bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive multiple predator effects can reduce mosquito populations
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Callaghan Amanda , Sentis Arnaud , Dalal Arpita , Dick Jaimie T. A.
Published: August 2019

1. Multiple predator interactions may profoundly alter ecological community dynamics and can complicate predictions of simpler pairwise predator–prey interaction strengths. In particular, multiple predator effects may lessen or enhance prey risk, with implications for community‐level stability. Such emergent effects may modulate natural enemy efficacy towards target organisms.

2. In the present study, a functional response approach was used to quantify emergent multiple predator effects among natural enemies towards the disease vector mosquito complex,Culex pipiens. Conspecific multiple predator–predator interactions of the cyclopoid copepodMacrocyclops albidus(intermediate predator) were quantified by comparing multiple predator consumption simulations, based on individual consumption rates, with multiple predator consumption rates that were experimentally observed. Further, the study examined the influence of the presence of a predator at a higher trophic level,Chaoborus flavicans, on copepod group predation.

3. Both predators displayed type II functional responses, withC. flavicansconsuming significantly more prey thanM. albidusindividually. Overall consumption levels of mosquitoes increased with greater predator density and richness. Antagonistic or synergistic emergent multiple predator effects between conspecifics ofM. albiduswere not detected, and the higher‐level predator did not reduce effects of the intermediate predator. Accordingly, evidence for additive multiple predator interactions was found.

4. The lack of predator–predator interference between cyclopoid copepods and larval chaoborid midges provides strong support for their combined application in mosquito biocontrol. It is proposed that there should be increased examination of multiple predator effects in assessments of natural enemy efficacies to better understand overall predatory effects within communities and utilities in vector control.
Genetic variability of hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha (HIFA) genes in familial erythrocytosis: Analysis of the literature and genome databases
Authors: Kristan Aleša , Debeljak Nataša , Kunej Tanja
Published: August 2019

Familial erythrocytosis (FE) is a congenital disorder, defined by elevated red blood cell number, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Among eight types of FE, type 4 is caused by variants in the EPAS1 gene. Two other hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha (HIFA) subunits, HIF1A and HIF3A, have not yet been associated with medical history of FE, but have potential role in the development of erythrocytosis. To improve diagnosis, it is crucial to identify new variants in genes involved in erythrocyte production. Published literature and data from genome browsers were used to obtain HIFA sequence variants associated with erythrocytosis and to locate them on protein sequence and regulatory sites. We retrieved 24 variants from the literature: 2 in HIF1A, 20 in EPAS1 and 2 in HIF3A gene. Sixteen out of 20 variants in the EPAS1 gene are positioned in a conserved region of 13 amino acids within exon 12, next to regulatory post‐translational modification and binding sites, suggesting that EPAS1 has an important role in erythropoiesis. The role of HIF1A and HIF3A in the development of erythrocytosis should be further investigated.
The ventrolateral periaqueductal grey updates fear via positive prediction error
Authors: Walker Rachel A. , Wright Kristina M. , Jhou Thomas C. , McDannald Michael A.
Published: August 2019

Aversive, positive prediction error (+PE) provides a mechanism to update and increase future fear to uncertain threat predictors. The ventrolateral periaqueductal grey (vlPAG) has been offered as a neural locus for +PE computation. Yet, a causal demonstration of vlPAG +PE activity to update fear remains elusive. We devised a fear discrimination procedure in which a danger cue predicts shock deterministically and an uncertainty cue predicts shock probabilistically, requiring prediction errors to achieve an appropriate fear response. Recording vlPAG single‐unit activity during fear discrimination in Long‐Evans rats, we reveal activity related to shock is consistent with +PE and updates subsequent fear to uncertainty at the trial level. We further demonstrate that vlPAG inhibition during shock selectively decreases future fear to uncertainty, but not danger, and temporal emergence of this effect is consistent with single‐unit activity. These findings provide causal evidence that vlPAG +PE is necessary for fear updating.
Amygdala–prefrontal cortex connectivity increased during face discrimination but not time perception
Authors: Kale Emre H. , Üstün Sertaç , Çiçek Metehan
Published: August 2019

Time sensitivity is affected by emotional stimuli such as fearful faces. The effect of threatening stimuli on time perception depends on numerous factors, including task type and duration range. We applied a two‐interval forced‐choice task using face stimuli to healthy volunteers to evaluate time perception and emotion interaction using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We conducted finite impulse response analysis to examine time series for the significantly activated brain areas and psycho‐physical interaction to investigate the connectivity between selected regions. Time perception engaged a right‐lateralised frontoparietal network, while a face discrimination task activated the amygdala and fusiform face area (FFA). No voxels were active with regard to the effect of expression (fearful versus neutral). In parallel with this, our behavioural results showed that attending to the fearful faces did not cause duration overestimation. Finally, connectivity of the amygdala andFFAto the middle frontal gyrus increased during the face processing condition compared to the timing task. Overall, our results suggest that the prefrontal–amygdala connectivity might be required for the emotional processing of facial stimuli. On the other hand, attentional load, task type and task difficulty are discussed as possible factors that influence the effects of emotion on time perception.
Prospects for seascape repair: Three case studies from eastern Australia
Authors: Creighton Colin , Prahalad Vishnu N. , McLeod Ian , Sheaves Marcus , Taylor Matthew D. , Walshe Terry
Published: August 2019

