bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The natural history of oviposition on a ginkgophyte fruit from the Middle Jurassic of northeastern China
Authors: Meng Qing‐Min , Labandeira Conrad C. , Ding Qiao‐Ling , Ren Dong
Published: July 2017

A distinctive pattern of oviposition lesions occurs on a ginkgoalean seed, Yimaia capituliformis, which likely was inflicted by a kalligrammatid lacewing with a long, sword‐like, plant‐piercing ovipositor. This newly recorded oviposition type, DT272, occurs in the 165 million‐year‐old Jiulongshan Formation, of Middle Jurassic age, in Northeastern China. DT272 consists from three to seven, approximately equally spaced lesions with surrounding callus tissue, the fabricator of which targeted fleshy outer and inner tissues of a ginkgophyte fruit. This distinctive damage also is known from the fleshy attachment pad surfaces of basal bennettitalean bracts. Examination of the life history of this probable ginkgoalean–kalligrammatid oviposition interaction indicates that the spacing of the eggs in substrate tissues disfavored inter‐larval contact, but little can be said of defense and counterdefense strategies between the plant host and the newly hatched immatures.
Observational study of adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet, sociocultural characteristics and cardiovascular disease risk factors of older Greek Australians from MEDiterranean ISlands (MEDIS‐Australia Study): Protocol and rationale
Authors: Thodis Antonia , Itsiopoulos Catherine , Kouris‐Blazos Antigone , Brazionis Laima , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To describe the study protocol of the MEDiterranean ISlands‐Australia (MEDIS‐Australia) Study modelled on the MEDIS Study conducted in Greece. The present study aims to explore adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet pattern, determine enablers and barriers to adherence, explore the definition of Greek cuisine, and associations between adherence to the diet pattern and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome in older Greek Australians originally from Greek islands and Cyprus. Now long‐term immigrants, with at least 50 years in Australia, characteristics and risk factor profiles of older Greek islander‐born Australians will be compared and contrasted to their counterparts living on Greek islands to evaluate the influence of migration on adherence.

Methods

The present study is an observational study of cross‐sectional design using a modified lifestyle and semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire to capture sociodemographic, health, psychosocial and dietary characteristics, including cuisine, of 150 older Greek islander‐born Australians. Anthropometric measures and medical history will be collected. Participants will be aged over 65 years, live independently, are originally from a Greek island and are free from CVD.

Results

Data collection is underway.

Conclusions

Characteristics and behaviours associated with adherence, if identified, could be evaluated in future studies. For example, exploration of enablers or barriers to adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern in an Australian population.
Engineering a bzd cassette for the anaerobic bioconversion of aromatic compounds
Authors: Zamarro María Teresa , Barragán María J. L. , Carmona Manuel , García José Luis , Díaz Eduardo
Published: July 2017

Microorganisms able to degrade aromatic contaminants constitute potential valuable biocatalysts to deal with a significant reusable carbon fraction suitable for eco‐efficient valorization processes. Metabolic engineering of anaerobic pathways for degradation and recycling of aromatic compounds is an almost unexplored field. In this work, we present the construction of a functional bzd cassette encoding the benzoyl‐CoA central pathway for the anaerobic degradation of benzoate. The bzd cassette has been used to expand the ability of some denitrifying bacteria to use benzoate as sole carbon source under anaerobic conditions, and it paves the way for future pathway engineering of efficient anaerobic biodegraders of aromatic compounds whose degradation generates benzoyl‐CoA as central intermediate. Moreover, a recombinant Azoarcus sp. CIB strain harbouring the bzd cassette was shown to behave as a valuable biocatalyst for anaerobic toluene valorization towards the synthesis of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester of increasing biotechnological interest as a sustainable alternative to classical oil‐derived polymers.
Disruption of oxidative balance in the gut of the western honeybee Apis mellifera exposed to the intracellular parasite Nosema ceranae and to the insecticide fipronil
Authors: Paris Laurianne , Roussel Michaël , Pereira Bruno , Delbac Frédéric , Diogon Marie
Published: July 2017

The causes underlying the increased mortality of honeybee colonies remain unclear and may involve multiple stressors acting together, including both pathogens and pesticides. Previous studies suggested that infection by the gut parasite Nosema ceranae combined with chronic exposure to sublethal doses of the insecticide fipronil generated an increase in oxidative stress in the midgut of honeybees. To explore the impact of these two stressors on oxidative balance, we experimentally infected bees with N. ceranae and/or chronically exposed to fipronil at low doses for 22 days, and we measured soluble reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS damage by quantifying both protein and lipid oxidation in the midgut. Our results revealed a disruption of the oxidative balance, with a decrease in both the amount of ROS and ROS damage in the presence of the parasite alone. However, protein oxidation was significantly increased in the N. ceranae/fipronil combination, revealing an increase in oxidative damage and suggesting higher fipronil toxicity in infected bees. Furthermore, our results highlighted a temporal order in the appearance of oxidation events in the intestinal cells and revealed that all samples tended to undergo protein oxidation during ageing, regardless of treatment.
Infection therapy: the problem of drug resistance – and possible solutions
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: July 2017

