bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty‐five years of the Information Systems Journal: A bibliometric and ontological overview
Authors: La Paz Ariel , Merigó José M. , Powell Philip , Ramaprasad Arkalgud , Syn Thant
Published: August 2019

The Information Systems Journal (ISJ) published its first issue in 1991, and in 2015, the journal celebrated its 25th anniversary. This study presents an overview of the leading research trends in the papers that the journal has published during its first quarter of a century via a bibliometric and ontological analysis. From a bibliometric perspective, the analysis considers the publication and citation structure of the journal. The study then develops a graphical analysis of the bibliographic material by using visualization of similarities software that employs bibliographic coupling and cocitation analysis. The work produces an ontological framework of impact and analyses the journal papers to assess qualitatively ISJ's impact. The results indicate that the journal has grown significantly over time and is now recognized as one of the leading journals in information systems. Yet challenges remain if the journal is to meet its aims in impacting and setting the agenda for the development of the Information Systems field.
A combination therapy of nanoethosomal piroxicam formulation along with iontophoresis as an anti‐inflammatory transdermal delivery system for wound healing
Authors: Kazemi Mostafa , Mombeiny Reza , Tavakol Shima , Keyhanvar Peyman , Mousavizadeh Kazem
Published: August 2019

Inflammation accounts as one of the major phases in wound healing, while prolonged and chronic inflammation may lead to adverse pathological conditions. Therefore, transdermal delivery of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory (NSAIDs) such as encapsulated piroxicam into a nanocarrier seems to be promising. For the first time, a nanoethosomal piroxicam of <200 nm was prepared and combined with iontophoresis. Results showed that there was a critical point at the concentration of 5 mg lecithin with the smallest particle size. Besides, lecithin concentration had direct and inverse linear relationships with turbidity and pH of nanocarriers, respectively. Moreover, as there was no linear relationship between the lecithin concentration and particle size, the effect of lecithin concentration was dominant on turbidity compared with particle size. It seems that a pH higher than 5.5 disturbed the linear relationship of pH and entrapment efficacy percentage (EE%) while at the pH range of 4 to 5.5, the relationship was linear and EE% gradually decreased with increasing pH. These data showed that an optimised nanocarrier with special physicochemical properties is dominant to the just particle size. Besides, ex vivo permeation studies in rat skin showed that there was no significant difference between the permeation of free drug and ethosomal ones. However, iontophoresis significantly enhanced ethosomal piroxicam permeation compared with the free drug. Overall, these data emphasise the superiority of iontophoresis for the transdermal delivery of nanoethosomal medications while nanoethosomal delivery without iontophoresis did not show significant transdermal potential. To sum up, transdermal nanoethosomal piroxicam along with iontophoresis seems to be promising in wound healing.
Fluoroscopy reduction during device implantation by using three‐dimensional navigation. A single‐center experience
Authors: Larsen Timothy R. , Saini Aditya , Moore Jessica , Huizar Jose F , Tan Alex Y , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Kaszala Karoly
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives

The use of nonfluoroscopic three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3DM) systems reduces radiation exposure during ablation procedures. In this study, we sought to determine the value of 3DM during routine device implant procedures.

Methods

Seventy nonselected patients underwent implantation of a single chamber, dual chamber, or biventricular device guided by Ensite (Abbott Laboratories) to limit fluoroscopy use and compared with 70 consecutive patients, who underwent matching procedures with standard fluoroscopy use (FL) in the period immediately preceding the use of 3DM. The venous anatomy, right atrium, and ventricle and coronary sinus were mapped with 0.035 inch J‐wire, quadripolar catheter, and/or angioplasty wire. The leads were advanced under real‐time visualization in Ensite.

Results

3DM reduced both fluoroscopy time and dose. Median fluoroscopy time for FL vs 3DM was 5.5 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.8‐8.1) vs 0.9 minutes (IQR: 0.6‐1.9) (P < .001) for single chamber devices, 6.3 minutes (IQR: 5.1‐7.9) vs 3.3 minutes (IQR: 1.9‐4) (P < .001) for dual‐chamber devices, and 28.6 minutes (IQR: 19.6‐36.2) to 14.7 minutes (IQR: 10.4‐22.3) (P = .009) for biventricular devices, respectively. The median air kerma for FL vs 3DM was 15.4 mGy (IQR: 8.1‐30.2) vs 4 mGy (IQR: 1.8‐8) (P < .001) for single chamber devices, 16 mGy (IQR: 12‐18.5) to 9.4 mGy (IQR: 7.5‐11.3) (P = .001) for dual‐chamber devices, and 324 mGy (IQR: 143‐668.7) to 115 mGy (IQR:77‐204) (P = .014) for biventricular devices, respectively. There were no procedural complications. At 3‐month follow‐up, there was no difference in voltage threshold measurements between the groups.

