bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical constraints to C4 evolution: light harvesting capacity in the bundle sheath
Authors: Bellasio Chandra , Lundgren Marjorie R.
Published: July 2016

In C4 photosynthesis CO2 assimilation and reduction are typically coordinated across mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS) cells, respectively. This system consequently requires sufficient light to reach BS to generate enough ATP to allow ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration in BS. Leaf anatomy influences BS light penetration and therefore constrains C4 cycle functionality.

Using an absorption scattering model (coded in Excel, and freely downloadable) we simulate light penetration profiles and rates of ATP production in BS across the C3, C3–C4 and C4 anatomical continua.

We present a trade‐off for light absorption between BS pigment concentration and space allocation. C3 BS anatomy limits light absorption and benefits little from high pigment concentrations. Unpigmented BS extensions increase BS light penetration. C4 and C3–C4 anatomies have the potential to generate sufficient ATP in the BS, whereas typical C3 anatomy does not, except some C3 taxa closely related to C4 groups.

Insufficient volume of BS, relative to M, will hamper a C4 cycle via insufficient BS light absorption. Thus, BS ATP production and RuBP regeneration, coupled with increased BS investments, allow greater operational plasticity. We propose that larger BS in C3 lineages may be co–opted for C3–C4 and C4 biochemistry requirements.
Three times greater weight of daytime than of night‐time temperature on leaf unfolding phenology in temperate trees
Authors: Fu Yongshuo H. , Liu Yongjie , De Boeck Hans J. , Menzel Annette , Nijs Ivan , Peaucelle Marc , Peñuelas Josep , Piao Shilong , Janssens Ivan A.
Published: July 2016

The phenology of spring leaf unfolding plays a key role in the structure and functioning of ecosystems. The classical concept of heat requirement (growing degree days) for leaf unfolding was developed hundreds of years ago, but this model does not include the recently reported greater importance of daytime than night‐time temperature.

A manipulative experiment on daytime vs night‐time warming with saplings of three species of temperate deciduous trees was conducted and a Bayesian method was applied to explore the different effects of daytime and night‐time temperatures on spring phenology.

We found that both daytime and night‐time warming significantly advanced leaf unfolding, but the sensitivities to increased daytime and night‐time temperatures differed significantly. Trees were most sensitive to daytime warming (7.4 ± 0.9, 4.8 ± 0.3 and 4.8 ± 0.2 d advancement per degree Celsius warming (d °C−1) for birch, oak and beech, respectively) and least sensitive to night‐time warming (5.5 ± 0.9, 3.3 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.9 d °C−1). Interestingly, a Bayesian analysis found that the impact of daytime temperature on leaf unfolding was approximately three times higher than that of night‐time temperatures.

Night‐time global temperature is increasing faster than daytime temperature, so model projections of future spring phenology should incorporate the effects of these different temperatures.
Nursing knowledge: hints from the placebo effect
Authors: Zanotti Renzo , Chiffi Daniele
Published: July 2016

Nursing knowledge stems from a dynamic interplay between population‐based scientific knowledge (the general) and specific clinical cases (the particular). We compared the ‘cascade model of knowledge translation’, also known as ‘classical biomedical model’ in clinical practice (in which knowledge gained at population level may be applied directly to a specific clinical context), with an emergentist model of knowledge translation. The structure and dynamics of nursing knowledge are outlined, adopting the distinction between epistemic and non‐epistemic values. Then, a (moderately) emergentist approach to nursing knowledge is proposed, based on the assumption of a two‐way flow from the general to the particular and vice versa. The case of the ‘placebo effect’ is analysed as an example of emergentist knowledge. The placebo effect is usually considered difficult to be explained within the classical biomedical model, and we underscore its importance in shaping nursing knowledge. In fact, nurses are primarily responsible for administering placebo in the clinical setting and have an essential role in promoting the placebo effect and reducing the nocebo effect. The beliefs responsible for the placebo effect are as follows: (1) interactive, because they depend on the relationship between patients and health care professionals; (2) situated, because they occur in a given clinical context related to certain rituals; and (3) grounded on higher order beliefs concerning what an individual thinks about the beliefs of others. It is essential to know the clinical context and to understand other people's beliefs to make sense of the placebo effect. The placebo effect only works when the (higher order) beliefs of doctors, nurses and patients interact in a given setting. Finally, we argue for a close relationship between placebo effect and nursing knowledge.
Mycorrhizal feedback is not associated with the outcome of competition in old‐field perennial plants
Authors: Stanescu Sabina , Maherali Hafiz
Published: July 2016

