bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal probiotic intervention prevented allergic disease in a Caesarean‐delivered subgroup at 13‐year follow‐up
Authors: Kallio Sampo , Kukkonen Anna Kaarina , Savilahti Erkki , Kuitunen Mikael
Published: November 2018

Background

The long‐term effects of probiotic intervention for primary prevention of allergic diseases are not well known. We previously reported less eczema until 10 years in our probiotic intervention trial.

Objective

To investigate the effect of early probiotic intervention on the prevalence of allergic diseases up to 13 years of age.

Methods

Pregnant women (n = 1223) carrying a child at a high risk of allergy (at least one parent with allergic disease) were randomized to receive a mixture of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG and LC705, Bifidobacterium breve Bb99 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii) or placebo in a double‐blind manner from 36 weeks of gestation until birth. Their infants received the same product for the first six months (registration number NCT00298337). At 13‐year follow‐up, the participants were requested to return a questionnaire and to provide a blood sample.

Results

A questionnaire was returned by 642 participants (63.1% of intention‐to‐treat infants), and 459 provided a blood sample. In the whole cohort, there were no statistically significant differences in doctor‐diagnosed allergic disease (55.2% and 59.0%, probiotic and placebo group, respectively) or allergic disease (47.9% and 51.6%) based on the ISAAC questionnaire data. Inhalant‐specific IgE sensitization (>0.7 kU/L) was 59.3% in the probiotic group and 49.8% in the placebo group (P = 0.040). In a post hoc analysis made in Caesarean‐delivered subgroup, allergy was reported in 41.5% of the probiotic group and 67.9% of the placebo group (P = 0.006), and eczema in 18.9% and 37.5%, respectively (P = 0.031). In the whole cohort, 8.5% of the probiotic group had suffered from wheezing attacks during the previous 12 months vs 14.7% in the placebo group (P = 0.013). There were no statistically significant differences discovered between the characteristics of the participating group and the dropout group.

Conclusions

Probiotic intervention protected Caesarean‐delivered subgroup from allergic disease and eczema, but not the total cohort.
Higher circulating androgens and higher physical activity levels are associated with less central adiposity and lower risk of cardiovascular death in older men
Authors: Chasland Lauren C. , Knuiman Matthew W. , Divitini Mark L. , Murray Kevin , Handelsman David J. , Flicker Leon , Hankey Graeme J. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Golledge Jonathan , Ridgers Nicola D. , Naylor Louise H. , Green Daniel J. , Yeap Bu B.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Low endogenous sex hormones and low physical activity (PA) levels have been associated with CVD risk. Whether these interact to influence CVD outcomes remains unclear. We assessed whether sex hormone concentrations and PA were additively associated with lower central adiposity and CVD risk.

Patients

3351 community‐dwelling men, mean age 77 years.

Measurements

Baseline testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol (E2) were assayed. Levels of PA were ascertained by questionnaire. Men were stratified using median splits into high hormone + high PA (H/H), high hormone + low PA (H/L); low hormone + high PA (L/H) and low hormone + low PA (L/L) groups.

Results

A total of 865 CVD events and 499 CVD deaths occurred during 10‐year mean follow‐up. Men with higher T, DHT or SHBG and higher PA had the lowest BMI, waist circumference and risk of metabolic syndrome. Men with higher T had the lowest risk of incident CVD events, irrespective of PA level. Men with higher T or DHT and higher PA had the lowest risk of dying from CVD (eg, hazard ratios for T/PA H/H 0.76 P = 0.031; H/L 0.85 P = 0.222; L/H 0.80 P = 0.075; L/L 1.00).

Conclusion

Higher circulating androgens and higher PA were associated with less central adiposity at baseline and fewer CVD deaths during follow‐up. These findings are consistent with a potential additive effect of androgens and PA on cardiometabolic outcomes in older men.
883. NICOTIANA KARIJINI
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: November 2018

Nicotiana karijini is newly described here and illustrated from plants collected in the Pilbara region in Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, etymology and cultivation are discussed.
891. NICOTIANA OCCIDENTALIS SUBSPECIES OBLIQUA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: November 2018

Nicotiana occidentalis subsp. obliqua is a highly glandular and scented tobacco widespread in Australia. It is illustrated from plants collected along the Gascoyne River and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology, cytology and horticultural use are discussed.
893. NICOTIANA MARITIMA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Conran John G. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: November 2018

Nicotiana maritima is illustrated. Its ecology, cytology and horticultural use are discussed.
Children’s scale errors are a natural consequence of learning to associate objects with actions: A computational model
Authors: Grzyb Beata J. , Nagai Yukie , Asada Minoru , Cattani Allegra , Floccia Caroline , Cangelosi Angelo
Published: November 2018

