bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-destructive methods for the measurement of moisture contents – a review
Authors: Nath K. Divya , Ramanathan Prabhu
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the moisture measurement techniques presently available, as accurate determination of the moisture content (MC) of grains or any food items at right time is very important for its processing, marketing and storing.

Design/methodology/approach

There are basically two types of MC measurement techniques – destructive method and non-destructive method. In the time-consuming destructive method, cleaning of the food items is done and shells of food items like peanuts are removed for which man power is required and so the technique becomes costly. A literature review of the existing non-destructive methods has been done, and the methodology of each approach is explained with the figure. The less time-consuming non-destructive technique used to measure MC require less man power, as grains or food items can be directly used without any process like cleaning or crushing so that the technique become economic.

Findings

Most of the techniques used magnetic or electric properties to measure the MC indirectly. The problem with existing non-destructive technique is that measurement of MC uses only few numbers or grams of grains or food items at a time.

Research limitations/implications

The farmers’ produce large quantity of grains. The small quantity of grains cannot be the representative sample for whole grains produced by the farmers. Most of the techniques use only small quantity of grains or food items at a time to measure the MC which is not accurate and representative of the produce. Also, the techniques are not simple and easily available. The cost of the techniques or arrangement to measure the MC is not reasonable.

Social implications

Most of the farmers in the developing countries are financially backward. To store the agricultural produce, MC of the commodities is a key factor influencing the quality of the storage. Measurement of the MC of the seeds is thus very important for the farmers.

Originality/value

This paper is a review of the previous research that happened in this area, and it would help the researcher to know the techniques already been used. To the knowledge of the authors, the review of the existing moisture measurement of seeds/agricultural commodities is available in the literature.
A new method for the design of pressure sensor in hyperbaric environment
Authors: Niu Zhe , Liu Kui , Wang Hongbo
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method for the design of a pressure sensor in the hyperbaric environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The new method focuses on two vital parameters that are closely related to the output and sensitivity of the sensor. The rectangular diaphragm structure is adopted, and the piezoresistors are planted on the surface accordingly. To verify the effect of the method, a contrastive sensor chip is fabricated in a conventional way, and two types of sensor chips are tested at the same time.

Findings

The new method for the design of a pressure sensor is advisable and favorable. The sensor fabricated by the method possesses outstanding high sensitivity and a wide measurement range.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new idea for increasing the measurement range of the pressure sensor with an acceptable sacrifice of sensitivity.
The volatile emission of a specialist herbivore alters patterns of plant defence, growth and flower production in a field population of goldenrod
Authors: Yip Eric C. , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C. , Tooker John F.
Published: January 2017

Plants frequently employ induced, rather than constitutive, defences against herbivores and pathogens, presumably as an adaptive response to the unpredictability of attack by particular antagonists. Plants may further accelerate defence deployment by ‘priming’ appropriate defences in response to environmental cues that reliably predict impending attack. However, the population‐ and community‐level ecological consequences of such priming remain relatively unexplored.

We recently discovered that the volatile emissions of male Eurosta solidaginis prime the antiherbivore defences of its host plant, tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima). This co‐evolved system provides a unique opportunity to study the ecological consequences of priming in a natural system.

We explored effects of the priming cue on neighbouring ramets at varying distances from the emission source by quantifying subsequent levels of foliar herbivory, as well as plant growth and flower production (which might reveal trade‐offs between investment in growth or reproduction and defence).

We observed a linear increase in leaf damage with distance from the emission source (up to our maximal distance of 1 m), consistent with the hypothesis that the intensity of priming corresponds to the intensity of exposure to the fly emission.

Unexpectedly, ramets nearest the emission source also exhibited a short‐term increase in growth‐rate; however, this effect did not persist to the end of the season or increase flower production. Instead, ramet's mid‐distance from the emission source exhibited reduced growth and flower production compared to those nearer or farther away.

Synthesis. The responsiveness of Solidago altissima ramets to herbivore‐associated cues across a distance of 1 m or more is highly relevant in this system, where individual ramets frequently grow within a few cm of one another. Furthermore, the resulting mosaic of ramets primed to varying degrees might influence herbivore (and consequently predator) distributions. The unexpected decline in flower production by mid‐distance ramets suggests that the effects of plant priming on ecological interactions among plants and other organisms (such as tritrophic interactions and competition) may feed back onto plant fitness in complex, and as yet unexplored, ways.

A lay summary is available for this article.
An experimental test of state–behaviour feedbacks: gizzard mass and foraging behaviour in red knots
Authors: Mathot Kimberley J. , Dekinga Anne , Piersma Theunis
Published: January 2017

Animals frequently exhibit consistent among‐individual differences in behavioural and physiological traits that are inherently flexible. Why should individuals differ consistently in their expression of labile traits? Recently, positive feedbacks between state and behaviour have been proposed as a possible explanation for the maintenance of consistent among‐individual differences in both state and behaviour. If state affects behaviour, and behaviour reciprocally affects state, then differences in either state or behaviour that arise among individuals even by chance could be maintained over extended periods of time.

