bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association study for plasma very low‐density lipoprotein concentration in chicken
Authors: Zhang Hui , Shen Linyong , Li Yumao , Xu Zichun , Zhang Xinyang , Yu Jiaqiang , Cao Zhiping , Luan Peng
Published: May 2019

The plasma very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentration is an effective blood biochemical indicator that could be used to select lean chicken lines. In the current study, we used Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) method to detect SNPs with significant effects on plasma VLDL concentration. As a result, 38 SNPs significantly associated with plasma VLDL concentration were identified using at least one of the three mixed linear model (MLM) packages, including GRAMMAR, EMMAX and GEMMA. Nearly, all these SNPs with significant effects on plasma VLDL concentration (except Gga_rs16160897) have significantly different allele frequencies between lean and fat lines. The 1‐Mb regions surrounding these 38 SNPs were extracted, and twelve important regions were obtained after combining the overlaps. A total of 122 genes in these twelve important regions were detected. Among these genes, LRRK2, ABCD2, TLR4, E2F1, SUGP1, NCAN, KLF2 and RAB8A were identified as important genes for plasma VLDL concentration based on their basic functions. The results of this study may supply useful information to select lean chicken lines.
Where ichthyofaunal provinces meet: the fish fauna of the Lake Edward system, East Africa
Authors: Decru Eva , Vranken Nathan , Bragança Pedro H. N. , Snoeks Jos , Van Steenberge Maarten
Published: May 2019

Based on literature, museum collections and three recent expeditions, an annotated species list of the Lake Edward, East Africa, drainage system is presented, excluding the endemic haplochromines. A total of 34 non‐Haplochromisspecies belonging to 10 families and 21 genera are recorded from the system. Three of these are endemic and two others have been introduced in the region. Six species are new records for the Lake Edward system. A species accumulation curve indicates that we probably covered most of the non‐Haplochromisspecies in the area sampled during the recent expeditions, but undetected species might still be present in the Congolese part of the system, which is poorly sampled. A comparison of the species list with those of neighbouring basins confirmed the placement of the Lake Edward system within the east‐coast ichthyofaunal province.
Enteromius pinnimaculatus sp. nov. (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from southern Gabon
Authors: Mipounga Hans Kevin , Cutler Joseph , Mve Beh Jean Hervé , Adam Benjamin , Sidlauskas Brian L.
Published: May 2019

We present and describe a new species of Enteromius, adding to the 16 species of Enteromius currently recorded from Gabon, West Africa. This new species is distinguished from all other Gabonese Enteromius by the presence of several distinct spots on the dorsal fin in combination with three or four round spots on the flanks. In Africa, it is superficially similar to Enteromius walkeri and with which it shares an unusual allometry in that the proportional length of the barbels decreases as the fish grows. Nevertheless, one can distinguish these species by vertebral number, maximum standard length, the length of the anterior barbels, the length of the caudal peduncle and in most specimens, the number of lateral‐line and circumpeduncular scales. These two species also inhabit widely separated drainages, with E. walkeri occurring in coastal drainages of Ghana including the Pra and Ankobra Rivers and the new species occurring in tributaries of the Louetsi and Bibaka Rivers of Gabon, which are part of the Ogowe and Nyanga drainages, respectively. Despite extensive collections in those drainages the new species is known from only two localities, suggesting the importance of conservation of its known habitat.
The hidden companion of non‐native fishes in north‐east Atlantic waters
Authors: Rodríguez Helena , Bañón Rafael , Ramilo Andrea
Published: May 2019

A tropicalization phenomenon of ichthyofauna has been described in the last decades in Galicia (north‐eastern Atlantic), with increasing reports of tropical and subtropical fishes appearing northward this distribution range. A search for parasites was carried out in the digestive tract of two specimens first captured in Galician waters: the prickly pufferEphippion guttifer(Tetraodontidae) and the African stripped gruntParapristipoma octolineatum(Haemulidae). Examination ofE. guttifershowed high intensity of nematodes, from three different genera:Cucullanus(Cucullanidae),Hysterothylacium(Raphidascaridae) andAnisakis(Anisakidae), with demonstrated pathogenicity to humans. Molecular identification allowed the identification ofAnisakis pegreffii, already described in the area, and first reports for European waters ofCucullanus dodsworthi,Hysterothylacium reliquensand a newHysterothylaciumsp. P. octolineatumshowed a far lower level of parasitization, with twoHysterothylaciumlarvae, genetically identified asHysterothylacium deardorffoverstreetorum, also its first report in the eastern Atlantic. Thus, possible ecological impact of the occurrence of two non‐native individual fishes in a new area could be remarkably higher if we see this issue through the lens of the parasitological perspective, as far as only two individual fish can harbour more of one hundred nematode parasites belonging to different species, most of them also new species for that area.
Overlap in disease concept of functional esophageal disorders and minor esophageal motility disorders
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Takahashi Kazuya , Mizuno Ken‐ichi , Hashimoto Satoru , Kawata Yuzo , Mizusawa Takeshi , Tominaga Kentaro , Yokoyama Junji , Terai Shuji
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are the most common disorders in gastroenterology and are currently considered as gut–brain interaction disorders with multiple related factors including motility disturbance. However, high‐resolution manometry (HRM) had revealed a new disease concept known as minor esophageal motility disorders. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between functional esophageal disorders (FEDs) and minor esophageal motility disorders.

