bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a new biphasic calcium phosphate for maxillary sinus floor elevation: Micro‐CT and histomorphometrical analyses
Authors: Helder Marco N. , van Esterik Fransisca A. S. , Kwehandjaja Mardi D. , ten Bruggenkate Christiaan M. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) with a hydroxyapatite/ß‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/ß‐TCP) ratio of 60/40 (BCP60/40) is successfully used as alternative for autologous bone in patients undergoing maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) for dental implant placement. A high percentage of HA in BCP60/40 may hamper efficient scaffold remodeling. Osteogenesis and neovascularization are pivotal in effective bone regeneration. We aimed to investigate whether differences exist in osteogenic and/or vasculogenic potential of BCP60/40 and BCP20/80 in patients undergoing MSFE.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients undergoing MSFE were treated with BCP60/40 (n = 10) or BCP20/80 (n = 10). Bone and graft volumes were determined by micro‐computed tomography and histomorphometrical analysis of biopsies of the augmented region. Osteoid volumes, number of osteoclasts, and blood vessels were determined by histomorphometrical analysis. The biopsies were taken 6.5 months (26 weeks) postoperatively prior to dental implant placement.

Results

Bone and osteoid volumes were 9.7% and 0.8% higher at the most cranial side of the BCP20/80 biopsies compared to the BCP60/40 biopsies. Graft volumes, number of osteoclasts, and blood vessels were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

BCP20/80 showed enhanced osteogenic potential in patients undergoing MSFE compared to BCP60/40, due to either a faster bone remodeling rate or an earlier start of bone formation in BCP20/80‐treated patients, suggesting that a higher TCP content positively contributes to the bone remodeling rate. Therefore, BCP20/80 might perform better, at least in the short term, as a scaffold for bone augmentation in the MSFE model than BCP60/40 as more bone is formed, and more osteoid is deposited at the cranial side in BCP20/80‐treated patients compared to BCP60/40‐treated patients. However, catch‐up of BCP60/40 in the long term cannot be ruled out.
Suitability of livers for transplantation when treated by normothermic machine perfusion
Authors: Allard Marc‐Antoine , Castro‐Benitez Carlos , Imai Katsunori , Selten Jasmijn , Lopez Alexandre , Sebagh Mylène , Lemoine Antoinette , Sa Cunha Antonio , Cherqui Daniel , Castaing Denis , Vibert Eric , Adam René
Published: April 2018

Background

Many factors may compromise the functional recovery of a harvested potential liver for engraftment. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) can revive hepatic metabolism ex vivo enabling subsequent transplantation. In this study, we evaluated the recovery of 11 discarded livers’ function utilizing NMP.

Materials and methods

Eleven consecutive discarded livers underwent NMP for 6 hours. Liver function recovery was defined by lactate levels of ≤3 mmol/L and continuous bile production.

Results

Ten of 11 livers perfused were fatty. The median percentage of macrosteatosis (MaS) and microsteatosis (MiS) was 40% (10%‐90%) and 40% (20%‐50%), respectively, based on a review of paraffin‐embedded sections of preperfusion biopsies. A discarded “amyloid” liver from an HIV‐positive donor was also studied. Recovery of liver function was observed in 4 livers, including that with the amyloid deposition. These livers sustained shorter cold ischemia times and seemed to have increased portal and arterial blood flow. No significant change in MiS or MaS was observed before and after perfusion.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that some discarded grafts might have been salvaged for transplantation. Further studies utilizing NMP with subsequent transplantation would validate this strategy.
Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning is associated with worse visual outcome after optic neuritis in children with a relapsing demyelinating syndrome
Authors: Eyre Michael , Hameed Aasim , Wright Sukhvir , Brownlee Wallace , Ciccarelli Olga , Bowman Richard , Lim Ming , Wassmer Evangeline , Thompson Dorothy , Hemingway Cheryl , Hacohen Yael
Published: April 2018

Aim

Optic neuritis may be monophasic or occur as part of a relapsing demyelinating syndrome (RDS), such as multiple sclerosis, aquaporin‐4 antibody (AQP4‐Ab) neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG‐Ab)‐associated disease. The aims of this study were to test whether clinical, electrophysiological, and microstructural parameters differ in multiple‐sclerosis‐associated optic neuritis (MS‐ON) and antibody‐associated optic neuritis (Ab‐ON); to identify the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of children suffering worse long‐term visual outcome of RDS‐optic neuritis; and to explore the relationship between RNFL thickness and clinical parameters in RDS‐optic neuritis.

Method

Forty‐two children with optic neuritis were retrospectively studied: 22 with multiple sclerosis (MS‐ON) and 20 with antibody‐associated demyelination (Ab‐ON: MOG‐Ab=16 and AQP4‐Ab=4). Clinical and paraclinical features were analysed.

