bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arginine‐ but not alanine‐rich carboxy‐termini trigger nuclear translocation of mutant keratin 10 in ichthyosis with confetti
Authors: Renz Patricia , Imahorn Elias , Spoerri Iris , Aushev Magomet , March Oliver P. , Wariwoda Hedwig , Von Arb Sarah , Volz Andreas , Itin Peter H. , Reichelt Julia , Burger Bettina
Published: October 2019

Ichthyosis with confetti (IWC) is a genodermatosis associated with dominant‐negative variants in keratin 10 (KRT10) or keratin 1 (KRT1). These frameshift variants result in extended aberrant proteins, localized to the nucleus rather than the cytoplasm. This mislocalization is thought to occur as a result of the altered carboxy (C)‐terminus, from poly‐glycine to either a poly‐arginine or ‐alanine tail. Previous studies on the type of C‐terminus and subcellular localization of the respective mutant protein are divergent. In order to fully elucidate the pathomechanism of IWC, a greater understanding is critical. This study aimed to establish the consequences for localization and intermediate filament formation of altered keratin 10 (K10) C‐termini. To achieve this, plasmids expressing distinct KRT10 variants were generated. Sequences encoded all possible reading frames of the K10 C‐terminus as well as a nonsense variant. A keratinocyte line was transfected with these plasmids. Additionally, gene editing was utilized to introduce frameshift variants in exon 6 and exon 7 at the endogenous KRT10 locus. Cellular localization of aberrant K10 was observed via immunofluorescence using various antibodies. In each setting, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated aberrant nuclear localization of K10 featuring an arginine‐rich C‐terminus. However, this was not observed with K10 featuring an alanine‐rich C‐terminus. Instead, the protein displayed cytoplasmic localization, consistent with wild‐type and truncated forms of K10. This study demonstrates that, of the various 3′ frameshift variants of KRT10, exclusively arginine‐rich C‐termini lead to nuclear localization of K10.
Using Weighted Sum Scores to Close the Gap Between DIF Practice and Theory
Authors: Guo Hongwen , Dorans Neil J.
Published: October 2019

We make a distinction between the operational practice of using an observed score to assess differential item functioning (DIF) and the concept of departure from measurement invariance (DMI) that conditions on a latent variable. DMI and DIF indices of effect sizes, based on the Mantel‐Haenszel test of common odds ratio, converge under restricted conditions if a simple sum score is used as the matching or conditioning variable in a DIF analysis. Based on theoretical results, we demonstrate analytically that matching on a weighted sum score can significantly reduce the difference between DIF and DMI measures over what can be achieved with a simple sum score. We also examine the utility of binning methods that could facilitate potential operational use of DIF with weighted sum scores. A real data application was included to show this feasibility.
Saprolegnia molecular phylogeny among farmed teleosts in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Sarowar Mohammad Nasif , Cusack Roland , Duston James
Published: October 2019

To identify the pathogens causing saprolegniosis among farmed fish in Nova Scotia, 172 infected tissues and 23 water samples were collected from six species of teleosts: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), brown trout (Salmo trutta), Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at nine facilities over a 600 km range. Following laboratory culture, 132 isolates were recovered. Six species of oomycetes were identified from analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence of the nrDNA: Saprolegnia parasitica, Saprolegnia ferax, Saprolegnia diclina, Saprolegnia aenigmatica, Saprolegnia torulosa, Saprolegnia sp. and Pythiopsis cymosa. Further phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) regions revealed four strains of Saprolegnia parasitica (named here as S1, S2, S3 and S4), of which S1 and S2 were common (37% and 42% of the isolates), and two strains of S. ferax. Among S. parasitica, S2 and S3 are more closely related to each other than to S1 based on the phylogenetic analyses and predicted RNA secondary structure of the ITS region. Sexual structures with a similar morphology were formed by S1 and S3 in vitro, but were not formed by S2.
Processing watermelon waste using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and the fermentation method for bioethanol production
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Salehi Rouhollah
Published: October 2019

Bioethanol is a source of energy for the future when petroleum is going to finish. The aim of this study is to assess bioethanol production from watermelon waste using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) yeast and fermentation method. The test was replicated three times in 35 hr at three different fermenter agitator speeds and three levels of yeast. The results showed that about 35.5 g of bioethanol was obtained from each kilogram of watermelon. Investigating different variables shows that the fermenter agitator speed of 120 rpm and the yeast amount of 5 g could lead to the best yield in the process of fermenting watermelon waste for the purpose of producing bioethanol. The results of the evaluating the artificial neural network (ANN) model and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) in predicting bioethanol production from watermelon waste with the highest coefficient of determination (R2) were 0.9895 and 0.9993, respectively. These results indicate that ANNs and ANFIS are effective in predicting bioethanol production from watermelon waste.

