bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of wing pigmentation in Drosophila: Diversity, physiological regulation, and cis‐regulatory evolution
Authors: Koshikawa Shigeyuki
Published: March 2020

Fruit flies (Drosophila and its close relatives, or “drosophilids”) are a group that includes an important model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, and also very diverse species distributed worldwide. Many of these species have black or brown pigmentation patterns on their wings, and have been used as material for evo‐devo research. Pigmentation patterns are thought to have evolved rapidly compared with body plans or body shapes; hence they are advantageous model systems for studying evolutionary gains of traits and parallel evolution. Various groups of drosophilids, including genus Idiomyia (Hawaiian Drosophila), have a variety of pigmentations, ranging from simple black pigmentations around crossveins to a single antero‐distal spot and a more complex mottled pattern. Pigmentation patterns are sometimes obviously used for sexual displays; however, in some cases they may have other functions. The process of wing formation in Drosophila, the general mechanism of pigmentation formation, and the transport of substances necessary for pigmentation, including melanin precursors, through wing veins are summarized here. Lastly, the evolution of the expression of genes regulating pigmentation patterns, the role of cis‐regulatory regions, and the conditions required for the evolutionary emergence of pigmentation patterns are discussed. Future prospects for research on the evolution of wing pigmentation pattern formation in drosophilids are presented, particularly from the point of view of how they compare with other studies of the evolution of new traits.
Fly disturbance suppresses aphid population growth
Authors: Jensen Kim , Toft Søren
Published: March 2020

1. The presence of predators is known to suppress prey populations not only by consumptive but also by non‐consumptive effects, as it stresses the prey inducing costly changes to behaviour and physiology. However, there is recent evidence that disturbance from non‐predacious, non‐competing commensals can also negatively affect herbivore performance.

2. Populations of cherry‐oat aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) were initiated with adult aphids in mesocosms containing seedling wheat grass. Following aphid establishment, fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen) were added at a relatively high density to half of the mesocosms and the aphids were left for another 5 days to reproduce. The experiment was performed over two blocks at 24 ± 4 °C. It was hypothesized that a relatively high density of commensals would stress the aphids and reduce their fitness, causing lower population growth and resulting in lower population sizes.

3. Aphid numbers were significantly lower in mesocosms with commensal flies after 5 days of fly presence across the two experimental blocks, documenting that fly disturbance suppresses aphid fitness and population growth.

4. The negative effect of fruit flies on aphid population growth must have come from the disturbance that flies imposed on the aphids in their search for food, indicating that the flies stressed the aphids. Thus, our study indicates that commensals may stress herbivores that do not distinguish between enemies and other active species in their environment, adding in the overall herbivore top‐down control through fitness costs.
In‐vivo signatures of neurodegeneration in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Carli G. , Caminiti S. P. , Galbiati A. , Marelli S. , Casoni F. , Padovani A. , Ferini‐Strambi L. , Perani D.
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

Isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) is a parasomnia, recently recognized as a risk factor for progression to Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy body and multiple system atrophy. Biomarker studies in iRBD are relevant due to lack of evidence in this condition. The identification of biomarkers able to predict progression to synucleinopathy diseases is critical for iRBD. Fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging might provide information about ongoing neurodegenerative processes. In the present study, we tested for presence of brain hypometabolism patterns as biomarkers of neurodegeneration in single iRBD individuals.

Methods

We recruited 37 subjects with polysomnography‐confirmed iRBD, with neuropsychological assessment and available FDG‐PET scan. Images were analysed with a validated statistical parametric mapping procedure, providing individual hypometabolism maps.

Results

According to the neuropsychological evaluation, 22 subjects with iRBD had normal cognition and 15 subjects showed impairments, particularly in visuoperceptive/visuospatial and memory domains. One‐fifth of the cases were impaired on the Qualitative Scoring of Pentagon Test. In 32 iRBD cases, FDG‐PET statistical parametric maps revealed significant cerebral hypometabolism, namely in the occipital lobes (n = 5), occipital and cerebellar regions (n = 13), occipitoparietal regions (n = 13) and a selective cerebellar hypometabolism (n = 1). Five cases had normal FDG‐PET scans.

Conclusions

These imaging findings indicate that brain neurodegenerative processes are present and already detectable in iRBD. The different hypometabolism patterns in the single individuals may reflect specific early pathophysiological events due to the underlying synucleinopathy, with a specific neural vulnerability for the occipital cortex that might pre‐date a risk of progression towards dementia with Lewy body.
Access to antenatal healthcare and the prevalence of oral clefts: a spatial analysis
Authors: Shin Hosung , Ahn Eunsuk , Choi Eun Joo
Published: March 2020

