bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrahippocampal high‐frequency oscillations during epileptogenesis
Authors: Li Lin , Patel Mayur , Almajano Joyel , Engel Jerome , Bragin Anatol
Published: March 2018

The current study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in the intra‐/extrahippocampal areas during epileptogenesis. Local field potentials were bilaterally recorded from hippocampus (CA1), thalamus, motor cortex, and prefrontal cortex in 13 rats before and after intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) lesions. HFOs in the ripple (100‐200 Hz) and fast ripple (250‐500 Hz) ranges were detected and their rates were computed during different time periods (1‐5 weeks) after KA‐induced status epilepticus (SE). Recurrent spontaneous seizures were observed in 7 rats after SE, and the other 6 rats did not develop epilepsy. During the latent period, the rate of hippocampal HFOs increased at the ipsilateral site of the KA lesion in both groups, and the HFO rate was significantly higher in the animals that later developed epilepsy. Animals that later developed epilepsy also demonstrated widespread appearance of HFOs, in both the ripple and the fast ripple range, whereas animals that did not develop epilepsy only exhibited changes in the ipsilateral intrahippocampal HFO rate. This study demonstrates an association between an increased rate of widespread HFOs and the later development of epilepsy, suggesting the formation of large‐scale distributed pathological networks during epileptogenesis.
Capsaicin induces atopic dermatitis‐like manifestations through dysregulation of proteolytic system and alteration of filaggrin processing in rats
Authors: Kim Sewon , Back Seung Keun , Na Heung Sik , Kee Sun‐Ho
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease featuring pruritic skin inflammation. Many animal models have been developed. In a rat model, subcutaneous capsaicin injection within 48 hours after birth induces AD‐like skin manifestations of dermatitis and scratching behaviour 3 weeks after the injection. When 2‐ to 4‐week‐old rats were injected with capsaicin, the lag period was shortened, and the severity of skin manifestations was significantly reduced, suggesting influences of postnatal development. Lgr6 is an epidermal stem cell marker that is normally restricted to the isthmus area of hair follicles at postnatal 2 weeks. Lgr6 persisted in the interfollicular epidermis of capsaicin‐injected rats beyond 3 weeks after birth, indicating that capsaicin‐induced skin manifestations were influenced by postnatal epidermal development. Capsaicin injection induced alteration of proteolytic processing of filaggrin and corneodesmosin, suggesting epidermal barrier dysfunction. Inappropriate degradation of matriptase was observed. Degrees of proteolysis of these proteins were corelated with the severity of manifestations, suggesting that inappropriate proteolysis might be a possible cause of the skin manifestations. These results strongly suggest that capsaicin may dysregulate the protease system, resulting in alteration of profilaggrin and corneodesmosin proteolysis and skin manifestations. These events may be influenced by postnatal epidermal development.
A short‐term in vivo model for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bhat Vishwanath Kumble , Krump Corinna , Bernhart Eva , Becker Jürgen C. , Sattler Wolfgang , Ghaffari‐Tabrizi‐Wizsy Nassim
Published: March 2018

In vivo tumor models are essential for studying the biology of cancer, identifying tumor targets and evaluating antitumor drugs. Considering the request for the minimisation of animal experiments and following the “3R”‐rule (“replacement,” “refinement,” “reduction”), it has become crucial to develop alternative experimental models in cancer biology. Several studies have already described the avian chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model as an alternative to rodents, suitable to investigate growth, progression and metastasis of various types of cancer. In the present work, we grafted three Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cell lines onto the avian CAM and monitored tumor growth and development of solid tumor nodules. Morphology of xenograft was characterised histologically and immunohistochemically. Our results demonstrate CAM assay as a useful tool to study MCC pathophysiology.
Broken bridges: The isolation of Kilimanjaro's ecosystem
Authors: Hemp Andreas , Hemp Claudia
Published: March 2018

Biodiversity studies of global change mainly focus on direct impacts such as losses in species numbers or ecosystem functions. In this study, we focus on the long‐term effects of recent land‐cover conversion and subsequent ecological isolation of Kilimanjaro on biodiversity in a paleobiogeographical context, linking our findings with the long‐standing question whether colonization of African mountains mainly depended on long‐distance dispersal, or whether gradual migration has been possible through habitat bridges under colder climates. For this, we used Orthoptera as bioindicators, whose patterns of endemism and habitat demands we studied on about 500 vegetation plots on Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru (Tanzania) since 1996. Land‐cover changes in the same area were revealed using a supervised classification of Landsat images from 1976 to 2000. In 1976, there was a corridor of submontane forest vegetation linking Kilimanjaro with Mt. Meru, replaced by human settlements and agriculture after 2000. Until recently, this submontane forest bridge facilitated the dispersal of forest animals, illustrated by the large number of endemic submontane forest Orthoptera shared by both mountains. Furthermore, the occurrence of common montane endemics suggests the existence of a former forest corridor with montane vegetation during much earlier times under climatic conditions 2–7°C cooler and 400–1,700 mm wetter than today. Based on the endemicity patterns of forest Orthoptera, negative consequences are predicted due to the effects of isolation, in particular for larger forest animals. Kilimanjaro is becoming an increasingly isolated ecosystem with far reaching consequences for diversity and endemism. Forest bridges between East African mountains acted as important migratory corridors and are not only a prehistoric phenomenon during periods with other climatic conditions but also disappeared in some places recently due to increasing and direct anthropogenic impact.
Repeated application of anaerobic digestate, undigested cattle slurry and inorganic fertilizer N: Impacts on pasture yield and quality
Authors: Walsh J. J. , Jones D. L. , Chadwick D. R. , Williams A. P.
Published: March 2018

