bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter‐relationship between photosynthetic efficiency, Δ13C, antioxidant activity and sugarcane yield under drought stress in field conditions
Authors: Endres Laurício , dos Santos Claudiana Moura , Silva José Vieira , Barbosa Geraldo Veríssimo de Souza , Silva André Lucas Januário , Froehlich Angela , Teixeira Marcelo Menossi
Published: April 2019

Drought is one of the major climatic factors that reduce crop yields in cultivated areas around the world, and studies on physiological responses may help in the selection of drought tolerant genotypes. Thus, this work aimed to correlate gas exchange, photosynthetic efficiency, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) and antioxidant activity in sugarcane varieties submitted to water stress under field conditions. Six sugarcane varieties were submitted to drought stress in three development stages: tillering, intense growth and ripening. In all varieties, the photosynthetic apparatus was severely affected by drought, with a reduction in photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content. During the tillering stage, reductions in gas exchange and increase in Δ13C and bundle sheath leakiness (φ) were observed. In the intense growth stage, water stress caused increases in leaf temperature, intrinsic water use efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation, and reductions in stomatal conductance and transpiration in the RB72454, RB855113 and RB855536 varieties. However, the RB92579 variety maintained a better physiological homeostasis at all development stages and presented higher stalks yielding when submitted to drought. This work suggests that screen sugarcane genotype to drought stress should be performed during the intense growth stage, when plants are more sensitive to drought conditions.
Using 360‐degree videos in teacher education to improve preservice teachers' professional interpersonal vision
Authors: Theelen Hanneke , van den Beemt Antoine , den Brok Perry
Published: April 2019

Noticing and interpreting classroom events (professional vision) is an important element of preservice teachers' (PSTs) interpersonal competence. This paper presents a mixed‐method study about a classroom simulation using 360‐degree videos combined with theoretical lectures in teacher education, intended to improve PSTs' interpretations of noticed events. Furthermore, this study examined how PSTs evaluate technological and educational affordances of 360‐degree videos. Results indicate that participating PSTs improved in noticing classroom events and in applying a more theory‐based terminology to describe these events. PSTs perceived observing other teachers teach as an educational affordance for mastering theory and for developing insights about interpersonal teacher behaviour. Concerning technological affordances, mainly physical discomforts and technical hindrances, was reported by PSTs. The results of this study imply that 360‐degree videos can be useful for teacher education to improve PSTs' interpretation of noticed events.
Secukinumab, a fully human anti‐interleukin‐17A monoclonal antibody, exhibits low immunogenicity in psoriasis patients treated up to 5 years
Authors: Reich K. , Blauvelt A. , Armstrong A. , Langley R.G. , de Vera A. , Kolbinger F. , Spindeldreher S. , Ren M. , Bruin G.
Published: April 2019

Background

Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL‐17A, a key cytokine involved in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis development, and has shown rapid and long‐lasting efficacy and safety in the complete spectrum of psoriasis manifestations. Monoclonal antibody therapies may be associated with the production of treatment‐emergent antidrug antibodies (TE‐ADAs) that can affect drug pharmacokinetics, diminish clinical responses via inhibition of target binding or cause hypersensitivity reactions. Secukinumab exhibited minimal immunogenicity up to 52 weeks in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, as evidenced by TE‐ADA in <1% patients.

Objective

To investigate the immunogenicity of secukinumab treatment up to 5 years in two phase 3 extension studies (NCT01640951 and NCT01365455) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

Immunogenicity was evaluated up to Week 268 (5 years). TE‐ADAs were defined as positive antidrug antibody (ADA) signals detected in post‐treatment samples from patients with negative baseline signals. Confirmed positive samples were further analysed for their neutralizing potential.

Results

In total, 1821 patients entered the extension studies. Among patients receiving secukinumab and evaluated for ADAs (n = 1636), 32 developed TE‐ADA, which resulted in an incidence of new TE‐ADA cases below 1% per year. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 9/32 (28%) patients with TE‐ADA. Half of ADA‐positive cases were transient. Among pharmacokinetic samples measured at the times of immunogenicity determination (n = 9992), 544 (5.4%) had secukinumab concentrations higher than the drug tolerance level of 53.8 μg/mL. There was no effect of TE‐ADA, including neutralizing antibodies, on efficacy, safety or pharmacokinetics of secukinumab.