The rising antibiotic resistance in major bacterial pathogens together with the breakdown of the antibiotic discovery platform creates a critical situation for infection therapy. Recent developments reviving new antibiotic discovery from defining chemical rules for membrane‐passing compounds to isolation chips for soil bacteria and exploring the human microbiome for antibiotic‐producing bacteria are discussed. The potential of bacteriocins, tailocins, phage lysins, phages, probiotics and commensal blends as alternatives to antibiotics is evaluated.
A randomized controlled trial to study the efficacy of sulfasalazine for axial disease in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Khanna Sharma Shefali , Kadiyala Vikas , Naidu Gsrsnk , Dhir Varun
Published: July 2017

Aim

To evaluate efficacy of sulfasalazine for axial ankylosing spondylosis.

Methods

67 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and randomized into treatment and placebo group.

Results

Mean age in treatment group was 31 years (range: 17–60); placebo group was 30 years (18–46). Mean disease duration treatment group 8.4 years (range: 3–25) and placebo group was 8.3 years (3–19). Clinically significant improvement in ASDAS (ΔASDAS > 1.1) seen in 15.1% of placebo and 67.7% in treatment group (P = 0.001). The mean ± SD of ΔASDAS in treatment group was 1.33 ± 0.38 (range: 0.9–2.3) where as in placebo group it was 0.748 ± 0.23 (0.4–1.3) with significant difference (P = 0.00). The mean ± SD of ΔBASDAI of treatment group was 3.29 ± 0.97 (range: 1.5–5.5) placebo group was 1.47 ± 0.99(0.5–4.5) with P = 0.00. The mean value of ΔBASMI of drug group 3.29 ± 0.97(range: 1.8–5) and of placebo group was 1.47 ± 0.99 (0.6–3.7) with (P = 0.00). Clinical improvenent in (ΔASDAS > 1.1) was observed in patients of both the groups with disease duration ≤ 4 years. However it was significantly higher in treatment group (P = 0.04). Highly significant improvement in (ΔASDAS > 2) was observed in two of five patients in treatment group with disease duration ≤ 4 years.

Conclusion

Sulfasalazine is effective in axial AS esp. in younger patients (< 25 years), disease duration < 4 years at the time of initiation of treatment and high disease activity (BASDAI > 7, CRP > 50 mg/L). This signifies early diagnosis and treatment is very important in management and prevention of disease progression.
A simulation tool to scrutinise the behaviour of functional diversity metrics
Authors: McPherson Jana M. , Yeager Lauren A. , Baum Julia K.
Published: July 2017

Many indices have been proposed to measure functional diversity and its four distinct dimensions: functional richness, evenness, divergence and redundancy. Identifying indices that reliably measure the functional diversity dimension(s) of interest requires careful testing of how each index responds to species' traits and abundance distributions. In the absence of a convenient simulation tool, tests with artificial data have to date explored only a limited number of scenarios or have altered trait and abundance distributions only indirectly based on principles of evolution and community assembly.

We provide simul.comms, an R function that allows users to test the efficacy of functional diversity indices by easily creating artificial species communities with user‐specified abundance and trait distributions for continuous, ordinal and categorical traits. To illustrate the function's utility, we examine the performance of R, a recently published abundance‐sensitive index for functional redundancy. We use two approaches to designing simulation tests for this example analysis. The first uses simul.comms to create six separate sets of artificial communities to qualitatively assess how R responds to predictable changes in functional redundancy. The second uses simul.comms to independently alter seven community composition parameters, whose influence on R is then examined quantitatively via effect sizes in linear regression.

Our analyses indicate that R broadly mirrors expected changes in functional redundancy and predictably responds to changes in community composition parameters. R appears, however, to primarily reflect trait distributions, responding minimally to variance in abundance and counter‐intuitively to abundance range. Further refinement of tools to measure functional redundancy may therefore be desirable.

The R tool we provide should assist with refining functional diversity measures, a critical step towards improving our ability to understand and mitigate the impacts of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning. Because simul.comms simply produces two linked matrices, a species‐by‐traits matrix and a site‐by‐species abundance matrix, it may be equally valuable in exploring questions and analytical approaches in other areas of community ecology.
An efficient extension of N‐mixture models for multi‐species abundance estimation
Authors: Gomez Juan P. , Robinson Scott K. , Blackburn Jason K. , Ponciano José M.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we propose an extension of the N‐mixture family of models that targets an improvement of the statistical properties of rare species abundance estimators when sample sizes are low, yet typical for tropical studies. The proposed method harnesses information from other species in an ecological community to correct each species' estimator. We provide guidance to determine the sample size required to estimate accurately the abundance of rare tropical species when attempting to estimate the abundance of single species.

