bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL‐12B and IL‐10 gene polymorphisms in the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Gerenova J. , Stanilova S.
Published: October 2016

Functional genetic polymorphisms that altered gene expression of cytokines are candidate genetic factors that could modulate the development and progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). IL‐12B gene encoded the IL‐12p40 subunit, which is included in the pro‐inflammatory heterodimeric cytokines IL‐12p70 and IL‐23. IL‐10 is an important Treg cytokine suppressing inflammatory cytokine production and autoimmunity. This study was designed to compare −1082A/GIL‐10 and +1188A/C3′UTRIL‐12B genotype distribution in 130 patients with HT to a group of 157 healthy controls in attempts to determine an association with HT development. Genotyping for the 3′UTRA/C IL‐12B polymorphism was performed using RFLP‐PCR and genotyping for −1082A/G IL‐10 by ARMS‐PCR assay. Patients with HT were divided into euthyroid and hypothyroid stages. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL‐12B polymorphism between patients with HT and controls. We observed higher euthyroid HT risk for individuals with CC genotype, unlike to develop hypothyroidism with OR = 1.68. Regarding the polymorphism rs1800896, it was shown the significantly higher frequency of homozygous genotype GG in cases vs controls (OR = 2.19; P = 0.024). Moreover, the combination of genotype AA of 3′UTRIL‐12B with GG of −1082IL‐10 was associated with a threefold increasing risk (OR = 3.188; P = 0.022) of developing HT compared to individuals with the presence of 3′UTR allele C (AC+CC) simultaneously with AA genotype of −1082IL‐10. Our data raise the possibility that the combined effect of polymorphisms from proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines may be more decisive to HT development.
The perceived value of clinical pharmacy service provision by pharmacists and physicians: an initial assessment of family medicine and internal medicine providers
Authors: Wietholter Jon P , Ponte Charles D , Long Dustin M
Published: October 2016

Background

Few publications have addressed the perceptions of pharmacists and physicians regarding the value of clinical pharmacist services. A survey-based study was conducted to determine whether Internal Medicine (IM) and Family Medicine (FM) pharmacists and physicians differed in their attitudes regarding the benefits of collaboration in an acute care setting.

Objectives

The primary objective was to evaluate perceived differences regarding self-assessment of value between IM and FM pharmacists. The secondary objective was to evaluate perceived differences of clinical pharmacist benefit between IM and FM physicians.

Methods

An eight-item questionnaire assessed the attitudes and beliefs of pharmacists and physicians regarding the value of clinical pharmacy services. Surveys were emailed and participants marked their responses using a 7-point Likert scale for each item. Demographic data and overall comments were collected from each participant.

Key findings

Overall, 167 surveys were completed. When comparing cumulative physician and pharmacist responses, none of the eight questions showed significant differences. Statistically significant differences were noted when comparing IM and FM clinical pharmacists on five of the eight survey items; for each of these items, FM pharmacists had more favourable perceptions than their IM counterparts. No statistically significant differences were noted when comparing responses of IM and FM physicians.

Conclusions

This study found that FM pharmacists perceived a greater benefit regarding participation in inpatient acute care rounds when compared to their IM pharmacist counterparts. Future studies are necessary to determine if other medical specialties’ perceptions of clinical pharmacy provision differ from our findings and to evaluate the rationale behind specific attitudes and behaviours.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs in the screwworm flies Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Paulo D. F. , Azeredo‐Espin A. M. L. , Canesin L. E. C. , Vicentini R. , Junqueira A. C. M.
Published: October 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression through post‐transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the identification and characterization of miRNAs in two closely related screwworm flies with different feeding habits: Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria. The New World screwworm, C. hominivorax, is an obligatory parasite of warm‐blooded vertebrates, whereas the secondary screwworm, C. macellaria, is a free‐living organism that feeds on decaying organic matter. Here, the small RNA transcriptomes of adults and third‐instar larvae of both species were sequenced. A total of 110 evolutionarily conserved miRNAs were identified, and 10 putative precursor miRNAs (pre‐miRNAs) were predicted. The relative expression of six selected miRNAs was further investigated, including miRNAs that are related to reproduction and neural processes in other insects. Mature miRNAs were also characterized across an evolutionary time scale, suggesting that the majority of them have been conserved since the emergence of the Arthropoda [540 million years ago (Ma)], Hexapoda (488 Ma) and Brachycera (195 Ma) lineages. This study is the first report of miRNAs for screwworm flies. We also performed a comparative analysis with the hereby predicted miRNAs from the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. The results presented may advance our understanding of parasitic habits within Calliphoridae and assist further functional studies in blowflies.
A note on the effect of concerts on the behaviour of Domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris at Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Authors: Meade J. , Formella I. , Melfi V.
Published: October 2016

