bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wheat/faba bean intercropping improves physiological and structural resistance of faba bean to fusaric acid stress
Authors: Li Yu , Lv Jiaxing , Zhao Qian , Chen Ling , Dong Yan , Dong Kun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae is the causal agent of fusarium wilt. Fusaric acid (FA), produced by F. oxysporum, plays an important role in the occurrence of disease, and intercropping is an effective measure for control of disease and for improving host resistance in plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical responses, and mechanisms of tissue structure resistance, of intercropped faba beans following exposure to different concentrations of FA. Results demonstrated that intercropping reduced the occurrence of fusarium wilt, and improved faba bean growth and yield. In addition, wheat intercropping significantly reduced red ink absorption of faba bean (33.2%), increased water content (3.1%), and increased activity of the root antioxidant enzymes peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) (26.3% and 2.2.%, respectively). Furthermore, increased lignin content and callose deposition in plant vessels were observed (12.5% and 42.7%, respectively) when subjected to the highest concentration of FA stress (200 mg/L). Intercropping resulted in more intact root cell morphology, increased occurrence of intracellular vacuoles, increased cell wall thickness, and an increase in the number of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Intercropping alleviated the wilting effect of FA on faba bean via enhanced physiological, biochemical, and tissue structure resistance of faba bean root.
Transcriptional variation analysis of Arabidopsis ecotypes in response to drought and salt stresses dissects commonly regulated networks
Authors: Wang Yanping , Fang Zhengfu , Yang Li , Chan Zhulong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSalinity and drought conditions commonly result in osmotic and oxidative stresses, while salinity additionally causes ionic stress. In this study, we identified specific genes regulated by osmotic and ionic stresses in five Arabidopsis ecotypes. Shahdara (SHA) and C24 ecotypes were more tolerant to salt and drought stresses at the seedling growth stage, as evidenced by lower water loss rate, lower electrolyte leakage, and higher survival rate when compared to the other three ecotypes under drought and salinity conditions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 3700 and 2242 genes were differentially regulated by salt and osmotic stresses, respectively. Totally 78.1% of upregulated and 62.0% of downregulated genes by osmotic stress were also commonly regulated by salt stress. Gene ontology term enrichment analysis showed that auxin indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid, cytokinin, and gibberellic acid pathways were regulated by the osmotic stress, while IAA, jasmonic acid, and ethylene pathways were changed by the ionic stress. The nutrient and water uptake pathways were regulated by both the osmotic and ionic stresses, whereas ion transportation and kinase pathways were modulated by the ionic stress. Additionally, we characterized bHLH61 as a negative regulator in response to salt and drought stresses. This study provided new clues of plant responses to salt and drought stresses.
Role of ATP‐binding cassette transporters in maintaining plant homeostasis under abiotic and biotic stresses
Authors: Dahuja Anil , Kumar Ranjeet R. , Sakhare Akshay , Watts Archana , Singh Bhupinder , Goswami Suneha , Sachdev Archana , Praveen Shelly 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters belong to a large protein family predominantly present in diverse species. ABC transporters are driven by ATP hydrolysis and can act as exporters as well as importers. These proteins are localized in the membranes of chloroplasts, mitochondria, peroxisomes and vacuoles. ABC proteins are involved in regulating diverse biological processes in plants, such as growth, development, uptake of nutrients, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, tolerance to metal toxicity, stomatal closure, shape and size of grains, protection of pollens, transport of phytohormones, etc. In mitochondria and chloroplast, the iron metabolism and its transport across the membrane are mediated by ABC transporters. Tonoplast‐localized ABC transporters are involved in internal detoxification of metal ion; thus protecting against the DNA impairment and maintaining cell growth. ABC transporters are involved in the transport of secondary metabolites inside the cells. Microorganisms also engage a large number of ABC transporters to import and expel substrates decisive for their pathogenesis. ABC transporters also suppress the seed embryonic growth until favorable conditions come. This review aims at giving insights on ABC transporters, their evolution, structure, functions and roles in different biological processes for helping the terrestrial plants to survive under adverse environmental conditions. These specialized plant membrane transporters ensure a sustainable economic yield and high‐quality products, especially under unfavorable conditions of growth. These transporters can be suitably manipulated to develop ‘Plants for the Future’.
