bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathology of synovial cysts of the spine
Authors: Chebib Ivan , Chang Connie Y , Schwab Joseph H , Kerr Darcy A , Deshpande Vikram , Nielsen G Petur
Published: January 2018

Aims

Cystic lesions derived from the synovial and ligamentous structures of the spine have varied histological appearances. Not uncommonly, there is discrepancy between the clinicoradiological diagnosis and histology. Therefore, we sought to characterise the histological features of tissue submitted as ‘synovial cysts’ of the spine.

Methods and results

Resected specimens of the spine labelled ‘synovial cysts’ and ‘lumbar cysts’ were histologically evaluated and classified on the basis of histopathological features. Seventy‐five histological samples of spinal cysts were identified. Thirty‐one were classified as synovial cysts (definite synovial lining), 28 showed pseudocystic degeneration of the ligamentum flavum, seven showed pseudocyst formation without evidence of a synovial lining or degeneration of the ligamentum flavum, and eight showed cyst contents only or no histological evidence of cyst wall for evaluation. Twenty‐five cases (33%), especially those showing pseudocystic degeneration of the ligamentum flavum, were associated with very characteristic tumour calcinosis‐like calcium deposition with a surrounding foreign‐body giant‐cell reaction.

Conclusion

Histology of ‘synovial cysts’ of the spine shows varied types of cyst; a large proportion are not synovial‐lined cysts, but rather show pseudocystic degenerative changes of the ligamentum flavum, often associated with very characteristic finely granular calcifications and a foreign‐body giant‐cell reaction. This may have implications not only for understanding the pathogenesis of these lesions, but also for their varied responses to non‐surgical interventions.
New collagen‐coated calcium phosphate synthetic bone filler (Synergoss®): A comparative surface analysis
Authors: Iviglia Giorgio , Morra Marco , Cassinelli Clara , Torre Elisa , Rodriguez Y Baena Ruggero
Published: January 2018

Replacement of bone loss or reconstruction of bone defect is still a clinical challenge. Synergoss® is a recently developed synthetic bone filler that exploits biomolecular surface engineering to deliver directly to the filler‐implant interface the signaling properties of type I collagen. In this article, we compared Synergoss® bone filler with the most used materials present on the market derived from animal source (Bio‐Oss®, Gen‐Os®) or synthetic source (BoneCeramic®). All tested bone fillers were analyzed by ATR‐IR, providing information concerning the chemical composition and the main functional groups. Surface zeta potential analysis shows a positive surface charge for Synergoss®, confirming that the material exposes a collagen nanolayer to the surrounding environment, unlike typical synthetic and bone‐based fillers. The chemical composition of the first few nanometers of the surface of tested bone fillers was evaluated by XPS, and Synergoss® shows a significant amount of nitrogen (9.8 at%), which is not detected in any of the remaining materials. Morphological structure of Synergoss® (analyzed by SEM) shows a uniformly distributed micro‐ and macroporosity, which plays an essential role in influencing cell adhesion and blood vessel infiltration, nutrient transportation, and clot formation to stimulate the overall healing process.
Techno‐economic optimization model for “sustainable” insulation material developed for energy efficiency
Authors: Balo Figen , Sua Lutfu S.
Published: January 2018

Renewable insulation materials are produced within the scope of this study using clay, fly ash, expanded perlite, epoxidized hemp oil, and hemp fiber. Density, thermal conductivity, and compressive‐tensile strength of the produced materials are analyzed. Economic and environmental analysis of the best sample with the most appropriate characteristics for an insulation material is conducted using a hybrid mathematical model developed for this study. Mathematical formulas of an economic evaluation technique of P1‐P2 method is integrated into Simulated Annealing Algorithm as one of the metaheuristic optimization approaches. Applicability of the proposed material for externally insulated walls is tested. For this purpose, optimum insulation thickness, payback period, energy savings for 10 years of lifetime, and CO2‐SO2 emissions were calculated for 5 types of energy sources along with a sensitivity analysis. This method is developed and coded in a software platform and used for the first time for the optimization of insulation material thickness. The experimental results obtained from evaluation of the sample H36 indicate that using this material for insulation purposes in the buildings have the potential of making significant contribution for energy efficiency along with various environmental benefits.
Structural evaluation and mechanical property of boron nitride fibers during melt‐drawn fabrication process
Authors: Wang Chonghai , Hong Changqing , Yan Liwen , Lin Xue , Zhang Mingxia , Wang Jiazhi , Qu Qiang
Published: January 2018

