bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should you repeat mismatch repair testing in cases of tumour recurrence? An evaluation of repeat mismatch repair testing by the use of immunohistochemistry in recurrent tumours of the gastrointestinal and gynaecological tracts
Authors: Aird John J , Steel Michael J , Chow Christine , Ho Julie , Wolber Robert , Gilks C Blake , Hoang Lynn N , Schaeffer David F
Published: November 2019

Aims

The role of mismatch repair (MMR) testing has evolved from identifying Lynch syndrome patients to predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This has led to requests from clinicians to retest recurrences of MMR‐proficient primary tumours in the hope that the recurrence may show a different MMR status and qualify the patient for treatment. We aimed to determine whether repeat testing is warranted.

Methods and results

We evaluated recurrent tumours (local recurrences or metastases) from 137 patients with MMR‐proficient primary tumours of the gastrointestinal and gynaecological tracts. The local recurrences and metastases all occurred at least 30 days after resection of the primary tumour. We used a combination of a tissue microarray and whole slide staining to perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PMS2, MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6, and compared the results with the MMR status of the primary tumour. Three of 137 (2%) initially showed a discordant staining pattern. However, further investigation showed that these discordances were attributable to some of the known pitfalls associated with MMR IHC interpretation – post‐radiotherapy loss of MSH6 expression and subclonal loss of MLH1 staining. We did not identify any cases with a genuine discordance in MMR status.

Conclusion

We conclude that repeat MMR IHC testing of recurrences is not warranted, as MMR status does not change relative to that of the primary tumour.
A reference isotope dilution headspace GC/MS method for the determination of nitrite and nitrate in meat samples
Authors: Luckovitch Natasha , Pagliano Enea
Published: November 2019

A novel method for the determination of nitrite and nitrate in meat products is presented. The samples were ground and extracted in hot water with the presence of and internal standards. The solution was buffered with sodium bicarbonate and reacted with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate to convert nitrite and nitrate into EtNO2 and EtONO2. Such derivatives could be detected by headspace GC/MS in positive chemical ionisation mode with 0.05 µg g−1 and 1.0 µg g−1 LOD. The method was used for and quantitation in the 0.5‐300 and 2.5‐300 µg g−1 ranges. The method was applied for the analysis of fifteen meat products. Despite minimal sample preparation, the headspace sampling ensured a clean chromatography for over 135 analyses (throughput ten samples per hour). The proposed method offers selective GC/MS detection combined with high‐precision isotope dilution calibration, it is suitable for metrological applications and can support regulations on meat safety (European Commission, 2011).
Multiple‐response anti‐counterfeiting realized in CaYAl3O7 host with the dual coexistence of Eu2+/Eu3+
Authors: Yang Xiuxia , Zhao Lei , Zeng Wei , Liu Zhichao , Fan Xiaotong , Tian Shuyu , Zhang Hao , Xu Xuhui , Qiu Jianbei , Yu Xue
Published: November 2019

Fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting technologies have become indispensable by virtue of their high concealment properties. In this work, the observation of the characteristic emission originated from Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions in CaYAl3O7 realizes a dual‐mode anti‐counterfeiting strategy. The host matrix provides an environment, where blue and red emission could be manipulated with the introduction of Nd3+ ions for the reduced occupation of Eu3+ in the sites of Y3+ ions. Moreover, the photoluminescence spectra of these samples exhibit time and temperature‐dependent dynamic changes thanks to the capture and release of carriers in the reconstructed traps induced by Nd3+ ions. Herein, a multi‐stimuli responsive dynamic and static anti‐counterfeiting could be achieved in this work.
Enhanced luminescence of manganese in singly doped white light zinc phosphate glass
Authors: Mao Wei , Cai Muzhi , Xie Wenqing , Li Panpan , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: November 2019

On the basis of a kind of zinc phosphate oxynitride glass matrix with a broadband blue light, a series of manganese single‐doped glasses were obtained. A broader red emission with the higher intensity belonging to the Mn2+ ion was observed in this glass matrix. The mechanism of the emission from Mn2+ ions was clarified through Mn3+ as an “energy acquisition probe” to replace complex dynamic luminescence discussion, which was a fit explanation for the differences in luminescence behavior of Mn ions in prepared glasses at different degrees of redox. The research results indicated that the prepared manganese‐doped glass was a potential candidate as phosphor‐converted white‐light‐emitting diodes. An encapsulated white‐light‐emitting diode device based on this glass with 276 nm ultraviolet chip was achieved. It showed the CIE values of (0.33, 0.35), high CRI (Ra = 86), and low color temperature (5228 K).
Sustained effects on attachment security in middle childhood: results from a randomized clinical trial of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up (ABC) intervention
Authors: Zajac Lindsay , Raby K. Lee , Dozier Mary
Published: November 2019

Background

Interventions have been developed to promote the development of secure and organized attachments during early childhood among children who have experienced early adversity, yet little is known about whether the effects of these early interventions are sustained beyond 12 months postintervention. The current study examined whether receiving the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐Up (ABC) intervention during infancy led to improvements in perceived attachment security in middle childhood among 100 Child Protective Services (CPS)‐referred children.