The symbiosis between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is hypothesized to be an important contributor to plant–soil feedbacks, which can influence the outcome of inter‐specific competition. Mycorrhizal feedbacks can be conspecific, which affects individuals of the same species, or heterospecific, which affects individuals of a different species. When heterospecific feedbacks are more positive than conspecific feedbacks, heterospecific individuals are expected to outcompete conspecific individuals. To test this hypothesis, we quantified conspecific mycorrhizal feedback for Plantago lanceolata as a focal species, and heterospecific mycorrhizal feedbacks for 21 competitor old‐field species using mycorrhizae cultured with P. lanceolata. We quantified inter‐specific competition against the focal species by growing the 21 old‐field species with and without P. lanceolata in the presence of mycorrhizae cultured with P. lanceolata. Heterospecific and conspecific feedbacks were both positive, and average heterospecific feedbacks exceeded conspecific feedback by 75%. Competition suppressed P. lanceolata biomass by 14% and average competitor biomass was reduced by 44% in the presence of P. lanceolata, and these effects varied with competitor species identity. Contrary to predictions, the magnitude of heterospecific feedbacks did not predict the ability of competitor species to either suppress or resist suppression by P. lanceolata. Instead, the outcome of competition was significantly and positively correlated with intrinsic growth rate, measured as biomass of competitor species five weeks after germination in non‐inoculated conditions. Our findings suggest that species experiencing more positive mycorrhizal feedbacks than a competitor do not necessarily have a competitive advantage. Mycorrhizal mediated soil feedbacks may be less important than intrinsic differences in growth rate in determining competitive outcomes.
An audit of patient‐controlled analgesia after appendicectomy in children
Authors: Ousley Rowan , Burgoyne Laura L. , Crowley Nicola R. , Teague Warwick J. , Costi David
Published: July 2016

Background

Patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) is commonly used after appendicectomy in children.

Aim

The aim of this study was to characterize the analgesic use of children prescribed PCA after appendicetomy, in order to rationalize future use of this modality.

Methods

We retrospectively audited all cases of acute appendicitis over a 4‐year period in a single pediatric hospital, recording demographics, surgical approach, pathology, analgesia use, pain scores, and duration of PCA. We preplanned subgroup analyses for surgical approach, pathology, and intraoperative nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration. We subsequently identified a patient subgroup who were unlikely to require PCA and conducted a (2 months) prospective audit of such patients (uncomplicated appendicitis with intraoperative NSAID) having non‐PCA (oral) analgesia.

Results

Of the 649 patients undergoing appendicectomy for acute appendicitis, 85% were prescribed an opioid PCA, 8% received an opioid infusion (younger patients), and 7% received neither PCA nor infusion. Of the 541 bolus only PCA patients, 49% had laparoscopic surgery, 36% had complicated appendicitis, and 49% received intraoperative NSAID (diclofenac). Mean (SD) duration of PCA was shorter with uncomplicated vs complicated appendicitis (21.9 ± 10.7 vs 32.8 ± 21.1 h, P < 0.001, difference in means [95% CI]: 10.9 [7.7–14.1]), and with intraoperative NSAID (23.2 ± 14.4 vs 28.4 ± 17.4 h, P < 0.001, difference in means [95% CI]: 5.2 [2.5–7.9]). There was no difference in the time to PCA cessation between laparoscopic and open approach. Morphine consumption and pain scores were lower in the early postoperative period for those patients receiving intraoperative NSAID. In the prospective audit, 44 of 69 patients had uncomplicated appendicitis. Thirty‐eight of these were prescribed oral analgesia and none required any parenteral opioid or acute pain service intervention postoperatively. Parental satisfaction level was high (>90%) with oral analgesia.

Conclusions

It is feasible that children with uncomplicated appendicitis given intraoperative NSAID can be successfully managed without PCA.
Prospects for applications of genomic tools in registration testing and seed certification of ryegrass varieties
Authors: Wang Junping , Cogan Noel O. I. , Forster John W.
Published: July 2016

The ryegrass (Lolium) species, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.), are the two most important pasture grass species for global temperate regions and are also useful for amenity purposes. Due to an outbreeding reproductive habit, high levels of genetic heterogeneity are present within cultivated varieties. A continual increase in delivery of new cultivars to the marketplace, along with limited capacity to discriminate on the basis of morphological characteristics in a grow‐out test, has caused difficulties for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing in the current plant variety protection (PVP) system. A range of genomic tools and resources have been generated for ryegrasses, which provide new opportunities and challenges to the currentPVPsystem. In this review, the currently available genomic tools and resources are described, along with prospects for applications to thePVPsystem and testing for seed certification and purity accreditation.
Epistemic Reasons II: Basing
Authors: Sylvan Kurt
Published: July 2016

The paper is an opinionated tour of the literature on the reasons for which we hold beliefs and other doxastic attitudes, which I call ‘operative epistemic reasons’. After drawing some distinctions in §1, I begin in §2 by discussing the ontology of operative epistemic reasons, assessing arguments for and against the view that they are mental states. I recommend a pluralist non‐mentalist view that takes seriously the variety of operative epistemic reasons ascriptions and allows these reasons to be both propositions and truth‐making facts. In §3, I turn to consider what it takes for a consideration to be an operative epistemic reason, examining three conditions – the representational, treating, and explanatory conditions – that have been proposed. I offer a novel view about the explanatory condition. In §4, I discuss the special case of inferential operative reasons and examine attempts to understand them in terms of rule‐following, sketching a competence‐based spinoff of dispositionalism. Finally, in §5, I consider whether there are non‐inferential operative reasons, observing that one needn't countenance them to be a foundationalist but then developing a view about what they are and how they do and don't differ from inferential reasons.
Recent Philosophical Work on the Doctrine of the Eucharist
Authors: Arcadi James M.
Published: July 2016

