bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Effects of Creatinine on the Formation of 2‐Amino‐1‐Methyl‐6‐Phenylimidazo [4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP)
Authors: Yu Chundi , Shao Zeping , Zhang Jinhui , Liu Bing , Kong Lingjie , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: January 2018

Creatinine was found to not only act as a precursor of 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo [4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) formation but also inhibit PhIP formation in a creatinine/phenylalanine model system. The dual mechanistic effects of creatinine on PhIP formation were then investigated in a model system. Adducts of creatinine–PhIP were detected by quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and were found to be a likely explanation for the substantial decrease in the yield of PhIP when excess creatinine was supplied. Structures of probable adducts were predicted in molecular docking studies, which showed that hydrogen bonds were formed between creatinine and PhIP in 1:1 and 2:1 ratios. Furthermore, the active sites during creatinine–PhIP adduct formation (the primary amino groups [N2‐] and sp2 nitrogen atoms [N3] of creatinine and PhIP) match the active sites of PhIP metabolism and adducts of PhIP/lipid‐derived reactive carbonyls. This verifies that creatinine inhibits PhIP production via the formation of adducts with hydrogen bonds at the N2 and N3 sites.

Practical Application

This study enhances the understanding of how creatinine affects PhIP formation, reveals a new PhIP inhibition mechanism, and will be useful for developing technology to control PhIP formation during food processing.
Downregulation of gasdermin D promotes gastric cancer proliferation by regulating cell cycle‐related proteins
Authors: Wang Wei Jie , Chen Di , Jiang Ming Zuo , XU Bing , Li Xiao Wei , Chu Yi , Zhang Yu Jie , Mao Ren , Liang Jie , Fan Dai Ming
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation, and to determine whether the downregulated expression of GSDMD contributed to the tumorigenesis and proliferation of GC cells.

METHODS

GSDMD expressions in GC tissues and matched adjacent non‐cancerous tissues were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The effect of GSDMD on cell proliferation in vitro was assessed by the colony formation assay and cell viability assays. In vivo, xenografted tumors in nude mice were evaluated. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, the alterations of several cell cycle‐related and cell signaling pathway proteins were analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS

GSDMD expression was decreased in GC, and the decreased expression of GSDMD could markedly promote the proliferation of tumors in vivo and in vitro. The downregulation of GSDMD accelerated S/G2 cell transition by activating extracellular signal regulated kinase, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways and regulating cell cycle‐related proteins in GC.

CONCLUSION

GSDMD may protect against cell proliferation of GC, and it may be used as a diagnostic and treatment strategy for GC.
A retrospective cost analysis of angioplasty compared to bypass surgery for lower limb arterial disease in an Australian tertiary health service
Authors: Ngu Natalie LY , Lisik James , Varma Dinesh , Goh Gerard S
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and surgical bypass (BYP) are treatment options for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PTA and BYP have different clinical outcomes and cost implications. This paper aims to compare hospital‐related costs of PTA and BYP for PAD of the lower limbs in an Australian health service.

Methods

A retrospective cost analysis using clinical and financial data from an urban, tertiary hospital was performed. Patient cohorts were matched to existing published studies and 3‐year findings were calculated. Outcomes measured were mean initial admission cost; mean bed stay; mean complication rate; mean cost of re‐intervention at 12 months and extrapolated mean cost at 3 years.

Results

The mean total admission costs for PTA compared to BYP were $8758 vs. $27,849 (P < 0.001). Patients undergoing BYP were admitted for 10.25 vs. 3.77 nights (P < 0.001). The complication rate was greater in the BYP group for infection only. Re‐intervention was required by 13% of the PTA group and 16% of the BYP group, at a mean cost of $11,798 and $14,728, respectively (P = 0.453). The extrapolated total mean cost at 3 years was higher in the BYP group for patients with both intermittent claudication ($26,764 vs. $11,402) and critical limb ischaemia ($27,719 vs. $12,655).

Conclusions

In this cohort, PTA is a favourable alternative to BYP for PAD of the lower limbs as it is less costly, does not result in a greater re‐intervention rate at 1 year and has been previously demonstrated to have comparable clinical outcomes. Given the limitations of this retrospective analysis, a prospective cost‐effectiveness analysis is recommended.
Comparison of early versus late onset familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Yasar Bilge Nazife Sule , Sari Ismail , Solmaz Dilek , Senel Soner , Emmungil Hakan , Kilic Levent , Yilmaz Oner Sibel , Yildiz Fatih , Yilmaz Sedat , Ersozlu Bozkirli Duygu , Aydin Tufan Muge , Yilmaz Sema , Yazisiz Veli , Pehlivan Yavuz , Bes Cemal , Yildirim Cetin Gozde , Erten Sukran , Gonullu Emel , Sahin Fezan , Akar Servet , Aksu Kenan , Kalyoncu Umut , Direskeneli Haner , Erken Eren , Sayarlioglu Mehmet , Cınar Muhammed , Kasifoglu Timucin
Published: January 2018

Aim

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disease. One of the common characteristics of this disease is its young age predominance. Nearly 90% of patients experience disease flares during early adult age periods. Currently there are limited data for the comparison of early versus late onset FMF and therefore the primary aim of this study was to investigate these two subsets with regard to their certain demographic, clinical and genetic differences.

