bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Atp2B1 Gene and Bone Parameters of Laying Hens
Authors: Horecka Eliska , Horecky Cenek , Kovarikova Lenka , Musilova Anna , Knoll Ales , Nedomova Sarka , Pavlik Ales
Published: June 2018

Experiments were performed in 110 ISA Brown egg production hens (Gallus gallus), kept from 15 to 26 weeks of age in enriched (furnished) housing technology. The present objective was to investigate the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ATP2B1 gene and their effects on calcium homeostasis in laying hens. The plasma membrane calcium-transporting ATPase 1 gene (ATP2B1) in hens is located on chromosome 1, region 43 273 706 – 43 305 815 bp. The ATP2B1 gene has 21 exons, and in this study three were genotyped. In each experimental group of animals, only alleles without deletions in exon 10 and only allele A in exon 12 were found. In exon 8, only genotypes CC/CC, TT/CC and TT/TT were found. These genotypes are associated with femur breaking strength, bone diameter, bone marrow diameter and compact bone thickness. No significant effects of SNPs in exon 8 on bone characteristics were found.
Metal‐Free Csp−Csp and Csp−Csp3 Bond Cleavages of N,S‐Enynes toward Thiophene‐Fused N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Liu Zhuqing , Gao Runli , Lou Jiang , He Yuan , Yu Zhengkun
Published: June 2018

Alkylthio‐functionalized, o‐anilide‐embedded enynes, that is, N,S‐1,6‐enynes, were efficiently reacted with elemental sulfur to afford thiophene‐fused N‐heterocycles. The one‐pot sulfur incorporation/cascade cyclization strategy offers a straightforward route to 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]indoles and thieno[3,4‐c]quinoline‐4(5H)‐thiones through the tunable Csp−Csp and Csp−Csp3 bond cleavages of the N,S‐1,6‐enynes, forming both a N‐heterocycle and a fused thiophene ring. The five‐ring π systems azacyclopenta[f,g]tetracene scaffolds were also obtained from the cascade cyclization of 2‐halogen‐functionalized thieno[3,4‐c]quinoline‐4(5H)‐thiones. The present synthetic protocol avoids use of prefunctionalized indole and thiophene derivatives as the building blocks for the construction of thiophene‐fused N‐heterocycles under metal‐free conditions.

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Life and Death in the Deepest Depths of the Seafloor
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: June 2018

Lacking light and energy, under-seafloor microbes rely on ancient organic materials to survive.
Wrong Turns in the Euthyphro
Authors: Woodruff Paul
Published: June 2018

No Socratic theory of forms is implied by the questions Socrates asks in Plato’s Euthyphro. His questions appear to commit him to the existence of a certain kind of paradigm form in the Euthyphro, but there is no place for such a form in his philosophy, and that is a good thing, for such a form cannot exist. As stated, the main question does not have an answer, but it is reasonable for Socrates to ask it in the context of Euthyphro’s claims. if they could be supported, Socrates’ question would have an answer. But Euthyphro’s claims are not supportable. The turn toward a paradigm form for piety is a wrong turn; the turn toward the part-whole relation is another. Piety cannot be a proper part of justice on any view that is plausibly Socratic. Piety concerns the whole of virtue in a way that distinguishes it from primary virtues such as justice, and this point prepares the way for Socrates’ defense in the Apology.
Listening to music from the urinary bladder! Case report of a headset in a urinary bladder
Authors: Chowdhury Sunirmal , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: June 2018

There are many case reports of unusual foreign bodies found in the urinary bladder. Most of these are self-inserted. Mostly these foreign bodies were inserted as a result of sexual curiosity or sexual perversion but there may be other reasons like psychiatric problems. The treatment is individualized and determined by the size, location, shape, nature and mobility of the foreign body. Here we report a peculiar case of a headset in urinary bladder.
Study of incidence, trends and determinants of caesarean section in tertiary care hospital of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Neelam , Jhanwar Anshul
Published: June 2018