The growth of on‐farm anaerobic digestion (AD) has generated significant quantities of digestate for use as a soil amendment. However, relative to other organic and inorganic fertilizers, only limited field trial data exist on the effect of repeated applications of digestate to temperate grasslands. Here, we compare yields and grass quality (protein and digestibility) from a field trial of a mixed pasture ley (ryegrass and clover), following the application of five different fertilizer types (liquid digestate generated from anaerobically digested slurry, dry fibre digestate, undigested slurry, ammonium nitrate and an NPK compound fertilizer) in comparison with a no‐fertilizer control. Application rates were normalized in terms of nitrogen (N) and were added as a split dose, with 100 kg N/ha added prior to the first harvest and an additional 50 kg N/ha supplied after the first harvest, every year for 3 years. Overall, our results showed that applying both forms of digestate or undigested slurry gave grass yields that matched those obtained with one compound inorganic fertilizer, and better than those from a straight N inorganic fertilizer. No differences were found with regard to digestibility or sward N‐content (hence calculated protein) between any treatments. Although the trial was conducted at only one site, the results indicate that inorganic fertilizers can potentially be replaced by digestate without compromising grassland productivity.
Closed Analytic Elements with Flexible Geometry
Authors: Ranjram Mark , Craig James R.
Published: March 2018

A simple and fast treatment of hydrogeologic features with irregularly shaped boundaries in two‐dimensional analytic element groundwater flow models is presented. The star domain shapes of the features are restricted to closed shapes represented as smooth and continuous single‐valued functions of distance from a focus point, . The element can be used to treat a variety of boundary and continuity conditions, including those of irregularly shaped lakes or heterogeneities in hydraulic conductivity. The new element is demonstrated via some simple illustrative test cases and shown to be efficient, accurate, and much simpler to implement than existing solutions for irregular shapes.
Transformation of Trichloroethylene to Predominantly Non‐Regulated Products under Stimulated Sulfate Reducing Conditions
Authors: Butler Elizabeth C. , Chen Lixia , Darlington Ramona
Published: March 2018

Anaerobic microcosms containing sediment and water were amended to generate a range of mass loadings of FeS. Microcosms were then spiked with trichloroethylene (TCE) and the concentration of TCE and possible volatile reaction products monitored over time. The lowest yields of TCE, as well as the lowest yields of reaction products regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (i.e., dichloroethylene isomers and vinyl chloride), were observed at FeS mass loadings at or above 20 g/L. Sixty eight days after spiking with TCE, selected microcosms were amended with sulfate and lactate, or sulfate, Fe(II), and lactate, and the effect of these amendments on TCE transformation and yield of regulated products was compared to microcosms that did not receive any amendments. Addition of sulfate, Fe(II), and lactate led to the greatest improvement on TCE depletion rates and the lowest yields of regulated reaction products compared with addition of sulfate and lactate, or no amendments. Analysis of kinetic modeling suggests that microbial and abiotic processes acted in concert to promote TCE transformation to a relatively low yield of regulated products in microbially active microcosms that contained high mass loadings of FeS.
Weight management programmes: Re‐analysis of a systematic review to identify pathways to effectiveness
Authors: Melendez‐Torres G.J. , Sutcliffe Katy , Burchett Helen E. D. , Rees Rebecca , Richardson Michelle , Thomas James
Published: March 2018

Background

Previous systematic reviews of weight management programmes (WMPs) have not been able to account for heterogeneity of effectiveness within programmes using top‐down behavioural change taxonomies. This could be due to overlapping causal pathways to effectiveness (or lack of effectiveness) in these complex interventions. Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) can help identify these overlapping pathways.

Methods

Using trials of adult WMPs with dietary and physical activity components identified from a previous systematic review, we selected the 10 most and 10 least effective interventions by amount of weight loss at 12 months compared to minimal treatment. Using intervention components suggested by synthesis of studies of programme user views, we labelled interventions as to the presence of these components and, using qualitative comparative analysis, developed pathways of component combinations that created the conditions sufficient for interventions to be most effective and least effective.

Results

Informed by the synthesis of views studies, we constructed 3 truth tables relating to quality of the user‐provider relationship; perceived high need for guidance from providers; and quality of the relationship between peers in weight management programmes. We found effective interventions were characterized by opportunities to develop supportive relationships with providers or peers, directive provider‐led goal setting and components perceived to foster self‐regulation.

