bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging characteristics of papillary muscle site of origin of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Fulton Brian L. , Liang Jackson J. , Enriquez Andres , Garcia Fermin C. , Supple Gregory E. , Riley Michael P. , Schaller Robert D. , Dixit Sanjay , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Han Yuchi
Published: October 2017

Background

Mitral valve prolapse has been associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to examine whether certain cardiac imaging characteristics are associated with papillary muscle origin of ventricular arrhythmias in these patients.

Methods and results

We screened electronic medical records of all patients documented to have mitral valve prolapse on either transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in our center, who also underwent an electrophysiologic study (EPS) between 2007 and 2016. Anterior and posterior mitral leaflet thickness and prolapsed distance were measured on TTE and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was assessed on CMR. Patients were categorized as papillary muscle positive (pap (+)) or negative (pap (−)) using EPS. Eighteen patients were included in this study. Of the 15 patients who underwent TTE, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the pap (+) group had an anterior to posterior leaflet prolapse ratio of >0.45 indicating more symmetric leaflet prolapse. There were no differences in anterior or posterior leaflet thickness or prolapse distance between the groups. Patients in the pap (+) group were more likely to be women. Of the 7 patients who underwent CMR, those who were pap (+) were more likely to have LGE in the region of the papillary muscles than those who were pap (−).

Conclusion

Female gender, more symmetric bileaflet prolapse on TTE, and the presence of papillary muscle LGE on CMR may be associated with papillary muscle origin of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse.
Commentary: The dynamic panel model: a promising approach to clarify sources of influence in developmental psychopathology – a commentary on Wichstrøm et al. (2017)
Authors: Klein Annette M. , Bergmann Sarah , White Lars O.
Published: October 2017

In their study, Wichstrøm et al. (2017) have proposed a novel groundbreaking approach for developmental psychopathology that undoubtedly will inspire other research. Applying the dynamic panel model (DPM), the authors were able to show that within‐disorder (homotypic) and between‐disorder (heterotypic) continuities of psychiatric symptoms are mostly due to unmeasured time‐invariant factors while only few effects of earlier symptoms on later symptoms remained significant after accounting for these factors. The DPM calls for future applications of this approach to samples across different countries, diverse developmental phases, and in various settings – community samples and clinical samples alike.
Headline Environmental Indicators Revisited with the Global Multi‐Regional Input‐Output Database EXIOBASE
Authors: Steinmann Zoran J.N. , Schipper Aafke M. , Stadler Konstantin , Wood Richard , de Koning Arjan , Tukker Arnold , Huijbregts Mark A.J.
Published: October 2017

Environmentally extended multiregion input‐output (EEMRIO) databases are used to quantify numerous environmental pressures and impacts from a consumption perspective. However, for targeted communication with decision makers, large sets of impact indicators are unfavorable. Small sets of headline indicators have been proposed to guide environmental policy, but these may not cover all relevant aspects of environmental impact. The aim of our study was to evaluate the extent to which a set of four headline indicators (material, land, water, and carbon) is representative of the total environmental impact embedded in an EEMRIO database. We also used principal component analysis combined with linear regression to investigate which environmental indicators are good candidates to supplement this headline indicator set, using 119 environmental indicators linked to the EEMRIO database, EXIOBASE. We found that the four headline indicators covered 59.9% of the variance in product‐region rankings among environmental indicators, with carbon and land already explaining 57.4%. Five additional environmental indicators (marine eco‐toxicity, terrestrial eco‐toxicity, photochemical oxidation, terrestrial acidification, and eutrophication) were needed to cover 95% of the variance. In comparison, a statistically optimal set of seven indicators explained 95% of the variance as well. Our findings imply that there is (1) a significant statistical redundancy in the four headline indicators, and (2) a considerable share of the variance is caused by other environmental impacts not covered by the headline indicators. The results of our study can be used to further optimize the set of headline indicators for environmental policy.
Systematic review of the psychometric properties of disease‐specific, quality‐of‐life questionnaires for patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers
Authors: Tian Lang , Cao Xiao‐Yi
Published: October 2017

Aim

To systematically review the quality of the psychometric properties of disease‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaires for patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers in order to help researchers and clinicians to select the most appropriate health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) instruments.

Methods

MEDLINE from 1950, CINAHL from 1960, EMBASE from 1980, and PsycINFO from 1967, as well as additional sources were searched. The quality of the psychometric properties of the included instruments was evaluated by using the quality criteria for measurement properties of health status questionnaires.

Results

Ten studies that examined seven instruments were identified. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Biliary Cancer, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Hepatobiliary Questionnaire, and the Quality of Life for Patients with Liver Cancer Instrument achieved satisfactory results in relation to the quality of their psychometric properties.

