bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of dihydropyridine derivatives on the cerebral blood flow response to somatosensory stimulation and spreading depolarization
Authors: Szabó Írisz , M. Tóth Orsolya , Török Zsolt , Varga Dániel Péter , Menyhárt Ákos , Frank Rita , Hantosi Dóra , Hunya Ákos , Bari Ferenc , Horváth Ibolya , Vigh László , Farkas Eszter
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

A new class of dihydropyridine derivatives, which act as co‐inducers of heat shock protein but are devoid of calcium channel antagonist and vasodilator effects, has recently been developed with the purpose of selectively targeting neurodegeneration. Here, we evaluated the action of one of these novel compounds LA1011 on neurovascular coupling in the ischaemic rat cerebral cortex. As a reference, we applied nimodipine, a vasodilator dihydropyridine and well‐known calcium channel antagonist.

Experimental Approach

Rats were treated with LA1011 or nimodipine, either by chronic, systemic (LA1011), or acute, local administration (LA1011 and nimodipine). In the latter treatment group, global forebrain ischaemia was induced in half of the animals by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion under isoflurane anaesthesia. Functional hyperaemia in the somatosensory cortex was created by mechanical stimulation of the contralateral whisker pad under α‐chloralose anaesthesia. Spreading depolarization (SD) events were elicited subsequently by 1 M KCl. Local field potential and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the parietal somatosensory cortex were monitored by electrophysiology and laser Doppler flowmetry.

Key Results

LA1011 did not alter CBF, but intensified SD, presumably indicating the co‐induction of heat shock proteins, and, perhaps an anti‐inflammatory effect. Nimodipine attenuated evoked potentials and SD. In addition to the elevation of baseline CBF, nimodipine augmented hyperaemia in response to both somatosensory stimulation and SD, particularly under ischaemia.

Conclusions and implications

In contrast to the CBF improvement achieved with nimodipine, LA1011 seems not to have discernible cerebrovascular effects but may up‐regulate the stress response.
An osteoclastogenesis system, the RANKL/RANK signalling pathway, contributes to aggravated allergic inflammation
Authors: Nam Sun‐Young , Kim Hee‐Yun , Min Jin‐Young , Kim Hyung‐Min , Jeong Hyun‐Ja
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

As an osteoclast differentiation factor, receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) is produced by various immune cells and may be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and inflammation. Although RANKL is expressed in most immune cells and tissues, it is not clear how this might affect allergic inflammation.

Experimental Approach

The roles of RANKL in allergic rhinitis (AR) were analysed in an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced animal model, human subjects, and a human mast cell line (HMC‐1). Small interfering RNA experiments were performed in an OVA‐induced AR model.

Key Results

RANKL and RANKL receptor (RANK) were up‐regulated in serum or nasal mucosal tissues of AR patients and AR mice. RANKL and RANK were colocalised in mast cells of nasal mucosa tissue. Depletion of RANKL by RANKL siRNA ameliorated AR symptoms and reduced AR‐related biomarkers, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IgE, histamine, and inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas recombinant RANKL increased AR responses and TSLP levels. In addition, functional deficiency of TSLP decreased AR responses induced by RANKL. In human mast cells, interaction of RANKL with RANK increased production of TSLP and inflammatory cytokines. Production of TSLP by RANKL stimulation was mediated through activation of the PI3K, MAPK, caspase‐1, and NF‐κB pathways. Furthermore, dexamethasone alleviated RANKL‐induced inflammatory reactions in AR models.

Conclusion and Implications

Collectively, these data suggest that RANKL may induce development of AR through up‐regulation of TSLP.
Proteoliposome‐based model for screening inhibitors targeting histidine kinase AgrC
Authors: Zhang Liying , Quan Chunshan , Zhang Xuning , Xiong Wen , Fan Shengdi
Published: February 2019

AgrC, as an integral membrane receptor protein with histidine kinase activity, is an important component of the agr quorum‐sensing system of Staphylococcus aureus. AgrC acts as a sensor for the recognition of environmental signals and transduction of the signals into the cytoplasm. Therefore, AgrC is considered to be a compelling target for the development of novel quorum‐sensing inhibitors. Here, we constructed a proteoliposome‐based model for screening inhibitors targeting AgrC by incorporating AgrC into liposomes. We demonstrated that the dissolution state of the liposome was a critical factor in the reconstruction of the AgrC proteoliposome, in which AgrC maintained similar orientation and function as those in natural biological membranes. Two monomers, namely, rhein and aloeemodin, were successfully screened out as inhibitors targeting AgrC by the proteoliposome‐based model from 14 traditional Chinese medicine monomers. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on the growth of suspended bacteria was dose dependent, and subinhibitory concentrations of these compounds significantly reduced the expression of three virulence factors (hla, clfA, and clpP), that are regulated by the agr system. The results preliminarily indicated that rhein and aloeemodin can inhibit the agr signaling pathway and also indirectly confirmed the feasibility and effectiveness of the AgrC proteoliposome as a drug screening model.
Perceptions of Pubertal Timing and Discrimination Among African American and Caribbean Black Girls
Authors: Seaton Eleanor K. , Carter Rona
Published: February 2019

