bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing antibody to proNGF rescues erectile function by regulating the expression of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Chung Doo Yong , Song Kang‐Moon , Choi Min‐Ji , Limanjaya Anita , Ghatak Kalyan , Ock Jiyeon , Yin Guo Nan , Hong Chang Hee , Hong Soon‐Sun , Suh Jun‐Kyu , Ryu Ji‐Kan
Published: July 2020

Background

Radical prostatectomy induces some degree of cavernous nerve injury (CNI) and causes denervation‐induced pathologic changes in cavernous vasculature, regardless of the advances in surgical techniques and robotic procedures. The precursor for nerve growth factor (proNGF) is known to be involved in neuronal cell apoptosis and microvascular dysfunction through its receptor p75NTR.

Objectives

To determine the expression of proNGF/p75NTR and the efficacy of proNGF neutralizing antibody (anti‐proNGF‐Ab) in a mouse model of ED induced by CNI.

Materials and Methods

Age‐matched 12‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were distributed into three groups: sham group and bilateral CNI group treated with intracavernous injections of PBS (20 μL) or of anti‐proNGF‐Ab (20 µg in 20 μL of PBS) on days −3 and 0. Two weeks after treatment, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of cavernous nerve. Penis tissues from a separate group of animals were harvested for further analysis. We also determined the efficacy of anti‐proNGF‐Ab on neural preservation in major pelvic ganglion (MPG) ex vivo.

Results

We observed increased penile expression of proNGF and p75NTR after CNI. Intracavernous administration of anti‐proNGF‐Ab increased nNOS and neurofilament expression probably by enhancing the production of neurotrophic factors, such as neurotrophin‐3, NGF, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Anti‐proNGF‐Ab preserved the integrity of cavernous sinusoids, such as pericytes, endothelial cells, and endothelial cell‐to‐cell junctions, possibly by controlling angiogenic factors (angiopoietin‐1, angiopoietin‐2, and vascular endothelial growth factor) and induced endogenous eNOS phosphorylation in CNI mice. And finally, treatment with anti‐proNGF‐Ab rescued erectile function in CNI mice. Anti‐proNGF‐Ab also enhanced neurite sprouting from MPG exposed to lipopolysaccharide.

Discussion and Conclusion

The preservation of damaged cavernous neurovasculature through inhibition of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway may be a novel strategy to treat radical prostatectomy‐induced erectile dysfunction.
Current status of laparoscopic bariatric/metabolic surgery in Japan: The sixth nationwide survey by the Japan Consortium of Obesity and Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Ohta Masayuki , Kasama Kazunori , Sasaki Akira , Naitoh Takeshi , Seki Yosuke , Inamine Susumu , Oshiro Takashi , Doki Yuichiro , Seto Yasuyuki , Hayashi Hideki , Uyama Ichiro , Takiguchi Shuji , Kojima Kazuyuki , Mori Toshiyuki , Inomata Masafumi , Kitagawa Yuko , Kitano Seigo ,   Japan Consortium of Obesity and Metabolic Surgery (JCOMS)
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic bariatric procedures have been performed in Japan since 2000. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been fully covered by National Health Insurance since 2014, and it has been increasingly performed recently. The Japan Consortium of Obesity and Metabolic Surgery conducts a nationwide survey on laparoscopic bariatric/metabolic surgery every 2 years.

Methods

The survey was sent by post or email to 97 Japanese institutions in January 2020.

Results

From 2000 to 2019, a total of 3669 laparoscopic bariatric/metabolic procedures were performed in 64 institutions. The most popular procedure was LSG (n = 2866), followed by LSG with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG‐DJB, n = 337) and laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (LRYGB, n = 280). Morbidity and reoperation rates were, respectively, 29.8% and 11.8% for LRYGB, 16.8% and 2.8% for LSG, and 13.6% and 6.6% for LSG‐DJB. At 5 years after the procedures, the percentage of excess weight loss was 78% for LRYGB, 66% for LSG, and 80% for LSG‐DJB.

Conclusion

This nationwide survey clearly showed that laparoscopic bariatric/metabolic surgery has been safely and effectively performed for 20 years in Japan.
Corruption in agricultural processing firms: A comparison of cooperatives and investor‐owned firms
Authors: Fulton Murray E. , Giannakas Konstantinos
Published: July 2020

This paper examines managerial corruption in cooperatives (co‐ops) and investor‐owned firms (IOFs), including its impact on prices and farmer welfare. Even when co‐op managers have greater incentives to engage in corruption because of the co‐op's larger production, the resulting corruption is not sufficient to offset the competitive effect that co‐ops exert vis‐à‐vis IOFs. This conclusion holds regardless of the functional form of the production function, the farm input supply curve, and the demand curve for the processed product. In addition to showing the robustness of the competition effect, the paper provides a highly flexible modeling framework that can be used to examine other co‐op behavior questions.
Pediatric contact allergy: A comparative study with adults
Authors: Boonchai Waranya , Chaiyabutr Chayada , Charoenpipatsin Norramon , Sukakul Thanisorn
Published: July 2020

Background

Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis is increasing. The patch test allergens included in pediatric baseline series vary globally. The worldwide prevalence of pediatric reactions to allergens needs clarification.

