bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MelaNostrum: a consensus questionnaire of standardized epidemiologic and clinical variables for melanoma risk assessment by the melanostrum consortium
Authors: Stratigos Alexander J. , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , De Nicolo Arcangela , Peris Ketty , Puig Susana , Soura Efthymia , Menin Chiara , Calista Donato , Ghiorzo Paola , Mandala Mario , Massi Daniela , Rodolfo Monica , Del Regno Laura , Stefanaki Irene , Gogas Helen , Bataille Veronique , Tucker Margaret A. , Whiteman David , Nagore Eduardo , Landi Maria Teresa
Published: August 2018

Background

Many melanoma observational studies have been carried out across different countries and geographic areas using heterogeneous assessments of epidemiologic risk factors and clinical variables.

Aim

To develop a consensus questionnaire to standardize epidemiologic and clinical data collection for melanoma risk assessment.

Methods

We used a stepwise strategy that included: compilation of variables from case–control datasets collected at various centres of the MelaNostrum Consortium; integration of variables from published case–control studies; consensus discussion of the collected items by MelaNostrum members; revision by independent experts; addition of online tools and image‐based charts; questionnaire testing across centres and generation of a final draft.

Results

We developed a core consensus questionnaire (MelanoQ) that includes four separate sections: A. general and demographic data; B. phenotypic and ultraviolet radiation exposure risk factors and lifestyle habits; C. clinical examination, medical and family history; and D. diagnostic data on melanoma (cases only). Accompanying online tools, informative tables, and image‐based charts aid standardization. Different subsections of the questionnaire are designed for self‐administration, patient interviews performed by a physician or study nurse, and data collection from medical records.

Conclusions

The MelanoQ questionnaire is a useful tool for the collection and standardization of epidemiologic and clinical data across different studies, centres, cultures and languages. This will expedite ongoing efforts to compile high‐quality data for pooled analyses or meta‐analyses and offer a solid base for the design of clinical, epidemiologic and translational studies on melanoma.
Reply to: S2k guideline for treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus—guided by the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) in cooperation with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV)
Authors: Pindado‐Ortega C. , Alegre‐Sánchez A. , Pérez‐García B. , Boixeda P.
Published: August 2018

Linked article: This article is commented on Annegret Kuhn et al., pp. e71–e72 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15210
Role of galectin‐3 in subclinical myocardial impairment in psoriasis
Authors: Kotwica T. , Relewicz J. , Rojek A. , Tupikowska‐Marzec M. , Kabaj M. , Karolko B. , Maj J. , Bednarek‐Tupikowska G. , Kosmala W. , Szepietowski J.C. , Przewlocka‐Kosmala M.
Published: August 2018

Background

Psoriasis has been shown to increase cardiovascular risk, and a contributor to this might be enhanced myocardial fibrosis promoted by the disease‐associated pro‐inflammatory milieu.

Objective

We sought to investigate the relationship of galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) – a recognized mediator of fibrosis with inflammatory activation and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

We enrolled 102 psoriatic patients (mean age: 52.5 ± 12.6 years). Sixty‐five age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects served as controls. Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial function included estimation of LV longitudinal systolic deformation (GLS) and diastolic indices: tissue e′ velocity and E/e′ ratio. Laboratory measurements encompassed blood Gal‐3, creatinine, glucose, insulin, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Results

Patients with psoriasis were characterized by elevated Gal‐3 (12.3 [9.3–13.4] vs. 6.3 [5.5–9.4] ng/mL in healthy controls, P < 0.001), ESR (17.0 [11.0–29.0] vs. 8.5 [6.0–13.0] mm, respectively, P < 0.001) and CRP (3.1 [1.7–10.6] vs. 1.9 [1.5–4.0] mg/L, respectively, P < 0.001), and reduced GLS (19.9 ± 3.7 vs. 22.0 ± 3.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). Progressive deterioration of GLS was demonstrated across Gal‐3 tertiles. Significant associations between GLS and age (beta = −0.21, P < 0.04), Gal‐3 (beta = −0.27, P < 0.01), CRP (beta = −0.22, P < 0.03), ESR (beta = −0.25, P < 0.01), waist circumference (beta = −0.22, P < 0.03) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (beta = −0.20, P < 0.05) were found. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the independent determinants of GLS in psoriatic patients were Gal‐3 (beta = −0.24, P < 0.01) and ESR (beta = −0.21, P < 0.03). Regression‐based mediation analysis demonstrated that the relationship between ESR and GLS was partially mediated by Gal‐3.

