bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticosterone induces neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via disrupting autophagy flux mediated by AMPK/mTOR signaling
Authors: Ma Run‐Dong , Zhou Gui‐Juan , Qu Miao , Yi Ji‐Hong , Tang Ya‐Ling , Yang Xiang‐Yi , Nie Ya‐Xiong , Gu Hong‐Feng
Published: August 2019

Aims

Our previous study indicated that chronic stress caused autophagy impairment and subsequent neuron apoptosis in hippocampus. However, the mechanism underlying the stress‐induced damage to neurons is unclear. In present work, we investigated whether stress‐level glucocorticoids (GCs) GCs promoted PC12 cell damage via AMPK/mTOR signaling‐mediated autophagy.

Methods

Chronic stress‐induced PC12 cell injury model was built by treatment with high level corticosterone (CORT). Cell injury was evaluated by flow cytometry assay and transmission electron microscopy observation.

Results

Autophagy flux was measured based on the changes in LC3‐II and P62 protein expressions, and the color alteration of mCherry‐GFP‐LC3‐II transfection. Our results showed that CORT not only increased cell injury and apoptosis, but also dysregulated AMPK/mTOR signaling‐mediated autophagy flux, as indicated by the upregulated expression of LC3‐II and P62 proteins, and the lowered ration of autolysosomes to autophagosomes. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that autophagy activation by AMPK activator metformin or mTOR inhibitor rapamycin obviously promotes cell survival and autophagy flux, improved mitochondrial ultrastructure, and reduced expression of Cyt‐C and caspase‐3 in CORT‐induced PC12 cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that high CORT triggers PC12 cell damage through disrupting AMPK/mTOR‐mediated autophagy flux. Targeting this signaling may be a promising approach to protect against high CORT and chronic stress‐induced neuronal impairment.
Sticking to the Evidence? A Behavioral and Computational Case Study of Micro‐Theory Change in the Domain of Magnetism
Authors: Bonawitz Elizabeth , Ullman Tomer D. , Bridgers Sophie , Gopnik Alison , Tenenbaum Joshua B.
Published: August 2019

Constructing an intuitive theory from data confronts learners with a “chicken‐and‐egg” problem: The laws can only be expressed in terms of the theory's core concepts, but these concepts are only meaningful in terms of the role they play in the theory's laws; how can a learner discover appropriate concepts and laws simultaneously, knowing neither to begin with? We explore how children can solve this chicken‐and‐egg problem in the domain of magnetism, drawing on perspectives from computational modeling and behavioral experiments. We present 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds with two different simplified magnet‐learning tasks. Children appropriately constrain their beliefs to two hypotheses following ambiguous but informative evidence. Following a critical intervention, they learn the correct theory. In the second study, children infer the correct number of categories given no information about the possible causal laws. Children's hypotheses in these tasks are explained as rational inferences within a Bayesian computational framework.
Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma: A potential source of misdiagnosis on radial probe endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial aspiration cytology
Authors: Yoon Ju‐Yoon , Pal Prodipto , Ko Hyang Mi
Published: August 2019

A case of lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (of the lung) is described, highlighting an unusual cytomorphologic and immunophenotypic resemblance to synovial sarcoma.
Integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into a Food and Nutrition Curriculum in Utah
Authors: Merrill Cathy A. , Lawver Rebecca G.
Published: August 2019

In 2014, Family and Consumer Sciences teachers in Utah revised the Food and Nutrition Sciences curriculum to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)‐related content. This study is a needs assessment of the state implementation of the STEM‐enhanced curriculum in 2015–2016. A Borich needs assessment model was used to analyze mean weighted discrepancy scores between teacher‐perceived levels of importance and teacher‐perceived competence for each objective in the new curriculum. The results showed that although teachers felt moderately competent to teach the new curriculum, the highest ranked need for professional development was in Standard 1: Kitchen Safety Procedures and Sanitation. Professional development in STEM‐related content should be conducted with Family and Consumer Sciences teachers in Utah.
PPARγ induces NEDD4 gene expression to promote autophagy and insulin action
Authors: Liu Jia , Yao Qinyu , Xiao Lei , Ma Wen , Li Fan , Lai Baochang , Wang Nanping
Published: August 2019

The E3 ubiquitin ligase neural precursor cell‐expressed developmentally down‐regulated protein 4 (NEDD4) plays a crucial role in governing a number of signaling pathways, including insulin and autophagy signaling. However, the molecular mechanism by which NEDD4 gene is transcriptionally regulated has not been fully elucidated. Here, we reported that NEDD4 mRNA and protein levels were increased by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) in HepG2 hepatocytes. PPARγ antagonist GW9662 abolished thiazolidinedione (TZD)‐induced NEDD4 expression. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays showed that PPARγ directly bound to the potential PPAR‐responsive elements (PPREs) within the promoter region of the human NEDD4 gene. In addition, TZDs increased Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake, which were abrogated through NEDD4 depletion. Furthermore, we showed that NEDD4‐mediated autophagy induction and Akt phosphorylation were suppressed by oleic acid and high glucose treatment, activation of PPARγ successfully prevented this suppression. In conclusion, these results suggest that PPARγ plays a novel role in linking glucose metabolism and protein homeostasis through NEDD4‐mediated effects on the autophagy machinery.
Interdomain communication suppressing high intrinsic ATPase activity of Sse1 is essential for its co‐disaggregase activity with Ssa1
Authors: Kumar Vignesh , Peter Joshua Jebakumar , Sagar Amin , Ray Arjun , Jha Mainak Pratim , Rebeaud Mathieu E. , Tiwari Satyam , Goloubinoff Pierre , Ashish Fnu , Mapa Koyeli
Published: August 2019

