bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing insect pests: is there new potential in molecular techniques?
Authors: El Sheikha A. F.
Published: May 2019

Insects are amongst the greatest pests of agriculture, horticulture and forestry worldwide, inflicting damage and economic costs both directly and by transmitting plant viruses. Many kinds of insects are now resistant or cross‐resistant to pesticides. Tracking studies have become very important for combatting insect pests and for better understanding their biology (eg insect population dynamics, movements, feeding behaviour and other ecological interactions). A wide variety of tracing approaches have been used including discriminative, tracer and molecular methods. The perfect technique for insect tracking is the technique that harmonizes with insects’ ‘normal’ biology. Furthermore, the technique should be environmentally safe, cost‐effective and easy to use. This paper reviews the current techniques used for insect traceability, documents the advantages and drawbacks of each method, and puts special focus on molecular techniques, including PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis as a new and promising traceability tool that could provide insects with a unique biological barcode and thus make it possible to trace their movements.
IM Special Section Introduction: Rethinking International Migration in China and India
Authors: Li Wei , Bedford Richard , Khadria Binod
Published: May 2019

China and India have the world’s two largest populations and have long been major sources of migrants to other countries. In recent years, movements of Chinese and Indians for study and work overseas have been affected by developments in policies at their chosen destinations as well as at home. The flows of Chinese and Indian students and skilled migrants in the second decade of the 21st century are occurring within quite different political and economic contexts from those that prevailed even as recently as a decade ago. In the first part of this brief editorial introduction, we introduce some features of contemporary Chinese and Indian migration. The four substantive papers in the special section are then introduced, the first two with reference to the changing Asian migration patterns, and the remaining two addressing the changing dynamics of migration.
Nursing leadership and health policy: everybody's business
Authors: Salvage Jane , White Jill
Published: May 2019

We all know great leadership when we see it. Outstanding nurse leaders, guided by a moral compass, simultaneously see the big picture and the consequences at micro level. While policy and politics determine health and nursing practice, most nurses just want to get on with their day job. They carry out decisions made by others but have little say in them, and weak influence or status, although they are increasingly knowledgeable and skilled. In settings where policy decisions are made ‐ parliaments, governments, and boardrooms ‐ nurse leaders are often neither heard nor heeded. This is starting to change. The global Nursing Now campaign is working with the International Council of Nurses, and the World Health Organization, to create and strengthen strategic nursing leadership, as modelled by the International Council of Nurses’ Global Nursing Leadership Institute. A new window of opportunity is opening, with the bicentennial of Florence Nightingale's birth in 2020. Now is the moment!
Pressureless all‐solid‐state sodium‐ion battery consisting of sodium iron pyrophosphate glass‐ceramic cathode and β″‐alumina solid electrolyte composite
Authors: Yamauchi Hideo , Ikejiri Junichi , Sato Fumio , Oshita Hiroyuki , Honma Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: May 2019

In recent years, the expansion of demand for lithium ion batteries has resulted in soaring prices of the constituent resources. From the viewpoint of safety, studies on all‐solid‐state batteries are actively being carried out. In this study, we succeeded in driving all‐solid‐state batteries derived from nontoxic oxide glasses at room temperature without requiring scarce resources such as lithium and cobalt. The main structure of the ceramic batteries with a simple structure in which Na2FeP2O7 crystallized glass and β″‐alumina solid solution are joined by pressureless cofiring at 550°C. During the crystallization of Na2O‐Fe2O3‐P2O5 glass, fusion with the β″‐alumina solid solution is achieved. Reversible charge and discharge of 80 mAh/g were achieved at room temperature. It is not necessary to apply pressure during cell preparation or the use of the batteries. Furthermore, the strong junction at the cathode and electrolyte interface does not peel off during charge and discharge over a long period of 623 cycles. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed partial Fe4+ induction and a reversible charge and discharge reaction even after overcharging to 9 V. It was demonstrated that Na2FeP2O7 is very stable against overcharging to 9 V.
First observation of reversible mechanochromism and chromaticity study on calcium–copper–titanate
Authors: Raval Pooja Y. , Pansara Pooja R. , Vasoya Nimish H. , Punia Khushboo , Dolia Satya N. , Modi Kunal B. , Kumar Sudhish
Published: May 2019

First ever intriguing reversible mechanochromism espied in and chromaticity study on polycrystalline CaCu3Ti4O12 composition milled up to 16 hours are reported. The composition changes its color from blackish‐brown (un‐milled sample)‐reddish‐brown (1 hours milled sample)‐ heina‐green (6 hours milled sample)‐spinach‐green (16 hours milled sample) mainly due to the phase separation and corresponding change in band‐gap energy on milling. The UV‐Vis spectra show three observable absorption edges correspond to , , and , dyz transitions. A marked mechanochromic effect with crystallite size reduction is explained in the light of the difference in the site group symmetry of CuO4 and ligand‐metal charge transfer coupled with Cu2+ d‐d transitions. The observed mechanochromism is reflected and well supported by photoluminescence spectral analysis. CIE chromaticity coordinates are located in the light blue region for an un‐milled sample and violet color region for 6 hours milled sample. The profound correlation between the structural and optical properties has been revealed.
Lack of light colour effects when sampling fish at night in low visibility environments
Authors: Whitmarsh Sasha K. , Fairweather Peter G. , Huveneers Charlie
Published: May 2019