Congenital anomalies are caused by a variety of risk factors, including individual and environmental ones. This study estimated the prevalence of oral clefts and examined their area‐level risk indicators using data from The National Congenital Anomaly Survey in South Korea. Disease mapping and ecological regression were used to assess the geographical variation and potential risk indicators for oral clefts, such as living in a rural area, material deprivation, and limited access to antenatal healthcare. In South Korea, 1.15 (95% CI, 1.08–1.23) children out of every 1,000 births were born with oral clefts during 2005 and 2006. The most common oral cleft type was cleft palate, followed by cleft lip, then cleft lip and palate. Disease mapping showed that the proportion of areas with a higher risk than the national average was relatively higher for oral clefts than for all congenital abnormalities among rural and healthcare underserved areas. The relative risk of oral cleft prevalence was higher in rural areas and healthcare underserved areas than in urban areas and areas with better access to healthcare. The findings suggest that access to antenatal healthcare as well as area‐level risk indicators should be considered a priority when developing measures to decrease the occurrence of oral clefts.
MicroRNA‐379 mediates pigmentation, migration and proliferation of melanocytes by targeting the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhang Junzhen , Hu Shixiong , Qi Shuhui , Jia Qiong , Yang Wanyun , Yang Shanshan , Ji Kaiyuan , Liu Xuexian , Dong Changsheng , Fan Ruiwen
Published: March 2020

Melanogenesis, migration and proliferation of melanocytes are important factors that determine the hair colours of mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be closely related to these processes. In melanocytes of alpacas, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) has been shown to improve melanogenesis through the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. miR‐379 was predicted to target insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) receptor 1 (IGF1R), which binds to IGF1. Therefore, we hypothesized that miR‐379 could mediate melanogenesis, migration and proliferation of melanocytes. Here, we report that miR‐379 was highly expressed in alpaca melanocytes. Subsequent overexpression of miR‐379 in alpaca melanocytes led to the generation of the phenotype of melanogenesis, proliferation and migration. In addition, the expression of genes related to these phenotypes in melanocytes was detected. Our results showed that miR‐379 targets IGF1R in melanocytes. The overexpression of miR‐379 stimulated dendrite extension or elongation and limited the perinuclear distribution of melanin, but inhibited melanogenesis via cAMP response element (CRE)‐binding protein (CREB)/microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) pathway. miR‐379 attenuated melanocyte migration by downregulating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and enhanced melanocyte proliferation by upregulating protein kinase B (AKT). These observations suggest the involvement of miR‐379 in the physiological regulation of melanocytes, mediated by targeting IGF1R on insulin receptor (IR) compensation and subsequent crosstalk.
Experimental study of the fatigue characteristics and reliability of continuous welded rails
Authors: Sarikavak Yasin , Takeuchi Takaki , Horiuchi Toshitaka , Goda Koichi
Published: March 2020

In recent years, joint types in railway superstructure have shifted to continuous welded rails (CWRs), which can be constructed by various welding techniques to form uninterrupted rails several kilometres long. Because of the numerous advantages of this method, CWR systems are highly preferred today for the construction of new railway lines. The increase in the number of trains in operation is inducing fatigue damages, linking to life‐threatening risks in the rails as well as in trains' wheels and axles. In this study, CWR specimens formed by the flash butt‐welding process are investigated. Specimens extracted from rail sections are subjected to four‐point bending fatigue tests to establish S–N curves under various loading levels. The surfaces of those specimens which fail are then investigated in detail in order to determine the initiation points of the failures. The findings provide experimental data on the dynamic life cycle of CWR and identify the failure mechanism of the CWR system.
Who's Moving In? A Longitudinal Analysis of Home Purchase Loan Borrowers in New Transit Neighborhoods
Authors: Delmelle Elizabeth C. , Nilsson Isabelle , Schuch Johanna Claire
Published: March 2020

This article examines the characteristics of residents moving into new rail transit neighborhoods using longitudinal, individual‐level data from the Housing Mortgage Disclosure Act. To disentangle the role of transit from other neighborhood amenities that may give rise to shifts in the socioeconomic or demographic profile of homebuyers, an exploratory text analysis is first performed on property advertisements in transit‐adjacent neighborhoods. This informs the creation of variables for our models that estimate the probability of an applicant applying for a loan by race and income, and highlights where light rail is most prominently advertised as an amenity. We do not find that the announcement of a new light rail line significantly alters the income profile of loan applicants. Rather, proximity to the center city is a more important determinant in attracting higher income applicants. We do find that the announcement of the transit line is significant in explaining changes in the racial profile of applicants. Postannouncement, White applicants are significantly more likely to apply for loans in transit‐adjacent neighborhoods, while Blacks are significantly less likely to. As for other amenities, the walkability of a neighborhood is significant in predicting where White applicants are more likely to apply for home purchase loans.
Comparative analysis of prognostic histopathologic parameters in subtypes of epithelioid pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Bilecz Agnes , Stockhammer Paul , Theegarten Dirk , Kern Izidor , Jakopovic Marko , Samarzija Miroslav , Klikovits Thomas , Hoda Mir A , Döme Balázs , Oberndorfer Felicitas , Muellauer Leonhard , Fillinger János , Kovács Ildikó , Pirker Christine , Schuler Martin , Plönes Till , Aigner Clemens , Klepetko Walter , Berger Walter , Brcic Luka , Laszlo Viktória , Hegedus Balazs
Published: March 2020

Aims

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy with a dismal prognosis. While the epithelioid type is associated with a more favourable outcome, additional factors are needed to further stratify prognosis and to identify patients who can benefit from multimodal treatment. As epithelioid MPM shows remarkable morphological variability, the prognostic role of the five defined morphologies, the impact of the nuclear grading system and the mitosis‐necrosis score were investigated in this study.