Conclusion

The yearly secukinumab immunogenicity incidence over 5 years of treatment was consistently below 1% in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Any TE‐ADAs, including neutralizing antibodies, were not associated with loss of secukinumab efficacy or with clinical concerns.
Evaluation of the antioxidant and physical properties of an exfoliating cream developed from coffee grounds
Authors: Delgado‐Arias Stefany , Zapata‐Valencia Stephany , Cano‐Agudelo Yuliana , Osorio‐Arias Juan , Vega‐Castro Oscar
Published: April 2019

Currently, around 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily in the world, generating around 6 million tons of waste known as spent coffee grounds (SCG), which are a source of environmental pollution. The main objective of this research was to develop an exfoliating body cream from SCG. The methodology included convective drying of the SCG at 60°C. The exfoliating cream was formulated with 4, 6, and 8% of SCG, the antioxidant contents were determined by ABTS+; the adhesiveness was analyzed with a Texture Profile Analyzer and the exfoliating capacity evaluated with a Mexámeter MX18. The results were analyzed by means of an ANOVA analysis, with α = 0.05. As the main result, final moisture of SCG was of 5%. The content of antioxidants of body cream was 97.64–128.15μMol ETrolox/gSS. The exfoliating capacity of the three formulations showed similar behavior and do not show significant differences (p > .05). It can be concluded that the SCG can be used for the development of exfoliating body cream, obtaining a cosmetic product with exfoliating and antioxidant properties; being the above, a processing alternative for the agro‐industrial residues generated in the coffee industry.

Practical application

In this study, an exfoliating body cream was developed from the SCGs, which is an agro‐industrial waste generated by the coffee processing industry. It was determined that the hot air‐drying process is a suitable method for the processing of coffee grounds since a stable product with low moisture is obtained. In addition, it was also possible to obtain an exfoliating cream for the body with antioxidant and polyphenol content, with textural and exfoliation properties similar to that of a commercial cream. The main application of this research is that it gives full use to the waste of coffee to obtain a cosmetic product with sensory, textural, and exfoliating properties of this type of products, being a processing alternative for agro‐industrial waste generated in the coffee processing industry.
The experiences and support needs of people living at home with an enteral tube: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Green S. M. , Townsend K. , Jarrett N. , Fader M.
Published: April 2019

Background

The number of people with an enteral tube (ET) living at home is increasing globally and services to support them to manage this complex and life‐changing intervention vary across regions. The present study aimed to gain an understanding of the experiences of people living at home with anETand their carers, as well as to explore their views of supporting services andET‐related hospital admissions.

Methods

A qualitative inductive descriptive design was employed. Semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews with a purposive sample of people with anETliving at home and carers were undertaken. Interviews were transcribed, initial codes were assigned for salient constructs, and these were then grouped and developed into themes and sub‐themes.

Results

Nineteen people withETs and 15 carers of people withETs were interviewed. Five themes were generated: home better than hospital, feelings about the tube, living with the tube, help when you need it and cost for health service. Participants indicated theETsignificantly influenced daily life. Participants described becoming used to coping with theETat home over time and developing strategies to manage problems, avoid hospital admission and reduce resource waste. Variation in supporting services was described.

Conclusions

People withETs and their carers need considerable support from knowledgeable, responsive healthcare practitioners during the weeks following initial placement of theET. Twenty‐four hour services to support people withETs should be designed in partnership with the aim of reducing burden, negative experience, waste and hospital admissions. National frameworks for home enteral nutrition could set the standard for support for people withETs.
A Note of Caution on Shadow Rate Estimates
Authors: KRIPPNER LEO
Published: April 2019

Shadow short rate (SSR) estimates are generated regressors proposed as a proxy for policy interest rates during unconventional monetary policy (UMP) periods. However, using the Wu and Xia (2016) shadow/lower‐bound model, I show that SSR estimates can be sensitive to minor choices in their estimation. Used subsequently in a small macroeconomic model, those sensitivities lead to wide variations in the inferred effects of UMP on inflation and unemployment outcomes. Therefore, it should not be presumed that any SSR series will necessarily be quantitatively useful. Vetting SSR series allows appropriate SSR series to be retained within the suite of UMP indicators.
Oil droplet formation on pellicle covered tooth surfaces studied with environmental scanning electron microscopy
Authors: PECKYS D.B. , DE JONGE N. , HANNIG M.
Published: April 2019

Lipophilic components are known to modulate the process of bioadhesion on the tooth surface. However, the presence of lipid droplets at the acquired pellicle under oral conditions has not been demonstrated, yet. The purpose of the present study was to establish a method for direct visualisation of lipids on the surface of hydrated, pellicle covered tooth samples by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and to use this technique for studying the effects of rinsing with edible oils on the acquired pellicle under in vivo conditions. In situ pellicle formation was performed by 3 min exposure of enamel and dentin specimens in the oral cavity of volunteers. Subsequently, the volunteers rinsed in vivo with safflower oil or linseed oil for 30 s, and the specimens were further carried intraorally for periods from 0 min up to several hours. After intraoral exposure the specimens were treated by osmium tetroxide vapour, and were subsequently analysed by ESEM. This technique was capable to directly visualise the presence of lipid droplets at the pellicle's surface under hydrated conditions. ESEM analyses revealed that surface bound nano‐ and micro‐sized lipid droplets were present at the acquired pellicle's surface even several hours after rinsing with edible oils indicating that these droplets had tightly adhered to the pellicle surface. Pellicle modification by edible oil rinsing as demonstrated in the present study might have the potential to be beneficial as an adjunct in dental prophylaxis.
Nematicidal screening of essential oils and potent toxicity of Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil against Meloidogyne incognita in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Barros Aline F. , Campos Vicente P. , de Paula Letícia L. , Oliveira Denilson F. , de Silva Fabíola J. , Terra Willian C. , Silva Geraldo H. , Salimena Juliana P.
Published: April 2019

