bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Reference Production as the Probabilistic Combination of Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Mozuraitis Mindaugas , Stevenson Suzanne , Heller Daphna
Published: February 2018

While speakers have been shown to adapt to the knowledge state of their addressee in choosing referring expressions, they often also show some egocentric tendencies. The current paper aims to provide an explanation for this “mixed” behavior by presenting a model that derives such patterns from the probabilistic combination of both the speaker's and the addressee's perspectives. To test our model, we conducted a language production experiment, in which participants had to refer to objects in a context that also included a visually misleading object (e.g., a crayon shaped like a Lego brick) whose function was either known to both partners, or known just to the speaker but not the addressee. Modeling results indicate that the experimental findings cannot be explained by assuming that speakers tailor a referring expression solely to their own perspective or to the perspective of their addressee. Instead, accounting for the behavioral pattern requires an approach where both perspectives influence the choice of referring expressions. Nevertheless, in our situation, speakers consider their partner's perspective more than their own.
Aortic bypass surgery for asymptomatic patients awaiting a kidney transplant: A word of caution
Authors: Franquet Quentin , Terrier Nicolas , Pirvu Augustin , Rambeaud Jean‐Jacques , Long Jean‐Alexandre , Janbon Benedicte , Tetaz Rachel , Malvezzi Paolo , Jouve Thomas , Descotes Jean‐Luc , Fiard Gaelle
Published: February 2018

Introduction

In the presence of severe aorto‐iliac calcification, aortic bypass surgery can be mandatory to allow kidney transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and outcomes of this strategy among asymptomatic patients.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the files of all patients that had undergone vascular bypass surgery prior to kidney transplantation between November 2004 and March 2016. All patients undergoing aortic bypass surgery prior to kidney transplantation without any vascular‐related symptoms were included.

Results

Twenty‐one asymptomatic patients were included. Ten patients (48%) have not received a kidney transplant. Four patients died before kidney transplantation, including 2 deaths related to the bypass surgery (9.5%). Early post‐operative morbidity involved 11 cases. Eleven patients (52%) were transplanted. Transplanted patients were significantly younger (median age 60 [56‐61] vs 67 [60‐72] years, P = .04) at the time of bypass and were less frequently treated for coronary heart disease (9% vs 50%, P = .06).

Conclusion

Aortic bypass surgery performed prior to kidney transplantation among asymptomatic patients has significant mortality and morbidity rates. When transplantation is possible, the results are satisfying. Larger studies are required to define the selection criteria, such as age and coronary heart disease.
Effect of the eucalypt lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei on adult feeding, oviposition‐site selection, and offspring performance of the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus
Authors: Martínez Gonzalo , González Andrés , Dicke Marcel
Published: February 2018

Oviposition‐site selection may be greatly affected by competitive plant‐mediated interactions between phytophagous insects but these interactions have been poorly investigated on trees. Here, we evaluated the potential interaction between two invasive pests of Eucalyptus trees, the red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombeiMoore (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha: Aphalaridae), and the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinusCarpintero et Dellapé (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae). We assessed the effect of the co‐occurrence of G. brimblecombei on the selection of feeding and oviposition sites by T. peregrinus females using dual‐choice bioassays. We compared developmental time and survival of the first instar of nymphs reared on healthy Eucalyptus tereticornisSmith (Myrtaceae) leaves and on leaves infested with the lerp psyllid, either with or without lerps (i.e., white conical sweet‐tasting structures, secreted during the nymphal stage). Bronze bug females prefer to oviposit on lerp‐carrying leaves but we found no difference in feeding preference when compared to healthy leaves. Infestation with the lerp psyllid hampered nymphal performance in terms of developmental time and survival, although the presence of lerps reverted the effect in survival and shortened the duration of the initial instar. These results display an interaction between these two insect species that affects both the oviposition preference of T. peregrinus females and the nymphal performance. Although there seems to be a discrepancy between mother preference and offspring performance, feeding on the lerps may prove beneficial to the offspring under long‐term conditions and multiple infestation by other pests and diseases.
Efficacy, safety, and cost of pomalidomide in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Gueneau Pauline , Chretien Marie‐Lorraine , Cransac‐Miet Amelie , Aho Ludwig Serge , Lafon Ingrid , Favennec Camille , Guy Julien , Caillot Denis , Boulin Mathieu
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy, safety, and cost of a pomalidomide‐dexamethasone regimen in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Methods

All patients (n = 63) treated with pomalidomide‐dexamethasone for RRMM in our university hospital between August 2013 and October 2015 were included.

