bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of soil biota alters soil feedback effects on plant growth and defense chemistry
Authors: Wang Minggang , Ruan Weibin , Kostenko Olga , Carvalho Sabrina , Hannula S. Emilia , Mulder Patrick P. J. , Bu Fengjiao , van der Putten Wim H. , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: September 2018

We examined how the removal of soil biota affects plant–soil feedback (PSF) and defense chemistry of Jacobaea vulgaris, an outbreak plant species in Europe containing the defense compounds pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).

Macrofauna and mesofauna, as well as fungi and bacteria, were removed size selectively from unplanted soil or soil planted with J. vulgaris exposed or not to above‐ or belowground insect herbivores. Wet‐sieved fractions, using 1000‐, 20‐, 5‐ and 0.2‐μm mesh sizes, were added to sterilized soil and new plants were grown. Sieving treatments were verified by molecular analysis of the inocula.

In the feedback phase, plant biomass was lowest in soils with 1000‐ and 20‐μm inocula, and soils conditioned with plants gave more negative feedback than without plants. Remarkably, part of this negative PSF effect remained present in the 0.2‐μm inoculum where no bacteria were present. PA concentration and composition of plants with 1000‐ or 20‐μm inocula differed from those with 5‐ or 0.2‐μm inocula, but only if soils had been conditioned by undamaged plants or plants damaged by aboveground herbivores. These effects correlated with leaf hyperspectral reflectance.

We conclude that size‐selective removal of soil biota altered PSFs, but that these PSFs were also influenced by herbivory during the conditioning phase.
Granulomatous dermatitis secondary to vemurafenib in a child with Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Chen Lily , Hsi Andy C. , Kothari Alok , Dehner Louis P. , Hayashi Robert J. , Coughlin Carrie C.
Published: September 2018

We present a 3‐year‐old boy with Langerhans cell histiocytosis who developed granulomatous dermatitis while taking vemurafenib. Vemurafenib currently has Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of BRAF V600E+ metastatic melanoma in adults, but recent discoveries of BRAF V600E in more than half of tested Langerhans cell histiocytosis lesions have prompted clinical trials of vemurafenib therapy for children with refractory, multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis. This report contributes to the knowledge of its potential side effects when used in children.
A survey to assess use patterns and perceptions of efficacy of eczema action plans among pediatric dermatologists
Authors: Stringer Thomas , Yin H. Shonna , Oza Vikash S.
Published: September 2018

Eczema action plans (EAPs) are written, customizable documents that guide patients through the self‐management of atopic dermatitis. Here, we distributed a survey regarding the use patterns and perceptions of eczema action plans to 1068 members of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology and received 87 responses. Although a strong majority of respondents endorsed the ability of EAPs to improve adherence (79%) and improve prevention and/or management of flares (70%), reported rates of EAP editing or provision sharply decline from initial to follow‐up visits (61%‐33%). The development of a standardized, low‐literacy web‐based tool could improve the efficacy of EAPs for patients and physicians by improving comprehensibility and retention.
Verrucous hemangioma (also known as verrucous venous malformation): A vascular anomaly frequently misdiagnosed as a lymphatic malformation
Authors: Boccara Olivia , Ariche‐Maman Sonia , Hadj‐Rabia Smail , Chrétien‐Marquet Bertrand , Frassati‐Biaggi Annonciade , Zazurca Frédéric , Brunelle Francis , Soupre Veronique , Bodemer Christine , Fraitag Sylvie
Published: September 2018

Verrucous hemangioma or verrucous venous malformation is a superficial venous malformation frequently misdiagnosed as a lymphatic malformation because of its classical hyperkeratotic appearance. Clinical characteristics of VVM were studied in patients with a histologically confirmed VVM, and validated in a prospective study of 18 patients. VVM was made of separated vascular elements with irregular shape, in a linear disposition, with variable thickness and keratosis. Its specific vascular pattern consisting of an erythematous patch with scattered small red to violet dots was easily identified using dermoscopy. In many cases, the typical clinical presentation of verrucous hemangioma is sufficient to establish the diagnosis and a biopsy may not be required.
Evaluation of a culturally appropriate peer coaching program for smoking cessation
Authors: Barcelona de Mendoza Veronica , Damio Grace
Published: September 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer coaching smoking cessation program in a high‐risk Medicaid population.

Design and Sample

In this manuscript, we present an evaluation of a pilot program. Participants (N = 138) were recruited out of a larger smoking cessation program administered statewide and funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The participant sample was diverse, with 52% self‐identifying as White, 39% as Black, and 56% Latino ethnicity (any race).

Methods

Motivational interviewing techniques were utilized by peer coaches in clinical and community settings to achieve smoking cessation using face‐to‐face, telephone, and text/email encounters over a period of 6 months.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in the number of participants who had quit smoking from program enrollment to discharge (5.1%–18.5%, p = 0.02). Number of peer coaching encounters predicted quitting in program participants.

