bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of peer support on health outcomes in patients with cardiac pacemaker implantation: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Shen Zhiying , Zheng Feng , Zhong Zhuqing , Ding Siqing , Wang Lu
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a nurse‐led telephone‐based peer support program on health outcomes in patients after cardiac pacemaker implantation. Seventy six patients who received cardiac pacemaker implantation were recruited as participants and randomly assigned to either the peer support group or the usual care group. The usual care group received routine care and health education measures provided by nurses; the peer support group received telephone‐based peer support. Health‐related quality of life, self‐care knowledge–attitudes–practice, postoperative anxiety and depression, compliance with attending scheduled follow‐up visits, and the incidence of postoperative complications were evaluated at baseline and 6 months’ postintervention for the two groups. The result showed that the interventions had a better effect on self‐care knowledge–attitudes–practice, postoperative anxiety and depression, and compliance with attending scheduled follow‐up visits in the peer support group than in the usual care group. This study confirms that telephone‐based peer support improves self‐care ability, compliance with attending scheduled follow‐up visits, and reduces postoperative anxiety and depression more effectively than conventional nurse care among patients with cardiac pacemaker implantation.
Increased maternal pregnancy complications in polycystic ovary syndrome appear to be independent of obesity—A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression
Authors: Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Joham Anju E. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Piltonen Terhi , Silagy Michael , Arora Chavy , Misso Marie L. , Teede Helena J. , Moran Lisa J.
Published: January 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications. However, the impact of clinical features of PCOS and other potential risk factors in PCOS is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of PCOS with maternal pregnancy and delivery complications with consideration of risk factors and potential confounders. The meta‐analysis included 63 studies. PCOS was associated with higher miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, induction of labour, and caesarean section. The association of PCOS with these outcomes varied by geographic continent, PCOS phenotypes, and study quality. Pre‐eclampsia and induction of labour were not associated with PCOS on body mass index‐matched studies. No outcome was associated with PCOS on assisted pregnancies. Age was significantly associated with higher miscarriage on meta‐regression. There were no studies assessing perinatal depression. We confirm that PCOS is associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications. The association of PCOS with the outcomes is worsened in hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotypes, in specific geographic continents, and in the highest quality studies but disappears in assisted pregnancies. Future studies in PCOS are warranted to investigate proper timing for screening and prevention of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications with consideration of clinical features of PCOS.
Sleep Shortage Is Associated With Postherpetic Neuralgia Development Through Hyperesthesia and Acute Pain Intensity: A Community‐Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yamada Keiko , Kubota Yasuhiko , Shimizu Yuji , Cui Renzhe , Mori Yasuko , Okuno Yoshinobu , Asada Hideo , Yamanishi Koichi , Iso Hiroyasu ,   the SHEZ Study Group
Published: January 2019

Objectives

There have been no community‐based studies investigating the association between sleep duration and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) development. The aim of the current study was to examine the association of sleep with herpes zoster (HZ) incidence and PHN.

Methods

In total, 12,329 residents (ages 50 to 103 years) of Shozu County, Japan, participated in our study from December 2009 to November 2010 and were followed up for 3 years. At baseline, the participants completed self‐administered health questionnaires, including those on usual sleep duration. Three dermatologists diagnosed HZ on the basis of clinical symptoms and virus identification testing by polymerase chain reaction and serological tests, and evaluated pain using a modified Zoster Brief Pain Inventory survey form via telephone. We used a Cox proportional hazard regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident HZ and PHN. We also performed mediation analysis to examine whether hyperesthesia and acute pain intensity mediated the association between sleep shortage and chronic pain intensity.

Results

During follow‐up, 400 cases of HZ were identified. Of these, 55 participants developed PHN. Sleep duration was not associated with HZ incidence. Sleep shortage increased the risk for PHN (HR 2.02 [95% CI: 1.06 to 3.85]). Hyperesthesia and acute pain intensity mediated the association between sleep shortage and chronic pain intensity (indirect/total effect ratio = 50% mediation).

Conclusions

Sleep shortage was associated with increased risk for PHN, and hyperesthesia and acute pain intensity appeared to mediate this association. Sleep shortage may be a novel risk factor for PHN.
Plant cell packs: a scalable platform for recombinant protein production and metabolic engineering
Authors: Rademacher Thomas , Sack Markus , Blessing Daniel , Fischer Rainer , Holland Tanja , Buyel Johannes
Published: January 2019

