bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term risk assessment on noneffective and effective toxic doses of imidacloprid to honeybee workers
Authors: Zhu Yu Cheng , Yao Jianxiu , Adamczyk John
Published: September 2018

Imidacloprid is the most widely used insecticide in agriculture. Its impact on honeybees has received worldwide attention. Foliar sprays are commonly and frequently used for piercing insect control, particularly on cotton in southern USA. To simulate field exposures of formulated imidacloprid (Advise® 2Fl), we used a modified spray tower to treat honeybee workers and monitored five enzyme activities and survival for up to 52 days. Results indicated that spray treatments twice a week for 52 days with 0.001 and 1 mg/L and once a week for three weeks with 4.3 mg/L Advise showed no adverse effect on bee survival, where imidacloprid‐treated bees could live as long as untreated bees. Concentration ≥80 mg/L significantly reduced bee survival, and substantial number of bees continued to die after 48‐hr of post‐treatment period which was commonly used for measuring insecticide toxicity. The body weight of imidacloprid‐treated bees (at LC20 and LC50) was also significantly reduced. Enzymatic data showed that activities of detoxification enzymes esterase and glutathione S‐transferase (GST), insecticide‐target enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and honey enzyme invertase in imidacloprid‐treated survivors were mostly similar to those found in untreated bees. The immunity‐related phenoloxidase (PO) activity in imidacloprid‐treated survivors was also mostly similar to that of untreated control, but higher PO activity was detected in bees treated with higher concentrations for 3 weeks. By using both bioassays and enzymatic assays, this study revealed long‐term noneffective and effective concentrations of imidacloprid that may be useful for accurate assessment of toxicity risk of neonicotinoids to bees.
Zirconia dental implants: A clinical and radiographic evaluation
Authors: Rodriguez Angel E. , Monzavi Mona , Yokoyama Chester L. , Nowzari Hessam
Published: September 2018

Objective

Limited clinical evidence has been reported in dental literature regarding zirconia dental implants. The aim of the present retrospective consecutive case series was to evaluate the clinical outcome of zirconia dental implants with 1 to 5 years of follow‐up.

Clinical considerations

The clinical outcome of 24 implants in 12 consecutive patients (male 5, female 7) with a mean age of 55 years (range 27‐86) is reported. Radiographic crestal bone level was assessed by the use of “ImageJ” software program. Gingival and plaque indices were recorded at baseline and latest follow‐up.

Conclusion

The overall success rate of zirconia implants was 92%. Within the limitations of the present clinical evaluation, zirconia implants provided excellent clinical results and esthetic outcomes. A mean periimplant bone loss of 0.3 mm was measured in 33.3% of the implants and 66.7% were not affected by radiographic detectable periimplant bone loss. Two implants in two patients failed. Low gingival and plaque indices were predominant values for both interim and final restorations. The apparent less affinity to plaque accumulation may favor soft tissue health around zirconia dental implants and decrease the risk of inflammation or infection. Zirconia dental implant merits further investigation.

Clinical significance

Zirconia dental implants are emerging as an option in clinical practice of implant dentistry providing stable clinical results and esthetic outcomes.
Association of Hospitalization, Critical Illness, and Infection with Brain Structure in Older Adults
Authors: Walker Keenan A. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Wu Aozhou , Knopman David S. , Mosley Thomas H. , Alonso Alvaro , Kucharska‐Newton Anna , Brown Charles H.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To examine the association between hospitalization, critical illness, and infection occurring during middle‐ and late‐life and structural brain abnormalities in older adults.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Participants

A community sample of adults who were 44 to 66 years of age at study baseline.

Measurements

Active surveillance of local hospitals and annual participant contact were used to gather hospitalization information (including International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes) on all participants over a 24‐year surveillance period. Subsequently, a subset of participants underwent 3‐Tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify total and regional brain volumes, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, and white matter microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) as measured using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)).

Results

Of the 1,689 participants included (mean age at MRI 76±5), 72% were hospitalized, 14% had a major infection, and 4% had a critical illness during the surveillance period. Using covariate‐adjusted regression, hospitalization was associated with 0.12–standard deviation (SD) greater WMH volume (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.00–0.24) and poorer white matter microstructural integrity (0.17‐SD lower FA, 95% CI=–0.27 to –0.06; 0.16‐SD greater MD, 95% CI=0.07–0.25) than no hospitalization. There was a dose‐dependent relationship between number of hospitalizations, smaller brain volumes, and lower white matter integrity (p‐trends ≤.048). In hospitalized participants, critical illness was associated with smaller Alzheimer's disease (AD) signature region (–1.64 cm3, 95% CI=–3.16 to –0.12); major infection was associated with smaller AD signature region (–1.28 cm3, 95% CI=–2.21 to –0.35) and larger ventricular volume (3.79 cm3, 95% CI= 0.81–6.77).

