bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Influence of Food Waste in Food Packaging Environmental Performance Assessments
Authors: Heller Martin C. , Selke Susan E. M. , Keoleian Gregory A.
Published: March 2018

Scrutiny of food packaging environmental impacts has led to a variety of sustainability directives, but has largely focused on the direct impacts of materials. A growing awareness of the impacts of food waste warrants a recalibration of packaging environmental assessment to include theindirecteffects due to influences on food waste. In this study, we model 13 food products and their typical packaging formats through a consistent life cycle assessment framework in order to demonstrate the effect of food waste on overall system greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and cumulative energy demand (CED). Starting with food waste rate estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we calculate the effect on GHG emissions and CED of a hypothetical 10% decrease in food waste rate. This defines a limit for increases in packaging impacts from innovative packaging solutions that will still lead to net system environmental benefits. The ratio of food production to packaging production environmental impact provides a guide to predicting food waste effects on system performance. Based on a survey of the food LCA literature, this ratio for GHG emissions ranges from 0.06 (wine example) to 780 (beef example). High ratios with foods such as cereals, dairy, seafood, and meats suggest greater opportunity for net impact reductions through packaging‐based food waste reduction innovations. While this study is not intended to provide definitive LCAs for the product/package systems modeled, it does illustrate both the importance of considering food waste when comparing packaging alternatives, and the potential for using packaging to reduce overall system impacts by reducing food waste.
Hormone modulation of legume‐rhizobial symbiosis
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhang Chi , Yang Jun , Yu Nan , Wang Ertao
Published: March 2018

Leguminous plants can establish symbiotic associations with diazotropic rhizobia to form nitrogen‐fixating nodules, which are classified as determinate or indeterminate based on the persistence of nodule meristem. The formation of nitrogen‐fixing nodules requires coordinating rhizobial infection and root nodule organogenesis. The formation of an infection thread and the extent of nodule formation are largely under plant control, but vary with environmental conditions and the physiological state of the host plants. Many achievements in these two areas have been made in recent decades. Phytohormone signaling pathways have gradually emerged as important regulators of root nodule symbiosis. Cytokinin, strigolactones (SLs) and local accumulation of auxin can promote nodule development. Ethylene, jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) all negatively regulate infection thread formation and nodule development. However, salicylic acid (SA) and brassinosteroids (BRs) have different effects on the formation of these two nodule types. Some peptide hormones are also involved in nodulation. This review summarizes recent findings on the roles of these plant hormones in legume‐rhizobial symbiosis, and we propose that DELLA proteins may function as a node to integrate plant hormones to regulate nodulation.
Dermatological manifestations in hemodialysis patients in Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Asayesh Hamid , Peykari Niloofar , Pavaresh‐Masoud Mohammad , Esmaeili Abdar Mohammad , Tajbakhsh Ramin , Mousavi Seyed Mojtaba , Djalalinia Shirin , Noroozi Mehdi , Qorbani Mostafa , Mahdavi‐Gorabi Armita
Published: March 2018

Background

Dermatologic complications are common in patients with end‐stage renal disease and also have a high diversity.

Objectives

This meta‐analysis reviews prevalence of dermatological manifestations among hemodialysis patients in Iran.

Materials and Methods

Using PubMed and NLM Gateway (for MEDLINE), Institute of Scientific Information (ISI), and SCOPUS as the main international electronic data sources, and Iran‐Medex, Irandoc, and Scientific Information Database, as the main domestic databases with systematic search capability, we systematically searched surveys, papers, and reports on the prevalence of dermatological manifestations (until February 2016). Heterogeneity of reported prevalence's between studies was assessed using the Q test; overall prevalence of dermatological manifestations was estimated using random‐effect meta‐analysis model.

Results

We found 1229 records; from them, a total of eight studies comprising 917 hemodialysis patients were included. In all of studies, skin discoloration, pruritus and xerosis have the highest prevalence. According to random‐effect meta‐analysis model, the pooled prevalence of skin discoloration, pruritus, ecchymosis, xerosis, and half‐and‐half nail in hemodialysis patients were 48.03% (95% CI: 45.09‐51.01), 52.85% (95%CI: 49.23‐56.47), 19.88 (95% CI: 17.57‐22.19), 51.14% (95% CI: 48.25‐54.02), and 18.50% (95% CI: 16.0‐21.0), respectively.

