bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIX1 regulates YAP activity and controls gastrointestinal cancer cell plasticity
Authors: Guérin Amandine , Martire Delphine , Trenquier Eva , Lesluyes Tom , Sagnol Sébastien , Pratlong Marine , Lefebvre Elise , Chibon Fréderic , de Santa Barbara Pascal , Faure Sandrine
Published: July 2020

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract, result from deregulated proliferation of transformed KIT‐positive interstitial cells of Cajal that share mesenchymal progenitors with smooth muscle cells. Despite the identification of selective KIT inhibitors, primary resistance and relapse remain a major concern. Moreover, most patients develop resistance partly through reactivation of KIT and its downstream signalling pathways. We previously identified the Limb Expression 1 (LIX1) gene as a unique marker of digestive mesenchyme immaturity. We also demonstrated that LIX1 regulates mesenchymal progenitor proliferation and differentiation by controlling the Hippo effector YAP1, which is constitutively activated in many sarcomas. Therefore, we wanted to determine LIX1 role in GIST development. We found that LIX1 is strongly up‐regulated in GIST samples and this is associated with unfavourable prognosis. Moreover, LIX1 controls GIST cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Upon LIX1 inactivation in GIST cells, YAP1/TAZ activity is reduced, KIT (the GIST signature) is down‐regulated, and cells acquire smooth muscle lineage features. Our data highlight LIX1 role in digestive mesenchyme‐derived cell‐fate decisions and identify this novel regulator as a target for drug design for GIST treatment by influencing its differentiation status.
Role of aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1) in the cancer process and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Khayami Reza , Hashemi Seyyed Reza , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: July 2020

The role of aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1) in cancer is not totally clear but growing evidence is suggesting to have a great impact on cancer progression. AKR1B1 could participate in a complicated network of signalling pathways, proteins and miRNAs such as mir‐21 mediating mechanisms like inflammatory responses, cell cycle, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell survival and apoptosis. AKR1B1 has been shown to be mostly overexpressed in cancer. This overexpression has been associated with inflammatory mediators including nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), cell cycle mediators such as cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), survival proteins and pathways like mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and protein kinase B (PKB) or AKT, and other regulatory factors in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin synthesis. In addition, inhibition of AKR1B1 has been shown to mostly have anti‐cancer effects. Several studies have also suggested that AKR1B1 inhibition as an adjuvant therapy could render tumour cells more sensitive to anti‐cancer therapy or alleviate the adverse effects of therapy. AKR1B1 could also be considered as a potential cancer diagnostic biomarker since its promoter has shown high levels of methylation. Although pre‐clinical investigations on the role of AKR1B1 in cancer and the application of its inhibitors have shown promising results, the lack of clinical studies on AKR1B1 inhibitors has hampered the use of these drugs to treat cancer. Thus, there is a need to conduct more clinical studies on the application of AKR1B1 inhibitors as adjuvant therapy on different cancers.
Contextualising the link between adolescents’ use of digital technology and their mental health: a multi‐country study of time spent online and life satisfaction
Authors: Kardefelt‐Winther Daniel , Rees Gwyther , Livingstone Sonia
Published: July 2020

Background

Evidence on whether the amount of time children spend online affects their mental health is mixed. There may be both benefits and risks. Yet, almost all published research on this topic is from high‐income countries. This paper presents new findings across four countries of varying wealth.

Methods

We analyse data gathered through the Global Kids Online project from nationally representative samples of Internet‐using children aged 9 to 17 years in Bulgaria (n = 1,000), Chile (n = 1,000), Ghana (n = 2,060) and the Philippines (n = 1,873). Data was gathered on Internet usage on week and weekend days. Measures of absolute (comparable across countries) and relative (compared to other children within countries) time use were constructed. Mental health was measured by Cantril’s ladder (life satisfaction). The analysis also considers the relative explanatory power on variations in mental health of children’s relationships with family and friends. Analysis controlled for age, gender and family socioeconomic status.

Results

In Bulgaria and Chile, higher‐frequency Internet use is weakly associated with lower life satisfaction. In Ghana and the Philippines, no such pattern was observed. There was no evidence that the relationship between frequency of Internet use and life satisfaction differed by gender. In all four countries, the quality of children’s close relationships showed a much stronger relationship with their life satisfaction than did time spent on the Internet.

