bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psoroptes ovis‐Early Immunoreactive Protein (Pso‐EIP‐1) a novel diagnostic antigen for sheep scab
Authors: Burgess Stewart T. G. , Nunn Francesca , Bartley Kath , Frew David , McLean Kevin , Inglis Neil F. , McGeachy Kara , Taliansky Michael E. , Love Andrew J. , Nisbet Andrew J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsSerodiagnosis of sheep scab is an established diagnostic method and has become popular in recent years. However, the current diagnostic antigen, Pso o 2, has shown promise as a component of a recombinant vaccine for scab, making it incompatible with discriminating between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA). Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a novel Psoroptes ovis immunodiagnostic antigen, P. ovis‐Early Immunoreactive Protein‐1 (Pso‐EIP‐1).Methods and ResultsPso‐EIP‐1 is a highly abundant member of a six‐gene family with no known homologs, indicating its potential uniqueness to P. ovis. Expression of recombinant Pso‐EIP‐1 (rPso‐EIP‐1) required a C‐terminal fusion protein for stability and specific IgG immunoreactivity against rPso‐EIP‐1 was observed in sheep serum from 1 to 2 weeks post‐infestation, indicating its highly immunogenic nature. Two of the three in silico‐predicted B‐cell epitopes of Pso‐EIP‐1 were confirmed by in vitro epitope mapping and, in a direct comparison by ELISA, Pso‐EIP‐1 performed to the same levels as Pso o 2 in terms of sensitivity, specificity and ability to diagnose P. ovis on sheep within 2 weeks of infestation.ConclusionPso‐EIP‐1 represents a novel diagnostic antigen for sheep scab with comparable levels of sensitivity and specificity to the existing Pso o 2 antigen.
Warming weather changes the chemical composition of oat hulls
Authors: Schmitz E. , Nordberg Karlsson E. , Adlercreutz P. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The current threats of climate change are driving attention away from the petrochemical industry towards more sustainable and bio‐based production processes for fuels and speciality chemicals. These processes require suitable low‐cost starting material. One potential material assessed here is the oat hull. Its overall chemical composition has so far not been fully characterized. Furthermore, it is not known how it is affected by extreme weather events.

Oat hulls (Kerstin and Galant varieties) grown during ‘normal’ weather years (2016 and 2017) are compared to the harvest of the warmer and drier year (2018). Standard methods for determination of plant chemical composition, with focus on carbohydrate composition, are utilized.

Oat hulls grown in ‘normal’ weather conditions (2017) are rich in lignocellulose (84%), consisting of 35% hemicellulose, 25% lignin and 23% cellulose. Arabinoxylan was found to be the major biopolymer (32%). However, this composition is greatly influenced by weather variations during the oat growth phase. A lignocellulose reduction of 25% was recorded in the warmer and drier 2018 harvest. Additionally, a 6.6‐fold increase in starch content, a four‐fold increase in protein content and a 60% decrease in phenolic content was noted.

Due to its high lignocellulose composition, with an exceptionally large hemicellulose fraction, the chemical composition of oat hulls is unique among agricultural by‐products. However, this characteristic is significantly reduced when grown in warmer and drier weather, which could compromise its suitability for use in a successful biorefinery.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase confers transgenic tobacco with elevated tolerance to salt stress
Authors: Meng D.‐Y. , Yang S. , Xing J.‐Y. , Ma N.‐N. , Wang B.‐Z. , Qiu F.‐T. , Guo F. , Meng J. , Zhang J.‐l. , Wan S.‐B. , Li X.‐G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Polyamines play an important role in stress response. In the pathway of polyamines synthesis, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) is one of the key enzymes. In this study, a full length cDNA of SAMDC (AhSAMDC) was isolated from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence similarity between AhSAMDC and SAMDC from other plants.
In peanut seedlings exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl), the transcript level of AhSAMDC in roots was the highest at 24 h that decreased sharply at 72 and 96 h after 150 mM NaCl treatment. However, the expression of AhSAMDC in peanut leaves was significantly inhibited, and the transcript levels in leaves were not different compared with control
These results implied the tissue‐specific and time-specific expression of AhSAMDC. The physiological effects and functional mechanism of AhSAMDC were further evaluated by overexpressing AhSAMDC in tobaccos. The transgenic tobacco lines exhibited higher germination rate and longer root length under salt stress. Reduced membrane damage, higher antioxidant enzyme activity, and higher proline content were also observed in the transgenic tobacco seedlings. What's more, AhSAMDC also led to higher contents of spermidine and spermine, which can help to scavenge reactive oxygen species.
