bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PPi plays a role in sugar starvation tolerance
Authors: Mohammed Seedahmed A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractH+-PPase acidifies the endo-membrane compartments utilizing the energy of PPi hydrolysis. This acidification creates an electrochemical proton gradient that powers the secondary active transport and allows for vacuolar accumulation of several materials against their concentration gradients. The hydrolysis of the cytosolic PPi is necessary for the forwardness of the PPi-generating reactions. However, information is lacking on the role of PPi in adaptation to sugar starvation and low energy status in plants. Here, several mutants lacking the functional H+-PPases were used to illuminate this role. Three alleles offugu5mutants defective in type I H+-PPase exhibited better tolerance to sugar starvation than wild-type plants, when grown on ½ and full-strength MS media under photosynthesis-constraining low light intensity. The PPi level infugu5mutants was significantly higher than its level in wild type and type II H+-PPase-defective mutants. SnRK1 (Sucrose-non-fermenting1-Related kinase-1) plays a central role in the coordination of the plant transcriptome to the energy signals. SnRK1 senses the energy depletion in plant cells, and controls the expression of genes and phosphorylation of proteins in a way that promotes catabolism, and inhibits anabolism. Sugar starvation significantly induced the SnRK1 phosphorylation activity in wild type and type II H+-PPase lacking mutants. Whereas the activity remained unchanged in sugar-starvedfugu5mutants. This is possibly achieved through activation of PPi-dependent enzymes. Results suggest that the high PPi level infugu5mutants might contribute to more efficiently use of low level of ATP under sugar starvation and low light conditions.
Ongoing recombination in SARS-CoV-2 revealed through genealogical reconstruction
Authors: Ignatieva Anastasia , Hein Jotun , Jenkins Paul A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe evolutionary process of genetic recombination has the potential to rapidly change the properties of a viral pathogen, and its presence is a crucial factor to consider in the development of treatments and vaccines. It can also significantly affect the results of phylogenetic analyses and the inference of evolutionary rates. The detection of recombination from samples of sequencing data is a very challenging problem, and is further complicated for SARS-CoV-2 by its relatively slow accumulation of genetic diversity. The extent to which recombination is ongoing for SARS-CoV-2 is not yet resolved. To address this, we use a parsimony-based method to reconstruct possible genealogical histories for samples of SARS-CoV-2 sequences, which enables us to pinpoint specific recombination events that could have generated the data. We propose a statistical framework for disentangling the effects of recurrent mutation from recombination in the history of a sample, and hence provide a way of estimating the probability that ongoing recombination is present. We apply this to samples of sequencing data collected in England and South Africa, and find evidence of ongoing recombination.
Single Cell Biological Microlasers Powered by Deep Learning
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Sun Wen , Zhang Na , Jie Randall Ang , Chew Sing Yian , Chen Yu-Cheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCellular lasers are cutting-edge technologies for biomedical applications. Due to the enhanced interactions between light and cells in microcavities, cellular properties and subtle changes of cells can be significantly reflected by the laser emission characteristics. In particular, transverse laser modes from single-cell lasers which utilize Fabry–Pérot cavities are highly correlated to the spatial biophysical properties of cells. However, the high chaotic and complex variation of laser modes limits their practical applications for cell detections. Deep learning technique has demonstrated its powerful capability in solving complex imaging problems, which is expected to be applied for cell detections based on laser mode imaging. In this study, deep learning technique was applied to analyze laser modes generated from single-cell lasers, in which a correlation between laser modes and physical properties of cells was built. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the predictions of cell sizes using deep learning based on laser mode imaging. In the first part, bioinspired cell models were fabricated to systematically study how cell sizes affect the characteristics of laser modes. By training a convolutional neuron network (CNN) model with laser mode images, predictions of cell model diameters with a sub-wavelength accuracy were achieved. In the second part, deep learning was employed to study laser modes generated from biological cells. By training a CNN model with laser mode images acquired from astrocyte cells, predictions of cell sizes with a sub-wavelength accuracy were also achieved. The results show the great potential of laser mode imaging integrated with deep learning for cell analysis and biophysical studies.
Are Iberian ribbed newts Pleurodeles waltl Michahelles, 1830 negatively affecting the populations of other amphibians?
