bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐year dynamics of fine‐scale marine cyanobacterial populations are more strongly explained by phage interactions than abiotic, bottom‐up factors
Authors: Ahlgren Nathan A. , Perelman Jessica N. , Yeh Yi‐Chun , Fuhrman Jed A.
Published: May 2019

Currently defined ecotypes in marine cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus likely contain subpopulations that themselves are ecologically distinct. We developed and applied high‐throughput sequencing for the 16S‐23S rRNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) to examine ecotype and fine‐scale genotypic community dynamics for monthly surface water samples spanning 5 years at the San Pedro Ocean Time‐series site. Ecotype‐level structure displayed regular seasonal patterns including succession, consistent with strong forcing by seasonally varying abiotic parameters (e.g. temperature, nutrients, light). We identified tens to thousands of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) within ecotypes, many of which exhibited distinct patterns over time, suggesting ecologically distinct populations within ecotypes. Community structure within some ecotypes exhibited regular, seasonal patterns, but not for others, indicating other more irregular processes such as phage interactions are important. Network analysis including T4‐like phage genotypic data revealed distinct viral variants correlated with different groups of cyanobacterial ASVs including time‐lagged predator–prey relationships. Variation partitioning analysis indicated that phage community structure more strongly explains cyanobacterial community structure at the ASV level than the abiotic environmental factors. These results support a hierarchical model whereby abiotic environmental factors more strongly shape niche partitioning at the broader ecotype level while phage interactions are more important in shaping community structure of fine‐scale variants within ecotypes.
Efficient colonization of the endophytes Herbaspirillum huttiense RCA24 and Enterobacter cloacae RCA25 influences the physiological parameters of Oryza sativa L. cv. Baldo rice
Authors: Andreozzi Anna , Prieto Pilar , Mercado‐Blanco Jesús , Monaco Stefano , Zampieri Elisa , Romano Silvia , Valè Gianpiero , Defez Roberto , Bianco Carmen
Published: May 2019

Several important bacterial characteristics, such as biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase activity and production of siderophores and phytohormones, can be assessed as plant growth promotion traits. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fixing and indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) producing endophytes in two Oryza sativa cultivars (Baldo and Vialone Nano). Three bacteria, Herbaspirillum huttiense RCA24, Enterobacter asburiae RCA23 and Staphylococcus sp. 377, producing different IAA levels, were tested for their ability to enhance nifH gene expression and nitrogenase activity in Enterobacter cloacae RCA25. Results showed that H. huttiense RCA24 performed best. Improvement in nitrogen fixation and changes in physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, nitrogen content and shoot dry weight were observed for plants co‐inoculated with strains RCA25 and RCA24 in a 10:1 ratio. Based on confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis, strain RCA24 was the best colonizer of the root interior and the only IAA producer located in the same root niche occupied by RCA25 cells. This work shows that the choice of a bio‐inoculum having the right composition is one of the key aspects to be considered for the inoculation of a specific host plant cultivar with microbial consortia.
Visualization of Fingermarks Deposits on Untreated Thermal Paper Exploiting the Near Infrared Luminescence
Authors: Cappiello Pietro , Zampa Francesco , Siciliano Maria , Amata Biagio , Di Palma Renato , Modica Martino , Lazzaro Antonio Pasquale
Published: May 2019

Thermal paper is widely used as a print medium for different applications but it constitutes a tricky substrate for fingermark visualization. An earlier work (J Forensic Sci 2015;60:1034) reported how to visualize fingermarks on untreated thermal paper by illuminating the item with a UV‐A light source. In the present paper, the potential of the near infrared (NIR) luminescence has been tested on thermal paper compared to the mentioned method. A controlled study was carried out utilizing eccrine enriched fingermarks. The promising outcomes obtained were further confirmed by performing a pseudo‐operational trial. Data clearly showed that the use of the NIR filter gave better results. Finally, preliminary tests suggested a different mechanism of reaction induced by fingermarks with respect to the one behind the thermal printing. Thus, NIR luminescence represents a refinement to the suite of optical examination processes, including the potential to increase the number of marks recovered in a noncontact, nondestructive way.
Experimental Research on Class Identification with a New Type of Erasable Gel Pens
Authors: Liu Xinlai , Li Zhen
Published: May 2019

A new type of erasable gel pen ink is becoming increasingly popular because of the modifiable characteristics for writing on documents. This study attempts to distinguish 12 types of blue and black erasable gel pens produced by mainstream stationery manufacturers using infrared (IR) visual analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, fluorescence analysis, and microspectrophotometry. The results demonstrate that IR visual, FTIR, and fluorescence analysis can be used to help distinguish each type of erasable gel ink. While microspectrophotometry can be used to effectively differentiate the blue gel inks in this study, there are limitations with respect to distinguishing black erasable gel pens. When these four optical analyses methods were used in combination, the gel inks could be accurately distinguished.
Synergistic Effects of Nanocomposite Films Containing Essential Oil Nanoemulsions in Combination with Ionizing Radiation for Control of Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae in Stored Grains
Authors: Hossain Farah , Follett Peter , Salmieri Stephane , Vu Khang Dang , Harich Mehdi , Lacroix Monique
Published: May 2019

