bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is psychological treatment equally effective for intimate partner violence perpetrators with and without childhood family violence?
Authors: Fernández‐Montalvo Javier , Echauri José A. , Siria Sandra , López‐Goñi José J. , Azcárate Juana M. , Martínez María 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study assessed the differential long‐term effectiveness of a standard treatment programme for intimate partner violence male perpetrators (IPV‐P), depending on the presence of childhood family violence (CFV).MethodsA sample of 1,008 male IPV‐P were included in the study. Comparisons between men with CFV (n = 339) and without CFV (n = 669) on sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathological variables were carried out at pre‐treatment. The differential effectiveness of the treatment was assessed at post‐treatment and at 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsThe pre‐treatment assessment showed that IPV‐P with CFV had a lower level of education, higher rates of previous psychiatric history, and more voluntary access to the treatment. Moreover, they began the treatment programme with more psychopathological symptoms, assessed by the SCL‐90‐R and STAXI‐2. Regarding treatment results, the attrition rates did not reach significant differences between groups. The repeated‐measures ANOVA evidenced statistically significant improvement in psychopathological symptoms on most of the variables for both groups. However, comparisons between groups on psychopathological symptoms showed that IPV‐P with CFV were affected to a significantly higher degree on many variables at post‐treatment and follow‐up, although no differences were found in the global rates of treatment outcomes.ConclusionsThis investigation highlights the heterogeneity of IPV‐P and the differential progression along the treatment programmes according to the presence of CFV.
High subcutaneous adipose tissue density correlates negatively with survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: von Hessen Leona , Roumet Marie , Maurer Martin Helmut , Lange Naomi , Reeves Helen , Dufour Jean‐François , Radu Pompilia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsBody composition parameters have been reported to add information, which can lead to tailored treatment and prognostication for oncological patients. Data for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are scarce. We assessed the association between different body composition parameters and overall survival (OS) in two different newly diagnosed HCC populations.MethodsThe area (cm2) and density (Hounsfield Units [HU]) of skeletal muscle (SM) and adipose tissue (subcutaneous [SAT], visceral [VAT] and intermuscular [IMAT]) were measured on computed tomography (CT) scans at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) in two cohorts of patients diagnosed in different HCC stages (Bern, Switzerland n = 187 and Newcastle, United Kingdom n = 216). Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions analyses were used to assess the crude and adjusted association of body composition parameters with OS.ResultsBy univariate analysis, in both cohorts, Bern and Newcastle, high SAT density (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35; 1.12‐1.62, P < .001 and 1.44; 1.27‐1.63, P < .001, respectively) and high VAT density (HR: 1.38; 1.1‐1.72, P = .005 and HR: 1.53; 1.3‐1.81, P < .001, respectively) correlated negatively with survival. After model adjustment for potential baseline confounders (gender, age, diabetes, cirrhosis, MELD score, BCLC stage) in a multivariate analysis, SAT density remained associated with mortality in Bern and Newcastle (Bern: HR: 1.27; 1.04‐1.57, P = .022; Newcastle: HR: 1.23; 1.03‐1.48, P = .022) and VAT remained associated with mortality in Bern (HR: 1.31; 1.05‐1.65, P = .019).ConclusionsBased on two HCC cohorts, our data show that high SAT density correlates negatively with OS in HCC patients.
MltG activity antagonizes cell wall synthesis by both types of peptidoglycan polymerases in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bohrhunter Jessica L. , Rohs Patricia D. A. , Torres Grasiela , Yunck Rachel , Bernhardt Thomas G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBacterial cells are surrounded by a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall. This structure is essential for cell integrity and its biogenesis pathway is a key antibiotic target. Most bacteria utilize two types of synthases that polymerize glycan strands and crosslink them: class A penicillin‐binding proteins (aPBPs) and complexes of SEDS proteins and class B PBPs (bPBPs). Although the enzymatic steps of PG synthesis are well characterized, the steps involved in terminating PG glycan polymerization remain poorly understood. A few years ago, the conserved lytic transglycosylase MltG was identified as a potential terminase for PG synthesis in Escherichia coli. However, characterization of the in vivo function of MltG was hampered by the lack of a growth or morphological phenotype in ΔmltG cells. Here, we report the isolation of MltG‐defective mutants as suppressors of lethal deficits in either aPBP or SEDS/bPBP PG synthase activity. We used this phenotype to perform a domain‐function analysis for MltG, which revealed that access to the inner membrane is important for its in vivo activity. Overall, our results support a model in which MltG functions as a terminase for both classes of PG synthases by cleaving PG glycans as they are being actively synthesized.