Conclusions

This study adds to the literature that community‐based smoking cessation services led by peer coaches can be effective in a diverse, high‐risk population.
The feasibility and promise of mobile technology with community health worker reinforcement to reduce rural preterm birth
Authors: Cramer Mary E. , Mollard Elizabeth K. , Ford Amy L. , Kupzyk Kevin A. , Wilson Fernando A.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

(1) Assess feasibility of a smartphone platform intervention combined with Community Health Worker (CHW) reinforcement in rural pregnant women; (2) Obtain data on the promise of the intervention on birth outcomes, patient activation, and medical care adherence; and (3) Explore financial implications of the intervention using return on investment (ROI).

Sample

A total of 98 rural pregnant women were enrolled and assigned to intervention or control groups in this two‐group experimental design.

Intervention

The intervention group received usual prenatal care plus a smartphone preloaded with a tailored prenatal platform with automated texting, chat function, and hyperlinks and weekly contact from the CHW. The control group received usual prenatal care and printed educational materials.

Measurements

Demographics, health risk data, interaction with platform, medical records, hospital billing charges, Client Satisfaction Questionnaire‐8, satisfaction comments, and the Patient Activation Measure.

Results

A total of 77 women completed the study. The intervention was well‐received, showed promise for improving birth outcomes, patient activation, and medical care adherence. Financial analysis showed a positive ROI under two scenarios.

Conclusions

Despite several practical issues, the study appears feasible. The intervention shows promise for extending prenatal care and improving birth outcomes in rural communities. Further research is needed with a larger and more at‐risk population to appreciate the impact of the intervention.
Isolation from natural habitat reduces yield and quality of passion fruit
Authors: Silva S. R. , Almeida N. M. , de Siqueira K. M. M. , Souza J. T. , Castro C. C.
Published: September 2018

Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation negatively affect crop pollinators and productivity of several crop species. The yellow passion fruit is an excellent model to investigate this issue, because its main pollinators are sensitive to deforestation. Seasonality also influences fruit set of crop species that are pollinated by bees. Climate determines plant flowering patterns and consequently affects pollinator activity. Little is known on effects of pollinators on crop quality in general, and particularly of many tropical fruits that have multiple fruiting seasons throughout the year, such as passion fruit. Our hypothesis is that the distance to the native vegetation and climate seasonality affect the pollination and fruit production of cultivated, hermaphrodite, self‐incompatible, protandrous species that depend on large‐sized bees to set fruit.

We observed flowers of the yellow passion fruit in eight areas at different distances (600–4,000 m) from a dry seasonal forest (Caatinga). We compared the frequency of the main floral visitor (pollinators and robbers) visits and fruit set among areas at the beginning and end of the dry and rainy seasons.

Xylocopa species were pollinators, and Apis mellifera, Trigona spinipes and a hummingbird were robbers. Xylocopa visits diminished with increasing distance to native remnants, converse to what was observed for the robbers at the beginning of the dry season. Fruit set was higher at the beginning of the dry season. The distance to the forest affected quality of fruits in terms of length, diameter and skin thickness, which all decreased with increase in remnant distance.

Our results show that insect pollination is higher in the dry season, increasing profitability and reducing labour costs for the producer. Considering the influence of distance to native vegetation on pollination, robbery and fruit quality, our study reinforces the necessity for conservation of native vegetation remnants.
Transitions in nutation trajectory geometry in peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) with respect to lunisolar acceleration
Authors: Zajączkowska U. , Kasprzak W. , Nałęcz M.
Published: September 2018

Nutations of plant organs are significantly affected by the circatidal modulation in the gravitational force exerted by the Moon and Sun (lunisolar tidal acceleration, Etide). In a previous study on nutational rotations of stem apices, we observed abrupt alterations in their direction and irregularities of the recorded trajectories. Such transitions have not yet been analysed in detail.

Peppermint plants were continuously recorded with time‐lapse photography and aligned with contemporaneous time courses of the Etide estimates. Each nutational stem tip movement path was assigned to one of two groups, depending on its geometry, as: (i) regular elliptical movements and (ii) irregular movements (with a random type of trajectory). Analyses of the correlation between the plant nutation trajectory parameters and Etide, as well as of the trajectory geometry of the individual plants were performed.

The trajectory geometry of young mint stem apices was related to the velocity of the apex rotation and significantly affected by the gravitational force estimated from the Etide. A low velocity of nutational movement, associated with the random character of the trajectory, usually occurred simultaneously with local minima or maxima of Etide. As the mint plant ages, the transitions in the stem tip trajectory were limited; no correspondence with Etide dynamics was observed.

The results indicate that the plant tip geometry path transitions with respect to the changing gradient of lunisolar tidal acceleration could be interpreted as manifestation of a continuous accommodation of the shoot apical part to the state of minimum energy dissipation.
Variations in carbon source–sink relationships in subalpine fir across elevational gradients
Authors: Shi H. , Zhou Q. , Liu X. , Xie F. , Li T. , Zhang Q. , Dang H.
Published: September 2018

Cold‐adapted trees display acclimation in both carbon source and carbon sink capacity to low‐temperature stress at their upper elevational range limits. Hence a balanced carbon source–sink capacity might be required for their persistence and survival at the elevational tree limits.

The present study examined the spatial dynamics of carbon source–sink relationship in subalpine fir (Abies fargesii) trees along elevational gradients in the northern slope of the temperate region and in the southern slope of the subtropics in terms of climate in the Qinling Mountain range, north‐central China.

