bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-35 has a tumor-promoting role in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu X , Ren H , Guo H , Wang W , Zhao N
Published: October 2020

Hepatic inflammatory response is a risk factor for liver cancer initiation and progression. Interleukin (IL)-35 is the newest member of the IL-12 cytokine family, and has been reported to play an essential role in the immunosuppressive liver microenvironment. Herein we focus on the expression profiles of IL-35 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and effects on local immune status. HCC transcriptome array data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Analysis was performed by BRB-Array Tools and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Serum IL-35 level was detected by AimPlet bead-based immunoassay. In-situ IL-35 detection was performed by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. The n-vitro effect of IL-35 on CD4+ or CD8+ T cell function was detected by flow cytometry. Our results showed that there were large amounts of IL-35 expressed in HCC serum and tumor tissues. IL-35 expression affects the transcript of thousands of genes, most differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in tumor tissues correlated with T cell immunity. The IL-35 high-expression group exhibited enhancement of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and impairment of cytolytic T cells. In-vitro experiments proved that exogenous IL-35 stimulated the expression of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In addition, the stimulating effect was time-dependent. Furthermore, IL-35 inhibited interferon (IFN)-γ secretion by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Elevated IL-35 had an immune suppressive role in HCC tumor microenvironments through affecting inhibitor receptor expression and cytokine secretion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Dissection of the precise targets and underlying molecular mechanisms would mean alternative treatments for HCC patients.
Children’s automatic evaluation of self‐generated actions is different from adults
Authors: Denervaud Solange , Hess Adrien , Sander David , Pourtois Gilles
Published: October 2020

Performance monitoring (PM) is central to learning and decision making. It allows individuals to swiftly detect deviations between actions and intentions, such as response errors, and adapt behavior accordingly. Previous research showed that in adult participants, error monitoring is associated with two distinct and robust behavioral effects. First, a systematic slowing down of reaction time speed is typically observed following error commission, which is known as post‐error slowing (PES). Second, response errors have been reported to be automatically evaluated as negative events in adults. However, it remains unclear whether (1) children process response errors as adults do (PES), (2) they also evaluate them as negative events, and (3) their responses vary according to the pedagogy experienced. To address these questions, we adapted a simple decision‐making task previously validated in adults to measure PES as well as the affective processing of response errors. We recruited 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children enrolled in traditional (N = 56) or Montessori (N = 45) schools, and compared them to adults (N = 46) on the exact same task. Results showed that children processed correct actions as positive events, and that adults processed errors as negative events. By contrast, PES was similarly observed in all groups. Moreover, the former effect was observed in traditional schoolchildren, but not in Montessori schoolchildren. These findings suggest that unlike PES, which likely reflects an age‐invariant attention orienting toward response errors, their affective processing depends on both age and pedagogy.
Seasonal fluctuation of groundwater level influences local litter‐dwelling ant richness, composition, and colonization in the Amazon rainforest
Authors: de Souza Holanda Paula Mayara , de Souza Jorge Luiz Pereira , Baccaro Fabricio Beggiato
Published: October 2020

Groundwater fluctuation follows the rainfall regime and is a natural source of disturbance by limiting the soil volume available for ant nesting. However, in areas with shallow water‐table unpredicted floods are more frequent, which may also affect the distribution of litter ant species. Here, we evaluated the behavioural responses and diversity changes of litter‐dwelling ants related to groundwater level fluctuation in the central Amazon tropical rainforest.

The natural occurrence of vertically stratified litter (above the ground level) accumulated at the base of stemless palms was a control sample in a series of paired samples. We used baits to measure ant activity and Winkler extractors to measure ant diversity in 10 riparian plots during the rainy (shallow water‐table) and dry (deep water‐table) season. We also added processed litter to count the number of new colonies found in both habitats.

We found fewer ant species and less occurrence during the rainy season. The assemblage composition was more heterogeneous during rainy season compared to same locations during dry season. However, ant activity such as recruitment and investment in resource monopolization showed an opposite pattern. The investments in reproduction followed ant recruitment to baits, with more colonies found in the leaf‐litter during the dry season. All changes were strongly decreased or absent from the control locations.

Our results suggest that unpredicted floods mediated by water‐table fluctuation may act as a disturbance to most ant litter species but may favour resource monopolization and litter colonization.
FKBP5 polymorphisms induce differential glucocorticoid responsiveness in primary CNS cells – First insights from novel humanized mice
Authors: Nold Verena , Richter Nadine , Hengerer Bastian , Kolassa Iris‐Tatjana , Allers Kelly Ann
Published: October 2020

