bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of biodegradable polymeric particles loaded with grape seed extract across Caco‐2 cell monolayers
Authors: Fernández Katherina F. , González Marcelo A. , Parada María S.
Published: November 2017

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) extracted from grapes have several bioactivities, which have attracted attention for pharmacological uses. However, PA instability in the digestive tract and low intestinal absorption limits their use for oral administration. An alternative to overcome these challenges is encapsulation. In this study, PAs extracted from grape seed were encapsulated in polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic acid with polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) and chitosan succinyl lauryl (LSC), and the transport particles and cytotoxicity were evaluated. PLA and PLA/PEG particles had encapsulation close to 80%EE, were spherical in shape, had sizes in the range of 300–400 nm and had a negative zeta potential. LSC particles had an encapsulation of 40%EE, semi‐spherical morphology and micrometric size. Particles based on PLA/PEG and LSC significantly increased the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of PAs in Caco‐2 cells compared to the unencapsulated extract, indicating that these types of particles could be used as a delivery system for PA grape seed, allowing it to increase its bioavailability.
Root distribution patterns of peanut genotypes with different drought resistance levels under early‐season drought stress
Authors: Thangthong N. , Jogloy S. , Jongrungklang N. , Kvien C. K. , Pensuk V. , Kesmala T. , Vorasoot N.
Published: November 2017

Drought severely limits crop yield of peanut. Yet cultivars with enhanced root development enable the exploration of a greater volume of soil for water and nutrients, helping the plant survive. Root distribution patterns of three genotypes (ICGV 98305, ICGV 98324 and Tifton‐8) were compared when grown in well‐watered rhizoboxes and when grown in rhizoboxes where an early‐season drought was imposed using rain‐exclusion shelters. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications, and the experiment was conducted during two seasons at the Field Crop Research Station of Khon Kaen University, in Khon Kaen, Thailand. The root system of ICGV 98305, when grown under drought, had a significantly higher root length in the 30–110 cm deep soil layers and less roots in the 0–30 cm soil layers when under drought than when grown under well‐watered conditions. Roots of Tifton‐8 had the largest reductions in root length in upper soil layer and reduced in most soil layers. Tifton‐8 grown under drought was smaller than under well‐watered control for all root traits, showing negative response to drought. The peanut genotypes with high root traits in deeper soil layer under early‐season drought might contribute to drought avoidance mechanism.
Choice Architecture Versus Price: Comparing the Effects of Changes in the U.S. Student Loan Market
Authors: Ang Xiaoling , Alexandrov Alexei
Published: November 2017

We show that changes in choice architecture have a large effect on student loan decisions while we do not find significant effects of sizeable interest rate changes. We evaluate the effect of two polices implemented in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Education: (1) the requirement that all applicants for private student loans fill out a Self‐Certification Form, which includes various disclosures about federal student aid, and (2) the prohibition of presenting a private student loan as a default option on a financial aid offer without disclosure of the relationship between the school and the creditor. Using difference‐in‐difference and matching techniques on a proprietary dataset of private student loan originations from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and survey and administrative data from the Department of Education, we show that these changes decreased private student loan originations. In contrast, we find no consumer response when analyzing a 60 basis point decrease in the price of federal Parental PLUS Loans at some schools, using the same datasets and similar estimation techniques.
Knowledge and perceptions of Zika virus among reproductive‐aged women after public announcement of local mosquito‐borne transmission
Authors: Curry Christine L. , Tse Colette , Billero Victoria , Hellerstein Leah , Messore Marisa , Fein Lydia
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study was conducted to ascertain the knowledge and perceptions of the Zika virus among reproductive‐aged women living in the first affected area of the United States with local mosquito‐borne transmission.

Methods

Reproductive‐aged women were surveyed during the four weeks immediately following the announcement of local Zika virus transmission. The survey evaluated the participant's knowledge of Zika pathogenesis and transmission, sequelae of infection, epidemiology and public health information.

Results

Fifty‐nine women (age range 18–45) completed the survey. Most patients (n = 53, 89.8%) had received information about the Zika virus from the media rather than clinicians. In 93% of the questions, a high level of knowledge was demonstrated by the participants. Personal concern about becoming infected with the Zika virus was significantly higher in those considering pregnancy (n = 13, 86.7% vs n = 21, 47.7%; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

In the weeks following recognized local transmission of the Zika virus in the continental United States, reproductive‐aged women had a high level of knowledge of the Zika virus, but those considering pregnancy harbored the greatest concern of personal risk of infection.
Management of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli‐infected children: A multi‐national, multi‐specialty survey
Authors: Freedman Stephen B , Grisaru Silviu , Xie Jianling , Samuel Susan , Dixon Andrew , Plint Amy C , Schnadower David ,   on behalf of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) and the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee (PEM CRC)
Published: November 2017

Aim

Research has highlighted the potential role that hydration status may play in predicting outcomes in Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC)‐infected children. Because little is known about the management of STEC‐infected children in the pre‐haemolytic uremic syndrome phase, we compared paediatric emergency medicine and nephrologist‐stated management approaches to STEC‐infected children.

