bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inference of biogeographic history by formally integrating distinct lines of evidence: genetic, environmental niche and fossil
Authors: Hoban Sean , Dawson Andria , Robinson John D. , Smith Adam B. , Strand Allan E.
Published: April 2019

A primary focus of historical biogeography is to understand changes in species ranges, abundance and genetic connectivity, and changes in community composition. Traditionally, biogeographic inference has relied on distinct lines of evidence, including DNA sequences, fossils and hindcasted ecological niche models. In this review we propose that the development of integrative modeling approaches that leverage multiple distinct data types from diverse disciplines has the potential to revolutionize the field of biogeography. Although each data type contains information on a distinct aspect of species’ biogeographic histories, few studies formally integrate multiple types in analysis. For example, post hoc congruence among analyses based on different data types (e.g. fossils and genetics) is commonly assumed to indicate likely biogeographic histories. Unfortunately, analyses of different data often reach discordant conclusions. Thus, fundamental and unresolved debates continue regarding speed and timing of postglacial migration, location and size of glacial refugia, and degree of long distance dispersal. Formal statistical integration can help address these issues. More specifically, formal integration can leverage all available evidence, account for inherent biases associated with different data types, and quantify data and process uncertainty. Novel, quantitative integration of data and models across fields is now possible due to recent advances in cyberinfrastructure, spatial modeling, online and aggregated ecological databases, data processing and quantitative methods. Our purpose is to make the case for and give examples of rigorous integration of genetic, fossil and environmental/occurrence data for inferring biogeographic history. In particular, we 1) review the need for such a framework; 2) explain common data types and approaches used to infer biogeographic history (and the challenges with each); 3) review state‐of‐the‐art examples of data integration in biogeography; 4) lay out a series of novel, suggested improvements on current methods; and 5) provide an outlook on technical feasibility and future opportunities.
Feeding behavior of Myzus persicae on asparagus species susceptible and resistant to Asparagus virus 1
Authors: Lantos Edit , Schliephake Edgar , Krämer Reiner , Will Torsten , Nothnagel Thomas
Published: April 2019

Asparagus virus 1 (AV‐1) infects Asparagus officinalis L. (Asparagaceae) in the field worldwide. However, various wild relatives of A. officinalis are resistant to AV‐1. Here we study the behavior of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on 19 AV‐1‐resistant wild relatives of A. officinalis. We focus on behavior that is associated with regular cell penetration, relevant for inoculation of AV‐1, and sieve element penetration to check for vector resistance and its potential influence on AV‐1 transmission. Parameters, relevant for the transmission of non‐persistent viruses and host plant acceptance, were obtained by the electrical penetration graph technique. Furthermore, phylloclade architecture of A. officinalis and its wild relatives was examined to study its influence on aphid behavior. Behavior of M. persicae displays many cell penetrations and long ingestion periods on A. officinalis, compared to the generally shorter cell penetrations (reduced potential for virus transmission) and reduced or no ingestion (phloem‐located aphid resistance) on wild relatives. Because effects on aphid behavior are not consistent throughout the group of the tested wild relatives of A. officinalis, with some wild relatives being susceptible to M. persicae, a common genetic background for AV‐1 and aphid resistance appears to be unlikely. However, the reduced potential of virus transmission as well as aphid resistance shown by some wild relatives may be useful for future breeding programs.
Two closely related species of Nipponaphis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) that migrate between Distylium racemosum and Machilus trees in Japan
Authors: Aoki Shigeyuki , Kurosu Utako , Uematsu Keigo , Fukatsu Takema , Kutsukake Mayako
Published: April 2019

Nipponaphis loochooensis Sorin, 1996 and N. machilicola (Shinji, 1941) form fig‐shaped or globular galls on Distylium racemosum in southern Japan. Nipponaphis machilicola migrates to the lauraceous evergreen Machilus thunbergii. Nipponaphis loochooensis has also been supposed to migrate to M. thunbergii, but its secondary‐host generation has not been found in the field to date. Through sampling Nipponaphis aphids from trees of M. japonica in addition to M. thunbergii, and sequencing their mitochondrial DNA, we found that the two species form colonies on twigs of both Machilus species, and that the two at times colonize on the same trees and even form mixed colonies. Only N. loochooensis forms colonies on leaves of M. japonica, but neither species colonizes on leaves of M. thunbergii. The secondary‐host generations of the two species could be clearly discriminated from each other, based on morphology. It was confirmed by examining the type specimens of Nipponaphis amamiana Takahashi, 1962 that the name is a junior synonym of N. machilicola.
Testing early warning metrics for drought‐induced tree physiological stress and mortality
Authors: Anderegg William R. L. , Anderegg Leander D. L. , Huang Cho‐ying
Published: April 2019

