bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: S100A9 gene silencing inhibits the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by blocking the IL‐17 signalling pathway in mice with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Wang Shan , Shen Min , Wang Yong‐Jian , Zhang Bo , Wu Zi‐Qi , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: February 2018

The study aimed to investigate whether S100A9 gene silencing mediating the IL‐17 pathway affected the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in acute pancreatitis (AP). Kunming mice were assigned to the normal, AP, AP + negative control (NC), AP + shRNA, AP + IgG and AP + anti IL‐17 groups. ELISA was applied to measure expressions of AMY, LDH, CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8. The cells were distributed into the control, blank, NC, shRNA1 and shRNA2 groups. MTT assay, flow cytometry, RT‐qPCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis, and expressions of S100A9, TLR4, RAGE, IL‐17, HMGB1 and S100A12 in tissues and cells. Compared with the normal group, the AP group displayed increased expressions of AMY, LDH, CRP, TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, S100A9, TLR4, RAGE, IL‐17, HMGB1 and S100A12. The AP + shRNA and AP + anti IL‐17 groups exhibited an opposite trend. The in vivo results: Compare with the control group, the blank, NC, shRNA1 and shRNA2 groups demonstrated increased expressions of S100A9, TLR4, RAGE, IL‐17, HMGB1 and S100A12, as well as cell apoptosis and cells at the G1 phase, with reduced proliferation. Compared with the blank and NC groups, the shRNA1 and shRNA2 groups had declined expressions of S100A9, TLR4, RAGE, IL‐17, HMGB1 and S100A12, as well as cell apoptosis and cells at the G1 phase, with elevated proliferation. The results indicated that S100A9 gene silencing suppressed the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines through blocking of the IL‐17 pathway in AP.
Human expression patterns: qualitative and quantitative analysis of thrombospondin‐1 under physiological and pathological conditions
Authors: Zhao Chen , Isenberg Jeffrey S. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: February 2018

Thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), a matricellular protein and one of the first endogenous anti‐angiogenic molecules identified, has long been considered a potent modulator of human diseases. While the therapeutic effect of TSP‐1 to suppress cancer was investigated in both research and clinical settings, the mechanisms of how TSP‐1 is regulated in cancer remain elusive, and the scientific answers to the question of whether TSP‐1 expressions can be utilized as diagnostic or prognostic marker for patients with cancer are largely inconsistent. Moreover, TSP‐1 plays crucial functions in angiogenesis, inflammation and tissue remodelling, which are essential biological processes in the progression of many cardiovascular diseases, and therefore, its dysregulated expressions in such conditions may have therapeutic significance. Herein, we critically analysed the literature pertaining to TSP‐1 expression in circulating blood and pathological tissues in various types of cancer as well as cardiovascular and inflammation‐related diseases in humans. We compare the secretion rates of TSP‐1 by different cancer and non‐cancer cells and discuss the potential connection between the expression changes of TSP‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) observed in patients with cancer. Moreover, the pattern and emerging significance of TSP‐1 profiles in cardiovascular disease, such as peripheral arterial disease, diabetes and other related non‐cancer disorders, are highlighted. The analysis of published TSP‐1 data presented in this review may have implications for the future exploration of novel TSP‐1‐based treatment strategies for cancer and cardiovascular‐related diseases.
Editorial Perspective: Integrating exploratory and competitive–confirmatory approaches to testing person × environment interactions
Authors: Belsky Jay , Widaman Keith
Published: February 2018

Students of child development and of psychopathology have long been interested in how person characteristics (e.g. genotype, temperament) might moderate the effect of environmental exposures (e.g. harsh parenting, negative life events) on development. Historically, most such research on person × environment interaction has been guided by diathesis‐stress thinking, which stipulates that some individuals, due to their personal characteristics, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of contextual risk than are others (but do not function differently under supportive or even benign conditions).
The efficacy and safety of non‐pharmacological therapies for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A systematic review and best‐evidence synthesis
Authors: de Vries F.M.C. , Meulendijks A.M. , Driessen R.J.B. , van Dooren A.A. , Tjin E.P.M. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Acne vulgaris is a multifaceted skin disorder, affecting more than 85% of young individuals worldwide. Pharmacological therapy is not always desirable because of the development of antibiotic resistance or the potential risk of adverse effects. Non‐pharmacological therapies can be viable alternatives for conventional therapies. However, sufficient evidence‐based support in the efficacy and safety of non‐pharmacological therapies is lacking.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of several non‐pharmacological therapies in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods

A systematic literature review, including a best‐evidence synthesis, was performed to identify literature. Three electronic databases were accessed and searched for studies published between January 2000 and May 2017.

