bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical turnover rate of the rumen liquid fraction in dairy cows and its relationship to feed intake, rumen fermentation, and milk production
Authors: Mitsumori Makoto , Hasunuma Toshiya , Okimura Tomoko , Shinkai Takumi , Kobayashi Yosuke , Hirako Makoto , Kushibiki Shiro
Published: October 2019

Ruminant animals are able to convert plant materials (grain and the human‐indigestible portion of carbohydrates) to milk and meat. In this conversion, most of the plant materials are digested by rumen fermentation and are changed to short‐chain fatty acids, microbial cells, and methane, which is released into the atmosphere. The relationships among feed, rumen fermentation, and milk production are poorly understood. Here we report a novel indicator of characteristics of rumen fermentation, theoretical turnover rate (TTOR) of the rumen liquid fraction. The TTOR was calculated from the presumed rumen volume (PRV) which is estimated by dividing the methane yield by the methane concentration of rumen fluid. The formula for the TTOR is: TTOR = PRV/body weight0.75. Our present analyses confirm that the TTOR as an indicator is capable of connecting feed, rumen fermentation, and milk production, because dry matter intake/TTOR showed a strong correlation with milk yield/TTOR. In addition, the TTOR may be related to ruminal pH, as we observed that the ruminal pH decreased as the TTOR increased. We propose that the TTOR is a factor characterizing rumen fermentation and a good indicator of the productivity of ruminants and dysbiosis of the rumen microbiome.
What makes a great clinical team? Stakeholder perspectives on the attributes of effective veterinary health care teams in Australia
Authors: Clarke P , Henning J , King E , Coleman G , Schull D
Published: October 2019

Extensive research in the business and organisational literature links teamwork to enhanced productivity and employee job satisfaction. Good teamwork capability is also a highly regarded graduate attribute linked to employability. This study explored desirable teamwork attributes for veterinary technology graduates in Australia, by surveying veterinarians, veterinary technology graduates, veterinary nurses, clients and academics. Respondents highlighted the importance of seven attributes sourced from the cross‐disciplinary teamwork literature—‘flexibility’ (in approach to work), ‘agreeableness’, being ‘cooperative’, ‘socially sensitive and perceptive’, ‘conscientiousness’, being ‘accepting of others’ and ‘sharing professional values’. The majority in each stakeholder group viewed all attributes important for teamwork concurring with findings in other fields. Few differences were found between and within groups with veterinarians and academics rating ‘conscientiousness’ higher than others and female clients placing more importance on relational attributes compared to male clients. Thematic analysis of an open‐ended item asking the veterinary health care groups, and veterinary academics, to define teamwork generated nine themes centred on: collaboration, goals and outcomes, sharing values, relationships, diversity, communication, task‐orientation, personal attributes, and workplace culture. This study illuminates an interprofessional perspective on veterinary teamwork. Results will be useful for veterinary technology, veterinary nursing and veterinary educators when developing a curriculum for interprofessional teamwork to enhance team performance, employability and, ultimately, the quality of veterinary services.
Approximation of bias and mean‐squared error in two‐sample Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Deng Lu , Zhang Han , Song Lei , Yu Kai
Published: October 2019

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a type of instrumental variable (IV) analysis that uses genetic variants as IVs for a risk factor to study its causal effect on an outcome. Extensive investigations on the performance of IV analysis procedures, such as the one based on the two‐stage least squares (2SLS) procedure, have been conducted under the one‐sample scenario, where measures on IVs, the risk factor, and the outcome are assumed to be available for each study participant. Recent MR analysis usually is performed with data from two independent or partially overlapping genetic association studies (two‐sample setting), with one providing information on the association between the IVs and the outcome, and the other on the association between the IVs and the risk factor. We investigate the performance of 2SLS in the two‐sample–based MR when the IVs are weakly associated with the risk factor. We derive closed form formulas for the bias and mean squared error of the 2SLS estimate and verify them with numeric simulations under realistic circumstances. Using these analytic formulas, we can study the pros and cons of conducting MR analysis under one‐sample and two‐sample settings and assess the impact of having overlapping samples. We also propose and validate a bias‐corrected estimator for the causal effect.
Metabolomic Profiling to Identify Molecular Biomarkers of Cellular Response to Methotrexate In Vitro
Authors: Funk Ryan S. , Singh Rakesh K. , Becker Mara L.
Published: October 2019

