bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resident species with larger size metrics do not recruit more offspring from the soil seed bank in old‐field meadow vegetation
Authors: Tracey Amanda , Aarssen Lonnie
Published: October 2018

According to the traditional “Size Advantage” (SA) hypothesis, plant species with larger body size are expected to be more successful when competition is intense, that is, within severely crowded vegetation. Recent studies in old‐field habitats, however, have shown that those species with greater numerical abundance as resident plants generally have a relatively small minimum reproductive threshold size (MIN), not a relatively large maximum potential body size (MAX).

In this study, we test for a size advantage in terms of species abundance representation in the soil seed bank, and we extend the SA hypothesis to include two additional size metrics: leaf size and seed size. Specifically, we ask, for resident species within a crowded old‐field meadow: is larger seed size, leaf size, and/or body size associated with greater reproductive / recruitment success (i.e. number of germinable seeds within—and establishing plants emerging from—the soil seed bank)? We collected soil cores for a greenhouse experiment to record relative species abundances of germinable seeds in the seed bank, and we used a field experiment to record local abundances of species emerging from the resident seed bank within denuded plant neighbourhoods over three subsequent field seasons.

We found no general support for the SA hypothesis involving any of the size metrics, and none of the latter was a strong predictor of the number of germinable seeds emerging from soil cores in the greenhouse experiment. However, for species establishing in the field experiment from the seed bank over the 3‐year survey period, more abundant species in years 2 and 3 tended to be those with smaller MIN, and thus smaller MAX. In addition, within more crowded neighbourhoods, representation of reproductive plants was generally greater for species with relatively small MIN (and hence small MAX).

Synthesis. Our results extend the support for the “Reproductive Economy Advantage” hypothesis in old‐field habitats, to include not just established, largely undisturbed vegetation, but also very early stages of recruitment from seed within locally crowded plant neighbourhoods. Specifically, more successful species here are not those with relatively large potential body size (MAX); they are species capable of producing at least some offspring despite severe body size suppression, because they have a relatively small MIN. We summarize our interpretation using a simple conceptual model for predicting selection effects of local neighbourhood crowding on variation in fecundity (fitness estimate) of resident plants, resulting from genetic covariation in MAX and MIN. Relatively large potential body size (MAX) should be expected to promote fitness here, not when competition from near neighbour effects is severe, but when its effects are locally more moderate, or virtually absent—and hence relatively rarely within the generally crowded vegetation of old‐field habitats.
Multipartite genomes and the sRNome in response to temperature stress of an Arctic Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea BSW20308
Authors: Liao Li , Liu Chun , Zeng Yinxin , Zhao Bin , Zhang Jin , Chen Bo
Published: October 2018

Little is known about the survival and effect of rapid climate warming on Pseudoalteromonas in the Arctic, although it is abundant and important in this ecosystem. Here, we investigated a cold‐adapted Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea BSW20308 from the Arctic Ocean, from the genome to its transcriptomic responses towards temperature changes. It contained two circular chromosomes, with the second chromosome probably evolved from an ancestral plasmid. The evolution of multipartite genomes may be advantageous for its survival under changing environments. RNA‐seq analysis revealed the extensive involvement of sRNome in response to temperature stress for the first time, especially tmRNA and a novel Pf1 sRNA strongly induced under heat stress. The present study makes significant contributions towards the understanding of Pseudoalteromonas in two aspects: the genome structure and evolution of its two chromosomes, and the important discovery of the sRNome in response to temperature stress.
Necrotecture: Lifeless Dwellings and London's Super‐Rich
Authors: Atkinson Rowland
Published: October 2018

This article problematizes the relationship between the global super‐rich and processes of property development that have generated large volumes of underused residential space. Evidence is presented to show that much of London's new skyline is underused or lies entirely empty, so that one interpretation of this new landscape of super‐prime residential development is that it is a kind of dead residential space or necrotecture. These relatively lifeless spaces can be interpreted as the particularly wasteful result of continuing rounds of international capital investment in the built environment and the overconsumption of housing and other resources by the super‐rich. Necrotectural forms, seen in new towers and spectacular homes, appear to index a massive misdirection of development capacity, even as the city experiences a massive social crisis that continues to be played out in the wider housing market.
How states tighten control: a field theory perspective on journalism in contemporary Crimea
Authors: Zeveleva Olga
Published: October 2018

This article contributes to denationalizing Bourdieu’s field theory by analysing the relationship between a regional news media field, the state and transnational influences. The article seeks to answer the question of how a state can impose limits on the autonomy of the news media field during political transition. Field theory is applied to changes that have taken place in Crimean news media since Russia’s annexation of the peninsula in 2014. Drawing on narrative interviews with journalists who worked in Crimea in 2012–17, expert interviews, and secondary sources, I demonstrate how Crimea’s news media field went from being dominated by varied Ukrainian private news media owners to becoming dominated by the Russian state. I show that states can employ direct measures such as anti‐press violence and ownership appropriation of news media outlets in order to increase concentration of state media ownership. In addition, states can reallocate capital in the news media field, disenfranchising some journalists and outlets while favouring others. The adaptive strategies of individual journalists, who, upon losing capital, can sometimes relocate or leave their jobs, also changes the composition of news media fields. Departing from a common view of social spaces as bounded within nation‐states, I examine how the news media field of Crimea has been shaped by both transnational influences, and by the direct imposition of Russian state power through a reconstitution of national borders.
Admission to intensive care: A qualitative study of triage and its determinants
Authors: Escher Monica , Cullati Stéphane , Hudelson Patricia , Nendaz Mathieu , Ricou Bara , Perneger Thomas , Dayer Pierre
Published: October 2018

Objective

To examine physicians’ decision making and its determinants about admission to intensive care.

