bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermatopathology 101: Part 1 – Inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Liersch Julia , von Köckritz Amelie , Schaller Jörg
Published: January 2017

Dermatopathology is an indispensable tool in the diagnostic workup of inflammatory and neoplastic lesions. For the dermatologist in everyday clinical practice, basic knowledge of dermatopathology is highly valuable, as it allows for proper classification and interpretation of histological findings, as well as their correlation with the clinical picture (especially in case of inflammatory skin diseases). Such basic understanding is also important with regard to selecting the appropriate biopsy technique, thus increasing the overall diagnostic quality. The present article describes the diagnostic approaches taken by dermatopathologists in the histological workup of inflammatory skin diseases. The basic principles of this workup are highlighted on the basis of key histological patterns. Published in an upcoming issue, the second part of this article will address the histological characteristics of the most common skin tumors.
Neonatal nonepileptic myoclonus is a prominent clinical feature of KCNQ2 gain‐of‐function variants R201C and R201H
Authors: Mulkey Sarah B. , Ben‐Zeev Bruria , Nicolai Joost , Carroll John L. , Grønborg Sabine , Jiang Yong‐hui , Joshi Nishtha , Kelly Megan , Koolen David. A. , Mikati Mohamad A. , Park Kristen , Pearl Phillip L. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Spillmann Rebecca C. , Taglialatela Maurizio , Vieker Silvia , Weckhuysen Sarah , Cooper Edward C. , Cilio Maria Roberta
Published: January 2017

Objective

To analyze whether KCNQ2 R201C and R201H variants, which show atypical gain‐of‐function electrophysiologic properties in vitro, have a distinct clinical presentation and outcome.

Methods

Ten children with heterozygous, de novo KCNQ2 R201C or R201H variants were identified worldwide, using an institutional review board (IRB)–approved KCNQ2 patient registry and database. We reviewed medical records and, where possible, interviewed parents and treating physicians using a structured, detailed phenotype inventory focusing on the neonatal presentation and subsequent course.

Results

Nine patients had encephalopathy from birth and presented with prominent startle‐like myoclonus, which could be triggered by sound or touch. In seven patients, electroencephalography (EEG) was performed in the neonatal period and showed a burst‐suppression pattern. However, myoclonus did not have an EEG correlate. In many patients the paroxysmal movements were misdiagnosed as seizures. Seven patients developed epileptic spasms in infancy. In all patients, EEG showed a slow background and multifocal epileptiform discharges later in life. Other prominent features included respiratory dysfunction (perinatal respiratory failure and/or chronic hypoventilation), hypomyelination, reduced brain volume, and profound developmental delay. One patient had a later onset, and sequencing indicated that a low abundance (~20%) R201C variant had arisen by postzygotic mosaicism.

Significance

Heterozygous KCNQ2 R201C and R201H gain‐of‐function variants present with profound neonatal encephalopathy in the absence of neonatal seizures. Neonates present with nonepileptic myoclonus that is often misdiagnosed and treated as seizures. Prognosis is poor. This clinical presentation is distinct from the phenotype associated with loss‐of‐function variants, supporting the value of in vitro functional screening. These findings suggest that gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function variants need different targeted therapeutic approaches.
Multiple night‐time light‐emitting diode lighting strategies impact grassland invertebrate assemblages
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Bennie Jonathan , Cruse Dave , Blumgart Dan , Inger Richard , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: January 2017

White light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are rapidly replacing conventional outdoor lighting technologies around the world. Despite rising concerns over their impact on the environment and human health, the flexibility of LEDs has been advocated as a means of mitigating the ecological impacts of globally widespread outdoor night‐time lighting through spectral manipulation, dimming and switching lights off during periods of low demand. We conducted a three‐year field experiment in which each of these lighting strategies was simulated in a previously artificial light naïve grassland ecosystem. White LEDs both increased the total abundance and changed the assemblage composition of adult spiders and beetles. Dimming LEDs by 50% or manipulating their spectra to reduce ecologically damaging wavelengths partially reduced the number of commoner species affected from seven to four. A combination of dimming by 50% and switching lights off between midnight and 04:00 am showed the most promise for reducing the ecological costs of LEDs, but the abundances of two otherwise common species were still affected. The environmental consequences of using alternative lighting technologies are increasingly well established. These results suggest that while management strategies using LEDs can be an effective means of reducing the number of taxa affected, averting the ecological impacts of night‐time lighting may ultimately require avoiding its use altogether.
Growing trend of tattooing and its complications in Nigeria
Authors: Ayanlowo Olusola O. , Gold‐Olufadi Shakirat A. , Akinkugbe Ayesha O. , Otrofanowei Erere , Nga Charles N. , Olumide Yetunde M.
Published: January 2017