Conclusions

Time spent on the Internet does not appear to be strongly linked to children’s life satisfaction, and results from one country should not be assumed to transfer to another. Improving the quality of children’s close relationships offers a more fruitful area for intervention than restricting their time online. Future research could consider a wider range of countries and links between the nature, rather than quantity, of Internet usage and mental health.
Innovation disclosure in times of uncertainty
Authors: Amore Mario Daniele
Published: July 2020

A recent literature shows that many firms feature missing R&D expenses in their accounting statements. This study explores how economic policy uncertainty affects the decision to disclose innovation‐related information. Empirical analyses on a panel of U.S. listed companies show that policy uncertainty increases the likelihood of missing R&D (as opposed to both positive and zero R&D). This result is more pronounced for firms that enjoy a leadership position in their industry, firms in states subject to a weaker legal protection of internal knowledge, and firms that rely more on government demand. During uncertain times, firms also file patents that exhibit a greater textual vagueness. Finally, the evidence suggests that missing R&D helps firms alleviate the negative impact of policy uncertainty on market value.
Stereotactic radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Expanding the multidisciplinary armamentarium
Authors: Shanker Mihir D , Liu Howard Y , Lee Yoo Young , Stuart Katherine A , Powell Elizabeth E , Wigg Alan , Pryor David I
Published: July 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer‐related death. Long‐term prognosis remains poor with treatment options frequently limited by advanced tumor stage, tumor location, or underlying liver dysfunction. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) utilizes technological advances to deliver highly precise, tumoricidal doses of radiation. There is an emerging body of literature on SABR in HCC demonstrating high rates of local control in the order of 80–90% at 3 years. SABR is associated with a low risk of radiation‐induced liver disease or decompensation in appropriately selected HCC patients with compensated liver function and is now being incorporated into guidelines as an additional treatment option. This review outlines the emerging role of SABR in the multidisciplinary management of HCC and summarizes the current evidence for its use as an alternative ablative option for early‐stage disease, as a bridge to transplant, and as palliation for advanced‐stage disease. We outline specific considerations regarding patient selection, toxicities, and response assessment. Finally, we compare current international guidelines and recommendations for the use of SABR and summarize ongoing studies.
Putative Cut‐Points in Sarcopenia Components and Incident Adverse Health Outcomes: An SDOC Analysis
Authors: Cawthon Peggy M. , Manini Todd , Patel Sheena M. , Newman Anne , Travison Thomas , Kiel Douglas P. , Santanasto Adam J. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Xue Qian‐Li , Shardell Michelle , Duchowny Kate , Erlandson Kristine M. , Pencina Karol M. , Fielding Roger A. , Magaziner Jay , Kwok Timothy , Karlsson Magnus , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Hirani Vasant , Ribom Eva , Correa‐de‐Araujo Rosaly , Bhasin Shalender
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVES

Analyses performed by the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) identified cut‐points in several metrics of grip strength for consideration in a definition of sarcopenia. We describe the associations between the SDOC‐identified metrics of low grip strength (absolute or standardized to body size/composition); low dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) lean mass as previously defined in the literature (appendicular lean mass [ALM]/ht2); and slowness (walking speed <.8 m/s) with subsequent adverse outcomes (falls, hip fractures, mobility limitation, and mortality).

DESIGN

Individual‐level, sex‐stratified pooled analysis. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) for incident falls, mobility limitation, hip fractures, and mortality. Follow‐up time ranged from 1 year for falls to 8.8 ± 2.3 years for mortality.

SETTING

Eight prospective observational cohort studies.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 13,421 community‐dwelling men and 4,828 community‐dwelling women.

MEASUREMENTS

Grip strength by hand dynamometry, gait speed, and lean mass by DXA.

RESULTS

Low grip strength (absolute or standardized to body size/composition) was associated with incident outcomes, usually independently of slowness, in both men and women. ORs and HRs generally ranged from 1.2 to 3.0 for those below vs above the cut‐point. DXA lean mass was not consistently associated with these outcomes. When considered together, those who had both muscle weakness by absolute grip strength (<35.5 kg in men and <20 kg in women) and slowness were consistently more likely to have a fall, hip fracture, mobility limitation, or die than those without either slowness or muscle weakness.

CONCLUSION

Older men and women with both muscle weakness and slowness have a higher likelihood of adverse health outcomes. These results support the inclusion of grip strength and walking speed as components in a summary definition of sarcopenia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1429‐1437, 2020.
Mortality and the Use of Antithrombotic Therapies Among Nursing Home Residents with COVID‐19
Authors: Brouns Steffie H. , Brüggemann Renée , Linkens Aimée E. M. J. H. , Magdelijns Fabienne J. , Joosten Hanneke , Heijnen Ron , ten Cate‐Hoek Arina J. , Schols Jos M. G. A. , ten Cate Hugo , Spaetgens Bart
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Nursing home (NH) residents are a vulnerable population, susceptible to respiratory disease outbreaks such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Poor outcome in COVID‐19 is at least partly attributed to hypercoagulability, resulting in a high incidence of thromboembolic complications. It is unknown whether commonly used antithrombotic therapies may protect the vulnerable NH population with COVID‐19 against mortality. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of oral antithrombotic therapy (OAT) was associated with a lower mortality in NH residents with COVID‐19.

DESIGN

A retrospective case series.

