bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Sporothrix globosa in Shandong, China
Authors: Bao Fangfang , Pan Qing , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Hong , Zhang Furen
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the antifungal susceptibility of Sporothrix globosa isolated from Shandong, China, and compare the differences of antifungal activity in vitro between yeast and mycelial phases.

Methods

The in vitro sensitivity of mycelium phase and yeast phase of Sporothrix globosa to anidulafungin, micafungin, caspofungin, 5‐flucytosine, posaconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B was tested by Sensititre™ YeastOne™. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of mycelium phase and yeast phase were calculated. SPSS 19.0 software was used to conduct non‐parametric rank sum test for MIC values, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mycelium phase and yeast phase were the most sensitive to itraconazole and the least sensitive to fluconazole. The yeast phase of the same strain was more sensitive to itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, micafungin, anidulafungin, caspofungin and 5‐fluorouracil, compared with the mycelium (P < .05). However, fluconazole and amphotericin B had no significant difference in mycelium phase and yeast phase.

Conclusions

Itraconazole is the most active antifungal agent in vitro against S globosa. The yeast phase of the same strain is more sensitive than that of the mycelium.
Natural variation in the OsbZIP18 promoter contributes to branched‐chain amino acid levels in rice
Authors: Sun Yangyang , Shi Yuheng , Liu Guige , Yao Fang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Chenkun , Guo Hao , Liu Xianqing , Jin Cheng , Luo Jie
Published: July 2020

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that must be obtained from the diet for humans and animals, and they play important roles in various aspects of plant growth and development. Although BCAA biosynthetic pathways in higher plants have been uncovered, knowledge of their genetic control is still limited, and no positive regulators have been identified to date.

Here, we showed that variation in BCAA levels in rice is attributable to differential transcription of OsbZIP18, a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, due to polymorphisms in its promoter.

Functional analysis revealed that OsbZIP18 positively regulates BCAA synthesis by binding directly to the ACE and C‐box cis‐elements in the promoters of the biosynthetic genes branched‐chain aminotransferase1 (OsBCAT1) and OsBCAT2. We further demonstrated that OsbZIP18 is strongly induced by nitrogen (N) deficiency and that N starvation results in enhanced BCAA levels in an OsbZIP18‐dependent manner.

Overall, we identified OsbZIP18, a positive regulator of BCAA biosynthesis, which contributed to natural variation in BCAA levels and mediated BCAA accumulation through de novo synthesis by directly modulating the key biosynthetic genes OsBCAT1 and OsBCAT2.
Far‐red radiation stimulates dry mass partitioning to fruits by increasing fruit sink strength in tomato
Authors: Ji Yongran , Nuñez Ocaña Diego , Choe Daegeun , Larsen Dorthe H. , Marcelis Leo F. M. , Heuvelink Ep
Published: July 2020

Far‐red (FR) light promotes fruit growth by increasing dry mass partitioning to fruits, but the mechanism behind this is unknown. We hypothesise that it is due to an increased fruit sink strength as FR radiation enhances sugar transportation and metabolism.

Tomato plants were grown with or without 50–80 μmol m−2 s−1 of FR radiation added to a common background 150–170 μmol m−2 s−1 red + blue light‐emitting diode lighting. Potential fruit growth, achieved by pruning each truss to one remaining fruit, was measured to quantify fruit sink strength. Model simulation was conducted to test whether the measured fruit sink strength quantitatively explained the FR effect on dry mass partitioning. Starch, sucrose, fructose and glucose content were measured. Expression levels of key genes involved in sugar transportation and metabolism were determined.

FR radiation increased fruit sink strength by 38%, which, in model simulation, led to an increased dry mass partitioned to fruits that quantitatively agreed very well with measured partitioning. FR radiation increased fruit sugar concentration and upregulated the expression of genes associated with both sugar transportation and metabolism.

This is the first study to demonstrate that FR radiation stimulates dry mass partitioning to fruits mainly by increasing fruit sink strength via simultaneous upregulation of sugar transportation and metabolism.
Universal response pattern of phytoplankton growth rates to increasing CO2
Authors: Paul Allanah J. , Bach Lennart T.
Published: July 2020

Phytoplankton growth rate is a key variable controlling species succession and ecosystem structure throughout the surface ocean. Carbonate chemistry conditions are known to influence phytoplankton growth rates but there is no conceptual framework allowing us to compare growth rate responses across taxa. Here we analyse the literature to show that phytoplankton growth rates follow an optimum curve response pattern whenever the tested species is exposed to a sufficiently large gradient in proton (H+) concentrations. Based on previous findings with coccolithophores and diatoms, we argue that this ‘universal reaction norm’ is shaped by the stimulating influence of increasing inorganic carbon substrate (left side of the optimum) and the inhibiting influence of increase H+ (right side of the optimum). We envisage that exploration of carbonate chemistry‐dependent optimum curves as a default experimental approach will boost our mechanistic understanding of phytoplankton responses to ocean acidification, like temperature curves have already boosted our mechanistic understanding to global warming.
Water content quantitatively affects metabolic rates over the course of plant ontogeny
Authors: Huang Heng , Ran Jinzhi , Ji Mingfei , Wang Zhiqiang , Dong Longwei , Hu Weigang , Deng Yan , Hou Chen , Niklas Karl J. , Deng Jianming
Published: July 2020