Industrial plant biotechnology applications include the production of sustainable fuels, complex metabolites and recombinant proteins, but process development can be impaired by a lack of reliable and scalable screening methods. Here, we describe a rapid and versatile expression system which involves the infusion of Agrobacterium tumefaciens into three‐dimensional, porous plant cell aggregates deprived of cultivation medium, which we have termed plant cell packs (PCPs). This approach is compatible with different plant species such as Nicotiana tabacum BY2, Nicotiana benthamiana or Daucus carota and 10‐times more effective than transient expression in liquid plant cell culture. We found that the expression of several proteins was similar in PCPs and intact plants, for example, 47 and 55 mg/kg for antibody 2G12 expressed in BY2 PCPs and N. tabacum plants respectively. Additionally, the expression of specific enzymes can either increase the content of natural plant metabolites or be used to synthesize novel small molecules in the PCPs. The PCP method is currently scalable from a microtiter plate format suitable for high‐throughput screening to 150‐mL columns suitable for initial product preparation. It therefore combined the speed of transient expression in plants with the throughput of microbial screening systems. Plant cell packs therefore provide a convenient new platform for synthetic biology approaches, metabolic engineering and conventional recombinant protein expression techniques that require the multiplex analysis of several dozen up to hundreds of constructs for efficient product and process development.
Floral plasticity: Herbivore‐species‐specific‐induced changes in flower traits with contrasting effects on pollinator visitation
Authors: Rusman Quint , Poelman Erik H. , Nowrin Farzana , Polder Gerrit , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani
Published: January 2019

Plant phenotypic plasticity in response to antagonists can affect other community members such as mutualists, conferring potential ecological costs associated with inducible plant defence. For flowering plants, induction of defences to deal with herbivores can lead to disruption of plant–pollinator interactions. Current knowledge on the full extent of herbivore‐induced changes in flower traits is limited, and we know little about specificity of induction of flower traits and specificity of effect on flower visitors. We exposed flowering Brassica nigra plants to six insect herbivore species and recorded changes in flower traits (flower abundance, morphology, colour, volatile emission, nectar quantity, and pollen quantity and size) and the behaviour of two pollinating insects. Our results show that herbivory can affect multiple flower traits and pollinator behaviour. Most plastic floral traits were flower morphology, colour, the composition of the volatile blend, and nectar production. Herbivore‐induced changes in flower traits resulted in positive, negative, or neutral effects on pollinator behaviour. Effects on flower traits and pollinator behaviour were herbivore species‐specific. Flowers show extensive plasticity in response to antagonist herbivores, with contrasting effects on mutualist pollinators. Antagonists can potentially act as agents of selection on flower traits and plant reproduction via plant‐mediated interactions with mutualists.
Conjunctival melanoma copy number alterations and correlation with mutation status, tumor features, and clinical outcome
Authors: Kenawy Nihal , Kalirai Helen , Sacco Joseph J. , Lake Sarah L. , Heegaard Steffen , Larsen Ann‐Cathrine , Finger Paul T. , Milman Tatyana , Chin Kimberly , Mosci Carlo , Lanza Francesco , Moulin Alexandre , Schmitt Caroline A. , Caujolle Jean Pierre , Maschi Célia , Marinkovic Marina , Taktak Azzam F. , Heimann Heinrich , Damato Bertil E. , Coupland Sarah E.
Published: January 2019

Relatively little is known about the genetic aberrations of conjunctival melanomas (CoM) and their correlation with clinical and histomorphological features as well as prognosis. The aim of this large collaborative multicenter study was to determine potential key biomarkers for metastatic risk and any druggable targets for high metastatic risk CoM. Using Affymetrix single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping arrays on 59 CoM, we detected frequent amplifications on chromosome (chr) 6p and deletions on 7q, and characterized mutation‐specific copy number alterations. Deletions on chr 10q11.21‐26.2, a region harboring the tumor suppressor genes, PDCD4, SUFU, NEURL1, PTEN, RASSF4, DMBT1, and C10orf90 and C10orf99, significantly correlated with metastasis (Fisher's exact, p ≤ 0.04), lymphatic invasion (Fisher's exact, p ≤ 0.02), increasing tumor thickness (Mann–Whitney, p ≤ 0.02), and BRAF mutation (Fisher's exact, p ≤ 0.05). This enhanced insight into CoM biology is a step toward identifying patients at risk of metastasis and potential therapeutic targets for systemic disease.
Plant–soil feedbacks of forest understorey plants transplanted in nonlocal soils along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Ma S. , De Frenne P. , Wasof S. , Brunet J. , Cousins S. A. O. , Decocq G. , Kolb A. , Lemke I. , Liira J. , Naaf T. , Orczewska A. , Plue J. , Wulf M. , Verheyen K.
Published: January 2019

Climate change is driving movements of many plants beyond, as well as within, their current distributional ranges. Even migrant plants moving within their current range may experience different plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) because of divergent nonlocal biotic soil conditions. Yet, our understanding to what extent soil biotic conditions can affect the performance of within‐range migrant plants is still very limited.

We assessed the emergence and growth of migrant forest herbs (Milium effusum and Stachys sylvatica) using soils and seeds collected along a 1,700 km latitudinal gradient across Europe. Soil biota were manipulated through four soil treatments, i.e. unsterilized control soil (PSFUS), sterilized soil (PSFS), sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized home soil (PSFS+HI) and sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized foreign soil (PSFS+FI, expected to occur when both plants and soil biota track climate change).

