bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Instrument for the Determination of a Hydropneumograph in a Bubbling Spring
Authors: Agnew Robert J. , Halihan Todd , Holtzhower Lantz , Norton Brian
Published: May 2019

In order to enable greater accuracy in the determination of the mass discharge of gas and water‐gas ratios (WGR) in groundwater from springs, we have developed a field‐deployable instrument using commercially available components to independently measure the gas and water mass flow rates in springs with bubbling mixed‐phase flow. Collecting and measuring the free gas phase will allow for further compositional analysis that may be useful in improving gas‐derived parameters such as recharge temperature and age, as well as quantification of methanogenesis and flux of crustal/mantle gasses. By installing a phase separator at the spring discharge, a thermal mass flow sensor is utilized to measure the gas flow rate (ebullition + flux) generated from a spring. The water flow rate is determined by a standard weir. Field performance of the device was tested on a spring discharging from the Arbuckle‐Simpson aquifer near the town of Connerville in south‐central Oklahoma, USA.
Complete genome sequence of Helicobacter pylori B128 7.13 and a single‐step method for the generation of unmarked mutations
Authors: Dawson Emma M. , Dunne Karl A. , Richardson Emily J. , Praszkier Judyta , Alfawaz Dana , Woelfel Simon , De Paoli Amanda , Chaudhry Hassan , Henderson Ian R. , Ferrero Richard L. , Rossiter Amanda E.
Published: May 2019

Background

Helicobacter pylori represents an interesting model of bacterial pathogenesis given that most infections are asymptomatic, while a minority of infections cause severe gastric disease. H pylori strain B128 7.13 is used extensively to understand H pylori pathophysiology. Due to extensive restriction‐modification systems, the fact that only some H pylori strains are naturally transformable, the inability of common plasmid and transposon vectors to replicate in this bacterium, as well as the limited number of antibiotic cassettes that are functional in H pylori, there are relatively few genetic tools for the mutagenesis of this bacterium.

Materials and Methods

Here, we use PacBio and Illumina sequencing to reveal the complete genome sequence of H pylori B128 7.13. Furthermore, we describe a system to generate markerless and scarless mutations on the H pylori chromosome using the counter‐selection marker, galactokinase from Escherichia coli.

Results

We show that this mutagenesis strategy can be used to generate in‐frame insertions, gene deletions, and multiple independent mutations in B128 7.13. Using the closed genome as a reference, we also report the absence of second site chromosomal mutations and/or rearrangements in our mutagenized strains. We compare the genome sequence of H pylori B128 7.13 with a closely related strain, H pylori B8, and reveal one notable region of difference, which is a 1430 bp insertion encoding a H pylori‐specific DUF874 family protein of unknown function.

Conclusions

This article reports the closed genome of the important H pylori B128 7.13 strain and a mutagenesis method that can be adopted by researchers as an alternative strategy to generate isogenic mutants of H pylori in order to further our understanding of this bacterium.
Confirmation that somatic mutations of beta‐2 microglobulin correlate with a lack of recurrence in a subset of stage II mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancers from the QUASAR trial
Authors: Barrow Paul , Richman Susan D , Wallace Andrew J , Handley Kelly , Hutchins Gordon G A , Kerr David , Magill Laura , Evans D Gareth , Gray Richard , Quirke Phil , Hill James
Published: May 2019

Aims

Beta2‐microglobulin (B2M) forms part of the HLA class I complex and plays a role in metastatic biology. B2M mutations occur frequently in mismatch repair‐deficient colorectal cancer (dMMR CRC), with limited data suggesting they may protect against recurrence. Our experimental study tested this hypothesis by investigating B2M mutation status and B2M protein expression and recurrence in patients in the stage II QUASAR clinical trial.

Methods and results

Sanger sequencing was performed for the three coding exons of B2M on 121 dMMR and a subsample of 108 pMMR tumours; 52 with recurrence and 56 without. B2M protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Mutation status and protein expression were correlated with recurrence and compared to proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) CRCs. Deleterious B2M mutations were detected in 39 of 121 (32%) dMMR tumours. Five contained missense B2M‐variants of unknown significance, so were excluded from further analyses. With median follow‐up of 7.4 years, none of the 39 B2M‐mutant tumours recurred, compared with 14 of 77 (18%) B2M‐wild‐type tumours (P = 0.005); six at local and eight at distant sites. Sensitivity and specificity of IHC in detecting B2M mutations was 87 and 71%, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.0001) fewer (three of 104, 2.9%) of the 108 pMMR CRCs demonstrated deleterious B2M mutations. One pMMR tumour, containing a frameshift mutation, later recurred.

