bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is early management of psychosis designed for migrants? Improving transcultural variable collection when measuring duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Martin Robin , Moro Marie Rose , Benoit Laelia
Published: June 2018

Aim

A background of migration is an established risk factor for psychosis. At the same time, over the last 25 years, many countries have developed specialized services for the assessment and care of people with early psychosis. Evaluation of these services often focuses on the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review with an electronic search of key words in 3 databases to determine the extent to which studies measuring DUP consider transcultural variables, including migration status, national origin, ethnicity and language.

Results

We identified 18 studies that included transcultural variables and measured DUP. They differed in their design, aims and methodology, and could not be directly compared. Common themes nonetheless appeared.

Conclusions

Most of the studies exploring DUP took little account of transcultural variables. Definitions of transcultural indicators were heterogeneous and often vague. Lack of language proficiency was often an exclusion criterion, and none of the studies used interpreters. We propose some basic transcultural variable and recommendations to include in future studies and recommendations to improve their internal and external validity.
High genetic diversity and lack of pronounced population structure in five species of sympatric Pacific eels
Authors: Gubili Chrysoula , Schabetsberger Robert , Poellabauer Christine , Bates Becky , Wagstaff Rosa M. , Woodward Lewis M. , Sichrowsky Ursula , Scheck Alexander , Boseto David T. , Feunteun Eric , Acou Anthony , Jehle Robert
Published: June 2018

Understanding the population structure of tropical anguillids residing in the Pacific is vital for their conservation management. Here, the population genetic structure of five sympatric freshwater eels (Anguilla marmorata Quoy & Gaimard, A. megastoma Kaup, A. obscura Steindachner, A. reinhardtii Günther and A. australis Richardson) across 11 western South Pacific (WSP) islands was investigated based on partial nucleotide sequences of the mtDNA control region and the nuclear GTH2b genes of 288 newly collected samples jointly with existing sequences. WSP anguillids are characterised by overall high levels of genetic diversity. Both mtDNA and nuclear sequences provided no evidence for distinct geographic clines or barriers in any of the species across the WSP. The occurrence of admixed individuals between A. marmorata and A. megastoma was confirmed, and a new possible occurrence of a further species was revealed (A. interioris Whitley on Bougainville Island). All species showed evidence for demographic population growth in the Pleistocene, and a subsequent population reduction for A. megastoma. Common spawning grounds and mixing of larvae by ocean currents could promote the lack of pronounced isolation by distance, a finding that has significant implications for the future management of anguillids in the area.
Vertical and horizontal distribution of ascending Atlantic salmon in power plant tailrace channels
Authors: Sutela Tapio , Orell Panu , Huusko Ari , Jaukkuri Mikko , Huusko Riina , Mäki‐Petäys Aki , Erkinaro Jaakko
Published: June 2018

Three‐dimensional distribution of adult upstream‐migrating Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was studied in three power plant tailrace channels on the large, regulated River Kemijoki in northern Finland using novel pressure sensor radio telemetry. The salmon swam mostly at depths of 1–4 m below the surface, with the salmon‐specific averages ranging from 1.3 to 6.4 m. When approaching a power plant, no change in swimming depth was observed. The horizontal locations of salmon in the two regularly shaped tailrace channels peaked at 5–10 m distance from the shoreline and showed a positively skewed distribution with a tail towards the central part of the tailrace. A graphical presentation of salmon locations in the tailrace channel and data on swimming depth and distance from the shoreline may prove useful in determining the location and design of a fishway entrance and in dimensioning attraction flow.
Short‐term mortality of trapped and discarded Portunus armatus following ice‐slurry immersion
Authors: Broadhurst Matt K. , Millar Russell B.
Published: June 2018

In southeastern Australia, some commercial fishers sort their catches of trapped Portunus armatus in ice slurries to pacify and facilitate discarding sub‐legal and ovigerous individuals, but with unknown mortality. To estimate mortality, during 90 trap lifts, 101 and 110 small P. armatus were sorted dry and in ice slurries, respectively (over 0.5–10.0 min). All discards were individually caged and monitored with 32 similar‐sized control animals (caught by benign methods) for 48 hr. Irrespective of handling, only eight discarded P. armatus were physically damaged. None of the controls died, compared with 1 and 13% of the dry‐ and ice‐slurry sorted conspecifics. The probability of mortality was estimated at 0.005 immediately after emptying the traps and remained temporally constant for dry‐sorted individuals, but was positively associated with time in the ice slurries, reaching 50% at 9 min. Minimising sorting in ice slurries to <2 min should cause minimal impact to P. armatus, although other unaccounted mortalities (e.g., predation) and sublethal effects warrant assessment.
HIV in practice: current approaches and challenges in the diagnosis, treatment and management of HIV infection in Australia
Authors: Smith DE , Woolley IJ , Russell DB , Bisshop F , Furner V
Published: June 2018