Conclusion

The use of 3DM leads to significantly reduced fluoroscopy time and fluoroscopy dose during routine device implantation.
Chromosome 4q25 variants and biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Choi Jong‐Il , Baek Yong Soo , Roh Seung Young , Piccini Jonathan P. , Kim Young‐Hoon
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Little is known about how genetic predisposition and fibrosis relate in atrial fibrillation (AF). Hence, we sought to determine whether the genetic variants and biomarkers for fibrosis enhance prediction of outcomes after catheter ablation.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF (paroxysmal, 158; nonparoxysmal, 137) or supraventricular tachycardia without AF (n = 70) were studied retrospectively. Plasma levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1), and 4q25 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs10033464 and rs220073) were measured. Mean plasma levels of both TGF‐β1 and TIMP‐1 were higher in patients with AF than in the control (all P < .001). Plasma levels of TIMP‐1 were higher in patients with recurrence compared with those without recurrence (P = .039). Patients with variant alleles of rs10033464 showed increased recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF including after adjustment (P = .027). Patients with TIMP‐1 < 107 ng/mL and no variant allele (GG) at rs10033464 had lower recurrence rates compared with other groups in those with paroxysmal AF (logrank; P = .007), whereas there was no significant difference among those patients with persistent forms of AF. Inclusion of biomarkers and genotype improved discrimination of AF recurrence in patients with paroxysmal AF (C‐statistic .499 vs .600).

Conclusions

The combination of plasma TIMP‐1 concentrations less than 107 ng/mL and the absence of a variant allele at rs10033464 was associated with lower recurrence rates in patients with paroxysmal AF. This study suggests that 4q25 SNPs and biomarkers for fibrosis may provide additive value in risk stratification for AF recurrence after catheter ablation.
Self‐blood pressure monitoring is associated with improved awareness, adherence, and attainment of target blood pressure goals: Prospective observational study of 7751 patients
Authors: Jo Sang‐Ho , Kim Sung‐Ai , Park Kyoung‐Ha , Kim Hyun‐Sook , Han Sang‐Jin , Park Woo‐Jung
Published: August 2019

We investigated whether self‐blood pressure monitoring (SBPM) can improve the control rate of blood pressure (BP), adherence of antihypertensive medications, and the awareness of the importance of BP control in hypertensive patients. A total of 7751 patients who visited the outpatient clinics of private and university hospitals in Korea were given automatic electronic BP monitors and were recommended to measure their BP daily at home for 3 months. Changes in office BP, attainment of target BP, adherence to taking antihypertensive drugs, and awareness of BP were compared before and after SBPM. Patients and physicians were surveyed on their perception of BP and SBPM. Mean BP significantly decreased from 142/88 to 129/80 mm Hg (P < .001), and attainment of the target BP increased from 32% to 59% (P < .001) after SBPM. Drug non‐adherence, which was defined as patient's not taking medication days per week, decreased significantly from 0.86 days to 0.53 days (P < .001). The rate of awareness of the BP goal increased from 57% to 81% (P < .001). Patients estimated that their mean BP was 125/81 mm Hg, but their actual mean BP was 142/88 mm Hg. Awareness about the importance of SBPM increased from 90% to 98%. The rate of SBPM ≥ once per week further increased, from 34% to 96%. In conclusion, SBPM is associated with reduced BP, better BP control rate, greater drug adherence, and improved perception of BP by the patients.
Reproductive biology, multiple paternity and polyandry of the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas
Authors: Pirog Agathe , Magalon Hélène , Poirout Thomas , Jaquemet Sébastien
Published: August 2019

To improve understanding of bull shark Carcharhinus leucas reproductive biology, we analysed reproductive traits from 118 bull sharks caught along Reunion Island coasts (Western Indian Ocean), including 16 gravid females. Specific microsatellite loci were used to investigate the frequency of multiple paternity. Males and females reached maturity at c. 234 cm and 257 cm total length (LT), respectively, and litter sizes ranged from 5 to 14 embryos. Analysis of the 16 litters collected in various months of the year indicated that parturition occurs between October and December, with a size at birth c. 60–80 cm LT and that the gestation period is probably c. 12 months. Assuming a 1 year resting period and a period of sperm storage (4–5 months) between mating (in June–September) and fertilisation, the reproductive cycle of bull sharks at Reunion Island would be biennial. At least 56.25% of the litters investigated were polyandrous, sired by 2–5 males. Several males that each sired several litters conceived during the same or distinct mating seasons were detected, suggesting both a seasonal aggregation of sharks to mate and some male fidelity to mating site. Altogether, these findings provide valuable information for both shark risk management and conservation of the species in the Western Indian Ocean.
Neural network prediction of friction coefficients of rosemary leaves
Authors: Nematollahi Mohammad Amin , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: August 2019

In the current study, the static friction coefficient (SFC) and dynamic friction coefficient (DFC) of rosemary leaves were predicted. In this regard, a wavelet‐based neural network (WNN) was proposed as a tool for mapping of the inputs including moisture content (3.7–23 d. b.%), contact surface (aluminum, rubber, glass, galvanized steel, and plywood), and sliding velocity (1.25–16.5 cm/s) and output data (friction coefficients of rosemary leaves) which were obtained as a result of laboratory activities. Also, 80% and 20% of the total data set were used for training and testing the WNN, respectively, while the statistical parameters for test data set of the proposed NN (MAPE = 6.1310%, RMSE = 0.0468, R2 = 0.956) were compared with those obtained from conventional NNs, such as multilayer perceptron (MLP) (MAPE = 4.1787%, RMSE = 0.0248, R2 = 0.968) and radial basis function (RBF) (MAPE = 10.0311%, RMSE = 0.0591, R2 = 0.831). The results indicated that the accuracy of the MLP NN was slightly better than that of the proposed WNN; however, the learning time of WNN was much less than the MLP NN. The high capability of the proposed NN in the prediction of the SFC and DFC of the rosemary leaves was demonstrated by our findings.