Methods

Children and parents were randomized to receive ABC or a control intervention during infancy. Children completed the Kerns Security Scale at age nine (Mage = 9.46, SD = 0.36). (Trial Registry Name: Intervening Early with Neglected Children; Registry ID: NCT02093052; URL for registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02093052?term=dozier&rank=1).

Results

Children whose parents received ABC reported higher levels of attachment security on the Kerns Security Scale at age nine than children whose parents had received the control intervention, t(98) = 2.31, p = .023, d = 0.49.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the long‐term benefits of intervening early to promote caregiving quality among at‐risk families and demonstrate the efficacy of a brief 10‐session intervention in promoting attachment security over the span of eight years in a sample of CPS‐referred children.
Differences in perceived predation risk associated with variation in relative size of extra‐pair and within‐pair offspring
Authors: Hallinger Kelly K. , Vitousek Maren N. , Winkler David W.
Published: November 2019

Extra‐pair paternity (EPP) is a widespread phenomenon in birds. Researchers have long hypothesized that EPP must confer a fitness advantage to extra‐pair offspring (EPO), but empirical support for this hypothesis is definitively mixed. This could be because genetic benefits of EPP only exist in a subset of environmental contexts to which a population is exposed. From 2013 to 2015, we manipulated perceived predator density in a population of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) breeding in New York to see whether fitness outcomes of extra‐pair and within‐pair offspring (WPO) varied with predation risk. In nests that had been exposed to predators, EPO were larger, longer‐winged and heavier than WPO. In nonpredator nests, WPO tended to be larger, longer‐winged and heavier than EPO, though the effect was nonsignificant. We found no differences in age, morphology or stress physiology between extra‐pair and within‐pair sires from the same nest, suggesting that additive genetic benefits cannot fully explain the differences in nestling size that we observed. The lack of an effect of predator exposure on survival or glucocorticoid stress physiology of EPO and WPO further suggests that observed size differences do not reflect more general variation in intrinsic genetic quality. Instead, we suggest that size differences may have arisen through differential investment into EPO and WPO by females, perhaps because EPO and WPO represent different reproductive strategies, with each type of nestling conferring a fitness advantage in specific ecological contexts.
IgM response is a prognostic biomarker of primary biliary cholangitis treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate
Authors: Takano Keiko , Saeki Chisato , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Hidaka Akihisa , Mizuno Yusuke , Ishida Jinya , Takakura Kazuki , Nakano Masanori , Torisu Yuichi , Amano Katsushi , Ishikawa Tomohisa , Zeniya Mikio , Tsubota Akihito , Saruta Masayuki
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients who are refractory to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) are at risk for progression to cirrhosis and liver failure. Bezafibrate could be an alternative second‐line therapeutic option in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term outcome(s) of combined UDCA and bezafibrate therapy in UDCA‐refractory PBC patients and identify prognostic factors.

Methods

Among 445 patients treated with UDCA, 150 patients inadequately responded to UDCA monotherapy and received long‐term UDCA plus bezafibrate (median, 15 years). Data from these patients were used for this retrospective analysis.

Results

Combination therapy resulted in significant improvements in serum biochemistry and liver transplantation risk estimated using the UK‐PBC‐risk and the GLOBE scores. The cumulative normalization rates of alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly higher in patients without cirrhosis‐related symptoms or liver‐related events than in those with them. Overall, IgM constantly emerged as a significant factor associated with cirrhosis‐related symptoms and liver‐related events at all time points. Cumulative survival rates were significantly lower in patients with IgM ≥ 240 mg/dL than in patients with IgM < 240 mg/dL. Thus, normalization of IgM levels was a good surrogate predictor of long‐term prognosis. None of the patients discontinued combination therapy due to any adverse events during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Our findings point to the beneficial effects of long‐term UDCA plus bezafibrate combination therapy for UDCA‐refractory PBC patients, and IgM response can be a useful predictive biomarker of long‐term clinical outcomes.
Long‐term results of variceal bleeding management in 302 patients with chronic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction
Authors: Chen Hui , He Chuangye , Lv Yong , Fan Jiahao , Tang Shihao , Niu Jing , Yuan Jie , Luo Bohan , Guo Wengang , Yin Zhanxin , Han Guohong
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim

Treatment modalities of variceal bleeding or rebleeding for extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) are limited, and their long‐term results and prognostic factors are unclear. This study aimed at assessing the long‐term results of EHPVO treated with current recommendations and investigating the influencing factors.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2016, 302 consecutive patients with EHPVO were included. Watch‐and‐wait policy was applied for those with no (n = 59) or small varices (n = 55), nonselective beta‐adrenergic blocker and nonselective beta‐adrenergic blocker plus endotherapy were for primary (n = 115) and secondary prophylaxis (n = 87), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or combination therapy was for those with recurrent bleeding (n = 92).

