bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher contribution of globally rare bacterial taxa reflects environmental transitions across the surface ocean
Authors: Ruiz‐González Clara , Logares Ramiro , Sebastián Marta , Mestre Mireia , Rodríguez‐Martínez Raquel , Galí Martí , Sala Maria Montserrat , Acinas Silvia G. , Duarte Carlos M. , Gasol Josep M.
Published: January 2019

Microbial taxa range from being ubiquitous and abundant across space to extremely rare and endemic, depending on their ecophysiology and on different processes acting locally or regionally. However, little is known about how cosmopolitan or rare taxa combine to constitute communities and whether environmental variations promote changes in their relative abundances. Here we identified the Spatial Abundance Distribution (SpAD) of individual prokaryotic taxa (16S rDNA‐defined Operational Taxonomic Units, OTUs) across 108 globally‐distributed surface ocean stations. We grouped taxa based on their SpAD shape (“normal‐like”‐ abundant and ubiquitous; “logistic”‐ globally rare, present in few sites; and “bimodal”‐ abundant only in certain oceanic regions), and investigated how the abundance of these three categories relates to environmental gradients. Most surface assemblages were numerically dominated by a few cosmopolitan “normal‐like” OTUs, yet there was a gradual shift towards assemblages dominated by “logistic” taxa in specific areas with productivity and temperature differing the most from the average conditions in the sampled stations. When we performed the SpAD categorization including additional habitats (deeper layers and particles of varying sizes), the SpAD of many OTUs changed towards fewer “normal‐like” shapes, and OTUs categorized as globally rare in the surface ocean became abundant. This suggests that understanding the mechanisms behind microbial rarity and dominance requires expanding the context of study beyond local communities and single habitats. We show that marine bacterial communities comprise taxa displaying a continuum of SpADs, and that variations in their abundances can be linked to habitat transitions or barriers that delimit the distribution of community members.
Do estimates of contemporary effective population size tell us what we want to know?
Authors: Ryman Nils , Laikre Linda , Hössjer Ola
Published: January 2019

Estimation of effective population size (Ne) from genetic marker data is a major focus for biodiversity conservation because it is essential to know at what rates inbreeding is increasing and additive genetic variation is lost. But are these the rates assessed when applying commonly usedNeestimation techniques? Here we use recently developed analytical tools and demonstrate that in the case of substructured populations the answer is no. This is because the following: Genetic change can be quantified in several ways reflecting different types ofNesuch as inbreeding (NeI), variance (NeV), additive genetic variance (NeAV), linkage disequilibrium equilibrium (NeLD), eigenvalue (NeE) and coalescence (NeCo) effective size. They are all the same for an isolated population of constant size, but the realized values of these effective sizes can differ dramatically in populations under migration. Commonly appliedNe‐estimators targetNeVorNeLDof individual subpopulations. While such estimates are safe proxies for the rates of inbreeding and loss of additive genetic variation under isolation, we show that they are poor indicators of these rates in populations affected by migration. In fact, both the local and global inbreeding (NeI) and additive genetic variance (NeAV) effective sizes are consistently underestimated in a subdivided population. This is serious because these are the effective sizes that are relevant to the widely accepted 50/500 rule for short and long term genetic conservation.  The bias can be infinitely large and is due to inappropriate parameters being estimated when applying theory for isolated populations to subdivided ones.
Granulomatous interstitial nephritis on renal biopsy in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients: Prevalence and causes in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Davidson Bianca , Nel Debbie , Jones Erika S. W. , Manning Kathryn , Spies Ruan , Bohmer Raphaela , Omar Aadil , Ash Samantha , Wearne Nicola
Published: January 2019

South Africa continues to be burdened by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB). In Cape Town, the epidemic of HIV‐TB co‐infection is as high as 70%. Granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN) has increased in frequency on renal biopsy. This study aimed to determine GIN prevalence and causes in HIV‐positive patients as well as renal outcomes, patient survival and associated factors. This observational cohort study reviewed HIV‐positive renal biopsies for GIN from 2005 to 2012. Causes of GIN (medications, TB, fungal and other), and baseline characteristics were analysed. A comparison of baseline data, renal function and survival was made between GIN and non‐GIN cohorts. There were 45/316 biopsies demonstrating GIN. TB was the likely cause of GIN in 27 (60%) and 9 (20%) were due to a drug. Low estimated glomerular filtration rate was a statistically significant factor associated with mortality in both GIN (P = 0.045) and non‐GIN cohorts (P < 0.000). In the GIN group, there were 12 (26.7%) deaths. Mortality for all patients was greatest in the first 6 months (P = 0.057). TB co‐infection in both cohorts was associated with a higher mortality. The multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that a higher urine protein/creatinine ratio (uPCR) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate were statistically associated with death. GIN is common in HIV‐positive renal biopsies in Cape Town. TB‐GIN was the commonest cause and associated with a high early mortality. GIN should be considered in HIV‐positive patients with acute kidney injury, its presence conveys a survival benefit. There is a need for improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies of TB‐GIN.
Self‐feeding dependence incidence and predictors among nursing home residents: Findings from a 5 year retrospective regional study
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Grassetti Luca , Zuttion Ranieri , Ferrario Barbara , Ponta Sandra , Achil Illarj , Hayter Mark , Watson Roger
Published: January 2019

