bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphingolipids: Regulators of azole drug resistance and fungal pathogenicity
Authors: Song Jinxing , Liu Xiao , Li Rongpeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn recent years, the role of sphingolipids in pathogenic fungi, in terms of pathogenicity and resistance to azole drugs, has been a rapidly growing field. This review describes evidence about the roles of sphingolipids in azole resistance and fungal virulence. Sphingolipids can serve as signaling molecules that contribute to azole resistance through modulation of the expression of drug efflux pumps. They also contribute to azole resistance by participating in various microbial pathways such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), pH‐responsive Rim pathway, and pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) pathway. In addition, sphingolipid signaling and eisosomes also coordinately regulate sphingolipid biosynthesis in response to azole‐induced membrane stress. Sphingolipids are important for fungal virulence, playing roles during growth in hosts under stressful conditions, maintenance of cell wall integrity, biofilm formation, and production of various virulence factors. Finally, we discuss the possibility of exploiting fungal sphingolipids for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat infections caused by pathogenic fungi.
Reconsidering the “protective” hypothesis of Helicobacter pylori infection in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Doulberis Michael , Kountouras Jannis , Rogler Gerhard 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSince its discovery, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has attracted attention in the biomedical world with its numerous pathophysiologic implications, both gastrointestinal and systemic. Beyond its well‐established carcinogenic properties, emerging evidence also supports “harmful” proinflammatory and neurodegenerative roles of H. pylori. On the other hand, H. pylori infection has been proposed to be “protective” against several diseases, such as asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a relatively new, allergen/immune–mediated disease, which has also been linked to these considerations. Main arguments are a postulated shift of immune responses by H. pylori from T helper 2 (TH2) to TH1 polarization, as well as a potential decline of the H. pylori burden with the dramatic parallel rise of ΕοΕ: a series of observational studies reported an inverse association. In this review, we counter these arguments by providing further epidemiological data, which point out that this generalization might be rather incomplete. We also discuss the limitations of the existing studies evaluating a possible association. Furthermore, we provide current evidence on common pathogenetic components, which share both entities. In summary, the claim that H. pylori is protective against EoE is rather incomplete, and further mechanistic studies are necessary to elucidate a possible association.
Investigating the psychometric properties of the Carers’ Fall Concern instrument to measure carers’ concern for older people at risk of falling at home: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ang Seng Giap Marcus , O’Brien Anthony Paul , Wilson Amanda 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Carers’ Fall Concern Instrument (CFC‐I) for measuring carers’ concern for older people (care recipients) at risk of falling.BackgroundFamily carers are crucial in preventing older people from falling at home. Their concerns for older people at risk of falling have severe implications on carers’ psychological well‐being and ability to prevent falls. However, there is no validated instrument measuring this concern.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was used to examine the validity and reliability of the CFC‐I. Carers looking after older people living at home completed the 17‐item CFC‐I and provided information about their care arrangements and the older people's fall history. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and hypothesis testing. Internal consistency was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient.Results143 carers completed the survey either by face‐to‐face or by online. After deleting one item with an item‐total correlation of below 0.3, the remaining 16‐item CFC‐I reported a Cronbach alpha of 0.93. Construct validity was supported by strong item‐total correlations (0.51–0.76), mean inter‐item correlations (0.47) and factor loadings (0.557–0.809). Factor analysis revealed three factors that include concerns about care recipients’ health and function, living environment and carers’ perception of fall and fall risk. The 16‐item CFC‐I can discriminate between carers of older people with and without recurrent (fallen 3/ more times) falls.ConclusionThe 16‐item CFC‐I is a valid and reliable scale for measuring carers’ concern for the older people's risk of falling. Future analysis of test–retest and inter‐rater reliability of the instrument will further support its clinical use for carers.Implications for practiceThe newly developed multi‐item CFC‐I can be used to quantify the carers’ level of fall concern and inform targeted interventions for carers when caring for older people who are at risk of falling.
Analysis of CRISPR‐Cas9 screens identifies genetic dependencies in melanoma
Authors: Christodoulou Eirini , Rashid Mamunur , Pacini Clare , Droop Alastair , Robertson Holly , Groningen Tim van , Teunisse Amina F. A. S. , Iorio Francesco , Jochemsen Aart G. , Adams David J. , Doorn Remco van 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTargeting the MAPK signaling pathway has transformed the treatment of metastatic melanoma. CRISPR‐Cas9 genetic screens provide a genome‐wide approach to uncover novel genetic dependencies that might serve as therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed recently reported CRISPR‐Cas9 screens comparing data from 28 melanoma cell lines and 313 cell lines of other tumor types in order to identify fitness genes related to melanoma. We found an average of 1,494 fitness genes in each melanoma cell line. We identified 33 genes, inactivation of which specifically reduced the fitness of melanoma. This set of tumor type‐specific genes includes established melanoma fitness genes as well as many genes that have not previously been associated with melanoma growth. Several genes encode proteins that can be targeted using available inhibitors. We verified that genetic inactivation of DUSP4 and PPP2R2A reduces the proliferation of melanoma cells. DUSP4 encodes an inhibitor of ERK, suggesting that further activation of MAPK signaling activity through its loss is selectively deleterious to melanoma cells. Collectively, these data present a resource of genetic dependencies in melanoma that may be explored as potential therapeutic targets.