Conclusion

Several well‐validated instruments exist to adequately assess disease‐specific HRQoL in patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers. Further improvement of the already‐existing, promising measures is recommended.
Gender, Spousal Caregiving, and Depression: Does Paid Work Matter?
Authors: Glauber Rebecca , Day Melissa D.
Published: October 2017

Studies have shown that spousal caregiving leads to psychological distress, but few have analyzed the moderating effect of paid work. Using the 2000 to 2012 Health and Retirement Study and two‐stage least squares regression models, this study found that caregiving increased women's and men's depressive symptoms. Ordinary least squares models showed that caregiving had more adverse effects on women's mental health than on men's, but these differences were eliminated in two‐stage least squares models that accounted for the bidirectional effects of depression and caregiving. The current study also found that for women, part‐time work attenuated the depressive effect of spousal caregiving, whereas for men, part‐time work exacerbated it. These gender differences persisted even for intensive spousal caregivers. The authors suggest that caregiving women who work part‐time may benefit from work‐related resources. Caregiving men who work part‐time, however, may feel distressed, as their work–family experiences conflict with traditional gender norms.
Ductal cells of minor salivary glands in Sjögren's syndrome express LINE‐1 ORF2p and APOBEC3B
Authors: Kalogirou Eleni‐Marina , Piperi Evangelia P. , Tosios Konstantinos I. , Tsiambas Evangelos , Fanourakis Galinos , Sklavounou Alexandra
Published: October 2017

Background

Type I interferon activation is a hallmark event in Sjögren's syndrome. L1 retroelements stimulate plasmacytoid dendritic cells, activating the type I interferons, and are regulated by various mechanisms, including the APOBEC3 deaminases. As L1s are potential trigger factors in autoimmunity, we aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical localization of L1 ORF2p and its inhibitor APOBEC3B protein in minor salivary glands of Sjögren's syndrome patients.

Methods

Twenty minor salivary gland‐tissue samples from 20 Sjögren's syndrome patients, classified according to Tarpley's histological criteria, and 10 controls were evaluated for L1 ORF2p and APOBEC3B expression via immunohistochemistry.

Results

L1 ORF2p was expressed in 17/20 SS patients and all controls. APOBEC3B expression was observed in 15/20 Sjögren's syndrome patients, 5/5 chronic sialadenitis, and 3/5 normal minor salivary glands. Both antibodies stained the cytoplasm of the ductal epithelial cells. Negative staining was observed in the acinar cells. L1 ORF2p‐positive immunostaining was significantly lower in Tarpley IV Sjögren's syndrome patients than controls (P = .039), and APOBEC3B‐positive staining was significantly lower in Tarpley I compared to Tarpley II Sjögren's syndrome patients (P = .008) and controls (P = .035).

Conclusions

L1 ORF2p and APOBEC3B are expressed in the ductal epithelial cells of minor salivary glands that are among the key targets in Sjögren's syndrome. L1 ORF2p expression may promote the L1 ability to act as an intrinsic antigen in Sjögren's syndrome. The potential future use of L1 ORF2‐reverse transcriptase inhibitors in autoimmunity supports further investigation of L1 epigenetic regulation by APOBEC3 enzymes.
Self‐restraint spillover: Inhibitory control disrupts appetite regulation among ruminators
Authors: Schlinkert Caroline , Koole Sander L.
Published: October 2017

Objective

People can use inhibitory control to temporarily inhibit their personal preferences to achieve their long‐term goals. According to the ego fixation model (Koole et al., 2014), ruminators have difficulties relaxing inhibitory control, leading them to continue inhibiting their personal needs, even when this is no longer required by the situation. Inhibitory control may thus disrupt healthy appetite regulation among ruminators.

Method

Among 324 Dutch undergraduate students (218 women; Mage = 21.5), different inhibitory control states were manipulated by varying whether or not participants exerted inhibitory control (Study 1) or priming high versus low inhibitory control (Study 2). All participants then performed a food‐tasting task. Healthy appetite regulation was defined as a positive correlation between level of food deprivation and preference for high‐calorie foods.

Results

For taste ratings, the interaction between inhibitory control and rumination was significant in each study: Inhibitory control disrupted healthy appetite regulation in taste preferences among ruminators, but not among non‐ruminators. For eating behavior, the same interaction effect was significant when the two studies were combined.

Conclusions

Inhibitory control disrupts healthy appetite regulation among ruminators. These findings suggest the need for caution in interventions that rely on inhibitory control, especially among samples with compulsive thought tendencies.
Maternal Affective Expression and Adolescents' Subjective Experience of Positive Affect in Natural Settings
Authors: Griffith Julianne M. , Silk Jennifer S. , Oppenheimer Caroline W. , Morgan Judith K. , Ladouceur Cecile D. , Forbes Erika E. , Dahl Ronald E.
Published: October 2017

This study investigated the association between maternal affective expression during laboratory‐based interaction tasks and adolescents' experience of positive affect (PA) in natural settings. Participants were 80 healthy adolescents and their mothers. Durations of maternal positive (PA) and negative affective (NA) expressions were observed during a conflict resolution task and a positive event planning interaction task. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) procedures were employed to assess adolescents' momentary and peak experience of PA in daily life. Results indicated that maternal NA, but not maternal PA, was related to adolescents' EMA‐reported PA. Adolescents whose mothers expressed more NA experienced less PA in daily environments. Results suggest that adolescents' exposure to maternal negative affective behavior is associated with adolescents' subjective daily well‐being.
Cannabinoids concentration variability in cannabis olive oil galenic preparations
Authors: Carcieri Chiara , Tomasello Cristina , Simiele Marco , De Nicolò Amedeo , Avataneo Valeria , Canzoneri Luca , Cusato Jessica , Di Perri Giovanni , D'Avolio Antonio
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Knowledge of the exact concentration of active compounds in galenic preparations is crucial to be able to ensure their quality and to properly administer the prescribed dose. Currently, the need for titration of extracts is still debated. Considering this, together with the absence of a standard preparation method, the aim of this study was to evaluate cannabinoids concentrations variability in galenic olive oil extracts, to evaluate the interlot and interlaboratory variability in the extraction yield and in the preparation composition.

