bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal dominance of sensations, emotions, and temporal liking measured in a bar for two similar wines using a multi‐sip approach
Authors: Silva Ana P. , Voss Hans‐Peter , van Zyl Hannelize , Hogg Tim , de Graaf Cees , Pintado Manuela , Jager Gerry
Published: July 2018

Eating and drinking are dynamic processes where both sensations and emotions might evolve or change over time during multiple bites/sips. However, most previous studies have measured food‐evoked emotions statically, that is, at a fixed time point after consumption and using a single bite/sip approach. This study aimed to explore the sensitivity of temporal dominance of sensations (TDS), of emotions (TDE), and temporal liking (TL), using a multi‐sip approach, to differentiate between two comparable tasting wines. A glass of wine, in an appropriate consumption context, a bar, was served to 69 consumers, in two different sessions. It was shown that TDS and TDE captured small differences between equally liked wines. Wines were distinguishable during consumption, based on the dominance of basic sensations such as acid, bitter, and dry, rather than aromatic sensations and based on three emotions pleased, comforted, and relaxed. These emotions were dominant in both wines and in all stages of consumption but differed in the dominance rates. So, the impact of wine consumption on emotions was more uniform during consumption while new sensations became dominant during drinking.

Practical implications

The method tested in this study showed a sensitivity level sufficient to capture subtle but significant differences between similar, equally liked wines. Wines tested have a major difference in wine‐making process, that is, one of the wines had a particular wood aging processing in new oak barrels conferring specific flavors and associated costs. For the wine industry, the method can be particularly useful to understand to which extent consumers perceive differences in sensations and emotions, in a blind tasting, to investigate if increased costs of production are acceptable and justified. For other food products, the method can be useful to use during product development stage, when the aim is to differentiate prototypes with subtle differences in ingredients composition and associated costs. Knowing when certain sensations and emotions occur during consumption might help to create successful products in the market. Further research using different food or beverages is however necessary to assure its validity.
Effects of lysolecithin and xylanase supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and lipogenic gene expression in broilers fed low‐energy wheat‐based diets
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed M. , Nourmohammadi Rouhollah , Nazarizadeh Hasan , Latshaw J. David
Published: July 2018

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of emulsifier (Lipidol, active ingredient: lysophospholipids; LPL) and xylanase (200 mg/kg of feed) supplementation in a lower energy diet on performance, nutrient retention, intestinal morphology, blood metabolites and meat quality in broilers. A total of 360 1‐day‐old male chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to five treatments, with six replications of 12 birds each per treatment in a completely randomized design. The five treatments were as follows: (a) higher energy diet (HE); (b) lower energy diet (LE; energy content reduced by 100 kcal/kg compared with the HE); (c) LE + 0.10% LPL (EM); (d) LE + 200 mg xylanase/kg (ENZ); and (e) LE + 0.10% LPL + 200 mg xylanase/kg (EM + ENZ). Broilers fed HE had a higher average daily gain (ADG, day 0–24) and lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from day 11 to 24 and day 0 to 24 than those fed the LE diet. Broilers fed EM or ENZ diets also had lower FCR and ADFI (day 11–24 and day 0–24) than those fed reduced‐energy diets. The inclusion of 0.10% LPL and/or xylanase to the LE diet increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), ether extract (EE) and gross energy (GE), as well as villous height and ratio of villous height to crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum. Serum free fatty acid (FFA) concentration was lower in birds fed the HE diet, compared with those fed the LE diet. The low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were decreased by LPL supplementation. The relative weight of abdominal fat was higher in birds fed the HE diet, but lower from LPL supplementation. It was concluded that a reduced‐energy diet impaired bird performance, while dietary supplementation of LPL and xylanase to reduced‐energy diets positively affected productive performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology and abdominal fat percentage.
The effects of dietary supplementation with rumen‐protected amino acids on the expression of several genes involved in the immune system of dairy sheep
Authors: Tsiplakou Eleni , Mavrommatis Alexandros , Skliros Dimitrios , Sotirakoglou Kyriaki , Flemetakis Emmanouil , Zervas George
Published: July 2018

Amino acids might be a tool to transform animals from a pro‐ to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype through the downregulation of several genes (TLR‐4, NF‐κB, TNFa, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, CCL‐5 and CXCL‐16) whose expression increases during inflammation. To examine this possibility, each of sixty Chios dairy sheep was assigned to one of the following five dietary treatments: A: basal diet (control group); B: basal diet +6.0 g/head rumen‐protected methionine (MetaSmart™); C: basal diet +5.0 g/head rumen‐protected lysine (LysiGEM™); D: basal diet +6.0 g/head MetaSmart™ + 5.0 g/head LysiGEM™; and E: basal diet +12.0 g/head MetaSmart™ + 5.0 g/head LysiGEM. The results showed a significant downregulation in the expression of the TLR‐4 gene in both the macrophages and the neutrophils of ewes fed rumen‐protected amino acids. Significantly lower mRNA transcript accumulation was also observed for the TNFa, IL‐1β and CXCL‐16 genes in the macrophages and for the IL‐1β gene in the neutrophils of ewes supplemented with amino acids. The ewes that received dietary supplementation with rumen‐protected lysine alone (C) had significantly lower CCL‐5 transcript levels in their macrophages than the ewes fed the other supplemented diets. Diet D enhanced the mRNA expression of the IL‐2 gene in ewe neutrophils. Negative correlations were found between: a. TLR‐4, TNFa, IL‐1β and CXCL‐16 gene expression in macrophages and the milk fat and total solids content; b. CCL‐5 gene expression in neutrophils and the milk yield and FCM(6%); and c. CXCL‐16 gene expression and the milk protein content. Moreover, positive correlations were found between the BHBA concentration and the expression of the TLR‐4 and CXCL‐16 genes in macrophages. In conclusion, the rumen‐protected amino acids improved sheep metabolism (as indicated by reduced blood BHBA and urea concentrations), milk chemical composition and immune system function.
Baffinella frigidus gen. et sp. nov. (Baffinellaceae fam. nov., Cryptophyceae) from Baffin Bay: Morphology, pigment profile, phylogeny, and growth rate response to three abiotic factors
Authors: Daugbjerg Niels , Norlin Andreas , Lovejoy Connie
Published: July 2018