Boron nitride (BN) fibers were fabricated on a large scale through the melt‐drawn technique from low‐cost boric acid, NH3, and N2. Evolution of structure and properties of BN fibers during the fabrication process was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanical properties of BN fibers were tested and analyzed. The results shown that both the mechanical properties and the crystallinity of BN fibers slightly increased with the temperature from 450 to 850°C, due to the combination of the fused‐B3N3. For BN fibers heat‐treated at 850 or 1000°C, the tensile strength (σR) and elastic modulus (E) were strongly increased because of the increase in crystallization of the BN phase. The meso‐hexagonal BN fibers with a diameter of 5.0 μm were fabricated at 1750°C, of which the tensile strength (σR) and elastic modulus (E) are 1200 MPa and 85 GPa, respectively. BN fibers with excellent mechanical properties and proper diameters were obtained by nitriding of green fibers during their conversion into ceramic.
Isotretinoin treatment for folliculitis decalvans: a retrospective case‐series study
Authors: Aksoy Berna , Hapa Asli , Mutlu Emine
Published: January 2018

Background

The literature includes only a few reports of oral isotretinoin for the treatment of folliculitis decalvans (FD). This study aimed to determine the most effective dose and duration of oral isotretinoin monotherapy for achieving remission in FD patients.

Methods

This retrospective case series study included FD patients that were treated with oral isotretinoin. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment details were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Patients were contacted via telephone after treatment was completed and asked about any relapses, time period of relapses, and the long‐term effects of the treatment.

Results

The study included 39 male patients with a mean age of 37.9 ± 15.5 years. All of the patients received oral isotretinoin 0.1–1.02 mg/kg/day (10–90 mg/day) for a median duration of 2.5 months (range: 1–8 months). In all, 82.0% of patients healed after the treatment. Patients that received oral isotretinoin ≥0.4 mg/kg/day for ≥3 months responded better, and 66% of them never relapsed.

Conclusion

Contrary to general belief, oral isotretinoin monotherapy resulted in complete response in the majority of patients in this study. Based on this finding, we think oral isotretinoin ≥0.4 mg/kg/day should be given for ≥3 months to minimize the likelihood of relapse. In addition, we think oral isotretinoin monotherapy should be considered a promising treatment alternative for FD that warrants further research.
Krüppel homologue 1 acts as a repressor and an activator in the transcriptional response to juvenile hormone in adult mosquitoes
Authors: Ojani R. , Fu X. , Ahmed T. , Liu P. , Zhu J.
Published: January 2018

Krüppel homologue 1 (Kr‐h1) is a zinc finger transcription factor that is upregulated in insects by juvenile hormone (JH) in metamorphosis and adult reproduction. The molecular function of Kr‐h1 in reproduction remains largely unknown. Here we report that AaKr‐h1 functions as an important transcription regulator in adult female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The amount of AaKr‐h1 protein increases with rising JH levels after adult emergence, reaches its peak at 48 h after eclosion, then decreases gradually and disappears after blood feeding. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated depletion of AaKr‐h1 substantially reduced egg production after blood feeding. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation cloning approach, we identified in vivo AaKr‐h1 binding sites in previtellogenic female mosquitoes. Binding of AaKr‐h1 to the target genes correlated with its protein abundance. Interestingly, RNAi experiments indicated that AaKr‐h1 played distinct roles when it bound to individual target genes. For example, depletion of AaKr‐h1 led to substantial upregulation of AAEL005545 and AAEL004444, but also significantly decreased the expression of AAEL005957 and AAEL013177 when compared with the control mosquitoes. In summary, AaKr‐h1 directly binds to the regulatory regions of its target genes and acts as a transcriptional activator or a repressor in a promoter‐specific manner.
MEMO+: Efficacy, Durability and Effect of Cognitive Training and Psychosocial Intervention in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Belleville Sylvie , Hudon Carol , Bier Nathalie , Brodeur Catherine , Gilbert Brigitte , Grenier Sébastien , Ouellet Marie‐Christine , Viscogliosi Chantal , Gauthier Serge
Published: January 2018

Background/Objectives

There is no consensus on the efficacy of cognitive training in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) because of the paucity of well‐designed randomized controlled trials. The objective was to assess the effect of memory training on the cognitive functioning of persons with MCI and its durability and to evaluate whether this effect generalizes to daily life and whether positive effects could be obtained from psychosocial intervention.

Design

Single‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Research centers of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal and Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec.

Participants

Older adults meeting criteria for amnestic MCI (N = 145).

Intervention

Participants were randomized to cognitive training, a psychosocial intervention, or a no‐contact control condition. Interventions were provided in small groups in eight 2‐hour sessions.

Measurement

Outcome measures were immediate and delayed composite performance memory scores, psychological health (depression, anxiety, well‐being), and generalization effects of the intervention (strategy use in everyday life, difficulties in complex activities of daily living, memory complaints). Testing was administered before training and immediately, 3 months, and 6 months after training.

Results

Participants in the cognitive training condition improved on the delayed composite memory score and on strategy use in everyday life. Improvement was maintained at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up assessments. Participants in the psychosocial and no‐contact conditions did not show any significant improvement.