SETTING

Fourteen NH facilities from the NH organization Envida, Maastricht, the Netherlands

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 101 NH residents with COVID‐19 were enrolled.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The association between age, sex, comorbidity, OAT, and mortality was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall mortality was 47.5% in NH residents from 14 NH facilities. Age, comorbidity, and medication use were comparable among NH residents who survived and who died. OAT was associated with a lower mortality in NH residents with COVID‐19 in the univariable analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.41–1.95). However, additional adjustments for sex, age, and comorbidity attenuated this difference. Mortality in males was higher compared with female residents (OR = 3.96; 95% CI = 1.62–9.65). Male residents who died were younger compared with female residents (82.2 (standard deviation (SD) = 6.3) vs 89.1 (SD = 6.8) years; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

NH residents in the 14 facilities we studied were severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, with a mortality of 47.5%. Male NH residents with COVID‐19 had worse outcomes than females. We did not find evidence for any protection against mortality by OAT, necessitating further research into strategies to mitigate poor outcome of COVID‐19 in vulnerable NH populations. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1647‐1652, 2020.
Impaired prolactin transport into the brain and functional responses to prolactin in aged male mice
Authors: Barad Zsuzsanna , Khant Aung Zin , Grattan David R. , Ladyman Sharon R. , Brown Rosemary S. E.
Published: July 2020

Ageing is related to changes in a number of endocrine systems that impact on the central actions of hormones. The anterior pituitary hormone prolactin is present in the circulation in both males and females, with widespread expression of the prolactin receptor throughout the forebrain. We aimed to investigate prolactin transport into the brain, as well as circulating levels of prolactin and functional responses to prolactin, in aged male mice (23 months). Transport of 125I‐labelled prolactin (125I‐prolactin) from the peripheral circulation into the brain was suppressed in aged compared to young adult (4 months) male mice, with no significant transport into the brain occurring in aged males. We subsequently investigated changes in the negative‐feedback regulation of prolactin secretion and prolactin‐induced suppression of luteinising hormone (LH) pulsatile secretion in aged male mice. Feedback regulation of prolactin secretion appeared to be unaffected in aged males, with no change in levels of circulating prolactin, and normal prolactin‐induced phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5(pSTAT5) immunoreactivity in tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurones in the arcuate nucleus. There were, however, significant impairments in the ability of prolactin to suppress LH pulsatile secretion in aged males. In young adult males, acute prolactin administration significantly decreased LH pulses from 1.5 ± 0.19 pulses of LH in 4 hours to 0.5 ± 0.27 pulses. In contrast, prolactin did not suppress LH pulse frequency in aged males, with prolactin leading to an increase in mean LH concentration. These data demonstrate the emergence of impairments in prolactin transport into the brain and deficits in specific functional responses to prolactin with ageing.
IGFBP5 enhances the dentinogenesis potential of dental pulp stem cells via JNK and ErK signalling pathways
Authors: Hao Junling , Yang Haoqing , Cao Yangyang , Zhang Chen , Fan Zhipeng
Published: July 2020

Background

Dental stem cell transplantation has become a new method for tooth tissue regeneration. However, its molecular mechanism of the dentinogenic differentiation is still unclear, limited its application. Our previous studies found that insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) can promote the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells and the regeneration of periodontal tissues. This study aims to clarify the effect and mechanism of IGFBP5 on the dentinogenesis of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).

Objective and Methods

Lentiviral IGFBP5 shRNA was used to knock‐down of IGFBP5. And recombinant human IGFBP5 protein (rhIGFBP5) was used to treat DPSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining, quantitative calcium analysis, real‐time RT‐PCR and Western Blot were used to detect dentinogenic differentiation markers and related signalling pathways. Transplantation in nude mice was used to detect the dentin regeneration in vivo.

Results

Depletion of IGFBP5 inhibited ALP activity and the mineralisation and reduced the expressions of osteo/dentinogenic differentiation markers BSP, DMP‐1 and DSPP in DPSCs. 0.05 ng/mL rhIGFBP5 promoted ALP activity, the mineralisation and the expressions of BSP, DMP‐1 and DSPP in DPSCs. In addition, 0.05 ng/mL rhIGFBP5 could promote DPSC‐mediated dentin‐like tissues formation in vivo. Western blot results showed that IGFBP5 activated JNK and Erk signalling pathways in DPSCs. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK pathway by SP600125, the expression of p‐JNK and p‐Erk was reduced, while inhibition of Erk pathway by PD98059, only p‐Erk expression was decreased.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that IGFBP5 could promote the dentinogenic differentiation and dentinogenesis potential of DPSCs via JNK and ErK signalling pathways.
Depletion of the DarG antitoxin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis triggers the DNA‐damage response and leads to cell death
Authors: Zaveri Anisha , Wang Ruojun , Botella Laure , Sharma Ritu , Zhu Linnan , Wallach Joshua B. , Song Naomi , Jansen Robert S. , Rhee Kyu Y. , Ehrt Sabine , Schnappinger Dirk
Published: July 2020

