bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of biofoam in shielding spittlebug nymphs (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cercopidae) against bright light
Authors: CHEN XU , MEYER‐ROCHOW V. BENNO , FERERES ALBERTO , MORENTE MARINA , LIANG AI‐PING
Published: December 2017

1. Biofoam in spittlebugs has traditionally been seen as a defence against predation and a microclimate that reduces the risks of overheating and drying out. This study addresses the possible role of the foam as a light attenuator.

2. Nymphs exhibit higher mortalities when reared under brighter light (1800–2000 lux) than under less bright light (600–800 lux). At all developmental stages, photoavoidance is strongest when the nymphs are depleted of foam covers. First‐ and second‐instar nymphs appear to be the most vulnerable to exposures by bright light.

3. Smaller bubbles are more effective as light attenuators than are larger ones. As younger instars possess smaller canals from which bubbles are released and, furthermore, exhibit higher concentrations of proteins in bubble liquid, they can produce smaller‐sized bubbles and their foams are more effective at reducing light than are those of older nymphs.

4. The findings of this study show that most of the visible and UV radiation is reflected by the foam: transmittance of visible light was 15% at 600 nm and 12% at 350 nm.

5. These results demonstrate that spittlebug foam also possesses properties that render it an effective barrier against potentially damaging solar radiation.
Ophiostomatoid fungi isolated from three different pine species in Argentinian Patagonia
Authors: de Errasti A. , Pildain M. B. , Rajchenberg M.
Published: December 2017

Pine plantations in Argentinian Patagonia cover ca. 95,000 ha in Chubut, Río Negro and Neuquén provinces. Exotic bark beetles (Orthotomicus laricis, Hylastes ater and Hylurgus ligniperda) commonly occur in freshly cut logs, stumps and slash. These beetles are vectors of “ophiostomatoid” fungi which include primary tree pathogens as well as important agents of blue stain. The aim of this study was to identify these beetle‐associated fungi. Sawing mills and pine plantations were surveyed three consecutive years. Fungal isolates from stained logs, processed wood and insect galleries were identified based on morphological and DNA sequence comparisons of ITS and β‐tubulin gene regions. Two Grosmannia, one Graphilbum and three Ophiostoma species were identified. Ophiostoma piliferum and O. peregrinum sp. nov. were the most frequently isolated taxa. O. peregrinum occurred in all provinces, colonizing different conifer species and, interestingly, also the native broadleaved species Nothofagus dombeyi. Pine plantation forestry in southern South America includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Emerging data from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay revealed some coincidences between these countries, but also several differences, probably, as a result of multiple introduction events.
Cerebral microbleeds: a magnetic resonance imaging review of common and less common causes
Authors: Renard D.
Published: December 2017

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small foci of (acute, subacute or chronic) blood products, best seen using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques sensitive to iron deposits (i.e. gradient‐echo T2*‐weighted and susceptibility‐weighted imaging), frequently encountered in small vessel disease (SVD) (with hypertensive vasculopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy as the most frequent conditions) and also in other disorders. In this review, the MRI characteristics of CMBs and the associated MRI abnormalities encountered in common and less common SVD and non‐SVD conditions are the main focus. Identification of the origin of CMBs depends on their localization, the presence of other associated MRI abnormalities, and the patient's history and clinical state.
The Ecumenical Movement in Asia and Emerging Challenges: The Christian Conference of Asia at 60 and Beyond
Authors: George Chunakara Mathews
Published: December 2017

As the Christian Conference of Asia marks the 60th anniversary of its founding in 1957 at an Asian church leaders’ consultation in Prapat, Indonesia, this contribution seeks to analyze the contemporary challenges facing the ecumenical movement in a situation characterized by a lack of coherence and coordination. In a continent where the number of Christians is profoundly small, division makes Christian witness even more difficult and fragmented, and less effective. In such a situation, concerted efforts for dialogue and communication with mutual accountability should be a priority, in order to address the emerging challenges more efficiently. The specific responsibility and role of the ecumenical movement in Asia is to search for the expression of the common faith of the Asian churches through engagement in a pluralistic Asia, and to work for visible unity despite doctrinal differences and confessional barriers. The need to revitalize the ecumenical movement in Asia and regain the ecumenical vision of Asian churches should be a priority for all those who are concerned with the common witness and future of the ecumenical movement in Asia.
Putting Justice at the Heart of Faith: Reflecting on Ecumenism from an Asian Perspective
Authors: Peacock Philip V.
Published: December 2017

As we celebrate 60 years of the Christian Conference of Asia, it becomes incumbent on us to reflect on what it means to speak of ecumenism from an Asian perspective. What is uniquely Asian about ecumenism in Asia? And how have Asians imagined ecumenism and contributed to the larger ecumenical discourse? In this article, I shall first consider what is specific to the Asian context and specifically map both Asian continental uniqueness and the Asian context itself; secondly, I will look at specific issues in Asian ecumenism; and lastly, I will attempt to chart trajectories for Asian ecumenism by seeking an alternative interpretation of the marks of the church as expounded in the Nicene Creed.
Just Call Me by My Name: Worship Music in Asian Ecumenism
Authors: Lim Swee Hong
Published: December 2017

