bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drying kinetic and artificial neural network modeling of mushroom drying process in microwave‐hot air dryer
Authors: Omari Amin , Behroozi‐Khazaei Nasser , Sharifian Faroogh
Published: August 2018

Modeling of moisture content variation under variable microwave power in microwave‐hot air dryer is challenging. In this study, one static and one dynamic of ANN were investigated for modeling of whole mushroom drying process. The experiments were done in three levels of hot air temperature (23, 50, and 70 °C), three levels of microwave power density (MPD) (1.5, 2, and 2.5 W/g) and two statuses of microwave power during drying process (constant and variable). The results demonstrated that the two distinct falling rate periods were observed at low MPD with any air temperatures and power density status. The lowest specific energy consumption was found in 23 °C and 2.5 fixed MPD and lowest color deterioration found in 70 °C and 1.5 fixed MPD. The results also showed the 3–6–7–1 structure of dynamic model with 0.2179 RMSE and 0.9914 R values had better results than other structures and would be very suitable in a predictive control system for drying control.

Practical applications

Volumetric and high efficiency heating are the primary benefit of microwave drying and lot of industries and producers interest to use it. Also, modeling of drying kinetics and evaluating of product quality in each drying method provide valuable information to improve their drawbacks and recommend it for industry. Application of microwave technology in dehydration of mushroom can result in significant improvement in quality and energy consumption. On the other hand investigating a robust ANN model for predicting the moisture content helps to better prediction and control of microwave‐hot air dryer in industrial scale.
Pathogenic Escherichia coli biosensor detection on chicken food samples
Authors: Helali Saloua , Sawelem Eid Alatawi Ayshah , Abdelghani Adnane
Published: August 2018

Escherichia coli is an important pollution indicator and is the most important foodborne pathogens of public health concern. The chicken meat is one of the most important sources of good quality protein, and it is also susceptible to microbial contamination and often implicated in foodborne disease. In such context, the detection of E. coli K12 in frozen chicken meat was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance imaging techniques. The anti‐E. coli antibody was first immobilized onto gold surface by physisorption technique. The electrical and optical properties of the immobilized anti‐E. coli K12 antibody were studied. The binding of the E. coli K12 bacteria with the anti‐E. coli antibody layer was measured with a detection limit of 103 cfu/ml. This detection limit is better than those obtained with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Moreover, the developed biosensor was used for E. coli K12 detection in inoculated frozen chicken meat.

Practical applications

Escherichia coli is an important pollution indicator and is the most important foodborne pathogens of public health concern. The present study deals with the development of bacteria biosensors based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance imaging techniques for E. coli K12 detection in inoculated frozen chicken meat. A detection limit of 103 cfu/ml was obtained with the developed biosensors that was better than those obtained with classical methods such as ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). This research work opens tremendous potential applications for the detection of pathogens in food at the early stage particularly with the development of miniaturized multiarrays platform based on impedance spectroscopy.
Signal, noise and resolution in linear and nonlinear structured‐illumination microscopy
Authors: INGERMAN E.A. , LONDON R.A. , HEINTZMANN R. , GUSTAFSSON M.G.L.
Published: August 2018

Structured‐illumination microscopy allows widefield fluorescence imaging with resolution beyond the classical diffraction limit. Its linear form extends resolution by a factor of two, and its nonlinear form by an in‐principle infinite factor, the effective resolution in practice being determined by noise. In this paper, we analyse the noise properties and achievable resolution of linear and nonlinear 1D and 2D patterned SIM from a frequency–space perspective. We develop an analytical theory for a general case of linear or nonlinear fluorescent imaging, and verify the analytical calculations with numerical simulation for a special case where nonlinearity is produced by photoswitching of fluorescent labels. We compare the performance of two alternative implementations, using either two‐dimensional (2D) illumination patterns or sequentially rotated one‐dimensional (ID) patterns. We show that 1D patterns are advantageous in the linear case, and that in the nonlinear case 2D patterns provide a slight signal‐to‐noise advantage under idealised conditions, but perform worse than 1D patterns in the presence of nonswitchable fluorescent background.

Lay Description

Structured‐illumination microscopy (SIM) is a high‐resolution light microscopy technique that allows imaging of fluorescence at a resolution about twice the classical diffraction limit. There are various ways that the illumination can be structured, but it is not obvious how the choice of illumination pattern affects the final image quality, especially in view of the noise. We present a detailed performance analysis considering two illumination techniques: sequential illumination with line‐gratings that are shifted and rotated during image acquisition and two‐dimensional (2D) illumination structures requiring only shift operations. Our analysis is based on analytical theory, supported by simulations of images considering noise. We also extend our analysis to a nonlinear variant of SIM, with which enhanced resolution can be achieved, limited only by noise. This includes nonlinear SIM based on the light‐induced switching of the fluorescent molecules between a bright and a dark state. We find sequential illumination with line‐gratings to be advantageous in ordinary (linear) SIM, whereas 2D patterns provides a slight signal‐to‐noise advantage under idealised conditions in nonlinear SIM if there is no nonswitching background.
Relationship between serum estrogen concentration and propofol consumption: A prospective observational study of patients undergoing oocyte retrieval
Authors: Basaran Betul , Gundogdu Hulya , Tutar Sami , Gulerman Cavidan
Published: August 2018

Aim

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation results in elevated levels of estrogen during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although serum ovarian steroid hormones were found to influence central nervous system and anesthetic requirements, the relationship between propofol requirements and serum estrogen concentration in women undergoing oocyte retrieval has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations and the required propofol dose for loss of consciousness (LOC).