As treatment improves, people living with HIV (PLWHIV) can now expect to live longer, which means that the foci of HIV‐related care for them and their medical practitioners continue to change. With an increasingly older cohort of patients with HIV infection, practitioners’ key considerations are shifting from issues of acute treatment and patient survival to multiple comorbidities, toxicities associated with chronic therapy, and ongoing health maintenance. Within this context, this paper explores the current standard of practice for the management of HIV infection in Australia. We surveyed 56 Australian practitioners currently involved in managing HIV infection: ‘HIV section 100’ (HIV therapy‐prescribing) general practitioners (s100 GPs; n = 26), sexual health physicians (SHPs; n = 24) and hospital‐based physicians (HBPs; n = 6). Survey results for practice approaches and challenges were broadly consistent across the three practitioner specialties, apart from a few key areas. s100 GPs reported less prophylaxis use among patients whom they deemed at risk of HIV infection in comparison with SHPs, which may reflect differences in patient populations. Further, a higher proportion of s100 GPs nominated older HIV treatment regimens as their preferred therapy choices compared with the other specialties. In contrast with SHPs, s100 GPs were less likely to switch HIV therapies to simplify the treatment protocol, and to immediately initiate treatment upon patient request in those newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Considerably lower levels of satisfaction with current HIV practice guidelines were also reported by s100 GPs. It appears that greater support for s100 GPs may be needed to address these identified challenges and enhance approaches to HIV practice. Across all specialties, increasing access to mental health services for patients with HIV infection was reported as a key management issue. A renewed focus on providing improved mental health and wellbeing supports is recommended, particularly in the face of an ageing HIV‐infected population.
Protective psychosocial factors and dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Silva Andréa Neiva da , Alvares de lima Solimar Tavares , Vettore Mario Vianna
Published: June 2018

Background

Psychosocial protective factors include dispositional and family attributes that may reduce the occurrence of dental caries.

Aim

This review analysed the evidence on the relationship between protective psychosocial factors and dental caries in children and adolescents.

Design

Primary studies involving children and adolescents were searched in the following electronic databases: Medline, SCOPUS, LILACS, SciELO, and Web of Science. The reference lists were also screened. Protective psychosocial factor descriptors were in accordance with the salutogenic theory. The outcome was clinical measure of dental caries. Quality assessments were performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

The final search resulted in 35 studies, including 7 cohort, one case–control, and 27 cross‐sectional studies. Most studies were of moderate quality. Meta‐analyses revealed that low parental internal locus of control (cohort studies: OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20–1.64; cross‐sectional studies: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19–1.41), high parental external chance (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10–1.29), and high maternal sense of coherence (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62–0.93) were associated with dental caries in children. High social support (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.93) and greater self‐efficacy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12–1.22) were also associated with dental caries in adolescents.

Conclusions

The current evidence suggests that some salutogenic factors are important protective factors of dental caries during childhood and adolescence.
Barriers and enablers to patient recruitment for randomised controlled trials on treatment of chronic wounds: A systematic review
Authors: Bugeja Lyndal , Low Jac Kee , McGinnes Rosemary A , Team Victoria , Sinha Sankar , Weller Carolina
Published: June 2018

Randomised controlled trials represent the gold standard in intervention efficacy evaluation. However, suboptimal recruitment affects completion and the power of a therapeutic trial in detecting treatment differences. We conducted a systematic review to examine the barriers and enablers to patient recruitment for randomised controlled trials on chronic wound treatment. Review registration was under PROSPERO 2017:CRD42017062438. We conducted a systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost CINAHL, Ovid Cochrane Library, Ovid EMBASE, and Ovid PsycINFO databases in June 2017 for chronic wound treatment randomised controlled trials. Twenty‐seven randomised controlled trials or qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the 24 randomised controlled trials, 21 were assessed as low quality in relation to recruitment, and 3 were assessed as high quality. All 27 studies reported barriers to recruitment in chronic wound randomised controlled trials. The reported barriers to recruitment were: study‐related, patient‐related, clinician‐related, health system‐related, and/or operational‐related. No study reported recruitment enablers. To enhance randomised controlled trial recruitment, we propose the need for improved integration of research and clinical practice. To alleviate the problems arising from inadequate reporting of randomised controlled trials, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Statement could include an additional item on recruitment barriers. This approach will allow for increased awareness of the potential barriers to recruitment for Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in both wound management and other health care research.
Non–plaque‐induced gingival diseases
Authors: Holmstrup Palle , Plemons Jacqueline , Meyle Joerg
Published: June 2018

While plaque‐induced gingivitis is one of the most common human inflammatory diseases, several non–plaque‐induced gingival diseases are less common but often of major significance for patients. The non–plaque‐induced gingival lesions are often manifestations of systemic conditions, but they may also represent pathologic changes limited to gingival tissues. A classification is proposed, based on the etiology of the lesions and includes: Genetic/Developmental disorders; Specific infections; Inflammatory and immune conditions and lesions; Reactive processes; Neoplasms; Endocrine, Nutritional and metabolic diseases; Traumatic lesions; and Gingival pigmentation.
Peri‐implant health
Authors: Araujo Mauricio G. , Lindhe Jan
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim is to define clinical and histologic characteristics of peri‐implant tissues in health and describe the mucosa–implant interface.

Importance

An understanding of the characteristics of healthy peri‐implant tissues facilitates the recognition of disease (i.e., departure from health).