Conclusions

Although QCA is an inductive method, this innovative approach has enabled the identification of potentially critical aspects of WMPs, such as the nature of relationships within them, which were previously not considered to be as important as more concrete content such as dietary focus.
Exploring consumers’ purchase intention towards green products in an emerging market: The role of consumers’ perceived readiness
Authors: Arli Denni , Tan Lay P. , Tjiptono Fandy , Yang Lin
Published: March 2018

Consumers’ awareness of green products has increased in the last few years, but studies show that the demand for green products has been stagnant. The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of consumers’ perceived readiness to be green and subsequently, how readiness to be green affects consumers’ purchase intention towards green products in an emerging market, Indonesia. A total of 916 survey responses were collected in three universities, two major shopping malls and several housing areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The findings reveal that consumers’ attitude (ATT), subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC), pro‐environmental self‐identity (PEI), ethical obligation and consumers’ readiness to be green are the determinants of intention to purchase green products. Consumers’ readiness to be green mediates the effects of ATT, PBC, PEI and perceived sense of responsibility on purchase intention. The study provides further insights into the discrepancy between professed positive attitudes towards the environment and the slow uptake of green behaviour in an emerging market.
Evaluating the validity and reliability of the V‐scale instrument (Turkish version) used to determine nurses' attitudes towards vital sign monitoring
Authors: Ertuğ Nurcan
Published: March 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the V‐scale, which measures nurses' attitudes towards vital signs monitoring in the detection of clinical deterioration.

Methods

This validity and reliability study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Ankara, Turkey, in 2016. A total of 169 ward nurses participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the intraclass correlation coefficient were used to determine the validity and reliability of the scale.

Results

A 5‐factor, 16‐item scale explained 60.823% of the total variance according to the validity analysis. Our version matched the original scale in terms of the number of items and factor structure. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Turkish version of the V‐scale was 0.764. The test‐retest reliability results were 0.855 for the overall intraclass correlation coefficient, and the t‐test result wasP > 0.05.

Conclusion

The V‐scale is a reliable and valid instrument to measure Turkish nurses' attitudes towards vital signs monitoring in the detection of clinical deterioration.
Former ses travailleurs seniors pour ne pas les perdre? Illustration par le cas allemand
Authors: BERG Peter B. , HAMMAN Mary K. , PISZCZEK Matthew M. , RUHM Christopher J.
Published: March 2018

Une vague de départs à la retraite s'annonce en Allemagne, qui privera les entreprises d'une main‐d'œuvre parfois difficile à remplacer. Dans ce contexte, les auteurs s'intéressent à l'apport de la formation en entreprise, recherchant une corrélation entre formation, salaire et probabilité de départ. Ils montrent que cette probabilité diminue lorsque l'établissement propose des programmes de formation spécifiques pour les seniors mais seulement au sein des effectifs féminins – et surtout parmi les bas salaires –, sans doute sous l'effet de la progression salariale. Les formations ciblées pourraient donc encourager les femmes faiblement rémunérées à rester actives plus longtemps, améliorant ainsi leurs perspectives de carrière.
Effets de la sous‐qualification sur les besoins de récupération, la perte d'emploi et les désirs de préretraite: étude prospective sur une population d'employés de bureau en fin de carrière
Authors: GOMMANS Fleur G. , JANSEN Nicole W. H. , STYNEN Dave , KANT Ijmert , de GRIP Andries
Published: March 2018

À partir de données de l'étude de cohorte de Maastricht sur la fatigue au travail, relatives à la période 2012–2014, les auteurs examinent la fréquence et la dynamique de la sous‐qualification au sein d'un échantillon d'employés de bureau en fin de carrière, ainsi que ses effets sur les besoins de récupération, l'emploi et les projets de préretraite. Ils montrent que des déficits de compétences augmentent les besoins de récupération et le risque de perte d'emploi, mais pas le risque de retraite anticipée. Pour promouvoir l'emploi durable, ils recommandent de surveiller l'apparition de ces déficits tout au long du parcours professionnel.
Evaluating oseltamivir prescriptions in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services medical claims records as an indicator of seasonal influenza in the United States
Authors: Dahlgren F. Scott , Shay David K. , Izurieta Hector S. , Forshee Richard A. , Wernecke Michael , Chillarige Yoganand , Lu Yun , Kelman Jeffrey A. , Reed Carrie
Published: March 2018

Background

Over 34 million residents of the United States aged 65 years and older are also Medicare prescription drug beneficiaries. Medical claims records for this age group potentially provide a wealth of data for better understanding influenza epidemiology.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate data on oseltamivir dispensing extracted from medical claims records as an indicator of influenza activity in the United States for the 2010‐11 through 2014‐15 influenza seasons.

Methods

We used Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) medical claims data to evaluate the weekly number of therapeutic oseltamivir prescriptions dispensed following a rapid influenza diagnostic test among beneficiaries 65 years old and older as an indicator of influenza timing and intensity. We compared the temporal changes in this indicator to changes in the proportion of influenza‐like illnesses among outpatient visits in the US Outpatient Influenza‐like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) by administrative regions defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Using the moving epidemic method, we determined intensity thresholds and categorized the severity of seasons for both CMS and ILINet data.