Conclusion

Cognitive training improves the memory of persons with amnestic MCI. The effect persists over a 6‐month period, and learned strategies are used in everyday life. Cognitive training is a valid way to promote cognition in MCI.
Cognitive Training Improves Cognitive Performance, but What Else?
Authors: Jones Richard N.
Published: January 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Belleville et al.
Big Coffee in Brazil: Historical Origins and Implications for Anthropological Political Economy
Authors: Reichman Daniel R.
Published: January 2018

La mayoría del trabajo antropológico sobre el café se enfoca en los productores de pequeña escala en el mercado de “especialidad” pero el mercado mundial del café está cada vez más determinada por la agroindustria del café en Brasil, el mayor productor de café del mundo, y el segundo mayor consumidor. Este artículo examina los orígenes históricos y las realidades contemporáneas del “big coffee” en Brasil a través de un enfoque en programas de mejoramiento de café en la ciudad de Campinas. Actualmente, la producción de café brasileño está colapsando la diferencia entre los mercados “homogéneos “ e “ especiales” para el café y este cambio tiene implicaciones para la economía política antropológica, en particular las nociones de “ posfordismo “ extraídas del geógrafo David Harvey. La teorización antropológica del mercado mundial del café necesita tener en cuenta el aumento de la agroindustria del café en Brasil si se trata de comprender con precisión la dinámica económica políticos del presente y futuro. [agricultura, Brasil, café, economia]
Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide in the nucleus accumbens shell inhibits cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization to transient over‐expression of α‐Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Xiong Lixia , Meng Qing , Sun Xi , Lu Xiangtong , Fu Qiang , Peng Qinghua , Yang Jianhua , Oh Ki‐Wan , Hu Zhenzhen
Published: January 2018

Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) peptide is a widely distributed neurotransmitter that attenuates cocaine‐induced locomotor activity when injected into the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our previous work first confirmed that the inhibitory mechanism of the CART peptide on cocaine‐induced locomotor activity is related to a reduction in cocaine‐enhanced phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinaseIIα (pCaMKIIα) and the enhancement of cocaine‐induced D3R function. This study investigated whether CART peptide inhibited cocaine‐induced locomotor activity via inhibition of interactions between pCaMKIIα and the D3 dopamine receptor (D3R). We demonstrated that lentivirus‐mediated gene transfer transiently increased pCaMKIIα expression, which peaked at 10 days after microinjection into the rat NAc shell, and induced a significant increase in Ca2+ influx along with greater behavioral sensitivity in the open field test after intraperitoneal injections of cocaine (15 mg/kg). However, western blot analysis and coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that CART peptide treatment in lentivirus‐transfected CaMKIIα‐over‐expressing NAc rat tissues or cells prior to cocaine administration inhibited the cocaine‐induced Ca2+ influx and attenuated the cocaine‐increased pCaMKIIα expression in lentivirus‐transfected CaMKIIα‐over‐expressing cells. CART peptide decreased the cocaine‐enhanced phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) expression via inhibition of the pCaMKIIα‐D3R interaction, which may account for the prolonged locomotor sensitization induced by repeated cocaine treatment in lentivirus‐transfected CaMKIIα‐over‐expressing cells. These results provide strong evidence for the inhibitory modulation of CART peptide in cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14187.
Validity and measurement invariance of the Physical Restraint Use Questionnaire (PRUQ) in nursing staff
Authors: Penelo Eva , Estévez‐Guerra Gabriel J. , Fariña‐López Emilio
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To study the internal structure and measurement invariance of the Physical Restraint Use Questionnaire and to compare perceptions, experience and training, regarding use of physical restraint on the older people between nursing staff working in hospitals and nursing homes.

Background

Physical restraint of patients is still common in many countries, and thus, it is important to study the attitudes of nursing staff. One of the most common tools used to assess perceptions regarding its use is the Physical Restraint Use Questionnaire. However, gaps exist in its internal structure and measurement invariance across different groups of respondents.

Design

Cross‐sectional multicentre survey.

Methods

Data were collected from nurses working in eight Spanish hospitals and 19 nursing homes. All registered nurses and nurse assistants (N = 3,838) were contacted, of whom 1,635 agreed to participate. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to determine internal structure and measurement invariance of Physical Restraint Use Questionnaire, after which scale scores and other measures of experience and training were compared between hospital‐based (n = 855) and nursing homes‐based (n = 780) nurses.

Results

The Physical Restraint Use Questionnaire showed three invariant factors across type of facility, and also professional category and sex. Nursing staff working in both types of facility scored similarly; prevention of therapy disruption and prevention of falls were rated more important. Nurses working in nursing homes reported using restraint “many times” more frequently (52.9% vs. 38.6%), less severe lack of training (18.2% vs. 58.7%) being perceived as more adequate (33.4% vs. 17.7%), than hospital‐based nurses.

Conclusions

These findings support Physical Restraint Use Questionnaire as a valid and reliable tool for assessing the importance given to the use of physical restraint in the older people by nursing professionals, regardless of the setting being studied.

