bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The two Pseudomonas aeruginosa DksA stringent response proteins are largely interchangeable at the whole transcriptome level and in the control of virulence‐related traits
Authors: Fortuna Alessandra , Bähre Heike , Visca Paolo , Rampioni Giordano , Leoni Livia 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThe stringent response regulator DksA plays a key role in Gram negative bacteria adaptation to challenging environments. Intriguingly, the plant and human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is unique as it expresses two functional DksA paralogs: DksA1 and DksA2. However, the role of DksA2 in P. aeruginosa adaptive strategies has been poorly investigated so far. Here, RNA‐Seq analysis and phenotypic assays showed that P. aeruginosa DksA1 and DksA2 proteins are largely interchangeable. Relative to wild type P. aeruginosa, transcription of 1779 genes was altered in a dksA1 dksA2 double mutant, and the wild type expression level of ≥90% of these genes was restored by in trans complementation with either dksA1 or dksA2. Interestingly, the expression of a small sub‐set of genes seems to be preferentially or exclusively complemented by either dksA1 or dksA2. In addition, evidence has been provided that the DksA‐dependent regulation of virulence genes expression is independent and hierarchically dominant over two major P. aeruginosa regulatory circuits, i.e., quorum sensing and cyclic‐di‐GMP signalling systems. Our findings support the prominent role of both DksA paralogs in P. aeruginosa environmental adaptation.
Analysis of the quiet life hypothesis implications in the WAEMU banking sector
Authors: Eggoh Jude , Dannon Hodonou , Ndiaye Abdoulaye 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between market power and cost efficiency for a sample of 63 banks in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) from seven countries over the period of 2004–2016. Our empirical methodology relies on a panel data analysis. Our results show that an increase in market power reduces banking efficiency in the WAEMU countries, and therefore suggest that competition in the banking sector improves cost efficiency. These findings are consistent with the quiet life hypothesis. However, our nonlinear investigation indicates that beyond a specific threshold of competition, this latter deteriorates the cost efficiency of banks, thus confirming the efficient structure hypothesis. These results indicate the efficiency improvement of the banking system in the WAEMU countries by the control of operating costs. Moreover, the central bank and the banking regulators must increase their supervision over the most competitive banks of the WAEMU.
Total water intake by kilogram of body weight: Analysis of the Australian 2011 to 2013 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
Authors: Mallett Laura J. , Premkumar Vidhun , Brown Leanne J. , May Jennifer , Rollo Megan E. , Schumacher Tracy L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimWater is critical for human survival, yet water intake equations may not reflect contemporary populations. This research aims to determine the total water intake of a representative Australian population, per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg) and stratified by age and sex.MethodsA secondary analysis of the 2011 to 2013 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 10 146) was conducted. Dietary intake from food and beverages was assessed by a 24‐hour recall, with respondent's weight objectively measured. Data were descriptively analysed, with multiple linear regressions used to identify the impact of demographic and physiologic factors on total water intake (mL/kg).ResultsThe median (interquartile range) daily total water intake per kilogram of body weight for children (2‐8 years), adolescents (9‐18 years) and adults (19+ years) were 77.1 (57.4‐100) mL/kg, 40.4 (29.3‐53.4) mL/kg and 35.5 mL/kg (26.1‐47.8), respectively. Increasing height and waist circumference were associated with reduced total water intake, with a change of −1.03 mL/kg (−1.43, −0.618) [coefficient (95% confidence interval)] in children for height and −0.448 mL/kg (−0.484, −0.412) in adults for waist circumference. Similarly, seasonality decreased intake, with greatest reductions in winter [adolescents: −4.11 mL/kg (−6.83, −1.40)]. In comparison, being male, living in rural areas and having a physical occupation were associated with greater intake, by 1.73 mL/kg (0.347, 3.10), 4.74 mL/kg (3.47, 6.00) and 2.82 (trade workers: 1.08, 4.59) in adults, respectively.ConclusionsTotal water intake (mL/kg) decreased with age in both sexes. The results highlight possibilities to incorporate other factors into water intake equations to improve their accuracy.
