bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic and presumed symptomatic focal epilepsies in childhood: An observational, prospective multicentre study
Authors: Vecchi Marilena , Barba Carmen , De Carlo Debora , Stivala Micol , Guerrini Renzo , Albamonte Emilio , Ranalli Domiziana , Battaglia Domenica , Lunardi Giada , Boniver Clementina , Piccolo Benedetta , Pisani Francesco , Cantalupo Gaetano , Nieddu Giuliana , Casellato Susanna , Cappanera Silvia , Cesaroni Elisabetta , Zamponi Nelia , Serino Domenico , Fusco Lucia , Iodice Alessandro , Palestra Filippo , Giordano Lucio , Freri Elena , De Giorgi Ilaria , Ragona Francesca , Granata Tiziana , Fiocchi Isabella , Bova Stefania Maria , Mastrangelo Massimo , Verrotti Alberto , Matricardi Sara , Fontana Elena , Caputo Davide , Darra Francesca , Dalla Bernardina Bernardo , Beccaria Francesca , Capovilla Giuseppe , Baglietto Maria Pia , Gagliardi Alessandra , Vignoli Aglaia , Canevini Maria Paola , Perissinotto Egle , Francione Stefano
Published: October 2016

Objective

To describe the clinical, neuropsychological, and psychopathologic features of a cohort of children with a new diagnosis of symptomatic or presumed symptomatic focal epilepsy at time of recruitment and through the first month. The selected population will be followed for 2–5 years after enrollment to investigate the epilepsy course and identify early predictors of drug resistance.

Methods

In this observational, multicenter, nationwide study, children (age 1 month–12.9 years) with a new diagnosis of symptomatic or presumed symptomatic focal epilepsy were consecutively enrolled in 15 Italian tertiary childhood epilepsy centers. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) diagnosis of symptomatic focal epilepsy due to acquired and developmental etiologies, and presumed symptomatic focal epilepsy; (2) age at diagnosis older than 1 month and <13 years; and (3) written informed consent. Children were subdivided into three groups: ≤3 years, >3 to 6 years, and >6 years. Clinical, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, and neuropsychological variables were identified for statistical analyses.

Results

Two hundred fifty‐nine children were enrolled (116 female and 143 male). Median age: 4.4 years (range 1 month–12.9 years); 46.0% (n = 119) of children were younger than 3 years, 24% (61) from 3 to 6 years of age, and 30% (79) older than 6 years. Neurologic examination findings were normal in 71.8%. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was abnormal in 59.9%. Children age ≤3 years experienced the highest seizure frequency in the first month after recruitment (p < 0.0001). Monotherapy in the first month was used in 67.2%. Cognitive tests at baseline revealed abnormal scores in 30%; behavioral problems were present in 21%. At multivariate analysis, higher chances to exhibit more than five seizures in the first month after epilepsy onset was confirmed for younger children and those with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Significance

In this prospective cohort study, an extensive characterization of epilepsy onset in children with symptomatic or presumed symptomatic focal epilepsies is reported in relation to the age group and the localization of the epileptogenic zone.
Wy14643, an agonist for PPARα, downregulates expression of TARC and RANTES in cultured human keratinocytes
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sakai Takashi , Fujiwara Sakuhei , Hatano Yutaka
Published: October 2016

Beneficial effects of Wy14643, an agonist for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)α, on permeability barrier homeostasis‐related functions of keratinocytes such as up‐regulation of epidermal differentiation‐related molecules and lipid synthesis, have been demonstrated. The present study demonstrated that Wy14643 reduced the expression of thymus and activation‐related chemokine (TARC) and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed (RANTES) in both single‐ and 3D‐cultured human keratinocytes. The combined data of the present and previous studies support the notion that Wy14643 could be a therapeutic agent that might simultaneously and directly modulate permeability barrier dysfunction and allergic inflammation in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. As for the anti‐microbial barrier function, the present study demonstrated that Wy14643 up‐regulated expression of the anti‐microbial peptide, human β defensin 3, in cultured human keratinocytes only in mRNA levels but not in protein ones, suggesting that Wy14643 might not directly account for the up‐regulation of the anti‐microbial peptide which has been reported in vivo.
Court Considerations in the Termination of Parental Rights: A Comprehensive Analysis of Israeli Court Decisions
Authors: Ben‐David Vered
Published: October 2016

Court decisions to terminate parental rights (TPR) have a major impact on parents and children, but the decision‐making process is unclear. Analysis of 261 Israeli TPR court cases indicated the dominance of considerations relating to normative parental functioning, the parents' ability to change, the impact of separating a child from his family, the parents' social normativity and educational ability. The legal considerations relate to the importance of the biological family, the necessity of adoption and the importance of a fair legal process. Insufficient consideration is accorded to cultural differences in parenting practices and the voice of the child.
High‐Conflict Divorce: A form of Child Neglect
Authors: Joyce Alexa N.
Published: October 2016

