bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degrees of ‘eliteness’ in higher education systems: A comparison between Germany and France
Authors: Winkler Oliver , Sackmann Reinhold
Published: July 2020

Education systems worldwide differ in their degree of eliteness. They range from being non‐elitist with dominant patterns of horizontal differentiation (e.g., Germany) to being strongly elitist and having established elite education sectors (e.g., France). Quantitatively, it remains relatively unclear how the eliteness of education systems can be assessed and evaluated. We identify several theoretical mechanisms that are assumed to increase or decrease vertical differentiation between education institutions. For the analyses, we use two large secondary datasets of student beginners’ higher education choices in Germany and France and test different measures of inequality and concentration (Gini index, Duncan’s D, inverse Pareto coefficient, percentile ratios) to describe the degree of eliteness. We estimated the shares of students from higher status groups (high achievers, upper‐tier service class academic milieu) in higher education institutions and fields of study and compared their distribution. Our findings indicate that analyses of percentiles, percentile ratios and inverse Pareto coefficient confirm an expected stronger concentration of high achieving students in the top of the distribution of higher education institutions and fields of study in France than in Germany. In comparison to students’ achievement, social origin proved to be less important for country‐specific differences in concentration.
Revisiting patient expectations and experiences of antibiotics in an era of antimicrobial resistance: Qualitative study
Authors: Boiko Olga , Gulliford Martin C. , Burgess Caroline
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate contemporary patient expectations and experiences of antibiotic prescribing in England.

Background

Primary care providers’ compliance with patient influences has been identified as a motivation for antibiotic‐prescribing behaviour. Since 2013, there have been concerted efforts to publicize and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. A fresh qualitative insight into patient expectations and experiences is needed.

Design

Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews.

Setting and participants

Two English regions, one an urban metropolitan area and the other a town in rural England. Patients who recently consulted for infections were recruited. The information power approach was used to determine the number of participants, yielding a sample of 31 participants.

Main measures

Thematic analysis was carried out to analyse the interview data.

Results

Five themes were identified: beliefs, expectations, experiences of taking antibiotic, experience of antimicrobial resistance and side‐effects, and experiences of consultations. The accounts reflected improved public knowledge: antibiotics were perceived to be much‐needed medicines that should be prescribed when appropriate. The data showed that patients formed expectations of expectations, trying to read the prescribers’ intentions and reflect on the dependency between what prescribers and patients wanted. Patient experiences featured as nuanced and detailed with knowledge of AMR and side‐effects of antibiotics in the context of positive consultation experiences.

Conclusions

The study highlighted complex interplays between adherence to antibiotics and consuming antibiotics in reflexive, informed ways. Ensuring that present and future patients are informed about potential benefits and harms of antibiotic use will contribute to future antimicrobial stewardship.
Severe and moderate seasonal influenza epidemics among Italian healthcare workers: A comparison of the excess of absenteeism
Authors: Gianino Maria Michela , Kakaa Omar , Politano Gianfranco , Scarmozzino Antonio , Benso Alfredo , Zotti Carla Maria
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aims to quantify the excess of sickness absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs), to estimate the impact of a severe versus moderate influenza season and to determine whether the vaccination rates are associated with reduced sickness absence.

Methods

We investigated the excess absenteeism that occurred in a large Italian hospital, 5300 HCWs, during the severe influenza season of 2017/2018 and compared it with three moderate flu seasons (2010/2013). Data on influenza vaccinations and absenteeism were obtained from the hospital's databases. The data were split into two periods: the epidemic, from 42 to 17 weeks, and non‐epidemic, defined as 18 to 41 weeks, which was used as the baseline. We stratified the absenteeism among HCWs in multiple variables.

Results

Our study showed an increased absenteeism among HCWs during the epidemic period of severe season in comparison with non‐epidemic periods, the absolute increase correlated with a relative increase of 70% (from 4.05 to 6.68 days/person). Vaccinated HCWs had less excess of absenteeism in comparison with non‐vaccinated HCWs (1.74 vs 2.71 days/person). The comparison with the moderate seasons showed a stronger impact on HCW sick absenteeism in the severe season (+0.747days/person, P = .03), especially among nurses and HCWs in contact with patients (+1.53 P < .01; +1.19 P < .01).

Conclusions

In conclusion, a severe influenza epidemic has greater impacts on the absenteeism among HCWs than a moderate one. Although at a low rate, a positive effect of vaccination on absenteeism is present, it may support healthcare facilities to recommend vaccinations for their workers.
Climatic determinants of lowland rice development
Authors: Stuerz Sabine , Shrestha Suchit P. , Schmierer Marc , Vu Duy H. , Hartmann Julia , Sow Abdoulaye , Razafindrazaka Ando , Abera Bayuh Belay , Chuma Boshuwenda Andre , Asch Folkard
Published: July 2020

