bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotics and competitive exclusion of pathogens in shrimp aquaculture
Authors: Knipe Hazel , Temperton Ben , Lange Anke , Bass David , Tyler Charles R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractProbiotics, live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, offer an alternative to antibiotics and have become popular among shrimp farmers for use in the regulation of pond water quality, promotion of shrimp growth and the prevention of disease. Most shrimp probiotics are selected for testing based on their ability to competitively exclude pathogens through bacterial antagonism assays, although the mechanisms of pathogen exclusion are rarely investigated. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of competitive exclusion (interference and exploitation competition) by species screened and subsequently identified as shrimp probiotics based on their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in vitro. We show that the current methods used to identify potential probiotics preferentially select for interference‐based competitive mechanisms and may overlook the potential of many species to be considered a probiotic. Furthermore, we show that the efficiency of a probiotic in vivo may be improved by considering the suitability of competitive strategies to shrimp farming conditions. We highlight important limitations and future directions for the screening and identification of probiotics in shrimp aquaculture, to aid in the development of effective and sustainable microbial management strategies.
Expression pattern of GLUT 1, 5, 8 and citrate synthase transcripts in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preimplantation embryos produced in vitro and derived in vivo
Authors: Taru Sharma Gutulla , Nath Amar , Prasad Shiv , Singhal Sumit , Chandra Vikash , Saikumar Gutulla 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos are reported to be developmentally lesser competent than in vivo‐derived (IVD) embryos and supposed to differ in the expression of genes related with glucose metabolism. So, the present study was conducted to analyse the expression pattern of GLUT 1, 5, 8 and citrate synthase (CS) in oocytes and embryos produced in vivo or in vitro in buffalo. IVD embryos were obtained from 18 superovulated buffaloes. IVP embryos were obtained from slaughterhouse‐derived oocytes subsequently subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. Total RNA was isolated from different stages of oocytes (immature and in vitro matured) and embryos (8–16 cell to blastocysts of IVP embryos and morula to blastocysts of IVD embryos). Results demonstrated that the expression of GLUT1, GLUT 8 increased from 8 to 16 cells to blastocyst and was significantly (p < .05) higher in IVP embryos. Expression of both genes was (p < .05) higher in IVD than in IVP blastocysts; though GLUT5 transcripts were not detected at 8‐ to 16‐cell stage IVP embryos, significantly (p < .05) higher transcripts were found at morula and blastocyst stages irrespective of embryo source with significantly (p < .05) higher expression in IVD embryos compared to IVP embryos. No significant difference was observed in citrate synthase expression in embryos at morula stage irrespective of the embryo source while significantly (p < .05) higher transcript level was observed at blastocyst stage with no difference between in vivo and in vitro embryos. It can be concluded that expression of GLUTs and CS is upregulated with progression of embryonic stage and expression is higher in in vivo embryos than in vitro counter parts; thus, it can be said that in vivo‐produced embryos are metabolically superior to in vitro embryos.
Media‐Based Sentiment Indices as an Alternative Measure of Consumer Confidence
Authors: Odendaal Hanjo , Reid Monique , Kirsten Johann F. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the feasibility of constructing online sentiment indices, using large amounts of media data, as an alternative to the conventional survey method used to create the consumer confidence index in South Africa. A clustering framework is adopted to provide an indication of possible candidate sentiment indices constructed from a combination of different text sources and dictionaries that best mimic the traditional survey‐based consumer confidence index from the South African Bureau for Economic Research (BER). The results conclude that it is possible to create an index using sentiment analysis using online editorial data that does resemble the BER’s consumer confidence index. The different media‐based sentiment indices (MSI) show a significant level of correlation and co‐movement with the BER’s CCI. Impulse responses and cross‐correlation functions indicate that the MSI could potentially lead the survey‐based method up to two quarters. Furthermore, Granger‐causality tests show that the media‐based indices are good predictors of future consumer confidence index values. The results provide motivation for further study on the use of sentiment‐based techniques and online media data sources to track consumer confidence within an emerging market such as South Africa.
Effects of oral care on prolonged viral shedding in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Warabi Yoko , Tobisawa Shinsuke , Kawazoe Tomoya , Murayama Aki , Norioka Ryohei , Morishima Ryo , Inoue Tomoyuki , Shimizu Toshio , Takahashi Kazushi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the effects of oral care on prolonged viral shedding in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients.Methods and resultsWe evaluated the clinical course of eight COVID‐19 patients, including their duration of viral shedding, by PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs. The average time from the onset of symptoms until the virus was no longer detectable was 31.6 ± 11.8 days (mean ± SD; range 17‐53). Thus, it took 15.1 ± 14.7 (1‐40) days from the time of clinical recovery for the virus to become undetectable. In two patients who had mental retardation and psychiatric disorders, the viral shedding period continued for 44 days or 53 days. These two patients did not voluntarily brush their teeth. When they were instructed on the importance of oral care, including tooth brushing and gargling, their tests for the coronavirus became negative.ConclusionMost of the patients with COVID‐19 had a viral shedding period of 30 days or less. In cases of prolonged viral shedding (≥44 days), noninfectious viral nucleic acid may have accumulated in uncleaned oral cavities and continued to be detected. We propose that tooth brushing and gargling remove such viral nucleic acid and improve the accuracy of PCR testing.
