bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An RNA biology perspective on species‐specific programmable RNA antibiotics
Authors: Vogel Jörg 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOur body is colonized by a vast array of bacteria the sum of which forms our microbiota. The gut alone harbors >1,000 bacterial species. An understanding of their individual or synergistic contributions to human health and disease demands means to interfere with their functions on the species level. Most of the currently available antibiotics are broad‐spectrum, thus too unspecific for a selective depletion of a single species of interest from the microbiota. Programmable RNA antibiotics in the form of short antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) promise to achieve precision manipulation of bacterial communities. These ASOs are coupled to small peptides that carry them inside the bacteria to silence mRNAs of essential genes, for example, to target antibiotic‐resistant pathogens as an alternative to standard antibiotics. There is already proof‐of‐principle with diverse bacteria, but many open questions remain with respect to true species specificity, potential off‐targeting, choice of peptides for delivery, bacterial resistance mechanisms and the host response. While there is unlikely a one‐fits‐all solution for all microbiome species, I will discuss how recent progress in bacterial RNA biology may help to accelerate the development of programmable RNA antibiotics for microbiome editing and other applications.
Methylation‐dependent transcriptional regulation of crescentin gene (creS) by GcrA in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Mohapatra Saswat S. , Fioravanti Antonella , Vandame Pauline , Spriet Corentin , Pini Francesco , Bompard Coralie , Blossey Ralf , Valette Odile , Biondi Emanuele G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn Caulobacter crescentus the combined action of chromosome replication and the expression of DNA methyl‐transferase CcrM at the end of S‐phase maintains a cyclic alternation between a full‐ to hemi‐methylated chromosome. This transition of the chromosomal methylation pattern affects the DNA‐binding properties of the transcription factor GcrA that controls the several key cell cycle functions. However, the molecular mechanism by which GcrA and methylation are linked to transcription is not fully elucidated yet. Using a combination of cell biology, genetics, and in vitro analysis, we deciphered how GcrA integrates the methylation pattern of several S‐phase expressed genes to their transcriptional output. We demonstrated in vitro that transcription of ctrA from the P1 promoter in its hemi‐methylated state is activated by GcrA, while in its fully methylated state GcrA had no effect. Further, GcrA and methylation together influence a peculiar distribution of creS transcripts, encoding for crescentin, the protein responsible for the characteristic shape of Caulobacter cells. This gene is duplicated at the onset of chromosome replication and the two hemi‐methylated copies are spatially segregated. Our results indicated that GcrA transcribed only the copy where coding strand is methylated. In vitro transcription assay further substantiated this finding. As several of the cell cycle‐regulated genes are also under the influence of methylation and GcrA‐dependent transcriptional regulation, this could be a mechanism responsible for maintaining the gene transcription dosage during the S‐phase.
The honeysuckle genome provides insight into the molecular mechanism of carotenoid metabolism underlying dynamic flower coloration
Authors: Pu Xiangdong , Li Zhen , Tian Ya , Gao Ranran , Hao Lijun , Hu Yating , He Chunnian , Sun Wei , Xu Meimei , Peters Reuben J. , Van de Peer Yves , Xu Zhichao , Song Jingyuan 
Published: March 2020

Summary

Lonicera japonica is a widespread member of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family utilized in traditional medical practices. This twining vine honeysuckle also is a much‐sought ornamental, in part due to its dynamic flower coloration, which changes from white to gold during development.

The molecular mechanism underlying dynamic flower coloration in L. japonica was elucidated by integrating whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic analysis and biochemical assays.

Here, we report a chromosome‐level genome assembly of L. japonica, comprising nine pseudochromosomes with a total size of 843.2 Mb. We also provide evidence for a whole‐genome duplication event in the lineage leading to L. japonica, which occurred after its divergence from Dipsacales and Asterales. Moreover, gene expression analysis not only revealed correlated expression of the relevant biosynthetic genes with carotenoid accumulation, but also suggested a role for carotenoid degradation in L. japonica’s dynamic flower coloration. The variation of flower color is consistent with not only the observed carotenoid accumulation pattern, but also with the release of volatile apocarotenoids that presumably serve as pollinator attractants.

Beyond novel insights into the evolution and dynamics of flower coloration, the high‐quality L. japonica genome sequence also provides a foundation for molecular breeding to improve desired characteristics.
