bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversification is decoupled from biome fidelity: Acacia – a case study
Authors: Dale Esther E. , Larcombe Matthew J. , Lee William G. , Higgins Steven I.
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate species and clade biome occupancy patterns of Australian Acacia to test for within‐biome diversification, which indicate biome conservatism.

Location

Australia.

Taxon

Acacia (Fabaceae).

Methods

Species distributions were predicted for 481 Australian Acacia using the Thornley Transport Resistance Species Distribution Model and mapped across four biome typologies. Within Acacia 19 clades were identified. The number of biomes occupied and niche size was quantified for every species and clade using the range area projected by the distribution model. Relationships between clade species richness, niche size and biomes occupied were tested using phylogenetic least squares regression models.

Results

Only 9% of the Acacia 481 species and no clades were biome specialists. There were most specialist taxa in the Crisp Biome classification (8.7%), followed by WWF Biomes (6.2%), González–Orozco Biomes (5.0%) then Functional Biomes (1.2%). On average Acacia species occupied four WWF Biomes, seven Functional Biomes, three Crisp Biomes and three González–Orozco Biomes (out of 7, 13, 5 or 6 biomes respectively). Clades were also distributed across multiple biomes (2–13) with a significant positive relationship between clade species richness and the number of biomes occupied for all biome typologies. Species richness had positive linear relationships with biome area for all biome concepts except the González–Orozco Biomes. Larger clades had larger niche sizes.

Main conclusions

Acacia diversification occurred across biome boundaries and was not associated with biome specialization. Species and clades mainly occurred in multiple biomes, and there were typically few biome specialists. Diversification in Acacia appears to be decoupled from biome conservatism, associated with expanding niche size across biome boundaries. Major ecological–environmental units such as biomes may constrain adaptive radiation processes via biome conservatism in many groups, but this study leads us to hypothesize that for some lineages biome boundaries are permeable.
Differential patterns of floristic phylogenetic diversity across a post‐glacial landscape
Authors: Mienna Ida M. , Speed James D. M. , Bendiksby Mika , Thornhill Andrew H. , Mishler Brent D. , Martin Michael D.
Published: December 2019

Aim

In this study, we explored spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity (PD) and endemism in the flora of Norway and tested hypothesized post‐glacial environmental drivers of PD, including temperature, precipitation, edaphic factors and time since glacial retreat.

Location

Norway.

Taxon

Vascular plants (Trachaeophyta).

Methods

We produced a multi‐locus maximum‐likelihood (ML) phylogeny using a combination of newly produced DNA sequences from herbarium specimens and sequences available from public repositories. We combined the phylogeny with species occurrence data to estimate PD and phylogenetic endemism across Norway, using a spatial randomization to judge statistical significance. We used multiple‐model inference to identify environmental variables that contributed the most to the patterns of PD. Finally, we estimated phylogenetic turnover and used this to identify Norwegian plant assemblages in terms of composition and evolutionary history.

Results

Our ML phylogeny contained 87% of all currently described native Norwegian vascular plants. Assemblages were phylogenetically overdispersed in warmer and wetter regions of Norway, as well as in regions with a longer post‐glacial history. In cold and dry regions, plant assemblages were phylogenetically clustered, and characterized by neo‐endemism, while the mild and wet regions were characterized by both paleo‐ and neo‐endemism. PD was positively correlated with summer temperature and habitat heterogeneity, and peaked in the southeast of Norway.

Main conclusions

Both contemporary ecological factors (climate and habitat heterogeneity), and post‐glacial history seem to have shaped the phylogenetic structure of the flora of Norway. The flora in the far north of Norway appear to be a result of recent diversification while the coastal regions are assemblages of deeper lineages. Our results suggest that there is an evolutionary signal in the distribution of the Norwegian vascular flora.
TM4SF1, a binding protein of DVL2 in hepatocellular carcinoma, positively regulates beta‐catenin/TCF signalling
Authors: Zhu ChuanrRong , Luo XiaoLing , Wu JinSheng , Liu YuTing , Liu Lei , Ma ShiJie , Xie Rui , Wang ShaoChuang , Ji Wu
Published: December 2019

The interaction between Axin and DVL2 is critical for the breaking down of the beta‐catenin destruction complex and the activation of the Wnt/beta‐catenin cascade. However, this biological process remains poorly understood. In the present study, TM4SF1 was identified as the interacting partner of DVL2 and positively regulated as Wnt/beta‐catenin signalling by strengthening the DVL2‐Axin interaction. The expression levels of TM4SF1 were elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and were induced by Kras signalling. The overexpression of TM4SF1 promoted the growth and motility of HCC cells, and up‐regulated the target genes (Axin2 and cyclin D1). The down‐regulation of TM4SF1 impaired the capability of HCC cells for growth, migration and metastasis. In addition, the down‐regulation of TM4SF1 promoted the ubiquitination of beta‐catenin. In summary, these results reveal the oncogenic functions of TM4SF1 in HCC progression and suggest that TM4SF1 might be a target for treatment.
Chondroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of amurensin H by regulating TLR4/Syk/NF‐κB signals
Authors: Ma Pei , Yue Lifeng , Yang Hui , Fan Yannan , Bai Jinye , Li Shuyi , Yuan Jiqiao , Zhang Ziqian , Yao Chunsuo , Lin Mingbao , Hou Qi
Published: December 2019

