bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixture model for responses and response times with a higher‐order ability structure to detect rapid guessing behaviour
Authors: Lu Jing , Wang Chun , Zhang Jiwei , Tao Jian
Published: August 2019

Many educational and psychological assessments focus on multidimensional latent traits that often have a hierarchical structure to provide both overall‐level information and fine‐grained diagnostic information. A test will usually have either separate time limits for each subtest or an overall time limit for administrative convenience and test fairness. In order to complete the items within the allocated time, examinees frequently adopt different test‐taking behaviours during the test, such as solution behaviour and rapid guessing behaviour. In this paper we propose a new mixture model for responses and response times with a hierarchical ability structure, which incorporates auxiliary information from other subtests and the correlation structure of the abilities to detect rapid guessing behaviour. A Markov chain Monte Carlo method is proposed for model estimation. Simulation studies reveal that all model parameters could be recovered well, and the parameter estimates had smaller absolute bias and mean squared error than the mixture unidimensional item response theory (UIRT) model. Moreover, the true positive rate of detecting rapid guessing behaviour is also higher than when using the mixtureUIRTmodel separately for each subscale, whereas the false detection rate is much lower than the mixtureUIRTmodel. The deviance information criterion and the logarithm of the pseudo‐marginal likelihood are employed to evaluate the model fit. Finally, a real data analysis is presented to demonstrate the practical value of the proposed model.
Sequestosome‐1 (p62) expression reveals chaperone‐assisted selective autophagy in immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathies
Authors: Fischer Norina , Preuße Corinna , Radke Josefine , Pehl Debora , Allenbach Yves , Schneider Udo , Feist Eugen , von Casteleyn Vincent , Hahn Katrin , Ruck Tobias , Meuth Sven G. , Goebel Hans‐Hilmar , Graf Rose , Mammen Andrew , Benveniste Olivier , Stenzel Werner
Published: August 2019

Diffuse myofiber necrosis in the context of inflammatory myopathy is the hallmark of immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). We have previously shown that skeletal muscle fibers of IMNM patients may display nonrimmed vacuoles and sarcoplasmic irregularities. The dysfunctional chaperone activity has been linked to the defective assembly of skeletal muscle proteins and their degradation via lysosomes, autophagy and the proteasomal machinery. This study was undertaken to highlight a chaperone‐assisted selective autophagy (CASA) pathway, functionally involved in protein homeostasis, cell stress and the immune response in skeletal muscle of IMNM patients. Skeletal muscle biopsies from 54 IMNM patients were analyzed by immunostaining, as well as by qPCR. Eight biopsies of sIBM patients served as pathological controls, and eight biopsies of nondisease control subjects were included. Alteration of autophagy was detectable in all IMNM biopsy samples highlighted via a diffuse sarcoplasmic staining pattern by p62 and LC3 independent of vacuoles. This pattern was at variance with the coarse focal staining pattern mostly confined to rimmed vacuoles in sIBM. Colocalization of p62 with the chaperone proteins HSP70 and αB‐crystalline points to the specific targeting of misfolded proteins to the CASA machinery. Bcl2‐associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) positivity of these fibers emphasizes the selectivity of autophagy processes and these fibers also express MHC class I sarcolemma. Expression of genes involved in autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways studied here is significantly upregulated in IMNM. We highlight that vacuoles without sarcolemmal features may arise in IMNM muscle biopsies, and they must not be confounded with sIBM‐specific vacuoles. Further, we show the activation of selective autophagy and emphasize the role of chaperones in this context. CASA occurs in IMNM muscle, and specific molecular pathways of autophagy differ from the ones in sIBM, with p62 as a unique identifier of this process.
Putative risk alleles for LATE‐NC with hippocampal sclerosis in population‐representative autopsy cohorts
Authors: Hokkanen Suvi R. K. , Kero Mia , Kaivola Karri , Hunter Sally , Keage Hannah A. D. , Kiviharju Anna , Raunio Anna , Tienari Pentti J. , Paetau Anders , Matthews Fiona E. , Fleming Jane , Graff Caroline , Polvikoski Tuomo M. , Myllykangas Liisa , Brayne Carol ,   EClipSE Collaboration
Published: August 2019