Three case studies spanning tropical, subtropical and temperate environments highlight the minimum potential benefits of investing in repair of coastal seascapes. Fisheries, a market benefit indicator readily understood by a range of stakeholders from policymakers to community advocates, were used as a surrogate for ecosystem services generated through seascape habitat restoration. For each case study, while recognising that biological information will always remain imperfect, the prospects for seascape repair are compelling.
Characteristics of free air carbon dioxide enrichment of a northern temperate mature forest
Authors: Hart Kris M. , Curioni Giulio , Blaen Phillip , Harper Nicholas J. , Miles Peter , Lewin Keith F. , Nagy John , Bannister Edward J. , Cai Xiaoming M. , Thomas Rick M. , Krause Stefan , Tausz Michael , MacKenzie A. Robert
Published: August 2019

In 2017, the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) began to conduct Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) within a mature broadleaf deciduous forest situated in the United Kingdom. BIFoR FACE employs large‐scale infrastructure, in the form of lattice towers, forming ‘arrays’ which encircle a forest plot of ~30 m diameter. BIFoR FACE consists of three treatment arrays to elevate local CO2 concentrations (e[CO2]) by +150 µmol/mol. In practice, acceptable operational enrichment (ambient [CO2] + e[CO2]) is ±20% of the set point 1‐min average target. There are a further three arrays that replicate the infrastructure and deliver ambient air as paired controls for the treatment arrays. For the first growing season with e[CO2] (April to November 2017), [CO2] measurements in treatment and control arrays show that the target concentration was successfully delivered, that is: +147 ± 21 µmol/mol (mean ± SD) or 98 ± 14% of set point enrichment target. e[CO2] treatment was accomplished for 97.7% of the scheduled operation time, with the remaining time lost due to engineering faults (0.6% of the time), CO2 supply issues (0.6%) or adverse weather conditions (1.1%). CO2 demand in the facility was driven predominantly by wind speed and the formation of the deciduous canopy. Deviations greater than 10% from the ambient baseline CO2 occurred <1% of the time in control arrays. Incidences of cross‐contamination >80 µmol/mol (i.e. >53% of the treatment increment) into control arrays accounted for <0.1% of the enrichment period. The median [CO2] values in reconstructed three‐dimensional [CO2] fields show enrichment somewhat lower than the target but still well above ambient. The data presented here provide confidence in the facility setup and can be used to guide future next‐generation forest FACE facilities built into tall and complex forest stands.
Co‐encapsulation of resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate in low methoxyl pectin‐coated liposomes with great stability in orange juice
Authors: Feng Simin , Sun Yuxin , Wang Pei , Sun Peilong , Ritzoulis Christos , Shao Ping
Published: August 2019

To improve long‐term stability of the liposomes, resveratrol (RES) liposomes, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) liposomes, RES+EGCG liposomes, RES+EGCG liposomes coated with low methoxyl pectin (LMP) were prepared, and their physical properties were evaluated. The prepared liposomes have a particle sizes of about 110–160 nm. The LMP‐coated composite liposomes have the largest particle size and zeta potential, the latter indicating higher system stability. Liposome systems were pasteurised and placed in an orange juice system as to study liposome stability in a real the food environment. LMP bridge with metal ions forming a network‐like gel in the LMP‐coated composite liposomes, thereby enhancing the stability of liposomes. LMP‐decorated liposomes could be developed as a formulation for encapsulating and delivering functional ingredients.
Recent developments in molecular docking technology applied in food science: a review
Authors: Tao Xuan , Huang Yukun , Wang Chong , Chen Fang , Yang Lingling , Ling Li , Che Zhenming , Chen Xianggui
Published: August 2019

Molecular docking is a theoretical simulation method based on bioinformatics, which studies the interaction between molecules (such as ligands and receptors), and predicts their binding modes and affinity via a computer platform. This technology acts as a promising mean in medicinal chemistry such as structure‐based rational drug design, which is accepted by researchers in the scientific community. During recent years, various fundamental studies involving biomolecular interaction in the food matrix have gradually emerged. The remarkable advantages of molecular docking such as predicting experiments are attracting increasing attention for its application potential in various fields. This review presents the theory and software development of molecular docking, and emphasises its application in the field of food science, including nutritional components and food safety. Moreover, the operational mechanisms of molecular docking are further summarised in this review.
Nocturnal dipping status and the association of morning blood pressure surge with subclinical target organ damage in untreated hypertensives
Authors: Gong Shenzhen , Liu Kai , Ye Runyu , Li Jiangbo , Yang Changqiang , Chen Xiaoping
Published: August 2019

