bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping out the philosophical questions of AI and clinical practice in diagnosing and treating mental disorders
Authors: Uusitalo Susanne , Tuominen Jarno , Arstila Valtteri
Published: September 2020

How to classify the human condition? This is one of the main problems psychiatry has struggled with since the first diagnostic systems. The furore over the recent editions of the diagnostic systems DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 has evidenced it to still pose a wicked problem. Recent advances in techniques and methods of artificial intelligence and computing power which allows for the analysis of large data sets have been proposed as a possible solution for this and other problems in classification, diagnosing, and treating mental disorders. However, mental disorders contain some specific inherent features, which require critical consideration and analysis. The promises of AI for mental disorders are threatened by the unmeasurable aspects of mental disorders, and for this reason the use of AI may lead to ethically and practically undesirable consequences in its effective processing. We consider such novel and unique questions AI presents for mental health disorders in detail and evaluate potential novel, AI‐specific, ethical implications.
A preliminary study of cerebral blood flow, aging and dementia in people with Down syndrome
Authors: Thalman S. , Van Pelt K. L. , Lin A.‐L. , Johnson N. F. , Jicha G. , Caban‐Holt A. , Robertson W. , Lightner D. , Powell D. , Head E. , Schmitt F.
Published: September 2020

Background

People with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) at an earlier age of onset than those with sporadic AD. AD neuropathology is typically present in DS by 40 years of age with an onset of dementia approximately 10 years later. This early onset is due to the overexpression of amyloid precursor protein from the third copy of chromosome 21. Cerebrovascular neuropathology is thought to contribute in 40–60% of cases sporadic AD. However, the vascular contribution to dementia in people with DS has been relatively unexplored. We hypothesised that vascular perfusion is compromised in older adults with DS relative to younger individuals and is further exacerbated in those with dementia.

Method

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using pulsed arterial spin labelling in 35 cognitively characterised adults with DS (26–65 years). DS participants were also compared with 15 control subjects without DS or dementia (26–65 years). Linear regression evaluated the difference in CBF across groups and diagnosis along with assessing the association between CBF and cognitive measures within the DS cohort.

Results

Cerebral blood flow was significantly lower among DS participants with probable AD compared with controls (P = 0.02) and DS participants with no dementia (P = 0.01). Within the DS cohort, CBF was significantly associated with the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) measure and the Dementia Questionnaire for People with Learning Disabilities (DLD) rating (F3,25 = 5.13; P = 0.007). Both the SIB (β = 0.74; t = 2.71; P = 0.01) and DLD (β = −0.96; t = −3.87; P < 0.001) indicated greater impairment as global CBF decreased. Age was significantly associated with CBF among participants with DS. There was a non‐linear effect of age, whereby CBF declined more rapidly after 45 years of age.

Conclusions

This preliminary study of CBF in DS indicates that cerebrovascular pathology may be a significant contributor to dementia in DS. CBF was associated with diagnosis, cognition and age. Notably, CBF decreases at a greater rate after age 45 and may represent a significant prodromal event in AD progression.
Oxaliplatin‐ and docetaxel‐induced polyneuropathy: clinical and neurophysiological characteristics
Authors: Bennedsgaard Kristine , Ventzel Lise , Andersen Niels T. , Themistocleous Andreas C. , Bennett David L. , Jensen Troels S. , Tankisi Hatice , Finnerup Nanna B.
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and characterization of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy (CIPN) and neuropathic pain 5 years after adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel or oxaliplatin. Patients from an ongoing prospective study, who had received adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel or oxaliplatin in 2011 to 2012 were invited to participate. The patients underwent a thorough examination with interview, neurological examination, questionnaires, assessment tools, nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing, MScan motor unit number estimation (MUNE), and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Patients were divided into no, possible, probable, and confirmed CIPN. Out of the 132 eligible patients, 63 agreed to participate: 28 had received docetaxel and 35 had received oxaliplatin. Forty‐one percent had confirmed CIPN, 34% possible or probable CIPN, and 22% did not have CIPN. The CIPN was characterized mainly by sensory nerve fiber loss, with a more pronounced large fiber than small fiber loss but also some motor fiber loss identified on NCS and MUNE. In general, patients had mild neuropathy with relatively low scores on assessment tools and no association with mood and quality of life. CCM was not useful as a diagnostic tool. Of the patients with probable or confirmed CIPN, 30% experienced pain, which was most often mild, but still interfered moderately with daily life in 20% to 25% and was associated with lower quality of life. In conclusion CIPN was confirmed in 41% 5 years after chemotherapy. The neuropathy was generally mild, but in patients with neuropathic pain it was associated with lower quality of life.
A comparative characterization of laryngeal anatomy in the singing mouse
Authors: Smith Samantha K. , Burkhard Tracy T. , Phelps Steven M.
Published: September 2020

