgical wounds research include the following: using framework and tools to inform future research; training researcher and patients in their respective research roles; and ongoing monitoring of patient involvement.
Influence of multi‐step sintering on microstructural evolution and interfacial characteristics of Mo2FeB2‐based cermets
Authors: Wu Hao , Zheng Yong , Zhang Jiajie , Zhang Guotao , Ke Zheng , Xu Xiangyu , Lu Xuepeng
Published: June 2020

It has been reported that high‐quality Mo2FeB2‐based cermets can be fabricated by multi‐step sintering under vacuum. Herein, the influence of multi‐step sintering on microstructure evolution and interfacial characteristics of Mo2FeB2‐based cermets has been systematically investigated by a wide range of material characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, and TEM. During solid‐state sintering, fine Mo2FeB2 particles, WC, and Cr completely dissolved, whereas a majority of coarse Mo2FeB2 particles remained undissolved. During liquid‐phase sintering, large amounts of the dissolved particles precipitated on the remaining coarse Mo2FeB2 particles and formed M3B2 solid solutions (M = Mo, Fe, Cr, and W), resulting in most grains having a black core/gray rim structure. Moreover, a small portion of solid solutions precipitated directly from some W and Cr‐rich areas of the liquid binder phase, thus forming some coreless grains. The rim/binder interface between the core/rim structure grains and Fe‐based binder phase was atomically smooth with an incoherent relationship. In addition, it was found that M3B2 solid solutions had the same crystal structure as Mo2FeB2, both of which belong to tetragonal structure. Interestingly, a thin layer, formed locally at rim/binder interface, was proved to be a B‐deficient tetragonal M3B2−x compound, where the lattice mismatch between the M3B2 and M3B2−x was 1.9%. The formation of the transition layer can be ascribed to the fact that the last few solid solutions with several atomic‐layer thicknesses could not precipitate on the rims and remain at the grain boundary during cooling, rendering a rim/layer/binder sandwich structure.
Psychometric characteristics of the caregiver contribution to self‐care of chronic illness inventory
Authors: Vellone Ercole , Lorini Silvia , Ausili Davide , Alvaro Rosaria , Di Mauro Stefania , De Marinis Maria Grazia , Matarese Maria , De Maria Maddalena
Published: June 2020

Aim

The purpose of the this study was to test the factorial structure, internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity of the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care Chronic Illness Inventory.

Background

Existing measures of caregiver contribution to self‐care are disease‐specific or behaviour‐specific; no generic measures exist.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

Between April 2017 ‐ December 2018, we enrolled a convenience sample of 358 patients with chronic illnesses and their caregivers. Patients completed the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory while caregivers completed the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, a modification of the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, which includes three scales as follows: the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care Maintenance, the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care Monitoring and the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care Management. Of each scale, we tested the factorial structure with confirmatory factor analysis and reliability with the factor score determinacy coefficient, the global reliability index for multidimensional scale and Cronbach's alpha. Also, we used Pearson's correlations for concurrent validity purposes.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two‐factor structure of the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care Maintenance and Management scales and the one‐factor structure of the Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care Monitoring scale. A simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis on the combined set of items supported the more general model (Comparative Fit Index = 0.933). Reliability estimates ranged between 0.701 and 0.961 across the three scales. Concurrent validity of Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory with the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory was not sufficiently supported since weak correlations were found.

Conclusion

The Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory is valid and reliable and can be used in clinical practice and research.

Impact

The Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory is an useful instrument to evaluate the extent to which caregivers contribute to patient self‐care in chronic illnesses.
Secondary analyses to assess the profound effects of empagliflozin on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular diseases: The placebo‐controlled double‐blind randomized effect of empagliflozin on endothelial function in cardiovascular high risk diabetes mellitus: Multi‐center placebo‐controlled double‐blind randomized trial
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Shimabukuro Michio , Machii Noritaka , Teragawa Hiroki , Okada Yosuke , Shima Kosuke R. , Takamura Toshinari , Taguchi Isao , Hisauchi Itaru , Toyoda Shigeru , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Yamaoka‐Tojo Minako , Ueda Shinichiro , Higashi Yukihito , Node Koichi
Published: June 2020

