bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of HL2351, a novel hybrid fc‐fused interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist, in healthy subjects: A first‐in‐human study
Authors: Oh Jaeseong , Huh Ki Young , Cho Young‐Gyu , Cha Ji‐Eun , Kim Se‐Jin , Yoon Seo Hyun , Park Sung Sup , Yoon Hyunyee , Lee Jieon , Lee Howard
Published: October 2019

Aims

We performed a first‐in‐human study with HL2351, a novel hybrid Fc‐fused interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor antagonist, to evaluate its tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PD) after a single subcutaneous (SC) administration in healthy subjects.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and active‐controlled, dose‐escalation study was conducted. Eligible subjects randomly received a single SC administration of HL2351 (1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 mg/kg) or placebo in a ratio of 8:2. Subjects in the active‐controlled group received a single SC administration of anakinra at 100 mg. Serial blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetics and PD analyses. An ex‐vivo activation test was performed to evaluate the PD using peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with IL‐1β. Anti‐HL2351 antibodies were determined at baseline and 29 days postdose. Tolerability was assessed throughout the study.

Results

HL2351 was eliminated more slowly than anakinra (terminal half‐life: 27.21–45.28 vs 3.97 h). Serum concentrations of HL2351 were increased dose‐proportionally. The mean apparent clearance of HL2351 were 0.6, 0.66, 0.75, 0.51, 0.65 L/h at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 mg/kg, respectively. The percent inhibition of IL‐6 expression varied widely (range: 0–92.1%), showing no clear trend or discernible difference between HL2351, anakinra and placebo. HL2351 was well tolerated after a single SC administration.

Conclusion

HL2351 was well tolerated and showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics after a single SC administration at doses up to 12 mg/kg in healthy subjects. HL2351 remained in the body 7‐11 times longer than anakinra. HL2351 can be developed as a potential therapeutic alternative to anakinra.
Intimate partner violence and severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit: A case‐control study in Peru
Authors: Ayala Quintanilla Beatriz Paulina , Pollock Wendy E. , McDonald Susan J. , Taft Angela J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Intimate partner violence is a prevalent public health issue associated with all‐cause maternal mortality. This study investigated the relationship between intimate partner violence, severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit (ICU), and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective case‐control study in a hospital in Lima, Peru, with 109 cases (maternal ICU admissions) and 109 controls (obstetric patients not admitted to the ICU). Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews and medical record review. Partner violence was assessed using the World Health Organization instrument. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the association between intimate partner violence and severe acute maternal morbidity.

Results

There was a significantly higher rate of intimate partner violence both before and during pregnancy among cases (58.7%) than controls (27.5%). In multivariate analysis, intimate partner violence both before and during pregnancy (aOR 3.83 (95% CI: 1.99‐7.37)), being married (3.86 (1.27‐11.73)), having <8 antenatal care visits (2.78 (1.14‐6.80)), and having previous abortions (miscarriage, therapeutic, or unsafe) (1.69 (1.13‐2.51)) were significantly associated with severe acute maternal morbidity. The ICU admission rate was 18.8 (per 1000 live births), and ICU maternal mortality was 1.7%. The perinatal mortality rate was higher in cases (9.3%) than in controls (1.8%).

Conclusions

Intimate partner violence was associated with an increased risk of severe acute maternal morbidity. This suggests a more severe impact of intimate partner violence on pregnancy than has been previously identified. Inquiring about intimate partner violence during prenatal visits may prevent further harm to the mother‐baby dyad.
Rosiglitazone alleviates intrahepatic cholestasis induced by α‐naphthylisothiocyanate in mice: The role of circulating 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐PGJ2 and Nogo
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Yu Miao , Guo Fangling , Yang Xiaoxiao , Chen Yuanli , Ma Chuanrui , Li Qi , Wei Zhuo , Li Xiaoju , Wang Hua , Hu Huaqing , Zhang Yujue , Kong Derun , Miao Qing Robert , Hu Wenquan , Hajjar David P. , Zhu Yan , Han Jihong , Duan Yajun
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Intrahepatic cholestasis is mainly caused by dysfunction of bile secretion and has limited effective treatment. Rosiglitazone is a synthetic agonist of PPARγ, whose endogenous agonist is 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐PGJ2 (15d‐PGJ2). Reticulon 4B (Nogo‐B) is the detectable Nogo protein family member in the liver and secreted into circulation. Here, we determined if rosiglitazone can alleviate intrahepatic cholestasis in mice.

Experimental Approach

Wild‐type, hepatocyte‐specific PPARγ or Nogo‐B knockout mice received intragastric administration of α‐naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and/or rosiglitazone, followed by determination of intrahepatic cholestasis and the involved mechanisms. Serum samples from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients and non‐PBC controls were analysed for cholestasis‐related parameters.