Data Sources/Study Setting

ICU physicians (n = 12) and internists (n = 12) working in a Swiss tertiary care hospital.

Study Design

We conducted in‐depth interviews.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

Principal Findings

Admission decisions regarding seriously ill or elderly patients with comorbidities are complex. Nonmedical factors such as ICU beds availability, health care resources on the ward, information about patient preferences, and family behavior determine the decision. Code status and the quality of interaction between physicians are key determinants. The absence of code status or poor documentation of code status discussions makes decisions more difficult and laden emotionally, as physicians feel they are making a life‐death decision. Mutual respect and collaborative decision making facilitate the decision. Tensions arise due to ICU physicians’ postponing the decision because of lack of beds, ICU physicians’ dismissive attitudes, perceived shortcomings in the other physician's completion of expected tasks, and preconceptions about the other physician.

Conclusions

Systematic documentation of code status, and fostering collaboration between ICU physicians and internists would facilitate ICU admission decisions in complex clinical situations.
Metapop: An individual‐based model for simulating the evolution of tree populations in spatially and temporally heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Soularue Jean‐Paul , Thöni Armel , Arnoux Léo , Le Corre Valérie , Kremer Antoine
Published: October 2018

Metapop is a stochastic individual‐based simulation program. It uses quantitative genetics theory to produce an explicit description of the typical life cycle of monoecious and hermaphroditic plant species. Genome structure, the relationship between genotype and phenotype, and the effects of landscape heterogeneity on each individual can be finely parameterized by the user. Unlike most existing simulation packages, Metapop can simulate phenotypic plasticity, which may have a genetic component, and assortative mating, two important features of tree species. Each simulation is parameterized through text files, and raw data are generated recurrently, describing the allelic state of each quantitative trait locus involved in phenotypic variability. The data can be generated in Genepop or Fstat format, and may thus be analysed with other existing packages. Metapop also automatically computes a range of populations statistics, enabling the user to monitor evolutionary dynamics directly, from gene to metapopulation level.
Mixing of Enriched Lithospheric Mantle‐Derived and Crustal Magmas: Evidence from the Habo Cenozoic Porphyry in Western Yunnan
Authors: XIA Bin , LU Ye , YUAN Yajuan , CHEN Weiyan , ZHANG Xiao , XU Chi , YU Shengrui , WAN Zhifeng
Published: October 2018

New zircon U–Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry and zircon Hf isotopes from the Habo porphyry Western Yunnan, China, were determined to provide constraints on the timing of uplift of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. The intrusive rocks consist of shoshonitic porphyry (syenite porphyry and monzonite porphyry). Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U–Pb dating indicates coeval emplacement ages of ~35 Ma. The porphyries have alkaline affinities, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) (e.g., Rb, Th, U, Pb), with depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs) (e.g., Nb, Ti, Ta) and weak Eu anomalies. They display uniform Lu–Hf isotopic compositions with negative zircon εHf(t) values ranging from ‐3.9 to ‐0.6. The chemical characteristics of the syenite porphyries indicated that they most likely originated from the lower crust, with mantle‐derived material involved in their generation. Geochemically, the monzonite porphyries are similar to the syenite porphyries; however, the lower MgO contents suggest that they were produced by different degrees of partial melting of the same lower crust source. Combined with the geochemical and isotopic data in this paper, imply that the alkali‐rich porphyries of the Habo polymetallic deposit were derived from the partial melting of lower crust, enriched by mantle magma, formed in a conversion stage from stress extrusion (a strike‐slip shear process) to local stress relaxation (a strike‐slip pull‐apart process) at the Ailaoshao tectonic zone.
Mineralogical Characteristics of Exsolved Spinel in the Panzhihua V‐Ti Magnetite Deposit, Sichuan: Implications for the Mineralization Process
Authors: ZHANG Zhibin , HUANG Fei , XING Miaomiao , WAN Quan , GAO Wenyuan , GAO Shang , CHEN Zhenyu , CAI Jianhui
Published: October 2018