We evaluate the proposed methods using an assumption of 50 m radius plots and perform simulations comprising a broad range of sample sizes, true abundances and detectability values and a complex data‐generating process. The extension of the N‐mixture model is achieved by assuming that the detection probabilities are drawn at random from a beta distribution in a multi‐species fashion. This hierarchical model avoids having to specify a single detection probability parameter per species in the targeted community. Parameter estimation is done via maximum likelihood (ML).

We compared our multi‐species approach with previously proposed multi‐species N‐mixture models, which we show are biased when the true densities of species in the community are less than seven individuals per 100 ha. The beta N‐mixture model proposed here outperforms the traditional multi‐species N‐mixture model by allowing the estimation of organisms at lower densities and controlling the bias in the estimation.

We illustrate how our methodology can be used to suggest sample sizes required to estimate the abundance of organisms, when these are either rare, common or abundant. When the interest is full communities, we show how the multi‐species approaches, and in particular our beta model and estimation methodology, can be used as a practical solution to estimate organism densities from rapid inventory datasets. The statistical inferences done with our model via ML can also be used to group species in a community according to their detectabilities.
Supplementary techniques for pain control during root canal treatment of lower posterior teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tupyota Pinpana , Chailertvanitkul Pattama , Laopaiboon Malinee , Ngamjarus Chetta , Abbott Paul V. , Krisanaprakornkit Suttichai
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate utilisation of supplementary techniques for pain control during root canal treatment of lower molars with irreversible pulpitis. The literature was searched using electronic databases up to year 2012. Seventeen studies with 1504 participants were included and each study compared experimental interventions with a standard treatment, i.e. the inferior alveolar nerve block. Changing the injection techniques or supplemental injection had no significant effect on pulp anaesthesia compared to the standard treatment (P = 1.00 or P = 0.14), whereas changing anaesthetic features and increasing anaesthetic volumes resulted in significantly higher rates of anaesthesia than those of the standard treatment (P = 0.03 and P = 0.007, respectively). Premedication with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also significantly increased the success rate of anaesthesia (P = 0.001). Taken together, increased anaesthetic volumes and premedication with NSAIDs provide predictable anaesthesia and more pain control during endodontic treatment of lower molars with irreversible pulpitis.
Determination of Agriotes obscurus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) sex pheromone attraction range using target male behavioural responses
Authors: Blackshaw Roderick P. , van Herk Willem G. , Vernon Robert S.
Published: July 2017

A study was conducted to determine the attractive range of traps baited with Agriotes obscurus pheromone to male beetles in both still air and wind conditions. This information is crucial for evaluating the potential of mass trapping when aiming to reduce beetle populations.

Groups of 10 beetles were released at 14 points spaced 1 m apart along a linear track, at one end of which was a pheromone and wind source. Beetle response to the pheromone and/or wind was recorded 150 s after release and characterized as orienting either towards or away from the pheromone and/or wind source.

Data analysis indicated the attraction range of the sex pheromone is <5 m in still air, which is considerably lower than estimates from previous studies and emphasizes the challenge of mass trapping this species in the field. The attraction range increased when there was air flow.

Unexpectedly, not all male beetles respond to the pheromone, and beetles are inclined to move downwind even in the presence of pheromone. The latter finding suggests that wind direction may influence beetle dispersal and mate finding in the field.

The implications of these results for determining the efficacy of mass trapping as a management approach are discussed.
Linkage disequilibrium among commonly genotyped SNP variants detected from bull sequence,
Authors: Snelling W. M. , Kuehn L. A. , Keel B. N. , Thallman R. M. , Bennett G. L.
Published: July 2017

Genomic prediction utilizing causal variants could increase selection accuracy above that achieved with SNPs genotyped by currently available arrays used for genomic selection. A number of variants detected from sequencing influential sires are likely to be causal, but noticeable improvements in prediction accuracy using imputed sequence variant genotypes have not been reported. Improvement in accuracy of predicted breeding values may be limited by the accuracy of imputed sequence variants. Using genotypes of SNPs on a high‐density array and non‐synonymous SNPs detected in sequence from influential sires of a multibreed population, results of this examination suggest that linkage disequilibrium between non‐synonymous and array SNPs may be insufficient for accurate imputation from the array to sequence. In contrast to 75% of array SNPs being strongly correlated to another SNP on the array, less than 25% of the non‐synonymous SNPs were strongly correlated to an array SNP. When correlations between non‐synonymous and array SNPs were strong, distances between the SNPs were greater than separation that might be expected based on linkage disequilibrium decay. Consistently near‐perfect whole‐genome linkage disequilibrium between the full array and each non‐synonymous SNP within the sequenced bulls suggests that whole‐genome approaches to infer sequence variants might be more accurate than imputation based on local haplotypes. Opportunity for strong linkage disequilibrium between sequence and array SNPs may be limited by discrepancies in allele frequency distributions, so investigating alternate genotyping approaches and panels providing greater chances of frequency‐matched SNPs strongly correlated to sequence variants is also warranted. Genotypes used for this study are available from https://www.animalgenome.org/repository/pub/;USDA2017.0519/.
Disease‐Causing Variants in the ATL1 Gene Are a Rare Cause of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia among Czech Patients
Authors: Mészárosová Anna Uhrová , Grečmalová Dagmar , Brázdilová Michaela , Dvořáčková Nina , Kalina Zdeněk , Čermáková Marie , Vávrová Dagmar , Smetanová Irena , Staněk David , Seeman Pavel
Published: July 2017

