bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mendelian randomisation and the goal of inferring causation from observational studies in the vision sciences
Authors: Plotnikov Denis , Guggenheim Jeremy A
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) allow reliable causal inferences to be drawn regarding the effectiveness of specific interventions. However, they are expensive to carry out, and not all exposure‐outcome relationships can be tested in an RCT framework: for example, it would be unethical to deliberately expose participants to a putative risk factor, or the time‐scale involved may be prohibitive. Mendelian randomisation (MR) has been proposed as an alternative approach for drawing causal inferences, with the major advantage that the method can often be applied to existing, cross‐sectional study datasets. Therefore, results from an MR study can be obtained much more quickly and cheaply than through an RCT.

Recent findings

The validity of causal inferences from an MR study are dependent on two key assumptions, neither of which can be tested fully. Nevertheless, several approaches have been proposed in the last 3 years that either highlight questionable results, or provide valid causal inference if the necessary assumptions are met only in part. Compared to certain other areas of clinical practice, the ophthalmic research community has been slow to adopt MR.

An MR study cannot match an RCT in its strength of evidence for a claim of causality. However, MR still has much to offer. In some circumstances, an MR study can provide causal insight into research questions that cannot be addressed by an RCT, while more generally, an MR study can be used to evaluate the supporting evidence before deciding to embark on a lengthy and costly RCT.
From suppression to stereoacuity: a composite binocular function score for clinical research
Authors: Webber Ann L , Wood Joanne M , Thompson Benjamin , Birch Eileen E
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to validate a binocular function score that is based on common clinical measures of visual function, providing a more complete analysis of binocular outcomes, against laboratory‐based dichoptic tests of threshold stereoacuity and depth of suppression.

Methods

Scores on a composite binocular function (BF) score derived from clinical stereoacuity measures (Randot Preschool Stereoacuity Test and Randot Butterfly) and the Worth 4 Dot test were determined in adults (n = 20; age 24.8 ± 7.2 years) and children (N = 77; age 8.3 ± 1.7 years) with abnormal binocular vision from strabismus or amblyopia. Adults had threshold stereoacuity measured with a novel, computerised dichoptic psychophysical test of stereopsis. Depth of suppression (dichoptic eye chart inter‐ocular contrast balance test) was determined in both adults and children.

Results

Clinical Randot stereoacuity was measurable in 50% of adult and 61% of child participants. Threshold stereoacuity was measurable in 65% of the adult participants. The presence of suppression or simultaneous perception (flat fusion or diplopia) was measurable in all participants, enabling assignment of a BF score to all participants in both groups. In adults, the BF score was highly correlated with the psychophysical threshold stereoacuity measure (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001). In both adults and children, there was also a high correlation between the BF score and inter‐ocular contrast balance (adult ρ = 0.90; child ρ = 0.86; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The composite BF score is a convenient and valid scale of binocularity that can be used to extend the stereoacuity measure in cohorts where nil stereoacuity is common and thus could be considered as an outcome measure in clinical trials.
Corneal and conjunctival injury seen in urgent care centres in Israel
Authors: Zimmerman Deena R , Shneor Einat , Millodot Michel , Gordon‐Shaag Ariela
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Corneal and conjunctival injuries (CCI) comprise a large portion of the cases presenting to hospital‐based emergency departments (ED) with ocular involvement. Urgent Care Centres (UCC) offer community based emergency care at lower cost than hospital‐based emergency departments (ED) and with greater temporal convenience than primary care office settings. While CCI prevalence and treatment at hospital‐based EDs has been well studied, this is the first report, to our knowledge, on CCI demographics and aetiology presenting to UCCs.

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. The setting is a UCC system in Israel, modelled on USA urgent care facilities, consisting of 17 branches at the time of the study. Electronic medical record data (between November 1, 2015 and October 31, 2016) of patients diagnosed with corneal disorder, foreign body or eye disorder were retrieved and reviewed for inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data collected included gender, age, chief complaint, diagnosis, treatment and discharge status (sent home or referred to ED). International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes were assigned to each record based on a review of all fields. UCC results were compared to all ED patients in Israel using data from a public report. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 602 074 charts screened, 4797 patients presented with CCI (0.8%). The average age was 32.6 ± 18.2 years and 71.3% were male. Among these, 26.4% were referred to the ED compared to 6.8% from the entire UCC cohort. ICD‐9 code Foreign body (FB) of the eye was the most common cause of CCI (56.5%) followed by the following ICD‐9 codes: trauma (18.1%), chemical in the eye (11.1%) and corneal disorder due to a contact lens (5.1%). Logistic regression analyses showed the following risk factors for ED referral: age (22–64), male gender, ICD‐9 code FB, work‐related injury and the presence of a clinical abrasion in the eye.