Conclusions

Whereas all‐cause hospitalization was primarily associated with lower white matter integrity, critical illness and major infection were associated with smaller brain volume, particularly within regions implicated in AD.
Genomic divergence in cotton germplasm related to maturity and heterosis
Authors: He Shoupu , Sun Gaofei , Huang Longyu , Yang Daigang , Dai Panhong , Zhou Dayun , Wu Yuzhen , Ma Xiongfeng , Du Xiongming , Wei Shoujun , Peng Jun , Kuang Meng
Published: September 2018

Commercial varieties of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) have undergone extensive breeding for agronomic traits, such as fiber quality, disease resistance, and yield. Cotton breeding programs have widely used Chinese upland cotton source germplasm (CUCSG) with excellent agronomic traits. A better understanding of the genetic diversity and genomic characteristics of these accessions could accelerate the identification of desirable alleles. Here, we analyzed 10,522 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with the CottonSNP63K microarray in 137 cotton accessions (including 12 hybrids of upland cotton). These data were used to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure, and genomic characteristics of each population and the contribution of these loci to heterosis. Three subgroups were identified, in agreement with their known pedigrees, geographical distributions, and times since introduction. For each group, we identified lineage‐specific genomic divergence regions, which potentially harbor key alleles that determine the characteristics of each group, such as early maturity‐related loci. Investigation of the distribution of heterozygous loci, among 12 commercial cotton hybrids, revealed a potential role for these regions in heterosis. Our study provides insight into the population structure of upland cotton germplasm. Furthermore, the overlap between lineage‐specific regions and heterozygous loci, in the high‐yield hybrids, suggests a role for these regions in cotton heterosis.
Removal of carbon contamination in ETEM by introducing Ar during electron beam irradiation
Authors: TOKUNAGA T. , SAITO K. , KUNO K. , HIGUCHI K. , YAMAMOTO Y. , YAMAMOTO T.
Published: September 2018

Organic materials, including carbon, exist inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM) chamber and are adsorbed onto samples under observation during TEM. When these adsorbed organic materials are irradiated by an electron beam, the adsorbed gas is decomposed. Carbon atoms remain on the sample and bond with each other forming a material with an amorphous structure. Due to the carbon deposition on the observation area of the sample, it is contaminated and the TEM image quality is decreased. Ar was introduced into environmental TEM (ETEM) to purge organic material from the sample chamber to reduce contamination growth. After Ar gas was introduced, the contamination was gradually removed. The contamination removal rate was dependent on the Ar pressure. Moreover, it was clear that Ar was ionised by electron beam irradiation and the Ar ions were produced in the ETEM during electron beam irradiation. It is proposed that the Ar ions removed the carbon contamination.

Lay Description

Organic materials, including carbon, exist inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM) chamber and are adsorbed onto samples under observation during TEM. When these adsorbed organic materials are irradiated by an electron beam, the adsorbed gas is decomposed. Carbon atoms remain on the sample and bond with each other forming a material with an amorphous structure. Due to the carbon deposition on the observation area of the sample, it is contaminated and the TEM image quality is decreased. Ar was introduced into environmental TEM (ETEM) to purge organic material from the sample chamber to reduce contamination growth. After Ar gas was introduced, the contamination was gradually removed. The contamination removal rate was dependent on the Ar pressure. Moreover, it was clear that Ar was ionised by electron beam irradiation and the Ar ions were produced in the ETEM during electron beam irradiation. It is proposed that the Ar ions removed the carbon contamination.
Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor
Authors: Lohani Alka , Mishra Arun Kumar , Verma Anurag
Published: September 2018

The present investigation was aimed to find out the sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant potential of geranium essential oil (GEO) and calendula essential oil (CEO) because having a combination of these two properties moves up the oils as an active ingredient of various cosmeceutical formulations for their preventive and protective properties. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of Pelargonium graveolens leaves (GEO) and Calendula officinalis flowers (CEO). The composition and identification of chemical constituents of oils were determined by GCMS analysis. Free radical scavenging activity was measured by nitric oxide scavenging activity and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. It was observed that both GEO and CEO have the potential to reduce or prevent oxidative stress and can be used in skin care regimen to slow down skin aging via its antioxidant properties. In vitro SPF was determined by a very simple and rapid spectroscopic method. SPF value of GEO and CEO was found to 6.45 and 8.36, respectively. The SPF of CEO was higher than GEO, and the results of SPF show that these essential oils can be employed in sunscreen formulations to protect the skin from sunburn. From the results, it can be concluded that the combined antioxidant and SPF property of GEO and CEO can provide synergistic photoprotective effect or lift up the additional value of the cosmeceutical formulation.
Temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging findings in adolescents with anterior disk displacement compared to those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Kellenberger Christian J. , Bucheli Jeannine , Schroeder‐Kohler Silke , Saurenmann Rotraud K. , Colombo Vera , Ettlin Dominik A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Deformation of the mandibular condyle can be associated with anterior disk displacement (ADD) or involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Diagnostic differentiation is critical for proper management.

Objectives

To compare morphology and inflammation between TMJs with ADD and JIA.

Methods

Retrospective assessment of contrast‐enhanced TMJ MRI in 18 adolescents (15 female, mean age 15.1 ± 1.9 years) with ADD and age‐ and gender‐matched patients with JIA. Articular disk findings, inflammatory signs and osseous morphology were compared.