Methods

Members of the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC; n = 228), the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee (PEM CRC; n = 221) and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Nephrologists (CAPN; n = 66) were surveyed. Five individualised e‐mail requests containing a link to a 42‐question web‐based survey were sent to eligible participants.

Results

Of 496 potentially eligible participants, 276 (56%) submitted complete survey responses. In children with classic features of STEC infection, baseline haemoglobin/haematocrit is obtained by 54% of PERC, 41% of PEM CRC and 83% of CAPN members (P < 0.001), and baseline renal function is obtained by 51% of PERC, 38% of PEM CRC and 83% of CAPN members (P < 0.001). Intravenous fluids are more often recommended by nephrologists (28%) compared with PEM physicians (7%), P < 0.001. In children with known E. coli O157:H7 infection, nephrologists more commonly recommend clinical follow‐up (P = 0.003), complete blood counts (P < 0.001) and renal function/electrolyte testing (P < 0.001). Intravenous fluid administration and admission are more commonly recommended by nephrologists (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Compared with paediatric nephrologists, paediatric emergency medicine physicians are less likely to perform baseline and follow‐up blood tests and to administer intravascular volume expansion in children at risk of, and with confirmed, E. coli O157:H7 infection.
Rules of evidence and liability in contract litigation: The efficiency of the General Dynamics rule
Authors: Radoias Vlad , Wilkie Simon J. , Williams Michael A.
Published: November 2017

We examine rules of evidence and liability in contract litigation. When a contractor fails to perform, it has a legal defense that the buyer withheld private information relevant to the performance of the contract. Suppose the buyer claims that admitting evidence for the defense would compromise a valuable secret, for example, a state secret, what should the legal rule be? We show that the evidentiary rules introduced by the Supreme Court in General Dynamics v. U.S. lead to a more efficient outcome than either a strict liability rule or an evidentiary rule requiring the disclosure of the buyer's private information.
The benefits of hepatitis C virus cure: Every rose has thorns
Authors: Salmon D. , Mondelli M. U. , Maticic M. , Arends J. E. ,   The ESCMID Study Group for Viral Hepatitis
Published: November 2017

To examine mid‐term benefits on hepatic complications, extrahepatic clinical syndromes and quality of life associated with HCV cure; to review the few safety issues linked to oral direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs); and to discuss the potential population benefits of reducing the burden of HCV infection. DAAs cure HCV infection in more than 95% of patients. The halting of liver inflammation and fibrosis progression translates into both hepatic and extrahepatic benefits and reduces the need for liver transplantation. A reduction in the frequency of extrahepatic manifestations such as mixed cryoglobulinaemia and vasculitis and improvements in quality of life and fatigue have also been described. A few safety issues linked to DAAs such as the potential recurrence of aggressive HCC, the flares of hepatitis B virus in patients with overt or occult HBV infection are been discussed. Curing HCV infection also has a high potential to reduce the burden of HCV infection at the population level. With widespread scaling up of HCV treatment, several modeling studies suggest that major reductions in HCV prevalence and incidence are possible, and that elimination of viral hepatitis is an achievable target by 2030.
Hariraj and Haider: Popular Entertainment and the Nation in Two Indian Adaptations of Hamlet
Authors: Sarkar Abhishek
Published: November 2017

My essay will examine how two Indian adaptations of Hamlet, separated by more than a century, engage with the canonical text and also rehearse codes of indigenous identity. The adaptations in question are (i) Hariraj, a Bengali play first staged in 1897 and (ii) Haider, a Hindi film released in 2014. These two adaptations operate within popular media: Hariraj was commercially the most successful stage adaptation of Shakespeare in 19th‐century Bengal, while Haider has been the highest grosser among all of director Vishal Bhardwaj's films. Coincidentally, both of these base the action in Kashmir. For Hariraj, the locale implies a pseudo‐medieval past suggestive of Hindu political autonomy, which would therefore appeal to the contemporary taste for Hindu revivalism in Bengal. As against this, Haider brings the elements of Shakespearean appropriation to a dialogue with the setting for its action – the militancy‐stricken and militarized (Indian) Kashmir of 1995, characterized by gross violation of human rights. If Haider explores the ideological and aesthetic limits of representing the Indian nation as a political construct, Hariraj may be seen as an exercise in imagining an exclusionary Hindu past imbued with the glamour of Shakespearean tragedy. More importantly, both of the adaptations show the Gertrude‐equivalent to be strong‐willed and transgressive, and in both the texts, the Gertrude‐figure's climactic revelation of maternal love coincides with a self‐punitive/redemptive suicide. These two adaptations are thus invested in re‐formulating the sub‐plot of Hamlet's mother in an attempt at testing the representational limits of femininity. In both the cases, the Shakespearean original acts as a catalyst for dramatizing cultural expectations and assessing the imbrications between the personal and the political.
Palliative care in decompensated cirrhosis: A review
Authors: Langberg Karl M. , Kapo Jennifer M. , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: November 2017

