bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between habitat quality, body size and reproductive fitness in the alpine endemic spider Vesubia jugorum
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Milano Filippo , Vignal Matthieu , Andrieu Julien , Isaia Marco
Published: May 2019

Aim

In theory, the highest‐quality habitat across a species’ range should support individuals with the highest fitness, making it possible to evaluate the outputs of species distribution models (SDMs) by exploring the relationship between habitat quality and functional traits related to species’ fitness. However, this relationship has been tested almost exclusively in plants. We investigated the degree to which morphological and reproductive traits of an alpine spider varied along a gradient of habitat quality projected via SDMs.

Location

South‐western Alps (France and Italy).

Time period

2007–2018.

Major taxa studied

Vesubia jugorum (Arachnida: Araneae: Lycosidae).

Methods

We used climatic, topographical and geomorphological variables at a resolution of 250 m to model habitat quality for V. jugorum, with multiple algorithms (generalized additive models, boosted regression trees and maximum entropy models). We collected spiders in the field and measured their body size and egg‐case size (a functional trait related to reproductive success). We tested the relationship between functional traits and habitat quality with linear mixed models.

Results

All SDM algorithms we tested fit the data well, with similar explanatory ability. Models revealed a positive relationship between the probability of presence and cumulative precipitation and percentage of rock. An additional important variable in the SDMs was duration of snow coverage, with optimal projected habitat quality between 40 and 100 days/year with snow. Modelled habitat quality was positively associated with maximum body and egg‐case size.

Main conclusions

Our work provides evidence of a positive association between projected habitat quality and traits of a terrestrial invertebrate. A model that fits the data well potentially can be used to predict variations in species’ traits, thus offering an experimental test of SDM projections with field‐collected data. We encourage SDM users to incorporate data on functional traits into their modelling fitting exercises.
Engaging patients in primary care design: An evaluation of a novel approach to codesigning care
Authors: Hertel Erin , Cheadle Allen , Matthys Juno , Coleman Katie , Gray Marlaine , Robbins Michele , Tufte Janice , Hsu Clarissa
Published: May 2019

Objective

Recognition is growing that to create truly patient‐centred care, health‐care organizations need to partner with patients around care design. More research into the benefits of engaging patients and the most effective ways of partnering with them is needed.

Methods

This study assessed the process and impact of a collaborative effort to design a new clinic service that balanced the number of patient and clinical provider/staff codesigners involved and recruited patients to represent diverse perspectives. Data sources included interviews with participants, event observation and participant surveys.

Results

Our evaluation found that including patients as equal partners improved the design process by infusing a real‐world, patient perspective. The pre‐event orientation and interactive methods used in the event fostered positive collaboration, as well as personal growth for the patient codesigners.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of including a roughly equal number of patients and clinical providers/staff in design events and ensuring that the patients represent diverse perspectives.
Effectiveness and easiness of adherence to behavioural guidelines for diet and lifestyle changes for cholesterol‐lowering: the Increasing Adherence of Consumers to Diet & Lifestyle Changes to Lower (LDL) Cholesterol (ACT) randomised controlled trial
Authors: Magriplis E. , Sialvera T. E. , Papadopoulou A. , Efstathiou S. P. , Trautwein E. A. , Goumas G. , Dimakopoulos I. , Papavasiliou K. , Koutsouri A. , Zampelas A.
Published: May 2019

Background

The present study aimed to assess perceived effectiveness and easiness of behavioural diet and lifestyle changes related to dyslipidaemia given by physicians or dieticians as a result of diet and lifestyle modifications being difficult to maintain.

Methods

One‐hundred hypercholesterolaemic individuals were enrolled in a parallel, randomised 6‐week study. Fifty were advised by dietitians (dietitian group: DG) in six weekly face‐to‐face behavioural therapy sessions and 50 received standard advice from physicians (physician group: PG). All individuals were followed‐up for another 6 weeks under real‐life conditions. Questionnaires regarding perceived effectiveness, easiness of adhering, forecasted and actual adherence to specific cholesterol‐lowering advice were completed.

Results

Scores of perceived effectiveness of advice for sufficient exercise, limiting saturated fat (SFA) intake, eating fish twice a week, consuming plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and limiting salt intake different scientifically (all P < 0.05) in PG and DG between study phases. Scores of the individuals' perception of effectiveness at all study phases were higher in the DG compared to PG for sufficient exercise, limiting SFA intake, eating fish twice a week, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting salt intake, whereas scores of easiness were significant only for fish consumption (P = 0.008) and using foods with added plant sterols (all P < 0.05). DG and PG significantly differed in forecasted (week 6) versus actual adherence (week 12) to various chances, with DG reporting higher adherence.

Conclusions

Lifestyle and dietary changes related to dyslipidaemia can be achieved with continuous education, monitoring and follow‐ups by dieticians, as well as potentially other trained healthcare professionals.
Anxiety‐associated and separation distress‐associated behaviours in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Wheeler A. C. , Okoniewski K. C. , Wylie A. , DeRamus M. , Hiruma L. S. , Toth D. , Christian R. B.
Published: May 2019

Background

Anxiety is considered a ‘frequent’ feature in the clinical criteria for Angelman syndrome; however, the nature and severity of anxiety symptoms have not been well characterised in this population. Anxiety behaviours, especially in response to separation from a preferred caregiver, have been described clinically but have not yet been explored empirically.

