bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environment‐dependent behavioral traits and experiential factors shape addiction vulnerability
Authors: Fouyssac Maxime , Puaud Mickaël , Ducret Eric , Marti‐Prats Lucia , Vanhille Nathalie , Ansquer Solène , Zhang Xinxuan , Belin‐Rauscent Aude , Giuliano Chiara , Houeto Jean‐Luc , Everitt Barry.J , Belin David
Published: December 2020

The transition from controlled drug use to drug addiction depends on an interaction between a vulnerable individual, their environment and a drug. Here we tested the hypothesis that conditions under which individuals live influence behavioral vulnerability traits and experiential factors operating in the drug taking environment to determine the vulnerability to addiction. The role of behavioral vulnerability traits in mediating the influence of housing conditions on the tendency to acquire cocaine self‐administration was characterized in 48 rats housed in either an enriched (EE) or a standard (SE) environment. Then, the influence of these housing conditions on the individual vulnerability to develop addiction‐like behavior for cocaine or alcohol was measured in 72 EE or SE rats after several months of cocaine self‐administration or intermittent alcohol drinking, respectively. The determining role of negative experiential factors in the drug taking context was further investigated in 48 SE rats that acquired alcohol drinking to self‐medicate distress in a schedule‐induced polydipsia procedure. The environment influenced the acquisition of drug intake through its effect on behavioral markers of resilience to addiction. In contrast, the initiation of drug taking as a coping strategy or in a negative state occasioned by the contrast between enriched housing conditions and a relatively impoverished drug taking setting, facilitated the development of compulsive cocaine and alcohol intake. These data indicate that addiction vulnerability depends on environmentally determined experiential factors, and suggest that initiating drug use through negative reinforcement‐based self‐medication facilitates the development of addiction in vulnerable individuals.

Significance statement

The factors that underlie an individual's vulnerability to switch from controlled, recreational drug use to addiction are not well understood. We showed that in individuals housed in enriched conditions, the experience of drugs in the relative social and sensory impoverishment of the drug taking context, and the associated change in behavioral traits of resilience to addiction, exacerbate the vulnerability to develop compulsive drug intake. We further demonstrated that the acquisition of alcohol drinking as a mechanism to cope with distress increases the vulnerability to develop compulsive alcohol intake. Together these results demonstrate that experiential factors in the drug taking context shape the vulnerability to addiction.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of amitriptyline in a rat model of acetic acid‐induced colitis: the involvement of the TLR4/NF‐kB signaling pathway
Authors: Dejban Pegah , Sahraei Masomeh , Chamanara Mohsen , Dehpour Ahmadreza , Rashidian Amir
Published: December 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which affects gastrointestinal tract. The immune‐mediated inflammation is mostly considered as the pathogenesis of IBD. It has been demonstrated that amitriptyline exerts anti‐inflammatory influence; therefore, the aim of the current experiment is to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory impact of amitriptyline on intestinal disorders following acetic acid‐induced colitis in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, including sham, control, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), and amitriptyline (10 and 20 mg/kg). Intrarectal administration of acetic acid was applied to colitis induction in all study groups except for sham group. Animals were treated by oral administration of dexamethasone or amitriptyline. While macroscopic and microscopic lesions appeared after colitis induction treatment with dexamethasone and amitriptyline 10 and 20 mg/kg significantly improved lesions. Moreover, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor binding kappa light‐chain (NF‐ĸB expression), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) level, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were increased after colitis induction, whereas treatment with dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) or amitriptyline (10 and 20 mg/kg) caused a noticeable decrease in the TLR4 and pNF‐ĸB expression, TNF‐α level, and MPO activity. In conclusion, amitriptyline plays an anti‐inflammatory role through the suppression of TLR4/pNF‐ĸB signaling pathway in the rat model of acute colitis.
A new constraint on the antiquity of ancient haloalkaliphilic green algae that flourished in a ca. 300 Ma Paleozoic lake
Authors: Xia Liuwen , Cao Jian , Lee Carina , Stüeken Eva E. , Zhi Dongming , Love Gordon D.
Published: December 2020

It is established that green algae and land plants progressively colonized freshwater and terrestrial habitats throughout the Paleozoic Era, but little is known about the ecology of Paleozoic saline lakes. Here, we report lipid biomarker and petrographic evidence for the occurrence of a green alga as a major primary producer in a late Paleozoic alkaline lake (Fengcheng Formation; 309–292 Ma). A persistently saline and alkaline lacustrine setting is supported by mineralogical and lipid biomarker evidence alongside extremely enriched δ15Nbulk values (+16 to +24‰) for the lake depocenter. The prominence of C28 and C29 steroids, co‐occurring with abundant carotene‐derived accessory pigment markers in these ancient rocks, is suggestive of prolific primary production and elevated source inputs from haloalkaliphilic green algae. The high C28/C29‐sterane ratios (0.78–1.29) are significantly higher than the typical marine value reported for late Paleozoic rocks (<0.5) and thus are associated with certain groups of chlorophytes. Adaptation to such extreme lacustrine environments, aided by enhanced biosynthesis of certain cell membrane lipids, likely played an important role in the evolution and physiological development of ancient green algae.
Bone ash reinforced geopolymer composites
Authors: Bhuiya Abdul W. , Hu Michael , Sankar Kaushik , Keane Patrick F. , Ribero Daniel , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: December 2020