Relevance to clinical practice

The information would help design more specifically the physical restraint training of nursing staff and to plan institutional interventions aimed at reducing its use.
Nurse‐to‐nurse shift handoffs on medical–surgical units: A process within the flow of nursing care
Authors: Ernst Katherine M , McComb Sara A , Ley Cathaleen
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To qualitatively investigate the medical–surgical nurse shift handoff as a process within the workflow of the exchanging nurses. Specifically, this study sought to identify the ideal handoff, ways the handoff deviated from ideal, and subsequent effect on nursing care.

Background

The functions as well as information content of the handoff have been studied. However, typical studies look at the handoff as an isolated activity utilising nurse perceptions as the primary measure of quality.

Design

Semi‐structured focus groups were conducted to discuss nurses’ perspectives on ideal handoffs, ways handoffs deviate from the ideal including frequent and significant deviations and the effects on subsequent care.

Methods

Twenty‐one medical–surgical nurses participated in one of five audio‐taped focus group sessions. Three sessions were conducted at hospital A; two sessions at unaffiliated hospital B. The general inductive approach was used to analyse verbatim transcripts. Transcript segments relevant for answering the research questions were coded as ideal or not ideal. Conceptual themes were then developed.

Result

Two major themes were identified: teams/teamwork and constructing and communicating a shared understanding of the patients’ conditions. The importance of nurse preparatory activities was revealed including the incoming nurses reading patients’ health records and outgoing nurses rounding on patients. The impact of shared expectations was identified across the team, where teams include, in addition to the two nurses, the electronic health record, other hospital staff and patients/families with a bedside handoff. New potential nurse‐centred process and outcome measures were proposed.

Conclusions

Evaluating handoffs by their effect on the nursing performance both during and after the handoff offers a new framework to objectively assess handoff effectiveness.

Relevance to clinical practice

The handoff is a process which may significantly affect the incoming nurse's transition into and administration of nursing care.
Patient agitation and its management in adult critical care: A integrative review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Freeman Samantha , Yorke Janelle , Dark Paul
Published: January 2018

Aims and objective

To critically review the evidence relating to the management of agitation within the Adult Critical Care Unit environment and identify any risks and benefits of current management strategies.

Background

Admission to an Adult Critical Care Unit can be traumatic and potentially life altering for the patient. Patient agitation is common in Adult Critical Care Units and is associated with the potential for harm. Despite inherent safety risks, there is a paucity of evidence‐based guidance underpinning the care of agitation in patients with critical illness.

Study Design

Integrative review and narrative synthesis.

Methods

A systematic procedure for searching and selecting the literature was followed and applied to databases including CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Ovid including EMBASE and MEDLINE. Selected manuscripts were analysed using a structured narrative review approach.

Results

A total of 208 papers were identified and following a systematic deselection process 24 original articles were included in the review. It was identified that agitation in the setting of Adult Critical Care Unit is associated with high‐risk events such as unplanned removal of life‐supporting devices. There were consistent links to sepsis, previous high alcohol intake and certain medications, which may increase the development of agitation. Prompt assessment and early liberation from mechanical ventilation was a major contributing factor in the reduction in agitation. Administration of antideliriogenic mediation may reduce the need for physical restraint. There was repeated uncertainty about the role of physical restraint in developing agitation and its effective management.

Conclusions

Our review has shown that there is a dearth of research focusing on care of agitated patients in the Adult Critical Care Unit, despite this being a high‐risk group. There are dilemmas for clinical teams about the effectiveness of applying physical and/or pharmacological restraint. The review has highlighted that the risk of self‐extubation increases with the presence of agitation, reinforcing the need for constant clinical observation and vigilance.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of ensuring patients are re‐orientated regularly and signs of agitation assessed and acted upon promptly is reiterated. Early identification of specific patient profiles such as those with previous high alcohol or psychoactive drug habit may enable more proactive management in agitation management rather than reactive. The prompt liberation from the restriction of ventilation and encouragement of family or loved ones involvement in care need to be considered.
Bite or brain: Implication of sensorimotor regulation and neuroplasticity in oral rehabilitation procedures
Authors: Kumar A. , Kothari M. , Grigoriadis A. , Trulsson M. , Svensson P.
Published: January 2018

Tooth loss, decreased mass and strength of the masticatory muscles leading to difficulty in chewing have been suggested as important determinants of eating and nutrition in the elderly. To compensate for the loss of teeth, in particular, a majority of the elderly rely on dental prosthesis for chewing. Chewing function is indeed an important aspect of oral health, and therefore, oral rehabilitation procedures should aim to restore or maintain adequate function. However, even if the possibilities to anatomically restore lost teeth and occlusion have never been better; conventional rehabilitation procedures may still fail to optimally restore oral functions. Perhaps this is due to the lack of focus on the importance of the brain in the rehabilitation procedures. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review was to discuss the importance of maintaining or restoring optimum chewing function in the superageing population and to summarise the emerging studies on oral motor task performance and measures of cortical neuroplasticity induced by systematic training paradigms in healthy participants. Further, brain imaging studies in patients undergoing or undergone oral rehabilitation procedures will be discussed. Overall, this information is believed to enhance the understanding and develop better rehabilitative strategies to exploit training‐induced cortical neuroplasticity in individuals affected by impaired oral motor coordination and function. Training or relearning of oral motor tasks could be important to optimise masticatory performance in dental prosthesis users and may represent a much‐needed paradigm shift in the approach to oral rehabilitation procedures.
Optimal unemployment insurance and redistribution
Authors: Boadway Robin , Cuff Katherine
Published: January 2018