In high‐conflict divorce cases, the emotional toll on the family unit is unquestionably destructive. While the physical and mental health of the children should be the primary focus, the emotional turmoil of a high‐conflict divorce often moves the focus away from the children as parents struggle emotionally and financially. Although the best interests of the children are always in the judicial purview, the repeated, lengthy, and hostile litigation process often associated with high‐conflict dissolution has lasting effects on the physical and mental health of children, similar to those associated with physical abuse and neglect. Child Protective Services (CPS) must step in and protect the emotional well‐being of children during high‐conflict divorce cases.
Response diversity, nonnative species, and disassembly rules buffer freshwater ecosystem processes from anthropogenic change
Authors: Moore Jonathan W. , Olden Julian D.
Published: October 2016

Integrating knowledge of environmental degradation, biodiversity change, and ecosystem processes across large spatial scales remains a key challenge to illuminating the resilience of earth's systems. There is now a growing realization that the manner in which communities will respond to anthropogenic impacts will ultimately control the ecosystem consequences. Here, we examine the response of freshwater fishes and their nutrient excretion – a key ecosystem process that can control aquatic productivity – to human land development across the contiguous United States. By linking a continental‐scale dataset of 533 fish species from 8100 stream locations with species functional traits, nutrient excretion, and land remote sensing, we present four key findings. First, we provide the first geographic footprint of nutrient excretion by freshwater fishes across the United States and reveal distinct local‐ and continental‐scale heterogeneity in community excretion rates. Second, fish species exhibited substantial response diversity in their sensitivity to land development; for native species, the more tolerant species were also the species contributing greater ecosystem function in terms of nutrient excretion. Third, by modeling increased land‐use change and resultant shifts in fish community composition, land development is estimated to decrease fish nutrient excretion in the majority (63%) of ecoregions. Fourth, the loss of nutrient excretion would be 28% greater if biodiversity loss was random or 84% greater if there were no nonnative species. Thus, ecosystem processes are sensitive to increased anthropogenic degradation but biotic communities provide multiple pathways for resistance and this resistance varies across space.
Dialysate bicarbonate variation in maintenance hemodiafiltration patients: Impact on serum bicarbonate, intradialytic hypotension and interdialytic weight gain
Authors: Viegas Márcio , Cândido Cristina , Felgueiras Joana , Clemente José , Barros Sara , Farbota Rostislav , Vera Filipa , Matos Antero , Sousa Francisco
Published: October 2016

Introduction: The dialysate bicarbonate (DB) influences the acid‐base balance in dialysis patients. Very low and high serum bicarbonate (SB) have been related with a higher mortality. Acid‐base balance also has been associated with hemodynamic effects in these patients. The trial aim was to compare the effect of DB concentration variation on SB levels in maintenance hemodiafiltration (HDF) patients and the effect on intradialytic hypotension and interdialytic weight gain.

Methods: A prospective study, with 9 months of follow‐up, involving 93 patients, divided in two groups: group 1 and group 2 with a DB of 34 mmol/L and 30 mmol/L, respectively, with monitoring of pre and post HDF SB, intradialytic hypotension, and interdialytic weight gain.

Findings: Pre dialysis SB was higher in group 1: median concentration of 22.7 mmol/L vs. 21.1 mmol/L (P < 0.001). Post dialysis SB levels were higher in group 1: median concentration of 28.0 mmol/L vs. 25.3 mmol/L (P < 0.001). Post dialysis SB in alkalotic range was only detected in group 1 (51.2% of the patients). No significant differences were detected in intradialytic hypotension rate [28.0 vs. 27.4 episodes per 1000 sessions in group 1 and 2, respectively, (P = 0.906)] or in average interdialytic weight gain [2.9% vs. 3.0% in group 1 and 2, respectively, (P = 0.710)].

Discussion: DB of 30 mmol/L appears to be associated with SB levels closer to physiological levels than 34 mmol/L. The bicarbonate dialysate, in the tested concentrations, did not appear to have a significant impact on intradialytic hypotension and interdialytic weight gain in maintenance HDF patients.
Self‐preserving personal care products
Authors: Narayanan M. , Sekar P. , Pasupathi M. , Mukhopadhyay T.
Published: October 2016

Objective

As questions on the safety of some popular preservatives are on the rise, there is a growing interest in developing ‘self‐preserving’ personal care products. Use of multifunctional ingredients/actives with antimicrobial properties has been explored as replacements for conventional preservatives. This study explores the use of combinations of multifunctional actives (MFA) and other cosmetic ingredients in various personal care formulations, to deliver microbiologically safe self‐preserving products. Products studied in this study include face wash, gel‐based leave‐on skin care product and face mask.

Methods

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of several cosmetic ingredients was determined to identify multifunctional actives with antimicrobial activity. Personal care formulations made with multifunctional actives and other cosmetic ingredients were studied for preservative efficacy by challenging the product with six multiple cycles of microbial challenge.

Results

Formulations with combinations of multifunctional actives with antioxidant (AO) and chelators (CHL) were found to work synergistically and were highly efficacious in controlling multiple microbial challenges as observed in the preservative efficacy test (PET) studies. The effective combinations were able to withstand up to six multiple microbial challenges without product degradation. The preservative efficacy profile was similar to control formula containing preservatives.

