bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of genetic engineering biotechnologies for enhanced chronic wound healing
Authors: Sessions John W. , Armstrong David G. , Hope Sandra , Jensen Brian D.
Published: August 2016

Traditional methods for addressing chronic wounds focus on correcting dysfunction by controlling extracellular elements. This review highlights technologies that take a different approach – enhancing chronic wound healing by genetic modification to wound beds. Featured cutaneous transduction/transfection methods include viral modalities (ie adenoviruses, adeno‐associated viruses, retroviruses and lentiviruses) and conventional non‐viral modalities (ie naked DNA injections, microseeding, liposomal reagents, particle bombardment and electroporation). Also explored are emerging technologies, focusing on the exciting capabilities of wound diagnostics such as pyrosequencing as well as site‐specific nuclease editing tools such as CRISPR‐Cas9 used to both transiently and permanently genetically modify resident wound bed cells. Additionally, new non‐viral transfection methods (ie conjugated nanoparticles, multi‐electrode arrays, and microfabricated needles and nanowires) are discussed that can potentially facilitate more efficient and safe transgene delivery to skin but also represent significant advances broadly to tissue regeneration research.
Comparing the utility of fishery‐independent and fishery‐dependent methods in assessing the relative abundance of estuarine fish species in partial protection areas
Authors: Ochwada‐Doyle F. A. , Johnson D. D. , Lowry M.
Published: August 2016

In partial protection management areas such as Recreational Fishing Havens (RFHs) where commercial fishing is prohibited there are fewer sampling methods available for quantifying the relative abundance of species. Consequently, a framework is needed in such areas to decide whether sampling should be based on: (1) fishery‐independent techniques; (2) fishery‐dependent methods that rely on recreational fishery harvests; or (3) a combination of the two. This study compared fishery‐independent data derived from baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) and independent fishing surveys (IFS) with fishery‐dependent data based on recreational angler surveys (AS) to identify the fish species that were best enumerated by each method in two Australian RFHs. Each method captured/detected disparate species and each consistently showed correlations with the relative abundance of particular suites of species. The species that were correlated with and best enumerated by BRUVS were Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier) and Pelates sexlineatus (Qouy & Gaimard); those correlated with IFS were Gerres subfasciatus Cuvier, Girella tricuspidata (Qouy & Gaimard), Mugil cephalus L. and Pomatomus saltatrix (L.); and those correlated with AS were Platycephalus fuscus Cuvier and Acanthopagrus australis (Owen). By identifying the species that were best quantified by each method, this study facilitates accurate monitoring of key species within RFHs.
Movement patterns of gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, around artificial reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Herbig J. L. , Szedlmayer S. T.
Published: August 2016

Little is known about the movement patterns of gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus Gmelin, in the northern Gulf of Mexico. To examine fine‐scale movements, gray triggerfish (n = 17) were tagged with transmitters and tracked with the VR2W Positioning System from 17 October 2012 to 9 December 2013. Most (76%) tagged fish survived and were tracked for 1–57 weeks. Tagged fish showed significantly larger home ranges and core areas in autumn than winter–spring and during day than night. Seasonal movement patterns were positively correlated with water temperature. Gray triggerfish stayed close to the reef (mean ± SD distance = 35.9 ± 28.4 m) and showed high site fidelity (64%) and high residency (>57 weeks). These patterns emphasise the importance of structured habitat for this species and suggest that artificial reef building in the northern Gulf of Mexico has enhanced this population.
Addiction, cognitive decline and therapy: seeking ways to escape a vicious cycle
Authors: Perry C. J. , Lawrence A. J.
Published: August 2016

Any type of behavioral change is an effortful process. Thus, the process of behavioral therapy, where clients seek to change maladaptive behavioral patterns, requires high‐level cognitive engagement. It is unfortunate, then, that cognitive impairment is a feature of substance use disorders (SUDs), and especially because the domains that tend to be impaired are the very ones involved in the process of therapeutic behavioral change. In this review, we compare the cognitive profile that is frequently observed with chronicSUDwith the skills that are required to initiate and sustain behavioral change during rehabilitation. Furthermore, we look to new therapeutic developments that seek to improve cognitive function. We propose that the use of these cognitive enhancing agents as adjuncts to behavioral therapy should help to overcome some of the cognitive barriers imposed by the disorder itself, and hence reduce the chance of relapse.
Climate impact assessment of willow energy from a landscape perspective: a Swedish case study
Authors: Hammar Torun , Hansson Per‐Anders , Sundberg Cecilia
Published: August 2016

