bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass coral bleaching causes biotic homogenization of reef fish assemblages
Authors: Richardson Laura E. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Eurich Jacob G. , Hoey Andrew S.
Published: April 2018

Global climate change is altering community composition across many ecosystems due to nonrandom species turnover, typically characterized by the loss of specialist species and increasing similarity of biological communities across spatial scales. As anthropogenic disturbances continue to alter species composition globally, there is a growing need to identify how species responses influence the establishment of distinct assemblages, such that management actions may be appropriately assigned. Here, we use trait‐based analyses to compare temporal changes in five complementary indices of reef fish assemblage structure among six taxonomically distinct coral reef habitats exposed to a system‐wide thermal stress event. Our results revealed increased taxonomic and functional similarity of previously distinct reef fish assemblages following mass coral bleaching, with changes characterized by subtle, but significant, shifts toward predominance of small‐bodied, algal‐farming habitat generalists. Furthermore, while the taxonomic or functional richness of fish assemblages did not change across all habitats, an increase in functional originality indicated an overall loss of functional redundancy. We also found that prebleaching coral composition better predicted changes in fish assemblage structure than the magnitude of coral loss. These results emphasize how measures of alpha diversity can mask important changes in the structure and functioning of ecosystems as assemblages reorganize. Our findings also highlight the role of coral species composition in structuring communities and influencing the diversity of responses of reef fishes to disturbance. As new coral species configurations emerge, their desirability will hinge upon the composition of associated species and their capacity to maintain key ecological processes in spite of ongoing disturbances.
From fire suppression to fire management: Advances and resistances to changes in fire policy in the savannas of Brazil and Venezuela
Authors: Eloy Ludivine , A. Bilbao Bibiana , Mistry Jayalaxshmi , Schmidt Isabel B.
Published: April 2018

Anthropogenic fire has long shaped landscapes and livelihoods in South American savanna environments. With the growing recognition of the failures of fire suppression policies and the relevance of local peoples’ practices, the Brazilian and Venezuelan governments have begun to shift to fire management policies in savanna ecosystems. Using case studies from protected areas in Cerrado and Gran Sabana, and results from two multi‐stakeholder meetings held in Parupa (Venezuela) and Brasilia (Brazil), we identify advances, resistances and challenges to inter‐cultural fire management in both countries. We show that the two regions host pioneer experiences in collaborative research based on improved dialogue and knowledge exchanges between scientists, institutions, Indigenous and local communities as well as fire management implementation including “controlled” and “prescribed” burnings. However, in some places, narrow understanding of the complexity and historical dynamics of local fire practices and the strong resistance to recognise the value of traditional fire knowledge might restrain effective participation of local communities. We argue that more collaborative research is necessary to support community owned solutions for intercultural and participative fire management in changing environmental and socio‐cultural contexts.
Using scoria cones, lava lakes and tephra islands to understand the evolution of basaltic fissure eruptions
Authors: Reynolds P. , Brown R.J.
Published: April 2018

Basaltic fissure eruptions are the most common eruption type on Earth. They are characterised by linear lava fountains that construct pyroclastic cones and expansive lava flow fields. The histories of these eruptions can be notoriously difficult to interpret due to the geochemical homogeneity of the tephra, and due to the fact that many of the early deposits become buried during later stages of the eruption. Furthermore, observing the construction of the pyroclastic cones is inherently difficult and dangerous due to the presence of active lava fountains. However, glacial outbursts in the north of Iceland have dissected the products of a Holocene fissure eruption. Examination of the pyroclastic cones, tephra deposits and a solidified lava lake along the fissure has allowed us to elucidate the complex eruptive processes that occur during these eruptions.
Nematophytes
Authors: Kondas Marcelina
Published: April 2018

The Nematophyta is an enigmatic group of organisms, probably with a varied origin, that achieved world‐wide distribution during Ordovician–Devonian times. Nematophytes differ in size, from only a few millimetre‐sized structures, to giants, several metres long. Their morphology is very specific. Generally, they consist of tubes and cuticles of various size and shapes. The complexity of these organisms varies, from single tubes (with or without internal ornamentation) to very complex forms. Until now, these organisms have remained a very mysterious group. We do not know much about their biology, affinity and the role they played in ecological systems, but we suspect that they were an important component of environments before the colonization of land by higher plants.
Gamification of employee training and development
Authors: Armstrong Michael B. , Landers Richard N.
Published: April 2018

Gamification has become increasingly common in employee training. Simultaneously, our scientific understanding of gamified learning has grown. However, there are few resources that provide specific recommendations for science‐based gamification in employee training to address the research–practice gap. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to describe our current scientific understanding of gamification as it can be used to realistically improve web‐based employee training. First, because gamification is commonly misunderstood, we explain what gamification is in the context of training. Second, because gamification is commonly misapplied, research on the effectiveness of gamified learning as related to training design is reviewed. Finally, to provide a clear roadmap for training design, we describe a formal process for gamifying web‐based training in a scientifically supported way.
High‐Q microwave ceramics of Li2TiO3 co‐doped with magnesium and niobium
Authors: Du Mingkun , Li Lingxia , Yu Shihui , Sun Zheng , Qiao Jianli
Published: April 2018