We tested for positive feedbacks experimentally using wild‐caught red knots (Calidris canutus islandica). In the wild, knots exhibit consistent among‐individual differences in digestive physiology (the mass of the muscular part of the stomach, the gizzard) and foraging behaviour (diet), two inherently labile traits.

Experimentally manipulated diet quality had a large effect on gizzard mass. Experimentally manipulated gizzard mass reciprocally influenced total food eaten during ad libitum trials.

The effect of gizzard mass on diet choice, though in the predicted direction, was not statistically significant. Individuals exhibited consistent differences in foraging behaviour of unknown origin independent of current gizzard mass, as well as large residual unexplained variance in foraging behaviour. These two sources of variation in foraging behaviour overruled the gizzard mass‐dependent foraging behaviour and hence eroded the treatment‐related differences in gizzard mass.

We conclude that positive feedbacks between diet choice and gizzard mass play at best a limited role in maintaining among‐individual variation in gizzard mass in red knots. Furthermore, we suggest that many models of state–behaviour feedbacks likely overestimate their potential importance in maintaining long‐term among‐individual variation in labile traits because most models of state–behaviour feedbacks fail to account for the effects of additional factors that may act to disrupt the feedback loops.

The among‐individual differences in diet choice observed during solitary foraging trials eroded the consistent among‐individual differences in gizzard mass observed following periods of staple diet treatments in which knots foraged in social groups. Social foraging interactions may play an important role determining the expression of foraging behaviours such as intake rate that in turn influence gizzard mass. Further studies are needed to experimentally test the role of social interactions as a mechanism generating consistent among‐individual differences in foraging behaviours and gizzard mass.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Reproductive effort and oxidative stress: effects of offspring sex and number on the physiological state of a long‐lived bird
Authors: Merkling Thomas , Blanchard Pierrick , Chastel Olivier , Glauser Gaëtan , Vallat‐Michel Armelle , Hatch Scott A. , Danchin Etienne , Helfenstein Fabrice
Published: January 2017

Individuals must trade‐off between energetically costly activities to maximize their fitness. However, the underlying physiological mechanism remains elusive. Oxidative stress, the imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant and/or repair activities, has been suggested to underlie life‐history trade‐offs: greater investment in reproduction supposedly generating higher oxidative damage, thus reducing life span.

While most studies used natural or experimental variation in offspring number to examine how reproduction affects oxidative stress, none studied the impact of offspring sex, although it could influence physiological costs and fitness, if the sexes differ in terms of energetic cost.

Here, we aim at further understanding how reproduction (in terms of offspring sex, experimentally manipulated and number, not manipulated) influences oxidative stress in a wild seabird, where sons are energetically costlier than daughters. We did so by conducting a chick fostering experiment (to disentangle foster and produced sex ratio) and using four oxidative stress markers plus baseline corticosterone.

First, the results suggest that individual physiological state before laying modulates upcoming reproductive effort. Individuals with higher pre‐laying baseline corticosterone and lower antioxidant activity, estimated by their superoxide dismutase activity, subsequently invested more in reproduction, estimated by the cumulative number of days spent rearing chicks. Hence, it seems that only individuals that could afford to invest heavily in reproduction did so.

Then, we examined the effects of reproductive effort on individual physiological state at the end of the breeding season. Higher reproductive effort seemed to imply higher physiological costs. Oxidative stress, estimated by the ratio of oxidized over reduced glutathione, increased with more male‐biased foster sex ratio among mothers but not among fathers, whereas baseline corticosterone did so in both sexes. Similarly, lipid oxidative damage to red blood cells increased with increasing cumulative number of days spent rearing chicks.

Our study provides the first evidence that brood sex ratio variation can affect oxidative balance, potentially in a sex‐specific way, although more studies are needed to understand whether the observed physiological costs could lead to fitness costs. It also highlights the need to consider sex ratio in future studies investigating the role of oxidative stress in life‐history trade‐offs.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Leaf dry matter content is better at predicting above‐ground net primary production than specific leaf area
Authors: Smart Simon Mark , Glanville Helen Catherine , Blanes Maria del Carmen , Mercado Lina Maria , Emmett Bridget Anne , Jones David Leonard , Cosby Bernard Jackson , Marrs Robert Hunter , Butler Adam , Marshall Miles Ramsvik , Reinsch Sabine , Herrero‐Jáuregui Cristina , Hodgson John Gavin
Published: January 2017

Reliable modelling of above‐ground net primary production (aNPP) at fine resolution is a significant challenge. A promising avenue for improving process models is to include response and effect trait relationships. However, uncertainties remain over which leaf traits are correlated most strongly with aNPP.

We compared abundance‐weighted values of two of the most widely used traits from the leaf economics spectrum (specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content) with measured aNPP across a temperate ecosystem gradient.

