bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Bacillus cereus cell viability, sublethal injury, and death induced by mild thermal treatment
Authors: Lv Ruiling , Wang Danli , Zou Mingming , Wang Wenjun , Ma Xiaobin , Chen Weijun , Zhou Jianwei , Ding Tian , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong
Published: November 2018

As the most cost‐effective tool to ensure microbial safety, thermal processing induces a large portion of sublethal injury presenting a potential hazard to food safety. Thermal treatment at 63 °C for 1 min injured 2.22 log cfu/ml totally, half of which were sublethally injured using plate counting method. After 2 min, the inactivation log of Bacillus cereus reached 1.55 while the sublethally injured log even reached 2.16. As for the sublethally injured rate of the B. cereus, it was over 65% after 0.5 min and kept ever‐increase with time. In the end, the injured rate arrived at 99.30% after 2 min processing time. Partial esterase enzyme inactivation was found after 0.5 min heat treatment with flow cytometry combining carboxyfluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide (PI) double‐staining, but B. cereus was not dyed by PI at 63 °C. Comparing with the initial protein concentration of 0.57 ± 0.02 μg/ml, the leakage of the protein was not so notable though the general trend was increasing with duration of heat. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that a portion of cells morphology and structure had changed after thermal process.

Practical applications

Bacillus cereus is an endospore forming pathogenic, causing foodborne illnesses and outbreaks all over the world. This research indicated that thermal treatment at 63 °C was a sublethal stress for B. cereus that a portion of cells were sublethally injured which could resume growth in suitable condition and might exist potential safety hazard if used for food pasteurization.
Evaluation of psychrophilic, mesophilic, histamine forming bacteria and biogenic amine content in the muscle of mud spiny lobster, Panulirus polyphagus (HERBST, 1793) during ice storage
Authors: Arulkumar A. , Paramasivam S. , Rameshthangam P. , Paramithiotis S.
Published: November 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess the evolution of psychrophilic, mesophilic and histamine forming bacteria along with the accumulation of cadaverine, histamine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine, tryptamine and tyramine during ice storage of mud spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus). Total mesophilic, psychrophilic and amine forming bacteria were initially enumerated at 2.62, 2.14 and 2.10 log cfu/g muscle, respectively and reached 7.07, 7.11, and 6.80 log cfu/g muscle, respectively, after 15 days of ice storage. Tryptamine, putrescine and histamine were detected from the 5th day, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine from the 10th day and cadaverine only at the 15th day of storage. Positive correlation of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria with tryptamine, putrescine and tyramine was detected. Species belonging to Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Citrobacter spp., Photobacterium spp., Serratia spp., and Morganella morganii able to produce histamine, putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine were isolated during storage. The results obtained suggest that P. polyphagus muscle can be stored in ice for short period of time, which may reach 10 days. After the 10th day of ice storage, accumulation of biogenic amines may constitute a potential health hazard.

Practical applications

To improve our understanding of freshness and bacterial species contribution to biogenic amines production in lobster during ice storage, knowledge of the microecosystem dynamics is necessary. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of mesophilic, psychrophilic and histamine forming bacteria as well as the evolution of cadaverine, histamine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine, tryptamine and tyramine during ice storage of mud spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus). The results of the present study could be useful to assure the safety of lobster by controlling the biogenic amines content.
Comparison of three different stents for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collection: A large retrospective study
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Zhao Shengbing , Meng Qianqian , Wang Shuling , Chen Yan , Wang Fuming , Li Qiang , Yao Jun , Du Yiqi , Jin Zhendong , Bai Yu , Li Zhaoshen , Wang Dong
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Endoscopic transmural drainage has been recognized as the first‐line treatment for pancreatic fluid collection (PFC). Currently, three different types of stents have been extensively applied, including double pigtail plastic stent (PS), fully covered self‐expanding metal stent (FCSEMS), and novel lumen‐apposing metal stent (LAMS). Nonetheless, limited data are available about the comparison among them in terms of their clinical outcomes and safety for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided drainage of PFC.

Methods

The current retrospective study was carried on 160 PFC patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound‐guided drainage from 2010 to 2018 at a single tertiary care center. Patients were divided into three groups based on different drainage ways: drainage using PS, FCSEMS, or LAMS.

Results

A total of 160 PFC patients (104 male and 56 female) were analyzed in this retrospective study, including 62 patients drained with PS, 28 with FCSEMS, and 70 with LAMS. Typically, the technical success (93.5% vs 96.4% vs 94.3%, P = 1.000) and treatment success rates (84.6% vs 85.2% vs 89.2%, P = 0.763) were similar between PS, FCSEMS, and LAMS. With regard to major adverse events, four patients (FCSEMS: n = 2 and LAMS: n = 2) with pseudoaneurysms developed severe bleeding; among them, 75% (3/4) of patients were observed within 2 weeks after intervention, and two patients in LAMS group died.

