bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salinity controls soil microbial community structure and function in coastal estuarine wetlands
Authors: Zhang Guangliang , Bai Junhong , Tebbe Christoph C. , Zhao Qingqing , Jia Jia , Wang Wei , Wang Xin , Yu Lu 
Published: October 2020

SummarySoil salinity acts as a critical environmental filter on microbial communities, but the consequences for microbial diversity and biogeochemical processes are poorly understood. Here, we characterized soil bacterial communities and microbial functional genes in a coastal estuarine wetland ecosystem across a gradient (~5 km) ranging from oligohaline to hypersaline habitats by applying the PCR‐amplified 16S rRNA (rRNA) genes sequencing and microarray‐based GeoChip 5.0 respectively. Results showed that saline soils in marine intertidal and supratidal zone exhibited higher bacterial richness and Faith's phylogenetic diversity than that in the freshwater‐affected habitats. The relative abundance of taxa assigned toGammaproteobacteria,BacteroidetesandFirmicuteswas higher with increasing salinity, while those affiliated withAcidobacteria,ChloroflexiandCyanobacteriawere more prevalent in wetland soils with low salinity. The phylogenetic inferences demonstrated the deterministic role of salinity filtering on the bacterial community assembly processes. The abundance of most functional genes involved in carbon degradation and nitrogen cycling correlated negatively with salinity, except for thehzogene, suggesting a critical role of the anammox process in tidal affected zones. Overall, the salinity filtering effect shapes the soil bacterial community composition, and soil salinity act as a critical inhibitor in the soil biogeochemical processes in estuary ecosystems.
Effects of genotype and production system on quality of tomato fruits and in vitro bile acids binding capacity
Authors: Lee Jisun H.J. , Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K. , Avila Carlos A. , Crosby Kevin M. , Patil Bhimanagouda S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTomato is an important source of health‐promoting constituents, and researchers have focused on enhancing the content. In the present study, the influence of net‐house (NH) and open‐field (OF) growing conditions on physicochemical traits of tomatoes from eight different cultivars were evaluated. The tomato fruit qualities, such as color, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and pH were measured. Furthermore, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization high‐resolution quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI‐HR‐QTOFMS) was used for identification and quantification of health‐promoting compounds such as ascorbic acid, ß‐carotene, lycopene, and its isomers. In addition, in vitro bile acid binding capacity of all tomato samples was analyzed along with soluble and insoluble dietary fiber analysis as biofunctional properties. The results suggest that production systems influenced tomato fruit quality and biofunctional characteristics in a variety‐specific manner. Notably, TA and all‐trans‐ß‐carotene values were considerably influenced by production systems, and their levels were higher in the NH‐ and OF‐grown tomatoes, respectively. Our findings underline the importance of the rational choice of genotype and production system to obtain high‐quality tomatoes with enhanced desired traits for breeders and consumers.Practical ApplicationTomato is one of the nutritional high‐valued horticultural crops. The present study aimed to assess the impact of production systems, such as net‐house and open‐field conditions, on physicochemical traits and biofunctional properties, in vitro bile acid binding capacity of eight tomato varieties. This study supplies a good reference for the rational selection of genotype and production system to obtain high‐quality tomatoes with improved desired traits for breeders and consumers.
Intraoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis during segmentectomy for non‐small cell lung cancer by rapid immunohistochemistry using noncontact alternating current electric field mixing
Authors: Imai Kazuhiro , Nanjo Hiroshi , Takashima Shinogu , Hiroshima Yuko , Atari Maiko , Matsuo Tsubasa , Kuriyama Shoji , Ishii Yoshiaki , Wakamatsu Yuki , Sato Yusuke , Motoyama Satoru , Saito Hajime , Nomura Kyoko , Minamiya Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAlthough lobectomy is considered the standard surgery for any non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), recent evidence indicates that for early NSCLCs segmentectomy may be equally effective. For segmentectomy to be oncologically safe, however, adequate intraoperative lymph node staging is essential. The aim of this study was to compare the results of a new rapid‐IHC system to the HE analysis for intraoperative nodal diagnosis in lung cancer patients considered for segmentectomy.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the pathological reports from NSCLC resections over a six‐year period between 2014 and 2020. Using a new device for rapid‐IHC, we applied a high‐voltage, low‐frequency alternating current (AC) field, which mixes the antipancytokeratin antibody as the voltage is switched on/off. Rapid‐IHC can provide a nodal diagnosis within 20 minutes.ResultsFrozen sections from 106 resected lymph nodes from 70 patients were intraoperatively evaluated for metastasis. Of those, five nodes were deemed positive based on both HE staining and rapid‐IHC. In addition, rapid‐IHC alone detected isolated tumor cells in one hilar lymph node. Three cStage IA patients with nodal metastasis detected with HE staining and rapid‐IHC received complete lobectomies. Five‐year relapse‐free survival and overall survival among patients receiving segmentectomy with rapid‐IHC were 88.77% and 88.79%, respectively.ConclusionsRapid‐IHC driven by AC mixing is simple, highly accurate, and preserves nodal tissue for subsequent tests. This system can be used effectively for intraoperative nodal diagnosis.Rapid immunohistochemistry based on alternating‐current field mixing (completed within 20 minutes) is simple and highly accurate. This system will assist clinicians when making intraoperative diagnoses of lymph node metastasis and deciding upon the appropriate surgical procedure in segmentectomy for lung cancer.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyRapid immunohistochemistry driven by alternating‐current field mixing (completed within 20 minutes intraoperatively) is simple, highly accurate, and preserves lymph node tissue for subsequent pathological examination, including molecular assessments.What this study addsSegmentectomy for lung cancer is oncologically safe, but only when there is adequate intraoperative node staging. Rapid immunohistochemistry will assist clinicians when making intraoperative nodal diagnoses.
Management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis during the COVID‐19 pandemic—An EAACI position paper
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Jutel Marek , Bousquet Jean , Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi A. , Hox Valerie , Gevaert Philippe , Tomazic Peter Valentin , Rondon Carmen , Cingi Cemal , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna , Karavelia Aspasia , Bozkurt Banu , Förster‐Ruhrmann Ulrike , Becker Sven , Chaker Adam M. , Wollenberg Barbara , Mösges Ralph , Huppertz Tilman , Hagemann Jan , Bachert Claus , Fokkens Wytske 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis is regarded as a chronic airway disease. According to WHO recommendations, it may be a risk factor for COVID‐19 patients. In most CRSwNP cases, the inflammatory changes affecting the nasal and paranasal mucous membranes are type‐2 (T2) inflammation endotypes.MethodsThe current knowledge on COVID‐19 and on treatment options for CRS was analyzed by a literature search in Medline, Pubmed, international guidelines, the Cochrane Library and the Internet.ResultsBased on international literature, on current recommendations by WHO and other international organizations as well as on previous experience, a panel of experts from EAACI and ARIA provided recommendations for the treatment of CRS during the COVID‐19 pandemic.ConclusionIntranasal corticosteroids remain the standard treatment for CRS in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Surgical treatments should be reduced to a minimum and surgery preserved for patients with local complications and for those with no other treatment options. Systemic corticosteroids should be avoided. Treatment with biologics can be continued with careful monitoring in noninfected patients and should be temporarily interrupted during the course of the COVID‐19 infection.