This study used a nationally representative sample of African American and Caribbean Black adolescent females to examine the relation between perceived pubertal timing relative to peers and discriminatory experiences. Participants included the 607 girls who participated in the National Survey of American Life‐Adolescent (NSAL‐A), and ranged in age from 13 to 17. Most African American girls perceived their development as on‐time relative to their same‐aged peers; whereas the majority of Caribbean Black girls perceived their development as earlier than their same‐aged peers. The results indicated that girls who perceived that their pubertal development was earlier than their same‐aged peers reported more general and racial discrimination experiences.
Shared Picture Book Reading Interventions for Child Language Development: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dowdall Nicholas , Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Murray Lynne , Gardner Frances , Hartford Leila , Cooper Peter J.
Published: February 2019

Interventions that train parents to share picture books with children are seen as a strategy for supporting child language development. We conducted meta‐analyses using robust variance estimation modeling on results from 19 RCTs (Ntotal = 2,594; Mchildage = 1–6 years). Overall, book‐sharing interventions had a small sized effect on both expressive language (d = 0.41) and receptive language (d = 0.26). They had a large effect on caregiver book‐sharing competence (d = 1.01). The impact of the intervention on child language was moderated by intervention dosage, with lower dosage associated with a minimal impact. Child age and caregiver education level were unrelated to child outcome. This review and meta‐analysis confirms the promise of book‐sharing interventions for enhancing and accelerating child language development.
A subgroup of lupus patients with nephritis, innate T cell activation and low vitamin D is identified by the enhancement of circulating MHC class I-related chain A
Authors: Pérez-Ferro M , Romero-Bueno F I , Serrano del Castillo C , Mahillo I , Alvear A , Largo R , Herrero-Beaumont G , Sánchez-Pernaute O
Published: February 2019

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related chain A (MICA) is induced upon stress, and labels malfunctioning cells for their recognition by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Alterations in this recognition and also abnormal natural killer (NK) functions have been found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MICA can be shed from cells, subsequently acting as a soluble decoy receptor (sMICA). Our purpose was to study circulating sMICA levels in relationship with the activation of innate pathways in PBMC in a cohort of lupus patients. NK cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Gene expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR), interferon (IFN)-I sensitive genes and MICA were separately analyzed in monocytes, T cells and B cells. Serum sMICA was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In our cohort, NK cell counts dropped in relationship with disease activity. sMICA showed an inverse trend with NK cell counts, as well as a significant association with activity indices, but not with complement decrease. Levels of sMICA associated to proteinuria and active nephritis. A multivariate regression model revealed anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titres, the up-regulation of TLR-4 in T cells and lower vitamin D as predictors of sMICA enhancement. Interestingly, vitamin D showed an inverse association with proteinuria and a strong correlation with T cell MICA mRNA levels. According to our data, circulating sMICA identifies a subgroup of lupus patients with low vitamin D, innate activation of T cells and nephritis. We propose that lymphocyte shedding could account for the enhancement of sMICA and reflect an immune evasion mechanism driving disease activation in lupus.
Novel insights into the systemic treatment of lung cancer malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Tissot Claire , Gay Pierre , Brun Clément , Froudarakis Marios E.
Published: February 2019

Lung cancer is the most common fatal malignancy worldwide. Approximately 75% of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced or a metastatic stage. Since 2007, NSCLC patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are staged as M1 disease. During the last decades, chemotherapeutic agents failed to offer a significant improvement of survival in patients with metastatic disease. The current review aims to summarize the actual situation of the recently developed therapies in patients with lung cancer and MPE.
Endoscopic removal of a metal stent that migrated into the peritoneal cavity after endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy
Authors: Fujisawa Toshio , Saito Hiroaki , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2019

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Nitrogen application is required to realize wheat yield stimulation by elevated CO2 but will not remove the CO2‐induced reduction in grain protein concentration
Authors: Pleijel Håkan , Broberg Malin C. , Högy Petra , Uddling Johan
Published: February 2019

Elevated CO2 (eCO2) generally promotes increased grain yield (GY) and decreased grain protein concentration (GPC), but the extent to which these effects depend on the magnitude of fertilization remains unclear. We collected data on the eCO2 responses of GY, GPC and grain protein yield and their relationships with nitrogen (N) application rates across experimental data covering 11 field grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars studied in eight countries on four continents. The eCO2‐induced stimulation of GY increased with N application rates up to ~200 kg/ha. At higher N application, stimulation of GY by eCO2 stagnated or even declined. This was valid both when the yield stimulation was expressed as the total effect and using per ppm CO2 scaling. GPC was decreased by on average 7% under eCO2 and the magnitude of this effect did not depend on N application rate. The net effect of responses on GY and protein concentration was that eCO2 typically increased and decreased grain protein yield at N application rates below and above ~100 kg/ha respectively. We conclude that a negative effect on wheat GPC seems inevitable under eCO2 and that substantial N application rates may be required to sustain wheat protein yields in a world with rising CO2.
Different effects of alpine woody plant expansion on domestic and wild ungulates
Authors: Espunyes Johan , Lurgi Miguel , Büntgen Ulf , Bartolomé Jordi , Calleja Juan Antonio , Gálvez‐Cerón Arturo , Peñuelas Josep , Claramunt-López Bernat , Serrano Emmanuel
Published: February 2019