Method

This study used a combination of standardised and clinician‐derived survey items to assess the frequency, nature and severity of behaviours associated with anxiety and separation distress in 100 individuals with Angelman syndrome. Family (e.g. income and maternal education) and individual (e.g. age, sex, genetic subtype, sleep difficulties and aggressive behaviours) variables were also gathered to assess possible predictors of higher anxiety levels. Approximately half of the sample was seen in clinic and assessed with standardised measures of development and daily functioning, allowing for an additional exploration of the association between anxiety symptoms and extent of cognitive impairment.

Results

Anxiety concerns were reported in 40% of the sample, almost 70% were reported to have a preferred caregiver and over half displayed distress when separated from that caregiver. Individuals with the deletion subtype and individuals who are younger were less likely to have anxiety behaviours. Sleep difficulties and aggressive behaviour consistently significantly predicted total anxiety, the latter suggesting a need for future studies to tease apart differences between anxiety and aggression or anger in this population.

Conclusions

Anxiety concerns, especially separation distress, are common in individuals with Angelman syndrome and represent an area of unmet need for this population.
Inverse correlation between Naa10p and Pirh2 expression and the combined prognostic value in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Zheng Jun , Wang Fazhan , Yang Yongyong , Xu Jiang , Yang Jinhua , Wang Keying , Liu Yuhao , Du Gang , Zeng Yan
Published: May 2019

Background

This study aims to explore the associations between N‐α‐acetyltransferase 10 protein (Naa10p) and p53‐induced protein with a RING‐H2 domain (Pirh2) expression and clinicopathological characteristics in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect Naa10p and Pirh2 levels containing 118 OSCC specimens, and additional analyses were used to determine correlations between Naa10p and Pirh2 expressions, generate survival curves, and perform univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Further, quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot were employed to examine Naa10p and Pirh2 expression level in OSCC patients' samples. We further validated the result using RNAseq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and mRNA array data from GSE31056 and GSE30784.

Results

Naa10p and Pirh2 are overexpression, and the protein level of Naa10p was negatively correlated with that of Pirh2 in OSCC tissues. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that positive Naa10p expression and negative Pirh2 expression were both independent good prognostic factors for OSCC patients. Furthermore, the Naa10p‐positive/Pirh2‐negative group has the best prognosis among all OSCC patients. Results from qRT‐PCR showed the higher expression level of Naa10 and lower expression level of Pirh2 in tumor tissues than adjacent normal tissues. TCGA database and data from GSE31056 and GSE30784 showed the similar result. The correlation analysis showed that the mRNA level of Naa10 was negatively correlated that of Pirh2.

Conclusion

The expression of Naa10p is negatively correlated with that of Pirh2, and positive Naa10p and negative Pirh2 might be independent biomarkers for better OSCC prognoses.
Safety and effectiveness of stoss therapy in children with vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Tannous Paul , Fiscaletti Melissa , Wood Nicholas , Gunasekera Hasantha , Zurynski Yvonne , Biggin Andrew , Kilo Tatjana , Hayes Evan , Munns Craig
Published: May 2019

Aim

Paediatric vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)) deficiency can lead to nutritional rickets and extra‐skeletal complications. Compliance with daily therapy can be difficult, making high‐dose, short‐term vitamin D (stoss) therapy attractive to correct vitamin D deficiency. We compared the effectiveness and safety of standard versus stoss therapy in treating childhood 25OHD deficiency.

Methods

Children aged 2–16 years with 25OHD <50 nmol/L were randomised to either standard (5000 IU daily for 80 days) or stoss (100 000 IU weekly for 4 weeks) cholecalciferol. Participants underwent an evaluation of effectiveness and safety. The 25OHD level, random spot calcium: creatinine ratio (Ca:Cr) and compliance were measured at 12 weeks.

Results

A total of 151 children were enrolled in the study (68 standard and 83 stoss), median age 9 years (inter‐quartile range (IQR): 6–12 years). Baseline 25OHD levels were 26 nmol/L (IQR: 19–35 nmol/L) and 32 nmol/L (IQR: 24–39 nmol/L) in the standard and stoss groups, respectively. At 12 weeks, the median 25OHD level was significantly greater in the standard versus stoss group (81 vs. 67 nmol/L; P = 0.005); however, >80% of participants in both groups achieved sufficiency (25OHD > 50 nmol/L) and had normal urinary Ca:Cr, with no significant difference seen between groups. Compliance was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Compared to stoss, standard therapy achieved higher 25OHD levels at 12 weeks; however, in both groups, there was a similar proportion of participants who achieved 25OHD sufficiency, with no evidence of toxicity. Unlike other studies, simplifying the treatment regimen did not improve compliance. These results support stoss therapy as an effective and safe alternative therapy for the treatment of paediatric vitamin D deficiency.
Identification of Alternaria tenuissima causing brown leaf spot on Paris polyphylla var. chinensis in China
Authors: Fu Rongtao , Chen Cheng , Wang Jian , Ke Yongxia , Lu Daihua
Published: May 2019