Plant metabolism determines the structure and dynamics of ecological systems across many different scales. The metabolic theory of ecology quantitatively predicts the scaling of metabolic rate as a function of body size and temperature. However, the role of tissue water content has been neglected even though hydration significantly affects metabolism, and thus ecosystem structure and functioning.

Here, we use a general model based on biochemical kinetics to quantify the combined effects of water content, body size and temperature on plant metabolic rates. The model was tested using a comprehensive dataset from 205 species across 10 orders of magnitude in body size from seeds to mature large trees.

We show that water content significantly influences mass‐specific metabolic rates as predicted by the model. The scaling exponents of whole‐plant metabolic rate vs body size numerically converge onto 1.0 after water content is corrected regardless of body size or ontogenetic stage.

The model provides novel insights into how water content together with body size and temperature quantitatively influence plant growth and metabolism, community dynamics and ecosystem energetics.
Could medications and biologic factors affect post‐orthodontic tooth movement changes? A systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Kaklamanos Eleftherios G. , Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A. , Athanasiou Athanasios E.
Published: July 2020

Immediately after the removal of orthodontic appliances, the teeth might start to drift away from their corrected position in an attempt to reach a new equilibrium. Medications and biologic factors could potentially modulate these processes. The objective of the present systematic review is to systematically investigate and appraise the quality of the evidence regarding the effect of various medications and biologic factors on the rate of relapse following active tooth movement. Search without restrictions in eight databases and hand searching until April 2020 were conducted. Studies performed on animal models investigating the effects of medication and biologic factors on the rate of relapse following orthodontic tooth movement were considered. Following study retrieval and selection, relevant data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed. Seventeen studies were finally identified, mostly at either high or unclear risk of bias. Ketorolac did not show any significant effects on relapse, while the administration of tetracycline, atorvastatin, psoralen and raloxifene decreased it. Overall, the same result was observed with bisphosphonates with the exception of low dosage of risedronate, which did not have an effect. Osteoprotegerin and strontium resulted in reduced relapse, but not in the immediate post‐administration period. Inconsistent or conflicting effects were noted after the use of simvastatin and relaxin. The quality of the available evidence was considered at best as low. It can be concluded that specific medications and biologic factors may have an effect on the rate of relapse following tooth movement. The orthodontist should be knowledgeable about the substances potentially affecting retention.
Isorhamnetin induces the paraptotic cell death through ROS and the ERK/MAPK pathway in OSCC cells
Authors: Chen Qian , Song Shaojuan , Wang Zhen , Shen Yingqiang , Xie Liang , Li Jing , Jiang Lu , Zhao Hang , Feng Xiaodong , Zhou Yu , Zhou Min , Zeng Xin , Ji Ning , Chen Qianming
Published: July 2020

Objective

There were rarely investigations on the effects and molecular mechanisms of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells when treated with isorhamnetin. This article assesses the anti‐cancer effect of isorhamnetin.

Methods and materials

Oral squamous cell carcinoma cells were treated with or without isorhamnetin. Cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, cell migration, cell death, and the related signaling pathways were evaluated.

Results

The results revealed that cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, which was confirmed by diminished cell viability and revealed by decreased in the number of cell colonies. In addition, the cell cycle arrested in the G2/M phase, and the protein levels of cyclin B1 and CDC2 were suppressed. Moreover, the cell migration was inhibited, and the protein levels of related proteins were modulated. Furthermore, it could be observed that abundant cytoplasmic vacuoles existed which that were derived from mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. It was confirmed that cell death did not result from apoptosis and may have which may be apt to paraptosis. Isorhamnetin was observed to upregulate phosphorylated ERK cascades and increase intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the anti‐cancer effect of isorhamnetin might trigger paraptosis, which may indicate a new therapeutic approach to OSCC.
Experiences following cataract surgery – patient perspectives
Authors: Webber Kathryn J , Fylan Fiona , Wood Joanne M , Elliott David B
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Most patients report being highly satisfied with the outcome of cataract surgery but there are variable reports regarding the impact of cataract surgery on some real‐world activities, such as fall rates. We hypothesised that adaptations to changed refractive correction and visual function may cause difficulties in undertaking everyday activities for some patients and used a series of focus groups to explore this issue.