It is known that some plant essential oils have pesticide activities. Among the 29 oils evaluated in this study, 14 showed nematicidal activities of 8 to 100% at the concentration of 1,000 μg/ml, compared with a control of 0.01 g/ml Tween 80®. At a lower concentration of 500 μg/ml, only Dysphania ambrosioides oil caused >90% mortality of second‐stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita. The LC50 and LC95 values for D. ambrosioides oil were 307 μg/ml and 580 μg/ml, respectively. M. incognita eggs placed in D. ambrosioides oil solutions had a significant reduction in J2 hatching compared with controls. Therefore, the oil had a toxic effect on both eggs and J2 of M. incognita. This was in contrast to nematicides on the market that act efficiently only on J2. When J2 were placed in D. ambrosioides oil at its LC50 concentration and inoculated onto tomato plants, the reduction in numbers of galls and eggs was 99.5% and 100%, respectively. Dysphania ambrosioides oil applied to the potting substrate of plants at a concentration of 1,100 μg/ml significantly reduced the number of galls and eggs of M. incognita, whereas a concentration of 800 μg/ml only reduced the number of eggs compared with the controls (Tween 80® and water). The main components of the D. ambrosioides oil detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were (Z)‐ascaridole (87.28%), E‐ascaridole (8.45%) and p‐cymene (3.35%), representing 99.08% of the total oil composition. Given its nematicidal activity, D. ambrosioides oil represents an exciting raw material in the search for new bioactive molecules for the pesticide industry.
Ralstonia solanacearum colonization of tomato roots infected by Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Furusawa Akiko , Uehara Taketo , Ikeda Kentaro , Sakai Hiroshi , Tateishi Yasushi , Sakai Masao , Nakaho Kazuhiro
Published: April 2019

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is one of the most serious diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Concomitant infection of R. solanacearum and root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita increases the severity of bacterial wilt in tomato, but the role of this nematode in disease complexes involving bacterial pathogens is not completely elucidated. Although root wounding by root‐knot nematode infection seems to play an important role, it might not entirely explain the increased susceptibility of plants to R. solanacearum. In the present study, green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labelled R. solanacearum distribution was observed in the root systems of the tomato cultivar Momotaro preinoculated with root‐knot nematode or mock‐inoculated with tap water. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that GFP‐labelled R. solanacearum mainly colonized root‐knot nematode galls, and little or no green fluorescence was observed in nematode‐uninfected roots. These results suggest that the gall induced by the nematode is a suitable location for the growth of R. solanacearum. Thus, it is crucial to control both R. solanacearum and root‐knot nematode in tomato production fields to reduce bacterial wilt disease incidence and effects.
Genetic diversity ofColletotrichum gloeosporioidesspecies complex associated withCitruswither‐tip of twigs in Tunisia using microsatellite markers
Authors: Bahri Bochra Amina , Saadani Mariem , Mechichi Ghaya , Rouissi Wafa
Published: April 2019

AnthracnoseCitrusdisease has been associated with several symptoms worldwide and it is recently compromisingCitrusproduction in the Mediterranean area. Four species complexes are mainly involved:Colletotrichum boninense,C. acutatum,C. gloeosporioidesandC. truncatum. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity ofColletotrichumspp. in Tunisia associated with wither‐tip of twigs onCitrus. Specific primers ITS4‐CgInt allowed the identification ofC. gloeosporioidesspecies complex in all the 54 isolates, sampled from three regions and fourCitrusspecies. Overall, our genotypic analysis using 10 SSR markers showed a moderate diversity level in TunisianC. gloeosporioidespopulation and highlighted thatC. gloeosporioidesreproduce mainly clonally. In addition, heterothallic isolates were present in our population, suggesting that the pathogen population may undergo parasexual recombinations. The highest genetic diversity inC. gloeosporioideswas recorded in Nabeul and on orange, which likely constitutes the area and the host of origin for theCitrusanthracnose disease in Tunisia. In addition, no population subdivision was detected at the geographic, host species or cultivars’ origin levels. However, our study identified two genetic subpopulations and indicated a rapidC. gloeosporioidespopulation change at temporal scale that should be further examined over several consecutive growing seasons in order to understand its population dynamics.
Melatonin stabilizes rupture‐prone vulnerable plaques via regulating macrophage polarization in a nuclear circadian receptor RORα‐dependent manner
Authors: Ding Song , Lin Nan , Sheng Xincheng , Zhao Yichao , Su Yuanyuan , Xu Longwei , Tong Renyang , Yan Yang , Fu Yanan , He Jie , Gao Yu , Yuan Ancai , Ye Lei , Reiter Russel J. , Pu Jun
Published: April 2019