Together, this study suggests that AhSAMDC enhances plant resistance to salt stress by improving polyamine content and alleviating membrane damage
Relationship between subjective memory complaint and executive function in a community sample of South Korean elderly
Authors: Kim Won‐Hyoung , Kim Byung‐Soo , Chang Sung‐Man , Lee Dong‐Woo , Bae Jae‐Nam 
Published: August 2020

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between subjective memory complaint (SMC) and executive function in a community sample of South Korean elderly.MethodData for 1442 non‐cognitive impaired elderly individuals aged 65 and over were selected from a nationwide dementia epidemiological study conducted in South Korea. Global cognitive function was assessed by the Korean version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE‐KC). The registration and recall subscales of the MMSE were used for evaluating memory function. Executive function was measured by using the Initiation/Perseveration (IP) subscale of the Korean dementia rating scale (K‐DRS).ResultsOf the 1442 participants, 1088 were in the normal control group and 354 were in the SMC group. In the SMC group, compared to the normal control group, the proportion of depression was significantly higher, total MMSE scores, delayed recall score and total IP scores were significantly lower, and the mean scores of complex/simple verbal IP, alternating movements, and graphomotor design were lower. In the unadjusted linear regression model, the SMC significantly associated with a lower score of total MMSE‐KC, MMSE delayed recall, K‐DRS IP, complex/simple verbal IP, alternating movements and graphomotor design. After adjusting for age, gender, education, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking behaviour, and depression, the SMC were significantly associated with lower total MMSE score, MMSE delayed recall, K‐DRS IP, and K‐DRS complex/simple verbal IP.ConclusionIn this population‐based sample, individuals with SMC had evidence of lower performance on global cognition, memory function, and executive function, especially verbal fluency, after adjusting for demographic variables and depression.
Immune responses and immunoprotection in crustaceans with special reference to shrimp
Authors: Kulkarni Amod , Krishnan Sreedharan , Anand Deepika , Kokkattunivarthil Uthaman Shyam , Otta Subhendu Kumar , Karunasagar Indrani , Kooloth Valappil Rajendran 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCrustacean aquaculture, dominated by shrimp, is a highly profitable food‐producing sector in the world. However, a variety of biotic and abiotic stressors can have adverse effect on the immune system of shrimp making them susceptible to diseases. Although a vertebrate‐like adaptive immune system is lacking in shrimp, an efficient innate immune system renders protection against invading pathogens. The innate immune system comprises two distinct but overlapping components, the cellular and humoral, and these are regulated through several signal transduction pathways. The signal pathways are initiated by the recognition of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns by germline‐encoded pattern recognition receptors leading to the production of different effector molecules that act against the pathogens. RNAi‐mediated post‐transcriptional gene silencing and microRNA regulation of immune response have also been found to be functional in shrimp. Similarly, apoptosis and apoptosis‐related genes are also reported, besides interferon (IFN) system‐like antiviral regulatory mechanism. Further, some form of immune memory, termed ‘immune priming’ or ‘innate immunity with specificity’ and ‘quasi‐immune response’ is recorded in shrimp and these abilities have been exploited in verifying the immunoprotection against different pathogens. Antigens developed either directly from the pathogens or through recombinant proteins have been tested for immune‐protective ability. RNAi‐mediated protection has also been demonstrated against different shrimp viruses. This review summarizes the available scientific information on immune responses and the immunoprotection trials carried out in crustaceans with a focus on shrimp. The available research evidences indicate the potential of developing effective immunoprophylactic measures in shrimp.
Effects of temperature on the rate of embryonic development of cephalopods in the light of thermal time applied to aquaculture
Authors: Márquez Lorenzo , Larson Majorie , Almansa Eduardo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe temporal description of the embryonic development in ectothermic animals and the speed of development depends on environmental temperature. The concept of thermal time helps in solving this problem by making it possible to define a linear model of development linking developmental rate and temperature. The model has been scarcely applied to cephalopods in spite of being useful for programming embryonic development and hatching events. The potential application of the linear model of development would have particular interest in the case of emerging species for aquaculture such as Octopus vulgaris or Sepia officinalis. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to review the effect of temperature on the rate of embryonic development in cephalopods in relation to the linear model of development and to discuss its potential applications and limitations to cephalopod aquaculture. As a result, a good fitting of the model has been proven not only for the total time of development, but also for the time of the organogenesis phase, in nine species of cephalopods. Usually, threshold temperatures for different developmental phases, pre‐organogenesis, organogenesis and growth, are the same. In addition, the potential use of anisothermic protocols for egg incubation, as well as the problems connected with the asynchronicity of egg laying within a single spawning are also discussed. In consequence, the linear model of development seems to be useful for basic and applied research on cephalopod embryonic development and particularly for the advancement of cephalopod aquaculture.
