bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Banana defence responses to Cosmopolites sordidus feeding and methyl jasmonate application
Authors: Bakaze Elyeza , Dzomeku Beloved Mensah , Wünsche Jens‐Norbert 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEach year 25–75% of banana and plantain yields are lost because of rhizome damages caused by banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) in growing regions of sub‐Saharan Africa. However, the specific plant defence response of the rhizome tissue in relation to the C. sordidus attack is unknown. Consequently, in this study, we evaluated whether plant defence substances in the rhizome are correlated with the degree of larval damage and whether applications of methyl jasmonate (MJ) elicit a greater induction of the plant defence potential against C. sordidus. Moreover, we attempted to reveal cellular modifications in response to the root feeding herbivore through histochemical staining. The banana cultivars “Km5” and “Mbwazirume” with tolerance and susceptibility to C. sordidus, respectively, were used in a pot experiment to evaluate percent rhizome damage, leaf chlorophyll content, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity and cell morphology in response to C. sordidus attack and/or MJ applications compared to untreated control plants. We found that C. sordidus‐induced rhizome damage was 30% in the susceptible cultivar but less than 5% in the tolerant cultivar. The percent rhizome damage was not related to leaf chlorophyll content but showed a significant negative linear relationship to both TPC and antioxidant capacity. Larvae feeding induced a considerably greater increase of polyphenolic defence compounds in Km5 than in Mbwazirume; however, this response was opposite in the MJ treatment, suggesting that the phytohormone induced the susceptible plant to invest more into the synthesis of defence chemicals that in turn lead to reduced C. sordidus damage. Tissue staining demonstrated a greater deposition of lignin and suberin in C. sordidus challenged rhizome, presumably to seal off healthy tissue with a physical barrier from continued pest attack. It is concluded that MJ induces polyphenolics in susceptible Mbwazirume banana that reduced C. sordidus damage.
Continuous pulse oximetry during skin‐to‐skin care: An Australian initiative to prevent sudden unexpected postnatal collapse
Authors: Du Plessis Jean , Kirk Michael , Quilatan Myra , Mehta Shailender 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo examine the use of continuous pulse oximetry monitoring (CPOM) of newborns as a non‐invasive and non‐intrusive standard of care for promoting early and safe skin‐to‐skin contact between mothers and newborns immediately after birth and to gather acceptability feedback from midwifery staff and mothers.MethodsAll babies receiving skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) had continuous pulse oximetry monitoring (CPOM) for the first‐hour postbirth. Staff were trained with education sessions before implementation. Midwives and mothers were surveyed post‐implementation and again after distribution of an education brochure regarding CPOM.ResultsSeventy per cent of midwives and 66% of mothers responded to the survey. The majority of midwives received the practice positively and felt reassured by the use of CPOM in the immediate postpartum period. The survey identified gaps in maternal knowledge of the risk and benefits of SSC which improved significantly after the distribution of the educational brochure (P = .01).ConclusionContinuous pulse oximetry monitoring with a compact monitor in the first‐hour postbirth is a simple, non‐invasive and innovative approach to enhance safe skin‐to‐skin care by improving vigilance of newborns. Our study confirmed the acceptance of such approach by midwives and mothers in our population.
Comparison of the clinical phenotype and haematological course of siblings with Fanconi anaemia
Authors: Jung Moonjung , Mehta Parinda A. , Jiang Caroline S. , Rosti Rasim O. , Usleaman Gabriel , Correa da Rosa Joel M. , Lach Francis P. , Goodridge Erica , Auerbach Arleen D. , Davies Stella M. , Smogorzewska Agata , Boulad Farid 
Published: August 2020

SummaryFanconi anaemia (FA) is a genetic disorder due to mutations in any of the 22 FANC genes (FANCA–FANCW) and has high phenotypic variation. Siblings may have similar clinical outcome because they share the same variants; however, such association has not been reported. We present the detailed phenotype and clinical course of 25 sibling sets with FA from two institutions. Haematological progression significantly correlated between siblings, which was confirmed in an additional 55 sibling pairs from the International Fanconi Anemia Registry. Constitutional abnormalities were not concordant, except for a moderate degree of concordance in kidney abnormalities and microcephaly.