Methods and results

Tumour specimens of 192 patients with epithelioid MPM from five European centres were histologically subtyped. Nuclear grading and mitosis–necrosis score were determined and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival (OS). Digital slides of 55 independent cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were evaluated for external validation. Histological subtypes were collapsed into three groups based on their overlapping survival curves. The tubulopapillary/microcystic group had a significantly longer OS than the solid/trabecular group (732 days versus 397 days, P = 0.0013). Pleomorphic tumours had the shortest OS (173 days). The solid/trabecular variants showed a significant association with high nuclear grade and mitosis–necrosis score. The mitosis–necrosis score was a robust and independent prognostic factor in our patient cohort. The prognostic significance of all three parameters was externally validated in the TCGA cohort. Patients with tubulopapillary or microcystic tumours showed a greater improvement in OS after receiving multimodal therapy than those with solid or trabecular tumours.

Conclusions

Histological subtypes of epithelioid MPM have a prognostic impact, and might help to select patients for intensive multimodal treatment approaches.
Hexanal as a marker of oxidation flavour in sliced and uncured deli turkey with and without phosphates using rosemary extracts
Authors: Bak Kathrine Holmgaard , Rankin Scott A. , Richards Mark P.
Published: March 2020

Ability of commercial rosemary extracts (REs) alone and in combination with sodium tripolyphosphate (P) to inhibit lipid oxidation in uncured deli turkey (UDT) was examined via headspace hexanal and oxidation flavour. Sliced UDT was packaged (75% N2/25% CO2) and stored 13 weeks at 4 °C. Addition of P decreased hexanal 2.4‐fold (P < 0.05) and increased mean pH of UDT from 5.94 to 6.30 (P < 0.05). Addition of water/lipid‐soluble RE did not inhibit hexanal formation in UDT. Addition of water‐soluble RE decreased hexanal 2.2‐fold (P < 0.05). The combination of P and water‐soluble RE decreased hexanal 33‐fold (P < 0.05). The combination of P and water/lipid‐soluble RE decreased hexanal ninefold (P < 0.05). Oxidation flavour was highest in UDT without added antioxidant> RE> P> RE+P (P < 0.05). Hexanal values were positively correlated with oxidation flavour scores throughout storage (P < 0.05). The combination of P with either RE was particularly effective at inhibiting lipid oxidation in modified atmosphere packaged UDT.
Influence of surface orientation on the photochemical reactivity of CaTiO3
Authors: Zitello Kayla E. , Salvador Paul A. , Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: March 2020

The orientations and surface structures of ferroelastic CaTiO3 crystals within a polycrystalline ceramic were measured by electron backscatter diffraction and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively. Surfaces annealed at 1250°C in air are made up of a combination of facets with orientations near {100}, {110}, and {111} (indexed with reference to the cubic perovskite cell). The samples were immersed in an aqueous AgNO3 solution and illuminated to photochemically reduce silver. Based on the amount of silver reduced on different surfaces, it was determined that surfaces with a {111} orientation had the greatest photocathodic reactivity, those with a {110} orientation had the least photocathodic reactivity, and surfaces with the {100} orientation had intermediate reactivity. While the {110} surfaces were essentially inert for photocathodic reduction, they were active for the photoanodic oxidation of Mn2+. Ferroelastic domains were observed to enhance and retard the photochemical reduction of silver on spatially alternating domains on 20% of the grains. However, domains had no influence on the reactivity of the other 80% and are therefore secondary to the surface orientation in determining the reactivity.
High‐performance molecular‐separation ceramic membranes derived from oxidative cross‐linked polytitanocarbosilane
Authors: Wang Qing , Yu Liang , Nagasawa Hiroki , Kanezashi Masakoto , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: March 2020

Polytitanocarbosilane (TiPCS)‐derived ceramic membranes were fabricated using a pre‐ceramic polymer. Special attention was focused on a process of thermal‐oxidative curing that was used to induce cross‐linking and the effect of this process on the ceramic yield, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and microstructure of TiPCS. The cross‐linked TiPCS powders showed a ceramic yield and thermal stability that were higher than that from the non‐cross‐linked version. In addition, the cross‐linked TiPCS with uniform micropores showed higher levels of N2 and CO2 adsorption capacity, BET surface area, and micropore volume than the non‐cross‐linked versions, and the cross‐linking process enhanced the stability of the pore structure at high temperature. The cross‐linked TiPCS membranes showed high H2 permeance (1.49 × 10−6 mol/(m2 s Pa)) with sub‐nanopores (H2/SF6 selectivity: 12 000, H2/N2: 10), and in addition higher oxidation resistance than their non‐cross‐linked counterparts. Furthermore, the influence of the concentration of the TiPCS precursor coating solution was optimized and the hydrothermal stability of the membranes at high temperatures was also evaluated. The optimized membrane demonstrated great performance for the pervaporation removal of methanol in binary azeotropic systems of either MeOH/butyl acetate or MeOH/toluene, and it also showed high hydrothermal stability with excellent dehumidification performance under high temperatures.
Treatment of keloids using 5‐fluorouracil in combination with crystalline triamcinolone acetonide suspension: evaluating therapeutic effects by using non‐invasive objective measures
Authors: Reinholz M. , Guertler A. , Schwaiger H. , Poetschke J. , Gauglitz G.G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Intralesional 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in combination with triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) has been recommended as a promising alternative for keloids not responding to silicone‐based products, cryotherapy or intralesional corticosteroids alone. Although numerous studies support the efficacy of this regime, there is a lack of objective data.