In order to solve the problems of acceptor/donor individual doping in Li2TiO3 system and clarify the superiority mechanism of co‐doping for improving the Q value, Mg + Nb co‐doped Li2TiO3 have been designed and sintered at a medium temperature of 1260°C. The effects of each Mg/Nb ion on structure, morphology, grain‐boundary resistance and microwave dielectric properties are investigated. The substitution of (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ inhibits not only the diffusion of Li+ and reduction in Ti4+, but also the formation of microcracks in ceramics, which promotes the enhancement of Q value. The experiments reveal that Q × f value of Li2TiO3 ceramics co‐doped with magnesium and niobium is 113 774 GHz (at 8.573 GHz), which is increased by 113% compared with the pure Li2TiO3 ceramics. And the co‐doped ceramics have an appropriate dielectric constant of 19.01 and a near‐zero resonance frequency temperature coefficient of 13.38 ppm/°C. These results offer a scientific basis for co‐doping in Li2TiO3 system, and the outstanding performance of (Mg + Nb) co‐doped ceramics provides a solid foundation for widespread applications of microwave substrates, resonators, filters and patch antennas in modern wireless communication equipments.
Development and psychometric appraisal of the Pain Management Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire
Authors: Macindo John Rey B. , Soriano Christian Albert F. , Gonzales Harvey Ross M. , Simbulan Paul Julius T. , Torres Gian Carlo S. , Que Jocelyn C.
Published: April 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Pain Management Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire.

Background

Pain management competence and confidence are important in rendering safe and effective patient care. However, there is a lack of psychometrically sound instruments measuring pain management self‐efficacy.

Design

Triphasic, prospective psychometric study.

Method

A 55‐item Pain Management Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire was initially developed after extensive theoretical and literature review. The questionnaire was evaluated by content experts for content validity and a consensus was achieved after two iterations. After pretesting, the Pain Management Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire was distributed to 420 randomly selected pre‐graduate student nurses and registered nurses from a nursing institution and a tertiary hospital. Data collection was conducted from January 2015 ‐ 2016. Assessment parameters included basic item analysis, reliability analysis, floor and ceiling effects and construct validity using factor analysis and “known groups” technique. Replication analyses scrutinized two random halves of the sample.

Results

The initial 55‐item questionnaire was reduced to 42 items after two iterations of validation. After preliminary factor analyses, the Pain Management Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire was reduced to 21 items. Final factor analysis produced a three‐factor model: Comprehensive, Evaluative and Supplemental Pain Management Self‐Efficacy. Construct validation using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests showed group differences according to years of clinical experience and receipt of pain management training.

Conclusion

The 21‐item Pain Management Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used to measure pain management self‐efficacy among nurses. Nevertheless, further psychometric validation is warranted accounting differences in culture and clinical practices.
Humanitarian nursing with Médecins Sans Frontières: Foregrounding the listening guide as a method for analysing oral history data
Authors: Golding Berenice , Hargreaves Janet
Published: April 2018

Aims

To demonstrate how the listening guide contributed to oral history data analysis. To better understand the continuing inclination of nurses to engage in humanitarian work, foregrounding the nurses’ lives.

Background

The voice‐centred relational method or listening guide is a method of qualitative data analysis used to analyse oral history data.

Design

A conventional approach to oral history interviews was adopted; intervention into the “flow” of participants’ narrative was kept to a minimum. A small number of prompts, how they came into nursing, recruitment to, life with and since Médecins Sans Frontières, were used.

Methods

Oral history interviews were conducted with seven nurses who had worked for Médecins Sans Frontières. Interviews were digitally recorded. This paper will demonstrate the application of the listening guide to historical data analysis and critique its applicability and value.

The listening guide advocates four readings (listenings) of the text. Firstly, locating the plot in the narrative; secondly, actively listening for the use of “I?” (“we”, or “you”), the “self” in context of the story being told and “I poem” development; thirdly, listening for relationships and finally, locating accounts in relation to wider social, political and societal contexts.

Results

Analysis revealed: “becoming”, “being” and “leaving” Médecins Sans Frontières as chronological thematic areas. At one extreme creating “I poems” foregrounded individual voices while cross‐referencing to contemporaneous records of world events locates this in an International context.