We found that leaf dry matter content (LDMC) as opposed to specific leaf area (SLA) was the superior predictor of aNPP (R2 = 0·55).

Directly measured in situ trait values for the dominant species improved estimation of aNPP significantly. Introducing intraspecific trait variation by including the effect of replicated trait values from published databases did not improve the estimation of aNPP.

Our results support the prospect of greater scientific understanding for less cost because LDMC is much easier to measure than SLA.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Crop‐associated virus infection in a native perennial grass: reduction in plant fitness and dynamic patterns of virus detection
Authors: Alexander Helen M. , Bruns Emily , Schebor Hayley , Malmstrom Carolyn M.
Published: January 2017

To understand the eco‐evolutionary significance of plant viruses in nature, we must (i) quantify the effects of infection on plant fitness and (ii) recognize that native plants are increasingly exposed to crop‐associated viruses. Studies of perennials are particularly needed: most of our knowledge of plant‐virus interactions is from annuals, yet long‐lived species dominate landscapes. Here we used aster models for life‐history analysis and longitudinal measures of plant virus status to evaluate multi‐year consequences of crop virus infection in a native perennial.

We used Barley yellow dwarf virus acquired from wheat to inoculate seedlings of Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass), a North American prairie grass. We grew inoculated and mock‐inoculated individuals of two ecotypes for 3 years in the field. We measured plant size, infection status and fitness components. Aster modelling provided integrated multi‐year measures of fitness.

Crop virus inoculation reduced multi‐year native plant fitness by 30% over 2 years despite generally asymptomatic infection and evidence of resistance. This reduction was greater than predicted from individual fitness components or most size measures. Ecotypes differed in response, with the lowland ecotype experiencing higher apparent recovery from infection. Virus treatment in the upland ecotype delayed flowering phenology and reduced seed filling.

Synthesis. Our use of field experimentation, surveys of plant infection status and aster modelling demonstrates a rigorous and broadly applicable approach for quantifying the effects of viruses and other microbes on multi‐year plant fitness. We found that a crop virus had negative multi‐year effects on native plant fitness even after infection was no longer detected. Viruses may have substantial effects on native vegetation with domestication of landscapes and agricultural expansion.
The emergence of the ecological mind in Hua‐Yen/Kegon Buddhism and Jungian psychology
Authors: Cambray Joe
Published: January 2017

The complexity associated with deep interconnectedness in nature is beginning to be articulated and elaborated in the field of ecological studies. While some parallels to the psyche have been made and the field of Eco‐psychology has been developing, Jung's explicit contribution by way of the image of rhizomes has not been considered in detail. Philosopher Gilles Deleuze acknowledges borrowing the term from Jung, though he disagreed with Jung's Empedoclean use of the term. The paper presents some fundamental properties of rhizomes along with contemporary scientific research on mycorrhizal (fungal) networks. Comparisons are made, first with classical symbolic forms, demonstrating some overlap but also some differences. Then comparison of rhizomal networks is made to those found both in mammalian brains and in recent images of the ‘cosmic web’. While no hard conclusions can be drawn from these images, their remarkable similarities are suggestive of a need to reconsider what is meant by ‘intelligence’.

The cosmic web is one of the largest structures in the known universe (clusters of galaxies which form into filaments and walls) with empty spaces in between. Exploration of the structure of this web leads to a discussion of dark matter and dark energy, current hot topics in science, probing into the mysteries of our ‘Big‐Bang’ cosmology. An additional comparison of the emerging image of the universe as a whole with the ancient Chinese Buddhist cosmological vision from the Hua‐Yen School (Kegon in Japan) again reveals profound parallels. The potential convergence of aspects of subjective, or meditative, explorations with objective scientific constructions is striking and offers links between East and West, as well as potential confirmation of the objective aspects of empathy.
Capitalisation of the SPS into Agricultural Land Rental Prices under Harmonisation of Payments
Authors: Allen Klaiber H. , Salhofer Klaus , Thompson Stanley R.
Published: January 2017

As the 2013 Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) calls for the harmonisation of Single Payment Scheme (SPS) payments, we estimate the implications of this mandate on agricultural land rental rates over time as Germany began harmonising payments in 2010. Using Bavarian farm‐level panel data we find strong capitalisation effects that increase substantially in the years following 2009. On average, the marginal effect on rental rates of an additional SPS euro is 37 cents, growing over time to 53 cents as harmonisation develops.
Development of a Reality‐Based Multimedia Case Study Teaching Method and its Effect on Students’ Planned Food Safety Behaviors
Authors: Alberts Caitlin M. , Stevenson Clinton D.
Published: January 2017