Conclusion

Self‐preserving personal care/cosmetic products can be developed which are as efficacious as preserved products by a prudent selection of multifunctional actives, antioxidants and chelators as a part of the formulation
Does inherent flammability of grass and litter fuels contribute to continental patterns of landscape fire activity?
Authors: Prior Lynda D. , Murphy Brett P. , Williamson Grant J. , Cochrane Mark A. , Jolly W. Matt , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: October 2016

Aims

To (1) identify the trade‐offs among flammability attributes within grass and litter fuel types; (2) determine how flammability attributes of grass and litter fuels vary across macro‐ecological gradients; and (3) test our hypothesis that inherent flammability attributes of grass and litter fuels scale to satellite‐derived proxies for fire frequency and intensity.

Location

Continent of Australia.

Methods

Samples of litter and grass fuels collected from 133 sites across Australia were oven dried, then burnt under controlled conditions. Measurements of ignitability, combustibility and sustainability were made. Estimates of fire frequency and fire radiative power (a proxy for intensity) were derived from satellite imagery. Multivariate analyses were used to identify inter‐relationships among variables and trends across macro‐ecological gradients.

Results

Flammability was best described by two axes: high rate of combustion versus long duration of burning, and fast rate of spread versus high maximum temperature. As expected, our study confirmed that grass and litter fuel types have inherently differently flammability attributes whereby grass samples burn more quickly, with a higher rate of spread, than litter samples. However, there were also smaller differences in flammability attributes within fuel types, which scaled to rainfall, temperature and soil phosphorus concentrations. In keeping with our hypothesis, we found correlations between inherent fuel flammability attributes and landscape fire activity across the Australian continent. Fire frequency and rate of combustion of grass fuels were both highest in the tropics, and fire intensity and maximum temperature during combustion of litter fuels were highest in temperate areas.

Main conclusions

At a continental scale, we found landscape fire activity was correlated with inherent flammability of grass and litter fuels. This inherent flammability contributes to observed pyrogeographical patterns that are shaped by climate through its known effects on plant productivity, the abundance of cured grass biomass and fire weather.
The Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus) Tepal Extracts on Quality and Shelf‐Life of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopeneous vannamei) During Iced Storage
Authors: Abbasvali Maryam , Ranaei Afshin , Shekarforoush Seyed Shahram , Moshtaghi Hamdollah
Published: October 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of water extract (WEST), ethanolic extract (EEST) and methanolic extract (MEST) of saffron tepal as a natural preservative as well as to assess the quality changes and shelf‐life of Pacific white shrimp treated with saffron tepal extracts stored in ice up to 9 days. WEST showed the highest amount of phenolic compounds (66.41 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), antioxidant and antibacterial activity in all used assays (P < 0.05). Whole Pacific white shrimp (Litopeneous vannamei) treated with 1% of WEST, EEST and MEST had the lowest lipid oxidation, microbial growth and melanosis compared with the control (P < 0.05). Shrimp treated with saffron tepal extracts had superior sensory properties compared to the control at 6 and 9 days of iced storage (P < 0.05).

Practical Applications

Shrimp is one of the most traded and consumed aquatic product worldwide. Shrimps are rich in protein and containing very little fat and is more prone to deterioration because of its high soluble nonprotein nitrogenous substances. From the consumer health point of view and the perspective of food safety control, the utilization of natural additives like plant phenolic compounds provide a safer way to maximize the storage stability of shrimp, relative to synthetic additives. Saffron tepal which is a by‐product generated during the processing of the stigmas of the saffron flower could be used as a preservative in shrimp. Water extract of saffron tepal retard the lipid oxidation, microbial growth and melanosis and the shelf‐life of white shrimp extended to 9 days compared with the control group which was 6 days.
Loss of algal Proton Gradient Regulation 5 increases reactive oxygen species scavenging and H2 evolution
Authors: Chen Mei , Zhang Jin , Zhao Lei , Xing Jiale , Peng Lianwei , Kuang Tingyun , Rochaix Jean‐David , Huang Fang
Published: October 2016

We have identified hpm91, a Chlamydomonas mutant lacking Proton Gradient Regulation5 (PGR5) capable of producing hydrogen (H2) for 25 days with more than 30‐fold yield increase compared to wild type. Thus, hpm91 displays a higher capacity of H2 production than a previously characterized pgr5 mutant. Physiological and biochemical characterization of hpm91 reveal that the prolonged H2 production is due to enhanced stability of PSII, which correlates with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity during sulfur deprivation. This anti‐ROS response appears to protect the photosynthetic electron transport chain from photo‐oxidative damage and thereby ensures electron supply to the hydrogenase.
NARROW AND ROLLED LEAF 2 regulates leaf shape, male fertility, and seed size in rice
Authors: Zhao Shuangshuang , Zhao Lei , Liu Fengxia , Wu Yongzhen , Zhu Zuofeng , Sun Chuanqing , Tan Lubin
Published: October 2016

Grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is closely related to leaf and flower development. Coordinative regulation of leaf, pollen, and seed development in rice as a critical biological and agricultural question should be addressed. Here we identified two allelic rice mutants with narrow and semi‐rolled leaves, named narrow and rolled leaf 2‐1 (nrl2‐1) and nrl2‐2. Map‐based molecular cloning revealed that NRL2 encodes a novel protein with unknown biochemical function. The mutation of NRL2 caused pleiotropic effects, including a reduction in the number of longitudinal veins, defective abaxial sclerenchymatous cell differentiation, abnormal tapetum degeneration and microspore development, and the formation of more slender seeds compared with the wild type (WT). The NRL2 protein interacted with Rolling‐leaf (RL14), causing the leaves of the nrl2 mutants to have a higher cellulose content and lower lignin content than the WT, which may have been related to sclerenchymatous cell differentiation and tapetum degeneration. Thus, this gene is an essential developmental regulator controlling fundamental cellular and developmental processes, serving as a potential breeding target for high‐yielding rice cultivars.
SUMO E3 Ligases GmSIZ1a and GmSIZ1b regulate vegetative growth in soybean
Authors: Cai Bin , Kong Xiangxiong , Zhong Chao , Sun Suli , Zhou Xiao Feng , Jin Yin Hua , Wang Youning , Li Xia , Zhu Zhendong , Jin Jing Bo
Published: October 2016

SIZ1 is a small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase that mediates post‐translational SUMO modification of target proteins and thereby regulates developmental processes and hormonal and environmental stress responses in Arabidopsis. However, the role of SUMO E3 ligases in crop plants is largely unknown. Here, we identified and characterized two Glycine max (soybean) SUMO E3 ligases, GmSIZ1a and GmSIZ1b. Expression of GmSIZ1a and GmSIZ1b was induced in response to salicylic acid (SA), heat, and dehydration treatment, but not in response to cold, abscisic acid (ABA), and NaCl treatment. Although GmSIZ1a was expressed at higher levels than GmSIZ1b, both genes encoded proteins with SUMO E3 ligase activity in vivo. Heterologous expression of GmSIZ1a or GmSIZ1b rescued the mutant phenotype of Arabidopsis siz1‐2, including dwarfism, constitutively activated expression of pathogen‐related genes, and ABA‐sensitive seed germination. Simultaneous downregulation of GmSIZ1a and GmSIZ1b (GmSIZ1a/b) using RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated gene silencing decreased heat shock‐induced SUMO conjugation in soybean. Moreover, GmSIZ1RNAi plants exhibited reduced plant height and leaf size. However, unlike Arabidopsis siz1‐2 mutant plants, flowering time and SA levels were not significantly altered in GmSIZ1RNAi plants. Taken together, our results indicate that GmSIZ1a and GmSIZ1b mediate SUMO modification and positively regulate vegetative growth in soybean.
Impact of human papilloma virus vaccination on adolescent knowledge, perception of sexual risk and need for safer sexual behaviors in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Prayudi Pande Kadek Aditya , Permatasari Anak Agung Istri Yulan , Winata I Gde Sastra , Suwiyoga Ketut
Published: October 2016

Aim

To determine the impact of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination on knowledge, perception of sexual risk and need for continued safe sexual behavior among Indonesian girls.

Methods

A comparative cross‐sectional study was carried on in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, Indonesia, during September 2015–February 2016. A total of 828 adolescent girls (12–16 years) were recruited to assess their knowledge on HPV/HPV vaccine, perception of sexual risks and need for continued safe sexual behavior.

Results

A total of 419 girls (50.7%) had received HPV vaccination prior to the study, 76.4% of whom (320/419) had sufficient knowledge about HPV. HPV vaccination was a strong and independent predictor of higher HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge (adjusted OR [AOR], 9.358; 95%CI: 6.816–12.849, P < 0.001). HPV vaccination (AOR, 0.107; 95%CI: 0.074–0.155, P < 0.001) and higher knowledge level (AOR, 0.667; 95%CI: 0.464–0.958, P = 0.028) were associated with lower perceived HPV risk. Despite the low risk perception, most of the vaccinated girls (408/419, 97.4%) continued to perceive higher need for safe sexual behaviors. On multivariate analysis, higher knowledge was the independent predictor for higher perceived need for safe sexual behaviors (AOR, 4.260; 95%CI: 2.016–9.001, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The HPV vaccination was associated with higher knowledge and appropriately lower perception of HPV risk. Despite the vaccination, most of the adolescents continued to perceive a need for safer sexual behavior. All adolescent girls should receive HPV vaccination in order to reduce cervical cancer burden in the future.
Association of urodynamics and lower urogenital tract nerve growth factor after synthetic vaginal mesh implantation on a rat model
Authors: Lo Tsia‐Shu , Lin Yi‐Hao , Chu Hsiao‐Chien , Cortes Eileen Feliz M. , Pue Leng Boi , Tan Yiap Loong , Uy‐Patrimonio Ma. Clarissa
Published: October 2016

Aim

By investigating the association of urodynamics and urogenital nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in vaginal mesh surgery, we may be able to associate the likelihood of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms developing as a result of synthetic mesh implanted for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Thirty‐eight female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: mesh, sham (no mesh), and control. Urodynamic study and NGF analysis of the urogenital tissues were done and results were compared among all groups. The urodynamic studies of the mesh and sham groups were further divided into the 4th and 10th days. A P‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

All rats survived and no complications were observed during the post‐implantation period. Histological evaluation showed intense acute inflammatory reaction on days 4 and 7 in the mesh and sham groups when compared to the control. The mesh group showed a larger area of inflammation as compared to the sham. The NGF levels increased significantly in the mesh and sham groups on the 4th and 10th days when compared to the control (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Both the mesh and sham groups had shorter voiding interval and lower voiding volume on days 4 and 10 when compared to the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The magnitude on increasing NGF level and decreasing voiding interval and voiding volume was significantly more on the mesh group than the sham group.