Climate change‐driven drought stress has triggered numerous large‐scale tree mortality events in recent decades. Advances in mechanistic understanding and prediction are greatly limited by an inability to detect in situ where trees are likely to die in order to take timely measurements and actions. Thus, algorithms of early warning and detection of drought‐induced tree stress and mortality could have major scientific and societal benefits. Here, we leverage two consecutive droughts in the southwestern United States to develop and test a set of early warning metrics. Using Landsat satellite data, we constructed early warning metrics from the first drought event. We then tested these metrics' ability to predict spatial patterns in tree physiological stress and mortality from the second drought. To test the broader applicability of these metrics, we also examined a separate drought in the Amazon rainforest. The early warning metrics successfully explained subsequent tree mortality in the second drought in the southwestern US, as well as mortality in the independent drought in tropical forests. The metrics also strongly correlated with spatial patterns in tree hydraulic stress underlying mortality, which provides a strong link between tree physiological stress and remote sensing during the severe drought and indicates that the loss of hydraulic function during drought likely mediated subsequent mortality. Thus, early warning metrics provide a critical foundation for elucidating the physiological mechanisms underpinning tree mortality in mature forests and guiding management responses to these climate‐induced disturbances.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculants and fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation quality, in vitro degradability, ruminal variables and microbial communities of high‐moisture alfalfa silage
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Shao Tao
Published: April 2019

The silage additives not only influence the fermentation quality of silages, but may have positive effects on animal performance by affecting the ruminal fermentation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants, either alone or in combination with fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation quality, and ruminal nutrients degradability, fermentation profile and microbial communities of high‐moisture alfalfa silage. Alfalfa (206 g dry matter [DM]/kg fresh matter) was ensiled in laboratory‐scale silos with four experimental variants: (a) deionized water (Control); (b) LAB inoculants (Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus combination; I); (c) fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes combination; E); (d) a mixture of I and E (IE). All silos were opened after 45 days for determining the silage quality. Further, the four experimental silages were used to measure in vitro rumen degradability, fermentation profile and bacterial populations by fermenting with buffered rumen fluid. The addition of I stimulated a more efficient homofermentation of high‐moisture alfalfa silage than in the variants without I, as evidenced by higher lactic‐to‐acetic acid ratios and lower DM losses, and IE addition further enhanced the homofermentation. Compared to the Control, the addition of E increased the proteolysis, and decreased in vitro degradability of DM (IVDMD) and crude protein of DM (IVCPD) as well as in vitro gas production of 48 hr (GP48). The addition of I reduced the proteolysis and methane production, and increased the IVDMD, IVCPD, GP48, ruminal short‐chain fatty acids concentrations and microbial protein production. The populations of Genus Prevotella were higher in silages produced with I, but lower with E than the Control. The data suggested that the addition of LAB inoculants alone or together with fibrolytic enzymes could improve the fermentation quality and nutritive value of high‐moisture alfalfa silage.
Differential Transport of Escherichia coli Isolates Compared to Abiotic Tracers in a Karst Aquifer
Authors: Bandy Ashley M. , Cook Kimberly , Fryar Alan E. , Zhu Junfeng
Published: April 2019

Lack of filtration and rapid transport of groundwater and particulate matter make karst aquifers susceptible to bacterial contamination. This study utilized quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to examine the transport and attenuation of two nonvirulent isolates of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in relation to traditional groundwater tracers (rhodamine WT dye and 1‐µm diameter latex microspheres) in a karst‐conduit aquifer in central Kentucky. Bacterial isolates were labeled with stable isotopes (15N and 13C). All tracers were detected more than 6 km downstream from the injection site and demonstrated overlapping breakthrough curves, with differential transport observed between the two bacterial strains. The E. coli isolate containing the kps gene (low attachment) arrived at sampling sites 1.25 to 36 h prior to the bacterial isolate containing the iha gene (high attachment) and was detected in samples collected following storm events in which the iha isolate was not detected. The storage potential of contaminants within karst systems was demonstrated by the remobilization of all tracers during storm events more than 1 month after injection. Bacteria‐sized microspheres were more easily remobilized during periods of increased discharge compared to other tracers. The study demonstrated that molecular biology techniques such as qPCR can be utilized as a sensitive analysis of bacterial tracers in karst aquifers and may prove to be a more sensitive analytical technique than stable isotope analysis for field‐scale traces.
A Case of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Triggered by High‐Dose Methotrexate in a Boy With Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Xiaona , Zhang Yan , You Hui , Zhu Tienan , Zhou Daobin
Published: April 2019

Background

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by thunderclap headaches and transient segmental cerebral arterial vasoconstriction. Many drugs have been identified as triggers of RCVS. However, RCVS induced by methotrexate (MTX), an antimetabolite agent, has never been reported.

Case

We report the first case of a 17‐year‐old Chinese student with a thunderclap headache after administration of high‐dose methotrexate during the treatment of extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma. Brain magnetic resonance angiography showed segmental constriction of the right anterior cerebral artery A1 segment, combined with nonaneurysmal cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage and vasogenic brain edema in brain magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral images became normal 6 weeks later.