Spinel exsolution is widespread in titanomagnetite from the Fe‐Ti oxide gabbro of the Panzhihua intrusion, Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China. However, little research has been conducted into the implications of patterns in the mineralogical characteristics of the spinel for spatial variation in the controls on the exsolution mechanism and, hence, the formation process of the ore deposit. This study selected the Lanjiahuoshan Ore Block in the Panzhihua V‐Ti magnetite deposit to explore this issue, systematically studying exsolution textures in the titanomagnetite through petrographic observation and the integrated use of in‐situ microanalysis. The results show that the exsolved spinel gradually becomes finer‐grained and less abundant from the center to edge and the bottom to top of the ore bodies. Compositionally, there is an inverse correlation between the size of exsolved spinel grains and their Mg# value. In addition, there is compositional zonation in the spinel interiors, with a gradual increase in the Mg content and decrease in Fe content from the core to the rim. The analysis suggests that fractional crystallization of ferrotitanium magma with a high oxygen fugacity in a shallow magma chamber caused compositional differences in the primary magnetite solid solution in different parts of the Panzhihua intrusion. Additionally, the thermal evolution of the magnetite solid solution differed in different parts of orebody, bringing about variations in spinel development. Together, these effects resulted in spatial variation in the abundance, grain size, and morphology of spinel in different parts of the orebody and intrusion that follows an identifiable distribution law. Furthermore, the compositional zonation of exsolved spinels reflects the rapid growth of exsolution features in a high‐temperature environment. Thus, the size, morphology, abundance, and composition of spinel exsolution features in titanomagnetite provide a valuable petrogenetic tool for estimating the maturity and formational environment of the deposit.
Mineralogy and Chemistry of Sulfides from the Longqi and Duanqiao Hydrothermal Fields in the Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: ZHANG Baisong , LI Zhenqing , HOU Zengqian , ZHANG Weiyan , XU Bo
Published: October 2018

Recent investigations found that hydrothermal activity and sulfide mineralization occurs along the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). The Longqi and Duanqiao hydrothermal fields between 49° E and 53° E of the SWIR are two prospective mineralization areas discovered by Chinese scientists. With the aim to determine the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of sulfide minerals, we have conducted detailed studies for samples from the two areas using an optical microscope, X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and electron microprobe. The mineralization processes in the Longqi area are divided into three main stages: (1) the low‐medium‐temperature stage: colloform pyrite (Py I) + marcasite → euhedral pyrite (Py II), (2) the high‐temperature stage: isocubanite (±exsolved chalcopyrite) + pyrrhotite → coarse‐grained chalcopyrite (Ccp I), and (3) the medium–low‐temperature stage: sphalerite + fine‐grained chalcopyrite inclusions (Ccp II) → aggregates of anhedral pyrite (Py III) ± marcasite → Fe‐oxide (‐hydroxide) + amorphous silica. The mineralization processes in the Duanqiao area are divided into two main stages: (1) the medium–high‐temperature stage: subhedral and euhedral pyrite (Py I′) → coarse‐grained chalcopyrite (Ccp I′) and (2) the medium–low‐temperature stage: sphalerite → fine‐grained chalcopyrite (Ccp II′) + chalcopyrite inclusions (Ccp II′) → silica‐cemented pyrite (Py II′) + marcasite → Fe‐oxide + amorphous silica. We suggest that the fine‐grained chalcopyrite inclusions in sphalerite from Longqi and Duanqiao were formed by co‐precipitation and replacement mechanisms, respectively. Primary sphalerites from both fields are enriched in Fe (avg. 5.84 wt% for the Longqi field vs. avg. 3.69 wt% for the Duanqiao field), Co (avg. 185.56 ppm for the Longqi field vs. 160.53 ppm for the Duanqiao field), and Cd (avg. 1950 ppm for the Longqi field vs. avg. 525.26 ppm for the Duanqiao field). Cu contents in pyrite from the Duanqiao field (Py I′: avg. 849.23 ppm and Py II′: avg. 1191.11 ppm) tend to be higher than those from the Longqi field (Py I: avg. 26.67 ppm, Py II: avg. 445 ppm, and Py III: avg. 179.29 ppm). Chalcopyrite from both fields is enriched in Zn (Ccp I: avg. 3226.67 ppm, Ccp II: avg. 9280 ppm, Ccp I′: avg. 848 ppm, Ccp II′ (inclusions): avg. 1098 ppm, and Ccp II′ (fine‐grained): avg. 1795 ppm). The varying contents of Zn in the different pyrite and chalcopyrite generations may result from the zone refining process. An integrated study of the mineralogy and mineralogical chemistry suggests that the hydrothermal fluids of the Longqi area are likely conditioned with higher temperatures and relatively lower fO2 and fS2 than those of the Duanqiao area, but in contrast to the former, the latter is much affected by the compositions of the surrounding rocks.
Comparative Study of Hydrogen and Carbon Isotopic Composition of Gases Generated from the Pyrolysis of a Peat under Saltwater and Freshwater Conditions
Authors: WU Yingzhong , DUAN Yi , ZHAO Yang , CAO Xixi , MA Lanhua , QIAN Yaorong , LI Zhongping , XING Lantian
Published: October 2018