Background: Lower Segment Caesarean section (LSCS) is recommended when vaginal delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby. Worldwide rise in LSCS rate during the last three decades, has been the cause of alarm and needs an in-depth study.Methods: It was a retrospective, observational study conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Jhalawar medical college, Jhalawar. Data were obtained from medical record database of patients admitted for deliveries from October 2017 to March 2018 over period of six months. The total number of patients delivered and the number of LSCS done were counted to find the incidence of LSCS in our hospital. Age, parity and gestational age of the patients who underwent LSCS were tabulated.Results: In present study the incidence of LSCS was 31.1%. Of these cases 91% belonged to age group 20 -29 yrs. Emergency LSCS (72.1%) and primary LSCS (66.5%) were more common. The commonest indication of LSCS was previous LSCS in 35% followed by foetal distress, breech presentation, severe oligohydrominos and pre-eclampsia.Conclusions: In present study LSCS rate was high as compared to the WHO standard. The scheme like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) may have a great impact on accepting institutional deliveries by poor women which may be a reason of the increase of LSCS in India. Utilization of antenatal care, better doctor patient communication, doctor’s commitment to reduce the rate of LSCS, may help to reduce the increasing rate of caesarean delivery.
Pragmaticism of Randomized Controlled Trials of Biologic Treatment With Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Choi May Y. , Barnabe Cheryl , Barber Claire E. , Bykerk Vivian , Pope Janet E. , Hazlewood Glen S.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist along a spectrum, from explanatory, designed to evaluate interventions under ideal conditions, to pragmatic, designed to reflect usual care. This study assessed the pragmatism of RCTs of advanced therapeutics in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify RA RCTs comparing biologic or targeted synthetic therapy in combination with methotrexate, to placebo or any other disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Trials were rated using the Pragmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary‐2 (PRECIS‐2) tool in 9 domains, each rated from 1 (very explanatory) to 5 (very pragmatic). Latent class and regression analyses examined the heterogeneity in PRECIS‐2 scores and the relationship to trial characteristics.

Results

In total, 96 trials were included. Eligibility, follow‐up, and flexibility of delivery of the intervention were rated as explanatory, with mean ± SD PRECIS‐2 scores of 2.0 ± 0.7, 2.0 ± 1.1, and 2.1 ± 0.7, respectively, reflecting strict inclusion criteria, intensive follow‐up, and rigid protocols. Studies were rated as pragmatic in setting (3.6 ± 1.5) because many were international, multicenter trials, and in primary analysis (4.1 ± 1.3), because most used intent‐to‐treat analyses. In latent class analyses, 2 groups were identified; the majority (74%) were rated as explanatory for most domains assessed. These trials had larger sample sizes, were more likely to be industry‐funded, and enrolled patients with higher Disease Activity Score in 28 joints and Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index scores, but were less likely to be at high risk of bias.

Conclusion

RCTs of biologic DMARD treatment in combination with methotrexate for RA were rated as predominantly explanatory, which may affect the generalizability of trial results to clinical practice.
Asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-ovafolinins A and B
Authors: Fang Xianhe , Shen Lei , Hu Xiangdong
Published: June 2018

Benefiting from a highly diastereoselective alkylation of (S)-Taniguchi lactone, a double Friedel–Crafts reaction, a global debenzylation and a Cu(OAc)2-enabled benzylic oxidative cyclization, an efficient synthetic approach to (+)-ovafolinins A and B has been developed.
Enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) via water-soluble pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular complexes
Authors: Wu Jian , Tian Jia , Rui Leilei , Zhang Weian
Published: June 2018

A supramolecular nanovesicle was constructed by the complexation between pyrophaeophorbide A (PPhA) and water-soluble pillar[5]arene, then a biotin–pyridinium targeting agent was introduced to its surface.
Operon-mapper: a web server for precise operon identification in bacterial and archaeal genomes
Authors: Taboada Blanca , Estrada Karel , Ciria Ricardo , Merino Enrique
Published: June 2018

Operon-mapper is a web server that accurately, easily and directly predicts the operons of any bacterial or archaeal genome sequence. The operon predictions are based on the intergenic distance of neighboring genes as well as the functional relationships of their protein-coding products. To this end, Operon-mapper finds all the ORFs within a given nucleotide sequence, along with their genomic coordinates, orthology groups and functional relationships. We believe that Operon-mapper, due to its accuracy, simplicity and speed, as well as the relevant information that it generates, will be a useful tool for annotating and characterizing genomic sequences.