Objectives

In this study, we evaluate the therapeutic effect of four courses of intralesional 5‐FU in combination with TAC (3 : 1) utilizing 3D analysis (PRIMOS®pico), ultrasound and scar scales such as the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with keloids were treated using 5‐FU and TAC every 4 weeks. Objective assessments were performed and the scar scales administered at baseline, as well as during consecutive visits at 1‐ and 12‐month follow‐up (FU). Routine laboratory tests were performed at baseline and at 1‐month FU.

Results

3D PRIMOS and ultrasound measurements revealed highly significant and stable reductions in height (baseline mean score: 4.0 ± 1.7 mm, 1‐month FU mean score: 1.5 ± 0.8 mm, 12‐month FU mean score: 1.8 ± 0.9 mm, P = <0.0001), volume (baseline mean score: 1,105 ± 911.5 mm3, 1‐month FU mean score: 416.1 ± 218.1 mm3, 12‐month FU mean sore: 431.2 ± 253.6 mm3, P = <0.0001, respectively) and penetration depth of keloids (relative reduction between baseline and 12‐month FU of 74.4%, P = <0.0001). The POSAS and DLQI scales confirmed significant objective and subjective improvements in scar appearance in all categories. The life quality associated with keloid appearance improved from a ‘moderate effect’ to a ‘small effect’ throughout the course of the study.

Conclusions

Results of this study confirm the efficacy and safety of the combination of 5‐FU and TAC in keloids. Treatments were well tolerated and demonstrated stable results at 12‐month FU.
Opioid receptors expression in the skin of haemodialysis patients suffering from uraemic pruritus
Authors: Wieczorek A. , Krajewski P. , Kozioł‐Gałczyńska M. , Szepietowski J.C.
Published: March 2020

Background

Uraemic pruritus is a common symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis (HD) treatment. Etiopathogenesis of uraemic pruritus is complex and not fully explained, but there are reports indicating a possible role of peripheral opioid system in its pathomechanism.

Objectives

This study was undertaken to analyse the expression of mu‐ and kappa‐opioid receptors in the skin of HD patients with and without uraemic pruritus.

Methods

Forty patients suffering from chronic kidney disease, treated with haemodialysis (21 pruritic and 19 non‐pruritic), were included. The expression of mu‐ and kappa‐opioid receptors in their skin was evaluated with immunohistochemistry.

Results

The significant (P < 0.02) decrease in kappa‐opioid receptor expression was shown in the skin of pruritic patients in comparison with the skin of those without itch (1.07 ± 0.62 and 1.66 ± 0.85, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between intensity of pruritus and expression of kappa‐opioid receptors (r = −0.63, P = 0.002). There was no difference in the expression of mu‐opioid receptor expression in the skin of pruritic and non‐pruritic HD patients.

Conclusions

This study indicates that changes in peripheral opioid system may play an important role in the uraemic itch pathogenesis and that future studies are necessary to fully understand this mechanism.
Anti‐BP180 autoantibody levels at diagnosis correlate with 1‐year mortality rates in patients with bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Monshi B. , Gulz L. , Piringer B. , Wiala A. , Kivaranovic D. , Schmidt M. , Sesti A. , Heil T. , Vujic I. , Posch C. , Rappersberger K.
Published: March 2020

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune blistering disease mainly affecting elderly patients. Among several published risk factors, a recent post hoc analysis linked anti‐BP180 autoantibodies (AABs) to fatal outcomes in BP. To date, this finding has not been confirmed independently.

Objective

To investigate the potential of anti‐BP180‐AAB levels as a marker of prognosis and to identify a cut‐off level indicative of an increased risk for early death. Secondly, to characterize parameters associated with mortality.

Methods

Retrospective, single‐centre study of BP patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2012. Analyses included epidemiological and patient‐ and disease‐specific characteristics as well as immunological parameters at diagnosis and during follow‐up. Standardized mortality ratios as well as uni‐ and multivariate regression analyses were calculated.