Reading Disability in Chinese Children Learning English as an L2
Authors: Cao Fan , Yan Xiaohui , Yan Xin , Zhou Haiyan , Booth James R. 
Published: August 2020

To examine whether there are common or specific deficits of reading disability (RD) in first (L1) and second languages (L2), Chinese children (9–11 years, N = 76) with or without RD who learn English as an L2 were studied during a visual word rhyming judgment task. Evidence was found for common deficits in L1 and L2 in visuo‐orthographic processes in left inferior temporal gyrus and left precuneus, as well as in phonological processes in left dorsal inferior frontal gyrus as children with RD showed less activation than controls in both languages. Furthermore, the visuo‐orthographic deficit appears to be a RD effect, whereas the phonological deficit appears to be a reading/performance effect. Some weak evidence for language specific effects was also found.
Compatibility Effects in Young Children's Tool Use: Learning and Transfer
Authors: Beisert Miriam , Daum Moritz M. 
Published: August 2020

An inherent component of tool‐use actions is the transformation of the user's operating movement into the desired effect. In this study, the relevance of this transformation for young children's learning of tool‐use actions was investigated. Sixty‐four children at the age of 27–30 months learned to use levers which either simply extended (compatible transformation) or reversed (incompatible transformation) their operating movements. Data revealed a compatibility effect as well as transfer effects originating from the two different types of transformations. Furthermore, results suggest that young children's tool‐use learning is not a uniform process, but has to be regarded individually depending on the type of transformation.
The Relation Between Preschoolers’ Vocabulary Development and Their Ability to Predict and Recognize Words
Authors: Gambi Chiara , Jindal Priya , Sharpe Sophie , Pickering Martin J. , Rabagliati Hugh 
Published: August 2020

By age 2, children are developing foundational language processing skills, such as quickly recognizing words and predicting words before they occur. How do these skills relate to children’s structural knowledge of vocabulary? Multiple aspects of language processing were simultaneously measured in a sample of 2‐to‐5‐year‐olds (N = 215): While older children were more fluent at recognizing words, at predicting words in a graded fashion, and at revising incorrect predictions, only revision was associated with concurrent vocabulary knowledge once age was accounted for. However, an exploratory longitudinal follow‐up (N = 55) then found that word recognition and prediction skills were associated with rate of subsequent vocabulary development, but revision skills were not. We argue that prediction skills may facilitate language learning through enhancing processing speed.
Constructions of ‘the ageless’ asylum seekers: An analysis of how age is understood among professionals working within the norwegian immigration authorities
Authors: Sørsveen Aurora T. , Ursin Marit 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article explores how professionals within the Norwegian immigration authorities conceptualise age when doing non‐medical age assessments. By using social constructivism, which challenges an ethnocentric quantifying understanding of age, we delve into how socially constructed perceptions of childhood and adulthood manifest in assessment practices and the implications of these. By examining how applicants’ physical appearance, body language and life experience are used as an assessment basis, we argue that the ways age is conceptualised relate to Western ideas and ideals while overlooking other social and cultural backgrounds in which age is embedded.
Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of two‐pore domain potassium channel TREK‐1 alters depression‐related behaviors and neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus in mice
Authors: Wu Fangfang , Sun Hongbin , Gong Weigang , Li Xiaoli , Pan Zhaohui , Shan Han , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe two‐pore domain potassium channel TREK‐1 is a member of background K+ channels that are thought to provide baseline regulation of membrane excitability. Recent studies have highlighted the putative role of TREK‐1 in the action of antidepressants, and its antagonists might be potentially effective antidepressants. However, the mechanisms underlying the actions of TREK‐1 are not yet fully understood.MethodsThe expression of TREK‐1 was examined in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) using immunoblotting. Neuron‐specific genetic manipulation of TREK‐1 was performed through adeno‐associated virus. Behavioral tests were performed to evaluate depression‐related behaviors. Electrophysiological recordings were used to evaluate synaptic plasticity. Golgi staining was used to examine neuroplasticity.ResultsTREK‐1 expression was increased in the mouse hippocampus after CUMS. Knockdown of TREK‐1 in hippocampal neurons significantly attenuated depressive‐like behaviors and prevented the decrease of CUMS‐induced synaptic proteins in mice. Further examination indicated that neuron‐specific knockdown of TREK‐1 in the hippocampus prevented stress‐induced impairment of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the CA1 region. Moreover, chronic TREK‐1 inhibition protected against CUMS‐induced depressive‐like behaviors and impairment of synaptogenesis in the hippocampus.ConclusionOur results indicate a role for TREK‐1 in the modulation of synaptic plasticity in a mouse model of depression. These findings will provide insight into the pathological mechanism of depression and further evidence for a novel target for antidepressant treatment.