Methods

Two hundred and one extracts (123 (61.2%) from Bedrocan®, 54 (26.9%) from Bediol®, 11 (5.5%) from Bedrolite®, and 13 (6.5%) from mixed preparations) were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, quantifying cannabinoids (THC, CBD, THCA, CBDA and CBN) concentrations.

Key findings

The RSD% of THC and CBD concentrations resulted higher than 50%. Specifically for Bedrocan®, Bediol®, Bedrolite® (5 g/50 ml), these were THC 82%, THC 53% and CBD 91%, THC 58% and CBD 59%, respectively. The median extraction yields were greater than 75% for all preparations.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted a wide variability in THC and CBD concentrations that justify the need for titration and opens further questions about other pharmaceutical preparations without regulatory indication for this procedure.
Health and Well‐Being Among Young People From Canadian Farms: Associations With a Culture of Risk‐Taking
Authors: Pickett William , Berg Richard L. , Marlenga Barbara
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To determine whether patterns of adolescent risk behavior in rural populations, and especially farm populations, are associated with negative indicators of adolescent health and well‐being, beyond an established association between risk‐taking and injury.

Methods

The study base was Cycle 7 (2014) of the Canadian Health Behaviour in School‐Aged Children study. Children aged 11‐16 years (n = 2,565; 2,533 weighted) who reported living or working on farms were matched within schools in a 1:1 ratio with other rural children. We related a scale describing engagement in multiple risk behavior to a series of indicators of adolescent health and well‐being.

Findings

Farm children, particularly male farm children, showed the highest levels of risk behavior. Multiple risk behavior was strongly and consistently associated with negative indicators of general health, mental health (life satisfaction, psychosomatic symptoms), and academic performance in all subpopulations.

Conclusions

Adolescent risk behavior in rural populations, and especially farm populations, is common and associated with a variety of negative indicators of adolescent health and well‐being. We speculate that the origins of this risk‐taking lifestyle surround cultural definitions of self and identity, which have both protective and negative effects.
Influence of different functional ingredients on physical properties, rheology, tribology, and oral perceptions of no fat stirred yoghurt
Authors: Ng Sophia Bao Xian , Nguyen Phuong T. M. , Bhandari Bhesh , Prakash Sangeeta
Published: October 2017

Effects of adding four functional ingredients: inulin, pectin, galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS), and beta glucan on physical, rheology, tribology, and sensory characteristics of skim (0.1% fat) stirred yoghurt were studied. Three levels of each ingredient were chosen: inulin (7, 8, and 9%), pectin (0.2, 0.25, and 0.3%), GOS (9.1, 11.3, and 13.6%), and beta glucan (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%). Among the investigated ingredients, inulin and GOS appeared to be preferable choices due to their ability to both reduce syneresis and slightly increase sample lubrication while maintaining texture, rheology, and sensory characteristics of skim yoghurt. Pectin and beta glucan, conversely, increased viscosity and gel strength, slightly increased sample lubrication for the skim yoghurt but created large particles (i.e., greater than 100 μm) in the product body. This led to the increase in lumpiness and residual coating while reducing smoothness and creaminess of the sample. The observed tribology behaviors of the stirred yoghurts were similar to the previous study of pot‐set yoghurt whose friction curves comprised four friction zones (Nguyen, Kravchuk, Bhandari, and Prakash). The sensory characteristics of six selected samples for various texture and mouthfeel attributes obtained from a trained panel were in agreement with particle size, rheology, and tribology characteristics of the yoghurt samples.

Practical applications

With the increasing demand for low fat and functional food, there is a need to understand the impact of adding functional ingredients in low fat yoghurt to satisfy consumers' requirements. This study investigates the effects of these functional ingredients at different dosages on physical, rheology, tribology, and sensory characteristics of skim (0.1% fat) stirred yoghurt. The results from this study may guide use of functional ingredients in yoghurt production.
Pharmacokinetics of furosemide administered 4 and 24 hours prior to high‐speed exercise in horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Vale A. , Wilson W. D. , Kass P. H. , Arthur R. M. , Jones J. H.
Published: October 2017

