bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HERC2 promotes BLM and WRN to suppress G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Wu Wenwen , Rokutanda Nana , Takeuchi Jun , Lai Yongqiang , Maruyama Reo , Togashi Yukiko , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Arai Naoko , Miyoshi Yasuo , Suzuki Nao , Saeki Yasushi , Tanaka Keiji , Ohta Tomohiko
Published: June 2018

BLM and WRN are RecQ DNA helicases essential for genomic stability. Here we demonstrate that HERC2, a HECT E3 ligase, is critical for their functions to suppress G-quadruplex (G4) DNA. HERC2 interacts with BLM, WRN, and replication protein A (RPA) complexes during S-phase of the cell cycle. Depletion of HERC2 dissociates RPA from BLM and WRN complexes and significantly increases G4 formation. Triple depletion revealed that HERC2 has an epistatic relationship with BLM and WRN in their G4- suppressing function.In vitro, HERC2 releases RPA onto single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), rather than anchoring onto RPA-coated ssDNA. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of the catalytic ubiquitin-binding site of HERC2 causes RPA accumulation in the helicase complexes and increases G4, indicating an essential role for E3 activity in G4 suppression. Both HERC2 depletion and E3 inactivation sensitize cells to the G4-interacting compounds, telomestatin and pyridostatin. Overall, HERC2 is a master regulator of G4 suppression and affects the sensitivity of cells to G4 stabilizers.
Male pheromone composition depends on larval but not adult diet in Heliconius melpomene
Authors: Darragh Kathy , Byers Kelsey J.R.P. , Merrill Richard M. , Owen McMillan W. , Schulz Stefan , Jiggins Chris D.
Published: June 2018

Condition-dependent traits can act as honest signals of mate quality, with fitter individuals able to display preferred phenotypes. Nutrition is known to be an important determinant of individual condition, with diet known to affect many secondary sexual traits. In Heliconius butterflies, male chemical signalling plays an important role in female mate choice. Heliconius pheromones are sexually dimorphic, found only in mature males, but it is unclear what information they convey to the female. Here, we manipulate both the larval and adult diet of male Heliconius melpomene rosina to test for environmental effects on wing and genital pheromone production. We find no evidence that adult pollen consumption affects pheromone production in the first ten days after eclosion. We also find strong overlap in the chemical profiles of individuals reared on different larval host plants. However, individual compounds were found in different amounts between host plant treatments. Further electrophysiological and behavioural experiments will be needed to determine the biological significance of these differences.
Blue-green opponency and trichromatic vision in the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)
Authors: Stukenberg Niklas , Poehling Hans-Michael
Published: June 2018

Visual orientation in the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is the result of ‘wavelength-specific behaviours’. Green-yellow elicits ‘settling behaviour’ while ultraviolet (UV) radiation initiates ‘migratory behaviour’. Electroretinograms of the photoreceptors’ spectral efficiency showed peaks in the green and the UV range and whitefly vision was said to be dichromatic.

In order to study the visual behaviour of T. vaporariorum, nineteen narrow-bandwidth LEDs covering the UV-A and visible range were used in combination with light scattering acrylic glass screens in a small-scale choice arena under greenhouse conditions. Multiple-choice and dual-choice assays were performed, resulting in LED-based behavioural action spectra of settling (green) and migratory behaviour (UV). A potential inhibitory blue-green chromatic mechanism was studied by combining yellow with different blueish LEDs. Intensity dependencies were illustrated by changing LED intensities.

Regarding the ‘settling response’, highest attraction was achieved by a green LED with a centroid wavelength of 550 nm, while a blue LED with 469 nm proved to be most inhibitory. Behaviour was distinctly intensity dependent. ‘Migratory behaviour’ was elicited the most by the UV LED with the shortest available wavelength of 373 nm. The results clearly prove the presence of a green and a yet undescribed blue sensitive photoreceptor and a blue-green opponent mechanism. Furthermore, empirical colour choice models were built and receptor peaks were estimated around 510 - 520 nm (green), 480 - 490 nm (blue) and 340 - 370 nm (UV). Consequently, Trialeurodes vaporariorum possesses a trichromatic receptor setup.

Summary statement

LED based choice experiments and empirical colour choice models reveal a yet undescribed blue sensitive photoreceptor and an inhibitory interaction with a green sensitive receptor.
The interspecific fungal hybrid Verticillium longisporum displays sub-genome-specific gene expression
Authors: Depotter Jasper R.L. , van Beveren Fabian , Rodriguez-Moreno Luis , Kramer H. Martin , Chavarro Carrero Edgar A. , Fiorin Gabriel L. , van den Berg Grardy C.M. , Wood Thomas A. , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Seidl Michael F.
Published: June 2018