Conclusion

B2M mutations were detected in nearly one‐third of dMMR cancers, none of which recurred. B2M mutation status has potential clinical utility as a prognostic biomarker in stage II dMMR CRC. The mechanism of protection against recurrence and whether this protection extends to stage III disease remains unclear.
Establishing a reference range for thromboelastograph parameters in the neonatal period
Authors: Liu Qin , Xu Chunfen , Chen Xin , Wang Jia , Ke Zhunhui , Hu Hongbing
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Acquired coagulation disorders are a common cause of neonatal bleeding. The thromboelastograph (TEG) comprehensively assesses haemostatic processes in the body. Unfortunately, the reference range of TEG parameters in the neonatal period has not yet been evaluated, which limits the use of the TEG in neonates. In this study, we aimed to establish the reference range of TEG parameters for the neonatal period.

Methods

This study included 371 full‐term infants (≥37 weeks of gestation), and we divided these infants into three groups according to age as follows: 1, 2‐7 and 8‐28 days. We measured their peripheral blood using TEG, coagulation routine and platelet count tests. We analysed differences among the groups.

Results

The reference ranges for TEG parameters are presented as medians and reference ranges (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) as follows: R (clot reaction time, seconds) 4.80 (2.80‐7.17), Angle (fibrin production rate) 69.90 (44.91‐78.89), K (clot kinetics, min) 1.40 (0.80‐4.50), MA (maximum amplitude, mm) 63.50(44.34‐74.66) and LY30 (lysis at 30 minutes, %) 0.10 (0.10‐6.95). There were significant differences in Angle, K, MA and LY30 values between the different neonatal day age groups.

Conclusion

This study preliminarily establishes a reference range for TEG parameters during the neonatal period. The age of a newborn had a large influence on TEG parameters. Additionally, we demonstrated a correlation between laboratory tests and TEG parameters for this age period. The reference values provided herein are meaningful for future studies.
Eliciting α7‐nAChR exerts cardioprotective effects on ischemic cardiomyopathy via activation of AMPK signalling
Authors: Lin Zhong‐Hao , Li Yue‐Chun , Wu Shu‐Jie , Zheng Cheng , Lin Yuan‐Zheng , Lian Hao , Lin Wei‐Qian , Lin Jia‐Feng
Published: May 2019

Our previous studies have reported that agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors prevented electrophysiological dysfunction of rats with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) by eliciting the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP). Adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling is widely recognized exerting cardioprotective effect in various cardiomyopathy. Here, we aimed to investigate whether the protective effects of the CAP are associated with AMPK signalling in ICM. In vivo, coronary artery of rats was ligated for 4 weeks to induce the ICM and then treated with PNU‐282987 (CAP agonist) and BML‐275 dihydrochloride (AMPK antagonist) for 4 weeks. In vitro, primary macrophages harvested from rats were induced inflammation by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and then treated with PNU‐282987 and BML‐275 dihydrochloride. In vivo, exciting CAP by PUN‐282987 elicited an activation of AMPK signalling, alleviated ventricular remodeling, modified the cardiac electrophysiological function, reduced the cardiac expression of collagens and inflammatory cytokines and maintained the integrity of ultrastructure in the ischemic heart. However, the benefits of CAP excitation were blunted by AMPK signaling antagonization. In vitro, excitation of the CAP was observed inhibiting the nuclear transfer of NF‐κB p65 of macrophages and promoting the transformation of Ly‐6Chigh macrophages into Ly‐6Clow macrophages. However, inhibiting AMPK signalling by BML‐275 dihydrochloride reversed the CAP effect on LPS‐treated macrophages. Finally, our findings suggest that eliciting the CAP modulates the inflammatory response in ICM through regulating AMPK signalling.
Burden of itch in ichthyosis: a multicentre study in 94 patients
Authors: De Palma A.M. , Mazereeuw‐Hautier J. , Giehl K. , Hernández‐Martin A. , Merlos M. , Moons P. , Morren M.A.
Published: May 2019

Background

From clinical experience, we know that itch is a major concern for many ichthyosis patients. Nonetheless, no previous studies specifically addressed the issue of itch in ichthyosis.

Objective

The objective of this study was to specifically address the burden of itch and all its dimensions in ichthyosis patients.

Methods

Ninety‐four ichthyosis patients from four different centres were recruited to participate in this cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study. All participants completed the Leuven Itch Scale, a multidimensional self‐report instrument that quantifies the frequency, duration, severity, distress, consequences and surface area of itch.

Results

Participants included 18 keratinopathic types, 55 autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses, 11 X‐linked recessive ichthyoses (XLRIs), 6 Netherton's ichthyoses, 1 Sjögren–Larsson type, 1 Iocrin ichthyosis and 2 unknown subtypes. Itch occurred in 93% of all patients. In patients with itch, 63% reported that it was often or always present, although most itch episodes were short in duration. Itch, in all its dimensions, was worst in patients with Netherton syndrome. Patients with XLRI had in general a lower itch profile. About half of all ichthyosis patients reported to experience flares during a change in weather, in a hot environment or in stressful situations, whereas a cold environment led to itch in only 26% of patients. The most significant consequences of itching were lesions from scratching, difficulties in falling asleep, bad mood and loss of concentration.

