bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of ultra‐long protocol on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer outcome in infertile women with endometriosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Shuai , Xie Yi , Li Fei , Jin Lei
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of ultra‐long protocol on reproductive and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation outcome in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI‐ET) in infertile women with endometriosis versus long protocol.

Methods

We retrieved articles without language restrictions in the Elsevier ScienceDirect, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Data Knowledge Service Platform and China Science and Technology Journal Database from inception to August 2020. RCTs including the comparison of reproductive outcome of infertile patients with endometriosis who underwent ultra‐long protocol and long protocol were selected. Data extraction was conducted using RevMan 5.3.

Results

A total of nine RCTs in compliance with the standard literature were included. This meta‐analysis suggested that ultra‐long protocol with a 3‐month downregulation could increase clinical pregnancy rate of infertile women with endometriosis (RR=1.31, 95% CI:1.11 ~ 1.55, P = 0.002) versus long protocol. However, subgroup analysis found the different protocol provided no significant difference in improving clinical outcomes in patients with different disease stage of endometriosis.

Conclusion

The ultra‐long protocol could improve the clinical pregnancy rate of infertile women with endometriosis compared with long protocol with a 3‐month downregulation. And ultra‐long protocol could be effective to increase the ongoing pregnancy rate compared to long‐protocol. But, the efficacy of ultra‐long protocol is not different between early and advanced stage of endometriosis.
The relationship between vitamin E level and premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Ma Linjuan , Chen Guili , Xu Wenxian , Chen Peiqiong , Lan Yibing , Huang Yizhou , Li Chunming , Zhou Jianhong
Published: January 2021

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of vitamin E in the etiology of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Methods

This study included a total of 96 matched cases and controls, including the case group composed of 40 women with POI, and the control group composed of 56 women with normal menstrual cycles. Serum levels of vitamin E (also known as α‐tocopherol), total cholesterol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) were determined. The relationship of α‐tocopherol with FSH, LH and AMH levels in women were evaluated using regression models.

Results

We found a negative association of α‐tocopherol levels with FSH and LH levels, and a positive correlation between a‐tocopherol and AMH levels in the whole study population. In this study, α‐tocopherol levels were significantly lower in women with POI than those in women with normal menstrual cycles.

Conclusion

Vitamin E levels showed significantly statistical difference between the POI and control group (P < 0.001). Therefore, vitamin E is correlated to POI.
Predictors of recurrent gestational diabetes mellitus: A Japanese multicenter cohort study and literature review
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takashi , Saito Yoshihiro , Noshiro Kiwamu , Mayama Michinori , Nakagawa‐Akabane Kinuko , Umazume Takeshi , Chiba Kentaro , Kawaguchi Satoshi , Watari Hidemichi
Published: January 2021

Aim

To clarify whether maternal characteristics or laboratory parameters could help predict the onset of recurrent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

We enrolled 615 women with consecutive singleton deliveries at or after 28 GW from two perinatal medical centers between 2011 and 2019 and divided them into four groups according to whether they had GDM in the first and second pregnancies. The outcome of this study was to clarify the incidence and the predictors of recurrent GDM.

Results

We found that among 72 women (11.7%) who had GDM during their first pregnancy, the rate of recurrent GDM was 47.2%. The 34 women (5.5%) with recurrent GDM gained significantly less weight in the first and second pregnancies and lost less weight between the first delivery and the second conception compared with those women without GDM in both pregnancies. Of women with GDM during the first pregnancy, 21 scored 2 or 3 (multiple) positive points on a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during their first pregnancies; the GDM recurrence rate among these women (66.7%) was significantly higher than that among the 51 women who scored 1 positive point (39.2%; p = 0.0411). During the first pregnancy, insulin administration therapy was significantly more frequent in women with recurrent GDM than in women without recurrent GDM (23.5% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.0396, respectively).

Conclusion

A predictor of recurrent GDM onset was a score of 2 or 3 positive points on the OGTT during the first pregnancy.
So close, and yet so far away: The dichotomy of the specific immune response and inflammation in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Schäbitz A. , Eyerich K. , Garzorz‐Stark N.
Published: January 2021