Conclusion

It is argued that subjecting historical data to the listening guide can enable legitimate, creative exploration and analysis of data.
A self‐determination theory approach to health and well‐being in the workplace: Results from the sixth European working conditions survey in Spain
Authors: Gomez‐Baya Diego , Lucia‐Casademunt Ana M.
Published: April 2018

Research to date has underlined the importance of positive organizational psychology to improve health and psychological well‐being (PWB) in the workplace. The purpose of the present research is to test a model linking satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as identified by self‐determination theory (SDT), and various individual work‐related outcomes, such as job satisfaction, PWB, and health problems in Spanish employees. Nationally representative data from the sixth European Survey on Working Conditions is Spain were used. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the mediational role of job satisfaction in the relationships between psychological need satisfaction in the workplace and its consequences for PWB and health problems in Spanish employees. The results indicated that the fulfillment of basic psychological needs in the workplace is related to higher job satisfaction and that higher job satisfaction is associated with higher PWB and fewer health problems. Higher perceived competence and relatedness in the workplace were also related to greater PWB and fewer health problems. These results suggest that SDT is a valid approach that may guide interventions in the workplace to promote job satisfaction, PWB, and physical health in employees.
Laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy for superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease: a randomized intrapatient comparison between a continuous and a fractional ablative CO2 laser mode
Authors: Genouw E. , Verheire B. , Ongenae K. , De Schepper S. , Creytens D. , Verhaeghe E. , Boone B.
Published: April 2018

Background

Laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy is being explored as a method to enhance efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Objective

To compare a continuous (CL) and a fractional (FL) ablative CO2 laser‐assisted methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) PDT in the management of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) and Bowen's disease (BD).

Methods

Thirty treatment areas in fifteen patients with inoperable, histologically verified sBCC or BD received CL or FL after intrapatient randomization. Laser treatment was followed by MAL application and illumination occurred 3 h later. This treatment was repeated after 2 weeks. An equivalence analysis was performed on the primary endpoint efficacy, while secondary endpoints pain, side‐effects and aesthetics were evaluated using paired samples tests. Patients were also asked for their preferred treatment.

Results

An excellent efficacy of 92.9% (sBCC, 100%; BD, 80%) was found in both CL + PDT and FL + PDT after 12 months. Equivalence could not be established. Little pain was perceived in most patients during PDT illumination. PDT treatment in FL + PDT was less painful, significantly during the second treatment (P = 0.026). Side‐effects were mild to moderate with erythema being the most frequent immediate side‐effect, followed by oedema, crusting and burning sensation. Pigmentary changes occurred in 21% (CL + PDT) to 29% (FL + PDT), and aesthetics were good to excellent in all patients. CL + PDT and FL + PDT did not significantly differ in side‐effects (P = 0.219–1.000) or aesthetics (P = 0.157–1.000).

Conclusions

Results in this pilot study support the promising role of laser‐assisted PDT. Both treatment arms demonstrated the same efficacy as well as comparable side‐effects and aesthetics. PDT illumination was significantly less painful in the FL + PDT group, suggesting a preference for FL + PDT. The authors recommend further investigation with a larger sample size, a subgroup analysis between sBCC and BD and comparison of different treatment protocols before one technique could be preferred to another.
Laser hair removal after surgery vs. surgery alone for the treatment of pilonidal cysts: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Kelati A. , Lagrange S. , Le Duff F. , Lacour J.‐P. , Benasaid R. , Breaud J. , Passeron T.
Published: April 2018

Background

Based on the presumed role of hair in pilonidal cyst (PNC) pathogenesis, laser epilation has been used to decrease recurrences. However, most of the data rely on case reports and uncontrolled series, and the rare controlled studies reported conflicting results. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of laser hair removal (LHR) to decrease the recurrence rate after surgery of PNC vs. surgery alone.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective monocentric case–control study in the departments of Pediatric Surgery and Laser Center of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Nice in France from January 2010 to June 2017. We included all patients with PNC who had surgery during the period, and we compared patients who had LHR after surgery to those having surgery alone. The main outcome was the prevalence and number of recurrences of PNC in each group.

Results

Twelve patients – eight treated with alexandrite laser and four patients with Nd : YAG – were included in the cases group; 29 patients treated with surgery alone were included in the control group. The mean and the median number of laser sessions were 4.2 and 5, respectively (extremes 1–10). The postsurgical recurrence rate without LHR was 51.7%, and their number varied from 1 to 3. A significant decrease in the recurrence rate was observed after LHR (8.3%) compared to control group (P < 0.001). The median duration before recurrence was 14 months for surgery alone. The median follow‐up was 18 months (1–30 months) for LHR group and 30 months (6–72 months) for surgery alone group. Two patients had abnormal healing or persistent sinus after surgery alone compared to none in the group who undergone laser procedure after surgery.

