bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological significance of EGFR pathway gene mutations and CRTC1/3–MAML2 fusions in salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Morita Maki , Murase Takayuki , Okumura Yoshihide , Ueda Kaori , Sakamoto Yuma , Masaki Ayako , Kawakita Daisuke , Tada Yuichiro , Nibu Ken‐Ichi , Shibuya Yasuyuki , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

Aims

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathway gene mutations are important in predicting a patient’s prognosis, selecting molecularly targeted drugs and estimating the efficacy of a molecular therapy. However, their significance in MEC have been poorly clarified. CRTC1/3–MAML2 fusions are specific to MEC and may be associated with favourable characteristics in these patients.

Methods and results

We looked for CRTC1/3–MAML2 fusions and gene alterations in the EGFR, RAS family (KRAS, HRAS and NRAS), PIK3CA, BRAF and AKT1 in 101 MEC cases. We also examined mutations in TP53. CRTC1/3–MAML2 fusions were found in 62.4% of the cases. KRAS, HRAS and PIK3CA mutations were detected in 6.9%, 2.0% and 6.9%, respectively, but other EGFR pathway genes were not mutated. In total, gene mutations (RAS/PIK3CA) in the EGFR pathway were detected in 14.9% of the cases. TP53 mutations were found in 20.8%. CRTC1/3–MAML2 fusions were associated with a better prognosis and RAS/PIK3CA mutations a worse prognosis of the patients, respectively, and both were selected as independent prognostic factors for the overall survival of the patients. TP53 mutations had no prognostic impact. CRTC1/3–MAML2 fusion‐positive rates were inversely associated with the patients’ age and the fusions were found in 82% of patients aged < 30 years.

Conclusions

RAS/PIK3CA mutations were frequently detected, and may be a biomarker for a poorer prognosis in MEC patients. CTRC1/3–MAML2 fusions were positive in most of the young MEC patients.
Semantics of the insect decline narrative: recommendations for communicating insect conservation to peer and public audiences
Authors: Saunders Manu E. , Janes Jasmine K. , O'Hanlon James C.
Published: March 2020

Ambiguous or misleading language can affect science communication with peer and public audiences, with potentially damaging impacts on policy and public engagement.

The word decline can be value‐laden and has inherent negative connotations. It is not always the most appropriate term to use for effective science communication to promote insect biodiversity and conservation issues.

We recommend four key questions to consider when deciding whether the term insect decline is appropriate to use.

Evidence‐based insect conservation depends on public and political support. Moving forward, researchers and communicators should be mindful that the inherent diversity of insects demands a nuanced and diverse scientific discussion, not an ambiguous and generalised one.
Are insects declining and at what rate? An analysis of standardised, systematic catches of aphid and moth abundances across Great Britain
Authors: Bell James R. , Blumgart Dan , Shortall Chris R.
Published: March 2020

Although we have known anecdotally that insects have been declining in Great Britain for more than 100 years, insect declines have only been statistically estimated over the last 20 years. Estimation of the rate of those declines is still hotly debated, fuelled by a lack of standardised, systematically collected data.

More than 24 million individual moths and aphids collected from 112 light traps and 25 12.2 m suction‐traps, respectively, were analysed using mixed models. Our objective was to estimate the long‐term trends in both groups based on annual totals recorded every year between 1969 and 2016.

The models showed that two paradigms existed: Over 47 years, long‐term linear trends showed that moths had declined significantly by −31%, but short‐term trends indicated that there were periods of significant decline and recovery in most decades since the 1960s. Conversely, despite aphid annual totals fluctuating widely, this group was in a steady state over the long‐term, with a non‐significant decline of −7.6%. Sensitivity analysis revealed that moth trends were not driven by a group of abundant species, but the sign of the overall aphid trends may have been driven by three of the most abundant species.

The spatial extent of moth trends suggests that they are extremely heterogeneous. Uniquely, moth declines were different among several habitat types, with robust significant declines found in coastal, urban and woodland habitats, but notably not in agricultural, parkland and scrubland habitats. Conversely, aphid trends showed spatial synchrony extending to 338 km, albeit with local variation.
Neighbourhood greenspace influences on childhood obesity in Sheffield, UK
Authors: Mears Meghann , Brindley Paul , Baxter Ian , Maheswaran Ravi , Jorgensen Anna
Published: March 2020

Background

One cause of childhood obesity is a reduction in the amount of unstructured time spent outdoors, resulting in less physical activity. Greenspaces have the potential to increase children's physical activity levels, so it is desirable to understand how to create spaces that promote visitation and activity.

Objectives

We investigate the relationship between rates of obesity at ages 4 to 5 and 10 to 11 in small‐area census geographies, and indicators of the neighbourhood greenspace environment, in the northern English city of Sheffield.

Methods

To capture the environment at scales relevant to children, we test the importance of overall green cover; garden size; tree density around residential addresses; and accessibility within 300 m of any greenspace, greenspaces that meet quality criteria, and greenspaces with play facilities. We use a multimodel inference approach to improve robustness.