The authors aimed to investigate the association between sleep‐through morning surge (MS) in blood pressure (BP) and subclinical target organ damage in untreated hypertensives with different nocturnal dipping status. This cross‐sectional study included 1252 individuals who underwent anthropometric measurements, serum biochemistry evaluation, 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, and carotid ultrasonography. Left ventricular mass index, left atrial dimension, and carotid intima‐media thickness were evaluated. Participants were grouped according to nocturnal systolic BP dipping rate (388 dippers, 10%‐20%; 674 non‐dippers, 0%‐10%; 190 reverse dippers, <0%). Twenty‐two extreme dippers were excluded. While reverse dippers exhibited the most severe signs of damage, only dippers showed significant and positive correlation between MS and hypertension‐mediated organ damage (all P < .05), with significant area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for discriminating left ventricular hypertrophy (0.662), left atrial enlargement (0.604), and carotid intima‐media thickening (left, 0.758; right, 0.726; all P < .05). MS showed significant association with subclinical organ damage on both logistic and multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and alcohol consumption status, as well as for the levels of fasting blood glucose, uric acid, serum creatinine, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, even when 24‐hour, daytime, nocturnal, and morning systolic BP were included (odds ratio >1 and P < .01 for all types of damage). Besides race, nocturnal dipping status might affect the role of MS in subclinical target organ damage, with a significant association only in dippers, independent of other systolic BP parameters. Dipping status might account for the discrepancies across previous reports.
Microbiome in maintained periodontitis and its shift over a single maintenance interval of 3 months
Authors: Lu Hongye , Zhao Yibing , Feng Xianghui , He Lu , Meng Huanxin
Published: August 2019

Aim

To assess the subgingival microbial shift of maintained periodontitis treated by ultrasonic scaling (US) or air polishing (AP) during a 3‐month maintenance interval.

Materials and methods

We conducted a 12‐week randomized split‐mouth controlled trial with US and AP in 17 maintained subjects (bleeding on probing [BOP%] ≤25%, probing depth [PD] ≤5 mm). They were monitored at baseline, week 2, week 8 and week 12. The V3‐V4 region of the 16S rDNA from 136 subgingival plaque samples was sequenced and analysed.

Results

Treatment by US or AP could effectively reduce the PD, microbial richness, diversity, periodontitis‐associated microbiota and pathogenic metabolism in maintained periodontitis. Bacteria recolonized after treatment and returned to the pre‐treatment level 12 weeks after treatment. Ultrasonic scaling group demonstrated slight advantage in reducing BOP (%), pathogenic bacteria and metabolism than AP group. Pathogenic microbiota and commensal microbiota kept a balance in subgingival community of maintained patients during the 3‐month interval.

Conclusions

Treatment by US or AP effectively reduced the pathogenicity of subgingival microbiome by reducing microbial diversity, proportion of periodontitis‐associated microbiota and pathogenic metabolism. It helped to keep a balanced subgingival community and stable periodontal condition over a single maintenance interval of 3 months.
Passage survival of European and American eels at Francis and propeller turbines
Authors: Heisey Paul G. , Mathur Dilip , Phipps Joanne L. , Avalos Jerry Christopher , Hoffman Cory E. , Adams Steven W. , De‐Oliveira Eric
Published: August 2019

We present the magnitude of losses of European eel Anguilla anguilla and American eel A. rostrata in passage through propeller and Francis turbines at hydroelectric projects. Survival and injury rates and types were turbine type related. Overall, eel survival was higher (mean ± 90% CI = 95.1 ± 5.3%,) and injury rate lower (12.5 ± 10.5) at Francis than propeller turbines (survival = 80.7 ± 6.4%; injury rate = 25.7 ± 7.9%). The common injury type at Francis turbines was bruises and at propeller turbines was severance. Blade shape and thickness of the leading edge of the blades (rounded, thick buckets of Francis turbines v. flatter, sharper edged blades in propeller turbines); eel entry routes into the turbines; their flexible, cylindrical body shape and orientation probably contributed to these differences. Relationship between survival and injury and turbine characteristics was turbine specific. For Francis turbines, one negative correlation (r = −0.986, P < 0.01) between survival and runner speed was found and two positive correlations between injury rates and fish length (r = 0.740, P < 0.10) and number of blades (r = 0.835, P < 0.05) were noted for propeller turbines. Several severely injured eels remained active 48 h after turbine passage suggesting caution is warranted when using telemetric movement for estimating eel survival. We conclude there is a need to (a) better understand travel paths and approach orientation of eels through turbines; (b) determine where only eel passage is of concern at hydropower plants that have both turbine types and therefore preferential operation of Francis turbines may be considered; (c) inform hydropower plant operators where turbine replacement is being considered and downstream eel passage is of concern that replacement by Francis or bulb turbines may prove beneficial for eel passage.
Heterogeneous outcome reporting in adult slow‐transit constipation studies: Systematic review towards a core outcome set
Authors: Heemskerk Stella C M , Rotteveel Adriënne H , Melenhorst Jarno , Breukink Stéphanie O , Kimman Merel L , Dirksen Carmen D
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Standardizing evaluative outcomes and their assessment facilitates comparisons between clinical studies and provides a basis for comparing direct effects of different treatment options. The aim of this study was to systematically review types of outcomes and measurement instruments used in studies regarding treatment options for slow‐transit constipation (STC) in adults.