The fumigant toxicity of eight individual essential oils (EOs; basil, cinnamon, eucalyptus, mandarin, oregano, peppermint, tea tree, and thyme) and one binary combination (thyme and oregano) for control of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, were investigated. In bioassays, all individual and combined EOs were toxic to the rice weevil. Eucalyptus EO exhibited the highest toxicity among the individual EO treatments, causing 100% mortality at a minimum concentration of 0.8 µL/mL after 24 hr of exposure. The combination treatment of oregano and thyme EO displayed higher fumigant activity than the individual oregano or thyme treatments. A stable oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion was evaluated using high‐pressure homogenization (microfluidization [MF]) and varying the pressure and number of cycles. The droplet size of the emulsions was found to decrease from 217 to 71 nm and encapsulation efficiency increased from 37% to 84% with increasing MF pressure and number of cycles. The optimum conditions for preparing the mixture of oregano and thyme EO nanoemulsions were evaluated to be homogenization pressure of 103 MPa and three cycles. Incorporating an oregano:thyme nanoemulsion (0.75%) into cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) containing chitosan (CH/CNC), methyl cellulose (MC/CNC), and polylactic acid (PLA/CNC) composite films resulted in extended diffusion matrices causing 32% to 51% rice weevil mortality after 14 days exposure. Irradiation at 200 Gray alone caused 79% mortality and increased to 100% when combined with the bioactive chitosan film containing the oregano:thyme nanoemulsion.

Practical Application

A binary combination of oregano:thyme has potential as a biopesticide against stored product pests. The encapsulation of EO nanoemulsions into biopolymeric support could be used for bioactive packaging to prevent food spoilage and extend shelf life. Combining bioactive films with irradiation can provide complete control of rice weevil in packaged rice. The system developed in this research may also be extended to explore other food‐packaging films with various food models to control different types of stored pests.
Fabrication and Physicochemical Characterization of Pseudosciaena crocea Roe Protein‐Stabilized Emulsions as a Nutrient Delivery System
Authors: Tang Yue , Jiang Hui , Wu Haitao , Wang Xiaohan , Chen Yuzhu , Xiong Youling L. , Lin Songyi
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a protein emulsifier that can be used to construct a nutrient delivery system. Pseudosciaena crocea roe protein isolate (PRPI) was prepared and tested for its emulsifying properties. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) was used as a model delivery nutrient in the constructed emulsions. The average particle size, zeta potential, and BITC retention rate of the emulsions were used as the main evaluation indexes, and confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to test the storage stability of the emulsions (composition: 5 mg/mL protein, 5% oil, 0 to 5 mg/mL BITC, pH 8). After storing at 20 °C for 7 days, the largest particle size of the emulsion at pH 8 increased from 274.27 to 280.82 nm. Storing at higher temperatures had a negative impact on the particle size and BITC retention rate. On the seventh day, the average particle size at 20 and 4 °C was 289.63 nm and 275.67 nm, respectively, and the BITC retention rate at 20 °C (83.30%) was found to be 15.50% lower than that at 4 °C (98.58%). These results demonstrate that the PRPI‐based emulsion system is effective in protecting nutrients and has excellent stability at 4 °C.

Practical Application

This study provides some useful information for the food industry to develop a nutrient delivery system emulsified with fish roe protein isolate. The properties of the isolated protein and its protective effect on nutrients are discussed.
Cannabis use as a risk factor for causing motor vehicle crashes: a prospective study
Authors: Brubacher Jeffrey R. , Chan Herbert , Erdelyi Shannon , Macdonald Scott , Asbridge Mark , Mann Robert E. , Eppler Jeffrey , Lund Adam , MacPherson Andrew , Martz Walter , Schreiber William E. , Brant Rollin , Purssell Roy A.
Published: May 2019

Aim

We conducted a responsibility analysis to determine whether drivers injured in motor vehicle collisions who test positive for Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other drugs are more likely to have contributed to the crash than those who test negative.

Design

Prospective case–control study.

Setting

Trauma centres in British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

Injured drivers who required blood tests for clinical purposes following a motor vehicle collision.

Measurements

Excess whole blood remaining after clinical use was obtained and broad‐spectrum toxicology testing performed. The analysis quantified alcohol and THC and gave semiquantitative levels of other impairing drugs and medications. Police crash reports were analysed to determine which drivers contributed to the crash (responsible) and which were ‘innocently involved’ (non‐responsible). We used unconditional logistic regression to determine the likelihood (odds ratio: OR) of crash responsibility in drivers with 0 < THC < 2 ng/ml, 2 ng/ml ≤ THC < 5 ng/ml and THC ≥ 5 ng/ml (all versus THC = 0 ng/ml). Risk estimates were adjusted for age, sex and presence of other impairing substances.