Results

Pomalidomide was discontinued early due to progression (before the 4th cycle) in 17 (27%) patients. No case was discontinued for intolerance. The only independent factor that predicted early pomalidomide discontinuation was time from diagnosis to pomalidomide initiation <3 years. Overall response rate was 51% including complete response in 8%, very good partial response in 25%, and partial response in 19% patients. Thirteen (33%) patients showed stable disease. Median overall survival was 6.4 months in the 17 patients who discontinued pomalidomide early vs 26.8 months in the 14 patients with stable disease vs not achieved in the 32 responders (log‐rank; P < 10−3). The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (14%) and infections (25%). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of pomalidomide‐dexamethasone compared with dexamethasone alone was estimated at €39 911 per life‐year gained.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that pomalidomide‐dexamethasone regimen has a long‐term favorable safety‐efficacy profile in RRMM patients. The survival benefit is substantial even in patients with stable disease.
Frontal lobe epileptic seizures are accompanied by elevated pitch during verbal communication
Authors: Speck Iva , Echternach Matthias , Sammler Daniela , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas
Published: February 2018

The objective of our study was to assess alterations in speech as a possible localizing sign in frontal lobe epilepsy. Ictal speech was analyzed in 18 patients with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) during seizures and in the interictal period. Matched identical words were analyzed regarding alterations in fundamental frequency (ƒo) as an approximation of pitch. In patients with FLE, ƒo of ictal utterances was significantly higher than ƒo in interictal recordings (p = 0.016). Ictal ƒo increases occurred in both FLE of right and left seizure origin. In contrast, a matched temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) group showed less pronounced increases in ƒo, and only in patients with right‐sided seizure foci. This study for the first time shows significant voice alterations in ictal speech in a cohort of patients with FLE. This may contribute to the localization of the epileptic focus. Increases in ƒo were interestingly found in frontal lobe seizures with origin in either hemisphere, suggesting a bilateral involvement to the planning of speech production, in contrast to a more right‐sided lateralization of pitch perception in prosodic processing.
An efficient method for eccrine gland isolation from human scalp
Authors: Jimenez Francisco , Alam Majid , Hernandez Irene , Poblet Enrique , Hardman Jonathan A. , Paus Ralf
Published: February 2018

We describe a simple and efficient method to isolate eccrine sweat glands from the human scalp. This method is inspired by the hair graft harvesting method used in hair transplantation. Based on the recently described anatomical relationship between the scalp hair follicle and the eccrine gland, we have found that scalp follicular unit grafts are an excellent eccrine gland isolation source, especially for the coiled component. In order to make the gland visible for stereoscopic microdissection, the follicular units need to be previously stained with a vital dye like methylene blue or neutral red. The simplicity and efficiency of this isolation method should encourage further research into human eccrine sweat gland function which has always been hindered by the difficulty of gland isolation.
Experimental characterisation of a CuAg alloy for thermo‐mechanical applications. Part 2: Design strain‐life curves estimated via statistical analysis
Authors: Benasciutti D. , Srnec Novak J. , Moro L. , De Bona F.
Published: February 2018

Strain‐life fatigue data on copper alloys, especially type CuAg, are seldom available in the literature. This work fills this gap by estimating the strain‐life curves of a CuAg alloy used for thermo‐mechanical applications, from isothermal low‐cycle fatigue tests at 3 temperatures (room temperature, 250°C, 300°C). Regression analysis is used to estimate the median fatigue curves at 50% survival probability. The comparison of median curves with the Universal Slopes Equation model, calibrated on monotonic tensile properties, shows a fairly good agreement. Design strain‐life curves with a lower failure probability and given confidence are estimated by several approximate statistical methods (“Equivalent Prediction Interval,” univariate tolerance interval, Owen's tolerance interval for regression). When higher survival probabilities are considered, the results show a marked decrease in the allowable design strain at a prescribed fatigue life. The suggested procedure thus improves the durability analysis of components loaded thermo‐mechanically.
Oral health of the Latin American elders: What we know and what we should do—Position paper of the Latin American Oral Geriatric Group of the International Association for Dental Research
Authors: León Soraya , De Marchi Renato J. , Tôrres Luisa H. , Hugo Fernando N. , Espinoza Iris , Giacaman Rodrigo A.
Published: February 2018

Objective

The purpose of this review was to gather information and discuss oral health status of older people in the Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC).

Background

Scarce data are available to portrait the oral situation of older people in the region.

Material and methods

This review paper is the result of a meeting of the IADR's Latin American Geriatric Oral Research Group held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in November of 2016, part of the activities of an IADR Regional Development Programme (RDP). A group of researchers from 8 countries of LAC held a discussion using 5 questions related to the oral health situation of older Latin Americans, the most appropriate strategies to face the problem and the challenges for the future, with an open discussion format. In a second step, a group of 6 experts refined the answers and reviewed the existent literature.

Results

The review of the evidence revealed that only a few LAC countries have information, which suggests the need for multinational efforts to understand the oral health status and programmes in place. Of the few studies available, it is possible to observe poor oral health as a common feature of older adults in the region.