Practical Applications

Advanced, green, clean, and sustainable processing technologies to reduce watermelon waste. Fermentation of agricultural waste in the shortest time (30 hr). Investigating important factors in waste fermentation process. The performance of ANN and ANFIS network in predicting bioethanol production.
The long‐term effect and adherence of a low fermentable oligosaccharides disaccharides monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Weynants A. , Goossens L. , Genetello M. , De Looze D. , Van Winckel M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Short‐term trials with a low‐FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides disaccharides monosaccharides and polyols) diet (LFD) show promising results in the symptomatic management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The present study investigated the long‐term adherence to an LFD diet, factors associated with adherence, and associations between LFD and quality of life (QOL), IBS symptoms and disease course on a long‐term basis.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted. Two hundred and thirty‐four patients were enrolled from Ghent University hospital. Health‐related QOL, long‐term adherence to the LFD, disease course and IBS symptoms were assessed using a validated and self‐developed questionnaire.

Results

Ninety (38.5%) patients completed the questionnaires. The median time span between the first dietary consultation and completion of the questionnaires was 99.5 weeks (approaching 2 years). The predominant disease course was mild IBS with an indolent course (43.0%). Eighty percent reported still following a diet in which certain FODMAP‐rich food types are avoided. Eighty patients (88.9%) were satisfied that they follow or had followed the diet. The IBS‐QOL did not differ between patients following the diet strictly and patients deviating from the diet (P = 0.669). Patients still following the LFD experienced less severe abdominal pain than patients who stopped following the diet (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

The long‐term adherence and satisfaction with the LFD is high in patients with IBS. Nevertheless, patients indicated that it was difficult to follow the LFD in daily life. Practical issues, social factors and the absence of symptoms were indicated as the main reasons for a drop in adherence.
The politics of markets: Farmer–trader relations under neoliberalism in Punjab, India
Authors: Sinha Shreya
Published: October 2019

This article asks how local traders or middlemen continue to thrive in the agricultural markets of liberalized India. It studies this by focusing on the shifting politics of the relation between farmers and commission agents (arhtias) in post‐harvest wholesale markets in Ludhiana district, Punjab. It uses the framework of political analysis of markets towards this, paying close attention to the role of the state and the nature of interlinked markets. Drawing on intensive primary fieldwork, the article argues that the power of the arhtias is constituted differently across different commodities and in relation to different agrarian classes. At the same time, the state, notwithstanding its changing priorities, and the diversification of large farmers into the commission agent business have been crucial to their persistence in the wholesale grain markets.
A retrospective analysis for facial telangiectasia treatment using pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light configured with different wavelength bands
Authors: Gao Lin , Qu Huanhuan , Gao Ni , Li Kai , Dang Erle , Tan Wenbin , Wang Gang
Published: October 2019

Background

Facial telangiectasia is one of the common skin vascular lesions characterized by dilated cutaneous vasculatures. The variety of diameters and difference in depths of lesional blood vessels are the major challenges for effective treatments for Facial telangiectasia.

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of pulsed dye laser (PDL, 595 nm) with intense pulsed light (IPL) configured by three different wavelength bands in the treatment for facial telangiectasia in Asian populations.

Patients/Methods

A retrospective analysis of hospital records and review on photographs were performed for those subjects with facial telangiectasia (n = 160) who were treated in our department from January 2017 to January 2019. Patients were received two sessions of one of the four following laser treatments: PDL (595 nm, n = 38), IPL with M22 vascular filter (530‐650 nm and 900‐1200 nm, n = 39), M22 560 (560‐1200 nm, n = 42), and M22 590 (590‐1200 nm, n = 41).

Results

The patients in all the four groups showed an overall and significant improvement of indexes of lesional severity and subjective discomfort as well as improvement score of facial telangiectasia after treatment as compared to baseline. In addition, PDL (595 nm) and IPL with vascular filter (530‐650 nm and 900‐1200 nm) treatments showed significantly better indexes of lesional severity, subjective discomfort, and improvement score of facial telangiectasia as compared with other two treatments.

Conclusion

Light devices with various wavelength ranges showed different efficacies of treatment for facial telangiectasia, among which PDL (595 nm) and IPL with M22 vascular filter (530‐650 nm and 900‐1200 nm) had similar and the best clinical efficacy as compared to IPL with other wavelength bands.
Biomimetics – Nature's roadmap to insights and solutions for burden of lifestyle diseases
Authors: Stenvinkel P. , Painer J. , Johnson R. J. , Natterson‐Horowitz B.
Published: October 2019

There are over 8 million species in this world that live in widely varying environments, from hot thermal fissures to cold arctic settings. These species have evolved over millions of years and vary markedly in how they have adapted to their environments. In the last decades, studies of how species have succeeded in surviving in different environments and with different resources have been recognized to provide not only insights into disease but also novel means for developing treatments. Here, we provide an overview of two related and overlapping approaches (biomimetics and zoobiquity), which are turning to the natural world for insights to better understand, treat and prevent human ‘burden of lifestyle’ pathologies from heart disease and cancer to degeneration and premature ageing. We suggest that expanding biomedical investigation beyond its decades old conventional practices to new approaches based on a broad awareness of the diversity of animal life and comparative physiology can accelerate innovations in health care under the motto ‘Nature knows best’.
Pension Regulation, Firm Borrowing, and Investment Risk
Authors: Lay Margaret J.
Published: October 2019