Methods

In this systematic review of the literature, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO from inception through February 2018, for papers assessing any STC treatment in adult patients. Outcomes were systematically extracted and categorized in domains using the conceptual framework of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology filter 2.0. Outcome reporting was stratified by decade of publication, intervention, and study type.

Results

Forty‐seven studies were included in this systematic review. Fifty‐nine different types of outcomes were identified. The outcomes were structured in three core areas and 18 domains. The most commonly reported domains were defecation functions (94%), gastrointestinal transit (53%), and health‐care service use (51%). The most frequently reported outcomes were defecation frequency (83%), health‐related quality of life (43%), and adverse events and complications (43%). In 62% of the studies, no primary outcome was defined, whereas in two studies, more than one primary outcomes were selected. A wide diversity of measurement instruments was used to assess the reported outcomes.

Conclusion

Outcomes reported in studies on STC in adults are heterogeneous. A lack of standardization complicates comparisons between studies. Developing a core outcome set for STC in adults could contribute to standardization of outcome reporting in (future) studies.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5)‐positive allosteric modulators differentially induce or potentiate desensitization of mGlu5 signaling in recombinant cells and neurons
Authors: Hellyer Shane D. , Albold Sabine , Sengmany Kathy , Singh Junaid , Leach Katie , Gregory Karen J.
Published: August 2019

Allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) are a promising therapeutic strategy for a number of neurological disorders. Multiple mGlu5‐positive allosteric modulator (PAM) chemotypes have been discovered that act as either pure PAMs or as PAM‐agonists in recombinant and native cells. While these compounds have been tested in paradigms of receptor activation, their effects on receptor regulatory processes are largely unknown. In this study, acute desensitization of mGlu5 mediated intracellular calcium mobilization by structurally diverse mGlu5 orthosteric and allosteric ligands was assessed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and primary murine neuronal cultures from both striatum and cortex. We aimed to determine the intrinsic efficacy and modulatory capacity of diverse mGlu5 PAMs [(R)‐5‐((3‐fluorophenyl)ethynyl)‐N‐(3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutan‐2‐yl)picolinamide (VU0424465), N‐cyclobutyl‐6‐((3‐fluorophenyl)ethynyl)picolinamide (VU0360172), 1‐(4‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)‐2‐((4‐fluorobenzyl)oxy)ethanone (DPFE), ((4‐fluorophenyl) (2‐(phenoxymethyl)‐6,7‐dihydrooxazolo[5,4‐c]pyridin‐5(4H)‐yl)methanone) (VU0409551), 3‐Cyano‐N‐(1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)benzamide (CDPPB)] on receptor desensitization and whether cellular context influences receptor regulatory processes. Only VU0424465 and VU0409551 induced desensitization alone in human embryonic kidney 293‐mGlu5 cells, while all PAMs enhanced (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)‐induced desensitization. All mGlu5 PAMs induced receptor desensitization alone and enhanced DHPG‐induced desensitization in striatal neurons. VU0424465 and VU0360172 were the only PAMs that induced desensitization alone in cortical neurons. With the exception of (CDPPB), PAMs enhanced DHPG‐induced desensitization in cortical neurons. Moreover, differential apparent affinities, efficacies, and cooperativities with DHPG were observed for VU0360172, VU0409551, and VU0424465 when comparing receptor activation and desensitization in a cell type‐dependent manner. These data indicate that biased mGlu5 allosteric modulator pharmacology extends to receptor regulatory processes in a tissue dependent manner, adding yet another layer of complexity to rational mGlu5 drug discovery.

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NYX‐2925 induces metabotropic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) signaling that enhances synaptic NMDAR and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor
Authors: Bowers M. Scott , Cacheaux Luisa P. , Sahu Srishti U. , Schmidt Mary E. , Sennello Joseph A. , Leaderbrand Katherine , Khan M. Amin , Kroes Roger A. , Moskal Joseph R.
Published: August 2019