Sexual displays are some of the most dramatic and varied behaviors that have been documented. The elaboration of such behaviors often relies on the modification of existing morphology. To understand how display elaboration arises, we analyzed the laryngeal anatomy of three species of mice that vary in the presence and complexity of their vocal displays. Mice and rats have a specialized larynx that enables them to produce both low‐frequency “audible” sounds, perhaps using vocal fold vibration, as well as distinct mechanisms that are thought to enable higher frequency sounds, such as vocal membrane vibration and intralaryngeal whistles. These mechanisms rely on different structures within the larynx. Using histology, we characterized laryngeal anatomy in Alston's singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina), the northern pygmy mouse (Baiomys taylori), and the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus), which produce different types of vocalizations. We found evidence of a vocal membrane in all species, as well as species differences in vocal fold and ventral pouch size. Presence of a vocal membrane in these three species, which are not known to use vocal membrane vibration, suggests that this structure may be widespread among muroid rodents. An expanded ventral pouch in singing and pygmy mice suggests that these mice may use an intralaryngeal whistle to produce their advertisement songs, and that an expanded ventral pouch may enable lower frequencies than laboratory mouse whistle‐produced sounds. Variation in the laryngeal anatomy of rodents fits into a larger pattern across terrestrial vertebrates, where the development and modification of vocal membranes and pouches, or air sacs, are common mechanisms by which vocalizations diversify. Understanding variation in the functional anatomy of relevant organs is the first step in understanding how morphological changes enable novel displays.
Are endocasts reliable proxies for brains? A 3D quantitative comparison of the extant human brain and endocast
Authors: Dumoncel Jean , Subsol Gérard , Durrleman Stanley , Bertrand Anne , de Jager Edwin , Oettlé Anna C. , Lockhat Zarina , Suleman Farhana E. , Beaudet Amélie
Published: September 2020

Endocasts (i.e., replicas of the inner surface of the bony braincase) constitute a critical proxy for qualifying and quantifying variations in brain shape and organization in extinct taxa. In the absence of brain tissues preserved in the fossil record, endocasts provide the only direct evidence of brain evolution. However, debates on whether or not information inferred from the study of endocasts reflects brain shape and organization have polarized discussions in paleoneurology since the earliest descriptions of cerebral imprints in fossil hominin crania. By means of imaging techniques (i.e., MRIs and CT scans) and 3D modelling methods (i.e., surface‐based comparisons), we collected consistent morphological (i.e., shape) and structural (i.e., sulci) information on the variation patterns between the brain and the endocast based on a sample of extant human individuals (N = 5) from the 3D clinical image database of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria (South Africa) and the Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière in Paris (France). Surfaces of the brain and endocast of the same individual were segmented from the 3D MRIs and CT images, respectively. Sulcal imprints were automatically detected. We performed a deformation‐based shape analysis to compare both the shape and the sulcal pattern of the brain and the endocast. We demonstrated that there is close correspondence in terms of morphology and organization between the brain and the corresponding endocast with the exception of the superior region. By comparatively quantifying the shape and organization of the brain and endocast, this work represents an important reference for paleoneurological studies.
Skin microbiota as a therapeutic target for psoriasis treatment: Trends and perspectives
Authors: Rigon Roberta B. , de Freitas Andréa C. P. , Bicas Juliano L. , Cogo‐Müller Karina , Kurebayashi Alberto K. , Magalhães Renata F. , Leonardi Gislaine R.
Published: September 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune‐mediated disease that has a major negative impact on a patient's quality of life. Although several literature reviews indicate that skin microbiota may play an important role in the development and regulation of the immune and inflammatory response of psoriasis, few clinical studies are demonstrating the benefits of using pre‐, pro‐ and synbiotics as a therapeutic alternative at the management of the disease. In this review, we showed the use of probiotic microorganisms that may contribute to skin homeostasis and compiled the clinical trials that demonstrate the effect of therapy with probiotics on patients with psoriasis, an important area for scientific exploration in dermatology and being the first review article to compile this information.
Evaluation of treatment of acne scars with 25% trichloroacetic acid chemical peel followed by manual dermasanding
Authors: Al‐Hamamy Hayder R. , AL‐Dhalimi Muhsin A. , Abtan Azhar F.
Published: September 2020

Background

Acne scars are common problems encountered in daily dermatologic practice.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 25% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) alone or followed by manual dermasanding in repeated sessions for the treatment of mild and moderate acne scars.

Patients/Methods

Thirteen patients (nine females and four males) were enrolled. Twenty‐five percent TCA superficial peel was performed in all patients, followed in 11 of them by manual dermasanding. Thirteen sessions of TCA peeling, one session for each patient, were done, and twenty‐four sessions of dermasanding with different numbers for each patient. Acne scars were graded into a score ranging from 0 to 20, the score was recorded at each visit, and the results were compared.

Results

The score of scarring acne decreased after TCA peeling and each dermasanding session. The improvement was statistically significant. The improvement continued after the last dermasanding session. After both procedures, no significant complications were recorded except persistent erythema and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which disappeared in all patients at 3‐month follow‐up visit.