Conclusion

A higher level of NGF in the early days post‐transvaginal mesh implantation is associated with a shorter voiding interval and a smaller bladder capacity, which represents abnormal lower urinary tract symptoms following transvaginal mesh implantation.
Effect of ensiling whole crop oat with lucerne in different ratios on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility on the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Chen L. , Guo G. , Yuan X. J. , Zhang J. , Wen A. Y. , Sun X. H. , Shao T.
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ensiling different ratios of whole crop oat to lucerne on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of silage on the Tibetan plateau. Four experimental treatments were produced varying in the ratio of forages on a fresh matter (FM) basis: 1) 100% oat (control, dry matter (DM) content: 317 g/kg), 2) 90% oat + 10% lucerne (OL10, DM content: 316 g/kg), 3) 80% oat+ 20% lucerne (OL20, DM content: 317 g/kg) and 4) 70% oat+ 30% lucerne (OL30, DM content: 318 g/kg). All treatments were packed into laboratory‐scale silos and ensiled for 60 days and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 15 days. Further, the four experimental treatments were incubated in vitro with buffered rumen fluid to study the nutrient digestibility. All silages were well preserved with low pH and NH3‐N contents, and high lactic acid contents and V‐scores (evaluation of silage quality). Increasing the lucerne proportion increased (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) content of silage, whereas neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibre contents were not affected. Under aerobic conditions, the control silage showed higher (p < 0.05) yeast counts (>105 cfu/g FM) followed by OL10 silage, and OL10 silage improved aerobic stability for 74 h. OL20 and OL30 silages showed fewer (p < 0.05) yeasts (<105 cfu/g FM) and markedly (p < 0.05) improved the aerobic stability (>360 h). After 48‐h incubation, OL30 silage increased (p < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) compared with the control silage. These results suggest that replacing oat with lucerne had no unfavourable effects on fermentation quality of silage, but improved CP content, aerobic stability IVDMD and IVNDFD. OL30 silage was the best among the three mixed silages.
Maternal dietary linoleic acid supplementation promotes muscle fibre type transformation in suckling piglets
Authors: Lu Z. Q. , Ren Y. , Zhou X. H. , Yu X. F. , Huang J. , Yu D. Y. , Wang X. X. , Wang Y. Z.
Published: October 2016

As meat quality is basically dependent on muscle fibre characteristics, it is important to know how muscle fibres are regulated and transformed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal dietary supplementation on muscle fibre types using 3% saturated fatty acid (palmitic acid, PA) or 3% unsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid, LA) from 80 days of gestation to the weaning of offspring (25 days post‐natal). The results indicated that higher mRNA levels of MyHCI type genes were found in the soleus muscles of piglets that suckled from LA‐supplemented sows than from PA‐supplemented sows. In addition, LA treatment increased the gene expression of the type I muscle fibre marker troponin I (p < 0.01), suggesting that LA promoted muscle fibre type transformation to type I fibres. Moreover, PGC‐1α (p < 0.01) and MEF2c (p < 0.05) mRNA levels were higher in the piglets from the LA treatment group than in those from the PA treatment group. Furthermore, LA supplementation also significantly increased AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) mRNA levels (p < 0.05), which is an upstream regulator of PGC‐1α. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that maternal dietary LA supplementation promoted muscle fibre transformation to type I fibre and that this process may be mediated through an AMPK‐dependent pathway.
Transgenic expression of ephrinB2 in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) modulates osteogenic differentiation via signaling crosstalk between ephrinB2 and EphB4 in PDLSCs and between PDLSCs and pre‐osteoblasts within co‐culture
Authors: Zhu S. Y. , Wang P. L. , Liao C. S. , Yang Y. Q. , Yuan C. Y. , Wang S. , Dissanayaka W. L. , Heng B. C. , Zhang C. F.
Published: October 2016

Background and Objective

The goal of periodontal therapy is to regenerate/reconstruct the damaged supporting tissues of diseased teeth and to facilitate recovery of their physiological functions. Combination of stem cell transplantation and gene therapy offers a viable method for accelerating periodontal repair and regeneration. In this study, the role of the ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling pathway in regulating osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and crosstalk between PDLSCs and pre‐osteoblasts within co‐culture was investigated through ephrinB2 transgenic expression in PDLSCs.

Material and Methods

PDLSCs isolated from premolar teeth of teenage patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were transfected with transgenic (hEfnB2‐GFP‐Bsd) vector or empty vector (GFP‐Bsd). Vector‐PDLSCs, EfnB2‐PDLSCs, MC3T3‐E1 and co‐cultures of vector‐PDLSCs with MC3T3‐E1, and EfnB2‐PDLSCs with MC3T3‐E1 were subjected to osteogenic induction. The osteogenic differentiation of EfnB2‐PDLSCs, vector‐PDLSCs and co‐cultures were assessed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and Alizarin‐red S staining. Protein expression levels of ephrinB2, EphB4, phosphorylated ephrinB2 and EphB4 were analyzed by western blot, immunoprecipitation and co‐immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

