bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NovelNR5A1mutations found in Chinese patients with 46,XYdisorders of sex development
Authors: Yu Bingqing , Liu Zhaoxiang , Gao Yinjie , Mao Jiangfeng , Wang Xi , Hao Ming , Ma Wanlu , Huang Qibin , Zhang Rui , Nie Min , Wu Xueyan
Published: August 2018

Objective

To analyze nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) gene mutations in a cohort of Chinese patients with 46,XYDisorders of Sex Development (DSD).

Methods

Sixty 46,XY DSDpatients were recruited at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Targeted next‐generation and Sanger sequencing were performed to investigate pathogenic gene variants and validateNR5A1gene variants, respectively. In silico tools and in vitro function studies were used to analyze the pathogenicity of rare variants. The clinical and endocrinological characteristics of patients withNR5A1variants were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of four novel and three recurrentNR5A1variants were identified in seven 46,XY DSDpatients. These variants widely spread almost all the functional domains. Functional studies showed that novel mutations including p.S32N, p.N44del and p.G91D reduced transactivation ofCYP11A1, while the other missense variant p.A168E did not impact protein function. All patients withNR5A1rare variants had normal adrenal function and showed genital defects. Results of the genitalia examination showed female external genitalia (three patients), ambiguous external genitalia (two patients), female external genitalia with clitoromegaly (one patient), and hypospadias (one patient). All seven patients had bilateral testis and five of seven patients lacked Müllerian structures.

Conclusions

Four novel mutations in theNR5A1gene were identified in our cohort with 46,XY DSD, expanding the spectrum ofNR5A1gene mutations. All patients withNR5A1rare variants had normal adrenal function and showed genital defects.
Food supplementation to optimize inoculative release of the predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus in sweet pepper
Authors: Brenard Nathalie , Sluydts Vincent , De Bruyn Luc , Leirs Herwig , Moerkens Rob
Published: August 2018

Biological control is widespread in management of greenhouse sweet pepper crops. Several species of predatory mites, bugs, and parasitoids are used against a wide range of pest species. However, biological control of particular pests like aphids, caterpillars, and the tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, remains problematic. Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a generalist predatory bug which is used on a large scale in Western European tomato greenhouses. It has already been demonstrated that M. pygmaeus is a valuable biocontrol option in sweet pepper crops, but it has yet to find its way into common practice. Macrolophus pygmaeus should be introduced at the start of the growing season and determining an optimal release strategy is a key step in this process. In tomato crops, M. pygmaeus requires supplemental food releases to reach sufficient population numbers and dispersal levels. In this study, the need for food supplementation in sweet pepper is investigated. Three strategies were tested: (1) no food supplementation, (2) local food supplementation, and (3) full field food supplementation. Both population numbers and dispersal rates of the second generation were higher under the third strategy. Macrolophus pygmaeus oviposits near food sources, therefore dispersal rates are higher when food is more spread out. Pest control was achieved in all treatments, but faster and at lower pest levels under the full field strategy.
Do pygidial secretions of dung beetles have the potential to repel urban pest ants?
Authors: Carvalho R. , Ferreira Châline R.S. , Audino L.D. , Louzada J. , Châline N.
Published: August 2018

Various organisms emit malodorous secretions against competitors, and the potential use of these secretions in pest management should be investigated. For example, some ant species feed on similar resources as dung beetles, which might have led to counter chemical defences in dung beetles. We tested whether pygidial secretions of the dung beetle Canthon smaragdulus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) alter the locomotor behaviour of the exotic urban pest ant Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), specifically whether these secretions repel those ants. We also tested whether the disturbance in the locomotor behaviour of T. melanocephalum increases with the amount of pygidial secretion. We found that individual T. melanocephalum displayed changes in their locomotor behaviour when exposed to pygidial secretions of coupled dung beetles, single males, and single females. Additionally, the pygidial secretions from male and female dung beetles could repel ants. The change in the locomotor behaviour of T. melanocephalum increased with the amount of pygidial secretion. Our results suggest that the pygidial secretions of dung beetles have potential as a biological repellent of T. melanocephalum. Hence, pygidial secretions from dung beetles may be used in the future for the development of urban pest management strategies.
The edible katydid Ruspolia differens is a selective feeder on the inflorescences and leaves of grass species
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Junes Petra , Opoke Robert , Lehtovaara Vilma J. , Nyeko Philip , Roininen Heikki
Published: August 2018

Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae) (its common names including ‘African edible bush‐cricket’, ‘edible grasshopper’, and ‘nsenene’) is an important source of food for humans in East Africa, but its ecology and biology are poorly understood. We explored the host plants of R. differens with a series of no‐choice and multiple‐choice laboratory experiments using 18 local common grass and sedge species in Uganda. In no‐choice experiments, the degree of acceptance differed significantly among the studied plant species, but in only three species were leaves rejected and in one species were inflorescences rejected. The pattern of acceptance among plant species was different in the local vs. swarming populations. Leaves were generally more accepted by the local population, whereas inflorescences were generally more accepted by the swarming population. Both leaves and inflorescences were more readily accepted by males than by females. According to the multiple‐choice experiments, R. differens preferred inflorescences over leaves. Our results demonstrate that R. differens is a facultatively oligophagous grass‐specialist, which has a clear preference for certain grass or sedge species (especially inflorescences), but it accepts many host plants if the preferred ones are not available. To preserve viable natural populations of R. differens in East Africa in the long term, our results draw special attention to the availability of grasslands where accepted and preferred host plants are available year‐round.
Does sand content in spawning substrate result in early larval emergence? Evidence from a lithophilic cyprinid fish
Authors: Bašić Tea , Britton J. Robert , Rice Stephen P. , Pledger Andrew G.
Published: August 2018

The spawning success of lithophilic salmonids is strongly influenced by the fine sediment content (“fines”) of spawning substrates, yet knowledge on the impacts of fines on the spawning of non‐salmonid lithophiles remains limited, despite their ecological and socio‐economic importance in European rivers. Consequently, the aim here was to use an ex‐situ experiment to investigate the impact of sand content on egg survival and timing of larval emergence of the surface‐spawning cyprinid European barbel Barbus barbus. Thirty incubator boxes within a recirculating system were filled with one of five experimental sediment mixtures (0%–40% sand by mass) that each contained 300 fertilised eggs at a depth of 50 mm. Emerged, free‐swimming larvae were captured and counted daily to assess grain‐size effects on larval survival and emergence. Specifically, total proportion of emerged larvae, cumulative daily proportion of emerged larvae and time required to reach 50% emergence were measured during the study. Whilst the proportion of sand in the sediments did not have a significant impact on egg‐to‐emergence survival (mean survival per treatment 75%–79%), it significantly affected the timing of larval emergence to the water column; early emergence was detected in treatments with elevated sand content (on average, 50% emergence after 12–13 days versus 19 days in the control). Similar to findings from salmonid studies, these results suggest high sand content in spawning gravels can influence timing of larval emergence and potentially cyprinid lithophilic fish survival.
Hydrogeomorphic factors drive differences in otolith morphology in fish from the Nu‐Salween River
Authors: Ding Liuyong , Tao Juan , Ding Chengzhi , Chen Liqiang , Zhang Chao , Xiang Qianqian , Sun Jie
Published: August 2018

Understanding the relationship between intraspecific phenotypic variation and habitat is fundamentally important to ecology and evolution. However, it is largely unknown whether the environment drives the morphological variation in riverine fish otoliths, which are potential phenotypic markers. In this study, we investigated morphological variations in the otoliths of an endemic Chinese fish (Schizothorax nukiangensis Tsao) collected from seven sites with varying environmental gradients along the Nu‐Salween River. We compared morphological characters of S. nukiangensis otoliths among sampling sites and identified environmental sources of otolith morphological variation using multivariate regression trees and multiple factor analysis. Results showed that S. nukiangensis otoliths collected from different habitats were significantly different in morphology, mainly at the rostrum, excisura and posterior rim. Variations in otolith morphology (specifically the increase in otolith length) were predominantly governed by average river gradient; this might be a functional response to hydrogeomorphic conditions. Other environmental gradients (i.e., altitude, latitude and average annual temperature) played a minor role in otolith shape. This study highlighted the role of environmental factors in determining the otolith shape in riverine fish; thus, species and population discriminations based on otolith morphology should consider intraspecific variability.
Schools, psychosocial well‐being and agency: From fragmentation to coherence
Authors: McLaughlin Colleen
Published: August 2018

This article is about the relationship between everyday practice in schools and the development of agency. It examines two areas of current concern in which agency is seen to play a key role: young people's mental health or human flourishing and their development as citizens. The argument is made that the foundation stone of agency is self‐efficacy and that related crucial attitudes and beliefs are learned in school. The role of agency in learning and its importance in young people's psychosocial development are discussed. The latter part of the article focuses upon how schools can become effectively agency orientated.
Regulator of G protein signaling 2 differentially regulates nicotine‐induced anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects in mice
Authors: Rorabaugh Boyd R. , Sprague Lisanne , Norman Haval , Seeley Sarah L. , D'Souza Manoranjan S.
Published: August 2018

This study assessed the role of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) in nicotine‐induced anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects using RGS2 wildtype (WT) and RGS2 knockout (KO) mice. RGS2 negatively regulates monoaminergic neurotransmission, which is implicated in the pathology of anxiety and depression. We hypothesized that deletion of RGS2 would enhance nicotine‐induced anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects, which were assessed using the elevated plus maze and tail suspension tests, respectively. Anxiolytic‐like effects were observed in both RGS2 WT and KO mice after administration of low dose of nicotine (0.05 mg/kg, base) compared to respective saline controls. Additionally, administration of nicotine (0.1 mg/kg, base) compared to saline resulted in anxiolytic‐like effects in RGS2 KO mice, but not RGS2 WT mice, suggesting genetic deletion of RGS2 facilitated anxiolytic‐like effects of nicotine. Administration of nicotine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, base) compared to saline resulted in antidepressant‐like effects in RGS2 WT mice. Antidepressant‐like effects were observed in RGS2 KO mice only at the highest tested dose of nicotine (1 mg/kg, base) compared to saline controls, suggesting that genetic deletion of RGS2 decreased sensitivity to antidepressant‐like effects of nicotine. Together, the data suggest that RGS2 differentially regulated nicotine‐induced affective behavioral responses. These data suggest that individuals with RGS2 polymorphisms may experience differential affective responses to tobacco smoking, which may make them vulnerable to developing nicotine addiction.
Trophic factors for Parkinson's disease: Where are we and where do we go from here?
Authors: Paul Gesine , Sullivan Aideen M.
Published: August 2018

