bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic concentrations of varenicline in the presence of nicotine increase action potential firing in human adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Hone Arik J. , Michael McIntosh J. , Rueda‐Ruzafa Lola , Passas Juan , de Castro‐Guerín Cristina , Blázquez Jesús , González‐Enguita Carmen , Albillos Almudena
Published: December 2016

Varenicline is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist used to treat nicotine addiction, but a live debate persists concerning its mechanism of action in reducing nicotine consumption. Although initially reported as α4β2 selective, varenicline was subsequently shown to activate other nAChR subtypes implicated in nicotine addiction including α3β4. However, it remains unclear whether activation of α3β4 nAChRs by therapeutically relevant concentrations of varenicline is sufficient to affect the behavior of cells that express this subtype. We used patch‐clamp electrophysiology to assess the effects of varenicline on native α3β4* nAChRs (asterisk denotes the possible presence of other subunits) expressed in human adrenal chromaffin cells and compared its effects to those of nicotine. Varenicline and nicotine activated α3β4* nAChRs with EC50 values of 1.8 (1.2–2.7) μM and 19.4 (11.1–33.9) μM, respectively. Stimulation of adrenal chromaffin cells with 10 ms pulses of 300 μM acetylcholine (ACh) in current‐clamp mode evoked sodium channel‐dependent action potentials (APs). Under these conditions, perfusion of 50 or 100 nM varenicline showed very little effect on AP firing compared to control conditions (ACh stimulation alone), but at higher concentrations (250 nM) varenicline increased the number of APs fired up to 436 ± 150%. These results demonstrate that therapeutic concentrations of varenicline are unlikely to alter AP firing in chromaffin cells. In contrast, nicotine showed no effect on AP firing at any of the concentrations tested (50, 100, 250, and 500 nM). However, perfusion of 50 nM nicotine simultaneously with 100 nM varenicline increased AP firing by 290 ± 104% indicating that exposure to varenicline and nicotine concurrently may alter cellular behavior such as excitability and neurotransmitter release.

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Antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10‐pretreated mouse pre‐antral follicles derived from vitrified ovaries
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Elmira , Zavareh Saeed , Lashkarbolouki Taghi
Published: December 2016

Aim

This study evaluated the antioxidant status of pre‐antral follicles derived from vitrified ovaries pretreated with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

Methods

Mouse pre‐antral follicles derived from fresh and vitrified warmed ovarian tissue were cultured with or without CoQ10 (50 μmol/L). Follicular growth, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) activity during cultivation were assessed.

Results

The growth rate of the fresh pre‐antral follicles was higher compared with the vitrified groups, especially in the CoQ10‐treated than non‐treated groups. MDA increased while TAC decreased at 96 h of the cultivation period. TAC was higher while MDA was lower in the fresh pre‐antral follicles than in the vitrified groups. These rates were higher in the CoQ10‐treated than non‐treated groups. The vitrified and fresh CoQ10‐pretreated groups had significantly higher SOD, GPX, and CAT activity compared with the CoQ10 non‐treated groups.

Conclusion

CoQ10‐supplemented maturation medium can increase antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease lipid peroxidation in cultured pre‐antral follicles derived from fresh and vitrified mouse ovaries.
Clinical phenotype of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and interleukin‐1β genotype in a Polish cohort of patients
Authors: Ślebioda Zuzanna , Krawiecka Ewa , Rozmiarek Marta , Szponar Elżbieta , Kowalska Anna , Dorocka‐Bobkowska Barbara
Published: December 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between a clinical profile and the interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) genotype in a Polish cohort of patients with RAS.

Methods

One hundred and four patients with RAS were enrolled in the study and all were subject to an oral examination. The severity of RAS was assessed according to the clinical type of the disease, the number of lesions per flare‐up and the length of intervals between the episodes. The genotyping of two SNPs of the IL‐1β gene, IL‐1β c.‐511 T>C (rs16944) and IL‐1β c.+3954 C>T (rs1143634), was carried out by genomic DNA isolated from blood samples and by using the PCR‐RFLP approach. The results were statistically analysed with chi‐square and Fisher's tests and Spearman's rank correlation, with P < 0.05 assumed to be a significance level (Statistica 10; StatSoft®, Kraków, Poland).

Results

No statistically significant associations or correlations were found between the presence of *2 allele and minor, major or herpetiform RAS nor after the stratification using the RAS severity score and the classification based on the number of lesions per one flare‐up. A weak correlation was found between the number of lesions per one flare‐up and heterozygosity promoting the A type of RAS, characterized by a low number of eruptions.

Conclusions

The presence of IL‐1 β *2 allele within the c.+3954 and c.‐511 SNPs was found to be neither a significant risk factor for a higher incidence of any type of RAS, nor did it influence the disease severity and mode of recurrences.
Differences in survival outcome between oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in relation to HPV status
Authors: Lai Kenneth , Killingsworth Murray , Matthews Slade , Caixeiro Nicole , Evangelista Carlyn , Wu Xiao , Wykes James , Samakeh Alan , Forstner Dion , Niles Navin , Hong Angela , Lee Cheok Soon
Published: December 2016

Background

This study examined the prognostic significance of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

Tissue microarrays were constructed from oropharyngeal and oral cavity SCC (n = 143). The presence of functional HPV in tumour was determined by combined assessments of p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV in situ hybridisation.

