bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of the RNA polymerase subunit RpoB depends on RNA editing by OsPPR16 and affects chloroplast development during early leaf development in rice
Authors: Huang Weifeng , Zhang Yang , Shen Liqiang , Fang Qian , Liu Qun , Gong Chenbo , Zhang Chen , Zhou Yong , Mao Cui , Zhu Yongli , Zhang Jinghong , Chen Hongping , Zhang Yu , Lin Yongjun , Bock Ralph , Zhou Fei 
Published: June 2020

Summary

Plastid‐encoded genes are coordinately transcribed by the nucleus‐encoded RNA polymerase (NEP) and the plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase (PEP). Resulting primary transcripts are frequently subject to RNA editing by cytidine‐to‐uridine conversions at specific sites. The physiological role of many editing events is largely unknown.

Here, we have used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique in rice to knock out a member of the PLS‐DYW subfamily of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins.

We found that OsPPR16 is responsible for a single editing event at position 545 in the chloroplast rpoB messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in an amino acid change from serine to leucine in the β‐subunit of the PEP. In striking contrast to loss‐of‐function mutations of the putative orthologue in Arabidopsis, which were reported to have no visible phenotype, knockout of OsPPR16 leads to impaired accumulation of RpoB, reduced expression of PEP‐dependent genes, and a pale phenotype during early plant development. Thus, by editing the rpoB mRNA, OsPPR16 is required for faithful plastid transcription, which in turn is required for Chl synthesis and efficient chloroplast development.

Our results provide new insights into the interconnection of the finely tuned regulatory mechanisms that operate at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels of plastid gene expression.
Significant Association between the T2 Values of Vertebral Cartilage Endplates and Pfirrmann Grading
Authors: Cao Yi , Guo Qing‐wei , Wan Ye‐da 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThe T2 value of lumbar cartilage endplates was measured using the T2 mapping imaging technique, aiming to explore the correlation between the T2 value and Pfirrmann grading of intervertebral discs.MethodsA total of 130 patients with lumbar spine MR examination due to persistent low back pain were enrolled, including 71 men and 59 women (age: 21–63 years). Lumbar Modic changes and Schmorl nodules were recognized by conventional T1WI and T2WI images in 49 patients, and these patients were excluded from the study. A total of 81 patients were enrolled in this study, including 45 men (45.16 ± 12.20 years) and 36 women (43.33 ± 11.27 years). Pfirrmann (Pm) grading of each lumbar disc was performed based on conventional T2WI median sagittal images and the position of cartilage endplates (CEP) was determined by IDEAL‐SPGR images. Meanwhile, the T2 mapping technique was used to obtain T2 values of cartilage endplates. The T2 values of CEP corresponding to different Pm grade discs were compared, and the correlation between the T2 value and the Pm grade of intervertebral discs was analyzed.ResultsThe T2 values of cephalic and caudal CEP of L1–2 in Pm grades I–II, Pm grades III, and Pm grades IV–V were 61.96 ± 5.89 ms, 54.45 ± 3.29 ms, 42.47 ± 3.69 ms and 64.35 ± 5.93 ms, 55.28 ± 3.97 ms, 44.75 ± 2.12 ms, respectively. For cephalic and caudal CEP of L2–3, the T2 values in Pm grades I–II, Pm grades III, and Pm grades IV–V were 62.96 ± 6.93 ms, 55.19 ± 4.02 ms, 48.67 ± 4.56 ms and 65.51 ± 6.49 ms, 57.16 ± 5.55 ms, 52.05 ± 4.20 ms, respectively. The T2 values of cephalic and caudal CEP from L3–4 to L5–S1 in Pm grades I–II, Pm grades III, and Pm grades IV–V were (63.72 ± 5.76 ms, 53.96 ± 6.52 ms, 48.05 ± 5.00 ms), (65.46 ± 6.37 ms, 55.70 ± 7.50 ms, 48.10 ± 3.27 ms); (66.34 ± 7.68 ms, 56.76 ± 9.48 ms, 47.80 ± 4.33 ms), (64.44 ± 4.65 ms, 59.30 ± 8.80 ms, 47.30 ± 5.78 ms), (65.32 ± 5.11 ms, 55.33 ± 6.65 ms, 48.18 ± 5.37 ms), and (63.47 ± 4.92 ms, 50.32 ± 8.86 ms, 44.77 ± 4.69 ms), respectively. There were significant differences in T2 values of cartilage endplates between the Pm grades I–II, III, and IV–V of intervertebral discs (P = 0.000). T2 values corresponding to Pm I–II grades were higher than those in Pm III grade, while T2 values in Pm grades IV–V were lowest. The T2 value of the L4–5, L5–S1 segment endplates was highly correlated with the Pm grades (r = −0.711, −0.721, −0.796, −0.745; P = 0.000) and that of L1–2, L2–3 endplates were moderately correlated (r = −0.542, −0.562, −0.637, −0.612; P = 0.000).ConclusionThe T2 values of cartilage endplates revealed varying degrees of degeneration of intervertebral discs, and more severe degeneration corresponded to lower T2 values. Measurement of changes in the T2 value through cartilage endplates can be useful for the diagnosis of early intervertebral disc degeneration and the prevention of disc degeneration.