Potassium‐based, geopolymer composites were made with BASF®metakaolin and Mymensingh clay‐derived metakaolin from Bangladesh. Since the natural Mymensingh clay contained 40 wt.% quartz, this same amount of quartz particulates was added to the BASF®metakaolin to make a synthetic analog of the natural calcined clay. By analogy with bone china, bone ash or calcined hydroxyapatite (5CaO•3P2O5or “HA”) particles, having a Ca: P ratio of 3.3:1, were added to make the three types of geopolymer‐based composites described above. For less refractory particulate additions, dicalcium phosphate (DCP) (2CaO•P2O5or “DCP”) particles, having a Ca: P ratio of 2:1, were also added to another set of geopolymers. The ambient temperature compressive and flexural strengths were measured for all of the geopolymer composites. The HA or DCP reinforced geopolymer composites were fabricated and heat‐treated to 1150°C/1 h, after which they were converted to their mineralogical analogs. Their mechanical properties of compressive and 3‐point flexural strengths were again measured. Flexural strengths of 22.42 ± 11.0 MPa and 31.97 ± 8.3 MPa were measured in 1 × 1 × 10 cm3heat‐treated geopolymer bars reinforced with 10 wt.% of DCP and in geopolymer reinforced with 10 wt.% DCP +40 wt.% quartz additions, respectively. Significant improvements to ambient temperature properties were observed due to the self‐healing effect of the flowing amorphous DCP, whose presence was verified by SEM. The geopolymer samples exhibited reduced water absorption (WA) (on a percentage dry weight basis) of within 0.03‐0.5% after being heated at 1100℃/1 h and 1125℃/1 h, as compared with those at room temperature, which varied between 2.56% and 7.89%.
Shared decision‐making in dialysis choice has potential to improve self‐management in people with kidney disease: A qualitative follow‐up study
Authors: Finderup Jeanette , Jensen Jens Dam , Lomborg Kirsten
Published: December 2020

Aims

To explore how patients remained involved in their treatment and care of their own health following a shared decision‐making intervention for dialysis choice.

Design

A follow‐up study using semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Individual interviews with 13 patients were conducted immediately following their participation in a shared decision‐making intervention for dialysis choice and again 3 months after initiating dialysis. This study reports findings from the follow‐up interviews 3 month after dialysis initiation. Data were collected from August 2017–February 2019 and analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

The analysis revealed five main findings, which indicated differing levels of: (a) involvement in the decision‐making process; (b) involvement in treatment; (c) involvement in care of own health; (d) involvement of a relative; and (e) support from healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

Following the shared decision‐making intervention, patients who chose home‐based treatment had become more involved in their treatment and care of their own health. The involvement of relatives and support from healthcare professionals contributed positively to this. In contrast, patients who had chosen hospital‐based treatment were less involved in their treatment.

Impact

Shared decision‐making in dialysis choice has potential to improve self‐management in people with kidney disease. However, support from healthcare professionals for patients and their relatives should be prioritized in an effort to increase all patients' involvement in their treatment and care of their own health.
Managers’ pay duration and voluntary disclosures
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Cho Young Jun , Kim Jae B.
Published: December 2020

Given the adverse effect on their welfare, managers are reluctant to disclose bad news in a timely fashion. We examine the effect of managers’ pay duration on firms’ voluntary disclosures of bad news. Pay duration refers to the average period that it takes for managers’ annual compensation to vest. We hypothesize and find that pay durations can incentivize managers to provide more bad news earnings forecasts. This result holds after controlling for the endogeneity of pay duration. In addition, we find that the effect of pay duration is more pronounced for firms with weaker governance and with poorer information environments, where the marginal benefits of additional disclosures are higher. We also find that these effects are stronger for firms facing lower litigation risk and for firms operating in more homogenous industries, where managers’ ex‐ante incentives to disclose bad news are particularly weak. Overall, we contribute to the literature by providing evidence that lengthening the vesting period of managers’ compensation can induce managers to be more forthcoming with bad news.
Ultrasound guided axillary vein access: An alternative approach to venous access for cardiac device implantation
Authors: Chandler Jonathan K. , Apte Nachiket , Ranka Sagar , Mohammed Moghniuddin , Noheria Amit , Emert Martin , Pimentel Rhea , Dendi Raghuveer , Reddy Madhu , Sheldon Seth H.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Ultrasound guided axillary vein access (UGAVA) is an emerging approach for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation not widely utilized.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective, age and sex‐matched cohort study of CIED implantation from January 2017 to July 2019 comparing UGAVA before incision to venous access obtained after incision without ultrasound (conventional).

The study population included 561 patients (187 with attempted UGAVA, 68 ± 13 years old, 43% women, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 8 kg/m2, 15% right‐sided, 43% implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator, 15% upgrades). UGAVA was successful in 178/187 patients (95%). In nine patients where UGAVA was abandoned, the vein was too deep for access before incision. BMI was higher in abandoned patients than successful UGAVA (38 ± 6 vs. 28 ± 6 kg/m2, p < .0001). Median time from local anesthetic to completion of UGAVA was 7 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–10) and median procedure time 61 min (IQR: 50–92). UGAVA changed implant laterality in two patients (avoiding an extra incision in both) and could have prevented unnecessary incision in four conventional patients. Excluding device upgrades, there was reduced fluoroscopy time in UGAVA versus conventional (4 vs. 6 min; IQR: 2–5 vs. 4–9; p < .001). Thirty‐day complications were similar in UGAVA versus conventional (n = 7 vs. 26, 4 vs. 7%; p = .13, p = .41 adjusting for upgrades), partly driven by a trend towards reduced pneumothorax (n = 0 vs. 3, 0 vs. 1%; p = .22).