Findings

The healthy peri‐implant mucosa is, at the microscopic level, comprised of a core of connective tissue covered by either a keratinized (masticatory mucosa) or non‐keratinized epithelium (lining mucosa). The peri‐implant mucosa averages about 3 to 4 mm high, and presents with an epithelium (about 2 mm long) facing the implant surface. Small clusters of inflammatory cells are usually present in the connective tissue lateral to the barrier epithelium. Most of the intrabony part of the implant appears to be in contact with mineralized bone (about 60%), while the remaining portion faces bone marrow, vascular structures, or fibrous tissue. During healing following implant installation, bone modeling occurs that may result in some reduction of the marginal bone level.

Conclusions

The characteristics of the peri‐implant tissues in health are properly identified in the literature, including tissue dimensions and composition. Deviation from the features of health may be used by the clinician (and researcher) to identify disease, including peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.
The sex chromosome system can influence the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal
Authors: Brom Thomas , Massot Manuel , Laloi David
Published: June 2018

Sex‐biased dispersal is a much‐discussed feature in literature on dispersal. Diverse hypotheses have been proposed to explain the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal, a difference in dispersal rate or dispersal distance between males and females. An early hypothesis has indicated that it may rely on the difference in sex chromosomes between males and females. However, this proposal was quickly rejected without a real assessment. We propose a new perspective on this hypothesis by investigating the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal when dispersal genes are sex‐linked, that is when they are located on the sex chromosomes. We show that individuals of the heterogametic sex disperse relatively more than do individuals of the homogametic sex when dispersal genes are sex‐linked rather than autosomal. Although such a sex‐biased dispersal towards the heterogametic sex is always observed in monogamous species, the mating system and the location of dispersal genes interact to modulate sex‐biased dispersal in monandry and polyandry. In the context of the multicausality of dispersal, we suggest that sex‐linked dispersal genes can influence the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal.
A highly sensitive, non‐invasive qPCR‐based strategy for direct quantification of Yersinia ruckeri in fish faeces
Authors: Ghosh Bikramjit , Crosbie Philip B. B. , Nowak Barbara F. , Bridle Andrew R.
Published: June 2018

Finfish with asymptomatic Yersinia ruckeri infections pose a major risk as they can transmit the pathogen and cause clinical outbreaks in stock populations. Current tools have insufficient quantitative ability for accurately detecting the trace levels of Y. ruckeri typically associated with asymptomatic infection, necessitate invasive or lethal sampling, or require long processing times. This study presents a highly sensitive qPCR‐based method, targeting part of the Y. ruckeri 16S rRNA sequence, that is capable of detecting extremely low levels of Y. ruckeri in noninvasively collected faecal samples. Quantitative precision and accuracy of faecal sample analysis was consistent, despite the complexity of the faecal matrix. The assay demonstrated linearity over a six log‐wide dynamic range. Its limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 4 and 10 copies of the target sequence, respectively. Sensitivity of the assay was comparable to other qPCR‐based methods without requiring invasive or lethal sampling. Applicability as a screening strategy was tested using passively collected faecal samples. Asymptomatic Y. ruckeri infection was detected in all samples, although none of the fish exhibited overt infection. This method will be beneficial for finfish disease management if developed further as a noninvasive, screening tool against asymptomatic Y. ruckeri infection.
Altered uric acid metabolism in isolated colonic Crohn's disease but not ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhu Feng , Feng Dengyu , Zhang Tenghui , Gu Lili , Zhu Weiming , Guo Zhen , Li Yi , Lu Nan , Gong Jianfeng , Li Ning
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher incidence of developing nephrolithiasis. Increased uric acid production induced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae exacerbates colitis in mice. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid level and disease activity in IBD population.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty‐five patients enrolled in Jinling Hospital from January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017 were included in the retrospective study. Clinical parameters were collected and compared with non‐IBD matched controls (n = 51). Serum uric acid to creatinine ratio (UA/Cr) was used as a biomarker for uric acid metabolism. Sixty‐five active IBD patients were longitudinally studied to investigate the UA/Cr before and after therapy. Linear mixed models were estimated for Crohn's disease (CD) group to explore the relationship between UA/Cr and other parameters.

Results

Uric acid to creatinine ratio was significantly correlated with Crohn's disease activity index (ρ = 0.184, P = 0.002) and Harvey Bradshaw index (ρ = 0.154, P = 0.010) and C‐reactive protein (ρ = 0.591, P < 0.001) in CD group. Colonic CD and anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) positive CD had an increased UA/Cr compared with L1, L3, and ASCA negative CD (P = 0.027, P = 0.0013, and P = 0.043, respectively). A significant decrease in UA/Cr was observed after induction therapy in active CD (P = 0.0002) but not in ulcerative colitis (P = 0.076).