Variation in methotrexate (MTX) efficacy represents a significant barrier to early and effective disease control in the treatment of autoimmune arthritis. We hypothesize that the utilization of metabolomic techniques will allow for an improved understanding of the biochemical basis for the pharmacological activity of MTX, and can promote the identification and evaluation of novel molecular biomarkers of MTX response. In this work, erythroblastoid cells were exposed to MTX at the physiologic concentration of 1,000 nM and analyzed using three metabolomic platforms to give a broad spectrum of cellular metabolites. MTX pharmacological activity, defined as cellular growth inhibition, was associated with an altered cellular metabolomic profile based on the analysis of 724 identified metabolites. By discriminant analysis, MTX treatment was associated with increases in ketoisovaleric acid, fructose, galactose, and 2‐deoxycytidine, and corresponding reductions in 2‐deoxyuridine, phosphatidylinositol 32:0, orotic acid, and inosine monophosphate. Inclusion of data from analysis of folate metabolism in combination with chemometric and metabolic network analysis demonstrated that MTX treatment is associated with dysregulated folate metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis, which is in line with its known mechanism of action. However, MTX treatment was also associated with alterations in a diversity of metabolites, including intermediates of amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Collectively, these findings support a robust metabolic response following exposure to physiologic concentrations of MTX. They also identify various metabolic intermediates that are associated with the pharmacological activity of MTX, and are, therefore, potential molecular biomarker candidates in future preclinical and clinical studies of MTX efficacy in autoimmune arthritis.
Variation in the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets in type 2 diabetes in general practice and characteristics associated with risk factor control
Authors: Bakke Å. , Dalen I. , Thue G. , Cooper J. , Skeie S. , Berg T. J. , Jenum A. K. , Claudi T. , Fjeld Løvaas K. , Sandberg S.
Published: October 2019

Aims

To identify population, general practitioner, and practice characteristics associated with the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets, and to describe variation in the achievement of risk factor control.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 9342 people with type 2 diabetes, 281 general practitioners and 77 general practices in Norway. Missing values (7.4%) were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations. We used three‐level logistic regression with the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets as dependent variables, and factors related to population, general practitioners, and practices as independent variables.

Results

Treatment targets were achieved for HbA1c in 64%, blood pressure in 50%, and LDL cholesterol in 52% of people with type 2 diabetes, and 17% met all three targets. There was substantial heterogeneity in target achievement among general practitioners and among practices; the estimated proportion of a GPs diabetes population at target was 55–73% (10–90 percentiles) for HbA1c, 36–63% for blood pressure, and 47–57% for LDL cholesterol targets. The models explained 11%, 5% and 14%, respectively, of the total variation in the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets. Use among general practitioners of a structured diabetes form was associated with 23% higher odds of achieving the HbA1c target (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.47) and 17% higher odds of achieving the LDL cholesterol target (odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.35).

Conclusions

Clinical diabetes management is difficult, and few people meet all three risk factor control targets. The proportion of people reaching target varied among general practitioners and practices. Several population, general practitioner and practice characteristics only explained a small part of the total variation. The use of a structured diabetes form is recommended.
KIDS OR CASH? EXPLORING CHARTER SCHOOL RESPONSES TO DECLINING GOVERNMENT REVENUES
Authors: Grosskopf Shawna , Hayes Kathy , Razzolini Laura , Taylor Lori
Published: October 2019

While the literature is extensive on school districts' revenue sources, less research has been done on the impact of donations on school district funds. In this paper, we extend the theoretical literature on crowding out of private donations by government grants for one type of nonprofit firm, namely charter schools. The theoretical model leads us to focus on the key relationships among fundraising effort, enrollment (which is tied to federal and state funding) and donations. Using a dataset on Texas charter schools we adopt a two‐stage approach to examine the empirical relationship between changes in nondonor revenues and the donations received by charter schools. Like the extensive empirical estimates of the effects of government grants on donations for other types of nonprofit firms, we find evidence of crowding‐out with respect to our sample of charter schools. We also find a significant, positive effect of fundraising on donations with a $1 increase in fundraising associated to a $0.58 increase in donations, a pattern consistent with overinvestment in fundraising. Enrollments exhibit a robust inverse relationship to changes in nondonor revenues. (JEL H00, H32, H50)
Pollination outcomes reveal negative density‐dependence coupled with interspecific facilitation among plants
Authors: Bergamo Pedro J. , Susin Streher Nathália , Traveset Anna , Wolowski Marina , Sazima Marlies
Published: October 2019

Pollination is thought to be under positive density‐dependence, destabilising plant coexistence by conferring fitness disadvantages to rare species. Such disadvantage is exacerbated by interspecific competition but can be mitigated by facilitation and intraspecific competition. However, pollinator scarcity should enhance intraspecific plant competition and impose disadvantage on common over rare species (negative density‐dependence, NDD). We assessed pollination proxies (visitation rate, pollen receipt, pollen tubes) in a generalised plant community and related them to conspecific and heterospecific density, expecting NDD and interspecific facilitation due to the natural pollinator scarcity. Contrary to usual expectations, all proxies indicated strong intraspecific competition for common plants. Moreover interspecific facilitation prevailed and was stronger for rare than for common plants. Both NDD and interspecific facilitation were modulated by specialisation, floral display and pollinator group. The combination of intraspecific competition and interspecific facilitation fosters plant coexistence, suggesting that pollination can be a niche axis maintaining plant diversity.
Comparing methods for mapping global parasite diversity
Authors: Pappalardo Paula , Morales‐Castilla Ignacio , Park Andrew W. , Huang Shan , Schmidt John P. , Stephens Patrick R.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Parasites are a major component of global ecosystems, yet spatial variation in parasite diversity is poorly known, largely because their occurrence data are limited and thus difficult to interpret. Using a recently compiled database of parasite occurrences, we compare different models which we use to infer parasite geographic ranges and parasite species richness across the globe.

