bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echolocation and roosting ecology determine sensitivity of forest‐dependent bats to coffee agriculture
Authors: Huang Joe Chun‐Chia , Rustiati Elly Lestari , Nusalawo Meyner , Kingston Tigga
Published: September 2019

Species differ in vulnerability to anthropogenic land use changes. Knowledge of the mechanisms driving differential sensitivity can inform conservation strategies but is generally lacking for species‐rich taxa in the tropics. The diverse bat fauna of Southeast Asia is threatened by rapid loss of forest and expanding agricultural activities, but the associations between species, traits, vulnerability to agriculture, and the underlying drivers have yet to be elucidated. We studied the responses of speciose insectivorous bat assemblages to robusta coffee cultivation in Sumatra, Indonesia. We compared abundance, species richness, and assemblage structures of bats between forests and coffee farms based on trapping data and evaluated the influence of vegetation complexity on assemblage composition and species‐level reactions. Bat abundance and species richness were significantly lower in coffee farms than in forests. Bat assemblage structure differed between land uses, and the overall variation can be largely explained by vegetation simplification. Species sensitive to coffee agriculture were associated with more complex vegetation structure, whereas tolerant species were associated with simpler vegetation structure. Sensitive and tolerant species differed in the type, frequency, and bandwidth of echolocation calls and roost use. Species sensitive to coffee use broadband and high‐pitched frequency‐modulated calls, which are efficient at detecting insects in complex vegetation, and roost in plant structures that may be lost as vegetation is simplified. In contrast, tolerant species used lower pitched constant‐frequency calls and roost in caves. We advocate for greater use of trait analyses in studies seeking to clarify the influence of agriculture on diverse tropical bat faunas.

Abstract in Indonesian is available with online material.
Plant killing by Neotropical acacia ants: ecology, decision‐making, and head morphology
Authors: Amador‐Vargas Sabrina
Published: September 2019

Mutualistic species often associate with several partners that vary in the benefits provided. In some protective ant–plant mutualisms, ants vary in the extent at which they kill neighboring vegetation. Particularly, in acacia ants (Pseudomyrmex), the area around the host tree that ants keep free from vegetation (“clearings”) vary depending on the species. This study assessed whether interspecific variation in clearing size corresponds to workers biting on plant tissue of different thickness. As expected, workers from species making the largest clearings bit more often on thicker plant tissues than workers from species making smaller clearings. Because head shape affects mandible force, I also assessed whether pruning on thick tissue in mutualistic ant species or being a predator in non‐mutualistic species correlated with broader heads, which yield stronger mandible force. The species with the broader heads were non‐mutualistic predators or mutualistic pruners of thick tissues, which suggest that pruning neighboring vegetation in non‐predatory species demands force even when the ants do not kill prey with their mandibles. The findings reveal that clearing size variation in mutualistic ant partners of plants can also be observed at the level of individual decision‐making processes among workers, and suggest that head morphology could be a trait under selection in protective ant–plant mutualisms.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Street‐level bureaucrats, policy learning, and refugee resettlement: The case of Syrian refugees in Saskatoon, Canada
Authors: Marshall Aasa , Béland Daniel
Published: September 2019

In late 2015 and early 2016, the Canadian government resettled 25,000 Syrian refugees within roughly a three‐month period. This initiative brought a much higher number of refugees to Canada than are usually accepted in that time frame and put pressure on the resettlement system. This article focuses on policy learning on the part of street‐level bureaucrats—employees of the organizations that do the work of resettling Government Assisted Refugees at the community level—and how they dealt with the pressure created by this situation. The findings indicate that the Syrian initiative exposed weaknesses in the existing system and created new obstacles with which street‐level bureaucrats working for Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) had to contend. Presented with an overwhelming strain on the system, street‐level bureaucrats at Saskatoon SPOs performed a real‐time evaluation of the system in which they work and devised solutions to issues as they arose.
When Heritage Meets Creativity: A Tale of Two Urban Development Strategies in Kampong Glam, Singapore
Authors: Kumar Vinay
Published: September 2019

In recent years, cities around the world have increasingly relied on culture–based development strategies for the revitalization of urban areas, such as urban heritage and the development of a creative economy. Typically, either one of these practices is put in place; however, in Kampong Glam, Singapore, both heritage development and creative economy strategies have been adopted by the national government and local organizations. This paper studies the coincidence of the two main culture–based urban development strategies and its implications in the same physical urban place. Drawing on geospatial mapping techniques and archival data, we aim to illustrate how the two cultural urban redevelopment strategies manifest and interact in urban space. We find that stakeholders draw on each strategy to counteract the excesses of the other, given their different aims and audiences, so as to regulate the interaction between the two and achieve balance among competing interests in the neighborhood.
An interval type‐2 fuzzy trust evaluation model in social commerce
Authors: Wu Tong , Liu Xinwang , Qin Jindong
Published: September 2019