The low‐grade, chronic inflammation initiated by TLR4‐triggered innate immune responses has a central role on early osteoarthritis. Amurensin H is a resveratrol dimer with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects, while its effects on TLR‐4 signals to inhibit osteoarthritis are still unclear. In the present study, treatment with amurensin H for 2 weeks in monosodium iodoacetate‐induced mice significantly slows down cartilage degeneration and inflammation using macroscopic evaluation, haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and micro‐magnetic resonance imaging. In IL‐1β‐stimulated rat chondrocytes, amurensin H suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide, IL‐6, IL‐17, PGE2 and TNF‐α using Greiss and ELISA assay. Amurensin H inhibits matrix degradation via decreasing levels of MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 using Western blot assay, promotes synthesis of type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan using immunostaining and safranin O staining, respectively. Amurensin H inhibits intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization using DCFH‐DA, MitoSOX Red and JC‐1 assay as well. IL‐1β stimulates TLR4 activation and Syk phosphorylation in chondrocytes, while amurensin H inhibits TLR4/Syk signals and downstream p65 phosphorylation and translocation in a time and dose‐dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that amurensin H exerts chondroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and matrix degradation via the TLR4/Syk/NF‐κB pathway.
Methyl benzoate fumigation for control of post‐harvest pests and its effects on apple quality
Authors: Yang Xiangbing , Liu Yong‐Biao , Feng Yan , Zhang Aijun
Published: December 2019

Methyl benzoate is a newly discovered natural insecticide. In this study, we evaluated methyl benzoate as a potential fumigant for controlling four pests including western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, and bulb mites, Rhizoglyphus spp., at different temperatures and effects on post‐harvest quality of apples. Methyl benzoate fumigations were effective against all four pests. Complete control of WFT and lettuce aphid was both achieved in 8, 16 and 24 hr at 25, 13 and 2°C, respectively. For rice weevil, complete control was achieved in 16 and 72 hr with and without rice at 25°C, respectively. Complete control of bulb mites was achieved in 64 hr at 25°C on peanut. In addition, a 24 hr methyl benzoate fumigation at 2°C had complete control of WFT but had no negative impact on visual quality of apples of three varieties 4 weeks after fumigation. These results suggest that methyl benzoate fumigation has potential to be an alternative treatment to methyl bromide fumigation, which has been phased out, for post‐harvest pest control for stored products and may also have potential to control other pests on fresh products.
Concentration of citrus fruit juices in membrane pouches with solar energy Part 1: How solar drying setup and juice pretreatment determine the drying flux
Authors: Phinney Randi , Tivana Lucas D. , Sjöholm Ingegerd , Östbring Karolina , Jeje Imaculada , Guibundana Deize , Rayner Marilyn
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate how solar drying setup and choice of juice pretreatment determine the drying flux in a fruit juice concentration process called solar assisted pervaporation. With this process, hygienic membrane pouches and solar energy are used to concentrate and preserve fruit juices. In this study, the feasibility of concentrating citrus (tangerine) juice into marmalade under realistic conditions in rural Mozambique was assessed with three solar drying setups and four juice pretreatments. The main findings were (a) tangerine marmalade with a soluble solids content ≥65° Brix could be produced with all solar drying setups tested within 3–6 days, (b) sucrose addition as a juice pretreatment did not impact drying time and is recommended to increase yield, and (c) direct active and tilted passive solar drying reduced the drying time considerably; however, passive drying was more sensitive to poor weather conditions.

Practical applications

Citrus fruits have high spoilage rates on a global level due to their juicy nature and short ripening period. They are difficult to handle and transport to urban markets and are also difficult to preserve by traditional solar drying practices. An alternative approach is to preserve citrus fruits with membrane pouches that are filled with citrus juices and then placed in the sun to dry. Water passes through the membrane pouch as vapor, allowing for the juices to be concentrated into marmalade. The membrane pouch also protects the juice from microorganisms in the surrounding air during drying. The process is driven by solar energy and is suitable for small‐scale producers in rural areas of tropical countries. The aim of this study was to further investigate the process in rural Mozambique under realistic weather conditions. The main results are recommendations to small‐scale producers on how to optimize the process.
Withdrawing gluten‐free food from prescriptions in England: a mixed‐methods study to examine the impact of policy changes on quality of life
Authors: Peters M. , Crocker H. , Jenkinson C. , Violato M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Some local areas in England stopped have gluten‐free prescriptions for coeliac disease. An explanatory mixed‐methods study has investigated the impact of these changes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey with 1697 participants was followed by 24 qualitative interviews. The survey included questions on the use of prescriptions and healthcare services, as well as the Coeliac Disease Assessment Questionnaire (CDAQ) to assess quality of life. The survey data were analysed by descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and regression analysis, and the interviews were analysed by thematic analysis. Findings from the interviews guided the survey analysis.