Conclusions

his study shows that the prevalence of dermatological manifestations seems high among the hemodialysis patients in Iran, and skin discoloration, pruritus, and xerosis are more common.
THE DRIVERS OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE
Authors: van Neuss Leif
Published: March 2018

The main goal of this paper is to provide an integrated survey of the literature devoted to identifying the drivers of structural change, broadly defined as the process of reallocation of economic activity across the three broad sectors agriculture, manufacturing and services. Using the GGDC 10‐Sector Database, this paper first presents the empirical facts associated with structural change in different regions of the world – that is Europe and the USA, Asia, Latin America, and Africa – then reviews four determinants of structural change: (i) changes in income, (ii) changes in relative (sectoral) prices, (iii) changes in input–output linkages and (iv) changes in comparative advantage(s) via globalization and trade.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 mediated the promotion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma progression through Smad‐p38‐JNK signaling pathway induced by TGF‐β
Authors: Liang Yancan , Jiao Jiuyang , Liang Lizhong , Zhang Jin , Lu Yingjuan , Xie Hongliang , Liang Qixiang , Wan Di , Duan Liming , Wu You , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2018

Background

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) has been proved to play an important role in tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. However, its precise role salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) has not been determined. The aim of this study was to explore the role of TRAF6 in SACC including invasion and metastasis of SACC cells.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR were performed in SACC tissues paired with their adjacent normal tissues to analyze the expression of TRAF6. Downstream proteins expression was explored when TRAF6 was knockdown by siRNA.

Results

The results show that TRAF6 is upregulated in SACC samples, especially in SACC with metastasis, which is closely correlated with an aggressive phenotype (P = .0073) and shorter life survival span (P = .0061) in SACC patients. Knockdown of TRAF6 can attenuate the promotion effect of SACC cell invasion induced by TGF‐β. Western blot results also showed that silencing TRAF6 expression can inhibit the activation of SMAD2, SMAD3, ERK, p38, and JNK induced by TGF‐β in SACC cells.

Conclusion

These data suggested that TRAF6 regulates TGF‐β‐mediated SACC progression through SMAD2/3‐ERK‐p38‐JNK cascades.
The effects of prebiotic supplementation on weight gain, diarrhoea, constipation, fever and respiratory tract infections in the first year of life
Authors: Shahramian Iraj , Kalvandi Gholamreza , Javaherizadeh Hazhir , Khalili Manijeh , Noori Noor Mohammad , Delaramnasab Mojtaba , Bazi Ali
Published: March 2018

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of prebiotics on some common clinical ailments in healthy term infants.

Methods

Sixty healthy‐term, breastfed (BF) infants were included. Along with these infants, 120 healthy‐term formula‐fed infants were randomly assigned to either the prebiotic formula (PF, n = 60) or regular formula (RF, n = 60) groups. Ready‐to‐use prebiotic‐supplemented formula containing galacto‐oligosaccharides and polydextrose (ratio 1:1) was used.

Results

At 2 months of age, PF infants demonstrated significantly higher weight gain than BF and RF. At 6 months of age, bodyweight was significantly higher in the RF group compared to BF and PF groups (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. At 10 months of age, the duration of diarrhoea was significantly shorter in PF‐fed compared to the RF (P = 0.03) group. A significant difference was found between PF and RF (P < 0.0001) and BF and RF groups (P = 0.002) for diarrhoea duration. Means of constipation episodes per year were 0.03 ± 0.18, 0.433 ± 0.77 and 0.1 ± 0.30 for the BF, RF and PF groups, respectively, with significant difference found between BF and RF (P = 0.006) and PF and RF (P = 0.02). The means of episodes of respiratory tract infections per year for BF, RF and PF groups were 1 ± 0.69, 1.6 ± 0.88 and 1 ± 0.58, respectively (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Prebiotic‐supplemented and regular formula were similar to breast milk regarding prophylactic effects for diarrhoea, constipation and respiratory tract infections in the first year of life. Prebiotic‐supplemented formula may be an appropriate substitution for breast milk when breast milk in unavailable.
First evidence of the occurrence of Turnip mosaic virus in Ukraine and molecular characterization of its isolate
Authors: Shevchenko Oleksiy , Yasaka Ryosuke , Tymchyshyn Olha , Shevchenko Tetiana , Ohshima Kazusato
Published: March 2018

A total of 54 samples of Brassicaceae crops showing symptoms of mosaic, mottling, vein banding and/or leaf deformation were collected in Kyiv region (northern central part of Ukraine) in 2014–2015. A half of collected samples was found to be infected with Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), and TuMV was detected in samples from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage), Raphanus sativus, Brassica juncea, Raphanus sp., Sinapis alba, Camelina sativa and Bunias orientalis (weed). The full‐length sequence of the genomic RNA of a Ukrainian isolate (UKR9), which was isolated from cabbage, was determined. Recombination analysis of UKR9 isolate showed that this isolate was an interlineage recombinant of world‐Brassica and Asian‐Brassica/Raphanus phylogenetic groups. This study shows for the first time the occurrence of TuMV in Ukraine.
HCV genotype 4, 5 and 6: Distribution of viral subtypes and sustained virologic response rates in clinical trials of approved direct‐acting antiviral regimens
Authors: Boyd S. D. , Harrington P. , Komatsu T. E. , Naeger L. K. , Chan‐Tack K. , Murray J. , Birnkrant D. , Struble K.
Published: March 2018