To understand the influence of the diagenetic water medium on the isotopic compositions of thermogenic coalbed gas, both hydrous and anhydrous closed‐system pyrolyses were performed at temperatures of 250°C to 650°C on an herbaceous marsh peat. Compared to the results of anhydrous pyrolysis, the hydrocarbon gases generated from hydrous pyrolyses have very different hydrogen isotopic compositions. However, the carbon isotopic compositions of the hydrocarbon gases became only slightly heavier in hydrous pyrolysis, compared to that from anhydrous pyrolysis. With the progress of thermal evolution from peat to a more advanced thermal maturity of vitrinite reflectance values (Ro) of 5.5% during the pyrolysis, the difference in the average δD value increased from 52‰ to 64‰ between the hydrous pyrolysis with saltwater and anhydrous pyrolysis and increased from 18‰ to 29‰ between the hydrous pyrolysis with freshwater and anhydrous pyrolysis, respectively. The difference in the average δ13C value was only 1‰–2‰ between the hydrous and anhydrous pyrolysis. The relationships between the δD values of the generated hydrocarbon gases and Ro values as well as among δD values of the hydrocarbon gas species are established. The close relationships among these parameters suggest that the water medium had a significant effect on the hydrogen isotopic composition and a minimal effect on the carbon isotopic composition of the hydrocarbon gases. The results of these pyrolyses may provide information for the understanding of the genesis of coalbed gas from herbaceous marsh material with the participation of different diagenetic water media.
Source and Significance of Detrital Zircons from Mesozoic Sandstones of the Upper Yangtze Block, China
Authors: LI Dongdong , WU Zhenhan , YU Xinqi , WANG Ran , WANG Zongxiu
Published: October 2018

In this study, we report U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data for zircons from the Mesozoic sandstones of the Upper Yangtze area, which provide critical constraints on the provenance of these sediments and further shed light on the crustal evolution of the Upper Yangtze block. The results of isotopic chronology indicate the following: (1) The provenances of the study area are very complex, and the tectonic evolution process is relatively closed. (2) The provenances are mainly Archean–Proterozoic crystalline basement or recycled material; Paleoproterozoic crustal accretion in the western margin of the Yangtze block and Neoproterozoic magmatic activities related to subduction of the western margin of the Yangtze block; early Cambrian oceanic magmatic activity, which resulted from the intraplate extension of the northern margin of the Yangtze block; late Ordovician–early Silurian magmatic activity in the northern Yangtze block and Hercynian–Indochina uplift and erosion during the Hercynian movement. (3) The Yangtze crustal growth is episodic, and an increasing amount of ancient recycled material became part of the magmatic activity, as the zircon U–Pb ages are relatively young.
Mid‐Cretaceous Hothouse Climate and the Expansion of Early Angiosperms
Authors: ZHANG Mingzhen , DAI Shuang , DU Baoxia , JI Liming , HU Shusheng
Published: October 2018

The remarkable transition of early angiosperms from a small to a dominant group characterized the terrestrial ecosystem of the Cretaceous. This transition was instigated and promoted by environmental changes. Mid‐Cretaceous is characterized by major geological events that affected the global environment. δ18O, palaeothermometer TEX86, and other climatic indices from marine sediments suggest rapid temperature increase during mid‐Cretaceous despite occasional short cooling events. Simultaneously, terrestrial deposits in East Asia changed from coal‐bearing to shale, then to red beds and evaporites. Plant assemblages and other paleoclimate indicators point to rapid aridification for mid‐Cretaceous terrestrial environments. In addition, the wildfires were frequently spread all over the earth by the numerous charcoal evidence during the Mid‐Cretaceous. Thus, we speculate that the seasonally dry and hot conditions of mid‐Cretaceous created a fiery hothouse world. Early angiosperms increased in abundance and diversity and evolved from a few aquatic species to terrestrial herbaceous and then to the diversified flora of today. Angiosperms showed rapid physiological evolution in vein density and leaf area that improved photosynthesis and water absorption. These ecophysiological changes made early angiosperms well adapted to the hot and dry environment in mid‐Cretaceous. Moreover, these physiological changes facilitated the fire–angiosperm cycles in mid‐Cretaceous that likely further stimulated the early angiosperm evolution.
Decomposition and nutrient release of grass and tree fine roots along an environmental gradient in southern Patagonia
Authors: Gargaglione Verónica , Bahamonde Héctor Alejandro , Peri Pablo Luis
Published: October 2018

Decomposition of fine roots is a fundamental ecosystem process that relates to carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, this important ecosystem process has been hardly studied in Patagonian ecosystems. The aim of this work was to study root decomposition and nutrient release from fine roots of grasses and trees (Nothofagus antarctica) across a range of Patagonian ecosystems that included steppe, primary forest and silvopastoral forests. After 2.2 years of decomposition in the field all roots retained 70–90% of their original mass, and decomposition rates were 0.09 and 0.15 year−1 for grass roots in steppe and primary forest, respectively. For N. antarctica roots, no significant differences were found in rates of decay between primary and silvopastoral forests (k = 0.07 year−1). Possibly low temperatures of these southern sites restricted decomposition by microorganisms. Nutrient release differed between sites and root types. Across all ecosystem categories, nitrogen (N) retention in decomposing biomass followed the order: tree roots > roots of forest grasses > roots of steppe grasses. Phosphorus (P) was retained in grass roots in forest plots but was released during decomposition of tree and steppe grass roots. Calcium (Ca) dynamics also was different between root types, since trees showed retention during the initial phase, whereas grass roots showed a slow and consistent Ca release during decomposition. Potassium (K) was the only nutrient that was rapidly released from both grass and tree roots in both grasslands and woodlands. We found that silvopastoral use of N. antarctica forests does not affect grass or tree root decomposition and/or nutrient release, since no significant differences were found for any nutrient according to ecosystem type. Information about tree and grass root decomposition found in this work could be useful to understand C and nutrient cycling in these southern ecosystems, which are characterized by extreme climatic conditions.
An update of the pathogenesis of frontal fibrosing alopecia: What does the current evidence tell us?
Authors: Photiou Louise , Nixon Rosemary L , Tam Mei , Green Jack , Yip Leona
Published: October 2018

