bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and epidemiological evidence of a dominant Panton-Valentine leucocidin-positive Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineage in Sri Lanka with spread to the United Kingdom and Australia
Authors: McTavish S.M. , Snow S.J. , Cook E.C. , Pichon B. , Coleman S. , Coombs G.W. , Pang S. , Arias C.A. , Díaz L. , Boldock E. , Davies S. , Udukala M. , Kearns A. , Siribaddana S. , de Silva T.I.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To undertake the first detailed genomic analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed on 94 MRSA isolates collected over a four month period from the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Screening for mecA, mecC and the Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-associated lukS-PV/lukF-PV genes and molecular characterisation by spa typing was undertaken. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis was performed on selected multilocus sequence type (MLST) clonal complex 5 (CC5) isolates from Sri Lanka, England, Australia and Argentina.

Results

All 94 MRSA harboured the mecA gene. Nineteen spa types associated with nine MLST clonal complexes were identified. Most isolates were from skin and soft tissue infections (76.9%), with the remainder causing more invasive disease. Sixty two (65.9%) of isolates were PVL positive with the majority (56 isolates; 90.3%) belonging to a dominant CC5 lineage. This lineage, PVL-positive ST5-MRSA-IVc, was associated with community and hospital-onset infections. Based on WGS, representative PVL-positive ST5-MRSA-IVc isolates from Sri Lanka, England and Australia formed a single phylogenetic clade, suggesting wide geographical circulation.

Conclusions

We present the most detailed genomic analysis of MRSA isolated in Sri Lanka to date. The analysis identified a PVL-positive ST5-MRSA-IVc that dominates MRSA clinical infections in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, transmission of the strain has occurred in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Repetitive mild concussion in subjects with a vulnerable cholinergic system: lasting cholinergic-attentional impairments in CHT+/- mice
Authors: Cherian Ajeesh Koshy , Tronson Natalie C. , Parikh Vinay , Kucinski Aaron , Blakely Randy D. , Sarter Martin
Published: January 2019

Previous research emphasized the impact of traumatic brain injury on cholinergic systems and associated cognitive functions. Here we addressed the converse question: Because of the available evidence indicating cognitive and neuronal vulnerabilities in humans expressing low-capacity cholinergic systems or with declining cholinergic systems, do injuries cause more severe cognitive decline in such subjects, and what cholinergic mechanisms contribute to such a vulnerability? Using mice heterozygous for the choline transporter (CHT+/- mice) as a model for a limited cholinergic capacity, we investigated the cognitive and neuronal consequences of repeated, mild concussion injuries (rmCc). Following five rmCc, and compared with WT mice, CHT+/- mice exhibited severe and lasting impairments in sustained attention performance, consistent with effects of cholinergic losses on attention. However, rmCc did not affect the integrity of neuronal cell bodies and did not alter the density of cortical synapses. As a cellular mechanism potentially responsible for the attentional impairment in CHT+/- mice, we found that rmCc nearly completely attenuated performance-associated, CHT-mediated choline transport. These results predict that subjects with an already vulnerable cholinergic system will experience severe and lasting cognitive-cholinergic effects following even relatively mild injuries. If confirmed in humans, such subjects may be excluded from, or receive special protection against, activities involving injury risk. Moreover, the treatment and long-term outcome of traumatic brain injuries may benefit from determining the status of cholinergic systems and associated cognitive functions.
First complete genome sequences of Zika virus from Midwest Brazil, 2015
Authors: Vieira Carla Julia da Silva Pessoa , Machado Laís Ceschini , Pena Lindomar José , Bronzoni Roberta Vieira de Morais , Wallau Gabriel da Luz
Published: January 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been intensively studied in Brazil since 2015-2016 epidemics, but little is known about the virus in Midwest region of the country. We report here two ZIKV complete genomes, which were isolated during arboviral surveillance in Sinop city, southern border of the Amazonian forest, Midwest Brazil, 2015.
HMGB1 orchestrates uterine macrophage trafficking to safeguard embryo implantation
Authors: Aikawa Shizu , Deng Wenbo , Liang Xiaohuan , Yuan Jia , Bartos Amanda , Sun Xiaofei , Dey Sudhansu K
Published: January 2019

A reciprocal communication between the implantation-competent blastocyst and the receptive uterus is essential to implantation. Blastocyst implantation is considered to be a regulated proinflammatory response in the uterus, however the underlining mechanism remains elusive. Here, we provide genetic evidence that High-mobility group protein Box-1 (HMGB1), expressed in uterine cell nuclei, restricts inflammatory responses during the periimplantation period. Conditional deletion of uterineHmgb1by using aPgr-Credriver (Pgrcre/+Hmgb1f/f) shows substantial infertility because of defective implantation and subsequent adverse ripple effects. These mice accumulate and retain an increased number of macrophages in the stroma on day 4 of pregnancy with a unique enrichment of macrophages in the stroma encircling the blastocyst on day 5, evoking inflammatory responses. These results are in contrast to previous findings that HMBG1 is an internal alarmin. In search for the mechanism, we found thatHmgb1-deleted stromal cells show reduced activation of PR and decreasedHoxa10expression, providing evidence that PR and Hoxa10 mediated regression of inflammation is mediated by HMGB1. In addition, levels of two macrophage attractants CSF1 and CCL2 are elevated in the stroma and in vitro studies show that CSF1 specifically attracts macrophages which is abrogated if challenged with a CSF1 receptor antagonist. The results suggest thatHmgb1contributes to successful blastocyst implantation by regulating macrophage trafficking in the stroma to prevent excessive inflammatory responses.
Mapping viscosity in discrete subcellular locations with a BODIPY based fluorescent probe
Authors: Pytowski Lior , Foley Alex C. , Hernández Zayra E. , Moon Niall , Donohoe Timothy J. , Vaux David J.
Published: January 2019