Twenty years ago an Arctic cryptophyte was isolated from Baffin Bay and given strain number CCMP2045. Here, it was described using morphology, water‐ and non‐water soluble pigments and nuclear‐encoded SSU rDNA. The influence of temperature, salinity, and light intensity on growth rates was also examined. Microscopy revealed typical cryptophyte features but the chloroplast color was either green or red depending on the light intensity provided. Phycoerythrin (Cr‐PE 566) was only produced when cells were grown under low‐light conditions (5 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1). Non‐water‐soluble pigments included chlorophyll a, c2 and five major carotenoids. Cells measured 8.2 × 5.1 μm and a tail‐like appendage gave them a comma‐shape. The nucleus was located posteriorly and a horseshoe‐shaped chloroplast contained a single pyrenoid. Ejectosomes of two sizes and a nucleomorph anterior to the pyrenoid were discerned in TEM. SEM revealed a slightly elevated vestibular plate in the vestibulum. The inner periplast component consisted of slightly overlapping hexagonal plates arranged in 16–20 oblique rows. Antapical plates were smaller and their shape less profound. Temperature and salinity studies revealed CCMP2045 as stenothermal and euryhaline and growth was saturated between 5 and 20 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1. The phylogeny based on SSU rDNA showed that CCMP2045 formed a distinct clade with CCMP2293 and Falcomonas sp. isolated from Spain. Combining pheno‐ and genotypic data, the Arctic cryptophyte could not be placed in an existing family and genus and therefore Baffinellaceae fam. nov. and Baffinella frigidus gen. et sp. nov. were proposed.
Tissue distribution and elimination features of florfenicol in hybrid sturgeon cultured in cool water
Authors: Yang Yuanhao , Yang Juanning , Shang Derong , Li Fengling , Wang Lvzhou , Li Fenggang , Li Yi , Sun Yuhang , He Shuangheng , Wu Jinxing
Published: July 2018

In order to understand pharmacokinetics in vivo and tissue residues of florfenicol in Hybrid sturgeon cultured in cold water, changes in concentration of florfenicol in plasma, muscle, liver and kidney of sturgeon after administration were measured by high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The results show that after 15.0 mg/kg dose administration, the concentration change in plasma and liver, kidney and muscle of sturgeon are suitable for the one compartment open model. Florfenicol pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma, liver, kidney and sturgeon muscle showed that the peak concentration (Cmax) were 549.7, 551.8, 958.2 and 405.4 μg/kg, respectively. The peak time (Tmax) was 17.5, 14.2, 14.0 and 20.8 hr, respectively. The elimination half‐life (T1/2) was 75.1, 99.8, 68.8 and 75.5 hr, respectively. Area under the curve were 70,048.9, 63,850.6, 109,579.9 and 53,437.3 μg/kg hr, respectively. Mean residence time was 100.6, 96.4, 96.5 and 104.6 hr, respectively. The absorption speed and elimination of florfenicol in cold water cultured sturgeon is slow, and the peak concentration is low, but the florfenicol was widely distributed in the body of sturgeon. The results provide a theoretical basis for formulation of medication and withdrawal period of florfenicol used in sturgeon cultured in cold water.
Expression of functional TRPV1 receptor in primary culture of canine keratinocytes
Authors: Barbero Raffaella , Vercelli Cristina , Cuniberti Barbara , della Valle Maria Federica , Martano Marina , Re Giovanni
Published: July 2018

The interest for the endovanilloid system and for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is continuously increasing, due to their involvement in inflammation, nociception and pruritus. Even if TRPV1 enrolment was highlighted in both physiological and pathological conditions, some aspects remain unclear, mostly in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to verify the expression and functionality of TRPV1 in canine keratinocytes to investigate in vitro the role of TRPV1 in these cells that are involved in different cutaneous pathologies. Keratinocytes primary cultures were isolated from bioptical samples and cultivated. Binding assay (using 3[H]‐resiniferatoxin), displacement assay (in the presence of 1.2 nM 3[H]‐resiniferatoxin) and functional assays (in the presence of 1 μCi/45Ca2+) with vanilloid agonists and antagonists, specifically addressed to TRPV1 receptor, were performed. Binding assay demonstrated the presence of measurable concentrations of TRPV1 (Bmax = 1,240 ± 120 fmol/mg protein; Kd = 0.01 ± 0.004 nM). Displacement assay highlighted the highest affinity for resiniferatoxin (RTX) and 5‐iodo‐resiniferatoxin (5‐I‐RTX), among agonists and antagonists, respectively. The same compounds results as the most potent in the functional assays. This study demonstrated the identification and the characterization of TRPV1 receptor in primary canine keratinocytes cultures. The results are promising for a clinical use, but further in vivo investigations are required.
Gastric gas dynamics in healthy humans
Authors: Caballero N. , Marin I. , Serra J.
Published: July 2018