Characterization of the complex interplay between cytokines, chemokines and microorganisms has led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and AD and resulted in new therapeutics targeting distinct immune responses. Psoriasis and AD share many characteristics: they are highly prevalent, chronic, cause primarily skin inflammation, but are associated with comorbidities, and come with a devastating quality of life due to itch and stigmatization. However, the pathogenesis of psoriasis and AD is opposing – psoriasis is dominated by a Th17 immune response that causes neutrophil migration, induction of innate immunity and exaggerated epithelial metabolism. Leading cytokines of this Th17 immune response are IL‐17A and F, IL‐22 and TNF‐a. AD is characterized by Th2 immunity characterized by the signature cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13 leading to an impaired epidermal barrier, dampened innate immunity and eosinophil migration. This review compares genetics, microbiome and T‐cell infiltrate and resulting epithelial response in psoriasis and AD. Whilst the antagonistic course of psoriasis and AD is confirmed by response to specific biologics targeting the key cytokines of inflammation in psoriasis and AD, respectively, clinically overlapping phenotypes are challenging in our daily clinical practice. We conclude this review by summarizing what is known about these mixed phenotypes and how the identification of clinically relevant endotypes and molecular‐driven decision‐making is the next step in the field of dermato‐immunology.
Retrospective Comparison of Postinsertion Maintenances Between Conventional and 3D Printed Complete Dentures Fabricated in a Predoctoral Clinic
Authors: Kim Tae Hyung , Huh Jung Bo , Lee Janet , Bae Eun‐Bin , Park Cheryl J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

A retrospective study to analyze the clinical performance of 3D printed complete dentures in edentulous patients compared with conventional complete dentures regarding postinsertion visits and patient reported outcomes.

Material and Methods

Electronic charts were reviewed to analyze 420 (maxilla 270, mandible 150) heat‐polymerized conventional complete dentures (CCD) inserted between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 and 217 (maxilla 130, mandible 86) 3D printed complete dentures (PCD) inserted between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Number of remakes, number of postinsertion adjustments, type and number of repairs, and patient reported complications were compared between two types of complete dentures. The frequency of denture repair and patient reported complications were analyzed using chi‐square of independence test.

Results

The frequency of pain and visible ulcer lesions in the maxilla was determined to be 46.67% with CCD and 36.15% in PCD (p = 0.047). There was no statistical significance in other items. The majority of esthetic concerns was dissatisfaction with the shape of dentures with CCD (4.67%) and they had statistically significant, less frequent, esthetic problems than PCD (11.63%) (p = 0.047).

Conclusions

Similar clinical performance was recorded between the two groups, but the overall pain and visible ulcer lesions were less in the printed complete dentures then the conventionally processed dentures. However, the esthetic aspect was better in conventionally processed complete dentures.
Nurse's practices and attitudes toward sexual health, wellbeing, and function in people receiving haemodialysis: A scoping review
Authors: Mckie Amanda L. , Green Theresa , Bonner Ann
Published: January 2021

Background

Sexual health, wellbeing, and function are important parts of a person's identity. Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure can alter, impair, and profoundly, affect sexual wellbeing and function.

Objective

To conduct a scoping review of studies about renal nurses’ practice and attitudes towards sexual health, wellbeing, and function in people with kidney failure receiving haemodialysis.

Methods

Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, seven databases were searched (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, OvidPsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library, and JBI library). The search included studies published in English from January 2009 to January 2020.

Results

Four studies met the review criteria (two cross‐sectional surveys and two qualitative). Role confusion in discussing sexual issues, lack of training, and education in addressing sexual concerns, personal, and workplace related barriers were four factors that emerged from the review of the studies. This review identified that renal nurses were uncomfortable and hesitant in initiating discussions about sexual health, wellbeing, and function with people receiving haemodialysis.

Conclusion

Renal nurses experience role confusion about whose responsibility it is to initiate and discuss sexual concerns with patients, as well as who's role is it to conduct sexual health assessments. Work related and personal barriers impeded nurses’ practice regarding sexual health, wellbeing, and function. Nurses working in renal units need knowledge and practical training about how to initiate and address sexual concerns in those affected by kidney disease.
In Their Own Words: Resources Needed by School Nurses to Facilitate Student Immunization Compliance
Authors: Hoke Alicia M. , Stuckey Heather L. , Keller Chelsea M. , Lu Zhexi , Hivner Elizabeth A. , Calo William A. , Strick Janine M. , Kraschnewski Jennifer L.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

All 50 states have school‐entry immunization requirements, and many also allow exemptions based on medical and non‐medical reasons. School nurses are responsible for managing student immunization compliance based on state policies, but lack standardized resources and guidance.

METHODS

Pennsylvania school nurses (N = 21) participated in semi‐structured interviews regarding their strategies for communication and management of student immunization information, along with resources needed for practice improvement. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

RESULTS

Nurses reported similarities in timelines used for communication of immunization requirements, but differences in mechanisms used to secure and manage immunization records. Nurses reported a need for clarity regarding exclusions and exemption policy implementation and requested standardized resources and guidance for navigating immunization compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

A need exists for standardized processes that support immunization compliance. Furthermore, nurses highlighted a need for additional training and enhanced networks to develop creative strategies for promoting immunization uptake among families.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the well‐being of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their parents
Authors: Masi Anne , Mendoza Diaz Antonio , Tully Lucy , Azim Syeda Ishra , Woolfenden Susan , Efron Daryl , Eapen Valsamma
Published: January 2021

Aims

To examine the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on child mental health and socio‐emotional and physical well‐being (including sleep, diet, exercise, use of electronic media; care giver perceptions of symptoms of child neurodevelopmental disability [NDD] and comorbidities), and care giver mental health and well‐being, social support and service use.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional self‐report survey was distributed via disability service providers and support groups. Care givers of children aged 2–17 years with a NDD were invited to respond to questions on child symptom severity and well‐being, parent well‐being and service access and satisfaction.