Methods

Functional esophageal disorders were diagnosed using upper endoscopy, pH monitoring, and HRM, to exclude achalasia, esophago‐gastric junction outflow obstruction, and other major esophageal motility disorders. FEDs with or without minor esophageal motility disorders were compared using the Chicago classification.

Results

Twelve healthy volunteers also subjected to HRM showed no minor esophageal motility disorders. Of the 40 patients with FEDs, 15 (37.5%) were diagnosed with minor esophageal motility disorders. Characteristics were not different between patients with and without minor esophageal motility disorders (sex: P = 0.609, age: P = 0.054, body mass index: P = 0.137, and presence of psychiatric disorders: P = 0.404). The type and location of symptoms were not related to the comorbidity rate of minor esophageal motility disorders (P = 0.744 and 0.094). No patients with FEDs developed major esophageal motility disorders.

Conclusions

Minor esophageal motility disorders were frequently observed in FEDs, but the causal relationship between esophageal symptoms remains unclear. The disease concepts of FEDs and minor esophageal motility disorders are considered to overlap and are both independent of major esophageal motility disorders.
Lessons Learned from Arti—Collaborating to Improve Care: the Past, Present, and Future of the Cancer and Aging Research Group
Authors: Dale William , Mohile Supriya G.
Published: May 2019

Dr Arti Hurria, who died tragically in November 2018, was a driving force in the growing field of geriatric oncology. She led the field through her commitment to her goals, collaboration with her colleagues, and the creation of the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG). As two of her closest colleagues, we are carrying her work forward with our colleagues through an infrastructure grant we led with Arti from the National Institute on Aging (R21/33; CARinG). This grant will provide a national structure for continuing to build the field through research, mentorship, and dissemination. We miss our friend dearly but are committed to carrying her legacy forward through CARG. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:879–883, 2019.
Getting by with a little help from my friends: siblings report on the amount of informal support received by adults with disabilities
Authors: Sanderson K. A. , Burke M. M. , Urbano R. C. , Arnold C. K. , Hodapp R. M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Given decreased formal supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in many industrialised countries, we need to know more about informal, or natural, supports.

Method

Adult siblings (N = 632) responded to a web‐based survey about the informal supports received by their brothers/sisters with IDDs.

Results

Informal support was organised by the life domains of recreation, employment and housing. Adults with IDDs received the most extensive informal support in recreation and the least extensive in housing; low levels characterised all domains. Individuals with greater numbers of supporters in a domain experienced higher levels of support, as did those residing with family and who received more state‐supported, formal benefits.

Conclusions

Unpaid, informal supports supplement the support needs of adults with IDDs. Connections between formal and informal supports for adults with IDDs need to be examined further.
Synergic effect of plasma exeresis and non–cross‐linked low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve neck skin laxities
Authors: Paganelli Alessia , Mandel Victor Desmond , Pellacani Giovanni , Rossi Elena
Published: May 2019

Background

Many therapeutic options are today available for neck aging, but little evidence exists about the efficacy of combining such procedures. Nonsurgical treatment of neck laxities and wrinkles is often preferred by patients, and combined strategies are nowadays emerging as the standard of care. Both plasma exeresis and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection are two emerging techniques in this setting.

Aims

To investigate the synergic effect of plasma exeresis and non–cross‐linked HA injection, in stabilized hybrid complex of low and high molecular weight, in terms of both tolerability (assessed using VAS scale of pain) and improvement of neck skin laxities, according to the GAIS score assigned by patients and clinicians.

Patients/Methods

Ten consecutive patients with signs of neck skin laxities (≥ type 3 according to the Glogau wrinkle scale) aged between 35 and 65 years were enrolled in our study. Two treatment sessions were performed. During the first session, both plasma exeresis and HA injection were performed. Patients were re‐evauated after 30 days, and HA injection in the wrinkles of the neck was repeated. After 30 days from the second treatment session, a follow‐up visit was performed to assess global efficacy of the two‐step combined treatment and to monitor eventual long‐term side effects.