Practical applications

Data on the frictional characteristics of agricultural products may be useful for the design of specific processing equipment, and laboratory measurements may also provide some interesting results that can guide designers. This study deals with the static friction coefficient (SFC) and dynamic friction coefficient (DFC) prediction of rosemary leaves with a view of performing predictive tools useful in the design of postharvest equipment. Rosemary has been widely cultivated as an aromatic and medicinal plant. The extracted essential oil from rosemary has several applications due to its chemical composition with beneficial properties. The prediction of friction coefficients is performed by a wavelet‐based neural network (WNN). The proposed NN has a multiresolution nature that enables accurate modeling and also fast training. The results showed that the proposed NN is a powerful tool to predict the friction coefficients of rosemary leaves.
Correlation and principal component analysis of physical properties of tender coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in relation to the development of trimming machine
Authors: Pandiselvam R. , Manikantan M. R. , Subhashree N. , Mathew A. C. , Balasubramanian D. , Shameena Beegum P. P. , Ramesh S. V. , Niral V. , Ranjini T. N. , Hebbar K. B.
Published: August 2019

The physical properties such as tender coconut size, weight, husk thickness, and husk moisture tender content play a vital role in the development of an efficient and ergonomic trimming machine. The important physical properties of tender coconuts of cultivars namely Kulasekaran Green Dwarf (KGD), Andaman Giant Tall (AGT), Ganga Bondam (GB), Malayan Orange Dwarf (MOD), and Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD) were determined. The important properties including weight, diameter, height, husk thickness, husk moisture content, shell diameter, shell height, and shell thickness were high for nuts of AGT and low for COD nuts. The average bulk density, true density, and porosity of AGT were 332.47 kg·m−3, 1,196.67 kg·m−3, and 72.21%, respectively. The husk weight and volume of water of AGT were 87.77% and 12.39% high, respectively, compared with COD. In the correlation study, the coconut weight correlated positively (r = 0.791) with the diameter and vertical distance between the shell and the fruit base (r = 0.813). The principal component analysis suggested that the cultivars GB, KGD, and MOD have similar physical properties to COD and AGT. Thus, the present investigation documents crucial basic information to design an efficient and superior tender coconut trimming machine.

Practical Applications

Transportation of intact tender coconut is difficult, and thus a manually trimmed tender coconut shape of a cylindrical side with a conical top has gained more importance among the domestic and international consumers owing to its fresh and natural taste and attractive shape. The high transportation cost of tender coconut, shortage of manpower to trim the tender coconut, and the high production cost to make the shape of the cylindrical side with a conical top have created an urgent need for the development of trimming machines. The physical properties of tender coconut and its correlation studies are very important for the designing and development of a trimming machine.
Phrenic nerve involvement and respiratory muscle weakness in patients with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease 1A
Authors: Spiesshoefer Jens , Henke Carolin , Kabitz Hans‐Joachim , Akova‐Oeztuerk Esra , Draeger Bianca , Herkenrath Simon , Randerath Winfried , Young Peter , Brix Tobias , Boentert Matthias
Published: August 2019

Diaphragm weakness in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease 1A (CMT1A) is usually associated with severe disease manifestation. This study comprehensively investigated phrenic nerve conductivity, inspiratory and expiratory muscle function in ambulatory CMT1A patients. Nineteen adults with CMT1A (13 females, 47 ± 12 years) underwent spiromanometry, diaphragm ultrasound, and magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves and the lower thoracic nerve roots, with recording of diaphragm compound muscle action potentials (dCMAP, n = 15), transdiaphragmatic and gastric pressures (twPdi and twPgas, n = 12). Diaphragm motor evoked potentials (dMEP, n = 15) were recorded following cortical magnetic stimulation. Patients had not been selected for respiratory complaints. Disease severity was assessed using the CMT Neuropathy Scale version 2 (CMT‐NSv2). Healthy control subjects were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. The following parameters were significantly lower in CMT1A patients than in controls (all P < .05): forced vital capacity (91 ± 16 vs 110 ± 15% predicted), maximum inspiratory pressure (68 ± 22 vs 88 ± 29 cmH2O), maximum expiratory pressure (91 ± 23 vs 123 ± 24 cmH2O), and peak cough flow (377 ± 135 vs 492 ± 130 L/min). In CMT1A patients, dMEP and dCMAP were delayed. Patients vs controls showed lower diaphragm excursion (5 ± 2 vs 8 ± 2 cm), diaphragm thickening ratio (DTR, 1.9 [1.6‐2.2] vs 2.5 [2.1‐3.1]), and twPdi (8 ± 6 vs 19 ± 7 cmH2O; all P < .05). DTR inversely correlated with the CMT‐NSv2 score (r = −.59, P = .02). There was no group difference in twPgas following abdominal muscle stimulation. Ambulatory CMT1A patients may show phrenic nerve involvement and reduced respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory muscle weakness can be attributed to diaphragm dysfunction alone. It relates to neurological impairment and likely reflects a disease continuum.
Association between socioeconomic status and small‐for‐gestational‐age in Japan: A single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hayashi Ikuyo , Takakura Kenji , Yamaguchi Ken , Sumitomo Masahiro , Suzuki Maki , Sumitomo Aya , Minato Satomi , Nose Yoko , Nagai Narumi , Sakane Naoki
Published: August 2019