Methods

Ninety patients undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF were enrolled. Anesthesia was induced by administration of 200 mL/h propofol (1%) infusion to reach LOC. Anesthesia was maintained with a propofol infusion guided by entropy. The correlation between estrogen, progesterone levels and propofol dose at the time of LOC was analyzed. Emergence time from anesthesia and total propofol consumption were recorded.

Results

The mean serum estradiol concentration was 1825 ±1135 pg/mL. There was a significant positive correlation between serum estradiol and propofol dose required for LOC (Pearson's correlation r = 0.28, P = 0.008). Progesterone had no significant correlation with total propofol dose at the time of LOC. Patients with high estradiol levels (higher than the median value) had similar propofol requirement for LOC, total propofol consumption and emergence time with patients who had low (below the median value) levels.

Conclusion

Although increased estrogen levels create a positive correlation with propofol dose for LOC, estrogen does not seem to be the only factor for anesthetic requirement of patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
Longitudinal Associations Between Adolescents' Bullying‐Related Indirect Defending, Outsider Behavior, and Peer‐Group Status
Authors: Pronk Jeroen , Olthof Tjeert , Aleva Elisabeth A. , van der Meulen Matty , Vermande Marjolijn M. , Goossens Frits A.
Published: August 2018

During adolescence, youth become more likely to avoid involvement in witnessed bullying and less likely to support victims. It is unknown whether—and how—these bystander behaviors (i.e., outsider behavior and indirect defending) are associated with adolescents' peer‐group status (i.e., popularity and social acceptance) over time. Cross‐lagged path modeling was used to examine these longitudinal associations in a sample of 313 Dutch adolescents (Mage‐T1 = 10.3 years). The results showed that status longitudinally predicted behavior, rather than that behavior predicted status. Specifically, unpopularity predicted outsider behavior and social acceptance predicted indirect defending. These findings suggest that a positive peer‐group status can trigger adolescents' provictim stance. However, adolescents may also strategically avoid involvement in witnessed bullying to keep a low social profile.
Effects of concentrate supplementation in early lactation on nutrient efficiency, ruminal fermentation and reticular pH of zero‐grazing dairy cows with differing milk production potentials
Authors: Falk Manuela , Münger Andreas , Zbinden Rahel S. , Gross Josef J. , Bruckmaier Rupert M. , Hess Hans Dieter , Dohme‐Meier Frigga
Published: August 2018

In Switzerland, fresh herbage is a favoured feed for dairy cows due to its high quality and availability and low production costs. However, transition and early lactation are periods characterized by an increased nutrient demand that may not be covered by herbage alone. To compare the effects of concentrate supplementation in early lactation on nutrient efficiency and ruminal fermentation, 24 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to two performance groups according to their previous lactation milk yield: high‐ (8,959 ± 984 kg) and low‐ (6,204 ± 1,000 kg) potential cows. Within this group, cows were allocated to two treatment groups receiving either herbage ad libitum (n = 11) or herbage supplemented with concentrate (n = 13). The experiment started for each cow 2 weeks before the predicted calving date (LW‐2) and lasted until lactation week (LW) 8. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily. The reticular pH was measured continuously using a telemetric pH bolus. Milk components and ruminal fermentation traits were analysed in LW‐2, LW2, LW4, LW6 and LW8. Supplemented cows (p < 0.001) and high‐potential cows (p = 0.015) produced more milk than unsupplemented cows and low‐potential cows, respectively. Milk acetone was affected by supplementation (p < 0.001) and milk potential (p = 0.002) and was especially high in unsupplemented, high‐potential cows until LW6. Supplementation caused a decrease in herbage DMI (p < 0.001) but resulted in an increased total DMI (p < 0.001), whereas milk potential had no effect on DMI. Associated with an increasing DMI (p < 0.001), ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration (p = 0.024) increased and reticular pH (p < 0.001) decreased from LW2 until LW6. Apart from that, effects on ruminal fermentation and reticular pH were minor. In conclusion, even though apparent nutrient efficiency was high, high‐potential cows without supplementation seem to struggle more with reduced nutrient availability than other cows; therefore, they appear to be more prone to metabolic stress and consequently to production diseases.
A randomised crossover trial comparing nasal masks with oronasal masks: No differences in therapeutic pressures or residual apnea‐hypopnea indices
Authors: Shirlaw Teresa , Duce Brett , Milosavljevic Jasmina , Hanssen Kevin , Hukins Craig
Published: August 2018

In treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the use of oronasal masks with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been reported to increase pressure levels and reduce compliance. These reports come mostly from large observational studies. In this study, we examined the impact that oronasal masks have on 95th centile pressures, the residual apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and compliance compared with nasal masks. A randomised crossover design was implemented. Participants already established on CPAP were randomly allocated to a nasal mask or oronasal mask with auto‐titrating positive airway pressure (APAP) for 2 weeks. Participants then crossed over to use the alternate mask for another 2 weeks. Seventy‐one participants were recruited but only 60 completed the trial. There were no differences in median 95th centile pressure (nasal, 11.5 cm H2O; oronasal, 11.7 cm H2O; p = 0.115), median residual AHI (nasal, 4.9 events/hr; oronasal, 5.3 events/hr; p = 0.234) or median compliance (nasal, 7.3 hr/night; oronasal, 7.3 hr/night; p = 0.961). Only four patients had 95th centile pressures that were at least 1.5 cm H2O greater with oronasal masks. Oronasal masks do not systematically increase therapeutic CPAP requirements. Rather, a small subset of patients display significant differences in CPAP levels.
Water source segregation along successional stages in a degraded karst region of subtropical China
Authors: Nie Yun‐peng , Chen Hong‐song , Ding Ya‐li , Wang Ke‐lin
Published: August 2018

Questions

Water source segregation among plant species has been widely observed in a variety of ecosystems. However, whether correlated segregation occurs at a community level and its relationship to successional stages has rarely been studied.

Location

Open shrubland, dense shrubland and secondary forest on adjacent rocky karst hill slopes, southwest China.

Methods

Plant samples of the five most dominant species from each community type were collected seven times throughout the growing season. Dynamics of stem water isotope values (SWIVs) for the five species within each community were examined using a regression analysis of the averaged isotope value of each species v sampling time. Overall variation of SWIVs was compared among communities. Similarities between communities were further distinguished by comparing the dynamics of SWIVs for the species shared by different communities and studying their relationship to rainwater.

Results

The fitted regression line for each community was statistically significant (p < 0.05), with all species falling between the upper and lower limit lines of the 95% prediction interval of stem water isotopic composition; these convergent dynamics point toward a similar water source for different species within each community. The common species from the secondary forest exhibited fewer fluctuations in SWIVs than those from the open shrubland, which was consistent with the significantly smaller overall variation in SWIVs for the secondary forest. As smoother dynamic of SWIVs over time is related to using rainwater received over a longer period of time, the secondary forest was estimated to be less dependent on rainwater received within short time spans than the other two communities.

Conclusions

Our study revealed community‐level water source segregation in a karst region. Early successional plant communities were more dependent on recent rainwater received within short time spans and thus were potentially more vulnerable to reduced rainfall frequency than late successional stage communities.
The integrase of the Macrococcus caseolyticus resistance island mecD (McRImecD) inserts DNA site‐specifically into Staphylococcus and Bacillus chromosomes
Authors: Schwendener Sybille , Perreten Vincent
Published: August 2018

The methicillin resistance gene mecD has been recently identified on chromosomal islands in Macrococcus caseolyticus (McRImecD). The 5′ end of McRImecD carries an integrase (int) of the tyrosine recombinase family and two genes (intR and xis) encoding putative DNA‐binding proteins. The islands are integrated site‐specifically at the 3′ end of the rpsI gene, a highly conserved locus in Gram‐positive bacteria. Moreover, the rpsI gene of some Staphylococcus and Bacillus strains was found to be followed by a related integrase, raising the question of whether McRImecD could be transferred to these species. We used circular model elements carrying 5′ end fragments of McRImecD‐1 to demonstrate that the int enzyme and the attachment (att) site were sufficient to mediate site‐specific DNA integration into the rpsI locus of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Bacillus thuringiensis in vivo. Including xis in the model element stimulated both integrative and excisive recombination reactions and influenced the Int enzyme in att site selection. The intR gene functions as a negative regulator of int and xis. The int‐xis genes of McRImecD‐1 encode a site‐specific recombination function that enables the acquisition of McRImecD in new hosts and the potential dissemination of broad‐spectrum β‐lactam resistance across genus barriers.
Access to waitlisting for deceased donor kidney transplantation in Australia
Authors: Sypek Matthew P , Clayton Philip A , Lim Wai , Hughes Peter , Kanellis John , Wright Jenni , Chapman Jeremy , McDonald Stephen P
Published: August 2018

Aim

A detailed analysis of waitlisting for deceased donor kidney transplantation in Australia has not previously been reported. We aimed to determine if patient characteristics associated with waitlisting identify areas of potential inequality in access to transplantation in Australia.

