bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomized proof‐of‐concept clinical studies
Authors: Nisbet S. , Mahalingam H. , Gfeller C. F. , Biggs E. , Lucas S. , Thompson M. , Cargill M.R. , Moore D. , Bielfeldt S.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Two studies were designed to evaluate the potential cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic, niacinamide‐containing moisturizing cream for the first time in humans.

Methods

In both studies, healthy women were randomized to use two treatments, one for the left side of the body and one for the right, from three options: the test cream, a positive control or no treatment (use of standard cleanser only). Treatments were applied twice daily for 4 weeks to the face and forearms (Study 1) or the face only (Study 2). Instrumental and clinical skin assessments were performed by trained technicians. Study 1 involved tape stripping and a 5‐day no‐treatment (‘regression’) period at the end of the 4 weeks. Independent lay graders were asked to grade the skin texture of subjects in Study 2 from high‐resolution photographs.

Results

In Study 1 (n = 66), the test cream significantly decreased the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values on the forearm, and in the cheek area of the face, relative to baseline and compared to no treatment, and increased skin Corneometer values. The improvements were partially retained during a subsequent 5‐day period of no treatment. Increases in TEWL values on skin subjected to tape stripping were significantly lower after 4 weeks of using the test cream compared to no treatment. In Study 2 (n = 72 subjects with visible signs of ageing), there was a favourable trend in the change from baseline of a skin roughness parameter, Ra, for the test cream compared to no treatment. There were statistically significant improvements in the Fitzpatrick wrinkle score compared to no treatment, decreases in TEWL and increased Corneometer values and Cutometer values (R5 elasticity parameter). Grading of high‐resolution images failed to detect the improvements in skin texture (defined as pores, smoothness and unevenness) for the test cream vs. no treatment. No treatment‐related serious or severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Twice daily application of the test cream over 4 weeks had beneficial effects on skin barrier function, moisturization, wrinkle dimensions and elasticity compared to no treatment. These studies provide proof‐of‐concept evidence and highlight the cosmetic benefit of the biomimetic lamellar cream formulation. Study registration: NCT03216265, NCT03180645.
Hydration of C3S in presence of CA: Mineral‐pore solution interaction
Authors: Nehring Jörg , Jansen Daniel , Neubauer Jürgen , Goetz‐Neunhoeffer Friedlinde
Published: November 2018

C3S and CA are the main phases of OPC and Fe‐rich CAC, respectively. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of CA on C3S hydration, representing an under sulfated OPC‐rich binder, and to shed light on the underlying hydration mechanisms. To this end, C3S was blended with 1‐30 wt‐% CA and the pastes (w/c 0.5) were investigated by heat flow calorimetry, in situ X‐ray diffraction and analysis of the pore solution chemistry. CA additions ≥5 wt‐% reveal a separation into three distinct heat flow maxima, whereas additions ≤3 wt‐% just retard the start of the main reaction. The silicate reaction (dissolution of C3S and precipitation of C–S–H with or without CH) can be retarded for 4 to ≥22 hours in comparison to pure C3S depending on the admixed CA content. The start of the silicate reaction seems to be related to a decrease in Al‐ and increase in Ca‐concentration in the pore solution. However, it can be shown in this study that C3S is able to dissolve even at high Al concentrations in the pore solution.
Antibacterial and photocatalytic active transparent TiO2 crystallized CaO–BaO–B2O3–Al2O3–TiO2–ZnO glass nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Kumar Sandeep , Sharma Sumeet K. , Sharma Moolchand , Singh Vinay P. , Vaish Rahul
Published: November 2018

Transparent TiO2 crystallized 5CaO–10BaO–65B2O3–Al2O3–20TiO2–10ZnO (CBBATZ) glass nanocomposites were fabricated using melt‐quenching technique followed by specific heat treatments. As‐quenched glass samples were provided three different heat treatments at 630°C for 3, 5, and 10 hours in order to obtain different amounts of TiO2 nanocrystals in the glass. The presence of rutile phase of TiO2 nanocrystals in glass was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. The glass nanocomposite heat treated for 10 hours showed a hydrophobic nature with contact angle of 90.90°. Contact angle decreased from 90.90 to 22.20°, when irradiated under ultraviolet (UV) radiation for 45 minutes. This photoinduced hydrophilicity showed a photocatalytic and self‐cleaning properties of glass nanocomposite. During photocatalytic ink test, the maximum change in color of Resurin (Rz) ink and 60% degradation in absorbance of ink within 150 minutes under UV radiation were found for glass nanocomposite heat treated at 10 hours. Also, 78% degradation in absorbance of methylene blue dye (pollutant) within 180 minutes under UV irradiation was found for glass naocomposite heat‐treated at 10 hours. Antibacterial performance of transparent glass nanocomposite against Escherichia coli was evaluated as well. More than 95% of the bacterial cells were degraded with glass nanocomposite heat‐treated at 10 hours. CBBATZ glass nanocomposite found to impart the antibacterial effect through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aqueous medium. ROS species which was confirmed in the bacterial cell through intracellular ROS generation kit. During evaluation of mechanical properties using nanoindentation technique, the values of hardness and reduced modulus increased by ~26% and 10%, respectively, for glass nanocomposite heat‐treated at 10 hours as compared to as‐quenched glass.
Density‐dependent and phenological mismatch effects on growth and survival in lesser snow and Ross's goslings
Authors: Ross Megan V. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Douglas David C. , Kellett Dana K. , Drake Kiel L.
Published: November 2018

