bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple organ benign metastasizing leiomyoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yuan Xiong , Sun Ying , Jin Yichao , Xu Lei , Dai Huihua , Wang Jun , Zhang Zhihong , Chen Xing
Published: August 2019

A case of multiple occurrences of benign metastasizing leiomyoma in the lung, left thigh, left ilium and pelvis in a 43‐year‐old woman who underwent twice myomectomy in 1999 and 2004 and had hysterectomy in 2009 was reported. She was complained of chest distress as well as the pain of left hip and back of thigh. Computed tomography, X‐ray and positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) demonstrated multiple nodules in lung, masses of left thigh and pelvis. Biopsy of these nodules indicated benign metastasizing leiomyomas according to pathologic and immunohistochemical results. The patient received gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist injection and regular follow‐up. Up to now, all the symptoms have been alleviated.
Clinical Integration of Automated Processing for Brain Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping: Multi‐Site Reproducibility and Single‐Site Robustness
Authors: Spincemaille Pascal , Liu Zhe , Zhang Shun , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Ippoliti Matteo , Makowski Marcus , Watts Richard , de Rochefort Ludovic , Venkatraman Vijay , Desmond Patricia , Santin Mathieu D. , Lehéricy Stéphane , Kopell Brian H. , Péran Patrice , Wang Yi
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) of the brain has become highly reproducible and has applications in an expanding array of diseases. To translate QSM from bench to bedside, it is important to automate its reconstruction immediately after data acquisition. In this work, a server system that automatically reconstructs QSM and exchange images with the scanner using the DICOM standard is demonstrated using a multi‐site, multi‐vendor reproducibility study and a large, single‐site, multi‐scanner image quality review study in a clinical environment.

METHODS

A single healthy subject was scanned with a 3D multi‐echo gradient echo sequence at nine sites around the world using scanners from three manufacturers. A high‐resolution (HiRes, .5 × .5 × 1 mm3 reconstructed) and standard‐resolution (StdRes, .5 × .5 × 3 mm3) protocol was performed. ROI analysis of various white matter and gray matter regions was performed to investigate reproducibility across sites. At one institution, a retrospective multi‐scanner image quality review was carried out of all clinical QSM images acquired consecutively in 1 month.

RESULTS

Reconstruction times using a GPU were 29 ± 22 seconds (StdRes) and 55 ± 39 seconds (HiRes). ROI standard deviation across sites was below 24 ppb (StdRes) and 17 ppb (HiRes). Correlations between ROI averages across sites were on average .92 (StdRes) and .96 (HiRes). Image quality review of 873 consecutive patients revealed diagnostic or excellent image quality in 96% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Online QSM reconstruction for a variety of sites and scanner platforms with low cross‐site ROI standard deviation is demonstrated. Image quality review revealed diagnostic or excellent image quality in 96% of 873 patients.
Validation of a Chinese version of the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale in relation to the diagnostic subgroup of temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Xu Lili , He Ying , Fan Shuai , Cai Bin , Fang Zhongyi , Dai Kerong
Published: August 2019

Background

Oro‐facial function is usually impaired by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Several studies on TMDs have used the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) to assess mandibular dysfunction. However, it was originally created in English and hence needs to be validated for use among Chinese people.

Objective

To develop a Chinese version of the JFLS for Chinese TMD patients and to investigate the validity and reliability of the scale.

Methods

Content validity and temporal stability were evaluated at two different occasions. The reliability and validity of the JFLS were tested in 483 TMD patients. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split‐half reliability were used to assess internal consistency, while the validity was evaluated by factor analysis.

Results

Three factors were extracted during exploratory factor analysis, accounting for 62.39% of the variance. The three‐factor model was then measured using confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/df = 3.6, root mean square error of approximation = 0.091, comparative fit index = 0.896). Internal (coefficient alpha values of .906 for all items and Guttman split‐half reliability of 0.756) and test‐retest (intra‐class correlation coefficient = .851‐.897, 95% confidence interval = 0.656‐0.950) reliabilities were excellent.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the JFLS is reliable and valid for use in Chinese TMD patients.
The importance of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine as prognostic markers for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Silva Servato João Paulo , Ueira Vieira Carlos , de Faria Paulo Rogério , Cardoso Sérgio Vitorino , Loyola Adriano Mota
Published: August 2019

Background

The prognosis of human cancer depends on the deregulations of many molecular patterns. In recent years, a great interest in the intracellular signaling mechanisms related to nitric oxide (NO)‐induced carcinogenesis has appeared, as one of the most preeminent prognostic markers for many types of neoplasms. In this study, we identify the levels of iNOS and nitrotyrosine in the sample of normal oral mucosa (NOM), oral leukoplakia (OL), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs) were utilized to detect the NOS2 levels in fresh‐frozen tissue samples of NOM (n = 6), OL (n = 20), and OSCC (n = 15). Moreover, the immunohistochemical method was used to examine the levels of iNOS and nitrotyrosine in 85 cases of OSCC (39 cases without metastases and 46 with metastases), 42 cases of OL, and 16 cases of NOM.