Conclusions

Laser hair removal decreases the risk of delayed healing and of recurrences of PNL after surgical procedure.
Psoriasis patients’ preference for an aerosol foam topical formulation
Authors: Vender R. , Gooderham M.J. , Guenther L.C. , Kyritsis D. , Rao J. , Kowalczyk A. , Ashkenas J.
Published: April 2018

Linked article: This article is commentary on by C‐H. Hong et al., pp. e401–e402 in this issue. To view this article visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14985
High volume of polysorbate‐containing (Tween® 80) solutions induces false‐positive results in intradermal test
Authors: Wagner N. , Podda M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Intradermal test is used to detect causative allergens in IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity. The surfactant polysorbate 80 can be added to intradermal test solutions to more reliably dissolve the allergen and ensure a constant bioavailability of the injected allergen. Polysorbate 80 has, however, some histamine‐releasing properties which could blur the difference to the histamine‐induced wheal. Routinely serving as a control.

Objective

Allergen‐free polysorbate 80 containing (0.005%) test solutions were therefore systematically tested at different injection volumes to see whether polysorbate can falsify skin reactions and if yes whether conditions can be identified to avoid this.

Methods

In a partly blinded study, 30 patients were tested intracutaneously at the back: each received at three separate sites 0.05 mL of polysorbate‐containing solvent, 0.02 mL polysorbate‐containing solvent as well as 0.02 mL polysorbate‐free solvent. After 15 min, wheal and erythema were documented and planimetrically quantified.

Results

Unexpectedly 23 of 30 (77%) patients showed false‐positive test reactions to the volume of 0.05 mL of the polysorbate‐containing solvent whereas the polysorbate‐containing solvent with 0.02 mL and the polysorbate‐free solvent with 0.02 mL injection volume had no reinforcing effect on skin test reaction.

Conclusions

Different volumes of polysorbate‐containing solutions, all recommended by manufacturers for intradermal tests, may significantly influence test results. The study shows that a polysorbate 80 used at 0.005% in solvents for intradermal test to provide a better bioavailability of allergens produces false‐positive reactivity in a surprising and a hitherto unknown 77% if the 0.05 mL volume is injected. It is, therefore, mandatory to strictly adhere to an intradermal test volume of 0.02 mL as only then falsifying effects of the polysorbate additive are avoided, and comparable test results are ensured.
Variation in expression and activity pattern ofmmp2andmmp9on different time scales in the regenerating caudal fin ofPoecilia latipinna
Authors: Murawala H. , Patel S. , Ranadive I. , Desai I. , Balakrishnan S.
Published: April 2018

Alteration in the expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 was studied in the regenerating caudal fin ofPoecilia latipinnaimmediately following amputation until the new tissues gained structural integrity. Timed expression pattern of these two MMPs was studied at enzyme, transcript as well as protein levels. Additionally, both the gelatinases were localized in the regenerating caudal fin during three specific stages of regeneration. The results revealed a progressive increase in the expression of MMP2 starting at 1 h post amputation (hpa), indicating its possible role in the remodelling of extracellular matrix early on during caudal‐fin regeneration. Nevertheless, a reduction in transcript level expression of MMP2 at 6 hpa and 12 hpa stages, points towards a possible transcriptional regulation, to further moderate its activity. As observed in the case of MMP2, expression of MMP9 too increased from 1 hpa and remained elevated until 5 dpa. However, the active MMP9 revealed its presence only 12 hpa onwards. Moreover, both the gelatinases were localised in the apical epithelial cap and in the progress zone at wound epithelium (1 dpa) and blastema (60 hpa) stages respectively. Further, during early differentiation stage (5 dpa), high intensities of MMP2 and MMP9 were localized in the newly formed actinotrichia as compared with the tissue proximal to it. Based on the results, it could be construed that the controlled up‐regulation of MMP2 and MMP9 from 1 hpa until the early differentiation stage ensures a regulated digestion of extracellular matrix, perhaps to facilitate the recruitment, proliferation, morphogenesis and re‐patterning of resident stem cells during caudal fin regeneration inP. latipinna.
Research protocol: The initiation, design and establishment of the Global Angelman Syndrome Registry
Authors: Tones M. , Cross M. , Simons C. , Napier K. R. , Hunter A. , Bellgard M. I. , Heussler H.
Published: April 2018

Background

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder affecting between 1 in 15 000 and 1 in 24 000 individuals. The condition results in severe developmental and expressive language delays, motor impairments and a unique behavioural phenotype consisting of excessive laughter, smiling and sociability. While many studies have contributed knowledge about the causes and natural history of the syndrome, large scale longitudinal studies are required to advance research and therapeutics for this rare syndrome.

Method

This article describes the protocol for the Global Angelman Syndrome Registry, and some initial findings. Due to the rarity of AS and the variability in symptom presentation, the registry team will strive for complete case ascertainment. Parents and caregivers will submit data to the registry via a secure internet connection. The registry consists of 10 modules that cover patient demographics; developmental, diagnostic, medical and surgical history, behaviour and development, epilepsy, medications and interventions and sleep. Results: Since its launch at https://angelmanregistry.info in September 2016, almost 470 individuals with AS have been signed up to the registry worldwide: 59% are from North and South America, 23% are from Europe, 17% are from the Asia Pacific region and 1% are from the Middle East or Africa. The majority of registrants are children, with only 16% aged over 20 years. Most participants indicated a chromosome deletion (76%), with fewer participants indicating a mutation, uniparental disomy or imprinting defect (20%).

