bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stroma: the forgotten cells of innate immune memory
Authors: Crowley T , Buckley C D , Clark A R
Published: May 2018

All organisms are exposed constantly to a variety of infectious and injurious stimuli. These induce inflammatory responses tailored to the threat posed. While the innate immune system is the front line of response to each stimulant, it has been considered traditionally to lack memory, acting in a generic fashion until the adaptive immune arm can take over. This outmoded simplification of the roles of innate and acquired arms of the immune system has been challenged by evidence of myeloid cells altering their response to subsequent encounters based on earlier exposure. This concept of ‘innate immune memory’ has been known for nearly a century, and is accepted among myeloid biologists. In recent years other innate immune cells, such as natural killer cells, have been shown to display memory, suggesting that innate immune memory is a trait common to several cell types. During the last 30 years, evidence has slowly accumulated in favour of not only haematopoietic cells, but also stromal cells, being imbued with memory following inflammatory episodes. A recent publication showing this also to be true in epithelial cells suggests innate immune memory to be widespread, if under-appreciated, in non-haematopoietic cells. In this review, we will examine the evidence supporting the existence of innate immune memory in stromal cells. We will also discuss the ramifications of memory in long-lived tissue-resident cells. Finally, we will pose questions we feel to be important in the understanding of these forgotten cells in the field of innate memory.
The novel atypical antipsychotic cariprazine demonstrates dopamine D2 receptor‐dependent partial agonist actions on rat mesencephalic dopamine neuronal activity
Authors: Delcourte Sarah , Ashby Charles R. , Rovera Renaud , Kiss Béla , Adham Nika , Farkas Bence , Haddjeri Nasser
Published: May 2018

Aim

Cariprazine, a dopamine D3‐preferring D3/D2 receptor partial agonist, is FDA approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder. This study used in vivo electrophysiological techniques in anesthetized rats to determine cariprazine's effect on dopaminergic cell activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc).

Methods

Extracellular recordings of individual dopaminergic neurons were performed after oral or intravenous administration of cariprazine, the D3 receptor antagonist SB 277011A, the D2 receptor antagonist L741,626, and/or the D3 receptor agonist PD 128,907.

Results

Acute oral treatment with cariprazine significantly increased and chronic cariprazine significantly decreased the number of spontaneously firing dopaminergic neurons in the VTA, but not in the SNc. Intravenous administration of cariprazine partially but significantly inhibited dopaminergic neuronal firing in both regions, which was prevented by L741,626 but not SB 277011A. In both VTA and SNc, cariprazine, SB 277011A, and L741,626 significantly antagonized the suppression of dopamine cell firing elicited by PD 128,907.

Conclusions

Cariprazine significantly modulates the number of spontaneously active VTA dopamine neurons and moderately suppresses midbrain dopamine neuronal activity. The contribution of dopamine D2 receptors to cariprazine's in vivo effects is prevalent and that of D3 receptors is less apparent.
Prioritizing sites for conservation based on similarity to historical baselines and feasibility of protection
Authors: Popejoy Traci , Randklev Charles R. , Neeson Thomas M. , Vaughn Caryn C.
Published: May 2018

The concept of shifting baselines in conservation science implies advocacy for the use of historical knowledge to inform these baselines but does not address the feasibility of restoring sites to those baselines. In many regions, conservation feasibility varies among sites due to differences in resource availability, statutory power, and land‐owner participation. We used zooarchaeological records to identify a historical baseline of the freshwater mussel community's composition before Euro‐American influence at a river‐reach scale (i.e., a kilometer stretch of river that is abiotically similar) in the Leon River of central Texas (U.S.A.). We evaluated how the community reference position and the feasibility of conservation might enable identification of sites where conservation actions would preserve historically representative communities and be likely to succeed. We devised a conceptual model that incorporated community information and landscape factors to link the best conservation areas to potential cost and conservation benefits. Using fuzzy ordination, we identified modern mussel beds that were most like the historical baseline. We then quantified housing density and land use near each river reach identified to estimate feasibility of habitat restoration. Using our conceptual framework, we identified reaches of high conservation value (i.e., contain the best mussel beds) and where restoration actions would be most likely to succeed. Reaches above Lake Belton were most similar in species composition and relative abundance to zooarchaeological sites. A subset of these mussel beds occurred in locations where conservation actions appeared most feasible. Our results show how to use zooarchaeological data (biodiversity data often readily available) and estimates of conservation feasibility to inform conservation priorities at a local spatial scale.
Predictive equations for respiratory muscle strength by anthropometric variables
Authors: Sanchez Fernanda Figueiroa , Araújo da Silva Cássio Daniel , de Souza Pereira Gama Maciel Maria Clara , Rebouças Demósthenes Marques Jamilly , Brosina de Leon Elisa , Lins Gonçalves Roberta
Published: May 2018

Recent studies have pointed out divergences in the predictive quality of reference equations for respiratory muscle strength, alerting the need to introduce into these equation‐specific variables for certain target populations.

Objectives

This study proposes predictive equations of respiratory muscle strength by the variables such as body weight and body mass index (BMI = weight/height2).