The doctrine of the Eucharist has been one of the more fruitful locales of philosophical reflection within Christian theology. The central philosophical question has been, ‘what is the state of affairs such that it is apt to say of a piece of bread, “This is the body of Christ”?’ In this article, I offer a delineation of various families of answers to this question as they have been proffered in the history of the church. These families are distinguished by how they view the presence of the body of Christ as well as the continued presence of the bread and wine after consecration. I then provide a specific examination of some recent attempts to explicate these views. A number of the recent work has focused on the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, but I also survey consubstantiation, transignification, and a recent revival of impanation as potential means for describing the metaphysical realities of the Eucharist.
Epistemic Elitism and Other Minds
Authors: Chudnoff Elijah
Published: July 2016

Experiences justify beliefs about our environment. Sometimes the justification is immediate: seeing a red light immediately justifies believing there is a red light. Other times the justification is mediate: seeing a red light justifies believing one should brake in a way that is mediated by background knowledge of traffic signals. How does this distinction map onto the distinction between what is and what isn't part of the content of experience? Epistemic egalitarians think that experiences immediately justify whatever is part of their content. Epistemic elitists deny this and think that there is some further constraint the contents of experience must satisfy to be immediately justified. Here I defend epistemic elitism, propose a phenomenological account of what the further constraint is, and explore the resulting view's consequences for our knowledge of other minds, and in particular for perceptual theories of this knowledge.
(When) Should We Use Foreign Direct Investment Data to Measure the Activities of Multinational Corporations? Theory and Evidence
Authors: Wacker K. M.
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the different concepts of measuring activities of multinational corporations. It aims at working out the economic relationships that theoretically exist between these measures under general economic assumptions and then empirically investigates to which extent such relationships exist in the data. As a main conclusion, foreign direct investment (FDI) stock data is indeed a good proxy for measuring most real economic activities of multinational firms. Discrepancies between FDI stock and other data can to a large extent be given a reasonable economic meaning, but observed asset‐to‐employment patterns in multinational production also call for more thorough future research.
Child Poverty in the United States: A Tale of Devastation and the Promise of Hope
Authors: McCarty Alyn T.
Published: July 2016

The child poverty rate in the United States is higher than in most similarly developed countries, making child poverty one of America's most pressing social problems. This article provides an introduction of child poverty in the USA, beginning with a short description of how poverty is measured and how child poverty is patterned across social groups and geographic space. I then examine the consequences of child poverty with a focus educational outcomes and child health and three pathways through which poverty exerts its influence: resources, culture, and stress. After a brief review of the anti‐poverty policy and programmatic landscape, I argue that moving forward we must enrich the communities in which poor families live in addition to boosting incomes and directly supporting children's skill development. I conclude with emerging research questions.
Mental Simulation as Substitute for Experience
Authors: Kappes Heather Barry , Morewedge Carey K.
Published: July 2016

People spend a considerable amount of their time mentally simulating experiences other than the one in which they are presently engaged, as a means of distraction, coping, or preparation for the future. In this integrative review, we examine four (non‐exhaustive) cases in which mentally simulating an experience serves a different function, as a substitute for the corresponding experience. In each case, mentally simulating an experience evokes similar cognitive, physiological, and/or behavioral consequences as having the corresponding experience in reality: (i) imagined experiences are attributed evidentiary value like physical evidence, (ii) mental practice instantiates the same performance benefits as physical practice, (iii) imagined consumption of a food reduces its actual consumption, and (iv) imagined goal achievement reduces motivation for actual goal achievement. We organize these cases under a common superordinate category and discuss their different methodological approaches and explanatory accounts. Our integration yields theoretical and practical insights into when and why mentally simulating an experience serves as its substitute.
Ethical Requirements and Responsibilities in Video Methodologies: Considering Confidentiality and Representation in Social Justice Research
Authors: Anderson Steph M. , Muñoz Proto Carolina
Published: July 2016

In recent years, psychologists have begun to use video more frequently in qualitative research, in particular, within research on social justice. The non‐confidential nature inherent in video, however, raises new ethical challenges for the field of psychology to address. Building upon a growing literature on video‐based research, in this article, we use an illustrative case study to examine how researchers' sense ofethical responsibilitycan find guidance from, clash against, or fill gaps left by extant federal and disciplinaryethical requirements. We focus specifically on issues of confidentiality and representation, highlighting the challenges and possibilities that video creates in relation to participants' power, dignity, and participation and arguing that psychologists must systematically engage questions about ethical responsibilities throughout the design and implementation phases of a research project. In doing so, psychologists, their community partners, and students will be better able to articulate and problematize their assumptions and intentions regarding video work.
Evaluation of cytology collection techniques and prevalence of Malassezia yeast and bacteria in claw folds of normal and allergic dogs
Authors: Lo Kimberly L. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Canine bacterial and Malassezia paronychia are common secondary complications of atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare three different sampling methods for claw fold cytology and to evaluate the numbers of bacteria, Malassezia yeast and inflammatory cells.