Loud or aversive noise is a key factor that may stress animals in zoological institutions. Many zoos host concerts in their grounds, and this practice is likely to expose resident animals to loud noises. Few studies have explored the effect of concerts and events on animals in zoological institutions. Here, the behaviour of two Domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia, was compared between evenings with and without concerts. Behaviours such as whining, shaking, panting and destructive behaviour, thought to reflect fear or anxiety, occurred at low levels. Hiding can also be linked to fear and anxiety but is less easy to identify; for example, time spent in kennels could be considered hiding or resting. To examine this, the proportion of time the dogs spent inside their kennels was compared between evenings with concerts and those without. No difference was found between the two conditions. This indicates that dogs were probably resting rather than ‘hiding’ inside their kennels; as this behaviour made up similar proportions of evenings with and without concerts. No behaviours that may be linked to anxiety caused by concerts were identified. More comprehensive research will be carried out to explore the effect on resident animals of concerts and events held at zoological institutions.
Local structure of network modifier to network former ions in soda‐lime alumino‐borosilicate glasses
Authors: Ha Ming‐Tai , Garofalini Stephen H.
Published: October 2016

The structure of soda‐lime alumino‐borosilicate glass was studied using molecular dynamics simulations of samples of varying compositions containing ~20 000 atoms each. Pair distribution functions (PDFs) of cations to oxygen were used for comparison to available experimental data to evaluate consistency between simulations and experiment. Additional PDFs and coordination of the network forming cations (Al/B/Si) to network modifiers (Ca/Na) were examined, which is difficult to measure experimentally. The results are consistent with available experimental data regarding cation‐oxygen bond lengths and network former to oxygen coordination numbers. Si and Al are predominantly 4‐coordinated, with a small concentration of overcoordinated species similar to experimental data. B varied as 3‐coordinated, BO3, and 4‐coordinated, BO4, as a function of the amount of Ca2+ and Na+ present, the ratio of Al2O3 to B2O3, and the fictive temperature of the sample, similar to experimental data. The simulations provide new information regarding the locations on the network modifiers to the +3 cations, Al and B. For instance, one Al ion can have multiple Na within 4 Å, but also the Na can be within 4 Å of several +3 cations. Such results would indicate a greater complexity of local structure that goes beyond the stoichiometric one +1 modifier ion near one +3 network former or one +2 modifier near two +3 formers in tetrahedral sites.
A one‐step way to novel carbon‐niobium nitride nanoparticles for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Lin Sen , Bi Ke , Pan Xiaolong , Hao Yanan , Du Yinxiao , Liu Jun , Fan Dongyu , Wang Yonggang , Lei Ming
Published: October 2016

In recent years, researchers have been exploring various Pt‐free electrocatalysts to optimize the performance of regenerative fuel cell and rechargeable metal‐air battery. However, similar studies in ceramic fields are still stalled. In this work, as an efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, carbon‐niobium nitride (C‐NbN) nanostructure was successfully synthesized via a facile solid phase method. Microstructure characteristic analysis include SEM, TEM and element mapping spectra visually demonstrated C‐NbN nanoparticles, and its unique carbon coating layer. Moreover, the state of the carbon layer of C‐NbN was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman scattering spectrum, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). After a series of electrochemical tests, it was found that such a novel carbon layer play two important roles in the ORR, leading to superior ORR performance (with 0.9 V onset potential, vs RHE) and outstanding durability (retained 97.02% of initial current for a duration of 10 000 second chronoamperometry test and excellent methanol tolerance) of C‐NbN catalyst. This method might could be implemented in the synthesis of other carbon‐transition nitride ceramics to enhance their ORR performance.
Effects of age‐based movement on the estimation of growth assuming random‐at‐age or random‐at‐length data
Authors: Lee H. H. , Thomas L. R. , Piner K. R. , Maunder M. N.
Published: October 2016

Simulation methods were used to generate paired data from a simulated population that included the age‐based process of movement and the length‐based process of gear selection. The age‐based process caused bias in the estimates of growth parameters assuming random at length, even when relatively few age classes were affected. Methods that assumed random at age were biased by the subsequent inclusion of the length‐based process of gear selection. Additional knowledge of the age structure of the sampled area is needed to ensure an unbiased estimate of the growth parameters when using the length‐conditional approach in the presence of age‐based movement. Estimates of the variability in the length‐at‐age relationship were better estimated with the length‐conditional than the traditional method even when the assumptions of random at length were violated. Inclusion of paired observations of length and associated age inside the population dynamics model may be the most appropriate way of estimating growth.
Integrated ultrafiltration process for the recovery of bromelain from pineapple waste mixture
Authors: Nor M. Z. M. , Ramchandran L. , Duke M. , Vasiljevic T.
Published: October 2016

The two‐stage ultrafiltration (UF) process was recently successfully applied to purify bromelain from pineapple crude waste mixture (CWM); however, further process improvements were required. Effects of manipulating transmembrane pressure (TMP) and cross‐flow velocity (ʋ) on the flux profile, enzyme recovery and enzyme purity were investigated at TMP of 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 bar and ʋ of 0.16, 0.24, or 0.30 m/s. High TMP and ʋ resulted in high flux in both UF stages. Performing the process at the highest TMP and ʋ of 2.0 bar and 0.30 m/s, respectively, yielded the highest enzyme recovery in UF stage 1 (76.9%), but the lowest purity fold in UF stage 2 (1.4‐fold). The effects were inverted at reduced TMP and ʋ conditions. For appropriate flux and enzyme separation effectiveness, the process should be conducted at 2.0 bar and 0.30 m/s in UF stage 1, and 1.5 bar and 0.24 m/s in UF stage 2.