Results

Dietary burden was significantly different between prescribing and nonprescribing areas, with little impact on other aspects of quality of life. Survey participants in nonprescribing areas who felt more impacted by the prescription changes reported a lower quality of life. Satisfaction with and use of services was lower in nonprescribing areas. Interviews indicated that, after initial frustrations, most people adapted to the changed prescription policy. However, there was a clear preference for gluten‐free prescriptions to be available, in particular for staple foods.

Conclusions

The main quality of life impact was on Dietary burden. It is encouraging that most participants in the present study maintained a good quality of life. However, issues of worse experiences of care, lower follow‐up opportunities and inequity arose, and these should be taken into consideration in decisions on gluten‐free food prescriptions. The new guidelines for the National Health Service in England have retained prescriptions for bread and flour mixes, which is more limited than the range of staple foods preferred in the present study.
Determining the effect of calcium on cell death rate and perforation formation during leaf development in the novel model system, the lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis)
Authors: FRASER MEREDITH S. , DAUPHINEE ADRIAN N. , GUNAWARDENA ARUNIKA H.L.A.N.
Published: December 2019

Programmed cell death (PCD) is the destruction of unwanted cells through an intracellularly mediated process. Perforation formation in the lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) provides an excellent model for studying developmentally regulated PCD. Ca2+ fluxes have previously been identified as important signals for PCD in plants and mammals. The fundamental goal of this project was to determine the influence of Ca2+ on the rate of cell death and perforation formation during leaf development in the lace plant. This was investigated using the application of various known calcium modulators including lanthanum III chloride (LaCl3), ruthenium red and calcium ionophore A23187. Detached lace plant leaves at an early stage of development were treated with these modulators in both short‐ and long‐term exposure assays and analysed using live cell imaging. Results from this study indicate that calcium plays a vital role in developmentally regulated PCD in the lace plant as application of the modulators significantly altered the rate of cell death and perforation formation during leaf development. In conclusion, this study exemplifies the suitability of the lace plant for live cell imaging and detached leaf experiments to study cell death and provides insight into the importance of Ca2+ in developmentally regulated PCD in planta.
Humanisation in pregnancy and childbirth: A concept analysis
Authors: Curtin Mary , Savage Eileen , Leahy‐Warren Patricia
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To undertake a concept analysis of humanisation in pregnancy and childbirth.

Background

Humanisation in pregnancy and childbirth has historically been associated with women who do not require medical intervention. However, the increasing recognition of the importance of emotional and mental health and the physical outcome of pregnancy has meant that there is a need to identify clinical attributes and behaviours that contribute to a positive emotional outcome. Failure to support and protect the emotional health of the woman in pregnancy and childbirth can have effects on the long‐term mental health of the mother and the long‐term physical and mental health of the child.

Design

Concept Analysis

Methods

Eight‐step method of concept analysis proposed by Walker and Avant.

Results

Defining attributes include being a protagonist, human being interaction and benevolence. Antecedents identified were a recognition of women's rights, birth models, professional competence and the environment. Consequences were identified for women and healthcare professionals: for women, increased feelings of confidence, satisfaction of the experience and safety; and for healthcare professionals, increased satisfaction and confidence in their job and increased esteem in their profession.

Conclusions

Humanisation of pregnancy and childbirth now encompasses all women regardless of care pathway. Humanisation does not obstruct the prioritisation of life‐saving procedures or the use of medical intervention where required.

Relevance to clinical practice

Women who are able to identify their rights when accessing maternity care will be better equipped to ensure their care planning is individualised. The identification of humanised care practices, attributes and behaviours can support healthcare professionals in the clinical area who wish to identify a pathway of humanised care in pregnancy and birth.
Interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition in older adults to be carried out by nurses: A systematic review
Authors: ten Cate Debbie , Ettema Roelof G. A. , Huisman‐de Waal Getty , Bell Jack J. , Verbrugge Remco , Schoonhoven Lisette , Schuurmans Marieke J. ,   the Basic Care Revisited Group (BCR)
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To identify interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition in older adults, which can be integrated in nursing care, and to evaluate the effects of these interventions on outcomes related to malnutrition.

Background

Older adults are at great risk for malnutrition, which can lead to a number of serious health problems. Nurses have an essential role in nutritional care for older adults. Due to a lack of evidence for nursing interventions, adequate nursing nutritional care still lags behind.

Design

Systematic review.

