bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intellectual Disability-related genes increase ADHD risk and locomotor activity in Drosophila
Authors: Klein Marieke , Singgih Euginia , van Rens Anne , Demontis Ditte , Børglum Anders D. , Mota Nina Roth , Castells-Nobau Anna , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Brunner Han G. , Arias-Vasquez Alejandro , Schenck Annette , van der Voet Monique , Franke Barbara
Published: August 2019

Objective

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common, highly heritable neuropsychiatric disorder. ADHD often co-occurs with Intellectual Disability (ID), and shared overlapping genetics have been suggested. This study aimed to identify novel ADHD genes by investigating whether genes carrying rare mutations linked to ID contribute to ADHD risk through common genetic variants. Validation and characterization of candidates were performed using Drosophila melanogaster.

Method

Common genetic variants in a diagnostic gene panel of 396 autosomal ID genes were tested for association with ADHD risk, through gene-set and gene-wide analyses, using ADHD meta-analytic data of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (n=19,210) for discovery and iPSYCH ADHD data for replication (n=37,076). The significant genes were functionally validated and characterized in Drosophila by assessing locomotor activity and sleep upon knockdown of those genes in brain circuits.

Results

The ID gene-set was significantly associated with ADHD risk in the discovery and replication data-sets. The three genes most consistently associated were MEF2C, ST3GAL3, and TRAPPC9. Performing functional characterization of the two evolutionary conserved genes in Drosophila melanogaster, we found their knockdown in dopaminergic (dMEF2) and circadian neurons (dTRAPPC9) to result in increased locomotor activity and reduced sleep, concordant with the human phenotype.

Conclusions

This study reveals that a large set of ID-related genes contributes to ADHD risk through effects of common alleles. Utilizing this continuity, we identified TRAPPC9, MEF2C, and ST3GAL3 as novel ADHD candidate genes. Characterization in Drosophila suggests that TRAPPC9 and MEF2C contribute to ADHD-related behavior through distinct neural substrates.
Single-cell radioluminescence microscopy with two-fold higher sensitivity using dual scintillator configuration
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Wang Qian , Shelor Mark , Pratx Guillem
Published: August 2019

Radioluminescence microscopy (RLM) is an imaging technique that allows quantitative analysis of clinical radiolabeled drugs and probes in single cells. However, the modality suffers from slow data acquisition (10 – 15 minutes), thus critically affecting experiments with short-lived radioactive drugs. To overcome this issue, we suggest an approach that significantly accelerates data collection. Instead of using a single scintillator to image the decay of radioactive molecules, we sandwiched the radiolabeled cells between two scintillators. As proof of concept, we imaged cells labeled with [18F]FDG, a radioactive glucose popularly used in oncology to image tumors. Results show that the double scintillator configuration increases the microscope sensitivity by two-fold, thus reducing the image acquisition time by half to achieve the same result as the single scintillator approach. The experimental results were also compared with Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation to confirm the two-fold increase in sensitivity with only minor degradation in spatial resolution. Overall, these findings suggest that the double scintillator configuration can be used to perform time-sensitive studies such as cell pharmacokinetics or cell uptake of short-lived radiotracers.
In vitroEvaluation of Various Antimicrobials against FieldMycoplasma gallisepticumandMycoplasma synoviaeIsolates in Egypt
Authors: El-Hamid Marwa I Abd , Awad Naglaa FS , Abo-Shama Usama H. , Yousreya MH , Abdel-Rahman Mahmoud A , Hetta Helal F. , Abdelaziz Adel M
Published: August 2019

Among many avian mycoplasmas,Mycoplasma gallisepticum(MG) andMycoplasma synoviae(MS) are recognized as the main etiological agents of respiratory diseases and infectious synovitis in chickens and turkeys causing tremendous economic losses worldwide. Therefore, proper treatment is promoted for the control of these diseases. This study was the first in Egypt to evaluate thein vitroefficacy of various antimicrobials against field MG and MS isolates recovered from chicken and turkey flocks using both conventional microdilution and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. Totally, 47 mycoplasma isolates were recovered from 160 collected tracheal samples (29.4%). Of these, 44 MG (27.5%) and 3 MS (1.9%) were identified using conventional and molecular assays. Thein vitrosusceptibilities of 4 representative mycoplasma isolates (3 MG and one MS) to 8 antibiotics and 4 essential oils were investigated. The tested isolates showed various susceptibilities to tested antimicrobials. Toldin CRD, followed by clove, cumin and cinnamon oils were commonly effective against both MG and MS clinical isolates with MIC values ranging from 0.49 to 15.63 µg/mL. Similarly, tylvalosin was the most active antibiotic against MG and MS isolates with the lowest MIC values (0.015-0.03 µg/mL). DNA copies of both MGmgc2and MSvlhAgenes were markedly decreased upon treatment with majority of tested antimicrobials confirming their effectiveness as was also evaluated by conventional MIC results. In conclusion, Toldin CRD and tylvalosin were found to be the most effective antimicrobials in this study, which will contribute in controlling avian mycoplasma infections.