Conclusion

Findings indicate a need to consider recruitment strategies that target caregivers of older children and adults, and parents and caregivers from non‐English speaking backgrounds.
A momentary lapse of reason? Gezi in social‐historical perspective
Authors: Sofos Spyros A.
Published: April 2018

Through the social‐historical contextualization of Gezi protests and drawing on the works of Badiou and Turner this article conceptualises the protests as a ‘happening’ or ‘event’ characterized by rupture and liminality. Without underestimating their importance as a meaning creation process, it is argued that the visions inspiring Gezi have been/are in sharp contrast to the version of democracy shaped by the fears and aspirations of at least a plurality of the country's citizenry and enacted by the Justice and Development Party (AKP). At the same time, these visions remain largely incomprehensible to the Kemalist and nationalist opposition. The paper therefore suggests that Gezi should be located outside the linear time and conventional topography of Turkish politics and interpreted as a brief, powerful moment of rupture in a political system where both the incumbent political forces and the opposition and their constituencies are resisting change and consider extra‐institutional ‘antipolitics’ as a threat.
Love as a Disadvantage in Law
Authors: Grossi Renata
Published: April 2018

Love is not often the explicit subject of legal discussion but when it is, it appears as a negative phenomenon that leads us to make bad decisions. This view of love is amplified in the context of commercial and economic transactions, where love, intimacy, and economic exchange are seen as operating under opposing principles. This article questions the accuracy and efficiency of law when it operates under both of these assumptions, and argues for a view that resonates more closely with the more realistic and complex relationship that exists between love and economic exchanges.
Antimutagenic constituents from Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc.
Authors: Makhuvele Rhulani , Foubert Kenn , Apers Sandra , Pieters Luc , Verschaeve Luc , Elgorashi Esameldin
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc. (Annonaceae) has been reported to possess antitumoural properties. Preliminary screening showed that the crude methanolic leaf extract had strong antimutagenic effects against aflatoxin B1-induced mutagenicity. The aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate the antimutagenic properties of the active constituents from M. caffra.

Methods

Different chromatographic, spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques were used for the isolation and identification of the antimutagenic constituents. The antimutagenic effect of the extract and compounds was evaluated using Ames, Vitotox and Comet assays.

Key findings

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic leaf extract yielded two antimutagenic compounds identified as (+)-crotepoxide and 5,6-diacetoxy1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene. Crotepoxide had strong antimutagenicity in the Vitotox assay with an IC50 value of 131 μg/ml. 5,6-Diacetoxy-1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene showed strong antimutagenic activity in the Ames assay with an IC50 value of 348.9 μg/plate and no antimutagenic activity in the Vitotox test. Furthermore, the compound was able to inhibit, block or prevent biotransformation of aflatoxin B1 by repressing the proteins involved in transcription.

Conclusions

Crotepoxide and 5,6-diacetoxy-1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene have the potential to mitigate the risks arising from consumption of aflatoxin B1-contaminated food and feed.
Brain natriuretic peptide serum levels in periodontitis
Authors: Leira Y. , Blanco J.
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective

N‐terminal‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is expressed during inflammation and considered to be a biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the last decade, evidence has suggested that periodontitis is associated with CVD. However, little is known of the potential role of this peptide in periodontal disease. The aims of this study were to examine whether the levels of NT‐proBNP in serum are increased in periodontal disease and if there is a relationship to severity of periodontitis.

Material and Methods

A case‐control study was carried out, in which serum samples were collected from 40 patients with periodontitis and from 40 nonperiodontitis individuals. Full periodontal examination was performed in all subjects. Demographic information, and clinical and history of certain diseases were also recorded. Determinations of serum NT‐proBNP and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein concentrations were carried out in an independent laboratory.

Results

The levels of NT‐proBNP in serum were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis compared with controls (87.9 pg/mL vs 29.9 pg/mL, P < .0001). In addition, as periodontal disease progressed, the levels of NT‐proBNP increased. Multivariable regression analysis showed that the periodontal inflamed surface area, a measure of periodontal inflammation and disease activity, was the only periodontal parameter significantly associated with elevated concentrations of NT‐proBNP in serum (R2 = .777, P < .0001).