Results

Complete recovery of visual acuity was reported in 25 out of 42 children; eight out of 38 (21%) suffered moderate or severe visual impairment (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]>0.5) in their worse eye, including four out of 38 who were blind (logMAR>1.3) in their worse eye (two with multiple sclerosis, two with AQP4‐Ab NMOSD). None of the children with MOG‐Ab were blind. Recurrence of optic neuritis was more common in the Ab‐ON group than the MS‐ON group (15 out of 20 vs seven out of 22, p=0.007). Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness at baseline inversely correlated with visual acuity at final follow‐up (r=−0.41, p=0.008). There was no significant relationship between the number of episodes of optic neuritis and mean RNFL (r=−0.08, p=0.628), nor any significant relationship between the number of episodes of optic neuritis and visual impairment (r=0.03, p=0.794).

Interpretation

In children with RDS, long‐term visual impairment inversely correlated with RNFL thickness, but not with the number of relapses of optic neuritis. Optical coherence tomography may have a role in assessing children with optic neuritis to monitor disease activity and inform treatment decisions.

What this paper adds

Long‐term visual impairment is reported in 40% of children with a relapsing demyelinating syndrome following optic neuritis.

Relapse of optic neuritis, occurring more frequently in the non‐multiple‐sclerosis group.

Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning is associated with worse visual outcome.

Optical coherence tomography can be used alongside clinical parameters as an objective measure of neuroretinal loss.
The malaria PTEX component PTEX88 interacts most closely with HSP101 at the host–parasite interface
Authors: Chisholm Scott A. , Kalanon Ming , Nebl Thomas , Sanders Paul R. , Matthews Kathryn M. , Dickerman Benjamin K. , Gilson Paul R. , de Koning‐Ward Tania F.
Published: April 2018

The pathogenic nature of malaria infections is due in part to the export of hundreds of effector proteins that actively remodel the host erythrocyte. The Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins (PTEX) has been shown to facilitate the trafficking of proteins into the host cell, a process that is essential for the survival of the parasite. The role of the auxiliary PTEX component PTEX88 remains unclear, as previous attempts to elucidate its function through reverse genetic approaches showed that in contrast to the core components PTEX150 and HSP101, knockdown of PTEX88 did not give rise to an export phenotype. Here, we have used biochemical approaches to understand how PTEX88 assembles within the translocation machinery. Proteomic analysis of the PTEX88 interactome showed that PTEX88 interacts closely with HSP101 but has a weaker affinity with the other core constituents of PTEX. PTEX88 was also found to associate with other PV‐resident proteins, including chaperones and members of the exported protein‐interacting complex that interacts with the major virulence factor PfEMP1, the latter contributing to cytoadherence and parasite virulence. Despite being expressed for the duration of the blood‐stage life cycle, PTEX88 was only discretely observed at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane during ring stages and could not always be detected in the major high molecular weight complex that contains the other core components of PTEX, suggesting that its interaction with the PTEX complex may be dynamic. Together, these data have enabled the generation of an updated model of PTEX that now includes how PTEX88 assembles within the complex.
Interactions of the immune and sensory nervous systems in atopy
Authors: Oetjen Landon K. , Kim Brian S.
Published: April 2018

A striking feature underlying all atopic disorders, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy, is the presence of pathologic sensory responses, reflexes, and behaviors. These symptoms, exemplified by chronic airway irritation and cough, chronic itch and scratching, as well as gastrointestinal discomfort and dysfunction, are often cited as the most debilitating aspects of atopic disorders. Emerging studies have highlighted how the immune system shapes the scope and intensity of sensory responses by directly modulating the sensory nervous system. Additionally, factors produced by neurons have demonstrated novel functions in propagating atopic inflammation at barrier surfaces. In this review, we highlight new studies that have changed our understanding of atopy through advances in characterizing the reciprocal interactions between the immune and sensory nervous systems.
A guide to chemokines and their receptors
Authors: Hughes Catherine E. , Nibbs Robert J. B.
Published: April 2018

The chemokines (or chemotactic cytokines) are a large family of small, secreted proteins that signal through cell surface G protein‐coupled heptahelical chemokine receptors. They are best known for their ability to stimulate the migration of cells, most notably white blood cells (leukocytes). Consequently, chemokines play a central role in the development and homeostasis of the immune system, and are involved in all protective or destructive immune and inflammatory responses. Classically viewed as inducers of directed chemotactic migration, it is now clear that chemokines can stimulate a variety of other types of directed and undirected migratory behavior, such as haptotaxis, chemokinesis, and haptokinesis, in addition to inducing cell arrest or adhesion. However, chemokine receptors on leukocytes can do more than just direct migration, and these molecules can also be expressed on, and regulate the biology of, many nonleukocytic cell types. Chemokines are profoundly affected by post‐translational modification, by interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM), and by binding to heptahelical ‘atypical’ chemokine receptors that regulate chemokine localization and abundance. This guide gives a broad overview of the chemokine and chemokine receptor families; summarizes the complex physical interactions that occur in the chemokine network; and, using specific examples, discusses general principles of chemokine function, focusing particularly on their ability to direct leukocyte migration.
Intracranial haemorrhage in children with inherited bleeding disorders in the UK 2003‐2015: A national cohort study
Authors: Chalmers E. A. , Alamelu J. , Collins P. W. , Mathias M. , Payne J. , Richards M. , Tunstall O. , Williams M. , Palmer B. , Mumford A. ,   Paediatric & Rare Disorders Working Parties of the UK Haemophilia Doctors Organization
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Intracranial haemorrhage in children with inherited bleeding disorders is a potentially life‐threatening complication and presents a significant therapeutic challenge.