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary patterned cicatricial alopecia with a complicated pathogenesis yet to be fully understood. FFA appears to be increasing in incidence worldwide, especially in the last decade. In order to consider current treatment options, we reviewed current evidence for its pathogenesis comprising immune‐mediated, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Th1‐mediated inflammation with collapse of hair follicle immune privilege and bulge epithelial stem cell destruction, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) depletion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are key events leading to permanent hair follicle destruction in FFA. Although the vast majority of cases are sporadic, familial reports of FFA implicate genetic or epigenetic mechanisms in its pathogenesis. The frequent onset of FFA in post‐menopausal women, similar patterning and co‐existence with female pattern hair loss, together with a reportedly good response to 5α‐reductase inhibitors suggest a role for sex steroid hormones. The reported increasing incidence invites speculation for, yet unproven, environmental triggers such as sun exposure and topical allergens. More robust research into this unique entity is required to help understand the complexity of the pathogenesis of FFA in order to find satisfactory therapeutic targets for this often distressing condition.
Prospective randomized comparative study of pigtail catheter drainage versus percutaneous needle aspiration in treatment of liver abscess
Authors: Kulhari Mukesh , Mandia Rajendra
Published: October 2018

Background

This prospective randomized comparative study is designed to compare outcomes of ultrasonography‐guided pigtail catheter drainage (PCD) and needle aspiration for the treatment of liver abscesses in terms of days to achieve clinical improvement, 50% reduction in cavity size and duration of hospital stay.

Methods

This is a hospital‐based comparative study conducted in SMS Hospital, Jaipur, India, from May 2015 to May 2017. Sample size was calculated to be 95 subjects in each of the two groups at α error of 0.05 and power of 80%. Independent t‐test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 190 patients of liver abscess were included in this study and we treated 95 patients with percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) and remaining patients with PCD along with systemic antibiotics. Mean time for clinical improvement in PNA group (6.96 ± 1.33 days) was higher as compared to PCD group (4.22 ± 1.25 days). The mean time for reduction of cavity size to 50% of original size in PNA group (7.05 ± 1.25 days) was higher as compared to PCD group (4.43 ± 1.27 days). Mean hospital stay of patients in PNA group (12.9 ± 4.02 days) was higher as compared to PCD group (11.44 ± 4.15 days).

Conclusion

Percutaneous catheter drainage is a better modality as compared to PNA especially in larger abscesses which are partially liquefied.
Paediatric chronic hepatitis B virus infection: are children too tolerant to treat?
Authors: El‐Raziky Mona El‐Said , Fouad Hanan Mina , Abd Elkhalak Noha Saber , Ghobrial Carolyne Morcos , El‐Karaksy Hanaa Mostafa
Published: October 2018

Aim

Guidelines for managing the hepatitis B (HB) virus infection in children are still evolving. We aimed to assess the eligibility of children with HB virus infections for treatment based on the current guidelines.

Methods

This observational study took place in 2016 and focused on children with isolated chronic HB infections, who attended the paediatric hepatology units at two centres in Egypt. We recruited all treatment‐naïve children aged one year to 18 years who had completed at least 12 months of follow‐up.

Results

The study comprised 103 children aged between 1.5–18 years. Of these, 51 (50%) had the HB e antigen‐positive chronic infection, 28 (27%) had the HB‐negative chronic infection, 11 (11%) had the HB e antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis and none had the HB e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis. The remaining 13 (12%) children did not fulfil the criteria for chronic HB definitions. Only two of the children were candidates for treatment: both had HB e antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis and had undergone liver biopsies.

Conclusion

Only two of the 103 children with chronic HB were eligible for treatment according to the current guidelines and every measure should be taken to prevent the HB virus infection in children.
Phosphorylation of cardiac voltage‐gated sodium channel: Potential players with multiple dimensions
Authors: Iqbal Shahid M. , Lemmens‐Gruber Rosa
Published: October 2018