Tattoo, a Polynesian word meaning ‘to mark’, is a form of body modification done by inserting indelible ink into the dermis to change its pigmentation. Tattoos are done for social, cultural, and religious purposes. It has been in existence since the 18th century and was associated with sailors, lower class individuals, and criminals. However, since the late 20th century, tattooing has undergone a redefinition and shifted to an acceptable form of expression all over the world, including Nigeria, cutting across almost all age groups and socioeconomic class. This review is aimed at highlighting the indication, complications arising from the procedure as well as removal, and how to manage them. The dermatological complications associated with tattoos can occur either during inking or attempts at removal. Most times, tattoos are obtained through unsafe means by unauthorized personnel, and this is associated with numerous health risks. Of particular importance to the dermatologists are the hypersensitivity reactions, granulomatous skin disease, and formation of both keloid and hypertrophic scars. Treatment options vary and include use of silicone gel and intralesional steroids for hypertrophic and keloid scars, topical medication for hyperpigmentation, and use of LASER for tattoo removal. In conclusion, the trend of tattooing has become a widely accepted form of social expression all over the world and is gradually gaining ground in Nigeria. Patients frequently present to the dermatologists and physicians for solutions to the complications. It is important to proffer solutions and educate patients on the various health risks associated with tattooing.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells mediate tolerance induction in autoimmune disease
Authors: Wegner Anja , Verhagen Johan , Wraith David C.
Published: January 2017

In multiple sclerosis (MS) T cells aberrantly recognize self‐peptides of the myelin sheath and attack the central nervous system (CNS). Antigen‐specific peptide immunotherapy, which aims to restore tolerance while avoiding the use of non‐specific immunosuppressive drugs, is a promising approach to combat autoimmune disease, but the cellular mechanisms behind successful therapy remain poorly understood. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been studied intensively in the field of cancer and to a lesser extent in autoimmunity. Because of their suppressive effect on the immune system in cancer, we hypothesized that the development of MDSCs and their interaction with CD4+ T cells could be beneficial for antigen‐specific immunotherapy. Hence, changes in the quantity, phenotype and function of MDSCs during tolerance induction in our model of MS were evaluated. We reveal, for the first time, an involvement of a subset of MDSCs, known as polymorphonuclear (PMN)‐MDSCs, in the process of tolerance induction. PMN‐MDSCs were shown to adopt a more suppressive phenotype during peptide immunotherapy and inhibit CD4+ T‐cell proliferation in a cell‐contact‐dependent manner, mediated by arginase‐1. Moreover, increased numbers of tolerogenic PMN‐MDSCs, such as observed over the course of peptide immunotherapy, were demonstrated to provide protection from disease in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
The proportion of different interleukin‐17‐producing T‐cell subsets is associated with liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Cachem Fabio C. O. F. , Dias Aleida S. , Monteiro Clarice , Castro José Roberto , Fernandes Gabriel , Delphim Letícia , Almeida Adilson J. , Tavares Felipe , Maciel Alessandra M. A. , Amendola‐Pires Marcia M. , Brandão‐Mello Carlos E. , Bento Cleonice A. M.
Published: January 2017

Studies have suggested the pivotal role of T helper type 1 (Th1) ‐related cytokines on the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Nevertheless, the role of different interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) ‐secreting T cells on chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is less clear. Here, the in vivo IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17 levels were positively correlated with both alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and hepatic lesions. When compared with the control group, CHC patients showed a lower proportion of IL‐17‐secreting (CD4+ and CD8+) T cells capable of simultaneously producing IL‐21. Moreover, the percentage of IL‐10‐secreting Th17 cells was also lower in CHC patients. Notably, advanced liver lesions were observed among those patients with lower percentage levels of IL‐17‐producing T cells positive for IL‐21, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐10. In contrast, the severity of hepatic damage was associated with peripheral single IL‐17+ T cells. The percentage of IL‐17+ IL‐21– IFN‐γ+ (CD4+ and CD8+) T‐cell phenotypes was positively associated with plasma CD14 levels. Finally, elevated levels of circulating CD14 were detected among CHC patients with extensive liver damage. In summary, although preliminary, our results suggest that a balance between different IL‐17‐producing T cells, associated with peripheral levels of CD14, may be a progress marker for liver disease in chronically HCV‐infected patients.
Spatial distribution and seasonality of ichthyoplankton and anthropogenic debris in a river delta in the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Correa‐Herrera T. , Barletta M. , Lima A. R. A. , Jiménez‐Segura L. F. , Arango‐Sánchez L. B.
Published: January 2017