DRD4 polymorphisms modulate reward positivity and P3a in a gambling task: Exploring a genetic basis for cultural learning
Authors: Glazer James , King Anthony , Yoon Carolyn , Liberzon Israel , Kitayama Shinobu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrior work shows that people respond more plastically to environmental influences, including cultural influences, if they carry the 7 or 2‐repeat (7/2R) allelic variant of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4). The 7/2R carriers are thus more likely to endorse the norms and values of their culture. So far, however, mechanisms underlying this moderation of cultural acquisition by DRD4 are unclear. To address this gap in knowledge, we tested the hypothesis that DRD4 modulates the processing of reward cues existing in the environment. About 72 young adults, preselected for their DRD4 status, performed a gambling task, while the electroencephalogram was recorded. Principal components of event‐related potentials aligned to the Reward‐Positivity (associated with bottom‐up processing of reward prediction errors) and frontal‐P3 (associated with top‐down attention) were both significantly more positive following gains than following losses. As predicted, the gain‐loss differences were significantly larger for 7/2R carriers than for noncarriers. Also, as predicted, the cultural backgrounds of the participants (East Asian vs. European American) did not moderate the effects of DRD4. Our findings suggest that the 7/2R variant of DRD4 enhances (a) the detection of reward prediction errors and (b) controlled attention that updates the context for the reward, thereby suggesting one possible mechanism underlying the DRD4 × Culture interactions.
The impact of high‐intensity interval training on inflammatory markers in metabolic disorders: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Khalafi Mousa , Symonds Michael E. 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionHigh‐intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered a time‐efficient strategy to improve metabolic health. We performed a systematic meta‐analysis to assess the effects of HIIT on inflammatory markers and adipo‐cytokines compared with control conditions (CON) or moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) in individuals with metabolic disorders.MethodsUp to January 2020, electronic databases were searched for HIIT interventions based on populations with metabolic disorders including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease or overweight/obesity, with outcome measurements that included IL‐6, TNF‐α, CRP, leptin or adiponectin and training ≥2 weeks. Random‐effects models were used to aggregate a mean effect size (ES), 95% confidence intervals (Cis), and potential moderators were explored.ResultsTwenty‐nine studies involving 841 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. HIIT improved circulating adiponectin (P = .02), leptin (P = .02), and TNF‐α (P = .003) when compared to CON. There were no differences between groups in IL‐6 and CRP. Intervention duration was a significant moderator for the effect of HIIT on IL‐6, and leptin (P < .05).ConclusionHigh‐intensity interval training improves circulating TNF‐α, leptin and adiponectin, thereby indicating that it may be an effective and time‐efficient intervention for controlling low‐grade inflammation in individuals with metabolic disorders.