Locally produced bioenergy can decrease the dependency on imported fossil fuels in a region, while also being valuable for climate change mitigation. Short‐rotation coppice willow is a potentially high‐yielding energy crop that can be grown to supply a local energy facility. This study assessed the energy performance and climate impacts when establishing willow on current fallow land in a Swedish region with the purpose of supplying a bio‐based combined heat and power plant. Time‐dependent life cycle assessment (LCA) was combined with geographic information system (GIS) mapping to include spatial variation in terms of transport distance, initial soil organic carbon content, soil texture and yield. Two climate metrics were used [global warming potential (GWP) and absolute global temperature change potential (AGTP)], and the energy performance was determined by calculating the energy ratio (energy produced per unit of energy used). The results showed that when current fallow land in a Swedish region was used for willow energy, an average energy ratio of 30 MJ MJ−1 (including heat, power and flue gas condensation) was obtained and on average 84.3 Mg carbon per ha was sequestered in the soil during a 100‐year time frame (compared with the reference land use). The processes contributing most to the energy use during one willow rotation were the production and application of fertilizers (~40%), followed by harvest (~35%) and transport (~20%). The temperature response after 100 years of willow cultivation was −6·10−16 K MJ−1 heat, which is much lower compared with fossil coal and natural gas (70·10−16 K MJ−1 heat and 35·10−16 K MJ−1 heat, respectively). The combined GIS and time‐dependent LCA approach developed here can be a useful tool in systematic analysis of bioenergy production systems and related land use effects.
Big data for forecasting the impacts of global change on plant communities
Authors: Franklin Janet , Serra‐Diaz Josep M. , Syphard Alexandra D. , Regan Helen M.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Plant distributions and vegetation dynamics underpin key global phenomena, including biogeochemical cycling, ecosystem productivity and terrestrial biodiversity patterns. Aggregated and remotely collected ‘big data’ are required to forecast the effects of global change on plant communities. We synthesize advances in developing and exploiting big data in global change plant ecology, and identify challenges to their effective use in global change studies.

Location

Global.

Methods

We explored databases, catalogues and registries with respect to their accessibility, geographical and taxonomic extent, sample bias and other types of uncertainty, from the perspective both users and contributors. We identified four kinds of big data needed to predict the impacts of global change on plant populations and communities using spatially explicit models: remotely sensed and other environmental maps, species occurrence records, community composition (plots) and species traits, especially demographics.

Results

Digital environmental maps, including remotely sensed data, are the most mature class of big data discussed herein whereby protocols for archiving, discovering and analysing them have developed over three decades. Species locality records are being aggregated into databases that are easy to search and access, and while methods for addressing uncertainties are a major research focus, better spatial representation is still needed. Plot data from inventories have tremendous potential for monitoring and modelling the impacts of global change on plant communities but tend to be restricted to forests or concentrated in certain geographical areas. Ongoing efforts to aggregate plot and trait data from multiple sources are challenged by their heterogeneous coverage, attributes and protocols and a lack of data standards.

Main conclusions

Future goals include developing systematic frameworks for selecting geospatial data, improving tools for assessing the quality of species occurrence records and increased aggregation and discoverability of plot and trait data. Aggregated data collected by scientists, not sensors, provide more meaningful insights when data collectors are involved in analysis.
The relational character of urban agriculture: competing perspectives on land, food, people, agriculture and the city
Authors: Neilson Chenae , Rickards Lauren
Published: August 2016

In recent years the diverse primary food production activities in cities known as ‘urban agriculture’ have proliferated on the ground, in policy and in academic discourse. Most explicit representations of urban agriculture (UA) are positive, advocating its many related benefits and success stories, or critiquing barriers that restrict it. Despite widespread appeal, the way UA is imagined and planned remains highly varied and uncertain. To understand better the splintering and insular discourses and competing arguments about the role of UA in cities (especially in a developed world context), we draw on empirical research in Melbourne, Australia, to unpack what different stakeholders mean by the term. Using critical discourse analysis, we map contrasting perspectives on UA expressed by various groups (government, practitioners, media, academia) including some groups who could engage with UA but do not. We find that while UA is perceived by some as a strongly positive development, it is seen to be of little consequence by many others. General disinterest in UA is evident among traditional agriculture stakeholders and rural‐oriented groups in particular. Discourses about UA reflect differences in (1) whether UA is primarily conceived through the lens of land, food or people; and (2) how UA is imagined to relate to the rest of agriculture and the rest of the city. We conclude that although UA is increasingly ‘inside the urban tent’ as a legitimate land use and activity, it remains marginal. Moreover, it remains ‘outside the agriculture tent’ in that it does not seem to be conceived as a legitimate form of agriculture in comparison to the implicit Other: rural agriculture. We conclude that UA needs to move beyond its city‐centric approach and rural agriculture needs to move beyond its general disinterest in UA so that important and necessary connections can be recognised and forged.
Assessing Groundwater Depletion and Dynamics Using GRACE and InSAR: Potential and Limitations
Authors: Castellazzi Pascal , Martel Richard , Galloway Devin L. , Longuevergne Laurent , Rivera Alfonso
Published: August 2016

