bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First record of the mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) in Algeria
Authors: Guenaoui Y. , Watson G. W. , Labdaoui Z. E.
Published: June 2019

The mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is recorded from Algeria for the first time. This pest was first detected in the summer of 2018 in private gardens in Salamandre, on the coastal side of Mostaganem City in north‐western Algeria, feeding on three ornamental plants: Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L., Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae) and Cestrum nocturnum L. (Solanaceae). In October 2018, it was also found on Aloysia citriodora Palàu (Verbenaceae) growing near Hibiscus. The first samples collected had been attacked by hymenopteran parasitoids. Surveys of ornamental nurseries and greenhouses growing vegetables in the area indicate that, at present, P. madeirensis seems to be restricted to ornamental plants. More surveys over larger areas are needed to determine its distribution and the likely origin of its introduction to Algeria.
Caudal cervical vertebral morphological variation is not associated with clinical signs in Warmblood horses
Authors: Veraa S. , de Graaf K. , Wijnberg I. D. , Back W. , Vernooij H. , Nielen M. , Belt A.J. M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Variation in equine caudal cervical spine morphology at C6 and C7 has high prevalence in Warmblood horses and is suspected to be associated with pain in a large mixed‐breed group of horses. At present no data exist on the relationship between radiographic phenotype and clinical presentation in Warmblood horses in a case‐control study.

Objectives

To establish the frequency of radiographically visible morphologic variation in a large group of Warmblood horses with clinical signs and compare this with a group without clinical signs. We hypothesised that occurrence of morphologic variation in the case group would not differ from the control group, indicating there is no association between clinical signs and morphologic variation.

Study design

Retrospective case‐control.

Methods

Radiographic presence or absence of morphologic variation of cervical vertebrae C6 and C7 was recorded in case (n = 245) and control horses (n = 132). Case and control groups were compared by univariable Pearson’s Chi‐square and multivariable logistic regression for measurement variables age, sex, breed, degenerative joint disease and morphologic variation at C6 and C7. Odds ratio and confidence intervals were obtained. A P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Morphologic variation at C6 and C7 (n = 108/377 = 28.6%; Cases 58/245 = 23.7%; Control 50/132 = 38%) was less frequent in horses with clinical signs in univariable testing (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.3–0.8, P = 0.001). Age, sex, breed and degenerative joint disease were not retained in the final multivariable logistic regression step whereas morphologic variation remained significantly less present in horses with clinical signs.

Main limitations

Possible demographic differences between equine clinics.

Conclusions

Morphologic variation in the caudal cervical spine was detected more frequently in horses without clinical signs. Therefore, radiographic presence of such variation does not necessarily implicate the presence of clinical signs.
Grid quorum‐based spatial coverage in mobile wireless sensor networks using nature‐inspired firefly algorithm
Authors: Eldrandaly Khalid , Abdel‐Basset Mohamed , Abdel‐Fatah Laila
Published: June 2019

Optimization and design of mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) must assure adequate spatial coverage of the site. The spatial coverage optimization aims to enrich discoverability of MWSN by specifying mobile sensors geographical locations in order to maximize their coverage. In this paper, an enhanced metaheuristic algorithm called “firefly algorithm with crossover and detection phases” is introduced for optimizing the area coverage percentage of MWSN. The proposed algorithm is tested on many datasets with different criterions and compared with other algorithms including differential evolution, whale optimization algorithm, and flower pollination algorithm. The experimental results are analysed with one‐way ANOVA test. In addition, the proposed algorithm is compared with particle swarm optimization, and the results are analysed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The overall analysis results prove the prosperity and efficient exploration of the proposed algorithm.
High‐cycle and very‐high‐cycle fatigue behaviour of a titanium alloy with equiaxed microstructure under different mean stresses
Authors: Pan Xiangnan , Hong Youshi
Published: June 2019

The fatigue behaviour of a titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4V with equiaxed microstructure (EM) under different values of tensile mean stress or stress ratio (R) was investigated from high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) to very‐high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF) regimes via ultrasonic axial cycling. The effect of mean stress or R on the fatigue strength of HCF and VHCF was addressed by Goodman, Gerber, and Authors' formula. Three types of crack initiation, namely, surface‐with‐RA (rough area), surface‐without‐RA, and interior‐with‐RA, were classified. The maximum value of stress intensity factor (SIF) at RA boundary for R < 0 keeps constant regardless of R in HCF and VHCF regimes. The SIF range at RA boundary for R > 0 also keeps constant regardless of R in VHCF regime, but this value decreases linearly with the increase of R for surface RA cases. The microstructure observation at RA regions gives a new result of nanograin formation only in the cases of negative stress ratios for the titanium alloy with EM, which is explained by the mechanism of numerous cyclic pressing.
The impact of a Web‐based leveled reading program on Arabic language learners' reading experiences
Authors: Hammad Mahbuba
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the reading experiences of Arabic language learners who were introduced to the ALDAAD Web‐based leveled reading program compared to the experiences of students who followed their school's mainstream Arabic reading curriculum. It focused on ACTFL's number one research priority area: integration of language, culture, and content. Students' perceptions coalesced around four different dimensions: (a) affective attitude (positive/negative), (b) engagement (student‐centered, instructor‐centered), (c) satisfaction, and (d) access (facilitated/restricted). The research findings present a significant difference in the reading experiences of students who used the ALDAAD program compared to the experiences of those who were exposed to the mainstream reading curriculum at their school. The study presents a number of pedagogical implications pertaining to second language, heritage, and native speakers of Arabic. Recommendations are presented on how to best address the reading needs of emerging Arabic readers and the concept of building a positive social‐sharing aspect to reading in Arabic.
Thermal stress induces persistently altered coral reef fish assemblages
Authors: Robinson James P. W. , Wilson Shaun K. , Jennings Simon , Graham Nicholas A. J.
Published: June 2019

