bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic effects of allergen‐specific IgE levels on exhaled nitric oxide in schoolchildren with asthma: The STOPPA twin study
Authors: Hedman Anna M. , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Örtqvist Anne K. , van Hage Marianne , Almqvist Catarina , Nordlund Björn 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundExhaled nitric oxide and blood eosinophils are clinical asthma T‐helper type 2 markers in use. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is often involved in the inflammation associated with atopic asthma. The effect of both blood eosinophils and allergen‐specific IgE on exhaled nitric oxide levels is not completely understood. Twin‐design studies can improve understanding of the underlying contribution of genetically and/or environmentally driven inflammation markers in asthma. Our aim was to disentangle the covariance between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide into genetic and environmental contributions that can account for inflammation markers in a paediatric population.MethodsThis population‐based, cross‐sectional twin study enrolled 612 monozygotic (MZ) and same‐sex dizygotic (DZ) schoolchildren. Multivariate structural equation modelling was utilized to separate the covariance between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide into genetic and/or environmental effects, taking allergen‐specific IgE level and blood eosinophil count into account while controlling for confounding factors.ResultsThe cross‐twin/cross‐trait correlations had a higher magnitude in the MZ twins than in the DZ twins, indicating that genes affect the association. The likelihood ratio test for model fitting resulted in the AE model (ie additive genetic effects, A, and non‐shared environmental effects, E) as the most parsimonious. A majority, 73%, of the phenotypic correlation between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide, r = .19 (0.05‐0.33), was attributable to genetic effects which mainly was due to the allergen‐specific IgE level.ConclusionsThis study indicates that the association between asthma and exhaled nitric oxide in children is to a large extent explained by genetics via allergen‐specific IgE level and not blood eosinophils. This might partly explain the clinical heterogeneity in this group. A next step could be to include allergen‐specific IgE level in multivariate omic studies.
Idioblasts and peltate hairs as distribution networks for water absorbed by xerophilous leaves
Authors: Losada Juan M. , Díaz Miriam , Holbrook N. Michele 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCapparis odoratissima is a tree species native to semi‐arid environments of South America where low soil water availability coexists with frequent night‐time fog. A previous study showed that water applied to leaf surfaces enhanced leaf hydration, photosynthesis and growth, but the mechanisms of foliar water uptake are unknown. Here, we combine detailed anatomical evaluations with water and dye uptake experiments in the laboratory, and use immunolocalization of pectin and arabinogalactan protein epitopes to characterize water uptake pathways in leaves. Abaxially, the leaves of C. odoratissima are covered with peltate hairs, while the adaxial surfaces are glabrous. Both surfaces are able to absorb condensed water, but the abaxial surface has higher rates of water uptake. Thousands of idioblasts per cm2, a higher density than stomata, connect the adaxial leaf surface and the abaxial peltate hairs, both of which contain hygroscopic substances such as arabinogalactan proteins and pectins. The highly specialized anatomy of the leaves of C odoratissima fulfils the dual function of minimizing water loss when stomata are closed, while maintaining the ability to absorb liquid water. Cell‐wall related hygroscopic compounds in the peltate hairs and idioblasts create a network of microchannels that maintain leaf hydration and promote water uptake.
Effect of preconditioning exercise on biceps brachii myotendinous junction displacement during elbow flexor eccentric exercise
Authors: Ho Chih‐Chiao , Nosaka Kazunori , Tseng Kou‐Wei , Tseng Wei‐Chin , Lau Wing‐Yin , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Chen Trevor C. 