Results

Overall, 302 care givers (94.7% female) completed the survey. Average child age was 9.7 years and 66.9% were male. Worsening of any child NDD or comorbid mental health symptom was reported by 64.5% of respondents and 76.9% reported child health and well‐being was impacted by COVID‐19. Children were viewing more television and digital media (81.6%), exercising less (68.0%), experiencing reduced sleep quality (43.6%) and had a poorer diet (32.4%). Almost one fifth (18.8%) of families reported an increase in the dosage of medication administered to their child. Parents reported COVID‐19 had impacted their own well‐being (76.1%). Over half of respondents were not satisfied with services received during COVID‐19 (54.8%) and just 30% reported that telehealth works well for their child.

Conclusion

Targeted interventions are required to address worsening child neurodevelopmental disability, mental health symptoms and poor diet, sleep and exercise patterns. Improved access to telehealth services is indicated, as is further research on barriers and enablers of effective telehealth services.
Evaluation of the combined effects of different dose levels of Zinc oxide with probiotics complex supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbiota, noxious gas emissions and faecal score of weaning pigs
Authors: Wang Huan , Kim Kun Phil , Kim In Ho
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dose levels of zinc oxide (ZnO) combined with probiotics complex supplementation on the growth, performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal lactobacillus and Enterobacteria counts, noxious gas emissions and faecal score of weaned piglets. A total of 180 crossbred weaning pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc; 6.61 ± 1.29 kg [mean ± SE]; 28 days old) were used in a 42‐day trial. All pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatment diets based on initial BW and sex (9 replicate pens/treatment; 2 gilts and 3 barrows/pen). Dietary treatment groups were as follows: CON, basal diet +ZnO 3,000 ppm; BZS, basal diet +ZnO 2,100 ppm +0.1% SynerZymeF10; BZS1, basal diet +ZnO 1,200 ppm +0.1% SynerZymeF10; BZS2, basal diet +ZnO 300 ppm +0.1% SynerZymeF10. During the phase 3, decreasing the ZnO concentration led to a linear reduction in ADG (p = 0.044), and the ADG was lower (p < 0.05) in BZS2 compared with CON treatment during the whole experimental period. The effects of dietary ZnO with probiotics complex were not detected (p > 0.05) on nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus and E. coli counts, faecal gas emissions and faecal scores. In conclusion, the diet supplementation of ZnO (1,200 ppm) with probiotics complex has been shown to have comparable efficacy to ZnO (3,000 ppm) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbiota, noxious gas emissions and faecal score of weaning pigs.
Biochemical characteristics of a diffusible factor that induces gametophyte to sporophyte switching in the brown alga Ectocarpus
Authors: Yao Haiqin , Scornet Delphine , Jam Murielle , Hervé Cécile , Potin Philippe , Oliveira Correia Lydie , Coelho Susana M. , Cock J. Mark
Published: January 2021

The haploid‐diploid life cycle of the filamentous brown alga Ectocarpus involves alternation between two independent and morphologically distinct multicellular generations, the sporophyte and the gametophyte. Deployment of the sporophyte developmental program requires two TALE homeodomain transcription factors OUROBOROS and SAMSARA. In addition, the sporophyte generation has been shown to secrete a diffusible factor that can induce uni‐spores to switch from the gametophyte to the sporophyte developmental program. Here, we determine optimal conditions for production, storage, and detection of this diffusible factor and show that it is a heat‐resistant, high molecular weight molecule. Based on a combined approach involving proteomic analysis of sporophyte‐conditioned medium and the use of biochemical tools to characterize arabinogalactan proteins, we present evidence that sporophyte‐conditioned medium contains AGP epitopes and suggest that the diffusible factor may belong to this family of glycoproteins.
Rural Perceptions of Acute Care at Home: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Levine David M. , Desai Meghna P. , Ross Joseph , Como Natalie , Anne Gill Emily
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Hospital‐level care at home in urban areas delivers low‐cost, high‐quality care. Few have attempted to deliver home hospital care in a rural environment, where traditional hospitals are often less equipped to deliver high‐quality care. Little is known about rural clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions regarding rural home hospital care and how the urban model might be adapted to fit rural circumstances.

Methods

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews in the United States with a national purposive sample of practicing rural clinicians, a focus group with clinicians who care for rural patients, and interviews with rural patients. We coded these qualitative data into domains and subdomains.