Aims/Introduction

Recent clinical trials on sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors showed improved outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes at a high risk of cardiovascular events. However, the underlying effects on endothelial function remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

The effect of empagliflozin on endothelial function in cardiovascular high risk diabetes mellitus: Multi‐center placebo‐controlled double‐blind randomized (EMBLEM) trial in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease showed empagliflozin treatment for 24 weeks had no effect on peripheral endothelial function measured by reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry. This post‐hoc analysis of the EMBLEM trial included a detailed evaluation of the effects of empagliflozin on peripheral endothelial function in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics of responders or non‐responders to treatment.

Results

Of the 47 patients randomized into the empagliflozin group, 21 (44.7%) showed an increase in the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) after 24 weeks of intervention, with no apparent difference in the clinical characteristics between patients whose RHI either increased (at least >0) or did not increase. There was also no obvious difference between the treatment groups in the proportion of patients who had a clinically meaningful change (≥15%) in log‐transformed RHI. No correlation was found between changes in RHI and clinical variables, such as vital signs and laboratory parameters.

Conclusions

Treatment with empagliflozin for 24 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease did not affect peripheral endothelial function, and was not related to changes in clinical variables, including glycemic parameters. These findings suggest that the actions of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors other than direct improvement in peripheral endothelial function were responsible, at least in the early phase, for the clinical benefits found in recent cardiovascular outcome trials.
SUMOylation of synaptic and synapse‐associated proteins: An update
Authors: Henley Jeremy M. , Seager Richard , Nakamura Yasuko , Talandyte Karolina , Nair Jithin , Wilkinson Kevin A.
Published: June 2020

SUMOylation is a post‐translational modification that regulates protein signalling and complex formation by adjusting the conformation or protein–protein interactions of the substrate protein. There is a compelling and rapidly expanding body of evidence that, in addition to SUMOylation of nuclear proteins, SUMOylation of extranuclear proteins contributes to the control of neuronal development, neuronal stress responses and synaptic transmission and plasticity. In this brief review we provide an update of recent developments in the identification of synaptic and synapse‐associated SUMO target proteins and discuss the cell biological and functional implications of these discoveries.

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The efficacy of macro‐focused ultrasound in the treatment of upper facial laxity: A pilot study
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Yan Chadakan , Ng Janice Natasha C. , Nokdhes Ya‐Nin , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Techapichetvanich Thanya , Eimpunth Sasima , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: June 2020

Background

Recently, macro‐focused ultrasound (MFU) has become a popular noninvasive esthetic treatment for facial laxity. However, there are no studies done that evaluated the use of MFU with a 2.0 mm transducer for upper facial lifting.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MFU with a 2.0 mm transducer in the treatment of upper facial laxity in Thai patients.

Methods

This was a prospective, evaluator‐blinded pilot study with 34 Thai patients diagnosed with mild to moderate facial laxity. Patients were treated with a single session of MFU with 2.0 mm transducer at the forehead, lateral and just below the eye area. Primary outcome was the clinical improvement of upper facial laxity graded by 2 blinded dermatologists at baseline, 1‐week, 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐up. Objective measurements including eyebrow height, upper facial volume, and textural irregularities were evaluated. Patients’ self‐assessment scores and adverse effects were also recorded.

Results

Out of 34 patients, 27 (79.4%) attended all follow‐ups. Clinical improvement of upper facial laxity was observed as early as 1‐week follow‐up. Eyebrow height elevation was significantly increased at every follow‐up (P = .000) with an average of 1.22 mm at 6‐month follow‐up. Wrinkles improved significantly at 1‐week and 6‐month follow‐up (P = .002 and P = .010, respectively). Skin roughness showed significant improvement at 6‐month follow‐up (P = .004). Majority of the patients (53.6%) reported marked improvement at 3‐month follow‐up. No serious adverse event was noted.