Results

In the ADD group, 31 of 36 disks were displaced. In total, 28 of 31 displaced disks showed thickening of the bilaminar zone. In JIA patients, the disks were mainly flattened (19/36), centrally perforated (12/36) and/or anteriorly displaced (2/36). In total, 19 of 31 TMJs with ADD showed various degrees of inflammation, with joint effusion, synovial thickening and joint enhancement not significantly different from JIA patients. Osseous deformity was present in 27 of 31 TMJs with ADD, with frequent erosions in both groups (ADD 25/31; JIA 32/36, P = 0.55) but lower grades of condylar and temporal bone flattening than in JIA (P ≤ 0.001). Glenoid fossa depth was preserved in 28 of 31 joints with ADD and decreased in 26 of 36 joints with JIA (P < 0.0001). Mandibular ramus height was decreased in both groups.

Conclusion

In adolescents, inflammatory signs are common MRI findings in symptomatic TMJs with ADD and thus should not be considered diagnostic for JIA involvement. In this cohort, both entities had high rates of condylar deformity, while TMJs with ADD showed a better‐preserved and often normal shape of the glenoid fossa.
Non‐carious cervical lesions and risk factors: A case‐control study
Authors: Alvarez‐Arenal Angel , Alvarez‐Menendez Leticia , Gonzalez‐Gonzalez Ignacio , Alvarez‐Riesgo Jose Antonio , Brizuela‐Velasco Aritza , deLlanos‐Lanchares Hector
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To evaluate whether the presence of non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) was related to the considered risk factors and to show the corresponding odds ratio in a predictive model.

Methods

The sample was 280 dentistry students. In an initial clinical examination, 140 cases were selected that presented one or more teeth with non‐carious cervical wear. For each case, a similar sex and age control without any tooth with non‐carious cervical lesions was selected. An occlusal examination and periodontal probing were performed in all cases and controls by skilled dentists. All the subjects answered a questionnaire referring to factors of brushing, bruxism, preferred chewing side, consumption of extrinsic acids and the presence of intrinsic acids. Data were analysed by means of univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of all the study variables, only the protrusion interferences, interferences on the non‐working side, the brushing force, CPITN value and the consumption of salads increase the risk of NCCLs in the univariate regression. The best predictive model was formed by the combination of CPITN variables >1, the consumption of acidic salads, self‐reported bruxism, brushing force and attrition. However, it only correctly classifies 68.75% of subjects.

Conclusions

This study supports the multifactorial aetiology of NCCLs, the combination of several factors being necessary to explain their presence. The risk factors that make up the predictive model are not sufficient to explain the appearance of NCCLs. Dentists should take into account all these risk factors in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Benzyl sulforaphane is superior to sulforaphane in inhibiting the Akt/MAPK and activating the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathways in HepG2 cells
Authors: Ren Jie , Yuan Ling , Wang Yue , Chen Guangtong , Hu Kun
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, has been reported to own anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory and cancer chemopreventive properties. Benzyl sulforaphane (BSFN) was a derivative of SFN which was designed and synthesized by our laboratory. Here, the cancer prevention and anticancer effects of BSFN on human hepatoma (HepG2) cells were investigated.

Methods

The following effects of BSFN on components of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were examined: generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) changes by flow cytometry, the expression changes of Bcl-2 family proteins and Akt/MAPK proteins by western blot. The protein levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 were also tested via Western blot. The effects of BSFN on Nrf2 nuclear translocation and ARE-reporter gene activity were examined by fluorescence microscope and multifunctional spectrophotometer.

Key findings

Benzyl sulforaphane could induce cell apoptosis by mitochondrion-dependent pathway, which inhibited HepG2 cells growth in a manner of time- and concentration -dependent. Furthermore, BSFN could inhibit the Akt/MAPK and activate the Nrf2/ARE pathway in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

Benzyl sulforaphane was superior to SFN in inhibiting Akt/MAPK and activating Nrf2/ARE signalling pathways in HepG2 cells, which indicated that BSFN could be a safe therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
Spinal sensory and motor blockade by intrathecal doxylamine and triprolidine in rats
Authors: Tzeng Jann-Inn , Chiu Chong-Chi , Wang Jhi-Joung , Hung Ching-Hsia , Chen Yu-Wen
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The aim of this experiment was mainly to examine the effects of intrathecally injected doxylamine and triprolidine, two antihistamine drugs spinal motor and sensory functions.

Methods

After intrathecally injecting the rats with five different doses, the dose—response curves of spinal sensory and motor block with doxylamine and triprolidine were constructed. In comparison with the local anaesthetic mepivacaine, the quality and duration of spinal anaesthesia with doxylamine or triprolidine were conducted.