The effect of COVID‐19 on general anaesthesia rates for caesarean section. A cross‐sectional analysis of six hospitals in the north‐west of England
Authors: Bhatia K. , Columb M. , Bewlay A. , Eccles J. , Hulgur M. , Jayan N. , Lie J. , Verma D. , Parikh R. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryAt the onset of the global pandemic of COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2), guidelines recommended using regional anaesthesia for caesarean section in preference to general anaesthesia. National figures from the UK suggest that 8.75% of over 170,000 caesarean sections are performed under general anaesthetic. We explored whether general anaesthesia rates for caesarean section changed during the peak of the pandemic across six maternity units in the north‐west of England. We analysed anaesthetic information for 2480 caesarean sections across six maternity units from 1 April to 1 July 2020 (during the pandemic) and compared this information with data from 2555 caesarean sections performed at the same hospitals over a similar period in 2019. Primary outcome was change in general anaesthesia rate for caesarean section. Secondary outcomes included overall caesarean section rates, obstetric indications for caesarean section and regional to general anaesthesia conversion rates. A significant reduction (7.7 to 3.7%, p < 0.0001) in general anaesthetic rates, risk ratio (95%CI) 0.50 (0.39–0.93), was noted across hospitals during the pandemic. Regional to general anaesthesia conversion rates reduced (1.7 to 0.8%, p = 0.012), risk ratio (95%CI) 0.50 (0.29–0.86). Obstetric indications for caesarean sections did not change (p = 0.17) while the overall caesarean section rate increased (28.3 to 29.7%), risk ratio (95%CI) 1.02 (1.00–1.04), p = 0.052. Our analysis shows that general anaesthesia rates for caesarean section declined during the peak of the pandemic. Anaesthetic decision‐making, recommendations from anaesthetic guidelines and presence of an on‐site anaesthetic consultant in the delivery suite seem to be the key factors that influenced this decline.
Sovereign Atonement: (Non)citizenship, Territory, and State‐Making in Post‐Colonial South Asia
Authors: Ferdoush Md Azmeary 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe former border enclaves of Bangladesh and India, which were small pieces of one state entirely surrounded by the other, existed as extraterritorial spaces from 1947 until 2015. Since these spaces were subject to state violence but remained completely excluded from the protections provided by courts, police, and government, they have historically been understood as spaces of exception that contained bare lives. After the exchange of enclaves in 2015, the situation changed dramatically as the state assumed an active role in incorporating new lands and citizens. Such an active role resulted in unique privileges exclusively for the enclave residents understood here as sovereign atonement. Drawing on field research in Bangladesh, however, the paper argues that it would be misleading to capture sovereign atonement as an effort to correct the past violence of extraterritorial exclusion; instead it must be understood through the primacy of territory in state‐making in post‐colonial South Asia.
The chromogranin A1‐373 fragment reveals how a single change in the protein sequence exerts strong cardioregulatory effects by engaging neuropilin‐1
Authors: Rocca Carmine , Grande Fedora , Granieri Maria Concetta , Colombo Barbara , De Bartolo Anna , Giordano Francesca , Rago Vittoria , Amodio Nicola , Tota Bruno , Cerra Maria Carmela , Rizzuti Bruno , Corti Angelo , Angelone Tommaso , Pasqua Teresa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimChromogranin A (CgA), a 439‐residue long protein, is an important cardiovascular regulator and a precursor of various bioactive fragments. Under stressful/pathological conditions, CgA cleavage generates the CgA1‐373 proangiogenic fragment. The present work investigated the possibility that human CgA1‐373 influences the mammalian cardiac performance, evaluating the role of its C‐terminal sequence.MethodsHaemodynamic assessment was performed on an ex vivo Langendorff rat heart model, while mechanistic studies were performed using perfused hearts, H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in silico.ResultsOn the ex vivo heart, CgA1‐373 elicited direct dose‐dependent negative inotropism and vasodilation, while CgA1‐372, a fragment lacking the C‐terminal R373 residue, was ineffective. Antibodies against the PGPQLR373 C‐terminal sequence abrogated the CgA1‐373‐dependent cardiac and coronary modulation. Ex vivo studies showed that CgA1‐373‐dependent effects were mediated by endothelium, neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) receptor, Akt/NO/Erk1,2 pathways, nitric oxide (NO) production and S‐nitrosylation. In vitro experiments on H9c2 cardiomyocytes indicated that CgA1‐373 also induced eNOS activation directly on the cardiomyocyte component by NRP1 targeting and NO involvement and provided beneficial action against isoproterenol‐induced hypertrophy, by reducing the increase in cell surface area and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) release. Molecular docking and all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations strongly supported the hypothesis that the C‐terminal R373 residue of CgA1‐373 directly interacts with NRP1.ConclusionThese results suggest that CgA1‐373 is a new cardioregulatory hormone and that the removal of R373 represents a critical switch for turning “off” its cardioregulatory activity.