Accurate modelling of plant development is the basis for any assessment of climate change impact on crop yields. Most rice models simulate development (phenology) based on temperature and photoperiod, but often the reliability of these models is reduced beyond the environment they were calibrated for. In our study, we tested the effects of relative air humidity and solar radiation on leaf appearance rate in greenhouse experiments and analysed data sets from field studies conducted in two extremely different rice‐growing environments in Nepal and Senegal. We also analysed environmental effects on duration to flowering of one popular IRRI material (IR64) for eight different sites covering the entire temperature range where rice is widely cultivated. Both low relative air humidity and low solar radiation significantly decreased leaf appearance rate. Mean air temperature explained 81% of the variation in duration to flowering across sites, which was furthermore significantly influenced by relative air humidity. Across all sites, a simple linear regression approach including mean air temperature and mean relative humidity in the calculation of duration to flowering led to a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10 days, which was slightly lower than the RMSE of 11 days achieved with an automated calibration tool for parameter optimization of cardinal temperatures and photoperiod sensitivity. Parameter optimization for individual sites led to a much smaller prediction error, but also to large differences in cardinal temperatures between sites, mainly lower optimum temperatures for the cooler sites. To increase the predictive power of phenological models outside their calibration range and especially in climate change scenarios, a more mechanistic modelling approach is needed. A starting point could be including relative air humidity and radiation in the simulation procedure of crop development, and presumably, a closer link between growth and development procedures could help to increase the robustness of phenological models.
Altitude, temperature, and N Management effects on yield and yield components of contrasting lowland rice cultivars
Authors: Chuma Boshuwenda Andre , Cotter Marc , Kalisa Alain , Rajaona Arisoa , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Stuerz Sabine , Vincent Isaac , Asch Folkard
Published: July 2020

Nitrogen (N) is one of the main nutrients that drive rice grain yield and is intensely managed especially in lowlands under irrigated conditions. A set of experiments was conducted in mid‐ and high‐altitude sites in Rwanda to investigate the response of five genotypes under different sowing dates and different N management. Genotype grain yields were higher and more stable at mid‐altitude across sowing dates. N rates strongly affected grain yield at mid‐altitude (p < .0001), but not at high altitude. Postponing basal N had positive effects on yield and yield components in both sites, with more pronounced effects at high altitude. Increasing N rate beyond 120 kg/ha led to a decrease in percentage of panicles per tiller and spikelet fertility and a decrease in grain yield due to excessive tillers at both high altitude and mid‐altitude. Thus, basal N application should be recommended at high altitude and the increase in N rate up to 120 kg/ha at mid‐altitude. A strict observation of recommended planting date should be followed at high altitude, and the use of cold‐tolerant genotypes is encouraged.
A Cognitive Learning Account of the Avoidance, Omission and Exaggerated Phenomena and Expressions in Young Adolescents’ Drawings of the Human Figure in the Visual Culture Art Education Context
Authors: Lau Chung‐yim
Published: July 2020

It is common in the everyday art class to find many examples of avoidance, omission and exaggeration in young adolescents’ depictions of the human figure. When students depict sophisticated human images, they make every effort to avoid the difficult parts, and some students tend to exaggerate the size or distort the shape of the human image. Art educators see these types of behaviour and modes of expression as unnatural, and claim that they may hinder the development of the creativity of young adolescents. Relevant discussions in the literature from a psychological perspective are mainly concerned with the negative impact of such behaviour and modes of expression on the formation of young adolescents’ identities. However, in the context of popular visual culture, the findings of recent studies on young adolescents’ comic drawings have suggested that when young adolescents draw comic characters, they use their everyday life experiences in their drawings. This article reports on a five‐year qualitative longitudinal study conducted in a Hong Kong secondary school. The aim of the study was to deepen our understanding of this behaviour on the part of adolescents in art classes. The findings of the study confirmed the view that these aspects should be interpreted from a cognitive learning perspective. It is suggested that art educators reconsider these types of behaviour and modes of expression as a potential means for improving secondary students’ learning of the art of popular visual culture.
His bundle pacing insights from electroanatomical mapping: Topography and pacing targets
Authors: Orlov Michael V. , Jahangir Ahad , McKelvey Daniel , Armstrong James , Maslov Mikhail , Monin AJ. , Koulouridis Ioannis , Casavant David , Wylie John V.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To characterize 3D electroanatomical mapping (EAM) of the His bundle (HB) region.

Background

Visualization of selective (S) and nonselective (NS) HB capture areas by EAM has not been described and may help guide HB pacing (HBP).

Methods

EAM was performed via NavX system in 17 patients (pts) undergoing HBP. HB cloud, S‐HB, NS‐HB, and right bundle (RB) capture areas were mapped.

Results

S‐HBP areas were identified in 11, NS‐HBP in 14, and RB in 11 pts. Two NS‐HBP areas (upper and lower) either separated by S‐HBP (8 pts) or almost contiguous (5 pts) were observed. S‐HBP area measured: 1.1 ± 0.9 cm2, NS upper: −1.2 ± 0.9 cm2, NS lower: −1.2 ± 0.9 cm2, RB: −1.7 ± 1.3 cm2, total His cloud: −4.1 ± 2.7 cm2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) pacemaps were different between upper and lower NS‐HBP areas in 13/14 pts (p = .006). ECG differences between NS clouds were present in inferior leads in 9 pts (more negative QRS complex from lower NS area) and in precordial leads in 5 pts. There was no correlation between HBP lead location and capture threshold. R‐wave amplitude was higher at more distal locations on HB cloud (p = .02).

