bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune thrombocytopenia: Effectiveness of frontline steroids and comparison of azathioprine, splenectomy, and rituximab as second‐line treatment
Authors: Chang Hung , Tang Tzung‐Chih , Hung Yu‐Shin , Li Pei‐Ling , Kuo Ming‐Chung , Wu Jin‐Hou , Wang Po‐Nan
Published: July 2018

Objective

For immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), efficacy of frontline steroids is well established. However, clinical data comparing various treatment options for refractory or relapsed ITP are limited. We aimed to investigate the outcome of frontline steroid treatment for ITP patients and compare common second‐line modalities in a single institute in Taiwan.

Methods

We collected the complete outpatient list over a 6‐month period. Patients were identified from the list, and medical records were reviewed to capture the data retrospectively. The diagnosis of ITP was made by excluding other etiologies.

Results

Among 665 patients with thrombocytopenia, the diagnosis of ITP was made in 375. Two hundred and fifty‐seven patients (51 males, median age 45.5) received treatment. Response to steroids was evaluable for 184 patients. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 120 (65.2%) and partial response in 43 (23.3%). In 21 (11.4%) patients, ITP was refractory to steroids. Among those with CR, 76 (63%) patients relapsed in a median of 9.5 months. After relapse or steroid failure, 57 (49%) received azathioprine treatment and 38 (32%) underwent splenectomy. Response rate was 71.4% (38.1% CR) for azathioprine and 91.4% (77.1% CR) for splenectomy. Rituximab was effective in 8 of 10 patients.

Conclusion

Steroids are effective frontline treatment for ITP, but relapse is common. Both azathioprine and splenectomy are effective treatment after steroid failure. Rituximab appears to a reasonable second‐line treatment option in our limited experience.
Synergistic effects of ischemic preconditioning and immediate post‐conditioning in the protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbit submandibular glands
Authors: Zhang Si‐en , Wen Shi‐Hong , Su Yu‐xiong , Zheng Guang‐sen , Wang Di‐kan , Liang Yu‐jie , Liao Gui‐qing
Published: July 2018

Submandibular gland autotransplantation is an effective approach for treating severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. However, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which inevitably occurs during transplantation, is involved in the hypofunction and structural damage that occur early after transplantation. Therefore, it is critical to identify effective strategies to ameliorate I/R injury in submandibular glands. In this study, we investigated the ability of immediate post‐conditioning combined with ischemic preconditioning to attenuate I/R injury. We observed that after I/R injury, the level of reactive oxygen species was increased, inflammatory response was strengthened, and severe apoptosis had occurred. In addition, the salivary flow rate was greatly decreased. However, the pathogenesis of I/R injury was significantly ameliorated by ischemia post‐conditioning or ischemia preconditioning treatments. In addition, the combination of ischemia preconditioning and post‐conditioning achieved synergistic protective effects against I/R injury compared with ischemia preconditioning or ischemia post‐conditioning alone. The secretion function was restored in the combination group. Furthermore, the combination treatment involved the same mechanisms of ischemia preconditioning or ischemia post‐conditioning, including suppression of the inflammatory reaction and neutrophil accumulation, attenuation of oxidation stress, and inhibition of apoptosis. In conclusion, the combination of ischemia preconditioning and ischemia post‐conditioning treatment is a simple and effective approach for treating I/R injury in submandibular glands.
Evaluating the potential for evolutionary mismatch in Batesian mimics: A case study in the endangered smooth snake (Coronella austriaca)
Authors: Valkonen Janne K. , Mäkelä Anni , Mappes Johanna , López‐Sepulcre Andrés
Published: July 2018

Many harmless organisms gain a survival advantage by mimicking venomous species. This is the case of the endangered smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), which mimics venomous vipers. Although this may protect the smooth snake against most of its natural predators, it may render them at greater risk of mortality from humans, who are more inclined to kill species, such as vipers, that they consider dangerous. This may cause an evolutionary mismatch, whereby humans may counteract the natural advantage of mimicry. We explore this possibility of evaluating the willingness of humans to kill smooth snakes versus the adder (Vipera berus), as well as their ability to discern them in the Åland Islands. Our results show that, even when respondents did not wish to kill the smooth snakes, these were often mistaken for adders, which they were willing to kill. Altogether, viper mimicry brought about a 2.3‐fold increase in the likelihood of smooth snakes being killed upon human encounter. These results open up the possibility that naturally selected mimicry can pose a threat to endangered snakes in human‐influenced habitats. We discuss the potential for this to be the case, and highlight the importance of protecting entire mimicry complexes, rather than single species, when the endangered species is a mimic.
A re‐evaluation of the domestication bottleneck from archaeogenomic evidence
Authors: Allaby Robin G. , Ware Roselyn L. , Kistler Logan
Published: July 2018

Domesticated crops show a reduced level of diversity that is commonly attributed to the “domestication bottleneck”; a drastic reduction in the population size associated with subsampling the wild progenitor species and the imposition of selection pressures associated with the domestication syndrome. A prediction of the domestication bottleneck is a sharp decline in genetic diversity early in the domestication process. Surprisingly, archaeological genomes of three major annual crops do not indicate that such a drop in diversity occurred early in the domestication process. In light of this observation, we revisit the general assumption of the domestication bottleneck concept in our current understanding of the evolutionary process of domestication.
Pathways regulating decreased soil respiration with warming in a biocrust‐dominated dryland
Authors: García‐Palacios Pablo , Escolar Cristina , Dacal Marina , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Gozalo Beatriz , Ochoa Victoria , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: July 2018