Discussion

MTX is associated with a variety of neurological toxicities, including aseptic meningitis, transverse myelopathy, acute and subacute encephalopathy, and leukoencephalopathy. However, this is the first report that MTX can trigger RCVS, although it is not a proof for causality. RCVS should be a differential diagnosis for a headache after MTX administration.
HOUSE PRICES AND CONSUMPTION INEQUALITY
Authors: Etheridge Ben
Published: April 2019

I characterize how house price shocks affect consumption inequality using a life cycle model of housing and nonhousing consumption with incomplete markets. I derive analytical expressions for the dynamics of inequalities and use these to analyze large house prices swings seen in the United Kingdom. I show that movements in consumption inequality were large, that they correspond with the theoretical predictions qualitatively, and that the model explains a large fraction of the movements quantitatively. I demonstrate the accuracy of this analysis using an extended model's full nonlinear solution. Finally, accounting for house price shocks alters estimates of labor–income risks using cross‐sectional data.
Elevated D‐dimer levels predict adverse outcomes in hospitalised elderly patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Yan Wei , Liu Jixuan , Liu Haiyan , Lu Jinhua , Chen Jingyun , Rong Ren , Song Linnan , Tang Haiying , Li Jianzhong , He Kunlun
Published: April 2019

Background

Elevated D‐dimer levels have been associated with poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Aim

To study this association in elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods

We analysed 1355 elderly patients who were admitted with CHF. All patients had D‐dimer levels measured within the first 24 h following admission. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the variables associated with chronic kidney disease. We used Cox regression analysis to assess the multivariable relationship between the D‐dimer and subsequent all‐cause death.

Results

In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the D‐dimer was identified as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (odds ratio = 1.278, 95% confidence interval 1.138 to 1.436, P < 0.001). The optimal cut‐off level for D‐dimer to predict all‐cause death was found to be >885 ng/mL. In the multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model, a D‐dimer level >885 ng/mL remained significantly associated with all‐cause death (hazard ratio = 2.003, 95% confidence interval 1.334 to 3.010, P = 0.001). Additional analyses revealed that higher D‐dimer levels were associated with an increased risk of all‐cause death irrespective of the subtype of heart failure (including heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction).

Conclusion

In elderly patients with CHF, measurement of D‐dimer levels may help to risk stratify these patients, and high D‐dimer levels might be regarded as a warning sign to intensify therapy.
Get with the guidelines: management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in emergency departments in Europe and Australasia is sub‐optimal
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree , Van Meer Oene , Keijzers Gerben , Motiejunaite Justina , Jones Peter , Body Richard , Craig Simon , Karamercan Mehmet , Klim Sharon , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Verschuren Franck , Holdgate Anna , Christ Michael , Golea Adela , Graham Colin A. , Capsec Jean , Barletta Cinzia , Garcia‐Castrillo Luis , Kuan Win S. , Laribi Said ,   on behalf of the AANZDEM and EuroDEM Study Groups
Published: April 2019

Background

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common in emergency departments (ED). Guidelines recommend administration of inhaled bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics along with non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) for patients with respiratory acidosis.

Aim

To determine compliance with guideline recommendations for patients treated for COPD in ED in Europe (EUR) and South East Asia/Australasia (SEA) and to compare management and outcomes.

Methods

In each region, an observational prospective cohort study was performed that included patients presenting to ED with the main complaint of dyspnoea during three 72‐h periods. This planned sub‐study included those with an ED primary discharge diagnosis of COPD. Data were collected on demographics, clinical features, treatment, disposition and in‐hospital mortality. We determined overall compliance with guideline recommendations and compared treatments and outcome between regions.

Results

A total of 801 patients was included from 122 ED (66 EUR and 46 SEA). Inhaled bronchodilators were administered to 80.3% of patients, systemic corticosteroids to 59.5%, antibiotics to 44 and 60.6% of patients with pH <7.3 received NIV. The proportion administered systemic corticosteroids was higher in SEA (EUR vs SEA for all comparisons; 52 vs 66%, P < 0.001) as was administration of antibiotics (40 vs 49%, P = 0.02). Rates of NIV and mechanical ventilation were similar. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 4.2% (SEA 3.9% vs EUR 4.5%, P = 0.77).

Conclusion

Compliance with guideline recommended treatments, in particular administration of corticosteroids and NIV, was sub‐optimal in both regions. Improved compliance has the potential to improve patient outcome.
Inbreeding alters context‐dependent reproductive effort and immunity in male crickets
Authors: Duffield Kristin R. , Hampton Kylie J. , Houslay Thomas M. , Hunt John , Sadd Ben M. , Sakaluk Scott K.
Published: April 2019

