bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difficult horses – prevalence, approaches to management of and understanding of how they develop by equine veterinarians
Authors: Pearson G. , Reardon R. , Keen J. , Waran N.
Published: July 2020

Despite the considerable risk of veterinary occupational injury due to adverse horse behaviour, limited information is available about the prevalence of unwanted equine behaviours or common approaches to managing them. An understanding of learning theory may affect veterinarians’ approaches to dealing with unwanted equine behaviours; however, learning theory is not widely taught. The aim of this study was to document the challenges equine veterinarians face when working with difficult horses and define their approaches to managing them, including their understanding of the processes through which horses learn. A link to an online survey was distributed via email amongst UK equine veterinarians. Descriptive and Kruskal–Wallis statistical analyses were performed. We found that 95% of equine veterinarians reported working with difficult horses on at least a monthly basis, resulting in 81% of them sustaining at least one injury in the last 5 years. The most popular methods of dealing with unwanted behaviours were physical and chemical restraint. 46% of those surveyed had never received any tuition on the processes through which horses learn. Despite 79% believing they had at least a moderate understanding of equine learning theory, they performed poorly when tested, with only 10% able to get at least five out of six questions correct. Further education on the subject of learning theory may be beneficial.
Can biomass supply meet the demands of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)?
Authors: Jones Michael B. , Albanito Fabrizio
Published: July 2020

To reach the reduced carbon emission targets proposed by the Paris agreement, one of the widely proposed decarbonizing strategies, referred to as negative emissions technologies (NETs), is the production and combustion of bioenergy crops in conjunction with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). However, concerns have been increasingly raised that relying on the potential of BECCS to achieve negative emissions could result in delayed reductions in gross CO2 emissions, with consequent high risk of overshooting global temperature targets. We focus on two particular issues: the carbon efficiency and payback time of bioenergy use in BECCS and the potential constraints on the supply of bioenergy. The simplistic vision of BECCS is that 1 tonne of CO2 captured in the growth of biomass equates to 1 tonne of CO2 sequestered geologically, but this cannot be the case as CO2 is emitted by variable amounts during the lifecycle from crop establishment to sequestration below ground in geological formations. The deployment of BECCS is ultimately reliant on the availability of sufficient, sustainably sourced, biomass. The two most important factors determining this supply are land availability and land productivity. The upper bounds of the area estimates required correspond to more than the world's harvested land for cereal production. To achieve these estimates of biomass availability requires the rapid evolution of a multitude of technological, social, political and economic factors. Here, we question whether, because of the limited sustainable supply of biomass, BECCS should continue to be considered the dominant NET in IPCC and other scenarios achieving the Paris targets, or should it be deemed no longer fit for purpose?
Raising awareness of transformative ecosocial work: Participatory action research with Australian practitioners
Authors: Boetto Heather , Bowles Wendy , Närhi Kati , Powers Meredith
Published: July 2020

This article reports on Participatory Action Research with social work practitioners who collaboratively explored the effects on professional practice when practitioners raise their awareness of an ecosocial work approach. Although contemporary research in the profession has contributed to the ongoing development of ecosocial work, there is a notable lack of collaboration with social work practitioners. Using a transformative ecosocial work model of practice, researchers together with social workers from a range of practice contexts met as co‐inquirers to plan, implement and evaluate ecosocial work interventions. As part of a larger international study, this article reports on research outcomes within the Australian context. Overall, results indicate that practitioners incorporated interventions across personal, individual, group and organisational levels of practice, but were constrained by structural elements at broader levels. Continuing the development of ecosocial work requires further collaborative exploration with practitioners, which takes into consideration communities and broader social and political systems.

Key Practitioner Messages: • This research endeavours to contribute to the evidence‐base for progressing transformative ecosocial work in professional practice; • Using Participatory Action Research (PAR), this research was done in collaboration with social work practitioners as co‐inquirers to develop ecosocial work interventions; • A range of ecosocial work interventions were implemented at the personal, individual, group and organisational levels.
Searching for Stability: Onward Migration and Pathways of Precarious Incorporation in and Out of Spain
Authors: Ramos Cristina
Published: July 2020

This paper contributes to the literature on multiple migrations by using qualitative data to address two questions. First, why do some migrants engage in multiple moves that may include returns or re‐migrations? Second, how do migrants frame these multiple migrations? The paper focuses on the paths of Colombians and Ecuadorians in Spain as they reacted to the 2008 economic crisis, which severely affected their employment options. The crisis started a new migratory cycle in Spain, with significant numbers of migrants who returned to countries of origin or migrated onward. This paper argues that precarious incorporations leave migrants susceptible to economic shocks and push many to move again. New migrations are often a constant search for stability that is marked by precarity and mediated by economic resources, gendered expectations and generational attachments.
A novel green‐emitting luminescent materials with broad‐band emission for high‐quality warm white LED indoor lighting
Authors: Chen Hang , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2020

