bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Ralstonia solanacearum type III secretion system is dependent on a novel type 4 pili (T4P) assembly protein (TapV) but is T4P independent
Authors: Zhang Yong , Han Liangliang , Zhang Lichun , Xu Changzheng , Shi Xiaojun , Hikichi Yasufumi , Ohnishi Kouhei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractType IV pili (T4P) are virulence factors in various pathogenic bacteria of animals and plants that play important roles in twitching motility, swimming motility, biofilm formation, and adhesion to host cells. Here, we genetically characterized functional roles of a putative T4P assembly protein TapV (Rsc1986 in reference strain GMI1000) and its homologue Rsp0189, which shares 58% amino acid identity with TapV, in Ralstonia solanacearum. Deletion of tapV, but not rsp0189, resulted in significantly impaired twitching motility, swimming motility, and adhesion to tomato roots, which are consistent as phenotypes of the pilA mutant (a known R. solanacearum T4P‐deficient mutant). However, unlike the pilA mutant, the tapV mutant produced more biofilm than the wild‐type strain. Our gene expression studies revealed that TapV, but not Rsp0189, is important for expression of a type III secretion system (T3SS, a pathogenicity determinant of R. solanacearum) both in vitro and in planta, but it is T4P independent. We further revealed that TapV affected the T3SS expression via the PhcA–TapV–PrhG–HrpB pathway, consistent with previous reports that PhcA positively regulates expression of pilA and prhG. Moreover, deletion of tapV, but not rsp0189, significantly impaired the ability to migrate into and colonize xylem vessels of host plants, but there was no alteration in intercellular proliferation of R. solanacearum in tobacco leaves, which is similar to the pilA mutant. The tapV mutant showed significantly impaired virulence in host plants. This is the first report on the impact of T4P components on the T3SS, providing novel insights into our understanding of various biological functions of T4P and the complex regulatory pathway of T3SS in R. solanacearum.
Scoring methods used in the dietary variety score survey to predict malnutrition among older patients receiving home care
Authors: Yamamoto Kaoru , Tsuji Taeko , Yamasaki Kazuyo , Momoki Chika , Yasui Yoko , Habu Daiki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe dietary variety score (DVS), a simple dietary survey method for older adults, investigates the weekly frequency of consumption of the 10 food groups in Japan. The DVS is also associated with nutritional status. The original scoring method applied only to community‐dwelling older adults, not to older patients receiving home care, who have little dietary variety.AimUsing three different scoring methods for the DVS, we examined which method was most likely to reflect the nutritional status of older patients receiving home care.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was carried out on older patients receiving home care. Participant characteristics, the DVS (evaluated using three different scoring methods), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA®‐SF) survey were researched. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to find the cut‐off value for the DVS. Multivariate analysis was performed, with malnutrition as the outcome, to investigate the extent to which the DVS is associated with malnutrition.ResultsWe studied 317 participants. The DVS could produce significant ROC curves using modified scoring methods A and B (p = .028 and .042) with nutritional status as the outcome. Cut‐off value, sensitivity and specificity were 30 points, 60.9% and 55.9% in modified scoring method A and 5 points, 79.1%, and 35.6% in modified scoring method B. Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis, in Model 1 dysphagia (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.85 [1.70–8.71]) and the DVS of modified scoring method A (2.00 [1.11–3.62]) were significant independent factors. In Model 2, dysphagia (3.57 [1.58–8.07]) and the DVS based on modified scoring method B (2.36 [1.24–4.47]) were significant independent factors.ConclusionsModified scoring method B was found to be most suitable for the dietary assessment of older patients receiving home care.Implications for practiceEven in the absence of registered dietitians, any care staff member who is involved in providing nursing services during home‐visits is capable of administering a dietary survey, when using the easy DVS scoring method.