Multiple direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐based regimens are now available for all hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GTs). Because HCV GT 4, 5 and 6 are less common in the United States (US) and worldwide, relatively small numbers of participants with these GTs were evaluated in individual clinical trials. To provide a comprehensive description of subtype diversity and treatment outcomes in clinical trials for these less common GTs, we analysed data from 744 participants with HCV GT4 (n = 573), GT5 (n = 81), or GT6 (n = 90) across 18 clinical trials of DAA regimens. These data are from US New Drug Applications submitted between 2014 and 2017, and our analyses included only approved regimens. Excluding unresolved or mixed subtypes, the distribution of reported GT4 subtypes was 49% 4a, 31% 4d and 16% for one of 14 other subtypes. The distribution of GT6 subtypes was 39% 6a, 27% 6e, 8% 6 L and 23% for one of 11 other subtypes. Across approved regimens, sustained virologic response rates 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) for GT 4, 5 and 6 ranged from 91% to 100%, 93% to 97% and 96% to 100%, respectively. SVR12 by GT4 subtype ranged from 96% to 100% for 4a and 81% to 100% for 4d. Virologic failures occurred in GT 4a, 4b, 4d and 4r. For GT6, SVR12 was 100% for all subtypes except 6 L, for which 1 of 7 participants experienced virologic failure. To our knowledge, this is the largest compilation of HCV GT 4, 5 or 6 clinical trial data. These analyses may be useful for clinicians treating HCV GT 4, 5 or 6.
Genetic architecture of traits associated with reproductive barriers in Silene: Coupling, sex chromosomes and variation
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Karrenberg Sophie
Published: March 2018

The evolution of reproductive barriers and their underlying genetic architecture is of central importance for the formation of new species. Reproductive barriers can be controlled either by few large‐effect loci suggesting strong selection on key traits, or by many small‐effect loci, consistent with gradual divergence or with selection on polygenic or multiple traits. Genetic coupling between reproductive barrier loci further promotes divergence, particularly divergence with ongoing gene flow. In this study, we investigated the genetic architectures of ten morphological, phenological and life history traits associated with reproductive barriers between the hybridizing sister species Silene dioica and S. latifolia; both are dioecious with XY‐sex determination. We used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in two reciprocal F2 crosses. One to six QTLs per trait, including nine major QTLs (PVE > 20%), were detected on 11 of the 12 linkage groups. We found strong evidence for coupling of QTLs for uncorrelated traits and for an important role of sex chromosomes in the genetic architectures of reproductive barrier traits. Unexpectedly, QTLs detected in the two F2 crosses differed largely, despite limited phenotypic differences between them and sufficient statistical power. The widely dispersed genetic architectures of traits associated with reproductive barriers suggest gradual divergence or multifarious selection. Coupling of the underlying QTLs likely promoted divergence with gene flow in this system. The low congruence of QTLs between the two crosses further points to variable and possibly redundant genetic architectures of traits associated with reproductive barriers, with important implications for the evolutionary dynamics of divergence and speciation.
Natural selection and neutral evolutionary processes contribute to genetic divergence in leaf traits across a precipitation gradient in the tropical oak Quercus oleoides
Authors: Ramírez‐Valiente José A. , Deacon Nicholas J. , Etterson Julie , Center Alyson , Sparks Jed P. , Sparks Kimberlee L. , Longwell Timothy , Pilz George , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine
Published: March 2018

The impacts of drought are expanding worldwide as a consequence of climate change. However, there is still little knowledge of how species respond to long‐term selection in seasonally dry ecosystems. In this study, we used QST‐FST comparisons to investigate (i) the role of natural selection on population genetic differentiation for a set of functional traits related to drought resistance in the seasonally dry tropical oak Quercus oleoides and (ii) the influence of water availability at the site of population origin and in experimental treatments on patterns of trait divergence. We conducted a thorough phenotypic characterization of 1912 seedlings from ten populations growing in field and greenhouse common gardens under replicated watering treatments. We also genotyped 218 individuals from the same set of populations using eleven nuclear microsatellites. QST distributions for leaf lamina area, specific leaf area, leaf thickness and stomatal pore index were higher than FST distribution. Results were consistent across growth environments. Genetic differentiation among populations for these functional traits was associated with the index of moisture at the origin of the populations. Together, our results suggest that drought is an important selective agent for Q. oleoides and that differences in length and severity of the dry season have driven the evolution of genetic differences in functional traits.
Pliocene–Pleistocene ecological niche evolution shapes the phylogeography of a Mediterranean plant group
Authors: Benítez‐Benítez C. , Escudero M. , Rodríguez‐Sánchez F. , Martín‐Bravo S. , Jiménez‐Mejías P.
Published: March 2018