Availability and implementation

http://biocomputo.ibt.unam.mx/operon_mapper/
European ornamental garden flora as an invasion debt under climate change
Authors: Haeuser Emily , Dawson Wayne , Thuiller Wilfried , Dullinger Stefan , Block Svenja , Bossdorf Oliver , Carboni Marta , Conti Luisa , Dullinger Iwona , Essl Franz , Klonner Günther , Moser Dietmar , Münkemüller Tamara , Parepa Madalin , Talluto Matthew V. , Kreft Holger , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Weigelt Patrick , Winter Marten , Hermy Martin , Van der Veken Sebastiaan , Roquet Cristina , van Kleunen Mark
Published: June 2018

Most naturalised and invasive alien plant species were originally introduced to regions for horticultural purposes. However, many regions now face an invasion debt from ornamental alien species, which have not yet naturalised. In this regard, climate change represents a threat as it may lower the barriers to naturalisation for some ornamental alien species. Identifying those species is extremely important for anticipating impending invasions.

To identify predictors of naturalisation, we modelled the effects of climate, nursery availability and species characteristics on the current European naturalisation success of 2,073 ornamental aliens commonly planted in European gardens. We then used the resulting model together with climate projections for 2050 to forecast future naturalisation risks for the 1,583 species not yet naturalised in Europe.

We found that non‐European naturalised range size, climatic suitability, propagule pressure, having a dioecious sexual system and plant height jointly explained current naturalisation success in Europe. By 2050, naturalisation probability projections increased by more than 0.1 for 41 species, and only decreased by more than 0.1 for one species.

Policy implications. Using predictions based on our integrated model of alien ornamental naturalisation success, we identified species with high future naturalisation risk and species with high projected increases in naturalisation potential in Europe under climate change. This species list allows for prioritisation of monitoring and regulation of ornamental plants to mitigate the invasion debt.
Productivity and related soil properties mediate the population‐level consequences of rodent seed predation on Blanketflower, Gaillardia aristata
Authors: Hegstad Ryan J. , Maron John L.
Published: June 2018

Plants are frequently attacked by consumers that reduce seed numbers. However, our ability to predict whether seed loss results in parallel changes in future recruitment or plant abundance remains poor. Progress in this area requires simultaneously understanding: (1) how spatial variation in environmental conditions influence recruitment and other demographic rates, and (2) how the magnitude of seed loss varies spatially and relative to seed limitation.

We experimentally assessed how postdispersal seed predation by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) influenced recruitment of the native perennial forb, Gaillardia aristata, in western Montana (USA) grasslands. To explore whether seed limitation and the population‐level consequences of seed predation varied predictably based on environmental conditions, we added seeds to plots where mice had access or were excluded at sites occurring over a strong gradient of soil characteristics and plant community productivity. We also quantified whether components of Gaillardia demography varied in ways that may compensate for or exacerbate the population‐level effects of seed predation across this environmental gradient.

Across two replicate years, recruitment was highest at low productivity/soil nutrient sites and decreased towards the opposite end of the gradient. Postdispersal seed predation strongly reduced Gaillardia recruitment in both years, and the impacts of seed predation on recruitment were greater at sites with lower productivity and fewer soil nutrients and decreased towards the opposite end of the gradient. Growth and fecundity varied among populations in ways that could buffer Gaillardia populations from stronger effects of seed predation, whereas survival varied among populations in a way that may intensify these effects.

Synthesis. Together, these results show that postdispersal seed predation can importantly limit plant recruitment and that the magnitude of these effects were predicted by variation in underlying environmental conditions that influence recruitment and other key demographic rates.
Resumption of sex after a second birth: An Australian prospective cohort
Authors: McDonald Ellie A. , Gartland Deirdre , Woolhouse Hannah , Brown Stephanie J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Few longitudinal studies have examined women's experiences of sex after childbirth. Much of the advice given to couples about what to expect in relation to sex after childbirth is based on cross‐sectional studies.

Objective

To investigate timing of resumption of sex after a second birth and assess associations with obstetric factors (method of birth and perineal trauma) and time interval between first and second births.

Method

Prospective cohort of 1507 nulliparous women recruited before 25 weeks’ gestation in Melbourne, Australia followed up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after first births, and 6 and 12 months after second births. Measures include: obstetric factors and resumption of vaginal sex after first and second births.