Temporal changes in larval fish species composition and abundance compared with other components of the seston are described in four estuarine habitats in the Atrato Delta, Colombia. In comparison with zooplankton, fish larvae and egg density and anthropogenic debris abundance were low in the South Atrato Delta. Transparency, water temperature and chlorophyllawere the major factors influencing the spatiotemporal distribution of ichthyoplankton in the delta. The most abundant fish larvae wereAstyanaxsp. 1,Anchovia clupeoides,Cetengraulis edentulus,Anchoasp.,Bathygbius curacao,Dormitator maculatus,Hyporhamphussp.,Atherinella blackburni,Gobiosomasp. 1 andMenticirrhus americanus(92·8% of total abundance). Spatial temporal analysis shows that in this delta, shrub (arracachal) and grass (eneal) habitats are important for freshwater and estuarine species, whilst mudflat and mangrove are important for estuarine species and estuarine–marine species, since most flexion and post‐flexion stages of these species were found there. Anthropogenic debris density never surpassed the total ichthyoplankton density, but was ubiquitous. Shrub and mangrove habitats had higher densities of anthropogenic debris, since these are flood‐stem habitats that trap solids.
Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on the Interpretation and Expression of Emotions in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Leppanen J. , Cardi V. , Ng K. W. , Paloyelis Y. , Stein D. , Tchanturia K. , Treasure J.
Published: January 2017

Altered social‐emotional functioning is considered to play an important role in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Recently, there has been increasing interest in investigating the role of intranasal oxytocin in social‐emotional processing. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intranasal oxytocin on the interpretation and expression of emotions among people with AN. Thirty women with AN and 29 age‐matched healthy women took part in the present study, which used a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over design. The participants received a single dose of 40 IU of intranasal oxytocin in one session and a placebo spray in the other. Fifteen minutes after administration, the participants completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test to assess the interpretation of complex emotions and mental states followed by a video task, which assessed expressions of facial affect when they were viewing humorous and sad film clips. The intranasal oxytocin did not significantly influence the expression or interpretation of emotions in the AN or healthy comparison groups. The AN group expressed significantly less positive emotion, spent more time looking away and reported experiencing a significantly more negative affect in response to the film clips. The finding that intranasal oxytocin had little to no effect on the interpretation or expression of emotions in either group supports the notion that the effects of oxytocin on social‐emotional processing are not straightforward and may depend on individual and environmental differences, as well as the emotion being processed. Replication of these findings is necessary to explore the effect of timing on the effects of oxytocin before firm conclusions can be drawn. Nonetheless, these findings add to the steady accumulation of evidence that people with AN have reduced emotional expression and avoidance of emotionally provoking stimuli.
The slip extrusion test: A novel method to characterise bolus properties
Authors: Ng G. C. F. , Gray‐Stuart E. M. , Morgenstern M. P. , Jones J. R. , Grigg N. P. , Bronlund J. E.
Published: January 2017

The role of mastication is to prepare a bolus for safe swallowing. The Swallow Safe model defines deformability, slippiness, and cohesiveness as key properties that influence whether a bolus is safe to swallow. Defining these properties numerically is difficult and current instruments used for bolus analysis have limitations. The slip extrusion test (SET) was developed to objectively measure the swallowability of the bolus through determination of its resistance to deformation and slip. The test measures the force needed to extrude a bolus through a bag as it is pulled through a pair of rollers, imitating the swallowing action of a bolus. Three food model systems were used to evaluate the SET: (a) viscous solutions with varying viscosity, (b) gels with varying hardness, and (c) particulate systems of varying cohesion. The test was applied to peanut boluses produced in vivo to demonstrate its potential in characterizing boluses. The deformation and slip resistance measurements correlated well with the hardness and viscosity measurements of the gels and viscous solutions respectively (correlation coefficient r = .94 between deformation resistance and hardness; r = .85 for slip resistance and hardness in gels; r = .98 for deformation resistance and viscosity; r = .93 for slip resistance and viscosity in solutions). The advantage of the SET is it can evaluate the swallowability of a wide range of foods of different structure and composition. It could potentially be used to investigate the properties of boluses throughout oral processing and help in establishing the criteria for a safe to swallow bolus in a quantitative way.

Practical applications

The test could be used to measure bolus properties from the initial stages of breakdown to the point of swallow for all types of food. The ability to measure the changes in bolus properties through all stages of breakdown using the same instrument is a significant development. The resistance to deformation and slip are quantitative measurements that could potentially be used to further develop the Swallow Safe model by providing numerical limits to the identified properties. This could be of interest to the development of foods for dysphagia sufferers.
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm: a complex developmental organism
Authors: Moormeier Derek E. , Bayles Kenneth W.
Published: January 2017

Chronic biofilm‐associated infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus often lead to significant increases in morbidity and mortality, particularly when associated with indwelling medical devices. This has triggered a great deal of research attempting to understand the molecular mechanisms that control S. aureus biofilm formation and the basis for the recalcitrance of these multicellular structures to antibiotic therapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current understanding of S. aureus biofilm development, focusing on the description of a newly‐defined, five‐stage model of biofilm development and the mechanisms required for each stage. Importantly, this model includes an alternate view of the processes involved in microcolony formation in S. aureus and suggests that these structures originate as a result of stochastically regulated metabolic heterogeneity and proliferation within a maturing biofilm population, rather than a subtractive process involving the release of cell clusters from a thick, unstructured biofilm. Importantly, it is proposed that this new model of biofilm development involves the genetically programmed generation of metabolically distinct subpopulations of cells, resulting in an overall population that is better able to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Glutamate synthase MoGlt1‐mediated glutamate homeostasis is important for autophagy, virulence and conidiation in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Zhou Wei , Shi Wei , Xu Xiao‐Wen , Li Zhi‐Gang , Yin Chang‐Fa , Peng Jun‐Bo , Pan Song , Chen Xiao‐Lin , Zhao Wen‐Sheng , Zhang Yan , Yang Jun , Peng You‐Liang
Published: January 2017

