bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polydimethylsiloxane Replicas Efficacy for Simulating Fresh Produce Surfaces and Application in Mechanistic Study of Colloid Retention
Authors: Sun Taozhu , Lazouskaya Volha , Jin Yan
Published: February 2019

Foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce have attracted increasing attention in the food industry, scientific and public health communities. Studies have shown that surface properties of fresh produce can affect bacterial attachment and colonization, yet the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. In our previous work, using colloids as bacterial surrogates, we demonstrated that colloid retention on fresh produce was controlled by water retention/distribution on produce surfaces, which were in turn governed by produce surface properties. However, high variabilities among the natural samples and multiple factors that were simultaneously involved made it difficult for interpreting the results and in pinpointing the mechanisms responsible for the observed colloid retention behavior. To better evaluate the mechanisms, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replicas of tomato, lettuce, and spinach were fabricated and compared with fresh produce surfaces in this study. The PDMS replicas thoroughly preserved the surface topographical features of their natural counterparts while having identical chemical properties (for example, hydrophobicity), thus, allowing for the separation of surface topography/roughness and hydrophobicity effects. We found that residual water retention/distribution and colloid retention on the PDMS replicas were consistent with the results observed on the corresponding fresh produce surfaces, but had smaller deviations from the respective means when compared to the natural surfaces. The use of PDMS replicas improved experimental reproducibility, and enabled differentiation on the effects of surface hydrophobicity and surface roughness on colloid retention, thus, allowed more rigorous elucidation of the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, PDMS replicas could be used as surrogates of fresh produce for mechanistic studies of surface‐bacteria interactions.

Practical Application

This work demonstrates the feasibility of using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to simulate fresh produce surfaces for studying interactions between produce surfaces and colloids, including bacteria. Although it is more realistic to use fruit or vegetable surfaces, the difficulties of working with natural surfaces that are heterogeneous and variable hinder systematic and mechanistic studies. The use of PDMS replicas can eliminate these difficulties and improve experimental reproducibility. This study demonstrated that PDMS replicas could adequately represent the topographical features of natural produce surfaces; the results on colloid retention provided insight into fresh produce contamination and the development of effective decontamination strategies.
Lung cancer family history and exposure to occupational/domestic coal combustion contribute to variations in clinicopathologic features and gene fusion patterns in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Ying , Li Guangjian , Lei Yujie , Yang Kaiyun , Niu Huatao , Zhao Jie , He Rui , Ning Huanqi , Huang Qiubo , Zhou Qinghua , Huang Yunchao
Published: February 2019

Background

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of cancer and its mutant spectrum. Lung cancer has familial aggregation. Lung cancer caused by non‐tobacco factors has unique pathological and molecular characteristics. The interaction between genetic lung cancer susceptibility and carcinogens from coal burning remains complex and understudied.

Methods

We selected 410 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a family history of lung cancer (FLC) and exposure to coal combustion between 2014 and 2017. Clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed. Reverse transcription‐PCR was performed to detect ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK1 rearrangement.

Results

Among the 410 NSCLC patients, 192 had FLC and 204 (49.8%) were exposed to occupational or domestic coal combustion. FLC patients had the same characteristics regardless of gender and coal exposure: younger age, high female ratio, adenocarcinoma, increased metastasis, later stage at diagnosis, and higher frequency of gene fusion. Sixty‐seven patients (16.3%) had gene rearrangement: 51 (12.4%) harbored EML4‐ALK fusions and 16 ROS1 fusions (3.9%). The highest gene fusion rate (35.1%, 33/94) occurred in patients with both FLC and high tobacco and coal exposure. ALK fusions and total gene rearrangement were closely associated with women, never smokers, younger age, FLC, and coal exposure.

Conclusion

FLC and exposure to coal combustion have an important impact on the clinicopathological characteristics and gene fusion mode of NSCLC, particularly in cases of higher levels of carcinogens, and genetic susceptibility has a greater impact. Our findings may help evaluate the effect of FLC and coal exposure on the pathogenesis of lung cancer.
The angiotensin‐(1‐7)/Mas receptor axis protects from endothelial cell senescence via klotho and Nrf2 activation
Authors: Romero Alejandra , San Hipólito‐Luengo Álvaro , Villalobos Laura A. , Vallejo Susana , Valencia Inés , Michalska Patrycja , Pajuelo‐Lozano Natalia , Sánchez‐Pérez Isabel , León Rafael , Bartha José Luis , Sanz María Jesús , Erusalimsky Jorge D. , Sánchez‐Ferrer Carlos F. , Romacho Tania , Peiró Concepción
Published: February 2019