The effectiveness of consistent roguing in managing banana bunchy top disease in smallholder production in Africa
Authors: Omondi Bonaventure A. , Soko Misheck M. , Nduwimana Innocent , Delano Ronald T. , Niyongere Celestin , Simbare Alice , Kachigamba Donald , Staver Charles 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe removal of infected individuals is a common practice in the management of plant disease outbreaks. It minimizes the contact between healthy individuals and inoculum sources by reducing the infectious window of contaminated individuals. This requires early detection and consistent removal at landscape scale. Roguing of mats with symptoms of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) in Cavendish banana production systems has been tested in Australia, using trained personnel, but has never been tested in smallholder systems. We studied the effectiveness of long‐term consistent roguing in prolonging the productivity of banana orchards under smallholder farming systems in highland banana and plantain dominated production systems in Africa. We assessed the possibility of low‐risk seed sourcing from the managed plots. Roguing reduced BBTD incidence to 2% in managed farmer fields and to 10% in experimental field plots, while a nonmanaged field eventually collapsed in the same period. With roguing, new infections decreased monthly compared to an exponential increase in a nonmanaged field. The emergence of new infections in both managed and nonmanaged farms followed a seasonal cycle. BBTD managed plots were a source of low‐risk seed for replacing the rogued mats in the same fields, but perhaps not safe for use in nonendemic areas. We conclude that it is possible for smallholder farmers to recover and maintain banana productivity with rigorous roguing, which would entail early identification of symptoms and early removal of diseased mats. Studies are needed on the intensity of roguing under different disease and production conditions.
Sustainability Synergies or Silos? The Opportunity Costs of Local Government Organizational Capabilities
Authors: Deslatte Aaron , Stokan Eric 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPublic managers serve many sovereigns, work within fiscal constraints, and face competing demands for finite resources. This article applies a strategic management lens to local government sustainability capabilities to examine the conditions under which local governments diversify into new areas of service delivery and when they do not. Building on recent efforts to apply resource‐based theories to the public sector, the authors distinguish between more and less fungible capabilities and posit that local government officials make such commitments to enhance the competitiveness of their communities. Two surveys of U.S. cities provide evidence that governments that rely on tax incentive‐based development approaches may struggle to make sustainable development gains. Such cities are more likely to devote resources disproportionately to delivering benefits to firms at the risk of incurring increasing opportunity costs over time. Prior commitments to traditional, firm‐based economic development capabilities appear to inhibit their ability to pursue broader sustainability policies. However, economic development strategic planning can also positively influence some investments in greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Moreover, cities facing more competition for development are more likely to integrate planning and performance measurement to assess their sustainability commitments.
Theca cell‐conditioned medium added to in vitro maturation enhances embryo developmental competence of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes after parthenogenic activation
Authors: Zhang Jun , Deng Yanfei , Chen Weili , Zi Yonghong , Shi Deshun , Lu Fenghua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTheca cells (TCs) play a key role in follicular growth and atresia. TCs synthesize androgens that act as substrate for granulosa cells (GCs) aromatization to estrogens needed for oocyte maturation. However, the effects of TCs in the form of conditioned medium on in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of buffalo oocytes remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the impacts of TC‐conditioned medium (TCCM) on maturation efficiency and embryo development of buffalo oocytes after parthenogenic activation (PA). Our results showed that TCCM that was collected on day 2 and added to IVM medium at a 20% proportional level (2 days & 20%) exerted no significant effect on IVM rate (43.06% vs. 44.71%), but significantly (p < .05) enhanced embryo development (oocyte cleavage, 80.93% vs. 69.66%; blastocyst formation, 39.85% vs. 32.84%) of buffalo oocytes after PA compared with the control group. However, monolayer TC significantly (p < .05) promoted both maturation efficiency (48.84% vs. 44.53%) and embryo development (oocyte cleavage, 80.39% vs. 69.32%; blastocyst formation, 35.38% vs. 29.25%) of buffalo oocytes after PA compared to that in the control group. Furthermore, TCs secreted some testosterone into the conditioned medium, which significantly (p < .05) promoted the expression levels of oestrogen synthesis‐related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1 and 17β‐HSD) in buffalo cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). Our study indicated that TCCM (2 days & 20%) did not significantly affect IVM efficiency, but enhanced embryo developmental competence of oocytes after PA principally by stimulating the secretion of testosterone and facilitating estradiol synthesis of buffalo COCs.
