bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mothers' experiences of breastfeeding a child with tongue‐tie
Authors: Waterman Jillian , Lee Tiffany , Etchegary Holly , Drover Anne , Twells Laurie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTongue‐tie is characterized by an abnormally tight, short and thick lingual frenulum restricting the tongue's movement. This functional impairment can hinder a child's ability to maintain an effective latch and suckle and may lead to complex breastfeeding difficulties. The primary aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mothers who have breastfed a child with tongue‐tie, including their experiences with the health care system. A qualitative description study design was used. Two semistructured focus groups were conducted in February 2016 with a total of nine participants in the largest metropolitan area of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Content analysis using constant comparison revealed a common incongruity between participants' breastfeeding expectations and their actual experiences of feeding a child with tongue‐tie. Three major themes are discussed: mothers' well‐being, strained interpersonal relationships and frustration with the health care system.
Fungal guilds and soil functionality respond to tree community traits rather than to tree diversity in European forests
Authors: Prada‐Salcedo Luis Daniel , Goldmann Kezia , Heintz‐Buschart Anna , Reitz Thomas , Wambsganss Janna , Bauhus Jürgen , Buscot François 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAt the global scale, most forest research on biodiversity focuses on aboveground organisms. However, understanding the structural associations between aboveground and belowground communities provides relevant information about important functions linked to biogeochemical cycles. Microorganisms such as soil fungi are known to be closely coupled to the dominant tree vegetation, and we hypothesize that tree traits affect fungal guilds and soil functionality in multiple ways. By analysing fungal diversity of 64 plots from four European forest types using Illumina DNA sequencing, we show that soil fungal communities respond to tree community traits rather than to tree species diversity. To explain changes in fungal community structure and measured soil enzymatic activities, we used a trait‐based ecological approach and community‐weighted means of tree traits to define ‘fast’ (acquisitive) versus ‘slow’ (conservative) tree communities. We found specific tree trait effects on different soil fungal guilds and soil enzymatic activities: tree traits associated with litter and absorptive roots correlated with fungal, especially pathogen diversity, and influenced community composition of soil fungi. Relative abundance of the symbiotrophic and saprotrophic guilds mirrored the litter quality, while the root traits of fast tree communities enhanced symbiotrophic abundance. We found that forest types of higher latitudes, which are dominated by fast tree communities, correlated with high carbon‐cycling enzymatic activities. In contrast, Mediterranean forests with slow tree communities showed high enzymatic activities related to nitrogen and phosphorous. Our findings highlight that tree trait effects of either ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ tree communities drive different fungal guilds and influence biogeochemical cycles.
Pattern and causes of the establishment of the invasive bacterial potato pathogen Dickeya solani and of the maintenance of the resident pathogen D. dianthicola
Authors: Blin Pauline , Robic Kévin , Khayi Slimane , Cigna Jérémy , Munier Euphrasie , Dewaegeneire Pauline , Laurent Angélique , Jaszczyszyn Yan , Hong Kar‐Wai , Chan Kok‐Gan , Beury Amélie , Reverchon Sylvie , Giraud Tatiana , Hélias Valérie , Faure Denis 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInvasive pathogens can be a threat when they affect human health, food production or ecosystem services, by displacing resident species, and we need to understand the cause of their establishment. We studied the patterns and causes of the establishment of the pathogen Dickeya solani that recently invaded potato agrosystems in Europe by assessing its invasion dynamics and its competitive ability against the closely related resident D. dianthicola species. Epidemiological records over one decade in France revealed the establishment of D. solani and the maintenance of the resident D. dianthicola in potato fields exhibiting blackleg symptoms. Using experimentations, we showed that D. dianthicola caused a higher symptom incidence on aerial parts of potato plants than D. solani, while D. solani was more aggressive on tubers (i.e. with more severe symptoms). In co‐infection assays, D. dianthicola outcompeted D. solani in aerial parts, while the two species co‐existed in tubers. A comparison of 76 D. solani genomes (56 of which have been sequenced here) revealed balanced frequencies of two previously uncharacterized alleles, VfmBPro and VfmBSer, at the vfmB virulence gene. Experimental inoculations showed that the VfmBSer population was more aggressive on tubers, while the VfmBPro population outcompeted the VfmBSer population in stem lesions, suggesting an important role of the vfmB virulence gene in the ecology of the pathogens. This study thus brings novel insights allowing a better understanding of the pattern and causes of the D.solani invasion into potato production agrosystems, and the reasons why the endemic D. dianthicola nevertheless persisted.