Conclusions

The aetiology of ocular injury at UCC is similar to previous studies of ED. Most CCI can be treated at UCC saving ED resources and underscores the importance of this mode of health care delivery in the overall health system.
A curious case of cervicofacial actinomycosis following third molar surgery
Authors: Conville R. M. , Atkins S.
Published: January 2019

Actinomycosis is caused by branched, filamentous anaerobic Gram‐positive bacteria called Actinomyces. It is a chronic granulomatous and suppurative infectious disease of which there are three variations; cervicofacial, abdominal and pulmonary. This infection is a rare complication of dental surgery and can have devastating consequences if left untreated. A 35–year‐old male presented with a 2 month history of a swelling to his left cheek following the surgical removal of a lower third molar. A provisional diagnosis of an infected sebaceous cyst was made at a local clinic, and a course of Flucloxacillin was prescribed. To further investigate the lesion an ultrasound scan was performed and an aspirate taken for histopathological analysis. The results were found to be consistent with the clinical suspicion of actinomycosis. A multidisciplinary approach was adopted to manage the patient's case which included liaising with the medical microbiology team to deliver appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this case report is to highlight the importance of having a clinical suspicion of cervicofacial actinomycosis. This infectious disease can spread into adjacent soft tissues causing serious damage to local structures if not identified. Early diagnosis and management is essential for good outcomes.
Handgrip strength: An effective screening instrument for anemia in the elderly women
Authors: Santos Patrícia Honório Silva , Carmo Érica Assunção , Carneiro José Ailton Oliveira , Nery Adriana Alves , Casotti Cezar Augusto
Published: January 2019

Objective

The objectives of this study were to discover associations between anemia and functional performance indicators, and to identify the best functional performance test to screen for anemia in the elderly.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study analyzed data from 109 elderly residents in the community. For statistical analysis, the Logistic Regression and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used.

Results

The prevalence of anemia in the elderly was 13.9%. There was an inverse association between handgrip strength (HGS) and anemia in women; the HGS test was an effective screening tool for anemia in the elderly.

Conclusion

The HGS test can be used to screen for anemia in the elderly women.
The Measurement of Well‐Being Caught between Tradition and Modernity in Mexico’s Poverty Reduction Strategy
Authors: Ramírez Herrera Mariana
Published: January 2019

In today’s Mexico, more than half of the population lives in a state of precariousness. This reality highlights the dilemma between maintaining a traditional scheme of poverty reduction which assumes that human needs can be solved economically, with only limited success, or promoting a contemporary model of subjective well‐being that has not yet proven its effectiveness. The main test facing both approaches is operational, hence agreeing on a method of identification and aggregation of the affected population is a key element for designing public policies that can sustain true well‐being; a second aspect has to do with the coherence between theoretical ground and methodological design. Either way, measurement of well‐being and identification of human needs pose an important challenge for public policies in Mexico, where poverty has been consistently underestimated. Thus, there is an urgent need for rethinking the social model of public policy in favor of a pro‐poor vision.
Picolinic acid spray stimulates the antioxidative metabolism and minimizes impairments on photosynthesis on wheat leaves infected by Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Aucique‐Pérez Carlos Eduardo , Resende Renata Sousa , Neto Lara Beatriz Cruz , Dornelas Fernanda , DaMatta Fábio Murilo , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: January 2019

Fungal pathogens produce toxins that are important for their pathogenesis and/or aggressiveness towards their hosts. Picolinic acid (PA), a non‐host selective toxin, causes lesions on rice leaves resembling those originated from Pyricularia oryzae infection. Considering that non‐host selective toxins can be useful for plant diseases control, this study investigated whether the foliar spray with PA on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants, in a non‐phytotoxic concentration, could increase their resistance to blast, stimulate the anti‐oxidative metabolism, and minimize alterations in photosynthesis. The PA spray at concentrations greater than 0.1 mg ml−1 caused foliar lesions, compromised the photosynthesis and was linked with greater accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion radical (O2•−). Fungal mycelial growth, conidia production and germination decreased by PA at 0.3 mg ml−1. Blast severity was significantly reduced by 59 and 23%, respectively, at 72 and 96 h after inoculation for plants sprayed with PA (0.1 mg ml−1) at 24 h before fungal inoculation compared to non‐sprayed plants. Reduction on blast symptoms was linked with increases on ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), glutathione reductase (EC 1.8.1.7), glutathione‐S‐transferase (EC 2.5.1.18), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activities, lower H2O2 and O2•− accumulation, reduced malondialdehyde production as well as less impairments to the photosynthetic apparatus. A more efficient antioxidative metabolism that rapidly scavenges the reactive oxygen species generated during P. oryzae infection, without dramatically decreasing the photosynthetic performance, was a remarkable effect obtained with PA spray.
Cold‐ and menthol‐evoked membrane potential changes in the moss Physcomitrella patens: influence of ion channel inhibitors and phytohormones
Authors: Koselski Mateusz , Wasko Piotr , Kupisz Kamila , Trebacz Kazimierz
Published: January 2019