Following the rapid growth of lighting technology, and in order to satisfy the higher requirement of people for lighting, the high‐quality warm white lighting for indoors has stolen much limelight of researchers. Herein, a novel green phosphor Ce3+‐doped Ca2GdHf2(AlO4)3with garnet structure which can be used for warm white LED was developed by solid‐state method. Under 410 nm light excitation, the phosphor exhibits broad emission spectrum from 450 to 700 nm with FWHM more than 120 nm, and it also owns high internal quantum efficiency of 83.6%. The energy transfer among the activators was identified according to the concentration quenching and decrease of decay time, which belongs to dipole‐dipole interaction. The calculated activation energy is about 0.255 eV, indicating the moderate thermal stability. The fabricated white LED device with low CCT (3807 K) and high CRI (Ra = 89.2) demonstrates its superiority and possibility of practical application in high‐quality warm white LED fields for indoor lighting fields.
Construct validity of the Actiwatch‐2 for assessing movement in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: van Alphen Helena J. M. , Waninge Aly , Minnaert Alexander E. M. G. , Post Wendy J. , van der Putten Annette A. J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Valid measures to assess either small or assisted performed movements of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) are required. We analysed the construct validity of the Actiwatch‐2 to assess movement in people with PIMD.

Method

Twenty‐two persons with PIMD were video recorded while wearing an Actiwatch‐2. We used 15s‐partial‐interval recording to record upper body movement, body position and activity situation. Multilevel analyses were used to evaluate if the Actiwatch‐2, based on produced counts, could detect changes in these factors.

Results

The presence versus absence of upper body movement and an activity situation in which participants were involved versus not involved resulted in significantly higher counts, with a large variety in predicted counts between participants. No relationship between body position and counts was found.

Conclusions

The Actiwatch‐2 seems able to assess obvious upper body movement in people with PIMD, and whether there is involvement in an activity situation.
Bank accounting conservatism and bank loan quality
Authors: Ha Joohyung
Published: July 2020

This study examines the effect of conditional conservatism in loan loss accounting—recognizing bad news in a timely fashion and deferring the recognition of gains—on a bank's own monitoring effort as reflected in its loan portfolio quality using a sample of publicly traded bank holding companies in the United States over the period 1994–2015. Sample banks adopting conservative loan loss accounting practices have lower nonperforming loans (NPLs) and lower net charge‐offs (NCOs), consistent with conservatism enhancing monitoring over lending decisions by improving financial transparency. The paper further finds that the effect of conservatism on loan quality is more pronounced for banks with high ex ante information asymmetry or distress risk and during low and high lending growth cycles, when loan quality is likely to deteriorate. Collectively, the findings suggest that conservative reporting reduces banks’ risk‐taking in lending. These findings should be of interest to regulators and policymakers who debate how to incentivize banks to use the discretion inherent in their loan loss provisioning in ways that are more informative and less opportunistic.
Follicle‐stimulating hormone impairs dental pulp stem cells odontogenic differentiation
Authors: Qian Hua , Guan Xiaoyue
Published: July 2020

In addition to bone, the dentin‐pulp complex is also influenced by menopause, showing a decreased regenerative capacity. High levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) during menopause could directly regulate bone metabolism. Here, the role of FSH in the odontogenic differentiation of the dentin‐pulp complex was investigated. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were isolated. CCK‐8 assays, cell apoptosis assays, Western blotting (WB), real‐time RT‐PCR, alkaline phosphatase activity assays, and Alizarin Red S staining were used to clarify the effects of FSH on the proliferation, apoptosis and odontogenic differentiation of the DPSCs. MAPK pathway‐related factors were explored by WB assays. FSH and its inhibitor were used in OVX rats combined with a direct pulp‐capping model. HE and immunohistochemistry were used to detect reparative dentin formation and related features. The results indicated that FSH significantly decreased the odontogenic differentiation of the DPSCs without affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, FSH significantly activated the JNK signalling pathway, and JNK inhibitor partly rescued the inhibitory effect of FSH on DPSC differentiation. In vivo, FSH treatment attenuated the dentin bridge formation and mineralization‐related protein expression in the OVX rats. Our findings indicated that FSH reduced the odontogenic capacity of the DPSCs and was involved in reparative dentinogenesis during menopause.
RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates the effect of oestrogen on regulating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and proliferation in endometriosis
Authors: Huang Zhi‐Xiong , Mao Xiao‐Mei , Wu Rong‐Feng , Huang Shao‐Min , Ding Xin‐Yu , Chen Qiong‐Hua , Chen Qing‐Xi
Published: July 2020

Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological disease appearing with pelvic pain, rising dysmenorrhoea and infertility seriously impacting on 10% of reproductive‐age females. This research attempts to demonstrate the function and molecular mechanism of RhoA/ROCK pathway on epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation in endometriosis. The expression of Rho family was abnormally changed in endometriotic lesions; in particular, RhoA and ROCK1/2 were significantly elevated. Overexpression of RhoA in human eutopic endometrial epithelial cells (eutopic EECs) enhanced the cell mobility, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation, and RhoA knockdown exhibited the opposite function. Oestrogen up‐regulated the RhoA activity and expression of RhoA and ROCK1/2. RhoA overexpression reinforced the effect of oestrogen on promoting EMT and proliferation, and RhoA knockdown impaired the effect of oestrogen. oestrogen receptor α (ERα) was involved with the regulation of oestrogen on EMT and proliferation and up‐regulated RhoA activity and expression of RhoA and ROCK1/2. The function of ERα was modulated by the change in RhoA expression. Furthermore, phosphorylated ERK that was enhanced by oestrogen and ERα promoted the protein expression of RhoA/ROCK pathway. Endometriosis mouse model revealed that oestrogen enhanced the size and weight of endometriotic lesions. The expression of RhoA and phosphorylated ERK in mouse endometriotic lesions was significantly elevated by oestrogen. We conclude that abnormal activated RhoA/ROCK pathway in endometriosis is responsible for the function of oestrogen/ERα/ERK signalling, which promoted EMT and proliferation and resulted in the development of endometriosis.
Exploring dietary changes in an interdisciplinary intervention trial: Application of a dietary guidelines food composition database
Authors: Zoszak K. , Neale E. , Tapsell L. , Probst Y.
Published: July 2020

Background

Consumption of food groups aligning with dietary guidelines is advised for obesity management and was used in a recent lifestyle intervention trial, the Health Track study. We have conducted a number of dietary pattern analyses on this trial but, with recent access to the new Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) food composition database, we can now assess ADG adherence, with the advantage of categorising mixed dishes. The present study aimed to compare changes over time in consumption of ADG food groups.

Methods

Secondary analysis of baseline and three‐month diet history data was conducted. Participants received individualised dietary advice (I), individualised dietary advice plus 30 g of walnuts per day (IW) or usual care (C). The ADG database was used to determine food group servings with changes in five food groups used as a measure of dietary quality.

Results

Fruit and vegetable intakes increased in the IW (+0.4 and +1.1 serves, P < 0.05) and I (+0.5 and +0.4 serves, P > 0.05) arms. Consumption of meat/protein foods increased in the IW arm (+0.3 serves, P > 0.05) but decreased in the I and C arms (both − 0.4 serves, P < 0.05). Consumption of grains and milk/alternatives decreased in all study arms (P < 0.05). Greater improvements in grain and dairy food quality were observed in the intervention arms.

Conclusions

The ADG database enabled ADG specific food group analysis, addressed food quality and showed the HealthTrack intervention increased adherence to dietary guidelines compared to usual care.
Epidermal restriction confers robustness to organ shapes
Authors: Zhou Lüwen , Du Fei , Feng Shiliang , Hu Jinrong , Lü Shouqin , Long Mian , Jiao Yuling
Published: July 2020

The shape of comparable tissues and organs is consistent among individuals of a given species, but how this consistency or robustness is achieved remains an open question. The interaction between morphogenetic factors determines organ formation and subsequent shaping, which is ultimately a mechanical process. Using a computational approach, we show that the epidermal layer is essential for the robustness of organ geometry control. Specifically, proper epidermal restriction allows organ asymmetry maintenance, and the tensile epidermal layer is sufficient to suppress local variability in growth, leading to shape robustness. The model explains the enhanced organ shape variations in epidermal mutant plants. In addition, differences in the patterns of epidermal restriction may underlie the initial establishment of organ asymmetry. Our results show that epidermal restriction can answer the longstanding question of how cellular growth noise is averaged to produce precise organ shapes, and the findings also shed light on organ asymmetry establishment.
An Evaluation of Mechanisms of Change in Multisystemic Therapy for Juvenile Justice‐Involved Youths A Decade Following Treatment
Authors: Sheerin Kaitlin M. , Borduin Charles M. , Brown Cynthia E. , Letourneau Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2020

Although researchers have identified the more immediate mechanisms of change in family‐based treatments for juvenile justice‐involved youths, it is not known whether these same mechanisms continue to prevent criminal offending into adulthood. The present study evaluated whether caregiver‐directed improvements in family relations, youth prosocial peer relations, and youth academic performance during multisystemic therapy (MST) for serious and violent juvenile offenders had an impact on young adult involvement in criminal activity and sentencing 10.2 years following treatment. The results showed that improvements in family relations were associated with reduced odds of criminal outcomes a decade later for former MST participants. Furthermore, improvements in youth prosocial peer relations and academic performance were also related to lower odds of long‐term criminal activity. These results are consistent with the underlying theory of change in family‐based treatments and demonstrate that caregivers are critical to achieving and sustaining decreased antisocial behavior for youths with serious and violent criminal histories.
Dexamethasone combined metronidazole on mammary duct ectasia and its relationship with serum IL‐10 and IL‐17
Authors: Tong Yuwen , Hao Yuandong , Gao Xiangyu , Sun Yanshen , Wang Wentao
Published: July 2020

Aim

To explore the effect of dexamethasone combined with metronidazole in the treatment of mammary duct ectasia (MDE) and its relationship with changes in serum interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and IL‐17 expression.