ALP assay and Alizarin‐red S staining demonstrated higher ALP activity and increased mineralization with EfnB2‐PDLSCs vs. vector‐PDLSCs and with co‐culture of EfnB2‐PDLSCs and MC3T3‐E1 vs. vector‐PDLSCs and MC3T3‐E1. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction revealed that the expression of human odonto/osteogenic markers were significantly enhanced in EfnB2‐PDLSCs compared to vector‐PDLSCs, and that the expression of mouse odonto/osteogenic markers were significantly higher in co‐culture of EfnB2‐PDLSCs with MC3T3‐E1 vs. vector‐PDLSCs with MC3T3‐E1. The EphB4 receptor was activated through phosphorylation during osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that transgenic expression of ephrinB2 in PDLSCs could promote osteogenic differentiation via stimulation of the phosphorylation of ephrinB2 and EphB4, which regulates cell communication between PDLSCs and between PDLSCs and pre‐osteoblasts within co‐culture.
Long‐term dynamics in microbial eukaryotes communities: a palaeolimnological view based on sedimentary DNA
Authors: Capo Eric , Debroas Didier , Arnaud Fabien , Guillemot Typhaine , Bichet Vincent , Millet Laurent , Gauthier Emilie , Massa Charly , Develle Anne‐Lise , Pignol Cécile , Lejzerowicz Franck , Domaizon Isabelle
Published: October 2016

Assessing the extent to which changes in lacustrine biodiversity are affected by anthropogenic or climatic forces requires extensive palaeolimnological data. We used high‐throughput sequencing to generate time‐series data encompassing over 2200 years of microbial eukaryotes (protists and Fungi) diversity changes from the sedimentary DNA record of two lakes (Lake Bourget in French Alps and Lake Igaliku in Greenland). From 176 samples, we sequenced a large diversity of microbial eukaryotes, with a total 16 386 operational taxonomic units distributed within 50 phylogenetic groups. Thus, microbial groups, such as Chlorophyta, Dinophyceae, Haptophyceae and Ciliophora, that were not previously considered in lacustrine sediment record analyses appeared to be potential biological markers of trophic status changes. Our data suggest that shifts in relative abundance of extant species, including shifts between rare and abundant taxa, drive ecosystem responses to local and global environmental changes. Community structure shift events were concomitant with major climate variations (more particularly in Lake Igaliku). However, this study shows that the impacts of climatic fluctuations may be overpassed by the high‐magnitude eutrophication impacts, as observed in the eutrophicated Lake Bourget. Overall, our data show that DNA preserved in sediment constitutes a precious archive of information on past biodiversity changes.
Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase and estimated Glomerular filtration rate may identify patients to be treated with immuno‐suppression at diagnosis in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Bazzi Claudio , Usui Tomoko , Rizza Virginia , Casellato Daniela , Gallieni Maurizio , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: October 2016

Aim

The clinical course of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) varies from spontaneous remission of nephrotic syndrome (NS) to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of the study was baseline identification of patients with high risk of progression for which immunosuppressive therapy is mandatory.

Methods

Eighty‐six IMN subjects were followed for a median of 69 months (range 6–253). Receiver operating characteristic curve and Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate prognostic factors for progression, defined as ESRD or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction ≥50% of baseline.

Results

Among all, 24 subjects had progression. Area under the ROC curve of N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase/creatinine ratio (NAG/C) were significantly higher than proteinuria/24 h (0.770 and 0.637 respectively, P = 0.018). In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, NAG/C and eGFR were independent predictors of progression. Compared to lowest tertile of NAG/C (<9.4 UI/gC) or highest tertile of eGFR (≥88 mL/min per 1.73m2), the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio of highest tertile of NAG/C (≥19.2) was 18.97 (95%CI, 1.70–211.86) and lowest tertile of eGFR (<59) was 11.58 (95%CI, 2.02–66.29). Subjects with high NAG/C or low eGFR (high‐risk, n = 43) had greater progression rate compared to moderate to low NAG/C and high eGFR (low‐risk, n = 43) with or without NS at baseline (Log‐rank test P = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). In NS subjects (n = 65), high‐risk group progression rate was significantly higher (91% vs. 29%, P = 0.003) and remission rate significantly lower (0% vs. 42%, p < 0.001) in non‐immunosuppressed compared to steroids and cyclophosphamide treated patients; no significant differences were observed in low‐risk group.

Conclusion

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy subjects with high NAG/C and low eGFR have greater risk of progression, and immunosuppressive treatment is suggested at diagnosis.
The barriers and enablers of healthy eating among young adults: a missing piece of the obesity puzzle: A scoping review
Authors: Munt A. E. , Partridge S. R. , Allman‐Farinelli M.
Published: October 2016

