bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak genetic structure despite strong genomic signal in lesser sandeel in the North Sea
Authors: Jiménez‐Mena Belén , Le Moan Alan , Christensen Asbjørn , van Deurs Mikael , Mosegaard Henrik , Hemmer‐Hansen Jakob , Bekkevold Dorte
Published: October 2019

Sandeels are an ecologically important group of fishes; they are a key part of the food chain serving as food for marine mammals, seabirds and fish. Sandeels are further targeted by a large industrial fishery, which has led to concern about ecosystem effects. In the North Sea, the lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus is by far the most prevalent species of sandeel in the fishery. Management of sandeel in the North Sea plus the Kattegat is currently divided into seven geographical areas, based on subtle differences in demography, population dynamics and results from simulations of larval dispersal. However, little is known about the underlying genetic population structure. In this study, we used 2,522 SNPs derived from restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) typed in 429 fish representing four main sandeel management areas. Our main results showed (a) a lack of a clear spatially defined genetic structure across the majority of genetic markers and (b) the existence of a group of at least 13 SNPs under strong linkage disequilibrium which together separate North Sea sandeel into three haplotype clusters, suggestive of one or more structural variants in the genome. Analyses of the spatial distribution of these putative structural variants suggest at least partial reproductive isolation of sandeel in the western management area along the Scottish coast, supporting a separate management. Our results highlight the importance of the application of a large number of markers to be able to detect weak patterns of differentiation. This study contributes to increasing the genetic knowledge of this important exploited species, and results can be used to improve our understanding of population dynamics and stock structure.
Visual evidence of progression and eventual resolution of nasofrontal suture exostosis over 27 months in a gelding
Authors: Esselman A. M. , Wefel S. , Trumble T. N.
Published: October 2019

A 22‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a noticeable external firm and nonpainful swelling over the location of the frontal sinuses. Further radiographic investigation of the swelling identified soft tissue facial swelling, new bone formation and a radiolucent line between two areas of bone remodelling. The horse was diagnosed with a nasofrontal suture exostosis. This is a relatively rare disease of the head but is one of the more common reasons for facial swelling. It is reported that these horses are not painful and that the swelling and bony reaction will resolve over 12–18 months with no treatment needed. It is well described in the current literature what the initial presentation should look like; however, there is a void when it comes to demonstration of the clinical course of the disease. This report provides veterinarians and owners with a visual reference to a relatively typical course of disease, where swelling can enlarge over time and still resolve within 2 years.
Simultaneous numerical representation of soil microsite production and consumption of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide using probability distribution functions
Authors: Sihi Debjani , Davidson Eric A. , Savage Kathleen E. , Liang Dong
Published: October 2019

Production and consumption of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) are affected by complex interactions of temperature, moisture, and substrate supply, which are further complicated by spatial heterogeneity of the soil matrix. This microsite heterogeneity is often invoked to explain non‐normal distributions of greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, also known as hot spots and hot moments. To advance numerical simulation of these belowground processes, we expanded the Dual Arrhenius and Michaelis–Menten model, to apply it consistently for all three GHGs with respect to the biophysical processes of production, consumption, and diffusion within the soil, including the contrasting effects of oxygen (O2) as substrate or inhibitor for each process. High‐frequency chamber‐based measurements of all three GHGs at the Howland Forest (ME, USA) were used to parameterize the model using a multiple constraint approach. The area under a soil chamber is partitioned according to a bivariate log‐normal probability distribution function (PDF) of carbon and water content across a range of microsites, which leads to a PDF of heterotrophic respiration and O2 consumption among microsites. Linking microsite consumption of O2 with a diffusion model generates a broad range of microsite concentrations of O2, which then determines the PDF of microsites that produce or consume CH4 and N2O, such that a range of microsites occurs with both positive and negative signs for net CH4 and N2O flux. Results demonstrate that it is numerically feasible for microsites of N2O reduction and CH4 oxidation to co‐occur under a single chamber, thus explaining occasional measurement of simultaneous uptake of both gases. Simultaneous simulation of all three GHGs in a parsimonious modeling framework is challenging, but it increases confidence that agreement between simulations and measurements is based on skillful numerical representation of processes across a heterogeneous environment.
Trends in tuna carbon isotopes suggest global changes in pelagic phytoplankton communities
Authors: Lorrain Anne , Pethybridge Heidi , Cassar Nicolas , Receveur Aurore , Allain Valérie , Bodin Nathalie , Bopp Laurent , Choy C. Anela , Duffy Leanne , Fry Brian , Goñi Nicolas , Graham Brittany S. , Hobday Alistair J. , Logan John M. , Ménard Frederic , Menkes Christophe E. , Olson Robert J. , Pagendam Dan E. , Point David , Revill Andrew T. , Somes Christopher J. , Young Jock W.
Published: October 2019