Authors: Gálvez Ángel , Mesquita‐Joanes Francesc , Monrós Juan S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTemporary ponds play a key role as amphibian breeding habitats, but predation and desiccation risks enforce major evolutionary pressures in these ecosystems. The newt Pleurodeles waltl is commonly found in Mediterranean ponds in the Iberian Peninsula, where it preys on a wide variety of organisms. We hypothesize that P. waltl may negatively influence populations of coexisting amphibian larvae in the natural environment. To test it, we monitored the amphibian populations of 21 temporary ponds in Eastern Spain, 10 of which included P. waltl. We visited each pond fortnightly on nine occasions, estimating the abundance of adult P. waltl and tadpoles of each amphibian species present. We built zero‐inflated Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to test for the effects of pond area and adult and larval P. waltl abundance on tadpole abundance of all amphibian species present. Our results show significant negative effects of P. waltl abundances on the anurans Alytes obstetricans, Epidalea calamita, and Pelodytes punctatus. Species adapted to shorter hydroperiods such E. calamita and P. punctatus show lower densities in the presence of P. waltl larvae. A. obstetricans, with preference for longer hydroperiod ponds, seems to better thrive in sites where the newt is absent. This is the first field work suggesting a negative impact of P. waltl on coexisting anurans, even though more studies are needed to disentangle other negative effects related to unmeasured environmental variables or biotic interactions, which can be important according to the large variation encompassed by the random variables of site and sampling period in the mixed models.
The role of rendering in relation to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic, the development of EU animal by‐product legislation and the reintroduction of rendered products into animal feeds
Authors: Woodgate S. L. , Wilkinson R. G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in 1986 highlighted the importance of the rendering industry as a key component of the food supply chain. Prior to 1986 the rendering industry was poorly understood. However, following the emergence of BSE research was commissioned to characterise rendering systems and investigate their ability to inactivate transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents. Six rendering systems were found to be operational in Europe but their key process parameters, such as particle size, process temperature and transit time, were poorly characterised. This review describes how these key process parameters were determined and used to inform protocols for the subsequent TSE inactivation trials which subsequently shaped both EU legislation and the development of techniques used to validate rendering systems. It also describes how EU legislation banning the use of animal‐derived proteins in animal feeds ('feed ban') effectively eliminated the market for meat and bone meal (MBM) and how the rendering industry sought to 'add value' to rendered products by conducting research to support the development of new markets for rendered products. The nutritional, environmental and economic characteristics of modern processed animal proteins (PAPs) mean that they represent valuable ingredients for use in animal feeds. Recent research has paved the way for legislative changes allowing the safe reintroduction of nonruminant PAP into aqua‐feeds and may soon facilitate their reintroduction into pig and poultry feeds. However, resistance from key stakeholders in the food chain remains a significant challenge that must be overcome before their full potential can be realised. Further research is required to characterise modern PAPS and to ensure their appropriate, safe and acceptable inclusion in animal feeds.
Non‐diagnostic sonography may reduce negative appendicectomy rate in women when combined with abbreviated Alvarado score
Authors: Bappayya Shaneel , Chen Fiona , Alderuccio Megan , Xu Edward , Vootukuru Nikil , Lee James C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains a clinical one, with selective use of adjunct imaging. Patients with equivocal clinical presentation often undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy. To help reduce negative appendicectomy rates in women, we aimed to develop a simple scoring system based on the Alvarado score (AS) and ultrasound scan (US), as a diagnostic aid for AA in females.MethodsAll patients who underwent appendicectomy for AA at The Alfred Hospital Melbourne between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2017 were included for this case–control study. Logistic regression was used to identify pre‐operative parameters predictive of AA. Histopathological identification of AA was interpreted as the gold standard. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V26.ResultsA total of 1194 patients were included, with 26% negative appendicectomy rate in women. Of the 8 parameters in the AS, logistic regression identified migratory pain, leukocytosis and leukocyte left shift as most significant predictors for AA. These three parameters were used in a 3‐point test which carried a sensitivity of 92.1% and specificity of 28.7%. In women, a negative or non‐diagnostic US improved the negative predictive value of the 3‐point test from 57% to 82%.ConclusionThe 3‐point abbreviated AS in combination with US may be clinically useful in women to exclude appendicitis without diagnostic laparoscopy. Further large‐scale prospective studies are required to validate the utility across different subgroups.