The aim of this regionally‐based, retrospective study was to describe the incidence of self‐feeding dependence and predictors among elderly patients admitted from 2008 to 2013 to 105 Italian nursing homes. Data reported in a regional database collected at the time of nursing home admission and every 6 months up to the resident's death were accessed. The self‐feeding degree of dependence was the dependent variable; at the individual and nursing home levels, explanatory variables were those collected at nursing home admission and every 6 months. The structural equation model and the ordinal polynomial logit regression analysis were performed. A total of 13 175 records of residents when admitted to the nursing home and their following 69 341 records, were included. At the time of nursing home admission, 6496 residents (49.3%) reported a certain degree of dependence in self‐feeding and showed slight worsening in their dependence every 6 months. At the individual level, the increased functional dependence raised the proportional odds ratios of approximately 4.36 times of an increased dependence in self‐feeding; the degree of cognitive impairment, the lack of social interactions, the occurrence of pressure sores, comorbidities, as well as the clinical instability and time all raised the risk of self‐feeding dependence progression. At the nursing home level, an increased number of beds emerged as a factor also increasing the proportional odds of dependence in self‐feeding. Factors affecting self‐feeding dependence are multi‐faceted at the individual and at the nursing home levels.
Acotiamide affects antral motility, but has no effect on fundic motility, gastric emptying or symptom perception in healthy participants
Authors: Masuy Imke , Tack Jan , Verbeke Kristin , Carbone Florencia
Published: January 2019

Background

Acotiamide, a prokinetic agent was shown to be efficacious in the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). The exact mechanism of action is incompletely elucidated.

Methods

This randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study aimed to examine the effect of acotiamide on gastric motility, measured as intragastric pressure, gastric emptying (GE) rate and gastrointestinal (GI) symptom perception in healthy volunteers (HVs). Participants were treated with acotiamide (100 mg tid) and placebo for 3 weeks, separated by a 1‐week washout period. A daily symptom diary was collected during both treatments. At the end of each treatment period, GE rate and gastric motility were assessed with a 13C‐octanoic acid breath test and high‐resolution manometry during nutrient infusion, respectively. GI symptom levels were scored during high‐resolution manometry. Data were analyzed using mixed models. The study was registered as NCT03402984.

Key Results

Twenty HVs (10 female, 25 ± 4.1 years, 22.58 ± 2.73 kg/m2) participated in the study. There was no difference in GE half time between both treatments (P = 0.92). Acotiamide had no effect on fundic pressures before and after nutrient infusion (P = 0.91). However, postprandial antral pressures remained significantly lower compared to placebo (P = 0.015). There was no significant difference in hunger, satiation and GI symptoms scores assessed during IGP measurement and by the daily diary (P > 0.12 for all).

Conclusion

Acotiamide is associated with lower antral pressures after nutrient intake, whereas it has no effect on fundic pressures, GE rate and symptom perceptions in HVs. Studies in FD need to elucidate whether lower antral pressures induced by acotiamide underlie postprandial symptom improvement in FD.
Protein and metabolite composition of Arabidopsis stress granules
Authors: Kosmacz Monika , Gorka Michał , Schmidt Stephan , Luzarowski Marcin , Moreno Juan C. , Szlachetko Jagoda , Leniak Ewa , Sokolowska Ewelina M. , Sofroni Kostika , Schnittger Arp , Skirycz Aleksandra
Published: January 2019

Stress granules (SGs) are evolutionary conserved aggregates of proteins and untranslatedmRNAs formed in response to stress. Despite their importance for stress adaptation, no complete proteome composition has been reported for plantSGs. In this study, we addressed the existing gap. Importantly, we also provide evidence for metabolite sequestration within theSGs.

To isolateSGs we used Arabidopsis seedlings expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)fusion of theSGs marker protein, Rbp47b, and an experimental protocol combining differential centrifugation with affinity purification (AP).SGs isolates were analysed using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics and metabolomics.

A quarter of the identified proteins constituted known or predictedSGcomponents. Intriguingly, the remaining proteins were enriched in key enzymes and regulators, such as cyclin‐dependent kinase A (CDKA), that mediate plant responses to stress. In addition to proteins, nucleotides, amino acids and phospholipids also accumulated inSGs.

Taken together, our results indicated the presence of a preexistingSGprotein interaction network; an evolutionary conservation of the proteins involved inSGassembly and dynamics; an important role forSGs in moderation of stress responses by selective storage of proteins and metabolites.
Foliar endophytic fungi alter patterns of nitrogen uptake and distribution in Theobroma cacao
Authors: Christian Natalie , Herre Edward Allen , Clay Keith
Published: January 2019

Colonization by foliar endophytic fungi can affect the expression of host plant defenses and other ecologically important traits. However, whether endophyte colonization affects the uptake or redistribution of resources within and among host plant tissues remains unstudied.

We inoculated leaves of Theobroma cacao with four common colonizers that range in their effect from protective to pathogenic (Colletotrichum tropicale, Pestalotiopsis sp., Colletotrichum theobromicola, or Phytophthora palmivora). We pulsed the soil with nitrogen‐15 (15N) and then traced 15N uptake and its subsequent distribution to whole plants and individual leaves.