Hybridization is an important evolutionary mechanism that can enable organisms to adapt to environmental challenges. It has previously been shown that the fungal allodiploid species Verticillium longisporum, causal agent of Verticillium stem striping in rape seed, has originated from at least three independent hybridization events between two haploid Verticillium species. To reveal the impact of genome duplication as a consequence of the hybridization, we studied the genome and transcriptome dynamics upon two independent V. longisporum hybridization events, represented by the hybrid lineages “A1/D1” and “A1/D3”. We show that the V. longisporum genomes are characterized by extensive chromosomal rearrangements, including between parental chromosomal sets. V. longisporum hybrids display signs of evolutionary dynamics that are typically associated with the aftermath of allodiploidization, such as haploidization and a more relaxed gene evolution. Expression patterns of the two sub-genomes within the two hybrid lineages are more similar than those of the shared A1 parent between the two lineages, showing that expression patterns of the parental genomes homogenized within a lineage. However, as genes that display differential parental expression in planta do not typically display the same pattern in vitro, we conclude that sub-genome-specific responses occur in both lineages. Overall, our study uncovers the genomic and transcriptomic plasticity during evolution of the filamentous fungal hybrid V. longisporum and illustrate its adaptive potential.

Importance

Verticillium is a genus of plant-associated fungi that include a handful of plant pathogens that collectively affect a wide range of hosts. On several occasions, haploid Verticillium species hybridized into the stable allodiploid species Verticillium longisporum, which is, in contrast to haploid Verticillium species, a Brassicaceae specialist. Here, we studied the evolutionary genome and transcriptome dynamics of V. longisporum and the impact of the hybridization. V. longisporum genomes display a mosaic structure due do genomic rearrangements between the parental chromosome sets. Similar to other allopolyploid hybrids, V. longisporum displays an ongoing loss of heterozygosity and a more relaxed gene evolution. Also, differential parental gene expression is observed, with an enrichment for genes that encode secreted proteins. Intriguingly, the majority of these genes displays sub-genome-specific responses under differential growth conditions. In conclusion, hybridization has incited the genomic and transcriptomic plasticity that enables adaptation to environmental changes in a parental allele-specific fashion.
Pervasive positive and negative feedback regulation of insulin-like signaling inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Maxwell Colin S. , Kaplan Rebecca E. W. , Codd Nicole Kurhanewicz , Baugh L. Ryan
Published: June 2018

TheC. elegansinsulin-like signaling network supports homeostasis and developmental plasticity. The genome encodes 40 insulin-like peptides and one receptor. Feedback regulation has been reported, but the extent of feedback and its effect on signaling dynamics during a state transition has not been determined. We measured mRNA expression for each insulin-like peptide, the receptordaf-2, components of the PI3K pathway, and its transcriptional effectorsdaf-16/FoxO andskn-1/Nrf at high temporal resolution during transition from a starved, quiescent state to a fed, growing state in wild type and mutants affectingdaf-2/InsR anddaf-16/FoxO. We also analyzed the effect of temperature on insulin-like gene expression. We found that numerous PI3K pathway components and insulin-like peptides are affected by signaling activity, revealing pervasive positive and negative feedback regulation. Reporter gene analysis demonstrated that thedaf-2/InsR agonistdaf-28positively regulates its own expression and that other agonists cross-regulatedaf-28transcription through feedback. Our results show that feedback regulation of insulin-like signaling is widespread, suggesting a critical role of feedback in signaling dynamics in this endocrine network and likely others.
Cable Energy Function of Cortical Axons: Equivalent Formulas
Authors: Jiao Zhe , Yu Yuguo
Published: June 2018

Cortical neurons generally have rich morphologies in dendrite arbor and axonal branches, which make it difficulty in estimate energy consumption during action potential (AP) propagation in neuronal communication. It is an unsolved issue in driving general analytical equations to estimate energy cost for those axons and dendrites with different terminations. Most previous energy calculations of AP-related metabolic cost are still based on the Na + -counting method. Here, we apply principles of physics and mathematical analysis to construct several forms of cable energy function of AP conduction along axons with different boundary conditions. These derived energy equations extend Hodgkin-Huxley theory and prove to be highly more accurate in estimation the energy consumption during AP propagation along cortical axons and dendrites with any kind of ion channels than that using the Na + -counting method.

Accurate energy estimation of action potential conduction along axons with different complex terminal conditions is an unsolved issue. We have applied principles of physics and mathematical analysis to derive several forms of cable energy function of action potential conduction along cortical axons with different boundary conditions, and we have proved that these functions are equivalent. The energy calculations of action potential metabolic cost by using our cable energy function is proved to be highly accurate than that based on the Na + -counting method. This mathematical framework allows us to estimate the energy used by AP propagation along cortical axons and dendrites with any kind of ion channels more accurately than that using the Na + -counting method. Accurate calculation of energy consumption of AP conduction may be crucial in the estimation of energy expenditure, from subcellular to whole-brain level. In addition, the analytical formula of energy calculation is valuable in investigating the key factors that influence energy consumption and reveal trade-offs between energetic constraints and neural coding efficiency for individual neurons with rich morphology structures.
A clustered-based segmentation of beer consumers: from “beer lovers” to “beer to fuddle”
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Orosa-González Javier , Blazquez-Lozano Felix
Published: June 2018

Purpose

New trends are emerging in the brewery sector; but to date beer consumer segmentations are scarce. In this context, the present study addresses the following questions: “Are beer consumers monolithic or are there different segments in the beer market?; and “What are the main characteristics of the beer consumer segments?”. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential beer consumer segments and to profile them regarding their consumption behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a sample of 592 consumers were analysed through hierarchical cluster analysis; and the validity of the cluster solutions was then examined through a MANOVA analysis.