Results

Thirty‐three eligible studies were included in our systematic review. Three main types of non‐pharmacological therapies were identified laser‐ and light‐based therapies, chemical peels and fractional microneedling radiofrequency. The majority of the included studies demonstrated a significant reduction in acne lesions. However, only seven studies had a high methodologic quality. Based on these seven trials, a best‐evidence synthesis was conducted. Strong evidence was found for glycolic acid (10–40%). Moderate evidence was found for amino fruit acid (20–60%), intense pulsed light (400–700 and 870–1200 nm) and the diode laser (1450 nm). Initially, conflicting evidence was found for pulsed dye laser (585–595 nm). The most frequently reported side‐effects for non‐pharmacological therapies included erythema, tolerable pain, purpura, oedema and a few cases of hyperpigmentation, which were in most cases mild and transient.

Conclusion

Circumstantial evidence was found for non‐pharmacological therapies in the treatment of acne vulgaris. However, the lack of high methodological quality among included studies prevented us to draw clear conclusions, regarding a stepwise approach. Nevertheless, our systematic review including a best‐evidence synthesis did create order and structure in resulting outcomes in which a first step towards future research is generated.
A biomechanical analysis of prognathous and orthognathous insect head capsules: evidence for a many‐to‐one mapping of form to function
Authors: Blanke A. , Pinheiro M. , Watson P. J. , Fagan M. J.
Published: February 2018

Insect head shapes are remarkably variable, but the influences of these changes on biomechanical performance are unclear. Among ‘basal’ winged insects, such as dragonflies, mayflies, earwigs and stoneflies, some of the most prominent anatomical changes are the general mouthpart orientation, eye size and the connection of the endoskeleton to the head. Here, we assess these variations as well as differing ridge and sclerite configurations using modern engineering methods including multibody dynamics modelling and finite element analysis in order to quantify and compare the influence of anatomical changes on strain in particular head regions and the whole head. We show that a range of peculiar structures such as the genal/subgenal, epistomal and circumocular areas are consistently highly loaded in all species, despite drastically differing morphologies in species with forward‐projecting (prognathous) and downward‐projecting (orthognathous) mouthparts. Sensitivity analyses show that the presence of eyes has a negligible influence on head capsule strain if a circumocular ridge is present. In contrast, the connection of the dorsal endoskeletal arms to the head capsule especially affects overall head loading in species with downward‐projecting mouthparts. Analysis of the relative strains between species for each head region reveals that concerted changes in head substructures such as the subgenal area, the endoskeleton and the epistomal area lead to a consistent relative loading for the whole head capsule and vulnerable structures such as the eyes. It appears that biting‐chewing loads are managed by a system of strengthening ridges on the head capsule irrespective of the general mouthpart and head orientation. Concerted changes in ridge and endoskeleton configuration might allow for more radical anatomical changes such as the general mouthpart orientation, which could be an explanation for the variability of this trait among insects. In an evolutionary context, many‐to‐one mapping of strain patterns onto a relatively similar overall head loading indeed could have fostered the dynamic diversification processes seen in insects.
Screening Plaintiffs and Selecting Defendants in Medical Malpractice Litigation: Evidence from Illinois and Indiana
Authors: Rahmati Mohammad , Hyman David A. , Black Bernard , Liu Jing , Silver Charles
Published: February 2018

Many physicians and tort reform advocates believe that most medical malpractice (med mal) claims are “frivolous.” As evidence, they often rely on reports that only about 20 percent of claims result in a payout. Many physicians and reform advocates also believe that plaintiffs lawyers often sue every health provider with even a remote a connection to the patient. Plaintiffs’ lawyers, however, insist that they screen med mal cases carefully, and when they bring a claim, are selective in whom they sue. Can these perspectives be harmonized? We study this question using databases of every insured med mal claim closed in Illinois during 2000–2010 and in Indiana during 1980–2015, and with semi‐structured interviews with six plaintiffs’ lawyers. We innovate by using defense costs to assess whether plaintiffs’ lawyers take a case seriously. We treat cases with under $5k in defense spending as “nonserious” unless they have a payout over $25k. We find evidence that many “cases” are nonserious—suggesting that screening is an ongoing process that does not end when a case is accepted. Observed success rates are sensitive to whether one counts “claims” (each defendant is a separate claim) or “cases” (one plaintiff vs. one or more defendants), includes pro se and/or only represented cases, and includes all versus only serious cases. If we analyze cases instead of claims and limit to serious, represented cases, we find much higher success rates (43 percent in Illinois; 44 percent in Indiana). Success rates are higher still in cases brought solely against institutional defendants (58 percent in Illinois; 68 percent in Indiana). Plaintiffs’ lawyers are also selective in the number of defendants they sue. In med mal cases involving only physicians and/or institutions, the mean number of defendants is 1.5 in Illinois and 1.8 in Indiana.
Diverse Legionella‐Like Bacteria Associated with Testate Amoebae of the Genus Arcella (Arcellinida: Amoebozoa)
Authors: Gomaa Fatma , Gersh Maxim , Cavanaugh Colleen M.
Published: February 2018

