bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Site‐directed mutagenesis of the succinate dehydrogenase subunits B and D from Corynespora cassiicola reveals different fitness costs and sensitivities to succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors
Authors: Shi Yanxia , Sun Bingxue , Xie Xuewen , Chai Ali , Li Lei , Li Baoju 
Published: April 2021

SummaryCarboxamide fungicides target succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Recently published monitoring studies have shown that Corynespora cassiicola isolates are resistant to one or several SDH inhibitors (SDHIs) with amino acid substitutions in the SDH B and D subunits. We confirmed, by site‐directed mutagenesis of the sdhB and sdhD genes, that each of the mutations identified in the field strains of C. cassiicola conferred resistance to boscalid and, in some cases, cross‐resistance to other SDHIs (fluopyram, carboxin and penthiopyrad). Analyses of the enzyme activity and sdhB and sdhD gene expression show that modifications (SdhB_H278Y and SdhD_H105R) that result in a decline in SDH enzyme activity may be complemented by gene overexpression. The SdhB_H278Y, SdhB_I280V and SdhD_H105R mutants suffered large fitness penalties based on their biological properties, including conidia production and germination, mycelial growth, pathogenicity or survival abilities under environment stress. However, fitness cost was not found in the SdhB_H278R, SdhD_D95E and SdhD_G109V mutants. In the evaluation of resistance to boscalid in 2018 and 2019, the frequency of the SdhD_D95E and SdhD_G109V genotypes in the Liaoning and Shandong provinces changed dramatically compared with 2005–2017, from low resistance frequency (0.53% for D95E and 2.53% for G109V) to dominant resistance frequency (17.28% for D95E and 15.38% for G109V). Considering both the fitness and increased frequency of these genotypes, we may infer that the SdhD_D95E and SdhD_G109V mutants will be the dominant resistance mutants in field.
d‐canavanine affects peptidoglycan structure, morphogenesis and fitness in Rhizobiales
Authors: Aliashkevich Alena , Howell Matthew , Brown Pamela J. B. , Cava Felipe 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThe bacterial cell wall is made of peptidoglycan (PG), a polymer that is essential for maintenance of cell shape and survival. Many bacteria alter their PG chemistry as a strategy to adapt their cell wall to external challenges. Therefore, identifying these environmental cues is important to better understand the interplay between microbes and their habitat. Here, we used the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida to uncover cell wall modulators from plant extracts and found canavanine (CAN), a non‐proteinogenic amino acid. We demonstrated that cell wall chemical editing by CAN is licensed by P. putida BSAR, a broad‐spectrum racemase which catalyses production of dl‐CAN from l‐CAN, which is produced by many legumes. Importantly, d‐CAN diffuses to the extracellular milieu thereby having a potential impact on other organisms inhabiting the same niche. Our results show that d‐CAN alters dramatically the PG structure of Rhizobiales (e.g., Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Sinorhizobium meliloti), impairing PG crosslinkage and cell division. Using A. tumefaciens, we demonstrated that the detrimental effect of d‐CAN is suppressed by a single amino acid substitution in the cell division PG transpeptidase penicillin binding protein 3a. Collectively, this work highlights the role of amino acid racemization in cell wall chemical editing and fitness.
In search of policy innovation: Behavioural Insights Teams in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Jones Stephen , Head Brian , Ferguson Michele 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGovernments around the world have increasingly used experimental findings from behavioural trials to fine‐tune their service delivery policy models and their communication with citizens. In some areas of policy review, government teams have drawn on ‘behavioural’ methods, developed through Behavioural Insights (BI) and Behavioural Economics (BE) approaches, with a view to enhancing cost‐efficiencies and regulatory compliance. We compare the practices of several teams in Australia and New Zealand, based on 40 practitioner interviews with staff in governmental BI–BE units. We outline staff perceptions about the challenges and opportunities for BI–BE units in their quest to make positive contributions to policy innovation in the informational, regulatory, and service domains. In most instances, their focus has been on selecting specific researchable topics where experimental methods can be deployed, and where measurable positive changes are anticipated. Although benefits have been produced in many such areas, complex issues have not yet been tackled. However, BI–BE approaches could potentially contribute to broader teams addressing more complex problems.