Results

Oropharyngeal SCC patients presented with more advanced disease in comparison with oral cavity SCC patients (P = 0.001). HPV is present in 60% and 61% of oropharyngeal and oral cavity SCC patients, respectively. HPV‐positive oropharyngeal SCC patients with advanced TNM stages displayed better overall and disease‐free survival outcomes than HPV‐negative patients (P = 0.022 and 0.046, respectively). Such survival differences were not observed in oral cavity SCC.

Conclusions

HPV is common in both oropharyngeal and oral cavity SCC and is associated with better survival outcome in oropharyngeal SCC but not in oral cavity SCC patients.
Effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir‐based regimens plus an NS5A inhibitor for patients with HCV genotype 3 infection and cirrhosis. Results of a multicenter real‐life cohort
Authors: Alonso S. , Riveiro‐Barciela M. , Fernandez I. , Rincón D. , Real Y. , Llerena S. , Gea F. , Olveira A. , Fernandez‐Carrillo C. , Polo B. , Carrión J. A. , Gómez A. , Devesa M. J. , Baliellas C. , Castro Á. , Ampuero J. , Granados R. , Pascasio J. M. , Rubín A. , Salmeron J. , Badia E. , Planas J. M. M. , Lens S. , Turnes J. , Montero J. L. , Buti M. , Esteban R. , Fernández‐Rodríguez C. M.
Published: December 2016

Patients with HCV genotype 3 (GT3) infection and cirrhosis are currently the most difficult to cure. We report our experience with sofosbuvir+daclatasvir (SOF+DCV) or sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV), with or without ribavirin (RBV) in clinical practice in this population. This was a multicenter observational study including cirrhotic patients infected by HCV GT3, treated with sofosbuvir plus an NS5A inhibitor (May 2014‐October 2015). In total, 208 patients were included: 98 (47%) treatment‐experienced, 42 (20%) decompensated and 55 (27%) MELD score >10. In 131 (63%), treatment was SOF+DCV and in 77 (37%), SOF/LDV. Overall, 86% received RBV. RBV addition and extension to 24 weeks was higher in the SOF/LDV group (95% vs 80%, P=.002 and 83% vs 72%, P=.044, respectively). A higher percentage of decompensated patients were treated with DCV than LDV (25% vs 12%, P=.013). Overall, SVR12 was 93.8% (195/208): 94% with SOF+DCV and 93.5% with SOF/LDV. SVR12 was achieved in 90.5% of decompensated patients. Eleven treatment failures: 10 relapses and one breakthrough. RBV addition did not improve SVR (RR: 1.08; P=.919). The single factor associated with failure to achieve SVR was platelet count <75×10E9/mL (RR: 3.50, P=.019). In patients with MELD <10, type of NS5A inhibitor did not impact on SVR12 (94% vs 97%; adjusted RR: 0.49). Thirteen patients (6.3%) had serious adverse events, including three deaths (1.4%) and one therapy discontinuation (0.5%), higher in decompensated patients (16.7% vs 3.6%, P<.006). In patients with GT3 infection and cirrhosis, SVR12 rates were high with both SOF+DCV and SOF/LDV, with few serious adverse events.
Business as Usual? Bail Decision Making and “Micro Politics” in an Australian Magistrates Court
Authors: Travers Max
Published: December 2016

Between the 1970s and 1990s, political scientists in the United States pursued a distinctive research program that employed ethnographic methods to study micro politics in criminal courts. This article considers the relevance of this concept for court researchers today through a case study about bail decision making in a lower criminal court in Australia. It describes business as usual in how decisions are made and the provision of pretrial services. It also looks at how traditionalists and reformers understood business as usual, and uses this as a critical concept to make visible micro politics in this court. The case study raises issues about organizational change in criminal courts since the 1990s, since there are fewer studies about plea bargaining and more about specialist or problem-solving courts. It is suggested that we need a new international agenda that can address change and continuity in criminal courts.
Probing bacterial cell biology using image cytometry
Authors: Cass Julie A. , Stylianidou Stella , Kuwada Nathan J. , Traxler Beth , Wiggins Paul A.
Published: December 2016

Advances in automated fluorescence microscopy have made snapshot and time‐lapse imaging of bacterial cells commonplace, yet fundamental challenges remain in analysis. The vast quantity of data collected in high‐throughput experiments requires a fast and reliable automated method to analyze fluorescence intensity and localization, cell morphology and proliferation as well as other descriptors. Inspired by effective yet tractable methods of population‐level analysis using flow cytometry, we have developed a framework and tools for facilitating analogous analyses in image cytometry. These tools can both visualize and gate (generate subpopulations) more than 70 cell descriptors, including cell size, age and fluorescence. The method is well suited to multi‐well imaging, analysis of bacterial cultures with high cell density (thousands of cells per frame) and complete cell cycle imaging. We give a brief description of the analysis of four distinct applications to emphasize the broad applicability of the tool.
Efficacy of self‐monitoring of blood glucose versus retrospective continuous glucose monitoring in improving glycaemic control in diabetic kidney disease patients
Authors: Yeoh Ester , Lim Boon Khim , Fun Sharon , Tong Julia , Yeoh Lee Ying , Sum Chee Fang , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Lim Su Chi
Published: December 2016

Aims

Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) on anti‐diabetic agents, are at greater risk of glycemic variations, both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We aimed to compare glycemic control (using HbA1c) and hypoglycemia incidence in patients with Stage 3 DKD (eGFR 30–60 mL/min per 1.73 m2), receiving retrospective CGM‐guided anti‐diabetic therapy versus self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) over 3 months.