Furosemide is a diuretic agent used commonly in racehorses to attenuate the bleeding associated with exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). The current study describes serum and urine concentrations and the pharmacokinetics of furosemide following administration at 4 and 24 hrs prior to maximal exercise. Eight exercised adult Thoroughbred horses received a single IV administration of 250 mg of furosemide at 4 and 24 hrs prior to maximal exercise on a high‐speed treadmill. Blood and urine samples were collected at time 0 and at various times for up to 72 hrs and furosemide concentrations determined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Serum furosemide concentrations remained above the LOQ (0.05 ng/ml) for 36 hrs in 3/8 and 1/8 horses in the 4‐ and 24‐hrs groups, respectively. Serum concentration data were best fit by a two‐compartment model. There was not a significant difference in the volume of distribution at steady‐state (0.594 ± 0.178 [4 hrs] and 0.648 ± 0.147 [24 hrs] L/kg) or systemic clearance (0.541 ± 0.094 [4 hrs] and 0.617 ± 0.114 [24 hrs] L/hrs/kg) between horses that were exercised at 4‐ and 24 hrs postdrug administration. The mean ± SD elimination half‐life was 3.12 ± 0.387 and 3.23 ± 0.407 hrs following administration at 4 and 24 hrs prior to exercise, respectively.
Postoperative pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in horses after surgery for colic syndrome
Authors: Di Salvo A. , Giorgi M. , Nannarone S. , Lee H. K. , Corsalini J. , della Rocca G.
Published: October 2017

NSAIDs are often used in horses with colic syndrome during the postoperative period, due to their ability to contrast endotoxemia and to promote an analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effect. As the pharmacokinetics of a drug are often modified in unhealthy animals compared to healthy subjects, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of meloxicam after i.v. administration in horses undergoing laparotomy for colic syndrome. Eight horses received 0.6 mg/kg of meloxicam i.v. towards the end of surgery. Blood samples were taken at scheduled time points during the following 24 hr. The serum concentration of the drug was determined by HPLC. Terminal half‐life (6.88 ± 2.96 hr), volume of distribution at steady‐state (186.53 ± 61.20 ml/Kg) and clearance (27.91 ± 5.72 ml kg−1 hr−1) were similar to those reported in literature for healthy horses. This result suggests that no adjustment of the approved dose should be necessary when meloxicam is used to treat horses in the immediate postoperative period after surgery for colic syndrome.
Two‐component calls in short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus)
Authors: Quick Nicola , Callahan Holly , Read Andrew J.
Published: October 2017

Short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) have complex vocal repertoires that include calls with two time‐frequency contours known as two‐component calls. We attached digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) to 23 short‐finned pilot whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and assessed the similarity of two‐component calls within and among tags. Two‐component calls made up <3% of the total number of calls on 19 of the 23 tag records. For the remaining four tags, two‐component calls comprised 9%, 23%, 24%, and 57% of the total calls recorded. Measurements of six acoustic parameters for both the low and high frequency components of all two‐component calls from the five tags were compared using a generalized linear model. There were significant differences in the acoustic parameters of two‐component calls between tags, verifying that acoustic parameters were more similar for two‐component calls recorded on the same tag than for calls between tags. Spectrograms of all two‐component calls from the five tags were visually graded and independently categorized by five observers. A test of inter‐rater reliability showed substantial agreement, suggesting that each tag contained a predominant two‐component call type that was not shared across tags.
Historical legacies and political agency: hate speech in contemporary Cyprus
Authors: Katsourides Yiannos , Moudouros Nikos , Evagorou Eleni
Published: October 2017

The article analyses expressions of hate speech/behaviour between the two main Cypriot communities – Greek and Turkish. Research and discussion on hate speech is theoretically and empirically informed by the notions of nationalism and otherism which have moulded hate speech perceptions in Cyprus. The major finding is that hate speech between Greek and Turkish Cypriots although subsiding in recent years can be easily triggered by political and social actors by references to history and/or isolated violent incidents. Hate speech is rooted in historical legacies, conservative and nationalistic world‐views, takes several forms and permeates Cypriot society, although most times is not explicitly expressed and does not take a violent turn.
Novelties in the genus Persicaria (Polygonaceae) in Brazil: A new species, a new combination, and a diagnostic key to all species
Authors: Funez Luís A. , Hassemer Gustavo
Published: October 2017

This work presents novelties in the genus Persicaria in Brazil. More specifically, we describe P. sylvestris, a new species from the Atlantic rainforest in subtropical Brazil, propose the new combination P. diospyrifolium and designate a lectotype for its basionym, Polygonum diospyrifolium. The new species has until now been identified as P. acuminata, from which it differs by morphological characters as well as ecological aspects. We also provide photographs of the new species and of similar species along with a distribution map and a key to the species of Persicaria in Brazil.
Studies on Oberonia 3. Aberrant flowers and other floral modifications in the orchid genus Oberonia
Authors: Geiger Daniel L. , Kocyan Alexander
Published: October 2017

Orchid flowers are amongst the most conspicuous attractions that plants have generated over evolutionary epochs. However, organ homology in particular of androecium and gynoecium of orchid flowers have been, and are still, the subject of long‐term discussion. Studies of aberrant – teratologic – flowers have traditionally helped to clarify organ identity in orchids. We here present for the first time teratological flowers within the florally smallest and inconspicuous orchid genus Oberonia and illustrate them by light and scanning electron microscopy. Pseudopeloria with half of a lateral petal transformed into a lip was found in O. costeriana J.J.Sm. and O. mucronata (D.Don) Ormerod & Seidenf. A supernumerary lip is known from O. mucronata. Oberonia rufilabris Lindl. is documented with multiple aberrations: triple gynostemium and a total of 10 tepals, twin flowers, and duplicate lips. We interpret these aberrations in light of known floral developmental and organ identity information.
Fear and lethality in snowshoe hares: the deadly effects of non‐consumptive predation risk
Authors: MacLeod Kirsty J. , Krebs Charles J. , Boonstra Rudy , Sheriff Michael J.
Published: October 2017