Results

The density of trees around addresses is significant at both ages, indicating the importance of the greenspace environment in the immediate vicinity of houses. For 10 to 11 year olds, accessibility of greenspaces meeting quality criteria is also significant, highlighting that the wider environment becomes important with age and independence.

Conclusions

More attention should be given to children's requirements of greenspace when considering interventions to increase physical activity or planning new residential areas.
Parental Health Outcomes of Children’s Migration: Experimental Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Mergo Teferi
Published: March 2020

This study uses experimental data from the United States Diversity‐Visa (DV) lottery to explore the impact of migration of children on the sending parents’ health, helping to overcome the selection bias issue that plagues similar studies. Based on the inverted U‐shaped relationship between BMI and longevity, the study finds that the health prospects of senders with BMIs under 25 increase weakly with migration, decreasing for those in the overweight category. In families with more educated fathers, migration improves the health status of the senders in all weight groups. Overall, it affects the emotional health of the senders adversely, but not in families which gain access to improved sanitation facilities due to migration. The most plausible explanations for this finding are that migration inflicts emotional costs on the senders due to separation from a family member, and that it potentially changes the senders’ perception of what constitutes good health.
Factors influencing health behaviour, blood pressure control, and disability in hypertensive ischaemic stroke patients after a comprehensive reminder intervention
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Pei , Pan Jun‐Hao , Wan Li‐Hong , Liu Zhu‐Yun , Mo Miao‐Miao , Wang Meng‐Yao , Li Li‐Li
Published: March 2020

Aims

To test prospective pathways of a Comprehensive Reminder System based on the Health Belief Model (CRS‐HBM), stroke knowledge, health belief in health behaviour, blood pressure (BP) control, and disability in hypertensive ischaemic stroke patients at 6‐month postdischarge.

Design

A nested cohort study design.

Methods

Data were derived from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of the intervention (N = 174, performed during February 2015 ‐ March 2016). Data were collected by questionnaires and analysed in structural equation modelling in Mplus software.

Results

The proposed model provided a good fit to the data. This model accounted for 51.5% of the variance in health behaviour, 34.1% in BP control, and 5.7% in modified Rankin Scale score at 6‐month postdischarge. The CRS‐HBM had: (a) direct positive effect (β = .391, p < .001) and indirect positive effects (β = .186, p = .002) on health behaviour; (b) direct positive effect (β = .356, p < .001) and indirect positive effects (β = .183, p = .009) on BP control; and (c) indirect negative effect (β = −.146, p = .008) on disability. Being female was linked to better health behaviour. Higher education predicted higher level of stroke knowledge and health belief.

Conclusions

The CRS‐HBM can not only directly but also indirectly improve patients' health behaviours by improving their health knowledge or health belief. Better health behaviour can improve patients' BP control and reduce disability. Therefore, nurses need to pay more attention to not only patients' health knowledge but also their health belief when providing education.

Impact

The CRS‐HBM intervention accounted for 51.5% of variance in health behaviour, 34.1% in BP control, and 5.7% in modified Rankin Scale score at 6‐month postdischarge. This research can help nurses improve health education strategies in postdischarge and community contexts to achieve better health results.
Phylogenetic structure of geographical co‐occurrence among New World Triatominae species, vectors of Chagas disease
Authors: Ceccarelli Soledad , Justi Silvia A. , Rabinovich Jorge E. , Diniz Filho José Alexandre F. , Villalobos Fabricio
Published: March 2020

Aim

The tropical niche conservatism (TNC) hypothesis is one of the most prominent evolutionary hypotheses that has been supported as an explanation for the diversity gradients of several animal taxa, mainly vertebrates. However, the validity of TNC for less‐known taxa such as disease vectors is not clear. Here, we test predictions of TNC in driving the geographical co‐occurrence among triatomine species, vector insects of Chagas disease. We aim to infer the relative effects of ecological and evolutionary processes in determining triatomine species richness at broad spatial scales.

Location

America.

Taxon

Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Methods

We gathered distributional, phylogenetic and climatic information for 63 triatomine species. We apply the phylogenetic field (PF) framework based on the phylogenetic structure of species co‐occurrences, considering their climatic preferences. We defined PFs of species by estimating the phylogenetic structure of species co‐occurrence within a focal species’ range. Likewise, climatic conditions within focal species’ ranges were defined as their preferred climates. We applied a spatial‐phylogenetic statistical framework to evaluate geographical variation of species’ co‐occurrence and tested the significance of PFs based on biogeographically informed null models.

Results

Phylogenetic fields of 17 out of 59 triatomine species showed a trend from overdispersed to clustered, coincident with tropical to subtropical–temperate climate. Triatomines co‐occur with more closely related species in temperate areas and more distantly related species in tropical areas. Temperature seasonality was inversely related to the phylogenetic structure of co‐occurrence within species ranges.