Objectives

Identify the prevalence, associated factors, and culprit allergens for contact allergy among patch‐tested Thai children, and compare with those for adults.

Methods

Baseline series patch test results from 2010–2019 were collected for patients younger than 18 years of age. As a control group, sex‐matched adult patients were randomly selected. The results and characteristics of the two groups were compared.

Results

The median age of 112 patch tested pediatric patients was 16 (range 2–17) years. Of the children, 35.5% had at least one positive reaction, significantly less than the 56.6% for adults. The five most common pediatric allergens were nickel sulfate (12.1%), potassium dichromate (8.0%), methylisothiazolinone (7.1%), fragrance mix II (6.0%), and carba mix (5.4%). Although similar, the 10 most common allergens of the groups differed in order. Positive reactions to cosmetic allergens were significantly less frequent among the children. Many allergens remained entirely negative.

Conclusions

The prevalence of positive reactions was lower in children, varying by population and region. The top‐10 pediatric and adult causative allergens were almost identical. We recommend using the same baseline patch test series for children and adults in our region.
Research–management partnerships: An opportunity to integrate genetics in conservation actions
Authors: Taft Heather R. , McCoskey Dana N. , Miller Joshua M. , Pearson Sarah K. , Coleman Melinda A. , Fletcher Nicholas K. , Mittan Cinnamon S. , Meek Mariah H. , Barbosa Soraia
Published: July 2020

Preserving genetic diversity is a central goal in conservation biology, but there is a mismatch between the availability of genetic data and its use in conservation policy. In this study, we surveyed conservation practitioners from academic and government institutions to identify barriers preventing the use of genetic data for conservation practice and policy. Our survey data indicates that the majority of respondents are interested in using genetic tools, and many have used them in the past. Most of these genetic studies were facilitated by partnerships with academic and private organizations, which was the preferred method for integrating genetic research in practice by managers. Although much progress has been made to incorporate genetic study in conservation practice, differences in research goals, the cost of analyses and lack of specialized personnel continue to be barriers to incorporating genetic study in evaluating management actions and informing legislation. We recommend increasing the number of collaborative partnerships between genetic researchers and conservation managers to support management strategies of wild populations.
The utility of zooarchaeological data to guide listing efforts for an imperiled mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Pleurobema riddellii)
Authors: Randklev Charles R. , Wolverton Steve , Johnson Nathan A. , Smith Chase H. , DuBose Traci P. , Robertson Clinton R. , Conley Julian
Published: July 2020

The status of species in freshwater systems shift over time due to natural and anthropogenic causes. Determining the magnitude and cause of these shifts requires a long‐term perspective. This process is complicated when there are also questions about the taxonomic validity of a species. Addressing these issues is important because both can undermine conservation and management efforts if incorrect. Pleurobema riddellii, Louisiana Pigtoe, is under review for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, but its status in the Trinity River basin, where the taxon was described, remains in doubt due to questions about its taxonomy and occurrence within this basin. To address these questions, we compared shell morphometrics of P. riddellii dating to the late Holocene with modern P. riddellii, late Holocene Fusconaia sp., and modern Fusconaia sp. using multivariate analyses to test associations between the putative morphotypes. Based on these analyses, we demonstrate that P. riddellii was likely present in the Trinity during the late Holocene, which indicates questions about its taxonomic validity or presence in this basin are unfounded. Our study further highlights the role zooarchaeological studies can play in status assessments and their utility in better understanding biogeographic patterns for rare species.
Postglacial recolonization of North America by spadefoot toads: integrating niche and corridor modeling to study species’ range dynamics over geologic time
Authors: Gherghel Iulian , Martin Ryan Andrew
Published: July 2020

Understanding the factors that shape species’ distributions is a key topic in biogeography. As climates change, species can either cope with these changes through evolution, plasticity or by shifting their ranges to track the optimal climatic conditions. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is a widespread technique in biogeography that estimates the niche of the organism by using occurrences and environmental data to estimate species’ potential distributions. ENMs are often criticized for failing to take species’ dispersal abilities into consideration. Here, we attempt to fill this gap by combining ENMs with dispersal and corridor modeling to study the range dynamics of North American spadefoot toads (Scaphiopodidae) over the Holocene. We first estimated the current and past distributions of spadefoot toads and then estimated their past distributions from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the present day. Then, we estimated how each taxon recolonized North American by using dispersal and corridor modeling. By combining these two modeling approaches we were able to 1) estimate the LGM refugia used by the North American spadefoot toads, 2) further refine these projections by estimating which of the putative LGM refugia contributed to the recolonization of North America via dispersal, and 3) estimate the relative influence of each LGM refugium to the current species’ distributions. The models were tested using previously published phylogeographic data, revealing a high degree of congruence between our models and the genetic data. These results suggest that combining ENMs and dispersal modeling over time is a promising approach to investigate both historical and future species’ range dynamics.
Projected migrations of southern Indian Ocean albatrosses as a response to climate change
Authors: Somveille Marius , Dias Maria P. , Weimerskirch Henri , Davies Tammy E.
Published: July 2020