Results

The median follow up was 58.8 months. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative rates were 3.6%, 19.2%, 32.3% for small varices development and 4.5%, 30.9%, 53.4% for large varices development. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative rates were 11.1%, 20.9%, and 34.9% for first variceal bleeding and 16.0%, 26.9%, and 33.6% for variceal rebleeding. For those with recurrent variceal bleeding, only TIPS (n = 37, technical success rate: 90.2%) was associated with a reduced risk of variceal rebleeding (1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year: 5.6%, 11.7%, and 21.9%). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 96.9%, 95.8%, and 91.9%. Prothrombotic factors and anticoagulation did not influence the risk of variceal bleeding, rebleeding, and survival.

Conclusions

By applying the same variceal management as recommended for patients with liver cirrhosis, patients with non‐cirrhotic EHPVO showed a similar development of varices and variceal bleeding. This is also true for the beneficial effect of TIPS to prevent rebleeding.
Microstructurally controlled trace element (Zr, U–Pb) concentrations in metamorphic rutile: An example from the amphibolites of the Bergen Arcs
Authors: Moore Jo , Beinlich Andreas , Porter Jennifer K. , Talavera Cristina , Berndt Jasper , Piazolo Sandra , Austrheim Håkon , Putnis Andrew
Published: November 2019

As a common constituent of metamorphic assemblages, rutile provides constraints on the timing and conditions of rock transformation at high resolution. However, very little is known about the links between trace element mobility and rutile microstructures that result from synmetamorphic deformation. To address this issue, here we combine in situ LA‐ICP‐MS and sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe trace element data with electron back‐scatter diffraction microstructural analyses to investigate the links between rutile lattice distortions and Zr and U–Pb systematics. Furthermore, we apply this integrated approach to constrain further the temperature and timing of amphibolite facies metamorphism and deformation in the Bergen Arcs of southwestern Norway. In outcrop, the formation of porphyroblastic rutile in dynamically hydrated leucocratic domains of otherwise rutile‐poor statically hydrated amphibolite provides key contextual information on both the ambient conditions of hydration and deformation and the composition of the reactive fluid. Rutile in amphibolite recorded ambient metamorphic temperatures of ~590–730°C during static hydration of the granulitic precursor. By contrast, rutile from leucocratic domains in the directly adjacent shear zone indicates that deformation was accompanied by a localized increase in temperature. These higher temperatures are recorded in strain‐free rutile (~600–860°C) and by Zr concentration measurements on low‐angle boundaries and shear bands (620–820°C). In addition, we also observe slight depletions of Zr and U along rutile low‐angle boundaries relative to strain‐free areas in deformed grains from the shear zone. This indicates that crystal–plastic deformation facilitated the compositional re‐equilibration of rutile upon cooling to slightly below the peak temperature of deformation. Cessation of deformation at mid‐crustal conditions near ~600°C is recorded by late stage growth of small (<150 µm) rutile in the high‐strain zones. U–Pb age data obtained from the strain‐free and distorted rutile grains cluster in distinct populations of 437.4 ± 2.7 Ma and c. 405–410 Ma, respectively. These different ages are interpreted to reflect the difference in closure for thermally induced Pb diffusion between undeformed and deformed rutile during post‐deformation exhumation and cooling. Thus, our results provide a reconstruction of the thermochronological history of the amphibolite facies rocks of the Lindås Nappe and highlight the importance of integration of microstructural data during application of thermometers and geochronometers.
Effects of optogenetic stimulation of vasopressinergic retinal afferents on suprachiasmatic neurones
Authors: Hume Catherine , Allchorne Andrew , Grinevich Valery , Leng Gareth , Ludwig Mike
Published: November 2019

Physiological circadian rhythms are orchestrated by the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The activity of SCN cells is synchronised by environmental signals, including light information from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We recently described a population of vasopressin‐expressing RGCs (VP‐RGC) that send axonal projections to the SCN. To determine how these VP‐RGCs influence the activity of cells in the SCN, we used optogenetic tools to specifically activate their axon terminals within the SCN. Rats were intravitreally injected with a recombinant adeno‐associated virus to express the channelrhodopsin‐2 and the red fluorescent protein mCherry under the vasopressin promoter (VP‐ChR2mCherry). In vitro recordings in acute brain slices showed that approximately 30% of ventrolateral SCN cells responded to optogenetic stimulation with an increase in firing rate that progressively increased during the first 200 seconds of stimulation and which persisted after the end of stimulation. Finally, application of a vasopressin V1A receptor antagonist dampened the response to optogenetic stimulation. Our data suggest that optogenetic stimulation of VP‐RGC axons within the SCN influences the activity of SCN cells in a vasopressin‐dependent manner.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae – clinical and molecular perspectives
Authors: Choby J. E. , Howard‐Anderson J. , Weiss D. S.
Published: November 2019