There is opportunity to decrease the frequency of foodborne illnesses by improving food safety competencies and planned behaviors of college students before they begin careers in the food industry. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a multimedia case study teaching method that provides real world context for food science education; and (2) evaluate the extent to which it improves the intentions of students to implement food safety management systems upon entering the workforce, as well its impact on knowledge gains and students’ abilities to understand complex concepts. The target audience consisted of all participants in an upper‐level undergraduate food safety management systems course (n = 17). A pretest and posttest survey research instrument was developed to measure knowledge gains and also students’ food safety intentions using the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Students experienced significant gains in knowledge, attitude, and intention after completion of the course (P < 0.05). One hundred percent of students agreed that the interactive videos aided in their understanding of food safety concepts. A paired t test suggested that both behavioral control beliefs and attitudes of students toward food safety management significantly increased (P < 0.5) after completion of the case study. These results suggest that integrating multimedia case studies into food science education may enhance food safety behaviors.
How to Create a Student‐Generated Database, in a Large Nutrition Class, to Illustrate the Analysis of Nutrient and Food Intakes
Authors: Gurfinkel Debbie M. , Wolever Thomas M. S.
Published: January 2017

The completion of a 3‐d food record, using commonly available nutrient analysis software, is a typical assignment for students in nutrition and food science programs. While these assignments help students evaluate their personal diets, it is insufficient to teach students about surveys of large population cohorts. This paper shows how the Test, Survey, and Pools tool in the learning management system Blackboard™ (Blackboard Inc.) was used to collect the individual food and nutrition intake data from the 3‐d food records of students in a large introductory nutrition class. This student‐generated database was then used to illustrate population level analyses. Examples of the types of analyses include (a) use of the Estimated Average Requirement cut point method to identify nutrients of concern; (b) the use of food intakes to determine the proportion of students consuming the recommended servings of foods from each food group; (c) the analysis of intakes of nutrients that are overconsumed such as salt, saturated fat, and trans fat; and (d) correlations between macronutrients (for example, as fat intake increases, carbohydrate intake decreases). The use of a database, derived from the students own food intakes, connects with student interests, and the analysis of such a database illustrates an authentic task in the nutritional sciences.
Use of Exam Wrappers to Enhance Students’ Metacognitive Skills in a Large Introductory Food Science and Human Nutrition Course
Authors: Gezer-Templeton P. Gizem , Mayhew Emily J. , Korte Debra S. , Schmidt Shelly J.
Published: January 2017

Research shows that students struggle to develop higher order thinking skills and effective study strategies during the transition from high school to college. Therefore, in addition to teaching course content, effective instructors should assist students in developing metacognitive skills, that is, the practice of thinking about their thinking. An effective assignment that assists students in thinking about their exam performance is the exam wrapper. The objectives of this study were to examine students’ metacognitive skills, evaluate the correlation between study behaviors and student performance, and assess student perception of exam wrappers. Exam wrapper assignments were offered as extra credit after the first 3 exams in a large introductory Food Science and Human Nutrition course, and student responses and exam performance were analyzed. Many students with poor exam performance overestimated their exam scores, indicating students’ self‐assessment skills could be sharpened. However, students demonstrated the ability to make and implement goals to improve study strategies throughout the semester. A modest relationship between use of study strategies and improved exam performance was observed, particularly for students with a B exam average, suggesting that students in the middle of the grade distribution may benefit most from this type of intervention. Finally, most students expressed a belief that exam wrappers helped them improve their study habits and exam scores, and that they planned to use the exam wrapper process in future classes. In summary, this study shows that the exam wrapper is a valued and effective postexam reflection tool for improving students’ self‐reported study habits.
Acute management of autoimmune toxicity in cancer patients on immunotherapy: Common toxicities and the approach for the emergency physician
Authors: Lomax Anna J , McNeil Catriona
Published: January 2017

When a patient receiving anti‐cancer treatment presents acutely unwell, an understanding of associated side effects of their therapy is critical. This review will discuss the approach to patients receiving anti‐cancer treatment with immunotherapy presenting with autoimmune toxicities in the emergency setting. These toxicities are commonly referred to as immune‐related adverse events (irAE). IrAE might consist of, but are not limited to, dermatologic, gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, colitis), hepatic, endocrine (thyroid dysfunction, hypophysitis, adrenal crisis), renal, ocular and pulmonary toxicity. General principles of managing these irAE in the acute setting will be outlined. Steroid therapy is a critical component of the treatment algorithm, being administered at high doses and for prolonged periods to switch off immune over‐activation. Prompt intervention might prevent multi‐organ failure and fatality, and allow patients to remain on effective anti‐cancer therapy.
Biosynthesis of micro‐ and nanocrystals of Pb (II), Hg (II) and Cd (II) sulfides in four Candida species: a comparative study of in vivo and in vitro approaches
Authors: Cuéllar‐Cruz Mayra , Lucio‐Hernández Daniela , Martínez‐Ángeles Isabel , Demitri Nicola , Polentarutti Maurizio , Rosales‐Hoz María J. , Moreno Abel
Published: January 2017