Aim

To define the characteristics, management and outcomes of intracranial haemorrhage presenting in UK children ≤16 years of age with inherited bleeding disorders from 2003 to 2015.

Method

Retrospective analysis of children treated at UK haemophilia centres.

Results

Of 66 children presenting with Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), 82% had haemophilia A or B, 3% VWD and 15% a rare IBD. The IBD was a severe phenotype in 91%. The rates of ICH were 6.4 and 4.2 per 1000 patient years for haemophilia A and B, respectively. Median age at presentation was 4 months (33% neonates; 91% children <2 years of age). In neonates, delivery was spontaneous vaginal (SV) in 11, instrumental in 6, caesarean in 4 and unknown in 1. In children with haemophilia, the risk of ICH after instrumental delivery was 10.6 times greater than after SV delivery. Trauma was more common in children >2 years (67%) than in children 1 month to 2 years (18%; P = .027). Prior to ICH, only 4.5% of children were on prophylaxis. 6% of haemophiliacs had an inhibitor. The median duration of initial replacement therapy was 15 days. Mortality was 13.5%. Neurological sequelae occurred in 39% of survivors, being more common following intracerebral bleeding. In haemophilia survivors, 52% subsequently developed a FVIII inhibitor.

Conclusion

Intracranial haemorrhage occurs most frequently in children with severe IBDs, during the first 2 years of life and in children not receiving prophylaxis. Intracranial haemorrhage often occurs without documented trauma.
Colour differences in Caucasian and Oriental women's faces illuminated by white light‐emitting diode sources
Authors: Melgosa M. , Richard N. , Fernández‐Maloigne C. , Xiao K. , de Clermont‐Gallerande H. , Jost‐Boissard S. , Okajima K.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To provide an approach to facial contrast, analysing CIELAB colour differences () and its components in women's faces from two different ethnic groups, illuminated by modern white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) or traditional illuminants recommended by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE).

Methods

We performed spectrophotometric measurements of spectral reflectance factors on forehead and cheek of 87 young healthy women (50 Caucasians and 37 Orientals), plus five commercial red lipsticks. We considered a set of 10 white LED illuminants, representative of technologies currently available on the market, plus eight main illuminants currently recommended by the CIE, representative of conventional incandescent, daylight and fluorescent light sources. Under each of these 18 illuminants, we analysed the magnitude and components of between Caucasian and Oriental women (considering cheek and forehead), as well as for cheek–forehead and cheek–lipsticks in Caucasian and Oriental women. Colour‐inconstancy indices for cheek, forehead and lipsticks were computed, assuming D65 and A as reference illuminants.

Results

between forehead and cheek were quantitatively and qualitatively different in Orientals and Caucasians, but discrepancies with respect to average values for 18 illuminants were small (1.5% and 5.0% for Orientals and Caucasians, respectively). between Caucasians and Orientals were also quantitatively and qualitatively different both for forehead and cheek, and discrepancies with respect to average values were again small (1.0% and 3.9% for forehead and cheek, respectively). between lipsticks and cheek were at least two times higher than those between forehead and cheek. Regarding between lipsticks and cheeks, discrepancies with respect to average values were in the range 1.5–12.3%, although higher values of up to 54.2% were found for a white RGB LED. This white RGB LED provided the highest average colour‐inconstancy indices: 17.1 and 11.5 CIELAB units, under reference illuminants D65 and A, respectively.

Conclusion

Colour contrasts in women's faces under CIE standard illuminants for outdoor and indoor conditions may be strongly altered using specific white LEDs. More research needs to be performed on the impact of spectral power distribution of light sources with high colour rendering indices on visual colour appearance of cosmetic products.
Defect propagation in NiTi rotary instruments: a noncontact optical profilometry analysis
Authors: Barbosa I. , Ferreira F. , Scelza P. , Neff J. , Russano D. , Montagnana M. , Zaccaro Scelza M.
Published: April 2018

Aim

To evaluate the presence and propagation of defects and their effects on surfaces of nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments using noncontact, three‐dimensional optical profilometry, and to assess the accuracy of this method of investigation.

Methodology

The flute surface areas of instruments from two commercial instrumentation systems, namely Reciproc R25 (n = 5) and WaveOne Primary (n = 5), were assessed and compared before and after performing two instrumentation cycles in simulated root canals in clear resin blocks. All the analyses were conducted on areas measuring 211 × 211 μm, located 3 mm from the tips of the instruments. A quantitative analysis was conducted before and after the first and second instrumentation cycles, using the Sa (average roughness over the measurement field), Sq (root mean square roughness) and Sz (average height over the measurement field) amplitude parameters. All the data were submitted to statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance.

Results

There was a significant increase (P = 0.007) in wear in both groups, especially between baseline and the second instrumentation cycle, with significantly higher wear values being observed on WaveOne instruments (Sz median values = 33.68 and 2.89 μm, respectively, for WO and RP groups). A significant increase in surface roughness (P = 0.016 and P = 0.008, respectively, for Sa and Sq) was observed in both groups from the first to the second instrumentation cycle, mostly in WaveOne specimens. Qualitative analysis revealed a greater number of defects on the flute topography of all the instruments after use.