Endothelial cell senescence is a hallmark of vascular aging that predisposes to vascular disease. We aimed to explore the capacity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) heptapeptide angiotensin (Ang)‐(1‐7) to counteract human endothelial cell senescence and to identify intracellular pathways mediating its potential protective action. In human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures, Ang II promoted cell senescence, as revealed by the enhancement in senescence‐associated galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal+) positive staining, total and telomeric DNA damage, adhesion molecule expression, and human mononuclear adhesion to HUVEC monolayers. By activating the G protein‐coupled receptor Mas, Ang‐(1‐7) inhibited the pro‐senescence action of Ang II, but also of a non‐RAS stressor such as the cytokine IL‐1β. Moreover, Ang‐(1‐7) enhanced endothelial klotho levels, while klotho silencing resulted in the loss of the anti‐senescence action of the heptapeptide. Indeed, both Ang‐(1‐7) and recombinant klotho activated the cytoprotective Nrf2/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) pathway. The HO‐1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX prevented the anti‐senescence action evoked by Ang‐(1‐7) or recombinant klotho. Overall, the present study identifies Ang‐(1‐7) as an anti‐senescence peptide displaying its protective action beyond the RAS by consecutively activating klotho and Nrf2/HO‐1. Ang‐(1‐7) mimetic drugs may thus prove useful to prevent endothelial cell senescence and its related vascular complications.
Front Streeting: Teacher Candidates of Color and the Pedagogical Challenges of Cultural Relevancy
Authors: Smith Kondo Chelda
Published: February 2019

Educational research widely neglects the effectiveness of multicultural education courses among teacher candidates of color (TCCs). In this article, the experiences of six Black preservice teachers enrolled in a diversity course are explicated to unearth nuanced pedagogical missteps that hinder their development as students of asset pedagogies. Undergirded by the five principles of critical race theory, findings reveal that TCCs exhibit varied forms of resistance to monolithic content that frame minoritized groups in the deficit. In this particular study, Front Streeting refers to the vulnerability teachers of color experience when their minoritized identities are fetishized in diversity classrooms, through an expectation of confirmed lived experiences or expert knowledge of their demographic groups. The article explores the general privileging of whiteness in multicultural education curriculum and instruction while challenging teacher educators to reconsider how to engage students from diverse demographic groups.
English‐Medium: Schooling, Social Mobility, and Inequality in Bangalore, India
Authors: Jayadeva Sazana
Published: February 2019

Focusing on low‐cost English‐medium schools, this article investigates whether the ideology of the transformative potential of English‐medium education squares with most people’s experiences of this education in urban India. It shows how such schools enable socioeconomic mobility among the middle classes while also creating new forms of inequality. It argues that a meaningful evaluation of education outcomes requires understanding students’ and their parents’ experiences of an education system and its impact on their lives.
Simulation‐based educational package to improve delivery of the deeply impacted fetal head at caesarean section
Authors: Yu Michael , Wilson Erin , Janssens Sarah
Published: February 2019

Deeply impacted fetal head at caesarean section at full dilation is a rare obstetric emergency, and exposure for trainees can be limited. We aimed to pilot and evaluate a hospital‐based training program incorporating mastery learning principles for trainees performing caesarean section at full dilation. We demonstrated improvements in knowledge, skills and self‐confidence, and feel that this educational package shows promise as an important component of obstetric training, and warrants further exploration in the future.
Obstructive sleep apnoea in multiple pregnancy
Authors: Dave Farnaz , Cole Stephen , Rees Megan
Published: February 2019

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during pregnancy has been associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension and low birth weight. Multiple pregnancy is associated with similar adverse perinatal outcomes. Multiple pregnancy rates have risen with increased access to assisted conception; simultaneously, advancing maternal age and weight are also driving a rise in the incidence of OSA in pregnancy. The intersection of OSA and multiple pregnancy would be presumed to have significant maternal and fetal morbidity; however, specific data are sparse. We review the current state of knowledge on OSA in multiple pregnancy.
Should antenatal corticosteroids be considered in women with gestational diabetes before planned late gestation caesarean section
Authors: Paul Ryan , Murugesh Carissa , Chepulis Lynne , Tamatea Jade , Wolmarans Louise
Published: February 2019

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at a greater risk of developing respiratory complications and hypoglycaemia than those born to mothers without diabetes. However, there is currently insufficient evidence as to whether these risks are altered by antenatal corticosteroids after 37 weeks gestation. This retrospective study suggests that antenatal corticosteroids probably reduce respiratory admissions to the newborn intensive care unit with a mild increase in neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with GDM who deliver via caesarean section after 37 weeks gestation. Consequently, we recommend a randomised, controlled trial is required to determine the efficacy and safety of antenatal corticosteroids specifically in women with GDM.
Survival from cancer in young people: An overview of late effects focusing on reproductive health
Authors: Newton Hannah L. , Friend Amanda J. , Feltbower Richard , Hayden Catherine J. , Picton Helen M. , Glaser Adam W.
Published: February 2019