Key findings

Doxylamine, mepivacaine and triprolidine elicited spinal motor and sensory (nociception and proprioception) blockades in a dose-dependent fashion. On the ED50 (50% effective dose) basis, the rank order of drug potency was triprolidine > mepivacaine > doxylamine (P < 0.05) at provoking spinal motor, proprioceptive and nociceptive blockades. On the equianaesthetic doses (ED25, ED50 and ED75), the duration of spinal anaesthesia with doxylamine was longer (P < 0.01) than that with mepivacaine or triprolidine. Moreover, doxylamine or triprolidine displayed greater potency (ED50) (P < 0.05) and duration (P < 0.05) of sensory block over motor block.

Conclusions

Doxylamine or triprolidine produces a dose-dependent effect of spinal motor and sensory block. Triprolidine with a better nociception-selective action over motor block has a better potency than mepivacaine or doxylamine. Doxylamine and triprolidine produce longer durations than mepivacaine.
Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems and cationic surfactants: do they potentiate each other in cytotoxicity?
Authors: Lam Hung Thanh , Le-Vinh Bao , Phan Thi Nhu Quynh , Bernkop-Schnürch Andreas
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing five different cationic surfactants.

Methods

Cationic surfactants were added in a concentration of 1% and 5% (m/m) to SEDDS comprising 30% Capmul MCM, 30% Captex 355, 30% Cremophor EL and 10% propylene glycol. The resulting formulations were characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, in-vitro haemolytic activity and toxicity on Caco-2 via MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase release assay.

Key findings

The evaluated surfactants had in both concentrations a minor impact on the size of SEDDS ranging from 30.2 ± 0.6 to 55.4 ± 1.1 nm, whereas zeta potential changed significantly from −9.0 ± 0.3 to +28.8 ± 1.6 mV. The overall cytotoxicity of cationic surfactants followed the rank order: hexadecylpyridinium chloride > benzalkonium chloride > alkyltrimethylammonium bromide > octylamine > 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium. The haemolytic activity of the combination of cationic surfactants and SEDDS on human red blood cells was synergistic. Furthermore, cationic SEDDS exhibited higher cytotoxicity of Caco-2 cells compared to SEDDS without cationic surfactants.

Conclusions

According to these results, SEDDS and cationic surfactants seem to bear an additive up to synergistic toxic risk.
A Twenty‐Year Citation Analysis of the Knowledge Outflow and Inflow Patterns from the Journal of Product Innovation Management
Authors: Sarin Shikhar , Haon Christophe , Belkhouja Mustapha
Published: September 2018

Since its inception in 1984, an emphasis on cross‐functionality and interdisciplinary research was encrypted into the DNA of the Journal of Product and Innovation Management (JPIM). This essay explores the extent to which the journal has served as a platform for exchange of ideas between different disciplines by examining knowledge outflow and inflow with other scientific journals and disciplines over a 20‐year period (1994‐2013). Based on an extensive bibliometric database, we gain insights about how JPIM has evolved. We show that the journal has become a gatekeeper, importing knowledge mostly from the marketing and management literatures, and exporting knowledge to the technology and innovations management and the operations management domains.
Individual Differences and the Ergodicity Problem
Authors: Lowie Wander M. , Verspoor Marjolijn H.
Published: September 2018

Traditional research into individual differences (ID) in second language (L2) learning is based on group studies with the implicit assumption that findings can be generalized to the individual. In this article, we challenge this view. We argue that L2 learners do not form ergodic ensembles and that language learning data lack stability. The data from our experiment show that even highly similar learners in terms of ID show clearly different learning trajectories over time; however, we did find that those who showed the greatest degree of variability gained the most in proficiency. Such findings lead to the view that group studies and individual case studies are complementary. Group studies give us valuable information about the relative weight of individual factors that may play a role in L2 development, but longitudinal case studies are needed to understand the process of individual learners’ development.
Cardiovascular risk factors in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hagström Hannes , Nasr Patrik , Ekstedt Mattias , Hammar Ulf , Stål Per , Askling Johan , Hultcrantz Rolf , Kechagias Stergios
Published: September 2018

Background & Aims

Patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear whether histological variables may help predict CVD risk. We evaluated histology and traditional CV risk factors as predictors of CVD outcomes in a large NAFLD cohort.

Methods

We included 603 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients free of baseline CVD and matched these (1:10, by age, sex and municipality) to 6269 population controls. All individuals were cross‐linked to national registries to ascertain incident CVD events, defined as acute ischaemic heart disease or stroke. The presence of CV risk factors and liver histology were available in NAFLD patients only. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for incident CVD.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 18.6 years, 168 (28%) of NAFLD patients and 1325 (21%) of controls experienced a CVD event (HR 1.54, 95%CI 1.30‐1.83). Within the NAFLD cohort, age, male sex, type 2 diabetes, smoking and triglycerides were associated with risk of CVD. Taking these CV risk factors into account, no histological parameter, including presence of NASH and fibrosis stage, were associated with incident CVD.