Results

By 8 weeks after their second birth, 56% of women had resumed vaginal sex, compared with 65% after their first birth. Women were more likely to resume sex later than 8 weeks postpartum if they had a spontaneous vaginal birth with episiotomy or sutured perineal tear (aOR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.5‐3.2), operative vaginal birth (aOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.3‐5.3) or cesarean delivery (aOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.4‐3.3) compared with a vaginal birth with minimal or no perineal trauma. There was no association between timing of resumption of sex and the time interval between births.

Conclusion

For almost half of the cohort, sex was not resumed until at least 8 weeks after the second birth. Timing of resumption of sex was influenced by obstetric factors, but not the time interval between births.
Prediabetes and diabetes are both risk factors for adverse outcomes in infective endocarditis
Authors: Wei X.‐B. , Liu Y.‐H. , Huang J.‐L. , Chen X.‐L. , Yu D.‐Q. , Tan N. , Chen J.‐Y. , He P.‐C.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Diabetes is a risk factor in infective endocarditis. However, few studies have focused on the prognostic value of prediabetes in infective endocarditis. This analysis aimed to explore the relationship between prediabetes and outcomes for people with infective endocarditis.

Methods

Diabetes and prediabetes definitions were based on the American Diabetes Association 2014 criteria. A total of 866 people who had been consecutively diagnosed with infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2015 were included in the analysis. They were divided into three groups: normoglycaemia (n = 469), prediabetes (n = 246) and diabetes (n = 151). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes.

Results

Overall in‐hospital mortality was 8.5% (74 of 866), and differed significantly among the normoglycaemia, prediabetes and diabetes groups (3.4%, 12.6% and 17.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared with the normoglycaemia group, the adjusted odds ratio for in‐hospital death was 2.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–5.31; P = 0.027) for prediabetes and 3.39 (95% CI 1.48–7.80; P = 0.004) for diabetes. The cumulative long‐term death rate was significantly higher in the prediabetes or diabetes groups than in the normoglycaemia group (log‐rank = 34.82; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In addition to diabetes, prediabetes was also associated with a higher risk of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality among people with infective endocarditis. Therefore, attention should be paid to this population.
National standards: Reasserting the ecological restoration framework in uncertain times
Authors: McDonald Tein , Dixon Kingsley
Published: June 2018

National ecological restoration standards – produced in 2016 through the collaboration of 13 of Australia's leading ecological restoration organisations – are increasingly influencing practitioners. This paper elucidates two of the Key Principles that underpin standards to encourage highest and best efforts across all sectors and help resolve uncertainty about the role of restoration in a changing world.
National Agricultural Productivity & Reconciliation Ecology Centre conference
Authors: Vanderzee Michael , Bond Jennifer , Finlayson C. Max , Ward Wesley
Published: June 2018

The National Agricultural Productivity & Reconciliation Ecology Centre (NAPREC) held its inaugural conference in Deniliquin in the southern Murray–Darling Basin,NSW, Australia, 4–5 October 2017, and attracted an engaged group of farmers, researchers, industry and government representatives. The theme of the conference was ‘Positive Partnerships for Pathways to Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity’. It explored the application of Reconciliation Ecology and the value of the human elements of natural resource management within the context of the southern Murray–Darling Basin.
Assessing pulsed light treatment on the reduction of aflatoxins in peanuts with and without skin
Authors: Abuagela Manal O. , Iqdiam Basheer M. , Mostafa Hussein , Gu Liwei , Smith Matthew E. , Sarnoski Paul J.
Published: June 2018

Aflatoxin(s) (AFTs) are secondary metabolites of some Aspergillus molds commonly found in peanuts. This study aimed to reduce AFTs (B1 and B2) on contaminated peanuts (with and without skin) using Pulsed Light (PL) treatment for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min at 5 cm distance from the light strobe. After PL treatment, AFT levels were determined using ELISA and LC‐MS‐MS. Quality parameters of treated peanuts and oil were evaluated by comparing to control samples. Results of with‐skin and without‐skin peanuts showed 82% and 91% AFTs reduction, respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed for all peanut oil quality parameters while the differences in peanut kernel colour under these conditions were significant (P < 0.05) in comparison with control samples. At the industrial level, PL may offer an effective AFTs reduction in peanuts. However, PL treatment parameters should be optimised to achieve better appearance.
Scotostimulation of reproductive neural pathways and gonadal maturation are not correlated with hypothalamic expression of deiodinases in subtropical spotted munia
Authors: Mishra Ila , Agarwal Neha , Rani Sangeeta , Kumar Vinod
Published: June 2018