Conclusions

Itch is a major concern in patients with ichthyosis, with significant impact on daily life. Research on future treatments should therefore take itch into consideration and itch should be evaluated in clinical studies. Among the studied subgroups, Netherton patients experienced the most severe consequences.
Mechanical properties, thermal stability, and solubility of sheep bone collagen–chitosan films
Authors: Hou Chengli , Gao Lingling , Wang Zhenyu , Rao Weili , Du Manting , Zhang Dequan
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to prepare sheep bone collagen–chitosan (BC‐CS) blend films and to characterize their film‐forming properties and structure. The blend films were prepared with different blend ratio of collagen and CS (BC:CS = 100:0, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, and 0:100) with skin gelatin‐chitosan (SG‐CS) film used as a control. The results showed that the BC film became smoother, tougher, and more transparent when CS was added. The addition of CS significantly increased the tensile strength of the BC film. Elongation at break of the BC film decreased when the addition of CS was more than 50%. Compared with the BC film, the light barrier properties of the blended films increased in the ultraviolet region. The blend films exhibited increased thermal stability and decreased water solubility when compared with the BC film, but their permeability to water vapor increased undesirably. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between BC and CS in the blends. Conclusively, the film‐forming properties of BC‐CS blend films have the potential to be used for food packaging.

Practical Applications

The sheep bone collagen–chitosan blend film was fairly transparent and possessed good mechanical properties, which might be suitable for food packaging. This study can provide some reference for future development of bone collagen films for industrial application and bring forth new ideas for the utilization of animal bone coproducts.
Improving the infrared drying and rehydration of potato slices using simple approaches: Perforations and ethanol
Authors: Rojas Meliza L. , Silveira Isabela , Augusto Pedro E. D.
Published: May 2019

The objective of this work was use ethanol and perforations as simple approaches to improve the infrared drying and rehydration of potato slices. Perforations were performed to study the effect of promoting routes to capillarity flow, while ethanol was impregnated in the samples to evaluate the effect of Marangoni flow. All pretreatments reduced the drying time compared to control treatment. However, a great time reduction was observed with P + E pretreatment: The synergistic combination of both treatments increased the drying rate in more than four times, reducing both drying time and the necessary energy by 44%. The samples with perforations (P and P + E) increased their rehydration rate as well as the water retention capacity. However, the pretreated samples with ethanol shows poor rehydration properties. Possible mechanisms were discussed. These results show simple approaches to enhance food drying and rehydration.

Practical Applications

Drying is an ancient unit operation to obtain safe and stable food products. However, some challenges still face food process engineers, such as the long processing time and the low rehydration capacity. Consequently, different technologies have been explored to enhance food drying, such as pulsed electric fields, high pressure, and ultrasound. However, although interesting and effective, some of that approaches can be complicated or even expensive when considering the reality of drying vegetables such as fruits and starchy products, limiting their application. Therefore, this work purposes a simple but efficient technique based on the use of ethanol and the creation of channels through perforations to improve the infrared drying of potato slices, also evaluating the rehydration properties. Our results show that simple operations could be performed to create routes to water flow (through mechanical perforations) combined with drying accelerator (ethanol), improving both drying and rehydration of food products.
Impact of obesity and metabolic abnormalities on the risk of metachronous colorectal neoplasia after polypectomy in men
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Jung Yoon Suk , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are well‐known risk factors for the development of metachronous colorectal neoplasia (CRN). However, data on the risks of metachronous CRN among subgroups according to obesity and metabolic status are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to compare the risk of metachronous CRN among men with different obesity and metabolic status.

Methods

In total, 8059 asymptomatic men who underwent ≥ 1 adenoma removal between 2010 and 2014 and follow‐up colonoscopic surveillance until 2017 were categorized into four groups according to obesity and metabolic status: metabolically healthy non‐obese (MHNO), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically unhealthy non‐obese (MUNO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO).

Results

Of the 8059 men, 2389 (29.6%), 351 (4.4%), 1986 (24.6%), and 3333 (41.4%) subjects were assigned to the MHNO, MHO, MUNO, and MUO groups, respectively. The mean surveillance interval was 3.5 ± 1.4 years. Compared to the MHNO group, the risk of metachronous advanced CRN was significantly increased in the MUO group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–2.19), but not in the MHO and MUNO groups, while the risk of metachronous overall CRN significantly increased in the MUNO (adjusted HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.24) and MUO groups (adjusted HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07–1.29), but not in the MHO group.

Conclusions

Men who had both obesity and poor metabolic health were found to be at an increased risk of metachronous advanced CRN, suggesting that MUO men may need to undergo more intensive surveillance colonoscopy after polypectomy.
NIACE score refines the overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma by Barcelona clinic liver cancer staging
Authors: Su Tung‐Hung , Liao Sih‐Han , Hong Chun‐Ming , Liu Chun‐Jen , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Liu Chen‐Hua , Yang Hung‐Chih , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Chen Chi‐Ling , Adhoute Xavier , Bourlière Marc , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

The NIACE score provides prognostic values for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in European studies. We aim to evaluate the prognostic value of the NIACE score in Asian patients.