Ocular axial length and straylight
Authors: Christaras Dimitrios , Rozema Jos J , Ginis Harilaos 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeStraylight refers to an optical phenomenon that takes places in the eye and leads to a deterioration of the retinal image. Past clinical findings suggest an increase of straylight with the eye's axial length, but the aetiology of the phenomenon was unclear. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate, through raytracing, simple geometrical optics, and the well‐established inverse‐angle square law for the angular distribution of straylight, why straylight increases when a myopic eye is corrected with spectacles.MethodsThe angular dependence of straylight is investigated using geometrical optics. An expression relating the eye's 2nd nodal point, the ocular axial length and the eye's straylight parameter S is found. Subsequently, using a model of the human eye, the location of the 2nd nodal point is computed using ray tracing for different axial lengths and refractive corrections. Finally, the results are compared against psychophysical data for the straylight parameter, corrected for the subject's age.ResultsWhen correcting axial myopia using spectacles, the eye's 2nd nodal point shifts towards the retina and away from the scattering plane, leading to an increase in straylight. Meanwhile, straylight should theoretically decrease in hyperopic eyes. Contact lenses keep the 2nd nodal point relative stable, leading to a very minor change in straylight with axial length. Our model has shown good agreement with previously taken straylight measurements in real eyes, explaining the observed change of straylight with ocular axial length.ConclusionWe proposed an explanation for the underlying optical mechanism for the clinically observed increase of straylight with axial myopia, when corrected with glasses. Our model predicts that the increase can be as high as 0.12 log units for a myopic eye with 10 dioptres, which agrees with prior observations.
Melatonin improves rice salinity stress tolerance by NADPH oxidase‐dependent control of the plasma membrane K+ transporters and K+ homeostasis
Authors: Liu Juan , Shabala Sergey , Zhang Jing , Ma Guohui , Chen Dandan , Shabala Lana , Zeng Fanrong , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Zhou Meixue , Venkataraman Gayatri , Zhao Quanzhi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to reveal the mechanistic basis of the melatonin‐mediated amelioration of salinity stress in plants. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that melatonin decreased salt‐induced K+ efflux (a critical determinant of plant salt tolerance) in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and reduced sensitivity of the plasma membrane K+‐permeable channels to hydroxyl radicals. These beneficial effects of melatonin were abolished by NADPH oxidase blocker DPI. Transcriptome analyses revealed that melatonin induced 585 (448 up‐ and 137 down‐regulated) and 59 (54 up‐ and 5 down‐regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the root tip and mature zone, respectively. The most noticeable changes in the root tip were melatonin‐induced increase in the expression of several DEGs encoding respiratory burst NADPH oxidases (OsRBOHA and OsRBOHF), calcineurin B‐like/calcineurin B‐like‐interacting protein kinase (OsCBL/OsCIPK), and calcium‐dependent protein kinase (OsCDPK) under salt stress. Melatonin also enhanced the expression of potassium transporter genes (OsAKT1, OsHAK1, and OsHAK5). Taken together, these results indicate that melatonin improves salt tolerance in rice by enabling K+ retention in roots, and that the latter process is conferred by melatonin scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and a concurrent OsRBOHF‐dependent ROS signalling required to activate stress‐responsive genes and increase the expression of K+ uptake transporters in the root tip.
Antithymocyte globulin in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Infusion time and tolerability
Authors: Sevrin François , Gonzales Fanny , Machuron François , de Berranger Eva , Bruno Benedicte 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAntithymocyte globulin is a major drug in transplantation. rATG has been successfully used to prevent graft‐versus‐host disease in allogeneic HSCT. However, its first infusion is associated with reactions ranging from simple fevers to distributive shocks and may interfere with the transplant conditioning. To evaluate the impact of rATG infusion rate on clinical tolerability, we conducted a retrospective study of all pediatric allogeneic HSCT patients who received rATG (Thymoglobulin®) as part of their conditioning at Lille University Hospital from 2003 to 2018. Until 2012, patients received rATG with a theoretical infusion time of 12 hours (12H group, n = 33). From 2012, they had a theoretical infusion time of 4 hours (4H group, n = 43). Patients from the 12H arm presented more ≥ grade 3 infusion‐related reactions at first dose (70% versus 44%, P = .027), had significantly higher fever (median of 39.6°C versus 39.2°C, P = .002), and needed a greater use of symptomatic treatments. However, they received a slightly higher first dose of rATG (median of 2.7 versus 2.3 mg/kg, P = .042). In view of these results, a rATG infusion time of 4 hours can be a relevant option for pediatric transplant centers to avoid interference with the conditioning regimen and facilitate medical surveillance.
