bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginsenoside 20(S)‐Rg3 upregulates HIF‐1α‐targeting miR‐519a‐5p to inhibit the Warburg effect in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Lu Jiaojiao , Chen Hong , He Fang , You Yuanyi , Feng Zhaozu , Chen Wei , Li Xu , Zhao Le
Published: April 2020

The Warburg effect, one of the metabolic hallmarks of cancer, is responsible for rapid energy production through a high rate of aerobic glycolysis. Ginsenoside 20(S)‐Rg3 antagonizes the Warburg effect in ovarian cancer cells by upregulating some microRNAs, including miR‐519a‐5p, that target key enzymes involved in aerobic glycolysis. How 20(S)‐Rg3‐upregulated miR‐519a‐5p influences the Warburg effect in ovarian cancer cells remains poorly defined, however. Here we report that while overexpression of miR‐519a‐5p in ovarian cancer cells inhibited the Warburg effect, inhibition of miR‐519a‐5p negated the suppressive action of 20(S)‐Rg3 against the Warburg effect as evidenced by a decrease in glucose consumption, lactate production and HK2 expression. We identified HIF‐1α as a direct target of miR‐519a‐5p via luciferase reporter assays and demonstrated the counteraction by overexpressed HIF‐1α of 20(S)‐Rg3‐suppressed Warburg effect. Further, 20(S)‐Rg3 decreased DNMT3A‐mediated DNA methylation in the promoter region of its precursor gene, leading to an increase in the level of miR‐519a‐5p. In conclusion, 20(S)‐Rg3 upregulates miR‐519a‐5p via reducing DNMT3A‐mediated DNA methylation to inhibit HIF‐1α‐stimulated Warburg effect in ovarian cancer.
Redistribution in a political union: The case of the EU
Authors: CITI MANUELE , JUSTESEN MOGENS K.
Published: April 2020

A key function of centralized budgets in federal and political unions is to act as an equalizing mechanism to support economic and social cohesion. This is also the case with the European Union's (EU) budget, which operates as a redistributive mechanism that counteracts the cross‐national and cross‐regional inequalities created by the single market. Despite the limits on cross‐national redistribution imposed by a centrifugal system of representation, the net fiscal position of member states – what they pay to the EU budget minus what they receive from it – is very diverse and has changed quite remarkably over the last decades. In this paper, we investigate how and why the net fiscal position of each member state toward the rest of the EU changes over time. We develop a novel panel dataset (1979–2014) to study how key national and EU‐level political and economic variables affect the EU redistributive dynamics. We find that redistribution via the EU budget primarily targets developments in inequality within EU member states, and that an increase in domestic unemployment may also improve the country's fiscal balance. Moreover, we find that voting power in the Council is unrelated to a more positive fiscal balance. However, we find that governments with a centre‐right profile are in general more successful in improving their redistributive position vis‐à‐vis the other member states. This may create a problem of budgetary ‘rent extraction’.
Long‐term survival and cognitive function according to blood pressure management during cardiac surgery. A follow‐up
Authors: Larsen Mo H. , Draegert Christina , Vedel Anne G. , Holmgaard Frederik , Siersma Volkert , Nilsson Jens C. , Rasmussen Lars S.
Published: April 2020

Background

Cardiac surgery is associated with a risk of complications, including post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). In the randomized Perfusion Pressure Cerebral Infarcts (PPCI) trial, we allocated cardiac surgery patients to either a low‐target mean arterial pressure (40‐50 mm Hg) or a high‐target pressure (70‐80 mm Hg). The study found no difference in the volume of new ischemic cerebral lesions nor POCD, but 30‐day mortality tended to be higher in the high‐target group. In the present study we did a long‐term 3‐year follow‐up to assess survival and level of cognitive functioning. The primary hypothesis was that patients allocated to a high‐target blood pressure had a higher long‐term mortality at 3‐year follow‐up.

Methods

We determined long‐term mortality of patients included in the PPCI trial at 3‐year follow‐up using national registries and we assessed POCD using a cognitive test battery. Subjective level of functioning was assessed with questionnaires. POCD and subjective functioning at follow‐up were evaluated in logistic regression models.

Results

Among the 197 patients who participated in the original study, there was no significant difference in mortality over a median of 3.4 years according to blood pressure target during cardiopulmonary bypass (hazards ratio 1.23 [high vs low] 95% confidence interval: 0.50‐3.02, P = .65).

POCD was found in 18.9% and 14.0% in the high‐target and low‐target groups, respectively adjusted odds ratio 1.01 (CI 95% 0.33‐3.12). No differences were found for subjective functioning between groups.