Diverse species of Legionella and Legionella‐like amoebal pathogens (LLAPs) have been identified as intracellular bacteria in many amoeboid protists. There are, however, other amoeboid groups such as testate amoeba for which we know little about their potential to host such bacteria. In this study, we assessed the occurrence and diversity of Legionella spp. in cultures and environmental isolates of freshwater arcellinid testate amoebae species, Arcella hemispherica, Arcella intermedia, and Arcella vulgaris, via 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that A. hemispherica, A. intermedia, and A. vulgaris host Legionella‐like bacteria with 94–98% identity to other Legionella spp. based on NCBI BLAST search. Phylogenetic analysis placed Legionella‐like Arcella‐associated bacteria (LLAB) in three different clusters within a tree containing all other members of Legionella and LLAPs. The intracellular localization of the Legionella within Arcella hosts was confirmed using FISH with a Legionella‐specific probe. This study demonstrates that the host range of Legionella and Legionella‐like bacteria in the Amoebozoa extends beyond members of “naked” amoebae species, with members of the testate amoebae potentially serving an ecological role in the dispersal, protection, and replication of Legionella spp. in natural environments.
Effects of voltage gradient and fat content on changes of electrical conductivity of frozen minced beef meat during ohmic thawing
Authors: Cevik Mutlu , Icier Filiz
Published: February 2018

Frozen minced beef meat samples having different fat contents of 2, 10, and 18% were thawed until their center temperature reached −1 °C in the ohmic thawing system. Ohmic thawing was conducted by applying different voltage gradients (10, 13, and 16 V/cm) at ambient temperature of 4 ± 0.5 °C. Effective electrical conductivity (EEC) values of the samples at −1 °C were 0.5774 ± 0.0558, 0.4231 ± 0.0510, and 0.3933 ± 0.0693 S/m for 2, 10, and 18% fat contents, respectively. The change of effective electrical conductivity with temperature was linear for temperature range of −18 °C/−9.5 °C while it was exponential for temperature range of −9.5 °C/−4 °C. Above −4 °C, the polynomial model was best model describing the change of EEC with temperature. Ohmic thawing process could be applied as an alternative novel technology for thawing of meat and meat products. It is thought that the results of present study would contribute valuable information to open literature.

Practical applications

Researchers have given attention on investigation of alternative thawing methods for foods in recent years. Ohmic thawing has high energy efficiency, causes low drip loss and does not produce any waste water. Since it is controlled by heat generation caused due to passing of alternative current through food, the information on change of its electrical conductivity is crucial. The minced beef sample has heterogeneous structure such as muscle, connective, and adipose tissues. Thus, its effective electrical conductivity (EEC) varies depending on its composition. In this study, the relations between temperature and EEC of minced beef samples having different fat contents were determined for four different temperature ranges existed during ohmic thawing at different voltage gradients. EEC was very low at temperatures below −4 °C, and then it sharply increased above this temperature. Results of present study would give valuable information to food industry for setting up industrial scale ohmic thawing systems for meat and meat products.
Drying kinetics and bioactive compounds of Bunchosia glandulifera
Authors: Blank Daiane Einhardt , Bellaver Mariana , Fraga Sara , Lopes Toni Jefferson , de Moura Neusa Fernandes
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to describe the drying kinetics of Bunchosia glandulífera pulp, as well as the changes in its phenolic compounds, carotenoid content, and antioxidant activity. The experiments were performed in a drying oven with forced air at 45, 65, and 85 °C, until the equilibrium moisture was reached. An increase in the mass transfer rate was observed at the highest temperature, with a subsequent decrease in the drying time. The drying curves exhibited a period of fast decline and an exponential trend was observed in all of them, validated using Page's mathematical model. The concentration of phenolic compounds and carotenoids decreased during the first minutes of drying. Bioactive compounds were the most sensitive to high temperatures and the antioxidant activity was mainly affected by the drying time.

Practical applications

Bunchosia glandulifera is a fruit with nutraceutical potential by the presence of bioactive compounds. The removal of water from a fruit extends the conservation time of the product during storage and transportation, facilitating the access to such foods. However, the phenolic and carotenoid compounds present in the fruit are sensitive to the thermal process. Thus it is important to know the behavior kinetic drying of fruit and its consequences in the bioactive compounds present and antioxidant activity for better use of the fruit.
CCL23 is a promising biomarker of injury in patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Bonaventura A. , Montecucco F.
Published: February 2018

Click here to view the Original Article by A. Simats et al.
Check‐all‐that‐applies as an alternative for descriptive analysis to establish flavors driving liking in strawberries
Authors: Oliver Penelope , Cicerale Sara , Pang Edwin , Keast Russell
Published: February 2018

Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) is a rapid sensory profiling tool that can be applied by consumers, saving time and money in comparison to descriptive analysis (DA), and providing insight into the consumer. Limited research has validated CATA against DA in strawberries, and subsequently compared the sensory attributes driving liking. The aim of this research is to compare the results obtained from DA to those established via CATA using untrained consumers, and to assess any differences in attributes identified to drive liking. Trained panelists (n = 12, minimum 60 hr each panelist) and untrained consumers (n = 131) were provided with six strawberry samples (three duplicate cultivars). The trained panel applied DA techniques to profile each strawberry cultivar, and the untrained consumer panel used CATA to select all attributes applying to each sample. A second untrained consumer panel (n = 139) rated their liking of the same sample set on a hedonic general labeled magnitude scale. Results revealed CATA produced moderately comparable product configurations to DA (RV coefficient = 0.760), with similarities in descriptors associated with liking. This research has established CATA as a time and cost‐efficient alternative for the DA methodology, however, when precise definitions and subsequent quantification of the sensory attributes of products are required, DA is a more robust and reliable evaluation tool.

Practical applications

Rapid sensory analysis tools are becoming increasingly popular for use in industry. The use of consumers applying a check‐all‐that‐apply approach may be employed to understand consumer preferences. This research may be applied to further understand use of the consumer to profile the sensory characteristics of products when compared to a trained sensory panel. In addition, the results may validate the potential replacement of a trained panel for an untrained consumer panel in some situations where a detailed sensory profile, with precise definitions and subsequent quantification of sensory attributes, is not essential.
Paediatric thoracic empyema in the tropical North Queensland region of Australia: Epidemiological trends over a decade
Authors: Gautam Anil , Wiseman Gregory G , Goodman Marika L , Ahmedpour Simon , Lindsay Daniel , Heyer Adele , Stalewski Harry , Norton Robert E , White Andrew V
Published: February 2018

Aim

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the regional referral centre for children in the north of Queensland. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people make up 7–10% of the population. Increasing numbers of children with paediatric thoracic empyema (pTE) are being referred to Townsville Hospital and Health Service for management. This study aims to describe the incidence rates, epidemiology, microbiology and trends of this disease in North Queensland over a 10‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all children (1 month to 16 years), admitted in the years 2007–2016, with community‐acquired pTE was conducted. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify the patients. Epidemiological and microbiological data were extracted from records.

Results

Of the 123 cases identified, incidence rates per 100 000 were 8.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.4–8.6) in all children and much higher at 19.8 (95% CI: 19.5–21.9) in ATSI children. The under 5 years age group had the highest rate (24.5; 95% CI: 24.4–24.6). There was a progressive rise in incidence during the 10‐year period, with the highest incidence of 15.2 (95% CI: 15.1–15.2) occurring in 2016. A pathogen was isolated in 76% of cases. Non‐multi‐resistant methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated in 22 of 64 ATSI children (34%), while Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen isolated in 27 of 59 non‐ATSI children (46%).

Conclusions

A high and increasing incidence of pTE in North Queensland is being observed. ATSI children have higher incidence rates and are more likely to have non‐multi‐resistant methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a causative agent.
Barleria cristata: perspective towards phytopharmacological aspects
Authors: Kumar Harish , Agrawal Rohini , Kumar Vipin
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Barleria cristata (Family: Acanthaceae), commonly known as Philippine violet, is used in different ethnomedical systems for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. This review aimed to provide a scientific overview of B. cristata with reference to its ethnobotanical aspects, geographical distribution, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity, and critical analyses research gaps and future research opportunities for investigations on this plant.

Key findings

Ethnomedical uses of the plant have been observed in lungs disorders, inflammatory conditions, toothache, anaemia, snake bite, diabetes and tuberculosis. The exhaustive bibliographic research carried out on this plant revealed that the plant parts are rich in various phytochemical constituents including triterpenes, phenolic compounds, glycosides and flavonoids type phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the plant was also investigated in terms of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity.

Conclusions

This review confirms that B. cristata is a potential herb for the treatment of a wide range of diseases especially lung disorders and inflammatory conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have also validated many ethnobotanical uses of B. cristata, though data regarding many aspects of this plant such as mechanism of action, adverse effects of extracts and active compounds are still limited which call for additional studies.
Impacts of an invasive plant on primary production: Testing a functional trait‐based framework with a greenhouse experiment
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Kapás Rozália E. , Rakvaag Grete , Speed James D. M. , Graae Bente J.
Published: February 2018

Questions

Predicting when invasive species will affect ecosystem functioning remains problematic, with strong contingency upon both the invasive species and the recipient community's identities. Adopting a functional trait‐based approach might overcome this context‐dependence. As an early exploration of this approach, we used a greenhouse experiment with seeds of the invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera to assess the potential invasion effects on community trait composition and biomass production.