Anthropogenic climate change is altering the geographical distribution and regular movements of species. Highly‐mobile pelagic seabirds, such as albatrosses, are particularly threatened by human activities, such as fisheries bycatch. Predicting the impact of climate change on how these animals roam the ocean is an important step towards making informed conservation decisions. In this study, we used a mechanistic model of migratory movements to predict how the migration of albatross species that breed in the southern Indian Ocean may change between now and the end of the century. The model is able to generate non‐breeding movement patterns of albatrosses that correspond to empirical patterns from tracking data, thus providing confidence in the ability of the model to make future predictions. We projected the model using environmental conditions for 2100 based on a scenario assuming high emissions (IPCC RCP 8.5). Overall, we found very little projected change in the non‐breeding distribution of albatrosses compared to the present. Some change, however, is predicted for large albatrosses, which, due to their size, are more affected by wind, and are projected to migrate further eastwards in the future scenario. These results contrast with previous analyses focusing on the breeding distribution that used statistical modelling, such as habitat and species distributions models, and predicted poleward shifts in geographical distributions of various seabird species including albatrosses. Therefore, it highlights the need for formal comparison of predicted changes in distribution during different phases of the annual cycle of the albatrosses and/or integration of the different approaches. Our analysis also predicts that the overlap of albatrosses with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) during the non‐breeding season will remain similar in 2100 compared to today. This implies that large‐scale by‐catch mitigation measures implemented through fisheries management organisations will remain important over the next hundred years of climate change.
The role of the renin‐angiotensin system in skin physiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Silva Igor Maciel Souza , Assersen Kasper Bostlund , Willadsen Natalie Nanette , Jepsen Julie , Artuc Metin , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha
Published: July 2020

Since its first description around the year 2000, the local renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) in skin has been subject of an increasing number of studies with many additions over the last two to three years. A focus of research has been investigations on the role of cutaneous angiotensin receptors and locally synthesised angiotensin II in wound healing, in dermatoses associated with skin fibrosis and in melanoma. This review will provide an introduction into the RAS with emphasis on information relevant for the cutaneous RAS. It will discuss the role of the RAS in skin physiology, followed by a detailed review of the existing literature addressing the role of local angiotensin II and angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors in wound healing and in various skin diseases such as hypertrophic scars/keloids, scleroderma, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, Dupuytren's disease, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and psoriasis. In a final section, the potential relevance of drugs, which interfere with the RAS, for future therapy of dermatological disorders is discussed. Collectively, research about the RAS in skin can currently be described as an area, which has gained increasing attention by basic researchers, thus resulting in a multitude of preclinical studies pointing to the potential relevance of components of the RAS as drug targets in dermatological diseases. With a few small clinical studies already performed successfully for indications such as hypertrophic scars and keloids, it can be said that the skin RAS is now in the critical phase of translation from preclinical evidence to clinical use.
Financial Strain and Attitude Toward Retirement Among Aging Chinese Adults: The Influence of Family
Authors: Bai Xue , Liu Chang
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study examined the influences of intergenerational relations and marriage on the relationship between financial strain and attitude toward retirement among aging adults in Hong Kong.

Background

Financial strain is a source of worry among many older adults in Hong Kong. A considerable percentage of retirees and pre‐retirees have negative attitudes toward retirement.

Method

Representative survey data were collected from 767 participants (335 men and 432 women) with 294 participants aged 50 to 64 years; 473, aged 65 years or older).

Results

Financial strain was negatively associated with attitude toward retirement both directly and indirectly through intergenerational relationship quality. Cohort differences were identified as affectual closeness and intergenerational conflict (two subdomains of intergenerational relationship quality) partially mediated the relationship between financial strain and attitude toward retirement for the younger cohort aged 50 to 64 years, whereas for adults aged ≥65 years, only affectual closeness was a significant partial mediator. Marriage only acted as a moderator for the younger cohort.

Conclusion

The mediating effect of intergenerational relationship quality and moderating effect of marriage were identified, as well as cohort differences.