Results

There are rising tendencies in the iNOS mRNA and protein levels during human oral carcinogenesis. Similar findings were obtained in the nitrotyrosine staining. Furthermore, iNOS and nitrotyrosine immunostaining are associated with several clinical‐pathological features of OSCC (site, presence of metastasis, staging, recidivism, and survival).

Conclusions

The NO‐signaling pathway plays a vital role in the development and progression of human oral dysplastic and neoplastic diseases. Nitrotyrosine was a significant marker for the discrimination of OSCC prognosis and survival.
The Subtle Side of Stigma: Understanding and Reducing Mental Illness Stigma from a Contemporary Prejudice Perspective
Authors: Young Rebecca E. , Goldberg Joel O. , Struthers C. Ward , McCann Doug , Phills Curtis E.
Published: August 2019

Ableism, as it relates to mental illness, is a serious social issue that exists across nations and cultures. Implicit stigma caused by ableism can be especially problematic given that it is typically expressed subtly and automatically causing it to remain unnoticed and thus unchanged. This research illustrated across two studies that individuals have automatic ableist attitudes toward mental illness, yet the expression of stigma depends on the combination of their implicit and explicit attitudes. Furthermore, Study 2 was the first to demonstrate an effective intervention designed to specifically target implicit stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness. The findings have implications for implementing social policies that serve to raise awareness of and reduce implicit stigma to ultimately improve the lives for those affected by mental illness.
GC-MS-based metabolomics, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory investigations to characterize the quality of essential oil obtained from dried Xylopia aethiopica fruits from Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Alolga Raphael N , Chávez León María A S C , Osei-Adjei George , Onoja Vitus
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study sought to determine the quality of essential oil from Xylopia aethiopica fruits of different geographical origins using GC-MS-based metabolomics, bacterial quorum sensing and anti-inflammation assessment.

Methods

Essential oil was obtained from eight batches of X. aethiopica fruits from Ghana and Nigeria by hydrodistillation, characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and differences therein found using metabolomics. The respective antibacterial activity of the oils was tested against four bacterial strains: two Gram-positive strains, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Bacillus licheniformis (ATCC12759), and two Gram-negative strains, Escherichia coli (ATCC25922) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883). Anti-inflammation was tested using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Key findings

The outcome of the study revealed that the oil of the Ghana-sourced samples exhibited superior antibacterial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects than those from Nigeria. This could be attributed to the higher levels of the bioactive compounds present in those samples. This distinction between the samples from the two countries was clearly established using the metabolomics approach, and 14 differential metabolites were found to be potential chemical markers.

Conclusions

The study lends credence to the traditional uses of the essential oil of X. aethiopica as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent.
A Clash of Civilizations? Muslims, Christians, and Preferences for Democracy
Authors: Rafiqi Arzoo
Published: August 2019

The incompatibility of Islam with democracy has been the focal point of many public and scholarly debates. However, very few studies have attempted to investigate empirically whether the followers of Islam are less favorable to democracy than the followers of Christianity. This study extends previous research by conducting empirical and representative analyses of whether Muslims in general and religious and practicing Muslims in particular prefer democracy less than their Christian counterparts. Using country fixed effects regression and data from the World Values Survey (WVS6) that include 52,326 Muslims and Christians, the analyses show that Muslims in general, as well as religious and practicing Muslims, endorse democracy to the same extent as do Christians. Thereby, this study is the first to provide comparative, individual‐level evidence of the influence these religions may have on democratic attitudes.
Histological responses of peginterferon alpha add‐on therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B with advanced liver fibrosis after long‐term nucleos(t)ide analog treatment
Authors: Li Guojun , Zhang Qiran , Yu Yiqi , Qiu Chao , Zhang Hanyue , Zhang Miaoqu , Song Zhangzhang , Yang Yusheng , Hong Jiemin , Lu Jian , Li Niuniu , Tang Quanzhen , Xu Long , Wang Xuanyi , Zhang Wenhong , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2019

Although long‐term antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) can lead to histological improvement in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a substantial proportion of patients still fail to achieve regression of fibrosis. Here, we investigated whether peginterferon alpha (Peg‐IFNα） add‐on therapy had benefits on fibrosis regression in patients with sustained severe fibrosis even after long‐term NA treatment. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 50 patients with CHB receiving 48 weeks of Peg‐IFNα add‐on therapy. All enrolled patients had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis (S score ≥ 3) at baseline and underwent NA treatment for at least 1 year before Peg‐IFNα addition. Paired liver biopsies before and after Peg‐IFNα add‐on treatment and laboratory tests at baseline, 24 weeks of treatment, 48 weeks of treatment and long‐term follow‐up were analysed. Of the 50 patients enrolled in this study, 34 patients (68.0%) had significant regression of fibrosis, and 42 (84.0%) showed significant remission of inflammation after Peg‐IFNα add‐on treatment. Compared with nonresponders, patients with significant histological improvement showed faster hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline and tended to have higher cumulative hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBsAg loss rates during long‐term follow‐up. Peg‐IFNα add‐on therapy led to significant regression of fibrosis and resolution of inflammation in patients with advanced fibrosis after long‐term NA treatment.
Serum protein expression patterns in detecting a new viral protein in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chen Huguang , Luo Shuya , Lu Weili , Chen Zhi , Chen Jiamin , Zheng Shu , Yu Jiekai
Published: August 2019