Limbic‐predominant age‐related TAR‐DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43) encephalopathy with hippocampal sclerosis pathology (LATE‐NC + HS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severe hippocampal CA1 neuron loss and TDP‐43‐pathology, leading to cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Polymorphisms in GRN, TMEM106B and ABCC9 are proposed as LATE‐NC + HS risk factors in brain bank collections. To replicate these results in independent population‐representative cohorts, hippocampal sections from brains donated to three such studies (Cambridge City over 75‐Cohort [CC75C], Cognitive Function and Ageing Study [CFAS], and Vantaa 85+ Study) were stained with hematoxylin–eosin (n = 744) and anti‐pTDP‐43 (n = 713), and evaluated for LATE‐NC + HS and TDP‐43 pathology. Single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in GRN rs5848, TMEM106B rs1990622 and ABCC9 rs704178 were determined. LATE‐NC + HS (n = 58) was significantly associated with the GRN rs5848 genotype (χ2(2) = 20.61, P < 0.001) and T‐allele (χ2(1) = 21.04, P < 0.001), and TMEM106B rs1990622 genotype (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001) and A‐allele (χ2(1) = 25.75, P < 0.001). No differences in ABCC9 rs704178 genotype or allele frequency were found between LATE‐NC + HS and non‐LATE‐NC + HS neuropathology cases. Dentate gyrus TDP‐43 pathology associated with GRN and TMEM106B variations, but the association with TMEM106B nullified when LATE‐NC + HS cases were excluded. Our results indicate that GRN and TMEM106B are associated with severe loss of CA1 neurons in the aging brain, while ABCC9 was not confirmed as a genetic risk factor for LATE‐NC + HS. The association between TMEM106B and LATE‐NC + HS may be independent of dentate TDP‐43 pathology.
Elevation of casein kinase 1ε associated with TDP‐43 and tau pathologies in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gu Jianlan , Hu Wen , Tan Xuefeng , Qu Shuting , Chu Dandan , Gong Cheng‐Xin , Iqbal Khalid , Liu Fei
Published: August 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid β plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated microtubule‐associated protein tau in the brain. Aggregation of transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) in the neuronal cytoplasm is another feature of AD. However, how TDP‐43 is associated with AD pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we found that casein kinase 1ε (CK1ε) phosphorylated TDP‐43 at Ser403/404 and Ser409/410. In AD brains, the level of CK1ε was dramatically increased and positively correlated with the phosphorylation of TDP‐43 at Ser403/404 and Ser409/410. Overexpression of CK1ε promoted its cytoplasmic aggregation and suppressed TDP‐43‐promoted tau mRNA instability and tau exon 10 inclusion, leading to an increase of tau and 3R‐tau expressions. Levels of CK1ε and TDP‐43 phosphorylation were positively correlated with the levels of total tau and 3R‐tau in human brains. Furthermore, we observed, in pilot immunohistochemical studies, that the severe tau pathology was accompanied by robust TDP‐43 pathology and a high level of CK1ε. Taken together, our findings suggest that the elevation of CK1ε in AD brain may phosphorylate TDP‐43, promote its cytoplasmic aggregation and suppress its function in tau mRNA processing, leading to acceleration/exacerbation of tau pathology. Thus, the elevation of CK1ε may link TDP‐43 to tau pathogenesis in AD brain.
Bar versus ball attachments for maxillary four‐implant retained overdentures: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Jin‐Hong , Shin Sang‐Wan , Lee Jeong‐Yol
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To compare the clinical treatment outcomes of maxillary four‐implant retained overdentures with either splinted (bar) attachments or non‐splinted (ball) attachments.

Material and Methods

Forty participants who were dissatisfied with their existing conventional maxillary complete dentures were included in this randomized controlled trial. Six months after implant placement, a definitive prosthesis was inserted. Implant success, condition of peri‐implant tissue, prosthodontic maintenance and complications, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Outcomes were recorded at baseline, prosthesis delivery, and at 3 and 12 months following prosthesis delivery, and a statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Thirty‐two of the forty patients completed the 1‐year follow‐up and had their treatment outcomes evaluated. The mean marginal bone loss after 1 year of loading was 0.34 ± 0.88 mm, and there were no significant differences between the two groups. Plaque index, gingival index and bleeding on probing were significantly higher in the bar group (p<.001), and the implant success rate of the bar group was significantly lower than that of the ball group (p=.028). The most frequent prosthodontic maintenance and complication issue was the need to change the bar clip or O‐ring as a result of retention loss. Patient satisfaction did not differ between the two groups except for aesthetics at 3 months.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the maxillary 4‐implant retained overdenture exhibited predictable results regardless of the attachment systems (ball or bar) in the 1‐year follow‐up period. The bar group was more vulnerable than the ball group with respect to maintaining peri‐implant tissue health.
Rethinking the native range concept
Authors: Pereyra Patricio Javier
Published: August 2019

A species is not native outside its native range, but native range is not precisely defined. The invasion literature contains wide discussion of the core concepts such as naturalization, invasiveness, and ecological impact, but the concept of native range has received so little attention that a formal definition does not exist. I considered, among other impediments to a formal definition of native range, the sometimes arbitrariness of the spatial and temporal limits assigned to native range. Broad questions that remain include whether invasion theory can be used to define the native range for species without non‐native ranges.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by isobornyl acrylate in the Enlite glucose sensor and the Paradigm MiniMed Quick‐set insulin infusion set
Authors: Herman Anne , Baeck Marie , de Montjoye Laurence , Bruze Magnus , Giertz Emil , Goossens An , Mowitz Martin
Published: August 2019

Background

The FreeStyle Libre glucose sensor has caused many cases of allergic contact dermatitis, and isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) in this sensor has been identified as one of the culprit allergens.

Objectives

To report on the presence of IBOA in devices produced by Medtronic, namely, the Enlite sensor and the insulin infusion set Paradigm MiniMed Quick‐set.