Conclusions

No difference in mortality nor in the level of cognitive functioning was found according to blood pressure target during cardiac surgery long‐term at 3‐year follow‐up.
Understanding and extending the Starling principle
Authors: Michel C. Charles , Woodcock Thomas E. , Curry Fitz‐Roy E.
Published: April 2020

The Starling Principle states that fluid movements between blood and tissues are determined by differences in hydrostatic and colloid osmotic (oncotic) pressures between plasma inside microvessels and fluid outside them. The Revised Starling Principle recognizes that, because microvessels are permeable to macromolecules, a balance of pressures cannot halt fluid exchange. In most tissues, steady oncotic pressure differences between plasma and interstitial fluid depend on low levels of steady filtration from plasma to tissues for which the Revised Principle provides the theory. Plasma volume is normally maintained by fluid losses from filtration being matched by fluid gains from lymph. Steady state fluid uptake into plasma only occurs in tissues such as intestinal mucosa and renal peri‐tubular capillaries where a protein‐free secretion of adjacent epithelia contributes significantly to interstitial fluid volume and keeps interstitial oncotic pressure low. Steady filtration rates in different tissues are disturbed locally by reflex changes in capillary pressure and perfusion. The rapid overall decline in capillary pressure after acute blood loss initiates rapid fluid uptake from tissue to plasma, that is, autotransfusion. Fluid uptake is transient, being rapid at first then attenuating but low levels may continue for more than an hour. The Revised Principle highlights the role of oncotic pressure of small volumes of interstitial fluid within a sub‐compartment surrounding the microvessels rather than the tissue's mean interstitial fluid oncotic pressure. This maximizes oncotic pressure differences when capillary pressure are high and enhances initial absorption rates when pressures are low, accelerating short‐term regulation of plasma volume.
On computation of semiparametric maximum likelihood estimators with shape constraints
Authors: Wang Yudong , Ye Zhi‐Sheng , Cao Hongyuan
Published: April 2020

Large sample theory of semiparametric models based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with shape constraint on the nonparametric component is well studied. Relatively less attention has been paid to the computational aspect of semiparametric MLE. The computation of semiparametric MLE based on existing approaches such as the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm can be computationally prohibitive when the missing rate is high. In this paper, we propose a computational framework for semiparametric MLE based on an inexact block coordinate ascent (BCA) algorithm. We show theoretically that the proposed algorithm converges. This computational framework can be applied to a wide range of data with different structures, such as panel count data, interval‐censored data, and degradation data, among others. Simulation studies demonstrate favorable performance compared with existing algorithms in terms of accuracy and speed. Two data sets are used to illustrate the proposed computational method. We further implement the proposed computational method in R packageBCA1SG, available at CRAN.
Trade, transport costs and trade imbalances: An empirical examination of international markets and backhauls
Authors: Friedt Felix L. , Wilson Wesley W.
Published: April 2020

The US trade deficit has been growing for over 25 years and has been accompanied by enlarging freight rate differentials. While traditional models of trade have ignored these gaps assuming symmetry across all bilateral trade costs, the specific linkages between trade imbalances and international transportation costs have remained unexplored. Given the current trade policies, the implications arising from the endogenous adjustment of bilateral transport costs to policy‐induced changes in the US trade deficit are of particular importance. To break new ground on this issue, we develop and estimate a model of international trade and transportation that accounts for the effects of persistent trade imbalances. The theoretical results are supported by our empirical analysis and indicate that bilateral transport costs adjust to a country's trade imbalance. The implication is that a unilateral import policy, for example, will cause spillover effects into the bilaterally integrated export market. To illustrate, we use our empirical results to simulate the anticipated spillover effect from the Chinese ban on waste imports. We find that China's ban and the projected 1.5% rise in the US trade deficit will lead to not only a 0.77% reduction of transport costs charged on US exports to China but also a 0.34% increase in transport costs on US imports from China.
A blockchain‐enabled framework for sharing logistics resources during emergency operations
Authors: L'Hermitte Cécile , Nair Nirmal‐Kumar C.
Published: April 2020

This study presents conceptual research designed to assess how the sharing economy concept can be leveraged to increase the participation of commercial organisations, such as retailers and transporters, in disaster relief operations. Drawing on social exchange theory, the academic literature on the sharing economy and blockchain, as well as existing resource‐sharing practices in commercial and humanitarian logistics, the study develops a theoretical framework for analysing the structure, benefits, and prerequisites of a logistics‐sharing system in emergency response. In addition, it proposes to utilise the blockchain distributed ledger technology—a shared data platform that enables authenticated communication and the widespread sharing of real‐time information—to facilitate interactions and enhance trust between emergency responders and commercial organisations. It is argued that using commercial logistics resources, including emergency supplies, transport capacity, and storage space, has the potential to improve the mobilisation and deployment of urgently needed relief items and augment the flexibility of emergency response.
Host patch traits have scale‐dependent effects on diversity in a stickleback parasite metacommunity
Authors: Bolnick Daniel I. , Resetarits Emlyn J. , Ballare Kimberly , Stuart Yoel E. , Stutz William E.
Published: April 2020

Many metacommunities are distributed across habitat patches that are themselves aggregated into groups. Perhaps the clearest example of this nested metacommunity structure comes from multi‐species parasite assemblages, which occupy individual hosts that are aggregated into host populations. At both spatial scales, we expect parasite community diversity in a given patch (either individual host or population) to depend on patch characteristics that affect colonization rates and species sorting. But, are these patch effects consistent across spatial scales? Or, do different processes govern the distribution of parasite community diversity among individual hosts, versus among host patches? To answer these questions, we document the distribution of parasite richness among host individuals and among populations in a metapopulation of threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. We find some host traits (host size, gape width) are associated with increased parasite richness at both spatial scales. Other patch characteristics affect parasite richness only among individuals (sex), or among populations (lake size, lake area, elevation and population mean heterozygosity). These results demonstrate that some rules governing parasite richness in this metacommunity are shared across scales, while others are scale‐specific.
Widespread genetic connectivity of feral pigeons across the Northeastern megacity
Authors: Carlen Elizabeth , Munshi‐South Jason
Published: April 2020