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) has emerged as a concerning global pathogen. hvKp is more virulent than classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and capable of causing community‐acquired infections, often in healthy individuals. hvKp is carried in the gastrointestinal tract, which contributes to its spread in the community and healthcare settings. First recognized in Asia, hvKp arose as a leading cause of pyogenic liver abscesses. In the decades since, hvKp has spread globally and causes a variety of infections. In addition to liver abscesses, hvKp is distinct from cKp in its ability to metastasize to distant sites, including most commonly the eye, lung and central nervous system (CNS). hvKp has also been implicated in primary extrahepatic infections including bacteremia, pneumonia and soft tissue infections. The genetic determinants of hypervirulence are often found on large virulence plasmids as well as chromosomal mobile genetic elements which can be used as biomarkers to distinguish hvKp from cKp clinical isolates. These distinct virulence determinants of hvKp include up to four siderophore systems for iron acquisition, increased capsule production, K1 and K2 capsule types, and the colibactin toxin. Additionally, hvKp strains demonstrate hypermucoviscosity, a phenotypic description of hvKp in laboratory conditions that has become a distinguishing feature of many hypervirulent isolates. Alarmingly, multidrug‐resistant hypervirulent strains have emerged, creating a new challenge in combating this already dangerous pathogen.
Pyrosequencing of the subgingival microbiome in peri‐implantitis after non‐surgical mechanical debridement therapy
Authors: Nie Jie , Zhang Qian , Zheng Hui , Xu Li‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Yan , Chen Feng
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives

Peri‐implantitis remains a challenge for dental implant therapy, and the prognosis of non‐surgical therapy for peri‐implantitis is unsatisfactory. In order to reveal the impact of non‐surgical mechanical debridement therapy on microbial communities, we investigated the subgingival microbial communities of healthy implants and implants with peri‐implantitis, both before and after the therapy.

Material and Methods

Subgingival plaques were collected from patients with healthy dental implants (HC; n = 10) and from patients with peri‐implantitis (n = 13) before and after non‐surgical mechanical debridement therapy. The treatment was conducted using curettes for submucosal debridement followed by irrigation with 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine, with re‐examination 1 month later. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing was used to analyze the subgingival microbiome, and co‐occurrence networks were adopted to explore the interactions between pathogens in the microbial communities.

Results

A total of 506 955 high‐quality reads were generated, and 2222 operational taxonomic units were finally detected using a 97% similarity cutoff, with a mean of 249 ± 69 per sample. The peri‐implantitis sites harbored similar microbial communities before and after the treatment, as demonstrated by the microbial diversity, relative abundance, and prevalence of bacteria. Most importantly, the microbial community structures were stable before and after non‐surgical therapy based on the microbial diversity and bacterial composition, as well as the interactions between key pathogens, including Enterobacteriaceae, Selenomonas sputigena, Parvimonas, Eubacterium infirmum, Campylobacter gracilis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium, which were measured using a co‐occurrence network analysis. Periodontal pathogens were also detected in subgingival plaque after the treatment. Distinct microbial communities were found between the healthy and peri‐implantitis sites.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that non‐surgical mechanical debridement therapy did not significantly affect the subgingival microbial communities in peri‐implantitis, and the stable microbial networks created via interactions among pathogens may be responsible for the poor prognosis of peri‐implantitis treatment.
Geographical and temporal variation of multiple paternity in invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki, Gambusia affinis)
Authors: Gao Jiancao , Santi Francesco , Zhou Linjun , Wang Xiaoqin , Riesch Rüdiger , Plath Martin
Published: November 2019

Multiple paternity (MP) increases offspring's genetic variability, which could be linked to invasive species' evolvability in novel distribution ranges. Shifts in MP can be adaptive, with greater MP in harsher/colder environments or towards the end of the reproductive season, but climate could also affect MP indirectly via its effect on reproductive life histories. We tested these hypotheses by genotyping N = 2,903 offspring from N = 306 broods of two closely related livebearing fishes, Gambusia holbrooki and Gambusia affinis. We sampled pregnant females across latitudinal gradients in their invasive ranges in Europe and China, and found more sires per brood and a greater reproductive skew towards northern sampling sites. Moreover, examining monthly sampling from two G. affinis populations, we found MP rates to vary across the reproductive season in a northern Chinese, but not in a southern Chinese population. While our results confirm an increase of MP in harsher/more unpredictable environments, path analysis indicated that, in both cases, the effects of climate are likely to be indirect, mediated by altered life histories. In both species, which rank amongst the 100 most invasive species worldwide, higher MP at the northern edge of their distribution probably increases their invasive potential and favours range expansions, especially in light of the predicted temperature increases due to global climate changes.
The complex evolutionary history of apricots: Species divergence, gene flow and multiple domestication events
Authors: Liu Shuo , Cornille Amandine , Decroocq Stéphane , Tricon David , Chague Aurélie , Eyquard Jean‐Philippe , Liu Wei‐Sheng , Giraud Tatiana , Decroocq Véronique
Published: November 2019

Domestication is an excellent model to study diversification and this evolutionary process can be different in perennial plants, such as fruit trees, compared to annual crops. Here, we inferred the history of wild apricot species divergence and of apricot domestication history across Eurasia, with a special focus on Central and Eastern Asia, based on microsatellite markers and approximate Bayesian computation. We significantly extended our previous sampling of apricots in Europe and Central Asia towards Eastern Asia, resulting in a total sample of 271 cultivated samples and 306 wild apricots across Eurasia, mainly Prunus armeniaca and Prunus sibirica, with some Prunus mume and Prunus mandshurica. We recovered wild Chinese species as genetically differentiated clusters, with P. sibirica being divided into two clusters, one possibly resulting from hybridization with P. armeniaca. Central Asia also appeared as a diversification centre of wild apricots. We further revealed at least three domestication events, without bottlenecks, that gave rise to European, Southern Central Asian and Chinese cultivated apricots, with ancient gene flow among them. The domestication event in China possibly resulted from ancient hybridization between wild populations from Central and Eastern Asia. We also detected extensive footprints of recent admixture in all groups of cultivated apricots. Our results thus show that apricot is an excellent model for studying speciation and domestication in long‐lived perennial fruit trees.
Die hard: timberline conifers survive annual winter embolism
Authors: Mayr Stefan , Schmid Peter , Beikircher Barbara , Feng Feng , Badel Eric
Published: November 2019