Findings

A five-cluster solution emerged, revealing different beer consumption patterns and preferences. These segments are identified as “beer lovers”, “circumspect seniors”, “social drinkers”, “homelike women” and “beer to fuddle consumers”.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that beer consumers cannot be seen as a homogenous consumer group; and managers and brewers could manage beer as five different products, instead of considering beer as a single item.
Predictors of mental health among Angolan migrants living in Portugal
Authors: Neto Félix , Guse Tharina
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of mental health among Angolan migrants living in Portugal. Three research questions guided this work: What is the influence of demographic factors on the mental health of Angolan migrants? What is the influence of acculturation factors on their mental health? What is the influence of adaptation factors on their mental health?

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 252 Angolan migrants living in Portugal (50.8 percent females) with a mean age of 36 years. The mean duration of stay in Portugal was 21 years.

Findings

The predictive factors – demographic, acculturation and adaptation factors – were significantly associated with Angolan migrants’ mental health. However, acculturation and adaptation factors accounted for a larger proportion of the explained variance in mental health problems than demographic factors. The major predictors of mental health problems were sociocultural adaptation, perceived discrimination and loneliness. Implications of the findings for future research and psychosocial interventions are discussed.

Originality/value

This study shed some light on the predictive factors of mental health problems among adult Angolan immigrants in Portugal, a previously neglected group of migrants in the research literature. Adding to existing knowledge on the mental health outcomes of migration, the findings suggest that, for this group, sociocultural adaptation, perceived discrimination and loneliness were the main predictors of psychological problems, rather than demographic factors. This evidence may be useful in the development of psychosocial interventions and policy to support Angolan migrants in their adaptation to Portuguese culture.
Developing value added service of cold chain logistics between China and Korea
Authors: Wang Shuyun
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate value-added service of cold chain logistics between China and Korea. The covering strategy for developing the cold chain value-added service between the two countries is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The author expounds the driving power for developing cold chain logistics between the two countries basing on the trade data of agricultural exports and imports, the tariff liberalization agreement of China–Korea FTA and the short distance between the two countries. It analyzes the value-added service of cold chain logistics with exemplary cases from four aspects (customized service, integrated service, consultation/solution and strategic alliance service), and its value-added mechanism for the enhancement of core competences of the entire cold chain. Then, by considering the drawbacks of the current cold chain logistics practices, between the two countries, the author proposes certain measures for fostering the cold chain value-added services between them.

Findings

There are apparent mutual benefits in developing cold chain value-added service between the two countries, but there exists some shortcomings which impede the sound development of the cold chain logistics, such as low circulation rate and insufficient cold chain facility in China, shortage of integrated and compatible information platform between the two countries, few integrated cold chain service and strategic alliance service and occurrence of some trade frictions.

Originality/value

The enforcement of China–Korea FTA will greatly reduce the tariff and increase the import and export volumes between the two countries; with the proximity between them, development of cold chain logistics between the two countries holds tremendous potential. This paper thoroughly discusses the mechanism of the value-added service of the cold chain logistics, and brings into focus the development of the value-added service in the two countries.
Team justice and thriving: a dynamic approach
Authors: Bensemmane Sonia , Ohana Marc , Stinglhamber Florence
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Prior research has conceptualized workplace justice as a stable variable over time changing from one individual to another. However, it can be assumed that perceptions of organizational justice fluctuate within the same person over the course of a few weeks or months due to different events at work. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to suggest that transient overall team justice is predictive of employee’s transient thriving at work (i.e. the experience of vitality and learning at work). In addition, the authors examined transient self-efficacy as an underlying mechanism of this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 395 individuals completed a first general questionnaire and then completed an online questionnaire over four waves of survey.

Findings

Results of hierarchical linear models indicated that transient overall team justice positively predicts transient individual’s self-efficacy, which, in turn, positively predicts transient individual’s thriving at work.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, a dynamic approach of organizational justice capturing variability in justice perceptions certainly enlarges our understanding of the concept and its outcomes.

Originality/value

The study contributes to understand why even employees who feel generally treated with justice by their team may experience from time to time low levels of thriving at work because of a recent unjust treatment from the team and a decrease of their subsequent self-efficacy.
The Islamic gold dinar: a hedge against exchange rate volatility
Authors: Cheong Calvin W.H.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ability of the Islamic gold dinar to hedge against two well-established foreign exchange (FX) risk factors namely, the dollar risk factor and global FX volatility innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a combination of the Markowitz (1952) portfolio optimization, visual data representations and the classic Fama-Macbeth (1973) two-pass procedure regressions.