Urbanization may restrict, facilitate, or have no effect on gene flow, depending on the organism and extent of urbanization. In human commensals, with high dispersal ability, urbanization can facilitate gene flow by providing continuous suitable habitat across a wide range. Additionally, suburban or rural areas with lower human population density may act as a barrier to gene flow for these human commensals. Spatial population genetic approaches provide a means to understand genetic connectivity across geographically expansive areas that encompass multiple metropolitan areas. Here, we examined the spatial genetic patterns of feral pigeons (Columba livia) living in cities in the eastern United States. We focused our sampling on the Northeastern megacity, which is a region covering six large cities (Boston, Providence, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC). We performed ddRAD‐Seqon 473 samples, recovered 35,200 SNPs, and then used multiple evolutionary clustering analyses to investigate population structuring. These analyses revealed that pigeons formed two genetic clusters—a northern cluster containing samples from Boston and Providence and a southern cluster containing all other samples. This substructuring is possibly due to reduced urbanization across coastal Connecticut that separates Boston and Providence from New York and mid‐Atlantic cities. We found that pairs of pigeons within 25 km are highly related (Mantel r = 0.217, p = .001) and that beyond 50 km, pigeons are no more related than they would be at random. Our analysis detected higher‐than‐expected gene flow under an isolation by distance model within each city. We conclude that the extreme urbanization characteristic of the Northeastern megacity is likely facilitating gene flow in feral pigeons.
Computed tomographic (CT) arthrogram contributes to the diagnosis of an osteochondroma of the distal calcaneus in a horse
Authors: de Souza T. , Jones R. , Foote A. , Suthers J.
Published: April 2020

Osteochondromas in the horse are most commonly found as a solitary lesion affecting the distal radial metaphysis. In this location, diagnosis is reliant on radiographic and ultrasonographic examination and confirmed with post‐operative histopathology. This case report describes the additional benefit of performing a CT arthrogram to aid the diagnosis of an osteochondroma in an atypical location.
After the Marriage Is Over: Mothers' Separation Distress and Children's Postdivorce Adjustment
Authors: DeAnda Jacqueline S. , Langlais Michael R. , Anderson Edward R. , Greene Shannon M.
Published: April 2020

Objective

We examine whether (direct effect) and how (indirect effect) residential mothers' postdivorce separation distress is associated with children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

Background

The consequences of postdivorce separation distress for adults, and specifically parents, have been established. Because research has also identified interdependent associations between parents' and children's postdivorce adjustment, it is possible that parents' separation distress has negative implications for children's postdivorce adjustment as
well.

Method

This study uses longitudinal, multimethod, multiinformant data from divorcing mothers and their children (N = 319 mother–child dyads). Families were recruited from divorce court records within 120 days of divorce filing. Hierarchical linear modeling techniques, path analysis, and mediation models were used to achieve the goals of the study.

Results

Mothers' separation distress was significantly associated with increases in children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Mothers' co‐parenting conflict mediated the link between mothers' separation distress and children's internalizing but not externalizing behaviors. Ineffective parenting did not mediate the links between separation distress and children's internalizing or externalizing behaviors.

Conclusion

Residential mothers' postdivorce separation distress has direct and indirect implications for their children's postdivorce adjustment.

Implications

Professionals can promote postdivorce family adjustment by acknowledging the consequences of residential mothers' separation distress and assisting those who experience it. Practitioners can also use this study's findings to inform co‐parenting education programs.
NEGOTIATED BLOCK TRADE AND REBUILDING OF TRUST
Authors: Au Pak Hung , Fong Yuk‐Fai , Li Jin
Published: April 2020

We investigate the impact of corporate governance on customers' trust using a dynamic model of experience‐goods firm. In the optimal equilibrium, customers' trust in the firm is linked to its behavior in the market for corporate control, so that the controlling shareholder has incentives to ensure high product quality while noncontrolling shareholders' interests are protected. Following a trust‐damaging event, turnover of the controlling share block restores customers' trust and enhances total shareholder value. Our analysis identifies an endogenous cost of corporate control, offers implications for the control premium, and provides a novel rationale for the separation of ownership and control.
Clinical outcomes of adjunctive posterior wall isolation in persistent atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Salih Mohsin , Darrat Yousef , Ibrahim Abdisamad M. , Al‐Akchar Mohammad , Bhattarai Mukul , Koester Cameron , Ayan Mohamed , Labedi Mohamed , Elayi Claude S.
Published: April 2020

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation but the recurrence rate remains relatively high in persistent patients with AF. Therefore, posterior wall isolation (PWI) in addition to PVI has been proposed to increase freedom from AF.

Objective

To evaluate the success of adjunctive PWI in persistent AF.

Methods

We searched electronic database using specific terms. The primary outcomes are recurrence rate of AF and recurrence of atrial arrhythmias. The secondary outcomes were atrial flutter/tachycardia (AFL/AT), procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and procedure related complications. Estimated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated.

