bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of seed mass variation along resource gradients
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Ron Ronen , Kadmon Ronen
Published: November 2018

The enormous variation in seed mass along gradients of soil resources has fascinated plant ecologists for decades. However, so far, this research has focused on the description of such variation, rather than its underlying mechanisms. Here we experimentally test a recent model relating such variation to two fundamental properties of plant growth: allometry of biomass growth and size‐asymmetry of light competition. According to the model, mean seed mass should increase, and the variance of seed mass should show a unimodal response, to increasing soil resource availability (productivity). We test these predictions and their underlying assumptions using a combination of field observations, mesocosm experiments and greenhouse experiments focusing on Mediterranean annual plants. Our results support the predictions and assumptions of the model, and allow us to reject alternative models of seed mass variation. We conclude that growth‐allometry and size‐asymmetric light competition are key drivers of seed‐mass variation along soil resource gradients.
Environmental filtering explains a U‐shape latitudinal pattern in regional β‐deviation for eastern North American trees
Authors: Xing Dingliang , He Fangliang
Published: November 2018

The underlying drivers of β‐diversity along latitudinal gradients have been unclear. Previous studies have focused on β‐diversities calculated at a local scale and shed limited light on regional β‐diversity. We tested the much‐debated effects of range size vs. environmental filtering on the β‐gradient using data from the US Forest Inventory Analysis Program. We showed that the drivers of the β‐gradient were scale dependent. At the local scale species spatial patterns contributed little to the β‐gradient, whereas at the regional scale spatial patterns dominated the gradient and a U‐shape latitudinal relationship for the standardised β‐diversity deviation was revealed. The relationship can be explained by spatial variation in climate and soil texture, thus supporting the environmental filtering hypothesis. But it is inconsistent with Rapoport's rule about the effect of range size on β‐gradient. These results resolve the debate on whether species spatial distributions contribute to β‐gradient and attest the importance of environmental filtering in determining regional β‐diversity.
Effect of margin design on fracture load of zirconia crowns
Authors: Skjold Anneli , Schriwer Christian , Øilo Marit
Published: November 2018

Zirconia‐based restorations are showing an increase as the clinicians’ preferred choice at posterior sites because of the strength and esthetic properties of such restorations. However, all‐ceramic restorations fracture at higher rates than do metal‐based restorations. Margin design is one of several factors that can affect the fracture strength of all‐ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preparation and crown margin design on fracture resistance. Four groups of bilayer zirconia crowns (with 10 crowns in each group) were produced by hard‐ or soft‐machining technique, with the following four different margin designs: chamfer preparation (control); slice preparation; slice preparation with an additional cervical collar of 0.7 mm thickness; and reduced occlusal thickness (to 0.4 mm) on slice preparation with an additional cervical collar of 0.7 mm thickness. Additionally, 10 hard‐machined crowns with slice preparation were veneered and glazed with feldspathic porcelain. In total, 90 crowns were loaded centrally in the occlusal fossa until fracture. The load at fracture was higher than clinically relevant mastication loads for all preparation and margin designs. The crowns on a chamfer preparation fractured at higher loads compared with crowns on a slice preparation. An additional cervical collar increased load at fracture for hard‐machined crowns.
Experimental multiaxial fatigue tests realized with newly developed geometry specimens
Authors: Morettini Giulia , Braccesi Claudio , Cianetti Filippo
Published: November 2018

In the literature there are many experimental results of multiaxial fatigue testing, usually generated by the combination of two or more cyclical loads. The cases in which samples are randomly stressed are rarer. Moreover, to generate particular stress states, the use of specific machinery for fatigue tests is usually required. For these reasons, the authors have created a particular geometry of specimens, which, when solicited by a single input of a random type, guarantees the creation of specific multiaxial stress states without using complex and costly instruments. The experimental tests were finally used for the validation of the multiaxial reduction method developed and currently utilized in the authors' design phase, though potentially used to verify all the other methodologies present in the literature.
Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold‐Hybrid Approach to Urethral Stricture (BEES‐HAUS) procedure: A novel cell therapy‐based pilot study
Authors: Vaddi Surya P , Reddy Vijaya B , Abraham Samuel JK
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To describe the feasibility of a novel cell‐based endoscopic technique using buccal epithelium, expanded and encapsulated in a thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold for the treatment of urethral stricture.

Methods

Six male patients with bulbar urethral stricture ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 cm in length were included in this pilot study. Autologous buccal epithelial cells from a small buccal mucosal biopsy were isolated, cultured and encapsulated in thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold, and were implanted at the stricture site after a wide endoscopic urethrotomy.

Results

All the patients voided well, with a mean peak flow rate of 24 mL/s. Urethroscopy carried out at 6 months showed healthy mucosa at the urethrotomy site. However, two of the six patients had recurrence at 18 and 24 months, respectively.