This article examines the historical development of worship music in Asian ecumenism by examining three ecumenical hymnals from the 1960s to the present. It identifies key personalities and institutions involved in the formation of Asian worship music. The essay argues that the maturation of Asian Christian spirituality via music making requires the church to hold in tension both its missional heritage and local cultural practices. It proposes the development of robust theo‐liturgical scholarship as being critical in helping the church mature.
Ecumenical and Inter‐religious Engagement of Asian Pentecostals and Charismatics
Authors: Au Connie
Published: December 2017

The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) has been a significant platform for all ecumenical organizations and churches in Asia to collaborate. However, although Pentecostal and charismatic churches have been growing rapidly in Asia and a number of megachurches have been founded, none of them have become members of the CCA. This article sets out the official ecumenical engagements of Asian Pentecostals with other Protestant churches and the Roman Catholic Church in recent years, before discussing the ecumenical impact of the charismatic renewal in several Asian countries. Finally, since Asia is the birthplace of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and ecumenism is also concerned with inter‐religious relations, it discusses the development of Pentecostalism in the countries dominated by those three religions.
The South Asian Presence in the Ecumenical Movement
Authors: Athyal Jesudas M.
Published: December 2017

This article surveys the distinct role South Asian Christianity played in the modern ecumenical movement. It explores how the longevity, vitality, and diversity of Christianity in South Asia, coupled with the pluralistic ethos and inter‐religious context of the region, provided a conducive atmosphere for the ecumenical movement to take root in the early decades of the 20th century. The article argues that while there were outstanding ecumenical thinkers and path‐breaking church unity efforts in the region, what was most important was the emergence of new theological trends that reverberated across the ecumenical world, such as Dalit theology, tribal theology, and Urban and Rural Mission. While discussing these developments from a historical perspective, this article also tries to identify contemporary issues and challenges in these areas. Today, as the forces of religious nationalism, sectarianism, and fundamentalism are gaining ground in South Asia, the task before us is to realize anew the meaning of ecumenism.
Asian Ecumenical Contributions to Theologies of Justice and Peace
Authors: Rajkumar Peniel Jesudason Rufus
Published: December 2017

Issues of justice and peace have been at the centre of Asian ecumenical theology, which has developed within the context of the Asian reality of multi‐religiosity, on the one hand, and rampant poverty, on the other. This article examines how Asian ecumenical theological expressions, such as Dalit theology from India, Minjung theology from Korea, the many Asian womanist theologies, indigenous theologies, the theology of struggle from the Philippines, Burakumin theologies from Japan, and homeland theology from Taiwan, have sought to engage with these realities. It examines the impact of socio‐political movements on theological formation through a focus on the life and work of the Indian ecumenical leader M. M. Thomas, and offers a detailed examination of Dalit and Minjung theologies as expressions of the Asian ecumenical theological engagement with justice.
Interleukin‐21 receptor signalling is not critically required for imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform dermatitis in mice
Authors: Kim Hee Joo , Kim Sung Hee , Kim Tae‐Gyun , Park Je Yun , Lee Minseok , Kim Dae Suk , Lee Min‐Geol
Published: December 2017

Psoriasis is largely mediated by interleukin (IL)‐23/T helper (Th) 17 axis, and IL‐21 is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed by Th17 cells. Despite previously reported possible pathogenic roles of IL‐21 in human psoriasis, we found that IL‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) signalling was not crucial for imiquimod‐induced psoriatic inflammation, using IL‐21R−/− mice. The severity of imiquimod‐induced psoriatic manifestation and pro‐inflammatory Th17 cytokine levels, IL‐17A‐producing γδ T cells and CD4+ T cells, and in vitro IL‐17A production by γδ T cells after IL‐23 stimulation was comparable between wild‐type and IL‐21R−/− mice. Collectively, IL‐21R signalling was not critically involved in IMQ‐induced psoriatic inflammation despite an increased IL‐21 expression in the IMQ‐treated mouse skin. Our data may represent the significant differences between human psoriasis and murine psoriasis model, and further studies using other models will be required to elucidate the role of IL‐21 in psoriasis pathogenesis.
Elevated levels of the antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 in hidradenitis suppurativa are associated with a Th1/Th17 immune response
Authors: Thomi Rahel , Schlapbach Christoph , Yawalkar Nikhil , Simon Dagmar , Yerly Daniel , Hunger Robert E.
Published: December 2017

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease with poorly understood immunopathogenic mechanisms. LL‐37 is an antimicrobial peptide, which is transcribed from the CAMP (cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide) gene. Previous reports showed upregulated levels of CAMP and LL‐37 in HS lesions, and therefore, the aim of this study was to compare levels of LL‐37 in HS to other inflammatory skin diseases and to establish immunomodulatory functions of LL‐37 in HS. We confirm an upregulation of the LL‐37 peptide in lesional HS skin with comparable levels as in psoriasis patients and are able to positively correlate the presence of LL‐37 in HS with the presence of T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, IFN‐γ, IL‐17, IL‐23, TNF‐α, IL‐32 and IL‐1β. Mechanistically, LL‐37 boosts the proliferation of unspecifically activated CD4+ T cells via an increased calcium signalling independent of antigen‐presenting cells. Targeting LL‐37 may therefore represent a new therapeutic option for the treatment of this recalcitrant disease, but it has to be kept in mind that LL‐37 also has an antimicrobial function.
Stemazole promotes survival and preserves stemness in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Huajun , Xu Shasha , Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Yinan , Han Mei , Wen Jinhua
Published: December 2017