Conclusions

There are no significant differences in the clinical outcomes of PFC patients treated with PS, FCSEMS, or LAMS. Nonetheless, severe (or even fatal) bleeding may occur at the early stage after metal stent placement, which should be paid particular attention to.
Inclination of the condylar long axis is not related to temporomandibular disc displacement
Authors: Amorim Marian Y. , Alves Monica G. O. , Almeida Janete D. , Montesinos Gonzalo A. P. , Costa Andre L. F. , Lopes Sergio L. P. de C.
Published: November 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to correlate the angle formed by inclination of the condylar long axis and median sagittal plane to the presence of internal disc derangement, as well as changes in eccentric mandibular positions.

Methods

The sample consisted of magnetic resonance images of 35 temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acquired with a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging system with surface coils of 8.5 cm in diameter. Parasagittal images were used according to the following parameters: TMJ disc position with mouth closed, TMJ disc position with mouth open, TMJ disc function, and degrees of rotation and translation of the condyle. Next, we determined the angles between the condyle long axis and median sagittal plane by using axial images.

Results

The results showed correlations between TMJ disc position and disc function (P = 0.009), as well as between disc position and degree of condylar rotation (P = 0.008). The main purpose of the present study was to assess the angle of the condylar long axis, with no statistical correlation being found between this variable and disc position (P = 0.787), disc function (P = 0.091), condylar translation (P = 0.808), and condylar rotation (P = 0.115).

Conclusion

There was no relationship between inclination of the condyle long axis and parameters of internal derangements.
A Malvaceae mystery: A mallow maelstrom of genome multiplications and maybe misleading methods?
Authors: Conover Justin L. , Karimi Nisa , Stenz Noah , Ané Cécile , Grover Corrinne E. , Skema Cynthia , Tate Jennifer A. , Wolff Kirsten , Logan Samuel A. , Wendel Jonathan F. , Baum David A.
Published: November 2018

Previous research suggests that Gossypium has undergone a 5‐ to 6‐fold multiplication following its divergence from Theobroma. However, the number of events, or where they occurred in the Malvaceae phylogeny remains unknown. We analyzed transcriptomic and genomic data from representatives of eight of the nine Malvaceae subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis of nuclear data placed Dombeya (Dombeyoideae) as sister to the rest of Malvadendrina clade, but the plastid DNA tree strongly supported Durio (Helicteroideae) in this position. Intraspecific Ks plots indicated that all sampled taxa, except Theobroma (Byttnerioideae), Corchorus (Grewioideae), and Dombeya (Dombeyoideae), have experienced whole genome multiplications (WGMs). Quartet analysis suggested WGMs were shared by Malvoideae‐Bombacoideae and Sterculioideae‐Tilioideae, but did not resolve whether these are shared with each other or Helicteroideae (Durio). Gene tree reconciliation and Bayesian concordance analysis suggested a complex history. Alternative hypotheses are suggested, each involving two independent autotetraploid and one allopolyploid event. They differ in that one entails an allopolyploid origin for the Durio lineage, whereas the other invokes an allopolyploid origin for Malvoideae‐Bombacoideae. We highlight the need for more genomic information in the Malvaceae and improved methods to resolve complex evolutionary histories that may include allopolyploidy, incomplete lineage sorting, and variable rates of gene and genome evolution.
Acquisition of deleterious mutations during potato polyploidization
Authors: Lian Qun , Tang Die , Bai Zhiyan , Qi Jianjian , Lu Fei , Huang Sanwen , Zhang Chunzhi
Published: November 2018

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) represent an important tuber crop, worldwide. During its prolonged clonal propagation, numerous deleterious mutations have accumulated in the potato genome, leading to severe inbreeding depression; however, the shaping of this mutation burden during polyploidization and improvement is largely unknown. Here, we sequenced 20 diploid landraces of the Stenotomum group, eight tetraploid landraces, and 20 tetraploid modern cultivars, to analyze variations in their deleterious mutations. We show that deleterious mutations accumulated rapidly during the polyploidization of tetraploid potatoes. This study provides a foundation for future potato improvement.
TCP7 functions redundantly with several Class I TCPs and regulates endoreplication in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Guofang , Zhao Hongtao , Zhang Chunguang , Li Xiaoyun , Lyu Yuanyuan , Qi Dongmei , Cui Yanwei , Hu Lin , Wang Zhenjie , Liang Zheng , Cui Sujuan
Published: November 2018

TCP (TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR) proteins, a family of plant‐specific transcription factors, play important roles in many developmental processes. However, genetic and functional redundancy among class I TCP limits the analysis of their biological roles. Here, we identified a dominant‐negative mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana TCP7 named leaf curling‐upward (lcu), which exhibits smaller leaf cells and shorter hypocotyls than the wild type, due to defective endoreplication. A septuple loss‐of‐function mutant of TCP7, TCP8, TCP14, TCP15, TCP21, TCP22, and TCP23 displayed similar developmental defects to those of lcu. Genome‐wide RNA‐sequencing showed that lcu and the septuple mutant share many misexpressed genes. Intriguingly, TCP7 directly targets the CYCLIN D1;1 (CYCD1;1) locus and activates its transcription. We determined that the C‐terminus of TCP7 accounts for its transcriptional activation activity. Furthermore, the mutant protein LCU exhibited reduced transcriptional activation activity due to the introduction of an EAR‐like repressive domain at its C‐terminus. Together, these observations indicate that TCP7 plays important roles during leaf and hypocotyl development, redundantly, with at least six class I TCPs, and regulates the expression of CYCD1;1 to affect endoreplication in Arabidopsis.
Factors affecting parents’ satisfaction with pediatric wards
Authors: Tsironi Spyridoula , Koulierakis George
Published: November 2018

Aim

To explore the relationship of parental satisfaction with sociodemographic variables and to identify the possible determinants in pediatric and surgical wards of two public pediatric hospitals in Greece.