The results showed that non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in both the source and sink tissues increased with the increase in elevation. The ratio of carbon source–sink displayed a consistent decreasing trend with the increase in elevation and during growing season, showing that it was lowest at a ratio of 2.93 in the northern slope and at a ratio of 2.61 in the southern slope at the upper distribution elevations in the late growing season. Such variations of carbon source–sink ratio might be attributable to the balance between carbon source and sink activities, which changed seasonally across the elevational distribution range.

We concluded that a ratio of carbon source–sink of at least 2.6 might be essential for subalpine fir trees to persist at their upper range limits. Therefore, a sufficient source–sink ratio and a balanced source–sink relationship might be required for subalpine fir trees to survive and develop at their upper elevational distribution limits.
Service Outsourcing: Capacity, Quality and Correlated Costs
Authors: Feng Tianjun , Ren Z. Justin , Zhang Fuqiang
Published: September 2018

This paper studies how to design service outsourcing contracts to ensure fast, quality services from an independent service provider. The outsourcer does not have perfect information about the service provider’s capacity cost (i.e., cost of providing fast service) and quality cost (i.e., cost of achieving a high quality level). Moreover, the two unknown costs may be positively, or negatively, correlated with each other. We solve for the outsourcer’s optimal outsourcing contract, and show that the structure of the optimal contract depends on the relationship between the costs. Specifically, we highlight the following observations when the two costs are negatively correlated: First, under certain conditions, the outsourcer may be able to squeeze the supplier’s profit (information rent) to zero for an intermediate range of cost realizations; second, it is possible that the service supply chain is coordinated by using the outsourcer’s optimal contract. We then examine the performance of two classes of commonly observed contracts that are relatively simple to implement. It has been found that these simple contracts generally perform well when the costs are positively correlated, but they could perform much worse when the costs are negatively correlated. Our results therefore caution outsourcing companies that the potential trade‐off between capacity cost and quality cost may require a careful design of outsourcing contracts.
Resynchronization with the G6G protocol: A retrospective, observational study of second and later timed artificial inseminations on commercial dairy farms
Authors: Patron Raquel , Lopez‐Helguera Irene , Pesantez‐Pacheco Jose Luis , Perez‐Villalobos Natividad , Heras Javier , Vicente Gonzalez Juan , Fargas Octavi , Astiz Susana
Published: September 2018

We recorded conception rates and estimated pregnancy rates following second and later timed artificial inseminations (TAIs) after hormonal resynchronization on commercial dairy farms, using the so‐called G6G protocol (PGF day‐0; GnRH 2, 8 days; PGF 15, 16 days, GnRH 17 days; TAI 18 days), and the 5‐day Ovsynch protocol or 5DO (GnRH day 0; PGF 5, 6 days; GnRH 7 days; TAI 8 days). In four farms, both protocols were implemented in parallel, and these 1,368 s and later TAIs were used for the protocols’ comparison based on logistic regression (544 TAIs in primiparous; 824 in multiparous cows; 1,024 TAIs after G6G [600 TAIs in multiparous and 424 in primiparous]; 344 TAIs after 5DO [224 TAIs in multiparous and 120 in primiparous]; 280 TAIs during the hot season; 1,088 during the cool season). Conception rate (CR) was 31.7% ± 12.0% among all cows, 35.1% ± 10.7% among cows resynchronized with the G6G protocol and 21.8% ± 9.7% among cows resynchronized with the 5DO protocol (p < 0.0001). CR among all cows was lower during the hot season (19.3% ± 8.4%) than during the cool season (34.9% ± 10.6%; p < 0.0001), and similar seasonal results were observed with G6G protocols. Logistic regression showed significant effects on CR in second and later TAIs by protocol (OR = 0.514; 95% CI 0.385–0.686; p < 0.0001) and season (OR = 0.486; 95% CI 0.350–0.676; p < 0.0001). Parity did not influence CR after second and later TAIs (p > 0.1), and no interaction with season or resynchronization protocol was found. Estimated pregnancy rates based on these CR data from both hormonal protocols suggest that G6G can be effectively used for second and later TAIs and highlight the importance of considering protocol and season when designing strategies for second and later timed AIs on dairy farms.
Lingual amyloidosis associated to long‐term hemodialysis: Two case reports
Authors: Picciani Bruna , Gornic Camila , Cunha Karin Soares , Janini Maria Elisa Rangel , Andrade Raquel Machado , Meireles Valdir , Soares‐Filho Porphirio , Pedra Dias Eliane
Published: September 2018