Changes in land‐use and climate affect the distribution and diversity of plant and animal species at different spatiotemporal scales. The extent to which species‐specific phenotypic plasticity and biotic interactions mediate organismal adaptation to changing environments, however, remains poorly understood. Woody plant expansion is threatening the extent of alpine grasslands worldwide, and evaluating and predicting its effects on herbivores is of crucial importance. Here, we explore the impact of shrubification on the feeding efficiency of Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica), as well as on the three most abundant coexisting domestic ungulate species: cattle, sheep and horses. We use observational diet composition from May to October and model different scenarios of vegetation availability where shrubland and woodland proliferate at the expense of grassland. We then predicted if the four ungulate species could efficiently utilize their food landscapes with their current dietary specificities measuring their niche breath in each scenario. We observed that the wild counterpart, due to a higher trophic plasticity, is less disturbed by shrubification compared to livestock, which rely primarily on herbaceous plants and will be affected 3.6 times more. Our results suggest that mixed feeders, such as chamois, could benefit from fallow landscapes, and that mountain farmers are at a growing economic risk worldwide due to changing land‐use practices and climate conditions.
Carbon consequences of drought differ in forests that resprout
Authors: Walden Lewis L. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Matusick George , Harper Richard J. , Hardy Giles E. St. J.
Published: February 2019

Prolonged drought and intense heat‐related events trigger sudden forest die‐off events and have now been reported from all forested continents. Such die‐offs are concerning given that drought and heatwave events are forecast to increase in severity and duration as climate change progresses. Quantifying consequences to carbon dynamics and storage from die‐off events are critical for determining the current and future mitigation potential of forests. We took stand measurements five times over 2+ years from affected and unaffected plots across the Northern Jarrah Forest, southwestern Australia, following an acute drought/heatwave in 2011. We found a significant loss of live standing carbon (49.3 t ha−1), and subsequently a significant increase in the dead standing carbon pool by 6 months post‐die‐off. Of the persisting live trees, 38% experienced partial mortality contributing to the rapid regrowth and replenishment (82%–88%) of labile carbon pools (foliage, twigs, and branches) within 26 months. Such regrowth was not substantial in terms of net carbon changes within the timeframe of the study but does reflect the resprouting resilience of this forest type. Dead carbon generated by the die‐off may persist for centuries given low fragmentation and decay rates resulting in low biogenic emission rates relative to other forest types. However, future fire may threaten persistence of both dead and live pools via combustion and mortality of live tissue and impaired regrowth capacity. Resprouting forests are commonly regarded as resilient systems, however, a changing climate could see vulnerable portions of forests become carbon sources rather than carbon sinks.
Accurate Measurement of Lithium Isotopes in Eleven Carbonate Reference Materials by MC‐ICP‐MS with Soft Extraction Mode and 1012 Ω Resistor High‐Gain Faraday Amplifiers
Authors: Lin Jie , Liu Yongsheng , Hu Zhaochu , Chen Wei , Zhang La , Chen Haihong
Published: February 2019

Lithium isotopes in carbonate rocks and minerals can serve as important tools for assessing palaeoclimates and palaeoenvironments. However, carbonate bulk rock samples are commonly mixtures of carbonate and silicate minerals, which require the complete digestion of the carbonate without digesting the silicate. Additionally, the low Li content (ng g−1 level) in carbonates provides an additional challenge. Hence, despite their wide applications, few carbonates have had their δ7Li values characterised, particularly carbonate reference materials, which hinders comparisons of Li isotope measurement results obtained in different laboratories and the further application of Li isotopes in geological studies. This study aimed to provide precise and accurate δ7Li values for carbonate reference materials based on an evaluation of sample leaching and the Li purification method for carbonates, as well as the adoption of soft extraction and 1012 Ω amplifiers to increase the intensity/blank ratio and matrix effect on Li isotope measurement. The precision and accuracy of the proposed procedure were verified by analysing synthetic carbonate samples and mono‐elemental Li solutions. With the developed method we provide δ7Li values for eleven carbonate reference materials with a precision of ~ 0.4‰. The accuracy of the δ7Li values was validated using the standard addition method.
Wetland‐Scale Mapping of Preferential Fresh Groundwater Discharge to the Colorado River
Authors: Briggs Martin A. , Nelson Nora , Gardner Philip , Solomon D. Kip , Terry Neil , Lane John W.
Published: February 2019