Young children sometimes attempt an action on an object, which is inappropriate because of the object size—they make scale errors. Existing theories suggest that scale errors may result from immaturities in children's action planning system, which might be overpowered by increased complexity of object representations or developing teleofunctional bias. We used computational modelling to emulate children's learning to associate objects with actions and to select appropriate actions, given object shape and size. A computational Developmental Deep Model of Action and Naming (DDMAN) was built on the dual‐route theory of action selection, in which actions on objects are selected via a direct (nonsemantic or visual) route or an indirect (semantic) route. As in case of children, DDMAN produced scale errors: the number of errors was high at the beginning of training and decreased linearly but did not disappear completely. Inspection of emerging object–action associations revealed that these were coarsely organized by shape, hence leading DDMAN to initially select actions based on shape rather than size. With experience, DDMAN gradually learned to use size in addition to shape when selecting actions. Overall, our simulations demonstrate that children's scale errors are a natural consequence of learning to associate objects with actions.
Conditional cash transfers: A critical review
Authors: Ladhani Sheliza , Sitter Kathleen C.
Published: November 2018

Motivation

In areas of the world where poverty and inequality are deep and pervasive and social protection systems comparatively fragile, cash transfers are becoming commonplace and often promoted by international institutions and aid agencies as a viable instrument for social protection. Particularly, conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are being looked to as a means of reducing poverty while also investing in human capital.

Purpose

To capture some of the main critiques of CCTs from conception to evaluation, while identifying both gaps and opportunities for research and consideration for the future of CCTs.

Methods

A rapid review process was used. The initial search was conducted using a number of online peer‐reviewed databases. The initial search process yielded 993 sources, results were then limited to full‐text, English language, and to sources published between 2008 and 2017. Sources were then screened. Finally, 44 articles were chosen for in‐depth review.

Findings

This review captures some of the main critiques of CCTs from conception to evaluation, while identifying both gaps and opportunities for research and consideration for the future of CCTs.

Policy implication

We discuss responsibilities and implications for social work professionals who may be involved in the design, implementation or evaluation of CCT programmes domestically or internationally.
Satisfaction with shortening the palatal extension of a mouthguard for water polo players: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Gómez‐Gimeno Àngel , Zamora‐Olave Carla , Cordobés‐Navarro Marina , Willaert Eva , Martinez‐Gomis Jordi
Published: November 2018

Background/aim

Approximately 50% of water polo players have suffered orofacial injuries. However, fewer than 8% of players wear a mouthguard. A more comfortable mouthguard design is therefore needed to increase compliance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of reducing the palatal extension of a custom‐made mouthguard on the degree of satisfaction with a mouthguard among water polo players.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen elite water polo players participated in this randomized crossover trial. Two custom‐made mouthguards were fabricated for each participant using 4‐mm‐thick ethyl vinyl acetate foils, defined by the extension of the palatal margin from the cervical line: conventional (6 mm) and shortened (2 mm). The mouthguards were worn during all training sessions and matches, in a randomized sequence (one mouthguard type for the first and fourth weeks and the other for the second and third weeks). Mouthguards were evaluated on 10‐point scales for discomfort, interference with oral functions, protection, and general satisfaction after each training session or match.

Results

Players evaluated the shortened mouthguard as having less interference with speech (Effect 1.30; P < 0.001), breathing (Effect 0.98; P = 0.004), swallowing (Effect 1.30; P < 0.001), and athletic performance (Effect 0.61; P = 0.03) compared with the conventional mouthguard. The perceived degree of protection was similar among participants when wearing each type of mouthguard. Overall, players were more satisfied with the shortened mouthguard (Effect 0.64; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Reducing the palatal extension of a custom‐made mouthguard from 6 to 2 mm improves the overall satisfaction of elite water polo players without affecting the perceived degree of protection.
From low to high gear: there has been a paradigm shift in our understanding of evolution
Authors: Reznick David N. , Losos Jonathan , Travis Joseph
Published: November 2018

Experimental studies of evolution performed in nature and the associated demonstration of rapid evolution, observable on a time scale of months to years, were an acclaimed novelty in the 1980–1990s. Contemporary evolution is now considered ordinary and is an integrated feature of many areas of research. This shift from extraordinary to ordinary reflects a change in the perception of evolution. It was formerly thought of as a historical process, perceived through the footprints left in the fossil record or living organisms. It is now seen as a contemporary process that acts in real time. Here we review how this shift occurred and its consequences for fields as diverse as wildlife management, conservation biology, and ecosystems ecology. Incorporating contemporary evolution in these fields has caused old questions to be recast, changed the answers, caused new and previously inconceivable questions to be addressed, and inspired the development of new subdisciplines. We argue further that the potential of contemporary evolution has yet to be fulfilled. Incorporating evolutionary dynamics in any research program can provide a better assessment of how and why organisms and communities came to be as they are than is attainable without an explicit treatment of these dynamics.
Microsatellite markers developed using a next‐generation sequencing technique forNeotroglaspp. (Psocodea: Prionoglarididae), cave dwelling insects with sex‐reversed genitalia
Authors: Kamimura Yoshitaka , Abe Jun , Ferreira Rodrigo L. , Yoshizawa Kazunori
Published: November 2018