Conclusion

In periodontitis, increased serum NT‐proBNP levels are observed in comparison with individuals without periodontitis. Moreover, the greater the degree of periodontal destruction, the higher the levels of NT‐proBNP in serum.
Searching for the genetic footprint of ancient and recent hybridization
Authors: Vallejo‐Marín Mario
Published: April 2018

Determining the long‐term consequences of hybridization remains a central quest for evolutionary biologists. A particular challenge is to establish whether and to what extent widespread hybridization results in gene flow (introgression) between parental taxa. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Jordan et al. () search for evidence of gene flow between two closely related species of Geum (Rosaceae), which hybridize readily in contemporary populations and where hybrid swarms have been recorded for at least 200 years (Ruhsam, Hollingsworth, & Ennos, ). The authors find mixed evidence of ancient introgression when analysing allopatric populations. Intriguingly, when analysing populations of a region where the two species occur either mixed in the same population or in close proximity, and where hybrids are presently common, Jordan and colleagues find that the majority of randomly sampled individuals analysed (92/96) show no evidence of introgression (defined as individuals with admixture coefficients of <1%). The few individuals identified as hybrids are shown to likely be F1 or early‐generation backcrosses, indicating that even in sympatric regions, hybridization does not penetrate beyond a few generations. Based on their findings, Geum seems to be an example of little to no introgression despite contemporary hybridization.
Variant‐specific and reciprocal Hsp40 functions in Hsp104‐mediated prion elimination
Authors: Astor Michael T. , Kamiya Erina , Sporn Zachary A. , Berger Scott E. , Hines Justin K.
Published: April 2018

The amyloid‐based prions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are heritable aggregates of misfolded proteins, passed to daughter cells following fragmentation by molecular chaperones including the J‐protein Sis1, Hsp70 and Hsp104. Overexpression of Hsp104 efficiently cures cell populations of the prion [PSI+] by an alternative Sis1‐dependent mechanism that is currently the subject of significant debate. Here, we broadly investigate the role of J‐proteins in this process by determining the impact of amyloid polymorphisms (prion variants) on the ability of well‐studied Sis1 constructs to compensate for Sis1 and ask whether any other S. cerevisiae cytosolic J‐proteins are also required for this process. Our comprehensive screen, examining all 13 members of the yeast cytosolic/nuclear J‐protein complement, uncovered significant variant‐dependent genetic evidence for a role of Apj1 (antiprion DnaJ) in this process. For strong, but not weak [PSI+] variants, depletion of Apj1 inhibits Hsp104‐mediated curing. Overexpression of either Apj1 or Sis1 enhances curing, while overexpression of Ydj1 completely blocks it. We also demonstrated that Sis1 was the only J‐protein necessary for the propagation of at least two weak [PSI+] variants and no J‐protein alteration, or even combination of alterations, affected the curing of weak [PSI+] variants, suggesting the possibility of biochemically distinct, variant‐specific Hsp104‐mediated curing mechanisms.
SUMOylation is required for fungal development and pathogenicity in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Lim You‐Jin , Kim Ki‐Tae , Lee Yong‐Hwan
Published: April 2018

Amongst the various post‐translational modifications (PTMs), SUMOylation is a conserved process of attachment of a small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) to a protein substrate in eukaryotes. This process regulates many important biological mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation, protein stabilization, cell cycle, DNA repair and pathogenesis. However, the functional role of SUMOylation is not well understood in plant‐pathogenic fungi, including the model fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. In this study, we elucidated the roles of four SUMOylation‐associated genes that encode one SUMO protein (MoSMT3), two E1 enzymes (MoAOS1 and MoUBA2) and one E2 enzyme (MoUBC9) in fungal development and pathogenicity. Western blot assays showed that SUMO modification was abolished in all deletion mutants. MoAOS1 and MoUBA2 were mainly localized in the nucleus, whereas MoSMT3 and MoUBC9 were localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. However, the four SUMOylation‐associated proteins were predominantly localized in the nucleus under oxidative stress conditions. Deletion mutants for each of the four genes were viable, but showed significant defects in mycelial growth, conidiation, septum formation, conidial germination, appressorium formation and pathogenicity. Several proteins responsible for conidiation were predicted to be SUMOylated, suggesting that conidiation is controlled at the post‐translational level by SUMOylation. In addition to infection‐related development, SUMOylation also played important roles in resistance to nutrient starvation, DNA damage and oxidative stresses. Therefore, SUMOylation is required for infection‐related fungal development, stress responses and pathogenicity in M. oryzae. This study provides new insights into the role of SUMOylation in the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of the rice blast fungus and other plant pathogens.
‘Men just drink more than women. Women have friends to talk to’—Gendered understandings of depression among healthcare professionals and their implications
Authors: Oute Jeppe , Tondora Janis , Glasdam Stinne
Published: April 2018

Little is known about how gendered understandings of patients can inform professionals’ discretionary actions and decisions to include or exclude in clinical practice. Using Connell's poststructuralist perspectives on gender as an analytic framework, this article aims to investigate how professionals’ articulations of depression are framed by signs of masculinity and femininity, and how these articulations inform service provision to patients with depression in clinical psychiatry. Building on interview data drawn from an ethnographic study, the article shows how the professionals’ articulations reflected a gender binary that framed how the feminized patients were often connected to psychiatric care while masculinized patients were referred to separate alcohol or substance use treatment outside the psychiatric institution. The article discusses the societal and institutional conditionality of gendered understandings in psychiatry. In spite of several limitations, the article elucidates how professionals’ understandings might have wide‐ranging implications for the accuracy of epidemiological research and policy, and how they reflect a power struggle between patients and professionals about the legitimate right to interpret patients’ conditions and efforts to manage their illness‐related problems.
Choosing Between Different Time‐Varying Volatility Models for Structural Vector Autoregressive Analysis
Authors: Lütkepohl Helmut , Schlaak Thore
Published: April 2018