Decompensated cirrhosis is an illness that causes tremendous suffering. The incidence of cirrhosis is increasing and rates of liver transplant, the only cure, remain stagnant. Palliative care is focused on improving quality of life for patients with serious illness by addressing advanced care planning, alleviating physical symptoms and providing emotional support to the patient and family. Palliative care is used infrequently in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The allure of transplant as a potential treatment option for cirrhosis, misperceptions about the role of palliative care and difficulty predicting prognosis in liver disease are potential contributors to the underutilization of palliative care in this patient population. Studies have demonstrated some benefit of palliative care in patients with decompensated cirrhosis but the literature is limited to small observational studies. There is evidence that palliative care consultation in other patient populations lowers hospital costs and ICU utilization and improves symptom control and patient satisfaction. Prospective randomized control trials are needed to investigate the effects of palliative care on traditional‐ and patient‐reported outcomes as well as cost of care in decompensated cirrhosis for transplant eligible and ineligible patient populations.
Plant traits determine the phylogenetic structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: López‐García Álvaro , Varela‐Cervero Sara , Vasar Martti , Öpik Maarja , Barea José M. , Azcón‐Aguilar Concepción
Published: November 2017

Functional diversity in ecosystems has traditionally been studied using aboveground plant traits. Despite the known effect of plant traits on the microbial community composition, their effects on the microbial functional diversity are only starting to be assessed. In this study, the phylogenetic structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities associated with plant species differing in life cycle and growth form, that is, plant life forms, was determined to unravel the effect of plant traits on the functional diversity of this fungal group. The results of the 454 pyrosequencing showed that the AM fungal community composition differed across plant life forms and this effect was dependent on the soil collection date. Plants with ruderal characteristics tended to associate with phylogenetically clustered AM fungal communities. By contrast, plants with resource‐conservative traits associated with phylogenetically overdispersed AM fungal communities. Additionally, the soil collected in different seasons yielded AM fungal communities with different phylogenetic dispersion. In summary, we found that the phylogenetic structure, and hence the functional diversity, of AM fungal communities is dependent on plant traits. This finding adds value to the use of plant traits for the evaluation of belowground ecosystem diversity, functions and processes.
Landscape features along migratory routes influence adaptive genomic variation in anadromous steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Micheletti Steven J. , Matala Amanda R. , Matala Andrew P. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: November 2017

Organisms typically show evidence of adaptation to features within their local environment. However, many species undergo long‐distance dispersal or migration across larger geographic regions that consist of highly heterogeneous habitats. Therefore, selection may influence adaptive genetic variation associated with landscape features at residing sites and along migration routes in migratory species. We tested for genomic adaptation to landscape features at natal spawning sites and along migration paths to the ocean of anadromous steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Columbia River Basin. Results from multivariate ordination, gene–environment association and outlier analyses using 24,526 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) provided evidence that adaptive allele frequencies were more commonly associated with landscape features along migration paths than features at natal sites (91.8% vs. 8.2% of adaptive loci, respectively). Among the 45 landscape variables tested, migration distance to the ocean and mean annual precipitation along migration paths were significantly associated with adaptive genetic variation in three distinct genetic groups. Additionally, variables such as minimum migration water temperature and mean migration slope were significant only in inland stocks of steelhead that migrate up to 1,200 km farther than those near the coast, indicating regional differences in migratory selective pressures. This study provides novel approaches for investigating migratory corridors and some of the first evidence that environment along migration paths can lead to substantial divergent selection. Consequently, our approach to understand genetic adaptation to migration conditions can be applied to other migratory species when migration or dispersal paths are generally known.
Kv channels and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation
Authors: López‐López José R. , Cidad Pilar , Pérez‐García M. Teresa
Published: November 2017

Kv channels are present in virtually all VSMCs and strongly influence contractile responses. However, they are also instrumental in the proliferative, migratory, and secretory functions of synthetic, dedifferentiated VSMCs upon PM. In fact, Kv channels not only contribute to all these processes but also are active players in the phenotypic switch itself. This review is focused on the role(s) of Kv channels in VSMC proliferation, which is one of the best characterized functions of dedifferentiated VSMCs. VSMC proliferation is a complex process requiring specific Kv channels at specific time and locations. Their identification is further complicated by their large diversity and the differences in expression across vascular beds. Of interest, both conserved changes in some Kv channels and vascular bed‐specific regulation of others seem to coexist and participate in VSMC proliferation through complementary mechanisms. Such a system will add flexibility to the process while providing the required robustness to preserve this fundamental cellular response.
Investigations of Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies in rural Spain reveal strongly aggregated and gender‐specific spatial distributions and advocate use of light‐attraction traps
Authors: MUÑOZ C. , RISUEÑO J. , YILMAZ A. , PÉREZ‐CUTILLAS P. , GOYENA E. , ORTUÑO M. , BERNAL L. J. , ORTIZ J. , ALTEN B. , BERRIATUA E.
Published: November 2017