Circannual rhythm regulates the annual timing of reproduction in spotted munia, with sex differences in its relationship with the external photoperiod environment. Interestingly, munia show an atypical photosensitivity and exhibit gonadal maturation when acutely exposed to an unnatural short photoperiod (eg 3 hours of light per day; ie a long scotoperiod). The proximate mechanisms regulating scotoperiod‐induced hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) activation are unclear. Because thyroid hormone signalling plays a central role in photoperiodic induction, we hypothesised the involvement of similar mechanism, comprising alterations in hypothalamic deiodinases, under long scotoperiod‐induced HPG activation. To test this, several endpoints of cellular and molecular correlates were assayed in male and female munias after 1 and 4 weeks of exposure to an 3:21 hour light/dark cycle (3L:21D), with controls on a 21:3 hour light/dark cycle (21L:3D). We measured the hypothalamic expression of mRNA and protein of light‐sensitive (neuropsin, OPN5) and reproductive (vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP], neuropeptide Y [NPY], gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone [GnRH], gonadotrophin‐inhibiting hormone [GnIH]) neuropeptides by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, we also measured mRNA expression of types 2 (DIO2) and 3 (DIO3) deiodinases that regulate triiodothyronine‐mediated GnRH release and gonadal maturation in photoperiodic species. The quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry results were consistent. Higher OPN5 levels under 21L:3D than under 3L:21D suggested its role in sensing the length of the light period. Similarly, low VIP and high NPY expression under 3L:21D than under 21L:3D were consistent with their roles as cellular correlates of photic and nonphotic environment, respectively. High GnRH‐I/low GnIH levels and gonadal recrudescence under 3L:21D, and an inverse pattern under 21L:3D, confirmed the scotostimulation of HPG axis in spotted munia. However, DIO2 and DIO3 mRNA levels did not differ between 2 scotoperiods, in contrast to their reciprocal expression pattern found during long‐day photostimulation. We demonstrate for the first time sex‐dependent scotostimulation of reproductive neural pathways and suggest the involvement of molecules other than hypothalamic deiodinases in the regulation of gonad development cycle in ‘nonphotoperiodic’ seasonally breeding vertebrates.
Relationship between tongue pressure and maxillofacial morphology in Japanese children based on skeletal classification
Authors: Kurabeishi H. , Tatsuo R. , Makoto N. , Kazunori F.
Published: June 2018

During childhood, perioral muscle function is closely associated with malocclusion. To clarify the effects of tongue function on maxillofacial morphology in children, tongue pressure and maximum lip‐closing force (LCF) were measured and the relationship between perioral muscle function and maxillofacial morphology was evaluated according to the skeletal classification. Maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and swallowing tongue pressure (STP) were measured on the anterior palatine rugae in 100 children (Hellman's dental stages IIIA‐IIIC) using a balloon‐type tongue pressure measurement device. Lip‐closing force was measured using an LCF measurement device. Lateral cephalograms were examined to classify subjects into skeletal (S)‐I, S‐II and S‐III groups. Correlations of skeletal classification with tongue pressure and LCF were examined. Correlations of lateral cephalometric measurements with palatal volume (PV), measured using a three‐dimensional optical scanner, were evaluated. Maximum tongue pressure was significantly lower in the S‐II group than in other groups. Swallowing tongue pressure was significantly lower in the S‐II group than in the S‐III group. Lip‐closing force was significantly higher in the S‐III group than in other groups. Swallowing tongue pressure was positively correlated with MTP and PV. Correlations between tongue pressure and anteroposterior skeletal classification indicated the importance of quantitative tongue function assessment.
Association between chewing dysfunctions and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Ferreira M. C. , Porto de Toledo I. , Dutra K. L. , Stefani F. M. , Porporatti A. L. , Flores‐Mir C. , De Luca Canto G.
Published: June 2018