This paper provides a summary of the areas of survival from childhood, teenage and young adult cancers and the significant late effects that can arise from treatment; with particular focus on the area of reproductive health and the impact on both fertility and pregnancy. To complete this review, Web of Science and MEDLINE were used. Search terms included: “"survival AND childhood OR teenage OR young adult cancer", "late effects", "childhood cancer", "teenage AND/OR young adult cancer", AND "fertility after cancer" OR "pregnancy AND cancer" OR "fertility preservation”. Additionally, the clinical expertise of the authors was drawn upon. Childhood cancer is a thankfully rare occurrence; however, the incidence is increasing. Survival rates remain high and this means that a growing population of childhood and young adult cancer survivors are reaching adulthood. For some of these adults, although cured of their cancer, they are now facing a future with lasting effects on their health from their treatments. These effects, commonly referred to as late effects, are defined as health problems related either directly to the underlying cancer or to its treatment and which occur months or years after treatment has finished. Reproductive health is an important consideration for these patients, and although many will be able to conceive naturally, some will exhibit impaired fertility after their treatments. This can include difficulties at all points along the path from conception to delivery of a live, healthy offspring. High‐quality, large‐population evidence is sparse in many areas relating to fertility risk from treatment and the maternal and fetal health of childhood cancer survivors. Yet given the potential for complications, the authors advocate consideration of fertility at the time of diagnosis and before potentially gonadotoxic treatment.
Comparative safety and effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor α antagonists and vedolizumab in elderly IBD patients: a multicentre study
Authors: Adar Tomer , Faleck David , Sasidharan Saranya , Cushing Kelly , Borren Nienke Z. , Nalagatla Niharika , Ungaro Ryan , Sy Wayne , Owen Samuel C. , Patel Anish , Cohen Benjamin L. , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N.
Published: February 2019

Background

The older patient group with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is particularly vulnerable to consequences of disease and therapy‐related side effects but little is known about the best treatment options in this population.

Aim

To compare safety and efficacy of tumor necrosis factor α antagonist (anti‐TNF) or vedolizumab (VDZ) in patients with IBD >60 years of age.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) initiating anti‐TNF or VDZ therapy ≥60 years of age at three study sites. We examined occurrence of infection or malignancy within 1 year after therapy as our primary outcome. Our efficacy outcomes included clinical remission at 3, 6 and 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for relevant confounders estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The study included 131 anti‐TNF and 103 VDZ initiated patients (age range 60‐88 years). Approximately half had CD. At 1 year, there were no significant differences in safety profile between the two therapeutic classes. Infections were observed in 20% of anti‐TNF‐treated and 17% of VDZ‐treated patients (P = 0.54). Pneumonia was the most common infection in both groups. While more anti‐TNF‐treated CD patients were in remission at 3 months compared to VDZ (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.18‐6.76), this difference was not maintained at 6 and 12 months suggesting similar efficacy of both classes.

Conclusions

Both anti‐TNF and VDZ therapy were similarly effective and safe in elderly IBD patients.
Ceramic Production in the Kur River Basin (Fars, Iran) During the Middle to Late Second Millennium bce: A Geochemical and Technological Characterization
Authors: Pincé P. , Braekmans D. , Lycke S. , Vandenabeele P.
Published: February 2019

A total of 119 middle to late second millennium bce pottery samples from six sites in the Kur River Basin (Fars, Iran) were examined to characterize these ceramics and reconstruct their manufacturing technology and the origin of the primary materials. For this, a combined study of handheld XRF and thin‐section petrography was performed. The geochemical signatures of these ceramics were defined and interpreted in their archaeological and geological framework, resulting in the determination of different production processes and clay types used for four ceramic wares (Middle Elamite, Qaleh, Shogha and Taimuran) and the identification of possible outcrops used for Shogha–Taimuran production.
Exploring autonomous learning capacity from a self‐regulated learning perspective using learning analytics
Authors: Papamitsiou Zacharoula , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: February 2019

Practising self‐regulated learning (SRL) has been proposed to develop learning autonomy. However, there is lack of empirical evidence on how SRL strategies affect autonomous learning capacity. This study attempts to bridge that gap by utilizing the learners’ trace data for measuring the learners’ autonomous interactions, and investigates the effects of four SRL strategies on learners’ autonomous choices. The goal is to explain how the employed SRL strategies impact autonomous control (in terms of frequencies of self‐enforced decisions, as well as time‐spent on decision making). The results from an exploratory study with undergraduate learners (N = 113) shown that goal‐setting and time‐management have strong positive effects on autonomous control, effort‐regulation moderately positively affects learners’ autonomy, while help‐seeking has a strong negative effect. These findings provide empirical evidence and contribute to clarifying the role of each one of the SRL strategies in the development of autonomous learning capacity, from a learning analytics perspective. Limitations and potential implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Prenatal imaging of genital defects: clinical spectrum and predictive factors for severe forms
Authors: Fuchs Florent , Borrego Paula , Amouroux Cyril , Antoine Benoît , Ollivier Margot , Faure Jean‐Michel , Lopez Christophe , Forgues Dominique , Faure Alice , Merrot Thierry , Boulot Pierre , Jeandel Claire , Philibert Pascal , Gaspari Laura , Sultan Charles , Paris Françoise , Kalfa Nicolas
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To report the clinical spectrum of genital defects diagnosed before birth, identify predictive factors for severe phenotypes at birth, and determine the rate of associated malformations.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study (2008–2017) of 4580 fetuses, identified prenatally with abnormalities evaluated by our Reference Center for Fetal Medicine, included cases with fetal sonographic findings of abnormal genitalia or uncertainty of fetal sex determination. Familial, prenatal and postnatal data were collected via a standardised questionnaire.