Conclusions

Subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in psoriasis, as evidenced by reduced GLS, is linked with the inflammatory upregulation, and enhanced profibrotic activity (as reflected by elevated serum Gal‐3) may be involved in this process. These putative mechanisms may be responsible for the observed higher incidence of heart failure in this disease condition and should be considered as a potential target for preventive and therapeutic measures.
Food Choice Experiments Indicate Selective Fungivorous Predation in Fisculla terrestris (Thecofilosea, Cercozoa)
Authors: Dumack Kenneth , Pundt Julia , Bonkowski Michael
Published: August 2018

Thecofilosea is a class in Cercozoa comprising mainly freshwater inhabiting algivores. Since direct observation of amoeboid protists in soil is not possible, the prey spectra of their terrestrial relatives remain obscure. To test for grazing selectivity and the preferred prey of terrestrial thecofiloseans, we conducted a food choice experiment including yeasts and algae as prey. When being offered all food sources at once, the yeast cells were strongly reduced, whereas the abundance of the algae only slightly decreased. Since Fisculla terrestris thrives with fungal prey, it must be considered as a predator of eukaryotes with high preference for fungal cells.
A Multicomponent Model to Improve Hospital Care of Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Sinvani Liron , Warner‐Cohen Jessy , Strunk Andrew , Halbert Travis , Harisingani Ruchika , Mulvany Colm , Qiu Michael , Kozikowski Andrzej , Patel Vidhi , Liberman Tara , Carney Maria , Pekmezaris Renee , Wolf‐Klein Gisele , Karlin‐Zysman Corey
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To determine whether a multicomponent intervention improves care in hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment.

Design

One‐year retrospective chart review with propensity score matching on critical demographic and clinical variables was used to compare individauls with cognitive impairmenet on intervention and nonintervention units.

Setting

Large tertiary medical center.

Participants

All hospitalized individuals age 65 and older with cognitive impairment admitted to medicine who required constant or enhanced observation for behavioral and psychological symptoms.

Intervention

Multicomponent intervention (geographic unit cohorting, multidisciplinary approach, patient engagement specialists (PES), staff education) or usual care.

Measurements

In‐hospital mortality, length of stay, readmission, management of behavioral disturbances.

Results

After propensity score matching, 476 of the 712 intervention visits were pair‐matched with 476 of the 558 usual care visits. Matching was successful in balancing baseline covariates between intervention and usual care units. Individuals admitted to the intervention unit had lower in‐hospital mortality (1.1% vs 2.9%, p=0.05) and shorter stays (5.0 vs 5.8 days, p=0.04). There was no difference in discharge home (p=0.90) or 30‐day readmission rates (p=0.44). Individuals on the intervention unit were less likely than those receivng usual care to have an order for constant (12.0% vs 45.8%, p<0.01) or enhanced (22.1% vs 79.6%, p<0.01) observation, to be taking benzodiazepines (26.3% vs 38.0%, p<0.01), to be taking nothing by mouth (29.6% vs 40.8%, p=0.01), to be on bedrest (17.0% vs 25.8%, p=0.01), to be taking antipsychotics (41.2% vs 54.0%, p<0.01), or to have restraints (3.2% vs 6.9%, p=.01).

Conclusion

A multicomponent intervention of geographic cohorting, multidisciplinary approach, PES, and staff education may offer a new paradigm in the management of hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment.
Vision Impairment and Risk of Dementia: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Davies‐Kershaw Hilary R. , Hackett Ruth A. , Cadar Dorina , Herbert Annie , Orrell Martin , Steptoe Andrew
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To determine whether vision impairment is independently associated cross‐sectionally and longitudinally with dementia.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Participants

Individuals aged 50 and older

Measurements

Cross‐sectional association between self‐rated vision (poor or blind, moderate, normal) and dementia was analyzed, adjusting for potential confounders (sex, wealth, education, cardiovascular risk factors) using multivariable logistic regression. We also modelled the adjusted longitudinal association between vision impairment and dementia over an average of 11 years of follow‐up using Cox proportional hazards regression for individuals aged 50 to 69 and those aged 70 and older.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, participants who rated their vision as moderate were 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4–3.1) times as likely as those with normal vision to have dementia, and those who rated their vision as poor were 4.0 (95% CI=2.6–6.1) times as likely. Longitudinally, individuals aged 50 to 69 who rated their vision as moderate (1.8, 95% CI=1.0–3.0) or poor (3.6, 95% CI=1.1–11.8) were at greater risk of developing dementia than those who rated their vision as normal. There was no significant difference in risk in those aged 70 and older.

Conclusion

Our study confirms and extends findings from other countries, demonstrating cross‐sectional associations between moderate and poor self‐rated vision and dementia in England in all participants aged 50 and older and longitudinally over an 11‐year period in those aged 50 to 69. These results help establish vision loss as a risk factor for dementia, although it is unclear why. Research is needed to determine whether screening and treatment for vision loss may slow cognitive decline.
The protective effect of melatonin on brain ischemia and reperfusion in rats and humans: In vivo assessment and a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Zhewei , Lu Chengran , Li Tianjia , Wang Wenda , Ye Wei , Zeng Rong , Ni Leng , Lai Zhichao , Wang Xuebin , Liu Changwei
Published: August 2018