Perhaps the most important unmet clinical need in Parkinson's disease (PD) is the development of a therapy that can slow or halt disease progression. Extensive preclinical research has provided evidence for the neurorestorative properties of several growth factors, yet only a few have been evaluated in clinical studies. Attempts to achieve neuroprotection by addressing cell‐autonomous mechanisms and targeting dopaminergic neurons have been disappointing. Four different trophic factors have so far entered clinical trials in PD: glial cell line‐derived growth factor, its close structural and functional analog neurturin, platelet‐derived growth factor and cerebral dopaminergic neurotrophic factor. This article reviews the pre‐clinical evidence for the neuroprotective and neurorestorative actions of these growth factors and discusses limitations of preclinical models, which may hamper successful translation to the clinic. We summarize the previous and ongoing clinical trials using growth factors in PD and emphasize the caveats in clinical trial design that may prevent the further development and registration of potentially neuroprotective and neurorestorative treatments for individuals suffering from PD.
Long‐term plasticity of glutamatergic input from the subthalamic nucleus to the entopeduncular nucleus
Authors: Gorodetski Lilach , Zeira Reut , Lavian Hagar , Korngreen Alon
Published: August 2018

The hyperdirect pathway of the basal ganglia bypasses the striatum, and delivers cortical information directly to the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In rodents, the STN excites the two output nuclei of the basal ganglia, the entopeduncular nucleus (EP) and the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr). Thus, during hyperdirect pathway activation, the STN drives EP firing inhibiting the thalamus. We hypothesized that STN activity could induce long‐term changes to the STN‐>EP synapse. To test this hypothesis, we recorded in the whole‐cell mode from neurons in the EP in acute brain slices from rats while electrically stimulating the STN. Repetitive pre‐synaptic stimulation generated modest long‐term depression (LTD) in the STN‐>EP synapse. However, pairing EP firing with STN stimulation generated robust LTD that manifested for pre‐before post‐as well as for post‐ before pre‐synaptic pairing. This LTD was highly sensitive to the time difference and was not detected at a time delay of 10 ms. To investigate whether post‐synaptic calcium levels were important for LTD induction, we made dendritic recordings from EP neurons that revealed action potential back‐propagation and dendritic calcium transients. Buffering the dendritic calcium concentration in the EP neurons with EGTA generated long term potentiation instead of LTD. Finally, mild LTD could be induced by post‐synaptic activity alone that was blocked by an endocannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor blocker. These results thus suggest there may be an adaptive mechanism for buffering the impact of the hyperdirect pathway on basal ganglia output which could contribute to the de‐correlation of STN and EP firing.
The presence of heartwood decay, a precursor to hollow formation, within Eucalyptus camaldulensis in relation to stem size
Authors: Ellis Murray V.
Published: August 2018

River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) are large trees that dominated many of continental Australia's riparian areas, providing abundant hollows for nesting and denning fauna. Land clearing and forestry have reduced the availability of large trees, and much of the remaining forest is dominated by small regrowth trees that lack visible hollow entrances. Inspection of recently felled River Red Gums revealed that heartwood decay, a precursor of hollow formation, can be common in relatively small trees. Internal decay and voids remain inaccessible until stochastic damage exposes them, which may not occur until the tree is old, and hence probably large. This discrepancy indicates that there is likely to be a size range of trees into which artificial entrances can be added to quickly increase hollow availability in landscapes undergoing active restoration as fauna habitat.
Hypertension and heart disease are associated with development of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis: a 5‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Jakimovski D. , Gandhi S. , Paunkoski I. , Bergsland N. , Hagemeier J. , Ramasamy D. P. , Hojnacki D. , Kolb C. , Benedict R. H. B. , Weinstock‐Guttman B. , Zivadinov R.
Published: August 2018

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are more frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients when compared to controls. In particular, CVDs are linked with higher accumulation of lesions and advanced brain atrophy.

Objective

To investigate whether CVDs contribute to accelerated lesion accumulation and brain atrophy over 5 years in patients with MS.

Methods

194 MS patients and 43 controls without neurologic disease were followed for 5 years. Full physical, neurological evaluation, and structured questionnaire investigating CVD and risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, smoking, diabetes, obesity/overweight) were collected using interview‐based questionnaire and further cross‐reference with electronic medical records. Lesion and brain atrophy outcomes were assessed with 3T MRI. ANCOVA adjusted for age, gender, and disease duration were used accordingly. False discovery rate correction was performed using Benjamini‐Hochberg correction.