Glutamate homeostasis plays a vital role in central nitrogen metabolism and coordinates several key metabolic functions. However, its function in fungal pathogenesis and development has not been investigated in detail. In this study, we identified and characterized a glutamate synthase gene MoGLT1 in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae that was important to glutamate homeostasis. MoGLT1 was constitutively expressed, but showed the highest expression level in appressoria. Deletion of MoGLT1 resulted in a significant reduction in conidiation and virulence. The ΔMoglt1 mutants were defective in appressorial penetration and the differentiation and spread of invasive hyphae in penetrated plant cells. The addition of exogenous glutamic acid partially rescued the defects of the ΔMoglt1 mutants in conidiation and plant infection. Assays for MoAtg8 expression and localization showed that the ΔMoglt1 mutants were defective in autophagy. The ΔMoglt1 mutants were delayed in the mobilization of glycogens and lipid bodies from conidia to developing appressoria. Taken together, our results show that glutamate synthase MoGlt1‐mediated glutamate homeostasis is important for pathogenesis and development in the rice blast fungus, possibly via the regulation of autophagy.
Changes in body mass index during childhood and risk of various asthma phenotypes: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chastang Julie , Baiz Nour , Parnet Laure , Cadwallader Jean Sébastien , De Blay Frédéric , Caillaud Denis , Charpin Denis André , Dwyer John , Lavaud François , Raherison Chantal , Ibanez Gladys , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella
Published: January 2017

Background

It is known that asthma is related to obesity but also to small birthweight. The objective of this study was to clarify this issue by assessing the putative relationship between the changes in corpulence between birth and childhood as assessed by body mass index (BMI) and asthma phenotypes.

Methods

The following status in corpulence was assessed in 7781 schoolchildren using quartile of BMI at birth and at around 10 (9–11 years): underweight at birth and at around 10, underweight at birth and overweight at around 10, overweight at birth and underweight at around 10, overweight at birth and at around 10, and the reference group constituted by all the other children in whom corpulence changes were not extreme. Determination of asthma phenotypes (allergic, non‐allergic, and exercise‐induced asthma) was based on a clinical examination including skin prick tests, an exercise challenge test, and a questionnaire.

Results

The risk of allergic asthma was higher in children with persistent underweight, children with persistent overweight, and children becoming markedly more corpulent. In boys, the risk of allergic asthma was significantly higher for the less corpulent children at birth, regardless of whether they remained so or become overweight. In girls, the risk of allergic asthma was significantly higher in those with persistent overweight. There were no significant associations between BMI changes and non‐allergic and exercise‐induced asthma.

Conclusions

We observed that some extreme changes in BMI, persistent underweight, and persistent overweight in childhood increased the risk of allergic asthma.
Detection of ovomucoid‐specific low‐affinity IgE in infants and its relationship to eczema
Authors: Kawamoto Norio , Kamemura Norio , Kido Hiroshi , Fukao Toshiyuki
Published: January 2017

Background

Allergen‐specific low‐affinity IgE was previously detected in cord blood by a highly sensitive densely carboxylated protein (DCP) chip, but not by ImmunoCAP. Here, we investigated the presence of low‐affinity IgE during the early life of infants and observed its relationship with eczema.

Methods

We conducted a birth cohort study, collecting sera at birth and 6 and 14 months of age (n = 110). We monitored the ovomucoid (OM)‐ and egg white (EW)‐specific IgE (sIgE) by ImmunoCAP or DCP chip and analyzed the antigen affinity of sIgE by binding inhibition assays in the presence or absence of a mild chaotropic agent, diethyl amine (DEA). The low‐ and high‐affinity OM‐sIgEs and sensitization risk factors were analyzed by a multivariate logistic analysis.

Results

The OM‐sIgE measured by DCP chip significantly correlated with that measured by ImmunoCAP, but some samples assessed as OM‐sIgE positive by DCP chip were considered OM‐sIgE negative by ImmunoCAP. Binding inhibition analysis after DEA treatment was performed for participants judged as OM‐sIgE positive by DCP chip at 14 M. The group assessed as negative for OM‐ and EW‐sIgE by ImmunoCAP at 6 and 14 months showed a larger binding inhibition curve shift after DEA treatment than did the group assessed as positive at these times, indicating the presence of low‐affinity sIgE antibodies at 14 months. The logistic regression analysis found that persistent eczema from 6 to 14 months is a significant risk factor for developing high‐affinity, but not low‐affinity, sIgE.