Key Results

Rosiglitazone prevented wild type, but not hepatocyte‐specific PPARγ deficient mice from developing ANIT‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis by increasing expression of bile homeostatic proteins, reducing hepatic necrosis, and correcting abnormal serum parameters and enterohepatic circulation of bile. Nogo‐B knockout provided protection similar to that of rosiglitazone treatment. ANIT‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis decreased 15d‐PGJ2 but increased Nogo‐B in serum, and both were corrected by rosiglitazone. Nogo‐B deficiency in the liver increased 15d‐PGJ2 production, thereby activating expression of PPARγ and bile homeostatic proteins. Rosiglitazone and Nogo‐B deficiency also alleviated cholestasis‐associated dyslipidemia. In addition, rosiglitazone reduced symptoms of established intrahepatic cholestasis in mice. In serum from PBC patients, the decreased 15d‐PGJ2 and increased Nogo‐B levels were significantly correlated with classical cholestatic markers.

Conclusions and Implications

Levels of 15d‐PGJ2 and Nogo are important biomarkers for intrahepatic cholestasis. Synthetic agonists of PPARγ could be used for treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis and cholestasis‐associated dyslipidemia.
Icariside II, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, attenuates cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase‐3β‐mediated activation of autophagy
Authors: Gao Jianmei , Long Long , Xu Fan , Feng Linying , Liu Yuangui , Shi Jingshan , Gong Qihai
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion causes exacerbated neuronal damage involving excessive autophagy and neuronal loss. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of icariside II, one of main active ingredients of Herba Epimedii on this loss and whether this is related to its PDE 5 inhibitory action.

Experimental Approach

Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced in the rat by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion over 2 hr, followed by reperfusion with icariside II, 3‐methylamphetamine or rapamycin. The effect of icariside II was determined measuring behaviour changes and the size of the infarction. The expressions of PDE 5, autophagy‐related proteins and the level of phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) were determined. Cultured primary cortical neurons were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation in the presence and absence of icariside II. A surface plasmon resonance assay and molecular docking were used to explore the interactions of icariside II with PDE 5 or GSK‐3β.

Key Results

Icariside II not only protected against induced ischaemic reperfusion injury in rats but also attenuated such injury in primary cortical neurons. The neuroprotective effects of icariside II on such injury were attributed to interfering with the PKG/GSK‐3β/autophagy axis by directly bounding to PDE 5 and GSK‐3β.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings indicate that icariside II attenuates cerebral I/R‐induced injury via interfering with PKG/GSK‐3β/autophagy axis. This study raises the possibility that icariside II and other PDE 5 inhibitors maybe effective in the treatment ischaemia stroke.
An experimental test of mate choice for red carotenoid coloration in the marine copepod Tigriopus californicus
Authors: Powers Matthew J. , Hill Geoffrey E. , Weaver Ryan J.
Published: October 2019

Colorful ornaments are hypothesized to have evolved in response to sexual selection for honest signals of individual quality that provide information about potential mates. Red carotenoid coloration is common in diverse groups, and in some vertebrate taxa, red coloration is a sexually selected trait whereby mates with the reddest ornaments are preferred. Despite being widespread among invertebrates, whether red carotenoid coloration is assessed during mate choice in these taxa is unclear. The marine copepod Tigriopus californicus displays red coloration from the accumulation of the carotenoid astaxanthin. Previous research on copepods has shown that astaxanthin provides protection from UV radiation and xenobiotic exposure and that carotenoid production is sensitive to external stressors. Because of the condition dependency of the red coloration, we hypothesized that Tigriopus would use it as a criterion during mate choice. To test this hypothesis, we conducted trials in which males chose between females that were wild‐type red (carotenoid‐rich algae diet) or white (carotenoid‐deficient yeast diet). To control for dietary differences and to isolate the effect of carotenoid coloration, we also presented males with restored‐red females fed a carotenoid‐supplemented yeast diet. We found that wild‐type red females were weakly preferred over white females. After controlling for diet, however, we found that restored‐red females were avoided. Our observations do not support the hypothesis that male copepods prefer the carotenoid coloration of females during mate choice. We hypothesize that algal‐derived compounds other than carotenoids play a role in mate choice. Red coloration in copepods appears to be a condition‐dependent trait that is not assessed during mating.
The diverse nature of island isolation and its effect on land bridge insular faunas
Authors: Itescu Yuval , Foufopoulos Johannes , Pafilis Panayiotis , Meiri Shai
Published: October 2019

Aim

Isolation is a key factor in island biology. It is usually defined as the distance to the geographically nearest mainland, but many other definitions exist. We explored how testing different isolation indices affects the inference of impacts of isolation on faunal characteristics. We focused on land bridge islands and compared the relationships of many spatial and temporal (i.e., through time) isolation indices with community‐, population‐ and individual‐level characteristics (species richness, population density and body size, respectively).

Location

Aegean Sea islands, Greece.

Time period

Current.

Taxon

Many animal taxa.

Methods

We estimated 21 isolation indices for 205 islands and recorded species richness data for 15 taxa (invertebrates and vertebrates). We obtained body size data for seven lizard species and population density data for three. We explored how well indices predict each characteristic, in each taxon, by conducting a series of ordinary least squares regressions (controlling for island area when needed) and a meta‐analysis.