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an umbrella condition presenting several signs and symptoms including pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles, articular noises, earache, headache, irregular or restricted jaw function, chewing difficulty, and limited mouth opening. Such TMD impairment may cause disorders during the chewing process. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to assess chewing dysfunctions measured by sEMG, and their association with TMD. A combination and variation in the descriptors “temporomandibular joint disorders”, “masticatory dysfunctions”, and electromyography were used to perform the searches across databases. The databases chosen were: LILACS, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, grey literature was assessed using Google Scholar, ProQuest, and OpenGrey. Studies in adults that diagnosed TMD through the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) or Helkimo Protocol were selected. Furthermore, those studies should have evaluated chewing processes through surface electromyography (sEMG). Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed through the Meta‐Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) tool. Eleven included studies shown significant results; however, they evaluated discrepant parameters, presented high inconsistency in the application, and had chosen different tasks to analyse the sEMG and hence, there was no consensus in the results of studies. In conclusion, strength of recommendations was very low due to a series of limitations on studies and it was not possible to made categorical statement about association between TMD and chewing dysfunctions in adults when parameters of sEMG were analysed.
TLS dependent and independent functions of DNA polymerase eta (Polη/Rad30) from Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans
Authors: Manohar Kodavati , Peroumal Doureradjou , Acharya Narottam
Published: June 2018

Polη, a unique TLS DNA polymerase that promotes efficient bypass of UV‐induced CPDs and cisplatin adducts, has not been explored in Candida species yet. Here, we show that CaPolη plays a vital role in protecting Candida albicans genome from diverse array of DNA damaging agents, not limited to UV and cisplatin. Polη deficient strain did not exhibit any hyphal development in the presence of UV and cisplatin while the wild type strain profusely developed DNA damage induced filamentation. The polarized growth induced by HU and MMS was found to be Polη independent. No common regulatory pathway of morphogenesis operates in C. albicans due to genomic stress, rather Polη branches away from RAD53 dependent pathway to be specific to UV/cisplatin. Interestingly, serum that does not inflict any DNA damage also induces hyphal growth in C. albicans, and requires a functionally active Polη. Importantly, deletion of RAD30 sensitized the strain to amphotericin B; but its presence resulted in azole drug tolerance only in DNA damaging conditions. We suggest that the roles of CaPolη in genome stability and genotoxins induced filamentation are due to its TLS activities; whereas its TLS independent functions play a vital role in serum induced morphogenesis and amphotericin B resistance.
Serum neurofilament light chain levels as a marker of upper motor neuron degeneration in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Gille B. , De Schaepdryver M. , Goossens J. , Dedeene L. , De Vocht J. , Oldoni E. , Goris A. , Van Den Bosch L. , Depreitere B. , Claeys K. G. , Tournoy J. , Van Damme P. , Poesen K.
Published: June 2018

Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron degeneration disease with a diagnostic delay of about 1 year after symptoms onset. In ALS, blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels are elevated, but it is not entirely clear what drives this increase and what the diagnostic performance of serum NfL is in terms of predictive values and likelihood ratios. The aims of this study were to further explore the prognostic and diagnostic performances of serum NfL to discriminate between patients with ALS and ALS mimics, and to investigate the relationship between serum NfL with motor neuron degeneration.

Methods

The diagnostic performances of serum NfL were based on a cohort of 149 serum samples of patients with ALS, 19 serum samples of patients with a disease mimicking ALS and 82 serum samples of disease control patients. The serum NfL levels were correlated with the number of regions (thoracic, bulbar, upper limb and lower limb) displaying upper and/or lower motor neuron degeneration. The prognostic performances of serum NfL were investigated based on a Cox regression analysis.

Results

The associated predictive values and likelihood ratio to discriminate patients with ALS and ALS mimics were established. Serum NfL was associated with motor neuron degeneration driven by upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration and was independently associated with survival in patients with ALS.