Trust is crucial for purchasing decisions in social commerce. However, inexperienced users may not have a direct trust relation to experienced users in practice. Besides, users tend to give their trust degrees to others with linguistic labels rather than crisp values. To evaluate the trust degree for inexperienced users to experienced ones, we propose an interval type‐2 fuzzy trust evaluation model in this paper. Interval type‐2 fuzzy linguistic labels are used to represent trust degree among users. An interval type‐2 fuzzy Algebraic t‐norm is addressed to compute propagative trust degrees. Considering the effect of trust path length, the induced ordered weighted averaging (IOWA) operator is extended to aggregate the interval type‐2 fuzzy trust degrees obtained from multiple paths. In addition, the final interval type‐2 fuzzy trust degree is transferred into the corresponding linguistic label to help users make decisions more naturally. Finally, a case study in social commerce and a related comparison are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Aging and sexuality
Authors: Childs, Jr James M.
Published: September 2019

Many see old age as asexual but studies show that significant numbers of people 65 years old and older continue to desire and engage in acts of sexual intimacy as seem in long‐term care facilities and in cohabitation. Sexual ethics in the context of aging requires respect for the sexuality of older adults and sensitivity to their needs and challenges.
Realpolitik and Jihad: The Iranian Use of Shiite Militias in Syria
Authors: Zalayat Ilan
Published: September 2019

The Shi‘a militias that have been involved in the war in Syria since 2011 were dispatched by Iran from neighboring countries, and they have exploited their position as aid‐givers by implementing a long‐term scheme of Iran regarding Syria. This article seeks to define the purpose and modus operandi of the involvement of these militias in Syria, as a case study of Iranian policy throughout the region. The essence and purposes of this regional policy has been analyzed using realistic and soft power approaches, alongside political thought from the Sh'ia Islam and the fundamentals of the Islamic Revolution; the reflection of this policy in Syria is identified by tracing reports and publications regarding the complicity of the Shi‘a militias in the war. The article claims that war‐racked Syria is a sort of test case for Iran protecting itself by attempting to spread its hegemony — and thus deterrence — across the region, a plan that is combined with and carried out through an ideological Jihadist promotion of an Islamic order. Accordingly, the Shi‘a militias are striving to ensure a lasting foothold for Iran in the areas in Syria that are essential to Iranian regional aspirations, by imposing Iranian political, military, and religious influences among these territories and populations.
Arrhythmias in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chiengthong Kanhatai , Lertjitbanjong Ploypin , Thongprayoon Charat , Bathini Tarun , Sharma Konika , Prasitlumkum Narut , Mao Michael A , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai
Published: September 2019

Background

There are controversial data regarding the relationship between hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and arrhythmias. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the incidence of arrhythmias in patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

A literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases from inception through April 2019. Pooled incidence with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analysis. The protocol for this meta‐analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42019131833).

Results

Thirteen studies consisting of 10,587 patients undergoing HSCT were enrolled in this systematic review. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence of all types of arrhythmias following HSCT was 7.2% (95% CI: 4.9%‐10.5%). With respect to the most common type of arrhythmia, the pooled estimated incidence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) within 30 days following HSCT was 4.2% (95% CI: 1.7%‐9.6%). Egger's regression test demonstrated no significant publication bias in this meta‐analysis of post‐HSCT arrhythmia incidence.

Conclusion

The overall estimated incidence of arrhythmias following HSCT was 7.2%. Future large scale studies are needed to further elucidate the significance and clinical impact of arrhythmias in post‐HSCT patients.
Allergy promotes alopecia areata in a subset of patients
Authors: Zhang Xingqi , McElwee Kevin J.
Published: September 2019

In this commentary, we focus on allergy as a facilitating factor in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). From previous studies on AA, it is well known that subsets of patients can have one or more of; seasonal relapse, comorbid atopic rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis, lesion infiltrating eosinophils and plasma cells, high levels of total IgE, specific IgE for house dust mites (HDMs), and/or disrupted skin barrier function by the evaluation of filaggrin. Allergy and AA share a similar genetic background; both contributing to an immune reaction imbalance. Furthermore, adjunctive treatment with antihistamines, or desensitization for HDM, can reduce the severity of alopecia in atopic AA patients. Therefore, allergies may contribute to the onset and relapse of AA. Identification of an allergic or atopic immune component in AA patient subsets may indicate adjunctive treatment intervention measures against allergies should be taken which may improve the success of conventional AA treatment.
Evaluation of user interface design metrics by generating realistic‐looking dashboard samples
Authors: Pastushenko Olena , Hynek Jiří , Hruška Tomáš
Published: September 2019

The analysis of user interfaces using quantitative metrics is a straightforward way to quickly measure interface usability and other various design aspects (such as the suitability of page layout or selected colors). Development and evaluation of objective metrics corresponding with user perception, however, usually requires a sufficiently large training set of user interface samples. Finding real user interface samples might not be easy. Therefore, we rather use generated samples. In such case, we need to provide a realistic‐looking appearance of samples. This paper describes a workflow of the preparation of such samples. It presents a configurable generator based on the composition of simple widgets according to a predefined model. It also describes a reusable library for simple creation of widgets using capabilities of the JavaScript framework Vue.js. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the generator on a generation of dashboard samples which are used to evaluate existing metrics of interface aesthetics and show the possibility of their improvement.
Association between interleukin‐10 genetic variant (‐1082G>A) with detection and severity of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates
Authors: Al‐shaer Osama S. , Behiry Eman G. , Elsadek Akram E. , Salama Shaimaa A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Abnormal cytokine production derived from specific polymorphisms can have effect on development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether polymorphisms of IL10 in preterm newborn are associated with RDS.