Methods

Patients with HCC were retrospectively enrolled from a tertiary medical center in Taiwan during 2009–2014, and their clinical information were collected. The NIACE score was calculated according to the Nodular numbers, tumor Infiltration, Alpha‐fetoprotein level, Child–Pugh score, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score. The prognostic values of NIACE score for overall survival according to individual treatment and the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging were analyzed.

Results

A total of 468 patients were included with a median follow‐up of 30 months. A greater NIACE score correlated with lower median survival and higher BCLC staging. Regardless of treatment modalities, NIACE scores (0, 1–1.5, 2.5–3, and 4–7) significantly predicted survival between groups (log–rank P < 0.001). Specifically, NIACE score (0, 1–1.5, 2.5–3, and 4–7) significantly predicted survival in patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization (log–rank P < 0.001). NIACE score 1, 2.5, and 4 further distinguished overall survival in BCLC A, B, and C patients, respectively (all log–rank P < 0.01). After adjustment of the confounders and the BCLC staging, NIACE score of 2.5–3 and 4–7 (vs 0) had a significantly increased risk of mortality with a hazard ratio of 4.04 (95% confidence interval: 2.14–7.64, P < 0.001) and 7.45 (95% confidence interval: 3.22–17.23, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The NIACE score helps refine differential prognosis among BCLC A, B, and C subgroups of Asian patients with HCC, especially in those receiving transarterial chemoembolization.
Potential of Helicobacter pylori‐uninfected signet ring cell carcinoma to invade the submucosal layer
Authors: Yorita Naoki , Ito Masanori , Boda Tomoyuki , Kotachi Takahiro , Nagasaki Naoko , Abuduwaili Madina , Hata Kosaku , Hiyama Yuichi , Oka Shiro , Yoshihara Masaharu , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

The typical histology of Helicobacter pylori‐uninfected gastric cancer is signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) localized in the mucosal layer, but the potential of these SRCCs to invade the submucosal layer is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of SRCC in H. pylori‐uninfected patient and its prevalence in diffuse‐type gastric cancer (DGC) within Japan.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive pure DGC patients diagnosed with the disease either localized in the mucosal layer or with submucosal invasion. H. pylori infection was investigated, and the patients were divided into three groups according to histological types: pure SRCC, SRCC with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDA), and pure PDA.

Results

Of the 345 pure DGC patients, 132 (38%), 127 (37%), and 86 (25%) had pure SRCC, SRCC with PDA, and pure PDA histologies, respectively. The prevalence of H. pylori infection and the SM ratio were significantly lower in the pure SRCC group than other groups (P < 0.01). Twenty‐two (6.4%) patients, including two with submucosal invasion, were negative for H. pylori and had mucosal SRCC component in the cancer lesions. Of the 259 SRCC cases (pure SRCC or SRCC + PDA), H. pylori‐uninfected cases had different clinicopathological characteristics compared with H. pylori‐positive cases. Particularly, the ratio of patients with submucosal invasive SRCC was significantly lower in the H. pylori‐uninfected gastric cancer group than in those with H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori‐uninfected gastric cancer is not rare among pure DGC patients in Japan. SRCC in patients without H. pylori infection is less likely to be invasive.
Reply to Comment on Potentially Inappropriate Medication Prescriptions for Older Adults With Painful Conditions and Association With Return Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Chukwulebe Steve B. , Kim Howard S. , McCarthy Danielle M. , Courtney D. Mark , Lank Patrick M. , Gravenor Stephanie J. , Dresden Scott M.
Published: May 2019

This letter comments on the letter by Donna Lisi
Understanding mothers' perception of child's illness: Adapting the CONNECT Instrument for pediatrics
Authors: Magner Kristin , Bragg Dawn , Treat Robert , Lee K. Jane
Published: May 2019

Aims and objectives

To adapt the CONNECT Instrument for use in the paediatric population, to assess validity of this instrument after its adaptation and to assess concordance between mothers' perception of their child's illness and providers' understanding of mothers' perceptions.

Background

The CONNECT Instrument (Patient Education and Counseling, 73, 2008, 232–239) was validated in an adult outpatient population to characterise both patients' perspectives and physicians' understanding of their patients' perspectives for several dimensions of the illness experience. However, this did not include the paediatric population or advanced practice providers.

Design

A two‐part prospective, cross‐sectional, observational study to assess the validity of CONNECT for Pediatrics and to assess perception of illness.

Methods

The CONNECT Instrument (Patient Version) was adapted from its original form and modified to CONNECT for Pediatrics to facilitate use in the inpatient paediatric population. Eighty‐five participants were enrolled including mothers, advanced practice providers and physicians from 2013–2014 during a child's scheduled admission to a paediatric epilepsy monitoring unit. Principal components analysis and inter‐item reliability were analysed, and differences in the six mean domain scores were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance (RM‐ANOVA). Reporting of this research adheres to the STROBE guidelines (See Appendix S1).

Results

Our analysis indicated that the modifications made provided a relatively valid and reliable instrument. There were overall statistically significant differences between the mother and physician groups, specifically in the domains of meaning and preference for partnership.