Results

Isolation was significantly (and negatively) associated with species richness in 10 of 15 taxa. It was significantly (and positively) associated with body size in only one of seven species and was not associated with population density. The effect of isolation on species richness was much weaker than that of island area, regardless of the index tested. Spatial indices generally out‐performed temporal indices, and indices directly related to the mainland out‐performed those related mainly to neighbouring islands. No index was universally superior to others, including the distance to the geographically nearest mainland.

Main conclusions

The choice of index can alter our perception of the impacts of isolation on biological patterns. The nearly automatic, ubiquitous use of distance to the geographically nearest mainland misrepresents the complexity of the effects of isolation. We recommend the simultaneous testing of several indices that represent different aspects of isolation, in order to produce more constructive and thorough investigations and avoid imprecise inference.
Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment using multiple neuroimaging modalities in addition to the Mini‐Mental State Examination
Authors: Kaneko Hiromi , Kimura Noriyuki , Nojima Saho , Abe Kanako , Aso Yasuhiro , Matsubara Etsuro
Published: October 2019

Aim

This prospective study investigated the additional utility of combining multiple imaging modalities with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) in discriminating individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from cognitively normal individuals.

Methods

A total of 103 individuals with amnestic MCI and normal cognitive function were recruited from outpatients; they underwent examination using the MMSE, magnetic resonance imaging, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and 11C‐Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography. Binary logistic regression with receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to assess the combination of the abovementioned single or multiple imaging modalities with the MMSE. Eight models were constructed, and their area under the curve values and misclassification rates in discriminating individuals with amnestic MCI from cognitively normal individuals were evaluated.

Results

The addition of each of the imaging modalities improved the discrimination accuracy over that of the MMSE alone; the accuracy obtained with the addition of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was the highest. The best model with the highest accuracy included a combination of all the imaging modalities in addition to the MMSE (area under the curve value 0.902).

Conclusions

The combination of all the imaging modalities in addition to the MMSE could facilitate more accurate diagnosis of amnestic MCI. Of the individual imaging modalities, the highest accuracy resulted from the addition of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to the MMSE. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1193–1197.
Severe obesity is associated with liver disease severity in pediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Seth Aradhna , Orkin Sarah , Yodoshi Toshifumi , Liu Chunyan , Fei Lin , Hardy Jennifer , Trout Andrew T. , Arce Clachar Ana‐Catalina , Bramlage Kristin , Xanthakos Stavra , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: October 2019

Background

Paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent among children with obesity. The primary objective of this study was determining whether obesity severity is associated with NAFLD severity. By using paediatric classifications for severe obesity, clinicians may be able to better risk stratify patients, which in turn would guide more effective management and treatment.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including patients followed at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center for NAFLD. Patients were categorized as overweight or class I, II, III obese based on established body mass index (BMI) cut‐offs. Liver disease severity was determined using biochemical, imaging (magnetic resonance elastography [MRE]), and histologic evidence of liver injury.

Results

Three cohorts were studied individually based on the method used to assess disease severity (biochemical n = 767, imaging n = 366, and histology n = 249). Between the three cohorts, there were significant differences in age, proportion of patients with class II and class III obesity, and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. In the biochemistry cohort, the odds of having ALT > 80 U/L were highest in patients with class III obesity (P = .026). In the imaging cohort, liver stiffness was significantly different between BMI groups of patients (P = .001). In the histology cohort, those with class III obesity had significantly higher odds of NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 (P = .012).

Discussion

Obesity severity is associated with liver disease severity. Patients with more severe obesity are more likely to have more advanced liver disease, a finding that can assist in risk stratification, as well as monitoring and treatment approaches.
Intergenerational changes in adiposity and fat distribution from 1982 to 2011 in male children and adolescents from Kolkata (India)
Authors: Kryst Łukasz , Żegleń Magdalena , Das Sukanta , Dasgupta Parasmani , Saha Rana , Das Rituparna
Published: October 2019

Background

India, as a developing country, is subjected to numerous socioeconomic changes. They can significantly influence human development and be mirrored by the secular trends regarding the adiposity and body fat distribution.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine the intergenerational changes of adiposity and body fat distribution in Bengali boys, between 1982 and 2011.

Methods

The study group consisted of 2064 Bengali boys, aged 7–16, from the middle‐class families, examined in two cross‐sectional surveys in 1982–83 and 2005–2011. Triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds were measured. Their sum and the mean percentage of every skinfold were calculated. The percentage of body fat (%BF) was assessed using Slaughter's equations.

Results

Positive secular trend, significant for most of the age groups, was observed for %BF and sum of skinfolds. It was also present for suprailiac and subscapular skinfolds.