Nature produces biominerals (biogenic minerals) that are synthesized as complex structures, in terms of their physicochemical properties. These biominerals are composed of minerals and biological macromolecules. They are produced by living organisms and are usually formed through a combination of chemical, biochemical and biophysical processes. Microorganisms like Candida in the presence of heavy metals can biomineralize those metals to form microcrystals (MCs) and nanocrystals (NCs). In this work, MCs and NCs of PbS, HgS or HgCl2 as well as CdS are synthesized both in vitro (gels) and in vivo by four Candida species. Our in vivo results show that, in the presence of Pb2+, Candida cells are able to replicate and form extracellular PbS MCs, whereas in the presence of Hg2+ and Cd2+, they did synthesize intercellular MCs from HgS or HgCl2 and CdS NCs respectively. The MCs and NCs biologically obtained in Candida were compared with those PbS, HgS and CdS crystals synthetically obtained in vitro through the gel method (grown either in agarose or in sodium metasilicate hydrogels). This is, to our knowledge, the first time that the biosynthesis of the various MCs and NCs (presented in several species of Candida) has been reported. This biosynthesis is differentially regulated in each of these pathogens, which allows them to adapt and survive in different physiological and environmental habitats.
Making sense of metabolic obesity and hedonic obesity
Authors: Yu Yi‐Hao
Published: January 2017

Body weight is neither stationary nor does it change unidirectionally. Rather, body weight usually oscillates up and down around a set point. Two types of forces determine the direction of weight changes. Forces that push body weight away from the set point are defined as non‐homeostatic and are governed by multiple mechanisms, including, but not limited to, hedonic regulation of food intake. Forces that restore the set point weight are defined as homeostatic, and they operate through mechanisms that regulate short‐term energy balance driven by hunger and satiation and long‐term energy balance driven by changes in adiposity. In the normal physiological state, the deviation of body weight from the set point is usually small and temporary, and is constantly corrected by homeostatic forces. Metabolic obesity develops when body weight set point is shifted to an abnormally high level and the obese body weight becomes metabolically defended. In hedonic obesity, the obese body weight is maintained by consistent overeating due to impairments in the reward system, although the set point is not elevated. Adaptive increases in energy expenditure are elicited in hedonic obesity because body weight is elevated above the set point. Neither subtype of obesity undergoes spontaneous resolution unless the underlying disorders are corrected. In this review, the need for both appropriate patient stratification and tailored treatments is discussed in the context of the new framework of metabolic and hedonic obesity.
The effect of remifentanil on propofol requirements to achieve loss of response to command vs. loss of response to pain
Authors: Scott H. B. , Choi S. W. , Wong G. T. C. , Irwin M. G.
Published: January 2017

When providing total intravenous anaesthesia, careful selection of end‐points is required in titrating dose to effect during induction. Although propofol and remifentanil have predominantly different pharmacodynamic effects, they are seen to interact in achieving loss of consciousness and analgesia. To highlight these differences, we performed a double‐blind, randomised controlled trial, comparing one group of patients receiving propofol alone (n = 42) with another group receiving remifentanil plus propofol (n = 46) as a target‐controlled infusion of remifentanil (Minto; 3 ng.ml−1). Propofol was also titrated using a target‐controlled infusion (Marsh effect model) to produce loss of response to tactile and vocal stimuli, and subsequently to loss of response to pain. The effect‐site concentration of propofol at which 50% of patients lost tactile/verbal response was 2.9 μg.ml−1 in the propofol only group and 2.4 μg.ml−1 in the remifentanil with propofol group. In contrast, loss of pain response occurred at 4.4 μg.ml−1 in the propofol group, and 2.7 μg.ml−1 in the remifentanil with propofol group, with correspondingly lower bispectral index values. Judicious use of analgesia in total intravenous anaesthesia can have a propofol‐sparing effect and potentially minimise the suppression of brain electrical activity.
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and later dementia: a Swedish National Register Study
Authors: Andolf Ellika G. , Sydsjö Gunilla C.M. , Bladh Marie K. , Berg Goran , Sharma Surendra
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Our aim was to investigate the rate of vascular dementia and dementia in women with previous hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, since white matter lesions of the brain and cardiovascular disease are linked both to dementia and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Material and methods

Prospective population‐based registry study on all women giving birth in Sweden between 1973 and 1975 (284 598). Women with and without hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were identified by means of the Swedish Medical Birth Register and linked to the National Patient Register, where data on somatic disease later in life were obtained. International classification of disease was used. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate hazard ratios for both groups and adjusted for possible confounders. Main outcome measures were in‐hospital diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia and dementia.

Results

No increased risks were seen for vascular dementia or dementia after any hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. If broken down in specific diagnoses for hypertensive disease in pregnancy, adjusted risks for vascular dementia after hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy the hazard ratio was 6.27 (95% CI 1.65–27.44). Higher risks for cardiovascular disease were confirmed.