Microelectrode measurements carried out on leaf cells from Physcomitrella patens revealed that a sudden temperature drop and application of menthol evoked two types of different‐shaped membrane potential changes. Cold stimulation evoked spike‐type responses. Menthol depolarized the cell membrane with different rates. When it reached above 1 mV s−1, the full response was recorded. Characteristic for the full responses was also a few‐minute plateau of the membrane potential recorded after depolarization. The influence of inhibitors of calcium channels (5 mM Gd3+), potassium channels (5 mM Ba2+), chloride channels (200 μM Zn2+, 50 μM niflumic acid) and proton pumps (10 μM DES), an activator of calcium release from intracellular stores (Sr2+), calcium chelation (by 400 μM EGTA) and phytohormones (50 μM auxin, 50 μM abscisic acid (ABA), 500 μM salicylic acid) on cold‐ and menthol‐evoked responses was tested. Both responses are different in respect to the ion mechanism: cold‐evoked depolarizations were influenced by Ba2+ and DES; in turn, menthol‐evoked potential changes were most effectively blocked by Zn2+. Moreover, the effectiveness of menthol in generation of full responses was reduced after administration of auxin or ABA, i.e. phytohormones known for their participation in responses to cold and regulation of proton pumps. The effects of DES indicated that one of the main conditions for generation of menthol‐evoked responses is inhibition of the proton pump activity. Our results indicate that perception of cold and menthol by plants proceeds in different ways due to the differences in ionic mechanism and hormone dependence of cold‐ and menthol‐evoked responses.
Genome wide identification of the trihelix transcription factors and overexpression of Gh_A05G2067 (GT‐2), a novel gene contributing to increased drought and salt stresses tolerance in cotton
Authors: Magwanga Richard O. , Kirungu Joy N. , Lu Pu , Yang Xiu , Dong Qi , Cai Xiaoyan , Xu Yanchao , Wang Xingxing , Zhou Zhongli , Hou Yuqing , Nyunja Regina , Agong Stephen G. , Hua Jinping , Zhang Baohong , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang
Published: January 2019

We identified 102, 51 and 51 proteins encoded by the trihelix genes in Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium raimondii, respectively. RNA sequence data and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that Gh_A05G2067 (GT‐2) was highly upregulated under drought and salt stress conditions. Transient expression of GT‐2‐green fluorescent protein fusion protein in protoplast showed that GT‐2 was localized in the nucleus. The overexpression of GT‐2 conferred an enhanced drought tolerance to cotton, with lower malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide contents and higher reactive oxygen scavenging enzyme activities. Moreover, chlorophyll content, relative leaf water content (RLWC), excised leaf water loss (ELWL) and cell membrane stability (CMS) were relatively stable in the GT‐2‐overexpressed lines compared to wild‐type (WT). Similarly, stress‐responsive genes RD29A, SOS1, ABF4 and CBL1 were highly upregulated in the GT‐2‐overexpressed lines but were significantly downregulated in WT. In addition, the GT‐2‐silenced cotton plants exhibited a high level of oxidation injury, due to high levels of oxidant enzymes, in addition to negative effects on CMS, ELWL, RLWC and chlorophyll content. These results mark the foundation for future exploration of the trihelix genes in cotton, with an aim of developing more resilient, versatile and highly tolerant cotton genotypes.
Treating moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnoea for cardiovascular health: Is what stake the stakeholder holds important?
Authors: Phillips Craig L. , Grunstein Ronald R.
Published: January 2019

See related Article
Intimate Partner Violence in Small Towns, Dispersed Rural Areas, and Other Locations: Estimates Using a Reconception of Settlement Type
Authors: DuBois Kathryn O. , Rennison Callie Marie , DeKeseredy Walter S.
Published: January 2019

Current understanding of victimization of those in rural settlements compared to other types of settlements is limited by inadequate classifications of settlement types. The typical approach—one based on the incorrect use of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s classification of metropolitan areas—may mask important variations in the incidence of violent victimization, and in part explain mixed results related to this issue. To investigate this, we detail problems with following the typical approach, and then describe an alternative measure of settlement type. We next use this alternative settlement type measure to estimate the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women from 1992–2015 National Crime Victimization Survey data. Over the period examined, the incidence of IPV was highest for women living in small towns (11.4 per 1,000). In contrast, women living in dispersed rural settlements (7.9 per 1,000) shared rates with those in suburbs (7.9 per 1,000) and exurbs (7.1 per 1,000) while reporting rates lower than those of women residing in the urban core (9.7 per 1,000). These results provide clarity to earlier research on the incidence of IPV across settlement types and they call into question the salience of geographic isolation as a determinant of IPV in nonmetropolitan locales.
Generalized solitary waves in a finite‐difference Korteweg‐de Vries equation
Authors: Joshi N. , Lustri C. J.
Published: January 2019