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are extremely delicate, and survive poorly under suboptimal culture conditions, severely restricting long‐term studies and practical applications. Thus, a protective agent that promotes stem cell survival is urgently needed. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of stemazole in single‐cell and starved hESC cultures. Colony formation was quantified by alkaline phosphatase and immunofluorescence staining, while apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Expression of hESC and other stem cell markers was evaluated by western blot, RT‐PCR, and qPCR. We found that stemazole enhanced clonal expansion from single cells in dose‐dependent fashion and clearly decreased apoptosis from 54.1% to 25.2%. Furthermore, the drug reduced apoptosis from 43.6% to 8.4% over 15 h of starvation, with 66% of stemazole‐treated cells remaining viable after 2 weeks of starvation. Importantly, starved cells protected with stemazole retained the same proliferation and differentiation properties as cells in normal culture. In conclusion, stemazole significantly promotes survival of stem cells in single‐cell or starvation cultures without compromising stemness and pluripotency.
Rapid soil formation after glacial retreat shaped by spatial patterns of organic matter accrual in microaggregates
Authors: Schweizer Steffen A. , Hoeschen Carmen , Schlüter Steffen , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid , Mueller Carsten W.
Published: December 2017

Global change contributes to the retreat of glaciers at unprecedented rates. The deglaciation facilitates biogeochemical processes on glacial deposits with initiating soil formation as an important driver of evolving ecosystems. The underlying mechanisms of soil formation and the association of soil organic matter (SOM) with mineral particles remain unclear, although further insights are critical to understand carbon sequestration in soils. We investigated the microspatial arrangement of SOM coatings at intact soil microaggregate structures during various stages of ecosystem development from 15 to >700 years after deglaciation in the proglacial environment of the Damma glacier (Switzerland). The functionally important clay‐sized fraction (<2 μm) was separated into two density fractions with different amounts of organo‐mineral associations: light (1.6–2.2 g/cm3) and heavy (>2.2 g/cm3). To quantify how SOM extends across the surface of mineral particles (coverage) and whether SOM coatings are distributed in fragmented or connected patterns (connectivity), we developed an image analysis protocol based on nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). We classified SOM and mineral areas depending on the 16O−, 12C−, and 12C14N− distributions. With increasing time after glacial retreat, the microspatial coverage and connectivity of SOM increased rapidly. The rapid soil formation led to a succession of patchy distributed to more connected SOM coatings on soil microaggregates. The maximum coverage of 55% at >700 years suggests direct evidence for SOM sequestration being decoupled from the mineral surface, as it was not completely masked by SOM and retained its functionality as an ion exchange site. The chemical composition of SOM coatings showed a rapid change toward a higher CN:C ratio already at 75 years after glacial retreat, which was associated with microbial succession patterns reflecting high N assimilation. Our results demonstrate that rapid SOM sequestration drives the microspatial succession of SOM coatings in soils, a process that can stabilize SOM for the long term.
The relative importance of the bacterial pathway and soil inorganic nitrogen increase across an extreme wood‐ash application gradient
Authors: Vestergård Mette , Bang‐Andreasen Toke , Buss Sebastian Micki , Cruz‐Paredes Carla , Bentzon‐Tilia Sara , Ekelund Flemming , Kjøller Rasmus , Hindborg Mortensen Louise , Rønn Regin
Published: December 2017

Ash from combustion of biofuels, for example wood chips, is often deposited as waste, but due to its high content of essential plant nutrients and alkalinity, it has been proposed to recycle ash as a fertilizer and liming agent in biofuel production forest. However, current legislation sets rather strict limitations for wood‐ash application in biofuel production systems. The soil microfood web, that is microorganisms and their microfaunal grazers, protozoa and nematodes, is pivotal for essential ecosystem processes such as decomposition and plant nutrient release. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the impacts on microfood web structure and functioning must precede actions towards raising the currently allowed application rates. In a Danish Norway spruce plantation, we evaluate the impact of wood ash applied at dosages from 0 to the extreme case of 90 t ash ha−1 on the microfood web, the bacterial community structure, soil content of inorganic nitrogen, organic matter, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we disentangled the direct effect of the disturbance imposed by ash per se, the associated pH increase and changes in prey abundance on individual organism groups in the microfood web. The SEM showed that the pH rise was the main driver of increasing abundances of culturable heterotrophic bacteria with increasing ash doses, and via trophical transfer, this also manifested as higher abundances of bacterial grazers. Fungal‐feeding nematodes were unaffected by ash, whereas carnivorous/omnivorous nematodes decreased due to the direct effect of ash. Increasing ash doses enhanced the difference between bacterial communities of control plots and ash‐amended plots. The ash‐induced stimulation of culturable heterotrophic bacteria and bacterial grazers increased inorganic nitrogen availability at ash doses of 9 t ha−1 and above. Hence, raised limits for ash application may potentially benefit tree growth via enhanced N mineralization activity of the soil food web.
PPAPI: A Program for Groundwater Modeling Tasks in Distributed Parallel Computing Environments
Authors: Schumacher Jens , Hayley Kevin , Boutin Louis‐Charles , White Emma
Published: December 2017

Article impact statement: The software presented in the article helps to run highly parameterized groundwater model calibrations and uncertainty analysis.
Written action plans for children with long‐term conditions: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative data
Authors: Waldecker Andrea , Malpass Alice , King Anna , Ridd Matthew J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Long‐term conditions (LTCs) in children require a high level of self‐management. Written action plans (WAPs) have been advocated to guide decision‐making and support self‐management but there is uncertainty about how WAPs “work” and what aspects are important for successful implementation.

