bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for the Integral Management of Water Extremes in Plain Areas
Authors: Guevara Ochoa Cristian , Masson Ignacio , Cazenave Georgina , Vives Luis , Vázquez Amábile Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Due to the socioeconomical impact of water extremes in plain areas, there is a considerable demand for suitable strategies aiding in the management of water resources and rainfed crops. Numerical models allow for the modelling of water extremes and their consequences in order to decide on management strategies. Moreover, the integration of hydrologic models with hydraulic models under continuous or event-based approaches would synergistically contribute to better forecasting of water extreme consequences under different scenarios. This study conducted at the Santa Catalina stream basin (Buenos Aires province, Argentina) focuses on the integration of numerical models to analyze the hydrological response of plain areas to water extremes under different scenarios involving the implementation of an eco-efficient infrastructure (i.e., the integration of a green infrastructure and hydraulic structures). The two models used for the integration were: the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the CELDAS8 (CTSS8) hydrologic-hydraulic model. The former accounts for the processes related to the water balance (e.g., evapotranspiration, soil moisture, percolation, groundwater discharge and surface runoff), allowing for the analysis of water extremes for either dry or wet conditions. Complementarily, CTSS8 models the response of a basin to a rainfall event (e.g., runoff volume, peak flow and time to peak flow, flooded surface area). A 10-year data record (2003–2012) was analyzed to test different green infrastructure scenarios. SWAT was able to reproduce the waterflow in the basin with Nash Sutcliffe (NS) efficiency coefficients of 0.66 and 0.74 for the calibration and validation periods, respectively. The application of CTSS8 for a flood event with a return period of 10 years showed that the combination of a green infrastructure and hydraulic structures decreased the surface runoff by 28%, increased the soil moisture by 10% on an average daily scale, and reduced the impact of floods by 21% during rainfall events. The integration of continuous and event-based models for studying the impact of water extremes under different hypothetical scenarios represents a novel approach for evaluating potential basin management strategies aimed at improving the agricultural production in plain areas.
Does Place Matter? An International Comparison of Early Childhood Development Outcomes between the Metropolitan Areas of Melbourne, Australia and Montreal, Canada
Authors: Dea Catherine , Gauvin Lise , Fournier Michel , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: August 2019

There is strong consensus about the importance of early childhood development (ECD) for improving population health and closing the health inequity gap. Environmental features and public policies across sectors and jurisdictions are known to influence ECD. International comparisons provide valuable opportunities to better understand the impact of these ecological determinants on ECD. This study compared ECD outcomes between metropolitan Melbourne (Australia) and Montreal (Canada), and contrasted disparities across demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: Population wide surveys using the Early Development Instrument (EDI) were conducted among 4–6 years-old children in both Montreal and Melbourne in 2012, measuring five domains of ECD: 1-Physical Health/Well-Being (PHYS); 2-Social Competence (SOC); 3-Emotional Maturity (EMOT); 4-Language/Cognitive Development (COGN); and 5-Communication Skills/General Knowledge (COMM). Descriptive analyses of summary EDI indicators and domain indicators (including median scores and interquartile ranges) were compared between metropolitan areas, using their respective 95% confident intervals (CIs). Analyses were performed using Stata software (v14). Results: The proportion of children developmentally vulnerable in at least one domain of ECD was 26.8% (95% CIs: 26.2, 27.3) in Montreal vs. 19.2% (95% CIs: 18.8, 19.5) in Melbourne. The Melbourne advantage was greatest for EMOT and COGN (11.5% vs. 6.9%; 13.0% vs. 5.8%). In both Montreal and Melbourne, boys, immigrants, children not speaking the language of the majority at home, and those living in the most deprived areas were at greater risk of being developmentally vulnerable. Relative risks as a function of home language and area-level deprivation subgroups were smaller in Montreal than in Melbourne. Conclusion: This study shows that Melbourne’s children globally experience better ECD outcomes than Montreal’s children, but that inequity gaps are greater in Melbourne for language and area-level deprivation subgroups. Further research is warranted to identify the environmental factors, policies, and programs that account for these observed differences.
How Does the Built Environment in Compact Metropolitan Cities Affect Health? A Systematic Review of Korean Studies
Authors: Kim Dong Ha , Yoo Seunghyun
Published: August 2019