Practical applications

An efficient purification technique is needed for bromelain production in order to improve the quality of purified enzyme as well as to reduce the overall processing cost. Thus, a developed membrane‐based process has been further improved for bromelain purification in effort to establish process feasibility, practicality and effectiveness. In‐depth deliberation on the effect of selected processing conditions (TMP and ʋ) on membrane performance and bromelain separation in a two‐stage UF process system has been presented in this work. It provides insight into the flux performance, fouling formation as well enzyme separation during the membrane process. Hence, the best processing conditions can be selected, which would bring to and even lower cost system suitable for large‐scale bromelain production.
MW‐MTM: A mobile wireless monitoring and traceability management system for water‐free live transport of aquatic products
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Fu Zetian , Xiao Xinqing , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Li Daoliang
Published: October 2016

Low temperature water‐free keep live transport is a new method for transportation of aquatic products. The fish or other aquatic products will be suspended animation of the dormant state, by the appropriate gradient cooling of in their corresponding ecological ice temperature zone, to reduce respiration and metabolism to improve the survival rates. The article developed a mobile wireless monitoring and traceability management system to acquire micro‐ambient gas, humidity, and temperature intelligently in logistics and control them automatically to release transport stress, guarantee the keep alive rates and meat quality of aquatic products. Finally, through test of live Chinese sturgeon water‐free keep live transport under the management of MW‐MTM system, the survival rate was increased by 5% to reach 99.5% after using this system, reduced the labor force 10% and visualized the traceability of transportation based on Baidu map system.

Practical applications

Aquatic products water‐free live transport in ecological ice temperature zone by the appropriate gradient cooling, to make aquatic products in suspended animation in the dormant state, reduce respiration, and metabolism to improve the survival rate. Through the implementation of the monitoring online metabolic gas and controlling of temperature, humidity of cold chain so as to control and trace the quality of the live transport. Those applications of live fish transport provided the theoretical basis for the tracing and optimization of cold chain logistics for live aquatic products.
Geochronological challenges posed by continuously developing tectonometamorphic systems: insights from Rb–Sr mica ages from the Cycladic Blueschist Belt, Syros (Greece)
Authors: Cliff R. A. , Bond C. E. , Butler R. W. H. , Dixon J. E.
Published: October 2016

Is metamorphism and its causative tectonics best viewed as a series of punctuated events or as a continuum? This question is addressed through examination of the timing of exhumation of the Cycladic Blueschist Belt (CBB). The cause of scatter beyond analytical error in Rb–Sr geochronology was investigated using a suite of 39 phengite samples. Rb–Sr ages have been measured on phengite microsamples drilled from specific microstructures in thin sections of calcschists and metabasites from the CBB on Syros. The majority are from samples that have well‐preserved blueschist facies mineral assemblages with limited greenschist facies overprint. The peak metamorphic temperatures involved are below the closure temperature for white mica so that crystallization ages are expected to be preserved. This is supported by the coexistence of different ages in microstructures of different relative age; in one sample phengite from the dominant extensional blueschist facies fabric preserves an age of 35 Ma while post‐tectonic mica, millimetres away, has an age of 26 Ma. The results suggest that micro‐sampling techniques linked to detailed microstructural analysis are critical to understanding the timing and duration of deformation in tectonometamorphic systems. North of the Serpentinite Belt in northern Syros, phengite Rb–Sr ages are generally between 53 and 46 Ma, comparable to previous dates from this area. South of the Serpentinite Belt phengite in blueschist facies assemblages associated with extensional fabrics linked to exhumation have ages that range from 42 Ma down to c. 30 Ma indicating that extensional deformation while still under blueschist facies conditions continued until 30 Ma. No age measurements on samples with unambiguous evidence of deformation under greenschist facies conditions were made; two rocks with greenschist facies assemblages gave phengite ages that overlap with the younger blueschist samples, suggesting blueschist facies phengite is preserved in these rocks. Two samples yielded ages below 27 Ma; one is from a post‐tectonic microstructure, the other from a greenschist in which the fabric developed during earlier blueschist facies conditions. These ages are consistent with previous evidence of greenschist facies conditions from c. 25 Ma onwards. The data are consistent with a model of deformation that is continuous on a regional scale.
REGIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL DYNAMISM AND NONCOMPETE CLAUSES: EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL EXPERIMENT
Authors: Berger Thor , Frey Carl Benedikt
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we examine the causal impact of enforceable covenants not to compete (CNCs) on labor market matching and the technological dynamism of regions. Exploiting the fact that the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act (MARA) of 1985 inadvertently repealed Michigan' s prohibition on CNC enforcement, we show that technical professionals in Michigan became increasingly likely to switch industry relative to similar workers in other U.S. states after prohibition. Workers switching industries after the introduction of MARA also earned lower wages, implying that they shifted into technical fields where their skills from previous employment were less productive. Estimates further show that the technological dynamism of Michigan declined in tandem, as fewer workers shifted into new types of jobs associated with recent technological advances. These findings are consistent with the view that skilled professionals that are subject to CNCs are more likely to leave their field of work postemployment to avoid lawsuits.
Development of hemiacetal esterified levofloxacin to prevent chelation with metal-containing drugs
Authors: Otori Toru , Matzno Sumio , Kawase Atushi , Iwaki Masahiro , Kimachi Tetsutaro , Nishiwaki Keiji , Figoni William C , Tominaga Ryuta , Asahide Mai , Nishikata Mayumi , Ishii Yoshikazu , Matsuyama Kenji
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To avoid the chelate formation between levofloxacin (LVFX) and aluminium hydroxide in gastrointestinal tract, an ethoxycarbonyl 1-ethyl hemiacetal ester of levofloxacin (LVFX-EHE) was synthesised as a prodrug.