Conclusions

Paediatric advanced practice providers and physicians do have an understanding of mothers' perception of illness.

Relevance to clinical practice

The ability of physicians and advanced practice providers to understand mothers' perceptions of illness is increasingly important in a changing healthcare environment. CONNECT for Pediatrics facilitates the identification of mothers' perception of their child's illness and provides the opportunity for paediatric advanced practice providers and physicians to understand parents’ perception of illness.
Association of maternal vitamin D deficiency and infants' neurodevelopmental status: A cohort study on vitamin D and its impact during pregnancy and childhood in Indonesia
Authors: Dhamayanti Meita , Noviandhari Anindita , Supriadi Stephani , Judistiani Raden TD , Setiabudiawan Budi
Published: May 2019

Aim

Vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy may cause the disruption of fetal brain development and neurodevelopmental function. This study aimed to explore the extent of neurodevelopment disruption could be associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted in Sukabumi and Waled, West Java, Indonesia, beginning in July 2016. Maternal serum 25(OH)‐vitamin D was measured between 10 and 14 weeks of gestational age. Child development was measured using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire‐3 (ASQ‐3) at age 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

A total of 141 mother–infant pairs participated. One pair was excluded due to anencephaly of the infant. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 27 (19%) mothers, but delays occurred in gross motor function among 104 (76.1%) infants and in problem‐solving functions among 61 (43.7%) infants at 3 months old. In general, the mean ASQ score at ages 3 and 6 months were lower among infants whose mothers had a vitamin D deficiency. The mean ASQ score for gross motor function at age 3 months was found to be significantly lower among these infants (31.5 vs. 37.9; P = 0.02), with increased risk for delayed motor function at age 3 months (relative risk (95% confidence interval) = 1.22 (1.09–1.49); P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Neurodevelopmental function disruptions among infants whose mothers had vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy were reflected in lower ASQ scores, in which gross motor function was significantly impaired at 3 months of age.
Young people's experiences of brief inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Thabrew Hiran , Mairs Rebecca , Taylor‐Davies Genevieve
Published: May 2019

Aim

To understand the experiences of young people with anorexia admitted to hospital for brief stays and to inform the design of contemporary inpatient treatment to better suit their needs in the context of a significant shift in practice from longer hospital admissions to shorter stays.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken with young people within a few months of discharge from a specialist inpatient eating disorder service, Auckland, New Zealand. Audiotaped, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with participants within a few months of their discharge from hospital and transcribed for coding.

Results

Nine young people, all female, of mixed ethnicity (seven New Zealand European and two Asian) and aged between 15 and 17 years participated in the study. Five main themes were identified from the data, namely: (i) benefits of admission; (ii) sources of stress; (iii) control and power; (iv) having a voice and being heard; and (v) comparison of oneself with others.

Conclusions

Although many of the benefits and challenges associated with brief treatment were similar to those during longer inpatient care, the impact of certain issues was more strongly experienced by participants and highlighted the need for greater attention to be paid to making young people feel better supported and included during predominantly medically focused admissions.
Nitrogen maintenance requirements and potential for nitrogen retention of pullets in growth phase
Authors: Soares Letícia , Sakomura Nilva Kazue , de Paula Dorigam Juliano Cesar , Liebert Frank , Quintino do Nascimento Mariana , Kochenborger Fernandes João Batista
Published: May 2019

Experiments were conducted to estimate daily N maintenance requirements (NMRs) and the genetic potential for daily N retention (NRmaxT) of pullets in growth phase. Three nitrogen balance trials were conducted, and a total of 48 Hy‐line W‐36 pullets were used in each trial in age periods (starter: 14–28, grower: 56–70 and developer: 98–112 days). The treatments consisted of six graded levels of nitrogen in the diets (L1 = 8, L2 = 16, L3 = 24, L4 = 32, L5 = 40 and L6 = 48 g N/kg of feed), formulated using the dilution technique. The regression analyses between nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion were performed to fit the exponential function and to determine the NMR. The daily NMRs that were estimated at 294, 331 and 355 mg/BWkg0.67 for the initial, grower and developer periods, respectively, were applied for further calculation of NRmaxT as the threshold value of the function between N intake and daily N balance. The NRmaxT was estimated by a statistical procedure following several iteration steps by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm until the sum of the squares of the residual was minimized. The NRmaxT was estimated at 3,200, 2,633 and 1,826 mg/BWkg0.67 for starter, grower and developer periods respectively. The determined model parameters were the precondition for modelling of the amino acid requirement based on an exponential N‐utilization model and depended on performance and dietary amino acid efficiency. This procedure will be further developed and applied in the subsequent study.
High salt stress in the upper part of floating mats of Ulva prolifera, a species that causes green tides, enhances non‐photochemical quenching
Authors: Zheng Zhenbing , Gao Shan , Wang Guangce
Published: May 2019