Findings

The findings show that the Islamic gold dinar can serve as a hedge against market volatility, outperforms a diversified currency portfolio, and through its inclusions into the diversified currency portfolio, improve said portfolio’s ability to hedge against market volatility.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the spread of the sample, country-specific factors could not be taken into account.

Practical implications

The Islamic gold dinar is a cost-efficient, cost-effective, and Shariah-compliant instrument that provides a solid hedge for investors and/or firms that have financial positions denominated in foreign currencies. Should these investors or firms find it costly to maintain a dinar-only portfolio, including the dinar into their currency portfolios also provides the same benefit, albeit at a lower magnitude.

Originality/value

This study is timely as the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions has recently for the first time recognized gold as a Shariah-compliant investment. The findings of this study provide the first look as to how investors and firms can benefit through the use of the Islamic gold dinar in their risk management practices.
Co-creativity: possibilities for using the arts with people with a dementia
Authors: Zeilig Hannah , West Julian , van der Byl Williams Millie
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of co-creativity in relation to artistic practice with people with a dementia. The aim of the discussion is to outline how co-creativity offers fresh approaches for engaging artists and people with dementia, can contribute to less restrictive understandings of “creativity” and above all, expand the understanding of people with a dementia as creative, relational and agential.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to examine current conceptions of co-creativity and to inform the artistic practice, relevant literature was explored and eight expert interviews were conducted. The interviews were thematically analysed and are included here.

Findings

This paper consequently demonstrates that improvisation, structure, leadership and equality are central elements of co-creative processes and outlines how co-creativity can offer fresh insights into the way in which the arts can engage people with a dementia, the relationship between creativity and dementia and the transformative potential of the co-creative arts for those living with a dementia.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses some of the difficulties that are inherent a co-creative approach, including power relations and the limitations of inclusivity. Due to ethical restrictions, the paper is limited by not including the perspectives of people living with a dementia.

Practical implications

This paper paves the way for future research into co-creative processes in a variety of different contexts.

Social implications

A more nuanced understanding of co-creativity with people with dementia could challenge the dominant biomedical and social paradigms that associate “dementia” with irretrievable loss and decline by creating opportunities for creative agency.

Originality/value

This exploration of co-creativity with people with dementia is the first of its kind and contributes to the wider understanding of co-creativity and co-creative practice.
Reliability studies of InnoLot and SnBi joints soldered on DBC substrate
Authors: Skwarek Agata , Illés Balázs , Witek Krzysztof , Hurtony Tamás , Tarasiuk Jacek , Wronski Sebastian , Synkiewicz Beata Kinga
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the quality and reliability of solder joints prepared from Pb-free alloys on direct bounded Cu (DBC) substrates. Two types of solder alloys were studied: Sn90.95Ag3.8Cu0.7Sb1.4Ni0.15Bi3.0, with a high melting point of 225°C, and Sn42Bi58, with low a melting point of 138°C.

Design/methodology/approach

Capacitor components of size 1806 were soldered on DBC substrates by using convection reflow soldering and vacuum vapor-phase soldering technologies. A part of the samples was subjected to the thermal shock test. The structure of the solder joints and the content of the voids were investigated using three-dimensional X-ray tomography. The mechanical strength of the joints was evaluated using the shear force test, and the microstructure of the joints was studied on metallographic cross sections by using scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

It was found that the number of voids is not related directly to the mechanical strength of the solder joints. The mechanical strength of the solder joints depends more on the amount of Ag3Sn precipitation, Au precipitation and the intermetallic layer in the solder joints. In some cases, the thermal shock test caused micro-cracks around the Au precipitation because of a mismatch of Au, AuSn4 and Sn in terms of coefficients of thermal expansion.

Originality/value

DBC substrates are usually used for power electronics, where the quality of the solder joints is even more important than in the case of commercial electronics.
What Kind of Brexit do Voters want? Lessons from the Citizens’ Assembly on Brexit
Authors: Renwick Alan , Allan Sarah , Jennings Will , Mckee Rebecca , Russell Meg , Smith Graham
Published: June 2018

The Citizens’ Assembly on Brexit was a major exercise in deliberative public engagement conducted in autumn 2017. It brought together fifty randomly selected members of the public for two carefully structured weekends of listening, learning, reflecting and discussing. Assembly members considered what post‐Brexit arrangements the UK should pursue, focusing on trade and migration. On trade, most members wanted the UK to pursue a bespoke arrangement with the EU and rejected the option of leaving the EU with no deal. On migration, most wanted the UK to maintain free movement of labour while using already available policy levers to reduce immigration numbers. These findings provide unique insight into informed public opinion on vital, pressing policy questions. The Assembly also illustrates the valuable role that such deliberative exercises could play in UK democracy. We suggest they could be particularly helpful for unlocking progress on issues such as the future of social care, that are often felt to be ‘too difficult’ to handle.
Incidence of cardiovascular events in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis amongst an Asian population: Propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Kobayashi Daiki , Suyama Yasuhiro , Osugi Yasuhiro , Arioka Hiroko , Takahashi Osamu , Kuriyama Nagato
Published: June 2018

Background

The hypothesis that patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) have a high risk for future cardiovascular diseases has not been adequately tested. The aim of this study is to evaluate this hypothesis in Japan, where the prevalence and severity of PMR and GCA are the lowest.