This systematic review aimed to examine the associations between health-related outcomes and the built environment (BE) characteristics of compact metropolitan cities in Korea using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Searching the three Korean academic databases and PubMed, two independent reviewers identified 27 empirical articles published between 2011 and 2016. Data extracted for review included the study characteristics, the variables and measurement methods related to the BE and health-related outcomes, and the findings on the associations between the BE characteristics and health-related outcomes. Vote counting was used to assess the consistency of associations and the direction of associations between the BE characteristics and health-related outcomes. All of the reviewed studies used cross-sectional designs. The objective BE qualities were commonly examined. The BE characteristics associated with health-related outcomes in the reviewed articles included land use, street environment, transportation infrastructure, green and open spaces, and neighborhood facilities. Street environment, transportation infrastructure, and green and open spaces had consistent positive associations with physical health. Mixed land use and neighborhood facilities, however, had inconsistent associations with physical health. Generally, insufficient findings were reported in the association between the BE characteristics and mental and social health. The accessibility of the BE in a compact urban environment was the prominent attribute related to health promotion, health challenges, and health equity. An international comparative analysis of compact cities with different urban contexts and scale is required. Interdisciplinary urban health strategies are recommended based on the associations between the BE characteristics and health-related outcomes.
Variations of Internal and External Load Variables between Intermittent Small-Sided Soccer Game Training Regimens
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) analyze the variations of internal and external load between intermittent regimens (6 × 3’ and 3 × 6’) during a small-sided game (SSG); and (ii) analyze the variations of internal and external load within-intermittent regimens (between sets). Ten male amateur soccer players (age: 21.7 ± 2.1 years) participated in this study. Almost certain large decreases in total distance (−8.6%, [−12.3; −4.8], Effect Size (ES): −1.51, [−2.20; −0.82]) and running distance (−34.0%, [47.0; −17.8], ES: −2.23, [−3.40; −1.05]) were observed when comparing the 3 × 6’ and 6 × 3’. Very likely moderate and large decreases in total accelerations (−24.0%, [−35.1; −10.9]; ES: −1.11, [−1.75; −0.47]) and total of decelerations (−26.7%, [−38.8; −12.1]; ES:−1.49, [−2.36; −0.62]), respectively, were found when comparing the 3 × 6’ and 6 × 3’. Very likely increases in rated of perceived exertion in the set 3 in comparison to the 1st during the 3 × 6’ SSG (34.5%, [12.4; 61.0], ES: 1.35, [0.53; 2.16]) and the 6 × 3’ (29.9%, [11.6; 51.2]; ES: 1.17, [0.49; 1.85]). Longer sets increase the perception of effort and contribute to a large decrease in total and running distances, and total of accelerations and decelerations. Meaningful decreases in time-motion demands occur between sets 2 and 3 while perceived effort increases.
Prospective Analysis of Prevalence, Trajectories of Change, and Correlates of Cannabis Misuse in Older Adolescents from Coastal Touristic Regions in Croatia
Authors: Obradovic Salcin Lejla , Miljanovic Damjanovic Vesna , Jurcev Savicevic Anamarija , Ban Divo , Zenic Natasa
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of illicit drug misuse, including cannabis, in Croatian touristic regions is alarming. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of cannabis consumption (CC), to identify associations between sociodemographic and sport factors and CC, and to evaluate the predictors of CC initiation in adolescents residing in touristic regions. This study enrolled 644 adolescents from two touristic regions in Croatia (Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva County) who were tested at baseline (16 years of age) and follow-up (18 years of age). The study instrument consisted of questions focused on predictors (age, gender (male, female), place of residence (urban or rural environment), familial social status, and different sport-related factors) and CC outcome. The results indicated a high prevalence of cannabis consumption (>30% of adolescents consumed cannabis), with a higher prevalence in males, and adolescents from rural communities. The prevalence of CC increased by 10% during the study period, with no significant differences between genders in trajectories of changes. Quitting sports was a risk factor for CC at baseline and follow-up. Better sport competitive results (odds ratio (OR): 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–0.96) and familial social status (socioeconomic status: OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.39–0.91; maternal education: OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.88) were associated with lower likelihood of CC at baseline. The adolescents who reported better sport competitive results were at increased risk for initiation of CC during the course of the study (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03–2.01). The protective effects of sports at baseline were most likely related to various factors that prevent the consumption of substances in youth athletes (i.e., commitment to results, adult supervision); with the end of active participation, adolescent athletes are at high risk for CC initiation.
Outbreak of Cholera Due to Cyclone Kenneth in Northern Mozambique, 2019
Authors: Cambaza Edgar , Mongo Edson , Anapakala Elda , Nhambire Robina , Singo Jacinto , Machava Edsone
Published: August 2019