Conclusions

Patients with NAFLD are at an increased risk for CVD compared to matched controls, but histological parameters do not seem to independently predict this risk.
Relationship between three commonly used non‐invasive fibrosis biomarkers and improvement in fibrosis stage in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Chalasani Naga , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Loomba Rohit , Kowdley Kris V. , McCullough Arthur J. , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Neuschwander‐Tetri Brent A. , Terrault Norah , Ferguson Beatrice , Shringarpure Reshma , Shapiro David , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: September 2018

Background & Aims

Non‐invasive biomarkers are needed for monitoring changes in liver histology in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Obeticholic acid (OCA) was shown to improve fibrosis in patients with NASH in the FLINT trial; a post hoc analysis of these data was performed to determine the relationship between 3 non‐invasive fibrosis markers and liver fibrosis improvement.

Methods

In the Phase 2b FLINT trial, patients were randomised (1:1) to receive 25 mg OCA or placebo once daily for 72 weeks. Aspartate aminotransferase:platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) were evaluated in serum at baseline and weeks 24, 48, 72 and 96. Liver biopsies were obtained at baseline and 72 weeks.

Results

In patients with fibrosis improvement at week 24, scores were reduced by a median of 34% for APRI, 10% for FIB‐4 and 4% for NFS. Reductions in APRI (P = 0.015) and FIB‐4 (P = 0.036), but not NFS (P = 0.201) at week 24, significantly correlated with ≥1‐stage improvement in histologic fibrosis at week 72. Reductions in APRI at week 72 were significantly correlated with fibrosis improvement at week 72 (P = 0.012). Patients receiving OCA had significant reductions in all markers compared with patients receiving placebo at week 72 [APRI and FIB‐4 (P < 0.0001); NFS (P < 0.05)].

Conclusions

Readily available non‐invasive markers may predict improvement in liver fibrosis in patients with NASH. Upon external confirmation and further refinement in larger populations, these markers may serve as surrogate endpoints in NASH clinical trials.
Effect of tadalafil add‐on therapy in patients with persistant storage symptoms refractory to α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist monotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized pilot trial comparing tadalafil and solifenacin
Authors: Urakami Shinji , Ogawa Kohei , Oka Suguru , Hagiwara Kiichi , Nagamoto Shoichi , Anjiki Haruki , Hayashida Michikata , Yano Akihiro , Sakaguchi Kazushige , Kurosawa Kazuhiro , Okaneya Toshikazu
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil add‐on therapy with α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists.

Methods

Patients with persistent storage symptoms refractory to α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists for benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to either a 5 mg tadalafil or 5 mg solifenacin treatment group for 12 weeks. International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, urinary flow rates, residual urine volume, and blood pressure were measured prospectively before treatment and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Changes from baseline were compared between groups. The rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects was evaluated.

Results

Of the 75 patients recruited to the study, 38 and 37 were assigned to the tadalafil and solifenacin groups, respectively. There were no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The change in the amount of residual urine volume was significantly larger in the solifenacin‐ than tadalafil‐treated group; other parameters, including lower urinary tract symptoms and uroflowmetry measures, did not differ significantly between the two groups. Seven (18%) and 12 (32%) patients in the tadalafil and solifenacin groups, respectively, discontinued treatment because of adverse events. The main reasons for discontinuation in the tadalafil group were stomach discomfort or nausea and dizziness or vertigo; voiding difficulty and constipation were the main reasons for discontinuation in the solifenacin group. There was no significant difference in blood pressure fluctuations from baseline between the two groups.

Conclusions

Tadalafil add‐on therapy was not inferior to solifenacin add‐on therapy in terms of effect and safety. Therefore, tadalafil could be an alternative add‐on drug for patients with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms refractory to α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists.
Creative Engagement: Embodied Metaphor, the Affective Brain, and Meaningful Learning
Authors: Anderson Ross C.
Published: September 2018

In this commentary, I build on recent interdisciplinary models for embodied cognition with additional perspectives from affective neuroscience, educational psychology, creativity theory, and science education. I invoke William James and John Dewey, pioneers of an embodied philosophy of mind, alongside recent affective neuroscience theory about the role of bodily emotional response in learning. I present educational implications of the need for meaning making through body–mind and affective interaction with a social learning environment. I reformulate the problem of learner engagement in school to look beyond the need for autonomy, belonging, and competency to include the need for creative meaning making in learner engagement. To provide context, I explore the experience of adolescent students using a drama‐based pedagogical tool to learn an abstract science concept. This example illustrates how embodied, creative learning rich with metaphor shapes meaning making in science learning. I conclude by elaborating further on a proposed model of creative engagement.
The role of gene flow in rapid and repeated evolution of cave‐related traits in Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Herman Adam , Brandvain Yaniv , Weagley James , Jeffery William R. , Keene Alex C. , Kono Thomas J. Y. , Bilandžija Helena , Borowsky Richard , Espinasa Luis , O'Quin Kelly , Ornelas‐García Claudia P. , Yoshizawa Masato , Carlson Brian , Maldonado Ernesto , Gross Joshua B. , Cartwright Reed A. , Rohner Nicolas , Warren Wesley C. , McGaugh Suzanne E.
Published: September 2018