Lower esophageal sphincter muscle of patients with achalasia exhibits profound mast cell degranulation
Authors: Nelson Melissa , Zhang Xi , Genta Robert M. , Turner Kevin , Podgaetz Eitan , Paris Shere , Cardenas Jacob , Gu Jinghua , Leeds Steven , Ward Marc , Nguyen Anh , Konda Vani , Furuta Glenn T. , Pan Zui , Souza Rhonda F. , Spechler Stuart Jon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundEosinophils and mast cells are key effectors of allergy. When they accumulate in the esophagus, their myoactive, pro‐inflammatory, and cytotoxic products potentially could cause achalasia‐like motility abnormalities and neuronal degeneration. We hypothesized that there is an allergy‐mediated form of achalasia.MethodsLES muscle samples obtained during Heller myotomy from patients with achalasia or EGJ outflow obstruction (EGJOO) and from organ donor controls were immunostained for tryptase. Eosinophil and mast cell density, and mast cell degranulation were assessed. LES muscle was evaluated by qPCR for genes mediating smooth muscle Ca2+ handling and contraction.Key ResultsThere were 13 patients (7 men, median age 59; 10 achalasia, 3 EGJOO) and 7 controls (4 men, median age 42). Eosinophils were infrequent in LES muscle, but mast cells were plentiful. Patients and controls did not differ significantly in LES mast cell density. However, 12 of 13 patients exhibited profound LES mast cell degranulation involving perimysium and myenteric plexus nerves, while only mild degranulation was seen in 2 of 7 controls. Hierarchical clustering analysis of qPCR data revealed two “mototype” LES gene expression patterns, with all type II patients in one mototype, and type I and III patients in the other.Conclusions & InferencesLES muscle of patients with achalasia or EGJOO exhibits striking mast cell degranulation, and patients with different achalasia manometric phenotypes exhibit different LES patterns of expression for genes mediating Ca2+ handling and muscle contraction. Although these findings are not definitive, they support our hypothesis that achalasia can be allergy‐driven.
The role of serotonin in the control of esophageal sensitivity assessed by multimodal stimulation in health
Authors: Broers Charlotte , Geeraerts Annelies , Boecxstaens Veerle , Van Houtte Brecht , Geysen Hannelore , Peersman Nele , Vermeersch Pieter , Vanuytsel Tim , Tack Jan , Pauwels Ans 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal hypersensitivity is considered an important pathophysiological mechanism in refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. Serotonin (5‐HT) plays an important role in the regulation of GI (gastrointestinal) secretion, motility and sensitivity. Previous studies found that altered 5‐HT availability has no clear effects on esophageal/GI sensations. Our aim was therefore to investigate the role of 5‐HT in esophageal sensitivity in healthy volunteers (HV).MethodsEsophageal sensitivity to thermal, mechanical, electrical, and chemical stimuli was assessed in 3 different placebo‐controlled studies. In the first study, the effect of citalopram (40 mg; 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor; intravenous) was investigated (n = 14). In the second study, the effect of buspirone (20 mg; 5HT1A agonist; oral) was investigated (n = 10). In the third study, acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) was used to decrease 5‐HT levels to investigate the effect of reduced 5‐HT availability on esophageal sensitivity (n = 15).Key ResultsNo difference was observed in esophageal sensitivity after the administration of citalopram or buspirone (all p > 0.06). In contrast, pain perception threshold to chemical stimulation was increased after ATD (p = 0.017, Cohen's d+ = 0.67). No effect was found on the first perception or pain tolerance threshold. ATD had no influence on esophageal sensitivity to thermal, mechanical, and electrical stimulation compared with placebo.Conclusions and InferencesATD, which induces 5‐HT depletion, significantly decreased pain perception threshold during chemical stimulation, without affecting sensitivity to mechanical, thermal, or electrical stimulation. These findings confirm the involvement of 5‐HT in the control of esophageal acid sensitivity, but identifying the receptors involved requires more ligands and studies.
Network analyses identify a transcriptomic proximodistal prepattern in the maize leaf primordium
Authors: Leiboff Samuel , Strable Josh , Johnston Robyn , Federici Silvia , Sylvester Anne W. , Scanlon Michael J. 
Published: December 2020