Aim

Small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) status has negative health consequences in neonates and later life. Low socioeconomic status (SES) is a reported risk factor for adverse birth outcomes, such as SGA and preterm birth (PTB). The present study investigated whether maternal SES is associated with adverse outcomes in Japanese pregnant women.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected for 1970 Japanese women with singleton pregnancies who delivered between January 2007 and December 2011 at a single center: low SES group (n = 197); and controls (n = 1773). Low SES was defined according to the criteria of the Japanese pregnant‐childbirth hospitalization support policy system.

Results

The low SES group included a significantly higher proportion of young women, women with single marital status, greater parity, pre‐pregnancy smoking and a lack of regular employment (P < 0.001, respectively). The crude odds ratio (OR) for the association between low maternal SES and SGA was 1.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–2.82, P = 0.010). After adjustment for baseline maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking and gestational weight gain, the adjusted OR for the association between low maternal SES and SGA was 1.92 (95% CI 1.17–3.17, P = 0.010). No significant association was found between maternal SES and PTB.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that low maternal SES is associated with SGA births in the Japanese population. Mitigation of low maternal SES could be urgent public health to prevent disadvantage birth outcome.
Influence of maternal and placental factors on newborn body composition
Authors: Dissanayake Hasthi U , Anderson Lyndal , McMullan Rowena L , Caterson Ian D , Hyett Jon A , Phang Melinda , Raynes‐Greenow Camille , Polson Jaimie W , Skilton Michael R , Gordon Adrienne
Published: August 2019

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess whether maternal characteristics, placental size or histological chorioamnionitis was associated with newborn body composition. Furthermore, we sought to determine whether placental weight may mediate the association between maternal pre‐pregnancy weight and age with newborn body composition.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. This study included 136 healthy, singleton, term‐born newborns. Recruitment was stratified by newborn body fat percentiles (gender and gestational adjusted). Body fat was assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Placental examination was conducted by an anatomical pathologist. Maternal (chorioamnionitis) and fetal (chorionic and umbilical vasculitis, funisitis) inflammatory responses were classified according to Redline criteria.

Results

Maternal pre‐pregnancy weight, parity, labour, placental weight and surface area were associated with newborn fat mass and fat‐free mass. Gestational diabetes and maternal age were associated with newborn fat mass but not fat‐free mass. There was no association between histological chorioamnionitis and newborn body composition; however, spontaneous onset of labour was strongly associated with the presence of histological chorioamnionitis. Only 25–31% of the association of maternal weight and age with newborn fat mass was mediated via the placenta.

Conclusions

Maternal factors associated with newborn fat mass and fat‐free mass differed, indicating that different mechanisms control fat mass and fat‐free mass. Our mediation analysis suggests that placental weight partly mediates the association of maternal factors with newborn body composition. Histological chorioamnionitis was not associated with newborn body composition.
A phylogenomic perspective on diversity, hybridization and evolutionary affinities in the stickleback genusPungitius
Authors: Guo Baocheng , Fang Bohao , Shikano Takahito , Momigliano Paolo , Wang Cui , Kravchenko Alexandra , Merilä Juha
Published: August 2019

Hybridization and convergent evolution are phenomena of broad interest in evolutionary biology, but their occurrence poses challenges for reconstructing evolutionary affinities among affected taxa. Sticklebacks in the genusPungitiusare a case in point: evolutionary relationships and taxonomic validity of different species and populations in this circumpolarly distributed species complex remain contentious due to convergent evolution of traits regarded as diagnostic in their taxonomy, and possibly also due to frequent hybridization among taxa. To clarify the evolutionary relationships among differentPungitiusspecies and populations globally, as well as to study the prevalence and extent of introgression among recognized species, genomic data sets of both reference genome‐anchored single nucleotide polymorphisms and de novo assembled RAD‐tag loci were constructed with RAD‐seq data. Both data sets yielded topologically identical and well‐supported species trees. Incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA‐based trees was found and suggested possibly frequent hybridization and mitogenome capture during the evolution ofPungitiussticklebacks. Further analyses revealed evidence for frequent nuclear genetic introgression amongPungitiusspecies, although the estimated proportions of autosomal introgression were low. Apart from providing evidence for frequent hybridization, the results challenge earlier mitochondrial and morphology‐based hypotheses regarding the number of species and their affinities in this genus: at least seven extant species can be recognized on the basis of genetic data. The results also shed new light on the biogeographical history of thePungitius‐complex, including suggestion of several trans‐Arctic invasions of Europe from the Northern Pacific. The well‐resolved phylogeny should facilitate the utility of this genus as a model system for future comparative evolutionary studies.
Involvement of a PadR regulator PrhP on virulence of Ralstonia solanacearum by controlling detoxification of phenolic acids and type III secretion system
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Weiqi , Han Liangliang , Li Jing , Shi Xiaojun , Hikichi Yasufumi , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: August 2019