Quantitative evaluation of groundwater/surface water exchange dynamics is universally challenging in large river systems, because existing methodology often does not yield spatially‐distributed data and is difficult to apply in deeper water. Here we apply a combined near‐surface geophysical and direct groundwater chemical toolkit to refine fresh groundwater discharge estimates to the Colorado River through a 4‐km2 wetland that borders the town of Moab, Utah, USA. Preliminary characterization of raw electromagnetic imaging (EMI) data, collected by kayak and by walking, was used to guide additional direct‐contact electrical measurements and installation of new monitoring wells. Chemical data from the wells strongly supported the EMI spatial characterization of preferential fresh groundwater discharge embedded in natural brine groundwaters and weighted to the southern wetland section. Inversion of the EMI data revealed sub‐meter scale detail regarding bulk electrical conductivity zonation across approximately 15.5 km of transects, collected in only 3 days. This electrical detail indicates processes such as salinization of the unsaturated zone and direct discharge through the Colorado River sediments and a tributary creek bed. Overall, the study contributed to a substantial reduction in fresh groundwater discharge estimates previously made using sparse existing well data and a simplified assumption of diffuse fresh groundwater discharge below the entire wetland. EMI will likely become a widely used tool in systems with natural electrical contrast as groundwater/surface water hydrogeologists continue to recognize the prevalence of preferential groundwater discharge processes.
Incipient formation of zircon and hafnon during glass alteration at 90°C
Authors: Calas Georges , Galoisy Laurence , Menguy Nicolas , Jollivet Patrick , Gin Stéphane
Published: February 2019

Layered zircon and hafnon are observed at the surface of gels resulting from the complete alteration of Zr‐ or Hf‐bearing borosilicate glasses at 90°C and pH 1. The unusually low temperature of formation may arise from the similarity of the local structure around Zr in the gel (from the altered glasses), the leaching solution and the zircon structure, in particular, the majority eight‐coordination of Zr and the connectivity of Zr‐sites with their surroundings. Similar behavior is expected for Hf, which mimics Zr speciation in solution and hafnon structure. This work expands the known formation methods of zircon and hafnon at low temperature, underlining the importance of amorphous precursors to facilitate crystal growth under unusual conditions.
Simultaneous three‐dimensional elemental mapping of Hollandite and Pyrochlore material phases in ceramic waste form materials
Authors: Damian Peter Joseph C. , Cocco Alex P. , Wrubel Jacob A. , Hong Tao , Bordia Rajendra K. , Liu Yijin , Pianetta Piero , Amoroso Jake W. , Brinkman Kyle S. , Chiu Wilson K. S.
Published: February 2019

Differential X‐ray absorption contrast tomography was performed on model ceramic composite systems to image the 3D spatial distributions of Ga and Nd containing phases. The model material systems were fabricated such that they contained two constituent phases. Ga–doped Ba hollandite (Ba1.33Ga2.66Ti5.34O16), and pyrochlore (Nd2Ti2O7) which are under consideration as nuclear waste immobilization matrices. Two complementary techniques have been used to characterize the 3D distribution of phases. The analysis suggests that the 3D spatial distributions of hollandite and pyrochlore can be readily identified through the distributions Ga and Nd, respectively. These results represent a critical development towards characterizing the complex microstructure inherent to practical materials such as multiphase ceramic composite waste forms. Moreover, these methods can be applied to elucidate microstructural features that fundamentally determine the performance and properties of complex systems, which is central to the design of durable waste forms as well as many other real materials such fuel cells, batteries, ultra‐high temperature ceramics.
Morphogenesis and Molecular Phylogeny of the Soil Ciliate Holostichides chardezi (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia, Bakuellidae), with Redefinition of Holostichides Foissner, 1987 and Establishment of a New Genus Anteholostichides
Authors: Zhu Erkang , Ba Sang , Lyu Zhao , Li Jingbao , Shao Chen
Published: February 2019

Morphogenesis of the soil hypotrich ciliate, Holostichides chardezi Foissner, 1987, collected from southeastern China, was investigated using the protargol staining method. The main morphogenetic events follow a similar process with that of its congeners. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequence data indicate that Holostichides is nonmonophyletic; H. chardezi, the type species of Holostichides, clusters with H. heterotypicus, while H. terrae is distinctly separate from these species. H. terrae can be distinguished from H. chardezi (type species of Holostichides) and H. heterotypicus by undulating membranes relatively long and distinctly curved (vs. relatively short and straight), pharynx with (vs. without) rod‐shaped structure, and two (vs. more than two) frontoterminal cirri. Therefore, a new genus, Anteholostichides nov. gen., has been proposed for H. terrae. Further, the diagnosis of the genus Holostichides is improved.
Use of the MMSE in the Prediction of Driving Fitness: Relevance of Specific Subtests
Authors: O'Connor Margaret G. , Duncanson Haley , Hollis Ann M.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between performance on subtests of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and driving competence in people with cognitive impairment (CI) as well as those with no cognitive impairment (NCI).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Participants referred for a DriveWise evaluation at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, were included in the study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 419 participants referred for a DriveWise evaluation was studied. The average age of the sample was 77.69 years. In this study, people with an MMSE score lower than 25 were included in the CI group; 41% of participants had CI.

MEASUREMENTS

All participants underwent mental status screening with the MMSE, and all underwent a 45‐minute road test modeled after the Washington University Road Test adapted for use in Boston streets.