Methods

The effects of aluminium hydroxide on the bioavailability of LVFX following oral administration of LVFX-EHE were investigated in rats. Furthermore, the effects of aluminium hydroxide on small intestinal absorption of LVFX and LVFX-EHE when subjected to a hydrolysis experiment using in situ everted gut sac were investigated, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of LVFX and LVFX-EHE for various intestinal bacteria were measured.

Key findings

When LVFX-EHE was co-administered with and without aluminium hydroxide, the AUC0–4 h values of LVFX hydrolysed from LVFX-EHE were similar to that of LVFX alone. In everted gut sac experiments, LVFX-EHE was efficiently absorbed even in the presence of aluminium ions after 1 h of incubation, whereas the absorption of LVFX decreased significantly in the presence of aluminium ions. MIC values of LVFX-EHE were far higher than LVFX.

Conclusions

This study suggests the benefit of ethoxycarbonyl 1-ethyl hemiacetal esterification of the carboxyl group of new quinolone as a prodrug which is able to avoid chelate formation.
Metformin confers risk reduction for developing hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver resection
Authors: Chan Kun‐Ming , Kuo Chang‐Fu , Hsu Jun‐Te , Chiou Meng‐Jiun , Wang Yu‐Chao , Wu Tsung‐Han , Lee Chen‐Fang , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Lee Wei‐Chen
Published: October 2016

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver resection remains a great concern. The study aims to examine the chemopreventive effect of metformin in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma from a population‐based study.

Methods

All patients registered as having hepatocellular carcinoma between January 1995 and December 2011 in a nationwide database were retrospectively analysed. Outcomes related to liver resection and the presence of diabetes mellitus were assessed. Prognosis in terms of the use of metformin was further explored, in which only patients in the long‐term follow‐up starting at 2 years were included for analysis.

Results

Patients with diabetes mellitus had a significantly poorer outcome than patients without diabetes mellitus. Among diabetes mellitus patients, metformin users had significantly better survival curves in both recurrence‐free survival (P<.0001) and overall survival (P<.0001) after liver resection. The hazard ratio of metformin use in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with diabetes mellitus was 0.65 (P<.05, 95% CI=0.60‐0.72) for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and 0.79 (P<.05, 95% CI=0.72‐0.88) for overall survival after liver resection. The risk reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver resection was significantly associated with a dose/duration dependent of accumulated metformin usage.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus has an adverse effect on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma regardless of treatment modality. The use of metformin significantly reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and improves the overall outcome of patients after liver resection if patients survives the initial 2 years. Nonetheless, a prospective controlled study is recommended for validating the metformin use on preventing postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence.
Survival by genotype: patterns at Mc1r are not black and white at the White Sands ecotone
Authors: Des Roches S. , Sollmann R. , Calhoun K. , Rothstein A. P. , Rosenblum E. B.
Published: October 2016

Measuring links among genotype, phenotype and survival in the wild has long been a focus of studies of adaptation. We conducted a 4‐year capture–recapture study to measure survival by genotype and phenotype in the Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi) at the White Sands ecotone (transition area between white sands and dark soil habitats). We report several unanticipated findings. First, in contrast with previous work showing that cryptic blanched coloration in S. cowlesi from the heart of the dunes is associated with mutations in the melanocortin‐1 receptor gene (Mc1r), ecotonal S. cowlesi showed minimal association between colour phenotype and Mc1r genotype. Second, the frequency of the derived Mc1r allele in ecotonal S. cowlesi appeared to decrease over time. Third, our capture–recapture data revealed a lower survival rate for S. cowlesi individuals with the derived Mc1r allele. Thus, our results suggest that selection at the ecotone may have favoured the wild‐type allele in recent years. Even in a system where a genotype–phenotype association appeared to be black and white, our study suggests that additional factors – including phenotypic plasticity, epistasis, pleiotropy and gene flow – may play important roles at the White Sands ecotone. Our study highlights the importance of linking molecular, genomic and organismal approaches for understanding adaptation in the wild. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dynamics of natural selection can be particularly complex in transitional habitats like ecotones and emphasize the need for future research that examines the patterns of ongoing selection in other ecological ‘grey’ zones.
Parasite genetic distance and local adaptation in co‐evolving bacteria–bacteriophage populations
Authors: Scanlan Pauline D. , Hall Alex R. , Buckling Angus
Published: October 2016