Conclusions

This endoscopic‐based Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold‐Hybrid Approach to Urethral Stricture (BEES‐HAUS) technique is a promising alternative for the open substitution buccal graft urethroplasty. It is possible to achieve the benefits of open substitution buccal urethroplasty with this endoscopic technique.
Spatial distribution and population dynamics of Callichirus major (Crustacea, Callianassidae) in a tropical sandy beach, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rosa Leonardo C. , Freire Kátia M. F. , Souza Miller J. M.
Published: November 2018

Callichirus major is a callianassid shrimp widely used as live bait by Brazilian recreational fishers. Here, we present information about spatial distribution and population dynamics of C. major based upon both the number of burrow openings and the number of specimens collected monthly between July 2011 and September 2012 at Aruanda Beach, northeastern Brazil. Burrows occupied a spatial area between 68 m (November 2011) and 107 m wide (April 2012), starting at the intermediate intertidal area (~48 ± 5 m below the high tide mark) and extending their distribution to the sublittoral zone. Mean density ranged from 5.6 ± 3.6 (December 2011) to 35.6 ± 18.7 burrows per m2 (July 2012). The population had a female‐biased sex ratio (1:1.5 males:females). Dorsal oval length was 3.97–14.65 mm for males and 4.31–16.30 mm for females. Weight–length relationships for males and females were both allometrically positive. Ovigerous females occurred from November 2011 to March 2012, with a mean fecundity of 2327 ± 1290 eggs, and recruitment was observed in June 2012. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for males were: L∞ = 15.00 mm, K = 0.78/year, C = 0.2, and WP = 0.6. For females, the model parameters were: L∞ = 16.50 mm, K = 0.78/year, C = 0.2, and WP = 0.6. The total instantaneous mortality rate for males and females was 1.72 and 1.11/year, respectively. The pattern of distribution, density, and reproductive cycle was similar to that reported for the species in southern‐southeastern Brazil. However, the asymptotic lengths estimated here for both males and females were higher, suggesting an underexploited status for this population, inhabiting an area where penaeid shrimps are the most preferred live bait used by local recreational fishers.
MicroRNA let‐7a regulates angiogenesis by targeting TGFBR3 mRNA
Authors: Wang Shao , Zhou Huandong , Wu Dazhou , Ni Huajing , Chen Zhongliang , Chen Chengshui , Xiang Youqun , Dai Kezhi , Chen Xiaoming , Li Xi
Published: November 2018

Angiogenesis has a great impact on human health, owing to its participation in development, wound healing and the pathogenesis of several diseases. It has been reported that let‐7a is a tumour suppressor, but whether it plays a role in angiogenesis is unclear. Here we showed that let‐7a, a microRNA conserved in vertebrates, regulated angiogenesis by concomitantly down‐regulating TGFBR3. Overexpression of let‐7a or knockdown of TGFBR3 in cell culture inhibited the tube formation and reduced migration rate. Moreover, xenograft experiments showed that overexpression of let‐7a or knockdown of TGFBR3 had smaller tumour size. Downstream genes, such as VEGFC and MMP9, were also down‐regulated in let‐7a overexpression or TGFBR3 knockdown groups. Therefore, our results revealed a novel mechanism that let‐7a regulate angiogenesis through post‐transcriptional regulation of TGFBR3.
Different behaviour of DVL1, DVL2, DVL3 in astrocytoma malignancy grades and their association to TCF1 and LEF1 upregulation
Authors: Kafka Anja , Bačić Mateja , Tomas Davor , Žarković Kamelija , Bukovac Anja , Njirić Niko , Mrak Goran , Krsnik Željka , Pećina‐Šlaus Nives
Published: November 2018