A positive soil carbon (C)‐climate feedback is embedded into the climatic models of the IPCC. However, recent global syntheses indicate that the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration (RS) in drylands, the largest biome on Earth, is actually lower in warmed than in control plots. Consequently, soil C losses with future warming are expected to be low compared with other biomes. Nevertheless, the empirical basis for these global extrapolations is still poor in drylands, due to the low number of field experiments testing the pathways behind the long‐term responses of soil respiration (RS) to warming. Importantly, global drylands are covered with biocrusts (communities formed by bryophytes, lichens, cyanobacteria, fungi, and bacteria), and thus,RSresponses to warming may be driven by both autotrophic and heterotrophic pathways. Here, we evaluated the effects of 8‐year experimental warming onRS, and the different pathways involved, in a biocrust‐dominated dryland in southern Spain. We also assessed the overall impacts on soil organic C (SOC) accumulation over time. Across the years and biocrust cover levels, warming reducedRSby 0.30 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1(95% CI = −0.24 to 0.84), although the negative warming effects were only significant after 3 years of elevated temperatures in areas with low initial biocrust cover. We found support for different pathways regulating the warming‐induced reduction inRSat areas with low (microbial thermal acclimation via reduced soil mass‐specific respiration and β‐glucosidase enzymatic activity) vs. high (microbial thermal acclimation jointly with a reduction in autotrophic respiration from decreased lichen cover) initial biocrust cover. Our 8‐year experimental study shows a reduction in soil respiration with warming and highlights that biocrusts should be explicitly included in modeling efforts aimed to quantify the soil C–climate feedback in drylands.
A radiative forcing analysis of tropical peatlands before and after their conversion to agricultural plantations
Authors: Dommain René , Frolking Steve , Jeltsch‐Thömmes Aurich , Joos Fortunat , Couwenberg John , Glaser Paul H.
Published: July 2018

The tropical peat swamp forests of South‐East Asia are being rapidly converted to agricultural plantations of oil palm and Acacia creating a significant global “hot‐spot” for CO2 emissions. However, the effect of this major perturbation has yet to be quantified in terms of global warming potential (GWP) and the Earth's radiative budget. We used a GWP analysis and an impulse‐response model of radiative forcing to quantify the climate forcing of this shift from a long‐term carbon sink to a net source of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4). In the GWP analysis, five tropical peatlands were sinks in terms of their CO2 equivalent fluxes while they remained undisturbed. However, their drainage and conversion to oil palm and Acacia plantations produced a dramatic shift to very strong net CO2‐equivalent sources. The induced losses of peat carbon are ~20× greater than the natural CO2 sequestration rates. In contrast, a radiative forcing model indicates that the magnitude of this shift from a net cooling to warming effect is ultimately related to the size of an individual peatland's carbon pool. The continuous accumulation of carbon in pristine tropical peatlands produced a progressively negative radiative forcing (i.e., cooling) that ranged from −2.1 to −6.7 nW/m2 per hectare peatland by 2010 CE, referenced to zero at the time of peat initiation. Peatland conversion to plantations leads to an immediate shift from negative to positive trend in radiative forcing (i.e., warming). If drainage persists, peak warming ranges from +3.3 to +8.7 nW/m2 per hectare of drained peatland. More importantly, this net warming impact on the Earth's radiation budget will persist for centuries to millennia after all the peat has been oxidized to CO2. This previously unreported and undesirable impact on the Earth's radiative balance provides a scientific rationale for conserving tropical peatlands in their pristine state.
Dramatic loss of seagrass habitat under projected climate change in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Chefaoui Rosa M. , Duarte Carlos M. , Serrão Ester A.
Published: July 2018

Although climate warming is affecting most marine ecosystems, the Mediterranean is showing earlier impacts. Foundation seagrasses are already experiencing a well‐documented regression in the Mediterranean which could be aggravated by climate change. Here, we forecast distributions of two seagrasses and contrast predicted loss with discrete regions identified on the basis of extant genetic diversity. Under the worst‐case scenario, Posidonia oceanica might lose 75% of suitable habitat by 2050 and is at risk of functional extinction by 2100, whereas Cymodocea nodosa would lose only 46.5% in that scenario as losses are compensated with gained and stable areas in the Atlantic. Besides, we predict that erosion of present genetic diversity and vicariant processes can happen, as all Mediterranean genetic regions could decrease considerably in extension in future warming scenarios. The functional extinction of Posidonia oceanica would have important ecological impacts and may also lead to the release of the massive carbon stocks these ecosystems stored over millennia.
Hydrologic and water quality responses to biomass production in the Tennessee river basin
Authors: Wang Gangsheng , Jager Henriette I. , Baskaran Latha M. , Brandt Craig C.
Published: July 2018