Variants in the ATL1 gene have been repeatedly described as the second most frequent cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a motor neuron disease manifested by progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness. Variants in ATL1 have been described mainly in patients with early onset HSP. We performed Sanger sequencing of all coding exons and adjacent intron regions of the ALT1 gene in 111 Czech patients with pure form of HSP and additional Multiplex‐Ligation Probe Analysis (MLPA) testing targeting the ATL1 gene in 56 of them. All patients except seven were previously tested by Sanger sequencing of the SPAST gene with negative results. ATL1 diagnostic testing revealed only five missense variants in the ATL1 gene. Four of them are novel, but we suppose only two of them to be pathogenic and causal. The remaining variants are assumed to be benign. MLPA testing in 56 of sequence variant negative patients revealed no gross deletion in the ATL1 gene. Variants in the ATL1 gene are more frequent in patients with early onset HSP, but in general the occurrence of pathogenic variants in the ATL1 gene is low in our cohort, less than 4.5% and less than 11.1% in patients with onset before the age of ten. Variants in the ATL1 gene are a less frequent cause of HSP among Czech patients than has been previously reported among other populations.
Hair transplantation for the treatment of lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia: A report of two cases
Authors: Liu You‐Chen Serena , Jee Shiou‐Hwa , Chan Jung‐Yi Lisa
Published: July 2017

The efficacy of current medical treatments for lichen planopilaris (LPP) and its variant, frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), both lymphocyte‐mediated primary cicatricial alopecias, is limited. Hair regrowth from scar tissue is usually not possible. Although hair transplantation restores the hairline and increases hair density in patients with cicatricial alopecia, the timing of the transplantation is crucial. Here, we report two Chinese patients with LPP or FFA who underwent the follicular unit extraction method of hair transplantation after the diseases were stabilised with therapy, with satisfactory results for 3–4 years of follow up.
CXCL8 promotes the invasion of human osteosarcoma cells by regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Hai , Wang Xiaowei , Miao Wusheng , Wang Bing , Qiu Yusheng
Published: July 2017

Chemokine cysteine‐X‐cysteine motif ligand 8 (CXCL8) is up‐regulated in many malignancies, indicating that CXCL8 takes part in tumor progression. However, the expression and function of CXCL8 in osteosarcoma remained not fully elucidated. In this study, expressions of 12 cytokines and chemokines were measured in the serum from 12 of normal controls (NCs) and 25 of osteosarcoma patients. The human osteosarcoma cell line MG‐63 was stimulated by recombinant CXCL8 to further analyze invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycles, cytokine secretions, and signaling pathways. We found that serum concentrations of CXCL8 and vascular endothelial growth factor were elevated in osteosarcoma patients in comparison with those in NCs. CXCL8 stimulation led to enhancement of invasion and suppression of late stage apoptosis in MG‐63 cells. Moreover, secretions of MMPs by MG‐63 cells were also increased upon stimulation. However, early stage apoptosis, proliferation, and cell cycles were not affected by CXCL8 treatment. Furthermore, CXCL8 stimulation induced elevations of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt, but not PKC or FAK. In conclusion, our findings suggested that CXCL8 enhanced the invasion and suppressed late stage apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells probably via influencing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and elevating the expression of MMPs. CXCL8 may promote disease progression of osteosarcoma as a protumorigenic molecule, and may be served as a new therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Cytokine expression associated with Helicobacter pylori and Epstein‐Barr virus infection in gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Kim Jung Yeon , Bae Byung‐Noe , Kang Guhyun , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Park Kyeongmee
Published: July 2017

Helicobacter pylori and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection, and associated cytokines are involved in gastric carcinogenesis. We investigated the expression of these cytokines and their relationship with clinicopathological characteristics. The study included specimens from 207 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, 56 with chronic gastritis, 32 with metaplasia, and 30 with low‐grade epithelial dysplasia. Tissue microarrays were constructed and immunohistochemical staining for IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, p16, p21, TNF‐α, and TNFR1 was performed. EBV and H. pylori infection status was determined. IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, p16, and p21 protein expression was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma cases than in the other cases (p < 0.05). EBV was only noted in adenocarcinoma (13 cases, 6.3%). The H. pylori infection rate in adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that in the other cases (p < 0.005). IL‐6 expression was associated with improved survival (p < 0.05), whereas IL‐17 expression was associated with decreased survival (p < 0.05). IL‐6 expression was inversely associated with angioinvasion, and disease stage (p < 0.05), whereas IL‐17 expression was associated with disease stage (p < 0.05). IL‐10 expression was correlated with IL‐1β and TNF‐α expression, and p16 expression was correlated with IL‐17 and EBV status. Our results indicate that IL‐6 and IL‐17 are associated with gastric carcinogenesis and may be considered prognostic factors.
Hyaluronate effect on bacterial biofilm in ENT district infections: a review
Authors: Marcuzzo Alberto Vito , Tofanelli Margherita , Boscolo Nata Francesca , Gatto Annalisa , Tirelli Giancarlo
Published: July 2017