Conclusions

Adiposity has significantly changed over the past three decades. The results confirm that the measurements of skinfold thickness are a great tool to relatively easily and accurately assess body adiposity in countries such as India. Moreover, further analysis of these trends can help to identify possible negative changes as well as establish their causes in a particular population.
A comparative study on the cellular viability and debridement efficiency of antimicrobial‐based wound dressings
Authors: Chen Rui , Salisbury Anne‐Marie , Percival Steven L.
Published: October 2019

A concentrated surfactant gel containing polyhexamethylene biguanide (CSG‐PHMB) (CSG: Plurogel) was evaluated for in vitro cell cytotoxicity using the direct contact, extraction, and cell insert assays, along with its ability to breakdown artificial wound eschar and slough, compared with other clinically available wound gels: a wound gel loaded with 0.13% benzalkonium chloride (BXG) and a highly viscous gel loaded with 0.1% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PXG). Following treatment with CSG‐PHMB, BXG, and PXG at day 1, the viability of L929 and HDFa cells sharply decreased to lower than 20% of the culture media control in the direct contact assay; however, cell viability of L929 was 128.65 ± 1.41%, 99.90 ± 2.84%*, and 64.08 ± 5.99%* respectively; HDFa was 84.58 ± 10.41%, 19.54 ± 3.06%**, and 96.28 ± 33.67%, respectively, in the extraction assay. In the cell insert model, cell viability of L929 cells were 95.25 ± 0.96%, 47.49 ± 5.37%**, and 48.63 ± 7.00%**, respectively; HDFa cell viability were 92.80 ± 1.29%, 38.86 ± 4.28%**, and 49.90 ± 2.55%** (*: P < .01; **P < .001 compared with CSG‐PHMB; cell viability of culture medium without treatment at day 1 was 100%). The cell extraction model on day 1 indicated that CSG‐PHMB had higher viability of L929 cells compared with BXG. In addition, the cellular viability results indicated that CSG‐PHMB gel exhibited lower cytotoxicity when compared with BXG and PXG in the cell insert model assay. Within the in vitro debridement model, CSG‐PHMB exhibited an ability to potentially increase the loosening of the collagen matrix. The reason for this may be because of the concentrated surfactant found within the CSG‐PHMB, which has the ability to lower the surface tension, aiding in the movements of fragments and debris in the fluorescent artificial wound eschar model (fAWE).
Photosynthesis, fluorescence and mesophyll conductance responses to increasing salinity levels inJatropha curcasat early vegetative stages
Authors: Dorta‐Santos María Ascensión , Barriola Ignacio , Wassner Diego Fernán , Ploschuk Edmundo Leonardo
Published: October 2019

Salinity is often a great limitation in marginal environments with potential for developing alternative non‐edible crops for biodiesel, and the physiological responses involved in the recovery of plants subjected to high salinity are poorly studied. The aim of this study onJatropha curcasis to identify salinity tolerance responses of net photosynthesis rate under saturating irradiances (Amax), its recovery capacity and the role of mesophyll conductance (gm) overAmax. Two experiments were performed with seedlings in pots under outdoor conditions and hydroponic conditions, respectively, with salinity intensities ranging from 3 to 12 dS/m, their isosmotic treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and controls without abiotic stress.Amaxand growth rate were mainly affected by salinity effects in all the ranges, with a drastic 60% drop in dry biomass under 6 dS/m, revealing a significant sensitivity of this species. However, a surprising increase inAmaxwas promoted by the presence of NaCl, with respect to their respective isosmotic treatments with PEG, although it was still lower than the unstressed plants. This advantage disappeared from 9 dS/m, but negative effects of NaCl toxicities were never detected. The photochemical apparatus resulted extremely resistant in this species, since Fv/Fm and leaf greenness were affected only at 12 dS/m. So,gmwas strongly and linearly associated withAmax.This association derives from the overall range of stress intensities tested, thus appearing as the main useful trait for enhancing photosynthesis depletion under salinity stress, without losses of the water use efficiency. A drastic 75% drop was also detected in the electron use for photosynthesis, revealing thatAmaxwould also be modulated by metabolic impairments under salinity. Moreover, full recovery after only 8 days was observed, confirming the high resistance of the species to NaCl stress even under very high salinities. This study contributes to a better understanding of the physiological processes involved in the response ofJ. curcasto salinity during early vegetative stage, generating possibilities for improving tolerance of this species under environments exposed to salinity.
PLZST antiferroelectric ceramics with promising energy storage and discharge performance for high power applications
Authors: Xu Ran , Zhu Qingshan , Xu Zhuo , Feng Yujun , Wei Xiaoyong
Published: October 2019

Capacitors are widely used as energy storage elements in electric vehicles (EVs) and pulsed power. At present, it is still challenging to develop capacitor dielectrics with good energy storage and discharge performance. In this work, antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics (Pb0.94La0.04)[(Zr0.6Sn0.4)0.92Ti0.08]O3 with enhanced antiferroelectricity were fabricated by a rolling process. The obtained ceramics have a high recoverable energy density of 5.2 J/cm3 and an extremely high efficiency of 91.2% at 327 kV/cm. The ceramics have good energy storage and discharge performance in the temperature range from −40°C to 100°C due to the existence of AFE phase. An energy density of 3.7 J/cm3 can be released at 200 kV/cm in less than 500 ns and the discharge current keeps stable after 1000 charge‐discharge cycles. By direct short experiment, a current density of 1657 A/cm2, which is the highest result in recently developed AFE ceramics, and a power density of 228 MW/cm3 were achieved. The possibility of using AFEs at low temperature was confirmed. The excellent energy storage and discharge performance prove the great potential of the obtained ceramics in high energy and power density applications.
A systematic review of the impact of person‐centred care interventions on the behaviour of staff working in dementia care
Authors: Blake Daniel , Berry Katherine , Brown Laura J. E.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To examine the content, focus, and effectiveness of person‐centred care (PCC) interventions aimed at increasing staff PCC behaviour in health and social care settings for people with dementia.