Background

To cope with the daily increments of gastric gas, the stomach can propel gas to the small bowel or trigger the belching reflex. Our aim was to evaluate transit of free gastric gas in healthy humans, and its relationship with abdominal symptoms.

Methods

In 24 healthy volunteers a gas mixture was infused into the stomach at 0 mL/min (sham infusion), 25 mL/min, 50 mL/min, and 100 mL/min (n = 6 each) up to 1500 mL. Belching, rectal gas evacuation, and abdominal perception were continuously recorded for 90 min.

Key Results

Sham infusion was associated to low rectal gas evacuation (187 ± 94 mL after 90 min), and belching (0 ± 0). In contrast, gastric gas infusion increased rectal gas evacuation (1198 ± 176 mL; P = .025) and belching (4 ± 1 belches; P = .0520) without differences between the infusion rates tested. Overall, there was a negative correlation between rectal gas evacuation and belching (r = −.72; P < .0001): 6 subjects had frequent belching (14 ± 2 belches) and minor rectal gas evacuation (330 ± 112 mL), whereas 12 subjects had virtually no belches (1 ± 1 belches) and greater rectal gas evacuation (1630 ± 147 mL; P < .001 vs belchers for both). Gas infusion induced lower abdominal symptoms in belchers (score increment 0.7 ± 0.3) than in rectal gas evacuators (score increment 1.7 ± 0.5; P = .033).

Conclusions and Inferences

An excellent balance between belching and distal gastric empting allows the stomach to adapt to great variations in gas intake. In general, most gastric gas is emptied to distal intestinal segments, but in some circumstances gastric gas induces belching, a mechanism that may improve gas tolerance.
The pitfalls of in vivo imaging techniques: evidence for cellular damage caused by synchrotron X‐ray computed micro‐tomography
Authors: Petruzzellis Francesco , Pagliarani Chiara , Savi Tadeja , Losso Adriano , Cavalletto Silvia , Tromba Giuliana , Dullin Christian , Bär Andreas , Ganthaler Andrea , Miotto Andrea , Mayr Stefan , Zwieniecki Maciej A. , Nardini Andrea , Secchi Francesca
Published: July 2018

Synchrotron X‐ray computed micro‐tomography (microCT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive technique for in vivo monitoring of xylem function, including embolism build‐up under drought and hydraulic recovery following re‐irrigation. Yet, the possible harmful effects of ionizing radiation on plant tissues have never been quantified.

We specifically investigated the eventual damage suffered by stem living cells of three different species exposed to repeated microCT scans. Stem samples exposed to one, two or three scans were used to measure cell membrane and RNA integrity, and compared to controls never exposed to X‐rays.

Samples exposed to microCT scans suffered serious alterations to cell membranes, as revealed by marked increase in relative electrolyte leakage, and also underwent severe damage to RNA integrity. The negative effects of X‐rays were apparent in all species tested, but the magnitude of damage and the minimum number of scans inducing negative effects were species‐specific.

Our data show that multiple microCT scans lead to disruption of fundamental cellular functions and processes. Hence, microCT investigation of phenomena that depend on physiological activity of living cells may produce erroneous results and lead to incorrect conclusions.
Transgenic microRNA‐14 rice shows high resistance to rice stem borer
Authors: He Kang , Xiao Huamei , Sun Yang , Ding Simin , Situ Gongming , Li Fei
Published: July 2018

Rice stem borer (RSB, Chilo suppressalis) is an insect pest that causes huge economic losses every year. Control efforts rely heavily on chemical insecticides, which leads to serious problems such as insecticide resistance, environment pollution, and food safety issues. Therefore, developing alternative pest control methods is an important task. Here, we identified an insect‐specific microRNA, miR‐14, in RSB, which was predicted to target Spook (Spo) and Ecdysone receptor (EcR) in the ecdysone signalling network. In‐vitro dual luciferase assays using HEK293T cells confirmed the interactions of Csu‐miR‐14 with CsSpo and with CsEcR. Csu‐miR‐14 exhibited high levels of expression at the end of each larval instar stage, and its expression was negatively correlated with the expression of its two target genes. Overexpression of Csu‐miR‐14 at the third day of the fifth instar stage led to high mortality and developmental defects in RSB individuals. We produced 35 rice transformants to express miR‐14 and found that three lines had a single copy with highly abundant miR‐14 mature transcripts. Feeding bioassays using both T0 and T1 generations of transgenic miR‐14 rice indicated that at least one line (C#24) showed high resistance to RSB. These results indicated that the approach of miRNAs as targets has potential for improving pest control methods. Moreover, using insect‐specific miRNAs rather than protein‐encoding genes for pest control may prove benign to non‐insect species, and thus is worthy of further exploration.
Investigation of hydrostatic pressure‐induced stress preconditioning of boar semen using modified cryopreservation
Authors: Horváth András , Harnos Andrea , Szenci Otto , Pribenszky Csaba
Published: July 2018