Innovation

To date, most studies exploring spatial patterns of parasite diversity assumed, with little validation, that the geographic range of a parasite species can be represented by the collective geographic range of its host species. Our study compares this assumption with a suite of other methods to infer parasite distribution from parasite occurrence data (e.g., based on data density, ecoregions and climatic conditions). We highlight diversity hotspots identified by the various methods and compare the effects of sampling intensities in different regions, a crucial factor determining observed parasite diversity.

Main conclusions

The type of model used to infer parasite distributions affects estimates of both total species richness and spatial patterns of hotspots of parasite richness. Overall, the models based on reported occurrences share similar areas of high parasite richness that tend to be biased towards areas of high sampling effort. In contrast, the model based on host distributions showed hotspots of parasite diversity that are biased towards areas of high host species richness. Accounting for sampling effort could only help to reconcile the outcome from the different models in some regions. Further, the non‐saturated species accumulation curves even for the best studied regions of the world such as Europe and North America serve as a call for further sampling effort and development of effective analytic tools that can provide robust accounts of global parasite diversity.
The financial burden of an influenza outbreak in a small rehabilitation centre
Authors: Sendi Parham , Dräger Sarah , Batzer Bettina , Walser Susanne , Dangel Marc , Widmer Andreas F.
Published: October 2019

We report an influenza outbreak in a 75‐bed rehabilitation centre and present the detailed microeconomic impact that it had during the season 2016/2017. The direct medical, direct non‐medical and indirect costs were calculated. The outbreak included 18 patients with influenza and 8 contact patients, leading to 86 days with isolation precautions. During the outbreak month, 25 (15%) employees were absent from work for 89 days (mean 3.6 days, SD ± 1.8), and during the entire influenza season 33 for 175 (5.3 ± SD 4.6) days, respectively. The economic burden related to the outbreak was 114 373 CHF (106 890 €, 112 131 $).
Fabrication, microstructure, and optical properties of Tm:Y3ScAl4O12 laser ceramics
Authors: Feng Yagang , Toci Guido , Patrizi Barbara , Pirri Angela , Hu Zewang , Chen Xiaopu , Wei Jiabei , Pan Hongming , Li Xiaoying , Zhang Xing , Su Sha , Vannini Matteo , Li Jiang
Published: October 2019

Transparent 4 at.% Tm:Y3ScAl4O12 (Tm:YSAG) laser ceramics were fabricated by solid‐state reaction combined with vacuum sintering method. The 4 at.% Tm:YSAG ceramic sample sintered at 1800°C for 30 hours possesses homogenous microstructure and excellent optical properties, showing a transmittance of 79.3% at 2000 nm. The absorption and emission spectra of the Tm:YSAG ceramics are studied and compared with those of 4 at.% Tm:Y3Al5O12 ceramics. The introduction of Sc3+ greatly affects the energy levels of the Tm3+, causing the disappearance and degeneration of some absorption and emission peaks in the middle infrared region. The laser performance of the 4 at.% Tm:YSAG ceramics is also tested in the Quasi‐continuous‐wave (QCW) mode by pumping with a 790 nm laser diode (LD). A maximum laser output power of 0.54 W with a slope efficiency of 4.8% is achieved, which is the first laser output for Tm:YSAG ceramics.
An open randomized controlled trial of the effects of linguistic simplification and mediation on the comprehension of “easy read” text by people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Buell Susan , Langdon Peter E. , Pounds Gabrina , Bunning Karen
Published: October 2019

Background

This trial aimed to measure the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on users’ comprehension of health information provided in adapted written “easy read” material.

Method

Sixty adults with intellectual disabilities undertook The Easy Read Task, randomly allocated with stratification by reading ability to one of four conditions (with and without simplified language/with and without mediation).

Results

Neither linguistic complexity of the text nor mediation independently or combined made a significant difference to the understanding of information. Post hoc testing revealed that the group who received simplified language with mediation performed significantly better than the group that had complex text with mediation. None of the other differences between the remaining groups were significant.

Conclusions

Constructing meaning needs to extend beyond a consideration of form as found in “easy read” documents to recognize the role of individual capacity for language processing.
Evening circadian preference is associated with sleep problems and daytime sleepiness in adolescents with ADHD
Authors: Becker Stephen P. , Kapadia Delna K. , Fershtman Chaya E. M. , Sciberras Emma
Published: October 2019

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by disruptions in sleep and changes in circadian preferences. Although adolescents with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at even higher risk of sleep disruption than their peers, no study has examined whether circadian preference is associated with sleep problems and daytime sleepiness in adolescents with ADHD. This study provides an initial test of the hypothesis that greater evening preference would be associated with more sleep problems and daytime sleepiness in adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were 80 adolescents (69% male), aged 13–17 years, with ADHD. Adolescents completed measures assessing circadian preference, pubertal development, anxiety/depressive symptoms and weeknight sleep duration. Both adolescents and parents completed measures of sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. In regression analyses controlling for a number of other variables (i.e., age, sex, pubertal development, ADHD medication use, and ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and internalizing symptom severity), greater evening preference was associated with both adolescent‐ and parent‐reported sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. Greater evening preference remained significantly associated with each of these sleep problems and daytime sleepiness when also controlling for weeknight sleep duration. This is the first study to demonstrate that evening circadian preference is associated with both sleep problems and daytime sleepiness in adolescents with ADHD. The results indicate that it is important to consider circadian function as research examining sleep in adolescents with ADHD continues to advance.
Dietary quercetin improved the growth, antioxidation, and flesh quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Xu Zhen , Li Xiaoqin , Yang Hang , Liang Gaoyang , Gao Bowei , Leng Xiangjun
Published: October 2019