The genusNeotrogla(Psocodea: Prinoglarididae) comprises four named species from Brazil. Females of this cave‐dwelling insect are characterized by a conspicuous penis‐like intromittent organ, termed a gynosome, which is inserted into the vagina‐like male genitalia during copulation. Another evolutionarily novel structure, the spermathecal plate, enables a female to simultaneously store two freshly deposited spermatophores (consisting of sperm and possibly nutritious substances) in her sperm storage organ (spermatheca). It is unknown whether the two spermatophores are derived from two different males. To investigate the mating ecology and population genetic structures of these insects with sex‐reversed genitalia, 16 novel highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized based on ~2,275 Mbp genomic sequences from an undescribedNeotroglaspecies. Our first screening detected 99,888 candidate loci. Similar to other hemipteroid insects studied thus far, AAT motif microsatellites were conspicuously dominant. We further screened 99 sequences, for which 50 pairs of polymerase chain reaction primers were successfully designed. Sixteen of these primers successfully amplified products of the expected size in the 11Neotroglasp. individuals collected from two caves. The number of alleles per loci varied from two to nine, with no significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in either population. Although the caves sampled were only approximately 1 km apart, significant genetic differentiation was detected between the two populations. In total, 13, 12, 13 and 11 loci were cross‐amplified inN. aurora,N. brasiliensis,N. curvataandN. truncata, respectively, indicating the applicability of these microsatellite loci for metapopulation genetic studies in multipleNeotroglaspecies.
Influence of solvent and a supplementary step with a finishing instrument on filling material removal from canals connected by an isthmus
Authors: Campello A. F. , Almeida B. M. , Franzoni M. A. , Alves F. R. F. , Marceliano‐Alves M. F. , Rôças I. N. , Siqueira Jr J. F. , Provenzano J. C.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a solvent (eucalyptol) in improving filling material removal from canals connected by isthmuses, and the additional cleaning effect of a finishing instrument.

Methodology

The mesial canals from 32 mandibular molars (Vertucci's type II morphology) were instrumented and filled with the single‐cone technique using Reciproc R25 gutta‐percha points (VDW, Munich, Germany) combined with Sealer 26 (Dentsply, Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil). Each root was then subjected to retreatment using the Mtwo instrument system (VDW), with or without a solvent (n = 16 per group). The volume of filling material in the canals was assessed by micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) scans taken before and after retreatment. Canals with remnants of filling material received a supplementary procedure with the XP‐endo Finisher R instrument (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux‐de‐Fonds, Switzerland), with or without eucalyptol, and another micro‐CT scan was taken. All retreatment procedures were performed inside a cabinet under a controlled temperature (37 °C). Filling material removal was evaluated in the 5‐mm apical canal system for the canal+isthmus space or the isthmus alone. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the removal of filling material with and without eucalyptol, and after a supplementary approach with XP‐endo Finisher R. The level of significance was set at 5% for all statistical tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The amount of filling material removed from the canal+isthmus with Mtwo instruments was 83.2% when no solvent was used and 83.8% using the solvent (P > 0.05). When the isthmus area was evaluated separately, most specimens were associated with a reduction in the filling material, with no significant difference between the groups with or without using a solvent (P > 0.05). The supplementary step with XP‐endo Finisher R significantly improved removal of filling material from both canal and isthmus area (P < 0.05), regardless of the use of a solvent (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of eucalyptol did not improve filling material removal from Vertucci's type II molar mesial canals and isthmuses. XP‐endo Finisher R significantly enhanced removal of filling material from the canals and isthmuses.
Histopathological features of skin lesions in patients affected by non‐ulcerated or atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis in Honduras, Central America
Authors: Sandoval Pacheco Carmen Maria , Araujo Flores Gabriela Venicia , Favero Ferreira Aurea , Sosa Ochoa Wilfredo , Ribeiro da Matta Vânia Lúcia , Zúniga Valeriano Concepción , Pereira Corbett Carlos Eduardo , Dalastra Laurenti Marcia
Published: November 2018

In Honduras visceral leishmaniasis and non‐ulcerated or atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL) are caused by the species Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. NUCL is the most common clinical form in the southern regions of the country, mainly affecting the young. In view of the lack of knowledge about the pathogenesis of the disease pattern caused by L. (L) infantum chagasi in individuals affected by NUCL, the aim of the present study was to describe in detail the histopathological features of the skin lesion caused by the parasite. Biopsies from human NUCL lesions with a positive parasitological diagnosis were collected and processed using standard histological techniques. Paraffin sections stained by haematoxylin and eosin were used to examine the histopathological alterations seen in the skin. The lesions varied between 3 and 5 mm, and the majority of the patients (60%) had a single lesion. Lesions were more frequently seen in females (65%), with an average age of 33.4 years. Microscopically, the skin lesions were characterized by mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis composed of lymphocytes, macrophages and a few plasma cells. The intensity of the infiltration varied from discrete to intense. In both cases, the parasitic infection was discrete. Granulomas were present in 60% of cases and were associated with intense inflammation. The data revealed by the histopathological alterations in the skin of individuals affected by NUCL suggest activation of a cellular immune response that potentially controls parasite spreading.
The studies of cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of composites with ZnO‐doped bioglass
Authors: Ciołek Lidia , Biernat Monika , Jaegermann Zbigniew , Zaczyńska Ewa , Czarny Anna , Jastrzębska Agnieszka , Olszyna Andrzej
Published: November 2018