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the treatment of choice for carotid stenosis. Some patients develop ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury after CEA. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of melatonin on I/R injury in both rats and humans. To this end, 36 male rats were evaluated, and a double‐blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 60 patients was performed. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to mimic cerebral I/R. After 2 hour of occlusion and 24 hour of reperfusion, blood samples and brain tissues were harvested for further assessments. Compared with the vehicle treatment, melatonin decreased the expression of nuclear factor κ light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) and S100 calcium‐binding protein β (S100β) (P < 0.05) and markedly increased the expression of nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.05). The participants in the RCT took 6 mg/d melatonin orally from 3 days before surgery to 3 days after surgery. Blood samples were drawn at the following times: baseline; pre‐anesthesia; carotid reconstruction completion; and 6, 24, and 72 hour after CEA. Compared with the oral placebo treatment, melatonin decreased the expression of NF‐κB, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and S100β (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, and GPx (P < 0.05) in patients after CEA. Our findings suggested that melatonin could ameliorate brain I/R injury after CEA and that this outcome was essentially due to the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of melatonin.
Transition experiences between hospital‐ and home‐care for parents of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: March Sarita , Keim‐Malpass Jessica
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) experience numerous vulnerabilities during transitions from hospital to home during their first year of life. This paper examines the parents’ responses to the situations they experience during the initial interstage transition as described through illness blogs.

Design and methods

A qualitative descriptive design through inductive theme development using thematic analysis was performed for this study. Text data were used from publically available blogs written by parents of HLHS children on their feelings and experiences during transitions between hospital‐ and home‐care during the interstage period.

Results

Six blogs were analyzed. Overall, the lack of difference in normalcy for these parents and their families was apparent. Major themes included: thoughts and feelings when discharged from the hospital, difficulties with hospital readmissions, protecting their child from infection, and developing a support system.

Conclusions

Parents looked forward to going home and learned all they could about properly caring for their child before going home. They were disappointed and frustrated when returning to the hospital for either emergency or scheduled admissions and were not prepared to see their child in the intensive care unit environment again. Many parents isolated themselves and avoided the hospital as much as possible to avoid their child developing an infection. All parents had support systems through family and/or friends and found an unexpected sense of support through their blog families.
Imposter identification in low prevalence environments
Authors: Susa Kyle J. , Michael Stephen W. , Dessenberger Steven J. , Meissner Christian A.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Travel document screeners play an important role in international security when determining whether a photograph ID matches the tendering individual. Psychological research indicates when conditions involve low base rates of ‘imposter’ photographs, document screeners change their response criterion for rendering a ‘match’ determination. The primary purpose of the current experiments was to examine the nature of this base rate criterion shift, free from experimental bias, for both own‐ and other‐race faces. Further, Experiment 2 examined how low‐base rate conditions might moderate a cross‐race effect in the calibration between confidence and accuracy.

Method

In two experiments, participants completed an 80‐trial task where they were asked to determine whether a passport photograph matched the photograph of a tendering individual. The base rate of imposter IDs and the race of the people in the photographs were manipulated across participants. Signal detection measures and the calibration between confidence and accuracy were analysed.

Results

In each experiment, low base rates of imposter identifications induced a conservative criterion shift such that people were more likely to declare that faces ‘mismatch’. Further, race and imposter base rate interacted to influence the confidence–accuracy calibration, suggesting a cross‐race effect on calibration was exacerbated in the low imposter base rate condition, and low‐base rate conditions also elicited greater overconfidence for other‐relative to own‐race faces.

Conclusions

Free from experimental bias, low imposter base rates induced a conservative response criterion, leading participants to render more ‘mismatch’ decisions. Moreover, low base rates moderated cross‐race effects in the calibration between confidence and accuracy, and in a measure of overconfidence.
Rhodobacterales use a unique L‐threonine kinase for the assembly of the nucleotide loop of coenzyme B12
Authors: Tavares Norbert K. , VanDrisse Chelsey M. , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C.
Published: August 2018

Several of the enzymes involved in the conversion of adenosylcobyric acid (AdoCby) to adenosylcobamide (AdoCba) are yet to be identified and characterized in some cobamide (Cba)‐producing prokaryotes. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified the bluE gene (locus tag RSP_0788) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 as a putative functional homolog of the L‐threonine kinase enzyme (PduX, EC 2.7.1.177) of S. enterica. In AdoCba, (R)‐1‐aminopropan‐2‐ol O‐phosphate (AP‐P) links the nucleotide loop to the corrin ring; most known AdoCba producers derive AP‐P from L‐Thr‐O‐3‐phosphate (L‐Thr‐P). Here, we show that RsBluE has L‐Thr‐independent ATPase activity in vivo and in vitro. We used 31P‐NMR spectroscopy to show that RsBluE generates L‐Thr‐P at the expense of ATP and is unable to use L‐Ser as a substrate. BluE from R. sphaeroides or Rhodobacter capsulatus restored AdoCba biosynthesis in S. enterica ΕpduX and R. sphaeroides ΕbluE mutant strains. R. sphaeroides ΕbluE strains exhibited a decreased pigment phenotype that was restored by complementation with BluE. Finally, phylogenetic analyses revealed that bluE was restricted to the genomes of a few Rhodobacterales that appear to have a preference for a specific form of Cba, namely Coᴽ‐(ᴽ‐5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazolyl‐Coᵦ‐adenosylcobamide (a.k.a. adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl; coenzyme B12, CoB12).
Diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases in haematology and oncology: 2018 update of the recommendations of the infectious diseases working party of the German society for hematology and medical oncology (AGIHO)
Authors: Ruhnke Markus , Behre Gerhard , Buchheidt Dieter , Christopeit Maximilian , Hamprecht Axel , Heinz Werner , Heussel Claus‐Peter , Horger Marius , Kurzai Oliver , Karthaus Meinolf , Löffler Jürgen , Maschmeyer Georg , Penack Olaf , Rieger Christina , Rickerts Volker , Ritter Jörg , Schmidt‐Hieber Martin , Schuelper Nikolai , Schwartz Stefan , Ullmann Andrew , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , von Lilienfeld‐Toal Marie , Weber Thomas , Wolf Hans H.
Published: August 2018