Conclusions

UGAVA is a safe approach for CIED implantation and helps prevent an extra incision if a barrier is identified changing laterality preincision.
Current status of adherence interventions in hypertension management in Asian countries: A report from the HOPE Asia Network
Authors: Shin Jinho , Chia Yook‐Chin , Heo Ran , Kario Kazuomi , Turana Yuda , Chen Chen‐Huan , Hoshide Satoshi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Nagai Michiaki , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Tay Jam Chin , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Park Sungha , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Minh Huynh Van , Li Yan
Published: December 2020

Adherence continues to be the major hurdle in hypertension management. Since the early 2000s, systematic approaches have been emphasized to tackle multi‐dimensional issues specific for each regional setting. However, there is little data regarding implementation of adherence interventions in Asian countries. Eleven hypertension experts from eight Asian countries answered questionnaires regarding the use of adherence interventions according to 11 theoretical domain frameworks by Allemann et al. A four‐point Likert scale: Often, Sometimes, Seldom, and Never used was administered. Responses to 97 items from 11 domains excluding three irrelevant items were collected. “Often‐used” interventions accounted for 5/9 for education, 1/8 for skills, 1/2 for social/professional role and identity, 1/1 for belief about capabilities, 0/3 for belief about consequences, 2/4 for intentions, 2/9 for memory, attention, and decision process, 11/20 for environmental context and resources, 0/2 for social influences, 0/2 for emotion, and 2/2 for behavioral regulation. Most of them are dependent on conventional resources. Most of “Never used” intervention were the adherence interventions related to multidisciplinary subspecialties or formal training for behavioral therapy. For adherence interventions recommended by 2018 ESC/ESH hypertension guidelines, only 1 in 7 patient level interventions was “Often used.” In conclusion, conventional or physician level interventions such as education, counseling, and prescription have been well implemented but multidisciplinary interventions and patient or health system level interventions are in need of better implementation in Asian countries.
MiR‐19b‐3p accelerates bone loss after spinal cord injury by suppressing osteogenesis via regulating PTEN/Akt/mTOR signalling
Authors: Liu Da , Wang Bo , Qiu Min , Huang Ying
Published: December 2020

Rapid and extensive bone loss, one of the skeletal complications after spinal cord injury (SCI) occurrence, drastically sacrifices the life quality of SCI patients. It has been demonstrated that microRNA (miRNA) dysfunction plays an important role in the initiation and development of bone loss post‐SCI. Nevertheless, the effect of miR‐19b‐3p on bone loss after SCI is unknown and the accurate mechanism is left to be elucidated. The present work was conducted to explore the role of miR‐19b‐3p/phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) axis on osteogenesis after SCI and further investigates the underlying mechanisms. We found that miR‐19b‐3p level was increased in the femurs of SCI rats with decreased autophagy. The overexpression of miR‐19b‐3p in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) targeted down‐regulation of PTEN expression, facilitated protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, and thereby suppressing BMSCs osteogenic differentiation via autophagy. Besides, the inhibiting effects of miR‐19b‐3p on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs could be diminished by autophagy inducer rapamycin. Meanwhile, bone loss after SCI in rats was also reversed by antagomir‐19b‐3p treatment, suggesting miR‐19b‐3p was an essential target for osteogenic differentiation via regulating autophagy. These results indicated that miR‐19b‐3p was involved in bone loss after SCI by inhibiting osteogenesis via PTEN/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.
Dupilumab therapy of atopic dermatitis of the elderly: a multicentre, real‐life study
Authors: Patruno C. , Napolitano M. , Argenziano G. , Peris K. , Ortoncelli M. , Girolomoni G. , Offidani A. , Ferrucci S.M. , Amoruso G.F. , Rossi M. , Stingeni L. , Malara G. , Grieco T. , Foti C. , Gattoni M. , Loi C. , Iannone M. , Talamonti M. , Stinco G. , Rongioletti F. , Pigatto P.D. , Cristaudo A. , Nettis E. , Corazza M. , Guarneri F. , Amerio P. , Esposito M. , Belloni Fortina A. , Potenza C. , Fabbrocini G. ,   DADE ‐ Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis of the Elderly study group
Published: December 2020

Background

Treatment of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the elderly may be challenging, due to side‐effects of traditional anti‐inflammatory drugs and to comorbidities often found in this age group. Furthermore, efficacy and safety of innovative drugs such as dupilumab are not yet well known.

Objectives

A multicentre retrospective, observational, real‐life study on the efficacy and safety of dupilumab was conducted in a group of patients aged ≥65 years and affected by severe AD. Their main clinical features were also examined.