Methods

A competing risk time‐to‐event model was used to determine predictors of waitlisting for all adult incident renal replacement therapy patients in Australia between 2006 and 2015. Secondary analysis was performed to determine predictors of overall access to transplantation (using a combined outcome of waitlisting and living donor transplantation).

Results

The cohort consisted of 21 231 patients with a median age of 63 years. Overall, 4361 (20.5%) were waitlisted and 1239 (5.8%) received a living donor transplant without being previously waitlisted.

Primary analysis revealed that medical comorbidities, older age, smoking status and body mass index were all significant predictors of waitlisting and that and there was variation in waitlisting practice across states Despite adjustment for the above factors, demographic characteristics, including Indigenous ethnicity (subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR) 0.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.55)), female gender (SHR 0.85 (95% CI 0.80, 0.91)) and residence in a regional area (SHR 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.95)) were also associated with a lower likelihood of waitlisting. Secondary analysis showed younger age and higher socio‐economic advantage were additional predictors of overall access to transplantation, driven by higher rates of living donor transplantation.

Conclusion

Demographic as well as clinical characteristics are associated with reduced likelihood of waitlisting for kidney transplantation in Australia. Further analysis and auditing should be considered to determine if this reflects other unmeasured factors or highlights a need to address inequality.
Using herbaria to study global environmental change
Authors: Lang Patricia L. M. , Willems Franziska M. , Scheepens J. F. , Burbano Hernán A. , Bossdorf Oliver
Published: August 2018

During the last centuries, humans have transformed global ecosystems. With their temporal dimension, herbaria provide the otherwise scarce long‐term data crucial for tracking ecological and evolutionary changes over this period of intense global change. The sheer size of herbaria, together with their increasing digitization and the possibility of sequencingDNAfrom the preserved plant material, makes them invaluable resources for understanding ecological and evolutionary species’ responses to global environmental change. Following the chronology of global change, we highlight how herbaria can inform about long‐term effects on plants of at least four of the main drivers of global change: pollution, habitat change, climate change and invasive species. We summarize how herbarium specimens so far have been used in global change research, discuss future opportunities and challenges posed by the nature of these data, and advocate for an intensified use of these ‘windows into the past’ for global change research and beyond.
Interactive and noninteractive roles of histone H2B monoubiquitination and H3K36 methylation in the regulation of active gene transcription and control of plant growth and development
Authors: Zhao Wei , Neyt Pia , Van Lijsebettens Mieke , Shen Wen‐Hui , Berr Alexandre
Published: August 2018

Covalent modifications of histones are essential to control a wide range of processes during development and adaptation to environmental changes.

With the establishment of reference epigenomes, patterns of histone modifications were correlated with transcriptionally active or silenced genes. These patterns imply the need for the precise and dynamic coordination of different histone‐modifying enzymes to control transcription at a given gene. Classically, the influence of these enzymes on gene expression is examined separately and their interplays rarely established. In Arabidopsis, HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION2 (HUB2) mediates H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1), whereas SET DOMAIN GROUP8 (SDG8) catalyzes H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3).

In this work, we crossed hub2 with sdg8 mutants to elucidate their functional relationships. Despite similar phenotypic defects, sdg8 and hub2 mutations broadly affect genome transcription and plant growth and development synergistically. Also, whereas H3K4 methylation appears largely dependent on H2Bub1, H3K36me3 and H2Bub1 modifications mutually reinforce each other at some flowering time genes. In addition, SDG8 and HUB2 jointly antagonize the increase of the H3K27me3 repressive mark.

Collectively, our data provide an important insight into the interplay between histone marks and highlight their interactive complexity in regulating chromatin landscape which might be necessary to fine‐tune transcription and ensure plant developmental plasticity.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of lifestyle interventions in women of reproductive age with overweight or obesity: the effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety
Authors: van Dammen L. , Wekker V. , de Rooij S. R. , Groen H. , Hoek A. , Roseboom T. J.
Published: August 2018

Obesity is a rising problem, especially among women of reproductive age. Overweight and obesity reduce both physical and mental health. Lifestyle interventions could have beneficial effects on both, but an overview of the effects on mental health, especially in women of reproductive age, is currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review was to assess the effect of lifestyle interventions on symptoms of depression and anxiety in women of reproductive age with overweight or obesity. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched from inception to June 2018 for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We included lifestyle intervention RCTs in women of reproductive age with overweight or obesity that assessed effects on symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The difference between baseline and post‐intervention scores on symptoms of depression and anxiety for the intervention and control group was analysed. Meta‐analysis was performed with a random effects model. The search resulted in 5,316 citations, and after screening five RCTs were included, in which 571 women were randomized. The effect of lifestyle interventions on depression scores was investigated among 224 women from five RCTs. The pooled estimate for the mean difference was −1.35 (95% CI, −2.36 to −0.35, p = 0.008). The effect of lifestyle interventions on anxiety levels was studied among 148 women from four RCTs, resulting in a pooled estimate of −1.74 (−2.62 to −0.87, p < 0.001). Based on five RCTs, meta‐analyses showed that lifestyle interventions in women of reproductive age with overweight or obesity consistently reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Variation in trophic cascade strength is triggered by top–down process in an ant–wasp‐fig system
Authors: Wang Bo , Segar Simon T. , Deng Gui‐Zhong , Luo Tian‐Xun , Lin Hua , Peng Yan‐Qiong
Published: August 2018