Results

In all, 61 fetuses were included. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the prenatal diagnosis of genital defects was 90.1%. Most cases were 46,XY‐undervirilized boys, 42 cases (68.8%), which included 29 with mid‐penile or posterior hypospadias, nine with anterior hypospadias, and epispadias, micropenis, scrotal transposition, and buried penis (one each). In all, 46,XX‐virilized girls were identified in seven cases (11.5%), which included four with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, two with isolated clitoromegaly, and one with ovotestis. Other defects included prune belly syndrome and persistent cloaca (six cases). Early detection during the second trimester (58.1% vs 18.8%, P = 0.03), intra‐uterine growth restriction (IUGR) (45.2% vs 9.1%, P = 0.06), and curvature of the penis (38.7% vs 0%, P = 0.02), were more frequently related to severe defects in male newborns. Associated malformations (14 cases, 22.9%) and genetic defects (six) were frequent in undervirilized boys.

Conclusion

Prenatal imaging of genital defects leads to a wide range of phenotypes at birth. Its PPV is high and extra‐urinary malformations are frequent. Early diagnosis during the second trimester, associated IUGR, and curvature of the genital tubercle, should raise suspicion of a severe phenotype and may justify delivery near a multidisciplinary disorders/differences of sex development team.
Local ice caps in Finderup Land, North Greenland, survived the Holocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Larsen Nicolaj K. , Levy Laura B. , Strunk Astrid , Søndergaard Anne Sofie , Olsen Jesper , Lauridsen Torben L.
Published: February 2019

Local glaciers and ice caps (GICs) comprise only ~5.4% of the total ice volume, but account for ~14–20% of the current ice loss in Greenland. The glacial history ofGICs is not well constrained, however, and little is known about how they reacted to Holocene climate changes. Specifically, in North Greenland, there is limited knowledge about pastGICfluctuations and whether they survived the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM, ~8 to 5 ka). In this study, we use proglacial lake records to constrain the ice‐marginal fluctuations of three local ice caps in North Greenland including Flade Isblink, the largest ice cap in Greenland. Additionally, we have radiocarbon dated reworked marine molluscs in Little Ice Age (LIA) moraines adjacent to the Flade Isblink, which reveal when the ice cap was smaller than present. We found that outlet glaciers from Flade Isblink retreated inland of their present extent from ~9.4 to 0.2 cal. kaBP. The proglacial lake records, however, demonstrate that the lakes continued to receive glacial meltwater throughout the entire Holocene. This implies thatGICs in Finderup Land survived theHTM. Our results are consistent with other observations from North Greenland but differ from locations in southern Greenland where all records show that the local ice caps at low and intermediate elevations disappeared completely during theHTM. We explain the north–south gradient in glacier response as a result of sensitivity to increased temperature and precipitation. While the increased temperatures during theHTMled to a complete melting ofGICs in southern Greenland,GICs remained in North Greenland probably because the melting was counterbalanced by increased precipitation due to a reduction in Arctic sea‐ice extent and/or increased poleward moisture transport.
Stratigraphic complexity in fluvial fans: Lower Eocene Green River Formation, Uinta Basin, USA
Authors: Wang Jianqiao , Plink‐Björklund Piret
Published: February 2019

In this study, measured outcrop sections and geolocated photomosaics are integrated with areal mapping of channel dimensions, degree of amalgamation, calculations of channel‐to‐floodplain ratios and sedimentary facies variability to study and quantify the channel and floodplain deposits in the Sunnyside Delta Interval of the Lower Eocene Green River Formation in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Vertically, sand content and bed thickness increases, due to an increase in the channel‐to‐floodplain ratio, channel size and the degree of channel amalgamation. Laterally, the channel‐to‐floodplain ratio, channel size, the degree of channel amalgamation and the sand content in channel facies decreases in the paleo‐downstream direction. Such vertical and lateral transitions identify the Sunnyside Delta Interval as a fluvial fan (or distributive fluvial system). However, the vertical and lateral transitions occur at multiple spatial scales, demonstrating considerable stratigraphic complexity as compared to the existing facies and architectural models suggested for fluvial megafans and distributive fluvial systems. The smallest‐scale transitions are identified as avulsion‐related packages that form the building blocks of the stratigraphy, whereas the intermediate‐ and largest‐scale transitions are suggested to be related to lobe and whole fan progradation respectively. This documented complexity indicates the significance of self‐organization in building fluvial fan stratigraphy, and demonstrates that changes in the degree of channel amalgamation or in channel‐to‐floodplain ratio are not linked to accommodation changes. On facies scale, an abundance of Froude supercritical‐flow and high‐deposition‐rate facies, in‐channel mud deposits, and in‐channel bioturbation and desiccation indicate deposition in rivers with highly variable discharge. Such discharge conditions suggest seasonally and inter‐annually variable precipitation conditions in the US Western Interior in the Early Eocene.
Safety and effectiveness of alectinib in a real‐world surveillance study in patients with ALK‐positive non–small‐cell lung cancer in Japan
Authors: Masuda Noriyuki , Ohe Yuichiro , Gemma Akihiko , Kusumoto Masahiko , Yamada Ikuyo , Ishii Tadashi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki
Published: February 2019