Ecological communities are reorganizing in response to warming temperatures. For continuous ocean habitats this reorganization is characterized by large‐scale species redistribution, but for tropical discontinuous habitats such as coral reefs, spatial isolation coupled with strong habitat dependence of fish species imply that turnover and local extinctions are more significant mechanisms. In these systems, transient marine heatwaves are causing coral bleaching and profoundly altering habitat structure, yet despite severe bleaching events becoming more frequent and projections indicating annual severe bleaching by the 2050s at most reefs, long‐term effects on the diversity and structure of fish assemblages remain unclear. Using a 23‐year time series spanning a thermal stress event, we describe and model structural changes and recovery trajectories of fish communities after mass bleaching. Communities changed fundamentally, with the new emergent communities dominated by herbivores and persisting for >15 years, a period exceeding realized and projected intervals between thermal stress events on coral reefs. Reefs which shifted to macroalgal states had the lowest species richness and highest compositional dissimilarity, whereas reefs where live coral recovered exceeded prebleaching fish richness, but remained dissimilar to prebleaching compositions. Given realized and projected frequencies of bleaching events, our results show that fish communities historically associated with coral reefs will not re‐establish, requiring substantial adaptation by managers and resource users.
Prognosis of root canal treatment in teeth with preoperative apical periodontitis: a study with cone‐beam computed tomography and digital periapical radiography
Authors: Restrepo‐Restrepo F. A. , Cañas‐Jiménez S. J. , Romero‐Albarracín R. D. , Villa‐Machado P. A. , Pérez‐Cano M. I. , Tobón‐Arroyave S. I.
Published: June 2019

Aim

This observational cohort study aimed: (i) to determine retrospectively after a 1‐ to 12‐year follow‐up period, the strength and independence of the association of various patient‐, tooth‐ and treatment‐related prognostic variables with the outcome of root canal treatment in patients with pre‐therapeutic apical periodontitis; and (ii) to establish the concordance between those predictors evaluated by both cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiography (DPR).

Methodology

The study cohort included 125 teeth in 84 individuals. The postoperative clinical signs/symptoms, plus DPR/CBCT‐PAI estimations, were used to determine the healing outcome. For statistical analysis, results were dichotomized into completely healed periapical structures versus persistent disease cases. The association between candidate predictor variables with persistent disease was analysed individually and adjusted for confounders using a multivariate binary logistic regression model.

Results

The success rate was 53.6%. After logistic regression analysis, mandibular tooth location, periapical lesion size >10 mm, poor quality of the coronal restoration, lack of magnification/illumination, lack of disinfection of gutta‐percha, time elapsed to definitive coronal restoration >1 week and poor density of root canal filling remained as robust predictors of failures. Concordance between DPR and CBCT scores varied from moderate to almost perfect agreement.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that several tooth‐ and treatment‐related predictor variables, including tooth location, periapical radiolucency size, quality of the coronal restoration, magnification/illumination, disinfection of gutta‐percha, time elapsed to definitive coronal restoration, as well as, the density of root canal filling may act strongly and independently for determining the root canal treatment outcome in teeth with pre‐therapeutic apical periodontitis.
Recycling of silicon kerf waste for preparation of porous SiCw/SiC membrane supports by in situ synthesis
Authors: Wu Hua , Ma Beiyue , Ren Xinming , Zhai Yingying , Zhang Yaran , Yang Wengang , Qian Fan , Liu Guoqi , Zhu Qiang
Published: June 2019

Recycling has enormous economic benefits and practical significance under the context of gradually increasing solid wastes. In order to recycle and reuse the silicon kerf waste, in this work, porous SiCw/SiC ceramics were successfully prepared by in situ synthesis from silicon kerf waste and fired at 1400‐1500°C for 4 hours. The results showed that these porous ceramics, reinforced by the interlocking whisker, revealed high apparent porosity (48.02%‐51.76%) and cold compressive strength (5.68‐9.54 MPa). Furthermore, the practicable pore size (2.09‐2.53 μm) and decent durability showed the potential of these porous ceramics as membrane supports. This work verified the possibility of the SiC‐based ceramics prepared from the silicon kerf waste.
Betacyanins in dragon fruit peels: the kinetic models of their degradation under different treatment conditions
Authors: Liu Bing , Ye Cuizhu , Geng Lijing , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2019