Methods

A total of one hundred and one venous blood samples were collected from preterm neonates, and they were classified as 51 with no RDS and 50 with RDS. Grading of RDS, history of surfactant administration or ventilator was assessed in the diseased group. Genetic variant of IL10‐1082G/A (rs1800896) was genotyped by PCR‐RFLP.

Results

The RDS group showed a higher prevalence of IL10‐1082 AA and lower prevalence of IL10‐1082 GG (p < .001). We found that the incidence of the allele G in the IL10‐1082 polymorphism was lower in the RDS group (24%) than the non‐RDS group (51%) (p < .001). Allele model (A vs. G): OR = 0.304, 95% CI: 0.166–0.554, p ≤ .001; Dominant model (AA vs. AG + GG): OR = 0 0.470, 95% CI: 0.282–0.783, p = .04. More severe grades of RDS, need for surfactant and mechanical ventilation, were significantly associated with AA genotype when compared to AG + GG genotypes. IL10 (AG + GG) genotypes were considered as an independent predictor for lower risk of RDS within preterm neonates.

Conclusion

IL10‐1082 A/A genotype associated with increased susceptibility to RDS. Also, A allele has been associated with increase severity of RDS in preterm neonates. Regression analysis revealed that IL10 AG + GG genotypes were considered as independent predictors for lower risk development of RDS within preterm neonates.
Clinical managers' identity at the crossroad of multiple institutional logics in it innovation: The case study of a health care organization in England
Authors: Bernardi Roberta , Exworthy Mark
Published: September 2019

Clinical managers play a crucial role in securing the implementation and sustainability of information technology (IT) innovation in health care. Yet, not all clinical managers are willing and able to support IT innovation, particularly when the institutional logics of an IT innovation challenge their professional practice. We investigate how clinical managers use their hybrid identities to reconcile differences among competing institutional logics that affect IT innovation. Based on three examples of IT innovation (telehealth for obstructive sleep apnoea, telehealth for heart failure, and electrocardiograms) in a health care organization in England, we identify three roles in IT innovation (innovation advocate, innovation broker, and innovation laggard) that clinical managers enacted in response to three degrees of conflict between institutional logics (no conflict, moderate conflict, and high conflict), respectively. We make the following contributions. First, we demonstrate how clinical managers' perception of their hybrid role in relation to their professional identity influences their response to the conflicting institutional demands of IT innovation. We conclude that clinical managers' fragmented identities can compromise their ability to effectively manage IT innovation in health care. Second, our findings raise implications for understanding the role of professionals' hybrid identities in the implementation of digital transformation at the intersection of multiple institutional logics.
Senescence‐induced immunophenotype, gene expression and electrophysiology changes in human amniocytes
Authors: Airini Razvan , Iordache Florin , Alexandru Dorin , Savu Lorand , Epureanu Florin Bogdan , Mihailescu Dan , Amuzescu Bogdan , Maniu Horia
Published: September 2019

The aim of the study was to evidence replicative senescence‐induced changes in human amniocytes via flow cytometry, quantitative reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and automated/manual patch‐clamp. Both cryopreserved and senescent amniocytes cultured in BIO‐AMF‐2 medium featured high percentages of pluripotency cell surface antigens SSEA‐1, SSEA‐4, TRA1‐60, TRA1‐81 (assessed by flow cytometry) and expression of pluripotency markers Oct4 (Pou5f1) and Nanog (by qRT‐PCR). We demonstrated in senescent vs cryopreserved amniocytes decreases in mesenchymal stem cell surface markers. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase stained only senescent amniocytes, and they showed no deoxyuridine incorporation. The gene expression profile revealed a secretory phenotype of senescent amniocytes (increased interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐8, transforming growth factor β, nuclear factor κB p65 expression), increases for cell cycle‐regulating genes (p16INK4A), cytoskeletal elements (β‐actin); HMGB1, c‐Myc, Bcl‐2 showed reduced changes and p21, MDM2 decreased. Via patch‐clamp we identified five ion current components: outward rectifier K+ current, an inactivatable component, big conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels (BK) current fluctuations, Na+ current, and inward rectifier K+ current. Iberiotoxin 100 nmol/L blocked 71% of BK fluctuations, and lidocaine 200 μmol/L exerted use‐dependent Na+ current block. Transient receptor potential (TRP)M7‐like current density at −120 mV was significantly increased in senescent amniocytes. The proinflammatory profile acquired by senescent amniocytes in vitro may prevent their use in clinical therapies for immunosuppression, antiapoptotic and healing effects.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and sarcopenia in a lean elderly adult with type 2 diabetes: A case report
Authors: Yasuda Megumi , Iizuka Katsumi , Kato Takehiro , Liu Yanyan , Takao Ken , Nonomura Kenta , Mizuno Masami , Yabe Daisuke
Published: September 2019

