bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Axon Density, Myelination, and Fractional Anisotropy in the Human Corpus Callosum
Authors: Friedrich Patrick , Fraenz Christoph , Schlüter Caroline , Ocklenburg Sebastian , Mädler Burkhard , Güntürkün Onur , Genç Erhan
Published: September 2019

The corpus callosum serves the functional integration and interaction between the two hemispheres. Many studies investigate callosal microstructure via diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fractional anisotropy (FA) in geometrically parcellated segments. However, FA is influenced by several different microstructural properties such as myelination and axon density, hindering a neurobiological interpretation. This study explores the relationship between FA and more specific measures of microstructure within the corpus callosum in a sample of 271 healthy participants. DTI tractography was used to assess 11 callosal segments and gain estimates of FA. We quantified axon density and myelination via neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to assess intra-neurite volume fraction and a multiecho gradient spin-echo sequence estimating myelin water fraction. The results indicate three common factors in the distribution of FA, myelin content and axon density, indicating potentially shared rules of topographical distribution. Moreover, the relationship between measures varied across the corpus callosum, suggesting that FA should not be interpreted uniformly. More specific magnetic resonance imaging-based quantification techniques, such as NODDI and multiecho myelin water imaging, may thus play a key role in future studies of clinical trials and individual differences.
Poor allograft outcome in Indian patients with post-transplant C3 glomerulopathy
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Ramachandran Raja , Rawat Amit , Das Reena , Rayat Charan S , Kenwar Deepesh B , Sharma Ashish , Gupta Krishan L , Nada Ritambhra
Published: September 2019

Background

Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) results from dysfunction of the alternative complement pathway (ACP). No data are available on post-transplant C3G in South Asia.

Methods

In this study, renal allograft biopsies of C3G patients performed from 2012 to 2017 were analysed for ACP functional assay (APFA), serum complement levels, complement factor H (CFH), complement factor B (CFB) and autoantibodies to CFH and CFB. Limited genetic screening for CFH/CFHR5 genes was carried out. All study patients were also followed up.

Results

A total of 21 cases of C3G were included, of which 11 had native C3G disease (that is, recurrent C3G). Of these 11 recurrent cases, 7 presented with allograft dysfunction and 4 with proteinuria and renal dysfunction. Early post-transplant recurrence (<1 month) was noted in six patients, whereas recurrence in five patients occurred within 8–17 months of transplant. Biopsies showed mild focal mesangial expansion with or without endocapillary proliferation and thrombotic microangiopathy. Rejection was also noted in six patients. APFA/C3 levels were low in all cases. Serum CFH levels were low [dense deposit disease (DDD), 44%; C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), 25%], whereas CFB levels were normal. Autoantibodies to CFH, CFB and C3 nephritic factor were present in 11, 0 and 44% of DDD cases, respectively, and in 17, 17 and 33% of C3GN cases, respectively. Genetic analysis revealed only non-pathogenic CFH gene variants (93%). No novel mutation was found. At follow-up (140 months), stable graft was noted in 28% of cases, progressive renal failure in 19%, graft loss in 34%, and 19% of patients died.

Conclusion

Post-transplant C3G can present with graft dysfunction and/or proteinuria. Subtle histological findings demand careful interpretation of immunofluorescence results. Autoantibodies to complement pathway regulatory proteins are common, and no novel mutation has been found from limited genetic workup. Clinical outcome is poor.
The Influence of Microscopic Inflammation at Resection Margins on Early Postoperative Endoscopic Recurrence After Ileocaecal Resection for Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Poredska Karolina , Kunovsky Lumir , Marek Filip , Kala Zdenek , Prochazka Vladimir , Dolina Jiri , Zboril Vladimir , Kovalcikova Petra , Pavlik Tomas , Jabandziev Petr , Pavlovsky Zdenek , Vlazny Jakub , Mitas Ladislav
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

The pathogenesis and risk factors for early postoperative endoscopic recurrence of Crohn’s disease [CD] remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to identify whether histological inflammation at the resection margins after an ileocaecal resection influences endoscopic recurrence.

Methods

We have prospectively followed up patients with CD who underwent ileocaecal resection at our hospital between January 2012 and January 2018. The specimens were histologically analysed for inflammation at both of the resection margins [ileal and colonic]. We evaluated whether histological results of the resection margins are correlated with endoscopic recurrence of CD based on colonoscopy 6 months after ileocaecal resection. Second, we assessed the influence of known risk factors and preoperative therapy on endoscopic recurrence of CD.

Results

A total of 107 patients were included in our study. Six months after ileocaecal resection, 23 patients [21.5%] had an endoscopic recurrence of CD. The histological signs of CD at the resection margins were associated with a higher endoscopic recurrence [56.5% versus 4.8%, p < 0.001]. Disease duration from diagnosis to surgery [p = 0.006] and the length of the resected bowel [p = 0.019] were significantly longer in patients with endoscopic recurrence. Smoking was also proved to be a risk factor for endoscopic recurrence [p = 0.028].

