bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant silicon effects on insect feeding dynamics are influenced by plant nitrogen availability
Authors: Moise Eric R.D. , McNeil Jeremy N. , Hartley Sue E. , Henry Hugh A.L.
Published: February 2019

Although there is growing evidence that silicon (Si)‐based plant defenses effectively reduce both the palatability and digestibility of leaves, and thus impact nutrient assimilation by insect herbivores, much less is known about how this is affected by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. For example, do herbivores exhibit compensatory feeding on poor‐quality diets with Si or are Si defenses less effective in agroecosystems where high N availability increases plant quality? To investigate the interactive effects of N and Si on insect feeding, we conducted insect performance and compensatory feeding bioassays using maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), and the true armyworm, Pseudeletia unipuncta Haworth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In the performance assay, the addition of Si alone resulted in increased larval mortality compared with the controls, likely because early instars with poorly developed mandibles could not feed effectively. However, larvae fed on plants treated with both Si and N survived better than on plants treated with Si only, although pupal mass did not differ between treatments. In our compensatory assay, Si addition reduced maize consumption, but increased both armyworm approximate digestibility and N assimilation efficiency, suggesting that enhanced post‐ingestion feeding physiology, rather than compensatory food intake, could have accounted for the lack of Si effects on pupal weight. Overall, our results demonstrate that, similar to other chemical and mechanical defenses, the effectiveness of plant Si defense is influenced by plant nutrient status and consumer compensatory ability.
Ecology of female mating failure/lifelong virginity: a review of causal mechanisms in insects and arachnids
Authors: Rhainds Marc
Published: February 2019

Sexual reproduction implies binary outcomes of competitive interactions for access to male gametes: lifelong virgin females with null fitness vs. mated females with variable (generally nonzero) fitness. Female mating failure has long remained a dormant concept in sexual selection theory in part because it is acutely maladaptive (lifelong virgins that do not reproduce are strongly selected against) and also due to widespread acceptance of the Bateman–Trivers paradigm (anisogamy and correlated sex roles). Based on recent scientific output on lifelong virginity across multiple taxonomic groups in insects (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Strepsiptera), female mating failure has become a mainstay of sexual selection over the last decade. Lifelong virginity and senescence (death) are intertwined processes; old virgin females compensate for increased risk of lifelong virginity by becoming less choosy and increasing investment in mating‐related activities. Low rates of female lifelong virginity (<5%) in most natural populations of insects indicate that sex generally ‘works’ due to selective pressures acting on both males and females to enhance lifetime fitness. Mating failures are most common in insects with female flightlessness; these pressures may lead in evolutionary time to transitionary pathways from sexual reproduction to parthenogenesis. Female mating probability is affected by nonlinear density‐dependent processes dependent upon the scale of observation (mate‐encounter Allee effect at large spatial scales, mating interferences between females at small scales). Mate choice and sex role reversal (females being the active sexual partner) are ubiquitous in insects and arachnids with significant paternal investment, but consequences in terms of female lifelong virginity remain unknown. Logistically, conceptual development of female mating failure in insects is most limited by the lack of broadly applicable methods to assess rates of lifetime virginity among flighted females.
Predator‐parasitoid‐host interaction: biological control of Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus oryzae by a combination of Xylocoris flavipes and Theocolax elegans in stored cereals
Authors: Adarkwah Charles , Obeng‐Ofori Daniel , Opuni‐Frimpong Emmanuel , Ulrichs Christian , Schöller Matthias
Published: February 2019

Post‐harvest management constraints are economically significant in Africa for a broad range of commodities, resulting in a substantial negative impact on food security and livelihoods. Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) coexists with Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) – they infest stored cereal grains, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa, and cause significant losses in storage. Laboratory studies were carried out to determine the efficacy of Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Theocolax elegans (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), alone or in combination, in suppressing populations of R. dominica and S. oryzae in stored rice and wheat grains. The weight loss and moisture of the infested grains were assessed, for the various combinations of the two pest insects and the two natural enemies. In rice there was a synergistic effect of the combined release of T. elegans and X. flavipes against both R. dominica and S. oryzae compared to the effect of one natural enemy alone. With the combined release, only 2% F1 progeny of the pest beetles emerged compared to the untreated control (100%), whereas 3.5 and 6% emerged when X. flavipes and T. elegans, respectively, were released alone. When the two natural enemies were released in combination, 0.4% R. dominica F1 progeny emerged, compared to 1.6% with X. flavipes or T. elegans alone. In the combined release only 0.3% S. oryzae F1 progeny emerged, whereas 65% emerged with X. flavipes alone and 41% with T. elegans alone. No synergistic effect of the combined release of the two natural enemies was detected in wheat. In stored rice, the lowest percentage of weight loss (44%) was found when both natural enemies and both beetle species were present. We conclude that the combination of the predator and the parasitoid should be recommended when R. domininca and S. oryzae coexist and feed on stored cereals, especially rice.
Effect of monoamine reuptake inhibition and α1 blockade on respiratory arrest and death following electroshock‐induced seizures in mice
Authors: Kruse Stephen W. , Dayton Kyle G. , Purnell Benton S. , Rosner Jared I. , Buchanan Gordon F.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in patients with refractory epilepsy. Although the mechanisms for SUDEP are incompletely understood, seizure‐induced respiratory arrest (S‐IRA) has been strongly and consistently implicated. A body of evidence indicates that serotonin (5‐HT), a modulator of breathing, plays a critical role in SUDEP. Because the 5‐HT and norepinephrine (NE) systems interact in many biologic processes and NE is known to modulate breathing and seizures, we hypothesized that NE may play a role in S‐IRA and SUDEP.