Conclusion

Uric acid to creatinine ratio correlated with disease activity in CD. Colonic CD and ASCA positive CD had an increased UA/Cr. Effective treatment for CD patients lowered UA/Cr. Uric acid metabolism might be a novel aspect to investigate disease activity of IBD.
Quantitative 3D comparison of biofilm imaged by X‐ray micro‐tomography and two‐photon laser scanning microscopy
Authors: LARUE A.E. , SWIDER P. , DURU P. , DAVIAUD D. , QUINTARD M. , DAVIT Y.
Published: June 2018

Optical imaging techniques for biofilm observation, like laser scanning microscopy, are not applicable when investigating biofilm formation in opaque porous media. X‐ray micro‐tomography (X‐ray CMT) might be an alternative but it finds limitations in similarity of X‐ray absorption coefficients for the biofilm and aqueous phases. To overcome this difficulty, barium sulphate was used in Davit et al. (2011) to enable high‐resolution 3D imaging of biofilm via X‐ray CMT. However, this approach lacks comparison with well‐established imaging methods, which are known to capture the fine structures of biofilms, as well as uncertainty quantification. Here, we compare two‐photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) images of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa biofilm grown in glass capillaries against X‐ray CMT using an improved protocol where barium sulphate is combined with low‐gelling temperature agarose to avoid sedimentation. Calibrated phantoms consisting of mono‐dispersed fluorescent and X‐ray absorbent beads were used to evaluate the uncertainty associated with our protocol along with three different segmentation techniques, namely hysteresis, watershed and region growing, to determine the bias relative to image binarization. Metrics such as volume, 3D surface area and thickness were measured and comparison of both imaging modalities shows that X‐ray CMT of biofilm using our protocol yields an accuracy that is comparable and even better in certain respects than TPLSM, even in a nonporous system that is largely favourable to TPLSM.
Mapping birefringence in three dimensions using polarized light field microscopy: the case of the juvenile clamshell
Authors: TRAN M.T. , OLDENBOURG R.
Published: June 2018

We report methods to generate three‐dimensional maps of birefringence, its position and orientation in juvenile shells of the Atlantic hard clamshell (Mercenaria mercenaria). For measuring the retardance and optic axis orientation of curved shell surfaces in three dimensions, we developed enhanced acquisition and processing algorithms and combined results from conventional and light field imaging approaches to reconstruct the three‐dimensional shell shape and its anisotropic optical properties. Our work represents the first successful attempt to generate such maps at a spatial resolution of about 2 μm and angular steps of about 9° in terms of the inclination angles of the optic axis. The maps of clamshell birefringence provide structural insights into the early mineralization during juvenile clamshell development.
The locomotor system of the ocean sunfish Mola mola (L.): role of gelatinous exoskeleton, horizontal septum, muscles and tendons
Authors: Davenport John , Phillips Natasha D. , Cotter Elizabeth , Eagling Lawrence E. , Houghton Jonathan D. R.
Published: June 2018

Adult ocean sunfish are the heaviest living teleosts. They have no axial musculature or caudal fin. Propulsion is by unpaired dorsal and anal fins; a pseudocaudal fin (‘clavus’) acts as a rudder. Despite common perception, young sunfish are active predators that swim quickly, beating their vertical fins in unison to generate lift‐based propulsion and attain cruising speeds similar to salmon and marlin. Here we show that the thick subcutaneous layer (or ‘capsule’), already known to provide positive buoyancy, is also crucial to locomotion. It provides two compartments, one for dorsal fin musculature and one for anal fin muscles, separated by a thick, fibrous, elastic horizontal septum that is bound to the capsule itself, the roof of the skull and the dorsal surface of the short vertebral column. The compartments are braced sagittally by bony haemal and neural spines. Both fins are powered by white muscles distributed laterally and red muscles located medially. The anal fin muscles are mostly aligned dorso‐ventrally and have origins on the septum and haemal spines. Dorsal fin muscles vary in orientation; many have origins on the capsule above the skull and run near‐horizontally and some bipennate muscles have origins on both capsule and septum. Such bipennate muscle arrangements have not been described previously in fishes. Fin muscles have hinged tendons that pass through capsular channels and radial cartilages to insertions on fin rays. The capsule is gelatinous (89.8% water) with a collagen and elastin meshwork. Greasy in texture, calculations indicate capsular buoyancy is partly provided by lipid. Capsule, septum and tendons provide elastic structures likely to enhance muscle action and support fast cruising.
Peripheral vascular interventional advances in 2017
Authors: Devanabanda Arvind R. , Tummala Ramyashree , Galmer Andrew , Grines Cindy , Weinberg Mitchell D.
Published: June 2018

Aim of this review is to inform major clinical trials in peripheral vascular interventions in the year of 2017.
Inverse correlation between the number of CXCR3+ macrophages and the severity of inflammatory lesions in Sjögren's syndrome salivary glands: A pilot study
Authors: Aota Keiko , Yamanoi Tomoko , Kani Koichi , Nakashiro Koh‐ichi , Ishimaru Naozumi , Azuma Masayuki
Published: June 2018

Background

Mechanisms underlying immune cells’ recruitment and activation into the inflammatory lesions of lip salivary glands (LSGs) from primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients are incompletely understood. Chemokines play pivotal roles in these processes, so we investigated the clinical significance of chemokine receptor CXCR3 and its ligands in the autoimmune lesions of pSS.

Methods

We histologically determined the grade of LSG samples from 22 patients with pSS and subjected the samples to immunofluorescence analysis to determine the expressions of CXCR3 and its ligands: CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. To identify the immune cells expressing CXCR3 in the LSGs, we performed double immunofluorescence analysis using antibodies against CD3 (pan‐T cells), CD80 (M1 macrophages), CD163 (M2 macrophages), and CD123 (plasmacytoid dendritic cells: pDCs). The relationship between the grade of lymphocytic infiltration and the number of positively stained cells was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation test.