Severe brown leaf spot disease was observed on Paris polyphylla var. chinensis in Sichuan Province, China, in 2017 and 2018. The initial symptoms were many light‐brown small spots with necrotic centres, round or irregular in shape, becoming dark brown, gradually enlarging and eventually coalescing, causing extensive leaf senescence. A fungus was isolated from diseased leaves showing typical symptoms of brown leaf spot. The isolates were cultured on potato sucrose agar, and their morphological characteristics of the causal pathogen were observed under a light microscope. Pathogenicity tests revealed that this fungus was the causal pathogen of the disease. Molecular analyses of the sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF) and the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RBP2) gene were conducted to confirm the identity of the pathogen. The multi‐gene phylogeny indicated that the causal agent was Alternaria tenuissima. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. tenuissima causing brown leaf sports on P. polyphylla var. chinensis in China.
Crude polysaccharide from a wild mushroom enhances immune response in murine macrophage cells by TLR/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Ghosh Sandipta , Khatua Somanjana , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: May 2019

Objective

Mushroom crude polysaccharides offer a complete package of various medicinal activities. In this context, the present study aimed to unveil structural and biomedical properties of crude polysaccharide (MLHWP) obtained from an edible wild mushroom Macrocybe lobayensis (R. Heim) Pegler & Lodge.

Method

Chemical characterization was accomplished with the help of spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, HPTLC and GC-MS. Immunomodulatory activity of the crude polysaccharide and its signalling mechanism was assessed using RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was analysed based on radical scavenging, metal ion chelating and reducing effect.

Key findings

Compositional study revealed that MLHWP possessed triple helical structure and its backbone consisted of β-linked glucan along with xylose, rhamnose, mannose and galactose. Investigation on bioactive potency revealed that MLHWP augmented macrophage activity in terms of viability, phagocytosis, NO and ROS generation. Gene expression studies indicated that MLHWP signalled through TLR and modulated expression of immunomodulation-related genes including NF-κB, COX-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, iNOS and Iκ-βα. Besides, MLHWP displayed noticeable antioxidant potential as reflected in all investigating assays.

Conclusions

Overall, the results portrayed possibility of MLHWP as pharmaceutical agent with multidimensional application.
Rectus sheath single-injection blocks: a study to quantify local anaesthetic absorption using serial ultrasound measurements and lidocaine serum concentrations
Authors: Primrose Matthew , Al Nebaihi Hamdah , Brocks Dion R , Widder Sandy , Fairey Adrian , Tsui Ban , Dillane Derek , Green James S
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Rectus sheath blocks are an established option for analgesia following abdominal surgery, but pharmacokinetic data are limited. This study sought to characterise the absorption of lidocaine injectate and the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine after rectus sheath injection.

Methods

Bilateral rectus sheath single-injection blocks were given to 10 patients undergoing general or urological surgery. Afterwards, serial lidocaine serum levels and ultrasound measurements of the rectus sheath injectate reservoir were collected.

Key findings

Injectate within the rectus sheath was visible with ultrasound up to 12 h after injection. However, the rate of drug absorption exceeded that of injectate disappearance. Peak serum concentration occurred within 30 min with average peak concentrations of 1.65 μg/ml. Lidocaine clearance was lower than reported in young healthy subjects. The body mass index positively correlated with lidocaine terminal phase half-life, and clearance negatively correlated with age.

Conclusions

The study provides the first data describing lidocaine pharmacokinetics after rectus sheath injection. Peak serum concentrations transiently achieved systemic levels associated with pain relief after a single bolus injection. The data from this study could be used to develop a regime using single shot rectus sheath blockade with a bolus of lidocaine followed by infusion using bilateral rectus sheath catheters.
Listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis in 3 cats
Authors: Fluen Thomas W. , Hardcastle Michael , Kiupel Matti , Baral Randolph M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Listeriosis is a rare disease in cats with naturally occurring cases usually being identified in individual animals. Listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis has not been described previously in cats.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and histological features of listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis in cats as well as treatment outcome.

Animals

Listerial mesenteric lymphadenitis was confirmed in 3 cats by histology, immunohistochemistry, and bacterial culture.