Generalized solitary waves with exponentially small nondecaying far field oscillations have been studied in a range of singularly perturbed differential equations, including higher order Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) equations. Many of these studies used exponential asymptotics to compute the behavior of the oscillations, revealing that they appear in the solution as special curves known as Stokes lines are crossed. Recent studies have identified similar behavior in solutions to difference equations. Motivated by these studies, the seventh‐order KdV and a hierarchy of higher order KdV equations are investigated, identifying conditions which produce generalized solitary wave solutions. These results form a foundation for the study of infinite‐order differential equations, which are used as a model for studying lattice equations. Finally, a lattice KdV equation is generated using finite‐difference discretization, in which a lattice generalized solitary wave solution is found.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*03:01:45 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Zhang Li‐Qun , Xiao Yao , Zhou Xiao‐Yang , Cui Ju , Cai Jian‐Ping
Published: January 2019

HLA‐DQB1*03:01:45 differs from HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 636 (C>T).
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*51:228 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Dong Lina , Wang Fang , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Faming Zhu
Published: January 2019

HLA‐B*51:228 differs from HLA‐B*51:01:01:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution at codon 151 in exon 3.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*31:124 allele by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese cord blood donor
Authors: Chen Nanying , Dong Lina , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Faming Zhu
Published: January 2019

HLA‐A*31:124 differs from HLA‐A*31:01:02:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution at position 491 C>G.
Meta‐analysis of the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in food‐producing animals worldwide
Authors: Rossler Eugenia , Signorini Marcelo L. , Romero‐Scharpen Analía , Soto Lorena P. , Berisvil Ayelén , Zimmermann Jorge A. , Fusari Marcia L. , Olivero Carolina , Zbrun María V. , Frizzo Laureano S.
Published: January 2019

The objective of this meta‐analysis was to summarize available information on the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter (TC) in different food‐producing animals worldwide. Databases (i.e., PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus) were searched from 1980 to 2017 unrestricted by language. The inclusion criteria were as follows: prevalence or incidence studies, published in peer‐reviewed journals, and they must have reported the total number of animal samples studied and the number of samples that were positive for the presence of TC. When the identification of Campylobacter species was available, this information was included in the analysis. Multilevel random‐effect meta‐analysis models were fitted to estimate mean occurrence rate of TC and to compare them among different factors potentially associated with the outcome. The mean occurrence rate of TC in food‐producing animals was 0.424 (95% CI: 0.394–0.455), and the mean occurrence rate of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were 0.214 and 0.133, respectively. Pigs and poultry showed the highest prevalence of TC; however, there were differences in the prevalence of each Campylobacter species. Campylobacter jejuni was observed in broilers (0.322; 95% CI: 0.273–0.377) and hens (0.395; 95% CI: 0.265–0.542), while C. coli was restricted essentially in pigs (0.553; 95% CI: 0.541–0.650). The prevalence of C. jejuni in intensively bred cattle was higher (0.302; 95% CI: 0.227–0.389) than the prevalence in extensively bred cattle (0.172; 95% CI: 0.119–0.242) while the prevalence of C. coli was similar (0.051; 95% CI: 0.028–0.091 vs. 0.050; 95% CI: 0.027–0.091) in both production systems. Agar with or without blood used for the isolation of TC did not affect the prevalence observed. The method of species identification did not seem to generate differences in the prevalence of Campylobacter species. The prevalence of Campylobacter in primary food production has a strong impact on the entire agri‐food chain. National authorities must monitor the situation with the aim to establish the appropriate risk management measures.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development: A Study of Commercial Banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Ataur , Islam Md. Ashraful
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the practices of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by commercial banks in Bangladesh and the achievement of sustainable development through this practice. The motive of this descriptive research is to look at the framework of CSR areas and contribution by the state-owned and private commercial banks to those areas during 2011-2017. This study reveals that commercial banks contribution in CSR is increasing every year and new CSR areas are being concentrated on by commercial banks as part of their responsibility to the society and more and more focus is being given to important CSR areas to achieve sustainable development. This study also shows that there is a positive relationship between CSR and sustainable development. This research effort suggests that a precise guideline by the government about CSR expenditure, large corporation’s timely involvement in CSR activities and CSR disclosure in the bank’s annual report will fulfill the desired objectives of the business organizations. These will also ensure the successful and sustainable development of the country.These will also ensure successful and sustainable development of the country.
Carotid chemoreflex activity restrains post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control in healthy humans and in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Paula‐Ribeiro Marcelle , Ribeiro Indyanara C. , Aranda Liliane C. , Silva Talita M. , Costa Camila M. , Ramos Roberta P. , Ota‐Arakaki Jaquelina S. , Cravo Sergio L. , Nery Luiz E. , Stickland Michael K. , Silva Bruno M.
Published: January 2019

Key points

Dysfunction of post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control is associated with increased mortality risk in healthy adults and in patients with cardiorespiratory diseases.

The afferent mechanisms that regulate the post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control remain unclear.