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients with MDE were divided into two groups randomly, control and observation groups (each n = 60). Another 50 patients with normal physical examination were recruited in the normal group. The expressions of serum IL‐10 and IL‐17 in three groups before and after treatment were observed. The prediction value of IL‐10 and IL‐17 in clinical efficacy was evaluated.

Results

Among three groups, the expression of IL‐10 in the normal group was the highest (P < 0.001), but the expression of IL‐17 was the lowest (P < 0.001). After treatment, the expression of IL‐17 in observation group was lower (P < 0.001), the expression of IL‐10 was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. The areas under the IL‐10 and IL‐17 curve were 0.874 and 0.806, respectively.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone combined with metronidazole can effectively improve the clinical efficacy of MDE patient treatment and serum IL‐10 and IL‐17 can be used as potential predictors of treatment efficacy.
Platform Competition With Cash‐Back Rebates Under No Surcharge Rules
Authors: Schwartz Marius , Vincent Daniel R.
Published: July 2020

We analyze competing strategic platforms setting fees to a local monopolist merchant and cash‐back rebates to end users, when the merchant may not surcharge platforms’ customers, a rule imposed by some credit card networks. Each platform has an incentive to gain transactions by increasing the spread between its merchant fee and user rebate above its rival's spread. This incentive yields non‐existence of a pure strategy equilibrium in many natural environments. In some circumstances, a mixed strategy equilibrium exists where platforms choose fee structures that induce merchants to accept only one platform with equal probability, a form of monopolistic market allocation.
Longitudinal Associations Between Adult Relations with Intimate Partners and Siblings
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Hank Karsten , Yurkiw Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Objective

Drawing on a relational developmental systems approach, this brief report examines spillover and compensation processes in self‐disclosure and conflict in adult relations with intimate partners and siblings.

Background

Although some studies have examined links between sibling and partner relationships during adolescence, no research has examined the link between dynamics with siblings and intimate partners in adulthood.

Method

This study draws on longitudinal survey data from 1,709 individuals participating in the German Family Panel (pairfam) study and latent change score modeling to answer the research questions.

Results

Several associations supported the spillover hypothesis: those with more self‐disclosure or conflict with their partner also tended to report more self‐disclosure or conflict with their sibling at baseline and those who experienced intraindividual reductions in self‐disclosure and conflict in one relationship over time also experienced concurrent intraindividual reductions in self‐disclosure and conflict in the other relationship. Those with higher initial levels of conflict with their partner also experienced a more gradual decrease in sibling conflicts across time. Two findings provided evidence of compensatory processes: those who reported more frequent conflicts with their partner at baseline also reported higher concurrent self‐disclosure with their sibling and those experiencing increased conflict with a partner experienced steeper declines in future sibling conflict.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of considering spillover and compensation in adult relationships with siblings and intimate partners.
The Digital Transformation of Search and Recombination in the Innovation Function: Tensions and an Integrative Framework*
Authors: Lanzolla Gianvito , Pesce Danilo , Tucci Christopher L.
Published: July 2020

Search and recombination are important mechanisms in the creativity phase of innovation. Digital transformation and the resulting pervasive digitalization of the innovation function have often been associated with increasing possibilities for search and recombination. In this paper, by systematically integrating the search and recombination literature with the literature on digitalization, we demonstrate that digitalization may engender new idiosyncratic tensions in the organizational antecedents of search and recombination and, by implication, in their likely outcomes. We propose that, depending on the interactions among the idiosyncratic tensions identified herein, knowledge recombination might spur very different outcomes, including knowledge layering, knowledge integration, knowledge grafting, or even no recombination at all (which we label “search for the sake of search”). These outcomes may not always be the initially planned desired outcomes. Finally, we provide implications of our integrative framework pertaining to product development and to organizing for innovation.
Trehalose and (iso)floridoside production under desiccation stress in red alga Porphyra umbilicalis and the genes involved in their synthesis
Authors: Cao Yuanyu , Ashline David J. , Ficko‐Blean Elizabeth , Klein Anita S.
Published: July 2020