Method

We searched for and included randomised controlled trials on interventions, which can be integrated in nursing care for older adults, to prevent and treat malnutrition. We assessed the risk of bias with the Cochrane tool and evidence for outcomes with the GRADE. The PRISMA statement was followed for reporting.

Results

We included 21 studies of which 14 studies had a high risk of bias. Identified interventions were oral nutritional supplements, food/fluid fortification or enrichment, dietary counselling and educational interventions. In evaluating the effects of these interventions on 11 outcomes related to malnutrition, significant and nonsignificant effects were found. We graded the certainty of evidence as very low to moderate.

Conclusion

Although slight effects were found in protein intake and body mass index, there is no convincing evidence about the effectiveness of the four identified interventions. There seems no harm in using these interventions, although it should be kept in mind that the evidence is sparse. Therefore, there is a need for high‐quality research in building evidence for interventions in nursing nutritional care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can safely provide oral nutritional supplements and food/fluid fortification or enrichment, and give dietary counselling and education to older adults, as they are well placed to lead the essential processes of nutritional care to older adults.
Sibling Warmth Moderates the Intergenerational Transmission of Romantic Relationship Hostility
Authors: Masarik April S. , Rogers Christina R.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate sibling support as a buffer against the intergenerational transmission of romantic relationship hostility.

Background

Parental marital discord in adolescence negatively affects romantic relationships in adulthood. Given that sibling support is linked to positive outcomes in adolescence and adulthood, the current study investigated sibling support as a protective factor against romantic relationship hostility from adolescence to adulthood.

Method

Using prospective longitudinal data from a community sample, 351 participants completed home assessments during adolescence (7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades) and adulthood (Mage = 31 years old). Romantic relationship hostility was coded from videotaped observations of participant interparental relations in adolescence and participant behavior toward a romantic partner in adulthood. In addition, the participants reported on the support they received from a sibling in adolescence, which was modeled as a moderator between romantic hostility in adolescence and adulthood using structural equation modeling.

Results

Across sibling dyads, sibling support did not moderate the intergenerational transmission of romantic relationship hostility; however, sex differences revealed that sibling support buffered this effect in sister pairs, whereas sibling support exacerbated this effect in brother pairs. Sibling support moderated this association above and beyond parental support, socioeconomic status, and sibling age spacing.

Conclusion

Perceived sibling support can potentially ameliorate or catalyze the intergenerational transmission of observed romantic relationship hostility depending on gender socialization in the family. Implications for sibling‐focused interventions are discussed.
Effects of the Thickness Ratio of Zirconia–Lithium Disilicate Bilayered Ceramics on the Translucency and Flexural Strength
Authors: Kim Jong‐Hoi , Ko Kyung‐Ho , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To determine the effects of the total thickness and core/veneer thickness ratio of bilayered ceramics on their three‐point flexural strength and translucency.

Materials and methods

Two groups of specimens were prepared with two different total thicknesses, 1.0 mm and 0.6 mm. These groups were divided into five and three subgroups with ten specimens each, respectively, having different core/veneer thickness ratios. Lithium disilicate was pressed on the zirconia surface using the “lost‐wax technique.” The translucency and three‐point flexural strength were measured, and a one‐way analysis of variance test (p < 0.05) was performed to determine whether the translucency and three‐point flexural strength were affected by the total thickness and core/veneer thickness ratio of the specimens.

Results

For the same total thickness, translucency decreased with a increase in the zirconia core proportion (p < 0.001). For the same core/veneer ratio, the translucency decreased with an increase in the total thickness (p < 0.001). If the zirconia thickness was less than half of the total thickness, the bilayered ceramic specimens containing zirconia cores and monolithic lithium disilicate specimens exhibited a similar translucency. The three‐point flexural strength increased with the increasing proportion of zirconia; however, it did not change significantly with the total thickness. However, for the same total thickness, the flexural strengths of the bilayered ceramics were higher than those of the monolithic specimens.

Conclusions

At the same total thickness, increasing the zirconia core thickness decreased the translucency and increased the three‐point flexural strength. Bilayered ceramic specimens with low zirconia ratios exhibited translucency similar to that of monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic but a higher flexural strength.
Could Vegans and Lycra Cyclists be Bad for the Planet? Theorizing the Role of Moralized Minority Practice Identities in Processes of Societal‐Level Change
Authors: Kurz Tim , Prosser Annayah M.B. , Rabinovich Anna , O'Neill Saffron
Published: December 2019

Shifting society to more sustainable modes of consumption poses significant challenges to the way people live their lives. Many everyday practices commensurate with addressing sustainability goals are currently minority pursuits, especially in highly industrialized countries. Such minority practices often come to form the basis of social identities (e.g., as “vegans” or “cyclists”). These moralized minority practice identities (MMPIs) represent the focus of this theoretical article. We theorize the nature and genesis of MMPIs, discuss how their characteristics shape intergroup interactions, and consider implications for societal‐level change. We make the contentious suggestion that, contrary to what might be predicted on the basis of social identity approaches to social change, strong identification with “green practice” groups may hamper, rather than facilitate, societal‐level shifts toward sustainability. We discuss the need for policy approaches that enable people to experiment with new sustainable practices without the pressure to commit to a particular practice identity.
Beneficial effects of fish oil enriched in omega-3 fatty acids on the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain
Authors: Unda Santiago R , Villegas Emilce A , Toledo María Eugenia , Asis Onell Gabriela , Laino Carlos H
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this work was to assess the preventive effect of an eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid-concentrate fish oil on neuropathic pain development and regenerative features of sciatic nerve in rats.