Conclusion

Trichloroacetic acid superficial peel followed by manual dermasanding in separate sessions was effective and the improvement became more significant after repeated dermasanding sessions for the treatment of mild and moderate acne scars.
DOES INVESTOR PROTECTION INCREASE FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT? A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Brada Josef C. , Drabek Zdenek , Iwasaki Ichiro
Published: September 2020

We undertake a meta‐analysis of the effects of international investment agreements for the protection of foreign investors on foreign direct investment using 2107 estimates drawn from 74 studies. Our meta‐analysis finds robust evidence that effect of international investment agreements is so small as to be considered zero.  However, our results do not rule out the possibility that the effect of these agreements is, in fact, positive and that current research methods are insufficiently powerful or precise to identify the underlying genuine effect. FDI from developed countries appears to be more responsive to the existence of investment protection, and there is evidence of publication–selection bias in favour of studies that find a positive effect for investor protection.
Self‐control in early childhood: Individual differences in sensitivity to early parenting
Authors: Ng‐Knight Terry , Schoon Ingrid
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study extends existing research on the role of infant temperament as a moderator of the association between the quality of parent–child relationships and children's self‐control during the pre‐school years. In particular, we focus on the potential moderating role of a dimension of early infant temperament known as behavioral inhibition. Assumptions formulated within the diathesis‐stress, the vantage‐sensitivity, and the differential susceptibility models of individual differences in environmental sensitivity are tested.

Method

Data are from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative birth cohort of 18,552 infants born in the United Kingdom during 2000/01.

Results

The results show that the quality of both mother–child and father–child relationships are associated with children's development of self‐control in early childhood. Additionally, individual differences in infant temperament moderate the association between mother–child conflict and children's development of self‐control. Specifically, high behavioral inhibition shows a vantage‐sensitivity pattern for mother–child conflict.

Conclusions

Aspects of both mothers' and fathers' relationships with their young children independently predict variations in self‐control. This study also provides an initial indication that behavioral inhibition, a temperamental trait best‐known for being a risk factor for anxiety, may provide small benefits in relation to young children's self‐control development.
Chinese college students' ability to recognize facial expressions based on their meaning‐in‐life profiles: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Huo Jun‐yu , Wang Xin‐qiang , Ge Ying , Wang Yin‐cheng , Hu Xiao‐yu , Liu Ming‐fan , Ji Li‐Jun , Ye Bao‐juan
Published: September 2020

Objective

People can be categorized into one of four meaning‐in‐life profiles: High Presence High Search (HPHS), High Presence Low Search (HPLS), Low Presence High Search (LPHS), and Low Presence Low Search (LPLS).The main goal of this study is to provide a theoretical explanation for why Chinese people with different meaning‐in‐life profiles have different mental health levels than Western people, based on their emotional‐cognitive‐processing ability.

Method

We adopted eye‐movement analysis and recognition‐judgment experimental paradigm concerning absolute‐recognition judgment and relative‐recognition judgment in our study. Moreover, we applied a multifactor and multilevel mixed‐experimental design. We selected 118 participants for the experiments from the 788 Chinese college students who responded.

Results

Our results showed that HPHS individuals preferred positive‐emotion pictures, LPLS individuals preferred negative‐emotion pictures, HPLS individuals preferred positive‐ and neutral‐emotion pictures, and LPHS individuals preferred neutral‐emotion pictures. Moreover, HPHS individuals were better at accurately processing facial expression from pictures, while LPLS individuals lacked such ability. The fine‐processing ability of HPLS and LPHS individuals was lower than that of HPHS yet higher than that of LPLS individuals. Moreover, the features of HPLS individuals were closer to HPHS, while those of LPHS individuals were closer to LPLS.

Conclusions

Our findings support the hypothesis that meaning‐in‐life profiles have different immediate processing abilities and preferences regarding facial expression recognition and different emotional‐cognitive‐processing ability.
Effect of diets containing earthworm powder and vermihumus on egg production, hatchability, blood parameters and immunity of Japanese breeder quails
Authors: Hesami Yaser , Esmaielzadeh Ladan , Karimi‐Torshizi Mohammad Amir , Seidavi Alireza , Vlčková Radoslava
Published: September 2020

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of earthworm (EW) powder and vermihumus (VH) on the growth performance, humoral immunity response, plasma constituents and reproductive performance of Japanese breeder quails. A total of 336 birds were assigned to seven treatments in a completely randomized design from day 30 to 90 of age. The dietary treatments were carried out, one without any addition of EW and VH, the second had a standard rate of VH at 0.8%, while a range of EW additions was supplied from 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%. The effects of treatments on body weight and mortality were not significant (p > .05). The highest feed intake was observed in birds fed the diets supplemented with 1% and 1.5% EW (p < .05). The highest titre of antibodies against influenza virus and sheep red blood cells belonged to the EW and VH treatments (p < .05). The antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was not affected by the treatments. In general, the birds receiving EW and VH had the highest egg weight, egg production and egg mass weight (p < .05). Nonetheless, various levels of EW powder negatively affected hatchability and increased mortality and leg disorders (p < .05). The results showed that the levels of dietary 1% and 1.5% of EW powder gave the best growth and reproductive performance to birds respectively.
Foliose Ulva Species Show Considerable Inter‐Specific Genetic Diversity, Low Intra‐Specific Genetic Variation, and the Rare Occurrence of Inter‐Specific Hybrids in the Wild
Authors: Fort Antoine , McHale Marcus , Cascella Kevin , Potin Philippe , Usadel Björn , Guiry Michael D. , Sulpice Ronan
Published: September 2020