Results

The expressions of CXCL9 and CXCL10 showed particularly intense staining in the LSG samples’ ductal cells. The CXCR3 expression was detected mainly in CD80+ and CD163+ macrophages. The number of CXCR3+CD163+ macrophages inversely correlated with the LSG inflammatory lesions’ severity (rs = −0.777, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the enhanced production of CXCL9 and CXCL10 from ductal cells results in the CXCR3+ macrophages’ migration. There was an inverse correlation between these two parameters: that is, the number of CXCR3+CD163+ macrophages decreased as the lymphocytic infiltration grade increased. Although CXCR3 is expressed in all of the innate immune cells, CXCR3+CD163+ M2 macrophages may contribute to the anti‐inflammatory functions in pSS lesions.
Unpacking the Meaning of Conflict in Organizational Conflict Research
Authors: Mikkelsen Elisabeth Naima , Clegg Stewart
Published: June 2018

In this conceptual essay, we review the field of organizational conflict to unpack how it has been constructed genealogically and with what consequences by investigating three major shifts in theorization that have occurred over the past six decades. First, a move away from viewing conflict as dysfunctional to viewing it as constructive. Second, a shift from normative prescriptions to descriptions of what disputants do in conflict. Third, a shift from psychological functional analyses to studying conflict as an organizational phenomenon. We find that three distinct and essentially contested conceptions frame studies of conflict at work: conflict as a distinct behavioral phenomenon, conflict as an instrumental means of achieving something else, and conflict as a social construction contingent on how reality is perceived. This conceptual essay adds to current thinking in organizational conflict research by emphasizing how philosophical and political assumptions about conflict can be seen to have framed knowledge production within the field when it is viewed historically.
A lifeworld phenomenological study of the experience of living within ageing skin
Authors: Cowdell Fiona , Galvin Kathleen T.
Published: June 2018

Understanding people's experience of skin ageing as it is lived can enable sensitive approaches to promoting healthy skin and to care in general. By understanding the insider perspective, what it is like for individuals, a way to sensitise practice for more humanly sensitive care is offered. Through interviews with seventeen community‐dwelling older people, the essential meaning of living within ageing skin was illuminated as a state of managed inevitability. The skin is inevitably changing, and ageing skin is a marker of change over time but the person within remains. Constituents of the phenomenon comprise the experience of unfamiliar sights and sensations given by ageing skin; facing and accepting bodily changes and seeing this back and forth in family connections; taking care of the skin “to face” the world; and to present oneself to others and a different place in the world, same person, changed body. Findings point to why and how nurses can treat older people as persons by not over emphasising a view on ageing bodies or bodies with aged skin alone, but in tempering this view with deeper existential insights, meeting the older person with a skin care need as a person and not just as a physical entity.
WNT10A mutation results in severe tooth agenesis in a family of three sisters
Authors: Abid M. F. , Simpson M. A. , Barbosa I. A. , Seppala M. , Irving M. , Sharpe P. T. , Cobourne M. T.
Published: June 2018

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To identify the genetic basis of severe tooth agenesis in a family of three affected sisters.

Patients and Methods

A family of three sisters with severe tooth agenesis was recruited for whole‐exome sequencing to identify potential genetic variation responsible for this penetrant phenotype. The unaffected father was tested for specific mutations using Sanger sequencing. Gene discovery was supplemented with in situ hybridization to localize gene expression during human tooth development.

Results

We report a nonsense heterozygous mutation in exon 2 of WNT10A c.321C>A[p.Cys107*] likely to be responsible for the severe tooth agenesis identified in this family through the creation of a premature stop codon, resulting in truncation of the amino acid sequence and therefore loss of protein function. In situ hybridization showed expression of WNT10A in odontogenic epithelium during the early and late stages of human primary tooth development.

Conclusions

WNT10A has previously been associated with both syndromic and non‐syndromic forms of tooth agenesis, and this report further expands our knowledge of genetic variation underlying non‐syndromic forms of this condition. We also demonstrate expression of WNT10A in the epithelial compartment of human tooth germs during development.
Inheritance and allelic relationship among gene(s) for blast resistance in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]
Authors: Singh Shweta , Sharma Rajan , Pushpavathi Bheemavarapu , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Durgarani Ch. V. , Raj Chandramani
Published: June 2018

Six blast‐resistant pearl millet genotypes, ICMB 93333, ICMB 97222, ICMR 06444, ICMR 06222, ICMR 11003 and IP 21187‐P1, were crossed with two susceptible genotypes, ICMB 95444 and ICMB 89111 to generate F1s, F2s and backcrosses, BC1P1 (susceptible parent × F1) and BC1P2 (resistant parent × F1) for inheritance study. The resistant genotypes were crossed among themselves in half diallel to generate F1s and F2s for test of allelism. The F1, F2 and backcross generations, and their parents were screened in a glasshouse against Magnaporthe grisea isolates Pg 45 and Pg 53. The reaction of the F1s, segregation pattern of F2s and BC1P1 derived from crosses involving two susceptible parents and six resistant parents revealed the presence of single dominant gene governing resistance in the resistant genotypes. No segregation for blast reaction was observed in the F2s derived from the crosses of resistant × resistant parents. The resistance reaction of these F2s indicated that single dominant gene conferring resistance in the six genotypes is allelic, that is same gene imparts blast resistance in these genotypes to M. grisea isolates.
Ten years of native seed certification in Germany – a summary
Authors: Mainz A. K. , Wieden M.
Published: June 2018