The brain is a central hub for integration of internal and external conditions and, thus, a regulator of the stress response. Glucocorticoids are the essential communicators of this response. Aberrations in glucocorticoid signaling are a common symptom in patients with psychiatric disorders. The gene FKBP5 encodes a chaperone protein that functionally inhibits glucocorticoid signaling and, thus, contributes to the regulation of stress. In the context of childhood trauma, differential expression of FKBP5 has been found in psychiatric patients compared to controls. These variations in expression levels of FKBP5 were reported to be associated with differences in stress responsiveness in human carriers of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1360780. Understanding the mechanisms underlying FKBP5 polymorphism‐associated glucocorticoid responsiveness in the CNS will lead to a better understanding of stress regulation or associated pathology. To study these mechanisms, two novel humanized mouse lines were generated. The lines carried either the risk (A/T) allele or the resilient (C/G) allele of rs1360780. Primary cells from CNS (astrocytes, microglia, and neurons) were analyzed for their basal expression levels of FKBP5 and their responsiveness to glucocorticoids. Differential expression of FKBP5 was found for these cell types and negatively correlated with the cellular glucocorticoid responsiveness. Astrocytes revealed the strongest transcriptional response, followed by microglia and neurons. Furthermore, the risk allele (A/T) was associated with greater induction of FKBP5 than the resilience allele. Novel FKBP5‐humanized mice display differential glucocorticoid responsiveness due to a single intronic SNP. The vulnerability to stress signaling in the shape of glucocorticoids in the brain correlated with FKBP5 expression levels. The strong responsiveness of astrocytes to glucocorticoids implies astrocytes play a prominent role in the stress response, and in FKBP5‐related differences in glucocorticoid signaling. The novel humanized mouse lines will allow for further study of the role that FKBP5 SNPs have in risk and resilience to stress pathology.
One more time on the alleged repugnance of Kant's ethics? Schiller's Kallias letters and the entirety of the human being
Authors: Falduto Antonino
Published: October 2020

In this paper, I consider theKallias Lettersin connection with Kant's account of moral action in order to analyse Schiller's characterisation of Kant's conception of constraint as aesthetically repugnant. I show how Schiller treats the difficulties inherent to the dualistic view that human beings consist in irreducibly sensible and rational natures. After elucidating the fundamental distinctions between Kant's and Schiller's views, I argue that, although Schiller's charge of repugnance appears too weak to pose a serious threat to Kant's ethics, it nevertheless indicates a significant problem in Kant's dualistic conception of the human being.
Functional connectivity and topology in patients with restless legs syndrome: a case–control resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Tuovinen N. , Stefani A. , Mitterling T. , Heidbreder A. , Frauscher B. , Gizewski E. R. , Poewe W. , Högl B. , Scherfler C.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Functional connectivity studies revealed alterations within thalamic, salience, and default mode networks in restless legs syndrome patients.

Methods

Eighty‐two patients with restless legs syndrome (untreated, n = 30; on dopaminergic medication, n = 42; on alpha‐2‐delta ligands as mono‐ or polytherapy combined with dopaminergic medication, n = 10), and 82 individually age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were studied with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Connectivity of 12 resting‐state networks was investigated with independent component analysis, and network topology was studied with graph methods among 410 brain regions.

Results

Patients with restless legs syndrome showed significantly higher connectivity within salience (p = 0.029), executive (p = 0.001), and cerebellar (p = 0.041) networks, as well as significantly lower (p < 0.05) cerebello‐frontal communication compared to controls. In addition, they had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) clustering coefficient and local efficiency in motor and frontal regions; lower clustering coefficient in the central sulcus; and lower local efficiency in the central opercular cortex, temporal, parieto‐occipital, cuneus, and occipital regions compared to controls. Untreated patients had significantly lower (p < 0.05) cerebello‐parietal communication compared to healthy controls. Connectivity between the thalamus and frontal regions was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in patients on dopaminergic medication compared to untreated patients and controls.

Conclusions

Networks with higher intranetwork connectivity (i.e., salience, executive, cerebellar) and lower cerebello‐frontal connectivity in the restless legs syndrome patients, as well as lower cerebello‐parietal connectivity in untreated patients, correspond to regions associated with attention, response inhibitory control, and processing of sensory information. Intact cerebello‐parietal communication and increased thalamic connectivity to the prefrontal regions in patients on dopaminergic medication suggests a treatment effect on thalamus.
Multimorbidity patterns, all‐cause mortality and healthy aging in older English adults: Results from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Nguyen Hai , Wu Yu‐Tzu , Dregan Alexandru , Vitoratou Silia , Chua Kia‐Chong , Prina A Matthew
Published: October 2020

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between multimorbidity, healthy aging and mortality.

Methods

Using data from 9171 individuals aged ≥50 years at wave 2 and mortality data at wave 5 of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, a multiple linear regression model and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to investigate how multimorbidity patterns (identified as cardiorespiratory/arthritis/cataracts, metabolic and relatively healthy) were associated with a composite index of healthy aging (derived from 41 intrinsic capacity and functional ability items) and with mortality.