At a whole‐plant level, C. tropicale‐inoculated plants showed significantly greater 15N uptake than endophyte‐free plants did in the same pot. Among leaves within plants, younger leaves were particularly enriched in 15N, but endophyte inoculation at the individual leaf level did not alter 15N distribution within plants. However, leaves co‐inoculated with pathogenic Phytophthora and protective C. tropicale experienced significantly elevated 15N content as pathogen damage increased, compared with leaves inoculated only with the pathogen. Further, endophyte–pathogen co‐infection also increased total plant biomass.

Our results indicate that colonization by foliar endophytes significantly affects N uptake and distribution among and within host plants in ways that appear to be context dependent on other microbiome components.
Plant evolutionary history mainly explains the variance in biomass responses to climate warming at a global scale
Authors: Shao Junjiong , Yuan Tengfei , Li Zhen , Li Nan , Liu Huiying , Bai Shahla Hosseini , Xia Jianyang , Lu Meng , Zhou Xuhui
Published: January 2019

Evolutionary history shapes the interspecific relatedness and intraspecific variation, which has a profound influence on plant functional traits and productivity. However, it is far from clear how the phylogenetic relatedness among species and intraspecific variation could contribute to the observed variance in plant biomass responses to climate warming.

We compiled a dataset with 284 species from warming experiments to explore the relative importance of phylogenetic, intraspecific, experimental and ecological factors to warming effects on plant biomass, using phylogenetic eigenvector regression and variance decomposition.

Our results showed that phylogenetic relatedness could account for about half the total variance in biomass responses to warming, which were correlated with leaf economic traits at the family level but not at species level. The intraspecific variation contributed to approximately one‐third of the variance, whereas the experimental design and ecological characteristics only explained 7–17%.

These results suggest that intrinsic factors (evolutionary history) play more important roles than extrinsic factors (experimental treatment and environment) in determining the responses of plant biomass to warming at the global scale. This highlights the urgent need for land surface models to include evolutionary aspects in predicting ecosystem functions under climate change.
Advances and challenges in uncovering cold tolerance regulatory mechanisms in plants
Authors: Ding Yanglin , Shi Yiting , Yang Shuhua
Published: January 2019

Contents

Summary

I.
Introduction

II.
Cold stress and physiological responses in plants

III.
Sensing of cold signals in plants

IV.
Messenger molecules involved in cold signal transduction

V.
Cold signal transduction in plants

VI.
Conclusions and perspectives

Acknowledgements

References

Cold stress is a major environmental factor that seriously affects plant growth and development, and influences crop productivity. Plants have evolved a series of mechanisms that allow them to adapt to cold stress at both the physiological and molecular levels. Over the past two decades, much progress has been made in identifying crucial components involved in cold‐stress tolerance and dissecting their regulatory mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent major advances in our understanding of cold signalling and put forward open questions in the field of plant cold‐stress responses. Answering these questions should help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying plant tolerance to cold stress.
Timing of evolutionary innovation: scenarios of evolutionary diversification in a species‐rich fungal clade, Boletales
Authors: Sato Hirotoshi , Toju Hirokazu
Published: January 2019

Acquisition of mutualistic symbiosis could provide hosts and/or symbionts with novel ecological opportunities for evolutionary diversification. Such a mechanism is one of the major components of coevolutionary diversification. However, whether the origin of mycorrhizal symbiosis promotes diversification in fungi still requires clarification. Here, we aimed to reveal evolutionary diversification in a clade comprising ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi.

Based on a phylogenic tree inferred from the sequences of 87 single‐copy genes, we reconstructed the origins of ECM symbiosis in a species‐rich basidiomycetous order, Boletales.

High‐resolution phylogeny of Boletales revealed that ECM symbiosis independently evolved from non‐ECM states at least four times in the group. Among them, only the second most recent event, occurring in the clade of Boletaceae, was inferred to involve an almost synchronous rapid diversification and rapid transition from non‐ECM to ECM symbiosis.

Our results contradict the hypothesis of evolutionary priority effect, which postulates the greatest ecological opportunities in the oldest lineages. Therefore, the novel resources that had not been pre‐empted by the old ECM fungal lineages – supposedly the coevolving angiosperm hosts – could be available for the young ECM fungal lineages, which resulted in evolutionary diversification occurring only in the young ECM fungal lineages.
Does Repeated Measurement Improve Income Data Quality?
Authors: Fisher Paul
Published: January 2019

This paper exploits a natural experiment created by a survey design to show that the quality of income data systematically changes across waves of a panel. We estimate that the effect of being interviewed for a second time, relative to the first, is to increase mean monthly income by 8%. Dependent interviewing – a recall device commonly used in panel surveys – explains one third of the observed increase. The remaining share is attributed to changes in respondent behaviour (panel conditioning). We review the evidence for and against a reporting improvement vs. a behavioural response by survey participants.
Does foreign direct investment impede environmental quality in Asian countries? A panel data analysis
Authors: Ansari Mohd Arshad , Khan Nisar Ahmed , Ganaie Aadil Ahmad
Published: January 2019