Methods

We examined the effects of pharmacologic manipulation of 5‐HT and NE on S‐IRA and death following maximal electroshock (MES)–induced seizures in adult wild‐type (WT) mice, genetically 5‐HT neuron–deficient (Lmx1bf/f/p) mice, and chemically NE neuron–deficient mice. Mice were treated with pharmacologic agents targeting the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems and subjected to seizure induction via MES while breathing was measured via whole‐body plethysmography.

Results

S‐IRA and death was reduced in WT mice with NE reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), reboxetine and atomoxetine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), fluoxetine and citalopram, and the dual 5‐HT/NE reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), duloxetine. S‐IRA and death was also reduced in Lmx1bf/f/p mice with reboxetine and fluoxetine. The protective effects of the reuptake inhibitors were prevented by the α1 antagonist, prazosin. Citalopram did not reduce S‐IRA and death in NE neuron–deficient mice.

Significance

These data suggest that 5‐HT and NE critically interact in the modulation of breathing following a seizure and potentially inform preventive strategies for SUDEP.
Serine/arginine protein‐specific kinase 2 promotes the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by downregulating Numb and p53
Authors: Wang Guosen , Sheng Weiwei , Shi Xiaoyang , Li Xin , Zhou Jianping , Dong Ming
Published: February 2019

Serine/arginine protein‐specific kinase 2 (SRPK2) plays a vital role in the progression of a range of different malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that in hepatocellular carcinoma, SRPK2 knockdown leads to the upregulation of the cell fate determining protein Numb, and in pancreatic cancer cells, Numb knockdown prevents ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of p53. In this study, we investigated the relationship between SRPK2, Numb and p53 in the development of pancreatic cancer with or without chemical agent treatment in vitro. SRPK2 expression was upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and associated with decreased overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients, indicating that expression of this protein can be used as a marker of unfavourable prognosis. Expression of SRPK2 was positively associated with tumour T stage and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage, and negatively associated with Numb expression in serial tissue sections. In pancreatic cancer cells, SRPK2 downregulation or overexpression led to modulation of Numb and wild‐type p53 protein expression in response to oxaliplatin treatment. Furthermore, these three endogenous proteins could be coimmunoprecipitated as a triple complex. Numb or p53 knockdown reversed the upregulation of p53 that was induced by silencing SRPK2. SRPK2 overexpression promoted cell invasion and migration, and decreased chemosensitivity of cancer cells to gemcitabine or oxaliplatin treatment. Conversely, SRPK2 silencing decreased cell invasion and migration and increased chemosensitivity; these effects were reversed by silencing p53 in oxaliplatin‐treated pancreatic cancer cells. Our data suggest that SRPK2 negatively regulates p53 by downregulating Numb under chemical agent treatment. Thus, SRPK2 promotes the development and progression of pancreatic cancer in a p53‐dependent manner.
Ultrasound‐guided totally implantable venous access device through the right innominate vein in older patients is safe and reliable
Authors: Sun Xingwei , Zhang Yu , Yang Chuanlai , Zhou Yubin , Bai Xuming , Zheng Weiwei , Jin Yong
Published: February 2019

Aim

Ultrasound guidance has become the routine method for catheterization, dramatically reducing failure and complication rates for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) placement. The aim of the present study was to report the safety and efficacy of ultrasound‐guided right innominate vein TIVAD placement in older patients.

Methods

Between September 2015 and September 2017, 55 older patients underwent right innominate vein TIVAD placement under ultrasound guidance. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was always carried out. The technical success rate and complications were recorded and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. The success rate of the first puncture was 96.36% (53/55). The mean operation time was 28 ± 7 min (range 23–39 min), and the mean length of catheter introduction was 19.24 ± 2.65 cm (range 17–21 cm). The overall incidence of complications was 7.27% (4/55), including one arterial puncture with self‐limiting hematoma, two cases of catheter‐related infection and one case of fibrin sheath. No catheter malposition or catheter fracture was observed. At the time of this study, three TIVAD were pulled out unexpectedly, and 32 TIVAD are still in functional use.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided puncture of the right innominate vein is safe and reliable to implant TIVAD, which can provide new options for older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 218–221.
Chemical Separation of Tungsten and Other Trace Elements for TIMS Isotope Ratio Measurements Using Organic Acids
Authors: Peters Bradley J. , Mundl‐Petermeier Andrea , Horan Mary F. , Carlson Richard W. , Walker Richard J.
Published: February 2019