Patients and Methods

Five patients reacting to the glucose sensor Enlite and/or the insulin infusion set Paradigm MiniMed Quick‐set observed in three clinics (two Belgian and one Swedish) were patch tested with the baseline and other series, as well as with IBOA; four of them also with pieces of adhesive patches from the devices, and two with a thin layer chromatogram of Enlite glucose sensor extracts. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses were performed.

Results

Four patients reacted to IBOA and one to colophonium, a known allergen in Enlite, and three to the adhesive part of the sensor or the insulin infusion set. IBOA was identified in the sensor by GC‐MS, and its presence was indicated in the infusion set.

Conclusions

IBOA is a contact allergen in Enlite glucose sensor, and likely also in the infusion set. Therefore, these devices are not suitable alternatives for patients sensitized to the FreeStyle Libre sensor.
Photorealistic imaging of left atrial appendage occlusion/exclusion
Authors: Vainrib Alan F. , Bamira Daniel , Aizer Anthony , Chinitz Larry A. , Loulmet Didier , Benenstein Ricardo J. , Saric Muhamed
Published: August 2019

Recent improvements in 3D TEE post processing rendering techniques referred to as TrueVue (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA). It allows for novel photorealistic imaging of cardiac structures including left atrial appendage (LAA) and its closure devices. Here we present TrueVue images of the LAA prior to and after LAA exclusion/occlusion using various percutaneous and surgical techniques. TrueVue may improve delineation of LAA anatomy prior to occlusion as well as visualization of occluder device position within the LAA.
Top 100 most‐cited articles on echocardiography: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Huang Yongfa , Liu Yifan , Liu Huazhen , Hong Xinyu , Guo Xiaoxiao , Fang Ligang
Published: August 2019

Echocardiography has been widely applied since 1970s, and has developed into a reliable approach to assess the heart in both cardiology and interdisciplinary settings. A bibliometric analysis can reveal its development history, major applications, and trending in the future. Two independent researchers conducted proper literature retrieval in Web of Science database and ranked search results by total citation. The abstracts of articles were carefully reviewed and top 100 most‐cited articles were included. Most top‐cited studies on echocardiography were performed in USA (66%) by cardiologists (62%) and published in high‐impact cardiology specialized journals like Circulation (39%). Most top‐cited articles were published in two 5‐year intervals of 1995 ~ 1999 and 2000 ~ 2004 which witnessed the invention and promotion of new echocardiographic techniques including Doppler tissue imaging and speckle tracking imaging. Most commonly used technologies to investigate primary study endpoints were two‐dimensional echocardiography, M‐mode echocardiography, and Doppler flow imaging. Left ventricular structure (25%), function (19%), and valvular heart disease (13%) have remained vital subjects since the birth of echocardiography. Four of top 10 most‐cited articles published after 2009 focused on the effectiveness of novel cardiovascular therapies and another four focused on cardiotoxicity of cancer chemotherapies. The majority of top‐cited studies on echocardiography were performed in USA and published in cardiology specialized journals by cardiologists. The structure and function of left ventricle and valvular heart disease have remained vital subjects since the birth of echocardiography, which will probably be widely applied to evaluate the effect of various treatments on cardiovascular system.
Access to credit and its determinants: A comparison of survey‐based measures
Authors: Hainz Christa , Nabokin Tatjana
Published: August 2019

Measuring access to finance represents an important challenge in empirical studies. Due to data limitations, perception‐based indicators or the usage of finance are often used as approximations of access to finance. However, these approximations disregard firm‐specific differences in the demand for finance. We derive a direct measure of access to credit from firm‐level survey data and explicitly model credit demand. We study the determinants of access to credit and disentangle, in contrast to other measures, their effects on demand for and access to credit. We find that the usage of credit is not a sufficient approximation, while perception‐based indicators are surprisingly precise.
Predator modulation of plant pathogen spread through induced changes in vector development rates
Authors: Keissar Or , Scharf Inon , Sadeh Asaf
Published: August 2019

1. Predation on vectors of pathogens can indirectly influence infection spread. In addition to the consumptive aspect of predation, non‐consumptive, predator‐induced changes in various vector traits can lead to trait‐mediated indirect effects on pathogen spread, potentially operating in various directions and magnitudes.

2. A widespread non‐consumptive effect of predation is the alteration of individual prey development rates. Yet, the implications of this phenomenon for the spread of vector‐borne plant pathogens have not been studied. It is hypothesized that the epidemiological effects of predator‐induced changes in vector development rate depend on the pattern in which the transmission biology of the vector changes along its ontogeny.

3. A general epidemiological model was developed that considers the role of predation in the infection dynamics of a plant pathogen, while incorporating vector stage structure to allow for variation in its development rate.

4. By contrasting scenarios that represent typical plant disease systems, this study confirms that the magnitude of the effect of altered development rate on infection prevalence depends on the disparity between juvenile and adult vectors in their pathogen transmission potential.

5. The model also reveals that the effect of predator‐induced change in development rate can impact pathogen spread counterintuitively. Specifically, slowing down vector development can result in increased pathogen prevalence due to apparent competition between infected and uninfected vector populations.