Animals

Sixty client‐owned dogs were classified into three groups: (A) normal dogs; (B) allergic dogs with no clinical evidence of claw disease (brown staining, erythema, swelling, crusts or exudates); and (C) allergic dogs with clinical paronychia.

Methods

A prospective, blinded, split‐plot study design was used. Claw folds from each dog were sampled using either a toothpick, tape preparation or direct impression smear. Slides were evaluated by two investigators for inflammatory cells, nuclear streaming, debris, corneocytes, yeast, intracellular (IC) cocci, extracellular (EC) cocci, IC rods and EC rods. For each parameter, data were compared between groups and between methods. Inter‐reader agreements were calculated.

Results

Group C had significantly higher values of EC cocci and corneocytes than Groups A or B. Although Malassezia organisms were more prevalent in allergic dogs than normal dogs, the counts were not significantly different. There were significantly higher numbers of Malassezia organisms (P = 0.0016) and EC cocci (P = 0.0106) retrieved from samples collected with a toothpick compared to other methods. Tape preparations were associated with significantly more debris and corneocytes (both P < 0.0001) and impression smears with significantly more nuclear streaming (P = 0.0468).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Sample collection using a toothpick optimizes the value of cytological results when sampling allergic dogs with clinical paronychia.
A retrospective review of hyperaesthetic leucotrichia in horses in the USA
Authors: Goodale Elizabeth C. , White Stephen D. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Everett Angela D. , Affolter Verena K.
Published: July 2016

Background

Hyperaesthetic leucotrichia (HL) rarely affects horses and causes painful lesions on the dorsum that result in leucotrichia. This may be a variant of erythema multiforme (EM), but there are no studies investigating this condition.

Objectives

Describe the clinical and histological features of HL and compare them to the histological features of EM.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records from 1985 to 2015 identified 15 horses with HL. Thirteen biopsies of HL and five of EM were evaluated and compared.

Results

Arabian horses and their crosses (χ2(1) = 8.56, P < 0.01) and American paint horses (χ2(1) = 6.64, P < 0.05) were over represented. The onset of clinical signs was between April and September (14 of 15). The most common clinical signs were pain (15 of 15), leucotrichia (11 of 15), crusting (10 of 15) and alopecia (8 of 15) limited to darkly pigmented skin. The lesions recurred seasonally in 6 of 12 horses and unpredictably in 1 of 12 horse. The most common histological features were the presence of large stellate cells (13 of 13) and oedema (12 of 13) in the superficial dermis, perivascular to diffuse lymphocytic inflammation (13 of 13), pigmentary incontinence (12 of 13), apoptotic keratinocytes (9 of 13) and vesicle formation (8 of 13). Horses with EM (n = 5) had significantly more acanthosis (z = −2.40, P < 0.02) and lymphocytic exocytosis (z = −3.1, P < 0.004), satellitosis (Fisher's exact P = 0.02) and inflammation (z = −2.91, P < 0.004). Horses with HL had significantly more pigmentary incontinence (z = 2.13, P < 0.04) and superficial dermal oedema (z = 2.56, P < 0.002).

Conclusions

HL affects primarily Arabian horses and American paint horses. It occurs mainly in summer and may recur. Histologically HL shares features with EM, but there are significant differences between them.
EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING GUIDELINES FOR DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN THORACOLUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISK EXTRUSIONS AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISK PROTRUSIONS IN DOGS
Authors: De Decker Steven , Gomes Sergio A. , Packer Rowena MA , Kenny Patrick J. , Beltran Elsa , Parzefall Birgit , Fenn Joe , Nair Devi , Nye George , Volk Holger A.
Published: July 2016

Four MRI variables have recently been suggested to be independently associated with a diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion. Midline intervertebral disk herniation, and partial intervertebral disk degeneration were associated with intervertebral disk protrusion, while presence of a single intervertebral disk herniation and disk material dispersed beyond the boundaries of the intervertebral disk space were associated with intervertebral disk extrusion. The aim of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to determine whether using these MRI variables improves differentiation between thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusions and protrusions. Eighty large breed dogs with surgically confirmed thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusions or protrusions were included. Randomized MRI studies were presented on two occasions to six blinded observers, which were divided into three experience categories. During the first assessment, observers made a presumptive diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion without guidelines. During the second assessment they were asked to make a presumptive diagnosis with the aid of guidelines. Agreement was evaluated by Kappa‐statistics. Diagnostic accuracy significantly improved from 70.8 to 79.6% and interobserver agreement for making a diagnosis of intervertebral disk extrusion or intervertebral disk protrusion improved from fair (κ = 0.27) to moderate (κ = 0.41) after using the proposed guidelines. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly influenced by degree of observer experience. Intraobserver agreement for the assessed variables ranged from fair to excellent and interobserver agreement ranged from fair to moderate. The results of this study suggest that the proposed imaging guidelines can aid in differentiating thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusions from protrusions.
Human antibody reactivity against xenogeneic N‐glycolylneuraminic acid and galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose antigen
Authors: Hurh Sunghoon , Kang Bohae , Choi Inho , Cho Bumrae , Lee Eun Mi , Kim Hwajung , Kim Young June , Chung Yun Shin , Jeong Jong Cheol , Hwang Jong‐Ik , Kim Jae Young , Lee Byeong Chun , Surh Charles D. , Yang Jaeseok , Ahn Curie
Published: July 2016