In eukaryotes, Hsp110s are unambiguous cognates of the Hsp70 chaperones, in primary sequence, domain organization, and structure. Hsp110s function as nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs) for the Hsp70s although their apparent loss of Hsp70‐like chaperone activity, nature of interdomain communication, and breadth of domain functions are still puzzling. Here, by combining single‐molecule FRET, small angle X‐ray scattering measurements (SAXS), and MD simulation, we show that yeast Hsp110, Sse1 lacks canonical Hsp70‐like interdomain allostery. However, the protein exhibits unique noncanonical conformational changes within its domains. Sse1 maintains an open‐lid substrate‐binding domain (SBD) in close contact with its nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD), irrespective of its ATP hydrolysis status. To further appreciate such ATP‐hydrolysis‐independent exhaustive interaction between two domains of Hsp110s, NBD‐SBD chimera was constructed between Hsp110 (Sse1) and Hsp70 (Ssa1). In Sse1/Ssa1 chimera, we observed undocking of two domains leading to complete loss of NEF activity of Sse1. Interestingly, chimeric proteins exhibited significantly enhanced ATPase rate of Sse1‐NBD compared to wild‐type protein, implying that intrinsic ATPase activity of the protein remains mostly repressed. Apart from repressing the high ATPase activity of its NBD, interactions between two domains confer thermal stability to Sse1 and play critical role in the (co)chaperoning function of Sse1 in Ssa1‐mediated disaggregation activity. Altogether, Sse1 exhibits a unique interdomain interaction, which is essential for its NEF activity, suppression of high intrinsic ATPase activity, co‐chaperoning activity in disaggregase machinery, and stability of the protein.
From endangered to sustainable: Multi‐faceted management in rivers and coasts improves Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations in Denmark
Authors: Koed Anders , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Sivebæk Finn , Aarestrup Kim
Published: August 2019

The status of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., over the last decades has been of concern across its entire distribution area. Its anadromous nature exposes the species to human pressures in both freshwater and marine environments, and over long periods, thus exacerbating its decline. Given its value within the food industry, the recreational angling community as well as culturally, the status of Atlantic salmon is regarded as a matter of national and international conservation interest, providing great incentive for its management. The literature currently lacks specific examples of successful and unsuccessful management strategies and practices for Atlantic salmon populations at a broader scale. To address this, the present article describes how the multi‐faceted management approach taken for Danish Atlantic salmon, which included changes in legislation, stocking practices, habitat restoration, population genetics and barrier removals, successfully rehabilitated salmon populations in four major Danish rivers. Specific recommendations are provided for the successful management of Atlantic salmon elsewhere.
Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in those with newly diagnosed HIV infection in London, UK
Authors: Whitlock G , Carbonell M , Blackwell S , Nwokolo N ,   the Dean Street Collaborative Group
Published: August 2019

Objectives

In July 2016, as a result of patient demand, we introduced a rapid initiation option (RIO) to offer a first medical appointment and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation within 2 days of HIV diagnosis at 56 Dean Street (56DS) , a combined sexual health and HIV treatment service in London, UK.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case‐note review of patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection at 56DS following the introduction of the new RIO from July to October 2016. In order to assess the effect of the new service on ART uptake, we chose a comparison group of newly diagnosed patients at 56DS from 1 year earlier: July to October 2015.

Results

In the 4 months following RIO introduction, there was a reduction in the median time from HIV diagnosis to the first medical appointment (7 versus 15 days; P < 0.00001) and to ART initiation (8 versus 21 days; P < 0.00001) compared with the same 4‐month period 1 year previously. Uptake of ART at first appointment also significantly increased from 60% to 76% (P = 0.0074).

Conclusions

By increasing our clinic capacity and awareness of staff and patients of the RIO service, we were able to fulfil the aim of the service to offer ART more quickly following HIV diagnosis.
Circulating CD40 ligand, Dickkopf‐1 and P‐selectin in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Falasca K , Reale M , Di Nicola M , Ucciferri C , Zecca IA , Santilli F , Pontolillo M , Liani R , D'Angelo C , Costantini E , Vecchiet J
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the circulating levels of CD40 ligand (CD40 L), Dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1) and P‐selectin, their relationships and their contributions to cardiovascular risk in subjects with HIV infection.