RESULTS

In both groups, poor road test performance was associated with low scores on the MMSE. In drivers with CI, MMSE total score and performance on the attention subtest were significantly lower for those who failed the road test. In drivers with NCI, the MMSE total score and orientation subtests were significantly lower for those who failed the road test.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians working with older people should know that the MMSE is an effective tool to screen for driving safety, but MMSE subtests are differentially sensitive to driving safety in people with and without CI. Poor performance on specific MMSE subtests may prompt further evaluation of driving competence with a road test. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:790–793, 2019.
The contribution of red blood cell transfusion to neonatal morbidity and mortality
Authors: Crawford Tara M , Andersen Chad C , Hodyl Nicolette A , Robertson Sarah A , Stark Michael J
Published: February 2019

Anaemia of prematurity will affect 90% of all very preterm infants, resulting in at least one red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. A significant proportion of preterm infants require multiple transfusions over the course of hospital admission. Growing evidence supports an association between transfusion exposure and adverse neonatal outcomes. In adults, transfusion‐associated sepsis, transfusion‐related acute lung injury and haemolytic reactions are the leading causes of transfusion‐related morbidity and mortality; however, these are seldom recognised in newborns. The association between transfusion and adverse outcomes remains inconclusive. However, the evidence from preclinical studies demonstrates that RBC products can directly modulate immune cell function, a pathway termed transfusion‐related immunomodulation (TRIM), which may provide a mechanism linking transfusion exposure with neonatal morbidities. Finally, we discuss the impact of TRIM on transfusion medicine, how we may address these issues and the emerging areas of research aimed at improving the safety of transfusions in this vulnerable population.
Pharmacokinetics of the novel COX‐2 selective inhibitor vitacoxib in cats: The effects of feeding and dose
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Gong Xiaohui , Xue Jiao , Zhang Suxia , Li Jing , Cao Xingyuan
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and dose‐scaling model of vitacoxib in either fed or fasted cats following either oral or intravenous administration. The concentration of the drug was quantified by UPLC‐MS/MS on plasma samples. Relevant parameters were described using noncompartmental analysis (WinNonlin 6.4 software). Vitacoxib is relatively slowly absorbed and eliminated after oral administration (2 mg/kg body weight), with a Tmax of approximately 4.7 hr. The feeding state of the cat was a statistically significant covariate for both area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) and mean absorption time (MATfed). The absolute bioavailability (F) of vitacoxib (2 mg/kg body weight) after oral administration (fed) was 72.5%, which is higher than that in fasted cats (F = 50.6%). Following intravenous administration (2 mg/kg body weight), Vd (ml/kg) was 1,264.34 ± 343.63 ml/kg and Cl (ml kg−1 hr−1) was 95.22 ± 23.53 ml kg−1 hr−1. Plasma concentrations scaled linearly with dose, with Cmax (ng/ml) of 352.30 ± 63.42, 750.26 ± 435.54, and 936.97 ± 231.27 ng/ml after doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg body weight, respectively. No significant undesirable behavioral effects were noted throughout the duration of the study.
Variability and asymmetry in the shape of the spiny dogfish vagina revealed by 2D and 3D geometric morphometrics
Authors: Hedrick B. P. , Antalek‐Schrag P. , Conith A. J. , Natanson L. J. , Brennan P. L. R.
Published: February 2019

Genital structures are among the most variable in nature and have been suggested to evolve at exceptionally high rates. However, the vast majority of research on genital morphology has been done on male genitalia. We present one of the few studies of female genital shape using geometric morphometrics, and the first of such studies to employ 3D geometric morphometrics, using the spiny dogfish shark, a taxon for which reproductive biology is well‐studied. In a sample of 21 adult females, we found no correlation between body size and reproductive and non‐reproductive trait size, and therefore no general allometric patterns. Furthermore, we found limited evidence for different 2D and 3D vaginal shapes in visibly pregnant and not visibly pregnant sharks, but trends were more obvious in 3D than 2D. We found high congruence between data derived using 2D geometric morphometrics with that derived from 3D methods. We also found exceptionally high asymmetry in the vagina, again more apparent in 3D than in 2D. Visibly pregnant sharks had especially high directional asymmetry (>48% of total variation) likely as a result of an asymmetric distribution of pups in the shark's paired oviducts. Therefore, this asymmetry was functional rather than developmental and presents an important consideration when studying vaginal shape. The lack of significant association between pregnancy and vaginal shape in a species with an extremely long pregnancy suggests that vaginal shape differences may be under additional selective forces such as sexual antagonism during copulation. A combination of 3D geometric morphometric methods along with assessments of asymmetry sheds further light on the growing appreciation that female genitalia is highly variable in shape and may play a substantial role in sexual selection.
Do plants pay a fitness cost to be resistant to glyphosate?
Authors: Vila‐Aiub Martin M. , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen B.
Published: February 2019