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) mediate both physiological and pathophysiological processes, although selective ligands lack broad clinical utility. NMDARs are composed of multiple subunits, but N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor subunit 2 (GluN2) is predominately responsible for functional heterogeneity. Specifically, the GluN2A‐ and GluN2B‐containing subtypes are enriched in adult hippocampus and cortex and impact neuronal communication via dynamic trafficking into and out of the synapse. We sought to understand if ((2S, 3R)‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐((R)‐5‐isobutyryl‐1‐oxo‐2,5‐diazaspiro[3,4]octan‐2‐yl) butanamide (NYX‐2925), a novel NMDAR modulator, alters synaptic levels of GluN2A‐ or GluN2B‐containing NMDARs. Low‐picomolar NYX‐2925 increased GluN2B colocalization with the excitatory post‐synaptic marker post‐synaptic density protein 95 (PSD‐95) in rat primary hippocampal neurons within 30 min. Twenty‐four hours following oral administration, 1 mg/kg NYX‐2925 increased GluN2B in PSD‐95‐associated complexes ex vivo, and low‐picomolar NYX‐2925 regulated numerous trafficking pathways in vitro. Because the NYX‐2925 concentration that increases synaptic GluN2B was markedly below that which enhances long‐term potentiation (mid‐nanomolar), we sought to elucidate the basis of this effect. Although NMDAR‐dependent, NYX‐2925‐mediated colocalization of GluN2B with PSD‐95 occurred independent of ion flux, as colocalization increased in the presence of either the NMDAR channel blocker (5R,10S)‐(–)‐5‐Methyl‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten‐5,10‐imine hydrogen maleate or glycine site antagonist 7‐chlorokynurenic acid. Moreover, while mid‐nanomolar NYX‐2925 concentrations, which do not increase synaptic GluN2B, enhanced calcium transients, functional plasticity was only enhanced by picomolar NYX‐2925. Thus, NYX‐2925 concentrations that increase synaptic GluN2B facilitated the chemical long‐term potentiation induced insertion of synaptic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor GluA1 subunit levels. Basal (unstimulated by chemical long‐term potentiation) levels of synaptic GluA1 were only increased by mid‐nanomolar NYX‐2925. These data suggest that NYX‐2925 facilitates homeostatic plasticity by initially increasing synaptic GluN2B via metabotropic‐like NMDAR signaling.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14735.
First report of Bipolaris bicolor causing a leaf spot disease on rubber tree
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Peng Yun , Liu Yanchao , Wang Meng , Yang Ye , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2019

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is the only resource for commercial natural rubber production and thus has economic importance in Southeast Asia. A spot disease on the leaves of a rubber tree was first discovered in 2017 in Hainan, China. In this study, the fungal isolate MA1 from the infected tissues was determined to be a pathogen of the spot disease by satisfying Koch's postulates. The isolate MA1 was identified as Bipolaris bicolor based on the morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analysis. Among fungicides, prochloraz, iprodione and pyraclostrobin significantly inhibited hyphal growth of B. bicolor under in vitro conditions. This study constitutes the first report on the association of B. bicolor with leaf spot disease of rubber trees worldwide.
DarkDivNet – A global research collaboration to explore the dark diversity of plant communities
Authors: Pärtel Meelis , Carmona Carlos P. , Zobel Martin , Moora Mari , Riibak Kersti , Tamme Riin
Published: August 2019

DarkDivNet is a global research collaboration which explores dark diversity — the set of species that are absent from a site despite being suitable under the site conditions and present in the region. Participants of the network survey vascular plant diversity both at local (10  m × 10 m) and regional scales (radius 10 km) using a standardized approach. They also measure simple plant traits and collect soil samples. Observed and dark diversity together form the site‐specific species pool, and the ratio of observed diversity and dark diversity describes community completeness. We shall explore how observed and dark diversity, site‐specific species pool and community completeness vary across natural and anthropogenic gradients. We link plant diversity measures to the information obtained from environmental DNA: soil biota and plant taxa that occurred at the site before. We will refine existing dark diversity methods and use large vegetation databases to infer species habitat suitability. We expand the dark diversity concept from a purely taxonomy‐based approach to include the functional and phylogenetic aspects of diversity. DarkDivNet currently includes 161 planned sampling areas globally, but new participants are welcome. The main vegetation sampling period is scheduled until September 2020, with the first research papers being produced after that.
Molecular typing of clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus gattii species complex from southern California, United States
Authors: Hurst Steven , Lysen Colleen , Cooksey Gail , Vugia Duc J. , Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Lockhart Shawn R.
Published: August 2019

Background

Two species complexes (SC) cause the majority of human Cryptococcus infections: Cryptococcus neoformans SC and Cryptococcus gattii SC. Infection is typically thought to be acquired following environmental exposure. In an urban setting, parks and other public spaces are a likely source of contact with C. gattii SC.

Objectives

The goals of this study were to describe the genetic diversity of C. gattii SC in the California environment, to determine the extent of environmental exposure in publicly accessed areas and to correlate the genotypes of environmental C. gattii SC isolates with those from patients in southern California.

Methods

Specimens from trees and soil from 13 parks and public areas of seven California counties were examined for C. gattii SC isolates. Isolates were sequence typed and compared to sequence types from human clinical isolates from the same area.

Results

Multilocus sequence typing identified C. gattii sensu stricto (VGI molecular type) as well as Cryptococcus bacillisporus (VGIII molecular type). Several C. bacillisporus but none of the C. gattii sensu stricto isolates shared sequence types with human clinical isolates from southern California.