Methods

Thirty patients with HbA1c >8% were randomized to 6‐day retrospective CGM or SMBG. In the CGM group, CGM was worn at the beginning and 6 weeks. HbA1c, assessment of hypoglycaemia events (self‐reported and BG < 4 mmol/L from CGM/SMBG data) and medication adjustment were performed at baseline and 3 months. All patients received education on hypoglycaemia avoidance.

Results

Fourteen patients were allocated to CGM and 16 to SMBG. Mean (±SD) eGFR was 42.9 ± 10.3 mL/min. Majority (86.7%) of patients had diabetes duration >10 years and on insulin therapy (90%). HbA1c improved significantly from baseline 9.9 ± 1.2 to 9.0 ± 1.5% (P < 0.001) at 3 months, with no difference between CGM (9.8 ± 1.2 to 8.8 ± 1.8%, P = 0.009) or SMBG (9.9 ± 1.3 to 9.1 ± 1.1%, P = 0.007) groups (P = 0.869 between groups). In the CGM group, percentage duration in hyperglycaemia (BG > 10 mmol/L) reduced from baseline 65.4 ± 22.4% to 54.6 ± 23.6% (P = 0.033) at 6 weeks, with a non‐significant rise in percentage duration in hypoglycaemia from 1.2 ± 2.2% to 4.0 ± 7.0% (P = 0.176). There was no difference in self‐reported and documented hypoglycaemia events.

Conclusion

In a pilot study of DKD patients, short‐term episodic use of CGM reduced time spent in hyperglycaemia range without significantly increasing time‐exposure to hypoglycaemia. However, both CGM and SMBG were equally effective in improving glycaemic control.
Height‐related scaling of phloem anatomy and the evolution of sieve element end wall types in woody plants
Authors: Liesche Johannes , Pace Marcelo R. , Xu Qiyu , Li Yongqing , Chen Shaolin
Published: December 2016

In the sieve elements (SEs) of the phloem, carbohydrates are transported throughout the whole plant from their site of production to sites of consumption or storage. SE structure, especially of the pore‐rich end walls, has a direct effect on translocation efficiency. Differences in pore size and other features were interpreted as an evolutionary trend towards reduced hydraulic resistance. However, this has never been confirmed.

Anatomical data of 447 species of woody angiosperms and gymnosperms were used for a phylogenetic analysis of end wall types, calculation of hydraulic resistance and correlation analysis with morphological and physiological variables. end wall types were defined according to pore arrangement: either grouped into a single area (simple) or into multiple areas along the end wall (compound).

Convergent evolution of end wall types was demonstrated in woody angiosperms. In addition, an optimization of end wall resistance with plant height was discovered, but found to be independent of end wall type. While physiological factors also showed no correlation with end wall types, the number of sieve areas per end wall was found to scale with SE length.

The results exclude the minimization of hydraulic resistance as evolutionary driver of different end wall types, contradicting this long‐standing assumption. Instead, end wall type might depend on SE length.
AvrPm2 encodes an RNase‐like avirulence effector which is conserved in the two different specialized forms of wheat and rye powdery mildew fungus
Authors: Praz Coraline R. , Bourras Salim , Zeng Fansong , Sánchez‐Martín Javier , Menardo Fabrizio , Xue Minfeng , Yang Lijun , Roffler Stefan , Böni Rainer , Herren Gerard , McNally Kaitlin E. , Ben‐David Roi , Parlange Francis , Oberhaensli Simone , Flückiger Simon , Schäfer Luisa K. , Wicker Thomas , Yu Dazhao , Keller Beat
Published: December 2016

There is a large diversity of genetically defined resistance genes in bread wheat against the powdery mildew pathogen Blumeria graminis (B. g.) f. sp. tritici. Many confer race‐specific resistance to this pathogen, but until now only the mildew avirulence gene AvrPm3a2/f2 that is recognized by Pm3a/f was known molecularly.

We performed map‐based cloning and genome‐wide association studies to isolate a candidate for the mildew avirulence gene AvrPm2. We then used transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana to demonstrate specific and strong recognition of AvrPm2 by Pm2.

The virulent AvrPm2 allele arose from a conserved 12 kb deletion, while there is no protein sequence diversity in the gene pool of avirulent B. g. tritici isolates. We found one polymorphic AvrPm2 allele in B. g. triticale and one orthologue in B. g. secalis and both are recognized by Pm2. AvrPm2 belongs to a small gene family encoding structurally conserved RNase‐like effectors, including Avra13 from B. g. hordei, the cognate Avr of the barley resistance gene Mla13.

