bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Multimicronutrient Supplementation in Pediatric HIV Management in Nigeria: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Esiovwa Regina , Rankin Jean , David Agatha , Disu Elizabeth , Wapmuk Agatha , Amoo Olufemi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
We aimed to compare the immunologic and hematologic effects of 3 multimicronutrient supplements in human immunodeficiency virus–positive children in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods
This double-blind, randomized controlled study included 190 children, aged 5–12 years, in Lagos, Nigeria. Sixty-four, 63, and 63 participants were assigned to multimicronutrient group A, B, or C, respectively, for 6 months. Supplements A, B, and C contained 7 micronutrients at the recommended daily allowance (RDA) (comparable to standard-of-care multivitamin), 22 micronutrients at the RDA, and 22 micronutrients at 3 times the recommended daily allowance (3RDA), respectively. Using paired sample t tests and factorial repeat-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), within- and between-group changes in CD4 count and hemoglobin levels were evaluated after 6 months.

Results
After 6 months of supplementation, paired-sample t test showed that CD4 cell count did not significantly differ from baseline for all 3 groups. Between-subject effect also did not significantly differ in the 3 groups after 6 months (factorial repeat-measures ANOVA (F [degrees of freedom {df} = 2, 187] = 0.846; P = .436; partial η 2 = 0.009). Hemoglobin levels were significantly increased after supplementation in all 3 supplement groups. Increases were not significantly different between groups (factorial repeat-measures ANOVA (F [df = 2, 187] = 0.549; P = .591; partial η 2 = 0.006).

Conclusions
Equivalent effects were observed. After 6 months of supplementation, mean CD4 count was not significantly different between groups. Hemoglobin concentration was significantly increased in all 3 groups, but increase did not differ between groups.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02552602.
Unique lignin modifications pattern the nucleation of silica in sorghum endodermis
Authors: Zexer Nerya , Elbaum Rivka 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Silicon dioxide in the form of hydrated silica is a component of plant tissues that can constitute several percent by dry weight in certain taxa. Nonetheless, the mechanism of plant silica formation is mostly unknown. Silicon (Si) is taken up from the soil by roots in the form of monosilicic acid molecules. The silicic acid is carried in the xylem and subsequently polymerizes in target sites to silica. In roots of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), silica aggregates form in an orderly pattern along the inner tangential cell walls of endodermis cells. Using Raman microspectroscopy, autofluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the structure and composition of developing aggregates in roots of sorghum seedlings. Putative silica aggregation loci were identified in roots grown under Si starvation. These micrometer-scale spots were constructed of tightly packed modified lignin, and nucleated trace concentrations of silicic acid. Substantial variation in cell wall autofluorescence between Si+ and Si– roots demonstrated the impact of Si on cell wall chemistry. We propose that in Si– roots, the modified lignin cross-linked into the cell wall and lost its ability to nucleate silica. In Si+ roots, silica polymerized on the modified lignin and altered its structure. Our work demonstrates a high degree of control over lignin and silica deposition in cell walls.
Against Person Essentialism
Authors: Olson* Eric T , Witt Karsten 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
It is widely held that every person is a person essentially, where being a person is having special mental properties such as intelligence and self-consciousness. It follows that nothing can acquire or lose these properties. The paper argues that this rules out all familiar psychological-continuity views of personal identity over time. It also faces grave difficulties in accounting for the mental powers of human beings who are not intelligent and self-conscious, such as foetuses and those with dementia.
DIRS retrotransposons amplify via linear, single-stranded cDNA intermediates