Results

The affected cats were young to middle aged and were examined for various clinical signs. On both palpation and abdominal ultrasound examination, all cats had marked mesenteric lymphadenomegaly. Survival was prolonged in all 3 cases. Two of the 3 cats were fed a raw meat‐based diet before they developed clinical illness.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lymphadenitis caused by listeriosis has a protracted time course and should be a differential diagnosis for abdominal lymphadenopathy in young to middle‐aged cats. Feeding of a raw meat‐based diet may be a contributing factor for development of listeriosis in cats.
Parallel increases in grip strength in two species of Anolis lizards after a major hurricane on Dominica
Authors: Dufour C. M. S. , Donihue C. M. , Losos J. B. , Herrel A.
Published: May 2019

A recent study showed that hurricanes can act as selective agents affecting the phenotype of anole populations subjected to these extreme climatic events. Specifically, Anolis lizards that survived hurricanes were shown to have larger toepads than those that did not. To test whether hurricanes more generally impact populations of Anolis lizards, we collected data on toepad size, lamella number and grip strength for two species of Anolis on the island of Dominica in 2018 and compared them with data collected in 2016 before Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Our results show that populations of both species showed higher clinging forces in 2018, consistent with our predictions that lizards that are better clingers would be more likely to survive hurricanes. Unexpectedly, the increase in clinging force was not accompanied by an increase in toepad size or lamella number, suggesting that the increase in clinging strength is more likely driven by changes at the level of the setae microstructure. While the mechanism driving this pattern cannot be determined until future before/after hurricane comparisons are made, our data provide further evidence that hurricanes may be a previously overlooked driver of form and function in Anolis lizards.
Ideology and Polarization Among Women State Legislators
Authors: Osborn Tracy , Kreitzer Rebecca J. , Schilling Emily U. , Hayes Clark Jennifer
Published: May 2019

In early work on women in Congress, scholars consistently identified a tendency among women legislators to be more liberal roll‐call voters than male copartisans. Recent changes in Congress point to the polarization of women, where Democratic women remain more liberal than Democratic men but Republican women are no different from, or more conservative than, Republican men. We use newly available state legislative roll‐call data to determine whether women state legislators are more liberal or polarized than male copartisans. We find that while Democratic women state legislators remain consistently more liberal than male copartisans in most state chambers, Republican women legislators are growing more conservative. Thus, women state legislators are increasingly polarized in most U.S. states. Legislator replacement and increasing polarization among state legislators in office contribute to this effect. We argue that polarization among women legislators has implications for the representation of women in the states.
“Find that Balance:” The Impact of Cultural Consonance and Dissonance on Mental Health among Utah and Mormon Women
Authors: Dengah H. J. François , Bingham Thomas Elizabeth , Hawvermale Erica , Temple Essa
Published: May 2019

Cultural consonance and religious participation are both associated with salutogenic mental health outcomes. Yet studies of religious and other cultural models must take into account multiple and conflicting cultural norms. In this article, we explore the consequences of trying to adhere to the oppositional cultural models of religious (Latter‐day Saint or Mormon) and secular American gender roles as perceived by college‐aged women at a Utah university. Using cultural consensus and cultural consonance analysis, we demonstrate that while conforming with one model may provide social and mental health benefits, striving for consonance with both results in increased perceived stress levels for Latter‐day Saints and nonmembers alike. Such cultural dissonance may be a contributing factor to the current mental health crisis among Utah youth. This work expands the theory of cultural consonance by examining it in the context of two incongruent lifestyles.
Key differences between severity of disciplinary issues and medical student insights
Authors: Burgess Raquel , Vanstone Meredith , Mountjoy Margo , Grierson Lawrence
Published: May 2019

Context

This study explores the reliability of tools designed to rate the type of remediable medical student offences, their severity, and the quality of student insight in response to the remediation, and tests the relationships between these three constructs.

Methods

Data were collected via retrospective appraisal of remediation files from the 2009–2016 incoming classes of McMaster University's medical programme. Across two studies, 12 faculty members categorised the offences by type (academic or professionalism), and rated severity and insight by way of single anchored Likert scales. In Study 1, Krippendorff's alpha and independent, two‐way, consistency type, average measures (k = 6), random‐effects inter‐rater reliability analyses were conducted to assess the inter‐rater reliability of ratings of the measures. In Study 2, independent samples t‐tests were conducted for the severity and insight measures as a function of offence type. Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship between severity and insight as a function of offence type.

Results

High inter‐rater reliability was found with respect to the type of offence (α = 0.86), severity (0.92) and student insight (0.88). Mean (±standard deviation) ratings of severity are significantly higher for professionalism (4.37 ± 1.20) than academic offences (2.89 ± 1.25), t(73) = −5.3, p < 0.001, |d| = 1.21, whereas the opposite is true for ratings of insight, (professionalism, 3.19 ± 1.37; academic, 4.48 ± 1.01), t(73) = 4.6, p < 0.001, |d| = 1.07. Ratings of severity and insight are moderately negatively correlated for both academic (r = −0.64, p < 0.001, n = 38) and professionalism offences (r = −0.57, p < 0.001, n = 37).