Conclusions

Because of the very low absolute risk, the wide confidence interval and risk of misclassification, our results on vascular dementia could be questioned. Considering the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the findings of brain lesions and the increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the possibly increased risk for all kinds of dementia must be investigated in larger and more well‐defined cohorts.
Chronic drug‐induced effects on contractile motion properties and cardiac biomarkers in human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kopljar Ivan , De Bondt An , Vinken Petra , Teisman Ard , Damiano Bruce , Goeminne Nick , Van den Wyngaert Ilse , Gallacher David J , Lu Hua Rong
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose

In the pharmaceutical industry risk assessments of chronic cardiac safety liabilities are mostly performed during late stages of preclinical drug development using in vivo animal models. Here, we explored the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS‐CMs) to detect chronic cardiac risks such as drug‐induced cardiomyocyte toxicity.

Experimental Approach

Video microscopy‐based motion field imaging was applied to evaluate the chronic effect (over 72 h) of cardiotoxic drugs on the contractile motion of hiPS‐CMs. In parallel, the release of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), heart fatty acid binding protein (FABP3) and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) was analysed from cell medium, and transcriptional profiling of hiPS‐CMs was done at the end of the experiment.

Key Results

Different cardiotoxic drugs altered the contractile motion properties of hiPS‐CMs together with increasing the release of cardiac biomarkers. FABP3 and cTnI were shown to be potential surrogates to predict cardiotoxicity in hiPS‐CMs, whereas NT‐proBNP seemed to be a less valuable biomarker. Furthermore, drug‐induced cardiotoxicity produced by chronic exposure of hiPS‐CMs to arsenic trioxide, doxorubicin or panobinostat was associated with different profiles of changes in contractile parameters, biomarker release and transcriptional expression.

Conclusion and Implications

We have shown that a parallel assessment of motion field imaging‐derived contractile properties, release of biomarkers and transcriptional changes can detect diverse mechanisms of chronic drug‐induced cardiac liabilities in hiPS‐CMs. Hence, hiPS‐CMs could potentially improve and accelerate cardiovascular de‐risking of compounds at earlier stages of drug discovery.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Insights into Cardiotoxicity Caused by Chemotherapeutic Agents. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.21/issuetoc
Cartilage‐hair hypoplasia with normal height in childhood—4 patients with a unique genotype
Authors: Klemetti P. , Valta H. , Kostjukovits S. , Taskinen M. , Toiviainen‐Salo S. , Mäkitie O.
Published: January 2017

The manifestations of cartilage‐hair hypoplasia (CHH), a metaphyseal chondrodysplasia caused by
RMRP
mutations, include short stature, hypoplastic hair, immunodeficiency and increased risk of malignancies. Clinical features show significant variability. We report a patient with normal height until age 12.5 years (−1.6 SDS at 11 years) who was diagnosed with CHH at 14 years.
RMRP
sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for g.70A>G mutation and a 10‐nucleotide duplication at position −13 (TACTCTGTGA). Through the Finnish Skeletal Dysplasia Register, we identified 3 additional patients with identical genotype. Two of them also showed unusually mild growth failure (height SDS −1.6 at 14 years and −3.0 at 12 years, respectively). Three of the 4 patients suffered from recurrent infections; 1 developed progressive bronchiectasis and another died from aggressive lymphoma. Our findings expand the phenotypic variability in CHH to include normal childhood height. The milder growth retardation related to this particular genotype was not associated with less severe extra‐skeletal manifestations, emphasizing the need for careful follow‐up also in CHH patients with mild‐skeletal manifestations.
BMP15 “knockout‐like” effect in familial premature ovarian insufficiency with persistent ovarian reserve
Authors: Mayer A. , Fouquet B. , Pugeat M. , Misrahi M.
Published: January 2017

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects 1% to 2% of women under 40 years. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) variants have been described in POI. We studied a family with 2 sisters compound heterozygous for deletions in the BMP15 gene on chromosome Xp11.22 yielding a human “knockout‐like” effect: a c.151_152delGA deletion yielded a p.Glu51IlefsTer27 mutation transmitted by the hemizygous father and a c.189_198delAGGGCATTCAinsTG deletion/insertion yielded a p.Glu64AlafsTer12 mutation transmitted by the heterozygous mother. Both deletions resulted in frameshifts with premature stop codons at positions 78 and 76 in the proregion, precluding mature BMP15 production. One sister had primary amenorrhea and the other primo‐secondary amenorrhea. No bone abnormality was observed. Despite streak ovaries devoid of follicles on ultrasonography, anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were low but detectable suggesting the presence of growing follicles. Five years later, AMH was undetectable in both sisters, 1 had received an egg donation. BMP15 did not seem critical for follicles to enter the growth phase. Genetic counselling should be performed and fertility preservation discussed before progressive loss of follicular reserve. The fertile heterozygous mother did not support previous reports of BMP15 haploinsufficiency and gene dosage in humans, as in bovine species. The hemizygous brother had asthenozoospermia, consistent with previous observations in bulls with a variant BMP15.
Fluorescent amino‐substituted squaraine probes for bovine serum albumin
Authors: Jurek Katarzyna , Kabatc Janina , Kostrzewska Katarzyna
Published: January 2017