Authors: Malicki Marek , Spaller Thomas , Winckler Thomas , Hammann Christian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe Dictyostelium Intermediate Repeat Sequence 1 (DIRS-1) is the name-giving member of the DIRS order of tyrosine recombinase retrotransposons. In Dictyostelium discoideum, DIRS-1 is highly amplified and enriched in heterochromatic centromers of the D. discoideum genome. We show here that DIRS-1 it tightly controlled by the D. discoideum RNA interference machinery and is only mobilized in mutants lacking either the RNA dependent RNA polymerase RrpC or the Argonaute protein AgnA. DIRS retrotransposons contain an internal complementary region (ICR) that is thought to be required to reconstitute a full-length element from incomplete RNA transcripts. Using different versions of D. discoideum DIRS-1 equipped with retrotransposition marker genes, we show experimentally that the ICR is in fact essential to complete retrotransposition. We further show that DIRS-1 produces a mixture of single-stranded, mostly linear extrachromosomal cDNA intermediates. If this cDNA is isolated and transformed into D. discoideum cells, it can be used by DIRS-1 proteins to complete productive retrotransposition. This work provides the first experimental evidence to propose a general retrotransposition mechanism of the class of DIRS like tyrosine recombinase retrotransposons.
Enhanced affinity of racemic phosphorothioate DNA with transcription factor SATB1 arising from diastereomer-specific hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuhiko , Akutsu Yukie , Yamasaki Tomoko , Miyagishi Makoto , Kubota Tomomi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPhosphorothioate modification is commonly introduced into therapeutic oligonucleotides, typically as a racemic mixture in which either of the two non-bridging phosphate oxygens is replaced by sulfur, which frequently increases affinities with proteins. Here, we used isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography to investigate the thermodynamic and structural properties of the interaction between the primary DNA-binding domain (CUTr1) of transcription factor SATB1 and dodecamer DNAs with racemic phosphorothioate modifications at the six sites known to contact CUTr1 directly. For both the modified and unmodified DNAs, the binding reactions were enthalpy-driven at a moderate salt concentration (50 mM NaCl), while being entropy-driven at higher salt concentrations with reduced affinities. The phosphorothioate modifications lowered this susceptibility to salt, resulting in a significantly enhanced affinity at a higher salt concentration (200 mM NaCl), although only some DNA molecular species remained interacting with CUTr1. This was explained by unequal populations of the two diastereomers in the crystal structure of the complex of CUTr1 and the phosphorothioate-modified DNA. The preferred diastereomer formed more hydrogen bonds with the oxygen atoms and/or more hydrophobic contacts with the sulfur atoms than the other, revealing the origins of the enhanced affinity.
Chromatin Architectures Are Associated with Response to Dark Treatment in the Oil Crop Sesamum indicum, Based on a High-Quality Genome Assembly
Authors: Li Chaoqiong , Li Xiaoli , Liu Hongzhan , Wang Xueqin , Li Weifeng , Chen Mao-Sheng , Niu Long-Jian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Eukaryotic chromatin is tightly packed into hierarchical structures, allowing appropriate gene transcription in response to environmental and developmental cues. Here, we provide a chromosome-scale de novo genome assembly of sesame with a total length of 292.3 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 20.5 Mb, containing estimated 28,406 coding genes using Pacific Biosciences long reads combined with a genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) approach. Based on this high-quality reference genome, we detected changes in chromatin architectures between normal growth and dark-treated sesame seedlings. Gene expression level was significantly higher in ‘A’ compartment and topologically associated domain (TAD) boundary regions than in ‘B’ compartment and TAD interior regions, which is coincident with the enrichment of H4K3me3 modification in these regions. Moreover, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by dark treated were enriched in the changed TAD-related regions and genomic differential contact regions. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that genes related to ‘response to stress’ and ‘photosynthesis’ functional categories were enriched, which corresponds to dark treatment. These results suggested that chromatin organization is associated with gene transcription in response to dark treatment in sesame. Our results will facilitate the understanding of regulatory mechanisms in response to environmental cues in plants.
The Regenerative Potential of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Neural Tissue: A Pragmatic Review
Authors: Haffey Paul Ryan , Bansal Nitin , Kaye Elena , Ottestad Einar , Aiyer Rohit , Noori Selaiman , Gulati Amitabh 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Low-intensity ultrasound (LIU)/low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) may influence nerve tissue regeneration and axonal changes in the context of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and in the animal model. The purpose of this pragmatic review is to understand the current knowledge for the effects of low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound in the animal and human model and determine the future directions of this novel field.