Conclusions

Human infant peripheral blood contains allergen‐specific low‐affinity sIgE. Persistent eczema is related to the development of high‐affinity, but not low‐affinity, IgE.
Use of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and Birth Outcomes in Women Conceiving through In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Xiong Xu , Dickey Richard P. , Buekens Pierre , Shaffer Jeffrey G. , Pridjian Gabriella
Published: January 2017

Background

Despite questionable evidence of benefits over conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) use has markedly increased in recent decades among couples without male factor infertility. We assessed the frequency of ICSI use and its effect on birth outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 141 030 women conceiving through IVF using 2006–2010 data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

Results

Between 2006 and 2010, overall ICSI use in women conceiving through IVF increased from 68.9% to 73.1%. This increase was greater among women without male factor infertility (53.0–59.2%) than in women with male factor infertility (92.0–93.4%). Women conceiving through IVF with and without ICSI had similar rates of multiple pregnancy, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. However, ICSI pregnancies were associated with an increased risk of birth defects over conventional IVF (3.0% for ICSI vs. 2.5% for conventional IVF; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2, 1.3). These increases were observed in both women conceiving through ICSI with male factor infertility (3.2% vs. 2.5%; OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3, 1.5) and without male factor infertility (2.7% vs. 2.5%; OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1, 1.2).

Conclusions

Higher rates of birth defects were observed among women conceiving through ICSI. Since approximately half of all ICSI procedures are performed in couples without male factor infertility, ICSI may be overused in practice.
Receipt of Formal and Informal Help with Specific Care Tasks among Older People Living in their Own Home. National Trends over Two Decades
Authors: Dahlberg Lena , Berndt Hanna , Lennartsson Carin , Schön Pär
Published: January 2017

Sweden is seen as a typical example of a social democratic welfare regime, with universal and generous welfare policies. However, in the last decades, there have been substantial reductions in the Swedish provision of care for older people. This study aimed to examine trends in sources of care‐receipt in older people (77+) living in their own home and with a perceived need for help with two specific tasks: house cleaning and/or food shopping. Trends in care‐receipt were examined in relation to gender, living alone, having children and socio‐economic position. Data from the 1992, 2002 and 2011 data collection waves of the national study, Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old (SWEOLD), were used. Response rates varied between 86 and 95 per cent, and the sample represents the population well. Trends and differences between groups were explored in bivariate and logistic regression analyses. There was a reduction in formal care‐receipt regarding house cleaning and food shopping over the study period. It was more common for women than men to receive formal care, and more common for men than women to receive informal care. Reductions in formal care have affected older women more than older men. Still, living alone was the most influential factor in care‐receipt, associated with a greater likelihood of formal care‐receipt and a lower likelihood of informal care‐receipt. It can be concluded that public responsibility for care is becoming more narrowly defined in Sweden, and that more responsibility for care is placed on persons in need of care and their families.
Soil organic carbon changes after seven years of conservation agriculture in a rice–wheat system of the eastern Indo‐Gangetic Plains
Authors: Sapkota T. B. , Jat R. K. , Singh R. G. , Jat M. L. , Stirling C. M. , Jat M. K. , Bijarniya D. , Kumar M. ,   Yadvinder‐Singh , Saharawat Y. S. , Gupta R. K.
Published: January 2017

Sequestration of soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important strategy to improve soil quality and to mitigate climate change. To investigate changes in SOC under conservation agriculture (CA), we measured SOC concentrations after seven years of rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotations in the eastern Indo‐Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India under various combinations of tillage and crop establishment methods. The six treatments were as follows: conventional till transplanted rice followed by conventional till wheat (CTR‐CTW), CTR followed by zero‐till wheat (CTR‐ZTW), ZT direct‐seeded rice followed by CTW (ZTDSR‐CTW), ZTDSR followed by ZT wheat both on permanent raised beds with residue (PBDSR‐PBW+R), and ZTDSR followed by ZTW both with (ZTDSR‐ZTW+R) and without residues (ZTDSR‐ZTW). We hypothesized that CA systems (i.e. ZT with residue retention) would sequester more carbon (C) than CT. After seven years, ZTDSR‐ZTW+R and PBDSR‐PBW+R increased SOC at 0–0.6 m depth by 4.7 and 3.0 t C/ha, respectively, whereas the CTR‐CTW system resulted in a decrease in SOC of 0.9 t C/ha. Over the same soil depth, ZT without residue retention (ZTDSR‐ZTW) only increased SOC by 1.1 t C/ha. There was no increase in SOC where ZT in either rice or wheat was followed by CT in the next crop (i.e. CTR‐ZTW and ZTDSR‐CTW), most likely because the benefit of ZT is lost when followed by tillage. Tillage and crop establishment methods had no significant effect on the SOC stock below the 0.15‐m soil layer. Over the seven years, the total carbon input from above‐ground residues was ca. 14.5 t/ha in ZTDSR‐ZTW+R and PBDSR‐PBW+R, almost sixfold greater than in the other systems. Our findings suggest that the increased biomass production achieved through a combination of ZT and partial residue retention offers an opportunity to increase SOC whilst allowing residues to be used for other purposes.
Detection of adverse events of transfusion in a teaching hospital in Ghana
Authors: Owusu‐Ofori A. K. , Owusu‐Ofori S. P. , Bates I.
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