Results

A total of 60% of the sample with multimorbidity had a moderate or high level of healthy aging. Both the cardiorespiratory/arthritis/cataracts group (n = 1826) and the metabolic group (n = 844) were negatively associated with healthy aging. The expected healthy aging index score decreased by 5.81 points (95% CI −6.69, −4.92) for the first group, and by 2.39 points (95% CI −3.54, −1.24) for the latter group. Only the cardiorespiratory/arthritis/cataracts group was positively associated with mortality. The risk of death for this group was 1.27‐fold (95% CI: 1.14, 1.43) than the relatively healthy group. The relationship between multimorbidity patterns and mortality did not differ when considering levels of healthy aging.

Conclusions

Although it is not impossible for people with multimorbidity to age healthily, those with the most complex combination of diseases are at higher risk of death and have lower levels of healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1126–1132.
Restroom restrictions: How race and sexuality have affected bathroom legislation
Authors: Spence‐Mitchell Tynslei
Published: October 2020

This research details how current bathroom legislation that discriminates against trans individuals is rooted in the same discriminatory practices that permitted Jim Crow bathroom policies to exist. Sexualities that are considered nonwhite, non‐heterosexual, or non‐cisgendered are considered “othered,” as they are perceived to be a threat to the fertility of cis white women. This study details how sexuality stereotypes have been defined between white and black men and women, homosexual people, and trans‐people (with an emphasis on trans women).
The determinants of expected returns on higher education in Russia: A human capital theory approach
Authors: Prakhov Ilya
Published: October 2020

This paper evaluates the determinants of the value of investment in higher education (absolute expected returns from higher education) among students of Russian universities, accounting for variations in the socio‐economic development of different Russian regions. Based on the longitudinal study, ‘Trajectories in Education and Careers’, it shows that the average salary in a region is positively related to the individual estimates of expected salaries after graduation. In general, the results correspond to human capital theory, and confirm the rationality of students’ salary expectations. The expected salary shortly after graduation from university is positively related to the academic achievement demonstrated in the university entrance exam (the Unified State Exam, or USE), full‐time study and prior work experience. Male students expect to receive higher salaries compared to female students. Students who study for free expect lower salaries compared to those students who cover their tuition costs. Indirect influence (through USE results) of the characteristics of students’ schools and of their parents’ education on expected salary was found. In addition, we discovered a direct and indirect relationship between family income and expected salaries after university graduation.
Cultural Heritage, Genocide, and Normative Agency
Authors: Davidavičiūtė Rasa
Published: October 2020

In this article, I explore the possibility of treating cultural destruction and the destruction of cultural heritage as a genocidal act. My argument proceeds in two stages. I first suggest that we ought to view cultural destruction as a necessary by‐product of genocide and a member of a set of jointly sufficient conditions for genocide. However, to securely establish that cultural destruction and the destruction of cultural heritage ought to be viewed as genocidal acts, we need to additionally show why loss of culture and heritage are significant harms, comparable to other instances of genocide. In light of this, I then propose an account of the harms of cultural destruction that grounds these harms in loss of normative agency and show how destruction of cultural heritage contributes to this. In particular, I argue that cultural heritage can be viewed both as a condition for normative agency and as itself an expression of normative agency.
Protective effect of Aster tataricus extract on NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis of bladder urothelial cells
Authors: Wang Xin , Fan Ling , Yin Hao , Zhou Yiqun , Tang Xiaolong , Fei Xiaojun , Tang Hailin , Peng Juan , Ren Xiaoqin , Xue Yi , Zhu Chunli , Luo Jianping , Jin Qinglei , Jin Qingjiang
Published: October 2020

Aster tataricus L.f. is a traditional Eastern Asian herbal medicine used for the relief of uroschesis‐related illnesses and has been demonstrated clinically to exert satisfied effects. However, the mechanism of its therapeutic action remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective mechanism of Aster tataricus extract (ATE) on CYP or LPS + ATP‐induced interstitial cystitis (IC), we successfully constructed the induced IC Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat model and IC human urothelium cell (SV‐HUC‐1) model. The main compounds of ATE were determined by LC‐MS. After intervention, the changes on the bladder wall morphology and inflammation were observed in each group. SV‐HUC1 cell viability was measured by MTT and double stained with Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide (PI). The expression levels of NLRP3, Pro‐caspase‐1, Caspsae‐1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD‐N and Cleave‐IL‐1β in vivo and in vitro in different groups were detected by Western blotting. ATE significantly alleviated oedema and haemorrhage and reduced the inflammation index and histopathological score in SD rat bladder. The results of cell revealed that ATE could improve cell viability and decrease pyroptosis ratio. The expression of NLRP3 and other pyroptosis‐related protein was remarkably decreased by ATE both in vivo and in vitro. ATE may be used as an inhibitor of NLRP3 in treating IC. The discovery of NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD‐N as a new protective pathway provides a new direction for protecting cell against IC.
A quantitative bias analysis to assess the impact of unmeasured confounding on associations between diabetes and periodontitis
Authors: Alshihayb Talal S. , Kaye Elizabeth A. , Zhao Yihong , Leone Cataldo W. , Heaton Brenda
Published: October 2020

Aim

To investigate unmeasured confounding in bidirectional associations between periodontitis and diabetes using quantitative bias analysis.