Conclusion

(1) Pacemapping identifies distinct regions that may correspond to HB anatomy. (2) A linear S‐HBP area is typically surrounded by two separate NS areas. (3) Pace‐map ECGs from upper and lower NS‐HBP areas have different morphologies. (4) These EAM features and pace‐mapping may be helpful to the implanter.
Extracellular vesicle‐enclosed miR‐486‐5p mediates wound healing with adipose‐derived stem cells by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Yingjie , Wen Huicai , Huang Jinjun , Liao Peng , Liao Huaiwei , Tu Jun , Zeng Yuanlin
Published: July 2020

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC) are said to have a pivotal role in wound healing. Specifically, ASC‐secreted extracellular vesicles (EV) carry diverse cargos such as microRNAs (miRNAs) to participate in the ASC‐based therapies. Considering its effects, we aimed to investigate the role of ASC‐EVs in the cutaneous wound healing accompanied with the study on the specific cargo‐medicated effects on wound healing. Two full‐thickness excisional skin wounds were created on mouse dorsum, and wound healing was recorded at the indicated time points followed by histological analysis and immunofluorescence staining for CD31 and α‐SMA. Human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) were co‐cultured with EVs isolated from ASC (ASC‐EVs), respectively, followed by the evaluation of their viability and mobility using CCK‐8, scratch test and transwell migration assays. Matrigel‐based angiogenesis assays were performed to evaluate vessel‐like tube formation by HMECs in vitro. ASC‐EVs accelerated the healing of full‐thickness skin wounds, increased re‐epithelialization and reduced scar thickness whilst enhanced collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in murine models. However, miR‐486‐5p antagomir abrogated the ASC‐EVs‐induced effects. Intriguingly, miR‐486‐5p was found to be highly enriched in ASC‐EVs, exhibiting an increase in viability and mobility of HSFs and HMECs and enhanced the angiogenic activities of HMECs. Notably, we also demonstrated that ASC‐EVs‐secreted miR‐486‐5p achieved the aforesaid effects through its target gene Sp5. Hence, our results suggest that miR‐486‐5p released by ASC‐EVs could be a critical mediator to develop an ASC‐based therapeutic strategy for wound healing.
Oestrogen induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in endometriosis via circ_0004712/miR‐148a‐3p sponge function
Authors: He Xin , Liu Nana , Mu Tianyi , Lu Dan , Jia Chanwei , Wang Shuyu , Yin Chenghong , Liu Lingyan , Zhou Liying , Huang Xiaowu , Ma Yanmin
Published: July 2020

Endometriosis is a common, chronic gynaecologic disease affecting up to 10% of women in their reproductive age and leading to pain and infertility. Oestrogen (E2)‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process has been considered as a key factor of endometriosis development. Recently, the dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered in endometriosis tissues. However, the molecular mechanism of circRNAs on the E2‐induced EMT process in endometriosis is still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that circ_0004712 up‐regulated by E2 treatment in endometrial epithelial cells. Knock‐down the expression of circ_0004712 significantly suppressed E2‐induced cell migration activity. Meanwhile, we identified miR‐148a‐3p as a potential target miRNA of circ_0004712. Inhibited the expression of miR‐148a‐3p could recovered the effect of circ_0004712 knock‐down in E2‐treated endometrial epithelial. Furthermore, Western blot assay showed that E2 treatment could increase the expression and activity of β‐catenin, snail and N‐cadherin and reduce the expression of E‐cadherin. The expression and activity of β‐catenin pathway were recovered by circ_0004712 knock‐down or miR‐148a‐3p overexpression. Altogether, the results demonstrate that circ_0004712/miR‐148a‐3p plays an important role in E2‐induced EMT process in the development of endometriosis, and the molecular mechanism may be associated with the β‐catenin pathway. This work highlighted the importance of circRNAs in the development of endometriosis and provide a new biomarker for diagnosis and therapies.
Mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived factors promote the colonization of collagen 3D scaffolds with human skin cells
Authors: Tutuianu Raluca , Rosca Ana‐Maria , Albu Kaya Madalina Georgiana , Pruna Vasile , Neagu Tiberiu Paul , Lascar Ioan , Simionescu Maya , Titorencu Irina
Published: July 2020