Distributed computing for region‐wide line source dispersion modeling
Authors: Kim Daejin , Liu Haobing , Xu Xiaodan , Lu Hongyu , Wayson Roger , Rodgers Michael O. , Guensler Randall 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis work introduces a parallelly distributed computing technique to quantify the traffic‐related pollutant concentrations at regional scales. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)‐recommended dispersion model AERMOD involves complex model setup that requires extensive data inputs with strict formatting rules. These strict requirements increase the likelihood of human errors, especially in larger‐scale high‐resolution dispersion modeling. The paper presents a streamlined framework that integrates the processes of data preparation, link and receptor configuration, and mobile source emissions modeling. The emissions model is then connected with dispersion model through a parallel computing system. Such linkages allow high‐resolution traffic‐related air quality impacts to be estimated at the regional scales with high computational efficiency. The tool can be used by a broad audience, including any stakeholders interested in mobile source emissions modeling, and near‐road pollutant concentration modeling under the National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Air Act transportation and air quality conformity analysis.
Development of new treatments with drug repositioning strategies: POEMS and Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Misawa Sonoko 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPOEMS syndrome and Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) are rare and potentially intractable peripheral neuropathies. This review considers the development of new therapeutic interventions for these disorders using drug repositioning strategies. The prognosis for patients diagnosed with POEMS syndrome was previously quite poor; however, therapeutic interventions based on those used successfully for the treatment of myeloma have significantly improved the prognosis of this disease. While many new drugs have been developed to treat myeloma, thalidomide is the only drug with a safety and efficacy profile that has been documented by the results of a randomized controlled trial. While POEMS syndrome is an extraordinarily rare disease, prospective controlled trials should be performed to establish evidence‐based therapeutic strategies. Similarly, GBS is an acute, immune‐mediated polyneuropathy. While many patients achieve full recovery, others go on to experience long‐lasting neurological sequelae; this latter group includes patients who were treated appropriately with immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis. Complement activation has been associated with severe nerve injury in patients diagnosed with GBS; indeed, inhibition of complement activation prevented disease‐associated paralysis and nerve injury in a relevant murine model. Eculizumab, an antibody that targets complement protein C5, is a potent inhibitor of complement activation that has been approved for the treatment of complement‐mediated disorders. A recent phase 2 clinical trial of eculizumab for GBS performed in Japan revealed that eculizumab may be effective for the treatment of patients with this disease. Further confirmation of this finding will be a major step forward with respect to the management of GBS.
VAPYRIN attenuates defence by repressing PR gene induction and localized lignin accumulation during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis of Petunia hybrida
Authors: Chen Min , Bruisson Sébastien , Bapaume Laure , Darbon Geoffrey , Glauser Gaëtan , Schorderet Martine , Reinhardt Didier 
Published: November 2020

Summary

The intimate association of host and fungus in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis can potentially trigger induction of host defence mechanisms against the fungus, implying that successful symbiosis requires suppression of defence.

We addressed this phenomenon by using AM‐defective vapyrin (vpy) mutants in Petunia hybrida, including a new allele (vpy‐3) with a transposon insertion close to the ATG start codon. We explore whether abortion of fungal infection in vpy mutants is associated with the induction of defence markers, such as cell wall alterations, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), defence hormones and induction of pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes.

We show that vpy mutants exhibit a strong resistance against intracellular colonization, which is associated with the generation of cell wall appositions (papillae) with lignin impregnation at fungal entry sites, while no accumulation of defence hormones, ROS or callose was observed. Systematic analysis of PR gene expression revealed that several PR genes are induced in mycorrhizal roots of the wild‐type, and even more in vpy plants. Some PR genes are induced exclusively in vpy mutants.

Our results suggest that VPY is involved in avoiding or suppressing the induction of a cellular defence syndrome that involves localized lignin deposition and PR gene induction.
Use of telemedicine for ichthyosis: Patient advocacy group as conduit to expert physician advice
Authors: Asch Sarah , Swink Shane M. , Vivar Karina L. , Pickford Jean , Breuning Lisa , Wassel Christine , Hand Jennifer L. , Milstone Leonard , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesPatients with rare diseases are challenged when it comes to finding physicians with expertise in their condition. The Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST) Tele‐Ichthyosis program has provided telemedicine for patients and their families with keratinizing disorders since 2009. This study aims to characterize a decade of experience with the program.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed cases for demographics of patients and the clinicians who submitted their cases, nature of questions asked, number of expert responses, and characteristics of responses. Surveys were sent electronically to all users of the FIRST Tele‐Ichthyosis service to assess experiences with the service and solicit constructive recommendations. Descriptive statistics were performed on the case review and responder surveys.ResultsEighty‐eight geographically diverse cases were reviewed showing increased use over time by various specialists for patients of all ages. Sixty‐six percent of cases were definitively ichthyosis, and most submitters queried on diagnosis (47%) or treatment (72%). Most submitters described the service as easy to use (66.6%) and advice as timely (61.1%), clear (66.6%), and beneficial (61.1%). All submitters made suggestions for improvement (100%). Experts predominately worked with pediatric populations (70%) and reported self‐motivation to volunteer and improve patients’ lives (100%). Experts found technological barriers minor and provided feedback to enhance the service.ConclusionsThis report highlights how a rare‐disease patient advocacy group successfully supports physician collaboration and patient outcomes through secure and efficient telemedicine. Lessons learned are highly relevant in the current healthcare environment.