Findings

We identified 4 domains: (1) current state of rural health care, (2) attitudes toward rural home hospital, (3) perceived barriers to implementing rural home hospital, and (4) perceived facilitators to implementing rural home hospital. Participants expressed challenges with current rural health care, including inefficient care coupled with poor access. Most felt rural home hospital care could offer benefits, including comfort, timeliness, and downstream outcomes such as readmission rate reduction. Rural patients were open to receiving acute care in their homes. Potential barriers included geographic accessibility, Internet connectivity, rural hospital politics, the culture of hospitalization, and the availability of skilled human resources.

Conclusions

Significant interest and optimism exist surrounding rural home hospital despite perceived barriers. Designing for and testing adaptations to the urban model will likely optimize benefits and minimize threats to a potential intervention.
The Role of Supply Chains in the Global Business of Forced Labour
Authors: LeBaron Genevieve
Published: January 2021

Supply chains are fundamental to whether decent work flourishes or not. Not only do supply chain dynamics shape employment practices and working conditions, but they also influence business models and capabilities which structure opportunities for decent work. As scholars and policymakers race to strengthen labor standards in supply chains and confront barriers to their effective implementation, management scholars can both benefit from and advance an understanding of the role of supply chains in giving rise to indecent work, especially the business practices commonly described as forced labor and modern slavery. To help realize this potential, this article draws from my research on the business of forced labor to emphasize three points. First, there are clear and discernible patterns with respect to the root causes of forced labor in supply chains. Second, forced labor in supply chains cannot be understood in isolation of broader dynamics of work and employment, since low‐waged workers tend to move in and out of conditions of forced labor in relatively short periods of time. Third, on‐the‐ground studies of the effectiveness of buyer‐centric governance programs reveal serious gaps between corporate social responsibility standards and business practices when it comes to indicators most relevant to forced labor. I conclude with a discussion of future directions in this research agenda and highlight the potential for business scholars to make a contribution.
Phylogenomics of Fargesia and Yushania reveals a history of reticulate evolution
Authors: Ye Xia‐Ying , Ma Peng‐Fei , Guo Cen , Li De‐Zhu
Published: January 2021

Reticulate evolution is a common and important driving force in angiosperm evolution. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic signals of genomic regions with different inheritance patterns to understand the evolutionary process of organisms using species‐rich Himalaya–Hengduan taxa of bamboos (Fargesia Franchet and Yushania Keng). We constructed phylogenetic trees using different sampling strategies and reconstruction methods based on genome skimming and double digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing data. We assessed the congruence of topologies generated from different datasets and employed several approaches to reveal the causes of phylogenetic incongruence, including the detection of hybridization and introgression using PhyloNetworks and the D‐statistic test (ABBA‐BABA test). We found that, in the plastome‐based phylogeny, Fargesia bamboos can be clustered into three groups and Yushania was nested within one of them, which contradicts the nuclear–double digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing‐based phylogeny. Moreover, the genetic variation of chloroplast DNA is significantly correlated with geographical distribution. The strong signal of incomplete lineage sorting, hybridization, introgression, and cytoplasmic gene flow found among genera and species suggests that reticulate evolution is the main cause for the phylogenetic incongruence between nuclear and chloroplast datasets. Our results add evidence that genomes with different inheritance patterns can reveal distinct evolutionary histories of species and suggest that reticulate evolution is prevalent in rapidly diversifying groups.
Assessing the impact of a family empowerment program on asthma control and medication use in children with asthma: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dardouri Maha , Bouguila Jihene , Sahli Jihene , Ajmi Thouraya , Mtiraoui Ali , Zedini Chekib , Mallouli Manel
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In pediatric asthma, family empowerment education has been beneficial for the quality of life, pulmonary function, and family functioning. Few studies addressed the impact of a family empowerment program on asthma symptom control, acute healthcare use (AHCU), and medication use in children with asthma. This study aimed to assess the effect of a family empowerment intervention on asthma symptom control, AHCU, inhaler technique, and controller adherence in children with asthma.

Design and Methods

A single‐center study using a randomized controlled design was conducted in a university hospital in the center of Tunisia from May 2018 to September 2019. Eighty‐two families were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 41) of 8 weeks of group training sessions, or to the control group (n = 41) of usual care education. Thirty‐seven families in the intervention group and 39 families in the control group received allocated intervention at baseline. Thirty‐four families in each group completed the study at the 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

At baseline, the intervention and control groups were statistically comparable (p > .05). At follow‐up, there were significant differences between the intervention and the control group in asthma symptom control, χ2 (1, N = 34) = 9.950, p = .002, and inhalation technique, χ2 (1, N = 34) = 5.916, p = .01. For AHCU and adherence to asthma controller, there was no significant difference between groups, χ2 (1, N = 34) = 3.219, p = .07, χ2 (1, N = 34) = 0.541, p = .46, respectively. The difference within time in asthma symptom control and inhalation technique was significant (p = 10−3, p = .001; respectively).