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress factor that can induce many adverse effects on photosynthetic organisms. Plants and algae have developed several mechanisms that help them respond to adverse environments. Non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) is one of these mechanisms. The thalli of algae in the intertidal zone that are attached to rocks can be subjected to salt stress for a short period of time due to the rise and fall of the tide. Ulva prolifera causes green tides and can form floating mats when green tides occur and the upper part of the thalli is subjected to high salt stress for a long period of time. In this study, we compared the Ulva prolifera photosynthetic activities and NPQ kinetics when it is subjected to different salinities over various periods of time. Thalli exposed to a salinity of 90 for 4 d showed enhanced NPQ, and photosynthetic activities decreased from 60 min after exposure up to 4 d. This indicated that the induction of NPQ in Ulva prolifera under salt stress was closely related to the stressing extent and stressing time. The enhanced NPQ in the treated samples exposed for 4 d may explain why the upper layer of the floating mats formed by Ulva prolifera thalli were able to survive in the harsh environment. Further inhibitor experiments demonstrated that the enhanced NPQ was xanthophyll cycle and transthylakoid proton gradient‐dependent. However, photosystem II subunit S and light‐harvesting complex stress‐related protein didn't over accumulate and may not be responsible for the enhanced NPQ.
Functional palatability enhancer improved growth, intestinal morphology, and hepatopancreas protease activity, replacing squid paste in white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, diets
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Morais Sofia , Luo Jiaxiang , Jin Min , Lu You , Le Yirong , Zhou Qicun
Published: May 2019

Squid visceral paste is a popular attractant and feeding stimulator supplement in shrimp feeds in China, but it often faces problems with fluctuating availability, cost, composition, and quality. An 8‐week experiment was performed to test a proprietary palatability enhancer as an alternative to squid paste in white shrimp feed. Seven diets were tested: a control diet with no supplementations; S1 and S3 diets supplemented with squid paste at 1 or 3%, respectively; S1+PE0.1 and S1+PE0.15 supplemented with both 1% squid paste and the palatability enhancer at either 0.1 or 0.15%, respectively; and finally PE0.1 and PE0.15 supplemented only with the palatability enhancer at 0.1 or 0.15%, respectively. The results showed a trend for increased feed intake and weight gain when squid paste was added to the diet compared to the control, but this was worsened by raising the inclusion level from 1 to 3%. The inclusion of the PE, in combination with squid paste or alone at 0.15%, led to a significantly higher growth, and a feeding stimulation effect was also indicated, with PE0.1 and PE0.15 having a higher feed intake than the control. A further beneficial effect was a significant increase in protease activity in the hepatopancreas in the S1+PE0.15, PE0.1, and PE0.15 treatments compared to the control. In addition, a significant increase in the height of the intestinal mucosal folds was observed in PE0.15, followed by PE0.1. The results demonstrated the potential to replace or reduce squid visceral paste in shrimp diets by supplementing with a PE with functional effects beyond feeding stimulation.
Evolution of hybridogenetic lineages in Cataglyphis ants
Authors: Darras Hugo , Kuhn Alexandre , Aron Serge
Published: May 2019

In most social Hymenoptera, a diploid egg develops into either a queen or a worker depending on environmental conditions. Hybridogenetic Cataglyphis ants display a bizarre genetic system, where queen‐worker caste determination is primarily determined by genetic factors. In hybridogenetic populations, all workers are F1 hybrids of two distinct lineages, whereas new queens are nearly always pure‐lineage individuals produced by clonal reproduction. The distribution and evolutionary history of these hybridogenetic populations have not yet been thoroughly analysed. Here, we studied the phylogeographic distribution of hybridogenetic populations in two closely related Spanish species: Cataglyphis humeya and Cataglyphis velox. Hybridogenesis has been previously documented in a locality of C. velox, but whether this system occurs elsewhere within the range of the two species was yet unknown. Queens and workers from 66 localities sampled across the range of the species were genotyped at 18 microsatellite markers to determine whether queens were produced by parthenogenesis and whether workers were hybrids of divergent lineages. Populations with F1 hybrid workers were identified by combining genetic, geographical and mating assortments data. In most populations of C. velox, workers were found to be hybrids of two divergent lineages. Workers were however produced via random mating in two marginal populations of C. velox, and in all populations studied of its sister species C. humeya. High‐throughput sequencing data were obtained to confirm inferences based on microsatellites and to characterize relationships between populations. Our results revealed a complicated history of reticulate evolution that may account for the origin of hybridogenetic lineages in Cataglyphis.
A 15‐year retrospective study on the prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic vs non‐psoriatic patients: A new European shift from dermatophytes towards yeast
Authors: Gallo Lucia , Cinelli Eleonora , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Vastarella Maria
Published: May 2019