Results

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oseltamivir data and ILINet data were strongly correlated by administrative region (median Spearman's ρ = 0.78; interquartile range = 0.73‐0.80). CMS oseltamivir data and ILINet data substantially agreed (Cohen's weighted κ = 0.62) as to the seasonal severity across administrative regions.

Conclusions

Our results support the use of oseltamivir dispensing in medical claims data as an indicator of US influenza activity.
How can mindfulness be promoted? Workload and recovery experiences as antecedents of daily fluctuations in mindfulness
Authors: Hülsheger Ute R. , Walkowiak Alicia , Thommes Marie S.
Published: March 2018

While previous work on mindfulness has focused predominantly on the benefits of mindfulness and of mindfulness interventions, the present article addresses the question of how natural experiences of mindfulness can be promoted in the context of work. Accordingly, this article sheds light on day‐to‐day fluctuations in workload and recovery experiences (psychological detachment and sleep quality) as antecedents of state mindfulness. Furthermore, this study extends extant research that has documented beneficial effects of mindfulness on subsequent recovery experiences by arguing that the relationship between mindfulness and recovery experiences is reciprocal rather than unidirectional. Using an experience‐sampling design across five workdays and involving three daily measurement occasions, we found that sleep quality and workload were related to subsequent levels of mindfulness. While not displaying a significant direct relationship with mindfulness, psychological detachment was indirectly related to mindfulness via sleep quality. Fatigue was identified as an important mechanism explaining these relationships. Furthermore, findings confirmed that the relationship between mindfulness and recovery experiences is reciprocal rather than unidirectional. Taken together, this study contributes to an enriched understanding of the role of mindfulness in organizations by shedding light on factors that precede the experience of mindfulness and by pointing to the existence of gain spirals associated with recovery experiences and mindfulness.

Practitioner points

Organizations seeking to promote mindfulness among their workforce should try to keep workload to a manageable degree.

Organizations may also pay attention to care for employees' day‐to‐day recovery as it has been shown to facilitate mindfulness.
Global database of plants with root‐symbiotic nitrogen fixation: NodDB
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Laanisto Lauri , Rahimlou Saleh , Toussaint Aurèle , Hallikma Tiit , Pärtel Meelis
Published: March 2018

Plants associated with symbiotic N‐fixing bacteria play important roles in early successional, riparian and semi‐dry ecosystems. These so‐called N‐fixing plants are widely used for reclamation of disturbed vegetation and improvement of soil fertility in agroforestry. Yet, available information about plants that are capable of establishing nodulation is fragmented and somewhat outdated. This article introduces the NodDB database of N‐fixing plants based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence (available at https://doi.org/10.15156/bio/587469) and discusses plant groups with conflicting reports and interpretation, such as certain legume clades and the Zygophyllaceae family. During angiosperm evolution, N‐fixing plants became common in the fabid rather than in the ‘nitrogen‐fixing’ clade. The global GBIF plant species distribution data indicated that N‐fixing plants tend to be relatively more diverse in savanna and semi‐desert biomes. The compiled and re‐interpreted information about N‐fixing plants enables accurate analyses of biogeography and community ecology of biological N fixation.
Does genomic variation in a foundation species predict arthropod community structure in a riparian forest?
Authors: Kagiya Shinnosuke , Yasugi Masaki , Kudoh Hiroshi , Nagano Atsushi J. , Utsumi Shunsuke
Published: March 2018

Understanding how genetic variation within a foundation species determines the structure of associated communities and ecosystem processes has been an emerging frontier in ecology. Previous studies in common gardens identified close links between intraspecific variation and multispecies community structure, and these findings are now being evaluated directly in the complex natural ecosystem. In this study, we examined to what extent genomic variation in a foundation tree species explains the structure of associated arthropod communities in the field, comparing with spatial, temporal and environmental factors. In a continuous mixed forest, arthropods were surveyed on 85 mature alders (Alnus hirsuta) in 2 years. Moreover, we estimated Nei's genetic distance among the alders based on 1,077 single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained from restricted‐site‐associated DNA sequencing of the alders’ genome. In both years, we detected significant correlations between genetic distance and dissimilarity of arthropod communities. A generalized dissimilarity modelling indicated that the genetic distance of alder populations was the most important predictor to explain the variance of arthropod communities. Among arthropod functional groups, carnivores were consistently correlated with genetic distance of the foundation species in both years. Furthermore, the extent of year‐to‐year changes in arthropod communities was more similar between more genetically closed alder populations. This study demonstrates that the genetic similarity rule would be primarily prominent in community assembly of plant‐associated arthropods under temporally and spatially variable environments in the field.
The Multimode Resource‐Constrained Project Scheduling Problem for Repetitive Activities in Construction Projects
Authors: García‐Nieves J. D. , Ponz‐Tienda J. L. , Salcedo‐Bernal A. , Pellicer E.
Published: March 2018