We compared night deployments of Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) in South Australia, illuminated by either red or blue light and found similar species compositions and abundances with both colours. We observed c. 1800 individuals from 52 species across 107 night‐time deployments, with only one site out of six showing differences in assemblages between the two colours. With five out of six sites showing similarities between light colours our results differ from previous results and more generally suggest that the most suitable colour can differ among studies.
Type one protein phosphatases (TOPPs) contribute to the plant defense response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Yaqiong , Yan Jia , Qin Qianqian , Zhang Jing , Chen Yan , Zhao Lulu , He Kai , Hou Suiwen
Published: May 2019

Plant immunity must be tightly controlled to avoid activation of defense mechanisms in the absence of pathogen attack. Protein phosphorylation is a common mechanism regulating immune signaling. In Arabidopsis thaliana, nine members of the type one protein phosphatase (TOPP) family (also known as protein phosphatase 1, PP1) have been identified. Here, we characterized the autoimmune phenotype of topp4‐1, a previously identified dominant‐negative mutant of TOPP4. Epistasis analysis showed that defense activation in topp4‐1 depended on NON‐RACE‐SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE1, PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4, and the salicylic acid pathway. We generated topp1/4/5/6/7/8/9 septuple mutants to investigate the function of TOPPs in plant immunity. Elevated defense gene expression and enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 in the septuple mutant indicate that TOPPs function in plant defense responses. Furthermore, TOPPs physically interacted with mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and affected the MAPK‐mediated downstream defense pathway. Thus, our study reveals that TOPPs are important regulators of plant immunity.
Role of GluN2A NMDA receptor in homocysteine‐induced prostaglandin E2 release from neurons
Authors: Rajagopal Sathyanarayanan , Fitzgerald Ashley Anne , Deep Satya Narayan , Paul Surojit , Poddar Ranjana
Published: May 2019

Hyperhomocysteinemia or systemic elevation of homocysteine is a metabolic condition that has been linked to multiple neurological disorders where inflammation plays an important role in the progression of the disease. However, it is unclear whether hyperhomocysteinemia contributes to disease pathology by inducing an inflammatory response. The current study investigates whether exposure of primary cultures from rat and mice cortical neurons to high levels of homocysteine induces the expression and release of the proinflammatory prostanoid, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Using enzymatic assays and immunoblot analysis we show concurrent increase in the activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and level of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2), two enzymes involved in PGE2 biosynthesis. The findings also show an increase in PGE2 release from neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of GluN2A‐containing NMDAR (GluN2A‐NMDAR) with NVP‐AAM077 significantly reduces homocysteine‐induced cPLA2 activity, COX2 expression, and subsequent PGE2 release. Whereas, inhibition of GluN2B‐containing NMDAR (GluN2A‐NMDAR) with Ro 25‐6981 has no effect. Complementary studies in neuron cultures obtained from wild type and GluN2A knockout mice show that genetic deletion of GluN2A subunit of NMDAR attenuates homocysteine‐induced neuronal increase in cPLA2 activity, COX2 expression, and PGE2 release. Pharmacological studies further establish the role of both extracellular‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase and p38 MAPK in homocysteine‐GluN2A NMDAR‐dependent activation of cPLA2‐COX2‐PGE2 pathway. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel role of GluN2A‐NMDAR in facilitating homocysteine‐induced proinflammatory response in neurons.

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Hepatitis B virus‐related cryogobulinemic vasculitis. The role of antiviral nucleot(s)ide analogues: a review
Authors: Mazzaro C. , Dal Maso L. , Visentini M. , Gitto S. , Andreone P. , Toffolutti F. , Gattei V.
Published: May 2019

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) can develop in 1.2–4% of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients. HBV infection affects about 350 million people worldwide. It can progress from acute or fulminant hepatitis to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Twenty per cent of HBV patients may develop extra‐hepatic manifestations, such as polyarteritis nodosa, glomerulonephritis, dermatitis, polyarthralgias and arthritis, lung disease, aplastic anaemia. Our review focuses on the role of antiviral agent nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) in treatment of HBV‐related CV. The studies in literature have demonstrated that NAs therapy in HBV‐related CV yields high virological and satisfying clinical responses in most patients with mild‐and‐moderate CV, but a low response in severe CV. Overall, NAs represent a promising therapeutic option for HBV‐related CV. Obtaining early suppression of HBV viral load should be the main virological and clinical goal in order to prevent organ complications and lymphoproliferative disorders.
Interactive effects of past land use and recent forest management on the understorey community in temperate oak forests in South Sweden
Authors: Depauw Leen , Perring Michael P. , Brunet Jörg , Maes Sybryn L. , Blondeel Haben , De Lombaerde Emiel , De Groote Robbe , Verheyen Kris
Published: May 2019

Questions

Past agricultural land use and forest management have shaped and influenced the understorey composition in European forests for centuries. We investigated whether understorey vegetation assemblages are affected by (a) legacies from a historical infield/outland agricultural system (i.e., a system with nutrient‐enriched vs nutrient‐depleted areas), (b) recent management intensity (i.e., thinning/felling activities), and (c) the interaction of recent management and potential legacies.