Results

A GAIS score of 1 or 2 was present in 90% of the treated cases, according to both patients and clinicians. Mean VAS value for pain was 2.4/10. Minor side effects such as erythema and/or edema were transient and completely resolved. No major adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

We strongly encourage the combined treatment with plasma exeresis and non–cross‐linked HA injection for its promising remodeling effects in the field of neck rejuvenation.
CT Angiography in Occlusion Assessment of Intracranial Aneurysms Treated with the WEB Device
Authors: Ozpeynirci Yigit , Braun Michael , Schmitz Bernd
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Capabilities of CTA for evaluation of intracranial aneurysms treated with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) system has not been thoroughly studied yet. Our aim is to compare the ability of CTA to that of DSA to depict the occlusion status of aneurysms treated with WEB device and present the level of reproducibility of results from CTA.

METHODS

Patients with intracranial aneurysm treated only with the WEB device and having a CTA and a DSA during the same hospital stay were included. Aneurysm occlusion was evaluated by two methods: a simplified binomial system grading as either adequate occlusion (complete occlusion or neck remnant) or aneurysm remnant and a four‐grade scale. Interobserver and intermodality agreement were determined using the κ statistic. Using DSA as a reference test, the diagnostic capabilities of CTA were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients with 16 aneurysms were included. Interobserver agreement was fair for DSA (κ = .26) and good for CTA (κ = .78) using the four‐grade scale, and moderate for DSA (κ = .44) and good for CTA (κ = .63) using the binomial scale. CTA and DSA were in agreement in 15 of 16 aneurysms (93.75%) using the binomial scale meaning good intermodality agreement for aneurysm remnant detection (κ = .63). Sensitivity of CTA for detection of an aneurysm remnant was 50%, specificity was 100%, positive prediction value was 100%, and negative prediction value was 93.33%.

CONCLUSION

CTA is a reliable and reproducible method to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion status and could be implemented on the follow‐up of aneurysms treated with WEB.
House prices and school choice: Evidence from Chicago's magnet schools’ proximity lottery
Authors: Bonilla‐Mejía Leonardo , Lopez Esteban , McMillen Daniel
Published: May 2019

Studies of open school policies predict house prices to rise in areas that gain access to high‐quality schools. However, excess demand may limit access to high‐quality schools. We take advantage of changes in Chicago's schools’ admissions policies to test whether a higher probability of admission to magnet schools for students living within 1.5 miles leads to higher house prices. Results indicate that the 1997 and 2009 reforms increased house prices for homes within the 1.5 mile radius by about 4% and 12.6%, respectively. The higher probability of admission for black students after a consent decree was vacated in 2009 led to a significant increase in prices in predominantly African‐American areas on the south side.
Direct democracy and intergenerational conflicts in ageing societies
Authors: Ahlfeldt Gabriel M. , Maennig Wolfgang , Steenbeck Malte
Published: May 2019

To evaluate the potential effects of population ageing on the outcomes of direct democracy, we analyze the effect of age on voting decisions in public referendums. In a case study of the Stuttgart 21 referendum on one of the largest infrastructure projects in Germany, we find that support for the project decreased significantly in age. A quantitative review of the relevant literature affirms that similar lifecycle patterns appear to be the norm in referendums on projects that require initial expenditures and pay off in the long run. Population ageing, thus, presents a potential threat to investment‐like reform projects.
Mixed duopoly: Differential game approach
Authors: Futagami Koichi , Matsumura Toshihiro , Takao Kizuku
Published: May 2019

This study formulates a dynamic mixed oligopoly model, in which a state‐owned public firm competes against a private firm over multiple periods. We adopt a differential game formulated by Fershtman and Kamien [Econometrica 55 (1987), pp. 1151–1164] and investigate how the dynamic competition affects the optimal privatization policy. We characterize the open‐loop Nash equilibrium (OLNE) and Markov‐perfect Nash equilibrium (MPNE). We show that in the MPNE, an increase in the degree of privatization has a nonmonotonic effect on the price, increasing it in a wide range of parameter spaces, which is in sharp contrast to the result in the OLNE or static analyses. We also find that the optimal degree of privatization is higher in the MPNE than that in the OLNE and static equilibrium. These results suggest that intertemporal strategic behavior changes the optimal privatization policy.
In-vitro and in situ assessment of the efflux of five antidepressants by breast cancer resistance protein
Authors: Feng Suqin , Zheng Liang , Tang Shiwei , Gu Juan , Jiang Xuehua , Wang Ling
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Antidepressants need to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to exert their functions in the central nervous system. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), an efflux transporter abundantly expressed in the BBB, prevents the accumulation of many drugs in the brain. This study aimed to identify whether five commonly used antidepressants (sertraline, duloxetine, fluoxetine, amitriptyline and mirtazapine) are BCRP substrates.

Methods

A combination of bidirectional transport and intracellular accumulation experiments was conducted on BCRP-overexpressing MDCKII and wild-type (WT) cells, and in situ brain perfusion was conducted in rats.