To investigate the effects of dietary quercetin on growth, antioxidation, and flesh quality of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, six diets were prepared with quercetin inclusion rates of 0 (control diet), 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g/kg. Grass carp with a body weight of 13.3 ± 0.1 g were fed with one of the six diets for 60 days. The weight gain (WG) showed a quadratic relationship with dietary quercetin levels; the supplementation of 0.4 g/kg quercetin significantly improved WG (+4.73%) and decreased feed conversion ratio (−0.06) (p < .05) when compared to those of the control group. The intestinal fat ratio was reduced by the addition of 0.2 or 0.4 g/kg of quercetin (p < .05), and serum activities of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase were increased by the addition of 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg of quercetin (p < .05). The inclusion of 0.2–0.6 g/kg of quercetin increased the contents of delicious amino acids and decreased the cooking loss of flesh (p < .05). Flesh collagen content was increased by the addition of 0.4–0.8 g/kg of quercetin (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary quercetin could improve the growth and enhance the antioxidation and flesh quality of grass carp, with the recommended supplemental level of quercetin was 0.37 g/kg.
Rethinking Epistemic Relativism
Authors: Ashton Natalie Alana
Published: October 2019

“Relativism” is often treated as a dirty word in philosophy, but relativistic theories are not entirely unappealing—they have features that might be tempting if they weren't thought to be outweighed by problematic consequences. The aim of this paper is to rethink both our attitude to epistemic relativism and the basic features of the view itself. The paper discusses four objections and uses them to isolate five constraints on a more plausible epistemic relativism. It then sketches out a view that meets all of these constraints. This stratified epistemic relativism offers a complex, socially informed picture of justification that accounts for the many different kinds of roles that epistemic agents act, and think, in accordance with each day, and can serve as a starting point for constructing a more detailed epistemic relativism, which could secure its appealing benefits without incurring the costs traditionally associated with relativist views.
Airborne medicine: bacterial volatiles and their influence on plant health
Authors: Garbeva Paolina , Weisskopf Laure
Published: October 2019

Like most other eukaryotes, plants do not live alone but in close association with a diverse microflora. These plant‐associated microbes contribute to plant health in many different ways, ranging from modulation of hormonal pathways to direct antibiosis of plant pathogens. Over the last 15 yr, the importance of volatile organic compounds as mediators of mutualistic interactions between plant‐associated bacteria and their hosts has become evident. This review summarizes current knowledge concerning bacterial volatile‐mediated plant protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. It then discusses the translational potential of such metabolites or of their emitters for sustainable crop protection, the possible ways to harness this potential, and the major challenges still preventing us from doing so. Finally, the review concludes with highlighting the most pressing scientific gaps that need to be filled in order to enable a better understanding of: the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of bacterial volatiles; the complex regulation of bacterial volatile emission in natural communities; the perception of bacterial volatiles by plants; and the modes of actions of bacterial volatiles on their host.
The use of urinary biomarkers to predict acute kidney injury in children after liver transplant
Authors: Fuhrman Dana Y. , Kellum John A. , Joyce Emily L. , Miyashita Yosuke , Mazariegos George V. , Ganoza Armando , Squires James E.
Published: October 2019

Background

AKI after pediatric liver transplantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The role of urinary biomarkers for the prediction of AKI in pediatric patients after liver transplantation has not been previously reported. The primary objective of this prospective pilot study was to determine the predictive capabilities of urinary KIM‐1, NGAL, TIMP‐2, and IGFBP7 for diagnosing AKI.

Methods

Sixteen children undergoing liver transplantation were enrolled in the study over a 19‐month time period. The Kidney Disease Improving Outcomes criteria for urine output and serum creatinine were used to define AKI. Predictive ability was evaluated using the area under the curve obtained by ROC analysis.

Results

AKI occurred in 6 (37.5%) of the patients between 2 and 4 days after transplant. There were no differences in any of the biomarkers prior to transplant. When obtained within 6 hours after transplant, the area under the ROC curve for predicting AKI was 0.758 (95% CI: 0.458‐1.00) for KIM‐1, 0.900 (95% CI: 0.724‐1.00) for NGAL, and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.812‐1.00) for the product of TIMP‐2 and IGFBP7 ([TIMP‐2]·[IGFBP7]).