Methods

The study population included 80 HIV‐infected patients, 14 (17.5%) of whom had diabetes mellitus (DM) and 32 (40.0%) of whom had arterial hypertension (AH). The HIV‐infected patients were compared with a control group with similar demographic and clinical features. CD40L, DKK‐1 and P‐selectin levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The HIV‐infected patients showed higher levels of all the cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers. Both serum CD40L and DKK‐1 were significantly higher in HIV‐infected patients than in the HIV‐negative controls (P < 0.001), while soluble P‐selectin showed no significant between‐group difference (P = 0.133), reflecting the role of HIV infection in CVD. In the HIV‐infected group, patients with DM showed lower levels of CD40L and DKK‐1 in comparison with the nondiabetic patients and patients with AH (P < 0.05, with Bonferroni correction). In contrast, patients with AH showed higher levels of CD40L and DKK‐1 in comparison to patients without DM or AH (P < 0.05, with Bonferroni correction). Patients with AH showed higher levels of CD40L and DKK‐1 than patients with DM (P < 0.05, with Bonferroni correction).

Conclusions

In this study, we found that HIV‐infected patients displayed significantly higher circulating levels of both CD40L and DKK‐1, which were linearly and directly correlated, when compared to HIV‐negative patients. The presence of diabetes was associated with lower levels of both CD40L and DKK‐1, whereas the presence of hypertension was associated with higher levels of CD40L.
Recycling of coal ash for production of dense β‐Sialon/ZrN/ZrON‐based ceramics without sintering aids via pressureless sintering
Authors: Ma Beiyue , Gao Zhi , Su Chang , Ren Xinming , Li Guangqiang , Zhu Qiang
Published: August 2019

β‐Sialon(z = 2, Si4Al2O2N6)/ZrN composite powders have been synthesized from coal ash, zircon, and active carbon at 1550°C for 6 hours, and β‐Sialon(z = 2)/ZrN/ZrON‐based composite ceramics (SZZCCS) have been prepared from as‐synthesized β‐Sialon/ZrN composite powders via pressureless sintering process. The effects of sintering temperatures (1450, 1500, 1550°C) on the phase compositions, microstructures, linear shrinkage ratio, bulk density, and oxidation characteristics of the SZZCCS were investigated in detail, and the oxidation process was also analyzed. It was found that the dense SZZCCS could be prepared at 1550°C for 1 hour, and they mainly consisted of β‐Sialon(z = 2), ZrN, and ZrON. The ZrN and ZrON particles were uniformly distributed on the β‐Sialon matrix. The sintering properties of the SZZCCS were greatly improved with increasing the sintering temperature. The SZZCCS sintered at 1550°C for 1 hour possessed excellent oxidation resistance at 900°C for 6 hours due to their dense microstructures.
Use of culled goat meat in frankfurter production – effect on sensory quality and technological properties
Authors: Stajić Slaviša , Pisinov Boris , Tomasevic Igor , Djekic Ilija , Čolović Dušica , Ivanović Snežana , Živković Dušan
Published: August 2019

Four different levels (25–100%) of culled goat meat were used in frankfurter formulation (frankfurters G25, G50, G75 and G100) instead of beef (CON). Technological properties, fatty acid profile and sensory properties were examined during the 6‐week cold storage. The formulation had significant impact of fatty acids profile – n‐6/n‐3 ratios progressively decrease from 14.63 in CON to 6.63 in G100. Higher goat meat content led to progressively higher lightness and lower redness in frankfurters. This was also observed by consumers but not negatively perceived. Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) analysis shows that more than 80% of consumers marked pleasant colour as present in goat frankfurters and CON. The similar was observed for pleasant appearance, pleasant odour, tasty, soft and juicy. Moreover, atypical taste and odour were mostly not marked as present (73.8% and 62.5%, respectively). The panellists pointed at G50 as the most preferred, while consumers most frequently marked G75.
How I investigate bone marrow necrosis
Authors: Deucher Anne , Wool Geoffrey D.
Published: August 2019

Hematopathologists encounter bone marrow biopsy specimens with marrow necrosis relatively infrequently; when necrosis is seen, determining the clinical significance can be challenging. While bone marrow necrosis is not uncommon in site‐directed biopsy specimens or autopsy material, substantial necrosis is much less common in nondirected bone marrow biopsy specimens. Retrospective review showed the prevalence of bone marrow necrosis to vary between 0.3% and 2% antemortem, depending on the patient population. Numerous causes of bone marrow necrosis have been identified, including malignancy, radiation/chemotherapy, medication, infection, autoimmune disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, antiphospholipid syndrome and other thrombotic disorders, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) exposure, and hemoglobinopathies. Clinical findings associated with bone marrow necrosis include bone pain and fever, cytopenias, elevated LDH and ferritin, and leukoerythroblastosis. Rarely, such as in fat embolization syndrome (FES), bone marrow necrosis can be associated with thrombotic microangiopathy, neurologic dysfunction, and multiorgan failure. A thorough review of the patient's clinical record (including medical history, clinical presentation, and other laboratory findings), a thorough morphologic review of the bone marrow with appropriate ancillary stains, and an appreciation of the causes of bone marrow necrosis in different patient populations are required to determine the underlying cause of bone marrow necrosis. The purpose of this review is to present a strategy for evaluation of bone marrow necrosis found in an antemortem biopsy specimen.
Nurses’ perceptions of high‐alert medication administration safety: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Sessions Laura C. , Nemeth Lynne S. , Catchpole Kenneth , Kelechi Teresa J.
Published: August 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine nurses’ perceptions of supports and barriers to high‐alert medication (HAM) administration safety.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Eighteen acute care nurses were interviewed about HAM administration practices. Registered nurses (RNs) working with acutely ill adults in two hospitals participated in one‐on‐one interviews from July–September, 2017. Content analysis was conducted for data analysis.