Priorities and expectations of patients attending a multidisciplinary interstitial lung disease clinic
Authors: McLean Anna E.B. , Webster Susanne E. , Fry Margaret , Lau Edmund M. , Corte Peter , Torzillo Paul J. , Troy Lauren K. , Jo Helen E. , Geis Monika , Rhodes Jessica E. , Cleary Shannon , Spencer Lissa , Corte Tamera J. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe significant and progressive morbidity associated with ILD mean that patients often struggle with the impact of this disease on their QOL and independence. To date, no studies have investigated the importance of multidisciplinary care on patient experience in ILD. We aimed to determine the expectations and priorities of patients attending a tertiary referral centre multidisciplinary ILD clinic. In particular, we sought to learn how important the multidisciplinary element of the clinic was to patients and which aspects of the clinic were most valued.MethodsAn 18‐item patient questionnaire was developed in conjunction with expert physicians and specialist nurses involved in the ILD clinic and sent to all patients on the centre's ILD registry at the time of the study (n = 240). Patients rated the importance of different aspects of their experience of attending the clinic. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Comparisons across disease severity were made using two‐sided Z‐tests for independent proportions.ResultsA total of 100 respondents comprised the study group. Almost all respondents valued the multidisciplinary aspect of the clinic. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and improving their disease understanding was most important to respondents. The importance of the ILD specialist nurse for both education and support increased with worsening disease severity.ConclusionOur results suggest that a multidisciplinary approach to the management of ILD with additional focus on patient education, as well as tailoring care to disease severity, is a plausible pathway to improving the patient experience with ILD.
Health Risk, Inequality Indexes, and Environmental Justice
Authors: Sheriff Glenn , Maguire Kelly B. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInequality indexes have long been used to analyze distributions of income. Studies have recently begun to use these tools to evaluate the equity of distributions of environmental harm. In response, issues have been raised regarding the appropriateness of using income‐based measures in the context of undesirable outcomes. We begin from first principles, identifying a theoretical preference structure under which income‐based tools can be appropriate for ranking distributions of “bads.” While some critiques of existing applications are valid, they are not a justification for rejecting the approach altogether. Instead, we show how standard income‐based measures can be adjusted to accommodate bad outcomes. Rather than inequality indexes, we argue that equally distributed equivalents (EDEs) are well‐suited for this purpose since they account for levels and dispersion of outcome distributions. The Kolm–Pollak EDE is particularly useful, having the advantage of consistently evaluating both bads and their complementary goods (e.g., mortality risk and survival probability). As an illustration, we show how these tools can inform an environmental justice analysis of a proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule addressing indoor air pollution.
“Breaking Even” under Intensification? Gendered Trade‐Offs for Women Milk Marketers in Kenya*
Authors: Tavenner Katie , Crane Todd A. , Saxena Tarangini 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDespite the commonly vaunted “win‐win” prospect of combining intensified livestock production with greater gender equality, the benefits of formal marketization of livestock products are generally skewed toward men. In response to this global trend, there is a growing impetus to better understand the gender dynamics underlying women's market participation to curtail the risk of worsening gender inequalities in agricultural systems transitioning to intensified production. This study analyzes the spectrum of women's informal milk market practices in two Kenyan Counties undergoing dairy system intensification. Qualitative data were gathered from dairy stakeholders and market traders to explore the localized system of gender relations mediating women's engagement with milk markets and current practices. Results indicate that increased dairy intensification and informal market use is challenging existing gender norms and disrupting the boundaries between hegemonic (socially acceptable) and pariah (socially disruptive) gender relations. While women are generally better able to control the proceeds from their dairy labor in informal markets, they also face high social culpability and danger from engaging in illicit activities that transgress local norms. These contradictory “win‐lose” dynamics and trade‐offs highlight the contested nature of gender market relations under agricultural intensification and commercialization currently being pursued under low emissions dairy development (LEDD) in Kenya. The risk of exacerbating existing gender inequalities has profound implications for LEDD and agricultural intensification more broadly.
Dental services during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A tertiary care hospital experience
Authors: Umer Fahad , Motiwala Momina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Aga Khan University is the largest tertiary care hospital in the biggest metropolis of Pakistan, in this paper six weeks of experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic is shared, we will discuss the measures that were taken to mitigate the spread of COVID‐19 amongst dental health care providers (DHCPS) and provide a neoteric workflow for the provision of safe dental care as dental services move towards normalcy. Furthermore topic such as fit testing, contact tracing, employee health and training are discussed and experience of such measures is shared. It is hoped that till the time new evidence based data is generated these communications may help spread awareness to help setup clinical protocols for other tertiary care settings.
Patients’ experiences when afflicted by takotsubo syndrome – is it time for guidelines?