Location

Oak forests in Skåne, south Sweden.

Methods

We use three vegetation surveys (1983, 1993/94 and 2014) and notes on management and land‐use history, available for 62 permanent 500 m² plots. We conducted linear mixed effect modelling to detect both main and interactive effects of past land use and recent management on understorey diversity measures and vegetation indicator values for light and fertility. We combined nonmetric multidimensional scaling with permutational multivariate analysis of variance and indicator species analysis to detect compositional differences caused by past land use and/or recent management.

Results

Understorey diversity was mainly affected by management activities, but the former infield/outland agricultural system was an important determinant of understorey composition. Understorey composition of former infields reflected higher nutrient availability and lower light availability compared to former outland. Past land use and recent management had interactive effects on light‐related understorey variables: for the less intensively managed plots, the outland plots contained more light‐demanding species than the infield plots, while for the more intensively managed plots, the light‐demanding signature of the understorey was similar for infield and outland plots.

Conclusions

Different intensities of past land use as well as recent forest management influenced the composition of the forest understorey, and interactions were present. Therefore, careful consideration of both the long‐term land‐use history and the more recent disturbances due to forest management are necessary when making future predictions of understorey composition and diversity.
Geometric morphometric analysis of the effect of temperature on wing size and shape in Aedes albopictus
Authors: Phanitchat T. , Apiwathnasorn C. , Sungvornyothin S. , Samung Y. , Dujardin S. , Dujardin J.‐P. , Sumruayphol S.
Published: May 2019

Wing geometry helps to identify mosquito species, even cryptic ones. On the other hand, temperature has a well‐known effect on insect metric properties. Can such effects blur the taxonomic signal embedded in the wing? Two strains of Aedes albopictus (laboratory and field strain) were examined under three different rearing temperatures (26, 30 and 33 °C) using landmark‐ and outline‐based morphometric approaches. The wings of each experimental line were compared with Aedes aegypti. Both approaches indicated similar associations between wing size and temperature. For the laboratory strain, the wing size significantly decreased as the temperature increased. For the field strain, the largest wings were observed at the intermediate temperature. The two morphometric approaches describing shape showed different sensibilities to temperature. For both strains and sexes, the landmark‐based approach disclosed significant wing shape changes with temperature changes. The outline‐based approach showed lesser effects, detecting significant changes only in laboratory females and in field males. Despite the size and shape changes induced by temperature, the two strains of Ae. albopictus were always distinguished from Ae. aegypti. The present study confirms the lability of size. However, it also suggests that, despite environmentally‐induced variation, the architecture of the wing still provides a strong taxonomic signal.
Peripheral T cells from multiple sclerosis patients trigger synaptotoxic alterations in central neurons
Authors: Gentile A. , De Vito F. , Fresegna D. , Rizzo F. R. , Bullitta S. , Guadalupi L. , Vanni V. , Buttari F. , Stampanoni Bassi M. , Leuti A. , Chiurchiù V. , Marfia G. A. , Mandolesi G. , Centonze D. , Musella A.
Published: May 2019

Aims

The crucial step in the pathogenic events that lead to the development and the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) is the infiltration of autoreactive T cells in the brain. Data from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice indicate that, together with microglia, T cells are responsible for the enhancement of the glutamatergic transmission in central neurons, contributing to glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity, a pathological hallmark of both EAE and MS brains. Here, we addressed the synaptic role of T cells taken from MS patients.

Methods

A chimeric model of human T cells and murine brain slices was established to record, by Patch Clamp technique, the glutamatergic transmission in the presence of T cells isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects (HS), active (a) and nonactive (na) relapsing remitting MS patients. Intracellular staining and flow cytometry were used to assess tumour necrosis factor (TNF) expression in T cells.

Results

Chimeric experiments indicated that, compared to HS and naMS, T cells from aMS induced an increase in glutamatergic kinetic properties of striatal neurons. Such alteration, reminiscent of the those induced by EAE T cells, was blocked by incubation of the slices with etanercept, a TNF receptor antagonist. Of note, T cells from aMS expressed more TNF than naMS patients and HS subjects.

Conclusion

These data highlight the synaptotoxic potential retained by MS T cells, suggesting that during the inflammatory phase of the disease infiltrating T cells could influence the neuronal activity contributing to the TNF‐mediated mechanisms of glutamate excitotoxicity in central neurons.
PROtocol‐based MObilizaTION on intensive care units: stepped‐wedge, cluster‐randomized pilot study (Pro‐Motion)
Authors: Nydahl Peter , Günther Ulf , Diers Anja , Hesse Stephanie , Kerschensteiner Christian , Klarmann Silke , Borzikowsky Christoph , Köpke Sascha
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) improves patient recovery, but implementation remains challenging. Protocols may enhance the rate of out‐of‐bed mobilizations.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of implementing a protocol for early mobilization on the rate of out‐of‐bed mobilizations and other outcomes of ICU patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicentre, stepped‐wedge, cluster‐randomized pilot study.