Author Summary

Avian mycoplasmosis is considered as one of the most prominent economic problems in the commercial poultry industry worldwide. Antimicrobial therapy is the most effective tool for treatment of mycoplasmas. Owing to the side effects of antibiotics and the development of resistance to the currently used drugs, an increased emphasis on the use of alternative antimicrobials is of utmost importance. Here, we evaluate thein vitroinhibitory effects of some essential oils and various commercial antibiotics againstMycoplasma gallisepticum(MG) andMycoplasma synoviae(MS) field isolates using micro-broth dilution method and qRT-PCR assays. We found that toldin CRD, followed by clove, cumin and cinnamon oils were effective against both MG and MS clinical isolates. Similarly, tylvalosin was the most active antibiotic against MG and MS isolates. We also found that DNA copies of both MGmgc2and MSvlhAgenes were markedly decreased upon treatment with majority of tested antimicrobials. Our study provides new insights into the control of avian mycoplasma infections.
Intense sub-micrometre focusing of soft X-ray free-electron laser beyond 1016 W cm−2 with an ellipsoidal mirror
Authors: Motoyama Hiroto , Owada Shigeki , Yamaguchi Gota , Kume Takehiro , Egawa Satoru , Tono Kensuke , Inubushi Yuichi , Koyama Takahisa , Yabashi Makina , Ohashi Haruhiko , Mimura Hidekazu
Published: August 2019

Intense sub-micrometre focusing of a soft X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) was achieved by using an ellipsoidal mirror with a high numerical aperture. A hybrid focusing system in combination with a Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror was applied for compensation of a small spatial acceptance of the ellipsoidal mirror. With this system, the soft X-ray FEL pulses were focused down to 480 nm × 680 nm with an extremely high intensity of 8.8×1016 W cm−2 at a photon energy of 120 eV, which yielded saturable absorption at the L-edge of Si (99.8 eV) with a drastic increase of transmittance from 8% to 48%.
Methods for orientation and phase identification of nano-sized embedded secondary phase particles by 4D scanning precession electron diffraction
Authors: Rauch E. F. , Véron M.
Published: August 2019

The diffraction patterns acquired with transmission electron microscopes gather reflections from all crystallites that overlap in the foil thickness. The superimposition renders automated orientation or phase mapping difficult, in particular when secondary phase particles are embedded in a dominant diffracting matrix. Several numerical approaches specifically developed to overcome this issue for 4D scanning precession electron diffraction data sets are described. They consist either in emphasizing the signature of the particles or in subtracting the matrix information out of the collected set of patterns. The different strategies are applied successively to a steel sample containing precipitates that are in Burgers orientation relationship with the matrix and to an aluminium alloy with randomly oriented Mn-rich particles.
Perceptions and use of cloud in academic activities: a study of a public university in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Anwarul
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the initial understanding of what perceptions have the faculty members of Dhaka University and how they use cloud for academic activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from the faculty members of Dhaka University. An online questionnaire was sent out to the faculty members of Dhaka University via e-mail. The questionnaire was both open and close-ended. Overall, 125 respondents participated in this survey and convenience sampling method was used. Mann–Whitney and chi-square test were carried out to see the influence of demographic characteristics on cloud use for teaching and learning activities.

Findings

The results showed that faculty members are generally aware of cloud computing, and they are using some of the cloud applications for teaching and learning purposes. They use cloud for research, collaboration, faculty-students engagement, student supporting activities and sharing course materials. They identified limited wireless access or internet facilities, lack of ICT infrastructure and lack of cloud training and knowledge as major constraints. However, these constraints are mainly related to the poor IT infrastructure and limited access to internet, which may also lead to other constraints.

Originality/value

This is the first time an attempt has been made to explore the perception and use of cloud among the faculty members in a public university, Bangladesh. The findings of this study may shed light to other align research areas of cloud computing in Bangladesh.
Application of the particle finite element method for large deformation consolidation analysis
Authors: Yuan Wei-Hai , Zhang Wei , Dai Beibing , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Large deformation problems are frequently encountered in various fields of geotechnical engineering. The particle finite element method (PFEM) has been proven to be a promising method to solve large deformation problems. This study aims to develop a computational framework for modelling the hydro-mechanical coupled porous media at large deformation based on the PFEM.

Design/methodology/approach

The PFEM is extended by adopting the linear and quadratic triangular elements for pore water pressure and displacements. A six-node triangular element is used for modelling two-dimensional problems instead of the low-order three-node triangular element. Thus, the numerical instability induced by volumetric locking is avoided. The Modified Cam Clay (MCC) model is used to describe the elasto-plastic soil behaviour.

