bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of cyanide‐resistant respiration in Solanum tuberosum L. against high light stress
Authors: Hua D. , Ma M. , Ge G. , Suleman M. , Li H. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Cyanide‐resistant respiration in potato mitochondria is an important pathway for energy dissipation. It can be activated by high light; however, it is unclear what roles cyanide‐resistant respiration plays in the response to high light stress in potato.

We designed a CRISPR vector for the functional gene StAOX of the potato cyanide‐resistant respiratory pathway. Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 was transformed into potato. Hydrogen peroxide level, MDA content, antioxidant activity and cyanide‐resistant respiratory capacity of potato leaves under high light stress were determined. Photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content were determined. In addition, the operation of the malate–oxaloacetate shuttle route and transcription level of photorespiration‐related enzymes were also examined.

The results showed that two base substitutions occurred at the sequencing target site on leaves of the transformed potato. Accumulation of ROS and increased membrane lipid peroxidation were detected in the transformed potato leaves and lower photosynthetic efficiency was observed. The transcription level of the malate–oxaloacetate shuttle route and photorespiration‐related enzymes also significantly increased.

These results indicate that the cyanide‐resistant respiration is an important physiological pathway in potato in response to high light stress. It also suggests that plant cyanide‐resistant respiration is closely related to photosynthesis. This implies the unexplored importance of plant cyanide‐resistant respiration in plant photosynthesis, energy conversion and carbon skeleton formation.
Necessity of the target discrimination in the P300‐based complex trial protocol test for concealed information
Authors: Davydova Elena , Rosenfeld J. Peter , Labkovsky Elena 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe two most common types of ERP‐based protocols to detect concealed information are the 3‐stimulus protocol (3SP) and Complex Trial Protocol (CTP). Both protocols traditionally include presentation of a target (a stimulus with assigned significance requiring a unique behavioral response). The intention of the target presentation is forcing subjects to pay attention to all stimuli, especially to guilty knowledge stimuli, called probes. It was unclear though, how the presence of a targets influences probe recognition, and thus, the concealed information test (CIT) effect—the difference in P300 response to the probe and Irrelevant (crime‐unrelated) stimuli. The question of target necessity was first raised in relation to the 3SP, and it was found that although omitting target stimuli reduced P300 amplitudes for all probe and irrelevant stimuli, the CIT effect was not reduced. The current study investigated how the presence or absence of the target/nontarget discrimination in the CTP affects the CIT effect, by comparing two CTP groups both with (T) and without (NT) the target/nontarget discrimination. The results demonstrated that this discrimination significantly increases the P300 effect. We found a greater P300 CIT effect in the T group than in the NT group, suggesting that for field use, it is better to retain the target discrimination in the CTP. CIT effects were also seen with P300 latency, but not reaction time.
Multiscale computational models can guide experimentation and targeted measurements for crop improvement
Authors: Benes Bedrich , Guan Kaiyu , Lang Meagan , Long Stephen P. , Lynch Jonathan P. , Marshall‐Colón Amy , Peng Bin , Schnable James , Sweetlove Lee J. , Turk Matthew J. 
Published: February 2020

SummaryComputational models of plants have identified gaps in our understanding of biological systems, and have revealed ways to optimize cellular processes or organ‐level architecture to increase productivity. Thus, computational models are learning tools that help direct experimentation and measurements. Models are simplifications of complex systems, and often simulate specific processes at single scales (e.g. temporal, spatial, organizational, etc.). Consequently, single‐scale models are unable to capture the critical cross‐scale interactions that result in emergent properties of the system. In this perspective article, we contend that to accurately predict how a plant will respond in an untested environment, it is necessary to integrate mathematical models across biological scales. Computationally mimicking the flow of biological information from the genome to the phenome is an important step in discovering new experimental strategies to improve crops. A key challenge is to connect models across biological, temporal and computational (e.g. CPU versus GPU) scales, and then to visualize and interpret integrated model outputs. We address this challenge by describing the efforts of the international Cropsin silicoconsortium.
A brief contraction has complex effects on summation of twitch pairs in human adductor pollicis
Authors: Smith Ian C. , Adam Helen , Herzog Walter 
Published: February 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
How do contraction‐induced reductions in twitch duration, without changes in twitch force, affect summation of twitch pairs into higher force contractions in skeletal muscle?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Abbreviating twitch duration with a brief contraction resulted in enhanced summation of fully fused twitch pairs, but impaired summation in partially fused twitch pairs even after accounting for the differences in relaxation of the first twitch. An inherent mechanism which enhances relaxation without sacrificing force generation in forceful contractions would benefit cyclic muscle activities, such as locomotion.