Methods: The validated Swedish Pyramid Questionnaire that measures parental satisfaction with the quality of care was used. A convenience sample of 352 parents (response rate: 88%) was collected from two major pediatric public hospitals in Athens, Greece, from February to April, 2016. The satisfaction questions focused on eight domains: information on illness, information on routines, accessibility, medical treatment, care processes, staff attitudes, parental participation, and the staff work environment.

Results

The parents of the hospitalized children were highly satisfied with the behavior of the healthcare providers and the medical and nursing care that was provided, but they were less satisfied with accessibility in the hospital. The marital status and child's length of stay in the hospital seemed to affect the most dimensions of parental satisfaction, with the married parents whose child's length of stay was short expressing higher levels of satisfaction.

Conclusion: Healthcare providers’ approaches should be modified for parental satisfaction to be improved and parents’ sociodemographics while providing health care. Nurses should enhance the quality of nursing care.
Mass spectrometry: A platform for biomarker discovery and validation for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
Authors: Cilento Eugene M. , Jin Lorrain , Stewart Tessandra , Shi Min , Sheng Lifu , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2018

Accurate, reliable, and objective biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and related age‐associated neurodegenerative disorders are urgently needed to assist in both diagnosis, particularly at early stages, and monitoring of disease progression. Technological advancements in protein detection platforms over the last few decades have resulted in a plethora of reported molecular biomarker candidates for both AD and PD; however, very few of these candidates are developed beyond the discovery phase of the biomarker development pipeline, a reflection of the current bottleneck within the field. In this review, the expanded use of selected reaction monitoring (SRM) targeted mass spectrometry will be discussed in detail as a platform for systematic verification of large panels of protein biomarker candidates prior to costly validation testing. We also advocate for the coupling of discovery‐based proteomics with modern targeted MS‐based approaches (e.g., SRM) within a single study in future workflows to expedite biomarker development and validation for AD and PD. It is our hope that improving the efficiency within the biomarker development process by use of an SRM pipeline may ultimately hasten the development of biomarkers that both decrease misdiagnosis of AD and PD and ultimately lead to detection at early stages of disease and objective assessment of disease progression.

image

This article is part of the special issue "Proteomics".
The distribution of the proteoglycan FORSE‐1 in the developing mouse central nervous system
Authors: Kelly Albert , O'Malley Aisling , Redha Mohammad , O'Keeffe Gerard W. , Barry Denis S.
Published: November 2018

Glycosylation is a major post‐translational modification in which a carbohydrate known as a glycan is enzymatically attached to target proteins which regulate protein folding and stability. Glycans are strongly expressed in the developing nervous system where they play multiple roles during development. The importance of these glycan epitopes in neural development is highlighted by a group of conditions known as congenital disorders of glycosylation which lead to psychomotor difficulties, mental retardation, lissencephaly, microencephaly and epilepsy. One of these glycan epitopes, known as Lewis X, is recognised by the FORSE‐1 antibody and is regionally expressed in the developing nervous system. In this study, we report the regional and temporal expression patterns of FORSE‐1 immunolabelling during the periods of neurogenesis, gliogenesis and axonogenesis in developing mouse nervous system. We demonstrate the localisation of FORSE‐1 on subsets of neuroepithelial cells and radial glial cells, and in compartments corresponding to axon tract formation. These spatial, temporal and regional expression patterns are suggestive of roles in the determination of different cell lineages and in the patterning of white matter during development, and help provide insights into the neuroanatomical regions affected by congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Sequential testicular atrophy involves changes in cellular proliferation and apoptosis associated with variations in aromatase P450 expression levels in Irs‐2‐deficient mice
Authors: Catalano‐Iniesta Leonardo , Sánchez‐Robledo Virginia , Iglesias‐Osma Maria Carmen , García‐Barrado Maria José , Carretero‐Hernández Marta , Blanco Enrique J. , Vicente‐García Teresa , Burks Deborah Jane , Carretero José
Published: November 2018