Key findings

The bidirectional transport study revealed that the net efflux ratio (NER) of sertraline reached 2.08 but decreased to 1.06 when co-incubated with Ko143, a selective BCRP inhibitor. Conversely, the other four antidepressants did not appear to be BCRP substrates, due to their low NER values (<1.5). The accumulation of sertraline in MDCKII-BCRP cells was significantly lower than that in MDCKII-WT cells. The presence of Ko143 significantly increased the sertraline accumulation in MDCKII-BCRP cells but not in MDCKII-WT cells. Brain perfusion showed that the permeability of 1 and 5 μm sertraline was significantly higher in the presence of Ko143.

Conclusions

Taken together, BCRP is involved in sertraline efflux.
Long‐term temporal and spatial patterns in bioeroding sponge distribution at the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: de Moraes Fernando Coreixas , Cervi Fernanda , Karez Cláudia S. , Salgado Leonardo T. , Moura Rodrigo L. , Leal Gabriella A. , Bastos Alex C. , Amado‐Filho Gilberto M.
Published: May 2019

Bioeroding sponges belong to the most dominant bioeroders, significantly contributing to the erosion of coral reefs. Some species are tolerant or even benefit from environmental conditions such as ocean warming, acidification, and eutrophication. In consequence, increases in sponge bioerosion have been observed on some coral reefs over the last decades. The Abrolhos Bank is the largest coral reef system in the South Atlantic. It has been affected by sedimentation, eutrophication, overfishing, and climate change, mainly affecting coastal reefs, and at lesser intensity outer ones as well. This study aimed to describe spatial and temporal patterns in bioeroding sponge distribution in carbonate substrates in the Abrolhos Bank. Photo‐quadrats were used to compare bioeroding sponge abundance between two shallow reefs: a coastal, Pedra de Leste (PL), and an outer reef, Parcel dos Abrolhos (PAB). Each individual was delimitated over the substrate by determining the sponge surface through a line connecting the outermost papillae. The study was conducted over 6 years in 2008–2009 and 2013–2016. Four species of bioeroding sponges were identified: Cliona carteri Ridley, 1881, C. delitrix Pang, 1973, C. cf. schmidtii Ridley, 1881, and Siphonodictyon coralliphagum Rützler, 1971. The distribution and abundance of species varied between the inner and outer reefs and across the years, and displayed certain selectivity for the calcareous substrates recorded. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) were the main substrate excavated by the most abundant bioeroding species, C. carteri, and represented 70% of the substrate types occupied by this sponge (CCA, coral overgrown by CCA and plain coral). The highest abundance of bioeroding sponges observed in photo‐quadrats was 21.3 individuals/m2 at the outer reefs (PAB) in 2014. The abundances or areal extents of bioeroding sponges were up to 10 times greater on the outer reefs than on the coastal ones, where sedimentation is higher and more strongly influenced by siliciclastic material. Moreover, a higher herbivorous fish biomass has been reported on outer reefs which could also influence the higher abundance of bioeroding sponges in outer reefs. During the study period of 6 years, an increase in bioeroding sponge abundance was observed at the outer reefs (PAB), with the sea surface temperature increase. As CCA have an important role in reefal cementation and carbonate production in the Abrolhos reefs, a bioerosion impact might be expected, in particular, on the outer reefs.
Some assembly required: tracing the interpretative work of Clinical Competency Committees
Authors: Pack Rachael , Lingard Lorelei , Watling Christopher J , Chahine Saad , Cristancho Sayra M
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This qualitative study describes the social processes of evidence interpretation employed by Clinical Competency Committees (CCCs), explicating how they interpret, grapple with and weigh assessment data.

Methods

Over 8 months, two researchers observed 10 CCC meetings across four postgraduate programmes at a Canadian medical school, spanning over 25 hours and 100 individual decisions. After each CCC meeting, a semi‐structured interview was conducted with one member. Following constructivist grounded theory methodology, data collection and inductive analysis were conducted iteratively.

Results

Members of the CCCs held an assumption that they would be presented with high‐quality assessment data that would enable them to make systematic and transparent decisions. This assumption was frequently challenged by the discovery of what we have termed ‘problematic evidence’ (evidence that CCC members struggled to meaningful interpret) within the catalogue of learner data. When CCCs were confronted with ‘problematic evidence’, they engaged in lengthy, effortful discussions aided by contextual data in order to make meaning of the evidence in question. This process of effortful discussion enabled CCCs to arrive at progression decisions that were informed by, rather than ignored, problematic evidence.