Young adults in Western countries are gaining weight faster than their parents and are more likely to gain weight than any other age cohort. Despite this, investigation into the complex young adults' food choice motives, which enable and prevent healthy eating, has not been widely investigated. A scoping review was conducted involving an extensive literature search of four major electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsychInfo and CINAHL. Data were collected from 34 articles: study descriptions numerically analysed and key findings thematically analysed. The key barriers found included: male apathy towards diet; unhealthy diet of friends and family; expected consumption of unhealthy foods in certain situations; relative low cost of unhealthy foods; lack of time to plan, shop, prepare and cook healthy foods; lack of facilities to prepare, cook and store healthy foods; widespread presence of unhealthy foods; lack of knowledge and skills to plan, shop, prepare and cook healthy foods; lack of motivation to eat healthily (including risk‐taking behaviour). The key enablers found included: female interest in a healthy diet; healthy diet of friends and family; support/encouragement of friends and family to eat healthy; desire for improved health; desire for weight management; desire for improved self‐esteem; desire for attractiveness to potential partners and others; possessing autonomous motivation to eat healthy and existence and use of self‐regulatory skills. This research provides evidence that can be used to tailor interventions for healthy eating and overweight and obesity in this population. However, government intervention in addressing food access, affordability, marketing and taxation remains essential to any significant change.
Local biotic adaptation of trees and shrubs to plant neighbors
Authors: Grady Kevin C. , Wood Troy E. , Kolb Thomas E. , Hersch‐Green Erika , Shuster Stephen M. , Gehring Catherine A. , Hart Stephen C. , Allan Gerard J. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: October 2016

Natural selection as a result of plant–plant interactions can lead to local biotic adaptation. This may occur where species frequently interact and compete intensely for resources limiting growth, survival, and reproduction. Selection is demonstrated by comparing a genotype interacting with con‐ or hetero‐specific sympatric neighbor genotypes with a shared site‐level history (derived from the same source location), to the same genotype interacting with foreign neighbor genotypes (from different sources). Better genotype performance in sympatric than allopatric neighborhoods provides evidence of local biotic adaptation. This pattern might be explained by selection to avoid competition by shifting resource niches (differentiation) or by interactions benefitting one or more members (facilitation). We tested for local biotic adaptation among two riparian trees,Populus fremontiiandSalix gooddingii, and the shrubSalix exiguaby transplanting replicated genotypes from multiple source locations to a 17 000 tree common garden with sympatric and allopatric treatments along the Colorado River in California. Three major patterns were observed: 1) across species, 62 of 88 genotypes grew faster with sympatric neighbors than allopatric neighbors; 2) these growth rates, on an individual tree basis, were 44, 15 and 33% higher in sympatric than allopatric treatments forP. fremontii, S. exiguaandS. gooddingii, respectively, and; 3) survivorship was higher in sympatric treatments forP. fremontiiandS. exigua. These results support the view that fitness of foundation species supporting diverse communities and dominating ecosystem processes is determined by adaptive interactions among multiple plant species with the outcome that performance depends on the genetic identity of plant neighbors. The occurrence of evolution in a plant‐community context for trees and shrubs builds on ecological evolutionary research that has demonstrated co‐evolution among herbaceous taxa, and evolution of native species during exotic plants invasion, and taken together, refutes the concept that plant communities are always random associations.
Alternative methods of lung isolation in cases of pediatric bilateral thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Wigginton Mark , Lehrian Laura
Published: October 2016

We compare airway management and lung isolation methods in two pediatric cases of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome undergoing bilateral throacoscopic phrenic‐nerve‐stimulator surgery. One child received lung isolation using a 7Fr bronchial blocker in conjunction with a 6.0 cuffed endotracheal tube; and the second received a technique of endobronchial intubation using a 3.5 microcuffed tube via the tracheostomy stoma in conjunction with 5.0 cuffed endotracheal intubation; a technique previously undescribed in pediatric patients.
Jejunal varices diagnosed by capsule endoscopy in patients with post‐liver transplant portal hypertension
Authors: Bass Lee M. , Kim Stanley , Superina Riccardo , Mohammad Saeed
Published: October 2016

Portal hypertension secondary to portal vein obstruction following liver transplant occurs in 5%‐10% of children. Jejunal varices are uncommon in this group. We present a case series of children with significant GI blood loss, negative upper endoscopy, and jejunal varices detected by CE. Case series of patients who had CE for chronic GI blood loss following liver transplantation. Three patients who had their initial transplants at a median age of 7 months were identified at our institution presenting at a median age of 8 years (range 7‐16 years) with a median Hgb of 2.8 g/dL (range 1.8‐6.8 g/dL). Upper endoscopy was negative for significant esophageal varices, gastric varices, and bleeding portal gastropathy in all three children. All three patients had significant jejunal varices noted on CE in mid‐jejunum. Jejunal varices were described as large prominent bluish vessels underneath visualized mucosa, one with evidence of recent bleeding. The results led to venoplasty of the portal vein in two patients and a decompressive shunt in one patient with resolution of GI bleed and anemia. CE is useful to diagnose intestinal varices in children with portal hypertension and GI bleeding following liver transplant.
Resolution of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis after growth hormone replacement in a pediatric liver transplant patient with panhypopituitarism
Authors: Gilliland Thomas , Dufour Sylvie , Shulman Gerald I. , Petersen Kitt Falk , Emre Sukru H.
Published: October 2016