The function of high‐affinity urea transporters in nitrogen‐deficient conditions
Authors: Beier Marcel P. , Kojima Soichi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUrea is the most used nitrogenous fertilizer worldwide and an important nitrogen‐containing plant metabolite. Despite its major use as fertilizer, its direct uptake is limited due to the ubiquitous presence of bacterial urease, which leads to the formation of ammonium. In this review, we will focus mainly on the more recent research about the high‐affinity urea transporter function in nitrogen‐deficient conditions. The effective use of nitrogenous compounds is essential for plants to be able to deal with nitrogen‐deficient conditions. Leaf senescence, either induced by development and/or by nitrogen deficiency, plays an important role in the efficient use of already assimilated nitrogen. Proteinaceous nitrogen is set free through catabolic reactions: the released amino acids from protein catabilization are in turn catabolized leading to an accumulation of ammonium and urea. The concentration and conversion to transportable forms of nitrogen, e.g. amino acids like glutamine and asparagine, are coordinated around the vascular tissue. Urea itself can be translocated directly over the phloem by a mechanism that involves DUR3, or it is converted by urease to ammonium and assimilated again into amino acids. The details of the high‐affinity transporter function in this physiological context and the implications for crop yield are explained.
The Law Incongruous Ideas of Impeachment: “Impeachable Offenses” and the Constitutional Order
Authors: Sumrall Allen C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDespite a wealth of historical evidence and constitutional, political, and legal theory, impeachment in the United States remains hotly contested and poorly understood. This article argues there is a historical explanation for the confusion. In particular, the confusion stems from two competing ideas about impeachment, one layered atop the other. Constitutionally, impeachment is an important aspect of the separation‐of‐powers system, and a tool Congress can use to remove officials who are shirking their constitutional duties or damaging the polity itself. Soon after the founding, however, a new, competing idea of impeachment began to develop—that of impeachment as a legal device to remove officials who had committed an indictable offense. This idea had roots in civic republican traditions about political opposition being illegitimate. The interplay and tension between these competing ideas can help explain why impeachment politics today is both so fraught with tension and poorly understood.
Physical ability and comorbidity and oral health among home‐dwelling older people in the Finnish population
Authors: Tiisanoja Antti , Kuukasjärvi Matti , Syrjälä Anna‐Maija , Komulainen Kaija , Knuuttila Matti , Hartikainen Sirpa , Ylöstalo Pekka 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo examine how physical ability and comorbidity associate with oral health.Methods and resultsThe study population comprised 161 individuals belonging to the Oral Health GeMS study. Outcome variables were the number of teeth with dental caries and deepened periodontal pockets and self‐perceived oral health (pain/discomfort in mouth). Physical ability was determined by measuring limitations in daily activities (activities of daily living [ADL] and instrumental activities of daily life [IADL]) and the number of comorbidities with Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI). Poisson's multivariate regression model was used to estimate prevalence rate ratio (PRR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The physical ability or number of comorbidities did not associate consistently with oral diseases, but ADL, IADL and FCI associated all with self‐perceived oral discomfort (PRR: 1.74, CI: 1.01‐3.03; PRR: 1.20, CI: 1.06‐1.35; PRR: 1.20, CI: 1.05‐1.36, respectively). Furthermore, IADL associated also with poor self‐perceived oral health (PRR: 1.27, CI: 1.03‐1.57).ConclusionOlder people with impaired physical ability and comorbidities are more likely to have oral discomfort and have poorer self‐perceived oral health.