Estimating species ability to adapt to environmental changes is crucial to understand their past and future response to climate change. The Mediterranean Basin has experienced remarkable climatic changes since the Miocene, which have greatly influenced the evolution of the Mediterranean flora. Here, we examine the evolutionary history and biogeographic patterns of two sedge sister species (Carex, Cyperaceae) restricted to the western Mediterranean Basin, but with Pliocene fossil record in central Europe. In particular, we estimated the evolution of climatic niches through time and its influence in lineage differentiation. We carried out a dated phylogenetic–phylogeographic study based on seven DNA regions (nDNA and ptDNA) and fingerprinting data (AFLPs), and modelled ecological niches and species distributions for the Pliocene, Pleistocene and present. Phylogenetic and divergence time analyses revealed that both species form a monophyletic lineage originated in the late Pliocene–early Pleistocene. We detected clear genetic differentiation between both species with distinct genetic clusters in disjunct areas, indicating the predominant role of geographic barriers limiting gene flow. We found a remarkable shift in the climatic requirements between Pliocene and extant populations, although the niche seems to have been relatively conserved since the Pleistocene split of both species. This study highlights how an integrative approach combining different data sources and analyses, including fossils, allows solid and robust inferences about the evolutionary history of a plant group since the Pliocene.
Impact of intraoperative mechanical ventilation on left ventricular lead function in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: von Bary Christian , Laski Viktoria , Fricke Hannes , Linhardt Florian , Reithmann Christopher , Fiek Michael
Published: March 2018

Background

Intraoperative controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) changes the intrathoracic geometry and may impact postoperative left ventricular (LV) lead function after CRT implantation. This multicenter study investigates the effect of intraoperative ventilation setting (spontaneous breathing [SB] vs CMV) on postoperative LV lead function taking into account patients’ body mass index (BMI).

Methods

CRT implantation was performed at two centers during SB in 92 and during CMV in 73 patients. Follow‐up was carried out after 3 ± 5 and 36 ± 53 days. Functional lead parameters (FLP; pacing threshold and impedance), postoperative adverse events (A;  phrenic nerve stimulation [PNS] and lead malfunction), and patients’ BMI were assessed. Delta values of FLP between baseline and follow‐up visits were analyzed applying an analysis of covariance model to detect subclinical alterations in LV lead function.

Results

AE occurred in a total of 36 (21%) patients. PNS was observed in 26 (15%) patients and LV lead repositioning due to malfunction was necessary in 10 (6%) patients. Both AE and FLP delta values between baseline and follow‐up were not associated with intraoperative ventilation settings nor the patients’ BMI.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that there is no impact of the intraoperative ventilation setting (SB vs CMV) on postoperative FLP or the occurrence of AE. This is also the case taking into account the BMI. With respect to these findings both approaches—sedation only or general anaesthesia including CMV—can be safely implemented during CRT implantation.
Structural reform histories and perceptions of organizational autonomy: Do senior managers perceive less strategic policy autonomy when faced with frequent and intense restructuring?
Authors: Kleizen Bjorn , Verhoest Koen , Wynen Jan
Published: March 2018

Through recurrent structural reform programmes governments are on a quest to design public organizations that will stand the test of their environment. One of the approaches to uncertain or sensitive issues has been to create various forms of (semi‐)autonomous organizations with substantial strategic discretion. However, while governments repeatedly experiment with designs, one might simultaneously expect that such interference through repeated structural change may limit the degree of strategic policy autonomy perceived by senior managers. More specifically, we propose that intense structural reforms may inadvertently reduce strategic policy autonomy perceptions through two mechanisms. First, intense sequences of structural reforms may lead to perceptions of relatively controlling political principals. Second, they may reduce an organization's ability to accrue resources beneficial to autonomy, such as a strong internal culture, network embeddedness and expertise. Results indicate that strategic policy autonomy perceptions will indeed be detrimentally affected for organizations that experience intense sequences of structural reform.
Putting power into practice: Administrative and political capacity building in the European Parliament's Committee for International Trade
Authors: Coremans Evelyn , Meissner Katharina Luise
Published: March 2018

As the formal powers of the European Parliament have increased with successive treaty changes, its committees' administrations have seen a parallel growth. We argue that such administrative capacity is necessary but not sufficient for acting on formal treaty powers. Administrative capacity has to be combined with political capacity in order to muster policy impact in European Union decision‐making. By differentiating between intra‐institutional administrative and inter‐institutional political capacity, we offer a fine‐grained conceptualization of policy capacity while broadening the theoretical and empirical understanding of the European Parliament's administration as an organizational structure of formal and informal working practices, intra‐institutional coordination and inter‐institutional relations. Based on expert interviews, document analysis and participant observation, the case of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership illustrates how societal politicization of a specific policy issue triggered the European Parliament to exploit the latent potential of its post‐Lisbon administrative capacity by transforming it into a more readily deployable political capacity.
Reinforcing public responsibility? Influences and practices in street‐level bureaucrats' engagement in policy design
Authors: Lavee Einat , Cohen Nissim , Nouman Hani
Published: March 2018

Previous literature demonstrates that when street‐level bureaucrats believe that the policy as designed is not desirable, they utilize various strategies to change the situation. This study suggests that when street‐level bureaucrats believe that fixing a policy through the manner in which it is implemented is not enough, they will try to influence the design of the policy directly. Three factors promote this decision: public perceptions revealed in their interactions with clients, professional ethical values and a supportive organizational environment. We test this argument using Israeli public social workers in the context of urban renewal. We discuss the problems and benefits of involving street‐level bureaucrats in policy design and view such actions as related to welfare reform and changes in the state's responsibility for its citizens. We maintain that in this changing environment, street‐level bureaucrats' involvement in policy design should be formally institutionalized.
Efficient genome editing of wild strawberry genes, vector development and validation
Authors: Zhou Junhui , Wang Guoming , Liu Zhongchi
Published: March 2018