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with haematological malignancies. These infections are mostly life‐threatening and an early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy are essential for the clinical outcome. Most commonly, Aspergillus and Candida species are involved. However, other Non‐Aspergillus moulds are increasingly identified in case of documented IFD. For definite diagnosis of IFD, a combination of diagnostic tools have to be applied, including conventional mycological culture and non‐conventional microbiological tests such as antibody/antigen and molecular tests, as well as histopathology and radiology. Although varying widely in cancer patients, the risk of invasive fungal infection is highest in those with allogeneic stem cell transplantation and those with acute leukaemia and markedly lower in patients with solid cancer. Since the last edition of Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases recommendations of the German Society for Hematology and Oncology in 2012, integrated care pathways have been proposed for the management and therapy of IFDs with either a diagnostic driven strategy as opposed to a clinical or empirical driven strategy. This update discusses the impact of this additional evidence and effective revisions.
Developments in a dedicated salivary gland centre: a 10‐year retrospective review
Authors: Samani M. , Modgill O. , Atiea T. , Cheales E. , Shokouhi B. , Beheshti S. , McGurk M.
Published: August 2018

Diseases of the salivary glands are uncommon and patients present to a number of specialties. The result is that experience is thinly spread across clinical specialities. A dedicated salivary gland clinic was set up at Guy's Hospital London fifteen years ago. The profile of patients referred to the centre over the last ten years was analysed and changes in management mapped over time with respect to methods of investigation and treatment. Gland removal, which was previously the treatment of choice for most benign salivary gland diseases has been replaced by gland sparing procedures which have rendered gland excision to a minor role in management. Salivary gland surgery‐related morbidity has been markedly reduced.
Measurement of telomere length in cells from pleural effusion: Asbestos exposure causes telomere shortening in pleural mesothelial cells
Authors: Aida Shinsuke , Aida Junko , Naoi Miho , Kato Mai , Tsuura Yukio , Natsume Ichiro , Takubo Kaiyo
Published: August 2018

We estimated the telomere lengths of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic mesothelial cells and examined their correlation with asbestos exposure and the expression of markers of mesothelial malignancy. Cell blocks of pleural effusion obtained from 35 cases of non‐neoplastic disease (NN), 12 cases of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and 12 cases of carcinomatous effusion due to lung adenocarcinoma (LA) were examined. Fifteen of the 35 NN cases had pleural plaques (NNpp+) suggestive of asbestos exposure, and the other 20 cases had no pleural plaques (NNpp‐). Telomere length was measured using the tissue quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization method, and expressed as normalized telomere‐to‐centromere ratio. NN cases had significantly longer telomeres than MM (P < 0.001) and LA (P < 0.001) cases. Telomeres in NNpp+ cases were slightly shorter than those of NNpp‐ cases (P = 0.047). MM and LA showed almost the same telomere length. NN cases with shorter telomeres tended to show aberrant expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CD146, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and IGF‐II messenger RNA‐binding protein 3 (IMP3). These results suggest that telomere shortening and subsequent genetic instability play an important role in the development of MM. Measurement of telomere length of cells in pleural effusion might be helpful for earlier detection of MM.
Deep sequencing identified potential miRNAs involved in defence response, stress and plant growth characteristics of wild genotypes of cardamom
Authors: Nadiya F. , Anjali N. , Thomas J. , Gangaprasad A. , Sabu K. K.
Published: August 2018

Cardamom has long been used as a food flavouring agent and in ayurvedic medicines for mouth ulcers, digestive problems and even depression. Extensive occurrence of pests and diseases adversely affect its cultivation and result in substantial reductions in total production and productivity. Numerous studies revealed the significant role of miRNAs in plant biotic stress responses.

In the current study, miRNA profiling of cultivar and wild cardamom genotypes was performed using an Ion Proton sequencer.

We identified 161 potential miRNAs representing 42 families, including monocot/tissue‐specific and 14 novel miRNAs in both genotypes. Significant differences in miRNA family abundance between the libraries were observed in read frequencies. A total of 19 miRNAs (from known miRNAs) displayed a twofold difference in expression between wild and cultivar genotypes. We found 1168 unique potential targets for 40 known miRNA families in wild and 1025 potential targets for 42 known miRNA families in cultivar genotypes. The differential expression analysis revealed that most miRNAs identified were highly expressed in cultivars and, furthermore, lower expression of miR169 and higher expression of miR529 in wild cardamom proved evidence that wild genotypes have stronger drought stress tolerance and floral development than cultivars.