Objective

To review and synthesize existing qualitative evidence about the design and use of WAPs across childhood LTCs.

Method

We undertook a systematic search of the literature (Medline, EMBASE, CiNAHL, PsycInfo, Web of science) from inception to May 2015; critically appraised included studies; and synthesized the findings, drawing on normalisation process theory.

Results

3473 titles were screened and 53 papers read in full. Nine studies (four key, two minor and three of poor quality) contributed to our analysis, predominantly work on asthma from the USA and in specialist settings. WAPs may help to alleviate user worry and boost confidence. Confidence to act was closely linked to feelings of responsibility and authority. The value and use of WAPs are determined by multiple factors, and varies between different user groups. Logistical challenges include sharing a WAP between different stakeholders and keeping it up to date. Colour coding and pictures may enhance the appeal and usability of WAPS.

Conclusion

WAPs are complex interventions but our understanding of their use and value in children with LTCs is limited. WAPs need to meet the needs of users who have different requirements/levels of understanding and confidence according to their different roles. Future research into WAPs needs to be both disease and context‐specific.
Amino acid composition and anti‐polyphenol oxidase of peptide fractions from sericin hydrolysate
Authors: Puangphet Aschariyakul , Jiamyangyuen Sudarat , Tiyaboonchai Waree , Thongsook Tipawan
Published: December 2017

Sericin hydrolysate (SH), prepared from enzymatic hydrolysis of sericin, was investigated for its antipolyphenol oxidase (PPO) properties. SH decreased PPO activity from both purified mushroom PPO and extracts from apple and eggplant, and retarded browning in fresh‐cut apple and eggplant. SH was a competitive inhibitor using catechol as a substrate. SH exhibited copper ion‐chelating power and reducing power abilities. Fractionation of SH using size exclusion chromatography resulted in four fractions, designated as F1, F2, F3 and F4, with PPO inhibition of 35.75%, 3.89%, 24.52% and 14.75%, respectively. Ser and Asp were major amino acids found in F1. Amino acid sequences in F1, as investigated by LC‐MS/MS using de novo sequencing, contained a high ratio of amino acids with chelating ability. Moreover, amino acids with reducing power ability and with antityrosinase ability were also identified in the sequences.
γ‐Glu‐Met synthesised using a bacterial glutaminase as a potential inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV
Authors: Yang Juan , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Cui Chun , Dong Keming , Zhao Mouming
Published: December 2017

This study describes γ‐glutamyl dipeptides as competitive inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV), and the feasible synthesis of γ‐Glu‐Met through transpeptidation catalysed by a commercial glutaminase of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. γ‐Glu‐Met, γ‐Glu‐Leu, γ‐Glu‐Phe, γ‐Glu‐Trp or γ‐Glu‐Tyr exhibited a competitive inhibitory effect on DPP‐IV. The yield of γ‐Glu‐Met was 26.16% under optimised conditions: 200 mm Gln, 20 mm Met, 0.1 U mL−1 enzyme, pH 9.0, 37 °C and reaction time 3 h. For the first time, the side products containing characteristic sequences, that is poly‐γ‐glutamyl short chains with a terminal Met residue (γ‐Glu‐γ‐Glu‐Met and γ‐Glu‐γ‐Glu‐γ‐Glu‐Met) were identified. The superiority of the commercial glutaminase in the synthesis of DPP‐IV‐inhibitory peptides can enable the application of this novel process for manufacturing γ‐glutamyl‐peptides as potential functional ingredients in the type 2 diabetic diet.
Thermal stability of catechin and epicatechin upon disaccharides addition
Authors: Lončarić Ante , Pablo Lamas Juan , Guerra Eugenia , Kopjar Mirela , Lores Marta
Published: December 2017

Influence of sucrose and trehalose addition on epimerisation and thermal degradation of catechin and epicatechin have been studied. Sucrose addition accelerated epimerisation of catechin and epicatechin at 80 and 100 °C. Addition of trehalose had protective effect on epimerisation of catechin and epicatechin. Considering thermal degradation, it was confirmed that thermal degradation of catechin and epicatechin follows the first‐order kinetics. Increasing the temperature causes shorter half‐lives of catechin and epicatechin. Addition of sucrose had negative effect on catechin stability. However, in samples with epicatechin, sucrose impact was temperature dependent. Trehalose addition had positive impact on preventing catechin and epicatechin degradation almost doubling the half‐life of studied compounds. Data presented in this study could help to predict chemical conversions of investigated phenolics in various food systems and to prolong their shelf life in thermally processed foods.
CaTiO3 linear dielectric ceramics with greatly enhanced dielectric strength and energy storage density
Authors: Zhou Hai Yang , Liu Xiao Qiang , Zhu Xiao Li , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: December 2017