We found that afferent signals from carotid chemoreceptors restrain the post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control in healthy adults and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Patients with PAH had higher carotid chemoreflex sensitivity, and the magnitude of carotid chemoreceptor restraint of autonomic control was greater in patients with PAH as compared to healthy adults.

The results demonstrate that the carotid chemoreceptors contribute to the regulation of post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control, and suggest that the carotid chemoreceptors may be a potential target to treat post‐exercise cardiac autonomic dysfunction in patients with PAH.

Dysfunction of post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control predicts mortality, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We tested whether carotid chemoreflex activity restrains post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control in healthy adults (HA), and whether such restraint is greater in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who may have both altered carotid chemoreflex and altered post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control. Twenty non‐hypoxaemic patients with PAH and 13 age‐ and sex‐matched HA pedalled until 90% of peak work rate observed in a symptom‐limited ramp‐incremental exercise test. Recovery consisted of unloaded pedalling for 5 min followed by seated rest for 6 min. During recovery, subjects randomly inhaled either 100% O2 (hyperoxia) to inhibit the carotid chemoreceptor activity, or 21% O2 (normoxia) as control. Post‐exercise cardiac autonomic control was examined via heart rate (HR) recovery (HRR; HR change after 30, 60, 120 and 300 s of recovery, using linear and non‐linear regressions of HR decay) and HR variability (HRV; time and spectral domain analyses). As expected, the PAH group had higher carotid chemosensitivity and worse post‐exercise HRR and HRV than HA. Hyperoxia increased HRR at 30, 60 and 120 s and absolute spectral power HRV in both groups. Additionally, hyperoxia resulted in an accelerated linear HR decay and increased time domain HRV during active recovery only in the PAH group. In conclusion, the carotid chemoreceptors restrained recovery of cardiac autonomic control from exercise in HA and in patients with PAH, with the restraint greater for some autonomic indexes in patients with PAH.
Understanding the Effect of Capacitive Discharge Ignition on Plasma Formation and Flame Propagation of Air–Propane Mixture
Authors: Kim Kwonse , Askari Omid
Published: January 2019

This work is an experimental and computational study to investigate the effect of capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) on plasma kernel formation and flame propagation of air–propane mixture. This paper is mainly focused on the plasma formation and flame propagation characteristics, pressure rise, propagation time, velocity field, and species concentrations. A conventional ignition system is used for comparison purpose. A constant volume combustion chamber with volume of 400 cm3 is designed for experimental study. This chamber is utilized to visualize the plasma formation as well as the flame propagation induced from two ignition sources. The experiments are performed in a wide range of operating conditions, i.e., initial pressure of 2–4 bar, temperature of 300 K, chamber wall temperature of 350 K, spark plug gaps of 1.0–1.5 mm, discharge duration of 1 ms, discharge energy of 500 mJ, and equivalence ratio of 0.5–1.0. The computational study is performed by ANSYS fluent using the partially premixed combustion (PPC) model having the same conditions as experimental study. It is shown that the average peak pressure in CDI increased by 5.79%, 4.84% and 4.36% at initial pressures of 2, 3, and 4 bar, respectively, comparing with conventional ignition. It could be determined that the impact of combustion pressure in CDI system is more significant than conventional ignition particularly in lean mixtures. Consequently, the flame propagation rate in CDI system, due to the large ionized kernel around the spark plug, can be significantly enhanced.
Redescription of Agistemus lobatus Ehara, 1964 and A. terminalis (Quayle, 1912) (Acari: Trombidiformes: Stigmaeidae) with DNA barcoding
Authors: Negm Mohamed W. , Gotoh Tetsuo
Published: January 2019

Agistemus lobatus Ehara, 1964 and A. terminalis (Quayle, 1912) (Stigmaeidae) are cosmopolitan predatory mites and appear on various plants in Japan. They are so close morphologically and can be mainly separated based on the lengths of dorsal setae sci and c2. The present study aimed to redescribe these two species for detailed morphological variations and generate sequences of partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) as DNA barcode data. Our results with DNA barcoding and morphology well separated A. lobatus from the close species A. terminalis.
Silver nanoparticles for solvent-free detection of small molecules and mass-to-charge calibration of laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Prysiazhnyi Vadym , Dycka Filip , Kratochvil Jiri , Stranak Vitezslav , Ksirova Petra , Hubicka Zdenek
Published: January 2019