Practice Implications

This study demonstrated that a family empowerment program significantly improved asthma symptom control and inhaler technique in children with asthma aged 7–17 years. This intervention could be clinically useful and time‐saving for pediatric nurses.
Sensory quantitative descriptive analysis of African slimy okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) preparations and its correlation with instrumental parameters
Authors: Savouré Timoty , Dornier Manuel , Maraval Isabelle , Collignan Antoine
Published: January 2021

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of the ingredients used in traditional West and Central African gastronomy because of the slimy texture it gives to sauces, soups and stews. However, in the literature, the definition of “sliminess” is unclear, the textural perception of these slimy preparations has not been described, and the possibility of measuring the textural quality of these sauces instrumentally has not been established. This study therefore aims (a) to identify the sensory attributes adapted to describe the texture of these slimy sauces and (b) to verify that the instrumental measurements adapted to characterize the rheology and texture of these sauces are well correlated to these attributes. Nine okra sauces were prepared by varying their formulation and the preparation process. A quantitative descriptive sensory analysis and a ranking test were carried out with a trained panel of 16 panelists. The texture of the okra‐based slimy sauces prepared can be described using 11 attributes referring to their consistency and to their adhesive, elastic, elongation and functional properties. Results showed that sliminess is a complex textural property resulting from the combined perception of stringiness and viscosity of semi‐solid matrices. Therefore, it is not possible to correctly predict the sensory perception of sliminess with a single instrumental measurement. However, measuring their consistency index K and their stringiness is necessary and sufficient to characterize the texture of these sauces and to predict the sensory perception of their consistency and elongational properties.
Serum spexin concentration, body condition score and markers of obesity in dogs
Authors: Kolodziejski Pawel Antoni , Pruszynska‐Oszmalek Ewa , Nowak Tomasz , Lukomska Anna , Sassek Maciej , Wlodarek Jan , Nogowski Leszek , Cieslak Adam , Nowak Krzysztof W.
Published: January 2021

Background

Spexin (SPX) is a peptide hormone that regulates body weight, adipose tissue metabolism, and food intake.

Hypothesis

Serum SPX concentration correlates with body condition score (BCS) and markers of obesity in dogs.

Animals

Fifty‐seven dogs of varying body condition assessed using a 5‐point BCS.

Methods

Prospective, nonblinded, observational cohort study. Serum SPX concentration was measured using commercially available radioimmunoassay (RIA) in dogs with varying BCS. Spexin mRNA and protein expression were detected using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Serum SPX concentration was lower in dogs with BCS4 (8.56 +/‐ 2.86) and BCS5 (6.7 +/‐ 2.12) compared to BCS2 (11.96 +/‐ 2.23) and BCS3 (10.51 +/‐ 2.19; BCS2 vs BCS5, P < .001 and BCS2 vs BCS4, P = .005; BCS3 vs BCS5, P = .002). Spexin mRNA was detected in adipose tissue, liver and pancreas. Spexin protein was expressed in adipose tissue and liver but not in pancreas. There were negative correlations between SPX and serum concentration of insulin (P < .05); leptin (P < .01), triglycerides (P < .01), total cholesterol (P < .01), nonesterified fatty acids (P < .01), and fructosamine (P < .01). There was a positive correlation between SPX and serum concentration of adiponectin (P < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Spexin could be involved in pathogenesis of obesity in dogs, and might be considered as a potential marker for obesity.
Effect of aerosolized bacterial lysate on development of naturally occurring respiratory disease in beef calves
Authors: Bassel Laura L. , Kaufman Emily I. , Alsop Sarah‐Nicole A. , Buchan Jordan , Hewson Joanne , McCandless Erin E. , Tiwari Raksha , Sharif Shayan , Vulikh Ksenia , Caswell Jeff L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a major problem affecting beef cattle after arrival to feedlots. Alternatives to antibiotics are needed for prevention.

Hypothesis

Stimulation of pulmonary innate immune responses at the time of arrival to a feedlot reduces the occurrence and severity of BRD.

Animals

Sixty beef steers at high risk of BRD.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study. Calves received saline or a lysate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by aerosol, at 16 hours after feedlot arrival. Calves were monitored for 28 days for disease outcomes and levels of Mycoplasma bovis and Mannheimia haemolytica in nasal swabs.