Impacts of COVID‐19 on global poverty, food security, and diets: Insights from global model scenario analysis
Authors: Laborde David , Martin Will , Vos Rob 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study assesses the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on poverty, food insecurity, and diets, accounting for the complex links between the crisis and the incomes and living costs of vulnerable households. Key elements are impacts on labor supply, effects of social distancing, shifts in demand from services involving close contact, increases in the cost of logistics in food and other supply chains, and reductions in savings and investment. These are examined using IFPRI's global general equilibrium model linked to epidemiological and household models. The simulations suggest that the global recession caused by COVID‐19 will be much deeper than that of the 2008–2009 financial crisis. The increases in poverty are concentrated in South Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa with impacts harder in urban areas than in rural. The COVID‐19‐related lockdown measures explain most of the fall in output, whereas declines in savings soften the adverse impacts on food consumption. Almost 150 million people are projected to fall into extreme poverty and food insecurity. Decomposition of the results shows that approaches assuming uniform income shocks would underestimate the impact by as much as one‐third, emphasizing the need for the more refined approach of this study.
Identifying substitute host tree species for epiphytes: The relative importance of tree size and species, bark and site characteristics
Authors: Mitchell Ruth J. , Hewison Richard L. , Beaton Joan , Douglass John R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuestionsCan bark characteristics be used to determine the suitability of trees to host epiphytic bryophytes and lichens or are other tree and site characteristics more important? Identification of substitute hosts is required in the face of epidemic tree deaths due to diseases that are a threat to affiliated epiphytic communities. We assess the suitability of seven phorophytes to host the epiphytes associated with the UK native oak species, Quercus petraea and Quercus robur, which are currently threatened by a range of pests and pathogens.LocationSix botanic gardens and arboreta across the UK.MethodWe recorded the site, habitat, tree (height, diameter at breast height [1.3 m; DBH], percentage canopy cover) and bark characteristics (pH, conductivity, density, water‐holding capacity, hardness, topography) and epiphytic community composition on Acer pseudoplatanus, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus cerris, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Quercus rubra and Tilia × europaea. In total 230 trees were surveyed across the six sites.ResultsComparisons between all trees showed significant correlations between similarities in community composition and bark characteristics. However, “tree characteristics” (species, height, DBH and canopy over) explained more of the variation in epiphytic community composition than bark and site characteristics. Phorophytes with similar epiphytic community richness or composition to native oaks did not necessarily have similar bark characteristics. Non‐native oaks and the non‐native hybrid Tilia × europaea supported similar epiphyte communities to the native oaks and are suggested as substitute phorophytes.ConclusionUsing bark traits is not a reliable method to assess the suitability of substitute phorophytes to conserve epiphytic communities. Instead, the epiphytes hosted by a wider range of phorophytes should be recorded to allow an assessment of their suitability as substitute hosts and hence aid management decisions on replacement phorophytes following tree loss.