Circulating endothelial cells as predictor of long‐term mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Mohandas Rajesh , Diao Yanpeng , Chamarthi Gajapathiraju , Krishnan Suraj , Agrawal Nikhil , Wen Xuerong , Dass Bhagwan , Shukla Ashutosh M. , Gopal Saraswathi , Koç Mehmet , Segal Mark S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCirculating endothelial cells (CEC) are thought to be markers of endothelial injury. We hypothesized that the numbers of CEC may provide a novel means for predicting long‐term survival and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients. 54 hemodialysis patients underwent enumeration of their CEC number. We retrospectively analyzed their survival and incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. 22 deaths (41%) were noted over the median follow up period of 3.56 years (IQR 1.43–12) and 6 were attributed to cardiovascular deaths (11%) of which 1 (4%) was in the low CEC (CEC<20 cells/ml) and 5 (19%) in the high CEC (CEC≥20 cells/ml) group. High CEC was associated with worse cardiovascular survival (p = 0.05) and adverse cardiac events (p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, CEC >20 cells/ml was associated with a 4‐fold increased risk of adverse cardiac events (OR, 4.16 [95% CI,1.38–12.54],p = 0.01) while all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were not statistically different. In this hemodialysis population, a single measurement of CEC was a strong predictor of long term future adverse cardiovascular events. We propose that CEC may be a novel biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients.
Material hardship and suicidal behavior: Associations among parents and non‐parents
Authors: Austin Anna E. , Shanahan Meghan E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionMaterial hardship is unique facet of economic distress and may be a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Parents are more likely to experience both material hardship and suicidal behavior than non‐parents. The aims of this study were to (a) examine the association of material hardship with suicidal behavior and (b) assess whether associations differed for parents and non‐parents.MethodsWe used data from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 10,685). We conducted logistic regression to examine the association of one and two or more material hardships at Wave IV with suicidal behavior at Wave V.ResultsOverall, 38.8% of participants reported material hardship at Wave IV and 7.5% reported suicidal ideation or attempts at Wave V. In the total sample, one material hardship (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.20, 2.06) and two or more material hardships (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.04, 2.21) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among parents, two or more material hardships (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.17, 2.94) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among non‐parents, one material hardship (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.26, 2.59) was associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior.ConclusionsPrograms and policies aimed at addressing material hardship, particularly accumulating material hardships among parents, may be an effective suicide prevention strategy.
The incidence and mechanism of heading in European professional football players over three seasons
Authors: Tierney Gregory J. , Higgins Barry 
Published: December 2020

There are concerns surrounding the risk of neurodegenerative diseases associated with football (soccer) heading. The aim of this study was to conduct analysis on the incidence and mechanism of heading in the “Big 5” professional European football leagues (Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A) and one lower tier professional league (English Championship) from 2016/17 to 2018/19. Match event data from 7147 matches were obtained from Opta Sports data feed. The data were parsed to extract header event details including player position, coordinates on the field, header type and preceding match event (including distance football travelled). Incidence data were reported as headers per match or match headers per player. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) were reported and either the Mann‐Whitney U test or Kruskal‐Wallis test were conducted for comparisons between positions and leagues. In the “Big 5” leagues, the most headers per match occurred during the Premier League (111.2 headers per match). However, the lower tier English Championship had the highest number of headers per match overall (139.0 headers per match). In all leagues, defenders had the greatest median number of match headers per player (P < .001). The highest median distance travelled by the football during a preceding match event was for goal kicks (57.5 m; IQR 53.7‐61.1). The findings add necessary information for current longitudinal studies aiming to understand the potential link between football heading and neurodegenerative diseases. These studies should account for league, playing position, and level of play.
Fluctuations in cardiac stroke volume during rowing
Authors: Sejersen Casper , Fischer Mads , Mattos João D. , Volianitis Stefanos , Secher Niels H. 