One requirement for isotope ratio measurement results with small measurement uncertainties is that the element of interest is effectively separated from the sample matrix. Efficient chemical separation of W from matrix components, especially Ti, can be challenging, particularly for large test portion masses (> 1 g). We present a new W separation procedure that takes advantage of the distinct complexation behaviour of Ti and W with citrate ligand in a moderately low pH, oxidising solution. This preparation procedure can reduce the Ti/W ratio of large (4–10 g) basaltic (i.e., high‐matrix) test portions by a factor of 105, relative to their original compositions, in a two‐step separation procedure. The procedure additionally provides a separate, well‐purified Mo fraction. We show that optimal separation requires precise selection of reagent concentrations and sample load. The procedure was employed to determine the μ182W composition of BHVO‐2 as −6.7 ± 4.2 (2 standard deviation, 2s). The principles derived from this method may prove useful for chemical separation of other elements used for geochemical and cosmochemical applications given an appropriate selection of organic acid. Future successful applications of this method may reveal that the use of organic acids as procedural reagents is a currently under‐utilised tool for efficient chemical separation protocols.
Work disincentive perceptions and welfare state attitudes: A survey experiment in South Korea
Authors: Lim Sijeong , Tanaka Seiki
Published: February 2019

Scholars and policymakers have long examined whether and to what extent public income transfer programs create work disincentives. Less explored are the patterns and mechanisms through which perceived work disincentives shape public attitudes toward such programs. The present article bridges this gap by examining how individuals' exposure to a moral hazard discourse affects their support for an income transfer program. Our original survey experiment in South Korea finds that the effect of an identically worded piece of moral hazard information plays out differently depending on the eligibility criteria of the program in question (means‐tested vs. universal) and the economic status of the respondents. The findings have significant implications for understanding the support base for the welfare state in the context of resurging interest in basic/guaranteed income.
Dissecting dentine–pulp injury and wound healing responses: consequences for regenerative endodontics
Authors: Duncan H. F. , Cooper P. R. , Smith A. J.
Published: February 2019

A thorough understanding of the biology of the dentine–pulp complex is essential to underpin new treatment approaches and maximize clinical impact for regenerative endodontics and minimally invasive vital pulp treatment (VPT) strategies. Following traumatic and carious injury to dentine–pulp, a complex interplay between infection, inflammation and the host defence responses will occur, which is critical to tissue outcomes. Diagnostic procedures aim to inform treatment planning; however, these remain clinically subjective and have considerable limitations. As a consequence, significant effort has focussed on identification of diagnostic biomarkers, although these are also problematic due to difficulties in identifying appropriate diagnostic fluid sources and selecting reproducible biomarkers. This is further compounded by the link between inflammation and repair as many of the molecules involved exhibit significant multifunctionality. The tertiary dentine formed in response to dental injury has been purposefully termed reactionary and reparative dentine to enable focus on associated biological processes. Whilst reactionary dentine produced in response to milder injury is generated from surviving primary odontoblasts, reparative dentine, in response to more intense injury, requires the differentiation of new odontoblast‐like cells derived from progenitor/stem cells recruited to the injury site. These two diverse processes result in very different outcomes in terms of the tertiary dentine produced and reflect the intensity rather than specific nature (nonexposure versus exposure) of the injury. The subsequent identification of the odontoblast‐like cell phenotype remains challenging due to lack of unique molecular or morphological markers. Furthermore, the cells ultimately lining the newly deposited dentine provide only a snapshot of events. The specific source and plasticity of the progenitor cells giving rise to the odontoblast‐like cell phenotype are also of significant debate. It is likely that improved characterization of tertiary dentine may better clarify the influence of cell derivation for odontoblast‐like cells and their diversity. The field of regenerative endodontics offers exciting new treatment opportunities, and to maximize outcomes, we propose that the term regenerative endodontics should embrace the repair, replacement and regeneration of dentine–pulp.
Experimental research on piezoelectric ceramics activating micro‐sized thermochemical battery
Authors: Tang Enling , Li Yue , Wang Ruizhi , Han Yafei
Published: February 2019

To verify feasibility of piezoelectric ceramic activating micro‐sized thermochemical batteries, it is very necessary to disclose shock pressure and electric output performances of piezoelectric ceramic. In order to simulate piezoelectric ceramic activating micro‐sized thermochemical batteries in the bore, shock pressure, and electronic output testing systems for piezoelectric ceramic have been established. And the piezoelectric ceramics composite structural targets are impacted using one‐stage light gas gun to load projectile, which is used to simulate the overload of the projectile with piezoelectric ceramics during projectile launching process, and combining with the experimental tests of a military 3# electric fuse head as a firing component in series. In experiments, the composite structural targets (front steel substrate‐piezoelectric ceramic‐rear steel substrate) are vertically impacted by the cylindrical 2A12 aluminum projectiles. The change rules of shock pressure, output voltage, and current peak values for piezoelectric ceramics are obtained at the different experimental parameters, and the firing conditions of piezoelectric ceramic igniting the military 3# electric fuse heads and ignition paper are presented.
Adaptation and validation of a self‐report measure of youth‐friendly primary healthcare services
Authors: Boersema G.C. , Van Wyk N.C. , Louw E.M.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To adapt the Youth‐Friendly Health Services‐World Health Organization+ questionnaire to suit the health needs of youth in the South African context, and estimate its psychometric properties.