The spatial and temporal distribution of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) (Newstead, 1911), the sand fly vector of pathogens of public and animal health importance, was investigated in a high sand fly density rural area in Spain using light‐attraction and sticky‐interception traps. Traps were placed inside animal buildings and outside at increasing distance from animals. A total of 8506 sand flies were collected, 87% with light traps. Species frequency differed between trap types. The abundance of P. perniciosus decreased exponentially with increasing distance to animals and, while females were most common in the animal enclosure, males predominated in adjoining storage places. Increasing CO2 concentration had an additional positive effect on female abundance only. Both male and female density increased with rising temperature, and there was some indication that females were more active than males at higher relative humidity. The study confirms that P. perniciosus aggregates around animal premises, although male and female distributions differ and should be analysed separately to account for biological and behavioural differences. This provides further evidence that light traps offer an accurate estimation of the relative spatial and temporal abundance of P. perniciosus, conferring an added value for the study of this species and the risk of pathogen transmission.
Is mannose‐binding lectin serum concentration a reliable predictor for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Authors: Ghazanfari Mona , Falahati Mehraban , Fattahi Azam , Bazrafshan Fatemeh , Nami Sanam , Hosseinzadeh Morteza , Heydarikohan Fariba , Ghelman Mohsen , Khoshmirsafa Majid , Farzanegan Ali
Published: November 2017

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a common opportunistic, mucosal fungal infection, predominantly caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is an acute‐phase protein that plays a key role in the innate immunity defence against infectious disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the MBL serum level and the relative expression of MBL mRNA in RVVC using real‐time PCR for the first time. The case‐control study included 40 female participants suffering from RVVC and 40 healthy individuals. The MBL serum level was measured using a commercial ELISA kit. The relative mRNA expression of the MBL gene was quantified using real‐time PCR. Data analysis was carried out by spss software. The MBL concentration was significantly higher in the participants suffering from RVVC compared to the control group (0.330 ng/mL vs 0.253 ng/mL). The prognostic value (P < .001) for RVVC diagnosis has been calculated. Quantitative RT‐PCR results from 35 samples showed a low to significant values for mRNA levels corresponding to MBL gene expression (1‐352 folds) (P < .001). The results of this study suggest that MBL plays a main role in the innate immunity and it is also affected by environmental factors and other genetic variations. Therefore, the MBL gene expression profile does not reflect precise phenotypic levels in the serum.
Role of Dectin‐1 receptor on cytokine production by human monocytes challenged with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Romagnolo Alexandre Giannecchini , de Quaglia e Silva Juliana Carvalho , Della Coletta Amanda Manoel , Gardizani Taiane Priscila , Martins Ana Teresa Loyola , Romagnoli Graziela Gorete , Kaneno Ramon , de Campos Soares Angela Maria Victoriano , De Faveri Julio , Dias‐Melicio Luciane Alarcão
Published: November 2017

Fungal recognition by Dectin‐1 receptor triggers a series of cellular mechanisms involved in a protective activation of the immune system. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the participation of Dectin‐1 receptor in the induction of IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐12, IL‐10 and IL‐17A secretion by human monocytes activated with different cytokines, and challenged in vitro with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis). Our results show that monocytes challenged with P. brasiliensis (Pb265) are able to produce IL‐12, IL‐8, IL‐17, IL‐10 and TNF‐α. Dectin‐1 receptor blockage decreased the IL‐12, IL‐17, IL‐10 and TNF‐α levels indicating the participation of such receptor in the induction of these cytokines. Only IL‐8 production was not affected by the blockage. Cells activation with different cytokines showed that GM‐CSF was able to induce secretion of all cytokines and the receptor blockage prior to the challenge also decreased the cytokine secretion, except IL‐8. Monocytes activated with TNF‐α promoted IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α production, whereas stimulation with IFN‐γ promoted mainly IL‐12 and TNF‐α. Thus, these findings bring new and important knowledge about Dectin‐1 participation in cytokines production by monocytes challenged with Pb265.
Correlation between fungal sensitisation in childhood persistent asthma and disease severity
Authors: Gupta Aman , Singh Meenu , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Mathew Joseph L. , Rawat Amit
Published: November 2017

Fungal sensitisation in adults is associated with severe asthma but prevalence and clinical significance of fungal sensitisation remains unclear in paediatric population. The aim of this study was to study the association of fungal sensitisation with disease severity in children with persistent asthma. One hundred children with persistent asthma in age group 7‐15 years, symptom duration >2 years and forced expiratory volume in first second >50% of expected were enrolled. Skin prick test (SPT) to 8 fungal antigens and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were done. Fungal sensitisation was described as positive SPT (wheel diameter more than 3 mm larger than the negative control) to any of the fungal antigens and total serum IgE >200 ng/mL. Seventeen patients showed evidence of fungal sensitisation, of which, 6 demonstrated sensitisation to multiple fungi. 17.6% patients with fungal sensitisation had severe asthma as compared to 2.4% patients without fungal sensitisation (P value .032). Significant increase in family history of allergic comorbidities was noted among patients with fungal sensitisation (47.1% vs 21.7%, P value .03). The most common implicated organism in fungal sensitised patients was Aspergillus flavus (47.1%). The results of this study, a first among Indian children with asthma, suggest that children with fungal sensitisation have more severe asthma as compared to children without fungal sensitisation.
Real‐world challenges and unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with haematological diseases: An illustrative case study
Authors: Hoenigl Martin , Prattes Juergen , Neumeister Peter , Wölfler Albert , Krause Robert
Published: November 2017