During winter, timberline trees are exposed to drought and frost, factors known to induce embolism. Studies indicated that conifers cope with winter embolism by xylem refilling. We analysed the loss of hydraulic conductivity (LC) in Picea abies branch xylem over 10 years, and correlated winter embolism to climate parameters. LC was investigated by direct X‐ray micro‐computer tomography (micro‐CT) observations and potential cavitation fatigue by Cavitron measurements. Trees showed up to 100% winter embolism, whereby LC was highest, when climate variables indicated frost drought and likely freeze–thaw stress further increased LC. During summer, LC never exceeded 16%, due to hydraulic recovery. Micro‐CT revealed homogenous embolism during winter and that recovery was based on xylem refilling. Summer samples exhibited lower LC in outermost compared to older tree rings, although no cavitation fatigue was detected. Long‐term data and micro‐CT observations demonstrate that timberline trees can survive annual cycles of pronounced winter‐embolism followed by xylem refilling. Only a small portion of the xylem conductivity cannot be restored during the first year, while remaining conduits are refilled without fatigue during consecutive years. We identify important research topics to better understand the complex induction and repair of embolism at the timberline and its relevance to general plant hydraulics.
Diversity, dynamics and effects of long terminal repeat retrotransposons in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Stritt Christoph , Wyler Michele , Gimmi Elena L. , Pippel Martin , Roulin Anne C.
Published: November 2019

Transposable elements (TEs) are the main reason for the high plasticity of plant genomes, where they occur as communities of diverse evolutionary lineages. Because research has typically focused on single abundant families or summarized TEs at a coarse taxonomic level, our knowledge about how these lineages differ in their effects on genome evolution is still rudimentary.

Here we investigate the community composition and dynamics of 32 long terminal repeat retrotransposon (LTR‐RT) families in the 272‐Mb genome of the Mediterranean grass Brachypodium distachyon.

We find that much of the recent transpositional activity in the B. distachyon genome is due to centromeric Gypsy families and Copia elements belonging to the Angela lineage. With a half‐life as low as 66 kyr, the latter are the most dynamic part of the genome and an important source of within‐species polymorphisms. Second, GC‐rich Gypsy elements of the Retand lineage are the most abundant TEs in the genome. Their presence explains > 20% of the genome‐wide variation in GC content and is associated with higher methylation levels.

Our study shows how individual TE lineages change the genetic and epigenetic constitution of the host beyond simple changes in genome size.
1‐Palmitoyl‐2‐linoleoyl‐3‐acetyl‐rac‐glycerol ameliorates chemoradiation‐induced oral mucositis
Authors: Choi Solji , Shin Su‐Hyun , Lee Ha‐Reum , Sohn Ki‐Young , Yoon Sun Young , Kim Jae Wha
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study was designed to investigate whether necroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of chemoradiation‐induced oral mucositis in a murine model and whether 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐linoleoyl‐3‐acetyl‐rac‐glycerol (PLAG) ameliorates this disorder.

Materials and Methods

A chemoradiation‐induced oral mucositis model was established by treating mice with concurrent 5‐fluorouracil (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and head and neck X‐irradiation (20 Gy). Phosphate‐buffered saline or PLAG (100 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered daily. Body weights were recorded daily, and mice were sacrificed on Day 9 for tongue tissue analysis.

Results

On Day 9, chemoradiotherapy‐treated (ChemoRT) mice had tongue ulcerations and experienced significant weight loss (Day 0:26.18 ± 1.41 g; Day 9:19.44 ± 3.26 g). They also had elevated serum macrophage inhibitory protein 2 (MIP‐2) (control: 5.57 ± 3.49 pg/ml; ChemoRT: 130.14 ± 114.54 pg/ml) and interleukin (IL)‐6 (control: 198.25 ± 16.91 pg/ml; ChemoRT: 467.25 ± 108.12 pg/ml) levels. ChemoRT‐treated mice who received PLAG exhibited no weight loss (Day 0:25.78 ± 1.04 g; Day 9:26.46 ± 1.68 g) and had lower serum MIP‐2 (4.42 ± 4.04 pg/ml) and IL‐6 (205.75 ± 30.41 pg/ml) levels than ChemoRT‐treated mice who did not receive PLAG. Tongue tissues of mice who received PLAG also displayed lower phosphorylation levels of necroptotic signalling proteins.