Bacterial resistance is a growing phenomenon which led the scientific community to search for new therapeutic targets, such as biofilm. A bacterial biofilm is a surface‐associated agglomerate of microorganisms embedded in a self‐produced extracellular polymeric matrix made of polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins. Scientific literature offers several reports on a biofilm's role in infections regarding various body districts. The presence of a bacterial biofilm is responsible for poor efficacy of antibiotic therapies along with bacterial infections in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) districts such as the oral cavity, ear, nasal cavities, and nasal sinuses. In particular, bacterial biofilms are associated with recalcitrant and symptomatically more severe forms of chronic rhinosinusitis. As of today, there are no therapeutic options for the eradication of bacterial biofilm in ENT districts. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan composed of glucuronic acid and N‐acetylglucosamine disaccharide units. Its efficacy in treating rhinosinusitis, whether or not associated with polyposis, is well documented, as well as results from its effects on mucociliary clearance, free radical production and mucosal repair. This review's aim is to evaluate the role of bacterial biofilms and the action exerted on it by hyaluronic acid in ENT pathology, with particular attention to the rhinosinusal district. In conclusion, this paper underlines how the efficacy of hyaluronate as an anti‐bacterial biofilm agent is well demonstrated by in vitro studies; it is, however, only preliminarily demonstrated by clinical studies.
Tim‐1+ B cells suppress T cell interferon‐gamma production and promote Foxp3 expression, but have impaired regulatory function in coronary artery disease
Authors: Gu Xiao‐Long , He Huan , Lin Lin , Luo Guo‐Xin , Wen Yan‐Fei , Xiang Ding‐Cheng , Qiu Jian
Published: July 2017

Atherosclerosis and its associated coronary artery disease (CAD) represent another chronic low‐grade inflammatory disorder. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) possess essential functions in maintaining peripheral tolerance and inhibiting pathogenic inflammation through IL‐10. Here, we investigated one subset of Bregs, Tim‐1+ B cell, and its role in atherosclerosis and CAD patients. In healthy individuals, IL‐10‐producing B cells were predominantly found in the Tim‐1+ B cells. Upon stimulation of the B cell receptor (BCR) and Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9) by anti‐BCR antibodies and CpG, respectively, the Tim‐1+ B cells could further upregulate IL‐10 expression. In contrast, the Tim‐1+ B cells were present at normal frequency in CAD patients, but showed impaired capacity to upregulate IL‐10 with or without BCR + CpG stimulation. The stimulated Tim‐1+ B cells from healthy individuals also suppressed expression of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), an atherogenic cytokine in T cells, in an IL‐10‐dependent fashion, and strongly promoted the expression of Foxp3 in naive CD4+CD45RO− T cells. In contrast, the Tim‐1+ B cells from CAD patients were unable to suppress IFN‐γ secretion, and only minimally increased the expression of Foxp3 in naive CD4+CD45RO− T cells. Despite this, the frequency of Tim‐1+ B cells in the atherosclerotic lesions from CAD patients was inversely correlated with the frequency of IFN‐γ‐expressing T cells. Together, these results demonstrated that CAD patients presented an inflammatory disorder in regulatory B cells, which could be used as a therapeutic target.
Molecular characterization of nasal methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from workers of an automaker company in southeast Iran
Authors: Sobhanipoor Mohammad Hossein , Ahmadrajabi Roya , Karmostaji Afsaneh , Saffari Fereshteh
Published: July 2017

Colonization of methicillin resistant Staphylococccus aureus (MRSA) can occur more commonly in healthy people who live in close together or are in close physical contact with each other. Having knowledge about the molecular characteristics of these strains provides considerable discernment into the epidemiology of this important microorganism. A total of 806 nasal swabs were collected from healthy workers of an automaker company in the southeast of Iran and were analyzed to detect MRSA isolates. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, and detection of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) were performed. The presence of genes encoding Panton‐Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) and Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element (ACME) were also investigated. Carriage rate of S. aureus was 20%. Among 10 identified MRSA, no acme was found while high prevalence of pvl (60%) was of great concern. Seven different spa types including five new ones were identified. The most frequent sequence type was the novel one; ST 3373 (n = 3), followed by each of ST22, ST88, ST859 (n = 2) and ST1955 (n = 1). MRSA isolates were clustered into two main clonal complexes; CC22 (n = 6) and CC88 (n = 4). Low genetic diversity with the dominance of CC22, SCCmecIV was found. Distribution of previously found hospital‐associated MRSA was demonstrated among our isolates.
Regulatory T cell subsets in peripheral blood of celiac disease patients and TLR2 expression: correlation with oxidative stress
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Lal Sadhna , Bhatnagar Archana
Published: July 2017