Numerous cellular processes, including enzyme behaviour, signalling, and protein folding and transport are highly influenced by the local microviscosity environment within living cells. Molecular rotors are fluorescent molecules that respond to the viscosity of their environment through changes in both the intensity and lifetime of their fluorescence. We have synthesised a novel benzyl-guanine derivatized boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) molecular rotor that is a substrate for the SNAP-tag targeting system (named BG-BODIPY), allowing us to target the rotor to discrete locations within the living cell. We demonstrate that BG-BODIPY reports viscosity, and that this can be measured either through fluorescence lifetime or intensity ratiometric measurements. The relative microviscosities within the ER, Golgi, mitochondrial matrix, peroxisomes, lysosomes, cytoplasm, and nucleoplasm were significantly different. Additionally, this approach permitted fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to determine the absolute viscosity within both mitochondria and stress granules, showcasing BG-BODIPY’s usefulness in studying both membrane-bound and membraneless organelles. These results highlight targeted BG-BODIPY’s broad usefulness for making measurements of cellular viscosity both with FLIM and conventional ratiometric confocal microscopy, the latter option greatly extending the accessibility of the technique although limited to relative meassurements.

Statement of Significance

Local viscosity affects molecular behaviour from diffusion and conformational changes to enzyme kinetics and has important implications for cell and tissue function. Mechanical methods for measurement of viscosity average over large volumes and long times and are thus unsuitable for rapid changes on small scales that are biologically relevant. This paper reports a novel optical fluorescence method using genome edited cells to deliver a viscosity reporter to tightly defined locations inside living cells, from which non-destructive organelle-specific measurements can be repeatedly made. The local viscosity of seven separate organelles in living cultured human cells is shown for the first time, together with the viscosity behaviour of a membraneless organelle as it is induced in cells by stress.
The GRASP domain in Golgi Reassembly and Stacking Proteins: differences and similarities between lower and higher Eukaryotes
Authors: Mendes Luís F. S. , Fontana Natália A. , Oliveira Carolina G. , Freire Marjorie C. L. C , Lopes José L. S. , Melo Fernando A. , Costa-Filho Antonio J.
Published: January 2019

The Golgi complex is part of the endomembrane system and is responsible for receiving transport cargos from the endoplasmic reticulum and for sorting and targeting them to their final destination. To perform its function in higher eukaryotic cells, the Golgi needs to be correctly assembled as a flatted membrane sandwich kept together by a protein matrix. The correct mechanism controlling the Golgi cisternae assembly is not yet known, but it is already accepted that the Golgi Reassembly and Stacking Protein (GRASP) is a main component of the Golgi protein matrix. Unlike mammalian cells, which have two GRASP genes, lower eukaryotes present only one gene and distinct Golgi cisternae assembly. In this study, we performed a set of biophysical studies to get insights on both human GRASP55 and GRASP65 and compare them with GRASPs from lower eukaryotes (S. cerevisiae and C. neoformans). Our data suggest that both human GRASPs are essentially different from each other and GRASP65 is more similar to the subgroup of GRASPs from lower eukaryotes. GRASP55 is present mainly in the Golgi medial and trans faces, which are absent in both funguses, while GRASP65 is located in the cis-Golgi. We suggest that the GRASP65 gene is more ancient and the paralogue GRASP55 might have appeared latter in evolution, together with the medial and trans Golgi faces in mammalians.
Transcriptional analysis shows a robust host response toToxoplasma gondiiduring early and late chronic infection in both male and female mice
Authors: Garfoot Andrew L. , Cervantes Patrick W. , Knoll Laura J.
Published: January 2019

The long-term host effects caused by the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiiare poorly understood. RNA-seq analysis previously determined that the host response in the brain was higher and more complex at 28 versus 10 days postinfection. Here, we analyzed the host transcriptional profile of age-and sex-matched mice during early (21 and 28 days) and late (3 and 6 months) chronic infection. We found that a majority of the host genes which increase in abundance at day 21 postinfection are still increased 6 months postinfection for both male and female mice. While most of the differentially expressed genes were similar between sexes, females have far fewer genes that are significantly less abundant, which may lead to the slight increased cyst burden in males. Transcripts for C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 13 (CXCL13) and a C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) were significantly higher in females compared to males during infection. AsT. gondiichronic infection and profilin (PRF) confer resistance toListeria monocytogenesinfection in a CCR2 dependent manner, the sex specific difference in CCR2 expression lead us to re-test the protection of PRF in both sexes. Chronic infection as well as PRF were nearly as effective at reducing the bacterial burden in male versus female mice. These data show that most of the differentially express host genes are similar between males and females, important differences exist leading us to emphasize the inclusion of both sexes for future studies.
GenomegaMap: within-species genome-widedN/dSestimation from over 10,000 genomes
Authors: Wilson Daniel J. ,   The CRyPTIC Consortium
Published: January 2019