Materials and methods

This is a cross‐sectional study, and the evaluation was made by the test of maximum static respiratory pressures (MIP and MEP) according to standard protocol of the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Tisiology. For data analysis, the following three models of linear regression were adjusted: age, age/weight, age/BMI. The software used in the analysis was the R version 3.2.1.

Results

Of the 353 subjects evaluated (229 women and 124 men), 109 subjects were normal weight, 101 subjects were overweight and 143 subjects were obese. The BMI average of the individuals was 31.42 ± 10.26 kg/m2 and age 46.26 ± 16.47 years. The two statistical models that considered the variables weight and BMI had the R2 value of 29.86% for MEP and 21.77% for MIP when the weight was the predictive variable and 21.33% for MIP and 28.38% for MEP when the variable was BMI.

Conclusion

It was found with the adjusted models that there was a considerable gain in the predictive quality of the models for MEP and MIP adding weight or BMI, without significant difference between both.
CO2 retention: The key to stopping hiccups
Authors: Obuchi Toshiro , Shimamura Satoshi , Miyahara Naofumi , Fujimura Naoyuki , Iwasaki Akinori
Published: May 2018

Background

While investigating the mechanisms behind hiccups, our team discovered what could be the sufficient physiological conditions for terminating even persistent cases.

Methods

To investigate the role of CO2 retention, a healthy male volunteer was asked to perform three kinds of rebreathing experiments using different materials: (I) a 20 L air‐filled plastic bag, (II) a 20 L air‐filled plastic bag with a 1.5 × 1.5 cm hole and (III) a 20 L oxygen‐filled plastic bag. During each experiment, CO2 level upon expiration (EtCO2) and inspiration (InspCO2) were measured until the volunteer gave up. Once the safety of this manoeuvre was demonstrated with the volunteer, we performed the technique using the materials from experiment (I) on two actual patients with persistent hiccups.

Results

In experiments (I) and (III), InspCO2 increased from the beginning and reached almost the same level as EtCO2 after 90 seconds. Both levels continued simultaneously increasing, finally reaching 56 mm Hg in (I) and 79 mm Hg in (III), respectively. In (II), both increased; however, after 120 seconds, EtCO2 plateaued at 47 mm Hg and InspCO2 at 37 mm Hg. In the actual patients, both CO2 levels reached the same value of 35.9 mm Hg at 60 seconds and 37.0 mm Hg at 90 seconds, and hiccups stopped at 195 seconds and at 359 seconds when EtCO2 reached 50 mm Hg and 53 mm Hg, respectively.

Conclusion

The study determined that to successfully obstruct the mechanisms causing hiccups, it is necessary that the level of InspCO2 not only increases at the same level as EtCO2, but also reaches approximately 50 mm Hg.
Transgastric reintervention for self‐expandable metallic stent dysfunction following endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided hepaticogastrostomy
Authors: Ban Tesshin , Kawakami Hiroshi , Kubota Yoshimasa
Published: May 2018

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Younger people with Type 2 diabetes have poorer self‐care practices compared with older people: results from the Australian National Diabetes Audit
Authors: Nanayakkara N. , Pease A. J. , Ranasinha S. , Wischer N. , Andrikopoulos S. , de Courten B. , Zoungas S.
Published: May 2018

Aim

This cross‐sectional study compares the self‐care practices of younger and older people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were analysed from the Australian National Diabetes Audit (ANDA) including 2552 adults with Type 2 diabetes from Australian Diabetes Centres. Pre‐specified demographic and clinical variables were obtained. Self‐care variables (physical activity, following dietary recommendations, medication adherence and monitoring blood glucose levels) were compared in people ≤ 64 and > 64 years of age.

Results

Mean age (± sd) of participants was 63 ± 13 years overall, 53 ± 9 years for the younger group and 73 ± 6 years for the older group. A greater proportion of younger people had HbA1c levels > 53 mmol/mol (> 7.0%) (76% vs. 68%), reported difficulty following dietary recommendations (50% vs. 32%) and forgetting medications (37% vs. 22%) compared with older people (all P‐values <0.001). A smaller proportion of younger compared with older people reported monitoring their blood glucose levels as often as recommended (60% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). Similar proportions of people aged ≤ 64 and > 64 years required insulin therapy (59% vs. 57%, P = 0.200). Younger age was associated with a twofold increase in the odds of not following the recommended self‐care practices after adjustment for gender, smoking, insulin therapy, depression and allied health attendance (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Despite shorter diabetes duration, younger age was associated with worse glycaemic control and poorer diabetes self‐care practices among people with Type 2 diabetes. Targeted strategies are required to optimize diabetes self‐care practices and thereby glycaemic control.
Regional variations in definitions and rates of hypoglycaemia: findings from the global HAT observational study of 27 585 people with Type 1 and insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khunti K. , Cigrovski Berković M. , Ludvik B. , Moberg E. , Barner Lekdorf J. , Gydesen H. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard U.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To determine participant knowledge and reporting of hypoglycaemia in the non‐interventional Hypoglycaemia Assessment Tool (HAT) study.