Key regulators of the Wnt signalling, DVL1, DVL2 and DVL3, in astrocytomas of different malignancy grades were investigated. Markers for DVL1, DVL2 and DVL3 were used to detect microsatellite instability (MSI) and gross deletions (LOH), while immunohistochemistry and immunoreactivity score were used to determine the signal strengths of the three DVL proteins and transcription factors of the pathway, TCF1 and LEF1. Our findings demonstrated that MSI at all three DVL loci was constantly found across tumour grades with the highest number in grade II (P = 0.008). Collectively, LOHs were more frequent in high‐grade tumours than in low grade ones. LOHs of DVL3 gene were significantly associated with grade IV tumours (P = 0.007). The results on protein expressions indicated that high‐grade tumours expressed less DVL1 protein as compared with low grade ones. A significant negative correlation was established between DVL1 expression and malignancy grades (P < 0.001). The expression of DVL2 protein was found similar across grades, while DVL3 expression significantly increased with malignancy grades (P < 0.001). The signal strengths of expressed DVL1 and DVL3 were negatively correlated (P = 0.002). However, TCF1 and LEF1 were both significantly upregulated and increasing with astrocytoma grades (P = 0.001). A positive correlation was established between DVL3 and both TCF1 (P = 0.020) and LEF1 (P = 0.006) suggesting their joint involvement in malignant progression. Our findings suggest that DVL1 and DVL2 may be involved during early stages of the disease, while DVL3 may have a role in later phases and together with TCF1 and LEF1 promotes the activation of Wnt signalling.
Plasma levels of miR‐29b and miR‐200b in type 2 diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Dantas da Costa e Silva Maria Enoia , Polina Evelise Regina , Crispim Daisy , Sbruzzi Renan Cesar , Lavinsky Daniel , Mallmann Felipe , Martinelli Nidiane Carla , Canani Luis Henrique , dos Santos Katia Gonçalves
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications, and their circulating levels have emerged as potential biomarkers for the development and progression of diabetes. However, few studies have examined the expression of miRNAs in diabetic retinopathy (DR) in humans. This case‐control study aimed to investigate whether the plasma levels of miR‐29b and miR‐200b are associated with DR in 186 South Brazilians with type 2 diabetes (91 without DR, 46 with non‐proliferative DR and 49 with proliferative DR). We also included 20 healthy blood donors to determine the miRNA expression in the general population. Plasma levels of miR‐29b and miR‐200b were quantified by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Proliferative DR was inversely associated with plasma levels of miR‐29b (unadjusted OR = 0.694, 95% CI: 0.535‐0.900, P = 0.006) and miR‐200b (unadjusted OR = 0.797, 95% CI: 0.637‐0.997, P = 0.047). However, these associations were lost after controlling for demographic and clinical covariates. In addition, patients with type 2 diabetes had lower miR‐200b levels than blood donors. Our findings reinforce the importance of addressing the role of circulating miRNAs, including miR‐29 and miR‐200b, in DR.
Accuracy of dermoscopy in distinguishing erythroplasia of Queyrat from common forms of chronic balanitis: results from a multicentric observational study
Authors: Errichetti E. , Lallas A. , Di Stefani A. , Apalla Z. , Kyrgidis A. , Lacarrubba F. , Micali G. , Galvan A. , Piaserico S. , Stinco G.
Published: November 2018

Background

Clinical differentiation of erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) and chronic forms of balanitis may be challenging, especially in early phases or in overlapping cases. Dermoscopy has been shown to be a useful supportive tool in facilitating the distinction between tumoral and inflammatory skin conditions; yet, data on EQ and balanitis are scarce or sparse.

Objectives

To systematically assess the dermoscopic features of both EQ and common forms of chronic balanitis and to investigate the accuracy of dermoscopy in distinguishing these conditions.

Methods

Subjects with EQ or chronic balanitis confirmed histologically or microbiologically (for infectious forms) were recruited. A representative dermoscopic image of a target lesion was retrospectively assessed for the presence of specific morphological findings. A correlation matrix was created using Spearman's rho. Proportions of dermoscopic variables scoring among different conditions were compared with the non‐parametric Pearson's chi‐square test.

Results

A total of 81 lesions (14 EQ, 23 psoriasis, 31 Zoon plasma cell balanitis and 13 candidal balanitis) from 81 patients were included in the study. Glomerular vessels (both clustered and diffusely distributed) were highly predictive for the diagnosis of EQ, while diffuse dotted vessels were strongly associated with psoriatic balanitis. Finally, Zoon plasma cell balanitis was characterized by orange structureless areas (focal or diffuse) and focused linear curved vessels, whereas cottage cheese‐like structures (sparse white coating corresponding to Candida yeast colonies growth) showed a strong correlation with candidal balanitis.

Conclusions

Erythroplasia of Queyrat and balanitis may display different dermoscopic patterns, thereby bearing the usefulness of dermoscopy as a supportive non‐invasive tool for the recognition and differential diagnosis of such conditions.
A survey among dermatologists: diagnostics of superficial fungal infections – what is used and what is needed to initiate therapy and assess efficacy?
Authors: Saunte D.M.L. , Piraccini B.M. , Sergeev A.Y. , Prohić A. , Sigurgeirsson B. , Rodríguez‐Cerdeira C. , Szepietowski J.C. , Faergemann J. , Arabatzis M. , Pereiro M. , Skerlev M. , Lecerf P. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Nenoff P. , Nowicki R.J. , Emtestam L. , Hay R.J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Superficial fungal infections are common. It is important to confirm the clinical diagnosis by mycological laboratory methods before initiating systemic antifungal treatment, especially as antifungal sensitivity and in vitro susceptibility may differ between different genera and species. For many years, the gold standard for diagnosis of superficial fungal infections has been direct fungal detection in the clinical specimen (microscopy) supplemented by culturing. Lately, newer molecular based methods for fungal identification have been developed.

Objective

This study was initiated to focus on the current usage of mycological diagnostics for superficial fungal infections by dermatologists. It was designed to investigate whether it was necessary to differentiate between initial diagnostic tests and those used at treatment follow‐up in specific superficial fungal infections.

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed among members of the EADV mycology Task Force and other dermatologists with a special interest in mycology and nail disease.

Results

The survey was distributed to 62 dermatologists of whom 38 (61%) completed the whole survey, 7 (11%) partially completed and 17 (27%) did not respond. Nearly, all respondents (82–100%) said that ideally they would use the result of direct microscopy (or histology) combined with a genus/species directed treatment of onychomycosis, dermatophytosis, Candida‐ and Malassezia‐related infections. The majority of the dermatologists used a combination of clinical assessment and direct microscopy for treatment assessment and the viability of the fungus was considered more important at this visit than when initiating the treatment. Molecular based methods were not available for all responders.