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas9 system is an effective genome editing tool for plant and animal genomes. However, there are still few reports on the successful application of CRISPR–Cas9 to horticultural plants, especially with regard to germ‐line transmission of targeted mutations. Here, we report high‐efficiency genome editing in the wild strawberry Fragaria vesca and its successful application to mutate the auxin biosynthesis gene TAA1 and auxin response factor 8 (ARF8). In our CRISPR system, the Arabidopsis U6 promoter AtU6‐26 and the wild strawberry U6 promoter FveU6‐2 were each used to drive the expression of sgRNA, and both promoters were shown to lead to high‐efficiency genome editing in strawberry. To test germ‐line transmission of the edited mutations and new mutations induced in the next generation, the progeny of the primary (T0) transgenic plants carrying the CRISPR construct was analysed. New mutations were detected in the progeny plants at a high efficiency, including large deletions between the two PAM sites. Further, T1 plants harbouring arf8 homozygous knockout mutations grew considerably faster than wild‐type plants. The results indicate that our CRISPR vectors can be used to edit the wild strawberry genome at a high efficiency and that both sgRNA design and appropriate U6 promoters contribute to the success of genomic editing. Our results open up exciting opportunities for engineering strawberry and related horticultural crops to improve traits of economic importance.
OsPK2 encodes a plastidic pyruvate kinase involved in rice endosperm starch synthesis, compound granule formation and grain filling
Authors: Cai Yicong , Li Sanfeng , Jiao Guiai , Sheng Zhonghua , Wu Yawen , Shao Gaoneng , Xie Lihong , Peng Cheng , Xu Junfeng , Tang Shaoqing , Wei Xiangjin , Hu Peisong
Published: March 2018

Starch is the main form of energy storage in higher plants. Although several enzymes and regulators of starch biosynthesis have been defined, the complete molecular machinery remains largely unknown. Screening for irregularities in endosperm formation in rice represents valuable prospect for studying starch synthesis pathway. Here, we identified a novel rice white‐core endosperm and defective grain filling mutant, ospk2, which displays significantly lower grain weight, decreased starch content and alteration of starch physicochemical properties when compared to wild‐type grains. The normal starch compound granules were drastically reduced and more single granules filled the endosperm cells of ospk2. Meanwhile, the germination rate of ospk2 seeds after 1‐year storage was observably reduced compared with wild‐type. Map‐based cloning of OsPK2 indicated that it encodes a pyruvate kinase (PK, ATP: pyruvate 2‐O‐phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40), which catalyses an irreversible step of glycolysis. OsPK2 has a constitutive expression in rice and its protein localizes in chloroplasts. Enzyme assay showed that the protein product from expressed OsPK2 and the crude protein extracted from tissues of wild‐type exhibits strong PK activity; however, the mutant presented reduced protein activity. OsPK2 (PKpα1) and three other putative rice plastidic isozymes, PKpα2, PKpβ1 and PKpβ2, can interact to form heteromer. Moreover, the mutation leads to multiple metabolic disorders. Altogether, these results denote new insights into the role of OsPK2 in plant seed development, especially in starch synthesis, compound granules formation and grain filling, which would be useful for genetic improvement of high yield and rice grain quality.
Human placental PPAR‐γ and SOX‐2 expression in serologically proved toxoplasmosis
Authors: Hasby Saad M. , El‐Anwar N. , Lotfy S. , Fouda M. , Hasby E.
Published: March 2018

To explore PPAR‐γ and SOX‐2 transcription factors expression in placenta according to maternal anti‐Toxoplasma gondii serological profile during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. The study included 240 placentas, grouped according to IgM and IgG serostatus and then subgrouped according to pregnancy outcome that varied between miscarriages, premature labour, stillbirth and giving birth to CNS anomaly or apparently healthy neonates. Samples were H&E stained and histopathologically scored blindly. PPAR‐γ expression was measured by ELISA, while SOX‐2‐positive nuclei were stained immunohistochemically to be calculated by ImageJ. The mean pathological score was significantly higher in IgM+ve and IgG rising than IgG‐ve and persistent low groups. Former groups showed significantly higher PPAR‐γ (mean = 258.63, 227.11). However, PPAR‐γ was higher in apparently healthy neonate subgroups. SOX‐2 was significantly lower in IgM+ve and IgG rising groups (mean = 12.87, 43.13) and associated with obvious fibrosis. SOX‐2 lowest count was in CNS anomaly subgroup. PPAR‐γ and SOX‐2 changes may give clues of how Toxoplasma induces pathogenesis during vertical transmission. Triggering PPAR‐γ expression may be a tool to downregulate the inflammatory response and establish a metabolically permissive cellular environment for Toxoplasma persistence. Low SOX‐2 is suspected to disturb placental mesenchymal stem cells pluripotency and neuroectoderm development.
Differential effect of drought regimes on the seedling performance of six floodplain grassland species
Authors: Ludewig K. , Hanke J.M. , Wuthe B. , Otte A. , Mosner E. , Eckstein R.L. , Donath T.W.
Published: March 2018