Of the ~80 putative toxin‐antitoxin (TA) modules encoded by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), three contain antitoxins essential for bacterial viability. One of these, Rv0060 (DNA ADP‐ribosyl glycohydrolase, DarGMtb), functions along with its cognate toxin Rv0059 (DNA ADP‐ribosyl transferase, DarTMtb), to mediate reversible DNA ADP‐ribosylation (Jankevicius et al., 2016). We demonstrate that DarTMtb‐DarGMtb form a functional TA pair and essentiality of darGMtb is dependent on the presence of darTMtb, but simultaneous deletion of both darTMtb‐darGMtb does not alter viability of Mtb in vitro or in mice. The antitoxin, DarGMtb, forms a cytosolic complex with DNA‐repair proteins that assembles independently of either DarTMtb or interaction with DNA. Depletion of DarGMtb alone is bactericidal, a phenotype that is rescued by expression of an orthologous antitoxin, DarGTaq, from Thermus aquaticus. Partial depletion of DarGMtb triggers a DNA‐damage response and sensitizes Mtb to drugs targeting DNA metabolism and respiration. Induction of the DNA‐damage response is essential for Mtb to survive partial DarGMtb‐depletion and leads to a hypermutable phenotype.
Altered health knowledge and attitudes among health sciences students following media exposure
Authors: Trevino Amanda , Cardinal Christine , Douglas Crystal C.
Published: July 2020

Communications media that fails to present information supported by evidence‐based practice has the potential to adversely influence knowledge and, ultimately, behaviors. We assessed the immediate effect of a health science documentary on knowledge, attitude, and beliefs among collegiate health sciences students enrolled in an entry‐level nutrition course using surveys administered online. Participants (n = 160) completed the pre‐survey, watched the documentary What the Health, and immediately completed the post‐survey in one setting. Compared with pre‐survey scores, participants reported a significant decrease in knowledge, change in attitude to health toward regulation of animal products, and increased agreement with all seven, pre‐selected contradictory health claims presented in the documentary. Post‐documentary, most participants reported they were planning to make a change in their dietary habits to reflect a plant‐based diet. Documentaries providing health information contradictory to the current body of scientific literature are persuasive and can potentially increase negative health behaviors. Inclusion of practices within the health curriculum that encourage, and ultimately, improve health literacy among students before entering the health care workforce is essential.
Osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, or medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws? Can CBCT enhance radiographic diagnosis?
Authors: Gaêta‐Araujo Hugo , Vanderhaeghen Olivier , Vasconcelos Karla de Faria , Coucke Wim , Coropciuc Ruxandra , Politis Constantinus , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: July 2020

Objective

To attempt defining differential radiographic diagnostic characteristics for osteonecrotic lesions using 2D as opposed to 3D images.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. Subjects presenting mandibular osteonecrotic lesions (osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws) were selected and compared to a group of age‐ and gender‐matched controls, all having both cone‐beam computed tomographic images (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs (PANO). Both imaging modalities (predictor variables) were evaluated by two radiologists that scored lesion presence, eight additional radiological features, and a composite severity index (outcome variables). For each pathologic condition, characteristic features were assessed in PANO and CBCT by the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Regression tree analysis revealed the predictive value of PANO and CBCT (α = 5%).

Results

Overall, the predictive value of PANO reached 74%, while for CBCT it became 90%. Regarding the composite severity index, CBCT enabled to detect more subtle lesions. Also, CBCT imaging allowed showing more distinct radiographic diagnostic features as compared to PANO imaging, more specifically when distinguishing osteomyelitis from both other lesions.

Conclusions

Cone‐beam computed tomography enabled showing more differences in radiological features between distinct osteonecrosis disease entities. CBCT imaging might be a better contributor for the detection of early lesions and to monitor further pathological developments in the mandible.
Anesthetic management of pediatric patients undergoing intrathecal nusinersen administration for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Brollier Lauren D. , Matuszczak Maria , Marri Tejaswi , Carbajal Jael G. , Moorman Andrew T. , Sorial Emad M. , Jain Ranu
Published: July 2020

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy is a group of autosomal recessive inherited neurological disorders secondary to a genetic mutation that leads to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Nusinersen is the first treatment specifically for spinal muscular atrophy. This drug must be administered intrathecally, as it does not cross the blood‐brain barrier.

Aims

Retrospective review of the individualized perioperative care of spinal muscular atrophy type I and II patients for intrathecal Nusinersen injection.

Methods

After approval from the Institutional Review Board and obtaining informed written consent from parents, we reviewed the anesthetic charts of nine patients who underwent 58 Nusinersen injections over a 23‐month period from February 2017 to December 2018. An individualized anesthetic plan was formulated based on the patient's disease severity, anxiety level, and comfort of parents as well as the provider performing the procedure. Patients underwent intrathecal Nusinersen injection under fluoroscopic guidance, with either general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care with medications or monitored anesthesia care without medications. Patients recovered in the postanesthesia care unit for a minimum of 1 hour after injection, irrespective of the anesthetic method utilized. Analysis included patient demographics, anesthesia type relative to spinal muscular atrophy type I vs. II, and postanesthesia recovery.