6. More detailed, stage‐specific studies of non‐consumptive predator effects on vectors are likely to advance our understanding of plant disease ecology, and the development of more effective biological control practices in agriculture.
Beyond C4: Analysis of the complement gene pathway shows enrichment for IQ in patients with psychotic disorders and healthy controls
Authors: Holland Jessica F. , Cosgrove Donna , Whitton Laura , Harold Denise , Corvin Aiden , Gill Michael , Mothersill David O. , Morris Derek W. , Donohoe Gary
Published: August 2019

Variation in cognitive performance, which strongly predicts functional outcome in schizophrenia (SZ), has been associated with multiple immune‐relevant genetic loci. These loci include complement component 4 (C4A), structural variation at which was recently associated with SZ risk and synaptic pruning during neurodevelopment and cognitive function. Here, we test whether this genetic association with cognition and SZ risk is specific to C4A, or extends more broadly to genes related to the complement system. Using a gene‐set with an identified role in “complement” function (excluding C4A), we used MAGMA to test if this gene‐set was enriched for genes associated with human intelligence and SZ risk, using genome‐wide association summary statistics (IQ; N = 269 867, SZ; N = 105 318). We followed up this gene‐set analysis with a complement gene‐set polygenic score (PGS) regression analysis in an independent data set of patients with psychotic disorders and healthy participants with cognitive and genomic data (N = 1000). Enrichment analysis suggested that genes within the complement pathway were significantly enriched for genes associated with IQ, but not SZ. In a gene‐based analysis of 90 genes, SERPING1 was the most enriched gene for the phenotype of IQ. In a PGS regression analysis, we found that a complement pathway PGS associated with IQ genome‐wide association studies statistics also predicted variation in IQ in our independent sample. This association (observed across both patients and controls) remained significant after controlling for the relationship between C4A and cognition. These results suggest a robust association between the complement system and cognitive function, extending beyond structural variation at C4A.
Impacts of intensifying or expanding cereal cropping in sub‐Saharan Africa on greenhouse gas emissions and food security
Authors: van Loon Marloes P. , Hijbeek Renske , ten Berge Hein F. M. , De Sy Veronique , ten Broeke Guus A. , Solomon Dawit , van Ittersum Martin K.
Published: August 2019

Cropping is responsible for substantial emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) worldwide through the use of fertilizers and through expansion of agricultural land and associated carbon losses. Especially in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), GHG emissions from these processes might increase steeply in coming decades, due to tripling demand for food until 2050 to match the steep population growth. This study assesses the impact of achieving cereal self‐sufficiency by the year 2050 for 10 SSA countries on GHG emissions related to different scenarios of increasing cereal production, ranging from intensifying production to agricultural area expansion. We also assessed different nutrient management variants in the intensification. Our analysis revealed that irrespective of intensification or extensification, GHG emissions of the 10 countries jointly are at least 50% higher in 2050 than in 2015. Intensification will come, depending on the nutrient use efficiency achieved, with large increases in nutrient inputs and associated GHG emissions. However, matching food demand through conversion of forest and grasslands to cereal area likely results in much higher GHG emissions. Moreover, many countries lack enough suitable land for cereal expansion to match food demand. In addition, we analysed the uncertainty in our GHG estimates and found that it is caused primarily by uncertainty in the IPCC Tier 1 coefficient for direct N2O emissions, and by the agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (N‐AE). In conclusion, intensification scenarios are clearly superior to expansion scenarios in terms of climate change mitigation, but only if current N‐AE is increased to levels commonly achieved in, for example, the United States, and which have been demonstrated to be feasible in some locations in SSA. As such, intensifying cereal production with good agronomy and nutrient management is essential to moderate inevitable increases in GHG emissions. Sustainably increasing crop production in SSA is therefore a daunting challenge in the coming decades.
Optimization of non‐aqueous tape casting of high solid loading slurry for aluminum nitride ceramic substrates
Authors: Ding Maomao , Shi Ying , Xie Jianjun , Zhou Ding , Wang Yu , Lei Fang , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2019

Aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrates have been fabricated using non‐aqueous tape casting and pressureless densification under flowing N2 atmosphere. Considering the economic and environmental impact, a new strategy of solvent and dispersant system was adopted to prepare AlN slurries with high solid loading. According to the viscosity characteristics of AlN slurries, dispersant content was adjusted to be 0.5 wt% of AlN powder in order to optimize the rheological behavior of AlN slurries. The addition contents of binder and plasticizer were both optimized as 5 wt% of AlN powders by combining the viscosity of slurries and tensile strength of green tapes. Green AlN tapes were fabricated with an optimized tape casting process such as dry temperature. The exclusion process of organic additives was investigated by employing thermogravimetric analysis. Flat and dense AlN ceramic substrates with a relative bulk density over 99.75 % were achieved after being sintered under 1800°C for 6 hours, which had a maximum size of 110 × 110 mm. The thermal conductivity of the AlN substrate could reach 145 Wm−1K−1.
Physicochemical and technological properties of beef burger as influenced by the addition of pea fibre
Authors: Polizer‐Rocha Yana Jorge , Lorenzo José M. , Pompeu Daniel , Rodrigues Isabela , Baldin Juliana Cristina , Pires Manoela A. , Freire Maria Teresa A. , Barba Francisco Jose , Trindade Marco Antonio
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes of beef burgers with the addition of pea fibre as a partial substitute of meat or fat. Three formulations were prepared: control (CON) – similar to the commercial formulation; fibre/less meat (FLM)—5% meat reduction and addition of 1% pea fibre; fibre/less fat (FLF)—7% fat reduction and addition of 1% pea fibre. Non‐significant differences were obtained for pH, colour parameters (L* and b*), texture profile, cooking loss and size reduction among formulations. Moreover, sensory analysis with consumers of beef burgers did not indicate differences among the formulations for all the analysed attributes. Therefore, pea fibre is a promising partial replacer for meat and fat in beef burgers due to the preservation of technological parameters and sensory acceptance.
Evaluating the effects of social networking sites addiction, task distraction, and self‐management on nurses' performance
Authors: Javed Asad , Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul , Shah Hassan Ahmed , Islam Ehsan ul , Asad Shawana , Khan Muhammad Waleed
Published: August 2019