Foliose Ulva spp. have become increasingly important worldwide for their environmental and financial impacts. A large number of such Ulva species have rapid reproduction and proliferation habits, which explains why they are responsible for Ulva blooms, known as “green tides”, having dramatic negative effects on coastal ecosystems, but also making them attractive for aquaculture applications. Despite the increasing interest in the genus Ulva, particularly on the larger foliose species for aquaculture, their inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic diversity is still poorly described. We compared the cytoplasmic genome (chloroplast and mitochondrion) of 110 strains of large distromatic foliose Ulva from Ireland, Brittany (France), the Netherlands and Portugal. We found six different species, with high levels of inter‐specific genetic diversity, despite highly similar or overlapping morphologies. Genetic variation was as high as 82 SNPs/kb between Ulva pseudorotundata and U. laetevirens, indicating considerable genetic diversity. On the other hand, intra‐specific genetic diversity was relatively low, with only 36 variant sites (0.03 SNPs/kb) in the mitochondrial genome of the 29 Ulva rigida individuals found in this study, despite different geographical origins. The use of next‐generation sequencing allowed for the detection of a single inter‐species hybrid between two genetically closely related species, U. laetevirens, and U. rigida, among the 110 strains analyzed in this study. Altogether, this study represents an important advance in our understanding of Ulva biology and provides genetic information for genomic selection of large foliose strains in aquaculture.
Ellenberg N values of bryophytes in Central Europe*
Authors: Simmel Josef , Ahrens Matthias , Poschlod Peter
Published: September 2020

We present a list of Ellenberg indicator values N values for Central European bryophytes and the methodology we used to obtain these values. Values are given for 6 hornworts, 255 liverworts, 35 peat mosses, and 772 mosses, i.e., for a total of 1,068 species. We ng the N values for different variables related to bryophyte morphology, taxonomy, Red List status, and ecology. Among the morphological and taxonomical groups, peat mosses, foliose hepatics, and species with porous leaves on average had the lowest N values, while no strong differentiation was found between Red List groups. Ecology and life span exhibited a strong differentiation, with lowest mean values for aquatic and indefinitely growing species, and highest mean values for ecologically rather unspecific and annual species. Furthermore, we compared the bryophyte N values with those of vascular plants and macromycetes from Central Europe.
Murine hepatocytes do not support persistence of Hepatitis D virus mono‐infection in vivo
Authors: Giersch Katja , Hermanussen Lennart , Volz Tassilo , Kah Janine , Allweiss Lena , Casey John , Sureau Camille , Dandri Maura , Lütgehetmann Marc
Published: September 2020

Backgrounds & Aims

As a result of the limited availability of in vivo models for hepatitis D virus (HDV), treatment options for HDV chronically infected patients are still scant. The discovery of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as HDV entry receptor has enabled the development of new infection models.

Aim

To comparatively assess the efficacy and persistence of HDV mono‐infection in murine and human hepatocytes in vivo.

Methods

Mice with humanized NTCP (hNTCPed84‐87 mice) were generated by editing amino acid residues 84‐87 of murine NTCP in C57BL/6J mice. HDV infection was assessed in hNTCPed84‐87 mice and in immune deficient uPA/SCID/beige (USB) mice, whose livers were reconstituted with human or murine (hNTCPed84‐87) hepatocytes. Livers were analysed between 5 and 42 days post‐HDV inoculation by qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH).

Results

hNTCPed84‐87 mice could be infected with HDV genotype 1 or 3. ISH analysis demonstrated the presence of antigenomic HDV RNA positive murine hepatocytes with both genotypes, proving initiation of HDV replication. Strikingly, murine hepatocytes cleared HDV within 21 days both in immunocompetent hNTCPed84‐87 mice and in immunodeficient USB mice xenografted with murine hepatocytes. In contrast, HDV infection remained stable for at least 42 days in human hepatocytes. Intrinsic innate responses were not enhanced in any of the HDV mono‐infected cells and livers.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that in addition to NTCP, further species‐specific factors limit HDV infection efficacy and persistence in murine hepatocytes. Identifying such species barriers may be crucial to develop novel potential therapeutic targets of HDV.
Factors associated with health‐related quality of life in patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review
Authors: Rabiee Anahita , Ximenes Rafael O. , Nikayin Sina , Hickner Andy , Juthani Prerak , Rosen Robert H. , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with cirrhosis have a poor health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Recognizing factors that affect HRQoL is key in delivering patient‐centred care.

Aim

To identify factors most commonly associated with a poor HRQoL in adults with cirrhosis in a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycINFO) were searched from inception to March 2020, using terms related to patient‐reported outcomes plus cirrhosis. Studies that analysed an association between at least one factor and HRQoL in adult patients with cirrhosis were included. Abstract and full‐text screening was performed by two reviewers. Data were collected on factors evaluated in each study and the significance of their association with HRQoL.