We analysed the changes in viral protein expression in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In total, 160 samples were obtained from individuals infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and divided into four groups. Group A included 71 cases of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative CHB, Group B included 58 cases of inactive seroconverters and Group C included 31 cases of HBeAg‐positive CHB. Group D included 22 normal healthy individuals as a control. All serum samples were examined using surface enhance laser desorption/ionization time of flight‐mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS). The results indicated that a peak with 4140 m/z increased markedly in Group A at 1295.55 ± 745.87, which was significantly different from that in Group B at 896.99 ± 534.86 (P = 0.013). This peak indicated a close relationship with HBV DNA replication and may contribute to pathogenesis of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis.
Primary hemostatic function in dogs with acute kidney injury
Authors: McBride Duana , Jepson Rosanne E. , Cortellini Stefano , Chan Daniel L.
Published: August 2019

Background

Bleeding tendencies can occur with uremia.

Objectives

To characterize primary hemostatic function in dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Animals

Ten dogs with International Renal Interest Society AKI grade III or above and 10 healthy controls.

Methods

Prospective study comparing PCV, platelet count, platelet aggregometry (Multiplate), and von Willebrand factor antigen to collagen binding activity ratio (vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA) in 2 groups of dogs (AKI group versus controls). Buccal mucosal bleeding time was measured in the AKI group only. Data are presented as median [25th, 75th percentile] unless otherwise stated. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Mean PCV was significantly lower in the AKI (34.7%; ±SD, 8.8) than in the control (46.1%; ±SD, 3.6; P < .001) group. Platelet count was significantly higher in the AKI (350.5 × 103/μL [301, 516]) than in the control (241 × 103/μL [227, 251]; P = .01) group. Collagen‐activated platelet aggregometry measured as area under the curve was significantly lower in the AKI (36.9 ± 17.7) than in the control (54.9 ± 11.2; P = .05) group. vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA was significantly higher in the AKI (2.2 [1.9, 2.6]) than in the control (1.1 [1.1, 1.2]; P = .01) group. There was a strong correlation between vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA and creatinine (r = 0.859; P < .001), but no other variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with AKI had decreased collagen‐activated platelet aggregation and appear to have a type II von Willebrand disease‐like phenotype as indicated by the high vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA.
Efficacy and safety of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate injection in patients with acute drug‐induced liver injury: A phase II trial
Authors: Wang Yongfeng , Wang Zhenghua , Gao Mengqiu , Zhong Haijun , Chen Chengwei , Yao Yang , Zhang Zhongshun , Zhang Xia , Li Fujian , Zhang Jianzhong , Gu Hong‐Mei , Chen Yingxuan , Tang Jieting , Zhong Wei , Zeng Minde , Mao Yimin
Published: August 2019

Background

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is the most common reason for a drug to be withdrawn from the market. Apart from stopping the offending drug, no regimens are available for treating idiosyncratic DILI in clinical practice.

Methods

We carried out a randomized, double‐blind, multidoses, active drug controlled, multicentre phase II trial to assess the safety and efficacy of the study drug, magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG), as compared to tiopronin, a standard therapy for DILI in China. The primary outcome was the proportion of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization at week 4 after study drug administration. Logistic regression was used to examine the odds of ALT normalization between low dose (Group A) and high dose (Group B) vs active control (Group C).

Results

One hundred and seventy‐four eligible subjects were randomized and enrolled into three groups: 59 in group A, 56 in group B and 59 in group C. It was shown that group A and group B lowered ALT level even at early stage of study drug administration; when compared with Group C (61.02%), the proportions of ALT normalization at week 4 were significantly greater in Group A (84.75%, P = .0029) and Group B (85.71%, P = .0037) respectively. The results from the univariate logistic model showed that the odds of ALT normalized among subjects in Group A were about 3.6 times greater (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.47‐8.57, P = .0049) than subjects in Group C. Similar effect was observed among subjects in Group B (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.54‐9.55, P = .0039).

Conclusions

This trial provided preliminary evidence that MgIG is an effective and safe treatment for patients with acute DILI.
Autonomous damage segmentation and measurement of glazed tiles in historic buildings via deep learning
Authors: Wang Niannian , Zhao Xuefeng , Zou Zheng , Zhao Peng , Qi Fei
Published: August 2019

Detecting and measuring the damage on historic glazed tiles plays an important role in the maintenance and protection of historic buildings. However, the current visual inspection method for identifying and assessing superficial damage on historic buildings is time and labor intensive. In this article, a novel two‐level object detection, segmentation, and measurement strategy for large‐scale structures based on a deep‐learning technique is proposed. The data in this study are from the roof images of the Palace Museum in China. The first level of the model, which is based on the Faster region‐based convolutional neural network (Faster R‐CNN), automatically detects and crops two types of glazed tile photographs from 100 roof images (2,488 × 3,264 pixels). The average precision values (AP) for roll roofing and pan tiles are 0.910 and 0.890, respectively. The cropped images are used to form a dataset for training a Mask R‐CNN model. The second level of the model, which is based on Mask R‐CNN, automatically segments and measures the damage based on the cropped historic tile images; the AP for the damage segmentation is 0.975. Based on Mask R‐CNN, the predicted pixel‐level damage segmentation result is used to quantitatively measure the morphological features of the damage, such as the damage topology, area, and ratio. To verify the performance of the proposed method, a comparative study was conducted with Mask R‐CNN and a fully convolutional network. This is the first attempt at employing a two‐level strategy to automatically detect, segment, and measure large‐scale superficial damage on historic buildings based on deep learning, and it achieved good results.
Investigating Distribution of Practice Effects for the Learning of Foreign Language Verb Morphology in the Young Learner Classroom
Authors: KASPROWICZ ROWENA E. , MARSDEN EMMA , SEPHTON NICK
Published: August 2019