Insulin receptor substrate 2 (Irs‐2) is an intracellular protein susceptible to phosphorylation after activation of the insulin receptor. Its suppression affects testis development and its absence induces peripheral resistance to insulin. The aim of this study was to identify changes induced by the deletion of Irs‐2 in the testicular structure and by the altered expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase, a protein necessary for the development and maturation of germ cells. Adult knockout (KO) mice (Irs‐2−/−, 6 and 12 weeks old) and age‐matched wild‐type (WT) mice were used in this study. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed to study proliferation (PCNA), apoptosis (active caspase‐3) and P450 aromatase expression in testicular histological sections. Deletion of Irs‐2 decreased the number of epithelial cells in the seminiferous tubule and rete testis. Aberrant cells were frequently detected in the epithelia of Irs‐2−/− mice, accompanied by variations in spermatogonia, which were shown to exhibit small hyperchromatic nuclei as well as polynuclear and anuclear structures. The amount of cell proliferation was significantly lower in Irs‐2−/− mice than in WT mice, whereas apoptotic processes were more common in Irs‐2−/− mice. Aromatase P450 reactivity was higher in 6‐week‐old KO mice than in WT mice of the same age and was even higher at 12 weeks. Our results suggest that Irs‐2 is a key element in spermatogenesis because silencing Irs‐2 induces the sequential development of testicular atrophy. The effects are observed mainly in germ cells present in the seminiferous tubule, which may be due to changes in cytochrome P450 aromatase expression.
Morbidity and cause‐specific mortality in first‐time myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries
Authors: Eggers K. M. , Hjort M. , Baron T. , Jernberg T. , Nordenskjöld A. M. , Tornvall P. , Lindahl B.
Published: November 2018

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is receiving increasing interest as a prognostically adverse entity distinct from myocardial infarction with significant coronary artery disease (MI‐CAD). However, data are still limited regarding long‐term cardiovascular morbidity and cause‐specific mortality in MINOCA.

Methods

This is a registry‐based cohort study using data from patients admitted to Swedish coronary care units. We investigated various nonfatal outcomes (recurrent MI, hospitalization for heart failure or stroke) and fatal outcomes (cardiovascular, respiratory or cancer‐related mortality) in 4069 patients without apparent acute cardiovascular disease, used as non‐MI controls, 7266 patients with first‐time MINOCA and 69 267 patients with first‐time MI‐CAD.

Results

Almost all event rates (median follow‐up 3.8 years) increased in a stepwise fashion across the three cohorts [rates of major adverse events (MAE; composite of all‐cause mortality, recurrent MI, hospitalization for heart failure or stroke): n = 268 (6.6%), n = 1563 (21.5%), n = 17 777 (25.7%), respectively]. Compared to non‐MI controls, MINOCA patients had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.12 (95% confidence interval 1.84–2.43) regarding MAE. MINOCA patients had a substantial risk of cardiovascular mortality and the highest numerical risks of respiratory and cancer‐related mortality. Male sex, previous heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had a stronger prognostic impact in MINOCA than in MI‐CAD. Female MINOCA patients with atrial fibrillation were at particular risk.

Conclusions

Patients with first‐time MINOCA have a considerable risk of adverse events. This stresses the need for a comprehensive search of the cause of MINOCA, thorough treatment of underlying disease triggers and close follow‐up.
Immigration and Receiving Communities: The Utility of Threats and Emotions in Predicting Action Tendencies toward Refugees, Asylum‐Seekers and Economic Migrants
Authors: Abeywickrama R.S. , Laham S.M. , Crone D.L.
Published: November 2018

Traditional accounts of intergroup bias often fail to consider the complexity of intergroup phenomena by insufficiently distinguishing between (a) attitudes, emotions and action tendencies, (b) classes of threat that promote intergroup bias and (c) subtle category distinctions amongst social groups. We develop a nuanced account of antimigrant bias by distinguishing between (a) manifestations of bias in emotions and action tendencies, (b) kinds of threat that drive antimigrant bias, and (c) kinds of migrant groups (economic migrants, refugees, and asylum‐seekers). By employing within‐subjects designs in two prominent migrant‐receiving countries (NAustralia= 239,NUS= 200), we find that two distinct classes of threat emerge:in‐group morality threatandconflict‐related threat. These threats predict specific emotion and action tendency profiles. Our findings carry important implications for the conceptualization of antimigrant bias. We also discuss implications of our findings for facilitating positive relations between receiving communities and migrants via in‐group morality threat.
Adding a Community Focus to the Psychological Investigation of Immigration Issues and Policies
Authors: Silka Linda
Published: November 2018

As we have seen in many of the articles in this issue, a major goal of research on a topic as important as immigration is to ensure that the research is targeted where it is likely to have the greatest impact. Immigration studies are becoming increasingly important in the face of growing numbers of immigrants seeking to move to immigrant‐receiving countries, numbers that are predicted to increase with climate change, escalating international conflicts, and global economic instabilities. To address the changing immigration scene, psychologists have been extending their reach beyond the traditional domain of psychology—the study of the micro level (the individual)—to link with macro levels (such as the country level). Yet, between these two levels is the community level, where daily life takes place. Community psychologists have long shown the importance of including this highly complex level if research by psychologists is to have policy impacts. This is not only where everyday activities take place but this is where a surprising number of the policy levers exist that have the potential to effect change. This article argues that several steps will be important as psychologists bring their research expertise to advancing an understanding at the community level of immigrant experiences: researching the complex systems at the community level, integrating psychological research with insights from other disciplines, and taking seriously what thought‐leaders have begun to argue about the importance of integrating scales from micro to meso to macro to ensure impact and usability of research. This is a call to raise the profile of community psychology. It is a call to integrate community focus in other areas of psychological research. And it is a call to conduct interdisciplinary work that integrates community focus by sociologists, anthropologists and researchers from other disciplines.
Effects of dietary supplemental phytoncide instead of zinc oxide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and faecal microflora in growing pigs
Authors: Zhang Jian Ying , Kim Yong Min , Kim In Ho
Published: November 2018