Results

Three themes contributed to HAM administration safety: Organizational Culture of Safety, Collaboration, and RN Competence and Engagement. Error factors included distractions, workload and acuity. Work arounds bypassing bar code scanning and independent double check procedures were common. Findings highlighted the importance of intra‐ and interprofessional collaboration, nurse engagement and incorporating the patient in HAM safety.

Conclusions

Current HAM safety strategies are not consistently used. An organizational culture that supports collaboration, education on safe HAM practices, pragmatic HAM policies and enhanced technology are recommended to prevent HAM errors.

Impact

Hospitals incorporating these findings could reduce HAM errors. Research on nurse engagement, intra‐ and interprofessional collaboration and inclusion of patients in HAM safety strategies is needed.
Disentangling the effects of environmental conditions on wintering and breeding grounds on age‐specific survival rates in a trans‐Saharan migratory raptor
Authors: Millon Alexandre , Danovaro Cécile , Printemps Thierry , Leroux Alain B. , Schlaich Almut E. , Villers Alexandre , Bourrioux Jean‐Luc , Bretagnolle Vincent
Published: August 2019

Migratory species are subject to environmental variability occurring on breeding and wintering grounds. Estimating the relative contribution of environmental factors experienced sequentially during breeding and wintering, and their potential interaction, to the variation of survival is crucial to predict population viability of migratory species. Here we investigated this issue for the Montagu's harrierCircus pygargus, a trans‐Saharan migrant. We analysed capture–recapture data from a 29‐year long monitoring of wing‐tagged offspring and adults at two study sites in France (Rochefort‐RO and Maine‐et‐Loire‐ML). The study period covers a climatic shift occurring in the Sahel with increasing rainfall following a period of droughts (Sahel greening). We found that harriers’ adult survival in RO (between 1988 and 2005) varied over time and was sensitive to the interaction between the amount of rainfall in the Sahel and the annual mean breeding success, two proxies of prey availability. The occurrence of adverse conditions on breeding and wintering grounds in the same year decreased survival from 0.70–0.77 to 0.48 ± 0.05. Juvenile survival in RO was slightly more sensitive to conditions in Europe than in the Sahel. Unexpectedly, lower survival rates were found in years with higher mean breeding success, suggesting compensatory density feedbacks may operate. By contrast, adult survival in ML, monitored between 1999 and 2017, was higher compared to RO (0.76 ± 0.03 versus 0.66 ± 0.02), remained constant and unaffected by any proxy of prey availability. This difference seems consistent with the fact that harriers in ML experienced better and especially less variable environmental conditions during breeding and wintering seasons compared to RO. Overall, we showed that survival of a migratory bird is sensitive to the level of variability in environmental conditions and that adverse conditions on wintering grounds can amplify the negative effects of conditions during the previous breeding season on birds’ survival.
Can tail risk explain size, book‐to‐market, momentum, and idiosyncratic volatility anomalies?
Authors: Aboura Sofiane , Arisoy Y. Eser
Published: August 2019

We examine the impact of tail risk on the return dynamics of size, book‐to‐market ratio, momentum and idiosyncratic volatility sorted portfolios. Our time‐series analyses document significant portfolio return exposures to aggregate tail risk. In particular, portfolios that contain small, value, high idiosyncratic volatility and low momentum stocks exhibit negative and statistically significant tail risk betas. Our cross‐sectional analyses at the individual stock level suggest that tail risk helps in explaining the four pricing anomalies, particularly size and idiosyncratic volatility anomalies.
Parallel ecological filtering of ultramafic soils in three distant island floras
Authors: Pillon Yohan , González Dubiel Alfonso , Randriambanona Herizo , Lowry Porter P. , Jaffré Tanguy , Merlot Sylvain
Published: August 2019

Aim

Alexander von Humboldt observed that plant communities on different continents but under similar climatic conditions shared few common species but often contained representatives of the same genera or higher taxonomic groups. To test if this observation can be extended to substrate type, we explored whether a phylogenetic signature could be seen among floras growing on ultramafic substrates that present challenging edaphic conditions for plant growth and are well‐known for their distinctive vegetation.

Location

Cuba, Madagascar, New Caledonia.

Taxon

Angiosperms.

Methods

We compared the floras of Cuba, Madagascar and New Caledonia to test whether the same plant families were under‐ or over‐represented on the ultramafic substrates of the three islands.