Findings

We obtained toxicology results on 3005 injured drivers and police reports on 2318. Alcohol was detected in 14.4% of drivers, THC in 8.3%, other drugs in 8.9% and sedating medications in 19.8%. There was no increased risk of crash responsibility in drivers with THC < 2 ng/ml or 2 ≤ THC < 5 ng/ml. In drivers with THC ≥ 5 ng/ml, the adjusted OR was 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–6.36; P = 0.35]. There was significantly increased risk of crash responsibility in drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ≥ 0.08% (OR = 6.00;95% CI = 3.87–9.75; P < 0.01), other recreational drugs detected (OR = 1.82;95% CI = 1.21–2.80; P < 0.01) or sedating medications detected (OR = 1.45; 95%CI = 1.11–1.91; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In this sample of non‐fatally injured motor vehicle drivers in British Columbia, Canada, there was no evidence of increased crash risk in drivers with Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol < 5 ng/ml and a statistically non‐significant increased risk of crash responsibility (odds ratio = 1.74) in drivers with Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol ≥ 5 ng/ml.
Whole‐exome sequencing suggests multiallelic inheritance for childhood‐onset Ménière's disease
Authors: Skarp Sini , Kanervo Laura , Kotimäki Jouko , Sorri Martti , Männikkö Minna , Hietikko Elina
Published: May 2019

The genetic background of Ménière's disease (MD) was studied in one patient with childhood‐onset MD and his grandfather affected with middle age–onset MD. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed and the data were compared to 76 exomes from unrelated subjects without MD. Thirteen rare inner ear expressed variants with pathogenic estimations were observed in the case of childhood‐onset MD. These variants were in genes involved in the formation of cell membranes or the cytoskeleton and in genes participating in cell death or gene‐regulation pathways. His grandfather shared two of the variants: p.Y273N in HMX2 and p.L229F in TMEM55B. HMX2 p.Y273N was considered the more likely candidate for MD, as the gene is known to affect both hearing and vestibular function. The variant in the HMX2 gene may affect inner ear development and structural integrity and thus might predispose to the onset of MD. As there was a significant difference in onset between the patients, an accumulation of defects in several pathways is probably responsible for the exceptionally early onset of the disease, and the genetic etiology of childhood‐onset MD is most likely multifactorial. This is the first molecular genetic study of childhood‐onset MD.
Ethnography and the Making of “The People”: Uncovering Conservative Populist Politics in the United States
Authors: Pied Claudine M.
Published: May 2019

The election of Donald Trump, the Brexit vote, and rise of conservative populism in countries around the world has led to an abundance of scholarship on populism and the white working class. Much of this work seeks to explain the underlying cause of this conservative populist politics, focusing on globalization and economic precarity, racism and anti‐immigrant sentiment, or failures of political leadership. Survey data and polling analyses, in particular, explain relationships between demographics, political opinions, and voting results. Though quantitative data on the social groups or activists most involved in populist politics are important, missing from this research are ethnographies of populism that explore how local, state, and national actors influence the meaning of “the people.” In this article, I will argue that ethnography is particularly well‐suited for exploring the coming together of local and national politics and the subtle ways that economic insecurity, racism, sexism, and Islamophobia intersect in the making of “hard working taxpayers” or “ordinary folks.” I draw from research in a predominantly white, former manufacturing town in central Maine to illustrate the significance of this ethnographic approach to populism.
Modern American Populism: Analyzing the Economics Behind the “Silent Majority,” the Tea Party, and Trumpism
Authors: Patenaude Willis
Published: May 2019

Modern American populism (MAP) was born out of the political upheaval of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The article examines the causes of populism. Economic anxiety is found to be the main cause, but there is also evidence supporting an alternative theory that racial resentment is an important driving force behind populism. The article analyzes the role of populism in the 1972 election of Richard Nixon, the Tea Party election of 2010, and the 2016 election of Donald Trump using data provided by the American National Election Studies (ANES). There is ample qualitative evidence that economic anxiety caused the populist voting patterns that elected Nixon, Tea Party candidates, and Trump. Statistical data supported the same conclusion in the 2010 and 2016 elections, but the 1972 data were inconclusive. The data show that both economic anxiety and racial resentment played a role in the 2010 and 2016 elections, but the findings suggest that economic anxiety is the underlying factor that generates both racial resentment and support for populism.
Of vessels and cells: the spatial organization of the epididymal immune system
Authors: Guiton R. , Voisin A. , Henry‐Berger J. , Saez F. , Drevet J. R.
Published: May 2019

Background

One third of infertility cases in couples worldwide has an exclusive male origin and immune disorders, essentially due to repetitive infections, are emerging an cause of male infertility. As the place of sperm maturation, epididymis must be preserved from excessive immune responses that may arise following infections of the male genital tract. At the same time, epididymis must set and maintain a tolerogenic environment in order not to destroy sperm cells that enter the tissue at puberty, long after the immune system has been taught to recognize self pathogens. The immune cells that populate the epididymis have raised growing interest over the last thirty years but they may be not sufficient to understand the immune balance existing in this organ, between immune response to pathogens and tolerance to spermatozoa. Indeed, immune cells are the most motile cells in the organism and need blood and lymphatic vessels to traffic between lymphoid organs and sites of infection to induce efficient responses.

Objectives

To review the literature on the blood and lymphatic vessels, and on the immune cells present at steady state in the rodent epididymis (rat and mouse).

Materials and methods

PubMed database was searched for studies reporting on the spatial organization of the rodent epididymal vasculature and immune cell types at steady state. This search was combined with recent findings from our team.