The performance of seedlings is crucial for the survival and persistence of plant populations. Although drought frequently occurs in floodplains and can cause seedling mortality, studies on the effects of drought on seedlings of floodplain grasslands are scarce. We tested the hypotheses that drought reduces aboveground biomass, total biomass, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and specific leaf area (SLA), and increases root biomass and root‐mass fraction (RMF) and that seedlings from species of wet floodplain grasslands are more affected by drought than species of dry grasslands.

In a greenhouse study, we exposed seedlings of three confamilial pairs of species (Pimpinella saxifraga, Selinum carvifolia, Veronica teucrium, Veronica maritima, Sanguisorba minor, Sanguisorba officinalis) to increasing drought treatments. Within each plant family, one species is characteristic of wet and one of dry floodplain grasslands, confamilial in order to avoid phylogenetic bias of the results.

In accordance with our hypotheses, drought conditions reduced aboveground biomass, total biomass, plant height, number of leaves and leaf area. Contrary to our hypotheses, drought conditions increased SLA and decreased root biomass and RMF of seedlings. Beyond the effects of the families, the results were species‐specific (V. maritima being the most sensitive species) and habitat‐specific. Species indicative of wet floodplain grasslands appear to be more sensitive to drought than species indicative of dry grasslands.

Because of species‐ and habitat‐specific responses to reduced water availability, future drought periods due to climate change may severely affect some species from dry and wet habitats, while others may be unaffected.
Thesium linophyllon parasitizes and suppresses expansive Calamagrostis epigejos
Authors: Somodi I. , Vadkerti Á. , Těšitel J.
Published: March 2018

Root‐hemiparasitic interaction between the dominant grass Calamagrostis epigejos and the hemiparasite Thesium linophyllon was studied to assess the potential of the parasite to regulate dominance of the grass, which is expanding into species‐rich steppe grasslands.

First, we aimed to identify physiological links between the two species as a principal indicator of the parasitic relationship. Second, we analysed the dynamics of the two species in the vegetation of a steppe grassland at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, Hungary, where their joint presence is recorded in a long‐term permanent plot monitoring dataset to detect patterns associated with the parasitic ecological interaction.

Numerous well‐developed functional haustoria of Th. linophyllon were identified on the root systems of C. epigejos. The joint dynamics of C. epigejos and Th. linophyllon displayed clear signs of the parasitic interaction: (1) the dynamics of Th. linophyllon frequency was positively associated with the initial cover of C. epigejos; (2) maximum recorded cover values of the two species were strongly positively correlated; and (3) the extent of C. epigejos decrease in the vegetation was significantly positively associated with maximum Th. linophyllon cover recorded throughout the monitoring period.

We demonstrate that C. epigejos can be parasitized by Th. linophyllon, which restricts abundance of the grass. Th. linophyllon thus has potential to act as a native biological control of C. epigejos in steppe grasslands.
Increased transpiration is correlated with reduced boron deficiency symptoms in the maize tassel‐less1 mutant
Authors: Matthes Michaela S. , Robil Janlo M. , Tran Thu , Kimble Ashten , McSteen Paula
Published: March 2018

Loss‐of‐function mutations of the tassel‐less1 (tls1) gene in maize, which is the co‐ortholog of the Arabidopsis boron (B) importer NIP5;1, leads to the loss of reproductive structures (tassels and ears). The tls1 phenotypes can be rescued by B supplementation in the field and in the greenhouse. As the rescue with B supplementation is variable in the field, we investigated additional abiotic factors, potentially causing this variation in controlled greenhouse conditions. We found that the B‐dependent rescue of the tls1 mutant tassel phenotype was enhanced when plants were grown with a mix of high‐pressure sodium and metal halide (MH) lamps. Normal and tls1 plants had a significant increase in transpiration and increased B content in the leaves in the greenhouse with the addition of MH lamps. Our findings imply that B transport to the shoot is enhanced through increased transpiration, which suggests that the xylem transpiration stream provides a significant supply of B in maize.
The adherence and colonization of microorganisms in fish gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Li Xuemei , Ringø Einar , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Lauzon Hélene L. , Birkbeck Harry , Yang Deguo
Published: March 2018

