bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a 3D spheroid cell culture system from fish cell lines for in vitro infection studies: Evaluation with Saprolegnia parasitica
Authors: Faber Marc N. , Sojan Jerry M. , Saraiva Marcia , van West Pieter , Secombes Christopher J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the ways in which pathogens infect host cells is essential to improve and develop new treatment strategies. This study aimed to generate a novel in vitro infection model by establishing a reproducible 3D spheroid cell culture system that may lead to a reduced need for animals in fish disease research. 2D models (commonly cell lines) cannot replicate many key conditions of in vivo infections, but 3D spheroids have the potential to provide bridging technology between in vivo and in vitro systems. 3D spheroids were generated using cells from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cell lines, RTG‐2 and RTS‐11. The RTG‐2 spheroids were tested for their potential to be infected upon exposure to Saprolegnia parasitica spores. Positive infiltration of mycelia into the spheroids was verified by confocal microscopy. As a closer analogue of in vivo conditions encountered during infection, the straightforward model developed in this study shows promise as an additional tool that can be used to further our understanding of host–pathogen interactions for Saprolegnia and possibly a variety of other fish pathogens.
A histone H3K27me3 reader cooperates with a family of PHD finger‐containing proteins to regulate flowering time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Qian Feng , Zhao Qiu‐Yuan , Zhang Tie‐Nan , Li Yu‐Lu , Su Yin‐Na , Li Lin , Sui Jian‐Hua , Chen She , He Xin‐Jian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTrimethylated histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is a repressive histone marker that regulates a variety of developmental processes, including those that determine flowering time. However, relatively little is known about the mechanism of how H3K27me3 is recognized to regulate transcription. Here, we identified BAH domain‐containing transcriptional regulator 1 (BDT1) as an H3K27me3 reader. BDT1 is responsible for preventing flowering by suppressing the expression of flowering genes. Mutation of the H3K27me3 recognition sites in the BAH domain disrupted the binding of BDT1 to H3K27me3, leading to de‐repression of H3K27me3‐enriched flowering genes and an early‐flowering phenotype. We also found that BDT1 interacts with a family of PHD finger‐containing proteins, which we named PHD1–6, and with CPL2, a Pol II carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) phosphatase responsible for transcriptional repression. Pull‐down assays showed that the PHD finger‐containing proteins can enhance the binding of BDT1 to the H3K27me3 peptide. Mutations in all of the PHD genes caused increased expression of flowering genes and an early‐flowering phenotype. This study suggests that the binding of BDT1 to the H3K27me3 peptide, which is enhanced by PHD proteins, is critical for preventing early flowering.
Expression of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry factors in human oral tissue
Authors: Sawa Yoshihiko , Ibaragi Soichiro , Okui Tatsuo , Yamashita Junro , Ikebe Tetsuro , Harada Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe distribution of cells expressing SARS‐CoV‐2 entry factor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in human oral tissues were tested. The investigation was conducted with normal flesh tissue and paraffin‐embedded specimens. The ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression was detected with all subjects in the normal mucosa of the keratinized stratified squamous epithelia of the tongue and non‐keratinized stratified squamous epithelia of the lip and cheek. It was found that ACE2 is expressed in the cytoplasm and on the cell membrane mainly in the stratum granulosum of the epithelia while the TMPRSS2 is strongly expressed on the cell membrane mainly in the stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum, but not in the stratum basale. Antibodies’ reactions for ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were not observed in the nuclei or keratin layer. The expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the oral epithelia appears to be general, and the expression was also observed in the mucous and serous acini of the labial glands. The SARS‐CoV‐2 may transiently attach to the oral mucosa and the minor salivary glands which are present under all of the oral mucosa. The oral cavity can be considered an important organ for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment and may provide a preventive medical avenue to guard against COVID‐19 by preventing saliva from scattering.