Methods

Subsamples from the Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study were selected. Adjusted for known confounders, we used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations between pre‐existing clinical periodontitis and incident Type II Diabetes (n = 672), and between pre‐existing diabetes and incident severe periodontitis (n = 521), respectively. Hypothetical confounders were simulated into the dataset using Bernoulli trials based on pre‐specified distributions of confounders within categories of each exposure and outcome. We calculated corrected hazard ratios (HR) over 10,000 bootstrapped samples.

Results

In models using periodontitis as the exposure and incident diabetes as the outcome, adjusted HR = 1.21 (95% CI: 0.64–2.30). Further adjustment for simulated confounders positively associated with periodontitis and diabetes greatly attenuated the association or explained it away entirely (HR = 1). In models using diabetes as the exposure and incident periodontitis as the outcome, adjusted HR = 1.35 (95% CI: 0.79–2.32). After further adjustment for simulated confounders, the lower bound of the simulation interval never reached the null value (HR ≥ 1.03).

Conclusions

Presence of unmeasured confounding does not explain observed associations between pre‐existing diabetes and incident periodontitis. However, presence of weak unmeasured confounding eliminated observed associations between pre‐existing periodontitis and incident diabetes. These results clarify the bidirectional periodontitis‐diabetes association.
Clinical diagnostic criteria for detrusor underactivity: A report from the Japanese Continence Society working group on underactive bladder
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Sekido Naritoshi , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Yono Makoto , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: October 2020

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a common bladder dysfunction that causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both men and women. Currently DU can only be diagnosed by an invasive urodynamic test. Underactive bladder (UAB) is the symptom‐based correlate of DU, as is the case with overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO). The International Continence Society (ICS) consensus group has recently proposed a working definition of UAB as a symptom syndrome suggestive of DU. However, a symptom complex of UAB is shared by LUTS attributable to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Thus, UAB is not specific for DU, leading to difficulties in determining a therapeutic target (DU or BOO) in the initial management of UAB. Under these circumstances, a consensus group was formed under the auspices of the Japanese Continence Society (JCS) and diagnostic criteria were produced to potentially identify patients likely to have DU, without a pressure/flow study‐based diagnosis. Certain symptoms and several noninvasive test parameters have been reported as clinical predictors of DU, and were suggested to discriminate DU from BOO. Of these predictive factors, the more commonly used parameters were used to develop clinical diagnostic criteria for DU. This article presents the clinical diagnostic criteria for DU proposed by the JCS consensus group and aims to summarize the background discussion by the group.
Genetic compensation rather than genetic assimilation drives the evolution of plasticity in response to mild warming across latitudes in a damselfly
Authors: Swaegers Janne , Spanier Katina I. , Stoks Robby
Published: October 2020

Global warming is causing plastic and evolutionary changes in the phenotypes of ectotherms. Yet, we have limited knowledge on how the interplay between plasticity and evolution shapes thermal responses and underlying gene expression patterns. We assessed thermal reaction norm patterns across the transcriptome and identified associated molecular pathways in northern and southern populations of the damselfly Ischnura elegans. Larvae were reared in a common garden experiment at the mean summer water temperatures experienced at the northern (20°C) and southern (24°C) latitudes. This allowed a space‐for‐time substitution where the current gene expression levels at 24°C in southern larvae are a proxy for the expected responses of northern larvae under gradual thermal evolution to the predicted 4°C warming. Most differentially expressed genes showed fixed differences across temperatures between latitudes, suggesting that thermal genetic adaptation will mainly evolve through changes in constitutive gene expression. Northern populations also frequently showed plastic responses in gene expression to mild warming, while southern populations were much less responsive to temperature. Thermal responsive genes in northern populations showed to a large extent a pattern of genetic compensation, namely gene expression that was induced at 24°C in northern populations remained at a lower constant level in southern populations, and were associated with metabolic and translation pathways. There was instead little evidence for genetic assimilation of an initial plastic response to mild warming. Our data therefore suggest that genetic compensation rather than genetic assimilation may drive the evolution of plasticity in response to mild warming in this damselfly species.
A positive diagnostic strategy is safe and saves endoscopies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A five‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Engsbro Anne Line , Begtrup Luise M. , Haastrup Peter , Storsveen Maria Munch , Bytzer Peter , Kjeldsen Jens , Schaffalitzky De Muckadell Ove , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: October 2020

Background

Previously, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) required exclusion of organic causes by extensive diagnostic testing. Newer guidelines recommend IBS as a positive diagnosis based on symptoms with limited testing. We investigated the long‐term safety and impact on use of health resources of a positive diagnostic strategy compared to a strategy of exclusion in patients with symptoms compatible with IBS.