Compared to PSFS, PSFUS had negative effects on the growth but not emergence of both species, while PSFS+FI only affected S. sylvatica across all seed provenances. When considering seed origin, seedling emergence and growth responses to nonlocal soils depended on soil biotic conditions. Specifically, the home–away distance effect on seedling emergence differed between the four treatments, and significant responses to chemistry either disappeared (M. effusum) or changed (S. sylvatica) from PSFUS to PSFS.

Soil biota emerge as an important driver of the estimated plant migration success. Our results of the effects of soil microorganisms on plant establishment provide relevant information for predictions of the distribution and dynamics of plant species in a changing climate.
Cytogenetics and morphological delimitation between three species of Passiflora L. (subgenus Distephana Cervi)
Authors: de Oliveira O. L. S. , Souza M. M. , de Melo C. A. F.
Published: January 2019

Several studies on cytogenetic characterisation of passion flowers are helpful to elucidate doubts about taxa relationships, delimitation and classification into more coherent groups based on karyomorphological data.

Molecular and conventional cytogenetic techniques were applied to three Passiflora species with red flowers, P. coccinea, P. vitifolia and P. tholozanii, for species karyotype relationships. Additionally, for descriptive morphology, were used flowers, leaves and seeds.

Results describe for the first time the karyomorphological and chromosome number (2n = 18) for P. tholozanii. anova was performed (P < 0.05) and statistical significance for average chromosome size (CV: 16.53%) between species. Genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) proved relationships between P. coccinea and P. tholozanii, which suggests a common origin, however, we could not identify hybridisation between genomic probes from P. vitifolia in P. tholozanii chromosomes. Among the species analysed, P. tholozanii has great similarity in karyotypic and morphology to P. coccinea but not to P. vitifolia.

We suggest the inclusion of P. tholozanii in the same subgenus and section as P. coccinea based on the similarity in karyomorphological and morphological traits between the species. Additionally, GISH might indicate a common or hybrid origin of P. tholozanii.
Cross‐Coalition Coordination in Collaborative Environmental Governance Processes
Authors: Koebele Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2019

Collaborative governance processes seek to engage diverse policy actors in the development and implementation of consensus‐oriented policy and management actions. Whether this is achieved, however, largely depends on the degree to which actors with different beliefs coordinate their actions to achieve common policy goals—a behavior known as cross‐coalition coordination. Drawing on the Advocacy Coalition Framework and collaborative governance literatures, this study analyzes cross‐coalition coordination in three collaborative environmental governance processes that seek to manage water in the Colorado River Basin. Through comparative analysis, it highlights the complex relationship among the institutional design of a collaborative governance process, how and why actors choose to engage in cross‐coalition coordination, and the consequent policy outputs they produce. The findings advance policy scholars’ nascent understanding of cross‐coalition coordination and its potential to affect policymaking dynamics.
The Law “Justice Under the Constitution, Not Over It”: Public Perceptions of FDR’s Court‐Packing Plan
Authors: Blake William D.
Published: January 2019

This article presents the first cross‐sectional analysis of attitudes toward Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Court‐packing plan and seeks to evaluate whether citizens viewed this episode through a partisan or constitutional lens. While public opinion opposed the Supreme Court’s invalidation of the New Deal, most Americans also opposed Court packing as a means to resolve this constitutional conflict. Instead, the analysis finds significantly more support for a New Deal constitutional amendment across most subgroups, including Democrats and individuals who believed the Constitution is too difficult to amend. These results not only inform debates about New Deal constitutionalism, but also they provide context for recent discussions about court packing, as constitutional norms continue to erode under Donald Trump.
Effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on farmed fish; a review
Authors: Abdel‐Ghany Heba M. , Salem Mohamed El‐S.
Published: January 2019

Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide that is primarily derived from chitin, a natural polymer of N‐acetyl glucosamine mainly found in crustacean, insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, by exhaustive alkaline deacetylation to varying degrees. Chitosan has been found to have many favourable biological properties including biosafety, biodegradability and biocompatibility. These advantages make it a very promising material for diverse applications. For terrestrial animals, chitosan has been widely used as a feed additive because of its low side effects, enhancing the growth performance, improving immune functions, inhibition intestinal microbial pathogens and lowering cholesterol. Recently, it has been used as a feed additive in fish diets. Moreover, chitosan has gained an attention as an effective agent in aquaculture water treatment. A number of studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the use of chitosan in aquaculture. Thus, the present review explored the current state of knowledge on the effects of dietary chitosan on farmed aquatic animals including antimicrobial, growth promoting, antioxidant activity and immunostimulation effects, with a particular emphasis on the optimal dose of chitosan. As well as, this review pointed out the possibility of using chitosan in aquaculture water treatment. According to the studies that were discussed in this review, chitosan is considered as a promising material with a massive potential of applications in aquaculture.
Assessing stream channel restoration: the phased recovery framework
Authors: Dyste Jacob M. , Valett H. Maurice
Published: January 2019