Monitoring the whole chain of events from the blood donors to recipients, documenting any undesirable or untoward effects and introducing measures to prevent their recurrence if possible are components of haemovigilance systems. Only few sub‐Saharan African countries have haemovigilance systems, and there are very little data on adverse events of transfusion. Adverse events monitoring is an integral part of a haemovigilance system. Our study aimed to establish the incidence and types of adverse events of transfusions in Ghana and to identify interventions to improve effectiveness.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational 1‐year study enrolled 372 recipients of 432 transfusions in a Ghanaian teaching hospital. Vital signs were monitored at 15, 30 and 60 min intervals during the transfusion, then 8 h until 24 h post‐transfusion. Three investigators independently classified any new signs and symptoms according to Serious Hazards of Transfusion definitions.

Results

The adverse events incidence was 21·3% (92/432), predominantly mild acute transfusion reactions (84%). A total of 20 transfusions (4·6%) were stopped before completion, 60% of them for mild febrile reactions, which could have been managed with transfusion in situ.

Conclusion

This prospective study indicates a high incidence of adverse events of transfusion in Kumasi, Ghana. The significant numbers of discontinued transfusions suggest that guidelines on how to manage transfusion reactions would help preserve scarce blood stocks. Gradual implementation of a haemovigilance system, starting with monitoring adverse transfusion events, is a pragmatic approach in resource‐limited settings.
Absence of OsβCA1 causes a CO2 deficit and affects leaf photosynthesis and the stomatal response to CO2 in rice
Authors: Chen Taiyu , Wu Huan , Wu Jiemin , Fan Xiaolei , Li Xianghua , Lin Yongjun
Published: January 2017

Plants always adjust the opening of stomatal pores to adapt to the environment, for example CO2 concentration ([CO2]), humidity and temperature. Low [CO2] will trigger the opening of stomatal pores to absorb extra CO2. However, little is known about how CO2 supply affects the carbon fixation and opening of stomatal pores in rice. Here, a chloroplast‐located gene coding for β‐carbonic anhydrase (βCA) was found to be involved in carbon assimilation and the CO2‐mediated stomatal pore response in rice. OsβCA1 was constitutively expressed in all tissues and its transcripts were induced by high [CO2] in leaves. Both T‐DNA mutant and RNA interference lines showed phenotypes of lower biomass and CA activities. Knockout of OsβCA1 obviously decreased photosynthetic capacity, as demonstrated by the increased CO2 compensation point and decreased light saturation point in the mutant, while knockout increased the opening ratio of stomatal pores and the rate of water loss. Moreover, the mutant showed a delayed response to low [CO2], and stomatal pores could not be closed to the same degree as those of wild type even though the stomatal pores could rapidly respond to high [CO2]. Genome‐wide gene expression analysis via RNA sequencing demonstrated that the transcript abundance of genes related to Rubisco, photosystem compounds and the opening of stomatal pores was globally upregulated in the mutant. Taken together, the inadequate CO2 supply caused by the absence of OsβCA1 reduces photosynthetic efficiency, triggers the opening of stomatal pores and finally decreases their sensitivity to CO2 fluctuation.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON NONLINEAR SHEAR STRENGTH BEHAVIOR OF A TROPICAL GRANITIC RESIDUAL SOIL (GRADE VI) AT VARIOUS INITIAL MOISTURE CONTENTS
Authors: Saffari Pooya , Md Noor Mohd Jamaludin , Motamedi Shervin , Hashim Roslan , Ismail Zubaidah , Hadi Basharudin Abdul
Published: January 2017

The conventional theories of soil mechanics use linear envelope to derive shear strength; this however, leads to an overestimation of the factor of safety in the examination of slopes. Therefore, the incorporation of methods that acknowledge the existence of non-linear characteristics of shear strength is necessary in the analysis of slopes specifically. This is due to the substantial influence of non-linear shear strength behavior on the slope failure mechanism when they are at low stress levels. In this paper, the nonlinearity of shear strength for grade VI granitic residual soil is studied. “Non-Axis Translation Consolidated Drained Triaxial” tests were performed at various ranges of net stress and suction. Thereafter, to characterize shear strength behavior, shear strength parameters were derived. The soil-water characteristic curve was plotted after conducting “Pressure Plate Extractor” test at a series of suction. The result substantiated the non-linearity of shear strength for granitic residual soil based on net stress and suction.
Influence of Individual Characteristic and Organization Climate on Job Satisfaction and Its Impact on Employee Performance
Authors: Hanafi Agustina
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the influence of the individual characteristics and organization climate on job satisfaction and its impact on employee performance of PT. PLN (Persero) Region-S2JB Branch Lahat. This study takes 107 people as a sampling that conducted by census. Data analysis was performed with the Structural Equation Model (SEM) using Lisrel software. There are positives and significants effect in partially and simultaneously of individual characteristics variable and organization climate on job satisfaction and its impact on employee performance. Individual characteristics have dominant influence on job satisfaction and its impact to employee performance. The implications of managerial suggests, to increase employee performance is with increase in individual characteristics, organizational climate, and job satisfaction of employee. Individual characteristics can be enhanced by providing interpersonal skill training and placement employee according their skills. Besides, organizational climate can be increased with repairing work tools. Finally, to increase job satisfaction, training leadership for chairman can be provided.
A Review of the Linkage between Supervisory Support and Training Transfer
Authors: Ling Gan Jen , M. Yusof Halimah
Published: January 2017

