bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Propionibacterium acnes with the efficacy of minocycline therapy for cutaneous sarcoidosis
Authors: Inoue Yumiko , Teraki Yuichi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough tetracycline has been used to treat cutaneous sarcoidosis, the mechanism of action for this treatment remains unclear. This study evaluated the efficacy of minocycline treatment on cutaneous sarcoidosis and the relationship between its efficacy and the presence of Propionibacterium acnes in skin sarcoid lesions.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed results in 13 patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis treated with minocycline at Saitama Medical Center between 2010 and 2017. To demonstrate the presence of P. acnes in the skin lesions, skin biopsy specimens from 11 of the 13 patients were evaluated with immunohistochemistry using a specific monoclonal antibody against P. acnes (PAB antibody).ResultsOf the 13 patients treated with minocycline, six patients (46%) achieved a complete response (CR) and seven (54%) had a partial response (PR). The skin lesions regressed in 1.5–5 months (average, 3.2 months) after treatment with minocycline. No relapse had occurred during the minocycline therapy. Elevated serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme levels were observed in five of the patients, and the levels reduced after treatment with minocycline. P. acnes, identified as round bodies that reacted with PAB antibody, were observed in the skin sarcoid granulomas in all patients tested. The number of PAB‐positive round bodies was significantly higher in the skin lesions of patients who had CR than in those who had PR.ConclusionsThese results suggest the effectiveness of minocycline for the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis and an association of P. acnes with the efficacy of minocycline therapy for cutaneous sarcoidosis.
Wheat bran dietary fibre‐induced changes in gluten aggregation and conformation in a dough system
Authors: Ma Sen , Liu Ning , Wang Zhen , Wang Xiaoxi 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThis study was conducted to determine the effect of wheat bran dietary fibre (WBDF) on aggregation and conformational changes of gluten in fermented and unfermented dough systems. The results revealed that WBDF has an advantage in maintaining the content of glutenin macropolymer (GMP) in the fermentation process. The analysis of the molecular weight distribution showed decreased content of larger polymeric proteins (LPPs). At the same WBDF level, after fermentation, the content of larger polymeric proteins (SPPs) increased, likely due to the polymerisation of the gliadins. Additionally, fluorescence spectroscopy and surface hydrophobicity analysis revealed that, in fermented dough, with the increase of WBDF content, the protein hydrophobicity significantly increased from 6.56 to 9.43 (P < 0.05). Hydrophobic interactions contributed to the macromolecular unfolding and/or aggregation of gluten. Also, WBDF may induce changes in dough properties by inducing conformational changes in the gluten protein.
A review on the physicochemical properties and potential food applications of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) starch
Authors: Oyeyinka Samson A. , Kayitesi Eugénie , Adebo Oluwafemi A. , Oyedeji Ajibola B. , Ogundele Opeolu M. , Obilana Anthony O. , Njobeh Patrick B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCowpea is a food legume with high protein and carbohydrate contents, which could be explored in addressing food and nutritional challenges in many parts of the world. However, some cowpea varieties are difficult to cook, resulting in high energy requirements and greater loss of nutrients. Since the bulk of carbohydrate in cowpea is starch, this component may be explored as an alternative starch source for various industrial applications, especially because cowpea starch is rich in resistant starch with several beneficial physiological effects. Hence, this review summarises the present knowledge on the isolation, composition, physicochemical properties and modification methods of cowpea starch. Future studies that are required to produce cowpea starch with novel properties were highlighted and the need to apply modified cowpea starch in food systems were also noted.