Conclusions

Our results show that both NGAL and [TIMP‐2]·[IGFBP7] provide significant discrimination for AKI risk following liver transplant in children. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal time point for measuring these biomarkers and to validate our findings.
Blood feast: Exploring the erythrocyte‐feeding behaviour of the myxozoan Sphaerospora molnari
Authors: Korytář Tomáš , Chan Justin T.H. , Vancová Marie , Holzer Astrid S.
Published: October 2019

Aims

As the most abundant cell population in the blood, erythrocytes represent an attractive source of nutrients and a protective niche to a number of pathogens. Previously, we observed the attachment of the myxozoan parasite Sphaerospora molnari to erythrocytes of its host, common carp (Cyprinus carpio), raising a number of questions about the nature of this interaction.

Methods and results

We elucidated the impact of S molnari on the number of erythrocytes in healthy and immunocompromised fish, over a period of 6 weeks. While we observed only a mild decrease in RBC numbers in healthy individuals, we witnessed gradual and finally severe haemolytic anaemia in immunosuppressed fish. Accompanying this overt loss was increased erythropoiesis as represented by an increase of erythroblasts in the blood. In vitro, we demonstrated the uptake of host proteins from CFSE‐labelled erythrocytes, ultimately inducing death of host RBCs, likely for nutrient gain of the parasite. Nevertheless, the results do not exclude a possible role of erythrocyte‐derived proteins in immune evasion.

Conclusion

Overall, the obtained data provide first evidence for the previously unknown appetite of myxozoan parasites for host erythrocytes and create an important framework for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlining this interaction.
The senotherapeutic nicotinamide riboside raises platelet nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels but cannot prevent storage lesion
Authors: Delabie Willem , Maes Wim , Devloo Rosalie , Van den Hauwe Michelle R. , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Compernolle Veerle , Feys Hendrik B.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Supplementation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) has recently been shown to increase life‐span of cells, tissues, and entire organisms. [Correction added on 13 December 2019, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, “adenine nicotinamide” was revised to “nicotinamide adenine.”] The impact of NR on platelet longevity has not been tested.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A pool‐and‐split design of buffy coat derived platelet concentrates (PCs) was used. One arm was treated with cumulative doses of NR‐triflate, the control arm with sodium triflate. Storage lesion was monitored for 23 days. Platelet metabolic and functional parameters were tested. Clearance of human platelets was measured in a mouse model of transfusion.

RESULTS

Total intracellular NAD levels in platelets decreased two‐fold from 4.8 ± 0.5 fmol (mean ± SD, n = 6) to 2.1 ± 1.8 fmol per 103 control cells, but increased almost 10‐fold to 41.5 ± 4.1 fmol per 103 NR treated platelets. This high intracellular NAD level had no significant impact on platelet count, mean platelet volume, swirling, nor on lactate and glucose levels. Platelet aggregation and integrin αIIbβ3 activation declined steadily and comparably in both conditions. GPIbα levels were slightly lower in NR‐treated platelets compared to control, but this was not caused by reduced receptor shedding because glycocalicin increased similarly. Apoptotic markers cytochrome c, Bcl‐xL, cleaved caspase‐3, and Bak were not different throughout storage for both conditions. Platelet survival in a mouse model of transfusion was not different between NR‐treated and control platelets.

CONCLUSION

Platelets carry the cellular machinery to metabolize NR into NAD at rates comparable to other eukaryotic cells. Unlike those cells, platelet life‐span cannot be prolonged using this strategy.
Wnts control membrane potential in mammalian cancer cells
Authors: Ashmore Jonathan , Olsen Hervør , Sørensen Naja , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Ahmed Aamir
Published: October 2019

Key points

Wnt ligands belonging to both canonical and non‐canonical Wnt pathways regulate membrane potential signifying a very early event in the signal transduction.

Wnts activate K+ currents by elevating intracellular Ca2+ and trigger Ca2+ release from intracellular stores.

Control of potential by Wnt ligands has significant implications for gene transcription and opens up a novel avenue to interfere with this critical pathway.