TLR4 pathway impairs synaptic number and cerebrovascular functions through astrocyte activation following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rosa Juliana M. , Farré‐Alins Víctor , Ortega María Cristina , Navarrete Marta , Lopez‐Rodriguez Ana Belen , Palomino‐Antolín Alejandra , Fernández‐López Elena , Vila‐del Sol Virginia , Decouty Céline , Narros‐Fernández Paloma , Clemente Diego , Egea Javier 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeActivation of astrocytes contributes to synaptic remodelling, tissue repair and neuronal survival following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mechanisms by which these cells interact to resident/infiltrated inflammatory cells to rewire neuronal networks and repair brain functions remain poorly understood. Here, we explored how TLR4‐induced astrocyte activation modified synapses and cerebrovascular integrity following TBI.Experimental ApproachTo determine how functional astrocyte alterations induced by activation of TLR4 pathway in inflammatory cells regulate synapses and neurovascular integrity after TBI, we used pharmacology, genetic approaches, live calcium imaging, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity assessment and molecular and behavioural methods.Key ResultsShortly after a TBI, there is a recruitment of excitable and reactive astrocytes mediated by TLR4 pathway activation with detrimental effects on post‐synaptic density‐95 (PSD‐95)/vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) synaptic puncta, BBB integrity and neurological outcome. Pharmacological blockage of the TLR4 pathway with resatorvid (TAK‐242) partially reversed many of the observed effects. Synapses and BBB recovery after resatorvid administration were not observed in IP3R2−/− mice, indicating that effects of TLR4 inhibition depend on the subsequent astrocyte activation. In addition, TBI increased the astrocytic‐protein thrombospondin‐1 necessary to induce a synaptic recovery in a sub‐acute phase.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data demonstrate that TLR4‐mediated signalling, most probably through microglia and/or infiltrated monocyte–astrocyte communication, plays a crucial role in the TBI pathophysiology and that its inhibition prevents synaptic loss and BBB damage accelerating tissue recovery/repair, which might represent a therapeutic potential in CNS injuries and disorders.
Polypharmacy and saliva volumes in the northeast of Germany – The Study of Health in Pomerania
Authors: Laugisch Oliver , Holtfreter Birte , Pink Christiane , Samietz Stefanie , Völzke Henry , Kocher Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesAssociations between saliva volumes or salivary flow rates and potentially xerogenic medication are rarely evaluated in cohorts with a wide age range. This cross‐sectional cohort study investigated possible relationships between the regular consumption of potentially xerogenic medication and stimulated saliva volumes.MethodsData from the German Studies of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐2 and SHIP‐Trend‐0) were pooled. Potentially xerogenic medications were identified using the Workshop on Oral Medicine VI criteria. Stimulated saliva was sampled using Salivette®, and saliva volumes expressed as μl/min were determined. Applying linear mixed models with adjustment for time point of saliva collection, associations of (a) age and sex with regularly consumed medication, (b) age and sex with saliva volumes, and (c) the number of regularly consumed xerogenic medications with saliva volumes were evaluated.ResultsSix thousand seven hundred and fifty‐three participants aged 20‐83 years (mean 53.4 ± 14.9) were included. The average number of medications did not differ markedly between females (2.21 ± 2.46) and males (2.24 ± 2.83). Males took more potentially xerogenic medication (1.0 ± 1.3) than did females (0.9 ± 1.3). Also, males took more potentially xerogenic cardiovascular medications than did females (0.9 ± 1.2 versus 0.7 ± 1.1), while females were prescribed a higher number of potentially xerogenic medications affecting the nervous system (0.2 ± 0.5 versus 0.1 ± 0.4). The average stimulated saliva volume was 967.0 ± 433.3 µL/min. Regularly consumed and potentially xerogenic medications were associated with lower saliva volumes. Older age correlated not only with a higher number of total medications and a higher number of xerogenic medications affecting either the cardiovascular (in males) or the nervous system (in females), but also with lower saliva volumes.ConclusionsAgeing was associated with polypharmacy, especially with the intake of potentially xerogenic medication, and lower average saliva volumes. With regard to complications of dry mouth, anamnesis of medication consumption is of high importance.
IMAT: The Iterative Medial Axis Transform
Authors: Lee Yonghyeon , Baek Jonghyuk , Kim Young Min , Park Frank Chongwoo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe present the iterative medial axis transform (IMAT), an iterative descent method that constructs a medial axis transform (MAT) for a sparse, noisy, oriented point cloud sampled from an object's boundary. We first establish the equivalence between the traditional definition of the MAT of an object, i.e., the set of centres and corresponding radii of all balls maximally inscribed inside the object, with an alternative characterization matching the boundary enclosing the union of the balls with the object boundary. Based on this boundary equivalence characterization, a new MAT algorithm is proposed, in which an error function that reflects the difference between the two boundaries is minimized while restricting the number of balls to within some a priori specified upper limit. An iterative descent method with guaranteed local convergence is developed for the minimization that is also amenable to parallelization. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses of diverse 2D and 3D objects demonstrate the noise robustness, shape fidelity, and representation efficiency of the resulting MAT.