Published: December 2020

The present study tested the hypothesis that 30 low‐intensity (10%) eccentric contractions (10%EC) or two maximal voluntary isometric contractions at a long muscle length (2MVIC) that were performed at two days before maximal eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors consisting of five sets of six maximal eccentric contractions (MaxEC) would reduce increases in biceps brachii distal myotendinous junction displacement (MTJd) over the eccentric contractions during MaxEC. Sedentary young men were randomly placed (n = 12/group) to a control group that performed two bouts of MaxEC (CONT‐1st, CONT‐2nd) separated by two weeks, or one of two preconditioning groups that performed 10%EC or 2MVIC at 20° elbow flexion at two days prior to MaxEC. All exercises were performed by the non‐dominant arm. MTJd of each contraction was assessed by B‐mode ultrasound, and its changes over sets were compared among the groups. The average MTJd from the start to the end of six eccentric contractions in the first set was similar among the groups (6.4 ± 0.7 mm). The MTJd increased from the first to fifth set, but the increase was smaller (P < .05) for the 10%EC (13 ± 6%) and 2MVIC (16 ± 9%) groups, and CONT‐2nd (3 ± 6%) when compared with CONT‐1st (60 ± 12%). Both 10%EC and 2MVIC groups showed smaller (P < .05) changes in all muscle damage markers after MaxEC similarly when compared with CONT‐1st, but the changes were greater than those after CONT‐2nd. These results supported the hypothesis that protective effect was associated with less MTJd changes, suggesting that this is associated with the mechanisms underpinning the preconditioning effect on muscle damage.
Some characteristics of crossing over in induced recombination between chromosomes of wheat and rye
Authors: Fan Chaolan , Hao Ming , Jia Zhenyu , Neri Christian , Chen Xue , Chen Wenshuai , Liu Dengcai , Lukaszewski Adam J. 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYAllopolyploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) carries three pairs of homoeologous genomes but its meiotic pairing is diploid‐like. This is the effect of the Ph (pairing homoeologous) system which restricts chromosome pairing to strictly homologous. Ph1 is the locus with the strongest effect. Disabling Ph1 permits pairing between homoeologues and is routinely used in chromosome engineering to introgress alien variation into breeding stocks. Whereas the efficiency of Ph1 and the general pattern of homoeologous crossovers in its absence are quite well known from numerous studies, other characteristics of such crossovers remain unknown. This study analyzed the crossover points in four sets of the ph1b‐induced recombinants between wheat homologues as well as between three wheat and rye (Secale cereale) homoeologous chromosome arms, and compared them to crossovers between homologues in a reference wheat population. The results show the Ph1 locus also controls crossing over of homologues, and the general patterns of homologous (with Ph1) and homoeologous (with ph1b) crossing over are the same. In all intervals analyzed, homoeologous crossovers fell within the range of frequency distribution of homologous crossovers among individual families of the reference population. No specific DNA sequence characteristics were identified that could be recognized by the Ph1 locus; the only difference between homologous and homoeologous crossing over appears to be in frequency. It is concluded that the Ph1 locus likely recognizes DNA sequence similarity; crossing over is permitted between very similar sequences. In the absence of Ph1 dissimilarities are ignored, in proportion to the level of the sequence divergence.
Light sensitivity changes during dormancy induction in Polygonum aviculare L. seeds: development of a predictive model of annual changes in seed‐bank light sensitivity in relation to soil temperature
Authors: Malavert Cristian , Batlla Diego , Benech‐Arnold Roberto L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSeeds of weed species require light to terminate dormancy and give way to germination. It is documented that sensitivity to light in Polygonum aviculare seeds increases during dormancy release. However, it is not known whether this sensitivity is lost during dormancy induction. The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the changes in dormancy level of P. aviculare seeds during secondary dormancy induction as measured by changes in sensitivity to light in relation to soil temperature. Polygonum aviculare seeds were stratified at 5ºC until obtaining a minimum dormancy level. The seeds were then induced into secondary dormancy by burying them in pots containing soil which were stored at 10, 15, 20 and 25ºC for different time‐periods. Polygonum aviculare seeds were exhumed periodically, exposed to different light treatments (Pfr/Ptotal‐pythochrome = 0.76, 0.03 and 7.6 × 10−4) or darkness, and incubated at 15ºC to test germination. Our results showed that the high sensitivity to light acquired during dormancy release and decreased during dormancy induction at a rate that was temperature‐dependent. These changes in sensitivity to light were quantified as a function of the accumulation of thermal‐time over a base‐temperature of 7.9ºC during dormancy induction and were coupled with previous thermal‐time index established for the dormancy release process. Both thermal‐time indices allowed us to develop a model for the prediction of cyclic changes in sensitivity to light in relation to the thermal environment experienced by the seeds during burial. This model constitutes a valuable tool for predicting weed emergence in the field and to design management practices accordingly.