Strong seasonality of high‐latitude environments imposes temporal constraints on forage availability and quality for keystone herbivores in terrestrial arctic ecosystems, including hyper‐abundant colonial geese. Changes in food quality due to intraspecific competition, or food availability relative to the breeding phenology of birds, may have consequences for growth and survival of young. We used long‐term data (1993–2014) from the Karrak Lake nesting colony in the Canadian central arctic to study relative roles of density and phenological mismatch (i.e. days between seasonal peaks in vegetation quality and hatching) as drivers of annual variations in gosling survival among lesser snowAnser caerulescens caerulescensand Ross's geeseA. rossii. Survival of Ross's goslings was consistently higher compared to snow geese. For both species, annual gosling survival was greatest when phenological mismatch was minimal and when nesting population size was low. We also examined gosling structural size (1999–2014) in relation to density and mismatch hypotheses to understand whether changes in survival were preceded by a parallel response in growth stemming from a density‐dependent effect on annual forage conditions. After controlling for sex, age and random effects of capture group and year × species, structural size of both snow and Ross's goslings was reduced in years when phenological mismatch was greater. However, there was no significant evidence that body size of goslings was negatively related to breeding population size at the colony. Our results lend support to the notion that both broad‐scale changes in seasonality from observed and predicted warming in the arctic and, to a lesser extent, density‐dependence on brood‐rearing areas may result in changes to offspring quality or survival, with implications for population recruitment.
Interplay between age‐based competitive asymmetries within the brood and direct competition between inbred and outbred offspring in a burying beetle
Authors: Miller Mhairi , Ratz Tom , Richardson Jon , Smiseth Per T.
Published: November 2018

Theory suggests that intraspecific competition associated with direct competition between inbred and outbred individuals should be an important determinant of the severity of inbreeding depression. The reason is that, if outbred individuals are stronger competitors than inbred ones, direct competition should have a disproportionate effect on the fitness of inbred individuals. However, an individual's competitive ability is not only determined by its inbreeding status but also by competitive asymmetries that are independent of an individual's inbreeding status. When this is the case, such competitive asymmetries may shape the outcome of direct competition between inbred and outbred individuals. Here, we investigate the interface between age‐based competitive asymmetries within broods and direct competition between inbred and outbred offspring in the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloides. We found that inbred offspring had lower survival than outbred ones confirming that there was inbreeding depression. Furthermore, seniors (older larvae) grew to a larger size and had higher survival than juniors (younger larvae), confirming that there were age‐based competitive asymmetries. Nevertheless, there was no evidence that direct competition between inbred and outbred larvae exacerbated inbreeding depression, no evidence that inbreeding depression was more severe in juniors and no evidence that inbred juniors suffered disproportionately due to competition from outbred seniors. Our results suggest that direct competition between inbred and outbred individuals does not necessarily exacerbate inbreeding depression and that inbred individuals are not always more sensitive to poor and stressful conditions than outbred ones.
Convergent evolution of locomotor morphology but not performance in gymnotiform swimmers
Authors: Whitlow Katrina R. , Santini Francesco , Oufiero Christopher E.
Published: November 2018

Convergent evolution of a novel locomotor strategy implies that a fitness benefit may be associated with the new gait. Opportunities to study this phenomenon are often constrained by a lack of transitional taxa, but teleost fishes offer examples of extant species across such evolutionary shifts in gait. For instance, one species from Osteoglossiformes and the entire order of Gymnotiformes independently evolved a novel gait, gymnotiform locomotion, where thrust is produced by the undulation of an elongate anal fin. Here, we investigate whether this convergence in gait is also associated with similarities in shape, burst swimming abilities, and/or steady‐swimming energetics. Specifically, we measured body and fin morphology of fish within Gymnotiformes and Osteoglossiformes, along with closely related Siluriformes and Cypriniformes, to examine the link between gymnotiform locomotion and morphology in a phylogenetic context. Second, we tested the burst swimming capabilities and oxygen consumption during endurance swimming of a subset of the same gymnotiform, osteoglossiform, and cypriniform species, including “transitional” Osteoglossiformes that exhibit intermediate gaits, to determine whether the evolution of this specialized gait is associated with a change in either of these performance metrics. Our results suggest that convergence on the gymnotiform gait is associated with morphological convergence, but does not constrain a fish's maximum sprinting speeds or their energetic demands during steady swimming.
Protist Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics in Skagerrak Plankton Communities as Revealed by Metabarcoding and Microscopy
Authors: Gran‐Stadniczeñko Sandra , Egge Elianne , Hostyeva Vladyslava , Logares Ramiro , Eikrem Wenche , Edvardsen Bente
Published: November 2018