Changes in the strength of trophic cascades over time have been associated with dramatic shifts in community structure and function. However, the pattern, process, and potential underlying mechanism of temporal variation in trophic cascades remains relatively unexplored. A top–down trophic cascade has been documented for the effects of predacious weaver ants Oecophylla smaragdina on the success of fig tree Ficus racemosa seed production. Ants cause high mortality of non‐pollinating fig wasps Sycophaga mayri that parasitize fruits, leading to greater success for the pollinating fig wasp–fig tree mutualists. Here, using a design in which pairs of branches were selected on a tree, and ants were excluded from one of each pair, we quantified the magnitude of the trophic cascade in the cool–dry, hot–dry and rainy (hot–wet) seasons in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. We also recorded the daily behavioral dynamics of ants and fig wasps in different seasons and analyzed the correlation between behavioral, activity and trophic cascade strength. We found that the strength of the trophic cascade was strong in the hot–dry season, diminished in the rainy season and disappeared in the cool–dry season in this system. The strength of species interactions between ants and non‐pollinating fig wasps, is positively correlated with trophic cascade strength, indicating that trophic cascade strength is determined by a top–down process when the community is well established. Moreover, because pollinating fig wasps, Ceratosolen fusciceps, play a central role in the establishment of fig wasp communities, when C. fusciceps wasps are absent, the community quickly disassembles as is the case in the cool–dry season. In summary, the strength of the trophic cascade is triggered by top–down processes, however, the occurrence of the trophic cascade is determined by a keystone species that plays a central role in assembly of the community.
Patterns of Compartment Involvement in End‐stage Knee Osteoarthritis in a Chinese Orthopedic Center: Implications for Implant Choice
Authors: Wang Wei‐jun , Sun Ming‐hui , Palmer Jonathan , Liu Fei , Bottomley Nicholas , Jackson William , Qiu Yong , Weng Wen‐jie , Price Andrew
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease in the elderly, causing pain and contributing to poor quality of life. Surgical intervention, such as knee arthroplasty, can be used in those with end‐stage knee OA. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common surgical procedures for end‐stage knee OA, with promising clinical outcomes. However, a large proportion of patients with isolated compartment OA can be treated with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) instead. UKA has shown better patient‐reported functional outcomes, and lower mortality and major complication rates than TKA. The percentage of UKA in knee arthroplasty varied in different orthopedic centers, and we believed that the requirement for UKA was underestimated in many centers. A retrospective study was carried out on our Chinese patient population presenting for knee arthroplasty; it aimed to identify the proportion of patients that might be suitable for UKA.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study of 155 consecutive patients (168 knees) awaiting TKA for end‐stage primary OA was performed. The pattern and grade of OA was recorded from preoperative weight‐bearing anteroposterior and non‐weight‐bearing lateral radiographs. The medial, lateral, patellofemoral compartment was given an individual Kellgren–Lawrence grade on the radiographs, and those grade ≥3 were defined as end‐stage OA. The compartments involvement was established then. The integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was determined by the modified Keyes classification on lateral radiographs. The applicability for total or partial knee arthroplasty was determined according to the compartments involvement.

Results

Medial compartment involvement was found in 154 (91.7%) knees, while the involvement of the lateral compartment and patellofemoral joint was found in 54 (32.1%) and 57 (33.9%) knees, respectively. Eighty‐one (48.2%) of the knees showed medial compartment OA with or without patellofemoral joint involvement, and modified Keyes classification grade 1, indicating an intact ACL, and, hence, potential suitability for medial UKA. Isolated lateral OA indicating possible suitability for lateral UKA was identified in 11 knees (6.5%). No patients showed isolated patellofemoral joint OA. The other 76 (45.2%) knees could be treated by TKA.