Conclusions

C. gattii SC colonies exist in some California public parks. The presence of identical STs in environmental and human isolates of C. bacillisporus is suggestive of an arboreal origin of human infections. Two new tree species were documented as hosts for C. gattii SC in California, adding to the four species previously identified.
Estimated burden of fungal infections in Sweden
Authors: Özenci Volkan , Klingspor Lena , Ullberg Måns , Chryssanthou Erja , Denning David W. , Kondori Nahid
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to estimate the annual burden of fungal infections in Sweden using data mainly from 2016. Data on specific populations were obtained from Swedish national data registries. Annual incidence and prevalence of fungal disease was calculated based on epidemiological studies. Data on infections due to Cryptococcus sp., Mucorales, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis and Pneumocystis jirovecii were retrieved from Karolinska University Laboratory and covers only 25% of Swedish population. In 2016, the population of Sweden was 9 995 153 (49.8% female). The overall burden of fungal infections was 1 713 385 (17 142/100 000). Superficial fungal infections affect 1 429 307 people (1429/100 000) based on Global Burden of Disease 14.3% prevalence. Total serious fungal infection burden was 284 174 (2843/100 000) in 2016. Recurrent Candida vulvovaginitis is common; assuming a 6% prevalence in women. Prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation were estimated to be 20 095 and 26 387, respectively. Similarly, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis was estimated to affect 490 patients after tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and other conditions. Candidemia incidence was estimated to be 500 in 2016 (4.7/100 000) and invasive aspergillosis 295 (3.0/100 000). In Stockholm area, Mucorales were reported in three patients in 2015, while Cryptococcus spp. were reported in two patients. In 2016, there were 297 patients PCR positive for P jirovecii. The present study shows that the overall burden of fungal infections in Sweden is high and affects 17% of the population. The morbidity, mortality and the healthcare‐related costs due to fungal infections warrant further studies.
Anatomical Evaluation of the Sacral Hiatus Using Ultrasound Imaging: Factors That Inhibit Needle Insertion During Caudal Epidural Block Procedures
Authors: Nakahashi Masahiro , Uei Hiroshi , Hoshino Masahiro , Omori Keita , Igarashi Hidetoshi , Tokuhashi Yasuaki
Published: August 2019

Objective

Caudal epidural blocks often fail due to the difficulty of appropriate needle insertion. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the sacral hiatus using ultrasound imaging.

Methods

This was a retrospective study involving 76 patients with spinal disorders. The following factors were analyzed to see if they affected the palpability of the sacral hiatus: sex, body mass index (BMI), and the morphology of the sacral hiatus on ultrasound imaging. The difficulty of needle insertion and the factors that influenced it were investigated in 28 of the 76 patients, who underwent landmark‐based caudal epidural block procedures performed by the same doctor.

Results

Among the 76 patients, the mean length of the sacral hiatus was 21.3 ± 5.6 mm, the mean distance from the skin to the sacral cornua was 5.2 ± 3.4 mm, and the mean angle of the sacral hiatus was 16.4 ± 5.5 degrees. Sacral base protrusion was present and absent in 35 and 41 cases, respectively. The sacral hiatus exhibited good and poor palpability in 53 and 23 cases, respectively. The mean distance from the skin to the sacral cornua and BMI were found to significantly influence the palpability of the sacral hiatus. Only sacral base protrusion significantly influenced the difficulty of needle insertion.

Conclusion

The mean distance from the skin to the sacral cornua and BMI were found to be associated with the palpability of the sacral hiatus, and sacral base protrusion was demonstrated to be associated with the difficulty of needle insertion into the sacral hiatus.
An Evaluation of Sex Differences in Patients With Chronic Pain Undergoing an Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment Program
Authors: Racine Mélanie , Solé Ester , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Elisabet , Tomé‐Pires Catarina , Roy Rubén , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi , Moulin Dwight E. , Cane Douglas
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To determine if there are sex differences in a sample of patients participating in a 4‐week interdisciplinary pain treatment program in (1) pretreatment pain intensity, physical function, psychological function, pain beliefs, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and activity management patterns; and (2) treatment response.

Methods

Seventy‐two men and 130 women with chronic pain completed study measures. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were performed to compare men and women on pretreatment measures. Repeated‐measures ANCOVAs were used to compare both sexes on 3 treatment outcomes (pain intensity, physical function, and depressive symptoms).

Results

Before treatment, compared to women, men reported higher levels of kinesiophobia, were more likely to view their pain as being harmful, and used more activity pacing when doing daily activities. Women were more likely to use an overdoing activity pattern than men. No sex differences emerged for pretreatment pain intensity, physical function, psychological function, catastrophizing, activity avoidance, or measures of other pain‐related beliefs. At posttreatment, women reported more improvements in pain intensity and physical function compared to men, while both sexes reported similar reductions in depressive symptoms. All effect sizes for statistically significant findings were of small to moderate magnitude.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that men and women have a comparable profile with respect to the overall burden of chronic pain. Nevertheless, sex differences were found for certain pain beliefs and coping styles. Women appear to reap more benefits from the interdisciplinary pain management program than men. These findings indicate that further research to develop sex‐specific assessment procedures and tailored pain treatments may be warranted.
Acoustic communication of the red‐haired bark beetleHylurgus ligniperda
Authors: Bedoya Carol L. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Hayes Michael , Pawson Stephen M. , Najar‐Rodriguez Adriana , Nelson Ximena J.
Published: August 2019