Methods

Early (≤ 20 years, Group 1) and late (> 20 years, Group 2) onset FMF patients were identified from the national FMF registry that involves 2246 patients from 15 adult rheumatology clinics located in different geographical areas of Turkey.

Results

Of the 2246 patients, 1633 (72.7%) were aged ≤ 20 years old (Group 1) and the remaining 613 were older than 20 years (Group 2). Delay in diagnosis was longer in Group 1 and fever, peritonitis, pleuritis, erysipelas‐like erythema (ELE), arthritis, family history of FMF and amyloidosis were more common in Group 1. On the other hand, sex distribution, rates of amyloidosis, vasculitis and kidney failure were not different between the groups. Among patients with available genotypes, homozygous and heterozygous M694V mutations were significantly higher and heterozygous E148Q mutation was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2.

Conclusion

Patients with FMF whose symptoms start before 20 years of age seem to have severe symptoms and M694V mutation may be responsible for the early expression of the disease.
Five Questions for Economic Policy after 2008
Authors: Price Edward
Published: January 2018

A pervasive belief in market efficiency, especially in self‐correcting financial markets, was damaged by the 2007–8 financial crisis. A vision of functional, not dysfunctional, markets nonetheless remains at the heart of the economics profession. The result is a degree of unclarity.
Language Policy and Language Ideology: Ecological Perspectives on Language and Education in the Himalayan Foothills
Authors: Groff Cynthia
Published: January 2018

Ethnographic research in the Kumaun region of North India highlights different perspectives on this multilingual context and on national‐level policies. Language policies that explicitly or implicitly minoritize certain linguistic varieties influence local discourses about language and education but are also interpreted through the lens of local language ideologies. Ecological metaphors and different scalar perspectives illustrate the complex relationship among languages as speakers of an unrecognized language reinterpret policy and express value for linguistic diversity.
Interaction between healthcare professionals and parents is a key determinant of parental distress during childhood hospitalisation for respiratory syncytial virus infection (European RSV Outcomes Study [EROS])
Authors: Carbonell‐Estrany Xavier , Dall'Agnola Alberto , Fullarton John R. , Rodgers‐Gray Barry S. , Girardi Elisa , Mussa Alessandro , Paniagua Natalia , Pieretto Marta , Rodríguez‐Fernandez Rosa , Manzoni Paolo
Published: January 2018

Aim

We characterised the distress that parents experienced when their child was hospitalised for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

Methods

This survey‐based, observational study was conducted during 2014–2015. Meetings were held in Spain and Italy, with 24 parents of RSV hospitalised infants and 11 healthcare professionals experienced in RSV, which identified 110 factors related to parental distress. The resulting questionnaire was completed by another 105 Spanish and Italian parents and 56 healthcare professionals, to assess the impact these factors had on parental distress, using a scale from 0 to 10 (very unimportant to very important).

Results

The five most important factors for parents were: healthcare professionals’ awareness of the latest developments, readmission, reinfections, painful procedures and positive experiences with healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals associated only medical factors with a meaningful impact on parents. Half of the six medical factors were given similar importance by both groups and the overall scoring for the 110 factors was comparable, with a correlation coefficient of 0.80. A primary concern on discharge was ongoing support.

Conclusion

The relationship between parents and healthcare professionals was a significant factor in determining parental distress. Healthcare professionals appeared to have a good understanding of the overall impact on parents, particularly the key medical factors.
Editorial: getting bullish about portal hypertension—chronic treatment with oral taurine?
Authors: Dunne P. D. J. , Fallowfield J. A.
Published: January 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Schwarzer et al and Ferlitsch papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14377 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14477.
Better characterization of vinflunine pharmacokinetics variability and exposure/toxicity relationship to improve its use: Analyses from 18 trials
Authors: Schmitt Antonin , Nguyen Laurent , Zorza Grégoire , Ferré Pierre , Pétain Aurélie
Published: January 2018

Aims

Vinflunine is a novel tubulin‐targeted inhibitor indicated as a single agent for the treatment of bladder cancers after failure of prior platinum‐based therapy. Its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) have been independently characterized through several phase I and phase II studies. However, no global pharmacometric analysis had been conducted as yet.

Methods

Vinflunine concentrations and safety data from 18 phase I and phase II studies were used to conduct population PK and PK/PD analysis, using Nonmem. A four‐compartment model was used to describe vinflunine PK and several covariates were tested to explain interindividual variability. In terms of PK/PD relationship, a semiphysiological population PK/PD model was applied to describe time course of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) after vinflunine administration and logistic regression models were used to test the relationship between vinflunine exposure and toxicities.