The performance of information criteria and tests for residual heteroscedasticity for choosing between different models for time‐varying volatility in the context of structural vector autoregressive analysis is investigated. Although it can be difficult to find the true volatility model with the selection criteria, using them is recommended because they can reduce the mean squared error of impulse response estimates substantially relative to a model that is chosen arbitrarily based on the personal preferences of a researcher. Heteroscedasticity tests are found to be useful tools for deciding whether time‐varying volatility is present but do not discriminate well between different types of volatility changes. The selection methods are illustrated by specifying a model for the global market for crude oil.
Isolation of pulmonary veins using a thermoreactive implantable device with external energy transfer: Evaluation in a porcine model
Authors: Boussy Tim , Vandecasteele Tim , Vera Lisse , Schauvliege Stijn , Philpott Matthew , Clement Eli , van Loon Gunther , Willenz Udi , Granada Juan F. , Stone Gregg W. , Reddy Vivek Y. , Van Langenhove Glenn
Published: April 2018

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a well‐established method for the treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, but is only partly successful with a high rate of electrical reconnection. We introduce a novel technique in which PVI is accomplished by noninvasive heating of a dedicated thermoresponse implant inserted into the pulmonary veins (PV), demonstrated in a porcine model.

Methods

A self‐expanding nitinol‐based implant was positioned in the common inferior PV of 11 pigs, using a fluoroscopy‐guided transatrial appendage approach. Ablation was performed through contactless energy transfer from a primary extracorporal coil to a secondary heat ring (HR) embedded in the proximal part of the implant. Electrophysiological conduction was assessed prior to and postablation, and at 3 months. Histological samples were obtained acutely (n  =  4) and after 3 months (n  =  7).

Results

In total, 13 PV implants were successfully positioned in the inferior PVs of 11 animals. Ablation was performed without injury of adjacent structures. PVI and bidirectional block was electrophysiologically confirmed in all cases immediately at the time of implantation and 3 months later in seven chronic animals in whom testing was repeated. Marked evidence of ablation around the proximal HR was evident at 3 months postprocedure, with scar tissue formation and only mild neointimal proliferation.

Conclusions

Successful PVI can be obtained by external electromagnetic heat transfer to a novel pulmonary vein implant.
An in vitro evaluation of the influence of neonatal endotracheal tube diameter and length on the work of breathing
Authors: Miyake Fuyu , Suga Rika , Akiyama Takahiro , Namba Fumihiko
Published: April 2018

Background

Neonates, particularly premature babies, are often managed with endotracheal intubation and subsequent mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate pulmonary gas exchange. There is no consensus on the standard length of endotracheal tube. Although a short tube reduces resistance and respiratory dead space, it is believed to increase the risk of accidental extubation. There are not entirely coherent data regarding the effect of endotracheal tube length on work of breathing in infants.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of neonatal endotracheal tube diameter and length on the work of breathing using an infant in vitro lung model.

Method

We assessed the work of breathing index and mechanical ventilation settings with various endotracheal tube diameters and lengths using the JTR100 in vitro infant lung model. The basic parameters of the model were breathing frequency of 20 per minutes, inspiratory—expiratory ratio of 1:3, and positive end‐expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. In addition, the diaphragm driving pressure to maintain the set tidal volume was measured as the work of breathing index. The JTR100 was connected to the Babylog 8000plus through the endotracheal tube. Finally, we monitored the peak inspiratory pressure generated during assist‐control volume guarantee mode with a targeted tidal volume of 10‐30 mL.

Results

The diaphragm driving pressure using a 2.0‐mm inner diameter tube was twice as high as that using a 4.0‐mm inner diameter tube. To maintain the targeted tidal volume, a shorter tube reduced both the diaphragm driving pressure and ventilator‐generated peak inspiratory pressure. The difference in the generated peak inspiratory pressure between the shortest and longest tubes was 5 cmH2O.