A 70‐year‐old woman with type 2 diabetes was admitted to Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan, because of ketosis. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 49 years and started insulin therapy at age 57 years, which restored glycemic control. Insulin therapy was discontinued and oral antidiabetes drugs, including sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin, were initiated at age 69 years. Thereafter, her bodyweight declined from 40.0 kg to 29.8 kg in 12 months; glycated hemoglobin remained >8.0%. On admission to our hospital, her laboratory tests and computed tomography scan showed ketosis, insulinopenia, and the presence of dehydration and bacterial pneumonia. She also lost substantial bodyweight and developed sarcopenia. The current case shows the importance of patient assessment before sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor initiation in the elderly.
Ixekizumab sustains high level of efficacy and favourable safety profile over 4 years in patients with moderate psoriasis: results from UNCOVER‐3 study
Authors: Lebwohl M.G. , Gordon K.B. , Gallo G. , Zhang L. , Paul C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Psoriasis, a chronic disease usually requires long‐term disease management.

Objective

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of recommended ixekizumab (IXE) dose over 4 years (204 weeks) from UNCOVER‐3 study.

Methods

UNCOVER‐3 was a randomised, double‐blind, multicenter, phase 3 study wherein patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis received placebo, IXE 80 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), IXE 80 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) (both IXE groups had 160 mg starting dose) or etanercept 50 mg twice weekly. At week 12, all patients switched to IXE Q4W dose for the long‐term extension (264 weeks). After week 60 and at investigator's discretion, patients could receive dose adjustment to IXE Q2W. The efficacy endpoints at week 204 were percentage of patients achieving PASI 75/90/100, sPGA score of 1 or 0, and those achieving PSSI = 0, NAPSI = 0 and PPASI 100. Efficacy data were summarised through 204 weeks using as‐observed, multiple imputation (MI) and modified non‐responder imputation (mNRI) methods.

Results

The proportion of patients achieving PASI 75/90/100 at week 204 using mNRI method were 82.8%, 66.4% and 48.3%, respectively. Using as‐observed and MI methods, 98.2% and 94.8% patients achieved PASI 75, 87.8% and 73.3% achieved PASI 90, and 67.1% and 52.7% achieved PASI 100 response, respectively, at week 204. The response rates for sPGA (0, 1) were 88.7%, 76.2% and 68.5% and for sPGA (0) were 68.9%, 54.6% and 49.7% using as‐observed, MI and mNRI methods, respectively. Similar trends were observed with NAPSI = 0, PSSI = 0, PPASI 100 and itch NRS = 0. There were no new safety concerns through year 4.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated sustained high‐efficacy response through 4 years of continuous treatment with ixekizumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. The safety profile remained consistent with prior findings, with no new or unexpected safety concerns.
The Prevention of Infections in Older Adults: Oral Health
Authors: Coll Patrick P. , Lindsay Adam , Meng Joyce , Gopalakrishna Aadarsh , Raghavendra Sree , Bysani Pooja , O'Brien Daniel
Published: September 2019

The oral cavity is exposed to the external environment and from a very young age is colonized by infectious agents. Under certain circumstances including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, trauma, and the use of antibiotics, oral infections can occur. They can result in damage to the oral cavity including teeth and their support structures. Oral infections can also lead to the extension of infection into surrounding tissues and to systemic infections. Chronic oral infection is a recognized risk factor for heart disease. Older adults are at high risk for oral infections and associated complications. Tooth loss, for which infection is the most significant cause, leads to cosmetic changes and a decreased ability to masticate certain foods that can lead to malnutrition. Chronic oral infections and the manipulation of teeth and supporting structures can lead to the hematogenous spread of infection including the infection of artificial joints and endocardial implants. Good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, regular dental care, and the appropriate use of antibiotics can all reduce oral infections and their associated complications. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:411–416, 2020
Influence of a light‐activated glaze on the adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis to the surface of polymers used in fabrication of interim prostheses
Authors: dos Santos Daniela Micheline , Commar Betina Chiarelo , da Silva Emily Vivianne Freitas , Barão Valentim Adelino Ricardo , Matos Adaias Oliveira , Goiato Marcelo Coelho
Published: September 2019

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis to the surface of interim prostheses that were treated or not treated with a light‐activated glaze, and subjected or not subjected to a thermocycling procedure.