Method

Qualitative methods were used to explore patients’ experiences of their vision following cataract surgery, including adaptation to vision changes and their post‐surgical spectacle prescription. Twenty‐six participants took part in five focus groups (Mean age = 68.2 ± 11.4 years), and the data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified three themes. ‘Changes to Vision’ explores participants’ adaptation following cataract surgery. While several had problems with tasks relying on binocular vision, few found them bothersome and they resolved following second eye surgery. Participants described a trial and error approach to solving these problems rather than applying solutions suggested by their eyecare professionals. ‘Prescription Restrictions’ describes the long‐term vision problems that pre‐surgery myopic patients experienced as a consequence of becoming emmetropic following surgery and thus needing spectacles for reading and other close work activities, which they did not need before surgery. Very few reported that they had the information or time to make a decision regarding their post‐operative correction. ‘Information Needs’ describes participant’s responses to the post‐surgical information they were given, and the unmet information need regarding when they can drive following surgery.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need for clinicians to provide information on adaptation effects, assist patients to select the refractive outcome that best suits their lifestyle, and provide clear advice about when patients can start driving again. Patients need to be provided with better guidance from clinicians and prescribing guidelines for clinicians would be beneficial, particularly for the period between first‐ and second‐eye surgery.
Changes in ocular biometry during short‐term accommodation in children
Authors: Hughes Rohan P J , Read Scott A , Collins Michael J , Vincent Stephen J
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Near work has been linked with myopia development; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Small increases in axial length during accommodation have previously been reported in adults, and therefore, this study aimed to examine if accommodation‐induced changes in ocular biometry also occur in school‐aged children.

Methods

A range of ocular biometric measurements were captured during brief accommodation tasks at four demands (0, 3, 6, and 9 D), in a group of 87 non‐myopic, school‐aged children using a Badal optometer mounted to a non‐contact optical biometer (Zeiss IOLMaster 700, https://www.zeiss.com/meditec/int/product‐portfolio/optical‐biometers/iolmaster‐700.html). Reliable biometry measurements and active accommodation were observed for 76 participants who were included in the analysis. The average central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), crystalline lens thickness (LT), anterior segment length (ASL), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), and axial length (AL) were determined for each accommodation demand. Raw measurements of AL and VCD were corrected to account for the effect of LT changes during accommodation.

Results

On average, AL increased with increasing levels of accommodation (p = 0.005). The mean (SEM, standard error of the mean) AL increase from 0 D to the 3, 6, and 9 D demands was 4 (1), 8 (1), and 15 (2) µm, respectively. All other biometric parameters, except CCT, changed significantly during accommodation. LT and ASL increased, and ACD and VCD decreased significantly with increasing accommodation (all p ≤ 0.02). A longer baseline AL was associated with greater levels of accommodation‐induced axial elongation at the 9 D demand (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

AL increased significantly during accommodation in children, consistent with previous findings in adults up to a 6 D demand. AL continued to increase for higher levels of accommodation (9 D demand), which children may experience during near tasks. These findings provide further insights into potential mechanisms linking near work, axial elongation, and myopia development. However, no myopic children participated in this experiment; therefore, further research is required.
Does physical exercise and congruent visual stimulation enhance perceptual learning?
Authors: Campana Gianluca , Fongoni Laura , Astle Andrew , McGraw Paul V
Published: July 2020

Purpose

There is currently great interest in methods that can modulate brain plasticity, both in terms of understanding the basic mechanisms, and in the remedial application to situations of sensory loss. Recent work has focussed on how different manipulations might be combined to produce new settings that reveal synergistic actions. Here we ask whether a prominent example of adult visual plasticity, called perceptual learning, is modified by other environmental factors, such as visual stimulation and physical exercise.

Methods

We quantified the magnitude, rate and transfer of perceptual learning using a peripheral Vernier alignment task, in two groups of subjects matched for a range of baseline factors (e.g. age, starting Vernier threshold, baseline fitness). We trained subjects for 5 days on a Vernier alignment task. In one group, we introduced an exercise protocol with congruent visual stimulation. The control group received the same visual stimulation, but did not exercise prior to measurement of Vernier thresholds.

Results

Although the task generated large amounts of learning (~40%) and some transfer to untrained conditions in both groups, there were no specific benefits associated with either the addition of an exercise schedule or congruent visual stimulation.