Rupture of vulnerable plaques is the main trigger of acute cardio‐cerebral vascular events, but mechanisms responsible for transforming a stable atherosclerotic into a vulnerable plaque remain largely unknown. Melatonin, an indoleamine hormone secreted by the pineal gland, plays pleiotropic roles in the cardiovascular system; however, the effect of melatonin on vulnerable plaque rupture and its underlying mechanisms remains unknown. Here, we generated a rupture‐prone vulnerable carotid plaque model induced by endogenous renovascular hypertension combined with low shear stress in hypercholesterolemic ApoE−/− mice. Melatonin (10 mg/kg/d by oral administration for 9 weeks) significantly prevented vulnerable plaque rupture, with lower incidence of intraplaque hemorrhage (42.9% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.014) and of spontaneous plaque rupture with intraluminal thrombus formation (38.1% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.029). Mechanistic studies indicated that melatonin ameliorated intraplaque inflammation by suppressing the differentiation of intraplaque macrophages toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, and circadian nuclear receptor retinoid acid receptor‐related orphan receptor‐α (RORα) mediated melatonin‐exerted vasoprotection against vulnerable plaque instability and intraplaque macrophage polarization. Further analysis in human monocyte‐derived macrophages confirmed the role of melatonin in regulating macrophage polarization by regulating the AMPKα‐STATs pathway in a RORα‐dependent manner. In summary, our data provided the first evidence that melatonin‐RORα axis acts as a novel endogenous protective signaling pathway in the vasculature, regulates intraplaque inflammation, and stabilizes rupture‐prone vulnerable plaques.
Human oral processing and texture profile analysis parameters: Bridging the gap between the sensory evaluation and the instrumental measurements
Authors: Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Fang Yapeng , Rosenthal Andrew
Published: April 2019

Studies in food oral processing are becoming increasingly important with the advent of the aged society. The food oral processing model of Hutchings and Lillford (Journal of Texture Studies, 19, 1988, 103–115) describes the structural breakdown and lubrication of ingested food before the swallowing stage, and has been revisited in the present article. The instrumental technique texture profile analysis (TPA) purports to mimic the first two bites of mastication and its ease of use has lured some researchers to use it without a critical eye. In this article, we consider inconsistencies in the Hutchings and Lillford model with the hope that it might be further refined. With regard to TPA we question the validity of the data generated and urge authors caution before they publish results from the test protocol. If results are published then the x‐axis should be viewed as deformation or strain, and not time. Hardness should be represented by the breaking stress. Adhesiveness should be measured at a medium strain taking into account the surface properties of the plunger. The ratio of the energy estimated by the area under the curve obtained from the second and the first bites (A2/A1) should be called recoverability and not cohesiveness.
Glutathione S‐transferase theta genotypes and environmental exposures in the risk of canine transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Luethcke Katherine R. , Ekena Joanne , Chun Ruthanne , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in humans is associated with environmental exposures and variants in glutathione S‐transferase (GST) genes. Scottish Terriers have a high breed risk for TCC, but the relationship between genetic and environmental risk in dogs is not fully understood.

Hypotheses

Scottish Terriers have a higher frequency of GST‐theta variants compared to lower risk breeds. Dogs with TCC of any breed have a higher frequency of GST‐theta variants along with higher environmental exposures, compared to controls.

Animals

One hundred and five Scottish Terriers and 68 controls from lower risk breeds; 69 dogs of various breeds with TCC, and 72 breed‐ and sex‐matched unaffected geriatric dogs.

Methods

In this prospective case‐control study, dogs were genotyped for 3 canine GST‐theta variants: GSTT1 I2+28 G>A, a GSTT1 3′UTR haplotype, and GSTT5 Asp129_Gln130del. Owners of dogs with TCC and unaffected geriatric controls completed a household environmental questionnaire.

Results

The GSTT1 3′UTR haplotype and GSTT5 Asp129_Gln130del variants were significantly underrepresented in Scottish Terriers (minor allele frequency [MAF] = 0.000 for both), compared to dogs from lower risk breeds (MAF = 0.108 and 0.100; P ≤ .0002). Dogs with TCC did not differ from unaffected geriatric controls across the 3 investigated loci. Transitional cell carcinoma was associated with household insecticide use (odds ratio [OR] = 4.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44‐12.33, P = .02), and was negatively associated with proximity to a farm (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25‐0.99, P = .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Low‐activity GST‐theta loci are unlikely contributors to TCC risk in dogs. Increased risk is associated with household insecticide use, and possibly with less rural households.
Ultrasonographic features of presumed gastric wall edema in 14 dogs with pancreatitis
Authors: Murakami Masahiro , Heng Hock Gan , Lim Chee Kin , Parnell Nolie K. , Rancilio Nicholas J. , Lin Tsang L. , Sola Mario
Published: April 2019

Background

Gastric wall edema has not been reported as a complication of acute pancreatitis in dogs.

Objective

To describe the ultrasonographic features of gastric wall thickening in dogs with acute pancreatitis.

Animals

Fourteen dogs with ultrasonographic evidence and clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, with ultrasonographic evidence of increased gastric wall thickness (>5 mm).