Post‐traumatic symptom severity mediates the association between combat exposure and suicidal ideation in veterans
Authors: Glenn Jeffrey J. , Dillon Kirsten H. , Dennis Paul A. , Patel Tapan A. , Mann Adam J. , Calhoun Patrick S. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Beckham Jean C. , Elbogen Eric B. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies of military veterans have produced mixed findings regarding whether combat exposure is directly related to suicidal ideation or is indirectly related to suicidal ideation via its influence on other factors. The present study used a longitudinal design to test the hypothesis that post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity mediates the effect of combat exposure on suicidal ideation in veterans.MethodParticipants included 319 post‐9/11 veterans (83.4% male; 42.1% White/52.1% Black; Mage = 39.7) assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapped confidence intervals were employed to examine the direct and indirect relationships between combat exposure, suicidal ideation, and PTSD symptom severity.ResultsResults from the mediation model, in which demographic variables and non‐combat trauma were included as covariates, revealed that the indirect effect of combat exposure on suicidal ideation via PTSD symptom severity was statistically significant, accounting for 64.1% of the covariance between combat exposure and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsThis study provides longitudinal evidence that the effects of combat exposure on suicidal ideation are mediated by PTSD symptom severity, suggesting the importance of targeting such symptoms in treatment to mitigate suicide risk among veterans with combat exposure.
Effects of vegetation pattern and of biochar and powdery soil amendments on soil loss by wind in a semi‐arid region
Authors: Pajouhesh Mehdi , Gharahi Nasrin , Iranmanesh Mahdieh , Cornelis Wim M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDust emission from wind erosion is a widespread phenomenon in arid and semi‐arid areas having considerable implications for ecosystems and human well‐being. However, few studies have examined the efficiency of biochar amended to soil on wind erosion control. Aimed at studying the effect of biochar on resistance of soils against wind erosion, a wind tunnel experiment was conducted. We tested (a) soils amended with hard waste walnut wood biochar and soft maize cob biochar, and (b) soils amended with powdery waste wood and powdery maize cob, and compared them with (c) non‐treated soil, in their susceptibility to wind erosion and also the additional effect of various patterns of vegetation cover. Amending soil with biochar and powdery material did significantly increase their resilience to wind erosion because of increased soil aggregation. In comparison with the non‐treated control, the mass flux of un‐vegetated soil reduced from 4.42 to 1.86 g m−2 s−1 for the waste walnut wood biochar, from 4.28 to 1.50 g m−2 s−1 for maize cob biochar, from 4.11 to 1.44 g m−2 s−1 for powdery maize cob and from 3.97 to 1.14 g m−2 s−1 for powdery waste walnut wood. When combining amendments with vegetation, there was still a substantial improvement, though the soil treatments responded differently in terms of soil loss to different vegetation patterns. A single row vegetation pattern had the highest mass flux, while a zigzag vegetation pattern had the lowest. In conclusion, waste wood or maize cobs, whether applied as biochar or as powdery material, are able to fix soil and reduce wind erosion.
Prospective assessment of Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile colonization and acquisition in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Austin Kristin , Sweet Michael , Likar Eric , LaSala P. Rocco , Murray Amanda , Wen Sijin , Ross Kelly G. , Kanate Abraham S. , Veltri Lauren , Matuga Rebekah , Cumpston Aaron 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) possess numerous risk factors for Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) and experience a high rate of diarrhea. Colonization rates of Clostridium difficile vary greatly among subgroup analyses with recent studies demonstrating colonization rates in the blood and marrow transplant units up to nine times that of the general population.MethodsThe primary objectives of this study were to identify the rate of C difficile colonization and acquisition in HSCT patients admitted to the blood and marrow transplant unit. This was a prospective study that included all adult patients admitted for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Stool specimens were routinely collected on admission and weekly thereafter for a maximum of six samples per patient.ResultsForty‐two patients met inclusion criteria and had baseline samples available for analysis. The rate of C difficile colonization on admission was 24%, and an additional 9% of patients acquired the organism during admission. Twelve percent of patients developed CDI that was diagnosed clinically. Univariate analysis showed an increased risk of colonization for patients with three or more prior chemotherapy cycles.ConclusionsGiven high colonization rates coupled with high risk of CDI in this population, providers must be judicious when testing for CDI and interpreting test results for HSCT patients.