Potential targets predicted for the newly identified miRNAs from the miRNA libraries of wild and cultivar cardamom genotypes involved in metabolic and developmental processes and in response to various stimuli. qRT‐PCR confirmed miRNAs were differentially expressed between wild and cultivar genotypes. Furthermore, four target genes were validated experimentally to confirm miRNA–mRNA target pairing using RNA ligase‐mediated 5′ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5′RLM‐RACE) PCR.
Social wasps, crickets and cockroaches contribute to pollination of the holoparasitic plant Mitrastemon yamamotoi (Mitrastemonaceae) in southern Japan
Authors: Suetsugu K.
Published: August 2018

Mitrastemon yamamotoi is completely embedded within the tissues of its hosts, except during the reproductive stage, when aboveground parts emerge from host tissues. Its highly modified appearance has attracted attention of many botanists, but very little is known about the reproductive system.

Floral visitors to M. yamamotoi were observed in southern Japan. Pollination experiments were conducted to determine the plant's self‐compatibility and pollen limitation, as well as the contribution of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to fruit set and outcrossing.

Mitrastemon yamamotoi is mainly pollinated by social wasps, but previously unnoticed pollinators (i.e. crickets and cockroaches) are also important, based on visitation frequency and pollen loads. Results of the pollination experiments suggest that nocturnal visitors, such as crickets and cockroaches, contribute to geitonogamous pollination, whereas diurnal visitors, such as social wasps, facilitate outcrossing.

The unexpected pollinator assemblage of M. yamamotoi might be influenced by multiple factors, including the highly modified flowers that are produced close to the ground in dark understorey environments, the species’ winter‐flowering habit and the location of the study site (i.e. near the northern limit of the species’ range). Considering that M. yamamotoi occurs widely in subtropical and tropical forests in Asia, additional studies are needed to assess pollinator assemblages of M. yamamotoi at other locations.
Variability in response to salinity stress in natural Tunisian populations of Hordeum marinum subsp. marinum
Authors: Saoudi W. , Badri M. , Taamalli W. , Zribi O. T. , Gandour M. , Abdelly C.
Published: August 2018

Soil salinity is one of the most serious environmental factors affecting crop productivity around the world.

In this study, we analysed morpho‐physiological variation in responses to salt stress in Tunisian populations of Hordeum marinum subsp. marinum. The plants were grown under two treatments (0 and 200 mm NaCl) until maturity. A total of 19 quantitative traits were measured before and during the harvest.

It was observed that most studied traits are influenced by the increasing salinity. High to moderate broad‐sense heritability (H2) were noted for most of parameters under control and salt treatment, implying that salt tolerance is moderately heritable and environmental variation plays an equally important role. The majority of correlations between measured traits under the two treatments are positive, where the strongest correlations were between spike number (SN) and weight (SW). Based on the salt response index (SRI) values, SN and SW are the most affected by salinity. The 150 studied lines formed three groups according to the SRI values of the 19 quantitative parameters, of which 101 were moderately sensitive, 27 tolerant and 22 highly tolerant.

Overall genetic variation of H. marinum in response to salt stress may provide novel insight to identify genes responsible for salt tolerance.
Physiological, biochemical and molecular responses to water stress and rehydration in Mediterranean adapted tomato landraces
Authors: Giorio P. , Guida G. , Mistretta C. , Sellami M. H. , Oliva M. , Punzo P. , Iovieno P. , Arena C. , De Maio A. , Grillo S. , Albrizio R.
Published: August 2018

Mediterranean tomato landraces adapted to arid environments represent an option to counteract drought, and to address the complexity of responses to water deficit and recovery, which is a crucial component of plant adaptation mechanisms.

We investigated physiological, biochemical and molecular responses of two Mediterranean tomato landraces, ‘Locale di Salina’ (Lc) and ‘Pizzutello di Sciacca’ (Pz) under two dehydration periods and intermediate rehydration in greenhouse pot experiments.

Relationship between CO2 assimilation (A) and stomatal conductance under severe water stress (gs < 0.05 mol·m−2·s−1) indicated the occurrence of stomatal and non‐stomatal limitations of photosynthesis. Gas exchange promptly recovered within 2–3 days of rehydration. ABA and gs showed a strict exponential relationship. Both leaf ABA and proline peaked under severe water stress. Lc showed higher accumulation of ABA and higher induction of the expression of both NCED and P5CS genes than Pz. Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase increased during imposition of stress, mainly in Lc, and decreased under severe water stress.