Seasonal variations of epidermal biophysical properties in Kunming, China: A self‐controlled cohort study
Authors: Yang Jianting , Tu Ying , Man Mao‐Qiang , Zhang Yuanjin , Cha Yusi , Fan Xiaoqing , Wang Zixu , Zeng Zixun , He Li 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpidermal biophysical properties can be affected by many factors, including body site, age, gender, ethnicity, disease, temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Information about variation of epidermal biophysical properties with seasons is still limited. In the present study, we determined seasonal variation of epidermal biophysical properties of women in Kunming, China.Materials and MethodsA total of 72 women, aged 22.96 ± 2.11 years, were enrolled in this study. Transepidermal water loss rates (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, sebum content, melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), and L*a* values were measured on the right cheek and the right forearm, using a non‐invasive skin physiological instrument in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter in Kunming, China.ResultsOn the cheek, TEWL, SC hydration, sebum, MI, and L*a* values varied greatly with seasons (P < .05). SC hydration, sebum, MI, and a*value peaked in the summer, but went lowest in winter. In contrast, TEWL and L*value went lowest in summer but peaked in winter. Similarly, SC hydration, MI, and L*value also varied with seasons on the forearm (P < .05). In addition, SC hydration, sebum, MI, EI, and a*value of the cheek were higher than that of the forearm (P < .001), but L*values of the cheek were lower than that of the forearm (P < .001). There were no correlations among TEWL and MI, EI, and L*a*values in any season (P > .05).ConclusionsBoth epidermal permeability barrier function, sebum, and skin pigment in healthy women vary seasons in Kunming, China.
Antecedents of Social Media Usage Status: Examination of Predictiveness of Digital Literacy, Academic Performance, and Fear of Missing Out Variables
Authors: Yildiz Durak Hatice , Seferoğlu Süleyman Sadi 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine predictiveness of digital literacy, academic performance, and fear of missing out (FoMO) variables on social media usage (SMU) status.MethodsThis relational study was conducted with participation of 1,284 students. For collection of the data a self‐description form and also four other different data collection instruments were utilized. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and linear multiple hierarchical regressions analysis.ResultsAt the end of the study, demographic variables were observed to be the most important predictor of SMU experiences. The consequence was reached that digital literacy was the most important variable, which predicted SMU frequencies and use of social media environments with purposes of social interaction, communication, and education. Additionally, FoMO is important in terms of explaining the number of friends/followers in social media environments, and students’ use and usage attitudes of social media environments for the purposes of knowing and being known.ConclusionIn this study, the relationship among the age variable and SMU frequencies and use of social media environments for the purpose of knowing and to be known and for the purpose of education came out to be in a negative direction. In line with these consequences, some practical suggestions can be made on SMU patterns.
Are Clostridioides difficile infections being overdiagnosed in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients?
Authors: Ford Clyde D. , Lopansri Bert K. , Coombs Jana , Webb Brandon J. , Asch Julie , Hoda Daanish 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundBecause both diarrhea due to other causes and gastrointestinal colonization with toxigenic Clostridioides difficile are common in HSCT, there is a possibility of false‐positive diagnoses of C difficile infections (CDI).MethodsWe estimated the probability of a patient being colonized by toxigenic C difficile by testing non‐diarrheal surveillance stools from 223 HSCT recipients and the probability that a specimen submitted for C difficile testing was not CDI by determining the number of clinical tests that returned negative from this cohort. The number of expected false‐positive CDI was estimated using these probabilities and compared with observed clinical test results.ResultsThe expected false‐positive and the observed numbers of positive clinical results were similar. The 20 patients diagnosed with CDI were also similar to 142 patients with diarrhea and C difficile‐negative stools in number of stools on day of testing, associated symptoms, and the recorded number of days to formed stools. C difficile colonization was most commonly detected during the first week and CDI during the second. Retrospective analysis of 837 patients showed that 18 stools were submitted for each diagnosis of CDI. Ribotyping of the surveillance samples showed 17 ribotypes.ConclusionsAlthough several assumptions could impact the accuracy of our false‐positive CDI estimates, it appears that many HSCT recipients diagnosed with CDI may actually represent colonized status and an alternative cause of diarrhea. Diagnostic stewardship, including limiting CDI diagnoses to patients with positive toxin and restricting stool submissions to patients with more severe symptoms, may decrease the number of false‐positive diagnoses.