Background

Despite the development of α1,3‐galactosyl transferase‐knockout (GTKO) pigs, acute humoral xenograft rejection caused by antibodies against non‐Gal antigens, along with complement activation, are hurdles that need to be overcome. Among non‐Gal antigens, N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is considered to play an important role in xenograft rejection in human.

Methods

We generated human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells that expressed xenogeneic Neu5Gc (HEK293‐pCMAH) or α1,3Gal (HEK293‐pGT) antigen and investigated the degree of human antibody binding and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against these antigens using 100 individual human sera.

Results

Both IgM and IgG bound to α1,3Gal, while only IgG bound to Neu5Gc. Of the ABO blood groups, the degree of IgG binding to α1,3Gal was highest for blood group A. The degree of CDC against HEK293‐pCMAH cells was significantly lower than that against HEK293‐pGT cells. However, CDC against HEK293‐pCMAH cells was significantly higher than that against control HEK293 cells. In addition, the severity of CDC against HEK293‐pCMAH cells positively correlated with that against GTKO pig aortic endothelial cells (PAECs), suggesting that Neu5Gc is the main antigen in GTKO PAECs. Similar to antibody‐binding activity, only IgG binding correlated with CDC against HEK293‐pCMAH cells. The most common subclass of IgGs against Neu5Gc was IgG1, which typically induces strong complement activation.

Conclusions

We showed that IgG‐mediated CDC was detected in Neu5Gc‐overexpressed HEK293 cells incubated with human sera; however, this antibody reactivity to Neu5Gc was highly variable among individuals. Our results suggest that additional modifications to the CMAH gene should be considered for widespread use of pig organs for human transplants.
Molecular phylogeny, biogeography and chromosome evolution of Malagasy dwarf geckos of the genus Lygodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae)
Authors: Mezzasalma Marcello , Andreone Franco , Aprea Gennaro , Glaw Frank , Odierna Gaetano , Guarino Fabio M.
Published: July 2016

We performed a phylogenetic analysis using nuclear (RAG‐1, RAG‐2) and mitochondrial (16S) markers, a statistical Bayesian reconstruction of ancestral distribution areas and a karyological analysis on most Malagasy species of the gekkonid genus Lygodactylus. The phylogenetic analysis largely confirms major basal branching pattern of previous molecular studies, but highlights significant differences concerning both the relationships between different species groups as well as those within groups. The biogeographic analysis supports a Malagasy origin of Lygodactylus, an oversea dispersal to continental Africa and a return to Madagascar. The L. madagascariensis group (also including a new candidate species identified herein) is the most basal clade in Lygodactylus, and the sister group of a clade with all the remaining species. The second most basal clade is the L. verticillatus group, placed as the sister group of a clade comprising African and Malagasy species. The sister lineage of the L. verticillatus group originated the African radiation through an oversea dispersal out of Madagascar. Eventually, the sister lineage of the L. capensis group originated secondary dispersals from Africa to Madagascar. In Madagascar, lineage diversification in different species groups mainly occurred from southern to northern and eastern regions. Dispersal, vicariance and paleoclimatic refugia probably played a relevant role in the evolutionary history of closely related taxa and in speciation mechanisms. The cytogenetic analysis evidenced a high karyotypic variability in Lygodactylus (from 2n = 34 to 2n = 40), which is at least partly consistent with the phylogenetic relationships and the composition of the various species group. Chromosome evolution occurred independently in different lineages, mainly through a reduction in the chromosome number and starting from a putative primitive karyotype of 2n = 40 with all telocentric elements.
Diversification across major biogeographic breaks in the African Shining/Square‐tailed Drongos complex (Passeriformes: Dicruridae)
Authors: Fuchs Jérôme , Fjeldså Jon , Bowie Rauri C. K.
Published: July 2016