The Wnt signalling network determines gene transcription with free intracellular Ca2+ () and β‐catenin as major intracellular signal transducers. Despite its critical importance during development and disease, many of the basic mechanisms of Wnt signal activation remain unclear. Here we show by single cell recording and simultaneous imaging in mammalian prostate cancer cells that an early step in the signal cascade is direct action on the cell membrane potential. We show that Wnt ligands 5A, 9B and 10B rapidly hyperpolarized the cells by activating K+ current by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Medium‐throughput multi‐well recordings showed responses to Wnts at concentrations of 2 nm. We identify a putative target for early events as a TRPM channel. Wnts thus act as ligands for ion channel activation in mammalian cells and membrane potential is an early indicator of control of transcription.
Análisis estructural de la fibrina rica en plaquetas y sus aplicaciones en odontología regenerativa
Authors: Gutiérrez Ramírez David Alexander , Hinojosa Sarria Juan Pablo , Restrepo Dorado Ana Isabel , Muñoz Ramírez Ana Luisa , Velarde Trochez Néstor Fabián , Bastidas Daza Francy Ester
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: La fibrina rica en plaquetas (PRF) es un concentrado plaquetario que se está usando con mayor frecuencia en medicina y odontología. Los resultados clínicos son variables posiblemente porque hay diferentes protocolos de obtención, equipos de centrifugado y técnicas de colocación. El desconocimiento de los aspectos estructurales puede afectar el resultado clínico. Objetivo: Describir  las características estructurales de la PRF en las diferentes zonas de la membrana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental in vitro con 15 muestras de sangre periférica tomada de cinco voluntarios adultos, sanos, asistentes a la clínica odontológica de la Universidad Antonio, Popayán. Se hizo hemograma inicial, se recolectó sangre y se centrifugó (10 min x 3000 rpm). Las muestras se analizaron histológicamente y con microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). Se describió la estructura de la fibrina, las plaquetas y los leucocitos. Resultados:  El promedio de recuento de plaquetas en sangre total fue de 251±31,74 x103 x mm3 y en PRF  fue de 832±123,43 x103 x mm3. Macroscópicamente, se identificaron tres zonas del PRF: una superior con pocas plaquetas, una zona leucocitaria (BC) y una zona corpuscular roja. En el análisis de microscopía óptica muestra que en la zona BC hay mayor concentración plaquetaria. El análisis por SEM comprueba que la estructura de la red de fibrina y el contenido celular son diferenciales en cada zona. Conclusión: A partir del conocimiento estructural del PRF se pueden proponer aplicaciones que mejoren el rendimiento del material y por tanto los resultados clínicos.
Creencias, conocimientos y prácticas de madres respecto a la salud bucal en Popayán, Colombia
Authors: Rengifo Reina Herney Alonso , Muñoz Ordóñez Lida Margot
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: Las madres ejercen influencia frente a hábitos en salud de la familia y de los niños, el estudio de los conocimientos, prácticas y creencias de las madres con respecto a la salud y la enfermedad bucodental de sus hijos es relevante para la salud pública local y regional, situación que ha sido muy poco estudiada. Objetivo: Determinar las creencias, conocimientos y prácticas acerca de la salud bucal que tienen las madres de niños menores de cinco años que asisten a la red pública de salud de la ciudad de Popayán, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo analítico, encuesta a 288 madres que llevan a sus hijos al programa de crecimiento y desarrollo, se realizó análisis estadístico según frecuencia y distribución a través del SK Test, Test de Chi Cuadrado, test de Fischer o prueba T Student, considerándolos estadísticamente significativos cuando p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: El promedio de edad de las mujeres encuestadas fue de 28 años, 20,5 % consideró que los dientes solo deben durar algunos años, 76,4 % cree que el riesgo de padecer caries dentales es debido a malos hábitos, 55,9 % manifestó no conocer lo qué es la caries dental, 87,1 % conoce como se evita la caries dental, 35,9 % de los menores duermen en mayor medida con el tetero. Conclusiones: Las madres presentan un nivel adecuado de conocimientos para salud dental, enfermedades de la boca y prevención, Se observó que las madres más jóvenes llevan a sus mayoritariamente a servicios de prevención.
Dossier: Políticas Públicas de Salud Bucal en Iberoamérica
Authors: Gabriel Mariana , Cayetano Maristela Honório , González y Rivas Melania González y Rivas , Cornejo Ovalle Marco , Otálvaro Castro Gabriel Jaime , Delgado Troncoso Jorge Enrique , Delgado Troncoso Sandra Cecilia
Published: October 2019

Este editorial presenta el dossier temático Políticas públicas de salud oral en Iberoamérica, que Universitas Odontologica publica en esta ocasión en asociación con el Observatorio Iberoamericano de Políticas Públicas sobre Salud Oral.
Políticas de salud bucal en Colombia. Tendencias y puntos críticos para la garantía del derecho a la salud
Authors: Otálvaro Castro Gabriel Jaime , Zuluaga Salazar Sandra Milena , Jaramillo Delgado Gonzalo , Ternera Pulido Jairo Hernán , Sandoval Valencia Sebastián
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: En Colombia, la salud bucal se incorporó como contenido de la atención en el sistema de salud a partir de la Ley 100 de 1993. Este cambio modificó la forma liberal del ejercicio profesional, que fue predominante desde su origen. Objetivo: caracterizar y analizar críticamente las políticas de salud bucal en Colombia en el periodo 1994-2017, respecto a la universalidad, la integralidad y la equidad. Análisis de la política: Se realizó una revisión descriptiva que incluyó normas, documentos técnicos, artículos científicos y de opinión. Se utilizó un enfoque histórico hermenéutico y una lectura crítica para interpretar las políticas, clasificadas en relación a la atención individual, la salud pública, y la formación y ejercicio profesional. Conclusiones: la atención odontológica en el sistema de salud incluye un conjunto amplio de procedimientos y tecnologías; sin embargo, la cobertura de la atención es baja y la inversión es insuficiente para garantizar la universalidad. Se identificaron políticas relacionadas con la adopción de medidas preventivas poblacionales, la vigilancia epidemiológica, el desarrollo de estudios poblacionales, la implementación de acciones colectivas en entornos y más recientemente, la formulación de políticas públicas territoriales; sin embargo, las políticas no tienen una clara articulación entre sí, y de estas con la atención individual. Las políticas relacionadas con la formación y el ejercicio laboral están orientadas por el mercado y la capacidad reguladora del Estado es débil. El desarrollo de políticas públicas en salud bucal es incipiente y desarticulado. Se requiere un mayor impulso a la investigación en este campo.
Ablation of water drops suspended in asphaltene/heptol solutions due to spontaneous emulsification
Authors: Bochner de Araujo S. , Reyssat M. , Monteux C. , Fuller G. G.
Published: October 2019