Protist community composition and seasonal dynamics are of major importance for the production of higher trophic levels, such as zooplankton and fish. Our aim was to reveal how the protist community in the Skagerrak changes through the seasons by combining high‐throughput sequencing and microscopy of plankton collected monthly over two years. The V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene was amplified by eukaryote universal primers from the total RNA/cDNA. We found a strong seasonal variation in protist composition and proportional abundances, and a difference between two depths within the euphotic zone. Highest protist richness was found in late summer‐early autumn, and lowest in winter. Temperature was the abiotic factor explaining most of the variation in diversity. Dinoflagellates was the most abundant and diverse group followed by ciliates and diatoms. We found about 70 new taxa recorded for the first time in the Skagerrak. The seasonal pattern in relative read abundance of major phytoplankton groups was well in accordance with microscopical biovolumes. This is the first metabarcoding study of the protist plankton community of all taxonomic groups and through seasons in the Skagerrak, which may serve as a baseline for future surveys to reveal effects of climate and environmental changes.
The Swiss flood and landslide damage database: Normalisation and trends
Authors: Andres Norina , Badoux Alexandre
Published: November 2018

Switzerland is prone to many natural hazards causing high yearly damage to infrastructure and settlements. In this study questions about trends in data on damage from floods, debris flows and landslides are addressed and a potential connection to climate change is discussed. The data set of the Swiss flood and landslide damage database was normalised with three different approaches and trend tests were applied to yearly damage data from the period 1972–2016. Socio‐economic developments including those related to population and wealth were accounted for. The normalisation of the nominal damage data resulted in much higher values in the earlier years of the study period, especially for high damage years. Total and mean damage were both around twice as high with normalisation. Around 71–75% of the total (nominal and normalised) damage was found to occur from June through August, and spatial analysis showed the highest damage in central Switzerland and along river reaches in the main Alpine valleys. The results indicated no statistically significant increase over time in yearly nominal damage data or in data normalised with any of the three approaches. Potential effects of climate change on damage data therefore were not detected.
Comparison of survival rate and crestal bone loss of narrow diameter dental implants versus regular dental implants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alrabiah Mohammed
Published: November 2018

The aim of the present study was to establish survival rates, as well as crestal bone loss (CBL) of narrow diameter implants (NDI), compared to regular diameter implants (RDI). The current review followed the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement. We searched main databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register) for articles addressing the focused question up to and including May 2018. Meta‐analyses were conducted for CBL and survival rates. Qualitatively, three clinical studies showed comparable CBL and survival rates between NDI and RDI at follow up. Only one study showed increased CBL around NDI compared to RDI. The overall weighted mean difference (WMD) for CBL (WMD = .06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = ‐.38‐.51, P=.76) and risk difference for survival rate (risk difference = .88, 95% CI = .22‐3.50, P=.85) were not significant between the NDI and RDI groups at follow up. NDI and RDI showed comparable CBL and survival rates. However, the findings of the present study should be interpreted with caution due to significant heterogeneity and the low number of included studies. Further randomized, controlled trials should be performed in order to obtain strong conclusions.
Trophic patterns and home‐range size of two generalist urban carnivores: a review
Authors: Castañeda I. , Bellard C. , Jarić I. , Pisanu B. , Chapuis J.‐L. , Bonnaud E.
Published: November 2018

Foxes and cats are the most abundant medium‐sized urban carnivores. To date, however, there has been a lack of effort to synthesize data on the spatial and trophic resources used by these two carnivores, despite the importance of this information for assessing their similarity and roles in urban food webs. In this paper, we first synthesize all available information on the trophic patterns and home‐range size of these two predators based on a total of 91 studies. Second, we conduct statistical analyses to test the influence of environmental and biological variables such as regional differences, habitat characteristics, age, and sexual status on their home‐range size and diet patterns within urban habitats, and then evaluate the methods used to investigate these components. Our findings highlight the lack of studies that simultaneously monitor the diet and home‐range size of both predators within urban habitats. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare fox and cat home‐range size and diet. Foxes exhibited larger ranges than cats, while intact cats showed larger home ranges than desexed cats. Diet diversity obtained for both predators confirmed their trophic plasticity within urban habitats. Both predators consumed fewer mammals and invertebrates in highly disturbed habitats compared to medium ones. We also found that the procedure of data acquisition significantly influenced fox and cat home‐range sizes. In terms of diet, the type of recovered samples had a significant effect on the diet composition of both predators. To improve our understanding of the relative impact of these two urban carnivores on urban wildlife, we recommend simultaneously studying both species in future studies. Moreover, methodological standards for both diet and home‐range size studies are needed to allow comparisons.
Biosynthesis of DDMP saponins in soybean is regulated by a distinct UDP‐glycosyltransferase
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Jagadeesh , Park Gyu Tae , Komagamine Kumpei , Tsukamoto Chigen , Chang Jeong Ho , Lee Jeong‐Dong , Kim Jeong Hoe , Seo Hak Soo , Song Jong Tae
Published: November 2018

2,3‐Dihydro‐2,5‐dihydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (DDMP) saponins are one of the major saponin groups that are widely distributed in legumes such as pea, barrel medic, chickpea, and soybean. The steps involved in DDMP saponin biosynthesis remain uncharacterized at the molecular level.

We isolated two recessive mutants that lack DDMP saponins from an ethyl methanesulfonate‐induced mutant population of soybean cultivar Pungsannamul.