Comparative study of the effects of different growths of vegetation biomass on CO2 in crisp and fuzzy environments
Authors: Devi Sapna , Gupta Nivedita 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper, three fuzzy nonlinear mathematical models, corresponding to crisp models described in Devi and Gupta (2018), are formulated to study the comparative behavior of carbon dioxide concerning vegetation biomass in crisp and fuzzy environments. Logistic growth and regrowth of vegetation biomass are considered in the first two models, and delay is incorporated in the regrowth of vegetation biomass in the third one. Conditions for boundedness and persistence of the solutions, the existence of equilibrium points, and the stability of equilibrium points are carried out for each model. We also derived the formula for the critical value of time delay. Further, we also analyzed the existence, stability, and direction of the Hopf bifurcation. Numerical simulations were performed to complement analytical findings and to see the comparison between crisp and fuzzy environments. In fuzzy environment, it is observed that increment in the minimum value of regrowth rate shifts the destabilizing value of delay forward while if the maximum value of regrowth rate decreases, variables will become unstable before the estimated time. The overall analysis demonstrates that the behavior of the models in crisp and fuzzy environments is quite different.Recommendations for resource managers

An increasing level of CO2 is the major factor for greenhouse effect, therefore to reduce the destructive effects of global warming, implementation of policies related to mitigation of the atmospheric CO2 is of paramount importance.
Vegetation biomass has considerable regrowth rate as compared with the rest of the plants. But, there is some time lag in the process of regrowth, therefore for the growth rate of vegetation biomass regrowth with delay must be considered to avoid the fluctuations in the results.
In the real world, the biological parameters are not always fixed because they vary according to the environment. So, scientists should consider fuzzy parameters for more precise results.
An investigation of self‐efficacy crossover between mentors and protégés within mentoring dyads
Authors: Varghese Lebena , Finkelstein Lisa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOur current research investigated how mentors enhance protégé self‐efficacy. Drawing from social comparison theory, we propose that the shared experience between mentors and protégés facilitates the ability of protégés to adopt the perspective of their mentors. Additionally, the perspective‐taking that a protégé engages in enables them to ascribe positive aspects of their mentor (i.e., efficacious beliefs) to themselves. Study 1 (N = 205 adults) and study 2 (N = 204 adults) adopted an experimental design (i.e., vignette study) and study 3 (N = 148 undergraduate management students) adopted a survey design with protégés in an e‐mentoring program. Results from all three studies provided evidence for the transfer of efficacy beliefs from the mentor to the protégé. The findings supported the postulation that shared experience between the protégé and mentor facilitates perspective‐taking on behalf of the protégé. Although the findings of the experimental studies showed that a protégé’s perspective‐taking moderated the positive transfer of efficacy beliefs from the mentor to the protégé, the field study failed to replicate this particular finding. Our current research findings have implications for training and developing employees.
Is the buccal alveolar bone less affected by mini‐implant assisted rapid palatal expansion than by conventional rapid palatal expansion?—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Copello Flávio Mendonça , Marañón‐Vásquez Guido Artemio , Brunetto Daniel Paludo , Caldas Luciana Duarte , Masterson Daniele , Maia Lucianne Cople , Sant’Anna Eduardo Franzotti 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the existing literature comparing mini‐implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) and conventional rapid palatal expansion (RPE) regarding the effect on the buccal alveolar bone thickness (BT) and marginal bone level (BL).MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, Embase, Ovid, LIVIVO, CINAHL, the Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, Google Scholar and SIGLE were searched up to January 2020. Risk of bias (RoB) assessments were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration and ROBINS‐I tools. Fixed‐effects meta‐analysis of standardized mean differences (SMD) was implemented to assess the pooled estimates for the BT outcome. The analyses were performed adopting a significance level of 5%. A narrative synthesis was performed to summarize the results on the BL. The GRADE tool was used to assess the quality of the evidence.ResultsThree randomized clinical trials and one retrospective study were included. Only one study was rated as with low RoB, while the others were scored as with moderate to serious RoB. Limited evidence indicated that patients using conventional RPE had a greater loss of the BT compared to patients using MARPE (SMD = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.29‐0.80; P < .0001). Subgroup analyses showed that differences were significant in both premolars’ regions, right (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.24‐1.25; P = .004) and left (SMD = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.52‐1.57; P < .0001), and these were not significant for the molars’ regions (P > .05) (Low quality of evidence).LimitationsLimited amount of selected papers, methodological issues that could lead to bias and high clinical heterogeneity among the studies. Due to the statistical model applied for the quantitative synthesis of the results, no generalization to any other population is recommended.ConclusionsLimited evidence suggests that MARPE could decrease the loss of the buccal alveolar bone when compared to conventional RPE.