METHODS

After a control period, five ICUs were allocated to the implementation of an inter‐professional protocol for early mobilization in a randomized, monthly order. Mobilization of ICU patients was evaluated by monthly 1‐day point prevalence surveys using the ICU Mobility Scale. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients mobilized out of bed, defined as level 3 on the ICU Mobility Scale (sitting on edge of bed) or higher. Secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation, delirium and ICU‐ and hospital‐days, as well as unwanted safety events.

RESULTS

Out‐of‐bed mobilizations increased non‐significantly from 36·2% (n = 55) of 152 patients during the control period to 45·8% (n = 55) of 120 patients during the intervention period (difference 9·6%; 95% confidence interval −2·1 to 21·3%). Of 55 mobilized patients per group, more patients were mobilized once per day during the intervention period (intervention:n = 41 versus control:n = 23 patients). Multiple daily mobilizations decreased (control:n = 32 control versus intervention:n = 14 patients). Secondary outcomes, such as days with mechanical ventilation, delirium and in ICU and hospital, did not significantly differ. Adherence to the protocol was >90%; unwanted safety events were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a protocol for early mobilization of ICU patients showed a trend towards more patients being mobilized. Without additional staff in participating ICUs, a significant increase in ICU mobilizations was not to be anticipated. More research should address whether more staff would increase the number of frequent mobilizations and if this is relevant to outcomes.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Implementing inter‐professional protocols for mobilization is feasible and safe and may contribute to an increase of ICU patients mobilized out of bed.
Dysfunction in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis has consistent but small effects on the establishment of the fungal microbiota in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Xue Li , Almario Juliana , Fabiańska Izabela , Saridis Georgios , Bucher Marcel
Published: May 2019

Most land plants establish mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Intracellular accommodation of AM fungal symbionts remodels important host traits like root morphology and nutrient acquisition. How mycorrhizal colonization impacts plant microbiota is unclear.

To understand the impact of AM symbiosis on fungal microbiota, ten Lotus japonicus mutants impaired at different stages of AM formation were grown in non‐sterile natural soil and their root‐associated fungal communities were studied.

Plant mutants lacking the capacity to form mature arbuscules (arb−) exhibited limited growth performance associated with altered phosphorus (P) acquisition and reduction–oxidation (redox) processes. Furthermore, arb− plants assembled moderately but consistently different root‐associated fungal microbiota, characterized by the depletion of Glomeromycota and the concomitant enrichment of Ascomycota, including Dactylonectria torresensis. Single and co‐inoculation experiments showed a strong reduction of root colonization by D. torresensis in the presence of AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, particularly in arbuscule‐forming plants.

Our results suggest that impairment of central symbiotic functions in AM host plants leads to specific changes in root microbiomes and in tripartite interactions between the host plant, AM and non‐AM fungi. This lays the foundation for mechanistic studies on microbe–microbe and microbe–host interactions in AM symbiosis of the model L. japonicus.
“Would you like to join me for a walk?” The feasibility of a supervised walking programme for people with dementia who wander
Authors: MacAndrew Margaret , Kolanowski Ann , Fielding Elaine , Kerr Graham , McMaster Mitchell , Wyles Katy , Beattie Elizabeth
Published: May 2019

Aims and objectives

Five of the eight focus areas of Bowen's Feasibility Framework were utilised to assess the feasibility of implementing the Safe Walking Program (SWP) with people with severe dementia who wander in long‐term care (LTC).

Background

Dementia‐related wandering in LTC is associated with adverse outcomes related to intensity (malnutrition, exhaustion and pain, injury) and type of walking (sleep deprivation, resident violence and elopement, death). There is little evidence guiding best practice for managing wandering in LTC.

Design

The SWP involved a three‐week trial of taking residents (n = 7) for a 30‐min supervised walk, 30 min before individual peak walking activity periods (PWAP), outside the care facility. Quantitative (real‐time observation and 24/7 Actigraph™ data: not reported here) and qualitative data were collected pre‐, during and postintervention.

Methods

Feasibility to implement the SWP protocol was evaluated using a protocol fidelity checklist completed at the end of each scheduled intervention. Acceptability and sustainability of the programme were evaluated through staff interviews.

Results

Eighty per cent of scheduled walks commenced and were completed, with 91% of walks lasting the full 30 min. Care staff reported benefits for participants and care staff. The perceived sustainability of the SWP in the LTC setting was impacted by the strict timing of the walk to coincide with participant's individual PWAP. The use of care staff to lead some scheduled walks was seen as interfering with care routines.

Conclusions

To enhance the acceptability/sustainability of the SWP in LTC, further testing of the importance of dose and timing is required. Consideration needs to be given to suggested modifications to the protocol.

Implications for practice

The SWP is an acceptable and enjoyable activity for people with severe dementia who wander. Utilising walking tracks around the neighbourhood was perceived as being an important element of the programme.
The comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam premedication on postoperative anxiety in children for hernia repair surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du Zhen , Zhang Xi‐Ying , Qu Shuang‐Quan , Song Zong‐Bing , Wei Si‐Wei , Xiang Zhen , Guo Qu‐Lian
Published: May 2019

Background

Perioperative anxiety is common in pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether an infusion of dexmedetomidine prior to hernia repair in children provides better postoperative anxiety outcomes that a preoperative infusion of midazolam.