Recent years have seen important advances in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), complemented by the introduction of new therapies. Despite this, IPA remains a major cause of infection‐related mortality in patients with haematological diseases. There are two main reasons for this. First, diagnosis of IPA remains a challenge, since risk factors and the clinical, radiological and mycological presentations vary not only by fungal disease stage, but also by patient group (eg neutropenic vs non‐neutropenic patients). Diagnosis is particularly challenging in patients receiving mould‐active prophylactic or empirical treatment, which reduces the sensitivity of all diagnostic tests for IPA. Second, treatment of IPA is complex due to unpredictable pharmacokinetic profiles of antifungal agents, small therapeutic window in terms of exposure and adverse events, and multiple drug‐drug interactions through the CYP450 system. Here we report a case of a 23‐year‐old male with severe aplastic anaemia and subpleural nodules. Diagnostic tests for IPA obtained during ongoing mould‐active empirical treatment were negative. Intravenous voriconazole was stopped after visual disturbances and hallucinations. The patient then had an anaphylactic reaction to liposomal amphotericin B and was switched to intravenous posaconazole, which had to be discontinued due to a significant increase in transaminase levels. He was treated with oral isavuconazole with reduced dosage, triggered by increasing transaminases under the standard dosage. Even under reduced dosage, blood concentrations of isavuconazole were high and treatment was successful. The case illustrates real‐world challenges and unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of IPA in patients with haematological diseases.
Pituitary atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor in a patient with prolactinoma: A unique description
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Lionti Simona , Raso Alessandro , Esposito Felice , Cannavò Salvatore , Angileri Filippo F.
Published: November 2017

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is an aggressive tumor of the CNS and characteristically occurs in the pediatric age. In adulthood, ATRT is rare and it is mainly localized in the cerebral hemispheres. Only 16 cases of ATRT have been described in the sellar region up to now. Interestingly, all sellar ATRTs occurred in adult female patients. Herein we report a novel case of sellar ATRT in a patient with previous history of lactotroph adenoma. Similar to other sellar ATRTs, this case occurred in a female adult patient. At histological examination, it was characterized by a small number of rhabdoid cells. In addition, it did not have homozygous deletion of SMARCB1 gene, but it rather showed a frameshift mutation at exon 4 of SMARCB1 which had not been previously found in ATRT. Clinico‐pathological and molecular findings observed in this case confirm previous evidence that sellar ATRT seems to be a distinct entity. Association with previous prolactin‐secreting pituitary adenoma is discussed.
Revealing the water uptake pathways of seeds with high resolution magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Penfield Steven
Published: November 2017

This article is a Commentary on Munz et al., 216: 1181–1190.
Seed dispersal in both space and time is necessary for plant diversity maintenance in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Plue Jan , Cousins Sara A. O.
Published: November 2017

Metacommunity theory emphasizes that seed dispersal not only limits but equally maintains plant diversity, though the latter receives little empirical attention. Discerning the temporal and spatial components of seed dispersal and understanding how their interaction shapes fragmented communities and maintains their diversity may be pivotal to further our ecological understanding of spatial and temporal seed dispersal and its implications for landscape‐scale conservation management. To investigate the relative importance of spatial and temporal seed dispersal and their roles in maintaining plant diversity, the herb layer and seed bank of grassland communities were inventoried in 77 sites across abandoned and intact rotational grazing networks in a 100 km2 fragmented grassland landscape in the Stockholm archipelago (Baltic Sea, Sweden). Besides analysing alpha‐ and beta‐diversity patterns, nestedness analyses connect deterministic community changes and diversity losses with dispersal‐related life‐history traits and habitat specialization to identify the mechanism driving community changes and maintaining local diversity. The loss of rotational grazing networks caused community diversity declines via non‐random extinctions of spatially and temporally poor dispersers, particularly among grassland specialists. Temporal seed dispersal halted further community disassembly, maintaining diversity in the abandoned grazing networks. Spatial dispersal within the intact grazing networks was found to be an overriding, homogenizing agent conserving diversity in both the herb layer and seed bank. This empirical evidence establishes how spatial and temporal seed dispersal interact to maintain diversity in fragmented landscapes. Poorly connected grasslands appear limited by spatial dispersal, yet are maintained by temporal seed dispersal. In fragmented landscapes where grazing networks are rarely present, temporal rather than spatial seed dispersal may be more important in maintaining species diversity, since effective spatial dispersal may be significantly diminished. The grazing network's efficacy at boosting spatial dispersal and upholding community diversity presents a powerful management tool to conserve local and regional species diversity.
LiDAR‐derived canopy structure supports the more‐individuals hypothesis for arthropod diversity in temperate forests
Authors: Müller Jörg , Brandl Roland , Brändle Martin , Förster Bernhard , de Araujo Bruno Cancian , Gossner Martin M. , Ladas Alexander , Wagner Martin , Maraun Mark , Schall Peter , Schmidt Stefan , Heurich Marco , Thorn Simon , Seibold Sebastian
Published: November 2017