Adherence in pediatric renal recipients and its effect on graft outcome, a single‐center, retrospective study
Authors: Feddersen Nele , Pape Lars , Beneke Jan , Brand Korbinian , Prüfe Jenny 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, treatment‐adherence gained increasing attention in nearly every area of medicine including transplant medicine. Medication adherence following solid organ transplantation is known to be indispensable for a satisfactory allograft survival.MethodsWe examined 60 patients between the ages of four months and 20 years who underwent kidney transplantation at Hannover Medical School between January 2011 and August 2017. Age at transplantation varied from 4 months to 20 years. 12 patients (20%) already underwent their second solid organ transplantation. 5 patients (8.3%) had a combined kidney‐liver‐transplantation.We used two different methods for rating adherence: An objective one based on the coefficient of variation (CoV%) of immunosuppressant trough levels, and a subjective questionnaire answered by the patients themselves, their parents or legal custodians, the treating pediatrician, as well as by the attending psychologist.ResultsThe CoV% in our study was by‐trend higher in those patients who suffered from a biopsy‐proven rejection (x̅CoV% = 35.7, σ CoV% = 30.1 in patients with rejection vs. x̅ CoV% = 26.0, σ CoV% = 10.5 in patients without rejection). Furthermore, the psychologist's assessment correlated significantly both with rejections as well as with the formation of de novo donor‐specific antibodies (dnDSA) while the pediatrician's rating showed no correlation (Prejections = 0.005 and PdnDSA = 0.03 for psychologist's rating vs. Prejections = 0.50 and PdnDSA = 0.50 for pediatrician).ConclusionsApart from underlining the importance of medication adherence, the present research stresses the role of a multi‐disciplinary treatment approach to support pediatric renal transplant recipients and their families.
Combined Addition of Ethanol and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Enhances Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects in Methylene Blue‐Mediated Photodynamic Treatment against Pseudomonas aeruginosa In Vitro
Authors: Sarker Roma Rani , Tsunoi Yasuyuki , Haruyama Yasue , Ichiki Yayoi , Sato Shunichi , Nishidate Izumi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAntimicrobial photodynamic treatment (aPDT) for infection with drug‐resistant bacteria has received much attention. For P. aeruginosa, however, efficient formation of biofilms and the nature of Gram‐negative bacteria often limit the efficacy of aPDT. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanol and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as additives on bacterial viability, biofilm biomass, and structures of bacteria and biofilms in methylene blue (MB)‐mediated aPDT in vitro. Matured P. aeruginosa biofilms were incubated with 32‐µm MB solutions with different concentrations of additives and then illuminated with 665‐nm light from an LED array. The combined addition of 10% ethanol and 10 mm EDTA to MB resulted in significantly greater bactericidal effects than those of MB alone and of MB with 10% ethanol or 10 mm EDTA. Crystal violet assays showed significant reductions in biofilm biomass by aPDT with addition of both ethanol and EDTA compared to that in the case of aPDT with MB alone. Scanning electron microscopy showed broken bacterial cells and reduction in the cell density and amount of biofilm under those conditions. Ethanol addition alone did not improve aPDT efficacy. Reduced amount of biofilm by EDTA addition would have improved the transportation of MB and ethanol to bacteria.
Comment on Susanna Siegel, The Rationality of Perception
Authors: Railton Peter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn Susanna Siegel’s compelling presentation of the case for the rationality of perception, a “significant part of the constructive defense” is played by the idea that there are “inferential routes to perceptual experience” (Siegel 2017, p. 94). Inferences, after all, are epistemically evaluable and bear on the rational standing of their conclusions. She argues that an obstacle to accepting this idea is a “Reckoning Model” of inference, and shows by example that we recognize as inferences various familiar kinds of responses to information that do not fit this model. She offers a more general approach to the nature of inference that fits these examples and accommodates inferential routes to perceptual experience. I argue that Siegel needs to say more about the mental processes involved in such inferrings, and how it can be more than merely associative and yet still distinct from Reckoning. Fortunately, a psychologically‐ and conceptually‐grounded distinction between model‐free vs. model‐based learning and guidance processes can provide a characterization that plays the role Siegel needs.