Methods

In the present study, rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and sham-operated ones received fish oil enriched in omega-3 fatty acids (0.36 or 0.72 g/kg per day, oral) or saline solution for 21 days, with thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia being assessed before and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after injury.

Key findings

Fish oil enriched in omega-3 fatty acids (0.72 g/kg) reversed thermal hyperalgesia and significantly reduced mechanical allodynia. In addition, ω-3 treatment (0.72 g/kg) promoted the recovery of the Sciatic Functional Index as well as restored axonal density and morphology, without the formation of neuroma in the injured sciatic nerves after 21 days.

Conclusion

We conclude that the fish oil enriched in omega-3 fatty acids administration relieves thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia effectively and also enhances the recovery process in rats with CCI of the sciatic nerve. These findings might contribute to new therapeutic approaches including omega-3 fatty acids in neuropathic pain treatment.
Chamuangone from Garcinia cowa leaves inhibits cell proliferation and migration and induces cell apoptosis in human cervical cancer in vitro
Authors: Sae-Lim Pirunrat , Seetaha Supaphorn , Tabtimmai Lueacha , Suphakun Prapasiri , Kiriwan Duangnapa , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Choowongkomon Kiattawee
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To examine the effects of chamuangone on human cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis.

Methods

An MTT assay was used to study the effect of chamuangone on human cervical carcinoma cell growth. An in-vitro scratch migration assay was used to investigate the activity of cell motility after chamuangone treatment. Chamuangone-induced cell apoptosis in HeLa cells was determined using the apoptotic assay kit. The inhibitory activities of chamuangone were examined by ADP-Glo™ kinase assay. The GOLD docking algorithm was used to demonstrate the mechanism against tyrosine kinase of EGFR.

Key findings

Chamuangone showed a strong inhibitory cell proliferation of HeLa cells with IC50 values of 3.59 µm and effectively inhibited HeLa cell migration. In addition, chamuangone exhibited the apoptotic cell death induction in a time and dose-dependent manner. Finally, chamuangone also was tested for EGFR-TK inhibition activity. The IC50 value of chamuangone was 2.85 nm, whereas the IC50 value of gefitinib was 15.10 nm.

Conclusions

The above results confirm the inhibitory effects of chamuangone on HeLa cell proliferation and cell migration. In addition, chamuangone also induces cell apoptosis in HeLa cells. These findings indicate that chamuangone is a compound that is a potential chemotherapeutic agent.
Short‐chain fatty acids inhibit bovine rumen epithelial cells proliferation via upregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors 1A, but not mediated by G protein‐coupled receptor 41
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Zhan Kang , Ning LiLi , Jiang Maocheng , Zhao Guoqi
Published: December 2019

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a critical role in regulation of rumen epithelial growth. The mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of SCFAs on the proliferation of bovine rumen epithelial cells (BRECs) remain unknown; however, SCFAs can bind to G protein‐coupled receptor 41 (GPR41); hence, the regulatory effects of SCFAs on BRECs proliferation may be mediated by GPR41. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of SCFAs and GPR41 on BRECs proliferation. We demonstrated that SCFAs activate the expression of GPR41 and inhibit (p < .05) BRECs proliferation, while the GPR41 knockdown (GPR41KD) BRECs exhibited (p < .05) slow proliferation compared with controls. The treatment of BRECs with 10 mM SCFAs significantly enhanced (p < .05) expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors 1A (CDKN1A), 2A (CDKN2A) and 2B (CDKN2B) and inhibited (p < .05) their transition from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, compared with controls. Remarkably, the GPR41KD BRECs treated with SCFAs restored high level of CDKN1A, relative to GPR41KD BRECs, but did not affect (p > .05) the expression of CDKN2A and CDKN2B. The GPR41KD BRECs had significantly reduced (p < .05) cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D2 mRNA abundance compared with controls. The GPR41KD BRECs treated with SCFAs significantly decreased (p < .05) CDK4, cyclin D2, CDKN2A and CDKN2B mRNA abundance compared with BRECs treated with SCFAs. Overall, our results demonstrated that downregulation of CDK4 and cyclin D2 likely mediates the inhibitory effects of GPR41KD on BRECs proliferation. Additionally, CDKN1A plays a vital role in mediating the inhibitory effect of SCFAs on the BRECs proliferation, and that these changes are not mediated by GPR41.
Chemotaxonomic Profiling Through NMR1
Authors: Iglesias María José , Soengas Raquel , Martins Clara B. , Correia Maria João , Ferreira Joana D. , Santos Lilia M. A. , Ortiz Fernando López
Published: December 2019