Antagonistic co‐evolution between hosts and parasites can lead to local adaptation (LA) such that parasite fitness is greatest in sympatric hosts (or vice versa). The magnitude of LA typically increases with geographical distance, which is assumed to be because genetic (and hence phenotypic) distance increases with geographical distance. Here, we explicitly test the relationships between parasite genetic and phenotypic distance and LA using isolates of co‐evolved viral parasites (lytic bacteriophage ϕ2) and the host bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25. We find positive relationships between parasite genotype and infectivity phenotype, but the strength of the relationship was greater when infectivity was defined by the identity of hosts that could be infected rather than the actual number of hosts infected (host range), and when measurements were compared within rather than among populations. Crucially, we find a monotonic relationship between LA and genetic distance across phage isolates from different populations, although in contrast to many geographical studies, parasite LA decreased with genetic distance. These results can be explained by the fact that bacteria can rapidly adapt to phage infectivity mutations, but that evolved resistance has a degree of specificity to the local phage population. Our results show that antagonistic co‐evolution alone can result in predictable links between genetic distance and host–parasite local adaptation.
A Dynamic Ensemble for Second Language Research: Putting Complexity Theory Into Practice
Authors: HIVER PHIL , AL‐HOORIE ALI H.
Published: October 2016

In this article, we introduce a template of methodological considerations, termed “the dynamic ensemble,” for scholars doing or evaluating empirical second language development (SLD) research within a complexity/dynamic systems theory (CDST) framework. Given that CDST principles have yielded significant insight into SLD and have become central to the concerns of applied linguists in many domains, we propose the need for a practical blueprint to ensure compatibility between its theoretical tenets and empirical SLD research designs. Building on “complexity thought modeling” (Larsen–Freeman & Cameron, ), we present a practical catalog of 9 considerations intended to inform research design at multiple stages. We contextualize the 9 considerations of the dynamic ensemble by discussing how these have been framed and addressed within one previous CDST study. Finally, we address the issue of what practical implementation of this dynamic ensemble would entail and introduce several case‐based methods for building off of the considerations in our dynamic ensemble. We hope that this user guide will help orient researchers interested in working within a complexity framework and spur continued methodological discussion in the field.
Identity Development in the Ancestral Homeland: A Chinese Heritage Perspective
Authors: JING–SCHMIDT ZHUO , CHEN JING–YUN , ZHANG ZHEN
Published: October 2016

This study examines the lived experiences of identity of 4 Chinese Heritage Language (CHL) students participating in a year‐long study abroad program in China. In a narrative inquiry, we draw on 2 mutually complementary theoretical frameworks—the Theory of Communities of Practice (Wenger, 1998) and Self‐Categorization Theory (Turner et al., 1987)—to shed light on the individual trajectories of identity development, which cannot be fully unveiled by proficiency assessment. By exploring the behavioral, socio‐psychological, and discursive dimensions of CHL identity in the ancestral homeland, which is largely overlooked in CHL research, this study contributes to a more comprehensive theory of CHL development. It also provides empirical grounding for meaningful intervention in study abroad programming and pre‐departure preparation.
Molecular targets of developmental exposure to bisphenol A in diabesity: a focus on endoderm‐derived organs
Authors: Porreca I. , Ulloa‐Severino L. , Almeida P. , Cuomo D. , Nardone A. , Falco G. , Mallardo M. , Ambrosino C.
Published: October 2016

Several studies associate foetal human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) to metabolic/endocrine diseases, mainly diabesity. They describe the role of BPA in the disruption of pancreatic beta cell, adipocyte and hepatocyte functions. Indeed, the complexity of the diabesity phenotype is due to the involvement of different endoderm‐derived organs, all targets of BPA.

Here, we analyse this point delineating a picture of different mechanisms of BPA toxicity in endoderm‐derived organs leading to diabesity. Moving from epidemiological data, we summarize thein vivoexperimental data of the BPA effects on endoderm‐derived organs (thyroid, pancreas, liver, gut, prostate and lung) after prenatal exposure. Mainly, we gather molecular data evidencing harmful effects at low‐dose exposure, pointing to the risk to human health. Although the fragmentation of molecular data does not allow a clear conclusion to be drawn, the present work indicates that the developmental exposure to BPA represents a risk for endoderm‐derived organs development as it deregulates the gene expression from the earliest developmental stages.

