bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arts, Rehabilitation or Both? Experiences of Mentoring Artists in Prison and Beyond
Authors: ROBINSON‐EDWARDS SHONA , YARDLEY ELIZABETH , KENNEDY MORAG CLAIRE , KELLY EMMA
Published: September 2020

Mentoring within the criminal justice system plays an important role in rehabilitative and desistance processes. The experiences of arts‐based mentors are scarcely documented. This study discloses the narratives of eleven trained arts mentors who support ex‐offenders in continuing their artistic engagement. Findings show a number of benefits and challenges for those who mentor ex‐offenders, and their experiences convey a message to new recruits. Reasons for becoming a mentor, limitations and constraints, and mentee‐focused factors are discussed.
Evaluation of the biological properties of two experimental calcium silicate sealers: an in vivo study in rats
Authors: Silva E.C.A. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Silva G.F. , Lopes C.S. , Cerri P.S. , Guerreiro Tanomaru J.M.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the biological properties of experimental sealers based on tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate, manipulated with polyethylene glycol (CE‐1) and with the addition of calcium hypochlorite (CE‐2) compared to AH Plus (AHP) and TotalFill BC Sealer (TBC).

Methodology

The tissue reaction caused by the materials in the subcutaneous tissue of rats was evaluated after implantation of polyethylene tubes filled with the materials at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) for morphological analysis and to evaluated number of inflammatory cells/mm2 (ICs). Sections were used for immunohistochemical detection of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and osteocalcin (OC). The von Kossa method was used to identify calcium precipitation in the capsules. The data were submitted to anova and Tukey’s tests, with 5% significance level.

Results

At 7 days, CE‐1, CE‐2 and AHP had higher numbers of ICs. AHP presented higher immunolabelling for IL‐6. After 15 days, regarding IL‐6, there was no difference between CE‐2 and the control group. At 30 days, AHP exhibited the highest number of IC (P < 0.05) and CE‐2 and the control group presented the lowest ICs and IL‐6‐positive cells. After 60 days, all materials exhibited decreases in ICs. CE‐2, TBC and the control had the lowest values (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between CE‐1 and TBC, and between CE‐2 and control considering the immunoexpression of IL‐6. In this period, AHP had the greatest number of IC and IL‐6 (P < 0.05). In all periods, CE‐1, CE‐2 and TBC sealers had von Kossa‐positive structures and OC‐immunolabelled cells. CE‐2 had higher number of OC‐positive cells than the CE‐1 and TBC sealers (P < 0.05), in all periods. OC immunolabelling was not observed in the capsules of AH Plus and the control groups.

Conclusions

The experimental sealer and its association with calcium hypochlorite, in addition to TotalFill BC Sealer, were biocompatible and had bioactive potential.
Purification of water from heavy metal of lead by nanocomposite of Ce‐TZP/Al2O3
Authors: Vahdat Armin , Ghasemi Behrooz , Yousefpour Mardali
Published: September 2020

In this study, nanocomposites of Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 with four different mole percent of alumina from 20% to 80% were prepared by aqueous combustion synthesis method and effects of alumina mole fraction on the adsorption of lead ions were investigated. Lead (Pb2+) ion adsorption process was performed at the temperature of 25°C, contact time of 100 minutes for all the samples. The results showed that as the alumina content increases in the nanocomposite, the adsorption capacity of lead increases which was 63.72% for the nanocomposite containing 80% alumina. X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the powders and the samples after the adsorption reaction.
Trends in prescribing anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy for paediatric weight management: Data from the POWER Work Group
Authors: Borzutzky Claudia , King Eileen , Fox Claudia K , Stratbucker William , Tucker Jared , Yee Jennifer K , Kumar Seema , Cuda Suzanne , Sweeney Brooke , Kirk Shelley , on behalf of the POWER Work Group
Published: September 2020

Introduction

To better inform the field of obesity medicine, we set out to describe the current use of pharmacotherapy meant to improve patient weight status among a group of clinicians connected through the Paediatric Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry (POWER), as well as reasons behind clinicians' use or non‐use of the medications.

Methods

Paediatric weight management (PWM) programs participating in POWER were asked to complete a program profile survey in 2014 (n = 30) and 2017 (n = 33); questions about pharmacotherapy use were included. Descriptive statistics were used to identify: (a) the proportion of PWM programs offering obesity pharmacotherapy; (b) the medications most commonly prescribed; and (c) reasons among non‐prescribers for not offering pharmacotherapy.

Results

The 2014 and 2017 surveys were completed by 29 PWM programs (97%) and 30 PWM programs (91%), respectively. Twenty‐one programs completed both surveys. In 2014, 10 (34%) programs reported offering pharmacologic agents specifically for weight control, whereas in 2017, 16 (53%) reported offering pharmacotherapy for a primary indication of weight loss. Metformin was reported as the most commonly used agent in 2014, and topiramate in 2017. Largest reported increases in use over time were for topiramate and phentermine.