This study aims to investigate the validity of the pollution haven hypothesis for the global panel consisting of 29 countries (Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China, Japan, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Korea rep, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, IR Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are taken as the sample of this study) with energy consumption, economic growth and trade openness as additional determinants of environmental degradation over the period 1994–2014. To make the panel data analysis more homogenous, we also investigate the validity of the PHH for a number of sub‐panels. These sub‐panels are constructed based on the sub‐regions of Asia. In this way, we end up with six Asian panels; namely, Global panel, West Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asian panels. Based on the IPS and ADF chi‐square unit root test and Pedroni cointegration test results, all variables were found to be first difference stationary and cointegrated. On applying FMOLS, the long‐run results suggest the presence of the pollution haven hypothesis only in East Asian panel. In turn, foreign direct investment reduces environmental degradation, thus rejecting the validity of the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) in the Southeast Asian panel which is found to be negatively linked to CO2 emissions. Moreover, energy consumption seems to be the main determinant of carbon emissions and GDP growth has a positive impact on it in all panels except West Asia. Lastly, East Asian countries have followed the Kyoto protocol in order to reduce their emissions level.
Quadratus lumborum blocks: Two cases of associated hematoma
Authors: Visoiu Mihaela , Pan Stephanie
Published: January 2019

A quadratus lumborum block associated complication is a rare event. We report two cases of hematoma following the performance of quadratus lumorum blocks in two patients. Performing this block requires additional consideration of abdominal wall anatomy and patient coagulation status.
The impact of a quality improvement project to standardize pain, agitation, and withdrawal assessments on the use of morphine and midazolam in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kongkiattikul Lalida , Dagenais Maryse , Ruo Ni , Fontela Patricia , Di Genova Tanya , Zavalkoff Samara
Published: January 2019

Background

This study aims to assess the impact of a quality improvement initiative to increase assessments of pain, agitation, and iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome, on the use of sedative and analgesic medication in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

This is a retrospective pre and post, observational, quality improvement study conducted in an 18‐bed medical‐surgical‐cardiac, tertiary intensive care unit. We included patients consecutively admitted from October 1 to March 31 (pre‐period 2015‐2016, post‐period 2016‐2017) who were mechanically ventilated beyond 48 hours. A multidisciplinary team, including a family advisor, implemented the following interventions using rapid “Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles:” (a) standardized pain and sedation assessments, (b) standardized sedation goal setting, and (c) non‐pharmacological strategies to manage pain and agitation. We did not implement any specific sedation protocol. We used audit and feedback to reinforce change.

Results

The post‐intervention phase started once sedation scores were documented q12h for >60% of patients. The groups (n = 45 per group) were similar regarding demographics, severity of illness, and mechanical ventilation duration, but different in length of intensive care stay. The cumulative dose of midazolam equivalent was significantly lower in the post‐intervention period (3.71 vs 2.65 mg/kg/mechanical ventilation day, P = 0.009, 95% CI: −1.12 (−1.89, −0.31)). Morphine equivalent usage went from 3.51 to 2.57 mg/kg/mechanical ventilation day (P = 0.066, 95% CI: −0.67 [−1.44, 0.05]). There were no significant pre‐post‐differences in the use of other sedative agents, rates of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome or severe pain, nor medication cost.

Conclusion

Implementation of a multifaceted QI project was successful at increasing standardized assessments of pain and agitation, and was associated with a significant reduction in midazolam use. We also observed a decrease in morphine use without increasing rates of severe pain. Incidence of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome and cost were unchanged.
Emission of constitutive isoprene, induced monoterpenes, and other volatiles under high temperatures in Eucalyptus camaldulensis: A 13C labelling study
Authors: Guidolotti Gabriele , Pallozzi Emanuele , Gavrichkova Olga , Scartazza Andrea , Mattioni Michele , Loreto Francesco , Calfapietra Carlo
Published: January 2019

Eucalypts are major emitters of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), especially volatile isoprenoids. Emissions and incorporation of 13C in BVOCs were measured in Eucalyptus camaldulensis branches exposed to rapid heat stress or progressive temperature increases, in order to detect both metabolic processes and their dynamics. Isoprene emission increased and photosynthesis decreased with temperatures rising from 30°C to 45°C, and an increasing percentage of unlabelled carbon was incorporated into isoprene in heat‐stressed leaves. Intramolecular labelling was also incomplete in isoprene emitted by heat‐stressed leaves, suggesting increasing contribution of respiratory (and possibly also photorespiratory) carbon. At temperature above 45°C, a drop of isoprene emission was mirrored by the appearance of unlabelled monoterpenes, green leaf volatiles, methanol, and ethanol, indicating that the emission of stored volatiles was mainly induced by cellular damage. Emission of partially labelled acetaldehyde was also observed at very high temperatures, suggesting a double source of carbon, with a large unlabelled component likely transported from roots and associated to the surge of transpiration at very high temperatures. Eucalypt plantations cover large areas worldwide, and our findings may dramatically change forecast and modelling of future BVOC emissions at planetary level, especially considering climate warming and frequent heat waves.
Mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma of the lung: A case report of a novel mutation in the BRAF gene and coexistent HPV infection, possible relationship to ciliated muconodular papillary tumor
Authors: Huang Yen‐Lin , Chang Yih‐Leong , Chen Ke‐Cheng , Wu Chen‐Tu
Published: January 2019

Mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma (mixed papilloma) is a very rare tumor, with fewer than 25 cases having been reported in the literature. Although a scattering of cases of p16Ink4a overexpression have been described to date, no human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA has been detected in these tumors, either by in situ hybridization (ISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This is the first case of mixed papilloma with PCR‐confirmed HPV genotype 16, 35, 51 infections in an 18‐year‐old non‐smoking male, coexisting with multiple atypical adenomatous hyperplasias (AAHs). Histologically, this tumor shows a predominant papillary architecture, covered by a mixture of stratified squamous cells, ciliated or non‐ciliated cuboidal to columnar cells, mucous cells, and scattered goblet cells. Immunohistochemically, the squamous component was positive for p40, and the glandular cells were focally positive for TTF‐1. Both components were diffusely immunoreactive to CK7. In addition, BRAF V600E mutation was also first demonstrated in mixed papilloma, but not in the AAHs. These findings suggest that HPV infection and the BRAF mutation may be important in the pathogenetic role in young non‐smoking patients.
Intermittent lead‐induced stress on antioxidant enzyme activity and subcellular distribution of Pb in Pogonatherum crinitum seedlings
Authors: Hou X.‐L. , Han H. , Meng F.‐R. , Cai L.‐ P. , Liu A.‐Q.
Published: January 2019

Pogonatherum crinitum is a promising lead (Pb) hyperaccumulator due to its high Pb tolerance and accumulation ability. However, the mechanisms that support Pb accumulation and tolerance in P. crinitum are not yet clearly understood.

An indoor hydroponic experiment was conducted by cultivating P. crinitum seedlings exposed to intermittent Pb stress for 60 days, divided into four stages (T1, T2, T3 and T4), with a 15‐day duration per stage. The following concentrations of Pb were used: 0, 500, 0, 500 mg·l−1 and 0, 1000, 0, 1000 mg·l−1). Antioxidant enzyme activity, Pb concentration and subcellular distribution of Pb were measured at each of the above stages.

The results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in shoots, and SOD, peroxidase (POD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in shoots and roots significantly increased from T1 (no Pb stress) to T2 (Pb stress) in both 500 mg·l−1 and 1000 mg·l−1 treatments; however, no significant difference was noted between stages T3 (no Pb stress) and T4 (Pb stress). There was no obvious effect of Pb stress on catalase (CAT) activity in shoots and roots among different stages. The Pb concentration in shoots was up to 5090.90 mg·kg−1 and 7573.57 mg·kg−1, and the bioconcentration factor (BFC) was 10.18 and 7.57 for the 500 mg·l−1 and 1000 mg·l−1 treatments, respectively, which confirmed the Pb hyperaccumulator characteristics of P. crinitum. For plants under Pb stress, most of the Pb was fixed in the cell walls, with a smaller amount in leaves and root vacuoles.

Both SOD and POD scavenging of reactive oxygen radicals and fixing and compartmentalisation of Pb in the cell wall might play important roles in detoxification of P. crinitum seedlings in response to Pb stress. There was no phased response of P. crinitum to intermittent Pb stress and the physiological response to Pb stress may be contiguous.
Genetic Polymorphisms inLTF/EcoRI andTLR4/AluI loci as candidates for milk and reproductive performance assessment in Holstein cattle
Authors: El‐Domany Wael B. , Radwan Hend A. , Ateya Ahmed I. , Ramadan Hazem H. , Marghani Basma H. , Nasr Sherif M.
Published: January 2019

Contents

The aim of this study was to explore the genetic polymorphisms inLTF/EcoRI andTLR4/AluI loci and their association with milk and reproductive performance in Holstein cattle. A randomly selected 800 Holstein dairy cows from two dairy farms (400 animals each) in Egypt were used. Based on the two farm records, association betweenLTF/EcoRI genotypes and milk performance traits (order of lactation, daily milk yield, days in milk, corrected milk at 305 day and dry period) was carried out. Meanwhile, exploring ofTLR4/AluI genotypes effect was done on data for reproductive performance (age at first freshening, calving interval, number of services per conception, ovarian rebound and days open). DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from Holstein dairy cows of the both farms and restriction analysis of 301‐bp PCR products ofLTFgene revealed two genotypes: AA genotype (301 bp) and AB genotype (301, 201 and 100 bp). Meanwhile, restriction analysis of 382‐bp PCR products ofTLR4gene digested withAluI yielded two alleles (A and B) and three genotypes (AA, AB and BB). The A allele was indicated by two bands at 300 and 82 bp, and the B allele resulted in three fragments of 160, 140 and 82 bp. There was a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) betweenLTFgenotypes and milk performance traits except for days in milk. TheTLR4genotypes had significant effects (p ≤ 0.05) on age at first freshening, calving interval, number of services per conception, ovarian rebound and days open. Ordinal logistic regression statistical model also revealed that it is possible to calculate high reproductive performance traits and to predict favourable dairy cows based onLTFandTLR4genotypes. This research reveals the effectiveness ofLTF/EcoRI andTLR4/AluI loci as candidates for reproductive performance assessment in Holstein cattle.
Do drifts deposited adjacent to carbonate platforms record the signal of global carbon isotopic values?
Authors: Swart Peter K. , Mackenzie Greta J. , Eberli Gregor P. , Lüdmann Thomas , Betzler Christian
Published: January 2019