Methods

36 specimens of each resin were divided into 4 groups: heat‐activated acrylic resin; chemically‐activated acrylic resin; bis‐acryl composite resin (Protemp; 3M ESPE); and bis‐GMA (Charisma; Heraeus Kulzer). Half of the specimens underwent application of glaze and the other half underwent mechanical polishing. Specimens were randomly distributed into groups (N = 9) with and without thermocycling (2000 cycles). Surface energy, roughness and microbiological analyses were performed.

Results

Groups treated with glaze showed lower roughness when compared with the same groups without glaze treatment, before and after thermocycling, except for the bis‐acryl groups after thermocycling. Surface energy values were higher in the groups treated with glaze, except the bis‐acryl group before and after thermocycling. After thermocycling, the values of bacterial adhesion decreased numerically, with the exception of the chemically‐activated acrylic resin group treated with glaze and the heat‐activated acrylic resin group without glaze treatment.

Conclusion

The application of glaze and the thermocycling do not influence, in a statistically significant manner, the bacterial adhesion on polymer surfaces.
Psychotropic medication use in adults with intellectual disability in Queensland, Australia, from 1999 to 2015: a cohort study
Authors: Song M. , Ware R. , Doan T. N. , Harley D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Longitudinal data on medication use in adults with intellectual disability (ID) are scarce. We describe the longitudinal use of and factors associated with psychotropic medication prescribing in adults with ID living in the Australian community.

Methods

Longitudinal data were obtained from adults with ID in the community in Queensland, Australia, between 1999 and 2015. Participant characteristics and medication use information were extracted from baseline questionnaires and health check booklets. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between participant characteristics and psychotropic medication use, commencement or cessation.

Results

Longitudinal data were available for 138 participants on 697 reviews. The proportion of participants prescribed psychotropic medications increased from 43% to 54% between 1999 and 2015. The rates of commencement and cessation of psychotropic medications between consecutive time periods ranged from 9% to 18% and 7% to 15%, respectively. Challenging behaviour was associated with psychotropic medication use (adjusted odds ratio = 4.1; 95% confidence interval: 2.1–7.9). Presence of challenging behaviour, either consistent or newly identified, was positively associated with ongoing use or commencement of psychotropic medications.

Conclusions

Psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed to adults with ID. Challenging behaviour is positively associated with ongoing use and commencement.
Successful treatment of plantar warts using topical Zijinding, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation: A case series
Authors: Zhao Ying , Sridhar Siddharth , Guo Lina , Lau Susanna K. P. , Xu Yingchun , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Plantar warts are associated with high transmissibility and morbidity. Among the available therapeutic options, none is uniformly effective or virucidal. Salicylic acid is the first‐line therapy but approximately one‐third of lesions could not resolve and become recalcitrant despite repeated treatment. Cryotherapy is widely accessible with low cost but may be complicated by pain, blister formation, hemorrhage, infection, excessive granulation tissue formation, and hyper‐/hypo‐pigmentation. Hence, alternative treatment modalities are essential.

Methods

Three patients with debilitating plantar warts refractory or intolerant to cryotherapy were treated with a course of Zijinding (a traditional Chinese medicine preparation) paste prepared with white vinegar.

Results

All three patients showed excellent clinical response with Zijinding application with evolution of lesions to scabs and subsequently healthy skin within 1.5 to 5 months of treatment. Treatment was well tolerated and had no significant side effects with excellent compliance recorded for all three patients. There was no relapse for at least 10 months after stopping the treatment.

Conclusion

Topical Zijinding could be a promising alternative modality for the treatment of plantar warts. Further clinical trials on the comparison of Zijinding and other treatment modalities of plantar warts are warranted. Further studies are required to investigate the mechanism of action of Zijinding and to isolate the active ingredient.
IL‐6 induces haptoglobin expression through activating STAT3 in human head and neck cancer
Authors: Li Szu‐Chin , Lee Ching‐Chih , Hsu Chin‐Mu , Huang Hsien‐Bin , Su Yu‐Chieh
Published: September 2019

Objective

Haptoglobin (Hp) is an acute‐phase protein secreted by the liver; its concentration increases rapidly during infection, inflammation, and tumor formation. It has been reported that the level of Hp α alleles is altered in the serum of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the cellular level of Hp is strongly associated with the recurrence rate of HNSCC in patients. In the present study, the regulated mechanism of Hp expression was explored.

Materials and Methods

We first identified the genetic polymorphism of Hp by PCR. The expression of Hp isoforms was determined through Western Blotting analysis. With the JAK specific inhibitors, the clear regulation mechanism was explored.

Results

We observed that Hp exhibited variant polymorphisms in different cells. We found that interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) induced the expressions of Hp α2 in FaDu cells, and Hp α1 in SCC4 cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylated level of STAT3 was elevated with IL‐6 treatment. Janus‐associated kinase 2 (JAK‐2) inhibitor, WP1066, reduced the phosphorylation of STAT3 after IL‐6 induction, leading to the downregulation of Hp expression.

