bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global cellulose biomass, horizontal gene transfers and domain fusions drive microbial expansin evolution
Authors: Chase William R. , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Rocha Jorge , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Shapiro Lori R. 
Published: January 2020

Summary

Plants must rearrange the network of complex carbohydrates in their cell walls during normal growth and development. To accomplish this, all plants depend on proteins called expansins that nonenzymatically loosen noncovalent bonding between cellulose microfibrils.

Surprisingly, expansin genes have more recently been found in some bacteria and microbial eukaryotes, where their biological functions are largely unknown.

Here, we reconstruct a comprehensive phylogeny of microbial expansin genes. We find these genes in all eukaryotic microorganisms that have structural cell wall cellulose, suggesting expansins evolved in ancient marine microorganisms long before the evolution of land plants. We also find expansins in an unexpectedly high diversity of bacteria and fungi that do not have cellulosic cell walls. These bacteria and fungi inhabit varied ecological contexts, mirroring the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic niches where plant and/or algal cellulosic cell walls are present.

The microbial expansin phylogeny shows evidence of multiple horizontal gene transfer events within and between bacterial and eukaryotic microbial lineages, which may in part underlie their unusually broad phylogenetic distribution. Overall, expansins are unexpectedly widespread in bacteria and eukaryotes, and the contribution of these genes to microbial ecological interactions with plants and algae has probbaly been underappreciated.
EU agencies' involvement in transboundary crisis response: Supporting efforts or leading coordination?
Authors: Jordana Jacint , Triviño‐Salazar Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEU agencies have emerged as entities offering technical coordination to member states and support to the European Commission in different policy areas. Their expertise may play a role in responding to unexpected crises. Against this backdrop, we examine under which circumstances EU agencies, through their specialized expertise, are involved in transboundary crisis responses, and when they acquire a leading position in coordinating those responses. To do so, we study four agencies which faced crises: the EBA and the 2012 banking crisis; the ECDC and the 2014 Ebola outbreak; EFSA and the 2011 E. coli outbreak; and Frontex and the 2015 refugee crisis. Our findings discuss to what extent agencies' involvement in transboundary crises is related to functional (sector characteristics) and institutional (delegation of authority) variables. We also identify that under certain political conditions EU agencies' coordination capacity is activated, allowing them to emerge as leading institutions in transboundary crisis resolution.
Methylation of MdMYB1 locus mediated by RdDM pathway regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple
Authors: Jiang Shenghui , Wang Nan , Chen Min , Zhang Rui , Sun Qingguo , Xu Haifeng , Zhang Zongying , Wang Yicheng , Sui Xiuqi , Wang Sufang , Fang Hongcheng , Zuo Weifang , Su Mengyu , Zhang Jing , Fei Zhangjun , Chen Xuesen 
Published: January 2020

SummaryMethylation at the MdMYB1 promoter in apple sports has been reported as a regulator of the anthocyanin pathway, but little is known about how the locus is recognized by the methylation machinery to regulate anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, we analysed three differently coloured ‘Fuji’ apples and found that differences in the transcript levels of MdMYB1, which encodes a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, control the anthocyanin content (and therefore colour) in fruit skin. The CHH methylation levels in the MR3 region (−1246 to −780) of the MdMYB1 promoter were found to be negatively correlated with MdMYB1 expression. Thus, they were ideal materials to study DNA methylation in apple sports. The protein of RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway responsible for CHH methylation, MdAGO4, was found to interact with the MdMYB1 promoter. MdAGO4s can interact with MdRDM1 and MdDRM2s to form an effector complex, fulfilling CHH methylation. When MdAGO4s and MdDRM2s were overexpressed in apple calli and Arabidopsis mutants, those proteins increase the CHH methylation of AGO4‐binding sites. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, MdAGO4s were found to specifically bind to sequence containing ATATCAGA. Knockdown of MdNRPE1 did not affect the binding of MdAGO4s to the c3 region of the MdMYB1 promoter in 35S::AGO4 calli. Taken together, our data show that the MdMYB1 locus is methylated through binding of MdAGO4s to the MdMYB1 promoter to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by the RdDM pathway.
Depressed indurated plaque with elastorrhexis as a distinctive lesion in Buschke‐Ollendorff syndrome
Authors: Velasco Huici Rebeca , Martín Jose María , Vázquez Bárbara , Silva Esmeralda , Estébanez Andrea , Cuesta Ana , Ramón Dolores , Monteagudo Carlos 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBuschke‐Ollendorff syndrome (BOS) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by heterozygous mutations in LEMD3 and characterized by connective tissue nevi and sclerotic bone lesions known as osteopoikilosis. We report a family with three individuals affected by BOS, two of whom manifested clinical and histopathological peculiarities, presenting with a depressed indurated plaque as the main cutaneous manifestation instead of the classic connective tissue nevi. Notable elastorrhexis was present in both biopsies.