CaTiO3 is a typical linear dielectric material with high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, and high resistivity, which is expected as a promising candidate for the high energy storage density applications. In the previous work, an energy density of 1.5 J/cm3 was obtained in CaTiO3 ceramics, where the dielectric strength was only 435 kV/cm. In fact, the intrinsic dielectric strength of CaTiO3 is predicted as high as 4.2 MV/cm. Therefore, it should be a challenge issue to enhance the dielectric strength and energy storage density of CaTiO3 ceramics by optimizing the microstructures. In the present work, dense CaTiO3 ceramics with fine and uniform microstructures are prepared by spark plasma sintering, and the greatly enhanced dielectric strength (910 kV/cm) and energy storage density (6.9 J/cm3) are obtained. This can be ascribed to the improved resistivity and thermal conductivity, associated with the fine and uniform microstructures. The different post‐breakdown features of CaTiO3 ceramics prepared by different process well interpret why the enhanced dielectric strength is achieved in the SPS sample. The energy storage density can be further improved to 11.8 J/cm3 by introducing the amorphous alumina thin films as the charge blocking layer, where the dielectric strength is 1188 kV/cm.
Assessment of dietary sodium intake using a food frequency questionnaire and 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion: a systematic literature review
Authors: McLean Rachael M. , Farmer Victoria L. , Nettleton Alice , Cameron Claire M. , Cook Nancy R. , Campbell Norman R. C. ,   TRUE Consortium (International Consortium for Quality Research on Dietary Sodium/Salt)
Published: December 2017

Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are often used to assess dietary sodium intake, although 24‐hour urinary excretion is the most accurate measure of intake. The authors conducted a systematic review to investigate whether FFQs are a reliable and valid way of measuring usual dietary sodium intake. Results from 18 studies are described in this review, including 16 validation studies. The methods of study design and analysis varied widely with respect to FFQ instrument, number of 24‐hour urine collections collected per participant, methods used to assess completeness of urine collections, and statistical analysis. Overall, there was poor agreement between estimates from FFQ and 24‐hour urine. The authors suggest a framework for validation and reporting based on a consensus statement (2004), and recommend that all FFQs used to estimate dietary sodium intake undergo validation against multiple 24‐hour urine collections.
Drug treatment of hypertension in Sweden in relation to sex, age, and comorbidity
Authors: Wallentin Fredrik , Wettermark Björn , Kahan Thomas
Published: December 2017

The authors investigated antihypertensive drug treatment in Sweden using the Stockholm Regional Healthcare Data Warehouse, providing information on all healthcare consultations, diagnoses, hospitalizations, dispensed prescription drugs, sex, and age in 2.1 million persons. This cross‐sectional analysis identified 292 428 individuals 20 years or older with hypertension (mean age 68 ± 13 years, 53% women). About half had no diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular comorbidity. The number of dispensed drugs was lower in women than in men (1.9 ± 1.3 vs 2.1 ± 1.5, P < .001). Women more often used diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers, and β‐blockers, while men used more angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers (all P < .01). In women, 66% with diabetes mellitus and 72% with heart failure used angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers vs 76% and 79% in men (all P < .001, adjusted for age and comorbidity). Thus, sex differences in treatment prevail. There is room for improvement, which could reduce cardiovascular complications.
The prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang G. , Qiu D. , Yang H. , Liu W.
Published: December 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to provide a pooled estimate of the prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane library databases was conducted. The proportions and mean questionnaire values for depression were pooled according to different evaluation methods. In controlled studies, odds ratio and standardized mean differences compared depression in vitiligo patients with healthy controls.

Results

One thousand nine hundred and sixty‐five patients were identified from 20 eligible cohorts to be included in the present meta‐analysis review. Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 308 for each analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression across 17 unique populations (n = 1711) was 29% (95% CI 20–39). The prevalence of clinical depression was 8% (95% CI 2%–14%) using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV or International Classification of Diseases codes‐10, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 33% (95% CI 23%–44%) using validated screening inventory and rating scales. Patient with vitiligo was 4.96 times more likely to display depression compared with controls. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of depression in Asian and female patients with vitiligo was significantly higher than that in Caucasian and male ones. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher (56%, 95% CI 0.5–0.62), and the heterogeneity was lowering cases with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) questionnaire when compared with other questionnaires.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis review indicates that the prevalence of depression is high in patients with vitiligo. The HDRS questionnaire may be the most sensitive tool for testing the depressive symptoms among patients with vitiligo.
On equilibrium in non‐hydrostatic metamorphic systems
Authors: Powell R. , Evans K. A. , Green E. C. R. , White R. W.
Published: December 2017