Results

Nine patients with spinal muscular atrophy types I and II underwent 58 encounters. Five spinal muscular atrophy type I patients underwent 31 encounters, general anesthesia (9), monitored anesthesia care with medications (2), and monitored anesthesia care without medications (20). Four spinal muscular atrophy type II patients underwent 27 encounters, general anesthesia (22), monitored anesthesia care with medications (2), and monitored anesthesia care without medications (3). There were no perioperative complications.

Conclusion

The anesthetic plan for Nusinersen injections must be individualized to the patient's specific needs and clinical manifestations of the disease. When carefully tailored to each patient, anesthetic care is safe and successful.
Establishment of a mouse model for post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Authors: Nakano Shoko , Abe Yuko , Nakajima Kimiko , Sano Shigetoshi , Yamamoto Osamu , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Hayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Tamio
Published: July 2020

Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common cutaneous condition that can cause a disfigured appearance. However, the pathophysiology of PIH remains poorly understood, at least in part, because an appropriate animal model for research has not been established. In order to analyze the pathomechanism of PIH, we successfully induced PIH in a hairless version of transgenic mice (hk14‐SCF Tg/HRM) that have a human‐type epidermis containing melanin by repeated hapten application of 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene. Histopathologic observation showed epidermal hyperplasia, predominant infiltrations of inflammatory cells, and melanin‐containing cells in the dermis just after elicitation of the atopic dermatitis‐like condition. At week 2, the findings were similar to the characteristics of PIH, that is, an increase of melanin without spongiosis or liquid degeneration in the epidermis and an increase in dermal melanophages. Dynamic analysis of melanin showed that the melanin in the dermis remained for a longer duration than in the epidermis. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed that the majority of cells containing melanin were positive for the anti‐CD68 antibody, but negative for the anti‐F4/80 antibody. These data suggest that novel treatments of PIH should be targeted against macrophages and should eventually lead to the development of new treatment modalities.
Safe, mild ultraviolet‐B exposure: An essential human requirement for vitamin D and other vital bodily parameter adequacy: A review
Authors: Hawk J.L.M.
Published: July 2020

The enigma of skin sunburning, skin ageing and skin cancer and essential vitamin D production both resulting from solar ultraviolet‐B (280‐315 nm) (UVB) exposure has long puzzled photobiologists. Advice to patients by non‐photobiological clinicians is now often to sunbathe to acquire vitamin D adequacy. However, modern work shows only mild UVB exposure is needed to maintain satisfactory levels, which have been demonstrated as very similar in summer and winter from about 25° to 70° north. Even very careful high protection factor 15 sunscreen use does not prevent adequate production, although it is slightly reduced, such that obsessive use of very protective screens of 50 + might. Dark skin pigmentation too usually at most minimally impairs production. However, confinement indoors and widespread clothing cover can, but oral supplementation overcomes any such deficiency. Thus, vitamin D adequacy needs just mild regular UVB skin exposure well under sunburning levels, unlikely to cause significant skin damage. This suggests mild UVB exposure may also be needed for other bodily requirements, which is indeed so. Thus, it also prevents the development of contact dermatitis and polymorphic light eruption through suppressing adaptive immunity. It also prevents the occurrence of multiple skin infections resulting from this suppression through stimulating innate immunity and cutaneous bacterial defensin production. Finally, blood pressure is reduced through low‐dose UVB‐induced production of the vasodilator nitric oxide (though UVA, 315‐400 nm, is more efficient). Thus, mild UVB exposure is important for several aspects of internal health, whereas high‐dose exposure is extremely detrimental to cutaneous health.
Drought effects on resource partition and conservation among leaf ontogenetic stages in epiphytic tank bromeliads
Authors: Svensk Mia , Coste Sabrina , Gérard Bastien , Gril Eva , Julien Frédéric , Maillard Pascale , Stahl Clément , Leroy Céline
Published: July 2020

Studying the response to drought stress of keystone epiphytes such as tank bromeliads is essential to better understand their resistance capacity to future climate change. The objective was to test whether there is any variation in the carbon, water and nutrient status among different leaf ontogenetic stages in a bromeliad rosette subjected to a gradient of drought stress. We used a semi‐controlled experiment consisting in a gradient of water shortage in Aechmea aquilega and Lutheria splendens. For each bromeliad and drought treatment, three leaves were collected based on their position in the rosette and several functional traits related to water and nutrient status, and carbon metabolism were measured. We found that water status traits (relative water content, leaf succulence, osmotic and midday water potentials) and carbon metabolism traits (carbon assimilation, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, chlorophyll and starch contents) decreased with increasing drought stress, while leaf soluble sugars and carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents remained unchanged. The different leaf ontogenetic stages showed only marginal variations when subjected to a gradient of drought. Resources were not reallocated between different leaf ontogenetic stages but we found a reallocation of soluble sugars from leaf starch reserves to the root system. Both species were capable of metabolic and physiological adjustments in response to drought. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the resistance of bromeliads faced with increasing drought stress and paves the way for in‐depth reflection on their strategies to cope with water shortage.
Equivalence of in vitro and in vivo methods for assessing the effectiveness of anti‐particulate matter pollution products
Authors: Kim Sanghun , Kim Sanghoon , Shon Dajung , Kim A Reum , Kim Hyoung‐June , Kim Eunjoo
Published: July 2020