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of phytoncide (PTC) instead of zinc oxide on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility and faecal microflora in growing pigs. A total of 120 growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with initial body weight 24.48 ± 1.62 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments for a 6 weeks feeding trials, the treatments as follow: CON (base diet)，ZO (CON + 0.03% Zinc Oxide), PTC1 (CON + 0.5% PTC), PTC2 (CON + 1.0% PTC). Compared to basal diet, during weeks 1–3, 3–6, and overall experimental period, the ADG of growing pigs fed phytoncide diet trend to be increased, and fed ZO diet was significantly increased (p < 0.05). During weeks 3–6 and overall experiment period, pigs fed the ZO diet showed improvement in feed intake compared to pigs fed basal diet as a trend. Compared with basal diet, the pigs receiving phytoncide diet significantly increased the digestibility of DM and reduced the concentration of aspartate transaminase in pigs receiving 1.0% phytoncide diet. These results suggested that dietary supplement of phytoncide, Korean pine extract, could be used as an alternative to zinc oxide by decreasing detoxify to soil and plants without influencing the performance of growing pigs. Further study is needed to determine the systemic estimation of the dose of phytoncide.
Comparison between different isoelectric points of biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β‐tricalcium phosphate and recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 for ridge augmentation: A preclinical study of saddle‐type defects in dogs
Authors: Fukuba Shunsuke , Akizuki Tatsuya , Hoshi Shu , Matsuura Takanori , Shujaa Addin Ammar , Okada Munehiro , Tabata Yasuhiko , Matsui Makoto , Tabata Makoto J. , Sugiura‐Nakazato Makoto , Izumi Yuichi
Published: November 2018

Background and Objective

It is well known that recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 (rhFGF‐2) signaling plays an important role in tissue repair and regeneration. rhFGF‐2 strongly binds to acidic gelatin via ionic linkages and is gradually released upon gelatin decomposition. On the other hand, the linkage between rhFGF‐2 and basic gelatin is so weak that most rhFGF‐2 is rapidly released from basic gelatin by simple desorption. Gelatin/β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) sponges, which comprise 50 wt% gelatin and 50 wt% β‐TCP in a cross‐linked structure, can release rhFGF‐2 gradually owing to their electrical features. In a previous study, we reported that new bone height in the test group using rhFGF‐2 with acidic gelatin/β‐TCP sponges was significantly greater than that in the control group using acidic gelatin/β‐TCP sponges alone in a ridge augmentation model in dogs. However, whether these results depend on controlled release by the gelatin/β‐TCP sponges remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of controlled release by comparing acidic and basic gelatin/β‐TCP sponges with different isoelectric points (IEP) on ridge augmentation in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Twelve weeks after extraction of the maxillary second and third incisors of six dogs, critically sized saddle‐type defects (8 mm length × 4 mm depth) were surgically created bilaterally 2 mm from the mesial side of the canine. Acidic gelatin/β‐TCP sponges (IEP 5.0) soaked with 0.3% rhFGF‐2 were applied to the defect in the acidic group, whereas basic gelatin/β‐TCP sponges (IEP 9.0) soaked with 0.3% rhFGF‐2 were applied to the defect in the basic group. Twelve weeks after surgery, biopsy specimens were obtained and subjected to microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and histological analyses.

Results

New bone area detected by micro‐CT analysis was significantly smaller in the basic group than in the acidic group. New bone height calculated by histologic sections was significantly lower in the basic group than in the acidic group. The total tissue height was lower in the basic group than in the acidic group. However, the differences between both sites were not significant.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that in ridge augmentation of saddle‐type defects, controlled release of rhFGF‐2 induces notably more alveolar bone formation than does short‐term application of rhFGF‐2.
Social inequalities in sleep‐disordered breathing: Evidence from the CoLaus|HypnoLaus study
Authors: Petrovic Dusan , Haba‐Rubio José , Carmeli Cristian , Vollenweider Peter , Heinzer Raphaël , Stringhini Silvia
Published: November 2018