Implications

Tailored programs and policies should be developed for different age groups to enhance intergenerational relations and retirement preparation.
CHALLENGING THE POLITICS OF GERMAN VICTIMHOOD: MEMORY ACTIVISM AND THE CONTESTED ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRESDEN BOMBINGS SINCE 2005
Authors: Petzold Stephan
Published: July 2020

The anniversaries of the bombings of Dresden on 13 and 14 February 1945 have become key events in Germany's memory calendar. This article examines the role that local civil society agents have played in shaping, and changing, local memory culture in Dresden after 2005. It will explore how different memory agents interpreted the Dresden bombings, what significance for the present they attributed to them, what memory practices they adopted, and how these led to a significant transformation of local memory culture. I will argue that the years 2005 to 2016 saw two important shifts in local memory culture. First, the initiatives of local civil society activists, who aimed to resurrect ‘forgotten’ memories and advocated alternative memory practices, resulted in a more diverse and pluralist local memory landscape. A key dimension of this was the diversification of the meaning of victimhood that included, crucially, victims of Nazi persecution. Secondly, these years witnessed a reassessment of the meaning of the Dresden bombings and of the inherently political character of the annual commemoration, linking the legacy of the bombings unambiguously to the fight for tolerance and against right‐wing extremism.
Association of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 alleles at amino acid level in individuals with schizophrenia: A study from South India
Authors: Seshasubramanian Vani , Raghavan Vijaya , SathishKannan Aruna Devi , Naganathan Chandramouleeswaran , Ramachandran Aparna , Arasu Priya , Rajendren Preeti , John Sujit , Mowry Brian , Rangaswamy Thara , Narayan Saranya , Periathiruvadi Srinivasan
Published: July 2020

Background

Schizophrenia, a chronic severe psychiatric illness of unknown aetiology, has been shown to be associated with HLA alleles but at varied degree in different population. The present study has focussed on analysing the frequency of HLA class I and class II alleles in persons with schizophrenia from South India.

Methods

Ninety seven individuals with schizophrenia and 103 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were typed for HLA‐ A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci by next‐generation sequencing in Illumina MiniSeq using MIA FORA NGS FLEX HLA typing kit.

Results

The results showed that HLA‐A*01:01:01, B*37:01:01 and C*01:02:01 were positively associated with schizophrenia while HLA‐B*35:03:01 and DRB1*04:03:01 were negatively associated. Gender‐specific associations revealed that DRB1*10:01:01 and DQB1*05:01:01 were positively associated while DQB1*03:02:01 was negatively associated with female subjects with schizophrenia. A*24:02:01~B*37:01:01~C*06:02:01~DRB1*10:01:01~DQB1*05:01:01 is the predominant haplotype in schizophrenia population when compared to healthy controls. Amino acid association in susceptible and protective alleles has shown that the presence of peptide in the peptide‐binding groves of mature HLA‐A protein (K, M, V, R and V at 44th, 67th, 150th, 156th and 158th position), HLA‐B protein (D and S at 77th and 99th position) and HLA‐C protein (M at 99th position) confer susceptibility to the disease, only in the absence of E (Glutamic acid) at 74th position in mature HLA‐DRB1 protein. Interaction of amino acids in protective alleles namely B*35:01:01 and DRB1*04:03:01 has revealed that aspartic acid at 114th (D) position in mature HLA‐B protein and glutamic acid (E) at 74th position of mature HLA‐DRB1 protein have a combined effect in protecting against the disease.

Conclusion

The study has revealed the HLA association with schizophrenia in south Indian population. The amino acid interaction with the disease needs to be confirmed in a larger population.
Gene regulation network analysis reveals core genes associated with survival in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Jiang Lan , Zhong Min , Chen Tianbing , Zhu Xiaolong , Yang Hui , Lv Kun
Published: July 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a very serious mortality of central nervous system cancer. The microarray data from GSE2223, GSE4058, GSE4290, GSE13276, GSE68848 and GSE70231 (389 GBM tumour and 67 normal tissues) and the RNA‐seq data from TCGA‐GBM dataset (169 GBM and five normal samples) were chosen to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). RRA (Robust rank aggregation) method was used to integrate seven datasets and calculate 133 DEGs (82 up‐regulated and 51 down‐regulated genes). Subsequently, through the PPI (protein‐protein interaction) network and MCODE/ cytoHubba methods, we finally filtered out ten hub genes, including FOXM1, CDK4, TOP2A, RRM2, MYBL2, MCM2, CDC20, CCNB2, MYC and EZH2, from the whole network. Functional enrichment analyses of DEGs were conducted to show that these hub genes were enriched in various cancer‐related functions and pathways significantly. We also selected CCNB2, CDC20 and MYBL2 as core biomarkers, and further validated them in CGGA, HPA and CCLE database, suggesting that these three core hub genes may be involved in the origin of GBM. All these potential biomarkers for GBM might be helpful for illustrating the important role of molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis in the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy of GBM cancer.
Abundance of Coffee berry borer in feral, abandoned and managed coffee on Hawaii Island
Authors: Johnson Melissa A. , Manoukis Nicholas C.
Published: July 2020

Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari), the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide, was first detected on Hawaii Island in 2010. Poorly managed, abandoned and feral coffee sites on the island have since been thought to harbour coffee berry borer (CBB) populations, which then negatively impact neighbouring coffee farms. In the present study, we sought to quantify CBB abundance in these sites, which vary in management intensity and vegetation structure and diversity. We collected data on trap catch as a measure of CBB flight activity, fruit production and fruit infestation by CBB in eight well‐managed farms and sites that were either poorly managed, abandoned or feral (wild) coffee. Sites were sampled bi‐weekly over a period of 2 years from 2016 to 2017. We found that CBB flight activity was significantly higher in poorly managed sites relative to abandoned and feral sites, but was not significantly different from well‐managed sites. Coffee production in well‐managed farms was significantly higher than in abandoned and feral sites, but was not significantly different from poorly managed farms. CBB infestation in poorly managed sites was significantly higher than that observed in well‐managed, abandoned and feral sites. We estimated an average load of 11–25 CBB per branch at poorly managed sites, compared to 3–9 per branch at well‐managed sites, 1–16 per branch at abandoned sites and 1–3 per branch at feral sites. Our findings suggest that poorly managed sites should be prioritized for implementation of CBB control measures as part of a landscape‐level integrated pest management (IPM) programme.
Do typefaces of packaging labels influence consumers' perception of specialty coffee? A preliminary study
Authors: de Sousa Maísa M. M. , Carvalho Fabiana M. , Pereira Rosemary G. F. A.
Published: July 2020

The multisensory attributes of packaging provide an important source of information on attracting consumers' attention. They also help priming sensory and hedonic expectations, which may affect the judgment of products. The present study aimed at investigating whether the typeface of packaging labels would influence the sensory and hedonic judgments of specialty coffee by amateur consumers. Specialty coffee amateur consumers (n = 146) evaluated their expectations of coffee acidity and sweetness by looking at package labels with different typefaces, varying solely on the roundness or angularity. Subsequently, they rated their experiences of the same attributes when tasting a cup of coffee, in addition to judging their liking and purchase intent. The results revealed that the angular typeface increased expectation and actual perception of the coffee acidity as well as purchase intent ratings. However, contrary to the frequently suggested correspondence between sweetness and roundness, no association was found between the round typeface and sweet taste ratings.

Practical applications

This study contributes to the literature of taste/shape crossmodal correspondence by showing that the consumers' sensory and hedonic evaluations of specialty coffee are influenced by the angularity versus roundness of the typeface on the packaging label. These findings emphasize the potential importance of the visual elements of packaging labels on consumers' perception of food/drink. These results are relevant to packaging design since different coffee profiles could be matched with different label typefaces in order to potentially enhance the consumers' coffee drinking experience.
Tetrandrine: a review of its anticancer potentials, clinical settings, pharmacokinetics and drug delivery systems
Authors: Luan Fei , He Xirui , Zeng Nan
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Tetrandrine, a natural bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, possesses promising anticancer activities on diverse tumours. This review provides systematically organized information on cancers of tetrandrine in vivo and in vitro, discuss the related molecular mechanisms and put forward some new insights for the future investigations.

Key findings

Anticancer activities of tetrandrine have been reported comprehensively, including lung cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer and liver cancer. The potential molecular mechanisms corresponding to the anticancer activities of tetrandrine might be related to induce cancer cell apoptosis, autophagy and cell cycle arrest, inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion, ameliorate metastasis and suppress tumour cell growth. Pharmaceutical applications of tetrandrine combined with nanoparticle delivery system including liposomes, microspheres and nanoparticles with better therapeutic efficiency have been designed and applied encapsulate tetrandrine to enhance its stability and efficacy in cancer treatment.

Tetrandrine was proven to have definite antitumour activities. However, the safety, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameter studies on tetrandrine are very limited in animal models, especially in clinical settings. Our present review on anticancer potentials of tetrandrine would be necessary and highly beneficial for providing guidelines and directions for further research of tetrandrine.
Implication of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐like 2/heme oxygenase 1 pathway in the protective effects of coenzyme Q10 against preeclampsia‐like in a rat model
Authors: Li Lei , Li Hongyan , Zhou Qian , Lu Yuan , Chen Pengzheng , Wang Xietong , Zhao Heyong
Published: July 2020

Background

Preeclampsia has ranked as one of the leading causes of both maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality around the world. The hypotensive effect of coenzyme Q10 has been widely reported in preeclampsia rat model. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

L‐NAME was utilized to establish the preeclampsia rat model. Biomarker assessments were performed to identify the levels of vascular factors including soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), the circulating cytokines including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β, and oxidative stress factors including malondialdehyde, H2O2, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and Catalase. QRT‐PCR was used to demonstrate the levels of cytokines in placenta tissues, and Western blot was performed to estimate the nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) protein levels.

