bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetically engineeredE. coliNissle attenuates hyperammonemia and prevents memory impairment in bile‐duct ligated rats
Authors: Ochoa‐Sanchez Rafael , Oliveira Mariana M. , Tremblay Mélanie , Petrazzo Grégory , Pant Asha , Bosoi Cristina R. , Perreault Mylene , Querbes William , Kurtz Caroline B. , Rose Christopher F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHyperammonemia associated with chronic liver disease (CLD) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The gut is a major source of ammonia production that contributes to hyperammonemia in CLD and HE and remains the primary therapeutic target for lowering hyperammonemia. As an ammonia‐lowering strategy,Escherichia coliNissle 1917 bacterium was genetically modified to consume and convert ammonia to arginine (S‐ARG). S‐ARG was further modified to additionally synthesize butyrate (S‐ARG + BUT). Both strains were evaluated in bile‐duct ligated (BDL) rats; experimental model of CLD and HE.MethodsOne‐week post‐surgery, BDLs received non‐modified EcN (EcN), S‐ARG, S‐ARG + BUT (3x1011CFU/day) or vehicle until sacrifice at 3 or 5 weeks. Plasma (ammonia/pro‐inflammatory/liver function), liver fibrosis (hydroxyproline), liver mRNA (pro‐inflammatory/fibrogenic/anti‐apoptotic) and colon mRNA (pro‐inflammatory) biomarkers were measured post‐sacrifice. Memory, motor‐coordination, muscle‐strength and locomotion were assessed at 5 weeks.ResultsIn BDL‐Veh rats, hyperammonemia developed at 3 and further increased at 5 weeks. This rise was prevented by S‐ARG and S‐ARG + BUT, whereas EcN was ineffective. Memory impairment was prevented only in S‐ARG + BUT vs BDL‐Veh. Systemic inflammation (IL‐10/MCP‐1/endotoxin) increased at 3 and 5 weeks in BDL‐Veh. S‐ARG + BUT attenuated inflammation at both timepoints (except 5‐week endotoxin) vs BDL‐Veh, whereas S‐ARG only attenuated IP‐10 and MCP‐1 at 3 weeks. Circulating ALT/AST/ALP/GGT/albumin/bilirubin and gene expression of liver function markers (IL‐10/IL‐6/IL‐1β/TGF‐β/α‐SMA/collagen‐1α1/Bcl‐2) were not normalized by either strain. Colonic mRNA (TNF‐α/IL‐1β/occludin) markers were attenuated by synthetic strains at both timepoints vs BDL‐Veh.ConclusionS‐ARG and S‐ARG + BUT attenuated hyperammonemia, with S‐ARG + BUT additional memory protection likely due to greater anti‐inflammatory effect. These innovative strategies, particularly S‐ARG + BUT, have potential to prevent HE.
Portion size and consistency as indicators of complementary food energy intake
Authors: Faerber Emily C. , Stein Aryeh D. , Webb Girard Amy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe evaluated whether novel portion size and consistency indicators can identify children with low complementary food energy intake in southern Ethiopia. We conducted 24‐h dietary recalls with caregivers of 548 children aged 6–13 months; additionally, caregivers estimated their child's usual portion size using uncooked rice and selected which of five photographs of porridges of varying consistencies most closely matched the food their child usually ate. Complementary food energy and density from the 24‐h recall were used as reference values. We computed correlation coefficients and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and conducted sensitivity and specificity analyses to classify children with low complementary food energy intake. The median complementary food energy intakes for children 6–8, 9–11 and 12–13 months were 312, 322 and 375 kcal; median estimated portion sizes were 50, 58 and 64 ml, respectively. Estimated portion size correlated with total complementary food energy intake and with average energy and quantity consumed per feeding (r = 0.42, 0.46 and 0.45, respectively, all p < 0.001). Reported food consistency was weakly correlated with total complementary food energy intake (r = 0.18) and density (r = 0.10), and energy density of porridge only (r = 0.24, all p < 0.05). Predicted energy intake combining feeding frequency and portion size predicted inadequate energy intake better than did feeding frequency alone in infants 6–8 months [∆AUC = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04, 0.28] and 9–11 months (∆AUC = 0.09, 95% CI 0.04, 0.14). Caregiver estimates of portion size can improve identification of infants with low complementary food energy intake when more robust dietary assessment is not feasible.