A more systematic analysis of BPA impact on the transcriptomes of endoderm‐derived organs is still missing. Here, we suggestin vitrotoxicogenomics approaches as a tool for the identification of common mechanisms of BPA toxicity leading to the diabesity in organs having the same developmental origin.
Degradation of lignin β‐aryl ether units in Arabidopsis thaliana expressing LigD, LigF and LigG from Sphingomonas paucimobilis SYK‐6
Authors: Mnich Ewelina , Vanholme Ruben , Oyarce Paula , Liu Sarah , Lu Fachuang , Goeminne Geert , Jørgensen Bodil , Motawie Mohammed S. , Boerjan Wout , Ralph John , Ulvskov Peter , Møller Birger L. , Bjarnholt Nanna , Harholt Jesper
Published: October 2016

Lignin is a major polymer in the secondary plant cell wall and composed of hydrophobic interlinked hydroxyphenylpropanoid units. The presence of lignin hampers conversion of plant biomass into biofuels; plants with modified lignin are therefore being investigated for increased digestibility. The bacterium Sphingomonas paucimobilis produces lignin‐degrading enzymes including LigD, LigF and LigG involved in cleaving the most abundant lignin interunit linkage, the β‐aryl ether bond. In this study, we expressed the LigD, LigF and LigG (LigDFG) genes in Arabidopsis thaliana to introduce postlignification modifications into the lignin structure. The three enzymes were targeted to the secretory pathway. Phenolic metabolite profiling and 2D HSQC NMR of the transgenic lines showed an increase in oxidized guaiacyl and syringyl units without concomitant increase in oxidized β‐aryl ether units, showing lignin bond cleavage. Saccharification yield increased significantly in transgenic lines expressing LigDFG, showing the applicability of our approach. Additional new information on substrate specificity of the LigDFG enzymes is also provided.
Bocavirus infection following paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Tan M. Y. , Tan L. N. , Aw M. M. , Quak S. H. , Karthik S. V.
Published: October 2016

HBoV is an emergent virus, which is frequently detected as a co‐infective agent. However, it can cause disease on its own. It is associated with respiratory and diarrhoeal illness in children and adults, whether immunocompetent or immunocompromised. We report HBoV infection in a child post‐liver transplantation, who presented with persistent fever and mild tachypnea, 3 weeks after a successful transplant. She recovered spontaneously with no graft dysfunction.
Monitoring the occurrence of tomato bacterial spot and range of the causal agent Xanthomonas perforans in Iran
Authors: Osdaghi E. , Taghavi S. M. , Hamzehzarghani H. , Fazliarab A. , Lamichhane J. R.
Published: October 2016

A 2‐year comprehensive field survey was conducted across major tomato‐growing areas of Iran. Two hundred and thirty‐four tomato fields and six tomato‐producing greenhouses were surveyed for the potential presence of bacterial spot disease. Five hundred and ninety‐six tomato samples with and without symptoms were analysed. While Xanthomonas spp. were found in association with tomato plants both with and without symptoms from five surveyed counties, the bacterial spot disease was observed only in plants from three of them. Only strains isolated from plants with symptoms induced disease symptoms on tomato, while those isolated from symptomless plants caused symptoms only on cabbage and common bean. None of the isolates caused disease symptoms on pepper and eggplant. Phylogenetic analysis showed that X. perforans is the causal agent of tomato bacterial spot in Iran, although X. campestris and X. axonopodis were also associated with symptomless tomato plants. All X. perforans isolates in this study were sensitive to streptomycin, copper sulphate and copper oxychloride at concentrations of 50 mg L−1, 200 mg L−1 and 0.8 g L−1, respectively. Unlike the type strain of X. perforans, isolates in this study did not produce bacteriocin against other Xanthomonas spp., nor were they detected using the usual species‐specific primer pair Bs‐XpF/Bs‐XpR. This suggests an atypical nature of X. perforans strains in Iran, which leads to the hypothesis that X. perforans strains in Iran may have a separate origin to those causing disease epidemics elsewhere. The aggregated dispersal pattern of the diseased tomato fields signifies the seedborne introduction of the pathogen into the country.
Effects of elevated seawater temperature and phosphate enrichment on the crustose coralline alga Porolithon onkodes (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Tanaka Yasuaki , Suzuki Atsushi , Sakai Kazuhiko
Published: October 2016

Both global and local environmental changes threaten coral reef ecosystems. To evaluate the effects of high seawater temperature and phosphate enrichment on reef‐building crustose coralline algae, fragments of Porolithon onkodes were cultured for 1 month under laboratory conditions. The calcification rate of the coralline algae was not affected at 30°C, but it decreased to the negatives at 32°C in comparison to the control treatment of 27°C, indicating that the temperature threshold for maintaining positive production of calcium carbonate lies between 30 and 32°C. Phosphate enrichment of 1–2 μmol L
−1 did not affect the calcification rate. The net oxygen production rate was enhanced by phosphate enrichment, suggesting that the photosynthetic rate was limited by the availability of phosphate. It was concluded that moderate phosphate enrichment does not directly deteriorate algal calcification but instead ameliorates the negative effects of high seawater temperature on algal photosynthesis.
Cooptation of ENGOs or Treadmill of Production? Advocacy Coalitions and Climate Change Policy in Finland
Authors: Gronow Antti , Ylä‐Anttila Tuomas
Published: October 2016