The two landraces hardly differed in their physiological performance. Under severe water stress, gs showed low sensitivity to ABA, which instead controlled stomatal closure under moderate water stress (gs > 0.15 mol·m−2·s−1). The prompt recovery after rehydration of both landraces confirmed their drought‐tolerant behaviour. Differences between the two landraces were instead observed at biochemical and molecular levels.
Seed germination and dormancy traits of forbs and shrubs important for restoration of North American dryland ecosystems
Authors: Kildisheva O. A. , Erickson T. E. , Madsen M. D. , Dixon K. W. , Merritt D. J.
Published: August 2018

In degraded dryland systems, native plant community re‐establishment following disturbance is almost exclusively carried out using seeds, but these efforts commonly fail. Much of this failure can be attributed to the limited understanding of seed dormancy and germination traits.

We undertook a systematic classification of seed dormancy of 26 species of annual and perennial forbs and shrubs that represent key, dominant genera used in restoration of the Great Basin ecosystem in the western United States. We examined germination across a wide thermal profile to depict species‐specific characteristics and assessed the potential of gibberellic acid (GA3) and karrikinolide (KAR1) to expand the thermal germination envelope of fresh seeds.

Of the tested species, 81% produce seeds that are dormant at maturity. The largest proportion (62%) exhibited physiological (PD), followed by physical (PY, 8%), combinational (PY + PD, 8%) and morphophysiological (MPD, 4%) dormancy classes. The effects of chemical stimulants were temperature‐ and species‐mediated. In general, mean germination across the thermal profile was improved byGA3andKAR1for 11 and five species, respectively. We detected a strong germination response to temperature in freshly collected seeds of 20 species. Temperatures below 10 °C limited the germination of all exceptAgoseris heterophylla, suggesting that in their dormant state, the majority of these species are thermally restricted.

Our findings demonstrate the utility of dormancy classification as a foundation for understanding the critical regenerative traits in these ecologically important species and highlight its importance in restoration planning.
The effect of mandelonitrile, a recently described salicylic acid precursor, on peach plant response against abiotic and biotic stresses
Authors: Bernal‐Vicente A. , Cantabella D. , Hernández J. A. , Diaz‐Vivancos P.
Published: August 2018

In a previous work, we observed that mandelonitrile (MD), which controls cyanogenic glycoside turnover, is involved in salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis in peach plants. In order to gain knowledge about the possible roles of this SA biosynthetic pathway, this current study looks at the effect of MD and phenylalanine (Phe; MD precursor) treatments on peach plant performance from an agronomic point of view.

Abiotic (2 g·l−1 NaCl) and biotic (Plum pox virus, PPV) stresses were assayed. We recorded the following chlorophyll fluorescence parameters: quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in PSII [Y(II)], photochemical quenching (qP) and quantum yield of regulated non‐photochemical energy loss in PSII and its coefficient [Y(NPQ) and qN]. In addition, considering that environmental stresses lead to nutritional disorders, we determined the soluble K+, Ca2+, Na+ and Cl− concentrations in NaCl‐stressed seedlings. In PPV‐infected seedlings, we recorded the Ca2+ level, which has been suggested to play critical roles in regulating SA‐related plant defence responses against pathogens.

The MD treatment lessened the effect of both stresses on plant development. In addition, an increase in non‐photochemical quenching parameters was observed in MD‐treated seedlings, suggesting a safer dissipation of excess energy under stress conditions. In NaCl‐stressed peach seedlings both treatments stimulated the accumulation of phytotoxic ions in roots, whereas in PPV‐infected seedlings MD increased Ca2+ content.

Our results suggest that MD and Phe influence the response of peach seedlings to the deleterious effects of salt and PPV infection stresses.
GhSTOP1, a C2H2 type zinc finger transcription factor is essential for aluminum and proton stress tolerance and lateral root initiation in cotton
Authors: Kundu A. , Das S. , Basu S. , Kobayashi Y. , Kobayashi Y. , Koyama H. , Ganesan M.
Published: August 2018

Aluminum (Al) and proton (H+) ions are major acid soil stress factors deleteriously affecting plant root growth and crop yield. In our preliminary studies, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings displayed very sensitive phenotypes to Al and H+ rhizotoxicities.

Based on previous Arabidopsis results, we aimed to characterise the Al stress responsive Sensitive to Proton rhizotoxicity 1 (GhSTOP1) transcription system in cotton using RNAi‐mediated down‐regulation. With the help of seed embryo apex explants, we developed transgenic cotton plants overexpressing a GhSTOP1‐RNAi cassette with NPTII selection. Kanamycin‐tolerant T1 seedlings were further considered for Al and H+ stress tolerance studies.

Down‐regulation of the GhSTOP1 increased sensitivity to Al and proton rhizotoxicities, and root growth was significantly reduced in RNAi lines. The expression profile of GhALMT1 (Aluminum‐activated Malate Transporter 1), GhMATE (Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion), GhALS3 (Aluminium Sensitive 3) and key genes involved in the GABA shunt were down‐regulated in the transgenic RNAi lines. Additionally, the lateral root initiation process was delayed and expression of GhNAC1, which is involved in lateral roots, was also suppressed in transgenic lines. Besides, overexpression of GhSTOP1 in Arabidopsis accelerated root growth and AtMATE and AtALMT1 expression under Al stress conditions.