Conclusion

The available diagnostic methods are heterogeneous and their usage differs between different practices as well as between countries. The survey confirmed that dermatologists find it important to make a mycological diagnosis, particularly prior to starting oral antifungal treatment in order to confirm the diagnose and target the therapy according to genus and species.
Seeds of Plantago psyllium and Plantago ovata: Mineral composition, grinding, and use for gluten‐free bread as substitutes for hydrocolloids
Authors: Ziemichód Alicja , Wójcik Monika , Różyło Renata
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, grinding, and possibility of whole seeds of Plantago psyllium (PP) and Plantago ovata (PO) application as an alternative to hydrocolloid for gluten‐free bread baking. The procedure of seeds swelling was proposed, trace elements and physical properties of seeds were determined. The grinding energy of seeds and the baking of gluten‐free bread with the addition of whole and grinded form of seeds was made. The seeds of PP and PO are a rich source of trace elements, such as zinc, manganese copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These seeds swell very quickly. PO swells faster at lower temperatures than PP. Grinded seeds of two types of studied Plantago can be used as substitutes for hydrocolloids, they caused a considerable increase in the gluten‐free dough yield (from 200 to 240%) and beneficially affected the texture of the crumb.

Practical applications

Similarly to fiber the seeds of PP or PO can also be used as replacements for hydrocolloids in the production of gluten‐free bread. The use of whole seeds does not require complicated procedures of fiber extraction, it also has much higher efficiency. Our research allowed to identify a hummer mill on which satisfactory results of Plantago seeds were obtained. PO compared to PP has the seeds that are more susceptible to grinding, their grinding energy is much lower. Characterization of the physical properties of seeds will allow adaptation of processing in the future. Plantago seeds swell intensely in water at different rates depending on the temperature. As a source of trace elements such as zinc, manganese copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, whole seeds of Plantago can be a valuable functional food additive.
Microbial quality of edible grasshoppers Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): From wild harvesting to fork in the Kagera Region, Tanzania
Authors: Ng'ang'a Jeremiah , Imathiu Samuel , Fombong Forkwa , Ayieko Monica , Vanden Broeck Jozef , Kinyuru John
Published: November 2018

In Tanzania, edible Ruspolia differens are still harvested from the natural environments. In this perspective, little is known about the microbiological quality of wild harvested R. differens. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality of wild harvested R. differens and evaluate the efficacy of conventional processing methods in reducing microbial load. Two districts (Bukoba rural and Muleba) within the Kagera region were purposively selected for the study. Sampling was done from the same batches along the R. differens food chain as follows: (a) at harvest points in the villages, (b) after transportation to the market and plucking of wings and legs, (c) after rinsing with potable tap water, and (d) after processing using conventional methods. Generally, high microbial counts, that is, total viable aerobic count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, bacterial endospores, and yeasts and molds were observed in raw R. differens samples. A significant increase in microbial counts after transportation and plucking was only observed for TVC, bacterial endospores, and yeasts and molds. A statistically significant reduction in all types of counts, with the exception of bacterial endospores, was observed after processing. All processed samples analyzed were devoid of salmonellae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli.

Practical applications

Although commonly used processing methods of Ruspolia differens were effective in reducing microbial load, bacterial endospores were hardly eliminated and could pose a health hazard to consumers; thus, improved handling of R. differens along the food chain could reduce such risks.
Prevalence of Shiga‐like toxin producing Escherichia coli strain (E. coli O157) in freshly consumed vegetables and its characterization
Authors: B. Sai Cayalvizhi , D Balachandhar
Published: November 2018

Escherichia coli is a vast genus with various beneficial to harmful species. O157:H7 is a shiga‐like toxin (stx) producing E. coli that cause's major health threats in humans, through oral route. However, the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in vegetables is not yet reported in India. Hence, we surveyed the vegetables markets and enumerated the presence of E. coli O157 in freshly consumed vegetables namely, cucumber, radish, lettuce, cabbage, and menthos. Three consecutive surveys from three different market areas were done with 1 month interval. A total of 603 E. coli colonies were isolated. Presence of shiga toxin genes (Stx) were confirmed by colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Stx1 and Stx2 markers that showed 25 and 12 positive colonies, respectively. Among the five vegetables, cabbage had the highest Stx positive colonies (16%). Compared to supermarkets, vegetables from the farmers market did not have much load of E. coli O157. Further, characterization of isolated E. coli colonies were performed using PCR techniques with gene specific markers namely, E. coli uidA, E. coli O157 specific uidA and intimin gene markers. Our analysis showed 6% of E. coli O157 population in the freshly consumed vegetables much above than 2% threshold level, thus providing a warning foresight related to disease outbreak.