Conclusion

1‐Palmitoyl‐2‐linoleoyl‐3‐acetyl‐rac‐glycerol mitigated chemoradiation‐induced oral mucositis by modulating necroptosis.
Incidence and causes of pacemaker implantation during postoperative period of aortic valve replacement with rapid deployment prosthesis
Authors: Arribas José María , Soriano Laura , Rivera‐Caravaca José Miguel , Lorenzo Maydelin , Muñoz Carmen , Taboada Rubén , Jiménez Antonio , Martínez Juan , García‐Puente Julio , Gutiérrez Francisco , Manzano Sergio , Cánovas Sergio
Published: November 2019

Background

Aortic stenosis is currently the most frequently occurring valve pathology. Developments, such as transcatheter prostheses and rapid deployment prostheses, allow for the offer of a valve replacement to higher risk patients, but these techniques are linked with a higher need for a permanent pacemaker during the immediate postoperative period.

Methods

We studied the incidence and the factors associated with permanent pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement with Edwards Intuity rapid deployment prosthesis.

Results

Between October 2012 and December 2016, the Edwards Intuity prosthesis was implanted in 71 patients (68% male, 75.3 ± 5 years old). Six patients (8%) required a permanent pacemaker during immediate postoperative period. Univariate analysis showed that a history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (P = .046, B = 7.5, 95% CI [1.039‐54.1]) and preoperative amiodarone (P = .009, B = 31.5; 95% CI [2.32‐426]) were associated with a higher need for a pacemaker during the postoperative period.

Conclusions

The incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation during the immediate postoperative period of aortic valve replacement with Edwards Intuity prosthesis was 8%, a value which is within the limits reported for conventional aortic prostheses. Preoperative amiodarone treatment and previous AMI may increase the need for a pacemaker during the postoperative period of these aortic prostheses.
Money matters: The role of public sector wages in corruption prevention
Authors: Cornell Agnes , Sundell Anders
Published: November 2019

Economic theory as well as conventional wisdom from corruption‐ridden countries suggest that low wages among public employees lead to corruption, but cross‐sectional empirical research has largely failed to confirm this relationship. In this article, we investigate the relationship between experiences of corruption and wage levels for public sector employees, utilizing both objective and expert survey data, with global coverage. The statistical analysis shows that higher wages, as compared to the average wage in the country, is associated with less corruption. There is also some support, but weaker, for the hypothesis that corruption increases when wages fall below subsistence levels.
IgE antibody repertoire in nasal secretions of children and adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis: A molecular analysis
Authors: Castelli Sveva , Arasi Stefania , Tripodi Salvatore , Villalta Danilo , Martelli Paola , Conte Mariaelisabetta , Panetta Valentina , Simonelli Ilaria , Rohrbach Alexander , Di Fraia Marco , Sfika Ifigenia , Villella Valeria , Di Rienzo Businco Andrea , Perna Serena , Dramburg Stephanie , Potapova Ekaterina , Matricardi Paolo Maria
Published: November 2019

Background

There is growing interest both in testing IgE in nasal secretions (NS) and in molecular diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Yet, the reliability of nasal IgE detection with the newest molecular assays has never been assessed in a large cohort of pollen allergic patients.

Objective

To investigate with microarray technology and compare the repertoires of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies in NS and sera of a large population of children and adults with SAR.

Methods

Nasal secretions were collected with an absorbent device (Merocel 2000®, Medtronic) and a minimal dilution procedure from 90 children and 71 adults with SAR. Total IgE (tIgE) (ImmunoCAP, Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS)) and sIgE antibodies against 112 allergen molecules (ISAC‐112, TFS) were measured in NS and serum.

Results

Nasal sIgE was detectable in 68.3% of the patients. The detected nasal sIgE antibodies recognized airborne (88%), vegetable (10%), and animal food or other (<1%) allergen molecules. The prevalence and average levels of sIgE in NS and serum were highly interrelated at population level. A positive nasal sIgE antibody to a given molecule predicted the detection of the same antibody in the patient's serum with a specificity of 99.7% and a sensitivity of 40%.

Conclusions

The concentration of sIgE is much lower in nasal secretions than in the serum. sIgE assays with very high analytical sensitivity and sampling methods with minimal dilution will be therefore needed to validate nasal secretions as alternative to serum in testing the sIgE repertoire.
Priming of inducible defenses protects Norway spruce against tree‐killing bark beetles
Authors: Mageroy Melissa H. , Christiansen Erik , Långström Bo , Borg‐Karlson Anna‐Karin , Solheim Halvor , Björklund Niklas , Zhao Tao , Schmidt Axel , Fossdal Carl Gunnar , Krokene Paal
Published: November 2019