ThedN/dSratio provides evidence of adaptation or functional constraint in protein-coding genes by quantifying the relative excess or deficit of amino acid-replacing versus silent nucleotide variation. Inexpensive sequencing promises a better understanding of parameters such asdN/dS, but analysing very large datasets poses a major statistical challenge. Here I introduce genomegaMap for estimating within-species genome-wide variation indN/dS, and I apply it to 3,979 genes across 10,209 tuberculosis genomes to characterize the selection pressures shaping this global pathogen. GenomegaMap is a phylogeny-free method that addresses two major problems with existing approaches: (i) it is fast no matter how large the sample size and (ii) it is robust to recombination, which causes phylogenetic methods to report artefactual signals of adaptation. GenomegaMap uses population genetics theory to approximate the distribution of allele frequencies under general, parent-dependent mutation models. Coalescent simulations show that substitution parameters are well-estimated even when genomegaMap’s simplifying assumption of independence among sites is violated. I demonstrate the ability of genomegaMap to detect genuine signatures of selection at antimicrobial resistance-conferring substitutions inM. tuberculosisand describe a novel signature of selection in the cold-shock DEAD-box protein A genedeaD/csdA. The genomegaMap approach helps accelerate the exploitation of big data for gaining new insights into evolution within species.
Genome-wide epistasis and co-selection study using mutual information
Authors: Pensar Johan , Puranen Santeri , MacAlasdair Neil , Kuronen Juri , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Pesonen Maiju , Arnold Brian , Xu Yingying , Sipola Aleksi , Sánchez-Busó Leonor , Lees John A , Chewapreecha Claire , Bentley Stephen D , Harris Simon R , Parkhill Julian , Croucher Nicholas J , Corander Jukka
Published: January 2019

Discovery of polymorphisms under co-selective pressure or epistasis has received considerable recent attention in population genomics. Both statistical modeling of the population level co-variation of alleles across the chromosome and model-free testing of dependencies between pairs of polymorphisms have been shown to successfully uncover patterns of selection in bacterial populations. Here we introduce a model-free method, SpydrPick, whose computational efficiency enables analysis at the scale of pan-genomes of many bacteria. SpydrPick incorporates an efficient correction for population structure, which is demonstrated to maintain a very low rate of false positive findings among those SNP pairs highlighted to deviate significantly from the null hypothesis of neutral co-evolution in simulated data. We also introduce a new type of visualization of the results similar to the Manhattan plots used in genome-wide association studies, which enables rapid exploration of the identified signals of co-evolution. Application of the method to large population genomic data sets of two major human pathogens,Streptococcus pneumoniaeandNeisseria meningitidis, revealed both previously identified and novel putative targets of co-selection related to virulence and antibiotic resistance, highlighting the potential of this approach to drive molecular discoveries, even in the absence of phenotypic data.
Personalized prescription of imatinib in recurrent granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: case report
Authors: Poddubskaya Elena V. , Baranova Madina P. , Allina Daria O. , Sekacheva Marina I. , Makovskaia Lyudmila A. , Kamashev Dmitriy E. , Suntsova Maria V. , Barbara Viktoria S. , Kochergina-Nikitskaya Irina N. , Aleshin Alexey A.
Published: January 2019

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related female mortality and the most lethal gynecological cancer. In this report, we present a rare case of recurrent granulosa cell tumor (GCT) of the ovary. We describe the case of a 26-yr-old woman with progressive GCT of the right ovary despite multiple lines of therapy who underwent salvage therapy selection based on a novel bioinformatical decision support tool (Oncobox). This analysis generated a list of potentially actionable compounds, which when used clinically lead to partial response and later long-term stabilization of the patient's disease.
Quality management practices in SMEs: a comparative study between India and Namibia
Authors: Chakraborty Ayon , Mutingi Michael , Vashishth Abhishek
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have now become an important part of economy for not only developed nations but also for emerging economies. Irrespective of the benefits that can be derived, SMEs in emerging economies still lack the will to implement quality management (QM) practices. Using a comparative study, the purpose of this paper is to understand the status of QM practices in SMEs of emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based approach was adopted to understand the established QM practices in the SMEs. A survey instrument was designed by reviewing the literature on QM initiatives in SMEs. A sample of 270 SMEs across Southern India and 189 SMEs in Namibia was selected through stratified random sampling technique.

Findings

The overall response rate was 19.52 percent for India and 26.46 percent for Namibia, respectively. There were similarities and differences in responses from SMEs in both countries. Similarities are in terms of limited implementation of QM practices, and also less use of tools and techniques. Reasons for not implementing include unknown to the authors, and the high cost of training. Differences emerged in the type of market (Indian SMEs catering to one major customer), CSFs and business performance indicators. It was interesting to find that management commitment and involvement do not have a major influence as CSF for SMEs in both the countries.