Predators play a critical, top–down role in shaping ecosystems, driving prey population and community dynamics. Traditionally, studies of predator‐prey interactions have focused on direct effects of predators, namely the killing of prey. More recently, the non‐consumptive effects of predation risk are being appreciated; e.g. the ‘ecology of fear’. Prey responses to predation risk can be morphological, behavioural, and physiological, and are assumed to come at a cost to prey fitness. However, few studies have examined the relationship between predation risk and survival in wild animals. We tested the hypothesis that predation risk itself could reduce survival in wild‐caught snowshoe hares. We exposed female snowshoe hares to a simulated predator (a trained dog) during gestation only, and measured adult survival and, in surviving females, their ability to successfully wean offspring. We show for the first time in a wild mammal that the risk of predation can itself be lethal. Predation risk reduced adult female survival by 30%, and had trans‐generational effects, reducing offspring survival to weaning by over 85% – even though the period of risk ended at birth. As a consequence of these effects the predator‐exposed group experienced a decrease in number, while the control group substantially increased. Challenges remain in determining the importance of risk‐induced mortality in natural field settings; however, our findings show that non‐lethal predator encounters can influence survival of both adults and offspring. Future work is needed to test these effects in free‐living animals.
Roots‐eye view: Using microdialysis and microCT to non‐destructively map root nutrient depletion and accumulation zones
Authors: Brackin Richard , Atkinson Brian S. , Sturrock Craig J. , Rasmussen Amanda
Published: October 2017

Improvement in fertilizer use efficiency is a key aspect for achieving sustainable agriculture in order to minimize costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution from nutrient run‐off. To optimize root architecture for nutrient uptake and efficiency, we need to understand what the roots encounter in their environment. Traditional methods of nutrient sampling, such as salt extractions can only be done at the end of an experiment, are impractical for sampling locations precisely and give total nutrient values that can overestimate the nutrients available to the roots. In contrast, microdialysis provides a non‐invasive, continuous method for sampling available nutrients in the soil. Here, for the first time, we have used microCT imaging to position microdialysis probes at known distances from the roots and then measured the available nitrate and ammonium. We found that nitrate accumulated close to roots whereas ammonium was depleted demonstrating that this combination of complementary techniques provides a unique ability to measure root‐available nutrients non‐destructively and in almost real time.
Characterization of Colletotrichum truncatum from papaya, pepper and physic nut based on phylogeny, morphology and pathogenicity
Authors: Torres‐Calzada C. , Tapia‐Tussell R. , Higuera‐Ciapara I. , Huchin‐Poot E. , Martin‐Mex R. , Nexticapan‐Garcez A. , Perez‐Brito D.
Published: October 2017

Colletotrichum truncatum (syn. C. capsici) has been identified as the causal agent of anthracnose on various hosts, predominantly pepper (Capsicum spp.) plants. The aim of this study was to determine whether C. truncatum isolates infecting papaya, pepper and physic nut in southeastern Mexico are morphologically, genetically and pathogenically different, in order to improve disease management strategies. A total of 113 C. truncatum isolates collected from five producer states were subjected to phenotypic characterization and divided into six different morphological groups. These morphological traits and the location of the isolates were used to select a subset of 20 isolates for further studies. Differences in the pathogenicity of the isolates were tested with a cross‐inoculation assay using pepper, papaya and physic nut. The pathogenicity tests revealed that all isolates could infect the three hosts and produce typical anthracnose symptoms, indicating a lack of host specificity for this species and therefore its pathogenic potential on other plants. Phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) sequences of the C. truncatum isolates from this study and reference strains was performed, grouping the isolates into a monophyletic clade. This study reports for the first time the characterization of C. truncatum causing anthracnose disease on three different hosts in Mexico.
Biochemical and functional characterization of AcUFGT3a, a galactosyltransferase involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in the red‐fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Zhou Bin , Qi Yingwei , Liu Cuihua , Liu Zhande , Ren Xiaolin
Published: October 2017

Much of the diversity of anthocyanin pigmentation in plant tissues is due to the action of glycosyltransferases, which attach sugar moieties to the anthocyanin aglycone. This step can increase both their solubility and stability. We investigated the pigmentation of the outer and inner pericarps of developing fruits of the red‐fleshed kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis cv. ‘Hongyang’. The results show that the red color of the inner pericarp is due to anthocyanin. Based on expression analyses of structural genes, AcUFGT was shown to be the key gene involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Expression of AcUFGT in developing fruit paralleled changes in anthocyanin concentration. Thirteen putative UFGT genes, including different transcripts, were identified in the genome of ‘Hongyang’. Among these, only the expression of AcUFGT3a was found to be highly consistent with anthocyanin accumulation. Fruit infiltrated with virus‐induced gene silencing showed delayed red colorations, lower anthocyanin contents and lower expressions of AcUFGT3a. At the same time, transient overexpression of AcUFGT3a in both Actinidia arguta and green apple fruit resulted in higher anthocyanin contents and deeper red coloration. In vitro biochemical assays revealed that recombinant AcUFGT3a recognized only anthocyanidins as substrate but not flavonols. Also, UDP‐galactose was used preferentially as the sugar donor. These results indicate AcUFGT3a is the key enzyme regulating anthocyanin accumulation in red‐fleshed kiwifruit.
Communicating Geographical Risks in Crisis Management: The Need for Research
Authors: French Simon , Argyris Nikolaos , Haywood Stephanie M. , Hort Matthew C. , Smith Jim Q.
Published: October 2017