Plants can form an immunological memory known as defense priming, whereby exposure to a priming stimulus enables quicker or stronger response to subsequent attack by pests and pathogens. Such priming of inducible defenses provides increased protection and reduces allocation costs of defense. Defense priming has been widely studied for short‐lived model plants such asArabidopsis, but little is known about this phenomenon in long‐lived plants like spruce. We compared the effects of pretreatment with sublethal fungal inoculations or application of the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the resistance of 48‐year‐old Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees to mass attack by a tree‐killing bark beetle beginning 35 days later. Bark beetles heavily infested and killed untreated trees but largely avoided fungus‐inoculated trees and MeJA‐treated trees. Quantification of defensive terpenes at the time of bark beetle attack showed fungal inoculation induced 91‐fold higher terpene concentrations compared with untreated trees, whereas application of MeJA did not significantly increase terpenes. These results indicate that resistance in fungus‐inoculated trees is a result of direct induction of defenses, whereas resistance in MeJA‐treated trees is due to defense priming. This work extends our knowledge of defense priming from model plants to an ecologically important tree species.
Equivalence of foliar water uptake and stomatal conductance?
Authors: Binks Oliver , Coughlin Ingrid , Mencuccini Maurizio , Meir Patrick
Published: November 2019

Foliar water uptake, FWU, the uptake of atmospheric water directly into leaves, has been reported to occur in nearly 200 species spanning a wide range of ecosystems distributed globally. In order to represent FWU in land‐surface models, a conductance term is required to scale the process to the canopy level. Here we show that conductance to FWU is theoretically equivalent to stomatal conductance and that under commonly occurring conditions vapour could diffuse into leaves at rates equivalent to those reported as FWU. We therefore conclude that such ‘reverse transpiration’ could partially, or even wholly, account for FWU in some plants.
Impact of family income on the lifestyle and physique of schoolchildren in Higashi‐Osaka City, Japan
Authors: Takaya Junji , Okawa Toshikazu
Published: November 2019

Background

There is limited evidence about the ways in which poverty affects the health and educational environment of schoolchildren. We investigated the impact of family income on the lifestyle and physique of children in Japan.

Methods

We mailed a questionnaire to 1,000 fifth‐grade elementary school and 1,000 second‐grade junior high school students and their parents in Higashi‐Osaka City from August to September, 2017. Physique was evaluated based on standard body weight for height.

Results

The questionnaire survey recovery rate was 31.3%. Overweight / obesity was confirmed in 8.1% of males and 3.7% of females. The prevalence of overweight / obesity was higher in children of families with incomes under the median than in families with incomes over the median only in females. The number of children with less than 1 h of studying time after school was significantly higher in children of families with incomes under the median, as well as in overweight / obese children. In children of families with incomes under the median, the rates of possessing books, exercise equipment, and their own room were lower than in children of families with incomes over the median, but there was no difference in the rates of possessing smartphones, or video games, based on income.

Conclusions

Children of low‐income families have an educational handicap, which is one of the risk factors for the “chain of poverty.”
Overview and future perspectives of nitrifying bacteria on biofilters for recirculating aquaculture systems
Authors: Ruiz Pamela , Vidal José Miguel , Sepúlveda Daniela , Torres Claudia , Villouta Gabriela , Carrasco Carlos , Aguilera Felipe , Ruiz‐Tagle Nathaly , Urrutia Homero
Published: November 2019

Intensive fish culture is a practice in aquaculture systems; however, it can produce negative environmental impacts due to the accumulation of organic nitrogen from feeding procedures, but also from fish wasting products. Recirculating aquaculture systems have emerged as one strategy to reduce these impacts, maintaining a healthy environment for fish. These reduce toxicity level through nitrifying biofilters, which use a microbial consortium to convert ammonia into nitrate. The main component of bacterial consortium is comprised by aerobic ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and aerobic nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria, which are part of the whole nitrification process. These nitrifying bacteria grow in suspension or in fixed form, the latter characterized by a biofilm formation where bacteria adhere to a physical substrate in a self‐produced polymer matrix. The biofilm formation requires tight communication among bacteria to regulate the transcriptional circuits underlying the production of chemical signal molecules (e.g. N‐acetyl‐homoserine lactones) that control biofilm formation. This coordination is known as quorum sensing and can be considered as a mechanism that contributes to the coupling and maintenance of nitrification rate among bacteria by regulating expression levels of relevant genes associated with nitrification process. Therefore, the control of this process is crucial in recirculating aquaculture systems and its incorrect manipulation can produce a detriment of water quality. We here present an overview of the nitrification process in recirculating aquaculture systems. Subsequently, we describe nitrifying biofilters and nitrifying bacteria. Finally, we discuss how quorum sensing controls the efficiency of nitrifying bacteria and potential applications of nitrifying biofilters in intensive aquaculture systems.
Facies and depositional model of alluvial fan dominated by episodic flood events in arid conditions: An example from the Quaternary Poplar Fan, north‐western China
Authors: Gao Chonglong , Ji Youliang , Wu Chenliang , Jin Jun , Ren Ying , Yang Zhao , Liu Dawei , Huan Zhijun , Duan Xiaobing , Zhou Yuqi
Published: November 2019