Originality/value

The research is the first attempt in bringing a comparative study about QM practices in SMEs from developing countries. The insights will help emerging economies to develop policies for education and training, and thus facilitate implementation of QM practices in SMEs.
Effect of stearic acid coating on anti-oxidation property of Sn-Ag-Cu solder powder
Authors: Peng Fen , Liu Wensheng , Huang Yufeng , Tang Siwei , Liang Chaoping , Ma Yunzhu
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a monolayer surface coating of stearic acid on Sn-Ag-Cu solder powder to limit oxidation.

Design/methodology/approach

Stearic acid was adsorbed onto Sn-Ag-Cu solder powder through liquid-phase adsorption. The isotherm of adsorption was measured and then the microstructure of coated powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Findings

The adsorption isotherm of stearic acid on the powder was “H” type, which revealed the layer-by-layer adsorption on non-porous surface. When the concentration of solution was in the range of 0.001-0.006 mol/L, with an adsorption amount of 0.12 ± 0.1 mg/g, monolayer stearic acid covered the solder powder completely. Uniform and integrated self-assembled monolayer coating was formed through hydrogen bonds between the oxygen ions in surface lattice of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder powder and the —O—H hydroxyl group of stearic acid. The maximum angle of stability of coated powder also reduced by 2.87° compared with that of non-coated powder. The increase rate of oxygen content of coated powder was much slower than that of non-coated powder when they were exposed to humid air.

Originality/value

As a result, oxidation of fine solder powder was effectively limited. Essentially, this method can also be applied to the coating of other types of solder powder and has reference significance to other coating by liquid-phase method.
Measurement and regulation of saturated vapour height level in VPS chamber
Authors: Livovsky Lubomir , Pietrikova Alena
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate measurement and regulation of saturated vapour height level in vapour phase soldering (VPS) chamber based on parallel plate capacitor and retaining a stable saturated vapour level above the boiling fluid, regardless of the quantity and size of assembled components.

Design/methodology/approach

Development and realisation of capacitance sensor that sensitively senses the maximum height level of saturated vapour above the boiling fluid in the VPS chamber was achieved. Methodology of measurement is based on capacitor change from single air to a parallel plate, filled with two dielectric environments in a stacked configuration: condensed fluid and vapour (air).

Findings

An easy air plate capacitor immersed in the saturated vapour above the boiling fluid can serve as a parallel plate capacitor owing to the conversion of the air to the parallel plate capacitor. A thin film of fluid between the two capacitor plates corresponds to the height of the saturated vapour, which changes the capacity of the parallel plate capacitor.

Originality/value

Introducing the capacitive sensor directly into the VPS work space allows to achieve a constant height level of saturated vapour. Based on the capacity change, it is possible to control the heating power. There is a lack of information regarding measurement of stable height of vapour in the industry, and the present article shows how to easily improve the way to regulate the bandwidth of saturated vapour in the VPS process.
Getting chased up the mountain: High elevation may limit performance and fitness characters in a montane insect
Authors: Dahlhoff Elizabeth P. , Dahlhoff Victoria C. , Grainger Corrine A. , Zavala Nicolas A. , Otepola‐Bello Dami , Sargent Brynn A. , Roberts Kevin T. , Heidl Sarah J. , Smiley John T. , Rank Nathan E.
Published: January 2019

Climate change is expected to shift species distributions as populations grow in favourable habitats and decline in harsh ones. Montane animals escape warming conditions at low elevation by moving upslope, but may be physiologically constrained by conditions there. Effects of elevation were studied for montane populations of the leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis, where allele frequencies at nuclear genes and the mitochondrion vary along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients.

A population presence survey conducted along a steep altitudinal transect (1,600–3,800 m) from 1981 to 2018 revealed that populations expand to low elevation following wet winters and retreat during drought. Quantitative surveys of a 45‐site population network conducted from 2012 to 2018 along multiple altitudinal transects show that when beetles are abundant, population size peaks at 3,135 m, highest altitude populations are at the southern edge of the range, and populations decline and extirpate during drought, especially at low elevation.

To examine effects of elevation on measures of performance and fitness, beetles from a genetically introgressed population (Bishop Creek) were examined. In nature, fecundity of females transplanted along natural altitudinal transects was measured, as was thorax cytochrome c oxidase (CytOx) activity. To examine effects of environmental hypoxia independent of other factors limiting persistence at high elevation, development rate and activity of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were measured for larvae reared under otherwise common garden conditions at low (1,250 m) and high (3,800 m) elevation.

In nature, fecundity declined with increasing elevation, independent of air temperature. CytOx activity was higher at high than low elevation, especially for individuals possessing genotypes of southern origin. Laboratory‐reared larvae with southern mitochondrial haplotypes developed equally well at both elevations, but larvae with northern haplotypes developed more slowly at high elevation. MDH activity showed a similar pattern, suggesting that slower development rates at high elevation may be due to reduction in metabolic rate.