Infection can cause hosts to drastically alter their investment in key life‐history traits of reproduction and defence. Infected individuals are expected to increase investment in defence (e.g., by increasing immune function) and, due to trade‐offs, investment in other traits (e.g., current reproduction) should decrease. However, the terminal investment hypothesis postulates that decreased lifespan due to infection and the associated reduction in the expectation for future offspring will favour increased investment towards current reproduction. Variation in intrinsic condition will likely influence shifts in reproductive investment post‐infection, but this is often not considered in such assessments. For example, the extent of inbreeding can significantly impact an individual's lifetime fitness and may influence its reproductive behaviour following a threat of infection. Here, we investigated the effects of inbreeding status on an individual's reproductive investment upon infection, including the propensity to terminally invest. Male crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) from four genetically distinct inbred lines and one outbred line were subjected to a treatment from an increasing spectrum of simulated infection cue intensities, using heat‐killed bacteria. We then measured reproductive effort (calling effort), survival and immune function (antibacterial activity, circulating haemocytes and haemocyte microaggregations). Inbred and outbred males diverged in how they responded to a low‐dose infection cue: relative to unmanipulated males, outbred males decreased calling effort, whereas inbred males increased calling effort. Moreover, we found that inbred males exhibited higher antibacterial activity and numbers of circulating haemocytes compared with outbred males. These results suggest that an individual's inbreeding status may have consequences for context‐dependent shifts in reproductive strategies, such as those triggered by infection.
Essential oils as vespid wasp repellents: Implications for their use as a management strategy
Authors: Yossen María B. , Lozada Mariana , Kuperman Marcelo N. , González Silvia , Gastaldi Bruno , Buteler Micaela
Published: April 2019

Recently, plant‐based repellents have been proposed as a potential alternative to classic pesticides against pest wasps, in certain scenarios. Here, the repellent effect of Dysphania multifida essential oil and one of its main terpenoid components, α‐terpinene, were tested under field conditions with natural populations of wasps in Patagonia Argentina. D. multifida essential oil (paico), as well as α‐terpinene, repelled V. germanica wasps in the field. A strong avoidance of food baits treated with the essential oil or α‐terpinene was observed in choice and no‐choice tests. In no‐choice tests, the time it took wasps to arrive at the bait was significantly greater in treated baits than in control baits. Also, the total number of arriving wasps in 30 min was significantly greater in untreated baits in comparison with treated baits, under similar environmental conditions and wasp density. As the wasps’ flight season progressed, wasp density and motivation for proteinaceous food sources increased. This was evidenced by a greater total number of wasps in untreated baits with time. On the contrary, the number of wasps in treated baits remained low throughout the peak season. Both the paico essential oil and the α‐terpinene act as powerful repellents for V. germanica wasps, generating an avoidance response to treated food sources. Thus, these compounds have potential to be used as repellents to prevent wasps’ approaches and foraging, when applied in close proximity to a food source.
Evaluation of adjuvants to improve control of spotted‐wing drosophila in organic fruit production
Authors: Roubos Craig R. , Gautam Bal K. , Fanning Philip D. , Van Timmeren Steven , Spies Janine , Liburd Oscar E. , Isaacs Rufus , Curry Shane , Little Brian A. , Sial Ashfaq A.
Published: April 2019

Spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), is a key pest of berry crops in the United States. It is managed intensively using insecticides, but organic fruit growers have few effective chemical control options. Spinosad is the most effective organically approved product for control of D. suzukii, while other organic options have not shown high levels of control. Adjuvants are products added to pesticides to improve effectiveness, and these may function as stickers, spreaders or surfactants improving the spray coverage of insecticides on surfaces and thereby increasing the likelihood that pests will contact residues. We conducted experiments evaluating organically approved biopesticides in combination with three adjuvants including poly‐1‐p‐menthene, alcohol ethoxylate and polyether‐polymethylsiloxane‐copolymer polyether to determine whether addition of adjuvants improved efficacy and residual activity of these products. Alcohol ethoxylate and poly‐1‐p‐menthene showed some inherent insecticidal activity against D. suzukii in laboratory assays. Adjuvants increased mortality of some insecticides but not to a level that would provide adequate fruit protection. Poly‐1‐p‐menthene had a negative effect when combined with hydrogen peroxide + PAA and sabadilla alkaloids. Mortality in semi‐field bioassays was quite low except for spinosad. Polyether‐polymethylsiloxane‐copolymer polyether had a negative effect on the efficacy of spinosad. The adjuvants did not extend residual activity of the insecticides. Adjuvants did not provide the expected benefits of increased performance against D. suzukii when combined with organic biopesticides. Other methods for enhancing these insecticides will need to be explored to provide organic growers with more effective chemical control options for this invasive pest.
Optimizing the attractiveness of pheromone baits used for trapping the four‐eyed spruce bark beetle Polygraphus poligraphus
Authors: Viklund Lina , Rahmani Rizan , Bång Joakim , Schroeder Martin , Hedenström Erik
Published: April 2019