The β2‐microglobulin amyloidosis is a newly recognized type of systemic amyloidosis, which occurs in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing long‐term hemodialysis. The dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) of the tongue is an uncommon and late complication, which occurs in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis for more than 20 years. The aim of this paper is to report two cases of lingual amyloidosis associated with long‐term hemodialysis. Two patients were referred to the Oral Medicine Clinic due to the presence of multiple nodules on the tongue and macroglossia. The patients had history of chronic renal failure and had been dialysed for more 20 years with bio‐incompatible cellulose membrane. Biopsies of the lesions were performed and the histopathological features and Congo red stain revealed oral amyloidosis. Both patients remain in clinical follow‐up after 12 and 6 months, respectively. Recognition of the amyloidosis tongue lesions can minimize the complications caused by this condition such as obstruction of the upper airways, making it imperative to carry out early treatment. Furthermore, in patients with oral amyloidosis, lesions in areas of trauma may ulcerate and cause pain and dysphagia becoming necessary periodic surgical removal and regular follow‐up of these patients.
Experimental soft‐sediment deformation caused by fluidization and intrusive ice melt in sand
Authors: Bertran Pascal , Font Marianne , Giret Arnaud , Manchuel Kevin , Sicilia Deborah
Published: September 2018

Identifying the driving mechanisms of soft‐sediment deformation in the geological record is the subject of debate. Thawing of ice‐rich clayey silt above permafrost was proved experimentally to be among the processes capable of triggering deformation. However, previous work has failed so far to reproduce similar structures in sand. This study investigates fluidization and intrusive ice formation from soil models in the laboratory. Experimental conditions reproduce the growth of ice‐cored mounds caused by pore water pressure increase during freeze‐back of sand in a permafrost context. Excess pore water pressure causes hydraulic fracturing and the development of water lenses beneath the freezing front. Later freezing of the water lenses generates intrusive ice. The main structures consist of sand dykes and sills formed when the increase in pore water pressure exceeds a critical threshold, and soft‐sediment deformations induced by subsidence during ice melt. The combination of processes has resulted in diapir‐like structures. The experimental structures are similar to those described in Pleistocene sites from France. These processes constitute a credible alternative to the seismic hypothesis evoked to explain soft‐sediment deformation structures in other European regions subjected to Pleistocene cold climates.
Competing space and place identity with landscape change analysis using Web GIS through Singapore historical maps (1828–2015)
Authors: Kim Ick‐Hoi , Pow Choon Piew , Wang Yi‐Chen , Feng Chen‐Chieh
Published: September 2018

The investigation of historical maps is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of landscape changes. In this study, we propose Web GIS tools as a way to compare historical maps efficiently for knowledge production. A key impetus of this article is to contribute to the ongoing efforts to broaden the appeal of ‘mixed‐methods research’ by bridging the epistemological and methodological gaps between GIS and qualitative methodologies in knowledge production. This article proposes a new visualization method for historical landscape change analysis by comparing multiple maps simultaneously with the mash‐up of Web GIS. Based on the analysis of exterior facts represented on the maps, four developmental footprints were investigated, namely, surviving place identity, disappeared place identity replaced by new identity, waning place identity overlapped with new identity, and waning identity by disconnected spatial relationships. To this end, the study argues that Web GIS applications have more potential in spatial knowledge production than traditional desktop GIS.
Determinants of maximal whole‐body fat oxidation in elite cross‐country skiers: Role of skeletal muscle mitochondria
Authors: Dandanell Sune , Meinild‐Lundby Anne‐Kristine , Andersen Andreas B. , Lang Paul F. , Oberholzer Laura , Keiser Stefanie , Robach Paul , Larsen Steen , Rønnestad Bent R. , Lundby Carsten
Published: September 2018

Elite endurance athletes possess a high capacity for whole‐body maximal fat oxidation (MFO). The aim was to investigate the determinants of a high MFO in endurance athletes. The hypotheses were that augmented MFO in endurance athletes is related to concomitantly increments of skeletal muscle mitochondrial volume density (MitoVD) and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAOp), that is, quantitative mitochondrial adaptations as well as intrinsic FAOp per mitochondria, that is, qualitative adaptations. Eight competitive male cross‐country skiers and eight untrained controls were compared in the study. A graded exercise test was performed to determine MFO, the intensity where MFO occurs (FatMax), and . Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained to determine MitoVD (electron microscopy), FAOp, and OXPHOSp (high‐resolution respirometry). The following were higher (P < 0.05) in endurance athletes compared to controls: MFO (mean [95% confidence intervals]) (0.60 g/min [0.50‐0.70] vs 0.32 [0.24‐0.39]), FatMax (46% [44‐47] vs 35 [34‐37]), (71 mL/min/kg [69‐72] vs 48 [47‐49]), MitoVD (7.8% [7.2‐8.5] vs 6.0 [5.3‐6.8]), FAOp (34 pmol/s/mg muscle ww [27‐40] vs 21 [17‐25]), and OXPHOSp (108 pmol/s/mg muscle ww [104‐112] vs 69 [68‐71]). Intrinsic FAOp (4.0 pmol/s/mg muscle w.w/MitoVD [2.7‐5.3] vs 3.3 [2.7‐3.9]) and OXPHOSp (14 pmol/s/mg muscle ww/MitoVD [13‐15] vs 11 [10‐13]) were, however, similar in the endurance athletes and untrained controls. MFO and MitoVD correlated (r2 = 0.504, P < 0.05) in the endurance athletes. A strong correlation between MitoVD and MFO suggests that expansion of MitoVD might be rate‐limiting for MFO in the endurance athletes. In contrast, intrinsic mitochondrial changes were not associated with augmented MFO.
Determination of the optimal blending problem of organic‐chemical fertilizer under uncertainty
Authors: Jareonkitpoolpol A. , Ongkunaruk P. , Janssens G. K.
Published: September 2018