Results

Patients with diagnosis of heart disease showed higher white matter and whole brain volume loss compared to those without (−4.2% vs. −0.7%, P = 0.01 and −3.4% vs. −1.6%, P = 0.01, respectively). The percentage lateral ventricle volume change in MS patients with hypertension was higher compared to non‐hypertensive patients (24.5% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.05). Hyperlipidemia, smoking, and obesity/overweight were not associated with progression of MRI‐derived outcomes. CVDs did not contribute to larger lesion volume accrual over the 5‐year period. The presence of CVDs was not associated with MRI‐derived changes in the controls.

Conclusions

Hypertension and heart disease contribute to advanced brain atrophy in MS patients. CVDs did not contribute to additional lesion accrual. CVD comorbidities in MS patients may contribute to neurodegenerative tissue injury that can be detected with brain MRI.
Visual prognosis in seronegative idiopathic optic neuritis finally elucidated: as bad as that in anti‐AQP4 antibody‐positive optic neuritis
Authors: Akaishi T. , Nakashima I.
Published: August 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Assessment of autonomic innervation of the foot in familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Zouari H. G. , Ng Wing Tin S. , Wahab A. , Damy T. , Lefaucheur J.‐P.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

Distal involvement of autonomic nerve fibers is critical in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) due to transthyretin (TTR) mutation. This study compares different methods for assessing autonomic foot innervation in TTR‐FAP patients.

Methods

Three groups of seven TTR‐FAP patients were included, according to disease severity: clinically asymptomatic, moderate or advanced neuropathy. The autonomic investigation included the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics test and laser Doppler flowmetry for vasomotor aspects and the Sudoscan® (measuring electrochemical skin conductance) and Neuropad® test for sudomotor aspects. Somatic innervation was assessed by performing nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing [including vibration, cold and warm detection threshold (WDT) measurements] and laser evoked potentials.

Results

The results of all neurophysiological tests varied according to TTR‐FAP severity (P ≤ 0.01, Kruskal–Wallis test), except for the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics test and laser Doppler flowmetry variables. In addition, the sudomotor tests (Sudoscan or Neuropad) or WDT measurement provided early markers of neuropathy in two of the seven asymptomatic carriers. Finally, all neurophysiological results correlated with the Neuropathy Impairment Score (r values between −0.88 and −0.66, P < 0.005, Spearman test), except the cold detection threshold.

Conclusions

The Neuropad test could be used to detect TTR‐FAP onset, but confirmation requires electrochemical skin conductance and WDT measurement. The Sudoscan technique, but not the Neuropad test (at least assessed at a fixed time point), could be valuable to follow the progression of the neuropathy. Follow‐up investigation should also include large‐fiber investigation (e.g. nerve conduction studies and vibration detection threshold). Conversely, reliable tests for assessing vasomotor disturbances in limb extremities of TTR‐FAP patients are still awaited.
Genomic screening of Fabry disease in young stroke patients: the Taiwan experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Lee T.‐H. , Yang J.‐T. , Lee J.‐D. , Chang K.‐C. , Peng T.‐I. , Chang T.‐Y. , Huang K.‐L. , Liu C.‐H. , Ryu S.‐J. , Burlina A. P.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

Fabry disease is an X‐linked disease, and enzyme‐based screening methods are not suitable for female patients.

Methods

In total, 1000 young stroke patients (18–55 years, 661 with ischaemic stroke and 339 with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage) were recruited. The Sequenom iPLEX assay was used to detect 26 Fabry related mutation genes. The frequency of Fabry disease in young stroke was reviewed and compared between Asian and non‐Asian countries.

Results

Two male patients with ischaemic stroke were found to have a genetic mutation of IVS4+919G>A. There was no α‐galactosidase A (GLA) gene mutation in female patients. The frequency in Asian stroke patients was 0.62% (male vs. female 0.63% vs. 0.58%) with 0.72% for ischaemic stroke and none for hemorrhagic stroke, compared to 0.88% (0.77% vs. 1.08%) with 0.83% for ischaemic stroke and 1.40% for hemorrhagic stroke reported in western countries.