Conclusions

Professionalism offences are perceived as more severe and are associated with lower insight than academic offences, pointing to the difficulty that learners face in assessing the constitution of a professionalism offence. This illustrates a need for deeper consideration about remedial strategies for lapses in professionalism.
Division plane placement in pleomorphic archaea is dynamically coupled to cell shape
Authors: Walsh James C. , Angstmann Christopher N. , Bisson‐Filho Alexandre W. , Garner Ethan C. , Duggin Iain G. , Curmi Paul M. G.
Published: May 2019

One mechanism for achieving accurate placement of the cell division machinery is via Turing patterns, where nonlinear molecular interactions spontaneously produce spatiotemporal concentration gradients. The resulting patterns are dictated by cell shape. For example, the Min system of Escherichia coli shows spatiotemporal oscillation between cell poles, leaving a mid‐cell zone for division. The universality of pattern‐forming mechanisms in divisome placement is currently unclear. We examined the location of the division plane in two pleomorphic archaea, Haloferax volcanii and Haloarcula japonica, and showed that it correlates with the predictions of Turing patterning. Time‐lapse analysis of H. volcanii shows that divisome locations after successive rounds of division are dynamically determined by daughter cell shape. For H. volcanii, we show that the location of DNA does not influence division plane location, ruling out nucleoid occlusion. Triangular cells provide a stringent test for Turing patterning, where there is a bifurcation in division plane orientation. For the two archaea examined, most triangular cells divide as predicted by a Turing mechanism; however, in some cases multiple division planes are observed resulting in cells dividing into three viable progeny. Our results suggest that the division site placement is consistent with a Turing patterning system in these archaea.
Written reports of adverse events in acute care—A discourse analysis
Authors: Gyberg Anna , Henoch Ingela , Lepp Margret , Wijk Helle , Ulin Kerstin
Published: May 2019

Adverse health care events are a global public health issue despite major efforts, and they have been acknowledged as a complex concern. The aim of this study was to explore the construction of unsafe care using accounts of adverse events concerning the patient, as reported by patients, relatives, and health care professionals. Twenty‐nine adverse events reported in an acute care setting in a Swedish university hospital were analyzed through discourse analysis, where the construction of what was considered to be real and true in the descriptions of unsafe care was analyzed. In the written reports about unsafe events, the patient was spoken of in three different ways: (a) the patient as a presentation of physical signs, (b) the patient as suffering and vulnerable, and (c) the patient as unpredictable. When the patient's voice was subordinate to physical signs, this was described as being something that conflicted with patient safety. The conclusion was that the patient's voice might be the only sign available in the early stages of adverse events. Therefore, it is crucial for health care professionals to give importance to the patient's voice to prevent patients from harm and not unilaterally act only upon abnormal physical signs.
A facile in vivo procedure to analyze metabolic pathways in intact lichens
Authors: Kuhn Veronika , Geisberger Thomas , Huber Claudia , Beck Andreas , Eisenreich Wolfgang
Published: May 2019

Lichen secondary metabolites show important biological activities as well as pharmaceutical and chemotaxonomic potential. In order to utilize such substances of interest, detailed knowledge of their biosynthetic pathways is essential.

13CO2‐pulse/chase experiments using intact thalli of the lichen Usnea dasopoga resulted in multiple 13C‐labeled isotopologs in amino acids, but not in the dibenzofuran derivative usnic acid – one of the best‐studied lichen metabolites, with considerable and renewed interest for pharmaceutical and lifestyle applications.

Spraying an aqueous solution of [U‐13C6]glucose onto the thalli of U. dasopoga afforded a specific mixture of multiple 13C‐labeled isotopologs in usnic acid. One‐ and two‐dimensional NMR analysis of the crude lichen extract corroborated the polyketide biosynthetic pathway via methylphloroacetophenone but not via phloroacetophenone.

With usnic acid as an exemplar, we provide proof‐of‐principle experiments that can be used in general to study metabolic pathways and fluxes in intact lichens.
CYP707As are effectors of karrikin and strigolactone signalling pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana and parasitic plants
Authors: Brun Guillaume , Thoiron Séverine , Braem Lukas , Pouvreau Jean‐Bernard , Montiel Grégory , Lechat Marc‐Marie , Simier Philippe , Gevaert Kris , Goormachtig Sofie , Delavault Philippe
Published: May 2019

Karrikins stimulate Arabidopsis thaliana germination, whereas parasitic weeds of the Orobanchaceae family have evolved to respond to host‐exuded compounds such as strigolactones, dehydrocostus lactone, and 2‐phenylethyl isothiocyanate. In Phelipanche ramosa, strigolactone‐induced germination was shown to require one of the CYP707A proteins involved in abscisic acid catabolism. Here, germination and gene expression were analysed to investigate the role of CYP707As in germination of both parasitic plants and Arabidopsis upon perception of germination stimulants, after using pharmacological inhibitors and Arabidopsis mutants disrupting germination signals. CYP707A genes were up‐regulated upon treatment with effective germination stimulants in both parasitic plants and Arabidopsis. Obligate parasitic plants exhibited both intensified up‐regulation of CYP707A genes and increased sensitivity to the CYP707A inhibitor abscinazole‐E2B, whereas Arabidopsis cyp707a mutants still positively responded to germination stimulation. In Arabidopsis, CYP707A regulation required the canonical karrikin signalling pathway KAI2/MAX2/SMAX1 and the transcription factor WRKY33. Finally, CYP707As and WRKY33 also modulated Arabidopsis root architecture in response to the synthetic strigolactone rac‐GR24, and wrky33‐1 exhibited a shoot hyperbranched phenotype. This study suggests that the lack of host‐independent germination in obligate parasites is associated with an exacerbated CYP707A induction and that CYP707As and WRKY33 are new players involved in a variety of strigolactone/karrikin responses.
Photorespiratory serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 activity impacts abiotic stress tolerance and stomatal closure
Authors: Liu Yanpei , Mauve Caroline , Lamothe‐Sibold Marlène , Guérard Florence , Glab Nathalie , Hodges Michael , Jossier Mathieu
Published: May 2019