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of social networking sites (SNSs) addiction on nurses’ performance and how this relationship was mediated by task distraction and moderated by self‐management.

Design

This cross‐sectional study is designed to empirically test the relationship of SNSs addiction, task distraction, and self‐management with the nurses’ performance.

Methods

Data were collected by conducting an online survey on nurses across the world using a web‐based questionnaire developed through ‘Google Docs’ and distributed through Facebook from 13 August 2018 – 17 November 2018. The Facebook groups were searched using the selected key terms. In total, 45 groups were found to have relevance to this research; therefore, request was made to the admins of these groups to participate in this research and to post a link in their groups. Only 19 group admins responded positively by uploading a link of the research instrument on their respective group pages and 461 members of these groups participated in the research.

Results

Results of the data collected from 53 different countries indicated that SNSs addiction results in lowering the nurses’ performance. This relationship is further strengthened by task distraction introduced as a mediating variable. The results show that self‐management mediates the relationship between SNSs addiction and employees’ performance. Moreover, the results of the study confirm that self‐management reduces the negative impact of SNSs addiction on nurses’ performance.

Conclusion

Social networking sites (SNSs) addiction and task distraction reduce the nurses’ performance, whereas self‐management enhances nurses’ performance.

Impact

This study addresses the problem of using SNSs at the workplace and its potential effect on nurses’ performance. Results demonstrate that SNSs addiction reduces the performance which is further decreased by task distraction; however, self‐management of nurses can enhance the nurses’ performance. The research has numerous theoretical and practical implications for hospital administration, doctors, and nurses.
Age‐ and disease‐specific changes of the kynurenine pathway in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sorgdrager Freek J. H. , Vermeiren Yannick , Van Faassen Martijn , van der Ley Claude , Nollen Ellen A. A. , Kema Ido P. , De Deyn Peter P.
Published: August 2019

The kynurenine (Kyn) pathway, which regulates neuroinflammation and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor activation, is implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Age‐related changes in Kyn metabolism and altered cerebral Kyn uptake along large neutral amino acid transporters, could contribute to these diseases. To gain further insight into the role and prognostic potential of the Kyn pathway in PD and AD, we investigated systemic and cerebral Kyn metabolite production and estimations of their transporter‐mediated uptake in the brain. Kyn metabolites and large neutral amino acids were retrospectively measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of clinically well‐characterized PD patients (n = 33), AD patients (n = 33), and age‐matched controls (n = 39) using solid‐phase extraction‐liquid chromatographic‐tandem mass spectrometry. Aging was disease independently associated with increased Kyn, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid in serum and CSF. Concentrations of kynurenic acid were reduced in CSF of PD and AD patients (p = 0.001; p = 0.002) but estimations of Kyn brain uptake did not differ between diseased and controls. Furthermore, serum Kyn and quinolinic acid levels strongly correlated with their respective content in CSF and Kyn in serum negatively correlated with AD disease severity (p = 0.002). Kyn metabolites accumulated with aging in serum and CSF similarly in PD patients, AD patients, and control subjects. In contrast, kynurenic acid was strongly reduced in CSF of PD and AD patients. Differential transporter‐mediated Kyn uptake is unlikely to majorly contribute to these cerebral Kyn pathway disturbances. We hypothesize that the combination of age‐ and disease‐specific changes in cerebral Kyn pathway activity could contribute to reduced neurogenesis and increased excitotoxicity in neurodegenerative disease.