Summary

The formation of developmental boundaries is a common feature of multicellular plants and animals, and impacts the initiation, structure and function of all organs. Maize leaves comprise a proximal sheath that encloses the stem, and a distal photosynthetic blade that projects away from the plant axis. An epidermally derived ligule and a joint‐like auricle develop at the blade/sheath boundary of maize leaves. Mutations disturbing the ligule/auricle region disrupt leaf patterning and impact plant architecture, yet it is unclear how this developmental boundary is established.

Targeted microdissection followed by transcriptomic analyses of young leaf primordia were utilized to construct a co‐expression network associated with development of the blade/sheath boundary.

Evidence is presented for proximodistal gradients of gene expression that establish a prepatterned transcriptomic boundary in young leaf primordia, before the morphological initiation of the blade/sheath boundary in older leaves.

This work presents a conceptual model for spatiotemporal patterning of proximodistal leaf domains, and provides a rich resource of candidate gene interactions for future investigations of the mechanisms of blade/sheath boundary formation in maize.
Reversing extinction trends: new uses of (old) herbarium specimens to accelerate conservation action on threatened species
Authors: Albani Rocchetti Giulia , Armstrong Chelsey Geralda , Abeli Thomas , Orsenigo Simone , Jasper Caroline , Joly Simon , Bruneau Anne , Zytaruk Maria , Vamosi Jana C. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryAlthough often not collected specifically for the purposes of conservation, herbarium specimens offer sufficient information to reconstruct parameters that are needed to designate a species as ‘at‐risk’ of extinction. While such designations should prompt quick and efficient legal action towards species recovery, such action often lags far behind and is mired in bureaucratic procedure. The increase in online digitization of natural history collections has now led to a surge in the number new studies on the uses of machine learning. These repositories of species occurrences are now equipped with advances that allow for the identification of rare species. The increase in attention devoted to estimating the scope and severity of the threats that lead to the decline of such species will increase our ability to mitigate these threats and reverse the declines, overcoming a current barrier to the recovery of many threatened plant species. Thus far, collected specimens have been used to fill gaps in systematics, range extent, and past genetic diversity. We find that they also offer material with which it is possible to foster species recovery, ecosystem restoration, and de‐extinction, and these elements should be used in conjunction with machine learning and citizen science initiatives to mobilize as large a force as possible to counter current extinction trends.
Evolution of rapid blue‐light response linked to explosive diversification of ferns in angiosperm forests
Authors: Cai Shengguan , Huang Yuqing , Chen Fei , Zhang Xin , Sessa Emily , Zhao Chenchen , Marchant D. Blaine , Xue Dawei , Chen Guang , Dai Fei , Leebens‐Mack James H. , Zhang Guoping , Shabala Sergey , Christie John M. , Blatt Michael R. , Nevo Eviatar , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Franks Peter J. , Wu Feibo , Chen Zhong‐Hua 
Published: December 2020

Summary

Ferns appear in the fossil record some 200 Myr before angiosperms. However, as angiosperm‐dominated forest canopies emerged in the Cretaceous period there was an explosive diversification of modern (leptosporangiate) ferns, which thrived in low, blue‐enhanced light beneath angiosperm canopies. A mechanistic explanation for this transformative event in the diversification of ferns has remained elusive.

We used physiological assays, transcriptome analysis and evolutionary bioinformatics to investigate a potential connection between the evolution of enhanced stomatal sensitivity to blue light in modern ferns and the rise of angiosperm‐dominated forests in the geological record.