Methods

A retrospective search in the medical records from 2014 to 2016 was performed to identify dogs that had ultrasonographic evidence of acute pancreatitis, that had increased thickness of the gastric wall and that were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis clinically. The gastric wall changes such as thickness, layering appearance, echogenicity, distribution of lesions, and perigastric changes were recorded. Serial ultrasonographic examination and histopathological findings were recorded if available.

Results

Mean gastric wall thickness was 9.9 ± 4.0 mm (SD). A complete loss of wall layering was observed in 2 dogs. Thickening of the submucosal layer was observed in 12 dogs, and 5 of them had concurrent muscularis layer thickening. The echogenicity of thickened submucosal layer was intermediate hyperechoic. Lacy appearances were present within the thickened submucosal layer in 7 dogs and in the muscularis layer of 1 dog. Thickening was focal in 12 dogs and adjacent to the diseased pancreas. Subsequent resolution of gastric wall thickening was observed in 3 dogs (range 3‐28 days) via follow‐up ultrasound. One dog underwent necropsy, and gastric wall edema was confirmed histopathologically.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Findings indicated that gastric wall thickening presumably because of edema could be a complication of acute pancreatitis.
Requirements of plant species are linked to area and determine species pool and richness on small islands
Authors: Schrader Julian , König Christian , Moeljono Soetjipto , Pärtel Meelis , Kreft Holger
Published: April 2019

Questions

Small islands are outstanding model systems to study community assembly. Due to harsher environmental conditions on smaller islands compared to larger ones, environmental filtering may preclude some species, potentially resulting in island size‐dependent species pools. We tested whether the species pool size follows a similar species–area relationship as the observed richness. This can provide new insight into community assembly processes and the elusive small‐island effect (SIE), which states that species richness on smaller islands is less dependent on area than on larger islands.

Location

Raja Ampat Archipelago, Indonesia.

Methods

We studied the woody vegetation on sixty small islands ranging from 3 m2 to 11,806 m2. For each recorded species, we estimated its area requirements and compared them against random colonization models. We developed a novel method to calculate probabilistic species pools for each island. We compared different species–area models for observed species richness and our index of species pool size to test whether the SIE results from differences in species pool size.

Results

We found that most species were restricted to islands significantly larger than expected from random colonization. The occurrence probability of all species increased with island size, indicating a lack of species that are specialized to the conditions on small islands. We found a SIE in observed species richness, but not in species pool size.

Conclusion

Woody plants in the studied island system have specific requirements that are linked to island area and determine island‐specific species pools. Lower community completeness on smaller islands compared to larger ones indicated that the SIE is shaped by local limiting processes that have no impact on the species pool, but control how much of it is realized on an island. Together, these results clearly indicate non‐random plant community assembly on small islands.
Forest understory vegetation is more related to soil than to climate towards the cold distribution margin of European beech
Authors: Weigel Robert , Gilles Jennifer , Klisz Marcin , Manthey Michael , Kreyling Juergen
Published: April 2019

Question

It is debated whether forest understory communities will be sensitive to projected climate change or inert due to the regulating effect of local site conditions and soil parameters. A distinction between the relative importance of climate or soil is often hardly possible because both factors usually change at different spatial scales in forests. Here, we compare the relative influence of climate and soil on the forest understory vegetation in lowland beech forest ecosystems (Fagus sylvatica), which were selected for their ecological homogeneity.

Location

Nine sites along a strong temperature gradient (ΔT = 4 K from east to west in winter, south to north in summer) between Rostock (Germany) and Gdańsk (Poland) in a Baltic Quaternary ground moraine landscape.

Methods

We conducted a vegetation survey in 55 vegetation plots (80 m2 each) across nine forest sites mono‐dominated by European beech and analysed how much variation in understory plant composition is explained by climate and soil parameters.

Results

Soil explained 32% of the compositional variation of understory vegetation across sites, climate 22%, and their interaction 14%. Topsoil pH, subsoil organic matter content, and subsoil C/N ratio were the most important soil variables; growing season temperature and annual water availability were the most important climatic variables.

Conclusion

The strong dependence on soil properties could moderate the response of the forest understory vegetation to projected climate change. Forest soil properties, however, also depend on the dominant tree species and the macroclimate. To predict climate change impacts on forest understory vegetation, climate change assessments should consider indirect climate change effects as well as interactions between climate and soil.
Influence of Marine Protected Areas on parasitic prevalence: the case of the isopod Anilocra physodes as a parasite of the fish Lithognathus mormyrus
Authors: Navarro‐Barranco C. , Tierno de Figueroa J. M. , Ros M. , Guerra García J. M.
Published: April 2019

The effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the conservation of species, habitats, and processes has been largely studied. However, although parasites play a key role in the ecology of marine ecosystems, the effect of MPAs on host‐parasite relationships remains poorly understood. In order to characterize prevalence and host specificity of the widely distributed parasitic isopod Anilocra physodes, as well as the effect of MPAs on these parameters, a study based on visual census of fishes (repeated at two different study periods) and angling was conducted in the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean). Despite the wide diversity of potential hosts, A. physodes was only found associated with the sparid fish Lithognathus mormyrus. A significant relationship between the length of the host and the parasite was detected. While similar host densities were recorded inside and outside the MPA, parasitic prevalence was significantly lower inside the MPA. These differences among MPAs and non‐MPAs in parasite prevalence and host availability, as well as the strong host specificity pattern, were consistent throughout time. Anthropogenic pressures, host size, and cleaning interactions are proposed to be potential factors involved in the observed lower parasitization levels inside the MPA. This study highlights that the protection status of marine areas can drive constant changes in parasitic prevalence.
Effect of direct‐acting antivirals on platelet‐associated immunoglobulin G and thrombocytopenia in hepatitis C virus‐related chronic liver disease
Authors: Honma Yuichi , Shibata Michihiko , Hayashi Tsuguru , Kusanaga Masashi , Ogino Noriyoshi , Minami Sota , Kumei Shinsuke , Oe Shinji , Miyagawa Koichiro , Senju Michio , Matsuoka Hidehiko , Watanabe Tatsuyuki , Hiura Masaaki , Abe Shintaro , Harada Masaru
Published: April 2019

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been known to cause various extrahepatic autoimmune disorders. The prevalence of platelet‐associated immunoglobulin G (PA‐IgG) has been high in patients with HCV infection. Because thrombocytopenia in HCV‐related liver diseases is a notable problem, we performed prospective study on the effect of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment on PA‐IgG and platelet count.

Methods

A total of 215 patients with HCV‐related liver disease were enrolled in this study. The patients who discontinued DAAs or did not undergo adequate laboratory examinations and who did not achieve sustained virologic response were excluded and finally a total of 187 patients were investigated.

Results

A total of 171 patients (91.4%) were PA‐IgG positive (>46 ng/107 cells) before starting DAAs (baseline). The PA‐IgG level elevation was significantly correlated with higher liver inflammation and fibrosis markers (P < 0.05) and lower platelet count (P = 0.000019). The platelet count of the patients with low PA‐IgG titer tended to be higher at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and at 12 and 24 weeks after EOT. The platelet count increased at EOT (P < 0.05) and 24 weeks after EOT (P < 0.01). The PA‐IgG levels were significantly decreased at EOT, 12 and 24 weeks after EOT (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis found that only platelet count at baseline was closely associated with negative conversion of PA‐IgG at 24 weeks after EOT (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Eradication of HCV by DAAs treatment successfully decreased PA‐IgG level and increased platelet count.
Best practices for the use of meteorite names in publications
Authors: Heck Philipp R. , Herd Christopher , Grossman Jeffrey N. , Badjukov Dmitry , Bouvier Audrey , Bullock Emma , Chennaoui‐Aoudjehane Hasnaa , Debaille Vinciane , Dunn Tasha L. , Ebel Denton S. , Ferrière Ludovic , Garvie Laurence , Gattacceca Jérôme , Gounelle Matthieu , Herd Richard , Ireland Trevor , Jacquet Emmanuel , Macke Robert J. , McCoy Tim , McCubbin Francis M. , Mikouchi Takashi , Metzler Knut , Roskosz Mathieu , Smith Caroline , Wadhwa Meenakshi , Welzenbach‐Fries Linda , Yada Toru , Yamaguchi Akira , Zeigler Ryan A. , Zolensky Michael
Published: April 2019

This document contains suggestions for best practices by authors who refer to meteorites in publications. It can also be taken as a guide for publishers in establishing guidelines for authors. The following best practices are recommended in addition to acknowledging the loaning institution or loaning individual (unless required otherwise). The main motivations are to: help ensure that research on meteorites is reproducible, prevent confusion in the literature, and enhance tracking of specimens and related data.
“J'aime to be Funny!”: Humor, Learning, and Identity Construction in High School English as a Second Language Classrooms
Authors: DÁVILA LIV T.
Published: April 2019

Creative manipulations of language have long been recognized as important aspects of second language development. Research has largely examined playful language within adult foreign language classrooms; however, less attention has been given to the pragmatic use of humor among adolescent multilingual learners of English. Drawing on oral interactional and interview data in racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse high school English as a second language (ESL) classrooms in the United States, this article examines humor and playful talk in the translanguaging practices of adolescent multilingual Central African immigrant and refugee students whose common languages are French and English. Data are analyzed through discursive identity frameworks that view identities produced through interaction, through heteroglossic perspectives on language use and development, and through a raciolinguistic lens. Findings reveal that everyday comedic classroom interaction afforded students opportunities to negotiate macro‐processes of social, racial, and economic marginalization in and outside of school, and fostered group cohesion and metalinguistic awareness. This article concludes by presenting pedagogical implications of valuing and harnessing student‐generated humorous interaction for meaningful language and content learning.
L2 Dynamic Assessment: An Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: HERAZO JOSÉ DAVID , DAVIN KRISTIN J. , SAGRE ANAMARIA
Published: April 2019