Results

One hundred patients (56 women, 44 men) with a median age of 81 years (interquartile range 74–86) were followed up for a median of 775 days (interquartile range 162–1617). One‐year mortality rates were 25.0% implying a 2.4‐fold increased risk of death compared with the general population. High anti‐BP180 autoantibody levels at diagnosis (CI95 1.30–2.89; P = 0.001), dementia (CI95 1.13–6.72; P =0.03), length of hospitalization (CI951.16–2.41; P = 0.01) and age (CI95 1.23–4.19; P = 0.009) correlated significantly with 1‐year mortality. BP180‐AAB concentrations of ≥61 U/mL characterized a subgroup of patients with a particular higher risk for early death compared with the general population (CI95 1.81–3.81; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In bullous pemphigoid, serum concentrations of BP180 autoantibodies at diagnosis could help to identify patients at risk for death within the first year after diagnosis (cut‐off value 61 U/mL).
Regulatory peptides and systems biology: A new era of translational and reverse‐translational neuroendocrinology
Authors: Eiden Lee E. , Gundlach Andrew L. , Grinevich Valery , Lee Mary R. , Mecawi André S. , Chen Duan , Buijs Ruud M. , Hernandez Vito S. , Fajardo-Dolci Germán , Zhang Limei
Published: March 2020

Recently, there has been a resurgence in regulatory peptide science as a result of three converging trends. The first is the increasing population of the drug pipeline with peptide‐based therapeutics, mainly in, but not restricted to, incretin‐like molecules for treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The second is the development of genetic and optogenetic tools enabling new insights into how peptides actually function within brain and peripheral circuits to accomplish homeostatic and allostatic regulation. The third is the explosion in defined structures of the G‐protein coupled receptors to which most regulatory peptides bind and exert their actions. These trends have closely wedded basic systems biology to drug discovery and development, creating a “two‐way street” on which translational advances travel from basic research to the clinic, and, equally importantly, “reverse‐translational” information is gathered, about the molecular, cellular and circuit‐level mechanisms of action of regulatory peptides, comprising information required for the fine‐tuning of drug development through testing in animal models. This review focuses on a small group of ‘influential’ peptides, including oxytocin, vasopressin, pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide, ghrelin, relaxin‐3 and glucagon‐like peptide‐1, and how basic discoveries and their application to therapeutics have intertwined over the past decade.
The role of Candida albicans candidalysin ECE1 gene in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Engku Nasrullah Satiman Engku Anis Fariha , Ahmad Hasna , Ramzi Ahmad Bazli , Abdul Wahab Ridhwan , Kaderi Mohd Arifin , Wan Harun Wan Himratul Aznita , Dashper Stuart , McCullough Michael , Arzmi Mohd Hafiz
Published: March 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with many known risk factors including tobacco smoking, chronic alcoholism, poor oral hygiene, unhealthy dietary habits and microbial infection. Previous studies have highlighted Candida albicans host tissue infection as a risk factor in the initiation and progression of oral cancer. C albicans invasion induces several cancerous hallmarks, such as activation of proto‐oncogenes, induction of DNA damage and overexpression of inflammatory signalling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these responses remain unclear. A recently discovered fungal toxin peptide, candidalysin, has been reported as an essential molecule in epithelial damage and host recognition of C albicans infection. Candidalysin has a clear role in inflammasome activation and induction of cell damage. Several inflammatory molecules such as IL‐6, IL‐17, NLRP3 and GM‐CSF have been linked to carcinogenesis. Candidalysin is encoded by the ECE1 gene, which has been linked to virulence factors of C albicans such as adhesion, biofilm formation and filamentation properties. This review discusses the recent epidemiological burden of oral cancer and highlights the significance of the ECE1 gene and the ECE1 protein breakdown product, candidalysin in oral malignancy. The immunological and molecular mechanisms behind oral malignancy induced by inflammation and the role of the toxic fungal peptide candidalysin in oral carcinogenesis are explored. With increasing evidence associating C albicans with oral carcinoma, identifying the possible fungal pathogenicity factors including the role of candidalysin can assist in efforts to understand the link between C albicans infection and carcinogenesis, and pave the way for research into therapeutic potentials.
Reduction of intraocular pressure using timolol orally dissolving strips in the treatment of induced primary open-angle glaucoma in rabbits
Authors: El-Feky Yasmin A , Mostafa Dalia A , Al-Sawahli Majid M , El-Telbany Rania Farag A , Zakaria Sherin , Fayez Ahmed M , Ahmed Kawkab A , Alolayan Ebtesam M , El-Telbany Dalia Farag A
Published: March 2020

Objective

To enhance bioavailability of timolol (TML) and utilize alternatives for traditional eye drops for more patient compliance, this study was aiming to develop biodegradable orally dissolving strips (ODSs) of TML for treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

Novel ODSs of TML were formulated and optimized using solvent casting method according to full factorial design (31.22). TML ODSs were characterized with respect to many parameters. In-vivo test was carried out using four groups of 24 New Zealand albino rabbits. POAG was induced by subconjunctival treatment of betamethasone. Histopathological examination and oxidative stress markers assay were carried out.

Key findings

The optimized formula (F9) exhibited a remarkably 15-s disintegration time and 96% dissolution rate after 10 min. The results revealed a potent significant inhibitory effect of the optimized TML ODS to reduce IOP in induced rabbits in comparison with control rabbits and TML eye drops-treated rabbits. The formula showed also high activity against oxidative stress and absence of histopathological changes in iridocorneal angle and cornea.