Leveraging sequence‐based faecal microbial community survey data to identify alterations in gut microbiota among patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ji Tianyi , Huang Hongyan , Liu Jiaxuan , Peng Tian , Zhou Xiazhu , Tan Qin , Yuan Jiaguo , Hua Huan , Ding Songtao , Liu Handeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractParkinson's disease is a common degenerative disease of the elderly. Although the majority of studies have focused on the central nervous system (CNS) features of Parkinson's disease, recent findings suggest there is a functional link between the gut microbiome and the hallmarks of the disease. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and other Chinese and English databases were searched for relevant literature. Studies on changes to intestinal microbiota in Parkinson's patients were retrieved and systematically reviewed. Quality filtering, clustering and species annotation were performed on 16s sequencing raw data from retrieved studies to achieve comparability across studies. Alpha‐diversity indices and a random effect model were used to analyse significantly altered microbiota. A total of nine studies were included in this retrospective analysis, four of which contained raw data. Alpha diversity was significantly different between control and Parkinson's disease patients in two of the four studies. Using the raw data from four individual studies, we observed differences in the phlya Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Additionally, differences were observed between control and Parkinson's disease patients at the level of family (Prevotellacaea and Lactobacillaceae) and genus (Bifidobacterium and Clostridium). This study confirmed that changes in the microbiome are a consistent feature of Parkinson's disease patients and, therefore, may contribute to the onset of disease.
MRGPRX2 signals its importance in cutaneous mast cell biology: Does MRGPRX2 connect mast cells and atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Wang Zhao , Babina Magda 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe discovery of MRGPRX2 marks an important change in MC biology, explaining non‐IgE‐mediated clinical phenomena relying on MCs. As receptor for multiple drugs, MRGPRX2 is crucial to drug‐induced hypersensitivity. However, not only drugs, but also endogenous mediators like neuropeptides and host defense peptides activate MRGPRX2, suggesting its broad impact in cutaneous pathophysiology. Here, we give a brief overview of MRGPRX2 and its regulation by microenvironmental stimuli, which support MCs and can be altered in skin disorders, and briefly touch on the functional programs elicited by MRGPRX2 ligation. Studies in Mrgprb2‐deficient mice (the murine ortholog) help illuminate MRGPRX2's function in health and disease. Recent advances in this model support the long‐suspected operational unit between MCs and nerves, with MRGPRX2 being a vital component. Based on the limited evidence for a major contribution of FcεRI/IgE‐activated MCs to atopic dermatitis (AD), we develop the hypothesis that MRGPRX2 constitutes the missing link connecting MCs and AD, at least in selected endotypes. Support comes from the multifold changes in the MC‐neuronal system of AD skin (eg greater density of MCs and closer connections between MCs and nerves, increased PAR‐2/Substance P). We theorize that these deregulations suffice to initiate AD, but external triggers, many of which activating MRGPRX2 themselves (eg Staphylococcus aureus) further feed into the loop. Itch, the most burdensome hallmark of AD, is mostly non‐histaminergic but tryptase‐dependent, and tryptase is preferentially released upon MRGPRX2 activation. Because MRGPRX2 is a very active research field, some of the existing gaps are likely to be closed soon.
The bright side of co‐opted boards: Evidence from firm innovation
Authors: Nguyen Lily , Vu Le , Yin Xiangkang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study documents a positive and robust effect of co‐opted boards on firm innovation. This effect is mainly driven by co‐opted independent directors. Firms with more co‐opted independent directors are associated with lower sensitivities of CEO pay and turnover to performance. It suggests that co‐opted boards promote innovation by insulating managers’ career concerns from innovation risk and supporting incentive contracts that motivate innovation. Overall, our study provides new evidence on co‐opted boards benefiting firm innovation.