Discussion

Our survey results demonstrate that a majority of this group of PWM programs offered pharmacotherapy to promote weight loss in patients with complications or associated medical conditions. There was a trend indicating increasing use over time, despite the significant gap regarding pharmacotherapy use in the literature.

Conclusions

These data suggest the need for (a) additional robust paediatric drug trials to further develop the evidence base guiding use or non‐use of pharmacotherapy in paediatric weight management, and (b) increased understanding of both facilitators and barriers to prescribing anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy for youth with obesity.
Combination of urease inhibitor and antiseptic inhibits urea decomposition‐induced ammonia production by Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Mugita Yuko , Nakagami Gojiro , Minematsu Takeo , Kitamura Aya , Sanada Hiromi
Published: September 2020

The decomposition of urea into ammonia by urease‐producing bacterium shows an elevation in the pH level, which can lead to incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a combination of antiseptic and urease inhibitor in inhibiting the decomposition of urea by the urease‐producing bacterium Proteus mirabilis. We performed in vitro assays to compare the effects of a combination of antiseptic and urease inhibitor, antiseptic only, urease inhibitor only, and an untreated control with the effects of a urea‐containing solution. Cultured P. mirabilis was mixed with urea‐containing solution, followed by the addition of antiseptic and/or urease inhibitor. The main outcome used to assess the efficacy of the different treatments was ammonia concentration at 4‐hours post‐treatment initiation, and multiple comparison analysis was performed using Dunnett's test to compare the results between groups. Ammonia concentrations in samples treated with either antiseptic or urease inhibitor were lower than those in the untreated control, while the combination of antiseptic and urease inhibitor resulted in decreased ammonia concentrations compared with either treatment alone. Therefore, the application of both urease inhibitor and antiseptic is more effective for the inhibition of urea decomposition by urease‐producing bacteria. Novel preventive strategies using these reagents may be effective for preventing IAD.
Development of a family dairy business
Authors: Leeming A.
Published: September 2020

The paper emphasizes the importance of competent management control on a family dairy business, and the need for good working conditions with the effect of environment on performance is stressed. The role of exports with their vital significance to the nation and the future of doorstep service is assessed. (Editor's summary)
CircC3P1 attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and cell apoptosis in acute lung injury induced by sepsis through modulating miR‐21
Authors: Jiang Wen‐Yang , Ren Jie , Zhang Xing‐Hua , Lu Zi‐Long , Feng Hao‐Jie , Yao Xiao‐Li , Li Dong‐Hang , Xiong Rui , Fan Tao , Geng Qing
Published: September 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis is characterized by an inflammatory process related to the up‐regulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the present study, we explored the role of circC3P1 in sepsis‐induced ALI in vitro and in vivo. The caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis model was established through CLP surgery. Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into sham, CLP, CLP + vector and CLP + circC3P1 (each n = 10). Primary murine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (MPVECs) were transfected with circC3P1 or empty vector 24 hours prior to LPS treatment via Lipofectamine 2000. The expressions of circC3P1, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1β were evaluated after 6‐h LPS treatment. Cell apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. The CLP group demonstrated pulmonary morphological abnormalities, increased concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β in the lung tissue, compared with the sham group. MPVECs treated with LPS significantly elevated TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β levels and increased cell apoptosis than that in the control group. The circC3P1 overexpression in sepsis‐induced ALI mice attenuated pulmonary injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Besides, circC3P1 revealed anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effect in MPVEC‐treated LPS. CircC3P1 overexpression reduced cell apoptosis and pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels via down‐regulating miR‐21. CircC3P1 attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and cell apoptosis in ALI induced by sepsis through modulating miR‐21, indicating that circC3P1 is a promising therapeutic biomarker for sepsis‐induced ALI.
Communication barriers between basic scientists and clinicians in regenerative medicine: A qualitative study from Iran
Authors: Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Mehrzad Shadi , Bakhshi Hamed , Miri Rahele , Hedayati‐Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Shabani Bardia , Hasanzadeh Halimeh , Danaee Majid , Shamsian Seyed Aliakbar , Akhavan‐Rezayat Arash , Mohebbi Parisa , Rohani Farahnaz , M. Matin Maryam
Published: September 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Cell‐based therapeutics are among the latest advances in health care technologies. The rapid evolution of stem cell science in Iran has necessitated the application of scientific achievements in clinical settings. However, various issues hindered their translation, in particular, impediments in the interactions of basic stem cell scientists and clinicians. We highlighted the impediments in the interactions of stem cell scientists and physicians involved in the opinion of professionals from both groups.

Method

This qualitative research was conducted with thematic analysis, performed by purposive sampling. Thirty‐two distinguished stem cell scientists and clinicians were interviewed to identify their perspectives on this matter. MAXQDA 2018 was used to classify the axial codes based on factors related to communications inefficiencies. The analysis of coded data recognized 18 subthemes and six major themes.

Results

Central themes include different registers of the two parties, counterproductive clusters hampered networking, external communication barriers, the competition to access resources, leadership conflicts, and the dissatisfaction of stakeholders with their share.