Cyclone Kenneth was the strongest in the recorded history of the African continent. It landed in the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique on 25 April 2019, causing 45 deaths, destroying approximately 40,000 houses, and leaving 374,000 people in need for assistance, most at risk of acquiring waterborne diseases such as cholera. This short article aims to explain how the resulting cholera outbreak occurred and the response by the government and partner organizations. The outbreak was declared on 2 May 2019, after 14 cases were recorded in Pemba city (11 cases) and the Mecúfi district (3 cases). The disease spread to Metuge, and by the 12th of May 2019, there were 149 cases. Aware of the risk of an outbreak of cholera, the government and partners took immediate action as the cyclone ended, adapting the Cholera Response Plan for Beira, revised after the experience with cyclone Idai (4–21 March 2019). The response relevant to cholera epidemics consisted of social mobilization campaigns for prevention, establishment of treatment centers and units, coordination to improve of water, sanitation and hygiene, and surveillance. By 26 May 2019, 252,448 people were immunized in the area affected by cyclone Kenneth. The recovery process is ongoing but the number of new cases has been reducing, seemingly due to an efficient response, support of several organizations and collaboration of the civil society. Future interventions shall follow the same model of response but the government of Mozambique shall keep a contingency fund to manage disasters such as cyclone Idai and Kenneth. The unlikeliness of two cyclones (Idai and Kenneth) within two months after decades without such kind of phenomena points towards the problem of climate change, and Mozambique needs to prepare effective, proven response plans to combat outbreaks of waterborne diseases due to cyclones.
Association between Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome in a Korean Nationally Representative Sample of Adults Aged 35–79 Years
Authors: Kim Ji-Soo , Kim Se-Yeon , Byon Min-Ji , Lee Jung-Ha , Jeong Seung-Hwa , Kim Jin-Bom
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to investigate risk factors associated with MetS in Korean adults aged 35 to 79 years. Among individuals aged 35–79 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2015, 8314 participants who completed the required examinations and questionnaires were included. Confounding variables related to demographic and socioeconomic status and systemic and oral health-related behaviors were age, gender, household income, education level, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and frequency of daily toothbrushing. Of the 8314 participants, 32.2% were diagnosed with MetS. The prevalence of MetS was 26.6% and 41.6% in those without and with periodontitis, respectively. Among individuals with periodontitis, the prevalence of MetS was 44.3% in males and 36.9% in females. Compared to non-periodontitis, periodontitis was associated with MetS (adjusted OR = 1.422, 95% CI: 1.26–1.61). Age, frequency of daily toothbrushing, and periodontitis were associated with MetS in both males and females. While current smoking and alcohol intake more than twice a week were significantly associated with MetS in males, household income and education level were significantly associated with MetS in females. The findings suggest that periodontitis can be associated with MetS.
Occurrence and Toxicological Risk Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticides from Suburban Soils of Kenya
Authors: Mungai Teresiah M. , Wang Jun
Published: August 2019

The use of organic chemicals in agriculture and manufacturing has raised concerns about the dangers of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the environment. By examining OCPs occurrence in the suburban soils from Kenya, this study revealed the distribution, concentrations, and the threat posed to the environment and human health. A gas chromatography electron capture detector was used to test the pesticides. The hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) studied in soils of Kapsabet, Voi, and Nyeri towns showed concentrations ranging from 0.03–52.7, 0.06–22.3, and 0.24–24.3 ng/g respectively. The highest concentration of HCHs was in Kapsabet (0.03–48.1 ng/g), whereas the highest DDTs concentration was in Voi (n.d.–15.5 ng/g). Source identification revealed OCPs pollution originated from recent usage of DDT pesticides to control insect-borne diseases and from the use of lindane in agriculture. Correlation test revealed that total organic carbon influenced the presence of pesticides in the soils. The enantiomeric ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH were <3 indicating the use of lindane while the ratios of DDE/DDT were <1 suggesting recent input of DDT. The cancer risk assessment showed values close to the set risk level of 10−6, suggesting the likelihood of exposure to cancer was not low enough, and control measures need to be established.
Utilizing A Game Engine for Interactive 3D Topographic Data Visualization
Authors: Laksono Dany , Aditya Trias
Published: August 2019

Developers have long used game engines for visualizing virtual worlds for players to explore. However, using real-world data in a game engine is always a challenging task, since most game engines have very little support for geospatial data. This paper presents our findings from exploring the Unity3D game engine for visualizing large-scale topographic data from mixed sources of terrestrial laser scanner models and topographic map data. Level of detail (LOD) 3 3D models of two buildings of the Universitas Gadjah Mada campus were obtained using a terrestrial laser scanner converted into the FBX format. Mapbox for Unity was used to provide georeferencing support for the 3D model. Unity3D also used road and place name layers via Mapbox for Unity based on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. LOD1 buildings were modeled from topographic map data using Mapbox, and 3D models from the terrestrial laser scanner replaced two of these buildings. Building information and attributes, as well as visual appearances, were added to 3D features. The Unity3D game engine provides a rich set of libraries and assets for user interactions, and custom C# scripts were used to provide a bird’s-eye-view mode of 3D zoom, pan, and orbital display. In addition to basic 3D navigation tools, a first-person view of the scene was utilized to enable users to gain a walk-through experience while virtually inspecting the objects on the ground. For a fly-through experience, a drone view was offered to help users inspect objects from the air. The result was a multiplatform 3D visualization capable of displaying 3D models in LOD3, as well as providing user interfaces for exploring the scene using “on the ground” and “from the air” types of first person view interactions. Using the Unity3D game engine to visualize mixed sources of topographic data creates many opportunities to optimize large-scale topographic data use.
Goniothalamin Induces Necroptosis and Anoikis in Human Invasive Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells
Authors: Khaw-on Patompong , Pompimon Wilart , Banjerdpongchai Ratana
Published: August 2019