The advantages of organic‐chemical fertilizers have been recognised by farmers, and accordingly, the demand for them has increased. An organic‐chemical fertilizer, with an amount of nutrients less than that registered or as specified on the label, is considered a fake or a nonconforming fertilizer. It has been observed that nutrient compositions of samples of organic‐chemical fertilizers are much greater than what is specified on the label. This research aimed to reduce the raw materials cost of organic‐chemical fertilizers while increasing the conformance probability of the nutrient composition. Three models have been formulated to determine the optimal organic‐chemical fertilizer blend: a linear programming model (LP), a chance‐constrained programming model (CCP), and a simulation optimization model. A Monte Carlo simulation was developed to determine the probability that the blending formula, currently in commercial use, and blending formulas obtained from the three optimization models, would be out‐of‐specification. The current and three proposed models were compared in terms of total raw material cost and probability of nonconformance. Our blending formulas could save a material cost of at least 16.6% compared with the commercial formula. Also, the probability of producing nonconforming fertilizers is drastically reduced. On a macro level, the use of the models allows farmers to reduce chemical residues in the soil while Thailand could reduce the import volume of chemical substances. This research may have a significant impact on manufacturers, farmers and the Thai economy.
Modeling Morality in 3‐D: Decision‐Making, Judgment, and Inference
Authors: Yu Hongbo , Siegel Jenifer Z. , Crockett Molly J.
Published: September 2018

Humans face a fundamental challenge of how to balance selfish interests against moral considerations. Such trade‐offs are implicit in moral decisions about what to do; judgments of whether an action is morally right or wrong; and inferences about the moral character of others. To date, these three dimensions of moral cognition–decision‐making, judgment, and inference–have been studied largely independently, using very different experimental paradigms. However, important aspects of moral cognition occur at the intersection of multiple dimensions; for instance, moral hypocrisy can be conceived as a disconnect between moral decisions and moral judgments. Here we describe the advantages of investigating these three dimensions of moral cognition within a single computational framework. A core component of this framework is harm aversion, a moral sentiment defined as a distaste for harming others. The framework integrates economic utility models of harm aversion with Bayesian reinforcement learning models describing beliefs about others’ harm aversion. We show how this framework can provide novel insights into the mechanisms of moral decision‐making, judgment, and inference.
Interspecific and intraspecific transference of metabolism‐based mesotrione resistance in dioecious weedy Amaranthus
Authors: Oliveira Maxwel C. , Gaines Todd A. , Patterson Eric L. , Jhala Amit J. , Irmak Suat , Amundsen Keenan , Knezevic Stevan Z.
Published: September 2018

Pollen‐mediated gene flow (PMGF) might play an important role in dispersing herbicide resistance alleles in dioecious weedy Amaranthus species. Field experiments in a concentric donor–receptor design were conducted to quantify two sets of PMGF studies, an interspecific (Amaranthus tuberculatus × Amaranthus palmeri) and an intraspecific (A. tuberculatus × A. tuberculatus). In both studies, PMGF was evaluated using a resistant A. tuberculatus phenotype with enhanced mesotrione detoxification via P450 enzymes as a source of resistance alleles. For interspecific hybridization, more than 104 000 putative hybrid seedlings were screened with three markers, one phenotypic and two molecular. The two molecular markers used, including 2‐bp polymorphisms in the internal transcribed spacer region, distinguished A. palmeri, A. tuberculatus and their hybrids. Results showed that 0.1% hybridization between A. tuberculatus × A. palmeri occurred under field research conditions. For intraspecific hybridization, 22 582 seedlings were screened to assess the frequency of gene flow. The frequency of gene flow (FGF) varied with distance, direction and year of the study. The farthest distance for 90% reduction of FGF was at 69 m in 2015 however, after averaging across directions it was 13.1 and 26.1 m in 2014 and 2015, respectively. This study highlights the transfer of metabolism‐based mesotrione resistance from A. tuberculatus to A. palmeri under field research conditions. The results presented here might aid in the rapid detection of A. palmeri among other Amaranthus species and show that PMFG could be expediting the increase of herbicide resistance in A. palmeri and A. tuberculatus across US crop production areas.
NADPH oxidase activity is required for ER stress survival in plants
Authors: Angelos Evan , Brandizzi Federica
Published: September 2018

In all eukaryotes, the unfolded protein response (UPR) relieves endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is a potentially lethal condition caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER. In mammalian and yeast cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during ER stress attenuate the UPR, negatively impacting cell survival. In plants, the relationship between the UPR and ROS is less clear. Although ROS develop during ER stress, the sources of ROS linked to ER stress responses and the physiological impact of ROS generation on the survival from proteotoxic stress are yet unknown. Here we show that in Arabidopsis thaliana the respiratory burst oxidase homologs, RBOHD and RBOHF, contribute to the production of ROS during ER stress. We also demonstrate that during ER stress RBOHD and RBOHF are necessary to properly mount the adaptive UPR and overcome temporary and chronic ER stress situations. These results ascribe a cytoprotective role to RBOH‐generated ROS in the defense from proteotoxic stress in an essential organelle, and support a plant‐specific feature of the UPR management among eukaryotes.
Histone H3K9 demethylase JMJ25 epigenetically modulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in poplar
Authors: Fan Di , Wang Xianqiang , Tang Xiaofeng , Ye Xiao , Ren Sha , Wang Denghui , Luo Keming
Published: September 2018