Conclusions

Small groups involved in the review of trainee assessment data should be prepared to encounter evidence that is uncertain, absent, incomplete, or otherwise difficult to interpret, and should openly discuss strategies for addressing these challenges. The answer to the problem of effortful processes of data interpretation and problematic evidence is not as simple as generating more data with strong psychometric properties. Rather, it involves grappling with the discrepancies between our interpretive frameworks and the inescapably subjective nature of assessment data and judgement.
Special topics issue: “Complexity in the microcirculation”
Authors: Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: May 2019

This Special Topics Issue of the journal “Microcirculation” presents seven manuscripts spanning multiple perspectives of investigation. The first two manuscripts present technical/analytical approaches to determining and quantifying vascular network structure, and the third presents a methodology for determining intravascular hemodynamics within the in situ microvascular network. The fourth manuscript utilizes complexity analyses to determine changes in microvascular perfusion as a predictor of disease severity, while the fifth study links the changes to perfusion complexity to tissue metabolic demand and potential limitations on mitochondrial metabolism within skeletal muscle. The sixth manuscript further addresses this critical topic, providing a state‐of‐the‐art discussion of skeletal muscle oxygen kinetics and the factors that impact this vital process. The final manuscript outlines the impact of the deletion of Robo4 on the vascular endothelium on microvascular function in white adipose tissue and the potentially beneficial effects for anti‐obesity treatment. We hope that this presentation of issues of “Complexity in the Microcirculation” will be beneficial to the reader.
St. Gregory Palamas on the Divine Simplicity
Authors: Plested Marcus
Published: May 2019

Plested focuses on the doctrine of divine simplicity according to Gregory Palamas (1296‐1357/9). He is well aware of the long tradition in the West of considering Palamas's distinction between the divine essence and the energies to do harm to the reality of divine simplicity—even if many recent books on divine simplicity ignore Palamas. Plested thinks that this is in part due to the selectivity of Western readings of Palamas's corpus. Although for Palamas the divine essence is truly (not merely conceptually) distinct from what Plested terms the divine “actualizations,” Palamas insists repeatedly that his point does not undermine absolute divine simplicity. In fact, as Plested shows, Palamas considers that the real distinction between essence and energies not only supports, but indeed flows from, the doctrine of divine simplicity properly understood. Plested admits that recent Orthodox interpreters of Palamas, such as John Meyendorff and Vladimir Lossky, tend to give little attention to divine simplicity except by way of contrast with Western accounts of the doctrine. But Plested argues that Palamas's doctrine of divine simplicity is better interpreted as in accord with the fundamental intuitions of his Latin contemporaries, even if expressed in a different metaphysical framework. Examining certain lesser‐known works of Palamas, Plested identifies a set of important interpretative keys for understanding Palamas's account of divine simplicity, including the normative role of the principles of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680‐1) and the necessity of appreciating the historical contexts in which he wrote specific works.
False‐positive Candida and Aspergillus antigen testing in recipients of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation due to administration of parenteral nutrition and fixed combinations of piperacillin‐tazobactam
Authors: Walter Wencke , Bornhäuser Martin , Stölzel Friedrich , Knoth Holger
Published: May 2019

False positivity of antigen immunoassays used as an early diagnostic tool to detect invasive fungal infections is known. Interpretation of the assay needs the identification of sources which could affect the specificity of the test. We focused on the influence of parenteral nutrition (PN) and piperacillin‐tazobactam (TZP) on fungal immunoassays. Measurable amounts of Candida antigen mannan were detected in several compounds of PN and TZP in a previous in vitro study. In the current study, 84 patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation receiving either TZP, PN or both were monitored with Aspergillus and Candida antigen assay. Six patients were analysed closer in a kinetic analysis with more frequent blood sampling to detect mannan. PN in diverse compositions as well as TZP did not increase significantly the amount of mannan and the Aspergillus antigen in serum. We could not confirm the positive results of the in vitro study. Physicians should be aware that mannan antigenemia due to drug infusion could be a transient issue and should be considered in the interpretation of fungal immunoassays, although we could not find clinically relevant effects on mannan levels.
Is There Pain in hell?
Authors: Manni Franco
Published: May 2019

I present a short summary of the traditional pagan and Christian legacy claiming that hell is above all a place of pain and the objections that have been addressed to it. Then I proceed to my main point:tracing a philosophical thread from Plato to Aristotle and then from Augustine to Aquinas, and citing a psychological experience of everyday life, I maintain that: 1) either there is no pain in hell, or 2) hell is not the worst thing that can happen to a human being. Then I present four possible objections to my thesis and attempt to counter them. In the last section I point to some practical consequences on the pastoral level that could ensue from a different doctrine on the nature of hell.
A role for the auxin precursor anthranilic acid in root gravitropism via regulation of PIN‐FORMED protein polarity and relocalisation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Doyle Siamsa M. , Rigal Adeline , Grones Peter , Karady Michal , Barange Deepak K. , Majda Mateusz , Pařízková Barbora , Karampelias Michael , Zwiewka Marta , Pěnčík Aleš , Almqvist Fredrik , Ljung Karin , Novák Ondřej , Robert Stéphanie
Published: May 2019

distribution of auxin within plant tissues is of great importance for developmental plasticity, including root gravitropic growth. Auxin flow is directed by the subcellular polar distribution and dynamic relocalisation of auxin transporters such as the PIN‐FORMED (PIN) efflux carriers, which can be influenced by the main natural plant auxin indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). Anthranilic acid (AA) is an important early precursor of IAA and previously published studies with AA analogues have suggested that AA may also regulate PIN localisation.

Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model species, we studied an AA‐deficient mutant displaying agravitropic root growth, treated seedlings with AA and AA analogues and transformed lines to over‐produce AA while inhibiting its conversion to downstream IAA precursors.

We showed that AA rescues root gravitropic growth in the AA‐deficient mutant at concentrations that do not rescue IAA levels. Overproduction of AA affects root gravitropism without affecting IAA levels. Treatments with, or deficiency in, AA result in defects in PIN polarity and gravistimulus‐induced PIN relocalisation in root cells.

Our results revealed a previously unknown role for AA in the regulation of PIN subcellular localisation and dynamics involved in root gravitropism, which is independent of its better known role in IAA biosynthesis.
Genetic diversity, population structure and key phenotypic traits driving variation within soyabean (Glycine max) collection in Ghana
Authors: Denwar Nicholas Ninju , Awuku Frederick J. , Diers Brian , Addae‐Frimpomaah Francisca , Chigeza Godfree , Oteng‐Frimpong Richard , Puozaa Doris K. , Barnor Michael T.
Published: May 2019

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is an important oilseed crop worldwide and it has recently become the crop of interest in Ghana. In this study, 142 soybean accessions were genotyped with 34 SSR markers and concurrently evaluated for five quantitative and two qualitative phenotypic traits. Twenty‐nine of the SSR markers were polymorphic with mean allele number of 5.3, polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.51 and gene diversity of 0.55. Molecular analysis based on unweighted paired group arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was similar in explaining the extent of diversity within the accessions. Structure analysis placed most of the accessions into two subpopulations with 18 (12.7%) as admixtures. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on phenotypic traits revealed two clusters. Both UPGMA clustering‐based SSR data and PCA from phenotypic data showed similar results. The assembled germplasm is genetically diverse with high variation in flowering and maturity period, and key yield components which could be exploited in developing superior varieties well adapted to Ghana and West Africa.
Genome‐wide association mapping and candidate gene analysis for saturated fatty acid content in soybean seed
Authors: Zhao Xue , Chang Hong , Feng Lei , Jing Yan , Teng Weili , Qiu Lijuan , Zheng Hongkun , Han Yingpeng , Li Wenbin
Published: May 2019

Saturated fatty acids (FA), an important component of soybean oil, plays a crucial role in the nutritional value of soybean oil through different concentration and relative proportions. In this study, an association population of 185 diverse soybean accessions was used to identify quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) and scan candidate genes via genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS), which was based on high throughout single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) developed via the Specific Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF‐seq) approach. A total of 33,149 SNPs were identified with minor allele frequencies (MAF) >4%, which covered 97% of the soybean whole genome. For the two saturated FA concentration, including palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA), up to 65 SNPs were verified via GWAS. Among them, 35 and 16 SNPs loci were the novel loci for PA and SA, respectively. There were other six loci for PA and eight loci for SA overlapped or located in the linked genomic regions reported by the previous study. Furthermore, many loci were repeated in more than two environments, and four pair of pleiotropic loci (PA‐3‐2 and SA‐3‐2, PA‐11‐2 and SA‐11‐1, PA‐12‐2 and SA‐12‐1, and PA‐17‐1 and SA‐17‐2) had similar genomic regions, which might control both PA and SA simultaneously. A total of 49 genes, which could participate in lipid biosynthesis pathway or hormone metabolism, were identified as the potential candidate genes associated with saturated FA. The identified loci with beneficial alleles and the candidate genes would be valuable for studying the molecular mechanisms of saturated FA and further for improving nutritional value of soybean oil.
Potassium‐induced decrease in cytosolic Na+ alleviates deleterious effects of salt stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Gul M. , Wakeel A. , Steffens D. , Lindberg S.
Published: May 2019

Accumulation of NaCl in soil causes osmotic stress in plants, and sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) cause ion toxicity, but also reduce the potassium (K+) uptake by plant roots and stimulate the K+ efflux through the cell membrane. Thus, decreased K+/Na+ ratio in plant tissue lead us to hypothesise that elevated levels of K+ in nutrient medium enhance this ratio in plant tissue and cytosol to improve enzyme activation, osmoregulation and charge balance.

In this study, wheat was cultivated at different concentrations of K+ (2.2, 4.4 or 8.8 mm) with or without salinity (1, 60 or 120 mm NaCl) and the effects on growth, root and shoot Na+ and K+ distribution and grain yield were determined. Also, the cytosolic Na+ concentration was investigated, as well as photosynthesis rate and water potential.