Methods

Ninety 6‐11‐year‐old children, who were scheduled to undergo elective hernia repair, were enrolled for this double‐blind, randomized controlled trial. Group D (n = 45) received an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) and Group M (n = 45) received an intravenous infusion of midazolam (0.08 mg/kg) in 20 mL of normal saline for 10 minutes before the induction of anesthesia. Pre‐ and postoperative scores on the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale were the main outcomes. Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and postoperative pain measured on a visual analogue scale and patient satisfaction using a numerical rating scale.

Results

Postoperative anxiety in Group D was significantly lower than preoperative anxiety (2 hours postoperatively mean difference [95% CI]: 2.83 [0.87‐4.79], P = 0.036, 4 hours postoperatively mean difference [95% CI]: 3.29 [1.39‐5.20], P = 0.005). Preoperative and postoperative anxiety in Group M was similar. Anxiety scores in Group D were also significantly lower than anxiety in Group M 2 hours (mean difference [95% CI]: 1.89 [0.52‐3.26], P = 0.01) and 4 hours (mean difference [95% CI]: 3.32 [1.98‐4.66], P < 0.001) postoperatively. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were lower in Group D than in Group M after administration of sedative drugs until children left PACU (SBP mean difference [95% CI]: 13.87 [10.30‐17.43], P < 0.001, DBP mean difference [95% CI]: 5.96[3.80‐8.11], P < 0.001, HR mean difference [95% CI]: 10.36 [7.58‐13.13], P < 0.001). Pain was also significantly lower in Group D than in Group M at 2 hours (median difference [95% CI]: 1 [0.26‐1.34], P = 0.004), 4 hours (median difference [95% CI]: 1 [0.31‐1.02], P = 0.003), and 1 day (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [0.22‐0.76], P = 0.003) postoperatively. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in Group D than in Group M 1 day (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [−0.83 to −0.24], P = 0.006) and somewhat higher 1 week (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [−0.67 to −0.04], P = 0.06) postoperatively.

Conclusion

Compared with midazolam, a single preoperative intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine appears to provide better postoperative anxiolytic effects for children undergoing same‐day surgery.
Assessment of muscle oxygenation in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ross Faith J. , Arakaki Lorilee S. L. , Ciesielski Wayne A. , McMullan D. Michael , Richards Michael J. , Geiduschek Jeremy , Latham Gregory , Hsieh Vincent , Schenkman Kenneth A.
Published: May 2019

Background

Adaptive responses to congenital heart disease result in altered muscle perfusion and muscle metabolism. Such changes may be detectable using noninvasive spectroscopic monitors.

Aims

In this study we aimed to determine if resting muscle oxygen saturation (MOx) is lower in children with acyanotic or cyanotic congenital heart disease than in healthy children and to identify differences in muscle oxygen consumption in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease.

Methods

Using a custom fiber optic spectrometer system, optical measurements were obtained from the calf or forearm of 49 patients (17 with acyanotic congenital heart disease, 18 with cyanotic congenital heart disease, and 14 control). Twenty additional control patients were used to develop the analytic model. Spectra were used to determine MOx at baseline, during arterial occlusion, and during reperfusion. The rate of muscle desaturation during arterial occlusion was also evaluated. Two‐sample t‐tests were used to compare each heart disease group with the controls.

Results

Patients with acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart disease had lower baseline MOx than controls. Baseline MOx was 91.3% (CI 85.9%, 96.7%) for acyanotic patients, 91.1% (CI 86.3%, 95.9%) for cyanotic patients, and 98.9% (CI 96.7%, 101.1%) for controls. Similarly, MOx was lower in the acyanotic and cyanotic groups than the controls after reperfusion (84.6% [CI 74.1%, 95.1%] and 82.1% [CI 74.5%, 89.7%] vs 98.9% [96.5%, 101.3%]). The rate of decline in oxygenation was significantly greater in cyanotic patients versus controls (0.46%/s (CI 0.30%, 0.62%/s) vs 0.17%/s (0.13%, 0.21%/s)).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that muscle oxygenation is abnormal in children with both cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease. This suggests that noninvasive monitoring of muscle oxygenation may provide valuable information in situations where children with congenital heart disease may be at risk of hemodynamic compromise.
Mechanisms for minimizing height‐related stomatal conductance declines in tall vines
Authors: Domec Jean‐Christophe , Berghoff Henry , Way Danielle A. , Moshelion Menachem , Palmroth Sari , Kets Katre , Huang Cheng‐Wei , Oren Ram
Published: May 2019