This article builds a new model of capital structure and nonpension investment decisions to show that regulatory and investment incentives created by accrued pension obligations exacerbate traditional agency problems between stockholders and bondholders. The article identifies conditions under which firms with accrued pension liabilities have an incentive to choose an overly risky capital structure, invest in risky projects with negative net present value, and/or under‐fund their pension accounts.
Effects of a diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic and glutamine on cytokines as immunological markers for systemic inflammation in bitches before and after ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Porsani Mariana Y. H. , Bonder Brana S. A. , Teixeira Fabio A. , Gomes Cristina O. M. S. , Gonçales Lucas A. , Nagashima Julio K. , Balieiro Julio C. C. , Fantoni Denise T. , Pontieri Cristiana F. F. , Jeremias Juliana T. , Brunetto Marcio A.
Published: October 2019

The post‐operative period can generate immunological stress and can be modulated through supplementation with the omega‐3 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets enriched with high doses of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids and glutamine on inflammatory mediators in dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Twelve female dogs were divided into two groups: group A was fed a commercial diet without the addition of EPA and DHA, and group B was fed an experimental diet enriched with EPA and DHA (0.2 g/100 kcal). Experimental diet intake initiated 21 days before surgery and continued until 30 days after OVH. Parameters measured were serum cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10), C‐reactive protein (CRP), IGF‐1, lymphoproliferation and body composition before and after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS software considering the effects of age and diet and their interactions, and means were compared by the Tukey test. There was no difference between groups in body weight (p = .682), lean mass (p = .101) and body fat (p = .103). There were no group differences in serum concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, IGF‐1, CRP and the percentage of lymphocyte proliferation. However, a time effect for TNF‐α was observed (p < .001), in which T0P (10 days after the surgical procedure) presented lower values of this cytokine when compared to the other evaluation time points; and interaction effects between group and time were observed for serum concentrations of IL‐6 (p < .001) and IL‐10 (p = .002). OVH procedure was not considered invasive enough to increase inflammatory cytokines after 30 days of surgery, as well as the dosage of the EPA and DHA used before and after the surgery did not modulate the inflammatory markers.
Biomaterial‐based possibilities for managing peri‐implantitis
Authors: de Avila Erica D. , van Oirschot Bart A. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P.
Published: October 2019

Peri‐implantitis is an inflammatory disease of hard and soft tissues around osseointegrated implants, followed by a progressive damage of alveolar bone. Oral microorganisms can adhere to all types of surfaces by the production of multiple adhesive factors. Inherent properties of materials will influence not only the number of microorganisms, but also their profile and adhesion force onto the material surface. In this perspective, strategies to reduce the adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms on dental implants and their components should be investigated in modern rehabilitation concepts in implant dentistry. To date, several metallic nanoparticle films have been developed to reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria. However, the main drawback in these approaches is the potential toxicity and accumulative effect of the metals over time. In view of biological issues and in attempt to prevent and/or treat peri‐implantitis, biomaterials as carriers of antimicrobial substances have attracted special attention for application as coatings on dental implant devices. This review will focus on biomaterial‐based possibilities to prevent and/or treat peri‐implantitis by describing concepts and dental implant components suitable for engagement in preventing and treating this disease. Additionally, we raise important criteria referring to the geometric parameters of dental implants and their components, which can directly affect peri‐implant tissue conditions. Finally, we overview currently available biomaterial systems that can be used in the field of oral implantology.
Insomnia‐related interpretational bias is associated with pre‐sleep worry
Authors: Gerlach Finja , Ehring Thomas , Werner Gabriela G. , Takano Keisuke
Published: October 2019

Cognitive models of insomnia highlight the role of biased cognition in sleep‐related information, which is proposed to underlie pre‐sleep worry, which in turn results in both subjective and objective sleep deficits. To test this hypothesis, the current study investigated interpretational bias, which is a tendency to interpret ambiguous stimuli in a threat‐related (here: insomnia‐related) manner. We specifically hypothesized that interpretational bias would be associated with (a) pre‐sleep worry and (b) poor subjective and objective sleep. Interpretational bias was measured using the ambiguous scenario task, in which participants (n = 76, community sample) were presented with two types of scenarios (insomnia and anxiety related) that could be alternatively interpreted in a neutral manner. Participants additionally completed questionnaires to assess global sleep quality and pre‐sleep worry, which were followed by 1‐week sleep assessments (via diaries and actigraphy) to estimate specific, daily subjective and objective sleep parameters. The results showed that insomnia‐related (but not anxiety‐related) interpretational bias was positively associated with pre‐sleep worry as well as overall sleep quality. However, these associations could be explained by general trait anxiety. We also found no connection to specific subjective or objective parameters of daily sleep, such as sleep onset latency. These findings support the cognitive‐hyperarousal mechanism, where biased cognition (together with trait anxiety) underlies pre‐sleep worry. The association with overall sleep quality, but not with specific, daily subjective or objective sleep parameters, may suggest that interpretational bias is specifically relevant for how individuals judge and describe their sleep quality.
Walsh Fourier Transform of Locally Stationary Time Series
Authors: Huang Zhelin , Chan Ngai Hang
Published: October 2019