Considerable uncertainty remains over how increasing atmospheric CO2 and anthropogenic climate changes are affecting open‐ocean marine ecosystems from phytoplankton to top predators. Biological time series data are thus urgently needed for the world's oceans. Here, we use the carbon stable isotope composition of tuna to provide a first insight into the existence of global trends in complex ecosystem dynamics and changes in the oceanic carbon cycle. From 2000 to 2015, considerable declines in δ13C values of 0.8‰–2.5‰ were observed across three tuna species sampled globally, with more substantial changes in the Pacific Ocean compared to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Tuna recorded not only the Suess effect, that is, fossil fuel‐derived and isotopically light carbon being incorporated into marine ecosystems, but also recorded profound changes at the base of marine food webs. We suggest a global shift in phytoplankton community structure, for example, a reduction in 13C‐rich phytoplankton such as diatoms, and/or a change in phytoplankton physiology during this period, although this does not rule out other concomitant changes at higher levels in the food webs. Our study establishes tuna δ13C values as a candidate essential ocean variable to assess complex ecosystem responses to climate change at regional to global scales and over decadal timescales. Finally, this time series will be invaluable in calibrating and validating global earth system models to project changes in marine biota.
Restless legs syndrome in patients on hemodialysis: Polysomnography findings
Authors: Bambini Beatriz B. M. , Moysés Rosa M. A. , Batista Luci C. D. , Coelho Brunelle B. S. S. , Tufik Sergio , Elias Rosilene M. , Coelho Fernando M.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a highly prevalent sleep movement disorder usually accompanied by periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). The incidence of RLS and PLMS in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis is much higher. Clinically, RLS and PLMS can co‐occur. We hypothesized that patients with ESRD on dialysis would have a distinct presentation of RLS, with a higher prevalence of PLMS.

Methods: We examined clinical, demographic, biochemical, and polysomnographic characteristics of RLS in patients on dialysis matched to control subjects with normal renal function based on age, sex, body mass index, and frequency of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, defined by the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), in a proportion of 3:1. Patients with ESRD were on hemodialysis three times per week. Polysomnography was performed overnight in the sleep laboratory.

Findings: Patients on dialysis compared to control subjects had a lower amount of N3 sleep (77.6 ± 39.9 minutes vs. 94.8 ± 33.7 minutes, p = 0.037) and REM sleep (55.6 ± 27.5 minutes vs. 74.1 ± 28.4 minutes, p = 0.006), regardless of the presence of RLS. Among the patients on dialysis, those with RLS had higher PLMS. In the control group, patients with RLS had a lower ferritin level, which was not observed in the dialysis group. There was a significant interaction between PLMS and ESRD (p = 0.001), with a higher prevalence of PLMS in patients with ESRD on dialysis in a model adjusted for AHI, sex, arousals, and age. Factors that were associated with PLMS were RLS (p = 0.003), ESRD (p = 0.0001), and AHI (p = 0.041), with an adjusted R2 of 0.321.

Conclusion: RLS in patients with ESRD on dialysis is independently associated with PLMS, regardless of the severity of sleep apnea, arousals, and age.
Association between patient psychosocial characteristics and receipt of in‐center nocturnal hemodialysis among prevalent dialysis patients
Authors: Wilk Adam S. , Tang Zhaoli , Hoge Courtney , Plantinga Laura C. , Lea Janice P.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Compared to traditional in‐center hemodialysis (HD), in‐center nocturnal dialysis (INHD) is characterized by longer sessions and nighttime administration, which may lead to better outcomes for some patients. Given the importance of patient choice in the decision to initiate INHD, we explored associations between patients’ psychosocial characteristics and their receipt of INHD.

Methods: Among hemodialysis patients at a medium‐sized dialysis organization, we identified INHD patients as those for whom ≥80% of dialysis sessions were INHD sessions—starting at 6:30 pm or later and lasting ≥5 hours—over the 3 months (≥20 sessions total) after their first INHD session. We extracted dialysis session data from electronic medical records and psychosocial data from social worker assessments. We tested associations of patients’ psychosocial characteristics—as well as demographic and clinical characteristics—with INHD receipt among all hemodialysis patients (INHD and HD) in bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models.

Findings: Among 759 patients with complete data, we identified 47 (6.2%) as INHD patients. On average, these patients were more likely than HD patients to be employed (full‐time 10.6% vs. 5.2%; part‐time 17.0% vs. 4.2%; P < 0.001), and they were significantly less likely to require ambulatory assistance (14.9% vs. 39.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariable regressions, we found that part‐time employment (versus being unemployed) was associated with a 7.1 percentage‐point higher likelihood of being an INHD patient (P = 0.01), and the negative association with ambulatory assistance needs approached statistical significance (P = 0.056). No other psychosocial factors included in this main regression analysis were statistically significantly associated with INHD patient status.