We reviewed the literature to understand the effects of glyphosate resistance on plant fitness at the molecular, biochemical and physiological levels. A number of correlations between enzyme characteristics and glyphosate resistance imply the existence of a plant fitness cost associated with resistance‐conferring mutations in the glyphosate target enzyme, 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS). These biochemical changes result in a tradeoff between the glyphosate resistance of the EPSPS enzyme and its catalytic activity. Mutations that endow the highest resistance are more likely to decrease catalytic activity by reducing the affinity of EPSPS for its natural substrate, and/or slowing the velocity of the enzyme reaction, and are thus very likely to endow a substantial plant fitness cost. Prediction of fitness costs associated with EPSPS gene amplification and overexpression can be more problematic. The validity of cost prediction based on the theory of evolution of gene expression and resource allocation has been cast into doubt by contradictory experimental evidence. Further research providing insights into the role of the EPSPS cassette in weed adaptation, and estimations of the energy budget involved in EPSPS amplification and overexpression are required to understand and predict the biochemical and physiological bases of the fitness cost of glyphosate resistance.
Ecophysiolomic analysis of stress tolerant Himalayan shrub Hipppophae rhamnoides shows multifactorial acclimation strategies induced by diverse environmental conditions
Authors: Sharma Bhavana , Deswal Renu
Published: February 2019

Climatic fluctuations are a major global concern, affecting the agronomic productivity of plants. Hippophae rhamnoides a naturally growing stress tolerant Himalayan shrub was chosen to understand its stress hardiness mechanism. Comparative proteomic and biochemical analysis were done for pooled berry populations (HrB13 and HrB14) growing in two different environmental conditions. HrB13, growing under sub‐optimal environmental conditions exhibited differential abundance of stress responsive proteins, which were the rate limiting enzymes associated with stress‐responsive metabolic pathways, including Xanthine dehydrogenase (reactive oxygen species [ROS] signaling), Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (phenylpropanoid pathway), endosomal BRO‐1 domain protein (ultraviolet [UV]‐light stress), Phosphofructokinase (sugar metabolism) and Ubiquitin thioesterase (protein alterations). Biochemical investigations showed a positive correlation between proteomic plasticity (HrB13) and 1.6 to 15‐fold accumulation of downstream adaptive metabolic signatures like enzymes and antioxidants involved in ROS scavenging pathways (Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, Glutathione reductase, ascorbate and glutathione content), secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (∝ − linolenic acid and linoleic acid). Interactome and KEGG pathway analysis also supported interactions of differentially accumulated proteins with stress‐responsive signaling components involved in physiological pathways associated with stress tolerance. This is the first ‘ecophysiolomics’ study, showing the response of seabuckthorn to multiple stress conditions via activation of multifactorial acclimation strategies leading to morphological, metabolic and physiological modifications, resulting in dark orange berries in HrB13. Higher accumulation of omega‐6 fatty acids, carotenoids and ascorbate during suboptimal growth conditions, provides exciting prospects for enhancing pharmaceutical properties of seabuckthorn berries, emphasizing need to analyze diversity of plant signaling mechanisms under changing climate conditions.
Using phenological niche separation to improve management in a Northern Glaciated Plains grassland
Authors: Bennett Joe , Smart Alexander , Perkins Lora
Published: February 2019

Many of the remaining patches of untilled (native) prairie in the Northern Glaciated Plains of North America are heavily invaded by the cool‐season grasses, Bromus inermis and Poa pratensis. However, the native vegetation in these patches contains many warm‐season species. This difference in phenology can be used to benefit restoration. We conducted an experiment to examine the efficacy of restoration treatments (mowing and prescribed fire) applied early in the growing season for consecutive years to decrease cool‐season invasive plant biomass without impacting the native warm‐season species. Our treatments were successful at significantly decreasing invasive cool‐season plant biomass and increasing native warm‐season plant biomass. No differences between treatments (mowing and prescribed fire) were found. Results suggest that incorporating differences in phenology between target and nontarget species into management may increase restoration success.
Maintaining Meat: Cultural Repertoires and the Meat Paradox in a Diverse Sociocultural Context
Authors: Oleschuk Merin , Johnston Josée , Baumann Shyon
Published: February 2019

Despite rising concerns about the meat industry and animal slaughter, meat consumption in Europe and North America remains relatively high, what has been called the “meat paradox.” In this article, we examine a diverse sample of Canadian meat eaters and vegetarians to build on earlier work on the psychological strategies people employ to justify eating meat. We analyze the explanations people give for meat eating within the context of what sociologists term cultural repertoires—the taken‐for‐granted, unarticulated scripts that inform actions. We distinguish between two types of repertoires: identity repertoires that have a basis in personal, embodied group identities and regularly draw from vivid first‐person experiences; and liberty repertoires that are more abstractly conceptualized and signal peoples' sense of their rights in social space. We find that these repertoires function in distinct ways, both in regard to how participants situated themselves within them, and in their capacity to facilitate active engagement with the ethical implications of conduct. Through these repertoires, we show how the meanings attributed to meat consumption are crucial for understanding its persistence in the face of strong reasons to change, while also advancing literature on cultural repertoires by highlighting their variability.
Wound healing and fibrosis: current stem cell therapies
Authors: Jones Ruth Ellen , Foster Deshka S. , Hu Michael S. , Longaker Michael T.
Published: February 2019