The synthesis and spectroscopic properties of fluorescent amino‐substituted squaraine dyes have been presented. The interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fluorescence probes derived from squaric acid was studied by UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The Benesi–Hildebrand, Lehrer, and Stern–Volmer equations were used to present the influence of BSA concentration on the binding constant for the process of association with squaraine dyes, as well as the effect of the concentration of fluorescence probes on the quenching process. It was also shown that the interaction between BSA and squaraine dyes is spontaneous. The number of binding sites to bovine serum albumin for a series of squaraine dyes has also been calculated.
Can blood flow restriction augment muscle activation during high‐load training?
Authors: Dankel Scott J. , Buckner Samuel L. , Jessee Matthew B. , Mattocks Kevin T. , Mouser J. Grant , Counts Brittany R. , Laurentino Gilberto C. , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Blood flow restriction has been shown to augment muscle activation and increase muscle size when combined with low‐load training; however, much less is known on whether blood flow restriction can augment muscle activation during high‐load exercise.

Purpose

To determine whether applying blood flow restriction can augment muscle activation with traditional high‐load resistance exercise.

Method

Ten individuals completed two sets of elbow flexion exercise to volitional fatigue. The control arm rested for 3 min between sets while the experimental arm had blood flow restriction applied for 3 min.

Result

The blood flow restricted arm completed significantly fewer repetitions in set 2 in comparison with set 1 [set 1: 9 (1), set 2: 4 (1); P<0·001], whereas no meaningful differences were observed in the control arm [set 1: 8 (1), set 2: 7 (1); P = 0·057]. There was no interaction for muscle activation (P = 0·851) with both conditions significantly lower at the start of set 2 [87 (26)%] in comparison with the end of set 1 [106 (40)%] or end of set 2 [103 (33)%].

Conclusion

The application of blood flow restriction does not augment muscle activation present with high‐load exercise and would seem unlikely to induce greater muscle hypertrophy.
Over‐the‐scope clip closure for treatment of post‐pancreaticogastrostomy pancreatic fistula: A case series
Authors: Mangiafico Santi , Caruso Angelo , Manta Raffaele , Grande Giuseppe , Bertani Helga , Mirante Vincenzo , Pigò Flavia , Magnano Luigi , Manno Mauro , Conigliaro Rita
Published: January 2017

Background and Aim

The over‐the‐scope clip (OTSC) system is a recently developed endoscopic device. In the last few years, it has been successfully used for severe bleeding or deep wall lesions, or perforations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We hereby report a series of patients with post‐pancreaticogastrostomy pancreatic fistula in whom OTSC were used as endoscopic treatment.

Methods

From January 2012 to July 2015, we prospectively collected data on cases of postoperative pancreatic fistula. These patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in a high‐volume center of hepatobiliopancreatic surgery. After conservative management, OTSC closure was done by single skilled operators in anesthesiologist‐assisted deep sedation.

Results

A total of seven patients were enrolled. According to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery criteria, we observed grade B postoperative pancreatic fistula in all cases. All patients were treated with 12/6 t‐type OTSC. In two cases, a second clip was successfully applied to a second site adjacent to the original closure site. In all cases, subsequent fluoroscopy showed no contrastographic spreading through the wall. There were no complications related to the procedure itself, not from the endoscopy point of view, nor from the anesthesiological perspective. There were no device malfunctions. Further clinical and endoscopic evaluation was made 8 weeks later and showed no fistula or anastomotic defect recurrence. No patients required additional endoscopic or interventional procedures.

Conclusion

In consideration of clinical and technical success, OTSC placement in POPF seems to be effective, safe and technically relatively easy to carry out.
Gene expression boundary scaling and organ size regulation in the Drosophila embryo
Authors: Amourda Christopher , Saunders Timothy E.
Published: January 2017

How the shape and size of tissues and organs is regulated during development is a major question in developmental biology. Such regulation relies upon both intrinsic cues (such as signaling networks) and extrinsic inputs (such as from neighboring tissues). Here, we focus on pattern formation and organ development during Drosophila embryogenesis. In particular, we outline the importance of both biochemical and mechanical tissue–tissue interactions in size regulation. We describe how the Drosophila embryo can potentially provide novel insights into how shape and size are regulated during development. We focus on gene expression boundary scaling in the early embryo and how size is regulated in three organs (hindgut, trachea, and ventral nerve cord) later in development, with particular focus on the role of tissue–tissue interactions. Overall, we demonstrate that Drosophila embryogenesis provides a suitable model system for studying spatial and temporal scaling and size control in vivo.
Shape and geometry control of the Drosophila tracheal tubule
Authors: Hayashi Shigeo , Dong Bo
Published: January 2017