Segregation analysis showed that the production of DDMP saponins is controlled by a single locus, named Sg‐9. The locus was physically mapped to a 130‐kb region on chromosome 16. Nucleotide sequence analysis of candidate genes in the region revealed that each mutant has a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the Glyma.16G033700 encoding a UDP‐glycosyltransferase UGT73B4. Enzyme assays and mass spectrum‐coupled chromatographic analysis reveal that the Sg‐9 protein has glycosyltransferase activity, converting sapogenins and group B saponins to glycosylated products, and that mutant proteins had only partial activities. The tissue‐specific expression profile of Sg‐9 matches the accumulation pattern of DDMP saponins.

This is the first report on a new gene and its function in the biosynthesis of DDMP saponins. Our findings indicate that Sg‐9 encodes a putative DDMP transferase that plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of DDMP saponins.
The SnRK1‐eIFiso4G1 signaling relay regulates the translation of specific mRNAs in Arabidopsis under submergence
Authors: Cho Hsing‐Yi , Lu Mei‐Yeh Jade , Shih Ming‐Che
Published: November 2018

Cellular responses to oxygen deprivation are essential for survival during energy crises in plants and animals. Hypoxia caused by submergence results in reprogramming of translation dynamic in plants, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that Arabidopsis Snf1‐related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) phosphorylates the translation initiation factor eIFiso4G to regulate translation dynamic under submergence.

In Arabidopsis, there are two eIFiso4G genes, eIFiso4G1 and eIFiso4G2, which belong to the eIF4G family. Both eIFiso4Gs were phosphorylated by SnRK1 under submergence. Interestingly, the eIFiso4G1 knockout mutant, but not the eIFiso4G2 mutant, became more sensitive to submergence, implying that eIFiso4G1 is involved in regulating submergence tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Comparison of RNA sequences in the polysome fraction and the RNAs immunoprecipitated by eIFiso4G1 from Col‐0 and the SnRK1 and eIFiso4G1 mutants revealed that lack of eIFiso4G1 phosphorylation disrupts the translation of specific mRNAs under submergence.

Taken together, our findings suggest that the SnRK1‐eIFiso4G1 relay controls the translation of an array of genes under hypoxia, including core hypoxia response genes and genes related to stress response and biosynthetic process.
Egg OIT in clinical practice (SEICAP II): Maintenance patterns and desensitization state after normalizing the diet
Authors: Martín‐Muñoz María Flora , Alonso Lebrero Elena , Zapatero Lidia , Fuentes Aparicio Victoria , Piquer Gibert Mónica , Plaza Martín Ana María , Muñoz Candelaria , Belver María Teresa , Martorell‐Calatayud Cristina , Martorell‐Aragonés Antonio , Blasco Cristina , Vilá Blanca , Gómez Catalina , Nevot Santiago , García Martín Juan Miguel , Madero Rosario , Echeverría Luis
Published: November 2018

Background

It is unknown which are the most suitable maintenance pattern and egg consumption to maintain the desensitization state after ending the oral immunotherapy (OIT). This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial compared two OIT maintenance patterns with pasteurized egg white (PEW), evaluating the egg consumption effect on the desensitization state after ending the OIT.

Methods

One hundred and one children with confirmed egg allergy were randomized: 25 to an egg‐free diet (CG) and 76 to an OIT year with PEW and two maintenance patterns, 38 patients to daily 3.3 g proteins (AG) and 38 to every two days (BG). PEW challenge (DBPCFC), adverse reactions, and immune markers were assessed at baseline, at the end of the OIT, and at 6 and 12 months later on ad libitum egg consumption (T0, T12, T18, and T24). A questionnaire evaluated the egg consumption at T18.

Results

At T12, 64 of 76 (84.21%) OIT patients had reached total desensitization (32 AG and 32 BG) vs 4 of 25 (16.00%) CG who passed the PEW DBPCFC. Thirty (93.75%) AG vs 25 (78.12%) BG patients completed an OIT year. At T18, 27 of 29 (93.1%) AG vs 20 of 24 (83.3%) BG passed the PEW DBPCFC, 96% consuming at least two egg servings/week. At T24, 97.43% OIT patients passed the challenge. Most patients had adverse reactions, more frequent in the BG patients; frequency and severity of reactions decreased through the study. PEW skin prick test wheal and sIgE antibody serum levels similarly decreased in AG or BG, but AG patients had greater increase in PEW sIgG4 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Daily OIT maintenance achieves better adherence, effectiveness, and safety. Two egg servings/week ensure maintained desensitization after the end of an OIT year.
The advancement of pediatric anesthesia pharmacology: David Ryan Cook (scions, serendipity, and six degrees of separation)
Authors: Cladis Franklyn P. , Mai Christine L. , Yaster Myron , Davis Peter J.
Published: November 2018

Dr David Ryan Cook, Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh and Chief of Anesthesiology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (1977‐1999), is a pioneer in the field of pediatric anesthesiology and pharmacology. Dr Cook contributed significantly to the understanding of pharmacologic differences among infants, children, and adults. His work as a clinician‐scientist, educator, and mentor defined the pharmacology of many of the anesthetic agents we continue to use today. He brought science to the art of anesthesia and enhanced the safety of pediatric perioperative care. Based on a 2017 interview with Dr Cook, this article outlines the development of his career and his contributions to the field of anesthesiology and pharmacology.
Topical treatment with a cathepsin G inhibitor, β‐keto‐phosphonic acid, blocks ultraviolet irradiation‐induced basement membrane damage in hairless mouse skin
Authors: Kusumaningrum Novi , Oh Jang‐Hee , Lee Dong Hun , Shin Chang‐Yup , Jang Jee‐Hee , Kim Yeon Kyung , Chung Jin Ho
Published: November 2018