In any crisis, there is a great deal of uncertainty, often geographical uncertainty or, more precisely, spatiotemporal uncertainty. Examples include the spread of contamination from an industrial accident, drifting volcanic ash, and the path of a hurricane. Estimating spatiotemporal probabilities is usually a difficult task, but that is not our primary concern. Rather, we ask how analysts can communicate spatiotemporal uncertainty to those handling the crisis. We comment on the somewhat limited literature on the representation of spatial uncertainty on maps. We note that many cognitive issues arise and that the potential for confusion is high. We note that in the early stages of handling a crisis, the uncertainties involved may be deep, i.e., difficult or impossible to quantify in the time available. In such circumstance, we suggest the idea of presenting multiple scenarios.
Factors Associated with Supermarket and Convenience Store Closure: A Discrete Time Spatial Survival Modelling Approach
Authors: Warren Joshua L. , Gordon-Larsen Penny
Published: October 2017

Although there is a literature on the distribution of food stores across geographic and social space, much of this research uses cross-sectional data. Analyses attempting to understand whether the availability of stores across neighbourhoods is associated with diet and/or health outcomes are limited by a lack of understanding of factors that shape the emergence of new stores and the closure of others. We used quarterly data on supermarket and convenience store locations spanning seven years (2006–2012) and tract level census data in four US cities: Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Francisco, California. A spatial discrete time survival model was used to identify factors that are associated with an earlier and/or later closure time of a store. Sales volume was typically the strongest indicator of store survival. We identified heterogeneity in the association between tract level poverty and racial composition with respect to store survival. Stores in high poverty, non-white tracts were often at a disadvantage in terms of survival length. The observed patterns of store survival varied by some of the same neighbourhood sociodemographic factors as associated with lifestyle and health outcomes, which could lead to confusion in interpretation in studies of the estimated effects of introduction of food stores into neighbourhoods on health.
Optical coherence tomography for margin definition of basal cell carcinoma before micrographic surgery—recommendations regarding the marking and scanning technique
Authors: De Carvalho N. , Schuh S. , Kindermann N. , Kästle R. , Holmes J. , Welzel J.
Published: October 2017

Background/purpose

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is the preferred therapeutic treatment for high‐risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive imaging technique that enables the diagnosis of BCC. We thought to determine the margins of BCCs with OCT, prior to MMS, to reduce the number of surgical steps.

Methods

Different permanent markers were tested on the skin regarding line width, resistance against disinfection and brightness in the OCT image. The visible tumor margins of BCCs were defined by dermoscopy, adding a safety margin of 2 mm and labeled using the selected pen, causing a signal shadow in OCT. Scans of the center and of entire margin were performed. If parts of the BCC were visible outside the margin, another 2 mm were added and the scan was repeated until the tissue outside the labeling looked tumor free.

Results

Eight out of ten BCCs were totally excised in a single stage when margin delineation was done by OCT. Macroscopic margins were enlarged after OCT scanning in four patients, saving further stages of MMS.

Conclusion

OCT may help to better define the microscopic dimensions of BCCs and therefore reduce the number of stages of MMS.
Spectrophotometer is useful for assessing vitiligo and chemical leukoderma severity by quantifying color difference with surrounding normally pigmented skin
Authors: Hayashi M. , Okamura K. , Araki Y. , Suzuki M. , Tanaka T. , Abe Y. , Nakano S. , Yoshizawa J. , Hozumi Y. , Inoie M. , Suzuki T.
Published: October 2017

Background

Acquired skin hypopigmentation has many etiologies, including autoimmune melanocyte destruction, skin aging, inflammation, and chemical exposure. Distinguishing lesions from normally pigmented skin is clinically important to precisely assess disease severity. However, no gold standard assessment method has been reported. We aimed to investigate whether spectrophotometers are useful for assessing vitiligo and rhododendrol (4‐(4‐hydroxyphenol)‐2‐butanol) (Rhododenol®)‐induced leukoderma disease severity by quantifying skin color.

Methods

Mexameter® MX18 and CM‐700d spectrophotometer were used for assessing vitiligo/leukoderma by measuring melanin index, L*a*b* color space, and ΔE*ab value, which represents the color difference between two subjects and is calculated by the values of L*a*b*.

Results

MX18 and CM‐700d can quantitatively distinguish vitiligo/leukoderma from normally pigmented skin based on melanin index. CM‐700d consistently quantified the color of vitiligo/leukoderma lesions and surrounding normally pigmented skin in L*a*b* color spaces and ΔE*ab. ΔE*ab is well correlated with melanin index and clinical appearance.