Methods

Data of elderly patients with severe (EASI ≥24) AD treated with dupilumab at label dosage for 16 weeks were retrospectively collected. Treatment outcome was assessed by comparing objective (EASI) and subjective (P‐NRS, S‐NRS and DLQI) scores at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐six patients were enrolled in the study. They represented 11.37% of all patients with severe AD. Flexural eczema was the most frequent clinical phenotype, followed by prurigo nodularis. The coexistence of more than one phenotype was found in 63/276 (22.82%) subjects. Data on the 16‐week treatment with dupilumab were available for 253 (91.67%) patients. Efficacy of dupilumab was demonstrated by a significant reduction of all the scores. No statistically significant difference regarding efficacy was found in elderly patients when compared to the group of our AD patients aged 18–64 years, treated with dupilumab over the same period. Furthermore, only 18 (6.52%) patients discontinued the drug due to inefficacy. Sixty‐one (22.51%) patients reported adverse events, conjunctivitis and flushing being the most frequent. One (0.36%) patient only discontinued dupilumab due to an adverse event.

Conclusions

Therapy with dupilumab led to a significant improvement of AD over a 16‐week treatment period, with a good safety profile. Therefore, dupilumab could be considered as an efficacious and safe treatment for AD also in the elderly.
Full exome sequencing of 11 families with Hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Theut Riis P. , Loft I.C. , Yazdanyar S. , Kjærsgaard Andersen R. , Pedersen O.B. , Ring H.C. , Huber R. , Sultan M. , Loesche C. , Saunte D.M.L. , Jemec G.B.E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is not a well‐studied or easily treated disease. Genetic information is essential for advances in the understanding and treatment of HS. This study aims to examine mutations in the gamma‐secretase complex, the Notch signalling pathway and to perform a Mendelian analysis of genetic variants that segregated with disease in a full exome sequencing of 11 families with HS.

Method

Whole‐exome sequencing and Mendelian analysis of 11 families with HS from Denmark. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of active HS and a positive family history of HS were recruited. Consenting family members were enrolled and examined for HS as well. We included 11 families, with a total of 51 participants, 24 with HS and 27 without. Whole‐exome sequencing using HiSeq platform as paired‐end 2 × 150 bases was used.

Results

We found mutations in the Notch pathway for all families. We found mutations in the PSENEN and APH1B of the gamma‐secretase genes. We also report 161 variants of unknown significance that segregated with the disease within these families.

Conclusions

We did not find causative mutation for each family in this study, supporting the theory that HS is rarely caused by single‐gene mutations. We suggest that future genetic studies should be focused on genome‐wide association with thousands of cases, as this technique is better suited for suspected polygenic diseases.
Preventing dispensing errors through the utilization of lean six sigma and failure model and effect analysis: A prospective exploratory study in China
Authors: Chen Xue , Li Xinyu , Liu Yu , Yao Gaoqiong , Yang Jiadan , Li Juan , Qiu Feng
Published: December 2020

Aims

To utilize lean six sigma (LSS) and failure model and effect analysis (FMEA) to prevent dispensing errors in a Chinese teaching hospital.

Methods

Medication errors (MEs) reported to the China Core Group of the international network for the rational use of drugs (INRUD) by pharmacists at the hospital were collected. Following LSS methodology, the data analysis was structured according to define, measure, analyse, improve, and control (DMAIC) phases, and typical LSS tools (Pareto diagrams, brainstorming sessions) were used to determine the risk factors leading to dispensing errors. FMEA was applied to generate the risk priority numbers (RPNs) of MEs events, and key medications targeted for error prevention strategies were identified through quantitative analysis of the impacts of failure. Finally, corrective measures to prevent MEs were implemented and monitored for efficacy.

Results

Before the implementation of this programme, a total of 603 cases of dispensing errors were reported from the Year 1 to Year 6, reaching an average rate of incidence of 0.33 cases per 10 000 medication orders delivered, and no difference was found between these years (P = .9424). There was also no difference as location, error type, contributing factors, cause classification were considered. We then determined the real cause behind dispensing errors, and a total of 67 medications were targeted for specific error prevention strategies. One year after intervention, progress had been achieved in the following aspects: the incidence rate of dispensing errors was significantly decreased compared with the previous years (0.19, P = .007). Simultaneously, the incidence rate of dispensing errors occurred in outpatient pharmacy (0.04, P = .0008), with junior pharmacists (0.15, P = .0258), with LASA medications (0.06, P = .0319), as well as with memory‐based errors were significantly decreased (0.03, P = .0191).

Conclusion

The combination of LSS and the FMEA tool can be an efficient approach for helping reduce MEs in pharmacy dispensing.
The growth and age structure of Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) following its influx to New Zealand waters
Authors: Horn Peter L. , Ó Maolagáin Caoimhghin
Published: December 2020

The Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) is a predominantly Southeast Pacific Ocean species. It is relatively difficult to determine its age, and multiple studies of its growth off South America have produced markedly different sets of von Bertalanffy parameters. T. murphyi was first identified from New Zealand waters in the mid‐1980s and has comprised part of the commercial landings of Trachurus species (along with Trachurus declivis and Trachurus novaezelandiae) since then. Results from 13 years of age determination of New Zealand samples using sectioned otoliths indicate that a partially validated age determination method has been developed, with a precision level (average percentage error) of 4.6%. The best available von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the New Zealand population (sexes combined) are as follows: L∞, 51.9 cm fork length; K, 0.223 per year; t0, −0.5 year. Analyses by sex showed that males have a significantly larger L∞ than females. Estimated annual catch‐at‐length and catch‐at‐age distributions from the fishery are presented for 2007–2019. There have been at least two episodes of immigration of T. murphyi from international waters, but little evidence of spawning success to maintain the New Zealand population.
Intersectionality within family sciences and family therapy journals from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Curtis M. S. Michael G. , Ellis Émilie M. , Ann Sorita , Dai YiYi , Bermúdez J. Maria
Published: December 2020