Reducing dependence on fossil‐based energy has raised interest in biofuels as a potential energy source, but concerns have been raised about potential implications for water quality. These effects may vary regionally depending on the biomass feedstocks and changes in land management. Here, we focused on the Tennessee River Basin (TRB), USA. According to the recent 2016 Billion‐Ton Report (BT16) by the US Department of Energy, under two future scenarios (base‐case and high‐yield), three perennial feedstocks show high potential for growing profitably in the TRB: switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), and willow (Salix spp.). We used the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to compare hydrology and water quality for a current landscape with those simulated for two future BT16 landscapes. We combined publicly available temporal and geospatial datasets with local land and water management information to realistically represent physical characteristics of the watershed. We developed a new autocalibration tool (SWATopt) to calibrate and evaluate SWAT in the TRB with reservoir operations, including comparison against synthetic and intermediate response variables derived from gage measurements. Our spatiotemporal evaluation enables to more realistically simulate the current situation, which gives us more confidence to project the effects of land‐use changes on water quality. Under both future BT16 scenarios, simulated nitrate and total nitrogen loadings and concentrations were greatly reduced relative to the current landscape, whereas runoff, sediment, and phosphorus showed only small changes. Difference between simulated water results for the two future scenarios was small. The influence of biomass production on water quantity and quality depended on the crop, area planted, and management practices, as well as on site‐specific characteristics. These results offer hope that bioenergy production in the TRB could help to protect the region's rivers from nitrogen pollution by providing a market for perennial crops with low nutrient input requirements.
Clinical evaluation of a novel and highly sensitive immunoassay for anti‐hepatitis B core antigen using a fully automated immunochemical analyzer
Authors: Izumida Kyo , Kaneko Atsushi , Takahashi Kazuya , Kusumoto Shigeru , Narita Tomoko , Takami Akiyoshi , Iida Shinsuke , Aoyagi Katsumi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: July 2018

Aim

Recently, the measurement of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti‐hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) and/or anti‐hepatitis B surface antigen has been recommended before various therapies to identify patients at risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. However, a recent study reported that HBV reactivation occurred in HBcAb‐negative patients, indicating that it is challenging to identify patients with a history of HBV infection using conventional HBcAb reagent. We developed a highly sensitive HBcAb (HBcAb‐HS) assay for reducing the risk of HBV reactivation.

Methods

The HBcAb‐HS assay is an automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay system, which is suitable for clinical use. The cut‐off was set at 0.020 IU/mL from the distribution patterns of HBcAb‐negative specimens, and we evaluated the performance of this assay compared with conventional reagents.

Results

This new assay showed a 27–81‐fold greater sensitivity than conventional HBcAb reagents; the quantified measurement range was from 0.005 IU/mL to 1.500 IU/mL, and it showed excellent quantitative performance and correlated well with two conventional assays, using the HBcAb‐positive specimens. Moreover, it showed 100% specificity for the 469 purchased HBcAb‐negative specimens. Notably, this newly developed HBcAb‐HS assay showed positivity in the preserved specimens before HBV reactivation, for which conventional HBcAb reagents gave negative results, and the HBcAb‐HS assay could detect the lower HBcAb levels even after intensive immunosuppressive therapies, including autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusions

The clinical efficacy of the newly developed, highly sensitive HBcAb assay would enable the identification of patients at risk of HBV reactivation more accurately.
Ratio between estimated glomerular filtration rates of creatinine and cystatin C predicts overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tamai Yasuyuki , Iwasa Motoh , Kawasaki Yuya , Yoshizawa Naohiko , Ogura Suguru , Sugimoto Ryosuke , Eguchi Akiko , Yamamoto Norihiko , Sugimoto Kazushi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2018

Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with sarcopenia have a poor survival, but there are no predictive markers for survival relating to muscle mass and liver function. Therefore, we investigated whether the ratio between estimated glomerular filtration rates of serum creatinine (Scre) and serum cystatin C (Scys) (eGFRcre/eGFRcys) can be used as a predictive marker of survival in HCC patients.

Methods

First, the correlation between Scre/Scys ratio and muscle mass was examined in 50 patients with chronic liver disease. Second, a change in Scre/Scys ratio relating to liver function was investigated in cirrhotic rats. Finally, the relationship between the eGFRcre/eGFRcys ratio and survival was assessed in 86 HCC patients.

Results

The Scre/Scys ratio was correlated with skeletal muscle mass index (r = 0.331, P = 0.019) and psoas muscle area index (r = 0.397, P = 0.004) in chronic liver disease patients. In cirrhotic rats, Scre and Scre/Scys ratio were decreased corresponding with liver function. Thirty‐five of 86 HCC patients died within the average follow‐up period of 35 months. The patients with an eGFRcre/eGFRcys ratio <1.26 had significantly longer rates of survival compared to patients with an eGFRcre/eGFRcys ratio ≥1.26 (28.8 vs. 18.5 months, P = 0.001). Using multivariate Cox regression analyses, the patient‐related eGFRcre/eGFRcys ratio (hazard ratio [HR], 4.178; P = 0.007), as well as the tumor‐related factors α‐fetoprotein (HR, 1.000; P < 0.001) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (HR, 2.589; P < 0.001), were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusion

The Scre/Scys ratio is associated with muscle mass and liver function. Furthermore, the eGFRcre/eGFRcys ratio could serve as a useful predictive marker for survival of HCC.
Syrah grape skin valorisation using ultrasound‐assisted extraction: Phenolic compounds recovery, antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile
Authors: Mazza Karen E. L. , Santiago Manuela C. P. A. , do Nascimento Luzimar S. M. , Godoy Ronoel L. O. , Souza Erika F. , Brígida Ana Iraidy S. , Borguini Renata G. , Tonon Renata V.
Published: July 2018

The influence of ultrasound power (1000–3000 W/L), citric acid concentration (0–3%) and solid:liquid ratio (1:5–1:15) on the phenolic compounds recovery and antioxidant capacity of Syrah grape skin extracts were evaluated. Total phenolic compounds varied from 6485 to 11732 mg gallic acid/100 g and monomeric anthocyanin content from 453 to 685 mg malvidin‐3‐glucoside/100 g. The antioxidant capacity measured by ORAC and ABTS methods ranged from 230 to 516 μmol Trolox/g and from 442 to 939 μmol Trolox/g, respectively. The most suitable conditions chosen for extraction, within the studied ranges, were 3000 W/L of power, 2.5% citric acid and solid:liquid ratio of 1:15. The extraction yield was satisfactory, with a recovery of 59% of the quantified phenolic compounds, with only 3 min of processing. Ultrasound was considered a suitable method as compared to the conventional extraction, improving the extraction of phenolic acids and facilitating their release.
Arterial damage and cognitive decline in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Karasavvidou Despina , Boutouyrie Pierre , Kalaitzidis Rigas , Kettab Hakim , Pappas Kosmas , Stagikas Dimitrios , Antonakis Nikolaos , Tsalikakis Dimitrios , Elisaf Moses , Laurent Stephane
Published: July 2018

In the general population aortic stiffening, assessed by carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV), is associated with cognitive dysfunction (CO/DY). Data in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. This study tests the hypothesis that large artery stiffness and microvascular damage in CKD patients are related to the damage of brain microcirculation reflected by impaired cognitive function. A cross‐sectional study enrolled 151 patients (mean age 58.4 years; 64.5% males; 44 patients with CKD stage 1; 47 with stage 2; 25 with stage 3; and 35 with stage 4). Cognitive impairment, assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clock – drawing test (Clock‐test), and the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), was considered as primary outcome. We measured systolic and pulse pressures at the brachial and aortic sites and cf‐PWV. Our patients revealed a significant linear deterioration in all the domains of cognitive function according to CKD stages. High values of cf‐PWV (P = 0.029) and aortic pulse pressure (aPP) (P < 0.026) were independent determinants of cognitive decline assessed by the MMSE. The present trial supports the hypothesis of an interaction between the kidney, large artery damage, central pressure pulsatility, and the injury of brain microcirculation. In clinical practice, cf‐PWV and aPP measurements may help to predict cognitive decline. Whether the reduction in aortic stiffness following an aggressive treatment translates into improved cognitive outcomes remains to be determined.
Long non‐coding RNA NNT‐AS1 sponges miR‐424/E2F1 to promote the tumorigenesis and cell cycle progression of gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Beibei , Zhao Qingfang , Guan Lulu , Lv Huifang , Bie Liangyu , Huang Jinxi , Chen Xiao‐Bing
Published: July 2018

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been illustrated to function as important regulators in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, the roles of lncRNA NNT‐AS1 in gastric cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we investigate the biological role of NNT‐AS1 in gastric cancer tumorigenesis. Results revealed that NNT‐AS1 expression level was significantly up‐regulated in GC tissue and cell lines compared with adjacent normal tissue and normal cell lines. The ectopic overexpression of NNT‐AS1 indicated the poor prognosis of GC patients. In vitro experiments validated that NNT‐AS1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and invasion ability and induced the GC cell cycle progression arrest at G0/G1 phase. In vivo xenograft assay, NNT‐AS1 silencing decreased the tumour growth of GC cells. Bioinformatics online program predicted that miR‐424 targeted the 3′‐UTR of NNT‐AS1. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA‐immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull‐down assay validated the molecular binding within NNT‐AS1 and miR‐424, therefore jointly forming the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC). Moreover, E2F1 was verified to act as the target gene of NNT‐AS1/miR‐424, indicating the NNT‐AS1/miR‐424/E2F1 axis. In conclusion, our study indicates that NNT‐AS1 sponges miR‐424/E2F1 to facilitate GC tumorigenesis and cycle progress, revealing the oncogenic role of NNT‐AS1 for GC.
The risk of Telling: A Dyadic Perspective on Romantic Partners’ Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure and Their Associations with Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: de Montigny Gauthier Laurence , Vaillancourt‐Morel Marie‐Pier , Rellini Alessandra , Godbout Natacha , Charbonneau‐Lefebvre Véronique , Desjardins Frédérique , Bergeron Sophie
Published: July 2018