Conclusions

Histological inflammation at the resection margins was significantly associated with a higher risk of early postoperative endoscopic recurrence after an ileocaecal resection for CD.
Carotid arterial stiffness is increased and related to left ventricular function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Roşca Monica , Mandeş Leonard , Ciupercă Daniela , Călin Andreea , Beladan Carmen C , Enache Roxana , Jurcuţ Ruxandra , Coman Ioan M , Ginghină Carmen , Popescu Bogdan A
Published: September 2019

Aims

To assess the carotid mechanical properties in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the relation between arterial stiffness and left ventricular function in this setting.

Methods and results

We have prospectively enrolled 71 patients (52 ± 16 years, 34 men) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, divided into two groups depending on the presence (46 patients) or absence (25 patients) of cardiovascular risk factors associated with increased arterial stiffness. Twenty-five normal subjects similar by age and gender with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients without risk factors formed the control group. A comprehensive echocardiography was performed in all subjects. Carotid arterial stiffness index (β index), pressure–strain elastic modulus, arterial compliance, and pulse wave velocity were also obtained using an echo-tracking system. β index, pulse wave velocity, and pressure–strain elastic modulus were significantly higher in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients without risk factors compared to controls. After linear regression analysis, the increase in carotid β index was independently correlated with the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [beta = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–3.02; P < 0.001]. In the entire hypertrophic cardiomyopathy population arterial stiffness parameters correlated with age, gender, hypertension degree, presence of hypercholesterolaemia, and the E/e′ ratio. In multivariable analysis, β index (beta = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.32–1.25; P = 0.001), global left ventricular longitudinal strain, and the presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were independently correlated with the E/e′ ratio.

Conclusion

In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy arterial stiffness is increased independently of age or presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Carotid artery stiffness is independently related to left ventricular filling pressure, increased arterial stiffness representing a possible marker of a more severe phenotype.
Dietary Inflammatory Potential and the Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases in Adults
Authors: Kheirouri Sorayya , Alizadeh Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Nutrition and diet have been suggested to enhance or inhibit cognitive performance and the risk of several neurodegenerative diseases. We conducted a systematic review to elucidate the relationship between the inflammatory capacity of a person’s diet and the risk of incident neurodegenerative diseases. We searched major medical databases for articles published through June 30, 2018. Original, full-text, English-language articles on studies with human participants which investigated the link between dietary inflammatory potential and risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases were included. Duplicate and irrelevant studies were removed, and data were compiled through critical analysis. Initially, 457 articles were collected via the searching method, of which 196 studies remained after removal of duplicates. Fourteen articles were screened and found to be relevant to the scope of the review. After critical analysis, 10 were included in the final review. In all studies but one, a higher dietary inflammatory index (DII) was related to higher risk of developing neurodegenerative disease symptoms, including memory and cognition decline and multiple sclerosis. Of 3 studies that assessed the association of DII with levels of circulating inflammation markers, 2 indicated that DII was positively correlated with inflammatory marker levels. Low literacy, an unhealthy lifestyle, and individual nutritional status were the factors involved in a diet with inflammatory potential. These findings enhance confidence that DII is an appropriate tool for measurement of dietary inflammatory potential and validate the role of diets with inflammatory potential in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. DII may be correlated with levels of circulating inflammatory markers.
Mental and Physical Health in Couple Relationships: Is It Better to Live Together?
Authors: Rapp Ingmar , Stauder Johannes
Published: September 2019

This study focuses on two main questions. First, do non-cohabiting relationships have an effect on mental and physical health? And second, do non-cohabiting relationships affect health in a similar way as cohabitation and marriage? To differentiate between the selection effects of healthier individuals into a couple relationship and the causal effects of couple relationships on health, we test hypotheses about the accumulation of health effects over time. We apply fixed-effects estimation techniques to data from the German Socio-economic Panel. For women, mental health improves after establishing a non-cohabiting relationship and remains similar after starting cohabitation and after getting married. For men, only marriage improves mental health status. The impacts of couple relationships on physical health primarily depend on the duration of the relationship and slowly accumulate over time. In addition, effects are stronger for younger adults.
Was Antoni van Leeuwenhoek secretive? His experiments with insect corneas
Authors: Robertson Lesley A
Published: September 2019

It is often claimed that Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was secretive about his methods. However, closer examination of his letters suggests that this reputation was not always deserved. Some letters were not published in the Royal Society Proceedings, and others were edited. This paper describes the repetition of his experiments with the eyes of bees and dragonflies using his own account of his experiments, despite the fact that only one of the four letters was published in the Proceedings.
Orally-administered outer-membrane vesicles fromHelicobacter pylorireduceH. pyloriinfection via Th2-biased immune responses in mice
Authors: Liu Qiong , Li Xiuzhen , Zhang Yingxuan , Song Zifan , Li Ruizhen , Ruan Huan , Huang Xiaotian
Published: September 2019