Ralstonia solanacearum can metabolize ferulic acid (FA) and salicylic acid (SA), two representative phenolic acids, to protect it from toxicity of phenolic acids. Here, we genetically demonstrated a novel phenolic acid decarboxylase regulator (PadR)‐like regulator PrhP as a positive regulator on detoxification of SA and FA in R. solanacearum. Although the ability to degrade SA and FA enhances the infection process of R. solanacearum toward host plants, PrhP greatly contributes to the infection process besides degradation of SA and FA. Our results from the growth assay, promoter activity assay, RNA‐seq and qRT‐PCR revealed that PrhP plays multiple roles in the virulence of R. solanacearum: (1) positively regulates expression of genes for degradation of SA and FA; (2) positively regulates expression of genes encoding type III secretion system (T3SS) and type III effectors both in vitro and in planta; (3) positively regulates expression of many virulence‐related genes, such as the flagella, type IV pili and cell wall degradation enzymes; and (4) is important for the extensive proliferation in planta. The T3SS is one of the essential pathogenicity determinants in many pathogenic bacteria, and PrhP positively regulates its expression mediated with the key regulator HrpB but through some novel pathway to HrpB in R. solanacearum. This is the first report on PadR regulators to regulate the T3SS and it could improve our understanding of the various biological functions of PadR regulators and the complex regulatory pathway on T3SS in R. solanacearum.
Kulturindustrie and the Green New Deal
Authors: Adler David
Published: August 2019

How can we force a shift in culture to face the challenges of the future?
Telephone nurses’ use of a decision support system: An observational study
Authors: Holmström Inger K. , Gustafsson Susan , Wesström Josefin , Skoglund Karin
Published: August 2019

Telephone nurses give advice and support and make assessments based on verbal communication only. Web‐based decision support systems are often used to increase patient safety and make medically correct assessments. The aim of the present this study was to describe factors affecting the use of a decision support system and experiences with this system among telephone nurses in Swedish primary health care. Observations and semistructured interviews were conducted. Six registered nurses with at least 1 year of experience of telephone nursing participated. Field notes and interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The main findings of the present this study were factors that decrease the decision support system use or promote deviation from decision support system use, factors that are positive for decision support system use and the decision support system complicates the work. Underuse and deviations from decision support systems can be a safety risk, because decisions are based on too little information. Further research with observations of telephone nurses’ use of decision support systems is needed to develop both telephone nursing and decision support systems.
Myoxanthus oliviae sp. nov. (Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae) from Peru
Authors: Kolanowska Marta , Szlachetko Dariusz L.
Published: August 2019

A new species of the orchid genus Myoxanthus, M. oliviae, is described based on Peruvian material. The novelty resembles M. serripetalus from which it differs by the 7–8‐veined lateral sepals (versus 6‐ or 9‐veined), the petals contracted below the apex and expanded again into a sagittate apex (versus apex caudate) and entire lip middle lobe (versus fimbriate). The flowers of M. oliviae are pale brownish‐purple, internally intensively suffused with yellow, dark‐purple spotted. The new species grows among rocks at the elevation of 2700–3100 m a.s.l. A key to Peruvian Myoxanthus representatives is provided.
Polyploidy promotes species diversification of Allium through ecological shifts
Authors: Han Ting‐Shen , Zheng Quan‐Jing , Onstein Renske E. , Rojas‐Andrés Blanca M. , Hauenschild Frank , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra N. , Xing Yao‐Wu
Published: August 2019

Despite the role of polyploidy in multiple evolutionary processes, its impact on plant diversification remains controversial. An increased polyploid frequency may facilitate speciation through shifts in ecology, morphology or both. Here we used Allium to evaluate: (1) the relationship between intraspecific polyploid frequency and species diversification rate; and (2) whether this process is associated with habitat and/or trait shifts.

Using eight plastid and nuclear ribosomal markers, we built a phylogeny of 448 Allium species, representing 46% of the total. We quantified intraspecific ploidy diversity, heterogeneity in diversification rates and their relationship along the phylogeny using trait‐dependent diversification models. Finally, we evaluated the association between polyploidisation and habitat or trait shifts.

We detected high ploidy diversity in Allium and a polyploidy‐related diversification rate shift with a probability of 95% in East Asia. Allium lineages with high polyploid frequencies had higher species diversification rates than those of diploids or lineages with lower polyploid frequencies. Shifts in speciation rates were strongly correlated with habitat shifts linked to particular soil conditions; 81.7% of edaphic variation could be explained by polyploidisation.