NAFLD is a common condition linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Simple hepatic steatosis is a risk factor for inflammatory reactions in the liver (NASH), which may lead to cirrhosis. While the mechanism is unclear, NAFLD and NASH are associated with panhypopituitarism, which in the pediatric population often results from craniopharyngioma or pituitary adenoma and the sequelae of treatment, causing hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and GH deficiency. Refractory NAFLD in panhypopituitarism may be amenable to GH replacement. Here, we report a pediatric case of NASH secondary to panhypopituitarism from craniopharyngioma, which recurred by 11 months after LDLT. Despite low‐dose GH replacement, the patient remained GH deficient. Pubertal dosed GH therapy led to rapid and complete resolution of hepatic steatosis, which we tracked using serial 1H MRS. Pediatric patients with NASH cirrhosis secondary to panhypopituitarism can be good candidates for liver transplantation, but hormone deficiencies predispose to recurrence after transplant. High‐dose GH replacement should be considered in pediatric patients with GH deficiency and recurrent disease. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for successful outcomes.
Transition to adult care for pediatric liver transplant recipients: the Western Australian experience
Authors: Mitchell Tim , Gooding Hannah , Mews Cathy , Adams Leon , MacQuillan Gerry , Garas George , Ravikumara Madhur , Lopez Ainslie , Collins Megan , Jeffrey Gary
Published: October 2016

Transition to adult care is a vulnerable period for pediatric transplant recipients and is associated with reduced medication compliance, graft loss, and increased mortality. Psychosocial outcomes in young adults differ between pediatric transplant recipients and their healthy peers. We conducted a single‐center, retrospective cohort study of all pediatric liver transplant recipients who were transitioned through our center. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of transitioned pediatric liver transplant recipients at an Australian center, including mortality, adherence, and psychosocial morbidity. The 1‐ and 5‐year survival rates following transition were 100% and 92%, respectively. There were no episodes of late rejection. In total, 66.7% of patients were compliant with immunosuppression and 61.1% of patients were compliant with clinic attendance. There was a significant relationship between medication compliance and clinic attendance, as well as presence of psychological issues with clinic non‐attendance. Psychosocial outcomes were in keeping with age‐matched data from the general population. All patients were employed or studying following transition. This is the first study of its kind in the Australian population, and outcomes were superior to published international data. Despite the demonstrated good outcomes, transition programs may improve healthcare engagement in this cohort.
The purple acid phosphatase GmPAP21 enhances internal phosphorus utilization and possibly plays a role in symbiosis with rhizobia in soybean
Authors: Li Chengchen , Li Caifeng , Zhang Haiyan , Liao Hong , Wang Xiurong
Published: October 2016

Induction of secreted and intracellular purple acid phosphatases (PAPs; EC 3.1.3.2) is widely recognized as an adaptation of plants to phosphorus (P) deficiency. The secretion of PAPs plays important roles in P acquisition. However, little is known about the functions of intracellular PAP in plants and nodules. In this study, we identified a novel PAP gene GmPAP21 in soybean. Expression of GmPAP21 was induced by P limitation in nodules, roots and old leaves, and increased in roots with increasing duration of P starvation. Furthermore, the induction of GmPAP21 in nodules and roots was more intensive than in leaves in both P‐efficient genotype HN89 and P‐inefficient genotype HN112 in response to P starvation, and the relative expression in the leaves and nodules of HN89 was significantly greater than that of HN112 after P deficiency treatment. Further functional analyses showed that over‐expressing GmPAP21 significantly enhanced both acid phosphatase activity and growth performance of hairy roots under P starvation condition, indicating that GmPAP21 plays an important role in P utilization. Moreover, GUS expression driven by GmPAP21 promoter was shown in the nodules besides roots. Overexpression of GmPAP21 in transgenic soybean significantly inhibited nodule growth, and thereby affected plant growth after inoculation with rhizobia. This suggests that GmPAP21 is also possibly involved in regulating P metabolism in nodules. Taken together, our results suggest that GmPAP21 is a novel plant PAP that functions in the adaptation of soybean to P starvation, possibly through its involvement in P recycling in plants and P metabolism in nodules.
Applying an animal‐centric approach to improve ecological restoration
Authors: Jones Menna E. , Davidson Neil
Published: October 2016

Traditionally, ecological restoration is based on re‐establishing patterns of vegetation communities with the expectation that wildlife will recolonize, restoring the ecological function. However, in many restoration projects, wildlife fails to recolonize, even when vegetation is restored, in many cases because revegetated habitats lack the critical features required by wildlife. We present a new approach to restoration, based on a detailed understanding of ecological process, the mechanisms by which wildlife respond to landscape patterns. Our animal‐centric approach involves measuring the risk‐sensitive decision‐making of individual animals as they balance searching for food, mates, and breeding sites with avoiding being eaten by predators and relates this to fine‐scale habitat and landscape structure. The outcome of these decisions can be measured in occupancy of habitat, the information on which conventional restoration is based. Incorporating landscape genetics allows retrospective assessment of the outcome of dispersal decisions by individual animals on a deeper time frame and at regional scales. Fine‐scale connectivity models can be parameterized with these multiscale spatial and temporal data to direct restoration efforts. We are translating this novel approach to practice in the large Midlands restoration project (4 years, AUD $6 million) in Tasmania, Australia, in partnership with Greening Australia. More than 200 years of intensive agricultural practice in this National Biodiversity Hotspot has resulted in extensive landscape modification, high densities of feral cats, and decline of many native mammals. Our research–practice partnership will alter the way that restoration is done, leading hopefully to successful restoration of wildlife, gene flow, and ecological function.