Background

Ultraviolet light (UV) exposure contributes various effects to skin including damage of the basement membrane. Cathepsin G (CTSG) belongs to serine protease family, and its upregulation is involved in wrinkle formation by chronic UV irradiation. However, the effect of CTSG on the basement membrane damage in skin remains unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of topical treatment with a CTSG inhibitor, β‐keto‐phosphonic acid (KPA), on basement membrane damage in chronically UV‐irradiated hairless mouse skin.

Methods

The dorsal skin of hairless mice was exposed to UV three times per week for 8 weeks. KPA was applied immediately after each session of UV irradiation. The basement membrane components, CTSG expression, and neutrophil infiltration were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The basement membrane structures were visualized by transmission electron microscope. CTSG and MMP‐13 protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting. Assessment of wrinkle formation was examined using a skin replica assay.

Results

β‐keto‐phosphonic acid prevented UV irradiation‐induced decrease in type VII collagen, laminin 332, and perlecan at the basement membrane zone and prevented UV‐induced breakage of lamina densa and UV‐induced shortening of hemidesmosome. KPA prevented UV‐induced CTSG and MMP‐13 expressions in chronically UV‐irradiated hairless mice. Increase in neutrophil infiltration by UV irradiation and UV‐induced wrinkle formation was also prevented by KPA.

Conclusion

Our present study showed the possible involvement of CTSG in UV‐induced basement membrane damage in skin through topical treatment with a CTSG inhibitor, KPA. Thus, inhibition of CTSG may be a useful strategy for the prevention of UV‐induced basement membrane damage and photoaging.
Impact of phosphorus application on drought resistant responses of Eucalyptus grandis seedlings
Authors: Tariq Akash , Pan Kaiwen , Olatunji Olusanya A , Graciano Corina , Li Zilong , Li Ningning , Song Dagang , Sun Feng , Wu Xiaogang , Dakhil Mohammed A. , Sun Xiaoming , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2018

Eucalyptus grandis is the most widely planted tree species worldwide and can face severe drought during the initial months after planting because the root system is developing. A complete randomized design was used to study the effects of two water regimes (well‐watered and water‐stressed) and phosphorus (P) applications (with and without P) on the morphological and physio‐biochemical responses of E. grandis. Drought had negative effects on the growth and metabolism of E. grandis, as indicated by changes in morphological traits, decreased net photosynthetic rates (Pn), pigment concentrations, leaf relative water contents (LRWCs), nitrogenous compounds, over‐production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher lipid peroxidation. However, E. grandis showed effective drought tolerance strategies, such as reduced leaf area and transpiration rate (E), higher accumulation of soluble sugars and proline and a strong antioxidative enzyme system. P fertilization had positive effects on well‐watered seedlings due to improved growth and photosynthesis, which indicated the high P requirements during the initial E. grandis growth stage. In drought‐stressed seedlings, P application had no effects on the morphological traits, but it significantly improved the LRWC, Pn, quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll pigments, nitrogenous compounds and reduced lipid peroxidation. P fertilization improved E. grandis seedling growth under well‐watered conditions but also ameliorated some leaf physiological traits under drought conditions. The effects of P fertilization are mainly due to the enhancement of plant N nutrition. Therefore, P can be used as a fertilizer to improve growth and production in the face of future climate change.
Mycotoxins in aquaculture: feed and food
Authors: Gonçalves Rui A. , Schatzmayr Dian , Albalat Amaya , Mackenzie Simon
Published: November 2018

Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites produced by moulds, are responsible for causing significant economic losses due to spoilage of agricultural products but also due to direct or indirect health impact on livestock upon ingestion of mycotoxin contaminated feedstuffs. Aquaculture farmed species are not an exception and studies reporting mycotoxin‐related issues in the aquaculture industry have been increasing. However, our understanding on the prevalence and impact of mycotoxins in the aquaculture sector is still lower compared to the terrestrial livestock sector. Consequently, regulatory limits and guidance values have been defined based on the studies on terrestrial farm animals. The aim of this review is to compile and critically assess mycotoxin occurrence and co‐occurrence in aquaculture finished feeds, and understand the risk of mycotoxin carry‐over in aquaculture seafood products. Furthermore, we aim with this review to raise awareness to the scientific community, the regulatory authorities and the aquaculture industry to the need for specific aquaculture mycotoxin maximum concentration levels for both aquaculture feeds and foods.
Integrating Incomplete Information With Imperfect Advice
Authors: Vélez Natalia , Gweon Hyowon
Published: November 2018