We characterize optimal income taxation and unemployment insurance in a search‐matching framework where both voluntary and involuntary unemployment are endogenous and Nash bargaining determines wages. Individuals decide whether to participate as job seekers and if so, how much search effort to exert. Unemployment insurance trades off insurance versus search and participation incentives. We also allow for different productivity types so there is a redistributive role for the income tax and show that a piecewise linear wage tax internalizes the macro effects arising from endogenous wages. Type‐specific lump‐sum taxes and transfers can then redistribute between individuals of differing skills and employment states. Our analysis embeds optimal unemployment insurance into an extensive‐margin optimal redistribution framework where transfers to the involuntarily and voluntarily unemployed can differ, and nests several standard models in the literature.
Building the mobile hub: mobile literacies and the construction of a complex academic text
Authors: Barden Owen
Published: January 2018

This paper contributes a definition ofmobile literacy.This is worthwhile because although mobile, internet‐enabled devices are increasingly prevalent in many people's lives, mobile literacy appears to be under‐theorised and lacking definition. After giving an overview of the scale and nature of mobile device use, the paper develops the definition through building on an existing body of work which seeks to define literacies, digital literacies and mobile learning. The definition takes account of the mobility of technology, of learners, and of learning. A systematic multimodal analysis of a complex undergraduate text, in the form of a conference‐style poster, is then undertaken in order to exemplify the definition offered. The analysis attends to both the semiotic resources exploited by the text's author and the wider context the text is created within. Interview data complements that constructed through analysis of the text itself. Combining these two data sources reveals the ideational, interpersonal and textual/organisational meanings communicated by the text, and how mobility is a contextual factor which is fundamental to the literacy practices employed by the author to convey these meanings.
Conceptual centrality and implicit bias
Authors: Del Pinal Guillermo , Spaulding Shannon
Published: January 2018

How are biases encoded in our representations of social categories? Philosophical and empirical discussions of implicit bias overwhelmingly focus onsalientorstatistical associationsbetween target features and representations of social categories. These are the sorts of associations probed by the Implicit Association Test and various priming tasks. In this paper, we argue that these discussions systematically overlook an alternative way in which biases are encoded, that is, in thedependency networksthat are part of our representations of social categories. Dependency networks encode information about how features in a conceptual representation depend on each other. This information determines the degree of centrality of a feature for a conceptual representation. Importantly, centrally encoded biases systematically disassociate from those encoded in salient‐statistical associations. Furthermore, the degree of centrality of a feature determines its cross‐contextual stability: in general, the more central a feature is for a concept, the more likely it is to survive into a wide array of cognitive tasks involving that concept. Accordingly, implicit biases that are encoded in the central features of concepts are predicted to be more resilient across different tasks and contexts. As a result, the distinction between centrally encoded and salient‐statistical biases has important theoretical and practical implications.
Alterations in the gut barrier and involvement of Toll‐like receptor 4 in murine postoperative ileus
Authors: Lin S.‐S. , Zhang R.‐Q. , Shen L. , Xu X.‐J. , Li K. , Bazhin A.‐V. , Fichna J. , Li Y.‐Y.
Published: January 2018

Background

The changes in the gut barrier (GB) and associated mechanisms in postoperative ileus (POI) are still unclear. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is involved in inflammation, which may cause GB dysfunction and POI. Here, the roles of the GB in POI in relation to TLR4‐dependent signaling pathways were explored.

Methods

POI was induced by small bowel manipulation in wild‐type (WT) and TLR4‐knockout (TLR4−/−) mice. Twenty‐four hours after manipulation, indices of gastrointestinal (GI) transit, GB structure and function, inflammation, and related signaling pathways were analyzed.

Key Results

Normal GI motility and GB function were not affected by TLR4 knockout. Compared with WT POI mice, TLR4−/−POI mice showed milder GI transit retardation, GB dysfunction, and inflammatory responses. In WT mice, GB disorder was characterized by colonic goblet cells depletion, increased gut claudin‐2 expression, and decreased CD4+/CD8+ ratios in intestinal Peyer's patches. Green fluorescent protein‐tagged Escherichia coli in the gut was detected in plasma and extraintestinal organs, followed with increased plasma lipopolysaccharide. These changes displayed in WT POI mice were less severe in TLR4−/−POI mice. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression of interleukin‐6, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, pp38 and pJNK in the intestine, and TNF‐α level in plasma were significantly increased in WT, but not TLR4−/−POI mice.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results indicate that GB is impaired in the experimental POI, with inflammation being involved in this pathological process. TLR4 deficiency alleviated GB dysfunction and suppressed inflammation by disrupting the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways, thereby ameliorating POI.
How to make a tumour: cell type specific dissection ofUstilago maydis‐induced tumour development in maize leaves
Authors: Matei Alexandra , Ernst Corinna , Günl Markus , Thiele Björn , Altmüller Janine , Walbot Virginia , Usadel Björn , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: January 2018

The biotrophic fungusUstilago maydiscauses smut disease on maize (Zea mays), which is characterized by immense plant tumours. To establish disease and reprogram organ primordia to tumours,U. maydisdeploys effector proteins in an organ‐specific manner. However, the cellular contribution to leaf tumours remains unknown.