Association of CD33 rs3865444:C˃A polymorphism with a reduced risk of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease in Slovaks is limited to subjects carrying the APOE ε4 allele
Authors: Javor Juraj , Ďurmanová Vladimíra , Párnická Zuzana , Minárik Gabriel , Králová Mária , Pečeňák Ján , Vašečková Barbora , Režnáková Veronika , Šutovský Stanislav , Gmitterová Karin , Hromádka Tomáš , Peterajová Ľubica , Shawkatová Ivana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCD33 rs3865444:C>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been previously associated with the risk of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD); however, the results have been inconsistent across different populations. CD33 is a transmembrane receptor that plays an important role in AD pathogenesis by inhibiting amyloid β42 uptake by microglial cells. In this study, we aimed to validate the association between rs3865444 and LOAD risk in the Slovak population and to evaluate whether it was affected by the carrier status of the major LOAD risk allele apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4. CD33 rs3865444 and APOE variants were genotyped in 206 LOAD patients and 487 control subjects using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method and direct sequencing, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of rs3865444 A allele with a reduced LOAD risk that was only present in APOE ε4 allele carriers (AA + CA versus CC: p = .0085; OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25‒0.82). On the other hand, no such association was found in subjects without the APOE ε4 (p = .75; OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.61‒1.42). Moreover, regression analysis detected a significant interaction between CD33 rs3865444 A and APOE ε4 alleles (p = .021 for APOE ε4 allele dosage and p = .051 for APOE ε4 carriage status), with synergy factor (SF) value of 0.49 indicating an antagonistic effect between the two alleles in LOAD risk. In conclusion, our results suggest that CD33 rs3865444:C˃A substitution may reduce the risk of LOAD in Slovaks by antagonizing the effect conferred by the major susceptibility allele APOE ε4.
The role of supervisor and peer support in training transfer in institutions of higher education
Authors: Yaghi Abdulfattah , Bates Reid 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study focuses on leadership transfer by academic managers in public universities. Motivation to transfer is expected to mediate the relationship between peer and supervisor support (independent variables) and the transfer of training (dependent variable).MethodologyThe study sample comprises 263 academic managers who completed leadership training programs in public universities. Structural equation modeling is used to test the study model for four hypotheses.FindingsIn line with previous findings from different contexts, the study shows that (a) the motivation of academic managers to transfer training mediates between the actual transfer and the two types of organizational support, from peers and supervisors; (b) peer support has a stronger impact than supervisor support on motivation to transfer; (c) training transfer in public universities has a pattern similar to that in other organizations; and (d) the country context does not seem to affect the dynamics of training transfer.ImplicationsTo remain competitive with successful policies, universities need to foster learning environments by effectively engaging those responsible for managing university policies. Applying new leadership knowledge, skills and abilities is a sophisticated process in which academic managers are not the only stakeholders. Given the nature of the organizational phenomenon, work environments are similar across countries and sectors; therefore, emphasizing the role of national cultural norms and values over the objective needs of the workplace seems problematic.LimitationsStructural equation modeling may not capture all psychological and personal aspects of transfer; therefore, triangulation methods can be useful. The competition in higher education is increasing,and it is recommended that leadership training transfer in public and private universities should be compared.
Neutrophils play an ongoing role in preventing bacterial pneumonia by blocking the dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus from the upper to the lower airways
Authors: Ge Chenghao , Monk Ian R , Monard Sarah C , Bedford James G , Braverman Jessica , Stinear Timothy P , Wakim Linda M 
Published: April 2020

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is found in the nasal cavity of up to 30% of the human population. Persistent nasal carriage of S. aureus is a risk factor for influenza virus‐induced secondary bacterial pneumonia. There is limited understanding of the factors that cause S. aureus to shift from the upper to the lower respiratory tract and convert from a commensal organism to an invasive pathogen. Here we show that neutrophils actively prevent S. aureus dissemination. Establishment of a mouse model of localized S. aureus nasal carriage revealed variations in the longevity of persistence of S. aureus isolates. Improved persistence within this site was associated with reduced nasal inflammation, less neutrophil egress into the airways and reduced neutrophil–bacteria association. Neutrophil depletion of mice with localized S. aureus nasal carriage triggered the development of an invasive S. aureus infection. Moreover, utilizing a model of influenza‐induced staphylococcal pneumonia we showed that treatment with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor, a potent enhancer of neutrophil number and function, significantly reduced bacterial loads in the lung and improved disease outcomes. These data reveal that neutrophils play an important and active role in confining S. aureus to the upper respiratory tract and highlight the use of approaches that improve neutrophil function as effective strategies to attenuate morbidity associated with staphylococcal pneumonia.