Channel reconfiguration is one of the most common and costly stream restoration techniques, though its effectiveness is frequently questioned. Project monitoring often tracks changes in macroinvertebrate communities and other responses for a 5‐year period. However, channel reconfiguration is a documented disturbance to stream ecosystems, suggesting that this form of restoration initiates succession over longer time frames than monitoring typically captures. To address the role of succession in stream ecosystem recovery, we developed the Phased Recovery Framework (PRF) which proposes benchmarks represented by predictable habitat structure and community composition based on project age. The PRF was tested across nine stream restoration projects in western Montana, ranging in age from 1 to 18 years, each paired with an established reference system. We tested for differences in channel form, habitat character, and macroinvertebrate community composition. While restoration established desired channel form, most biotic variables had not recovered to reference condition even for the oldest projects. Across all sites, phases of the PRF were poor predictors of response. However, analyzing responses to reconfiguration independently for sites in watersheds with unimpaired water quality versus those experiencing excessive nutrient enrichment (i.e. impaired sites) indicated that biological variables converged on reference conditions at unimpaired sites, but diverged across impaired reaches. These large‐scale anthropogenic influences may play a stronger role in recovery than do changes to channel form and need to be incorporated into project design and success criteria. Assessment of the PRF suggests that short‐term monitoring is not likely to produce reliable indicators of effectiveness without incorporating locally appropriate change associated with watershed impairment and successional progression.
Data‐independent acquisition‐based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals differences in host immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to sepsis
Authors: Tong Yiqing , Ku Xin , Wu Chunrong , Liu Jianjun , Yang Chunhui , Tang Wenzhi , Yan Wei , Tang Jianguo
Published: January 2019

This study was aimed to uncover proteins that are differentially expressed in sepsis. Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) was used for analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients. A total of 24 non‐septic intensive care unit (ICU) patients, 11 septic shock patients and 27 patients diagnosed with sepsis were recruited for the mass spectrometry (MS) discovery. PBMCs were isolated from routine blood samples and digested into peptides. A DIA workflow was developed using a quadrupole‐Orbitrap liquid chromatography LC‐MS system, and mass spectra peaks were extracted by Skyline software. Orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were applied to distinguish the patient groups at the level of fragment ion and peptide. Differentially expressed proteins in the patient groups were verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the protein expression. A total of 1062 fragment ions and 122 proteins were identified in the MS‐DIA analysis conducted by Skyline software. Using gene ontology clustering analysis, we discovered that 51 of the 122 identified proteins were associated with biological processes, including carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of antibiotics, platelet activation, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and complement, and coagulation cascades. Among them, five proteins (high‐mobility group box1 [HMGB1], matrix metalloproteinase 8 [MMP8], neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin [NGAL], lactotransferrin [LTF] and grancalcin [GCA]) were identified by ELISA as closely related to the development of sepsis. The ROC curves displayed good sensitivity and specificity.
Mild hypohydration impairs cycle ergometry performance in the heat: A blinded study
Authors: Adams J.D. , Scott Dylan M. , Brand Natasha A. , Suh Hyun‐Gyu , Seal Adam D. , McDermott Brendon P. , Ganio Matthew S. , Kavouras Stavros A.
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of mild hypohydration on exercise performance with subjects blinded to their hydration status. Eleven male cyclists (weight 75.8 ± 6.4 kg, VO2peak: 64.9 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min, body fat: 12.0 ± 5.8%, Powermax: 409 ± 40 W) performed three sets of criterium‐like cycling, consisting of 20‐minute steady‐state cycling (50% peak power output), each followed by a 5‐km time trial at 3% grade. Following a familiarization trial, subjects completed the experimental trials, in counter‐balanced fashion, on two separate occasions in dry heat (30°C, 30% rh) either hypohydrated (HYP) or euhydrated (EUH). In both trials, subjects ingested 25 mL of water every 5 minutes during the steady‐state and every 1 km of the 5‐km time trials. In the EUH trial, sweat losses were fully replaced via intravenous infusion of isotonic saline, while in the HYP trial, a sham IV was instrumented. Following the exercise protocol, the subjects’ bodyweight was changed by −0.1 ± 0.1% and −1.8 ± 0.2% for the EUH and HYP trial, respectively (P < 0.05). During the second and third time trials, subjects averaged higher power output (309 ± 5 and 306 ± 5 W) and faster cycling speed (27.5 ± 3.0 and 27.2 ± 3.1 km/h) in the EUH trial compared to the HYP trial (Power: 287 ± 4 and 276 ± 5 W, Speed: 26.2 ± 2.9 and 25.5 ± 3.3 km/h, all P < 0.05). Core temperature (Tre) was higher in the HYP trial throughout the third steady‐state and 5‐km time trial (P < 0.05). These data suggest that mild hypohydration, even when subjects were unaware of their hydration state, impaired cycle ergometry performance in the heat probably due to greater thermoregulatory strain.
Impairment in karrikin but not strigolactone sensing enhances root skewing in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Guerringue Yannick , Matthus Elsa , Jamieson Fiona J. C. , Davies Julia M.
Published: January 2019