These results demonstrate the conservation of functional avirulence genes in two cereal powdery mildews specialized on different hosts, thus providing a possible explanation for successful introgression of resistance genes from rye or other grass relatives to wheat.
Intransitive competition and its effects on community functional diversity
Authors: Gallien Laure
Published: December 2016

Can competitive interactions be inferred from the analysis of community functional diversity patterns? Originally, at the scale of a community, competitive interactions were supposed to generate trait overdispersion patterns due to limiting similarity process. More recently, by highlighting the importance of competitive hierarchies, it has been shown that when only one resource limits species coexistence, competition can also lead to patterns of trait clustering. However, these two expectations (overdispersion and clustering) ignore potential multi‐species indirect competitive interactions, and especially intransitive competition. Indeed, little is yet known about intransitive competition and its influence on community's functional diversity.

Here I propose a brief appraisal of empirical evidence for intransitive competition in nature, and an overview of the current understanding of this mechanism and its properties. I then demonstrate with a theoretical model that intransitive competitive interactions can actually generate random‐like functional diversity patterns.

The variety of diversity patterns (overdispersion, clustering, randomness) that can emerge from diverse types of competitive interactions makes it difficult to identify the presence of competition in nature, potentially leading to an underestimation of its importance as a structuring force. New methodologies able to capture both simple and complex competition mechanisms are thus urgently needed.
Heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability: An analysis of the UNOS database
Authors: Goel Alexander N. , Iyengar Amit , Schowengerdt Kenneth , Fiore Andrew C. , Huddleston Charles B.
Published: December 2016

Heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability (ID) is an issue of debate due to the shortage of available donor organs. We sought to perform the first large‐scale retrospective cohort study describing the prevalence and outcomes of heart transplantation in this population. The United Network of Organ Sharing database was queried from 2008 to 2015 for pediatric patients (age <19 years) receiving first, isolated heart transplant. Recipients were divided into three subgroups: definite ID, probable ID, and no ID. The chi‐square test was used to compare patients’ baseline characteristics. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to estimate the association between ID and death‐censored graft failure and patient survival. Over the study period, 565 pediatric patients with definite (131) or probable (434) ID received first heart transplant, accounting for 22.4% of all first pediatric heart transplants (n=2524). Recipients with definite ID did not significantly differ from those without ID in terms of gender, ethnicity, ischemia time, severity of pretransplant condition (waitlist status, mechanical ventilation, inotrope dependence, ECMO, VAD, PVRI, infection prior to transplant), or incidents of acute rejection within the first year. ID was associated with prolonged waitlist time (P<.001). Graft and patient survival at 3 years was equivalent between children with and without ID (P=.811 and .578, respectively). We conclude that intellectual disability is prevalent in children receiving heart transplants, with 22.4% of recipients over the study period having definite or probable ID. ID does not appear to negatively affect transplantation outcomes. Future studies are needed to assess long‐term outcomes of transplantation in this population.
An Ethenoadenine FAD Analog Accelerates UV Dimer Repair by DNA Photolyase
Authors: Narayanan Madhavan , Singh Vijay R. , Kodali Goutham , Moravcevic Katarina , Stanley Robert J.
Published: December 2016

Reduced anionic flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH−) is the critical cofactor in DNA photolyase (PL) for the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in UV‐damaged DNA. The initial step involves photoinduced electron transfer from *FADH− to the CPD. The adenine (Ade) moiety is nearly stacked with the flavin ring, an unusual conformation compared to other FAD‐dependent proteins. The role of this proximity has not been unequivocally elucidated. Some studies suggest that Ade is a radical intermediate, but others conclude that Ade modulates the electron transfer rate constant (kET) through superexchange. No study has succeeded in removing or modifying this Ade to test these hypotheses. Here, FAD analogs containing either an ethano‐ or etheno‐bridged Ade between the AN1 and AN6 atoms (e‐FAD and ε‐FAD, respectively) were used to reconstitute apo‐PL, giving e‐PL and ε‐PL respectively. The reconstitution yield of e‐PL was very poor, suggesting that the hydrophobicity of the ethano group prevented its uptake, while ε‐PL showed 50% reconstitution yield. The substrate binding constants for ε‐PL and rPL were identical. ε‐PL showed a 15% higher steady‐state repair yield compared to FAD‐reconstituted photolyase (rPL). The acceleration of repair in ε‐PL is discussed in terms of an ε‐Ade radical intermediate vs superexchange mechanism.
Insight in DNA Repair of UV‐induced Pyrimidine Dimers by Chromatographic Methods
Authors: Douki Thierry , von Koschembahr Anne , Cadet Jean
Published: December 2016

UV‐induced formation of pyrimidine dimers in DNA is a major deleterious event in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Accumulation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoproducts can lead to cell death or be at the origin of mutations. In skin, UV induction of DNA damage is a major initiating event in tumorigenesis. To counteract these deleterious effects, all cell types possess DNA repair machinery, such as nucleotide excision repair and, in some cell types, direct reversion. Different analytical approaches were used to assess the efficiency of repair and decipher the enzymatic mechanisms. We presently review the information provided by chromatographic methods, which are complementary to biochemical assays, such as immunological detection and electrophoresis‐based techniques. Chromatographic assays are interesting in their ability to provide quantitative data on a wide range of damage and are also valuable tools for the identification of repair intermediates.
Crosstalk Among UV‐Induced Inflammatory Mediators, DNA Damage and Epigenetic Regulators Facilitates Suppression of the Immune System
Authors: Prasad Ram , Katiyar Santosh K.
Published: December 2016