Results

Death from M bovis pneumonia was significantly greater in lysate‐treated animals (6/29, 24%) compared to controls (1/29, 3%; odds ratio = 10.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1‐96.0; P = .04). By 28 days after arrival, 29/29 lysate‐treated calves had ultrasonographic pulmonary consolidation compared to 24/29 control calves (P = .05). Lysate‐treated calves had lower weight gain compared to control calves (−8.8 kg, 95% CI = −17.1 to −0.5; P = .04), and higher body temperatures on days 4, 7, and 21 (0.19°C; 95% CI = 0.01‐0.37; P = .04). Nasal M bovis numbers increased over time and were higher in lysate‐treated calves (0.76 log CFU, 95% CI = 0.3‐1.2; P = .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Aerosol administration of a bacterial lysate exacerbated BRD in healthy high‐risk beef calves, suggesting that respiratory tract inflammation adversely affects how calves respond to subsequent natural infection with M bovis and other respiratory pathogens.
Latitude, life history and sexual size dimorphism correlate with reproductive seasonality in rodents
Authors: Heldstab Sandra A.
Published: January 2021

Rodents show an immense variation in reproductive seasonality, spanning the whole spectrum from strictly seasonal to continuous reproduction throughout the year. However, the factors causing this variation have so far mostly been investigated in single‐species studies that could not address phylogenetic constraints.

By applying both a categorical description and a quantitative measure, the present study characterises the degree of reproductive seasonality in the wild of 272 rodent species.

Using a comparative approach, the relationships of 12 variables, comprising five life‐history variables, three abiotic variables, two niche variables and two allometric variables, with reproductive seasonality in rodents, were tested.

The majority of rodents reproduced non‐seasonally and had particularly high intraspecific variation in reproductive seasonality compared to other mammalian groups. Their opportunistic breeding strategies, their large geographic ranges with wide latitude and elevation ranges, and their ability to live in human‐made environments may be related to this broad intraspecific variation of birth season length in rodents.

The most important variables associated with rodent reproductive seasonality were mid‐latitude of the species’ geographical range, temperature, litters per year, weaning age, age at sexual maturity and sexual size dimorphism. Birth seasons become shorter with increasing latitude and colder temperatures, corresponding to the decreasing length of the favourable season. Species with more pronounced birth seasonality have fewer litters, which are weaned earlier and reach sexual maturity later, corresponding to the shorter period of optimal environmental conditions for reproduction. Sexual size dimorphism was weakly associated with birth seasonality, with more seasonal species having a higher degree of male‐biased sexual dimorphism, potentially because male–male competition and female monopolisation are more likely to evolve in species with short mating seasons.

In conclusion, habitat seasonality and life‐history adaptations are most strongly associated with reproductive seasonality in rodents, which has important implications for zoo husbandry and for the effects of climate change on rodents.
The missing human baculum: a victim of conspecific aggression and budding self‐awareness?
Authors: Jakovlić Ivan
Published: January 2021

Unlike most primates and all other great apes, humansHomo sapiensdo not possess a baculum (penile bone). I discuss the shortcomings of previous hypotheses to explain the loss of the baculum, argue that they fail to explain it fully, and show that the evolutionary history of this loss remains enigmatic. I also propose a new hypothesis: that conspecific aggression, in combination with the development of self‐awareness, may have played a role in the loss. If the presence of a baculum exacerbated the prevalence and severity of penile injuries resulting from blunt trauma to a flaccid penis, increasing ability to foresee the consequences of their actions would also enable hominins to realise that these injuries are a useful tool in male–male competition. This behavioural innovation, planned conspecific aggression with the goal of temporary exclusion of competitors from the breeding pool, would create an environment in which a genetic mutation for a penis without a baculum (or with an unossified baculum) would strongly increase the fitness of the mutant phenotype. Along with the hominin propensity for social learning and cultural transmission, this hypothetical scenario may explain why this phenotype became fixed in all human populations.
Thermal sensitivity of the Spiroplasma–Drosophila hydei protective symbiosis: The best of climes, the worst of climes
Authors: Corbin Chris , Jones Jordan E. , Chrostek Ewa , Fenton Andy , Hurst Gregory D. D.
Published: January 2021

The outcome of natural enemy attack in insects is commonly influenced by the presence of protective symbionts in the host. The degree to which protection functions in natural populations, however, will depend on the robustness of the phenotype and symbiosis to variation in the abiotic environment. We studied the impact of a key environmental parameter—temperature—on the efficacy of the protective effect of the symbiont Spiroplasma on its host Drosophila hydei, against attack by the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina heterotoma. In addition, we investigated the thermal sensitivity of the symbiont's vertical transmission, which may be a key determinant of the ability of the symbiont to persist. We found that vertical transmission was more robust than previously considered, with Spiroplasma being maintained at 25°C, at 18°C and with 18/15°C diurnal cycles, with rates of segregational loss only increasing at 15°C. Protection against wasp attack was ablated before symbiont transmission was lost, with the symbiont failing to rescue the fly host at 18°C. We conclude that the presence of a protective symbiosis in natural populations cannot be simply inferred from the presence of a symbiont whose protective capacity has been tested under narrow controlled conditions. More broadly, we argue that the thermal environment is likely to represent an important determinant of the evolutionary ecology of defensive symbioses in natural environments, potentially driving seasonal, latitudinal and altitudinal variation in symbiont frequency.
Cutaneous sensory and autonomic denervation in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Dubbioso Raffaele , Provitera Vincenzo , Vitale Floriana , Stancanelli Annamaria , Borreca Ilaria , Caporaso Giuseppe , De Michele Giovanna , De Rosa Anna , Picillo Marina , Barone Paolo , Iodice Rosa , Manganelli Fiore , De Michele Giuseppe , Santoro Lucio , Nolano Maria
Published: January 2021