Results

At steady state, the rodent epididymis presents with dense blood and lymphatic networks, and a large panel of immune cells distributed across the interstitum and epithelium along the organ.

Conclusions

The immune system of the rodent epididymis is highly organized. Exploring its functions, especially in an infectious context, is the essential coming step before any transposition to human.
Muscle fibre activation and fatigue with low‐load blood flow restricted resistance exercise—An integrative physiology review
Authors: Wernbom Mathias , Aagaard Per
Published: May 2019

Blood flow‐restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) has been shown to induce increases in muscle size and strength, and continues to generate interest from both clinical and basic research points of view. The low loads employed, typically 20%‐50% of the one repetition maximum, make BFRRE an attractive training modality for individuals who may not tolerate high musculoskeletal forces (eg, selected clinical patient groups such as frail old adults and patients recovering from sports injury) and/or for highly trained athletes who have reached a plateau in muscle mass and strength. It has been proposed that achieving a high degree of muscle fibre recruitment is important for inducing muscle hypertrophy with BFRRE, and the available evidence suggest that fatiguing low‐load exercise during ischemic conditions can recruit both slow (type I) and fast (type II) muscle fibres. Nevertheless, closer scrutiny reveals that type II fibre activation in BFRRE has to date largely been inferred using indirect methods such as electromyography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, while only rarely addressed using more direct methods such as measurements of glycogen stores and phosphocreatine levels in muscle fibres. Hence, considerable uncertainity exists about the specific pattern of muscle fibre activation during BFRRE. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was (1) to summarize the evidence on muscle fibre recruitment during BFRRE as revealed by various methods employed for determining muscle fibre usage during exercise, and (2) to discuss reported findings in light of the specific advantages and limitations associated with these methods.
Acute electroconvulsive therapy in the elderly with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: A case series
Authors: Kumagaya David Yoshihito
Published: May 2019

Introduction

There is a paucity of evidence regarding the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the elderly with primary psychotic conditions, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This study examined the efficacy and safety of acute ECT treatment in late‐life patients with primary psychotic conditions.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients aged 60 and above, who received ECT within a large metropolitan psychiatric facility in Australia between 2012 and 2018, and who were diagnosed with a primary psychotic condition. Information regarding demographic data, illness correlates, ECT treatment, treatment outcomes, and adverse effects was collected.

Results

A total of 20 patients met inclusion into the study, 35% of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia and 65% with schizoaffective disorder. The average age was 69 years. Patients had been trialed on an average of seven distinct antipsychotic agents prior to acute ECT treatment; 50% had been trialed on clozapine. ECT was associated with full (60%) or partial remission (35%) of psychotic illness in 95% (n = 19) of patients. No ECT‐related fatalities were encountered. Adverse effects were experienced in 20% of patients, although none precluded the continuation of treatment.

Discussion

This study found ECT to be a highly effective and safe treatment in the elderly with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, who had not responded adequately to psychotropic medications.
Associations of HLA genotypes with antithyroid drug‐induced agranulocytosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of pharmacogenomics studies
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ti , Chi Ching‐Chi
Published: May 2019

Aims

Antithyroid drug (ATD)‐induced agranulocytosis is a life‐threatening adverse drug reaction. Previous studies suggested that HLA genotypes may play an important role in ATD‐induced agranulocytosis. To examine the associations between HLA genotypes and ATD‐induced agranulocytosis, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of pharmacogenomics studies.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL databases on 16 June 2018 for case–control studies on the associations between HLA genotypes with ATD‐induced agranulocytosis. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias of included studies. We conducted random‐effects model meta‐analysis to obtain pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the associations between HLA genotypes and ATD‐induced agranulocytosis.

Results

We included 5 studies with 142 ATD‐induced agranulocytosis cases, 1529 matched ATD‐tolerant controls and 5945 healthy controls. The risk of bias of included studies was generally low. ATD‐induced agranulocytosis was associated with HLA‐B*27:05 (OR 10.97; 95% CI 0.75–159.99), HLA‐B*38:02 (OR 19.85; 95% CI 7.94–49.57) and HLA‐DRB1*08:03 (OR 5.29; 95% CI 3.44–8.14). After excluding propylthiouracil, the associations of ATD‐induced agranulocytosis with HLA‐B*27:05 and HLA‐B*38:02 were strengthened (OR being 20.61 (95% CI 5.21–81.58) and 40.59 (95% CI 13.24–124.47), respectively). The associations of ATD‐induced agranulocytosis with HLA‐B*27:05, HLA‐B*38:02 and HLA‐DRB1*08:03 remained significant when compared to population controls (OR being 7.37 (95% CI 3.86–14.07), 36.43 (95% CI 12.80–103.70) and 5.42 (95% CI 2.36–12.47), respectively). HLA‐B*27:05, HLA‐B*38:02, and HLA‐DRB1*08:03 alleles were associated with ATD‐induced agranulocytosis, especially in carbimazole/methimazole‐induced agranulocytosis.