Conclusion

IVS4+919G>A is the GLA mutation in Taiwanese young ischaemic stroke patients. Fabry disease is more frequent among non‐Asian patients compared to Asian patients.
Tundra landscape heterogeneity, not interannual variability, controls the decadal regional carbon balance in the Western Russian Arctic
Authors: Treat Claire C. , Marushchak Maija E. , Voigt Carolina , Zhang Yu , Tan Zeli , Zhuang Qianlai , Virtanen Tarmo A. , Räsänen Aleksi , Biasi Christina , Hugelius Gustaf , Kaverin Dmitry , Miller Paul A. , Stendel Martin , Romanovsky Vladimir , Rivkin Felix , Martikainen Pertti J. , Shurpali Narasinha J.
Published: August 2018

Across the Arctic, the net ecosystem carbon (C) balance of tundra ecosystems is highly uncertain due to substantial temporal variability of C fluxes and to landscape heterogeneity. We modeled both carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes for the dominant land cover types in a ~100‐km2 sub‐Arctic tundra region in northeast European Russia for the period of 2006–2015 using process‐based biogeochemical models. Modeled net annual CO2 fluxes ranged from −300 g C m−2 year−1 [net uptake] in a willow fen to 3 g C m−2 year−1 [net source] in dry lichen tundra. Modeled annual CH4 emissions ranged from −0.2 to 22.3 g C m−2 year−1 at a peat plateau site and a willow fen site, respectively. Interannual variability over the decade was relatively small (20%–25%) in comparison with variability among the land cover types (150%). Using high‐resolution land cover classification, the region was a net sink of atmospheric CO2 across most land cover types but a net source of CH4 to the atmosphere due to high emissions from permafrost‐free fens. Using a lower resolution for land cover classification resulted in a 20%–65% underestimation of regional CH4 flux relative to high‐resolution classification and smaller (10%) overestimation of regional CO2 uptake due to the underestimation of wetland area by 60%. The relative fraction of uplands versus wetlands was key to determining the net regional C balance at this and other Arctic tundra sites because wetlands were hot spots for C cycling in Arctic tundra ecosystems.
Corals sustain growth but not skeletal density across the Florida Keys Reef Tract despite ongoing warming
Authors: Rippe John P. , Baumann Justin H. , De Leener Daphne N. , Aichelman Hannah E. , Friedlander Eric B. , Davies Sarah W. , Castillo Karl D.
Published: August 2018

Through the continuous growth of their carbonate skeletons, corals record information about past environmental conditions and their effect on colony fitness. Here, we characterize century‐scale growth records of inner and outer reef corals across ~200 km of the Florida Keys Reef Tract (FKRT) using skeletal cores extracted from two ubiquitous reef‐building species, Siderastrea siderea and Pseudodiploria strigosa. We find that corals across the FKRT have sustained extension and calcification rates over the past century but have experienced a long‐term reduction in skeletal density, regardless of reef zone. Notably, P. strigosa colonies exhibit temporary reef zone‐dependent reductions in extension rate corresponding to two known extreme temperature events in 1969–1970 and 1997–1998. We propose that the subtropical climate of the FKRT may buffer corals from chronic growth declines associated with climate warming, though the significant reduction in skeletal density may indicate underlying vulnerability to present and future trends in ocean acidification.
Expression of T‐cell receptor signalling pathway components in extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Miyata‐Takata Tomoko , Chuang Shih‐Sung , Takata Katsuyoshi , Toji Tomohiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Sato Yasuharu , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: August 2018

Aims

Although the neoplastic cells of extranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) usually do not express T‐cell antigens, the T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene might be rearranged and TCR protein expressed. The aim is to elucidate the expression of the downstream TCR pathway components and their importance in ENKTL.

Methods and results

We used formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from 91 ENKTL samples to immunohistochemically characterise the expression of TCR pathway components. The following proteins were variably expressed: ZAP70 (94%; 83/88), GRAP2/GADS (68%; 60/88), DOK2 (42%; 38/90), LCK (35%; 31/88), and ITK (10%; 9/90). When these tumours were classified as being of T lineage (16%), NK lineage (45%), or indeterminate lineage (38%), the GRAP2/GADS expression rate was higher in T lineage tumours (versus NK, P = 0.0073; versus indeterminate, P = 0.00082). GRAP2/GADS‐positive NK lineage tumours more frequently expressed DOK2 (P = 0.0073), and were more often confined to the nasal areas (P = 0.014). Furthermore, when these tumours were immunophenotypically classified into a T signature (42%) or NK signature (58%), the expression rates of GRAP2/GADS and ITK were higher in T signature tumours (P = 0.00074 and P = 0.067, respectively), whereas that of LCK was higher in NK‐signature tumours (P = 0.10).

Conclusions

Although some ENTKL cases were polyclonal for TCR rearrangement and others lacked TCR expression, we speculate that the TCR pathway might be functioning in ENKTLs. A T signature versus a NK signature might be better for delineating the physiology of ENKTL than cellular lineage. Furthermore, ITK may represent a potential therapeutic target for patients with ITK‐expressing tumours.
Switching to coformulated rilpivirine (RPV), emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide from either RPV, FTC and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or efavirenz, FTC and TDF: 96‐week results from two randomized clinical trials
Authors: Hagins D , Orkin C , Daar ES , Mills A , Brinson C , DeJesus E , Post FA , Morales‐Ramirez J , Thompson M , Osiyemi O , Rashbaum B , Stellbrink H‐J , Martorell C , Liu H , Liu Y‐P , Porter D , Collins SE , SenGupta D , Das M
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The single‐tablet regimen rilpivirine, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (RPV/FTC/TAF) for treatment of HIV‐1‐infected adults was approved based on bioequivalence. We assessed the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of switching to RPV/FTC/TAF from either RPV/FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF.