Metered‐dose inhaler ipratropium bromide for children with acute asthma exacerbation: A prospective, non‐randomized, observational study
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Ihara Takateru , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Sakakibara Hiroshi , Hagiwara Yusuke , Inoue Nobuaki , Akasawa Akira 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIpratropium bromide (IB), when administered with β2‐agonists, is effective in reducing hospital admissions of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with severe asthma. While IB is commonly delivered in its nebulized form, using a metered‐dose inhaler (MDI), can, reportedly, shorten patients’ length of stay in the ED. However, the effectiveness and safety of IB administration using an MDI with a spacer have not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of MDI‐delivered IB in pediatric patients with acute asthma exacerbation.MethodsThis prospective, non‐randomized, observational study included patients aged ≥4 years with a history of severe asthma exacerbation. Patients received IB via MDI with a spacer three times at 20‐min intervals. IB use was determined by the physicians’ treatment policy. Propensity score matching was used to adjust the confounding factors related to IB administration.ResultsOf the 158 patients, 88 were treated with IB and 70 were treated without IB. A propensity score‐matching analysis extracted 54 patients from each group. We found no statistical difference in the admission rate of the two groups (IB group: 25.9% vs non‐IB group: 31.5%; P = 0.67). The post‐treatment modified pulmonary index scores (mean ± SD) were also similar (IB: 6.6 ± 2.0 vs non‐IB: 6.3 ± 2.5; P = 0.53). Only one patient (1.0%) treated with IB experienced vomiting, which resolved spontaneously.ConclusionThe metered‐dose inhaler IB was ineffective in reducing the admission rate possibly because it was less effective than a nebulizer for IB inhalation.
Endogenous overhead costs, firm size, and fiscal shocks
Authors: Chang Cheng‐wei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent empirical observations indicate that firm size responds to cyclical fluctuations in economic activities. By analyzing the effects of endogenous overhead costs in the economy, this paper finds that in response to a fiscal expansion, firm size will increase if the relationship between overhead costs and the number of firms is positive, while firm size will decrease if the relationship is negative.
Ultrasonography patterns of atopic dermatitis in children
Authors: Sorokina Elena , Mikailova Daria , Krakhaleva Julia , Krinitsyna Julia , Yakubovich Andrey , Sergeeva Irina 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrasound picture of lesional and non‐lesional skin in children with AD.Materials and MethodsThe study included a group of children with AD and a control group. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age 0‐8 years and clinical diagnosis of AD. An ultrasound scanner with a 75 MHz transducer probe was used to produce B‐mode skin images in lesions and non‐lesional skin. The thickness and the echogenicity of epidermis, dermis, and subepidermal low‐echogenic band (SLEB) were measured, and the ratio coefficient per body site was calculated.ResultsUltrasonography of non‐lesional skin in children with AD showed uneven epidermis contour, a tendency to increased epidermis and decreased dermis thickness, and the SLEB was observed in 77% of cases. In lesions, there was an increased thickness and a decreased echogenicity of epidermis and dermis, and epidermis had irregular contours in most cases. The SLEB was in all lesions, showing greater thickness and lower echogenicity compared with non‐lesional skin.ConclusionHF‐USG of the skin allows visualizing the epidermal barrier disruption and inflammation in dermis in children with AD on the entire surface of the skin.
Inactivation of three emerging viruses – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and Nipah virus – in platelet concentrates by ultraviolet C light and in plasma by methylene blue plus visible light
Authors: Eickmann Markus , Gravemann Ute , Handke Wiebke , Tolksdorf Frank , Reichenberg Stefan , Müller Thomas H. , Seltsam Axel 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundEmerging viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Nipah virus (NiV) have been identified to pose a potential threat to transfusion safety. In this study, the ability of the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets and THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma pathogen inactivation systems to inactivate these viruses in platelet concentrates and plasma, respectively, was investigated.Materials and methodsBlood products were spiked with SARS‐CoV, CCHFV or NiV, and then treated with increasing doses of UVC light (THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets) or with methylene blue (MB) plus increasing doses of visible light (MB/light; THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma). Samples were taken before and after treatment with each illumination dose and tested for residual infectivity.ResultsTreatment with half to three‐fourths of the full UVC dose (0·2 J/cm2) reduced the infectivity of SARS‐CoV (≥3·4 log), CCHFV (≥2·2 log) and NiV (≥4·3 log) to the limit of detection (LOD) in platelet concentrates, and treatment with MB and a fourth of the full light dose (120 J/cm2) decreased that of SARS‐CoV (≥3·1 log), CCHFV (≥3·2 log) and NiV (≥2·7 log) to the LOD in plasma.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that both THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets (UVC) and THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma (MB/light) effectively reduce the infectivity of SARS‐CoV, CCHFV and NiV in platelet concentrates and plasma, respectively.