Within limited‐input language classrooms, understanding the effect of distribution of practice (spacing between practice) on learning is critical, yet evidence is conflicting and of limited relevance for young learners. For second language (L2) grammar learning, some studies reveal advantages for spacing of 7 days or more, but others for shorter spacing. Further, little is known about the role of cognitive individual differences (e.g., language analytic ability; LAA) in mediating practice distribution effects for L2 grammatical knowledge development and retention. To address this gap, this classroom‐based study investigated whether distribution of practice and LAA moderated the effectiveness of explicit, input‐based grammar instruction for young first language (L1) English learners of French (aged 8 to 11). The study revealed minimal differences between longer (7‐day) versus shorter (3.5‐day) spacing of practice for learning a French verb inflection subsystem, at either posttest or delayed posttest. Minimal group‐level gains and substantial within‐group variation in performance at posttests were observed. Accuracy of practice during training and LAA were significantly associated with posttest performance under both practice schedules. These findings indicated that within an ecologically valid classroom context, differences in distribution of practice had limited impact on learner performance on our tests; rather, individual learner differences were more critical in moderating learning. This highlights the importance of considering individual learner differences in the development of resources and the potential of digital tools for dynamically adapting instruction to suit individuals.
Collaborative Role‐Play Design: Teaching Negotiation through a Novel Student–Business Partnership
Authors: Germain‐Thomas Patrick , Lafarge Catherine , Sidibe Doudou
Published: August 2019

Simulations are a valuable tool for teaching negotiation, and the different ways in which they are used have been extensively discussed in the pedagogy literature. Scholars have critically reflected on the role of simulations and the conditions under which they are used, and some have stressed their drawbacks. These include their often artificial context, which can, some argue, limit the participants' real commitment.

We have undertaken an innovative pedagogical experiment in an effort to address these concerns. As a part of this experiment, the students designed the simulations themselves, deriving inspiration from real situations they had experienced at companies in which they had completed internships. Our students' experiences suggest ways in which this novel pedagogical approach can ameliorate some of the usual pitfalls that instructors encounter when they use role plays. Further, we believe this process allows the students to understand the importance of achieving the right balance between the distributive and integrative dimensions of the negotiation.
FEES‐based assessment of pharyngeal hypesthesia—Proposal and validation of a new test procedure
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Muhle Paul , Ogawa Mao , Claus Inga , Marian Thomas , Suntrup‐Krueger Sonja , Warnecke Tobias , Schroeder Jens Burchard , Dziewas Rainer
Published: August 2019

Background

Intact pharyngeal sensation is essential for a physiological swallowing process, and conversely, pharyngeal hypesthesia can cause dysphagia. This study introduces and validates a diagnostic test to quantify pharyngeal hypesthesia.

Methods

A total of 20 healthy volunteers were included in a prospective study. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and a sensory test were performed both before and after pharyngeal local anesthesia. To test pharyngeal sensation, a small tube was positioned transnasally in the upper third of the oropharynx with contact to the lateral pharyngeal wall. Increasing volumes of blue‐dyed water were injected through the tube, and the latency of swallowing response (LSR) was determined by two independent raters from the endoscopic video recording. Three trials were performed for each administered volume starting with 0.1 mL and increased by 0.1 mL up to 0.5 mL.

Key Results

The average LSR without anesthesia was 2.24 ± 0.80 s at 0.1 mL, 1.79 ± 0.84 s at 0.2 mL, 1.29 ± 0.62 s at 0.3 mL, 1.17 ± 0.41 s at 0.4 mL, and 1.19 ± 0.52 s at 0.5 mL. With anesthesia applied, the average LSR was 2.65 ± 0.62 s at 0.1 mL, 2.64 ± 0.49 s at 0.2 mL, 2.44 ± 0.65 s at 0.3 mL, 2.10 ± 0.80 s at 0.4 mL, and 2.18 ± 0.85 s at 0.5 mL. LSR was significantly longer following anesthesia at 0.2 mL (t = −3.82; P = .001), 0.3 mL (t = −4.65; P < .000), 0.4 mL (t = −5.77; P < .000), and 0.5 mL (t = −3.49; P = .005).