Conclusion

ΔE*ab has been frequently used in aesthetic dentistry; however, current study is the first to use it in the measurement of skin color. ΔE*ab seems to be a useful parameter to evaluate the color contrast between vitiligo/leukoderma and surrounding normally pigmented skin and can be used to evaluate disease severity and patient's quality of life.
An analysis of the cause and magnitude of foreign trade zone‐induced biases inUSimport statistics
Authors: Yeats Alexander J.
Published: October 2017

Comparisons of matchedUS COMTRADEand World Trade OrganizationIDBstatistics reveal numerous instances where theWTOdata on dutiable imports exceed both the correspondingUNgeneral import statistics and the reported exports of partner countries by very large margins over extended periods. In cases, the dutiable import statistics report major trade in products for which the partners do not record any corresponding exports (to anyone). Empirical tests indicate these biases result from special (and very unorthodox) invoicing practices for shipments intoUSforeign trade zones. The paper concludes these problems have the potential to seriously misdirect analytical trade studies which must utilise import statistics for their empirical base.
Induction of porcine‐specific regulatory T cells with high specificity and expression of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 using baboon‐derived tolerogenic dendritic cells
Authors: Li Mingqian , Eckl Judith , Abicht Jan‐Michael , Mayr Tanja , Reichart Bruno , Schendel Dolores J. , Pohla Heike
Published: October 2017

Background

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in maintenance of homeostasis in vivo. Treg application to alleviate allo‐organ rejection is being studied extensively. However, natural Treg (nTreg) expansion in vitro is laborious and expensive. Antigen‐specific Treg are more effective and require lower cell numbers than use of nTreg for immune control. The baboon, as a non‐human primate experimental animal model, is widely used in xenotransplantation research. An effective method to generate baboon xeno‐specific Treg would benefit research on immune tolerance in xenotransplantation using this model system.

Method

Baboon tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) were generated in 3 days from monocytes isolated from baboon peripheral blood mononuclear cells in medium supplemented with anti‐inflammatory cytokines. After loading with porcine‐specific (PS) in vitro‐transcribed RNA (ivtRNA), tolDC were used to induce CD4+ T cells to become porcine‐specific Treg (PSTreg) in cocultures supplemented with IL‐2 and rapamycin for 10 days. Anti‐inflammatory and inflammatory cytokine expression was evaluated at the mRNA and protein levels in both baboon tolDC and PSTreg. Functional assays, suppression of activation markers on porcine‐specific effector T cells (PSTeff) and inhibition of PSTeff proliferation, were used to test PSTreg specificity.

Results

TolDC generated with this method exhibited a tolerogenic phenotype, expressed CCR7 and produced high levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1, whereas IL‐12p40 and IFN‐γ were not expressed. PSTreg were successfully generated in cocultures of CD4+ T cells and PS ivtRNA‐loaded tolDC. They exhibited a CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ CD127low/− CD45RAlow Foxp3+ phenotype and were characterized by high expression of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 mRNA and protein. They showed upregulated expression of EBI3 and GARP mRNA. PSTreg exhibited highly suppressive effects toward PSTeff, secreting high amounts of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 cytokine upon interaction with PSTeff and suppressing IFN‐γ expression on PSTeff.

Conclusion

In this study, a fast 3‐day method to generate baboon‐derived tolDC is provided that allows subsequent induction of PSTreg displaying high porcine‐antigen specificity and expression of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1. Porcine‐specific baboon Treg can be used in porcine solid organ or cell xenotransplantation studies through adoptive cell transfer into host baboons.
Pre‐clinical results in pig‐to‐non‐human primate islet xenotransplantation using anti‐CD40 antibody (2C10R4)‐based immunosuppression
Authors: Shin Jun‐Seop , Kim Jong‐Min , Min Byoung‐Hoon , Yoon Il Hee , Kim Hyun Je , Kim Jung‐Sik , Kim Yong‐Hee , Kang Seong‐Jun , Kim Jiyeon , Kang Hee‐Jung , Lim Dong‐Gyun , Hwang Eung‐Soo , Ha Jongwon , Kim Sang‐Joon , Park Wan Beom , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: October 2017

Background

Islet transplantation is an effective therapy for selected patients with type 1 diabetes with labile glycemic control and hypoglycemic unawareness, but donor organs are limited. Islet xenotransplantation using porcine islets will potentially solve this problem. Although successful proof of concept studies using clinically inapplicable anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in pig‐to‐non‐human primate (NHP) islet xenotransplantation has been demonstrated by several groups worldwide, potentially clinically applicable anti‐CD40 (2C10R4) mAb‐based studies have not been reported.

Methods

Nine streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rhesus monkeys were transplanted with adult porcine islets isolated from designated pathogen‐free (DPF) miniature pigs. They were treated with anti‐CD40 mAb‐based immunosuppressive regimen and were divided into 3 groups: anti‐CD40 only group (n = 2), belatacept group (anti‐CD40 mAb+belatacept, n = 2), and tacrolimus group (anti‐CD40 mAb+tacrolimus, n = 5). All monkeys received anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG), cobra venom factor (CVF), adalimumab, and sirolimus. Blood glucose levels (BGL) and serum porcine C‐peptide concentrations were measured. Humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed by ELISA and ELISPOT, respectively. Liver biopsy and subsequent immunohistochemistry were conducted.