Cardiomyocytes are highly coordinated cells with multiple proteins organized in micro domains. Minor changes or interference in subcellular proteins can cause major disturbances in physiology. The cardiac sodium channel (NaV1.5) is an important determinant of correct electrical activity in cardiomyocytes which are localized at intercalated discs, T‐tubules and lateral membranes in the form of a macromolecular complex with multiple interacting protein partners. The channel is tightly regulated by post‐translational modifications for smooth conduction and propagation of action potentials. Among regulatory mechanisms, phosphorylation is an enzymatic and reversible process which modulates NaV1.5 channel function by attaching phosphate groups to serine, threonine or tyrosine residues. Phosphorylation of NaV1.5 is implicated in both normal physiological and pathological processes and is carried out by multiple kinases. In this review, we discuss and summarize recent literature about the (a) structure of NaV1.5 channel, (b) formation and subcellular localization of NaV1.5 channel macromolecular complex, (c) post‐translational phosphorylation and regulation of NaV1.5 channel, and (d) how these phosphorylation events of NaV1.5 channel alter the biophysical properties and affect the channel during disease status. We expect, by reviewing these aspects will greatly improve our understanding of NaV1.5 channel biology, physiology and pathology, which will also provide an insight into the mechanism of arrythmogenesis at molecular level.
Neurons in the rat ventral lateral preoptic area are essential for the warm‐evoked inhibition of brown adipose tissue and shivering thermogenesis
Authors: Conceição Ellen P. S. , Madden Christopher J. , Morrison Shaun F.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To determine the role of neurons in the ventral part of the lateral preoptic area (vLPO) in CNS thermoregulation.

Methods

In vivo electrophysiological and neuropharmacological were used to evaluate the contribution of neurons in the vLPO to the regulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and muscle shivering in urethane/chloralose‐anaesthetized rats.

Results

Nanoinjections of NMDA targeting the medial preoptic area (MPA) and the vLPO suppressed the cold‐evoked BAT sympathetic activity (SNA), reduced the BAT temperature (TBAT), expired CO2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate. Inhibition of vLPO neurons with muscimol or AP5/CNQX elicited increases in BAT SNA, TBAT, tachycardia, and small elevations in MAP. The BAT thermogenesis evoked by AP5/CNQX in vLPO was inhibited by the activation of MPA neurons. The inhibition of BAT SNA by vLPO neurons does not require a GABAergic input to dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), but MPA provides a GABAergic input to DMH. The activation of vLPO neurons inhibits the BAT thermogenesis evoked by NMDA in the rostral raphe pallidus (rRPa), but not that after bicuculline in rRPa. The BAT thermogenesis elicited by vLPO inhibition is dependent on glutamatergic inputs to DMH and rRPa, but these excitatory inputs do not arise from MnPO neurons. The activation of neurons in the vLPO also inhibits cold‐ and prostaglandin‐evoked muscle shivering, and vLPO inhibition is sufficient to evoke shivering.

Conclusion

The vLPO contains neurons that are required for the warm ambient‐evoked inhibition of muscle shivering and of BAT thermogenesis, mediated through a direct or indirect GABAergic input to rRPa from vLPO.
An evaluation of the role of mixing techniques in the observed variation in acetylcysteine infusion concentrations
Authors: Layne Kerry , Hope Louise , Rab Edmund , Archer John , Wood David M. , Dargan Paul I.
Published: October 2018

Intravenous acetylcysteine is commonly prescribed as a course of three infusions for the management of paracetamol poisoning. Previous studies have demonstrated large variation in administered doses of intravenous acetylcysteine, which has been attributed to numerous factors, including inadequate mixing of infusion bags. The aim of this study was to determine whether the amount of mixing of infusion bags contributes significantly to this variation. Using acetylcysteine doses for a 60–69 kg patient, we added the appropriate volume of acetylcysteine to 5% glucose and subsequently inverted the infusion bags 0–5 times to mix the solutions. Infusion bags were then run through using an infusion pump and acetylcysteine concentrations measured at the beginning and end of the infusions. We found no significant difference between the beginning and end concentrations of acetylcysteine regardless of whether bags were mixed or not; infusion 1 (150 mg kg−1) showed beginning and end concentrations of 44.61 and 42.48 mg ml−1 respectively after 0 mixes, whilst beginning and end concentrations were 44.45 and 44.58 mg ml−1 respectively after five mixes. The same trend was observed for infusions 2 and 3. This confirmed that mixing does not play a substantial role in variation of drug concentrations; these are likely to be caused by an accumulation of small errors in infusion preparation.
Education of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders in Egypt
Authors: Gobrial Ereny , McAnelly Su , Shannon Patrick
Published: October 2018

Accessible Summary

This paper reviews the present educational needs of children and young people and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Egypt.

Children with ASD are largely unrecognised by the educational provision in Egypt.

This paper highlights the need for an improved educational programme for children with ASD who also experience an associated learning disability and learning difficulties.

It is crucial to develop teacher support programmes and empower teachers to enable children and young people with ASD develop their fullest potential.