Care‐coordination: Gain‐sharing Agreements in Bundled Payment Models
Authors: Ghamat Salar , Zaric Gregory S. , Pun Hubert 
Published: November 2020

We study gain‐sharing agreements in a target price‐minimum quality payment system. Our work is inspired by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) bundled payment model. In our model, patients receive care from a hospital and a post‐acute care provider. A third‐party payer establishes target levels for total billing by the hospital and provider, and a target on the overall quality of care. The hospital and provider receive fee‐for‐service (FFS) billings during an episode of care, defined as the period that starts with an admission of a patient to the hospital and ends 90 days post‐discharge. The hospital may also receive an incentive payment if total FFS billing by both parties is below the target price and total quality by both parties is above the minimum quality. The goal of the incentive payment is to encourage hospitals to enter into “gain‐sharing” agreements with providers. We model the interactions between the three parties. We show that while using a gain‐sharing agreement might be a “win‐win‐win” scenario for the three parties, good design of the payment scheme by the payer is essential to incentivize a hospital to participate in the bundled payment model (e.g., CJR) and sign a gain‐sharing agreement with the provider. Furthermore, we illustrate that a target price‐minimum quality bundled payment model would be more effective, in care‐coordination, in healthcare settings where the provider is much more effective than the hospital in reducing its billing.
Probing periodontal microbial dark matter using metataxonomics and metagenomics
Authors: Kumar Purnima S. , Dabdoub Shareef M. , Ganesan Sukirth M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOur view of the periodontal microbial community has been shaped by a century or more of cultivation‐based and microscopic investigations. While these studies firmly established the infection‐mediated etiology of periodontal diseases, it was apparent from the very early days that periodontal microbiology suffered from what Staley and Konopka described as the “great plate count anomaly”, in that these culturable bacteria were only a minor part of what was visible under the microscope. For nearly a century, much effort has been devoted to finding the right tools to investigate this uncultivated majority, also known as “microbial dark matter”. The discovery that DNA was an effective tool to “see” microbial dark matter was a significant breakthrough in environmental microbiology, and oral microbiologists were among the earliest to capitalize on these advances. By identifying the order in which nucleotides are arranged in a stretch of DNA (DNA sequencing) and creating a repository of these sequences, sequence databases were created. Computational tools that used probability‐driven analysis of these sequences enabled the discovery of new and unsuspected species and ascribed novel functions to these species. This review will trace the development of DNA sequencing as a quantitative, open‐ended, comprehensive approach to characterize microbial communities in their native environments, and explore how this technology has shifted traditional dogmas on how the oral microbiome promotes health and its role in disease causation and perpetuation.
Subgingival fungi, Archaea, and viruses under the omics loupe
Authors: Diaz Patricia I. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe microbial communities that inhabit the gingival crevice are responsible for the pathological processes that affect the periodontium. The changes in composition and function of subgingival bacteria as disease develops have been extensively studied. Subgingival communities, however, also contain fungi, Archaea, and viruses, which could contribute to the dysbiotic processes associated with periodontal diseases. High‐throughput DNA sequencing has facilitated a better understanding of the mycobiome, archaeome, and virome. However, the number of studies available on the nonbacterial components of the subgingival microbiome remains limited in comparison with publications focusing on bacteria. Difficulties in characterizing fungal, archaeal, and viral populations arise from the small portion of the total metagenome mass they occupy and lack of comprehensive reference genome databases. In addition, specialized approaches potentially introducing bias are required to enrich for viral particles, while harsh methods of cell lysis are needed to recover nuclei acids from certain fungi. While the characterization of the subgingival diversity of fungi, Archaea and viruses is incomplete, emerging evidence suggests that they could contribute in different ways to subgingival dysbiosis. Certain fungi, such as Candida albicans are suggested to facilitate colonization of bacterial pathogens. Methanogenic Archaea are associated with periodontitis severity and are thought to partner synergistically with bacterial fermenters, while viruses may affect immune responses or shape microbial communities in ways incompletely understood. This review describes the manner in which omics approaches have improved our understanding of the diversity of fungi, Archaea, and viruses within subgingival communities. Further characterization of these understudied components of the subgingival microbiome is required, together with mechanistic studies to unravel their ecological role and potential contributions to dysbiosis.