Mental health status of pregnant and breastfeeding women during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A multinational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ceulemans Michael , Foulon Veerle , Ngo Elin , Panchaud Alice , Winterfeld Ursula , Pomar Léo , Lambelet Valentine , Cleary Brian , O'Shaughnessy Fergal , Passier Anneke , Richardson Jonathan L. , Hompes Titia , Nordeng Hedvig 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionEvidence on perinatal mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and its potential determinants is limited. Therefore, this multinational study aimed to assess the mental health status of pregnant and breastfeeding women during the pandemic, and to explore potential associations between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress and women's sociodemographic, health, and reproductive characteristics.Material and methodsA cross‐sectional, web‐based study was performed in Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK between 16 June and 14 July 2020. Pregnant and breastfeeding women up to 3 months postpartum who were older than 18 years of age were eligible. The online, anonymous survey was promoted through social media and hospital websites. The Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven‐item scale (GAD‐7), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to assess mental health status. Regression model analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor mental health status.ResultsIn total, 9041 women participated (including 3907 pregnant and 5134 breastfeeding women). The prevalence of major depressive symptoms (EDS ≥ 13) was 15% in the pregnancy cohort and and 13% the breastfeeding cohort. Moderate to severe generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD ≥ 10) were found among 11% and 10% of the pregnant and breastfeeding women. The mean (±SD) PSS scores for pregnant and breastfeeding women were 14.1 ± 6.6 and 13.7 ± 6.6, respectively. Risk factors associated with poor mental health included having a chronic mental illness, a chronic somatic illness in the postpartum period, smoking, having an unplanned pregnancy, professional status, and living in the UK or Ireland.ConclusionsThis multinational study found high levels of depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety among pregnant and breastfeeding women during the COVID‐19 outbreak. The study findings underline the importance of monitoring perinatal mental health during pandemics and other societal crises to safeguard maternal and infant mental health.
Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin in obese and nonobese subjects
Authors: Soares Ana Luiza P.P.d.P. , Montanha Maiara C. , Alcantara Conrado d.S. , Silva Sandra R.B. , Kuroda Cristina M. , Yamada Sérgio S. , Nicacio Antônio E. , Maldaner Liane , Visentainer Jesui V. , Simões Caroline F. , Locatelli João Carlos , Lopes Wendell A. , Mazucheli Josmar , Diniz Andrea , Paixão Paulo J.P.A. , Kimura Elza 
Published: January 2021

AimsTo compare the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin (AMX) in obese and nonobese subjects, given as single dose 875‐mg tablets.MethodsA prospective, single‐centre, open‐label, clinical study was carried out involving 10 nonobese and 20 obese subjects given a dose of an AMX 875‐mg tablet. Serial blood samples were collected between 0 and 8 hours after administration of AMX and plasma levels were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters (PK) were calculated by noncompartmental analysis and means of the 2 groups were compared using Student t‐test. Analysis of correlation between covariates and PK was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsTen nonobese subjects (mean age 30.6 ± 7.12 y; body mass index 21.56 ± 1.95 kg/m2) and 20 obese subjects (mean age 34.47 ± 7.03 y; body mass index 33.17 ± 2.38 kg/m2) participated in the study. Both maximum concentration (Cmax; 12.12 ± 4.06 vs. 9.66 ± 2.93 mg/L) and area under the curve (AUC)0‐inf (34.18 ± 12.94 mg.h/L vs. 26.88 ± 9.24 mg.h/L) were slightly higher in nonobese than in obese subjects, respectively, but differences were not significant. The volume of distribution (V/F) parameter was statistically significantly higher in obese compared to nonobese patients (44.20 ± 17.85 L vs. 27.57 ± 12.96 L). Statistically significant correlations were observed for several weight metrics vs. AUC, Cmax, V/F and clearance, and for creatinine clearance vs. AUC, Cmax and clearance.ConclusionIn obese subjects, the main altered PK was V/F as a consequence of greater body weight. This may result in antibiotic treatment failure if standard therapeutic regimens are administered.
A brief rituximab, bendamustine, mitoxantrone (R‐BM) induction followed by rituximab consolidation in elderly patients with advanced follicular lymphoma: a phase II study by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)
Authors: Boccomini Carola , Ladetto Marco , Rigacci Luigi , Puccini Benedetta , Rattotti Sara , Volpetti Stefano , Ferrero Simone , Chiarenza Annalisa , Freilone Roberto , Novo Mattia , Corradini Paolo , Nassi Luca , Rusconi Chiara , Stelitano Caterina , Bolis Silvia , Marina Liberati Anna , Tucci Alessandra , Baldini Luca , Balzarotti Monica , Evangelista Andrea , Ciccone Giovannino , Vitolo Umberto 
Published: January 2021

SummaryTreatment for follicular lymphoma (FL) in the elderly is not well standardized. A phase II, multicentre, single arm trial was conducted in this setting with a brief chemoimmunotherapy regimen. Treatment consisted in four monthly courses of rituximab, bendamustine and mitoxantrone (R‐BM) followed by 4 weekly rituximab as consolidation; rituximab maintenance was not applied because the drug was not licensed at the time of enrolment. The primary endpoint was the complete remission rate (CR). Seventy‐six treatment‐naive FL patients (aged 65–80 and a “FIT” score, according to the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment) were enrolled. CR was documented in 59/76 patients (78%), partial remission in 12 (16%) and stable/progressive disease in five (6%) with an overall response rate in 71/76 (94%). Median follow‐up was 44 months with 3‐year progression‐free‐survival (PFS) and overall‐survival of 67% and 92% respectively. Nine deaths occurred, three of progressive disease. The regimen was well tolerated and the most frequent severe toxicity was neutropenia (18% of the cycles). Bcl‐2/IGH rearrangement was found in 40/75 (53%) of evaluated patients. R‐BM was highly effective in clearing polymerase chain reaction‐detectable disease: 29/31 (96%) evaluated patients converted to bcl‐2/IGH negativity at the end of treatment. A brief R‐BM regimen plus rituximab consolidation is effective and safe in “FIT” elderly, treatment‐naïve, FL patients, inducing high CR and molecular remission rates with prolonged PFS.