Many renaturation projects and compensation areas are based on the use of seeds from regional indigenous wild plants; in the following: native or regional seeds. Despite this, such seeds make up only a small proportion of the total number of seeds used for greening projects; in Germany, for example, it is only around 1% (=200 t per year). Although the market for regional seeds is small, it is highly competitive. High‐priced native seeds compete with flower mixes of unspecified origin and can only be differentiated from them by reliable quality seals. A quality assurance system based on seed legislation (EUDirective 2010/60, preservation mixtures) has been developed in a few European countries. However, quality assurance ends with the sale of the seeds. Thus, seed use remains unmonitored, and often unsuitable material, or material foreign to the region, is planted in restoration areas. Unfortunately, nature conservation has not made seed‐based restoration one of its key issues, neither at the European nor at the national level. Currently there are many different local and regional standards, methods and private certificates that are confusing for users and which provide little continuity and predictability for producers. We recommend the establishment of anEUdirective or a broadly agreed recommendation to theEUmember states, spearheaded by nature conservation, which would define the standards for producing and using native seeds (e.g. harmonised regions that cross national borders, quality regulations). At the same time, wild plant interest groups should combine existing structures in order to strengthen seed‐based restoration through international cooperation.
Colonization of woody seedlings in the understory of actively and passively restored tropical moist forests
Authors: Ssekuubwa Enock , Muwanika Vincent B. , Esaete Josephine , Tabuti John R. S. , Tweheyo Mnason
Published: June 2018

The status of woody seedling colonization gives clues about the self‐sustainability of restored forests, a tenet of restoration success. Little is known about woody seedling colonization in restored afrotropical forests. We evaluated effects of restoration methods (active vs. passive), sampling year, restoration age, and distance from old‐growth forests on seedling colonization in restored afrotropical moist forests. Seedlings were measured in 2011 and 2014 in 71 clusters of 284 permanent sampling plots (12.6 m2 each) in actively (initially 3–16 years old) and 21 clusters of 63 plots in passively restored forests (initially 16 years old) in Kibale National Park, western Uganda. Seedlings were also measured in nearby old‐growth forests in three clusters of five plots in 2014. We determined species diversity, richness, abundance per plot, and species composition as measures of seedling colonization in restored and old‐growth forests. We found that diversity, richness, and abundance of seedlings were significantly higher in passively than actively restored forests. Diversity and richness but not abundance significantly increased between sampling years and with restoration age. Distance from old‐growth forests did not significantly affect diversity, richness, and abundance. Species composition of actively and passively restored forests was different from that of old‐growth forests after 19 years since restoration started. Our results show that passive restoration should be the preferred method for recovering afrotropical forests, and highlight the effect of continued management on biodiversity of restored forests.
A pilot study on the effect of oclacitinib on epicutaneous sensitization and transepidermal water loss in a colony of atopic beagle dogs
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Ahrens Kim
Published: June 2018

Background

Dogs with atopic dermatitis are prone to sensitization to environmental allergens due to increased skin permeability; the effect of treatments on epicutaneous sensitizations is unknown.

Hypothesis/objectives

To evaluate if oclacitinib (i) prevents new sensitizations and (ii) affects skin barrier function.

Animals

Atopic beagle dogs.

Methods

Aim 1. Ten dogs were randomly assigned to placebo or oclacitinib while exposed epicutaneously to a novel allergen. Sensitization was assessed using serum allergen‐specific IgE and clinically by development of skin reactions at the site of allergen application. Time to develop dermatitis and allergen‐specific IgE were compared between groups. Aim 2. Eight dogs were randomly assigned to placebo or oclacitinib for four weeks and challenged with an allergen known to trigger flares. After a four week wash‐out, dogs were crossed‐over and the protocol repeated. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on days 0 and 28 of each arm.

Results

Aim 1. Oclacitinib significantly increased (P = 0.006) time to develop skin reactions compared to placebo. Four (of five) dogs receiving oclacitinib failed to develop skin reactions, whereas all placebo dogs developed dermatitis. There were no significant differences in allergen‐specific IgE between groups. Aim 2. TEWL results were difficult to interpret. Significantly higher values were detected from the axilla in placebo compared to oclacitinib‐treated dogs (P = 0.047). TEWL values were significantly higher from the inguinal area in oclacitinib (P = 0.039) treated dogs but not placebo at the end of the study.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Clinically, oclacitinib delayed development of dermatitis at the site of allergen application. TEWL results were difficult to interpret and additional studies are required for clarification.
Altered synaptic and firing properties of cerebellar Purkinje cells in a mouse model of ARSACS
Authors: Ady Visou , Toscano‐Márquez Brenda , Nath Moushumi , Chang Philip K. , Hui Jeanette , Cook Anna , Charron François , Larivière Roxanne , Brais Bernard , McKinney R. Anne , Watt Alanna J.
Published: June 2018

Key points

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early‐onset neurodegenerative human disease characterized in part by ataxia and Purkinje cell loss in anterior cerebellar lobules. A knock‐out mouse model has been developed that recapitulates several features of ARSACS.