Pollution control mechanism for the Straits of Malacca and Singapore: The proposed designation as a “Special Area” under MARPOL 73/78
Authors: Mohd Rusli Mohd Hazmi bin , Dremliuga Roman , Puspitawati Dhiana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Straits of Malacca and Singapore are two of the busiest maritime chokepoints in the world. As straits used for international navigation categorized under Article 37 of the Law of the Sea Convention 1982 (LOSC), littoral States of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore possess no rights to deny the exercise of the transit passage regime by foreign vessels plying these Straits. As a result, the marine environment of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore is gradually affected particularly by operational discharges from vessels. This article looks at the possibility of designating the Straits of Malacca and Singapore as a “Special Area” under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78). This paper concludes by recommending the most appropriate “Special Area” designation under any of the Annexes of MARPOL 73/78 for the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
A phase I trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered as single‐dose oil solution and single and multiple doses of a sublingual wafer in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hosseini Adele , McLachlan Andrew J. , Lickliter Jason D. 
Published: October 2020

AimsThis study investigated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics after administration of a specific Cannabis sativa cultivar extract, standardised to cannabidiol (CBD) content as sublingual wafer or oil formulation compared to nabiximols oromucosal spray.MethodsFor the single‐dose study, the design was an open‐label, 4‐way crossover in 12 healthy volunteers randomised to receive a sequence of 4 different single doses of CBD as a sublingual wafer (25 or 50 mg CBD), oil solution (50 mg CBD), or nabiximols oromucosal spray (20 mg CBD, 21.6 mg tetrahydrocannabinol). For the multiple‐dose study, sublingual wafer (50 mg CBD) was administered twice a day for 5 days.ResultsThe extract was generally well tolerated by participants when administered in either wafer or oil form, with some adverse events, including mild or moderate somnolence, sedation and altered mood. The relative bioavailability of CBD after administration as a sublingual wafer was comparable with that of oil solution with 90% confidence interval of 83–131%. The median maximum concentrations of CBD after administration of oil solution and wafer was 9.4 and 11.9 ng mL−1, respectively. Maximum concentrations of CBD occurred 4 hours after administration, with an estimated terminal elimination half‐life of 6 hours. There was no statistically significant difference between the AUC0‐τ of CBD after administration of oil solution or wafer compared with nabiximols oromucosal spray.ConclusionOil solution and sublingual wafer formulations of the extract standardised with CBD were well tolerated and achieved equivalent concentrations of CBD when compared to an available commercial nabiximols formulation.
F cell numbers are associated with an X‐linked genetic polymorphism and correlate with haematological parameters in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Urio Florence , Nkya Siana , Rooks Helen , Mgaya Josephine A. , Masamu Upendo , Zozimus Sangeda Raphael , Mmbando Bruno P. , Brumat Marco , Mselle Ted , Menzel Stephan , Luzzatto Lucio , Makani Julie 
Published: October 2020

SummaryPatients with sickle cell disease (SCD) with high fetal haemoglobin (HbF) tend to have a lower incidence of complications and longer survival due to inhibition of deoxyhaemoglobin S (HbS) polymerisation by HbF. HbF‐containing cells, namely F cells, are strongly influenced by genetic factors. We measured the percentage of F cells (Fcells%) in 222 patients with SCD to evaluate the association of (i) Fcells% with genetic HbF‐modifier variants and (ii) Fcells% with haematological parameters. There was a different distribution of Fcells% in females compared to males. The association of the B‐cell lymphoma/leukaemia 11A (BCL11A) locus with Fcells% (β = 8·238; P < 0·001) and with HbF% (β = 2·490; P < 0·001) was significant. All red cell parameters except for Hb and mean corpuscular Hb concentration levels in males and females were significantly different. The Fcells% was positively associated with mean cell Hb, mean cell volume and reticulocytes. To explain the significant gender difference in Fcells%, we tested for associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms on the X chromosomal region Xp22.2, where a genetic determinant of HbF had been previously hypothesised. We found in males a significant association with a SNP in FERM and PDZ domain‐containing protein 4 (FRMPD4) and adjacent to male‐specific lethal complex subunit 3 (MSL3). Thus, we have identified an X‐linked locus that could account for a significant fraction of the Fcells% variation in patients with SCD.