Location

Three distant European seed origins, northern France, southern Sweden and central Norway, into transplanted turves from Trondheim, Norway.

Methods

At the end of the greenhouse experiment, we measured plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and standing biomass of both the invasive plant and the turf communities. With these data we evaluated invasion effects on community trait composition and standing biomass (as a first test of ecosystem function effects), including dependence on invasive species origin and recipient community composition.

Results

Invasion by I. glandulifera introduced divergent trait values (high plant height and SLA, low LDMC) to the recipient community. The trait set of both the invader and, to a lesser extent, the community were altered following invasion, seemingly driven by increased light competition. Competitive and graminoid‐dominated communities showed stronger changes in LDMC following invasion. Functional traits of both the communities and the invasive species helped explain the increase in standing biomass. Southern invader plants more strongly affected the recipient community than their northern counterparts, resulting in stronger biomass reduction of the recipient community.

Conclusions

This study shows how invasion‐induced increases in productivity are effectuated through both the introduction of different invader traits and shifts in the co‐occurring species trait set, illustrating the potential of a functional trait‐based approach.
Changes in vegetation structure and fuel characteristics along post‐fire succession promote alternative stable states and positive fire–vegetation feedbacks
Authors: Tiribelli Florencia , Kitzberger Thomas , Morales Juan Manuel
Published: February 2018

Aims

Structural and compositional changes along post‐fire succession modify plant community proneness to burn (flammability). The dominant regeneration strategies and life forms, and their interactions along post‐fire succession, modulate these changes by affecting density, amount and connectivity of fuels. Depending on how flammability evolves during post‐fire succession it may feed back negatively, neutrally or positively into fire probability and behaviour. Negative fire–vegetation feedbacks arise when communities increase flammability as stands age, while positive feedbacks occur where early stages have higher flammability than later stages. We characterized changes in vegetation structure and fuel characteristics with time since fire in sites where either resprouters maintained dominance (shrublands), or where colonizer trees reached the sites and dominate later post‐fire stages (forests).

Location

Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

We measured vegetation structure and characterized fine fuels with the intercept pole method in stands of different post‐fire age in 18 shrublands (range 1–115 years) and 18 forests (range 7–216 years).

Results

In shrublands fuel amount quickly recovered after fire to a relatively constant value and fine fuel density remained high. Conversely, in forests, fuel amount rapidly increased during early post‐fire stages (when resprouting shrubs dominate the community), peaked at c. 30–50 years (related to the co‐existence of resprouters and young trees) and decreased to a relatively constant value (when tall trees dominate the community and suppress resprouters). Moreover, forest fuel density decreased with time. These changes in fuel characteristics were largely linked to changes in vegetation structure, which in turn were modulated by the dominant regeneration strategies and life forms.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence of a positive fire–vegetation feedback for the community dominated by colonizer trees, while the community dominated by resprouter shrubs showed a neutral feedback. Given the co‐existence of flammable shrublands bordering fire‐sensitive forests and their low tree regeneration rates, we argue that forest communities are especially sensitive to changes in fire frequency and severity driven by global change. Anthropogenic or climate‐driven changes in ignitions are threatening these landscapes, which may undergo potentially rapid transformations, as seen in other temperate ecosystems.
Does beak size predict the pollination performance of hummingbirds at long and tubular flowers? A case study of a Neotropical spiral ginger
Authors: Missagia Caio C. C. , Alves Maria Alice S.
Published: February 2018

Long‐billed hummingbirds are assumed to be better adapted than short‐billed ones for the pollination of long tubular flowers. However, the majority of the empirical evidence is derived from surveys of pollinator feeding performance, which tend to ignore the implications for plant fitness. Here, we tested the long‐billed performance hypothesis from the perspective of the pollinated plant. We conducted a comparative survey to evaluate fecundity in relation to the length of the beak of the pollinating hummingbirds visiting the long and tubular flowers of Costus spiralis (Costaceae), in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The flowers of C. spiralis were pollinated by three hummingbird species and their nectar was thieved by the bee Eulaema sp. There was no significant difference in the frequency of floral visits nor in the production of seeds among the three hummingbirds in fruits formed from flowers exposed to a single visit by each pollinator. Unexpectedly, our results indicate that the floral morphology of C. spiralis is equally compatible with long‐ and short‐billed pollinators, and is apparently incompatible with pollination by large insects. These findings emphasize the need to test the performance of each floral visitor with the simultaneous estimation of the intensity of the interactions, to increase the accuracy of the measurement of the pollinator's relative importance in studies of plant–pollinator interactions in ornithophilous systems.
Experimentally altered rainfall regimes and host root traits affect grassland arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Deveautour Coline , Donn Suzanne , Power Sally A. , Bennett Alison E. , Powell Jeff R.
Published: February 2018