Results

Six studies were included (1334 patients with persistent AF). Adjunctive PWI resulted in a significant reduction in the recurrence rate of AF compared with patients who had PVI only (19.8% vs 29.1%; RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.97; P < .04; I2 = 76%). There was a significant reduction in the recurrence rate of all atrial arrhythmia (30.8% vs 41.1%; RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60‐0.94; P < .01; I2 = 60%). Compared with PVI only, adjunctive PWI did not increase the rate of AFL or AT (11.6% vs 13.9%; RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.54‐1.32; P < .46; I2 = 47%) or the rate of procedure related complications (4.6% vs 3.6%; RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.72‐2.17; P < .44; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

In patients with persistent AF, adjunctive PWI was associated with decreased recurrence of AF and atrial arrhythmias compared with PVI alone without an increased risk of AFL or AT or procedure related complications.
Slow‐pathway visualization by using voltage‐time relationship: A novel technique for identification and fluoroless ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
Authors: Hale Zachary D. , Greet Brian D. , Burkland David A. , Greenberg Scott , Razavi Mehdi , Rasekh Abdi , Molina Razavi Joanna E. , Saeed Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Background

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is treatable by catheter ablation. Advances in mapping‐system technology permit fluoroless workflow during ablations. As national practice trends toward fluoroless approaches, easily obtained, reproducible methods of slow‐pathway identification, and ablation become increasingly important. We present a novel method of slow‐pathway identification and initial ablation results from this method.

Methods and Results

We examined AVNRT ablations performed at our institution over a 12‐month period. In these cases, the site of the slow pathway was predicted by latest activation in the inferior triangle of Koch during sinus rhythm. Ablation was performed in this region. Proximity of the predicted site to the successful ablation location, complication rates, and patient outcomes were recorded. Junctional rhythm was seen in 40/41 ablations (98%) at the predicted site (mean, 1.3 lesions and median, 1 lesion per case). One lesion was defined as 5 mm of ablation. The initial ablation was successful in 39/41 cases (95%); in two cases, greater or equal to 2 echo beats were detected after the initial ablation, necessitating further lesion expansion. In 8/41 cases (20%), greater than one lesion was placed during initial ablation before attempted reinduction. Complications included one transient heart block and one transient PR prolongation. During follow‐up (median, day 51), one patient had lower‐extremity deep‐vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus, and one had a lower‐extremity superficial venous thrombosis. There was one tachycardia recurrence, which prompted a redo ablation.

Conclusions

Mapping‐system detection of late‐activation, low‐amplitude voltage during sinus rhythm provides an objective, and fluoroless means of identifying the slow pathway in typical AVNRT.
A mesh‐type flexible tip catheter vs a contact force catheter for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A prospective nonrandomized 1:1 matched study
Authors: Pak Hui‐Nam , Park Je‐Wook , Yang Song‐Yi , Yu Hee Tae , Uhm Jae‐Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Kim Tae‐Hoon
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Mesh‐type flexible tip (MFT) catheters allow clinicians to safely generate large radiofrequency lesions during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), while contact force (CF) catheters provide better catheter‐tissue contact. We compared the clinical outcomes of catheter ablation of AF using MFT and CF catheters in a prospective, nonrandomized manner.

Methods

We prospectively assigned 217 patients with AF (paroxysmal AF 73.5%; male 69.1%; 59.9 ± 10.7 years old) at a 1:1 ratio to ablation with MFT catheters (FlexAbility) or CF catheters (TactiCath). The primary endpoint was AF recurrence after a single procedure; the secondary endpoint was a response to antiarrhythmic drugs.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 22.3 ± 4.4 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the two study groups (29.7% vs 30.2%; P = .941) (log‐rank P = .838). The recurrence rate for atrial tachycardias (30.3% vs 9.7%; P = .035) and cardioversion rates (8.1% vs 1.9%; P = .024) were higher in the MFT group than CF group. At the final follow‐up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drugs in 57.7% of the MFT group and 40.6% of the CF group (P = .010). No significant difference was found in the major complication rates between the two groups (0.9% vs 5.7%), although the ablation time was significantly longer in the MFT group (4192.1 ± 1080.2  vs 3583.8 ± 977.2 seconds; P < .001).

Conclusion

MFT and CF catheters had similar effectiveness in achieving AF rhythm control during catheter ablation, and there was no significant difference between the two catheters with regard to overall safety.
Comparison of touch‐up ablation rate and pulmonary vein isolation durability between hot balloon and cryoballoon
Authors: Hojo Rintaro , Fukamizu Seiji , Tokioka Sayuri , Inagaki Dai , Miyazawa Satoshi , Kawamura Iwanari , Kitamura Takeshi , Sakurada Harumizu , Hiraoka Masayasu
Published: April 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to compare touch‐up ablation (TUA) rates and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) durability of hot balloon ablation (HBA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients.

Methods

In total, 137 PAF patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 59 underwent two HBA procedures at 6‐month intervals and 78 patients underwent two CBA sessions, both regardless of atrial fibrillation recurrence. Propensity score matching was performed to estimate similar patient characteristics between the HBA and CBA groups.