A case of successful treatment of severe COVID‐19 pneumonia with favipiravir and tocilizumab in post–kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Thammathiwat Theerachai , Tungsanga Somkanya , Tiankanon Kanitha , Torvorapanit Pattama , Chumpangern Worawat , Udomkarnjananun Suwasin , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Sriprasart Thitiwat , Srisawat Nattachai , Jutivorakool Kamonwan , Paitoonpong Leilani , Putcharoen Opass , Townamchai Natavudh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe report a case of COVID‐19 in kidney transplant patient in Thailand. A 58‐year‐old 2 years post–kidney transplant recipient, with maintenance immunosuppression of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone, presented with acute diarrhea which followed by fever on day 12. Symptoms of pneumonia together with lymphopenia from complete blood count were developed on day 7 after onset of fever with the x‐ray finding of bilateral multifocal patchy infiltration. COVID‐19 infection has been confirmed by reverse real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nasal swab as well as found in stool. Darunavir together with ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and favipiravir was initiated on the first day of admission at primary hospital. Patient has been transferred to our hospital on day 2 of admission in which tacrolimus together with MMF was discontinued. High‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy was required on days 4‐5 of hospitalization. Tocilizumab was administered after rising of serum IL‐6 level. Symptoms of pneumonia were improved in which no oxygen treatment required from day 10 of hospitalization. Drug interaction between tacrolimus and anti‐viral treatment leads to severely high level of tacrolimus which caused reversible acute kidney injury (AKI) after supportive treatment.
How the COVID‐19 pandemic changed cellular therapy at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork‐Presbyterian Hospital
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette C. , Schwartz Joseph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNew York is at the epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork‐Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYPH) had to make changes to its cellular therapy operations to ensure patient, donor, and staff safety and well‐being. In this article, we discuss the process changes we instituted for cellular therapy clinical care, collection, processing, and cryopreservation to cope with the rapidly evolving pandemic.
Development and assessment of a formal learning module to educate veterinary students in an intensive care unit about transfusion reactions
Authors: Haines Jillian M. , Wardrop K. Jane , Lindberg Christopher J. , Carbonneau Kira J. , Ngwenyama Thandeka R. , Martin Linda G. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and assess the instructional efficacy of an online learning module on transfusion reactions in small animals and to evaluate participants’ satisfaction of the module.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.SubjectsA total of 55, fourth‐year veterinary students, 27 in a treatment group that received the learning module plus standard rotation training and 28 in a control group (no module) who received only standard trainingInterventionsStudents received a pretest on transfusion reactions followed by administration of a transfusion reaction learning module covering recognition, treatment, prevention, case examples, and self‐assessment questions for 6 common transfusion reactions. Students also received a module satisfaction survey, a post‐test at 2 weeks post‐module, and a retention test at 6 weeks post‐module.Measurements and main resultsPrevious transfusion medicine exposure did not affect pretest scores and there was no difference in pretest scores between groups. The module group scored higher on the post‐test (P < 0.001) and retention test (P = 0.002) than the control group. Mean post‐test scores were 74.4% and 57.7% and mean retention test scores were 80.6% and 56.5% for the module and control groups, respectively. The module group scored higher on posttest and retention questions involving reaction recognition (P < 0.001). Students were overall very satisfied with the module with an average score of 4.8 (1‐5).ConclusionsA transfusion reaction instructional module can be delivered successfully to veterinary students on an ICU‐based clinical rotation. Students taking the module scored significantly better on post‐assessments up to 6 weeks after module administration as compared to students receiving only conventional clinical rotation training.
Mechanically Tunable Solid/Solid Phononic Crystals Through the Rearrangement of Hard Scatterers Controlled by the Deformation of Periodic Elastomeric Matrixes
Authors: Ning Shaowu , Luo Chengcheng , Yang Fengyuan , Liu Zhanli , Zhuang Zhuo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe fixed band gap characteristic of passive phononic crystals (PCs) is possible to limit their applications in engineering. To overcome this shortcoming, inspired by the tunable mechanism of the spider silks, a new class of tunable PCs comprising periodic scatterers and periodic elastomeric matrix are proposed to effectively tune the band gaps and directionality of propagating waves. The orientation and arrangement of hard scatterers are controlled by the deformation of the periodic elastomeric matrix to enhance the tunability of their dynamic responses. According to this idea, PCs with differently shaped and arranged cylindroid scatterers are designed. Through introducing the multiple scatterers into the periodic elastomeric matrix, the scattering coupling effect between them is enhanced. The simulation results indicate that the orientation and arrangement of the scatterers could be altered continuously during deformation. During deformation, the number, position, and width of band gaps can be effectively tuned due to the geometric nonlinearity of the matrix and the rearrangement of multiple scatterers. The transmissibility of finite-sized structures without damping decreases significantly in the frequency ranges of band gaps. However, introducing the damping into the matrix material significantly enhances the ability to suppress elastic wave propagation but makes it difficult to identify the band gaps from the transmittance spectrum. The directionality of wave propagation can be also effectively tuned. In the low-frequency range, such as the first two phase constant surfaces, the phase and group velocity profiles and the anisotropy indexes are calculated and the results indicate that the deformation makes the wave propagation more isotropic. The schemes presented in this paper provide an effective approach to tune the band gaps of the solid/solid PCs and open avenues for the design of tunable PCs.