Methods

HAT was conducted in 24 countries over a 6‐month retrospective/4‐week prospective period in 27 585 adults with Type 1 or insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants recorded whether hypoglycaemia was based on blood glucose levels, symptoms or both.

Results

Hypoglycaemia rates were consistently higher in the prospective compared with the retrospective period. Most respondents (96.8% Type 1 diabetes; 85.6% Type 2 diabetes) knew the American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes hypoglycaemia definition, but there were regional differences in the use of blood glucose measurements and/or symptoms to define events. Confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia rates were highest in Northern Europe/Canada for Type 1 diabetes (63.9 events/year) and in Eastern Europe for Type 2 diabetes (19.4 events/year), and lowest in South East Asia (Type 1 diabetes: 6.0 events/year; Type 2 diabetes: 3.2 events/year). Unconfirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia rates were highest in Eastern Europe for Type 1 diabetes (5.6 events/year) and South East Asia for Type 2 diabetes (4.7 events/year), and lowest for both in Russia (Type 1 diabetes: 2.1 events/year; Type 2 diabetes: 0.4 events/year). Participants in Latin America reported the highest rates of severe hypoglycaemia (Type 1 diabetes: 10.8 events/year; Type 2 diabetes 3.7 events/year) and severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization (Type 1 diabetes: 0.56 events/year; Type 2 diabetes: 0.44 events/year). The lowest rates of severe hypoglycaemia were reported in South East Asia (Type 1 diabetes: 2.0 events/year) and Northern Europe/Canada (Type 2 diabetes: 1.3 events/year), and the lowest rates of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization were in Russia (Type 1 diabetes: 0.15 events/year; Type 2 diabetes: 0.09 events/year). The blood glucose cut‐off used to define hypoglycaemia varied between regions (Type 1 diabetes: 3.1–3.6 mmol/l; Type 2 diabetes: 3.5–3.8 mmol/l).

Conclusions

Under‐reporting of hypoglycaemia rates in retrospective recall and regional variations in participant definitions of hypoglycaemia may contribute to the global differences in reported rates. Discrepancies between participant definitions and guidelines may highlight a need to redefine hypoglycaemia criteria. (Clinical Trials Registry No: NCT01696266).
Using spatially‐explicit capture–recapture models to explain variation in seasonal density patterns of sympatric ursids
Authors: Stetz Jeffrey B. , Mitchell Michael S. , Kendall Katherine C.
Published: May 2018

Understanding how environmental factors interact to determine the abundance and distribution of animals is a primary goal of ecology, and fundamental to the conservation of wildlife populations. Studies of these relationships, however, often assume static environmental conditions, and rarely consider effects of competition with ecologically similar species. In many parts of their shared ranges, grizzly bears Ursus arctos and American black bears U. americanus have nearly complete dietary overlap and share similar life history traits. We therefore tested the hypothesis that density patterns of both bear species would reflect seasonal variation in available resources, with areas of higher primary productivity supporting higher densities of both species. We also hypothesized that interspecific competition would influence seasonal density patterns. Specifically, we predicted that grizzly bear density would be locally reduced due to the ability of black bears to more efficiently exploit patchy food resources such as seasonally abundant fruits. To test our hypotheses, we used detections of 309 grizzly and 597 black bears from two independent genetic sampling methods in spatially‐explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models. Our results suggest grizzly bear density was lower in areas of high black bear density during spring and summer, although intraspecific densities were also important, particularly during the breeding season. Black bears had lower densities in areas of high grizzly bear density in spring; however, density of black bears in early and late summer was best explained by primary productivity. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that smaller‐bodied, more abundant black bears may influence the density patterns of behaviorally‐dominant grizzly bears through exploitative competition. We also suggest that seasonal variation in resource availability be considered in efforts to relate environmental conditions to animal density.
Evidence for a subcortical contribution to intracortical facilitation
Authors: Wiegel Patrick , Niemann Niclas , Rothwell John C. , Leukel Christian
Published: May 2018

Intracortical facilitation (ICF) describes the facilitation of anEMGresponse (motor evoked potential) to a suprathreshold pulse (S2) of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) by a preceding subthreshold pulse (S1) given 10–15 ms earlier.ICFis widely assumed to originate from intracortical mechanisms. In this study, we used spinal H‐reflexes to test whether subcortical mechanisms can also contribute to the facilitation. Measurements were performed in the upper limb muscle flexor carpi radialis in 17 healthy volunteers, and in the lower limb muscle soleus in 16 healthy volunteers. S2 given alone facilitated the H‐reflex. When S1 preceded S2 by 10 ms, the amount of facilitation increased, compatible withICF. However, S1 given alone also facilitated the H‐reflex, suggesting that it had evoked descending activity even though its intensity was well below resting motor threshold. Across participants, the amount of H‐reflex facilitation from S1 alone was proportional to the degree of H‐reflex facilitation with combined S1–S2. These results indicate that subcortical mechanisms can contribute toICFand potentially add to the variability of theICFmeasure reported in previous studies.
Climatic role of terrestrial ecosystem under elevated CO2: a bottom‐up greenhouse gases budget
Authors: Liu Shuwei , Ji Cheng , Wang Cong , Chen Jie , Jin Yaguo , Zou Ziheng , Li Shuqing , Niu Shuli , Zou Jianwen
Published: May 2018