For efficient respiration, tubular airways must be constructed with an optimal diameter and length for the dimensions of the body. In Drosophila, the growth of embryonic tracheal tubules proceeds in two dimensions, by axial elongation and diameter expansion. The growth forces in each dimension are controlled by distinct genetic programs and cellular mechanisms. Recent studies reveal that the apical cortex and the apical extracellular matrix filling the luminal space are essential for the generation, balancing, and equilibrium of these growth forces. We here discuss the mechanical properties and architecture of the apical cortex and extracellular matrix, and their crucial roles in the tissue‐level coordination of tubule shape and geometry.
Effects of β‐blockers on all‐cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease
Authors: Tsujimoto Tetsuro , Sugiyama Takehiro , Kajio Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

Aims

To assess whether the use of beta‐blockers influences mortality and the incidence of major cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Materials and methods

Using data from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes trial, we performed Cox proportional hazards analysis to assess the effects of β‐blockers on all‐cause mortality in 2244 patients with type 2 diabetes who had stable CHD with and without a history of myocardial infarction (MI)/heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Results

All‐cause mortality in patients with MI/HFrEF was significantly lower in those receiving β‐blockers than in those not receiving β‐blockers (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37‐0.98;
P
 = .04), whereas that in patients without MI/HFrEF did not significantly differ (adjusted HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.76‐1.32;
P
 = .64). Among patients with MI/HFrEF, all‐cause mortality in those who received intensive medical therapy alone for CHD was significantly lower in those on β‐blockers than in those not on β‐blockers (adjusted HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23‐0.88;
P
 = .02); however, mortality in patients who received early revascularization for CHD was not significantly lower in those on β‐blockers (adjusted HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.40‐1.65;
P
 = .57). The risk of major cardiovascular events in patients without MI/HFrEF was not significantly different between those on and those not on β‐blocker treatment.

Conclusions

In patients with diabetes and CHD, the use of β‐blockers was effective in reducing all‐cause mortality in those with MI/HFrEF but not in those without MI/HFrEF.
Outpatient 60‐hour day‐and‐night glucose control with dual‐hormone artificial pancreas, single‐hormone artificial pancreas, or sensor‐augmented pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: An open‐label, randomised, crossover, controlled trial
Authors: Haidar Ahmad , Messier Virginie , Legault Laurent , Ladouceur Martin , Rabasa‐Lhoret Rémi
Published: January 2017

Aims

To assess whether the dual‐hormone (insulin and glucagon) artificial pancreas reduces hypoglycaemia compared to the single‐hormone (insulin alone) artificial pancreas in outpatient settings during the day and night.

Material and methods

In a randomized, three‐way, crossover trial we compared the dual‐hormone artificial pancreas, the single‐hormone artificial pancreas and sensor‐augmented pump therapy (control) in 23 adults with type 1 diabetes. Each intervention was applied from 8 AM Day 1 to 8 PM Day 3 (60 hours) in outpatient free‐living conditions. The primary outcome was time spent with sensor glucose levels below 4.0 mmol/L. A P value of less than .017 was regarded as significant.

Results

The median difference between the dual‐hormone system and the single‐hormone system was −2.3% (P = .072) for time spent below 4.0 mmol/L, −1.3% (P = .017) for time below 3.5 mmol/L, and −0.7% (P = .031) for time below 3.3 mmol/L. Both systems reduced (P < .017) hypoglycaemia below 4.0, 3.5 and 3.3 mmol/L compared to control therapy, but reductions were larger with the dual‐hormone system than with the single‐hormone system (medians −4.0% vs −3.4% for 4.0 mmol/L; −2.7% vs −2.2% for 3.5 mmol/L; and −2.2% vs −1.2% for 3.3 mmol/L). There were 34 hypoglycaemic events (<3.0 mmol/L for 20 minutes) with control therapy, 14 with the single‐hormone system and 6 with the dual‐hormone system. These differences in hypoglycaemia were observed while mean glucose level was low and comparable in all interventions (P = NS).

Conclusions

The dual‐hormone artificial pancreas had the lowest risk of hypoglycaemia, but the differences were not statistically significant. Larger studies are needed.
Delivering Effective Blended Learning: Managing the Dichotomy of Humility and Hubris in Executive Education
Authors: Lockhart James , McKee Dorothy , Donnelly Debbie
Published: January 2017

The dichotomy of humility and hubris among participants in Executive Education courses presents faculty with a source of heterogeneity not disclosed through the common descriptive statistics of sex, age, education and employment. This article discusses the impact of this dichotomy on the design and delivery of effective executive education. In this domain, a premium is charged and the value of collective learning experiences is often promoted. The authors reflect on the value created from offering blended learning experiences to executives over the last decade. Attention is paid to which components can be delivered effectively through web‐based course management systems (CMS) and which components need to be delivered through conventional face‐to‐face delivery. Particular attention is paid to the dichotomy of humility and hubris among participants. Humility is often found to be masked in an online experience while hubris can emerge with consequences to effective cohort learning. The latter is also more obvious in face‐to‐face delivery where it can, perhaps, be better managed. However, experience has shown that is not always so easily managed in in‐house programs. Recommendations are made to enhance design and delivery that accounts for the humility and hubris dichotomy.