Results

Each group comprised of 46 matched patients for comparison. The TUA rate at the first session was higher for HBA (49 of 184 PVs) than for CBA (20 PVs) (P = .01), with the highest incidence at the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV). The rates of PVI durability at the second session performed 7 months later were similar between HBA (168 of 184 PVs) and CBA (162 PVs) groups. The PVI durability rate at the TUA sites of the first session was higher for HBA than for CBA (41 of 49 PVs vs 10 PVs, respectively; P = .01). Fifty percent of the patients underwent HBA at 73°C for the LSPV. HBA performed at 73°C yielded a lower TUA rate than that at 70°C (16 of 23 PVs vs 7 of 23 PVs; P = .008).

Conclusions

While PVI durability was similar between HBA and CBA, the TUA rate was higher for HBA than for CBA, especially on the LSPV. For LSPV, HBA at a balloon temperature of 73°C may reduce the TUA rate.
Fluorescence visualization of cellulose and pectin in the primary plant cell wall
Authors: BIDHENDI A.J. , CHEBLI Y. , GEITMANN A.
Published: April 2020

Plant cell walls constitute the extracellular matrix surrounding plant cells and are composed mainly of polysaccharides. The chemical makeup of the primary plant cell wall, and specifically, the abundance, localization and arrangement of the constituting polysaccharides are intimately linked with growth, morphogenesis and differentiation in plant cells. Visualization of the cell wall components is, therefore, a crucial tool in plant cell developmental studies. In this technical update, we present protocols for fluorescence visualization of cellulose and pectin in selected plant tissues and illustrate examples of some of the available labels that hold promise for live imaging of plant cell wall expansion and morphogenesis.
Comparison of Mechanical Properties of 3D‐Printed, CAD/CAM, and Conventional Denture Base Materials
Authors: Prpić Vladimir , Schauperl Zdravko , Ćatić Amir , Dulčić Nikša , Čimić Samir
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the mechanical properties (flexural strength and surface hardness) of different materials and technologies for denture base fabrication. The study emphasized the digital technologies of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and three‐dimensional (3D) printing.

Materials and Methods

A total of 160 rectangular specimens were fabricated from three conventional heat‐polymerized (ProBase Hot, Paladon 65, and Interacryl Hot), three CAD/CAM produced (IvoBase CAD, Interdent CC disc PMMA, and Polident CAD/CAM disc), one 3D‐printed (NextDent Base), and one polyamide material (Vertex ThermoSens) for denture base fabrication. The flexural strength test was the three‐point flexure test, while hardness testing was conducted using the Brinell method. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (α = 0.05).

Results

During flexural testing, the IvoBase CAD and Vertex ThermoSens specimens did not fracture during loading. The flexural strength values of the other groups ranged from 71.7 ± 7.4 MPa to 111.9 ± 4.3 MPa. The surface hardness values ranged from 67.13 ± 10.64 MPa to 145.66 ± 2.22 MPa. There were significant differences between the tested materials for both flexural strength and surface hardness. There were also differences between some materials with the same polymerization type. CAD/CAM and polyamide materials had the highest flexural strength values. Two groups of CAD/CAM materials had the highest surface hardness values, while a third, along with the polyamide material, had the lowest. The 3D‐printed materials had the lowest flexural strength values.

Conclusions

Generally, CAD/CAM materials show better mechanical properties than heat‐polymerized and 3D‐printed acrylics do. Nevertheless, a material's polymerization type is no guarantee of its optimal mechanical properties.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A review of the pulmonary sequelae in the post‐surfactant era
Authors: Haggie Stuart , Robinson Paul , Selvadurai Hiran , Fitzgerald Dominic A
Published: April 2020

We describe the respiratory complications of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in childhood and adolescence. The pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has evolved in the era of modern neonatal intensive care. In this review, we aim to summarise the contemporary evidence base and describe the common respiratory morbidities related to BPD including; home oxygen therapy, rehospitalisation, asthma and exercise limitation.
The Longitudinal Development of Fine‐Phonetic Detail: Stop Production in a Domestic Immersion Program
Authors: Casillas Joseph V.
Published: April 2020

This study explored the initial stages of adult second language (L2) learning with a special focus on the acquisition of the target language sound system. The aim was to analyze the longitudinal development of Spanish stop voicing contrasts in an immersion learning context. Native English‐speaking late learners of Spanish provided production data for Spanish stops on a weekly basis throughout a domestic immersion program. The data were analyzed using Bayesian multilevel models and generalized additive mixed models. The analyses revealed phonetic learning in voiced stops over the course of the immersion program, though learners’ production was inconsistent and did not fall within native ranges for most stop segments. The results suggest that L2 phonetic category formation can occur at an early stage of development and follows a nonlinear trajectory that is subject to individual and segment‐specific variability. Furthermore, L2 phonetic representations are unstable during the early stages of learning.
Diverse groups of fungi are associated with plastics in the surface waters of the Western South Atlantic and the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Lacerda Ana L. d. F. , Proietti Maíra C. , Secchi Eduardo R. , Taylor Joe D.
Published: April 2020