AbstractDuring electrically evoked contractions of skeletal muscle, the interplay between twitch duration and the time between electrical stimuli (inter‐pulse interval, IPI) determines how effectively twitch forces summate into high force contractions. A brief muscle contraction can impair summation by abbreviating twitch duration, though it is not clear if these impairments occur at all physiologically relevant IPI. This study was designed to test how a brief contraction affects summation of nominally isometric twitch pairs with IPIs lasting 10–5000 ms. Left adductor pollicis muscles of human participants (n = 9) were electrically activated using stimulus pairs applied both before (Pre) and after (Post) a 10 Hz, 1.0 s contraction. Force–time records were mathematically separated into Pulse 1 (single twitch) and Pulse 2 (summated twitch) components. The ratio of Pulse 2 peak force to Pulse 1 peak force was used as our measure of summation effectiveness. Consistent with the observed decline of Pulse 1 duration at Post relative to Pre (4.7 ± 0.6%; P < 0.001; duration was defined as the time from stimulation to the time required for active force to decline by 50%), summation effectiveness was higher at Pre than at Post at IPIs of 100–333 ms. Summation effectiveness was not different between Pre and Post at IPIs of 50–83 ms or 500–5000 ms. Intriguingly, summation effectiveness was higher at Post than at Pre at IPIs of 10–25 ms. In summary, a brief contraction has complex effects on the relationship between inter‐pulse interval and summation effectiveness. Future experiments are needed to reveal the mechanisms behind this novel observation.
Developing an Optimized Low-Cost Transtibial Energy Storage and Release Prosthetic Foot Using Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Kamel Hisham , Harraz Omar , Azab Khaled , Attia Tamer 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the results of an investigative study on the development of an affordable and functional prosthetic foot for below knee amputees. A prototype was successfully manufactured using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. This continuously evolving technology enables the rapid production of prosthetics that are individually customized for each patient. Our prototype was developed after conducting a topology optimization study that interestingly converged to the shape of the biological human foot. Afterward, a design was envisioned where a simple energy storage and release (ESAR) mechanism was implemented to replace the Achilles tendon, which minimizes the metabolic energy cost of walking. Our mechanism can successfully manage 70% of the energy compared to a normal person during each walking step. A finite element (FE) model of the prosthetic was developed and validated using experimental tests. Then, this FE model was used to confirm the safe operation of the prosthetic through simulating different loading scenarios according to the ISO standard. A prototype was successfully tested by a healthy person using an adapter that was designed and 3D printed for this purpose. Our study clearly showed that customizable prosthetics could be produced at a fraction 1/60 of the cost of the commercially sold ones.
Probing Flow-Induced Biomolecular Interactions With Micro-Extensional Rheology: Tau Protein Aggregation
Authors: Hosseini H. , Rangchian A. , Prins M. L. , Giza C. C. , Ruberti J. W. , Kavehpour H. P. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Biomolecules in solutions subjected to extensional strain can form aggregates, which may be important for our understanding of pathologies involving insoluble protein structures where mechanical forces are thought to be causative (e.g., tau fibers in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)). To examine the behavior of biomolecules in solution under mechanical strains requires applying rheological methods, often to very small sample volumes. There were two primary objectives in this investigation: (1) To probe flow-induced aggregation of proteins in microliter-sized samples and (2) To test the hypothesis that tau protein aggregates under extensional flow. Tau protein (isoform:3R 0 N; 36.7 kDa) was divided into 10 μl droplets and subjected to extensional strain in a modified tensiometer. Sixteen independent tests were performed where one test on a single droplet comprised three extensional events. To assess the rheological performance of the fluid/tau mixture, the diameter of the filament that formed during extension was tracked as function of time and analyzed for signs of aggregation (i.e., increased relaxation time). The results were compared to two molecules of similar and greater size (Polyethylene Oxide: PEO35, 35 kDa and PEO100, 100 kDa). Analysis showed that the tau protein solution and PEO35 are likely to have formed aggregates, albeit at relatively high extensional strain rates (∼10 kHz). The investigation demonstrates an extensional rheological method capable of determining the properties of protein solutions in μl volumes and that tau protein can aggregate when exposed to a single extensional strain with potentially significant biological implications.