Results

Pairwise comparisons showed that plant orders and families tended to have the same behaviour on the three islands, i.e. ultramafic substrates filtered (in favour of or against) the same plant groups in the three biogeographical distinct areas. The COM clade (comprising Celastrales, Oxalidales and Malpighiales) appears to be over‐represented on ultramafic substrates in all three islands and contains over half of the world's known nickel hyperaccumulators.

Main conclusions

Our analyses provide support for Humboldt's observation by showing that ecological sorting can favour the same plant lineages in similar environments in different biogeographical regions.
Novel polymorphisms in PDLIM3 and PDLIM5 gene encoding Z‐line proteins increase risk of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Dongfei , Fang Juan , Lv Jialan , Pan Zhicheng , Yin Xiang , Cheng Hongqiang , Guo Xiaogang
Published: August 2019

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM), characterized by ventricular dilation and impaired systolic function, is a primary cardiomyopathy resulting in heart failure. During heart contraction, the Z‐line is responsible for transmitting force between sarcomeres and is also a hot spot for muscle cell signalling. Mutations in Z‐line proteins have been linked to cardiomyopathies in both humans and mice. Actinin‐associated LIM protein (ALP) and enigma homolog protein (ENH), encoded by PDLIM3 and PDLIM5, are components of the muscle cytoskeleton and localize to the Z‐line. A PDLIM3 or PDLIM5 deficiency in mice leads to dilated cardiomyopathy. Since PDLIM3 and PDLIM5 are candidate IDCM susceptibility genes, the current study aims to investigate whether polymorphisms within PDLIM3 and PDLIM5 could be correlated with IDCM. We designed a case‐control study, and exons of the PDLIM3 and PDLIM5 were amplified by polymerase chain reactions in 111 IDCM patients and 137 healthy controls. We found that five synonymous polymorphisms had statistical distribution differences between IDCM patients and controls, including rs4861669, rs4862543, c.731 + 131 T > G, c.1789‐3 C > T and rs7690296, according to genotype and allele distribution. Haplotype G‐C‐C‐C and A‐T‐C‐T (rs2306705, rs10866276, rs12644280 and rs4635850 synthesized) were regarded as risk factors for IDCM patients when compared with carriers of other haplotypes (all P < .05). Furthermore, IDCM patients with two novel polymorphisms (c.731 + 131 T > G and c.1789‐3 C > T) had lower systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, these five synonymous polymorphisms might constitute a genetic background that increases the risk of the development of IDCM in the Chinese Han population.
Developmental stability of scholastic, social, athletic, and physical appearance self‐concepts from preschool to early adulthood
Authors: Putnick Diane L. , Hahn Chun‐Shin , Hendricks Charlene , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: August 2019

Background

Self‐concept has meaningful relations with psychological functioning and well‐being across the life span. Hence, it is important to understand how and when individual differences in multiple domains of self‐concept begin to stabilize and whether individual differences remain stable throughout childhood and adolescence and into early adulthood.

Methods

We assessed individuals’ (N = 372) scholastic, social, athletic, and physical appearance self‐concepts at five waves over 20 years from age 4 to age 24.

Results

In general, stability was large, but medium‐sized estimates were obtained for some domains over longer (e.g., 6‐year) intervals. Indirect effects from preschool to early adulthood were small, but from age 14 to 24 were medium to large. Stabilities maintained significance independent of family socioeconomic status and global self‐worth. Stability estimates were similar for boys and girls except over adolescence for scholastic self‐concept, which was more stable for girls than boys.

Conclusions

Multiple domains of self‐concept constitute stable individual‐difference characteristics, independent of global feelings of self‐worth. Individuals who have high or low self‐concepts early in development tend to maintain their relative standing into early adulthood suggesting points of intervention.
Characteristics of patients with bullous pemphigoid: comparison of classic bullous pemphigoid to non‐bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Ben Mordehai Y. , Faibish H. , Astman N. , Greenberger S. , Barzilai A. , Baum S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease. Patients occasionally present with a clinical picture of pruritus/urticaria alone for months and do not even develop blisters over time. Only few studies have investigated this subgroup of non‐bullous pemphigoid (NBP).

Objective

To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of BP patients with or without blisters at the time of diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective study based on the medical records of 115 BP patients. Collected data included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, treatment and response to treatment.

Results

Thirty‐six patients presented with pruritus/urticaria (31.3%), and 79 presented with blisters (68.7%), with mean ages of 77.5 and 76.0, respectively, at diagnosis and an equal female:male ratio. The level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) was 4.1 times higher, and the mean blood eosinophil count was significantly increased in the pruritus/urticaria group. Remission rate at 3 months and relapse rate were similar between the groups. Median follow‐up period was 9 months (range 3–18). Only 23% of the patients with pruritus/urticaria developed blisters.