The suppression of the immune system by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been implicated in the initiation and progression of photocarcinogenesis. Numerous changes occur in the skin on UVB exposure, including the generation of inflammatory mediators, DNA damage, epigenetic modifications, and migration and functional alterations in the antigen‐presenting dendritic cells. Although each of these alterations can elicit a cascade of events that have the potential to modulate immune sensitivity alone, there is emerging evidence that there is considerable crosstalk between these cascades. The development of an understanding of UV‐induced changes in the skin that culminate in UV‐induced immunosuppression, which has been implicated in the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, as a network of events has implications for the development of more effective chemopreventive strategies. In the current review article, we discuss the evidence of interactions between the various molecular targets and signaling mechanisms associated with UV‐induced immunosuppression.
Autophagy in UV Damage Response
Authors: Sample Ashley , He Yu‐Ying
Published: December 2016

UV radiation exposure from sunlight and artificial tanning beds is the major risk factor for the development of skin cancer and skin photoaging. UV‐induced skin damage can trigger a cascade of DNA damage response signaling pathways, including cell cycle arrest, DNA repair and, if damage is irreparable, apoptosis. Compensatory proliferation replaces the apoptotic cells to maintain skin barrier integrity. Disruption of these processes can be exploited to promote carcinogenesis by allowing the survival and proliferation of damaged cells. UV radiation also induces autophagy, a catabolic process that clears unwanted or damaged proteins, lipids and organelles. The mechanisms by which autophagy is activated following UV exposure, and the functions of autophagy in UV response, are only now being clarified. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms governing autophagy regulation by UV, the roles of autophagy in regulating cellular response to UV‐induced photodamage and the implications of autophagy modulation in the treatment and prevention of photoaging and skin cancer.
Hold Safety Inventory Before, At, or After the Fan‐Out Point?
Authors: van derRhee Bo , Schmidt Glen M. , Tsai Weiyu
Published: December 2016

We consider a product sold in multiple variants, each with uncertain demand, produced in a multi‐stage process from a standard (i.e., generic) sub‐assembly. The fan‐out point is defined as the last process stage at which outputs are generic (outputs at every subsequent stage are variant‐specific). Insights gained from an analytical study of the system are used to develop heuristics that determine the stage(s) at which safety inventory should be held. We offer a relatively‐simple heuristic that approaches globally‐optimal results even though it uses only two relatively‐local parameters. We call this the VAPT, or value‐added/processing time heuristic, because it determines whether a (local) stage should hold inventory based only on the value added at that local stage relative to its downstream stage, along with the processing time at that local stage relative to its downstream stage. Another key insight is that, contrary to possible intuition, safety inventory should not always be held at the fan‐out point, although a fan‐out point does hold inventory under a wider range of conditions. We also explore when postponement is most valuable and illustrate that postponement may often be less beneficial than suggested by Lee and Tang (1997).
Modification of a multiple‐locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) for typing isolates of Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Alnaasan Y. , Valentini F. , Balestra G. M. , Mazzaglia A. , D'Onghia A. M. , Varvaro L.
Published: December 2016

Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight that affects economically important rosaceous plants, is reported among the most important plant pathogenic bacteria. The low genetic diversity within E. amylovora and the lack of simple and high‐resolution genotyping techniques make epidemiology and evolutionary studies challenging for this pathogen. A multiple‐locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) based on a set of nine variable number tandem repeat loci was successfully used to type 46 E. amylovora isolates collected from different host plants in 16 countries, mainly Mediterranean. The nine polymorphic loci proved to have high discriminatory power and to increase the resolution of the MLVA. Thirty‐eight haplotypes clustered in seven clonal complexes. The results identified potentially useful genetic markers among the Mediterranean strains, particularly from the Balkan Peninsula and the Eastern Mediterranean countries. Different MLVA types were observed amongst Italian strains only, indicating the possibility of multiple introductions of the disease. MLVA can be used effectively as a fast, cheap, and simple tool to track E. amylovora infection sources, to gain insight into geographic diversity, and to understand the dynamic evolution of the pathogen.
Asian grapevine leaf rust caused by Phakopsora euvitis: an important disease in Brazil
Authors: Primiano I. V. , Loehrer M. , Amorim L. , Schaffrath U.
Published: December 2016