This study investigates the δ13C values of Middle Miocene–Modern drift deposits and periplatform sediments in the Maldives and compares these data with the global δ13C values derived from bulk oceanic sediments and foraminifera. This comparison reveals that while the δ13C values of the early Miocene periplatform sediments in the Maldives appear to track the global record of δ13C values, including increases associated with the Oligocene–Miocene boundary as well as the variations within the Monterey Event, the correlation with the Monterey Event may be coincidental. It is suggested that variations in δ13C values do not reflect changes in oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon, but instead pulses of sediment arising from platform progradation that contribute carbonates with elevated δ13C values derived from the adjacent shallow‐water atolls. This conclusion is supported both by correlations between the seismic sequence architecture and the δ13C values which document progradation of 13C‐rich platform sediments, and also by the continuation of the interval of 13C‐rich sediments past the end of the Monterey Event at 13 Ma within the drift.
Inhibition of cardiac allograft rejection in mice using interleukin‐35‐modified mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Na , Li Baozhu , Gao Haopeng , Yan Yongjia , Guo Hao
Published: January 2019

Interleukin‐35 (IL‐35) is a cytokine recently discovered to play a potent immunosuppressive role by intensifying the functions of regulatory T cells and inhibiting the proliferation and functions of T helper 1 and T helper 17 cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently emerged as promising candidates for cell‐based immune therapy, and our previous study showed that IL‐35 gene modification can effectively enhance the therapeutic effect of MSCs in vitro. In this study, we isolated adipose tissue‐derived MSCs in vitro and infected them with lentiviral vectors overexpressing the IL‐35 gene, thereby creating IL‐35‐MSCs. Subsequently, IL‐35‐MSCs were then injected into mice of the allogeneic heterotopic abdominal heart transplant model to determine their effect on allograft rejection. The results showed that IL‐35‐MSCs could continuously secrete IL‐35 in vivo and in vitro, successfully alleviate allograft rejection and prolong graft survival. In addition, compared to MSCs, IL‐35‐MSCs showed a stronger immunosuppressive ability and further reduced the percentage of Th17 cells, increased the proportion of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells, and regulated Th1/Th2 balance in heart transplant mice. These findings suggest that IL‐35‐MSCs have more advantages than MSCs in inhibiting graft rejection and may thus provide a new approach for inducing immune tolerance during transplantation.
Pain in female dancers and dance teachers: Perception, assessment, and related behavior
Authors: Lampe Jasmin , Groneberg David A. , Ohlendorf Daniela , Wanke Eileen M.
Published: January 2019

Background

Pain experiences are almost unavoidable in dance and involve a health hazard potential. In dance, certain self‐endangering attitudes and behavior patterns toward pain are emerging. Especially for female dancers (Ds) and dance teachers (DTs) of the non‐professional levels, pain is still insufficiently recorded. The aim of this study was to compare the subjective perception of pain, its assessment, and the pain behavior of female dancers and dance teachers of the non‐professional dance level.

Methods

The data were collected by a quantitative descriptive cross‐sectional study using an online questionnaire in n = 205 Ds and n = 151 DTs. The dance‐associated pain characteristics were analyzed in n = 171 Ds (83.4%) and n = 130 DTs (86.1%).

Results

The sensory and affective perception of pain was more pronounced in DTs than in Ds. Unlike Ds, DTs rather evaluated pain as signal of a (potential) injury. The majority of the subjects continued their dancing activity to its full extent or under a gentle change of behavior patterns. As to pain treatment, preference was given to self‐ or medical and therapeutic treatment. Strategies of physical tension regulation were often used in pain management.

Conclusions

Even in pain, the majority of female dancers and dance teachers of the non‐professional level continued their dancing activity. However, there seemed to be a health‐conscious coping with pain, especially in the DTs. Medical and therapeutic treatment was frequently used.
Socioecological correlates of perceived motor competence in 5‐ to 7‐year‐old Finnish children
Authors: Niemistö Donna , Barnett Lisa M. , Cantell Marja , Finni Taija , Korhonen Elisa , Sääkslahti Arja
Published: January 2019

We investigated child, family, and environmental factors associated with young children’s perceptions of locomotor (LM) and object control (OC) skills. The participants comprised 472 children (6.22 ± 0.63) and their parents. The children were assessed for their perception of motor competence in LM and OC skills (using the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for young children), and actual motor competence (Test of Gross Motor Development 3rd edition and Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder). Anthropometrics were calculated using the children’s body mass index standard deviation scores. A parent questionnaire included questions about child factors (sex, child’s independent walking age, time spent sedentary and outdoors, participation in organized sport activities, and access to electronic devices), family factors (parent educational level, physical activity frequency, and sedentary behavior), and environmental factors (access to sport facilities). Variance analysis sought to identify age‐related differences, and a linear regression model examined correlates of children’s perception of LM and OC skills. The children’s movement skill perceptions were found to be generally high. Four factors explained 5.7% of the variance in perceptions of LM skills and 7.5% of the variance in perceptions of OC skills. Two factors, lower age and higher actual motor competence, explained most of the children’s skill perceptions. Access to electronic devices (less) and Body mass index (BMI) (higher) were associated with perceptions of LM skills. Participation in organized sport activities (higher) and parental education (lower) were associated with perceptions of OC skills. When promoting children’s physical activity and motor competence, perceptions of motor competence are an important consideration.
Using social cognition to understand people's grandiose narcissism
Authors: Giacomin Miranda
Published: January 2019