Conclusion

In adults, short periods of physical exercise and visual stimulation do not enhance perceptual learning.
Transantral approach for surgical removal of impacted maxillary second premolar located in trifurcation of molar roots: a case report
Authors: Ibrahim H.H.H. , AlAli A.M. , Schütz P. , Rajab B.
Published: July 2020

Impaction of teeth is a well‐documented phenomenon, and multiple cases have been reported in various sites in the oral and perioral structures. However, to our best knowledge, no single case has been reported of an impacted premolar with its crown lying in trifurcation of the roots of the neighbouring molar and its root projecting into the maxillary sinus. This unique case was managed by a transantral surgical extraction. This article aims to describe, by means of case report and review of the literature, the characteristics and occurrence of ectopic retention of the maxillary premolars. Different diagnostic procedures and surgical approaches for the removal of such impacted teeth are discussed. This case report and review emphasise the importance of using the cone‐beam computed tomography in the diagnosis and planning of management strategy for impacted teeth in close proximity to the roots of the surrounding teeth and other structures.
Socioeconomic Disparities in the Utilization of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Orhurhu Vwaire , Gao Catherine , Agudile Emeka , Monegro Wendy , Urits Ivan , Orhurhu Mariam Salisu , Olatoye Dare , Viswanath Omar , Hirji Sameer , Jones Mark , Ngo Anh , Aiudi Christopher , Simopoulos Thomas , Gill Jatinder
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies are used in the management of patients with complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I) and failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the racial and health insurance inequalities with SCS therapy in patients with chronic pain who had CRPS I and FBSS.

Methods

Patients with chronic pain who had a discharge diagnosis of FBSS and CRPS I were identified using the National Inpatient Sample database. Our primary outcome was defined as the history of SCS utilization by race/ethnicity, income quartile, and insurance status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the variables associated with utilization of SCS therapy.

Results

Between 2011 and 2015, 40,858 patients who were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of FBSS and/or CRPS I were identified. Of these patients, 1,082 (2.7%) had a history of SCS therapy. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients had higher odds of having SCS therapy (Black patients: odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.77; P = 0.003; Hispanic patients: OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.81; P = 0.007). Patients with private insurance had significantly higher odds of having SCS therapy compared with those with Medicare (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.43; P = 0.003). Compared to patients with Medicare, Medicaid patients had lower odds of having SCS therapy (OR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.70; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that socioeconomic disparities may exist in the utilization of SCS among hospitalized patients with CRPS I and FBSS the United States. However, confirming these data from other administrative databases, in the outpatient setting, may shed more insight.
The efficacy of adenotonsillectomy on oxidative stress evaluated by thiol / disulfide balance
Authors: Tursun Serkan , Şimşek Gökçe , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Taş Mustafa Burak , Erel Özcan
Published: July 2020

Background

Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Upper airway obstruction has been identified as a risk factor for increased oxidative stress‐related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. The effect of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, which may result in a narrowing of the upper airways, on oxidative stress can be a valuable subject of research. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy on oxidative stress evaluated using the thiol / disulfide balance.

Methods

Thirty children who underwent adenotonsillectomy and 30 healthy controls, all aged from 3 to 18 years, were included in the study. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively in the study group; in the control group, baseline blood samples were taken and samples were again taken 3 months later. Thiol / disulfide homeostasis items were analyzed. Antioxidant markers were native thiol, total thiol, and native / total thiol. Oxidative stress markers were disulfide, disulfide / native thiol, and disulfide / total thiol.

Results

At the preoperative period, oxidative stress parameters of thiol / disulfide homeostasis were higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05) and antioxidant activity parameters were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Three months postoperatively, oxidative stress parameters were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and antioxidant parameters were no different from those in the control group (P > 0.05). In the adenotonsillectomy group considered separately, oxidative stress markers of disulfide and disulfide / native thiol decreased (P < 0.05) and antioxidant markers of native thiol and total thiol increased in the postoperative measurements (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Oxidative stress related to adenotonsillar hypertrophy decreased after adenotonsillectomy. The antioxidant parameters of the thiol homeostasis increased after adenotonsillectomy. We concluded that adenotonsillectomy operations should be planned and applied timeously to prevent the adverse effects of adenotonsillar hypertrophies on thiol homeostasis.
Photophysical Properties of Fluorescent 2‐(Phenylamino)‐1,10‐phenanthroline Derivatives†
Authors: Teixeira Rodolfo I. , da Silva Ramon B. , Gaspar Caio S. , de Lucas Nanci C. , Garden Simon J.
Published: July 2020

The present study details the experimental and theoretical characterization of the photophysical properties of 14 examples of 2‐(phenylamino)‐1,10‐phenanthrolines (1). The absorption spectra of 1 are substituent‐dependent but in a general manner present absorption bands at wavelengths of ~230; ~300; ~335 and a shoulder at ~380 nm. Electron‐donating groups (EDG) and electron‐withdrawing groups (EWG), respectively, result in bathochromic and hypsochromic shifts. Compounds 1 are highly luminescent, in contrast to phenanthroline, and emit in the region between 350 and 500 nm with substituent‐dependent λmax emission. The emission spectra show a redshift for EDG (4‐OMe 62 nm; 4‐Me 19 nm) and a blueshift for EWG (4‐CN 41 nm; 4‐CF3 38 nm) relative to the emission of the unsubstituted parent compound 1a. Plotting the against Hammett σ+ constants gave an excellent linear correlation demonstrating the electron‐deficient nature of the excited state and how the substituents (de)stabilize S1. Theoretical calculations revealed a HOMO‐LUMO π‐π* electronic transition to S1 which in combination with difference (S1–S0) in electron density maps revealed charge‐transfer character. Strongly electron‐withdrawing substituents switch off the charge transfer to give rise to a local excitation.
The Right to Justification of Contract
Authors: Hesselink Martijn W.
Published: July 2020