Contents

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying hydrostatic pressure treatments (HP) on the boar semen quality during the modified cryopreservation. In Experiment I, combinations of pressure level (20/40/80 MPa) and duration of application (40/80/120 min) were used. Before freezing, only the magnitude but not the duration influenced the total (TM%) and progressive motilities (PM%). The 20/40 MPa levels yielded a significant (p < 0.05) improvement compared to control samples (atmospheric), but the 80 MPa was detrimental. The post‐freezing‐thawing (FT) motilities were influenced significantly by both the HP level and its duration. For TM%, the 40 MPa:120 min gave the highest post‐FT result (54.8% ± 3.3%); however, the 40 MPa:80 min (41.0% ± 3.1%) application showed the largest and significant improvement (18.4% ± 3.1%) compared to its control (22.6% ± 3.1%) and compared to the improvement (12.9% ± 3.6%) achieved by 40 MPa:120 min. For PM%, the improvement with the 40 MPa:120 min application was slightly larger than with the 40 MPa:80 min one (15.2% ± 4.2% vs. 13.8% ± 3.3%); furthermore, the difference was not significant. In Experiment II, the 40 MPa:80 min combination was tested at four different stages of the semen handling. By pressurization after dilution with the freezing extender without glycerol, significantly higher post‐FT values (TM%, intact acrosome% and head membrane%) were obtained. The two experiments demonstrated possible improvement in post‐FT semen quality achievable through the appropriate application of HP to boar semen during cryopreservation.
Role of tissue perfusion, muscle strength recovery, and pain in rehabilitation after acute muscle strain injury: A randomized controlled trial comparing early and delayed rehabilitation
Authors: Bayer Monika L. , Hoegberget‐Kalisz Maren , Jensen Mikkel H. , Olesen Jens L. , Svensson Rene B. , Couppé Christian , Boesen Mikael , Nybing Janus D. , Kurt Engin Y. , Magnusson S. Peter , Kjaer Michael
Published: July 2018

Muscle strain injuries disrupt the muscle‐tendon unit, early rehabilitation is associated with a faster return to sports (RTS), but the time course of tissue healing remains sparsely described. The purpose was to examine tissue regeneration and the effectiveness of early versus delayed rehabilitation onset on functional and structural recovery after strain injuries. A total of 50 recreational athletes with a severe acute strain injury in their thigh or calf muscles were randomized to early or delayed rehabilitation onset. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained initially, 3 and 6 months postinjury, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) estimated tissue inflammation initially and after 6 months. Muscle strength was determined 5 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postinjury, and a questionnaire determined soreness, pain, and confidence. DCE‐MRI microvascular perfusion was higher in the injured compared to an uninjured muscle acutely (P < 0.01) and after 6 months (P < 0.01), for both groups (P > 0.05) and unrelated to RTS (P > 0.05). Total volume of the injured muscle decreased from the acute to the 3‐month scan, and to the 6‐month scan (P < 0.01) in both groups. Muscle strength was similar in both groups at any time. There was a nonsignificant trend (P ≤ 0.1) toward less pain and higher confidence with early rehabilitation. One reinjury was recorded. In conclusion, our data showed prolonged tissue repair with the initial response linked to muscle atrophy but did not explain why early rehabilitation onset accelerated recovery considering that structural and functional recovery was similar with early and delayed rehabilitation.
AtRsgA from Arabidopsis thaliana is important for maturation of the small subunit of the chloroplast ribosome
Authors: Janowski Marcin , Zoschke Reimo , Scharff Lars B. , Martinez Jaime Silvia , Ferrari Camilla , Proost Sebastian , Ng Wei Xiong Jonathan , Omranian Nooshin , Musialak‐Lange Magdalena , Nikoloski Zoran , Graf Alexander , Schöttler Mark A. , Sampathkumar Arun , Vaid Neha , Mutwil Marek
Published: July 2018

Plastid ribosomes are very similar in structure and function to the ribosomes of their bacterial ancestors. Since ribosome biogenesis is not thermodynamically favorable under biological conditions it requires the activity of many assembly factors. Here we have characterized a homolog of bacterial RsgA in Arabidopsis thaliana and show that it can complement the bacterial homolog. Functional characterization of a strong mutant in Arabidopsis revealed that the protein is essential for plant viability, while a weak mutant produced dwarf, chlorotic plants that incorporated immature pre‐16S ribosomal RNA into translating ribosomes. Physiological analysis of the mutant plants revealed smaller, but more numerous, chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells, reduction of chlorophyll a and b, depletion of proplastids from the rib meristem and decreased photosynthetic electron transport rate and efficiency. Comparative RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis of the weak mutant and wild‐type plants revealed that various biotic stress‐related, transcriptional regulation and post‐transcriptional modification pathways were repressed in the mutant. Intriguingly, while nuclear‐ and chloroplast‐encoded photosynthesis‐related proteins were less abundant in the mutant, the corresponding transcripts were increased, suggesting an elaborate compensatory mechanism, potentially via differentially active retrograde signaling pathways. To conclude, this study reveals a chloroplast ribosome assembly factor and outlines the transcriptomic and proteomic responses of the compensatory mechanism activated during decreased chloroplast function.
Genome‐wide scans of selection highlight the impact of biotic and abiotic constraints in natural populations of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Bourgeois Yann , Stritt Christoph , Walser Jean‐Claude , Gordon Sean P. , Vogel John P. , Roulin Anne C.
Published: July 2018