Among 70 community couples who reported childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and disclosure to their partner, this study examined associations between survivors’ perception of partner responses to their disclosure, and both partners’ sexual and relationship satisfaction. Participants completed self‐report questionnaires online. Results of path analyses within an actor–partner interdependence model indicated that survivors’ perceived partner responses of emotional support to disclosure were associated with their own and their partners’ higher sexual satisfaction. Survivors’ perceived responses of being stigmatized/treated differently by the partner were associated with their own and their partners’ poorer relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest that survivor‐perceived partner responses to the disclosure of CSA can have a positive and a negative impact on the sexual and relationship satisfaction of both partners.
A Circumplex Model of Couple Configurations in Relational Trauma Context: An Example of Practice‐Based Model Development
Authors: Butler Mark H. , Spencer Travis J.
Published: July 2018

We propose a circumplex model and typology of patterns of couple engagement to help therapists assess and shape positive couple engagement, prerequisite to successful resolution of relational trauma. View or value of self in relation to other (VSIRO) is conceived as a primary engine organizing couple relationships and patterns of engagement. VSIRO is conceptualized along a continuum anchored at opposite poles by inflated (self‐aggrandizing) versus collapsed (self‐negating) VSIRO, with a balanced (egalitarian) VSIRO as the target position, consisting of self and other mutuality, respect, and equality. Two axes (one for each partner) form the circumplex model of five couple configurations—four quadrants plus a balanced, mid‐axes region. Using couple configuration conceptualization to address patterns of engagement is an essential prerequisite to resolving couple relational trauma.
Upregulation of IL‐6 expression in human salivary gland cell line by IL‐17 via activation of p38 MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt, and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Wei Lili , Xiong Haofei , Li Wei , Li Bo , Cheng Yong
Published: July 2018

Background

The human salivary gland (HSG) cell line has so far been used as in vitro models for study of the influence of cytokines and pharmacologic agents on salivary glands, as well as a model system for inflammation in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). This study aimed to determine the effect of IL‐17 on IL‐6 production and the underlying molecular mechanism regulated by the HSG cell line.

Methods

Immunofluorescence analyses, RT‐PCR, and Western blot were conducted to evaluate the IL‐17 receptor (IL‐17R) expression in cultured HSG cells. Real‐time PCR and ELISA were then utilized to establish the mRNA and protein levels of IL‐6 in IL‐17‐stimulated HSG cells. Western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and inhibitor analyses were conducted to elucidate the involved signaling pathways.

Results

The HSG cells reliably expressed the IL‐17R mRNA and its encoded surface‐bound protein. The expression of IL‐6 mRNA and protein was upregulated by stimulation of HSG cells with IL‐17; this effect was impeded by IL‐17‐ or IL‐17R‐neutralizing antibodies. IL‐17 stimulation ended up with the fast phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, and translocation of nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) in the HSG cells. p38 MAPK, Akt, and NF‐κB inhibitors significantly subdued IL‐6 generation in HSG cells stimulated by IL‐17. PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, decreased IL‐6 generation under low dose of IL‐17 but not with high dose.

Conclusions

The HSG cells expressed IL‐17R and reacted to IL‐17 to generate IL‐6 via the stimulation of ERK, p38 MAPK, Akt, and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Susceptibility of opium poppy and pyrethrum to root infection by Spongospora subterranea
Authors: Clark Tamara J. , Rockliff Luke A. , Tegg Robert S. , Balendres Mark A. , Amponsah Jonathan , Thangavel Tamilarasan , Mulcahy Frank , Wilson Annabel J. , Wilson Calum R.
Published: July 2018

Spongospora subterranea, which causes powdery scab of potato, infects a diverse range of plant species. Crop rotation as a powdery scab management tool will be compromised if pathogen hosts exist between potato crops. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) are important crops within intensive vegetable production rotations in NW Tasmania. Measurements of S. subterranea soil inoculum within a commercial field showed pathogen amounts were substantially elevated following an opium poppy crop, which suggested host status. In glasshouse testing, opium poppy and pyrethrum were confirmed as hosts of S. subterranea, with opium poppy the more susceptible of the two. Both species were less susceptible than tomato, a known host. Observations of early growth suggested inoculation impacts on all three plant species, although at 16 (tomato and opium poppy) or 26 (pyrethrum) weeks postinoculation, only tomato had significantly reduced shoot and root development. The role of rotation crops in inoculum persistence and the possible role of S. subterranea as a minor pathogen of nonpotato crops are discussed.
Carbendazim resistance and dimethachlone sensitivity of field isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from oilseed rape in Henan Province, China
Authors: Liu Shengming , Zhang Yong , Jiang Jia , Che Zhiping , Tian Yuee , Chen Genqiang
Published: July 2018