The photorespiratory cycle is a crucial pathway in photosynthetic organisms because it removes toxic 2‐phosphoglycolate made by the oxygenase activity of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and retrieves its carbon as 3‐phosphoglycerate. Mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) is an essential photorespiratory enzyme converting glycine to serine. SHMT1 regulation remains poorly understood although it could involve the phosphorylation of serine 31. Here, we report the complementation of Arabidopsis thaliana shm1‐1 by SHMT1 wild‐type, phosphorylation‐mimetic (S31D) or nonphophorylatable (S31A) forms. All SHMT1 forms could almost fully complement the photorespiratory growth phenotype of shm1‐1; however, each transgenic line had only 50% of normal SHMT activity. In response to either a salt or drought stress, Compl‐S31D lines showed a more severe growth deficiency compared with the other transgenic lines. This sensitivity to salt appeared to reflect reduced SHMT1‐S31D protein amounts and a lower activity that impacted leaf metabolism leading to proline underaccumulation and overaccumulation of polyamines. The S31D mutation in SHMT1 also led to a reduction in salt‐induced and ABA‐induced stomatal closure. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of maintaining photorespiratory SHMT1 activity in salt and drought stress conditions and indicate that SHMT1 S31 phosphorylation could be involved in modulating SHMT1 protein stability.
Immunohistochemical detection of respiratory syncytial virus at autopsy
Authors: Ikeda Tomoya , Tani Naoto , Aoki Yayoi , Shida Alissa , Morioka Fumiya , Ishikawa Takaki
Published: May 2019

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can be fatal in infants <1 year after birth. Morphological findings associated with infant death, however, are insufficient, and screening procedures are problematic. The aim of the present study was to establish a postmortem diagnosis of RSV pathogenicity.

Methods

Serial forensic autopsies of 55 infants who suddenly died ≤1 year after birth due to viral pneumonia (n = 18), bacterial pneumonia (n = 12), or other diseases and trauma (n = 25) were assessed. Causes of viral pneumonia determined on immunochemical screening and histological staining of airway effusions consisted of RSV (n = 8) and other viruses (n = 10).

Results

Bronchial epithelial and inflammatory cells in the interstitium around bronchioles and alveoli were immunopositive for RSV. Bronchial epithelium was more frequently positive for RSV (5/8, 62.5%) than for bacterial pneumonia and other causes of death (7/47, 14.9%); and intra‐alveolar sites were also more frequently positive for RSV pneumonia (3/8, 37.5%) than for bacterial pneumonia and other causes of death (4/47, 8.5%). Screening immunoassays and immunohistochemical staining for RSV can serve as an index of RSV infection when serum antibody titers, viral identification and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are not informative. Peribronchiolar interstitial RSV positivity was similar between RSV pneumonia (7/8, 87.5%) and other causes of death (34/47, 72.3%).

Conclusions

RSV was the cause of death in only eight infants because RSV infection was difficult to diagnose. Therefore, more deaths associated with RSV need to be investigated. Bronchial epithelium and intra‐alveolar cells that are RSV immunopositive might augment RSV pathogenicity in viral pneumonia.
National Days, National Identity, and Collective Memory: Exploring the Impact of Holocaust Day in Israel
Authors: Ariely Gal
Published: May 2019

This study uses the case of Holocaust Day in Israel to examine the premise that national days impact national identity and collective memory. Specifically, the study examines whether a very unique type of national day—Holocaust Day—impacts national identification, nationalism, and collective memory in the form of Israeli Jews' perceptions of the “lessons” of the Holocaust. This study uses panel survey design data on national identity and perceptions of the Holocaust's lessons from the same sample of Israeli Jews (N = 665) collected two months prior to Holocaust Day and again during and after Holocaust Day. During and after Holocaust Day, respondents expressed increased levels of nationalism and more perceptions of both particularistic and universalistic Holocaust lessons. Participation in Holocaust Day practices had a stronger relationship with nationalism and national identification during Holocaust Day than before but a weaker relationship with the perception of a universalistic lesson during Holocaust Day. These findings indicate that Holocaust Day impacts national identity and collective memory and highlights the multifaceted nature of the relationships between national identity, collective memory, and national days. The theoretical implication of the findings as well as the case comparability are discussed in light of the findings.
Characterization of the unarmored dinoflagellate Pseliodinium pirum (Ceratoperidiniaceae) from Jiaozhou Bay, China
Authors: Hu Zhangxi , Deng Yunyan , Luo Zhaohe , Shang Lixia , Kong Fanzhou , Gu Haifeng , Zhao Zengxia , Tang Ying Zhong
Published: May 2019