Conclusions

More defects were identified in WaveOne Primary instruments compared to Reciproc R25, irrespective of the evaluation stage. The investigation method provided an accurate, repeatable and reproducible assessment of NiTi instruments at different time‐points.
The antioxidant activity and transcellular pathway of Asp‐Leu‐Glu‐Glu in a Caco‑2 cell monolayer
Authors: Xing Lujuan , Liu Rui , Tang Changbo , Pereira Jailson , Zhou Guanghong , Zhang Wangang
Published: April 2018

Asp‐Leu‐Glu‐Glu (DLEE) is one of the antioxidant peptides purified from Chinese dry‐cured Xuanwei ham in our previous study. In the current work, the stability in a simulated digestion system, the transportation pathway and the antioxidant ability of DLEE were further investigated in a Caco‐2 cell monolayer. In the simulated gastrointestinal digestion system, no oligopeptides were generated. In the transport trial, the inhibitors cytochalasin D increased the transport of DLEE across the Caco‐2 cell monolayer, with Papp values of 3.22 × 10−6 cm s−1. A decreased expression occludin was observed with the DLEE incubation in the cell monolayer, and the antioxidant activity showed to be increased gradually in basolateral side. This study indicates that the absorption of DLEE could mainly occur via paracellular transport and provides information about its antioxidant activity after being absorbed across a cell monolayer.
An ultrafast synthesis method of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes by flash/field‐assisted sintering
Authors: Shi Peiran , Qu Guoxing , Cai Shikui , Kang Yijin , Fa Tao , Xu Chen
Published: April 2018

LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 as a promising cathode material in lithium‐ion batteries was synthesized by flash/field‐assisted sintering technique for the first time. This study showed that the current‐limited synthesis of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 could be carried out at temperatures less than 400°C for only 8 minutes, compared with the conventional pressureless sintering at 850°C for 12 hours. X‐ray diffraction results showed the phase evolution from precursor mixtures to the final LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 products during flash/field‐assisted sintering process and a well‐layered structure without undesirable cation mixing in the as‐formed LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. Combined with the lowered sintering temperatures and reduced sintering time, the excellent electrochemical performance of flash/field‐assisted sintered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 materials suggested that this technique could be an energy‐efficient approach for the synthesis of lithium‐ion battery cathode materials and other materials requiring high‐temperature heat treatment.
Differences in the Information Needs of Parents With a Child With a Genetic Syndrome: A Cross‐Syndrome Comparison
Authors: Pearson Effie Victoria , Waite Jane , Oliver Christopher
Published: April 2018

Background: Due to the rarity of some genetic syndromes, information about these syndromes may be difficult for parents of children who are affected to access. Moreover, due to specific behavioral phenotypes and these syndromes often being aggregated in large cohort studies, individual differences in informational needs and support across syndromes are not always reported. Specific aims: This study aimed to identify and contrast the most sought after information by parents on the behavioral characteristics of three genetic syndromes: Cri du Chat (CdCS), Cornelia de Lange (CdLS), and Angelman syndromes (AS). Method: Ninety‐eight parents (51 AS, 23 CdCS, and 24 CdLS) completed an online survey that explored informational needs. Parents selected their three main informational needs from the past 2 years from a list of 32 topics. Findings: Communication, health, and sleep were most frequently selected by parents of children with AS. In CdLS, behavioral changes with age, health, and self‐injury were selected by parents, and in CdCS, health, behavioral changes with age and daily living skills. Significant differences in informational needs of parents between the syndrome groups were found on the topics of behavioral changes with age, communication, autism spectrum disorder symptomatology, self‐injury, and daily living skills. Discussion: The findings show that parents require a wide variety of information regarding their child's genetic syndrome but importantly the most sought after topics of information differ between syndromes. Therefore, it is important to avoid aggregating rare syndromes under broader categories, as individual needs may be missed. Additionally policy and practice should take into consideration the differences in informational needs when tailoring support for families.
Social Achievement Goals and Social Adjustment in Adolescence: A Multiple‐Goal Perspective
Authors: Lee Eunju J.
Published: April 2018

Adolescents approach social situations with different social achievement goals (i.e., social development goals, demonstration‐approach goals, and demonstration‐avoid goals). Applying a latent profile analysis (LPA), a person‐centered approach, this study identified four groups of adolescents with distinct social goal profiles: approach‐oriented, undifferentiated high, demonstration‐oriented, and undifferentiated low. Observed differences in various indicators of social adjustment, including social anxiety, friendship quality, prosocial behavior as well as aggressive behavior, indicated that the approach‐oriented and undifferentiated high profiles showed most adaptive outcomes, whereas the demonstration‐oriented and undifferentiated low profiles showed maladaptive patterns of social outcomes. Profiles with high levels of social development goals showed the most adaptive social outcomes regardless of the level of demonstration‐oriented goals (i.e., demonstration‐approach and demonstration‐avoid goals). These findings suggest that focusing on high‐quality relationships and developing social competence leads to adequately contending with social challenges, and it provides protection against the negative effects of demonstration‐oriented social goals.
Assessing changes in functional connectivity in a desert bighorn sheep metapopulation after two generations
Authors: Epps Clinton W. , Crowhurst Rachel S. , Nickerson Brandon S.
Published: April 2018