Design

Systematic search and narrative synthesis of quantitative data.

Data sources

PsychINFO, Medline, EMBASE, Web of knowledge, CINAHL, ASSIA, and BNI were searched from inception to 5 November 2016.

Review methods

All records retrieved were screened using predetermined eligibility criteria. Quality assessment was performed with the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool (EPHPP).

Results

A total of 4,367 records were screened and 33 studies examining the impact of PCC interventions were included. Eight different categories of PCC intervention were identified, with seven of these having at least some evidence to support their effectiveness in increasing staff PCC behaviour.

Conclusion

The range of interventions and outcome measures identified in this review highlight different ways PCC behaviour can be demonstrated by staff and the range of interventions that can be used to enhance PCC staff behaviour. In future, more rigorously controlled research comparing the relative effectiveness of these interventions will support nursing facilities and staff to choose appropriate interventions to support them in enhancing PCC.

Impact

This study addressed the health priority of increasing PCC for people with dementia. It found preliminary evidence that seven of the eight intervention types identified are effective at increasing staff PCC behaviour in health and social care settings for people with dementia.
A genomewide association study in divergently selected lines in rabbits reveals novel genomic regions associated with litter size traits
Authors: Sosa‐Madrid Bolívar Samuel , Santacreu María Antonia , Blasco Agustín , Fontanesi Luca , Pena Romi Natacha , Ibáñez‐Escriche Noelia
Published: October 2019

Uterine capacity (UC), defined as the total number of kits from unilaterally ovariectomized does at birth, has a high genetic correlation with litter size. The aim of our research was to identify genomic regions associated with litter size traits through a genomewide association study using rabbits from a divergent selection experiment for UC. A high‐density SNP array (200K) was used to genotype 181 does from a control population, high and low UC lines. Traits included total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), number born dead, ovulation rate (OR), implanted embryos (IE) and embryo, foetal and prenatal survivals at second parity. We implemented the Bayes B method and the associations were tested by Bayes factors and the percentage of genomic variance (GV) explained by windows. Different genomic regions associated with TNB, NBA, IE and OR were found. These regions explained 7.36%, 1.27%, 15.87% and 3.95% of GV, respectively. Two consecutive windows on chromosome 17 were associated with TNB, NBA and IE. This genomic region accounted for 6.32% of GV of TNB. In this region, we found the BMP4, PTDGR, PTGER2, STYX and CDKN3 candidate genes which presented functional annotations linked to some reproductive processes. Our findings suggest that a genomic region on chromosome 17 has an important effect on litter size traits. However, further analyses are needed to validate this region in other maternal rabbit lines.
A family‐centered prevention ameliorates the associations of low self‐control during childhood with employment income and poverty status in young African American adults
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Yu Tianyi , Miller Gregory E. , Chen Edith
Published: October 2019

Objective

Children with low self‐control who grow up in poverty are at elevated risk for living in poverty when they are adults. The purpose of this study was to further understanding of the intergenerational continuity of poverty by (a) examining the likelihood that children with low levels of self‐control at age 11 earn less employment income and are more likely to live in poverty 14 years later, at age 25; and (b) determining, via a preventive intervention, whether enhancing supportive parenting during childhood will ameliorate these associations.

Methods

Parents and their 11‐year‐old children from 381 families participated in the Strong African American Families (SAAF) program or a control condition. Teachers assessed children’s self‐control at 11 years; parents reported their use of supportive parenting when children were 11 and 13 years; emerging adults provided data on cognitive and emotional self‐control at 19, 20, and 21 years; and young adults indicated their employment income at 25 years.

Results

Significant two‐way interactions were detected between children’s self‐control and prevention condition for employment income (b = −183.18, 95% CI [−363.82, −2.53], p < .05) and poverty status (b = 0.257, 95% CI [0.018, 0.497], p < .05). Low self‐control at age 11 forecast less employment income and a greater likelihood of living in poverty among children in the control condition, but not among low self‐control SAAF participants. Mediated moderation analyses confirmed that enhanced supportive parenting accounted for SAAF’s effects on employment income (indirect effect = 63.057, 95% BCA [19.385, 124.748]) and poverty status (indirect effect = −0.071, 95% BCA [−0.165, −0.016]).