Methods

A propensity score matched cohort study was conducted at St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, from 2003 to 2016. We included all patients who were diagnosed as PMR or GCA cases and matched comparators with a proportion of 1 : 2. Our primary outcome was newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease. The propensity score was calculated using logistic regression with forward stepwise selection in 30 variables. Kaplan–Meier curves were drawn and the log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were performed for survival analyses. Two types of sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the results.

Results

Among 2461 potential patients, the propensity score identified 504 (168 cases and 336 comparators) patients. During follow up (median 839.5 days), 110 (21.8%) developed cardiovascular diseases. The Kaplan–Meier curves between those with and without PMR or GCA were not significantly different (P = 0.85). The Cox proportional hazard model calculated the hazard ratio (HR) of those with PMR or GCA compared to those without as 0.96 (95% CI: 0.64–1.46). The results from sensitivity analyses were consistent (HR 0.70–1.06).

Conclusion

Patients with PMR or GCA may not have a higher risk of future cardiovascular diseases among the Japanese population. The sensitivity analyses and sample size calculation supported the results.
Carious lesion severity and demarcated hypomineralized lesions of tooth enamel in schoolchildren from Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Gambetta‐Tessini K , Mariño R , Ghanim A , Calache H , Manton DJ
Published: June 2018

Background

Developmental hypomineralized lesions of enamel (DHL) may represent a significant caries‐risk factor. The aim of this study was to determine the association between carious lesion severity and DHL in 6‐ to 12‐year‐old schoolchildren from Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

The sample was derived from randomly selected schools in inner Melbourne. A full dental examination was performed at the school. Socio‐demographic data, caries experience (DMFT/dmft/ICDAS II) and the consequences of untreated carious lesions (PUFA/pufa) were measured. DHL, molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and hypomineralized second primary molar (HSPM) presence were assessed using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria.

Results

Of the children examined (n = 327), 26.9% had DHL. The prevalence of MIH and HSPM was 14.7% and 8%, respectively. Almost 20% of children had severe carious lesions (ICDAS 5 & 6) in at least one permanent or primary tooth. Ordinal regression analyses indicated that DHL (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.35–3.49) and being born overseas (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.66–4.06) increased the likelihood of severe carious lesions.

Conclusions

One of four children had DHL. DHL‐affected children had an increased likelihood of presenting untreated severe carious lesions compared with DHL‐free children.
Morphological study of the hard palate in the Egyptian goats (Capra hircus): A scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Abdalla Kamal E. H. , Mohamed Salma A.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of the goat hard palate by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in addition to gross and morphometric analysis. A total of twelve goat heads, from normal adult and apparently healthy goats of both sexes, were collected from local slaughterhouses in Qena province, Egypt. Samples were subjected to gross examination, morphometric analysis, light microscopy and SEM. The hard palate in the goats was long and could be divided into a rostral narrow part and a caudal wide part with about 12–15 transverse palatine ridges from which the rostral palatine ridges were serrated on their free caudal edges. The dental pad replaced the upper incisors; its caudal border had a serrated appearance. At higher magnification, the epithelial surface of the palatine rugae and incisive papilla revealed a variety in the shape of the microplicae and the pattern of the micropits. These adaptations of the goat's hard palate might increase its efficiency during ingestion and mastication of coarse roughages and in directing the food backwards. To our knowledge, this is the first study showed the detailed anatomical description of the hard palate of the goat with SEM.
Customized fetal growth standard compared with the INTERGROWTH‐21st century standard at predicting small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates
Authors: Odibo Anthony O. , Nwabuobi Chinedu , Odibo Linda , Leavitt Karla , Obican Sarah , Tuuli Methodius G.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The INTERGROWTH‐21st project (IG‐21) was recently performed aiming to provide a universal benchmark for comparing fetal growth across different ethnicities. Our aim was to compare theIG‐21 with a customized standard for predicting pregnancies at risk for neonatal small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and adverse outcomes.