This work aims at the utilization of nanostructured surfaces for advanced mass spectrometry [laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS)]. The authors demonstrate that prepared nanostructures enable independent mass-to-charge calibration and also effectively substitute protonation agent for low-mass molecules instead of conventionally used matrices. Silver nanostructured surfaces were formed as homogeneous thin film, isolated nanoislands, and spherical nanoparticles. Besides the surface characterization, the paper focuses on the impact of LDI MS laser, irradiating the nanostructured surfaces, which results in the production of charged Ag clusters. Irradiated nanoparticle-based surfaces mostly provide single ionized species Ag+ while positive (Agn+, n ≤ 5) and negative ions (Agn−, n ≤ 7) were observed from the nanoislands film. It is shown that the ratio between particular ion line intensities can be tailored by the deposition time. The pattern of silver ions Agn (due to two natural isotopes) can be used for mass-to-charge calibration up to 1000 m/z. Additionally, the silver protonation improves the identification of small molecules. It is demonstrated on detection of sucrose (342.3 g/mol), fructose (180.2 g/mol), and creatinine (113.1 g/mol) molecules.
VSIG4 mediates transcriptional inhibition of
Nlrp3
and
Il-1
β in macrophages
Authors: Huang Xiaoyong , Feng Zeqing , Jiang Yuanzhong , Li Jialin , Xiang Qun , Guo Sheng , Yang Chengying , Fei Lei , Guo Guoning , Zheng Lixin , Wu Yuzhang , Chen Yongwen
Published: January 2019

VSIG4 controls inflammation through MS4A6D-mediated transcriptional inhibition of
Nlrp3
and
Il-1
β in macrophages.
The MOOC pivot
Authors: Reich Justin , Ruipérez-Valiente José A.
Published: January 2019

What happened to disruptive transformation of education?
A fresh look at nuclear energy
Authors: Parsons John , Buongiorno Jacopo , Corradini Michael , Petti David
Published: January 2019

We are running out of time, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned last October in a special report,
Global Warming of 1.5°C
. National commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement are only the first step toward decarbonization, but most countries are already lagging behind. It is time to take a fresh look at the role that nuclear energy can play in decarbonizing the world's energy system.
Loss of HDAC3 results in nonreceptive endometrium and female infertility
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Yoo Jung-Yoon , Choi Kyung-Chul , Shin Jung-Ho , Leach Richard E. , Fazleabas Asgerally T. , Young Steven L. , Lessey Bruce A. , Yoon Ho-Geun , Jeong Jae-Wook
Published: January 2019

Histone deacetylase 3 plays a critical role for early pregnancy through transcriptional regulation of
COL1A1
and
COL1A2
genes.
Keep calm…and learn
Authors: Jones Rebecca M.
Published: January 2019

Social anxiety disrupts optimal learning patterns and brain activity in threatening situations.
Defining chronic kidney disease at the genetic level
Authors: Lavine Kory
Published: January 2019

Exome sequencing reveals the genetic complexity of chronic kidney disease.
Interfer-ing with immunotherapy-induced autoimmunity
Authors: Zeng Hu
Published: January 2019

Inhibition of type I IFN prevents autoimmune toxicity while preserving antitumor efficacy of combined cancer vaccine and adoptive cell therapy.
Vacuolar Sequestration of Azoles, a Novel Strategy of Azole Antifungal Resistance Conserved across Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Yeast
Authors: Khandelwal Nitesh Kumar , Wasi Mohd , Nair Remya , Gupta Meghna , Kumar Mohit , Mondal Alok K. , Gaur Naseem A. , Prasad Rajendra
Published: January 2019

Target alteration and overproduction and drug efflux through overexpression of multidrug transporters localized in the plasma membrane represent the conventional mechanisms of azole antifungal resistance. Here, we identify a novel conserved mechanism of azole resistance not only in the budding yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
but also in the pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
.
Why Are CD8 T Cell Epitopes of Human Influenza A Virus Conserved?
Authors: Li Zheng-Rong Tiger , Zarnitsyna Veronika I. , Lowen Anice C. , Weissman Daniel , Koelle Katia , Kohlmeier Jacob E. , Antia Rustom
Published: January 2019