Bark beetles have caused extensive damage to forests in central Sweden during the past decade, and the four‐eyed spruce bark beetle, Polygraphus poligraphus, seems to be involved. However, its role in these bark beetle outbreaks is still not clear. The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient pheromone bait for P. poligraphus, which would make it possible to study the species more carefully and thereby contribute to protect exposed forests in an environmentally friendly way. Three field studies were conducted in 2015, 2016 and 2018 in Medelpad, county of Västernorrland, Sweden. The pheromone of P. poligraphus, (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol, was tested at different release rates and in different enantiomeric purities, to find the most attractive formulation for the beetles. It was also tested in combination with racemic frontalin, a compound which has previously been shown to produce a synergistic effect together with (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol of low enantiomeric purity; 52% ee. Other compounds, chosen based on responses from electroantennographic studies, were also tested in an attempt to find additional attractants and repellents for P. poligraphus. The most attractive treatment tested was enantiomerically pure (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol (99% ee). When the enantiomeric purity was lower (50% ee), the trap catches was lowered to levels comparable to the catches for unbaited control traps. A strong synergistic effect with frontalin was observed for (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol of low enantiomeric purity (50% ee) but not for the enantiomerically pure compound (99% ee). The release rate of (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol (99% ee) was shown to be an important factor. For the combination of frontalin and (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol (50% ee), the attraction seemed strongest when (−)‐terpinen‐4‐ol was released at a higher rate than frontalin. An interesting and novel result was that a repellent compound, α‐terpineol, was identified in our studies. Our results from field studies and electroantennography recordings also indicate that (+)‐terpinen‐4‐ol is a repellent for P. poligraphus.
The impacts of Japanese food losses and food waste on global natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Munesue Yosuke , Masui Toshihiko
Published: April 2019

Japan depends heavily on imports for its food supply. Since 2000, the food self‐sufficiency ratio has remained approximately 40% on a caloric basis. Japanese food wastage (i.e., food losses and food waste) is estimated to have been 6.42 million tonnes (50 kg per capita of wastage) in 2012. These values indicate that food wastage leads to wasted natural resources and excessive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions both in Japan and in countries that export to Japan. This study estimates Japanese food wastage by food item to evaluate impacts on land and water resources and global GHG emissions during the processing, distribution, and consumption phases of the food supply chain while also considering the feed crops needed for livestock production. Despite uncertainties due to data limitations, in 2012, 1.23 million hectares of harvested land were used to produce food that was eventually wasted, and 413 million m3 of water resources were wasted due to Japanese food wastage in agricultural production. Furthermore, unnecessary GHG emissions were 3.51 million tonnes of CO2 eq. in agricultural production and 0.49 million tonnes of CO2 eq. in international transportation. The outcomes of the present study can be used to develop countermeasures to food wastage in industrializing Asian countries where food imports are projected to increase and food wastage issues in the consumption stage are expected to become as serious as they currently are in Japan.
Can we turn mice into men?
Authors: Ludolph Albert C.
Published: April 2019

The pressure to develop pharmacological therapeutic interventions in the field of the rapidly progressing, fatal disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is traditionally high. Cannabinoids have been discussed for decades as potential neuroprotective agents for ALS because of their antiexcitatory, anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic and anticatabolic properties. This Editorial highlights a study by Urbi et al in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors performed a Systematic Review and come to the conclusion that cannabinoids seem to have a small, but consistent effect on survival and function of the G93A mice, a standard model for ALS. However, some methodological concerns regarding translation of findings made in G93A mice come to mind, and thus the Systematic Review emphasizes the need to critically assess differences between mice and humans.
Effects of oleanolic acid acetate on bone formation in an experimental periodontitis model in mice
Authors: Adhikari Nirpesh , Neupane Sanjiv , Aryal Yam Prasad , Choi Mi , Sohn Wern‐Joo , Lee Youngkyun , Jung Jae‐Kwang , Ha Jung‐Hong , Choi So‐Young , Suh Jo‐Young , Kim Ji‐Youn , Rho Mun‐Chual , Lee Tae‐Hoon , Yamamoto Hitoshi , An Chang‐Hyeon , Kim Sang‐Hyun , An Seo‐Young , Kim Jae‐Young
Published: April 2019

Objective

We evaluated the role of oleanolic acid acetate (OAA), a triterpenoid commonly used in the treatment of liver disorders, inflammatory diseases, and metastasis, in bone formation after tooth loss by periodontitis.

Background

Periodontitis causes the sequential degradation of the alveolar bone and associated structures, resulting in tooth loss. Several studies have attempted to regenerate the bone for implantation following tooth loss.

Methods

Maxillary left second molar was extracted from 8‐week‐old male mice following induction of periodontitis by ligature for 5 days. The extraction socket was treated with 50 ng/µL OAA for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Detailed morphological changes were examined using Masson's trichrome staining, and the precise localization patterns of various signaling molecules, including CD31, F4/80, interleukin (IL)‐6, and osteocalcin, were observed. The volume of bone formation was examined by Micro‐CT. Osteoclasts were enumerated using tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. For molecular dissection of signaling molecules, we employed the hanging‐drop in vitro cultivation method at E14 for 1 day and examined the expression pattern of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β superfamily and Wnt signaling genes.