Conclusion

Macro‐focused ultrasound is a safe and effective treatment for upper facial laxity and skin textural irregularities in patients with mild to moderate degree of laxity.
Clues and pitfalls in prenatal diagnosis of classic cloacal exstrophy using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging: A case with sequential observation from 17 to 30 weeks' gestation and literature review
Authors: Gondo Kanako , Yokomine Masato , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Furuta Takuya , Ushijima Kimio
Published: June 2020

We observed a case of classic cloacal exstrophy (CE) from 17 to 30 weeks' gestation. At 17 weeks, an omphalocele and single umbilical artery (SUA) were diagnosed with a normal female karyotype on amniocentesis. A pelvic cystic adjacent to SUA, considered to be the bladder at 17 weeks, became swollen to form double cysts at 25 weeks. A phallus‐like structure along the lower abdomen was additionally detected, leading to the diagnosis of CE. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 30 weeks confirmed that the phallus‐like structure was of intestinal origin. The presence of a non‐visualizable bladder together with abdominal wall defect or omphalocele and an elephant trunk‐like deformity are key findings in the prenatal diagnosis of classic CE. Fetal MRI was useful in confirming ultrasonographic findings and obtaining additional findings for the diagnosis of CE. We have discussed clues and potential pitfalls in diagnosing CE, with a review of the literature.
Association of salivary inflammatory biomarkers with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Moreno‐Quispe Luz A. , Serrano Julia , Virto Leire , Sanz Mariano , Ramírez Lucía , Fernández‐Castro Mónica , Hernández Gonzalo , López‐Pintor Rosa María
Published: June 2020

Background

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that leads to salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunction. The adaptive immune response associated with T helper‐2 lymphocytes appears to be altered in these patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the salivary levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐5, and IL‐4 in patients with pSS when compared to a healthy control (HC) group. The secondary objectives were to study whether ILs levels in pSS patients were associated with salivary flow, patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) for xerostomia and oral health quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 [OHIP‐14]), pSS classification criteria and presence of extraglandular manifestations.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted in 36 patients with pSS and 35 HCs. Cytokine levels were measured using high‐sensitivity multiplex map human immunoassays. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva were collected and patients filled out questionnaires. The Mann‐Whitney U test, chi‐squared test, and Spearman correlation test were used.

Results

Interleukin‐6 was significantly higher in pSS patients than in HCs (P = .0001). IL‐6 was significantly higher in pSS patients with a positive salivary gland biopsy (P = .04), whole stimulated saliva hyposalivation (P = .02), and presence of musculoskeletal disorders (P = .03). There was a non‐significant positive correlation between IL‐6 levels and PROMs for xerostomia (r = .31; P = .06) and OHIP‐14 (r = .07; P = .68) in pSS patients. Levels of IL‐4 and IL‐5 were not detected in both pSS and HCs patients.

Conclusions

Salivary IL‐6 levels are significantly associated with pSS patients, and therefore, it is hypothesized that this biomarker may be useful in the diagnosis and follow‐up of this disease.
Associations between multiple occupational exposures and sleep problems: Results from the national French Working Conditions survey
Authors: Bertrais Sandrine , André Noëmie , Bèque Marilyne , Chastang Jean‐François , Niedhammer Isabelle
Published: June 2020

Studies evaluating the effects of multiple occupational exposures on sleep are very rare. We assessed the associations between a wide range of occupational exposures and sleep problems and investigated the cumulative effects of these exposures on this outcome. We used data from the French 2016 Working Conditions survey conducted on a nationally representative sample of workers, including 20,430 employees aged 15–65 yr (8,579 men, 11,851 women). Sleep problems were defined by either sleep disturbances or sleep medication, almost daily or several times a week. Occupational exposures included 21 psychosocial work factors grouped into five dimensions, four factors related to working time/hours and four factors related to the physical work environment. Unadjusted and adjusted weighted robust Poisson regression analyses were performed. Almost all psychosocial work exposures were associated with sleep problems, whereas the only significant working time/hours factor associated with sleep problems was night work among women. Some gender differences in the exposure–outcome associations were found. The prevalence ratio of sleep problems increased with the number of exposures for most dimensions of psychosocial work factors. Physical work exposures were associated with sleep problems, and there was a linear association between the number of these occupational exposures and sleep problems in both genders, although the trend did not reach statistical significance among women. Workplace preventive strategies targeting the work environment comprehensively may be effective in improving sleep among working populations. More attention should be given to multiple exposures in the workplace.
The urge to move: From restless legs syndrome to impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Marques Ana , Figorilli Michela , Lambert Céline , Pereira Bruno , Vidal Tiphaine , Montplaisir Jacques , Durif Franck , Livia Fantini Maria
Published: June 2020