Conclusions

Most of the impediments were seemingly global, for example, the incoherent medical and basic science educational systems, the vulnerable career path of physician‐scientists, and an increasing tendency towards overspecialization. However, some local specific issues were also described, for example, limited funding opportunities and the negative impacts of the division of medical education from the ministry of science, research, and technology in Iran. Proposed interventions include the reinforcement of physician‐scientist programs, designing a distributed leadership model, and bringing back the scientific integrity to higher education in Iran.
Two‐year surveillance of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) reveals its wide circulation in tilapia farms and hatcheries from multiple districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Debnath Partho Pratim , Delamare‐Deboutteville Jerome , Jansen Mona Dverdal , Phiwsaiya Kornsunee , Dalia Afsana , Hasan Md. Abir , Senapin Saengchan , Mohan Chadag Vishnumurthy , Dong Ha Thanh , Rodkhum Channarong
Published: September 2020

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging pathogen in aquaculture, reportedly affecting farmed tilapia in 16 countries across multiple continents. Following an early warning in 2017 that TiLV might be widespread, we executed a surveillance programme on tilapia grow‐out farms and hatcheries from 10 districts of Bangladesh in 2017 and 2019. Among farms experiencing unusual mortality, eight out of 11 farms tested positive for TiLV in 2017, and two out of seven tested positive in 2019. Investigation of asymptomatic broodstock collected from 16 tilapia hatcheries revealed that six hatcheries tested positive for TiLV. Representative samples subjected to histopathology confirmed pathognomonic lesions of syncytial hepatitis. We recovered three complete genomes of TiLV from infected fish, one from 2017 and two from 2019. Phylogenetic analyses based on both the concatenated coding sequences of 10 segments and only segment 1 consistently revealed that Bangladeshi TiLV isolates formed a unique cluster within Thai clade, suggesting a close genetic relation. In summary, this study revealed the circulation of TiLV in 10 farms and six hatcheries located in eight districts of Bangladesh. We recommend continuing TiLV‐targeted surveillance efforts to identify contaminated sources to minimize the countrywide spread and severity of TiLV infection.
An optimal scenario for the emergency solution to protect Hanoi Capital from the Red River floodwater using Van Coc Lake
Authors: Sai Hong Anh , Tabata Toshinori , Hiramatsu Kazuaki , Harada Masayoshi , Luong Ngoc Chung
Published: September 2020

The Red River dike system was built, and an emergency solution was implemented to protect Hanoi Capital city from flood disasters. In the solution, floodwater from the Red River is discharged through the Van Coc Gate, with an overflow point into Van Coc Lake, and is drained downstream through the Day Weir. However, an optimal scenario for the operating procedure of the emergency solution, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the flood risk level from the Red River to the residential areas located outside the protected areas of the dike system, has not been adequately addressed to date. In this study, we employed the latest digital elevation map in a high spatial resolution for the first time, and a two‐dimensional depth‐integrated hydrodynamic model was utilised to obtain the optimal operation for the emergency solution. The optimal scenario was determined to minimise the flood risk level to the residential areas and optimise the inflow discharge at the Van Coc Gate and the overflow point, and the outflow discharge at the Day Weir for ensuring the safety of the operating system. This study lays a promising foundation for designing risk‐reduction strategies in Hanoi Capital.
Health‐related quality of life of patients with colorectal neoplasms in China: A multicenter cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Huang Hui‐Yao , Wang Hong , Shi Ju‐Fang , Bai Ya‐Na , Wang Le , Liu Cheng‐Cheng , Yan Xin‐Xin , Liu Guo‐Xiang , Liao Xian‐Zhen , Shi Dian , Mao A‐Yan , Ren Jian‐Song , Sun Xiao‐Jie , Guan Hai‐Jing , Huang Wei‐Dong , Lei Hai‐Ke , Gong Ji‐Yong , Liu Yun‐Yong , Zhu Lin , Song Bing‐Bing , Du Lin‐Bing , Guo Lan‐Wei , Liu Yu‐Qin , Ren Ying , Lan Li , Zhou Jin‐Yi , Qi Xiao , Sun Xiao‐Hua , Lou Pei‐An , Wu Shou‐Ling , Tang Yu , Li Ni , Zhang Kai , Li Ning , Chen Wan‐Qing , Dai Min , He Jie
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

This study aimed to clarify health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with colorectal precancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) in China and to better understand related utility scores.

Methods

A hospital‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in precancer and CRC patients from 2012 to 2014, covering 12 provinces in China. HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol 5‐Dimensions 3‐Levels. Utility scores were derived using Chinese value set. A multivariate regression model was established to explore potential predictors of utility scores.