Scarring is a result of the wound healing response and causes tissue dysfunction after injury. This process is readily evident in the skin, but also occurs internally across organ systems in the form of fibrosis. Stem cells are crucial to the innate tissue healing response and, as such, present a possible modality to therapeutically promote regenerative healing while minimizing scaring. In this review, the cellular basis of scaring and fibrosis is examined. Current stem cell therapies under exploration for skin wound healing and internal organ fibrosis are discussed. While most therapeutic approaches rely on the direct application of progenitor‐type cells to injured tissue to promote healing, novel strategies to manipulate the scarring response are also presented. As our understanding of developmental and stem cell biology continues to increase, therapies to encourage regeneration of healthy functional tissue after damage secondary to injury or disease will continue to expand.
Frequent blood donation and offspring scholastic attainment: an assessment of long‐term consequences of prenatal iron deficiency
Authors: Rigas Andreas S. , Pedersen Ole B. , Rostgaard Klaus , Sørensen Erik , Erikstrup Christian , Hjalgrim Henrik , Ullum Henrik
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Due to physiological demands, children and premenopausal women are at risk of developing iron deficiency. In premenopausal women, the risk may be further increased by repeated whole blood donations. Short‐term consequences of iron deficiency in infancy include impaired cognitive development and lower IQ scores. This prompts concern that maternal iron deficiency before or during pregnancy may have long‐term consequences for the offspring, for example, by affecting scholastic attainment. The aim of this study was to evaluate if prepregnancy donation intensity is associated with offspring scholastic attainment measured as grade averages in standardized national written examinations in Denmark.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

By using the Danish personal identification number as key, we obtained information on donation intensity before pregnancy, school grade, year of graduation, age of the students, students' sex, and parental length of education and income from various nationwide registers. Linear regression analyses were performed, with grade average as outcome and maternal donation status as explanatory variable (nondonor, n = 177,078; low‐frequency donor, n = 4995 [one to five donations in the 3 years before pregnancy]; high‐frequency donor, n = 414 [six or more donations in the 3 years before pregnancy), and further adjusted for the covariates listed above.

RESULTS

Adjusted normalized (mean, 0; standard deviation [SD], 1) test scores were statistically significantly higher for children of active female donors compared with children of nondonors (SD, 0.104; 95% confidence interval, 0.079–0.129). We observed no differences in scholastic attainment between children of low‐frequency donors and high‐frequency donors.

CONCLUSION

Prepregnancy donation intensity, as a proxy of iron stores, is not associated with subsequent offspring scholastic attainment.
Successful vascularized jejunal patch graft to treat severe orad duodenal injury secondary to foreign body obstruction in a dog
Authors: Putterman Allison B. , Trumpatori Brian , Mathews Kyle G.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To report the surgical treatment and outcome of an adult dog with a duodenal perforation treated with a vascularized jejunal patch graft.

Study design

Case report.

Animal

A 1‐year‐old castrated male boxer dog.

Methods

Damage to a duodenal segment containing the major and minor papillae was repaired with a vascularized jejunal graft. A segment of healthy jejunum was mobilized maintaining the jejunal vessels, and a donor site anastomosis was performed. The vascularized jejunal graft was incised on the antimesenteric border creating a rectangular segment, which was trimmed and sutured to the duodenal recipient site as a patch graft to repair the defect.

Results

The dog recovered well without major complications. Within 2 weeks, appetite and bowel movements were normal, with no episodes of vomiting. Infrequent regurgitation resolved without medical therapy.

Conclusion

A vascularized jejunal patch graft is a feasible option for successful surgical repair of duodenal injury in the dog.

Clinical significance

This report describes a novel surgical repair technique for treatment of gastrointestinal injuries.
NADPH oxidase‐derived reactive oxygen species: Dosis facit venenum
Authors: Schröder Katrin
Published: February 2019

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Within this review, the role of reactive oxygen species in cellular homeostasis, physiology and pathophysiology is discussed.

What advances does it highlight?

The review provides new concepts of how reactive oxygen species influence gene expression, energy consumption and other aspects of the life of a cell. Furthermore, a model is provided to illustrate how reactive oxygen species elicit specific oxidation of target molecules.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a long history of bad reputation. They are needed and effective in host defense, but on the contrary may induce situations of oxidative stress. Besides that, within recent years several soft functions (functions that may occur and are not directly connected to an effect, but may influence signaling in an indirect manner) of NADPH oxidases have been discovered, which are slowly eroding the image of the solely dangerous ROS. NADPH oxidase‐derived ROS serve to ease or enable signal transduction and to maintain homeostasis. However, there is still an enormous lag in the knowledge concerning target proteins and how ROS can elicit specific signalling in different cells and tissues. The present review summarizes some important functions of Nox2 and Nox4. Furthermore, although highly speculative, a model is provided of how those NADPH oxidases might be able to oxidize target proteins in a specific way. Many concepts mentioned in this review represent my personal view and are supported only in part by published studies.
Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Performance of Young Male Soccer Players: Potential Effects of Different Drop Jump Heights
Authors: Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Alvarez Cristian , García-Pinillos Felipe , Gentil Paulo , Moran Jason , Pereira Lucas A. , Loturco Irineu
Published: February 2019