The ability to transport water through tall stems hydraulically limits stomatal conductance (gs), thereby constraining photosynthesis and growth. However, some plants are able to minimize this height‐related decrease in gs, regardless of path length. We hypothesized that kudzu (Pueraria lobata) prevents strong declines in gs with height through appreciable structural and hydraulic compensative alterations. We observed only a 12% decline in maximum gs along 15‐m‐long stems and were able to model this empirical trend. Increasing resistance with transport distance was not compensated by increasing sapwood‐to‐leaf‐area ratio. Compensating for increasing leaf area by adjusting the driving force would require water potential reaching −1.9 MPa, far below the wilting point (−1.2 MPa). The negative effect of stem length was compensated for by decreasing petiole hydraulic resistance and by increasing stem sapwood area and water storage, with capacitive discharge representing 8–12% of the water flux. In addition, large lateral (petiole, leaves) relative to axial hydraulic resistance helped improve water flow distribution to top leaves. These results indicate that gs of distal leaves can be similar to that of basal leaves, provided that resistance is highest in petioles, and sufficient amounts of water storage can be used to subsidize the transpiration stream.
Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic susceptibility patterns in pediatric atopic dermatitis
Authors: Briscoe Cristopher C. , Reich Patrick , Fritz Stephanie , Coughlin Carrie C.
Published: May 2019

Background/Objectives

Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent bacterial pathogen in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients presenting with skin infections. Despite the known association between S aureus and AD, guidance on empiric antibiotics for skin infections in pediatric AD patients is limited.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study over a five‐year period to characterize the S aureus strains recovered from pediatric AD patients with clinically apparent bacterial skin infections treated in an academic medical center. We assessed patient demographics and dilute bleach bath usage to determine whether these factors were correlated with methicillin resistance. Culture results from our AD cohort were also compared to those from pediatric patients presenting to the Saint Louis Children's Hospital emergency department (ED) with S aureus skin abscesses from 2013 to 2015.

Results

Methicillin‐sensitive S aureus (MSSA) was more prevalent (77.8%) than methicillin‐resistant S aureus (MRSA) (22.2%). There was no correlation between MRSA and age, sex, race, or dilute bleach bath use. In comparison with pediatric patients presenting to the ED, AD patients had lower rates of MSSA susceptibility to doxycycline and MRSA susceptibility to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX).

Conclusions

First‐generation cephalosporins remain appropriate empiric therapy for most pediatric AD patients. In patients with a history of MRSA, empiric doxycycline or TMP‐SMX could be considered, given their high MRSA susceptibility rates.
Adolescent male fertility following reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in non‐malignant disorders
Authors: Zhao Jun , Beebe Kristen , Magee Kyrie , Salzberg Dana , Stahlecker Jennifer , Miller Holly K. , Adams Roberta H. , Lipskind Shane , Walsh Alexandra , Mirea Lucia , Ngwube Alexander
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The effects of RIC for HSCT on male fertility remain unknown. We investigated spermatogenesis and gonadal hormonal status among adolescent male patients who received RIC HSCT for non‐malignant diseases.

Patients and Methods

Patients with non‐malignant disease who had undergone a RIC HSCT were recruited and evaluated for spermatogenesis via semen analysis and gonadal hormonal function via serum hormone levels. Those who had received prior chemotherapy or radiation were excluded from the study. We reviewed the charts to record demographic factors, conditioning regimen and complications during and after transplant.

Results

Five patients were enrolled. The median age at the time of transplant was 15 years (range, 11‐19 years), and the median time between bone marrow transplant and semen analysis was 5 years (range, 3‐11 years). Median age of patients was 20 years (range, 18‐25 years) at the time of the study. Serum FSH and LH levels were elevated in four patients, and inhibin B levels were low for age in three patients. Semen analysis showed two patients had azoospermia, and the remaining three patients showed severe oligozoospermia. Normal morphology and motility were seen in only one patient.

Conclusion

This case series suggests that RIC transplants may be associated with impaired spermatogenesis and sequential follow‐up is necessary given the potential for either permanent impairment or delayed recovery. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Cold agglutinin disease and its implications for dental treatment
Authors: Cho Hana , Kumar Navdeep
Published: May 2019

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare variant of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, characterized by the destruction of red blood cells by autoantibodies following exposure to cold temperatures. This case is of a 75‐year‐old male who presented to a dedicated hematology dental clinic. The dental management over a 3‐year period is described, whereby the patient had extraction and periodontal disease management with considerations for medical, social and dental risk assessments and treatment modifications. The principles are applicable to patients with other hematological disorders.
Recessions and Potential Output: Disentangling Measurement Errors, Supply Shocks, and Hysteresis Effects*
Authors: Dovern Jonas , Zuber Christopher
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates expert revisions of potential output (PO) estimates following recessions. Using data from the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD), we show that downward revisions are substantial, permanent, and mostly driven by supply shocks. In contrast, PO estimates do not significantly react to demand shocks. Revisions are also partly caused by mismeasurement of PO before recessions. In particular, we show that the length of the preceding boom and pre‐recession values of the current account balance and credit volumes are correlated with post‐recession PO revisions. Our results call for improved methods for estimating PO and provide evidence against the existence of substantial hysteresis following demand shocks.
Role clarity, role conflict, and vitality at work: The role of the basic needs
Authors: Karkkola Petri , Kuittinen Matti , Hintsa Taina
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to provide new information on the relationships between vitality at work and role clarity, role conflict, and psychological basic need satisfaction. Participants of the cross‐sectional study were 110 employees in a preventive intervention program. Associations between the focal constructs were examined with regression and bootstrapping analyses. The results suggest that the role clarity is associated with subjective vitality at work through higher autonomy and higher competence, and that role conflict is negatively associated with subjective vitality at work through lower autonomy and lower relatedness. Additionally, an interaction between the role characteristics was observed, suggesting that the strength of the association between role clarity and competence, and the strength of the indirect association between role clarity and vitality through competence may vary depending on the level of role conflict. The findings are consistent with the notion that that managers and co‐workers may affect the opportunities of individuals to achieve need satisfaction and feel energized by delineating and negotiating role‐related factors at work. Need satisfaction, in turn, is an antecedent of well‐being and motivation. Employees should feel able to clarify role ambiguities with their supervisor or co‐workers and thus reduce the role conflicts imposed by the expectations of various stakeholders. Limitations of the study include the self‐rating methodology, cross‐sectional design, and properties of the sample restricting generalizability.
MiR‐199‐3p–Dnmt3a–STAT3 signalling pathway in ovalbumin‐induced allergic rhinitis
Authors: Cui Xinhua , Guo Ying , Wang Qirong , Li Xuezhong
Published: May 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the mechanism of DNA methylation in allergic rhinitis?