Is change in mental distress among adolescents predicted by sedentary behaviour or screen time? Results from the longitudinal population study The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures
Authors: Opdal Ida Marie , Morseth Bente , Handegård Bjørn-Helge , Lillevoll Kjersti R , Nilsen Wendy , Nielsen Christopher , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Rosenbaum Simon , Rognmo Kamilla 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThere is growing interest in the relationship between sedentary behaviour and mental distress among adolescents, but the majority of studies to date have relied on self-reported measures with poor validity. Consequently, current knowledge may be affected by various biases. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between (1) objectively measured sedentary time and (2) self-reported screen time with mental distress among adolescents participating in The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures, in order to see if the association is dependent on mode of measurement of sedentary behaviour.DesignProspective study.SettingSample drawn from upper secondary school students (mean age 16.3 years at baseline) from two municipalities in Northern Norway participating in The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures 1 and 2.Participants686 adolescents (54.5% female), with complete self-reported and accelerometer data after multiple imputation.Primary outcome measuresMental distress assessed via the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 (HSCL-10).ResultsMinutes in sedentary behaviour measured by accelerometer showed no significant relationship with mental distress in neither crude, partly adjusted nor multiple adjusted hierarchic linear regression analyses. Self-reported screen time was positively associated with mental distress in all analyses (multiple adjusted, B=0.038, p=0.008, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.066). However, the effect was small.ConclusionsSelf-reported screen time was associated with slightly elevated mental distress 2 years later, whereas objectively measured minutes in sedentary behaviour was not, indicating a discrepancy in the results depending on measurement methods.
Longitudinal Youth in Transition Study (LYiTS): protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study of youth transitioning out of child and adolescent mental health services at age 18
Authors: Cleverley Kristin , Bennett Kathryn J , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Cheung Amy , Henderson Joanna , Korczak Daphne J , Kurdyak Paul , Levinson Andrea , Pignatiello Antonio , Stinson Jennifer , Voineskos Aristotle N , Szatmari Peter 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionTransition between health services is widely recognised as a problematic hurdle. Yet, the factors necessary for successful transition out of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) as youth reach the service boundary at age 18 are poorly understood. Further, fragmentation and variability among the services provided by mental health organisations serve to exacerbate mental illness and create unnecessary challenges for youth and their families. The primary aim of the Longitudinal Youth in Transition Study (LYiTS) is to describe and model changes in psychiatric symptoms, functioning and health service utilisation at the transition out of CAMHS at age 18 and to identify key elements of the transition process that are amendable to interventions aimed at ensuring continuity of care.Methods and analysisA prospective longitudinal cohort study will be conducted to examine the association between psychiatric symptoms, functioning and mental health and health service use of youth aged 16–18 as they transition out of child mental health services at age 18. We will recruit a sample of (n=350) participants from child and adolescent psychiatric programmes at two hospital and two community mental health sites and conduct assessments annually for 3 years using standardised measures of psychiatric symptoms, functioning and health service utilisation.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained at all four recruitment sites. We will disseminate the results through conferences, open access publications and webinars.
Brought in dead cases to a tertiary referral paediatric emergency department in India: a prospective qualitative study
Authors: Praveen Kumar , Nallasamy Karthi , Jayashree Muralidharan , Kumar Praveen 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesBrought in dead (BID) presentation is profoundly related to prehospital variables including disease-related determinants and social and system-related factors. Identifying these factors would help us recognise various gaps in health services.SettingTertiary paediatric emergency department (ED) in north India.PatientsChildren aged 12 years or younger presented in cardiac arrest between April 2016 and March 2017 were prospectively enrolled irrespective of outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Data were collected from multiple sources including referral documents, direct interview from parents and field observations at the referring facility.ResultsOf 100 BID cases enrolled, 55 were neonates. Low birth weight (n=43, 78%) and malnutrition (n=31, 69%) were respectively common in neonates and postneonatal children. The most frequent symptom was breathing difficulty (n=80). Common diagnoses included respiratory distress syndrome (n=21, 38%), birth asphyxia (n=19, 35%) and sepsis (n=11, 20%) in neonates, and pneumonia (n=11, 25%), congenital heart disease (n=6, 13%) and acute gastroenteritis (n=5, 11%) in postneonatal children. Eighty-nine cases were referred from another healthcare facility, majority after first healthcare contact (n=77, 87%). Progressive severity of illness (n=61, 71%) and lack of expertise for acute care (n=35, 39%) were the common reasons for referral. Ambulance (n=77) was the most common mode of transport; median (IQR) distance and duration of travel were 80 (25–111.5) km and 120 (60–180) min, respectively. Respiratory support during transport included supplemental nasal oxygen (n=41, 46%) and bag and tube ventilation (n=30, 34%). Clinical deterioration was recognised in 62 children during transport, only five received CPR en route. Ninety-five children underwent CPR at the referral centre, two had return of spontaneous circulation.ConclusionSocial and system-related factors contribute to children presenting to ED in BID state. Streamlining the referral process and linking transport to hospital care could reduce decompensated referrals and thereby decrease child mortality.