Our study emphasises the role of intraspecific polyploid frequency combined with ecological drivers on Allium diversification, which may explain plant radiations more generally.
A copula‐based index for drought analysis in arid and semi‐arid regions of Iran
Authors: Bazrafshan Ommolbanin , Zamani Hossein , Shekari Marzieh
Published: August 2019

The copula functions are frequently used by researchers for modeling dependence structure among the correlated attributes in many areas. The copulas are widely used for the analysis of drought frequency, drought characteristics, drought coincidence risk, uncertainty, and drought forecasting. In this research, we have compared two indices of drought assessment, including SPI‐12 and copula‐based joint deficit index (JDI). In this regard, the drought characteristics, including the severity, duration, and drought frequency have been studied in 25 synoptic stations of Iran during the 1968–2014. The results showed that, unlike JDI, the SPI‐12 is not able to estimate the drought peak during the critical and extreme condition. Although JDI has identified a severe and extreme drought during the pervasive drought, the SPI‐12 estimated a normal condition. The results show that JDI accurately estimates the drought frequency, but the SPI‐12 provided an unexpected estimation is some stations. In addition, the MannKendal trend test for drought characteristics represents that JDI accurately estimates the expected trend (an increasing trend) whereas the SPI‐12 exhibits no significant trend in most stations. Finally, JDI provides a comprehensive assessment of drought for decision‐makers and natural managers.
Myasthenia gravis and specific immunotherapy: monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Cai Xiao‐Jun , Li Zai‐Wang , Xi Jian‐Ying , Song Hui‐Zhu , Liu Jue , Zhu Wen‐Hua , Guo Yi , Jiao Zheng
Published: August 2019

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease affecting the postsynaptic membrane of neuromuscular junctions and characterized by antibody‐mediated T cell dependence and complement involvement. Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine bromide), glucocorticoids, and azathioprine are currently recommended as first‐line treatments for MG, though they have limitations, including potential toxicity and ineffectiveness in patients with refractory MG. In recent years, owing to an increasing understanding of MG pathogenesis the development and execution of clinical trials with novel biologics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have demonstrated higher safety and more specificity, provide new opportunities for the treatment of MG. In this article, we review recent advances in MG pathogenesis and the mAbs that have been used for target‐specific MG therapy.
Incretins in obesity and diabetes
Authors: Chia Chee W. , Egan Josephine M.
Published: August 2019

Incretins are hormones secreted from enteroendocrine cells after nutrient intake that stimulate insulin secretion from β cells in a glucose‐dependent manner. Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are the only two known incretins. Dysregulation of incretin secretion and actions are noted in diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In this review, we first summarize our traditional understanding of the physiology of GIP and GLP‐1, and our current knowledge of the relationships between GIP and GLP‐1 and obesity and diabetes. Next, we present the results from major randomized controlled trials on the use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists for managing type 2 diabetes, and emerging data on treating obesity and prediabetes. We conclude with a glimpse of the future with possible complex interactions between nutrients, gut microbiota, the endocannabinoid system, and enteroendocrine cells.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of paeoniflorin combined with baicalin in oral inflammatory diseases
Authors: Yu Feiyan , Xu Na , Zhou Yu , Li Baoyin , Li Miao , Wang Qianqian , Yang Xi , Ge Xuejun , Zhang Fang , Ren Xiuyun
Published: August 2019

Objective

There are challenges in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of oral mucosa. Both paeoniflorin (PF) and baicalin (BAI) exert anti‐inflammatory effects, but the mechanism underlying their combined effects is still unclear. Here, we explored the anti‐inflammatory function of the PF‐BAI combination in the oral inflammatory response.

Materials and Methods

The CCK‐8 assay was used to determine the proliferative capacity of HOKs with PF and BAI. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent (ELISA), Western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and confocal immunofluorescence were performed to study the anti‐inflammatory effects of PF‐BAI in LPS‐stimulated human oral keratinocytes (HOKs). Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were performed to detect the levels of NF‐κB p65, IKKα and IL‐6, TNF‐α in OLP and healthy tissues.

Results

Compared to PF or BAI alone, the combination of PF‐BAI at 5 µg/ml downregulated secretion of inflammatory cytokines more effectively (p < .05). Combined PF‐BAI decreased NF‐κB p65 and IκBα protein phosphorylation, leading to reduce nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65. Higher expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, NF‐κB p65, and IKKα were observed in OLP than in HC tissues (p < .01).

Conclusion

The optimal combination concentration of PF and BAI at 5 µg/ml may have a positive effect on the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases, providing a novel therapeutic approach.
CRISPR/dCas9 platforms in plants: strategies and applications beyond genome editing
Authors: Moradpour Mahdi , Abdulah Siti Nor Akmar
Published: August 2019