Results

Histomorphometrical examinations showed facilitated bone formation in the extraction socket following OAA treatment. In addition, OAA‐treated specimens showed the altered localization patterns of inflammatory and bone formation‐related signaling molecules including CD31, F4/80, IL‐6, and osteocalcin. Also, embryonic tooth germ mesenchymal tissue cultivation with OAA treatment showed the significant altered expression patterns of signaling molecules such as transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β superfamily and Wnt signaling.

Conclusions

Oleanolic acid acetate induces bone formation and remodeling through proper modulation of osteoblast, osteoclast, and inflammation with regulations of TGF‐β and Wnt signaling.
Different filtering strategies of genotyping‐by‐sequencing data provide complementary resolutions of species boundaries and relationships in a clade of sexually deceptive orchids
Authors: Cozzolino Salvatore , Scopece Giovanni , Roma Luca , Schlüter Philipp M.
Published: April 2019

Ongoing hybridization and retained ancestral polymorphism in rapidly radiating lineages could mask recent cladogenetic events. This presents a challenge for the application of molecular phylogenetic methods to resolve differences between closely related taxa. We reanalyzed published genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) data to infer the phylogeny of four species within the Ophrys sphegodes complex, a recently radiated clade of orchids. We used different data filtering approaches to detect different signals contained in the dataset generated by GBS and estimated their effects on maximum likelihood trees, global FST and bootstrap support values. We obtained a maximum likelihood tree with high bootstrap support, separating the species by using a large dataset based on loci shared by at least 30% of accessions. Bootstrap and FST values progressively decreased when filtering for loci shared by a higher number of accessions. However, when filtering more stringently to retain homozygous and organellar loci, we identified two main clades. These clades group individuals independently from their a priori species assignment, but were associated with two organellar haplotype clusters. We infer that a less stringent filtering preferentially selects for rapidly evolving lineage‐specific loci, which might better delimit lineages. In contrast, when using homozygous/organellar DNA loci the signature of a putative hybridization event in the lineage prevails over the most recent phylogenetic signal. These results show that using differing filtering strategies on GBS data could dissect the organellar and nuclear DNA phylogenetic signal and yield novel insights into relationships between closely related species.
Stages do matter; and there are even more of them to consider
Authors: Goldstone Jack A.
Published: April 2019

Shultziner and Goldberg are is correct to say we need to treat the various stages of social movement origins, protests, and outcomes separately, with detailed analysis of each stage. However, a triparte stage theory may be insufficient, as each stage can have diverse potential trajectories driven by distinct causal mechanisms. Social movement analysis should help us recognize the many points at which complex movement trajectories can be advanced or reversed, and how actions at each stage create reverberations in the wider society.
Recognizing Whose Bilingualism? A Critical Policy Analysis of the Seal of Biliteracy
Authors: SUBTIRELU NICHOLAS CLOSE , BOROWCZYK MARGARET , THORSON HERNÁNDEZ RACHEL , VENEZIA FRANCESCA
Published: April 2019

The Seal of Biliteracy is as an initiative to incentivize and credentialize bi‐/multilingualism in K–12 education in the United States. While it has been widely celebrated as a positive development in U.S. educational language policy, it is important to consider to what extent marginalized students benefit from this initiative. This critical policy analysis explores possible inequities in the way that the Seal has been promoted, enacted in policy, and implemented in schools, focused primarily on California. Three findings are reported. First, advocates and policy makers have constructed the purpose of the Seal as primarily aimed at promoting foreign or world language education, raising questions about the degree to which the recognition of language‐minoritized students’ linguistic repertoires is a focus. Second, the policy requirements for demonstrating biliteracy advantage students, especially native English‐speaking students, who are studying a foreign or world language as part of their school's curriculum. Third, schools with high percentages of students of color and students from low‐income families are less likely to participate in the program, suggesting that students privileged along lines of race and class have greater access to the program. This article concludes by suggesting improvements in policy and directions for future research that might contribute to addressing these inequities.
“Shining in the Light of Your Glory”: Finding the Simple Reading of Scripture
Authors: René Barnes Michel
Published: April 2019

This essay argues that without allowing for a legitimate extra‐biblical reasoning for the appropriateness of God's “simplicity,” Christians will be compelled biblically to affirm that God, as such, has a body — or at least Christians will have to accept this as a theologically possible reading of Scripture that cannot be ruled out. Barnes first cites ancient philosophical sources that argue that God has no parts but is utterly simple. In Barnes's quick sketch, the main role is given to Plotinus and especially to the summation found in Alcuinus's Didaskalon X.7 (Alcuinus is known also as Albinus). Barnes then examines readings of Israel's Scriptures that indicate the bodiliness of God (YHWH). Most importantly, divine bodiliness comports with the “plain sense” of Scripture. Here he draws upon such works as Benjamin Sommer's The Bodies of God, Stephen Moore's “Gigantic God,” and Tryggve Mettinger's The Dethronement of Sabaoth; and he also makes reference to the work of the Jewish kabbalist scholar Gershom Scholem. Barnes carefully investigates such passages as Exodus 33, in which God is clearly presented as having bodily parts, including a “face.” As Barnes notes, the Fathers’ arguments for why God does not have a body are tied completely to their arguments for why God exists simply.
Contemplating the Monad Who Saves Us: Maximus the Confessor and John of Damascus on Divine Simplicity
Authors: Daley Brian E.
Published: April 2019