Marine plastic pollution has a range of negative impacts for biota and the colonization of plastics in the marine environment by microorganisms may have significant ecological impacts. However, data on epiplastic organisms, particularly fungi, is still lacking for many ocean regions. To evaluate plastic associated fungi and their geographic distribution, we characterised plastics sampled from surface waters of the western South Atlantic (WSA) and Antarctic Peninsula (AP), using DNA metabarcoding of three molecular markers (ITS2, 18S rRNA V4 and V9 regions). Numerous taxa from eight fungal phyla and a total of 64 orders were detected, including groups that had not yet been described associated with plastics. There was a varied phylogenetic assemblage of predominantly known saprotrophic taxa within the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. We found a range of marine cosmopolitan genera present on plastics in both locations, i.e., Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Wallemia and a number of taxa unique to each region, as well as a high variation of taxa such as Chytridiomycota and Aphelidomycota between locations. Within these basal fungal groups we identified a number of phylogenetically novel taxa. This is the first description of fungi from the Plastisphere within the Southern Hemisphere, and highlights the need to further investigate the potential impacts of plastic associated fungi on other organisms and marine ecosystems.
Whither extensions?
Authors: Pereplyotchik David
Published: April 2020

Paul Pietroski develops an iconoclastic account of linguistic meaning. Here, I invite him to say more about what it implies about the relations between language, truth, and conceptual content. Readers concerned with securing the objectivity of conceptual thought may be worried about his claims that typical concepts “have no extensions” and that they “fit one another better than they fit the world.” Others might applaud his anti‐extensionalism in natural‐language semantics but fear that his account re‐raises familiar problems about extensions at the level of psychology.
Responses to comments onConjoining meanings
Authors: Pietroski Paul
Published: April 2020

After some brief introductory remarks, I respond to the three commentaries onConjoining meaningsthat appear in this issue.
Vimentin citrullination probed by a novel monoclonal antibody serves as a specific indicator for reactive astrocytes in neurodegeneration
Authors: Jang B. , Kim M.J. , Lee Y.J. , Ishigami A. , Kim Y.S. , Choi E.K.
Published: April 2020

Aims

Vimentin citrullination, the calcium (Ca2+)‐dependent peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD)‐mediated conversion of an arginine residue of vimentin to a citrulline residue, has emerged as a pathophysiological outcome of autoimmune diseases and neurodegeneration. However, the roles, functions, and expression of citrullinated vimentin have not yet been elucidated because available antibodies are limited.

Methods

We developed mouse monoclonal IgG1 and IgM specific for vimentin citrullinated at position R440 or R450 and applied Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescent staining to investigate the pathogenesis of prion diseases in animal models, in patients with prion diseases, and in vitro.

Results

Vimentin was found to be highly citrullinated at R440 and R450, and these citrullinated forms were mainly expressed in reactive astrocytes in the brain tissues of scrapie‐infected mice. Full‐length and cleaved forms of citrullinated vimentin were found in the cerebral cortices of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) patients. The distribution of citrullinated vimentin was mainly confirmed in vimentin‐, GFAP‐, and YKL‐40‐positive reactive astrocytes. Biochemically, citrullination promoted resistance to the caspase‐3‐ and caspase‐9‐mediated fragmentation of vimentin. Additionally, citrullination led to increased cytoplasmic and integral membrane/organelle vimentin enrichment, which indicated changes in the intrinsic solubility and distribution of vimentin.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that citrullinated vimentin acts as a specific indicator for the reactive state of astrocytes under abnormal neurological conditions. In addition, these novel antibodies will be helpful for studying the role of citrullinated vimentin in the pathogenesis of human disorders.
Healthcare professionals knowledge on cancer‐related fatigue: A cross‐sectional survey in Oman
Authors: AL Maqbali Mohammed , Gracey Jackie , Dunwoody Lynn , Rankin Jane , Hacker Eileen , Hughes Ciara
Published: April 2020

Cancer‐related fatigue is a common and distressing cancer symptom that negatively affects quality of life. The main objective of this study was to determine health professionals' knowledge relating to cancer patients' fatigue in Oman and identify current management practices of cancer‐related fatigue. A cross‐sectional survey design using Qualtrics® software was performed. The survey had five sections and comprised 32 items. A total of 138 healthcare professionals working in Oman participated in the study (response rate 63.9%). Nearly three quarters of the participants were nurses (74.6%, n = 103). The mean level of knowledge of cancer‐related fatigue was 16.6/23, with 50% of participants having the expected level of knowledge above 12. The result indicated that professional discipline and work experience each were significantly associated with overall level of knowledge. Participants identified the need for guidelines, assessment tools, and training for the oncology staff to help improve the quality of life of patients with cancer‐related fatigue.
miR319a/TCP module and DELLA protein regulate trichome initiation synergistically and improve insect defenses in Populus tomentosa
Authors: Fan Di , Ran Lingyu , Hu Jian , Ye Xiao , Xu Dan , Li Jianqiu , Su Huili , Wang Xianqiang , Ren Sha , Luo Keming
Published: April 2020

Trichomes are specialized epidermal cells that contribute to plant resistance against herbivores. Their formation is controlled precisely by multiple genetic and environmental signals. Previous studies have shown that microRNA319 (miR319) and gibberellin (GA) signaling are involved in trichome development in Arabidopsis, but little is known about their interaction between these factors.