Main conclusions

Geographical co‐occurrence among triatomine species revealed a tropical to subtropical–temperate gradient from overdispersed to clustered PFs and a correspondence between the type of climate in which these species are found and their PFs. Phylogenetic structure within triatomine ranges is explained by their evolutionary history. Our study provides a methodological framework to evaluate the New World triatomine geographical co‐occurrence patterns under a phylogenetic perspective and our results make an important contribution to the understanding of the broad‐scale biodiversity patterns in Triatominae.
Closed‐loop stimulation as a physiological rate‐modulated pacing approach based on intracardiac impedance to lower the atrial tachyarrhythmia burden in patients with sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ikeda Shota , Nogami Akihiko , Inoue Kosuke , Kowase Shinya , Kurosaki Kenji , Mukai Yasushi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The effectiveness of rate‐modulated pacing for the suppression of atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. Closed‐loop stimulation (CLS) is a heart rate modulation technique based on the contractility of the right ventricle estimated by sensing myocardial impedance, and CLS can still adapt to the heart rate in conditions where there are no significant changes in acceleration or ventilation, such as emotional stress. We elucidated the association between CLS and atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) burden in patients with sinus node dysfunction and paroxysmal AF history before pacemaker implantation.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients who underwent pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction with an AF history before implantation. Overall, 146 patients were analyzed, with fixed‐rate pacing (FP) in 82, CLS in 31, and non‐CLS rate modulation in 33 patients. The AF/AT episodes were detected in 98 patients during a 12‐month period. The median AF/AT burden was 1.6% (interquartile: 0.0%, 11.0%) in FP; 0% (0.0%, 2.5%) in CLS, and 1.0% (0.1%, 9.3%) in non‐CLS. The AF/AT burden was significantly lower for CLS than for FP and non‐CLS rate modulation (P < .01 and P = .04, respectively). CLS was associated with lower risks of AF/AT occurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; P = .02) and AF/AT burden more than 5% (HR, 0.28; P = .05), even after adjusting for potential confounders. This association was independent of the percentage of atrial pacing.

Conclusion

CLS was associated with lower AF/AT burden after pacemaker implantation in patients with sinus node dysfunction and AF history.
Characteristics associated with elevated 1‐h plasma glucose levels during a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test in non‐obese Japanese men
Authors: Sato Motonori , Tamura Yoshifumi , Someya Yuki , Takeno Kageumi , Kaga Hideyoshi , Kadowaki Satoshi , Sugimoto Daisuke , Kakehi Saori , Funayama Takashi , Furukawa Yasuhiko , Suzuki Ruriko , Nakagata Takashi , Nishitani‐Yokoyama Miho , Shimada Kazunori , Daida Hiroyuki , Aoki Shigeki , Sato Hiroaki , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: March 2020

Elevated 1‐h plasma glucose (1h‐PG; ≥155 mg/dL) during an oral glucose tolerance test is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, the metabolic characteristics of non‐obese Asians with elevated 1h‐PG are unknown. Thus, we studied 59 non‐obese Japanese men with normal glucose tolerance. We divided study participants into the Low 1h‐PG group (<155 mg/dL) and the High 1h‐PG group (≥155 mg/dL). We compared the metabolic characteristics of the groups, including tissue‐specific insulin sensitivity measured using a two‐step hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp. Insulinogenic index and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the High 1h‐PG group than in the Low 1h‐PG group. Other characteristics, including insulin sensitivity, adiposity and ectopic fat accumulation, were similar between the groups. In conclusion, non‐obese Japanese men with high 1h‐PG have impaired early‐phase insulin secretion and lower adiponectin levels. Insulin resistance and abnormal fat distribution were not evident in this population.
Sexual Behaviors, Referral to Sexual Health Services, and Use of Sexual Health Services Among Transgender High School Students
Authors: Andrzejewski Jack , Pampati Sanjana , Johns Michelle M. , Sheremenko Ganna , Lesesne Catherine , Rasberry Catherine N.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Transgender adolescents are at increased risk for negative sexual health outcomes compared to their cisgender peers.

METHODS

Using data from 10,231 students from 7 high schools in a large, urban school district, our analysis compared sexual behaviors, referral to sexual health services by school staff, and use of sexual health services between transgender and cisgender students. We used propensity score matching to create a comparable sample of transgender and cisgender students and logistic regression models to examine how gender identity was associated with aforementioned outcomes.

RESULTS

Transgender students were more likely to have ever had sex, less likely to have used a condom at last sex, and more likely to have been referred for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, and other sexual health services than cisgender students. Transgender students were no more likely than cisgender students to have tested for HIV or
STDs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the need for understanding the risk perceptions held by transgender students and for prevention efforts that are inclusive for all gender identities. Research is needed to understand if school‐based sexual health interventions such as staff referrals for sexual health services are effective for transgender students.
Clinical features and outcomes of bacterascites in cirrhotic patients: A retrospective, multicentre study
Authors: Li Beiling , Gao Yanhang , Wang Xianbo , Qian Zhiping , Meng Zhongji , Huang Yan , Deng Guohong , Lu Xiaobo , Liu Feng , Zheng Xin , Li Hai , Chen Jinjun
Published: March 2020

Background & Aims

Current guidelines on the management of bacterascites are limited. This multicentre, retrospective study investigated the clinical features and outcomes of cirrhosis patients with bacterascites.