Conclusions

A significant number of BP patients present without blisters. We found no significant epidemiological or clinical differences from the classic BP patients aside from significantly elevated IgE and blood eosinophil levels. Similar results in larger cohort studies might be the foundation for a change in clinical protocols regarding the diagnosis and recommended treatment for the elderly presenting with pruritus/urticaria only.
The paradox of obligate sex: The roles of sexual conflict and mate scarcity in transitions to facultative and obligate asexuality
Authors: Burke Nathan W. , Bonduriansky Russell
Published: August 2019

The maintenance of obligate sex in animals is a long‐standing evolutionary paradox. To solve this puzzle, evolutionary models need to explain why obligately sexual populations consistently resist invasion by facultative strategies that combine the benefits of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Sexual antagonism and mate availability are thought to shape the occurrence of reproductive modes in facultative systems. But it is unclear how such factors interact with each other to influence facultative invasions and transitions to obligate asexuality. Using individual‐based models, we clarify how sexually antagonistic coevolution and mate availability affect the likelihood that a mutant allele that gives virgin females the ability to reproduce parthenogenetically will invade an obligately sexual population. We show that male coercion cannot stop the allele from spreading because mutants generally benefit by producing at least some offspring asexually prior to encountering males. We find that effects of sexual conflict can lead to positive frequency‐dependent dynamics, where the spread of the allele is promoted by effective (no‐cost) resistance when males are common, and by mate limitation when sex ratios are female‐biased. However, once the mutant allele fixes, effective coercion prevents the complete loss of sex unless linkage disequilibrium can build up between the allele and alleles for effective resistance. Our findings clarify how limitations of female resistance imposed by the genetic architecture of sexual antagonism can promote the maintenance of sexual reproduction. At the same time, our finding of widespread obligate sex when costs of parthenogenesis are high suggests that developmental constraints could contribute to the rarity of facultative reproductive strategies in nature.
Development and field testing of a tool to elicit women's preferences among cervical cancer screening modalities
Authors: Wood Brianne , Taljaard Monica , El‐Khatib Ziad , McFaul Susan , Graham Ian D. , Little Julian
Published: August 2019

Objective

The objective of the present study is to describe the development and field testing of a preference‐elicitation tool for cervical cancer screening, meeting International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) quality criteria.

Methods

We developed a tool designed to elicit women's preferences among cervical cancer screening modalities. The Ottawa Decision Support Framework and IPDAS systematic development process guided the design, and we followed IPDAS criteria for conducting a field test in a real‐world setting. Using social media recruitment strategies, we identified a convenience sample of Ontario women who were currently eligible for cervical screening to test the tool. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, balance of information, and ability to elicit women's informed, values‐based preferences using an online survey embedded in the tool.

Results

Twenty‐five women participated in the field test. Participants were aged 20 to 63 years , and identified as predominantly white (88%), living in Northern Ontario (68%), and most had university education (75%). Most participants (72%) considered the length of the website as “just right,” and 100% indicated that they would find the tool useful for decision‐making. Over two‐thirds (68%) of participants perceived the information in the tool as “balanced.” Almost all (92%) participants scored at least 4 out of 7 on the knowledge quiz, and most participants (84%) selected their preference in an informed, values‐based way.

Conclusion

The results from our field test of this tool provide preliminary evidence of the tool's feasibility, acceptability, balance, and ability to elicit women's informed, values‐based preferences among available cervical screening modalities. Further research should elicit the distribution of preferences of cervical screening modalities in other regions, using a sample who represents the screening population and a rigorous study design. It will be important for researchers and screening programmes to evaluate the tool's ability to elicit women's informed, values‐based preferences compared with educational materials.
Effect of processing on vital chemical components of button mushroom
Authors: Singhal Somya , Rasane Prasad , Singh Jyoti , Kaur Sawinder , Kumar Vikas , Dhawan Kajal , Gurumayum Sushma , Kaur Navneet , Gupta Neeru , Kaur Damanpreet
Published: August 2019

The processing conditions for mushroom (Agaricus bisporous) were optimized for optimal nutrient retention. Pretreatments, namely blanching (hot water, frying, microwave, and steam blanching) and osmotic dehydration were considered as variables at different temperatures and salt concentrations (5–20%). After blanching, the different times of deactivation of catalase enzyme were noted for both with and without calcium chloride (2%) treatments. Phytochemicals such as total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and the free radical scavenging activity were analyzed. Microwave blanching (mushroom treated with 2% calcium chloride) at 1080 W for 30 s was found to be the most appropriate among all the other types of blanching techniques. Further, osmotic dehydration was performed at different salt concentrations and time for the microwave blanched sample. Samples with 15% sodium chloride treatment for 10 min retained, the maximum nutritional compounds according to experimental analysis. Mathematical modeling using the Peleg model was used and mushrooms treated with 10% salt concentration was found to have the least root mean square error values, which was thus chosen to be the most appropriate salt concentration. The functional components of button mushroom are thus most appropriately preserved by treating them with calcium chloride (2%), microwave blanched (1080 W, 30 s), followed by osmotic dehydration (10–15% NaCl for 10 min).