Despite considerable progress in the ability to measure the complex 3‐D structure of forests with the improvement of remote‐sensing techniques, our mechanistic understanding of how biodiversity is linked to canopy structure is still limited. Here we tested whether the increase in arthropod abundance and richness in beech forest canopies with increasing canopy complexity supports the more‐individuals hypothesis or the habitat‐heterogeneity hypothesis. We used fogging to collect arthropod samples from 80 standardized plots from canopies of single‐ to multi‐layered mature montane European beech stands. Tree height and an independent measure of vertical heterogeneity – the vertical distribution ratio – on each arthropod sampling plot were derived from high‐resolution full‐waveform airborne laser scanning data. Mixed‐model path analysis based on almost 20 000 specimens of 762 species from 11 orders provided support for the more‐individuals hypothesis, with higher arthropod abundance but not higher species richness in stands with a more equal vertical distribution of plant biomass. By contrast, we found no support for the habitat‐heterogeneity hypothesis. The increase in the number of individuals with increasing vertical distribution of biomass might be caused either by increasing leaf area, as indicated by higher space filling and productivity in multi‐layered stands, or by higher persistence of arthropod populations owing to better shelter, reduced competition and more refuges under harsh conditions, or by both. High‐resolution airborne laser scanning, with its ability to penetrate dense canopies under leaf‐on conditions, has proved suitable for measuring vertical structures as a predictor for canopy diversity. Expanding combinations of remote‐sensing and canopy‐biodiversity data opens many avenues for improving our understanding of the link between diversity and forest structures.
Genetic regulation of growth and nutrient content under phosphorus deficiency in the wild barley introgression library S42IL
Authors: Soleimani Behnaz , Sammler Ralf , Backhaus Andreas , Beschow Heidrun , Schumann Erika , Mock Hans‐Peter , von Wirén Nicolaus , Seiffert Udo , Pillen Klaus
Published: November 2017

Phosphorus (P) is an important macronutrient required for plant growth and yield formation. Since decades, breeders aim to optimize P efficiency in crops. We studied a set of 47 wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum, Hsp) introgression lines (ILs) in hydroponic culture to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) improving growth and nutrient content under P deficiency. Applying a mixed model analysis, a total of 91 independent QTLs were located among 39 ILs, of which 64 QTLs displayed trait‐improving Hsp effects. For example, an unknown Hsp allele on barley chromosome 4H increased shoot dry weight under P deficiency in three overlapping ILs by 25.9%. Likewise, an Hsp allele on barley chromosome 6H increased root dry weight under P deficiency in two overlapping ILs by 27.6%. In total, 31 QTLs confirmed Hsp effects already identified in previous field and glasshouse experiments with the same ILs. We conclude that wild barley contains numerous trait‐improving QTL alleles, which are active under P deficiency. In future, the underlying genes can be subjected to cloning and, simultaneously, used in elite barley breeding.
Caries risk assessment tool and prevention protocol for public health nurses in mother and child health centers, Israel
Authors: Natapov Lena , Dekel‐Markovich Dan , Granit‐Palmon Hadas , Aflalo Efrat , Zusman Shlomo Paul
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease in children. Caries risk assessment tools enable the dentists, physicians, and nondental health care providers to assess the individual's risk. Intervention by nurses in primary care settings can contribute to the establishment of oral health habits and prevention of dental disease. In Israel, Mother and Child Health Centers provide free preventive services for pregnant women and children by public health nurses.

Materials and Methods

A caries prevention program in health centers started in 2015. Nurses underwent special training regarding caries prevention. A customized Caries Risk Assessment tool and Prevention Protocol for nurses, based on the AAPD tool, was introduced. A two‐step evaluation was conducted which included a questionnaire and in‐depth phone interviews.

Results

Twenty‐eight (out of 46) health centers returned a completed questionnaire. Most nurses believed that oral health preventive services should be incorporated into their daily work. In the in‐depth phone interviews, nurses stated that the integration of the program into their busy daily schedule was realistic and appropriate. The lack of specific dental module for computer program was mentioned as an implementation difficulty.

Discussion

The wide use of our tool by nurses supports its simplicity and feasibility which enables quick calculation and informed decision making. The nurses readily embraced the tool and it became an integral part of their toolkit.