Findings

The proposed approach is used for analysing several consolidation problems. The numerical results have demonstrated that large deformation consolidation problems with the proposed approach can be accomplished without numerical difficulties and loss of accuracy. The coupled PFEM provides a stable and robust numerical tool in solving large deformation consolidation problems. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach is intrinsically stable.

Originality/value

The PFEM is extended to consider large deformation-coupled hydro-mechanical problem. PFEM is enhanced by using a six-node quadratic triangular element for displacement and this is coupled with a four-node quadrilateral element for modelling excess pore pressure.
Credit card cue effect
Authors: Wong King Yin , Lynn Michael
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The extant literature has mixed results regarding the credit card cue effect. Some showed that credit card cues stimulate spending, whereas others were unable to replicate the findings or found that cues discourage consumer spending. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how consumers’ sensitivity to the pain of payment affects their mental associations about credit cards and how the differences in credit card associations moderate the credit card cue effect on spending, providing a possible explanation for the mixed results in the literature. Furthermore, this paper examines the role of consumers’ perceived financial well-being, measured by their perceptions of current and future wealth and their sense of financial security, in mediating this moderation effect.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study was conducted with a sample of 337 participants to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

After being shown credit card cues, spendthrift participants had more spending-related thoughts and less debt-related thoughts, perceived themselves as having better financial well-being and consequently spent more than tightwad participants.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the direct link between an exposure to credit card cues and perceived financial well-being, and one of the few to show evidence of the moderating effect of consumers’ sensitivity to the pain of payment on spending when credit card cues are present. This study suggests that marketers may use credit card cues to promote consumer spending, whereas consumers, especially spendthrifts, should be aware of how credit card cues may inflate their perceived financial well-being and stimulate them to spend more.
Factors affecting intention to use e-banking in Jordan
Authors: Anouze Abdel Latef M. , Alamro Ahmed S.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Despite the wide availability of internet banking, levels of intention to use such facilities remain variable between countries. The purpose of this paper is to focus on e-banking in a country with low intention to use e-banking – Jordan – and to explain the slow uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method employing a cross-sectional survey was used as an appropriate way of meeting the research objectives. The survey was distributed to bank customers in Amman, Jordan, collecting a total of 328 completed questionnaires. SPSS and AMOS software were used, and multiple regression and artificial neural networks were applied to determine the relative impact and importance of e-banking predictors.

Findings

The statistical techniques revealed that several major factors, including perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, security and reasonable price, stand out as the barriers to intention to use e-banking services in Jordan.

Originality/value

This study theorizes a series of implications on intention to use e-banking. It draws the attention of Jordanian banks to the full functionality of their e-banking systems, emphasizing positive safety features, which could contribute to changing negative customer perceptions. It also contributes to eliciting the theory of customer value among banks by focusing on how they should properly enhance their use of shared value. Moreover, it will present to managers how e-banking predictors can send meaningful and timely information to customers.
CSR marketing outcomes and branch managers’ perceptions of CSR
Authors: Moliner Miguel Angel , Monferrer Tirado Diego , Estrada-Guillén Marta
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of bank branch managers’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in CSR marketing outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a causal model establishing that managers’ perceptions of CSR influence the perception of CSR held by the branch’s customers, which in turn directly affects customer satisfaction, customer trust, customer engagement and customer loyalty. The unit of analysis in this quantitative study is the bank branch. Two questionnaires were administered: one to branch managers and another to five customers in each branch.

Findings

Branch managers’ perceptions of CSR have a marked influence on customers’ perceptions of CSR, which again have a notable impact on the relationship variables studied: customer satisfaction, customer trust, customer engagement and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was taken from two banks in the same country (Spain) and only five customers were interviewed in each branch. The type of customers analyzed should be taken into account since a growing number of customers now carry out all of their banking online and are less likely to visit their branch.

Practical implications

The results highlight the importance of adopting socially responsible actions not only in the bank as a whole, but also in individual branches. It would, therefore, seem crucial for high level bank executives not only to involve branch managers in the bank’s CSR strategy, but also to empower them to undertake CSR actions that involve the customers and local community with which they interact.

Originality/value

First, the paper reveals the differences within the same organization in the way its CSR strategy is implemented. Second, intermediary figures or supervisors are shown to have a key role in ensuring the organization’s CSR strategy is effective. Third, the study emphasizes the importance of customers’ perception of CSR in achieving the main outcomes of relationship marketing (satisfaction, trust, engagement and loyalty). Fourth, the methodology applied in the study is innovative in its construction of dyads in which the branch is the unit of analysis, enabling a comparison between the manager’s perceptions of CSR with that of five customers from the same branch. Fifth, the findings add to the knowledge of a particularly relevant sector in the recent economic crisis, namely, the retail banking industry.
Applying multivariate linear regression and multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network to design an energy consumption baseline in a low density polyethylene plant
Authors: Hamedi Behnam , Mokhtar Alireza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and analysis of energy consumption for this industry. The core part of any energy management system (EnMS) in industry is to perfectly monitor the energy consumption of significant users and to continuously improve the energy performance. In petrochemical plants, production deals with energy-intensive processes, and measuring energy performance for recognition and assessment of potentials for saving is critical.