Material and methods

This was a prospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies presenting for fetal growth assessment between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation. Fetal growth restriction was defined as estimated fetal weight <10th centile for gestational age usingIG‐21 and a customized standard. NeonatalSGAwas defined as birthweight <10th centile for gestational age by the Alexander chart. Primary outcome was the prediction of neonatalSGA. Secondary outcomes included a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes. The discriminatory ability of each growth standard was compared using area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

Results

Of 1054 pregnancies meeting the inclusion criteria, the incidence of neonatalSGAwas 139 (13.2%), and a composite adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 300 (28.4%). The sensitivity of the customized standard (38.8%) was higher than that ofIG‐21 (24.5%) for predicting neonatalSGA, withAUC(95%CI) of 0.67 (0.63‐0.71) for customized vs 0.62 (0.58‐0.65) forIG‐21;P = .003. Both standards were comparable in predicting the composite adverse neonatal outcomes:AUC(95%CI) 0.52 (0.50‐0.55) for customized vs 0.51 (0.50‐0.53) forIG‐21;P = 0.25.

Conclusions

Both growth standards had modest performance in detecting neonatalSGAand were poor at predicting short‐term adverse neonatal outcome.
Lipid Residues from Low‐Fired Pottery
Authors: Reber E. A. , Kerr M. T. , Whelton H. L. , Evershed R. P.
Published: June 2018

This paper assesses the fate of lipids associated with low‐temperature and pit‐fired pottery to determine to what degree organic compounds persist or are removed during short‐firing episodes below 800 °C. Three different types of clay were fired using contrasting techniques including at 400 °C for 4 h in a muffle furnace, and pit‐firing in which pottery was fired to higher temperatures but for shorter periods of time. Total lipid extracts obtained by solvent extraction of test sherds were screened using gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) to determine the lipid concentrations and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the organic compounds present. The results showed that firing of clay removes all naturally occurring alkyl lipids; however, during pit‐firing, diterpenoid lipids were introduced into the clay as a condensate from pine ( Pinus spp.) wood used as fuel. These results confirm that alkyl lipids, e.g., fatty acids, can be reliably associated with the use of vessels, although caution is required when interpreting the origins of lipids that might derive from fuel used in firing.
Decline of maternal antibodies to small ruminant lentivirus in goat kids
Authors: Czopowicz Michał , Szaluś‐Jordanow Olga , Mickiewicz Marcin , Moroz Agata , Witkowski Lucjan , Markowska‐Daniel Iwona , Reczyńska Daria , Bagnicka Emilia , Kaba Jarosław
Published: June 2018

We carried out this study to determine for how long small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV)‐specific antibodies can be detected by three commercialELISAkits in goat kids after suckling infected does in field conditions. Forty‐one kids born toSRLV‐seropositive asymptomatic does were blood sampled prior to colostrum consumption, and then weekly for 6 months in total. The sera were screened with three commercialELISA kits: whole‐virusELISA(wELISA), recombinant transmembrane and capsid antigenELISA(TM/CA‐ELISA), and surface antigenELISA(SU‐ELISA). All but one kid were seronegative in all threeELISAsright after birth. At the age of 1 week all kids turned seropositive inwELISA, 39 kids (95%) inTM/CA‐ELISA, and 35 kids (85%) inSU‐ELISA. All seropositive kids turned seronegative inwELISAby the 15th week, and inSU‐ELISAby the 19th week (median of 8 weeks in bothELISA), whereas inTM/CA‐ELISAfive kids (13% of 39 initially seropositive) were still seropositive at the age of 6 months (median of 11 weeks). Antibody levels at the age of 1 week proved significantly linked to the duration of maternal antibodies in all threeELISAsand could be employed to predict for how long maternal antibodies would remain detectable.
Dental implants placed in severely atrophic jaws reconstructed with autogenous calvarium, bovine bone mineral, and collagen membranes: A 3‐ to 19‐year retrospective follow‐up study
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Tommasato Grazia , Palombo David , Scarnò Dario , Zaniboni Marco , del Fabbro Massimo
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To present the clinical, radiographic, and patient‐related outcomes of patients presenting with severely resorbed ridges reconstructed with autogenous calvarial bone blocks and rehabilitated with implant‐supported prostheses.

Material and methods

From 1998 to 2014, 72 patients presenting with severe bone defects were reconstructed with autogenous calvarial bone blocks covered with bovine bone mineral granules and collagen membranes. Four to 9 months later, 330 implants were placed and loaded 3–9 months later. The follow‐up ranged from 3 to 19 years (mean: 8.1 years). The following parameters were recorded: (a) complication rate of the reconstructive procedure; (b) bone resorption before implant placement; (c) implant survival rate and implant‐related complications; (d) peri‐implant bone resorption; and (e) patient's satisfaction inquired with a dedicated questionnaire.

Results

No patients developed severe complications, such as complete loss or resorption of the grafts. A dehiscence occurred in six patients, which developed a mild graft resorption. The mean peri‐implant bone resorption before implant placement was 0.13 mm (SD ± 0.71). All patients received the planned number of implants. Three patients were lost during the follow‐up. The survival rate of implants at the end of the observation period was 98.5%. The mean peri‐implant bone resorption ranged from 0.00 to 4.87 mm (mean: 1.11 mm). At last, 90% of the patients were very satisfied as regards the treatment received.