Future climate scenarios predict changes in rainfall regimes. These changes are expected to affect plants via effects on the expression of root traits associated with water and nutrient uptake. Associated microorganisms may also respond to these new precipitation regimes, either directly in response to changes in the soil environment or indirectly in response to altered root trait expression. We characterized arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities in an Australian grassland exposed to experimentally altered rainfall regimes. We used Illumina sequencing to assess the responses of AM fungal communities associated with four plant species sampled in different watering treatments and evaluated the extent to which shifts were associated with changes in root traits. We observed that altered rainfall regimes affected the composition but not the richness of the AM fungal communities, and we found distinctive communities in the increased rainfall treatment. We found no evidence of altered rainfall regime effects via changes in host physiology because none of the studied traits were affected by changes in rainfall. However, specific root length was observed to correlate with AM fungal richness, while concentrations of phosphorus and calcium in root tissue and the proportion of root length allocated to fine roots were correlated to community composition. Our study provides evidence that climate change and its effects on rainfall may influence AM fungal community assembly, as do plant traits related to plant nutrition and water uptake. We did not find evidence that host responses to altered rainfall drive AM fungal community assembly in this grassland ecosystem.
Welshness in ‘British Wales’: negotiating national identity at the margins
Authors: Evans Daniel John
Published: February 2018

Popular interpretations of national identity often focus on the unifying qualities of nationhood. However, societies frequently draw hierarchical distinctions between the people and places who are ‘most national’, and those who are ‘least national’. Little attention is paid to these marginal places within the nation and the experiences of their inhabitants. This article helps to address this by analysing the ‘less Welsh’ British Wales region of Wales, a country that has traditionally possessed a hierarchical, regionally constituted nationhood. The article studies the British Wales region both ‘from above’ – considering how some areas develop as ‘less national’ – and ‘from below’, introducing empirical ethnographic work into ‘everyday Welshness’ in this area. Whilst previous work on hierarchical nationhood focuses on how hierarchies are institutionalized by the state, this article demonstrates how people at the margins of the nation actively negotiate their place in the nation. Whilst people in this area expressed a strong Welshness, they also struggled to place themselves in the nation because they had internalized their lowly place within the national hierarchy. The article demonstrates the importance of place and social class for national identity construction and draws attention to the role of power in the discursive construction of hierarchical nationhood.
Photoenzymes and Related Topics: An Update
Authors: Björn Lars Olof
Published: February 2018

Photoenzymes are enzymes that catalyze photochemical reactions. For a long time, it was believed that only two types of photoenzymes exist: light‐dependent NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase and photolyase. However, other photoenzymes have now been discovered, most recently fatty acid photodecarboxylase.
What drives farmers to increase soil organic matter? Insights from the Netherlands
Authors: Hijbeek R. , Pronk A. A. , van Ittersum M. K. , ten Berge H.F.M. , Bijttebier J. , Verhagen A.
Published: February 2018

Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important resource base for arable farming. For policies on SOM to be effective, insight is needed on why and under which conditions farmers are willing to increase SOM content. This study used the theory of planned behaviour to analyse what prevents or encourages Dutch farmers to increase the SOM content of their fields. In an online survey, 435 arable farmers were asked questions to understand their attitude (perceived benefits), subjective norm (social pressure) and perceived behavioural control (anticipated impediments and obstacles) related to management of SOM. Farmers’ answers were related to their intention to increase SOM content, use of organic materials and perceived increase in SOM content. Our results showed that Dutch farmers are well aware of the possible benefits of SOM content for crop productivity. Farmers’ attitude, subjective norm and perceived decrease in SOM content were significantly related to their intention to increase SOM content. In our farm survey, this intention was very strong: 90% of the farmers stated a high or very high intention to increase the SOM content of their fields. A higher intention to increase SOM content was correlated with the use of organic materials as expressed as total and effective C (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively), but this did not lead to a perceived increase in SOM content. From a farmer's point of view, this indicates that increasing SOM content is to a large degree beyond their direct influence. The Dutch Manure and Fertiliser Act, costs of organic inputs and the need to cultivate profitable crops (such as potatoes or sugar beet) were indicated as important impeding factors for increasing SOM content.
An ex vivo comparison of vascular access devices used in extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Szymanski Jeffrey , Shah Priyank , Dynis Marian , Mansfield Donna , Hamilton Connie , Despotis George
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Central venous access devices are commonly used in extracorporeal photopheresis, but their performance has not been systematically evaluated. The primary objective of this study was to compare pressures at various flow rates for central venous access devices in an ex vivo simulation of photopheresis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Diluted, heparinized red blood cells were circulated through central access devices in series with a photopheresis system, and pressures at several flow rates were recorded. The devices tested were the Trifusion catheter (Hickman), the Vortex single‐lumen and dual‐lumen ports (Angiodynamics), and the TidalPort device (Norfolk). Flow rates were also compared for silicone and polyurethane catheters and for different catheter internal diameters.