When our own knowledge is limited, we often turn to others for information. However, social learning does not guarantee accurate learning or better decisions: Other people's knowledge can be as limited as our own, and their advice is not always helpful. This study examines how human learners put two “imperfect” heads together to make utility‐maximizing decisions. Participants played a card game where they chose to “stay” with a card of known value or “switch” to an unknown card, given an advisor's advice to stay or switch. Participants used advice strategically based on which cards the advisor could see (Experiment 1), how helpful the advisor was (Experiment 2), and what strategy the advisor used to select advice (Experiment 3). Overall, participants benefited even from imperfect advice based on incomplete information. Participants’ responses were consistent with a Bayesian model that jointly infers how the advisor selects advice and the value of the advisor's card, compared to an alternative model that weights advice based on the advisor's accuracy. By reasoning about others’ minds, human learners can make the best of even noisy, impoverished social information.
Risk of transfusion‐associated dengue: screening of blood donors from Pune, western India
Authors: Kulkarni Ruta , Tiraki Divya , Wani Dileep , Mishra Akhilesh C. , Arankalle Vidya A.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Dengue, a mosquito‐borne viral disease, is endemic in >125 countries worldwide. The threat of blood‐borne transmission of dengue virus (DENV) has been documented.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was conducted to assess the potential magnitude of transfusion‐associated dengue, by determination of DENV seromarkers in blood donations from Pune, India, during two dengue seasons (2016 and 2017). These included DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), anti‐DENV immunoglobulin (Ig) M, anti‐DENV IgG (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay), and DENV RNA (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction).

RESULTS

NS1 (IgM) reactivity was 1 of 209, 0.48% (11/209, 5.3%) in 2016 and 2 of 311, 0.64% (20/311, 6.4%) in 2017. Of the 34 NS1/IgM reactives, 1 NS1‐reactive donor and 10 IgM‐reactive donors exhibited evidence of secondary infection. DENV RNA was not detected in any of the 34 NS1/IgM reactives. Among the NS1/IgM negatives, anti‐DENV IgG reactivity was high in 2016 (75%) and further increased in 2017 (87%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Although RNA negative, detection of 34 NS1/IgM‐reactive donations, of which 11 had evidence of secondary infection, suggests the need for further evaluation on the basis of potential risk to recipients of either dengue transmission or increased risk of secondary infection. These would include multicenter studies followed by cost‐benefit analyses.
The association between blood donor sex and age and transfusion recipient mortality: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Heddle Nancy M. , Cook Richard J. , Liu Yang , Zeller Michelle , Barty Rebecca , Acker Jason P. , Eikelboom John , Arnold Donald M.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

There is recent support for long‐term adverse effects of donor‐recipient sex‐mismatched red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, but short‐term impact is unknown. A retrospective exploratory analysis was performed using data from a research database.

METHODS

Adults admitted to hospitals in one Canadian center who received RBCs (2008–2014 [3 sites]; 2012–2014 [1 site]) were eligible. Patient data were extracted from a research database and donor data from the blood supplier. Cox regression models were used, with control of risk and confounding variables as covariates or using stratification. Exposure was defined by mutually exclusive categories. The outcome was in‐hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 25,219 adults received 97,886 RBCs. Diagnoses included cardiovascular (28.8%), neoplastic (15.6%), traumatic (15.4%), or gastrointestinal (10.5%); 56.3% of transfused RBCs were male donors, and median donor age was 45 years (interquartile range, 30–54). Female patients exposed to male RBCs experienced a higher risk of in‐hospital death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.69; p = 0.038) compared to exclusive female RBC exposure. Exposure to RBCs from donors aged 45 years or younger was associated with a higher in‐hospital death (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02–1.44; p = 0.026) compared to exclusive RBC exposure to donors older than 45 years. Donor‐recipient sex‐mismatched RBC exposure (vs. exclusively sex‐matched) and RBC exposure from donors aged 45 years or younger (vs. exclusively RBCs from donors >45) were associated with increased mortality: sex‐mismatched (HR, 1.23; (95% CI, 1.04–1.45; p = 0.017); donors aged 45 years or younger (HR, 1.21; (95% CI, 1.02–1.43; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Donor‐recipient sex‐matched RBC transfusions and transfusions from older donors may benefit patients.
Poverty sequestration using Sawdust biomass energy in Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Umar Abubakar , Hamzah Khaidzir , Muhammad Saleh Muneer Aziz , Fagge Nasiru Isa , Muhammad Muhammad Rawi , Bashir Dalladi Jatau
Published: November 2018

The commensurate increase in the price of kerosene and gas created fear in the minds of many Nigerians, which force them to think of the future and show much concern about the security of energy needed for survival and economic sustainability. The growing demand in energy coupled with the population increase places more demand on agricultural biomass such as sawdust to be used for heating processes. A large quantity of sawdust is produced on daily basis in most Nigerian cities and can be utilize for domestic heating. The potential of this biomass to serve as an alternative energy source is explored in this work. About 1500 gram of sieved sawdust mixed with 150 gram of starch binder were prepared into a moderate size briquette. Study on combustion performances was conducted using constructed sawdust stove. Analysis of the experimental data indicates that the sawdust stove performances in terms of combustion rate and efficiency are comparable to that of kerosene stove and surpass ordinary fire-wood stoves. The advantage of using sawdust for heating applications are its domestic origin and help in waste management.
Electrical pulse stimulation induces differential responses in insulin action in myotubes from severely obese individuals
Authors: Park Sanghee , Turner Kristen D. , Zheng Donghai , Brault Jeffrey J. , Zou Kai , Chaves Alec B. , Nielsen Thomas S. , Tanner Charles J. , Treebak Jonas T. , Houmard Joseph A.
Published: November 2018

Key points

Exercise/exercise training can enhance insulin sensitivity through adaptations in skeletal muscle, the primary site of insulin‐mediated glucose disposal; however, in humans the range of improvement can vary substantially.