Conclusion and Inferences

Pharyngeal hypesthesia can be quantified with sensory testing using LSR. Suitable volumes to distinguish between normal and impaired pharyngeal sensation are 0.2 mL, 0.3 mL, 0.4 mL and 0.5 mL. Experimentally induced pharyngeal anesthesia represents a valid model of sensory dysphagia.
An evolutionary framework for host shifts – jumping ships for survival
Authors: Thines Marco
Published: August 2019

Host jumping is a process by which pathogens settle in new host groups. It is a cornerstone in the evolution of pathogens, as it leads to pathogen diversification. It is unsurprising that host jumping is observed in facultative pathogens, as they can reproduce even if they kill their hosts. However, host jumps were thought to be rare in obligate biotrophic pathogens, but molecular phylogenetics has revealed that the opposite is true. Here, I review some concepts and recent findings and present several hypotheses on the matter. In short, pathogens evolve and diversify via host jumps, followed by radiation, specialisation and speciation. Host jumps are facilitated by, for example, effector innovations, stress, compatible pathogens and physiological similarities. Host jumping, subsequent establishment, and speciation takes place rapidly – within centuries and millennia rather than over millions of years. If pathogens are unable to evolve into neutral or mutualistic interactions with their hosts, they will eventually be removed from the host population, despite balancing trade‐offs. Thus, generally, plant pathogens only survive in the course of evolution if they jump hosts. This is also reflected by the diversity patterns observed in many genera of plant pathogens, where it leads to a mosaic pattern of host groups over time, in which the original host group becomes increasingly obscure.
New Zealand Geography and the International Geographical Union Part II: Audience to stage, 1956–1974
Authors: Roche Michael
Published: August 2019

A second phase of New Zealand engagement with the International Geographical Union spans from 1956 to 1974. The nature of this engagement which culminated in the hosting of a Regional Conference in New Zealand in 1974 is the subject of this paper.
PP2A and microtubules function in 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated H2O2 signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells
Authors: An Yuyan , Xiong Lijun , Hu Shu , Wang Liangju
Published: August 2019

5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a plant growth regulator with great application potential in agriculture and horticulture, induces stomatal opening and inhibits stomatal closure by decreasing guard cell H2O2. However, the mechanisms behind ALA‐decreased H2O2 in guard cells are not fully understood. Here, using type 2A protein phosphatase (PP2A) inhibitors, microtubule‐stabilizing/disrupting drugs and green fluorescent protein‐tagged α‐tubulin 6 transgenic Arabidopsis (GFP‐TUA6), we find that PP2A and cortical microtubules (MTs) are involved in ALA‐regulated stomatal movement. Then, we analyze stomatal responses of Arabidopsis overexpressing C2 catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2A‐C2) and pp2a‐c2 mutant to ALA and abscisic acid (ABA) under both light and dark conditions, and show that PP2A‐C2 participates in ALA‐induced stomatal movement. Furthermore, using pharmacological methods and confocal studies, we reveal that PP2A and MTs function upstream and downstream, respectively, of H2O2 in guard cell signaling. Finally, we demonstrate the role of H2O2‐mediated microtubule arrangement in ALA inhibiting ABA‐induced stomatal closure. Our findings indicate that MTs regulated by PP2A‐mediated H2O2 decreasing play an important role in ALA guard cell signaling, revealing new insights into stomatal movement regulation.
Insights of carbon assimilation and allocation in young cork oak (Quercus suber L.) plants using Carbon‐14
Authors: Nóbrega Carla , Marques Helena , Moreira Tomaz
Published: August 2019

14C methods were applied to young, woody, branched and well‐watered cork oak (Quercus suber L.) plants to determine carbon assimilation and its distribution among plant organs. Carbon assimilation rates by attached leaves clamped in a foliar 14CO2 assimilation chamber containing 3.7 × 104 Bq of a portable ventilated diffusion porometer were measured at different 14CO2 pulse‐labeling periods (15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 s) in summer. Allocation of recently fixed C by attached leaves within plants was evaluated 7 days after a 60‐min of 5.6 MBq of 14CO2 pulse‐labeling in late winter. 14CO2 pulse‐labeling was separately induced on leaves of a lower branch, two opposite branches at the same lower level, a middle branch and a top branch. 14C activity incorporated into the plants was measured by liquid scintillation and autoradiography. Our results show the optimum 14CO2 pulse‐labeling period is between 15 and 30 s, which corresponds to 9.81 ± 0.15 and 9.16 ± 0.12 µmol m−2 s−1 C assimilation rates in summer, respectively. The investment of current assimilates ranged from 18 to 29% in leaves, 1 to 7% in lateral branches, 0 to 3% in the stem and over 65% in roots, in late winter. Roots displayed the greatest sink strength for the total 14C recovered by whole‐plants. These results were expected because the trial was done in winter, when cork oak does not produce their leaves. Our results highlight the contribution of current assimilates for growth and maintenance of roots, in young woody plants under Mediterranean climate.
“When He Asks for Sex, You Will Never Refuse”: Transactional Sex and Adolescent Pregnancy in Zambia
Authors: Austrian Karen , Soler‐Hampejsek Erica , Duby Zoe , Hewett Paul C.
Published: August 2019