Methods

In 2008‐2010, primary care patients aged 18‐50 years fulfilling the Rome III criteria for IBS without alarm signals were randomized to a positive diagnostic strategy (limited blood tests, n = 150) or a strategy of exclusion (extensive blood tests, fecal samples for intestinal parasites, and sigmoidoscopy with biopsies, n = 152). At five years, hospital‐registered diagnoses and use of health resources including lower endoscopies were retrieved from national registries. Participants provided 5‐year data on Rome III criteria for IBS, severity of symptoms, and quality of life.

Key results

Baseline mean age was 31.4 (SD 9.1) years; 79% were female. No cases of celiac disease, and gastrointestinal or gynecological cancers were diagnosed within five years. Negligible and comparable numbers were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, benign gynecological conditions, and upper GI conditions in the two groups. The positive diagnosis strategy carried a higher number of lower endoscopies from year 1 to 5 (23 patients versus 13 patients in the exclusion group), but overall saved endoscopies.

Conclusions & Inferences

A positive diagnosis of IBS was as safe as a diagnosis of exclusion in a five‐year perspective and saved lower endoscopies; the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov numbers: NCT00659763/NCT01153295.
Critical thinking in nursing clinical practice, education and research: From attitudes to virtue
Authors: Falcó‐Pegueroles Anna , Rodríguez‐Martín Dolors , Ramos‐Pozón Sergio , Zuriguel‐Pérez Esperanza
Published: October 2020

Critical thinking is a complex, dynamic process formed by attitudes and strategic skills, with the aim of achieving a specific goal or objective. The attitudes, including the critical thinking attitudes, constitute an important part of the idea of good care, of the good professional. It could be said that they become a virtue of the nursing profession. In this context, the ethics of virtue is a theoretical framework that becomes essential for analyse the critical thinking concept in nursing care and nursing science. Because the ethics of virtue consider how cultivating virtues are necessary to understand and justify the decisions and guide the actions. Based on selective analysis of the descriptive and empirical literature that addresses conceptual review of critical thinking, we conducted an analysis of this topic in the settings of clinical practice, training and research from the virtue ethical framework. Following JBI critical appraisal checklist for text and opinion papers, we argue the need for critical thinking as an essential element for true excellence in care and that it should be encouraged among professionals. The importance of developing critical thinking skills in education is well substantiated; however, greater efforts are required to implement educational strategies directed at developing critical thinking in students and professionals undergoing training, along with measures that demonstrate their success. Lastly, we show that critical thinking constitutes a fundamental component in the research process, and can improve research competencies in nursing. We conclude that future research and actions must go further in the search for new evidence and open new horizons, to ensure a positive effect on clinical practice, patient health, student education and the growth of nursing science.
The inhibitory effect of the deubiquitinase cylindromatosis (CYLD) on inflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Fu Yong‐Wei , Li Lu , Wang Xiao‐Qian , Zhou Yi , Zhu Li‐Fang , Mei You‐Min , Xu Yan
Published: October 2020

Objective

Experiments were performed to evaluate CYLD expression in human gingival tissue samples and to examine the effects of CYLD on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ or TNF‐α‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for CYLD and p65 expression was performed with healthy and inflamed gingival tissue samples. siRNA was used to knock down the expression of CYLD in HGFs. Upon LPS or TNF‐α stimulation, NF‐κB activation was detected in control and CYLD‐knockdown HGFs. RT‐PCR was applied to determine gene expression. Western blot analyses were employed to assess protein expression. Immunofluorescence staining was carried out to evaluate the nuclear translocation of p65.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining showed the expression of CYLD in human gingival tissues. In addition, CYLD protein expression was reduced in inflamed gingival tissue samples compared with healthy tissue samples. CYLD knockdown greatly enhanced the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS‐ or TNF‐α‐stimulated HGFs. Furthermore, knocking down CYLD expression increased LPS‐stimulated NF‐κB activation in HGFs. Unexpectedly, CYLD knockdown did not affect TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CYLD participates in periodontal inflammatory responses by negatively regulating LPS‐induced NF‐κB signalling.
Regeneration of lingual musculature in rats using myoblasts over porcine bladder acellular matrix
Authors: Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , García‐Carrillo Nuria , Buendía Antonio Julián , Navarro Jose Antonio , Peñarrocha‐Oltra David , Peñarrocha‐Diago Miguel , Lacal‐Luján Jose
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To use tissue engineering muscle repair (TEMR) for regenerating the lingual musculature of hemiglossectomized rats using neonatal myoblasts (NM) on porcine acellular urinary bladder matrix (AUBM).

Material and Methods

The study used 80 male rats. A volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury was created on the left side of the tongue. The rats were randomized into four groups: Group 1 (AUBM + myoblasts); Group 2 (AUBM); Group 3 (myoblasts); and Group 4 (control). NM were obtained from neonatal rats. The animals were weighed on day 0 and just before euthanasia. Five rats in each group were euthanized at days 2, 14, 28, and 42; the tongues were prepared for morphometric analysis, postoperative left hemitongue weight, and immunohistochemical analysis (desmin, CD‐31, and anti‐neurofilament).