Results

A total of 10647 citations were reviewed, of which 109 met eligibility criteria. 76% of the studies used a generic instrument while only 45% used liver‐specific instruments. Among identified factors, demographic factors and cirrhosis aetiology were not generally associated with poor HRQoL except for poor social support. Depression, poor sleep and muscle cramps affected HRQoL in all the studies that evaluated them. Among comorbidities, frailty, falls, malnutrition and cognitive impairment were also associated with poor HRQoL in the majority of studies. Among cirrhosis‐specific decompensating events, only hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was consistently associated with impairment in HRQoL (75% of studies).

Conclusion

Many factors impact poor HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis such as depression, muscle cramps, poor sleep, falls, frailty and malnutrition. Among cirrhosis decompensating events, HE was the complication most commonly associated with a poor HRQoL.
Infant feeding practices and sleep at 1 year of age in the nationwide ELFE cohort
Authors: Messayke Sabine , Davisse‐Paturet Camille , Nicklaus Sophie , Dufourg Marie‐Noëlle , Charles Marie‐Aline , de Lauzon‐Guillain Blandine , Plancoulaine Sabine
Published: September 2020

Sleep problems reported by parents affect 20% to 30% of infants. Few studies focused on the longitudinal association between infant feeding practices and sleep, especially in France. Analyses were based on 8,696 infants from the French national birth cohort ELFE. Collection of feeding practices from birth to 10 months allowed for the identification of trajectories of use of baby cereals and thickened formula by group‐based trajectory modelling and calculation of duration of any breastfeeding (BF) and age at complementary feeding introduction (CFI) excluding baby cereals. Total sleep duration (TSD), night waking (NW) and sleep onset difficulties (SOD) were reported at age 1. Associations between feeding and sleep were tested by multinomial logistic regressions. BF duration ≥6 months was associated with parent‐reported frequent NW, SOD and TSD ≤ 12 h/24 h at age 1. For TSD and SOD, this association was no longer significant after accounting for parental sleep‐related practices. Early use of baby cereals (≤5 months) was associated with poor sleep. Early CFI (<4 months) was associated with shorter TSD and SOD but not NW. Early use of thickened formula (only <6 months) was related to poor sleep at age 1 (NW and SOD), whereas late (around 6 months) use of thickened formula was associated with better sleep. BF duration ≥6 months was related to poor sleep at age 1 but not after adjustment on 1‐year parental sleep‐related practices except for NW. The use of baby cereals or early CFI was not related to better sleep at age 1.
Population genomics of parallel adaptation
Authors: Yuan Meng , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: September 2020

Parallel evolution is one of the striking patterns in nature. The presence of repeated evolution of the same phenotypes, suites of traits, and adaptations suggests a strong role for natural selection in shaping biological diversity. The reasoning is straightforward: each instance of repeated evolution makes it less likely that these features evolved neutrally or due to stochastic forces in each population or species. With the growing sequencing capability, we are now poised to examine the genetic basis of parallel evolution in model and nonmodel systems. On pages 4102‐4117 of this issue of Molecular Ecology, van Boheemen and Hodgins (2020) provide an exemplar study of this kind, using common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia; Figure 1a). Their study is noteworthy and ambitious in many respects, and we think will serve as a model for studying parallel adaptation, even in nonmodel species.
A clostripain‐like protease plays a major role in generating the secretome of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis
Authors: Pierce Jessica V. , Fellows Justin D. , Anderson D. Eric , Bernstein Harris D.
Published: September 2020

Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT) is a protein secreted by enterotoxigenic (ETBF) strains of B. fragilis. BFT is synthesized as a proprotein (proBFT) that is predicted to be a lipoprotein and that is cleaved into two discrete fragments by a clostripain‐like protease called fragipain (Fpn). In this study, we obtained evidence that Fpn cleaves proBFT following its transport across the outer membrane. Remarkably, we also found that the disruption of the fpn gene led to a strong reduction in the level of >100 other proteins, many of which are predicted to be lipoproteins, in the culture medium of an ETBF strain. Experiments performed with purified Fpn provided direct evidence that the protease releases at least some of these proteins from the cell surface. The observation that wild‐type cells outcompeted an fpn‐ strain in co‐cultivation assays also supported the notion that Fpn plays an important role in cell physiology and is not simply dedicated to toxin biogenesis. Finally, we found that purified Fpn altered the adhesive properties of HT29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our results suggest that Fpn is a broad‐spectrum protease that not only catalyzes the protein secretion on a wide scale but that also potentially cleaves host cell proteins during colonization.
New taxa and new records in Aspidistra (Convallariaceae s.s.) of Laos and Vietnam
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Son Hoang Thanh , Tillich H.‐J. , Wynn‐Jones Bleddyn , Maisak Tatiana V.
Published: September 2020

This paper continues the publication of newly obtained results from a continuing taxonomic investigation of the genus Aspidistra in Laos and Vietnam. It includes illustrated diagnoses of two new species, A. melanaster Aver., K.S. Nguyen & Tillich, A. obliqua K.S. Nguyen & Aver., two new varieties, A. semiaperta Aver. & Tillich var. globulifera Aver., K.S. Nguyen & Tillich, A. lutea Tillich var. luteo‐rubra K.S. Nguyen, Aver. & Tillich, and notes on two species, A. austroyunnanensis G.W. Hu, Lei Cai & Q.F. Wang and A. hekouensis H. Li, C.L. Long & Bogner newly recorded in the flora of Vietnam. Color illustrations, new or updated data on morphology, ecology, phenology, tentative relationships, distribution and conservation status are provided for all the mentioned taxa.
New way for maxillary nerve block: a technical note
Authors: Cerrato Alessia , Zanette Gastone , Bacci Christian
Published: September 2020