Background

The in vivo evaluation of antipollution products has attracted attention due to increasing global pollution levels; however, it is expensive, time‐consuming, and dangerous because of the harmful nature of fine dust. Therefore, this paper proposes an alternative in vitro assessment method and compares the fine dust blocking effectiveness of both methods for different antipollution products.

Materials and methods

Initially, tests were conducted by spraying fine dust on human forearms and artificial leather without pretreatment for in vivo and in vitro samples, respectively. However, the same results were not obtained for both the methods. Therefore, we evaluated different leather conditions (color, drying time, and temperature) to determine the optimal artificial material for testing antipollution products before adopting beige artificial leather dried at 32°C for 30 minutes for further tests.

Results

The initial tests exhibited a significant difference (P < .05) between the two methods; however, the revised tests exhibited no significant difference (P > .05) between the two methods for either beige leather dried at room temperature (20°C‐25°C) for 60 minutes or at 32°C for 30‐60 minutes or white leather dried at 32°C for 60 min. Therefore, the in vitro method was deemed equivalent to the in vivo method. The effectiveness of fine dust blocking (P < .05) and the equivalence between the evaluation methods (P > .05) were confirmed for each antipollution product.

Conclusion

The proposed method is economical, efficient, and safe, making it a novel and valid alternative for the evaluation of antipollution products.
Expression of a carotenogenic gene allows faster biomass production by redesigning plant architecture and improving photosynthetic efficiency in tobacco
Authors: Moreno Juan C. , Mi Jianing , Agrawal Shreya , Kössler Stella , Turečková Veronika , Tarkowská Danuše , Thiele Wolfram , Al‐Babili Salim , Bock Ralph , Schöttler Mark Aurel
Published: July 2020

Because carotenoids act as accessory pigments in photosynthesis, play a key photoprotective role and are of major nutritional importance, carotenogenesis has been a target for crop improvement. Although carotenoids are important precursors of phytohormones, previous genetic manipulations reported little if any effects on biomass production and plant development, but resulted in specific modifications in carotenoid content. Unexpectedly, the expression of the carrot lycopene β‐cyclase (DcLCYB1) in Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi not only resulted in increased carotenoid accumulation, but also in altered plant architecture characterized by longer internodes, faster plant growth, early flowering and increased biomass. Here, we have challenged these transformants with a range of growth conditions to determine the robustness of their phenotype and analyze the underlying mechanisms. Transgenic DcLCYB1 lines showed increased transcript levels of key genes involved in carotenoid, chlorophyll, gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, but also in photosynthesis‐related genes. Accordingly, their carotenoid, chlorophyll, ABA and GA contents were increased. Hormone application and inhibitor experiments confirmed the key role of altered GA/ABA contents in the growth phenotype. Because the longer internodes reduce shading of mature leaves, induction of leaf senescence was delayed, and mature leaves maintained a high photosynthetic capacity. This increased total plant assimilation, as reflected in higher plant yields under both fully controlled constant and fluctuating light, and in non‐controlled conditions. Furthermore, our data are a warning that engineering of isoprenoid metabolism can cause complex changes in phytohormone homeostasis and therefore plant development, which have not been sufficiently considered in previous studies.
Point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Martin Kevin , Roper Tom , Vera Jaime H.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

This review will explore how point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections have been implemented into health care systems in low- and middle-income countries, and the facilitators and barriers to implementation.

Introduction:

Sexually transmitted infections contribute to significant global morbidity. In low- and middle-income countries, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections is recommended. However, due to the limitations of syndromic management, there is increasing interest in the potential for point-of-care tests to be incorporated into models of care for sexually transmitted infections in low-resource settings. It is therefore important to explore how point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections have been used in these settings previously, and the facilitators and barriers to implementation on a wider scale.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider studies that explore the use of point-of-care-testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or syphilis, and how they are implemented into models of care in low- and middle-income countries. Study participants may be those receiving sexually transmitted infection testing or health care professionals providing testing. HIV testing will not be covered. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods study designs, as well as review papers will be considered for inclusion.