Results

The weight gain from greatest to least was as follows: AUBM + myoblasts > myoblasts > AUBM > control. The tongue dorsum occupied by VML, and difference in mg between control side and intervened side from least to great was as follows: AUBM + myoblasts < myoblasts < AUBM < control. The order from highest to lowest antibody positivity was as follows: AUBM + myoblasts > myoblasts > AUBM > control.

Conclusion

The use of porcine AUBM and NM for the regeneration of lingual musculature was found to be an effective TEMR treatment for repairing tongue VML injury.
Lumbar Sympathetic Block for Intractable Lower‐Limb Postherpetic Neuralgia: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ozturk Ekim Can , Sencan Savas , Gunduz Osman Hakan
Published: October 2020

Lumbar sympathetic block is a commonly used technique for sympathetically mediated pain syndromes. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is also accepted to be associated with sympathetic system activation. While sympathetic blocks were utilized for upper‐extremity or face‐related PHN, there has not been any report regarding lower‐extremity PHN, as it is an uncommon region. Here, we present two cases of systemic drug‐resistant PHN in lower limb, relieved with lumbar sympathetic block. Both patients had at least 50% reduction in numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at the end of 6 months. Lumbar sympathetic block could be considered in the treatment of lower‐limb PHN. More reports and controlled trials are needed for further understanding the role of the intervention in this neuropathic pain syndrome.
Impact of DNA integrity on the success rate of tissue‐based next‐generation sequencing: Lessons from nationwide cancer genome screening project SCRUM‐Japan GI‐SCREEN
Authors: Kuwata Takeshi , Wakabayashi Masashi , Hatanaka Yutaka , Morii Eiichi , Oda Yoshinao , Taguchi Kenichi , Noguchi Masayuki , Ishikawa Yuichi , Nakajima Takashi , Sekine Shigeki , Nomura Shogo , Okamoto Wataru , Fujii Satoshi , Yoshino Takayuki ,   SCRUM‐Japan GI‐SCREEN Pathology Group
Published: October 2020

In the nationwide cancer genome screening project SCRUM‐Japan GI‐SCREEN, 2590 archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues from 19 institutions were analyzed with two tissue‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panels at the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)‐certified College of American Pathologists (CAP)‐accredited central laboratory. The Oncomine Cancer Research Panel (OCP; 143 genes) succeeded in producing validated results for only 68.3% of the samples (%OCP‐success). CE‐IVD (25 genes) succeeded in 45.9% of the OCP‐failed samples, leading to an overall NGS success (%combined‐success) rate as high as 82.9%. Among 2573 samples, the DNA‐integrity (ΔCt)‐high (ΔCt < 4.4, n = 1253) samples showed significantly higher %OCP‐ and %combined‐success rates (90.2% and 97.4%, respectively) than the DNA‐integrity‐intermediate (4.4 < ΔCt < 6.3, n = 911; 68.9% and 88.7%) and DNA‐integrity‐low ones (ΔCt > 6.3 or polymerase chain reaction‐failed, n = 409; 5.6% and 24.7%). Other factors associated with NGS success included the FFPE‐sample storage period (<4 years), the specimen type (surgical) and the primary tumor site (colorectal). Multivariable analysis revealed DNA integrity as the factor with the strongest independent association with NGS success, although it was suggested that other institution‐specific factors contribute to the discordance of inter‐institutional NGS success rates. Our results emphasize the importance of DNA quality in FFPE samples for NGS tests and the impact of DNA integrity on quality monitoring of pathology specimens for achieving successful NGS.
Influence of salt stress on C4 photosynthesis in Miscanthus sinensis Anderss.
Authors: Sun Q. , Yamada T. , Han Y. , Takano T.
Published: October 2020

Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. is a good candidate for C4 bioenergy crop development for marginal lands. As one of the characteristics of marginal lands, salinization is a major limitation to agricultural production. The present work aimed to investigate the possible factors involved in the tolerance of M. sinensis C4 photosynthesis to salinity stress.

Seedlings of two accessions (salt‐tolerant ‘JM0119’ and salt‐sensitive ‘JM0099’) were subjected to 0 mm NaCl (control) or 250 mm NaCl (salt stress treatment) for 2 weeks. The chlorophyll content, parameters of photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence, activity of C4 enzymes and expression of C4 genes were measured.

The results showed that photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, chlorophyll content, PSII operating efficiency, coefficient of photochemical quenching, activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) and gene expression of PEPC and PPDK under salinity were higher after long‐term salinity exposure in ‘JM0119’ than in ‘JM0099’, while activity of NADP‐malate dehydrogenase (NADP‐MDH) and NADP‐malic enzyme (NADP‐ME), together with expression of NADP‐MDH and NADP‐ME, were much higher in ‘JM0099’ than in ‘JM0119’.