A new time‐frequency model and a method to classify time series data are proposed in this article. By viewing the observed signals as realizations of locally dyadic stationary (LDS) processes, a LDS model can be used to provide a time‐frequency decomposition of the signals, under which the evolutionary Walsh spectrum and related statistics can be defined and estimated. The classification procedure is as follows. First choose a training data set that comprises two groups of time series with a known group. Then compute the time frequency feature (the energy) using the training data set, and use a best tree method to maximize the discrepancy of this feature between the two groups. Finally, choose the testing data set with the unknown group as validation data, and use a discriminant statistic to classify the validation data to one of the groups. The classification method is illustrated via an electroencephalographic dataset and the Ericsson B transaction time dataset. The proposed classification method performs better for integer‐valued time series in terms of classification error rates in both simulations and real‐life applications.
Costs of viral hepatitis B in the Republic of Korea, 2002‐2015
Authors: Baik Dahye , Kim Byung‐Woo , Oh Jin‐Kyoung , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Ki Moran
Published: October 2019

The Republic of Korea has a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and the policies concerning costly antiviral medication have been revised recently. However, in the past 10 years, no related research on costs has been conducted. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic burden of viral hepatitis B and determine the trend of changes in its costs between 2002 and 2015. Claims data from the National Health Insurance Service were used. To identify viral hepatitis B cases, the ICD‐10th code B16, B17.0, B18.0 and B18.1 were used based on a primary diagnosis. This study was conducted from a societal perspective regarding both direct and indirect costs. Annual costs were adjusted for inflation by calculations based on the 2015 costs. The number of patients with viral hepatitis B increased from 213 758 in 2002 to 342 672 in 2015. The total socio‐economic costs increased from 127.1 million USD in 2002 to 459.1 million USD in 2015, mainly due to the increase in pharmaceutical costs, which accounted for the largest proportion of total costs since 2009—220.5 million USD in 2015, which was ~15 times higher than that in 2002. The healthcare costs for viral hepatitis B accounted for 0.13% of the national health expenditure in 2002, increasing to 0.31% in 2015. The economic burden of viral hepatitis B has increased in the Republic of Korea. It is therefore essential to reduce the healthcare costs of HBV infection by establishing an effective management policy.
Using the barriers and facilitators to linkage to HIV care to inform hepatitis C virus (HCV) linkage to care strategies for people released from prison: Findings from a systematic review
Authors: Yanes‐Lane Mercedes , Dussault Camille , Linthwaite Blake , Cox Joseph , Klein Marina B. , Sebastiani Giada , Lebouché Bertrand , Kronfli Nadine
Published: October 2019

Elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among short‐term sentenced prison populations will require improved access to HCV care and specific strategies dedicated to linkage upon release. Prison‐based HCV care has lagged behind HIV care, but much can be learned from HIV studies. We performed a systematic review to identify individual‐, provider‐ and system‐level barriers and facilitators to linkage to HCV and HIV care among released inmates. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase, and performed a grey literature search for English articles published up to November 2018. Two searches were conducted, one each for HCV and HIV; 323 and 684 unique articles were identified of which two and 27 studies were included, respectively. Facilitators to linkage to HCV care included social support, having an existing primary care provider, and receipt of methadone, whereas barriers included a perceived lack of healthcare information and a lack of specialized linkage to care programs. The principal facilitators to linkage to HIV care included social support, treatment for substance use and mental illness, the provision of education, case management, discharge planning and transportation assistance. Important barriers were unstable housing, age <30 years, HIV‐related stigma, poor providers’ attitudes and the lack of post‐release reintegration assistance. While HCV care‐specific studies are needed, much can be learned from linkage to HIV care studies. Ultimately, a multi‐pronged approach, addressing several individual‐level social determinants of health, and key provider‐ and system‐level barriers may be an appropriate starting point for the development of HCV linkage to care strategies.
Hep B Moms: A cross‐sectional study of mother‐to‐child transmission risk among pregnant Asian American women with chronic hepatitis B in New York City, 2007‐2017
Authors: Lyu Janice , Wang Su , He Qingqing , Pan Calvin , Tang Amy S.
Published: October 2019

Mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) is responsible for the majority of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections worldwide. Despite timely HBV immunoprophylaxis of neonates, MTCT can occur in infants born to mothers with high levels of HBV viremia. We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of Asian American women with chronic HBV evaluated with HBV DNA during prenatal care at two community health sites in New York City from 2007 to 2017. We described patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, categorized their HBV disease phase and analysed for variables associated with high MTCT risk (defined by HBV DNA level >200 000 IU/mL) using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 1298 pregnancies among 1012 mostly China‐born (97.6%) women with chronic HBV were included in the study. Of the 1241 pregnancies among women not on antiviral treatment, 22.4% were considered high risk for MTCT and, of these, 255 (91.7%) were HBV e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive and 19 (6.8%) were HBeAg‐negative. HBeAg‐positive status and ALT levels between 26 and 50 U/L were associated with higher likelihood for being high risk for MTCT. Only 0.8% of pregnancies low risk for MTCT were in the immune active phase while the majority (58.4%) were in the inactive chronic HBV phase of infection. Approximately one in five (22.4%) pregnancies among Asian American women with chronic HBV was considered high risk for MTCT and met criteria for antiviral therapy. Full assessment of HBV pregnant women and early coordinated care is needed to deliver interventions to prevent MTCT during critical windows of time.
An observational study on long‐term renal outcome in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Lim Tae Seop , Lee Jae Seung , Kim Beom Kyung , Lee Hye Won , Jeon Mi Young , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: October 2019

In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), long‐term effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on renal function have been controversial. This study aimed to analyse the real‐world long‐term effects of TDF on renal function in Korean patients with CHB. We analysed a cohort of 640 treatment‐naïve patients with CHB who were treated with TDF between May 2012 and December 2015 at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. The mean age was 48.3 years old, and 59.5% were male. The proportions of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were 11.6% and 14.2%, respectively, and that of liver cirrhosis was 20.8%. During the 5‐year follow‐up, using a linear mixed model, serum creatinine increased from 0.77 ± 0.01 mg/dL to 0.85 ± 0.02 mg/dL (P < .001), and eGFR decreased from 102.6 ± 0.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 93.4 ± 1.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < .001). In subgroup analysis, eGFR was statistically more decreased in patients with age > 60 than ≦60 years old (P = .027), and in patients with diuretic use than without diuretic use (P = .008). In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for eGFR decrease > 20% were baseline eGFR < 60mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = .034) and the use of diuretics (P < .001). CHB patients on TDF experienced greater reduction in renal function with age > 60 and with diuretic use compared to those without these characteristics. Baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and use of diuretics were independent risk factors of eGFR decline of more than 20% on TDF therapy.
Inequalities in the Age of Universal Health Coverage: Young Chileans with Diabetes Negotiating for Their Right to Health
Authors: González‐Agüero Marcela , Chenhall Richard , Basnayake Prabhathi , Vaughan Cathy
Published: October 2019

While universal health coverage (UHC) has been praised as a powerful means to reduce inequalities and improve access to health globally, little has been said about how patients experience and understand its implementation locally. In this article, we explore the experiences of young Chileans with type 1 diabetes when seeking care in Santiago, within Chile's UHC program, which sought to improve people's access to health care. We argue that the implementation of UHC, within a structurally fragmented health system, did not lead to the promised equitable health care delivery. Although UHC aimed to equitably provide universal care, locally it materialized in heterogeneous configurations forcing individuals into positions of precarity and generating new inequalities. Furthermore, for the young people in the study, UHC intersected with their health insurance and socioeconomic status, impacting on the health care they could access, consequently making diabetes care and management a difficult challenge.
Structural and ligand binding analyses of the periplasmic sensor domain of RsbU in Chlamydia trachomatis support a role in TCA cycle regulation
Authors: Soules Katelyn R. , Dmitriev Aidan , LaBrie Scott D. , Dimond Zoë E. , May Benjamin H. , Johnson David K. , Zhang Yang , Battaile Kevin P. , Lovell Scott , Hefty P. Scott
Published: October 2019

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacteria that undergo dynamic morphologic and physiologic conversions upon gaining an access to a eukaryotic cell. These conversions likely require the detection of key environmental conditions and regulation of metabolic activity. Chlamydia encodes homologs to proteins in the Rsb phosphoregulatory partner‐switching pathway, best described in Bacillus subtilis. ORF CT588 has a strong sequence similarity to RsbU cytoplasmic phosphatase domain but also contains a unique periplasmic sensor domain that is expected to control the phosphatase activity. A 1.7 Å crystal structure of the periplasmic domain of the RsbU protein from C. trachomatis (PDB 6MAB) displays close structural similarity to DctB from Vibrio and Sinorhizobium. DctB has been shown, both structurally and functionally, to specifically bind to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate succinate. Surface plasmon resonance and differential scanning fluorimetry of TCA intermediates and potential metabolites from a virtual screen of RsbU revealed that alpha‐ketoglutarate, malate and oxaloacetate bound to the RsbU periplasmic domain. Substitutions in the putative binding site resulted in reduced binding capabilities. An RsbU null mutant showed severe growth defects which could be restored through genetic complementation. Chemical inhibition of ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation phenocopied the growth defect observed in the RsbU null strain. Altogether, these data support a model with the Rsb system responding differentially to TCA cycle intermediates to regulate metabolism and key differentiation processes.
Nursing’s public image in the Republic of Georgia: A qualitative, exploratory study
Authors: Squires Allison , Ojemeni Melissa T. , Olson Emma , Uchanieshvili Maia
Published: October 2019