Aim

To describe a technique for the block of the maxillary nerve simpler than those currently present in the literature

Methods

Maxillary nerve block is used to induce regional anaesthesia in the areas innervated by the second branch of the trigeminal nerve. It can be achieved at the point where the maxillary nerve passes through the pterygopalatine fossa, which is accessible via the oral cavity, or using the greater palatine canal technique, or an extra‐oral approach via the maxillary tuberosity.

Results

In this technical note, we describe a maxillary nerve block involving a method that is easy to implement, and that draws on the maxillary tuberosity approach but relies on more precise landmarks.

Conclusion

The block of the maxillary nerve is useful in order to obtain a perfect analgesia in the surgeries that require it, but it is not widely used because of its technical difficulty. This technical note may simplify the procedure.
Are young children with asthma more likely to be less physically active?
Authors: Cassim Raisa , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Peters Rachel L. , Koplin Jennifer J. , Allen Katrina J. , Tang Mimi L. K. , Lowe Adrian J. , Olds Timothy S. , Fraysse Francois , Milanzi Elasma , Russell Melissa A. ,   the HealthNuts Investigators
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous research suggests that children who experience asthma may be less physically active; however, results have been inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of asthma or wheeze is associated with lower physical activity levels in children, and whether sex, body mass index or earlier asthma or wheeze status modifies the association.

Methods

This study was conducted in 391 HealthNuts participants in Melbourne, Australia. Asthma and wheeze data were collected via questionnaire at age 4 and 6, and physical activity was measured through accelerometry. Using adjusted linear regression models, the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations were investigated.

Results

There was no evidence of a difference in time spent in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at age 6 years between children with and without asthma at age 4; children with asthma spent 8.3 minutes more time physically active per day (95% CI: −5.6, 22.1, P = .24) than children without asthma. Similar results were seen for children with current wheeze (5.8 minutes per day more, 95% CI: −5.9, 17.5, P = .33) or ever wheeze or asthma (7.7 minutes per day more, 95% CI: −4.8, 20.2, P = .23) at age 4 years. Comparable null results were observed in the cross‐sectional analyses. Interaction with BMI could not be assessed; however, previous asthma or wheeze status and sex were not found to modify these associations.

Conclusion

This analysis found no evidence of asthma hindering physical activity in these young children. These results are encouraging, as they indicate that the Australian asthma and physical activity public health campaigns are being effectively communicated and adopted by the public.
Indole primes defence signalling and increases herbivore resistance in tea plants
Authors: Ye Meng , Liu Miaomiao , Erb Matthias , Glauser Gaétan , Zhang Jin , Li Xiwang , Sun Xiaoling
Published: September 2020

Upon herbivore attack, plants emit herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). HIPVs can prime defences and resistance of intact plants. However, how HIPVs are decoded and translated into functional defence responses is not well understood, especially in long‐lived woody plants. Here, we investigated the impact of the aromatic HIPV indole on defence‐related early signalling, phytohormone accumulation, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and herbivore resistance in tea plants. We find that tea plants infested with tea geometrid caterpillars release indole at concentrations >450 ng*hr−1. Exposure to corresponding doses of synthetic indole primes the expression of early defence genes involved in calcium (Ca2+) signalling, MPK signalling and jasmonate biosynthesis. Indole exposure also primes the production of jasmonates and defence‐related secondary metabolites. These changes are associated with higher herbivore resistance of indole‐exposed tea plants. Chemical inhibition of Ca2+ and jasmonate signalling provides evidence that both are required for indole‐mediated defence priming and herbivore resistance. Our systematic assessment of the impact of indole on defence signalling and deployment shows that indole acts by boosting Ca2+ signalling, resulting in enhanced jasmonate‐dependent defence and resistance in a woody plant. Our work extends the molecular basis of HIPV‐induced defence priming from annual plants to an economically important tree species.
Symptom‐orientated oral hygiene for children after heart transplantation: Effectiveness of a standardized prophylactic program
Authors: Schulz‐Weidner Nelly , Bulski Julia C. , Siahi‐Benlarbi Rachida , Bauer Jürgen , Logeswaran Thushiha , Jux Christian , Wetzel Willi‐Eckhard , Krämer Norbert
Published: September 2020