Methods:

The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The authors will search databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, African Index Medicus, and the Cochrane library from 1998 onwards. Results will be screened by two independent reviewers and data extracted using a data extraction tool developed by the reviewers. Data will be presented both narratively and in tabular form.
Experimental Investigation of Flow Instability Between Two Vertical Parallel Channels Using Supercritical CO2
Authors: Saini Anantvir Singh , Chatoorgoon Vijay , Ghadge Dhanashree S.
Published: July 2020

Supercritical flow experiments were conducted at University of Manitoba using supercritical flow facility-vertical (SFF-V), which is a two vertical parallel channel assembly. The working fluid was CO2 at supercritical pressure and was driven by natural convective forces rather than a pump. Different system pressures (7.4 MPa–9.1 MPa), inlet temperatures (7 °C–30.1 °C) and various outlet-channel k-factors were used. A total of eleven parallel channel out-of-phase instability boundary points were obtained and the details of those cases are reported herein. These results can be used for code validation, to enrich the limited database of supercritical parallel-channel instability and to lend further insight into supercritical flow instability in heated parallel channels.
A redox-active switch in fructosamine-3-kinases expands the regulatory repertoire of the protein kinase superfamily
Authors: Shrestha Safal , Katiyar Samiksha , Sanz-Rodriguez Carlos E. , Kemppinen Nolan R. , Kim Hyun W. , Kadirvelraj Renuka , Panagos Charalampos , Keyhaninejad Neda , Colonna Maxwell , Chopra Pradeep , Byrne Dominic P. , Boons Geert J. , van der Knaap Esther , Eyers Patrick A. , Edison Arthur S. , Wood Zachary A. , Kannan Natarajan
Published: July 2020

Evolutionarily conserved cysteine residues mediate the sensitivity of the metabolic kinase FN3K to shifts in redox status.
Intracellular Tenofovir and Emtricitabine Concentrations in Younger and Older Women with HIV Receiving Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine
Authors: Dumond Julie B. , Bay Camden P. , Nelson Julie A. E. , Davalos Angel , Edmonds Andrew , De Paris Kristina , Sykes Craig , Anastos Kathryn , Sharma Roopali , Kassaye Seble , Tamraz Bani , French Audrey L. , Gange Stephen , Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Fischl Margaret A. , Vance David E. , Adimora Adaora A.
Published: July 2020

The altered immune states of aging and HIV infection may affect intracellular metabolism of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC); increased cellular senescence decreases FTC-triphosphate (FTCtp) concentrations. The effects of age and inflammation on the ratio of intracellular metabolites (IMs; tenofovir diphosphate [TFVdp] and FTCtp) to their endogenous nucleotides (ENs; dATP and dCTP), a potential treatment efficacy marker, were assessed among participants of the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), who ranged from 25 to 75 years.
Efficacy of reminders for increasing volunteer engagement in translating Cochrane plain language summaries: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jakus Dora , Behmen Dalibora , Buljan Ivan , Marušić Ana , Puljak Livia
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to pilot test the effectiveness of reminders versus no intervention for increasing the number of translated Cochrane plain language summaries (PLSs) among volunteer translators.

Study design

Parallel-group randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Cochrane Croatia translation project.

Participants

Adults who volunteered to translate Cochrane PLSs within the Cochrane Croatia translation project.

Intervention

The participants were randomly allocated to intervention (receiving up to four bi-weekly email reminders to translate PLSs) or control group (no intervention).

Primary outcome

The number of translated PLSs within the 6-month trial period.

Results

We included 80 participants. The median number of translated PLSs after 6 months was 9 in the intervention group (95% CI 2.0 to 15.0) and 4 in the control group (95% CI 2.9 to 7.0), but this was not significantly different (p=0.181, Mann-Whitney U test). There was no difference between the groups in the number of translations after 3 months, the average time-to-translation after 3 or 6 months, or the satisfaction at the end of the study period. The number of reminders received and the number of translated summaries were negatively correlated (r=−0.50; 95% CI −0.70 to −0.22).

Conclusions

Our pilot trial showed that reminders do not seem to be significantly effective in increasing the number of PLS translations. Future studies could explore whether different frequency, timing and content of reminders have an influence on an increase in the engagement among volunteer translators of evidence synthesis.

Trial registration

NCT03534791.
Central neurobiological effects of physical exercise in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review
Authors: de Zoete Rutger M J , Chen Kenneth , Sterling Michele
Published: July 2020

Objective

Primary objectives: to investigate the central neurobiological effects (using MRI) of physical exercise in individuals with chronic pain. Secondary objectives: (1) to investigate the associations between central changes and clinical outcomes and (2) to investigate whether different types and dosages of physical exercise exert different central changes.

Design

Systematic review searching four electronic databases up to September 2018: AMED, CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies-I tool. A standardised extraction table was used for data extraction, which was performed by two reviewers.

Interventions

Studies reporting any physical exercise intervention in any chronic musculoskeletal pain condition were included. Eligibility of 4011 records was screened independently by two reviewers, and four studies were included in the review.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome: any brain outcome assessed with any MR technique. Secondary outcomes: any self-reported clinical outcomes, and type and dosage of the exercise intervention.

Results

All four studies had high risk of bias. There was heterogeneity between the brain areas studied and the types of exercise interventions delivered. All studies reported functional MRI changes in various brain areas following an exercise intervention. Insufficient data were available to conduct a meta-analysis or to answer the secondary aims.