Design/methodology/approach

The required data are exploited for the period of March 2011-August 2016 (data set: 2,012 days). Multivariate linear regression (MLR) and multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN) methods are separately used to anticipate the energy consumption. The baseline will be assumed as a reference to be compared with the actual data to estimate the real saving values. Finally, cumulative summations (CUSUM) are proposed and applied as an effective indicator for measurement of energy performance in an LDPE.

Findings

In this study, two statistical methods of MLR and ANN were used to design and develop a comprehensive energy baseline representing the predicted amounts of energy consumption based on the recognized drivers. Although both models imply robust outcomes, when the relative errors are taken into account, performance of ANN models appears fairly superior compared to the MLR model.

Originality/value

It is highly suggested to the ISO technical committee dealing with energy management standards, to consider the proposed model for baseline development in the future version of the standard ISO 50006 as the supplementary extension for the ISO 50001 for measuring energy performance using EnB and EnPI. As for future studies, the research can be extended to investigate the uncertainty and the model could also become completed applying more advanced ANNs such as recurrent neural networks.
Are higher education institutions in Europe preparing students for IPSAS?
Authors: Adam Berit , Brusca Isabel , Caperchione Eugenio , Heiling Jens , Jorge Susana Margarida F. , Manes Rossi Francesca
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether higher education institutions (HEIs) in EU Member States are aware of the relevance of the ongoing reforms in public sector accounting (PSA) and the need to prepare their students to become expert professionals in that area. It particularly assesses whether these organizations currently provide, or will provide in the near future, education on International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS)/EPSAS, so that a sufficient number of graduates will be ready to match the foreseeable demand for experts in IPSAS/EPSAS.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a purposive sample, the paper compares the situation in four EU countries (Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain). Data have been obtained through a questionnaire provided to selected professors in relevant HEIs in the selected countries.

Findings

HEIs are giving only limited room to PSA and financial management, with differences in terms of program offerings and coverage of topics among the four countries. Furthermore, in most cases, the programs are adapted to the national budgetary and accounting standards and courses are seldom focused on the IPSASs.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on PSA harmonization, through an innovative analysis of PSA and financial management teaching, both at national and international levels.
Biomimetics for business? Industry perceptions and patent application
Authors: Kohsaka Ryo , Fujihira Yoshinori , Uchiyama Yuta
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Biomimetics are expected to contribute to sustainable environmental management; however, there has been no exploration of industry perceptions by using empirical data. This study aims to identify the trends and perceptions of biomimetics. The industrial sectors in Japan and international patent application trends are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey to identify the perceptions of staff members in Japanese private companies (n = 276) was conducted. Japan is an emerging country in terms of the social implementation of biomimetics, and this paper can provide insights into other such countries.

Findings

It is identified that the strength of connections to biomimetics differs across industrial sectors. The respondents from companies that use nanoscale biomimetics tend to have the knowledge of, and experience in, biomimetics. Regarding the overall understanding of patent applications, Japanese private company employees require knowledge of patent application trends and country rankings as potential factors influencing the development of biomimetics.

Social implications

Knowledge transfer and sharing of experience among engineers and researchers of nanoscale technologies and urban scales are necessary to facilitate biomimetic advancement.

Originality/value

The results of the first survey and an analysis of the perceptions of staff members in private companies in Japan are provided to show the challenges in the social implementation of biomimetics. The results can be referred to for the social implementation of biomimetics in emerging countries. The method of this study can be applied to an international comparative analysis in future research.
Rural community well-being through minor league sport
Authors: Kim Young Do , Magnusen Marshall J. , Weaver Anthony , Kim Minjung
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how small-town residents’ perceptions of a minor league sport team’s socially responsible initiatives (SRI) influence several psychological responses to SRI, including feelings of gratitude, subjective well-being, place attachment and community pride.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, survey-based research design was employed to empirically assess the effects of SRI on positive psychological responses in the context of a minor league sport team located in a rural community. The data set used in this study included a convenience sample of 307 small-town residents.

Findings

Residents of the rural community did perceive and feel grateful for their minor league sport team’s SRI. Grateful residents experienced higher levels of subjective well-being (happiness, pleasure and satisfaction) as well as enhanced community pride and attachment due to the local sport team’s altruistic and prosocial behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings shed light on a critical function and benefit of a minor league sport team in rural communities. Emotionally valued prosocial efforts enhance the well-being of residents in rural communities. Thus, a reasonable course of action for local community leaders and public-sector organizations is to invest in and create partnership opportunities with their local minor league sport teams. Such efforts can turn sport teams into leverageable assets that can help promote healthy and sustainable communities for current residents as well as future generations.