Physiological roles of heteromerization: focus on the two‐pore domain potassium channels
Authors: Khoubza Lamyaa , Chatelain Franck C. , Feliciangeli Sylvain , Lesage Florian , Bichet Delphine 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPotassium channels form the largest family of ion channels with more than 80 members involved in cell excitability and signalling. Most of them exist as homomeric channels, whereas specific conditions are required to obtain heteromeric channels. It is well established that heteromerization of voltage‐gated and inward rectifier potassium channels affects their function, increasing the diversity of the native potassium currents. For potassium channels with two pore domains (K2P), homomerization has long been considered the rule, their polymodal regulation by a wide diversity of physical and chemical stimuli being responsible for the adaptation of the leak potassium currents to cellular needs. This view has recently evolved with the accumulation of evidence of heteromerization between different K2P subunits. Several functional intragroup and intergroup heteromers have recently been identified, which contribute to the functional heterogeneity of this family. K2P heteromerization is involved in the modulation of channel expression and trafficking, promoting functional and signalling diversity. As illustrated in the Abstract Figure, heteromerization of TREK1 and TRAAK provides the cell with more possibilities of regulation. It is becoming increasingly evident that K2P heteromers contribute to important physiological functions including neuronal and cardiac excitability. Since heteromerization also affects the pharmacology of K2P channels, this understanding helps to establish K2P heteromers as new therapeutic targets for physiopathological conditions.
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Techno-Economic Assessment of Enamel Heat Pipe Exchanger in a Combined Heat and Power Plant With Back Pressure Turbine
Authors: Zhang Siwen , Song Guohui , Xue Zhihui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The enamel heat pipe exchanger (EHPE) is a promising technology for waste heat recovery of coal-fired flue gas due to its abilities to resist acid corrosion, erosive wear, and ash deposit. This article presents a techno-economic assessment of EHPE based on an existing 135 t/h combined heat and power plant (CHP). The results indicated that over the 50–70 °C exhaust temperature range of flue gas, the application of EHPE could obviously improve the energy efficiency and slightly promote the exergy efficiency. The energy and exergy efficiencies gradually increase with the decrease in the exhaust temperature. However, the increased revenue by fuel saving could be totally offset by the decreased revenue in electricity selling. The net annual revenue would probably turn to be negative when coal price is low and electricity price is relatively high. One should pay more attention to the economic aspects for the application of EHPE.
Enhancing Payload Capacity With Dual-Arm Manipulation and Adaptable Mechanical Intelligence
Authors: Kim Raymond , Balakirsky Stephen , Ahlin Konrad , Marcum Matthew , Mazumdar Anirban 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Individual manipulators are limited by their vertical total load capacity. This places a fundamental limit on the weight of loads that a single manipulator can move. Cooperative manipulation with two arms has the potential to increase the net weight capacity of the overall system. However, it is critical that proper load sharing takes place between the two arms. In this work, we outline a method that utilizes mechanical intelligence in the form of a whiffletree. This system enables load sharing that is robust to position deviations between the two arms. The whiffletree utilizes pneumatic tool changers which enable autonomous attachment/detachment. We outline the overall design of a whiffletree for dual-arm manipulation. We also illustrate how this type of mechanical intelligence can greatly simplify cooperative control. Lastly, we use physical experiments to illustrate enhanced load capacity. Specifically, we show how two UR5 manipulators can re-position a 7 kg load. This load would exceed the weight capacity of a single arm, and we show that the average forces on each arm remain below this level and are relatively evenly distributed.