In this study, after purification, the content of betacyanins in dragon fruit peels was 9.22 mg g−1 dry sample. The stability of betacyanins under the effect of different concentration of metal cation (K+, Na+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Al3+) solutions and sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose and lactose) solutions was observed. The results showed that 10% lactose and 0.08 mol L−1 potassium chloride solution increased the stability of betacyanins and could be used as stabiliser agents. The degradation reaction under different temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 °C), pH (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0) and light conditions (light and dark) of mixed solution (betacyanins and stabiliser), including aqueous pigments solution (APS), lactose pigments solution (LPS) and potassium chloride pigments solution (PCPS), accorded with the first‐order reaction kinetics. The t1/2 values (the hours needed for 50.0% degradation of betacyanins) of LPS even up to 330.0 h at 20 °C and dark condition.
Whey valorization using transgalactosylation activity of immobilized β‐galactosidase
Authors: Simović Milica , Milivojević Ana , Ćorović Marija , Banjanac Katarina , Bezbradica Dejan
Published: June 2019

Whey represents a significant dairy industry by‐product that has recently received due attention based on the rich nutrient composition and significant transformation potential. Hereby, we investigated a possibility of whey lactose bioconversion into prebiotic compounds, galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) using β‐galactosidase transgalactosylation activity. The results showed that whey could be successfully used for GOS synthesis, since the highest GOS concentration (around 62 g L−1) was obtained batchwise using 40% (w/w) sweet whey powder solution under optimum conditions (50°C, pH 4.5). Nevertheless, an efficient immobilized preparation using methacrylic Lifetech ECR8409 immobilization carrier was developed, enabling additional process improvement and ensuring at least 4 reaction cycles with unchanged yields and 2.5‐ fold enhanced productivity in comparison to the soluble enzyme. Therefore, this study provides a valuable contribution to the efficient and economical valorization of whey, which can be further on utilized as functional food and feed constituent.
Comparison of the clinical characteristics of TAFRO syndrome and idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease in general internal medicine: a 6‐year retrospective study
Authors: Nishimura Yoshito , Hanayama Yoshihisa , Fujii Nobuharu , Kondo Eisei , Otsuka Fumio
Published: June 2019

Background

Although thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome was first described as a variant of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (CD), patients with TAFRO syndrome demonstrate more aggressive clinical features. Because these patients may present with fever of unknown origin, general physicians need to recognise its characteristic laboratory data and clinical features during hospitalisation.

Aims

to describe the features, symptoms and characteristics of TAFRO syndrome and to compare them to those of idiopathic CD.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with histopathologically confirmed TAFRO syndrome and idiopathic multicentric CD who were diagnosed and managed between April 2012 and June 2018 in a Japanese university hospital's General Medicine Department.

Results

We found that the hospitalisations were significantly longer among patients with TAFRO syndrome compared to those with idiopathic CD (median: 87 days; range: 34–236 days vs median: 30 days; range: 13–59 days; P < 0.01). Patients with TAFRO syndrome were more likely to present with fever, abdominal pain and elevated inflammatory markers and be misdiagnosed with an infectious disease during the first hospital visit. Approximately 40% of patients with TAFRO syndrome had no radiographically enlarged lymph nodes.

Conclusions

TAFRO syndrome may present as an infectious disease with an aggressive clinical course. Our study highlights the importance of giving significance to chief complaints and laboratory data. Physicians need to recognise the clinical and laboratory features of this disease to avoid missing this potentially fatal disorder.
Education to improve vancomycin use: the perspectives of educators and education recipients
Authors: Van Dort Bethany A. , Baysari Melissa T. , Carland Jane E. , Stocker Sophie L. , Braithwaite Hannah E. , Fernon Anna R. , Day Richard O.
Published: June 2019

Background

Vancomycin is the primary treatment for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Hospital audits have showed that dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring practices for vancomycin are suboptimal. Limited studies have examined the current educational resources used to support vancomycin use.

Aims

To explore and compare the perceptions of health educators and recipients of education on the methods currently used to educate health professionals about vancomycin and to identify ideal methods of education.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with health educators around Australia and with recipients of education (doctors and nurses). Interview questions explored previous experiences of education and perceptions of ideal methods of education. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Health educators explained that current vancomycin education comprises large‐scale presentations, but they perceived these to be ineffective. The recipients of vancomycin education reported a lack of formal education on vancomycin. Despite this, both educators and recipients agreed on the ideal methods of education: nurses are reported to be protocol driven, and education for nurses should be through in‐services or e‐learning modules, while doctors require an evidenced‐based approach. Senior doctors initially require convincing that education is needed. Once convinced, they respond well to brief emails and case‐based and one‐on‐one education strategies. Technology‐based strategies and problem‐based learning were observed to be effective methods for junior doctors.