Conclusion

The ODSs could be a promising alternative delivery system for eye drops with more compliance to enhance delivery and therapeutic activity of TML in treatment of POAG.
Implementation of a wound care education project to improve the wound care competency among psychiatric nurses: A quality improvement project and feasibility study
Authors: Pirani Sarah
Published: March 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Compared to the general population, people with mental illness die several years prematurely. The prevalence of chronic physical illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease is higher in people with mental health illnesses, putting them at increased risk of developing skin wounds.

The majority of the studies on wound care education and management were carried out in acute care and long‐term care settings. A very few addressed the wound care needs for psychiatric patients and the educational needs of nurses in the mental health setting.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

This study adds to the existing evidence by offering an evidence‐based solution to equip Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs) with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high‐quality wound care to patients.

When a lack of wound care competency has been identified, it may be worth the effort to provide education and training to psychiatric nurses on wound care management.

What are the implications for practice?

This project has the potential benefit of healthcare cost savings, which can be further investigated in a future study, for instance, a pilot randomized controlled trial to estimate the parameters for a full‐trial and cost‐effectiveness study.

Future mental health nursing practice and research need to focus on finding solutions to help support PMHNs improve their competence in caring for physical illnesses.

Introduction

People with mental illnesses are at increased risk of developing skin wounds. A very few studies addressed the wound care needs for psychiatric patients and the educational needs for psychiatric and mental health nurses (PMHNs).

Aim

A wound care education—feasibility and quality improvement project—was implemented to improve wound care competence among nurses on the Seniors' Mental Health Units at a psychiatric hospital.

Methods

A total of 36 nurses participated in wound care knowledge education and completed both the pretest and post‐test. Four nurses participated in wound care skills training.

Results

The post‐intervention mean score increase for wound care knowledge was 5.14 (178%) and for skills was 7(75.7%). The results were statistically significant (p < .001).

Discussion

This study adds to the existing evidence by offering an evidence‐based solution to equip PMHNs with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high‐quality wound care to patients.

Implications for Practice and Research

Future mental health nursing practice and research need to focus on finding evidence‐based practical solutions to help support PMHNs improve their ability to care for physical illnesses. A future pilot randomized controlled trial will be needed to estimate the parameters for a full‐trial and cost‐effectiveness study.
Lycopene supplementation regulates the gene expression profile and fat metabolism of breeding hens
Authors: Tian Hanchen , Liu Guangbin , Guo Yongqing , Li Yaokun , Deng Ming , Liu Dewu , Sun Baoli
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the effects of lycopene on the gene expression profile and expression of genes related to fat metabolism of Xinghua breeding hens. Seven hundred and twenty healthy breeding hens were randomly assigned to four treatments; each treatment was replicated six times with 30 hens each. Broken rice and soybean meal were adopted for the basal diet and added with 0 (control group), 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg lycopene respectively. Gene expression profile of the liver induced by lycopene and expression of genes related to fat metabolism in hens liver and intestine were analysed after 42‐day feeding trial including 7‐day pre‐feeding period and 35‐day formal period. The genes involved in fat metabolism were analysed, and we found that lycopene significantly increased the expression of PGC1α, PPARα, RXRα and RARα in the liver, PPARγ, RXRα and RXRγ in the jejunum, and RARα in the duodenum (p < .05); reduced the expression of FABP1 and FABP10 in the liver, and FATP4 in the jejunum (p < .05). By analysing gene expression profile, 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including 69 up‐regulated genes and 89 down‐regulated genes were obtained between control group and 40 mg/kg group. KEGG pathway analysis was performed on all DEGs, and 5 pathways were obtained. In conclusion, lycopene can affect the expression of related genes, and this may be one of the reasons that lycopene can regulate fat metabolism.
Advanced glycation end‐products increase lipocalin 2 expression in human oral epithelial cells
Authors: Kido Rie , Hiroshima Yuka , Kido Jun‐ichi , Ikuta Takahisa , Sakamoto Eijiro , Inagaki Yuji , Naruishi Koji , Yumoto Hiromichi
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a risk factor of periodontal diseases, exacerbates the pathological condition of periodontitis. A major factor for DM complications is advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) that accumulate in periodontal tissues and cause inflammatory events. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is an antimicrobial peptide and inflammation‐related factor, and LCN2 levels increase in DM. In this study, the effects of AGEs and lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P g‐LPS) on LCN2 expression in human oral epithelial cells (TR146 cells) and the role of secreted LCN2 in periodontitis with DM were investigated.

Material and methods

TR146 cells were cultured with AGEs (AGE2) and control BSA and cell viability was estimated, or with P g‐LPS. Conditioned medium and cell lysates were prepared from cultures of epithelial cells and used for Western blotting and ELISA to analyze LCN2, RAGE, IL‐6, MAPK, and NF‐κB. RNA was isolated from AGE‐treated TR146 cells and differentiated HL‐60 (D‐HL‐60) cells and used for quantitative real‐time PCR to examine the expression of LCN2 and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) mRNAs. RAGE‐ and LCN2‐siRNAs (siRAGE, siLCN2) were transfected into epithelial cells, and AGE‐induced LCN2 expression was investigated. D‐HL‐60 cells were co‐cultured with TR146 cells that were transfected with siLCN2 and treated with AGEs, and IL‐6 mRNA expression in D‐HL‐60 cells and cell migration was investigated.