Metamorphic geology has accumulated a huge body of observation on mineral assemblages that reveal strong patterns in occurrence, summarized, for example, in the idea of metamorphic facies. On the realization that such patterns needed a simple explanation, there has been considerable a posteriori success from adopting the idea that equilibrium thermodynamics can be used on mineral assemblages to make sense of the patterns in terms of, for example, the pressure and temperature of formation of mineral assemblages. In doing so, a particularly simple implicit assumption is made, that mineral assemblages operate essentially hydrostatically. Structural geologists have studied the same rocks for different ends, but, remarkably, the phenomena they are interested in depend on non‐hydrostatic stress. We look at the effect of such behaviour on mineral equilibria. With adoption of some plausible assumptions about how metamorphism in the crust works, the consequence of minerals being non‐hydrostatically stressed is commonly second order in equilibrium calculations.
Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) controls neuronal homeostasis in pentylenetetrazole‐induced epilepsy through the induction of Homer1a
Authors: Shan Wei , Nagai Taku , Tanaka Motoki , Itoh Norimichi , Furukawa‐Hibi Yoko , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Sokabe Masahiro , Yamada Kiyofumi
Published: December 2017

Neuronal intrinsic homeostatic scaling‐down of excitatory synapse has been implicated in epilepsy pathogenesis to prevent the neuronal circuits from hyperexcitability. Recent findings suggest a role for neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4), an activity‐dependent neuron‐specific transcription factor in epileptogenesis, however, the underlying mechanism by which Npas4 regulates epilepsy remains unclear. We herein propose that limbic seizure activity up‐regulates Npas4‐homer1a signaling in the hippocampus, thereby contributing to epileptogenesis in mice. The expression level of Npas4mRNA was significantly increased after the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) treatment. Npas4KO mice developed kindling more rapidly than their wild‐type littermates. The expression of Homer1a in the hippocampus increased after seizure activity. Npas4 increased Homer1a promoter activity in COS7 cells. The PTZ‐stimulated induction of Homer1a was attenuated in the hippocampus of Npas4KO mice. The combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that Homer1amRNA co‐localized with the Npas4 protein after the convulsive seizure response. PTZ reduced excitatory synaptic transmission at the associational/commissural fibers‐CA3 synapses through the Npas4‐mediated down‐regulation of postsynaptic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors in hippocampal CA3 neurons. The adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated expression of Homer1a resulted in lower α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid‐type glutamate receptor GluA1 subunit levels in the hippocampal plasma membrane fraction than in that from AAV‐EGFP‐transfected Npas4KO mice. The development of kindling was more strongly suppressed in AAV‐Homer1a‐microinjected Npas4KO mice than in AAV‐EGFP‐microinjected Npas4KO mice. These results indicate that Npas4 functions as a molecular switch to initiate homeostatic scaling and the targeting of Npas4‐Homer1a signaling may provide new approaches for the treatment of epilepsy.

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Triheptanoin protects against status epilepticus‐induced hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunctions, oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration
Authors: Tan Kah Ni , Simmons David , Carrasco‐Pozo Catalina , Borges Karin
Published: December 2017

Triheptanoin, the triglyceride of heptanoate, is anaplerotic (refills deficient tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates) via the propionyl‐CoA carboxylase pathway. It has been shown to be neuroprotective and anticonvulsant in several models of neurological disorders. Here, we investigated the effects of triheptanoin against changes of hippocampal mitochondrial functions, oxidative stress and cell death induced by pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE) in mice. Ten days of triheptanoin pre‐treatment did not protect against SE, but it preserved hippocampal mitochondrial functions including state 2, state 3 ADP, state 3 uncoupled respiration, respiration linked to ATP synthesis along with the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex 24 h post‐SE. Triheptanoin prevented the SE‐induced reductions of hippocampal mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity and plasma antioxidant status as well as lipid peroxidation. It also reduced neuronal degeneration in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 3 days after SE. In addition, heptanoate significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide‐induced cell death in cultured neurons. In situ hybridization localized the enzymes of the propionyl‐CoA carboxylase pathway, specifically Pccα, Pccβ and methylmalonyl‐CoA mutase to adult mouse hippocampal pyramidal neurons and dentate granule cells, indicating that anaplerosis may occur in neurons. In conclusion, triheptanoin appears to have anaplerotic and antioxidant effects which contribute to its neuroprotective properties.

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A switch from GABA inhibition to excitation of vasopressin neurones exacerbates the development of angiotensin II‐dependent hypertension
Authors: Korpal A. K. , Han S. Y. , Schwenke D. O. , Brown C. H.
Published: December 2017

Hypothalamic magnocellular neurones secrete vasopressin into the systemic circulation to maintain blood pressure by increasing renal water reabsorption, as well as by vasoconstriction. When blood pressure rises, baroreflex activation normally inhibits vasopressin neurones via activation of GABAergic inputs. However, plasma vasopressin levels are paradoxically elevated in several models of hypertension, as well as in some patients with essential hypertension, despite increased blood pressure. We have previously shown that vasopressin neurone activity is increased early in the development of moderate angiotensin II‐dependent hypertension via blunted baroreflex inhibition of vasopressin neurones. In the present study, we show that antagonism of vasopressin‐induced vasoconstriction slows the development of hypertension and that local administration of a GABAA receptor antagonist inhibits vasopressin neurones during, but not before, the onset of hypertension. Taken together, our data suggest that vasopressin exacerbates the increase in blood pressure evident early in the development hypertension and that blunted baroreflex inhibition of vasopressin neurones is underpinned by an excitatory shift in their response to endogenous GABA signalling.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PRECAMBRIAN PETROLEUM SYSTEM IN THE SANKURU‐MBUJI‐MAYI‐LOMAMI‐LOVOY BASIN, SOUTH‐CENTRAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Authors: Delpomdor F. , Bonneville S. , Baert K. , Préat A.
Published: December 2017