Shrinkage of water drops immersed in oil solutions due to spontaneous emulsification in the presence of asphaltene adsorption.
Mutations Reducing
In Vitro
Susceptibility to Novel LpxC Inhibitors in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Interplay of Efflux and Nonefflux Mechanisms
Authors: Jones Adriana K. , Caughlan Ruth E. , Woods Angela L. , Uehara Kyoko , Xie Lili , Barnes S. Whitney , Walker John R. , Thompson Katherine V. , Ranjitkar Srijan , Lee Patrick S. , Dean Charles R.
Published: October 2019

Upregulated expression of efflux pumps,
lpxC
target mutations, LpxC protein overexpression, and mutations in
fabG
were previously shown to mediate single-step resistance to the LpxC inhibitor CHIR-090 in
P. aeruginosa
. Single-step selection experiments using three recently described LpxC inhibitors (compounds 2, 3, and 4) and mutant characterization showed that these mechanisms affect susceptibility to additional novel LpxC inhibitors.
Genome-Scale Phylogeny and Evolutionary Analysis of Ross River Virus Reveals Periodic Sweeps of Lineage Dominance in Western Australia, 1977–2014
Authors: Michie Alice , Dhanasekaran Vijaykrishna , Lindsay Michael D. A. , Neville Peter J. , Nicholson Jay , Jardine Andrew , Mackenzie John S. , Smith David W. , Imrie Allison
Published: October 2019

Ross River virus (RRV) causes the most common mosquito-borne infection in Australia and causes a significant burden of suffering to infected individuals as well as being a large burden to the Australian economy. The genetic diversity of RRV and its evolutionary history have so far only been studied using partial E2 gene analysis with a limited number of isolates. Robust whole-genome analysis has not yet been conducted. This study generated 94 novel near-whole-genome sequences to investigate the evolutionary history of RRV to better understand its genetic diversity through comprehensive whole-genome phylogeny. A better understanding of RRV genetic diversity will enable better diagnostics, surveillance, and potential future vaccine design.
Accelerating diagnosis for childhood brain tumours: an analysis of the HeadSmart UK population data
Authors: Shanmugavadivel Dhurgshaarna , Liu Jo-Fen , Murphy Laura , Wilne Sophie , Walker David
Published: October 2019

Background

HeadSmart, a public and professional awareness campaign, was launched to enhance awareness of brain tumour symptomatology identified in the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence–accredited guideline. Quality improvement data showed a reduction in diagnostic interval nationally. To reach the government target of 4 weeks, we need to identify subgroups with ongoing delays.

Methods

Incident cases of brain tumours (0–18) diagnosed between January 2011 and May 2013 across 18 UK centres were included. Anonymised data including demographics, diagnosis and date of symptom onset/presentation were collected. Key outcome measures, total diagnostic interval (TDI), patient interval (PI) and system interval (SI) were calculated. Subanalysis by age, tumour grade and location was also performed.

Results

Young children (0–5 years) accounted for 38% of cases, with a peak age at diagnosis of 2 years. Central tumours experienced longest intervals with a median TDI of 10.5 weeks, PI of 3.2 weeks and SI of 2.9 weeks. Craniopharyngioma, low-grade glioma and optic pathway gliomas had the longest TDIs with a median of 15.1, 11.9 and 10.4 weeks, respectively. The greatest proportion of delay was in the SI. The 12–18 age group had a median TDI of 12.1 weeks, compared with 8 weeks for the 5–11 age group and 6 weeks for the 0–5 age group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Clear patterns of intervals for different age groups and anatomical locations have been demonstrated. Tailoring education and awareness strategies to ensure earlier diagnosis for central tumours and young people is crucial to minimise brain injury, subsequent disability and late effects of treatment for 70% of survivors.
Pembrolizumab-associated autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Johnstone Philippa , Khan Omar
Published: October 2019

Treatment paradigms have recently changed with the introduction of immunotherapy; autoimmune toxicities that can arise are frequently very different from the more familiar chemotherapy toxicities. We present a clinical case of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) secondary to pembrolizumab occurring in a 73-year-old male patient being treated for lung adenocarcinoma, who had received 13 cycles of pembrolizumab. Treatment was immediately stopped and he was treated with high dose steroids to which he responded both clinically and biochemically. There have been prior reports of immunotherapy-associated AIHA with the use of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 inhibitors, such as ipilimumab, but very few reports of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL-1) inhibitor associated AIHA. We highlight a rare case of AIHA as an adverse effect of pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor. Although unusual, it is important to be vigilant for haematological immune-related adverse events.
Lactic acidosis: a unique presentation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Mohammed Turab Jawaid , Gosain Rohit , Sharma Rajeev , Torka Pallawi
Published: October 2019