Discussion: Researchers comparing the outcomes of patients undergoing INHD versus other treatment modalities will need to account for differences in employment status—and other factors like requiring ambulatory assistance and age which may predict the ability to work—between INHD users and comparison patients to avoid bias in estimates.
Bioactive constituents, in vitro radical scavenging and antibacterial activities of selected Apis mellifera honey from Kenya
Authors: Mokaya Hosea O. , Bargul Joel L. , Irungu Janet W. , Lattorff Hans Michael G.
Published: October 2019

There is limited information about the relative composition and health benefits of various honey consumed across Africa. This study aimed at estimating the bioactive constituents, in vitro radical scavenging and antibacterial activities of 16 kinds of honey obtained from different geographical locations in Kenya. Manuka 5 + honey was included for comparison. Some of the tested honey had biochemicals and bioactivities similar to or higher than Manuka 5 + honey. The honey exhibited DPPH radical scavenging ability, with several types of honey showing superior scavenging potential than Manuka 5 + honey, owing to their high phenol content. All types of honey inhibited the growth of E. coli and further showed a substantial amount of nonperoxide antimicrobial activity. The geographical origin of honey had an influence on its bioactive contents. Overall, these findings suggest that Kenyan honey has great therapeutic potential, and thus, its clinical application should not be overlooked.
Reducing faking on personality tests: Testing a new faking‐mitigation procedure in a U.S. job applicant sample
Authors: Lopez Felix Jamie , Hou Ning , Fan Jinyan
Published: October 2019

Faking has remained a major concern for organizations using self‐report personality measures for selection. Scholars recenlty developed a new middle‐warning faking‐mitigation procedure. The present replication study was the first field test in the United States using 193 applicants for an entry‐level position in a New York‐based consulting firm. Results replicated most of Fan et al.'s findings including (a) the middle‐warning significantly lowered fakers' personality scores over retesting, whereas the control message had little influence on nonfakers; (b) the above warning effect carried over to personality scales that were not retested; and (c) the persistent tendency of potential fakers rising to the top of personality score distribution was weakened. In addition, applicants' perceptions were not being negatively affected by the warning.
Association between environmental quality and diabetes in the USA
Authors: Jagai Jyotsna S , Krajewski Alison K , Shaikh Sabina , Lobdell Danelle T , Sargis Robert M
Published: October 2019

Aims/Introduction

Caloric excess and physical inactivity fail to fully account for the rise of diabetes prevalence. Individual environmental pollutants can disrupt glucose homeostasis and promote metabolic dysfunction. However, the impact of cumulative exposures on diabetes risk is unknown.

Materials and Methods

The Environmental Quality Index, a county‐level index composed of five domains, was developed to capture the multifactorial ambient environmental exposures. The Environmental Quality Index was linked to county‐level annual age‐adjusted population‐based estimates of diabetes prevalence rates. Prevalence differences (PD, annual difference per 100,000 persons) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random intercept mixed effects linear regression models. Associations were assessed for overall environmental quality and domain‐specific indices, and all analyses were stratified by four rural‐urban strata.

Results

Comparing counties in the highest quintile/poorest environmental quality to those in the lowest quintile/best environmental quality, counties with poor environmental quality demonstrated lower total diabetes prevalence rates. Associations varied by rural–urban strata; overall better environmental quality was associated with lower total diabetes prevalence rates in the less urbanized and thinly populated strata. When considering all counties, good sociodemographic environments were associated with lower total diabetes prevalence rates (prevalence difference 2.77, 95% confidence interval 2.71–2.83), suggesting that counties with poor sociodemographic environments have an annual prevalence rate 2.77 per 100,000 persons higher than counties with good sociodemographic environments.

Conclusions

Increasing attention has focused on environmental exposures as contributors to diabetes pathogenesis, and the present findings suggest that comprehensive approaches to diabetes prevention must include interventions to improve environmental quality.
Susceptibility of three Colombian Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) populations to a Lysinibacillus sphaericus formulation
Authors: Santana‐Martínez Juan Camilo , Rojas‐Pinzón Paula Andrea , Dussán Jenny
Published: October 2019

The increased incidence of vector‐borne diseases and insecticide resistance in mosquitos constitute public health concerns in the tropics. Biological control is an effective alternative in the management of Aedes aegypti Linnaeus populations. Lysinibacillus sphaericus a bacterium proved to be harmless for non‐target organisms has shown promising entomopathogenic activity. In Colombia, the control of A. aegypti using L. sphaericus has not been contemplated as part of vector control programmes. To assess the susceptibility of three A. aegypti populations to a L. sphaericus formulation consisting of vegetative cells of 2362 and III(3)7 strains, simulated‐field bioassays were conducted in the municipalities of Ricaurte in Cundinamarca and Tauramena in Casanare, as well as in the municipal inspection of San Joaquin, Cundinamarca. Sixty larvae were deposited in a test device, which contained nine litres of chlorine‐free tap water and 100 ml of the bacterial formulation (109 CFU/ml). Six replicates were set‐up for treatment with bacteria and for the control. Larvae mortality was recorded at 24 and 48 hr. The three A. aegypti populations were susceptible to L. sphaericus formulation with a mortality rate higher than 90% at 48 hr. The formulation of L. sphaericus comprised of vegetative cells of 2362 and III(3)7 strains showed promising results that could guarantee the implementation of this formulation to control of A. aegypti populations.
Effects of dietary supplementation with nanocurcumin on quality and safety of meat from broiler chicken infected with Eimeria species
Authors: Partovi Razieh , Seifi Saeed , Pabast Mahdieh , Babaei Amir
Published: October 2019