Methods

We conducted two distinct randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, noninferiority trials in participants taking RPV/FTC/TDF (Study 1216) and EFV/FTC/TDF (Study 1160). Each study randomized virologically suppressed (HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) adults (1:1) to switch to RPV/FTC/TAF or continue their current regimen for 96 weeks. We evaluated efficacy as the proportion with HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL using the Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm and prespecified bone and renal endpoints at week 96.

Results

We randomized and treated 630 participants in Study 1216 (RPV/FTC/TAF, n = 316; RPV/FTC/TDF, n = 314) and 875 in Study 1160 (RPV/FTC/TAF, n = 438; EFV/FTC/TDF, n = 437). In both studies, the efficacy of switching to RPV/FTC/TAF was noninferior to that of continuing baseline therapy at week 96, with respective percentages of patients with HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL being 89.2% versus 88.5% in Study 1216 [difference 0.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) −4.3 to +5.8%] and 85.2% versus 85.1% in Study 1160 (difference 0%; 95% CI −4.8 to +4.8%). No participant on RPV/FTC/TAF developed treatment‐emergent resistance versus two on EFV/FTC/TDF and one on RPV/FTC/TDF. Compared with continuing baseline therapy, significant improvements in bone mineral density and renal tubular markers were observed in the RPV/FTC/TAF groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Switching to RPV/FTC/TAF from RPV/FTC/TDF or EFV/FTC/TDF was safe and effective and improved bone mineral density and renal biomarkers up to 96 weeks with no cases of treatment‐emergent resistance.
Human colonic microbiota modulation and branched chain fatty acids production affected by soy protein hydrolysate
Authors: Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua , Saibandith Bandhita , Yupanqui Chutha Takahashi , Wichienchot Santad
Published: August 2018

Several functional properties have been attributed to soy protein hydrolysates (SPHs); however, their gut fermentation needs to be investigated. This study aimed to determine the effect of hypo‐allergic pepsin‐educed SPH on the growth of gut microbiota, SCFA and BCFA production in a pH‐controlled, stirred, batch culture fermentation system compared with commercial SPH and soy protein isolate (SPI). The results showed that all substrates affected gut bacteria. SPH selectively increased the number of lactobacilli (log 9.61 to log 9.84) at 72‐h fermentation, but not for bifidobacteria. This is in accordance with increased BCFAs yield of 15.54 ± 0.00 mm (isobutyrate) and 465.59 ± 1.42 mm (isovalerate). The gut microbial balance index (GMBI) of SPH was 0.23, thus suggesting its gut microbial modulation. Therefore, SPH has potential for modulation or balance of gut microbiota, which may be used as functional ingredient for emerging market of nutraceuticals and nutri‐pharmaceutical industry.
An improved method of immersion vacuum cooling for small cooked pork: Bubbling Vacuum Cooling
Authors: Guo Zhi‐Yu , Song Xiao‐Yan , Song Zuo , Liu Bao‐Lin
Published: August 2018

In this paper, bubbling vacuum cooling (BVC) was compared with immersion vacuum cooling (IVC) in cooling time, weight loss, colour, texture profile, and uniformity of water temperature around the cooked meat. Results showed that the total cooling time of BVC (16.58 min) from 72 to 4 °C was shorter than that of IVC (19.12 min), while a significantly positive effect was observed in reducing cooling time for BVC at the lower temperature range (under 25 °C). For the cooling time from 10 to 4 °C, BVC (4.65 min) was significant (P < 0.05) less than that of IVC (6.47 min). Furthermore, water temperature of BVC can reach lower and distribute more uniformity than that of IVC. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in weight loss, colour and textural profile of cooled meat between these two cooling methods.
Do health literacy and self‐care behaviours affect quality of life in older persons with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy?
Authors: Lee Seung Hee , Lee Ki Hyeong , Chang Sun Ju
Published: August 2018

Aim

This study aimed at identifying the factors associated with health literacy, self‐care behaviours, and quality of life among older persons with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a descriptive study. A total of 80 older persons with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy participated in this study. Data were collected from July 21 to November 3, 2016 in Korea. The Short Form of the Korean Functional Health Literacy Test, the Self‐Care Behaviours Scale, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale‐Lung were used to measure functional health literacy, self‐care behaviours, and quality of life, respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyse the data.

Results

In the each regression model for the general and disease‐related quality of life, performance status, self‐care behaviours, and prior lines of treatment were identified as a predictor. However, functional health literacy was found to be a predictor only of disease‐related quality of life. Among these predictors, self‐care behaviours had the greatest impact.

Conclusion

Health care providers should be aware of the effects of health literacy and self‐care behaviours on health‐related quality of life and consider the factors associated with quality of life when they take care of older persons with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.
Comparing differences in support needs as perceived by parents of adult offspring with down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy
Authors: Lee Chung eun , Burke Meghan M. , Arnold Catherine K. , Owen Aleksa
Published: August 2018

Background

Parents often face many barriers when taking care of their offspring with disabilities. In childhood, support needs vary with families of children with Down syndrome often reporting less caregiving challenges. However, it is unclear whether support needs vary in adulthood. This study compared parents of adults with Down syndrome (DS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP) regarding support needs of their offspring with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

Method

Data were collected via a national survey in the United States with 189 parents of adults with IDD.