Conclusion

There is a need for the development of national surveys and standardised tools for the assessment of oral health in older adults. Also, intense advocacy to modify and influence public health policies in the different countries of the LAC is strongly recommended.
Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment cut‐off score to clarify improvement of mild cognitive impairment after exercise training in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Nara Marina , Sugie Masamitsu , Takahashi Tetsuya , Koyama Teruyuki , Sengoku Renpei , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Obuchi Shuichi , Harada Kazumasa , Kyo Shunei , Ito Hideki
Published: February 2018

Aim

Physical exercise improves cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, information about whether the degree of MCI before exercise training affects improvement in cognitive function is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cut‐off value in a MCI screening tool that predicts reversal to normal cognitive function after exercise training in older adults with MCI.

Methods

Participants included 112 Japanese community‐dwelling older adult outpatients (37 men, 75 women; mean age 76.3 years). We administered the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‐J) before and after exercise training. MCI was defined as a MoCA‐J score <26. All participants underwent exercise training 2 days per week for 6 months, according to American Heart Association guidelines.

Results

The prevalence of MCI was 65.2%. After exercise training, 46.6% of participants with MCI reversed to normal cognitive function. The MoCA‐J cut‐off score to predict cognitive function potentially reversible to normal was 23, with receiver operating characteristic analysis showing an area under the curve of 0.80, sensitivity of 79.4% and specificity of 69.2%. Multiple logistic regression analysis to predict non‐MCI after exercise training showed that MoCA‐J score ≥23 (OR 6.9, P < .001), female sex (OR 3.4, P = .04) and age (OR 0.9, P = .04) were independent determinants.

Conclusions

The MoCA‐J cut‐off score of 23 might be useful to predict cognitive function that is potentially reversible to normal among community‐dwelling Japanese older adults with MCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 833–838
High plasma adiponectin levels are associated with frailty in a general old‐old population: The Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians study
Authors: Nagasawa Motonori , Takami Yoichi , Akasaka Hiroshi , Kabayama Mai , Maeda Satomi , Yokoyama Serina , Fujimoto Taku , Nozato Yoichi , Imaizumi Yuki , Takeda Masao , Itoh Norihisa , Takeya Yasushi , Yamamoto Koichi , Sugimoto Ken , Nakagawa Takeshi , Masui Yukie , Arai Yasumichi , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Ikebe Kazunori , Gondo Yasuyuki , Kamide Kei , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: February 2018

Aim

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between frailty and plasma adiponectin levels in a general population of Japanese older adults.

Methods

The volunteer older adults, aged approximately 83 years, were recruited randomly from a general population in the Japanese Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians study. We used the modified Cardiovascular Health Study criteria to assess the frailty status of the study participants. The study participants were classified as non‐frail, pre‐frail and frail according to their physical activities. We compared plasma adiponectin levels among these three groups and applied a multivariate logistic regression analysis including plasma adiponectin levels to clarify the factors associated with frailty status in the cross‐sectional design.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 83.1 ± 0.9 years, and 51.8% were men. The frailty index was available to assess 353 participants, of whom 24.6% were classified as non‐frail, 62.3% as prefrail and 13.0% as frail. The log‐transformed plasma adiponectin levels increased stepwise in the following order: non‐frail, pre‐frail and frail. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher plasma adiponectin levels, a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate and lower hemoglobin levels were independent determinants for pre‐frail/frail status compared with non‐frail status.

Conclusions

The present study showed that higher plasma adiponectin levels were associated with frailty status in older Japanese adults in the general population. Further longitudinal study is essential to clarify the role of plasma adiponectin in the progression of frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 839–846
Living alone is associated with an increased risk of institutionalization in older men: A follow‐up study in Hamanaka Town of Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Miki , Showa Satoko , Kitazawa Kazutoshi , Mori Mitsuru
Published: February 2018

Aim

In order to clarify the risks of institutionalization or mortality among older adults living alone compared with those not living alone, we carried out a prospective study on older adults in Hamanaka Town in the far eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan.

Methods

All 978 community‐dwelling residents aged 70–85 years in the town were chosen as study candidates between February and May of 2014. Written informed consent was obtained from 562 residents (57.5%), and a self‐administered questionnaire, including a question about living arrangements, was mailed to them. They returned the completed questionnaire to us in 2014. A follow‐up survey was carried out with a questionnaire mailed to each participant about institutionalization and mortality, three times, in February of 2015 and 2016, and in April of 2017. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Living alone was significantly associated with an increased risk of institutionalization in the male participants, after adjusting for age, sex and having daily support from family around a participant (hazard ratio 5.71, 95% confidence interval 1.17–27.83), although it was not significant in the total participants or the female participants. Additional adjustments for a history of having common diseases did not change the results meaningfully. Living alone was not associated with the risk of mortality in the total participants, the male participants or the female participants.

Conclusions

Poor social support in social networks for older men living alone may be etiologically associated with increased risk of institutionalization in rural area. Further study with a larger sample size is necessary to confirm this finding. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 867–872
Population‐based study examining the utilization of preventive medicines by older people in the last year of life
Authors: Narayan Sujita W , Nishtala Prasad S
Published: February 2018

Aim

To examine the patterns of preventive medicines (PM) use in the last year of life of older adults.