What is the main finding and its importance?

A miR‐199‐3p–Dnmt3a–STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in ovalbumin‐induced allergic rhinitis, and miR‐199‐3p antagomir can relieve the symptoms in the mouse model.

Recent research has pointed out the involvement of epigenetic modifications in allergic rhinitis (AR), especially DNA methylation. However, the detailed mechanism has remained largely uncovered. We used ovalbumin (OVA) to induce AR in mouse, and behaviour scores were used to confirm its successful establishment. Histamine and other inflammatory factors were detected to further verify success of the model. Real‐time PCR was employed to identify the overexpression of miR‐199‐3p and subsequent down‐regulation of DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a). Western blotting was utilized to detect Dnmt3a and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at the protein level. Bisulfite sequencing PCR was applied to reveal the methylation status of the Stat3 promoter region. A dual‐reporter assay was used to confirm the direct targeting of miR‐199‐3p on the Dnmt3a mRNA and an antagomir specific to miR‐199‐3p was injected to rescue the symptoms of AR. The AR model was successfully established in mouse and confirmed by both behaviour and molecular markers. We also found lowered expression of Dnmt3a and consecutive hypomethylation of Stat3 promoter and elevated expression of STAT3, which then led to overexpression of IgE and other inflammatory factors. MicroRNAs that worked on the Dnmt3a 3′‐untranslated region were predicted and then verified by dual‐reporter assay. Finally injection of a miR‐199‐3p antagomir successfully attenuated the symptoms of AR. We propose that the miR‐199‐3p–Dnmt3a–STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in OVA‐induced AR.
Determination of border/bulk traps parameters based on (C-G-V) admittance measurements
Authors: Mazurak Andrzej , Jasin´ski Jakub , Majkusiak Bogdan
Published: May 2019

Admittance parameters analysis can give useful information on border and bulk traps, including the traps located at the inner interface inside high-k gate stacks. The authors present a theoretical model of the high-k dielectric based MIS tunnel diode that comprises the small-signal response of the traps. The traps are charged and discharged not only by charge exchange with the substrate but also by tunnel currents between the traps and the gate electrode. The assumption of tunnel communication between the traps and the gate electrode enables arbitrary traps geometric distribution and makes the model valid not only for surface and border traps but also for the bulk ones, including traps located at the inner interface inside the gate stack. The small-signal equivalent circuit of the considered MIS structure is transformed into series (CSm, RSm) and parallel (CPm, GPm) depictions, which are commonly used in admittance measurements (C-G-V). The comparison between simulation results and measurement data may be used to determine the trap parameters in the investigated device as it is presented in the paper.
Innovations in the vapor deposition of metal coatings for target payloads in laser-based physics experiments under extreme conditions
Authors: Jankowski Alan F.
Published: May 2019

The synthesis of metal foils with unique surface features such as waves and steps is of interest for use as payloads in targets for laser-driven physics experiments under dynamic loading conditions. Changes to the surface features are used to quantify the effects of the material strength during the deformation at high-strain rate high pressure. A traditional path to produce these target features is by precision machining processes using diamond tools. Limitations are encountered since many of the materials of interest and the size of the surface features are not often compatible with conventional machining-process methods. An alternative method to produce targets with unique surface features is through vapor synthesis. Two general approaches are taken—one is by replicating the features from the surface of a substrate mandrel, whereas the second is by using hard masks with timed exposure to the deposition vapor. In these approaches, postdeposition removal of a release layer yields a free-standing target with the desired surface features. Specific cases are presented for the physical vapor deposition of copper, aluminum, iron, vanadium, and tantalum to form targets with multiple layers, steps, and sinusoidal surface waves.
Origami-based impact mitigation via rarefaction solitary wave creation
Authors: Yasuda Hiromi , Miyazawa Yasuhiro , Charalampidis Efstathios G. , Chong Christopher , Kevrekidis Panayotis G. , Yang Jinkyu
Published: May 2019