Here we reported that the miR319a/TEOSINTE BRANCHED/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) module participates in trichome initiation synergistically with GA signaling in Populus tomentosa. We demonstrated that overexpression of miR319a decreased transcription levels of its targeted TCPs and significantly elevated leaf trichome density in transgenic poplar, resulting in decreasing insect herbivory. Conversely, repressing miR319a by short tandem target mimics (STTM) elevated TCP expression levels and decreased trichome density in transgenic plants.

The trichome phenotype of 35S:miR319a plants could be abolished by introducing a miR319a‐resistant form of TCP19. Furthermore, the miR319a‐targeted TCP19 interacted directly with REPRESSOR OF ga1‐3 (RGA), a downstream repressor of GA signaling. TCP19 and RGA synergistically inhibited the GLABROUS1 (GL1)‐induced expression of trichome marker gene GLABRA2 (GL2), thereby repressing leaf trichome initiation.

Our results provide an insight into the molecular mechanism by which miR319/TCP19 module and GA signaling coordinated regulating trichome initiation in P. tomentosa.
Inferior and Intra‐/Peri‐Articular Superior Sacroiliac Joint Injection Approaches Under Ultrasound Guidance to Treat Metastasis‐Related Posterior Pelvic Bone Pain
Authors: Oh Daniel Chun‐suk , First Lucas , Rakesh Neal , Oh Hanna , Gulati Amitabh
Published: April 2020

Background

Numerous mechanical and pathologic variables contribute to sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. The oncologic population has additional considerations, including tumor burden causing fracture, nerve compression, joint instability, and periosteal inflammation. Post‐treatment changes may also restrict joint mobility, causing transitional pain. Currently, fluoroscopically guided SIJ injections, aimed at the inferior one third of the SIJ, are the gold standard for treatment but have only been described in the nononcologic population. Ultrasound (US) guidance may confer several benefits, including positioning, ease of procedure, lower costs, and, importantly, guidance to avoid neovascularization, metastatic disease, and other soft tissue structures.

Objectives

We aim to describe the advantages of US‐guided SIJ injections for refractory malignant SIJ pain from extra‐articular tumors. We then describe our technique and decision framework for accessing the superior or inferior SIJ in patients with metastatic sacroiliac pain.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 5 patients with refractory malignant SIJ pain who underwent US‐guided superior or inferior approach SIJ injection. Using imaging and outcomes, we developed a decision framework.

Results

Patients received either inferior or superior approach SIJ injections depending on location of tumor, extent of tumor invasion, and stability of the SIJ as per our framework. All patients reported improvement in pain and function without complications.

Conclusions

We propose a decision framework for inferior vs. superior approach US‐guided SIJ injections in the oncologic population with SIJ pain from metastases to the pelvis or sacrum. Having multiple techniques to approach the SIJ is important in the oncologic population, in whom metastatic tumor burden poses a technical challenge to performing these injections.
Experimental pathology by intravital microscopy and genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors
Authors: Matsuda Michiyuki , Terai Kenta
Published: April 2020

The invention of two‐photon excitation microscopes widens the potential application of intravital microscopy (IVM) to the broad field of experimental pathology. Moreover, the recent development of fluorescent protein‐based, genetically encoded biosensors provides an ideal tool to visualize the cell function in live animals. We start from a brief review of IVM with two‐photon excitation microscopes and genetically encoded biosensors based on the principle of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Then, we describe how IVM using biosensors has revealed the pathogenesis of several disease models.
Pathogenicity and fungicide sensitivity of Pythium and Phytopythium spp. associated with soybean in the Huang‐Huai region of China
Authors: Feng Hui , Chen Jiajia , Yu Ze , Li Ke , Li Zhe , Li Yaxin , Sun Zhe , Wang Yuanchao , Ye Wenwu , Zheng Xiaobo
Published: April 2020

Pythium and Phytopythium spp. cause seed decay, damping off, and root rot in soybean, wheat, and many other crops. However, their diversity and importance as pathogens, particularly in different crop rotation systems, are largely unknown. A survey was conducted in the Huang‐Huai region, one of the main areas of soybean–wheat rotation farming in China. In 2016–2018, we collected 300 soybean seedlings and 150 field soil samples from several representative locations, and identified 26 Pythium and 6 Phytopythium spp. from 212 isolates, based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 sequences. The pathogenicity of these isolates was evaluated by growing soybean and wheat seeds in dishes and pots containing oomycete cultures. We found that 12 Pythium spp. (but no Phytopythium spp.) showed high pathogenicity on soybean and/or wheat, and nine of them (75%) were highly pathogenic on both crops. Among the nine species, Pythium spinosum, Pythium ultimum, Pythium species 1 (tentatively designated as ‘Candidatus Pythium huanghuaiense’), Pythium aphanidermatum, and Pythium myriotylum were highly abundant among all isolates (15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, and 5%, respectively). Nine species were selected for testing of sensitivity to the fungicides metalaxyl and mefenoxam. The EC50 values were all less than 10 μg/ml, indicating little resistance. Minimum inhibitory concentration values indicated isolates were about twice as sensitive to mefenoxam as to metalaxyl. These results provide a systematic understanding of Pythium and Phytopythium species associated with soybean in the Huang‐Huai region, which is important for disease management and breeding programmes.
Experiences of participating in individual placement and support: a meta‐ethnographic review and synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Moen Ellen Å. , Walseth Liv T. , Larsen Inger Beate
Published: April 2020

Aim

To provide increased understanding about how work applicants, employment specialists, social workers in the welfare service and clinicians in mental healthcare service experience participating in individual placement and support (IPS).