Results

Across the quantitative and qualitative analyses, parents of adults with DS (versus CP and ASD) reported significantly greater recreational, natural supports, more formal services and less future planning barriers.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the DS advantage may persist in adulthood regarding support needs. More research is needed to understand different types of support needs.
The Effect of Organizational Justice and Trust on Job Stress in Hospital Organizations
Authors: Top Mehmet , Tekingunduz Sabahattin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among distributive justice, procedural justice, interactional justice, job stress, cognition‐based trust, and affect‐based trust; the secondary purpose was to determine the effect of distributive justice, procedural justice, interactional justice, cognition‐based trust, and affect‐based trust on job stress in hospital organizations.

Method

Data were collected using scales of job stress, organizational justice, and organizational trust. The study was conducted in two public hospitals in Turkey. A total of 432 health personnel participated in this study.

Results

This study showed that both cognition‐based trust and affect‐based trust were significantly positively correlated to the three dimensions of organizational justice (distributive justice, procedural justice, and interactional justice), but they were significantly negatively related to job stress. According to regression analysis, organizational justice was a significant predictor for job stress.

Conclusions

In the working environment of hospitals, job stress and perceptions of organizational justice are significant variables that affect employees’ working processes and their feelings of trust in their organization.

Clinical Relevance

Reducing employees’ job stress and improving their perceptions of organizational trust and organizational justice can improve their levels of cognition‐based trust and affect‐based trust regarding their managers. As the job stress of nurses decreases, the effectiveness of health services may increase as organizational trust and justice develop.
A radio‐anatomical correlation study of the cisterna chyli
Authors: Renard Yohann , de Mestier Louis , Balaj Clémence , Arnoux Jean‐Michel , Labrousse Marc , Hossu Gabriela , Perez Manuela
Published: August 2018

Surgical laparoscopic procedures in the retroperitoneal and supramesocolic spaces are increasingly frequent. There is a high risk of iatrogenic intraoperative injury of the retroperitoneal lymphatic structures during these procedures. A precise understanding of the anatomy of the thoracic duct (TD) and the cisterna chyli (CC) is essential for safe surgical procedures in this area. However, routine imaging procedures rarely and often incorrectly visualize the CC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a retrograde injection of the TD to fill the CC with a contrast agent in 16 human cadavers. Both magnetic resonance lymphography (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) studies could be performed on the same anatomical specimen, using a contrast medium which hardened, allowing gross dissection. MRI and CT detectability were evaluated, and imaging results were compared with the anatomical dissection. The CC of 12/16 cadavers were successfully injected, and four were unsuccessful due to technical difficulties, showing the effectiveness of the method. This technique can improve understanding of the anatomy of the TD and CC and provides an original option to study the complex anatomy of these structures by correlating precise cadaveric dissections with cross‐sectional imaging.
Genetics of metabolic traits in Greenlanders: lessons from an isolated population
Authors: Andersen M. K. , Hansen T.
Published: August 2018

In this review, we describe the extraordinary population of Greenland, which differs from large outbred populations of Europe and Asia, both in terms of population history and living conditions. Many years in isolation, small population size and an extreme environment have shaped the genetic composition of the Greenlandic population. The unique genetic background combined with the transition from a traditional Inuit lifestyle and diet, to a more Westernized lifestyle, has led to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic conditions like obesity, where the prevalence from 1993 to 2010 has increased from 16.4% to 19.4% among men, and from 13.0% to 25.4% among women, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The genetic susceptibility to metabolic conditions has been explored in Greenlanders, as well as other isolated populations, taking advantage of population‐genetic properties of these populations. During the last 10 years, these studies have provided examples of loci showing evidence of positive selection, due to adaption to Arctic climate and Inuit diet, including TBC1D4 and FADS/CPT1A, and have facilitated the discovery of several loci associated with metabolic phenotypes. Most recently, the c.2433‐1G>A loss‐of‐function variant in ADCY3 associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes was described. This locus has provided novel biological insights, as it has been shown that reduced ADCY3 function causes obesity through disrupted function in primary cilia. Future studies of isolated populations will likely provide further genetic as well as biological insights.
Efficacy of chemotherapy and thermotherapy in elimination of East African cassava mosaic virus from Tanzanian cassava landrace
Authors: Kidulile Christina Edward , Miinda Ateka Elijah , Alakonya Amos Emitati , Ndunguru Joseph Canisius
Published: August 2018