Primary hybrid zone formation inTephroseris helenitis(Asteraceae), following postglacial range expansion along the central Northern Alps
Authors: Pflugbeil Georg , Affenzeller Matthias , Tribsch Andreas , Comes Hans Peter 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDistinguishing between secondary versus primary hybrid zone formation remains a challenging task as, for instance, the time window in which these historical (vicariant) versus contemporary (environmental‐selective) processes are distinguishable may be relatively narrow. Here, we examine the origin and structure of a transition zone between two subspecies ofTephroseris helenitisalong the central Northern Alps, using molecular (AFLP) and morphological (achene type) data in combination with ecological niche models (ENMs) to hindcast ranges at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and mid‐Holocene. Samples were collected over a c. 350 km long transect, largely covered by ice during the LGM. Genetically nonadmixed individuals of subspp.helenitisversussalisburgensisdominated the westernmost versus eastern transect areas, with admixed individuals occurring in between. Clines for achene morphology and outlier loci potentially under climate‐driven selection were steep, largely noncoincidental, and displaced to the east of the cline centre for neutral AFLPs. During the LGM, ssp.helenitisshould have been able to persist in a refugium southwest of the transect, while suitable habitat for ssp.salisburgensiswas apparently absent at this time. Together with patterns of genetic and clinal variation, our ENM data are suggestive of a primary hybrid zone that originated after the species’ postglacial, eastward expansion. The observed clinal changes may thus reflect random/nonadaptive processes during expansion and selection on particular loci, and possibly achene type, in response to a long‐term, west‐to‐east climate gradient in the direction of more stressful (e.g., wetter/cooler) conditions. Overall, this study adds to the vast hybrid zone literature a rare example of a hybrid zone caused by primary differentiation within a plant species, underlaid by historical range expansion.
On Decolonizing Social Ontology and the Feminist Canon for Transnational Feminisms
Authors: Monque Pedro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSerene J. Khader’sDecolonizing Universalismpresents a vision for how feminism might be decolonized for transnational work by doing without traditional Western feminist values and focusing instead on opposing sexist oppression. This paper presents a challenge to the idea that feminism consists in opposing sexist oppression, claiming that it instead consists in opposing gender oppression, where that includes combating cissexism and heterosexism. More specifically, it argues that critiquing cissexist criteria within gender categories as well as critiquing harms that follow from having a queer sexual identity are decidedly feminist tasks. Furthermore, cases of these harms where group identities cannot arise in the social ontology due to a lack of hermeneutical resources challenge the idea that feminism is concerned only with oppression. The second half of the paper extends Khader’s critique of the Western liberal moral vocabulary of feminism by proposing a radical decolonization of the feminist canon as it is usually conceived in the global North.
The dual scale model of weighing reasons
Authors: Tucker Chris 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe metaphor of weighing reasons brings to mind a single (double‐pan balance) scale. The reasons for φ go in one pan and the reasons for ∼φ go in the other. The relative weights, as indicated by the relative heights of the two pans of the scale, determine the deontic status of φ. This model is simple and intuitive, but it cannot capture what it is to weigh reasons correctly. A reason pushes the φ pan down toward permissibility (has justifying weight) only insofar as it pushes the ∼φ pan up toward impermissibility (has requiring weight). Thus, Single Scale is committed to Single Proportion (first pass): all reasons have the same proportion of justifying and requiring weight. Many normative theories reject Single Proportion, and they are not thereby confused about how to weigh reasons. One can be mistaken about the weight of a reason without being confused about how reasons are to be weighed. Single Scale is problematic, not because it appeals to the image of a scale, but because it appeals to the image of a single scale. We need two scales to capture what it is to weigh reasons correctly.