The study was carried out to study expression of Toll like receptors 2 (TLR2), natural/inducible Treg and Interferon‐γ alongside oxidative stress and understand their significance in pediatric samples. Influence of oxidative stress on Celiac Disease was analysed by evaluating lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, Glutathione peroxidase, etc. A comparison was performed among CD patients, CD patients on gluten free diet (GFD), and healthy controls. Peripheral nTregs exhibited a similar pattern of reduced numbers in CD and GFD cases when compared to healthy controls. On the other hand, inducible Tregs were much lower in GFD patients as compared to CD patients. Expression of TLR2 on iTregs was elevated in CD and GFD, however, expression on nTregs was unaltered in all the three groups. The inflammatory cytokine IFN‐γ positive Treg cells were found to be elevated in CD as compared to control group. Oxidative stress was elevated in CD as compared to healthy controls while that in GFD samples was lower in comparison to CD. The levels of LPO, activities of enzymes SOD and Catalase were higher in CD and GFD samples when compared to controls. However, enzyme Glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels declined in both CD and GFD groups as compared to controls. This report highlights the effect of elevated oxidative stress in CD on reduced traffic of iTregs toward periphery. A strong correlation was observed between the cytokine IFN‐γ and TLR2 expression in movement of iTregs in CD patients.
Hospital‐ownership status and cesareans in the United States: The effect of for‐profit hospitals
Authors: Morris Theresa , McNamara Kelly , Morton Christine H.
Published: July 2017

Background

Given the increasing proportion of United States hospitals that are for‐profit, we examined whether women who give birth in for‐profit hospitals are more likely to have cesareans than women who give birth in not‐for‐profit hospitals. We hypothesized that cesareans are more likely to occur in for‐profit hospitals because of the organizational emphasis on short‐term financial indicators, including payment of shareholder dividends.

Methods

We used logistic regression and difference of means tests to analyze data from the Listening to Mothers III survey of women who gave birth in the United States in 2011 and 2012.

Results

Controlling for patient‐level characteristics, we found that the odds of a woman's having a cesarean were two times higher in for‐profit hospitals than in not‐for‐profit hospitals. We also found for‐profit hospitals were significantly more likely to be members of multihospital systems and to have fewer full‐time registered nurses and staff members per hospital bed.

Conclusion

This research suggests that women who give birth in for‐profit hospitals are more likely to have cesareans than women who give birth in not‐for‐profit hospitals. This information is important to women when deciding where to give birth. Knowing which hospital characteristics are associated with a greater likelihood of cesarean is helpful since hospital cesarean rates may be difficult to find. These findings are also informative for obstetric professionals, who can implement improvement initiatives to decrease cesarean rates and improve the overall quality of care for childbearing women in the United States.
Targeting molecules involved in immune cell trafficking to the central nervous system for therapy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Elfeky Mohamed , Kamimura Daisuke , Arima Yasunobu , Murakami Masaaki , Steinman Lawrence
Published: July 2017

The entry of immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) for immune surveillance occurs during normal physiological conditions, although it is difficult to detect. However, during CNS autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, immune cells extensively invade the CNS. Understanding the mechanisms of immune cell migration and entry into the CNS provides a plan for the development of novel therapeutics. A goal would be to target specific molecules and/or pathways, and thereby modulate inflammatory cell migration into the CNS, which ideally could suppress disease progression without compromising beneficial immune surveillance. In the present review, we highlight the key mechanisms that directly or indirectly traffic and pass immune cells, particularly T cells to the CNS. We illuminate and focus on the following matters: T‐cell licensing, regional neural stimulations, gut–CNS communications and integrin‐mediated cell adhesion. We discuss currently approved drugs that target T‐cell migration to the CNS.
Lidocaine inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer by regulating the expression of GOLT1A
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hu Rong , Cheng Yanyong , Wu Xiaoyang , Xi Siwei , Sun Yu , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anaesthetic in clinical and can inhibit proliferation, suppress invasion and migration and induce apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) cells. However, its specific downstream molecular mechanism is unclear.

Materials and methods

LAD cell lines, A549 and H1299 cells, were treated with lidocaine. The proliferation was evaluated by the methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay. The expression level of related proteins was detected by real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot assay.

Results

The results indicated that lidocaine dose‐dependently suppressed the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. In the LAD patients’ samples, GOLT1A was upregulated and involved in the poor prognosis and higher grade malignancy. Additionally, GOLT1A mediates the function of lidocaine on repressing proliferation by regulating the cell cycle in A549 cells.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that lidocaine downregulates the GOLT1A expression to repress the proliferation of lung cancer cells.
Role of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided‐fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of lymphoma of the pancreas: A clinicopathological study of nine cases
Authors: Sadaf S. , Loya A. , Akhtar N. , Yusuf M. A.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided‐fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is an established first‐line procedure in the management of solid and cystic pancreatic masses. Lymphoma is an uncommon diagnosis in EUS‐FNA of the pancreas, and it is more common for such a diagnosis to be because of secondary involvement of the pancreas by a lymphoproliferative disorder than for this to represent isolated primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL). We present the clinical, EUS and cytological features of these lesions.