Echocardiographic assessment of chamber size and ventricular function during the first year after heart transplantation
Authors: Ingvarsson Annika , Werther Evaldsson Anna , Waktare Johan , Braun Oscar , Smith Gustav Jan , Roijer Anders , Rådegran Göran , Meurling Carl 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsDetecting changes in ventricular function after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is important but interpretation of findings is complicated by lack of data on early graft adaptation. We sought to evaluate echocardiographic measures of ventricular size and function the first year following OHT including speckle tracking derived strain. We also aimed to compare echocardiographic findings to haemodynamic parameters obtained by right heart catheterization (RHC).Methods and resultsFifty OHT patients were examined prospectively with TTE and RHC at 1, 6, and 12 months after OHT. Left ventricle (LV) was assessed with fractional shortening, ejection fraction and systolic tissue velocities. Right ventricular (RV) evaluation included tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), systolic tissue velocity (S´) and fractional area change (FAC). LV global longitudinal and circumferential strain and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV lateral wall strain (RVfree) were analysed. No relevant changes occurred in LV echocardiographic parameters, whereas all measures of RV function improved significantly during follow‐up. There was an increase in TAPSE (12.4 ± 3.3 mm to 14.4 ± 4.3 mm, p < .01), FAC (36% ± 8% to 41% ± 8%, p < .01), RV GLS (−15.8% ± 4% to −17.8% ± 3.6%, p < .01), and RVfree (−15.5% ± 3.7% to −18.6% ± 3.6%, p < .001). Between 1 and 12 months, pulmonary pressures decreased, whereas pulmonary vascular resistance did not.ConclusionStable OHT recipients reached steady state regarding LV function 1 month after transplantation. In contrast, RV function displayed gradual improvement the first year following OHT, indicating delayed RV adaptation as compared to the LV. Improved RV function parameters were independent of invasively measured pulmonary pressures.
Multiple‐Benefit Conservation defined
Authors: Gardali Thomas , Dybala Kristen E. , Seavy Nathaniel E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA new term, Multiple‐Benefit Conservation, has emerged in the conservation community, but has not been defined. We define Multiple‐Benefit Conservation asconservation efforts designed to simultaneously benefit local communities of people, enhance ecological function, and improve habitat quality for fish and wildlife. Its key features are setting ecological and societal goals at the outset and defining success as achieving these goals simultaneously. This is in contrast to efforts aimed at one goal thatmayalso produce co‐benefits; it is inclusive of ecosystem services but not limited by a focus solely on human benefit. Strengths of this approach include that it is constructive, inclusive of multiple worldviews, easily communicated, solutions‐oriented, and compelling. Multiple‐Benefit Conservation as we define and describe it here appears to provide a pathway useful for designing conservation efforts that are more likely to be inclusive, that will quantify trade‐offs among goals, and can embrace pluralistic conservation leadership.
Imperfect detection biases extinction‐debt assessments
Authors: Montgomery Fielding A. , Reid Scott M. , Mandrak Nicholas E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems have been substantially altered, threatening the survival and recovery of aquatic species at risk. Estimating the likelihood and magnitude of future extinctions (extinction debt; ED) is integral for conserving biodiversity and requires accurate species composition lists. Using species‐area relationships, we estimated ED for fishes in historically disturbed wetlands in the Lake Erie basin. Then, we used simulated data sets to assess how ED varied when species lists used to derive species‐area relationships had an increasing proportion of undetected species. When species lists were incomplete, ranging from 0.99 to 0.75, 15% fewer wetlands were estimated to have species in ED and, on average, 50% fewer species were expected to go extinct per wetland. Imperfect detection ultimately biased conservation prioritization among wetlands. Our findings suggest that if imperfect detection is not accounted for when projecting future extinctions, the severity of future species loss across a landscape, and the subsequent need for immediate restorative action, can be greatly underestimated.