Viral opportunistic infections in Mauritian cynomolgus macaques undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation mirror human transplant infectious disease complications
Authors: Wu Helen L. , Weber Whitney C. , Shriver‐Munsch Christine , Swanson Tonya , Northrup Mina , Price Heidi , Armantrout Kimberly , Robertson‐LeVay Mitchell , Reed Jason S. , Bateman Katherine B. , Mahyari Eisa , Thomas Archana , Junell Stephanie L. , Hobbs Theodore R. , Martin Lauren D. , MacAllister Rhonda , Bimber Benjamin N. , Slifka Mark K. , Legasse Alfred W. , Moats Cassandra , Axthelm Michael K. , Smedley Jeremy , Lewis Anne D. , Colgin Lois , Meyers Gabrielle , Maziarz Richard T. , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Stanton Jeffrey J. , Sacha Jonah B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and xenotransplantation are accompanied by viral reactivations and virus‐associated complications resulting from immune deficiency. Here, in a Mauritian cynomolgus macaque model of fully MHC‐matched allogeneic HSCT, we report reactivations of cynomolgus polyomavirus, lymphocryptovirus, and cytomegalovirus, macaque viruses analogous to HSCT‐associated human counterparts BK virus, Epstein‐Barr virus, and human cytomegalovirus. Viral replication in recipient macaques resulted in characteristic disease manifestations observed in HSCT patients, such as polyomavirus‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis and tubulointerstitial nephritis or lymphocryptovirus‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. However, in most cases, the reconstituted immune system, alone or in combination with short‐term pharmacological intervention, exerted control over viral replication, suggesting engraftment of functional donor‐derived immunity. Indeed, the donor‐derived reconstituted immune systems of two long‐term engrafted HSCT recipient macaques responded to live attenuated yellow fever 17D vaccine (YFV 17D) indistinguishably from untransplanted controls, mounting 17D‐targeted neutralizing antibody responses and clearing YFV 17D within 14 days. Together, these data demonstrate that this macaque model of allogeneic HSCT recapitulates clinical situations of opportunistic viral infections in transplant patients and provides a pre‐clinical model to test novel prophylactic and therapeutic modalities.
The study of seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus and an investigation into the lifestyle behaviours of the aborigines in Malaysia
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Alias Haridah , Choy Seow Huey , Goh Xiang Ting , Lee Soo Ching , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian , Kee Boon Pin , Chua Kek Heng , Kamaruzaman Adeeba , Zheng Zizheng , Zhao Qinjian , Wu Ting 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMalaysia is a non‐endemic country for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. However, seroprevalence as high as 50% among samples of aboriginal people were reported over two decades ago. A total of 207 samples collected from seven aboriginal villages in rural settlements across two states in Malaysia were analysed for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Following the detection of anti‐HEV seroprevalence, we organized health outreach to inform and educate the community. Qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals tested positive for anti‐HEV antibodies. Data derived from interviews and observations were used to investigate possible lifestyle behaviours associated with HEV infection. Anti‐HEV IgG was detected in six samples (5.9%) from the village of Dusun Kubur. Qualitative inquiry and observation study revealed poor dietary and household hygiene, contaminated food and water, contact with animal faeces, unsanitary and domestic waste disposal, and wildlife reservoirs could be the contributing factors for transmission and acquisition of HEV infection. Investigation during health outreach is important to provide insights for future empirical research and implementation for improvement of lifestyle behaviours among the aborigines. Managing the risk of HEV infection in the aborigines may reduce the risk of HEV transmission to the local communities.
Vibration Response-Based Fault Diagnosis of Cylindrical Roller Bearing Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Singh Parbant , Harsha S. P. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBearing defects are major causes for rotary machine breakdown; hence, the dynamic behavior of bearing is crucial and important. This paper aims to present the dynamic response of bearing due to various localized defects. To study the parametric effect, three factors such as load, speed, and defect size are chosen. The Box–Behnkan method has been used to get trials to plot response surfaces. A bearing test rig has been used for experimentation with high speed, which is capable of high loading to introduce and simulate industrial application environment. Vibration and torque data have been acquired using high-precision sensors and data acquisition system. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) vibration peak and torque peak-to-peak (P2P) have been taken as the output parameter. It is observed that speed has a significant effect on both outputs and affects the bearing performance more than load. Response surfaces show that a change in load has less impact on vibration amplitude, while small variation of speed considerably increases vibration values. On the other hand, both parameters, load and speed, has a strong impact on peak-to-peak torque.