Practical applications

Thermal processing of mushrooms is the most common technique used in the processing of mushrooms commercially. By understanding the best possible technique the nutritional losses to the product could be reduced extensively, adding to nutritional security. Mathematical modeling used could be used to generate the desired response economically for a variable set of conditions for mushroom processing.
Listeria monocytogenes in dairy plants in Southern Brazil: Occurrence, virulence potential, and genetic diversity
Authors: Prates Denise da Fontoura , Haubert Louise , de Fátima Würfel Simone , Cavicchioli Valéria Q. , Nero Luís A. , da Silva Wladimir Padilha
Published: August 2019

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen widely distributed in nature. The aims of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of Listeria spp. in three dairy plants located in Southern Brazil, and to characterize the L. monocytogenes isolates according to serotypes, virulence genes, and PFGE. A total of 212 samples were collected, and 15 were positive for Listeria spp., of which seven were L. monocytogenes. L. monocytogenes isolates harbored all the 11 virulence genes evaluated and belonged to the main virulent serotypes, indicating potential risks of listeriosis for consumers. The PFGE analysis indicated low genetic diversity among the isolates, and the same pulsotypes were detected in a 2‐month period, indicating persistence of L. monocytogenes.

Practical applications

The study evaluated the occurrence of Listeria spp. in three dairy plants located in Southern Brazil, as well as characterized the L. monocytogenes isolates according to serotypes, virulence genes and PFGE. The presence of Listeria species indicated postprocessing contamination in the dairy plants and threat to public health. Furthermore, the isolates showed a low genetic diversity, since only two pulsotypes were identified, highlighting the strain's persistence in the processing environment and/or the presence of clones in this region.
Method for endogenizing capital in the United States Environmentally‐Extended Input‐Output model
Authors: Miller T. Reed , Berrill Peter , Wolfram Paul , Wang Ranran , Kim Yookyung , Zheng Xinzhu , Hertwich Edgar G.
Published: August 2019

Each year businesses, governments, and homeowners in the United States invest around one fifth of gross domestic product into the creation of capital assets such as buildings, machinery, and software to enable production and consumption. Use of capital is typically included to some extent in environmental life cycle assessments of goods and services but is not incorporated into most environmentally extended input‐output (EEIO) models, including the US Environmental Protection Agency's USEEIO. Capital assets are typically created in years prior to their use, so a challenge lies in distributing the impacts of their creation over time. In this work, a highly detailed capital flow matrix approach is followed to distribute the use of fixed capital assets to consuming industries. Data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis's Fixed Asset Accounts is merged with its Industry Accounts data by the creation of concordance tables. Public highways and streets are partially reallocated to industries operating vehicles. The resulting capital use matrix is later combined into a modified USEEIO. “Housing” is found to be the largest consumer of fixed assets, followed by general government, fossil fuel extraction, and financial industries involved in leasing. Construction, vehicles, and machinery are mostly used by industries in the form of fixed assets. The types of fixed assets used by industries are consistent with expectations: housing is dominated by structures, transport by equipment, and information industries by intellectual property products.
Technoecological analysis of energy carriers for long‐haul transportation
Authors: Wolff Sebastian , Fries Michael , Lienkamp Markus
Published: August 2019

Long‐haul transportation demand is predicted to increase in the future, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. Different drivetrain technologies, such as hybrid or battery electric vehicles, electrified roads, liquefied natural gas and hydrogen, might offer solutions to this problem. To assess their ecological and economic impact, these concepts were simulated including a weight and cost model to estimate the total cost of ownership. An evolutionary algorithm optimizes each vehicle to find a concept specific optimal solution. A model calculates the minimum investment in infrastructure required to meet the energy demand for each concept. A well‐to‐wheel analysis takes into account upstream and on‐road carbon dioxide emissions, to compare fully electric vehicles with conventional combustion engines. Investment in new infrastructure is the biggest drawback of electrified road concepts, although they offer low CO2 emissions. The diesel hybrid is the best compromise between carbon reduction and costs.
Impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease versus in healthy controls: A different predictive model
Authors: Izzo Viola Angela , Donati Maria Anna , Torre Elena , Ramat Silvia , Primi Caterina
Published: August 2019

Impulse control disorders (ICDs), including compulsive gambling, buying, sexual behaviour and eating, are not only a severe disorder that can affect the general, non‐clinical population, but also a serious, increasingly recognized psychiatric complication in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous research detected some risk factors for their occurrence in PD patients and in the general population, including impulsivity. However, impulsivity is a multidimensional construct that comprises several aspects, including reflection impulsivity and delay discounting. The present work assessed different facets of impulsivity in both PD patients and in the healthy controls (HCs) to examine whether they scored differently, and if the occurrence of ICDs in PD patients and in the HCs was predicted by different aspects of impulsivity. The results showed that ICDs in PD patients were predicted by a strong preference for immediate rewards, whereas ICDs in the HCs were predicted by a deficient reflective ability. The present findings may help clinicians in the early identification of PD patients who could develop ICDs by simply assessing their impulsivity in terms of delay discounting. Furthermore, this work contributed to identify another risk factor for ICDs in the non‐clinical population.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of two advanced vessel sealing technologies in total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Aykan Yuksel Burcu , Karadag Burak , Mulayim Baris
Published: August 2019

Aim

Adequately powered, randomized controlled studies evaluating efficacy and safety of advanced bipolar energy devices in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery are very few. We aimed to compare the two most commonly used devices in total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in an education and research hospital. One hundred thirty‐two women who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications were included. Women with age younger than 18 years, suspected malignancy, stage 3–4 endometriosis and cervical/intraligamentary leiomyoma were excluded. Patients were randomized preoperatively to LigaSure or Articulating Enseal. One experienced surgeon performed all operations.