This paper defends a right to the justification of contract, with reciprocal and general reasons, and explores its main implications for the law of contract and its theory. It argues that the leading essentialist and other monist contract theories, offering blueprints for an ideal contract law based on the alleged ultimate value or essential characteristic of contract law, cannot justify the basic structure of contract law. Instead, it argues, a critical discourse theory of contract can contribute to the realisation of the right to justification of contract by exposing patterns of contractual injustice, in particular exploitation and domination by contract, that contract law can and should prevent.
Post‐mortem recovery, in vitro maturation and fertilization of fallow deer (Dama dama, Linnaeus 1758) oocytes collected during reproductive and no reproductive season
Authors: Uccheddu Stefania , Pintus Eliana , Garde Jose Julian , Fleba Lidia , Muzzeddu Marco , Pudda Flavia , Bogliolo Luisella , Strina Alessandro , Nieddu Stefano , Ledda Sergio
Published: July 2020

Habitat degradation leads to small and fragmented populations, lower genetic variability and fertility overtime. Assisted reproductive techniques represent important tools to cope with the dramatic loss of biodiversity. Fallow deer (Dama dama), beyond its high commercial value and wide distribution, may represent the most suitable model to study endangered cervids. In this study, oocytes were recovered post‐mortem from fallow deer during the breeding and no breeding seasons and were in vitro matured (IVM). The ability of cryopreserved thawed sperm samples recovered by electroejaculation from four adult males was tested by in vitro fertilization of IVM oocytes. The number of oocytes collected per ovary did significantly vary across seasons from 6.2 ± 0.92 during breeding season to 10.4 ± 1.26 during no breeding season (p = .006). Oocytes collected during the breeding season showed higher in vitro fertilization rate compared to the no breeding season (p = .045). However, no embryos reached the blastocyst stage. Semen samples obtained by electroejaculation were successfully cryopreserved, although the cryopreservation process negatively affected most kinetic parameters, mainly at 2 hr post‐thawing. Moreover, the percentage of rapid spermatozoa significantly decreased between fresh samples and at 2 hr post‐thawing, whereas the percentage of slow spermatozoa increased across the same period (p < .05). Our study provides the logistic steps for the application of assisted reproductive techniques in fallow deer and might be of great interest for genetic resource bank planning.
Evaluation of pentoxifylline and Basal Medium Eagle supplemented to diluent on cryopreserved goat spermatozoa
Authors: Nazari Parisa , Farshad Abbas , Vaziry Asaad , Rostamzadeh Jalal
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) and Basal Medium Eagle (BME) on frozen–thawed goat spermatozoa. Immediately after initial examination of ejaculated semen, samples were pooled and reexamined for quality. Then, samples were divided into eight equal aliquots and diluted with a basic tris‐extender containing PTX (3, 6, 9 mM) and BME (5 mM) to reach a final concentration of 25 × 109 and frozen. After 24 hr, the samples were individually thawed at 37°C for 30 s and evaluated for different characteristics. Obtained post‐thaw results from Computer‐Assisted Sperm Analysis indicate using of 3 and 6 mM PTX led significantly to an improvement in total motility, progressive motility and velocity characteristics of spermatozoa, except the beat/cross frequency (BCF) which indicated statistically no differences (p > .05) among control and treatments. Diluents prepared with BME (5 mM) and PTX alone (3 and 6 mM) improved significantly the membrane integrity–functionality, acrosome integrity and also hyaluronidase activity. Regarding recovery rate, the results showed significantly (p < .05) higher values for diluents containing 3 and 6 mM PTX compared to other groups. Malondialdehyde concentration exhibited also a significant difference (p < .05) in diluents supplemented with 5 mM BME, 3, 6 and 9 mM PTX, and mixture of 3 mM PTX and 5 mM BME which illustrate a similarity for active mitochondria, apoptotic‐like and dead spermatozoa. Finally, the ratio of sperm chromatin dispersion stained spermatozoa presented significant differences (p < .05) among treatments in which the diluents added PTX alone demonstrated significantly lower values than control and extenders containing the mixtures of BME and PTX. In conclusion, the observation in this study indicates using of 3 and 6 mM PTX and BME alone may improve significantly (p < .05) the quality of cryopreserved goat spermatozoa.
Decision analysis for greater insights into the development and evaluation of Chinook salmon restoration strategies in California's Central Valley
Authors: Peterson James T. , Duarte Adam
Published: July 2020