In the last decade, remote sensing of the temporal variation of ground level and gravity has improved our understanding of groundwater dynamics and storage. Mass changes are measured by GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellites, whereas ground deformation is measured by processing synthetic aperture radar satellites data using the InSAR (Interferometry of Synthetic Aperture Radar) techniques. Both methods are complementary and offer different sensitivities to aquifer system processes. GRACE is sensitive to mass changes over large spatial scales (more than 100,000 km2). As such, it fails in providing groundwater storage change estimates at local or regional scales relevant to most aquifer systems, and at which most groundwater management schemes are applied. However, InSAR measures ground displacement due to aquifer response to fluid‐pressure changes. InSAR applications to groundwater depletion assessments are limited to aquifer systems susceptible to measurable deformation. Furthermore, the inversion of InSAR‐derived displacement maps into volume of depleted groundwater storage (both reversible and largely irreversible) is confounded by vertical and horizontal variability of sediment compressibility. During the last decade, both techniques have shown increasing interest in the scientific community to complement available in situ observations where they are insufficient. In this review, we present the theoretical and conceptual bases of each method, and present idealized scenarios to highlight the potential benefits and challenges of combining these techniques to remotely assess groundwater storage changes and other aspects of the dynamics of aquifer systems.
Molecular alterations in indolent, aggressive and recurrent ovarian low‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: McIntyre John B , Rambau Peter F , Chan Angela , Yap Sidney , Morris Don , Nelson Gregg S , Köbel Martin
Published: August 2016

Aims

The clinical courses of patients with low‐grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) can be substantially different. The purpose of this study was to explore whether molecular or pathological features could identify patients who follow a more aggressive course.

Methods and results

Twenty‐six primary LGSCs (11 with an aggressive clinical course, and 15 with an indolent clinical course) and five paired recurrences were assessed for non‐synonymous somatic mutations in 18 MAPK pathway genes and in 42 other classic cancer ‘hotspot’ genes by use of a custom‐designed AmpliSeq panel based on the AmpliSeq Cancer hotspot panel v2. Copy number alterations for 94 target genes were assessed with the nCounter v2 Cancer CN assay. Immunohistochemistry for 12 proteins was performed. We detected 16 mutations in 13 of 26 cases (50%), affecting five genes that signal through the MAPK pathway, and one ESR1 mutation implicated in resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer. Recurrent samples were concordant with the primary tumour with respect to the mutational status, but all five cases showed additional alterations at the copy number or protein expression level. The absence of progesterone receptor (PR) expression and the presence of myometrial lymphovascular invasion were associated with an unfavourable outcome (log‐rank P = 0.016 and P < 0.0001, respectively), but none of the other molecular features assessed showed an association.

Conclusion

Despite limited case numbers, it appears that current molecular testing is inferior to a pathological parameter or protein expression in predicting the outcome of LGSCs. Prediction of outcome based on the primary tumour may be confounded by additional changes acquired over time.
Spectrum of bone marrow morphologic findings in hepatitis C patients with and without prior liver transplantation
Authors: Boone J. M. , Cui W.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Cytopenia is a common hematologic finding in patients with HCV infection. Only a few studies have addressed bone marrow (BM) morphologic findings in these patients. No systemic study has been performed in these patients with liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

We retrospectively examined BMs in 49 hepatitis C patients with and without prior LT (n = 19 and n = 30).

Results

Among the patients with an available complete blood count (n = 46), the majority of them presented with cytopenia involving one or multiple cell lineages including unicytopenia (13%, n = 6), bicytopenia (31%, n = 14), and pancytopenia (43%, n = 20). Examination of the BM revealed a wide spectrum of morphologic findings ranging from benign reactive processes to overt malignant processes which included myeloid, lymphoid, and plasma cell neoplasms. The severity of cytopenia was not correlated with cirrhosis or antiviral therapy. However, the severity of cytopenia was partly correlated with splenomegaly or LT (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cytopenia is a common finding in hepatitis C patients. Hypersplenism or LT has an adverse impact on some blood cell counts. Lastly, hepatitis C patients present with a wide spectrum of BM findings including malignant neoplasms, which indicates a diagnostic value of BM examination in these patients.
New parameters on the hematology analyzer XN‐10 (SysmexTM) allow to distinguish childhood bacterial and viral infections
Authors: Henriot I. , Launay E. , Boubaya M. , Cremet L. , Illiaquer M. , Caillon H. , Desjonquères A. , Gillet B. , Béné M. C. , Eveillard M.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Complete blood counts (CBC) performed for infected children admitted for fever mostly disclose leukocytosis. Yet, the recently developed XN‐10® provides novel CBC parameters which could be useful to ascertain infection and discriminate between bacterial and viral etiologies. These were the main objectives of the study presented here.

Methods

Blood samples from 90 children, 1 month to 5 years old, admitted to an emergency unit for fever benefited from a CBC, C‐reactive protein, and procalcitonin assays. For 58, a bacterial infection was documented while a viral cause was disclosed for 32. Concomitantly, 30 healthy children of the same age range were selected as a control group.