The public image of nursing is important because it can facilitate or create barriers to achieving an adequate supply of nursing human resources. This study sought to gain a better understanding of nursing’s professional image within the Republic of Georgia. The Nursing Human Resources Systems model was used to guide the study’s exploratory, qualitative approach. Data collection occurred over a 2‐week period in the Republic of Georgia, and thirty‐three participants formed the final study sample. Participants included healthcare professionals, key informants from nonprofit and research institutions, and patients. Data analysis occurred using directed content analysis techniques, and three themes emerged: (a) gender dimension; (b) the nursing service recipient experience; and (c) historical legacies. Themes revealed the complexities of nursing’s image in the country. Findings from this study serve as baseline data for understanding nursing’s image in the Republic of Georgia which could assist with improving pre‐entry nursing production issues.
Optimal harvesting and taxation when accounting for the marine environmental quality of the fishery
Authors: Long Ngo Van , Tidball Mabel , Zaccour Georges
Published: October 2019

We consider a fishery described by two state variables, namely, the stock of fish and its marine environmental quality, operationalized as an index of habitat extent and quality, which influences the growth rate and the carrying capacity (MEQ). Assuming that myopic fishing agents exploit the fishery, we characterize and contrast the steady‐state values in two scenarios: (a) a scenario where the agents (correctly) perceive that the MEQ is nonconstant and (b) a scenario where they behave as if the MEQ is a given constant. Not unexpectedly, the harvest rates differ across the two scenarios and consequently lead to different steady states. Interestingly, for some parameter values, we obtain that assuming a constant MEQ has a conservation flavor, that is, it results in a larger stock of fish and higher MEQ in the steady‐state. We show that there exists a steady‐state solution to the planner's problem and that it can be supported by a large number of appropriately designed tax schemes, while the approach path to the steady‐state depends on the implemented tax scheme. We also discuss the implications for optimal regulation under open access when habitat matters

Recommendations for Resource Managers

We take into account the marine environmental quality (MEQ) in a fishery model and assess how it affects harvesting behavior and the fish stock.

For some parameter values, we obtain that assuming a constant MEQ has a conservation flavor, that is, it results in a larger stock of fish and higher MEQ in the steady‐state.

We show that there exists a steady‐state solution to the planner's problem that can be supported by different tax schemes.
Cutoff Value for Short Form of Central Sensitization Inventory
Authors: Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Nishigami Tomohiko , Mibu Akira , Manfuku Masahiro , Yono Satoko , Yukioka Masao , Miki Kenji
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the optimal cutoff score of the 9‐item short version of the CSI, the CSI‐9, by comparing patients with central sensitivity syndrome (CSS) not only to healthy volunteers as with the original version, but also to patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders.

Methods

All participants filled out the CSI, EuroQol 5‐dimension, Brief Pain Inventory, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale questionnaires. To identify a clinically relevant cutoff score, receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted. The area under the curve was used to examine the ability of the CSI‐9 to distinguish patients with fibromyalgia (FM) from patients with MSK disorders and healthy individuals.

Results

Twenty‐six participants with FM, 30 patients with MSK disorders, and 28 healthy individuals were included. We determined 2 cutoff scores: 20 for distinguishing patients with FM from patients with MSK disorders and 17 for distinguishing patients with FM from healthy individuals. These cutoff scores had good sensitivity (patients with MSK disorders, 92.3%; healthy individuals, 96.2%) and specificity (patients with MSK disorders, 93.3%; healthy individuals, 100%). In addition, the patients who scored above the cutoff of 20 points exhibited worse clinical symptoms (higher pain intensity, higher pain interference, higher Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores, and lower EuroQol 5‐dimension scores) than those who scored below it. Furthermore, a significantly higher number of subjects who scored more than 20 on the CSI‐9 had a history of 2 or more diagnoses of CSS.

Conclusion

The optimal CSI‐9 cutoff score of 20 is beneficial to clinicians in the evaluation of central sensitization–related symptoms. The cutoff score helps to identify patients who need additional treatments, such as pain neuroscience education and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Targeted mutagenesis of BnTT8 homologs controls yellow seed coat development for effective oil production in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Zhai Yungu , Yu Kaidi , Cai Shengli , Hu Limin , Amoo Olalekan , Xu Lei , Yang Yang , Ma Boyuan , Jiao Yangmiao , Zhang Chaofeng , Khan Muhammad Hafeez Ullah , Khan Shahid Ullah , Fan Chuchuan , Zhou Yongming
Published: October 2019