Defying the Rally During COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Regression Discontinuity Approach
Authors: Shino Enrijeta , Binder Michael 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveDo people set aside their partisan differences and rally around elected officials during a pandemic? President Trump's delegation of responsibility to the states during the COVID‐19 pandemic placed governors on the frontlines of the battle; some have shined and garnered positive national attention, others have wilted under the pressure of the national spotlight.MethodsWe use regression discontinuity design and exploit a discontinuity in the state's political events to assess the support of a governor's response to the pandemic.ResultsUsing survey data from Florida's registered voters, we find that Governor DeSantis's approval dropped by 7 percentage points following his “Safer at Home” order press conference on April 1.ConclusionOur results suggest that under certain circumstances partisanship can blunt a “rally around the flag” effect. This finding provides context to understanding when and under which circumstances elected officials can expect increases (or decreases) in public support.
The Chinese Dream: Hukou, Social Mobility, and Trust in Government
Authors: Huang Xian 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveSocial mobility plays an important role in stabilizing the political order. This article leverages China's hukou (household registration) reforms to examine the effects of state‐engineered social mobility on individuals’ trust in the government.MethodsUsing China General Social Survey data for 2010 and entropy balancing for causal effects, this article provides empirical evidence for the attitudinal effects of social mobility at the individual level.ResultsIt finds that, first, individuals with the rural‐to‐urban hukou change are more likely to experience upward mobility, while individuals with the nonlocal‐to‐local hukou change are more pessimistic about their prospects of upward mobility; second, the rural‐to‐urban hukou change increases beneficiaries’ trust in the central government, while the nonlocal‐to‐local hukou change increases beneficiaries’ trust in the local government.ConclusionThe Chinese authoritarian regime's co‐optation tactic of engineering upward social mobility via the hukou reforms contributes to its performance‐based political legitimacy as it effectively bolsters individuals’ trust in government.
The impact of foreign direct investment on host country exports: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kastratović Radovan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present a synthesis of the literature examining the impact of foreign direct investment on host country exports. We reviewed and summarised 37 theoretical papers, 27 micro‐level empirical studies and analysed 627 specifications from 117 macro‐level empirical studies. In exploring the reasons behind the variations of the reported effects in the empirical literature, we applied meta‐regression methodology. Our results indicate that the existing empirical literature generally reports a positive impact of foreign direct investment on exports, especially in developing countries. The reported effects are sensitive to research design, model specification and the context of the research. No publication bias was detected in the sampled studies. Based on our results, we provide some avenues and guidelines for future research on this topic. Our results could also have some important implications for policymakers.
Analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine in rats after chronic constriction injury by mediating microRNA‐101 expression and the E2F2–TLR4–NF‐κB axis
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Yu Tingting , Cui Xiangyan , Yu Hong , Li Xinbai 
Published: July 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Dexmedetomidine has a capacity for sedation, anti‐anxiety and analgesia with minimal suppression of respiratory function; what is its role in neuropathic pain and what is the involvement of miRNAs?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Dexmedetomidine attenuates inflammation and apoptosis and the stimulation of TLR4–NF‐κB signalling in rat spinal cord via miR‐101 overexpression and E2F2 downregulation.

AbstractThe significant analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been underscored in neuropathic pain (NPP), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the functional effect of Dex on microRNA (miR)‐101‐regulated E2 promoter binding factor 2 (E2F2) with the engagement of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)–nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) was performed to generate an NPP rat model. The expression of miR‐101, E2F2 and TLR4–NF‐κB signalling‐relevant proteins was assessed by RT–quantitative PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that Dex increased mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal latency to withdraw. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor‐α was increased in CCI rats, but these trends were reversed by Dex. In addition, Dex repressed caspase‐9 expression and apoptotic cell numbers in spinal cord tissues in CCI rats. Moreover, the expression of E2F2 was significantly increased, while miR‐101 was diminished in CCI rats, which was reversed by Dex. Furthermore, miR‐101 inhibitor, E2F2 restoration or administration of a TLR4‐specific agonist weakened the effect of Dex. Together, these results suggest that Dex has the capacity to ameliorate NPP by regulating the miR‐101–E2F2–TLR4–NF‐κB axis in rats subjected to CCI.