Grasses are essential plants for ecosystem functioning. Quantifying the selective pressures that act on natural variation in grass species is therefore essential regarding biodiversity maintenance. In this study, we investigate the selection pressures that act on two distinct populations of the grass model Brachypodium distachyon without prior knowledge about the traits under selection. We took advantage of whole‐genome sequencing data produced for 44 natural accessions of B. distachyon and used complementary genome‐wide selection scans (GWSS) methods to detect genomic regions under balancing and positive selection. We show that selection is shaping genetic diversity at multiple temporal and spatial scales in this species, and affects different genomic regions across the two populations. Gene ontology annotation of candidate genes reveals that pathogens may constitute important factors of positive and balancing selection in B. distachyon. We eventually cross‐validated our results with quantitative trait locus data available for leaf‐rust resistance in this species and demonstrate that, when paired with classical trait mapping, GWSS can help pinpointing candidate genes for further molecular validation. Thanks to a near base‐perfect reference genome and the large collection of freely available natural accessions collected across its natural range, B. distachyon appears as a prime system for studies in ecology, population genomics and evolutionary biology.
Thirty‐three‐day storage of dithiothreitol‐treated red blood cells used to eliminate daratumumab interference in serological testing
Authors: Lorenzen Henriette , Lone Akhtar Nazia , Nielsen Maria , Svendsen Lea , Andersen Pernille
Published: July 2018

Background and Objectives

Daratumumab binds CD38 on red blood cells causing interference with indirect antiglobulin tests. Dithiothreitol is used to eliminate interference allowing detection of alloantibodies. Haemolysis is observed during storage of dithiothreitol‐treated antibody identification panel cells. The objective of this study was to develop a modified method for dithiothreitol treatment to reduce the haemolysis during 33 days of storage and still be able to eliminate daratumumab interference.

Materials and Methods

Panel cells were treated with various volumes of 0·2 m dithiothreitol supplied by various manufacturers. Haemolysis Index of dithiothreitol‐treated and untreated panel cells was measured and compared on days 1, 15 and 33. Antibody screening tests with dithiothreitol‐treated screening cells were performed on samples from 15 daratumumab‐treated patients (dose 16 mg/kg) and 34 patients with known alloantibodies. Antibody identifications with dithiothreitol‐treated panel cells were performed on seven additional known alloantibodies.

Results

Dithiothreitol treatment with a ratio of 30:25 (red blood cells:dithiothreitol) showed the same degree of haemolysis as with untreated panel cells. Daratumumab interference was eliminated in all 15 samples from daratumumab‐treated patients. Twenty‐six of 34 alloantibodies were detected, and all seven additional alloantibodies were identified using the modified dithiothreitol treatment. Eight alloantibodies within the Kell system were negative. No decrease in the reaction strength was observed during the 33‐day storage period.

Conclusion

The modified dithiothreitol method was able to reduce haemolysis during storage and to detect and identify alloantibodies in the presence of daratumumab.
RASberry - Robotic and Autonomous Systems for Berry Production
Authors: Johan From Pål , Grimstad Lars , Hanheide Marc , Pearson Simon , Cielniak Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

The soft fruit industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to its reliance of manual labour. We are presenting a newly launched robotics initiative which will help to address the issues faced by the industry and enable automation of the main processes involved in soft fruit production. The RASberry project (Robotics and Autonomous Systems for Berry Production) aims to develop autonomous fleets of robots for horticultural industry. To achieve this goal, the project will bridge several current technological gaps including the development of a mobile platform suitable for the strawberry fields, software components for fleet management, in-field navigation and mapping, long-term operation, and safe human-robot collaboration.

In this paper, we provide a general overview of the project, describe the main system components, highlight interesting challenges from a control point of view and then present three specific applications of the robotic fleets in soft fruit production. The applications demonstrate how robotic fleets can benefit the soft fruit industry by significantly decreasing production costs, addressing labour shortages and being the first step towards fully autonomous robotic systems for agriculture.
Classification of producer characteristics in primate long calls using neural networks
Authors: Robakis Efstathia , Watsa Mrinalini , Erkenswick Gideon
Published: July 2018