Using this ARSACS mouse model, we report changes in synaptic input and intrinsic firing in cerebellar Purkinje cells, as well as in their synaptic output in the deep cerebellar nuclei.

Changes in firing are observed in anterior lobules that later exhibit Purkinje cell death, but not in posterior lobules that do not.

Our results show that both synaptic and intrinsic alterations in Purkinje cell properties likely contribute to disease manifestation in ARSACS; these findings resemble pathophysiological changes reported in several other ataxias.

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early‐onset neurodegenerative disease that includes a pronounced and progressive cerebellar dysfunction. ARSACS is caused by an autosomal recessive loss‐of‐function mutation in theSacsgene that encodes the protein sacsin. To better understand the cerebellar pathophysiology in ARSACS, we studied synaptic and firing properties of Purkinje cells from a mouse model of ARSACS,Sacs−/−mice. We found that excitatory synaptic drive was reduced ontoSacs−/−Purkinje cells, and that Purkinje cell firing rate, but not regularity, was reduced at postnatal day (P)40, an age when ataxia symptoms were first reported. Firing rate deficits were limited to anterior lobules that later display Purkinje cell death, and were not observed in posterior lobules where Purkinje cells are not lost. Mild firing deficits were observed as early as P20, prior to the manifestation of motor deficits, suggesting that a critical level of cerebellar dysfunction is required for motor coordination to emerge. Finally, we observed a reduction in Purkinje cell innervation onto target neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) inSacs−/−mice. Together, these findings suggest that multiple alterations in the cerebellar circuit including Purkinje cell input and output contribute to cerebellar‐related disease onset in ARSACS.
New leak element based on graphene oxide membranes
Authors: Meng Donghui , Yan Rongxin , Ren Guohua , Sun Lichen , Wang Lina , Guo Chongwu , Wang Li , Shao Rongping , Wang Yong , Sun Wei
Published: June 2018

A leak element based on graphene oxide (GO) membranes is developed using vacuum filtration and the modified Hummer's method. He, Ne, Ar, and Kr leak rates (LRs) through the element are measured using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The various gases undergo molecular flow through the leak element at pressures of up to 500 kPa with the nanoporous structures of GO. The LRs of various gases at particular pressures can be predicted given the LR of one gas at a specific pressure. When the membrane is less than 600 nm thick, the main gas-permeation pathways are aligned defects through the GO membrane and the LR decreases exponentially as the membrane thickness increases. By contrast, when the membrane is more than 600 nm thick, the main gas-permeation pathways are spaces between the layers and the LR is inversely proportional to the membrane thickness.
U.S. center will fight infections with viruses
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: June 2018

Proving ground for phage therapy will organize full clinical trials of the approach.
Reports of inner-ear damage deepen diplomat controversy
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: June 2018

As mystery symptoms reported in Cuba spread to China, some blame an attack; others see "suggestion and paranoia."
Radio arrays take shape in the global south
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: June 2018

South Africa's MeerKAT will form part of the multicontinent Square Kilometre Array.
A precise extragalactic test of General Relativity
Authors: Collett Thomas E. , Oldham Lindsay J. , Smith Russell J. , Auger Matthew W. , Westfall Kyle B. , Bacon David , Nichol Robert C. , Masters Karen L. , Koyama Kazuya , van den Bosch Remco
Published: June 2018

Testing General Relativity on galaxy scales

Einstein's theory of gravity, General Relativity (GR), has been tested precisely within the Solar System. However, it has been difficult to test GR on the scale of an individual galaxy. Collett
et al.
exploited a nearby gravitational lens system, in which light from a distant galaxy (the source) is bent by a foreground galaxy (the lens). Mass distribution in the lens was compared with the curvature of space-time around the lens, independently determined from the distorted image of the source. The result supports GR and eliminates some alternative theories of gravity.

Science
, this issue p.
1342
In vivo brain GPCR signaling elucidated by phosphoproteomics
Authors: Liu Jeffrey J. , Sharma Kirti , Zangrandi Luca , Chen Chongguang , Humphrey Sean J. , Chiu Yi-Ting , Spetea Mariana , Liu-Chen Lee-Yuan , Schwarzer Christoph , Mann Matthias
Published: June 2018

Mechanisms of drug action

Advanced mass spectrometry methods enable monitoring of tens of thousands of phosphorylation sites in proteins. This technology can potentially distinguish cellular signaling pathways that produce beneficial effects from those that produce unwanted side effects. Liu
et al.
treated mice with various agonists of the kappa opioid receptor (a G protein–coupled receptor) and monitored changes in phosphorylation over time in different brain regions. The phosphorylation patterns revealed distinct patterns of signaling in various brain tissues, some of which were associated with unwanted side effects.