Coccidiosis is the most common parasitic disease of poultry which causes economic damage not only by mortality, but also by impaired growth rate, malabsorption, body weight loss, and the negative effects on the product's yield and quality. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with nanocurcumin on carcass characteristics and physical and chemical properties of broiler chicken breast meat infected with Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella. Fifty one‐day‐old chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: (1) noninfected/nonmedicated, (2) infected/nonmedicated, (3) infected/medicated (nanocurcumin 300 mg/kg), (4) infected/medicated (nanocurcumin 400 mg/kg), and (5) infected/medicated (antibiotic). Carcass characteristics of Group 3 improved in comparison with Groups 4 and 2, significantly (p < .05). Groups 3 and 4 decreased drip loss and cooking loss and increased protein content in comparison with Group 2. Groups 3 and 4 showed significantly higher a* values in comparison to Group 2 at the first and the 30th day under freeze condition. TBARS value of Group 2 was higher than Group 1, while Group 3 had significantly lower TBARS value than Group 2. SDS‐PAGE patterns and DSC profiles do not show any differences. Nanocurcumin (300 mg/kg) can be used as a potential promising feed additive in poultry production.

Practical applications

Considering the economic losses due to negative effects of coccidiosis on growth rate and meat quality of broiler chicken, nanocurcumin as a natural and safe food additive can be a promising approach to improve the nutritional value and organoleptic factors of poultry meat during shelf life.
Failure of sentinel lymph node mapping in a patient with endometrial cancer with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A case report
Authors: Vatansever Dogan , Giray Burak , Kumcular Tuncer , Ekemen Suheyla , Arvas Macit , Taskiran Cagatay
Published: October 2019

We aimed to report a detection failure of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping via indocyanine green in a patient with endometrial cancer with a previous history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is a potential risk factor to obstruct lymphatic channels. A 64‐year‐old woman with a 12‐year history of CLL presented to the clinic with grade 2 endometrioid carcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgical staging. Indocyanine green was used intraoperatively to locate the SLN. No lymph node or lymphatic vessels were identified during SLN mapping. At the final pathology, the morphological findings of CLL were detected in the lymph nodes without metastasis of endometrial cancer. Sentinel lymph node mapping failure due to obstruction of lymphatic channels in a patient with CLL was demonstrated in this study. This is the first report to the best of our knowledge showing SLN mapping failure in the presence of lymphoproliferative diseases.
Transabdominal versus transvaginal specimen extraction in mini‐laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Soyman Zeynep , Kelekci Sefa , Aydogmus Serpil , Demirel Emine , Ekmekci Emre
Published: October 2019

Aim

The objective of this study was to present our experiences of tissue extraction via the transvaginal (TV) route after a mini‐laparoscopic gynecological surgery and compare them with our transabdominal (TA) specimen extraction experiences.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care center between July 2014 and February 2016. Fifty‐eight women who were undergoing mini‐laparoscopy for adnexal mass removal were randomized into two groups according to the surgical specimen removal by the TV route (n = 28) or the TA route (n = 30). The main outcome measures were the postoperative incisional pain, cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction rate. The secondary outcome measures were additional blood loss, additional operation duration and the need for morcellation.

Results

The TV group had significantly lower visual analog scale scores than the TA group at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. The morcellation needs were lower in the TV group than in the TA group. Three months after the surgery, the participants scored a higher rate of overall satisfaction in the cosmetic outcomes in the TV group than in the TA group.

Conclusion

Tissue extraction through a posterior colpotomy after mini‐laparoscopic surgery may be a feasible technique for improving cosmetic results, decreasing postoperative pain and decreasing the need for morcellation when compared to TA specimen retrieval.
Association Among Internal Assets, Bullying, and Emotional Distress in Eighth Grade Students
Authors: Fredkove Windy M. , Gower Amy L. , Sieving Renee E.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Adolescents are in a unique developmental stage, ideal for initiating healthy behaviors and benefiting from health promotion interventions. In this study, we used positive youth development and resilience frameworks, to investigate the role of internal assets as a protective factor for bullying and emotional distress among early adolescents, with attention to whether those associations vary by sex.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, a cross‐sectional, population‐based survey of Minnesota youth. Participating eighth grade students (N = 42,841) reported on internal assets, physical, relational and cyberbullying involvement, and emotional distress.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, revealed that students with higher internal assets had lower odds of all forms of bullying victimization and perpetration than those with lower internal assets. Higher levels of internal assets were also associated with lower odds of emotional distress. All associations were significant for boys and girls, but appeared stronger for girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that internal assets may buffer young teens from bullying and from the emotional distress that may result from bullying involvement. Approaches bolstering internal assets may be beneficial for combating bullying and emotional distress during early adolescence.
“The right to lead”: Navajo language, dis‐citizenship, and Diné presidential politics
Authors: Jacobsen Kristina , Thompson Kerry F.
Published: October 2019