Determining how species move across complex and fragmented landscapes and interact with human‐made barriers is a major research focus in conservation. Studies estimating functional connectivity from movement, dispersal or gene flow usually rely on a single study period and rarely consider variation over time. We contrasted genetic structure and gene flow across barriers for a metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) using genotypes collected 2000–2003 and 2013–2015. Based on the recently observed but unexpected spread of a respiratory pathogen across an interstate highway previously identified as a barrier to gene flow, we hypothesized that bighorn sheep changed how they interacted with that barrier, and that shifts in metapopulation structure influenced gene flow, genetic diversity and connectivity. Population assignment tests, genetic structure and genetic recapture demonstrated that bighorn sheep crossed the interstate highway in at least one location in 2013–2015, sharply reducing genetic structure between two populations, but supported conclusions of an earlier study that such crossings were very infrequent or unknown in 2000–2003. A recently expanded population established new links and caused decreases in genetic structure among multiple populations. Genetic diversity showed only slight increases in populations linked by new connections. Genetic structure and assignments revealed other previously undetected changes in movements and distribution, but much was consistent. Thus, we observed changes in both structural and functional connectivity over just two generations, but only in specific locations. Movement patterns of species should be revisited periodically to enable informed management, particularly in dynamic and fragmented systems.
Assessing the usefulness of B‐mode and colour Doppler sonography, and measurements of circulating progesterone concentrations for determining ovarian responses in superovulated ewes
Authors: Oliveira MEF , Ribeiro IF , Rodriguez MGK , Maciel GS , Fonseca JF , Brandão FZ , Bartlewski PM
Published: April 2018

Contents

The main goal of this study was to assess the usefulness of two imaging modalities, namely the B‐mode and colour Doppler sonography, and serum progesterone (P4) concentrations for determining the ovarian response in superovulated ewes. Twenty‐four sexually mature Santa Inês ewes underwent the superovulatory treatment consisting of eight injections of porcine FSH (total dose of 200 or 133 or 100 mg; n = 8 ewes/total dose) given at 12‐hr intervals and initiated 48 hr before CIDR® (Pfizer Inc., Auckland, New Zealand) removal. Six days after natural mating, the ovaries of all donor ewes were visualized and examined with transrectal ultrasonography and then with videolaparoscopy to identify and enumerate corpora lutea (CL) and luteinized unovulated follicles (LUFs). Jugular blood samples were collected just prior to ovarian examinations. The total number of CL (r = .78 and 0.83, p < .0001) and LUFs (r = .74 and 0.90, p < .0001) enumerated using the B‐mode and colour Doppler ultrasonographic technique, respectively, were correlated with that ascertained by videolaparoscopy. Circulating concentrations of P4 were related directly to the number of healthy CL (r = .73, p = .0002) and inversely to the number of prematurely regressing CL (r = −.46, p = .03), but the accuracy of predicting the number of short‐lived CL with serum P4 concentrations was very poor. The present results indicate that ultrasonographic imaging and serum P4 measurements on the day of embryo recovery are useful indicators of total/normal CL numbers and both ultrasonographic techniques can be used to quantify LUFs in superovulated ewes.
Increased risk of acute coronary syndrome in patients with bronchiectasis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hung Chin‐Tun , Li Shu‐Fen , Chung Wei‐Sheng
Published: April 2018

Background and objective

There are few studies on the relationship between bronchiectasis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We conducted a population‐based cohort study to assess whether bronchiectasis was associated with an increased risk of ACS.

Methods

We identified 3521 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis between 2000 and 2010 (bronchiectasis cohort) and frequency matched them with 14 084 randomly selected people without bronchiectasis from the general population (comparison cohort) according to sex, age and index year using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Both cohorts were followed until the end of 2010 to determine the ACS incidence. Hazard ratios of ACS were measured.

Results

Based on 17 340 person‐years for bronchiectasis patients and 73 639 person‐years for individuals without bronchiectasis, the overall ACS risk was 40% higher in the bronchiectasis cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.20–1.62). Compared with those in the comparison cohort with one respiratory infection‐related emergency room (ER) visit per year, the ACS risk was 5.46‐fold greater in bronchiectasis patients with three or more ER visits per year (adjusted HR = 5.46, 95% CI: 4.29–6.96). Patients with bronchiectasis and three or more respiratory infection‐related hospitalizations per year had an 8.15‐fold higher ACS risk (adjusted HR = 8.15, 95% CI: 6.27–10.61).