Primate long calls are high-amplitude vocalizations that can be critical in maintaining intragroup contact and intergroup spacing, and can encode abundant information about a call's producer, such as age, sex, and individual identity. Long calls of the wild emperor (Saguinus imperator) and saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) tamarins were tested for these identity signals using artificial neural networks, machine-learning models that reduce subjectivity in vocalization classification. To assess whether modelling could be streamlined by using only factors which were responsible for the majority of variation within networks, each series of networks was re-trained after implementing two methods of feature selection. First, networks were trained and run using only the subset of variables whose weights accounted for ≥50% of each original network's variation, as identified by the networks themselves. In the second, only variables implemented by decision trees in predicting outcomes were used. Networks predicted dependent variables above chance (≥58.7% for sex, ≥69.2 for age class, and ≥38.8% for seven to eight individuals), but classification accuracy was not markedly improved by feature selection. Findings are discussed with regard to implications for future studies on identity signaling in vocalizations and streamlining of data analysis.
Biodegradation of synthetic polymers in soils: Tracking carbon into CO
2
and microbial biomass
Authors: Zumstein Michael Thomas , Schintlmeister Arno , Nelson Taylor Frederick , Baumgartner Rebekka , Woebken Dagmar , Wagner Michael , Kohler Hans-Peter E. , McNeill Kristopher , Sander Michael
Published: July 2018

Stable isotope labeling of agricultural polyesters enables demonstration of their microbial utilization in soils.
Human β-defensin 2 kills
Candida albicans
through phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate–mediated membrane permeabilization
Authors: Järvå Michael , Phan Thanh Kha , Lay Fung T. , Caria Sofia , Kvansakul Marc , Hulett Mark D.
Published: July 2018

Human β-defensin 2 permeabilizes and kills fungal cells by specifically targeting the important plasma membrane lipid PIP
2
.
Platelet microparticles sustain autophagy-associated activation of neutrophils in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Maugeri Norma , Capobianco Annalisa , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Tombetti Enrico , Valle Patrizia Della , Monno Antonella , D’Alberti Valentina , Gasparri Anna Maria , Franchini Stefano , D’Angelo Armando , Bianchi Marco E. , Manfredi Angelo A.
Published: July 2018

Platelet microparticles from patients with systemic sclerosis prompt endothelial cell activation, neutrophil recruitment, and lung fibrosis.
LRRK2 activation in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Di Maio Roberto , Hoffman Eric K. , Rocha Emily M. , Keeney Matthew T. , Sanders Laurie H. , De Miranda Briana R. , Zharikov Alevtina , Van Laar Amber , Stepan Antonia F. , Lanz Thomas A. , Kofler Julia K. , Burton Edward A. , Alessi Dario R. , Hastings Teresa G. , Greenamyre J. Timothy
Published: July 2018

Wild-type LRRK2 is activated in nigrostriatal dopamine neurons in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and plays a pathogenic role in this neurodegenerative disorder.
Neutrophils cause obstruction of eyelid sebaceous glands in inflammatory eye disease in mice
Authors: Reyes Nancy J. , Yu Chen , Mathew Rose , Kunnen Carolina M. , Kalnitsky Joan , Redfern Rachel L. , Leonardi Andrea , Perez Victor L. , MacLeod Amanda S. , Gupta Preeya K. , Saban Daniel R.
Published: July 2018

Neutrophils obstruct the meibomian gland in a mouse model of inflammatory eye disease and correlate with disease severity in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.
Sensitivity of the C-Terminal Nuclease Domain of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF29 to Two Classes of Active-Site Ligands
Authors: Miller Jennifer T. , Zhao Haiyan , Masaoka Takashi , Varnado Brittany , Cornejo Castro Elena M. , Marshall Vickie A. , Kouhestani Kaivon , Lynn Anna Y. , Aron Keith E. , Xia Anqi , Beutler John A. , Hirsch Danielle R. , Tang Liang , Whitby Denise , Murelli Ryan P. , Le Grice Stuart F. J.
Published: July 2018

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma, belongs to the
Herpesviridae
family, whose members employ a multicomponent terminase to resolve nonparametric viral DNA into genome-length units prior to their packaging. Homology modeling of the ORF29 C-terminal nuclease domain (pORF29C) and bacteriophage Sf6 gp2 have suggested an active site clustered with four acidic residues, D
476
, E
550
, D
661
, and D
662
, that collectively sequester the catalytic divalent metal (Mn
2+
) and also provided important insight into a potential inhibitor binding mode.
Extensive Genetic Commonality among Wildlife, Wastewater, Community, and Nosocomial Isolates of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 (
H
30R1 and
H
30Rx Subclones) That Carry
bla
CTX-M-27
or
bla
CTX-M-15
Authors: Jamborova Ivana , Johnston Brian D. , Papousek Ivo , Kachlikova Katerina , Micenkova Lenka , Clabots Connie , Skalova Anna , Chudejova Katerina , Dolejska Monika , Literak Ivan , Johnson James R.
Published: July 2018

Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) is currently one of the leading causes of multidrug-resistant extraintestinal infections globally. Here, we analyzed the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of 169 ST131 isolates from various sources (wildlife, wastewater, companion animals, community, and hospitals) to determine whether wildlife and the environment share similar strains with humans, supporting transmission of ST131 between different ecological niches.
Lysostaphin Lysibody Leads to Effective Opsonization and Killing of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Murine Model
Authors: Raz Assaf , Serrano Anna , Thaker Maneesha , Alston Tricia , Fischetti Vincent A.
Published: July 2018

The cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria contains abundant surface-exposed carbohydrate structures that are highly conserved. While these properties make surface carbohydrates ideal targets for immunotherapy, carbohydrates elicit a poor immune response that results primarily in low-affinity IgM antibodies.
Diversity of Bacterial Microbiota of Coastal Halophyte Limonium sinense and Amelioration of Salinity Stress Damage by Symbiotic Plant Growth-Promoting Actinobacterium Glutamicibacter halophytocola KLBMP 5180
Authors: Qin Sheng , Feng Wei-Wei , Zhang Yue-Ji , Wang Tian-Tian , Xiong You-Wei , Xing Ke
Published: July 2018