Goniothalamin (GTN) is toxic to several types of cancer cells in vitro. However, its effects on non-apoptotic cell death induction of human cancer cells have been poorly documented. Here, an investigation of the anti-cancer activity of GTN and the molecular signaling pathways of non-apoptotic cell death in the invasive human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line were undertaken. Apoptotic cell death was suppressed by using a pan-caspase inhibitor (Benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-[O-methyl]-fluoromethylketone), z-VAD-fmk) as a model to study whether GTN induced caspase-independent cell death. In the anoikis study, MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured on poly-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)- or poly-HEMA- coated plates to mimic anoikis-resistance growth and determine whether GTN induced cell death and the mechanisms involved. GTN and z-VAD-fmk induced human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to undergo necroptosis via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stresses, with increased expressions of necroptotic genes such as rip1, rip3, and mlkl. GTN induced MDA-MB-231 cells to undergo anoikis via reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expressions, inhibited the EGFR/FAK/Src survival signaling pathway, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase secretion.
Reaction Kinetic Models of Antibiotic Heteroresistance
Authors: Martinecz Antal , Clarelli Fabrizio , Abel Sören , Abel zur Wiesch Pia
Published: August 2019

Bacterial heteroresistance (i.e., the co-existence of several subpopulations with different antibiotic susceptibilities) can delay the clearance of bacteria even with long antibiotic exposure. Some proposed mechanisms have been successfully described with mathematical models of drug-target binding where the mechanism’s downstream of drug-target binding are not explicitly modeled and subsumed in an empirical function, connecting target occupancy to antibiotic action. However, with current approaches it is difficult to model mechanisms that involve multi-step reactions that lead to bacterial killing. Here, we have a dual aim: first, to establish pharmacodynamic models that include multi-step reaction pathways, and second, to model heteroresistance and investigate which molecular heterogeneities can lead to delayed bacterial killing. We show that simulations based on Gillespie algorithms, which have been employed to model reaction kinetics for decades, can be useful tools to model antibiotic action via multi-step reactions. We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current models and Gillespie simulations. Finally, we show that in our models, slight normally distributed variances in the rates of any event leading to bacterial death can (depending on parameter choices) lead to delayed bacterial killing (i.e., heteroresistance). This means that a slowly declining residual bacterial population due to heteroresistance is most likely the default scenario and should be taken into account when planning treatment length.
Clumps of Mesenchymal Stem Cell/Extracellular Matrix Complexes Generated with Xeno-Free Conditions Facilitate Bone Regeneration via Direct and Indirect Osteogenesis
Authors: Motoike Souta , Kajiya Mikihito , Komatsu Nao , Horikoshi Susumu , Ogawa Tomoya , Sone Hisakatsu , Matsuda Shinji , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Iwata Tomoyuki , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Ikeya Makoto , Kurihara Hidemi
Published: August 2019

Three-dimensional clumps of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)/extracellular matrix (ECM) complexes (C-MSCs) consist of cells and self-produced ECM. We demonstrated previously that C-MSCs can be transplanted into bone defect regions with no artificial scaffold to induce bone regeneration. To apply C-MSCs in a clinical setting as a reliable bone regenerative therapy, the present study aimed to generate C-MSCs in xeno-free/serum-free conditions that can exert successful bone regenerative properties and to monitor interactions between grafted cells and host cells during bone healing processes. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs were cultured in xeno-free/serum-free medium. To obtain C-MSCs, confluent cells that had formed on the cellular sheet were scratched using a micropipette tip and then torn off. The sheet was rolled to make a round clump of cells. Then, C-MSCs were transplanted into an immunodeficient mouse calvarial defect model. Transplantation of C-MSCs induced bone regeneration in a time-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence staining showed that both donor human cells and host mice cells contributed to bone reconstruction. Decellularized C-MSCs implantation failed to induce bone regeneration, even though the host mice cells can infiltrate into the defect area. These findings suggested that C-MSCs generated in xeno-free/serum-free conditions can induce bone regeneration via direct and indirect osteogenesis.
Unexpected Discoveries Should Be Reconsidered in Science—A Look to the Past?
Authors: Foletti Alberto , Fais Stefano
Published: August 2019

From the past, we know how much “serendipity” has played a pivotal role in scientific discoveries. The definition of serendipity implies the finding of one thing while looking for something else. The most known example of this is the discovery of penicillin. Fleming was studying “Staphylococcus influenzae” when one of his culture plates became contaminated and developed a mold that created a bacteria-free circle. Then he found within the mold, a substance that proved to be very active against the vast majority of bacteria infecting human beings. Serendipity had a key role in the discovery of a wide panel of psychotropic drugs as well, including aniline purple, lysergic acid diethylamide, meprobamate, chlorpromazine, and imipramine. Actually, many recent studies support a step back in current strategies that could lead to new discoveries in science. This change should seriously consider the idea that to further focus research project milestones that are already too focused could be a mistake. How can you observe something that others did not realize before you? Probably, one pivotal requirement is that you pay a high level of attention on what is occurring all around you. But this is not entirely enough, since, specifically talking about scientific discoveries, you should have your mind sufficiently unbiased from mainstream infrastructures, which normally make you extremely focused on a particular endpoint without paying attention to potential “unexpected discoveries”. Research in medicine should probably come back to the age of innocence and avoid the age of mainstream reports that do not contribute to real advances in the curing of human diseases. Max Planck said “Science progresses not because scientists change their minds, but rather because scientists attached to erroneous views die, and are replaced”, and Otto Warburg used the same words when he realized the lack of acceptance of his ideas. This editorial proposes a series of examples showing, in a practical way, how unfocused research may contribute to very important discoveries in science.
Agrobacterium-Mediated Gene Transient Overexpression and Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV)-Based Gene Silencing in Cassava
Authors: Zeng Hongqiu , Xie Yanwei , Liu Guoyin , Wei Yunxie , Hu Wei , Shi Haitao
Published: August 2019

Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) are very useful in functional genomics in plants. However, whether these methods are effective in cassava (Manihot esculenta), one of the most important tropical crops, remains elusive. In this study, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) as reporter genes in a transient expression assay. GFP or GUS could be detected in the infiltrated leaves at 2 days postinfiltration (dpi) and were evidenced by visual GFP and GUS assays, reverse-transcription PCR, and Western blot. In addition, phytoene desaturase (PDS) was used to show the silencing effect in a VIGS system. Both Agrobacterium GV3101 and AGL-1 with tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-MePDS-infiltrated distal leaves showed an albino phenotype at 20 dpi; in particular, the AGL-1-infiltrated plants showed an obvious albino area in the most distal leaves. Moreover, the silencing effect was validated by molecular identification. Notably, compared with the obvious cassava mosaic disease symptom infiltrated by African-cassava-mosaic-virus-based VIGS systems in previous studies, TRV-based VIGS-system-infiltrated cassava plants did not show obvious virus-induced disease symptoms, suggesting a significant advantage. Taken together, these methods could promote functional genomics in cassava.
Understanding the Propagation and Control Strategies of Congestion in Urban Rail Transit Based on Epidemiological Dynamics Model
Authors: Shi Zhuangbin , Zhang Ning , Zhu Lei
Published: August 2019

With the construction of the urban rail transit (URT) network, the explosion of passenger volume is more rapid than the increased capacity of the newly built infrastructure, which results in serious passenger flow congestion (PLC). Understanding the propagation process of PLC is the key to formulate sustainable policies for reducing congestion and optimizing management. This study proposes a susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model based on the theories of epidemiological dynamics and complex network to analyze the PLC propagation. We simulate the PLC propagation under various situations, and analyze the sensitivity of PLC propagation to model parameters. Finally, the control strategies of restricting PLC propagation are introduced from two aspects, namely, supply control and demand control. The results indicate that both of the two control strategies contribute to relieving congestion pressure. The propagating scope of PLC is more sensitive when taking mild supply control, whereas, the demand control strategy shows some advantages in flexibly implementing and dealing with serious congestion. These results are of important guidance for URT agencies to understand the mechanism of PLC propagation and formulate appropriate congestion control strategies.
First Description of the Adult Male of the Gall-Like Scale Insect Allokermes galliformis (Riley) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Kermesidae)
Authors: Krutil Kyle D. , Hall Alison L. , Cranshaw Whitney S. , Kondratieff Boris C. , Sitz Rachael A.
Published: August 2019

The adult male of Allokermes galliformis (Riley, 1881) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Kermesidae) is described for the first time in Colorado, United States of America. This scale insect species recently emerged as a significant pest of red oaks in Colorado through its causative role in drippy blight disease. A description and illustration of the adult male characterize its key external morphological characteristics.
Morphology and Distribution of the Antennal Sensilla of Two Species, Megalurothrips usitatus and Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Wang Xiao-Shuang , Shaukat Ali , Han Yun , Yang Bo , Tang Liang-De , Wu Jian-Hui
Published: August 2019

The morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla of Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall and Thrips palmi Karny were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These are serious pests of various economically important crops, and their antennae are important in chemical communication. The antennae of both species consist of a scape, pedicel, and flagellum, but the flagellum of M. usitatus is made up of six sub-segments, whereas that of T. palmi consists of five sub-segments. Seven morphological sensilla types, including Böhm bristle (BB), sensilla campaniformia (Sca), three types of sensilla basiconica (Sb1, Sb2 and Sb3), two types of sensilla chaetica (Sch1 and Sch2), sensilla styloconica (Sst), sensilla trichodea (St), and sensilla cavity (Scav), were recorded in both species. The scape and pedicels exhibited Sch1, BB and Sca. The flagellum exhibited two types of Sch, three types of Sb, St, Sst and Scav. Based on these results, the putative function of the sensilla of M. usitatus and T. palmi are also discussed.
Vertical and Horizontal Trophic Networks in the Aroid-Infesting Insect Community of Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: Amancio Guadalupe , Aguirre-Jaimes Armando , Hernández-Ortiz Vicente , Guevara Roger , Quesada Mauricio
Published: August 2019