‘Money up in smoke’: The financial benefits of smoking cessation may be more motivating to people who are homeless than potential health gains
Authors: Puljević Cheneal , Snoswell Aaron , Rivas Lorena , Ali Mohammed M. , de Greef Wouter , Ferris Jason , Gartner Coral 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionHigh rates of tobacco smoking among people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation exacerbate poor health outcomes and financial disadvantage. There is limited research on this population's perceptions of smoking cessation benefits or support strategies.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 68 male smokers living in a temporary accommodation hostel in Brisbane, Australia. The survey measured smoking and quit attempt history, perceptions of cessation aids and benefits of cessation, and awareness of the Intensive Quit Support program—a free Queensland government‐funded program comprising 12 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy supplemented with weekly calls from Quitline.ResultsParticipants (56% aged ≤40 years) spent a high proportion of their income on smoking (median $80/week). Although the most commonly reported perceived benefit of smoking cessation was improved health, more participants were interested in a campaign promoting the financial savings of quitting rather than the health benefits. Twice as many participants reported the high cost of smoking‐provoked thoughts of quitting than graphic health warning labels on cigarette packs (70.6% vs. 30.9%). Participants reported a high level of interest in e‐cigarettes as a cessation aid. There was a low level of awareness but moderate level of interest in the Intensive Quit Support program.Discussion and ConclusionsSmoking cessation campaigns promoting the financial savings of cessation may be more salient than health‐focused campaigns among relatively young men who smoke and experience homelessness. There is a clear need for innovative, targeted strategies promoting smoking cessation among this population.
Creation and anthropology: N.F.S. Grundtvig as humanist and feminist
Authors: Pedersen Else Marie Wiberg 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article focuses on Scandinavian creation theology by way of the anthropology of the Happy Dane, the theologian, author, hymn writer, poet, and pastor Nicolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1783–1872). After having given two examples of Grundtvig's and Grundtvigians’ encounter with USA in the past, it is demonstrated how the Lutheran Grundtvig, based on his positive and organic creation theology, fought ideas of creational hierarchies, whether slavery or subjection of women. Grundtvig logically and naturally connected his creation theology to a humanist anthropology of which not the devil but God was Creator and sole subject. As in Galatians 3:28, this encompassed a feminist view as he acknowledged two equal sexes and genders: all humans are equal regardless of color of the skin, sex, or belief and hence should have human rights equally.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists improve biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Bray Jonathan J. H. , Foster‐Davies Harri , Salem Ahmed , Hoole Amy L. , Obaid Daniel R. , Halcox Julian P. J. , Stephens Jeffrey W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo conduct a meta‐analysis and systematic review to examine the effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) on clinical biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsMedline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined changes with GLP‐1RAs in a priori selected biomarkers of inflammation: C‐reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, interleukin‐6, leptin; and of oxidative stress: malondialdehyde (MDA); 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α; and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG).ResultsWe included 40 eligible RCTs (n = 6749) with a median follow‐up of 6 months, a mean participant age of 53.1 years, 56.3% females, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 55.6 mmol/mol, body mass index 28.8 kg/m2 and diabetes duration 7.46 years. Analysis of GLP‐1RAs versus standard diabetes therapies or placebo revealed significant reductions in CRP, TNFα and MDA, and significant increases in adiponectin for (mean difference −0.54 mg/L [−0.75, −0.34]; standard mean difference [SMD] −0.39 [−0.62, −0.15]; SMD −0.84 [−1.61, −0.06] and SMD 0.30 [0.12, 0.49], respectively [95% confidence intervals]). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly and was significantly and strongly correlated with a reduction in CRP. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was also significantly correlated with a reduction in CRP, but HbA1c was not.ConclusionsThere is strong evidence supporting clinically relevant anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of GLP‐1RAs. This may be used to guide future targeted clinical use of GLP‐1RAs and the development of medications seeking to target the cardioprotective properties of GLP‐1RAs.