A metabolite screening of cyanobacteria was performed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of the soluble material obtained through sequential extraction of the biomass with three different extractive ability solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). Twenty‐five strains from the Coimbra Collection of Algae (ACOI) belonging to different orders in the botanical code that represent three subsections of the Stainer‐Rippka classification were used. The 1H NMR spectra of hexane extracts showed that only two strains of Nostoc genus accumulated triacylglycerols. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols and digalactosyldiacylglycerols were the major components of the ethyl acetate extracts in a mono‐ to digalactosyldiacylglycerols ratio of 4.5 estimated by integration of the signals at δ 3.99 and 3.94 ppm (sn3 glycerol methylene). Oligosaccharides of sucrose and mycosporine‐like amino acids, among other polar metabolites, were detected in the methanolic extracts. Strains of Nostocales order contained heterocyst glycolipids, whereas sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerols were absent in one of the studied strains (Microchaete tenera ACOI 1451). Phosphathidylglycerol was identified as the major phospholipid in the methanolic extracts together with minor amounts of phosphatidylcholine based on 1H, 31P 2D correlation experiments. Chemotaxonomic information could be easily obtained through the analysis of the δ 3.0–0.5 ppm (fatty acid distribution) and δ 1.2–1.1 ppm (terminal methyl groups of the aglycons in heterocyst glycolipids) regions of the 1H NMR spectra of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, respectively.
Genome size variation is associated with life‐history traits in birds
Authors: Yu J. P. , Liu W. , Mai C. L. , Liao W. B.
Published: December 2019

Genome size markedly displays variation across taxa. Genome size variation is affected by two principally different mechanisms (such as whole‐genome duplication events (polyploidization) and accumulation of noncoding elements). In addition, genome size variation is also affected by the phylogenetic signal, life‐history traits and environmental factors. Here, we studied the relationships between genome size and life‐history traits (e.g. clutch size, hatching time, fledging time, age at sexual maturity, longevity and body mass) among 240 species of birds using a phylogenetic comparative analysis and path analysis. We found that genome size was positively correlated with both body mass and hatching time. We also found that body mass was positively correlated with hatching time, age at sexual maturity and longevity in birds. Our findings suggest that although genome size was directly linked to body mass, evolution of larger genomes was also associated with larger bodies by the prolonged hatching time.
Is the Process the Only Punishment?: Racial–Ethnic Disparities in Lower‐Level Courts
Authors: Petersen Nick , Omori Marisa
Published: December 2019

Although misdemeanors make up the bulk of criminal cases in the United States, the majority of research on court decision‐making examines felony sentencing. In contrast to felony courts, lower‐level courts are characterized by higher case volumes and increased reliance on informal sanctions, which may contribute to greater racial–ethnic disparities. To assess this possibility, we examine pretrial detention and case processing outcomes for misdemeanants in Miami‐Dade County, Florida. Utilizing temporal (detention time) and monetary (bond amount) measures of pretrial detention, we assess whether and to what extent there are racial–ethnic disparities in formal and informal sanctions facing misdemeanants. Results indicate that black defendants, especially black Latinx defendants, face greater informal sanctions (longer detention and higher bond amounts), are more likely to be convicted, and experience more severe formal sanctions than do white non‐Latinx defendants. These findings complicate Feeley's (1979) argument about lower‐level cases, revealing that black defendants are punished by both the court process and formal sanctions. In this way, “the process is the punishment” for lower‐level white and nonwhite defendants, while the punishment is also the punishment for black defendants.
Pyridoxamine improves metabolic and microcirculatory complications associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Pereira Evelyn Nunes Goulart da Silva , Silvares Raquel Rangel , Flores Edgar Eduardo Ilaquita , Rodrigues Karine Lino , Daliry Anissa
Published: December 2019

Objective

We investigated the protective effects of pyridoxamine against metabolic and microcirculatory complications in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was established by a high‐fat diet administration over 28 weeks. Pyridoxamine was administered between weeks 20 and 28. The recruitment of leukocytes and the number of vitamin A‐positive hepatic stellate cells were examined by in vivo microscopy. Laser speckle contrast imaging was used to evaluate microcirculatory hepatic perfusion. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances measurement and RT‐PCR were used for oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. advanced glycation end products were evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy.