This article examines the 2014 Navajo Nation presidential primary election and language debate as a window into the politics of Navajo heritage language and identity. Using Facebook posts written in response to a videotaped hearing testing the fluency of one of the candidates that subsequently went viral, we analyse social citizenship and stigmatized language identities through the lens of critical Diné (Navajo) language consciousness. Focusing on generational differences between speaker groups that undergirded this debate, we analyse (a) the fluency test itself and (b) online and ethnographic responses to the fluency test. Using discourse analysis of Facebook posts of both heritage language and new Navajo speakers, we show how new speakers in particular express investment in their language and Diné cultural continuity and, through their emphasis on the heterogeneity of contemporary Diné communicative practices, offer an alternative template for ways to move forward in Diné language reclamation efforts.
Performance of beer sensory panels: A comparison of experience level, product knowledge, and responsiveness to feedback calibration
Authors: Elgaard Line , Jensen Sidsel , Mielby Line A. , Byrne Derek V.
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the effect of level of sensory experience and type of product knowledge on panel performance during a descriptive analysis. Additionally, the applicability of the feedback calibration method (FCM) was investigated for use with different types of panels. A well‐established expert panel (professional product specific knowledge) was compared to (a) a newly trained product‐specific panel (interest based product specific knowledge) and (b) a well‐established general panel (general product knowledge). Results showed that the overall product sensory profiles generated by the three panels were similar. However, analysis of the panels' repeatability, discriminability, attribute understanding, and use of scale displayed that the product‐specific panel performed more similar to the professional beer panel and was therefore superior compared to the general panel. The applicability of FCM was most effective for the newly trained panel, compared to the more extensively trained panel.

Practical applications

Sensory descriptive analysis is one of the basic tools in the field of sensory science. However, recent focus in research has been to investigate faster and more cost‐efficient methods, resulting in a decrease in research on the methodology of classical sensory descriptive analysis. The methodology of descriptive analysis still has many unanswered questions regarding panel selection and training. The results of the current study indicate that product specificity is more important than sensory experience when studying complex foods like beer. More attention should therefore be applied to type of panel, when conducting descriptive analysis of complex products. Furthermore, the results show that the feedback calibration method (FCM) is more advantageous for training of panels with less sensory experience, though beneficial for all types of panels. The general guideline is therefore to include FCM as part of the training procedure for all type of panels.
The alkylaminoalkanethiosulfuric acids exhibit in-vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: a new perspective for use of these schistosomicidal agents
Authors: Porcino Gabriane Nascimento , Antinarelli Luciana Maria Ribeiro , Maia Ana Carolina Ribeiro Gomes , Faria-Pinto Priscila , Taunay-Rodrigues Alessandro , Zech Coelho Paulo Marcos , Nelson David Lee , Penido Marcus Luiz Oliveira , Coimbra Elaine Soares , Vasconcelos Eveline Gomes
Published: October 2019

The alkylaminoalkanethiosulfuric acids (AAATs) are amphipathic compounds effective against experimental schistosomiasis, of low toxicity, elevated bioavailability after a single oral dose and prompt tissue absorption.

Objectives

To explore the in-vitro antileishmanial potential of AAATs using five compounds of this series against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.

Methods

Their effects on promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, and cytotoxicity to macrophages were tested by the MTT method, and on Leishmania-infected macrophages by Giemsa stain. Effects on the mitochondrial membrane potential of promastigotes and axenic amastigotes and DNA of intracellular amastigotes were tested using JC-1 and TUNEL assays, respectively.

Key findings

The 2-(isopropylamino)-1-octanethiosulfuric acid (I) and 2-(sec-butylamino)-1-octanethiosulfuric acid (II) exhibit activity against both promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 25-35 µm), being more toxic to intracellular parasites than to the host cell. Compound I induced a loss of viability of axenic amastigotes, significantly reduced (30%) the mitochondrial membrane potential of both promastigotes and axenic amastigotes and promoted selective DNA fragmentation of the nucleus and kinetoplast of intracellular amastigotes.