In construction projects, resource availability might limit the implementation of ideal schedules. Especially, when repetitive activities are involved, traditional resource‐constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) models fail to allocate the resource consumption in an efficient manner. Besides, actual models only provide local optimal solutions and do not incorporate activity acceleration routines. To fulfill this gap, partially, a mathematical optimization model, the multimode RCPSP for repetitive activities in construction projects, is proposed and solved to optimality; it takes into account acceleration routines under real construction scenarios using spreadsheets. The article shows a complete computational experimentation over a real construction project, considering several scenarios of resource availabilities and continuity conditions. The model allows analyzing the resources efficiency indexes comparing them to resource consumptions, continuity of activities, and objective functions that reveal that fragmented activities do not provide better resource efficiency outcomes.
Novel TLE4‐NTRK2 fusion in a ganglioglioma identified by array‐CGH and confirmed by NGS: Potential for a gene targeted therapy
Authors: Prabhakaran Nitya , Guzman Miguel A. , Navalkele Pournima , Chow‐Maneval Edna , Batanian Jacqueline R.
Published: March 2018

Gangliogliomas are rare neoplasms of the central nervous system that mostly originate in the temporal lobe and are associated with seizures. Literature mentions that BRAF mutations are most commonly associated with gangliogliomas. We discuss a unique case of ganglioglioma originating in the posterior fossa that showed multiple losses and a unique interstitial deletion at 9q21 by an array‐comparative genome hybridization (array‐CGH). The deletion led to a novel molecular fusion (TLE4‐NTRK2) which was confirmed by next generation sequencing and provides a potential for a gene‐targeted therapy.
Bt rice could provide ecological resistance against nontarget planthoppers
Authors: Wang Xingyun , Liu Qingsong , Meissle Michael , Peng Yufa , Wu Kongming , Romeis Jörg , Li Yunhe
Published: March 2018

Genetically engineered (GE) rice lines expressing Lepidoptera‐active insecticidal cry genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been developed in China. Field surveys indicated that Bt rice harbours fewer rice planthoppers than non‐Bt rice although planthoppers are not sensitive to the produced Bt Cry proteins. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we show that the low numbers of planthoppers on Bt rice are associated with reduced caterpillar damage. In laboratory and field‐cage experiments, the rice planthopper Nilapavata lugens had no feeding preference for undamaged Bt or non‐Bt plants but exhibited a strong preference for caterpillar‐damaged plants whether Bt or non‐Bt. Under open‐field conditions, rice planthoppers were more abundant on caterpillar‐damaged non‐Bt rice than on neighbouring healthy Bt rice. GC–MS analyses showed that caterpillar damage induced the release of rice plant volatiles known to be attractive to planthoppers, and metabolome analyses revealed increased amino acid contents and reduced sterol contents known to benefit planthopper development. That Lepidoptera‐resistant Bt rice is less attractive to this important nontarget pest in the field is therefore a first example of ecological resistance of Bt plants to nontarget pests. Our findings suggest that non‐Bt rice refuges established for delaying the development of Bt resistance may also act as a trap crop for N. lugens and possibly other planthoppers.
Characterization of the hypersensitive response‐like cell death phenomenon induced by targeting antiviral lectin griffithsin to the secretory pathway
Authors: Kim Bo Min , Lotter‐Stark Hester Catharina Therese , Rybicki Edward P. , Chikwamba Rachel K. , Palmer Kenneth E.
Published: March 2018

Griffithsin (GRFT) is an antiviral lectin, originally derived from a red alga, which is currently being investigated as a topical microbicide to prevent transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Targeting GRFT to the apoplast for production in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in necrotic symptoms associated with a hypersensitive response (HR)‐like cell death, accompanied by H2O2 generation and increased PR1 expression. Mannose‐binding lectins surfactant protein D (SP‐D), cyanovirin‐N (CV‐N) and human mannose‐binding lectin (hMBL) also induce salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent HR‐like cell death in N. benthamiana, and this effect is mediated by the lectin's glycan binding activity. We found that secreted GRFT interacts with an endogenous glycoprotein, α‐xylosidase (XYL1), which is involved in cell wall organization. The necrotic effect could be mitigated by overexpression of Arabidopsis XYL1, and by co‐expression of SA‐degrading enzyme NahG, providing strategies for enhancing expression of oligomannose‐binding lectins in plants.
Trichomes form an important first line of defence against adverse environment—New evidence for ozone stress mitigation
Authors: Oksanen Elina
Published: March 2018

This article comments on: Glandular trichomes as a barrier against atmospheric oxidative stress: Relationships with ozone uptake, leaf damage, and emission of LOX products across a diverse set of species
Esthetics in periodontics and implantology
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Sharma Praveen , Mounssif Ilham
Published: March 2018

Periodontal plastic surgery comprises an increasing part of clinical periodontology. Clinical trials have traditionally used professionals to judge esthetic outcome, and few studies have addressed patient needs and requests (true end points). Development of universally accepted and validated methods for professional esthetic assessment, together with standardized questionnaires for patient‐perceived outcome, may help to provide better insights into the true needs and benefits of periodontal and implant‐associated plastic surgery. In this volume of Periodontology 2000, experienced researchers and clinicians from different subdisciplines of periodontology evaluate: treatment of gingival recession with or without papilla elevation; clinical crown lengthening in the natural dentition and in prosthodontic preparative treatment; periodontal regeneration around natural teeth; and soft‐tissue augmentation in edentulous areas. Similarly, experts in different areas of implant science address esthetic outcomes with single and multiple implant rehabilitation, alveolar ridge preservation, implant positioning and immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone.
Inference and the taking condition
Authors: Kietzmann Christian
Published: March 2018