The development of stem cell technology in combination with advances in biomaterials has opened new ways of producing engineered tissue substitutes. In this study, we investigated whether the therapeutic potential of an acellular porous scaffold made of type I collagen can be improved by the addition of a powerful trophic agent in the form of mesenchymal stromal cells conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) in order to be used as an acellular scaffold for skin wound healing treatment. Our experiments showed that MSC‐CM sustained the adherence of keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as the proliferation of keratinocytes. Moreover, MSC‐CM had chemoattractant properties for keratinocytes and endothelial cells, attributable to the content of trophic and pro‐angiogenic factors. Also, for the dermal fibroblasts cultured on collagen scaffold in the presence of MSC‐CM versus serum control, the ratio between collagen III and I mRNAs increased by 2‐fold. Furthermore, the gene expression for α‐smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 and 2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐14 was significantly increased by approximately 2‐fold. In conclusion, factors existing in MSC‐CM improve the colonization of collagen 3D scaffolds, by sustaining the adherence and proliferation of keratinocytes and by inducing a pro‐healing phenotype in fibroblasts.
Postnatal growth retardation is associated with intestinal mucosa mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant energy status in piglets
Authors: Qi Ming , Wang Jing , Tan Bie , Liao Simeng , Long Cimin , Yin Yulong
Published: July 2020

Individuals with postnatal growth retardation (PGR) are prone to developing chronic disease. Abnormal development in small intestine is casually implicated in impaired growth performance. However, the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this present study, PGR piglets (aged 42 days) were employed as a good model to analyse changes in nutrient absorption and energy metabolism in the intestinal mucosa. The results showed lower serum concentrations of free amino acids, and lipid metabolites in PGR piglets, which were in accordance with the down‐regulated mRNA expressions involved in fatty acid and amino acid transporters in the jejunal and ileal mucosa. The decreased activities of digestive enzymes and the marked swelling in mitochondria were also observed in the PGR piglets. In addition, it was found that lower ATP production, higher AMP/ATP ratio, deteriorated mitochondrial complex III and ATP synthase, and decreased manganese superoxide dismutase activity in the intestinal mucosa of PGR piglets. Furthermore, altered gene expression involved in energy metabolism, accompanied by decreases in the protein abundance of SIRT1, PGC‐1α and PPARγ, as well as phosphorylations of AMPKα, mTOR, P70S6K and 4E‐BP1 were observed in intestinal mucosa of PGR piglets. In conclusion, decreased capability of nutrient absorption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant energy status in the jejunal and ileal mucosa may contribute to PGR piglets.
Acupuncture for pain, mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life in patients with masticatory myofascial pain: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: de Salles‐Neto Franklin Teixeira , de Paula Janice Simpson , Romero João Gabriel de Azevedo José , Almeida‐Leite Camila Megale
Published: July 2020

Background

Masticatory myofascial pain is the most prevalent muscular temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It primarily affects masseter and temporal muscles. Several treatments, including acupuncture, have been recommended. However, systematic reviews have highlighted gaps in studies and absence of conclusive results.

Objectives

We performed a randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving pain, mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life in women with masticatory myofascial pain.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were divided into the following two groups: acupuncture and control (non‐penetrating acupuncture).Treatment was performed weekly for 5 weeks, and pain, mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life were evaluated one week before treatment, one week after treatment and one month after treatment. Non‐parametric and parametric tests were used for comparisons between times and treatment groups (significance level ofP ≤ .05).

Results

The acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in pain (P ≤ .01), which was not observed in the control group. Pain intensity was reduced by 61% and 84% at 1 week and 1 month after treatment, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements in mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life over time (P ≤ .01). Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference between the groups for any other evaluated outcome (P > .05).

Conclusion

Although acupuncture was effective in pain reduction, non‐specific factors may have influenced mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life improvements in both groups, and this needs to be further addressed.
Culturally Relevant Resilience: A Psychometric Meta‐Analysis of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM)
Authors: Renbarger Rachel L. , Padgett R. Noah , Cowden Richard G. , Govender Kaymarlin , Yilmaz Münübe Z. , Scott Lakia M. , Makhnach Alexander V. , Novotny Jan Sebastian , Nugent Geoff , Rosenbaum Lacey , Křeménková Lucie
Published: July 2020

Measuring key components of resilience is vital for understanding cross‐cultural dynamics among youth and the environment. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM‐28) was developed as a cross‐cultural measure of resilience and has been used globally. To examine the cross‐cultural utility of the CYRM‐28, we conducted a systematic review of the literature reporting on the psychometric properties of the measure. Using data representing six countries (N = 6,232) that were supplied from authors of the studies reviewed, a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted to estimate the variability of the measurement properties among communities, ages, and sex. Results indicate that the literature generally did not include reliability and validity information for the instrument. From the multilevel confirmatory factor analysis, the measure was invariant between adolescent age‐groups and sexes but not across communities.
Fatty liver is associated with advanced fibrosis but does not predict adverse outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wong Sui‐Weng , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Mohamed Rosmawati
Published: July 2020