Conclusions

In this previously unpublished study of trypanosomatids, it is shown that AAATs could also exhibit selective antileishmanial activity, a new possibility to be investigated in oral treatment of leishmaniasis.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety studies on URB937, a peripherally restricted fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, in rats
Authors: Vozella Valentina , Ahmed Faizy , Choobchian Paoula , Merrill Collin B , Zibardi Cristina , Tarzia Giorgio , Mor Marco , Duranti Andrea , Tontini Andrea , Rivara Silvia , Piomelli Daniele
Published: October 2019

Objectives

URB937, a peripheral fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, exerts profound analgesic effects in animal models. We examined, in rats, (1) the pharmacokinetic profile of oral URB937; (2) the compound's ability to elevate levels of the representative FAAH substrate, oleoylethanolamide (OEA); and (3) the compound's tolerability after oral administration.

Methods

We developed a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) method to measure URB937 and used a pre-existing LC/MS-MS assay to quantify OEA. FAAH activity was measured using a radioactive substrate. The tolerability of single or repeated (once daily for 2 weeks) oral administration of supramaximal doses of URB937 (100, 300, 1000 mg/kg) was assessed by monitoring food intake, water intake and body weight, followed by post-mortem evaluation of organ structure.

Key findings

URB937 was orally available in male rats (F = 36%), but remained undetectable in brain when administered at doses that maximally inhibit FAAH activity and elevate OEA in plasma and liver. Acute and subchronic treatment with high doses of URB937 was well-tolerated and resulted in FAAH inhibition in brain.

Conclusions

Pain remains a major unmet medical need. The favourable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of URB937, along with its tolerability, encourage further development studies on this compound.
Positive interaction facilitates landscape homogenization by shrub expansion in the forest–tundra ecotone
Authors: Kitagawa Ryo , Masumoto Shota , Nishizawa Keita , Kaneko Ryo , Osono Takashi , Hasegawa Motohiro , Uchida Masaki , Mori Akira S.
Published: October 2019

Questions

Changes in vegetation structure, including shrub expansion, occur in forest–tundra ecotones in sub‐arctic regions. However, the community‐level processes driving vegetation change are poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate factors mediating the assembly processes for community initiators of vegetation change and determine the ecological processes driving vegetation changes.

Location

Kuujjuarapik/Whapmagoostui (55.31 N, 77.75 W), Quebec, Canada.

Methods

Vegetation was surveyed in eight 100‐m line transects with 16 quadrats (1 m × 1 m) per transect established in both forest and tundra habitats. To elucidate the assembly processes of the initiators of vegetation change and other community components of the forest–tundra ecotone, we evaluated β‐diversity among and within habitats and its causal factors (i.e. spatial and environmental factors). Interspecies interactions were estimated based on the patterns of co‐occurrence between all pairs of species.

Results

Although environmental and spatial factors significantly affected the community structure of the specific and shared species in the forest habitat, the variation in community structure within and among tundra habitats was not explained by environmental or spatial factors for any community components. Therefore, community assemblages of shared species in tundra habitat were independent from local conditions determined by environment and spatial location. However, we found a positive co‐occurrence pattern among the dominant shared shrubs to be a characteristic of the tundra habitat, and this relationship explained the patterns of community structure within tundra habitats.

Conclusions

Community assemblages of initiators of vegetation change in tundra habitats are unrestricted by any external factors, such as dispersal limitation or environmental filtering. However, positive relationships in the abundance or occurrence of dominant shrubs may indicate a positive feedback loop between colonizing species and environmental modifications. This positive feedback loop may be a driving process in the expansion of shared species and vegetation change.
Improved survival prediction and comparison of prognostic models for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib
Authors: Labeur Tim A. , Berhane Sarah , Edeline Julien , Blanc Jean‐Frederic , Bettinger Dominik , Meyer Tim , Van Vugt Jeroen L. A. , Ten Cate David W. G. , De Man Robert A. , Eskens Ferry A. L. M. , Cucchetti Alessandro , Bonnett Laura J. , Van Delden Otto M. , Klümpen Heinz‐Josef , Takkenberg R. Bart , Johnson Philip J.
Published: October 2019

Background

The ‘Prediction Of Survival in Advanced Sorafenib‐treated HCC’ (PROSASH) model addressed the heterogeneous survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib in clinical trials but requires validation in daily clinical practice. This study aimed to validate, compare and optimize this model for survival prediction.

Methods

Patients treated with sorafenib for HCC at five tertiary European centres were retrospectively staged according to the PROSASH model. In addition, the optimized PROSASH‐II model was developed using the data of four centres (training set) and tested in an independent dataset. These models for overall survival (OS) were then compared with existing prognostic models.

Results

The PROSASH model was validated in 445 patients, showing clear differences between the four risk groups (OS 16.9‐4.6 months). A total of 920 patients (n = 615 in training set, n = 305 in validation set) were available to develop PROSASH‐II. This optimized model incorporated fewer and less subjective parameters: the serum albumin, bilirubin and alpha‐foetoprotein, and macrovascular invasion, extrahepatic spread and largest tumour size on imaging. Both PROSASH and PROSASH‐II showed improved discrimination (C‐index 0.62 and 0.63, respectively) compared with existing prognostic scores (C‐index ≤0.59).