Results

Complete blood counts parameters and leukocyte differentials allowed to statistically significantly disclose infection, compared to reference children, in the age group of 1–5 years old. Among the eight novel discriminant parameters, a particular interest appeared for Neutr‐RI and Delta‐He. They both were successfully incorporated in a score together with age and immature granulocytes (IG). ROC curves and AUCs were calibrated using a Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Moreover, novel lymphocyte parameters allowed to segregate bacterial and viral infections in the whole group of 90 febrile children.

Conclusion

Complete blood counts is the most broadly performed rapid laboratory investigation. Here, we show that XN‐10® provides complementary information allowing to confirm infection in febrile children, moreover discriminating between bacterial or viral origin.
Hospital organizational environment and staff satisfaction in China: A large‐scale survey
Authors: Cai Shu , Cai Wenzhi , Deng Ling , Cai Baota , Yu Min
Published: August 2016

The aims of the study are to explore the satisfaction of health‐care staff in Chinese public hospitals with different aspects of their organizational environment and to identify factors affecting this satisfaction. The satisfaction of hospital staff members with organizational environment could be associated with the quality of patient care and patients' satisfaction. The design of the study is in the form of a survey. A questionnaire survey was performed from April to November 2008 to collect demographic characteristics of hospital staff members and analyse which organizational environment factors (hospital security policy and professional care, environmental security, safety of operations and management of human resources) influence staff satisfaction. Hospital members' satisfaction scores were high for hospital security policy and professional care but lower for safety of operations, the security of the environment and management of the human resources (lowest). Multivariate analysis identified that hospital size (large hospitals scoring highest), department (non‐clinical department such as administrative or logistics department), professional title (student), position (administration) and years of employment (<3 years) were independently positively associated with overall satisfaction with organizational environment (P < 0.05). These results indicated that in China, hospital staff members were mostly dissatisfied with the administration and management of human resources. The organizational environment of hospitals should be improved to improve staff satisfaction.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Nonrandomized Comparison of Circular versus Point‐by‐Point “Smart” Ablation for Achieving Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Curing Arrhythmic Symptoms
Authors: ROSSO RAPHAEL , CHORIN EHUD , LEVI YUVAL , ROGOWSKI ORI , VISKIN SAMI
Published: August 2016

Circular vs. “Smart” Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency (RF) ablation is now standard care for atrial fibrillation (AF). New improvements in PVI techniques include use of catheters that measure contact‐force and circular ablation catheters. These techniques have not been compared.

Methods and Results

We compared the success rate of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) with: (1) “point by point” RF using an irrigated tip ablation catheter with “smart touch” contact‐force; (2) irrigated nMARQ circular ablation catheter in 86 patients with AF. The endpoints of the study were acute and long‐term success rate of CPVI.

The 2 groups had similar characteristics: Smart Touch group with 50 patients, age 62 ± 8 years, 64% male; nMARQ group with 36 patients, 75% male, age 58.7 ± 10 years. The type of AF was similar in the 2 groups: paroxysmal and persistent in 68% and 32% in the Navistar group versus 64% and 36% in the nMARQ group. Follow‐up periods were similar (18.4 months vs. 19 months, P = 0.59). All the pulmonary veins were successfully isolated in both groups. However, PVI could not be achieved with the nMARQ in 2.7% of the pulmonary veins ablated and was completed with a Smart Touch. The long‐term success rate was comparable in the 2 groups.

Conclusion

The nMARQ and Smart Touch catheters give similar results in PVI of both paroxysmal and persistent AF. The procedural time was shorter with the nMARQ in paroxysmal AF. Need for crossover from nMARQ to Smart Touch occurred in 2.7% of PVs ablated.
Atrial Fibrillation Associated Genetic Variants and Left Atrial Histology: Evaluation for Molecular Sub‐Phenotypes
Authors: ROBERTS JASON D. , YANG JINGKUN , GLADSTONE RACHEL A. , LONGORIA JAMES , WHITMAN ISAAC R. , DEWLAND THOMAS A. , MILLER CAROLINE , ROBLES ANATALIA , POON ANNIE , SEILER BEVERLY , LAFRAMBOISE WILLIAM A. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , KWOK PUI‐YAN , MARCUS GREGORY M.
Published: August 2016

Molecular Sub‐Phenotypes of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction

Genome wide association studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), but the mechanisms underlying these relationships have not yet been elucidated. Inflammation and fibrosis have been posited as important mechanisms responsible for AF. We sought to investigate the impact of SNP carrier status on inflammation and fibrosis in left atrial appendage tissue.

Methods and Results

Carrier status of 10 AF‐associated SNPs was evaluated on DNA extracted from left atrial appendage tissue in 176 individuals (120 with AF). The presence of inflammation was evaluated through visual quantification of leukocyte infiltration following hematoxylin and eosin staining, while fibrosis was quantified using picrosirius red with fast green staining. Unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate for an association between SNP carrier status and inflammation and fibrosis. On adjusted logistic regression analysis, the rs7164883 SNP (intronic within HCN4) was associated with a reduced odds of inflammation (odds ratio: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22–0.81, P = 0.01), and was not associated with fibrosis on adjusted linear regression analysis (β‐coefficient: –0.31; 95% CI: –1.03–0.40, P = 0.40). None of the remaining SNPs exhibited significant associations with left atrial inflammation or fibrosis.