We conducted a large‐scale surveillance study as a post–marketing commitment to investigate the safety and effectiveness of alectinib in patients with ALK‐positive non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan. Patients receiving 300 mg twice‐daily alectinib (September 2014 to June 2015) were monitored until termination of alectinib or completion of 18 months of treatment at 519 Japanese study sites. The primary endpoint was the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADR), which are important identified risks for alectinib in Japanese patients. Overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, was assessed according to information on outcome. Overall, 1251 patients were enrolled. The median patient age was 62.0 years; 12.9% of patients were aged ≥75 years. At baseline, 63.0% of patients had received crizotinib and 40.6% had brain metastases. Altogether, 1512 ADR occurred in 654 patients (53.6%), with 164 grade ≥3 ADR in 123 patients (10.1%). Commonly occurring ADR were hepatic disorders (all grades, 19.8%; grade ≥3, 2.0%), decreased neutrophil and/or white blood cell count (all grades, 7.6%; grade ≥3, 1.1%), and interstitial lung disease (all grades, 3.8%; grade ≥3, .7%). Median OS was not estimable. The 18‐month cumulative OS rate was longer in patients with ECOG performance status ≤1 (vs 2 or ≥3; 83.7% vs 44.5% or 27.2%), without prior crizotinib (vs with; 81.1% vs 73.4%), receiving first‐line alectinib (vs second and third or later line; 83.0% vs 79.2% or 71.9%), without brain metastases (vs with; 79.5% vs 71.5%). These data confirm the favorable safety and effectiveness of alectinib in patients with ALK‐positive NSCLC in Japan.
Vitamin D is related to handgrip strength in adult men aged 50 years and over: A population study from the TCLSIH cohort study
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Xuena , Gu Yeqing , Liu Mingyue , Chi Vu Thi Quynh , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Meng Ge , Yao Zhanxin , Wu Hongmei , Bao Xue , Zhang Shunming , Wang Yanyan , Lu Zuolin , Wang Liu , Zheng Lixiao , Wang Xiaona , Tian Chunling , Fu Jingzhu , Sun Shaomei , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Huang Jian , Huo Junsheng , Zhang Bing , Ding Gangqiang , Niu Kaijun
Published: February 2019

Objective

Handgrip strength (HGS) begins an accelerating decline around 50 years. Many of the studies performed in old adults have demonstrated a significant relationship between vitamin D and HGS, but the studies performed in participants with a broad age range have yielded conflicting results. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and HGS using age 50 as a specific cut‐off.

Design

Population‐based, cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Totally 5102 participants (2911 males, 2191 females) from the TCLSIH Cohort.

Measurements

Serum concentration of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. We divided participants into quartiles according to 25(OH)D, and the ranges for increasing quartiles were as follows: (males [≥50 years]: 10.94‐31.85, 31.88‐43.01, 43.20‐56.06, 56.20‐143.0; males [<50 years]: 11.11‐34.68, 34.71‐46.91, 46.96‐59.45, 59.50‐143.7; females [≥50 years]: 7.21‐30.01, 30.02‐40.18, 40.21‐52.44, 52.49‐275.4; females [<50 years]: 5.29‐28.91, 28.92‐40.19, 40.20‐51.90, 51.91‐140.2). HGS was measured with a hydraulic hand‐held dynamometer. Analysis of covariance was employed to explore the relationship.

Results

Among males aged above 50 years, the means (95% confidence interval) for HGS per body weight across the categories of serum 25(OH)D concentration were 0.523 (0.430‐0.638), 0.545 (0.447‐0.664), 0.543 (0.446‐0.661), 0.546 (0.449‐0.664) (Ptrend < 0.01) after adjustment for potential confounding factors. However, no relationships were observed between serum 25(OH)D concentration and HGS in males aged below 50 years and females in the whole age range.

Conclusions

Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly related to HGS in males aged above 50 years, independent of confounding factors. Future studies are needed to clarify the age and sex relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentration and HGS.
Implementation of a Strongyloides screening strategy in solid organ transplant donors and recipients
Authors: Camargo Jose F. , Simkins Jacques , Anjan Shweta , Guerra Giselle , Vianna Rodrigo , Salama Sam , Albright Carla , Shipman Elizabeth , Montoya Jose , Morris Michele I. , Abbo Lilian M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Strongyloides stercoralis infects 100 million people worldwide. Mortality rates in hyperinfection syndrome exceed 50%. Donor‐derived Strongyloides infection has occurred after heart, kidney, kidney‐pancreas and liver transplantation; yet, only 10% of the US organ procurement organizations currently screen donors for strongyloidiasis.

Methods

We report a fatal case of donor‐derived disseminated Strongyloides infection in a liver transplant recipient. Following this case, we implemented universal screening and treatment of donors and recipients. We reviewed our local epidemiology and outcomes after protocol implementation.