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) are defined as a failure to resist an “urge” to behave in a way that may be debilitating for oneself or others. The suggested immobilization test (SIT) has been developed to assess the “urge” to move and support the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the general population and in PD. A clinical association between RLS and ICDs has been shown in PD and in the general population. We hypothesized that there could be a semiological overlap between RLS and ICDs, and conducted SIT in PD patients with and without ICDs. Fifty PD patients with (n = 17) and without (n = 33) current ICDs were included. SIT, videopolysomnography, demographical treatment, and motor, psycho‐behavioural and sleep characteristics, including RLS, were recorded. PD patients with ICDs reported increased subjective discomfort during SIT (SD‐SIT) compared to those without ICDs (p = .024). Multivariable analysis confirmed ICDs as an independent factor associated with increased SD‐SIT in PD, regardless of the presence of RLS, PD severity and dopamine agonist treatment dose. The discomfort measured by SIT might not only reflect the “urge” to move in RLS but also the ICDs in PD, suggesting that ICDs and RLS in PD could share a common phenomenology.
Similar Conceptual Mapping of Novel Objects in Mixed‐ and Single‐Language Contexts in Fluent Basque‐Spanish Bilinguals
Authors: Antón Eneko , Thierry Guillaume , Dimitropoulou María , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: June 2020

Participants learned the meaning of novel objects by listening to two complementary definitions while watching videos of the new object, in a single‐language context (all in Spanish) or a mixed‐language context (one definition in Basque, one in Spanish). Then, participants were asked to assess the degree of functional relatedness between novel and familiar objects in two conditions: identical (both definitions overlap) or related (single definition overlap). Relatedness ratings differed significantly between conditions, but they were highly similar across language contexts. Furthermore, items in the identical condition elicited a P300‐like event‐related potential component, while related items elicited a wave of lesser amplitude. Critically, the amplitude differences between conditions did not differ between language contexts. No interaction was found with proficiency level across participants. In line with previous findings, we show no measurable impact of mixing languages during the establishment of a link between novel objects and existing conceptual representations in bilinguals.
Recent insights into barley and Rhynchosporium commune interactions
Authors: Zhang Xuechen , Ovenden Ben , Milgate Andrew
Published: June 2020

Rhynchosporium commune is the causal pathogen of scald in barley (Hordeum vulgare), a foliar disease that can reduce yield by up to 40% in susceptible cultivars. R. commune is found worldwide in all temperate growing regions and is regarded as one of the most economically important barley pathogens. It is a polycyclic pathogen with the ability to rapidly evolve new virulent strains in response to resistance genes deployed in commercial cultivars. Hence, introgression and pyramiding of different loci for resistance (qualitative or quantitative) through marker‐assisted selection is an effective way to improve scald resistance in barley. This review summarizes all 148 resistance quantitative trait loci reported at the date of submission of this review and projects them onto the barley physical map, where it is clear many loci co‐locate on chromosomes 3H and 7H. We have summarized the major named resistance loci and reiterated the renaming of Rrs15 (CI8288) to Rrs17. This review provides a comprehensive resource for future discovery and breeding efforts of qualitative and quantitative scald resistance loci.
GDSL lipase occluded stomatal pore 1 is required for wax biosynthesis and stomatal cuticular ledge formation
Authors: Tang Jing , Yang Xianpeng , Xiao Chuanlei , Li Jiaying , Chen Yongqiang , Li Ruiying , Li Shipeng , Lü Shiyou , Hu Honghong
Published: June 2020

The plant leaf surface is coated with a waterproof cuticle layer. Cuticle facing the stomatal pore surface needs to be sculpted to form outer cuticular ledge (OCL) after stomatal maturation for efficient gas exchange. Here, we characterized the roles of Arabidopsis GDSL lipase, Occlusion of Stomatal Pore 1 (OSP1), in wax biosynthesis and stomatal OCL formation.