Surprisingly, little is known about the extent of genetic structure within widely distributed and polytypic African species that are not restricted to a particular habitat type. The few studies that have been conducted suggested that speciation among African vertebrates may be intrinsically tied to habitat and the dynamic nature of biome boundaries. In the present study, we assessed the geographic structure of genetic variation across two sister‐species of drongos, the Square‐tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii) and the Shining Drongo (D. atripennis), that are distributed across multiple sub‐Saharan biogeographic regions and habitat types. Our results indicate that D. ludwigii consists of two strongly divergent lineages, corresponding to an eastern–southern lineage and a central‐western lineage. Furthermore, the central‐western lineage may be more closely related to D. atripennis, a species restricted to the Guineo‐Congolian forest block, and it should therefore be ranked as a separate species from the eastern–southern lineage. Genetic structure is also recovered within the three primary lineages of the D. atripennis–D. ludwigii complex, suggesting that the true species diversity still remains underestimated. Additional sampling and data are required to resolve the taxonomic status of several further populations. Overall, our results suggest the occurrence of complex diversification patterns across habitat types and biogeographic regions in sub‐Saharan Africa birds.
Nicotinic receptor activation contrasts pathophysiological bursting and neurodegeneration evoked by glutamate uptake block on rat hypoglossal motoneurons
Authors: Corsini Silvia , Tortora Maria , Nistri Andrea
Published: July 2016

Key points

Impaired uptake of glutamate builds up the extracellular level of this excitatory transmitter to trigger rhythmic neuronal bursting and delayed cell death in the brainstem motor nucleus hypoglossus.

This process is the expression of the excitotoxicity that underlies motoneuron degeneration in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affecting bulbar motoneurons.

In a model of motoneuron excitotoxicity produced by pharmacological block of glutamate uptake in vitro, rhythmic bursting is suppressed by activation of neuronal nicotinic receptors with their conventional agonist nicotine. Emergence of bursting is facilitated by nicotinic receptor antagonists.

Following excitotoxicity, nicotinic receptor activity decreases mitochondrial energy dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress and production of toxic radicals. Globally, these phenomena synergize to provide motoneuron protection.

Nicotinic receptors may represent a novel target to contrast pathological overactivity of brainstem motoneurons and therefore to prevent their metabolic distress and death.

Excitotoxicity is thought to be one of the early processes in the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because high levels of glutamate have been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of such patients due to dysfunctional uptake of this transmitter that gradually damages brainstem and spinal motoneurons. To explore potential mechanisms to arrest ALS onset, we used an established in vitro model of rat brainstem slice preparation in which excitotoxicity is induced by the glutamate uptake blocker dl‐threo‐β‐benzyloxyaspartate (TBOA). Because certain brain neurons may be neuroprotected via activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) by nicotine, we investigated if nicotine could arrest excitotoxic damage to highly ALS‐vulnerable hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs). On 50% of patch‐clamped HMs, TBOA induced intense network bursts that were inhibited by 1–10 μm nicotine, whereas nAChR antagonists facilitated burst emergence in non‐burster cells. Furthermore, nicotine inhibited excitatory transmission and enhanced synaptic inhibition. Strong neuroprotection by nicotine prevented the HM loss observed after 4 h of TBOA exposure. This neuroprotective action was due to suppression of downstream effectors of neurotoxicity such as increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, impaired energy metabolism and upregulated genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, HMs surviving TBOA toxicity often expressed UDP‐glucose glycoprotein glucosyltransferase, a key element in repair of misfolded proteins: this phenomenon was absent after nicotine application, indicative of ER stress prevention. Our results suggest nAChRs to be potential targets for inhibiting excitotoxic damage of motoneurons at an early stage of the neurodegenerative process.
The efficacy of herbal medicines againstToxoplasma gondiiduring the last 3 decades: a systematic review
Authors: Sharif Mahdi , Sarvi Shahabeddin , Pagheh Abdol Sattar , Asfaram Shabnam , Rahimi Mohammad Taghi , Mehrzadi Saeed , Ahmadpour Ehsan , Gholami Shirzad , Daryani Ahmad
Published: July 2016

The objective of the current study was to systematically review papers discussing the efficacy of medicinal herbs against Toxoplasma gondii. Data were systematically collected from published papers about the efficacy of herbs used against T. gondii globally from 1988 to 2015, from PubMed, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, Science Direct, and Scopus. Forty-nine papers were included in the current systematic review reporting the evaluation of medicinal plants against T. gondii globally, both in vitro and in vivo. Sixty-one plants were evaluated. Most of the studies were carried out on Artemisia annua. The second highest number of studies were carried out on Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts. RH and ME49 were the predominant parasite strains used. Additionally, Swiss-Webster and BALB/c mice were the major animal models used. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts were used more than other types of extracts. Natural compounds mentioned here may be developed as novel and more effective therapeutic agents that improve the treatment of toxoplasmosis due to their lower side effects, higher availability, and better cultural acceptance compared with those of the chemical drugs that are currently being used.
Solar Energy for a Solvent Recovery Stage in a Biodiesel Production Process
Authors: León José A. , Montero Gisela , Coronado Marcos , Ayala José R. , García Conrado , Luna Aníbal , Vázquez Ana M.
Published: July 2016