Children with CHD, especially heart‐transplanted patients, are predisposed to have caries lesions, gingivitis and other oral findings like gingival hyperplasia. The aim of the study was the implementation of a specific oral hygiene program in these patients and its effect on the improvement of oral health, especially gingival overgrowth. For this, we used a newly developed systematic GHI to evaluate and describe this gingival alteration. Thirty‐three children, aged 6 to 15 years with cardiac transplants (9 girls, 24 boys), were examined and introduced into a specific oral hygiene program. Each child showed evidence of gingival hyperplasia. They were randomly divided into three groups with the following oral care measurements: Group ZZ tooth brushing, Group ZZS tooth brushing and mouth rinsing, Group ZZSS tooth brushing, mouth rinsing and the use of an additional single and sulcus toothbrush. A significant decline of all oral health parameters could be proven in all groups. Gingival hyperplasia (GHI) improved as well as plaque accumulation (QHI). The children who used in addition to toothbrushing rinsing solutions and/or additional miniature toothbrushes showed better parameters of the gingival hygiene indexes from the baseline examination until the end of the study. The results show that any infant with cardiac transplant has to be introduced into an individualized oral hygiene program underlining the need of comprehensive dental care in cooperation with pediatric cardiology.
Exploring nurse‐led HIV Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis in a community health care clinic
Authors: Selfridge Marion , Card Kiffer G. , Lundgren Karen , Barnett Tamara , Guarasci Kellie , Drost Anne , Gray‐Schleihauf Christiane , Milne Roz , Degenhardt Jonathan , Stark Aeron , Hull Mark , Fraser Chris , Lachowsky Nathan J.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are 131 times more likely to acquire HIV compared with other Canadian men. Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has the potential to reduce or eliminate disparities in HIV acquisition among key affected populations. This paper aims to discuss the feasibility and utility of a nurse‐led PrEP program administered by the Cool Aid Community Health Centre (CACHC) in Victoria, British Columbia as a public health PrEP program was initiated.

Design, Sample and Measurements

A retrospective chart review of 124 gbMSM patients accessing PrEP at CACHC in 2018 collected information on patient demographics, STI testing results, and PrEP prescription pick‐ups at 3 time points.

Results

Ninety‐nine (79.8%) patients have continued on PrEP, as defined as having picked up their second 90‐day PrEP prescription. Both older age and having an Sexually Transmitted Infection after PrEP enrolment were significantly associated with staying on PrEP; decreased risk perceptions contributed most to clinic‐level discontinuance. Very few patients who stayed on PrEP have transitioned to their own General Practitioner.

Conclusions

Patients appear to recognize their risk and are continuing on PrEP to reduce their risk of HIV. As evidenced by ability to recruit and maintain patients, we conclude that nurse‐led PrEP at community health centres supports access and uptake of essential health services to optimize individual and population health.
Cytokinin induces bacterial pathogen resistance in tomato
Authors: Gupta Rupali , Leibman‐Markus Meirav , Pizarro Lorena , Bar Maya
Published: September 2020

Phytohormones are involved in the regulation of plant responses to biotic stress. How a limited number of hormones differentially regulate defence responses and influence the outcome of plant–biotic interactions is not fully understood. In recent years, cytokinin (CK) was shown to induce plant resistance against several pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CK in inducing tomato resistance against the hemibiotrophic pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). We demonstrate that CK enhances tomato resistance to Xcv and Pst through a process that relies on salicylic acid and ethylene signalling. CK did not directly affect the growth or biofilm formation ability of these pathogens in vitro. Overall, our work provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of CK‐induced immune responses against bacterial pathogens in tomato.
Macroeconomic Effects of an Ageing Population in Mauritius
Authors: Włodarczyk Julia , Ramlall Indranarain , Acedański Jan
Published: September 2020

The economic literature focuses mostly on faster ageing of population among developed countries; however, many developing countries experience even more dramatic pace of this process. Mauritius, with the median age of population higher than the world average since 1990s, represents a prominent example of such a case. In this paper, we analyse demographic developments in Mauritius and discuss their macroeconomic implications using an open‐economy OLG model with demographic shocks. We project that a decline in the Mauritian interest rate and net foreign assets to GDP resulting from ageing will be accompanied by a temporary increase in GDP, consumption and investment.
Self‐structure Singularity: Considerations for Agential Realism in Critical Psychology
Authors: Brown Donald V.
Published: September 2020

In this paper I encourage consideration of a self‐structure singularity such that structural forces like racism or capitalism do not bear influence on individual actors in a given social field. Instead, individuals enact those forces through carrying out even the smallest of everyday occurrences. Structural forces emergent as individual actions and lived experiences can be understood through the lens of Karen Barad's agential realism as a materially discursive apparatus in lieu of being conceptualized as separate, mutually exclusive indices of social behavior worthy of theoretical consideration in their own right. Further, I propose autoethnography as a method by which critical psychologists can initially engage with the mutual instantiation of structures and lives. I encourage self‐structure examination through critical autoethnographic practices as an initial way to recognize self‐structure singularity in one's own life so as to facilitate a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the societal groups or individuals a critical psychologist desires to study.
Impact of late‐onset cytomegalovirus infection in the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Ponz de Antonio Inés , Rodríguez Chaverri Adriana , García Reyne Ana , Carrasco Antón Nerea , Lora Pablos David , López Medrano Francisco , de Dios Santiago , Jurado Alfonso , Folgueira María D. , García‐Cosio Carmena María D. , Arribas Ynsaurriaga Fernando , Aguado José M. , Lumbreras Carlos , Delgado Jiménez Juan F.
Published: September 2020

Background

The impact of late‐onset cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (LOCI) on cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) has yet to be established.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed for patients who had undergone heart transplantation (HT) between January 1995 and October 2017 to analyze epidemiology of LOCI (any positive level of CMV pp65 antigenemia or DNAemia after 100 days, without previous CMV replication) and its association with CAV. Our main hypothesis was that LOCI causes less direct and indirect effects compared to early onset infection (EOCI).