These findings suggest that physiological effects of environmental hypoxia may contribute to other factors known to restrict insects’ ability to persist at high elevation, ultimately disrupting associated ecological communities. However, some populations may possess genetic variation that allows for local adaption to high elevation.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Differential impacts of vaccination on wildlife disease spread during epizootic and enzootic phases
Authors: Newton Erica J. , Pond Bruce A. , Tinline Rowland R. , Middel Kevin , Bélanger Denise , Rees Erin E.
Published: January 2019

Dissemination of oral vaccine baits is a cost‐effective method to contain and control infectious wildlife diseases. The effectiveness of vaccine barriers in slowing or halting disease spread depends on host ecology and landscape variability. However, it is not clear the extent to which the success of vaccine barriers to manage disease may change from an epizootic to an enzootic phase of a disease invasion, nor is it apparent if this depends on the quality and configuration of host habitats.

We explore these questions using the raccoon variant rabies virus (RRV) as a model system. This zoonotic disease of high concern has been enzootic in eastern North America for decades, pushing into new areas and re‐emerging in previously controlled zones.

We use a spatially explicit individual‐based model to assess how levels of oral vaccination and habitat fragmentation affect RRV spread across vaccine barriers during epizootic and enzootic phases. We use space‐time characteristics of infection chains (individual‐to‐individual transmission of RRV) to compare simulated outcomes.

Results indicate that vaccine barriers have the strongest impact on the control of RRV during the epizootic phase. Counterproductively, mid‐levels of immunisation during an enzootic phase lead to more rabies‐induced mortalities than lower or higher vaccination levels. Infection chains spread faster during the epizootic phase. Landscape effects on chain characteristics were more subtle than effects of invasion phase and vaccination.

Synthesis and applications. A spatially explicit individual‐based modelling approach to examine mechanisms of raccoon variant rabies virus spread during epizootic and enzootic phases provides insights into efficacy of wildlife disease vaccination efforts. Our results demonstrate the importance of detecting and controlling outbreaks before they become enzootic. We discuss the implications for moving vaccine barriers to push back and decrease the size of enzootic areas.
Probiotic monocultures in fermented goat milk beverages – sensory quality of final product
Authors: Mituniewicz–Małek Anna , Zielińska Dorota , Ziarno Małgorzata
Published: January 2019

The aim of our study was to conduct a selection of the monocultures capable of providing the most attractive sensory features of the final product. Four fermented goat's milk beverages were produced with probiotic monocultures containing Lactobacillus (Lb. acidophilus La‐5, Lb. rhamnosus K3 and Lb. plantarum O20) and Bifidobacterium (Bif. animalis subsp. lactisBB‐12). A sensory analysis and microbiological assessment of fermented goat's milk beverages were made at the beginning of the study and after 3, 7, 10 and 14 days of refrigerated storage (5 ± 1 °C). We found that samples including monocultures Lb. plantarum O20 and Bif. animalis subsp. lactisBB‐12 were differentiated from other goat's milk beverages.
Yield and Water Productivity of Winter Wheat under Various Irrigation Capacities
Authors: Araya A. , Prasad P.V.V. , Gowda P.H. , Kisekka I. , Foster A.J.
Published: January 2019

The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator model validated in a prior study for winter wheat was used to simulate yield, aboveground crop biomass (BM), transpiration (T), and evapotranspiration under four irrigation capacities (ICs) (0, 1.7, 2.5, and 5 mm/day) with two nitrogen (N) application rates (N1, 94 kg N/ha; N2, 160 kg N/ha) to (1) understand the performance of winter wheat under different ICs and (2) develop crop water production function under various ICs and N rates. Evaluation was based on yield, aboveground crop BM, transpiration productivity (TP), crop water productivity (WP), and irrigation WP (IWP). Simulation results showed winter wheat yield increased with increase in N application rate and IC. However, the rate of yield increase gradually reduced with additional irrigation beyond 2.5 mm/day. A 5 mm/day IC required a total of 190 mm irrigation and produced a 5%–16% yield advantage over 2.5 mm/day. This indicates it is possible to reduce groundwater use for wheat by 50% incurring only 5%–16% yield loss relative to 5 mm/day. The TP and IWP for grain were slightly higher under IC of 1.7 mm/day (15.2–16.1 kg/ha/mm and 0.98–1.6 kg/m3) when compared to 5 mm/day (14.7–15.5 kg/ha/mm and 0.6–1.06 kg/m3), respectively. Since TP and IWPs are relatively higher under lower ICs, winter wheat could be a suitable crop under lower ICs in the region. Relationship between yield–T and yield–ET was linear with a slope of 15–16 and 9.5–10 kg/ha/mm, respectively. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on Optimizing Ogallala Aquifer Water Use to Sustain Food Systems. See the February 2019 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Relationships between vegetation and seed bank in sand pits: Effects of different restoration approaches and successional age
Authors: Horáčková Martina , Řehounková Klára , Prach Karel
Published: January 2019

Questions

Our study examined the relationships between the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation in spontaneously revegetated and forestry‐reclaimed sand pits. We asked the following questions: (a) What is the composition of the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation? (b) How do they develop over the course of succession within the two different restoration approaches? (c) What is the representation of target and undesirable species in the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation? and (d) Could the seed bank serve as the source for target vegetation restoration?

Location

Třeboň Basin, Czech Republic.