Hepatic steatosis is increasingly common and has been implicated in progression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of hepatic steatosis on liver fibrosis and clinical outcomes in CHB patients. Consecutive CHB patients who underwent transient elastography between 2013 and 2017 at a tertiary hospital were included in this longitudinal cohort study. Presence of hepatic steatosis was defined as controlled attenuation parameter, CAP ≥ 248 dB/m, while advanced liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurement, LSM ≥ 9.4 kPa. Cardiovascular events, liver‐related complications, malignancy and mortality and a composite of these outcomes were evaluated with Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression. Our study cohort included 614 patients with median follow‐up of 45 (32‐63) months. Hepatic steatosis was present in 294 patients (47.9%), and advanced liver fibrosis was present in 127 patients (21.0%). Presence of hepatic steatosis (OR: 1.956, 95% CI: 1.250‐3.060) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.507, 95% CI: 2.069‐5.944) was independently associated with advanced fibrosis. Advanced fibrosis was independently associated with composite outcome (HR: 2.496, 95% CI: 1.352‐4.606), liver‐related complications (HR: 3.765, 95% CI: 1.380‐10.271) and mortality (HR: 3.632, 95% CI: 1.342‐9.826), but not cardiovascular events and malignancy. Hepatic steatosis was not associated with any adverse outcomes. We conclude that hepatic steatosis is common and associated with advanced fibrosis in CHB patients. Unlike advanced fibrosis, hepatic steatosis does not predict adverse outcomes in CHB patients.
Clinical characteristics in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2/HBV co‐infection
Authors: Chen Liping , Huang Shaoping , Yang Jingmao , Cheng Xin , Shang Zhiyin , Lu Hongzhou , Cheng Jilin
Published: July 2020

COVID‐19 has become a global pandemic and garnered international attention. Although the clinical features of COVID‐19‐related liver injury have been investigated, there have been no reports and studies on the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 patients co‐infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study aimed to evaluate whether SARS‐CoV‐2/HBV co‐infection could influence liver function and the disease outcome. All 326 confirmed COVID‐19 cases in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center (The COVID‐19 designated hospital in Shanghai, China) from 20 January 2020 to 24 February 2020 were enrolled and followed up until February 29 in this study. The clinical, laboratory data and the length of stay were collected and analysed retrospectively. 20 patients with HBV co‐infection (6.1%) and 306 patients (93.9%) without HBV infection showed no differences in the level of liver function parameters. However, compared with HBsAg‐ patients [145.4 mg/L (103.9‐179.2)], HBsAg + patients had a lower level of prealbumin [(102.3 mg/L (76.22‐160.2), P = .0367]. There were also no significant differences for the discharge rate and the length of stay between two groups. Taken together, we found no evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2/HBV co‐infection could aggravate liver injury or extend duration of hospitalization.
The Aguas Zarcas (CM2) meteorite: New insights into early solar system organic chemistry
Authors: Pizzarello Sandra , Yarnes Christopher T. , Cooper George
Published: July 2020

To date, the CM2 class of carbonaceous chondrites has provided the most detailed view of organic synthesis in the early solar system. Organic‐rich chondrites actually observed falling to Earth (“Falls”), for example, the Murchison meteorite in 1969, are even more rare. The April 23, 2019 fall of the Aguas Zarcas meteorite is therefore the most significant CM2 fall since Murchison. Samples collected immediately following the fall provide the rare opportunity to analyze its bulk mineralogy and organic inventory relatively free of terrestrial contamination. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin, Aguas Zarcas (“AZ” or “Zarcas”) is dominated by serpentine, similar to other CM2 chondrites. Likewise, our initial analyses of AZ were meant to give a broad view of its soluble organic inventory relative to other carbonaceous chondrites. We observe that while it is rich in hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, sugar alcohols, and sugar acids, some of these classes may be of lesser abundance than in the more well known carbonaceous chondrites such as Murchison. Compared generally with other CM2 meteorites, the most significant finding is the absence, or relatively low levels, of three otherwise common constituents: ammonia, amino, acids, and amines. Overall, this meteorite adds to the building database of prebiotic compounds available to the ancient Earth.
High mass resolution, spatial metabolite mapping enhances the current plant gene and pathway discovery toolbox
Authors: Dong Yonghui , Sonawane Prashant , Cohen Hagai , Polturak Guy , Feldberg Liron , Avivi Shelly Hen , Rogachev Ilana , Aharoni Asaph
Published: July 2020

Understanding when and where metabolites accumulate provides important cues to the gene function. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) enables in situ temporal and spatial measurement of a large assortment of metabolites, providing mapping information regarding their cellular distribution.

To describe the current state and technical advances using MSI in plant sciences, we employed MSI to demonstrate its significant contribution to the study of plant specialised metabolism.

We show that coupling MSI with: (1) RNA interference (RNAi), (2) virus induced gene silencing (VIGS), (3) agroinfiltration or (4) samples derived from plant natural variation provides great opportunities to understand the accurate gene–metabolite relationship and discover novel gene‐associated metabolites. This was exemplified in three plant species (i.e. tomato, tobacco and wheat) by mapping the distribution of metabolites possessing a range of polarities. In particular, we demonstrated that MSI is able to spatially map an entire metabolic pathway, including intermediates and final products, in the intricate biosynthetic route to tomato fruit steroidal glycoalkaloids.