Published: December 2020

Preload to the heart may be limited during rowing because both blood pressure and central venous pressure increase when force is applied to the oar. Considering that only the recovery phase of the rowing stroke allows for unhindered venous return, rowing may induce large fluctuations in stroke volume (SV). Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate SV continuously during the rowing stroke. Eight nationally competitive oarsmen (mean ± standard deviation: age 21 ± 2 years, height 190 ± 9 cm, and weight 90 ± 10 kg) rowed on an ergometer at a targeted heart rate of 130 and 160 beats per minute. SV was derived from arterial pressure waveform by pulse contour analysis, while ventilation and force on the handle were measured. Mean arterial pressure was elevated during the stroke at both work rates (to 133 ± 10 [P < .001] and 145 ± 11 mm Hg [P = .024], respectively). Also, SV fluctuated markedly during the stroke with deviations being largest at the higher work rate. Thus, SV decreased by 27 ± 10% (31 ± 11 mL) at the beginning of the stroke and increased by 25 ± 9% (28 ± 10 mL) in the recovery (P = .013), while breathing was entrained with one breath during the drive of the stroke and one prior to the next stroke. These observations indicate that during rowing cardiac output depends critically on SV surges during the recovery phase of the stroke.
Effect of eHealth to increase physical activity in healthy adults over 55 years: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Núñez de Arenas‐Arroyo Sergio , Cavero‐Redondo Ivan , Alvarez‐Bueno Celia , Sequí‐Domínguez Irene , Reina‐Gutiérrez Sara , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente 
Published: December 2020

To estimate the effect of eHealth interventions on increasing physical activity (PA) in healthy adults over 55 years, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus databases were searched, from inception to February 2020, for experimental studies reporting the effect of eHealth interventions on steps/day, daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA min/day), PA min/week, and MVPA min/week among adults over 55 years. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute a pooled effect size (ES) estimate and the respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Eighteen studies were included in this meta‐analysis with adults whose age ranged from 58 to 74.2 years. The interventions lasted between four and 52 weeks. The ES estimates of eHealth interventions on increasing PA were 0.59 (95% CI: 0.15‐1.02) for steps/day, 0.49 (95% CI: 0.17‐0.80) for daily MVPA, 0.13 (95% CI: 0.01‐0.24) for total weekly PA and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.13‐0.48) for weekly MVPA. Considering clinical improvements, the mean change difference estimates were an increase of 1616.28 steps/day (95% CI: 386.25‐2846.31), 7.41 minutes of daily MVPA (95% CI: 3.24‐11.57), 40.54 minutes of total weekly PA (95% CI: −8.71 to 89.79) and 56.35 minutes of weekly MVPA (95% CI: 17.43‐95.27). In conclusion, eHealth interventions are effective in increasing PA levels among adults over 55 years, resulting in increased steps/day, MVPA min/day, PA min/week and MVPA min/week.
Medical student‐led simulation in COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Ekert Justyna O. , Luchesa Smith Aphra , Ramsey Charlotte L. , Robinson Nathan , Love Jack , Gothard Philip , Armitage Alice Jane 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSimulation training is an effective tool for improving confidence in healthcare workers. During the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, large numbers of staff required re‐training to manage unfamiliar situations. We present a set of medical student‐led clinical simulation sessions and evaluate their effects on (i) confidence among redeployed healthcare workers managing COVID‐19 patients and (ii) medical students’ confidence as educators.MethodsHalf‐day simulation training sessions consisting of three COVID‐related clinical scenarios were devised by senior medical students and delivered to a group of approximately 150 healthcare workers over six repeated sessions prior to redeployment to COVID‐19 wards. We distributed an anonymous pre‐ and post‐simulation questionnaire to 36 participants in the final group exploring their experiences. The confidence scores were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Following the delivery of teaching, medical students completed a questionnaire assessing their personal experiences of designing and delivering the exercises.ResultsData are available for 35/36 participants approached. Respondents reported being significantly more confident after the training in all aspects of managing COVID‐19 patients, including triage, complex discharge, recognising deterioration, initiating basic life support, managing symptoms and advising on visiting policies (p < 0.001); 97% of respondents rated the training as useful. Thematic analysis of medical students’ responses demonstrated mutual benefit.DiscussionThis study demonstrates the strengths of simulation training in helping to build staff confidence in a rapidly evolving situation and highlights the value of medical students in supporting a hospital’s response to an outbreak. We recommend further studies of student‐led simulation exercises, including longer‐term follow‐up.