Conclusions

Among 10 AF‐associated SNPs, a single genetic variant was associated with reduced left atrial inflammation, while no histologic differences were observed in the remaining 9. The known AF‐associated SNPs do not appear to predispose to the development of pro‐inflammatory or pro‐fibrotic AF sub‐phenotypes.
Effect of Genetic Information Regarding Salt‐Sensitive Hypertension on the Intent to Maintain a Reduced Salt Diet: Implications for Health Communication in Japan
Authors: Miyamoto Keiko , Iwakuma Miho , Nakayama Takeo
Published: August 2016

The authors investigated the relationship between the awareness of dietary salt and genetics and the intent to maintain a low‐salt diet. In particular, they assessed whether hypothetical genetic information regarding salt‐sensitive hypertension motivates the intent to reduce dietary salt for communicating the health benefits of lower salt consumption to citizens. A self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted with 2500 randomly sampled residents aged 30 to 69 years living in Nagahama, Japan. Genetic information regarding higher salt sensitivity increased motivation to reduce salt intake for both those who agreed that genes cause hypertension and those who did not. Less than 50% of those who agreed that genes cause hypertension lost their intention to lower their salt consumption when they found they did not possess the susceptibility gene. Communicating genetic information positively affected motivation to reduce salt intake. The present study clarifies the difficulty in changing the behavioral intent of those who have significantly less incentive to reduce salt intake. Therefore, a multidimensional approach is crucial to reduce salt consumption.
Risk and resilience trajectories in war‐exposed children across the first decade of life
Authors: Halevi Galit , Djalovski Amir , Vengrober Adva , Feldman Ruth
Published: August 2016

Background

Although the effects of early‐onset trauma on susceptibility to psychopathology are well‐acknowledged, no study to date has followed risk and resilience trajectories in war‐exposed young children over lengthy periods and charted predictors of individual pathways.

Method

In this prospective longitudinal study, we followed 232 children, including 148 exposed to repeated wartime trauma and 84 controls, at three time points: early childhood (1.5–5 years), middle childhood (5–8 years), and late childhood (9–11 years). Children were diagnosed at each time point and four trajectories defined: children exhibiting no pathology at any time point, those displaying early pathology that later remitted, those showing initial resilience followed by late pathology, and children presenting chronic pathology across the entire first decade. Maternal behavioral containment during trauma evocation and child social engagement during free play were observed in early childhood and maternal emotional distress self‐reported across time.

Results

War‐exposed children showed significantly higher rates of psychopathology, with 81% exhibiting pathology at some point during childhood. In middle childhood, exposed children displayed more posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and in late childhood more PTSD, conduct/oppositional defiant disorders, and ADHD. War‐exposed children had more comorbid psychopathologies and number of comorbidities increased with age. Notably, war‐exposure increased prevalence of chronic pathology by 24‐fold. Maternal factors, including mother's uncontained style and emotional distress, increased risk for early and chronic psychopathology, whereas reduced child social engagement augmented risk for late pathology.

Conclusions

Early‐onset chronic stress does not heal naturally, and its effects appear to exacerbate over time, with trauma‐exposed children presenting a more comorbid, chronic, and externalizing profile as they grow older. Our findings demonstrate that responses to trauma are dynamic and variable and pinpoint age‐specific effects of maternal and child factors on risk and resilience trajectories. Results highlight the importance of conducting long‐term follow‐up studies and constructing individually tailored early interventions following trauma exposure.
A systematic review of worldwide epidemiology of psoriasis
Authors: Michalek I.M. , Loring B. , John S.M.
Published: August 2016

To inform the WHO Global report on psoriasis, a new comprehensive worldwide systematic review of the epidemiology of psoriasis was undertaken. The aim of this study was to systematically review the worldwide literature regarding the epidemiology of psoriasis, including prevalence and incidence, in adults and in children. A search of 15 electronic medical databases was performed. Using a rigorous systematic protocol, eligible articles were analysed. No language, regional or temporal restrictions were applied. A total of 76 study observations met all eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The estimates of the prevalence of psoriasis in adults ranged from 0.51% to 11.43%, and in children from 0% to 1.37%. Psoriasis is a common disease, occurring more frequently with advancing age. Limited data on the epidemiology of psoriasis are available. The available prevalence data come from only 20 countries, meaning there are huge geographic gaps in knowledge, especially from low‐ and middle‐income settings.
Physical properties of spray dryedStenocereus griseuspitaya juice powder
Authors: García‐Lucas Karina A. , Méndez‐Lagunas Lilia L. , Rodríguez‐Ramírez Juan , Campanella Osvaldo H. , Patel Bhavesh K. , Barriada‐Bernal Luis Gerardo
Published: August 2016