Results

A total of 376 precancer (mean age 58.7 years, 61.2% men) and 2470 CRC patients (mean age 58.6 years, 57.6% men) were included. In five dimensions, there was a certain percentage of problem reported among precancer (range: 12.0% to 36.7%) and CRC (range: 32.4% to 50.3%) patients, with pain/discomfort being the most serious dimension. Utility scores of precancer and CRC patients were 0.870 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.855–0.886) and 0.751 (95% CI, 0.742–0.759), both of which were lower than those of general Chinese population (0.960 [95% CI, 0.960–0.960]). Utilities for patients at stage I to stage IV were 0.742 (95% CI, 0.715–0.769), 0.722 (95% CI, 0.705–0.740), 0.756 (95% CI, 0.741–0.772), and 0.745 (95% CI, 0.742–0.767), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that therapeutic regimen, time point of the interview, education, occupation, annual household income, and geographic region were associated with utilities of CRC patients.

Conclusion

Health‐related quality of life of both precancer and CRC patients in China declined considerably. Utility scores differed by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and findings of these utilities may facilitate implementation of further cost–utility evaluations.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 and its relationship with transforming growth factor‐β receptors in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Bolun , Zhou Li , Lu Jun , Wang Yizhi , Liu Chengxi , Liang Zhiyong , Zhou Weixun , You Lei , Guo Junchao
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 (USP15) has been correlated to aggressive oncogenic behavior in several types of carcinomas, but its function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic value of USP15 and its relationship with transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) receptors (TβRs) in PDAC.

Methods

By immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays, the expression patterns of USP15 and TβRs were retrospectively analyzed in 287 PDAC patients who underwent radical surgical resection without neoadjuvant therapy. Cancer‐specific survival was compared based on USP15 expression, and the correlations between USP15 and TβRs were analyzed.

Results

Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in para‐tumor tissues (P < 0.0001), and high USP15 expression was associated with the pathological N (pN) stage (P = 0.033). In addition, high USP15 expression was significantly associated with shorter cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.019). Univariate analyses showed that high USP15 expression (P = 0.024), a poor histopathological grade (P = 0.003), and the pN1 stage (P = 0.009) were significantly correlated with shorter survival. Although the independent prognostic value of USP15 alone was not established, the combination of USP15 and the histological grade was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analyses (P = 0.015). USP15 expression was correlated with TβR‐I, TβR‐II, or TβR‐III expression in PDAC.

Conclusions

High USP15 expression is a potential prognostic indicator in patients with PDAC, and it might affect the TGF‐β signaling pathway in PDAC.
The Eurovision Song Contest – A Continent (still) Divided?
Authors: Piotrowska Anna G.
Published: September 2020

Credited as one of the most successful major televised music events held annually in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) still serves as a battlefield between Eastern and Western European aesthetic paradigms. Although the Western paradigm has long been regarded as an almost universal criterion of success, the contemporary ESC presents a unique opportunity for post‐communist acts to contest that hegemony while playing with its conventions. This article examines how, in the post‐1989 situation, the most successful Eastern European acts purposely exploited, juxtaposed and subverted several aesthetic categories, demonstrating their understanding of the conventions promoted at the ESC on the one hand, while undermining and contesting them on the other. The article argues for greater attention to such strategies as over‐exploitation of stereotypes and auto‐stereotypes, as well as mocking the prevailing aesthetics by playing with such notions as authenticity, folklore, nationalism, essentialism, camp, kitsch or hyper‐reality and challenging the contest's utopian and nostalgic ideals.
Preclinical studies indicate that INFLATIV, an herbal medicine cream containing Pereskia aculeata, presents potential to be marketed as a topical anti-inflammatory agent and as adjuvant in psoriasis therapy
Authors: Pinto Nícolas de Castro Campos , Maciel Mariana de Souza Ferreira , Rezende Nathalia dos Santos , Duque Ana Paula do Nascimento , Mendes Renata de Freitas , da Silva Jucélia Barbosa , Evangelista Monique de Rezende , Monteiro Luana Cahon , da Silva Josiane Mello , da Costa Juliana de Carvalho , Scio Elita
Published: September 2020

Objectives

A previous study reported that the hexane fraction (HF) obtained from Pereskia aculeata leaves showed promising topical anti-inflammatory activity. Intending its future use in clinical practice, a herbal medicine cream named INFLATIV was developed. Its anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic potential were investigated. INFLATIV was subjected to preliminary accelerated stability tests and to a degradation profile assessment.

Methods

INFLATIV was prepared at 6% and 12%. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by croton oil single and multiple application challenge in mice. Mouse tail test was used for antipsoriatic potential investigation. Cutaneous atrophy test was performed. Preliminary accelerated stability tests were performed together with a degradation profile by GC-MS analysis.

Key findings

The anti-inflammatory activity shown by INFLATIV was comparable to dexamethasone. However, the skin atrophy caused by that drug was not observed. INFLATIV modified skin parakeratotic differentiation into orthokeratosis, which revealed its antipsoriatic potential. The ingredients used were suitable to carry the bioactives as they were well permeated by the skin. The preliminary accelerated stability tests indicated that INFLATIV 6% is more stable than 12%.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the relevant therapeutic and marketing potentials of INFLATIV, which is likely to be further evaluated in clinical trials for drug registration process with regulatory agencies.
Impact of intra‐operative hypotension on mortality rates and post‐operative complications in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy
Authors: Hattersley R. , Downing F. , Gibson S. , Demetriou J. , Elmenhorst K. , Kulendra N. , Mielke B. , Woods S.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To report the mortality rate within a cohort of dogs undergoing cholecystectomy and investigate the impact of intra‐operative hypotension on mortality.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records at five UK referral centres were reviewed for dogs undergoing cholecystectomy. Data collected included presenting signs, pre‐operative blood test results, intra‐operative data including frequency and duration of hypotension and the incidence and type of post‐operative complications.