An evaluation of PJP prophylaxis and anemia among renal transplant recipients
Authors: Hedvat Jessica , Poladi Neha , Salerno David M. , Dube Geoffrey K. , Lange Nicholas W. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDapone and atovaquone are therapeutic options for PJP prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of anemia in renal transplant recipients receiving these agents.MethodsThis is an IRB‐approved, retrospective analysis of adult renal transplant recipients who received either dapsone or atovaquone. The primary endpoint was the change in hemoglobin within 90 days of drug initiation. Other endpoints of interest included incidence and management of anemia at multiple time points post‐transplant. Categorical variables were compared with Pearson's chi‐squared or Fischer's exact test and continuous data were compared utilizing Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 14.2.ResultsA total of 478 patients were screened for inclusion; 50 patients were evaluated in both the dapsone and atovaquone groups. In the dapsone and atovaquone groups, the median age was 52 and 50.5 years, 44% and 42% were Caucasian, and median time to treatment initiation was 27 and 39 days post‐transplant, respectively. All patients receiving dapsone had normal G6PD function. There was no difference in baseline hemoglobin between groups (9.7 g/dL vs 9.8 g/dL, P = .83). The median nadir hemoglobin values were 8.6 g/dL and 9.6 g/dL in the dapsone and atovaquone groups, respectively (P = .047). The median decrease in hemoglobin from baseline to nadir was 1.3 g/dL in dapsone patients and 0.2 g/dL in atovaquone patients (P = .001). Dapsone was discontinued in 46% of patients, whereas atovaquone was discontinued in 18% (P = .001).ConclusionAmong renal transplant recipients with normal G6PD activity, dapsone is associated with greater hemoglobin reductions and rates of drug discontinuation as compared to atovaquone.
Reconstitution of oxaloacetate metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: discovery of important factors that directly affect the conversion of oxaloacetate
Authors: Ito Shoki , Hakamada Takumi , Ogino Tatsumi , Osanai Takashi 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYThe tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is one of the most important metabolic pathways in nature. Oxygenic photoautotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria, have an unusual TCA cycle. The TCA cycle in cyanobacteria contains two unique enzymes that are not part of the TCA cycle in other organisms. In recent years, sustainable metabolite production from carbon dioxide using cyanobacteria has been looked at as a means to reduce the environmental burden of this gas. Among cyanobacteria, the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis 6803) is an optimal host for sustainable metabolite production. Recently, metabolite production using the TCA cycle in Synechocystis 6803 has been carried out. Previous studies revealed that the branch point of the oxidative and reductive TCA cycles, oxaloacetate metabolism, plays a key role in metabolite production. However, the biochemical mechanisms regulating oxaloacetate metabolism in Synechocystis 6803 are poorly understood. Concentrations of oxaloacetate in Synechocystis 6803 are extremely low, such that in vivo analysis of oxaloacetate metabolism does not seem realistic. Therefore, using purified enzymes, we reconstituted oxaloacetate metabolism in Synechocystis 6803 in vitro to reveal the regulatory mechanisms involved. Reconstitution of oxaloacetate metabolism revealed that pH, Mg2+ and phosphoenolpyruvate are important factors affecting the conversion of oxaloacetate in the TCA cycle. Biochemical analyses of the enzymes involved in oxaloacetate metabolism in this and previous studies revealed the biochemical mechanisms underlying the effects of these factors on oxaloacetate conversion. In addition, we clarified the function of two l‐malate dehydrogenase isozymes in oxaloacetate metabolism. These findings serve as a basis for various applications of the cyanobacterial TCA cycle.