Originality/value

A contribution of this study is the integration of the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions to better understand how gratitude mediates the relationship between SRI and beneficial community-focused outcomes such as pride, attachment and well-being.
The circular nature of recurrent life cycle events: a test comparing tropical and temperate phenology
Authors: Staggemeier Vanessa Graziele , Camargo Maria Gabriela Gutierrez , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Freckleton Robert , Jardim Lucas , Morellato Leonor Patrícia Cerdeira
Published: August 2019

The high diversity of plant species in the tropics has revealed complex phenological patterns and reproductive strategies occurring throughout the year. Describing and analysing tropical plant phenology, and detecting triggers, demands to consider the circular nature of recurrent life cycle events and the use of appropriated statistical metrics.

Here, we explore analytical pitfalls potentially affecting results of studies that do not consider the circular nature of phenology data when comparing resting and non‐resting systems, especially when accounting for phylogeny. We discuss definitions of the widely used first flowering date and revisit the literature on phylogenetic signal in plant phenology. We compare statistical analyses for tropical and temperate phenology by simulating communities with known phenological and phylogenetic structures.

We demonstrate that ignoring the circular nature of phenological data underestimates the phylogenetic signal in plant phenology. Using the proposed circular transformation for non‐resting tropical ecosystems and resting temperate systems prevented errors, yielding precise comparisons.

Synthesis. The analysis of both non‐resting and resting systems must consider the circularity of phenological events. Circular statistics is the appropriate approach to calculate phenological parameters, identify phylogenetic signal and assess drivers, allowing accurate cross‐comparisons of phenology across environments at large spatial scales.
The Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus Clarkii (the Louisiana Crayfish) as a Particular Scavenger on a Human Corpse
Authors: Pascali Jennifer P. , Viel Guido , Cecchetto Giovanni , Pigaiani Nicola , Vanin Stefano , Montisci Massimo , Fais Paolo
Published: August 2019

An 85‐year‐old man was found deceased floating in an irrigation ditch 18 days after his disappearance. During crime scene investigation, specimens of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii were found in proximity of the body. The feeding activity of these nonendemic crayfishes contributed to the formation of specific injuries on the body and in the production of a large substance defects inside the corpse. The aim of this paper was to illustrate the scavenging activity of P. clarkii on a human body and highlight the potential postmortem artefacts caused by this species. This is the first report on a real case of postmortem injuries produced by P. clarkii crayfishes on a submerged human body. So far, crustaceans are not considered useful for the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval. However, the important modifications on the corpses deriving from the activity of these animals should be kept in consideration.
Impact of a ketamine sedation protocol on intubation rates and undesirable outcomes in the transport of patients with acute behavioural disturbance
Authors: Shahtahmasebi Roxanne , Johnson Rich , Shahtahmasebi Said
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To identify the effects of the introduction of a ketamine sedation protocol on the rates of intubation and adverse events associated with retrieval of patients with acute behavioural disturbance. Transport of patients with acute behavioural disturbance poses clinical and logistical management difficulties, as well as risks. Remote Australian communities are separated by vast distances. Risks to aircraft and crew, and patient and community must be balanced. Ketamine has received increasing attention in recent years for pre‐hospital sedation of behaviourally disturbed patients, predominantly with psychiatric illness. This paper explores the benefits and suitability of ketamine in undifferentiated presentations, using data from the retrieval service in Alice Springs, Australia.

Methods

A pre‐ and post‐intervention study was carried out. The intervention was the introduction of a ketamine sedation protocol. Pre‐intervention data was collected retrospectively, pre‐2015 and post‐intervention data prospectively from 2015 onwards. Prospective data, rather than only including confirmed psychiatric cases as in previously published series, will provide a powerful message for pre‐hospital and retrieval practice. Group variables were created to compare the incidence of adverse events.

Results

The introduction of a ketamine protocol significantly reduced rates of intubation. The incidence of adverse events was strongly associated with the method of sedation (P = 0.000, confidence interval −0.56, −0.22), with significantly lower rates with ketamine (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The introduction of a ketamine protocol is associated with a decrease in intubation, and accordingly, a decrease in adverse events, though it is not without its risks. Further analysis is required to establish the likely cost saving to health systems.
Establishing arthropod community composition using metabarcoding: Surprising inconsistencies between soil samples and preservative ethanol and homogenate from Malaise trap catches
Authors: Marquina Daniel , Esparza‐Salas Rodrigo , Roslin Tomas , Ronquist Fredrik
Published: August 2019