Beneficial effects of an alkaline topical treatment in patients with mild atopic dermatitis
Authors: Jurecek Ludovit , Rajcigelova Tana , Kozarova Andrea , Werner Tanja , Vormann Juergen , Kolisek Martin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common cause of eczema. The skin condition affects millions of people worldwide. Severe cases of AD demand systemic treatment, but most AD cases rely on local therapy with topical corticosteroids, emollients, and moisturizing agents to alleviate eczema. Commonly, derma‐cosmetics with a pH around 5.5 are used to treat eczematous lesions (EL). However, evidence is currently amassing that the use of mildly alkaline topical creams is beneficial for AD‐related eczema treatment because of its effect on the inflammation in the skin.AimsTo test an alkaline two‐phase care concept for the treatment of eczema.Patients/MethodsAn open‐label study of 25 patients with eczema associated with mild AD. Patients were treated with Alkaline Build Up Caring Cream INTENSIVE and Alkaline Build Up Caring Cream PLUS+ (both Siriderma®) for eight weeks. Dermatological, biochemical, and questionnaire‐based examinations were conducted prior to the trial and after its completion.ResultsTopical administration of slightly alkaline creams led to small and statistically insignificant increases of skin pH. Clinical examination at the end of the observation period revealed a significant decrease of total eczematous‐affected skin area, a significant decrease in average severity scores of EL, and significant improvements in patient‐reported outcome parameters. Blood tests did not reveal any significant changes, except for small but significant increases in IL‐8 and monocytes.ConclusionMildly alkaline topical creams seem to provide soothing effects on eczema‐related skin inflammation and thus might contribute to treatment of local symptoms of eczema in patients with mild AD.
Knowledge and current practices of ICU nurses regarding aerosol therapy for patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation: A nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Chuanlin , Mi Jie , Wang Xueqin , Lv Shunqiao , Zhang Zeju , Nie Zhi , Luo Xinyi , Gan Ruiying , Zou Yujun , Chen Xiaoya , Fan Lu , Chen Yu , Zhao Huanhuan , Liao Guoyu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesThis study aimed to determine the knowledge and current practices of ICU nurses regarding aerosol therapy for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation in China.BackgroundAerosol therapy is a routine operation for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses; however, evidence of the knowledge and current practices of ICU nurses regarding aerosol therapy for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation is insufficient in China.DesignA total of 433 hospitals in 92 cities (including 31 capital cities) in 31 provinces in China participated in the study.MethodsA questionnaire was used to investigate the knowledge and current practices of ICU nurses regarding aerosol therapy for patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation, including 42 questions covering five aspects: sociodemographic information, aerosolisation devices, atomised drugs, atomisation operation and atomisation‐related knowledge. Descriptive analyses of the distribution of the sample are reported as percentages and medians. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to detect the factors of the interviewee's atomisation knowledge and practices scores. A STROBE checklist was used to guide the reporting of the research.ResultsOf the 1995 questionnaires that were returned, 1978 were analysed. Bronchodilators and glucocorticoids were the most frequently administered drugs. Seventy‐four per cent of the total respondents reported placing a filter on the expiratory limb during aerosol therapy, and 47% of these reported that the filter was changed once a day. Only 13% of the respondents reported always turning the heating humidifier off during aerosol therapy, and 48% never did. Knowledge about the optimal droplet size or atomisation yield was poor. Work experience in the ICU and frequency of atomisation training were the independent influencing factors for atomisation knowledge and practice scores (F = 279.653, p < .001; F = 120.556, p < .001, respectively).ConclusionsThe knowledge of ICU nurses about the optimal implementation of aerosol therapy is poor, and the current scientific knowledge about optimal implementation seemed to be applied infrequently. Atomisation‐related training should be strengthened, especially for nurses with junior titles and with less work experience.Relevance to clinical practiceImproving the level of ICU nurses’ atomisation practice ability is helpful to ensure patient safety. In clinical work, atomisation expert consensus can be used to carry out relevant training and standardise atomisation operation.
Interventions and strategies aimed at clinical academic pathway development for nurses in the United Kingdom: A systematised review of the literature
Authors: Henshall Catherine , Kozlowska Olga , Walthall Helen , Heinen Anna , Smith Rebecca , Carding Paul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesTo review interventions and strategies designed to progress UK clinical academic career pathways in nursing and identify barriers and facilitators to aid wider implementation.BackgroundFor over a decade, the UK political agenda has promoted the entry of nurses into clinical academic roles. Partnerships between the National Health Service and academia are known to increase nursing recruitment, retention and quality of care. However, there remains a lack of nurses working in these partnership roles.DesignA systematised review was conducted. An electronic database search was carried out in PubMed, CINAHL, the British Nursing Database and PsychInfo for articles published between September 2006 to June 2020. A narrative approach to data synthesis was used, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were followed.ResultsTen papers were included in the review. The authors reported a range of programmes, pathways and toolkits. Pathway outcome measures included numbers of nurses recruited onto clinical academic programmes, clinical academic programmes completed, nursing research outputs, impact on clinical practice and impact on nursing recruitment. Barriers and facilitators to pathway development included funding, clinical and research time constraints, infrastructure, strong and strategic clinical academic leadership and effective partnership working. The quality of the included studies was mixed; more high‐quality, evidence‐based programmes need to be developed and rigorously evaluated.ConclusionsThe findings can inform nursing clinical academic research pathway development internationally, by identifying key drivers for success. Sustained and cohesive implementation of clinical academic research pathways is lacking across the UK.Relevance to Clinical PracticeStrong, strategic leadership is required to enable progression of clinical academic nursing research pathway opportunities. Clinical nursing practitioners need to collaborate with external partners to enable development of clinical academic pathways within the nursing profession; this can lead to improvements in patient care and high‐quality clinical outcomes.
The knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward vaccination in pregnancy, pertussis, and pertussis vaccination during pregnancy among pregnant women in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Wing Lam , Law Jessica Y. P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsThe Centre for Health Protection of Hong Kong has issued a recommendation on pertussis vaccination during pregnancy to protect infants against pertussis. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward pertussis vaccination during pregnancy among pregnant women in Hong Kong.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study conducted over a 6‐week period from August 17 to September 30 2019 among pregnant women in an obstetrics department in a regional public hospital in Hong Kong. Information on participants' demographics, medical, and immunization history, their knowledge, perception and attitudes, toward pertussis vaccination during pregnancy were gathered. Point‐biserial correlation coefficients were used to determine correlation between variables.ResultsOnly 112 (24.6%) women knew that pertussis vaccination can be given during pregnancy and 53 (11.6%) recognized that antenatal pertussis vaccination should be given in each pregnancy. Despite poor knowledge on the vaccination, over 80% of women showed an intention to receive pertussis vaccination during pregnancy. Fifty‐two (71.3%) women expressed that recommendations by healthcare professionals may alter their decision on vaccination uptake. The score in the knowledge section and the perception to the vaccination positively correlated with the intention to be vaccinated. Those who were given advice by healthcare professionals were more likely to indicate an intention to receive the vaccination.ConclusionPregnant women in Hong Kong are likely to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination despite the poor knowledge on vaccination in pregnancy and antenatal pertussis vaccination. Recommendations by healthcare professionals are a key factor affecting women's decision on vaccination uptake.
Serum interleukin‐6, interleukin‐17A, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Shen Chenlu , Ye Weijia , Gong Lijun , Lv Kejia , Gao Bicong , Yao Hua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent aphthous stomatitis remains the most common disease of the oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of serum interleukin‐6, interleukin‐17A, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.MethodsUsing flow cytometry analysis, we detect the level of serum interleukin‐2, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐17A, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interferon‐gamma in 127 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and 20 healthy control cases; compare; and analyze the correlation of each index.ResultsThe levels of serum interleukin‐2, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interferon‐gamma in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group were higher than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). There was no significant difference in interleukin‐17A between the two groups.ConclusionThe levels of serum interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients were significantly increased. Considering that serum TNF‐α was mostly within the normal range, its role in the pathology of RAS needed to be further explored.
Association between filum terminale internum length and pain in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia
Authors: Sparks Courtney R. , Woelfel Christian , Robertson Ian , Olby Natasha J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLumbar syringomyelia (SM), lumbosacral pain, and more caudal spinal cord termination are reported in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). Data are lacking on the clinical relevance of alterations in their spinal cord terminal structures.ObjectivesTo compare spinal cord termination level and filum terminale internum length (FTIL) with presence of lumbar SM and clinical signs in CKCS.AnimalsForty‐eight CKCS.MethodsIn this prospective study, pain was quantified using owner and clinician assessments. Vertebral level of spinal cord and dural sac termination, presence of SM, and FTIL were determined from sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Kappa and intraclass correlation (ICC) analyses determined interobserver reliability. The MRI findings were compared to owner and clinician‐reported pain quantification.ResultsInterobserver reliability was good for spinal cord and dural sac termination (kappa = 0.61 and 0.64, respectively) and excellent for FTIL (ICC: 92% agreement). The spinal cord terminated at 6th lumbar vertebra in 1, 7th lumbar vertebra in 31, and the sacrum in 15 dogs, and termination level was associated with lumbar SM (P =.002) but not clinical signs. Mean FTIL was 2.9 ± 1.08 mm; it was associated with owner‐reported pain (P =.033)and spinal palpation scores (P =.023). Painful CKCS without SM had shorter FTIL compared to normal CKCS and painful CKCS with SM (P =.02).ConclusionsPainful CKCS without SM have decreased distance between the termination of the spinal cord and dural sac, suggesting a shorter FTIL. More caudal spinal cord termination is associated with development of lumbar SM.