Genomic library preparation and hybridization capture of formalin‐fixed tissues and allozyme supernatant for population genomics and considerations for combining capture‐ and RADseq‐based single nucleotide polymorphism data sets
Authors: O’Connell Kyle A. , Mulder Kevin P. , Wynn Addison , de Queiroz Kevin , Bell Rayna C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUntil recently many historical museum specimens were largely inaccessible to genomic inquiry, but high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches have allowed researchers to successfully sequence genomic DNA from dried and fluid‐preserved museum specimens. In addition to preserved specimens, many museums contain large series of allozyme supernatant samples, but the amenability of these samples to HTS has not yet been assessed. Here, we compared the performance of a target‐capture approach using alternative sources of genomic DNA from 10 specimens of spring salamanders (Plethodontidae: Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) collected between 1985 and 1990: allozyme supernatants, allozyme homogenate pellets and formalin‐fixed tissues. We designed capture probes based on double‐digest restriction‐site associated sequencing (RADseq) derived loci from frozen blood samples available for seven of the specimens and assessed the success and consistency of capture and RADseq approaches. This study design enabled direct comparisons of data quality and potential biases among the different data sets for phylogenomic and population genomic analyses. We found that in phylogenetic analyses, all enrichment types for a given specimen clustered together. In principal component space all capture‐based samples clustered together, but RADseq samples did not cluster with corresponding capture‐based samples. Single nucleotide polymorphism calls were on average 18.3% different between enrichment types for a given individual, but these discrepancies were primarily due to differences in heterozygous/homozygous single nucleotide polymorphism calls. We demonstrate that both allozyme supernatant and formalin‐fixed samples can be successfully used for population genomic analyses and we discuss ways to identify and reduce biases associated with combining capture and RADseq data.
Can rainfall shocks enhance access to rented land? Evidence from Malawi
Authors: Tione Sarah E. , Holden Stein T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the spatial downside and upside rainfall shock effects on tenant household renting behavior and access to rented land in the short‐term and medium‐term. We model the tenant households’ demand decisions within the state‐contingent framework with renting‐in of land as a risky input choice. Our data are a 3‐year balanced household panel, combined with the corresponding seasonal district‐wise rainfall shock data across regional agro‐ecological zones in Malawi. Using the correlated and dynamic random effects panel probit and Tobit models that control for unobserved heterogeneity, spatial heterogeneities were revealed. Land rental markets were found to be more active in the Central Region of Malawi with intermediate population density. The 1‐year and 2‐year lagged downside rainfall shocks enhanced tenant households’ land access. For the more land constrained Southern Region of Malawi, with less prevalence of land rental markets, the 2‐year lagged downside rainfall shock is associated with less access to rented land. The revealed dynamic and spatial effects of covariate rainfall shocks on land rental market activity call for further studies on how policies could facilitate rental markets to enhance land‐use efficiency and land access for the most land‐constrained households in Malawi.
Disease expression caused by different variants in the BEST1 gene: genotype and phenotype findings in bestrophinopathies
Authors: Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Nasser Fadi , Stingl Katarina , Schimpf‐Linzenbold Simone , Biskup Saskia , Brzozowska Agnieszka , Rejdak Robert , Kohl Susanne , Zrenner Eberhart 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeTo analyse the spectrum of clinical features and molecular genetic data in a series of patients carrying likely disease‐associated variants in the BEST1 gene.MethodsRetrospective observational analysis of clinical data extracted from the medical records of visual function, multimodal imaging and electrophysiology of 62 eyes of 31 patients. Molecular genetic analysis was performed by means of panel‐based NGS or Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe spectrum of variants in the BEST1 gene comprised 19 different variants and three of which are novel. Fundus photographs and OCT images allowed categorization of 52 eyes as Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) with stages 1 to 5 and 10 eyes with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB), with more severe phenotype. One patient was shown to be heterozygous for a variant, which has so far been described only in ARB, but this patient had the BVMD phenotype. There was no significant progression of the visual acuity during the follow‐up period of 5 years both in BVMD and ARB. The most prevalent pattern of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in BVMD was ‘patchy’. There were diverse visual field defects in static automated perimetry (SAP) depending on the stage. The Arden ratio was significantly lower in ARB patients and in eyes with stage 5 of BVMD.ConclusionsThe genotype does not always predict the phenotype in patients with BVMD and ARB; however, having two mutations in the BEST1 gene causes a more severe phenotype. FAF helped to distinguish ARB from BVMD. Most of the observed eyes did not progress functionally during the follow‐up. ARB and the atrophic stage of BVMD as the disease end‐stage had the worst visual functions and EOG results.