The marine red alga Porphyra umbilicalis has high tolerance toward various abiotic stresses. In this study, the contents of floridoside, isofloridoside, and trehalose were measured using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) in response to desiccation and rehydration treatments; these conditions are similar to the tidal cycles that P. umbilicalis experiences in its natural habitats. The GC‐MS analysis showed that the concentration of floridoside and isofloridoside did not change in response to desiccation as expected of compatible solutes. Genes involved in the synthesis of (iso)floridoside and trehalose were identified from the recently completed Porphyra genome, including four putative trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase (TPS) genes, two putative trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatase (TPP) genes, and one putative trehalose synthase/amylase (TreS) gene. Based on the phylogenetic, conserved domain, and gene expression analyses, it is suggested that the Pum4785 and Pum5014 genes are related to floridoside and isofloridoside synthesis, respectively, and that the Pum4637 gene is probably involved in trehalose synthesis. Our study verifies the occurrences of nanomolar concentrations trehalose in P. umbilicalis for the first time and identifies additional genes possibly encoding trehalose phosphate synthases.
Effects of the cucumber mosaic virus 2a protein on aphid–plant interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rhee Sun‐Ju , Watt Lewis G. , Bravo Ana Cazar , Murphy Alex M. , Carr John P.
Published: July 2020

The cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) 2a RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase protein has an additional function in Arabidopsis thaliana, which is to stimulate feeding deterrence (antixenosis) against aphids. Antixenosis is thought to increase the probability that aphids, after acquiring CMV particles from brief probes of an infected plant's epidermal cells, will be discouraged from settling and instead will spread inoculum to neighbouring plants. The amino acid sequences of 2a proteins encoded by a CMV strain that induces antixenosis in A. thaliana (Fny‐CMV) and one that does not (LS‐CMV) were compared to identify residues that might determine the triggering of antixenosis. These data were used to design reassortant viruses comprising Fny‐CMV RNAs 1 and 3, and recombinant CMV RNA 2 molecules encoding chimeric 2a proteins containing sequences derived from LS‐CMV and Fny‐CMV. Antixenosis induction was detected by measuring the mean relative growth rate and fecundity of aphids (Myzus persicae) confined on infected and on mock‐inoculated plants. An amino acid sequence determining antixenosis induction by CMV was found to reside between 2a protein residues 200 and 300. Subsequent mutant analysis delineated this to residue 237. We conjecture that the Fny‐CMV 2a protein valine‐237 plays some role in 2a protein‐induced antixenosis.
Indian Trichophyton mentagrophytes squalene epoxidase erg1 double mutants show high proportion of combined fluconazole and terbinafine resistance
Authors: Burmester Anke , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Uhrlaß Silke , Nenoff Pietro , Singal Archana , Verma Shyam B. , Elsner Peter , Wiegand Cornelia
Published: July 2020

Background

The Indian ITS genotype VIII Trichophyton mentagrophytes population shows a high amount of different erg1 (ergosterol) mutants encoding for squalene epoxidase, which catalyses the first step of ergosterol biosynthesis.

Objectives

Illumination of the implication of point mutations at position Ala448Thr in single and double erg1 T mentagrophytes mutants because mutants of this type were abundantly found within the Indian fungal population.

Methods

Growth in fluconazole or terbinafine containing medium was analysed using a microplate‐laser‐nephelometry (MLN)‐based growth assay.

Results

Ala 448 Thr erg1 single mutants were terbinafine sensitive, but about 50% of isolates showed an increased fluconazole resistance, whereas 95% of the double mutants (Phe 397 Leu, Ala 448Thr) demonstrated combined terbinafine and increased fluconazole resistance.

Conclusion

The new Indian T mentagrophytes populations show several point mutations in erg1. Point mutations at position 397 were previously described and cause terbinafine resistance. A large part of the double mutants exhibit resistance to terbinafine and fluconazole, demonstrating a selective advantage of the combination of both mutations.
Ataxic phenotype and neurodegeneration are triggered by the impairment of chaperone‐mediated autophagy in cerebellar neurons
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Ohta Tomoko , Morikawa Yuri , Konno Ayumu , Hirai Hirokazu , Kurauchi Yuki , Hisatsune Akinori , Katsuki Hiroshi , Seki Takahiro
Published: July 2020

Aims

Chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) is a pathway involved in the autophagy lysosome protein degradation system. CMA has attracted attention as a contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases since it participates in the degradation of disease‐causing proteins. We previously showed that CMA is generally impaired in cells expressing the proteins causing spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Therefore, we investigated the effect of CMA impairment on motor function and the neural survival of cerebellar neurons using the micro RNA (miRNA)‐mediated knockdown of lysosome‐associated protein 2A (LAMP2A), a CMA‐related protein.

Methods

We injected adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 vectors, which express green fluorescent protein (GFP) and miRNA (negative control miRNA or LAMP2A miRNA) under neuron‐specific synapsin I promoter, into cerebellar parenchyma of 4‐week‐old ICR mice. Motor function of mice was evaluated by beam walking and footprint tests. Immunofluorescence experiments of cerebellar slices were conducted to evaluate histological changes in cerebella.

Results

GFP and miRNA were expressed in interneurons (satellite cells and basket cells) in molecular layers and granule cells in the cerebellar cortices, but not in cerebellar Purkinje cells. LAMP2A knockdown in cerebellar neurons triggered progressive motor impairment, prominent loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, interneurons, granule cells at the late stage, and astrogliosis and microgliosis from the early stage.