These analyses indicate that GhSTOP1 is essential for the expression of several genes which are necessary for acid soil tolerance mechanisms and lateral root initiation.
The modification of mitochondrial energy metabolism and histone of goat somatic cells under small molecules compounds induction
Authors: Li Lanyu , Zhang Dandan , Ren Yanyan , Ye Sheng , Zheng Beibei , Liu Shulin , zaheer Ahmed Jam , Li Mengmei , Shi Deshun , Huang Ben
Published: August 2018

Contents

In recent years, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technique is able to allow us to generate pluripotency from somatic cells in vitro through the over expression of several transcription factors. Normally, viral vectors and transcription factors are commonly used on iPSC technique, which could cause many barriers on further application. In this study, we attempt to process a new method to obtain pluripotency from goat somatic cells in vitro under fully chemically defined condition. The results showed that chemically induced pluripotent stem cells‐like cells (CiPSC‐like cells) colonies were generated from goat ear fibroblasts by fully small‐molecule compounds. Those three dimensions colonies were similar with mouse iPSCs in morphology and had strong positive alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and expressed pluripotency related genes OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, CDH1, TDGF, GDF3, DAX1, REX1, which determined by RT‐PCR. Those colonies could also differentiate into different cell types derived from three germ layers proved by RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence assays. The expression of glycolysis‐related genes about PGAM1, KPYM2 and HXK2 in CiPSC‐like colonies formation groups was significantly higher than their parental fibroblasts, but not in the non‐CiPSC‐like colonies formation group. The expression of histone acetylation and methylation‐related genes, HAT1 and SMYD3, was not significantly up‐regulated within different groups compared to their parental fibroblasts, respectively. Yet, the expression of histone methylation‐related gene, KDM5B, was significantly up‐regulated on the cells from non‐colonies formation group compared to parental fibroblasts, but the expression of KDM5B of the cells from CiPSC‐like cell colonies was not significantly difference compared to that of parental fibroblasts. In conclusion, this is the first report that CiPSC‐like cells could be generated in vitro from goat rather than just mouse under fully chemically defined condition. The generation of CiPSC‐like colonies may be depended on the correct modification of energy metabolism and histone epigenetic during the reprogramming, rather than just the over‐expression of those pluripotency‐related genes. This study will strongly support us to further establish the stable goat CiPSC lines without any integration of exogenous genes.
The good with the bad: when ecological restoration facilitates native and non‐native species
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Chiquoine Lindsay P.
Published: August 2018

Organisms interact with each other along a spectrum ranging from competition to facilitation. A theme in restoration ecology is tipping the balance of these interactions to favor desired species and site conditions, exemplified by restoring fertile islands and their nurse plant effects to encourage plant recruitment. We tested the effectiveness of outplanting nursery‐grown native perennials and vertical mulching (placing dead plant material upright in soil) for stimulating annual plant recruitment in a disturbed Mojave Desert shrubland in Joshua Tree National Park, California, U.S.A. Over 9 years, differences in annual species richness and cover between interspaces and below outplants and vertical mulch varied among years, potentially via inter‐annual fluctuations in precipitation or maturation of restoration sites. In the ninth year, which was the wettest, both native and non‐native cover averaged 3× higher below outplants than in interspaces. Overall among years at the microsite scale, non‐native annual plants more consistently exploited environments provided by outplants and vertical mulch structures than did native annuals. However, these restoration structures were important for native annual diversity. At the 40‐m2 plot scale, disturbed plots that received outplanting supported greater richness of native annual species than disturbed unrestored plots. By facilitating both non‐native and native plants, reestablishing fertile islands to restore dryland ecosystems is a conundrum for restoration. Treatments reducing non‐native plants may need to accompany fertile island restoration to tip the balance of facilitative plant interactions in favor of native species.
Coping with peer victimization predicts peer outcomes across the transition to middle school
Authors: Erath Stephen A. , Kaeppler Alexander K. , Tu Kelly M.
Published: August 2018

The present study examined strategies for coping with peer victimization as predictors of peer victimization experiences and broader peer relationship outcomes across the transition to middle school, and tested for possible gender differences in these associations. Participants included 123 early adolescents (Mage = 12.03 years at T1; 50% males; 58.5% European Americans, 35% African Americans, 6.5% of other races/ethnicities) who reported on strategies for coping with peer victimization at T1 (summer before the transition to middle school) as well as experiences of peer victimization and loneliness at T1 and T2 (spring of the first year of middle school). Teachers reported on peer victimization and peer competence at T1 and T2. Conflict resolution predicted higher teacher‐reported peer competence. In contrast, revenge‐seeking predicted higher self‐reported peer victimization (among girls but not boys) and loneliness, and support‐seeking predicted higher teacher‐reported peer victimization and lower teacher‐reported peer competence. In addition, cognitive distancing predicted lower teacher‐reported peer victimization and lower self‐reported loneliness among boys but not girls. Results are discussed with reference to the specific context of peer victimization and developmental period of early adolescence.
Application of phiLOV2.1 as a fluorescent marker for visualization of Agrobacterium effector protein translocation
Authors: Roushan Mohammad Reza , de Zeeuw Milou A. M. , Hooykaas Paul J. J. , van Heusden Gerard Paul H.
Published: August 2018