We investigated leaf tumour formation at the tissue‐ and cell type‐specific levels. Cytology and metabolite analysis were deployed to understand the cellular basis for tumourigenesis. Laser‐capture microdissection was performed to gain a cell type‐specific transcriptome ofU. maydisduring tumour formation.

In vivovisualization of plantDNAsynthesis identified bundle sheath cells as the origin of hyperplasic tumour cells, while mesophyll cells become hypertrophic tumour cells. Cell type‐specific transcriptome profiling ofU. maydisrevealed tailored expression of fungal effector genes. Moreover,U. maydisSee1 was identified as the first cell type‐specific fungal effector, being required for induction of cell cycle reactivation in bundle sheath cells.

Identification of distinct cellular mechanisms in two different leaf cell types and of See1 as an effector for induction of proliferation of bundle sheath cells are major steps in understandingU. maydis‐induced tumour formation. Moreover, the cell type‐specificU. maydistranscriptome data are a valuable resource to the scientific community.
Tree rings provide a new class of phenotypes for genetic associations that foster insights into adaptation of conifers to climate change
Authors: Housset Johann M. , Nadeau Simon , Isabel Nathalie , Depardieu Claire , Duchesne Isabelle , Lenz Patrick , Girardin Martin P.
Published: January 2018

Local adaptation in tree species has been documented through a long history of common garden experiments where functional traits (height, bud phenology) are used as proxies for fitness. However, the ability to identify genes or genomic regions related to adaptation to climate requires the evaluation of traits that precisely reflect how and when climate exerts selective constraints.

We combine dendroecology with association genetics to establish a link between genotypes, phenotypes and interannual climatic fluctuations. We illustrate this approach by examining individual tree responses embedded in the annual rings of 233 Pinus strobus trees growing in a common garden experiment representing 38 populations from the majority of its range.

We found that interannual variability in growth was affected by low temperatures during spring and autumn, and by summer heat and drought. Among‐population variation in climatic sensitivity was significantly correlated with the mean annual temperature of the provenance, suggesting local adaptation. Genotype–phenotype associations using these new tree‐ring phenotypes validated nine candidate genes identified in a previous genetic–environment association study.

Combining dendroecology with association genetics allowed us to assess tree vulnerability to past climate at fine temporal scales and provides avenues for future genomic studies on functional adaptation in forest trees.
Dynamics of oxygen and carbon dioxide in rhizospheres of Lobelia dortmanna – a planar optode study of belowground gas exchange between plants and sediment
Authors: Lenzewski Nikola , Mueller Peter , Meier Robert Johannes , Liebsch Gregor , Jensen Kai , Koop‐Jakobsen Ketil
Published: January 2018

Root‐mediated CO2 uptake, O2 release and their effects on O2 and CO2 dynamics in the rhizosphere of Lobelia dortmanna were investigated.

Novel planar optode technology, imaging CO2 and O2 distribution around single roots, provided insights into the spatiotemporal patterns of gas exchange between roots, sediment and microbial community.

In light, O2 release and CO2 uptake were pronounced, resulting in a distinct oxygenated zone (radius: c. 3 mm) and a CO2‐depleted zone (radius: c. 2 mm) around roots. Simultaneously, however, microbial CO2 production was stimulated within a larger zone around the roots (radius: c. 10 mm). This gave rise to a distinct pattern with a CO2 minimum at the root surface and a CO2 maximum c. 2 mm away from the root. In darkness, CO2 uptake ceased, and the CO2‐depleted zone disappeared within 2 h. By contrast, the oxygenated root zone remained even after 8 h, but diminished markedly over time.

A tight coupling between photosynthetic processes and the spatiotemporal dynamics of O2 and CO2 in the rhizosphere of Lobelia was demonstrated, and we suggest that O2‐induced stimulation of the microbial community in the sediment increases the supply of inorganic carbon for photosynthesis by building up a CO2 reservoir in the rhizosphere.
Wheezing and infantile colic are associated with neonatal antibiotic treatment
Authors: Oosterloo Berthe C. , van Elburg Ruurd M. , Rutten Nicole B. , Bunkers Carin M. , Crijns Clarissa E. , Meijssen Clemens B. , Oudshoorn Johanna H. , Rijkers Ger T. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Vlieger Arine M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Cohort studies have suggested that early‐life antibiotic treatment is associated with increased risk of atopy. We determined whether antibiotic treatment already in the first week of life increases the risk of atopic and non‐atopic disorders.