Methods

Three successional stages and two types of restoration approaches were considered. Bray–Curtis similarity was used for describing the similarity between above‐ground vegetation and the seed bank. Representation of target (dry sandy grassland), desirable (woodland, wetland, mesic grassland) and undesirable (synanthropic) species was assessed.

Results

The type of restoration approach exhibited stronger effects on the above‐ground vegetation than on the seed bank. The similarity between the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation decreased during succession. Undesirable species formed the dominant species group in the seed bank regardless of successional stage and the type of restoration approach. Target species were represented especially in the above‐ground vegetation of young successional stages. Only half of the number of target species appeared in the seed bank in comparison to above‐ground vegetation and their number further rapidly decreased in older stages of succession.

Conclusions

The result showed that the seed bank of sand pits could be considered as a potential resource mainly for synanthropic species, but it cannot serve as the only source for the eventual restoration of the target vegetation of an open sandy dry grassland after potential clearing, once it becomes overgrown by forest. Consequently, maintaining young successional stages is desirable if we wish to support species typical of dry sandy grassland.
Nomogram for predicting the likelihood of postoperative surgical complications in patients treated with partial nephrectomy: a prospective multicentre observational study (the RECORd 2 project)
Authors: Mari Andrea , Campi Riccardo , Schiavina Riccardo , Amparore Daniele , Antonelli Alessandro , Artibani Walter , Barale Maurizio , Bertini Roberto , Borghesi Marco , Bove Pierluigi , Brunocilla Eugenio , Capitanio Umberto , Da Pozzo Luigi , Daja Julian , Gontero Paolo , Larcher Alessandro , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Longo Nicola , Mirone Vincenzo , Montanari Emanuele , Pisano Francesca , Porpiglia Francesco , Simeone Claudio , Siracusano Salvatore , Tellini Riccardo , Trombetta Carlo , Volpe Alessandro , Ficarra Vincenzo , Carini Marco , Minervini Andrea ,   Collaborators
Published: January 2019

Objective

To identify meaningful predictors and to develop a nomogram of postoperative surgical complications in patients treated with partial nephrectomy (PN).

Patients and Methods

We prospectively evaluated 4308 consecutive patients who had surgical treatment for renal tumours, between 2013 and 2016, at 26 Italian urological centres (RECORd 2 project). A multivariable logistic regression for surgical complications was performed. A nomogram was created from the multivariable model. Internal validation processes were performed using bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions.

Results

Overall, 2584 patients who underwent PN were evaluated for the final analyses. The median (interquartile [IQR]) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 2 (2–3). In all, 72.4% of patients had clinical T1a (cT1a) stage tumours. The median (IQR) Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score was 7 (6–8). Overall, 34.3%, 27.7%, 38% of patients underwent open PN (OPN), laparoscopic PN (LPN), and robot‐assisted PN (RAPN). Overall and major postoperative surgical complications were recorded in 10.2% and 2.5% of patients, respectively. At multivariable analysis, age, ASA score, cT2 vs cT1a stage, PADUA score, preoperative anaemia, OPN and LPN vs RAPN, were significant predictive factors of postoperative surgical complications. We used these variables to construct a nomogram for predicting the risk of postoperative surgical complications. At decision curve analysis, the nomogram led to superior outcomes for any decision associated with a threshold probability of >5%.

Conclusion

Several clinical predictors have been associated with postoperative surgical complications after PN. We used this information to develop and internally validate a nomogram to predict such risk.
Cattle affect regeneration of the palm species Attalea princeps in a Bolivian forest–savanna mosaic
Authors: Hordijk Iris , Meijer Fabian , Nissen Esther , Boorsma Tjalle , Poorter Lourens
Published: January 2019

Attalea princeps is an important palm species that shapes the forest–savanna mosaic in Beni, Bolivia, as it dominates the two principal forest landscape elements (forest islands and gallery forest), and provides a vital microhabitat, food, and nesting source for numerous plant and animal species. The forest–savanna mosaic is used for extensive grazing, and the palm population is declining on the forest islands due to a low regeneration rate, which threatens the maintenance of this landscape. We therefore examined the (a)biotic factors that influence the population structure of Attalea in the centers and edges of forest islands and gallery forests. Ninety‐one 0.1‐ha plots were established, and 500 palm adults and 3,700 juveniles were measured for their size, health condition, and fire damage. For each plot, habitat characteristics, such as landscape position, grazing pressure, and soil conditions, were measured. Attalea population density was significantly lower on the forest islands than in the gallery forests, especially in the juvenile life stage. A structural equation model showed that juvenile density is positively related to the health condition of juveniles and amount of fruits present, where the amount of fruits is positively affected by the condition of adults. Juvenile density is negatively influenced by grazing, affecting the health condition of the juvenile, as well as organic matter and phosphate availability in the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease the grazing pressure by decreasing livestock densities, fencing off vulnerable forest islands, or by rotating cattle.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Assessment of pre‐implantation genetic testing for embryo aneuploidies: A SWOT analysis
Authors: Alteri Alessandra , Corti Laura , Sanchez Ana M. , Rabellotti Elisa , Papaleo Enrico , Viganò Paola
Published: January 2019