Conclusion

We provide public health nurses with a caries risk assessment tool and prevention protocol thus integrating oral health into general health of infants and toddlers.
Commentary: Donor Networks and NGOs: A Strategic Response Model
Authors: Bissat Lamia Moubayed
Published: November 2017

Related Content: AbouAssi and Tschirhart (PAR January/February 2018)
Generation of embryonic stem‐like cells from in vivo‐derived porcine blastocysts at a low concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Cha H‐J , Yun JI , Han NR , Kim H‐Y , Baek S , Lee S‐H , Lee J , Lee E , Park C‐K , Lee ST
Published: November 2017

Contents

Although basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an essential factor supporting the maintenance of porcine embryonic stem (ES) cell self‐renewal and pluripotency, its high cost has limited previous studies, and the development of a low‐cost culture system is required. For these systems, in vivo blastocysts were progressively cultured under various conditions consisting of different culture mediums and/or different feeder cell numbers at a low concentration of bFGF. As the results, the sequential culture of in vivo‐derived porcine blastocysts on 5.0 × 105 mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder cells in alpha minimum essential medium‐based medium for primary culture, on 2.5 × 105 MEF feeder cells in Mixture medium for the 1st subpassage, and on 2.5 × 105 MEF feeder cells in DMEM/Ham's F10‐based medium for the post‐2nd subpassage could support the establishment and maintenance of porcine ES‐like cells at the low concentration of bFGF. The established porcine ES‐like cells showed ES cell‐specific characteristics such as self‐renewal and pluripotency. We confirmed that porcine ES‐like cells could be generated from in vivo‐derived porcine blastocysts at a low concentration of bFGF.
Oocyte holding in the Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus): Effect of initial oocyte quality and epidermal growth factor addition on in vitro maturation
Authors: Macías‐García B , González‐Fernández L , Matilla E , Hernández N , Mijares J , Sánchez‐Margallo FM
Published: November 2017

Contents

Current in vitro embryo production protocols in the Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) need to be optimized; oocyte harvesting in situ followed by overnight holding could reduce the human effort and shipping costs. In our work, post‐mortem ovaries were retrieved, and the oocytes were harvested and allocated to G1 group (good quality) or G2 + G3 group (low quality). The oocytes were separately subjected to immediate in vitro maturation (IVM) or held overnight in a holding medium composed of 40% of TCM 199 with Earle's salts, 40% TCM 199 with Hanks' salts and 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS), at room temperature (16 hr). In vitro maturation was carried out in a basal medium supplemented or not with 50 ng/ml of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Our data showed that addition of EGF to the maturation medium increases the percentage of G1 oocytes reaching metaphase II (3.9% vs. 50%, basal vs. EGF; p < .001) and decreased their degeneration rate (69.9% vs. 22.2%, basal vs. EGF; p < .01) when oocytes were immediately matured. Overnight holding increased the meiotic competence of G1 oocytes (37.5% matured in basal medium) and EGF increased prophase arrest in G2 + G3 oocytes (16.1% vs. 38.8% in germinal vesicle [GV] stage in basal medium vs. EGF added medium; p < .05). Our data demonstrate that oocyte holding can be used in Iberian red deer oocytes. Interestingly, EGF addition increases the oocytes' meiotic competence in immediately matured oocytes but not after oocyte holding depending upon initial oocyte quality.
Pyometra and unilateral uterine horn torsion in a sheep
Authors: Castillo JM , Dockweiler JC , Cheong SH , Diel de Amorim M
Published: November 2017

Contents

A 13‐year‐old Romanov sheep presented for evaluation of vaginal discharge, depression and anorexia. Blood work demonstrated mature neutrophilia and marked hyperlactatemia. Transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound revealed echogenic fluid (pus) within the uterus. Purulent uterine fluid culture yield Escherichia coli. A diagnosis of pyometra was made. After medical treatment without clinical improvement, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a 360‐degree uterine left horn torsion was identified with the pyometra and multiple corpora lutea on both ovaries. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and the ewe recovered uneventfully.
Downstream grain‐size changes associated with a transition from single channel to anabranching
Authors: Morón Sara , Amos Kathryn J.
Published: November 2017

Downstream variation in grain size associated with changes in river pattern is a topic that interests multiple disciplines. How grain size varies between adjacent reaches with strongly contrasting river pattern is an outstanding question. This study presents a combined field and numerical modelling investigation of a river with a downstream planform change from single channel to anabranching, where the planform is controlled by a change in underlying lithology. This approach enabled exploration of the controls on sedimentology in a river for which there is very limited opportunity to collect flow and sediment transport data. This study shows that the surficial grain size decreases as a result of the downstream change in planform. This is because of a decrease in flow velocity and shear stress associated with a decrease in channel depth related to the planform change. Channel geometries in both the field and modelling data fit into distinct groups based on channel depth, the deepest being the single channel reach and the shallowest being the anabranching. This downstream reduction in channel dimension (depth) is caused because the total discharge is split from one channel into multiple channels. The coarsest grain sizes (cobble) are deposited at the terminus of the single channel and in the distributary channels; anabranching channels contain sand‐size sediments. This study shows that, in a transition from single channel to anabranching, the channel dimensions decrease as the number of channels increases, resulting in a decrease in bed shear stress and the fining of bed material downstream.
The face‐mind link: Why we see minds behind faces, and how others' minds change how we see their face
Authors: Deska Jason C. , Hugenberg Kurt
Published: November 2017