Results

From a total of 355 deceased donors accepted at our center between January 2016, and March 2018, 14 (3.9%) had positive Strongyloides serology. Except for the index case, all other recipients of Strongyloides antibody‐positive donors within that period (including 10 kidneys, 3 livers, one combined liver/kidney, and one kidney/pancreas from eight seropositive donors) received post‐transplant prophylaxis with ivermectin, and to date are alive and doing well without signs of infection. Between October 2015, and September 2016, a total of 441 deceased donor solid organ transplants were performed at our center. 220 of these recipients had pretransplant Strongyloides serology available, and 23 of them were seropositive (10.5%). Within the first two years after the implementation of universal screening and treatment of donors and recipients, we had no cases of Strongyloides reactivation in our center.

Conclusions

Implementation of a Strongyloides screening and treatment protocol in our center was an effective strategy to prevent both recipient‐ and donor‐derived strongyloidiasis. Transplant centers should consider implementation of Strongyloides preventive strategies.
Screening coronary angiography in patients with long‐standing diabetes mellitus undergoing kidney transplant evaluation
Authors: Puttarajappa Chethan M. , Tevar Amit D. , Hariharan Sundaram , Silver Saul J. , Soman Prem , Hendrick Shelly , Mour Girish , Wu Christine M.
Published: February 2019

Background

The utility of coronary angiography in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing kidney transplant evaluation is unclear. Predictors of critical angiography lesions in these patients will aid in appropriate use of angiography.

Methods

Single‐center study of 80 patients with ≥15 years of diabetes mellitus who underwent a screening coronary angiography despite a negative cardiac stress test. Risk factors for needing coronary intervention (CI) (percutaneous or bypass grafting) were analyzed.

Results

Eighteen patients (23%) had a ≥70% occlusion in one or more major coronary vessel(s), with right coronary artery being the most commonly involved (71%). Fifteen patients (19%) underwent coronary intervention: ten percutaneously and five with bypass surgery. Risk factors for needing CI were not being on statin (OR 3.54, P = 0.047) and history of stroke or peripheral vascular disease (PVD; OR 3.5, P = 0.034). A model that included statin use, stroke/PVD history, and glycosylated hemoglobin had a receiver operating characteristic curve area under the curve of 0.8 to predict CI.

Conclusion

Despite a negative stress test, the prevalence of critical coronary lesions was high among kidney transplant candidates with long‐standing diabetes. Risk factors for needing coronary intervention were absence of statin use and a history of stroke or peripheral vascular disease.
Multispecies invasion reduces the negative impact of single alien plant species on native flora
Authors: Lenda Magdalena , Skórka Piotr , Knops Johannes , Żmihorski Michał , Gaj Renata , Moroń Dawid , Woyciechowski Michał , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: February 2019

Aim

In the current Anthropocene, many ecosystems are being simultaneously invaded by multiple alien species. Some of these invasive species become more dominant and have greater environmental impacts than others. If two potentially dominant species invade the same area, the combined impact has been reported to be either (a) domination by one species, that is, the competitive dominance of one invader, or (b) invasion meltdown, where the combined impact is much greater, that is, a synergistic effect. We studied the effects of the invasion of two alien plant species that are known to strongly decrease native plant species diversity: the Persian walnut Juglans regiaand goldenrod Solidago canadensis.

Location

We examined native vegetation diversity in abandoned fields (in Poland) where neither species had invaded, only one species had invaded, and both species had invaded.

Methods

Field survey data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models and ordination techniques.

Results

When goldenrod invaded alone, it caused a larger decrease in species richness and cover (74%) than when walnut invaded alone (58%). When walnut and goldenrod co‐occurred in abandoned fields, walnut was dominant and strongly decreased goldenrod density by 87%. However, the combined impact on native species diversity was much lower (15% decrease in native plant diversity) than when either goldenrod or walnut invaded alone.

Main conclusions

In contrast to many other studies, our study does not support the occurrence of an invasion meltdown. Instead, our results show that even when one invader dominates, its negative effect on plant diversity can be strongly modified by the presence of another invasive species.
Upper limb impairments, process skills, and outcome in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Russo Remo N , Skuza Pawel P , Sandelance Myriam , Flett Peter
Published: February 2019

Aim

To examine the relationships between upper limb impairments and independence in self‐care (ISC) in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

One hundred and eight children with unilateral CP (46 females, 62 males; mean age 8y 7mo, SD 3y 9mo) recruited from a population register were assessed for upper limb muscle power, spasticity, sensation, motor control, and process skills, and for ISC as the functional outcome using structural equation modelling.

Results

The model showed good fit indices and explained 90% of the variance in ISC. Direct effects were significant between manual ability and ISC (β=0.47), and process skills and ISC (β=0.63). Sensation had a significant positive indirect effect on ISC through manual ability (β=0.24) and a positive but marginally non‐significant indirect effect through process skills (β=0.21, bootstrapped 95% confidence interval −0.05 to 0.55). Spasticity had a significant negative indirect effect on ISC through its effect on manual ability (β=−0.21). Age had a significant positive indirect effect on ISC, as did intellect, through their effect on process skills (β=0.34 and 0.21 respectively).