As the trend of antibiotic resistance has increased, prevention and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection have been challenged by the fact that no vaccines preventing H. pylori infection are available. Scientists continue to make sustained efforts to find better vaccine formulations and adjuvants to eradicate this chronic infection. In this study, we systemically analyzed the protein composition and potential vaccine function of outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from gerbil-adapted H. pylori strain 7.13. In total, we identified 169 proteins in H. pylori OMVs and found that outer-membrane, periplasmic and extracellular proteins (48.9% of the total proteins) were enriched. Furthermore, we evaluated the immune protective response of H. pylori OMVs in a C57BL/6 mouse model, and mice were orally immunized with OMVs or the H. pylori whole cell vaccine (WCV) alone, with or without cholera toxin (CT) as an adjuvant. The data demonstrated that oral immunization with OMVs can elicit a strong humoral and significantly higher mucosal immune response than the group immunized with the WCV plus the CT adjuvant. Moreover, our results also confirmed that OMVs predominantly induced T helper 2 (Th2)-biased immune responses that can significantly reduce bacterial loads after challenging with the H. pylori Sydney Strain 1 (SS1). In summary, OMVs as new antigen candidates in vaccine design would be of great value in controlling H. pylori infection.
Stakeholders’ perceptions towards non-native acacias and implications for their management in Portugal
Authors: Vaz Ana Sofia , Ribeiro Joana , Honrado João P , Vicente Joana R
Published: September 2019

Humans act as drivers for the introduction of non-native trees. Some non-native species may become invasive and cause undesirable impacts, thereby motivating targeted decision-making and management actions. Australian acacias (or wattles; genus Acacia subgenus Phyllodineae) have been introduced worldwide, offering both opportunities and risks for local communities. Understanding how stakeholders perceive invasive acacias is paramount to assist effective decision-making. We assessed stakeholders’ perceptions about these non-native acacias, their invasion process, social-ecological impacts and management. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey with experienced managers and decision-makers in Northern Portugal, where acacia invasions are widespread. We found that most stakeholders are not able to recognize non-native species, failing to identify the introduction period, drivers of dispersion and appropriate management methods of Australian acacias. We could also identify different stakeholder perceptions on the benefits and negative impacts provided by these species. We call for the implementation of technical training and information outreach strategies to address stakeholders’ lack of knowledge (and experience) on the recognition and identification of non-native trees, as well as on their introduction and invasion history, drivers of dispersion, costs and benefits, and effective management actions. Stakeholders’ engagement should be promoted in the design and implementation of biosecurity efforts to control (and/or adapt to) invasive acacias at relevant scales of invasion management.
Global aid for nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and proportion of stunted children across low- and middle-income countries: does aid matter?
Authors: Khalid Hina , Gill Sitara , Fox Ashley M
Published: September 2019

Development assistance for health (DAH) has increased dramatically over the past two decades, and this increase has led to a debate on the benefits and perverse effects of scaling-up vs scaling back DAH, and the type of interventions DAH should support. Nutrition remains a contested category viewed as essential to achieving primary healthcare objectives but as falling outside of the direct ambit of the health system. Thus, despite the increase in DAH, it continues to remain an underfunded area and little is known about the relationship between aid for nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and the proportion of stunted children across low- and middle-income countries. We hypothesize that as nutrition-specific aid targets local needs of countries and is less fungible than nutrition-sensitive aid, it will contribute more to a reduction in the proportion of stunted children, with the steepest gains among countries that have the highest burden of malnutrition. We use fixed-effects regressions to examine the relationship between the proportion of stunted children and aid for nutrition interventions (specific and sensitive) to 116 low- and middle-income countries (2002–16). We construct our panel using the Creditor Reporting System, Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization and World Development indicators databases. We find a one-dollar increase in per capita nutrition-specific aid is associated with a reduction in the proportion of stunted children by 0.004 (P < 0.05). When stratified by burden of malnutrition, a one-dollar increase in per capita nutrition-specific aid to countries with the highest burden of malnutrition is associated with sharper reductions in the proportion of stunted children (0.013, P < 0.01). We also find a significant association for per capita nutrition-sensitive aid and proportion of stunted children when per capita aid for nutrition is lagged by 3 and 4 years (0.0002, P < 0.05), suggesting a long-run association between nutrition-sensitive aid and proportion of stunted children. Our findings suggest that in spite of criticisms that development assistance fails to adequately reach its intended beneficiaries, aid for nutrition has been successful at reducing the proportion of stunted children. Our findings imply a need to scale-up nutrition funding and improve targeting of aid.
Energy access in Malawian healthcare facilities: consequences for health service delivery and environmental health conditions
Authors: Reuland Frances , Behnke Nikki , Cronk Ryan , McCord Ryan , Fisher Michael , Abebe Lydia , Suhlrie Laura , Joca Lauren , Mofolo Innocent , Kafanikhale Holystone , Mmodzi Tseka Jennifer , Rehfuess Eva , Tomaro John , Hoffman Irving , Bartram Jamie
Published: September 2019