The guaiac‐based fecal occult blood test in healthy dogs: Evaluation of the effects of diet, and the ability of the test to detect fecal occult blood
Authors: Pierini Alessio , Bartoletti Francesca , Lubas George , Gori Eleonora , Marchetti Veronica 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe guaiac‐based fecal occult blood test (gFOBt) has been used for human colorectal cancer screening. It can detect the fecal occult blood (FOB) in dogs after oral administration of 20 mg of hemoglobin/kg body weight of blood and is influenced by diet.ObjectivesThe aims were to evaluate the effect of diet and the ability of gFOBt to detect FOB in healthy dogs after oral administration of autologous blood.MethodsFive healthy dogs were fed Purina Hypoallergenic (HA) and Gastrointestinal (EN) diets. Feces were tested with gFOBt before starting diets and at each defecation (hereafter referred to as fecal collection event) throughout the study period. Every 4 days, increased doses of autologous blood were administered orally. The whole blood of one dog was progressively diluted with a saline solution, and dilutions were directly tested with the gFOBt, until a negative result was found.ResultsTwelve of 185 (6.5%) gFOBt were found to be positive. No associations between diet and gFOBt positivity were found. A significant association was found between the fecal collection event and gFOBt positivity (P < .001) and between doses of blood and gFOBt positivity (P = .048). The lowest dilution ensuring all positive tests was 6.5 µgHgb/mL.ConclusionsThe gFOBt was not influenced by either the HA or EN diets. The gFOBt positivity was associated with the dose of blood and the fecal collection event. However, caution is needed in the interpretation of results due to the lack of an association between gFOBt positivity and increasing doses of blood in the same dog.
Presence ofQacgenes in clinical isolates of methicillin‐resistant and methicillin‐susceptibleStaphylococcus pseudintermediusand their impact on chlorhexidine digluconate susceptibility
Authors: Walker Meagan A. , Singh Ameet , Gibson Tom W. , Rousseau Joyce , Weese J. Scott 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the presence of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) (resistance genes,qac A/B,smr,qacG, andqacJ, in clinical isolates of methicillin‐susceptibleStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MSSP) and methicillin‐resistantS pseudintermedius(MRSP) from dogs and the impact on in vitro chlorhexidine susceptibility.Study designExperimental in vitro study.Sample populationSeventy isolates from dogs colonized or infected with MRSP (n = 50) or MSSP (n = 20).MethodsAgar dilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine digluconate. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence ofQACresistance genes,qacA/B,smr,qacG,and qacJgenes.ResultsOne or moreqacgenes were identified in 52 of 70 (74%) isolates. Overall, there was no association between chlorhexidine MIC and the presence of one or moreqacgenes (P= .85) or the presence ofqacA/B(P= .31),smr(P= .72) orqacJ (P= .93) individually. There was an association betweenqacGand MIC (P= .012), with a median MIC of 1.5 μg/mL for isolates possessing this gene and 1 μg/mL for those not possessing it.ConclusionQuaternary ammonium compound resistance genes were present in MRSP and MSSP isolates. With the exception ofqacG, the presence of these genes was not associated with increased MIC. All isolates exhibited MIC 5000 to 80 000 times lower than the concentration recommended for use.Clinical significanceDespite the presence of QAC genes, chlorhexidine digluconate should be effective against MRSP and MSSP if used correctly.