Interpretation

ISC is affected by upper limb impairments and process skill. Sensation influences ISC through its effects on manual and process skill abilities. Both sensation and process skills require further evaluation to assist ISC in children with unilateral CP.

What this paper adds

Process skills and manual ability most strongly positively influence independence in self‐care (ISC) in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Sensation influences ISC through manual ability and process skill.
Breaking down chronic inflammatory diseases: the role of biglycan in promoting a switch between inflammation and autophagy
Authors: Roedig Heiko , Nastase Madalina Viviana , Wygrecka Malgorzata , Schaefer Liliana
Published: February 2019

It is well established that biglycan, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, acts as an extracellular matrix‐derived danger signal in its soluble form. By binding to innate immunity Toll‐like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4, biglycan initiates and perpetuates the inflammatory response. Previous work has conveyed that biglycan's role in inflammation extends far beyond its function as a canonical danger signal. It has been shown that biglycan acts in an anti‐inflammatory capacity, wherein it tightly regulates the inflammatory response. In this review, we will discuss a paradigm shift to our understanding of biglycan signaling in inflammation. Mounting evidence suggests that the selective interactions between biglycan, TLRs, and their adapter proteins critically regulate downstream signaling and disease outcome. Biglycan can act as a high‐affinity ligand for TLR coreceptors CD14 and CD44, further providing an additional layer of complexity. We propose a novel concept, that biglycan steers signaling toward inflammation by interacting with CD14, whereas it can trigger autophagy by binding to CD44. Thus, biglycan, and perhaps others soluble proteoglycans, could function as molecular switches which could either propagate the signaling of chronic inflammation or promote the resolution of inflammatory processes. Obviously, these new functions have broad implications in the regulation of various inflammatory diseases and could provide the basis for developing novel therapeutic regimens that would selectively target the interactions between biglycan, TLRs, coreceptors, and adapter molecules.
Hydrologic and anthropogenic influences on aquatic macrophyte development in a large, shallow lake in China
Authors: Zhang Qinghui , Dong Xuhui , Yang Xiangdong , Odgaard Bent Vad , Jeppesen Erik
Published: February 2019

Macrophyte composition and abundance affect the overall ecological structure and function of lakes, and information on the nature and timing of changes in macrophyte assemblages is therefore crucial for understanding their impact on the lake ecosystem.

We examined plant macrofossils, diatoms, cladocerans, and physical and geochemical proxies in two sediment cores from Lake Liangzi, a large shallow lake located on the Yangtze floodplain in south‐east China, in order to assess recent and historical trajectories of ecological and environmental change. We also used archival records of environmental changes (i.e. hydrological, climatic, fishery, and social factors) in the lake and its catchment. Lake Liangzi is of particular interest as it, unlike most other lakes in the region, has maintained a macrophyte‐dominated state.

The results revealed a shift in the lake during the pastca. 160 years from a clear water, low‐growing submerged macrophyte community (e.g.Najas minor, charophyte species), dominated by planktonic diatoms and planktonic cladocerans, towards a more pollutant‐resistant, tall‐growing macrophyte community (Potamogetonspp.,Ceratophyllum demersumandMyriophyllum spicatum) and dominance by benthic and epiphytic diatoms and littoral cladocerans. However, a pronounced increase in the abundance of planktonicBosminaspp. at the expense of true littoral cladoceran species and a decline in plant macrofossil assemblages in the surface samples suggest that the lake recently entered into a new unprecedented state.

Redundancy analysis indicated major changes in hydrology and moderate inputs of anthropogenic pollutants as well as climate warming as the main drivers of ecological and environmental changes in the lake.

Our study demonstrated that plant macrofossils from radionuclide‐dated short sediment cores provide reliable information on the nature and timing of changes in the macrophyte community in Lake Liangzi. Furthermore, our study provided information on the composition of the plant community before recent strong perturbations and also showed the trajectories and suggested the drivers of ecological and environmental change, thereby offering valuable information for lake managers in the Yangtze region and elsewhere.

Our study identifies a relatively resistant community of submerged macrophytes, which may be an initial restoration target for managers when restoring the many lakes in the region where submerged vegetation coverage has declined during the last few decades.
Alternative tree‐cover states of the boreal ecosystem: A conceptual model
Authors: Abis Beniamino , Brovkin Victor
Published: February 2019

Aim

Previous analyses of remotely sensed data detected the multimodality of the tree‐cover distribution of the boreal forest, and identified areas with potentially alternative tree‐cover states. This paper aims at investigating the causes of multimodality and multistability of the boreal forest, their influence on the asymmetric tree species distribution between Eurasia and North America, and whether multistability could be associated with recent greening trends in leaf area index (LAI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI).

Location

Eurasian and North American boreal forests.

Time period

2000–2010.

Major taxa studied

Boreal forest plant functional types.

Methods

We employ a conceptual model based on tree species competition to simulate the sensitivity of tree cover to stochastic disturbances and to changes in environmental factors. We include different plant functional types based on survival adaptations, and force the model with remotely sensed environmental data. We analyse the model as a dynamical system. We use metrics from statistics and information theory to compare the detection of alternative tree‐cover states and greening trends in LAI and NDVI.