Insect-aroid interaction studies have focused largely on pollination systems; however, few report trophic interactions with other herbivores. This study features the endophagous insect community in reproductive aroid structures of a tropical rainforest of Mexico, and the shifting that occurs along an altitudinal gradient and among different hosts. In three sites of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, we surveyed eight aroid species over a yearly cycle. The insects found were reared in the laboratory, quantified and identified. Data were analyzed through species interaction networks. We recorded 34 endophagous species from 21 families belonging to four insect orders. The community was highly specialized at both network and species levels. Along the altitudinal gradient, there was a reduction in richness and a high turnover of species, while the assemblage among hosts was also highly specific, with different dominant species. Our findings suggest that intrinsic plant factors could influence their occupation, and that the coexistence of distinct insect species in the assemblage could exert a direct or indirect influence on their ability to colonize such resources.
Anti-Tumor Effects of Low Dose Zoledronate on Lung Cancer-Induced Spine Metastasis
Authors: Akoury Elie , Ramirez Garcia Luna Ana Sofia , Ahangar Pouyan , Gao Xiaoya , Zolotarov Pylyp , Weber Michael H. , Rosenzweig Derek H.
Published: August 2019

Zoledronate (Zol) is an anti-resorptive/tumoral agent used for the treatment of many cancers including spinal bone metastasis. High systemic administration of a single dose is now the standard clinical care, yet it has been associated with several side effects. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lower doses Zol on lung cancer and lung cancer-induced bone metastasis cells over a longer time period. Human lung cancer (HCC827) and three bone metastases secondary to lung cancer (BML1, BML3 and BML4) cells were treated with Zol at 1, 3 and 10 µM for 7 days and then assessed for cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Low Zol treatment significantly decreased cell proliferation (1, 3 and 10 µM), migration (3 and 10 µM) and invasion (10 µM) while increasing apoptosis (10 µM) in lung cancer and metastatic cells. Our data exploits the potential of using low doses Zol for longer treatment periods and reinforces this approach as a new therapeutic regimen to impede the development of metastatic bone cancer while limiting severe side effects following high doses of systemic drug treatment.
Maternal Satisfaction with Healthcare after Perinatal Loss in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Druguet Mònica , Nuño Laura , Rodó Carlota , Arévalo Silvia , Carreras Elena , Gómez-Benito Juana
Published: August 2019

Introduction: The analysis of patients’ satisfaction with healthcare is recognised as being useful in the evaluation of health outcomes and perceived quality of care. Little is known, however, about how the psychological status of women who experience perinatal complications may affect their perceived satisfaction with care. Methods: We assessed healthcare satisfaction in 52 women who had undergone intrauterine surgery during a complicated monochorionic twin pregnancy and examined the influence that fetal loss and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors had on the degree of satisfaction. Data were gathered in an individual interview and through the administration of the Medical Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Relationships between variables were analysed using a chi-square test, Spearman’s rho, Student’s t test, and the Mann–Whitney U test, in accordance with the metric nature of the variables and the assumptions fulfilled. Results: Age and level of education were not associated with the degree of healthcare satisfaction. Negative but non-significant correlations were observed between the level of satisfaction and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Satisfaction with healthcare was high in the sample as a whole, although it was significantly higher among women who had not experienced fetal loss. There were no differences in satisfaction with services involving direct contact with medical staff, whereas satisfaction with indirect services was lower among women who had experienced perinatal loss. Conclusions: Due to the unique characteristics of this population, specialised care teams of both professional healthcare and indirect services are needed. Although administrative aspects of healthcare are regarded as being of secondary importance, this may not be the case with more vulnerable populations.
Short-Term Cooling Increases Plasma ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 in Young Healthy Lean Men but Not in Middle-Aged Men with Overweight and Prediabetes
Authors: Janssen Laura G.M. , Jauhiainen Matti , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Haridas P.A. Nidhina , Nahon Kimberly J. , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Boon Mariëtte R.
Published: August 2019

Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) regulate triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoprotein distribution via inhibiting TG hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase in metabolic tissues. Brown adipose tissue combusts TG-derived fatty acids to enhance thermogenesis during cold exposure. It has been shown that cold exposure regulates ANGPTL4, but its effects on ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 in humans have not been elucidated. We therefore investigated the effect of short-term cooling on plasma ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8, besides ANGPTL4. Twenty-four young, healthy, lean men and 20 middle-aged men with overweight and prediabetes were subjected to 2 h of mild cooling just above their individual shivering threshold. Before and after short-term cooling, plasma ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 were determined by ELISA. In young, healthy, lean men, short-term cooling increased plasma ANGPTL3 (+16%, p < 0.05), ANGPTL4 (+15%, p < 0.05), and ANGPTL8 levels (+28%, p < 0.001). In middle-aged men with overweight and prediabetes, short-term cooling only significantly increased plasma ANGPTL4 levels (+15%, p < 0.05), but not ANGPTL3 (230 ± 9 vs. 251 ± 13 ng/mL, p = 0.051) or ANGPTL8 (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.5 μg/mL, p = 0.46). We show that short-term cooling increases plasma ANGPTL4 levels in men, regardless of age and metabolic status, but only overtly increases ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 levels in young, healthy, lean men.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and PaO2/FIO2 Diagnostic Accuracy: Changing the Paradigm?
Authors: Ferrer Miquel , Sequeira Telma , Cilloniz Catia , Dominedo Cristina , Li Bassi Gianluigi , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Torres Antoni
Published: August 2019