Anthropogenic influences such as tourism and climate change affect ecosystems. One consequence is that invasive species can spread to and colonize novel areas. A recent example of this scenario is the appearance, in the early 2000s in Brazil and Australia, of the plant pathogenic fungus Phakopsora euvitis, which causes Asian grapevine leaf rust. It is speculated that the disease was introduced either by long distance transport of spores in the atmosphere or the import of contaminated plant material. While the disease could be eradicated from the Australian continent it is still present in Brazil. The pathogen has spread successfully throughout most Brazilian grapevine‐growing regions, most probably because of the lack of resistant plant cultivars. Today, the disease is endemic in Brazil. This review was written to highlight the increasing impact of the disease in Brazil and summarizes the current knowledge on the disease monocycle under different environmental conditions and the consequences for grapevine management. Gaps in the present state of knowledge are highlighted with the purpose of stimulating further research aimed at identifying efficient strategies to combat the disease.
MtMAPKK4 is an essential gene for growth and reproduction of Medicago truncatula
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhou Bo , Duan Liujian , Zhu Hui , Zhang Zhongming
Published: December 2016

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are universal signaling modules in eukaryotes, including yeasts, animals and plants. They are involved in responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses, hormones, cell division and developmental processes. A MAPK cascade is composed of three functionally tiered protein kinases, namely MAPK, MAPK kinases (MAPKKs) and MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs). These kinases have been intensively studied for their roles in developmental and physiological processes in various organisms. In this study, a Medicago truncatula MtMAPKK4 mutant with the tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1 insertion was identified using reverse genetics methods. No homozygous progeny could be produced by self‐pollination of mapkk4/+ heterozygotes for 5 generations. Heterozygous mapkk4/+ mutant plants exhibited growth retardation, chlorosis symptoms and significantly reduced numbers of infection threads and nodules. The interaction between MtMAPKK4 and MtMAPK3/6 occurred both in yeast and in planta. Green fluorescent protein‐tagged MtMAPKK4, MtMAPK3 and MtMAPK6 were all localized to membranes, cytoplasm and nuclei. Expression of MtMAPKK4, MtMAPK3 and MtMAPK6 was detected in various tissues of M. truncatula plants at the nodule maturation stage. Transcript levels of these genes were decreased in roots at the early symbiotic stage.
Plant phenological research enhances ecological restoration
Authors: Buisson Elise , Alvarado Swanni T. , Le Stradic Soizig , Morellato Leonor Patricia C.
Published: December 2016

While phenology data (the timing of recurring biological events) has been used to explain and predict patterns related to global change, and to address applied environmental issues, it has not been clearly identified as pertinent for restoration. This opinion article thus aims to raise awareness of the potential of phenology to enhance the quality of restoration projects and ecological restoration theory. We based our analysis on a systematic literature survey carried out in February 2014, searching the words “phenology” or “phenological” in books dealing with restoration, the term “phenolog*” in the journal Restoration Ecology, and the terms “restoration” and “phenolog*” in the database Web of Science until February 2014. We finally selected 149 studies relevant to our goals, and first classified them according to the context in which phenology was addressed. We then analyzed them within the framework of the five key steps of restoration projects: (1) the reference ecosystem; (2) biotic resources; (3) restoration methods; (4) monitoring; and (5) adaptive management. The literature survey showed that phenological information improved decision‐making in the few restoration projects in which it was incorporated. We thus advocate taking phenological data into account at all stages of restoration when appropriate: from the acquisition of baseline data on the reference ecosystem to treatment design, and from restoration action planning and timing to monitoring. Phenological data should at minimum be collected for sown, keystone, dominant, and/or rare species to improve restoration quality. Phenology studies and monitoring should be promoted in future restoration guidelines.
Seed provenance for changing climates: early growth traits of nonlocal seed are better adapted to future climatic scenarios, but not to current field conditions
Authors: Gross Caroline L. , Fatemi Mohammad , Simpson Ian H.
Published: December 2016

The urgency to repair degraded ecosystems is challenged by the need to future‐proof populations to deal with changing climates. Therefore, it is necessary to know if source gene‐pools are resilient to both current and future climatic conditions. We tested this question with the pioneer shrub Hardenbergia violacea (Fabaceae), an important species for restoration in eastern Australia. We evaluated in situ and ex situ performance of seed from eight provenances, two local and six from regions receiving hotter and wetter spring to autumn conditions and/or drier winters and we included wild and commercial collections. We compared survivorship of seedlings in climate‐houses that emulated current and predicted temperature and rainfall. In the field, we measured germination and seedling survivorship. We used neutral codominant markers to provide inbreeding and heterozygosity estimates to evaluate against health and survivorship. All provenances survived the current conditions, but local provenances were the poorest performers in the predicted hotter and wetter scenario compared with nonlocal provenances. No provenance survived more than a fortnight of a climate‐house simulated, but predicted, extreme weather event of a drought (35/22°C 12 hours day/night, 50 mL/week = 220 mm rainfall). Heterozygosity was positively associated with plant health in surviving plants, and plants in poor condition had high inbreeding estimates. In the field, nonlocal provenances performed poorly and most survivors were from local provenances. The contribution of individual genetic variation to stress tolerance will be an important consideration when selecting provenances for future climates.
Fabrication of complete dentures in three visits using existing prosthesis—a simplified technique for geriatric patients
Authors: Kulkarni Rahul S. , Pawar Ravindra S.
Published: December 2016