Conclusions

The expression of Hp was increased via IL‐6 induction through the activation of the transcription factor STAT3 in HNSCC cells.
Biocontrol of Ascochyta blight by Azospirillum sp. depending on the degree of resistance of chickpea genotypes
Authors: Parmasi Zahra , Tahmasebi Zahra , Zare Mohammad Javad , Nourollahi Khoshnood , Kanouni Homayoun
Published: September 2019

Throughout arable land that was devoted to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. (Family: Leguminosae) production, Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) L. (Order: Sphaeriales; Family: Mycosphaerellaceae) is a widespread disease that would lead to significant loss of chickpea yield. This study's purpose was to explain the responses of a resistant chickpea cultivar (ICC 12004) and a susceptible cultivar (Bivanij) in terms of disease resistance, disease symptoms appearance and expression pattern of two defence‐related genes (DEF0442 and Snakin2) after the Azospirillum brasilense seeds inoculation. In this research, the Snakin2 gene expression was affected by Azospirillum inoculation. The gene expression has been enhanced in plants inoculated with Azospirillum in both cultivars in comparison with non‐inoculated plants, but this change in ICC 12004 and Bivanij were significant and non‐significant, respectively. Although, Azospirillum would up regulate the DEF0422 gene expression in ICC 12004, but it would down regulate the expression of this gene in Bivanij. A. brasilense inoculation decreased the A. rabiei disease severity, regardless of the chickpea cultivar. Bivanij still could be classified as susceptible, even if treated with A. brasilense.
Drivers of subtropical forest dynamics: The role of functional traits, forest structure and soil variables
Authors: Bordin Kauane M. , Müller Sandra C.
Published: September 2019

Question

How do biotic forest conditions, in terms of plant functional traits and tree basal area, and soil variables influence old‐growth forest dynamics?

Location

A subtropical old‐growth forest in Southern Brazil.

Methods

Forest inventories were conducted in 1999 and 2017, in 24 permanent plots of 500 m2. All trees with a circumference at breast height of ≥ 30 cm were measured, identified to the species level, and tagged. We fitted linear models to evaluate the effect of the biotic variables of initial forest communities (tree basal area, trait community‐weighted mean [CWM] and both species and functional diversity metrics) and of soil variables on forest dynamics. These models included biomass dynamics (annual rate of biomass increment and mortality) and demographic rates (recruitment and mortality rates). Furthermore, linear models were used to evaluate the effect of tree survival, recruitment and mortality and biomass increment on the net biomass change.

Results

We observed a positive effect of species diversity and a negative effect of CWM leaf phosphorus content on the biomass increment. Biomass loss was positively related to basal area and negatively related to the CWM of leaf nitrogen content. Overall, net biomass change was negatively influenced by biomass loss due to mortality. Recruitment rates were negatively affected by soil potassium content and were positively affected by soil pH and functional evenness of the community. Mortality rates were positively predicted by soil clay content and negatively predicted by species diversity.

Conclusions

Community functional traits, basal area and soil variables predicted growth, mortality and recruitment dynamics of this subtropical old‐growth forest. This work provides important information about the biomass and demographic dynamics of subtropical forests, showing that initial community characteristics influence the gain and loss of biomass and individuals over a period of almost two decades.
Association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in healthy adults
Authors: Roh Jae‐Hyung , Lee Jae‐Hwan , Lee Hanbyul , Yoon Yong‐Hoon , Kim Minsu , Kim Yong‐Giun , Park Gyung‐Min , Park Jae‐Hyeong , Seong In‐Whan
Published: September 2019

Background & Aims

Previous studies demonstrated conflicting results regarding the association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The statistical power was not sufficient because of modest sample sizes of these studies. We analysed a large population‐based cohort to evaluate the association between NAFLD and AF.

Methods

We evaluated 334 280 healthy individuals without comorbidities who underwent National Health check‐ups in South Korea from 2009 to 2014. NAFLD was defined by a surrogate marker, the fatty liver index (FLI). The association between FLI and AF incidence was analysed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 5.3 years, 1415 subjects (0.4%) were newly diagnosed with AF. Subjects were categorized into quartile groups according to FLI (range: Q1, 0‐4.9; Q2, 5.0‐12.5; Q3, 12.6‐31.0; Q4, >31.0). The cumulative incidence of AF was significantly higher in subjects with higher FLIs than in those with lower FLIs (Q1, 167 [0.2%]; Q2, 281 [0.3%]; Q3, 470 [0.6%]; Q4, 497 [0.6%]; P < .001). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) indicated that a higher FLI was independently associated with an increased risk for AF (HR between Q4 and Q1, 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11‐1.63; P = .002). After further adjustment for the interim events (diabetes, hypertension, heart failure and myocardial infarction), this association remained statistically significant (HR between Q4 and Q1, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.03; P = .001).