Barriers to blood donation on social media: An analysis of Facebook and Twitter posts
Authors: Ramondt Steven , Zijlstra Melissa , Kerkhof Peter , Merz Eva‐Maria 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo better understand donor behavior and ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply, various observational studies have examined barriers to blood donation. This study used Facebook and Twitter data to enhance existing research on donation barriers and associated emotions communicated on social media by both donors and non‐donors.Study design and methodsWe conducted a semantic network analysis (SNA) with 168 232 public Dutch language social media messages from Facebook and Twitter during 2012‐2018. SNA uses concepts as nodes in a network and the relationship (ie, co‐occurrence) as links between them. We identified the relationship between donation barriers, non‐donation (voluntary and involuntary), and dissatisfaction (anger and disappointment) within social media messages. This computational method was combined with an analysis examining significant relationships in‐depth.ResultsTwelve donation barriers were identified: lifestyle, donation location, medical reasons, no invitation, opening times, physical reactions, pregnancy, remuneration, sexual risk behavior, time constraints, travels, and waiting times. More messages related to involuntary non‐donation compared to voluntary non‐donation. Involuntary non‐donation was associated most strongly with medical reasons and sexual risk behavior, while voluntary non‐donation was associated most strongly with resentment regarding remuneration of the blood bankʼs top management. Anger associated most strongly with sexual risk behavior and disappointment most strongly with medical reasons.ConclusionDiscussions around blood donation are increasingly taking place online. Donation barriers found in this study differ from those in survey research. Insights into how donation barriers are communicated in an ever‐growing online environment can be utilized to enhance recruitment and retention strategies.
Slot blotting and flow cytometry: two efficient assays for platelet antibody screening among patients with platelet refractoriness
Authors: Ameri Zahra , Vahidi Reza , Khaleghi Morteza , Dehesh Tania , Sheikhbardsiri Amir , Farsinejad Alireza 
Published: August 2020

Background and ObjectivesFrequent platelet transfusion may lead to the formation of alloantibodies and immune‐mediated platelet destruction. Currently, identifying economic and effective screening methods is necessary for the management of platelet transfusion while different tests were recommended. The present study aims to challenge the performance of slot blotting (SB) and flow cytometry (FC) assays in detecting immune platelet refractoriness.Materials and MethodsSera from 118 patients who received blood components and were clinically suspected of platelet refractoriness were enrolled. Platelet‐reactive antibodies were explored in parallel by SB, FC and monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) techniques. In a further study, chloroquine‐treated platelets were incubated with MAIPA‐positive serum, and then, the results of the SB and FC techniques were compared.ResultsUsing MAIPA as a reference, antibodies were detected in 51 sera, with specificity for human leucocyte antigens (HLA), human platelet antigens (HPA) or both HLA/HPA, in 27, 18 and 6 patients, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of SB and FC were 86·3%, 88·1%, 82·4% and 95·5%, respectively. The Spearman correlation revealed significant (P < 0·001) correlations between FC (r = 0·763) and SB (r = 0·738) with MAIPA. In respect to HPA antibody detection, SB had 83·3% sensitivity and 92·6% specificity compared to 91·7% and 96·3% for FC while both approaches are acceptable (P < 0·001, r = 0·69; P < 0·001, r = 0·773) and can be recommended.ConclusionsThe present study acknowledges that among the used methods, the flow cytometry's performance is the most appropriate, but slot blotting, with acceptable sensitivity, can be used as an acceptable and convenient procedure for platelet antibody screening.
The Effectiveness of Non‐Pharmacological Interventions on Apathy in Patients With Dementia: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Cai Yan , Li Liyu , Xu Chang , Wang Zhiwen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundApathy is one of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which is the most frequent and can accelerate the progress of dementia.AimsTo systematically review the evidence of effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions on apathy in patients with dementia.MethodsDatabases including the Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data were searched for systematic reviews of the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions on apathy in patients with dementia. AMSTAR 2 was applied to assess the methodological quality of reviews.ResultsNine systematic reviews were included. The average level of overall confidence for included systematic reviews was low. Among all the non‐pharmacological interventions involved in this review, the effectiveness of multisensory stimulation, music therapy, cognitive stimulation, and pet therapy was relatively robust. The effects of reminiscence therapy, therapeutic conversation, progressive muscle relaxation, art therapy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy, dementia special care units, nursing staff education, and comprehensive interventions need to be validated further. Meanwhile, the current evidence failed to support the effects of psychomotor therapy and validation therapy on apathy.Linking Evidence to ActionNon‐pharmacological interventions for apathy in patients with dementia are acceptable. In spite of requirements for adequate and high‐quality original studies and quantitative systematic reviews to validate the efficacy of non‐pharmacological interventions, multisensory stimulation, music therapy, cognitive stimulation, and pet therapy are deemed the most helpful according to evidences available.