Complete edentulism often limits patients’ ability to masticate and perform other oral functions, resulting in a reduction of oral‐health‐related quality of life. Although the two‐implant mandibular overdenture may be considered as a minimum standard of treatment of complete edentulism, patients often prefer conventional complete dentures due to cost and surgical procedures related to implant supported dentures. Many complete denture patients may have limited access to dental care due to socioeconomic or health issues, hence there is a need in simplification of complete denture fabrication. Researchers have proposed “simplified” techniques to fabricate complete dentures by eliminating two stage impression procedures facebow transfer, and articulator programming, with impressive initial results. However, long‐term clinical data of these techniques is unavailable. A novel technique for fabricating simplified complete dentures in three visits, using patient's existing dentures is presented here. Unlike previously described techniques on “simplified” dentures, this technique does not eliminate vital steps such as border‐molded impressions, facebow transfer, verification of centric relations during try‐in, programming of the articulator, and balancing procedures.
Concerns of Older Veteran Callers to the Veterans Crisis Line
Authors: Rasmussen Kathy A. , King Deborah A. , Gould Madelyn S. , Cross Wendi , Tang Wan , Kaukeinen Kimberly , Tu Xin , Knox Kerry L.
Published: December 2016

When the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) was implemented, it was uncertain if veterans, and particularly older male veterans, would utilize the service. We examined VCL use by a growing group of veterans at increased risk for suicide: those aged 60 and older. Real‐time clinical data were gathered from a weekly random sampling of calls. Approximately 25% of calls were from veterans aged 60 or older; over 80% reported benefit from the call. Several significant differences in presenting concerns between older and younger callers were found. Targeted outreach to encourage older veterans to use the VCL is suggested.
Postactivation potentiation can counteract declines in force and power that occur after stretching
Authors: Kümmel J. , Kramer A. , Cronin N. J. , Gruber M.
Published: December 2016

Stretching can decrease a muscle's maximal force, whereas short but intense muscle contractions can increase it. We hypothesized that when combined, postactivation potentiation induced by reactive jumps would counteract stretch‐induced decrements in drop jump (DJ) performance. Moreover, we measured changes in muscle twitch forces and ankle joint stiffness (KAnkle) to examine underlying mechanisms. Twenty subjects completed three DJs and 10 electrically evoked muscle twitches of the triceps surae subsequent to four different conditioning activities and control. The conditioning activities were 10 hops, 20s of static stretching of the triceps surae muscle, 20s of stretching followed by 10 hops, and vice versa. After 10 hops, twitch peak torque (TPT) was 20% and jump height 5% higher compared with control with no differences in KAnkle. After stretching, TPT and jump height were both 9% and KAnkle 6% lower. When hops and stretching were combined as conditioning activities, jump height was not different compared with control but significantly higher (11% and 8%) compared with stretching. TPTs were 16% higher compared with control when the hops were performed after stretching and 9% higher compared with the reverse order. KAnkle was significantly lower when stretching was performed after the hops (6%) compared with control, but no significant difference was observed when hops were performed after stretching. These results demonstrate that conditioning hops can counteract stretch‐related declines in DJ performance. Furthermore, the differences in TPTs and KAnkle between combined conditioning protocols indicate that the order of conditioning tasks might play an important role at the muscle–tendon level.
Intense pre‐admission carriage and further acquisition of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae among patients and their caregivers in a tertiary hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Kurz Mathis S. E. , Bayingana Claude , Ndoli Jules M. , Sendegeya Augustin , Durst Anita , Pfüller Roland , Gahutu Jean Bosco , Mockenhaupt Frank P.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To assess the presence and risk factors of intestinal carriage of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL‐PE) among patients admitted to the University Teaching Hospital of Butare and among their attending caregivers, and to analyse the acquisition of ESBL‐PE carriage during hospital stay and associated factors.

Methods

We screened 392 patients and their attending caregivers at admission and discharge for ESBL‐PE carriage. Bacterial species were determined using the API‐20E system, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by agar disc diffusion. Data on socio‐economic status, diet, behaviour, household assets, livestock and hospital procedures were collected.

Results

At admission, 50% of the patients showed intestinal ESBL‐PE carriage (Escherichia coli, 51%; Klebsiella pneumoniae, 39%; Enterobacter cloacae, 19%) as did 37% of their caregivers. Co‐resistance was common but no carbapenem resistance was detected. At discharge, the proportion of ESBL‐PE‐colonised patients increased to 65% (caregivers, 47%) with almost complete carriage in paediatric patients (93%). The acquisition rate among initially non‐colonised patients was 55% (or, 71/1000 patient days). Independent predictors of admission carriage included a colonised caregiver, prior antibiotic intake, egg consumption and neglecting to boil drinking water, whereas being a paediatric patient, undergoing surgery and male gender predicted acquisition during hospitalisation.

Conclusions

Abundant admission carriage of ESBL‐PE and a high acquisition rate in a Rwandan university hospital point to potential intrahospital transmission and community dissemination. Caregivers are an additional source of possible spread. Risk factors of colonisation such as diet and water source need to be tackled to prevent the further emergence and spread of ESBL‐PE.
Profile and reintegration experience of Ebola survivors in Guinea: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Delamou Alexandre , Camara Bienvenu Salim , Kolie Jean Pe , Guemou Achille Diona , Haba Nyankoye Yves , Marquez Shannon , Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Delvaux Therese , van Griensven Johan
Published: December 2016

Objective

To describe the experience of Guinean Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors in Guinea, up to ten months after discharge from the Ebola treatment unit.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using a standardised semistructured questionnaire among survivors from Conakry and Coyah districts in 2015 in Guinea. We used proportions, mean (standard deviation) and median (interquartile range) to summarise the variables. The McNemar chi‐square test was used to compare proportions.