Methods

Two series of cirrhosis patients were evaluated. The first included 418 patients with ascites‐positive cultures at 11 hospitals during 2012‐2018. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were recorded. The second included 208 patients with sterile ascites from a prospective cohort (NCT02457637). Clinical features and outcomes of cirrhotic patients with or without bacterascites were investigated.

Results

In the first series, bacterascites was diagnosed in 254/418 (60.8%) patients, and culture‐positive spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in 164/418 (39.2%) patients. Gram‐positive bacteria were more prevalent in bacterascites patients than in culture‐positive SBP patients (59.1% vs 22.0%; P < .001). For patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) in bacterascites and culture‐positive SBP groups, the 28‐day transplant‐free mortality (41.3% vs 65.5%; P = .015) and the prevalence of in‐hospital acute kidney injury (AKI) (84.8% vs 75%; P = .224). For patients without ACLF in the bacterascites (n = 208) and culture‐positive SBP groups (n = 108), the 28‐day transplant‐free mortalities were 13% vs 13.9% (P = .822), the probabilities of progression to ACLF within 28 days were 10.1% vs 14.8% (P = .216) and the prevalences of in‐hospital AKI were 14.4% vs 30.6% (P = .001). Bacterascites patients had higher 28‐day mortality than those patients with sterile ascites, after propensity score matching (18.4% vs 8.6%; P = .010).

Conclusion

Bacterascites patients had non‐negligible poor clinical outcomes, including in‐hospital AKI, progression to ACLF and 28‐day mortality. Future studies are warranted to expedite the diagnosis of bacterascites and optimize antibiotic treatment.
Spatially explicit models as tools for implementing effective management strategies for invasive alien mammals
Authors: Bertolino Sandro , Sciandra Chiara , Bosso Luciano , Russo Danilo , Lurz Peter W.W. , Di Febbraro Mirko
Published: March 2020

Invasive alien species are major drivers of global change that can have severe impacts on biodiversity and human well‐being. Management strategies implemented to mitigate these impacts are based on a hierarchical approach, from prevention of invasion, via early warning and rapid response, to invasive species management.

We evaluated how different classes of spatially explicit models have been used as predictive tools to improve the effectiveness of management strategies. A review of literature published between 2000 and 2019 was undertaken to retrieve studies addressing alien mammal species through these models.

We collected 62 studies, dealing with 70 (27%) of the 261 mammal species that are considered to be introduced worldwide. Most of the studies dealt with species from the orders Rodentia (34%), Artiodactyla and Carnivora (both 24%); the most commonly studied families were Sciuridae (13%) and Muridae (12%).

Most of the studies (73%) provided spatial predictions of potential species spread, while only ca. 15% of the studies included evaluations of management options. About 29% of the studies were considered useful in risk assessment procedures, but only because they presented climatic suitability predictions worldwide, while studies modelling suitability before a species was introduced locally are still lacking for mammals. With some exceptions, spatially explicit population models are still little used, probably because of the perceived need for detailed information on life history parameters.

Spatially explicit models have been used in relatively few studies dealing with invasive mammals, and most of them covered a restricted pool of species. Most of the studies used climate matching to evaluate the suitability of geographic areas worldwide or the possibility of species that were already established spreading further. Modelling procedures could be a useful tool to assess the risk of establishment for species not yet present in an area but likely to arrive; however, such studies are lacking for mammals.
Through the impact glass: Insight into the evolution of melt at the Mistastin Lake impact structure
Authors: Hill Patrick J. A. , Osinski Gordon R. , Banerjee Neil R.
Published: March 2020

By analyzing impact glass, the evolution of the impact melt at the Mistastin Lake impact structure was investigated. Impact glass clasts are present in a range of impactites, including polymict breccias and clast‐rich impact melt rock, and from a variety of settings within the crater. From the glass clasts analyzed, three petrographic subtypes of impact glass were identified based on their clast content, prevalence of schlieren, color, texture, and habit. Several alteration phases were also observed replacing glass and infilling vesicles; however, textural observations and quantified compositional data allowed for the identification of pristine impact glass. Although the various types of glasses show significant overlap in their major oxide composition, several subtle variations in the major oxide chemistry of the glass were observed. To investigate this variation, a least‐squares mixing model was implemented utilizing the composition of the glass and the known target rock chemistry to model the initial melt composition. Additionally, image analysis of the glass clasts was used to investigate whether the compositional variations correlated to textural difference in the lithologies. We propose that the textural and compositional dichotomy observed is a product of the evolution, assimilation, and emplacement of the glass. The dichotomy is reflective of the melt either being ballistically emplaced (group 2 glasses: occurring in melt‐poor polymict breccias at lowermost stratigraphic position outside the transient crater) or the result of late‐stage melt flows (group 1 glasses, occurring in melt‐bearing polymict breccias and impact melt rocks at higher stratigraphic positions outside the transient crater).
Amorphous silicates in the matrix of Semarkona: The first evidence for the localized preservation of pristine matrix materials in the most unequilibrated ordinary chondrites
Authors: Dobrică E. , Brearley A. J.
Published: March 2020