Results

AGEs increased the expression levels of LCN2 and IL‐6 in oral epithelial cells. siRAGE and a neutralizing antibody for RAGE inhibited AGE‐induced LCN2 expression. AGEs stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and NF‐κB in epithelial cells, and their inhibitors suppressed AGE‐induced LCN2 expression. In contrast, P g‐LPS did not show a significant increase in LCN2 level in TR146 cells that expressed Toll‐like receptor 2. In co‐culture experiments, AGE‐induced LCN2 inhibited IL‐6 mRNA expression in D‐HL‐60 cells, and LCN2 knockdown in epithelial cells suppressed HL‐60 cell migration.

Conclusion

These results suggested that AGEs increase LCN2 expression via RAGE, MAPK, and NF‐κB signaling pathways in oral epithelial cells, and secreted LCN2 may influence the pathological condition of periodontitis with DM.
Prevalence, incidence and risk factors of tamoxifen‐related non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Bora , Jung Eun‐Ae , Yoo Jeong‐Ju , Kim Sang Gyune , Lee Cheon‐Beom , Kim Young Seok , Jeong Soung Won , Jang Jae Young , Lee Sae Hwan , Kim Hong Soo , Jun Baek Gyu , Kim Young Don , Cheon Gab Jin
Published: March 2020

Background & Aims

Tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk of developing fatty liver. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of fatty liver developed after tamoxifen treatment in breast cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, OVID Medline, the Cochrane Library and other databases was performed for this review. The abstracts obtained from the search were reviewed by two investigators who chose manuscripts for full‐text review. The event rates were calculated with a random‐effects model and quality‐effects model.

Results

The search yielded 165 references. Of these, 24 were included in the quantitative summary. We analysed the data of a total of 6,962 patients treated with tamoxifen and 975 patients not treated with tamoxifen. The prevalence of fatty liver among patients with breast cancer taking tamoxifen was 40.25 per 100 patients and the incidence rate was 12.37 per 100 person‐years. The incidence of fatty liver was much higher in the tamoxifen group than in the control group [incidence rate ratio: 3.12, 95% CI (confidence interval): 2.05‐4.75, I2 = 61%], regardless of region. The main risk factors were body mass index (BMI) [hazard ratio (HR): 1.15, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.22] and hypercholesterolaemia (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.02).

Conclusion

The use of tamoxifen was associated with increased risks in the incidence and prevalence of fatty liver, especially in patients with high BMI and hypercholesterolaemia.
Psychological safety in feedback: What does it look like and how can educators work with learners to foster it?
Authors: Johnson Christina E. , Keating Jennifer L. , Molloy Elizabeth K.
Published: March 2020

Context

Feedback conversations play a central role in health professions workplace learning. However, learners face a dilemma: if they engage in productive learning behaviours (such as asking questions, raising difficulties, offering opinions or contesting ideas), they risk exposing their limitations or offending the educator. This highlights the importance of psychological safety in encouraging learners to candidly engage in interactive dialogue and the co‐construction of knowledge. Previous research has recommended that building safety, trust or an educational alliance is key to productive feedback encounters. Yet it is unclear how to translate this into practice. Hence our research question was: What does psychological safety look like in workplace feedback and how can educators work with learners to foster it?

Methods

We analysed 36 videos of routine formal feedback episodes in clinical practice involving diverse health professionals. A psychologically safe learning environment was inferred when learners progressively disclosed information and engaged in productive learning behaviours during the conversation. We used thematic analysis to identify associated educator strategies, which seemed to promote psychological safety.

Results

Four themes were identified: (a) setting the scene for dialogue and candour; (b) educator as ally; (c) a continuing improvement orientation, and (d) encouraging interactive dialogue. Educators approaches captured within these themes, seemed to foster a psychologically safe environment by conveying a focus on learning, and demonstrating respect and support to learners.

Conclusions

This study builds on claims regarding the importance of psychological safety in feedback by clarifying what psychological safety in workplace feedback conversations might look like and identifying associated educator approaches. The results may offer educators practical ways they could work with learners to encourage candid dialogue focused on improving performance.
Hybrid physics‐based modeling and data‐driven method for diagnostics of masonry structures
Authors: Napolitano Rebecca , Glisic Branko
Published: March 2020

Before implementing monitoring systems or reinforcements on a historic structure, it is essential to understand how crack patterns may have originated and how they affect the stability of the structure. Previous methods combining photogrammetry with physics‐based modeling have been successful in diagnosing the cause of crack formation. However, a limitation of existing methods is the manual comparison process to ascertain damage origins. This research outlines a method combining physics‐based modeling and data‐driven approaches to automate diagnostics for existing masonry structures. This method was shown to quantitatively reproduce the cause of damage for complex, 3D structures and was validated against a laboratory‐scale experimental masonry wall. The newly automated procedure increases throughput by 105 times compared to our prior method, allowing for the testing of orders of magnitude more hypotheses than were previously possible. Although the approach is demonstrated here for settlement‐induced cracking, it has important implications for the broader topic of data‐driven masonry diagnostics.
Lateral Leaflet Suppression 1 (LLS1), encoding the MtYUCCA1 protein, regulates lateral leaflet development in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zhao Baolin , He Liangliang , Jiang Chuan , Liu Ye , He Hua , Bai Quanzi , Zhou Shaoli , Zheng Xiaoling , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Tadege Million , Liu Yu , Liu Renyi , Chen Jianghua
Published: March 2020

In species with compound leaves, the positions of leaflet primordium initiation are associated with local peaks of auxin accumulation. However, the role of auxin during the late developmental stages and outgrowth of compound leaves remains largely unknown.