Results

The 121 EVD survivors interviewed had a median reintegration time from discharge of 18 weeks (IQR: 14–32 weeks). Most survivors were aged 15–44 years (87.6%) with secondary to higher level of education (68.6%), and 25.6% were healthcare workers. The majority reported a lower socio‐economic status (90%), a less favourable work situation (79%) and psychological status (60%). About 31% reported physical health problems. Most survivors reported lower levels of reintegration with friends and at work place (72%) and lower acceptance by others in general (71%) in the period after the EVD as compared to the period before the EVD. Only 55 survivors (45.5%) were involved in one or more activities of the EVD response: participation in clinical studies on the EVD (44 survivors, 36.4%), community sensitisation (28 survivors, 23.1%) or work in Ebola treatment and/or transit centres (23 survivors, 21.7%).

Conclusion

There is a need for a long‐term follow‐up of EVD survivors in Guinea and more efforts to support their social, professional and economic reintegration, especially in rural areas.
The Role for Long‐run Target Values of the Exchange Rate in the Bank of Japan's Policy Reaction Function
Authors: Beckmann Joscha , Kühl Michael
Published: December 2016

This paper analyses whether the Bank of Japan (BoJ) had fundamental concepts in mind when carrying out interventions in the foreign exchange market. We start by considering different long‐run fundamental target values based on a monetary exchange rate model and compare them with moread hoctargets. Based on these findings, we explain the intervention probability for the BoJ after 1991 based on an ordered probit model by accounting for subperiods and asymmetric effects. It turns out that estimated fundamentally based values for the exchange rate provide additional information for the decision to intervene, in particular after 1995. However, short‐runad hoctargets seem to be very important, in particular from 1991 until 1995, while medium‐runad hoctargets gain importance at the end of the 1990s. Overall, we find a ‘leaning against the wind’ strategy in the event of overvaluation relies onad hoctargets while intervention in cases of undervaluation seems to be guided more strongly by deviations from fundamental values.
Nodular presentation of Dirofilaria repens infection in a cat mimicking a fibrosarcoma
Authors: Manzocchi Simone , Lendner Matthias , Piseddu Eleonora , Sebastiani Valeria , Morabito Simona , Daugschies Arwid , Pantchev Nikola
Published: December 2016

A cat with multiple subcutaneous nodules suggesting a soft tissue sarcoma by physical and computed tomographic examination was diagnosed as being affected by subcutaneous filariosis based on cytologic and ultrasonographic assessments. Nodules were surgically removed and extracted nematodes were identified by PCR as Dirofilaria repens. Furthermore, DNA of Dipetalonema dracunculoides (syn. Acantocheilonema dracunculoides) was detected by PCR, with no evidence of circulating microfilariae. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report describing adults of D repens in multiple subcutaneous nodules in a cat. Cytopathologic examination allowed characterization of the parasitic nature of the nodules. Veterinary practitioners should be aware of the possible nodular presentation of D repens in cats and should include D repens in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous neoformations in the cat.
Self-management for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a gastroenterology ward in China: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Chen Ruo-bing
Published: December 2016

Background:

Globally, there is an increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease. It is very important for patients to be involved with self-management that can optimize personal heath behavior to control the disease.

Objectives:

The aim of this project was to increase nursing staff knowledge of inflammatory bowel disease discharge guidance, and to improve the quality of education for discharged patients, thereby improving their self-management.

Methods:

A baseline audit was conducted by interviewing 30 patients in the gastroenterology ward of Huadong Hospital, Fudan University. The project utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research Into Practice audit tools for promoting quality of education and self-management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Thirty patients were provided with written materials, which included disease education and information regarding self-management. A post-implementation audit was conducted.

Results:

There was improvement of education prior to discharge and dietary consultancy in the gastroenterology ward. Self-management plans utilizing written materials only were not sufficient for ensuring sustainability of the project.

Conclusions:

Comprehensive self-management education can make a contribution to improving awareness of the importance of self-management for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Antecedentes de la postura emprendedora y su influencia en el desempeño exportador de las pymes en Colombia
Authors: Hurtado-Ayala Andrea , Escandón-Barbosa Diana Marcela
Published: December 2016

En este artículo se prueba que la postura emprendedora de las pymes
influye positivamente sobre el desempeño exportador. Se utiliza la base
de datos del Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) del 2011 para una
muestra de 320 pymes exportadoras. Por medio de un modelo de ecuaciones
estructurales se comprueba un efecto positivo de las características
del emprendedor, características internas y externas y acceso a recursos
gubernamentales sobre la postura emprendedora. Con estos resultados
las pymes pueden reconocer sus debilidades y fortalezas sobre los recursos
internos y su entorno, y poder tomar medidas para mejorar su
desempeño exportador.