The net balance of greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) remains poorly understood. Here, we synthesise 1655 measurements from 169 published studies to assess GHGs budget of terrestrial ecosystems under elevated CO2. We show that elevated CO2 significantly stimulates plant C pool (NPP) by 20%, soil CO2 fluxes by 24%, and methane (CH4) fluxes by 34% from rice paddies and by 12% from natural wetlands, while it slightly decreases CH4 uptake of upland soils by 3.8%. Elevated CO2 causes insignificant increases in soil nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes (4.6%), soil organic C (4.3%) and N (3.6%) pools. The elevated CO2‐induced increase in GHG emissions may decline with CO2 enrichment levels. An elevated CO2‐induced rise in soil CH4 and N2O emissions (2.76 Pg CO2‐equivalent year−1) could negate soil C enrichment (2.42 Pg CO2 year−1) or reduce mitigation potential of terrestrial net ecosystem production by as much as 69% (NEP, 3.99 Pg CO2 year−1) under elevated CO2. Our analysis highlights that the capacity of terrestrial ecosystems to act as a sink to slow climate warming under elevated CO2 might have been largely offset by its induced increases in soil GHGs source strength.
Autoimmune bullous diseases in non‐HIVKaposi's sarcoma: a retrospective study in a large cohort of patients
Authors: Tourlaki A. , Genovese G. , Guanziroli E. , Scoppio B.M. , Berti E. , Brambilla L.
Published: May 2018

Background

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare endothelial neoplasm caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8). Its risk is increased in immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune bullous diseases. Conversely,HHV‐8 infection has been hypothesized to be a triggering factor of bullous diseases, especially pemphigus. Given the fact that bothKSand autoimmune bullous diseases have a low incidence in the general population, it could be expected that the association between these disorders would be exceptional.

Objectives

To assess the frequency of bullous diseases in a large cohort of non‐HIV KSpatients and to describe our experience concerning the clinical features, natural history and treatment options in this setting.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients with non‐HIV KSin association with bullous disease followed at our department between 1990 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, medical history, clinical characteristics and treatment.

Results

Among 1362 patients with classic or iatrogenicKS, 14 (1.03%) also suffered from bullous disease. The mean age at diagnosis of both disorders was 85.8 years with a male/female ratio of 9 : 5. Among these 14 cases, nine (0.66%) were associated with bullous pemphigoid (BP), three (0.22%) with localizedBPand two (0.15%) with pemphigus vulgaris. Seven had developed a bullous disease after being diagnosed withKS, while in the remaining seven cases,KSdeveloped after the onset of bullous disease. As expected,KSworsened when corticosteroids were used.

Conclusion

Bullous diseases seem to be more frequent among patients withKS, supporting the hypothesis thatHHV‐8 may be involved in their pathogenesis. Therapeutic management of these cases should take into accountKS‐inducing potential of corticosteroids.
Staff members’ ambivalence on caring for patients with multidrug‐resistant bacteria at their end of life: A qualitative study
Authors: Tiedtke Johanna M , Stiel Stephanie , Heckel Maria , Herbst Franziska A , Sturm Alexander , Sieber Cornel , Ostgathe Christoph , Lang Frieder R
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore healthcare professionals’ personal experiences, feelings and attitudes about caring for hospitalised patients with multidrug‐resistant bacteria in palliative and geriatric care.

Background

Working in end‐of‐life care involves at times burdening demands that affect not only healthcare professionals personally but also their actions. It is suggested that multidrug‐resistant bacteria and their consequences for colonised or infected patients in hospitals are among the challenges for all professionals in end‐of‐life care. Little is known about the feelings and experiences of staff members during healthcare activities with regard to these bacteria.

Design

A qualitative interview study in two German hospitals.

Methods

We interviewed 35 staff members from a German palliative care unit and a geriatric unit about their experiences with multidrug‐resistant bacteria in end‐of‐life care and the management of colonised or infected patients. Semistructured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory.

Results

Interviewees represented two interdisciplinary teams with 40% nurses, 26% physicians and 34% other professionals. Salient themes that were identified included impact of multidrug‐resistant bacteria on staff members’ personal actions, feelings and attitudes towards the bacteria and the required isolation measures. Besides higher workload and consequences for working routines, the patients’ palliative care needs were recognised, as well as the necessary protection measures to avoid contaminations in hospital. Healthcare professionals reported a dilemma that they experienced when facing these diverse demands.

