bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unintended consequences of programmatic changes to infant and young child feeding practices in Bangladesh
Authors: Tariqujjaman Md. , Rahman Mahfuzur , Luies Sharmin Khan , Karmakar Gobinda , Ahmed Tahmeed , Sarma Haribondhu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBRAC, an international development organization, implemented a home‐fortification programme from 2014 to 2018 in Bangladesh. This study aimed to understand the unintended consequences of programmatic changes that occurred during the implementation of the programme on the prevalence of good infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and other associated factors. We used pooled data from eight cross‐sectional surveys and data from a series of qualitative investigations carried out as part of a mixed‐methods evaluation approach. A total of 6,479 caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months participated in the surveys. The prevalence of good IYCF practices increased from baseline (42.1%) to midline (45.3%), but it decreased at the endline survey (31.9%). Qualitative investigations identified several reasons for low IYCF practices at the programme level, such as the withdrawal of community health worker (CHW) incentives for promoting IYCF, providing incentives for the home‐fortification of micronutrient powder (MNP) and changing the focus from IYCF promotion to MNP promotion. A multivariable generalized estimating equation model for pooled data revealed that caregivers were 28% (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]: 0.72, 95% CI [0.67, 0.78]) less likely to maintain good IYCF practices during the period when CHWs were not incentivized to promote IYCF compared to the period when CHWs were incentivized to promote it. The prevalence of good IYCF practices decreased from both baseline and midline to the endline survey due to the unintended consequences of the programmatic changes. An integrated intervention strategy to promote the home‐fortification of MNP and IYCF could be helpful to avoid unintended negative consequences of programmatic changes.
Evolutionary rate and genetic load in an emblematic Mediterranean tree following an ancient and prolonged population collapse
Authors: Jaramillo‐Correa Juan P. , Bagnoli Francesca , Grivet Delphine , Fady Bruno , Aravanopoulos Filippos A. , Vendramin Giovanni G. , González‐Martínez Santiago C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSevere bottlenecks significantly diminish the amount of genetic diversity and the speed at which it accumulates (i.e., evolutionary rate). They further compromise the efficiency of natural selection to eliminate deleterious variants, which may reach fixation in the surviving populations. Consequently, expanding and adapting to new environments may pose a significant challenge when strong bottlenecks result in genetic pauperization. Herein, we surveyed the patterns of nucleotide diversity, molecular adaptation and genetic load across 177 gene‐loci in a circum‐Mediterranean conifer (Pinus pinea L.) that represents one of the most extreme cases of genetic pauperization in widespread outbreeding taxa. We found very little genetic variation in both hypervariable nuclear microsatellites (SSRs) and gene‐loci, which translated into genetic diversity estimates one order of magnitude lower than those previously reported for pines. Such values were consistent with a strong population decline that began some ~1 Ma. Comparisons with the related and parapatric maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) revealed reduced rates of adaptive evolution (α and ωa) and a significant accumulation of genetic load. It is unlikely that these are the result from differences in mutation rate or linkage disequilibrium between the two species; instead they are the presumable outcome of contrasting demographic histories affecting both the speed at which these taxa accumulate genetic diversity, and the global efficacy of selection. Future studies, and programs for conservation and management, should thus start testing for the effects of genetic load on fitness, and integrating such effects into predictive models.
Systemic microvascular endothelial dysfunction is associated with left ventricular ejection fraction reduction in chronic Chagas disease patients
Authors: Barata Kasal Daniel Arthur , Britto Ademar , Verri Valéria , De Lorenzo Andrea , Tibirica Eduardo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study compares microvascular reactivity (MR) in chronic Chagas disease (CD) patients with healthy individuals, matched for sex and age. In addition, we evaluated the association between MR and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients.MethodsAcetylcholine iontophoresis was performed on the forearm skin, using laser speckle contrast imaging, to evaluate endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Clinical data were obtained from medical records.ResultsThirty‐six patients were compared to 25 healthy individuals (controls). Vasodilation was higher in controls, when compared to patients (p < .0001). There was a significant association between LVEF, stratified into quartiles, and MR (p‐value for linear trend = .002). In addition, there was no difference in MR between patients with normal LVEF and the control group. In patients, MR was independent of the presence of arterial hypertension or diabetes.ConclusionsWe have shown for the first time that the reduction of MR is associated with a decrease of LVEF in a cohort of chronic CD patients. The results were not affected by comorbidities, such as hypertension or diabetes. The evaluation of systemic endothelial function may be useful to tailor therapeutic and preventive approaches, targeted at systolic left ventricular failure associated with chronic CD cardiomyopathy.