RESULTS

The Vortex dual‐lumen port generated pressure alarms above flow rates of 60 mL/minute. Throughout flow rates from 5 to 100 mL/minute, the Trifusion catheter and the TidalPort device operated at lower pressures than the Vortex ports. Within typical clinical flow rates, neither catheter material nor internal diameter substantially affected pressure.

CONCLUSION

Central venous access devices show large differences in pressure within flow rates used routinely in clinical settings. These differences cannot be fully attributed to catheter material composition or catheter internal diameter.
Vascular access considerations for extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Adamski Jill
Published: February 2018

Extracorporeal photopheresis is an immunomodulatory therapy indicated for patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, graft‐versus‐host disease, and heart or lung allograft rejection. Whole blood from the patient is drawn into the photopheresis instrument where it is separated into its components. Plasma, red blood cells, and the treated buffy coat are subsequently returned to the patient. Consistent, adequate blood flow is necessary to successfully complete the procedure. Vascular access options for photopheresis include peripheral vein cannulation, tunneled central venous catheters, and subcutaneous ports. Photopheresis is a very safe procedure; however, the complications and impact on the patient's quality of life associated with vascular access devices can be significant.
Refrigeration, cryopreservation and pathogen inactivation: an updated perspective on platelet storage conditions
Authors: Waters L. , Cameron M. , Padula M. P. , Marks D. C. , Johnson L.
Published: February 2018

Conventional storage of platelet concentrates limits their shelf life to between 5 and 7 days due to the risk of bacterial proliferation and the development of the platelet storage lesion. Cold storage and cryopreservation of platelets may facilitate extension of the shelf life to weeks and years, and may also provide the benefit of being more haemostatically effective than conventionally stored platelets. Further, treatment of platelet concentrates with pathogen inactivation systems reduces bacterial contamination and provides a safeguard against the risk of emerging and re‐emerging pathogens. While each of these alternative storage techniques is gaining traction individually, little work has been done to examine the effect of combining treatments in an effort to further improve product safety and minimize wastage. This review aims to discuss the benefits of alternative storage techniques and how they may be combined to alleviate the problems associated with conventional platelet storage.
Complexity of the Relationships of Pain, Posttraumatic Stress, and Depression in Combat‐Injured Populations: An Integrative Review to Inform Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Giordano Nicholas A. , Bader Christine , Richmond Therese S. , Polomano Rosemary C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Understanding the complex interrelationships between combat injuries, physical health, and mental health symptoms is critical to addressing the healthcare needs of wounded military personnel and veterans. The relationship between injury characteristics, pain, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression among combat‐injured military personnel is unique to modern conflicts and understudied in the nursing literature.

Aim

This integrative review synthesizes clinical presentations and relationships of combat injury, PTSD, depression, and pain in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) United States military service members and veterans.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using relative key terms across databases to identify peer‐reviewed publications between 2001 and 2016 that examined health outcomes of combat‐injured persons in OEF and OIF. The quality of evidence was evaluated and results synthesized to examine the association of combat injury as a risk factor for PTSD, the relationship of PTSD and depression pre‐ and postinjury, and pain management throughout care.

Results

Twenty‐two articles were included in this review. Greater injury and pain severity poses risks for developing PTSD following combat injury, while early symptom management lessens risks for PTSD. Depression appears to be both a contributing risk factor to postinjury PTSD, as well as a comorbidity.

Linking Evidence to Action

Findings demonstrate a compelling need for improvements in standardized assessment of pain and mental health symptoms across transitions in care. This integrative review informs nurse researchers and providers of the clinical characteristics of pain, PTSD, and depression following combat injury and offers implications for future research promoting optimal surveillance of symptoms.
Vibration-Induced Failures in Automotive Electronics: Knowledge-Based Qualification Perspective
Authors: Meyyappan Karumbu , Vujosevic Milena , Wu Qifeng , Malatkar Pramod , Hill Charles , Parrott Ryan
Published: February 2018