This paper outlines, through a transnational discourse between partners in Egypt and the UK, an overview of the literature on the definition and features of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) with associated learning needs and health conditions as applied to children and young people in Egypt. As a low‐ to middle‐income country, Egypt has a poor and underdeveloped health, education and social service to support children with ASD and very little research has investigated this phenomenon. This paper adds to the discussion through the shared knowledge and practice in the educational curriculum of children with ASD in Egypt.
Stratigraphic response to spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing in rifted continental basin: Insight from a coupled tectonic‐stratigraphic numerical model
Authors: Wu Heng , Ji Youliang , Wu Chenliang , Duclaux Guillaume , Wu Hao , Gao Chonglong , Li Longdi , Chang Liang
Published: October 2018

The role of spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing in the development of stratigraphic patterns along passive margins and continental rift basins has been recognized for decades, but the exact nature of the stratigraphic response is still debated. This study develops a coupled tectonic‐stratigraphic numerical model with a fixed absolute lake level and constant climate conditions to quantify the signatures of spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing on the stratigraphic record. This model consists of a three‐dimensional rift basin with a range of geomorphic features and produces a number of well‐recognized stratigraphic patterns, which are commonly interpreted to be caused by lake‐/sea‐level or climate fluctuations. This study demonstrates that the shoreline and grain‐size front are decoupled through the adjustment of the depositional slope and sediment dispersal under spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing, especially in underfilled basins. Under such a decoupled situation, the pathway of the migrating subsidence centre correlates with the pathway of the grain‐size front, a result of competition between spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing and autogenic sediment transport. The model results also highlight the significance of three‐dimensional variability in the stratigraphic response to tectonic forcing, which may be overlooked or misinterpreted and suggests a high degree of uncertainty in re‐establishing the base‐level cycles from the stratigraphic record alone. Moreover, spectral analysis of the modelled stratigraphy and tectonic forcing suggests that low‐frequency tectonic signals are more likely to be recorded in the stratigraphy with a lag time, whereas high‐frequency tectonic signals are likely to be shredded, mixed with autogenic signals, or buffered through sediment‐routing systems. Finally, quantitative measurements of the stratigraphic architecture of the Nanpu sag in the Bohai Bay Basin, China are used to tune the numerical model of this study to illustrate how to evaluate the role of tectonic forcing on the development of characteristic stratigraphic sequences.
LncRNA XIST mediates bovine mammary epithelial cell inflammatory response via NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Ma Mengru , Pei Yifei , Wang Xixi , Feng Jiaxin , Zhang Yong , Gao Ming‐Qing
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The correlations between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and diverse mammal diseases have been clarified by many researches, but the cognition about bovine mastitis‐related lncRNAs remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of lncRNA X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) in the inflammatory response of bovine mammary epithelial cells.

Materials and methods

Two inflammatory bovine mammary alveolar cell‐T (MAC‐T) models were established by infecting the cells with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were measured, and the proliferation, viability and apoptosis of the inflammatory cells were evaluated after XIST was knocked down by an siRNA. The relationship among XIST, NF‐κB pathway and NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was investigated using an inhibitor of NF‐κB signal pathway.

Results

The expression of XIST was abnormally increased in bovine mastitic tissues and inflammatory MAC‐T cells. Silencing of XIST significantly increased the expression of E. coli or S. aureus‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, knockdown of XIST could inhibit cell proliferation, suppress cell viability and promote cell apoptosis under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, XIST inhibited E. coli or S. aureus‐induced NF‐κB phosphorylation and the production of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Conclusions

The expression of XIST was promoted by activated NF‐κB pathway and, in turn, XIST generated a negative feedback loop to regulate NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway for mediating the process of inflammation.
Emerging roles of long non‐coding RNAs in neuropathic pain
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xingye , Chen Xin , Li Shugang , Ho Idy H. T. , Liu Xiaodong , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K.
Published: October 2018

Neuropathic pain, a type of chronic and potentially disabling pain resulting from primary injury/dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system and spinal cord injury, is one of the most intense types of chronic pain, which incurs a significant economic and public health burden. However, our understanding of its cellular and molecular pathogenesis is still far from complete. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and have recently been characterized as key modulators of neuronal functions. Emerging evidence suggested that lncRNAs are deregulated and play pivotal roles in the development of neuropathic pain. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the roles of deregulated lncRNAs (eg, KCNA2‐AS, uc.48+, NONRATT021972, MRAK009713, XIST, CCAT1) in the development of neuropathic pain. These studies suggested that specific regulation of lncRNAs or their downstream targets might provide novel therapeutic avenues for this refractory disease.
Effects of liver transplantation on health‐related quality of life in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Krawczyk Marcin , Koźma Małgorzata , Szymańska Agnieszka , Leszko Katarzyna , Przedniczek Marta , Mucha Krzysztof , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Pączek Leszek , Moszczuk Barbara , Milkiewicz Piotr , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna
Published: October 2018

Background

Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have decreased health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Here, we investigate HRQoL in two cohorts of transplanted patients with PBC and compare their results to healthy subjects.

Patients and Methods

We used generic SF‐36 and disease‐specific PBC‐40 questionnaires to evaluate HRQoL in 26 patients with PBC (23 females, age 59.4 ± 5.7 years) before and after liver transplantation (LT), and in 107 patients with PBC (99 females, age 62.8 ± 6.7 years) who were previously transplanted. The control group was comprised of 60 healthy controls (55 females, age 54.6 ± 8.8 years).