Pregnancy among adolescent girls in Zambia is a significant concern on its own and as a factor in school dropout and early marriage, with one‐third of girls aged 15–19 having experienced pregnancy. Using qualitative and quantitative data from the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program, we explore transactional sex as a driver of adolescent pregnancy. In qualitative interviews, transactional sex was repeatedly discussed as the main driver of pregnancy, as respondents indicated that when a girl feels that she “owes” a man sex, it prevents her from declining sex or using condoms. In addition, multivariate Cox proportional hazards models using four rounds of longitudinal data from a sample of unmarried and never pregnant adolescent girls (n=1,853) show that girls who have engaged in transactional sex face a hazard of first premarital pregnancy almost 30 percent greater than their peers who have not, independent of the effect of other risk‐related sexual behaviors such as condom use and number of sexual partners. Identifying and understanding the role of transactional sex in adolescent pregnancy is important for designing effective curricula and programs that delay pregnancy, and highlights the importance of addressing access to economic resources in adolescent health outcomes.
Impaired polysaccharide responsiveness without agammaglobulinaemia in three patients with hypomorphic mutations in Bruton Tyrosine Kinase—No detection by newborn screening for primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Krüger Renate , Baumann Ulrich , Borte Stephan , Kölsch Uwe , Lorenz Myriam Ricarda , Keller Baerbel , Harder Ina , Warnatz Klaus , Ehl Stephan , Schwarz Klaus , Wahn Volker , von Bernuth Horst
Published: August 2019

Hypomorphic mutations in the gene encoding Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) may result in milder phenotypes and delayed diagnosis of B‐cell related immunodeficiencies due to residual BTK function. Newborn screening for kappa‐deleting‐recombination‐excision circles (KRECs) reliably identifies classical X‐linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) patients with profound B‐cell lymphopenia at birth but has not been evaluated in patients with residual BTK function. We aimed to evaluate clinical findings, BTK function and KREC copy numbers in three patients with BTK mutations presenting with impaired polysaccharide responsiveness without agammaglobulinaemia. One patient had an invasive pneumococcal infection at the age of 4 years. All three patients (two brothers) had visible tonsils, normal to slightly decreased immunoglobulin G levels, undetectable pneumococcal antibodies despite pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations, no antibody response after a diagnostic polysaccharide vaccination as well as profound B‐cell lymphopenia with residual B‐cell differentiation. BTK mutations were identified by Sanger sequencing. BTK staining and phosphorylation assays were performed on peripheral B cells. KREC copy numbers were determined from dried blood spots obtained within the first week of life as well as once at the age of 8, 6 and 3 years, respectively. BTK staining showed residual protein expression. Also, residual BTK activity could be demonstrated. KREC copy numbers from dried blood spots were above the threshold set for detection of patients with profound B‐cell lymphopenia. Male patients with impaired polysaccharide responsiveness should be evaluated for B‐cell lymphopenia followed by BTK analyses irrespective of immunoglobulin levels or tonsil size.
Transposable elements contribute to dynamic genome content in maize
Authors: Anderson Sarah N. , Stitzer Michelle C. , Brohammer Alex B. , Zhou Peng , Noshay Jaclyn M. , O'Connor Christine H. , Hirsch Cory D. , Ross‐Ibarra Jeffrey , Hirsch Candice N. , Springer Nathan M.
Published: August 2019

Transposable elements (TEs) are ubiquitous components of eukaryotic genomes and can create variation in genome organization and content. Most maize genomes are composed ofTEs. We developed an approach to define shared and variableTEinsertions across genome assemblies and applied this method to four maize genomes (B73, W22, Mo17 andPH207) with uniform structural annotations ofTEs. Among these genomes we identified approximately 400 000TEs that are polymorphic, encompassing 1.6 Gb of variableTEsequence. These polymorphicTEs include a combination of recent transposition events as well as deletions of olderTEs. There are examples of polymorphicTEs within each of the superfamilies ofTEs and they are found distributed across the genome, including in regions of recent shared ancestry among individuals. There are many examples of polymorphicTEs within or near maize genes. In addition, there are 2380 gene annotations in the B73 genome that are located within variableTEs, providing evidence for the role ofTEs in contributing to the substantial differences in annotated gene content among these genotypes.TEs are highly variable in our survey of four temperate maize genomes, highlighting the major contribution ofTEs in driving variation in genome organization and gene content.

Open Research Badges

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available athttps://github.com/SNAnderson/maizeTE_variation;https://mcstitzer.github.io/maize_TEs.
Association between restriction policies and rate of alcohol-related harm in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Hines Sonia , Carey Timothy A. , Martin Kathleen , Cibich Mikaela
Published: August 2019

Objective:

This review aims to examine the association between alcohol restriction policies and rates of alcohol-related harms in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Introduction:

A number of different strategies have been used to reduce the harms and costs associated with excessive alcohol consumption in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These strategies, implemented at federal and state government levels, as well as by individual communities, have aimed to promote reduced alcohol consumption or prohibit consumption entirely. Strategies to address the problems associated with alcohol misuse can be categorized into three types: harm, demand and supply reduction.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider any kind of quantitative research study that includes Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in communities subject to alcohol control policies due to the imposition of alcohol management plans or other alcohol restriction policies. Included studies will measure physical alcohol-related harms. The secondary outcome of interest will be rates of alcohol consumption measured as alcohol sales per person or as self-reported consumption. Studies published in English from 1998 will be included.