Recent research and development of clean energy have become essential due to the global climate change problem, which is caused largely by fossil fuels burning. Therefore, biodiesel, a renewable and ecofriendly biofuel with less environmental impact than diesel, continues expanding worldwide. The process for biodiesel production involves a significant energy demand, specifically in the methanol recovery stage through a flash separator and a distillation column. Traditionally, the energy required for this process is supplied by fossil fuels. It represents an opportunity for the application of renewable energy. Hence, the current study presents a system of thermal energy storage modeled in TRNSYS® and supported by simulations performed in ASPEN PLUS®. The aim of this research was to supply solar energy for a methanol recovery stage in a biodiesel production process. The results highlighted that it is feasible to meet 91% of the energy demand with an array of 9 parabolic trough collectors. The array obtained from the simulation was 3 in series and 3 in parallel, with a total area of 118.8 m2. It represents an energy saving of 70 MWh per year.
Hepatotoxicity due to Clindamycin in Combination with Acetaminophen in a 62-Year-Old African American Female: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Okudo Jerome , Anusim Nwabundo
Published: July 2016

Clindamycin is a bacteriostatic lincosamide antibiotic with a broad spectrum. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and metallic taste; however, hepatotoxicity is rare. The incidence is unknown. It is characterized by increases in aspartate and alanine transaminases. There may be no symptoms and the treatment is to stop the administration of clindamycin. We have described a 62-year-old African American female medicated with acetaminophen and clindamycin who had initially presented to the dental clinic for the evaluation of gum pain following tooth extraction. She had significantly increased levels of liver transaminases, which trended downwards on quitting the medication.
Application of the Least Squares Method in Axisymmetric Biharmonic Problems
Authors: Chekurin Vasyl , Postolaki Lesya
Published: July 2016

An approach for solving of the axisymmetric biharmonic boundary value problems for semi-infinite cylindrical domain was developed in the paper. On the lateral surface of the domain homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions are prescribed. On the remaining part of the domain’s boundary four different biharmonic boundary pieces of data are considered. To solve the formulated biharmonic problems the method of least squares on the boundary combined with the method of homogeneous solutions was used. That enabled reducing the problems to infinite systems of linear algebraic equations which can be solved with the use of reduction method. Convergence of the solution obtained with developed approach was studied numerically on some characteristic examples. The developed approach can be used particularly to solve axisymmetric elasticity problems for cylindrical bodies, the heights of which are equal to or exceed their diameters, when on their lateral surface normal and tangential tractions are prescribed and on the cylinder’s end faces various types of boundary conditions in stresses in displacements or mixed ones are given.
The Effect of Chronic Alprazolam Intake on Memory, Attention, and Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Human Male Volunteers
Authors: Chowdhury Zahid Sadek , Morshed Mohammed Monzur , Shahriar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Islam Sardar Mohd. Ashraful , Bin Sayeed Muhammad Shahdaat
Published: July 2016

Alprazolam is used as an anxiolytic drug for generalized anxiety disorder and it has been reported to produce sedation and anterograde amnesia. In the current study, we randomly divided 26 healthy male volunteers into two groups: one group taking alprazolam 0.5 mg and the other taking placebo daily for two weeks. We utilized the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) software to assess the chronic effect of alprazolam. We selected Paired Associates Learning (PAL) and Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) tests for memory, Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) for attention, and Choice Reaction Time (CRT) for psychomotor performance twice: before starting the treatment and after the completion of the treatment. We found statistically significant impairment of visual memory in one parameter of PAL and three parameters of DMS in alprazolam group. The PAL mean trial to success and total correct matching in 0-second delay, 4-second delay, and all delay situation of DMS were impaired in alprazolam group. RVP total hits after two weeks of alprazolam treatment were improved in alprazolam group. But such differences were not observed in placebo group. In our study, we found that chronic administration of alprazolam affects memory but attentive and psychomotor performance remained unaffected.
Dengue Deaths: Associated Factors and Length of Hospital Stay
Authors: Pooransingh S. , Teelucksingh S. , Dialsingh I.
Published: July 2016

Background. Dengue continues to pose a public health problem globally.Objective. To review factors associated with patients who died from dengue in Trinidad.Methods. A retrospective case note review of hospitalized patients who died during 2001 to 2010.Results. A total of 23 cases were identified: 13 males, 10 females—12 East Indians, 9 Africans, and 2 unknown. More than half (n=17) were over 40 years of age with 10 being over 60 years of age; three were children. A falling platelet count was observed in 16 while 18 patients had a low normal haematocrit. There was a significant association of ethnicity, hypertension, and diabetes with length of hospital stay.Conclusions. The study sample included 10 patients over 60 years of age. Patients with diabetes and hypertension and patients of East Indian origin appeared to have a shorter hospital stay prior to death.
NK Cell Subtypes as Regulators of Autoimmune Liver Disease
Authors: Jiao Guohui , Wang Bangmao
Published: July 2016