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most important diseases in oilseed rape‐growing areas of China. To determine the frequency of resistance of field isolates of S. sclerotiorum to carbendazim and dimethachlone, a total of 556 isolates from 10 different regions of Henan Province were obtained between 2015 and 2016. The frequency of isolates with a high‐resistance phenotype and a moderate‐resistance phenotype to carbendazim was 69.2% and 10.8%, respectively. However, S. sclerotiorum isolates resistant to dimethachlone were not detected. The baseline sensitivity of S. sclerotiorum to dimethachlone was distributed as a unimodal curve with a mean EC50 value of 0.39 ± 0.09 μg ml−1 for the inhibition of mycelial growth. Four dimethachlone‐resistant mutants were obtained from 20 wild‐type isolates induced by exposure to increasing concentrations of the fungicide in vitro. The mutants showed high levels of resistance to dimethachlone, with resistance factors that ranged from 179 to 323. Positive cross‐resistance occurred between dimethachlone and procymidone, iprodione, and fludioxonil; however, no cross‐resistance was observed for carbendazim and boscalid. The fitness of the dimethachlone‐resistant mutants was significantly lower than that of the wild‐type isolates, as measured by mycelial growth, hyphal dry weight, sclerotium number and dry weight, and pathogenicity. Additionally, based on osmotic tests, the inhibition of mycelial growth caused by NaCl applied at different concentrations was significantly higher for the dimethachlone‐resistant mutants than for their wild‐type parents.
A longitudinal assessment of periodontal health status in 53 Labrador retrievers
Authors: Wallis C. , Patel K. V. , Marshall M. , Staunton R. , Milella L. , Harris S. , Holcombe L. J.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To determine the incidence and rates of progression of gingivitis and periodontitis in Labrador retrievers.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐three dogs, aged 1·1 to 5·9 years, had their periodontal health assessed every 6 months for up to 2 years. The extent of gingivitis and periodontitis was measured around the whole gingival margin of every tooth under general anaesthesia.

Results

All dogs had gingivitis at the initial assessment. The majority (64·2%) of tooth aspects had very mild gingivitis. The palatal/lingual aspect of all tooth types was most likely to show bleeding when probed: 63·0% of these aspects had mild or moderate gingivitis. Over 2 years, 56·6% of dogs developed periodontitis and dogs as young as 1·9 years were affected. There was a significant positive correlation between the proportion of teeth with periodontitis and age. In total, 124 teeth (5·7%) developed periodontitis; 88 (71·0%) of these were incisors. The palatal/lingual aspect of the incisors developed the disease first (2·8% of incisor aspects).

Clinical Significance

Periodontitis developed in regions that are difficult to see in conscious dogs implying that detection and treatment of disease requires periodic sedation or anaesthesia.
Comparison of next-generation droplet digital PCR with quantitative PCR for enumeration of Naegleria fowleri in environmental water and clinical samples
Authors: Xue J. , Caton K. , Sherchan S.P.
Published: July 2018

Naegleria fowleri in recreational waters is a serious health threat. A rapid and accurate method to determine this pathogen in water is vital to develop effective control strategies. In this study, we compared two molecular methods: droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays in identifying N. fowleri from clinical and environmental samples. Strong agreement between ddPCR and qPCR methods over clinical DNA samples was observed. The limit of detection (LOD) for ddPCR and qPCR assays were 2·5 and 25 N. fowleri per reaction respectively. In the comparative analysis using N. fowleri genomic DNA, quantitative results obtained from ddPCR and qPCR assays showed no significant difference. The assay specificity for ddPCR and qPCR assays were 100 and 86% respectively. Results from both PCR assays indicated N. fowleri was present in surface water samples from Lake Pontchartrain during our study period. In general, the ddPCR performance demonstrated in this study on clinical and environmental samples lead to greater confidence of ddPCR technology on field application. For precise quantification using qPCR, we recommend using ddPCR to quantify the standard materials before qPCR application.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study explored the application of ddPCR and qPCR methods in identifying Naegleria fowleri from both clinical and environmental water samples. Strong agreement between ddPCR and qPCR methods over clinical DNA samples was observed. Naegleria fowleri was present in surface water samples from Lake Pontchartrain during our study period. The ability of N. fowleri to survive in brackish water is therefore a potential risk factor for people who engage in water-related recreational activities. The ddPCR performance demonstrated in this study on clinical and environmental samples lead to greater confidence of ddPCR technology on field application.
Transmission potential of Mayaro virus in Florida Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes
Authors: Wiggins K. , Eastmond B. , Alto B. W.
Published: July 2018

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito‐borne arbovirus present in Central and South America that causes arthralgia and febrile illness. Domestic mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus are potential vectors of MAYV that may allow for transmission to humans in urban settings. The present paper assesses susceptibility to infection, disseminated infection and transmission potential in Florida Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus for MAYV. Oral infection was significantly higher in Ae. albopictus (85–100%) than in Ae. aegypti (67–82%). Viral dissemination to the haemocoel in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes was rapid and co‐occurred with infection of the salivary glands. Rates of disseminated infection were generally higher in Ae. aegypti (45–85%) than in Ae. albopictus (38–76%), although the difference was significant only at 9 days after feeding on MAYV‐infected blood. Both mosquito species exhibited low rates of MAYV infection in saliva expectorates. Viral titres in the bodies of mosquitoes increased in line with the number of days post‐blood feeding and were higher in Ae. aegypti than in Ae. albopictus. Although Florida mosquito vectors have the potential to transmit MAYV and thus to initiate an urban cycle after having fed on higher titres of MAYV‐infected blood, lower viraemia in infected humans is likely to limit transmission potential.
The controversies of silicon's role in plant biology
Authors: Coskun Devrim , Deshmukh Rupesh , Sonah Humira , Menzies James G. , Reynolds Olivia , Ma Jian Feng , Kronzucker Herbert J. , Bélanger Richard R.
Published: July 2018