Results

Late‐onset cytomegalovirus infection developed in 57 of 410 patients (13.9%) in a median time of 4.7 months post‐transplant. CAV at 10 years was diagnosed in 31.6% of patients with LOCI, 34.6% with EOCI, and in 19.3% of CMV‐uninfected patients. In the multivariate analysis, EOCI was an independent variable for developing CAV (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.13‐2.82, P = .01). Patients with LOCI showed a trend toward a higher risk of CAV, but the difference was not statistically significant (HR 1.7, 95% CI 0.95‐3.08, P = .07). In the complementary log‐log model, LOCI and EOCI had a similar CAV‐free survival, and a higher probability of developing CAV than CMV‐uninfected patients (P = .02).

Conclusions

Cytomegalovirus infection after HT may result in the same long‐term events regardless of its onset, with a higher risk of developing CAV at 10 years than patients without CMV.
Hydroperoxide lyase modulates defense response and confers lesion‐mimic leaf phenotype in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Liu Meifeng , Ge Dongdong , Akhter Bhat Javaid , Li Yawei , Kong Jiejie , Liu Kang , Zhao Tuanjie
Published: September 2020

Allene oxide synthase (AOS) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) are two important members of P450 enzymes metabolizing hydroperoxy fatty acid to produce jasmonates and aldehydes respectively, which function in response to diverse environmental and developmental stimuli. However, their exact roles in soybean have not been clarified. In present study, we identified a lesion‐mimic mutant in soybean named NT302, which exhibits etiolated phenotype together with chlorotic and spontaneous lesions on leaves at R3 podding stage. The underlying gene was identified as GmHPL encoding hydroperoxide lyase by map‐based cloning strategy. Sequence analysis demonstrated that a single nucleotide mutation created a premature termination codon (Gln20‐Ter), which resulted in a truncated GmHPL protein in NT302. GmHPL RNA was significantly reduced in NT302 mutant, while genes in AOS branch of the 13‐LOX pathway were up‐regulated in NT302. The mutant exhibited higher susceptibility to bacterial leaf pustule (BLP) disease, but increased resistance against common cutworm (CCW) pest. GmHPL was significantly induced in response to MeJA, wounding, and CCW in wild type soybean. Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) of GhHPL genes gave rise to similar lesion‐mimic leaf phenotypes in upland cotton, coupled with upregulation of the expression of JA biosynthesis and JA‐induced genes. Our study provides evidence that competition exist between HPL and AOS branches in 13‐LOX pathway of the oxylipin metabolism in soybean, thereby plays essential roles in modulation of plant development and defense.
10‐year analysis of human immunodeficiency virus incidence in first‐time and repeat donors in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Garcia Mateos Sheila , Preiss Liliana , Gonçalez Thelma T. , Di Lorenzo Oliveira Claudia , Grebe Eduard , Di Germanio Clara , Stone Mars , Amorim Filho Luiz , Carneiro Proietti Anna Bárbara , Belisario Andre Rolim , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar , Mendrone‐Junior Alfredo , Loureiro Paula , Busch Michael P. , Custer Brian , Cerdeira Sabino Ester ,   Recipient Epidemiology, Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III) International Component Brazil
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

Incidence in first‐time and repeat blood donors is an important measure of transfusion‐transmitted HIV infection (TT‐HIV) risk. This study assessed HIV incidence over time at four large blood centres in Brazil.

Materials and methods

Donations were screened and confirmed using serological assays for HIV from 2007 to 2016, and additionally screened by nucleic acid testing from 2011 forward. Limiting antigen (LAg) avidity testing was conducted on HIV seroreactive samples from first‐time donors to classify whether an infection was recently acquired. We calculated incidence in first‐time donors using the mean duration of recent infection and in repeat donors using classical methods. Time and demographic trends were assessed using Poisson regression.

Results

Over the 10‐year period, HIV incidence in first‐time donors was highest in Recife (45·1/100 000 person–years (105 py)) followed by São Paulo (32·2/105 py) and then Belo Horizonte (23·3/105 py), and in repeat donors was highest in Recife (33·2/105 py), Belo Horizonte (27·5/105 py) and São Paulo (17·0/105 py). Results from Rio de Janeiro were available from 2013 to 2016 with incidence in first‐time donors of 35·9/105 py and repeat donors from 2011 to 2016 of 29·2/105 py. Incidence varied by other donor demographics. When incidence was considered in 2‐year intervals, no significant trend was evident. Overall residual risk of TT‐HIV was 5·46 and 7·41 per million units of pRBC and FFP transfused, respectively.

Conclusion

HIV incidence in both first‐time and repeat donors varied by region in Brazil. Clear secular trends were not evident.