Conclusions

CMA impairment in cerebellar interneurons and granule cells triggers the progressive ataxic phenotype, gliosis and the subsequent degeneration of cerebellar neurons, including Purkinje cells. Our present findings strongly suggest that CMA impairment is related to the pathogenesis of various SCAs.
Treatment outcomes of bumetanide continuous infusion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hansrivijit Panupong , Techorueangwiwat Chol , Khanal Resha , Dimech Christina T. , Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: July 2020

The clinical use of continuous bumetanide infusion for acute heart failure and volume overload is common. However, there is not enough supporting evidence for the use of continuous bumetanide infusion. Thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis aiming to describe the treatment outcomes of continuous bumetanide infusion. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for eligible publications. Inclusion criteria were patients age ≥18 years with bumetanide infusion for heart failure, acute kidney injury (AKI) or volume overload. From 1564 citations, three studies (n = 94 patients) were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. The mean dose of bumetanide was 1.08 ± 0.43 mg/hour with a mean treatment duration of 45.09 ± 10.12 hours. Mean urine output in response to continuous bumetanide infusion was 1.88 mL/kg/hour (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72‐2.05). The incidence of AKI with continuous bumetanide infusion was 24.7% (95% CI, 8.2‐54.6). By using Pearson's correlation coefficient, increasing doses of bumetanide were correlated with increased urine output (P = .026) and increased incidence of AKI (P < .01). There was no correlation between increasing urine output and the incidence of AKI (P = .739). In conclusion, with available evidence, continuous bumetanide infusion may be used in the treatment of acute heart failure or volume overload with close monitoring for new‐onset or worsening AKI.
Disease‐modifying treatment of chemical threat agent–induced acute lung injury
Authors: Radbel Jared , Laskin Debra L. , Laskin Jeffrey D. , Kipen Howard M.
Published: July 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a highly morbid lung pathology induced by exposure to chemical warfare agents, including vesicants, phosgene, chlorine, and ricin. In this review, we describe the pathology associated with the development of ARDS in humans and experimental models of acute lung injury following animal exposure to these high‐priority threat agents. Potential future approaches to disease‐modifying treatment used in preclinical animal studies, including antioxidants, anti‐inflammatories, biologics, and mesenchymal stem cells, are also described. As respiratory pathologies, including ARDS, are the major cause of morbidity and mortality following exposure to chemical threat agents, understanding mechanisms of disease pathogenesis is key to the development of efficacious therapeutics beyond the primary intervention principle, which remains mechanical ventilation.
Effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in preventing harmful weight gain among adolescents: A systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: Hayba Nematullah , Rissel Chris , Allman Farinelli Margaret
Published: July 2020

Obesity in adolescence is associated with stigma during school years, early emergence of co‐morbidities in adulthood and premature mortality. Adolescence presents a key window of opportunity to intervene for building healthy eating and physical activity routines and prevent weight gain. This review of reviews assesses the evidence on the effectiveness of prevention interventions conducted with adolescents. Nine reviews assessing the effects of lifestyle interventions in adolescents (defined as age 10 to 19 years old) on weight gain were identified from the 10 health databases searched. Only four reviews conducted meta‐analyses, of which, three (two exercise‐focused) demonstrated positive changes in primary outcomes of body mass index (BMI) and/or BMI z‐score (range of decrease in BMI from 0.06 to 0.47 kg/m2)). Most were conducted in school settings, and all but two reviews were of low quality. Few reviews reported external validity components that would enable clearer directions for policy makers to implement in real‐world settings. More than 140 distinct interventions were included in the reviews, but there remains a serious gap in evidence for effective interventions in adolescents.
Primary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Donnellan Eoin , Wazni Oussama M. , Hanna Mazen , Saliba Walid , Jaber Wael , Kanj Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Background

Due to the poor long‐term prognosis of patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA), the role of primary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) in this patient population remains controversial. We aimed to study the impact of primary prevention ICDs on survival in patients with ATTR‐CA.

Methods

Among 382 patients diagnosed with ATTR‐CA at our institution between 2004 and 2018, 19 had primary prevention ICDs implanted. This cohort was matched in a 1:3 manner on the basis of age, gender, ejection fraction (EF) and ATTR‐CA stage with 57 patients without cardiac devices. Patients were followed up for a mean of 23 ± 19 months. Our primary outcome of interest was all‐cause mortality.

Results

Mean EF at the time of ICD implantation was 28 ± 8%. No patients had a history of sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA) at the time of implant. Only a minority of patients were tolerant of optimal medical therapy due to renal impairment, hypotension, or a combination of the two. Death occurred in 43 (75%) patients without primary prevention ICDs and 16 (84%) patients with primary prevention ICDs, P = .26. Of the 19 patients with ICDs, three had inappropriate shocks delivered for atrial fibrillation, and none had therapies for sustained VAs. On Cox proportional hazards analyses, the presence of a primary prevention ICD was not associated with improved survival (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.4‐1.3, P = .27).