Yellow seed is a desirable trait with great potential for improving seed quality in Brassica crops. Unfortunately, no natural or induced yellow seed germplasms have been found in Brassica napus, an important oil crop, which likely reflects its genome complexity and the difficulty of the simultaneous random mutagenesis of multiple gene copies with functional redundancy. Here, we demonstrate the first application of CRISPR/Cas9 for creating yellow‐seeded mutants in rapeseed. The targeted mutations of the BnTT8 gene were stably transmitted to successive generations, and a range of homozygous mutants with loss‐of‐function alleles of the target genes were obtained for phenotyping. The yellow‐seeded phenotype could be recovered only in targeted mutants of both BnTT8 functional copies, indicating that the redundant roles of BnA09.TT8 and BnC09.TT8b are vital for seed colour. The BnTT8 double mutants produced seeds with elevated seed oil and protein content and altered fatty acid (FA) composition without any serious defects in the yield‐related traits, making it a valuable resource for rapeseed breeding programmes. Chemical staining and histological analysis showed that the targeted mutations of BnTT8 completely blocked the proanthocyanidin (PA)‐specific deposition in the seed coat. Further, transcriptomic profiling revealed that the targeted mutations of BnTT8 resulted in the broad suppression of phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis genes, which indicated a much more complex molecular mechanism underlying seed colour formation in rapeseed than in Arabidopsis and other Brassica species. In addition, gene expression analysis revealed the possible mechanism through which BnTT8 altered the oil content and fatty acid composition in seeds.
STAT1 gain‐of‐function and chronic demodicosis
Authors: Molho‐Pessach Vered , Meltser Arnon , Kamshov Adaia , Ramot Yuval , Zlotogorski Abraham
Published: October 2019

Heterozygous STAT1 gain‐of‐function (GOF) mutations result in a combined form of immunodeficiency which is the most common genetic cause of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). We present a pedigree with a GOF mutation in STAT1, manifesting with chronic demodicosis in the form of a facial papulopustular eruption, blepharitis, and chalazion. So far, demodicosis has been described in only one family with STAT1‐GOF mutation. We suggest that chronic demodicosis is an under‐recognized feature of the immune dysregulation disorder caused by STAT1 gain‐of‐function mutations.
Prevalence of FLG loss‐of‐function mutations R501X, 2282del4, and R2447X in Spanish children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: González‐Tarancón Ricardo , Sanmartín Rosalia , Lorente Fabiola , Salvador‐Rupérez Elvira , Hernández‐Martín Angela , Rello Luis , Puzo Jose , Gilaberte Yolanda
Published: October 2019

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent inflammatory skin disorder, and is often associated with a personal or family history of atopic disease. The presence of loss‐of‐function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) is the main predisposing factor for AD FLG mutations show ethnic and geographical variations, even between European populations. We sought to determine the frequency of the 3 most common FLG null mutations in a population of Spanish children consisting of healthy controls and AD patients. We also investigated the association between these 3 FLG mutations and AD.

Methods

A total of 214 participants (111 AD patients and 103 healthy controls) were enrolled in this study. Genotyping for 3 FLG null mutations (R501X, 2282del4, and R2447X) was performed by conventional Sanger sequencing.

Results

The combined mutation frequency was 1.9% in the control group and 12.6% in the AD group. The most common FLG mutation in AD patients was R501X (9.9%), followed by R2447X (2.7%) and 2282del4 (1.8%).

Conclusion

These findings further our understanding of the prevalence of FLG null mutations in the Spanish population, and suggest that the frequency of FLG mutations in AD patients in Spain is slightly higher than that of other Mediterranean countries.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) nutrient and lead uptake affected by zeolite and DTPA in a lead‐polluted soil
Authors: Doostikhah N. , Panahpour E. , Nadian H. , Gholami A.
Published: October 2019

Development of alleviation strategies, which enhance plant growth under heavy metal stress, is important. Inorganic (zeolite) and organic (diethylene triamine penta‐acetic acid, DTPA) amendments affecting the alleviation of lead (Pb) stress in a calcareous soil were tested by investigating leaf nutrient uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) plants.

Experimental quantities of lead (Pb) at 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg·kg−1 soil, zeolite (clinoptilolite) at 0%, 0.5% and 1%, and DTPA at 0, 50 and 100 mg·kg−1 soil were tested in a factorial experiment with three plant replicates.

According to the anova, Pb, zeolite, DTPA and their interactions significantly affected plant concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). With increasing DTPA concentration at different levels of zeolite and Pb, plant concentrations of macro‐ and micronutrients significantly increased. Increasing soil Pb increased leaf Pb concentration and decreased the uptake of N, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn. Although with increasing Pb concentration the uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients decreased in tomato, the use of zeolite and DTPA alleviated this stress by increasing nutrient uptake compared to the control. Interestingly, however, increased levels of zeolite and DTPA led to a decreased uptake of nutrients by plants (compared with control), indicating the absorption of such nutrients by the two amendments and their partial release for further plant use.