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Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after noninvasive radiofrequency treatment: A novel report and review
Authors: Agochukwu‐Nwubah Nneamaka , Mentz Henry
Published: August 2019

The past decade has experienced a surge in the frequency of nonsurgical procedures, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, and nonsurgical fat reduction. Nonsurgical fat reduction methods include cryolipolysis (Coolsculpting), ultrasound (Vaser Shape), laser (Liposonix), and radiofrequency (Vanquish). These methods generally produce good results, with cryolipolysis gaining much popularity over the past few years. Multiple reports of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia have been reported with Coolsculpting, with an incidence of 0.025% to 1%. This entity has never been reported with other methods of nonsurgical fat reduction, including noninvasive radiofrequency (Vanquish). We present a case of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in a 57‐year‐old male following treatment with noninvasive radiofrequency (Vanquish) to the abdomen. He was treated with power‐assisted liposuction to the abdomen and flanks. This is the first case in the literature of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in a patient treated with this form of noninvasive fat reduction.
Caffeine improves sperm quality, modulates steroidogenic enzyme activities, restore testosterone levels and prevent oxidative damage in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced rat model of amnesia
Authors: Akomolafe Seun F , Olasehinde Tosin A , Ogunsuyi Opeyemi B , Oyeleye Sunday I , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study was designed to assess the role of caffeine on fertility parameters in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced model of amnesia in rats.

Methods

Adult male rats were treated with scopolamine with or without caffeine. The modulatory effects of caffeine or scopolamine on fertility parameters were assessed in rats' testicular and epididymal homogenates.

Key findings

Scopolamine-induced sperm abnormalities, reduced steroidogenic enzyme 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activities and serum testosterone levels in rats' testicular tissues. Treatment with caffeine increased 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD as well as testosterone levels. Caffeine also reversed sperm viability, sperm motility and sperm count in testicular tissues of scopolamine-treated rats. Furthermore, scopolamine-induced oxidative damage in rats' epididymal and testicular tissues via reduction of thiol and non-protein thiol content as well as increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Caffeine attenuated oxidative stress in testicular and epididymal tissues of rats treated with scopolamine via increase in non-protein and protein thiol levels with concomitant reduction in ROS and MDA levels.

Conclusion

This study revealed that caffeine (5 and 25 mg/kg) improved sperm quality, increased steroidogenic enzyme activities and attenuated oxidative damage in testis and epididymis of rats treated with scopolamine.
Effect of dietary supplementation of calcium butyrate on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal health and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in Japanese quails
Authors: Abd El‐Wahab Amr , Mahmoud Rania E. , Ahmed Marwa F. E. , Salama Mohamed F.
Published: August 2019

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential effect of dietary calcium butyrate on growth performance, carcass traits and gut health in Japanese quails. In total, 320 one‐day‐old Japanese quails were randomly assigned to 4 equal treatments, with 8 replicates of 10 Japanese quails, for 4 weeks. The Japanese quails in control treatment were fed control diet whereas in the other treatments the Japanese quails were fed diet supplemented with calcium butyrate at 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 g/kg diet. Data concerning performance measurements were recorded weekly. In addition, eight Japanese quails (one/replicate) from each treatment were selected randomly for serum collection to measure pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Pooled faecal samples from each replicate of each treatment were also collected at three time points (0, 2 and 4 weeks) for count E. coli and C. perfringens. The results showed that after 7 days of the experimental period, Japanese quails fed calcium butyrate supplemented diet at 0.7 g/kg showed a greater (p < .05) body weight and a favourable (p < .05) feed conversion ratio than the other treatments. Moreover, serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased (p < .05) in Japanese quails fed calcium butyrate supplemented diet at 0.7 g/kg. Calcium butyrate supplementation at 0.7 g/kg was associated with reduction (p < .05) in TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL1‐β, while IL‐10 was increased (p < .05). In addition, after 2 weeks of calcium butyrate supplementation, a reduction (p < .05) in E. coli and C. perfringens counts was observed in excreta of Japanese quails fed 0.5 and 0.7 g calcium butyrate/kg diets. It is concluded that calcium butyrate supplementation improves body weight gain, reduces E. coli and C. perfringens counts and has anti‐inflammatory/anti‐oxidant effect in Japanese quails.
Post‐fire vegetation recovery at forest sites is affected by permafrost degradation in the Da Xing'an Mountains of northern China
Authors: Shi Liang , Dech Jeffery P. , Liu Hongyan , Zhao Pengwu , Bayin Delehei , Zhou Mei
Published: August 2019

Question

Vegetation recovery and succession patterns after fire are not completely explained by the interactions of climate, disturbance, and species pool. Site‐specific factors can substantially change vegetation succession. We hypothesize that on sites exposed to fire and surface permafrost degradation, successional trajectories will produce different species assemblages than typical post‐fire succession.

Location

Da Xing'an Mountains, northern China.

Methods

Vegetation and environmental data were collected at eight sites of past natural wildfire events. These sites represented different topographical situations, with four sites on slopes (lacking surface permafrost) and four sites in valleys (with surface permafrost). Three plots were established on each site, representing three different fire presence zones (burned, ecotone and unburned areas), giving a total of 24 plots. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) to describe post‐fire vegetation recovery at different sites and multi‐response permutation procedures (MRPP) to test our hypothesis.

Results

The variation in dates of last fire was similar between the slope and valley sites. Slope sites that had been burned prior to 2003 had recovered to a composition similar to unburned sites by the time the study was conducted in 2017. However, none of the burned valley sites had fully recovered, even those exposed to fire in 1986, suggesting that the surface permafrost conditions affected the recovery pattern of vegetation. On burned valley sites, shrub species that are tolerant of saturated soils had become dominant and the number of tree saplings and seedlings became significantly lower than on the slope sites.