The paper presents results of the studies on porous composites obtained using lyophilization method based on the solutions of the following polymers: chitosan, sodium alginate and polylactide, as well as ZnO‐doped CaO–SiO2–P2O5 bioglass. The researchers took the advantage of zinc ions demonstrating the bactericidal, immune‐stimulating, and tissue‐regenerating functions in the organism. The cytotoxicity of the composites was tested on L929 cells by means of the direct and the indirect contact method. The antibacterial properties were determined against the gram‐negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus at 24, 48 hours, and 7 days. The study demonstrated that changes due to cytotoxicity effect of the composites depend on the type of polymer and on the duration of contact with cells. The composite with polylactide was found to be the least toxic for L929 cells. ZnO added to the chemical composition of bioglass ensured bactericidal effects. The antibacterial properties of the composites depended on the ZnO content, bioglass grain size, polymer type, and composite microstructure. The composites presented in this paper are innovative as biomaterials for filling bone cavities because they can be a matrix for cells and have an antibacterial effect while supporting the regeneration of damaged tissue.
Factors that influence the financial literacy of young Spanish consumers
Authors: Mancebón María‐Jesús , Ximénez‐de‐Embún Domingo P. , Mediavilla Mauro , Gómez‐Sancho José‐María
Published: November 2018

This study examines the development of mathematical and financial literacy skills amongst 471 students in Spain. Most studies on this topic have looked at either one or the other skill but they have not examined the relationship between the two.  The use of simultaneous equations has enabled us to do so. The aim of the paper is to disentangle the factors determining the financial skills of young consumers in Spain. To do this, the PISA Financial Literacy Assessment conducted by the OECD in 2012 is used. Our paper’s main contribution lies in the methodological way to deal with the empirical challenges overshadowing our study. Particularly, our methodological strategy is defined by the application of a multi‐level model of simultaneous equations (MSiEM). This method allows us to take into account the simultaneous determination of math and financial skills at school and the nested structure of the database. This MSiEM permits the identification of the determinants of financial skills, differentiating between the influences operating at school level from those at student level. A first conclusion is that the development of financial abilities of young consumers is mediated by their mathematical skills. A second conclusion, in accordance with those of other international studies, is the importance of the family on the financial literacy of 15‐year‐old Spanish students. The family, a first‐order determinant in reading, science and math scores, is also a key variable in the development of financial skills. Finally, school type (public vs. private) does not display any effect on either the financial or math performance of Spanish young people.
Flow cytometry identification of nonhemopoietic neoplasms during routine immunophenotyping
Authors: Stacchini Alessandra , Aliberti Sabrina , Demurtas Anna , Maletta Francesca , Molinaro Luca , Godio Laura , Papotti Mauro
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Nonhemopoietic neoplasms (NHNs) may be encountered during routine flow cytometry (FC) immunophenotyping. The clue of their presence mainly relies on detection of CD45‐negative (CD45−) cells with altered scatter parameters.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated a monoclonal antibody combination conceived to characterize the CD45− population by FC, suspected of belonging to NHNs, when present. The panel included CD45 for leucocytes identification, CD326 (clones BerEP4 and HEA‐125) to mark epithelial cells, CD33 to identify myeloid cells, CD138 to trace plasma cells and CD56 useful in the identification of neuroendocrine tumours. 7AAD vital dye was used to gate out dead cells. Results were correlated with cytomorphology and confirmed by histological data, if available.

Results

Among 9422 specimens submitted for routine FC investigation, 47 samples that included fine‐needle aspirates, bone marrow aspirates, tissue biopsies and body fluids had a detectable CD45− population and a sufficient cell amount to be further investigated. FC revealed the presence of CD326‐positive epithelial cells in 38 specimens; altered scatter parameters and variable reactivity to the other antigens tested allowed to suspect NHNs in the remaining nine samples. The presence of NHNs was confirmed in all cases by morphology.