Results

Data from 119 dogs were included. Sixteen dogs (13%) died before discharge and by 28 days after surgery the total mortality was 19 dogs (17%). Hypotension lasting over 10 minutes during general anaesthesia occurred in 65 dogs (54.6%), with a mean ± sd duration of 36.1 ± 30.0 minutes. Intra‐operative hypotension or the number of hypotensive episodes did not appear to be associated with in‐hospital or 28‐day mortality. American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade (of fitness for surgery) was significantly associated with both in‐hospital and 28‐day mortality on univariable analysis, as were post‐operative hypoproteinaemia, ileus and pancreatitis. However on multivariable analysis, only ileus and pancreatitis were found to significantly impact mortality.

Clinical Significance

Dogs presenting with a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade appear to have a higher risk of mortality, although intra‐operative hypotension did not appear to be part of this risk.
Dietary supplementation of host‐associated lactic acid bacteria modulates growth, metabolic activities, and immune‐related gene expression in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Kader Md. Abdul , Zahidah Azahar Nursyafiqah , Iehata Shumpei , Bulbul Mahbuba , Islam Md. Moudud , Sarker Joyshri , Mariom  , Rahman Md. Moshiur , Asaduzzaman Md
Published: September 2020

The present study was carried out to evaluate the dietary effects of host‐associated lactic acid bacteria on growth performance, metabolic enzyme activities, and immune response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles. To formulate the test diets, a control (Con) diet was supplemented with a commercial probiotic and three host‐derived bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (EC), Lactococcus lactis I (LC‐I), and L. lactis II (LC‐II), which were previously isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of adult individuals of M. rosenbergii. Juvenile M. rosenbergii (0.65 ± 0.008 g) were randomly stocked at 20 individuals/100 L of fiberglass tanks with three replications for each test diet. After 50 days, juveniles fed the diets LC‐I and LC‐II showed significantly higher (p < .05) weight gain, specific growth rate, and the lowest feed conversion ratio. The analyses of glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamic pyruvate transaminase in muscle and hepatopancreas revealed significantly (p < .05) reduced values in LC‐I fed juveniles. The total hemocyte count and phenoloxidase activity were significantly increased (p < .05) in LC‐I and LC‐II fed juveniles. The relative mRNA expression patterns of immune‐related α2‐M, LGBP, ProPO, Cu, Zn‐SOD, TG, PE, AKP, and ACP genes were significantly (p < .05) upregulated in juveniles fed with LC‐I followed by the diet LC‐II. Finally, the study suggests that the growth performance and immune response of M. rosenbergii can be improved through supplementation of host‐associated L. lactis bacteria for its higher production.
Quis custodet custodes? Referral G‐3/19 before the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal and the imperative of challenging the board's interpretation of Art. 53(b) EPC
Authors: Cockbain Julian , Sterckx Sigrid
Published: September 2020

The European Patent Office Enlarged Board of Appeal was asked in April 2019 to answer two questions regarding the exclusions from patentability under Art. 53 European Patent Convention (EPC), the dominant patent law in Europe. The first related to the manner in which EPC Articles should be interpreted, and the second to whether Art. 53 EPC excluded plants and animals that are the products of the excluded “essentially biological processes.” Since product claims are infringed by all processes for making the product, the second question was important—if the products are patentable, the exclusion of the processes is rendered meaningless, something which cannot have been the intention of the legislators drafting the EPC. The questions are in case G‐3/19 Peppers and the Enlarged Board of Appeal handed down its opinion on May 14, 2020. In this paper we examine the background to this case, the strength of the arguments presented, and the Enlarged Board's decision which we find to dangerously undermine the Article of the EPC, Art. 164 EPC, which requires changes to the principles of what can be patentable to be democratically agreed by the parliaments of the EPC member states rather than by an administrative body of government‐appointees.
Mediterranean diet and the risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hansrivijit Panupong , Oli Sharad , Khanal Resha , Ghahramani Nasrollah , Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: September 2020

Objective

Mediterranean diet has been shown to be associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains inconclusive as the results were not consistent among population‐based studies. This study aims to assess the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and CKD prevention.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies describing the risk for CKD in community‐dwelling subjects ≥18 years of age. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed by standardized food frequency questionnaires. The search was conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library.

Results

Of 168 citations, a total of nine (n = 19 151) and four studies (n = 8467) were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis, respectively. Only studies adopting Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDS) were included in the analysis. The mean score was 3.8 ± 0.3 points. With the mean follow‐up duration of 20.6 ± 7.0 years, the pooled odds ratio (OR) for CKD was 0.901 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.868‐0.935) for each 1‐point increment of MDS. The incidence of CKD was 0.026 events per person‐year (95% CI 0.008‐0.045). Moreover, male sex was associated with the incidence of CKD in an adjusted meta‐regression analysis. In contrast, there was no significant association between age, black race, smoking, diabetes, hypertension estimated glomerular filtration rate and total daily energy intake vs CKD incidence.