Conclusions

In HCC patients treated with sorafenib, individualized prediction of survival and risk group stratification using baseline prognostic and predictive parameters with the PROSASH model was validated. The refined PROSASH‐II model performed at least as good with fewer and more objective parameters. PROSASH‐II can be used as a tool for tailored treatment of HCC in daily practice and to define pre‐planned subgroups for future studies.
Modeling urban growth using video prediction technology: A time‐dependent convolutional encoder–decoder architecture
Authors: Jaad Ahmed , Abdelghany Khaled
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a novel methodology for urban growth prediction using a machine learning approach. The methodology treats successive historical satellite images of an urban area as a video for which future frames are predicted. It adopts a time‐dependent convolutional encoder–decoder architecture. The methodology's input includes a satellite image for the base year and the prediction horizon. It constructs an image that predicts the growth of the urban area for any given target year within the specified horizon. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the best combination of parameters to achieve the highest prediction performance. As a case study, the methodology is applied to predict the urban growth pattern for the Dallas–Fort Worth area in Texas, with focus on two of its counties that observed significant growth over the past decade. The methodology is shown to produce results that are consistent with other growth prediction studies conducted for the areas.
A wheat transcription factor positively sets seed vigour by regulating the grain nitrate signal
Authors: Li Wenjing , He Xue , Chen Yi , Jing Yanfu , Shen Chuncai , Yang Junbo , Teng Wan , Zhao Xueqiang , Hu Weijuan , Hu Mengyun , Li Hui , Miller Anthony J. , Tong Yiping
Published: October 2019

Seed vigour and early establishment are important factors determining the yield of crops. A wheat nitrate‐inducible NAC transcription factor, TaNAC2, plays a critical role in promoting crop growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and now its role in seed vigour is revealed. A TaNAC2 regulated gene was identified that is a NRT2‐type nitrate transporter TaNRT2.5 with a key role in seed vigour.

Overexpressing TaNAC2‐5A increases grain nitrate concentration and seed vigour by directly binding to the promoter of TaNRT2.5‐3B and positively regulating its expression. TaNRT2.5 is expressed in developing grain, particularly the embryo and husk.

In Xenopus oocyte assays TaNRT2.5 requires a partner protein TaNAR2.1 to give nitrate transport activity, and the transporter locates to the tonoplast in a tobacco leaf transient expression system. Furthermore, in the root TaNRT2.5 and TaNRT2.1 function in post‐anthesis acquisition of soil nitrate. Overexpression of TaNRT2.5‐3B increases seed vigour, grain nitrate concentration and yield, whereas RNA interference of TaNRT2.5 has the opposite effects.

The TaNAC2‐NRT2.5 module has a key role in regulating grain nitrate accumulation and seed vigour. Both genes can potentially be used to improve grain yield and NUE in wheat.
Metabolic quirks and the colourful history of the Euglena gracilis secondary plastid
Authors: Novák Vanclová Anna M. G. , Zoltner Martin , Kelly Steven , Soukal Petr , Záhonová Kristína , Füssy Zoltán , Ebenezer ThankGod E. , Lacová Dobáková Eva , Eliáš Marek , Lukeš Julius , Field Mark C. , Hampl Vladimír
Published: October 2019

Euglena spp. are phototrophic flagellates with considerable ecological presence and impact. Euglena gracilis harbours secondary green plastids, but an incompletely characterised proteome precludes accurate understanding of both plastid function and evolutionary history.

Using subcellular fractionation, an improved sequence database and MS we determined the composition, evolutionary relationships and hence predicted functions of the E. gracilis plastid proteome.

We confidently identified 1345 distinct plastid protein groups and found that at least 100 proteins represent horizontal acquisitions from organisms other than green algae or prokaryotes. Metabolic reconstruction confirmed previously studied/predicted enzymes/pathways and provided evidence for multiple unusual features, including uncoupling of carotenoid and phytol metabolism, a limited role in amino acid metabolism, and dual sets of the SUF pathway for FeS cluster assembly, one of which was acquired by lateral gene transfer from Chlamydiae. Plastid paralogues of trafficking‐associated proteins potentially mediating fusion of transport vesicles with the outermost plastid membrane were identified, together with derlin‐related proteins, potential translocases across the middle membrane, and an extremely simplified TIC complex.