Quantitative analysis of medical students’ and physicians’ knowledge of degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Waqar Mueez , Wilcock Jane , Garner Jayne , Davies Benjamin , Kotter Mark 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesWe have previously identified a delay in general practitioner (GP) referrals for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an education gap existed for DCM along the GP training pathway by quantitatively assessing training in, and knowledge of, this condition.DesignGap analysis: comparison of DCM to other conditions. Comparators selected on the basis of similar presentation/epidemiology (multiple sclerosis), an important spinal emergency (cauda equina syndrome) and a common disease (diabetes mellitus).SubjectsMedical students, foundation doctors and GP trainees.Primary and secondary outcome measures(1) Assessment of training: quantitative comparison of references to DCM in curricula (undergraduate/postgraduate) and commonly used textbooks (Oxford Handbook Series), to other conditions using modal ranks. (2) Assessment of knowledge: using standardised questions placed in an online question-bank (Passmedicine). Results were presented relative to the question-bank mean (+/−).ResultsDCM had the lowest modal rank of references to the condition in curricula analysis and second lowest modal rank in textbook analysis. In knowledge analysis questions were attempted 127 457 times. Performance for DCM questions in themes of presentation (+6.1%), workup (+0.1%) and management (+1.8%) were all greater than the question-bank mean and within one SD. For students and junior trainees, there was a serial decrease in performance from presentation and workup (−0.7% to +10.4% relative to question-bank mean) and management (−0.6% to −3.9% relative to question-bank mean).ConclusionsAlthough infrequently cited in curricula and learning resources, knowledge relating to DCM was above average. However, knowledge relating to its management was relatively poor.
Evaluation of iLead, a generic implementation leadership intervention: mixed-method preintervention–postintervention design
Authors: Richter Anne , Lornudd Caroline , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Lundmark Robert , Mosson Rebecca , Eskner Skoger Ulrika , Hirvikoski Tatja , Hasson Henna 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to evaluate the iLead intervention and to investigate whether or not transfer of training can be supported by contextualising the intervention (recruiting all managers from one branch of the organisation while focusing on one implementation case, as well as training senior management).DesignA pre-evaluation–postevaluation design was applied using mixed methods with process and effect surveys and interviews to measure the effects on three levels.SettingHealthcare managers from Stockholm’s regional healthcare organisation were invited to the training.Participants52 managers participated in the iLead intervention. Group 1 consisted of 21 managers from different organisations and with different implementation cases. Group 2, representing the contextualised group, consisted of 31 managers from the same organisation, working on the same implementation case, where senior management also received training.InterventioniLead is an intervention where healthcare managers are trained in implementation leadership based on the full-range leadership model.Primary outcome measuresReactions, knowledge and implementation leadership are measured.ResultsQuantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that iLead was perceived to be of high quality and capable of increasing participants’ knowledge. Mixed effects were found regarding changes in behaviours. The contextualisation did not have a boosting effect on behaviour change. Hence, group 2 did not increase its active implementation leadership in comparison with group 1.ConclusionsiLead introduces a new approach to how implementation leadership can be trained when knowledge of effective leadership for implementations is combined with findings on the importance of environmental factors for the transfer of training. Even though managers reported general positive effects, transfer was not facilitated through the contextualisation of the intervention. There is a need to further develop approaches to help participants subsequently apply the learnt skills in their work environment.
Quality of care in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease transferring between healthcare providers: multicentre audit
Authors:   GLINT Research Network, Ahmad Omer F , Ayubi Homira , Clough Jennie , Dart Robin , Gadhok Radha , Pannick Samuel , Parkes Gareth , Pavlidis Polychronis , Segal Jonathan , Sellers Penelope 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) predominantly affects young adults at critical socioeconomic periods of their lives. There are no studies examining the process of transfer of care for adult patients with IBD changing healthcare providers. Our aims were to assess the quality of referral information provided when patients with an established IBD diagnosis transfer care between heathcare providers and to assess the impact of referral quality on patient outcome.MethodsRetrospective data pertaining to IBD transfer of care referrals were collected from 16 hospitals across London over a 2-month period. Data were collected on patient demographics, source and content of referral and cross-referenced with an established transfer of care checklist. Patient outcome within the 6 months following transfer was also documented.Results154 cases were identified, over half of which transferred due to patient relocation. Details included in transfer letters were in many cases incomplete. In over 70% of cases, the letter came from primary care, including when a tertiary opinion was sought. Although referrals from primary care contained fewer patient data points, there was no association with poor patient outcomes at 6 months.ConclusionThis is the first study examining the quality of transfer of care in adult patients with IBD. We highlighted a significant and underreported issue and found that the majority of referrals were led by primary care. Though the inclusion in the referral of fewer data points was not associated with poor outcomes, we highlighted an area where gastroenterologists might take more responsibility to provide smooth and robust transfer of care.