Practical applications

Molecular survey using a number of Escherichia coli O157 specific genes through PCR is an easy, rapid, and a reliable method for pathogenic bacteria identification and characterization amidst other indigenous microbial load. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based enumeration of E. coli O157 in vegetables assist us in determining the threshold level for forewarning of pathogenic disease outbreaks. Further, the severity of outbreak could be predicted using E. coli O157 specific shiga toxin (stx) and receptor genes (intimin). The presence of E. coli O157 specific shiga toxins and intimins in a pathogen signifies severity and virulence of strains in causing potential outbreaks. PCR‐based studies enables rapid identification of inoculums source (E. coli O157 spread) from farmers field/cattle shed. Thus, it could be reliably used to stop the further spread of disease from the source inoculums during the outbreaks.
Morphology of GNAT3‐immunoreactive chemosensory cells in the rat larynx
Authors: Masuda Haruka , Nakamuta Nobuaki , Yamamoto Yoshio
Published: November 2018

The upper airways play important roles in respiratory defensive reflexes. Although solitary chemosensory cells and chemosensory cell clusters have been reported in the laryngeal mucosa of mammalian species, the distribution and cellular morphology of chemosensory cells remain unclear. In the present study, the distribution and morphology of solitary chemosensory cells and chemosensory cell clusters were examined by immunofluorescence for GNAT3 on whole‐mount preparations of the rat laryngeal mucosa. Electrophysiological experiments were performed to analyze the respiratory reflexes evoked by bitter stimuli to the laryngeal cavity. In the whole area of the laryngeal mucosa, the numbers of GNAT3‐immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells and chemosensory clusters were 421.0 ± 20.3 and 62.7 ± 6.9, respectively. GNAT3‐immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells were mainly distributed in the mucosa overlying epiglottic and arytenoid cartilage, and chemosensory clusters were mainly distributed on the edge of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic fold. GNAT3‐immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells were slender with elongated processes or had a flask‐like/columnar shape. The number of GNAT3‐immunoreactive cells in chemosensory clusters was 6.1 ± 0.4, ranging between 2 and 14 cells. GNAT3‐immunoreactive cells in the cluster were variform and the tips of apical processes gathered at one point at the surface of the epithelium. The tips of apical cytoplasmic processes in solitary chemosensory cells and cells in the cluster were immunoreactive for espin, and faced the laryngeal cavity. Physiological experiments showed that the application of 10 mm quinine hydrochloride to the laryngeal cavity decreased respiratory frequency. The present results revealed the chemosensory field of the larynx and the morphological characteristics of the laryngeal chemosensory system for respiratory depression.
A study on preganglionic connections and possible viscerofugal projections from urinary bladder intramural ganglia to the caudal mesenteric ganglion in the pig
Authors: Lepiarczyk Ewa , Bossowska Agnieszka , Skowrońska Agnieszka , Majewski Mariusz
Published: November 2018

The present study was designed to (1) ascertain the distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of sympathetic preganglionic neurons supplying the caudal mesenteric ganglion (CaMG) and (2) verify the existence of viscerofugal projections from the urinary bladder trigone intramural ganglia (UBT‐IG) to the CaMGin female pigs (n = 6). Combined retrograde tracing and immunofluorescence methods were used. Injections of the neuronal tracer Fast Blue (FB) into the right CaMGrevealed no retrogradely labelled (FB‐positive;FB+) nerve cells in the intramural ganglia; however, manyFB+neurons were found in the spinal cord sympathetic nuclei. Double‐labelling immunohistochemistry revealed that nearly all (99.4 ± 0.6%) retrogradely labelled neurons were cholinergic (choline acetyltransferase‐positive;ChAT+) in nature. ManyFB+/ChAT+perikarya stained positive for vesicular acetylcholine transporter (63.11 ± 5.34%), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (53.48 ± 9.62%) or cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide (41.13 ± 4.77%). A small number of the retrogradely labelled cells revealed immunoreactivity for calcitonin gene‐related peptide (7.60 ± 1.34%) or pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (4.57 ± 1.43%). The present study provides the first detailed information on the arrangement and chemical features of preganglionic neurons projecting to the porcine CaMGand, importantly, strong evidence suggesting the absence of viscerofugal projections from theUBT‐IG.
Impact of Intraoperative Hyperglycemia on Brain Structures and Volumes
Authors: Lachmann Gunnar , Spies Claudia , Windmann Victoria , Wollersheim Tobias , Engelhardt Lilian Jo , Winterer Georg , Kuehn Simone ,   on behalf of the BIOCOG Study Group
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In hyperglycemic patients, who succumbed to septic shock, an increased rate of apoptosis of microglial cells and damaged neurons of the hippocampus were found. However, the influence of perioperative glucose levels on hippocampal brain structures has not yet been investigated.

METHODS

As part of the ongoing BIOCOG project, a subgroup of N = 65 elderly nondemented patients were analyzed who underwent elective surgery of ≥60 minutes. In these patients, at least one intraoperative blood glucose (BG) measurement was available from the medical charts. Intraoperative glucose maximum was determined in each patient. Preoperatively and at 3 months follow‐up, structural neuroimaging was performed with T1‐weighted magnetization prepared rapid gradient‐echo sequence (MP‐Rage) and a dedicated high‐resolution hippocampus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI scans were analyzed to assess pre‐ or postoperative volume changes of the hippocampus as a whole and hippocampal subfields. We also assessed changes of frontal lobe volume and cortical thickness.