Conclusions

The current results show that when CD45− cells with altered scatter parameters were detected, cytometrists involved in leukaemia/lymphoma diagnosis may require further FC investigations to rapidly identify NHNs in different specimens, thus reducing the time of the immunohistochemical diagnostic workup to reach a final diagnosis.
Assessing the referral of clients with respiratory symptoms to general physicians: a survey of community pharmacists in Beirut
Authors: El Mikati Hala , Maroun Christopher A , Armache Alexandre , Toutonji Amer , El Najjar Mayssam , El-Khatib Farouk M , Ghattas Hala
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to assess the ability of community pharmacists practicing in Beirut to identify red flag respiratory symptoms, and therefore to adequately refer clients to a general physician when warranted. Secondary objectives included determining whether demographic factors affect the odds of referral, and to qualify degree of agreement of community pharmacists with a panel of expert physicians.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, pharmacies were randomly selected and invited to complete a self-administered survey, each containing 10 clinical vignettes that combined different characteristics (age group, gender, presenting symptom, duration of symptoms). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to inspect predictors of referral, correct referral and under-referral.

Key findings

A total of 214 pharmacies were visited and 141 (65.9%) responded. Pharmacists were more likely to refer female patients (P = 0.035) and patients who presented with a longer duration of symptoms (P < 0.001). Correct referral was higher in pharmacies that were more than 20 min away from the nearest hospital (P = 0.013) and with clients who presented with haemoptysis (P < 0.001), dyspnoea (P < 0.001) or wheezing (P < 0.027), while it was lower with female patients (P < 0.001). Under-referral was higher in pharmacies that served more than 500 clients weekly (P = 0.048) and in patients presenting for dry cough (P < 0.001) or productive cough (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study has shown that there is a need for further investigation into the practices of community pharmacists of Beirut. An action plan may be advised to alleviate the burden of patients who might currently be under-referred and experience morbidity as a result.
Male sex increases mortality in ventricular tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Weidner Kathrin , Behnes Michael , Rusnak Jonas , Schupp Tobias , Hoppner Jorge , Taton Gabriel , Reiser Linda , Bollow Armin , Reichelt Thomas , Ellguth Dominik , Engelke Niko , Kuche Philipp , Ansari Uzair , El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Lang Siegfried , Nienaber Christoph A. , Akin Muharrem , Mashayekhi Kambis , Ferdinand Dennis , Weiß Christel , Borggrefe Martin , Akin Ibrahim
Published: November 2018

Background

Ventricular tachyarrhythmias are still associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is important to stratify high‐risk patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias for their individual risk of future outcomes.

Aim

To assess the impact of male sex on survival in patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Methods

All consecutive patients surviving ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF) on admission from 2002 to 2016 were included and stratified according to sex differences by propensity score matching. The primary prognostic end‐point was all‐cause mortality at 30 months. Secondary end‐points were all‐cause mortality at 30 days, at index hospitalisation, after discharge, the composite of recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies, and finally rehospitalisation related to ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Results

A total of 784 (392 males and 392 females) matched patients was included. The rate of VT and VF was similar in both groups (VT: male 65% vs female 62%; VF: male 35% vs female 38%). Male sex was independently associated with the primary end‐point of all‐cause mortality at 30 months (31% vs 23%; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.432; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.089–1.883; P = 0.010) as well as with the secondary end‐point of all‐cause mortality at index hospitalisation (mortality rate 31% vs 23%; log‐rank P = 0.010; HR = 1.432; 95% CI 1.089–1.883; P = 0.010; mortality rate 10% vs 15%; HR = 1.685; 95% CI 1.117–2.542; P = 0.013). No differences in further secondary end‐points were found. Sex differences of the primary end‐point were predominantly observed in patients with VT at index (mortality rate 28% versus 20%; HR = 1.512; 95% CI 1.040–2.189; P = 0.028), without an ICD and with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥35% (log‐rank values, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Males presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias on admission were associated with higher all‐cause mortality at 30 months and all‐cause mortality at index hospitalisation.
Introduction
Authors: Ishii Hiromasa , Ishii Hiromasa
Published: November 2018

IT IS A PLEASURE for me to introduce the Proceedings of the 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Biomedical Research on Alcohol (JASBRA) as a supplemental issue to Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Inactive Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Worsens Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Drink Low to Moderate Amounts of Alcohol
Authors: Murata Chisato , Suzuki Yoshihiko , Muramatsu Taro , Taniyama Matsuo , Atsumi Yoshihito , Matsuoka Kempei , Watanabe Tetsu , Okazaki Isao
Published: November 2018

Background: Alcohol intake can have hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to investigate the glycemic control of male patients with diabetes mellitus from the aspect of the genetic status of alcohol metabolism.

Methods: One hundred sixty‐three men with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the present study. They were all outpatients at the Diabetes Center of Saiseikai Central Hospital. The genotype of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene of each patient was determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), and the patients were divided into those with active or inactive ALDH2 phenotype. We compared the amount of habitual alcohol intake and clinical data that included physical findings and blood chemistry of the patients in the active and inactive ALDH2 groups. The glycemic control of each patient was evaluated by the serum level of HbA1c.