A New Method for Ultra-Low Permeability Reservoir Characterization After Water Flooding Development
Authors: Zhenyu Pang , Qi Hao , Yueshun He , Yiguo Zhang , Yulong Kang , Pu Bai , Pitong Shi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In order to reveal the pattern of oil–water movement during water flooding development in ultra-low permeability reservoir, flow units division and multiple methods such as rate-controlled mercury injection, nuclear magnetic resonance, water flooding in real sandstone model, permeability test are used to perform quantitative characterization of ultra-low permeability reservoir from two aspects, geological property and coupling micro-mechanism. Radius size and number-percentage of mainstream throats and moveable fluid saturation for different clusters of flow units have been characterized. Displacement types for different clusters of flow units and remaining oil distribution types have been specified. This provides a geological evidence to develop and adjust the water injection development plan. In this paper, the number-percentage of mainstream throats has been first proposed, which is a critical parameter to evaluate the difficulty of the predominant channel development process during water injection development. The quantitative characterization of the dominant seepage channel is realized.
No evidence for carbon enrichment in the mantle source of carbonatites in eastern Africa
Authors: Casola Valentin , France Lydéric , Galy Albert , Bouden Nordine , Villeneuve Johan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Carbonatites are unusual, carbon-rich magmas thought to form either by the melting of a carbon-rich mantle source or by low-degree partial melting of a carbon-poor (&lt;80 ppm C) mantle followed by protracted differentiation and/or immiscibility. Carbonate-bearing mantle xenoliths from Oldoinyo Lengai (East African Rift), the only active volcano erupting carbonatites, have provided key support for a C-rich mantle source. Here, we report unique microscale O and C isotopic analyses of those carbonates, which are present as interstitial grains in the silicate host lava, veins in the xenoliths, and pseudo-inclusions in olivine xenoliths. The δ18O values vary little, from 19‰ to 29‰, whereas δ13C values are more variable, ranging from –23‰ to +0.5‰. We show that such carbonate δ18O values result from the low-temperature precipitation of carbonate in equilibrium with meteoric water, rather than under mantle conditions. In this framework, the observed δ13C values can be reproduced by Rayleigh distillation driven by carbonate precipitation and associated degassing. Together with petrological evidence of a physical connection between the three types of carbonates, our isotopic data support the pedogenic formation of carbonates in the studied xenoliths by soil-water percolation and protracted crystallization along xenolith cracks. Our results refute a mechanism of C enrichment in the form of mantle carbonates in the mantle beneath the Natron Lake magmatic province and instead support carbonatite formation by low-degree partial melting of a C-poor mantle and subsequent protracted differentiation of alkaline magmas.
Stop, think SCORTCH: rethinking the traditional ‘TORCH’ screen in an era of re-emerging syphilis
Authors: Penner Justin , Hernstadt Hayley , Burns James Edward , Randell Paul , Lyall Hermione 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe epidemiology of congenital infections is ever changing, with a recent resurgence in syphilis infection rates seen in the UK. Identification of congenital infection is often delayed; early recognition and management of congenital infections is important. Testing modalities and investigations are often limited, leading to missed diagnostic opportunities.MethodsThe SCORTCH (syphilis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), ‘other’, rubella, toxoplasmosis, chickenpox, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and blood-borne viruses) acronym increases the awareness of clinicians to the increased risk of congenital syphilis, while considering other infectious aetiologies including: zika, malaria, chagas disease, parvovirus, enterovirus, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and human T-lymphotropic virus 1, in addition to the classic congenital infections recognised in the ‘TORCH screen’ (toxoplasmosis, ‘other’, rubella, CMV, HSV). The SCORTCH diagnostic approach describes common signs present in infants with congenital infection, details serological testing for mother and infant and important direct diagnostics of the infant. Direct diagnostic investigations include: radiology, ophthalmology, audiology, microbiological and PCR testing for both the infant and placental tissue, the latter also warrants histopathology.ConclusionThe traditional ‘TORCH screen’ focuses on serology-specific investigations, often omits important direct diagnostic testing of the infant, and fails to consider emerging and re-emerging congenital infections. In recognition of syphilis as a re-emerging pathogen and the overlapping clinical presentations of various infectious aetiologies, we advocate for a broader outlook using the SCORTCH diagnostic approach.