Universal influenza vaccines against the conserved epitopes of influenza A virus have been proposed to minimize the burden of seasonal outbreaks and prepare for the pandemics. However, it is not clear how rapidly T cell-inducing vaccines will select for viruses that escape these T cell responses. Our mathematical models explore the factors that contribute to the conservation of CD8 T cell epitopes and how rapidly the virus will evolve in response to T cell-inducing vaccines. We identify the key biological parameters to be measured and questions that need to be addressed in future studies.
Protocol for a prospective observational study to develop a frailty index for use in perioperative and critical care
Authors: Darvall Jai N , Braat Sabine , Story David A , Greentree Kate , Bose Tony , Loth Joel , Lim Wen K
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Frailty is of increasing importance to perioperative and critical care medicine, as the proportion of older patients increases globally. Evidence continues to emerge of the considerable impact frailty has on adverse outcomes from both surgery and critical care, which has led to a proliferation of different frailty measurement tools in recent years. Despite this, there remains a lack of easily implemented, comprehensive frailty assessment tools specific to these complex populations. Development of a frailty index using routinely collected hospital data, able to leverage the automated aspects of an electronic medical record, would aid risk stratification and benefit clinicians and patients alike.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective observational study. 150 intensive care unit (ICU) patients aged ≥50 years and 200 surgical patients aged ≥65 years will be enrolled. The primary objective is to develop a frailty index. Secondary objectives include assessing its ability to predict in-hospital mortality and/or discharge to a new non-home location; the performance of the frailty index in predicting postoperative and ICU complications, as well as health-related quality of life at 6 months; to compare the performance of the frailty index against existing frailty measurement and risk stratification tools; and to assess its modification by patients’ health assets.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee(20 January 2017, HREC/16/MH/321). Dissemination will be via international and national anaesthetic and critical care conferences, and publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
Study rationale and protocol of the BARICO study: a longitudinal, prospective, observational study to evaluate the effects of weight loss on brain function and structure after bariatric surgery
Authors: Vreeken Debby , Wiesmann Maximilian , Deden Laura N , Arnoldussen Ilse A C , Aarts Esther , Kessels Roy P C , Kleemann Robert , Hazebroek Eric J , Aarts Edo O , Kiliaan Amanda J
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Weight loss after bariatric surgery (BS) is often associated with improved cognition and structural brain recovery. However, improved cognition after BS is not always exhibited by patients, in fact, in some cases there is even a decline in cognition. Long-term consequences of BS weight loss, in terms of obesity and related diseases, can be hard to determine due to studies having short follow-up periods and small sample sizes.

The aim of the BARICO study (BAriatric surgeryRijnstate and Radboudumc neuroImaging andCognition inObesity) is to determine the long-term effect of weight loss after BS on brain function and structure, using sensitive neuropsychological tests and (functional) MRI ((f)MRI). Secondary study endpoints are associated with changes in metabolic and inflammation status of adipose tissue, liver and gut, in relation to brain structure and function. Also, the possible correlation between weight loss, gut microbiota composition change and neuropsychological outcomes will be investigated.

Methods and analysis

Data from 150 Dutch BS patients (ages between 35 and 55, men and women) will be collected at various time points between 2 months before and up to 10 years after surgery. Neuropsychological tests, questionnaires, blood, faeces and tissue samples will be collected before, during and after surgery to measure changes in cognition, microbiota, metabolic activity and inflammation over time. A subgroup of 75 participants will undergo (f)MRI in relation to executive functioning (determined by the Stroop task), grey and white matter volumes and cerebral blood flow. Regression analyses will be used to explore associations between weight loss and outcome measures.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the medical review ethics committee CMO Region Arnhem and Nijmegen (NL63493.091.17). Research findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.

Trial registration number

NTR7288.
Performance evaluation of jointed plain concrete pavements with sealed and unsealed joints in North Texas
Authors: Souliman Mena I. , Tripathi Ashish , Walubita Lubinda F. , Isied Mayzan M.
Published: January 2019

Joint sealing in jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) has been practiced throughout the world for many years as it improves the performance of concrete pavements. The infiltration of water is a common problem in concrete pavements and often increases distresses, such as faulting and pumping. For this reason, sealing the joints can help reduce water infiltration. Additionally, the infiltration of sand and small stones, aggregates, or debris into the joints can also be prevented, consequently reducing joint spalling in concrete pavements. However, it is also reported that joint sealing increases the initial cost of construction, especially if the joints need to be resealed, which leads to some additional costs. In this study, the pavement distress data was collected from the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) database for all the JPCPs sections in North Texas. The study illustrates the relative field performance in terms of spalling, faulting, roughness, and deflections of JPCP sections for both sealed and unsealed LTPP sections of North Texas.
How stakeholders structure their collaborations to anticipate and tackle the threat of mountain pine beetle in the Jasper–Hinton (Alberta, Canada) area
Authors: Gonzalès Rodolphe , Parrott Lael
Published: January 2019

The resilience of resource-based communities facing natural disturbances partly depends on the capacity of a wide diversity of stakeholders to share their expertise, articulate their efforts, and develop solutions that are both effective and equitable. Structural methods from network theory can be used to measure how efficiently and thoroughly collaborations happen among stakeholders and to identify ways to improve information flow. We applied network theory to represent and analyse the collaborations between individuals dealing with a significant mountain pine beetle outbreak in the Jasper–Hinton area of Alberta, Canada. For this, we interviewed and collected relational information from 90 respondents officiating in the area. Our results show unbalanced collaboration patterns among federal, provincial, and municipal institutions, as well as the forestry sector and research institutions, leading to clusters and, as a consequence, to gaps in the flow of information that are only partially bridged by a few actors. Such siloing of information is a key barrier to sustainability in natural resource management that may be addressed more transparently using network theory.
Optimising spot weed control regimes forPinus radiataplantations
Authors: Richardson Brian , Kimberley Mark O. , Rolando Carol A. , Coker Graham W. , Gous Stefan
Published: January 2019