Results: Of the 163 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 90 patients had the active ALDH2 phenotype and 73 patients had the inactive ALDH2 phenotype. The mean HbA1c level of the active ALDH2 group was nearly the same as that of the inactive ALDH2 group. However, the HbA1c level of the light‐to‐moderate drinkers (1‐400 g/week) in the inactive ALDH2 group was highest and was significantly higher than the HbA1c level of the light‐to‐moderate drinkers of the active ALDH2 group. The HbA1c of the patients with diabetic complications was higher than the HbA1c of those without diabetic complications in both the active and inactive ALDH2 groups. However, the HbA1c level of the light‐to‐moderate drinkers without diabetic complications in the inactive ALDH2 group was significantly higher and the incidence of 24 hr urinary C‐peptide was higher than the respective level of the light‐to‐moderate drinkers without diabetic complications in the active ALDH2 group.

Conclusions: Habitual light‐to‐moderate alcohol intake worsens glycemic control in diabetic patients who have the inactive ALDH2 phenotype. The data on 24 hr urinary C‐peptide level suggested that increased acetaldehyde after light‐to‐moderate drinking by inactive ALDH2 diabetic patients may increase the HbA1c value by the insulin‐resistant condition that resulted in hyperinsulinemia.
Study of Mitochondrial DNA Deletion in Alcoholics
Authors: Tsuchishima Mutsumi , Tsutsumi Mikihiro , Shiroeda Hisakazu , Yano Hirokazu , Ueshima Yasuhiro , Shimanaka Koshi , Takase Shujiro
Published: November 2018

Background: Recently, it has been reported that single or multiple mitochondrial DNA (Mt‐DNA) deletions have been observed frequently in liver tissue and white blood cells (WBC) obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In this study, we investigated the deletion of the Mt‐DNA encoding adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) region in WBC to clarify whether Mt‐DNA heteroplasmy caused by alcohol drinking is reversible.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 4 healthy volunteers, 56 patients with ALD, and 106 nonalcoholic healthy controls. The Mt‐DNA encoded ATPase region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by using two primers: forward primer, 5‘‐AACCAACACCTCTTTACAGTGA; and reverse primer; 5‘‐TTGGTGGGTCATTATGTGTTGT.

Results: Heteroplasmy was observed in one volunteer on day 3 and in the remaining persons on day 4 after the start of alcohol consumption. Heteroplasmy was observed for another 6 days after alcohol consumption stopped, but on the 7th day it had disappeared in all volunteers. In WBC Mt‐DNA obtained from ALD patients within 3 days of abstinence, heteroplasmy was observed in 38 of the 56 patients (67.9%), whereas heteroplasmy was not detected in any healthy subjects. In 10 of the 18 ALD patients (56%) who had heteroplasmy within 3 days of abstinence, heteroplasmy disappeared after 4 weeks of abstinence.

Conclusion: An acquired mutation of Mt‐DNA, at least in the encoding ATPase region, may result from alcohol drinking and may be reversed by stopping drinking.
Immunohistochemical Study of Hyaluronate Receptor (CD44) in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Urashima Sachio , Tsutsumi Mikihiro , Ozaki Kazuaki , Tsuchishima Mutsumi , Shimanaka Koshi , Ueshima Yasuhiro , Takase Shujiro
Published: November 2018

Background: It has been suggested that the elevation of serum hyaluronate (HA) levels in liver diseases may be due to increased synthesis of HA by hepatic stellate cells or decreased degradation by sinusoidal endothelial cells. The increase in serum HA levels in patients with cirrhosis is thought to be a response to a reduction in HA receptors (CD44) in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. To learn more about how alcohol affects the number and distribution of HA receptors of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, we immunohistochemically studied CD44 levels in liver biopsy obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD patients) and also from patients with nonalcoholic liver disease (non‐ALD); ALD patients were evaluated when they were currently drinking and again after they became abstinent. Normal liver tissue obtained from three autopsy cases served as a control.

Methods: Liver biopsy specimens were obtained from 18 ALD patients and 12 non‐ALD patients. In ALD patients, liver biopsy was performed twice within 3 days and 4 to 8 weeks after abstinence when serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase became normal. CD44 in liver specimens was stained with anti‐CD44 antibody by streptavidine‐biotin‐peroxidase complex. The intensity of the staining of CD44 in liver tissue was determined by a computer‐assisted imaging analyzer. We also measured serum levels of CD44 in both ALD and non‐ALD patients.

Results: The intensity and the number of CD44 staining increased in both ALD and non‐ALD patients compared with those in normal liver, which was negative. The staining intensity of CD44 in liver specimens obtained from patients with ALD who were active in alcohol consumption were significantly higher when compared with patients with ALD after abstinence. Serum levels of CD44 in patients with liver disease increased compared with those of healthy subjects.

Conclusions: The results suggest that HA receptors may increase to degrade the increased HA in serum and/or liver.
Cyanamide‐Induced Liver Dysfunction After Abstinence in Alcoholics: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study on Four Cases
Authors: Suzuki Yukako , Yokoyama Akira , Nakano Masayuki , Okuyama Keiji , Takahashi Hisao , Tamai Hironao , Maruyama Katsuya , Ishii Hiromasa
Published: November 2018

Background:Cyanamide, an aversive agent widely used in Japan, is known to induce various degrees of hepatic lesion with ground‐glass inclusion bodies. When cyanamide‐treated alcoholics relapse into drinking, more severe inflammation develops in the liver. However, it is controversial whether progressive hepatic lesions develop in complete abstainers as a result of long‐term cyanamide treatment.