In conclusion, the increased photosynthetic capacity under long‐term salt stress in the salt‐tolerant relative to the salt‐sensitive M. sinensis accession was mainly associated with non‐stomatal factors, such as reduced chlorophyll loss, higher PSII operating efficiency, enhanced activity of PEPC and PPDK and relatively lower activity of NADP‐ME.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Strategic Deployment of the China Model in Africa
Authors: Hodzi Obert , Åberg John H. S.
Published: October 2020

This introductory article examines the concept of strategic localization, which is central to the theme of this Special Issue of Politics & Policy. We focus on how African states, for regime survival and/or pragmatic reasons, reinterpret China's development discourse and preferences and implement them in their local contexts. We hypothesize that the China model of development has become a rhetorical commonplace used to legitimize policies perceived to be: (1) better for regime survival (e.g., no political conditionalities; dissemination of resources to elites); and (2) superior to other development models (more suitable for developing countries, better at developing strong states). The article will also give a synopsis of the other articles in the Special Issue—highlighting their main arguments and findings.

Related Articles (in this Special Issue)

Åberg, John H. S., and Derick Becker. 2020. “China as Exemplar: Justin Lin, New Structural Economics, and the Unorthodox Orthodoxy of the China Model.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Babones, Salvatore. 2020. “China's Development Model: Can it be Replicated in Sub‐Saharan Africa?” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Hodzi, Obert. 2020. “African Political Elites and the Making(s) of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).
Identification and pathogenicity of Neophysopella species associated with Asian grapevine leaf rust in Brazil
Authors: Santos Ricardo F. , Primiano Isabela V. , Amorim Lilian
Published: October 2020

Asian grapevine leaf rust (AGLR) causes severe crop losses in Brazilian viticulture, mainly in latitudes <25°S. The purpose of this study was to identify the pathogen(s) involved with AGLR in Brazil, based on phylogenetic and morphological analysis and pathogenicity tests. In total, 56 monouredinial isolates from six Brazilian states were identified using the internal transcribed spacer 2 and the large subunit rRNA gene D1/D2 regions. All 50 isolates from the south‐central region were classified as Neophysopella tropicalis, and the other six isolates from the north‐east region as Neophysopella meliosmae‐myrianthae. This result provides evidence that two pathogen introductions from different sources may have occurred in the country. For both species, paraphyses were cylindrical, incurved, aseptate, and hyaline, while urediniospores were short‐pedicellate, obovoid or obovoid‐ellipsoid, with the wall colourless or pale yellowish, evenly echinulate. Representative isolates from both species caused typical AGLR symptoms on Vitis vinifera 'Merlot' and V. labrusca 'Niagara Rosada'. Overall, regardless of the Neophysopella species, isolates caused similar leaf disease severities. Higher disease severity was observed in Niagara Rosada (average of 40.3% of diseased leaf area) compared to Merlot (20.5%). This study reports, for the first time, the characterization of Neophysopella species associated with AGLR in Brazil.
Argentinian potato leafroll virus P0 protein: Novel activities for a previously known suppressor
Authors: Barrios Barón María P. , Delfosse Verónica C. , Agrofoglio Yamila C. , Nahirñak Vanesa , Almasia Natalia I. , Vazquez Rovere Cecilia , Distéfano Ana J.
Published: October 2020

The potato leafroll virus (PLRV) P0 protein (P0PL) is a suppressor of RNA silencing. In this study, we showed that P0 protein from an Argentinian isolate of PLRV (P0PL‐Ar) has an additional activity not described for other PLRV or P0 proteins from poleroviruses. Besides reporting that P0PL‐Ar displays both local and systemic silencing suppressor activity, we demonstrated, for the first time, that P0PL‐Ar impedes accumulation of dsRNA‐derived siRNAs. We also showed that P0PL‐Ar interacts with Solanum tuberosum SKP1 orthologue (StSKP1) and triggers destabilization of ARGONAUTE 1 (AGO1) and that these actions are mediated by the F‐box‐like domain. A mutant in the GW/WG motif within the P0PL‐Ar F‐box‐like motif lost the suppression activity, the interaction with StSKP1 and abolished AGO1 decay. Interestingly, a mutant in the L76/P77 residues within the P0PL‐Ar F‐box‐like motif, which lost the suppression activity and the interaction with StSKP1, retained the capacity to enable AGO1 decay. Thus, unlike other P0 proteins of previously characterized poleroviruses, P0PL‐Ar seems to have a dual activity, according to the findings of this study. This protein would act at both an upstream and a downstream step of the RNA silencing pathway: upstream of Dicer‐like enzyme (DCL)‐mediated primary siRNA production and downstream at the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) complex level. Our results contribute to the understanding of the different ways PLRV P0 proteins function as silencing suppressors.
Catholicism as a lived religion in Africa
Authors: Lado Ludovic
Published: October 2020