Conclusions

The medial compartment was the most commonly affected in our Chinese patients indicated for knee arthroplasty. More than half of the patients in this group could be treated by either medial or lateral UKA.
Secondary Surgery after Cervical Disc Arthroplasty versus Fusion for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: A Meta‐analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Zhu Ru‐sen , Kan Shun‐li , Cao Ze‐gang , Jiang Ze‐hua , Zhang Xue‐li , Hu Wei
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to explore whether cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) was superior to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in reducing secondary surgery. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Outcomes were reported as relative risk (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The pooled data was calculated using a random‐effect model. We also used the trial sequential analysis (TSA) to further verify our results and obtain more moderate estimates. Twenty‐one studies with 4208 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. The results indicated that compared with ACDF, CDA had fewer frequency of secondary surgery at the index level (RR, 0.47; 95%CI, 0.36–0.63; P < 0.05) and adjacent level (RR, 0.48; 95%CI, 0.36–0.65; P < 0.05), and the differences were statistically significant. In addition, in terms of the overall frequency of secondary surgery at the index and adjacent level, CDA was also significantly superior to ACDF (RR, 0.49; 95%CI, 0.41–0.60; P < 0.05). TSA demonstrated that adequate and decisive evidence had been established. Regarding the frequency of secondary surgery, CDA was significantly superior to ACDF. It was supposed that CDA may be a better surgical intervention to reduce the rate of secondary surgery for patients with cervical degenerative disc disease.
Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cerebral air embolism during atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Ulus Taner , Babayiğit Erdi , Çamlı Ezgi , Aykaç Özlem , Kocabaş Zehra Uysal , Özdemir Atilla Özcan , Ercan Erdinç
Published: August 2018

Cerebral air embolism is a potentially life‐threatening complication of left‐sided ablation procedures. We present a 51‐year‐old woman with cerebral air embolism during atrial fibrillation cryoballoon ablation. Taking a deep breath while removing the dilatator was the most likely mechanism in our case. The patient was successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at early stage and was discharged without any neurological sequelae.
Targeted next‐generation sequencing for genetic diagnosis of 160 patients with primary immunodeficiency in south China
Authors: Xia Yu , He Tingyan , Luo Yin , Li Chengrong , Lim Che Kang , Abolhassani Hassan , Yang Jun , Hammarström Lennart
Published: August 2018

Background

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) is a group of heterogeneous diseases mainly characterized by severe and recurrent infections and an increased susceptibility to lymphoproliferative, atopic, and autoimmune conditions. The clinical diagnosis should preferably be complemented by a genetic diagnosis. To date, PID‐related reports from China seldom attempt to make a genetic test for their patients.

Methods

Our study aimed to evaluate demographic data, clinical manifestations, and molecular diagnosis of PID patients from southern China. Moreover, by comparison with previous reports, we provide a picture of the current status of PID in mainland China. A total number of 160 pediatric PID patients (106 males and 54 females) were enrolled, and targeted next‐generation sequencing was conducted using 269 PID‐related genes and subsequently confirmed by Sanger sequencing and familial segregation analysis.

Result

The autoinflammatory disease group was the most common subcategory of PID (20%), followed by immune dysregulation (17.5%) and combined immunodeficiencies (16.2%). Antibody deficiency disorders were identified in only 11.9% of the cohort. The putative causative gene was identified in 70 patients (43.8%), and an X‐linked pattern was found in 45.7% of the genetically diagnosed patients.

Conclusion

The current study provides the first collective study of PID phenotypes and genotypes in south China and provides a strong argument for the diagnostic application of targeted next‐generation sequencing panels in patients with suspected PID.
Showcasing the application of synchrotron‐based X‐ray computed tomography in host–pathogen interactions: The role of wheat rachilla and rachis nodes in Type‐II resistance to Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Brar Gurcharn S. , Karunakaran Chithra , Bond Toby , Stobbs Jarvis , Liu Na , Hucl Pierre J. , Kutcher Hadley R.
Published: August 2018

Fusarium head blight, caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum (Fg), is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat. Host resistance in wheat is classified into five types (Type‐I to Type‐V), and a majority of moderately resistant genotypes carry Type‐II resistance (resistance to pathogen spread in the rachis) alleles, mainly from the Chinese cultivar Sumai 3. Histopathological studies in the past failed to identify the key tissue in the spike conferring resistance to pathogen spread, and most of the studies used destructive techniques, potentially damaging the tissue(s) under study. In the present study, nondestructive synchrotron‐based phase contrast X‐ray imaging and computed tomography techniques were used to confirm the part of the wheat spike conferring Type‐II resistance to Fg spread, thus showcasing the application of synchrotron‐based techniques to image host–pathogen interactions. Seven wheat genotypes of moderate resistance to Fusarium head blight were studied for changes in the void space volume fraction and grayscale/voxel intensity following Fg inoculation. Cell‐wall biopolymeric compounds were quantified using Fourier‐transform midinfrared spectroscopy for all genotype‐treatment combinations. The study revealed that the rachilla and rachis nodes together are structurally important in conferring Type‐II resistance. The structural reinforcement was not necessarily observed from lignin deposition but rather from an unknown mechanism.
Generalized basaloid follicular hamartoma syndrome versus Gorlin syndrome: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Shevchenko Alina , Durkin John R. , Moon Amanda T.
Published: August 2018

Basaloid follicular hamartoma is a relatively rare benign neoplasm of follicular origin that can be mistaken histologically for basal cell carcinoma, but hereditary forms of basaloid follicular hamartoma are associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, or Gorlin syndrome. The pathophysiology of basaloid follicular hamartoma development involves mutations in the patched gene, which is also causative in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. We present a mother and daughter with basaloid follicular hamartomas, with genetic testing confirming patched gene mutation in the daughter.
Effect of A Sun Protection Intervention on the Immune Response to Measles Booster Vaccination in Infants in Rural South Africa
Authors: Wright Caradee Y. , Lucas Robyn M. , D'Este Catherine , Kapwata Thandi , Kunene Zamantimande , Swaminathan Ashwin , Mathee Angela , Albers Patricia N.
Published: August 2018