Conclusions

Vancomycin dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring involves multiple health professionals, but current education strategies do not take this into account. Ideal education strategies need to be multimodal and targeted to specific health profession groups.
Distribution, biology, and ecology of the deep‐water squat lobsterGalacantha diomedeae(Crustacea: Decapoda: Galatheoidea: Munidopsidae) in the Mexican Pacific
Authors: Hendrickx Michel E. , Papiol Vanesa
Published: June 2019

During deep‐water exploratory surveys in the Mexican Pacific, 134 specimens ofGalacantha diomedeaewere collected between 1,035 and 2,136 m depth, below the Oxygen Minimum Zone. Greatest densities ofG. diomedeaewere observed between 1,300 and 1,600 m, with a maximum of 71 organisms per hectare at 1,318 m, and no clear bathymetric pattern of size distribution was detected. A total of 67 males, 43 ovigerous females, and 24 non‐ovigerous females were collected. The global sex ratio was 1:1, with some predominance of females shallower than 1,300 m and the opposite pattern at 1,300–1,600 m. Ovigerous females (carapace width [CW]=15.5‒32.3 mm) were significantly larger than other females (CW = 5.1‒29.9 mm), and females (including all females) were larger than males (CW = 6.0‒29.9 mm). Among males and among all females, the growth coefficient was near 3 (Student'sttest, males = 0.0027, all females = 0.0041; for both males and females,p > 0.05), indicating isometric growth. Ovigerous females were present all year, except in January, suggesting continuous reproduction. The observed low numbers of eggs (11–126), large egg sizes (2.07–2.77 mm), and advanced embryos at stage 5 are consistent with extended, lecithotrophic embryonic development with a reduced pelagic phase of the larvae. The relationship between ovigerous female size (N = 43) and number of eggs per female was marginally significant (y = 8.0474x–98.297;R2 = 0.373), and there was no significant relationship between egg size and carapace size. There was no clear increase in egg size with embryonic development (phases 1–5). Individuals ofG. diomedeaewere found in a narrow range of environmental conditions, and mainly occupied oxic water (DO ≥0.5 ml/L) and sediments with intermediate to low organic carbon content.
Microstructural evolution of supra‐nanostructure Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic powders by combustion synthesis‐spray cooling
Authors: Yu Wanjun , Zheng Yongting , Yu Yongdong , Su Xiaoyue
Published: June 2019

Eutectic powders with fine microstructure are difficult to synthesize by crushing eutectic bulk because of the damage of crystal structure and the introduction of milling media during preparation process. In this work, a novel combustion synthesis‐spray cooling (CSSC) method is developed to fabricate supra‐nanostructure Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic powders. CSSC is a kind of self‐heating technique, which simplifies operations, reduces costs and supplies ultra‐high cooling rate. The phase composition and the microstructural evolution are investigated using experiment studies and ANSYS simulation. During the process, the t‐ZrO2 are stabilized at room temperature because of the solubility of Al2O3 in ZrO2. The ultra‐high cooling rate greatly refined eutectic structure. Although the eutectic structure coarsens with increases in particle size, the interphase spacing of all particles reaches supra nanoscale. The work provides a route for preparing supra‐nanostructure Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic powders and for better understanding the microstructural evolution.
Stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing of gray‐colored SiC ceramic green body
Authors: Ding Guojiao , He Rujie , Zhang Keqiang , Xie Chen , Wang Min , Yang Yazheng , Fang Daining
Published: June 2019

The stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing of white‐colored Al2O3 and ZrO2 ceramics has been widely reported, whereas the stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing of gray‐colored SiC ceramic is very difficult and challenged. In this paper, the reasons for the difficulty which SiC ceramic facing during stereolithography were discussed and compared to Al2O3 and ZrO2 ceramics. The effects of particle size, solid loading, stereolithography parameters, and photoinitiator kind and concentration on the curing ability of SiC slurries were further studied in detail. Finally, complex‐shaped SiC ceramic green parts with high accuracy and high quality were successfully fabricated. This study demonstrated that the stereolithography‐based additive manufacturing had a great possibility for preparing gray‐colored SiC ceramics.
The Student Expectations of Learning Analytics Questionnaire
Authors: Whitelock‐Wainwright Alexander , Gašević Dragan , Tejeiro Ricardo , Tsai Yi‐Shan , Bennett Kate
Published: June 2019