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are a speciose subfamily of weevils that primarily live in bark and consequently largely communicate using sound. Having colonized multiple countries outside its native range,Hylurgus ligniperda(Fabricius) is considered to be a successful invader, yet little is known about its acoustic communication. In the present study, we investigate individual sound production and dyadic interactions among males and females ofH. ligniperda. Two temporal parameters (duration and inter‐note interval) and three spectral parameters (minimum, maximum and centroid frequencies) are used as descriptors to quantify call variations depending on behavioural context. We also present a method for automatically extracting and analyzing these calls, which allows acoustic discrimination amongst individuals.Hylurgus ligniperdaexhibits sexual dimorphism in its stridulatory organ. Females do not produce stridulatory sounds, whereas males produce single‐noted calls and modify their spectro‐temporal parameters in accordance with context. Acoustic stimulation from nearby males does not appear to be a causative factor in such modification. Instead, hierarchical clustering analysis shows that physical interactions play a more important role in affecting call parameters than acoustic signals. Centroid and maximum frequencies are the largest contributors to the variability of the data, suggesting that call variations inH. ligniperdamainly occur in the spectral domain.
Interleukin‐1 alpha derived from ultraviolet B‐exposed keratinocytes is associated with a decrease of endocytic collagen receptor Endo180
Authors: Iwahashi Hiroyasu , Kawashima Yoshihito , Masaki Hitoshi
Published: August 2019

Background

Endo180 contributes to the remodeling of the collagen fibers that comprise the dermal matrix due to the internalization of extracellular collagen fragments. In the sun‐exposed elder skin, an accumulation of collagen fragments was observed in the dermal matrix which was associated with a reduction in Endo180 in the dermal fibroblasts. This suggests that the loss of Endo180 results in the accumulation of collagen fragments in the surrounding fibroblasts and causes interference with dermal matrix remodeling via collagen fibers. The purpose of the study was to identify a mechanism by which ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure induces a loss of Endo 180 with a specific focus on the crosstalk between keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Methods

Endo180 from normal human dermal fibroblasts, which were cultured with a conditioned medium (CM) of UVB‐exposed keratinocytes, was examined using mRNA expression, protein levels and collagen internalization by quantitative RT‐PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

Although UVB irradiation to fibroblasts failed to reduce Endo180, the CM of UVB‐exposed keratinocytes reduced Endo180 in the fibroblasts. Collagen internalization into the fibroblasts was decreased and was associated with a loss of Endo180. Among cytokines secreted from UVB‐exposed keratinocytes, IL‐1α solely reduced Endo180, and the reduction induced by the CM of UVB‐exposed keratinocytes was abolished by the presence of IL‐1RA.

Conclusions

These results indicate that a substance secreted from UVB‐exposed keratinocytes regulates Endo180 expression and that IL‐1α may play an important role in the maintenance of Endo180.
Suboptimal UVA attenuation by broad spectrum sunscreens under outdoor solar conditions contributes to lifetime UVA burden
Authors: Coelho Sergio G. , Rua Diego , Miller Sharon A. , Agrawal Anant
Published: August 2019

Background

Broad spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater are indicated to decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun if used as directed with other sun protection measures. To determine whether sunscreen product performance is compromised under solar exposure and to test spectral uniformity of protection across the UVA spectrum, we tested broad spectrum sunscreens with a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and in a variety of dosage forms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional market survey of 32 sunscreen drug products containing either organic or inorganic APIs with SPFs of 15, 30, 50, and 70 was tested. UV doses were delivered via natural sun in Silver Spring, Maryland between June and September of 2017.

Results

Of the 32 sunscreen drug products, 6 products failed to meet their broad spectrum claim under solar exposure. Using FDA's new proposal to strengthen sunscreen broad spectrum requirements, spectral uniformity based on the mean sunscreen absorbance of UVA1(340‐400 nm)/UV (290‐400 nm) indicated that ~40% of sunscreen drug products tested had suboptimal UVA protection.

Conclusion

US consumers may unknowingly be receiving up to 36% more transmitted UVA when selecting between similarly labeled broad spectrum sunscreen drug products with equivalent SPF values. FDA's new proposal may help decrease consumers' overall lifetime UVA burden. Spectral absorbance data on sunscreen performance can be used to further improve the coupling of broad spectrum protection to a product's SPF value so that consumers have improved proportional increases in UV protection.
Stability and change in emotional processing across development: A 6‐year longitudinal investigation using event‐related potentials
Authors: Pegg Samantha , Dickey Lindsay , Mumper Emma , Kessel Ellen , Klein Daniel N. , Kujawa Autumn
Published: August 2019