We have investigated the fine‐grained matrix of the least‐altered unequilibrated ordinary chondrite (UOC) Semarkona (LL3.00) using different electron microscope techniques. Unlike previous studies, which found that the matrix of Semarkona was extensively altered to phyllosilicates, we have discovered the widespread occurrence of much more pristine amorphous silicates in the sample that we have studied. Detailed TEM study shows that these materials occur pervasively in the matrix as (1) continuous groundmass; (2) distinct, circular to subrounded features, which contain nanometric‐size sulfides and carbides; or (3) distinct objects containing parallel, linear features composed of sulfides and voids. These amorphous silicates have many textural and compositional similarities to the occurrences of amorphous silicates found in pristine carbonaceous chondrites (CCs); however, minor differences were also identified. Most of the textural and chemical differences suggest that these materials formed at different times and locations in the solar nebula, compared to matrix materials in CCs. Nevertheless, their occurrence suggests that the amorphous silicates in Semarkona formed by similar processes to those proposed for amorphous silicates in CCs, that is, rapid cooling that favored disequilibrium condensation of material evaporated during chondrule‐forming events. In addition, the occurrence of minimally altered amorphous silicates in Semarkona demonstrates that the effects of aqueous alteration, which have been widely described in this meteorite, are not pervasive. Instead, our new observations demonstrate that aqueous alteration has affected Semarkona heterogeneously and that locally, regions of much more pristine matrix that have escaped extensive alteration are still preserved within this meteorite. Such materials provide significant new insights into the pristine characteristics of ordinary chondrite matrix material that has not been previously available.
Chemical and physical properties of Žďár nad Sázavou L chondrite and porosity differentiation using computed tomography
Authors: Kalasová Dominika , Zikmund Tomáš , Spurný Pavel , Haloda Jakub , Borovička Jiří , Kaiser Jozef
Published: March 2020

A very bright and long bolide was observed over the eastern part of the Czech Republic during late local evening on December 9, 2014. This bolide was recorded by professional instruments in the Czech part of the European Fireball Network. Three meteorites weighing in total 87 g were found in the predicted area and were named Žďár nad Sázavou. The complete material composition of the meteorite was obtained from one cut‐off piece using petrography, mineralogy, and scanning electron microscopy (together with X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy). X‐ray computed tomography (CT) was applied on all pieces for the determination of their grain and bulk density, digitization of shape, and examination of the structural homogeneity. CT has proved its important role for nondestructive exploration of brecciated meteorites formed by distinct lithologies or petrological types. In this article, we discuss its limits in terms of structural and material resolution based on the correlation of state‐of‐the‐art CT data and SEM images. Furthermore, we introduce a new way of air cavity quantification, which distinguishes the natural porosity of meteorite and cracks related to erosion processes. This helps to discuss the presence of weathering products based on comparison of the meteorite pieces found at different times after impact.
Comparative and population genomics approaches reveal the basis of adaptation to deserts in a small rodent
Authors: Tigano Anna , Colella Jocelyn P. , MacManes Matthew D.
Published: March 2020

Organisms that live in deserts offer the opportunity to investigate how species adapt to environmental conditions that are lethal to most plants and animals. In the hot deserts of North America, high temperatures and lack of water are conspicuous challenges for organisms living there. The cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus) displays several adaptations to these conditions, including low metabolic rate, heat tolerance, and the ability to maintain homeostasis under extreme dehydration. To investigate the genomic basis of desert adaptation in cactus mice, we built a chromosome‐level genome assembly and resequenced 26 additional cactus mouse genomes from two locations in southern California (USA). Using these data, we integrated comparative, population, and functional genomic approaches. We identified 16 gene families exhibiting significant contractions or expansions in the cactus mouse compared to 17 other Myodontine rodent genomes, and found 232 sites across the genome associated with selective sweeps. Functional annotations of candidate gene families and selective sweeps revealed a pervasive signature of selection at genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of proteins, consistent with the evolution of cellular mechanisms to cope with protein denaturation caused by thermal and hyperosmotic stress. Other strong candidate genes included receptors for bitter taste, suggesting a dietary shift towards chemically defended desert plants and insects, and a growth factor involved in lipid metabolism, potentially involved in prevention of dehydration. Understanding how species adapted to deserts will provide an important foundation for predicting future evolutionary responses to increasing temperatures, droughts and desertification in the cactus mouse and other species.
A lamin‐like protein OsNMCP1 regulates drought resistance and root growth through chromatin accessibility modulation by interacting with a chromatin remodeller OsSWI3C in rice
Authors: Yang Jun , Chang Yu , Qin Yonghua , Chen Dijun , Zhu Tao , Peng Kaiqing , Wang Huaijun , Tang Ning , Li Xiaokai , Wang Yusen , Liu Yinmeng , Li Xianghua , Xie Weibo , Xiong Lizhong
Published: March 2020

Lamin proteins in animals are implicated in important nuclear functions, including chromatin organization, signalling transduction, gene regulation and cell differentiation. Nuclear Matrix Constituent Proteins (NMCPs) are lamin analogues in plants, but their regulatory functions remain largely unknown.