Conclusions

Results from this study suggested that: (a) bone volume in the areas reconstructed with calvarial grafts was stable over time; (b) survival rates of implants were consistent with those reported for implants placed in native bone; (c) patient's satisfaction was high.
Thermal oxidation and hydrofluoric acid treatment on the sandblasted implant surface: A histologic histomorphometric and biomechanical study
Authors: Qamheya Ala Hassan A. , Arısan Volkan , Mutlu Zihni , Karabaglı Murat , Soluk Tekkeşin Merva , Kara Kamuran , Erol Ayşe , Ersanlı Selim
Published: June 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze and compare the topographical, chemical, and osseointegration characteristics of a sandblasted acid‐etched surface (SLA group), a sandblasted thermally oxidized surface (SO group), and a surface chemically modified by hydrofluoric (HF) acid (SOF group).

Materials and methods

Following the preparation and characterization of the relevant surfaces, 90 implants (30 for each group) were placed on the pelvic bone of six sheep. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA), insertion (ITV), removal torque value (RTV), and histomorphometric analyses (BIC%) were performed after three and 8 weeks of healing. The results were analyzed by nonparametric tests (p < 0.05).

Results

The roughness value (Ra) in the SOF group was significantly lower than the SLA and the SO group (p = 0.136, p < 0.001, respectively). This resulted in a substantially inferior ITV 14.83 N/cm (SD: 4.04) than those achieved in the SLA and SO groups (19.50 (SD: 6.07) and 20.17 N/cm (SD: 8.95), respectively; p = 0.001). A statistically significant change in the RFA from the baseline (47.36 ISQ, SD: 6.93) to the 3rd week (62.56 ISQ, SD: 5.29) was observed in the SOF group only (p = 0.008). The highest postplacement RFA and RTV values were measured from the SLA group (61.11 ISQ, SD: 7.51 and 78.22 N/cm, SD: 28.73). The early‐term (3rd week) BIC% was highest in the SO group (39.93%, SD: 16.14). After 8 weeks, the differences in BIC% values were statistically not significant.

Conclusions

Adjunct HF acid application on the thermally oxidized surface did not provide an additional benefit compared to the sandblasted and acid‐etched surface (SLA group).
Reposition of the bone plate over the antrostomy in maxillary sinus augmentation: A histomorphometric study in rabbits
Authors: Omori Yuki , Ricardo Silva Erick , Botticelli Daniele , Apaza Alccayhuaman Karol Alí , Lang Niklaus P. , Xavier Samuel P.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To test if repositioning the bony plate secured with a cyanoacrylate over the antrostomy in maxillary sinus augmentation was superior to covering the antrostomy with a collagen membrane in terms of the bone augmentation area and the bone density.

Material and Methods

After the exposure of the nasal bone in eighteen rabbits, a rectangular access window was prepared with a sonic instrument, and the bony plate was removed. A bilateral sinus mucosa elevation was performed, and the space was filled with a resorbable xenograft. On the test side, the bone plate was repositioned over the antrostomy and fixed with a cyanoacrylate. On the control side, a collagen membrane was placed over the opening. Per group, six animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing, respectively. Histological ground sections were prepared.

Results

The augmented area after elevation decreased between 2 and 8 weeks from 9.4 ± 1.8 to 4.8 ± 2.8 mm2 at the test and from 9.5 ± 2.6 and 5.1 ± 1.6 mm2 at the control sites. Small amounts of new bone were seen after 2 weeks in both groups (~1.6%–2.5%) forming from the bony sinus walls. New bone density increased over time in both groups reaching ~ 10%–11% and ~ 23%–25% after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found. Small residual defects were present both at the test sites in the margin of the bone plate, and at the control sites in the center of the antrostomy.

Conclusions

The bone healing in the elevated sinus space was similar irrespective of the coverage of the antrostomy. After 8 weeks, the bone plate repositioned on the antrostomy was incorporated while at the control sites the healing was still incomplete. Residual defects were still present in both groups.
Role of perfusion machines in the setting of clinical liver transplantation: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Lai Quirino , Melandro Fabio , Rossi Massimo , Ruberto Franco , Pugliese Francesco , Mennini Gianluca
Published: June 2018

Growing enthusiasm around machine perfusion (MP) in clinical liver transplantation (LT) may be the preamble for standardized practice to expand the donors’ pool. The present systematic review investigated all the liver transplantations performed using grafts treated with MP. A systematic review of 309 papers was performed. Eventually, 27 articles were enrolled for the study. A total number of 173 cases were reported. Only 12 cohort studies were identified: the remaining ones were case reports or case series. Hypothermic machine perfusion was performed in 102 (59.0%), normothermic machine perfusion in 65 (37.6%), and controlled oxygenated rewarming in the remaining 6 (3.4%) cases. Donor characteristics, evaluation of graft quality, and endpoints were not homogeneous among the studies. Overall, post‐LT results were excellent, with 1.2 and 4.0% of patients experienced primary non‐function and ischemic‐type biliary lesions, respectively.