Methods

This study cohort included individuals (n = 99 809) aged ≥75 years who were in their last year of life. PM examined in this study included low‐dose aspirin (≤325 mg/day), clopidogrel, dipyridamole, warfarin, dabigatran, statins and bisphosphonates. Logistic regression models examined the influence of age, sex, multimorbidity, socioeconomic status, and a diagnosis of cancer on the number and type of PM prescribed from 2007 to 2012.

Results

The number of PM prescribed was higher for men compared with women (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08–1.14). Increasing age did not have an effect on the number of PM prescribed. The use of clopidogrel increased almost threefold from 2007 to 2012 (OR 5.53, 95% CI 4.61–6.65). In contrast, bisphosphonates use decreased significantly during the same period (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.32–0.39). Individuals with a diagnosis of cancer had increased odds of PM utilization for antiplatelets, aspirin monotherapy and statins, which had remarkably high odds (OR 4.11, 95% CI 3.88–4.34, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present explorative study highlighted that some PM, such as statins, continue to be prescribed until death, particularly those that might have been beneficial earlier in life, but have an uncertain or unfavorable risk–benefit ratio towards the end‐of‐life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 892–898
Automated Extraction of a Five‐Year LA‐ICP‐MS Trace Element Data Set of Ten Common Glass and Carbonate Reference Materials: Long‐Term Data Quality, Optimisation and Laser Cell Homogeneity
Authors: Evans David , Müller Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

LA‐ICP‐MS is increasingly applied to obtain quantitative multi‐element data with minimal sample preparation, usually achieved by calibration using reference materials (RMs). However, some ubiquitous RMs, for example the NIST SRM 61× series glasses, suffer from reported value uncertainties for certain elements. Moreover, no long‐term data set of analyses conducted over a range of ablation and tuning conditions exists. Thus, there has been little rigorous examination of the extent to which offsets between measured and reported values are the result of error in these values rather than analytically induced fractionation. We present new software (‘LA‐MINE’), capable of extracting LA‐ICP‐MS data with no user input, and apply this to our system, yielding over 5 years of data (~ 5700 analyses of ten glass and carbonate RMs). We examine the relative importance of systematic analytical bias and possible error in reported values through a mass‐specific breakdown of fourteen of the most commonly determined elements. Furthermore, these data, obtained under a wide range of different ablation conditions, enable specific recommendations of how data quality may be improved, for example the role of diatomic gas, the effect of differential inter‐glass fractionation factors and choice of transport tubing material. Finally, these data demonstrate that the two‐volume Laurin ablation cell is characterised by no discernible spatial heterogeneity in measured trace element ratios.
Empirical Equations to Predict the Characteristics of Hyporheic Exchange in a Pool‐Riffle Sequence
Authors: Huang Peng , Chui Ting Fong May
Published: February 2018

The hyporheic zone is the saturated interstitial space surrounding a stream. Water actively moves into, through, and out of the hyporheic zone, resulting in hyporheic exchange (HE), which is crucial to the physicochemical and biological processes in these systems. The HE in pool‐riffle sequences is one of the most common forms of HE and has received a vast amount of attention. This study aimed to derive empirical equations to predict the scale, median residence time (RT), and flux of HE in a single pool‐riffle sequence by considering stream discharge, bedform geometry, streambed hydraulic conductivity, and groundwater flow. The resulting equations, which were derived using previously published data, allow quick approximations of the mean depth, median RT, and flux of HE in a single pool‐riffle sequence. Therefore, these equations can be used to conveniently and efficiently generate insights into the physicochemical and biological processes, facilitating the prediction of water quality and the restoration of HE in stream rehabilitation. The overall framework of the derived equations is also generally applicable to considering HE with additional influential factors (e.g., stream width, sinuosity, bed slope, alluvial depth) and cases with more available data.
Preconditioning influences mesenchymal stem cell properties in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Li Lanjuan
Published: February 2018

Various diseases and toxic factors easily impair cellular and organic functions in mammals. Organ transplantation is used to rescue organ function, but is limited by scarce resources. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy carries promising potential in regenerative medicine because of the self‐renewal and multilineage potency of MSCs; however, MSCs may lose biological functions after isolation and cultivation for a long time in vitro. Moreover, after they are injected in vivo and migrate into the damaged tissues or organs, they encounter a harsh environment coupled with death signals due to the inadequate tensegrity structure between the cells and matrix. Preconditioning, genetic modification and optimization of MSC culture conditions are key strategies to improve MSC functions in vitro and in vivo, and all of these procedures will contribute to improving MSC transplantation efficacy in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Preconditioning with various physical, chemical and biological factors is possible to preserve the stemness of MSCs for further application in studies and clinical tests. In this review, we mainly focus on preconditioning and the corresponding mechanisms for improving MSC activities in vitro and in vivo; we provide a glimpse into the promotion of MSC‐based cell therapy development for regenerative medicine. As a promising consequence, MSC transplantation can be applied for the treatment of some terminal diseases and can prolong the survival time of patients in the near future.
The role of ATP signalling in response to mechanical stimulation studied in T24 cells using new microphysiological tools
Authors: Guan Na N. , Sharma Nimish , Hallén‐Grufman Katarina , Jager Edwin W. H. , Svennersten Karl
Published: February 2018