MicroRNA156‐mediated changes in leaf composition lead to altered photosynthetic traits during vegetative phase change
Authors: Lawrence Erica H. , Springer Clint J. , Helliker Brent R. , Poethig R. Scott 
Published: October 2020

Summary

Plant morphology and physiology change with growth and development. Some of these changes are due to change in plant size and some are the result of genetically programmed developmental transitions. In this study we investigate the role of the developmental transition, vegetative phase change (VPC), on morphological and photosynthetic changes.

We used overexpression of microRNA156, the master regulator of VPC, to modulate the timing of VPC in Populus tremula × alba, Zea mays, and Arabidopsis thaliana to determine its role in trait variation independent of changes in size and overall age.

Here, we find that juvenile and adult leaves in all three species photosynthesize at different rates and that these differences are due to phase‐dependent changes in specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N but not photosynthetic biochemistry. Further, we found juvenile leaves with high SLA were associated with better photosynthetic performance at low light levels.

This study establishes a role for VPC in leaf composition and photosynthetic performance across diverse species and environments. Variation in leaf traits due to VPC are likely to provide distinct benefits under specific environments; as a result, selection on the timing of this transition could be a mechanism for environmental adaptation.
Endoscopic treatments for GERD
Authors: Kushner Bradley S. , Awad Michael M. , Mikami Dean J. , Chand Bipan B. , Wai Christina J. , Murayama Kenric M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition with increasing prevalence and morbidity in the United States and worldwide. Despite advances in medical and surgical therapy over the last 30 years, gaps remain in the therapeutic profile of options. Flexible upper endoscopy offers the promise of filling in these gaps in a potentially minimally invasive approach. In this concise review, we focus on the plethora of endoluminal therapies available for the treatment of GERD. Therapies discussed include injectable agents, electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter, antireflux mucosectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and endoscopic suturing devices designed to create a fundoplication. As new endoscopic treatments become available, we come closer to the promise of the incisionless treatment of GERD. The known data surrounding the indications, benefits, and risks of these historical, current, and emerging approaches are reviewed in detail.
Enhanced biofilm formation of Streptococcus gordonii with lipoprotein deficiency
Authors: Park Ok‐Jin , Jung Solmin , Park Taehwan , Kim A Reum , Lee Dongwook , Jung Ji Hyun , Seong Seo Ho , Yun Cheol‐Heui , Hyun Han Seung 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Streptococcus gordonii is a commensal Gram‐positive bacterium that acts as an opportunistic pathogen that can cause apical periodontitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia. Biofilm formation of bacteria is important for the initiation and progression of such diseases. Although lipoproteins play key roles in physiological functions, the role of lipoproteins of S. gordonii in its biofilm formation has not been clearly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of lipoproteins of S. gordonii in the bacterial biofilm formation using its lipoprotein‐deficient strain (Δlgt). The S. gordonii Δlgt exhibited increased biofilm formation on the human dentin slices or on the polystyrene surfaces compared to the wild‐type strain, while its growth rate did not differ from that of the wild‐type. In addition, the S. gordonii Δlgt strain exhibited the enhanced LuxS mRNA expression and AI‐2 production, which is known to be a positive regulator of biofilm formation, compared to the wild‐type. Concordantly, the augmented biofilm formation of S. gordonii Δlgt was attenuated by an AI‐2 inhibitor, D‐ribose. In addition, lipoproteins from purified S. gordonii inhibited the biofilm formation of S. gordonii wild‐type and Δlgt. Taken together, these results suggest that lipoprotein‐deficient S. gordonii form biofilms more effectively than the wild‐type strain, which might be related to the AI‐2 quorum‐sensing system.