Eggs, gills, skin and intestinal tracts of fish harbour bacterial communities that are thought to impact fish health through their interaction with the tissues. In particular, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract possesses numerous microbes and is considered an infection route. During the infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, mucosal adhesion is a critical early phase and plays an important role in fish development. This review focused on knowledge regarding the adherence and colonization of microorganisms in fish GI tract mucus, including various methods such as in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo, host specificity, lactic acid bacteria nonfish origin using the adherence of pathogenic bacteria, gnotobiotic approaches and molecular methods. However, probiotics might not be possible to truly colonize the digestive tract of fish. The term ‘temporal colonization’ might be a better phrase to use when discussing probiotic persistence and presence within the mucosal layer. Recent and promising results in this field were presented based on new perspectives and future research directions of the adherence and colonization of microorganisms in fish GI tracts.
Methylation pattern variation between goats and rats during the onset of puberty
Authors: Yang C , Ye J , Liu Y , Ding J , Liu H , Gao X , Li X , Zhang Y , Zhou J , Zhang X , Huang W , Fang F , Ling Y
Published: March 2018

Contents

Puberty is initiated by increased pulsatile gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release from the hypothalamus. Epigenetic repression is thought to play a crucial role in the initiation of puberty, although the existence of analogous changes in methylation patterns across species is unclear. We analysed mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and methyl‐binding proteins (MBPs) in goats and rats by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). DNA methylation profiles of hypothalamic were determined at the pre‐pubertal and pubertal stages by bisulphite sequencing. In this study, expression of DNMTs and MBPs mRNA showed different patterns in goats and rats. Global methylation variation was low in goats and rats, and the profile remained stable during puberty. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed the involvement of 62 pathways in puberty in goats and rats including reproduction, type I diabetes mellitus and GnRH signalling pathways and found that Edn3, PTPRN2 and GRID1 showed different methylation patterns during puberty in goats and rats and similar variation patterns for Edn3 and PTPRN2 were showed. These indicated that Edn3 and PTPRN2 would play a role in the timing of puberty. This study provides evidence of the epigenetic control of puberty.
Pulmonary infarction secondary to pulmonary embolism: An evolving paradigm
Authors: Islam Marjan , Filopei Jason , Frank Matthew , Ramesh Navitha , Verzosa Stacey , Ehrlich Madeline , Bondarsky Eric , Miller Albert , Steiger David
Published: March 2018

Background and objective

Pulmonary infarction (PI) from pulmonary embolism (PE) remains an entity of unclear aetiology. PI has been thought to occur in elderly patients with cardiopulmonary disease. We hypothesize younger patients without cardiopulmonary comorbidities are at highest risk. Our study aims to characterize PI clinically and radiographically, determine associated risk factors and determine their clinical significance.

Methods

We conducted a single‐centre retrospective review of 367 consecutive patients with PE. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between patients with and without PI using chi‐square and F‐tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for PI.

Results

PI occurred in 62 of 367 patients with acute PE (16.9%). Patients with PI were significantly younger (48 ± 20.3 vs 59.6 ± 17.2 years, P < 0.01), with lower pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) scores (73.7 ± 38.1 vs 91.9 ± 37.5 years, P < 0.01) and endorsed chest pain with significantly higher frequency (65% vs 39%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in other clinical symptoms, hospital length of stay or mortality between groups. Presence of radiographic cardiopulmonary disease was significantly lower in patients with PI (emphysema: 5% vs 22%, P = <0.01; aortic atherosclerosis: 23% vs 43%, P = <0.01). In multivariate analysis, age ≤33 (OR 3.5 CI: 1.37–8.95, P < 0.01), chest pain (OR 2.15 CI: 1.15–4.00, P = 0.02) and pleural effusion (OR 2.18 CI: 1.08–4.41, P = 0.03) increased PI risk and presence of emphysema decreased risk (OR 0.21 CI: 0.06–0.70, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Younger patients without cardiopulmonary comorbidities are at highest risk of PI. Chest pain and pleural effusion significantly increased risk of PI while presence of radiographic emphysema reduced risk.
Psychometric properties of the suffering assessment questionnaire in adults with chronic diseases or life‐threatening illness
Authors: Encarnação Paula , Oliveira Clara C. , Martins Teresa
Published: March 2018

Background

Suffering has been considered by many authors to be a difficult concept to assess and measure, as it is subjective and unique. However, to guide the diagnosis and decision‐making of healthcare professionals, it is important to develop an instrument that differentiates the different suffering dimensions, namely, intra‐ and interpersonal suffering, awareness of suffering and spiritual suffering.

Aim

The aim of this study was thus to design and validate an instrument for the assessment of the dimensions of suffering in adult patients with chronic diseases or life‐threatening illnesses.

Method

A methodological study was developed. The data were collected from two self‐help organisations and a palliative care unit. The theoretical model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The study sample consisted of 251 patients with chronic diseases or life‐threatening illnesses. The Sense of Coherence Scale, the Spiritual Assessment Scale and the Suffering Assessment Questionnaire in Adults with Chronic Diseases or Life‐Threatening Illness (SAQ) were applied to each participant and were later returned for analysis.

Results

An SAQ version with 12 items showed adequate psychometric characteristics of validity and internal consistency after being adapted to a four‐dimensional structure that assesses the four dimensions of suffering.