Student engagement within the development of learning analytics services in Higher Education is an important challenge to address. Despite calls for greater inclusion of stakeholders, there still remains only a small number of investigations into students’ beliefs and expectations towards learning analytics services. Therefore, this paper presents a descriptive instrument to measure student expectations (ideal and predicted) of learning analytics services. The scales used in the instrument are grounded in a theoretical framework of expectations, specifically ideal and predicted expectations. Items were then generated on the basis of four identified themes (Ethical and Privacy Expectations, Agency Expectations, Intervention Expectations, and Meaningfulness Expectations), which emerged after a review of the learning analytics literature. The results of an exploratory factor analysis and the results from both an exploratory structural equation model and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two‐factor structure best accounted for the data pertaining to ideal and predicted expectations. Factor one refers to Ethical and Privacy Expectations, whilst factor two covers Service Feature Expectations. The 12‐item Student Expectations of Learning Analytics Questionnaire (SELAQ) provides researchers and practitioners with a means of measuring of students’ expectations of learning analytics services.
Knockdown of KDM1A suppresses tumour migration and invasion by epigenetically regulating the TIMP1/MMP9 pathway in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang WenQian , Sun Wei , Qin Yuan , Wu CangHao , He Liang , Zhang Ting , Shao Liang , Zhang Hao , Zhang Ping
Published: June 2019

Epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in cancer. Histone demethylation is a well‐known mechanism of epigenetic regulation that promotes or inhibits tumourigenesis in various malignant tumours. However, the pathogenic role of histone demethylation modifiers in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which has a high incidence of early lymphatic metastasis, is largely unknown. Here, we detected the expression of common histone demethylation modifiers and found that the histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) demethylase KDM1A (or lysine demethylase 1A) is frequently overexpressed in PTC tissues and cell lines. High KDM1A expression correlated positively with age <55 years and lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC. Moreover, KDM1A was required for PTC cell migration and invasion. KDM1A knockdown inhibited the migration and invasive abilities of PTC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We also identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) as a key KDM1A target gene. KDM1A activated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through epigenetic repression of TIMP1 expression by demethylating H3K4me2 at the TIMP1 promoter region. Rescue experiments clarified these findings. Altogether, we have uncovered a new mechanism of KDM1A repression of TIMP1 in PTC and suggest that KDM1A may be a promising therapeutic target in PTC.
Immunogenic cell death in cancer therapy: Present and emerging inducers
Authors: Zhou Jingyi , Wang Gangyang , Chen Yinze , Wang Hongxia , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong
Published: June 2019

In the tumour microenvironment (TME), immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays a major role in stimulating the dysfunctional antitumour immune system. Chronic exposure of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) attracts receptors and ligands on dendritic cells (DCs) and activates immature DCs to transition to a mature phenotype, which promotes the processing of phagocytic cargo in DCs and accelerates the engulfment of antigenic components by DCs. Consequently, via antigen presentation, DCs stimulate specific T cell responses that kill more cancer cells. The induction of ICD eventually results in long‐lasting protective antitumour immunity. Through the exploration of ICD inducers, recent studies have shown that there are many novel modalities with the ability to induce immunogenic cancer cell death. In this review, we mainly discussed and summarized the emerging methods for inducing immunogenic cancer cell death. Concepts and molecular mechanisms relevant to antitumour effects of ICD are also briefly discussed.
Petchiether A attenuates obstructive nephropathy by suppressing TGF‐β/Smad3 and NF‐κB signalling
Authors: You Yong‐Ke , Luo Qi , Wu Wei‐Feng , Zhang Jiao‐Jiao , Zhu Hong‐Jian , Lao Lixing , Lan Hui Y. , Chen Hai‐Yong , Cheng Yong‐Xian
Published: June 2019

Obstructive nephropathy is the end result of a variety of diseases that block drainage from the kidney(s). Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)/Smad3‐driven renal fibrosis is the common pathogenesis of obstructive nephropathy. In this study, we identified petchiether A (petA), a novel small‐molecule meroterpenoid from Ganoderma, as a potential inhibitor of TGF‐β1‐induced Smad3 phosphorylation. The obstructive nephropathy was induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. Mice received an intraperitoneal injection of petA/vehicle before and after UUO or sham operation. An in vivo study revealed that petA protected against renal inflammation and fibrosis by reducing the infiltration of macrophages, inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α) and reducing extracellular matrix deposition (α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen I and fibronectin) in the obstructed kidney of UUO mice; these changes were associated with suppression of Smad3 and NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation. Petchiether A inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation in vitro and down‐regulated the expression of the fibrotic marker collagen I in TGF‐β1‐treated renal epithelial cells. Further, we found that petA dose‐dependently suppressed Smad3‐responsive promoter activity, indicating that petA inhibits gene expression downstream of the TGF‐β/Smad3 signalling pathway. In conclusion, our findings suggest that petA protects against renal inflammation and fibrosis by selectively inhibiting TGF‐β/Smad3 signalling.
Spontaneous colitis in IL‐10‐deficient mice was ameliorated via inhibiting glutaminase1
Authors: Li Jing , Zuo Lugen , Tian Yun , He Yifan , Zhang Zhichao , Guo Pu , Ge Yuanyuan , Hu Jianguo
Published: June 2019