Because of their similar clinical presentation, discrimination between nail psoriasis and onychomycosis often is difficult. We aim to investigate the actual frequency of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and to compare it between psoriatic and non‐psoriatic patients. This retrospective study included a total of 9281 patients, referring to our Mycology Laboratory from September 2003 to May 2018. The patients are divided into two groups: PsoGroup (patients with psoriasis) and non‐PsoGroup (non‐psoriatic patient). Direct microscopic examination with 20% KOH and culture was carried out in both groups. In PsoGroup (711 patients, 59.50% female, 40.50% male, median age of 52.22 ± 15.01), the prevalence of onychomycosis was 49.08%. On the other hand, in non‐PsoGroup (8570 patients (71.65% female, 28.35% male, median age of 48.51 ± 19.31 years), the prevalence of onychomycosis was 51.30%. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of onychomycosis in PsoGroup 49.08% (349/711) compared to 51.30% (4397/8570) of non‐PsoGroup (P = 0.2578). However, yeasts were significantly more prevalent in non‐psoriatic than in psoriatic patients (P = 0.0144.). In our Mycological Laboratory, we observed a similar prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and non‐psoriatic patients. However, the spectrum of fungal species isolated was different from each other, with a higher prevalence of yeasts in non‐PsoGroup that reflect a recent oriental trends.
Autopsied case of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease classified as MM1+2C‐type
Authors: Iwasaki Yasushi , Kato Hiroko , Ando Tetsuo , Akagi Akio , Mimuro Maya , Miyahara Hiroaki , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yoshida Mari
Published: May 2019

We encountered an autopsy case of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) pathologically classified as MM1+2C‐type, where Western blot analysis of prion protein (PrP) mainly showed type‐1 scrapie PrP (PrPSc) but also, partially, mixed type‐2 PrPSc. A Japanese woman complained of visual disorder at the age of 86 years and then showed disorientation and memory disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebral cortical hyperintensity on diffusion‐weighted images. The patient died 2 months after the onset of symptoms; her condition did not reach the akinetic mutism state and periodic sharp‐wave complexes on electroencephalography and myoclonus were not recognized. The brain weighed 1100 g and neuropathological examination showed extensive fine vacuole‐type spongiform changes in the cerebral cortex. In some cortical regions, large confluent vacuole‐type spongiform changes were also present. Gliosis and hypertrophic astrocytosis were generally mild, and tissue rarefaction of the neuropil and neuronal loss were not apparent. PrP immunostaining showed diffuse synaptic‐type PrP deposition in the cerebral gray matter, but some regions with large confluent vacuoles showed perivacuolar‐type deposition. We speculated, based on the clinicopathological findings and previous reports, that most MM1‐type sporadic CJD cases may be associated with type‐2 PrPSc, at least partially, within certain regions of the cerebrum.
Foot allergic contact dermatitis to mixed dialkyl thioureas
Authors: Rundle Chandler W. , Funk Tracy , Brockman Ross M. , Schwarzenberger Kathryn
Published: May 2019

A 12‐year‐old boy presented with severe, bilateral foot dermatitis. Extended patch testing was performed, revealing a significant positive reaction to mixed dialkyl thioureas. A thorough review of his history revealed that he was likely being exposed through his neoprene taekwondo shoes. After implementation of allergen avoidance measures, his dermatitis resolved. This case emphasizes awareness of potential allergen exposures and offers helpful avoidance strategies.
Early identification of transplant glomerulopathy in pediatric kidney transplant biopsies: A single‐center experience with electron microscopy analysis
Authors: Grodsky Jacob D. , Craver Randall D. , Ashoor Isa F.
Published: May 2019

Banff 2013 criteria recommend performing ultrastructural studies with electron microscopy (EM) in kidney transplant biopsies if the technology is available. We sought to determine the impact of EM on enhancing diagnostic findings in pediatric kidney transplant biopsies and the prognostic information gained from the additional findings. All kidney transplant biopsies since routine EM use started on June 1, 2014, until October 31, 2016, were reviewed. Primary outcome measures included the positive yield frequency of EM use defined as an upgraded diagnosis based on EM findings relative to light microscopy, and 12‐month kidney allograft outcome of progression to ESRD or doubling of serum creatinine stratified by transplant glomerulopathy (TG) status on EM. Eighty unique kidney transplant biopsies were reviewed. EM studies were completed for 61 biopsies (76%). Complication rate was low (3.7%). In 61 biopsies where EM was completed, EM findings included foot process fusion (62%), endothelial cell swelling (38%), subendothelial lucencies (31%), and glomerular basement membrane duplication (41%). EM confirmed FSGS recurrence in three cases. In the remaining 58 cases, there was a positive yield of 31% where 18 biopsies were upgraded to a worse category after TG identification on EM. Kidney allograft outcome was poor regardless whether TG was detected early on EM or advanced on LM. Routine EM use in analyzing pediatric kidney transplant biopsies proved safe and provided valuable additional diagnostic information in almost one‐third of cases. Additional studies are needed to determine if clinical interventions for early TG identified on EM can improve long‐term outcomes.
Exogenous application of l‐histidine suppresses bacterial diseases and enhances ethylene production in rice seedlings
Authors: Yariyama S. , Ando S. , Seo S. , Nakaho K. , Miyashita S. , Kanayama Y. , Takahashi H.
Published: May 2019