Anthocyanins are involved in several aspects of development and defence in poplar (Populus spp.). Although, over the past decades, significant progress has been made in uncovering these anthocyanin biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms, the fundamental understanding of the epigenetic regulation in this pathway is still largely unclear. Here, we isolated a histone H3K9 demethylase gene JMJ25 from Populus and characterized its role in anthocyanin biosynthesis by genetic and biochemical approaches. JMJ25 was induced by continuous dark treatment. Overexpression of JMJ25 led to downregulated expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in transgenic poplar, resulting in a significant reduction in anthocyanin content. ChIP‐qPCR assays showed that JMJ25 could directly associate with MYB182 chromatin and dynamically demethylate at H3K9me2. Furthermore, JMJ25 also affected the DNA methylation levels of MYB182. By contrast, knockout of JMJ25 by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in ectopic anthocyanin accumulation under dark condition and increased expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Our results support a model in which JMJ25 directly affects MYB182 expression by altering the histone methylation status of its chromatin and DNA methylation, resulting in repression of anthocyanin accumulation. This study uncovered an epigenetic mechanism that modulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in poplar.
Conservative versus surgical treatment of 21 sports horses with osseous trauma in the proximal phalangeal sagittal groove diagnosed by low‐field MRI
Authors: Lipreri Giulia , Bladon Bruce M. , Giorio Maria Elisabetta , Singer Ellen R.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To compare the outcome following conservative vs surgical management of sports horses with a diagnosis of subchondral bone trauma of the proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx (PP) by low‐field MRI.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Twenty‐one mature sports horses with evidence of high water signal within the proximal sagittal groove of the PP according to low‐field MRI of the fetlock, with no definitive radiographic evidence of fracture.

Methods

Medical records (2010‐2017) of horses admitted to 2 referral hospitals were reviewed. Historical, clinical, radiographic, and MRI findings and treatment choice were recorded. Conservative management consisted of confinement to a stall followed by gradual reintroduction to exercise. Surgical management consisted of cortical screw fixation across the proximal aspect of the PP. Long‐term outcome was determined by telephone questionnaire or by clinical records review. Fisher's exact test was used to compare outcome between the 2 treatment groups.

Results

Follow‐up was available in 17 of 21 horses in the study, including 8 horses treated conservatively and 9 treated surgically. No difference in outcome was detected in this study; 4 of 8 horses were sound after conservative management, and 5 of 9 horses were sound after surgery (P > .99).

Conclusion

Approximately half of the horses that had a diagnosis of osseous trauma within the proximal aspect of PP returned to athletic activity, regardless of conservative or surgical management.

Clinical significance

The prognosis for return to athletic functions in horses with osseous trauma within the proximal aspect of the PP is guarded.
Why don't mice lacking the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter experience an energy crisis?
Authors: Wang Pei , Fernandez‐Sanz Celia , Wang Wang , Sheu Shey‐Shing
Published: September 2018

Current dogma holds that the heart balances energy demand and supply effectively and sustainably by sequestering enough Ca2+ into mitochondria during heartbeats to stimulate metabolic enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and electron transport chain (ETC). This process is called excitation‐contraction‐bioenergetics (ECB) coupling. Recent breakthroughs in identifying the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and its associated proteins have opened up new windows for interrogating the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis regulation and its role in ECB coupling. Despite remarkable progress made in the past 7 years, it has been surprising, almost disappointing, that germline MCU deficiency in mice with certain genetic background yields viable pups, and knockout of the MCU in adult heart does not cause lethality. Moreover, MCU deficiency results in few adverse phenotypes, normal performance, and preserved bioenergetics in the heart at baseline. In this review, we briefly assess the existing literature on mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis regulation and then we consider possible explanations for why MCU‐deficient mice are spared from energy crises under physiological conditions. We propose that MCU and/or mitochondrial Ca2+ may have limited ability to set ECB coupling, that other mitochondrial Ca2+ handling mechanisms may play a role, and that extra‐mitochondrial Ca2+ may regulate ECB coupling. Since the heart needs to regenerate a significant amount of ATP to assure the perpetuation of heartbeats, multiple mechanisms are likely to work in concert to match energy supply with demand.
Delayed lethal pulmonary air embolism after a gunshot head injury
Authors: Brune Jakob Emanuel , Kaech Denis Laurent , Wyler Daniel , Jeker Raphael
Published: September 2018

We present a case of a young male patient with a fatal pulmonary air embolism following a penetrating gunshot head injury. He suffered from severe head trauma including a laceration of the superior sagittal sinus. Operative neurosurgical intervention did not establish a watertight closure of the wounds. Eight days after the trauma, the patient suddenly collapsed and died after an attempt to mobilise him to the vertical. Forensic autopsy indicated pulmonary air embolism as the cause of death. Retrospectively, we postulate an entry of air to the venous system via the incompletely occluded wounds and the lacerated superior sagittal sinus while mobilisation to the vertical created a negative pressure in the dural sinus.
Recurrent pleural effusion in a young woman: calcifying fibrous tumour of the pleura
Authors: Edlin Joy C , Donovan Lorna Elizabeth , Alexander Clare , Kanagasabay Robin
Published: September 2018