Background

Youth‐friendly health services promote health‐seeking behaviour amongst young people. The perceptions of youth and adolescents are thus important whilst assessing the youth‐friendliness of health services.

Methods

We conducted six focus group interviews to evaluate the clarity and relevance of the questionnaire items and adapted the questionnaire which was was administered to 101 youth who visited primary healthcare clinics. We reduced the number of items through quantitative analysis of responses and item analysis. Cronbach's alpha was used to optimize internal consistency reliability. Experts established a baseline of youth‐friendliness. We ranked the responses from the youth against the baseline of youth‐friendliness and used independent two sample t‐test to test for construct validity of the final adapted version, titled Youth‐Friendly Health Services‐ South Africa.

Results or Findings

After the focus group interviews, we rephrased 27 items, removed four items and added eight items. We reduced the questionnaire to 57 items whilst optimizing internal consistency reliability. The statistical analysis supported construct validity.

Conclusion

The Youth‐Friendly Health Services‐South Africa is the first English validated version and demonstrates good psychometric properties.

Implication for nursing practice and health policy

The Youth‐Friendly Health Services‐South Africa can be useful to evaluate the youths' satisfaction with the health care and nursing service they receive. This study's findings indicate that the original questionnaire can be adapted for use in different contexts to shape local and global nursing practice and policies.
Allocating revenues in a Smart TV ecosystem
Authors: Lopez‐Navarrete Francisco , Sanchez‐Soriano Joaquin , Bonastre Oscar M.
Published: February 2019

This paper deals with the problem of allocating the revenues generated by subscription fees, advertising, and pay‐per‐view in a Smart TV (STV) ecosystem between the provider of the Internet TV service and the content producers. The goal is to obtain a suitable mechanism for the allocation of the revenues such that all stakeholders agree with it. For this purpose, we define cooperative STV games that reflect the revenue generated by the STV system. We characterize the core of these games and obtain simple formulas for their Shapley and Tijs values, which we prove belonging to the core.
Democrats Join Fight to Keep Ers in Washington, DC
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: February 2019

Statisticians and former USDA chief scientists gain political support in opposition to planned relocation of federal statistical agency
The Gamma Distribution
Authors: Dagpunar John
Published: February 2019

John Dagpunar introduces a probability distribution to model real-valued positive measurements, such as time spent queuing for a taxi or waiting for a hospital bed
A Wonderful Night for Oscar Speeches
Authors: Kashlak Adam B.
Published: February 2019

Winning an Academy Award is a career highlight for actors, directors and anyone else involved in the movie business. But the happiness and gratitude that accompany a win often lead to long, rambling acceptance speeches. Adam B. Kashlak analyses speech lengths and ceremony runtimes since 1942
Fabrication of double‐cladding Ho3+/Tm3+ co‐doped Bi2O3–GeO2–Ga2O3–BaF2 glass fiber and its performance in a 2.0‐μm laser
Authors: Zhou Dechun , Jin DanYang , Ni Qiming , Song Xiangyang , Bai Xuemei , Han Kexuan
Published: February 2019

A novel double‐cladding Ho3+/Tm3+ co‐doped Bi2O3–GeO2–Ga2O3–BaF2 glass fiber, which can be applied to a 2.0‐μm infrared laser, was fabricated by a rod‐tube drawing method. The thermal properties of the glass were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. It showed good thermal stability and matching thermal expansion coefficient for fiber drawing when Tx−Tg > 193°C and the maximum difference of the thermal expansion coefficient is 3.55 × 10−6/°C or less. The 2.0‐μm luminescence characteristics were studied using the central wavelength of 808 nm pump light excitation. The results show that when the concentration ratio of Ho3+/Tm3+ reaches 0.5 mol%:1.0 mol%, the maximum fluorescence intensity was obtained in the core glass, the emission cross section reached 10.09 × 10−21 cm2, and the maximum phonon energy was 751 cm−1. In this paper, a continuous laser output with a maximum power of 0.986 W and a wavelength of 2030 nm was obtained using an erbium‐doped fiber laser as a pump source in a 0.5 m long Ho3+/Tm3+ co‐doped glass fiber. In short, the results show that Ho3+/Tm3+ co‐doped 36Bi2O3–30GeO2–15Ga2O3–10BaF2–9Na2O glass fiber has excellent laser properties, and it is an ideal mid‐infrared fiber material for a 2.0‐μm fiber laser with excellent characteristics
Viscosity‐structure relationship of alkaline earth silicate melts containing manganese oxide and calcium fluoride
Authors: Kim Tae Sung , Park Joo Hyun
Published: February 2019