Conclusion

Adherence to Mediterranean diet by a 1‐point increment of MDS was associated with 10% lower risk of CKD. However, there were insufficient data on patients with pre‐existing CKD or dialysis.
Functional classification of plant long noncoding RNAs: a transcript is known by the company it keeps
Authors: Lucero Leandro , Ferrero Lucía , Fonouni‐Farde Camille , Ariel Federico
Published: September 2020

The extraordinary maturation in high‐throughput sequencing technologies has revealed the existence of a complex network of transcripts in eukaryotic organisms, including thousands of long noncoding (lnc) RNAs with little or no protein‐coding capacity. Subsequent discoveries have shown that lncRNAs participate in a wide range of molecular processes, controlling gene expression and protein activity though direct interactions with proteins, DNA or other RNA molecules. Although significant advances have been achieved in the understanding of lncRNA biology in the animal kingdom, the functional characterization of plant lncRNAs is still in its infancy and remains a major challenge. In this review, we report emerging functional and mechanistic paradigms of plant lncRNAs and partner molecules, and discuss how cutting‐edge technologies may help to identify and classify yet uncharacterized transcripts into functional groups.
Structural biology of plant defence
Authors: Song Wen , Forderer Alexander , Yu Dongli , Chai Jijie
Published: September 2020

Plants employ the innate immune system to discriminate between self and invaders through two types of immune receptors, one on the plasma membrane and the other in the intracellular space. The immune receptors on the plasma membrane are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that can perceive pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or host‐derived damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) leading to pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI). Particular pathogens are capable of overcoming PTI by secreting specific effectors into plant cells to perturb different components of PTI signalling through various mechanisms. Most of the immune receptors from the intracellular space are the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs), which specifically recognize pathogen‐secreted effectors to mediate effector‐triggered immunity (ETI). In this review, we will summarize recent progress in structural studies of PRRs, NLRs, and effectors, and discuss how these studies shed light on ligand recognition and activation mechanisms of the two types of immune receptors and the diversified mechanisms used by effectors to manipulate plant immune signalling.
Rapid starch degradation in the wood of olive trees under heat and drought is permitted by three stress‐specific beta amylases
Authors: Tsamir‐Rimon Mor , Ben‐Dor Shifra , Feldmesser Ester , Oppenhimer‐Shaanan Yaara , David‐Schwartz Rakefet , Samach Alon , Klein Tamir
Published: September 2020

Carbon reserve use is a major drought response in trees, enabling tree survival in conditions prohibiting photosynthesis. However, regulation of starch metabolism under drought at the whole‐tree scale is still poorly understood.

To this end, we combined measurements of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), tree physiology and gene expression. The experiment was conducted outside on olive trees in pots under 90 d of seasonal spring to summer warming. Half of the trees were also subjected to limited water conditions for 28 d.

Photosynthesis decreased in dehydrating trees from 19 to 0.5 µmol m−2 s−1 during the drought period. Starch degradation and mannitol production were a major drought response, with mannitol increasing to 71% and 41% out of total NSCs in shoots and roots, respectively. We identified the gene family members potentially relevant either to long‐term or stress‐induced carbon storage. Partitioning of expression patterns among β amylase and starch synthase family members was observed, with three β amylases possibly facilitating the rapid starch degradation under heat and drought.

Our results suggest a group of stress‐related, starch metabolism genes, correlated with NSC fluctuations during drought and recovery. The daily starch metabolism gene expression was different from the stress‐mode starch metabolism pattern, where some genes are uniquely expressed during the stress‐mode response.
Unconventional Monetary Policy and Wealth Inequalities in Great Britain*
Authors: Evgenidis Anastasios , Fasianos Apostolos
Published: September 2020

This paper explores whether unconventional monetary policy operations have redistributive effects on household wealth. Drawing on household balance sheet data from the Wealth and Asset Survey, we construct monthly time series indicators on the distribution of different asset types held by British households for the period that the monetary policy switched, as the policy rate reached the zero‐lower bound. Using this series, we estimate the response of wealth inequalities on monetary policy, taking into account the effect of unconventional policies conducted by the Bank of England in response to the Global Financial Crisis. Our evidence reveals that unconventional monetary policy shocks have significant and lingering effects on wealth inequality: the shock raises wealth inequality across households, as measured by their Gini coefficients, percentile shares and other standard inequality indicators. Additionally, we explore the effects of different transmission channels simultaneously. We find that the portfolio rebalancing channel and house price effects widen the wealth gap, outweighing the counterbalancing impact of the savings redistribution and inflation channels. The findings of our analysis help to raise awareness of central bankers about the redistributive effects of their monetary policy decisions.
General health status of children with asthma during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hepkaya Evrim , Kilinc Ayse Ayzit , Cebi Memnune Nur , Koyuncu Zehra , Cokugras Haluk
Published: September 2020

Background

Since the COVID‐19 pandemic became a serious health concern globally, patients with chronic diseases have required close attention with regard to general risks and individual treatment. We aimed to reveal the general health status of pediatric asthmatic patients during the pandemic, considering the role of household factors in parental attitudes.