RESULTS

Overall, 173 intraoperative BG levels were obtained in 65 patients (median 2 per patient). A total of 18 patients showed intraoperative hyperglycemia (glucose maximum ≥150 mg/dL). Controlling for age and diabetes status, no significant impact of intraoperative hyperglycemia was found on the pre–post volume change of the hippocampus as a whole, hippocampal subfields, frontal lobe, and frontal cortical thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no effect of intraoperative hyperglycemia on postoperative brain structures and volumes including volumes of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields, frontal lobe, and frontal cortical thickness. Further studies investigating the impact of intraoperatively elevated glucose levels should consider a tighter or even continuous glycemic measurement and the determination of central microglial activation.
Predictive data mining for diagnosing periodontal disease: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES V and VI) from 2010 to 2015
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hong , Jeong Seong‐Nyum , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to identify patients with the highest risk of periodontal disease (PD), and to provide recommendations for the effective use and application of data mining (DM) techniques when establishing evidence‐based dental‐care policies for vulnerable groups at a high risk of PD.

Methods

This study used the SEMMA (Sample, Explore, Modify, Model, and Assess) methodology to construct DM models based on data acquired from the fifth and sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2000‐2015). We analyzed the sociodemographic and comorbidity variables that influence PD by applying the popular DM techniques of decision‐tree, neural‐network, and regression models, and also attempted to improve the predictive power and reliability by comparing the results obtained by these three models.

Results

Our comparisons of the three DM algorithms confirmed that the average squared error, misclassification rate, receiver operating characteristic index, Gini coefficient, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test results were the most appropriate for the decision‐tree model. The analysis of the decision‐tree model revealed that age and smoking status exert major effects on the risk of PD, and that stress and education level exert effects in rural areas, whereas education level, sex, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol intake exert effects in urban areas.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the decision‐tree model is an effective DM technique for identifying the complex risk factors for PD. These results are expected to be helpful in improving the equality and efficacy of dental‐care policies for vulnerable groups at a high risk of PD.
Genome size‐dependent pcna gene copy number in dinoflagellates and molecular evidence of retroposition as a major evolutionary mechanism
Authors: Hou Yubo , Ji Nanjing , Zhang Huan , Shi Xinguo , Han Hansen , Lin Senjie
Published: November 2018

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays critical roles in eukaryotic DNA replication and replication‐associated processes. It is typically encoded by one or two gene copies (pcna) in eukaryotic genomes. Recently reported higher copy numbers of pcna in some dinoflagellates raised a question of how this gene has uniquely evolved in this phylum. Through real‐time PCR quantification, we found a wide range of pcna copy number (2–287 copies) in 11 dinoflagellate species (n = 38), and a strong positive correlation between pcna copy number and genome size (log10–log10 transformed). Intraspecific pcna diverged up to 21% and are dominated by nonsynonymous substitutions, indicating strong purifying selection pressure on and hence functional necessity of this gene. By surveying pcna copy numbers in eukaryotes, we observed a genome size threshold at 4 pg DNA, above which more than two pcna copies are found. To examine whether retrotransposition is a mechanism of pcna duplication, we measured the copy number of retroposed pcna, taking advantage of the 22‐nt dinoflagellate‐specific spliced leader (DinoSL) capping the 5′ end of dinoflagellate nuclear‐encoded mRNAs, which would exist in the upstream region of a retroposed gene copy. We found that retroposed pcna copy number increased with total pcna copy number and genome size. These results indicate co‐evolution of dinoflagellate pcna copy number with genome size, and retroposition as a major mechanism of pcna duplication in dinoflagellates. Furthermore, we posit that the demand of faithful replication and maintenance of the large dinoflagellate genomes might have favored the preservation of the retroposed pcna as functional genes.
Light capture and pigment diversity in marine and freshwater cryptophytes
Authors: Cunningham Brady R. , Greenwold Matthew J. , Lachenmyer Eric M. , Heidenreich Kristin M. , Davis Abigail C. , Dudycha Jeffry L. , Richardson Tammi L.
Published: November 2018