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and Cas9‐associated protein systems provide a powerful genetic manipulation tool that can drive plant research forward. Nuclease‐dead Cas9 (dCas9) is an enzymatically inactive mutant of Cas9 in which its endonuclease activity is non‐functional. The applications of CRISPR/dCas9 have expanded and diversified in recent years. Originally, dCas9 was used as a CRISPR/Cas9 re‐engineering tool that enables targeted expression of any gene or multiple genes through recruitment of transcriptional effector domains without introducing irreversible DNA‐damaging mutations. Subsequent applications have made use of its ability to recruit modifying enzymes and reporter proteins to DNA target sites. In this paper, the most recent progress in the applications of CRISPR/dCas9 in plants, which include gene activation and repression, epigenome editing, modulation of chromatin topology, live‐cell chromatin imaging and DNA‐free genetic modification, will be reviewed. The associated strategies for exploiting the CRISPR/dCas9 system for crop improvement with a dimer of the future of the CRISPR/dCas9 system in the functional genomics of crops and the development of traits will be briefly discussed.
Effect of Trichoderma viride pre‐inoculation in pine species with different levels of susceptibility to Fusarium circinatum: physiological and hormonal responses
Authors: Amaral J. , Pinto G. , Flores‐Pacheco J. A. , Díez‐Casero J. J. , Cerqueira A. , Monteiro P. , Gómez‐Cadenas A. , Alves A. , Martín‐García J.
Published: August 2019

Pine pitch canker (PPC), caused by Fusarium circinatum, affects Pinus species worldwide. Although no effective solutions have yet been found to control it, there is a growing interest in using biological control agents (BCA) such as Trichoderma to avoid the application of chemical‐based products. Using species with an increasing level of susceptibility to PPC (Pinus pinea, Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata), this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma viride pre‐inoculation on disease development, assessing several physiological and hormonal parameters. A 2‐week period elapsed between T. viride and F. circinatum inoculation. Sampling for each species was performed independently when at least 50% of the plants of one of the inoculated groups developed disease symptoms. Fusarium circinatum infection reduced water status and photosynthesis, but increased proline, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid concentrations in plants of P. radiata and P. pinaster with symptoms; while in P. pinea water relations were maintained and anthocyanin accumulation occurred in the presence of F. circinatum. In P. radiata, T. viride pre‐inoculation accelerated disease progression, with some PPC‐induced responses augmented (decreased water potential and photosynthesis; increased substomatal CO2 concentration) and novel changes not found in seedlings inoculated exclusively with F. circinatum (increased electrolyte leakage and salicylic acid; decreased relative water content). This suggests that T. viride may be initially recognized as an invading organism, subverting the plant defence mechanisms for successful root colonization. If seedlings are not allowed to recover from this state, pathogen infection may thus be facilitated, highlighting the importance of application timing in BCA strategies.
Business conflict and international law: The political economy of copyright in the United States
Authors: Cartwright Madison
Published: August 2019

The internet industry has emerged as an important economic and political actor, both within the United States and internationally. Internet companies depend on exceptions from copyright law in order to operate. As a result, internet companies have considerable incentive to try and influence international copyright law. However, the current literature has neglected the role of the internet industry, instead focusing on the influence of copyright owning media companies. This has largely homogenized the concerns of business interests, neglecting the interests of business actors which do not favor stricter copyright protection. By examining business conflict over recent copyright initiatives by the United States, this article criticizes the literature. It illustrates that the internet industry has been able to alter the negotiating preferences of the United States against the wishes of copyright owners. This argues against the homogenization of business interests regarding copyright while illustrating the importance of material over discursive factors in determining political outcomes.
Analysis by proteomics reveals unique circulatory proteins in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Moodley Yuben P. , Corte Tamera J. , Oliver Brian G. , Glaspole Ian N. , Livk Andreja , Ito Jason , Peters Kirsten , Lipscombe Richard , Casey Tammy , Tan Dino B.A.
Published: August 2019

Background and objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic disease that has a poor 3‐year median survival rate with unclear pathophysiology. Radiological features include bibasal, subpleural fibrosis and honeycombing while its pathology is characterized by fibroblastic foci and honeycombing. Proteomic analysis of circulating molecules in plasma may identify factors that characterize IPF and may assist in the diagnosis, prognostication and determination of pathogenic pathways in this condition.

Methods

Two independent quantitative proteomic techniques were used, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), to identify differentially expressed plasma proteins in a group of IPF patients in comparison to healthy controls with normal lung function matched for age and gender.

Results

Five proteins were identified to be differentially expressed in IPF compared to healthy controls (upregulation of platelet basic protein and downregulation of actin, cytoplasmic 2, antithrombin‐III, extracellular matrix protein‐1 and fibronectin).

Conclusion

This study further validates the combinational use of non‐targeted discovery proteomics (iTRAQ) with targeted quantitation by mass spectrometry (MRM) of soluble biomarkers to identify potentially important molecules and pathways for pulmonary diseases such as IPF.
Impact of cultivation on soil organic carbon and carbon sequestration potential in semiarid regions of China
Authors: Guoju Xiao , Yanbin Hu , Qiang Zhang , Jing Wang , Ming Li
Published: August 2019