Halophytes are important coastal plants often used for the remediation of saline coastal soils.
Limonium sinense
is well known for its medical properties and phytoremediation of saline soils. However, excessive exploitation and utilization have made the wild resource endangered. The use of endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria may be one of the suitable ways to solve the problem. This study was undertaken to develop approaches to improve the growth of
L. sinense
using endophytes. The application of actinobacterial endophytes ameliorated salt stress damage of the host via complex physiological and molecular mechanisms. The results also highlight the potential of using habitat-adapted, symbiotic, indigenous endophytic bacteria to enhance the growth and ameliorate abiotic stress damage of host plants growing in special habitats.
Self-reported quit rates and quit attempts among subscribers of a mobile text messaging-based tobacco cessation programme in India
Authors: Gopinathan Preetha , Kaur Jagdish , Joshi Surabhi , Prasad Vinayak Mohan , Pujari Sameer , Panda Pradeep , Murthy Pratima
Published: July 2018

Introduction

In 2015, as part of the WHO and International Telecommunication Union’s ‘Be Healthy Be Mobile’ initiative using mobile technology to combat non-communicable diseases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in India developed a short text message-based mobile health programme (the ‘mCessation’ programme) to support tobacco users to quit tobacco use.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the mCessation programme by estimating quit rates and quit attempts among registered subscribers of the programme and to understand subscriber perceptions of the programme.

Methods

Subscribers to the mCessation (QuitNow) programme were telephonically interviewed 4–6 months after registration. A total of 12 502 calls were made, and completed responses recorded from 3362 ever tobacco users. A total of 6978 respondents either gave very few responses or refused to participate in the telephonic survey. Never tobacco users (1935) and subscribers to the mDiabetes programme (227) were excluded from the sample.

Results

A large proportion of registrants (1935 out of 12 502 respondents) were found to be never users. The quit rate (estimated as those who stated they had not had any tobacco in the past 30 days at 4–6 months after registering with the programme from the total sample (excluding never smokers and mDiabetes registrants)) was 19%. Sixty-six per cent of registered subscribers who were current tobacco users had made quit attempts in the period between registration and survey. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents reported that the programme was helpful/very helpful to quit tobacco.

Conclusion

The mCessation programme has successfully helped tobacco users in India to quit tobacco by motivating and supporting registered participants through mobile text messages.
Increasing contraception use among women receiving teratogenic medications in a rheumatology clinic
Authors: Sadun Rebecca E , Wells Melissa A , Balevic Stephen J , Lackey Victoria , Aldridge Erica J , Holdgagte Nicholas , Mohammad Samya , Criscione-Schreiber Lisa G , Clowse Megan E B , Yanamadala Mamata
Published: July 2018

Teratogenic medications are often prescribed to women of childbearing age with autoimmune diseases. Literature suggests that appropriate use of contraception among these women is low, potentially resulting in high-risk unintended pregnancies. Preliminary review in our clinic showed suboptimal documentation of women’s contraceptive use. We therefore designed a quality improvement initiative to target three process measures: documentation of contraception usage and type, contraception counselling and provider action after counselling. We reviewed charts of rheumatology clinic female patients aged 18–45 over the course of 10 months; for those who were on teratogenic medications (methotrexate, leflunomide, mycophenolate and cyclophosphamide), we looked for evidence of documentation of contraception use. We executed multiple plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to develop and evaluate interventions, which centred on interprofessional provider education, modification of electronic medical record (EMR) templates, periodic provider reminders, patient screening questionnaires and frequent feedback to providers on performance. Among eligible patients (n=181), the baseline rate of documentation of contraception type was 46%, the rate of counselling was 30% and interventions after counselling occurred in 33% of cases. Averaged intervention data demonstrated increased provider performance in all three domains: documentation of contraception type increased to 64%, counselling to 45% and provider action to 46%. Of the patients with documented contraceptives, 50% used highly effective, 27% used effective and 23% used ineffective contraception methods. During this project, one unintentional pregnancy occurred in a patient on methotrexate not on contraception. Our interventions improved three measures related to contraception counselling and documentation, but there remains a need for ongoing quality improvement efforts in our clinic. This high-risk population requires increased provider engagement to improve contraception compliance, coupled with system-wide EMR changes to increase sustainability.
General practice palliative care: patient and carer expectations, advance care plans and place of death—a systematic review
Authors: Johnson Claire E , McVey Peta , Rhee Joel Jin-On , Senior Hugh , Monterosso Leanne , Williams Briony , Fallon-Ferguson Julia , Grant Matthew , Nwachukwu Harriet , Aubin Michèle , Yates Patsy , Mitchell Geoffrey
Published: July 2018

Background

With an increasing ageing population in most countries, the role of general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs) in providing optimal end of life (EoL) care is increasingly important.

Objective

To explore: (1) patient and carer expectations of the role of GPs and GPNs at EoL; (2) GPs’ and GPNs’ contribution to advance care planning (ACP) and (3) if primary care involvement allows people to die in the place of preference.