Roots form highly complex systems varying in growth direction and branching pattern to forage for nutrients efficiently. Here mutations in the KAI2 (KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE) α/β‐fold hydrolase and the MAX2 (MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 2) F‐box leucine‐rich protein, which together perceive karrikins (smoke‐derived butenolides), caused alteration in root skewing in Arabidopsis thaliana. This phenotype was independent of endogenous strigolactones perception by the D14 α/β‐fold hydrolase and MAX2. Thus, KAI2/MAX2 effect on root growth may be through the perception of endogenous KAI2‐ligands (KLs), which have yet to be identified. Upon perception of a ligand, a KAI2/MAX2 complex is formed together with additional target proteins before ubiquitination and degradation through the 26S proteasome. Using a genetic approach, we show that SMAX1 (SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2‐1)/SMXL2 and SMXL6,7,8 (SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2‐1‐LIKE) are also likely degradation targets for the KAI2/MAX2 complex in the context of root skewing. In A. thaliana therefore, KAI2 and MAX2 act to limit root skewing, while kai2's gravitropic and mechano‐sensing responses remained largely unaffected. Many proteins are involved in root skewing, and we investigated the link between MAX2 and two members of the SKS/SKU family. Though KLs are yet to be identified in plants, our data support the hypothesis that they are present and can affect root skewing.
A repertoire of cationic and anionic conductances at the plasma membrane of Medicago truncatula root hairs
Authors: Wang Limin , Guo Man‐Yuan , Thibaud Jean‐Baptiste , Véry Anne‐Aliénor , Sentenac Hervé
Published: January 2019

Root hairs, as lateral extensions of epidermal cells, provide large absorptive surfaces to the root and are major actors in plant hydromineral nutrition. In contact with the soil they also constitute a site of interactions between the plant and rhizospheric microorganisms. In legumes, initiation of symbiotic interactions with N2‐fixing rhizobia is often triggered at the root hair cell membrane in response to nodulation factors secreted by rhizobia, and involves early signaling events with changes in H+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl− fluxes inducing transient depolarization of the cell membrane. Here, we aimed to build a functional repertoire of the major root hair conductances to cations and anions in the sequenced legume model Medicago truncatula. Five root hair conductances were characterized through patch‐clamp experiments on enzymatically recovered root hair protoplasts. These conductances displayed varying properties of voltage dependence, kinetics and ion selectivity. They consisted of hyperpolarization‐ and depolarization‐activated conductances for K+, cations or Cl−. Among these, one weakly outwardly rectifying cationic conductance and one hyperpolarization‐activated slowly inactivating anionic conductance were not known as active in root hairs. All five conductances were detected in apical regions of young growing root hairs using membrane spheroplasts obtained by laser‐assisted cell‐wall microdissection. Combined with recent root hair transcriptomes of M. truncatula, this functional repertoire of conductances is expected to help the identification of candidate genes for reverse genetics studies to investigate the possible role of each conductance in root hair growth and interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment.
Unilateral renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis in a mixed‐breed dog carrying a FLCN gene mutation
Authors: Ciccarelli Stefano , Di Bello Antonio , Valastro Carmela , Leo Chiara , Lenoci Diana , Rana Elisa , Franchini Delia
Published: January 2019

Background

Renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis (RCND) is a rare inherited cancer syndrome observed predominantly in the German shepherd dog breed, known to be associated with dominant autosomal transmission of mutation H255R of the encoding folliculin gene (FLCN). The syndrome usually features bilateral, multifocal kidney tumours and skin nodules, consisting of dense collagen fibres, with previous reports showing a poor prognosis. Although historically nodular dermatofibrosis (ND) has been considered a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with renal cystadenocarcinoma; this hypothesis has been questioned.

Objectives

To report a case of unilateral renal adenocarcinoma in a dog with RCND syndrome, with 40‐month follow‐up.

Animal

A neutered 5‐year‐old female, mixed‐breed dog.

Methods and materials

Nodular dermatofibrosis was confirmed with histopathological evaluation. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) supported a presumptive diagnosis of unilateral renal neoplasia and the kidney was removed.

Results

Nodular dermatofibrosis with unilateral RC was confirmed by histopathological evaluation and DNA sequencing; this was positive for the heterozygous form for the H255R mutation in the FLCN gene. Follow‐up at 40 months after nephrectomy showed progressive increase in the size and number of nodular lesions.

Conclusion and clinical importance

This case supports the hypothesis that nodular dermatofibrosis is not a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with cystadenocarcinoma. It may be instead an independent dermatological feature of the same genetic disease, linked to the mutation of FLCN given that the cutaneous nodules in this dog increased in size and number after removal of the adenocarcinoma.
Physiological roles and molecular mechanisms of K+‐Cl− cotransport in the mammalian kidney and cardiovascular system: where are we?
Authors: Garneau A. P. , Marcoux A. A. , Slimani S. , Tremblay L. E. , Frenette‐Cotton R. , Mac‐Way F. , Isenring P.
Published: January 2019