Design
Pragmatic review.

Methods
We performed a literature search of available material using OVID, EmBase, and PubMed for LIU/LIPUS, all of which were preclinical trials, case reports, and case series using animal models. For CTS, a literature search was performed on PubMed (1954 to 2019), CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library, 1970 to 2018), Web of Science (1954 to 2019), and SCOPUS (1954 to 2019) to retrieve randomized controlled trials.

Results
Eight articles were discussed showing the potential effects of LIU on nerve regeneration in the animal model. Each of these trials demonstrated evidence of nerve regeneration in the animal model using LIPUS or LIU. Seven randomized controlled trials were reviewed for ultrasound effects for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, each showing clinical efficacy comparable to other treatment modalities.

Conclusions
LIU/LIPUS is a promising and noninvasive means of facilitating nerve regeneration in the animal model and in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although many of the trials included in this review are preclinical, each demonstrates promising outcomes that could eventually be extrapolated into human studies.
Safe Collateral, Arm’s-Length Credit: Evidence from the Commercial Real Estate Market
Authors: Black Lamont K , Krainer John R , Nichols Joseph B 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Two main creditors exist in commercial real estate: arm’s-length investors and banks. We model commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) as the less informed source of credit. In equilibrium, these investors fund properties with a low probability of distress, and banks fund properties that may require renegotiation. As a natural experiment, we test the model using the collapse of the CMBS market during 2007–2009, when banks funded both collateral types. Our results show that properties likely to have been securitized were less likely to default or be renegotiated. This suggests that securitization in this market funds safe collateral.
Sustained efficacy of a concise self-management programme for hands in systemic sclerosis: a longitudinal case–control observational study
Authors: F. Landim Sibila , B. Bertolo Manoel , Del Rio Ana Paula , Sachetto Zoraida , Zonzini Gaino Juliana , L. Poole Janet , de P. Magalhães Eduardo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesIn a longitudinal case–control observational study, we evaluated the benefits of a self-management programme for hands developed for patients with SSc.MethodsPatients with SSc included in the intervention group (IG) received a concise self-management programme with emphasis on hand exercises and were evaluated during 24 weeks regarding hand pain, hand function, range of motion, grip and tip and key pinch strength. Results were compared with a control group (CG) with no intervention using an analysis of variance for repeated measures with variables transformed into ranks (P ≤ 0.05). Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s test.ResultsOf 90 patients who were evaluated, seven were excluded at enrolment and 26 were excluded during the follow-up. Data from 57 subjects (IG 40, CG 17) were used for analysis. Groups were similar at baseline, except for the Scleroderma HAQ and tip and key pinch strength. Outcome improvements were noted only in the IG (P ≤ 0.05, large effect size). In the CG, variables did not change or had even worsened (hand grip strength and finger motion).ConclusionsThis self-management programme based on hand exercises for SSc resulted in pain reduction and hand function, strength and range of motion improvement. It can be a simple and useful intervention, especially when a regular rehabilitation programme is not available.
Preserved specific anti-viral T-cell response but associated with decreased lupus activity in SLE patients with cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Wu Chien-Sheng , Chyuan I-Tsu , Chiu Yen-Ling , Chen Wen-Lin , Shen Chieh-Yu , Hsu Ping-Ning 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives
SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant autoantibody production and immune dysfunctions. Whether the anti-CMV immunity is impaired in SLE patients is poorly understood. We investigated the specific anti-viral T-cell response in SLE patients with CMV infection and its possible impacts on clinical manifestations in lupus.

Methods
CD28 null T-cell percentages were measured by flow cytometry in 89 SLE patients and 58 healthy controls. A specific anti-CMV CD8 T-cell response was assessed ex vivo by the production of intracellular cytokines in response to CMV phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) by flow cytometry. Clinical manifestations and immune parameters were analysed in SLE patients according to their CMV serostatus.

Results
CD28 null T cells were significantly expanded in SLE patients. When the anti-CMV pp65 CD8 polyfunctional T cell response was analysed, as defined by production of at least three of four functional cytokines or effectors (intracellular IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α and surface CD107a), the results demonstrated that it was not impaired in SLE patients. In contrast, when comparing clinical manifestations, there were lower anti-ds-DNA levels and decreased SLEDAI in SLE patients with CMV infection. Furthermore, the expansion of CD4+CD28 null T cells was negatively associated with anti-ds-DNA levels and SLEDAI in these lupus patients.

Conclusion
In SLE patients with CMV infection, the specific anti-CMV CD8 T-cell response is preserved but is associated with decreased disease activity and lower anti-DNA levels among these patients, suggesting CMV infection may mitigate lupus activity.
Self-efficacy Mediates Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Adherence of Heroin-dependent Patients to Methadone for Addiction Treatment: A Health Belief Model Study
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhou Junmin , Gong Yi , Han Jiayu , Dong Peijie , Yang Shifan , Liao Rui , Guan Pujun , Yang Shujuan 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
Although methadone for addiction treatment (MAT) has been widely used in China, the low adherence rate in MAT clinics poses a great challenge. We aimed to investigate the factors related to the adherence of heroin-dependent patients to MAT based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in Sichuan, China.

Methods:
A cross-sectional structured interview was conducted between August and November 2018. Stratified multi-stage sampling was carried out. A total of 581 participants were enrolled from 5 clinics and completed the face-to-face structured interview. Univariate, adjusted logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression analysis and the structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to explore the association between constructs of HBM and adherence to MAT among heroin-dependent patients.

Results:
The adherence rate of MAT was 79.3% in the past 6 months. Among all constructs of HBM, self-efficacy (AOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.22), perceived benefits (AOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.10) and perceived barriers (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98) were associated with adherence to MAT. Self-efficacy was directly associated with adherence to MAT (β = 0.347, P < 0.05). Perceive benefits (β = 0.276, P < 0.01) and perceived barriers (β = –0.241, P < 0.05) were directly associated with self-efficacy. However, perceived benefits (β = 0.096, P < 0.01) and perceived barriers (β = –0.084, P < 0.01) were only indirectly associated with adherence to MAT.