Conclusions

HLA‐B*27:05, HLA‐B*38:02 and HLA‐DRB1*08:03 alleles were associated with ATD‐induced agranulocytosis, especially in carbimazole/methimazole‐induced agranulocytosis.
A justice‐based argument for including sickle cell disease in CRISPR/Cas9 clinical research
Authors: Baffoe-Bonnie Marilyn S.
Published: May 2019

CRISPR/Cas9 is quickly becoming one of the most influential biotechnologies of the last five years. Clinical trials will soon be underway to test whether CRISPR/Cas9 can edit away the genetic mutations that cause sickle cell disease (SCD). This article will present the background of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and SCD, highlighting research that supports the application of CRISPR/Cas9 to SCD. While much has been written on why SCD is a good biological candidate for CRISPR/Cas9, less has been written on the ethical implications of including SCD in CRISPR/Cas9 research. This article will argue that there is a strong case in favor of including SCD. Three benefits are achieving distributive justice in research, continuing to repair the negative relationship between patients with SCD and the health‐care system, and benefit‐sharing for those who do not directly participate in CRISPR/Cas9 research. Opponents will argue that SCD is a risky candidate, that researchers will not find willing participants, and that the burden of SCD is low. Of this set of arguments, the first gives pause. However, on balance, the case in favor of including SCD in CRISPR/Cas9 research is stronger than the case against. Ultimately, this article will show that the historic and sociopolitical injustices that impede progress in treating and curing SCD can be alleviated through biotechnology.
The evolution of moral progress and biomedical moral enhancement
Authors: Persson Ingmar , Savulescu Julian
Published: May 2019

In The Evolution of Moral Progress Allen Buchanan and Russell Powell advance an evolutionary explanation of moral progress by morality becoming more ‘inclusivist’. We are prepared to accept this explanation as far as it goes, but argue that it fails to explain how morality can become inclusivist in the fuller sense they intend. In fact, it even rules out inclusivism in their intended sense of moral progress, since they believe that human altruism and prosocial attitudes are essentially parochial. We also respond to their charge that the possibility of moral enhancement by biomedical means that we have defended in numerous publications assumes that moral attitudes are biologically hard‐wired to an extent that implies that they are resilient to the influence of cognitive or cultural factors. Quite the contrary, we think they are more open to such influence than they seem to do.
Brain functional impairment in beta‐thalassaemia: the cognitive profile in Italian neurologically asymptomatic adult patients in comparison to the reported literature
Authors: Tartaglione Immacolata , Manara Renzo , Caiazza Martina , Carafa Pasquale Alessandro , Caserta Violetta , Ferrantino Teresa , Granato Ilaria , Ippolito Noemi , Maietta Caterina , Oliveto Tiziana , Casale Maddalena , Di Concilio Rosanna , Ciancio Angela , De Michele Elisa , Russo Camilla , Elefante Andrea , Ponticorvo Sara , Russo Andrea Gerardo , Femina Gianluca , Canna Antonietta , Ermani Mario , Cirillo Mario , Esposito Fabrizio , Centanni Antonella , Gritti Paolo , Perrotta Silverio
Published: May 2019

Cognitive involvement in beta‐thalassaemia is strikingly controversial and poorly studied in adulthood. This multicentre prospective study investigated 74 adult neurologically‐asymptomatic beta‐thalassaemia patients (mean‐age 34·5 ± 10·3 years; 53 transfusion‐dependent [TDT], 21 non‐transfusion dependent [NTDT]) and 45 healthy volunteers (mean‐age 33·9 ± 10·7 years). Participants underwent testing with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Fourth Edition (WAIS‐IV), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and multiparametric brain 3T‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for parenchymal, vascular and iron content evaluation. Patients had lower Full‐Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) than controls (75·5 ± 17·9 vs. 97·4 ± 18·1, P < 0·0001) even after correction for education level. Compared to TDT, NTDT showed a trend of higher FSIQ (P = 0·08) but a similar cognitive profile at WAIS‐subtests. FSIQ correlated with total and indirect bilirubin (P < 0·0001 and P = 0·002, respectively); no correlation was found with splenectomy, intracranial MRI/magnetic resonance‐angiography findings, brain tissue iron content or other disease‐related clinical/laboratory/treatment data. FSIQ did not correlate with BPRS scores, although the latter were higher among patients (28·74 ± 3·1 vs. 27·29 ± 4·8, P = 0·01) mainly because of increased depression and anxiety levels. Occupation rate was higher among controls (84·4% vs. 64·9%, P = 0·004) and correlated with higher FSIQ (P = 0·001) and education level (P = 0·001). In conclusion, Italian adult beta‐thalassaemia patients seem to present a characteristic cognitive profile impairment and an increased rate of psychological disorders with possible profound long‐term socio‐economic consequences.
L’émergence de la grappe industrielle de l'intelligence artificielle (IA) à Montréal
Authors: Doloreux David , Savoie‐Dansereau Geneviève
Published: May 2019

Messages clés

L’émergence de la grappe industrielle en IA a été supportée à la fois par les conditions initiales locales ainsi que par les processus d'interaction avec des acteurs étrangers.

La formation de la grappe industrielle l'IA à Montréal suggère que, dès le début, les liens globaux avec d'autres industries et grappes industrielles sont primordiaux.