Results

The increase in body, liver, and fat weights, together with steatosis and impairment in glucose metabolism observed in the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group were attenuated by pyridoxamine treatment. Regarding the hepatic microcirculatory parameters, rats with high‐fat diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease showed increased rolling and adhesion of leukocytes, increased hepatic stellate cells activation, and decreased tissue perfusion, which were reverted by pyridoxamine. Pyridoxamine protected against the increased hepatic lipid peroxidation observed in the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group. Pyridoxamine treatment was associated with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) mRNA transcripts in the liver.

Conclusion

Pyridoxamine modulates oxidative stress, advanced glycation end products, TNF‐α transcripts levels, and metabolic disturbances, being a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease‐associated microcirculatory and metabolic complications.
One evolutionarily selected amino acid variation is sufficient to provide functional specificity in the cold shock protein paralogs of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Catalan‐Moreno Arancha , Caballero Carlos J. , Irurzun Naiara , Cuesta Sergio , López‐Sagaseta Jacinto , Toledo‐Arana Alejandro
Published: December 2019

Bacterial genomes encode several families of protein paralogs. Discrimination between functional divergence and redundancy among paralogs is challenging due to their sequence conservation. Here, we investigated whether the amino acid differences present in the cold shock protein (CSP) paralogs of Staphylococcus aureus were responsible for functional specificity. Since deletion of cspA reduces the synthesis of staphyloxanthin (STX), we used it as an in vivo reporter of CSP functionality. Complementation of a ΔcspA strain with the different S. aureus CSP variants showed that only CspA could specifically restore STX production by controlling the activity of the stress‐associated sigma B factor (σB). To determine the amino acid residues responsible for CspA specificity, we created several chimeric CSPs that interchanged the amino acid differences between CspA and CspC, which shared the highest identity. We demonstrated that CspA Pro58 was responsible for the specific control of σB activity and its associated phenotypes. Interestingly, CspC gained the biological function of CspA when the E58P substitution was introduced. This study highlights how just one evolutionarily selected amino acid change may be sufficient to modify the specific functionality of CSP paralogs.
Inositol hexakisphosphate biosynthesis underpins PAMP‐triggered immunity to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in Arabidopsis thaliana but is dispensable for establishment of systemic acquired resistance
Authors: Poon Jacquelyne S. Y. , Le Fevre Ruth E. , Carr John P. , Hanke David E. , Murphy Alex M.
Published: December 2019

Phytic acid (inositol hexakisphosphate, InsP6) is an important phosphate store and signal molecule necessary for maintenance of basal resistance to plant pathogens. Arabidopsis thaliana (‘arabidopsis’) has three genes encoding myo‐inositol phosphate synthases (IPS1–3), the enzymes that catalyse conversion of glucose‐6‐phosphate to InsP, the first step in InsP6 biosynthesis. There is one gene for inositol‐(1,3,4,5,6)‐pentakisphosphate 2‐kinase (IPK1), which catalyses the final step. Previously, we showed that mutation of IPS2 and IPK1 but not IPS1 increased susceptibility to pathogens. Our aim was to better understand the InsP6 biosynthesis pathway in plant defence. Here we found that the susceptibility of arabidopsis (Col‐0) to virulent and avirulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato was also increased in ips3 and ips2/3 double mutants. Also, ipk1 plants had compromised expression of local acquired resistance induced by treatment with the pathogen‐derived molecular pattern (PAMP) molecule flg22, but were unaffected in other responses to flg22, including Ca2+ influx and the oxidative burst, seedling root growth inhibition, and transcriptional up‐regulation of the PAMP‐triggered genes MITOGEN‐ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE (MPK) 3, MPK11, CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE 5, and FLG22‐INDUCED RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASE 1. IPK1 mutation did not prevent the induction of systemic acquired resistance by avirulent P. syringae. Also, ips2 and ips2/3 double mutant plants, like ipk1, were hypersusceptible to P. syringae but were not compromised in flg22‐induced local acquired resistance. The results support the role of InsP6 biosynthesis enzymes in effective basal resistance and indicate that there is more than one basal resistance mechanism dependent upon InsP6 biosynthesis.
Nighttime driving: visual, lighting and visibility challenges
Authors: Wood Joanne M
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Nighttime driving is dangerous and is one of the most challenging driving situations for most drivers. Fatality rates are higher at night than in the day when adjusted for distances travelled, particularly for crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. Although there are multiple contributory factors, the low light levels at night are believed to be the major cause of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists at night, most likely due to their reduced visibility. Understanding the visibility problems involved in nighttime driving is thus critical, given the increased risk to road safety.

Recent Findings

This review discusses research that highlights key differences in the nighttime road environment compared to the day and how this affects visual function and driving performance, together with an overview of studies investigating how driver age and visual status affect nighttime driving performance. Research that has focused on the visibility of vulnerable road users at nighttime (pedestrians and cyclists) is also included.