The incidence of many serious childhood infections can be reduced by vaccination. High sun exposure at the time of vaccination has been associated with a reduced antigen‐specific immune response. We hypothesized that providing sun protection advice and equipment to mothers of children who were waiting to be vaccinated would result in a more robust immunization response. We conducted a pilot study in 2015/2016 (data analyzed in 2017–2018) among 98 Black African children (~18 months of age) receiving the booster measles vaccination at two clinics in South Africa. Clinics were randomized to receive (or not) sun protection advice and equipment. We recorded demographic information on children and mothers and data on the child's usual sun exposure. At approximately 4 weeks’ postmeasles vaccination, we measured measles immunoglobulin G levels in children. All children with blood results (n = 87, 89%) across both groups had antibody titers higher than 200 mIU mL−1 which was considered the protective antibody concentration. There was no statistically significant difference in titers between groups: geometric difference in mean titers 1.13 mIU mL−1 (95% CI 0.85, 1.51; P = 0.39) and 1.38 mIU mL−1 (95% CI 0.90, 2.11, P = 0.14) for unadjusted and adjusted analyses, respectively. This study demonstrated that a sun protection intervention study could be performed in a developing‐world pediatric vaccination setting. Although the sun protection intervention around the time of vaccination was not associated with a higher antibody level, given the potential importance of such an effect, a larger study should be considered.
The Effect of Endothelial Cells on UVB‐induced DNA Damage and Transformation of Keratinocytes In 3D Polycaprolactone Scaffold Co‐culture System
Authors: Zhao Huizhi , Wu Shiyong
Published: August 2018

Nitric oxide () plays an important role in the regulation of redox balance in keratinocytes post‐UVB exposure. Since endothelial cells releases for a prolonged time post‐UVB, we determined whether human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) could have an effect on UVB‐induced DNA damage and transformation of their adjacent keratinocytes (HaCaT) using a 3D cell co‐culturing system. Our data show that the levels of DNA breaks and/or cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) along with γH2AX are higher in the co‐cultured than in the mono‐cultured keratinocytes post‐UVB. The level in the co‐cultured cells is increased approximately 3‐fold more than in mono‐cultured HaCaT cells within 1‐hour post‐UVB but then is reduced quickly in co‐cultured HaCaT cells comparing to mono‐cultured cells from 6 to 24 h post‐UVB. However, the peroxynitrite (ONOO−) level is higher in the co‐cultured than in the mono‐cultured HaCaT cells in whole period post‐UVB. Furthermore, while expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is increased, the ratio of coupled/uncoupled eNOS is reduced in co‐cultured HaCaT cells compared to mono‐cultured HaCaT cells. Finally, the co‐cultured cells have a significantly increased transformation efficiency after repeating UVB exposure compared to mono‐culture HaCaT cells. Our results suggest that endothelial cells could enhance /ONOO− imbalance and promote transformation of adjacent keratinocytes.
Low Sun Exposure and Vitamin D Deficiency as Risk Factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, With a Focus on Childhood Onset
Authors: Holmes E. Ann , Rodney Harris Rachael M. , Lucas Robyn M.
Published: August 2018

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are increasing worldwide. Some ecological studies show increasing incidence with increasing latitude. Ambient ultraviolet radiation varies inversely with latitude, and sun exposure of the skin is a major source of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with IBD. Sun exposure and vitamin D have immune effects that could plausibly reduce, or be protective for, IBD. One quarter of new IBD cases are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, but most research is for adult‐onset IBD. Here, we review the evidence for low sun exposure and/or vitamin D deficiency as risk factors for IBD, focusing where possible on pediatric IBD, where effects of environmental exposures may be clearer. The literature provides some evidence of a latitude gradient of IBD incidence, and evidence for seasonal patterns of timing of birth or disease onset is inconsistent. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency occurs in people with IBD, but cannot be interpreted as being a causal risk factor. Evidence of vitamin D supplementation affecting disease activity is limited. Further research on predisease sun exposure and well‐designed supplementation studies are required to elucidate whether these potentially modifiable exposures are indeed risk factors for IBD.
Induced cell death in Ceratocystis fimbriata by pro‐apoptotic activity of a natural organic compound, perillaldehyde, through Ca2+ overload and accumulation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Tian J. , Pan C. , Zhang M. , Gan Y. Y. , Pan S. Y. , Liu M. , Li Y. X. , Zeng X. B.
Published: August 2018