The purpose of this study was to determine if obesity influences the magnitude of the exercise response in relation to improving insulin sensitivity in human skeletal muscle.

Electrical pulse stimulation (EPS; 24 h) of primary human skeletal muscle myotubes improved insulin action in tissue from both lean and severely obese individuals, but responses to EPS were blunted with obesity.

EPS improved insulin signal transduction in myotubes from lean but not severely obese subjects and increased AMP accumulation and AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation, but to a lesser degree in myotubes from the severely obese.

These data reveal that myotubes of severely obese individuals enhance insulin action and stimulate exercise‐responsive molecules with contraction, but in a manner and magnitude that differs from lean subjects.

Exercise/muscle contraction can enhance whole‐body insulin sensitivity; however, in humans the range of improvements can vary substantially. In order, to determine if obesity influences the magnitude of the exercise response, this study compared the effects of electrical pulse stimulation (EPS)‐induced contractile activity upon primary myotubes derived from lean and severely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) women. Prior to muscle contraction, insulin action was compromised in myotubes from the severely obese as was evident from reduced insulin‐stimulated glycogen synthesis, glucose oxidation, glucose uptake, insulin signal transduction (IRS1, Akt, TBC1D4), and insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation. EPS (24 h) increased AMP, IMP, AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation, PGC1α content, and insulin action in myotubes of both the lean and severely obese subjects. However, despite normalizing indices of insulin action to levels seen in the lean control (non‐EPS) condition, responses to EPS were blunted with obesity. EPS improved insulin signal transduction in myotubes from lean but not severely obese subjects and EPS increased AMP accumulation and AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation, but to a lesser degree in myotubes from the severely obese. These data reveal that myotubes of severely obese individuals enhance insulin action and stimulate exercise‐responsive molecules with contraction, but in a manner and magnitude that differs from lean subjects.
Innovative Teaching and Learning Strategies in Kinesiology
Authors: Bodary Peter F. , Gross M. Melissa
Published: November 2018

Although the use of active-learning strategies in the classroom is effective, it is underutilized due to resistance to change from the traditional classroom, a limited evidence base for optimizing engaged learning, and limited support for faculty to overhaul their course structure. Despite these barriers, engaged learning is highly relevant, as the expected job skills of graduates continue to grow and are biased away from rote memorization and toward critical thinking and communication skills. The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines continue to accrue evidence demonstrating that different engaged-learning formats provide for better learning and preparation for careers. This article describes 2 innovative course formats the authors have used to increase student engagement and enhance competence in the areas of critical thinking, evidence gathering, and scientific communication. Furthermore, the authors discuss what they have learned while applying these teaching approaches to the development of new courses and the enhancement of established courses.
Interplay of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) and SrrAB in Modulation of
Staphylococcus aureus
Metabolism and Virulence
Authors: James Kimberly L. , Mogen Austin B. , Brandwein Jessica N. , Orsini Silvia S. , Ridder Miranda J. , Markiewicz Mary A. , Bose Jeffrey L. , Rice Kelly C.
Published: November 2018

Staphylococcus aureus
nitric oxide synthase (saNOS) is a major contributor to virulence, stress resistance, and physiology, yet the specific mechanism(s) by which saNOS intersects with other known regulatory circuits is largely unknown. The SrrAB two-component system, which modulates gene expression in response to the reduced state of respiratory menaquinones, is a positive regulator of
nos
expression.
Safety of dual biological therapy in Crohn’s disease: a case series of vedolizumab in combination with other biologics
Authors: Mao Eric J , Lewin Sara , Terdiman Jonathan P , Beck Kendall
Published: November 2018

Uncertainty exists regarding safety and efficacy of dual biological therapy (DBT) in inflammatory bowel disease. We present four cases of DBT in Crohn’s disease. Three patients had refractory disease non-responsive to biological monotherapy or combination therapy with immunomodulators. One patient had concomitant ankylosing spondylitis. DBT was implemented by combining vedolizumab with an anti tumour necrosis antibody or with ustekinumab. DBT was well-tolerated, though two patients did experience self-limited infections. The efficacy of DBT remains unproven but it appears promising as three of the four patients achieved clinical remission. Our case series contributes insight into the safety of DBT that incorporates vedolizumab for future efficacy studies.
Retrospective study of haemophagocytic syndrome hospitalisations in children in the USA
Authors: Badheka Aditya , Bangalore Prakash Pradeep , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Allareddy Veerajalandhar
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The haemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a rare condition that presents with uncontrolled inflammation leading to multiorgan failure and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current national estimates of children hospitalised due to HS are unknown. Characterising and understanding the burden of HS-related hospitalisations at a national level is the initial step in optimising the overall care.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2012 to 2014. The NIS is the largest all-payer inpatient care dataset in the USA that contains more than seven million hospital stays and its large sample size is ideal for developing national estimates of rare conditions. All patients aged up to 18 years who were primarily hospitalised due to HS were selected for our study. Descriptive statistics were used. A multitude of patient-level and hospital-level variables were assessed. Outcome variables included overall in-hospital mortality, hospital charges and the length of stay.