Grandiose narcissists view the world through a self‐focused lens, which influences the way they perceive and interact with others. A useful strategy for examining narcissism may be to look beyond patterns of behavior to examine the cognitions that motivate narcissists. This review summarizes the cognitive biases that underlie narcissism by exploring how narcissists process, recall, and attend to self‐ and other‐relevant information. Adopting social‐cognitive approaches to studying such processes can potentially uncover the roots of narcissistic behavior and develop greater understanding of how narcissists maintain their self‐views and why they act as they do. A closer examination of narcissists' cognitive biases may inform future interventions to help reduce people's narcissistic tendencies.
A new HLA‐C*04 variant, HLA‐C*04:01:106, discovered in an Italian hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Catalano Manuela , Preziosi Nicoletta , Iaquinta Giovanni , Testi Manuela , Grammatico Paola
Published: January 2019

HLA‐C*04:01:106 differs from C*04:01:01:01 by a silent nucleotide substitution in exon 4.
HLA‐DQB1*06:276, a novel HLA allele fund in a patient from Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Hønge Bo L. , Christiansen Mette , Medina Candida , Møller Bjarne K. , Erikstrup Christian
Published: January 2019

DQB1*06:276 differs from DQB1*06:03:01:01 by amino acid substitutions p.T71A, p.G74S, and p.L75V in exon 2.
Two novel HLA alleles, HLA‐C*02:163 and HLA‐C*04:348, identified in Russian individuals
Authors: Loginova Maria , Paramonov Igor
Published: January 2019

Two novel alleles, HLA‐C*02:163 and HLA‐C*04:348, are characterized.
Evaluation of deep crustal earthquakes in northern Germany – Possible tectonic causes
Authors: Brandes Christian , Plenefisch Thomas , Tanner David C. , Gestermann Nicolai , Steffen Holger
Published: January 2019

We present new evidence for seven deep crustal, intraplate earthquakes in northern Germany, a region regarded as an area of low seismicity. From 2000 to 2018, seven earthquakes with magnitudes of ML 1.3–3.1, were detected at depths of 17.0–31.4 km. By placing the earthquake hypocentres in a geological three‐dimensional model, we can correlate two of the earthquakes with the Thor Suture, a major fault zone in this area. Five of the earthquakes group in the lower crust near the Moho, which implies that parts of the lower crust and the crust/mantle boundary in northern Germany act as a structural discontinuity on which deformation localizes. Numerical simulation implies that stress changes due to glacial isostatic adjustment most likely triggered these deep crustal earthquakes.
Outcomes and prognostic variables associated with central division hepatic lobectomies: 61 dogs
Authors: Linden Daniel S. , Liptak Julius M. , Vinayak Arathi , Cappelle Kelsey , Hoffman Christopher , Fan Shirley , Smiley Whitney , Matz Brad M.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine the outcome and prognostic variables associated with long‐term survival and complications in dogs undergoing hepatic lobectomy of the central division.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective case series.

Animals

Sixty‐one client‐owned dogs with central division masses.

Methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing hepatic lobectomy of the central division from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2015 were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, preoperative staging, preoperative cytology or biopsy results, date of procedure, location of mass, surgical technique, whether cholecystectomy or cholecystopexy was performed, complications, histopathologic diagnosis and margin evaluation, date of local recurrence or detection of metastatic disease, and survival.

Results

Hilar resection was associated with increased intraoperative and postoperative complications. Intraoperative complications occurred in 29 dogs, with 20 dogs experiencing intraoperative hemorrhage. Nineteen dogs required transfusions. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 20 dogs. Perioperative mortality rate was 11%, and 2‐week mortality rate was 14.7%. The median survival time for dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was not reached. The 1‐ and 3‐year censored survival rates for dogs with HCC was 82.1% and 82.1%, respectively. Margin status did not impact survival time.

Conclusion

Hepatic lobectomy of the central division was associated with hemorrhage in approximately 33% of dogs, but there was a relatively low perioperative mortality rate. Hepatic lobectomy for HCC resulted in long‐term survival, regardless of margin status.