Results

All animals restored normoglycemia immediately after porcine islet transplantation and finished the follow‐up without any severe adverse effects except for one animal (R092). Most animals maintained their body weight. Median survival, as defined by a serum porcine C‐peptide concentration of >0.15 ng/mL, was 31, 27, and 60 days for anti‐CD40 only, belatacept, and tacrolimus groups, respectively. Anti‐αGal IgG levels in serum and the number of interferon‐γ secreting T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not increase in most animals.

Conclusion

These results showed that anti‐CD40 mAb combined with tacrolimus was effective in prolonging porcine islet graft survival, but anti‐CD40 mAb was not as effective as anti‐CD154 mAb in terms of preventing early islet loss.
Risk factors of Leptospira infection in Mediterranean periurban micromammals
Authors: Millán J. , Cevidanes A. , Chirife A. D. , Candela M. G. , León‐Vizcaíno L.
Published: October 2017

Urbanization of natural areas can change abiotic factors, providing artificial sources of humidity in summer and decreasing variation of temperatures in winter. Our study aimed at document risk factors of infection in mammal reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira in the human/wildlife interface of a large metropolitan area. We hypothesize that survival of Leptospira and thus their prevalence in animal reservoirs should be higher in residential areas than in natural habitats, especially after the hot, dry Mediterranean summers. We established the prevalence of Leptospira spp. and identified the serovars in 353 urine samples from micromammals (chiefly the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus, n = 266) using direct immunofluorescence and PCR. Animals were captured in spring and autumn, 2011–2012, in two natural parks and two adjacent residential areas in periurban Barcelona (NE Spain). Overall observed prevalence of infection was 11%, ranking between 8% and 13% in the better represented host species. We observed marked differences between seasons; the probability of finding a micromammal infected in spring was three times greater than in autumn (almost four times for wood mouse). Prevalence was not related with type of habitat, micromammal relative abundance or sex of the animal. Three Leptospira species were confirmed: Leptospira interrogans (47% of cases), Leptospira borgpetersenii (41%) and Leptospira kirschneri (12%). The serovars most commonly detected were those typically hosted by rodents, and serovars Ballum and Icterohemorrhagiae were the only ones found in autumn. People living in periurban Barcelona and those visiting the natural areas of the metropolitan area face hazard of infection with rodent‐borne Leptospira, especially during spring.
EFFECT OF ETCHING AS PRE-TREATMENT FOR ELECTROLESS COPPER PLATING ON SILICON WAFER
Authors: Shahidin Shazatul Akmaliah Mior , Fadil Nor Akmal , Yusop Mohd Zamri , Tamin Mohd Nasir , Osman Saliza Azlina
Published: October 2017

Metallic coatings, such as copper films can be easily deposited on semiconductor materials like silicon wafer without prior surface pre-treatment using the electroless process. However, the adhesion of the copper film can be very weak and can easily peels off. In this study, the effect of etching in hydrofluoric acid solution as a surface pre-treatment prior to electroless plating on silicon wafer was studied. The etching time in hydrofluoric acid was varied at 1, 3 and 5 minutes in order to investigate the adhesion behaviour of the coating layer. The surface morphology of the electroless plated samples was observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and the coating thickness was measured using cross sectional analysis. The results showed that longer etching time (5 minutes) produced thicker Cu deposits (8.5μm) than 1 minute etching time (5μm). In addition, by increasing the etching time, the mechanical bonding between the copper film and the substrate is improved.
ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY OF METHANE PRODUCTION FROM ANAEROBIC DIGESTION START-UP PROCESS OF GREASE TRAP WASTE
Authors: Rasit Nazaitulshila , Idris Azni , Wan Ab Karim Ghani Wan Azlina
Published: October 2017

Anaerobic digestion is one of the potential processes of waste lipid recovery for beneficial use to produce methane (CH4). In anaerobic digestion, the utilization of grease trap waste for mono digestion is less reported. This might be due to high lipid content in grease trap waste that may cause inhibition effects which resulted from long chain fatty acids (LCFA) accumulation during the degradation process. This study is intended to investigate the effects of lipid acclimated biomass (LAB) and non-acclimated biomass (NAB) in the anaerobic treatment of grease trap waste over increasing organic loading rate (OLR) in continuous stir tank reactor. The results showed that the resistance of grease trap waste toxicity was higher in LAB while in inhibited reactor (NAB), 9 days lag phase occurred during the start-up process and affected the overall CH4 production. At OLR of 2.2 gCOD/L.day, high CH4 was yielded of 0.22 LCH4/gCODremoved at standard temperature and pressure with 11% CH4 enhancement in LAB. The inoculum acclimatization is one of the strategy to improve CH4 production and the purpose is to provide favorable condition to the methanogens towards build-up of volatile acids and inhibitive components such as LCFA. Thus, the overall enhancement for acclimated to LCFA inoculum strategy was 42%. The induction during the start-up had promoted and enhanced CH4 production when semi-continuous feeding was introduced and remain higher than the other reactors throughout the entire experiment. This indicates that the use of biomass consortium acclimated to long chain fatty acids compounds is a reliable strategy to speed up the start-up of anaerobic digestion process and to enhance the overall CH4 yield.