School‐Age Children Adapt the Dynamics of Lexical Competition in Suboptimal Listening Conditions
Authors: Hendrickson Kristi , Oleson Jacob , Walker Elizabeth 
Published: January 2021

Although the ability to understand speech in adverse listening conditions is paramount for effective communication across the life span, little is understood about how this critical processing skill develops. This study asks how the dynamics of spoken word recognition (i.e., lexical access and competition) change during soft speech in 8‐ to 11‐year‐olds (n = 26). Lexical competition and access for speech at lower intensity levels was measured using eye‐tracking and the visual world paradigm. Overall the results suggest that soft speech influences the magnitude and timing of lexical access and competition. These results suggest that lexical competition is a cognitive process that can be adapted in the school‐age years to help cope with increased uncertainty due to alterations in the speech signal.
The role of the board chair—A literature review and suggestions for future research
Authors: Banerjee Anup , Nordqvist Mattias , Hellerstedt Karin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractResearch Question/IssueThe role of the board chair has become increasingly complex in recent decades. Research on corporate governance has called for and has initiated the pursuit of more research for the purpose of creating a better understanding of the role of board chairs. We reviewed 234 academic articles published in 66 journals, structured the existing research according to an Input‐Process‐Outcome‐Contexts framework, and provided a future research agenda for studies on the role of the board chair.Research Findings/InsightsOur review reveals that the number of published studies on the position of the board chair has grown over the last two decades. Although extant research is dominated by quantitative studies exploring the impact of the board chair position on financial performance, frequently drawing on agency and stewardship theory, recent work has moved beyond this focus and has added valuable insights. The Input‐Process‐Outcome‐Contexts framework used to structure the extant research reveals that future research should pursue topics related to all components of the framework and that opportunities exist to draw from a broader set of theories.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsBased on the framework, we formulate seven specific research topics that can add valuable insights into the role of the board chair and suggest theories that can help inform research pursuing these topics. Taken together, these topics have the potential to create valuable insights into how board chairs are appointed, develop competencies, and interact and work with the CEO, the top management team, the board, and other stakeholders while acknowledging the influence of contextual factors, such as ownership, diversity, the firm's development stage, and external events and trends.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur review shows a growing global movement toward prescribing more corporate governance regulations and separating the positions of the board chair and the CEO. We show that many aspects need to be considered when choosing a governance configuration and when appointing a board chair because this role is becoming increasingly demanding.
Two‐year left ventricular systolic function of percutaneous coronary intervention vs optimal medical therapy for patients with single coronary chronic total occlusion
Authors: Meng Shuang , Qiu Lin , Wu Jian , Huang Rongchong , Wang Hui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) and real‐time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT‐3DE) were applied to compare the changes of left ventricular systolic function associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with single chronic total occlusion (CTO). 63 single CTO patients (age 61.88 ± 8.86 years) were examined by echocardiography and were divided into the PCI group (n = 27) and OMT group (n = 36) according to the initial treatment strategy. Two‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction (2D‐LVEF), two‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐systolic volume (2D‐LVESVI), and two‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (2D‐LVEDVI) were measured using two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE). Three‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction (3D‐LVEF), three‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐systolic volume (3D‐LVESVI), and three‐dimensional indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (3D‐LVEDVI) were measured using RT‐3DE. Global circumferential strain (GCS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured using 2D‐STE. After 2 years of follow‐up, there were no significant differences in the 2D‐LVEF, 2D‐LVESVI, 3D‐LVEF, 3D‐LVESVI, 3D‐LVEDVI, and GCS, except for GLS (P = .001) between the CTO‐PCI and CTO‐OMT groups. GLS decreased significantly in OMT group (P = .016) in contrast with PCI group in which GLS increased significantly (P = .007). Left ventricular systolic function assessment using 2D‐STE showed a significant difference in GLS between CTO‐PCI and CTO‐OMT. And the patients who chose PCI revascularization at the 2‐year follow‐up had better left ventricular systolic function improvement than those who were conservatively treated with OMT.