The recently re‐named pre‐implantation genetic testing for determining embryo aneuploidies (PGT‐A) is presently very popular although its acceptance by the scientific community is controversial. This approach still encounters drawbacks. This paper uses a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to discuss salient points to be considered when examining the pre‐implantation genetic testing (PGT‐A) strategy to gather information from a range of perspectives. One of the strengths associated with the procedure is represented by an increase in implantation rate although data from the highest level of evidence do not support an increase in cumulative pregnancy rates. The current difficulty in the management of mosaicisms represents a weakness of PGT‐A. The application of the strategy represents an opportunity to favor the single embryo transfer while other advantages, such as reduction of time to pregnancy and emotional distress are controversial. Potential important threats, at present still undefined, are represented by the biopsy‐related damage to the blastocyst and the impact on neonatal and long‐term outcomes.
Methylisothiazolinone allergic contact dermatitis: Assessment of relapses in 139 patients after avoidance advice
Authors: Bouschon Pauline , Waton Julie , Pereira Bruno , Schmutz Jean‐Luc , Le Bouëdec Marie‐Christine F. , D'Incan Michel
Published: January 2019

Background

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative that is responsible for an epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Few studies have been published on the prognosis of patients with MI‐induced ACD.

Objectives

To evaluate relapses of MI‐induced ACD and difficulties in avoiding MI in patients who had received avoidance advice.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with MI‐induced ACD diagnosed in two specialized dermato‐allergology units between 2010 and 2015 was performed. The median follow‐up was 3 years.

Results

Relapses were observed in 64% of 139 included patients, and were severe in 18%. Rinse‐off cosmetics were responsible for the largest proportion of relapses (27%). The median time to relapse was 5 months. Sixty‐nine per cent of relapses were on the hands, and 29% were on the face. Risk factors for relapsing were hand eczema and a personal history of atopy. The main difficulties encountered in the avoidance strategy were hidden sources of MI, the lack of labelling on industrial products, the complexity of cosmetic labelling, and remembering the name of the allergen.

Conclusion

MI‐induced ACD has a poor prognosis. Its high rate of relapse is mainly attributable to the difficulties of avoidance. Management needs to be improved. Specialized follow‐up in the year following diagnosis is essential to educate patients.
Effect of structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose, with and without additional TeleCare support, on overall glycaemic control in non‐insulin treated Type 2 diabetes: the SMBG Study, a 12‐month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Parsons S. N. , Luzio S. D. , Harvey J. N. , Bain S. C. , Cheung W. Y. , Watkins A. , Owens D. R.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To examine the impact of structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose, with or without TeleCare support, on glycaemic control in people with sub‐optimally controlled Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a 12‐month, multicentre, randomized controlled trial in people with established (>1 year) Type 2 diabetes not on insulin therapy, with sub‐optimal glycaemic control [HbA1c ≥58 to ≤119 mmol/mol (≥7.5% to ≤13%)]. A total of 446 participants were randomized to a control group (n =151) receiving usual diabetes care, a group using structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose alone (n =147) or a group using structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose with additional monthly ‘TeleCare’ support (n =148). The primary outcome was HbA1c at 12 months.

Results

A total of 323 participants (72%) completed the study; 116 (77%) in the control group, 99 (67%) in the self‐monitoring of blood glucose alone group and 108 (73%) in the self‐monitoring of blood glucose plus TeleCare group. Compared to baseline, the mean HbA1c was lower in all groups at 12 months, with reductions of 3.3 mmol/mol (95% CI –5.71 to –0.78) or 0.3% (95% CI –0.52 to –0.07; P=0.01) in the control group, 11.4 mmol/mol (95% CI –14.11 to –8.76) or 1.1% (–1.29 to –0.81; P<0.0001) in the group using self‐monitoring of blood glucose alone and 12.8 mmol/mol (95% CI –15.34 to –10.31) or 1.2% (95% CI –1.40 to ‐0.94; P<0.0001) in the group using self‐monitoring of blood glucose plus TeleCare. This represents a reduction in HbA1c of 8.9 mmol/mol (95% CI –11.97 to –5.84) or 0.8% (95% CI –1.10 to ‐0.54; P≤0.0001) with structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose compared to the control group. Participants with lower baseline HbA1c, shorter duration of diabetes and higher educational achievement were more likely to achieve HbA1c ≤53 mmol/mol (7.0%).

Conclusions

Structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose provides clinical and statistical improvements in glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes. No additional benefit, over and above the use of structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose, was observed in glycaemic control with the addition of once‐monthly TeleCare support.