Many healthcare facilities (HCFs) in low-income countries experience unreliable connectivity to energy sources, which adversely impacts the quality of health service delivery and provision of adequate environmental health services. This assessment explores the status and consequences of energy access through interviews and surveys with administrators and healthcare workers from 44 HCFs (central hospitals, district hospitals, health centres and health posts) in Malawi. Most HCFs are connected to the electrical grid but experience weekly power interruptions averaging 10 h; less than one-third of facilities have a functional back-up source. Inadequate energy availability is associated with irregular water supply and poor medical equipment sterilization; it adversely affects provider safety and contributes to poor lighting and working conditions. Some challenges, such as poor availability and maintenance of back-up energy sources, disproportionately affect smaller HCFs. Policymakers, health system actors and third-party organizations seeking to improve energy access and quality of care in Malawi and similar settings should address these challenges in a way that prioritizes the specific needs of different facility types.
Rising Inflammatory Bowel Disease Prevalence Highlights the Need for Effective, Cost-Effective Therapies
Authors: Luther Jay , Dave Maneesh
Published: September 2019

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease and costs of care are rising in the United States and highlight the need for effective, cost-effective therapies.
Using structural equation modelling to untangle sanitation, water and hygiene pathways for intervention improvements in height-for-age in children <5 years old
Authors: Reese Heather , Sinharoy Sheela S , Clasen Thomas
Published: September 2019

Background

Despite a strong theoretical rationale for combining water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) interventions to improve child health, study findings are heterogeneous with little understanding of the mechanisms for these effects. Our study objective was to demonstrate the utility of structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess intervention effects on height-for-age z score (HAZ) through the complex system of WaSH pathways.

Methods

We used data from a matched cohort effectiveness evaluation of a combined on-premise piped water and improved sanitation intervention in rural Odisha, India. Height/length was measured in children 0–59 months old (n = 1826) from 90 matched villages in February–June 2016. WaSH behaviours and infrastructure were assessed through household surveys and observation, respectively. We used SEM to calculate the standardized path coefficients and the total contributions of WaSH pathways to HAZ.

Results

Intervention improvements on HAZ were through the sanitation pathway (coverage → use β: 0.722; use → HAZ β: 0.116), with piped water coverage indirectly affecting HAZ through improved sanitation use (β: 0.148). Although the intervention had a positive association with handwashing station coverage, there was no evidence of a total hygiene pathway effect on HAZ or further direct effects through the water pathways.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of SEM to assess the mechanisms through which combined WaSH interventions impact HAZ as a system of pathways, providing a more nuanced assessment than estimation of the total intervention effect. Our finding, that water impacts HAZ through the sanitation pathway, is an important and actionable insight for WaSH programming.
Iterative-learning procedures for nonlinear-model-order reduction in discrete time
Authors: Ibrir Salim
Published: September 2019

Efficient numerical procedures are developed for model-order reduction of a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems. Based on the solution of a set of linear-matrix inequalities, the Petrov–Galerkin projection concept is utilized to set up the structure of the reduced-order nonlinear model that preserves the input-to-state stability while ensuring an acceptable approximation error. The first numerical algorithm is based on the construction of a constant optimal projection matrix and a constant Lyapunov matrix to form the reduced-order dynamics. The second proposed algorithm aims to incorporate the output of the original system to correct the instantaneous value of the truncation matrix and maintain an acceptable approximation error even with low-order systems. An extension to uncertain systems is provided. The usefulness and the efficacy of the developed procedures are approved by the consideration of two numerical examples treating a nonlinear low-order system and a high-dimensional system, issued from the discretization of the damped heat-transfer partial-differential equation.
The Lambda Invariants at CM Points
Authors: Yang Tonghai , Yin Hongbo , Yu Peng
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we show that $\lambda (z_1) -\lambda (z_2)$, $\lambda (z_1)$, and $1-\lambda (z_1)$ are all Borcherds products on $X(2) \times X(2)$. We then use the big CM value formula of Bruinier, Kudla, and Yang to give explicit factorization formulas for the norms of $\lambda (\frac{d+\sqrt d}2)$, $1-\lambda (\frac{d+\sqrt d}2)$, and $\lambda (\frac{d_1+\sqrt{d_1}}2) -\lambda (\frac{d_2+\sqrt{d_2}}2)$, with the latter under the condition $(d_1, d_2)=1$. Finally, we use these results to show that $\lambda (\frac{d+\sqrt d}2)$ is always an algebraic integer and can be easily used to construct units in the ray class field of ${\mathbb{Q}}(\sqrt{d})$ of modulus $2$. In the process, we also give explicit formulas for a whole family of local Whittaker functions, which are of independent interest.
Effect of dietary copper sources on performance, gastric ghrelin-RNA expression, and growth hormone concentrations in serum in piglets
Authors: Gonzalez-Esquerra Ricardo , Araujo Raquel B , Haese Douglas , Kill Joao L , Cunha Anderson F , Monzani Paulo S , Lima Cesar G
Published: September 2019