Results

Vinflunine clearance is explained by creatinine clearance, body surface area and combination with PEGylated doxorubicin, leading to a decrease from 28.2 to 25.3% of the interindividual variability. When vinflunine dose is decreased, simulations of ANC time course (via a semiphysiological model) after vinflunine administration show a risk of neutropenia grade 3–4 at cycle 2 always lower than when dose is delayed. As an example, for moderate renal impaired patients, the risk is 42.1% when vinflunine is dosed at 320 mg m–2 once every 4 weeks vs. 23.3% for 280 mg m–2 once every 3 weeks.

Conclusions

We propose for the first time a global comprehensive clinical pharmacological analysis for intravenous vinflunine that may help drive dose adjustment.
Working and caring for a child with chronic illness: A review of current literature
Authors: Kish A. M. , Newcombe P. A. , Haslam D. M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Advances in medical knowledge have contributed to the increase in the number of children living with some form of long‐term chronic illness or condition. As a consequence of these advancements, treatments that are more accessible and easier to administer, usually within a child's home, have been developed. However, this may mean that parents take on greater treatment responsibility and require extra time and energy to meet these tasks, additional to other responsibilities. This review paper aims to summarize and critique existing literature on working parents of children with a chronic condition, by focusing on patterns of parent work, the challenges experienced, and the flow‐on consequences to well‐being.

Methods

Employing a narrative, meta‐synthesis of the current literature, this review identified 3 key themes related to working parents of children with chronic illness.

Results

The paper first identifies that although employment is less common, these parents are not necessarily nonworking. Second, these parents experience numerous challenges including balancing work and family, time constraints, stress, and feelings of “doing it all.” And third, the above challenges lead to additional impacts on parental quality of life.

Conclusions

This review summarizes what is currently known about work patterns, challenges, and consequences in parents of children with chronic conditions. Employment is clearly impacted for these parents. Although workplace challenges have been extensively researched, other challenges (eg, personal and family) and impacts on their well‐being have not. This review discusses the present standing of this research. It outlines the strengths and limitations of the current literature, makes recommendations for future research, and suggests theoretical and practical implications of the further findings.
Trajectories of Infants’ Biobehavioral Development: Timing and Rate of A‐Not‐B Performance Gains and EEG Maturation
Authors: MacNeill Leigha A. , Ram Nilam , Bell Martha Ann , Fox Nathan A. , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly
Published: January 2018

This study examined how timing (i.e., relative maturity) and rate (i.e., how quickly infants attain proficiency) of A‐not‐B performance were related to changes in brain activity from age 6 to 12 months. A‐not‐B performance and resting EEG (electroencephalography) were measured monthly from age 6 to 12 months in 28 infants and were modeled using logistic and linear growth curve models. Infants with faster performance rates reached performance milestones earlier. Infants with faster rates of increase in A‐not‐B performance had lower occipital power at 6 months and greater linear increases in occipital power. The results underscore the importance of considering nonlinear change processes for studying infants’ cognitive development as well as how these changes are related to trajectories of EEG power.
False‐positive result when a diphenylcarbazide spot test is used on trivalent chromium‐passivated zinc surfaces
Authors: Reveko Valeriia , Lampert Felix , Din Rameez U. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Møller Per
Published: January 2018

Background

A colorimetric 1,5‐diphenylcarbazide (DPC)‐based spot test can be used to identify hexavalent chromium on various metallic and leather surfaces. DPC testing on trivalent chromium‐passivated zinc surfaces has unexpectedly given positive results in some cases, apparently indicating the presence of hexavalent chromium; however, the presence of hexavalent chromium has never been confirmed with more sensitive and accurate test methods.

Objectives

To examine the presence of hexavalent chromium on trivalent chromium‐passivated zinc surfaces with a DPC‐based spot test.

Methods

A colorimetric DPC spot test was used for the initial detection of hexavalent chromium on new and 1‐year‐aged trivalent chromium‐passivated zinc surfaces. Then, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed for all samples.

Results

The DPC spot test indicated the presence of hexavalent chromium in aged, but not new, trivalent chromium passivation on zinc; however, subsequent analysis by XPS could not confirm the presence of chromium in a hexavalent state.

Conclusions

Unintended oxidation of DPC induced by atmospheric corrosion is suggested as a possible reason for the false‐positive reaction of the DPC test on a trivalent chromium‐passivated zinc surface. Further validation of the use of the DPC test for chromium‐containing metallic surfaces is required.
Intra‐ and inter‐subject variability for increases in serum ketone bodies in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin
Authors: Polidori David , Iijima Hiroaki , Goda Maki , Maruyama Nobuko , Inagaki Nobuya , Crawford Peter A.
Published: January 2018

Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been associated with increased serum ketone body levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present analysis we evaluated serum ketone body levels and variability in 1278 Japanese patients with T2DM treated with canagliflozin 100 or 200 mg. Similar mean increases in ketone body concentrations of ~2‐fold were seen with both canagliflozin doses. The median (interquartile range) percent change from baseline was 62% (0;180) for acetoacetate and 78% (2;236) for β‐hydroxybutyrate. Approximately two‐thirds of the variability in each ketone measure was attributed to intra‐subject variability. Intra‐subject variability was higher for serum ketones than other metabolites. Patients in the lowest response tertile exhibited no increase in ketones. Those in the highest response tertile tended to be male and have higher fasting plasma glucose levels, lower insulin levels, and longer T2DM duration at baseline. Moreover, changes in serum ketones were not fully explained by changes in plasma fatty acids, suggesting downstream effects of SGLT2 inhibition on hepatic metabolism that favour ketogenesis. In summary, increases in serum ketone bodies with canagliflozin were greater and more variable than changes in other metabolic measures in Japanese patients with T2DM.
Eating down the food chain: generalism is not an evolutionary dead end for herbivores
Authors: Rojas Danny , Ramos Pereira Maria João , Fonseca Carlos , Dávalos Liliana M.
Published: January 2018

The role of trophic specialisation in taxonomic diversification remains unclear. Plant specialists diversify faster than omnivores and animalivores, but at shorter macroevolutionary scales this pattern sometimes reverses. Here, we estimate the effect of diet diversification on speciation rates in noctilionoid bats, controlling for tree shape, rate heterogeneity and macroevolutionary regimes. We hypothesise that niche subdivision among herbivores positively relates to speciation rates, differing between macroevolutionary regimes. We found the rate at which new herbivorous lineages originate decreases as rates of diet evolution increase. Herbivores experience higher speciation rates, but generalist herbivores and predominantly herbivorous omnivores speciate faster than specialised herbivores, omnivores and animalivores. Generalised herbivory is not a dead end. We show that analysing ecological traits and diversification requires accounting for macroevolutionary regimes and within‐ and between‐clade variation in evolutionary rates. Our approach overcomes the high false‐positive rates of other methods and illuminates the roles of herbivory and specialisation in speciation.
Symposium report: Inaugural Australian Coastal Restoration Symposium
Authors: McLeod Ian M. , Purandare Jemma , Gillies Chris , Smith Adam , Burrows Damien
Published: January 2018

Globally, coastal habitat restoration is growing in recognition as a viable management tool to repair and reinstate valuable coastal habitats and species, such as mangrove and macroalgae forests, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, shellfish and coral reefs (Aronson & Alexander (), Restoration Ecology, 293; Anthony et al. () Nature Ecology and Evolution, 1420; TNC () Caribbean: A revolution to save coral reefs in the Caribbean and beyond). In Australia, there is increasing interest and investment in coastal restoration and habitat conservation, particularly with respect to growing national concerns around habitat loss, coastal inundation and erosion, loss of fisheries and climate change (Maggini et al. () Protecting and restoring habitat to help Australia's threatened species adapt to climate change; GBRMPA () Reef summit sets new course of action for the Great Barrier Reef). This has led to new community of practices being formed for shellfish reef restoration (Shellfish Reef Restoration Network shellfishrestoration.org.au), seagrass restoration (Seagrass Restoration Network seagrassrestoration.net), and saltmarsh and mangrove (Saltmarsh and Mangrove Network, amsn.net.au) conservation. However, despite this interest, there has been no national coordination, network or society with coastal restoration as a primary focus. The inaugural Australian Coastal Restoration Symposium brought together 60 Australian restoration practitioners, researchers and managers at James Cook University, Townsville for three days from the 31st of August 2017. The symposium goals were to enhance collaboration and national coordination amongst coastal restoration projects and practitioners, as well as to connect researchers and practitioners working in the restoration space with one another. Three international keynote speakers shared their experiences and advice. Delegates were enthusiastic about continuing to meet at future symposiu, meetings and workshops, and noted the value of being able to connect, share project experiences and learnings, and collaborate. The Australian Coastal Restoration Network has been formed with the goal of meeting annually to continue to share knowledge and improve collaboration. View a video about the symposium by following this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lukSpo3mM-4
The divergence of traditional Aboriginal and contemporary fire management practices on Wik traditional lands, Cape York Peninsula, Northern Australia
Authors: Perry Justin J. , Sinclair Melissa , Wikmunea Horace , Wolmby Sidney , Martin David , Martin Bruce
Published: January 2018