Considerable resources have been invested in ecological restoration projects across the globe to restore ecosystem integrity. Restoration strategies are often diverse and have been met with mixed success. In this article, we describe the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) decision‐support models developed by the Central Valley Project Improvement Act Science Integration Team as part of a larger structured decision‐making effort aimed at maximizing natural adult production of Chinook salmon in California's Central Valley, the United States. We then describe the decision‐analytic tools the stakeholder group used to solve the models and explore model results, including stochastic dynamic programming, forward simulation, proportional scoring, relative loss, expected value of perfect information, response profile analyses, and indifference curves. Using these tools, the stakeholder group was able to develop and evaluate restoration strategies for multiple Chinook salmon runs simultaneously, a first for the restoration program. We found that actions targeted at one run were detrimental to others, which was unexpected. Furthermore, information uncovered during this process was used to direct efforts towards targeted research/monitoring to reduce critical uncertainties in salmon demographic rates and make better restoration decisions moving forward. The decision sciences have established a wide range of analytical tools and approaches to simplify complex problems into key components, and we believe the concepts described in this article are of great interest and can be applied by many restoration practitioners that undoubtedly face similar difficulties when implementing restoration strategies for complex systems.
Mission Abort Policy for Systems with Observable States of Standby Components
Authors: Levitin Gregory , Xing Liudong , Dai Yuanshun
Published: July 2020

For some critical applications, successfully accomplishing the mission or surviving the system through aborting the mission and performing a rescue procedure in the event of certain deterioration condition being satisfied are both pivotal. This has motivated considerable studies on mission abort policies (MAPs) to mitigate the risk of system loss in the past several years, especially for standby systems that use one or multiple standby sparing components to continue the mission when the online component fails, improving the mission success probability. The existing MAPs are mainly based on the number of failed online components ignoring the status of the standby components. This article makes contributions by modeling standby systems subject to MAPs that depend not only on the number of failed online components but also on the number of available standby components remaining. Further, dynamic MAPs considering another additional factor, the time elapsed from the mission beginning in the event of the mission abort decision making, are investigated. The solution methodology encompasses an event‐transition based numerical algorithm for evaluating the mission success probability and system survival probability of standby systems subject to the considered MAPs. Examples are provided to demonstrate the benefit of considering the state of standby components and elapsed operation time in obtaining more flexible MAPs.
Altruistic and Private Values For Saving Lives With an Oyster Consumption Safety Program
Authors: Whitehead John C. , Morgan O. Ashton , Huth William L. , Martin Gregory S. , Sjolander Richard
Published: July 2020

We use data from an Internet‐based survey and estimate the benefits of an oyster consumption safety policy with the contingent valuation method. In addition to providing a context‐specific estimate of willingness‐to‐pay for oyster safety, we consider an important issue in the contingent valuation mortality risk reduction literature. A number of studies find that willingness‐to‐pay for mortality risk reduction is not sensitive to the scope of the risk change. We present the scope test as a difference in the number of lives saved by the program, instead of small changes in risk, and find that referendum votes are responsive to scope. A third feature of this article is that we identify those at‐risk respondents who would most benefit from the policy and decompose willingness‐to‐pay into use values and altruistic nonuse values. We find that willingness‐to‐pay per life saved ranges from $3.95 million to $7.69 million for the private good of lives saved when the respondent is at risk (i.e., use values). Willingness‐to‐pay per life saved including both use and altruistic nonuse values ranges from $6.89 million to $12.87 million.
The pathogenesis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: The aberrant distribution and function of different cell types in skin lesions
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Yan Jinli , Lu Qianjin , Zhou Honghao , Fan Lan
Published: July 2020

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disease with a broad range of cutaneous manifestations. In skin lesions of CLE, keratinocytes primarily undergo apoptosis. Interferon‐κ(IFN‐κ) is belonged to type I interferons (type I IFNs) and is selectively produced by keratinocytes. Recently, keratinocytes selectively produced IFN‐κ is identified to be a key to trigger type I interferon responses in CLE. Other immune cells such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are identified to be relevant origin of type I interferons (type I IFNs) which are central to the development of CLE lesions and responsible for mediating Th1 cell activity. Other types of cells such as neutrophils, B cells and Th17 cells also are involved in the development of this disease. The close interaction of those cells composes a comprehensive and complicated network in CLE. In this review, we discussed the aberrant distribution and function of different cells types involved in this disease and will offer a new direction for research and therapy in the near future.
Can interruption/withdrawl of anti‐retroviral therapy provide personalized immunotherapy against HIV‐1?
Authors: Bretscher Peter A. , Al‐Yassin Ghassan
Published: July 2020