Phenotypic characteristics and asthma severity in an East African cohort of adults and adolescents with asthma: findings from the African severe asthma project
Authors: Kirenga Bruce , Chakaya Jeremiah , Yimer Getnet , Nyale George , Haile Tewodros , Muttamba Winters , Mugenyi Levicatus , Katagira Winceslaus , Worodria William , Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa Hellen , Lugogo Njira , Joloba Moses , Bekele Amsalu , Makumbi Fred , Green Cindy , de Jong Corina , Kamya Moses , van der Molen Thys 
Published: February 2020

RationaleThe relationship between clinical and biomarker characteristics of asthma and its severity in Africa is not well known.MethodsUsing the Expert Panel Report 3, we assessed for asthma severity and its relationship with key phenotypic characteristics in Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. The characteristics included adult onset asthma, family history of asthma, exposures (smoking and biomass), comorbidities (HIV, hypertension, obesity, tuberculosis (TB), rhinosinusitis, gastro-oesophageal disease (GERD) and biomarkers (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), skin prick test (SPT) and blood eosinophils). We compared these characteristics on the basis of severity and fitted a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the independent association of these characteristics with asthma severity.ResultsA total of 1671 patients were enrolled, 70.7% women, with median age of 40 years. The prevalence of intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent asthma was 2.9%, 19.9%, 42.6% and 34.6%, respectively. Only 14% were on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Patients with severe persistent asthma had a higher rate of adult onset asthma, smoking, HIV, history of TB, FeNO and absolute eosinophil count but lower rates of GERD, rhinosinusitis and SPT positivity. In the multivariate model, Ethiopian site and a history of GERD remained associated with asthma severity.DiscussionThe majority of patients in this cohort presented with moderate to severe persistent asthma and the use of ICS was very low. Improving access to ICS and other inhaled therapies could greatly reduce asthma morbidity in Africa.
Myotonometry for the evaluation of Achilles tendon mechanical properties: a reliability and construct validity study
Authors: Schneebeli Alessandro , Falla Deborah , Clijsen Ron , Barbero Marco 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThis study evaluates the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO and its construct validity for the assessment of Achilles tendon stiffness.DesignReliability and construct validity study.MethodsForty healthy participants were assessed using the MyotonPRO by two raters on two different occasions. Tendon was evaluated in three different positions (relaxed, 0° plantarflexion and standing) and during different isometric contractions (range 0–3 kg). Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC and 95% CI) standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change. Construct validity was evaluated between the different positions and the different contraction intensities using Friedman test.ResultsIntra-rater reliability was very high ICC2,k0.87–0.98. The reliability of the 0.5 kg contraction was moderate with an ICC2,kof 0.59. Inter-rater reliability ranged from high to very high with an ICC2,kof 0.76–0.86. The reliability of the 0.5 kg, 1 kg contraction and the standing position was moderate with an ICC2,kof 0.55, 0.54 and 0.56 respectively. Inter-session reliability ranged from high to very high with an ICC2,kof 0.70–0.89. The reliability of the 0.5 kg contraction was moderate with an ICC2,kof 0.54. Construct validity was demonstrated between different contraction levels and different positions.ConclusionMyotonPRO is a reliable tool for the evaluation of Achilles tendon stiffness during different contraction levels and in different positions. Construct validity was supported by changes of tendon stiffness during the explored conditions. MyotonPRO can be implemented, as a ready to use device, in the evaluation of tendon tissue mechanical properties.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with significant valve disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ducas Robin Alexandra , Javier David A , D’Souza Rohan , Silversides Candice K , Tsang Wendy 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant women with moderate/severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) from medium/higher Human Development Index (HDI) countries.MethodsOvidSP platform databases were searched (1985-January 2019) to identify studies reporting pregnancy outcomes in women with moderate/severe VHD. The primary maternal outcome was maternal mortality. The primary fetal/neonatal outcome was stillbirth and neonatal death. Pooled incidences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of maternal/fetal outcomes could only be calculated from studies involving mitral stenosis (MS) or aortic stenosis (AS).ResultsTwelve studies on 646 pregnancies were included. Pregnant women with severe MS had mortality rates of 3% (95% CI, 0% to 6%), pulmonary oedema 37% (23%–51%) and new/recurrent arrhythmias 16% (1%–25%). Their stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth rates were 4% (1%–7%), 2% (0%–4%), and 18% (7%–29%), respectively. Women with moderate MS had mortality rates of 1%(0%–2%), pulmonary oedema 18% (2%–33%), new/recurrent arrhythmias 5% (1%–9%), stillbirth 2% (1%–4%) and preterm birth 10%(2%–17%).Pregnant women with severe AS had a risk of mortality of 2% (0%–5%), pulmonary oedema 9% (2%–15%), and new/recurrent arrhythmias 4% (0%–7%). Their stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth rates were 2% (0%–5%), 3% (0%–6%) and 14%(4%–24%), respectively. No maternal/neonatal deaths were reported in moderate AS, however women experienced pulmonary oedema (8%; 0%–20%), new/recurrent arrhythmias (2%; 0%–5%), and preterm birth (13%; 6%–20%).ConclusionsWomen with moderate/severe MS and AS are at risk for adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. They should receive preconception counseling and pregnancy care by teams with pregnancy and heart disease experience.