The molecular mechanism of synaptic activity‐induced astrocytic volume transient
Authors: Woo Junsung , Jang Minwoo Wendy , Lee Jaekwang , Koh Wuhyun , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Lee C. Justin 
Published: July 2020

Key points
Neuronal activity causes astrocytic volume change via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium channels.
The volume transient is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1.
The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel.
Intense neuronal activity is synaptically coupled with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients.
AbstractThe brain volume changes dynamically and transiently upon intense neuronal activity through a tight regulation of ion concentrations and water movement across the plasma membrane of astrocytes. We have recently demonstrated that an intense neuronal activity and subsequent astrocytic AQP4‐dependent volume transient are critical for synaptic plasticity and memory. We have also pharmacologically demonstrated a functional coupling between synaptic activity and the astrocytic volume transient. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of how intense neuronal activity and the astrocytic volume transient are coupled remain unclear. Here we utilized an intrinsic optical signal imaging technique combined with fluorescence imaging using ion sensitive dyes and molecular probes and electrophysiology to investigate the detailed molecular mechanisms in genetically modified mice. We report that a brief synaptic activity induced by a train stimulation (20 Hz, 1 s) causes a prolonged astrocytic volume transient (80 s) via K+ uptake through TREK‐1 containing two‐pore domain potassium (K2P) channels, but not Kir4.1 or NKCC1. This volume change is terminated by Cl− efflux through the Ca2+‐activated anion channel BEST1, but not the volume‐regulated anion channel TTYH. The source of the Ca2+ required to open BEST1 appears to be the stretch‐activated TRPA1 channel in astrocytes, but not IP3R2. In summary, our study identifies several important astrocytic ion channels (AQP4, TREK‐1, BEST1, TRPA1) as the key molecules leading to the neuronal activity‐dependent volume transient in astrocytes. Our findings reveal new molecular and cellular mechanisms for the synaptic coupling of intense neuronal activity with a physical change in astrocytes via volume transients.
Embryonic cardioprotection by hydrogen sulphide: studies of isolated cardiac function and ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in the chicken embryo
Authors: Hess Rita M. , Niu Youguo , Garrud Tessa A. C. , Botting Kimberley J. , Ford Sage G. , Giussani Dino A. 
Published: July 2020

Key points
In mammals, pregnancy complications can trigger an embryonic or fetal origin of cardiac dysfunction. However, underlying mechanisms remain uncertain because the partial contributions of the challenge on the mother, placenta or offspring are difficult to disentangle.
The avian embryo permits isolation of the direct effects of suboptimal conditions during development on the cardiac function of the offspring, independent of additional effects on the mother and/or the placenta.
Therefore, the objectives of this work were to adapt the isolated Langendorff technique using the chicken embryo to study the physiology of the developing heart.
Here, we introduce a novel technique and show the utility of the technique for exploring cardioprotective roles of H2S in the chicken embryo heart. This work lays the foundation for studying the direct effects of H2S therapy on the embryonic heart independent of effects on the mother and the placenta in adverse development.
AbstractThis study adapted the isolated Langendorff preparation to study the chicken embryo heart in response to ischaemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury. The utility of the technique was tested by investigating cardioprotective effects of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and underlying mechanisms. Embryonic hearts (19 out of 21 days of incubation) mounted on a Langendorff preparation were exposed to IR (30 min ischaemia) after 4 treatments administered randomly, all as a 1 mm bolus, into the perfusate: saline vehicle (control); sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS); NaHS plus glibenclamide, an antagonist of KATP opening (NaHS Glib), and Glib alone (Glib). Relative to controls, NaHS treatment improved cardiac function after ischaemia (mean ± SD for area under the curve, AUC, for left ventricular developed pressure, LVDP: 1767.3 ± 929.5 vs. 492.7 ± 308.1; myocardial contractility, dP/dtmax: 2748.9 ± 1514.9 vs. 763.7 ± 433.1) and decreased infarct size (22.7 ± 8.0 vs. 43.9 ± 4.2%) and cardiac damage (% change in creatinine kinase, 49.3 ± 41.3 vs. 214.6 ± 155.1; all P < 0.05). Beneficial effects of NaHS were blocked by Glib. Glib alone had no effects. NaHS increased coronary flow rate (CFR) during baseline (mean ± SD for AUC: 134.3 ± 91.6 vs. 92.2 ± 35.8) and post IR (1467 ± 529.5 vs. 748.0 ± 222.1; both P < 0.05). However, this effect was not prevented by Glib. Therefore, the chicken embryo heart is amenable for study via the Langendorff preparation under basal conditions and during IR. The data show that H2S confers embryonic cardiac protection via opening of myocardial KATP channels and not via increasing CFR. H2S may prove a useful therapeutic agent to protect the human fetal heart against IR injury, as may occur in complicated labour.