La naissance d'une grappe industrielle n'est pas un phénomène isolé mais plutôt basé sur les relations entre différents acteurs, processus et communautés qui œuvrent à différentes échelles géographiques.
Metabolism at the centre of the host–microbe relationship
Authors: Maslowski K M
Published: May 2019

Maintaining homoeostatic host–microbe interactions is vital for host immune function. The gut microbiota shapes the host immune system and the immune system reciprocally shapes and modifies the gut microbiota. However, our understanding of how these microbes are tolerated and how individual, or communities of, gut microbes influence host function is limited. This review will focus on metabolites as key mediators of this complex host–microbe relationship. It will look at the central role of epithelial metabolism in shaping the gut microbiota, how microbial metabolites influence the epithelium and the mucosal and peripheral immune system, and how the immune system shapes microbial composition and metabolism. Finally, this review will look at how metabolites are involved in cross-talk between different members of the microbiota and their role during infections.
Uneven Neighborhood Recovery: Hurricane Damage and Neighborhood Change in the Houston–Galveston Region since 1970
Authors: Wyczalkowski Christopher K. , van Holm Eric J. , Esnard Ann–Margaret , Lai Betty S.
Published: May 2019

Despite the growing number of natural disasters around the globe, limited research exists on post–disaster patterns of neighborhood change. In this paper, we test two theories of neighborhood change, the “recovery machine” and “rent gap,” which predict opposing effects for low socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhoods following damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, and other natural hazard events. The recovery machine theory posits that after natural hazard events, local communities experience patterns of recovery based on their pre–disaster SES and access to resources, suggesting that wealthier neighborhoods will recover robustly while lower status neighborhoods languish. In contrast, the rent gap theory suggests that developers will identify a profit opportunity in the depressed values created by damage from natural hazard events, and seek to redevelop low SES areas. We use fixed effects models with census data from 1970 to 2015 to test the impact of damage from natural hazards on neighborhood change. We find substantial recovery and change in low–income neighborhoods, but not in the high–income neighborhoods supporting the rent gap theory. We conclude that natural hazard events resulting in damage produce uneven recovery by socioeconomic status of neighborhoods, potentially leading to displacement of low SES groups.
Disentangling the Effects of Race and Place in Economic Transactions: Findings from an Online Field Experiment
Authors: Besbris Max , Faber Jacob William , Sharkey Patrick
Published: May 2019

Scholarship on discrimination consistently shows that non–Whites are at a disadvantage in obtaining goods and services relative to Whites. To a lesser extent, recent work has asked whether or not place of residence may also affect individuals’ chances in economic markets. In this study, we use a field experiment in an online market for second–hand goods to examine transactional opportunities for White, Black, Asian, and Latino residents of both advantaged and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Our results show that sellers prefer transactional partners who live in advantaged neighborhoods to those who live in neighborhoods that are majority non–White and have higher rates of poverty. This was true across all four racial/ethnic groups, revealing that neighborhood stigma exists independently of racial stigma. We discuss the implications for scholarship on neighborhood effects and we outline how future research using experiments can leverage various types of markets to better specify when characteristics like race trigger discrimination.
Changes in the multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer from 2009 to 2015 and associated improvements in short‐term outcomes
Authors: Roxburgh C. S. D. , Strombom P. , Lynn P. , Cercek A. , Gonen M. , Smith J. J. , Temple L. K. F. , Nash G. M. , Guillem J. G. , Paty P. B. , Shia J. , Vakiani E. , Yaeger R. , Stadler Z. K. , Segal N. H. , Reidy D. , Varghese A. , Wu A. J. , Crane C. H. , Gollub M. J. , Saltz L. B. , Garcia‐Aguilar J. , Weiser M. R.
Published: May 2019

Aim

Significant recent changes in management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) include preoperative staging, use of extended neoadjuvant therapies and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This study was aimed at characterizing these changes and associated short‐term outcomes.

Method

We retrospectively analysed treatment and outcome data from patients with T3/4 or N+ LARC ≤ 15 cm from the anal verge who were evaluated at a comprehensive cancer centre in 2009–2015.

Results

In total, 798 patients were identified and grouped into five cohorts based on treatment year: 2009–2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014–2015. Temporal changes included increased reliance on MRI staging, from 57% in 2009–2010 to 98% in 2014–2015 (P < 0.001); increased use of total neoadjuvant therapy, from 17% to 76% (P < 0.001); and increased use of MIS, from 33% to 70% (P < 0.001). Concurrently, median hospital stay decreased (from 7 to 5 days; P < 0.001), as did the rates of Grade III–V complications (from 13% to 7%; P < 0.05), surgical site infections (from 24% to 8%; P < 0.001), anastomotic leak (from 11% to 3%; P < 0.05) and positive circumferential resection margin (from 9% to 4%; P < 0.05). TNM downstaging increased from 62% to 74% (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Shifts toward MRI‐based staging, total neoadjuvant therapy and MIS occurred between 2009 and 2015. Over the same period, treatment responses improved, and lengths of stay and the incidence of complications decreased.
Perceptions of foundation dentists on minor oral surgery teaching in dental foundation training
Authors: Ross Jennie , Baker Sarah R.
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aim of this service evaluation was to explore the experiences of foundation dentists (FDs) during their dental foundation year (DFT) in the field of oral surgery and surgical extractions.