Sleep‐disordered breathing is a common condition, related to a higher cardiometabolic and neurocognitive risk. The main risk factors for sleep‐disordered breathing include obesity, craniofacial characteristics, male sex and age. However, some studies have suggested that adverse socioeconomic circumstances and lifestyle‐related behaviours such as smoking and alcohol use, may also be risk factors for sleep‐disordered breathing. Here, we investigate the associations between socioeconomic status and sleep‐disordered breathing, as measured by sleep apnea–hypopnea and oxygen desaturation indexes. Furthermore, we assess whether these associations are explained by lifestyle‐related factors (smoking, sedentary behaviour, alcohol use and body mass index [BMI]). We used data from the CoLaus|HypnoLaus study, a population‐based study including 2162 participants from Lausanne (Switzerland). Socioeconomic status was measured through occupation and education. Sleep‐disordered breathing was assessed through polysomnography and measured using the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI: number of apnea/hypopnea events/hr: ≥15/≥30 events), and the ≥3% oxygen desaturation index (ODI: number of oxygen desaturation events/hr: ≥15/≥30 events). Lower occupation and education were associated with higher AHI and ODI (occupation: AHI30, odds ratio (OR) = 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.07; 3.31]; ODI30, OR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.19; 4.39]; education: AHI30, OR = 1.21, 95% CI [0.85; 1.72]; ODI30, OR = 1.26, 95% CI [0.83; 1.91]). BMI was associated with socioeconomic status and AHI/ODI, and contributed to the socioeconomic gradient in SDB, with mediation estimates ranging between 43% and 78%. In this Swiss population‐based study, we found that low socioeconomic status is a risk factor for sleep‐disordered breathing, and that these associations are partly explained by BMI. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying social differences in sleep‐disordered breathing and may help implement policies for identifying high‐risk profiles for this disorder.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of danofloxacin in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) following intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and oral administrations
Authors: Corum Orhan , Durna Corum Duygu , Atik Orkun , Eser Faki Hatice , Altan Feray , Uney Kamil
Published: November 2018

The aim of the present study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and bioavailability of danofloxacin in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) following intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and oral (PO) administrations at a dose of 10 mg/kg. A total of eight clinically healthy chukar partridges weighing 480 ± 45 g were used for the investigation. The study was performed in a crossover design (2 × 2 × 2 × 2) with a 15‐day washout period between two administrations in four periods. The plasma concentrations of danofloxacin were determined using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental PK parameters were also estimated. No local or systemic adverse drug effects were observed in any of the chukar partridges. The mean elimination half‐life ranged between 8.18 and 12.08 hr and differed statistically among administration routes. The mean peak plasma concentrations of danofloxacin following IM, SC, and PO administrations were 8.05, 9.58, and 3.39 μg/ml at 0.5, 1, and 4 hr, respectively. Following IM, SC, and PO administrations, the mean bioavailability was 86.33%, 134.40%, and 47.62%, respectively. The mean total clearance and volume of distribution at steady‐state following IV administration were 0.13 L hr−1 kg−1 and 0.96 L/kg, respectively. These data, including favorable PKs and the absence of adverse drug effects, suggest that danofloxacin is a useful antibiotic in chukar partridges.
Honduras’ Energy Policy: Post Coup d’état Energy Scenarios
Authors: Flores Wilfredo C.
Published: November 2018

Since the 2009 coup d’état, Honduras’ energy sector has experienced radical changes. The Honduran electricity market was liberalized, and electricity distribution was granted. The installation of photovoltaic projects in the country’s electricity grid was stimulated via incentives and increased investment in renewable energy projects. Additionally, the Energy Secretary was recently created by decree, but the sector still suffers from scattered, biased legislation, and institutional weakness. An important new issue related mainly to the high investment in renewables in isolated areas is the social effect, leading to social unrest, because many of the areas where these projects are being carried out are inhabited by indigenous communities. Moreover, the effects of climate change have not been included in studies on the nation’s energy policy. This article analyzes the most‐relevant factors that should be included in an update of Honduras’ energy policy, considering a post‐coup reality. The Long Energy Alternatives Planning software is used to model energy scenarios.
Building a Transregional Governance Architecture for Electricity Integration in the Baja California–California Border Region: The Cases of Tijuana and Mexicali
Authors: Muñoz‐Meléndez Gabriela , López‐Vallejo Olvera Marcela
Published: November 2018

The integration of transboundary electricity markets is generally measured in terms of trade relations. We argue that to consolidate market integration it is necessary to build a transregional governance architecture where electricity exchanges are facilitated in competitive border cities with functional connecting infrastructure. This article focuses on the Mexican side of the Baja California–California border region, with Tijuana and Mexicali as cornerstone border cities. In building a governance architecture for Mexico, transboundary regulations and institutions are fundamental to support integration, as is the implementation of a comprehensive sustainability approach to drive competitiveness and address socioenvironmental externalities. An analysis of key regulations, infrastructure, economic and environmental sustainability, and social indicators was carried out to identify transregional governance architecture feasibility in the region. Results show that some aspects of such an architecture are already operating, but they seem to advance in different directions and at different paces on each side of the border. Meanwhile, binational coordination is still lacking at the various levels of government and layers of governance.
Contextual Incentives are Not Enough: Clientelistic Capacity and the Politics of Enrollment in Mexico’s Seguro Popular
Authors: Hernández Company José Antonio , Argente Amaya David O.
Published: November 2018

Recent work suggests that there is a close and positive relation between poverty, electoral competitiveness, and the development of clientelistic linkages among political parties and the electorate. The prevailing argument is that high levels of electoral competitiveness in poor districts incentivize all parties competing there to buy votes. This article suggests that, even when facing these contextual incentives, parties will not be able to engage in clientelistic relations with voters unless they have the organizational ability to do so. We call this ability “clientelistic capacity” and develop an argument to explain its variation among Mexico’s three main parties. We test our claims using a regression discontinuity design to estimate the effect of a party in municipal government on enrollment in Seguro Popular, a public program targeted to the poor. We demonstrate that parties with clientelistic capacity enroll more persons in the program.
The Pacific in Chile’s Foreign Policy: A Tool to Reinforce Open Regionalism
Authors: Oyarzún Serrano Lorena
Published: November 2018