Results

Coenzyme Q10 treatment decreased the blood pressure in rat model with preeclampsia by regulating the circulating levels of sFlt‐1 and PlGF. Coenzyme Q10 attenuated serum and placental inflammation and oxidative stress in L‐NAME‐induced preeclampsia rats. Coenzyme Q10 activated the placental Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in L‐NAME‐induced preeclampsia rats.

Conclusion

Coenzyme Q10 attenuated placental inflammatory and oxidative stress, thereby protecting the rats against preeclampsia by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway.
Combatting the evolution of antifungal resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Bermas Arianne , Geddes‐McAlister Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Fungal infections are a global concern and the evolution of intrinsic resistance to current antifungals presents an alarming problem. For Cryptococcus neoformans, a human fungal pathogen of primarily immunocompromised individuals, resistance toward treatment strategies demands alternative approaches. Given the prevalence of virulence factor production during cryptococcal infection, an emerging and important field of research encompasses the development of novel antivirulence therapies proposed to improve host immune responses and promote fungal clearance. To accomplish this task, information regarding the presence and role of virulence factors, the mechanisms of action within the host, and the ability to influence fungal susceptibility to antifungals is pertinent. Research into mechanisms of antifungal resistance for C. neoformans is limited but extrapolation from successful studies in other fungal species can improve our understanding of mechanisms employed by C. neoformans and suggest targeted strategies to enhance our ability to combat the pathogen. In this Review, we highlight antifungal therapy options against Cryptococcus, explore current knowledge of underlying mechanisms promoting resistance, and present new opportunities for novel and effective strategies to overcome fungal infections and reduce, or possibly even reverse, the effects of resistance evolution.
Pattern of climate connectivity and equivalent niche of Triatominae species of the Phyllosoma complex
Authors: Moo‐Llanes D. A. , Montes de Oca‐Aguilar A. C. , Rodríguez‐Rojas J. J.
Published: July 2020

The Phyllosoma complex is a Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) group of medical importance involved in Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) transmission. Most of the members of this group are endemic and sympatric species with distribution in Mexico and the southern U.S.A. We employed MaxEnt to construct ecological niche models of nine species of Triatominae to test three hypothesis: (a) whether species with a broad climatic niche breadth occupy a broader geographical range than species with a narrow climatic breadth, (b) whether species with broad distribution present high degree of climatic fragmentation/isolation, which was tested through landscape metrics; and (c) whether the species share the same climatic niche space (niche conservatism) considered through an equivalence test implemented in ENMtools. Overall, our results suggest that the geographical distribution of this complex is influenced mainly by temperature seasonality where all suitable areas are places of current and potential transmission of T. cruzi. Niche breadth in the Phyllosoma complex is associated with the geographical distribution range, and the geographical range affects the climatic connectivity. We found no strong evidence of niche climatic divergence in members of this complex. We discuss the epidemiological implications of these results.
Evolutionary network genomics of wood formation in a phylogenetic survey of angiosperm forest trees
Authors: Zinkgraf Matthew , Zhao Shu‐Tang , Canning Courtney , Gerttula Suzanne , Lu Meng‐Zhu , Filkov Vladimir , Groover Andrew
Published: July 2020

Wood formation was present in early angiosperms, but has been highly modified through evolution to generate the anatomical diversity seen in extant angiosperm lineages. In this project, we modeled changes in gene coexpression relationships associated with the evolution of wood formation in a phylogenetic survey of 13 angiosperm tree species.

Gravitropic stimulation was used as an experimental treatment to alter wood formation and also perturb gene expression. Gene transcript abundances were determined using RNA sequencing of developing wood tissues from upright trees, and from the top (tension wood) and bottom (opposite wood) tissues of gravistimulated trees.

A network‐based approach was employed to align gene coexpression networks across species based on orthologous relationships. A large‐scale, multilayer network was modeled that identified both lineage‐specific gene coexpression modules and modules conserved across multiple species. Functional annotation and analysis of modules identified specific regulatory processes associated with conserved modules, including regulation of hormones, protein phosphorylation, meristem development and epigenetic processes.