Conclusion

Primary prevention ICDs do not prolong survival in patients with ATTR‐CA and a reduced EF. Our findings are observational and will need to be validated in future prospective studies.
Successful ABO‐incompatible living donor liver transplant for acute liver failure secondary to Hodgkin's Lymphoma in a child
Authors: Brannigan Lliam , Etheredge Harriet R. , Beretta Marisa , Demopoulos Despina , Bennett Kate G. , Beringer Nadia , Reynders Marelize , Botha Jean F.
Published: July 2020

We present a case of pediatric ALF, secondary to hepatic HL, who underwent a successful ABOi living donor liver transplant. We believe this is the first such case reported in academic literature. HL with liver involvement is extremely rare and is not considered an indication for transplantation. The 12‐year‐old, male patient presented with a viral illness prodrome, and parvovirus was detected in pre‐transplant laboratory cultures. He received an ABOi living donor liver graft followed by a course of plasma exchange and rituximab after which standard immunosuppression was used. The HL was diagnosed on hepatic biopsy post‐transplant. Subsequently, the patient commenced six cycles of R‐CHOP chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, we stopped tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Immunosuppression was maintained with corticosteroids in‐between cycles. The patient is alive and reports good quality of life 1‐year post‐transplant. The HL is in remission. During the post‐operative period, the patient experienced four episodes of neutropenia, a bile leak, and gram‐negative sepsis. One episode of acute rejection has been treated. Although we did not initially transplant the patient for ALF secondary to HL, its subsequent diagnosis and the patient's response to management raises many issues that warrant consideration. While the findings from a single case cannot be generalized, this could be a “proof of concept” for liver transplantation in hepatic HL. We hope it will facilitate discussions and potentially expand therapeutic options available to this very small group patients.
Analysis of physiological and metabolite response of Celosia argentea to copper stress
Authors: Wang S. , He T. , Xu F. , Li X. , Yuan L. , Wang Q. , Liu H.
Published: July 2020

Copper‐tolerant (Cu) plants with high ornamental value play an important role in the ecological restoration of the copper tail mining area. We first discovered Celosia argentea adaptability in a copper mine area in China; however, its resistance to Cu and the underlying mechanism are not clear.

In this study, C. argentea was selected for pot culture experiments. Its heavy metal accumulation and translocation, physiological and metabolic products were analysed under different growth concentrations of Cu (0–2400 mg.kg−1) stress.

Our results indicated that roots strongly accumulated Cu2+. Oxidative stress defence mechanisms were activated in leaves under Cu treatment. Higher Cu concentrations triggered higher electrolyte leakage (EL), Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity, and consequently a higher capacity to scavenge oxygen radicals and maintain cellular membrane integrity. In the citrate cycle, some amino acids and sugars related to biological pathways were altered in C. argentea exposed to Cu stress. Metabolomics data revealed that C. argentea used elevated sugar content as an antioxidant to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some organic acids and amino acids were up‐regulated compared with the control, indicating that these may chelate Cu in cells to remove excess Cu2+. The up‐regulation of polyamines and some organic acids may mitigate oxidative stress.

These results indicate that C. argentea could be used as a Cu‐tolerant plant in Cu mine restoration. Its Cu tolerance mechanism also provides a basis for future plant improvement or breeding for use in mine restoration.
Temperature‐dependent resistance to potato virus M in potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Tatarowska Beata , Plich Jarosław , Milczarek Dorota , Flis Bogdan
Published: July 2020

Potato virus M (PVM) is present worldwide and the vast majority of potato cultivars are susceptible to PVM infection. The only source of PVM resistance intentionally introduced into potato cultivars is Solanum megistacrolobum, which is a donor of the Rm gene. However, differences in S. megistacrolobum‐derived resistance of potato clones have been observed. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of temperature on PVM infection of potato plants. The reaction of potato clones originating from S. megistacrolobum to inoculation with PVM and incubation at various temperature regimes (20 and 28°C) was evaluated. The presence of PVM in inoculated plants as well as in their tuber progeny was qualitatively detected by a double‐antibody sandwich (DAS)‐ELISA and quantitatively detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). In the examined clones, three types of resistance reactions were observed: (a) Rm‐based resistance, (b) temperature‐dependent resistance, and (c) susceptibility. In potato clones with Rm‐based resistance, multiplication of PVM was completely inhibited regardless of incubation temperature. In the second group of clones, PVM resistance was dependent on temperature: in plants incubated at 20°C, the virus was present in inoculated plants as well as in tuber progeny plants, while in plants incubated at 28°C, complete inhibition of virus multiplication was observed. In the susceptible potato clones, PVM accumulated to a high level at both temperatures. We assume that S. megistacrolobum‐derived potato resistance to PVM infection is highly complex, and in addition to Rm‐based resistance, there are other resistance mechanisms, and resistance is at least partly based on temperature‐dependent reactions.
High working memory load impairs selective attention: EEG signatures
Authors: Wei Hua , Zhou Renlai
Published: July 2020