Corporatist Nordic welfare states are largely thought to have exemplary environmental policies. Finland, however, was labeled “a failing ecostate” by a recent study owing to its weak climate change policy. Why is Finland different? We use data from a survey of organizations belonging to the Finnish climate change policy network to investigate two alternative explanations related to policy networks. According to the Cooptation Thesis, inclusive corporatist polities, where environmental NGOs (ENGOs) have support from and access to the state, formulate less ambitious policies because environmentalists moderate their views to secure state funding and political access. Second, according to the Treadmill of Production Theory, the decisive feature of Nordic corporatism with regard to environmental policy is the tripartite system linking business interests, labor unions, and the state in a coalition that prioritizes economic over ecological values. The results indicate that the ENGO Coalition is the least influential, least resourceful, smallest, least linked to the others, and not particularly moderate. The Treadmill Coalition is the most influential, most resourceful, second largest, well linked to the state, and least ecological in its beliefs. Thus, of the two policy network explanations, the dominance of the Treadmill Coalition rather than cooptation of ENGOs gets support.
Constraints on Local Welfare Discretion in an Era of Second‐Order Devolution
Authors: Sheely Amanda
Published: October 2016

Under devolution, state and local governments are expected to use the greater authority granted to them to design new and innovative programs that are tailored to local needs. Existing research on the devolution of welfare programs has reported substantial variation in the policies adopted by states in the wake of welfare reform. However, under second‐order devolution, local governments also gained discretion over welfare services. Some have argued that, while devolution should increase flexibility, local governments face constraints that limit their functional discretion. Using California as an example, I assess whether there is variation in the service priorities adopted by local governments and whether these priorities translate to frontline practices. I show differences in the service priorities of local governments; however, these priorities are not associated with differences in sanctioning or time‐limit exemptions. Thus, while local governments may formally adopt different priorities, state and federal policy choices, as well as client characteristics, may restrict priorities from translating into differences in caseworker behavior.
Kisspeptin‐10 and the G protein‐coupled receptor 54 are differentially expressed in the canine pregnant uterus and trophoblast cells
Authors: Schäfer‐Somi S , Ay SS , Kaya D , Sözmen M , Beceriklisoy HB , Ağaoğlu AR , Fındık M , van Haeften T , Aslan S
Published: October 2016

Contents

Uterine tissue was collected from bitches after ovariohysterectomy at different times after ovulation. Samples were assigned to four groups: metestrous non‐pregnant, day 10–12, n = 4; pre‐implantation, day 10–12, n = 9; post‐implantation, day 18–25, n = 13; mid‐gestation, day 30–40, n = 7. RT‐qPCR detection was performed for kiss1 and the G protein‐coupled receptor 54 (GPR54, specific receptor for kisspeptin). In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed for detection of kisspeptin‐10 (KP‐10), GPR54, as well as pan‐cytokeratin and vimentin. The latter two were included to differentiate the different placental cell types. The percentage of positive stained cells was evaluated, and an immunoreactivity score (IRS) was obtained by multiplying the labelling intensity score (0–3) with the percentage of immunolabelled cells (range: 0–300). In non‐pregnant and pre‐implantation tissues, gene expression was highly variable for kiss1 and GPR54. Expression of GPR54 was higher before embryo adhesion than during post‐implantation and mid‐gestation (p < .05), whereas there was no difference found between groups for kiss1. Except during the pre‐implantation period, KP‐10 expression was higher in the non‐pregnant uterus compared to all gestational periods investigated, indicating a pregnancy‐related downregulation. In the pre‐implantation period, KP‐10 was present in larger vessels only, whereas the presence of GPR54 in vessels was found in all samples, with most labelling in the post‐implantation period. KP‐10 was present in superficial uterine glands, GPR54 in superficial and deep uterine glands of the post‐implantation uterus. In myocytes, the highest staining for KP‐10 was seen in the non‐pregnant uterus, whereas the highest staining for GPR54 was seen in post‐implantation and mid‐gestation. Syncytiotrophoblast cells stained for both KP‐10 and GPR54 in post‐implantation and mid‐gestation, with maximum intensity for GPR54 in the latter. We conclude that KP‐10 and GPR54 are expressed in the canine uterus and trophoblast cells. However, during pregnancy, expression of both proteins seems to be differentially regulated.
The localization of kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptor in the canine ovary during different stages of the reproductive cycle
Authors: Cielesh ME , McGrath BM , Scott CJ , Norman ST , Stephen CP
Published: October 2016