Longitudinal Performance Analysis in Ultra-Triathlon of the World’s 2 Best Master Triathletes
Authors: Sousa Caio Victor , Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theo 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To analyze the performances of 2 ultra-triathletes who competed in ultra-triathlon events (double Iron ultra-triathlon and triple Iron ultra-triathlon) for the past 3 decades. Longitudinal data of the performance development in ultra-triathlon athletes spanning many years are rare. Prediction of age-related performance declines in the different disciplines in triathlon events (swimming, cycling, and running) are needed for race directors to set realistic goals (time limits) for master athletes in these events. Methods: Athletes A and B had 34 and 53 participations in double Iron at 35–55 and 40–69 y of age, respectively, and 26 and 20 participations in triple Iron at 33–51 and 40–61 y of age, respectively. Nonlinear regression analyses were performed with split and overall performance against age. Results: The average declines in performance in triple Iron ultra-triathlon for athlete A were 0.62%/y, 0.19%/y, and 0.98%/y for swimming, cycling, and running, respectively. For athlete B, a positive change was identified for swimming (0.19%/y) and cycling (1.12%/y) but negative change for running (1.34%/y). Conclusion: Running is the discipline with the greatest performance-decline rate for both athletes, in both double and triple Iron distances. The race time limit of double Iron competitions seems too short, making it difficult for master athletes older than 55 y to finish the race within the event regulations.
Both Caffeine and Placebo Improve Vertical Jump Performance Compared With a Nonsupplemented Control Condition
Authors: Grgic Jozo , Venier Sandro , Mikulic Pavle 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To compare the acute effects of caffeine and placebo ingestion with a control condition (ie, no supplementation) on vertical jump performance. Methods: The sample for this study consisted of 26 recreationally trained men. Following the familiarization visit, the subjects were randomized in a double-blind manner to 3 main conditions: placebo, caffeine, and control. Caffeine was administered in the form of a gelatin capsule in the dose of 6 mg·kg body weight−1. Placebo was also administered in the form of a gelatin capsule containing 6 mg·kg−1 of dextrose. Vertical jump performance was assessed using a countermovement jump performed on a force platform. Analyzed outcomes were vertical jump height and maximal power output. Results: For vertical jump height, significant differences were observed between placebo and control conditions (g = 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.24; +2.5%), caffeine and control conditions (g = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17–0.50; +6.6%), and caffeine and placebo conditions (g = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06–0.34; +4.0%). For maximal power output, no significant main effect of condition (P = .638) was found. Conclusions: Ingesting a placebo or caffeine may enhance countermovement jump performance compared with the control condition, with the effects of caffeine versus control appearing to be greater than the effects of placebo versus control. In addition, caffeine was ergogenic for countermovement jump height compared with placebo. Even though caffeine and placebo ingestion improved vertical jump height, no significant effects of condition were found on maximal power output generated during takeoff.
Non-neuronal expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes in the olfactory system suggests mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated anosmia
Authors: Brann David H. , Tsukahara Tatsuya , Weinreb Caleb , Lipovsek Marcela , Van den Berge Koen , Gong Boying , Chance Rebecca , Macaulay Iain C. , Chou Hsin-Jung , Fletcher Russell B. , Das Diya , Street Kelly , de Bezieux Hector Roux , Choi Yoon-Gi , Risso Davide , Dudoit Sandrine , Purdom Elizabeth , Mill Jonathan , Hachem Ralph Abi , Matsunami Hiroaki , Logan Darren W. , Goldstein Bradley J. , Grubb Matthew S. , Ngai John , Datta Sandeep Robert 
Published: July 2020

Abstract:
Altered olfactory function is a common symptom of COVID-19, but its etiology is unknown. A key question is whether SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) – the causal agent in COVID-19 – affects olfaction directly, by infecting olfactory sensory neurons or their targets in the olfactory bulb, or indirectly, through perturbation of supporting cells. Here we identify cell types in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb that express SARS-CoV-2 cell entry molecules. Bulk sequencing demonstrated that mouse, non-human primate and human olfactory mucosa expresses two key genes involved in CoV-2 entry, ACE2 and TMPRSS2. However, single cell sequencing revealed that ACE2 is expressed in support cells, stem cells, and perivascular cells, rather than in neurons. Immunostaining confirmed these results and revealed pervasive expression of ACE2 protein in dorsally-located olfactory epithelial sustentacular cells and olfactory bulb pericytes in the mouse. These findings suggest that CoV-2 infection of non-neuronal cell types leads to anosmia and related disturbances in odor perception in COVID-19 patients.