According to the load theory of attention, increased working memory load impairs selective attention, resulting in greater distractor interference during inhibitory control processing. However, the EEG signatures correlated with this modulation effect of working memory on inhibitory control remain unclear. In present study, 25 healthy human participants performed a flanker task in a low and high working memory load conditions, while behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded. The results showed a larger reaction time interference effect while increasing working memory load, and this was accompanied by a larger N2 amplitude and a smaller P3 amplitude for incongruent trials. Time–frequency analysis revealed that, increased working memory load had no significant modulation effect on flanker related theta‐ERS magnitude. Incongruent trials evoked smaller alpha‐ERD magnitude than congruent trials in both low and high working memory load conditions. Increased working memory load was associated with larger flanker related alpha‐ERD magnitude. Taken together, these results suggested that increased working memory load can impair top‐down cognitive control processes, impairing inhibitory control processes during performance of the flanker task.
Effects of roflumilast on arterial stiffness in COPD (ELASTIC): A randomized trial
Authors: Urban Matthias H. , Kreibich Nicole , Gleiss Andreas , Funk Georg‐Christian , Hartl Sylvia , Burghuber Otto C.
Published: July 2020

Background and objective

Cardiovascular risk is substantially increased in patients with COPD and can be quantified via arterial stiffness. The PDE‐IV inhibitor roflumilast revealed a potential reduction of COPD‐related cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the effects of roflumilast on arterial stiffness by quantification of pulse wave velocity (PWV) in stable COPD.

Methods

In this randomized placebo‐controlled trial, 80 COPD patients received roflumilast or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in cf‐PWV. Secondary outcomes comprised markers of vascular function (e.g. Aix and RHI), systemic inflammation (e.g. IL‐6 and TNF‐α) and clinical characteristics of COPD (e.g. CAT and 6MWT).

Results

A total of 33 and 34 patients completed the roflumilast and placebo arm, respectively (age, median (IQR): 64.5 (61–69.5) vs 64.5 (56–72) years; FEV1, median (IQR): 34.5 (25.5–48.6) vs 35.3 (27–46.8) % predicted; 6MWT, median (IQR): 428 (340–558) vs 456 (364–570) m). Change from baseline PWV did not show a significant difference between roflumilast and placebo (+5.0 (95% CI: −2.0 to +13.0) vs 0.0 (95% CI: −7.0 to +7.0)%, P = 0.268). Roflumilast did not improve markers of vascular function or systemic inflammation. We observed a significant improvement in change from baseline 6MWT with roflumilast versus placebo (+53.0 (95% CI: +19.1 to +86.9) vs −0.92 (95% CI: −35.1 to +33.3) m, P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Our study revealed no beneficial effects of roflumilast on arterial stiffness. Further studies are needed to test a potential improvement of exercise capacity with roflumilast in COPD.
Persistent orofacial pain associated with nasopharyngeal extramedullary plasmacytoma
Authors: Kulkarni Roopali , Ashshi Rawan , Mupparapu Mel , Tanaka Takako I. , Sollecito Thomas P. , Stoopler Eric T.
Published: July 2020

Orofacial pain (OFP) disorders affect the maxillofacial complex and typically involve other locations in the head and neck. Common etiologies of OFP disorders include odontogenic sources, temporomandibular disorders, neuropathic pain, chemosensory disorders, and headaches. Less commonly, benign and malignant neoplasms can be associated with OFP complaints. Patients with OFP symptoms require a thorough evaluation and are often referred to additional healthcare providers for interprofessional management. In those OFP patients whose symptoms do not respond to conventional treatment(s), whose symptoms change over time, or who report positive responses to review of systems questions that suggest more extensive involvement, further investigation is warranted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of nasopharyngeal extramedullary plasmacytoma, a localized malignant neoplasm, associated with persistent OFP.
Tracking skin colour and wrinkle changes during cosmetic product trials using smartphone images
Authors: Smeaton Alan F. , Srungavarapu Swathikiran , Messaraa Cyril , Tansey Claire
Published: July 2020

Background

To explore how the efficacy of product trials for skin cosmetics can be improved through the use of consumer‐level images taken by volunteers using a conventional smartphone.

Materials and Methods

12 women aged 30‐60 years participated in a product trial and had close‐up images of the cheek and temple regions of their faces taken with a high‐resolution Antera 3D CS camera at the start and end of a 4‐week period. Additionally, they each had “selfies” of the same regions of their faces taken regularly throughout the trial period. Automatic image analysis to identify changes in skin colour used three kinds of colour normalisation and analysis for wrinkle composition identified edges and calculated their magnitude.

Results

Images taken at the start and end of the trial acted as baseline ground truth for normalisation of smartphone images and showed large changes in both colour and wrinkle magnitude during the trial for many volunteers.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that regular use of selfie smartphone images within trial periods can add value to interpretation of the efficacy of the trial.