Authors: Mäenpää Sofia , Ekstrand Elin , Petersson Christina , Nymark Carolin 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundTakotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and reversible type of heart failure that shares common features with acute coronary syndrome. It is usually caused by psychological or physical stress, but for a third, triggers cannot be identified. Patients also suffer from residual symptoms and decreased mental health in the recovery phase and may struggle to comprehend and manage everyday living.AimTo describe patients' experiences when afflicted by takotsubo syndrome, after discharge from hospital.MethodAn inductive explorative design using a qualitative approach with semi‐structured individual interviews. The text was analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman.ResultTen women and one man afflicted by TTS were interviewed two to twelve months after discharge. Six sub‐categories were identified, and a main category emerged: The process from symptom onset and understanding to increased awareness and changes in life.The patients suffered from emotional reactions and they sought answers and understanding about the underlying causes. The disease led to changes in patients' daily lives as they were affected physically and psychologically. Spouses and/or bystanders had a positive supporting role, but the patients desired more support from the healthcare professionals such as an earlier appointment for follow‐up with a nurse.ConclusionBeing afflicted by TTS can lead to changes in life conditions but these changes vary among patients. Becoming ill was associated to acute physical stress and prolonged psychological stress and they suffered from emotional reactions. The follow‐up care needs to improve as the patients need more guidance from healthcare professionals and earlier appointment for follow‐up with a nurse. A structured and multiprofessional treatment with a person‐centred approach could support patients in their recovery.
Stretch reflex changes in ACL‐deficient individuals and healthy controls during normal and surprise landings
Authors: Konishi Yu , McNair Peter J. , Rice David A. , Ochiai Satoshi , Hagino Tetsuo 
Published: August 2020

No studies in ACL‐D individuals have examined neuromuscular adaptations during landing from a jump where an unexpected mechanical event changes the pre‐programmed course of movement. The purpose of this study was to compare pre‐ and post‐landing muscle activation in ACL‐D individuals and uninjured controls during normal and surprise landings. Nineteen ACL‐D and 17 uninjured volunteered. Participants performed repeated single leg landings from 30 and 15 cm heights. During 15 cm landings, a single surprise landing was performed where participants unexpectedly fell through a false surface at 15 cm to the solid floor a further 15 cm below. Electromyography (EMG) amplitude from vastus lateralis (VL), lateral hamstrings (LH), and soleus (Sol) was recorded. Pre‐landing (−60 to 0 ms), post‐landing short latency (31‐60 ms), and post‐landing medium latency (61‐90 ms) periods were examined. Comparisons in EMG amplitudes were made across limbs (ACL‐D, ACL intact, and control) in 30 cm landings. Additionally, the ratio of EMG amplitude in surprise:30 cm normal landings was analyzed. Post‐landing LH EMG was reduced in the ACL‐D compared to control limbs at short latencies (P < 0.05). Post‐landing VL EMG was reduced in the ACL‐D and ACL intact compared to the control limb at both latencies (P < 0.05). Surprise landings notably increased post‐landing EMG in all muscles, across all limbs (P < 0.001). However, the gain in VL EMG was significantly greater in ACL‐D and ACL intact limbs (P < 0.05). These changes in neuromuscular control of ACL‐D individuals during expected and surprise landings may have important implications for rehabilitation, instability, and the risk of secondary injury.
COVID‐19 and care homes in England: What happened and why?
Authors: Daly Mary 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the context of very high mortality and infection rates, this article examines the policy response to COVID‐19 in care homes for older people in the UK, with particular focus on England in the first 10 weeks of the pandemic. The timing and content of the policy response as well as different possible explanations for what happened are considered. Undertaking a forensic analysis of policy in regard to the overall plan, monitoring and protection as well as funding and resources, the first part lays bare the slow, late and inadequate response to the risk and reality of COVID‐19 in care homes as against that in the National Health Service (NHS). A two‐pronged, multidimensional explanation is offered: structural, sectoral specificities; political and socio‐cultural factors. Amongst the relevant structural factors are the institutionalised separation from the health system, the complex system of provision and policy for adult social care, widespread market dependence. There is also the fact that logistical difficulties were exacerbated by years of austerity and resource cutting and a weak regulatory tradition of the care home sector. The effects of a series of political and cultural factors are also highlighted. As well as little mobilisation of the sector and low public commitment to and knowledge of social care, there is a pattern of Conservative government trying to divest the state of responsibilities in social care. This would support an interpretation in terms of policy avoidance as well as a possible political calculation by government that its policies towards the care sector and care homes would be less important and politically damaging than those for the NHS.
Imperial Pandemicide
Authors: Van Belle Douglas A. , Jamieson Thomas 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo provide a quick, in the moment analysis of the social and political aspects of the COVID‐19 pandemic to preserve the possibly ephemeral aspects that might be overlooked in future historical studies.MethodsQualitative and a statistical analyses of real time information.ResultsThe clustering of former imperial powers as states suffering extreme initial impacts, combined with a brief qualitative commentary on the domestic politics related to the pandemic response, suggests that colonial imperialism has lingering domestic political effects.ConclusionThe domestic political power bases that enabled colonial imperialism may be a significant and previously unrecognized factor in politics both in the context of disaster response and more broadly.