Agrobacterium tumefaciens can genetically transform plants by translocating a piece of oncogenic DNA, called T‐DNA, into host cells. Transfer is mediated by a type IV secretion system (T4SS). Besides the T‐DNA, which is transferred in a single‐stranded form and at its 5′ end covalently bound to VirD2, several other effector proteins (VirE2, VirE3, VirD5, and VirF) are translocated into the host cells. The fate and function of the translocated proteins inside the host cell are only partly known. Therefore, several studies were conducted to visualize the translocation of the VirE2 protein. As GFP‐tagged effector proteins are unable to pass the T4SS, other approaches like the split GFP system were used, but these require specific transgenic recipient cells expressing the complementary part of GFP. Here, we investigated whether use can be made of the photostable variant of LOV, phiLOV2.1, to visualize effector protein translocation from Agrobacterium to non‐transgenic yeast and plant cells. We were able to visualize the translocation of all five effector proteins, both to yeast cells, and to cells in Nicotiana tabacum leaves and Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Clear signals were obtained that are easily distinguishable from the background, even in cases in which by comparison the split GFP system did not generate a signal.
Diverse paths to hybrid incompatibility in Arabidopsis
Authors: Vaid Neha , Laitinen Roosa A. E.
Published: August 2018

One of the most essential questions of biology is to understand how different species have evolved. Hybrid incompatibility, a phenomenon in which hybrids show reduced fitness in comparison with their parents, can result in reproductive isolation and speciation. Therefore, studying hybrid incompatibility provides an entry point in understanding speciation. Hybrid incompatibilities are known throughout taxa, and the underlying mechanisms have mystified scientists since the theory of evolution by means of natural selection was introduced. In plants, it is only in recent years that the high‐throughput genetic and molecular tools have become available for the Arabidopsis genus, thus helping to shed light on the different genes and molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie hybrid incompatibilities. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of diverse mechanisms that are known to contribute to hybrid incompatibility.
A multicenter, randomized, single‐blind trial comparing the efficacy of viable cryopreserved placental membrane to human fibroblast‐derived dermal substitute for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Ananian Charles E. , Dhillon Yadwinder S. , Van Gils Carl C. , Lindsey D. Craig , Otto Raymond J. , Dove Cyaandi R. , Pierce Jessica T. , Saunders Molly C.
Published: August 2018

Randomized controlled clinical trials, the gold standard to determine treatment efficacy against control, have demonstrated advantages of skin substitutes for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers in comparison to standard of care. However, randomized controlled clinical trials comparing efficacy between two or more skin substitutes are very limited. With growing numbers of new skin substitutes, such studies are essential for treatment and policy‐making decisions by wound care providers and payers. In this study, we analyzed clinical outcomes and product cost between a viable cryopreserved placental membrane (vCPM) and a human fibroblast‐derived dermal substitute (hFDS) for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers in a prospective, multicenter, single‐blind study. The outcomes of 62 patients were analyzed: 31 patients in the vCPM treatment group and 31 patients in the hFDS treatment group. Utilizing a non‐inferiority trial design and the established treatment regimen of 8 applications for hFDS, we demonstrated that vCPM was not inferior to hFDS for the proportion of patients achieving complete wound closure (9.68, 90% CI: [10.67, 28.94]). However, preliminary findings show that vCPM may have better outcomes for wounds ≤ 5 cm2: 81.3% (13/16) of wounds in the vCPM group vs. 37.5% (6/16) of wounds in the hFDS group reached complete closure at the end of treatment (p = 0.0118). A preliminary product cost analysis for wounds ≤ 5 cm2 may show significant savings for patients treated with vCPM. Average per‐patient costs during the course of treatment were $3,846 and $7,968 (p < 0.0001) for vCPM and hFDS patients, respectively. These results may be used as guidance to wound care providers and payers.
Role of Schwann cells in cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Silva Walison N. , Leonel Caroline , Prazeres Pedro H. D. M. , Sena Isadora F. G. , Guerra Daniel A. P. , Heller Debora , Diniz Ivana M. A. , Fortuna Vitor , Mintz Akiva , Birbrair Alexander
Published: August 2018

Dermal wound healing is the process of repairing and remodeling skin following injury. Delayed or aberrant cutaneous healing poses a challenge for the health care system. The lack of detailed understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process hampers the development of effective targeted treatments. In a recent study, Parfejevs et al.—using state‐of‐the‐art technologies, including in vivo sophisticated Cre/loxP techniques in combination with a mouse model of excisional cutaneous wounding—reveal that Schwann cells induce adult dermal wound healing. Strikingly, genetic ablation of Schwann cells delays wound contraction and closure, decreases myofibroblast formation, and impairs skin re‐epithelization after injury. From a drug development perspective, Schwann cells are a new cellular candidate to be activated to accelerate skin healing. Here, we summarize and evaluate recent advances in the understanding of Schwann cells roles in the skin microenvironment.