We therefore envisage MSI as a key component of the metabolome analysis arsenal employed in plant gene discovery strategies.
Metabolomic adjustments in the orchid mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella calospora during symbiosis with Serapias vomeracea
Authors: Ghirardo Andrea , Fochi Valeria , Lange Birgit , Witting Michael , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Perotto Silvia , Balestrini Raffaella
Published: July 2020

All orchids rely on mycorrhizal fungi for organic carbon, at least during early development. In fact, orchid seed germination leads to the formation of a protocorm, a heterotrophic postembryonic structure colonized by intracellular fungal coils, thought to be the site of nutrient transfer. The molecular mechanisms underlying mycorrhizal interactions and metabolic changes induced by this symbiosis in both partners remain mostly unknown.

We studied plant–fungus interactions in the mycorrhizal association between the Mediterranean orchid Serapias vomeracea and the basidiomycete Tulasnella calospora using nontargeted metabolomics. Plant and fungal metabolomes obtained from symbiotic structures were compared with those obtained under asymbiotic conditions.

Symbiosis induced substantial metabolomic alterations in both partners. In particular, structural and signaling lipid compounds increased markedly in the external fungal mycelium growing near the symbiotic protocorms, whereas chito‐oligosaccharides were identified uniquely in symbiotic protocorms.

This work represents the first description of metabolic changes occurring in orchid mycorrhiza. These results – combined with previous transcriptomic data – provide novel insights on the mechanisms underlying the orchid mycorrhizal association and open intriguing questions on the role of fungal lipids in this symbiosis.
Childhood wheeze trajectory‐specific risk factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Owora Arthur H. , Zhang Yijia
Published: July 2020

Background

There is growing interest in the use of latent trajectory methodology to identify wheeze patterns in heterogeneous populations of children. This study systematically reviewed and meta‐analyzed childhood wheeze trajectory studies to identify childhood wheeze trajectory group‐specific risk factors among children from birth through to adolescence.

Methods

We included studies that used latent trajectory methodology to identify wheeze trajectories and associated risk factors. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from 2000 through September 30, 2019, for relevant studies. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA recommendations.

Results

Thirteen cohort studies conducted in eleven high‐income countries were included in our meta‐analysis with the length of follow‐up ranging from 3 to 18 years. Five distinct latent wheeze trajectory groups were identified: Never/Infrequent, Early‐Transient, Early‐Persistent, Intermediate‐Onset, and Late‐Onset. We found moderate‐to‐strong evidence that family history of asthma predicted persistent childhood wheezing among male children but with lower risk among first‐born children. There was weak‐to‐moderate evidence for childhood atopy, male sex, short duration of breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, daycare attendance, and having siblings as risk factors for Early‐Transient wheezing; except for breastfeeding, these factors were also associated with intermediate and Late‐Onset wheezing with varying effect sizes in high‐risk vs general population cohorts.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the consistency of wheeze trajectory groups defined by onset, peak prevalence, and duration; we also suggest a common nomenclature for future trajectory studies. With the exception of the relationship between a family history of asthma and persistent childhood wheezing, commonly suspected wheeze risk factors (childhood atopy, male sex, short duration of breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, daycare attendance, and having siblings) are not trajectory‐specific and have varying effects in high‐risk vs general population cohorts. Delineation of time‐varying risk factor effects may be critical to the specificity of wheeze trajectory group prediction to better inform prognosis and targeted early preventive intervention among at‐risk children.
Effect of Patient Characteristics on Reported Outcomes Over 12 Months Following Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation: A Retrospective Review of 500 Patients
Authors: Yadav Abhishek , Hagedorn Jonathan M. , D’Souza Ryan S. , Engle Alyson M. , Deer Timothy R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Low back pain is the leading cause of years lost to disability worldwide. Approximately 15% to 45% of chronic low back pain is due to facet joint arthropathy. Currently, no large‐scale retrospective studies have investigated long‐term clinical predictors of success in individuals receiving radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branches for facet joint arthropathy.

Objective

To determine the clinical factors associated with success and failure of RFA of lumbar facet joints at 1‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Clinical data were gathered from 500 consecutive patients with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 diagnosis of lumbar spondylosis. VAS pain scores for patients undergoing lumbar medial branch RFA procedures were recorded at multiple time points, up to the 1‐year follow‐up visit. A responder was defined as having ≥30% improvement in VAS score from the pre‐procedural VAS score. For our primary analysis, regression analysis was conducted to identify associations between responder status and patient characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hormone use, opiate dose, and smoking history at multiple time points, up to the 1‐year follow‐up visit.

Results

A total of 500 patients were included in the study. At the 1‐year post‐RFA follow‐up visit, responder status was associated with a lower rate of prior opioid use (43.22% vs. 55.76%, odds ratio 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.92], P = 0.018), lower pre‐procedural opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents (10.16 ± 16.02 vs. 14.67 ± 20.65, β −4.50 [95% CI −8.57 to −0.44], P = 0.030), and a higher pre‐VAS pain score (6.36 ± 2.17 vs. 5.85 ± 2.17, β 0.50 [95% CI 0.06 to 0.95], P = 0.028). There were no significant associations between responder status and age, gender, BMI, hormone use, and smoking history at the 1‐year follow‐up visit.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients prescribed opioids, particularly at higher dosages, may find less pain relief 1 year following RFA for facetogenic pain. Additionally, patients with higher pre‐procedural VAS pain scores may be more likely to have a positive response at 1 year.
OsNRAMP1 transporter contributes to cadmium and manganese uptake in rice
Authors: Chang Jia‐Dong , Huang Sheng , Yamaji Naoki , Zhang Wenwen , Ma Jian Feng , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: July 2020