Conclusion:
The adherence of heroin-dependent patients to MAT can be explained by self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers. Self-efficacy plays a significant role as a mediating variable. Future interventions should be considered to improve patients’ self-efficacy to MAT.
The Effect of Pulse Polarity on Neural Response of the Electrically Stimulated Cochlear Nerve in Children With Cochlear Nerve Deficiency and Children With Normal-Sized Cochlear Nerves
Authors: Xu Lei , Skidmore Jeffrey , Luo Jianfen , Chao Xiuhua , Wang Ruijie , Wang Haibo , He Shuman 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
This study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of pulse polarity on neural response of the electrically stimulated cochlear nerve in children with cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) and children with normal-sized cochlear nerves and (2) compare the size of the pulse polarity effect between these two subject groups.

Design:
The experimental and control group included 31 children with CND and 31 children with normal-sized cochlear nerves, respectively. For each study participant, evoked compound action potential (eCAP) input/output (I/O) functions for anodic-leading and cathodic-leading biphasic stimuli were measured at three electrode locations across the electrode array. The dependent variables of interest included the eCAP amplitude measured at the maximum comfortable level of the anodic stimulus, the lowest level that could evoke an eCAP (i.e., the eCAP threshold), the slope of the eCAP I/O function estimated based on linear regression, the negative-peak (i.e., N1) latency of the eCAP, as well as the size of the pulse polarity effect on these eCAP measurements. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to compare the eCAP amplitude, the eCAP threshold, the slope of the eCAP I/O function, and the N1 latency evoked by the anodic-leading stimulus with those measured for the cathodic-leading stimulus for children with CND and children with normal-sized cochlear nerves. Generalized linear mixed effect models were also used to compare the size of the pulse polarity effect on the eCAP between these two study groups. The one-tailed Spearman correlation test was used to assess the potential correlation between the pulse phase duration and the difference in N1 latency measured for different pulse polarities.

Results:
Compared with children who had normal-sized cochlear nerves, children with CND had reduced eCAP amplitudes, elevated eCAP thresholds, flatter eCAP I/O functions, and prolonged N1 latencies. The anodic-leading stimulus led to higher eCAP amplitudes, lower eCAP thresholds, and shorter N1 latencies than the cathodic-leading stimulus in both study groups. Steeper eCAP I/O functions were recorded for the anodic-leading stimulus than those measured for the cathodic-leading stimulus in children with CND, but not in children with normal-sized cochlear nerves. Group differences in the size of the pulse polarity effect on the eCAP amplitude, the eCAP threshold, or the N1 latency were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:
Similar to the normal-sized cochlear nerve, the hypoplastic cochlear nerve is more sensitive to the anodic-leading than to the cathodic-leading stimulus. Results of this study do not provide sufficient evidence for proving the idea that the pulse polarity effect can provide an indication for local neural health.
Benefits and promotion of physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Katz Patricia , Andonian Brian J. , Huffman Kim M. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this article is to describe the benefits of physical activity and exercise on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, functioning, and symptoms; and offer recommendations for promotion of physical activity and exercise among people with rheumatoid arthritis.Recent findingsIn addition to well-known benefits of exercise such as improving cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome and reducing obesity, exercise has consistently shown rheumatoid arthritis-specific benefits. Exercise and increases in physical activity improve clinically measured disease activity, reduce symptoms such as fatigue and pain, and improve function and mental health. In spite of these benefits, most people with rheumatoid arthritis are inactive. Patient barriers to engaging in physical activity may include fears of joint damage, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and lack of understanding that physical activity improves the symptoms that may be barriers. However, the greatest barrier to healthy levels of physical activity among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis appears to be the lack of direction from healthcare providers.SummaryExercise is safe and highly beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Because receiving recommendations from healthcare providers may be the factor most strongly associated with engaging in physical activity or exercise, providers are encouraged to give patients positive messages about the benefits of physical activity and the extremely low risks of harm.
Inhalants other than personal cigarette smoking and risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Prisco Lauren C. , Martin Lily W. , Sparks Jeffrey A. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review
The current review summarizes the current evidence on inhalants other than personal cigarette smoking and risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Recent findings
Personal cigarette smoking has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for seropositive RA, perhaps by inducing autoimmunity at pulmonary mucosa. Since many patients with RA are nonsmokers, other inhalants are being investigated as potential RA risk factors. Recent case–control and cohort studies have investigated passive cigarette smoking, air pollution, inhalant-related occupations, silica, pesticides, household environment, and allergic inhalants as inhalant exposures for RA risk. Inhalant-related occupations and silica inhalants have the most consistent evidence for associations with increased RA risk. However, most studies relied on retrospective designs and had limited ability to adjust for personal cigarette smoking or investigate associations among nonsmokers.

Summary
Several inhalants other than personal cigarette smoking may be associated with increased risk for developing RA. These results support the hypothesis that inhalants, pulmonary mucosal inflammation, and RA pathogenesis may be linked. Future studies are needed to firmly establish the independence of these findings from personal cigarette smoking and to determine the specific inhalants and biologic mechanisms related to RA pathogenesis.