This paper intends to address an important gap between reliability standards and the physics of how components respond to real use conditions using a knowledge-based qualification (KBQ) process. Bridging the gap is essential to developing test methods that better reflect field performance. With the growth in importance of automotive market and the wide usage of electronics in this market, vibration-induced failures was chosen for this study. MIL-STD-810G and ISTA4AB are couple of industry standards that address the risk of shipping finished goods to a customer. For automotive electronic products that are exposed to vibration conditions all through their life, USCAR-2 and GMW3172 are more relevant. Even though the usage models and transportation duration for shipping fully packaged systems is different from automotive electronics, the source of energy (road conditions), driving the risks, are similar. The industry standards-based damage models appear to be generic, covering a wide variety of products and failure modes. Whereas, the KBQ framework, used in this paper, maps use conditions to accelerated test requirements for only two failure modes: solder joint fatigue and socket contact fretting. The mechanisms were chosen to be distinct with different damage metric and drivers. The process is intended to explain how industry standards reflect field risks for two of the risks relevant for automotive electronics.
Cellular Response to Cyclic Compression of Tissue Engineered Intervertebral Disk Constructs Composed of Electrospun Polycaprolactone
Authors: Fotticchia Andrea , Demirci Emrah , Lenardi Cristina , Liu Yang
Published: February 2018

There is lack of investigation capturing the complex mechanical interaction of tissue-engineered intervertebral disk (IVD) constructs in physiologically relevant environmental conditions. In this study, mechanical characterization of anisotropic electrospinning (ES) substrates made of polycaprolactone (PCL) was carried out in wet and dry conditions and viability of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) seeded within double layers of ES PCL were also studied. Cyclic compression of IVD-like constructs composed of an agarose core confined by ES PCL double layers was implemented using a bioreactor and the cellular response to the mechanical stimulation was evaluated. Tensile tests showed decrease of elastic modulus of ES PCL as the angle of stretching increased, and at 60 deg stretching angle in wet, the maximum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was observed. Based on the configuration of IVD-like constructs, the calculated circumferential stress experienced by the ES PCL double layers was 40 times of the vertical compressive stress. Confined compression of IVD-like constructs at 5% and 10% displacement dramatically reduced cell viability, particularly at 10%, although cell presence in small and isolated area can still be observed after mechanical conditioning. Hence, material mechanical properties of tissue-engineered scaffolds, composed of fibril structure of polymer with low melting point, are affected by the testing condition. Circumferential stress induced by axial compressive stimulation, conveyed to the ES PCL double layer wrapped around an agarose core, can affect the viability of cells seeded at the interface, depending on the mechanical configuration and magnitude of the load.
The Mechanical Contribution of Vimentin to Cellular Stress Generation
Authors: van Loosdregt Inge A. E. W. , Weissenberger Giulia , van Maris Marc P. F. H. L. , Oomens Cees W. J. , Loerakker Sandra , Stassen Oscar M. J. A. , Bouten Carlijn V. C.
Published: February 2018

Contractile stress generation by adherent cells is largely determined by the interplay of forces within their cytoskeleton. It is known that actin stress fibers, connected to focal adhesions, provide contractile stress generation, while microtubules and intermediate filaments provide cells compressive stiffness. Recent studies have shown the importance of the interplay between the stress fibers and the intermediate filament vimentin. Therefore, the effect of the interplay between the stress fibers and vimentin on stress generation was quantified in this study. We hypothesized that net stress generation comprises the stress fiber contraction combined with the vimentin resistance. We expected an increased net stress in vimentin knockout (VimKO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to their wild-type (vimentin wild-type (VimWT)) counterparts, due to the decreased resistance against stress fiber contractility. To test this, the net stress generation by VimKO and VimWT MEFs was determined using the thin film method combined with sample-specific finite element modeling. Additionally, focal adhesion and stress fiber organization were examined via immunofluorescent staining. Net stress generation of VimKO MEFs was three-fold higher compared to VimWT MEFs. No differences in focal adhesion size or stress fiber organization and orientation were found between the two cell types. This suggests that the increased net stress generation in VimKO MEFs was caused by the absence of the resistance that vimentin provides against stress fiber contraction. Taken together, these data suggest that vimentin resists the stress fiber contractility, as hypothesized, thus indicating the importance of vimentin in regulating cellular stress generation by adherent cells.
On the Multiphysics Modeling of Surface Aging Under Cathodic Protection
Authors: Michopoulos John G. , Iliopoulos Athanasios P. , Steuben John C. , DeGiorgi Virginia
Published: February 2018

In order to account and compensate for the dissipative processes contributing to the aging of cathodic surfaces protected by impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems, it is necessary to develop the proper modeling and numerical infrastructure that can predict aging associated with quantities affecting the controller of these systems. In the present work, we describe various approaches for developing cathodic surface aging models (CSAMs) based on both data-driven and first principles-based methodologies. A computational ICCP framework is implemented in a manner that enables the simulation of the effects of cathodic aging in a manner that allows the utilization of various CSAMs that affect the relevant potentiodynamic polarization curves of the cathodic materials. An application of this framework demonstrates the capabilities of this system. We introduce a data-driven CSAM based on a loft-surface approximation, and in response to the limitations of this approach, we also formulate a first principles-based multiphysics and thermodynamic theory for aging. Furthermore, we discuss the design of a systematic experimental task for validating and calibrating this theory in the near future.