Divergence among biological soil crust communities developing under different environmental conditions
Authors: Garibotti Irene A. , Gonzalez Polo Marina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractQuestionThe distribution of biological soil crusts (BSCs) is critical for the functioning of dryland ecosystems. Recent studies have proposed alternative successional pathways to explain the spatial variability in BSCs. However, the influence of environmental filtering structuring BSC communities remains unclear. We asked how early BSC assembly varies in response to different abiotic selective factors and whether communities converge or diverge toward the structure of natural communities that develop in different microsites.LocationSemiarid shrubland in Argentina.MethodsWe used experimental community assembly, starting with a diverse inoculum containing species pools from different microhabitats (vegetated and interspaces), and examined how single‐factor manipulations (water, light and nitrogen) affect community structure under otherwise natural conditions. We repeated the experiment in consecutive years, and evaluated the similarities between the assembled communities and the natural ones from which the inoculum was derived.ResultsFrequent watering was essential for promoting BSC growth, and shading and N fertilization led to divergent community structures formed by BSC groups with different functional strategies. Cyanobacteria and cyanolichens dominated the N fertilizer treatment, while mosses and green algae thrived under shade conditions. These communities were similar to natural communities in interspaces and subcanopy microsites respectively. Differences between treatments in species richness and abundance were consistent across years.ConclusionsThe research presented here represents the first attempt to assemble multispecies BSC communities for testing ecological hypotheses. The results suggest the relevance of environmental filtering determining alternative BSC community configurations, probably related to physiology‐based selection of the BSC components. The existence of divergent assembly patterns does not support the deterministic facilitative model of BSC development that has been widely applied across environments, advancing our previous understanding about BSC dynamics.
The Role of Surface Text Processing in Centrality Deficit and Poor Text Comprehension of Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Think‐Aloud Study
Authors: Yeari Menahem , Lavie Anat 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present study employed a think‐aloud method to explore the origin of centrality deficit (i.e., poor recall of central ideas) in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Moreover, utilizing the diverse think‐aloud responses, we examined the overall quality of text processing employed by individuals with ADHD during reading, in order to shed more light on text‐level deficiencies underlying their poor comprehension after reading. To address these goals, adolescents with and without ADHD were asked to state aloud whatever comes to their minds during the reading of two expository texts. After reading, the participants freely recalled text ideas and answered multiple‐choice questions on the texts. Compared to controls, participants with ADHD generated fewer responses that reflect deep, efficient text processing, and reinstated fewer prior text ideas, particularly central ones, during reading. Moreover, the proportions of deep processing responses positively associated with participants’ performance on recall and comprehension tasks. These findings suggest that individuals with ADHD exhibit poor text comprehension and memory, particularly of central ideas, because they construct a low‐quality, less‐connected text representation during reading, and produce fewer, less‐elaborated retrieval cues for subsequent tasks after reading.
Nuclear eDNA estimates population allele frequencies and abundance in experimental mesocosms and field samples
Authors: Andres Kara J. , Sethi Suresh A. , Lodge David M. , Andrés Jose 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAdvances in environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies have led to improvements in the ability to detect species and communities in aquatic environments, yet the majority of studies emphasize biological diversity at the species level by targeting variable sites within the mitochondrial genome. Here, we demonstrate that eDNA approaches also have the capacity to detect intraspecific diversity in the nuclear genome, allowing for assessments of population‐level allele frequencies and estimates of the number of genetic contributors in an eDNA sample. Using a panel of microsatellite loci developed for the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), we tested the similarity between eDNA‐based and individual tissue‐based estimates of allele frequencies from experimental mesocosms and in a field‐based trial. Subsequently, we used a likelihood‐based DNA mixture framework to estimate the number of unique genetic contributors in eDNA samples and in simulated mixtures of alleles. In both mesocosm and field samples, allele frequencies from eDNA were highly correlated with allele frequencies from genotyped round goby tissue samples, indicating nuclear markers can be reliably amplified from water samples. DNA mixture analyses were able to estimate the number of genetic contributors from mesocosm eDNA samples and simulated mixtures of DNA from up to 58 individuals, with the degree of positive or negative bias dependent on the filtering scheme of low‐frequency alleles. With this study we document the application of eDNA and multiple amplicon‐based methods to obtain intraspecific nuclear genetic information and estimate the absolute abundance of a species in eDNA samples. With proper validation, this approach has the potential to advance noninvasive survey methods to characterize populations and detect population‐level genetic diversity.