Exogenous application of l‐histidine enhances resistance to pathogens in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Arabidopsis thaliana via activation of the ethylene (ET)‐dependent signalling pathway. In this study, the efficacy of l‐histidine for suppression of bacterial diseases in rice seedlings was investigated. Rice seeds were soaked in 10 mm l‐histidine, 10 mm l‐lysine, or distilled water (DW) as a control for 48 h at 28 °C to stimulate germination. Treated seeds were then vacuum‐inoculated with Burkholderia glumae or B. plantarii. Seedling diseases caused by both of these bacterial pathogens were suppressed by treatment with l‐histidine but not by treatment with l‐lysine or DW. Expression of an ET‐responsive defence‐related gene, OsGLP8‐12, was induced by treatment of seeds with l‐histidine. As diseases were not suppressed in rice seedlings treated with l‐histidine after vacuum‐inoculation, pretreatment of rice seedlings with l‐histidine before inoculation might activate the plant immune system. Indeed, ethylene production and the abundance of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase 2 (OsACS2) transcript increased in healthy seedlings grown from rice seeds treated with l‐histidine but not in those treated with DW. Furthermore, treatment of rice seeds with ACC, an ethylene precursor, suppressed bacterial rice seedling rot caused by B. glumae as effectively as did treatment with l‐histidine, whereas treatment of rice seeds with aminooxyacetic acid, an inhibitor of ACC synthase, partially compromised disease suppression. Taken together, l‐histidine seems to suppress bacterial rice seedling diseases via an ethylene‐dependent resistance pathway.
Reward anticipation and punishment anticipation are instantiated in the brain via opponent mechanisms
Authors: Lake Jessica I. , Spielberg Jeffrey M. , Infantolino Zachary P. , Crocker Laura D. , Yee Cindy M. , Heller Wendy , Miller Gregory A.
Published: May 2019

fMRI investigations have examined the extent to which reward and punishment motivation are associated with common or opponent neural systems, but such investigations have been limited by confounding variables and methodological constraints. The present study aimed to address limitations of earlier approaches and more comprehensively evaluate the extent to which neural activation associated with reward and punishment motivation reflects opponent or shared systems. Participants completed a modified monetary incentive delay task, which involved the presentation of a cue followed by a target to which participants were required to make a speeded button press. Using a factorial design, cues indicated whether monetary reward and/or loss (i.e., cues signaled probability of reward, punishment, both, or neither) could be expected depending upon response speed. Neural analyses evaluated evidence of (a) directionally opposing effects by testing for regions of differential activation for reward and punishment anticipation, (b) mutual inhibition by testing for interactive effects of reward and punishment anticipation within a factorial design, and (c) opposing effects on shared outputs via a psychophysiological interaction analysis. Evidence supporting all three criteria for opponent systems was obtained. Collectively, present findings support conceptualizing reward and punishment motivation as opponent forces influencing brain and behavior and indicate that shared activation does not suggest the operation of a common neural mechanism instantiating reward and punishment motivation.
On the resonant reflection of weak, nonlinear sound waves off an entropy wave
Authors: Hunter John K. , Smothers Evan B.
Published: May 2019

We analyze the resonant reflection of very weak, nonlinear sound waves off a weak sawtooth entropy wave for spatially periodic solutions of the one‐dimensional, nonisentropic gas dynamics equations. The case of an entropy wave with a sawtooth profile is of interest because the oscillations of the reflected sound waves are nondispersive with frequency independent of their wavenumber, leading to an unusual type of nonlinear dynamics. On an appropriate long time scale, we show that a complex amplitude function for the spatial profile of the sound waves satisfies a degenerate quasilinear Schrödinger equation. We present some numerical solutions of this equation that illustrate the generation of small spatial scales by a resonant four‐wave cascade and front propagation in compactly supported solutions.
Posttraumatic stress disorder among patients with oral and maxillofacial trauma in a South Indian population
Authors: Nayak Sunil S. , Kamath Abhay T. , Gupta Kripa , Roy Anubhav , Roy Sreea , Chatterjee Abhirup
Published: May 2019

Aim

To determine the incidence and severity of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in maxillofacial trauma patients and to assess the predisposing factors.

Methods and Results

Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was assessed as per the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) criteria. The PTSD checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), was used initially to screen patients for PTSD for a provisional diagnosis. These provisionally diagnosed patients were then subjected to a structured interview by a Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5 (CAPS‐5). The PTSD status outcome of PCL‐5 and CAPS‐5 were correlated. PTSD was compared among patients with different types of facial fractures/injuries and also compared based on their anatomic location. The reliability of PCL‐5 scale in relation to the structured CAPS‐5 was assessed and the specificity was found to be 71.4%. Patients with both aesthetic and functional deformity exhibited greater severity of injury and showed higher incidence of PTSD with higher conversion rate from the 1st month to 3rd month. The frequency of PTSD in deformities with higher severity like zygomaticomaxillary complex injuries was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

A high incidence of PTSD is associated with maxillofacial trauma and early detection is essential.