This article reviewed past studies that were carried out in the past decades (2002-2015) on the linkage between supervisory support and training transfer. Most of the organizations have invested billions of dollars onto training. However, training transfer is still in unsatisfactory status. Supervisory support is recognized as one of the aspect that could have an effect on training transfer. However, the importance of supervisory support in training transfer has been overlooked in the past studies. Thus, this paper intends to highlight the needs to make further investigations on the linkage between these two variables. Some suggestions were provided for future studies.
Multiple scattering in random dispersions of spherical scatterers: Effects of shear-acoustic interactions
Authors: Pinfield Valerie J. , Forrester Derek Michael
Published: January 2017

The propagation of acoustic waves through a suspension of spherical particles in a viscous liquid is investigated, through application of a multiple scattering model. The model is based on the multiple scattering formulation of Luppé, Conoir, and Norris [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 1113–1120 (2012)] which incorporated the effects of thermal and shear wave modes on propagation of the acoustic wave mode. Here, the model is simplified for the case of solid particles in a liquid, in which shear waves make a significant contribution to the effective properties. The relevant scattering coefficients and effective wavenumber are derived in analytical form. The results of calculations are presented for a system of silica particles in water, illustrating the dependence of the scattering coefficients, effective wavenumber, speed, attenuation on particle size and frequency. The results demonstrate what has already been shown experimentally; that the shear-mediated processes have a very significant effect on the effective attenuation of acoustic waves, especially as the concentration of particles increases.
Two Novel Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 Inhibitors Interfere with Vertical Transmission in Mice Infected with Neospora caninum Tachyzoites
Authors: Müller Joachim , Aguado-Martínez Adriana , Balmer Vreni , Maly Dustin J. , Fan Erkang , Ortega-Mora Luis-Miguel , Ojo Kayode K. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Hemphill Andrew
Published: January 2017

We present the effects of two novel bumped kinase inhibitors, BKI-1517 and BKI-1553, against
Neospora caninum
tachyzoites
in vitro
and in experimentally infected pregnant mice. These compounds inhibited tachyzoite proliferation of a transgenic beta-galactosidase reporter strain cultured in human foreskin fibroblasts with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) of 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.18 ± 0.03 μM, respectively. As assessed by an alamarBlue assay, fibroblast IC
50
s were above 20 μM; however, morphological changes occurred in cultures treated with >5 μM BKI-1517 after prolonged exposure (>6 days). Treatment of intracellular tachyzoites with 5 μM BKI-1553 for 6 days inhibited endodyogeny by interfering with the separation of newly formed zoites from a larger multinucleated parasite mass. In contrast, parasites treated with 5 μM BKI-1517 did not form large complexes and showed much more evidence of cell death. However, after a treatment duration of 10 days
in vitro
, both compounds failed to completely prevent the regrowth of parasites from culture. BALB/c mice experimentally infected with
N. caninum
Spain7 (Nc-Spain7) and then treated during 6 days with BKI-1517 or BKI-1553 at different dosages showed a significant reduction of the cerebral parasite load. However, fertility was impaired by BKI-1517 when applied at 50 mg/kg of body weight/day. At 20 mg/kg/day, BKI-1517 significantly inhibited the vertical transmission of
N. caninum
to pups and increased the rate of survival of offspring. BKI-1553 was less detrimental to fertility and also provided significant but clearly less pronounced protection of dams and offspring. These results demonstrate that, when judiciously applied, this compound class protects offspring from vertical transmission and disease.
The Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Population Is Distinct and More Clonal than the Carbapenem-Susceptible Population
Authors: Esteban-Cantos Andrés , Aracil Belén , Bautista Verónica , Ortega Adriana , Lara Noelia , Saez David , Fernández-Romero Sara , Pérez-Vázquez María , Navarro Ferran , Grundmann Hajo , Campos José , Oteo Jesús ,   the EuSCAPE-Spain Network
Published: January 2017