Examination of Predictive Flame Extinction Boundaries for Bluff Body Stabilized Flames at Elevated Temperature and Pressure Conditions
Authors: Hernandez Candy , McDonell Vincent 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A correlation for the prediction of flame lean extinction limits for premixed combustion systems by Sullivan-Lewis and McDonell is examined. The correlation was developed with the data collected from Sullivan-Lewis' experiments of methane and hydrogen mixtures at elevated temperatures and pressures, similar to gas turbine conditions. Recent flame stability studies have since appeared in literature and has allowed for inspection of the validity of the predictive flame extinction boundary correlation with new data. The blow-off boundary correlation is also examined with previous flame blow off studies with significant variances of parameters compared to the original study used to build the correlation. The data used for comparison differ with fuel type, equivalence ratios, pressures, temperatures, turbulence intensities, and flameholder geometries. The analysis concludes that the predictive flame extinction correlation developed is able to accurately predict a wide range of extinction conditions reported in the literature. However, it is observed that the correlation is not able to fully capture the behavior of the data for conditions in which turbulence intensities are above 5%.
Mechanical Buckling Analysis of Saturated Porous Functionally Graded Elliptical Plates Subjected to In-Plane Force Resting on Two Parameters Elastic Foundation Based on HSDT
Authors: Sharifan Mohammad Hossein , Jabbari Mohsen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this paper, mechanical buckling analysis of a functionally graded (FG) elliptical plate, which is made up of saturated porous materials and is resting on two parameters elastic foundation, is investigated. The plate is subjected to in-plane force and mechanical properties of the plate assumed to be varied through the thickness of it according to three different functions, which are called porosity distributions. Since it is assumed that the plate to be thick, the higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is employed to analyze the plate. Using the total potential energy function and using the Ritz method, the critical buckling load of the plate is obtained and the results are verified with the simpler states in the literature. The effect of different parameters, such as different models of porosity distribution, porosity variations, pores compressibility variations, boundary conditions, and aspect ratio of the plate, is considered and has been discussed in details. It is seen that increasing the porosity coefficient decreases the stiffness of the plate and consequently the critical buckling load will be reduced. Also, by increasing the pores' compressibility, the critical buckling load will be increased. Adding the elastic foundation to the structure will increase the critical buckling load. The results of this study can be used to design more efficient structures in the future.
Flash glucose monitoring reduces glycemic variability and hypoglycemia: real-world data from Spain
Authors: Gomez-Peralta Fernando , Dunn Timothy , Landuyt Katherine , Xu Yongjin , Merino-Torres Juan Francisco 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveObservations in real-world settings support and extend findings demonstrated in randomized controlled trials that show flash glucose monitoring improves glycemic control. In this study, Spain-specific relationships between testing frequency and glycemic parameters were investigated under real-world settings.Research design and methodsDeidentified glucose and user scanning data were analyzed and readers were rank ordered into 20 equal sized groups by daily scan frequency. Glucose parameters were calculated for each group: estimated HbA1c, time below range (<70 and ≤54 mg/dL), within range (70–180 mg/dL), and above range (>180 mg/dL). Glycemic variability (GV) metrics were described and data obtained from sensors in Spain and worldwide were compared.ResultsSpanish users (n=22 949) collected 37.1 million glucose scans, 250 million automatically recorded glucose readings, and checked glucose values via a mean of 13 scans/day. Estimated HbA1c, time below 70 mg/dL, at or below 54 mg/dL, above 180 mg/dL, and GV metrics were significantly lower in the highest compared with lowest scan rate group (39.6 to 3.9 scans/day). Time-in-range was higher for the highest versus lowest scan rate group at 15.6 vs 11.5 hours/day, respectively. GV metrics correlated positively with time below 70 mg/dL, at or below 54 mg/dL, above 180 mg/dL, and negatively with time-in-range. The relationship between glucose metrics and scan rate was similar in Spain and worldwide. However, time in hypoglycemia in Spain was higher in the groups with lower scan rates.ConclusionsAs seen in clinical trials, flash glucose monitoring in real-world settings allows frequent glucose checks. High scan rates are associated with the favorable glycemic markers of increased time-in-range and reduced time in hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and GV. The same trends, with unique nuances, are observed in both Spanish and global data.