Methods

A phenomenological approach was taken aiming to explore the FDs' experiences through a qualitative design. All FDs in the region deemed eligible for the evaluation were invited to attend a semi‐structured interview or answer a qualitative questionnaire when attending for their exit interview at the completion of DFT. The interviews were then transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

79 FDs took part in the evaluation, representing 86% of trainees eligible for inclusion. Findings showed that not all FDs had the opportunity to undertake surgical extractions independently during the year. Data was analysed and 4 main themes generated when evaluating FDs' experiences; specific learning encounters, influence of the educational supervisor, supportive learning environment and ready for independent practice.

Conclusions

This evaluation shows that there are a number of factors associated with FDs' experience during DFT, and not all FDs are leaving the training with a positive experience, with a query as to whether they are fulfilling the aims of training to become an "independent practitioner." It poses questions about what can be done to improve future training and what exactly does DFT need to achieve in terms of experience in surgical extractions.
Ecogeographical rules and the macroecology of food webs
Authors: Baiser Benjamin , Gravel Dominique , Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Dunne Jennifer A. , Fahimipour Ashkaan K. , Gilarranz Luis J. , Grochow Joshua A. , Li Daijiang , Martinez Neo D. , McGrew Alicia , Poisot Timothée , Romanuk Tamara N. , Stouffer Daniel B. , Trotta Lauren B. , Valdovinos Fernanda S. , Williams Richard J. , Wood Spencer A. , Yeakel Justin D.
Published: May 2019

Aim

How do factors such as space, time, climate and other ecological drivers influence food web structure and dynamics? Collections of well‐studied food webs and replicate food webs from the same system that span biogeographical and ecological gradients now enable detailed, quantitative investigation of such questions and help integrate food web ecology and macroecology. Here, we integrate macroecology and food web ecology by focusing on how ecogeographical rules [the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), Bergmann's rule, the island rule and Rapoport's rule] are associated with the architecture of food webs.

Location

Global.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

All taxa.

Methods

We discuss the implications of each ecogeographical rule for food webs, present predictions for how food web structure will vary with each rule, assess empirical support where available, and discuss how food webs may influence ecogeographical rules. Finally, we recommend systems and approaches for further advancing this research agenda.

Results

We derived testable predictions for some ecogeographical rules (e.g. LDG, Rapoport's rule), while for others (e.g., Bergmann's and island rules) it is less clear how we would expect food webs to change over macroecological scales. Based on the LDG, we found weak support for both positive and negative relationships between food chain length and latitude and for increased generality and linkage density at higher latitudes. Based on Rapoport's rule, we found support for the prediction that species turnover in food webs is inversely related to latitude.

Main conclusions

The macroecology of food webs goes beyond traditional approaches to biodiversity at macroecological scales by focusing on trophic interactions among species. The collection of food web data for different types of ecosystems across biogeographical gradients is key to advance this research agenda. Further, considering food web interactions as a selection pressure that drives or disrupts ecogeographical rules has the potential to address both mechanisms of and deviations from these macroecological relationships. For these reasons, further integration of macroecology and food webs will help ecologists better understand the assembly, maintenance and change of ecosystems across space and time.
Comparison between clinical judgment and integrated lung and inferior vena cava ultrasonography for dry weight estimation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Arun Thomas E. T. , Mohandas M. K. , George Jacob
Published: May 2019

Introduction:Correct dry weight estimation is very crucial for hemodialysis (HD) patients to maintain euvolemia. Most dialysis centers practice clinical judgment for dry weight estimation, which is subjective and can differ significantly from the actual weight. We designed this study to redefine the clinically estimated dry weight of patients on HD using integrated lung–inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasonography (USG) and compare the symptoms arising due to volume overload and/or volume depletion before and after modifying the dry weight.

Methods:Breathlessness and orthostatic giddiness were scored and documented for 2 weeks while patients were on HD based on clinically estimated dry weight and again for 2 weeks after redefining dry weight using lung–IVC USG. New dry weight was defined as the weight of the patient at which the number of B‐lines was <4 on eight site lung USG and IVC collapsibility index was between 50% and 75%.

Findings:After redefining the dry weight, 34 patients (group I) had change in dry weight and 40 (group II) had no change. There was 0.21 ± 1.80 reduction in the score for orthostatic giddiness in group I and 0.03 ± 0.16 in group II (P = 0.147). The score for breathlessness during the 24 hours following dialysis reduced by 0.21 ± 0.41 in group I, but did not change in group II (P = 0.003). Score for breathlessness in the predialysis day reduced by 0.56 ± 0.56 in group I and by 0.05 ± 0.22 in group II (P < 0.001).

Discussion:Symptoms related to volume overload and depletion were less when HD prescription was based on lung–IVC USG defined dry weight.
Reduced Short‐Latency Afferent Inhibition Indicates Impaired Sensorimotor Integrity During Migraine Attacks
Authors: Alaydin Halil Can , Vuralli Doga , Keceli Yeliz , Can Ezgi , Cengiz Bulent , Bolay Hayrunnisa
Published: May 2019

Background and Objective

Migraine attacks disrupt sensory information processing and may also disturb sensorimotor integration. This prospective pilot study aimed to assess the sensorimotor integration and inhibitory circuitry in the sensorimotor cortex using short‐latency afferent inhibition (SAI) paradigm in migraine.