Using genome resequencing approaches, we identified insertion sites at four alleles of the LATERAL LEAFLET SUPPRESSION1 (LLS1) gene, encoding the auxin biosynthetic enzyme YUCCA1 in Medicago truncatula.

Linkage analysis and complementation tests showed that the lls1 mutant phenotypes were caused by the Tnt1 insertions that disrupted the LLS1 gene. The transcripts of LLS1 can be detected in primordia at early stages of leaf initiation and later in the basal regions of leaflets, and finally in vein tissues at late leaf developmental stages. Vein numbers and auxin content are reduced in the lls1‐1 mutant. Analysis of the lls1 sgl1 and lls1 palm1 double mutants revealed that SGL1 is epistatic to LLS1, and LLS1 works with PALM1 in an independent pathway to regulate the growth of lateral leaflets.

Our work demonstrates that the YUCCA1/YUCCA4 subgroup plays very important roles in the outgrowth of lateral leaflets during compound leaf development of M. truncatula, in addition to leaf venation.
Differences in grapevine rootstock sensitivity and recovery from drought are linked to fine root cortical lacunae and root tip function
Authors: Cuneo Italo F. , Barrios‐Masias Felipe , Knipfer Thorsten , Uretsky Jake , Reyes Clarissa , Lenain Pierre , Brodersen Craig R. , Walker M. Andrew , McElrone Andrew J.
Published: March 2020

Structural changes during severe drought stress greatly modify the hydraulic properties of fine roots. Yet, the physiological basis behind the restoration of fine root water uptake capacity during water recovery remains unknown.

Using neutron radiography (NR), X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), fluorescence microscopy, and fine root hydraulic conductivity measurements (Lpr), we examined how drought‐induced changes in anatomy and hydraulic properties of contrasting grapevine rootstocks are coupled with fine root growth dynamics during drought and return of soil moisture.

Lacunae formation in drought‐stressed fine roots was associated with a significant decrease in fine root Lpr for both rootstocks. However, lacunae formation occurred under milder stress in the drought‐resistant rootstock, 110R. Suberin was deposited at an earlier developmental stage in fine roots of 101‐14Mgt (i.e. drought susceptible), probably limiting cortical lacunae formation during mild stress. During recovery, we found that only 110R fine roots showed rapid re‐establishment of elongation and water uptake capacity and we found that soil water status surrounding root tips differed between rootstocks as imaged with NR.

These data suggest that drought resistance in grapevine rootstocks is associated with rapid re‐establishment of growth and Lpr near the root tip upon re‐watering by limiting competing sites along the root cylinder.
Enabling reusability of plant phenomic datasets with MIAPPE 1.1
Authors: Papoutsoglou Evangelia A. , Faria Daniel , Arend Daniel , Arnaud Elizabeth , Athanasiadis Ioannis N. , Chaves Inês , Coppens Frederik , Cornut Guillaume , Costa Bruno V. , Ćwiek‐Kupczyńska Hanna , Droesbeke Bert , Finkers Richard , Gruden Kristina , Junker Astrid , King Graham J. , Krajewski Paweł , Lange Matthias , Laporte Marie‐Angélique , Michotey Célia , Oppermann Markus , Ostler Richard , Poorter Hendrik , Ramı́rez‐Gonzalez Ricardo , Ramšak Živa , Reif Jochen C. , Rocca‐Serra Philippe , Sansone Susanna‐Assunta , Scholz Uwe , Tardieu François , Uauy Cristobal , Usadel Björn , Visser Richard G. F. , Weise Stephan , Kersey Paul J. , Miguel Célia M. , Adam‐Blondon Anne‐Françoise , Pommier Cyril
Published: March 2020

Enabling data reuse and knowledge discovery is increasingly critical in modern science, and requires an effort towards standardising data publication practices. This is particularly challenging in the plant phenotyping domain, due to its complexity and heterogeneity.

We have produced the MIAPPE 1.1 release, which enhances the existing MIAPPE standard in coverage, to support perennial plants, in structure, through an explicit data model, and in clarity, through definitions and examples.

We evaluated MIAPPE 1.1 by using it to express several heterogeneous phenotyping experiments in a range of different formats, to demonstrate its applicability and the interoperability between the various implementations. Furthermore, the extended coverage is demonstrated by the fact that one of the datasets could not have been described under MIAPPE 1.0.

MIAPPE 1.1 marks a major step towards enabling plant phenotyping data reusability, thanks to its extended coverage, and especially the formalisation of its data model, which facilitates its implementation in different formats. Community feedback has been critical to this development, and will be a key part of ensuring adoption of the standard.