Science
, this issue p.
eaao4927
Imaging dynamic and selective low-complexity domain interactions that control gene transcription
Authors: Chong Shasha , Dugast-Darzacq Claire , Liu Zhe , Dong Peng , Dailey Gina M. , Cattoglio Claudia , Heckert Alec , Banala Sambashiva , Lavis Luke , Darzacq Xavier , Tjian Robert
Published: June 2018

Phase separation and gene control

Many components of eukaryotic transcription machinery—such as transcription factors and cofactors including BRD4, subunits of the Mediator complex, and RNA polymerase II—contain intrinsically disordered low-complexity domains. Now a conceptual framework connecting the nature and behavior of their interactions to their functions in transcription regulation is emerging (see the Perspective by Plys and Kingston). Chong
et al.
found that low-complexity domains of transcription factors form concentrated hubs via functionally relevant dynamic, multivalent, and sequence-specific protein-protein interaction. These hubs have the potential to phase-separate at higher concentrations. Indeed, Sabari
et al.
showed that at super-enhancers, BRD4 and Mediator form liquid-like condensates that compartmentalize and concentrate the transcription apparatus to maintain expression of key cell-identity genes. Cho
et al.
further revealed the differential sensitivity of Mediator and RNA polymerase II condensates to selective transcription inhibitors and how their dynamic interactions might initiate transcription elongation.

Science
, this issue p.
eaar2555
, p.
eaar3958
, p.
412
; see also p.
329
Coactivator condensation at super-enhancers links phase separation and gene control
Authors: Sabari Benjamin R. , Dall’Agnese Alessandra , Boija Ann , Klein Isaac A. , Coffey Eliot L. , Shrinivas Krishna , Abraham Brian J. , Hannett Nancy M. , Zamudio Alicia V. , Manteiga John C. , Li Charles H. , Guo Yang E. , Day Daniel S. , Schuijers Jurian , Vasile Eliza , Malik Sohail , Hnisz Denes , Lee Tong Ihn , Cisse Ibrahim I. , Roeder Robert G. , Sharp Phillip A. , Chakraborty Arup K. , Young Richard A.
Published: June 2018

Phase separation and gene control

Many components of eukaryotic transcription machinery—such as transcription factors and cofactors including BRD4, subunits of the Mediator complex, and RNA polymerase II—contain intrinsically disordered low-complexity domains. Now a conceptual framework connecting the nature and behavior of their interactions to their functions in transcription regulation is emerging (see the Perspective by Plys and Kingston). Chong
et al.
found that low-complexity domains of transcription factors form concentrated hubs via functionally relevant dynamic, multivalent, and sequence-specific protein-protein interaction. These hubs have the potential to phase-separate at higher concentrations. Indeed, Sabari
et al.
showed that at super-enhancers, BRD4 and Mediator form liquid-like condensates that compartmentalize and concentrate the transcription apparatus to maintain expression of key cell-identity genes. Cho
et al.
further revealed the differential sensitivity of Mediator and RNA polymerase II condensates to selective transcription inhibitors and how their dynamic interactions might initiate transcription elongation.

Science
, this issue p.
eaar2555
, p.
eaar3958
, p.
412
; see also p.
329
Seeded growth of single-crystal two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Evans Austin M. , Parent Lucas R. , Flanders Nathan C. , Bisbey Ryan P. , Vitaku Edon , Kirschner Matthew S. , Schaller Richard D. , Chen Lin X. , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Dichtel William R.
Published: June 2018

Covalent organic frameworks writ large

Covalent organic framework (COF) materials have been difficult to characterize structurally and to exploit because they tend to form powders or amorphous materials. Ma
et al.
studied a variety of three-dimensional COFs based on imine linkages (see the Perspective by Navarro). They found that the addition of aniline inhibited nucleation and allowed the growth of crystals large enough for single-crystal x-ray diffraction studies. Evans
et al.
describe a two-step process in which nanoscale seeds of boronate ester–linked two-dimensional COFs can be grown into micrometer-scale single crystals by using a solvent that suppresses the nucleation of additional nanoparticles. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed superior charge transport in these crystallites compared with that observed in conventional powders.

Science
, this issue p.
48
, p.
52
; see also p.
35
Anomalously low dielectric constant of confined water
Authors: Fumagalli L. , Esfandiar A. , Fabregas R. , Hu S. , Ares P. , Janardanan A. , Yang Q. , Radha B. , Taniguchi T. , Watanabe K. , Gomila G. , Novoselov K. S. , Geim A. K.
Published: June 2018

Water's surface dielectric

Theoretical studies predict that the inhibition of rotational motion of water near a solid surface will decrease its local dielectric constant. Fumagalli
et al.
fabricated thin channels in insulating hexagonal boron nitride on top of conducting graphene layers (see the Perspective by Kalinin). The channels, which varied in height from 1 to 300 nanometers, were filled with water and capped with a boron nitride layer. Modeling of the capacitance measurements made with an atomic force microscope tip revealed a surface-layer dielectric constant of 2, compared with the bulk value of 80 for water.

Science
, this issue p.
1339
; see also p.
1302
Aberrant choice behavior in alcoholism
Authors: Spanagel Rainer
Published: June 2018

Impaired neurotransmitter clearance in the amygdala is implicated in alcoholism