There is abundance of literature on African Catholicism, but it is unevenly distributed across disciplines in humanities and social sciences. Theology as indicated in the first section of this study takes the lion's share followed by historical and social sciences. African Christian studies, of which African Catholic studies are a sub‐field, have been dominated by three main topics: the missionary encounter and local appropriations of Christianity, African Independent Churches and Pentecostalism. Overall, Catholicism has been the poor relative of African Christian studies, especially with regard to social sciences which seem better equipped than theology to explore lived Catholicism. But recent developments in scholarship on the anthropology of global Christianity are stimulating a growing interest in the anthropology of global Catholicism which in turn should lead to more research and publications on lived Catholicism in Africa. As Catholicism continue to grow in Africa and as Africans continue to take over from Western missionaries, more studies, especially from social scientists, are needed to answer the question: what does it mean to be a Catholic in Africa?
Trust or Control? The Role of Group Size in Governing Small‐scale Irrigation Facilities*
Authors: Miao Shanshan , Zhu Xueqin , Heijman Wim , Xu Zengwei , Lu Qian
Published: October 2020

One of the key issues in collective action is whether stakeholders are able to realize commons governance through a trust‐based mode or control‐based mode. This paper, examines whether trust and control affect the commons governance for small‐scale irrigation facilities, and the moderating effects of group size on the relationship between trust and control and cooperative performance. The data were collected from 504 households who participated in the collective action for small‐scale irrigation facilities in Shaanxi, Gansu Province, and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of Northwest China. The analysis was performed by Structural Equation modeling and hierarchical regression. The findings show that trust and control are contrasting forces that influence the participation degree and the cooperative performance, although their relationship is not of a simple supplementary character but could be moderated by the group size. Both trust‐based and control‐based modes of irrigation management are effective in small groups, whereas only a control‐based mode of management has an effect in big groups. The theoretical contribution of this paper clarifies the mechanisms through which the contrasting forces of group size are exerted on trust and control, directly and indirectly influences the participation degree and the cooperative performance in commons governance.
First report of straelensiosis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Sargo Roberto F.J. , Mota Stéphanie M. , Loureiro Filipa R.F. , Sousa Luís M.C. , Silva Filipe C. , Prada Justina
Published: October 2020

Background

Straelensia cynotis, a trombidioid larval mite, was identified as a cause of nodular dermatitis in dogs in Southern Europe. It has been suggested that red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a natural host for S. cynotis. However, no case has been reported in this species.

Objective

To describe three suspected cases of straelensiosis in red foxes.

Animals

Three juvenile wild red foxes from Portugal.

Results

Erythematous papules and nodules were found in the head, neck and limbs of these foxes with no associated pruritus. In skin biopsies, well‐preserved larval mites were found within dilated hair follicles. These follicular lesions were multifocal and consisted of a degenerative and necrotic area nearby the parasite’s mouthparts with marked pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and perifollicular mucinosis. These features are considered pathognomonic in S. cynotis infestations in dogs. Treatment and outcome are outlined.

Conclusions and clinical importance

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present case series documents the first known occurrence of nodular dermatitis by Straelensia spp. in red foxes. This new evidence may corroborate participation of the red fox in the life cycle of S. cynotis.
Evaluation of the effects of medial saphenous venous pressures as an indirect method of measurement of intra‐abdominal pressures in the horse
Authors: Munsterman Amelia S. , Gillen Alexandra M. , Coleridge Matthew O. D. , Hanson R. Reid
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of changes in intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) on medial saphenous venous pressure (MSVP) and hemodynamics in normal horses.

Design

Experimental, in‐vivo study.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital.

Animals

Convenience sample of 7 mixed breed horses; 5 geldings, and 2 mares.

Interventions

Pneumoperitoneum was induced in horses under standing sedation with carbon dioxide gas using a laparoscopic insufflator for a total of 60 minutes to simulate clinical elevation in IAP. Pressure was increased stepwise to 20 mm Hg over 30 minutes, and maintained at that pressure for 30 minutes to evaluate the effect of sustained intra‐abdominal hypertension. The MSVP and vital parameters were recorded, along with direct arterial blood pressure from the transverse facial artery.

Measurements and Main Results

As IAP increased, MSVP increased in a stepwise manner, in concert with changes in IAP. The consistency in measurement between MSVP and IAP was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92;P < 0.001) and repeated measures correlation was excellent (r = 0.98;P < 0.001). Heart rate was unchanged over the course of the experiment (P = 0.09), however, respiratory rate increased with increasing IAP (P < 0.001). Arterial blood pressure also increased with insufflation (P < 0.001), with a significant difference at an IAP of 15 mm Hg (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

This report provides preliminary data demonstrating a strong correlation between equine MSVP and changes in IAP, similar to that observed in other species. Further investigations are needed to evaluate this relationship, and to confirm these results in clinical patients.