Because scaffolded feedback is a key component of dynamic assessment (DA) and is present in some forms of corrective feedback (CF), it can be unclear how the 2 frameworks differ. Further complicating the distinction, many second language (L2) DA studies have focused on how a teacher provides mediation as a series of prompts, usually in reaction to a learner's error, and what that implies for L2 development. To investigate distinctions between DA and CF from an empirical stance rather than solely a theoretical one, this study utilized activity theory (AT) to analyze the changes that an English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language teacher experienced in how he responded to learners’ inaccurate utterances as he endeavored to use classroom DA as part of professional development. Findings revealed key distinctions between CF and DA by showing how the discursive tools of mediation were but 1 aspect of change in the teacher's responses, and that other components of the activity system such as subject orientation, division of labor, tools beyond discourse, community, and the outcomes of the responses played a fundamental role in understanding such change. More broadly, findings also revealed how the learning of DA led to a transformation in the teacher's theoretical perspective.
A novel Botrytis cinerea‐specific gene BcHBF1 enhances virulence of the grey mould fungus via promoting host penetration and invasive hyphal development
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Jiane‐Kang , Li Gui‐Hua , Zhang Ming‐Zhe , Zhang Ying‐Ying , Wang Yuan‐Yuan , Hou Jie , Yang Song , Sun Jiao , Qin Qing‐Ming
Published: April 2019

Botrytis cinerea is the causative agent of grey mould on over 1000 plant species and annually causes enormous economic losses worldwide. However, the fungal factors that mediate pathogenesis of the pathogen remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that a novel B. cinerea‐specific pathogenicity‐associated factor BcHBF1 (hyphal branching‐related factor 1), identified from virulence‐attenuated mutant M8008 from a B. cinerea T‐DNA insertion mutant library, plays an important role in hyphal branching, infection structure formation, sclerotial formation and full virulence of the pathogen. Deletion of BcHBF1 in B. cinerea did not impair radial growth of mycelia, conidiation, conidial germination, osmotic‐ and oxidative‐stress adaptation, as well as cell wall integrity of the ∆Bchbf1 mutant strains. However, loss of BcHBF1 impaired the capability of hyphal branching, appressorium and infection cushion formation, appressorium host penetration and virulence of the pathogen. Moreover, disruption of BcHBF1 altered conidial morphology and dramatically impaired sclerotial formation of the mutant strains. Complementation of BcHBF1 completely rescued all the phenotypic defects of the ∆Bchbf1 mutants. During young hyphal branching, host penetration and early invasive growth of the pathogen, BcHBF1 expression was up‐regulated, suggesting that BcHBF1 is required for these processes. Our findings provide novel insights into the fungal factor mediating pathogenesis of the grey mould fungus via regulation of its infection structure formation, host penetration and invasive hyphal branching and growth.
BES1‐regulated BEE1 controls photoperiodic flowering downstream of blue light signaling pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Fei , Gao Yongshun , Liu Yawen , Zhang Xin , Gu Xingxing , Ma Dingbang , Zhao Zhiwei , Yuan Zhenjiang , Xue Hongwei , Liu Hongtao
Published: April 2019

BRI1‐EMS‐SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) functions as a key regulator in the brassinosteroid (BR) pathway that promotes plant growth. However, whether BES1 is involved in photoperiodic flowering is unknown.

Here we report that BES1 acts as a positive regulator of photoperiodic flowering, but it cannot directly bind FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) promoter. BR ENHANCED EXPRESSION 1 (BEE1) is the direct target of BES1 and acts downstream of BES1. BEE1 is also a positive regulator of photoperiodic flowering. BEE1 binds directly to the FT chromatin to activate the transcription of FT and promote flowering initiation.

More importantly, BEE1 promotes flowering in a blue light photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME 2 (CRY2)  partially dependent manner, as it physically interacts with CRY2 under the blue light. Furthermore, BEE1 is regulated by both BRs and blue light. The transcription of BEE1 is induced by BRs, and the BEE1 protein is stabilized under the blue light.

Our findings indicate that BEE1 is the integrator of BES1 and CRY2 mediating flowering, and BES1‐BEE1‐FT is a new signaling pathway in regulating photoperiodic flowering.
Arabinose biosynthesis is critical for salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Chunzhao , Zayed Omar , Zeng Fansuo , Liu Chaoxian , Zhang Ling , Zhu Peipei , Hsu Chuan‐Chih , Tuncil Yunus E. , Tao W. Andy , Carpita Nicholas C. , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: April 2019

The capability to maintain cell wall integrity is critical for plants to adapt to unfavourable conditions. l‐Arabinose (Ara) is a constituent of several cell wall polysaccharides and many cell wall‐localised glycoproteins, but so far the contribution of Ara metabolism to abiotic stress tolerance is still poorly understood.

Here, we report that mutations in the MUR4 (also known as HSR8) gene, which is required for the biosynthesis of UDP‐Arap in Arabidopsis, led to reduced root elongation under high concentrations of NaCl, KCl, NaNO3, or KNO3.