Results

A total of 840 patients aged up to 18 years were hospitalised primarily due to HS in the USA. Mean age was 5.7 years. 57.4% were males. Whites comprised 45%. 6.5% died in hospital. A vast majority (78%) were admitted on an emergency/urgent basis. The most frequent payers included Medicaid (50%) and private insurance (36.9%). Almost 80% of children had at least one comorbid condition. 96.3% of patients were treated in urban teaching hospitals. Southern regions accounted for 42.6% of all hospitalisations. The median length of stay in hospital was 9.6 days and the median hospitalisation charge was US$100 426.

Conclusion

Nearly 1 in 15 children who were hospitalised due to HS died. The resource utilisation associated with HS-related hospitalisations is considerable. The majority of hospitalised children with HS had comorbid conditions.
Novel homozygousCFAP69mutations in humans and mice cause severe asthenoteratospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella
Authors: He Xiaojin , Li Weiyu , Wu Huan , Lv Mingrong , Liu Wangjie , Liu Chunyu , Zhu Fuxi , Li Caihua , Fang Youyan , Yang Chenyu , Cheng Huiru , Zhang Junqiang , Tan Jing , Chen Tingting , Tang Dongdong , Song Bing , Wang Xue , Zha Xiaomin , Wang Hongyan , Wei Zhaolian , Yang Shenmin , Saiyin Hexige , Zhou Ping , Jin Li , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Feng , Cao Yunxia
Published: November 2018

Background

Male infertility is a major issue of human reproduction health. Asthenoteratospermia can impair sperm motility and cause male infertility. Asthenoteratospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) presents abnormal spermatozoa with absent, bent, coiled, short and/or irregular-calibre flagella. Previous studies on MMAF reported that genetic defects in cilia-related genes (eg,AKAP4,DNAH1,CFAP43,CFAP44andCFAP69) are the major cause of MMAF. However, the known MMAF-associated genes are only responsible for approximately 30% to 50% of human cases. We further investigated the cases with MMAF in search of additional genes mutated in this condition.

Methods and results

We conducted whole exome sequencing in a male individual with MMAF from a consanguineous Han Chinese family. Sanger sequencing was also conducted in additional individuals with MMAF. Intriguingly, a homozygous frameshift mutation (p.Leu357Hisfs*11) was identified in the gene encoding CFAP69 (cilia and flagella-associated protein 69), which is highly expressed in testis. The subsequent Sanger sequencing of theCFAP69coding regions among 34 additional individuals with MMAF revealed a case with homozygous nonsense mutation (p.Trp216*) ofCFAP69. Both of theseCFAP69loss-of-function mutations were not present in the human population genome data archived in the 1000 Genomes Project and ExAC databases, nor in 875 individuals of two Han Chinese control populations. Furthermore, we generated the knockout model in mouse orthologueCfap69using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Remarkably, maleCfap69-knockout mice manifested with MMAF phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our experimental findings elucidate that homozygous loss-of-function mutations inCFAP69can lead to asthenoteratospermia with MMAF in humans and mice.
Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency as a differential diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1: consensus guidelines for testing a child without malignancy
Authors: Suerink Manon , Ripperger Tim , Messiaen Ludwine , Menko Fred H , Bourdeaut Franck , Colas Chrystelle , Jongmans Marjolijn , Goldberg Yael , Nielsen Maartje , Muleris Martine , van Kouwen Mariëtte , Slavc Irene , Kratz Christian , Vasen Hans F , Brugiѐres Laurence , Legius Eric , Wimmer Katharina
Published: November 2018

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare childhood cancer predisposition syndrome caused by biallelic germline mutations in one of four mismatch-repair genes. Besides very high tumour risks, CMMRD phenotypes are often characterised by the presence of signs reminiscent of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Because NF1 signs may be present prior to tumour onset, CMMRD is a legitimate differential diagnosis in an otherwise healthy child suspected to have NF1/Legius syndrome without a detectable underlying NF1/SPRED1 germline mutation. However, no guidelines indicate when to counsel and test for CMMRD in this setting. Assuming that CMMRD is rare in these patients and that expected benefits of identifying CMMRD prior to tumour onset should outweigh potential harms associated with CMMRD counselling and testing in this setting, we aimed at elaborating a strategy to preselect, among children suspected to have NF1/Legius syndrome without a causative NF1/SPRED1 mutation and no overt malignancy, those children who have a higher probability of having CMMRD. At an interdisciplinary workshop, we discussed estimations of the frequency of CMMRD as a differential diagnosis of NF1 and potential benefits and harms of CMMRD counselling and testing in a healthy child with no malignancy. Preselection criteria and strategies for counselling and testing were developed and reviewed in two rounds of critical revisions. Existing diagnostic CMMRD criteria were adapted to serve as a guideline as to when to consider CMMRD as differential diagnosis of NF1/Legius syndrome. In addition, counselling and testing strategies are suggested to minimise potential harms.