As major components of innate immunity, NK cells not only exert cell-mediated cytotoxicity to destroy tumors or infected cells, but also act to regulate the functions of other cells in the immune system by secreting cytokines and chemokines. Thus, NK cells provide surveillance in the early defense against viruses, intracellular bacteria, and cancer cells. However, the effecter function of NK cells must be exquisitely controlled to prevent inadvertent attack against normal “self” cells. In an organ such as the liver, where the distinction between immunotolerance and immune defense against routinely processed pathogens is critical, the plethora of NK cells has a unique role in the maintenance of homeostasis. Once self-tolerance is broken, autoimmune liver disease resulted. NK cells act as a “two-edged weapon” and even play opposite roles with both regulatory and inducer activities in the hepatic environment. That is, NK cells act not only to produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but also to alter the proliferation and activation of associated lymphocytes. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms at work in autoimmune liver diseases remain to be identified. In this review, we focus on recent research with NK cells and their potential role in the development of autoimmune liver disease.
Herbal Medicines for Asthmatic Inflammation: From Basic Researches to Clinical Applications
Authors: Liu Fang , Xuan Nan-Xia , Ying Song-Min , Li Wen , Chen Zhi-Hua , Shen Hua-Hao
Published: July 2016

Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorders, associated with reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. This disease has a significant impact on individuals, their families, and society. Standardized therapeutics such as inhaled corticosteroid in combination with long actingβ2 agonist have been applied for asthma control; however, complementary and alternative medicines, especially herbal medicines, are still widely used all over the world. A growing body of literature suggests that various herbals or related products might be effective in inhibiting asthmatic inflammation. In this review, we summarize recent advances about the mechanistic studies of herbal medicines on allergic airway inflammation in animal models and their potential application into clinic for asthma control.
Appendagitis following Diagnostic Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Appendicectomy
Authors: Kumar R. , Bamford R. F. , Kumar D. , Singh-Ranger G.
Published: July 2016

Appendagitis is an uncommon clinical entity, often not recognised, and mistaken for more serious infective conditions. We describe a proven case of appendagitis which occurred after confirmed appendicitis. We postulate that this condition can coexist with appendicitis and indeed may be the result of coinflammation. This has several implications. Firstly, clinicians must retain an index of suspicion for this condition in a patient with localised abdominal pain which occurs after appendicitis. Secondly, it would be reasonable to suggest careful examination of colocated appendages in a patient with an otherwise normal-appearing appendix. Treatment might require laparoscopic resection, as performed in this case.
Prognostic Value of Osteopontin Splice Variant-c Expression in Breast Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hao Chengcheng , Wang Zhiyan , Gu Yanan , Jiang Wen G. , Cheng Shan
Published: July 2016

Objectives.Osteopontin (OPN) is overexpressed in breast cancers, while its clinical and prognostic significance remained unclear. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of OPN, especially its splice variants, in breast cancers.Methods.Data were extracted from eligible studies concerning the OPN and OPN-c expression in breast cancer patients and were used to calculate the association between OPN/OPN-c and survival. Two reviewer teams independently screened the literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on quality evaluation. Following the processes of data extraction, assessment, and transformation, meta-analysis was carried outviaRevMan 5.3 software.Results. A total of ten studies involving 1,567 patients were included. The results demonstrated that high level OPN indicated a poor outcome in the OS (HR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.23–4.00, andP=0.008; random-effects model) with heterogeneity (I2=62%) of breast cancer patients. High level OPN-c appeared to be more significantly associated with poor survival (HR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.51–3.04, andP<0.0001; fixed-effects model) with undetected heterogeneity (I2=0%).Conclusions.Our analyses indicated that both OPN and OPN-c could be considered as prognostic markers for breast cancers. The high level of OPN-c was suggested to be more reliably associated with poor survival in breast cancer patients.
Antitumor Effect of Zhihuang Fuzheng Soft Capsules on Tumor‐Bearing Mice
Authors: Bao Yanyan , Pan Xin , Jin Yahong , Gao Yingjie , Cui Xiaolan
Published: July 2016

Chinese medicines (CMs) have been shown to have some advantages in preventing and controlling tumors. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of ZFSC by establishing a mouse model of HT‐1080, A‐549, and HCT‐8 tumors. The result showed that tumor volumes of HT‐1080 tumor‐bearing nude mice in ZFSC low, medium, and high dose groups were lower significantly compared to the model group, and the high dose ZFSC showed the best antitumor effect. Tumor volumes of A‐549 tumor‐bearing nude mice in ZFSC low, medium, and high dose groups were lower significantly compared to the model group and showed a good dose‐response relationship. There was no significant effect on human colon cancer, although inhibition trends disappeared in the bar chart. In order to verify the immunomodulatory effect of ZFSC, ELISA was used to analyze serums IL‐2, TNF‐α, and IFN in spleens. The results showed that ZFSC could enhance the immune function of tumor‐bearing mice. ZFSC reduced IFN‐γ and TNF‐α content in the serum of HT‐1080 tumor‐bearing mice and inhibit PD1 and PDL1 and suggested that the antitumor mechanism of ZFSC on human fibrosarcoma could be attributed to inhibition of the PDL1/PD1 pathway.