Case Reports:Case 1: A 53‐year‐old male alcoholic received cyanamide treatment for 4.5 months and completely abstained without cyanamide treatment for 6 years. A liver biopsy shortly after abstinence showed extensive pericellular fibrosis, but a biopsy after 6 years showed very mild fibrosis. Case 2: A 43‐year‐old male alcoholic remained completely abstinent with cyanamide treatment for 5 years and complained of general fatigue. His serum transaminases were slightly elevated and hepatic hyperechogenicity was observed on ultrasonography. Only mild pericellular fibrosis was present in the liver biopsy specimen obtained shortly after abstinence, but after 5 years the second liver biopsy showed that thin septum‐like fibrosis that formed portal‐to‐portal and portal‐to‐central linkage had developed and ground‐glass hepatocytes had emerged extensively. Case 3: A 29‐year‐old female alcoholic complained of general fatigue and a slight fever after 1.5 years of abstinence with cyanamide treatment. Slight elevation of serum transaminases and hepatic hyperechogenicity were observed. The liver biopsy showed extensive ground‐glass hepatocytes and thin septum‐like fibrosis that formed portal‐to‐portal linkage. Case 4: A 61‐year‐old male alcoholic who remained completely abstinent while taking cyanamide for 3 years showed slight elevation of serum transaminases. Liver biopsy showed extensive ground‐glass hepatocytes and extension of thin septum‐like fibers from portal tract to the lobule. Ultrasonography revealed hepatic hyperechogenicity.

Conclusion:In some abstainers who take cyanamide for several years, thin septum‐like liver fibrosis progresses along with the emergence of ground‐glass hepatocytes. Hepatic hyperechogenicity on ultrasonography and slight elevation of serum transaminases might erroneously lead to a diagnosis of hepatic steatosis without liver histology.
Long‐Term Ethanol Consumption in ICR Mice Causes Mammary Tumor in Females and Liver Fibrosis in Males
Authors: Watabiki Toshimitsu , Okii Yutaka , Tokiyasu Takuma , Yoshimura Sumitaka , Yoshida Manabu , Akane Atsushi , Shikata Nobuaki , Tsubura Airo
Published: November 2018

Background: Although epidemiological studies indicate that ethanol consumption and the risk of breast cancer are positively associated in women, experimental animal models have not yet been developed that provide evidence to support this relationship. To clarify alcohol‐related liver injury, it is important to reproduce, in laboratory small animals, the liver fibrosis observed in human alcoholics. However, in mice the induction of fibrosis has failed. The present study describes the first experimental models to produce mammary tumors in female ICR mice and liver fibrosis in male ICR mice treated long‐term with ethanol.

Methods: The study consisted of two parts. To induce mammary tumors, female ICR mice were given 10% to 15% ethanol solution as the sole drinking fluid for 25 months, with solid diet supplied ad libitum. To induce liver fibrosis, male ICR mice were given 10% to 15% ethanol solution as the sole drinking fluid for 10 to 15 months. Control female and male mice were given tap water.

Results: In 9 (45%) of 20 ethanol‐treated female mice, mammary tumors occurred at 8 to 24 months after ethanol intake began, whereas spontaneous mammary tumor was not found in the 20 control female mice. The tumors were composed histopathologically of either papillary adenocarcinoma or medullary adenocarcinoma of glandular epithelial origin. In the ethanol‐treated male mice, early hepatic fibrosis at the centrilobular and pericellular areas and central‐central bridging were observed at the 10th month, and marked fibrosis at the centrilobular, pericellular, and periportal areas and bridging between the neighboring vascular tissues were observed at the 15th month, which suggested that the initial fibrosis arose from the centrilobular area. No abnormalities other than mild fatty infiltration were found in livers of the control male mice.

Conclusions: These murine models may be useful to study the role of ethanol in mammary tumorigenesis and the pathogenetic mechanisms of ethanol liver injury.
A forest canopy as a living archipelago: Why phylogenetic isolation may increase and age decrease diversity
Authors: Hidasi‐Neto Jose , Bailey Richard I. , Vasseur Chloe , Woas Steffen , Ulrich Werner , Jambon Olivier , Santos Ana M. C. , Cianciaruso Marcus V. , Prinzing Andreas
Published: November 2018

Aim

An individual tree resembles a living island, a small spatially distinct unit upon which colonizers maintain populations. However, several differences exist compared to oceanic islands: a tree is relatively young, is composed of numerous differently aged branches, may be phylogenetically isolated from neighbours, and some of its colonizers are specific to particular tree lineages. We suggest that these specificities strongly affect both alpha‐ and beta‐diversity within trees, including positive effects of isolation on the diversity of generalists, and strengthening of the effect of isolation with tree age.