Collectively, the research evidence suggests that visual function is reduced under the mesopic lighting conditions of night driving and that these effects are exacerbated by increasing age and visual impairment. Light and glare from road lighting and headlights have significant impacts on vision and night driving and these effects are likely to change with evolving technologies, such as LED streetlighting and headlights. Research also highlights the importance of the visibility of vulnerable road users at night and the role of retroreflective clothing in the ‘biomotion’ configuration for improving their conspicuity and hence safety.
Pediatric lichen planus pigmentosus possibly triggered by mercury dental amalgams
Authors: Belhareth Kamar , Korbi Mouna , Belhadjali Hichem , Soua Yosra , Moussa Adnene , Youssef Monia , Zili Jameleddine
Published: December 2019

Lichen planus pigmentosus is uncommon in childhood and its treatment is often challenging. We report a case of cutaneous lichen planus pigmentosus in a 10‐year‐old boy, without oral mucosal involvement, two months after an amalgam dental restoration. The diagnosis was based on the histopathological examination of a skin biopsy, the positive patch test to mercury, and the improvement after amalgam removal. Our case report suggests that metal allergy may play a role, and amalgam replacement may be followed by clinical improvement.
Verruciform xanthoma in a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: Case report and literature review
Authors: Stephens Michael , Rubin Adam I. , Perman Marissa J.
Published: December 2019

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is a rare finding thought to be caused by epidermal damage from trauma or inflammation and has been reported in a limited number of patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Herein, we describe a 20‐year‐old woman with RDEB who developed a large, verrucous, pink plaque on the posterior thigh that was histologically proven to be a VX. We review cases of VX in patients with RDEB and summarize the clinical features, pathophysiology, and management principles.
Knowing the Signs: A Direct and Generalizable Motivation of Two-Sided Tests
Authors: Rice Kenneth , Bonnett Tyler , Krakauer Chloe
Published: December 2019

Many well-known problems with two-sided p-values are due to their use in hypothesis tests, with ‘reject–accept’ conclusions about point null hypotheses. We present an alternative motivation for p-value-based tests, viewing them as assessments of only the sign of an underlying parameter, where we can conclude that the parameter is positive or negative, or simply say nothing either way. Our approach is decision theoretic, but—unusually—we consider the whole set of possible utility functions available. Doing this we show how, in a specific sense, close analogues of familiar one- and two-sided tests are always the optimal decision. We argue that this simplicity could aid non-experts’ understanding and use of tests—and help them to think critically about whether or not tests are appropriate tools for answering their questions of interest. Several extensions are also considered, showing that the simple idea of determining the signs of parameters yields a rich framework for inference.
Leiter‐3 generalizability in Scandinavia
Authors: Svensson Leif , Syzdek Brian M. , Roid Gale H.
Published: December 2019

The Leiter‐3 is a nonverbal assessment that evaluates cognitive abilities and has been adapted for use in Scandinavia. Generalizability of United States‐based normative scoring for use with the Scandinavian population was evaluated. Leiter‐3 scores from a sample of Scandinavian students were compared with scores obtained from the Leiter‐3 standardization sample, controlling for confounding variables, across ages, using mixed‐methods analysis. A Scandinavian‐population‐based sample was created from Leiter‐3 standardization data and norms were constructed and were used to generate standardized scores from the sample data. Results suggest that overall the Scandinavian test‐takers score higher than American test‐takers, but that differences between groups were minimized when controlling for factors that may influence cognitive performance. Creating Scandinavian based scores was not effective at reducing gaps in performance, suggesting that differences in performance between the different populations may be attributable to factors other than those typically controlled for when constructing standardized tests. Implications of these results and recommendations for Leiter‐3 adaptation are reviewed.
Standing out from the crowd: Identifying the traits and behaviors that characterize high‐quality athlete leaders
Authors: Fransen Katrien , Haslam S. Alexander , Steffens Niklas K. , Boen Filip
Published: December 2019

Objectives

An emerging body of evidence indicates that, in addition to the coach, athlete leaders within a team are vital for a sports team's success. Sports teams are therefore keen to know which attributes are distinctly characteristic of high‐quality leaders on and off the field. The present study aims to shed more light on this question.

Method

A wide variety of traits and leadership behaviors was assessed in a sample of 776 athletes, stratified across gender, competitive level, and four sports. The leadership quality of each of the athletes (ie, as task, motivational, social, and external leader) was determined on the basis of the perceptions of teammates using social network analysis.

Results

Findings revealed that leadership behaviors outweighed personality traits in distinguishing high‐quality leaders from others on and off the field. Providing identity leadership that creates, embodies, advances, and embeds a collective sense of “us” in their teams was found to be a particularly important leadership behavior that characterized high‐quality leaders both on and off the field.

Conclusion

The fact that leadership behaviors were important predictors of high‐quality athlete leadership (and more important predictors than traits) suggests that leaders are not just born, but can also be made. Our findings therefore highlight the clear need for leadership development programs to target the behaviors that we identified as important predictors of leadership.