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of spray drying conditions on the physical properties of pitaya juice powder using a 23factorial design. Independent variables were inlet air temperature (150 and 180°C), feed flow rate (1.5 and 2 L/hr), and the amount of encapsulants (60 and 90%). The spray process was performed on pilot‐scale spray dryer and maltodextrin/pectin combination was used as encapsulating material. Moisture content, yield, color, water adsorption, glass transition temperature, and morphology of pitaya juice powders were analyzed. Critical conditions of storage, at which the glass transition occurs were determined. Experimental results showed that all the individual factors had a significant effect on moisture content and color, however, yield was only affected by feed flow rate and percentage of encapsulants. Lower drying temperatures (150°C) favored higher yield of 59% and privileged red‐violet color retention during spray drying. The GAB and Gordon‐Taylor models gave good fit for the experimental data of adsorption isotherms and glass transition temperatures, respectively.

Practical Applications

In this work betalains with compounds including nutraceutical properties, which can be used as a dye, were encapsulated. The knowledge of the properties of natural products, with potential either as an additive or as a colorant, is of great significance for applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industry. The efficiency, color, morphology of powders, and properties influencing hygroscopicity, collapse, compression, and agglomeration were determined. These factors control the processability, handling properties, and the stability of pitaya powders.
The Role of Topographic Collaterals in Predicting Functional Outcome after Thrombolysis in Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tan Benjamin Yong‐Qiang , Kong Wan‐Yee , Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Teoh Hock‐Luen , Sharma Vijay K. , Yeo Leonard Leong‐Litt
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECTS) leptomeningeal collaterals score on CT‐angiography helps in prognosticating functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. We evaluated whether a simplified topological ASPECTS collaterals scoring could serve as a rapid biomarker for early prediction in thrombolyzed AIS patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients from 2010 to 2014 with anterior circulation AIS treated with intravenous thrombolysis were included. The primary outcome was good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0–1 at 3‐months). Collaterals were scored according to the extent of contrast opacification in arteries distal to the acute occlusion. Prognostic value of individual ASPECTS leptomeningeal collateral regions was determined by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 283 patients were included (mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 19.0 ± 6.3 points). Using multivariate logistic regression, good M5 region (parietal)‐collaterals (OR 2.62, 95%CI 1.215–5.682, P = .014), younger age (OR .97 per year, 95%CI .943–.990, P = .006), nondiabetics (OR .44, 95%CI .224–.889, P = .021), and lower NIHSS (OR .89 per point, 95%CI .842–.935, P < .001) were independently associated with good functional outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed NIHSS as a good predictor of functional outcome (area under the curve .718, 95%CI .656–.780, P < .001). However, a better predictive value was achieved when M5 collateral score was added to the NIHSS (area under the curve .752, 95%CI .694–.809, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Good collaterals in the M5 region are associated with good functional outcome. Addition of this simple neuroimaging tool to the pretreatment NIHSS may serve as a reliable biomarker for prognosis.
Increased oxygen exposure alters collagen expression and tissue architecture during ligature‐induced periodontitis
Authors: Gajendrareddy P. K. , Junges R. , Cygan G. , Zhao Y. , Marucha P. T. , Engeland C. G.
Published: August 2016

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of increased oxygen availability on gene expression and on collagen deposition/maturation in the periodontium following disease.

Material and Methods

Male Wistar rats had ligatures placed around their molars to induce periodontal disease, and a subset of animals underwent hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment for 2 h twice per day. At 15 and 28 d, tissue gene expression of COL1A1, transforming growth factor‐β1 and alkaline phosphatase was determined; other histological samples were stained with Picrosirius red to evaluate levels of collagen deposition, maturation and thickness.

Results

In animals that underwent HBO treatment, type I collagen expression was higher and collagen deposition, maturation and thickness were more robust. Reduced mRNA levels of transforming growth factor‐beta1 and alkaline phosphatase in HBO‐treated rats on day 28 suggested that a quicker resolution in both soft tissue and bone remodeling occurred following oxygen treatment. No differences in inflammation were observed between groups.

Conclusions

The extracellular matrix regenerated more quickly in the HBO‐treated group as evidenced by higher collagen expression, deposition and maturation.
Serum Concentrations of Leptin and Adiponectin in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Kim H.‐S. , Kang J.‐H. , Jeung E.‐B. , Yang M.‐P.
Published: August 2016

Background

The concentrations of circulating adipokines in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) have not been investigated in detail.

Objectives

To determine whether serum concentrations of adipokines differ between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD and whether circulating concentrations depend on the severity of heart failure resulting from MMVD.

Animals

In the preliminary study, 30 healthy dogs and 17 client‐owned dogs with MMVD, and in the subsequent study, 30 healthy dogs and 46 client‐owned dogs with MMVD.

Methods

Prospective case‐controlled observational study. In the preliminary study, serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were measured. In the subsequent study, MMVD dogs were divided into three groups according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) classification, and serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were measured.