Conclusions

Findings point to emotional and behavioural ambivalence in end‐of‐life care among staff members because necessary isolation measures and particular situation in end‐of‐life care create unsolvable conflicts for healthcare professionals. Possible strategies to cope with ambivalence are discussed.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare professionals in palliative and geriatric care have to deal with multidrug‐resistant bacteria and have to face contradictory feelings while trying to fulfil patients’ needs as well as isolation requirements.
Calcifying odontogenic cyst, dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Monteiro João Luiz Gomes Carneiro , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , de Oliveira Silva Leni Verônica , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , de Noronha Mariana Saturnino , Callou Gerhilde , Moreno Amália , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: May 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to integrate the available data published on calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC), dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT), and ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas (GCOCs) into a comprehensive analysis of their clinicoradiological features, treatment, and recurrence.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search with no publication date restriction was undertaken in October 2017 in the following databases: PubMed, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligibility criteria included publications containing enough clinical, radiological, and histopathological information to confirm a definite diagnosis of these lesions. Data were evaluated descriptively.

Results

The literature review indicated a total of 234 publications reporting 367 COCs, 55 DGCTs and 44 GCOCs. These lesions have a predilection for Asian males. COCs mainly affect the mandible and patients in the second decade of life, DGCTs mostly affect the mandible and patients in the fourth decade of life, and GCOCs mostly affect the maxilla and patients in the fifth decade of life.

Conclusion

Conservative surgery was the most common therapy for COCs and DGCTs, while radical surgery was most common for GCOCs. This study provides important and interesting data that could help clinicians and surgeons as well as oral and maxillofacial pathologists with the diagnosis and management of these lesions.
Aberrant right subclavian artery causing megaoesophagus in three cats
Authors: Cinti F. , Della Santa D. , Borgonovo S. , Bussadori R. , Troiano D. , Pisani G.
Published: May 2018

Three entire, domestic, shorthair male cats (age range: 3 months to 5 years) were referred because of regurgitation. Megaoesophagus attributable to aberrant right subclavian artery, originating from the aorta at the level of the fourth intercostal space, was diagnosed in all cats using thoracic radiography and CT angiography. One cat had concurrent patent ductus arteriosus with a normal aortic arch. Three‐dimensional volume‐rendered CT images were used to assess the malformations and to plan surgery for the treatment of the vascular anomalies. Different surgical approaches were used in the two kittens. The third cat was not operated. CT angiography is well suited for preoperative planning in cats with aberrant right subclavian artery alone or in combination with other vascular anomalies.
The challenge of increasing wholegrain intake in the UK
Authors: Robinson E. , Chambers L.
Published: May 2018

While fibre and wholegrains are often discussed simultaneously, they are distinct with the former classified as a nutrient and the latter as a food group that provides fibre, along with other important nutrients. Wholegrains are an integral part of a healthy, balanced diet and have been linked to several health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Yet consumption in the UK is low, and barriers to increasing wholegrain intake exist among the UK population. These include confusion around how much to consume, which foods contain wholegrains and how they are beneficial to health, acceptance of the organoleptic properties (e.g. taste, texture) of wholegrain foods, lack of knowledge about how to cook wholegrains and negative perceptions about starchy carbohydrates. The absence of a standardised wholegrains definition and a quantified wholegrain intake recommendation in the UK remains a challenge for consumers and industry, and may limit the impact of public health messages. The Healthgrain Forum has recently proposed definitions for ‘wholegrains’ and ‘wholegrain foods’ that are readily useable by the food industry and regulatory bodies. To help increase wholegrain intake in the UK, co‐operation and collaboration is required by stakeholders to educate consumers about wholegrains and inform initiatives. Food retailers have an important role to play in making wholegrains more accessible, convenient and palatable through actions such as product development and wholegrain labelling.
3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (CMPF): A metabolite identified after consumption of fish oil and fish
Authors: Sinclair A. J. , Xu L. , Wang Y.
Published: May 2018

3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) is a known metabolite of furan fatty acids and was first referred to as a urofuran fatty acid, as it was found in urine of humans and other species after consumption of furan fatty acids or foods containing furan fatty acids. More recently, CMPF has been identified as a highly prominent metabolite following the consumption of fish oil, fish oil fractions and diets rich in fish, and can be regarded as biomarker of oil‐rich fish or fish oil intakes. As furan fatty acids are known to occur in fish and fish oil (at a low level), it is possible that the CMPF in plasma arises from these furan fatty acids. On a structural basis, this is a likely explanation rather than the CMPF being an actual metabolite of long‐chain marine omega‐3 fatty acids. Recent studies in high fat‐fed mice given purified CMPF suggest that CMPF might contribute to the improved metabolic effects observed following consumption of long‐chain marine omega‐3 fatty acids but much is still to be known about the relationships between CMPF and health.
Mitochondrial alternative oxidase‐dependent autophagy involved in ethylene‐mediated drought tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Zhu Tong , Zou Lijuan , Li Yan , Yao Xiuhong , Xu Fei , Deng Xingguang , Zhang Dawei , Lin Honghui
Published: May 2018

Mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) is involved in a large number of plant physiological processes, such as growth, development and stress responses; however, the exact role of AOX in response to drought remains unclear. In our study, we provide solid evidences that the activated AOX capacity positively involved in ethylene‐induced drought tolerance, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), accompanied by the changing level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and autophagy. In AOX1a‐RNAi plants, the ethylene‐induced drought tolerance was aggravated and associated with decreasing level of autophagy. The H2O2 level was relatively higher in AOX1a‐RNAi plants, whereas it was lower in AOX1a‐overexpressing (35S‐AOX1a‐OE) plants after 1‐(aminocarbonyl)‐1‐cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) pretreatment in the 14th day under drought stress. Interestingly, the accumulation of autophagosome was accompanied by the changing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AOX transgenic tomato under drought stress whether or not pretreated with ACC. Pharmacological scavenging of H2O2 accumulation in AOX1a‐RNAi (aox19) stimulated autophagy acceleration under drought stress, and it seems that AOX‐dependent ROS signalling is critical in triggering autophagy. Lower levels of ROS signalling positively induce autophagy activity, whereas higher ROS level would lead to rapid programmed cell death (PCD), especially in ethylene‐mediated drought tolerance. Moreover, ethylene‐induced autophagy during drought stress also can be through ERF5 binding to the promoters of ATG8d and ATG18h. These results demonstrated that AOX plays an essential role in ethylene‐induced drought tolerance and also played important roles in mediating autophagy generation via balancing ROS level.
Finding invisible quantitative trait loci with missing data
Authors: Gabur Iulian , Chawla Harmeet S. , Liu Xiwei , Kumar Vinod , Faure Sébastien , von Tiedemann Andreas , Jestin Christophe , Dryzska Emmanuelle , Volkmann Susann , Breuer Frank , Delourme Régine , Snowdon Rod , Obermeier Christian
Published: May 2018

Evolutionary processes during plant polyploidization and speciation have led to extensive presence–absence variation (PAV) in crop genomes, and there is increasing evidence that PAV associates with important traits. Today, high‐resolution genetic analysis in major crops frequently implements simple, cost‐effective, high‐throughput genotyping from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) hybridization arrays; however, these are normally not designed to distinguish PAV from failed SNP calls caused by hybridization artefacts. Here, we describe a strategy to recover valuable information from single nucleotide absence polymorphisms (SNaPs) by population‐based quality filtering of SNP hybridization data to distinguish patterns associated with genuine deletions from those caused by technical failures. We reveal that including SNaPs in genetic analyses elucidate segregation of small to large‐scale structural variants in nested association mapping populations of oilseed rape (Brassica napus), a recent polyploid crop with widespread structural variation. Including SNaP markers in genomewide association studies identified numerous quantitative trait loci, invisible using SNP markers alone, for resistance to two major fungal diseases of oilseed rape, Sclerotinia stem rot and blackleg disease. Our results indicate that PAV has a strong influence on quantitative disease resistance in B. napus and that SNaP analysis using cost‐effective SNP array data can provide extensive added value from ‘missing data’. This strategy might also be applicable for improving the precision of genetic mapping in many important crop species.
Kawasaki disease and vasculitis associated with immunization
Authors: Chang Arthur , Islam Shamim
Published: May 2018

The etiology and pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD) remain poorly understood. Among the diverse infectious and environmental factors examined to be triggers for, or be associated with, KD, are immunizations. In this report, we first describe the case of a Caucasian girl who presented with classic KD shortly after receiving her routine 4 months vaccination series. Prior published case reports and large epidemiological studies, which explore potential associations between immunization and KD and other vasculitides, are then comprehensively reviewed. The methodologic challenges that complicate analysis in this area are also considered.
Photoprotective Effects of a Multifunctional Hair Care Formulation Containing Botanical Extracts, Vitamins, and UV Filters
Authors: Leite Marcella Gabarra Almeida , Maia Campos Patricia M. B. G.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a multifunctional hair care formulation—Hair BB Cream—containing botanical extracts of Camellia sinensis, Vitis vinifera, and Euterpe orleacea, vitamins, amino acids, UV filters, and silicones for hair treatment and prevention of UV damages. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the botanical extracts was evaluated using the DPPH and chemiluminescence methods. A tensile test, combability, shine, and image analysis were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the formulation. To evaluate protection against UV damage, the hair strands were submitted to UV radiation without and with the application of the Hair BB Cream. The results showed that the application of the Hair BB Cream promoted a reduction in combability values and an increase in break stress and gloss values. After exposure to UV radiation, the hair treated with the BB Cream formulation showed no difference in the mechanical properties test, indicating protection against UV damage. In conclusion, the multifunctional formulation showed several benefits of single product acting in the prevention of UV damage and the treatment of hair damage. Thus, the Hair BB Cream proposed can be suggested as an effective multifunctional hair care product.
A giant type I polyketide synthase participates in zygospore maturation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Heimerl Natalie , Hommel Elisabeth , Westermann Martin , Meichsner Doreen , Lohr Martin , Hertweck Christian , Grossman Arthur R. , Mittag Maria , Sasso Severin
Published: May 2018