Results

Health‐related quality of life improved after LT in 85% of PBC patients. The SF‐36 measure showed significant (all P < 0.05) improvements in the majority of domains after LT, and in the summary scores both physical and mental. We also documented significant improvements in pruritus and fatigue after LT (all P < 0.01). However, liver graft recipients had significantly worse physical functioning, physical role, and emotional role domains, and physical component score (all P < 0.001), as compared to healthy subjects. No differences in HRQoL were detected between patients evaluated after short and prolonged post‐LT periods (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Liver transplantation substantially improves most aspects of life quality in PBC patients. Nevertheless, their HRQoL remains worse in comparison to healthy individuals, mainly in physical aspects.
The Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment: validation of a new scale
Authors: Jary Sally
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Hadders‐Algra et al. on pages 654–660 of this issue.
ADMA and NT pro‐BNP are associated with overall mortality in elderly
Authors: Sheikh Rezaei Safoura , Weisshaar Stefan , Litschauer Brigitte , Gouya Ghazaleh , Ohrenberger Gerald , Wolzt Michael
Published: October 2018

Background

Increased asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NT pro‐BNP concentrations have been associated with mortality in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease and the general population. The use of these prognostic markers in an older population is not established yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of age, sex, BMI, co‐medication and CV laboratory risk markers in geriatric care patients.

Materials and methods

In this prospective observational single‐centre cohort study data of long‐term geriatric care patients were collected. Blood samples were collected between 14.09.2009 and 16.12.2009, and mortality was recorded up to 90 months. ADMA, its symmetric isomer SDMA, L‐arginine, NT pro‐BNP and CRP were determined at study entry. Simple associations of risk factors for survival period were explored by Spearman correlation coefficient. Significant univariate predictors for survival period were used in the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 481 patients were screened, and data from 449 patients were analysed. A total of 381 patients died during the observation period. Full data sets from 344 patients were used for Cox regression analysis. Male sex, older age, lower BMI, use of neuroleptic medicine, peripheral artery disease, and elevated plasma concentrations of ADMA, NT pro‐BNP, and CRP were significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

The concentration of ADMA and NT pro‐BNP may be used as an early risk marker for overall mortality in geriatric care. Neuroleptic medicine is associated with increased mortality in this population.
Settling in or passing through: differentiating between wood‐boring beetle visitation and colonization after a dead wood pulse
Authors: Gandiaga F. , Thibault M. , Nadeau P. , Moreau G.
Published: October 2018

To determine the effect of resource pulses on animal communities, it is important to differentiate the species colonizing the resource substrate from the ones simply moving through the system. In a manipulative field study, we surveyed the response of wood‐boring beetles (Coleoptera) to the small debris produced by commercial thinning operations in white spruce plantations using two methods. First, we sampled the wood‐boring beetles visiting the plantations using flight intercept traps. Then, at the end of the resource pulse in fresh woody debris, we documented the abundance of beetle emergence holes on vertical and horizontal woody debris, which indicate wood‐boring beetle colonization. Results demonstrated that the small horizontal debris generated by commercial thinning were used by saproxylic beetles but were not a preferred resource for colonization, by contrast with vertical dead wood. Only small‐body beetles colonized the horizontal debris and most debris were not colonized. Vertical dead wood, even if present in relatively small quantity when compared to horizontal dead wood, was a major determinant of beetle colonization and community composition. Biomass removal was shown to have a strong detrimental impact on beetle colonization rates. Based on these results, we suggest that most of the saproxylic species trapped after commercial thinning operations were attracted in response to the initial pulse of resource but did not actually colonize the debris from thinning. Thus, we stress the importance of distinguishing between species visitation and colonization following a resource pulse when sampling relies on indirect trapping methods.
Effects of the veterinary anthelmintic moxidectin on dung beetle survival and dung removal
Authors: Manning Paul , Lewis Owen T. , Beynon Sarah A.
Published: October 2018

Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are chemical compounds administered to livestock for parasite control. These compounds are poorly metabolized and pass relatively unchanged into the dung of treated animals. When coprophagous insects such as dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) are exposed to ML residues while feeding on dung, lethal and sublethal effects are often observed. This can lead to ML residues impairing ecosystem functions that underpin agricultural production. A strategy to reduce these negative effects involves the use of compounds that offer lower risk to non‐target invertebrates, such as the ML moxidectin. Considering two dung beetle species with differing sensitivities to agricultural intensification, we asked whether exposure to moxidectin residues influenced survival, reproductive output, and functioning (short‐ and long‐term estimates of dung removal). When exposed to moxidectin, adults of the sensitive species – Geotrupes spiniger Marsham (Scarabaeidae) – experienced a 43% reduction in survival. In contrast, survival of the non‐sensitive species – Aphodius rufipes L. (Scarabaeidae) – was unaffected. We were unable to determine whether exposure affected reproductive output of either species. We found little evidence to suggest moxidectin impaired dung removal. However, high densities of a species with relatively low individual functional importance (A. rufipes) can compensate for the loss of a functionally dominant species (G. spiniger). Over a longer time frame, earthworms decomposed dung fully, irrespective of moxidectin residues. This functional redundancy reinforces that wider justification for the conservation of biodiversity should remain integrated into agricultural policy and practice.