Fire has been a critical component of Aboriginal culture and natural resource management in Australia for millennia. Aboriginal fire management in Northern Australia is widespread and, in some more remote areas, has continued relatively undisrupted despite widespread changes in tenure and land use. For the Wik people of Western Cape York, there has been a continued connection to their culture and traditional lands. Recently, Wik traditional owners have formed a ranger program which has secured funding to manage contemporary land management issues. This includes the landscape‐scale management of fire for biodiversity conservation and greenhouse gas abatement. Because the work is being conducted by Aboriginal people, with consent from traditional owners and on their traditional lands, there is an assumption that the activities are compatible with historical traditional land management and cultural practices. In this study, we use participatory action research to compare contemporary fire management with the current understanding of traditional Aboriginal fire management to assess objectively the compatibility of these two paradigms. We do this by combining the experience and understanding of traditional owners with anthropological and ecological perspectives. We find that contemporary fire management is applied across traditional cultural boundaries using methods such as aerial incendiaries. Financial incentives and contractual obligations associated with fire management are externally driven or include modern considerations such as the protection of infrastructure. In contrast, traditional fire management was the prerogative of traditional owners and was applied at fine scales for specific outcomes. Fire management was governed by rules that determined how people moved across the landscape and how resources were partitioned and shared. Supporting the implementation of Aboriginal burning alongside current fire management practices could lead to significant community engagement in such activities and is likely to have much better biodiversity and social outcomes.
A physiological perspective on fisheries‐induced evolution
Authors: Hollins Jack , Thambithurai Davide , Koeck Barbara , Crespel Amelie , Bailey David M. , Cooke Steven J. , Lindström Jan , Parsons Kevin J. , Killen Shaun S.
Published: January 2018

There is increasing evidence that intense fishing pressure is not only depleting fish stocks but also causing evolutionary changes to fish populations. In particular, body size and fecundity in wild fish populations may be altered in response to the high and often size‐selective mortality exerted by fisheries. While these effects can have serious consequences for the viability of fish populations, there are also a range of traits not directly related to body size which could also affect susceptibility to capture by fishing gears—and therefore fisheries‐induced evolution (FIE)—but which have to date been ignored. For example, overlooked within the context of FIE is the likelihood that variation in physiological traits could make some individuals within species more vulnerable to capture. Specifically, traits related to energy balance (e.g., metabolic rate), swimming performance (e.g., aerobic scope), neuroendocrinology (e.g., stress responsiveness) and sensory physiology (e.g., visual acuity) are especially likely to influence vulnerability to capture through a variety of mechanisms. Selection on these traits could produce major shifts in the physiological traits within populations in response to fishing pressure that are yet to be considered but which could influence population resource requirements, resilience, species’ distributions and responses to environmental change.
Epistasis confers resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ac in the cotton bollworm
Authors: Gao Meijing , Wang Ximeng , Yang Yihua , Tabashnik Bruce E. , Wu Yidong
Published: January 2018

Evolution of resistance by insect pests reduces the benefits of extensively cultivated transgenic crops that produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Previous work showed that resistance to Bt toxin Cry1Ac, which is produced by transgenic cotton, can be conferred by mutations disrupting a cadherin protein that binds this Bt toxin in the larval midgut. However, the potential for epistatic interactions between the cadherin gene and other genes has received little attention. Here, we report evidence of epistasis conferring resistance to Cry1Ac in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, one of the world's most devastating crop pests. Resistance to Cry1Ac in strain LF256 originated from a field‐captured male and was autosomal, recessive, and 220‐fold relative to susceptible strain SCD. We conducted complementation tests for allelism by crossing LF256 with a strain in which resistance to Cry1Ac is conferred by a recessive allele at the cadherin locus HaCad. The resulting F1 offspring were resistant, suggesting that resistance to Cry1Ac in LF256 is also conferred by resistance alleles at this locus. However, the HaCad amino acid sequence in LF256 lacked insertions and deletions, and did not differ consistently between LF256 and a susceptible strain. In addition, most of the cadherin alleles in LF256 were not derived from the field‐captured male. Moreover, Cry1Ac resistance was not genetically linked with the HaCad locus in LF256. Furthermore, LF256 and the susceptible strain were similar in levels of HaCad transcript, cadherin protein, and binding of Cry1Ac to cadherin. Overall, the results imply that epistasis between HaCad and an unknown second locus in LF256 yielded the observed resistance in the F1 progeny from the complementation test. The observed epistasis has important implications for interpreting results of the F1 screen used widely to monitor and analyze resistance, as well as the potential to accelerate evolution of resistance.
Beyond the response—High throughput behavioral analyses to link genome to phenome in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: McDiarmid T. A. , Yu A. J. , Rankin C. H.
Published: January 2018

The development and application of methods for automated behavioral analysis have revolutionized behavioral genetics across model organisms. In this review we summarize the history of automated behavioral analysis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We highlight recent studies of learning and memory to exemplify just how complex the genetic and neural circuit mechanisms underlying a seemingly simple single behavioral response can be. We finish by looking forward at the exciting prospects of combing genomic technologies with connectomic and phenomic level measurements.
MicroRNA‐664a‐5p promotes neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Watanabe Kazunori , Yamaji Ryuhei , Ohtsuki Takashi
Published: January 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a class of small noncoding RNAs that play important roles in the translational regulation of gene expression. A number of miRNAs are known to act as key regulators of diverse processes such as neuronal differentiation. In this study, we have attempted to identify novel miRNAs related to neuronal differentiation via microarray analysis in the human neuronal differentiation model neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. We identified 15 up‐regulated and eight down‐regulated miRNAs in SH‐SY5Y cells treated with all‐trans retinoic acid to induce differentiation. We further showed that one of the up‐regulated miRNAs, miR‐664a‐5p, promoted neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells. These findings enhance our understanding of the miRNAs involved in the process of neurogenesis and, in particular, highlight an important role of miR‐664a‐5p in SH‐SY5Y cell neuronal differentiation. Further studies will be required to confirm the function of miR‐664‐5p in neuronal development and disease and to identify its relevant target genes.
Mixed patterns of morphological adaptation to insularity in an aerial displaying bird, the Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago M. , Andrade Pedro , Rodrigues Marisa , Gonçalves David
Published: January 2018