It has recently been argued that inference essentially involves the thinker taking his premises to support his conclusion and drawing his conclusion because of this fact. However, this Taking Condition has also been criticized: If taking is interpreted as believing, it seems to lead to a vicious regress and to overintellectualize the act of inferring. In this paper, I examine and reject various attempts to salvage the Taking Condition, either by interpreting inferring as a kind of rule‐following, or by finding an innocuous role for the taking‐belief. Finally, I propose an alternative account of taking, according to which it is not a separate belief, but rather an aspect of the attitude of believing: Believing that p implies not only taking p to be true and taking oneself to believe that p, but also taking one's reasons q to support p, when the belief in question is held on account of an inference.
The use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in oral injuries of a pediatric patient with myelodysplastic syndrome: case report
Authors: de Melo Maria Cecília Freire , Silva de Macedo Thuanny , Biserra Julianelly Alves , Rodrigues Karina Luz Cavalcanti , Cruz Mônica , Vidal Aurora Karla de Lacerda
Published: March 2018

Aim

To report a case of a pediatric patient carrier of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with severe oral infectious disease, in which antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) was used as a therapeutic choice to support systemic treatment.

Methods and Results

This case report refers to a 1‐year‐old male patient with MDS and hospitalized for investigation and treatment of complications at a Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Center in Recife/PE, Brazil. The intraoral examination revealed a violaceous lesion surrounding the lower incisor teeth, which progressed with alteration of color to milky yellowish white, compromising the entire lower gingival border, leading to tooth mobility and consequent loss of teeth 71 and 81. The patient was treated under systemic antimicrobial therapy and aPDT was also performed, using a photosensitizing agent (methylene blue, 0.01%) and a low‐intensity laser in the visible red spectrum. Oral clinical improvement was observed, but the patient died after 45 days of hospitalization in the Pediatric ICU due to other systemic complications.

Conclusion

MDS may present limiting oral repercussions interfering in patients’ quality of life. The aPDT is presented as an adjuvant therapeutic modality in oral infections with satisfactory results.
Survival analysis of dogs with advanced primary lung carcinoma treated by metronomic cyclophosphamide, piroxicam and thalidomide
Authors: Polton G. , Finotello R. , Sabattini S. , Rossi F. , Laganga P. , Vasconi M. E. , Barbanera A. , Stiborova K. , Rohrer Bley C. , Marconato L.
Published: March 2018

Unresectable or metastatic (advanced) primary pulmonary carcinoma (PPC) represents a therapeutic challenge where surgery may be contraindicated and the therapeutic role of maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD) chemotherapy remains uncertain. This study was undertaken to explore the impact of metronomic chemotherapy (MC) in dogs with advanced PPC. Previously untreated dogs with advanced (T3 or N1 or M1) PPC, with complete staging work‐up and follow‐up data, receiving MC (comprising low‐dose cyclophosphamide, piroxicam and thalidomide), surgery, MTD chemotherapy or no oncologic treatment were eligible for inclusion. For all patients, time to progression (TTP) and survival time (ST) were evaluated. Quality‐of‐life (QoL) was only evaluated in patients receiving MC. To assess QoL, owners of dogs receiving MC were asked to complete a questionnaire before and during treatment.

Ninety‐one dogs were included: 25 received MC, 36 were treated with surgery, 11 with MTD chemotherapy and 19 received no treatment. QoL was improved in dogs receiving MC. Median TTP was significantly longer in patients receiving MC (172 days) than patients undergoing surgery (87 days), receiving MTD chemotherapy (22 days), or no oncologic treatment (20 days). Median ST was similarly longer in patients receiving MC (139 days) than those undergoing surgery (92 days), MTD chemotherapy (61 days) and no oncologic treatment (60 days). In dogs with advanced PPC, MC achieved a measurable clinical benefit without significant risk or toxicity. This makes MC a potential alternative to other recognized management approaches.
Repeat patient testing shows promise as a quality control method for veterinary hematology testing
Authors: Flatland Bente , Freeman Kathleen P.
Published: March 2018

Background

Repeat patient testing‐based quality control (RPT‐QC) is a potential method for veterinary laboratories (eg, that have a limited budget for quality commercial control material [QCM] or that wish to use material with a species‐specific matrix).

Objectives

To determine whether total error (TEa), probability of error detection (Ped), and probability of false rejection (Pfr) similar to that achievable with QC materials can be controlled using RPT‐QC

Methods

Control limits (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, and PLT) for the Advia 120 (n = 23) and scil Vet ABC (n = 22) were calculated using data from normal canine specimens from a routine caseload. Specimens were measured at accession and again after 24 hours. Control limits were validated using 23 additional canine specimens tested similarly. Achievable TEa, Ped, and Pfr were investigated using the Westgard EZRules3 and compared to those achievable with commercial QCM.