The capacity to store urine and initiate voiding is a valued characteristic of the human urinary bladder. To maintain this feature, it is necessary that the bladder can sense when it is full and when it is time to void. The bladder has a specialized epithelium called urothelium that is believed to be important for its sensory function. It has been suggested that autocrine ATP signalling contributes to this sensory function of the urothelium. There is well‐established evidence that ATP is released via vesicular exocytosis as well as by pannexin hemichannels upon mechanical stimulation. However, there are still many details that need elucidation and therefore there is a need for the development of new tools to further explore this fascinating field. In this work, we use new microphysiological systems to study mechanostimulation at a cellular level: a mechanostimulation microchip and a silicone‐based cell stretcher. Using these tools, we show that ATP is released upon cell stretching and that extracellular ATP contributes to a major part of Ca2+ signalling induced by stretching in T24 cells. These results contribute to the increasing body of evidence for ATP signalling as an important component for the sensory function of urothelial cells. This encourages the development of drugs targeting P2 receptors to relieve suffering from overactive bladder disorder and incontinence.
Real‐world data on the efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis
Authors: Papadavid E. , Rompoti N. , Theodoropoulos K. , Kokkalis G. , Rigopoulos D.
Published: February 2018

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which requires long‐term, safe and effective treatment. Apremilast, a small‐molecule PDE4 inhibitor, has been introduced as psoriasis (and psoriatic arthritis) treatment in Europe in 2015.

Objective

We analysed and report the efficacy and safety of apremilast in the first 51 patients with psoriasis that have undergone treatment with this novel small molecule in our outpatient clinic.

Method

Our primary endpoint was the evaluation of clinical response to apremilast according to the percentage of Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) reduction (ΔPASI) at 16 weeks after treatment initiation. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation at week 16 of (i) PASI; (ii) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); (iii) Physician Global Assessment (PGA); (iv) Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI); and (v) the percentage of patients who achieved ΔPASI50, ΔPASI75, ΔPASI90 and ΔPASI100; (vi) adverse events (AE); (vii) reasons for drug discontinuation; and (viii) drug survival.

Results

About 59.3% of the patients who remained on apremilast achieved at least ΔPASI75 at week 16, while 11.1% achieved combined 50% ≤ PASI < 75% and DLQI ≤ 5 (satisfactory response) adequate enough to maintain treatment. Five patients (18.5%) also achieved ΔPASI100. Patients discontinued apremilast (28%), mostly during the first 4 weeks due to adverse events (12%) with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common, and later due to lack of efficacy (16%). A statistically significant improvement of PASI, DLQI, PGA and PSSI scores was observed after 4 and 16 weeks of treatment relative to pretreatment measurements.

Conclusion

Apremilast is a safe and efficacious treatment for psoriasis patients as it produces ΔPASI75 and ΔPASI50 responses combined with DLQI ≤ 5 in 16 weeks in 70.4% of the patients. These results, from a real‐world setting, confirm the efficacy and safety of apremilast which has been demonstrated in large phase III clinical trials.
Phot2‐regulated relocation of NPH3 mediates phototropic response to high‐intensity blue light in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Zhao Qingping , Xu Chunye , Wang Jin , Zhu Jindong , Shang Baoshuan , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2018

Two redundant blue‐light receptors, known as phototropins (phot1 and phot2), influence a variety of physiological responses, including phototropism, chloroplast positioning, and stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana. Whereas phot1 functions in both low‐ and high‐intensity blue light (HBL), phot2 functions primarily in HBL. Here, we aimed to elucidate phot2‐specific functions by screening for HBL‐insensitive mutants among mutagenized Arabidopsis phot1 mutants. One of the resulting phot2 signaling associated (p2sa) double mutants, phot1 p2sa2, exhibited phototropic defects that could be restored by constitutively expressing NON‐PHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL 3 (NPH3), indicating that P2SA2 was allelic to NPH3. It was observed that NPH3‐GFP signal mainly localized to and clustered on the plasma membrane in darkness. This NPH3 clustering on the plasma membrane was not affected by mutations in genes encoding proteins that interact with NPH3, including PHOT1, PHOT2 and ROOT PHOTOTROPISM 2 (RPT2). However, the HBL irradiation‐mediated release of NPH3 proteins into the cytoplasm was inhibited in phot1 mutants and enhanced in phot2 and rpt2‐2 mutants. Furthermore, HBL‐induced hypocotyl phototropism was enhanced in phot1 mutants and inhibited in the phot2 and rpt2‐2 mutants. Our findings indicate that phot1 regulates the dissociation of NPH3 from the plasma membrane, whereas phot2 mediates the stabilization and relocation of NPH3 to the plasma membrane to acclimate to HBL.
Is Proprietary Trading Detrimental to Retail Investors?
Authors: FECHT FALKO , HACKETHAL ANDREAS , KARABULUT YIGITCAN
Published: February 2018