Understanding others' minds has puzzled philosophers for centuries. Psychologists, too, have recently begun asking questions about what causes us to see another person as having complex or simple mental faculties. Here, we review recent evidence linking how we perceive others' faces with how we perceive others' minds—the face‐mind link. We first discuss research demonstrating a face‐to‐mind effect, showing that both certain facial features (e.g., eyes) and face perception processes (e.g., configural processing) can trigger the perception that a face has a mind. We then discuss recent evidence demonstrating a mind‐to‐face effect, showing that believing a person is inhumane (i.e., their mind) leads their face to be processed less like a face and more like an object. Finally, we consider both the consequences of this bidirectional face‐mind link, and what the next steps may be in understanding how and why we infer minds from faces, and how and why beliefs about others' minds affects how we see their face.
The killer cell lectin‐like receptor B1 (KLRB1) 503T>C polymorphism (rs1135816) and acute rejection after liver transplantation
Authors: Thude H. , Rother S. , Sterneck M. , Klempnauer J. , Nashan B. , Schwinzer R. , Koch M.
Published: November 2017

The killer cell lectin‐like receptor B1 (KLRB1) gene encodes for CD161 expressed by different subsets of leukocytes involved in the development of acute liver transplant rejection. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 503T>C (rs1135816) in the KLRB1 gene represents a missense mutation modifying functional properties of CD161. The aim of our study is to determine whether the SNP 503T>C is associated with acute liver transplant rejection. We genotyped the SNP for 163 liver recipients without acute rejection, 125 recipients with a single acute rejection, and 53 recipients with multiple acute rejections. The genotype frequencies within the groups did not show any significant difference. Our data suggest that the SNP 503T>C has no impact on the susceptibility of acute liver transplant rejection.
Successful heart transplantation in patients with total artificial heart infections
Authors: Taimur Sarah , Sullivan Timothy , Rana Mennakshi , Patel Gopi , Roldan Julie , Ashley Kimberly , Pinney Sean , Anyanwu Anelechi , Huprikar Shirish
Published: November 2017

Background

Data are limited on clinical outcomes in patients awaiting heart transplant (HT) with total artificial heart (TAH) infections.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all TAH recipients at our center. TAH infection was classified as definite if a microorganism was isolated in cultures from the exit site or deep tissues around the TAH; as probable in patients without surgical or microbiologic evidence of infection but no other explanation for persistent or recurrent bloodstream infection (BSI); or possible in patients with clinical suspicion and radiographic findings suggestive of TAH infection, but without surgical intervention or microbiologic evidence.

Results

From 2012 to 2015, a total of 13 patients received a TAH, with a median age at implantation of 52 years (range: 28‐60). TAH infection occurred in nine patients (seven definite, one probable, one possible) a median of 41 days after implant (range: 17‐475). The majority of TAH infections were caused by Staphylococcus species. Seven of nine patients underwent HT (four had pre‐HT mediastinal washout, and five had positive HT operative cultures). Three patients had an active BSI caused by the same pathogen causing TAH infection at the time of HT, with one developing a post‐HT BSI with the same bacteria. No patient developed post‐HT surgical site infection caused by the TAH infection pathogen. No deaths among HT recipients were attributed to infection.

Conclusion

TAH infection is frequently associated with BSI and mediastinitis and Staphylococcus was the most common pathogen. A multimodal approach of appropriate pre‐ and post‐HT antimicrobial therapy, surgical drainage, and heart transplantation with radical mediastinal debridement was successful in curing infection.
TMD1 domain and CRAC motif determine the association and disassociation of MxIRT1 with detergent‐resistant membranes
Authors: Tan Song , Zhang Peng , Xiao Wei , Feng Bing , Chen Lan‐You , Li Shuang , Li Peng , Zhao Wei‐Zhong , Qi Xiao‐Ting , Yin Li‐Ping
Published: November 2017

Iron is essential for most living organisms. The iron‐regulated transporter1 (IRT1) plays a major role in iron uptake in roots, and its trafficking from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to plasma membrane (PM) is tightly coordinated with changes in iron environment. However, studies on the IRT1 response are limited. Here, we report that Malus xiaojinesis IRT1 (MxIRT1) associates with detergent‐resistant membranes (DRMs, a biochemical counterpart of PM microdomains), whereas the PM microdomains are known platforms for signal transduction in the PM. Depending on the shift of MxIRT1 from microdomains to homogeneous regions in PM, MxIRT1‐mediated iron absorption is activated by the cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) motif of MxIRT1. MxIRT1 initially associates with DRMs in ER via its transmembrane domain 1 (TMD1), and thus begins DRMs‐dependent intracellular trafficking. Subsequently, MxIRT1 is sequestered in COPII vesicles via the ER export signal sequence in MxIRT1. These studies suggest that iron homeostasis is influenced by the CRAC motif and TMD1 domain due to their determination of MxIRT1‐DRMs association.