Salinity reduced fresh weight of both shoots and roots and dry weight of roots. The grain yield was significantly reduced under Na+ stress and improved with elevated K+ fertilisation. Elevated K+ level during cultivation prevented the accumulation of Na+ into the cytosol of both shoot and root protoplasts. Wheat growth at vegetative stage was transiently reduced at the highest K+ concentration, perhaps due to plants' efforts to overcome a high solute concentration in the plant tissue, nevertheless grain yield was increased at both K+ levels.

In conclusion, a moderately elevated K+ application to wheat seedlings reduces tissue as well as cytosolic Na+ concentration and enhances wheat growth and grain yield by mitigating the deleterious effects of Na+ toxicity.
Nectar robbers influence the trait–fitness relationship of Primula secundiflora
Authors: Wu Y. , Zhang Z.‐Q. , Li Q.‐J.
Published: May 2019

The trait–fitness relationship influences the strength and direction of floral evolution. To fully understand and predict the evolutionary trajectories of floral traits, it is critical to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of floral traits on plant fitness in natural populations.

We experimentally quantified phenotypic selection on floral traits through female fitness and estimated the casual effects of nectar robbing with different nectar robbing intensities on trait–fitness relationships in both the L‐ (long‐style and short‐anther phenotype) and S‐morph (short‐style and long‐anther phenotype) flowers among Primula secundiflora populations.

A larger number of flowers and wider corolla tubes had both direct and indirect positive effects on female fitness in the P. secundiflora populations. The indirect effects of these two traits on female fitness were mediated by nectar robbers. The indirect effect of the number of flowers on female fitness increased with increasing nectar robbing intensity. In most populations, the direct and/or indirect effects of floral traits on female fitness were stronger in the S‐morph flowers than in the L‐morph flowers. In addition, nectar robbers had a direct positive effect on female fitness, but this effect varied between the L‐ and S‐morph flowers.

These results show the potential role of nectar robbers in influencing the trait–fitness relationships in this primrose species.
The association between crowding within households and behavioural problems in children: Longitudinal data from the Southampton Women’s Survey
Authors: Marsh Rachael , Salika Theodosia , Crozier Sarah , Robinson Sian , Cooper Cyrus , Godfrey Keith , Inskip Hazel , Baird Janis ,   for the SWS Study Group
Published: May 2019

Background

In England, nearly one child in ten lives in overcrowded housing. Crowding is likely to worsen with increasing population size, urbanisation, and the ongoing concerns about housing shortages. Children with behavioural difficulties are at increased risk of mental and physical health problems and poorer employment prospects.

Objective

To test the association between the level of crowding in the home and behavioural problems in children, and to explore what factors might explain the relationship.

Methods

Mothers of 2576 children from the Southampton Women's Survey population‐based mother‐offspring cohort were interviewed. Crowding was measured at age 2 years by people per room (PPR) and behavioural problems assessed at age 3 years with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Both were analysed as continuous measures, and multivariable linear regression models were fitted, adjusting for confounding factors: gender, age, single‐parent family, maternal education, receipt of benefits, and social class. Potential mediators were assessed with formal mediation analysis.

Results

The characteristics of the sample were broadly representative of the population in England. Median (IQR) SDQ score was 9 (6‐12) and PPR was 0.75 (0.6‐1). In households that were more crowded, children tended to have more behavioural problems (by 0.20 SDQ points (95% CI 0.08, 0.32) per additional 0.2 PPR, adjusting for confounding factors). This relationship was partially mediated by greater maternal stress, less sleep, and strained parent‐child interactions.

Conclusions

Living in a more crowded home was associated with a greater risk of behavioural problems, independent of confounding factors. The findings suggest that improved housing might reduce childhood behavioural problems and that families living in crowded circumstances might benefit from greater support.
Advanced polysomnographic analysis for OSA: A pathway to personalized management?
Authors: de Chazal Philip , Sutherland Kate , Cistulli Peter A.
Published: May 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, with diverse pathways to disease, expression of disease, susceptibility to co‐morbidities and response to therapy, and is ideally suited to precision medicine approaches. Clinically, the content of the information‐rich polysomnogram (PSG) is not currently fully utilized in determining patient management. Novel PSG parameters such as hypoxic burden, pulse transit time, cardiopulmonary coupling and the frequency representations of PSG sensor signals could predict a variety of cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegeneration co‐morbidities. The PSG can also be used to identify key pathophysiological parameters such as loop gain, arousal threshold and muscle compensation which can enhance understanding of the causes of OSA in an individual, and thereby guide choices on therapy. Machine learning methods performing their own parameter extraction coupled with large PSG data sets offer an exciting opportunity for discovering new links between the PSG variables and disease outcomes. By exploiting existing and emerging analytical methods, the PSG may offer a pathway to personalized management for OSA.
Disabled people say ‘Nothing about us without us’
Authors: Hogan Amy , Jain Neera R. , Peiris‐John Roshini , Ameratunga Shanthi
Published: May 2019

Background

This study explored disability community representatives’ perspectives on why and how health professional education could be strengthened to address the prevalent challenges in health care experienced by disabled people.