Rice is a major dietary source of the toxic metal, cadmium (Cd). Previous studies reported that the rice transporter, OsNRAMP1, (Natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 1) could transport iron (Fe), Cd and arsenic (As) in heterologous yeast assays. However, the in planta function of OsNRAMP1 remains unknown. Here, we showed that OsNRAMP1 was able to transport Cd and manganese (Mn) when expressed in yeast, but did not transport Fe or As. OsNRAMP1 was mainly expressed in roots and leaves and encoded a plasma membrane‐localized protein. OsNRAMP1 expression was induced by Cd treatment and Fe deficiency. Immunostaining showed that OsNRAMP1 was localized in all root cells, except the central vasculature, and in leaf mesophyll cells. The knockout of OsNRAMP1 resulted in significant decreases in root uptake of Cd and Mn and their accumulation in rice shoots and grains, and increased sensitivity to Mn deficiency. The knockout of OsNRAMP1 had smaller effects on Cd and Mn uptake than knockout of OsNRAMP5, while knockout of both genes resulted in large decreases in the uptake of the two metals. Taken together, OsNRAMP1 contributes significantly to the uptake of Mn and Cd in rice, and the functions of OsNRAMP1 and OsNRAMP5 are similar but not redundant.
Syn‐rift mass flow generated ‘tectonofacies’ and ‘tectonosequences’ of the Kingston Peak Formation, Death Valley, California, and their bearing on supposed Neoproterozoic panglacial climates
Authors: Kennedy Kirsten , Eyles Nick
Published: July 2020

The Kingston Peak Formation of the Pahrump Group in the Death Valley region of the Basin and Range Province, USA, is the thick (over 3 km) mixed siliciclastic–carbonate fill of a long‐lived structurally‐complex Neoproterozoic rift basin and is recognized by some as a key ‘climatostratigraphic’ succession recording panglacial Snowball Earth events. A facies analysis of the Kingston Peak Formation shows it to be largely composed of ‘tectonofacies’ which are subaqueous mass flow deposits recording cannibalization of older Pahrump carbonate strata exposed by local faulting. Facies include siltstone, sandstone and conglomerate turbidites, carbonate megabreccias (olistoliths) and related breccias, and interbedded debrites. Secondary facies are thin carbonates and pillowed basalts. Four distinct associations of tectonofacies (‘base‐of‐scarp’; FA1, ‘mid‐slope’; FA2, ‘base‐of‐slope’; FA3, and a ‘carbonate margin’ association; FA4) reflect the initiation and progradation of deep water clastic wedges at the foot of fault scarps. ‘Tectonosequences’ record episodes of fault reactivation resulting in substantial increases in accommodation space and water depths, the collapse of fault scarps and consequent downslope mass flow events. Carbonates of FA4 record the cessation of tectonic activity and resulting sediment starvation ending the growth of clastic wedges. Tectonosequences are nested within regionally‐extensive tectono‐stratigraphic units of earlier workers that are hundreds to thousands of metres in thickness, recording the long‐term evolution of the rifted Laurentian continental margin during the protracted breakup of Rodinia. Debrite facies of the Kingston Peak Formation are classically described as ice‐contact glacial deposits recording globally‐correlative panglacials but they result from partial to complete subaqueous mixing of fault‐generated coarse‐grained debris and fine‐grained distal sediment on a slope conditioned by tectonic activity. The sedimentology (tectonofacies) and stratigraphy (tectonosequences) of the Kingston Peak Formation reflect a fundamental control on local sedimentation in the basin by faulting and likely earthquake activity, not by any global glacial climate.
Dominance or prestige: A review of the effects of power poses and other body postures
Authors: Körner Robert , Schütz Astrid
Published: July 2020

Research on the effects of body positions has attracted enormous attention in recent years but has been plagued by failed replication attempts. Today, there is some confusion about which effects can be considered reliable. One problem that may have contributed to this confusion is the fact that most previous studies have not clearly distinguished between different types of body positions. We apply the dominance‐prestige framework to distinguish between two types of body positions. On the basis of this reasoning, we argue that research on so‐called power poses in fact has analyzed expansiveness as an indicator of dominance, whereas research on postures has focused on the straightness of the spine, which may be seen as a display of prestige. We review the literature and conclude that there is no clear evidence that short‐term interventions involving body positions affect physiology or behavior. Still, there are effects on actors' self‐perceptions. Repeatedly, studies on power poses have found effects on feelings of power and self‐evaluations, and studies on postures have found effects on emotional experience. However, there is hardly any research that has directly compared the two types of interventions.
Ongoing Debate Between Foreign Aid and Economic Growth in Nigeria: A Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Beton Kalmaz Demet
Published: July 2020