Conclusions

NAFLD, assessed by FLI, was independently associated with increased risk for AF in healthy Korean population. Moreover, NAFLD itself predisposes to AF independently of the interim events.
An evaluation of nebulised amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone®) for treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in the UK National Aspergillosis Centre
Authors: Otu Akaninyene A. , Langridge Philip , Denning David W.
Published: September 2019

Antifungal treatment options for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) are largely limited to itraconazole based on the outcome of randomised controlled trials. It is unclear if nebulised amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone®) is a viable therapeutic option. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of nebulised Fungizone® in the long‐term treatment of various forms of pulmonary aspergillosis. We assessed the records of 177 patients with various forms of pulmonary aspergillosis attending the National Aspergillosis Centre in Manchester who had received Fungizone®. Patients first received a challenge test with nebulised Fungizone® in hospital with spirometry pre/post‐Fungizone® and nebulised salbutamol given pre‐Fungizone®. Tolerability and changes in Aspergillus IgE, Aspergillus IgG and total IgE were evaluated. Sixty‐six per cent (117/177) were able to tolerate the test dose of Fungizone® and in all cases, the reason for discontinuation of the first test dose was worsening breathlessness. Twenty six (21%) stopped therapy within 4‐6 weeks, and the commonest reason cited for discontinuation of therapy was increased breathlessness, hoarseness and cough. Eighteen (10.2%) patients continued the Fungizone® for >3 months of which 5 (27.8%) recorded an improvement in total IgE, Aspergillus‐specific IgE and Aspergillus IgG. Eleven had ABPA, four had SAFS, two had Aspergillus bronchitis and one had Aspergillus sensitisation with cavitating nodules. Among these 18 patients, sputum fungal culture results went from positive to negative in five patients, became positive in one patient, remained positive in three patients, and remained negative in seven patients. Nebulised Fungizone® appears to be a poorly tolerated treatment for pulmonary Aspergillosis with high dropout rates. There appears to be both clinical and serological benefits following sustained treatment with nebulised Fungizone® in some patients.
Arginine methylation is required for remodelling pre‐mRNA splicing and induction of autophagy in rice blast fungus
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Wu Liye , Wu Hang , Zhang Xixi , Mei Jie , Zhou Xueping , Wang Guo‐Liang , Liu Wende
Published: September 2019

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) regulate many physiological processes, including autophagy. However, the direct roles of the various PRMTs during autophagosome formation remain unclear. Here, we characterised the function of MoHMT1 in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae.

Knockout of MoHMT1 results in inhibited growth and a decreased ability to cause disease lesions on rice seedlings. MoHMT1 catalyses the di‐methylation of arginine 247, 251, 261 and 271 residues of MoSNP1, a U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) component, likely in a manner dependent on direct interaction. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that alternative splicing of pre‐mRNAs of 558 genes, including the autophagy‐related (ATG) gene MoATG4, was altered in MoHMT1 deletion mutants, compared with wild‐type strains under normal growth conditions.

During light exposure or nitrogen starvation, MoHMT1 localises to autophagosomes and MoHMT1 mutants display defects in autophagy induction. Under nitrogen starvation, six additional MoATG genes were identified with retained introns in their mRNA transcripts, corresponding with a significant reduction in transcripts of intron‐spliced isoforms in the MoHMT1 mutant strain.

Our study shows that arginine methylation plays an essential role in accurate pre‐mRNA splicing necessary for a range of developmental processes, including autophagosome formation.
Are stomata in ferns and allies sluggish? Stomatal responses to CO2, humidity and light and their scaling with size and density
Authors: Kübarsepp Liisa , Laanisto Lauri , Niinemets Ülo , Talts Eero , Tosens Tiina
Published: September 2019

Fast stomatal reactions enable plants to successfully cope with a constantly changing environment yet there is an ongoing debate on the stomatal regulation mechanisms in basal plant groups.

We measured stomatal morphological parameters in 29 fern and allied species from temperate to tropical biomes and two outgroup angiosperm species. Stomatal dynamic responses to environmental drivers were measured in 16 ferns and the two angiosperms using a gas‐exchange system. Principal components analyses were used to further reveal the structure–function relationships in stomata.

We show a > 10‐fold variation for stomatal opening delays and 20‐fold variation for stomatal closing delays in ferns. Across species, stomatal responses to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were the fastest, while light and [CO2] responses were slower. In most cases the outgroup species’ reaction speeds to changes in environmental variables were similar to those of ferns.