The effect of CaF2 on the viscosities of the MO‐SiO2‐xMnO‐yCaF2 melts (M[=Ca or Ba]O/SiO2 = 0.4‐0.5, x = 10[±1] or 40[±2] mol%, y = 0‐15 mol%) have been studied at high temperatures. At MnO = 40[±2] mol%, the viscosity of Ba‐Mn‐silicate melts is lower than that of Ca‐Mn‐silicate melts because Mn2+ is a strong network modifier in the former system. However, the viscosities of both alkaline earth silicate melts with MnO = 10[±1] mol% are not affected by cation type because MnO activity is too low to affect the viscosity of the melts. The CaF2 addition decreases the viscosities of the Ba‐Mn‐silicate melts with low‐MnO contents, while it has less impact on the viscosities of the melts with high‐MnO contents. The effect of CaF2 on the relationship between viscosity and the structure of the silicate melts is quantitatively analyzed using the micro‐Raman spectra of quenched glass samples. The NBO/Si ratio of alkaline earth silicate melts, which indicates the degree of polymerization of the silicate networks, has a linear relationship with the activation energy for the viscous flow of the melts.
The interaction between hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea on subjective daytime sleepiness
Authors: Tam Wilson , Ng Susanna S. , To Kin‐Wang , Ko Fanny W. , Hui David S.
Published: February 2019

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic cardiovascular diseases in adults while obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It was recently reported that the mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, measuring subjective daytime sleepiness, was significantly higher in non‐hypertensive subjects than the hypertensive counterparts with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. In the current study, the authors investigated the interaction between hypertension and OSA on daytime sleepiness among 280 subjects recruited from a sleep study. OSA was evaluated with the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (AHI), and daytime sleepiness was measured with the ESS. Significantly higher mean ESS scores were found for subjects without than those with hypertension (11.3 vs 9.4, P = 0.003) but only a marginally significant difference was discerned for the ESS scores between subjects with AHI ≥15/h and AHI <15/h (P = 0.075). A significant interaction between hypertension and OSA status on daytime sleepiness was observed from the analysis of variance (P = 0.02). The adjusted mean ESS score for the group of normotensive subjects with moderate to severe OSA (13.11) was significantly higher than the other three groups, namely, normotensive subjects with mild OSA (9.35), hypertensive subjects with mild OSA (9.70), and hypertensive subjects with moderate to severe OSA to (9.43). In conclusion, subjective daytime sleepiness of normotensive subjects with moderate to severe OSA was significantly more severe than other subjects.
Flexible piecewise linear model for investigating dose‐response relationship in meta‐analysis: Methodology, examples, and comparison
Authors: Xu Chang , Thabane Lehana , Liu Tongzu , Borhan ASM , Sun Xin
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Dose‐response meta‐analysis (DRMA) is widely employed in establishing the potential dose‐response relationship between continuous exposures and disease outcomes. However, there is no valid DRMA method readily for discrete exposures, especially when the possible dose‐response trend not likely to be linear. We proposed a piecewise linear DRMA model as a solution to this issue.

Methods

We illustrated the methodology of piecewise linear model in both one‐stage DRMA approach and two‐stage DRMA approach. The method by testing the equality of slopes of each piecewise was employed to judge if there is “piecewise effect” against a simple linear trend. We then used sleep (continuous exposure) and parity (discrete exposure) data as examples to illustrate how to apply the model in DRMA using the Stata code attached. We also empirically compared the slopes of piecewise linear model with simple linear as well as restricted cubic spline model.

Results

Both one‐stage and two‐stage piecewise linear DRMA model fitted well in our examples, and the results were similar. Obvious “piecewise effects” were detected in both the two samples by the method we used. In our example, the new model showed a better fitting effect and practical, reliable results compared to the simple linear model, while similar results for to restricted cubic spline model.