Contents

Summary
67

I.
Introduction
68

II.
Silicon transport in plants: to absorb or not to absorb
69

III.
The role of silicon in plants: not just a matter of semantics
71

IV.
Silicon and biotic stress: beyond mechanical barriers and defense priming
76

V.
Silicon and abiotic stress: a proliferation of proposed mechanisms
78

VI.
The apoplastic obstruction hypothesis: a working model
79

VII.
Perspectives and conclusions
80

Acknowledgements
81

References
81

Silicon (Si) is not classified as an essential plant nutrient, and yet numerous reports have shown its beneficial effects in a variety of species and environmental circumstances. This has created much confusion in the scientific community with respect to its biological roles. Here, we link molecular and phenotypic data to better classify Si transport, and critically summarize the current state of understanding of the roles of Si in higher plants. We argue that much of the empirical evidence, in particular that derived from recent functional genomics, is at odds with many of the mechanistic assertions surrounding Si's role. In essence, these data do not support reports that Si affects a wide range of molecular‐genetic, biochemical and physiological processes. A major reinterpretation of Si's role is therefore needed, which is critical to guide future studies and inform agricultural practice. We propose a working model, which we term the ‘apoplastic obstruction hypothesis’, which attempts to unify the various observations on Si's beneficial influences on plant growth and yield. This model argues for a fundamental role of Si as an extracellular prophylactic agent against biotic and abiotic stresses (as opposed to an active cellular agent), with important cascading effects on plant form and function.
Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides in a pediatric patient with response to psoralen‐ultraviolet A phototherapy
Authors: Boix‐Vilanova Julian , Corral‐Magaña Oriol , Martin‐Santiago Ana , Escalas Juan
Published: July 2018

Mycosis Fungoides is the most common cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma however, it is rare in children. We present the case of a Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides in a 13‐year‐old boy which initially presented as a plaque on his face and was treated with local PUVA therapy. Afterwards the lesions spread so the treatment was changed to systemic PUVA with good response. Although the experience in the treatment of Mycosis Fungoides in pediatric patients is limited, PUVA therapy seems to be an effective and safe option.
Optimal Control for an SEIR Epidemic Model with Nonlinear Incidence Rate
Authors: Grigorieva Ellina , Khailov Evgenii , Korobeinikov Andrei
Published: July 2018

The objective of this paper is to explore possible impacts of nonlinearity of functional responses and a number of compartments of an infection disease model on principal qualitative properties of the optimal controls. To address this issue, we consider optimal controls for an Susceptible‐Exposed‐Infectious‐Removed (SEIR) model of an endemically persisting infectious disease. We assume that the incidence rate is given by an unspecified nonlinear function constrained by a few biologically motivated conditions. For this model, we consider five controls (which comprise all controls that are possible for this model) with a possibility of acting simultaneously, and establish principal qualitative properties of the controls. A comparison with a similar SIR model is provided.
Climate Change Counter Movement Neutralization Techniques: A Typology to Examine the Climate Change Counter Movement
Authors: McKie Ruth E.
Published: July 2018

The Climate Change Counter Movement has been a topic of interest for social scientists and environmentalists for the past 25 years (Dunlap and McCright, 2015). This research uses the sociology of crime and deviance to analyze the numerous arguments used by climate change counter movement organizations. Content analysis of 805 statements made by climate change counter movement organizations reveals that the theory Techniques of Neutralization (Sykes and Matza, American Sociological Review 22(6):664, 1957) can help us better understand the arguments adopted by these organizations. Taking two observations from two time points, the author examine not only the composition of the messaging adopted by Climate Change Counter Movement (CCCM) organization, but how these messages have changed over time. In all, there were 1,435 examples of CCCM neutralization techniques adopted by CCCM organizations across these two points in time. This examination of the movement provides valuable insight into the CCCM and the subsequent environmental harm that is partly facilitated by their actions.
Nicotinamide riboside supplementation dysregulates redox and energy metabolism in rats: Implications for exercise performance
Authors: Kourtzidis I. A. , Dolopikou C. F. , Tsiftsis A. N. , Margaritelis N. V. , Theodorou A. A. , Zervos I. A. , Tsantarliotou M. P. , Veskoukis A. S. , Vrabas I. S. , Paschalis V. , Kyparos A. , Nikolaidis M. G.
Published: July 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to investigate the potential metabolic and redox mechanisms that impaired exercise performance after 21 days of supplementation with 300 mg (kg body weight)−1 of nicotinamide riboside in rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Nicotinamide riboside disturbed energy and redox metabolism and impaired exercise performance in heathy rats. Exogenously administered redox agents in heathy populations might lead to adverse effects.