Immunity imbalance and barrier damage in the intestinal mucosa are the main pathogenic factors of Crohn's disease (CD). Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES) is a glutaminase 1 (Gls1) inhibitor with the dual functions of increasing glutamine levels and immune regulation. In this study, we focused on the role of BPTES in CD‐like enteritis and the possible mechanisms. We found that Gls1 expression was significantly increased in CD intestinal tissue compared with control tissue. Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide treatment significantly ameliorated chronic colitis in the IL‐10−/−, as manifested by decreased disease activity index, body weight change, histological inflammatory degree and inflammatory cytokine expression. Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide treatment exerted protective effects on CD that were associated with the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and the Th/Treg balance. Bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide treatment may act in part through TCR‐mediated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling activation. In conclusion, inhibition of Gls1 expression attenuated chronic colitis by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and the Th/Treg balance, thereby ameliorating CD‐like colitis.
State‐of‐the‐art CRISPR/Cas9 Technology for Genome Editing in Trypanosomatids
Authors: Lander Noelia , Chiurillo Miguel A.
Published: June 2019

CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized biology. This prokaryotic defense system against foreign DNA has been repurposed for genome editing in a broad range of cell tissues and organisms. Trypanosomatids are flagellated protozoa belonging to the order Kinetoplastida. Some of its most representative members cause important human diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, such as Chagas disease, sleeping sickness and different forms of leishmaniases. Trypanosomatid infections represent an enormous burden for public health and there are no effective treatments for most of the diseases they cause. Since the emergence of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the genetic manipulation of these parasites has notably improved. As a consequence, genome editing is now playing a key role in the functional study of proteins, in the characterization of metabolic pathways, in the validation of alternative targets for antiparasitic interventions, and in the study of parasite biology and pathogenesis. In this work we review the different strategies that have been used to adapt the CRISPR/Cas9 system to Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leishmania spp., as well as the research progress achieved using these approaches. Thereby, we will present the state‐of‐the‐art molecular tools available for genome editing in trypanosomatids to finally point out the future perspectives in the field.
The Roles of Gender and Marital Status on Risky Asset Allocation Decisions
Authors: Mandal Bidisha , Brady Michael P.
Published: June 2019

We analyze data on asset allocations in individual retirement accounts to examine the roles of marital status and gender on investment decisions. We utilize data from two birth cohorts to understand the relationship over a wide age range. We find that, in their 30s and early 40s, men are more likely to hold a majority of their funds in stocks in individual retirement accounts compared to women. The gender difference disappears around retirement age; however, a significant difference by marital status emerges in that age group. Divorced and widowed individuals are less likely to hold a majority of their funds in stocks compared to married individuals in their 60s. While there exists a positive gap in stock holdings between married men and married women in their 30s, the gender gap is nonexistent among older individuals. Using paired data on stock holdings in the older birth cohort, we show that husbands' and wives' asset allocations in individual retirement accounts are strongly correlated, coinciding with the lack of a gender gap in stock holdings among older couples.
Single motor units from the medial pterygoid muscle can be active during isometric horizontal and vertical forces
Authors: Nozad Mojaver Yalda , Tawadros Paul B. , Moura Ferreira Polyana , Whittle Terry , Murray Greg M.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To determine (a) whether the medial pterygoid muscle is active in an isometric vertical force task and in isometric horizontal force tasks in the contralateral, protrusion and ipsilateral directions; (b) whether the same single motor units (SMUs) could be active across different directions of isometric force generation; and (c) whether different regions of the medial pterygoid muscle exhibit different patterns of SMU activation during the generation of any one direction of isometric force.

Methods

Intramuscular electromyographic (EMG) recordings were made from the right medial pterygoid muscle in 15 healthy participants during isometric force tasks: vertical and horizontal contralateral, protrusion and ipsilateral. A computed tomography scan divided the EMG recording site into a medial or lateral part in each participant. Single motor units were discriminated in each task.

Results

Medial pterygoid SMU activity was recorded in 100% of participants for the vertical biting tasks, 86% of participants for the horizontal contralateral and horizontal protrusion tasks and 57% of the horizontal ipsilateral tasks. Of the 72 SMUs that were discriminated, 36% were active in all tasks; 18% were active only in the vertical tasks and 17% were active in the vertical, horizontal contralateral and horizontal protrusion tasks. The proportion of SMUs that was active in at least 1 horizontal task in the lateral part (33/39) was significantly higher than the proportion (21/33) in the medial part (Chi‐Square, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The data are consistent with a stabilisation role for the medial pterygoid muscle in isometric jaw forces in the vertical and horizontal planes.
Family members' opinions about bereavement care after cardiac intensive care unit patients' deaths
Authors: Erikson Alyssa , Puntillo Kathleen , McAdam Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Background

Critical care consensus groups recommend providing bereavement support; however, little is known about what cardiac intensive care patients' families would find useful and beneficial in their grieving process.

Aim and objectives

To describe cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) patients' families' opinions on six common components of a bereavement programme.