Alluvial fans are usually constructed through episodic flood events. Despite the significance of these ephemeral floods on the morphodynamics of alluvial fans, depositional responses to the variations in flood conditions are still poorly documented. This greatly limits the ability to interpret ancient sedimentary successions of fans and the associated flood hydrodynamics. The Quaternary Poplar Fan from endorheic Heshituoluogai Basin provides an optimal case for addressing this issue. Based on the variations in facies associations and flood conditions, three depositional stages – namely; lobe building stage, channel building stage and the abandonment stage – are identified. During the lobe building stage the Poplar Fan is predominately constructed through incised channel flood, sheetflood and unconfined streamflood, with coeval development of distal surficial ephemeral ponds. The channel building stage is characterized by the development of gravelly braided rivers. However, only scour pool fill deposits are preferentially preserved in the Poplar Fan. During the abandonment stage, erosional lags and aeolian sands randomly occur throughout the fan, while gully deposits can only be found in the distal fan. The distinctive facies architecture of the Poplar Fan is likely to be the result of periodicity of climate fluctuations between wetter and drier conditions during the Late Pleistocene to Holocene. The ephemeral floods formed under wetter conditions usually show high discharge and sediment concentrations which facilitate the lobe building processes. During the drier periods, only gravelly braided rivers can be developed through ephemeral floods as the intensity and frequency in precipitation, discharge and sediment concentrations of the flood flows significantly decrease. The abandonment stage of the fan may occur between recurring flood episodes or during the driest periods. Furthermore, the long‐term (105 to 106 year) geomorphic evolution of the Poplar Fan shows the influence of tectonic activities. The ongoing thrust uplift tectonic activities have caused destruction of the fan but can also facilitate the fan‐head trench/incision of the fan, which in turn facilitate the progradation of the fan. This study proposes a new depositional model for alluvial fans constructed through episodic flood events, which shows the character of both sheet‐flood dominated and stream‐flow dominated end members of alluvial fans. These findings supplement the understanding of the variability of the alluvial fans and provide means to characterize rock record of alluvial fans and their associated flood and climate conditions.
Confidence intervals for variance component ratios in unbalanced linear mixed models
Authors: Fernando Mahesh N. , Butler Ronald W.
Published: November 2019

Methods for constructing confidence intervals for variance component ratios in general unbalanced mixed models are developed. The methods are based on inverting the distribution of the signed root of the log‐likelihood ratio statistic constructed from either the restricted maximum likelihood or the full likelihood. As this distribution is intractable, the inversion is rather based on using a saddlepoint approximation to its distribution. Apart from Wald's exact method, the resulting intervals are unrivalled in terms of achieving accuracy in overall coverage, underage, and overage. Issues related to the proper “reference set” with which to judge the coverage as well as issues connected to variance ratios being nonnegative with lower bound 0 are addressed. Applications include an unbalanced nested design and an unbalanced crossed design.
Soil microstructure alterations induced by land use change for sugarcane expansion in Brazil
Authors: Canisares Lucas Pecci , Cherubin Maurício Roberto , da Silva Laura Fernanda Simoes , Franco Andre Luiz Custodio , Cooper Miguel , Mooney Sacha J. , Cerri Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino
Published: November 2019

Land use change (LUC) alters soil structure and, consequently, the functions and services provided by these soils. Conversion from extensive pasture to sugarcane is one of the largest land transitions in Brazil as a result of the growth of the domestic and global demands of bioenergy. However, the impacts of sugarcane expansion on the soil structure under extensive pasture remains unclear, especially when considering changes at the microscale. We investigated whether LUC for sugarcane cultivation impacted soil microstructure quality. Undisturbed soil samples were taken from two soil layers (0–10 and 10–20 cm) under three contrasting land uses (native vegetation—NV, pasture—PA and sugarcane—SC) in three different locations in the central‐southern Brazil. Oriented thin sections (30 μm) were used for micromorphological analysis. The total area of pores decreased following the LUC in the following order: NV > PA > SC in both soil layers. The area of large complex packing pores (>0.01 mm²) also decreased with the LUC sequence: NV>PA>SC. Qualitative and semi‐quantitative micromorphological analysis confirmed porosity reduction was driven by the decrease in complex packing pores and that biological features decreased in the same LUC sequence as the quantitative parameters. Therefore, LUC for sugarcane expansion reduced microscale soil porosity, irrespectively of soil type and site‐specific conditions, indicating that the adoption of more sustainable management practices is imperative to preserve soil structure and sustain soil functions in Brazilian sugarcane fields.
Geochemical characteristics of basalts related to incipient oceanization: The example from the Alpine‐Tethys OCTs
Authors: Amann Méderic , Ulrich Marc , Manatschal Gianreto , Pelt Eric , Epin Marie‐Eva , Autin Julia , Sauter Daniel
Published: November 2019

Basalts exposed in the Platta and Tasna nappes (SE Switzerland) derive from the Alpine‐Tethys ocean–continent transitions (OCT) and overlie subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). We show that the trace element signatures of these basalts differ from mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB). Two types of basalts occur in the OCT: a type‐1 showing a ‘garnet signature’ that can be modelled by the partial melting of the SCLM in the spinel stability field and a type‐2 characterized by an enrichment in incompatible elements that can be explained by the mixing between garnet‐pyroxenite‐derived melts and the melting of either a depleted MORB mantle or a refertilized SCLM. Based on the geological and geochemical observations, we propose that the basalts from the Alpine‐Tethys OCTs result from a poly‐phase magmatic system that carries an inherited SCLM signature. These basalts should therefore be referred to as OCT‐basalts rather than as MOR‐basalts.