The Euglena plastid, as the product of many genomes, combines novel and conserved features of metabolism and transport.
Resident perceptions of opportunity for communication and contribution to care planning in residential aged care
Authors: Bennett Michelle , von Treuer Kathryn , McCabe Marita P. , Beattie Elizabeth , Karantzas Gery , Mellor David , Sanders Kerrie , Busija Ljoudmila , Goodenough Belinda , Byers Jessica
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

Irrespective of age, communication is a tool of expression and a key daily activity meeting the human need for social interaction and connection. The introduction of consumer‐directed care (CDC) emphasises the importance of communication to provide consumers with the opportunity to exercise choice over the care they receive. As consumer‐directed care progresses, it is hypothesised that the feasibility of shared decision‐making and care planning in residential aged care will be largely determined by the communication opportunities afforded to the residents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore resident perceptions of the opportunities they have to communicate, including the opportunity to express their care preferences and contribute opinions about their care.

Design

A qualitative inductive design was adopted.

Methods

An individual interview format was used to gather the perspectives of 102 residents. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to generate themes illustrating patterns in participant views.

Findings

Overall, residents desired increased involvement in their care planning and increased opportunity for more meaningful communication and social opportunities. Residents described the negative impact of the communication difficulties they face on their communication and the need for support and activities to be tailored to residents' individual communication needs.

Conclusions

To facilitate resident participation in CDC and meet resident desire for increased social communication, further investment in resources to support resident–staff communication and accommodate residents’ individual communication needs is required.

Implications for Practice

By highlighting communication as a stand‐alone activity and a priority of residents, the findings of this study raise the profile of communication and demonstrate the need for explicit allocation of care time and specialist services to support resident–staff communication and social communication in residential aged care. Such support must be tailored to meet residents’ individual communication needs and be coupled with increased staff training in providing communication support. Without facilitating resident communication and increasing the opportunity to communicate, shared decision‐making and care planning in residential aged care consistent with person‐centred and consumer‐directed models of care will be limited.
Radiofrequency versus cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation in the setting of left common pulmonary veins
Authors: Coutiño Hugo‐Enrique , Ströker Erwin , Takarada Ken , Mugnai Giacomo , Abugattas Juan‐Pablo , Sieira Juan , Salghetti Francesca , Terasawa Muryo , Varnavas Varnavas , Maj Riccardo , Osório Thiago Guimarães , Neach Diego , Brugada Pedro , de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian‐Battista
Published: October 2019

Background

A left common pulmonary vein (LCPV) accounts as the most frequent pulmonary vein (PV) variation. Our aim was to compare the performance of radiofrequency (RF) versus second‐generation cryoballoon (CB‐A) ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and LCPVs.

Methods

In a total cohort of 716 patients undergoing PV isolation with preprocedural CT‐scanning, LCPV+ patients were selected with measurement of PV ostial area and trunk distance. All LCPV+ patients were matched between RF and CB‐A group in a 1:1 ratio based on propensity scores, and compared for outcome.

Results

Left common pulmonary veins were found in 31% (88/283) RF versus 34% (146/433) CB‐A patients, respectively, (P = .44). In the matched population of 83 LCPV+ patients in each group, electrical isolation could be achieved in all left‐sided PVs. No significant difference was noted for the rate of AF/left atrial tachyarrhythmia (LAT) recurrence between RF and CB‐A group (30% vs 28%, P = .86), with similar AF/LAT‐free survival (log rank, P = .71). There were 48 patients with AF/LAT recurrence (29%) during the follow‐up. Recurrence rate between paroxysmal versus persistent AF was 27/120 (22.5%) versus 21/46 (46%), P = .004. Cox proportional regression analysis withheld LA volume and persistent AF as independent variables to predict AF/LAT recurrence. No increased hazard for AF/LAT recurrence was observed for patients with a long (>15 mm) vs short (5‐15 mm) LCPV trunk (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.6‐2.2, P = .7).

Conclusions

In our study, equal efficacy and outcome was noted in LCPV+ patients between RF and CB‐A technology.
Weather‐informed Light–tissue Model–Based Dose Planning for Indoor Daylight Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: LaRochelle Ethan P. M. , Chapman Michael Shane , Maytin Edward V. , Hasan Tayyaba , Pogue Brian W.
Published: October 2019

Daylight activation for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of skin lesions is now widely adopted in many countries as a less painful and equally effective treatment mechanism, as compared to red or blue light activation. However, seasonal daylight availability and transient weather conditions complicate light dose estimations. A method is presented for dose planning without placing a large burden on clinical staff, by limiting spectral measurements to a one‐time site assessment, and then using automatically acquired weather reports to track transient conditions. The site assessment tools are used to identify appropriate treatment locations for the annual and daily variations in sunlight exposure for clinical center planning. The spectral information collected from the site assessment can then be integrated with real‐time daily electronic weather data. It was shown that a directly measured light exposure has strong correlation (R2: 0.87) with both satellite cloud coverage data and UV index, suggesting that the automated weather indexes can be surrogates for daylight PDT optical dose. These updated inputs can be used in a dose‐planning treatment model to estimate photodynamic dose at depth in tissue. A simple standardized method for estimating light dose during daylight‐PDT could help improve intersite reproducibility while minimizing treatment times.