Dynamic changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) have become a popular topic in global research on organic carbon as part of the increasing attention being paid to food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, the semiarid regions of China were selected as a research focus, and SOC data from 1980 to 2015 were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 software. SOC in farmland varied according to cultivated land type, mulching material type and planting method in the studied regions. The SOC content is 10.3–10.8 g kg−1 in supplementally irrigated land and flat dry land, 7.1–8.7 g kg−1 in terraced dry land and river beach land, and 6.2–6.4 g kg−1 in sloping dry land. The SOC content increased to 16.1–17.4 g kg−1 when crop stalks were used as mulch. The increase was only 11.5–13.5 g kg−1 in soils mulched with film or sandstone. The SOC value in wheat, maize and potatoes sown on single or double ridges was 2.4%–3.2%, 35.7%–36.4% and 4.4%–4.8%, respectively, which are higher than the values for wheat, maize and potatoes sown using the flat planting method. The SOC sequestering potential also varied according to the previously noted factors and was improved from 224.1% to 383.8% depending on cultivated land type, from 96.5% to 182.3% depending on mulching material type and from 96.1% to 191.3% depending on planting method. The SOC sequestering potential can be improved by 453.2%–757.4% with the integration of the optimal cultivated land type, mulching material type and planting method. Thus, there is substantial soil carbon sequestration potential in China's semiarid regions.
Soil risk maps – Interpreting soils data for policy makers, agencies and industry
Authors: Baggaley Nikki , Lilly Allan , Blackstock Kirsty , Dobbie Karen , Carson Adam , Leith Fraser
Published: August 2019

Surface runoff, erosion, compaction and the leaching of potential pollutants from land can degrade the soil resource and damage the water environment, reducing crop yields, causing loss of valuable nutrients and organic matter, together with increasing flood risk. Increasingly, it is recognized that scientific information must be translated into practical tools to change practices and protect the soil and water resource. Working alongside agencies in Scotland, we applied a suite of simple, transparent, rule‐based models to identify areas most at risk of exporting sediment and pollutants that may degrade water quality based on field‐scale (1:25,000) soil maps. The maps have been used by Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Water and Scottish Government to assess soil risks to waters from field to regional scale. The work brought scientists together with policy makers, agencies and the water industry to pool their knowledge to apply these practical tools for decision‐making. It highlights the need to apply existing knowledge to answer salient questions. All three examples described show that providing the right type of information, which is based on fundamental soils data, can directly influence the implementation of policies, investment and monitoring decisions and provide evidence in support of government. However, this requires both researchers and agency scientists to develop skills as knowledge brokers and to normalize the use of soil data in everyday agency settings.
Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload risk mitigation: survey on hospital policies for compliance with AABB Standard 5.9.17
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Dunbar Nancy M. , Thomas Jackie , Nunes Eduardo , Murphy Michael F. ,   on Behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services require accredited institutions to have a policy for handling requests for blood components on patients clinically identified as being at high risk for transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO; Standard 5.19.7, 31st edition). This survey elucidated how AABB accredited hospital transfusion services/blood banks around the world are complying with this Standard.

METHODS

A link to a Web‐based survey in English was e‐mailed under the auspice of the AABB to each AABB accredited hospital transfusion service/blood bank (n = 851) asking for details on how their institution is complying with this Standard and for general information on any TACO risk mitigation strategies in place.

RESULTS

Of the 290 responses received (34% response rate), 282 met the criteria for analysis. There were 174 of 282 (62%) respondents who indicated that their institution has a formal policy for complying with the Standard, and 108 of 282 (38%) who indicated that their institution does not have a formal policy. A diverse range of policies and practices were in place at the institutions with and without a formal policy ranging from writing advice/recommendations in the charts of patients at increased risk of TACO, promulgating policies from the transfusion service/blood bank or institution itself that would reduce the risk, or using decision support tools to provide education about reducing the risk of TACO.

CONCLUSIONS

Many but not all AABB accredited institutions have policies to comply with the TACO risk mitigation Standard. However, the vast majority conduct activities that could mitigate risk for TACO.
Feasibility of photoacoustic imaging for the non‐invasive quality management of stored blood bags
Authors: Pinto Ruben N. , Hysi Eno , Bagga Karan , Sebastian Joseph A. , Douplik Alexandre , Acker Jason P. , Kolios Michael C.
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

During the in vitro storage of red blood cells (RBCs), unfavourable changes (storage lesions) cause a rapid consumption of intracellular diphosphoglycerate. The latter deregulates the oxygen‐haemoglobin binding potential, subsequently increasing oxygen saturation (SO2) and membrane degradation, transforming RBCs from biconcave discs to rigid spherical bodies (spheroechinocytes). Current laboratory techniques invasively extract RBC samples to assess the quality of red cell concentrate (RCC) units. Optical technologies could provide a means of assessing quality non‐invasively.

Materials and Methods

A photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique was developed for acquiring the SO2 of blood bags non‐invasively. Seven RCC units were monitored every 3–5 days until expiry (6 weeks). Measurements were validated against a conventional blood gas analyzer (BGA). Using an image flow cytometry assay, morphological profile trends were compared against the SO2 trends during blood bag storage.

Results

A strong correlation (r2 ≥ 0·95) was found when comparing temporal data between PA and BGA SO2 measurements. Inter‐sample PA variability was found to be similar to that produced by BGA (±0·8%). A strong correlation was found to exist between the temporal changes in SO2 and relative spheroechinocyte population (0·79 ≤ r2 ≤ 0·97).

Conclusion

This study suggests that PA imaging can non‐invasively track the SO2 of stored RBCs non‐invasively. By longitudinally monitoring the change in SO2, it is possible to infer the effects of the storage lesion on RBC morphology. This non‐invasive monitoring technique allows for the assessment of blood bags, without compromising sterility pre‐transfusion.