Our results provide novel insights into the evolution and development of wood formation, and demonstrate the ability to identify biological processes and genes important for the evolution of a foundational trait in nonmodel, undomesticated forest trees.
Leveraging computational genomics to understand the molecular basis of metal homeostasis
Authors: Grosjean Nicolas , Blaby‐Haas Crysten E.
Published: July 2020

Genome‐based data is helping to reveal the diverse strategies plants and algae use to maintain metal homeostasis. In addition to acquisition, distribution and storage of metals, acclimating to feast or famine can involve a wealth of genes that we are just now starting to understand. The fast‐paced acquisition of genome‐based data, however, is far outpacing our ability to experimentally characterize protein function. Computational genomic approaches are needed to fill the gap between what is known and unknown. To avoid misconstruing bioinformatically derived data, which is the root cause of the inaccurate functional annotations that plague databases, functional inferences from diverse sources and contextualization of that evidence with a robust understanding of protein family evolution is needed. Phylogenomic‐ and comparative‐genomic‐based studies can aid in the interpretation of experimental data or provide a spark for the discovery of a new function. These analyses not only lead to novel insight into a target protein’s function but can generate thought‐provoking insights across protein families.
When is refraction stable following routine cataract surgery? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Charlesworth Emily , Alderson Alison J , de Juan Victoria , Elliott David B
Published: July 2020

Purpose

We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate when refraction is stable following routine cataract surgery implanting monofocal intraocular lenses. Current advice recommends obtaining new spectacles 4–6 weeks following surgery. Due to advancements in surgical techniques, we hypothesised that refractive stability would be achieved earlier, which could have major short‐term improvements in quality of life for patients.

Methods

Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched with key words chosen to find articles, which assessed refraction following uncomplicated cataract surgery. Citation chains and the reference lists of all included papers were searched. Unpublished literature was identified using OpenGrey (www.opengrey.eu). The review considered studies that measured refraction at regular intervals following surgery until stability was achieved.

Results

The search identified 6,680 papers. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts and nine papers were found to fit the criteria, of which five were included in the meta‐analysis. The quality of the papers was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non‐Randomised Studies (MINORS) instrument. Meta‐analysis of 301 patients’ data of spherical, cylindrical and spherical equivalent correction were performed using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5.3) (https://revman.cochrane.org/). Refraction at 1‐week versus the gold standard of 4‐weeks showed no significant difference for sphere data (effect size and 95% confidence interval of; ES = 0.00, 95% CI: −0.17, 0.17; p = 1.00), cylindrical data (ES = +0.06; 95% CI: −0.05, 0.17; p = 0.31), and spherical equivalent (ES = −0.01; 95% CI: −0.12, 0.10; p = 0.90). Heterogeneity was non‐significant (I2 < 25%) for all refractive elements. Data were similar for 2‐ versus 4‐weeks post‐surgery. Acquired data from one study highlighted a small number of patients with very unstable cylindrical corrections at 1‐week post‐operatively.

Conclusions

No statistical difference was found when comparing sphere, cylindrical and spherical equivalent values at 1‐ and 4‐weeks post cataract surgery. This suggests that new glasses could be provided 1‐week after surgery. However, from a clinical perspective, a small number of patients (~7%) from an acquired dataset (N = 72) showed very unstable cylindrical corrections at 1‐week. Further work is needed to determine why this is the case and how these patients can be detected.
“Doll #135 with vitiligo”: Are alopecia and vitiligo Barbie worth the hype?
Authors: Shah Syed Fazal Hussein
Published: July 2020

Toy manufacturer Mattel released a new line of diverse Barbie dolls earlier this year, including dolls with alopecia and vitiligo. The new dolls have been widely celebrated, with both media and dermatologists proposing that the dolls could provide significant benefits for the low self‐esteem and societal exclusion suffered by children with similar dermatoses. However, the reality may be very different. Here, we present existing research on the impact of diverse dolls on children’s play and psychology to argue that the dolls’ proposed benefits for children with alopecia and vitiligo are unlikely to materialize; rather, alopecia and vitiligo Barbie could prove more harmful than beneficial.
Limits of Abductivism About Logic
Authors: Hlobil Ulf
Published: July 2020

I argue against abductivism about logic, which is the view that rational theory choice in logic happens by abduction. Abduction cannot serve as a neutral arbiter in many foundational disputes in logic because, in order to use abduction, one must first identify the relevant data. Which data one deems relevant depends on what I call one's conception of logic. One's conception of logic is, however, not independent of one's views regarding many of the foundational disputes that one may hope to solve by abduction.
Are superantigens the cause of cytokine storm and viral sepsis in severe COVID‐19? Observations and hypothesis
Authors: Scaglioni Valeria , Soriano Enrique R.
Published: July 2020

Right now the world is going through an unprecedented pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus. Recent papers pointed out the fatal outcome in most of the severe cases, in which a cytokine storm has been proven to be the cause of a systemic shock, acute respiratory syndrome, multiorgan failure and consequently death. Several explanations have been proposed trying to explain the pathophysiology of the cytokine storm, but viral proteins with a possible superantigen activity as a cause of immune dysregulation have not been addressed. If this hypothesis is proven, a different treatment approach might change the outcome in severe cases.
Gastrointestinal thickness, duration, and leak pressure of six intestinal anastomoses in dogs
Authors: Mullen Kaitlyn M. , Regier Penny J. , Waln Monica , Fox‐Alvarez W. Alexander , Colee James
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare leak pressures and construct completion time of six intestinal anastomoses and report normal canine gastrointestinal thickness.