Conclusion

Piecewise linear function is a valid and straightforward method for DRMA and can be used for discrete exposures, especially when the simple linear function is under fitted. It represents a superior model to linear model in DRMA and may be an alternative model to the nonlinear model.
Multilocus Typing of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Pig Reveals the High Prevalence, Zoonotic Potential, Host Adaptation and Geographical Segregation in China
Authors: Li Dongfang , Zheng Shuangjian , Zhou Chunxiang , Karim Md Robiul , Wang Luyang , Wang Haiyan , Yu Fuchang , Li Junqiang , Wang Weiyi , Wang Yange , Zhang Sumei , Jian Fuchun , Wang Rongjun , Ning Changshen , Zhang Longxian
Published: February 2019

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most frequently diagnosed Microsporidia of humans and most animals. However, there is no information on E. bieneusi infection of pigs in Tibet and Henan, China. In this study, 1,190 fecal samples were collected from pigs in Tibet and Henan and screened for the presence of E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi infection was 54.2% (645/1,190), with differences in prevalence observed among geographical areas, ages, and pig breeds. Moreover, 10 E. bieneusi genotypes were identified based on internal transcribed spacer region genotyping, including eight known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, CHG19, CHC5, Henan‐III, I, D, and H) and two novel genotypes (XZP‐I and XZP‐II). Multilocus sequence typing revealed 18, 7, 17, and 13 genotypes at minisatellite/microsatellite loci MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7, respectively. Strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and few numbers of recombination events, suggest a clonal structure of the E. bieneusi population examined in this study. The low pairwise genetic distance (FST) and gene flow (Nm) values indicated limited gene flow in the E. bieneusi population from different hosts, with phylogenetic, structure, and median‐joining network analyses all indicating the existence of host and geographical isolation. The identification of isolates belonging to nine human‐pathogenic genotypes indicates that pigs play an important role in the dissemination of E. bieneusi, improving our present understanding of E. bieneusi epidemiology in the studied region.
Detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus via duplex recombinase polymerase amplification
Authors: Guo Zhengyang , Chen Zhaobin , Liu Xiaoqing , Chen Jing , Chen Guopei , Liu Zhongdong , Yang Guowu , Lan Quanxue
Published: February 2019

Foodborne illnesses associated with foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus occur at high frequencies. In this study, species‐specific primers and probes sets for the detection of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were designed based on the nucleotide sequences of the actin‐assembly inducing protein precursor (actA) and clumping factor A (clfA) genes, respectively. We established a duplex RPA assay that is capable of simultaneously detecting L. monocytogenes and S. aureus within 15 min. With the plasmid standard, the sensitivity of the double RPA to L. monocytogenes and S. aureus can reach 102 copies/μL. The method also detected DNA extracted from samples inoculated with L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. After 4 hr of incubation, the sensitivity of the food model to L. monocytogenes and S. aureus reached 230 and 270 cfu/reaction, respectively. The assay was highly specific and had no cross‐reaction between closely related bacteria. Further assessment of this method on strains isolated within the lab collection showed that the duplex RPA provided the same testing results as microbiological methods. Therefore, the assay is effective for the rapid detection and preliminary screening of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus.

Practical applications

Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus are two major foodborne pathogens and have been found in a wide range of foods. We developed a duplex RPA specific targeting actA and clfA genes with high‐amplification efficiency. We evaluated the performance of duplex RPA by building a food model. The detection results by the duplex RPA were compared with PCR and no significant differences were found. This study provides the information of the developed duplex RPA for detecting two specific foodborne pathogens, which will be helpful for further studies about simultaneous detection of several targets using duplex RPA.
Long‐term outcomes of patients with Crohn's disease who received infliximab or adalimumab as the first‐line biologics
Authors: Inokuchi Toshihiro , Takahashi Sakuma , Hiraoka Sakiko , Toyokawa Tatsuya , Takagi Shinjiro , Takemoto Koji , Miyaike Jiro , Fujimoto Tsuyoshi , Higashi Reiji , Morito Yuki , Nawa Toru , Suzuki Seiyuu , Nishimura Mamoru , Inoue Masafumi , Kato Jun , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

Although previous studies compared the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) versus adalimumab (ADA) as the first‐line biologics for Crohn's disease (CD), the difference in long‐term prognosis based on which biologic was used first has scarcely been reported. In particular, the clinical courses after loss of response (LOR) of the first‐line biologics are largely unknown.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective study was performed. Disease courses of biologic‐naïve CD patients who were started on IFX or ADA treatment were evaluated, even after LOR of the initial biologics.

Results

In total, 263 CD patients were eligible for analysis, 183 were treated with IFX first, and 80 were treated with ADA first. The median observation period was 64.2 months. The cumulative steroid‐free remission rates and surgery‐free rates did not differ significantly between the patients treated with IFX first and those treated with ADA first (log‐rank test P = 0.42 and P = 0.74, respectively). In addition, no significant difference was observed in the rate of occurrence of events associated with ineffectiveness (modification of anti‐tumor necrosis factor treatment including intensification, switch, discontinuation, or surgery) between the patient groups (log‐rank test P = 0.62). The patients treated with IFX first were likely to discontinue the agent due to adverse events, whereas those treated with ADA first were likely to discontinue due to treatment failure or LOR.

Conclusions

No significant difference was observed in the long‐term prognosis between biologic‐naïve patients with CD who were started treatment with IFX first and ADA first.
Do Differences in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Predict the Risk of Developing Depression in Later Life?
Authors: Briggs Robert , Carey Daniel , Claffey Paul , McNicholas Triona , Donoghue Orna , Kennelly Sean P. , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: February 2019

Background/Objectives

There is growing interest in the association between gait disturbance and depression in later life. The aim of this study is to clarify the longitudinal relationship between specific gait parameters and incident depression within a population‐representative sample of older people.