We study the conflict of interest that arises when a universal bank conducts proprietary trading alongside its retail banking services. Our data set contains the stock holdings of every German bank and those of their corresponding retail clients. We investigate (i) whether banks sell stocks from their proprietary portfolios to their retail customers, (ii) whether those stocks subsequently underperform, and (iii) whether retail customers of banks engaging in proprietary trading earn lower portfolio returns than their peers. We present affirmative evidence for all three questions and conclude that proprietary trading can, in fact, be detrimental to retail investors.
Molecular Characterization, Spatial–Temporal Expression Profiles, and Injury‐responsive Regulation of Myocyte‐specific Enhancer Factor 2 Gene Family in the Ricefield Eel, Monopterus albus
Authors: Wu Ping , Chen Dunxue , Cheng Jia , Chen Lin , Chu Wuying , Zhang Jianshe , Liu Li , Zeng Guoqing
Published: February 2018

The myocyte‐specific enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) gene family members are well‐established regulators in the control of muscle repair, regeneration, and development. In this study, we cloned the CDS sequences of the four MEF2 family members in the ricefield eel, and their coding sequences (CDS) lengths were 1449 bp, 1419 bp, 1431 bp, and 1608 bp, respectively. Sequence analysis demonstrated that three of them shared four conserved protein domains, including a MADS‐Box, inside SRF‐TF domains, adjacent conserved MEF2 domains, the HJURP‐C domains, while MEF2B have no HJURP‐C domains. Phylogenetic tree analyses indicated that the MEF2 family members were clustered together with those of fish species, and MEF2A, MEF2C, and MEF2D were closely clustered together and kept away from MEF2B. Spatial–temporal expression profiles displayed that the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of MEF2 were upregulated with the developmental stage and were especially highly expressed significantly in skeletal muscles. After subcutaneous injection of bupivacaine hydrochloride, mRNA levels of MEF2 family and rapidly performed injury‐responsive regulation after damage that firstly increased, then decreased until normal levels were recovered, the same as the change in muscle fiber cells. In conclusion, the MEF2 gene family plays a central role in muscle repair, regeneration, and development in fish, at least in the ricefield eel.
Elevated Expression of follistatin Gene in the Pituitaries of Allotriploid Crucian Carp
Authors: Tao Min , Li Shengnan , Song Can , Chen Jie , Hu Hong , Luo Mi , Zhou Rong , Liu Shaojun
Published: February 2018

As a paracrine factor, Follistatin (Fst) plays an important role in regulating biosynthesis and release of pituitary gonadotropin (GTH), gonadal development, and ovulation cycle. In this study, full‐length complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of the follistatin gene in diploid red crucian carp, Carassius auratus red var., allotriploid crucian carp, and allotetraploid hybrids were obtained. Our data showed that the cDNAs of follistatin of all three fish encoded 322 amino acids. Referring to the structural characteristics of Fst in other species, we found that the Fst protein of these three fish had four domains, respectively. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicated that the follistatin gene was widely expressed in all tested tissues, except spleens, in these three fish. Real‐time quantitative PCR analysis of different seasonal profiles showed that allotriploids had significantly higher expression of follistatin messenger RNA in pituitaries during both the prespawning and spawning periods. These results suggest that the elevated expression of the follistatin gene in the pituitaries of allotriploids might lead to sterility of allotriploids by blocking the inhibitory effect of activin on luteinizing hormone β subunit. Furthermore, the results may improve our understanding of reproduction characteristics in triploids, which benefits polyploidy breeding.
The Redistribution of Reproductive Responsibility: On the Epigenetics of “Environment” in Prenatal Interventions
Authors: Valdez Natali
Published: February 2018

The rapidly shifting field of epigenetics has expanded scientific understanding of how environmental conditions affect gene expression and development. This article focuses on two ongoing clinical trials—one in the United States and one in the United Kingdom—that have used epigenetics as the conceptual basis for testing the relationship between nutrition and obesity during pregnancy. Drawing on ethnographic research, I highlight the different ways that clinical scientists interpret epigenetics to target particular domains of the environment for prenatal intervention. Here I examine three environmental domains: the pregnant body, the home, and everyday experiences. In so doing, I show how different scientific approaches to epigenetics multiply concepts of “the environment,” while also individualizing responsibility onto pregnant bodies. Ultimately, I argue that how the environment is conceptualized in epigenetics is both a scientificanda political project that opens up questions of reproductive responsibility.
The diguanylate cyclase GcpA inhibits the production of pectate lyases via the H‐NS protein and RsmB regulatory RNA in Dickeya dadantii
Authors: Yuan Xiaochen , Tian Fang , He Chenyang , Severin Geoffrey B. , Waters Christopher M. , Zeng Quan , Liu Fengquan , Yang Ching‐Hong
Published: February 2018