Home‐based toothbrushing interventions for parents of young children to reduce dental caries: A systematic review
Authors: Aliakbari Elnaz , Gray‐Burrows Kara A. , Vinall‐Collier Karen A. , Edwebi Sakina , Marshman Zoe , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , Day Peter F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundDental caries is the most prevalent preventable condition in children. A key preventive home‐based oral health behaviour is the adoption and maintenance of parental supervised toothbrushing until 8 years of age.AimTo examine interventions promoting parental supervised toothbrushing practices to reduce dental caries in young children (<8 years old).DesignInterventions promoting parental involvement in home‐based toothbrushing in children under 8 years old and their impact on caries were subjected to review. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library), references, and unpublished literature databases were searched for relevant literature.ResultsOf the 10 176 articles retrieved, forty‐two articles were included. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to code intervention content, with the main domains addressed being knowledge (41/42), skills (35/42), and environmental context and resources (22/42). Sufficient descriptions of the intervention development, delivery, and evaluation were lacking, with only 18 studies being underpinned by theory. Twenty‐nine studies explored the impact on caries yielding mixed results.ConclusionsThere are few interventions targeting home‐based oral health behaviours underpinned by theory and methodological rigour in their development and evaluation. This demonstrates a clear need for future interventions to be guided by complex intervention methodology.
Generalist plants are more competitive and more functionally similar to each other than specialist plants: insights from network analyses
Authors: Denelle Pierre , Violle Cyrille ,   DivGrass Consortium, Munoz François 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimEcological specialization is defined by the variety of environments species occupy. Identifying the mechanisms that influence specialization is critical to understand patterns of species coexistence and biodiversity. However, the functional attributes that result in specialization are still unknown. Similarly, there is contrasting evidence between the degree of specialization and the local abundance of species. We investigated whether specialist and generalist plant species (a) are associated with distinct functional profiles, using core plant functional traits and strategies, (b) show similar functional variation and (c) perform at the local scale.LocationFrance.TaxonHerbaceous plants.MethodsWe analysed the structure of a bipartite network that includes the occurrences of ~2,900 plant species at ~90,000 sites to identify ecologically consistent sets of species and sites (i.e. ‘modules’). This innovative approach then enabled us to define a metric of specialization, by quantifying occurrences of species at sites that belong to one or several modules. We used functional traits related to resource acquisition, competition for light and dispersal ability, as well as indices of competitive, stress tolerance and ruderal strategies.ResultsWe identified five major modules in the bipartite network related to different environments and composed of species with differing functional attributes. Specialist species were less competitive and shorter, and had higher stress tolerance and stronger resource conservation, while generalist species were taller. Generalists were also more similar to each other than specialists. In addition, specialists had higher local abundances and occurred in communities with plants of similar height.Main conclusionsWe found distinctive functional signatures of specialist and generalist species in grassland communities across diverse environments at regional and community scales. By testing classic macro‐ecological hypotheses, network metrics can benefit community ecology by identifying distinct ecological units at a large scale and quantifying the links developed by species.