Methods

Twenty‐five migraine without aura patients (10 interictal, 5 preictal, 10 ictal) and 16 healthy controls were enrolled. SAI was elicited by combining the right median nerve electrical stimulation and left motor cortical magnetic stimulation at the 21‐millisecond interval. Mean motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude ratio, recorded from right abductor pollicis muscle after single and conditioned stimulations, was calculated as SAI.

Results

Average MEP inhibition ratio after single and conditioned stimuli in healthy controls was not significantly different from interictal patients (45.1% ± 20.3% vs 44.5% ± 14.75% [P = .93]). However, SAI was significantly reduced during preictal/prodromal (−14.6% ± 42.8% [P = .002]) and ictal/headache (−7.4% ± 31.1% [P = .0001]) periods of migraine compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

Pronounced decrease in SAI during preictal and ictal periods in migraine was shown for the first time. Instead of inhibition to a conditioned stimulus, facilitation in the sensorimotor cortex was detected both ictally and preictally. Preictal SAI results suggest the presence of increased excitability state several hours prior to the headache phase. This phenomenon could be related to the cortical hyperresponsivity to sensory stimuli and cognitive disturbances accompanying migraine attacks as SAI is modulated by cholinergic activity.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase δ is a regulatory T‐cell target in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lim Ee Lyn , Okkenhaug Klaus
Published: May 2019

Tumour infiltration by regulatory T (Treg) cells contributes to suppression of the anti‐tumour immune response, which limits the efficacy of immune‐mediated cancer therapies. The phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway has key roles in mediating the function of many immune cell subsets, including Treg cells. Treg function is context‐dependent and depends on input from different cell surface receptors, many of which can activate the PI3K pathway. In this review, we explore how PI3Kδ contributes to signalling through several major immune cell receptors, including the T‐cell receptor and co‐stimulatory receptors such as CD28 and ICOS, but is antagonized by the immune checkpoint receptors CTLA‐4 and PD‐1. Understanding how PI3Kδ inhibition affects Treg signalling events will help to inform how best to use PI3Kδ inhibitors in clinical cancer treatment.
Electrocaloric effect and pyroelectric performance in (K,Na)NbO3‐based lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Yang Junlin , Hao Xihong
Published: May 2019

The issue of how to achieve an electrocaloric effect (ECE) and pyroelectric effect in a material simultaneously remains to be a challenge for developing practical solid‐state cooling devices and RF‐detectors. Here, we structure a polymorphic phase transition (PPT) region by doping modification in KNN‐based ceramics, which are developed to achieve the ECE. The direct measured ECE and pyroelectric properties are investigated in lead‐free (1‐x)K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐xBi0.5Na0.5ZrO3 (KNN‐xBNZ) ceramics. The adiabatic temperature change (∆T) of 0.22 K at 100°C, 0.14 K at 70°C and 0.16 K at 30°C can be obtained under an electric field of 35 kV cm–1 for x = 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05, respectively. In addition, the temperature dependence of pyroelectric coefficient (p) is established for all compositions via the Byer‐Roundy method. A large p of 454.46 × 10–4 C m–2 K–1 is detected at Curie temperature (TC) in the ceramics with x = 0.03. Achieving electrocaloric effect and pyroelectric performance simultaneously may shed light and provide a feasible design scheme for developing practically useful electrocaloric and pyroelectric materials.
Doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity is maturation dependent due to the shift from topoisomerase IIα to IIβ in human stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Cui Ning , Wu Fujian , Lu Wen‐Jing , Bai Rui , Ke Bingbing , Liu Taoyan , Li Lei , Lan Feng , Cui Ming
Published: May 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used to treat various cancers affecting adults and children; however, its clinical application is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Previous studies have shown that children are more susceptible to the cardiotoxic effects of DOX than adults, which may be related to different maturity levels of cardiomyocyte, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Moreover, researchers investigating DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity caused by human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) have shown that dexrazoxane, the recognized cardioprotective drug for treating DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity, does not alleviate the toxicity of DOX on hiPSC‐CMs cultured for 30 days. We have suggested that this may be ascribed to the immaturity of the 30 days hiPSC‐CMs. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of DOX induced cardiotoxicity in cardiomyocytes of different maturity. We selected 30‐day‐old and 60‐day‐old hiPSC‐CMs (day 30 and day 60 groups), which we term ‘immature’ and ‘relatively mature’ hiPSC‐CMs, respectively. The day 30 CMs were found to be more susceptible to DOX than the day 60 CMs. DOX leads to more ROS (reactive oxygen species) production in the day 60 CMs than in the relatively immature group due to increased mitochondria number. Moreover, the day 60 CMs mainly expressed topoisomerase IIβ presented less severe DNA damage, whereas the day 30 CMs dominantly expressed topoisomerase IIα exhibited much more severe DNA damage. These results suggest that immature cardiomyocytes are more sensitive to DOX as a result of a higher concentration of topoisomerase IIα, which leads to more DNA damage.