Conclusion: Until now, no study exists that addresses the role of MP in selecting liver grafts available for LT. All the published studies mainly focused on the feasibility and safety of this new technology. Further research investigating the selection process of marginal donors is required.
Circadian regulation of neutrophils: Control by a cell‐autonomous clock or systemic factors?
Authors: Ella Krisztina , Mócsai Attila , Káldi Krisztina
Published: June 2018

Background

The circadian time‐measuring system enables the organism to anticipate and effectively respond to regular daily changes in the environment and is therefore a crucial factor of adaptation. A large body of epidemiological data underlines the circadian characteristics of human immune functions. Circadian control of neutrophil responsiveness contributes to daily changes in the pathology of both acute and chronic inflammation and may therefore time‐dependently influence the outcome of therapeutic approaches.

Aim

This review summarizes recent data on the role of the circadian clock in the control of immune responses, particularly of those linked to neutrophil activity, and possible mechanisms of the regulation.

Discussion

In the first section of this review we present the recent model of the mammalian molecular clock by introducing the main transcription‐translation feedback loops and discussing the pace‐setting role of post‐translational modifications. The next sections summarize clinical, epidemiological and experimental data regarding the daily control of immune responses and studies analysing expression of clock components in various leukocytes and particularly, in human peripheral neutrophils. As the latter data indicate that expression of components of the cell‐autonomous clock is relatively low in neutrophils, in the last section we review recent findings suggesting a role for systemic and local factors in the regulation of rhythmic neutrophil responses.
Secondary seed dispersal by ants in Neotropical cerrado savanna: species‐specific effects on seeds and seedlings of Siparuna guianensis (Siparunaceae)
Authors: Magalhães Verônica B. , Espírito Santo Nádia B. , Salles Luis F. P. , Soares Hélio , Oliveira Paulo S.
Published: June 2018

1. Most woody plant species in tropical habitats are primarily vertebrate‐dispersed, but interactions between ants and fallen seeds and fruits are frequent. This study assesses the species‐specific services provided by ants to fallen arillate seeds of Siparuna guianensis, a primarily bird‐dispersed tree in cerrado savanna. The questions of which species interact with fallen seeds, their relative contribution (versus vertebrates) to seed removal, and the potential effects on seedling establishment are investigated.

2. Seeds are removed in similar quantities in caged and control treatments, suggesting that ants are the main dispersers on the ground. Five ant species attended seeds. Pheidole megacephala (≈0.4 cm) cooperatively transported seeds, whereas the smaller Pheidole sp. removed the seed aril on spot. Large (> 1.0 cm) Odontomachus chelifer, Pachycondyla striata, and Ectatomma edentatum individually carried seeds up to 4 m. Bits of aril are fed to larvae and intact seeds are discarded near the nest entrance.

3. Overall, greater numbers of seedlings were recorded near ant nests than in control plots without nests. This effect, however, was only detected near P. megacephala and P. striata nests, where soil penetrability was greater compared with controls. Soil nutrients did not differ between paired plots.

4. This study confirms the prevalence of ant–seed interactions in cerrado and shows that ant‐derived benefits are species‐specific. Ant services range from seed cleaning on the spot to seed displacement promoting non‐random spatial seedling recruitment. Although seed dispersal distances by ants are likely to be shorter than those by birds, our study of S. guianensis shows that fine‐scale ant‐induced seed movements may ultimately enhance plant regeneration in cerrado.
Geographical distribution of vegetative compatibility and mating types of Cryphonectria parasitica in İzmir, Manisa and Denizli provinces in western Turkey
Authors: Daldal Müzeyyen , Erincik Ömer , Wall Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2018

To extend our knowledge of population structure of Cryphonectria parasitica in the Aegean region, 264 isolates obtained from eight subpopulations in Izmir, Manisa and Denizli provinces were studied. Only three vegetative compatibility (vc) types, EU‐1, EU‐12 and EU‐2, were identified. EU‐1 (59%) was dominant and was found in all eight subpopulations. EU‐12 (32%) was detected in six subpopulations and was highly dominant (71%) in the Ödemiş subpopulation (İzmir province). EU‐2 was restricted to only one subpopulation, Tire, but, there, had the highest frequency (50%). This is the first reported occurrence of EU‐2 in western Turkey. Regarding sexual compatibility, both MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 were detected in all subpopulations; however, 85% of the isolates were MAT1‐1 and no perithecia were found in any of the subpopulations. Multilocus linkage disequilibrium analysis determined that all subpopulations were clonal. Indicator co‐kriging representations showed that vc types and mating types were spatially aggregated. In combination, these results indicate that the dispersal of the pathogen most likely occurs via localized short‐distance transport of rain‐splashed asexual conidia, rather than the long‐distance dispersal of wind‐borne ascospores. Because of the presence four polymorphic vegetative incompatibility (vic) loci in certain subpopulations, C. parasitica has the potential to generate new vc types in the future.