We studied in parallel the population structure of 90 carbapenemase-producing and 88 carbapenemase-susceptible
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates collected in 20 Spanish hospitals, in the context of the EuSCAPE project. Fourteen and 50 multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) were detected among the carbapenemase-producing and carbapenem-susceptible isolates, respectively. ST11 and ST15 clones were more frequent in the carbapenemase-producing group than in the carbapenemase-susceptible group (
P
< 0.0001). Among the members of the carbapenem-suceptible group, the cefotaxime-resistant population showed population parameters that differed between the populations of the wild-type strains and the carbapenemase producers.
Structure and Function of the PiuA and PirA Siderophore-Drug Receptors from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Moynié Lucile , Luscher Alexandre , Rolo Dora , Pletzer Daniel , Tortajada Antoni , Weingart Helge , Braun Yvonne , Page Malcolm G. P. , Naismith James H. , Köhler Thilo
Published: January 2017

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria presents an efficient barrier to the permeation of antimicrobial molecules. One strategy pursued to circumvent this obstacle is to hijack transport systems for essential nutrients, such as iron. BAL30072 and MC-1 are two monobactams conjugated to a dihydroxypyridone siderophore that are active against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
. Here, we investigated the mechanism of action of these molecules in
A. baumannii
. We identified two novel TonB-dependent receptors, termed
Ab
-PiuA and
Ab
-PirA, that are required for the antimicrobial activity of both agents. Deletion of either
piuA
or
pirA
in
A. baumannii
resulted in 4- to 8-fold-decreased susceptibility, while their overexpression in the heterologous host
P. aeruginosa
increased susceptibility to the two siderophore-drug conjugates by 4- to 32-fold. The crystal structures of PiuA and PirA from
A. baumannii
and their orthologues from
P. aeruginosa
were determined. The structures revealed similar architectures; however, structural differences between PirA and PiuA point to potential differences between their cognate siderophore ligands. Spontaneous mutants, selected upon exposure to BAL30072, harbored frameshift mutations in either the ExbD3 or the TonB3 protein of
A. baumannii
, forming the cytoplasmic-membrane complex providing the energy for the siderophore translocation process. The results of this study provide insight for the rational design of novel siderophore-drug conjugates against problematic Gram-negative pathogens.
The Type II Secretion System of Legionella pneumophila Dampens the MyD88 and Toll-Like Receptor 2 Signaling Pathway in Infected Human Macrophages
Authors: Mallama Celeste A. , McCoy-Simandle Kessler , Cianciotto Nicholas P.
Published: January 2017

Previously, we reported that mutants of
Legionella pneumophila
lacking a type II secretion (T2S) system elicit higher levels of cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6]) following infection of U937 cells, a human macrophage-like cell line. We now show that this effect of T2S is also manifest upon infection of human THP-1 macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes but does not occur during infection of murine macrophages. Supporting the hypothesis that T2S acts to dampen the triggering of an innate immune response, we observed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways are more highly stimulated upon infection with the T2S mutant than upon infection with the wild type. By using short hairpin RNA to deplete proteins involved in specific pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) recognition pathways, we determined that the dampening effect of the T2S system was not dependent on nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), retinoic acid-inducible protein I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase receptor (PKR), or TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon beta (TRIF) signaling or an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)- or caspase-4-dependent inflammasome. However, the dampening effect of T2S on IL-6 production was significantly reduced upon gene knockdown of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), or Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). These data indicate that the
L. pneumophila
T2S system dampens the signaling of the TLR2 pathway in infected human macrophages. We also document the importance of PKR, TRIF, and TBK1 in cytokine secretion during
L. pneumophila
infection of macrophages.
Distinct Roles of the Antiapoptotic Effectors NleB and NleF from Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Pollock Georgina L. , Oates Clare V. L. , Giogha Cristina , Wong Fok Lung Tania , Ong Sze Ying , Pearson Jaclyn S. , Hartland Elizabeth L.
Published: January 2017

During infection, enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) translocates effector proteins directly into the cytosol of infected enterocytes using a type III secretion system (T3SS). Once inside the host cell, these effector proteins subvert various immune signaling pathways, including death receptor-induced apoptosis. One such effector protein is the non-locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)-encoded effector NleB1, which inhibits extrinsic apoptotic signaling via the FAS death receptor. NleB1 transfers a single
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue to Arg
117
in the death domain of Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) and inhibits FAS ligand (FasL)-stimulated caspase-8 cleavage. Another effector secreted by the T3SS is NleF. Previous studies have shown that NleF binds to and inhibits the activity of caspase-4, -8, and -9
in vitro
. Here, we investigated a role for NleF in the inhibition of FAS signaling and apoptosis during EPEC infection. We show that NleF prevents the cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-3, and receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) in response to FasL stimulation. When translocated into host cells by the T3SS or expressed ectopically, NleF also blocked FasL-induced cell death. Using the EPEC-like mouse pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium
, we found that NleB but not NleF contributed to colonization of mice in the intestine. Hence, despite their shared ability to block FasL/FAS signaling, NleB and NleF have distinct roles during infection.