A strain of Pseliodinium pirum was isolated from Jiaozhou Bay, China, identified based on a recently emended classification, and further characterized for its morphology using light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy, and phylogeny based on SSU and partial LSU rDNA sequences. The pigment composition, life history, and potential effects on aquatic animals were also examined. We observed the typical characteristics of Ceratoperidiniaceae, in which its apical structure complex (ASC) formed a circular loop, and the ASC of our isolate comprised four to five rows of vesicles, and connected with sulcal intrusion. Epifluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed a bean‐shaped, centrally located nucleus, with at least 76 chromosomes. Numerous rod‐shaped chloroplasts were in connection to the irregularly shaped pyrenoids. Pigment analysis showed that peridinin was the most abundant among all carotenoids and other pigments. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference indicated that our isolate is conspecific with the entity Cochlodinium cf. helix (accession No. KF245459), but different from Ceratoperidinium, Kirithra, and other unidentified species of the family Ceratoperidiniaceae. Pseliodinium pirum could produce sexual, thin‐walled cyst, with subspherical and spherical shape and smooth surface (without spines or rough projections). The cyst could germinate within 3 days. Bioassays did not show adverse effects of P. pirum on the finfish Oryzias melastigma and the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, indicating it may not be a harmful species.
The prevalence of insomnia and its risk factors among older adults in a city in Turkey's Aegean Region
Authors: Korkmaz Aslan Gülbahar , İncİ Fadime H. , Kartal Asiye
Published: May 2019

Aim

Experienced by many older adults, insomnia is a significant public health problem that requires the attention of health‐care professionals and researchers. This study aimed to identify insomnia and its risk factors among community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Denizli, Turkey. The study sample consisted of 360 elderly individuals aged 60 years and older who were admitted to one of six family health centres for any reason between 29 March 2016 and 17 June 2016. Data were collected by using a descriptive form for the elderly and the Insomnia Severity Index. The χ2 test was used to compare independent variables and insomnia status. Logistic regression analysis was used for the variables that were found to be significant at the end of the single‐variable analysis.

Results

The mean age of the subjects, all of whom lived at home, was 69.52 ± 8.36 years. Insomnia was quite common among them (51%), and its severity was low (8.51 ± 5.56). At the end of logistic regression analysis, a moderate perception of health (OR = 10.859, 95%CI: 3.532–33.385) and the number of medications used (OR = 3.326, 95%CI: 1.014–10.907) were identified as risk factors for insomnia.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, we can state that insomnia is common among older adults. Therefore, older adults who are admitted to health‐care institutions should be evaluated for insomnia. Factors identified as affecting insomnia were health perception and the number of medications used. Given that health perception and polypharmacy are associated with chronic disease management, helping the elderly to effectively manage chronic diseases may alleviate insomnia.
Setting a Good Example? The Effect of Leader and Peer Behavior on Corruption among Indonesian Senior Civil Servants
Authors: Silitonga Mala Sondang , van Duijn Marijtje , Heyse Liesbet , Wittek Rafael
Published: May 2019

Standard anticorruption interventions consist of intensified monitoring and sanctioning. Rooted in principal‐agent theory, these interventions are based on the assumption that corrupt acts follow a rational cost‐benefit calculation by gain‐seeking individuals. Given their mixed results, however, these interventions require closer scrutiny. Building on goal‐framing theory, the authors argue that rule compliance requires a salient normative goal frame, since monitoring can never be perfect. Being inherently brittle, it needs constant reinforcement through external cues operating alongside formal monitoring and sanctioning. Leaders and peers setting a good example can provide such cues. In line with this hypothesis, analysis of multilevel repeated measures data from a vignette study of 580 Indonesian senior civil servants shows that the perceived likelihood of a hypothetical civil servant accepting a bribe is lowest when monitoring and sanctioning are strong and when leaders and peers are known to have refused bribes in the past.
Probabilistic Modeling of Flood Hazard and its Risk Assessment for Eastern Region of India
Authors: Manna Pratyay , Anis Mohammed Zafar , Das Prasun , Banerjee Soumya
Published: May 2019

This article models flood occurrence probabilistically and its risk assessment. It incorporates atmospheric parameters to forecast rainfall in an area. This measure of precipitation, together with river and ground parameters, serve as parameters in the model to predict runoff and subsequently inundation depth of an area. The inundation depth acts as a guide for predicting flood proneness and associated hazard. The vulnerability owing to flood has been analyzed as social vulnerability , vulnerability to property , and vulnerability to the location in terms of awareness . The associated risk has been estimated for each area. The distribution of risk values can be used to classify every area into one of the six risk zones—namely, very low risk, low risk, moderately low risk, medium risk, high risk, and very high risk. The prioritization regarding preparedness, evacuation planning, or distribution of relief items should be guided by the range on the risk scale within which the area under study falls. The flood risk assessment model framework has been tested on a real‐life case study. The flood risk indices for each of the municipalities in the area under study have been calculated. The risk indices and hence the flood risk zone under which a municipality is expected to lie would alter every day. The appropriate authorities can then plan ahead in terms of preparedness to combat the impending flood situation in the most critical and vulnerable areas.
Multiple racial identities as sources of psychological resilience
Authors: Shih Margaret , Wilton Leigh S. , Does Serena , Goodale Brianna M. , Sanchez Diana T.
Published: May 2019