Polyketide synthases (PKSs) occur in many bacteria, fungi and plants. They are highly versatile enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of a large variety of compounds including antimicrobial agents, polymers associated with bacterial cell walls and plant pigments. While harmful algae are known to produce polyketide toxins, sequences of the genomes of non‐toxic algae, including those of many green algal species, have surprisingly revealed the presence of genes encoding type I PKSs. The genome of the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyta) contains a single type I PKS gene, designated PKS1 (Cre10.g449750), which encodes a giant PKS with a predicted mass of 2.3 MDa. Here, we show that PKS1 is induced in 2‐day‐old zygotes and is required for their development into zygospores, the dormant stage of the zygote. Wild‐type zygospores contain knob‐like structures (~50 nm diameter) that form at the cell surface and develop a central cell wall layer; both of these structures are absent from homozygous pks1 mutants. Additionally, in contrast to wild‐type zygotes, chlorophyll degradation is delayed in homozygous pks1 mutant zygotes, indicating a disruption in zygospore development. In agreement with the role of the PKS in the formation of the highly resistant zygospore wall, mutant zygotes have lost the formidable desiccation tolerance of wild‐type zygotes. Together, our results represent functional analyses of a PKS mutant in a photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganism, revealing a central function for polyketides in the sexual cycle and survival under stressful environmental conditions.
Computed tomography is a feasible method for quantifying bone density in Macaca mulatta
Authors: Solís‐Chávez Salvador A. , Castillo‐Rivera Manuel A. , Arteaga‐Silva Marcela , Ibáñez‐Contreras Alejandra , Hernández‐Godínez Braulio , Morón‐Mendoza Andrés , Mendoza‐Cuevas Gamaliel , Morales‐Guadarrama Axayácatl , Sacristan‐Rock Emilio
Published: May 2018

Osteopathologies are a result of advanced age and decreased bone density and represent a global health problem. It is therefore important to generate models for longitudinal studies of the pathophysiology in order to improve early diagnosis and develop preventive therapies. For this kind of research, the use of computed tomography (CT) to evaluate bone health offers advantages over other techniques since it provides more complete information. The aim of this prospective, pilot study was to obtain measurements of the left femur from a population in captivity of 32 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in order to standardize the model for future research. Healthy subjects from 5 to 28 years old were chosen. Three groups with different ages were formed as follows: (1) 5–9 years, (2) 10–19 years, and (3) 20–28 years. Semi‐automatic segmentation by threshold defined the regions of interest, which were subdivided in the range of 300–700 Hounsfield units (HU) for trabecular bone and >700 HU for cortical bone. Then, the proportional ratios of the volumes of trabecular bone and cortical bone were obtained. Significant differences (analysis of variance test) in the averages of Hounsfield units, cortical, and trabecular bone proportions from each age group proved that a decrease in bone density begins at approximately 20 years of age. The values presented here, as well as the method to obtain them from CT scans, can be used as a baseline in a primate model for long‐term research in bone pathology diagnosis and treatment.
Improving Health Care for Critically Ill Patients Using an Evidence‐Based Collaborative Approach to ABCDEF Bundle Dissemination and Implementation
Authors: Barnes‐Daly Mary Ann , Pun Brenda T. , Harmon Lori A. , Byrum Diane G. , Kumar Vishakha K. , Devlin John W. , Stollings Joanna L. , Puntillo Kathleen A. , Engel Heidi J. , Posa Patricia J. , Barr Juliana , Schweickert William D. , Esbrook Cheryl L. , Hargett Ken D. , Carson Shannon S. , Aldrich J. Matthew , Ely E. Wesley , Balas Michele C.
Published: May 2018

Background

Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) often experience pain, oversedation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, delirium, and weakness. These conditions are important in that they often lead to protracted physical, neurocognitive, and mental health sequelae now termed postintensive care syndrome. Changing current ICU practice will not only require the adoption of evidence‐based interventions but the development of effective and reliable teams to support these new practices.

Objectives

To build on the success of bundled care and bridge an ongoing evidence‐practice gap, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) recently launched the ICU Liberation ABCDEF Bundle Improvement Collaborative. The Collaborative aimed to foster the bedside application of the SCCM's Pain, Agitation, and Delirium Guidelines via the ABCDEF bundle. The purpose of this paper is to describe the history of the Collaborative, the evidence‐based implementation strategies used to foster change and teamwork, and the performance and outcome metrics used to monitor progress.

Methods

Collaborative participants were required to attend four in‐person meetings, monthly colearning calls, database training sessions, an e‐Community listserv, and select in‐person site visits. Teams submitted patient‐level data and completed pre‐ and postimplementation questionnaires focused on the assessment of teamwork and collaboration, work environment, and overall ICU care. Faculty shared the evidence used to derive each bundle element as well as team‐based implementation strategies for improvement and sustainment.

Results

Retention in the Collaborative was high, with 67 of 69 adult and eight of nine pediatric ICUs fully completing the program. Baseline and prospective data were collected on over 17,000 critically ill patients. A variety of evidence‐based professional behavioral change interventions and novel implementation techniques were utilized and shared among Collaborative members.