Daley explores divine simplicity according to Maximus the Confessor and John of Damascus, grounding his account in their classical philosophical antecedents. He notes that often we think of the sixth and seventh centuries as devoted to questions about Jesus Christ, not about God per se. Admittedly, the aftermath of the Council of Chalcedon produced ongoing controversy in the East regarding the unity of the two natures of Christ, for example, whether Christ had one operation or two. Maximus, a follower of Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem, became embroiled in controversy through his firm rejection of the effort by Emperor Heraclius and Patriarch Sergius of Constantinople to unite the churches in the East by holding solely to a single activity and a single will in Christ. Maximus’s position won out at the Third Council of Constantinople (680‐1). Daley draws attention here, however, to the relationship of these Christological debates to the understanding of God, and especially what it means to speak of the “divine nature” and the “divine will.” This topic required of Christian thinkers not merely philosophical reflection but also Trinitarian reflection. Daley’s point is that it well behooves us to look closely into what Maximus and John of Damascus have to say about divine simplicity, in light of the more central controversies in which these Church Fathers were engaged.
Gut‐derived short‐chain fatty acids: A friend or foe for hepatic lipid metabolism?
Authors: Chambers E. S.
Published: April 2019

This article describes how a British Nutrition Foundation Drummond Pump Priming Award was used to develop in vivo proof of concept for increasing colonic propionate as a therapeutic strategy to reduce liver fat in adults with non‐alcoholic fatty disease (NAFLD). An overview of how the gut‐derived short‐chain fatty acids propionate and acetate are taken up and metabolised by the liver is provided, as well as a summary of how acetate may have contrasting effects on hepatic lipid content depending on the metabolic health of the individual. Finally, the article proposes that raising colonic propionate production could interfere with hepatic acetate metabolism and have positive effects on liver fat accumulation in individuals with NAFLD.
Prokinetic effects of spinal cord stimulation and its autonomic mechanisms in dogs
Authors: Zhang Bo , Ji Feng , Tu Lei , Yang Yi , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: April 2019

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is widely used to treat chronic pain by inhibiting sympathetic activity; however, it is unknown whether it exerts a prokinetic effect on gastric motility. Our aim was to explore effects and possible mechanisms of SCS on glucagon‐induced gastric dysmotility and dysrhythmia.

Methods

Seven female dogs with electrodes chronically placed on the dorsal column of the spinal cord between T10 and T12 segments were studied in 2 randomized sessions (glucagon + sham‐SCS, glucagon + SCS). SCS at T10 using a set of optimized stimulation parameters was performed for 30 minute immediately after glucagon injection. The antral manometry, electrogastrogram, and electrocardiogram were recorded to assess gastric contractions, gastric slow waves (GSW), and autonomic functions, respectively.

Key Results

(a) Compared to baseline, glucagon decreased antral motility index (MI) (6315 ± 565 vs 3243 ± 775,P < 0.001), reduced the percentage of normal GSW (89 ± 3% vs 58 ± 3%,P < 0.01), and increased sympathetic activity (0.25 ± 0 0.06 vs 0.60 ± 0.07,P < 0.01). (b) The sympathetic activity was negatively correlated with antral MI (r = −0.558;P < 0.01) and the percentage of gastric normal slow wave (r = −0.616;P < 0.01). (c) SCS prevented the glucagon‐induced impairment in antral hypomotility (MI: 5770 ± 927 vs 5521 ± 1238,P > 0.05) and GSW abnormalities (% of normal waves: 84 ± 4% vs 79 ± 6%,P > 0.05) and sympathetic activity (0.27 ± 0.03 vs 0.33 ± 0.07,P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Spinal cord stimulation dramatically improves glucagon‐induced impairment in gastric contractions and slow waves by inhibiting sympathetic activity.
Arts engagement and self‐esteem in children: results from a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Mak Hei Wan , Fancourt Daisy
Published: April 2019

Self‐esteem is regarded as vital to children's social and cognitive development and emotional well‐being. To date, a few studies have suggested that arts activities can improve self‐esteem in young people. However, such studies mainly focused on small, nonrepresentative samples. In this study, data from 6209 children included in the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study were analyzed using propensity score matching to investigate the association between children's arts engagement ((1) listening to or playing music; (2) drawing, painting, or making things; and (3) reading for enjoyment) and self‐esteem at age 11. All three activities were associated with higher levels of self‐esteem when matching for all identified demographic, socioeconomic, and familial confounders. Additionally, the relationship was more prominent when children engaged in these activities with their parents on a regular basis. However, there was no clear evidence that ability in either music or arts activities moderated the relationship with self‐esteem, although English language ability may moderate the association between reading and self‐esteem. These results suggest that initiatives to promote arts engagement in children may provide a practical and efficient way to improve children's self‐esteem. This is the key given self‐esteem in childhood tends to decline as children enter adolescence, yet is linked to lifelong development and well‐being.
Personality‐obesity associations are driven by narrow traits: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vainik Uku , Dagher Alain , Realo Anu , Colodro‐Conde Lucía , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Jang Kerry , Juko Ando , Kandler Christian , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Mõttus René
Published: April 2019