Two performance studies were conducted to investigate the effects of 3 different sources of Cu on production parameters of piglets. A total of 256 piglets weaned at 24 ± 2 d were randomly allocated into 4 treatments with 10 or 8 replicates per treatment of 4 or 3 piglets per pen in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. The experimental period was divided into 3 feeding phases: Phase 1 (24 to 35 d), Phase 2 (36 to 49 d), and Phase 3 (50 to 70 d). Treatments included a Control group (fed 10 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4), a group fed 160 mg/kg of either CuSO4 (CuSO4-160) or tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC), and a group fed Cu methionine hydroxy analogue chelated (Cu-MHAC) at 150, 80, and 50 mg/kg in Phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The methionine value of Cu-MHAC was accounted during diet formulation to achieve the same levels of methionine across treatments. Phases 1 and 2 diets contained 2,200 and 1,500 ppm of ZnO, respectively; and antibiotics were used as growth promoters. Performance parameters were analyzed as completely randomized block design, in which each experiment was considered as a block. In trial 2, blood serum and mucosal samples, from the fundic region of the stomach, were collected from 1 piglet per replicate at day 70 and tested for serum growth hormone levels (GH) and ghrelin mRNA expression, respectively. The contrast between Cu-MHAC vs. CuSO4-160 + TBCC showed that piglets fed Cu-MHAC exhibited better feed conversion ratio (FCR) in all feeding phases compared with feeding inorganic Cu (P < 0.05). Overall, feeding Cu-MHAC improved body weight (BW), BW gain, feed intake (FI), and FCR vs. Control diet fed piglets; yet, it improved BW and FCR vs. TBCC fed piglets, and improved BW, BW gain, and FI vs. CuSO4-160 fed piglets (P < 0.05). Feeding TBCC promoted similar performance than feeding CuSO4-160, regardless of age (P > 0.05). Both ghrelin expression and growth hormone serum levels were significantly increased by feeding Cu-MHAC vs. Control diet fed animals (P < 0.01). Feeding CuSO4-160 upregulated ghrelin expression vs. Control (P < 0.01) while GH serum levels and ghrelin expression did no change by feeding TBCC compared with Control diet fed animals (P > 0.05). It was concluded that feeding Cu-MHAC at the levels tested herein can improve growth performance of piglets beyond feeding 160 ppm of either CuSO4 or TBCC, which may be partially explained by the increased expression of ghrelin and GH serum levels.
NOX2 Expression Is Increased in Keratinocytes After Burn Injury
Authors: Korkmaz H Ibrahim , Ulrich Magda M W , Çelik Gülbahar , Van Wieringen Wessel N , Van Zuijlen Paul P M , Krijnen Paul A J , Niessen Hans W M
Published: September 2019

Reepithelialization is crucial for effective wound repair in burn wounds. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have shown to be important in this. Recent studies suggest that NOX proteins produce ROS in keratinocytes. In the present study, we have studied NOX proteins in burn wounds, including the effect of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1inh) hereon, which is the endogenous inhibitor of complement activity whereof we have shown previously that it also increased the rate of reepithelialization in burn wounds. Skin tissue derived from healthy control Wistar rats (n = 6) were compared with burn-injured rats, with (n = 7) or without C1inh treatment (n = 7). After 14 days, rats were terminated. From the burn-injured rats, the entire wound and nonburned skin from the hind leg, that is, internal control was excised. From the control rats, dorsal skin was excised. In these skin samples, NOX2 and NOX4 were analyzed immunohistochemically. In nonburned rats, NOX2 was found in keratinocytes in both the basal layer and suprabasal layer of the epidermis; and the number of NOX2-positive keratinocytes was 367/mm2 (254–378). In burned rats, the number of NOX2-positive keratinocytes was significantly increased in the newly forming epidermis in the burned area to 1019/mm2 (649–1172), especially in the suprabasal layer, but significantly decreased in remote nonburned skin to 22/mm2 (6–89). C1inh treatment counteracted these changes in epidermal NOX2 expression in burned rats, both in the burned area as in remote nonburned skin. No NOX4 expression was found in the epidermis in none of the groups. NOX2 expression was increased in keratinocytes in newly forming epidermis after burn injury. C1inh, a drug that increases the rate of reepithelialization, counteracted this effect. These results suggest a role for NOX2 in the reepithelialization of burn wounds.
The Escazú Agreement and the Regional Approach to Rio Principle 10: Process, Innovation, and Shortcomings
Authors: Stec Stephen , Jendrośka Jerzy
Published: September 2019