Cassava mosaic disease is caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) and can result in crop losses up to 100% in cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Tanzania. We investigated the efficacy of chemotherapy and thermotherapy for elimination of East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV) of Tanzanian cassava. In vitro plantlets from EACMV‐infected plants obtained from coastal Tanzania were established in the greenhouse. Leaves were sampled from the plants and tested to confirm the presence of EACMV. Plantlets of plants positive for EACMV were initiated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. On the second subculture, they were subjected into chemical treatment in the medium containing salicylic acid (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L) and ribavirin (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L). In the second experiment, EACMV‐infected plantlets were subjected to temperatures between 35 and 40°C with 28°C as the control. After 42 days of growth, DNA was extracted from plant leaves and PCR amplification was performed using EACMV specific primers. It was found that plant survival decreased with increasing levels of both salicylic acid and ribavirin concentrations. In general, plants treated with salicylic acid exhibited a lower plant survival % than those treated with ribavirin. However, the percentage of virus‐free plants increased with an increase in the concentration of both ribavirin and salicylic acid. The most effective concentrations were 20 mg/L of ribavirin and 30 mg/L of salicylic acid; these resulted in 85.0% and 88.9% virus‐free plantlets, respectively. With regard to thermotherapy, 35°C resulted in 79.5% virus‐free plantlets compared to 69.5% at 40°C. Based on virus elimination, ribavirin at 20 mg/L, salicylic acid 30 mg/L and thermotherapy at 35°C are recommended for production of EACMV free cassava plantlets from infected cassava landraces.
Effects of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and type of cereal on rumen microbial fermentation in a dual flow continuous culture fermentation system
Authors: Moya Diego , Ferret Alfred , Blanch Marta , Fuentes Mari Carmen , Fandiño Jose Ignacio , Calsamiglia Sergio
Published: August 2018

Live yeast additives may help optimize ruminal fermentation of high‐grain diets, especially when the starch of the ration is highly fermentable. Eight dual flow continuous culture fermenters were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design in two replicated periods of 9 days (six for adaptation and three for sampling) to determine the effect of live yeast and type of cereal on rumen microbial fermentation and nutrient digestibility. Main factors were the addition of live yeast: no yeast (NY) vs. 2 × 107 CFU of yeast/g of diet (LY); and type of cereal in the diet: corn (CO) vs. barley (BA). All fermenters were fed 80 g dry matter/day of a 10–90 forage to concentrate diet and pH was allowed to fluctuate with an upper (6.6) and lower (5.5) limit. Treatment BA increased OM digestion, valerate proportion, peptides and ammonia N fractions, ammonia N flow, crude protein degradation and target copies of Megasphaera elsdenii; and decreased NDF digestion, propionate proportion, branched‐chain VFA (BCVFA) concentration, AA‐N fraction and nonammonia N flow. Treatment LY increased BCVFA and decreased ammonia N fraction and flow, and the target copies of Streptococcus bovis. Treatment LY decreased the slope of pH drop, the area under pH 6.0 and the gas production. These results suggest potential benefits of LY in stabilizing the fermentation of BA‐based diets.
Understanding capitalism
Authors: Fraser Nancy , Pettifor Ann
Published: August 2018

Critical theory has failed to understand the true nature of capitalism
Ca2+ and innate immune pathways are activated and differentially expressed in childhood asthma phenotypes
Authors: Boeck Andreas , Landgraf‐Rauf Katja , Vogelsang Vanessa , Siemens Diana , Prazeres da Costa Olivia , Klucker Elisabeth , von Mutius Erika , Buch Thorsten , Mansmann Ulrich , Schaub Bianca
Published: August 2018

Background

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. Underlying immunologic mechanisms—in particular of different phenotypes—are still just partly understood. The objective of the study was the identification of distinct cellular pathways in allergic asthmatics (AA) and nonallergic asthmatics (NA) vs healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of steroid‐naïve children (n(AA/NA/HC) = 35/13/34)) from the CLARA study (n = 275) were stimulated (anti‐CD3/CD28, LpA) or kept unstimulated. Gene expression was investigated by transcriptomics and quantitative RT‐PCR. Differentially regulated pathways between phenotypes were assessed after adjustment for sex and age (KEGG pathways). Networks based on correlations of gene expression were built using force‐directed graph drawing.

Results

Allergic asthmatics vs NA and asthmatics overall vs HC showed significantly different expression of Ca2+ and innate immunity‐associated pathways. PCR analysis confirmed significantly increased Ca2+‐associated gene regulation (ORMDL3 and ATP2A3) in asthmatics vs HC, most prominent in AA. Innate immunity receptors (LY75, TLR7), relevant for virus infection, were also upregulated in AA and NA compared to HC. AA and NA could be differentiated by increased ATP2A3 and FPR2 in AA, decreased CLEC4E in AA, and increased IFIH1 expression in NA following anti‐CD3/28 stimulation vs unstimulated (fold change).

Conclusions

Ca2+ regulation and innate immunity response pattern to viruses were activated in PBMCs of asthmatics. Asthma phenotypes were differentially characterized by distinct regulation of ATP2A3 and expression of innate immune receptors (FPR2, CLEC4E, IFIH1). These genes may present promising targets for future in‐depth investigation with the long‐term goal of more phenotype‐specific therapeutic interventions in asthmatics.