OSP1 mutation results in significant reduction in leaf wax synthesis and occlusion of stomata, leading to increased epidermal permeability, decreased transpiration rate, and enhanced drought tolerance. We demonstrated that OSP1 activity is critical for its role in wax biosynthesis and stomatal function. In vitro enzymatic assays demonstrated that OSP1 possesses thioesterase activity, particularly on C22:0 and C26:0 acyl‐CoAs.

Genetic interaction analyses with CER1 (ECERIFERUM 1), CER3 (ECERIFERUM 3) and MAH1 (Mid‐chain Alkane Hydroxylase 1) in wax biosynthesis and stomatal OCL formation showed that OSP1 may act upstream of CER3 in wax biosynthesis, and implicate that wax composition percentage changes and keeping ketones in a lower level play roles, at least partially, in forming stomatal ledges.

Our findings provided insights into the molecular mechanism mediating wax biosynthesis and highlighted the link between wax biosynthesis and the process of stomatal OCL formation.
Associations of short sleep duration with appetite‐regulating hormones and adipokines: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Jianfei , Jiang Yanrui , Wang Guanghai , Meng Min , Zhu Qi , Mei Hao , Liu Shijian , Jiang Fan
Published: June 2020

In the current study, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to summarize and assess whether short sleep duration is associated with appetite‐regulating hormones and adipokine levels. Reference databases were searched for studies related to sleep and appetite‐regulating hormones and adipokines. Qualitative and quantitative syntheses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between sleep duration and the level of appetite‐regulating hormones and adipokines, including leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, resistin, and orexin. Twenty‐one of 3536 studies, covering a total of 2250 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin were included in the meta‐analysis. Ghrelin levels were higher in the short sleep group (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.14, 95% CI [0.03, 0.25], p = 0.01). Significant differences between the short sleep group and recommended sleep group were also noted in leptin level experimental subgroup studies (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [0.03, 0.35], p = 0.02) and ghrelin level cross‐sectional subgroup studies (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI [0.02, 0.27], p = 0.03). A rise in leptin and ghrelin levels were also observed in sleep deprivation groups (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI [0.10, 0.39], p = 0.001 and SMD = 0.18, 95% CI [0.04, 0.33], p = 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, short sleep duration is associated with an increased ghrelin level, while sleep deprivation had a significant effect on the levels of both leptin and ghrelin.
Varying presentations of COVID‐19 in young heart transplant recipients: A case series
Authors: Lee Hannah , Mantell Benjamin S. , Richmond Marc E. , Law Sabrina P. , Zuckerman Warren A. , Addonizio Linda J. , Lee Teresa M. , Lytrivi Irene D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Immunosuppression is considered a risk factor for more severe clinical presentation of COVID‐19. Limited data regarding clinical outcome exist in adults, whereas very little is known about the spectrum of the disease in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of young heart transplant patients from our tertiary care center during the coronavirus pandemic in New York City and identified patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2.

Results

We present four cases with COVID‐19 disease and elaborate on their presentation and clinical course.

Conclusions

Although far from conclusive and limited by the small sample size and selection bias, these cases demonstrate mild and self‐limited disease despite immunosuppressive therapy and various comorbidities that are expected to increase the severity of the clinical picture based on extrapolation from the adult experience with this novel disease.
Inclusivity in Online Platforms: Recruitment Strategies for Improving Participation of Diverse Sociodemographic Groups
Authors: van den Berg Annelieke C. , Giest Sarah N. , Groeneveld Sandra M. , Kraaij Wessel
Published: June 2020

Governments are increasingly implementing smart and digital approaches to promoting citizen participation. However, whether online participation platforms are tools that improve inclusivity in citizen participation remains underexplored. To address this gap, this article focuses on the role of recruitment messages and their effect on participation in an online participation platform by gender and age. A field experiment with a neighborhood census sample (N = 6,066) shows that online participation dips for younger and older citizens and is equal among women and men. For the age groups between 60 and 75, differences in the control and intervention recruitment messages significantly impacted participation. These findings can help public managers tailor recruitment strategies to facilitate inclusive participation and represent a first step toward learning what types of messages are effective for whom.
A Call for Better Integrated Policies to Accelerate the Fertility Decline in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: May John F. , Rotenberg Sara
Published: June 2020