Predictors of Long‐Term Opioid Effectiveness in Patients With Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain Attending Multidisciplinary Pain Treatment Clinics: A Quebec Pain Registry Study
Authors: Kaboré Jean‐Luc , Saïdi Hichem , Dassieu Lise , Choinière Manon , Pagé M. Gabrielle 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to identify characteristics of individuals who are most likely to benefit from long‐term opioid therapy in terms of reduction in pain severity and improved mental health–related quality of life (mQoL) without considering potential risks.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 116 patients (age = 51.3 ± 12.5 years, male = 42.2%) enrolled in the Quebec Pain Registry between 2008 and 2011 and who initiated opioid therapy after their first appointment in a multidisciplinary pain clinic and persisted with this treatment for at least 12 months. Clinically significant improvement was defined as a 2‐point decrease on the PEG (pain, enjoyment of life, and general activity) Scale of pain severity (scored from 0 to 10) at 12‐month follow‐up and a 10‐point increase on the Short‐Form‐12 Health Survey version 2 (SF12‐v2) Mental Health‐Related Quality of Life Summary Scale, which corresponds to 1 standard deviation (SD) of the mean in the general population (mean = 50, SD = 10).ResultsClinically significant reduction in pain severity was observed in 26.7% of patients, while improvement in mQoL was reported by 20.2% of patients on long‐term opioid therapy. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0 to 1.08; P = 0.032) and alcohol or drug problems (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.96; P = 0.044) were weakly associated with pain severity at 12‐month follow‐up. Baseline higher pain severity (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.91; P = 0.014) and baseline higher mQoL (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.95; P = 0.001) were associated with non‐improvement in mQoL.ConclusionThe analysis failed to identify clinically meaningful predictors of opioid therapy effectiveness, making it difficult to inform clinicians about which patients with chronic non‐cancer pain are most likely to benefit from long‐term opioid therapy.
Does Pain Neuroscience Education and Cognition‐Targeted Motor Control Training Improve Cervical Motor Output? Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Willaert Ward , Malfliet Anneleen , Coppieters Iris , Lenoir Dorine , De Pauw Robby , Danneels Lieven , Roussel Nathalie , Meeus Mira , Cagnie Barbara , Nijs Jo , Kregel Jeroen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the context of interventions aimed at reducing pain, disability, and maladaptive pain cognitions in chronic neck pain, it is hypothesized that patients who have greater symptom reduction possibly also demonstrate greater improvement in cervical motor output. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of pain neuroscience education plus cognition‐targeted motor control training on cervical motor output.MethodsImpairments in cervical motor output were measured in 64 subjects with chronic neck pain using standardized tests. Cervical muscle strength, cervical mobility, balance, and cervical neuromuscular control were derived. To assess the differences between groups in response to treatment, a random‐intercept linear mixed‐models analysis, applying a diagonal covariance matrix, was used.ResultsA significant treatment × time interaction effect was found for neuromuscular control of the deep cervical flexors, favoring the experimental treatment at 3 months’ follow‐up (mean group difference: 1.982; 95% confidence interval 0.779, 3.185; large effect size d = 0.82). Significant main effects of time were found for the neuromuscular capacity of scapulothoracic muscles and for cervical mobility. No significant effects were found for balance, cervical muscle strength, or endurance of cervical flexors.ConclusionPain neuroscience education combined with cognition‐targeted motor control training is not more effective than biomedically focused education and exercise therapy for improving cervical motor output in people with chronic neck pain. Our findings question the relative importance of factors such as pain, disability, and maladaptive pain cognitions on cervical motor output and the need to address it in treatment.
Pediatricians’ perceptions and practice of the management of constipation in Thailand
Authors: Wiriyachai Thakoon , Tanpowpong Pornthep 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that physicians’ perception and practice can differ from proposed guidelines with regards to constipation. Most studies were performed in developed countries but only a few in developing nations. We therefore aimed to study Thai pediatricians’ perceptions of the management of constipation.MethodsWe performed a national survey using an 37‐item online questionnaire that included questions about demographics, perceptions, and practice related to constipation in children. We used a five‐point scale to determine perception in each aspect (5 = strongly agreed; 1 = strongly disagreed).ResultsWe received 275 responses (response rate of 11.0%). Most were female (69.1%), subspecialists (55.6%) and worked in a government‐based setting (69.5%). We noted that only 51.8% considered disimpaction if physical examination is suggestive of fecal impaction. Most pediatricians used lactulose for both disimpaction and maintenance phases (83.4 and 91.9%, respectively); however, pediatricians perceived that the caregivers of constipated children were concerned about tolerance or dependence of most commonly used laxatives, ranged from 45.8 to 63.8%. We also found that recently graduated pediatricians were more likely than older individuals to provide advice on fluid intake, toilet training, and laxative use, and to consider polyethylene glycol for disimpaction (P = 0.003, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.02, respectively).ConclusionsThe proportion of pediatricians who consider disimpaction remained suboptimal. Providing appropriate knowledge on pharmacological management, especially disimpaction and issues regarding laxatives, may be helpful for pediatricians and caregivers. Education may also need to be tailored to various pediatricians’ experience and work settings.