Methods

The INCA study is a prospective observational birth cohort study of 436 term infants, with follow‐up of 1 year; 151 neonates received broad‐spectrum antibiotics for suspected neonatal infection (AB+), vs a healthy untreated control group (N = 285; AB−). In the first year, parents recorded daily (non‐) allergic symptoms. At 1 year, doctors’ diagnoses were registered and a blood sample was taken (n = 205).

Results

Incidence of wheezing in the first year was higher in AB+ than AB− (41.0% vs 30.5%, P = .026; aOR 1.56 [95%CI 0.99‐2.46, P = .06]). Infantile colics were more prevalent in AB+ compared to AB− (21.9% and 14.4% P = .048), and antibiotic treatment was an independent risk factor for infantile colics (aOR 1.66 (95%CI 1.00‐2.77) P = .05). Allergic sensitization (Phadiatop >0.70kUA/L) showed a trend toward a higher risk in AB+ (aOR 3.26 (95%CI 0.95‐11.13) P = .06). Incidence of eczema, infections, and GP visits in the first year were similar in AB+ and AB−.

Conclusion

Antibiotic treatment in the first week of life is associated with an increased risk of wheezing and infantile colics. This study may provide a rationale for early cessation of antibiotics in neonates without proven or probable infection.
Co‐occurring woody species have diverse hydraulic strategies and mortality rates during an extreme drought
Authors: Johnson Daniel M. , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Carter Berry Z. , Schwantes Amanda M. , McCulloh Katherine A. , Woodruff David R. , Wayne Polley H. , Wortemann Remí , Swenson Jennifer J. , Scott Mackay D. , McDowell Nate G. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: January 2018

From 2011 to 2013, Texas experienced its worst drought in recorded history. This event provided a unique natural experiment to assess species‐specific responses to extreme drought and mortality of four co‐occurring woody species: Quercus fusiformis, Diospyros texana, Prosopis glandulosa, and Juniperus ashei. We examined hypothesized mechanisms that could promote these species' diverse mortality patterns using postdrought measurements on surviving trees coupled to retrospective process modelling. The species exhibited a wide range of gas exchange responses, hydraulic strategies, and mortality rates. Multiple proposed indices of mortality mechanisms were inconsistent with the observed mortality patterns across species, including measures of the degree of iso/anisohydry, photosynthesis, carbohydrate depletion, and hydraulic safety margins. Large losses of spring and summer whole‐tree conductance (driven by belowground losses of conductance) and shallower rooting depths were associated with species that exhibited greater mortality. Based on this retrospective analysis, we suggest that species more vulnerable to drought were more likely to have succumbed to hydraulic failure belowground.
Developmental responses of bread wheat to changes in ambient temperature following deletion of a locus that includes FLOWERING LOCUS T1
Authors: Dixon Laura E. , Farré Alba , Finnegan E. Jean , Orford Simon , Griffiths Simon , Boden Scott A.
Published: January 2018

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is a central integrator of environmental signals that regulates the timing of vegetative to reproductive transition in flowering plants. In model plants, these environmental signals have been shown to include photoperiod, vernalization, and ambient temperature pathways, and in crop species, the integration of the ambient temperature pathway remains less well understood. In hexaploid wheat, at least 5 FT‐like genes have been identified, each with a copy on the A, B, and D genomes. Here, we report the characterization of FT‐B1 through analysis of FT‐B1 null and overexpression genotypes under different ambient temperature conditions. This analysis has identified that the FT‐B1 alleles perform differently under diverse environmental conditions; most notably, the FT‐B1 null produces an increase in spikelet and tiller number when grown at lower temperature conditions. Additionally, absence of FT‐B1 facilitates more rapid germination under both light and dark conditions. These results provide an opportunity to understand the FT‐dependent pathways that underpin key responses of wheat development to changes in ambient temperature. This is particularly important for wheat, for which development and grain productivity are sensitive to changes in temperature.
Preliminary assessment of the computer‐based Taenia solium educational program ‘The Vicious Worm’ on knowledge uptake in primary school students in rural areas in eastern Zambia
Authors: Hobbs Emma C. , Mwape Kabemba Evans , Van Damme Inge , Berkvens Dirk , Zulu Gideon , Mambwe Moses , Chembensofu Mwelwa , Phiri Isaac Khozozo , Masuku Maxwell , Bottieau Emmanuel , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Speybroeck Niko , Colston Angela , Dorny Pierre , Willingham Arve Lee , Gabriël Sarah
Published: January 2018

Objective

The zoonotic helminth Taenia solium is endemic in Zambia, causing human (taeniasis and (neuro)cysticercosis) and pig (porcine cysticercosis) diseases with high health, social and economic burdens. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a health educational program intended to lead to powerful and cumulative improvements in knowledge, attitudes and practices that decrease parasite transmission and disease occurrence.