We demonstrate a counterintuitive mechanism of converting compressive impact to tensile waves in origami-based metamaterials.
Visualization of ultrafast melting initiated from radiation-driven defects in solids
Authors: Mo Mianzhen , Murphy Samuel , Chen Zhijiang , Fossati Paul , Li Renkai , Wang Yongqiang , Wang Xijie , Glenzer Siegfried
Published: May 2019

Radiation damage lowers the melting point of metal tungsten, an effect that needs to be reckoned with for fusion reactors.
Specific ion effects directed noble metal aerogels: Versatile manipulation for electrocatalysis and beyond
Authors: Du Ran , Hu Yue , Hübner René , Joswig Jan-Ole , Fan Xuelin , Schneider Kristian , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: May 2019

Specific ion effects are demonstrated to create and flexibly manipulate noble metal aerogels for versatile applications.
The Arginine Deiminase Operon Is Responsible for a Fitness Trade-Off in Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Strains of Escherichia coli
Authors: Billard-Pomares Typhaine , Clermont Olivier , Castellanos Miguel , Magdoud Fatma , Royer Guilhem , Condamine Bénédicte , Fouteau Stéphanie , Barbe Valérie , Roche David , Cruveiller Stéphane , Médigue Claudine , Pognard Dominique , Glodt Jeremy , Dion Sara , Rigal Odile , Picard Bertrand , Denamur Erick , Branger Catherine
Published: May 2019

We previously identified an operon involved in an arginine deiminase (ADI) pathway (
arc
operon) on a CTX-M-producing plasmid from an O102-ST405 strain of
Escherichia coli
. As the ADI pathway was shown to be involved in the virulence of various Gram-positive bacteria, we tested whether the ADI pathway could be involved in the epidemiological success of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
E. coli
strains.
Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Glycoprotein H Is Indispensable for Infection of Epithelial, Endothelial, and Fibroblast Cell Types
Authors: Muniraju Murali , Mutsvunguma Lorraine Z. , Foley Joslyn , Escalante Gabriela M. , Rodriguez Esther , Nabiee Romina , Totonchy Jennifer , Mulama David H. , Nyagol Joshua , Wussow Felix , Barasa Anne K. , Brehm Michael , Ogembo Javier Gordon
Published: May 2019

All homologues of herpesvirus gH studied to date have been implicated in playing an essential role in viral infection of diverse permissive cell types. However, the role of gH in the mechanism of KSHV infection remains largely unresolved. In this study, we generated a gH-null mutant KSHV and provided evidence that deficiency of gH expression did not affect viral particle assembly or egress. Using the gH-null mutant, we showed that gH was indispensable for KSHV infection of epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast cellsin vitro. This suggests that gH is an important target for the development of a KSHV prophylactic vaccine to prevent initial viral infection.
Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses duringListeria monocytogenesInfection
Authors: D’Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: May 2019

It could be argued that we understand the immune response to infection withListeria monocytogenesbetter than the immunity elicited by any other bacteria.L. monocytogenesare Gram-positive bacteria that are genetically tractable and easy to cultivatein vitro, and the mouse model of intravenous (i.v.) inoculation is highly reproducible. For these reasons, immunologists frequently use the mouse model of systemic listeriosis to dissect the mechanisms used by mammalian hosts to recognize and respond to infection. This article provides an overview of what we have learned over the past few decades and is divided into three sections: “Innate Immunity” describes how the host initially detects the presence ofL. monocytogenesand characterizes the soluble and cellular responses that occur during the first few days postinfection; “Adaptive Immunity” discusses the exquisitely specific T cell response that mediates complete clearance of infection and immunological memory; “Use of AttenuatedListeriaas a Vaccine Vector” highlights the ways that investigators have exploited our extensive knowledge of anti-Listeriaimmunity to develop cancer therapeutics.
Small bowel obstruction secondary to intramesosigmoid hernia
Authors: Bunce James , Fareed Khaleel , Tierney Gillian
Published: May 2019

Intramesosigmoid hernias are a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. Here, we present such a case with learning points derived from diagnostic dilemma, shared decision making in consent and the management of a rare cause of a common surgical emergency.
Primary aldosteronism associated with a germline variant inCACNA1H
Authors: Wulczyn Kendra , Perez-Reyes Edward , Nussbaum Robert L , Park Meyeon
Published: May 2019

TheCACNA1Hgene encodes the pore-forming α1 subunit of the T-type voltage-dependent calcium channel CaV3.2, expressed abundantly in the adrenal cortex. Mutations inCACNA1Hare associated with various forms of primary aldosteronism (PA), including familial hyperaldosteronism type 4 (FH4). We describe a patient with refractory hypokalaemia and elevated aldosterone secretion independent of renin activity. Despite the absence of overt hypertension in this patient, the laboratory evaluation was consistent with a diagnosis of PA. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo missense variant, R890H, in the voltage sensing domain ofCACNA1H. Expression of the variant channel in cells resulted in decreased whole-cell current, consistent with a loss-of-function. We hypothesise this variant is the genetic cause of pathological aldosterone secretion in this patient, and thereby expand the current understanding of the genetic basis of FH4.