The reconfiguration of power hierarchies has transformed the Pacific Rim, mainly China, into one of the most‐dynamic and fastest‐growing regions. In line and consistent with its international‐insertion strategy based on open regionalism, Chile has developed commercial links with Pacific countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and Vietnam. It also participates fully in the Pacific Alliance—a regional cooperation mechanism that includes Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, and whose objective is to promote the development of its members while expanding and consolidating ties to the Pacific. In this article, I analyze the meaning of “The Pacific” from a historical perspective, and of the Pacific Alliance, focusing on Chile’s foreign policy. I argue that “The Pacific” is a strategic construct created to strengthen the opening, diversification, and economic liberalization of the country. In the commercial sphere, it becomes a soft‐balancing mechanism in response to protectionist ideas. In this argumentative line, and in the face of an uncertain commercial scenario, the Pacific Alliance is also a useful platform to defend the idea that free trade strengthens collective economic security.
The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106
Authors: Gattacceca Jérôme , Bouvier Audrey , Grossman Jeffrey , Metzler Knut , Uehara Minoru
Published: November 2018

Meteoritical Bulletin 106 contains 1868 meteorites including 10 falls (Aiquile, Broek in Waterland, Degtevo, Dingle Dell, Dishchii'bikoh, Hradec Králové, Kheneg Ljouâd, Oudiyat Sbaa, Serra Pelada, Tres Irmaos), with 1386 ordinary chondrites, 166 carbonaceous chondrites, 119 HED achondrites, 48 Lunar meteorites, 37 iron meteorites, 36 ureilites, 19 Martian meteorites, 13 enstatite chondrites, 12 Rumuruti chondrites, 9 primitive achondrites, 8 mesosiderites, 5 enstatite achondrites, 4 ungrouped achondrites, 4 pallasites, and 1 relict meteorite. A total of 958 meteorites are from Africa, 405 from Antarctica, 245 from Asia, 228 from South America, 12 from North America, 8 from Europe, 5 from Mars, 4 from Oceania, and 1 from an unknown location.
Petrogenesis of lunar impact melt rock meteorite Oued Awlitis 001
Authors: Wittmann Axel , Korotev Randy L. , Jolliff Bradley L. , Nishiizumi Kunihiko , Jull A. J. Timothy , Caffee Marc W. , Zanetti Michael , Irving Anthony J.
Published: November 2018

Oued Awlitis 001 is a highly feldspathic, moderately equilibrated, clast‐rich, poikilitic impact melt rock lunar meteorite that was recovered in 2014. Its poikilitic texture formed due to moderately slow cooling, which judging from textures of rocks in melt sheets of terrestrial impact structures, is observed in impact melt volumes at least 100 m thick. Such coherent impact melt volumes occur in lunar craters larger than ~50 km in diameter. The composition of Oued Awlitis 001 points toward a crustal origin distant from incompatible‐element‐rich regions. Comparison of the bulk composition of Oued Awlitis 001 with Lunar Prospector 5° γ‐ray spectrometer data indicates a limited region of matches on the lunar farside. After its initial formation in an impact crater larger than ~50 km in diameter, Oued Awlitis 001 was excavated from a depth greater than ~50 m. The cosmogenic nuclide inventory of Oued Awlitis 001 records ejection from the Moon 0.3 Ma ago from a depth of at least 4 m and little mass loss due to ablation during its passage through Earth's atmosphere. The terrestrial residence time must have been very short, probably less than a few hundred years; its exact determination was precluded by a high concentration of solar cosmic ray‐produced 14C. If the impact that excavated Oued Awlitis 001 also launched it, this event likely produced an impact crater >10 km in diameter. Using petrologic constraints and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera and Diviner data, we test Giordano Bruno and Pierazzo as possible launch craters for Oued Awlitis 001.
Working in the dead of night: exploring the transition to after‐hours duty
Authors: Walzak Alison , Butler Deborah , Bates Joanna , Farrell Laura , Law Sai Fai Bosco , Pratt Daniel D
Published: November 2018

Context

Transitions, although often difficult, represent integral components of medical training. New postgraduate trainees (first‐year residents) find themselves in an especially challenging transition as they are expected to fulfil both learning and service expectations concurrently. Workplace learning theory has been suggested as a lens through which to understand this unique educational, yet service‐oriented, role. This tension may be further amplified overnight when residents are on‐call with little to no support.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to explore the transition from medical student to resident with respect to the on‐call experience, and to provide theory‐based suggestions to enhance learning during this unique transition.

Methods

We conducted an interpretivist qualitative study by interviewing eight medical students and 10 first‐year residents from six different specialty training programmes across four academic sites. Each semi‐structured interview was transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Resident interview transcripts were initially coded for major themes, after which medical student interview transcripts were coded for consistencies and discrepancies.

Results

Four interrelated themes were identified in students’ and residents’ descriptions of on‐call experiences: (i) shift in responsibility; (ii) supervisory support; (iii) contextual conditions, and (iv) clarity of expectations. Generally, students were not able to anticipate the challenges they would face as residents on‐call, and residents perceived the transition as sudden with little emphasis placed on learning.