Contemporary scholars have applied intersectionality as a means of capturing the complex ways in which identity, inequality, and social justice converge to manifest unique sources of strength and vulnerability. Given the increase in the use of this term, the aim of this study was to systematically and comprehensively examine the application of intersectionality in the fields of family science and family therapy from 2010 to 2020. Through the use of content and thematic analysis, we examined trends and variations in how scholars operationalized and applied the principles of intersectionality. Findings suggest that intersectionality remains underutilized and underdefined. Moreover, intersectionality was primarily concentrated in theoretically driven articles and was least prevalent in articles focused on addressing a specific clinical topic or need or research methods. These findings suggest that, although the use of intersectionality is expanding, its applicability in empirical, and especially clinically focused, scholarship remains an area of growth and opportunity.
The calcium‐dependent protein kinase ZmCDPK7 functions in heat‐stress tolerance in maize
Authors: Zhao Yulong , Du Hanwei , Wang Yankai , Wang Huali , Yang Shaoyu , Li Chaohai , Chen Ning , Yang Hao , Zhang Yihao , Zhu Yulin , Yang Luyao , Hu Xiuli
Published: December 2020

Global warming poses a serious threat to crops. Calcium‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs)/CPKs play vital roles in plant stress responses, but their exact roles in plant thermotolerance remains elusive. Here, we explored the roles of heat‐induced ZmCDPK7 in thermotolerance in maize. ZmCDPK7‐overexpressing maize plants displayed higher thermotolerance, photosynthetic rates, and antioxidant enzyme activity but lower H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents than wild‐type plants under heat stress. ZmCDPK7‐knockdown plants displayed the opposite patterns. ZmCDPK7 is attached to the plasma membrane but can translocate to the cytosol under heat stress. ZmCDPK7 interacts with the small heat shock protein sHSP17.4, phosphorylates sHSP17.4 at Ser‐44 and the respiratory burst oxidase homolog RBOHB at Ser‐99, and upregulates their expression. Site‐directed mutagenesis of sHSP17.4 to generate a Ser‐44‐Ala substitution reduced ZmCDPK7's enhancement of catalase activity but enhanced ZmCDPK7's suppression of MDA accumulation in heat‐stressed maize protoplasts. sHSP17.4, ZmCDPK7, and RBOHB were less strongly upregulated in response to heat stress in the abscisic acid‐deficient mutant vp5 versus the wild type. Pretreatment with an RBOH inhibitor suppressed sHSP17.4 and ZmCDPK7 expression. Therefore, abscisic acid‐induced ZmCDPK7 functions both upstream and downstream of RBOH and participates in thermotolerance in maize by mediating the phosphorylation of sHSP17.4, which might be essential for its chaperone function.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Brown Leslie A. , Menendez‐Bobseine Margarita
Published: December 2020

Placenta accreta spectrum is a term used to describe abnormal adherence and abnormal invasion of the placenta into the uterine wall during pregnancy. The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum has steadily increased over the last 40 years and is most notably linked to rising cesarean birth rates. This condition is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality because of the high risk of severe hemorrhage and likely need for hysterectomy at the time of birth. Early diagnosis of abnormal placentation is preferable in order to coordinate birth planning with a interprofessional collaborative team within a high‐level perinatal care center. This article describes the case of a woman diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum and the clinical course of her pregnancy and birth.
Minimizing abdominal incision for transverse uterine fundal incision by aspiration of amniotic fluid and reduction of uterine size
Authors: Nakago Satoshi , Kato Hiroki , Shibata Takashi , Nishijima Koji , Kotsuji Fumikazu
Published: December 2020

Aim

Transverse uterine fundal incision (TUFI) was developed to avoid catastrophic hemorrhage associated with cesarean section of the placenta previa–accreta. Abdominal incisions extend as far as the upper abdomen in patients in the third trimester of pregnancy and require general anesthesia. Instead, we tried to aspirate amniotic fluid (AF) to reduce the uterine size.

Methods

TUFI was performed in 19 of our patients in the third trimester in whom placenta previa accreta could not be ruled out between June 2012 and August 2016. After the lower abdominal vertical incision, we attempted to exteriorize the uterine fundus. If this was impossible, we inserted an 18‐gauge spinal needle into the amniotic space. We aspirated AF until the uterine fundus could be exteriorized.

Results

We exteriorized the uterine fundus without extending the incision to the upper abdomen by aspirating 250–670 mL of AF in 12 patients who were between the 33rd and 37th week of pregnancy, and TUFI was performed under spinal anesthesia. AF aspiration was not required in four patients who were in the 30th or 31st week of pregnancy and in two patients with oligohydramnios in the 35th week of pregnancy. In one case, the trial was canceled due to hemorrhagic AF aspiration. No serious complications were observed in mothers or neonates.