Limited resources restrict the provision of adequate neonatal respiratory care in the countries of Africa
Authors: Tooke Lloyd , Ehret Danielle E. Y. , Okolo Angela , Dlamini‐Nqeketo Sithembile , Joolay Yaseen , Minto’o Steeve , Pillay Shakti , Abdallah Yaser , Naburi Helga , Ndour Daouda , Brobby Naana , Stevenson Alexander G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimOver two thirds of newborn deaths occur in Africa and South Asia, and respiratory failure is a major contributor of these deaths. The exact availability of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surfactant in Africa is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the availability of newborn respiratory care treatments in the countries of Africa.MethodsSurveys, in English, French and Portuguese, were sent to neonatal leaders in all 48 continental countries and the two islands with populations over 1 million.ResultsForty‐nine (98%) countries responded. Twenty‐one countries reported less than 50 paediatricians, and 12 countries had no neonatologists. Speciality neonatal nursing was recognised in 57% of countries. Most units were able to provide supplemental oxygen. CPAP was available in 63% and 67% of the most well‐equipped government and private hospitals. Surfactant was available in 33% and 39% of the most well‐equipped public and private hospitals, respectively. Availability of CPAP and surfactant was greatly reduced in smaller cities. Continuous oxygen saturation monitoring was only available in 33% of countries.ConclusionThe availability of proven life‐saving interventions in Africa is inadequate. There is a need to sustainably improve availability and use of these interventions.
Effects of low and high levels of maternal nutrition consumed for the entirety of gestation on the development of muscle, adipose tissue, bone, and the organs of Wagyu cattle fetuses
Authors: Zhang Yi , Otomaru Kounosuke , Oshima Kazunaga , Goto Yuji , Oshima Ichiro , Muroya Susumu , Sano Mitsue , Saneshima Rena , Nagao Yukiko , Kinoshita Aoi , Okamura Yasuko , Roh Sanggun , Ohtsuka Akira , Gotoh Takafumi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of high and low levels of energy intake during the entire gestation period on the skeletal muscle development, organ development, and adipose tissue accumulation in fetuses of Wagyu (Japanese Black) cows, a breed with highly marbled beef. Cows were allocated to a high‐nutrition (n = 6) group (fed 120% of the nutritional requirement) or low‐nutrition (n = 6) group (fed 60% of the nutritional requirement). The cows were artificially inseminated with semen from the same sire, and the fetuses were removed by cesarean section at 260 ± 8.3 days of fetal age and slaughtered. The whole‐body, total muscle, adipose, and bone masses of the fetal half‐carcasses were significantly higher in the high‐nutrition group than the low‐nutrition group (p = 0.0018, 0.009, 0.0004, and 0.0362, respectively). Fifteen of 20 individual muscles, five of six fat depots, nine of 17 organs, and seven of 12 bones that were investigated had significantly higher masses in the high‐nutrition group than the low‐nutrition group. The crude components and amino acid composition of the longissimus muscle significantly differed between the low‐ and high‐nutrition groups. These data indicate that maternal nutrition during gestation has a marked effect on the muscle, bone, and adipose tissue development of Wagyu cattle fetuses.