We propose a treatment of HIV‐1+ individuals designed to harness protective immunity, lead to viral containment, and so render the individual minimally infectious. A few HIV‐infected individuals, ‘elite controllers’, generate a stable Th1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte response that contains the virus. Most infected individuals, in the absence of therapy, first generate a similarly protective response that evolves with time a Th2 component, associated with antibody production and loss of viral control. Cessation of anti‐retroviral treatment after three years results in viral rebound in most, but about one in seven individuals contains the virus, so‐called post‐treatment controllers. We suggest an understanding, of how the Th1/Th2 phenotype of immune responses is controlled, can explain these different outcomes and leads us to propose a non‐invasive, personalized strategy of immunotherapy. We propose that monitoring the relative prevalence of HIV‐1 specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies can provide a biomarker for deciding when to interrupt/withdraw anti‐retroviral therapy to optimally harness protective immunity.
Genetic interaction between the non‐homologous end‐joining factors during B and T lymphocyte development: In vivo mouse models
Authors: Castañeda‐Zegarra Sergio , Fernandez‐Berrocal Marion , Tkachov Max , Yao Rouan , Upfold Nikki Lyn Esnardo , Oksenych Valentyn
Published: July 2020

Non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the main DNA repair mechanism for the repair of double‐strand breaks (DSBs) throughout the course of the cell cycle. DSBs are generated in developing B and T lymphocytes during V(D)J recombination to increase the repertoire of B and T cell receptors. DSBs are also generated during the class switch recombination (CSR) process in mature B lymphocytes, providing distinct effector functions of antibody heavy chain constant regions. Thus, NHEJ is important for both V(D)J recombination and CSR. NHEJ comprises core Ku70 and Ku80 subunits that form the Ku heterodimer, which binds DSBs and promotes the recruitment of accessory factors (e.g., DNA‐PKcs, Artemis, PAXX, MRI) and downstream core factors (XLF, Lig4 and XRCC4). In recent decades, new NHEJ proteins have been reported, increasing complexity of this molecular pathway. Numerous in vivo mouse models have been generated and characterized to identify the interplay of NHEJ factors and their role in development of adaptive immune system. This review summarizes the currently available mouse models lacking one or several NHEJ factors, with a particular focus on early B cell development. We also underline genetic interactions and redundancy in the NHEJ pathway in mice.
The relationship between peak fat oxidation and prolonged double‐poling endurance exercise performance
Authors: Rømer Tue , Thunestvedt Hansen Mikkel , Frandsen Jacob , Larsen Steen , Dela Flemming , Wulff Helge Jørn
Published: July 2020

The peak fat oxidation rate (PFO) and the exercise intensity that elicits PFO (Fatmax) are associated with endurance performance during exercise primarily involving lower body musculature, but it remains elusive whether these associations are present during predominant upper body exercise. The aim was to investigate the relationship between PFO and Fatmax determined during a graded exercise test on a ski‐ergometer using double‐poling (GET‐DP) and performance in the long‐distance cross‐country skiing race, Vasaloppet. Forty‐three healthy men completed GET‐DP and Vasaloppet and were divided into two subgroups: recreational (RS, n = 35) and elite (ES, n = 8) skiers. Additionally, RS completed a cycle‐ergometer GET (GET‐Cycling) to elucidate whether the potential relationships were specific to exercise modality. PFO (r2 = .10, P = .044) and Fatmax (r2 = .26, P < .001) were correlated with performance; however, was the only independent predictor of performance (adj. R2 = .36) across all participants. In ES, Fatmax was the only variable associated with performance (r2 = .54, P = .038). Within RS, DP (r2 = .11, P = .047) and ski‐specific training background (r2 = .30, P = .001) were associated with performance. Between the two GETs, Fatmax (r2 = .20, P = .006) but not PFO (r2 = .07, P = .135) was correlated. Independent of exercise mode, neither PFO nor Fatmax were associated with performance in RS (P > .05). These findings suggest that prolonged endurance performance is related to PFO and Fatmax but foremost to during predominant upper body exercise. Interestingly, Fatmax may be an important determinant of performance among ES. Among RS, DP , and skiing experience appeared as performance predictors. Additionally, whole‐body fat oxidation seemed specifically coupled to exercise modality.
Characterization of elemental ratios and oxidative ratio of horticultural peat
Authors: Byrne Kenneth A. , Efretuei Arit , Walz Kilian , Clay Gareth D.
Published: July 2020