Conclusions

Only a limited number of studies were available and all were at high risk of bias. None of the studies was randomised or included blinded assessment. Exercise may exert effects on brain neurobiology in people with chronic pain. Due to the high risk of bias, future studies should use a randomised study design. Investigation of morphological brain changes could be included.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018108179.
Strength of the association between Turner syndrome and coeliac disease: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Bluwi Ghada S M , Alnababteh Asma H , Al-Shamsi Saif , Al-Rifai Rami H
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Coeliac disease (CD) is a genetic autoimmune disorder characterised by a permanent sensitivity to the gluten contained in some grains. Certain patient groups are considered high risk for the development of CD, including, but not limited to, those with chromosomal disorders such as Turner syndrome (TS). Here, we present a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to comprehensively summarise the literature, and quantitatively estimate the weighted strength of the association between TS and CD.

Methods and analysis

Our protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015 guidelines. We will search PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase databases for relevant articles. Variant and broad search terms will be selected for identifying epidemiological studies reporting on the crude and/or adjusted association between TS and CD. Retrieved citations will be screened, and data from the eligible research reports against specific eligibility criteria will be extracted. We will then assess the risk of bias associated with the eligible studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The overall weighted strength of the pooled association will be quantified using the random-effects model.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will use data from published literature; hence, ethical approval will not be needed. The resulting review will be the first to produce a comprehensive synthesis of the strength of the association between TS and CD. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal as well as in local and international conferences and symposiums. Results dissemination would help healthcare providers and policy-makers to make informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of CD in high-risk individuals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019131881, dated 3 September 2019.
Structure of negative parity states at $${\mathbf {6}\,\lesssim \, \mathbf {E}_\mathbf {x} <{\mathbf {7.0}} }$$ MeV in $$\mathbf {^{208}}{} \mathbf{Pb}$$
Authors: Heusler A.
Published: July 2020

In the doubly magic nucleus $$^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$$

208

Pb

states at excitation energies $$6\,\lesssim \, E_x <7.0$$

6

≲

E
x

<
7.0

 MeV populated by the inelastic proton scattering via the doublet isobaric analog resonances g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

+d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

in $$^{209}\mathrm{Bi}$$

209

Bi

are studied. Sixteen states containing dominant strengths of the configurations g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

p$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

, d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

p$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

, g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

f$$_{{ 5}/{2}}$$

5
/
2

, d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

f$$_{{ 5}/{2}}$$

5
/
2

are newly assigned spins from $$2^-$$

2
-

to $$6^-$$

6
-

, among them ten states are newly identified. Amplitudes with relative signs of up to four one-particle one-hole configurations with strengths down to 0.05% are determined in 40 states with spins from 1$$^-$$

-

to $$6^-$$

6
-

. Amplitudes of configurations d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

p$$_{{ 1}/{2}}$$

1
/
2

, d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

p$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

, d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

f$$_{{ 5}/{2}}$$

5
/
2

for fourteen states and amplitudes of g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

p$$_{{ 1}/{2}}$$

1
/
2

, g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

p$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

, g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

f$$_{{ 5}/{2}}$$

5
/
2

for twenty-seven states are determined. Total strengths up to the full strength are found for configurations d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

p$$_{{ 1}/{2}}$$

1
/
2

, d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

p$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

, d$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

f$$_{{ 5}/{2}}$$

5
/
2

with spins from $$1^-$$

1
-

to $$3^-$$

3
-

and for g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

p$$_{{ 1}/{2}}$$

1
/
2

, g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

p$$_{{ 3}/{2}}$$

3
/
2

, g$$_{{ 7}/{2}}$$

7
/
2

f$$_{{ 5}/{2}}$$

5
/
2

with spins from 1$$^-$$

-

to $$6^-$$

6
-

.
Unconventional 17O and 63Cu NMR shift components in cuprate superconductors
Authors: Pavićević D. , Avramovska M. , Haase J.
Published: July 2020

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a fundamental bulk probe that provides key information about the electronic properties of materials. Very recently, the analysis of all available planar copper shift as well as relaxation data proved that while the shifts cannot be understood in terms of a single temperature-dependent spin component, relaxation can be explained with one dominating Fermi liquid-like component, without enhanced electronic spin fluctuations. For the shifts, a doping-dependent isotropic term as well as doping-independent anisotropic term became obvious. Here, we focus on planar [Formula: see text]O NMR shifts and quadrupole splittings. Surprisingly, we find that they demand, independently, a similar two-component scenario and confirm most of the previous conclusions concerning the properties of the spin components, in particular that a negative spin polarization survives in the superconducting state. This should have consequences for the pairing scenario.
Homologically trivial group actions on elliptic surfaces
Authors: Wu Yulai , Liu Ximin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the minimal symplectic elliptic surfaces [Formula: see text] with homologically trivial symplectic finite group actions, and get a rigidity theorem under some restriction.