Results

In the preliminary study, serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations differed significantly between dogs with MMVD and healthy dogs. Serum leptin (P = .0013) concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with MMVD than in healthy dogs, whereas adiponectin (P = .0009) concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with MMVD. However, we observed no significant differences in the other variables. In the subsequent study, dogs classified as ISACHC class 3 had higher serum concentrations of leptin (P = .0022) than healthy dogs but ISACHC class 1 or 2 dogs did not. Serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in ISACHC class 1 (P < .0001) dogs than in healthy dogs, whereas adiponectin concentrations in ISACHC class 3 dogs were significantly higher than in ISACHC class 1 dogs (P = .0081).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Circulating concentrations of leptin and adiponectin might be altered in dogs with MMVD.
The transcriptome response of Heliconius melpomene larvae to a novel host plant
Authors: Yu Quan‐You , Fang Shou‐Min , Zhang Ze , Jiggins Chris D.
Published: August 2016

In the warfare between herbivore and host plant, insects have evolved a variety of defensive mechanisms, including allelochemical transformation and excretion. Several studies have explored the transcriptome responses of insects after host plant shifts to understand these mechanisms. We investigated the plastic responses of Heliconius melpomene larvae feeding on a native host Passiflora menispermifolia and a less strongly defended nonhost species, Passiflora biflora. In total, 326 differentially expressed genes were identified, with a greater number upregulated on the more strongly defended native host. Functional annotation showed that detoxifying enzymes, transporters and components of peritrophic membrane were strongly represented. In total, 30 candidate detoxification genes were differentially expressed, with glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) showing the highest proportion of differential expression, 27.3% and 17.3%, respectively. These differentially expressed detoxification genes were shown to evolve mainly under the influence of purifying selection, suggesting that protein‐coding evolution has not played a major role in host adaptation. We found only one gene, GSTe3, with evidence of adaptive evolution at H40, which is around the G‐site and might alter enzyme activity. Based on our transcriptome and molecular evolution analysis, we suggest that transcriptional plasticity of genes in a herbivore may play an important role in adaptation to a new host plant.
Riverscape genomics of a threatened fish across a hydroclimatically heterogeneous river basin
Authors: Brauer Chris J. , Hammer Michael P. , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: August 2016

Understanding how natural selection generates and maintains adaptive genetic diversity in heterogeneous environments is key to predicting the evolutionary response of populations to rapid environmental change. Detecting selection in complex spatial environments remains challenging, especially for threatened species where the effects of strong genetic drift may overwhelm signatures of selection. We carried out a basinwide riverscape genomic analysis in the threatened southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis), an ecological specialist with low dispersal potential. High‐resolution environmental data and 5162 high‐quality filtered SNPs were used to clarify spatial population structure and to assess footprints of selection associated with a steep hydroclimatic gradient and with human disturbance across the naturally and anthropogenically fragmented Murray–Darling Basin (Australia). Our approach included FST outlier tests to define neutral loci, and a combination of spatially explicit genotype–environment association analyses to identify candidate adaptive loci while controlling for the effects of landscape structure and shared population history. We found low levels of genetic diversity and strong neutral population structure consistent with expectations based on spatial stream hierarchy and life history. In contrast, variables related to precipitation and temperature appeared as the most important environmental surrogates for putatively adaptive genetic variation at both regional and local scales. Human disturbance also influenced the variation in candidate loci for adaptation, but only at a local scale. Our study contributes to understanding of adaptive evolution along naturally and anthropogenically fragmented ecosystems. It also offers a tangible example of the potential contributions of landscape genomics for informing in situ and ex situ conservation management of biodiversity.
Concealed by darkness: interactions between predatory bats and nocturnally migrating songbirds illuminated by DNA sequencing
Authors: Ibáñez Carlos , Popa‐Lisseanu Ana G. , Pastor‐Beviá David , García‐Mudarra Juan L. , Juste Javier
Published: August 2016

Recently, several species of aerial‐hawking bats have been found to prey on migrating songbirds, but details on this behaviour and its relevance for bird migration are still unclear. We sequenced avian DNA in feather‐containing scats of the bird‐feeding bat Nyctalus lasiopterus from Spain collected during bird migration seasons. We found very high prey diversity, with 31 bird species from eight families of Passeriformes, almost all of which were nocturnally flying sub‐Saharan migrants. Moreover, species using tree hollows or nest boxes in the study area during migration periods were not present in the bats’ diet, indicating that birds are solely captured on the wing during night‐time passage. Additional to a generalist feeding strategy, we found that bats selected medium‐sized bird species, thereby assumingly optimizing their energetic cost‐benefit balance and injury risk. Surprisingly, bats preyed upon birds half their own body mass. This shows that the 5% prey to predator body mass ratio traditionally assumed for aerial hunting bats does not apply to this hunting strategy or even underestimates these animals’ behavioural and mechanical abilities. Considering the bats’ generalist feeding strategy and their large prey size range, we suggest that nocturnal bat predation may have influenced the evolution of bird migration strategies and behaviour.
Functional characterization of a gene locus from an uncultured gut Bacteroides conferring xylo‐oligosaccharides utilization to Escherichia coli
Authors: Tauzin Alexandra S. , Laville Elisabeth , Xiao Yao , Nouaille Sébastien , Le Bourgeois Pascal , Heux Stéphanie , Portais Jean‐Charles , Monsan Pierre , Martens Eric C. , Potocki‐Veronese Gabrielle , Bordes Florence
Published: August 2016