Understanding the molecular basis of repeatedly evolved phenotypes can yield key insights into the evolutionary process. Quantifying gene flow between populations is especially important in interpreting mechanisms of repeated phenotypic evolution, and genomic analyses have revealed that admixture occurs more frequently between diverging lineages than previously thought. In this study, we resequenced 47 whole genomes of the Mexican tetra from three cave populations, two surface populations and outgroup samples. We confirmed that cave populations are polyphyletic and two Astyanax mexicanus lineages are present in our data set. The two lineages likely diverged much more recently than previous mitochondrial estimates of 5–7 mya. Divergence of cave populations from their phylogenetically closest surface population likely occurred between ~161 and 191 k generations ago. The favoured demographic model for most population pairs accounts for divergence with secondary contact and heterogeneous gene flow across the genome, and we rigorously identified gene flow among all lineages sampled. Therefore, the evolution of cave‐related traits occurred more rapidly than previously thought, and trogolomorphic traits are maintained despite gene flow with surface populations. The recency of these estimated divergence events suggests that selection may drive the evolution of cave‐derived traits, as opposed to disuse and drift. Finally, we show that a key trogolomorphic phenotype QTL is enriched for genomic regions with low divergence between caves, suggesting that regions important for cave phenotypes may be transferred between caves via gene flow. Our study shows that gene flow must be considered in studies of independent, repeated trait evolution.
Iron‐sulfur cluster carrier proteins involved in the assembly of Escherichia coli NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)
Authors: Burschel Sabrina , Kreuzer Decovic Doris , Nuber Franziska , Stiller Marie , Hofmann Maud , Zupok Arkadiusz , Siemiatkowska Beata , Gorka Michal , Leimkühler Silke , Friedrich Thorsten
Published: September 2018

The NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (respiratory complex I) is the main entry point for electrons into the Escherichia coli aerobic respiratory chain. With its sophisticated setup of 13 different subunits and 10 cofactors, it is anticipated that various chaperones are needed for its proper maturation. However, very little is known about the assembly of E. coli complex I, especially concerning the incorporation of the iron‐sulfur clusters. To identify iron‐sulfur cluster carrier proteins possibly involved in the process, we generated knockout strains of NfuA, BolA, YajL, Mrp, GrxD and IbaG that have been reported either to be involved in the maturation of mitochondrial complex I or to exert influence on the clusters of bacterial complex. We determined the NADH and succinate oxidase activities of membranes from the mutant strains to monitor the specificity of the individual mutations for complex I. The deletion of NfuA, BolA and Mrp led to a decreased stability and partially disturbed assembly of the complex as determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation and native PAGE. EPR spectroscopy of cytoplasmic membranes revealed that the BolA deletion results in the loss of the binuclear Fe/S cluster N1b.
Characterization of CRISPR‐Cas systems in the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex
Authors: da Silva Xavier André , de Almeida Juliana Cristina Fraleon , de Melo Alessandra Gonçalves , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Tremblay Denise M. , de Rezende Rafael Reis , Moineau Sylvain , Alfenas‐Zerbini Poliane
Published: September 2018

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) are composed of an array of short DNA repeat sequences separated by unique spacer sequences that are flanked by associated (Cas) genes. CRISPR‐Cas systems are found in the genomes of several microbes and can act as an adaptive immune mechanism against invading foreign nucleic acids, such as phage genomes. Here, we studied the CRISPR‐Cas systems in plant‐pathogenic bacteria of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC). A CRISPR‐Cas system was found in 31% of RSSC genomes present in public databases. Specifically, CRISPR‐Cas types I‐E and II‐C were found, with I‐E being the most common. The presence of the same CRISPR‐Cas types in distinct Ralstonia phylotypes and species suggests the acquisition of the system by a common ancestor before Ralstonia species segregation. In addition, a Cas1 phylogeny (I‐E type) showed a perfect geographical segregation of phylotypes, supporting an ancient acquisition. Ralstoniasolanacearum strains CFBP2957 and K60T were challenged with a virulent phage, and the CRISPR arrays of bacteriophage‐insensitive mutants (BIMs) were analysed. No new spacer acquisition was detected in the analysed BIMs. The functionality of the CRISPR‐Cas interference step was also tested in R. solanacearum CFBP2957 using a spacer‐protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) delivery system, and no resistance was observed against phage phiAP1. Our results show that the CRISPR‐Cas system in R. solanacearum CFBP2957 is not its primary antiviral strategy.
The Ḥanbalī Emigration of 551–569 AH/1156–1173 AD in the Context of the Legal Discourse on Muslims under Non‐Muslim Rule
Authors: Smarandache Bogdan C.
Published: September 2018