Wind creates crown shyness, asymmetry, and orientation in a tropical montane oak forest
Authors: Markham John , Fernández Otárola Mauricio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn a cloud forest dominated by Quercus costaricensis, the gap size between the crowns was consistent and crowns were asymmetrical, being elongated perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. A wind storm of 20 m/s removed 1.5% of the leaves, consistent with the idea that wind abrasion shapes tree crowns.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
Obesity and COVID‐19: A jigsaw puzzle with still missing pieces
Authors: Michalakis Konstantinos , Panagiotou Grigorios , Ilias Ioannis , Pazaitou‐Panayiotou Kalliopi 
Published: October 2020

SummaryApart from posing various mechanical and medical issues compromising general health, obesity is a major factor for respiratory tract infections, due to specific inflammation and immunological compromise. The burden of obesity on morbidity and mortality of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection/COVID‐19 is considerable. Herein, we aimed to search the literature and present to the readers pathophysiologic pathways that may associate obesity and COVID‐19. We present potential mechanisms, which might partly explain why patients with obesity are more prone to suffer from respiratory infections in the context of COVID‐19. Better understanding of these pathways could eventually guide management strategies and therapies for COVID‐19 in the future.
The prevalence of mental health disorders among young adults who use amphetamine‐type stimulants, compared to young adults who do not
Authors: Thoradeniya Malithi R. , Wessel Ellen L. , Pourmarzi Davoud , Najman Jake M. , Smirnov Andrew 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThere is a lack of evidence regarding mental health disorder prevalence in people who use amphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS). This study compares prevalence in Australian young adults who used ATS and young adults who had never used, and examines potential predictors.Design and MethodsPopulation‐based sampling was used to recruit young adults who used ATS (n = 224) and young adults who had never used ATS (n = 125). Thirty‐day prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mania/hypomania were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Scale. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) of mental disorders in people who used ATS and the comparison group were examined, and a prediction model was developed for people who used ATS.ResultsWe found higher prevalence of PD (APR 4.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–19.07, P = 0.032) and PTSD (APR 1.68, 95% CI 1.10–2.55, P = 0.016) in people who used ATS, compared to the comparison group, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Baseline methamphetamine use was positively associated with MDD (ARR 6.45, 95% CI 1.51–27.59, P = 0.012) and GAD (ARR 2.76, 95% CI 1.52–5.02, P = 0.001). Baseline ecstasy use was negatively associated with GAD (ARR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30–0.92, P = 0.025) and PD (ARR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.48, P = 0.001).Discussion and ConclusionPTSD and PD appear to be more common in young adults who use ATS. However, the relationship between ATS use and mental disorders is complex, with divergent patterns of association for ecstasy and methamphetamine use. Mental health screening in people using ATS may improve treatment outcomes.
Patterns of genetic variation in European plant species depend on altitude
Authors: Reisch Christoph , Rosbakh Sergey 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimHigh mountain regions exhibit a much stronger environmental heterogeneity and a more complex glacial history than lowland regions. In this study, we compared the genetic variation of plant species occurring in different altitudinal zones. We tested the assumption that environmental and historic differences among high mountain regions and lowlands result in different patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation.LocationCentral Europe and the European Alps.MethodsWe first compiled a data set on genetic variation of 179 plant species occurring in Central Europe and the European Alps measured by AFLPs from the literature. Then, we compared genetic diversity and differentiation between species occurring in the lowland, montane, subalpine and alpine vegetation zone with the help of linear models. Geographic distance among sampled populations, plant frequency and three plant traits (life span, mating system and pollination mode) were included into the models, to account for their potential effects on level of genetic variation.ResultsOur analysis revealed different patterns of genetic variation in plant species occurring in the alpine and non‐alpine zone. Genetic differentiation was significantly higher among populations of species from the alpine than subalpine, montane or lowland zone. In contrast, genetic diversity was significantly lower within populations from the alpine zone compared to the other zones.Main conclusionsWe argue that the observed pattern of genetic variation most likely results from restricted gene flow, both past and present, among spatially and environmentally isolated populations in alpine habitats.