In the early 80s, renal microperfusion studies led to the identification of a basolateral K+‐Cl− cotransport mechanism in the proximal tubule, thick ascending limb of Henle and collecting duct. More than ten years later, this mechanism was found to be accounted for by three different K+‐Cl− cotransporters (KCC1, KCC3 and KCC4) that are differentially distributed along the renal epithelium. Two of these isoforms (KCC1 and KCC3) were also found to be expressed in arterial walls, the myocardium and a variety of neurons. Subsequently, valuable insights have been gained into the molecular and physiological properties of the KCCs in both the mammalian kidney and cardiovascular system. There is now robust evidence indicating that KCC4 sustains distal renal acidification and that KCC3 regulates myogenic tone in resistance vessels. However, progress in understanding the functional significance of these transporters has been slow, probably because each of the KCC isoforms is not identically distributed among species and some of them share common subcellular localizations with other KCC isoforms or sizeable conductive Cl− pathways. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the process of K+‐Cl− cotransport are still ill defined. The present review focuses on the knowledge gained regarding the roles and properties of KCCs in renal and cardiovascular tissues.
Acetylcholine receptors in the equatorial region of intrafusal muscle fibres modulate mouse muscle spindle sensitivity
Authors: Gerwin Laura , Haupt Corinna , Wilkinson Katherine A. , Kröger Stephan
Published: January 2019

Key points

Acetylcholine receptors are aggregated in the central regions of intrafusal muscle fibres.

Single unit muscle spindle afferent responses from isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle were recorded in the absence of fusimotor input to ramp and hold stretches as well as to sinusoidal vibrations in the presence and absence of the acetylcholine receptor blockers d‐tubocurarine and α‐bungarotoxin.

Proprioceptive afferent responses to both types of stretch were enhanced in the presence of either blocker.

Blocking acetylcholine uptake and vesicular acetylcholine release by hemicholinium‐3 also enhanced stretch‐evoked responses.

These results represent the first evidence that acetylcholine receptors negatively modulate muscle spindle responses to stretch.

The data support the hypothesis that the sensory nerve terminal is able to release vesicles to fine‐tune proprioceptive afferent sensitivity.

Muscle spindles are complex stretch‐sensitive mechanoreceptors. They consist of specialized skeletal muscle fibres, called intrafusal fibres, which are innervated in the central (equatorial) region by afferent sensory axons and in both polar regions by efferent γ‐motoneurons. Previously it was shown that acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are concentrated in the equatorial region at the contact site between the sensory neuron and the intrafusal muscle fibre. To address the function of these AChRs, single unit sensory afferents were recorded from an isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle in the absence of γ‐motoneuron activity. Specifically, we investigated the responses of individual sensory neurons to ramp‐and‐hold stretches and sinusoidal vibrations before and after the addition of the competitive and non‐competitive AChR blockers d‐tubocurarine and α‐bungarotoxin, respectively. The presence of either drug did not affect the resting action potential discharge frequency. However, the action potential frequencies in response to stretch were increased. In particular, frequencies of the dynamic peak and dynamic index to ramp‐and‐hold stretches were significantly higher in the presence of either drug. Treatment of muscle spindle afferents with the high‐affinity choline transporter antagonist hemicholinium‐3 similarly increased muscle spindle afferent firing frequencies during stretch. Moreover, the firing rate during sinusoidal vibration stimuli at low amplitudes was higher in the presence of α‐bungarotoxin compared to control spindles also indicating an increased sensitivity to stretch. Collectively these data suggest a modulation of the muscle spindle afferent response to stretch by AChRs in the central region of intrafusal fibres possibly fine‐tuning muscle spindle sensitivity.
Optimal Control of Part Load Vortex Rope in Francis Turbines
Authors: Pasche Simon , Avellan François , Gallaire François
Published: January 2019

The mitigation of the precessing vortex core developing in the draft tube of Francis turbines operating under part load conditions is crucial to increase the operation flexibility of these hydraulic machines to balance the massive power production of intermittent energy sources. A systematic approach following the optimal control theory is, therefore, presented to control this vortical flow structure. Modal analysis characterizes the part load vortex rope as a self-sustained instability associated with an unstable eigenmode. Based on this physical characteristic, an objective function targeting a zero value of the unstable eigenvalue growth rate is defined and subsequently minimized using an adjoint-based optimization algorithm. We determine an optimal force distribution that successfully quenches the part load vortex rope and sketches the design of a realistic control appendage.
Characteristics of Spray Atomization for Liquid Droplets Formed Using a Rotary Bell Atomizer
Authors: Ray R. , Henshaw P. , Biswas N.
Published: January 2019

In automotive engineering, paint evaporation is considered one of the major sources of volatile organic compound emission. The rotary bell atomizer (RBA) is a special atomizer used for improved automotive painting. A model to predict the droplet size was developed by combining two already-reported models. Further, the calculated values of evaporation rate constant, K, and the RBA nozzle parameter, K1, for water and clearcoat at room temperature (24 °C) are presented here. K1 was dependent on the flow rate and bell speed, but its variance for clearcoat was less than the measurement uncertainty. The Sauter mean diameter of the particle leaving the RBA at different flow rates and bell speeds can be predicted using K1. The values of K were 1.3 × 10−5 to 2.0 × 10−5 cm2/s for clearcoat and 8.6 × 10−6 to 1.53 × 10 −5 cm2/s for water. A generic model which can anticipate the evaporation rate of droplets with time length was also introduced.
Perceptual assimilation of British English vowels to Spanish monophthongs and diphthongs
Authors: Cebrian Juli
Published: January 2019