Spot spraying, in which only the area around individual trees is treated, is an important method of herbicide application during establishment of Pinus radiata D. Don (radiata pine) in New Zealand. Minimising the spot size reduces costs and has possible environmental benefits from reduced overall herbicide use. An analysis of six experiments at five separate sites tested the growth response of P. radiata to spot weed control on sites dominated by herbaceous vegetation, usually as a result of oversowing with a mixture of grasses and legumes. The analysis showed that, on sites dominated by herbaceous weeds, the reduction in rotation length achieved by applying total weed control compared with no postplant weed control ranged from 0.4 to 1.6 years and averaged 0.9 years. A spot diameter of 1 m maintained for 1 year achieved 28% of the benefit of total weed control, whereas a spot diameter of 2 m maintained for 1 year achieved 66% of the benefit. Generally, there was little benefit in maintaining spots beyond 1 year. An economic analysis indicated that weed control of any kind was generally unprofitable when the time-shift gain from weed control was 0.4 years or less but highly profitable for sites with a time shift of 1.6 years or more.
The effect of predator kairomones on caudal regeneration by Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
Authors: Payette W.I. , Sullivan A.M.
Published: January 2019

Many prey use autotomy as an antipredator mechanism. Rapid regeneration of autotomized appendages is beneficial because forfeited tissues may serve as organs for energy storage, accessories for locomotion, or indicators of social status. We monitored levels of caudal regeneration by Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus ochrophaeus Cope, 1859) exposed to kairomones from predatory Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis (Linnaeus, 1758)). After the induction of autotomy, salamanders were exposed to one of three treatment regimens: blank (water), or acute (30 min per week) or chronic (constant) exposure to predator kairomones during a 12-week study period. Overall, the mean volume of regenerated tissue, as a percentage of the original tail volume, was highest for individuals exposed to the blank versus predator kairomones. When the combined effects of time elapsed since the induction of caudal autotomy and the different treatment regimens were considered, we found that the mean volume of regenerated tissue was significantly greater for control salamanders beginning 8 weeks after autotomy. The mechanism contributing to the differential rates of regeneration among individuals in our treatment groups is unknown, but previous work suggests that elevated stress related to predation threat can have detrimental effects on wound healing and growth in amphibians.
Suppressive Effects of Ginsenoside Rh1 on HMGB1-Mediated Septic Responses
Authors: Lee Wonhwa , Cho Soo-Hyun , Kim Ji-Eun , Lee Changhun , Lee Jee-Hyun , Baek Moon-Chang , Song Gyu-Yong , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: January 2019

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is considered as a late mediator of sepsis and the inhibition of HMGB1-mediated severe inflammatory responses, and restoration of endothelial integrity have emerged as attractive therapeutic strategies for the management of sepsis. Ginsenoside Rh1, a protopanaxatriol type ginsenoside, is one of the major bioactive components of Korean red ginseng, which has been increasingly used for enhancing cognition and physical health worldwide. Ginsenoside Rh1 exhibits potent biological activities such as antistress, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. We examined the effects of ginsenoside Rh1 on HMGB1-mediated septic responses and survival rate in a mouse model of sepsis. Ginsenoside-Rh1 was administered after the HMGB1 challenge. The antiseptic activity of ginsenoside Rh1 was determined by measuring the permeability, leukocyte adhesion and migration, activation of pro-inflammatory proteins in HMGB1-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mice, and the survival rate in a sepsis mouse model. Ginsenoside Rh1 significantly reduced HMGB1 release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated HUVECs. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rh1 suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text], interleukin (IL)-6, activation of nuclear factor (NF)-[Formula: see text]B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 by HMGB1. Ginsenoside Rh1 also inhibited HMGB1-mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. In addition, treatment with ginsenoside Rh1 reduced the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced release of HMGB1, sepsis-related mortality and tissue injury in vivo. Our results indicated that ginsenoside Rh1 might be useful in the treatment of sepsis by targeting HMGB1.
The growing role of precision and personalized medicine for cancer treatment
Authors: Krzyszczyk Paulina , Acevedo Alison , Davidoff Erika J. , Timmins Lauren M. , Marrero-Berrios Ileana , Patel Misaal , White Corina , Lowe Christopher , Sherba Joseph J. , Hartmanshenn Clara , O’Neill Kate M. , Balter Max L. , Fritz Zachary R. , Androulakis Ioannis P. , Schloss Rene S. , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: January 2019

Cancer is a devastating disease that takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year. Due to disease heterogeneity, standard treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, are effective in only a subset of the patient population. Tumors can have different underlying genetic causes and may express different proteins in one patient versus another. This inherent variability of cancer lends itself to the growing field of precision and personalized medicine (PPM). There are many ongoing efforts to acquire PPM data in order to characterize molecular differences between tumors. Some PPM products are already available to link these differences to an effective drug. It is clear that PPM cancer treatments can result in immense patient benefits, and companies and regulatory agencies have begun to recognize this. However, broader changes to the healthcare and insurance systems must be addressed if PPM is to become part of standard cancer care.