The adoption in 2018 of the Escazú Agreement by the countries of the Latin American and Caribbean region marks the second regional legal instrument aimed at the implementation of Principle 10 of the 1992 Rio Declaration, joining the Aarhus Convention of the pan-European region. The international community has settled upon the regional level as the appropriate means for implementing standards related to access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters. The appropriateness of the regional level is demonstrated by the differences and innovations found in the Escazú Agreement, in its scope and definitions, background principles, burden of proof and protections of environmental defenders and vulnerable populations. Yet, the regional approach also entails risks, as demonstrated by the limitation of the scope of rights for nationals of the country where specific activities are planned or occurring.
Functional Analysis of an Epsilon-Class Glutathione S-Transferase From Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Saruta Fumiko , Yamada Naotaka , Yamamoto Kohji
Published: September 2019

Glutathione conjugation is a crucial step in xenobiotic detoxification. In the current study, we have functionally characterized an epsilon-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) from a brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (nlGSTE). The amino acid sequence of nlGSTE revealed approximately 36–44% identity with epsilon-class GSTs of other species. The recombinant nlGSTE was prepared in soluble form by bacterial expression and was purified to homogeneity. Mutation experiments revealed that the putative substrate-binding sites, including Phe107, Arg112, Phe118, and Phe119, were important for glutathione transferase activity. Furthermore, inhibition study displayed that nlGSTE activity was affected by insecticides, proposing that, in brown planthopper, nlGSTE could recognize insecticides as substrates.
Field key to the bats of Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Authors: York Heather A , Rodríguez-Herrera Bernal , Laval Richard K , Timm Robert M , Lindsay Kaitlin E
Published: September 2019

With more than 1,400 species of bats described worldwide, the order Chiroptera is second only to rodents in ecological and taxonomic diversity. Bats play critically important roles in natural systems as seed and pollen dispersers, predators of invertebrates and vertebrates, and sanguinivores. The Central American countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua have at least 123 species of bats (in nine families and 66 genera), or nearly 10% of the world's known species. Because of the importance of proper species identification for ecological and systematic studies and conservation efforts, we present a dichotomous key to the bats of this region. Our goal is the positive, in-hand identification of living bats that may be released unharmed after identification. Identifying Neotropical bats and understanding the taxonomic changes that affect the names used for the various species over time can be a challenge. This key includes the 123 species known to occur in Costa Rica and Nicaragua as well as three that are expected to occur in these countries but which have not yet been recorded. We provide illustrations of key characters useful for differentiating bats to species and updated taxonomic notes to assist the reader in assessing the literature.

Con más de 1,400 especies de murciélagos descritos en todo el mundo, el orden Chiroptera es el segundo más diverso después de los roedores respecto a taxonomía. Los murciélagos juegan papeles de importancia crítica en los sistemas naturales como dispersores de semillas, polinizadores, depredadores de vertebrados e invertebrados, así como hematófagos. Costa Rica y Nicaragua presentan al menos 123 especies de murciélagos (en 9 familias y 66 géneros), casi el 10% de las especies conocidas en el mundo. Debido a la importancia de la identificación precisa de las especies para los estudios ecológicos, sistemáticos y de conservación, presentamos una clave dicotómica para los murciélagos de esta región. Nuestro objetivo es la identificación correcta con los murciélagos in vivo y que se pueden liberar sin daño después de la identificación. La caracterización de los murciélagos neotropicales y el seguimiento del estatus taxonómico de cada especie puede ser un reto en el proceso de identificación. Esta clave incluye las 123 especies conocidas en Costa Rica y Nicaragua, así como 3 no registradas pero con distribución potencial. Proporcionamos ilustraciones de características claves útiles para diferenciar murciélagos al nivel de la especie y notas taxonómicas actualizadas para ayudar al lector a la identificación.
Long-Term Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Screening With Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in the United States
Authors: Lowry Kathryn P , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Schechter Clyde B , Alagoz Oguzhan , Barlow William E , Burnside Elizabeth S , Conant Emily F , Hampton John M , Huang Hui , Kerlikowske Karla , Lee Sandra J , Miglioretti Diana L , Sprague Brian L , Tosteson Anna N A , Yaffe Martin J , Stout Natasha K
Published: September 2019

Background

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is increasingly being used for routine breast cancer screening. We projected the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of DBT compared to conventional digital mammography (DM) for breast cancer screening in the United States.

Methods

Three Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network breast cancer models simulated US women ages 40 years and older undergoing breast cancer screening with either DBT or DM starting in 2011 and continuing for the lifetime of the cohort. Screening performance estimates were based on observational data; in an alternative scenario, we assumed 4% higher sensitivity for DBT. Analyses used federal payer perspective; costs and utilities were discounted at 3% annually. Outcomes included breast cancer deaths, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), false-positive examinations, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

Compared to DM, DBT screening resulted in a slight reduction in breast cancer deaths (range across models 0–0.21 per 1000 women), small increase in QALYs (1.97–3.27 per 1000 women), and a 24–28% reduction in false-positive exams (237–268 per 1000 women) relative to DM. ICERs ranged from $195 026 to $270 135 per QALY for DBT relative to DM. When assuming 4% higher DBT sensitivity, ICERs decreased to $130 533–$156 624 per QALY. ICERs were sensitive to DBT costs, decreasing to $78 731 to $168 883 and $52 918 to $118 048 when the additional cost of DBT was reduced to $36 and $26 (from baseline of $56), respectively.