Methods

Half‐day health education workshops were conducted in three primary schools in the highly endemic Eastern Province of Zambia, using the computer‐based T. solium educational program ‘The Vicious Worm’. Questionnaires were administered before and after the educational component to determine the program's impact on knowledge uptake in primary school students.

Results

In total, 99 students participated: 38 males and 61 females, with a median age of 14 years (range 10–18 years). Baseline general knowledge of T. solium, including awareness of the different human and pig disease states, and disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention, was quite high (average score 62%) and consistent across all three study areas. Participants’ knowledge had significantly increased after the educational component, particularly regarding parasite transmission and disease prevention.

Conclusion

Preliminary assessment of ‘The Vicious Worm’ indicates it is an effective tool for the short‐term T. solium education of primary school students in Zambia. Follow‐up studies are planned to assess the longer term impact of the program on knowledge uptake in the study neighbourhoods. Inclusion of tailored ‘The Vicious Worm’ educational workshops should be considered in integrated cysticercosis control programs in endemic areas of sub‐Saharan Africa.
Multigene‐based phylogeny of Urostylida (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia), with establishment of a novel family
Authors: Lyu Zhao , Wang Jingyi , Huang Jie , Warren Alan , Shao Chen
Published: January 2018

The Urostylida is a major taxon of hypotrichs with many unresolved evolutionary relationships. Due to incomplete or inaccurate character states and a paucity of morphogenetic data, the phylogeny of several taxa within urostylids is unresolved. Molecular phylogeny studies based on single gene (SSU rDNA) data may lead to conflict between morphological classification and SSU rDNA tree. In this work, 20 new sequences (SSU rDNA, ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 and LSU rDNA) of five genera of urostylids are provided to further investigate the phylogenetic relationships of this group. The main findings are as follows: (i) the establishment of Hemicycliostylidae, a novel family presently including Hemicycliostyla and Australothrix, is supported by both single gene and concatenated phylogenies; (ii) all molecular data support the exclusion of Eschaneustyla from the family Epiclintidae; (iii) Australothrix, Bergeriella and Thigmokeronopsis are distinctly separated in all gene trees although they share the character that each posterior streak generates the ventral row together with the midventral pair; (iv) compared with closely related genera in all trees, that is Metaurostylopsis and Apourostylopsis, Neourostylopsis is characterized by having more than three frontal cirri arranged in distinct or indistinct corona rather than the length of the midventral complex; (v) Hemicycliostyla and Pseudourostyla, two morphologically similar genera, do not form a monophyletic group in all molecular trees, suggesting that the bicorona, multiple marginal cirral rows and high numbers of dorsal kineties may result from convergent evolution; (vi) species of Bakuella fall into three separate clades in all trees suggesting that this genus needs to be split.
Potentials and Sustainability Index of Small-Scale Sports Tourism in Batu City
Authors: Harjo Indhar Wahyu Wira , Susanti Anik
Published: January 2018

The present study aims at investigating the menaces towards tourism sustainability in Kota Wisata Batu (KWB – Batu city as an icon of tourism). The menaces took place due to the hotel constructions in the city that experienced an increase over the last four years. However, the resorts enlargement was not in line with the increasing number of visitors in the city. In addition to the issue of physical constructions, the city also suffered from natural environment and social matters along with the growth of tourism activities. Agropolitan-based tourism has not so far been able to sustain the balance of economic, environmental, and social demands, so it is necessary to design alternative attempts to maintain the tourism activities in KWB. The model of tourism in small scale with a basis of sports is believed to be able to handle the aforementioned problems. Small-scale sports tourism is potential to overcome the demands of social welfare as well as to protect the environment during tourism activities. Thus, the present study aims at conducting an observation on the potentials of small-scale sports tourism in KWB and performing assessment on the sustainability of the sports tourism. The study carried out mixed method of research with inductive theoretical direction. The results of the study indicate that the potential of small-scale sports tourism is present at tourist destinations that explore natural resources, cultures, and something artificial. The sustainability index gained from the study is 29.81154 that is still under the category of less sustainable. The condition is due to the low assessment of economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Therefore, there should be alteration in the management of small-scale sports tourism in Batu city in order to make the natural, cultural and artificial tourism destinations economic-, social-,and cultural-friendly.
Mythological Beings Based on Mammoths
Authors: Jandáček Petr
Published: January 2018

Genetics, linguistics, mythology, art, anthropology and other disciplines converge to remind modern humans that much of their belief system harkens back to the hunters of mammoths and related giant fauna. This is manifest in the fact that all across Eurasia the words for the animal elephant are remarkably similar and are ostensibly derived from the onomatopoeic "ZZZAAAN" sound of mammoth trumpeting. In places where memory about mammoths and elephants no longer survives it is perpetuated in mythologies about giants who suck. These beings are described as being wooly, pachyderm, nasal, gigantic, and in other ways remarkably mammoth-like.