In 551 AH/1156 AD the Ḥanbalī shaykh Aḥmad ibn Qudāma (491–558/1098–1163) emigrated from the Frankish‐ruled region of Samaria. He reached Damascus and advised his relatives to follow suit, thus initiating the two‐decade exodus of the Banū Qudāma from the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The migration story survives in a tenth/sixteenth century chronicle and is attributed to Aḥmad's grandson, Ḍiyā’ al‐Dīn (569–643/1173–1245). According to Ḍiyā’ al‐Dīn, the cause of the emigration was the extreme oppression of the local Frankish lord, Baldwin of Ibelin (d. c. 582/1186), and Aḥmad ibn Qudāma's inability to practice his religion. But scholars have also attributed the emigration to wider ideological and political developments under the reign of Nūr al‐Dīn ibn Zengi (541–569/1146–1174), namely the counter‐crusade and the institutionalization of jihad propaganda. Here I explore the context of the emigration in greater detail while focusing primarily on legal theory. In most cases, a historian can determine the circumstances that led to the issuance of certain legal opinions but in the case of the Ḥanbalī emigration we have an event without an accompanying legal opinion. Accordingly, the emigration must be analyzed in light of developments in Ḥanbalī legal thought prior to and during the crusades and in consideration of how members of the Banū Qudāma perceived their role prior to and during the emigration. Aḥmad's role as a charismatic shaykh and spiritual leader became ever more critical and contentious at a time when political tensions between Franks and Muslims were escalating. Furthermore, the heightened religiosity of the Muslims of Greater Syria inspired other members of the Qudāma family to leave the Frankish domains even though their lives were not in danger. This chapter thus aims to complement Steven Gertz's analysis of legal opinions on the obligation to emigrate (The Muslim World, vol. 103) by providing a grounded example of how such opinions could be enacted.
Independent and Joint‐GWASfor growth traits inEucalyptusby assembling genome‐wide data for 3373 individuals across four breeding populations
Authors: Müller Bárbara S. F. , de Almeida Filho Janeo E. , Lima Bruno M. , Garcia Carla C. , Missiaggia Alexandre , Aguiar Aurelio M. , Takahashi Elizabete , Kirst Matias , Gezan Salvador A. , Silva‐Junior Orzenil B. , Neves Leandro G. , Grattapaglia Dario
Published: September 2018

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in plants typically suffer from limited statistical power. An alternative to the logistical and cost challenge of increasing sample sizes is to gain power by meta‐analysis using information from independent studies.

We carried outGWASfor growth traits with six single‐marker models and regional heritability mapping (RHM) in fourEucalyptusbreeding populations independently and by Joint‐GWAS, using gene and segment‐based models, with data for 3373 individuals genotyped with a communalEUChip60KSNPplatform.

While single‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) GWAShardly detected significant associations at high‐stringency in each population, gene‐based Joint‐GWASrevealed nine genes significantly associated with tree height. Associations detected using single‐SNP GWAS,RHMand Joint‐GWASset‐based models explained on average 3–20% of the phenotypic variance. Whole‐genome regression, conversely, captured 64–89% of the pedigree‐based heritability in all populations. Several associations independently detected for the sameSNPs in different populations provided unprecedentedGWASvalidation results in forest trees. Rare and common associations were discovered in eight genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and lignification.

With the increasing adoption of genomic prediction of complex phenotypes using sharedSNPs and much larger tree breeding populations, Joint‐GWASapproaches should provide increasing power to pinpoint discrete associations potentially useful toward tree breeding and molecular applications.
TGACG‐BINDING FACTORs (TGAs) and TGA‐interacting CC‐type glutaredoxins modulate hyponastic growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Ning , Muthreich Martin , Huang Li‐Jun , Thurow Corinna , Sun Tongjun , Zhang Yuelin , Gatz Christiane
Published: September 2018

TGACG‐BINDING FACTORs (TGAs) control the developmental or defense‐related processes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the functions of at least TGA2 and PERIANTHIA (PAN) can be repressed by interacting with CC‐type glutaredoxins, which have the potential to control the redox state of target proteins. As TGA1 can be redox modulated in planta, we analyzed whether some of the 21 CC‐type glutaredoxins (ROXYs) encoded in the Arabidopsis genome can influence TGA1 activity in planta and whether the redox active cysteines of TGA1 are functionally important.

We show that the tga1 tga4 mutant and plants ectopically expressing ROXY8 or ROXY9 are impaired in hyponastic growth. As expression of ROXY8 and ROXY9 is activated upon transfer of plants from hyponasty‐inducing low light to normal light, they might interfere with the growth‐promoting function of TGA1/TGA4 to facilitate reversal of hyponastic growth.

The redox‐sensitive cysteines of TGA1 are not required for induction or reversal of hyponastic growth.