Much of the research on multiracial individuals has focused on the impact of a multiracial background on psychological well‐being. This work, often using clinical samples, identified a higher prevalence of negative psychological outcomes among multiracial individuals, such as low self‐esteem, poor grades, or self‐hatred, and has emphasized that these negative outcomes stem from the unique challenges associated with navigating multiple racial identities. However, research on nonclinical samples finds that multiracial individuals fare as well as monoracial individuals on these, and other, outcomes. We put forth a synthesizing theory aimed at understanding how multiracial individuals develop adaptive coping strategies, which help them learn to navigate multiple identities and maintain positive psychological outcomes. In the current contribution, we build on existing research to theorize that multiracial individuals can engage in two psychological strategies that increase resilience: (a) switching between multiple racial identities and (b) reduced essentializing of race. Evidence and consequences of these two strategies are discussed. Taken together, in contrast to traditional depletion models of coping, this work highlights the unique experience of multiracial individuals and the potential psychological benefits of belonging to multiple racial groups in a racialized world.
How do I structure logistic processes in preparation for outsourcing of cellular therapy manufacturing?
Authors: Chen Leonard N. , Collins‐Johnson Naoza , Sapp Nasheda , Pickett Angela , West Kamille , Stroncek David F. , Panch Sandhya R.
Published: May 2019

As cell and gene therapies (CGT) assume center stage in early‐phase clinical trials for several acute and chronic diseases, there is heightened interest in the standardization and automation of manufacturing processes in preparation for commercialization. Toward this goal, a hybrid and oftentimes geographically separated model comprising regional cell procurement and infusion facilities and a centralized cell manufacturing unit is gaining traction in the field. Although CGT processing facilities in academic institutions are not involved directly in the manufacturing of these therapies, they must be prepared to collaborate with commercial or contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and be ready to address several supply‐chain challenges that have emerged for autologous and allogeneic CGT. Academic center cell‐processing facilities must handle many events up‐ and downstream of manufacturing such as donor screening, cell collection, product labeling, cryopreservation, transportation, and thaw infusion. These events merit closer evaluation in the context of multifacility manufacturing since standard procedures have yet to be established. Based on our institutional experience, we summarize logistical challenges encountered in the handling and distribution of CGT products in early phase studies, specifically those involving CMO (outsourced) manufacturing. We also make recommendations to standardize processes unique to the CGT supply chain, emphasizing the need to maintain needle‐to‐needle traceability from product collection to infusion. These guidelines will inform the development of more complex supply‐chain models for larger‐scale cell and gene therapeutics.
Effect of incubation with crystalloid solutions or medications on packed red blood cells
Authors: Mladinov Domagoj , Yarnoff Kristine , Nagababu Enika , Berkowitz Daniel E. , Lawrence Courtney , Ness Paul M. , Kickler Thomas , Brunker Patricia A. , Boyd Joan S. , Dodd‐o Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) guidelines suggest that packed red blood cells (PRBCs) be administered through a dedicated intravenous (IV) catheter. Literature supporting this broad‐scope declaration are scarce. Obtaining additional IV access is painful, costly, and an infectious risk. We evaluated the effect of co‐incubating PRBCs with crystalloids and medications on PRBC hemolysis, membrane deformability, and aggregation, as well as medication concentration.

METHODS

PRBCs were co‐incubated 5 minutes with plasma, normal saline (NS), 5% dextrose in water (D5W), Plasmalyte, epinephrine (epi), norepinephrine (norepi), dopamine (dopa), or Propofol (prop). Samples were then assessed for hemolysis (free hemoglobin, serum potassium), membrane deformability (elongation index [EI]), aggregation (smear, critical shear stress [mPa]) and drug concentration (High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry [LCMS‐MS]). Significance (p ≤ 0.05) was determined by Wilcoxon‐paired comparisons or Wilcoxon/Kruskall Willis with post‐hoc Dunn's test.

RESULTS

Compared to co‐incubation with plasma: 1) co‐incubation resulted in significantly increased hemolysis only when D5W as used (free hemoglobin, increased potassium); 2) EI trended lower when co‐incubated with D5W and trended toward higher when co‐incubated with prop; 3) aggregation was significantly lower when PRBCs co‐incubated with NS, D5W, or Plasmalyte, and trended lower when co‐incubated with epi, norepi, or dopa. Medication concentrations were between those predicted by distribution only in plasma and distribution through the entire intra‐ and extracellular space.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that 5 minutes of PRBC incubation with isotonic crystalloids or catecholamines does not deleteriously alter PRBC hemolysis, membrane deformability, or aggregation. Co‐incubation with D5W likely increases hemolysis. Propofol may promote hemolysis.