(Clinical trial registration no.: ISRCTN21390608)
Spontaneous echo contrast mimicking aortic root thrombus in a patient supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: De Bono Joshua A. , McGiffin David C. , Waldron Benedict J. F. , Leet Angeline S. , Doi Atsuo
Published: January 2019

Aortic root spontaneous echo contrast is a rare but significant finding. We report a 31‐year‐old female who was placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergently for acute mitral regurgitation secondary to papillary muscle rupture. Following stabilization, subsequent transesophageal echocardiography suggested aortic root thrombus and prompted emergent surgery. However, further inspection with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a spontaneous echo contrast which aided us in the intraoperative decision making.
TEENAGE RISKY BEHAVIOR AND PARENTAL SUPERVISION: THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF MULTIPLE SHIFTS SCHOOL SYSTEMS
Authors: Reynoso Ana , Rossi Martín A.
Published: January 2019

We study the relationship between attending high school at night and the probability of engaging in risky behavior, such as having unsafe sex or consuming substances. To address potential endogeneity concerns we take advantage of a random assignment of high school students to daytime and night shifts in the city of Buenos Aires. Using an original survey on students attending their last year of high school, we find that girls attending high school in the evening start having sex at an earlier age and present a higher probability of getting an abortion. We find no significant differences for substance use. Our experimental approach suggests that the link between high school shift and risky behavior is causal. Results hold when we use an alternative sample of alumni. Finally, we report evidence that the lack of parental supervision is the mechanism underlying our results. (JEL I12, I25, J13)
Tropisetron via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor suppresses tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated cell responses of human keratinocytes
Authors: Stegemann Agatha , Böhm Markus
Published: January 2019

Tropisetron is a serotonin receptor (5‐HT‐R)‐modulating agent and approved as an antiemetic for patients undergoing chemotherapy. In the gut, it acts via specific serotonin receptors, 5‐HT3‐R, to elicit its beneficial effects against nausea. We investigated whether tropisetron can affect inflammatory cell responses of human primary epidermal keratinocytes (NHK) which are key cells in the regulation of skin homoeostasis. Tropisetron significantly and dose‐dependently suppressed tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐mediated mRNA expression and protein secretion of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 in these cells. This effect of tropisetron was independent of p65/NF‐κB as shown by various NF‐κB signal transduction read‐outs. Importantly, the anti‐inflammatory tropisetron effect on NHK was neither mediated by 5‐HT3‐R nor 5‐HT4‐R since these receptors were absent in NHK. In contrast, NHK expressed α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAchR) which previously were found to bind tropisetron. The α7nAchR antagonist α‐bungarotoxin neutralized, whereas AR‐R17779, a specific α7nAchR agonist, mimicked the suppressive effect of tropisetron on TNF‐α‐mediated IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression in NHK. Our findings suggest that tropisetron and probably other α7nAchR‐activating agents could be useful for the future therapy of inflammatory skin diseases.
NOX1/NADPH oxidase regulates the expression of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 and maintains intracellular glutathione levels
Authors: Wen Xiaopeng , Iwata Kazumi , Ikuta Keiko , Zhang Xueqing , Zhu Kai , Ibi Masakazu , Matsumoto Misaki , Asaoka Nozomi , Liu Junjie , Katsuyama Masato , Yabe‐Nishimura Chihiro
Published: January 2019

The involvement of superoxide‐generating NADPH oxidase (NOX) in the cytotoxic effects of cigarette smoke extracts has been documented. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and NOX isoform involved have not been fully clarified. Among the different NADPH oxidase isoforms identified so far, NOX1 and NOX4 were found to be expressed in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes. When H9c2 cells were exposed to acrolein or methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), major toxic components of cigarette smoke extracts, a dose‐dependent decline in cell viability was observed. Unexpectedly, disruption of Nox1 as well as Nox4 significantly exacerbated cytotoxicity induced by acrolein or MVK. Compared with Nox4‐disrupted cells, Nox1‐disrupted cells were more vulnerable to acrolein and MVK at lower concentrations. Disruption of Nox1 markedly attenuated the levels of total and reduced glutathione (GSH) in H9c2 clones. Reduction in the cystine level in the culture medium to deplete intracellular GSH significantly exacerbated acrolein or MVK‐induced cytotoxicity. Nox1 disruption neither attenuated the level of glutamate–cystine antiporter protein nor the activity of glutamate–cysteine ligase, both rate‐limiting factors for GSH synthesis. On the other hand, increased expression of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1), which mediates glutathione efflux, was demonstrated in Nox1‐disrupted cells. The augmented toxicity of acrolein and MVK in these cells was partially but significantly blunted in the presence of an MRP1 inhibitor, reversan. Taken together, these results show that NOX1/NADPH oxidase regulates the expression of MRP1 to maintain intracellular GSH levels in cardiomyocytes and protect against cytotoxic components of cigarette smoke extracts. A novel crosstalk between NOX1 and MRP1 was demonstrated in this study.
URBAN MODERNITY AND THE POLITICS OF HEIMAT: GABRIELE TERGIT'S KÄSEBIER EROBERT DEN KURFÜRSTENDAMM
Authors: Boa Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

This essay explores an irony running through Gabriele Tergit's Berlin novel Käsebier erobert den Kurfürstendamm (1931): Heimat kitsch serves as a marketing brand for property speculation that is destroying Heimat in the sense of homes and familiar city localities. The novel conveys different ways of feeling at home in a great city, whether at work, or in cafés, parks, and streets full of personal memories and cultural associations. The politics of Heimat is a major theme as Jewish citizens increasingly face threats of exclusion from the German Heimat. Instead of domestic confinement as in traditional Heimat discourse, economic and educational emancipation gave women in the Weimar Republic access to civil society, but new tensions in the emotional economy of relations between the sexes and across generations bring new anxieties as well as new freedoms.