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis patients, particularly those experiencing frequent exacerbations with three or more ER visits and consequent hospitalization per year, are at an increased ACS risk.
Threshold Evaluation of Emergency Risk Communication for Health Risks Related to Hazardous Ambient Temperature
Authors: Liu Yang , Hoppe Brenda O. , Convertino Matteo
Published: April 2018

Emergency risk communication (ERC) programs that activate when the ambient temperature is expected to cross certain extreme thresholds are widely used to manage relevant public health risks. In practice, however, the effectiveness of these thresholds has rarely been examined. The goal of this study is to test if the activation criteria based on extreme temperature thresholds, both cold and heat, capture elevated health risks for all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality and morbidity in the Minneapolis‐St. Paul Metropolitan Area. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) combined with a quasi‐Poisson generalized linear model is used to derive the exposure–response functions between daily maximum heat index and mortality (1998–2014) and morbidity (emergency department visits; 2007–2014). Specific causes considered include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal diseases, and diabetes. Six extreme temperature thresholds, corresponding to 1st–3rd and 97th–99th percentiles of local exposure history, are examined. All six extreme temperature thresholds capture significantly increased relative risks for all‐cause mortality and morbidity. However, the cause‐specific analyses reveal heterogeneity. Extreme cold thresholds capture increased mortality and morbidity risks for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and extreme heat thresholds for renal disease. Percentile‐based extreme temperature thresholds are appropriate for initiating ERC targeting the general population. Tailoring ERC by specific causes may protect some but not all individuals with health conditions exacerbated by hazardous ambient temperature exposure.
Disintegrating over space and time: Paraphyly and species delimitation in the Wehrle's Salamander complex
Authors: Kuchta Shawn R. , Brown Ashley D. , Highton Richard
Published: April 2018

Accurate species delimitation is critical for biodiversity studies. However, species complexes characterized by introgression, high levels of population structure and subtle phenotypic differentiation can be challenging to delimit. Here, we report on a molecular systematic investigation of the woodland salamanders Plethodon wehrlei and Plethodon punctatus, which traditionally have been placed in the Plethodon wehrlei species group. To quantify patterns of genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from throughout the range of both species, including 22 individuals from nine populations of P. punctatus, and 60 individuals from 26 populations of P. wehrlei. From these samples, we sequenced three mtDNA loci (5596 base pairs) and five nuclear loci (3377 base pairs). We inferred time‐calibrated gene trees and species trees using BEAST 2.4.6, and we delimited putative species using a Bayesian implementation of the general mixed Yule‐coalescent model (bGMYC) and STRUCTURE. Finally, we validated putative species using the multispecies coalescent as implemented in Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP). We found substantial phylogeographic diversity in P. wehrlei, including multiple geographically cohesive clades and an inferred mitochondrial common ancestor at 11.5 myr (95% HPD: 9.6–13.6 myr) that separated populations formerly assigned to P. dixi from all other populations. We also found that P. punctatus is deeply nested within P. wehrlei, rendering the latter paraphyletic. After discussing the challenges faced by modern species delimitation methods, we recommend retaining P. punctatus because it is ecologically and phenotypically distinct. We further recommend that P. dixi be recognized as a valid species.
Evolutionary relationships of two balitorids (Cypriniformes, Balitoridae) revealed by comparative mitogenomics
Authors: Shi Li‐Xia , Zhang Chen , Wang Yin‐Ping , Tang Qiong‐Ying , Danley Patrick D. , Liu Huan‐Zhang
Published: April 2018

Balitoridae, a family within the Cypriniformes, inhabit torrential mountain streams in Asia. Although they have long fascinated ichthyologists for their numerous adaptations to this tumultuous environment, the evolutionary history of this group remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary relationships of the balitorids with particular attention to the phylogenetic placement of two balitorid species,Yaoshania pachychulisandErromyzon kalotaenia. Both species have extremely limited distributions, they are limited to Mt. Dayaoshan of the Pearl River in China and require dedicated conservation plans. However, little is known about their evolutionary relationships to other balitorids. Here, we examined the evolutionary relationships ofY. pachychulisandE. kalotaeniato each other and other balitorids through sequencing the complete mitochondrial genomes of nine balitorid individuals. For the newly sequenced balitorids, the length of the whole mitogenome, gene arrangement and their base composition are similar to those of other bony fishes. Analyses based on these newly sequenced mitogenomes and an additional 50 previously published mitogenomes show thatY. pachychulisandE. kalotaeniacluster as different clade within the subfamily Gastromyzontinae. The genetic distance between these two species ranges from 0.127 ± 0.003 to 0.132 ± 0.004 which is slightly higher than that between some genera (e.g. the distance betweenVanmaneniaandMetahomalopterais 0.127 ± 0.004). Therefore, it is reasonable to assignY. pachychulisandE. kalotaeniato different genera. Phylogenetic signal assessment suggested thatND1,ND4andND5genes as well as their concatenated subsets perform relatively well in reconstructing the Cobitoidea phylogeny. The divergence time estimation indicated that the balitorids distributed in Mt. Dayaoshan might have originated and evolved following the flattening and uplifting of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau during the late Miocene to late Pliocene.
A Study on the Effectiveness of the Equity Incentive Plan of Zhuhai Private Enterprises: Based on the Case of Livzon Group
Authors: Yu QiTong , Dong WenYu
Published: April 2018