Methods

We asked 60 asthmatic patients and their parents to respond to a questionnaire, with the aim of revealing the current health status of the patients and the general approach of the family to asthma management during the pandemic.

Results

A total of eight patients had had an asthma attack during the outbreak, but there was no confirmed correlation with COVID‐19 infection. Most of the parents had never considered stopping their children's current medications. However, the majority of them reported concerns about the failure of the ambulatory care services and almost all saw their children as being at high risk for COVID‐19 infection. There was no significant relationship between these concerns and their psychological status (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The crucial point regarding asthma management is to control patients’ medical and psychological status to minimize the effects of the pandemic. Healthcare professionals should also pay attention to members of the patients’ households because their adaptation to the “new normal” of pandemic may directly affect the patients’ state of health.
Association between 25(OH) vitamin D and graft survival in renal transplanted children
Authors: Mosca Mélodie , Lion‐Lambert Mathilde , Bienaimé Frank , Berthaud Romain , Dorval Guillaume , Garcelon Nicolas , Dehoux Laurène , Krid Saoussen , Charbit Marina , Rabant Marion , Niaudet Patrick , Salomon Rémi , Bacchetta Justine , Boyer Olivia
Published: September 2020

Background

In children, vitamin D deficiency is common after renal transplantation. Besides promoting bone and muscle development, vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects, which could protect kidney allografts. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between vitamin D status and the occurrence of renal rejection.

Methods

We studied a retrospective cohort of 123 children, who were transplanted at a single institution between September 2008 and April 2019. Patients did not receive vitamin D supplementation systematically. In addition, factors influencing vitamin D status were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Median 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) concentration was close to reference values at the time of transplantation (30 ng/mL (min‐max 5‐100)), but rapidly decreased within the first 3 months to 19 ng/mL (min‐max 3‐91) (P < .001). The overall acute rejection rate was 7%. The clinical rejection rate (5% vs 9%), subclinical rejection (12% vs 36%), and borderline changes (21% vs 28%) were not statistically different during the follow‐up between the 3‐month 25‐OH‐D < 20 ng/mL and 3‐month 25‐OH‐D > 20 ng/mL groups. There was a correlation between the 25‐OH‐D levels and PTH concentration at 3 months (r = −.2491, P = .01), but no correlation between the 3‐month 25‐OH‐D and the season of the year (F = 0.19, P = .90; F = 1.34, P = .27, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that age and mGFR at 3 months, were independent predictors of mGFR at 12 months.

Conclusion

Our data show that vitamin D deficiency can develop rapidly after transplantation; vitamin D levels at 3 months are not associated with lower mGFR or a higher rejection rate at 1 year in children as opposed to adult recipients.
The current status and outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation in western China: A multi‐center retrospective study
Authors: Pu Siyu , Jin Shuguang , Xiang Bo , Yang Jiayin , Li Kewei , Xie Xiaolong , Huang Bin , Lai Wei , Yan Lunan , Zhang Mingman , Dong Chunqiang
Published: September 2020

This retrospective study was conducted to examine the development and current status of pediatric liver transplantation (LT) in western China. Clinical, demographic, morbidity, and mortality data were collected to analyze. It included 260 consecutive pediatric LTs performed at three centers in western China between January 2000 and May 2019. Kaplan‐Meier graft survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 82.1%, 77.2%, 76.6%, and 76.6%, respectively; corresponding patient survival rates were 84.7%, 80.7%, 80.0%, and 80.0%, respectively. More patients underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT; n = 188 (73.4%)) than deceased‐donor liver transplantation (DDLT; n = 68 (26.6%)). Survival was better after LDLT (91.5%, 86.6%, and 80.6% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively) than after DDLT (80.9%, 72.4%, and 63.9%, respectively; P < .05). Biliary atresia was the leading LT indication (n = 141 (55.1%)), followed by metabolic disease (n = 36 (14.1%)), which was associated with the best recipient survival (88.5% at 5 years). The transplant era and graft‐to‐recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) also significantly predicted overall survival. Survival rates at 5 years were worst in 2000‐2005 (54.5%) and best for GRWRs of 0.8%‐4% (80.4%). The development of pediatric LT in western China began slowly, but the quantity and quality of pediatric LT has progressed in recent years. This procedure is now a promising and reliable treatment for children with end‐stage liver disease in western China.
The Six‐item Clock‐Drawing Scoring System: a rapid screening for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lolekha Praween , Tangkanakul Chanya , Saengchatri Thanida , Kulkeartprasert Pornlapat
Published: September 2020

Background

Cognitive impairment, characterised by predominant executive dysfunction and visuospatial deficit, is frequently observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) and may lead to mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI) and dementia (PD‐D). The clock‐drawing test (CDT) is a rapid cognitive evaluation that is appropriate for screening frontoparietal lobe dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the screening performance of the Six‐item Clock‐Drawing Scoring System (6‐CDSS) in detecting cognitive impairment in PD patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of free‐drawn clocks from 136 PD patients was performed. The presence of cognitive impairment and dementia was documented by neurologists according to the standard diagnostic criteria. Diagnostic performance and the optimal screening cut‐off scores for cognitive impairment and dementia using the 6‐CDSS were determined.