Design

Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive.

Methods

Families were recruited from a cardiac ICU 13‐15 months after their loved one's death. Families were interviewed using a semi‐structured questionnaire. The research team analysed interview transcripts to assess and categorize families' opinions on six bereavement components.

Results

Twelve family members were interviewed. Most were female (n = 8, 67%), spouses (n = 10, 83%) and white (n = 10, 83%), with a mean age (SD) of 58.4 years (16.7). Families' overall opinions of the bereavement brochure were positive, stating it was helpful in providing information about the grieving process. Families described the sympathy card as “meaningful” and “touching,” although they rated it neutral in providing comfort. Most participants felt that a follow‐up telephone call was unnecessary except to answer lingering questions they had. Many participants favoured the unit offering counselling services because they found therapy helpful in their grieving process. Participants had mixed feelings about a memory box; they believed it was an individual preference and should be handled in a sensitive manner. Most would not have attended a memorial service if offered because of traffic, distance, concerns about stressful feelings on returning to the hospital or because they already honoured their loved ones through a personalized memorial service.

Conclusions

Participants varied in their opinions about what bereavement services may be useful; however, this study provides insight about services that cardiac critical care units may consider when adding bereavement support.

Relevance to clinical practice

Family perspectives about bereavement needs can help structure services offered by critical care units.
How discourses of social vulnerability can influence nurse–patient interactions: A Foucauldian analysis
Authors: Kröner Sanne M. , Beedholm Kirsten
Published: June 2019

This article uncovers the current discursive practices concerning socially vulnerable people in Danish society. A discourse analytical approach inspired by Michel Foucault, along with contributions from Erving Goffmann's work ‘Stigma’, is utilized throughout the analysis. First, the dominant discursive formations are described across the data material, consisting of sociopolitical and health policy documents. Second, we uncover how problematizations and mechanisms of power along with the emergence of the competition state push socially vulnerable people out into the periphery of society. Finally, we discuss responsibility regarding social vulnerability and the structural injustice that follows. Our aim is to facilitate critical awareness of how socially vulnerable people are constructed and contribute to destabilizing accepted meanings and perceptions of social vulnerability. This study shows that being categorized as socially vulnerable is associated with poor health behavior and perceived as being in a dependent relationship with superior systems. The analysis points to a focus on strengthening and developing the work capacity of socially vulnerable people. Thus, the objective of the analyzed documents revolves around securing socially vulnerable people's contribution to society's economy. This article contributes with a perspective on how society, and therefore also healthcare professionals, perceive and interact with socially vulnerable people.
SKIP regulates environmental fitness and floral transition by forming two distinct complexes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Yan , Yang Jing , Shang Xudong , Lv Wenzhu , Xia Congcong , Wang Chen , Feng Jinlin , Cao Ying , He Hang , Li Legong , Ma Ligeng
Published: June 2019

Ski‐interacting protein (SKIP) is a bifunctional regulator of gene expression that works as a splicing factor as part of the spliceosome and as a transcriptional activator by interacting with EARLY FLOWERING 7 (ELF7).

MOS4‐Associated Complex 3A (MAC3A) and MAC3B interact physically and genetically with SKIP, mediate the alternative splicing of c. 50% of the expressed genes in the Arabidopsis genome, and are required for the splicing of a similar set of genes to that of SKIP.

SKIP interacts physically and genetically with splicing factors and Polymerase‐Associated Factor 1 complex (Paf1c) components. However, these splicing factors do not interact either physically or genetically with Paf1c components. The SKIP‐spliceosome complex mediates circadian clock function and abiotic stress responses by controlling the alternative splicing of pre‐mRNAs encoded by clock‐ and stress tolerance‐related genes. The SKIP‐Paf1c complex regulates the floral transition by activating FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) transcription.

Our data reveal that SKIP regulates floral transition and environmental fitness via its incorporation into two distinct complexes that regulate gene expression transcriptionally and post‐transcriptionally, respectively. It will be interesting to discover in future studies whether SKIP is required for integration of environmental fitness and growth by control of the incorporation of SKIP into spliceosome or Paf1c in plants.
Detecting the onset of autumn leaf senescence in deciduous forest trees of the temperate zone
Authors: Mariën Bertold , Balzarolo Manuela , Dox Inge , Leys Sebastien , Lorène Marchand J. , Geron Charly , Portillo‐Estrada Miguel , AbdElgawad Hamada , Asard Han , Campioli Matteo
Published: June 2019

Information on the onset of leaf senescence in temperate deciduous trees and comparisons on its assessment methods are limited, hampering our understanding of autumn dynamics.

We compare five field proxies, five remote sensing proxies and two data analysis approaches to assess leaf senescence onset at one main beech stand, two stands of oak and birch, and three ancillary stands of the same species in Belgium during 2017 and 2018.