Methods

We searched in several databases and identified 17 studies published from 2007 to 2017 in Sweden, USA, Canada, UK, Australia and Denmark, and applied meta‐ethnographic reinterpretation and synthesis.

Results

The employment specialists followed the core ideas of IPS, where work is seen as a way to recover. They saw the work applicants’ preferences and needs as important for health and well‐being, and crucial for successful work rehabilitation. In order to reach these goals, they offered a personal relationship to the work applicants. Work applicants clearly appreciated this personalised recovery‐oriented mindset. Furthermore, work applicants needed the employment specialists as culture brokers between health‐related questions and the expectations met in the labour market. Social workers lacked resources to such personalised support, and they were under demand of welfare regulations made for a ‘train then place’ model, which conflicts with the view that work leads to recovery as IPS sees it in their ‘place then train’ model. The scarce knowledge of the clinicians’ experiences in the present study suggests that they are sceptical to work as a way to recover, which is in conflict with IPS.

Conclusions

The work applicants highlighted the significance of the individualised support they received. Social workers and some clinicians found it difficult to provide this important personalised support towards work. Conflicting mindsets between the traditional gradual work rehabilitation paradigm and the IPS approach as a way of recovering might explain these frustrations and distance.

Recommendations for practice.

An improvement of IPS may depend on more cooperation based on an acceptance of the recovery‐oriented mindset, which for some will mean an acceptance of new knowledge.
Global REACH 2018: Andean highlanders, chronic mountain sickness and the integrative regulation of resting blood pressure
Authors: Simpson Lydia L. , Meah Victoria L. , Steele Andrew R. , Gasho Christopher , Howe Connor A. , Dawkins Tony G. , Busch Stephen A. , Oliver Samuel J. , Moralez Gilberto , Lawley Justin S. , Tymko Michael M. , Vizcardo‐Galindo Gustavo A. , Figueroa‐Mujíca Rómulo J. , Villafuerte Francisco C. , Ainslie Phillip N. , Stembridge Mike , Steinback Craig D. , Moore Jonathan P.
Published: April 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does chronic mountain sickness (CMS) alter sympathetic neural control and arterial baroreflex regulation of blood pressure in Andean (Quechua) highlanders?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Compared to healthy Andean highlanders, basal sympathetic vasomotor outflow is lower, baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity is similar, supine heart rate is lower and cardiovagal baroreflex gain is greater in mild CMS. Taken together, these findings reflect flexibility in integrative regulation of blood pressure that may be important when blood viscosity and blood volume are elevated in CMS.

The high‐altitude maladaptation syndrome chronic mountain sickness (CMS) is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and frequently accompanied by accentuated arterial hypoxaemia. Whether altered autonomic cardiovascular regulation is apparent in CMS is unclear. Therefore, during the 2018 Global REACH expedition to Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4383 m), we assessed integrative control of blood pressure (BP) and determined basal sympathetic vasomotor outflow and arterial baroreflex function in eight Andean natives with CMS ([Hb] 22.6 ± 0.9 g·dL−1) and seven healthy highlanders ([Hb] 19.3 ± 0.8 g·dL−1). R–R interval (RRI, electrocardiogram), beat‐by‐beat BP (photoplethysmography) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography) were recorded at rest and during pharmacologically induced changes in BP (modified Oxford test). Although [Hb] and blood viscosity (7.8 ± 0.7 vs. 6.6 ± 0.7 cP; d = 1.7, P = 0.01) were elevated in CMS compared to healthy highlanders, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and mean BP were similar between groups. The vascular sympathetic baroreflex MSNA set‐point (i.e. MSNA burst incidence) and reflex gain (i.e. responsiveness) were also similar between groups (MSNA set‐point, d = 0.75, P = 0.16; gain, d = 0.2, P = 0.69). In contrast, in CMS the cardiovagal baroreflex operated around a longer RRI (960 ± 159 vs. 817 ± 50 ms; d = 1.4, P = 0.04) with a greater reflex gain (17.2 ± 6.8 vs. 8.8 ± 2.6 ms·mmHg−1; d = 1.8, P = 0.01) versus healthy highlanders. Basal sympathetic vasomotor activity was also lower compared to healthy highlanders (33 ± 11 vs. 45 ± 13 bursts·min−1; d = 1.0, P = 0.08). In conclusion, our findings indicate adaptive differences in basal sympathetic vasomotor activity and heart rate compensate for the haemodynamic consequences of excessive erythrocyte volume and contribute to integrative blood pressure regulation in Andean highlanders with mild CMS.
Pandemic brings mass vaccinations to a halt
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: April 2020

Polio, measles, other diseases set to surge as COVID-19 forces suspension of campaigns.