On islands, colonizing birds may evolve behavioural and morphological adaptations to the new environment, often resulting in changes in body size and reduction or even total loss of flight. These island populations have therefore been used to test hypotheses related to adaptations for flight. However, in certain species in which flight is used not only in foraging and migration but also in mating displays, disentangling the effects of natural and social selection is difficult. Thus, sedentary populations of species that perform aerial displays (such as the Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago that breed in the Azores archipelago) may offer an opportunity to separate the effects of natural and social selection on morphology. If insular Common Snipe respond to the characteristic ecological context of oceanic islands, we expect them to differ from migratory conspecifics in body size and by having relatively smaller and more rounded wings. On the other hand, if social selection exerts a more powerful force over the morphology of this species, we expect that sedentary and migratory birds will not differ in flight‐related characters. We tested these hypotheses by comparing morphological characters measured on live Common Snipe captured in the Azores during the breeding season with those measured on migratory specimens hunted during autumn/winter in mainland Portugal. Sedentary Azorean birds were smaller and had relatively shorter tails but did not show the tendency for insular birds to possess more rounded wings as described in other taxa, including in the Azores. Bergman's rule might explain the difference in body size and shorter tails may be responsible for behavioural differences between populations. The lack of difference in wing shape might be explained by the need of the Common Snipe to perform aerial displays during courtship, suggesting an effect of social selection on the migratory strategy of this species.
Motivating influences and ability‐based outcomes of dental hygiene baccalaureate education in Canada
Authors: Kanji Z , Laronde DM
Published: January 2018

Background

There is a scarcity of studies on Canadian baccalaureate dental hygienists. As discussions about baccalaureate education for dental hygiene continue on a national level, examining outcomes of earning a dental hygiene degree is paramount.

Objective

To investigate the motivating reasons and ability‐based outcomes of earning a Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene (BDSc) degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada.

Methods

UBC dental hygiene entry‐to‐practice (ETP) and degree‐completion (DC) graduates (n = 116; 32%) from 1994 to 2016 participated in an online mixed‐methods survey. Survey questions explored motivating reasons for pursuing dental hygiene degree education and abilities gained during their degree.

Results

Primary reasons for pursuing a degree were personal satisfaction (82%), increasing knowledge base (82%), increasing employment opportunities (78%), status/recognition of a degree (76%), accessing graduate education (68%) and improving critical thinking abilities (61%). For DC graduates, abilities strengthened included enhanced skills for appraising research (92%), enhanced critical thinking and problem‐solving skills (90%), enhanced skills for retrieving scientific information (88%) and increased value for lifelong learning (84%). Enhanced abilities positively influenced client care in the areas of evidence‐based decision‐making, communicating information to clients, and collaborating with other professionals. Overall, 93% of respondents believe a baccalaureate degree should be the ETP credential for dental hygiene because it enhances critical thinking and better prepares graduates for diverse roles in society with more complex populations.

Conclusion

The results highlight the impact of baccalaureate education on dental hygiene practice in Canada.
Carboxytherapy for treatment of localized chronic plaque psoriasis: Clinical and histopathologic evaluation
Authors: Kamel Abeer Mostafa , Abdelghani Rania
Published: January 2018

Background

Multiple treatment options are introduced in treatment of chronic localized plaque psoriasis but with poor adherence and poor patients' satisfaction resulting in poor treatment outcome.

Objective

In this pilot study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of carboxytherapy in treatment of chronic localized plaque psoriasis.

Methods

Thirty adult patients with chronic localized plaque psoriasis were enrolled in this study. The patients received carboxytherapy injection once/week for 8 weeks. Patients were clinically and histpathologically evaluated 2 weeks after the last treatment. Clinical response was evaluated by investigator's global assessment, total sign score, and 5‐point scale for perilesional erythema. We performed 10‐point visual analog scale for patient's satisfaction, and side effects. Three months after the last session we evaluate recurrence using 10‐point scale.