Material and methods

After obtaining approval from our Institutional Review Board (IRB), nine cases of lymphoma diagnosed on EUS‐FNA at a tertiary care cancer centre over a period of 8 years from 2008 to 2016 were retrieved from our endoscopy and pathology archives. Rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) was carried out by a trained cytopathologist in all these cases. Cell blocks were available in seven cases, and immunophenotyping was performed on cell blocks using the immunoperoxidase method. Flow cytometry was performed in two cases.

Results

The most frequent site of involvement was the head of the pancreas (n=5, 55.6%). Four out of nine cases were diagnosed as PPL (44.4%). Five cases were diagnosed as lymphoma secondarily involving the pancreas (55.6%). The most frequent diagnosis was diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (n=6, 66.7%), followed by Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=2, 22.2%) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (n=1, 11.1%).

Conclusion

EUS‐FNA in experienced hands is a valuable diagnostic modality, in conjunction with ROSE, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, in the diagnosis and sub‐typing of both primary and secondary pancreatic lymphoma.
Seven‐year‐olds’ aggressive choices in a computer game can be predicted in infancy
Authors: Hay Dale F. , Johansen Mark K. , Daly Peter , Hashmi Salim , Robinson Charlotte , Collishaw Stephan , van Goozen Stephanie
Published: July 2017

Concerns about the relationship between computer games and children's aggression have been expressed for decades, but it is not yet clear whether the content of such games evokes aggression or a prior history of aggression promotes children's interest in aggressive games. Two hundred and sixty‐six 7‐year‐old children from a nationally representative longitudinal sample in the UK played a novel computer game (CAMGAME) in which the child's avatar encountered a series of social challenges that might evoke aggressive, prosocial or neutral behaviour. Aggressive choices during the game were predicted by well‐known risk factors for aggressive conduct problems and the children's own early angry aggressiveness as infants. These findings suggest that children who are predisposed to aggression bring those tendencies to virtual as well as real environments.
The Negative Effects of Insufficient Support Systems on Kuwaiti Mothers of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Alsabah Tahani , Vittrup Brigitte
Published: July 2017

Parents raising a child with a physical or cognitive disability are often faced with the negative stigma against disabilities that exist in several Arab countries. This puts extra pressure on the parents and can lead to negative outcomes for the children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of parenting stress and varying levels of support for mothers of children with disabilities and the effects of these pressures on their relationship with their disabled child. We surveyed 85 Kuwaiti mothers of children with disabilities. The participants filled out an online survey with questions regarding parenting related stress, perceived social support, feelings of social isolation, self‐efficacy, and attachment to their child. Results indicate that mothers who feel unsupported by their families, community, and government experience more parenting stress and greater social isolation. These in turn lead them to feel less competent in their parenting abilities, and ultimately they feel less emotionally connected to their child. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Prolonged copula duration in the parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata: an alternative male tactic to amplify sperm transfer, reproductive attributes, and paternity outcomes
Authors: Afaq Uzma , Omkar
Published: July 2017

Male traits are expected to evolve on the basis that they help maximize reproductive success. Prolonged copula duration is a commonly observed trait and this may sometimes be an adaptive male tactic that results in increased paternity against rival males. This study evaluated direct and indirect influences of prolonged copula duration on reproduction and offspring development in the parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Prolonged copula duration was correlated with a reduction in the time until oviposition and with increased fecundity in female beetles. Furthermore, extended copula duration was correlated with increased offspring survival and reduced offspring development times. Thus, there appear to be both direct and indirect benefits associated with prolonged copula in the parthenium beetle (i.e., increased adult reproductive performance and improved offspring fitness). Possible explanations for these reproductive benefits may be that a longer copula increases the availability of sperm for females and seminal fluid may boost maternal protein reserves which can then be invested in higher quality of offspring.
Dissecting functional components of reproductive isolation among closely related sympatric species of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex
Authors: Pombi Marco , Kengne Pierre , Gimonneau Geoffrey , Tene‐Fossog Billy , Ayala Diego , Kamdem Colince , Santolamazza Federica , Guelbeogo Wamdaogo Moussa , Sagnon N'Falé , Petrarca Vincenzo , Fontenille Didier , Besansky Nora J. , Antonio‐Nkondjio Christophe , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr , della Torre Alessandra , Simard Frédéric , Costantini Carlo
Published: July 2017