Design

Longitudinal analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters at baseline (wave 1) and incident depression at 2 and 4 years (waves 2/3). Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between tertiles of gait parameters and incident depression.

Setting

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Participants

Over 3600 nondepressed community‐dwelling people aged 50 years or older.

Measurements

A score of 9 or greater on the eight‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale at wave 2 or 3 was indicative of incident depression. The GAITRite system was used to measure gait speed, step length, step width, and double support phase during usual speed walking and under dual task conditions.

Results

Participants with incident depression (344/3615) had slower gait speed (129.9 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 127.2‐132.6] cm/s vs 134.1 [95% CI = 133.0‐135.1] cm/s; F = 8.82; P = .003) and shorter step length (68.0 [95% CI = 66.9‐69.2] cm vs 70.3 [95% CI = 69.9‐70.7] cm; F = 13.99; P < .001) at baseline than those who did not develop depression. Logistic regression models demonstrated that those within the slowest tertile for gait speed and shortest tertile for step length had significantly increased likelihood of incident depression in fully adjusted models, with odds ratios of 1.54 (95% CI = 1.08‐2.19) and 1.54 (95% CI = 1.01‐2.35), respectively. Measures of step width and double support time were not associated with depression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that older people with incident depression have significantly slower gait speed and shorter step length at initial assessment. These findings are clinically significant given the impact both conditions have on functional status in later life, as well as the possibility that gait problems may represent a potentially modifiable risk factor for depression. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1050–1056, 2019.
Exploring the cognitive phenotype of Kabuki (Niikawa–Kuroki) syndrome
Authors: van Dongen L. C. M. , Wingbermühle P. A. M. , van der Veld W. M. , Stumpel C. , Kleefstra T. , Egger J. I. M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a Mendelian disorder, characterised by short stature, facial dysmorphisms and developmental delay and/or intellectual disability. Clarification of the neurocognitive profile in KS may provide directions for education and treatment interventions for KS. Previous studies on cognitive functioning in KS are scarce and have mainly focused on the general level of intelligence. The few more extensive studies suggested weaknesses in language skills, visuoconstruction, perceptual reasoning and speed of information processing. Other relevant domains such as memory, executive functioning and social cognition have not been studied yet.

Method

This is the first study in which cognitive functioning within multiple domains is systematically explored in 29 participants with KS (age range: 5–48 years) and compared to both norm groups (healthy population) and an appropriate control group of 15 individuals with other genetic syndromes (age range: 6–28 years).

Results

Compared to the norm groups of the cognitive test manuals, as expected, participants with KS show a weaker performance on all cognitive tests. Comparison with the more appropriate genetic control group indicates weaknesses in visuoconstruction and visual memory and no weaknesses in planning, cognitive flexibility or social cognition. Verbal memory seems to be a relative strength.

Conclusions

Individuals with KS suffer from specific weaknesses in visuoconstruction, in addition to their intellectual disability/developmental delay. These impairments in visuoconstruction plausibly result from problems in visual perceptual processing, which highlight the importance of the use of auditory cues instead of visual cues in targeted educational support and psychosocial interventions.
Effect of food properties and chewing condition on the electromyographic activity of the posterior tongue
Authors: Manda Yousuke , Kodama Naoki , Maeda Naoto , Minagi Shogo
Published: February 2019

Background

Retraction of the posterior tongue facilitates bolus formation, food transfer and Stage II transport in chewing and swallowing. Surface electromyography of the neck region (N‐EMG) enabled the evaluation of muscle function at the posterior tongue. Although previous studies showed that food hardness increased masticatory muscles EMG activity and volitional chewing altered swallowing, the effect of food properties and chewing condition on N‐EMG activity has not yet been elucidated.

Objective

To investigate the effect of food properties and chewing conditions on N‐EMG.

Methods

Twelve healthy adults (six men and six women, mean age 28.1 ± 2.7) participated in this study. Three test foods were used: a cookie (solid food), crushed cookies adjusted using agar and water (semisolid food) and crushed cookies adjusted using thickening agent and water (soft food). Masseter and submental muscle EMG and N‐EMG activity were recorded while chewing the three test foods. Participants were instructed to masticate the three test foods in three chewing conditions: (a) chewing freely, (b) chewing test foods with the same number of chewing cycles as when chewing solid food and (c) chewing with a maximum effort.

Results

Total N‐EMG activity when chewing solid food was higher than that in the other two test foods regardless of the chewing condition. In soft food and semisolid food, the total N‐EMG activity was increased by increasing the number of chewing cycles.