Role for phagocytosis in the prevention of neoplastic transformation in Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Min , Nagaosa Kaz , Nakai Yuji , Yasugi Tetsuo , Kushihiki Masako , Rahmatika Dini , Sato Makoto , Shiratsuchi Akiko , Nakanishi Yoshinobu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractImmunity is considered to be involved in the prevention of cancer. Although both humoral and cellular immune reactions may participate, underlying mechanisms have yet to be clarified. The present study was conducted to clarify this issue using a Drosophila model, in which neoplastic transformation was induced through the simultaneous inhibition of cell‐cycle checkpoints and apoptosis. We first determined the location of hemocytes, blood cells of Drosophila playing a role of immune cells, in neoplasia‐induced and normal larvae, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. When gene expression pattern in larval hemocytes was determined, the expression of immunity‐related genes including those necessary for phagocytosis was reduced in the neoplasia model. We then asked the involvement of phagocytosis in the prevention of neoplasia examining animals where the expression of engulfment receptors instead of apoptosis was retarded. We found that the inhibition of engulfment receptor expression augmented the occurrence of neoplasia induced by a defect in cell‐cycle checkpoints. This suggested a role for phagocytosis in the prevention of neoplastic transformation in Drosophila.
Deformable liposomes as enhancer of caffeine penetration through human skin in a Franz diffusion cell test
Authors: Abd E. , Gomes J. , Sales C. C. , Yousef S. , Forouz F. , Telaprolu K. C. , Roberts M. S. , Grice J. E. , Lopes P. S. , Leite‐Silva V. R. , Andréo‐Filho N. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe permeation of hydrophilic molecules through the skin is still a challenge due to the barrier posed by stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. Liposomes have frequently been used as carriers for different types of drugs and may also function as permeation enhancers. Propylene glycol has also been used as an edge activator in liposomes to increase the permeation. The aim of this work was to prepare liposomes containing an edge activator and loaded with caffeine to evaluate the potential of caffeine reaching the deeper layers in the skin.MethodsThe formulations were prepared by a top‐down process using high‐pressure homogenization at 200 00 psi for 10 min. They were characterized by size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), pH, caffeine content and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) on preparation (time zero) and after 30 days. Cytotoxicity of blank and loaded liposomes was assessed by MTT proliferation assay with a normal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). In vitro permeation tests were performed with human skin in Franz cells over 24 h, and caffeine concentration was determined in the skin surface, stratum corneum, dermo‐epidermal fraction and receptor medium by HPLC.ResultsThe caffeine liposomes with (DL‐Caf) or without propylene glycol (CL‐Caf) showed, respectively, mean size 94.5 and 95.4 nm, PI 0.48 and 0.42, ZP + 1.3 and + 18.1 mV and caffeine content of 78.57 and 80.13%. IC50 values of caffeine in DL‐Caf (3.59 v/v %) and CL‐Caf (3.65 v/v %) were not significantly different from conventional blank liposome (3.27 v/v %). The DL‐Caf formulation presented the best capability to enhance the caffeine permeation through the skin, resulting 1.94‐folds higher than caffeine solution. Furthermore, the caffeine flux from DL‐Caf was 1.56‐ and 3.05‐folds higher than caffeine solution and CL‐Caf, respectively. On the other hand, CL‐Caf showed the lowest caffeine penetration revealing the importance of edge activator to aid hydrophilic drug penetration to all skin layers.ConclusionThe DL‐Caf formulation tested was able to improve the permeation of caffeine through the stratum corneum and dermo‐epidermal layers, suggesting that this delivery system may be effective for deep skin delivery of hydrophilic drugs.