Conclusion

DBT reduces false-positive exams while achieving similar or slightly improved health benefits. At current reimbursement rates, the additional costs of DBT screening are likely high relative to the benefits gained; however, DBT could be cost-effective at lower screening costs.
Listeriosis During Pregnancy and in Newborns: 18 Years of Data From a Large Tertiary Hospital in Singapore
Authors: Vidal Eleah N , Rajadurai Victor Samuel , Anand Amudha Jayanthi , Chandran Suresh
Published: September 2019

A 20-year retrospective review at a tertiary hospital in Singapore identified 11 cases of perinatal listeriosis in maternal–fetal pairs (incidence, 4.8 cases per 100 000 live births). Fever, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and fetal akinesia during the third trimester were associated with listeriosis. In this study early directed antibiotic therapy resulted in favorable outcomes.
Transplantation of a horseshoe kidney from a living donor using stapler for transsection
Authors: Sozener Ulas
Published: September 2019

Although it rather became a routine procedure to evaluate and use a cadaveric horseshoe kidney, using one from a living donor is quite rare. In this paper, we present methods we used during such a case which may benefit the procedures in the future. A 29-year-old female patient was considered for transplant and only viable living donor was her 59-year-old mother. Dynamic computed tomography revealed horseshoe anomaly with one renal artery and one renal vein for each side, a long but thin isthmus connecting lower poles with no visible arterial supply. Descending urography showed no connecting caliceal system. Donor nephrectomy was performed and isthmus separation was carried out with vascular stapler. Recipient was discharged on the 6th day with no complications. Patient was followed up for 6 months with normal creatinine levels. When properly assessed before the surgery, using a horseshoe kidney is not so challenging as thought.
Autophagy is involved in assisting the replication of Bamboo mosaic virus in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Huang Ying-Ping , Huang Ying-Wen , Hsiao Yung-Jen , Li Siou-Cen , Hsu Yau-Huei , Tsai Ching-Hsiu
Published: September 2019

Autophagy plays a critical role in plants under biotic stress, including the response to pathogen infection. We investigated whether autophagy-related genes (ATGs) are involved in infection with Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV), a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. Initially, we observed that BaMV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves upregulated the expression of ATGs but did not trigger cell death. The induction of ATGs, which possibly triggers autophagy, increased rather than diminished BaMV accumulation in the leaves, as revealed by gene knockdown and transient expression experiments. Furthermore, the inhibitor 3-methyladenine blocked autophagosome formation and the autophagy inducer rapamycin, which negatively and positively affected BaMV accumulation, respectively. Pull-down experiments with an antibody against orange fluorescent protein (OFP)-NbATG8f, an autophagosome marker protein, showed that both plus- and minus-sense BaMV RNAs could associate with NbATG8f. Confocal microscopy revealed that ATG8f-enriched vesicles possibly derived from chloroplasts contained both the BaMV viral RNA and its replicase. Thus, BaMV infection may induce the expression of ATGs possibly via autophagy to selectively engulf a portion of viral RNA-containing chloroplast. Virus-induced vesicles enriched with ATG8f could provide an alternative site for viral RNA replication or a shelter from the host silencing mechanism.
Clinical insights and epidemiology of central nervous system infection due to Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii species complexes: A prospective study from South India
Authors: Lahiri Shayanki , Manjunath Netravathi , Bhat Maya , Hagen Ferry , Bahubali Veenakumari H , Palaniappan Marimuthu , Maji Sayani , Chandrashekar Nagarathna
Published: September 2019

In the last two decades, central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis (CNSc) has emerged as a major opportunistic infection in the immunocompromised population of India. We have analyzed the clinical features of CNSc and epidemiology of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. A total of 160 clinical isolates of C. neoformans/gattii recovered from CNSc patients were analyzed. The origin, clinical parameters, and imaging features of the patients were recorded, and clinical parameters were analyzed based on their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and infecting species, namely, C. neoformans or C. gattii. Serotypes and mating types of the isolates were determined. Molecular typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting using M13 microsatellite primer (GTG)5, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Majority of the patients were from Bangalore Urban, Karnataka. Among 160 cases 128 (80%) were HIV seropositive, and 32 (20%) were HIV negative. Middle-aged males (36–55 years) were highly affected. There were statistically significant differences in the clinical manifestations, imaging and CSF parameters of HIV coinfected and noninfected cases, whereas limited differences were observed in these parameters in the cases infected with C. neoformans and C. gattii. We identified 80% C. neoformans VNI, 8.75% VNII and 22.5% C. gattii (VGI), 8.75% C. tetragattii (VGIV) among clinical strains. This comprehensive study will contribute toward a better prognosis of CNS cryptococcosis patients during the hospital stay, treatment strategies for HIV coinfected and noninfected cases and will provide the molecular epidemiology of these two pathogenic fungal species in south India, which was unclear in this part of the country.
Too big to fail in light of Gaia
Authors: Kaplinghat Manoj , Valli Mauro , Yu Hai-Bo
Published: September 2019