ERPs reveal the temporal dynamics of emotional processing and are easily assessed in children. Yet, little longitudinal research has examined ERPs sensitive to emotion across development. We aimed to systematically identify timing and spatial distributions of ERPs sensitive to emotion in a longitudinal sample of youth (N = 62) using principal component analysis (PCA) and evaluate stability and change in emotional responses across development. Participants completed an emotional interrupt paradigm in childhood (Mage = 9.38, SD = 0.42), early adolescence (Mage = 13.03, SD = 0.24), and midadolescence (Mage = 15.16, SD = 0.17). ERPs were recorded to unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral images. Participants were instructed to respond to a target while viewing images. Two components sensitive to emotion emerged across development: P300/early late positive potential (LPP) and late LPP. The P300/early LPP component was characterized by an enhanced positivity for unpleasant compared to pleasant and neutral images. The late LPP was enhanced for both unpleasant and pleasant compared to neutral images, and more positive for unpleasant compared to pleasant images. The components showed moderate to strong stability. Overall LPP magnitude decreased from childhood into adolescence. There was a developmental shift in distributions from occipital sites in childhood to centroparietal sites in midadolescence. Results support use of PCA to inform scoring windows and electrode selection. The shift in distribution may reflect developmental focalization in underlying neural circuitry. Future work is needed using multimodal approaches to further understand the relationship between ERPs and changes in neural circuitry across development.
Interpersonal physiological regulation during couple support interactions: Examining the role of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and emotional support
Authors: Borelli Jessica L. , Shai Dana , Fogel Yaakobi Shlomit , Levit‐Binnun Nava , Golland Yulia
Published: August 2019

In times of need, people seek comfort and support from close others. Support provision is an integral component of attachment relationships, one that is linked with physical and psychological well‐being. Successful support provision is believed to be grounded in transactions of sensitive, caring behavior between caregivers and support seekers and to serve a profound regulatory function. However, physiological processes underlying support transactions have not been previously studied. We assessed autonomic vagal regulation and coded spontaneous emotional support behaviors in N = 100 heterosexual couples involved in a support interaction. We focused on cardiac vagal activation, operationalized as the increase in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) from baseline to interaction, as an indicator of regulatory efforts. Analyses revealed a negative association between caregivers' and support seekers' regulatory efforts, which was mediated by emotional support behaviors. We found that caregivers with greater increases in RSA from baseline to interaction provided more emotional support to their partners. Such emotional support was associated with smaller increases in support seekers' RSA and with support seekers' perceptions of their partners as being more sensitive to their needs. Finally, these links were only significant among dyads in which caregivers reported lower levels of attachment anxiety. We interpret these results in the framework of interpersonal regulatory processes, suggesting that provision of support may impose regulatory demands on the side of the caregivers, which in turn could result in attenuated regulatory efforts and positive partner perceptions for the support seekers.
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex connectivity during and after psychological stress in women
Authors: Ginty Annie T. , Kraynak Thomas E. , Kuan Dora C. , Gianaros Peter J.
Published: August 2019

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) integrates sensory, affective, memory‐related, and social information from diverse brain systems to coordinate behavioral and peripheral physiological responses according to contextual demands that are appraised as stressful. However, the functionality of the vmPFC during stressful experiences is not fully understood. Among 40 female participants, the present study evaluated (a) functional connectivity of the vmPFC during exposure to and recovery following an acute psychological stressor, (b) associations among vmPFC functional connectivity, heart rate, and subjective reports of stress across individuals, and (c) whether patterns of vmPFC functional connectivity were associated with distributed brain networks. Results showed that psychological stress increased vmPFC functional connectivity with individual brain areas implicated in stressor processing (e.g., insula, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex) and decreased connectivity with the posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. There were no statistical differences in vmPFC connectivity to individual brain areas during recovery, as compared with baseline. Spatial similarity analyses revealed stressor‐evoked increased connectivity of the vmPFC with the so‐called dorsal attention, ventral attention, and frontoparietal networks, as well as decreased connectivity with the default mode network. During recovery, vmPFC connectivity increased with the frontoparietal network. Finally, individual differences in heart rate and perceived stress were associated with vmPFC connectivity to the ventral attention, frontoparietal, and default mode networks. Psychological stress appears to alter network‐level functional connectivity of the vmPFC in a manner that further relates to individual differences in stressor‐evoked cardiovascular and affective reactivity.
Suboptimal asthma care: Lessons from Australia and a way forward
Authors: Schultz André , le Souef Peter , Barwick Melanie
Published: August 2019

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Exports of primary goods and human capital accumulation
Authors: Hou Yulin , Karayalcin Cem
Published: August 2019

Many developing countries have experienced export‐led growth in the last half century. This paper asks whether the content of what economies export matters for human capital accumulation. We construct a small open economy model and find that expansion of primary exports can harm human capital accumulation if the economy is initially allocating significant resources to the production of primary goods. We then test this prediction empirically using Latin American data over the period 1965 to 2010 and find robust evidence in support of the hypothesis that a shift towards primary exports reduces human capital accumulation. Given the importance of the latter for long‐run growth, our results suggest a potential role for policy intervention.