Tropical forest understorey riparian and upland composition, structure, and function in areas with different past land use
Authors: Heartsill‐Scalley Tamara , Crowl Todd A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuestionsAlthough past land‐use effects on composition and structure are described for many forest types, forested riparian areas have been overlooked. Riparian areas may contain unique species and high species richness, as well as contribute basal leaf‐litter resources for aquatic fauna. We asked: (a) does past land use alter composition in riparian vs upland areas in wet tropical forest; (b) which vegetation life forms characterize riparian zones; and (c) what is the composition and quantity of leaf litter in riparian zones compared to uplands?LocationRiparian and upland locations in tropical wet forest, Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP), Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico.MethodsStratified random sampling was conducted in riparian and upland areas of LFDP with high and low past land use. Understorey vegetation life form composition and cover were sampled in plots. Leaf‐litter species composition and components were estimated with collecting baskets placed throughout riparian zones and uplands.ResultsFerns and lianas were more abundant in riparian areas than uplands. Ordination of species composition groups was distinct for riparian and upland areas with different past land use when based on leaf litter, but this ordination pattern was not as clear in plot vegetation.ConclusionCharacterized by greater presence of ferns and lianas, riparian zones had higher species richness values and greater leaf litter biomass. Distinct leaf‐litter species composition within riparian and upland areas may result from a combination of different land‐use histories, various plant types, and environmental conditions. Although riparian areas are proportionally a small component of the forested landscape, they are significant contributors to ecosystem process, terrestrial and aquatic linkages, and plant community composition.
Making pharmaceutical companies report what matters about innovation
Authors: Cohen Adam , Ultee Rebecca , van Veldhoven Glenn 
Published: July 2021

There is a lack of transparency about the cost of innovation of the pharmaceutical industry even though these costs are claimed to be the major driver for high prices for medicines.
This is reflected by annual reports of the major pharmaceutical firms that contain a low number of pages on innovation and its detailed costs in comparison with pages about remuneration of executives where the detail is excessive.
This disbalance provides an objective view of the transparency priorities of a company and has the potential to shift this focus in favour of transparent and detailed information on the cost of innovation by adjusting the regulation for financial reporting.
Methodological issues in research on drug‐related admissions: A meta‐epidemiological review with focus on causality assessments
Authors: Wallerstedt Susanna M. , Hoffmann Mikael , Lönnbro Johan 
Published: July 2021

AimTo investigate methodological aspects potentially related to the diverging scientific literature on the prevalence of drug‐related hospitalisations, focusing on causality assessments.MethodsOriginal studies contributing data to a recent meta‐analysis were reviewed. Methodological aspects, in particular those related to causality assessments, were extracted and compiled.ResultsThirteen studies provided data on the prevalence of drug‐related admissions. Seven studies focused on adverse drug reactions (prevalences 1.3‐10%), and six studies used the broader concept of drug‐related problems (prevalences 4.5‐41%). In 10 out of 13 studies, causality between the drug and the specified problem was assessed. One study required a probable causal relationship; the remaining studies merely required a possible causal relationship. Five studies assessed the association between the problem assumed to be related to drug therapy and the admission, at one end requiring the former to be demonstrated as the underlying cause and, at the other, merely requiring a temporal relationship between drug intake and admission. Three out of eight studies involving multiple assessors for all/some cases reported the inter‐rater agreement, ranging from none to almost perfect. Physicians were involved in the assessments in five studies, reporting prevalences of 3.2% to 4.5%, while studies without such medical input reported prevalences of 8.8% to 41%.ConclusionsThis review illustrates that methodological issues contribute to the diverse literature on drug‐related admissions. We provide suggestions for harmonisation of research, including explicitly assessing the drug‐problem‐admission relationships from a medical perspective, focusing on problems where the drug treatment is the probable culprit.