Clinical significance

Surgeons should anticipate the requirement for blood products in dogs that may require hepatic lobectomy of the central division. Long‐term survival can be expected after surgical treatment of HCC, regardless of margin status.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of wound complications and readmission in patients with surgically managed pressure ulcers
Authors: Alfonso Allyson R. , Kantar Rami S. , Ramly Elie P. , Daar David A. , Rifkin William J. , Levine Jamie P. , Ceradini Daniel J.
Published: January 2019

The effect of diabetes on postoperative outcomes following surgical management of pressure ulcers is poorly defined despite evidence showing that patients with diabetes are at increased risk for developing pressure ulcers, as well as postoperative wound complications including delayed healing and infection. This study aimed to examine the impact of diabetes on postoperative outcomes following surgical management of pressure ulcers using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database. In this retrospective analysis all CPT codes with ICD‐9 diagnoses of pressure ulcers were reviewed. A total of 3,274 patients who underwent surgical management of pressure ulcers were identified, of which 1,040 (31.8%) had diabetes. Overall primary outcomes showed rates of superficial and deep incisional surgical site infection (SSI) were 2.0 and 4.2%, respectively, while the rate of wound dehiscence was 2.1%. Univariate analysis of primary outcomes stratified by diabetes status showed that patients with diabetes had significantly higher rates of superficial incisional SSI (3.9 vs. 2.3%; p = 0.01), deep incisional SSI (7.0 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.001), wound dehiscence (5.2 vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001), as well as significantly higher rates of readmission (12.8 vs. 8.9%; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis for significant outcomes between groups on univariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes was an independent risk factor for superficial incisional SSI (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.59–4.62; p < 0.001), deep incisional SSI (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.26–2.70; p = 0.002), wound dehiscence (OR = 4.09; 95% CI: 2.49–6.74; p < 0.001), and readmission within 30 days (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05–1.82; p = 0.02). These findings emphasize the importance of preoperative prevention, and vigilant postoperative wound care and monitoring in patients with diabetes to minimize morbidity and optimize outcomes. Future prospective studies are needed to establish causality between diabetes and these outcomes.
Use of voltammetric analysis for fast and objective discrimination of the etiology, evolution, and bacterial infection of lower limb ulcers
Authors: Lelli Diana , Pedone Claudio , Frezzotti Elena , Pennazza Giorgio , Santonico Marco , Grasso Simone , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele
Published: January 2019

The timely recognition of leg ulcers (LU) etiology and infection is pivotal to optimize management and accelerate healing. The objective of this proof‐of‐concept study was to test the diagnostic performance of voltammetric analysis (VA) on ulcer exudate to identify LU etiology, infection, and predict clinical course. We enrolled 25 patients aged ≥60 years, affected by 42 venous/arterial LU. Clinical examination (Leg Ulcer Measurement Tool score, LUMT), swab culture, and VA were performed at baseline and 30 days. The ability of VA to predict outcomes was tested using partial least square‐discrimination analysis. Mean age was 75 years (SD 11.1), 9/25 were male. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity vs. etiology were 97.4, 100%, and 94.1%, respectively; the corresponding figures were 95.2%, 100%, 88.9%, for infection and 94%, 84.6%, 100% for predicted objective LUMT worsening. VA is a promising diagnostic/prognostic tool for management of LU that may allow a more timely targeted therapy.
The times and spaces of leadership development: (un)designing learning
Authors: Fatien Diochon Pauline , Garvey Robert , Gray David
Published: January 2019

The above quotation taps into something within the human condition that is potentiallyat least, very powerful. We, human beings, have aspirations; flying might be just one ofthem! But the central point here is that “the majority of people” often comply or silencetheir aspirations. In some contexts around the world, silence and compliance could beseen as the “rational” choice. However, even within great oppressive regimes, the humanspirit may shine through, and empowerment can potentially emerge.Our complex and dangerous times set the context for both tragedy and hope. Against thisbackdrop, this special issue of Cuadernos de Administracion explores the ways in whichleadership spirit can develop. To be more specific, we delve into this tension betweentragedy and hope through the four following main themes:• The spaces for learning• Crossing boundaries for learning• Timing in learning• Power dynamics in learning spaces
Em defesa de seu esposo: o protagonismo de Séfora em Ex 4,24-26
Authors: Grenzer Matthias , C. C. Suzuki Francisca
Published: January 2019

Na micronarrativa em Ex 4,24-26, Séfora, esposa de Moisés, se torna modelo para o protagonismo daquelas personagens que, em geral, são avaliadas como secundárias, destacando-se a fundamental importância delas para a história da salvação. No caso, Séfora surpreende em diversos sentidos: literariamente, ela ganha centralidade na cena em questão; historicamente, ao defender a sobrevivência de quem se vê ameaçado e ao assumir protagonismo como mulher, ela talvez contradiga eventuais preconceitos pertencentes a seu contexto cultural; teologicamente, ela é retratada como quem obtém o consentimento de Deus.
Pobreza y reforma en Marie-Dominique Chenu
Authors: Espinosa Molina Dumar Iván
Published: January 2019

El concepto “Iglesia pobre para los pobres”, propuesto por el papa Francisco en sintonía con el espíritu del Vaticano II, pone al centro del debate teológico actual la pobreza como camino para reformar la Iglesia establecida. En ese contexto, el objetivo de la investigación es ampliar el horizonte de reflexión, revisando la relación entre pobreza y reforma en los siglos XII y XIII, a partir del análisis de diversos escritos que Marie-Dominique Chenu (1895-1990) dedica a esa temática. Sus investigaciones cobran nueva actualidad al demostrar la conexión entre pobreza y reforma en la cristiandad medieval y en la de todos los tiempos.