We report that OsNMCP1 is localized at the nuclear periphery in rice (Oryza sativa) and induced by drought stress. OsNMCP1 overexpression resulted in a deeper and thicker root system, and enhanced drought resistance compared to the wild‐type control. An assay for transposase accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC‐seq) analysis revealed that OsNMCP1‐overexpression altered chromatin accessibility in hundreds of genes related to drought resistance and root growth, including OsNAC10, OsERF48, OsSGL, SNAC1 and OsbZIP23.

OsNMCP1 can interact with SWITCH/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodelling complex subunit OsSWI3C. The reported drought resistance or root growth‐related genes that were positively regulated by OsNMCP1 were negatively regulated by OsSWI3C under drought stress conditions, and OsSWI3C overexpression led to decreased drought resistance.

We propose that the interaction between OsNMCP1 and OsSWI3C under drought stress conditions may lead to the release of OsSWI3C from the SWI/SNF gene silencing complex, thus changing chromatin accessibility in the genes related to root growth and drought resistance.
Cytokinin‐induced protein synthesis suppresses growth and osmotic stress tolerance
Authors: Karunadasa Sumudu S. , Kurepa Jasmina , Shull Timothy E. , Smalle Jan A.
Published: March 2020

Cytokinins control critical aspects of plant development and environmental responses. Perception of cytokinin ultimately leads to the activation of proteins belonging to the type‐B Response Regulator family of cytokinin response activators. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ARR1 is one of the most abundantly expressed type‐B Response Regulators.

We investigated the link between cytokinin signaling, protein synthesis, plant growth and osmotic stress tolerance.

We show that the increased cytokinin signaling in ARR1 gain‐of‐function transgenic lines is associated with increased rates of protein synthesis, which lead to growth inhibition and hypersensitivity to osmotic stress. Cytokinin‐induced growth inhibition and osmotic stress hypersensitivity were rescued by treatments with ABA, a hormone known to inhibit protein synthesis. We also demonstrate that cytokinin‐induced protein synthesis requires isoforms of the ribosomal protein L4 encoded by the cytokinin‐inducible genes RPL4A and RPL4D, and that RPL4 loss‐of‐function increases osmotic stress tolerance and decreases sensitivity to cytokinin‐induced growth inhibition.

These findings reveal that an increase in protein synthesis negatively impacts growth and osmotic stress tolerance and explain some of the adverse effects of elevated cytokinin action on plant development and stress physiology.
Individualized concept for the treatment of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Miura Kenichiro , Sato Yasuyuki , Yabuuchi Tomoo , Kaneko Naoto , Ishizuka Kiyonobu , Chikamoto Hiroko , Akioka Yuko , Nawashiro Yuri , Hisano Masataka , Imamura Hideaki , Miyai Takayuki , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Fuchinoue Shohei , Okumi Masayoshi , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari , Hattori Motoshi
Published: March 2020

Management of children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) who develop end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) remains challenging because of concomitant liver disease. Patients with recurrent cholangitis are candidates for liver‐kidney transplantation, while the treatment for patients with splenomegaly and pancytopenia due to portal hypertension is controversial. Herein, we report 7 children who were treated using an individualized treatment strategy stratified by liver disease. Two patients with recurrent cholangitis underwent sequential liver‐kidney transplantation, while 4 patients with splenomegaly and pancytopenia but without recurrent cholangitis underwent splenectomy followed by isolated kidney transplantation. The remaining patient, who did not have cholangitis and pancytopenia, underwent isolated kidney transplantation. Blood cell counts were normalized after splenectomy was performed at the median age of 8.7 (range, 7.4‐11.7) years. Kidney transplantation was performed at the median age of 8.8 (range, 1.9‐14.7) years in all patients. Overwhelming post‐splenectomy infections and cholangitis did not occur during the median follow‐up period of 6.3 (range, 1.0‐13.2) years. The estimated glomerular filtration rate at the last follow‐up was 53 (range, 35‐107) mL/min/1.73 m2. No graft loss occurred. Our individualized treatment strategy stratified by recurrent cholangitis and pancytopenia can be a feasible strategy for children with ARPKD who develop ESRD and warrants further evaluation.
Cereal production, undernourishment, and food insecurity in South Asia
Authors: Mughal Mazhar , Fontan Sers Charlotte
Published: March 2020