Phenotypic traits associated with light capture and phylogenetic relationships were characterized in 34 strains of diversely pigmented marine and freshwater cryptophytes. Nuclear SSU and partial LSU rDNA sequence data from 33 of these strains plus an additional 66 strains produced a concatenated rooted maximum likelihood tree that classified the strains into 7 distinct clades. Molecular and phenotypic data together support: (i) the reclassification of Cryptomonas irregularis NIES 698 to the genus Rhodomonas, (ii) revision of phycobiliprotein (PBP) diversity within the genus Hemiselmis to include cryptophyte phycocyanin (Cr‐PC) 569, (iii) the inclusion of previously unidentified strain CCMP 2293 into the genus Falcomonas, even though it contains cryptophyte phycoerythrin 545 (Cr‐PE 545), and (iv) the inclusion of previously unidentified strain CCMP 3175, which contains Cr‐PE 545, in a clade with PC‐containing Chroomonas species. A discriminant analysis‐based model of group membership correctly predicted 70.6% of the clades using three traits: PBP concentration · cell−1, the wavelength of PBP maximal absorption, and habitat. Non‐PBP pigments (alloxanthin, chl‐a, chl‐c2, α‐carotene) did not contribute significantly to group classification, indicating the potential plasticity of these pigments and the evolutionary conservation of the PBPs. Pigment data showed evidence of trade‐offs in investments in PBPs vs. chlorophylls (a +c2).
Oral Health Literacy and Outcomes in Rural Wisconsin Adults
Authors: VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Tambe Sailee R. , Acharya Amit
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Low oral health literacy (OHL) is an emerging risk factor for several oral health outcomes, but there are very few studies of OHL overall and no studies of OHL in the rural United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between OHL and sociodemographic factors, as well as several oral health outcomes, in rural adults served by an integrated medical and dental care system in Wisconsin.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was administered to a stratified random sample of patients from 2 rural communities. Survey data were linked to local electronic health records. Multivariable regression was used to identify sociodemographic determinants of low OHL, as well as associations between OHL and: oral hygiene, oral health quality of life, dentist visits, and emergency/urgent care visits for nontraumatic dental conditions.

Findings

Among the 164 respondents, OHL scores were generally high but were significantly lower among nonwhite participants (P < .001), as well as those without a college degree (P < .001) and those with an annual household income under $40,000 (P = .029). Lower OHL scores were significantly associated with lower quality of life scores (P = .005), fewer visits to the dentist (P = .007), and more emergency room visits for nontraumatic dental conditions (P = .021).

Conclusion

In rural Wisconsin, low OHL tracked closely with markers of socioeconomic status and appeared most influential in the context of appropriate dental care utilization. Future research should consider longitudinal explorations of how OHL influences preventive and emergency dental visits over time.
Identification of critical control points using water quality as an indicator of hygiene for artisanal fisheries on Lake Malawi
Authors: Samikwa Evance , Kapute Fanuel , Tembo Mavuto , Phiri Titus , Holm Rochelle H.
Published: November 2018

Fish are a highly perishable commodity, and unhygienic fresh fish supply chains have been documented over the past two decades in sub‐Saharan Africa. Fishers spend long hours on boats with no provision of sanitary facilities, and even after landing, they are often in environments without sanitary facilities. The purpose of the present study was to explore the impacts of water, sanitation and hygiene practices in an artisanal fishery on food safety by analysing water samples in close contact with fresh fish at various checkpoints from capture to sale at the local market along the shores of Lake Malawi (Malawi). The four checkpoints included (a) fishing boats at the fishing ground before fishing commenced (n = 85); (b) in the same boats at the landing site before offloading fresh fish (n = 85); (c) with fresh fish transporters at the landing site (n = 71); and (d) among vendors at the market (n = 63). Escherichia coli was found in a high percentage of samples at each of the four checkpoints during the dry, wet and cold seasons. The highest risk for contamination (represented by E. coli concentrations) was the transition from transport to vendor, regardless of the season during which the samples were taken. The product value chain demands food safety. The results of the present study have potential applications in informing future interventions to develop behavioural change strategies regarding handwashing and toileting practices, norms unique for highly mobile fishing communities through the integration of hardware and software solutions and using better‐quality water to store fish on the boat, in transport and at the market.
Mutual interplay between phytopathogenic powdery mildew fungi and other microorganisms
Authors: Panstruga Ralph , Kuhn Hannah
Published: November 2018

Powdery mildew is a common and widespread plant disease of considerable agronomic relevance. It is caused by obligate biotrophic fungal pathogens which, in most cases, epiphytically colonize aboveground plant tissues. The disease has been typically studied as a binary interaction of the fungal pathogen with its plant hosts, neglecting, for the most part, the mutual interplay with the wealth of other microorganisms residing in the phyllo‐ and/or rhizosphere and roots. However, the establishment of powdery mildew disease can be impacted by the presence/absence of host‐associated microbiota (epi‐ and endophytes) and, conversely, plant colonization by powdery mildew fungi might disturb indigenous microbial community structures. In addition, other (foliar) phytopathogens could interact with powdery mildews, and mycoparasites may affect the outcome of plant–powdery mildew interactions. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the intricate and multifaceted interplay of powdery mildew fungi, host plants and other microorganisms, and outline current gaps in our knowledge, thereby setting the basis for potential future research directions.
It's Déjà vu all over again
Authors: Haldane John
Published: November 2018