Results

Theoretical performance of RPT‐QC and commercial QCM‐QC are similar for 1‐3s with both n = 1 and 1‐3s with n = 2 for all measurands and both instruments. Achievable TEa values for RPT‐QC were close to ASVCP recommendations for most measurands; exceptions were PLT (both instruments) and WBC (scil Vet ABC).

Conclusions

Repeat patient testing‐based quality control advantages include a species‐specific matrix, low‐cost, and absence of QC material deterioration over time (since a fresh specimen is used each day). A potential disadvantage is daily access to normal canine specimens. A challenge is determining control limits, which has a subjective element. Further study is needed to confirm actual RPT‐QC performance and to determine if RPT‐QC with abnormal patient specimens is feasible.
Factors associated with a second deferral among donors eligible for re‐entry after a false‐positive screening test for syphilis, HCV, HBV and HIV
Authors: Grégoire Y. , Germain M. , Delage G.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Since 25 May 2010, all donors at our blood centre who tested false‐positive for HIV, HBV, HCV or syphilis are eligible for re‐entry after further testing. Donors who have a second false‐positive screening test, either during qualification for or after re‐entry, are deferred for life. This study reports on factors associated with the occurrence of such deferrals.

Materials and Methods

Rates of second false‐positive results were compared by year of deferral, transmissible disease marker, gender, age, donor status (new or repeat) and testing platform (same or different) both at qualification for re‐entry and afterwards. Chi‐square tests were used to compare proportions. Cox regression was used for multivariate analyses.

Results

Participation rates in the re‐entry programme were 42·1%: 25·6% failed to qualify for re‐entry [different platform: 2·7%; same platform: 42·9% (P < 0·0001)]. After re‐entry, rates of deferral for second false‐positive results were 8·4% after 3 years [different platform: 1·8%; same platform: 21·4% (P < 0·0001)]. Deferral rates were higher for HIV and HCV than for HBV at qualification when tested on the same platform. The risk, when analysed by multivariate analyses, of a second deferral for a false‐positive result, both at qualification and 3 years after re‐entry, was lower for donors deferred on a different platform; this risk was higher for HIV, HCV and syphilis than for HBV and for new donors if tested on the same platform.

Conclusion

Re‐entry is more often successful when donors are tested on a testing platform different from the one on which they obtained their first false‐positive result.
Academic education in transfusion medicine in China
Authors: Wang W. , Li T. , Fu Y. , Allain J.‐P. , Li C.
Published: March 2018

The need for physicians and technical consultants specialized in transfusion is huge in nearly twenty thousand hospitals and five hundred blood services in China. However, the progress made in academic education in transfusion medicine as a specialty has been relatively slow in China. During the past decade, approximately 1260 undergraduates with BSc and only 10 postgraduates with MSc or PhD in transfusion medicine graduated from Chinese medical colleges or universities. Currently, a few medical universities are engaged in providing a diploma in transfusion medicine as a stand‐alone medical specialty for Chinese undergraduate or postgraduate. Generally, two types of transfusion medicine (TM) training programmes are offered in medical universities. The programme developed by three universities is within the general context of laboratory medicine and awards a BSc. A single university organized a programme integrated within clinical medicine and awards bachelor degree in medicine. The postgraduate training programme available in a few universities is conducted as a self‐designated discipline of transfusion medicine, which is listed below the first grade of clinical medicine. Here, we summarize the achievements on TM academic education and the difficulties faced currently in those universities including the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou where it was implemented for the past 10 years. We will further discuss future developments in this specialty still in infancy.
Loss of GABAB‐mediated interhemispheric synaptic inhibition in stroke periphery
Authors: Kokinovic Bojana , Medini Paolo
Published: March 2018

Key points

Recovery from the potentially devastating consequences of stroke depends largely upon plastic changes occurring in the lesion periphery and its inputs.

In a focal model of stroke in mouse somatosensory cortex, we found that the recovery of sensory responsiveness occurs at the level of synaptic inputs, without gross changes of the intrinsic electrical excitability of neurons, and also that recovered responses had longer than normal latencies.

Under normal conditions, one somatosensory cortex inhibits the responsiveness of the other located in the opposite hemisphere (interhemispheric inhibition) via activation of GABAB receptors.

In stroke‐recovered animals, the powerful interhemispheric inhibition normally present in controls is lost in the lesion periphery.

By contrast, contralateral hemisphere activation selective contributes to the recovery of sensory responsiveness after stroke.