Methods

A total of 14 people from the disability community (disabled people, caregivers and disability advocates) in Auckland, New Zealand, participated in three focus groups moderated by a disabled community researcher. Audiorecordings were transcribed and analysed thematically to characterise broad themes.

Findings

Participants described many barriers to health care experienced by disabled people, with service providers’ inadequate knowledge of disability issues being a key contributor. Participants viewed educational approaches incorporating disabled peoples’ diverse lived realities as critical to improving health system responses to these inequities. They recommended broadening concepts and teaching methods to shift common deficit framing of disability, engaging disabled people to develop and deliver curricula, improving communication, and promoting empathic provider–patient partnerships in care. Study participants strongly advocated inclusive participatory approaches across training pathways using assistive and multimedia technologies that optimise the engagement of disabled people and reduce respondent burden.

Discussion

Disability community participants urged strengthening health professional training to address the prevalent inadequacies of health systems in responding to disabled people's needs. They viewed a greater awareness of the lived realities of disabled people and critical consciousness to overcome barriers to care as essential attributes of a competent workforce. These findings indicate the need to engage, empower and work in partnership with disabled people to develop reflexive health professional curricula. Core competencies should be considered mandatory given the increasing prevalence of disability globally.

This study explored disability community representatives’ perspectives on why and how health professional education could … address … challenges in health care experienced by disabled people
Genetic, epigenetic and genomic effects on variation of gene expression among grape varieties
Authors: Magris Gabriele , Di Gaspero Gabriele , Marroni Fabio , Zenoni Sara , Tornielli Giovanni Battista , Celii Mirko , De Paoli Emanuele , Pezzotti Mario , Conte Federica , Paci Paola , Morgante Michele
Published: May 2019

The transcriptional regulatory structure of plant genomes is still relatively unexplored, and little is known about factors that influence expression variation in plants. We used a genetic system consisting of 10 heterozygous grape varieties with high consanguinity and high haplotypic diversity to: (i) identify regions of haplotype sharing through whole‐genome resequencing and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping; (ii) analyse gene expression through RNA‐seq in four stages of berry development; and (iii) associate gene expression variation with genetic and epigenetic properties. We found that haplotype sharing in and around genes was positively correlated with similarity in expression and was negatively correlated with the fraction of differentially expressed genes. Genetic and epigenetic properties of the gene and the surrounding region showed significant effects on the extent of expression variation, with negative associations for the level of gene body methylation and mean expression level, and with positive associations for nucleotide diversity, structural diversity and ratio of non‐synonymous to synonymous nucleotide diversity. We also observed a spatial dependency of covariation of gene expression among varieties. These results highlight relevant roles for cis‐acting factors, selective constraints and epigenetic features of the gene, and the regional context in which the gene is located, in the determination of expression variation.

Open Research Badges

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA385116; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA392287; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA373967 (released upon publication); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA490160 (released upon publication); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA265039; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA265040.
Skin and ear health in a group of English bulldogs in Finland – a descriptive study with special reference to owner perceptions
Authors: Seppänen Riitta T.K. , Kaimio Mirja , Schildt Kirsti J.M. , Lilja‐Maula Liisa , Hyytiäinen Heli K. , Mölsä Sari , Morelius Mikael , Rajamäki Minna M. , Lappalainen Anu K. , Rantala Merja
Published: May 2019

Background

Dermatological conditions are common in English bulldogs (EBs).

Hypothesis/Objectives

This cross‐sectional study describes the dermatological health status of a group of EBs and compares the results with owner perceptions and its possible impact on quality of life (QoL). Computed tomographic (CT) findings of the ear canals were compared between EBs and mesaticephalic dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐seven EBs participating in a health study in Finland.

Methods and materials

A QoL questionnaire was completed for EBs with owner‐reported clinical signs referable to the skin or ear. Clinical evaluation included recording the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, the Otitis Index Score, false paw pad grading and the presence of interdigital furunculosis. These were summed to form a total clinical score (TCS). The cross‐sectional surface areas of the horizontal ear canals were measured from CT images and compared with respective images of 14 mesaticephalic dogs collected from a patient database.

Results

All 27 EBs had abnormal findings on dermatological examination, but 37% of the owners had not recognized skin or ear signs. The median QoL score was 5.0 (range 0–12) and correlated with TCS (correlation coefficient = 0.507, P < 0.05). English bulldogs had narrower horizontal ear canals than mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.001).

Conclusions and clinical importance

All EBs had abnormal dermatological findings that were unnoticed or considered to be of minor significance to the QoL by most owners. Narrow ear canals were common, possibly related to the brachycephalic conformation of the breed.
Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, with breed‐specific differences
Authors: Bertram Simon , ter Haar Gert , De Decker Steven
Published: May 2019

Congenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in “screw‐tailed” brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.