DNA metabarcoding allows the analysis of insect communities faster and more efficiently than ever before. However, metabarcoding can be conducted through several approaches, and the consistency of results across methods has rarely been studied. We compare the results obtained by DNA metabarcoding of the same communities using two different markers – COI and 16S – and three different sampling methods: (a) homogenized Malaise trap samples (homogenate), (b) preservative ethanol from the same samples, and (c) soil samples. Our results indicate that COI and 16S offer partly complementary information on Malaise trap samples, with each marker detecting a significant number of species not detected by the other. Different sampling methods offer highly divergent estimates of community composition. The community recovered from preservative ethanol of Malaise trap samples is significantly different from that recovered from homogenate. Small and weakly sclerotized insects tend to be overrepresented in ethanol while strong and large taxa are overrepresented in homogenate. For soil samples, highly degenerate COI primers pick up large amounts of nontarget DNA and only 16S provides adequate analyses of insect diversity. However, even with 16S, very little overlap in molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) content was found between the trap and the soil samples. Our results demonstrate that none of the tested sampling approaches is satisfactory on its own. For instance, DNA extraction from preservative ethanol is not a valid replacement for destructive bulk extraction but a complement. In future metabarcoding studies, both should ideally be used together to achieve comprehensive representation of the target community.
The New War Thesis and Clausewitz: A Reconciliation
Authors: Banta Benjamin R.
Published: August 2019

Mary Kaldor's work constitutes an exceptionally sustained, cohesive, and also broadly aimed argument for often radical – and generally cosmopolitan – changes to state's approaches to security. Informing the project's various proposals is a theoretical foundation derived from earlier work on ‘new war’. This ‘new war thesis’ holds that the nature of war has changed from involving a Clausewitzian logic of extremes to one of ‘persistence and spread’. This thesis is presented as an ideal type that should inform scholarship and policy. The essay finds fault with the way this foundation is constructed, in particular its rejection of Clausewitz. Rather than reject the new war thesis, though, the essay shows that a reconciliation between it and the Clausewitzian theory of war is not only possible, but results in more cogent arguments for the policy proposals Kaldor contends are the real test of the theoretical underpinning of her project.
Stopping cannabis use benefits outcome in psychosis: findings from 10‐year follow‐up study in the PAFIP‐cohort
Authors: Setién‐Suero E. , Neergaard K. , Ortiz‐García de la Foz V. , Suárez‐Pinilla P. , Martínez‐García O. , Crespo‐Facorro B. , Ayesa‐Arriola R.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine the long‐term (up to 10 years) patterns related to cannabis use in a sample of patients with first episode of psychosis (FEP) and the effect that consumption might have on clinical, functioning, and neurocognition at long‐term.

Methods

Cannabis use was described in 209 FEP patients. Patients were divided into three groups according to cannabis use: persistent users, ex‐users, and never‐users. Groups were longitudinally (baseline and 10‐year follow‐up) compared on clinical, functional, and cognitive variables.

Results

Clinical differences at 10‐year follow‐up were observed between persistent cannabis users and the other two groups (ex‐users and never‐users), showing persistent users more severe symptoms (BPRS: x2 = 15.583, P ≤ 0.001; SAPS: x2 = 12.386, P = 0.002) and poorer functionality (DAS: x2 = 6.067, P = 0.048; GAF: x2 = 6.635, P = 0.033). Patients who stopped cannabis use prior to the reassessment showed a similar pattern to those who had never consumed.

Conclusion

The use of cannabis could negatively affect the evolution of the psychotic disorder. Perhaps the negative effects caused by cannabis use could be reversed with the cessation of consumption. It is necessary to make an effort in the intervention toward an early withdrawal from the use of cannabis, since this could play an important role in the prognosis of the disease.
Cold temperature/Biodur®/S10/von Hagens'—Silicone plastination technique
Authors: Henry Robert W. , von Hagens Gunther , Seamans Gary
Published: August 2019

Plastination is a late 20th century preservation methodology which replaces tissue fluid within a specimen with a curable polymer, such as silicone. Plastination yields superb, beautiful, well‐preserved specimens each with their own unique qualities. Silicone polymer is used around the world to preserve macroscopic cadavers or portions/organs thereof. Plastination was conceived by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany prior to 1977. Silicone polymer was the primary polymer which emerged initially for plastination. The Biodur®line of silicone polymer and additives was chosen and manufactured because it has consistently produced the best plastinates since the inception of plastination. Since the discovery of silicone, generic and similar silicone polymers are known and used around the World by many industries and used in numerous products. The plastination process has four steps: Specimen preparation, Specimen dehydration and degreasing, Vacuum‐forced impregnation of specimens and Specimen hardening.
The MIC‐KEY button vesicostomy: a superior alternative for suprapubic drainage?
Authors: Chong James J.Y. , Seth Jai , Hazell Elaine , Nugent Winnie , Malde Sachin , Taylor Claire , Sahai Arun , Olsburgh Jonathon
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the MIC‐KEY button vesicostomy as an alternative to indwelling suprapubic catheters (SPCs) for bladder drainage in adults.