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated to longer stay and poor outcomes. Lacking definitive diagnostic criteria, worsening gas exchange assessed by PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240 in mmHg has been proposed as one of the diagnostic criteria for VAP. We aim to assess the adequacy of PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240 to diagnose VAP. Methods: Prospective observational study in 255 consecutive patients with suspected VAP, clustered according to PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240 vs. > 240 at pneumonia onset. The primary analysis was the association between PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240 and quantitative microbiologic confirmation of pneumonia, the most reliable diagnostic gold-standard. Results: Mean PaO2/FIO2 at VAP onset was 195 ± 82; 171 (67%) cases had PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240. Patients with PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240 had a lower APACHE-II score at ICU admission; however, at pneumonia onset they had higher CPIS, SOFA score, acute respiratory distress syndrome criteria and incidence of shock, and less microbiological confirmation of pneumonia (117, 69% vs. 71, 85%, p = 0.008), compared to patients with PaO2/FIO2 > 240. In multivariate logistic regression, PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240 was independently associated with less microbiological confirmation (adjusted odds-ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.89, p = 0.027). The association between PaO2/FIO2 and microbiological confirmation of VAP was poor, with an area under the ROC curve 0.645. Initial non-response to treatment and length of stay were similar between both groups, while hospital mortality was higher in patients with PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 240. Conclusion: Adding PaO2/FIO2 ratio ≤ 240 to the clinical and radiographic criteria does not help in the diagnosis of VAP. PaO2/FIO2 ratio > 240 does not exclude this infection. Using this threshold may underestimate the incidence of VAP.
Patients with ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis and Connective Tissue Diseases: A Comparative Study from the Maine-Anjou AAV Registry
Authors: Guibert Fanny , Garnier Anne-Sophie , Wacrenier Samuel , Piccoli Giorgina , Djema Assia , Gansey Renaud , Demiselle Julien , Brilland Benoit , Cousin Maud , Besson Virginie , Duveau Agnès , El Nasser Khuzama , Coindre Jean-Philippe , Croue Anne , Saint-André Jean-Paul , Chevailler Alain , Subra Jean-François , Augusto Jean-François
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: The overlap between antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) and connective tissue diseases (CTD) has been reported mainly as case series in the literature. Frequency of this association, as well as presentation and outcomes are unknown. Materials and Methods: Patients from the Maine-Anjou ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) registry with ANCA-GN diagnosed between 01/01/2000 and 01/01/2018, ANCA positivity, and at least six months of follow-up, were included. Results: 106 out of 142 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. CTD was present at ANCA-GN diagnosis in 16 (15.1%) patients. The most common CTD were rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Compared to the control group, females were more represented in the CTD group (75%, p = 0.001). Renal presentation was comparable between groups, including the pathological analysis of renal biopsies. Patients of CTD group presented a higher rate of non-renal relapse (25% versus 7.7%, p = 0.037), and experienced more frequently a venous thrombotic event (31.2% versus 10%, p = 0.021). No difference between groups was observed according to major outcomes. Conclusion: Association between CTD and ANCA-GN is not a rare condition and predominantly affects females. While AAV presentation is not significantly different, CTD patients experience more frequently non-renal relapse and venous thrombotic events.
Best Evidence Rehabilitation for Chronic Pain Part 4: Neck Pain
Authors: Sterling Michele , de Zoete Rutger M. J. , Coppieters Iris , Farrell Scott F.
Published: August 2019

Neck pain, whether from a traumatic event such as a motor vehicle crash or of a non-traumatic nature, is a leading cause of worldwide disability. This narrative review evaluated the evidence from systematic reviews, recent randomised controlled trials, clinical practice guidelines, and other relevant studies for the effects of rehabilitation approaches for chronic neck pain. Rehabilitation was defined as the aim to restore a person to health or normal life through training and therapy and as such, passive interventions applied in isolation were not considered. The results of this review found that the strongest treatment effects to date are those associated with exercise. Strengthening exercises of the neck and upper quadrant have a moderate effect on neck pain in the short-term. The evidence was of moderate quality at best, indicating that future research will likely change these conclusions. Lower quality evidence and smaller effects were found for other exercise approaches. Other treatments, including education/advice and psychological treatment, showed only very small to small effects, based on low to moderate quality evidence. The review also provided suggestions for promising future directions for clinical practice and research.
Machine Perfusion for Abdominal Organ Preservation: A Systematic Review of Kidney and Liver Human Grafts
Authors: Bellini Maria Irene , Nozdrin Mikhail , Yiu Janice , Papalois Vassilios
Published: August 2019