We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with a long-standing history of recurrent left-sided pleural effusion unrelated to her menstrual cycle. At her last presentation, non-contrast-enhanced chest CT showed a pleural effusion and a lower left hemithorax mass, both large enough to cause complete collapse of the lower lobe and partial collapse of the upper lobe. Thoracoscopic surgery revealed a multilobulated mass originating from the dome of the diaphragm with pleural deposits. Histopathology diagnosed this as a calcifying fibrous tumour of the pleura, a rare benign tumour with excellent prognosis when completely excised.
Nursing attitudes towards continuous capnographic monitoring of floor patients
Authors: Clark Catherine L , Weavind Liza M , Nelson Sara E , Wilkie Jennifer L , Conway Joel T , Freundlich Robert E
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Nurses’ perceptions of the utility of capnography monitoring are inconsistent in previous studies. We sought to outline the limitations of a uniform education effort in bringing about consistent views of capnography among nurses.

Methods

A survey was administered to 22 nurses in three subacute care floors participating in a pragmatic clinical trial employing capnography monitoring in a large, urban tertiary care hospital. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the value and acceptance nurses ascribed to the practice. Means and SD were calculated for each response.

Results

Survey results indicated inconsistency in the valuation of capnography, coupled with varying degrees of acceptance of its use. The mean for the level of perceived impact of capnography use on patient safety was 3.86, yet the perceived risk of removing capnography was represented by a mean of 2.57. The levels of urgency attached to apnoea alarms (mean 3.57, SD 1.57) were lower than those for alarms for oxygen saturation violations (mean 3.67, SD 1.32). The necessity for pulse oximetry monitoring was perceived as much higher than that for capnography monitoring (mean 1.76, SD 1.34), where ‘1’ represented pulse oximetry as more necessary and ‘5’ represented capnography as more necessary.

Conclusions

Nursing acceptance of capnography monitoring is a difficult endpoint to achieve. There is a need for better accounting for the external and internal influences on nurse perceptions and values to have greater success with the implementation of similar monitoring.
Impaired drainage of vein of Labbé following venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Boddu Srikanth R , Gobin Y Pierre , Dinkin Marc , Oliveira Cristiano , Patsalides Athos
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The impact of venous sinus stenting (VSS) on vein of Labbé (VOL) drainage is poorly understood. The purpose of the study is to examine the incidence and potential high risk factors of impaired VOL drainage among idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients following VSS.

Materials and methods

Institutional review board approved prospective evaluation of all IIH patients who underwent VSS over a 5 year period (January 2012 to December 2017) at Weill Cornell Medical Center constituted the study population. Patient demographics, procedural details (laterality of stenting, balloon angioplasty, number of stents, and stent diameters), morphology of the VOL and changes in the flow in the VOL, type of sinus stenosis, and transverse sinus symmetry were evaluated. We used χ2analysis to evaluate impaired VOL drainage against other variables. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results

70 consecutive patients (67 women, 3 men) with a mean age of 31±9.8 years underwent VSS. Stenosis was extrinsic in 63% (n=44) and intrinsic in 37% (n=26) of patients. Impaired drainage of the VOL was detected in 9/70 (13%) patients. Ipsilateral VOL was recognized as dominant in 20% (n=14), co-dominant in 51% (n=36), and non-dominant in 29% (n=20) of patients. Impaired VOL drainage was significantly associated with ipsilateral VOL dominance (P=0.001) and stent diameter of ≥9 mm (P=0.042). All patients demonstrated widely patent VOL on follow-up contrast enhanced MR venography at 3 months and 24 months.

Conclusion

Impaired drainage of the ipsilateral VOL is a potential consequence of VSS with 13% incidence, and has significant association with ipsilateral superficial cortical venous drainage via dominant VOL and stent diameter of ≥9 mm.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01407809.
Real-world stent retriever thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke beyond 6 hours of onset: analysis of the NASA and TRACK registries
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Abou-Chebl Alex , Castonguay Alicia C , Nogueira Raul G , English Joey D , Farid Hamed , Gupta Rishi , Martin Coleman , Holloway William Edward , Haussen Diogo C , Mueller-Kronast Nils , Zaidat Osama O
Published: September 2018

Background

The DEFUSE 3 and DAWN trials have shown the benefit of thrombectomy beyond 6 hours of stroke symptom onset in carefully selected patients.

Objective

To evaluate the real-world outcomes of stent retriever thrombectomy beyond 6 hours of stroke onset using combined individual patient data from the North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) and Trevo Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke (TRACK) registries.

Methods

Pooled analysis of individual patient data of all cases of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from NASA and TRACK was performed to compare outcomes of patients presenting within the first hours 6 or beyond 6 hours of stroke symptom onset.