Results

We find that multimodality and multistability can emerge through competition between different plant functional types. Additionally, our model is able to reproduce the asymmetry in tree species distribution between Eurasia and North America. Moreover, changes in permafrost distribution can be associated with phenomenological bifurcation points of the model. Finally, we find that the detection of multistable areas is not affected by recent vegetation trends, whereas shifts between alternative states could have affected the greening trends.

Main conclusions

Tree‐cover multistability in the boreal region can emerge through competition between species subject to periodic disturbances. Changes in permafrost thaw and distribution could be responsible for the asymmetry in tree species distribution between North America and Eurasia. Climate change and permafrost degradation could cause shifts in tree‐cover states and dominant species. Recent vegetation greening trends in multistable areas could have been affected by shifts between alternative states.
Micro‐CT evaluation of sonically and ultrasonically activated irrigation on the removal of hard‐tissue debris from isthmus‐containing mesial root canal systems of mandibular molars
Authors: Rödig T. , Koberg C. , Baxter S. , Konietschke F. , Wiegand A. , Rizk M.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of sonically and ultrasonically activated irrigation on removal of accumulated hard‐tissue debris (AHTD) in mesial root canal systems of mandibular molars using micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) analysis.

Methodology

Forty mesial roots of mandibular molars with two independent canals joined apically by an isthmus (Vertucci type II) were selected. The root canals were instrumented using Reciproc R25 instruments, and specimens were scanned at a resolution of 10.5 μm. Subsequently, n = 10 roots were assigned to each of the four final irrigation groups such that the group means and variances were almost identical: sonically activated irrigation with EndoActivator (EA) or EDDY (ED), ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) and manual irrigation without activation (MI). The final irrigation procedures were performed using a total of 5 mL 1% NaOCl and 5 mL 15% EDTA per canal over 5 min with activation time of 4 × 20 s. Reconstructed data sets were coregistered, and the mean percentage reduction of AHTD after final irrigation was compared statistically between groups using analysis of variance at a significance level set at 5%.

Results

A significant reduction of AHTD was achieved after final irrigation in all groups (P < 0.05), ranging from 44.1% to 66.8%. The vol% of debris after irrigation was 3.7 ± 1.9% for EA, 3.3 ± 2.3% for ED, 2.1 ± 1.6% for UAI and 4.4 ± 2.3% for MI, with no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

None of the final irrigation protocols completely removed AHTD from mesial root canal systems in extracted human mandibular molars. Sonically and ultrasonically activated irrigation performed no better compared to manual irrigation.
Function mechanism of Y2O3 additive in silicon powder nitridation
Authors: Jin Xing , Xing Pengfei , Zhuang Yanxin , Kong Jian , Jiang Shengnan , Wei Donghui
Published: February 2019

Effect of sole Y2O3 additive on the nitridation behavior of silicon powder was systematically studied using thermo gravimetry, differential thermal analysis, particle size analysis, X‐ray diffraction analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and thermodynamic analysis in this paper. The thermo gravimetry results showed that Y2O3 additive can significantly decrease the initial nitriding temperature and increase the nitriding rate. This phenomenon can be attributed to the much lower reaction temperature of the silica film and Y2O3 additive than that of the silica film and silicon. In addition, Y2O3 additive has little effect on the nitridation of silicon powder at 1300°C. However, it can obviously enhance the nitridation of silicon powder and the formation of β‐Si3N4 at 1400°C, which is evidenced by the fact that the overall conversion increases from 58.1% to 100% and the fraction of β‐Si3N4 in generated Si3N4 increases from 7.9% to 68.2% with increasing the content of Y2O3 additive from 0 to 10 wt%.
The latest progress on miR‐374 and its functional implications in physiological and pathological processes
Authors: Bian Hongjun , Zhou Yi , Zhou Dawei , Zhang Yongsheng , Shang Deya , Qi Jianni
Published: February 2019

Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been emerging players in cell development, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Based on their differences in length and structure, they are subdivided into several categories including long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs >200nt), stable non‐coding RNAs (60‐300nt), microRNAs (miRs or miRNAs, 18‐24nt), circular RNAs, piwi‐interacting RNAs (26‐31nt) and small interfering RNAs (about 21nt). Therein, miRNAs not only directly regulate gene expression through pairing of nucleotide bases between the miRNA sequence and a specific mRNA that leads to the translational repression or degradation of the target mRNA, but also indirectly affect the function of downstream genes through interactions with lncRNAs and circRNAs. The latest studies have highlighted their importance in physiological and pathological processes. MiR‐374 family member are located at the X‐chromosome inactivation center. In recent years, numerous researches have uncovered that miR‐374 family members play an indispensable regulatory role, such as in reproductive disorders, cell growth and differentiation, calcium handling in the kidney, various cancers and epilepsy. In this review, we mainly focus on the role of miR‐374 family members in multiple physiological and pathological processes. More specifically, we also summarize their promising potential as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets from bench to bedside.