Stem from the United States of 1950s, equity incentive plan was introduced into China as a method for enterprises to solve the principal-agent problem and to motivate key technical staffs to speed up innovation after reform and opening-up. This article is divided into three main parts. Firstly a broad introduction to all the Zhuhai enterprises that have carried out the equity incentive plan and analysis on their implementation from five different perspectives , namely rate of progress、industry distribution、pattern、source of stock and the period of validity. Then based on the case of Livzon Group, we conduct survey on both its financial performance and non-financial performance and discuss the effectiveness of its plan by data analysis, according to which we could draw a conclusion that the equity incentive plan works well in Livzon Group, then we continue a further study on the reason behind it. In the last part, feasible policy suggestion is provided from respectively government and enterprise side on the basis of the analysis of the former two parts.
Talking About Food Choices of Former Homeless Young People: Making Sense of Conflicting Discourses of Blame Through Social Worlds Theory
Authors: Gombert K. , Douglas F. , McArdle K. , Carlisle S.
Published: April 2018

After a pilot study at a charitable youth organisation in the North East of Scotland found no considerable improvements in the food choices of former homeless young people accommodated by the organisation (Perry, 2013), the Foodways and Futures project (2013-2016) set out to explore why. Both members of staff at the same organisation as well as young people were invited to voice their views and opinions on the factors influencing young people’s food choices. Whilst everyone’s contribution was considered equally informative for our findings, I was attentive to where the information originated from. In this, I found that three conflicting discourses of blame pervade the participants’ expressions of the rationales underlying young people’s food choices. Trying to make sense of these, I employ Strauss’ Social Worlds Theory (1978). I find that the different discourses of blame make sense in the context of the complex organisational structures. In objecting to a tendency in the literature to assign standardised discourse of blame primarily to youth workers’ practice, these discourses showcase mutual understanding instead.
Effect of synchronized bias in the deposition of TiB2 thin films using high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Nedfors Nils , Vozniy Oleksiy , Rosen Johanna
Published: April 2018

Titanium diboride thin films have been deposited from a compound TiB2 target on Si(001) substrates at a temperature of 500 °C using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) at a frequency of 1000 Hz and pulse lengths of 20 and 40 μs. A −60 V bias pulse of different pulse length was applied at different time delay relative to the HiPIMS pulse. The average energy per deposited species, ⟨ED⟩ = Ei(Ji/Jt), where Ei is the average ion energy and Ji/Jt is the ratio of the ion bombarding flux to the total flux of deposited species, is strongly dependent on bias mode. A change in preferred orientation from (101) to (001) is observed when ⟨ED⟩ increase above 50 eV. The limited adatom mobility at ⟨ED⟩ below 50 eV promote growth of fast growing planes resulting in a (101) texture, while ⟨ED⟩ above 50 eV supply sufficient energy for development of the thermodynamically more favorable (001) texture. A linear increase in compressive residual stress with the increase in ⟨ED⟩ is also found, due to more intensive Ar+ ion bombardment. Analysis of charge-state-resolved plasma chemistry and ion energy shows that the total flux of bombarding ions contains a higher fraction of B+ when the bias is applied in synchronous with the HiPIMS pulse instead of after, resulting in a lower residual stress at similar values of ⟨ED⟩ (cf. −2.0 ± 0.2 and −2.6 ± 0.1 GPa). This study shows that use of a bias synchronized in different modes relative to the HiPIMS pulse, can be used as a tool to control ⟨ED⟩ and to some extent the type of bombarding species, and hence the microstructure of TiB2 thin films.
Limiting parental interaction during vocal development affects acoustic call structure in marmoset monkeys
Authors: Gultekin Yasemin B. , Hage Steffen R.
Published: April 2018

Lack of parental interaction leads to disturbances in marmoset calling, suggesting its crucial role in vocal development.
Carrot Juice Fermentations as Man-Made Microbial Ecosystems Dominated by Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Wuyts Sander , Van Beeck Wannes , Oerlemans Eline F. M. , Wittouck Stijn , Claes Ingmar J. J. , De Boeck Ilke , Weckx Stefan , Lievens Bart , De Vuyst Luc , Lebeer Sarah
Published: April 2018

Spontaneous vegetable fermentations, with their rich flavors and postulated health benefits, are regaining popularity. However, their microbiology is still poorly understood, therefore raising concerns about food safety. In addition, such spontaneous fermentations form interesting cases of man-made microbial ecosystems. Here, samples from 38 carrot juice fermentations were collected through a citizen science initiative, in addition to three laboratory fermentations. Culturing showed that
Enterobacteriaceae
were outcompeted by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) between 3 and 13 days of fermentation. Metabolite-target analysis showed that lactic acid and mannitol were highly produced, as well as the biogenic amine cadaverine. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that mainly species of
Leuconostoc
and
Lactobacillus
(as identified by 8 and 20 amplicon sequence variants [ASVs], respectively) mediated the fermentations in subsequent order. The analyses at the DNA level still detected a high number of
Enterobacteriaceae
, but their relative abundance was low when RNA-based sequencing was performed to detect presumptive metabolically active bacterial cells. In addition, this method greatly reduced host read contamination. Phylogenetic placement indicated a high LAB diversity, with ASVs from nine different phylogenetic groups of the
Lactobacillus
genus complex. However, fermentation experiments with isolates showed that only strains belonging to the most prevalent phylogenetic groups preserved the fermentation dynamics. The carrot juice fermentation thus forms a robust man-made microbial ecosystem suitable for studies on LAB diversity and niche specificity.