Conclusion

The interaction of fire and topographic site type (through the influence of surface permafrost degradation) was revealed as a primary factor affecting species composition and tree density of post‐fire communities. On valley sites, melting of the surface permafrost after fire caused a failure of tree recruitment and prompted shrub species tolerant of saturated soils to become dominant.
Probabilistic key for identifying vegetation types in the field: A new method and Android application
Authors: Tichý Lubomír , Chytrý Milan
Published: August 2019

Quick identification of vegetation types in the field, based on species composition but not requiring time‐consuming plot sampling, is often needed for vegetation mapping, conservation assessment, teaching and other applications of vegetation classification. Here, we propose a new method that identifies the probability of belonging to the units of an established vegetation classification for vegetation stands encountered in the field. The method is based on calculating the probability that a few species observed in the field would co‐occur in a priori defined vegetation types, using the existing information on species occurrence frequency in these types. The method has been implemented in a freely available Android application called Probabilistic Vegetation Key, which makes it possible to employ it in the field using smartphones or tablets, even in the absence of internet access.
Functional studies of aegerolysin and MACPF‐like proteins in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Novak Maruša , Čepin Urška , Hodnik Vesna , Narat Mojca , Jamnik Maja , Kraševec Nada , Sepčić Kristina , Anderluh Gregor
Published: August 2019

Proteins of the aegerolysin family have a high abundance in Fungi. Due to their specific binding to membrane lipids, and their membrane‐permeabilization potential in concert with protein partner(s) belonging to a membrane‐attack‐complex/perforin (MACPF) superfamily, they were proposed as useful tools in different biotechnological and biomedical applications. In this work, we performed functional studies on expression of the genes encoding aegerolysin and MACPF‐like proteins in Aspergillus niger. Our results suggest the sporulation process being crucial for strong induction of the expression of all these genes. However, deletion of either of the aegerolysin genes did not influence the growth, development, sporulation efficiency and phenotype of the mutants, indicating that aegerolysins are not key factors in the sporulation process. In all our expression studies we noticed a strong correlation in the expression of one aegerolysin and MACPF‐like gene. Aegerolysins were confirmed to be secreted from the fungus. We also showed the specific interaction of a recombinant A. niger aegerolysin with an invertebrate‐specific membrane sphingolipid. Moreover, using this protein labelled with mCherry we successfully stained insect cells membranes containing this particular sphingolipid. Our combined results suggest, that aegerolysins in this species, and probably also in other aspergilli, could be involved in defence against predators.
Functional dyspepsia susceptibility is associated with TGFB1 gene polymorphisms (RS4803455, RS1800469) in H pylori‐negative Chinese population
Authors: Cheung Cynthia K. Y. , Lan Lin Lin , Chan Yawen , Yuen Kay , Cheong Pui Kuan , Fang Fanny , Wu Justin C. Y.
Published: August 2019

Background

We previously published that altered expression of gastric TRPV1, BDNF, and peripheral cytokines was present in patients with functional dyspepsia. We herein examine whether genetic predisposition in altered biomarkers influences dyspeptic, sleep, and mood symptoms in patients with FD without previous infection.

Methods

Consecutive adult FD patients (Rome III) with no recent history of gastroenteritis and asymptomatic age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were recruited for upper endoscopy. Subjects with GERD and IBS as predominant symptoms, diabetes mellitus, current or previous H pylori infection, psychiatric illness, and recent use of NSAID or PPI were excluded. The genetic associations with dyspeptic symptoms, sleep quality, and mood symptoms were evaluated. Genetic polymorphisms in TRPV1, TGFB1, TNF, COMT, BDNF, IL6, IL8, IL10, and IL12 were analyzed.

Key results

Twenty‐nine male FD patients and 104 female FD patients were age matched (±3 years) with 81 healthy subjects. All had postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) as predominant subtype (PDS: 130, EPS: 3). SNPs in TGFB1 showed significant associations in dyspeptic patients after age and sex adjustment [for RS4803455: in the codominant model (C/A, OR = 0.34 (0.18‐0.65), P = .004); in the dominant model (genotype C/C vs C/A‐A/A, OR = 0.42 (0.23‐0.77), P = .004); and in the overdominant model (genotype C/C‐A/A vs C/A, OR = 0.38 (0.21‐0.70), P < .001)] [for RS1800469: in dominant model (genotype A/A vs A/G‐G/G, OR = 0.52 (0.27‐0.99), P = .043)]. A allele in RS4803455 was associated with higher HADS depression score (P = .05) and epigastric burning sensation(P = .01).