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients were documented as having PD with cognitive impairment (PD‐CI). Of those, 39 were diagnosed as probable PD‐D and 74 with PD‐MCI. The optimal screening cut‐off scores for PD‐CI were 4/5 and 1/2 for probable PD‐D. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.88 and 0.91, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that low education levels, poor activity of daily living, and older age were associated with low 6‐CDSS scores.

Conclusions

CDT scoring using the 6‐CDSS is a reliable system to screen cognitive impairment in PD and may serve as a simple screening tool for PD‐D in clinical practice.
Healthcare professionals’ experiences of using mindfulness training in a cardiology department – a qualitative study
Authors: Knudsen Randi Karkov , Gregersen Trine , Ammentorp Jette , Tousig Charlotte Gad , Timmermann Connie
Published: September 2020

Objective and Aim

Person‐centred communication and healthcare professionals’ ability to be attentively present in their encounter with patients are essential aspects of patients’ experiences of well‐being, ability to cope with illness‐related challenges and feelings of being recognised. However, the ability to be attentive in relational encounters can be challenging for healthcare staff for many reasons, such as time constraints and a high work pace. Research suggests that mindfulness training could increase staff attentiveness and compassion, but only few qualitative studies have explored the subject. The aim of the current study was to explore doctors’ and nurses’ individual experiences of how attending an 8‐week Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction course (MBSR) influenced their clinical practice and encounters with colleagues and patients in a cardiology department.

Method

Qualitative interviews were held with six doctors and nurses who had completed the 8‐week MBSR course. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied to explore and understand the meaning of the participants’ accounts.

Findings

The MBSR course appeared to have changed the healthcare professionals’ thoughts and actions, especially regarding their ability to stay focused on the task at hand, to prioritise and to stay calm in an unpredictable and busy work environment. This was facilitated by using concrete techniques learned during the course, such as breathing and taking small breaks to clear their heads and help them be attentive in relation to themselves, colleagues and patients. Furthermore, they described an increased acceptance of their own limitations, better understanding of their colleagues and greater awareness of the unique patient.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that changing healthcare professionals’ actions, mindset, awareness and understanding of others may result in a more compassionate work environment and more person‐centred care.
Protective roles for myeloid cells in neuroinflammation
Authors: Owens Trevor , Benmamar‐Badel Anouk , Wlodarczyk Agnieszka , Marczynska Joanna , Mørch Marlene T. , Dubik Magdalena , Arengoth Dina S. , Asgari Nasrin , Webster Gill , Khorooshi Reza
Published: September 2020

Myeloid cells represent the major cellular component of innate immune responses. Myeloid cells include monocytes and macrophages, granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils) and dendritic cells (DC). The role of myeloid cells has been broadly described both in physiological and in pathological conditions. All tissues or organs are equipped with resident myeloid cells, such as parenchymal microglia in the brain, which contribute to maintaining homeostasis. Moreover, in case of infection or tissue damage, other myeloid cells such as monocytes or granulocytes (especially neutrophils) can be recruited from the circulation, at first to promote inflammation and later to participate in repair and regeneration. This review aims to address the regulatory roles of myeloid cells in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), with a particular focus on recent work showing induction of suppressive function via stimulation of innate signalling in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
Elite female athletes’ experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on training and sport performance
Authors: Brown Natalie , Knight Camilla J. , Forrest (née Whyte) Laura J.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the current study was twofold (a) to examine elite female athletes’ experiences of their menstrual cycle, with a focus upon the impact on training and competition performance and (b) the openness of conversation pertaining to the menstrual cycle with coaching and support staff. Following receipt of institutional ethical approval, individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 elite female athletes (25.5 ± 4.7 years) from multiple sports. Results revealed athletes’ experiencing a natural menstrual cycle reported physical symptoms alongside mood disturbances and reduced motivation to train. The decision to actively control the menstrual cycle was often triggered by a desire to reduce the effect on competition, to lessen anxieties about making required weight or reduce distraction to manage during competition. Athletes indicated an openness to talk about the menstrual cycle to other females, however, there was variation in the comfort athletes experienced regarding talking to male coaches. Overall, the findings highlight the need to educate elite athletes and coaches on the menstrual cycle, considering it in the same light as other physiological functions in sport to improve health, well‐being, and performance. Furthermore, providing education on how to construct positive conversations, equipping individuals with the correct terminology, and confidence to talk about the menstrual cycle will reduce some reservations identified through improved knowledge and understanding.