Dickeya dadantii 3937 secretes pectate lyases (Pels) to degrade plant cell walls. Previously, we have demonstrated that EGcpB and EcpC function as bis‐(3′,5′)‐cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP)‐specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) to positively regulate Pel production. However, the diguanylate cyclase (DGC) responsible for the synthesis of c‐di‐GMP and the dichotomous regulation of Pel has remained a mystery. Here, we identified GcpA as the dominant DGC to negatively regulate Pel production by the specific repression of pelD gene expression. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays revealed that the expression levels of histone‐like, nucleoid‐structuring protein encoding gene hns and post‐transcriptional regulator encoding genes rsmA and rsmB were significantly affected by GcpA. Deletion of hns or rsmB in the gcpAD418A site‐directed mutant restored its Pel production and pelD expression, demonstrating that H‐NS and RsmB contribute to the GcpA‐dependent regulation of Pel in D. dadantii. In addition, RsmB expression was subject to positive regulation by H‐NS. Thus, we propose a novel pathway consisting of GcpA–H‐NS–RsmB–RsmA–pelD that controls Pel production in D. dadantii. Furthermore, we showed that H‐NS and RsmB are responsible for the GcpA‐dependent regulation of motility and type III secretion system (T3SS) gene expression, respectively. Of the two PDEs involved in the regulation of Pels, only EGcpB regulates pelD expression through the same pathway as GcpA.
Transformative effects of Aboriginal health placements for medical, nursing, and allied health students: A systematic review
Authors: McDonald Helena , Browne Jennifer , Perruzza Julia , Svarc Ruby , Davis Corinne , Adams Karen , Palermo Claire
Published: February 2018

The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate whether placements in Aboriginal health affect the self‐perceived skill in working in Aboriginal health settings and career aspirations of health students, and in particular, aspects of the placement that had the greatest impact. The Embase, Cinahl, ProQuest, Scopus, Informit, Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed databases were searched in April/May 2016. Placements of at least 1 week duration in an Aboriginal health setting involving Australian students of medical, nursing, dentistry, or allied health disciplines, with outcomes relating to changes in students’ knowledge, attitudes, and/or career aspirations, were included. The search retrieved 1351 papers. Fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Narrative synthesis found that work placements in Aboriginal health increased understanding and awareness of Aboriginal culture, promoted deeper understanding of Aboriginal health determinant complexity, increased awareness of everyday racism toward Aboriginal Australians, and enhanced desire to work in Aboriginal health. There is a need for improved teaching and learning scholarship to understand whether placements improve students’ skill working with Aboriginal people in health care or increase the likelihood of future employment in these settings.
Between‐year changes in community composition shape species’ roles in an Arctic plant–pollinator network
Authors: Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Roslin Tomas , Rasmussen Claus , Olesen Jens Mogens , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: February 2018

Inter‐annual turnover in community composition can affect the richness and functioning of ecological communities. If incoming and outgoing species do not interact with the same partners, ecological functions such as pollination may be disrupted. Here, we explore the extent to which turnover affects species’ roles – as defined based on their participation in different motifs positions – in a series of temporally replicated plant–pollinator networks from high‐Arctic Zackenberg, Greenland. We observed substantial turnover in the plant and pollinator assemblages, combined with significant variation in species’ roles between networks. Variation in the roles of plants and pollinators tended to increase with the amount of community turnover, although a negative interaction between turnover in the plant and pollinator assemblages complicated this trend for the roles of pollinators. This suggests that increasing turnover in the future will result in changes to the roles of plants and likely those of pollinators. These changing roles may in turn affect the functioning or stability of this pollination network.
Etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in pediatric urinary tract infection
Authors: Wang Jun , He Lijiao , Sha Jintong , Zhu Haobo , Huang Liqu , Zhu Xiaojiang , Dong Jun , Li Guogen , Ge Zheng , Lu Rugang , Ma Geng , Shi Yaqi , Guo Yunfei
Published: February 2018

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of most common pediatric infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in children hospitalized at Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of allUTIfrom 1 January 2013 to 30 November 2016 in children discharged from Nanjing Children's Hospital. The isolated pathogens and their resistance patterns were examined using midstream urine culture.

Results

A total of 2,316 children withUTIwere included in the study. The occurrence rates of isolated pathogens were as follows:Enterococcusspp., 35.15%;Escherichia coli, 22.32%;Staphylococcus aureusspp., 7.73%;Streptococcusspp., 7.51%; andKlebsiellaspp., 6.95%. Uropathogens had a low susceptibility to linezolid (3.47%), vancomycin (0.92%), imipenem (5.74%), and amikacin (3.17%), but they had a high susceptibility to erythromycin (90.52%), penicillin G (74.01%), cefotaxime (71.41%), cefazolin (73.41%), cefuroxime (72.52%), and aztreonam (70.11%).