Correlations between stomatal response rate and size were apparent for stomatal opening in light and low [CO2] while not evident for closing reactions and changes in VPD. No correlations between stomatal density and response speed were observed. Together, this study demonstrates different mechanisms controlling stomatal reactions in ferns at different environmental stimuli, which should be considered in future studies relating stomatal morphology and function.
Rethinking country effects: robotics, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK
Authors: Lloyd Caroline , Payne Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Current debates around robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are dominated by concerns over the threat to employment, amid widely varying estimates of potential job losses. Countries are expected to fare differently, but there is little comparative research that goes beyond analysing industry and occupational structures. This article rethinks ‘country effects’ by exploring the role of institutions and social actors in shaping technological change in Norway and the UK. Drawing upon interviews with technology experts, employer associations and trade unions, it examines their perspectives on public policy support for the development and diffusion of robotics and AI, along with potential consequences for employment, work and skills. The research indicates significant country differences and the continued relevance of institutions, interests and power in analysing country effects.
Complicating nursing's views on religion and politics in healthcare
Authors: Reimer‐Kirkham Sheryl
Published: September 2019

Nursing, with its socially embedded theory and practice, inevitably operates in the realm of power and politics. One of these political sites is that of religion, which to varying degrees continues to shape beliefs about health and illness, the delivery of healthcare services and the nurse–patient encounter. In this paper, I attempt to complicate nursing's views on religion and politics in healthcare, with the intent of thinking critically and philosophically about questions that arise at the intersection of religion, politics and nursing/healthcare. These questions include the following:What is the domain of religion and politics? How (non)religious are the contemporary societies in which nurses practice? What are the variations and implications of secularism? How is religion entangled with other intersecting social relations of power? How does a political reading of religion and politics matter to the concerns of nursing?
Genome sequencing of the Australian wild diploid species Gossypium australe highlights disease resistance and delayed gland morphogenesis
Authors: Cai Yingfan , Cai Xiaoyan , Wang Qinglian , Wang Ping , Zhang Yu , Cai Chaowei , Xu Yanchao , Wang Kunbo , Zhou Zhongli , Wang Chenxiao , Geng Shuaipeng , Li Bo , Dong Qi , Hou Yuqing , Wang Heng , Ai Peng , Liu Zhen , Yi Feifei , Sun Minshan , An Guoyong , Cheng Jieru , Zhang Yuanyuan , Shi Qian , Xie Yuanhui , Shi Xinying , Chang Ying , Huang Feifei , Chen Yun , Hong Shimiao , Mi Lingyu , Sun Quan , Zhang Lin , Zhou Baoliang , Peng Renhai , Zhang Xiao , Liu Fang
Published: September 2019

The diploid wild cotton species Gossypium australe possesses excellent traits including resistance to disease and delayed gland morphogenesis, and has been successfully used for distant breeding programmes to incorporate disease resistance traits into domesticated cotton. Here, we sequenced the G. australe genome by integrating PacBio, Illumina short read, BioNano (DLS) and Hi‐C technologies, and acquired a high‐quality reference genome with a contig N50 of 1.83 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 143.60 Mb. We found that 73.5% of the G. australe genome is composed of various repeat sequences, differing from those of G. arboreum (85.39%), G. hirsutum (69.86%) and G. barbadense (69.83%). The G. australe genome showed closer collinear relationships with the genome of G. arboreum than G. raimondii and has undergone less extensive genome reorganization than the G. arboreum genome. Selection signature and transcriptomics analyses implicated multiple genes in disease resistance responses, including GauCCD7 and GauCBP1, and experiments revealed induction of both genes by Verticillium dahliae and by the plant hormones strigolactone (GR24), salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Experiments using a Verticillium‐resistant domesticated G. barbadense cultivar confirmed that knockdown of the homologues of these genes caused a significant reduction in resistance against Verticillium dahliae. Moreover, knockdown of a newly identified gland‐associated gene GauGRAS1 caused a glandless phenotype in partial tissues using G. australe. The G. australe genome represents a valuable resource for cotton research and distant relative breeding as well as for understanding the evolutionary history of crop genomes.
Endophytic Beauveria bassiana activates expression of defence genes in grapevine and prevents infections by grapevine downy mildew Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Rondot Y. , Reineke A.
Published: September 2019

Fungal entomopathogens like Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) are known as antagonists of insects with multiple functional and ecological roles, and have attracted increased attention as biocontrol agents in integrated pest management programmes. For some crop plants, it has been proven that endophytic B. bassiana, besides its entomopathogenic habit, can provide protection against plant pathogens or limit their damaging effects. However, for grapevine, limited knowledge is available on the influence of endophytic B. bassiana on fungal pathogens and about the mechanisms underlying putative protection effects. This study assessed the protective potential of endophytic B. bassiana against grapevine downy mildew Plasmopara viticola in greenhouse experiments. Three and seven days after a B. bassiana treatment, potted grapevine plants were inoculated with P. viticola and the evolving disease severity was assessed. Disease severity was significantly reduced in B. bassiana‐treated plants compared to control plants, depending on the age of leaves. Furthermore, a microarray and an RT‐qPCR analysis were performed to work out fundamental aspects of genes involved in the interaction between grapevine and B. bassiana. The results indicate an up‐regulation of diverse defence‐related genes in grapevine as a response to endophytic establishment of B. bassiana. Thus, endophytic establishment of an entomopathogenic fungus such as B. bassiana in grapevine plants would represent an alternative and sustainable plant protection strategy, with the potential for reducing pesticide applications in viticulture.