Results

Carboxytherapy achieved treatment success in 26.6% according to investigator's global assessment and total sign score and 70% of the patients demonstrated absence of perilesional erythema. Patients were satisfied with no reported side effects. Recurrence area was within 1% ‐10% of the baseline area in 83.3% of the improved patients.
Global Cerebral Atrophy Detected by Routine Imaging: Relationship with Age, Hippocampal Atrophy, and White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Al‐Janabi Omar M. , Panuganti Pradeep , Abner Erin L. , Bahrani Ahmed A. , Murphy Ronan , Bardach Shoshana H. , Caban‐Holt Allison , Nelson Peter T. , Gold Brian T. , Smith Charles D. , Wilcock Donna M. , Jicha Gregory A.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interpreting the clinical significance of moderate‐to‐severe global cerebral atrophy (GCA) is a conundrum for many clinicians, who visually interpret brain imaging studies in routine clinical practice. GCA may be attributed to normal aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD), or cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Understanding the relationships of GCA with aging, AD, and CVD is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions for cognitive complaints.

METHODS

To elucidate the relative associations of age, moderate‐to‐severe white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), and moderate‐to‐severe medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA), with moderate‐to‐severe GCA, we visually rated clinical brain imaging studies of 325 participants from a community based sample. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relations of GCA with age, WMH, and MTA.

RESULTS

The mean age was 76.2 (±9.6) years, 40.6% were male, and the mean educational attainment was 15.1 (±3.7) years. Logistic regression results demonstrated that while a 1‐year increase in age was associated with GCA (OR = 1.04; P = .04), MTA (OR = 3.7; P < .001), and WMH (OR = 8.80; P < .001) were strongly associated with GCA in our study population. Partial correlation analysis showed that the variance of GCA explained by age is less than the variance attributed to MTA and WMH (r = .13, .21, and .43, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate‐to‐severe GCA is most likely to occur in the presence of AD or CVD and should not be solely attributed to age when evaluating clinical imaging findings in the workup of cognitive complaints. Developing optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies for cognitive decline in the setting of GCA requires an understanding of its risk factors in the aging population.
Low crater frequencies and low model ages in lunar maria: Recent endogenic activity or degradation effects?
Authors: Valantinas A. , Kinch K. M. , Bridžius A.
Published: January 2018

Recently a number of studies have identified small lunar geologic structures to be <100 Ma in age using standard remote sensing techniques. Here we present new crater size frequency distributions (CSFDs) and model ages using craters D > 10 m for five small target units: one irregular mare patch (IMP) in Mare Nubium and four regions located on lunar wrinkle ridges in Mare Humorum. For comparison we also date another IMP found in a recent study in Mare Tranquillitatis (Braden et al. ). Absolute model age (AMA) derivation corresponds to 46 ± 5 Ma and 22 ± 1 Ma for Nubium and Sosigenes IMP, respectively. We show that for IMPs and in nearby control mare regions, similar production‐like cumulative log–log SFD slopes of −3 are observed. In contrast, control mare regions in Mare Humorum exhibit shallower equilibrium slopes from −1.83 to −2. Three out of four wrinkle ridges appear to be in equilibrium but with crater lifetimes lower than on the corresponding maria. Low crater frequencies on one wrinkle ridge result in an age of 8.6 ± 1 Ma. This study region contains 80% fresh craters, which suggests that the crater population is still in production indicative of a recent resurfacing event.
Effect of enhanced homestead food production and aquaculture on dietary intakes of women and children in rural Cambodia: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Verbowski Vashti , Talukder Zaman , Hou Kroeun , Sok Hoing Ly , Michaux Kristina , Anderson Victoria , Gibson Rosalind , Li Kathy H. , Lynd Larry D. , McLean Judy , Green Tim J. , Barr Susan I.
Published: January 2018

The Cambodian diet is low in nutrient‐dense animal‐source foods. Enhanced homestead food production (EHFP) and aquaculture, which increase availability of nutrient‐dense foods, are promising interventions to improve dietary intake. This study examined the effect of EHFP with or without aquaculture on dietary intake and prevalence of inadequate intake of select nutrients among women and children living in rural Cambodia, compared to controls. In a registered, cluster randomized controlled trial in Prey Veng, Cambodia, 10 households in each of 90 villages (n = 900) were randomized by village to receive EHFP, EHFP plus aquaculture, or control. After 22‐month intervention, 24‐hr dietary recalls (24HRs) were collected from mothers aged 18–50 years (n = 429) and their children aged 6 months–7 years (n = 421), reported by their mothers. Usual intake distributions (generated using 24HRs and repeat 24HRs on a subsample) were used to estimate prevalence of inadequate intake. Compared to controls, women in the EHFP group had significantly higher zinc (+1.0 mg/d) and Vitamin A (+139 retinol activity equivalents/d) intakes, and women in the EHFP plus aquaculture group had significantly higher iron (+2.7 mg/d), Vitamin A (+191 retinol activity equivalents/d), and riboflavin (+0.17 mg/d) intakes. Women in the EHFP plus aquaculture group also had significantly lower prevalence of inadequate iron (−7%, at 10% bioavailability), Vitamin A (−19%), and riboflavin (−17%) intakes, compared to controls. No significant differences in intakes or nutrient adequacy were observed among children or between EHFP and EHFP plus aquaculture groups. The biological importance of the small differences in nutrient intakes among women remains to be established.
Assessing the abundance of Bristol Bay belugas with genetic mark‐recapture methods
Authors: Citta John J. , O'Corry‐Crowe Gregory , Quakenbush Lori T. , Bryan Anna L. , Ferrer Tatiana , Olson Myra J. , Hobbs Roderick C. , Potgieter Brooke
Published: January 2018