Purpose: To compare the effects of plyometric drop jump (DJ) training against those induced by regular soccer training and assess the transference effect coefficient (TEC) of DJs (“trained exercises”) performed from 20- (DJ20) and 40-cm (DJ40) height boxes with respect to different physical qualities (jumping, linear and change of direction speed, kicking, endurance, and maximal strength) in youth male soccer players. Methods: Participants were randomly divided into a control group (n = 20; age: 13.5 [1.9] y) and a DJ training group (n = 19; age: 13.2 [1.8] y), and trained for 7 weeks. A 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures with the within-subject factor time (preintervention and postintervention) and between-subject factor group (intervention vs control) was performed. To calculate the TECs between the trained exercises (DJ20 and DJ40) and the physical tests, the ratio between the “result gains” (effect size [ES]) in the analyzed physical qualities and the result gains in the trained exercises were calculated. The TECs were only calculated for variables presenting an ES ≥ 0.2. Results: Significant improvements (ES = 0.21–0.46; P < .05) were observed in the DJ training group, except in linear sprint performance. The control group improved only the maximal strength (ES = 0.28; P < .05). Significant differences were observed in all variables (ES = 0.20–0.55; P < .05) in favor of the DJ training group, except for maximal strength (group × time interaction). Conclusions: A plyometric training scheme based on DJs was able to significantly improve the physical performance of youth male soccer players. Overall, greater TECs were observed for DJ40 (0.58–1.28) than DJ20 (0.55–1.21).
Imaging quantum spin Hall edges in monolayer WTe
2
Authors: Shi Yanmeng , Kahn Joshua , Niu Ben , Fei Zaiyao , Sun Bosong , Cai Xinghan , Francisco Brian A. , Wu Di , Shen Zhi-Xun , Xu Xiaodong , Cobden David H. , Cui Yong-Tao
Published: February 2019

Real-space imaging reveals rich microscopic details of the quantum spin Hall edge conduction in monolayer WTe
2
.
Recording interfacial currents on the subnanometer length and femtosecond time scale by terahertz emission
Authors: Ma Eric Yue , Guzelturk Burak , Li Guoqing , Cao Linyou , Shen Zhi-Xun , Lindenberg Aaron M. , Heinz Tony F.
Published: February 2019

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by electrons allows their ultrafast motion to be probed on the atomic length scale.
Experimental observation of dual magnetic states in topological insulators
Authors: Liu Wenqing , Xu Yongbing , He Liang , van der Laan Gerrit , Zhang Rong , Wang Kang
Published: February 2019

The dual magnetic states in topological insulators reveal the interplay between two ordering phenomena: magnetism and topology.
Metal-organic frameworks tailor the properties of aluminum nanocrystals
Authors: Robatjazi Hossein , Weinberg Daniel , Swearer Dayne F. , Jacobson Christian , Zhang Ming , Tian Shu , Zhou Linan , Nordlander Peter , Halas Naomi J.
Published: February 2019

Growing a metal organic framework on the surface of an aluminum nanocrystal enables one to controllably modify its properties.
Diet modulates colonic T cell responses by regulating the expression of a
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
antigen
Authors: Wegorzewska Marta M. , Glowacki Robert W. P. , Hsieh Samantha A. , Donermeyer David L. , Hickey Christina A. , Horvath Stephen C. , Martens Eric C. , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S. , Allen Paul M.
Published: February 2019

Diet alters symbiont-specific immune responses via regulation of the expression of an outer membrane vesicle antigen.
Gram-Positive Type IV Pili and Competence
Authors: Muschiol Sandra , Aschtgen Marie-Stephanie , Nannapaneni Priyanka , Henriques-Normark Birgitta
Published: February 2019

Type IV pili (T4P) are remarkable bacterial surface appendages that carry out a range of functions. Various types of T4P have been identified in bacteria and archaea, making them almost universal structures in prokaryotes. T4P are best characterized in Gram-negative bacteria, in which pilus biogenesis and T4P-mediated functions have been studied for decades. Recent advances in microbial whole-genome sequencing have provided ample evidence for the existence of T4P also in many Gram-positive species. However, comparatively little is known, and T4P in Gram-positive bacteria are just beginning to be dissected. So far, they have mainly been studied in
Clostridium
and
Streptococcus
spp. and are involved in diverse cellular processes such as adhesion, motility, and horizontal gene transfer. Here we summarize the current understanding of T4P in Gram-positive species and their functions, with particular focus on the type IV competence pilus produced by the human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and its role in natural transformation.
Rib fracture fixation as a tool for extubation in a resource-poor environment
Authors: Dickson-Lowe Richard Alexander , Buitendag Johannes Jacobus Petrus , Jolayemi Olamide Oluwafunsho , Oosthuizen George
Published: February 2019

An elderly female with multiple comorbidities was involved in a pedestrian vehicle accident and sustained blunt chest trauma, arriving at a resource-poor hospital in rural South Africa. She had multiple bilateral rib fractures with a unilateral flail segment that caused her to develop respiratory failure. She was intubated and sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) for ventilation. She developed hospital and ventilator acquired pneumonia. She subsequently had hypoxic arrests on two separate occasions and two failed extubations. Despite inadequate access to provisions, this patient was taken to theatre for rib fracture fixation as an attempt to improve her lung function and get her off the ventilator. She was extubated two days after the procedure and discharged from ICU 4 days thereafter. On her follow-up, she reported that she had returned to normal daily living and tasks.