Conclusion

TUFI could be made by abdominal incision to the left of the umbilicus under spinal anesthesia without anesthesia by reducing the uterine size through AF aspiration, even for patients in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Treating peritoneal dialysis catheter exit‐site granulomas with chlorhexidine swabstick: A pilot study
Authors: Hui Yun‐Ho , So Winnie K.‐W. , Ng Marques S.‐N. , Leung Janet T.‐W. , Ho Elaine T.‐L. , Wong Sunny S.‐H.
Published: December 2020

Background

Silver nitrate cauterisation is the conventional treatment for peritoneal dialysis catheter exit‐site granulomas. However, it requires to be performed by nurses, patients often experience pain and chemical burns. Therefore, the appropriateness and applicability of using 2% aqueous chlorhexidine swabstick as an alternative was explored in two nephrology centres in Hong Kong.

Objective

To examine possibility of conducting full trial using chlorhexidine swabstick compared with silver nitrate.

Design

A pilot study.

Participants

Fort‐four patients with exit‐site granulomas were equally, randomly allocated to receive chlorhexidine swabstick or silver nitrate.

Measurements

Both groups were followed for 6 weeks to evaluate the time of granuloma subsidence and adverse effects. Pain and treatment satisfaction were assessed using numerical rating scale and self‐developed questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Healing rates were 94.4% (17 of 18) using chlorhexidine swabstick,100% (21 of 21) using silver nitrate (p = 0.46). The mean time of granuloma subsidence was significantly longer when using chlorhexidine swabstick (32.8 days) than silver nitrate (12.3 days, p=0.02). The chlorhexidine swabstick group reported significantly fewer adverse effects (11.1%, 2 of 18, p = 0.01) compared with the silver nitrate group (52.4%, 11 of 21). The chlorhexidine swabstick group had lower mean pain score (0.5 of 11) than the silver nitrate group (2.4 of 11, p < 0.01). The satisfaction scores between the two groups had no substantial difference.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine swabstick took long time to remove granulomas but had similar success rate, less pain, fewer adverse effects than silver nitrate. Additional research is warranted to examine the applicability of chlorhexidine swabstick.
Sally Engle Merry and Global Legal Pluralism
Authors: Berman Paul Schiff
Published: December 2020

When I started out as a law professor in 1998, I had the extraordinary good fortune to be invited to join a law, culture, and society reading group hosted at Amherst College. This group was fundamental to my development as a scholar in a great many ways, but among the most important was that it brought me into contact with Sally Engle Merry. And Sally, being the incredibly friendly and generous person that she was, extended herself to me from the start, offering her mentorship, providing advice, and generally serving as a bright-spirited and supportive academic comrade. Over the next two decades, we stayed in regular contact. We participated in panels and workshops together. Sally commented on my work, both formally and informally. And nearly every book or article I have published over the past 15 years cites Sally at least once. Finally, I am honored that perhaps Sally's last published work appeared in print shortly after her death in a volume I edited, The Oxford Handbook of Global Legal Pluralism (Berman 2020a). The last email I have from her was typical. She offered enthusiastic congratulations to me on finishing this book, with no reference to her own role as a crucial contributor. Even as her own strength was ebbing, she was a cheerleader for others.
σE controlled regulation of porin OmpU in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Pennetzdorfer Nina , Höfler Thomas , Wölflingseder Martina , Tutz Sarah , Schild Stefan , Reidl Joachim
Published: December 2020

Bile resistance is essential for enteric pathogens, as exemplified by Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. The outer membrane porin OmpU confers bacterial survival and colonization advantages in the presence of host‐derived antimicrobial peptides as well as bile. Expression of ompU is controlled by the virulence regulator ToxR. rpoE knockouts are accompanied by suppressor mutations causing ompU downregulation. Therefore, OmpU constitutes an intersection of the ToxR regulon and the σE‐pathway in V. cholerae. To understand the mechanism by which the sigma factor σE regulates OmpU synthesis, we performed transcription studies using ompU reporter fusions and immunoblot analysis. Our data revealed an increase in ompU promoter activity in ΔrpoE strains, as well as in a ΔompU background, indicating a negative feedback regulation circuit of ompU expression. This regulation seems necessary, since elevated lethality rates of ΔrpoE strains occur upon ompU overexpression. Manipulation of OmpU’s C‐terminal portion revealed its relevance for protein stability and potency of σE release. Furthermore, ΔrpoE strains are still capable of elevating OmpU levels under membrane stress conditions triggered by the bile salt sodium deoxycholate. This study provides new details about the impact of σE on ompU regulation, which is critical to the pathogen’s intestinal survival.
Gesture–speech physics in fluent speech and rhythmic upper limb movements
Authors: Pouw Wim , de Jonge‐Hoekstra Lisette , Harrison Steven J. , Paxton Alexandra , Dixon James A.
Published: December 2020

It is commonly understood that hand gesture and speech coordination in humans is culturally and cognitively acquired, rather than having a biological basis. Recently, however, the biomechanical physical coupling of arm movements to speech vocalization has been studied in steady‐state vocalization and monosyllabic utterances, where forces produced during gesturing are transferred onto the tensioned body, leading to changes in respiratory‐related activity and thereby affecting vocalization F0 and intensity. In the current experiment (n = 37), we extend this previous line of work to show that gesture–speech physics also impacts fluent speech. Compared with nonmovement, participants who are producing fluent self‐formulated speech while rhythmically moving their limbs demonstrate heightened F0 and amplitude envelope, and such effects are more pronounced for higher‐impulse arm versus lower‐impulse wrist movement. We replicate that acoustic peaks arise especially during moments of peak impulse (i.e., the beat) of the movement, namely around deceleration phases of the movement. Finally, higher deceleration rates of higher‐mass arm movements were related to higher peaks in acoustics. These results confirm a role for physical impulses of gesture affecting the speech system. We discuss the implications of gesture–speech physics for understanding of the emergence of communicative gesture, both ontogenetically and phylogenetically.
Emergence of pollen food allergy syndrome in asthmatic children in Paris
Authors: Loraud Christine , de Ménonville Charlotte Thibaut , Bourgoin‐Heck Mélisande , Cottel Nathalie , Wanin Stéphanie , Just Jocelyne
Published: December 2020

Background

Over the last few decades, the level of pollen from birch and homologous trees has increased in parts of Europe. Sensitization to birch pollen allergens (principally Bet v 1) has been associated with food cross‐reactivity called pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS).