To accelerate their demographic transition, sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries must trigger significant and rapid fertility declines. These fertility declines will open a demographic window of opportunity and enable countries to capture a first demographic dividend. Despite some successes, many programs aimed at decreasing fertility in SSA have yielded disappointing results. This commentary argues that better integrated policies will help to accelerate fertility declines in SSA. Such an approach should harness the synergies between a set of four key policy levers: women's empowerment; female education; family planning, reproductive health services, and universal health coverage; and legal reforms. These policy levers should be coupled with renewed commitment from leaders on the continent and increased investments in both family planning and population institutions. By concomitantly investing in these priorities and harnessing the synergies of these policy levers, countries in SSA have a critical opportunity to accelerate their demographic transition, which could help them reach emerging economy status.
Evaluation of a simple image‐based tool to quantify facial erythema in rosacea during treatment
Authors: Logger Jade G. M. , de Jong Elke M. G. J. , Driessen Rieke J. B. , van Erp Piet E. J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Facial erythema is a common symptom in rosacea. To overcome subjectivity in scoring erythema severity, objective redness quantification is desirable. This study evaluated an image‐based erythema quantification tool to monitor facial erythema in rosacea patients during treatment and compared these values to clinical scores.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one rosacea patients were treated with topical ivermectin for 16 weeks. Clinical erythema scores and clinical photographs were taken at week 0, 6, 16 and 28. Using ImageJ, RGB images were split into red, green and blue channels to measure the green/red ratio of lesional skin compared with a green sticker. With CIELAB colour space, a* (indicating colour from green to red) of a lesional and non‐lesional facial site was measured, calculating ∆a*. Interobserver concordance and correlation between quantitative and clinical erythema values were determined.

Results

Treatment resulted in reduction of clinical erythema scores. No significant changes in red/green ratios were measured. Lesional a* and ∆a* significantly decreased from baseline to week 16 and 28 (P < .05). A weak correlation existed between clinical scores and lesional a* (Rs = 0.37), and between clinical scores and ∆a* (Rs = 0.30), with a clear trend towards higher a* and ∆a* for higher clinical scores. Interobserver correlation was high (R2 = 0.82).

Conclusion

ImageJ is a simple, rapid, objective and reproducible tool to monitor erythema in rosacea patients during treatment. The photographs allow retrospective analysis, evaluation of large and small lesions, and discrimination of subtle redness differences. We recommend using lesional a* to monitor erythema of inflammatory dermatoses in clinical practice.
Sugarcane genome architecture decrypted with chromosome‐specific oligo probes
Authors: Piperidis Nathalie , D’Hont Angélique
Published: June 2020

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is probably the crop with the most complex genome. Modern cultivars (2n = 100–120) are highly polyploids and aneuploids derived from interspecific hybridization between Saccharum officinarum (2n = 80) and Saccharum spontaneum (2n = 40–128). Chromosome‐specific oligonucleotide probes were used in combination with genomic in situ hybridization to analyze the genome architecture of modern cultivars and representatives of their parental species. The results validated a basic chromosome number of x = 10 for S. officinarum. In S. spontaneum, rearrangements occurred from a basic chromosome of x = 10, probably in the Northern part of India, in two steps leading to x = 9 and then x = 8. Each step involved three chromosomes that were rearranged into two. Further polyploidization led to the wide geographical extension of clones with x = 8. We showed that the S. spontaneum contribution to modern cultivars originated from cytotypes with x = 8 and varied in proportion between cultivars (13–20%). Modern cultivars had mainly 12 copies for each of the first four basic chromosomes, and a more variable number for those basic chromosomes whose structure differs between the two parental species. One−four of these copies corresponded to entire S. spontaneum chromosomes or interspecific recombinant chromosomes. In addition, a few inter‐chromosome translocations were revealed. The new information and cytogenetic tools described in this study substantially improve our understanding of the extreme level of complexity of modern sugarcane cultivar genomes.