Conclusion

In our infant lung model, a shorter tube resulted in a lower work of breathing and lower ventilator‐generated peak inspiratory pressure.
Occult dysraphism presenting with acro‐osteolysis
Authors: Gopinath Hima , Valeti Meghana , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal
Published: April 2018

The skin and the nervous system share common embryologic origins. Cutaneous stigmata may be early clues to underlying occult spinal dysraphism. The delayed manifestations of spinal dysraphism may also involve the skin. We report a case of a 4‐year‐old child in whom acro‐osteolysis and cutaneous trophic changes on the right foot were the presenting features of occult dysraphism.
Advancement of close range photogrammetry with a portable panoramic image mapping system (PPIMS)
Authors: Chen Yung‐Chuan , Tseng Yi‐Hsing
Published: April 2018

Mobile mapping technologies have contributed to close range photogrammetry becoming an efficient method for a wide range of applications over the last two decades. Advancements have included the integration of multi‐camera images and georeferencing data collected with a mobile mapping system (MMS). This paper proposes the use of a portable panoramic image mapping system (PPIMS), which is a specially designed platform equipped with eight cameras to capture panoramic images and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver (or a prism reflector) for positioning. A rigorous calibration procedure is developed for PPIMS, as well as a bundle adjustment method to solve for the platform exterior orientation parameters (EOPs) which then allows the image EOPs to be calculated. Experimental results demonstrate that PPIMS mapping accuracy can be better than 13 mm, making it comparable with traditional methods but much more efficient in the measuring process.
T‐cell profiles elicited by Toxoplasma gondii in acutely/chronically infected humans
Authors: Silva‐Gutierrez N. , Bahsas Zaky R. , Bouchard M. , Teran Angel G. , Amoroso A. , Peterson D. L. , Salmen S.
Published: April 2018

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm‐blooded species and induce a chronic infection in human hosts. The aim of this work was to investigate Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg polarization, induced by four important T. gondii antigens (SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1) in acutely and chronically infected patients. For this purpose, SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1 were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified, and used to evaluate the proinflammatory and regulatory immune response profiles in seropositive and seronegative individuals. Our results show that SAG1 and ROP1 elicited a proinflammatory profile (INF‐γ, IL‐12 and IL‐17) in individuals in the acute phase, whereas MAG1 and GRA8 induced a regulatory pattern (Treg and TGF‐β) in chronically infected patients. These results reveal fundamental differences in T‐cell polarization induced by T. gondii antigens, which could have important implications in the immunopathogenesis of the disease and in future proposals of therapeutic strategies.
A molecular marker for the specific detection of new pathotype 5‐like strains of Plasmodiophora brassicae in canola
Authors: Zhou Q. , Hwang S. F. , Strelkov S. E. , Fredua‐Agyeman R. , Manolii V. P.
Published: April 2018

Clubroot of crucifers, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is managed in canola (Brassica napus) by the deployment of resistant cultivars. Recently, however, new strains of P. brassicae have been detected in Alberta, Canada, that can overcome this resistance. Some of these strains are classified as pathotype 5 on the differential system of Williams, but are distinguished by their ability to overcome host resistance. In order to expedite the identification of these new pathotype 5‐like strains, three primer sets were developed based on the 18S‐ITS region of the pathogen. With primers P5XF3 and P5XR3, a 127 bp product was amplified from all new pathotype 5‐like strains following optimized PCR analysis. A TaqMan probe‐based quantitative assay was also developed. These protocols could be used to detect as little as 0.5 pg P. brassicae DNA, and as few as 104 mL−1 pathogen resting spores; infection of host tissues could be detected as soon as 4 days after inoculation. The PCR and qPCR assays described in this study represent useful tools for the rapid and reliable diagnosis and quantification of new pathotype 5‐like strains of P. brassicae.
No recovery of campo rupestre grasslands after gravel extraction: implications for conservation and restoration
Authors: Le Stradic Soizig , Fernandes Geraldo W. , Buisson Elise
Published: April 2018

Old‐growth grasslands, including savannas and tropical grasslands, need centuries to assemble; they are therefore expected to have low resilience to anthropogenic activities that disturb the soil (e.g. cultivation, quarrying, mining, etc.). Understanding which parameters restrict the natural recovery of degraded ecosystems is a major prerequisite for planning an effective restoration program. This study was designed to evaluate the recovery of an old‐growth grassland, the campo rupestre, after a major disturbance: gravel extraction. In 2010 (i.e. 8 years after the degradation), we analyzed soil characteristics, seed bank, and vegetation composition in degraded sites consisting of sandy or gravel substrates, as well as in reference sites of sandy and gravel grasslands. At degraded sites, soils contained lower concentrations of the main nutrients, and seed banks consisted mainly of nontarget species. Seed banks of reference grasslands were poor in species and in seeds. Eight years after the degradation, plant communities at degraded sites were still very different from those at the reference sites, with ruderals and almost no target species. Altered soil conditions, low capacity of campo rupestre species to form seed banks, and the probable restriction of seed dispersal from the target species in nearby campo rupestre considerably limited the establishment of campo rupestre plant communities in degraded areas. Time is essential for old‐growth grassland assemblage and, even with the presence of a propagule source in the surroundings, the assembly of campo rupestre plant communities in degraded sites will take centuries. Therefore, human intervention is necessary to rapidly reestablish the main species.