Location

Rennes, Bretagne, Western France

Taxon

Little‐dispersive, generalist oribatid mites (Acari) and highly dispersive, specialist gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) on oak (Quercus sp.) trees.

Methods

We tested the effects of tree and branch age, tree and branch habitat diversity, and tree phylogenetic isolation on per‐branch and per‐tree alpha‐diversity, and on within‐tree beta‐diversity of both taxonomic groups.

Results

For gall wasps, no variable explained diversity patterns at any level. In contrast, for oribatid mites, we found that high phylogenetic isolation of trees and high branch age increased alpha‐diversity per tree and per branch (in young trees) as well as turnover among branches. High tree age decreased alpha‐diversity per branch (in phylogenetically isolated trees) and increased turnover among branches. Increasing habitat diversity increased alpha‐diversity per tree, but decreased alpha‐diversity per branch (in young trees).

Main conclusions

For mites, contrary to common expectation, we suggest that: (a) phylogenetically distant neighbours are a source of immigration of distinct species and (b) with the increase of tree age, species‐sorting results in a few species colonizing and dominating their preferred patches. In gall wasps, strict specialization on oaks, and efficient dispersal may render oak age or isolation unimportant. The positive relationship between isolation and within‐tree turnover is a new contribution to biogeography in general.
Two speed invasion: assisted and intrinsic dispersal of common mynas over 150 years of colonization
Authors: Ewart Kyle M. , Griffin Andrea S. , Johnson Rebecca N. , Kark Salit , Magory Cohen Tali , Lo Nathan , Major Richard E.
Published: November 2018

Aim

Despite the common myna's widespread distribution, and the significant impact it has caused in parts of its non‐native range, there have been no comprehensive genomic studies of its invasion of any region. We aimed to characterize the common myna invasion of the Australian continent to understand its population genetic landscape, introduction history, dispersal characteristics, and the interconnectedness between different source populations and invasive fronts.

Location

Common mynas from 26 geographical locations spanning the Australian continent were utilized in this study.

Taxon

Common myna (Acridotheres tristis).

Methods

We used a reduced genome representation method (DArTseq) to generate thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 462 common mynas. We then applied population genomic techniques to identify the common myna's population attributes such as gene flow, genetic diversity, and effective dispersal, all of which are critical for understanding geographical range expansion of pest species.

Results

We found significant genetic structuring across the common myna's Australian distribution, indicating limited levels of effective dispersal amongst the populations founded from historic introductions in the 19th century. The historic introduction points were found to be genetically distinct, such that in the region on the invasion front where admixture did occur, myna populations exhibited higher genetic diversity than in the source populations. Significant isolation by distance was evident amongst populations derived from the same founding population, with genetic diversity decreasing moving away from the point of colonization, and in general, higher levels of gene flow from source to front than vice versa.

Main conclusions

This study indicates that despite a 150‐year colonization history of mynas in Australia, contemporary genetic structure still largely reflects human‐mediated dispersal. However, expanding populations are now connecting and the consequent increased genetic diversity may improve evolutionary potential. These results suggest that more management focus should be directed towards the invasion fronts, rather than the large, historic source populations.
The relationship between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across plant species
Authors: Cardillo Marcel , Dinnage Russell , McAlister William
Published: November 2018

Aim

A positive association between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across species (RS‐NB association) is considered a major macroecological pattern and a key mechanism explaining differences in commonness and rarity among species. It is typically assumed that niche breadth determines range size. We explore ways in which spurious positive RS‐NB associations can arise through sampling artefacts, in the absence of any ecological or evolutionary link between the two variables.

Location

Australia and Africa.

Methods

We used a process‐based simulation model to explore the influence of spatial autocorrelation in the environment, and the rate of neutral range evolution, on the slope of the RS‐NB association. We quantified niche breadth in four large plant genera (Banksia, Hakea, Protea and Moraea) using up to 12 environmental variables and accounting for variable numbers of occurrence records, and we tested RS‐NB associations using phylogenetic generalized least‐squares (PGLS) models. We compared observed patterns to two null models that break the link between species occurrences and environmental conditions in different ways.

Results

The simulations show that positive RS‐NB associations are generated even under random diversification and neutral range evolution, when the environment is spatially autocorrelated. There were strong positive interspecific RS‐NB associations in all four plant genera, but in most cases, PGLS slopes for the four genera were similar to those generated by the null models. After accounting for sampling effects under the two the null models by calculating the standardized effect sizes of species’ niche breadths, there was little evidence of general, positive associations between range size and niche breadth.

Main Conclusions

Positive RS‐NB associations in our four plant genera do not necessarily result from an ecological or evolutionary link between niche breadth and range size but may largely reflect the historical legacy of speciation and limited dispersal, biotic interactions or other constraints on range expansion. Our results suggest that niche breadth as a general determinant of range extent among species should not be assumed without testing and correcting for spatial sampling effects.