Conclusions

This study is unique in using a randomized controlled trial to show that preventive interventions designed to enhance parenting and strengthen families can buffer the long‐term economic consequences of low self‐control.
Longitudinal Analysis of Mortality for Older Adults Receiving or Waiting for Aging Network Services
Authors: Gum Amber M. , Green Ohad , Schonfeld Lawrence , Conner Kyaien , Rigg Khary K. , Wagoner Frank , Melling Kristina A. , Parkinson Katie
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES

For older adults screened by an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in the National Aging Network, we aimed to examine the 12‐month mortality rate for wait‐listed callers compared with those who received services within 12 months, and to assess whether the mortality rate differed according to how quickly they received services.

DESIGN

The design was a longitudinal analysis of 3 years of AAA administrative data, using survival analysis.

SETTING

The data source was administrative data from an AAA spanning a five‐county region in west central Florida.

PARTICIPANTS

All older adults (age 60 y and older) screened for service eligibility from July 15, 2013, to August 15, 2015, who completed initial screening during the study period were included (N = 6288).

MEASUREMENTS

The outcome was mortality within 12 months of the initial screening. Covariates included demographics, caregiver status, health status, access to healthcare, and AAA service status.

RESULTS

In the first survival analysis, the strongest predictor was waiting for services compared with receiving services; waiting increased the odds to die vs not to die by 141%, after controlling for health status and other covariates. In the second survival analysis, those who received services within 0 to 3 months had a higher mortality risk compared with those who received services within 6 to 9 months or 9 to 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Older adults placed on aging service waiting lists may be at a greater risk of mortality within 12 months than those receiving services. Given that rapid receipt of services was less protective than receiving services later, those prioritized to receive services quickly may be at very high risk of adverse outcomes. Findings raise the possibility that aging services may lower mortality, although additional services may benefit those waiting long periods for services, as well as those eligible for services rapidly. Research is needed to replicate and extend these findings. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:519–525, 2020
Computed tomographic excretory urography for diagnosing ectopic ureter in a female rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Kim Jong‐Min
Published: October 2019

Ectopic ureter is a congenital abnormality where the ureter terminates at a site other than the urinary bladder. A five‐year‐old female rhesus monkey presented with a urine odor, a wet perineum, and persistent dribbling of urine. An ultrasound examination revealed a cyst‐like structure (1 × 0.75 cm) on the left side of the bladder. Computed tomographic excretory urography (CTEU) imaging revealed a left unilateral extramural ectopic ureter, which was connected to the vagina. The perineum and wet hair were dried and disinfected with 0.4% chlorhexidine for perineal hygiene and skin care. The animal was closely monitored for potential moist dermatitis near the perineum and for urinary tract infection. The complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry results showed no signs of inflammation during the observation period. This is the first report of detailed diagnosis of ectopic ureter by ultrasound and CTEU in a female rhesus monkey.
Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: is it really a transposition? An anatomical study of the right ventricular septal surface
Authors: Arribard Nicolas , Mostefa Kara Meriem , Hascoët Sébastien , Bessières Bettina , Bonnet Damien , Houyel Lucile
Published: October 2019

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare congenital malformation which associates discordant atrioventricular and ventriculo‐arterial connections. Although frequently associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), its anatomy remains controversial. This could be due in hearts with usual atrial arrangement to the apparently different anatomy of the left‐sided right ventricle compared with a right‐sided right ventricle. We wanted to compare the RV septal anatomy between ccTGA, transposition of the great arteries and normal heart and to determine the anatomy of the VSD in ccTGA. We analysed 102 human heart specimens: 31 ccTGA, 36 transpositions of the great arteries, 35 normal hearts. According to the last classification of VSD (ICD‐11), VSD were classified as outlet if located above the superoseptal commissure of the tricuspid valve and inlet if underneath. We measured the lengths of the superior and inferior limbs of the septal band and the angle between the two limbs. To assess the orientation of the septal band, we also measured the angle between superior limb and the arterial valve above. A VSD was present in 26 ccTGA (84%) and was an outlet VSD in 16 cases (61%). The mean angle between the two limbs of the septal band was 76.4° for ccTGA compared with 90.6° for transposition of the great arteries (P = 0.011) and 76.1° for normal hearts (P= NS). The mean angle between the superior limb of the septal band and the arterial valve above was 70.6° for ccTGA compared with 90.6° for transposition of the great arteries (P = 0.0004) and 69.1° for normal hearts (P= NS). The inferior limb of the septal band was significantly shorter in ccTGA (P < 0.0003): SL/IL length ratio was 21.4 for ccTGA, 2.2 for transposition of the great arteries and 1.5 for normal hearts. The typical VSD in ccTGA is an outlet VSD. Its frequent misdiagnosis as an inlet VSD might be explained by the shortness of the inferior limb, which creates the illusion of a posterior VSD, and by the fact that the VSD is usually assessed from the left ventricular aspect. Surprisingly, the orientation of the septal band is similar in ccTGA and normal heart, despite the discordant atrioventricular connections, and different in ccTGA and transposition of the great arteries, despite the discordant ventriculo‐arterial connections. These findings suggest that the mechanism leading to transposition in ccTGA and in TGA probably is different. The term ‘double discordance’ might therefore be more appropriate as a description of this complex anomaly.
Expanding our sociolinguistic horizons? Geographical thinking and the articulatory potential of commodity chain analysis
Authors: Thurlow Crispin
Published: October 2019