Frightened of the pulp? A qualitative analysis of undergraduate student confidence and stress during the management of deep caries and the exposed pulp
Authors: Chevalier V. , Le Fur Bonnabesse A. , Duncan H. F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate sources of student confidence and stress during the management of deep carious lesions and the exposed pulp during undergraduate clinics. Further aims were to identify barriers and facilitators, which could result in educational or practical improvements in the delivery of teaching and provision of treatment in this area.MethodologyA exploratory qualitative study design was used, based on recorded focus group interviews, guided by 12 predetermined questions. The discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed by inductive qualitative content analysis. Common categories were identified to aid understanding. Forty undergraduate dental students from 4th and 5th years in Dublin Dental University Hospital participated in the study.ResultsStudent stress and confidence were multifactorial and broadly linked to specific domains: clinical procedure, academic education, clinical training, evaluation/grading, organization and equipment, vital pulp biomaterial and the patient. Most students expressed a preference for one‐stage selective carious removal to soft dentine rather than potential pulp exposure in deep carious lesions, noting that although it helped to decrease their immediate stress, it also caused longer‐term concern by leaving caries close to the pulp. Nevertheless, their confidence was affected by limited clinical experience of carrying out selective removal procedures in deep caries. A recurrent finding was students citing high levels of stress after pulp exposure. Feelings including anger, fear, embarrassment and denial were associated with pulp exposure during deep caries management. Generally, the students felt able to manage pulp capping procedures, but were less certain about partial pulpotomy, suggesting that although they are aware of its advantages, they were unsure about the appropriate volume of pulp tissue to remove. To reduce stress, students suggested that laboratory teaching should employ new 3‐D printed solutions and clinics should establish clear consensus amongst supervising teachers about the best way to manage the exposed pulp.ConclusionsStudents lacked confidence as they neared the pulp and prefer selective caries removal techniques, which reduce the likelihood of pulp exposure. Students identified stressors and suggested improvements in several domains that would improve confidence. These ameliorations could lead to enhancements in student ability to perform these conservative techniques, and improve the provision of treatment in this area.
Carotid artery calcification in panoramic radiographs associates with oral infections and mortality
Authors: Paju S. , Pietiäinen M. , Liljestrand J. M. , Lahdentausta L. , Salminen A. , Kopra E. , Mäntylä P. , Buhlin K. , Hörkkö S. , Sinisalo J. , Pussinen P. J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo study the prevalence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) in relation to apical and marginal periodontitis, subgingival dysbiotic bacterial species and serum and saliva immune responses against them. In addition, the aim was to analyse the association of CAC with angiographically verified coronary artery disease (CAD) and mortality.MethodologyIn the present random Parogene cohort, the patients had an indication for coronary angiography. Apical and marginal periodontitis were diagnosed during clinical and radiographic oral examinations, and CAC on panoramic radiographs (n = 492). Presence and severity of CAD were registered from angiography. Subgingival dysbiotic bacterial species were quantitated using checkerboard DNA‐DNA‐hybridization, and serum and saliva antibody levels were determined by immunoassays. The cohort was followed‐up for 10 years or until death (median 9.9, range 0.21–10.4) via linkage to the national death register. The statistical models were adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia.ResultsA total of 102 (20.7%) patients had detectable CAC, which was moderate in 81 (16.4%) and severe in 21 (4.3%). CAC was associated (OR, 95% CI) with severe apical periodontitis (2.25, 1.15–4.41), root canal fillings (1.15, 1.04–1.26), alveolar bone loss (2.66, 1.21–5.84), severe periodontal inflammation (2.23, 1.11–4.47), high level of gram‐negative subgingival species (2.73, 1.34–5.50), saliva IgG against dysbiotic species (1.05, 1.01–1.10/unit) and severe (2.58, 1.36–4.90) and chronic (2.13, 1.15–3.93) CAD. A total of 105 (20.7%) patients died during the follow‐up and 53 (10.4%) deaths were because of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Severe CAC predicted worse survival with HRs (95% CI) of 3.08 (1.58–6.06) for all‐cause and 3.43 (1.42–8.25) for CVD death.ConclusionsCAC on panoramic tomography was associated with (i) apical and marginal periodontitis and dysbiotic bacterial species giving rise to an immunological response, and with (ii) severe, chronic CAD and increased mortality. The results further emphasize the role of oral infections in CAD and the importance of referring a patient with CAC for a cardiovascular evaluation.