Study design

Experimental study.

Animals

Grossly normal jejunal segments (n = 140) from 10 fresh canine cadavers.

Methods

Gastrointestinal thickness was recorded. Eight‐centimeter cooled canine cadaveric jejunal segments were randomly assigned to a control group (20 segments) and six treatment groups (20 segments/group [10 constructs/group]): (1) handsewn anastomosis (HSA), (2) functional end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis (FEESA)‐blue thoracoabdominal (TA; FEESA‐TAB), (3) FEESA‐green TA (FEESA‐TAG), (4) FEESA TA‐gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA), (5) FEESA with suture oversew (FEESA‐O), and (6) skin staples (SS). Construct assembly time, initial leak pressure (ILP), maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP), and leakage location were compared.

Results

Initial leak pressures (mean ± SD) for control (308.38 ± 115.91 mm Hg), HSA (41.96 ± 15.97), FEESA‐TAB (31.71 ± 15.71), FEESA‐TAG (27.24 ± 14.11), FEESA‐GIA (25.62 ± 11.22), FEESA‐O (31.01 ± 17.38), and SS (44.42 ± 28.88) groups were compared. No difference in ILP (P > .24) or MIP (P > .17) was detected between treatment groups. Sutured anastomoses took up to 10 times longer to complete (P= .0025). The stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mural thicknesses (mean ± SD) were 3.99 ± 0.44 mm, 2.34 ± 0.16, 2.49 ± 0.28, and 2.30 ± 0.31, respectively.

Conclusion

The ILP of all anastomoses exceeded maximum intraluminal peristaltic pressures. Stapled anastomoses were faster to complete.

Clinical significance

All anastomoses may be considered when performing an intestinal resection and anastomosis, with stapled anastomoses resulting in a shorter surgical time. Canine intestinal thickness may warrant use of a larger staple size.
Active surveillance of pathogens from ticks collected in New York State suburban parks and schoolyards
Authors: Yuan Qin , Llanos‐Soto Sebastian G. , Gangloff‐Kaufmann Jody L. , Lampman Joellen M. , Frye Matthew J. , Benedict Meghan C. , Tallmadge Rebecca L. , Mitchell Patrick K. , Anderson Renee R. , Cronk Brittany D. , Stanhope Bryce J. , Jarvis Ava R. , Lejeune Manigandan , Renshaw Randall W. , Laverack Melissa , Lamb Elizabeth M. , Goodman Laura B.
Published: July 2020

Schoolyards and suburban parks are two environments where active tick surveillance may inform local management approaches. Even in a state such as New York with a robust active tick surveillance programme operated by the state Department of Health, these settings are not routinely covered. The goal of this study was to highlight the importance of active surveillance for tick‐borne pathogens by describing their prevalence in ticks collected from schoolyards and suburban parks and to guide the use of integrated pest management in these settings. Tick dragging was performed in three regions of New York State: Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley and the Capital Region. A total of 19 schoolyards and 32 parks were sampled. The location, habitat and weather at the time of tick collection were recorded. Ticks were speciated and tested for the presence of 17 pathogens with a novel application of nanoscale real‐time PCR. The causative agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus disease were all detected from Ixodes scapularis in various sites throughout the capital region and south‐eastern counties of New York state. The most common agent detected was Borrelia burgdorferi, and coinfection rates were as high as 36%. This surveillance study also captured the first of the invasive Asian longhorned tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in New York state (collected 2 June 2017). Results from this study highlight the importance of collaborative efforts and data sharing for improvement of surveillance for tick‐borne disease agents.
Innovation in the ‘New Normal’ Interactions, the Urban Space, and the Low Touch Economy: The Case of Rio de Janeiro in the Context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Santos Vieira de Jesus Diego , Kamlot Daniel , Jacubowski Correia Dubeux Veranise
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to examine how innovation was implemented in the city of Rio de Janeiro, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, regarding the “new normal” interactions, the urban space and the low touch economy. The main argument indicates that the use of new information and communication technologies to interact with others allowed people to develop social and emotional ties in the light of health precautions. Although many of these precautions were ignored by people using the urban space, some people made new uses of the open natural spaces in Rio de Janeiro to release anxiety and depressive feelings, but the city still faces problems regarding the privatization of public spaces. In the light of the development of the low touch economy, innovation was necessary for many companies to overcome obstacles such as broken relationships with customers, the instant drop in demand, the constraints in supply and production, the political instability and the cash-ﬂow/ﬁnancial constraints. These solutions included the improvement of the logistic process and alternative branding, the switch to a similar but digital/remote service and the creation of products for other needs of the existing clients.