Explaining how and why reproductive isolation evolves and determining which forms of reproductive isolation have the largest impact on the process of population divergence are major goals in the study of speciation. By studying recent adaptive radiations in incompletely isolated taxa, it is possible to identify barriers involved at early divergence before other confounding barriers emerge after speciation is complete. Sibling species of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex offer opportunities to provide insights into speciation mechanisms. Here, we studied patterns of reproductive isolation among three taxa,Anopheles coluzzii,An. gambiae s.s. andAnopheles arabiensis, to compare its strength at different spatial scales, to dissect the relative contribution of pre‐ versus postmating isolation, and to infer the involvement of ecological divergence on hybridization. Because F1 hybrids are viable, fertile and not uncommon, understanding the dynamics of hybridization in this trio of major malaria vectors has important implications for how adaptations arise and spread across the group, and in planning studies of the safety and efficacy of gene drive as a means of malaria control. We first performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published surveys reporting on hybrid prevalence, showing strong reproductive isolation at a continental scale despite geographically restricted exceptions. Second, we exploited our own extensive field data sets collected at a regional scale in two contrasting environmental settings, to assess: (i) levels of premating isolation; (ii) spatio/temporal and frequency‐dependent dynamics of hybridization, (iii) relationship between reproductive isolation and ecological divergence and (iv) hybrid viability penalty. Results are in accordance with ecological speciation theory predicting a positive association between the strength of reproductive isolation and degree of ecological divergence, and indicate that postmating isolation does contribute to reproductive isolation among these species. Specifically, only postmating isolation was positively associated with ecological divergence, whereas premating isolation was correlated with phylogenetic distance.
Biphasic predators provide biomass subsidies in small freshwater habitats: A case study of spring and cave pools
Authors: Barzaghi Benedetta , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Pennati Roberta , Manenti Raoul
Published: July 2017

There is increasing attention on how biomass exchanges determine linkages between ecosystems. However, there is limited information on the factors determining the direction and overall magnitude of energy flow, especially in systems where primary producers are limited.

In this study we compared two aquatic ecosystems (cave and spring pools) using the biomass exchanges driven by a biphasic predator, the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra).

Between 2013 and 2014, we monitored 21 fire salamander breeding sites (12 cave pools and 9 spring pools) and we quantified the larval biomass input–export. The balance between input and export was related to different abiotic and biotic variables.

Salamandra salamandra larvae constituted a major component of the animal biomass in both cave and spring pools, and were the most abundant top predator. Light was the most important parameter in constraining predator biomass; biomass export was lowest in the sites that received less light. In cave pools, the biomass balance was negative, while it was positive in spring pools.

Our study demonstrates that cave pools are a system with much lower productivity than springs, and their functioning strongly depends on the input of external resources. Predator occurrence may constitute a major trophic subsidy in poorly productive environments. Gradients of abiotic variables such as light incidence can constrain population size of predators and determine a large variation in their biomass balance.
Correlates of frailty phenotype and frailty index and their associations with clinical outcomes
Authors: Guaraldi G , Malagoli A , Theou O , Brothers TD , Wallace LMK , Torelli R , Mussini C , Sartini S , Kirkland SA , Rockwood K
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Frailty is a predictor of adverse health outcomes and can be measured across the life course, including among people living with HIV. The purpose of this study was to examine two commonly used measures of frailty ‐ the frailty index (FI) and frailty phenotype – to assess common characteristics and to describe associations with multimorbidity, falls, and disability in people aging with HIV.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional observational study including 482 consecutive HIV‐infected patients (mean age 53.9 ± SD 6.9 years; 75% male) attending the multidisciplinary metabolic clinic at the University of Modena, Italy. Frailty was measured with the frailty phenotype and a 37‐item FI.

Results

The mean FI score was 0.28±0.1 and frailty phenotype categories were: 3.1% frail, 51.9% pre‐frail, and 45% robust. The duration of antiretroviral therapy was significantly different across levels of frailty as measured by both frailty tools (P < 0.01), but the nadir CD4 count was only significant for the FI (P = 0.01); current CD4 count was not significantly different across frailty levels using either tool. Both frailty measures were associated with multimorbidity; the FI was associated with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living impairment and falls history, whereas the frailty phenotype was not.

Conclusions

The frailty phenotype and the FI demonstrated similar characteristics in patients at a tertiary‐level HIV clinic. The FI had a stronger association with age, nadir CD4 count, comorbidities, falls, and disability. Integrating frailty assessments in clinical practice will be crucial for the development of interventions in age‐related conditions, including disability and falls, in older persons living with HIV.
Effects of composition and furnace temperature on (Ni, Co) (Cr, Al)2O4 pigments synthesized by solution combustion route
Authors: Gilabert Jessica , Palacios Maria Dolores , Sanz Vicente , Mestre Sergio
Published: July 2017

The effects of composition and furnace temperature on Ni1‐ΨCoΨCr2−2ΨAl2ΨO4 (0≤Ψ≤1) pigments prepared by Solution Combustion Synthesis were studied. As‐synthesized samples showed spinel‐like spongy structure, very easy to grind. However, important differences on crystallinity, crystal size, and microstructure were observed depending on composition and furnace temperature. All pigments developed intense tones, covering a wide color palette because of composition influence, although little effect was observed with furnace temperature. Stable crystalline structures, suitable grain size, and high resistance against synthesizing variables and ceramic glazes make SCS pigments perfect candidates to be used in the ceramic ink‐jet decoration.