Across species and sites, onset of leaf senescence was not significantly different for the field proxies based on Chl leaf content and canopy coloration, except for an advanced canopy coloration during the extremely dry and warm 2018. Two remote sensing indices provided results fully consistent with the field data. A significant lag emerged between leaf senescence onset and leaf fall, and when a threshold of 50% change in the seasonal variable under study (e.g. Chl content) was used to derive the leaf senescence onset.

Our results provide unprecedented information on the quality and applicability of different proxies to assess leaf senescence onset in temperate deciduous trees. In addition, a sound base is offered to select the most suited methods for the different disciplines that need this type of data.
Sphingolipids: towards an integrated view of metabolism during the plant stress response
Authors: Huby Eloïse , Napier Johnathan A. , Baillieul Fabienne , Michaelson Louise V. , Dhondt‐Cordelier Sandrine
Published: June 2019

Plants exist in an environment of changing abiotic and biotic stresses. They have developed a complex set of strategies to respond to these stresses and over recent years it has become clear that sphingolipids are a key player in these responses. Sphingolipids are not universally present in all three domains of life. Many bacteria and archaea do not produce sphingolipids but they are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and have been intensively studied in yeast and mammals. During the last decade there has been a steadily increasing interest in plant sphingolipids. Plant sphingolipids exhibit structural differences when compared with their mammalian counterparts and it is now clear that they perform some unique functions. Sphingolipids are recognised as critical components of the plant plasma membrane and endomembrane system. Besides being important structural elements of plant membranes, their particular structure contributes to the fluidity and biophysical order. Sphingolipids are also involved in multiple cellular and regulatory processes including vesicle trafficking, plant development and defence. This review will focus on our current knowledge as to the function of sphingolipids during plant stress responses, not only as structural components of biological membranes, but also as signalling mediators.
The effect of placement of a support under the shoulders on laryngeal visualization with a C‐MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope in children younger than 2 years of age
Authors: Koylu Mizrak Zeynep , Begec Zekine , Ozgul Ulku , Colak Cemil
Published: June 2019

Background

We aimed to evaluate glottis visualization and time to intubation in children younger than 2 years of age during laryngoscopy performed with a C‐MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope in a position determined by placing a folded towel under the shoulders to align the oral‐pharyngeal and laryngeal axes in the horizontal plane.

Methods

Ninety‐six children younger than 2 years of age, who were classified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists as having a physical status I or II and who were scheduled for elective surgery necessitating endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia, were included in the study. All patients were intubated with a C‐MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope. The children intubated by placing a folded towel under the shoulders were categorized as Group 1 (n = 48), and the children intubated without placement of a folded towel were categorized as Group 2 (n = 48). The percentage of glottis opening and Cormack‐Lehane Scores, values of visual analogue scale to determine the ease of using a C‐MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope, time to intubation, number of intubation attempts, optimization procedures and complications were recorded for all children.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between Group 1 (mean ± SD; 97.71 ± 4.24) and Group 2 (mean ± SD; 94.17 ± 7.09) in terms of the percentage of glottis opening scores (P = 0.004). The mean difference in the percentage of glottis opening scores (95% confidence interval) between the groups was 3.54 (1.17‐5.90).

Conclusion

We showed that a folded towel placed under the shoulders in children younger than 2 years of age improves glottis visualization provides ease of use of the C‐MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope. Therefore, we think that the placement of a folded towel under the shoulders during the use of a C‐MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope may be useful for airway management in children younger than 2 years of age.
Trends in varicella and mumps vaccination rates in children under 3 years of age in a tertiary children's hospital in Japan
Authors: Morikawa Yoshihiko , Morino Saeko , Ito Kenta , Furuichi Mihoko , Miyokawa Shigeko , Shoji Takayo , Horikoshi Yuho
Published: June 2019

Background

In Japan, the voluntary vaccination rate is not known accurately. Although two doses of the measles and rubella vaccines have been part of the universal vaccine program since 2006, the varicella vaccine was added in October 2014 while the mumps vaccine still remains voluntary. The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in the live measles, rubella, varicella and mumps vaccination rates in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center between October 2012 and December 2016. Patients aged 1–2 years who were admitted to the Department of General Pediatrics were enrolled. The trend in the vaccination rate against measles, rubella, varicella, and mumps was examined.

Results

The measles and rubella vaccination rate was 80–90%. The varicella vaccination rate in the second quarter of 2012, the third quarter of 2014, and the fourth quarter of 2016 was 34.6%, 67.1%, and 80.7%, respectively. The mumps vaccination rate in the second quarter of 2012, the third quarter of 2014, and the fourth quarter of 2016 was 27.6%, 59.5%, and 61.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

The varicella and mumps vaccination rate improved until 2014 despite the fact that they were voluntary vaccinations. After varicella vaccination was added to the universal vaccination program, the varicella vaccination rate continued to improve. The mumps vaccination, which was not included, failed to improve, suggesting that the universal vaccination program contributed to increasing the uptake of the vaccines it includes.