The microRNA476a‐RFL module regulates adventitious root formation through a mitochondria‐dependent pathway in Populus
Authors: Xu Changzheng , Tao Yuanxun , Fu Xiaokang , Guo Li , Xing Haitao , Li Chaofeng , Yang Ziwei , Su Huili , Wang Xianqiang , Hu Jian , Fan Di , Chiang Vincent L. , Luo Keming 
Published: February 2021

Summary

For woody plants, clonal propagation efficiency is largely determined by adventitious root (AR) formation at the bases of stem cuttings. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to AR morphogenesis in trees remains limited, despite the importance of vegetative propagation, currently the most common practice for tree breeding and commercialization.

Here, we identified Populus‐specific miR476a as a regulator of wound‐induced adventitious rooting that acts by orchestrating mitochondrial homeostasis.

MiR476a exhibited inducible expression during AR formation and directly targeted several Restorer of Fertility like (RFL) genes encoding mitochondrion‐localized pentatricopeptide repeat proteins. Genetic modification of miR476a‐RFL expression revealed that miR476a/RFL‐mediated dynamic regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis influences AR formation in poplar. Mitochondrial perturbation via exogenous application of a chemical inhibitor indicated that miR476a/RFL‐directed AR formation depends on mitochondrial regulation that acts via auxin signaling.

Our results thus establish a microRNA‐directed mitochondrion–auxin signaling cascade required for AR development, providing insights into the role of mitochondrial regulation in the developmental plasticity of plants.
Assessing optimal colour and illumination to facilitate reading
Authors: Morrice Elliott , Murphy Caitlin , Soldano Vanessa , Addona Cynthia , Wittich Walter , Johnson Aaron P 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study examined the effectiveness of the LuxIQ, the Apple iPad and a smart bulb in assessing optimal colour and illumination to facilitate reading in younger, older and visually impaired adults.MethodsParticipants read standardised texts at baseline (normal lighting/no device), then using the Apple iPad, LuxIQ and smart bulb, with their normal vision (20/20 condition) and using a simulated reduction in visual acuity/contrast sensitivity (20/80 condition). Visually impaired participants followed the same procedure used in the 20/80 condition.ResultsThere was a significant interaction between condition and device in younger, F(1.5, 43.51) = 30.41, p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.34 and older, F(1.5, 4.51) = 4.51, p = 0.03, ω2 = 0.05 adults with normal vision, and there was a significant effect of device, F(2, 58) = 5.95, p = 0.004, ω2 = 0.12 in visually impaired adults. In the 20/20 condition, age and colour predicted reading speed, F(3, 176) = 36.25, p < 0.001, Adj. R2 = 0.37, whereas age, lighting and colour predicted reading speed, F(3, 176) = 36.25, p < 0.001, Adj. R2 = 0.37 in the 20/80 condition. In the visual impairment condition, lighting, colour and impairment severity predicted reading speed, F(3, 85) = 10.10, p < 0.001, Adj. R2 = 0.24.ConclusionsThe clinical implications of this study are that reading speeds improve in individuals with low vision under improved lighting conditions, specifically, with higher levels of luminance and colour temperature. The effectiveness of the devices varied across groups; however, the LuxIQ was the only device to improve reading speeds from baseline in older adults with visual impairments.
The effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on working practices of UK primary care optometrists
Authors: Nagra Manbir , Allen Peter M , Norgett Yvonne , Beukes Eldre , Bowen Michael , Vianya‐Estopa Marta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeIn late 2019, a new coronavirus capable of infecting humans, SARS‐CoV‐2, was identified in Wuhan, China. The resultant respiratory disease was subsequently named COVID‐19. In March 2020, in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, primary care optometry practices only remained open to deliver essential or emergency eye care. This study aimed to characterise the experiences of United Kingdom (UK)‐based primary care optometrists during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsAn email invitation to participate in an online cross‐sectional survey was sent to 3000 UK‐based, currently practicing members of The College of Optometrists (UK). Responses to the structured questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means and standard deviations. Frequency analyses were used to evaluate items with multiple responses. Free‐text responses were examined using thematic analyses.ResultsAfter data cleaning, a total of 1250 responses remained. Sixty‐three percent were female, 70% self‐identified as being of white ethnicity and 78% were based in England. During the first national lockdown, over half of all respondents were involved with the provision of remote consultations for emergency/urgent care. The majority felt ‘very’/‘moderately’ comfortable conducting remote consultations, but 66% felt professional liability was increased. Forty percent were involved in the provision of face‐to‐face consultations. Eye‐health and vision‐related problems were the most commonly reported patient issues during both remote and face‐to‐face consultations, while contact‐lens related problems were the least. Thematic analysis of the responses showed several challenges adjusting to the pandemic (e.g., working safely), but also some potential benefits (e.g., increased skills).ConclusionsThe findings provide an overview of changes to optometric practice in the UK during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results may be used to inform the development of professional guidance and facilitate resource allocation for safe and effective eye care during this and any future pandemics.
Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen increases the risk of atopic dermatitis in children: A nationwide nested case‐control study in Taiwan
Authors: Li Cheng‐Yuan , Dai Ying‐Xiu , Chang Yun‐Ting , Bai Ya‐Mei , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Chen Mu‐Hong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcetaminophen (APAP) has been associated with the development of atopic diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between prenatal APAP exposure and atopic dermatitis (AD) in offspring.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between prenatal APAP exposure and AD risk in offspring.MethodsIn this study, 2029 study pairs (AD‐affected children and their mothers) and 5,058 control pairs were identified between 1998 and 2008 from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Maternal APAP exposure during pregnancy was assessed.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounders, there was a significant association between risk of offspring AD and exposure to acetaminophen in the first trimester (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05‐1.28), the second trimester (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03‐1.27), both first and second trimesters (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.13‐1.51), both first and third trimester (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04‐1.39), any trimester (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.00‐1.26), and all three trimesters (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.08‐1.62) in a dose‐response manner.ConclusionsPrenatal exposure to acetaminophen was associated with an increased incidence of offspring AD.
The potential of resilient carbon dynamics for stabilizing crop reproductive development and productivity during heat stress
Authors: Ferguson John N. , Tidy Alison C. , Murchie Erik H. , Wilson Zoe A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractImpaired carbon metabolism and reproductive development constrain crop productivity during heat stress. Reproductive development is energy intensive, and its requirement for respiratory substrates rises as associated metabolism increases with temperature. Understanding how these processes are integrated and the extent to which they contribute to the maintenance of yield during and following periods of elevated temperatures is important for developing climate‐resilient crops. Recent studies are beginning to demonstrate links between processes underlying carbon dynamics and reproduction during heat stress, consequently a summation of research that has been reported thus far and an evaluation of purported associations are needed to guide and stimulate future research. To this end, we review recent studies relating to source–sink dynamics, non‐foliar photosynthesis and net carbon gain as pivotal in understanding how to improve reproductive development and crop productivity during heat stress. Rapid and precise phenotyping during narrow phenological windows will be important for understanding mechanisms underlying these processes, thus we discuss the development of relevant high‐throughput phenotyping approaches that will allow for more informed decision‐making regarding future crop improvement.