Linking Evidence to Action

Hospitals and health systems can use the Collaborative structure, strategies, and tools described in this paper to help successfully implement the ABCDEF bundle in their ICUs.
Influence of graviceptor stimulation initiated by off‐vertical axis rotation on ventilation
Authors: Kuldavletova O. , Marie S. , Denise P. , Normand H.
Published: May 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

It is known that respiration is affected by graviceptors, but it remains unclear to what extent labyrinthine and non‐labyrinthine graviceptors are involved in this process.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our results suggest that the modulation of respiration is not a result of a simple reflex arc, but that it involves a higher integration of different types of receptors with variable contributions of either type of graviceptor among subjects.

It has been suggested that the otolith system is involved in the physiological response to changes in body orientation with respect to gravity. In studies on animals, an otolith–respiratory reflex has been observed, but data on humans are scarce and inconclusive, mainly because pure otolithic stimulation is difficult to produce in humans. To assess the otolithic–respiratory reflex in humans, we used an off‐vertical axis rotation (OVAR) that produces periodic and pure stimulation of graviceptors. The inspiratory flow was measured during earth vertical axis rotation (EVAR, control conditions) and OVAR in 21 subjects. To distinguish the effects of the labyrinthine and non‐labyrinthine graviceptors on ventilation, these measurements were repeated with two different static head positions: head turned leftward and rightward in yaw. The velocity of rotation was individually selected to match spontaneous breathing rate (mean 11.4 cycles min−1, 0.19 Hz). Average ventilatory flow was higher in OVAR than in EVAR, as was tidal volume. In OVAR, the transition between inspiration and expiration occurred mainly in the forward pitch position. The phase of this transition in most subjects was driven mostly by the body position rather than by the head position, suggesting that respiratory modifications during OVAR mainly involved non‐labyrinthine receptors. However, the study demonstrated a high intersubject variability both in the ability of OVAR to synchronize breathing and in the influence of labyrinthine stimulation. We conclude that the respiratory response to changes in orientation of the body with respect to the vertical involves labyrinthine and non‐labyrinthine stimulation, with the gain of each signal varying individually.
High-Entropy Alloys: Formation and Properties
Authors: Gao Michael C. , Jablonski Paul D. , Hawk Jeffrey A. , Alman David E.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents ongoing research at NETL aimed at gaining fundamental understanding of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) formation and their properties, and developing highperformance HEAs for high-temperature fossil energy applications. First-principles density functional theory (DFT), Monte Carlo simulation, and molecular dynamics simulation are carried out to predict enthalpy of formation, the entropy sources (i.e., configurational entropy, vibrational entropy, and electronic entropy), and elastic properties of model single-phase HEAs with the face-centered cubic, body-centered cubic and hexagonal closed-packed structures. Classical elastic theory, which considers the interactions between dislocations and elastic fields of solutes, has also been used to predict solid solution strengthening. Large-size (∼7.5 kg) HEAs ingots are produced using vacuum induction melting and electroslag remelting methods, followed by homogenization treatment resulting in greater than 99% homogeneity. Subsequent thermomechanical processing produces fully-wrought face-centered cubic microstructures. The tensile behavior for these alloys have been determined as a function of temperature, and based on these results screening creep tests have been performed at selected temperatures and stresses.
Creep Life Assessment of USC Boiler Tubes
Authors: Kubushiro Keiji
Published: May 2018

CSEF (creep strength enhanced ferritic) steels and austenitic steels are widely used for USC boiler tubes. It is important to evaluate creep life of these parts because metal temperature is indeterminable in superheater and reheater tubes. Almost investigations were conducted under higher stress, short time creep tests, but the pressure for the boiler pipe and tube at actual plant were very low. It is therefore necessary to establish creep life method under long time region time test at various stresses. The purpose of this work is to establish creep life evaluation in high Cr ferritic steels and austenitic steels with long time creep ruptured data. The creep life evaluation methods are based on hardness and microstructure changes.
Enhanced and Complete Removal of Phenylurea Herbicides by Combinational Transgenic Plant-Microbe Remediation
Authors: Yan Xin , Huang Junwei , Xu Xihui , Chen Dian , Xie Xiangting , Tao Qing , He Jian , Jiang Jiandong
Published: May 2018

Phytoremediation of organic pollutant-contaminated sites using transgenic plants expressing bacterial enzyme has been well described. The major constraint of transgenic plants transferred with a single catabolic gene is that they can also accumulate/release intermediates, still causing phytotoxicity or additional environmental problems. On the other hand, bioaugmentation with degrading strains also has its drawbacks, including the instability of the inoculated strains and low bioavailability of pollutants. In this study, the synergistic relationship between a transgenic
Arabidopsis
plant expressing the bacterial
N
-demethylase PdmAB in the chloroplast and the inoculated intermediate-mineralizing bacterium
Sphingobium
sp. strain 1017-1 in the rhizosphere is used to develop an intriguing bioremediation method. The combinational transgenic plant-microbe remediation system shows a more efficient and complete removal of phenylurea herbicides from contaminated sites and can overcome the constraints of individual phytoremediation or bioaugmentation methods.