Results

Of 830 patients with anterior circulation AIS from the NASA and TRACK registries, 32.7% (271 patients) underwent thrombectomy beyond the first 6 hours of symptom onset. The rates of good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 at 90 days), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar: 48.1%, 20.6%, and 8.0% within 0–6 hours, 46.2%, 21.6%, and 10.9% within 6–16 hours, and 38.9%, 33.3%, and 5% within 16–24 hours (p=0.8, 0.6, and 0.5, respectively). The rates of successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) were 79.4% in patients with stroke within 0–6 hours, 72.6% within 6–16 hours, and 85.0% within 16–24 hours (p=0.04).

Conclusions

Real-world experience with patients with anterior circulation AIS treated with the Solitaire and Trevo thrombectomy devices beyond the first 6 hours of symptom onset proved to be equally safe and effective as for patients with symptom onset within the first 6 hours.
#Fake news: a systematic review of mechanical thrombectomy results among neurointerventional stroke surgeons on Twitter
Authors: Dmytriw Adam Andrew , Sorenson Thomas Joseph , Morris Jonathan M , Nicholson Patrick J , Hilditch Christopher Alan , Graffeo Christopher S , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: September 2018

Objective

Twitter is a popular social media platform among physicians. Neurointerventionalists frequently document their lifesaving mechanical thrombectomy cases on Twitter with very favorable results. We fear that there may be some social media publication bias to tweeted mechanical thrombectomy cases with neurointerventionalists being more likely to tweet cases with favorable outcomes. We used these publicly documented cases to analyze post-intervention Twitter-reported outcomes and compared these outcomes with the data provided in the gold standard literature.

Methods

Two reviewers performed a search of Twitter for tweeted cases of acute ischemic strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Data were abstracted from each tweet regarding baseline characteristics and outcomes. Twitter-reported outcomes were compared with the Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke (HERMES) trial individual patient meta-analysis.

Results

When comparing the tweeted results to HERMES, tweeted cases had a higher post-intervention rate of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale score of 2c/3 (94% vs 71%, respectively; p<0.0001) and rate of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤2 (81% vs 21%, respectively; p<0.0001). There were no reported complications; thus, tweeted cases also had significantly lower rates of complications, including symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (0% vs 4.4%, respectively; p<0.0001), type 2 parenchymal hemorrhage (0% vs 5.1%, respectively; p<0.0001), and mortality (0% vs 15.3%, respectively; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

There is a significant difference between social media and reality even within the ‘MedTwitter’ sphere, which is likely due to a strong publication bias in Twitter-reported cases. Content on ‘MedTwitter’, as with most social media, should be accepted cautiously.
Estimated impact of the GST on tobacco products in India
Authors: John Rijo M , Dauchy Estelle , Goodchild Mark
Published: September 2018

Objective

To examine the potential impact of the goods and services tax (GST) on price, consumption and tax revenue from tobacco products in India and across states.

Methods

Data on prices, tax rates and tax revenue are used to estimate a benchmark scenario prior to the GST implementation in 2017–2018. Using own-price elasticity of demand for tobacco products, we estimate the impact of GST at the state level and the aggregate state-wise impact to obtain the national level impact.

Findings

We predict that the statutory GST rate of 28% plus compensation cess will increase the price of cigarettes,bidiand smokeless tobacco by 0.18%, 8.8% and 6%, respectively, and, as a result, it will reduce the weighted average consumption by 0.3%, 10% and 6% and increase tax revenue by 0.17%, 35% and 4.7%, respectively. Most states will experience a fall in tax revenue from tobacco products by more than 50% compared with the value-added tax revenue they collected pre-GST. The GST compensation cess will have to be used to compensate states’ revenue shortfalls.

Conclusions

The GST has increased the complexity of the tax system for tobacco products. In particular, for cigarettes, the specific cess constitutes the majority of tax revenue, and therefore, it must be revised regularly to protect revenue and keep real prices from falling. In addition, India should reintroduce excise taxation on all tobacco products, at least in part, on top of the GST, to make them less affordable and to smooth the transition after the expiration of the compensation cess.
Genetic structure and congeneric range overlap among sharpnose sharks (genusRhizoprionodon) in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Davis Matthew M. , Suárez-Moo Pablo de Jesus , Daly-Engel Toby S.
Published: September 2018

Sharpnose sharks (genus Rhizoprionodon) experience extensive fishing pressure throughout their ranges in the Atlantic Ocean. As such, it is important to understand the degree to which intraspecific populations interact across a spatial gradient. The Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) and Caribbean sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) share a similar appearance and spatial presence within the Gulf of Mexico, though until recently only R. terraenovae was observed north of the Bahamas. We assessed the population structure of R. terraenovae using the mitochondrial control region (650 bp). Our results indicate significant genetic structure (FST= 0.049, P < 0.001; ΦST= 0.017, P = 0.008) between the Gulf of Mexico and the rest of the Atlantic. In addition, we observed R. porosus outside their known range, in South Carolina, Virginia, and northern Florida. Given the overlapping range with R. terraenovae, we assessed the potential for congeneric hybridization with the addition of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 gene (1260 bp). Results designate these specimens to be true R. porosus specimens, indicating the need for reevaluation of this species’ range.