We point out an anticorrelation between the central dark matter (DM) densities of the bright Milky Way dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) and their orbital pericenter distances inferred from Gaia data. The dSphs that have not come close to the Milky Way centre (like Fornax, Carina and Sextans) are less dense in DM than those that have come closer (like Draco and Ursa Minor). The same anticorrelation cannot be inferred for the ultrafaint dSphs due to large scatter, while a trend that dSphs with more extended stellar distributions tend to have lower DM densities emerges with ultrafaints. We discuss how these inferences constrain proposed solutions to the Milky Way’s too-big-to-fail problem and provide new clues to decipher the nature of DM.
Ram pressure stripping: an analytical approach
Authors: Singh Ankit , Gulati Mamta , Bagla Jasjeet S
Published: September 2019

We take an analytical approach to study ram pressure stripping, using simple models for discs and the distribution of halo gas to look at this phenomenon in cluster, group and galaxy haloes. We also study variations in galaxy properties and redshift. In each case, we model the worst-case scenario (i.e. the maximum effect resulting from ram pressure). We show that the worst-case scenario is not affected greatly by changes in redshift. We find that gas discs in galaxies with a higher spin parameter are stripped sooner than galaxies with a smaller spin parameter. Galaxies in cluster haloes are stripped of gas more efficiently compared with group and galaxy haloes, because they have a higher infall speed and a higher density of gas in the intra-cluster medium (i.e. as a result of a greater retention of baryons). We comment on the limitations of our model, and we look at and illustrate a situation where a significant amount of gas may be retained in the galaxy disc. Finally, we discuss the implications for star formation in galaxies during infall into haloes.
The morphological classification of distant radio galaxies explored with three-dimensional simulations
Authors: Smith Michael D , Donohoe Justin
Published: September 2019

We explore the observational implications of a large systematic study of high-resolution three-dimensional simulations of radio galaxies driven by supersonic jets. For this fiducial study, we employ non-relativistic hydrodynamic adiabatic flows from nozzles into a constant pressure-matched environment. Synchrotron emissivity is approximated via the thermal pressure of injected material. We find that the morphological classification of a simulated radio galaxy depends significantly on several factors with increasing distance (i.e. decreasing observed resolution) and decreasing orientation often causing reclassification from FR II (limb-brightened) to FR I (limb-darkened) type. We introduce the Lobe or Limb Brightening Index (LBI) to measure the radio lobe type more precisely. The jet density also has an influence as expected with lower density leading to broader and bridged lobe morphologies as well as brighter radio jets. Hence, relating observed source type to the intrinsic jet dynamics is not straightforward. Precession of the jet direction may also be responsible for wide relaxed sources with lower LBI and FR class as well as for X-shaped and double–double structures. Helical structures are not generated because the precession is usually too slow. We conclude that distant radio galaxies could appear systematically more limb darkened due to merger-related redirection and precession as well as due to the resolution limitation.
Adaptive Radiation of the Flukes of the Family Fasciolidae Inferred from Genome-Wide Comparisons of Key Species
Authors: Choi Young-Jun , Fontenla Santiago , Fischer Peter U , Le Thanh Hoa , Costábile Alicia , Blair David , Brindley Paul J , Tort Jose F , Cabada Miguel M , Mitreva Makedonka
Published: September 2019

Liver and intestinal flukes of the family Fasciolidae cause zoonotic food–borne infections that impact both agriculture and human health throughout the world. Their evolutionary history and the genetic basis underlying their phenotypic and ecological diversity are not well understood. To close that knowledge gap, we compared the whole genomes of Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, and Fasciolopsis buski and determined that the split between Fasciolopsis and Fasciola took place ∼90 Ma in the late Cretaceous period, and that between 65 and 50 Ma an intermediate host switch and a shift from intestinal to hepatic habitats occurred in the Fasciola lineage. The rapid climatic and ecological changes occurring during this period may have contributed to the adaptive radiation of these flukes. Expansion of cathepsins, fatty-acid-binding proteins, protein disulfide-isomerases, and molecular chaperones in the genus Fasciola highlights the significance of excretory–secretory proteins in these liver-dwelling flukes. Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica diverged ∼5 Ma near the Miocene–Pliocene boundary that coincides with reduced faunal exchange between Africa and Eurasia. Severe decrease in the effective population size ∼10 ka in Fasciola is consistent with a founder effect associated with its recent global spread through ruminant domestication. G-protein-coupled receptors may have key roles in adaptation of physiology and behavior to new ecological niches. This study has provided novel insights about the genome evolution of these important pathogens, has generated genomic resources to enable development of improved interventions and diagnosis, and has laid a solid foundation for genomic epidemiology to trace drug resistance and to aid surveillance.