Understanding sunscreen and photoprotection misinformation on parenting blogs: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Tamminga Mila A. , Lipoff Jules B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesSun exposure during childhood is a modifiable risk factor for skin cancer. Social media (including parenting blogs) represent promising platforms for understanding misinformation about pediatric photoprotection. This study's objective was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the digital social context of parenting blogs that shape parents' decisions about children's photoprotection.MethodsMixed‐method analysis was conducted of the 25 most popular parenting blogs in the USA, including 56 blog posts addressing photoprotection and 2661 comments. An inductive method was used to code and identify key themes associated with blog post categorization as sunscreen‐encouraging, ‐discouraging, and ‐ambivalent. The qualitative analysis program NVivo was used to calculate descriptive statistics for comment codes based on co‐occurrence with blog post category.ResultsSunscreen‐discouraging posts addressed natural remedies, sunscreen recipes, and vitamin D. Sunscreen‐encouraging posts focused on skin cancer and protective clothing. Sunscreen‐ambivalent posts were associated with scientific studies. Sunscreen‐discouraging posts received more comments (mean 124) than encouraging (31) or ambivalent posts (8). Discouraging (65%) and ambivalent posts (75%) cited scientific literature more often than encouraging posts (14%). Comments were twice as likely to discourage photoprotection as to encourage it (1340 vs 447 comments).ConclusionsParenting blogs are a substantial resource of both information and misinformation on pediatric photoprotection. However, misinformation receives substantially more engagement. The themes revealed in this study may help physicians and public health officials in developing interventions to target misinformation around pediatric photoprotection.
Drought and salinity: A comparison of their effects on the ammonium‐preferring species Spartina alterniflora
Authors: Hessini Kamel , Jeddi Kaouthar , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Cruz Cristina 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDrought and salinity are the most serious environmental factors affecting crop productivity worldwide; hence, it is important to select and develop both salt‐ and drought‐tolerant crops. The perennial smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Loisel is unusual in that it is highly salt‐tolerant and seems to prefer ammonium (NH4+) over nitrate (NO3−) as an inorganic N source. In this study, we determined whether Spartina's unique preference for NH4+ enhances performance under salt and drought stress. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to compare the interactive effects of N source, salinity, and low water availability on plant performance (growth and antioxidant metabolism). Drought significantly reduced growth and photosynthetic activity in S. alterniflora, more so with NH4+ than NO3−; in contrast, NH4+ enhanced growth under high salinity. The increased tolerance of S. alterniflora to salt stress in the presence of NH4+ was linked to a high level of antioxidant enzyme activity, combined with low MDA content, EL, and H2O2 production. In contrast, drought stress negated the growth advantages for S. alterniflora exposed to salt stress in the presence of NH4+. The susceptibility of S. alterniflora to drought was partly due to reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby reducing the defense against the oxidative damages induced by osmotic stress. In conclusion, in contrast to salt stress, drought stress negates the beneficial effects of ammonium as an N source in the C4 plant Spartina alterniflora.