Shifting ecosystem connectivity during the Pleistocene drove diversification and gene‐flow in a species complex of Neotropical birds (Tityridae: Pachyramphus)
Authors: Musher Lukas J. , Galante Peter J. , Thom Gregory , Huntley Jerry W. , Blair Mary E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimWe aim to test the biogeographic drivers of diversification and gene‐flow at the Isthmus of Panama using a species complex of suboscine birds as a case study. We specifically evaluate whether diversification in these birds is better explained by continuous parapatry or a Refuge Model of periodic isolation and gene‐flow due glacial cycling.LocationThe Isthmus of Panama (Neotropics).TaxonPachyramphus aglaiae and Pachyramphus homochrous (Aves: Tityridae).MethodsWe develop an approach to distinguish among the two biogeographic hypotheses—parapatric ecological speciation versus climatically mediated speciation—by making explicit predictions for demographic history, niche evolution and change in geographic connectivity over time. We sequenced genome‐wide markers (ultraconserved elements) to estimate the evolutionary and demographic history of this group. We applied both phylogenomic network analyses and demographic modelling using a supervised machine learning approach. These genetic analyses were combined with a novel distribution modelling method that estimates the probability of interspecies contact as a function of climatic conditions through time.ResultsWe found that both spatial and genetic analyses revealed concordant results. All speciation events occurred during the Pleistocene and were characterized by non‐continuous gene‐flow, supporting a scenario of climate‐mediated diversification. Spatial connectivity was highest at present, consistent with our best demographic model of secondary contact.Main conclusionsThis study exemplifies a mechanism by which speciation, dispersal and introgression unfold in an important region for Neotropical diversification—the Isthmus of Panama—where periods of both isolation and introgression probably drive diversification. Overall, our results are consistent with the Refuge Model of biotic diversification, but suggest that introgression may be a crucial yet underappreciated component of this classic paradigm.
Electrogram morphology discriminators in implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A comparative evaluation
Authors: Frontera Antonio , Strik Marc , Eschalier Romain , Biffi Mauro , Pereira Bruno , Welte Nicolas , Chauvel Remi , Mondoly Pierre , Laborderie Julien , Bernis Jean‐Paul , Clementy Nicolas , Reuter Sylvain , Garrigue Stéphane , Deplagne Antoine , Vernooy Kevin , Pillois Xavier , Haïssaguerre Michel , Dubois Remi , Ritter Philippe , Bordachar Pierre , Ploux Sylvain 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMorphology algorithms are currently recommended as a standalone discriminator in single‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). However, these proprietary algorithms differ in both design and nominal programming.ObjectiveTo compare three different algorithms with nominal versus advanced programming in their ability to discriminate between ventricular (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).MethodsIn nine European centers, VT and SVTs were collected from Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic dual‐ and triple‐chamber ICDs via their respective remote monitoring portals. Percentage morphology matches were recorded for selected episodes which were classified as VT or SVT by means of atrioventricular comparison. The sensitivity and related specificity of each manufacturer discriminator was determined at various values of template match percentage from receiving operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsA total of 534 episodes were retained for the analysis. In ROC analyses, Abbott Far Field MD (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.91; P < .001) and Boston Scientific RhythmID (AUC: 0.95; P < .001) show higher AUC than Medtronic Wavelet (AUC: 0.81; P < .001) when tested for their ability to discriminate VT from SVT. At nominal % match threshold all devices provided high sensitivity in VT identification, (91%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, for Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic) but contrasted specificities in SVT discrimination (85%, 41%, and 62%, respectively). Abbott and Medtronic's nominal thresholds were similar to the optimal thresholds. Optimization of the % match threshold improved the Boston Scientific specificity to 79% without compromising the sensitivity.ConclusionProprietary morphology discriminators show important differences in their ability to discriminate SVT. How much this impact the overall discrimination process remains to be investigated.