Conclusion

The results of confirmatory analysis indicated a good model fit that suggested that the advocated theoretical model is plausible.
Development of the AAS Statement on “Suicide” and “Physician Aid in Dying”
Authors: Battin Margaret P.
Published: March 2018

In August 2017, the American Association of Suicidology board passed a statement titled “Suicide” is not the same as “Physician aid in dying,” which was developed partly in response to the fact that aid in dying is now legal in a number of jurisdictions. In Phase 1, eight members of the AAS who had indicated interest in this issue were asked to independently draft such a statement; the convener consolidated these drafts and comments into an initial statement. In Phase 2, five additional experts who might be expected to object were asked for their independent input; the convener consolidated these with the previous draft. No one objected to the statement altogether; extensive copyediting and rewording suggestions focused primarily on issues of overlap between “suicide” and “physician aid in dying.” The resulting document represents an effort to try to accommodate the basic concerns of all participants. The document does not speak for or against legalization of this practice, but it may have bearing on whether suicide prevention professionals have an obligation to try to prevent such deaths and whether they may serve as consultants for psychological or psychiatric evaluations as sometimes required under US state law.
Clusters of Suicidal Events Among Young People: Do Clusters from One Time Period Predict Later Clusters?
Authors: Too Lay San , Pirkis Jane , Milner Allison , Robinson Jo , Spittal Matthew J.
Published: March 2018

We sought to compare clusters of suicidal events between two different time periods and examine the extent to which earlier clusters predict later clusters. We included data on suicides and suicide attempts from New South Wales between July 2001 and June 2012 and Western Australia between January 2000 and December 2011. Suicide attempts included admissions to hospital for deliberate self‐harm and suicides were deaths due to deliberate self‐harm. We combined data on suicides and suicide attempts and grouped them into two equal time periods. We detected clusters in each period using Poisson discrete scan statistics adjusted for socio‐economic status. We estimated the predictive values of earlier clusters on later clusters. The results showed that clusters from earlier time period had a moderate power (36%) in predicting later clusters. During the later time period, some additional cluster areas (14%) were found and some earlier cluster areas subsided (64%). Historical clusters predict 36% of the subsequent clusters, which is probably not sufficient for targeting interventions. Our study highlights the need for other strategies to detect emerging clusters, for example, up‐to‐date data.
The politics of erased migrations: Expanding a relational, intersectional sociology of Latinx gender and migration
Authors: García Rocío R.
Published: March 2018

Sociologists of gender and Latina/o migration and Chicana feminist scholars in Chicana/o Studies have made extensive interventions in the academic project of recovering the experiences of women in migration studies across disciplines. I consider these contributions and advocate for an interdisciplinary research agenda that continues expanding relational scholarship by developing the concept of the politics of erased migrations, an analytical tool to theorize why and how the embodied experiences of Latinas are marginalized and misrepresented in academic research. Latinas experience various physical and symbolic migrations—across and within national borders, social and political contexts, identities, academic disciplines, methodologies, and social movements. Yet Latina feminist experiences, knowledge, and political movement largely remain at the margins of these borders. Through a review of prominent research on gender and migration centered on heteronormativity, reproduction, and the nation‐state, I demonstrate the possibilities of the politics of erased migration as a theoretical intervention in expanding a relational, intersectional sociology of Latinx gender and migration. This paper carries implications for shifting the field of Latinx gender and migration from a focus on current oppressive conditions to one that also imagines new avenues for social justice and alternative social worlds.
Lay theories of willpower
Authors: Francis Zoë , Job Veronika
Published: March 2018

Some people believe that willpower relies on a limited resource and that performing cognitive work (such as using self‐control) results in mental fatigue. Others believe that willpower is nonlimited and that performing cognitive work instead prepares and energizes them for more. These differing lay theories of willpower determine whether or not one's self‐control performance actually does decrease or increase after use, with only limited willpower theorists showing a decrease (the ego depletion effect). Due to the self‐control requirements of everyday life, willpower theories also predict outcomes across domains of academics, health, goal progress, interpersonal relationships, and well‐being. Generally, limited willpower theorists' belief in their limited capacity results in poorer outcomes, particularly during times of high demand. By understanding how willpower theories form and function, interventions that encourage nonlimited willpower theories may be created to improve people's performance and well‐being.
Race, biopolitics and liberal development from the Jim Crow South to postwar Africa
Authors: Domosh Mona
Published: March 2018

In this paper I document links between the racialised biopolitics that characterised theUSgovernment interventions in theUSSouth in the early 20th century, and theUSA's and theUK's late colonial and early development strategies in Africa. I do so by interrogating why Thomas Campbell, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) head of African‐American agricultural extension, was chosen byUSphilanthropic elites and approved by theUK's Colonial Office to co‐direct a 1944–1945 survey of educational facilities in Africa. I show that it was Campbell's experiences and expertise with “improving” rural life through strategies of self‐help and character‐ and community‐building – key markers of a liberal way of development – that made his presence on the survey seem essential to both theUSAandUKelites. By so doing, this paper documents the importance of theUSDA's biopolitical interventions in theUSSouth for understanding the historical geography of late colonialism and liberal forms of development, thus contributing to critical geographies of development.