An elderly man in the seventh decade of life was brought to the hospital with worsening mental status. Blood tests revealed anaemia and thrombocytopenia with elevated lactate dehydrogenase and serum lactate levels. CT scan showed bulky thoracic and abdominal lymphadenopathy with splenomegaly. A positron emission tomography scan confirmed the above and in addition, revealed bilateral adrenal involvement. Bone marrow biopsy revealed non-germinal centre B-cell-like (non-GCB)-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Prompt treatment with dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and rituximab with intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy resulted in a dramatic improvement in the patient’s condition. This vignette serves as a reminder to include aggressive lymphomas like DLBCL in the differential diagnoses of patients presenting with metabolic encephalopathy and lactic acidosis. Our patient was moribund at presentation with poor sensorium and failure to thrive. The dilemma was whether to take an aggressive stand and start chemotherapy urgently or whether to stabilise the patient first and then consider the treatment of DLBCL. We make a case for initiating therapy promptly in such patients irrespective of their performance status.
Infantile refractory seizures due to de novo KCNT 1 mutation
Authors: Alsaleem Mahdi , Carrion Vivien , Weinstock Arie , Chandrasekharan Praveen
Published: October 2019

We describe a term female infant who presented with multiple seizures early in infancy. The clinical and electrical seizures were refractory to traditional antiepileptic medications. After extensive workup, seizure panel testing revealed KCNT1 gene mutation, which is associated with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy and epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures. The infant’s condition improved with the combination of traditional as well non-traditional antiepileptic therapy.
Stage at diagnosis and survival in patients with cancer and a pre-existing mental illness: a meta-analysis
Authors: Davis Laura E , Bogner Emma , Coburn Natalie G , Hanna Timothy P , Kurdyak Paul , Groome Patti A , Mahar Alyson L
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Individuals with a pre-existing mental illness, especially those experiencing reduced social, occupational and functional capacity, are at risk for cancer care disparities. However, uncertainty surrounding the effect of a mental illness on cancer outcomes exists.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies using MEDLINE and PubMed from 1 January 2005 to 1 November 2018. Two reviewers evaluated citations for inclusion. Advanced stage was defined as regional, metastatic or according to a classification system. Cancer survival was defined as time survived from cancer diagnosis. Pooled ORs and HRs were presented. The Newcastle-Ottawa bias risk assessment scale was used. Random-effects models used the Mantel-Haenszel approach and the generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity assessment was performed using I2.

Results

2381 citations were identified; 28 studies were included and 24 contributed to the meta-analysis. Many demonstrated methodological flaws, limiting interpretation and contributing to significant heterogeneity. Data source selection, definitions of a mental illness, outcomes and their measurement, and overadjustment for causal pathway variables influenced effect sizes. Pooled analyses suggested individuals with a pre-existing mental disorder have a higher odds of advanced stage cancer at diagnosis and are at risk of worse cancer survival. Individuals with more severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are at a greater risk for cancer disparities.

Discussion

This review identified critical gaps in research investigating cancer stage at diagnosis and survival for individuals with pre-existing mental illness. High-quality research is necessary to support quality improvement for the care of psychiatric patients and their families during and following a cancer diagnosis.
Multi-choice opinion dynamics model based on Latané theory
Authors: Bańcerowski Przemysław , Malarz Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

In this paper Nowak–Szamrej–Latané model is reconsidered. This computerised model of opinion formation bases on Latané theory of social impact. We modify this model to allow for multi (more than two) opinions. With computer simulations we show that in the modified model the signatures of order/disorder phase transition are still observed. The transition may be observed in the average fraction of actors sharing theith opinion, its variation and also average number of clusters of actors with the same opinion and the average size of the largest cluster of actors sharing the same opinion. Also an influence of model control parameters on simulation results is shortly reviewed. For a homogeneous society with identical actors’ supportiveness and persuasiveness the critical social temperatureTCdecreases with an increase of the number of available opinionsKfromTC= 6.1 (K= 2) via 4.7, 4.1 toTC= 3.6 forK= 3, 4, 5, respectively. The social temperature plays a role of a standard Boltzmann distribution parameter containing social impact as the equivalent of energy or one may think about it just as on a noise parameter.

Graphical abstract
Recent Progress in III-Nitride Tunnel Junction-Based Optoelectronics
Authors: Jamal-Eddine Zane , Zhang Yuewei , Rajan Siddharth
Published: October 2019

Tunnel junctions have garnered much interest from the III-Nitride optoelectronic research community within recent years. Tunnel junctions have seen applications in several material systems with relatively narrow bandgaps as compared to the III-Nitrides. Although they were initially dismissed as ineffective for commercial device applications due to high voltage penalty and on resistance owed to the wide bandgap nature of the III-Nitride material systems, recent development in the field has warranted further study of such tunnel junction enabled devices. They are of particular interest for applications in III-Nitride optoelectronic devices in which they can be used to enable novel device designs which could potentially address some of the most challenging physical obstacles presented with this unique material system. In this work we review the recent progress made on the study of III-Nitride tunnel junction-based optoelectronic devices and the challenges which are still faced in the field of study today.