Black rot caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata causes notable losses in sweet potato production. Perillaldehyde (PAE), a secondary metabolite in perilla, was studied to determine its antifungal effects on mycelial growth and spore germination of C. fimbriata. The effects of PAE on cell wall integrity and cell membrane permeability were also investigated. To elucidate the possible mechanisms of cell death triggered by PAE, sensitivity of C. fimbriata to PAE toxicity was determined by cytoplasmic and mitochondrial calcium ion concentrations ([Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytochrome c (cyt c) release, metacaspase activation, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and DNA fragmentation. The results suggest that mycelial growth and spore germination were inhibited by PAE in a dose‐dependent manner. Ceratocystis fimbriata spores treated with PAE experienced dramatic Ca2+ overload and elevated ROS production. Compared to untreated controls, the proportion of fluorescent cells stained with the ROS indicator DCFH‐DA and treated with a range of PAE concentrations from 0.0625 to 0.50 μL mL−1 increased by 2.9 ± 0.79% to 27.1 ± 0.38%. Ca2+ overload and ROS accumulation induced depolarization of the MMP, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction. Cyt c was released from the mitochondria to the cytosol, triggering metacaspase activation. The significant antifungal activity of PAE on C. fimbriata was demonstrated by these studies, suggesting that PAE has the potential for wide application to postharvest management of tuber crops, in addition to the application to above‐ground fruit and vegetables that have been previously investigated.
Control of adventitious root formation: insights into synergistic and antagonistic hormonal interactions
Authors: Lakehal Abdellah , Bellini Catherine
Published: August 2018

Plants have evolved sophisticated root systems that help them to cope with harsh environmental conditions. They are typically composed of a primary root and lateral roots (LRs), but may also include adventitious roots (ARs). Unlike LRs, ARs may be initiated not only from pericycle cells, but from various cell types and tissues depending on the species. Phytohormones, together with many other internal and external stimuli, coordinate and guide every step of AR formation from the first event of cell reprogramming until emergence and outgrowth. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the molecular mechanisms controlling AR formation and highlight the main hormonal cross talk involved in its regulation under different conditions and in different model systems.
Endometrial transcript profile of progesterone‐regulated genes during early pregnancy of Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Baba Naseer A. , Panigrahi Manjit , Verma Ankita D. , Sadam Abdul , Sulabh Sourabh , Chhotaray Supriya , Parida Subhashree , Krishnaswamy Narayanan , Bhushan Bharat
Published: August 2018

Contents

Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in most mammals. Unravelling the expression of progesterone‐regulated genes can expand the understanding of the embryonic mortality. Accordingly, we studied the relative mRNA expression of the P4‐regulated genes in the buffalo. Uteri were collected from the abattoir and categorized into nonpregnant late luteal phase, stage I (28–38th days of gestation) and stage II (48–56th days of gestation) of pregnancy (n = 6/group). After extraction of total RNA from the endometrial tissues, we carried out qRT‐PCR for determining the relative mRNA expression of the P4‐regulated genes using nonpregnant late luteal phase as calibrator group. The expression of LGALS3BP (essential for maternal recognition of pregnancy) gene was found to be significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), while MUC1 (important for embryo attachment) gene was downregulated in stage I and II of pregnancy. We observed no significant change in the expression of LGALS1, LGALS9 and CTSL genes. The SLC5A11 and SLC2A1 genes (involved in the transport of glucose to endometrium) in early pregnancy were upregulated in the pregnancy stage I (p < 0.05) relative to nonpregnant late luteal phase. The CST3 gene was significantly upregulated in pregnancy stage II (p < 0.01). These results provide molecular insights into the specific pathways involved in foeto‐maternal communication during early pregnancy in buffaloes.
How Should Autonomous Cars Drive? A Preference for Defaults in Moral Judgments Under Risk and Uncertainty
Authors: Meder Björn , Fleischhut Nadine , Krumnau Nina‐Carolin , Waldmann Michael R.
Published: August 2018

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) promise to make traffic safer, but their societal integration poses ethical challenges. What behavior of AVs is morally acceptable in critical traffic situations when consequences are only probabilistically known (a situation of risk) or even unknown (a situation of uncertainty)?  How do people retrospectively evaluate the behavior of an AV in situations in which a road user has been harmed? We addressed these questions in two empirical studies (N = 1,638) that approximated the real‐world conditions under which AVs operate by varying the degree of risk and uncertainty of the situation. In Experiment 1, subjects learned that an AV had to decide between staying in the lane or swerving. Each action could lead to a collision with another road user, with some known or unknown likelihood. Subjects’ decision preferences and moral judgments varied considerably with specified probabilities under risk, yet less so under uncertainty. The results suggest that staying in the lane and performing an emergency stop is considered a reasonable default, even when this action does not minimize expected loss. Experiment 2 demonstrated that if an AV collided with another road user, subjects’ retrospective evaluations of the default action were also more robust against unwanted outcome and hindsight effects than the alternative swerve maneuver. The findings highlight the importance of investigating moral judgments under risk and uncertainty in order to develop policies that are societally acceptable even under critical conditions.