Obesity has inconsistent associations with broad personality domains, possibly because the links pertain to only some facets of these domains. Collating published and unpublished studies (N = 14 848), we meta‐analysed the associations between body mass index (BMI) and Five‐Factor Model personality domains as well as 30 Five‐Factor Model personality facets. At the domain level, BMI had a positive association with Neuroticism and a negative association with Conscientiousness domains. At the facet level, we found associations between BMI and 15 facets from all five personality domains, with only some Neuroticism and Conscientiousness facets among them. Certain personality‐BMI associations were moderated by sample properties, such as proportions of women or participants with obesity; these moderation effects were replicated in the individual‐level analysis. Finally, facet‐based personality “risk” scores accounted for 2.3% of variance in BMI in a separate sample of individuals (N = 3569), 409% more than domain‐based scores. Taken together, personality‐BMI associations are facet specific, and delineating them may help to explain obesity‐related behaviours and inform intervention designs. Preprint and data are available athttps://psyarxiv.com/z35vn/.
Aquaporins influence seed dormancy and germination in response to stress
Authors: Footitt Steven , Clewes Rachel , Feeney Mistianne , Finch‐Savage William E. , Frigerio Lorenzo
Published: April 2019

Aquaporins influence water flow in plants, yet little is known of their involvement in the water‐driven process of seed germination. We therefore investigated their role in seeds in the laboratory and under field and global warming conditions. We mapped the expression of tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) during dormancy cycling and during germination under normal and water stress conditions. We found that the two key tonoplast aquaporins, TIP3;1 and TIP3;2, which have previously been implicated in water or solute transport, respectively, act antagonistically to modulate the response to abscisic acid, with TIP3;1 being a positive and TIP3;2 a negative regulator. A third isoform, TIP4;1, which is normally expressed upon completion of germination, was found to play an earlier role during water stress. Seed TIPs also contribute to the regulation of depth of primary dormancy and differences in the induction of secondary dormancy during dormancy cycling. Protein and gene expression during annual cycling under field conditions and a global warming scenario further illustrate this role. We propose that the different responses of the seed TIP contribute to mechanisms that influence dormancy status and the timing of germination under variable soil conditions.
Atenolol as an alternative to propranolol for the management of sleep disturbances in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Gumina Megan E. , Yan Albert C.
Published: April 2019

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common tumors of infancy and are often managed with oral beta‐blockers to address or prevent associated complications. However, treatment with propranolol can occasionally be associated with sleep disturbances, which in some cases are severe enough to warrant discontinuation or replacement with another agent. We herein report four cases in which treatment with propranolol resulted in significant sleep disturbances prompting substitution with atenolol, which in some cases resolved these issues.
Sodium hypochlorite body wash in the management of Staphylococcus aureus–colonized moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis in infants, children, and adolescents
Authors: Majewski Sara , Bhattacharya Tanya , Asztalos Manuela , Bohaty Benjamin , Durham Katherine C. , West Dennis P. , Hebert Adelaide A. , Paller Amy S.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

A cleansing body wash containing diluted sodium hypochlorite (0.006% NaOCl) was evaluated for management of moderate‐to‐severe Staphylococcus aureus–colonized, atopic dermatitis in children.

Methods

A 6‐week, prospective, open‐label study was conducted with 50 evaluable participants (ages 6 months to 17 years) who had moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis with S aureus skin colonization documented by culture. Participants were instructed to continue using their current medications while using the study product, 0.006% NaOCl body wash, once daily to affected areas for 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures were Investigator's Global Assessment, Eczema Area and Severity Index, and Body Surface Area scores. Secondary outcome measures were the Visual Analog Scale for pruritus, Family Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire for Problem Areas. A subject daily diary and a six‐item subject questionnaire that provided information on preferences for bleach bath vs body wash were secondary outcome measures.

Results

Daily use of the 0.006% NaOCl body wash led to improvement for all outcome measures comparing baseline to 2‐week and to 6‐week evaluations. Of the 50 skin S aureus‐positive subjects, 32/50 (64%) were still positive at 2 weeks. A 36.5% decrease in subject's daily record of topical corticosteroid application at end of study compared to baseline was found. Participant surveys indicated preferences for the body wash over bleach baths.

Conclusions

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) body wash improved all outcome measures for moderate‐to‐severe S aureus–colonized AD in infants, children, and adolescents. The limited reduction in S aureus further suggests that sodium hypochlorite has ameliorative effects other than antimicrobial actions.