We demonstrate that members of the largest subclade of leptosporangiate ferns, Polypodiales, have significantly faster stomatal response to blue light than more ancient fern lineages and a representative angiosperm. We link this higher sensitivity to levels of differentially expressed genes in blue‐light signaling, particularly in the cryptochrome (CRY) signaling pathway. Moreover, CRYs of the Polypodiales examined show gene duplication events between 212.9–196.9 and 164.4–151.8 Ma, when angiosperms were emerging, which are lacking in other major clades of extant land plants.

These findings suggest that evolution of stomatal blue‐light sensitivity helped modern ferns exploit the shady habitat beneath angiosperm forest canopies, fueling their Cretaceous hyperdiversification.
Perioperative anxiety in pediatric surgery: Induction room vs. operating room
Authors: Wingler Deborah , Liston David , Joseph Anjali , Wang Yifan , Feng Haotian , Martin Lynn 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPerioperative anxiety can have a profound and lasting effect on children and their parents, with up to 70 percent of children undergoing outpatient surgery experiencing significant physiologic and/or psychological manifestations of anxiety throughout the ambulatory surgical process. The physical healthcare environment itself can contribute to these feelings, substantially impacting the level of anxiety experienced by both the child and their parent.ObjectiveThis study sought to examine whether a difference exists between utilization of an induction room vs. the operating room on child and parent perioperative anxiety for parent present induction.MethodsA single institution multi‐site prospective observational study was conducted with a cohort of 51 healthy children aged 6‐12 years, receiving an outpatient tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and their parent. The methodological approach utilized for this study was Ecological Momentary Assessment. Two psychological measures of anxiety, (i) momentary and (ii) environmental, and one physiologic measure of anxiety (i) electrodermal activity were used. Data were captured separately for child and parent.ResultsFor children who underwent anesthetic induction in the induction room, all three anxiety responses were significantly lower and exhibited a large positive effect [momentary (P = .0002,d = 1.984, induction room = 3.76, operating room = 7.07), environmental (P = .018,d = 1.160, induction room = 1.72, operating room = 0.85), and electrodermal activity (P = .039,d = 1.007, induction room = 0.76, operating room = 1.51)], as compared to children who were induced in the operating room. Electrodermal activity was also statistically significantly lower, with a large positive effect, in the postoperative environment (P = .004,d = 1.454, induction room = 0.21, operating room = 0.60) for Children who were induced in the induction room, as compared to the operating room cohort. No significant differences were found between parents for momentary and environmental anxiety, and electrodermal anxiety.ConclusionsThe nonpharmacological strategy of using an induction room for anesthetic induction of children may be clinically effective in reducing anxiety as compared to an operating room.
A comparison of anesthetic protective barriers for the management of COVID‐19 pediatric patients
Authors: Lee‐Archer Paul , Boyd Daniel , Du Trung , Elliott Robert , Graydon Cameron , Paterson Neil , Morawska Lidia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundBarrier techniques, such as plastic sheets or intubation boxes, are purported to offer additional protection for healthcare workers.AimsTo assess the functionality, perceived safety, droplet protection, and aerosol protection of several barrier techniques.MethodsFirstly, a simulation study with 12 different laryngoscopists was conducted to assess the time taken to perform an intubation (via direct laryngoscopy, via video laryngoscopy, and via a bougie) with four different barrier techniques (personal protective equipment only, a plastic sheet, a tented plastic sheet, and an intubation box). Secondly, a cough at the time of intubation was simulated using ultraviolet dye to assess the spread of droplets; and thirdly, smoke was used to assess the spread of aerosols.ResultsIntubation time using the box was noninferior to using no barrier. Based on subjective ratings by the laryngoscopists, the most functional technique was no barrier followed by the intubation box, then the tented sheet, and then the plastic sheet. The technique that conferred the highest feeling of safety to the laryngoscopists was the intubation box, followed by the tented sheet, then no barrier, and then the plastic sheet. All the barriers prevented the ultraviolet dye contaminating the head and torso of the laryngoscopist. Smoke remained within the intubation box if plastics sheets were used to cover the openings and suction was ineffective at clearing it. With no barrier in place, smoke was effectively cleared away from the patient in a theater with laminar flow but tended to spread up toward the laryngoscopist in a room without laminar flow.ConclusionsA well‐designed intubation box is an effective barrier against droplets and is noninferior to no barrier in relation to intubation time. However, a box interferes with laminar flow in theaters with formal ventilation systems and may result in accumulation of aerosols if it is completely enclosed.