Circular RNA in renal diseases
Authors: Jin Juan , Sun Haolu , Shi Chao , Yang Hui , Wu Yiwan , Li Wanhai , Dong Yu‐hang , Cai Liang , Meng Xiao‐ming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCircular RNA (circRNA) is a newly described type of non‐coding RNA. Active research is greatly enriching the current understanding of the expression and role of circRNA, and a large amount of evidence has implicated circRNA in the pathogenesis of certain renal diseases, such as renal cell carcinoma, acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy and lupus nephritis. Studies have found evidence that circRNAs regulate programmed cell death, invasion, and metastasis and serve as biomarkers in renal diseases. Recently, circRNAs were identified in exosomes secreted by the kidneys. Nevertheless, the function of circRNA in renal diseases remains ambiguous. Given that circRNAs are regulators of gene expression, they may be involved in the pathology of multiple renal diseases. Additionally, emerging evidence is showing that circulating circRNAs may serve as novel biomarkers for renal disease. In this review, we have summarized the identification, biogenesis, degradation, and functions of circRNA and have evaluated the roles of circRNA in renal diseases.
Embryonic substances induce alarm response in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Cao Xiaolong , Li Weiming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMany aquatic animals rely on chemicals released by injured individuals of the same species to assess predation risk. Among these chemical cues, alarm substances released from the injured skin of ostariophysan fishes have been extensively examined. In most fish species examined, these cues appear to be released by all injured individuals (including larvae, juveniles and adults) and elicit alarm responses in conspecifics. Adult alarm cues also affect development and physiology of embryos. Nonetheless, whether embryos produce alarm cues that affect adults is not known. This study reports that extracts of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at 36 h post‐fertilization or later induce antipredator behaviours reminiscent of those induced by skin alarm substances. At an equivalent of 10−6 g embryo per millilitre, the extract induced bottom‐dwelling and freezing in adults. These behaviours are consistent with those induced by adult alarm substances. This study concludes that zebrafish embryos produce alarm substances.
Divergence in aerobic scope and thermal tolerance is related to local thermal regime in two populations of introduced Nile perch (Lates niloticus)
Authors: Nyboer Elizabeth A. , Chrétien Emmanuelle , Chapman Lauren J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe tested whether thermal tolerance and aerobic performance differed between two populations of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) originating from the same source population six decades after their introduction into two lakes in the Lake Victoria basin in East Africa. We used short‐term acclimation of juvenile fish to a range of temperatures from ambient to +6°C, and performed critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and respirometry tests to measure upper thermal tolerance, resting and maximum metabolic rates, and aerobic scope (AS). Across acclimation temperatures, Nile perch from the cooler lake (Lake Nabugabo, Uganda) tended to have lower thermal tolerance (i.e., CTmax) and lower aerobic performance (i.e., AS) than Nile perch from the warmer waters of Lake Victoria (Bugonga region, Uganda). Effects of temperature acclimation were more pronounced in the Lake Victoria population, with the Lake Nabugabo fish showing less thermal plasticity in most metabolic traits. Our results suggest phenotypic divergence in thermal tolerance between these two introduced populations in a direction consistent with an adaptive response to local thermal regimes.
The distribution of the recessus orbitalis across flatfishes (order: Pleuronectiformes)
Authors: Campbell Matthew A. , Tongboonkua Pakorn , Chanet Bruno , Chen Wei‐Jen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe recessus orbitalis is an accessory organ of flatfishes functioning in the protrusion of the eyes. This character, along with cranial asymmetry and a forward insertion of the dorsal fin, have been considered synapomorphies for the Pleuronectiformes. New dissections and examination of images taken in the wild show that the recessus orbitalis is present in all representatives of Pleuronectoidei examined but is absent in the single species of Psettoidei dissected. Psettoidei, the most primitive pleuronectiform lineage, contains three recognized species; thus, the absence of the recessus orbitalis in this whole lineage is unclear without further dissections. Ancestral character estimation at the family level for the recessus orbitalis indicates that the recessus orbitalis was likely absent in the common ancestor of Pleuronectiformes but was most likely present in the common ancestor of the Pleuronectoidei. Given that so few species of flatfishes have been assessed for the recessus orbitalis to date, additional characterization of the distribution of the recessus orbitalis across flatfishes will further inform what states this character may have and if it is a synapomorphy of Pleuronectiformes or simply a derived character state of Pleuronectoidei.