Methods:

The proposed systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of etiology and risk. Published and unpublished studies will be sourced from multiple databases and resources. Two independent reviewers will screen, appraise and extract data from studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis will be conducted and a Summary of Findings will be constructed.
Review Article: Spectroscopic microreactors for heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Rizkin Benjamin A. , Popovic Filip G. , Hartman Ryan L.
Published: August 2019

Microfluidic reactors with in situ spectroscopy have enabled many new directions of research over the last two decades. The miniature nature of these systems enables several key advantages in heterogeneous catalysis, which includes the reaction surface or interface accessible to spectroscopic equipment making the discovery of new catalytic materials possible. Devices fabricated with materials that are transparent to electromagnetic radiation enable in situ and in operando spectroscopy such as Raman, UV-Vis, and IR directly at the point of the reaction, and thus high fidelity, transient information on the reaction chemistry is available. Innovative designs with NMR, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, x-ray techniques, or terahertz imaging have also advanced the field of heterogeneous catalysis. These methods have been successfully engineered to make major breakthroughs in the design of catalytic materials for important classes of chemical reactions. In this review, the authors provide an overview of recent advances in the design of microreactors with in situ spectroscopy for the study of heterogeneous catalysis to raise awareness among the vacuum science community on techniques, tools, existing challenges, and emerging trends and opportunities.
Efflux Pumps of Burkholderia thailandensis Control the Permeability Barrier of the Outer Membrane
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Weeks Jon W. , Zhang Zhen , Chandler Courtney E. , Xue Haotian , Schweizer Herbert P. , Ernst Robert K. , Zgurskaya Helen I.
Published: August 2019

Burkholderia
comprises species that are significant biothreat agents and common contaminants of pharmaceutical production facilities. Their extreme antibiotic resistance affects all classes of antibiotics, including polycationic polymyxins and aminoglycosides. The major underlying mechanism is the presence of two permeability barriers, the outer membrane with modified lipid A moieties and active drug efflux pumps.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Replication Interferes with mTORC1 Regulation of Autophagy and Viral Protein Synthesis
Authors: Pringle Eric S. , Robinson Carolyn-Ann , McCormick Craig
Published: August 2019

All viruses require host cell machinery to synthesize viral proteins. A host cell protein complex known as mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a master regulator of protein synthesis. Under nutrient-rich conditions, mTORC1 is active and promotes protein synthesis to meet cellular anabolic demands. Under nutrient-poor conditions or under stress, mTORC1 is rapidly inhibited, global protein synthesis is arrested, and a cellular catabolic process known as autophagy is activated. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) stimulates mTORC1 activity and utilizes host machinery to synthesize viral proteins. However, we discovered that mTORC1 activity was largely dispensable for viral protein synthesis, genome replication, and the release of infectious progeny. Likewise, during lytic replication, mTORC1 was no longer able to control autophagy. These findings suggest that KSHV undermines mTORC1-dependent cellular processes during the lytic cycle to ensure efficient viral replication.
Comparative Evaluation of the Vaccine Efficacies of Three Adenovirus-Based Vector Types in the Friend Retrovirus Infection Model
Authors: Hrycak Camilla Patrizia , Windmann Sonja , Bayer Wibke
Published: August 2019

AdV-based vectors are important tools for the development of vaccines against a wide range of pathogens. While AdV vectors are generally considered safe and highly effective, their application can be severely impaired by preexisting immunity due to the widespread seroprevalence of some AdV types. The characterization of different AdV types with regard to immunogenicity and efficacy in challenge models is of great importance for the development of improved AdV-based vectors that allow for efficient immunization despite anti-AdV immunity. We show that the immunity induced by an Ad48-based vector is inferior to that induced by an Ad5-based vector but can still mediate the control of an FV infection in highly FV-susceptible mice. However, the efficacy of Ad48-based immunization was impaired in Ad5-preimmune mice. Importantly, we found cross-reactivity of both the humoral and cellular immune responses raised by the individual AdV types, suggesting that switching to a different AdV type may not be sufficient to circumvent preexisting anti-AdV immunity.
Anopheles
Salivary Gland Architecture Shapes
Plasmodium
Sporozoite Availability for Transmission
Authors: Wells Michael B. , Andrew Deborah J.
Published: August 2019

Malaria continues to have a devastating impact on human health. With growing resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs, as well as climate change predictions indicating expansion of vector territories, the impact of malaria is likely to increase. Additional insights regarding pathogen migration through vector mosquitoes are needed to develop novel methods to prevent transmission to new hosts. Pathogens, including the microbes that cause malaria, must invade the salivary glands (SGs) for transmission. Since SG traversal is required for parasite transmission, SGs are ideal targets for transmission-blocking strategies. The work presented here highlights the role that mosquito SG architecture plays in limiting parasite traversal, revealing how the SG transmission bottleneck is imposed. Further, our data provide unprecedented detail about SG-sporozoite interactions and gland-to-gland variation not provided in previous studies.
Role of
Toxoplasma gondii
Chloroquine Resistance Transporter in Bradyzoite Viability and Digestive Vacuole Maintenance
Authors: Kannan Geetha , Di Cristina Manlio , Schultz Aric J. , Huynh My-Hang , Wang Fengrong , Schultz Tracey L. , Lunghi Matteo , Coppens Isabelle , Carruthers Vern B.
Published: August 2019