Dividing the pie: A quantitative review on plant density responses
Authors: Postma Johannes A. , Hecht Vera L. , Hikosaka Kouki , Nord Eric A. , Pons Thijs L. , Poorter Hendrik 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPlant population density is an important variable in agronomy and forestry and offers an experimental way to better understand plant–plant competition. We made a meta‐analysis of responses of even‐aged mono‐specific stands to population density by quantifying for 3 stand and 33 individual plant variables in 334 experiments how much both plant biomass and phenotypic traits change with a doubling in density. Increasing density increases standing crop per area, but decreases the mean size of its individuals, mostly through reduced tillering and branching. Among the phenotypic traits, stem diameter is negatively affected, but plant height remains remarkably similar, partly due to an increased stem length‐to‐mass ratio and partly by increased allocation to stems. The reduction in biomass is caused by a lower photosynthetic rate, mainly due to shading of part of the foliage. Total seed mass per plant is also strongly reduced, marginally by lower mass per seed, but mainly because of lower seed numbers. Plants generally have fewer shoot‐born roots, but their overall rooting depth seems hardly affected. The phenotypic plasticity responses to high densities correlate strongly with those to low light, and less with those to low nutrients, suggesting that at high density, shading affects plants more than nutrient depletion.
Externalism and exploitability
Authors: Das Nilanjan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAccording to Bayesian orthodoxy, an agent should update—or at least should plan to update—her credences by conditionalization. Some have defended this claim by means of a diachronic Dutch book argument. They say: an agent who does not plan to update her credences by conditionalization is vulnerable (by her own lights) to a diachronic Dutch book, i.e., a sequence of bets which, when accepted, guarantee loss of utility. Here, I show that this argument is in tension with evidence externalism, i.e., the view that an agent's evidence can entail non‐trivial propositions about the external world. I argue that this tension casts doubt on the idea that diachronic Dutch books can be used to justify or vindicate updating plans.
Effect of UV‐B radiation on growth, flavonoid and podophyllotoxin accumulation, and related gene expression in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum
Authors: Lv M. , Su H.‐Y. , Li M.‐L. , Yang D.‐L. , Yao R.‐Y , Li M.‐F. , Wei J.‐H. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an alpine medicinal plant that produces the anticancer compound podophyllotoxin (PPT). Although a positive relationship between PPT content and altitude has been proved and low temperature enhances plant growth and PPT accumulation has also been revealed, the role of UV radiation in regulating growth and PPT accumulation is still unclear

In this study, morphophysiological traits, metabolites content and related genes expression were investigated by exposing S. hexandrum seedlings to treatment with UV‐B radiation.

The results showed that the contents of soluble sugars and flavonoids, and the expression levels of genes involved in glycometabolism (XET and β‐1,3‐glucanase) and flavonoid biosynthesis (PAL,C4H,4CL,CHS1 and DTX41) were enhanced in response to UV‐B compared to CK. Moreover, genes involved in stress tolerance (MYB, WRKY,APX3 and EX2) were also upregulated in response to UV‐B radiation. Although the whole plant biomass exhibited slightly increased values that depended largely on root development, the contents of chlorophyll and PPT and the expression levels of genes involved in photosynthesis (matK, ndhF,rbcL and ycf5) and PPT biosynthesis (C3H,CCoAMT,CCR,CAD, DPO, PLR,SDH, CPY719A23,OMT3,CYP71CU1,OMT1and 2‐ODD) were significantly decreased in response to UV‐B compared to CK.

It can be concluded that UV‐B radiation promotes soluble sugars and flavonoids accumulation, but inhibits PPT biosynthesis in S. hexandrum.