Conclusions

There is high antibiotic resistance in hospitalized children withUTI. Susceptibility testing should be carried out on all clinical isolates, and the empirical antibiotic treatment should be altered accordingly.
Leaf blade structure of Verbesina macrophylla (Cass.) F. S. Blake (Asteraceae): ontogeny, duct secretion mechanism and essential oil composition
Authors: Bezerra L. D. A. , Mangabeira P. A. O. , de Oliveira R. A. , Costa L. C. D. B. , Da Cunha M.
Published: February 2018

Secretory structures are common in Asteraceae, where they exhibit a high degree of morphological diversity. The species Verbesina macrophylla, popularly known as assa‐peixe, is native to Brazil where it is widely used for medicinal purposes. Despite its potential medical importance, there have been no studies of the anatomy of this species, especially its secretory structures and secreted compounds. This study examined leaves of V. macrophylla with emphasis on secretory structures and secreted secondary metabolites.

Development of secretory ducts and the mechanism of secretion production are described for V. macrophylla using ultrastructure, yield and chemical composition of its essential oils.

Verbesina macrophylla has a hypostomatic leaf blade with dorsiventral mesophyll and secretory ducts associated with vascular bundles of schizogenous origin. Histochemistry identified the presence of lipids, terpenes, alkaloids and mucopolysaccharides. Ultrastructure suggests that the secretion released into the duct lumen is produced in plastids of transfer cells, parenchymal sheath cells and stored in vacuoles in these cells and duct epithelial cells. The essential oil content was 0.8%, and its major components were germacrene D, germacrene D‐4‐ol, β‐caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene and α‐cadinol.

Secretory ducts of V. macrophylla are squizogenous. Substances identified in tissues suggest that both secretions stored in the ducts and in adjacent parenchyma cells are involved in chemical defence. The essential oil is rich in sesquiterpenes, with germacrene D and its derivatives being notable components.
Sedimentology and geochemistry of a human‐induced tufa deposit: Implications for palaeoclimatic research
Authors: Rodríguez‐Berriguete Álvaro , Alonso‐Zarza Ana Maria , Martín‐García Rebeca , Cabrera Maria del Carmen
Published: February 2018

Geochemical variations across laminated tufas and travertines may reflect the growth style of the carbonate build‐up and not just climate‐related changes. This work presents the study of a carbonate deposit, formed on a ravine wall in Gran Canaria Island (Spain), from a broken pipe system used for irrigation of banana plantations. The deposit is a few tens of metres long and has a stepped morphology formed by successive cascade‐barriers and pools. The main facies are framestones of coated stems, laminated bindstones, phytoclastic wackestones and silty mudstones, all of which display micritic or coarse crystalline textures. Lamination from a framestone with coarse crystalline texture was studied from a petrological–sedimentological and geochemical perspective, and water palaeotemperatures were calculated. Lamination displaying five orders of magnitude, from daily to annual or higher, was controlled by the discontinuous supply of water. Lamination consists of crystalline laminae–discontinuity couplets at all observed scales. Estimated mean precipitation rates are 0·7 mm year−1, but discontinuity of sedimentation at all lamination orders may have involved greater precipitation rates. Whereas elemental geochemistry suggests variable conditions not far from chemical equilibrium, stable isotopes suggest that calcite precipitated under disequilibrium conditions. However, the small dimensions of the deposit and the relatively high flow velocities allowed lack of δ13C and δ18O isotope fractionation in CO2‐ nor in ‐calcite, leading to independent temperature calculations, both with mean values of 25°C. Isotopic trends found throughout lamination cannot be explained by strong changes in water temperature nor in δ13CDIC or δ18Ow. The correction made to eliminate these isotopic trends yielded narrower temperature ranges. This paper discusses the accuracy of temperature estimations despite the difficulties coming from disequilibrium and how isotopic trends through time could be explained by the growth of the deposit and not by climate‐related changes.
Benign and malignant collision tumors of melanocytic skin lesions with hemangioma: Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy features
Authors: Tognetti L. , Cinotti E. , Perrot J.L. , Campoli M. , Fimiani M. , Rubegni P.
Published: February 2018

Background

Though the combination/collision of nevi or lentigo simplex and hemangiomas is frequent, the malignant collision tumor melanoma‐hemangioma is exceptional and can sometime clinically simulate a benign collision. To date, a series of collision tumors of hemangiomas associated with either benign or malignant melanocytic skin lesions (MSL) has yet to be studied by non‐invasive imaging and clinico‐pathologic correlates.

Methods

We present 10 cases of patients with collision tumors of hemangioma with different MSL including: 2 in situ lentigo‐maligna melanoma, 1 invasive melanoma, 5 melanocytic nevi, and 2 lentigo simplex. The clinical aspect along with the dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features is described and compared with histopathologic findings.

Results

Dermoscopic examination allows to recognize a dark ring in malignant collision melanoma‐hemangioma and a jelly ring sign in benign collision of nevi/lentigo simplex‐hemangioma. These peculiar features were confirmed by RCM and histopathologic findings.

Conclusion

Two simple dermoscopic clues confirmed by RCM features can be proposed to help distinguish between benign and malignant collisions tumors.