A maize calcineurin B‐like interacting protein kinase ZmCIPK42 confers salt stress tolerance
Authors: Chen Xunji , Chen Guo , Li Jianping , Hao Xiaoyan , Tuerxun Zumuremu , Chang Xiaochun , Gao Shengqi , Huang Quansheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCalcineurin B‐like (CBL) and CBL‐interacting protein kinase (CIPK) play a crucial role in biotic and abiotic stress responses. However, the roles of different CIPKs in biotic and abiotic stress responses are less well characterized. In this study, we identified a mutation leading to an early protein termination of the maize CIPK gene ZmCIPK42 that undergoes a G to A mutation at the coding region via searching for genes involved in salt stress tolerance and ion homeostasis from maize with querying the EMS mutant library of maize B73. The mutant zmcipk42 plants have less branched tassel and impaired salt stress tolerance at the seedling stage. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that ZmCIPK42was expressed in diverse tissues and was induced by NaCl stress. A yeast two‐hybrid screen identified a proteinase inhibitor (ZmMPI) as well as calcineurin B‐like protein 1 and protein 4 (ZmCBL1, ZmCBL4) as interaction partners of ZmCIPK42. These interactions were further confirmed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation in plant cells. Moreover, over‐expressing ZmCIPK42 resulted in enhanced tolerance to high salinity in both maize and Arabidopsis. These findings suggest that ZmCIPK42 is a positive regulator of salt stress tolerance and is a promising candidate gene to improve salt stress tolerance in maize through genetic manipulation.
Characterization of the Salt Overly Sensitive pathway genes in sugarcane under salinity stress
Authors: Brindha Chinnasamy , Vasantha Srinivasavedantham , Raja Arun K. , Tayade Arjun S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway is a crucial ion homeostasis process in crop plants trafficking excess Na+ ions for elimination/sequestration. The SOS pathway genes SOS1 (Na+/H+ antiporter), SOS2 (CIPK), and SOS3 (CBL) associated with ion homeostasis were isolated and characterized in the sugarcane clone Co 85019. The isolated genes had a coding region of 1086, 904, and 636 bp, respectively. A nucleotide blast analysis of the isolated SOS gene sequences showed strong similarity with previous genes found to be involved in the active functioning of the SOS pathway for ion homeostasis conferring salinity tolerance in sugarcane. The analysis of tissue specific gene expression of the identified SOS genes revealed a significant linear increase in the leaves under the first 96 h of salt stress (2.5‐ to 21.6‐fold) in the tolerant genotype Co 85019, while the expression in the roots showed a linear increase up to 48 h and thereafter a gradual decline. The expression of SOS genes in the susceptible genotype (Co 97010) was significantly lower than in the tolerant genotype. Tissue ion content analysis also revealed a differential accumulation of Na+ and K+ ions in the contrasting sugarcane genotypes (Co 85019 and Co 97010) and this corroborates the varied expressions of SOS genes between the tolerant and susceptible varieties under salinity. Genome‐wide analysis of identified SOS family genes showed the homologs in Saccharum complex members, Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays, and this verifies a close genetic similarity among these genera.
Physical and geochemical record of an early Eocene carbon‐cycle perturbation on a turbiditic continental margin
Authors: Martínez‐Braceras Naroa , Payros Aitor , Arostegi Javier , Dinarès‐Turell Jaume 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMultivariate analysis of the elemental composition of hemipelagic sedimentary successions has provided invaluable information about palaeoenvironmental evolution, including records of short‐lived Eocene hyperthermal events. However, few studies have analyzed the sedimentary record of these climatic events in turbidite‐rich continental margin successions. In order to test the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques (factor and cluster analysis) in palaeonvironmental and palaeoclimatic research on turbiditic successions, the lowermost Eocene Solondota section, which accumulated on the North Iberian continental margin, was studied. A prominent negative carbon isotope excursion from Solondota was correlated with the Ypresian (early Eocene) hyperthermal event J, also known as C24n.2rH1. High‐resolution sedimentological, geochemical (stable isotopes, major and trace elements) and mineralogical (bulk and clay mineralogy) data show that multivariate statistical analysis helps to manage large‐sized quantitative datasets objectively, avoiding arbitrary choice of representative elements and identifying environmental factors (virtual variables) that may not be evident otherwise. Variations in major and minor elements from hemipelagic carbonates across the Solondota carbon isotope excursion suggest a temporarily more humid continental climate, which caused increased terrigenous material input into the marine environment. The finer grained fraction boosted hemipelagic carbonate dilution, whereas the coarser grained sediment was transported by temporarily more frequent and voluminous turbidity currents. Thus, the results from the Solondota carbon isotope excursion revealed similarities with deep marine records of other early Eocene minor hyperthermal events. This demonstrates the validity of deep‐marine turbiditic successions for providing reliable sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical records of global palaeoclimatic significance, complementing the information obtained from other sedimentary environments. Furthermore, the generally expanded nature of turbiditic successions can potentially provide palaeoclimatic information at very high resolution, enriching, and perhaps improving, the commonly condensed and sometimes discontinuous record of hemipelagic‐only successions.