Aim

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy characterised by motor, behavioural and cognitive dysfunction. While in the last decade, sensory and autonomic disturbances as well as peripheral nerve involvement are well‐recognised in Parkinson's Disease (PD), little is known in this regard for PSP. Herein, we aim to assess peripheral sensory and autonomic nerve involvement in PSP and to characterise possible differences in morpho‐functional pattern compared to PD patients.

Methods

We studied 27 PSP and 33 PD patients without electrophysiological signs of neuropathy, and 33 healthy controls (HC). In addition to motor impairment, evaluated by means of UPDRS‐III and the PSP rating scale, all patients underwent clinical, functional and morphological assessment of sensory‐autonomic nerves through dedicated questionnaires, sympathetic skin response, dynamic sweat test and skin biopsies. The analysis of cutaneous sensory and autonomic innervation was performed using indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.

Results

PSP patients displayed a length‐dependent loss of sensory and autonomic nerve fibres associated with functional impairment compared to HC and, overall, a more severe picture than in PD patients. The disease severity correlated with the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibre density in the leg of PSP patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We demonstrated a length‐dependent small fibre pathology in PSP, more severe compared to PD, and paralleling disease severity. Our findings suggest the morphological and functional study of cutaneous nerves as possible biomarkers to monitor disease progression and response to new treatments.
Infantile thiamine deficiency in South and Southeast Asia: An age‐old problem needing new solutions
Authors: Smith T. J. , Hess S. Y.
Published: January 2021

Infantile beriberi, a potentially fatal disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, is often viewed as a disease confined to history in regions of the world with predominant white rice consumption. Recent case reports have, however, highlighted the persistence of thiamine deficiency as a cause of infant mortality in South and Southeast Asia. Low infant thiamine status and incidence of beriberi is attributable to maternal thiamine deficiency and insufficient breast milk thiamine. Poor dietary diversity, food preparation and cooking practices and traditional post‐partum food restrictions likely play a role in these high‐risk regions. Given the contribution of thiamine deficiency to infant mortality and emerging evidence of long‐lasting neurodevelopmental deficits of severe and even subclinical deficiency in early life, public health strategies to prevent thiamine deficiency are urgently needed. However, efforts are hampered by uncertainties surrounding the identification and assessment of thiamine deficiency, due to the broad non‐specific clinical manifestations, commonly referred to as thiamine deficiency disorders (TDD), that overlap with other conditions resulting in frequent misdiagnosis and missed treatment opportunities, and secondly the lack of readily available and agreed upon biomarker analysis and cut‐off thresholds. This review will discuss the key challenges and limitations in the current understanding of TDD and explore how ongoing initiatives plan to fill persistent knowledge gaps, namely in the development of a standardised case definition to help more accurately diagnose and treat TDD in low‐resource settings. Given more attention and ensuring greater recognition of TDD will support the design and implementation of treatment and prevention programmes, and ensure beriberi can truly be considered ‘the forgotten disease of Asia’.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Teaching Negotiation
Authors: Dinnar Samuel “Mooly” , Dede Chris , Johnson Emmanuel , Straub Carrie , Korjus Kristjan
Published: January 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), affective computing, and big‐data techniques are improving the ways that humans negotiate and learn to negotiate. These technologies, long deployed in industry and academic research, are now being adopted for educational use. We describe several systems that help human negotiators evaluate and learn from role‐play simulations as well as applications that help human instructors teach negotiators at the individual, team, and organizational levels. AI can enable the personalization of negotiation instruction, taking into consideration factors such as culture and bias. These tools will enable improvements not only in the teaching of negotiation, but also in teaching humans how to program and collaborate with technology‐based negotiation systems, including avatars and computer‐controlled negotiation agents. These advances will provide theoretical and practical insights, require serious consideration of ethical issues, and revolutionize the way we practice and teach negotiation.
The sediment burial depth and salinity control the early developments of Suaeda salsa in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Guan Bo , Zhang Lin , Li Mei , Zhang Hongxiang , Zhang Xiaolong , Han Guangxuan , Yu Junbao
Published: January 2021