The Bristol Bay stock of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) is genetically distinct and resides in Bristol Bay year‐round. We estimated the abundance of this population using genetic mark‐recapture, whereby genetic markers from skin biopsies, collected between 2002 and 2011, were used to identify individuals. We identified 516 individual belugas in two inner bays, 468 from Kvichak Bay and 48 from Nushagak Bay, and recaptured 75 belugas in separate years. Using a POPAN Jolly‐Seber model, abundance was estimated at 1,928 belugas (95% CI = 1,611–2,337), not including calves, which were not sampled. Most belugas were sampled in Kvichak Bay at a time when belugas are also known to occur in Nushagak Bay. The pattern of genetic recaptures and data from belugas with satellite transmitters suggested that belugas in the two bays regularly mix. Hence, the estimate of abundance likely applies to all belugas within Bristol Bay. Simulations suggested that POPAN estimates of abundance are robust to most forms of emigration, but that emigration causes negative bias in both capture and survival probabilities. Because it is likely that some belugas do not enter the sampling area during sampling, our estimate of abundance is best considered a minimum population size.
Gut microbiota and probiotics: novel immune system modulators in myasthenia gravis?
Authors: Rinaldi Elena , Consonni Alessandra , Guidesi Elena , Elli Marina , Mantegazza Renato , Baggi Fulvio
Published: January 2018

Gut microorganisms (microbiota) live in symbiosis with the host and influence human nutrition, metabolism, physiology, and immune development and function. The microbiota prevents pathogen infection to the host, and in turn the host provides a niche for survival. The alteration of gut bacteria composition (dysbiosis) could contribute to the development of immune‐mediated diseases by influencing the immune system activation and driving the pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses in order to promote or counteract immune reactions. Probiotics are nonpathogenic microorganisms able to interact with the gut microbiota and provide health benefits; their use has recently been exploited to dampen immunological response in several experimental models of autoimmune diseases. Here, we focus on the relationships among commensal bacteria, probiotics, and the gut, describing the main interactions occurring with the immune system and recent data supporting the clinical efficacy of probiotic administration in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis (MG) animal models. The encouraging results suggest that selected strains of probiotics should be evaluated in clinical trials as adjuvant therapy to restore the disrupted tolerance in myasthenia gravis.
Pediatrics and donor‐derived disease transmission: The US OPTN experience
Authors: Green Michael , Covington Shandie , Taranto Sarah , Michaels Marian G. , Wolfe Cameron , Kaul Daniel R.
Published: January 2018

PDDTE are tracked by the OPTN Ad Hoc DTAC. Specific evaluation of potential transmissions from pediatric deceased donors or the impact of donor‐derived disease transmissions to pediatric organ recipients has not been previously undertaken. PDDTE reported to the DTAC between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed, characterized as proven, probable, possible, IWDT, unlikely, or excluded for both the whole event and each individual recipient. Pediatric donors and recipients were defined as being 0‐17 years of age. Analysis was undertaken to characterize potential disease transmission from pediatric donors to adult or pediatric recipients and also to evaluate potential transmission from all donors to pediatric recipients. P/P cases were further analyzed. A total of 5238 pediatric deceased US donors accounted for 17 456 organ transplants during the study period; 103 PDDTE reports arose from these donors (2.0%). PDDTE were characterized as P/P (15%), possible (13%), IWDT (9%), unlikely, and excluded (63%). Disease was transmitted to 22 of 54 potentially exposed (adult and pediatric) recipients with six attributable deaths. An infectious pathogen accounted for 13/15 of the P/P PDDTE associated with pediatric donors, affecting 19 of 50 potentially exposed recipients and resulting in five deaths. Four separate viral pathogens from six donors accounted for P/P transmissions to 11 recipients with the unanticipated transmission of CMV most common. No pediatric donor transmitted HIV, HBV, or HCV. Bacteria, fungi, and parasites accounted for three (all staphylococci), three (Zygomycetes and Histoplasma), and two (both Toxoplasma) P/P transmissions from seven donors, respectively. From the recipient side, 11/11,188 pediatric recipient deceased and living donor transplants during the study period were associated with a P/P PDDTE (<0.1%) with infectious pathogens accounting for 9/11 P/P events. Infections were split among pathogen categories (bacteria 2, viruses 3, parasites 3, and fungi 1). Reporting rates of PDDTE involving pediatric donors were very low and similar to rates from all donors, with resulting P/P transmissions occurring in only 0.1% of exposed recipients, but transmissions were associated with six deaths. Rates of P/P transmission to pediatric recipients from any donor (<0.1%) were also very low and similar to that of all recipients. Additional studies are needed to compare the pattern and outcome of donor‐derived disease transmission from and to pediatric and adult donor and recipients.