Zeolite and DTPA may alleviate the negative effects of soil Pb on tomato growth by decreasing nutrient leaching and increasing plant nutrient uptake.
Symbiodiniaceae probiotics for use in bleaching recovery
Authors: Morgans Carys A. , Hung Julia Y. , Bourne David G. , Quigley Kate M.
Published: October 2019

Coral reefs are currently under threat as a consequence of local and global stressors, in particular, mass coral bleaching induced by climate warming. In conjunction with global cuts to carbon emissions, active restoration interventions are being investigated as an additional option to buy time while these stressors are mitigated. One intervention with the potential to improve recovery during or postbleaching involves the addition of probiotic treatments, that is the addition of microorganisms that provide benefits to the host. Fragments of the branching coral, Acropora millepora, were experimentally exposed to a bleaching event coupled with the inoculation of Symbiodiniaceae probiotics (Durusdinium trenchii and Cladocopium goreaui) to determine if these probiotic treatments could ameliorate bleaching related stress and mortality. Fragments inoculated with C. goreaui and exposed to 32°C for 6 days exhibited significantly less mortality (9.1 ± 5%) compared to corals exposed to 32°C without probiotics (66.7 ± 8%) or with D. trenchii (41.7 ± 9%). Fragments in the C. goreaui probiotic treatment also bleached less and exhibited the highest photosynthetic efficiency compared to fragments inoculated with the D. trenchii at 32°C. Internal transcribed spacer‐2 amplicon sequencing did not detect the inoculated D. trenchii and C. goreaui cells within A. millepora tissues at the end of the experiment, suggesting the corals did not reestablish symbiosis but instead used inoculated cells as a nutritional supplement, although other factors such as shuffling conditions may have had an effect. This study highlights that nutritional supplementation can possibly aid coral resilience to temperature stress, though a far more detailed understanding of the factors that influence host regulation during symbiosis establishment is required.
Coralclip®: a low‐cost solution for rapid and targeted out‐planting of coral at scale
Authors: Suggett David J. , Edmondson John , Howlett Lorna , Camp Emma F.
Published: October 2019

Re‐attaching or out‐planting coral as fragments, colonies, and on larval settlement devices to substrates is a major bottleneck limiting scalabilty and viability of reef restoration practices. Many attachment approaches are in use, but none that are low‐cost, opportunistic, rapid but effective, for integration into existing tour operations on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) where staff and boat time is a major cost and chemical fixatives cannot be easily used. We describe a novel attachment device—Coralclip®—developed to meet this need and so aid maintenance and restoration of GBR tourism sites. Coralclip® is a stainless steel springclip attached by a nail integrated through the spring coil, and can be deployed with a coral fragment in as fast as 15 seconds. Initial laboratory tests demonstrated that Coralclip® secured coral fragments or larval settlement tiles under dynamic flow regimes characteristic of exposed reefs. Coral out‐planting from fragments of opportunity and from nurseries (n = 4,580; 0.3–1.9 coral/minute; US$0.6–3.0/coral deployed) or larval settlement tiles (n = 400; 2.5 tiles/minute; US$0.5 tile deployed−1) when deployed by divers from routine boat operations at Opal Reef confirmed highly effective attachment, with ≤15% failure of clips found after 3–7 months. We discuss how Coralclip® is a cost‐effective means to support reef maintenance and restoration practices.
Structural Analysis of the Luowei Orefield in Xidamingshan, Guangxi, China
Authors: Li Saisai , Feng Zuohai , Fu Wei , Li Zemin , Hu Rongguo
Published: October 2019

Many types of hydrothermal deposits (e.g. W, Bi, Pb, Zn, Ag) are confined by faults and hidden granodiorite in the Luowei Orefield in Xidamingshan, Guangxi, China. The orebodies in the Luowei W–Bi deposit are predominantly layered and distributed along bedding in sandstones of the Cambrian Xiaoneichong Formation. The orebodies in the Lujing Pb–Zn deposit are controlled mainly by west‐south‐west (WSW)‐trending faults, and those in the Fenghuangshan Ag deposit are controlled mainly by west‐north‐west (WNW)‐trending faults, which were reverse faults during mineralization and were later reactivated as sinistral strike‐slip faults. The Luowei fault was formed postmineralization and resulted in sinistral displacement of the subsurface granodiorite and the Cambrian strata. A tectonomagmatic mineralization model of the Luowei Orefield is proposed, and the following conclusions were made. (i) Under a regional N–S compressive stress regime, WSW‐ and WNW‐trending reverse faults and N–S‐trending tensional fractures were formed. (ii) Magma intruded along the tensional fractures. Under the force of magmatic thermodynamics, mineralizing fluid migrated along bedding planes in sandstones and formed W–Bi orebodies at favorable sites. Some fluid migrated along WSW‐ and WNW‐trending faults to sites farther from the magma source, forming vein‐type Pb–Zn and Ag orebodies. (iii) After mineralization, under ~E–W compression, a NW‐trending left‐lateral slip fault was formed, cutting the subsurface granodiorite and orebodies. Concurrently, sinistral shear slip occurred on WNW‐trending ore‐controlling faults. However, the small displacement on these faults did not change the overall distributions of the rock mass and orebodies.