The short root phenotype of the mur4/hsr8 mutants under high salinity is rescued by exogenous Ara or gum arabic, a commercial product of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) from Acacia senegal. Mutation of the MUR4 gene led to abnormal cell−cell adhesion under salt stress. MUR4 forms either a homodimer or heterodimers with its isoforms. Analysis of the higher order mutants of MUR4 with its three paralogues, MURL, DUR, MEE25, reveals that the paralogues of MUR4 also contribute to the biosynthesis of UDP‐Ara and are critical for root elongation.

Taken together, our work revealed the importance of the Ara metabolism in salt stress tolerance and also provides new insights into the enzymes involved in the UDP‐Ara biosynthesis in plants.
Pollen competition is the mechanism underlying a variety of evolutionary phenomena in dioecious plants
Authors: Delph Lynda F.
Published: April 2019

It has long been known that more pollen grains often arrive on stigmas than there are ovules to fertilize, resulting in pollen competition. Moreover, this competition among pollen grains (gametophytes) depends, in part, on their extensive haploid gene expression. Here I review how this leads to a variety of phenomena in dioecious plants of interest to evolutionary biologists. For example, pollen competition can lead to extreme female‐biased sex ratios. In addition, gene expression by individual pollen grains can slow mutation accumulation and degeneration of the Y chromosome. Lastly, I review work on how the haploid selection resulting from pollen competition has been proposed to influence which alleles are linked to the Y chromosome, and some recent empirical evidence in support of this theory.
Cytokine‐induced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell mobilization: unraveling interactions between stem cells and their niche
Authors: de Kruijf Evert‐Jan F.M. , Fibbe Willem E. , van Pel Melissa
Published: April 2019

Peripheral blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), mobilized by granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, are widely used as a source for both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The use of mobilized HSPCs has several advantages over traditional bone marrow–derived HSPCs, including a less invasive harvesting process for the donor, higher HSPC yields, and faster hematopoietic reconstitution in the recipient. For years, the mechanisms by which cytokines and other agents mobilize HSPCs from the bone marrow were not fully understood. The field of stem cell mobilization research has advanced significantly over the past decade, with major breakthroughs in the elucidation of the complex mechanisms that underlie stem cell mobilization. In this review, we provide an overview of the events that underlie HSPC mobilization and address the relevant cellular and molecular components of the bone marrow niche. Furthermore, current and future mobilizing agents will be discussed.
Anemia epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Chaparro Camila M. , Suchdev Parminder S.
Published: April 2019

Anemia affects a third of the world's population and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, decreased work productivity, and impaired neurological development. Understanding anemia's varied and complex etiology is crucial for developing effective interventions that address the context‐specific causes of anemia and for monitoring anemia control programs. We outline definitions and classifications of anemia, describe the biological mechanisms through which anemia develops, and review the variety of conditions that contribute to anemia development. We emphasize the risk factors most prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries, including nutritional deficiencies, infection/inflammation, and genetic hemoglobin disorders. Recent work has furthered our understanding of anemia's complex etiology, including the proportion of anemia caused by iron deficiency (ID) and the role of inflammation and infection. Accumulating evidence indicates that the proportion of anemia due to ID differs by population group, geographical setting, infectious disease burden, and the prevalence of other anemia causes. Further research is needed to explore the role of additional nutritional deficiencies, the contribution of infectious and chronic disease, as well as the importance of genetic hemoglobin disorders in certain populations.
Orthopedic and orthodontic management in a patient with DiGeorge Syndrome and Familial Mediterranean Fever: A case report
Authors: Cazzolla Angela Pia , Lacaita Maria Grazia , Lacarbonara Vitantonio , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , De Franco Annarosa , Gissi Irene , Testa Nunzio Francesco , Marzo Giuseppe , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim of this study is to report the case of the orthopedic and orthodontic treatment in a young patient affected by DiGeorge Syndrome and Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Case report

An 8‐year‐old boy with dysmorphic facial features was brought to our observation. Anamnesis revealed signs of fetal respiratory distress, previous surgically removed subdural hematoma, recurrent episodes of fever, arthralgia, polyserositis, hepatosplenomegaly, chronic interstitial nephritis with hypertension, microprotenuria, normocytic anemia, hyperparathyroidism and secondary amyloidosis. DNA sequencing identified microdeletions on 22q11.2 and MEFV mutation. The patient was in treatment with immunosuppressive agents, colchicine, antihypertensive therapy, calcitriol, erythropoietin, and low‐protein diet. An intraoral and extraoral examination, as well as radiographic and model analysis, were performed in order to define an accurate diagnosis and a proper rehabilitation planning. An orthopedic‐orthodontic treatment was performed and satisfactory final results obtained.

Conclusions

Literature does not describe cases of patients having DiGeorge syndrome associated to Familial Mediterranean Fever undergoing orthodontic and orthopedic treatment. In this patient an early started treatment with a timely management of orthopedic and orthodontic forces allowed to reach positive and stable results.