BCG lymphadenitis: a potential complication of immune reconstitution following haematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Tsilifis Christo , Schim van der Loeff Ina , Williams Eleri , Owens Stephen , Powell Steven , Gennery Andrew , Slatter Mary 
Published: December 2020

Case reportAn MHC class II deficient 2-year-old boy presented with fever and an enlarging left neck mass 100 days post allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Fever persisted despite treatment with broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics. His BCG vaccination site at presentation was quiescent. Ultrasound showed enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An incisional biopsy of the large nodal mass yielded acid-fast bacilli, identified as Mycobacterium bovis by genome sequencing. Treatment with rifampicin, isoniazid and pyridoxine was started. The mass suppurated (figure 1), before healing concurrently with T-lymphocyte reconstitution at approximately day 130 post-HSCT.Figure 1Suppurative BCG lymphadenitis following spontaneous rupture.BCG infection can complicate vaccination in patients with severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID), including MHC II deficiency1 causing a spectrum ranging from simple adenitis to disseminated disease. BCG immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, typically presenting as localised adenitis ipsilateral to vaccination site, is well-described after commencing antiretroviral therapy for HIV and is recognised in patients post-HSCT.2 3 In this case, T-lymphocyte reconstitution restoring the T-lymphocyte mediated response in a previously BCG-vaccinated child is likely to have precipitated both this presentation and its resolution.Early identification of SCID though newborn screening might prevent vaccine administration to patients at risk of complications.QuestionsHow is MHC class II deficiency inherited?Autosomal dominantAutosomal recessiveX-linked recessiveMitochondrialWhat role do MHC class II molecules have in the immune response?Costimulation of naïve CD4+ T-helper lymphocytes to prevent anergyInitiation of immunoglobulin class-switch recombination in B-lymphocytesPresentation of antigen to naïve CD4+ T-lymphocytesPresentation of antigen to naïve CD8+ T-lymphocytesWhich method has been proposed for newborn screening for SCID in the UK?Absolute lymphocyte countDetection of T-lymphocyte receptor excision circles (TRECs)Tandem mass spectrometry to detect toxic metabolitesImmunoassay for CD3 and CD45Which is the most appropriate treatment for localised BCG disease in immunocompromised children?Rifampicin and isoniazidSurgical resectionSurgical resection and instillation of isoniazidRifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamideWhat common side-effect should patients receiving isoniazid be counselled for?Peripheral neuropathyIncreased seizure frequencyAcute kidney injuryChange in colour of urineAnswers can be found on page 2.
Association between tendon ruptures and use of fluoroquinolone, and other oral antibiotics: a 10-year retrospective study of 1 million US senior Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Baik Seo , Lau Jason , Huser Vojtech , McDonald Clement J 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the association of fluoroquinolone use with tendon ruptures compared with no fluoroquinolone and that of the four most commonly prescribed non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the USA.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingUS seniors enrolled in the federal old-age, survivor’s insurance programme.Participants1 009 925 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries and their inpatient, outpatient, prescription drug records were used.InterventionsSeven oral antibiotics, fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) and amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin and cephalexin.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAll tendon ruptures combined, and three types of tendon ruptures by anatomic site, Achilles tendon rupture, rupture of rotator cuff and other tendon ruptures occurred in 2007–2016.ResultsOf three fluoroquinolones, only levofloxacin exhibited a significant increased risk of tendon ruptures—16% (HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.28), and 120% (HR=2.20; 95% CI 1.50 to 3.24) for rotator cuff and Achilles tendon rupture, respectively, in the ≤30 days window. Ciprofloxacin (HR=0.96; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.03) and moxifloxacin (HR=0.59; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93) exhibited no increased risk of tendon ruptures combined.Among the non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics, cephalexin exhibited increased risk of combined tendon ruptures (HR=1.31; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.41) and modest to large risks across all anatomic rupture sites (HRs 1.19–1.93) at ≤30 days window. Notably, the risk of levofloxacin never exceeded the risk of the non-fluoroquinolone, cephalexin in any comparison.ConclusionsIn our study, fluoroquinolones as a class were not associated with the increased risk of tendon ruptures. Neither ciprofloxacin nor moxifloxacin exhibited any risk for tendon ruptures. Levofloxacin did exhibit significant increased risk. Cephalexin with no reported effect on metalloprotease activity had an equal or greater risk than levofloxacin; so we question whether metalloprotease activity has any relevance to observed associations with tendon rupture. Confounding by indication bias may be more relevant and should be given more consideration as explanation for significant associations in observational studies of tendon rupture.