Patients and Methods

Phase II pilot study prospectively evaluating patients with indwelling SPCs that were converted to MIC‐KEY buttons, or cystoscopic‐guided de novo insertion, between November 2014 and February 2019. In all, 15 patients (14 female, one male) had indwelling SPCs that had conversion or attempted conversion to MIC‐KEY button, and one (male) had a cystoscopic‐guided de novo insertion with a history of previous suprapubic catheterisation. The mean (range) age was 44.2 (13–73) years. Catheter‐related quality‐of‐life (C‐IQoL) questionnaire data were collected at baseline and 3 months.

Results

Two patients had attempted conversion but were abandoned perioperatively due to sizing issues and insertion difficulties, respectively. Three patients were subsequently converted back to a SPC; due to button sizing (18 days), leaking (3 months), and recurrent infection (13 months). The remaining 11 patients have remained well with continued drainage via the MIC‐KEY button; mean (range) duration since conversion was 34.2 (5–105) months. The C‐IQoL score improved 3 months after insertion, from 50.0 to 75.4. Changes were performed dependent on patient's personalised management, typically every 3 months, under local or general anaesthetic.

Conclusion

The MIC‐KEY button is a safe alternative to SPC drainage in adults in the short‐ to medium‐term, in a selected cohort.
Local controlled release of corticosteroids extends surgically induced joint instability by inhibiting tissue healing
Authors: Rudnik‐Jansen Imke , Tellegen Anna R. , Pouran Behdad , Schrijver Karin , Meij Björn P. , Emans Pieter J. , de Gendt Erin , Thomas Rachel E. , Kik Marja J.L. , de Visser Huub M. , Weinans Harrie , Egas Annelies , van Maarseveen Erik , Woike Nina , Mihov George , Thies Jens , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Creemers Laura B.
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose

Corticosteroids are intra‐articularly injected to relieve pain in joints with osteoarthritis (OA) or acute tissue damage such as ligament or tendon tears, despite its unverified contraindication in unstable joints. Biomaterial‐based sustained delivery may prolong reduction of inflammatory pain, while avoiding harmful peak drug concentrations.

Experimental Approach

The applicability of prolonged corticosteroid exposure was examined in a rat model of anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus transection (ACLT + pMMx) with ensuing degenerative changes.

Key Results

Intra‐articular injection of a bolus of the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) resulted in enhanced joint instability in 50% of the joints, but neither instability‐induced OA cartilage degeneration, synovitis, nor the OA‐related bone phenotype was affected. However, biomaterial microsphere‐based extended TAA release enhanced instability in 94% of the animals and induced dystrophic calcification and exacerbation of cartilage degeneration. In healthy joints, injection with TAA releasing microspheres had no effect at all. In vitro, TAA inhibited cell migration out of joint tissue explants, suggesting inhibited tissue healing in vivo as mechanisms for enhanced instability and subsequent cartilage degeneration.

Conclusions and Implications

We conclude that short‐term TAA exposure has minor effects on surgically induced unstable joints, but its extended presence is detrimental by extending instability and associated joint degeneration through compromised healing. This supports a contraindication of prolonged corticosteroid exposure in tissue damage‐associated joint instability, but not of brief exposure.
Catalpol alleviates adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by activating the SIRT1 signalling pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zhang Jiangnan , Bi Ran , Meng Qiang , Wang Changyuan , Huo Xiaokui , Liu Zhihao , Wang Chong , Sun Pengyuan , Sun Huijun , Ma Xiaodong , Wu Jingjing , Liu Kexin
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose

Catalpol, a water‐soluble active ingredient isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism(s) underlying protection against renal injury by catalpol remains unknown.

Experimental Approach

Adriamycin‐induced kidney injury models associated with podocyte damage were employed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of catalpol. In vivo, TUNEL and haematoxylin‐eosin staining was used to evaluate the effect of catalpol on kidney injury in mice. In vitro, effects of catalpol on podocyte damage induced by adriamycin was determined by elisa kit, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342, and TUNEL staining. The mechanism was investigated by siRNA, EX527, and docking simulations.

Key Results

In vivo, catalpol treatment significantly improved adriamycin‐induced kidney pathological changes and decreased the number of apoptotic cells. In vitro, catalpol markedly decreased the intracellular accumulation of adriamycin and reduced the calcium ion level in podocytes and then attenuated apoptosis. Importantly, the regulatory effects of catalpol on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (MRP2), and the TRPC6 channel were mostly abolished after incubation with SIRT1 siRNA or the SIRT1‐specific inhibitor EX527. Furthermore, docking simulations showed that catalpol efficiently oriented itself in the active site of SIRT1, indicating a higher total binding affinity score than that of other SIRT1 activators, such as resveratrol, SRT2104, and quercetin.