South Asia remains one of the major strongholds of hunger in the world, despite the fact that, following the Green Revolution, cereal production in the countries of this region tripled during the second half of the 20th century. This study examines the role played by this increase in cereal production in improving the region’s nutrition and food security situation. We study the association between the different aspects of food security and cereal production in South Asia that have prevailed over the past 25 years. We find a beneficial role of the production and yield of cereals in lowering the extent of undernourishment. A 1% increase in cereal production and yield is associated with up to 0.84% decrease in the prevalence of undernourishment. The impact is significant over a period of 3 years. The positive effect is particularly evident in the case of rice and maize production. An improvement is seen in the aspects of availability, stability, and utilization of food security but not in the aspect of access. These findings are robust to alternative specifications and techniques. The results explain, in part, the means by which South Asian nations have managed to stall relative increases in extreme hunger and food insecurity.
Output volatility, composition of trade, and transmission of economic shocks across countries
Authors: Karim Ridwan , Stoyanov Andrey
Published: March 2020

In this paper we investigate how supply and demand shocks in one country affect output volatility in other countries. While the evidence for cross‐country transmission of demand shocks is mixed, we find that volatile supply in one country leads to larger imports and output volatility in other countries. As a result, the effect of trade openness on output volatility is highly heterogeneous across countries and depends on the composition of their trade. Those countries whose imports originate in economies with volatile supply experience a greater impact of trade on output volatility.
The development of instructional guidelines for elementary mathematical writing
Authors: Colonnese Madelyn W.
Published: March 2020

Mathematical writing recently has been defined as writing to reason and communicate mathematically. But mathematics instructional resources lack guidance for teachers as to how to implement such writing. The purpose of this paper is to describe how methods of design‐based research were used to develop an instructional resource when one does not currently exist. Thirty‐four participants—including teachers, mathematics coaches, mathematics curriculum developers, literacy coaches, a mathematician, and academics in elementary mathematics education, mathematics education, writing education, and science education—participated in a multi‐step process to recommend, revise, and confirm instructional guidelines for elementary mathematical writing. The development process began with thirty‐two recommendations from science writing and language arts writing. Through multiple cycles of feedback, five instructional guidelines and related considerations and techniques for implementation of elementary mathematical writing emerged.
Comparison of the accuracy of two soil moisture sensors and calibration models for different soil types on the loess plateau
Authors: Jia Junchao , Zhang Pingping , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhen Qing , Zhang Xingchang
Published: March 2020

The accurate monitoring of soil moisture is critical for many environmental and hydrological applications, and commercial sensors have been used widely to detect the soil water content. However, the sensitivity of these sensors to the soil texture and bulk density demands calibration before conducting determinations. In the present study, we calibrated two soil moisture sensors (TDR‐315L and Diviner 2000) for six common soil types found on the Loess Plateau, China. The root mean square error (RMSE), ratio of the lack‐of‐fit mean square error and mean square pure error were calculated to compare the accuracies of the sensors and models. The results indicated thatTDR‐315L was more accurate than Diviner 2000 for all of the samples. A new model that includes the bulk density and clay content obtained higher accuracy when calibrating theTDR‐315L sensor. And it is showed that theRMSEof volumetric water content (VWC) from the new model compared to the gravimetry are less than 0.039 m3m−3. For the Diviner 2000 sensor, adjusting the parameters in the calibration model allowed the accurate estimation of theVWC, where theRMSEofVWCfrom the calibration model compared to the gravimetry are less than 0.033 m3m−3. The results obtained in this study may facilitate the use of sensors in soil moisture observational networks and environmental and hydrological applications.
Phosphatidic acid directly binds with rice potassium channel OsAKT2 to inhibit its activity
Authors: Shen Like , Tian Quanxiang , Yang Lele , Zhang Hongsheng , Shi Yiyuan , Shen Yue , Zhou Zhenzhen , Wu Qi , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua
Published: March 2020

The plant Shaker K+ channel AtAKT2 has been identified as a weakly rectifying channel that can stabilize membrane potentials to promote photoassimilate phloem loading and translocation. Thus, studies on functional characterization and regulatory mechanisms of AtAKT2‐like channels in crops are highly important for improving crop production. Here, we identified the rice OsAKT2 as the ortholog of Arabidopsis AtAKT2, which is primarily expressed in the shoot phloem and localized at the plasma membrane. Using an electrophysiological assay, we found that OsAKT2 operated as a weakly rectifying K+ channel, preventing H+/sucrose‐symport‐induced membrane depolarization. Three critical amino acid residues (K193, N206, and S326) are essential to the phosphorylation‐mediated gating change of OsAKT2, consistent with the roles of the corresponding sites in AtAKT2. Disruption of OsAKT2 results in delayed growth of rice seedlings under short‐day conditions. Interestingly, the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid (PA) inhibits OsAKT2‐mediated currents (both instantaneous and time‐dependent components). Lipid dot‐blot assay and liposome‐protein binding analysis revealed that PA directly bound with two adjacent arginine residues in the ANK domain of OsAKT2, which is essential to PA‐mediated inhibition of OsAKT2. Electrophysiological and phenotypic analyses also showed the PA‐mediated inhibition of AtAKT2 and the negative correlation between intrinsic PA level and Arabidopsis growth, suggesting that PA may inhibit AKT2 function to affect plant growth and development. Our results functionally characterize the Shaker K+ channel OsAKT2 and reveal a direct link between phospholipid signaling and plant K+ channel modulation.
Staying in touch with the endocytic network: The importance of contacts for cholesterol transport
Authors: Martello Andrea , Platt Fran M. , Eden Emily R.
Published: March 2020

Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for cell function and human health. Cholesterol is heterogeneously distributed among cellular membranes, with the redistribution of endocytosed dietary cholesterol playing a pivotal role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. While gaps remain in our understanding of intracellular dietary cholesterol transport, a highly complex network of pathways is starting to emerge, often involving inter‐dependent vesicular and non‐vesicular transport mechanisms. The last decade has seen a surge in interest in non‐vesicular transport and inter‐organellar communication at membrane contact sites. By providing platforms for protein interactions, signalling events, lipid exchange and calcium flux, membrane contact sites (MCS) are now appreciated as controlling the fate of large amounts of lipid and play central roles in the regulation and co‐ordination of endocytic trafficking. Here, we review the role of MCS in multiple pathways for cholesterol export from the endocytic pathway and highlight the intriguing interplay between vesicular and non‐vesicular transport mechanisms and relationship with neurodegenerative disease.
Characterization of Ebola convalescent plasma donor immune response and psoralen treated plasma in the United States
Authors: Dean Christina L. , Hooper Jay W. , Dye John M. , Zak Samantha E. , Koepsell Scott A. , Corash Laurence , Benjamin Richard J. , Kwilas Steve , Bonds Shannon , Winkler Anne M. , Kraft Colleen S.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

In 2014, passive immunization by transfusion of Ebola convalescent plasma (ECP) was considered for treating patients with acute Ebola virus disease (EVD). Early Ebola virus (EBOV) seroconversion confers a survival advantage in natural infection, hence transfusion of ECP plasma with high levels of neutralizing EBOV antibodies is a potential passive immune therapy. Techniques to reduce the risk of other transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTIs) are warranted as recent ECP survivors are ineligible as routine blood donors. As part of an ongoing clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ECP, the impact of amotosalen/UVA pathogen reduction technology (PRT) on EBOV antibody characteristics was examined.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum and plasma samples were collected from EVD‐recovered subjects at multiple timepoints and evaluated by ELISA for antibodies to recombinant EBOV glycoprotein (GP) and irradiated whole EBOV antigen, as well as for EBOV microneutralization, classic plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and EBOV pseudovirion neutralization assay (PsVNA) activity.

RESULTS

Six subjects donated 40 individual ECP units. Substantial antibody titers and neutralizing activity results were demonstrated but were generally lower for the ACD plasma samples compared to the serum samples. Anti‐EBOV titers by all assays remained essentially unchanged after PRT.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of ECP with PRT to reduce the risk of TTI did not significantly reduce EBOV IgG antibody titers or neutralizing activity. Although ECP was used in the treatment of repatriated patients, no PRT units from this study were transfused to EVD patients. This inventory of PRT‐treated ECP is currently available for future clinical evaluation.
Efficacy of a single session in‐series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in the management of carprofen overdose in two dogs
Authors: Fick Meghan E. , Messenger Kristen M. , Vigani Alessio
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe the efficacy of in‐series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in 2 dogs with carprofen overdose.

Case Summary

This report describes the treatment of 2 dogs following accidental carprofen overdoses who underwent a single in‐series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis session. Serial serum carprofen concentrations were measured before, during, and after the session. The first patient's session lasted 5 hours, with the largest decrease in serum carprofen concentrations occurring during the first hour of treatment. The carprofen clearance during the following 4 hours of treatment decreased substantially compared to the first hour and was not different from the patient's intrinsic clearance of carprofen after the session was completed. Based on the findings from the first case, the second patient was treated with a 1 hour single hemoperfusion and hemodialysis session. Our results support the hypothesis that carprofen is not effectively removed by conventional hemodialysis and the efficacy of hemoperfusion is short lived due to rapid saturation of the charcoal filter. Once filter saturation occurs, the extracorporeal session is no longer efficacious. Using in‐series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis is of benefit to correct the side effects seen with hemoperfusion alone, and hourly charcoal filter replacement may extend the efficacy of treatment in removing carprofen.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first published report of in‐series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis being used to treat carprofen overdose in a dog. In these 2 cases, the intrinsic clearances of the patients were shown to be equivalent to that of standard hemodialysis alone, indicating that hemodialysis does not produce any advantage in carprofen clearance. In this limited report, we suggest that the efficacy of hemoperfusion in removing carprofen is short‐lived, and extending the treatment beyond the first hour does not produce any therapeutic benefit. In order to extend the efficacy of hemoperfusion, hourly replacement of the charcoal filter should be considered.