Contents

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide involved in the hypothalamic regulation of reproduction in many species. Recent studies have revealed kisspeptin within the ovaries of rats, Siberian hamsters and humans, indicating a local role in reproduction. However, the role of kisspeptin in the ovary is poorly understood in the bitch. This study investigated the presence and location of kisspeptin protein (KISS1) and kisspeptin receptors (KISS1R) in the canine ovary during different stages of the reproductive cycle (pre‐pubertal, anoestrus and cycling) by means of immunohistochemical staining. Ovaries from 24 bitches presented at local veterinary clinics for routine ovariohysterectomy were collected and grouped based on reproductive stage (pre‐pubertal, anoestrus and cycling (proestrus, oestrus and dioestrus)). The presence or absence of immunoreactive KISS1 and KISS1R was recorded without any quantification of the levels of expression within cells. Immunoreactive KISS1 was found in the oocytes during all stages of the oestrous cycle, in the granulosa cells during all stages except anoestrus and in the corpus luteum (CL) during dioestrus. KISS1 was absent in the ovaries of pre‐pubescent bitches. Immunoreactive KISS1R were consistently found in the oocytes, primordial follicles, the granulosa cells and CL in cycling bitches. The finding of KISS1R in the granulosa cells is suggestive that kisspeptin and progesterone may be linked as this pattern of staining is seen in animals that show preovulatory luteinisation of follicles during oestrus, KISS1R were also observed in the ovaries of pre‐pubescent and anoestrous bitches, suggesting a possible role of kisspeptin in oocyte proliferation, development and maturation of granulosa cells, and progesterone production. This study provides a starting point for the establishment of a canine model for kisspeptin regulation within the ovary.
Estimating Weekly Urine Flow Rate And Residual Kidney Urea Clearance: A Method To Deal With Interdialytic Variability
Authors: Daugirdas John T
Published: October 2016

Both urine volume and residual kidney clearances are known to increase over the course of an interdialytic interval. However, no strategy has been proposed for adjusting data from an interdialytic urine collection to a weekly value for urine flow rate or residual kidney urea clearance. Data from a reanalysis of published results allows a proposal for such an adjustment, which assigns a relative value to each dialysis day of the week based on its distance from a preceding hemodialysis treatment. The strategy also identifies which urine collection periods and interdialytic intervals give results that should be most representative of weekly average values.
Parents' beliefs about children's emotions, children's emotion understanding, and classroom adjustment in middle childhood
Authors: Garrett‐Peters Patricia T. , Castro Vanessa L. , Halberstadt Amy G.
Published: October 2016

To explore how parental socialization of emotion may influence children's emotion understanding, which then guides children's interpretations of emotion‐related situations across contexts, we examined the pathways between socialization of emotion and children's adjustment in the classroom, with children's emotion understanding as an intervening variable. Specifically, children's emotion understanding was examined as a mediator of associations between mothers' beliefs about the value and danger of children's emotions and children's adjustment in the classroom within an SEM framework. Classroom adjustment was estimated as a latent variable and included social, emotional, and behavioral indices. Covariates included maternal education, and child gender and ethnicity. Participants were a diverse group of 201 third‐graders (116 African American, 81 European American, 4 Biracial; 48.8% female), their mothers, and teachers. Results revealed that emotion‐related beliefs (value and danger) had no direct influence on classroom adjustment. However, children whose mothers endorsed the belief that emotions are dangerous demonstrated less emotion understanding and were less well‐adjusted in the classroom. Mothers' belief that emotions are valuable was not independently associated with emotion understanding. Findings point to the important role of emotion understanding in children's development across contexts (family, classroom) and developmental domains (social, emotional, behavioral) during the middle childhood years.
Genomic full‐length sequence of two HLA‐A alleles, A*24:08 and A*24:10, identified by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Wang S. X. , Xu Y. P.
Published: October 2016

Genomic full‐length sequences of HLA‐A*24:08 and A*24:10, were identified by cloning and sequencing.
Impact of type of calcineurin inhibitor on post‐transplant tuberculosis: Single‐center study from India
Authors: Agarwal Sanjay K. , Bhowmik Dipankar , Mahajan Sandeep , Bagchi Soumita
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. Immunosuppressive drugs are one of the most important risk factor for post‐transplant tuberculosis (PTTB). A paucity of data exists about the impact of the type of calcineurin inhibitor on PTTB.

Methods

In this retrospective study, all adult patients on calcineurin inhibitor‐based immunosuppression were included. Patients receiving TB chemoprophylaxis were excluded. Diabetes, duration of dialysis, hepatitis B and C, past treated TB, induction therapy, type of antimetabolite, acute rejection, new onset of diabetes after renal transplantation (RT) (NODAT) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were analyzed in tacrolimus (Tac) and cyclosporine (CsA) groups. Primary outcome was incidence of TB and secondary outcomes were timeline of development of TB after RT and pattern of TB in the two groups.

Results

Of the 1664 patients included, 582 patients received CsA‐based immunosuppression while 1082 received Tac‐based immunosuppression. Duration of dialysis, positive tuberculin skin test, use of induction, mycophenolate mofetil use, CMV infection, and NODAT were significantly more, and hepatitis B infection, past treated TB, and acute rejection episodes were significantly less in the Tac group. At the end of follow‐up, incidence of TB in the Tac group was significantly less than in the CsA group (6.1% vs 19.9%, P<.001). Mean time for development of TB after RT was similar in both the groups and nodal and disseminated TB were more common in the Tac group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study shows that use of Tac as compared to CsA significantly decreases incidence of PTTB. Time of infection since transplant was similar in both the groups. However, nodal and disseminated TB were more common in the Tac group.