Peatlands occupy 20% of the land area of Ireland and store over half of soil carbon stocks. Over 80% of these peatlands have been disturbed by human activity such as drainage for peat extraction, afforestation and agriculture. In this study, peat samples were collected from 12 horticultural peat extraction sites in the Irish midlands. The carbon (C), nitrogen (N), hydrogen and sulphur content were determined, and from these, the carbon oxidation state (Cox) and oxidative ratio (OR) were calculated. The carbon oxidation ratio reflects organic matter synthesis and degradation, and is thus an important parameter in understanding terrestrial carbon cycling, whilst OR represents the molar ratio of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes associated with net ecosystem exchange. Elemental concentrations and ratios were typical for Irish horticultural peat (e.g. carbon concentrations 54%–57%), though showed site to site variability. Cox and OR values varied between −0.22 and −0.11, and 1.04 and 1.07, respectively, and were comparable to United Kingdom peat soils. All values for OR were lower than 1.1, the value commonly used in global CO2 partitioning studies. Further research should investigate OR values in peatland which has not been studied to date. Across all sites, measures of increased decomposition (i.e. C/N ratios) significantly correlated with increasing OR reflecting more reduced organic matter. This study provides data in temperate peat soils that increases the coverage of Cox and OR values and will inform global CO2 partitioning studies.
HLA‐B*40:462 was likely generated by a recombination event between B*40:01:02 and B*13:02:01
Authors: Planelles Dolores , Balas Antonio , Guiral Sandra A. , Rodríguez‐Cebria Manuel , Vicario Jose L.
Published: July 2020

The new B*40:462 allele was characterized in a Caucasian Spanish individual.
10Be surface exposure dating reveals unexpected high deformation rates in the central Andean wedge interior
Authors: García Morabito Ezequiel , Terrizzano Carla M. , Zech Roland , Yamin Marcela , Wüthrich Lorenz , Christl Marcus , Ramos Víctor A. , Haghipour Negar , Cortés José M.
Published: July 2020

Understanding deformation associated with active thrust wedges is essential to evaluate seismic hazards. In this study, we investigate the spatial distribution, timing, and rates of deformation across the central Andean backarc of Argentina, where deformation and shortening have been assumed to occur within a narrow wedge‐front zone. The combined results of our geomorphic mapping, topographic surveying, and10Be exposure dating demonstrate that fault activity related to the growth of the Andean orogenic wedge is not only limited to a narrow thrust front zone but also occurs in the Andean wedge interior. There, internal structures with deformation rates of ca. 1.3 mm/year have been active during the last ~140 ka. Widely distributed deformation implies that seismic hazards may have been underestimated in the internal part of the Andean orogen.
Disseminated histoplasmosis in a kidney transplant patient
Authors: Angsutararux Taksaon , Chongtrakool Piriyaporn , Sukpanichnant Sanya , Wongwaipijarn Kornpawee , Wangchinda Walaiporn
Published: July 2020

Patients with impaired cell‐mediated immunity have a higher risk of developing histoplasmosis; however, histoplasmosis after solid organ transplantation is rare. In Thailand, histoplasmosis cases are sporadic, and most cases are associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Herein, we report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a kidney transplant Thai recipient diagnosed by fungal staining of fungal culture from bronchoalveolar lavage and bone marrow biopsy. Liposomal amphotericin B was given followed by oral itraconazole. The patient's clinical condition was improved; however, his graft function was irreversibly declined. The majority of histoplasmosis cases after solid organ transplant presented with disseminated disease with pulmonary involvement. Even in a non‐endemic area of histoplasmosis, suspected cases should be early diagnosed and promptly managed in order to reduce morbidity and mortality, especially in cell‐mediated immunity defect patients like solid organ transplant recipients.
COVID‐19 in solid organ transplant recipients: Dynamics of disease progression and inflammatory markers in ICU and non‐ICU admitted patients
Authors: Roberts Matthew B. , Izzy Saef , Tahir Zabreen , Al Jarrah Ali , Fishman Jay A. , El Khoury Joseph
Published: July 2020

Background

COVID‐19 infection varies in severity from minimal symptoms to critical illness associated with a hyperinflammatory response. Data on disease progression in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are limited.

Methods

We examined the electronic medical records of all SOT recipients with COVID‐19 from 12 Massachusetts hospitals between February 1, and May 6, 2020. We analyzed the demographics, clinical parameters, course, and outcomes of illness in these patients.

Results

Of 52 COVID‐19‐positive SOT patients, 77% were hospitalized and 35% required ICU admission. Sixty‐nine percent of hospitalized patients had immunosuppression reduced, 6% developed suspected rejection. Co‐infections occurred in 45% in ICU vs 5% in non‐ICU patients (P = .037). A biphasic pattern of evolution of laboratory tests was observed. In the first 5 days of illness, inflammatory markers were moderately increased. Subsequently, WBC, CRP, ferritin, and D Dimer increased with increasing stay in the ICU, and lymphocyte counts were similar. Five patients (16%) died.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that SOT is associated with high rate of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death from COVID‐19 compared to data in the general population of patients with COVID‐19. Despite reduction in immunosuppression, suspected rejection was rare. The clinical course and trend of laboratory biomarkers is biphasic with a later, pronounced peak in inflammatory markers seen in those admitted to an ICU. CRP is a useful marker to monitor disease progression in SOT.