Objective

To evaluate changes in allergic diseases due to IgE sensitization over 25 years in asthmatic children.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional retrospective study conducted in Paris. We analyzed two cohorts of asthmatic children with similar characteristics explored between 1993‐1999 (old cohort = OC) and 2012‐2018 (recent cohort = RC).

Results

121 children were in the OC and 120 in the RC. An increase in sensitization to tree pollens was found especially for birch pollen, which was 11.6% in the OC and 31% in the RC (P = .0002). Allergic rhinitis prevalence was significantly higher in the RC than in the OC (96% vs 52%, respectively, P < .0001). IgE‐mediated food allergy increased from 6% to 16% in the OC and RC, respectively, (P = .01) mainly due to PFAS. In the RC, a higher mean Bet v 1‐specific IgE level was observed in children with PFAS compared to children without (105.7 KU/L ± 17.8 and 48.9 kU/L ± 15.7, respectively, P < .05).

Conclusion

Allergic rhinitis and food allergy with tree pollen sensitization have increased in Paris over 25 years mainly due to PFAS. Environmental factors could be responsible for these modifications as described in the literature.
Evaluation of emergency department utilization for dermatologic conditions in the pediatric population within the United States from 2009‐2015
Authors: Collier Erin K. , Yang Jason J. , Sangar Sophia , Chen Steven T. , Huang Jennifer T. , Bach Daniel Q.
Published: December 2020

Background

Dermatologic conditions comprise a significant number of emergency department visits in the pediatric population in the United States. Understanding key predictors of emergency department utilization for dermatologic conditions is important to reduce inappropriate use.

Methods

A total of 44 554 sampled patient emergency department visits, consisting of patients less than 18 years of age, were collected from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 2009 to 2015. ICD‐9 codes were used to define dermatologic conditions versus non‐dermatologic conditions with univariate and multivariate analyses used to identify factors significantly correlated with dermatologic emergency department utilization.

Results

A total of 13 681 691 pediatric dermatologic emergency department visits (weighted) were evaluated over the seven‐year period, representing 6.4% of total pediatric emergency department visits. The most common dermatologic diagnosis was cellulitis (25.6% of visits). The majority of patients were five years old or younger (54.4%). Patients with primary dermatologic conditions were more likely to be triaged as non‐urgent (16.7%) or semi‐urgent (45.8%) than patients without dermatologic conditions. Only 2.1% of patients with dermatologic conditions required further observation or admission. On further regression modeling, age ≤ 5, semi‐urgent or non‐urgent acuity, Medicaid insurance, and residence in the Northeastern or Midwestern United States were significantly associated with presentation to the emergency department with a dermatologic condition when compared to non‐dermatologic condition.

Conclusions

Dermatologic conditions continue to comprise a significant number of ED visits in the pediatric population. Increased ED utilization by vulnerable pediatric populations highlights the need to better direct or provide access to outpatient dermatologic care.
Primary pediatric live‐donor‐kidney transplant‐recipients' outcomes by immunosuppression induction received in the United States
Authors: Riad Samy , Jackson Scott , Chinnakotla Srinath , Verghese Priya
Published: December 2020

Objective

We examined the association between induction type and outcomes of live‐donor pediatric kidney recipients on tacrolimus and mycophenolate maintenance.

Material and Methods

We analyzed the SRTR standard analysis file to evaluate primary live‐donor pediatric kidney recipients between 2000 and 2018. Recipients were grouped by induction type into three groups: alemtuzumab n = 289, anti‐thymocyte n = 1197, and IL‐2RA n = 1625. Kaplan‐Meier curves were generated for recipient and death‐censored graft survival. Predictors of recipient and allograft survival were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, renal failure etiology, HLA‐mismatches, transplant year, steroid maintenance, preemptive transplantation, payor type, and donor factors such as age, sex, and donor‐recipient relationship. The transplant center was included as a random effect to account for inter‐center variability.

Results

Rejection rates at 6 months (Alemtuzumab 9.5% vs. r‐ATG 5.7% vs. IL2‐RA 5.3%; P: .023) and 12 months (Alemtuzumab 14.5% vs. r‐ATG 10.8% vs. IL2‐RA 9%; P: .028) were significantly higher in the alemtuzumab group. PTLD rate (Alemtuzumab 0.8% vs. r‐ATG 2.2% vs. IL2‐RA 1%; P: .028) was significantly higher in the anti‐thymocyte group. In the multivariable models, induction type did not influence patient or death‐censored graft survival within ten years post‐transplant.