OsWUS promotes tiller bud growth by establishing weak apical dominance in rice
Authors: Xia Tianyu , Chen Hongqi , Dong Sujun , Ma Zeyang , Ren Haibo , Zhu Xudong , Fang Xiaohua , Chen Fan 
Published: October 2020

SummaryTwo branching strategies are exhibited in crops: enhanced apical dominance, as in maize; or weak apical dominance, as in rice. However, the underlying mechanism of weak apical dominance remains elusive. OsWUS, an ortholog of Arabidopsis WUSCHEL (WUS) in rice, is required for tiller development. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a low‐tillering mutant decreased culm number 1 (dc1) that resulted from loss‐of‐function of OsWUS. The dc1 tiller buds are viable but repressed by the main culm apex, leading to stronger apical dominance than that of the wild‐type (WT). Auxin response is enhanced in the dc1 mutant, and knocking out the auxin action‐associated gene ABERRANT SPIKELET AND PANICLE 1 (ASP1) de‐repressed growth of the tiller buds in the dc1 mutant, suggesting that OsWUS and ASP1 are both involved in outgrowth of the rice tiller bud. Decapitation triggers higher contents of cytokinins in the shoot base of the dc1 mutant compared with those in the WT, and exogenous application of cytokinin is not sufficient for sustained growth of the dc1 tiller bud. Transcriptome analysis indicated that expression levels of transcription factors putatively bound by ORYZA SATIVA HOMEOBOX 1 (OSH1) are changed in response to decapitation and display a greater fold change in the dc1 mutant than that in the WT. Collectively, these findings reveal an important role of OsWUS in tiller bud growth by influencing apical dominance, and provide the basis for an improved understanding of tiller bud development in rice.
Comparison of two nucleic acid amplification technology systems for detection of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Coleman Charl , Lelie Nico , Rademeyer Ronel , van Drimmelen Harry , van den Berg Karin , Vermeulen Marion 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are endemic in South Africa while hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is rare. Two nucleic acid amplification technology platforms, the Procleix Ultrio Elite assay on the Panther instrument (Elite) and the cobas MPX assay on the cobas 6800 or 8800 system (MPX), are used worldwide. In 2015 these were evaluated in South African context.Study Design and MethodsThe sensitivity of HIV, HBV, and HCV was evaluated using reference panels and 2‐fold dilutions of 51 positive plasma samples tested in 12 to 24 replicates. The 95% and 50% lower limits of detection (LOD) were estimated by probit analysis and window period (WP) risk days by the Weusten model. Specificity was established by testing 3646 blood donations individually and instrument performance by evaluating all runs.ResultsSpecificity was 99.94% for MPX and 99.97% for Elite. The following 95% LODs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were estimated for MPX and Elite, respectively: HBV, 17.8 (10.9‐33.9) and 47.9 (29.1‐92.4) cp/mL; HCV, 21.9 (15.3‐34.6) and 13.8 (8.9‐24.0) cp/mL; and HIV, 8.3 (5.5‐14.7) and 10.4 (6.9‐18.2) cp/mL. On SA HBV and HIV dilution panels, relative sensitivity (range) of MPX was 3.20 (1.26‐6.50) and 1.42 (0.26‐2.72) fold higher than Elite. Downtime on cobas 6800 was 26 hours vs 6.6 hours on Panther (P < .001). We estimated infectious WPs for HBV, HCV, and HIV‐1 at 13.8, 1.8, and 2.6 days for Elite and 10.3, 2.1, and 2.4 days for MPX.ConclusionAlthough MPX was significantly more sensitive for HBV, Elite was implemented due to instrument reliability during evaluation.