Results

LigaSure was used in 67 patients and Enseal was used in 65 patients. Primary outcomes of the study were operative time (time from start of sealing and transection of the round ligament until completion of colpotomy) and total operative time (time from skin incision to skin closure). Secondary outcomes were intraoperative blood loss (blood lost during operative time period) and perioperative complications. Operative time was significantly shorter in LigaSure group (P = 0.001). Total operative time, intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complications were similar. When two groups were further classified according to uterine weight taking 300 g as cut‐off value, operative time was significantly shorter in LigaSure group in both subgroups (P = 0.003 and P = 0.007).

Conclusion

LigaSure use in total laparoscopic hysterectomy shortens operative time when compared with Enseal; without an apparent increase in intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complications. On the other side, total operative time remains unaffected.
Constrained Waiver of Trial Rights? Incentives to Plead Guilty and the Right to a Fair Trial
Authors: Helm Rebecca K.
Published: August 2019

This article develops an interpretative framework to examine when incentives to plead guilty should be found to constrain defendant choice to waive fair trial rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. This framework is informed by existing jurisprudence, specifically the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in Natsvlishvili and Togonidze v. Georgia and Deweer v. Belgium, and socio‐legal literature. According to the framework, an incentive to plead guilty should be found to violate fair trial rights where it makes it unreasonable to expect defendants to exercise their right to a full trial, is independent of the projected outcome at trial, and causes the defendant to plead guilty. An empirical analysis of guilty‐plea practice in England and Wales informed by this new framework identifies problematic incentives and suggests such incentives may disproportionately influence vulnerable defendants.
In
-vitro cytotoxicity of various Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf.) B.L. Burtt extracts in combination with selected tableting excipients
Authors: Erasmus Mandi , du Plessis Lissinda H , Viljoen Joe M
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To investigate the cytotoxic potential of S. aethiopicus extracts in combination with chitosan and Pharmacel®101, on two cell lines.

Methods

Extracts were chemically characterised utilising UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, followed by determination of cell viability and membrane integrity.

Key findings

Ethanol (EtOH) and diethyl ether (DiEt) extracts contained significant quantities of all chosen biomarker molecules; however, only two were scarcely quantifiable in aqueous extracts. Aqueous extracts did not induce any cytotoxic effects, whereas EtOH and DiEt extracts caused concentration-dependent decreases in cell viability and membrane integrity loss in both cell lines. Ensuing exposure to EtOH extracts at 50, 100 and 150 μg/ml, HepG2 cells were considered 15.5%, 12.5% and 32.8% apoptotic, whereas DiEt extracts caused 4.5%, 13.5% and 33.9% apoptotic cells. Exposure to EtOH and DiEt extracts at 50 μg/ml ensued in 20.2% and 21.3% apoptosis in Caco-2 cells; 100 μg/ml induced apoptosis in 19.9% and 10.3% of Caco-2 cells; whereas exposure to 150 μg/ml EtOH extracts caused 12.6% apoptosis compared to 11.7% induced by the DiEt extract.

Conclusions

None of the excipients caused any significantly altered cellular effects, indicating little chance for physicochemical interactions. Aqueous extracts did not possess any cytotoxic properties. However, it is clear that organic extracts caused apoptotic and necrotic cell death.
Demographic and life history variation in two sky‐island populations of an endangered alpine lizard
Authors: Atkins Z. S. , Clemann N. , Chapple D. G. , Edwards A. M. , Sinsch U. , Hantzschmann A. M. , Schroder M. , Scroggie M. P. , Robert K. A.
Published: August 2019

A species’ life history is a strong determinant of its risk of extinction; traits such as body size, growth rate, age at maturity and fecundity influence population viability and persistence, as well as capacity for dispersal and colonisation of new habitats. Yet, despite the potential for substantial geographic variation in life history, most conservation programmes rely upon the species average rather than information specific to individual populations. We use the Guthega Skink (Liopholis guthega), a threatened alpine endemic lizard restricted to two geographically isolated locations in south‐eastern Australia, as a case study to demonstrate how geographic variation in life history traits may better inform conservation management. Liopholis guthega has a relatively short life span, with only a few years of reproductive activity, inter‐annual variation in reproductive output, and less‐than‐annual reproduction. We show that the Victorian population has a significantly slower growth rate, attains a smaller maximum size, reaches reproductive maturity later, and produces significantly smaller litters, despite no difference in longevity suggesting that it may be more vulnerable to extinction. We, therefore, suggest evaluating genetic rescue from the New South Wales population to improve recruitment and longevity of Victorian L. guthega, ongoing population monitoring in both locations, and a dedicated pest control programme to reduce pressure on this population. Our study has far reaching impacts; primarily demonstrating how knowledge of geographic variation in life history has the potential to improve conservation management of threatened species.