Conceptual linearity and analytic parochialism (aka focus) can make it more difficult for sociolinguists or discourse analysts to apprehend the far‐reaching, exploitative ways inequality is nowadays produced. A suitably material‐cum‐materialist class critique certainly entails empirical and phenomenological worlds flagged by, for example, multi‐sited ethnographies but otherwise side‐lined as merely “extra‐situational” in much talk/text‐directed scholarship. I propose we think more geographically by properly engaging spatiality à la Harvey (1990) and especially the radical politics of simultaneity (Massey, 2005)—the literal, “right‐now” connectedness of places and people. To this end, and allied with deepening interest in political economy, I combine the principles of articulation theory with the procedures of commodity chain analysis for picking apart an epitomic, contemporary manifestation of extreme privilege: the business‐class meal. The proposed discourse‐centred commodity chain analysis offers an ecumenical but systematic framework for tracking how commodity fetishism is actually and discursively accomplished (or not) across dispersed voices, stories, and social meanings.
Analytic hierarchy process as an alternative for the selection of vocabularies for sensory characterization and consumer preference
Authors: Ramírez‐Rivera Emmanuel de Jesús , Morales‐Carrera Uriel Alejandro , Limón‐Rivera Rogelio , Castillo‐Martínez Susana Isabel , Hernández‐Salinas Gregorio , Ramírez‐Sucre Manuel Octavio , Herrera‐Corredor José Andrés
Published: October 2019

The objective of the present study was to investigate the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique as an alternative to the ISO standard 11035 for the sensory characterization and consumer preference of coffee through External Preference Mapping (PREFMAP). The methodological context consisted in the generation of the sensory vocabulary applying the techniques ISO standard 11035 using a trained panel and AHP using an expert panel. PREFMAP was then carried out to explain the preference of coffee consumers according to the vocabularies generated. The results showed that the sensory vocabulary using AHP was similar to that obtained with ISO standard 11035 and the judgments of the panel of experts were consistent. The PREFMAP'S explained in a similar way the preference of coffee consumers. The use of the AHP technique is a new, reliable, and easy‐to‐execute alternative for the selection of sensory vocabulary for characterization and explanation of consumer preference.

Practical Applications

The Analytic Hierarchy Process technique is a reliable alternative for the selection of sensory attributes. The attributes are evaluated by paired comparison and, by mathematical procedure, the weight (W) of each attribute and sensory dimension is obtained. Consistency indicators are also included to support and validate panel judgments. This new proposal can be easily implemented at an industrial and academic level for the development of different sensometric investigations that require characterizing and analyzing the preference of consumers of different foods.
First detection of “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris” ‐ and “Candidatus Phytoplasma solani”‐related strains in fig trees
Authors: Alsaheli Zeinab , Contaldo Nicoletta , Mehle Nataša , Dermastia Marina , Elbeaino Toufic , Bertaccini Assunta
Published: October 2019

In July 2017, a survey was conducted in a fig collection plot at Locorotondo (south of Italy) to investigate the possible presence of phytoplasmas in plants showing yellowing, deformed leaves, short internodes, mottling and mosaic. Samples were collected from symptomatic plants and tested by nested PCR assays using universal and specific primers to amplify the 16S rDNA of these prokaryotes. PCR results detected the presence of phytoplasma sequences in twenty plant samples that resulted clustering two phylogenetically distinct phytoplasmas, i.e., “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris” and “Candidatus Phytoplasma solani” affiliated to 16SrI and 16SrXII ribosomal groups, respectively. The presence of phytoplasmas belonging to both ribosomal groups was confirmed with group specific quantitative PCR and RFLP assays on 16S ribosomal amplicons. Results of this study indicate for the first time the occurrence of phytoplasmas in fig; however, more work should be carried out to verify their association with the symptoms observed on diseased fig plants.
An Efficient Method for the Plating of Haploid and Diploid Emiliania huxleyi on Solid Medium1
Authors: Skeffington Alastair W. , Grimm Annett , Schönefeld Steffi , Petersen Kerstin , Scheffel André
Published: October 2019

Emiliania huxleyi is a globally important coccolithophore and one of the most successful eukaryotic organisms in the modern oceans. Despite a large body of work on this organism, including the sequencing of its genome, the tools required for forward and reverse functional genetic studies are still undeveloped. Here we present an optimized method for the clonal isolation of E. huxleyi by plating on solid medium. We demonstrate the utility of this method for a variety of strains including haploid, calcifying‐diploid, and noncalcifying diploid strains. We show that, in contrast to previous studies, no changes in cell ploidy status occur when the cells are plated. Our method will greatly aid attempts to elucidate the genetic basis of the remarkable physiology of E. huxleyi by forward and reverse genetic approaches.
Discovery of a novel and selective fungicide that targets fungal cell wall to treat dermatomycoses: 1,3‐bis(3,4‐dichlorophenoxy)propan‐2‐aminium chloride
Authors: Flores Dalla Lana Daiane , Neiva Lavorato Stefânia , Minussi Giuliani Laura , Cruz Letícia , Lopes William , Henning Vainstein Marilene , Camargo Fontana Igor , Rigon Zimmer Aline , de Araújo Freitas Murillo , de Andrade Saulo Fernandes , José Alves Ricardo , Meneghello Fuentefria Alexandre
Published: October 2019

Background

Fungal infections are highly prevalent and are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. In this context, the search for new treatment alternatives is very relevant.