IMPORTANCE
The usage of fermented food products by professional chefs is steadily growing worldwide. Meanwhile, this interest has also increased at the household level. However, many of these artisanal food products remain understudied. Here, an extensive microbial analysis was performed of spontaneous fermented carrot juices which are used as nonalcoholic alternatives for wine in a Belgian Michelin star restaurant. Samples were collected through an active citizen science approach with 38 participants, in addition to three laboratory fermentations. Identification of the main microbial players revealed that mainly species of
Leuconostoc
and
Lactobacillus
mediated the fermentations in subsequent order. In addition, a high diversity of lactic acid bacteria was found; however, fermentation experiments with isolates showed that only strains belonging to the most prevalent lactic acid bacteria preserved the fermentation dynamics. Finally, this study showed that the usage of RNA-based 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing greatly reduces host read contamination.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Insights into How Bacteria Withstand High Concentrations of Benzalkonium Chloride Biocides
Authors: Kim Minjae , Hatt Janet K. , Weigand Michael R. , Krishnan Raj , Pavlostathis Spyros G. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: April 2018

Benzalkonium chlorides (BAC) are commonly used biocides in broad-spectrum disinfectant solutions. How microorganisms cope with BAC exposure remains poorly understood, despite its importance for disinfection and disinfectant-induced antibiotic resistance. To provide insights into these issues, we exposed two isolates of an opportunistic pathogen,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, to increasing concentrations of BAC. One isolate was preadapted to BAC, as it originated from a bioreactor fed with subinhibitory concentrations of BAC for 3 years, while the other originated from a bioreactor that received no BAC. Replicated populations of both isolates were able to survive high concentrations of BAC, up to 1,200 and 1,600 mg/liter for the non- and preadapted strains, respectively, exceeding typical application doses. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed upregulation of efflux pump genes and decreased expression of porins related to BAC transport as well as reduced growth rate. Increased expression of spermidine (a polycation) synthase genes and mutations in the
pmrB
(polymyxin resistance) gene, which cause a reduction in membrane negative charge, suggested that a major adaptation to exposure to the cationic surfactant BAC was to actively stabilize cell surface charge. Collectively, these results revealed that
P. aeruginosa
adapts to BAC exposure by a combination of mechanisms and provided genetic markers to monitor BAC-resistant organisms that may have applications in the practice of disinfection.

IMPORTANCE
BAC are widely used as biocides in disinfectant solutions, food-processing lines, domestic households, and health care facilities. Due to their wide use and mode of action, there has been rising concern that BAC may promote antibiotic resistance. Consistent with this idea, at least 40 outbreaks have been attributed to infection by disinfectant- and antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as
P. aeruginosa
. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that bacteria use to deal with BAC exposure remain poorly elucidated. Elucidating these mechanisms may be important for monitoring and limiting the spread of disinfectant-resistant pathogens. Using an integrated approach that combined genomics and transcriptomics with physiological characterization of BAC-adapted isolates, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the BAC resistance mechanisms in
P. aeruginosa
. Our findings also revealed potential genetic markers to detect and monitor the abundance of BAC-resistant pathogens across clinical or environmental settings. This work contributes new knowledge about high concentrations of benzalkonium chlorides disinfectants-resistance mechanisms at the whole-cell genomic and transcriptomic level.
Optimizing Recombinant Protein Production in the Escherichia coli Periplasm Alleviates Stress
Authors: Baumgarten Thomas , Ytterberg A. Jimmy , Zubarev Roman A. , de Gier Jan-Willem
Published: April 2018

InEscherichia coli, many recombinant proteins are produced in the periplasm. To direct these proteins to this compartment, they are equipped with an N-terminal signal sequence so that they can traverse the cytoplasmic membrane via the protein-conducting Sec translocon. Recently, using the single-chain variable antibody fragment BL1, we have shown that harmonizing the target gene expression intensity with the Sec translocon capacity can be used to improve the production yields of a recombinant protein in the periplasm. Here, we have studied the consequences of improving the production of BL1 in the periplasm by using a proteomics approach. When the target gene expression intensity is not harmonized with the Sec translocon capacity, the impaired translocation of secretory proteins, protein misfolding/aggregation in the cytoplasm, and an inefficient energy metabolism result in poor growth and low protein production yields. The harmonization of the target gene expression intensity with the Sec translocon capacity results in normal growth, enhanced protein production yields, and, surprisingly, a composition of the proteome that is—besides the produced target—the same as that of cells with an empty expression vector. Thus, the single-chain variable antibody fragment BL1 can be efficiently produced in the periplasm without causing any notable detrimental effects to the production host. Finally, we show that under the optimized conditions, a small fraction of the target protein is released into the extracellular milieu via outer membrane vesicles. We envisage that our observations can be used to design strategies to further improve the production of secretory recombinant proteins inE. coli.

IMPORTANCEThe bacteriumEscherichia coliis widely used to produce recombinant proteins. Usually, trial-and-error-based screening approaches are used to identify conditions that lead to high recombinant protein production yields. Here, for the production of an antibody fragment in the periplasm ofE. coli, we show that an optimization of its production is accompanied by the alleviation of stress. This indicates that the monitoring of stress responses could be used to facilitate enhanced recombinant protein production yields.