Conclusion

In this large cohort of standard immunological risk primary pediatric live‐donor kidney recipients, as compared to IL‐2RA, neither alemtuzumab nor anti‐thymocyte globulin was associated with improved long‐term graft or recipient survival. In the first year post‐transplant, recipients of alemtuzumab induction had a higher rejection rate, while PTLD was more frequently observed in the anti‐thymocyte recipients.
Homeobox transcription factor engrailed homeobox 1 is a possible diagnostic marker for adenoid cystic carcinoma and polymorphous adenocarcinoma
Authors: Baba Shunichi , Akashi Takumi , Kayamori Kou , Ohuchi Tomoyuki , Ogawa Ikuko , Kubota Nobuhisa , Nakano Keisuke , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Hasegawa Hiromasa , Matsuzaka Kenichi , Tomii Shohei , Uchida Keisuke , Katsuta Noriko , Sekiya Takahiro , Ando Noboru , Miura Keiko , Ishibashi Hironori , Ariizumi Yousuke , Asakage Takahiro , Michi Yasuyuki , Harada Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Kei , Eishi Yoshinobu , Okubo Kenichi , Ikeda Tohru
Published: December 2020

Diagnostic utility of a homeobox transcription factor, engrailed homeobox 1 (En1) in the histopathology of salivary gland neoplasms was studied. The expression of En1 was immunohistochemically examined in 51 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and 143 cases of other salivary gland neoplasms. In all 51 AdCCs, En1 was expressed in 30–100% of tumor cells. In eight of nine polymorphous adenocarcinomas (PACs), En1 was expressed in 40–100% of tumor cells. Less than 5% of tumor cells expressed En1 in three of 12 epithelial–myoepithelial carcinomas, one of 17 basal cell adenomas (BCAs), and one of 34 pleomorphic adenomas (PAs). Among 55 other carcinoma cases, 1–30% of tumor cells expressed En1 in three salivary duct carcinomas (SDCs) ex PA. None of the myoepitheliomas and Warthin tumors expressed En1. When the cut‐off value of the percentage of En1‐expressing cells was set to 25%, all 51 AdCCs, eight of nine PACs and one SDC ex PA were En1‐positive and the others were En1‐negative. En1 is expressed consistently in AdCCs, frequently in PACs, but rarely in other salivary gland neoplasms. En1 is a possible diagnostic marker for AdCC and PAC in the histopathology of salivary gland neoplasms.
Evaluation of clinical formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue quality for targeted‐bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Ohmomo Hideki , Komaki Shohei , Ono Kanako , Sutoh Yoichi , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Arai Eri , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Yoshida Teruhiko , Kanai Yae , Sasaki Makoto , Shimizu Atsushi
Published: December 2020

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues are promising biological resources for genetic research. Recent improvements in DNA extraction from FFPE samples allowed the use of these tissues for multiple sequencing methods. However, fundamental research addressing the application of FFPE‐derived DNA for targeted‐bisulfite sequencing (TB‐seq) is lacking. Here, we evaluated the suitability of FFPE‐derived DNA for TB‐seq. We conducted TB‐seq using FFPE‐derived DNA and corresponding fresh frozen (FF) tissues of patients with kidney cancer and compared the quality of DNA, libraries, and TB‐seq statistics between the two preservation methods. The approximately 600‐bp average fragment size of the FFPE‐derived DNA was significantly shorter than that of the FF‐derived DNA. The sequencing libraries constructed using FFPE‐derived DNA and the mapping ratio were approximately 10 times and 10% lower, respectively, than those constructed using FF‐derived DNA. In the mapped data of FFPE‐derived DNA, duplicated reads accounted for > 60% of the obtained sequence reads, with lower mean on‐target coverage. Therefore, the standard TB‐seq protocol is inadequate for obtaining high‐quality data for epigenetic analysis from FFPE‐derived DNA, and technical improvements are necessary for enabling the use of archived FFPE resources.
Combined experimental drought and nitrogen loading: the role of species‐dependent leaf level control of carbon and water exchange in a temperate grassland
Authors: Kübert A. , Kuester E. , Götz M. , Dubbert D. , Eiblmeier M. , Werner C. , Rothfuss Y. , Dubbert M.
Published: December 2020

Nitrogen (N) loading and extreme drought strongly alter biomass production, species composition and carbon and water fluxes of temperate grasslands. Such changes at the community level are often attributed to species‐ and functional group‐specific responses in phenology and/or physiology.

In a multifactorial field experiment, we studied the responses of three abundant grassland species (forb Centaurea jacea, grasses Arrhenatherum elatius and Dactylis glomerata) to N loading and extreme drought, focusing on responses of carbon and water relations at the leaf level. We analysed (1) changes in bulk leaf N (uptake efficiency of additional N), (2) adaptation of plant water status (leaf water potential) and (3) impact on leaf carbon and water fluxes.

We observed more efficient N utilization in the two grasses compared to C. jacea. Naturally occurring summer drought significantly impacted the plant water status of all species, while extreme drought treatment only further affected water status during and after summer drought. C. jacea was able to maintain much lower leaf water potentials compared to the grasses during drought. Despite these clear species‐specific responses to N loading and drought, the species were able to maintain homeostasis of leaf carbon and water fluxes.

Thus, strong declines in the (community) carbon sequestration observed at this site during the (natural) summer drought were not related to leaf physiological responses in assimilation, but were driven by phenological adaptions of the species community: the drought‐sensitive grasses, even though exhibiting higher N uptake efficiency, responded with a shortened life cycle to severe summer drought.