Nicotinamide riboside is a recently discovered form of vitamin B3 that can increase NAD(P) levels. NAD(P) plays key roles in energy metabolism, and its main function is the transfer of electrons in various cellular reactions. Research in aged or diseased mice reported that nicotinamide riboside increases NAD(H) levels, reduces morbidity and improves health and muscle function. We have recently shown that in healthy young rats, chronic administration of nicotinamide riboside marginally non‐significantly decreased exercise performance by 35% (P = 0.071). As a follow‐up to this finding, we analysed samples from these animals, in an attempt to reveal the potential mechanisms driving this adverse effect, focusing on redox homeostasis and bioenergetics. Thirty‐eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (n = 10), exercise (n = 9), nicotinamide riboside (n = 10) and exercise plus nicotinamide riboside (n = 9). Nicotinamide riboside was administered for 21 days [300 mg (kg body weight)−1 daily]. At the end of administration, the exercise and the exercise plus nicotinamide riboside groups performed an incremental swimming performance test until exhaustion. Nicotinamide riboside supplementation increased the levels of NADPH in the liver (P = 0.050), increased the levels of F2‐isoprostanes in plasma (P = 0.047), decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.017), glutathione reductase (P < 0.001) and catalase (P = 0.024) in erythrocytes, increased the level of glycogen in the liver (P < 0.001) and decreased the concentration of glucose (P = 0.016) and maximal lactate accumulation in plasma (P = 0.084). These findings support the prevailing idea that exogenously administered redox agents in heathy populations might lead to adverse effects and not necessarily to beneficial or neutral effects.
Intrarater Reliability of Assessing Strength of the Shoulder and Scapular Muscles
Authors: Celik Derya , Dirican Ahmet , Baltaci Gul
Published: July 2018

Context: Handheld dynamometry (HHD) is considered an objective method of measuring strength, but the reliability of the procedure can be compromised by inadequate tester strength and insufficient stabilization of the dynamometer especially, for the scapular muscles. Objective: Primarily, to determine the intrarater reliability of HHD when testing shoulder and scapular muscle strength, and secondarily, to report reliability when corrected for body-mass index (BMI). Design: Technical report. Setting: University physiotherapy department. Participants: 57 adults (17 men, 40 women; mean age = 35.05 ± 13.5 y), both healthy individuals and patients with shoulder impingement. Intervention: HHD. Main Outcome Variables: Muscle strength of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius; anterior deltoid; serratus anterior; supraspinatus; and latissimus dorsi determined by HHD. Each muscle was assessed 3 times, and the mean value was calculated. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to BMI. Group 1: BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2 (n = 22); Group 2: BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m2 (n = 54); and Group 3: BMI ≤ 29.9 kg/m2 (n = 38). Results: Correlations were calculated for each pair of strength scores. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from .77 to .99 in healthy subjects and from .75 to .99 in patients, for all muscle groups except the upper trapezius (P < .05). Reliability values ranged from good to high in healthy subjects but were less consistent for the upper trapezius (ICC .45-.65). The relationship with BMI and muscle strength illustrates that as BMI increases, there is a decrease in reliability values of the lower trapezius (ICC = .35-.65). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that evaluating the strength of scapular and shoulder muscles using HHD presents reliable results for both patients with impingement syndrome and healthy subjects. Reliability values were compressed when testing the trapezius in subjects with higher BMI. This is likely a result of the examiner's difficulty in overcoming the patients with this maneuver.
Test-Retest Reliability and Validity of Isometric Knee-Flexion and -Extension Measurement Using 3 Methods of Assessing Muscle Strength
Authors: Toonstra Jenny , Mattacola Carl G.
Published: July 2018

Context: Physicians and clinicians need portable, efficient, and cost-effective assessment tools to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs after knee injury. Progress in rehabilitation should be evaluated using valid and reliable measurement methods. Objective: To examine the test-retest reliability of portable fixed dynamometry (PFD), handheld dynamometry (HHD), and isokinetic dynamometry (IKD). In addition, the authors sought to examine the validity of PFD and HHD by comparing differences in peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors to that of the "gold standard" IKD. Design: Repeated measures. Participants: 16 healthy subjects (age 29.3 ± 7.2 y, height 167.4 ± 8.04 cm, mass 73.7 ± 20.0 kg). Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variables were trial (trial 1, trial 2) and instrument (IKD, PFD, and HHD). Results: Test-retest reliability was high for both PFD and IKD. However, fair to poor reliability was found for HHD. There were no differences in peak torque (Nm) between IKD and PFD. However, significant differences in peak torque were observed between IKD and HHD and between PFD and HHD. Conclusions: PFD provides reliable measures of strength and also demonstrates similar output measures as IKD. Its portability, ease of use, and cost provide clinicians an effective means of measuring strength.
Visual–Vestibular Interaction for Postural Control During Sit-to-Stand: Effects of Aging
Authors: Lui Kai Yan , Hewston Patricia , Deshpande Nandini
Published: July 2018

During sit-to-stand (STS), the vestibular system is highly stimulated in response to linear acceleration of the head and may play an important role, in addition to vision, for postural control. We examined the effects of aging on visual–vestibular interaction for postural control during STS in 15 young (22.5 ± 1.1 years) and 15 older (73.9 ± 5.3 years) participants. Vestibular information was manipulated using galvanic vestibular stimulation. Vision conditions involved normal (eyes open), suboptimal (blurring goggles), and no (eyes closed) vision. Older participants had significantly greater mediolateral peak-to-peak trunk roll (p = .025) and center of mass displacements (p < .001) than young participants. However, despite having greater mediolateral instability, older participants utilized similar strategies as young participants to overcome sensory perturbations during STS. Overall visual inputs were more dominantly used for mediolateral trunk control during STS than vestibular inputs.