This study examined the perceived similarity between Standard British English vowels and Spanish vowels, including Spanish diphthongs, not usually considered in studies on cross-language categorization. Twenty-nine Spanish speakers performed two perceptual assimilation tasks that differed in the number of response alternatives provided, that is, including or excluding diphthongs. The participants also performed an L1 vowel identification task. The results showed that Spanish listeners consistently perceived English diphthongs as closer to Spanish diphthongs than to Spanish monophthongs, with comparatively high assimilation scores. These results emphasize the need to include diphthongs in cross-language comparisons and second-language acquisition studies involving languages like Spanish.
Nutrition for the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries in Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Close Graeme L. , Sale Craig , Baar Keith , Bermon Stephane
Published: January 2019

Injuries are an inevitable consequence of athletic performance with most athletes sustaining one or more during their athletic careers. As many as one in 12 athletes incur an injury during international competitions, many of which result in time lost from training and competition. Injuries to skeletal muscle account for over 40% of all injuries, with the lower leg being the predominant site of injury. Other common injuries include fractures, especially stress fractures in athletes with low energy availability, and injuries to tendons and ligaments, especially those involved in high-impact sports, such as jumping. Given the high prevalence of injury, it is not surprising that there has been a great deal of interest in factors that may reduce the risk of injury, or decrease the recovery time if an injury should occur: One of the main variables explored is nutrition. This review investigates the evidence around various nutrition strategies, including macro- and micronutrients, as well as total energy intake, to reduce the risk of injury and improve recovery time, focusing upon injuries to skeletal muscle, bone, tendons, and ligaments.
Optimization of the Effects of Physical Activity on Plantar Sensation and Postural Control With Barefoot Exercises in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Korchi Karim , Noé Frédéric , Bru Noëlle , Paillard Thierry
Published: January 2019

Increasing somatosensory information from the foot by exercising barefoot can potentially optimize the effectiveness of physical exercise interventions on falls prevention in the older adults. This pilot study was then undertaken to explore the effects of increased somatosensory information from the foot by exercising barefoot on balance, gait, and plantar cutaneous sensitivity in institutionalized older adults involved in multimodal exercise intervention. Participants were assigned to three groups: a control group which did not perform any physical exercise and two groups in which they were involved in a multimodal exercise program performed barefoot or shod. Postural, gait, and plantar cutaneous sensitivity parameters were collected. The results showed that the exercise program produced larger effects on balance and plantar cutaneous sensitivity when exercises were performed barefoot, without any noticeable effect on gait. Hence, barefoot exercising could be a relevant means to optimize the fall-prevention exercise programs in institutionalized older adults.
The Effect of Tissue Flossing on Ankle Range of Motion, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Elite Rugby Union Athletes
Authors: Mills Blair , Mayo Brad , Tavares Francisco , Driller Matthew
Published: January 2019

Context: Given the relatively novel technique of tissue flossing is currently lacking in the research literature despite some positive findings in preliminary studies, the modality clearly requires further research. Current evidence suggests that band flossing results in performance improvements and may also be an effective method in injury prevention. Objective: Previous research has shown that tissue flossing may result in increased ankle range of motion, jump, and sprinting performance in recreational athletes. The present study aims to extend on this research, within an elite athlete sample. Design: Counterbalanced, cross-over design with experimental and control trials, separated by 1 week. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Fourteen professional male rugby union athletes (mean [SD]: age 23.9 [2.7] y). Intervention: Application of a floss band to both ankles (FLOSS) for 2 minutes or without flossing of the ankle joints (CON) on 2 separate occasions. Main Outcome Measures: A weight-bearing lunge test, a countermovement jump test, and a 20-m sprint test at pre and at 5 and 30 minutes post application of the floss band or control. Results: There were no statistically significant interactions between treatment (FLOSS/CON) and time for any of the measured variables (P > .05). Effect size analysis revealed small benefits for FLOSS in comparison with CON for countermovement performance 5 minutes post (d = 0.28) and for 10-m (d = −0.45) and 15-m (d = −0.24) sprint time 30 minutes post. Conclusion: Findings from the current study suggest minimal benefits of tissue flossing when applied to the ankle joint in elite athletes for up to 30 minutes following their application.
Test–Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Wrist Strength and Proprioception Measurements
Authors: Seven Barıs , Cobanoglu Gamze , Oskay Deran , Atalay-Guzel Nevin
Published: January 2019