In prominent gut Bacteroides strains, sophisticated strategies have been evolved to achieve the complete degradation of dietary polysaccharides such as xylan, which is one of the major components of the plant cell wall. Polysaccharide Utilization Loci (PULs) consist of gene clusters encoding different proteins with a vast arsenal of functions, including carbohydrate binding, transport and hydrolysis. Transport is often attributed to TonB‐dependent transporters, although major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters have also been identified in some PULs. However, until now, few of these transporters have been biochemically characterized. Here, we targeted a PUL‐like system from an uncultivated Bacteroides species that is highly prevalent in the human gut metagenome. It encodes three glycoside‐hydrolases specific for xylo‐oligosaccharides, a SusC/SusD tandem homolog and a MFS transporter. We combined PUL rational engineering, metabolic and transcriptional analysis in Escherichia coli to functionally characterize this genomic locus. We demonstrated that the SusC and the MFS transporters are specific for internalization of linear xylo‐oligosaccharides of polymerization degree up to 3 and 4 respectively. These results were strengthened by the study of growth dynamics and transcriptional analyses in response to XOS induction of the PUL in the native strain, Bacteroides vulgatus.
Drought‐induced shoot dieback starts with massive root xylem embolism and variable depletion of nonstructural carbohydrates in seedlings of two tree species
Authors: Rodríguez‐Calcerrada Jesús , Li Meng , López Rosana , Cano Francisco Javier , Oleksyn Jacek , Atkin Owen K. , Pita Pilar , Aranda Ismael , Gil Luis
Published: August 2016

Combining hydraulic‐ and carbon‐related measurements helps to understand drought‐induced plant mortality. Here, we investigated the role that plant respiration (R) plays in determining carbon budgets under drought.

We measured the hydraulic conductivity of stems and roots, and gas exchange and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations of leaves, stems and roots of seedlings of two resprouting species exposed to drought or well‐watered conditions: Ulmus minor (riparian tree) and Quercus ilex (dryland tree).

With increasing water stress (occurring more rapidly in larger U. minor), declines in leaf, stem and root R were less pronounced than that in leaf net photosynthetic CO2 uptake (Pn). Daytime whole‐plant carbon gain was negative below −4 and −6 MPa midday xylem water potential in U. minor and Q. ilex, respectively. Relative to controls, seedlings exhibiting shoot dieback suffered c. 80% loss of hydraulic conductivity in both species, and reductions in NSC concentrations in U. minor. Higher drought‐induced depletion of NSC reserves in U. minor was related to higher plant R, faster stomatal closure, and premature leaf‐shedding.

Differences in drought resistance relied on the ability to maintain hydraulic conductivity during drought, rather than tolerating conductivity loss. Root hydraulic failure elicited shoot dieback and precluded resprouting without root NSC reserves being apparently limiting for R.
A Q‐Tip Tip: Use of a Cotton‐Tipped Applicator to Desensitize Children to Intralesional Candida Antigen
Authors: Al‐Mubarak Luluah , Krakowski Andrew C.
Published: August 2016

We suggest the following technique that uses readily available, inexpensive, nonthreatening cotton‐tipped applicators to model Candida antigen injection.
Spontaneous Regression of a Congenital Melanocytic Nevus by Sclerosis
Authors: Wong Eric K. W. , Mahmood Muhammad N. , Salopek Thomas G.
Published: August 2016

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMNs) naturally evolve throughout life, growing proportionately with the child, darkening, and exhibiting textural or surface changes (e.g., papillomatous, verrucous, cerebriform), hypertrichosis, and, later in life, lightening of pigmentation. We report the case of a 5‐year‐old child with complete resolution of a medium‐sized CMN involving the distal left leg and foot via sclerosis and in the absence of any halo phenomenon. Spontaneous regression of CMN via sclerosis is rare, and it is thought that an immunologic mechanism different from the mechanism that the halo phenomenon induces mediates this regression. We reviewed the literature on this phenomenon and discuss how it might lead to regression of the nevus.
Lymphoplasmacytic Plaque in Children: A Demonstrative Case of an Emerging Clinicopathologic Entity
Authors: Porto Dennis A. , Powers Molly , Patel Devika , Chaffins Marsha , Shwayder Tor A.
Published: August 2016

Lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children is a rare but increasingly reported clinicopathologic entity characterized by extratruncal erythematous solitary plaques, most often in children and Caucasian girls, that are thought to be a reactive or pseudolymphomatous process. We report a demonstrative case of lymphoplasmacytic plaque in a 3‐year‐old girl and discuss the clinical and pathologic experience with this entity.