Method

Systematic literature review. Data sources: Papers from 2000 to 2017 were sought from Medline, Psychinfo, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane databases.

Results

From 6209 journal articles, 51 papers were relevant. Patients and carers expect their GPs to be competent in all aspects of palliative care. They valued easy access to their GP, a multidisciplinary approach to care and well-coordinated and informed care. They also wanted their care team to communicate openly, honestly and empathically, particularly as the patient deteriorated. ACP and the involvement of GPs were important factors which contributed to patients being cared for and dying in their preferred place. There was no reference to GPNs in any paper identified.

Conclusions

Patients and carers prefer a holistic approach to care. This review shows that GPs have an important role in ACP and that their involvement facilitates dying in the place of preference. Proactive identification of people approaching EoL is likely to improve all aspects of care, including planning and communicating about EoL. More work outlining the role of GPNs in end of life care is required.
Human CPA1 mutation causes digestive enzyme misfolding and chronic pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Hegyi Eszter , Sahin-Tóth Miklós
Published: July 2018

Objective

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, which often develops in the background of genetic susceptibility. Recently, loss-of-function mutations in CPA1, which encodes the digestive enzyme carboxypeptidase A1, were described in sporadic early onset cases and in hereditary pancreatitis. Mutation-induced misfolding of CPA1 and associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was suggested as potential disease mechanism; however, in vivo evidence has been lacking. The objective of the present study was to create a mouse model that recapitulates features of CPA1-associated chronic pancreatitis.

Design

We knocked-in the most frequently occurring p.N256K human CPA1 mutation to the mouse Cpa1 locus. Mutant mice were characterised with respect to pancreas pathology and ER stress and compared with C57BL/6N and CPA1 null control mice.

Results

In the CPA1 N256K mutant mice, we observed hallmarks of chronic pancreatitis that included progressive acinar cell atrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and acinar-ductal metaplasia. In contrast, similarly to the C57BL/6N mice, the CPA1 null control strain exhibited no signs of pancreatic disease. Mutation p.N256K induced misfolding of mouse CPA1 and resulted in elevated expression of ER stress markers Hspa5 (BiP) and Ddit3 (CHOP) both in cell culture and mutant mice.

Conclusion

The results offer categorical evidence that CPA1 mutations elicit enzyme misfolding and cause chronic pancreatitis via an ER stress-related mechanism.
DNA methylation 101: what is important to know about DNA methylation and its role in SLE risk and disease heterogeneity
Authors: Lanata Cristina M , Chung Sharon A , Criswell Lindsey A
Published: July 2018

SLE is a complex autoimmune disease that results from the interplay of genetics, epigenetics and environmental exposures. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression and tissue differentiation. Among all the epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation perturbations have been the most widely studied in SLE. It mediates processes relevant to SLE, including lymphocyte development, X-chromosome inactivation and the suppression of endogenous retroviruses. The establishment of most DNA methylation marks occurs in utero; however, a small percentage of epigenetic marks are dynamic and can change throughout a person’s lifetime and in relation to exposures. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the biology of DNA methylation and its regulators, the measurement and interpretation of methylation marks, the effects of genetics on DNA methylation and the role of environmental exposures with relevance to SLE. We also summarise research findings associated with SLE disease risk and heterogeneity. The robust finding of hypomethylation of interferon-responsive genes in patients with SLE and new associations beyond interferon-responsive genes such as cell-specific methylation abnormalities are described. We also discuss methylation changes associated with lupus nephritis, autoantibody status and disease activity. Lastly, we explore future research directions, emphasising the need for longitudinal studies, cell tissue and context-specific profiling, as well as integrative approaches. With new technologies, DNA methylation perturbations could be targeted and edited, offering novel therapeutic approaches.
Stent retrievers with segmented design improve the efficacy of thrombectomy in tortuous vessels
Authors: Kaneko Naoki , Komuro Yutaro , Yokota Hajime , Tateshima Satoshi
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Tortuous vascular anatomy is one of the greatest challenges in mechanical thrombectomy. This study examines the impact of vascular tortuosity on the performance of stent retrievers and evaluates the efficacy of the newer generation stent retrievers with segmented design.

Materials and methods

Models with mild, moderate, and severe tortuosity with an internal carotid artery (ICA) and a middle cerebral artery (MCA) were created. An elastic and cohesive clot was placed in the MCA lying from distal M1 and proximal M2. We assessed the revascularization rates of two commonly used stent retrievers (Trevo XP and Solitaire FR) and two newer stent retrievers with segmented design (Embotrap and Versi) in each vascular model.

Results

Both the type of stent retriever and the severity of vessel tortuosity significantly affected the successful recanalization rate. Post-hoc tests showed that the rate of revascularization was significantly less in severe tortuosity than in mild or moderate tortuosity (P<0.001). The Versi resulted in higher success rates than the Solitaire (P<0.01) and the Trevo (P<0.05). The success rates of the Embotrap were higher than the Solitaire and Trevo stent retrievers, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Severe tortuosity reduces the performance of mechanical thrombectomy. The segmented design in stent retrievers could improve the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in tortuous vessels.

Trial registration

ESCAPENCT01778335;SWIFT PRIME >NCT01657461; REVASCAT >NCT01692379; All post-results.