Context: The evaluation of the wrist strength and proprioception gives clinicians and researchers information about effectiveness of their rehabilitation protocol or helps diagnosis of various neuromuscular and somatosensorial disorders. Isokinetic dynamometers are considered the gold standard for these evaluations. However, the studies about test–retest reliability of isokinetic dynamometer are inadequate. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the test–retest reliability of isokinetic wrist strength and proprioception measurements using the Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. Design: Test–retest reliability study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Thirty participants were enrolled (age 23.2 [2.8] y, height 171.1 [7] cm, weight 66.6 [11.6] kg) in this study. Intervention: Cybex isokinetic dynamometer was used for strength and proprioception measurements. Main Outcome Measures: Concentric flexion–extension strength test was performed at 90°/s angular velocity, and eccentric flexion–extension strength test was performed at 60°/s angular velocity. The proprioception of the wrist was assessed via active joint position sense. The 30° extension of the wrist, which is accepted as the functional position of the wrist, was selected as the targeted angle. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) method was used for test–retest analysis (P < .05). Results: The active joint position sense measurements of dominant (ICC2,1: .821) and nondominant (ICC2,1: .763) sides were found to have good test–retest reliability. Furthermore, with the exception of dominant eccentric extension strength (moderate reliability) (ICC2,1: .733), eccentric and concentric flexion (dominant: ICC2,1 = .890–.844; nondominant: ICC2,1 = .800–.898, respectively), and extension (dominant: ICC2,1 = .791 [concentric], nondominant: ICC2,1 = .791–.818, respectively) strength measurements of both sides were found to have good reliability. Conclusions: This study shows that the Cybex isokinetic dynamometer is a reliable method for measuring wrist strength and proprioception. Isokinetic dynamometers can be used clinically for diagnosis or rehabilitation in studies which contain wrist proprioception or strength measurements.
Battery-free, skin-interfaced microfluidic/electronic systems for simultaneous electrochemical, colorimetric, and volumetric analysis of sweat
Authors: Bandodkar Amay J. , Gutruf Philipp , Choi Jungil , Lee KunHyuck , Sekine Yurina , Reeder Jonathan T. , Jeang William J. , Aranyosi Alexander J. , Lee Stephen P. , Model Jeffrey B. , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Su Chun-Ju , Leshock John P. , Ray Tyler , Verrillo Anthony , Thomas Kyle , Krishnamurthi Vaishnavi , Han Seungyong , Kim Jeonghyun , Krishnan Siddharth , Hang Tao , Rogers John A.
Published: January 2019

Battery-free, wireless microfluidic/electronic system for multiparameter sweat analysis.
Brain development in autism: Timing is everything
Authors: Andreae Laura C.
Published: January 2019

Gene network analysis in stem cell–derived cortical neurons from individuals with autism reveals accelerated neuronal maturation.
Disappearing pressure cuffs
Authors: Conway Claire
Published: January 2019

Wireless, biodegradable pressure sensors provide continuous short-term monitoring of arterial pulse in rats.
Motor Properties of PilT-Independent Type 4 Pilus Retraction in Gonococci
Authors: Zöllner Robert , Cronenberg Tom , Maier Berenike
Published: January 2019

Bacterial type 4 pili (T4P) have been termed the “Swiss Army knives” of bacteria because they perform numerous functions, including host cell interaction, twitching motility, colony formation, DNA uptake, protein secretion, and surface sensing. The pilus fiber continuously elongates or retracts, and these dynamics are functionally important. Curiously, only a subset of T4P systems employ T4P retraction ATPases to power T4P retraction. Here, we show that one of the strongest T4P machines, the gonococcal T4P, retracts without a retraction ATPase. Biophysical characterization reveals strongly reduced force and speed compared to retraction with ATPase. We propose that bacteria encode retraction ATPases when T4P have to generate high-force-supporting functions like twitching motility, triggering host cell response, or fluidizing colonies.
Biology of Hand-to-Hand Bacterial Transmission
Authors: del Campo Rosa , Martínez-García Laura , Sánchez-Díaz Ana María , Baquero Fernando
Published: January 2019

Numerous studies have demonstrated that adequate hand hygiene among hospital staff is the best measure to prevent hand-to-hand bacterial transmission. The skin microbiome is conditioned by the individual physiological characteristics and anatomical microenvironments. Furthermore, it is important to separate the autochthonous resident microbiota from the transitory microbiota that we can acquire after interactions with contaminated surfaces. Two players participate in the hand-to-hand bacterial transmission process: the bacteria and the person. The particularities of the bacteria have been extensively studied, identifying some genera or species with higher transmission efficiency, particularly those linked to nosocomial infections and outbreaks. However, the human factor remains unstudied, and intrapersonal particularities in bacterial transmission have not been yet explored. Herein we summarize the current knowledge on hand-to-hand bacterial transmission, as well as unpublished results regarding interindividual and interindividual transmission efficiency differences. We designed a simple
in vivo
test based on four sequential steps of finger-to-finger contact in the same person artificially inoculated with a precise bacterial inoculum. Individuals can be grouped into one of three observed transmission categories: high, medium, and poor finger-to-finger transmitters. Categorization is relevant to predicting the ultimate success of a human transmission chain, particularly for the poor transmitters, who have the ability to cut the transmission chain. Our model allowed us to analyze transmission rate differences among five bacterial species and clones that cause nosocomial infections, from which we detected that Gram-positive microorganisms were more successfully transmitted than Gram-negative.