This study aims to reexamine the interconnection between economic growth, foreign aid, trade, gross fixed capital formation, and inflation rate in one model for the case of Nigeria, which has not yet been analyzed utilizing the new econometric techniques, employing time series data covering the years between 1980 and 2018. No previous research has employed a wavelet coherence technique to gather information on the dynamic connection and/or causality between these economic indicators at dissimilar frequencies and various time frames. The main objectives are to address the questions: (a) Is there long‐run relationship between the indicators under consideration? (b) What are the main determinants of economic growth in the long run? (c) How are the indicators related at dissimilar frequencies and various time frames? The empirical findings confirm that (a) there is a long‐run relationship between the indicators under consideration; (b) in the long run, economic growth is influenced significantly by foreign aid, trade openness, gross fixed capital formation, and inflation rate; (c) the outcomes of the wavelet coherence technique give evidence to support the long‐run estimations of this study; and (d) the outcomes of wavelet coherence are supported by the Toda‐Yamamoto causality test results.
Categories, Practices and the Self – Reflections on Bordering, Ordering and Othering
Authors: Vollmer Bastian A.
Published: July 2020

Since the publication of the paper ‘Bordering, Ordering and Othering’ by Henk van Houtum and Ton van Naerssen (2002), there has been an increase of complexity and diversification of borders and border‐making practices while at the same time one can observe an unprecedented development of research on these phenomena from a multitude of disciplinary perspectives. By revisiting the text, I will discuss three main comments referring to bordering categories, bordering practices and bordering self in the wider field of migration. The growing ambiguity of borders is once more underlined, but more importantly, these comments flesh out some of the far‐reaching profundities as well as political powers and new relevance which borders and practices of bordering have gained.
Low rate of COVID‐19 pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients—A battle between infection and immune response?
Authors: Ghaffari Rahbar Maryam , Nafar Mohsen , Khoshdel Alireza , Dalili Nooshin , Abrishami Alireza , Firouzan Ahmad , Poorrezagholi Fatemeh , Samadian Fariba , Ziaie Shadi , Fatemizadeh Somayeh , Samavat Shiva
Published: July 2020

Background

With COVID‐19 pandemic, concerns about kidney transplant recipients are rising. However, the incidence, clinical course, outcome, and predictive factors of disease severity are obscured.

Methods

We describe clinical and laboratory manifestations, radiologic findings, clinical course, and finally outcome of kidney transplant recipients with COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Results

Of 2493 kidney transplant recipients under follow‐up in our clinic, 19 cases (4 cases diagnosed based on radiologic findings) were admitted. The mean age of patients was 47.6 ± 12.4 years, and the mean time from transplantation was 115.6 ± 70.3 months. Lymphopenia and eosinopenia were 84.2% and 78.9%, respectively. Nine patients did not survive the hospital course. History of acute rejection during the past 12 months, diabetes, higher N/L ratio, lower platelet count, elevated N/L x CRP, higher levels of LDH, positive D‐dimer, higher troponin, and prolonged PT were associated with mortality. Among patients with positive COVID‐19 test, history of acute rejection, low platelet count, and positive D‐dimer were associated with poor outcome. Treatment with cyclosporine was associated with better clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Low rate of admission in transplant recipients specially in the very first years of transplantation might be due to protective effects of immunosuppressive agents against cytokine storm or modification of immunity function. We suggest evaluation of T‐cell number, function, and cytokine profile as a guide to manage COVID‐19 mainly in patients with higher risk of mortality.
Population genetic structure and marker–trait associations in East and West African Striga hermonthica with varying phenotypic response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae isolates Foxy‐2 and FK3
Authors: Anteyi Williams Oyifioda , Rasche Frank
Published: July 2020

To examine the genetic basis for the variable susceptibility of Striga hermonthica from differing zones of sub‐Saharan Africa to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (Fos) isolates Foxy‐2 and FK3, 10 S. hermonthica populations from Eastern and Western Africa were phenotyped for their susceptibility response to Foxy‐2 and FK3, and then genotyped with 22 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. There is low genetic differentiation between East African and West African S. hermonthica populations (i.e. the proportion of the total genetic variance contained in the subpopulation relative to the total genetic variance, FST = 0.012, P < 0.05), but intermediate genetic differentiation (FST = 0.143, P < 0.01) underlies the S. hermonthica groups that are differentiated by their phenotypic responses to Fos isolates. An expressed sequence tag SSR (EST‐SSR) marker Y53 (P < 0.01) and a genomic SSR marker E1009 (P < 0.05) were associated with the S. hermonthica class susceptible to Foxy‐2 and FK3 (group A). A divergent S. hermonthica class, consisting of groups with intermediate susceptibility to Foxy‐2 (group B) and susceptibility to either FK3 (group C) or Foxy‐2 (group D), showed no marker–trait association, instead demonstrated linkage disequilibrium decay. Owing to point substitutions and insertion–deletion mutations, the unique, protein‐coding nucleotide sequence at the E1009 locus in group A was partly dissimilar to group B, but was totally distinct from groups C and D. These findings implied that the inconsistent effectiveness of a Fos isolate is better explained by genomic variation in S. hermonthica, rather than by S. hermonthica sampling zones.