AIR12 confers cold tolerance through regulation of the CBF cold response pathway and ascorbate homeostasis
Authors: Wang Qi , Shi Haifan , Huang Risheng , Ye Rong , Luo Yurong , Guo Zhenfei , Lu Shaoyun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAuxin induced in root culture (AIR12) is a single gene in Arabidopsis and codes for a mono‐heme cytochrome b, but it is unknown whether plant AIR12 is involved in abiotic stress responses. MfAIR12 was identified from Medicago falcata that is legume germplasm with great cold tolerance. Transcript levels of MfAIR12 and its homolog MtAIR12 from Medicago truncatula was induced under low temperature. Overexpression of MfAIR12 led to the accumulation of H2O2 in apoplast and enhanced cold tolerance, which was blocked by H2O2 scavengers, indicating that the increased cold tolerance was dependent upon the accumulated H2O2. In addition, declined cold tolerance was observed in Arabidopsis mutant air12, which could be restored by expressing MfAIR12. Compared to the wild type, higher levels of ascorbic acid and ascorbate redox state, as well as transcripts of the C repeat/dehydration responsive element‐binding factor (CBF) transcription factors and their downstream cold‐responsive genes, were observed in MfAIR12 transgenic lines, but lower levels of those in air12 mutant. It is suggested AIR12 confers cold tolerance as a result of the altered H2O2 in the apoplast that is signaling in the regulation of CBF cold response pathway and ascorbate homeostasis.
Association between preterm birth and maternal allergy considering IgE level
Authors: Kojima Reiji , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Akiyama Yuka , Ooka Tadao , Miyake Kunio , Horiuchi Sayaka , Shinohara Ryoji , Yamagata Zentaro ,   Japan Environment and Children's Study Group
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the association between maternal allergies and preterm birth by different total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.MethodsData of 81 791 pregnant women from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a prospective birth cohort, were used. Maternal allergic diseases, including a history of bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), and allergic rhinitis (AR), were obtained by self‐administered questionnaires. Total serum IgE levels were measured at the first trimester and obstetrical outcomes from medical records transcripts were analyzed. The association between maternal allergic disease and obstetric outcome, including threatened abortion, preterm labor, early preterm birth (22–33 weeks), and late preterm birth (34–36 weeks), were examined by logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed by IgE level.ResultsMaternal BA and AR were associated with an increased risk of threatened abortion and preterm labor, but high total IgE level was associated with a decreased risk of preterm labor. There was little difference in associations between allergic disease and threatened abortion and preterm labor by total IgE levels. Although there was no significant association between allergic disease and preterm birth, if total IgE was high, AR was significantly associated with a decreased risk of early preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval 0.43–0.86). There was significant evidence for differences associated with total IgE levels (P‐values for the interaction of the effects of AD and AR on early preterm birth were 0.039 and 0.015, respectively).ConclusionsThe effect of allergy on preterm birth might differ depending on the total IgE level.
Fluctuations in internal cerebral vein and central side veins of preterm infants
Authors: Ikeda Toshifumi , Ito Yuya , Mikami Ryosuke , Matsuo Koji , Kawamura Naoto , Yamoto Akane , Ito Etsuro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies on the acute management of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants reveal a high incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in infants with high‐grade internal cerebral vein perfusion waveform fluctuations. In this prospective observational study we investigated the Doppler perfusion waveform fluctuations in the great cerebral vein, straight sinus, and internal cerebral veins of ELBW infants.MethodsWe evaluated perfusion waveforms after birth every 12 h until 120 h in 73 ELBW infants (<1,000 g) at our hospital. Fluctuations were categorized into four patterns of increasing magnitude, Grades 0–3.ResultsThe maximum grades of perfusion waveform fluctuations of the internal cerebral veins were 0, 1, 2, and 3 detected in 12, 38, 13, and 10 infants, respectively; those of the great cerebral vein were 0, 1, 2, and 3 detected in 5, 17, 20, and 31 infants, respectively; and those of the straight sinus were 0, 1, 2, and 3 detected in 1, 5, 17, and 50 infants, respectively. Only one of 803 simultaneous measurements of the Doppler perfusion waveforms showed stronger fluctuations of the peripheral vein than those of the central side veins. Intraventricular hemorrhage was associated with high‐grade fluctuations in the internal cerebral veins but not in the great cerebral vein or straight sinus.ConclusionsMost infants had high‐grade fluctuations in the great cerebral vein and straight sinus, with lower grade fluctuations in the internal cerebral vein, but IVH was not associated with those markers. Intraventricular hemorrhage was correlated with high‐grade fluctuations only in the internal cerebral veins.