Conclusions

First‐year residents face multiple challenges during on‐call, which may prevent optimal learning in this setting. These challenges are amplified by the large gap between the respective roles of medical students and residents. We identified promoters of and barriers to effective learning in this environment and, by using workplace learning theory, provide recommendations for how we might be able to enhance medical students’ preparation for and first‐year residents’ learning during experiences of being on‐call.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students: overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Tam Wilson , Lo Kenneth , Pacheco João
Published: November 2018

Context

The prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students has been found to be higher than among other students because of their longer studying time, higher workload and larger financial burden. Despite the availability of reviews examining this, some have focused solely on one country, whereas others used databases containing papers of solely one language; therefore, the results from reviews might not be comprehensive. Against this background, this overview aims to synthesise the results from all the published systematic reviews of depression among medical students, in order to provide a more accurate result.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of online databases for published systematic reviews or meta‐analyses examining the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students. The findings of individual studies included in these reviews were extracted and then combined with a random‐effects model. Subgroup analysis was conducted by regions.

Results

A total of 10 studies were selected in this overview, involving 249 primary studies and 162 450 medical students. MEDLINE was the most popular database used in these studies. The overlapping of primary studies in these reviews was appreciably high, except for three studies that focused on specific countries. The overall pooled prevalence was 27.0% (95% CI, 24.7–29.5%). Significant subgroup differences were detected (p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence among studies in the Western Pacific Region was the lowest, 18.9% (95% CI, 11.7–29.0%), whereas that in Africa (40.9%) was the highest (95% CI, 28.8–54.4%). The top five significant factors associated with depressive symptoms were: (i) year of study; (ii) gender; (iii) personal issues; (iv) family relations or issues, and (v) health status.

Conclusions

Depression affected around a quarter of medical students in general and 40.9% of students in Africa. It is suggested that medical schools and health authorities should introduce preventive measures to curb the high prevalence of depressive symptoms.
CLR‐4, a novel conserved transcription factor for cellulase gene expression in ascomycete fungi
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Jingen , Gao Ranran , Li Jinyang , Ma Guoli , Tian Chaoguang
Published: November 2018

Fungal degradation of lignocellulosic biomass requires various (hemi‐)cellulases and is an important part of the natural carbon cycle. Although induction of cellulases has been described for some saprobic filamentous fungi, the regulation of cellulase transcription is complex and many aspects are still poorly understood. Here, we identified and characterized the novel cellulase regulation factor NcCLR‐4 in Neurospora crassa and its ortholog MtCLR‐4 in Myceliophthora thermophila. Deletion of CLR‐4 resulted in similarly defective cellulolytic enzyme production and activities. Transcriptome analyses of ΔNcclr‐4/ΔMtclr‐4 revealed the down‐regulation of genes encoding (hemi‐)cellulases and pivotal regulators (clr‐1, clr‐2 and xyr‐1) and key genes in the cAMP signaling pathway such as adenylate cyclase Nccr‐1. Intracellular cAMP levels were markedly lower in ΔNcclr‐4/ΔMtclr‐4 than in wild‐type during cellulose utilization. In electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and DNase I footprinting assays, NcCLR‐4/MtCLR‐4 can directly bound to the promoters of Nccr‐1/Mtcr‐1 (encoding adenylyl cyclase). EMSAs also demonstrated that NcCLR‐4/MtCLR‐4 could directly bound to clr‐1 (encoding a key cellulase regulator), Mtclr‐2 and Mtxyr‐1 (encoding biomass deconstruction regulators). These findings about the novel cellulase expression regulators NcCLR‐4 and MtCLR‐4 enrich our understanding of how cellulose degradation is regulated and provide new targets for engineering fungi to deconstruct plant biomass in biorefineries.
Mosquito bloodmeal preferences in two zoological gardens in Germany
Authors: Heym E. C. , Kampen H. , Schäfer M. , Walther D.
Published: November 2018

Because they provide a high density and diversity of vertebrate species, small water pools and shaded environments, zoological gardens offer ideal living conditions for numerous mosquito species. Depending on their host preferences and vector competencies, these species may be able to transmit pathogens between native and non‐adapted exotic blood host species, thereby causing morbidity and mortality among valuable zoo animals. To determine the extent to which native mosquito species feed on captive and wild animals, as well as on humans, in two German zoological gardens, mosquitoes were collected over two seasons by trapping and aspirating. A total of 405 blood‐fed specimens belonging to 16 mosquito taxa were collected. Genetic bloodmeal analysis revealed 56 host species, mainly representing mammals of the zoo animal population, including exotic species previously not known as blood hosts of the mosquito species collected. These results indicate opportunistic feeding patterns with low host‐specificity in the analysed mosquitoes, although these could be grouped, according to their bloodmeals, into ‘amphibian‐’, ‘non‐human mammal‐’ and ‘non‐human mammal and human‐’ feeding species. As the blood‐feeding preferences of vector‐competent mosquito species are major determinants of vector capacity, information on the blood‐feeding behaviour of mosquitoes in zoos is crucial to the success of targeted vector management.