Introduction: To match the current organ demand with organ availability from the donor pool, there has been a shift towards acceptance of extended criteria donors (ECD), often associated with longer ischemic times. Novel dynamic preservation techniques as hypothermic or normothermic machine perfusion (MP) are increasingly adopted, particularly for organs from ECDs. In this study, we compared the viability and incidence of reperfusion injury in kidneys and livers preserved with MP versus Static Cold Storage (SCS). Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis with a search performed between February and March 2019. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Transplant Library were searched via OvidSP. The Cochrane Library and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were also searched. English language filter was applied. Results: the systematic search generated 10,585 studies, finally leading to a total of 30 papers for meta-analysis of kidneys and livers. Hypothermic MP (HMP) statistically significantly lowered the incidence of primary nonfunction (PMN, p = 0.003) and delayed graft function (DGF, p < 0.00001) in kidneys compared to SCS, but not its duration. No difference was also noted for serum creatinine or eGFR post-transplantation, but overall kidneys preserved with HMP had a significantly longer one-year graft survival (OR: 1.61 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.53, p = 0.04). Differently from kidneys where the graft survival was affected, there was no significant difference in primary non function (PNF) for livers stored using SCS for those preserved by HMP and NMP. Machine perfusion demonstrated superior outcomes in early allograft dysfunction and post transplantation AST levels compared to SCS, but however, only HMP was able to significantly decrease serum bilirubin and biliary stricture incidence compared to SCS. Conclusions: MP improves DGF and one-year graft survival in kidney transplantation; it appears to mitigate early allograft dysfunction in livers, but more studies are needed to prove its potential superiority in relation to PNF in livers.
Synthetic Polyclonal-Derived CDR Peptides as an Innovative Strategy in Glaucoma Therapy
Authors: Schmelter Carsten , Fomo Kristian Nzogang , Perumal Natarajan , Manicam Caroline , Bell Katharina , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H.
Published: August 2019

The pathogenesis of glaucoma is strongly associated with the occurrence of autoimmune-mediated loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and additionally, recent evidence shows that specific antibody-derived signature peptides are significantly differentially expressed in sera of primary-open angle glaucoma patients (POAG) compared to healthy controls. Synthetically antibody-derived peptides can modulate various effector functions of the immune system and act as antimicrobial or antiviral molecules. In an ex vivo adolescent glaucoma model, this study, for the first time, demonstrates that polyclonal-derived complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) can significantly increase the survival rate of RGCs (p = 0.013). We subsequently performed affinity capture experiments that verified the mitochondrial serine protease HTRA2 (gene name: HTRA2) as a high-affinity retinal epitope target of CDR1 sequence motif ASGYTFTNYGLSWVR. Quantitative proteomic analysis of the CDR-treated retinal explants revealed increased expression of various anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative proteins (e.g., VDAC2 and TXN) compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05) as well as decreased expression levels of cellular stress response markers (e.g., HSPE1 and HSP90AA1). Mitochondrial dysfunction, the protein ubiquitination pathway and oxidative phosphorylation were annotated as the most significantly affected signaling pathways and possibly can be traced back to the CDR-induced inhibition or modulation of the master regulator HTRA2. These findings emphasize the great potential of synthetic polyclonal-derived CDR peptides as therapeutic agents in future glaucoma therapy and provide an excellent basis for affinity-based biomarker discovery purposes.
Comparing the Role of Aberrant Salience and Dissociation in the Relation between Cumulative Traumatic Life Events and Psychotic-Like Experiences in a Multi-Ethnic Sample
Authors: Anglin Deidre M. , Espinosa Adriana , Barada Bassem , Tarazi Rona , Feng Ashley , Tayler Rachel , Allicock Neil M. , Pandit Supriya
Published: August 2019

Exposure to traumatic life events (TLE) is a risk factor for psychosis. Yet, a dearth of studies examines factors linking TLE to psychosis, while considering differences in TLE frequency. This study investigated dissociation and aberrant salience as mediators and moderators of the relation between three TLE groups (none, 1–3 TLE and 4+ TLE) and psychotic-like experiences (PLE) in a multi-ethnic sample of 816 emerging adults. The participants completed self-report inventories of PLE (Prodromal Questionnaire), TLE (Life Events Checklist), dissociative experiences (Dissociative Symptoms Scale), and aberrant salience (Aberrant Salience Inventory). As expected, groups with higher TLE frequency endorsed higher PLE. Parallel mediation models indicated that, while aberrant salience mediated the relation between both levels of cumulative traumatic experiences (1–3 TLE and 4+ TLE) and PLE, dissociation only mediated the relation between exposure to at least four different traumatic experiences and PLE. The moderation results showed that risk of PLE was highest among individuals with 1–3 TLE who endorsed dissociation. Our results suggest that, while aberrant salience processing explains why TLE may relate to higher psychosis risk, dissociation’s role in this relation is dependent on the number of different TLE exposures.