This study presents a preliminary assessment of the petroleum potential of the Meso‐Neoproterozoic Mbuji‐Mayi Supergroup in the Sankuru‐Mbuji‐Mayi‐Lomami‐Lovoy Basin in the southern‐central Democratic Republic of Congo. This basin is one of the least explored in Central Africa and is a valuable resource for the evaluation of the petroleum system in the greater Congo Basin area. Highly altered carbonates (potential reservoir rocks) and black shales (potential source rocks) are present in the Mbuji‐Mayi Supergroup, which can be divided into the BI and overlying BII groups (Stenian and Tonian, respectively). For this study, samples of the BIe to BIIe subgroups from five boreholes and two outcrops were evaluated with petrographic, petrophysical and geochemical analyses.

Carbonates in the BIe to BIIe subgroups with reservoir potential include oolitic packstones and grainstones, stromatolitic packstones and boundstones, various dolostones, and brecciated and zoned limestones. Thin section studies showed that porosity in samples of these carbonates is mainly vuggy and mouldic with well‐developed fractures, and secondary porosity is up to 12%. Black shales in the BIIc subgroup have TOC contents of 0.5–1%, and the organic matter is interpreted to have been derived from precursor Type I / II kerogen. The thermal maturity of asphaltite in carbonate samples is indicated by Raman spectroscopy‐derived palaeo‐temperatures which range from ∼150 to ∼260°C, which is typical of low‐grade metamorphism. Raman reflectance (RmcRo%) values on asphaltite samples were between 1.0 and 2.7%, indicating mature organic matter corresponding to the oil and wet gas windows. Source rock maturation and primary oil migration are interpreted to have occurred during Lufilian deformation (650–530 Ma). The solid asphaltite present in fractures in the dolostones of the BIIc subgroup may represent biodegraded light oil from an as‐yet unknown source which probably migrated during the Cambrian‐Ordovician (∼540–480 Ma). This migration event may have been related to the effects of the peak phase of Lufilian deformation in the Katanga Basin to the SE.

This study is intended to provide a starting‐point for more detailed evaluations of potential hydrocarbon systems in the Sankuru‐Mbuji‐Mayi‐Lomami‐Lovoy Basin and the adjacent greater Congo Basin area.
A STRATIGRAPHIC REVIEW OF THE LATE CALLOVIAN TO OXFORDIAN INTERVAL, FISHER BANK BASIN AREA (UK SECTOR, CENTRAL NORTH SEA)
Authors: Duxbury S. , Vieira M.
Published: December 2017

The Middle to Upper Jurassic succession of six wells in the Fisher Bank Basin area has been reviewed within a consistent biostratigraphic framework. Significant, but age‐equivalent, vertical and lateral facies changes across the area have been demonstrated and a number of controlling factors are discussed. Several candidate Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFSs) have been recognised, and various approaches to sequence stratigraphy in the Central North Sea are assessed. This has been particularly focused on the J40/J50 sequence boundary (top Middle Oxfordian) of Rattey and Hayward (1993) and its position with respect to the MFS picks of various authors. New analyses across the Port‐an‐Righ Ironstone MFS from an onshore outcrop and its correlation to the northern Moray Firth indicate that this may not be represented by the high gamma feature widely correlated throughout the Central North Sea, as the latter seems to occur at a slightly older level; it might occur as a more subdued feature, which is difficult to pick on logs in more heterogeneous settings.

Sporomorph EcoGroup (SEG) analysis has allowed discussion of miospore assemblage fluctuations in response to various environmental factors such as climate change or sea level/base level fluctuations. Using marine palynomorphs whose distribution is essentially independent of lithology, detailed and consistent sub‐division and correlation of important Fulmar Formation reservoir sands allows direct comparison with the Heather and Kimmeridge Clay Formations in more distal settings. The transition from Fulmar Formation sands (reservoir) to Heather Formation shales (caprock) within the Armada Complex and SW Seymour gas fields is shown to be equivalent to an intra‐Kimmeridge Clay event in more distal wells.

The current study emphasises the importance of having in place a dependable and well‐tested regional biostratigraphic framework as a basis for stratigraphic interpretation.
Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis B in patients with diabetes mellitus in the UK: A population‐based cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Ferreira G. L. C. , Marano C. , De Moerlooze L. , Guignard A. , Feng Y. , El Hahi Y. , van Staa T.
Published: December 2017