Sediment deposition is a common phenomenon in the estuary area. Pot control experiments were conducted to evaluate the interaction effects of sediment burial depth and salt stress on the seed germination and early seedling growth of Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall., an pioneer species of tidal wetland near the Yellow River Delta. The results showed that the percentage of seedling emergence, seedling emergence rate, seedling height, branch number, shoot biomass and root biomass were all significantly affected by salt stress and sediment burial depth. While the interaction of salt and burial depth significantly influenced the branch number, leaf biomass, shoot biomass and total plant biomass. Only 5 cm burial depth without salt stress should 6.25 ± 3.61% seedlings emergence. With the increasing of sediment burial depth and salt stress, percentage of seedling emergence, seedling emergence rate and plant height decreased significantly. However, under the salt treatment of 0 and 1%, the branch number increased dramatically with the increasing of sediment burial depth from 0 to 3 cm. The ratio of leaf to total biomass increased with increasing of burial depth, on the contrary, the ratio of root to total biomass decreased. 0–1 cm sediment burial depth was proved the suitable depths for seed germination of S. salsa in the coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how to improve the seedling establishment of S. salsa under the dynamic changes of sediment deposition and salinity in the coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta.
PRD1, a homologous recombination initiation factor, is involved in spindle assembly in rice meiosis
Authors: Shi Wenqing , Ji Jianhui , Xue Zhihui , Zhang Fanfan , Miao Yongjie , Yang Han , Tang Ding , Du Guijie , Li Yafei , Shen Yi , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: January 2021

The bipolar spindle structure in meiosis is essential for faithful chromosome segregation. PUTATIVE RECOMBINATION INITIATION DEFECT 1 (PRD1) previously has been shown to participate in the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). However, the role of PRD1 in meiotic spindle assembly has not been elucidated.

Here, we reveal by both genetic analysis and immunostaining technology that PRD1 is involved in spindle assembly in rice (Oryza sativa) meiosis.

We show that DSB formation and bipolar spindle assembly are disturbed in prd1 meiocytes. PRD1 signals display a dynamic pattern of localization from covering entire chromosomes at leptotene to congregating at the centromere region after leptotene. Centromeric localization of PRD1 signals depends on the organization of leptotene chromosomes, but not on DSB formation and axis establishment. PRD1 exhibits interaction and co‐localization with several kinetochore components. We also find that bi‐orientation of sister kinetochores within a univalent induced by mutation of REC8 can restore bipolarity in prd1. Furthermore, PRD1 directly interacts with REC8 and SGO1, suggesting that PRD1 may play a role in regulating the orientation of sister kinetochores.

Taken together, we speculate that PRD1 promotes bipolar spindle assembly, presumably by modulating the orientation of sister kinetochores in rice meiosis.
The lifecycle of skeletal muscle mitochondria in obesity
Authors: Pileggi Chantal A. , Parmar Gaganvir , Harper Mary‐Ellen
Published: January 2021

Skeletal muscle possesses dramatic metabolic plasticity that allows for the rapid adaptation in cellular energy transduction to meet the demands of the organism. Obesity elicits changes in skeletal muscle structure and function, resulting in the accumulation of intramuscular lipids. The accumulation of intramuscular lipids in obesity is associated with impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and function. Mitochondria exist as a dynamic network that is regulated by the processes of biogenesis, fusion, fission, and mitophagy. In this review, we outline adaptations in molecular pathways that regulate mitochondrial structure and function in obesity. We highlight the emerging role of dysregulated skeletal muscle macroautophagy and mitochondrial turnover in obesity. Future research should further elucidate the role of mitophagy in observed reductions in mitochondrial content and function during obesity.
The impact of, and views on, school food intervention and policy in young people aged 11–18 years in Europe: A mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Rose Kelly , O'Malley Claire , Eskandari Fatemeh , Lake Amelia A. , Brown Laura , Ells Louisa Jane
Published: January 2021

Understanding the social and environmental influencers of eating behaviours has the potential to improve health outcomes for young people. This review aims to explore the effectiveness of school nutrition interventions and the perceptions of young people experiencing a nutrition focused intervention or change in school food policy. A comprehensive systematic search identified studies published between 1 December 2007 to 20 February 2020. Twenty‐seven studies were included: 22 quantitative studies of nutrition related outcomes and five qualitative studies reporting views and perceptions of young people (combined sample of 22,138 participants, mean ages 12–18 years). The primary outcome was nutrition knowledge/dietary behaviours, with secondary outcomes exploring body mass index (BMI) and wellbeing. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, a narrative results description is presented. The findings demonstrate that school nutrition programmes can be effective in reducing sugar, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and saturated fat and increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. The lived experiences of young people in a school context provide valuable insights that should be considered in the development of effective school food policy and interventions. This review affirms the significant role that schools can play in supporting good nutrition in all young people and provides opportunities to inform the school food agenda.