Conclusion

The total N‐EMG activity was increased while chewing hard food, which indicates the positive effect of chewing hard food on rehabilitation at the posterior tongue.
The diagnostic value of ischaemia‐modified albumin in acute abdominal pain
Authors: Sarac Fatma , Yeniocak Selman , Buyukbese Sarsu Sevgi , Sahin Kamil , Yucetas Esma , Koldas Macit , Katipoglu Burak
Published: February 2019

Aim

The differential diagnosis of paediatric patients admitted to the emergency department presenting with acute abdominal pain may be difficult. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of ischaemia‐modified albumin (IMA) in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children and in distinguishing surgical from non‐surgical cases.

Methods

The study was conducted with a total of 152 subjects who provided informed consent, including 112 patients admitted to the paediatric emergency department and paediatric surgical clinic and 40 healthy control subjects. Blood samples were collected after initial examination to determine IMA, white blood cell (WBC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values.

Results

Mean IMA values of patients with acute appendicitis (AA), perforated appendicitis (PA) and non‐specific abdominal pain were significantly higher compared to the control group. Mean IMA values of the AA and PA cases were also significantly higher compared to the group with non‐specific abdominal pain. No significant difference was determined in mean IMA between the AA and PA groups. WBC and CRP levels of the AA and PA groups were significantly higher compared to the group with non‐specific abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Our study shows that IMA, together with WBC and CRP, may be a biomarker capable of assisting the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in children and distinguishing surgical from non‐surgical cases.
A longitudinal study of polysomnographic variables in patients with mild cognitive impairment converting to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Carnicelli Luca , Maestri Michelangelo , Di Coscio Elisa , Tognoni Gloria , Fabbrini Monica , Schirru Alessandro , Giorgi Filippo S. , Siciliano Gabriele , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Bonanni Enrica
Published: February 2019

The main condition at increased risk of dementia is considered to be mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment has been defined as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, of which it may represent a prodrome. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether sleep variables (both conventional and microstructural ones) in subjects with mild cognitive impairment correlate with conversion to dementia. Nineteen subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (mean age 68.5 ± 7.0 years) and 11 cognitively intact healthy elderly individuals (mean age 69.2 ± 12.6 years) underwent ambulatory polysomnography for the evaluation of nocturnal sleep architecture and cyclic alternating pattern parameters. Amnestic mild cognitive impairment subjects were clinically and cognitively re‐evaluated after 2 years, during routine follow‐up, and further classified as amnestic mild cognitive impairment converters (that is, patients developing Alzheimer's disease, N = 11) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment non‐converters. Compared with healthy elderly individuals, amnestic mild cognitive impairment showed disrupted sleep with decreased rapid eye movement sleep, cyclic alternating pattern rate and cyclic alternating pattern slow‐wave‐related phases (A1 index). Standard sleep architecture analysis did not show significant differences between the two subgroups of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, whereas cyclic alternating pattern analysis showed that cyclic alternating pattern rate, A1 index and A3 index are significantly reduced in converters compared with non‐converters. Our data confirm that in amnestic mild cognitive impairment subjects there is a sleep impairment, particularly when considering more refined sleep parameters and that sleep variables at baseline are different among converters versus non‐converters at the 2‐year follow‐up. Specific sleep alterations might represent potential further biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of early‐phase cognitive impairment.
Inotropic and lusitropic effects of incremental doses of dobutamine in dogs with right ventricular apical pacing‐induced cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Nakata Telma Mary , Kaji Hideki , Matsuura Naoya , Shimizu Miki , Tanaka Ryou
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to assess the effects of incremental doses of dobutamine on diastolic function in healthy and rapid ventricular apical pacing (RVAP)‐induced cardiac dysfunction anesthetized dogs. Inotropic and lusitropic effects of dobutamine (2, 4, 8, and 12 μg kg−1 min−1) were assessed through left ventricle (LV) pressure–volume relation and Doppler echocardiography in six female dogs before and after 8 weeks of RVAP. Peak rate of LV pressure fall (−dP/dtmin) improved with doses >4 μg kg−1 min−1 in healthy (4,490 ± 970 vs. 3,265 ± 471 mmHg/s, p < 0.05) and >8 μg kg−1 min−1 in RVAP dogs (3,385 ± 1,122 vs. 1,864 ± 849 mmHg/s, p < 0.05) while the time constant of relaxation (tau) reduced with doses >4 μg kg−1 min−1 in both groups (healthy: 24.0 ± 3.7 vs. 28.2 ± 4.9 ms; RVAP: 32.6 ± 8.5 vs. 37.5 ± 11.4 ms, p < 0.05) comparing with baseline. Indices of relaxation (−dP/dtmin and tau) suggested preserved lusitropic response in contrast with markedly reduced indices of contractility in the RVAP group compared with healthy group at same infusion rates. Doppler echocardiography showed significant reduction of elastic recoil in failing hearts. The results of this study demonstrated maximal positive lusitropic effects of dobutamine at a dose of 8 μg kg−1 min−1 in ventricular pacing‐induced cardiac dysfunction without further impairment of ventricular filling.