Gender and ethnic differences in publication of BMJ letters to the editor: an observational study using machine learning
Authors: Zeina Mohamad , Balston Alfred , Banerjee Amitava , Woolf Katherine 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo analyse the relationship between first author’s gender and ethnicity (estimated from first name and surname), and chance of publication of rapid responses in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). To analyse whether other features of the rapid response account for any gender or ethnic differences, including the presence of multiple authors, declaration of conflicts of interests, the presence of Twitter handle, word count, reading ease, spelling and grammatical mistakes, and the presence of references.DesignA retrospective observational study.SettingWebsite of the BMJ (BMJ.com).ParticipantsPublicly available rapid responses submitted to BMJ.com between 1998 and 2018.Main outcome measuresPublication of a rapid response as a letter to the editor in the BMJ.ResultsWe analysed 113 265 rapid responses, of which 8415 were published as letters to the editor (7.4%). Statistically significant univariate correlations were found between odds of publication and first author estimated gender and ethnicity, multiple authors, declaration of conflicts of interest, the presence of Twitter handle, word count, reading ease, spelling and grammatical mistakes, and the presence of references. Multivariate analysis showed that first author estimated gender and ethnicity predicted publication after taking into account the other factors. Compared to white authors, black authors were 26% less likely to be published (OR: 0.74, CI: 0.57–0.96), Asian and Pacific Islander authors were 46% less likely to be published (OR: 0.54, CI: 0.49–0.59) and Hispanic authors were 49% less likely to be published (OR: 0.51, CI: 0.41–0.64). Female authors were 10% less likely to be published (OR: 0.90, CI: 0.85–0.96) than male authors.ConclusionEthnic and gender differences in rapid response publication remained after accounting for a broad range of features, themselves all predictive of publication. This suggests that the reasons for the differences of these groups lies elsewhere.
Depressive symptoms and cardiovascular disease: a population-based study of older adults in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Brinkmann Ben , Payne Collin F , Kohler Iliana , Harling Guy , Davies Justine , Witham Miles , Siedner Mark J , Sie Ali , Bountogo Mamadou , Ouermi Lucienne , Coulibaly Boubacar , Bärnighausen Till 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo contribute to the current understanding of depressive disorders in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries by examining the association of depressive symptoms with cardiovascular and cardiometabolic conditions in a population-based study of middle-aged and older adults in rural Burkina Faso.SettingThis study was conducted in the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System in north-western Burkina Faso, in a mixed rural and small-town environment. The data were obtained between May and July 2018.ParticipantsConsenting adults over 40 years of age (n=3026).Primary and secondary outcome measuresDepressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9). Chronic cardiometabolic conditions were assessed via a lipid panel and glycated haemoglobin measures from serum, alongside anthropometry and blood pressure measurements and a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to test the relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular/cardiometabolic conditions after controlling for sociodemographic factors.ResultsDepressive symptoms were not associated with the metabolic syndrome (standardised beta coefficient=0.00 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.03)), hypertension (beta=0.01 (95% CI −0.02 to 0.05)), diabetes mellitus (beta=0.00 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.04)) and past diagnosis of elevated blood pressure or blood sugar. Prior stroke diagnosis (beta=0.04 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.07)) or heart disease (beta=0.08 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.11)) was positively associated with the standardised PHQ-9 score as were self-reported stroke symptoms.ConclusionObjectively measured cardiometabolic conditions had no significant association with depressive symptoms in an older, poor, rural SSA population, in contrast to observations in high income countries. However, consequences of cardiovascular disease such as stroke and heart attack were associated with depressive symptoms in older adults in Burkina Faso.