The role of macrophages in protective and pathological responses to Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Park Jeongho , Hunter Christopher A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe ability of Toxoplasma gondii to cause clinical disease in immune‐competent and immune‐deficient hosts coupled with its ease of use in vitro and availability of murine models has led to its use as a model organism to study how the immune system controls an intracellular infection. This article reviews the studies that established the role of the cytokine IFN‐γ in the activation of macrophages to control T gondii and the events that lead to the mobilization and expansion of macrophage populations and their ability to limit parasite replication. Macrophages also have pro‐inflammatory functions that promote protective NK and T‐cell activities as well as regulatory properties that facilitate the resolution of inflammation. Nevertheless, while macrophages are important in determining the outcome of infection, T gondii has evolved mechanisms to subvert macrophage activation and can utilize their migratory activities to promote dissemination and these two properties underlie the ability of this parasite to persist and cause disease.
Political Ideology and Social Services Contracting: Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Design
Authors: Alonso José M. , Andrews Rhys 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTheoretical perspectives on the ideological influences on government contracting predict that local governments controlled by right‐wing political parties will contract out a higher proportion of services than those controlled by left‐wing parties. However, empirical evidence on the impact of political ideology on contracting out remains inconclusive. To cast new light on this important issue, the authors apply a quasi‐experimental research design to contracting choices in children's social services in English local government. Because local governments in England are largely divided along partisan lines, it is possible to estimate ideological effects using a regression discontinuity design that captures changes in political control at 50 percent of the seats gained in local elections. The regression discontinuity estimates reveal that left‐wing controlled local governments exhibit a marked aversion to private sector involvement in service provision and a clear preference for in‐house service provision. These results are robust to a variety of alternative specifications.
Applying Stone in a Western Landscape: Ranchers, Conservationists, and Causal Stories in the “American Serengeti”
Authors: Angstadt J. Michael 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs the emergence of nongovernmental conservation efforts generates conflict among various stakeholders, the causal story that each party articulates regarding conservation and the causes of land degradation reflects their unique interests. This study uses existing literature to evaluate causal stories surrounding a contemporary conservation effort: Montana's American Prairie Reserve. Through qualitative review of web‐based documents and newspaper articles, it generates a preliminary account of key stakeholders' causal stories. The case study suggests that parties who might be disadvantaged by ascribing responsibility for environmental harms in an adversarial fashion may instead elect to articulate causal stories that are more neutral than existing approaches might forecast. The study concludes by suggesting that further development of causal story literature may enable it to better address contemporary conservation efforts.
Cold‐stored leukoreduced CPDA‐1 whole blood: in vitro quality and hemostatic properties
Authors: Sivertsen Joar , Braathen Hanne , Lunde Turid Helen Felli , Kristoffersen Einar K. , Hervig Tor , Strandenes Geir , Apelseth Torunn O. 
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUNDSome jurisdictions require leukoreduction of cellular blood components. The only whole blood collection set with a platelet‐saving filter uses citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose (CPD) as storage solution. Substituting CPD with citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine (CPDA‐1) increases shelf life from 21 to 35 days. This would simplify prehospital and rural resupply and reduce wastage. We investigated in vitro quality and hemostatic properties of CPDA‐1 whole blood leukoreduced with a platelet‐saving filter.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSCPDA‐1 whole blood was leukoreduced using a platelet‐saving filter and stored 35 days. EDQM requirements, hematology, metabolic parameters, thromboelastography, light transmission aggregometry, fibrinogen, factor VIII, and interleukin‐6 were measured on Days 0, 1, 14, 21, and 35 and compared to non‐leukoreduced blood.RESULTSAll units met EDQM requirements. Leukoreduction yielded residual white blood cell count <1 × 106 and 87% platelet recovery on Day 1. It caused reduction in thromboelastography parameters, but not aggregometry response. No hemolysis >0.8% was observed. Factor VIII was higher on Day 35 in the leukoreduced group, 37.9 (95% CI: 26.0, 49.8) versus 13.8 (9.4, 18.2) IU/dL. In both groups, aggregation was significantly reduced by Day 14. Thromboelastography showed remaining platelet activity on Day 35, MA 46.9 (42.1, 51.7) in the leukoreduced and 44.3 (39.6, 49.0) mm in the non‐leukoreduced group. Fibrinogen was within reference ranges at Day 35 (>2 g/dL). Interleukin‐6 was not detectable.CONCLUSIONLeukoreducing CPDA‐1 whole blood with a platelet‐saving filter did not compromise hemostatic properties. We encourage development of a single bag CPDA‐1 whole blood collection set with in‐line platelet‐saving filter.