Individuals chronically infected with the intracellular parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
are at risk of experiencing reactivated disease that can result in progressive loss of vision. No effective treatments exist for chronic toxoplasmosis due in part to a poor understanding of the biology underlying chronic infection and a lack of well-validated potential targets. We show here that a
T. gondii
transporter is functionally linked to protein digestion within the parasite lysosome-like organelle and that this transporter is necessary to sustain chronic infection in culture and in experimentally infected mice. Ablating the transporter results in severe bloating of the lysosome-like organelle. Together with earlier work, this study suggests the parasite’s lysosome-like organelle is vital for parasite survival, thus rendering it a potential target for diminishing infection and reducing the risk of reactivated disease.
A Functional Polymorphism-Mediated Disruption of EGR1/ADAM10 Pathway Confers the Risk of Sepsis Progression
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Yan , Zhang Wenying , Cai Yujie , Zhao Tian , Mai Hui , Tao Shoubao , Wei Wenyan , Li Jia , Chen Xiongjin , Li Xiaohui , Tang Pei , Fan Weihao , Yang Jingqi , Ou Mingqian , Lu Furong , Lai Zhipeng , Chen Huiyi , Zou Ting , Sun Furong , Shao Yiming , Cui Lili
Published: August 2019

Sepsis is characterized as life-threatening organ dysfunction, with unacceptably high mortality. Evidence has indicated that functional SNPs within inflammatory genes are associated with susceptibility, progression, and prognosis of sepsis. These mechanisms on which these susceptible sites depended often suggest the key pathogenesis and potential targets in sepsis. In the present study, we confirmed that a functional variant acts as an important genetic factor that confers the progression of sepsis in a large sample size and in multiple centers and revealed that the variants modulate the EGR1/ADAM10 pathway and influence the severity of sepsis. We believe that we provide an important insight into this new pathway involving the regulation of inflammatory process of sepsis based on the clinical genetic evidence, which will enhance the understanding of nosogenesis of sepsis and provide the potential target for inflammation-related diseases.
Gamma Interferon Alters Junctional Integrity via Rho Kinase, Resulting in Blood-Brain Barrier Leakage in Experimental Viral Encephalitis
Authors: Bonney Stephanie , Seitz Scott , Ryan Caitlin A. , Jones Kenneth L. , Clarke Penny , Tyler Kenneth L. , Siegenthaler Julie A.
Published: August 2019

In an experimental viral encephalitis mouse model in which mice are infected with reovirus, we show that IFN-γ induces blood-brain barrier leakage. We show that IFN-γ promotes Rho kinase activity, resulting in actin cytoskeletal contractions in the brain endothelium that lead to vascular junctional disorganization and cell-cell separations. These studies now provide insight into a previously unknown mechanism for how blood-brain barrier breakdown occurs in viral encephalitis and implicates IFN-γ-Rho kinase activity as major contributor to this phenomenon. By identifying this mechanism of blood-brain barrier breakdown, we now provide potential therapeutic targets in treating patients with viral causes of encephalitis with the hope of limiting damage to the central nervous system.
Hypercalcaemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia and bone lesions (CRAB) do not always represent multiple myeloma: diffuse large B cell lymphoma presenting with CRAB symptoms in a 69-year-old man
Authors: Abdullah Hafez Mohammad Ammar , Ellithi Moataz , Waqas Qazi , Cunningham Arwyn , Oliver Tony
Published: August 2019

Hypercalcaemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia and bone lesions (CRAB) are a constellation of signs and symptoms that are collectively referred to as the CRAB features. When present together, multiple myeloma (MM) should be at the top of the differential diagnosis. We present a 69-year-old man who presented with severe body aches and bone pain in his ribs and pelvis, associated with fatigue and constipation. He was found to have hypercalcaemia, acute kidney injury, anaemia and numerous lytic lesion on chest imaging. Physical examination and imaging were unremarkable for any enlarged lymph nodes. The patient was initially suspected to have multiple myeloma, however, serum and urine protein electrophoresis, and serum free light chain assays were negative. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma based on a bone marrow biopsy. This case highlights the fact that presence of hypercalcaemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia and bone lesions are not usually specific for MM.
Retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking an adnexal mass in pregnancy
Authors: Allen Rebecca , Lakasing Lorin
Published: August 2019

A 36-year-old pregnant woman attended her first trimester scan and there was an incidental finding of a right-sided complex cystic adenexal mass. Further investigations including repeat pelvic ultrasound scans and MRI were performed due to its complex nature but were inconclusive. Multidisciplinary team review of images found the mass to be retroperitioneal, neurogenic in origin and involving the L5 vertebrae. The pregnancy continued to term and the baby was delivered at 39 weeks gestation by elective caesarean section due to the mass being likely to obstruct progress in labour. Postnatal biopsy confirmed a schwannoma. Plans were made for resection however as the woman was asymptomatic she declined surgery in favour of completing her family. She conceived again 2 years later and a second pregnancy was managed in the same way. The size of the schwannoma remained stable throughout this period.