Recovery after stroke is mediated by plastic changes largely occurring in the lesion periphery. However, little is known about the microcircuit changes underlying recovery, the extent to which perilesional plasticity occurs at synaptic input vs. spike output level, and the connectivity behind such synaptic plasticity. We combined intrinsic imaging with extracellular and intracellular recordings and pharmacological inactivation in a focal stroke in mouse somatosensory cortex (S1). In vivo whole‐cell recordings in hindlimb S1 (hS1) showed synaptic responses also to forelimb stimulation in controls, and such responses were abolished by stroke in the neighbouring forelimb area (fS1), suggesting that, under normal conditions, they originate via horizontal connections from the neighbouring fS1. Synaptic and spike responses to forelimb stimulation in hS1 recovered to quasi‐normal levels 2 weeks after stroke, without changes in intrinsic excitability and hindlimb‐evoked spike responses. Recovered synaptic responses had longer latencies, suggesting a long‐range origin of the recovery, prompting us to investigate the role of callosal inputs in the recovery process. Contralesional S1 silencing unmasked significantly larger responses to both limbs in controls, a phenomenon that was not observed when GABAB receptors were antagonized in the recorded area. Conversely, such GABAB‐mediated interhemispheric inhibition was not detectable after stroke: callosal input silencing failed to change hindlimb responses, whereas it robustly reduced recovered forelimb responses. Thus, recovery of subthreshold responsiveness in the stroke periphery is accompanied by a loss of interhemispheric inhibition and this is a result of pathway‐specific facilitatory action on the affected sensory response from the contralateral cortex.
Ultrasonography of the nail unit reveals quantitative and qualitative alterations in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Idolazzi Luca , Gisondi Paolo , Fassio Angelo , Viapiana Ombretta , Giollo Alessandro , Rossini Maurizio , Girolomoni Giampiero , Gatti Davide
Published: March 2018

Aims: The nail unit is a matter of interest both for dermatologist and rheumatologist. The nail is considered one of the possible targets of assessment, especially when ultrasonography is performed. The aim of the study is to highlight peculiar features and alterations of the nail unit in patients affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis versus healthy controls using ultrasonography.Materials and methods: The study sample included 82 patients affected by psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and 50 healthy controls. The patients were consecutively enrolled during their routine visit in the outpatient clinic and they performed clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of the nail. The evaluationof disease activity was done using Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI), and Nail Psoriasi Severity Index (NAPSI).Results: Multivariate analysis of variance was performed between groups. Post hoc analysis underlined the differences between healthy and affected regarding nail plate thickness (0.063±0.011 cm for patients with psoriasis, 0.065±0.014 cm for patients with psoriatic arthritis and 0.051±0.006 cm for healthy controls, p<0.05). Elementary lesions of nail plate and nail bed were compared using Pearson’s chi square test between patients in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis groups, with no differences except for a trend for onycholisis and crumbling (p=0.07 and 0.06, respectively) in the psoriatic arthritis group. ROC curves were calculated (AUC = 0.68) obtaining also quantitative cut offs for nail plate andnail bed thickness in the affected vs healthy patients.Conclusions: Our study shows that ultrasonography may be a potential advantage in clinical practice. Our results strengthen the information already available in the literature and add quantitative parameters for ultrasonography of the nail.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa PrrF1 and PrrF2 Small Regulatory RNAs Promote 2-Alkyl-4-Quinolone Production through Redundant Regulation of the
antR
mRNA
Authors: Djapgne Louise , Panja Subrata , Brewer Luke K. , Gans Jonathan H. , Kane Maureen A. , Woodson Sarah A. , Oglesby-Sherrouse Amanda G.
Published: March 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that requires iron for growth and virulence. Under low-iron conditions,
P. aeruginosa
transcribes two highly identical (95%) small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), PrrF1 and PrrF2, which are required for virulence in acute murine lung infection models. The PrrF sRNAs promote the production of 2-akyl-4(1
H
)-quinolone metabolites (AQs) that mediate a range of biological activities, including quorum sensing and polymicrobial interactions. Here, we show that the PrrF1 and PrrF2 sRNAs promote AQ production by redundantly inhibiting translation of
antR
, which encodes a transcriptional activator of the anthranilate degradation genes. A combination of genetic and biophysical analyses was used to define the sequence requirements for PrrF regulation of
antR
, demonstrating that the PrrF sRNAs interact with the
antR
5′ untranslated region (UTR) at sequences overlapping the translational start site of this mRNA. The
P. aeruginosa
Hfq protein interacted with UA-rich sequences in both PrrF sRNAs (

K
d

[dissociation constant] = 50 nM and 70 nM). Hfq bound with lower affinity to the
antR
mRNA (0.3 μM), and PrrF was able to bind to
antR
mRNA in the absence of Hfq. Nevertheless, Hfq increased the rate of PrrF annealing to the
antR
UTR by 10-fold. These studies provide a mechanistic description of how the PrrF1 and PrrF2 sRNAs mediate virulence traits, such as AQ production, in
P. aeruginosa
.

IMPORTANCE
The iron-responsive PrrF sRNAs play a central role in regulating
P. aeruginosa
iron homeostasis and pathogenesis, yet the molecular mechanisms by which PrrF regulates gene expression are largely unknown. In this study, we used genetic and biophysical analyses to define the interactions of the PrrF sRNAs with Hfq, an RNA annealer, and the
antR
mRNA, which has downstream effects on quorum sensing and virulence factor production. These studies provide a comprehensive mechanistic analysis of how the PrrF sRNAs regulate virulence trait production through a key mRNA target in
P. aeruginosa
.