We assessed the incidence and prevalence of hepatitis B (Hep B) in patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). This was a retrospective, observational study of diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts aged 0‐80 years using CPRD (NCT02324218). Incidence rates (IR) for each cohort were calculated. Crude and adjusted (Poisson regression) IR ratios (IRR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare the cohorts. Hep B prevalence stratified by age, and hospitalization related to Hep B was also calculated. Of 7 712 043 subjects identified, 4 839 770 were included (DM: 160 760; non‐DM: 4 679 010). Mean ages were 54.4 and 32.0 years, and 57.20% and 50.14% were male in the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts, respectively. Hep B was identified in 29 diabetic and 845 nondiabetic subjects; IR was 4.03 per 100 000 person‐years and 2.88 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. The adjusted IRR was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.70‐1.50) between diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts. Hep B prevalence was higher in the diabetic cohort (0.01%‐0.26%) than in the nondiabetic cohort (0.00%‐0.03%) across the different age groups. Hep B‐associated hospitalization IR was higher in the diabetic cohort (4.98‐10.91) than the nondiabetic cohort (0.26‐2.44). The Hep B IR, hospitalization and prevalence were higher in males in both cohorts. In conclusion, the risk of incident Hep B diagnosis in the diabetic cohort was not different from that in the nondiabetic cohort. However, prevalence of Hep B and Hep B‐associated hospitalization rate was higher in the diabetic than in the nondiabetic cohort.
Association of California Mastitis Test Scores with Intramammary Infection Status in Lactating Dairy Cows Admitted to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Authors: Kandeel S.A. , Morin D.E. , Calloway C.D. , Constable P.D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Subclinical mastitis is of concern in veterinary hospitals because contagious mastitis pathogens might be unknowingly transmitted to susceptible cows and then back to their farm of origin.

Objectives

To evaluate the California mastitis test (CMT) as an indicator of intramammary infection (IMI) in lactating dairy cows admitted to a veterinary hospital.

Animals

A total of 139 admissions of 128 lactating dairy cows admitted to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital over a 2‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective study with a convenience sample was conducted. Medical records of cows with CMT results and milk culture results for the day of admission were reviewed. Breed, age, season, maximum CMT score for the 4 quarters, maximum CMT score difference, and clinical diagnosis were evaluated as predictors of IMI by the chi‐square test and stepwise logistic regression.

Results

An IMI was identified in 51% of quarters. For cows admitted without evidence of clinical mastitis, the sensitivity of a CMT score ≥trace in predicting an IMI on a quarter or cow basis was 0.45 and 0.68, respectively. The distributions of maximal quarter CMT score and the maximum difference in quarter CMT score for cows without evidence of clinical mastitis did not differ (P = 0.28,P = 0.84, respectively) for cows with and without IMI. Stepwise logistic regression did not identify significant predictors of IMI in cows without clinical mastitis.

Conclusions

Lactating dairy cattle admitted to a veterinary hospital should be managed as if they have an IMI, even in the absence of clinical mastitis.
Evaluation and Comparison of 2 On‐Farm Tests for Estimating Somatic Cell Count in Quarter Milk Samples from Lactating Dairy Cattle
Authors: Kandeel S.A. , Megahed A.A. , Arnaout F.K. , Constable P.D.
Published: December 2017

Background

The somatic cell count (SCC) is commonly used to monitor udder health and diagnose subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) in dairy cattle.

Hypothesis

The Somaticell test (ST) and California mastitis test (CMT) are clinically useful cow‐side tests for diagnosing subclinical IMI.

Animals

One hundred and eleven dairy cows at dry‐off and 92 cows within 4–7 days postcalving.

Methods

Quarter foremilk samples were obtained and analyzed with a DeLaval cell counter (DCC, reference method), ST, and CMT. The ST was run in a simulated cow‐side manner using milk at 37°C instead of 0–8°C as recommended by the manufacturer. Test performance for diagnosing IMI (DCC SCC >200,000 cells/mL) was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the kappa coefficient (κ) at the optimal cut‐point for each test. The effect of milk/reagent temperature also was evaluated.

Results

Compared to the reference method, the ST run in a simulated cow‐side manner had an AUC = 0.68 and κ = 0.24 at dry‐off, and AUC = 0.74 and κ = 0.40 in fresh cows. The CMT performed much better than the ST in diagnosing subclinical IMI with AUC = 0.88 and κ = 0.77 at dry‐off, and AUC = 0.87 and κ = 0.76 in fresh cows. The measured ST value decreased with increasing temperature of the milk/reagent mixture.

Conclusions/Clinical Importance

The ST is optimized for use on milk at 0–8°C and is therefore designed for on‐farm use on refrigerated milk samples. The ST is not suited for use as a cow‐side screening test for IMI because the milk temperature exceeds the recommended range for the test.
Pyrosequencing reveals specific associations of bacterial clades Roseobacter and Flavobacterium with the harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides growing in culture
Authors: Park Bum Soo , Guo Ruoyu , Lim Weol‐Ae , Ki Jang‐Seu
Published: December 2017

Harmful algal blooms of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides are of worldwide environmental concern. Previous field studies have demonstrated the association of such algal blooms with free‐living bacteria (FLB) and particle‐associated bacteria (PAB). In the present study, we report evidence for bacterial association with C. polykrikoides in laboratory culture. Sampling was performed at different growth stages (lag, exponential and stationary) and pyrosequencing was used to identify taxa. As a result, the community structures of FLB and PAB were elucidated and significant differences between FLB and PAB were identified by hierarchical cluster analysis and the similarity profiles test (p = .05). The relative abundances of bacterial operational taxonomic units distinctly changed in response to the different phases of C. polykrikoides growth. The Roseobacter genus Marivita and the Flavobacterium genus Winogradskyella were dominant in the FLB and PAB associated with C. polykrikoides, respectively. The Roseobacter clade, which has also exhibited associations with C. polykrikoides blooms in field samples, may influence host cell growth through the provision of vitamins.