APEX: a phase II randomised clinical trial evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of oral X-82 to treat exudative age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Cohen Michael N. , O’Shaughnessy Denis , Fisher Kate , Cerami Jennifer , Awh Carl C , Salazar Daniel E , Rosenfeld Philip , Heier Jeffrey S 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe safety and efficacy of X-82, an orally administered inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor, was investigated for treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a phase II clinical trial.MethodsThis phase II, randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial enrolled subjects with a prior diagnosis of exudative AMD having received at least two intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF therapy. Subjects were randomised equally into four groups that received either daily 50mg, 100mg or 200mg dosages of X-82 or a placebo tablet. At each 4-week interval visit for 52 weeks, subjects were to be assessed to determine if rescue treatment was needed with anti-VEGF therapy.Results157 patients were enrolled. Due to gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary adverse events and the fulfilment of the primary endpoint, the trial was stopped prematurely after a second interim analysis. The primary endpoint of non-inferiority of visual acuity compared with placebo was demonstrated in all groups receiving X-82 (p<0.001). There was a dose-dependent trend in the number of injections over a 52-week period, with the 50 mg (n=40), 100 mg (n=39), 200 mg (n=39) and placebo (n=39) group requiring 6.7, 6.0, 4.7 and 8.1 injections, respectively.ConclusionsX-82 oral therapy in combination withpro re nataanti-VEGF injections showed non-inferiority in visual acuity outcomes while achieving a dose-dependent decrease in the number of anti-VEGF injections compared with placebo. Given the limited tolerability and safety issues observed, X-82 does not have a sufficient benefit to risk profile in treatment of patients with AMD.
Evolving consensus for immunomodulatory therapy in non-infectious uveitis during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Testi Ilaria , Lee Cecilia S , Tsui Edmund , Blazes Marian , Thorne Jennifer E , Okada Annabelle A , Smith Justine R , McCluskey Peter J , Kempen John H , Tappeiner Christoph , Agarwal Manisha , Bodaghi Bahram , Nguyen Quan Dong , Gupta Vishali , De Smet Marc D , Zierhut Manfred , Pavesio Carlos 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundImmunomodulatory therapy (IMT) is often considered for systemic treatment of non-infectious uveitis (NIU). During the evolving coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, given the concerns related to IMT and the increased risk of infections, an urgent need for guidance on the management of IMT in patients with uveitis has emerged.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of international uveitis experts was conducted. An expert steering committee identified clinical questions on the use of IMT in patients with NIU during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an interactive online questionnaire, guided by background experience and knowledge, 139 global uveitis experts generated consensus statements for IMT. In total, 216 statements were developed around when to initiate, continue, decrease and stop systemic and local corticosteroids, conventional immunosuppressive agents and biologics in patients with NIU. Thirty-one additional questions were added, related to general recommendations, including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hydroxychloroquine.ResultsHighest consensus was achieved for not initiating IMT in patients who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and for using local over systemic corticosteroid therapy in patients who are at high-risk and very high-risk for severe or fatal COVID-19. While there was a consensus in starting or initiating NSAIDs for the treatment of scleritis in healthy patients, there was no consensus in starting hydroxychloroquine in any risk groups.ConclusionConsensus guidelines were proposed based on global expert opinion and practical experience to bridge the gap between clinical needs and the absence of medical evidence, to guide the treatment of patients with NIU during the COVID-19 pandemic.