The latest sex abuse scandal in the American Catholic Church involving Cardinal McCarrick is compared with that of 2002 in the archdiocese of Boston, and that of 2012 involving Cardinal O'Brien of St Andrews and Edinburgh. Attention is given to aspects of the latter in part because of the privileged perspective of the author. Thereafter, sociological and other reasons are proposed as to why the Catholic priesthood has been afflicted with cases of sexual abuse and sexual impropriety. The issue is considered of the genesis of homosexuality, and apriori assumptions are rejected taking it instead to be an empirical question. There is analysis of the common distinction between (homosexual) orientation and activity, and of its relevance to the issue of admission to seminary formation. Noting that Vatican documents and statements do not refer to ‘orientation’ but to ‘deep-seated homosexual tendencies’ (tendenze omosessuali profondamente) these notions are related to those of disposition and activity, and it is argued that the important distinction is between orientation and the rest. Finally, it is noted that both traditional and progressive Catholics are often given to idolatry about the Church and to Pelagianism about their faith and practice.
Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in Australian general practice: National Prescribing Service MedicineWise MedicineInsight dataset
Authors: Radford Janette , Kitsos Alex , Stankovich Jim , Castelino Ronald , Khanam Masuma , Jose Matthew , Peterson Gregory , Saunder Timothy , Wimmer Barbara , Razizaidi Tabish
Published: November 2018

Aim

To describe sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of a large cohort of Australian general practice‐based patients identified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD), using data from National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise's MedicineInsight dataset, and compare this dataset to the 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey's (AHS) CKD prevalence estimates.

Methods

This was a cohort study using deidentified, longitudinal, electronic health record data collected from 329 practices and 1 483 416 patients distributed across Australia, from 1 June 2013 until 1 June 2016. Two methods were used to calculate the CKD prevalence. One used the same method as used by the 2011–2012 AHS, based on one estimate of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or albumin/creatinine ratios (ACR). The other defined CKD more rigorously using eGFR or ACR results at least 90 days apart.

Results

In 2016, of 1 310 602 active patients, 710 674 (54.2%) did not have an eGFR or ACR test, while 524 961 (40.1%) had an eGFR or ACR test but did not meet AHS criteria for CKD. Age–sex adjusted rates of CKD (compared to AHS) were CKD 1–0.45% (3.9%), CKD 2–0.62% (2.5%), CKD 3a: 3.1% (2.7%), CKD 3b: 1.14% (0.6%), CKD 4–5: 0.41% (0.3%). The CKD cohort defined more rigorously using eGFR and ACR measures >90 days apart, had comorbidities of atrial fibrillation (30.5%), cardiovascular disease (25.0%), diabetes mellitus (17.1%) and hypertension (14.8%).

Conclusion

The MedicineInsight dataset contains valuable and timely information about Australian patients with CKD, and provides prevalence estimates similar to those from AHS data.
Multilevel governance and problem‐solving: Towards a dynamic theory of multilevel policy‐making?
Authors: Maggetti Martino , Trein Philipp
Published: November 2018

In this article, we suggest that the governance of problems shapes the institutional dynamics of multilevel governance (MLG) polities. MLG arrangements—processes and institutions that enable policy‐making across different jurisdictional levels wherein both public authorities and non‐state actors are involved—can or cannot succeed in solving policy problems and at the same time they could create new problems. We argue that the problem‐solving capacity and problem‐generating potential of multilevel arrangements can result in further, downwards, upwards or sideways delegation of political authority, which in turn reconfigure the multilevel architecture of the political system following either centripetal or centrifugal tendencies. We illustrate our point with a stylized account of the dynamics of MLG in the European Union (EU) since the early 1990s. We conclude with some remarks about developing a more general theory of multilevel policy‐making.
Single‐molecule real‐time sequencing reveals diverse allelic variations in carotenoid biosynthetic genes in pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Jeong Hyo‐Bong , Kang Min‐Young , Jung Ayoung , Han Koeun , Lee Joung‐Ho , Jo Jinkwan , Lee Hea‐Young , An Jong‐Wook , Kim Suna , Kang Byoung‐Cheorl
Published: November 2018

The diverse colours of mature pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruit result from the accumulation of different carotenoids. The carotenoid biosynthetic pathway has been well elucidated in Solanaceous plants, and analysis of candidate genes involved in this process has revealed variations in carotenoid biosynthetic genes in Capsicum spp. However, the allelic variations revealed by previous studies could not fully explain the variation in fruit colour in Capsicum spp. due to technical difficulties in detecting allelic variation in multiple candidate genes in numerous samples. In this study, we uncovered allelic variations in six carotenoid biosynthetic genes, including phytoene synthase (PSY1, PSY2), lycopene β‐cyclase, β‐carotene hydroxylase, zeaxanthin epoxidase and capsanthin‐capsorubin synthase (CCS) genes, in 94 pepper accessions by single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing. To investigate the relationship between allelic variations in the candidate genes and differences in fruit colour, we performed ultra‐performance liquid chromatography analysis using 43 accessions representing each allelic variation. Different combinations of dysfunctional mutations in PSY1 and CCS could explain variation in the compositions and levels of carotenoids in the accessions examined in this study. Our results demonstrate that SMRT sequencing technology can be used to rapidly identify allelic variation in target genes in various germplasms. The newly identified allelic variants will be useful for pepper breeding and for further analysis of carotenoid biosynthesis pathways.