High level of phosphatidylcholines/lysophosphatidylcholine ratio in urine is associated with prostate cancer
Authors: Li Xin , Nakayama Kenji , Goto Takayuki , Kimura Hiroko , Akamatsu Shusuke , Hayashi Yujiro , Fujita Kazutoshi , Kobayashi Takashi , Shimizu Koji , Nonomura Norio , Ogawa Osamu , Inoue Takahiro 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe altered levels of phospholipids (PLs) and lysophospholipids (LPLs) in prostate cancer (CaP) and benign tissues in our previous findings prompted us to explore PLs and LPLs as potential biomarkers for CaP. Urinary lipidomics has attracted increasing attention in clinical diagnostics and prognostics for CaP. In this study, 31 prostate tissues obtained from radical prostatectomy were assessed using high‐resolution matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (HR‐MALDI‐IMS). Urine samples were collected after digital rectal examination (DRE), and urinary lipids were extracted using the acidified Bligh‐Dyer method. The discovery set comprised 75 patients with CaP and 44 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at Kyoto University Hospital; the validation set comprised 74 patients with CaP and 59 with BPH at Osaka University Hospital. Urinary lipidomic screening was performed using MALDI time‐of‐flight MS (MALDI‐TOF/MS). The levels of urinary lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were compared between the CaP and BPH groups. The (PC [34:2] + PC [34:1])/LPC (16:0) ratio was significantly higher (P < .001) in CaP tissues than in benign epithelial tissues. The urinary PCs/LPC ratio was significantly higher (P < .001) in the CaP group than in the BPH group in the discovery and validation sets.
Inhibition of IRAK1/4 enhances the antitumor effect of lenvatinib in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Kawamura Yoshifumi , Saijo Ken , Imai Hiroo , Ishioka Chikashi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an extremely aggressive tumor associated with poor prognosis due to a lack of efficient therapies. In Japan, lenvatinib is the only drug approved for patients with ATC; however, its efficacy is limited. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently required for patients with ATC. The present study aimed to identify compounds that enhance the antiproliferative effects of lenvatinib in ATC cells using a compound library. IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I was identified as a candidate compound. Combined treatment with lenvatinib and IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I showed synergistic antiproliferative effects via the induction of cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in the ATC cell lines 8305C, HTC/C3, ACT‐1, and 8505C. Furthermore, IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I enhanced the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation by lenvatinib in 8305C, HTC/C3, and 8505C cells. In an HTC/C3 xenograft mouse model, tumor volume was lower in the combined IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I and lenvatinib group compared with that in the vehicle control, IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I, and lenvatinib groups. IRAK1/4 Inhibitor I was identified as a promising compound that enhances the antiproliferative and antitumor effects of lenvatinib in ATC.
How many men work in the English early years sector? Why is the low figure so ‘stubbornly resistant to change’?
Authors: Warin Jo , Wilkinson Joann , Greaves Helen M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study draws on data from the GenderEYE project, research conducted in England between 2018 and 2020, which aimed to examine the recruitment, support and retention of male teachers within early years education (EYE) with a view of developing a more gender diverse workforce in this sector. Data collection was by means of a survey, 9 case studies with early years settings and interviews with key stakeholders. In this study, we examine a key finding about the persistently low numbers of male EYE professionals, linking this to another finding concerning a lack of specific strategy to recruit and support men.
Symptom severity is associated with signs of central sensitization in patients with asthma
Authors: Rodríguez‐Torres Janet , López‐López Laura , Cabrera‐Martos Irene , Torres‐Sánchez Irene , Prados‐Román Esther , Ortíz‐Rubio Araceli , Valenza Marie C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionAsthma is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, dyspnoea, chest tightness and cough. In addition to respiratory symptoms, previous studies have reported the presence of pain.ObjectiveTo analyse the nociceptive processing of young adults with well‐controlled asthma.MethodsA cross‐sectional case–control study was performed. Patients diagnosed with persistent well‐controlled asthma were recruited from the ‘Complejo Hospitalario Universitario’ (Granada). Main outcomes included pain processing, measured by the pressure‐pain thresholds (PPTs) and temporal summation and latency of pain; symptoms, including cough (Leicester Cough Questionnaire) and dyspnoea (Borg scale); and catastrophic cognitions about breathlessness, assessed by the Breathlessness Catastrophizing Scale (BCS).ResultsSeven‐two participants were finally recruited in our study. Patients with asthma presented lower pressure thresholds (p < 0.05) and significant differences in latency and summation tests. These patients also presented a greater cough level, with significant differences in all subscales (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in the BCS between groups (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur results show a decrease of PPTs and a greater pain intensity in latency and summation tests, suggesting an abnormal pain processing in patients with asthma.