TGA1 and TGA4 interact with ROXYs 8, 9, 18, and 19/GRX480, but ectopically expressed ROXY18 and ROXY19/GRX480 do not interfere with hyponastic growth. Our results therefore demonstrate functional specificities of individual ROXYs for distinct TGAs despite promiscuous protein–protein interactions and point to different repression mechanisms, depending on the TGA/ROXY combination.
Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management
Authors: Ding C. , Leow M. K.‐S. , Magkos F.
Published: September 2018

Oxytocin was once understood solely as a neuropeptide with a central role in social bonding, reproduction, parturition, lactation and appetite regulation. Recent evidence indicates that oxytocin enhances glucose uptake and lipid utilization in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, suggesting that dysfunction of the oxytocin system could underlie the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Murine studies revealed that deficiencies in oxytocin signalling and oxytocin receptor expression lead to obesity despite normal food intake, motor activity and increased leptin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentration is notably lower in obese individuals with diabetes, which may suggest an involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. More recently, small scale studies demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin was associated with significant weight loss as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β‐cell responsivity in human subjects. The multi‐pronged effects of oxytocin signalling on improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, pancreatic function and lipid homeostasis strongly suggest a role for this system as a therapeutic target in obesity and diabetes management. The complexity of obesity aetiology and the pathogenesis of obesity‐related metabolic complications underscore the need for a systems approach to better understand the role of oxytocin in metabolic function.
Influence of corticosteroid therapy on orthodontic tooth movement: A narrative review of studies in animal‐models
Authors: Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Al‐Shammery Deema , Rossouw P. Emile , Ahmed Hameeda Bashir , Akram Zohaib , Romanos Georgios E. , Javed Fawad
Published: September 2018

The aim was to assess the influence of corticosteroid therapy (CST) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). A narrative review of studies performed in animal models. Indexed databases were searched up to and including May 2018 to address the following focused question: “Does CST affect OTM?” The following eligibility criteria were imposed: (a) original studies; (b) presence of a control group (OTM without CST); (c) intervention: effect of CST on OTM; and (d) statistical analysis. Quality assessment was performed using the Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiment (ARRIVE) guidelines. Case series, case reports, commentaries, historic reviews and letters to the Editor were excluded. Ten studies performed on animal models were included. The experimental duration ranged between 3 and 49 days. Two studies reported that CST decreases the magnitude of OTM, two studies showed no significant influence of CST on OTM, and two studies found that CST increases OTM. Two studies reported CST significantly decreases bone density and increases bone resorption during OTM. In one study, CST significantly decreased orthodontically induced root resorption. The minimum, median and highest scores (out of 20) based on ARRIVE guidelines were 7, 15.5 and 18, respectively. The influence of CST on OTM in animal models remains debatable.
Predator‐induced changes in dissolved organic carbon dynamics
Authors: Limberger Romana , Birtel Julia , Peter Hannes , Catalán Núria , da Silva Farias Daniel , Best Rebecca J. , Brodersen Jakob , Bürgmann Helmut , Matthews Blake
Published: September 2018

The fate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is partly determined by its availability to microbial degradation. Organisms at upper trophic levels could influence the bioavailability of DOC via cascading effects on primary producers and bacteria. Here we experimentally tested whether the presence of fish in aquatic food webs can indirectly affect the composition of the DOC pool. We found that fish had strong positive effects on phytoplankton biomass that affected the dynamics of DOC composition. Specifically, fish increased protein‐like, algae‐derived DOC mid‐experiment, concurrent with the strongest fish‐induced increase in phytoplankton biomass. Fish also increased bacterial abundance, altered the community composition and diversity of bacteria, and temporarily increased DOC compounds with fluorescence properties indicative of microbially‐reprocessed organic matter. Overall, our experiment revealed that fish can positively influence the substrate (algae‐produced DOC) and the key players (bacteria) of the microbial carbon pump. Consequently, fish could contribute to carbon sequestration by stimulating both the production of bioavailable DOC and the microbial degradation of bioavailable to persistent DOC. We propose this as a novel mechanism whereby the loss of predators from global ecosystems could alter carbon cycling.
Description of typical personality factors and events that lead to anxiety at induction of anesthesia in French children
Authors: Delivet Honorine , Beauvais Delphine , Mialot Adelaide , Vacher Thomas , Marsac Lucile , Brasher Christopher , Michelet Daphné , Dahmani Souhayl
Published: September 2018

Background

Preventive strategies are available to reduce preoperative anxiety in children, the ideal time for implementing such strategies remains poorly determined.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine psychological factors and events involved in the development of preoperative anxiety in children.

Methods

This study consisted of prospective evaluations of anxiety trait and state during the preoperative period. Attendance at a preanesthetic consultation is obligatory for all patients undergoing surgery in France. Anxiety trait and state assessments were quantified in mothers and children before and after the preanesthetic consultation using visual analog and faces numerical scales. Preoperative anxiety in children was assessed immediately before induction of anesthesia using an analog scale. Other data recorded included demographic and medical data and type of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used.

Results

Overall 111 consecutive patients were included. The following factors emerged leading to anxiety state at induction of anesthesia: maternal anxiety state before the preanesthetic consultation, a feeling of not being reassured by the anesthesiologist, maternal anxiety state after the consultation, and anxiety trait in the child. Logistic regression found this combination of factors (OR = 4 [1.4 ‐12]) and inpatient stay (OR = 3 [1.4‐7]), predicting anxiety with an accuracy of 69%.

Conclusion

The present study identified a combination of psychological factors and events associated with the development of anxiety at induction of anesthesia in children. Parental anxiety impacts upon children and occurs before the preanesthetic consultation. This result may assist clinicians to prescribe personalized preventive strategies against anxiety.