Objectives

Analyse chemical compounds for antifungal potential against dermatomycosis fungi.

Methods

The antifungal activity of 121 compounds, intermediates or derivatives of 1,3‐bis(aryloxy)propane substituted at C‐2 (111 compounds) and isothiouronium derivatives (10 compounds) was investigated through susceptibility tests, mechanism of action, toxicity and hydrogel incorporation.

Results

The compound 1,3‐bis(3,4‐dichlorophenoxy)propan‐2‐aminium chloride (2j) was the most active fungicide against dermatophytes and Candida spp., at very low concentrations (0.39‐3.12 µg/mL), including action on resistant and multidrug‐resistant clinical strains. Compound 2j has presented a promising toxicity profile, showing selectivity index >10, relative to human lymphocytes. The compound was classified as non‐irritant by the HET‐CAM test and did not cause histopathological alterations in pig ear skin, thus presenting an excellent perspective for topical application. 2j targets the fungal cell wall, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, which also indicated the additional ability of 2j to inhibit the Candida albicans pseudohyphae formation and biofilm of Microsporum canis. Compound 2j was incorporated in a hydrogel with bioadhesive potential. The results of the human skin permeation showed that 2j remained significantly in the epidermis, ideally for the dermatomycosis treatment.

Conclusions

Therefore, the compound 2j demonstrated the potential for antifungal drug development, with a action mechanism elucidated and already applied in a semisolid formulation as a new therapeutic option for fungal skin infections.
Analysis of leaf microbiome composition of near‐isogenic maize lines differing in broad‐spectrum disease resistance
Authors: Wagner Maggie R. , Busby Posy E. , Balint‐Kurti Peter
Published: October 2019

Plant genotype strongly affects disease resistance, and also influences the composition of the leaf microbiome. However, these processes have not been studied and linked in the microevolutionary context of breeding for improved disease resistance. We hypothesised that broad‐spectrum disease resistance alleles also affect colonisation by nonpathogenic symbionts.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance to multiple fungal pathogens were introgressed into a disease‐susceptible maize inbred line. Bacterial and fungal leaf microbiomes of the resulting near‐isogenic lines were compared with the microbiome of the disease‐susceptible parent line at two time points in multiple fields.

Introgression of QTL from disease‐resistant lines strongly shifted the relative abundance of diverse fungal and bacterial taxa in both 3‐wk‐old and 7‐wk‐old plants. Nevertheless, the effects on overall community structure and diversity were minor and varied among fields and years. Contrary to our expectations, host genotype effects were not any stronger in fields with high disease pressure than in uninfected fields, and microbiome succession over time was similar in heavily infected and uninfected plants.

These results show that introgressed QTL can greatly improve broad‐spectrum disease resistance while having only limited and inconsistent pleiotropic effects on the leaf microbiome in maize.
Remorin interacting with PCaP1 impairs Turnip mosaic virus intercellular movement but is antagonised by VPg
Authors: Cheng Guangyuan , Yang Zongtao , Zhang Hai , Zhang Jisen , Xu Jingsheng
Published: October 2019

Group 1 Remorins (REMs) are extensively involved in virus trafficking through plasmodesmata (PD). However, their roles in Potyvirus cell‐to‐cell movement are not known. The plasma membrane (PM)‐associated Ca2+ binding protein 1 (PCaP1) interacts with the P3N‐PIPO of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) and is required for TuMV cell‐to‐cell movement, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive.

The mutant plants with overexpression or knockout of REM1.2 were used to investigate its role in TuMV cell‐to‐cell movement. Arabidopsis thaliana complementary mutants of pcap1 were used to investigate the role of PCaP1 in TuMV cell‐to‐cell movement. Yeast‐two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, co‐immunoprecipitation and RT‐qPCR assays were employed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism.

The results show that TuMV‐P3N‐PIPO recruits PCaP1 to PD and the actin filament‐severing activity of PCaP1 is required for TuMV intercellular movement. REM1.2 negatively regulates the cell‐to‐cell movement of TuMV via competition with PCaP1 for binding actin filaments. As a counteractive response, TuMV mediates REM1.2 degradation via both 26S ubiquitin–proteasome and autophagy pathways through the interaction of VPg with REM1.2 to establish systemic infection in Arabidopsis.

This work unveils the actin cytoskeleton and PM nanodomain‐associated molecular events underlying the cell‐to‐cell movement of potyviruses.