Conclusion and Implications

Taken together, our results suggest that catalpol exhibits strong protective effects against adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by inducing SIRT1‐mediated inhibition of TRPC6 expression and enhancing MRP2 expression.
Seismic markers of the Messinian salinity crisis in the deep Ionian Basin
Authors: Camerlenghi Angelo , Del Ben Anna , Hübscher Christian , Forlin Edy , Geletti Riccardo , Brancatelli Giuseppe , Micallef Aaron , Saule Marco , Facchin Lorenzo
Published: August 2019

We conduct the seismic signal analysis on vintage and recently collected multichannel seismic reflection profiles from the Ionian Basin to characterize the deep basin Messinian evaporites. These evaporites were deposited in deep and marginal Mediterranean sedimentary basins as a consequence of the “salinity crisis” between 5.97 and 5.33 Ma, a basin‐wide oceanographic and ecological crisis whose origin remains poorly understood. The seismic markers of the Messinian evaporites in the deep Mediterranean basins can be divided in two end‐members, one of which is the typical “trilogy” of gypsum and clastics (Lower Unit – LU), halite (Mobile Unit – MU) and upper anhydrite and marl layers (Upper Unit – UU) traced in the Western Mediterranean Basins. The other end‐member is a single MU unit subdivided in seven sub‐units by clastic interlayers located in the Levant Basin. The causes of these different seismic expressions of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) appear to be related to a morphological separation between the two basins by the structural regional sill of the Sicily Channel. With the aid of velocity analyses and seismic imaging via prestack migration in time and depth domains, we define for the first time the seismic signature of the Messinian evaporites in the deep Ionian Basin, which differs from the known end‐members. In addition, we identify different evaporitic depositional settings suggesting a laterally discontinuous deposition. With the information gathered we quantify the volume of evaporitic deposits in the deep Ionian Basin as 500,000 km3 ± 10%. This figure allows us to speculate that the total volume of salts in the Mediterranean basin is larger than commonly assumed. Different depositional units in the Ionian Basin suggest that during the MSC it was separated from the Western Mediterranean by physical thresholds, from the Po Plain/Northern Adriatic Basin, and the Levant Basin, likely reflecting different hydrological and climatic conditions. Finally, the evidence of erosional surfaces and V‐shaped valleys at the top of the MSC unit, together with sharp evaporites pinch out on evaporite‐free pre‐Messinian structural highs, suggest an extreme Messinian Stage 3 base level draw down in the Ionian Basin. Such evidence should be carefully evaluated in the light of Messinian and post‐Messinian vertical crustal movements in the area. The results of this study demonstrates the importance of extracting from seismic data the Messinian paleotopography, the paleomorphology and the detailed stratal architecture in the in order to advance in the understanding of the deep basins Messinian depositional environments.
Infraposition of anterior maxillary implant‐supported single‐tooth restorations in adolescent and adult patients—A prospective follow‐up study up to 6 years
Authors: Nilsson Andrée , Johansson Lars‐åke , Stenport Victoria F. , Wennerberg Ann , Ekfeldt Anders
Published: August 2019

Background

In the maxillary incisor area infraposition of implant restorations can be an esthetic problem.

Purpose

The aim was to analyze the prevalence of infraposition of single‐tooth implant restorations in the anterior maxilla in adolescent and adult patients.

Material and Methods

The study comprised of 31 patients, 18 women and 13 men, with 39 restorations and with a mean and median age of 23.8 and 18.8 years, range 17.8 to 52.8 years, at the time of implant crown connection. The mean and median time in function for the restorations was 4.5 and 4.3 years respectively with a range of 3.3 to 6.6 years.

Results

Twenty restorations 51%, showed no signs of infraposition. A slight infraposition (<0.5 mm) was seen in 36% of the restorations. Only in one patient, the observed infraposition of the implant crown was more than 1 mm. We found no significant difference of the observed level of vertical infraposition, Score A (0 mm) and Score B (<0.5 mm), in subjects where the restoration was placed before the age of 20 years compared to the older patients. There were no significant differences in changes of the vertical infraposition when comparing different parameters such as age, gender, jaw relation (Angle‐classes I‐III), overbite/overjet, occlusal contact on the implant crown, bone augmentation before or at implant installation or if orthodontic treatment of the neighboring teeth had been made before or after the implant installation.

Conclusions

In the present study, there was a significant yet low correlation between the observed vertical infraposition of the single‐tooth implant restoration and the subject's evaluation of the esthetics of the restoration (VAS). Fifty‐one percent of the implant‐supported crowns, showed no signs of vertical infraposition. A slight infraposition (< 0.5 mm) was however seen in 36% of the restorations. Only one crown showed a vertical infraposition of more than 1 mm.