Conclusions and inferences

Our data showed that dyspeptic patients predispose genetic difference in TGFB1 which may influence the severity of dyspepsia.
Updating for externalists
Authors: Gallow J. Dmitri
Published: August 2019

The externalist says that your evidence could fail to tell you what evidence you do or not do have. In that case, it could be rational for you to be uncertain about what your evidence is. This is a kind of uncertainty which orthodox Bayesian epistemology has difficulty modeling. For, if externalism is correct, then the orthodox Bayesian learning norms of conditionalization and reflection are inconsistent with each other. I recommend that an externalist Bayesian reject conditionalization. In its stead, I provide a new theory of rational learning for the externalist. I defend this theory by arguing that its advice will be followed by anyone whose learning dispositions maximize expected accuracy. I then explore some of this theory's consequences for the rationality of epistemic akrasia, peer disagreement, undercutting defeat, and uncertain evidence.
A ROCK inhibitor promotes keratinocyte survival and paracrine secretion, enhancing establishment of primary human melanocytes and melanocyte–keratinocyte co‐cultures
Authors: Mi Jun , Feng Yang , Wen Jie , Su Yiqun , Xu Lin , Zu Tingjian , Liu Chang , Fisher David E. , Wu Xunwei
Published: August 2019

Primary melanocytes isolated from skin and expanded in culture have been widely used for laboratory research and clinical applications. The conventional method to isolate primary melanocytes from skin usually requires about 3–4 weeks of culture for melanocytes to grow sufficiently to passage. Considering that melanocytes comprise only 3%–7% of epidermal cells in normal human skin, it would be extremely helpful to increase the isolation efficiency and shorten the initial culture time to quickly meet various application needs. Here, we report that adding Y‐27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, into the initial culture medium for 2 days can dramatically increase the yield of melanocytes. We found that Y‐27632 can promote keratinocyte attachment and survival in the melanocyte culture system, resulting in not only better recovery, but also increased proliferation of melanocytes by a paracrine signaling pathway. More specifically, Y‐27632 significantly induced keratinocyte expression of stem cell factor, which played an important role in enhancing the growth of melanocytes. In summary, Y‐27632 could profoundly enhance the yield of primary melanocytes in the initial culture through paracrine effects on keratinocytes.
Linear and exponential sunscreen behaviours as an explanation for observed discrepancies in sun protection factor testing
Authors: Trullàs Carles , Granger Corinne , Lim Henry W. , Krutmann Jean , Masson Philippe
Published: August 2019

Background

In vivo testing of sun protection factor (SPF) values can show considerable interlaboratory variability. We studied the underlying reasons and clinical implications.

Methods

Following the ISO 24444:2010 SPF testing method, seven contract research organizations (CROs) tested eight sunscreens marketed as SPF50 or SPF50+ and the reference SPF15 sunscreens P2 and P3 and SPF43 P6. We analysed differences in the products and CRO testing methods with regard to SPF variability. We tested the erythema prevention capacity of five of the products in subjects exposed to high doses of natural sunlight in Mauritius.

Results

Sun protection factor values varied dramatically between different CROs for some, but not all of the sunscreens. Those with the largest variability had an SPF50+, and their SPF values differed from a maximum of 62.4 to a minimum of 5.5. These products did not share a common sun‐filter composition, and some CROs used low and others high irradiation dose regimens. When comparing these two regimens, test products fell into two categories: (i) they either behaved similarly (“linear”) or (ii) they behaved differently (“exponential”). In the outdoor clinical study, exponential and linear sunscreens did not differ in their photoprotection capacities.

Conclusion

Differences in reported SPF values depend on the linear vs exponential behaviour of such products if subjected to low‐ vs high‐dose test regimens. Under real‐time exposure to natural sunlight, exponential and linear sunscreens did not differ in their erythema prevention capacity. Laboratory SPF testing of exponential sunscreens bears the risk of underestimating their in‐use SPF.
The quarantine root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii – a potential threat to Portugal and Europe
Authors: Santos D. , Abrantes I. , Maleita C.
Published: August 2019

In 2017, during a survey on subsistence farms and gardens in Coimbra region, Portugal, 40 infected root samples were collected and 47 root‐knot nematode (RKN) isolates identified, based on esterase phenotype. The phenotypes A2, H1, Hi2/Hi4, I1/I2/I3 and J3 associated to five Meloidogyne species (M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. hispanica, M. incognita and M. javanica) were found in 43 RKN isolates. The esterase phenotype En2/En4/En5, corresponding to M. enterolobii (=M. mayaguensis), was detected in four RKN isolates from Cereus hildmannianus (Cactaceae), Lampranthus sp. (Aizoaceae), Physalis peruviana (Solanaceae) and Callistemon sp. (Myrtaceae) infected roots. In order to validate the biochemical identification of the M. enterolobii isolates, molecular studies performed with species‐specific primers yielded the expected fragment of c.520 bp, and the amplification of cytochrome oxidase subunits I and II regions of 800 bp. The DNA sequences of one of the isolates were compared with available Meloidogyne species sequences in databases. The Portuguese isolate grouped with 99–100% bootstrap support with all M. enterolobii sequences included for comparison, confirming the presence of this RKN species in Portugal. In the EPPO region, M. enterolobii has been reported in France and Switzerland and intercepted in the Netherlands, Germany and the UK associated with plant material from Asia, South America and Africa. Taking into account the pathogen aggressiveness and its distribution, there is a high probability of its spread not only in the Mediterranean region but also in Europe, and of it becoming a threat to the agricultural economy, where there are no effective strategies for its control.