Conclusions

Altogether, these findings suggest that elevated serum NfL levels in ALS are driven by UMN degeneration and the disease progression rate and are independently associated with survival at time of diagnosis.
Inter‐relationships between the heterotrimeric Gβ subunit AGB1, the receptor‐like kinase FERONIA, and RALF1 in salinity response
Authors: Yu Yunqing , Assmann Sarah M.
Published: June 2018

Plant heterotrimeric G proteins modulate numerous developmental stress responses. Recently, receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) have been implicated as functioning with G proteins and may serve as plant G‐protein‐coupled‐receptors. The RLK FERONIA (FER), in the Catharantus roseus RLK1‐like subfamily, is activated by a family of polypeptides called rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs). We previously showed that the Arabidopsis G protein β subunit, AGB1, physically interacts with FER, and that RALF1 regulation of stomatal movement through FER requires AGB1. Here, we investigated genetic interactions of AGB1 and FER in plant salinity response by comparing salt responses in the single and double mutants of agb1 and fer. We show that AGB1 and FER act additively or synergistically depending on the conditions of the NaCl treatments. We further show that the synergism likely occurs through salt‐induced ROS production. In addition, we show that RALF1 enhances salt toxicity through increasing Na+ accumulation and decreasing K+ accumulation rather than by inducing ROS production, and that the RALF1 effect on salt response occurs in an AGB1‐independent manner. Our results indicate that RLK epistatic relationships are not fixed, as AGB1 and FER display different genetic relationships to RALF1 in stomatal versus salinity responses.
Fcγ‐RI, Fcγ‐RII and IL‐10 as predictive biomarkers for post‐therapeutic cicatrization time in monocytes from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients
Authors: Rodrigues‐Alves M. L. , Melo‐Júnior O. A. O. , Coelho‐dos‐Reis J. G. , Pascoal‐Xavier M. A. , Alves‐Costa H. , Reis C. A. , Dutra W. O. , Silva R. E. , Senna M. C. R. , Faria A. C. , Medeiros N. I. , Gomes J. A. S. , Silveira‐Lemos D. , Martins‐Filho O. A. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Costa‐Silva M. F. , Giunchetti R. C. , Peruhype‐Magalhães V.
Published: June 2018

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is based on therapy with Glucantime®, yet, there are few laboratory methods to monitor its success. In this study, ex vivo and in vitro evaluations of peripheral blood monocytes were performed in a longitudinal study to characterize the impact of Glucantime® on overall phenotypic/functional features of these cells from CL patients to identify predictive biomarkers for post‐therapeutic monitoring by flow cytometry. The ex vivo evaluation from CL patients demonstrated a modulatory profile before treatment, with a decrease in TLR‐2, FcγRII, HLA‐DR, CD86, IFN‐γR, TNF, IL‐12, NO, and an increase in FcγRIII and IL‐10R. Conversely, treatment changes some of these biomarker expressions by decreasing FcγRIII and IL‐10R and increasing IFN‐γR, IL‐12 and NO. Moreover, an in vitro analysis of these patients showed a reduced phagocytic capacity of Leishmania braziliensis and higher levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐β modulating functional profile. Regardless of the compromised L. braziliensis phagocytic capacity, treatment re‐established the production of IL‐12, IL‐10, TGF‐β and NO at the basal level. Notably, monocytes from patients with early cicatrization showed enhanced FcγRI and FcγRII expressions and reduced IL‐10, which was further corroborated by a baseline fold change analysis. Finally, the logistic regression model emphasized the performance of FcγRI, FcγRII and IL‐10 as robust predictive biomarkers for post‐therapeutic cicatrization during cutaneous leishmaniasis.
An Information Theoretic Phase I–II Design for Molecularly Targeted Agents That Does Not Require an Assumption of Monotonicity
Authors: Mozgunov Pavel , Jaki Thomas
Published: June 2018

For many years phase I and phase II clinical trials have been conducted separately, but there has been a recent shift to combine these phases. Although a variety of phase I–II model-based designs for cytotoxic agents have been proposed in the literature, methods for molecularly targeted agents (TAs) are just starting to develop. The main challenge of the TA setting is the unknown dose–efficacy relationship that can have either an increasing, plateau or umbrella shape. To capture these, approaches with more parameters are needed or, alternatively, more orderings are required to account for the uncertainty in the dose–efficacy relationship. As a result, designs for more complex clinical trials, e.g. trials looking at schedules of a combination treatment involving TAs, have not been extensively studied yet. We propose a novel regimen finding design which is based on a derived efficacy–toxicity trade-off function. Because of its special properties, an accurate regimen selection can be achieved without any parametric or monotonicity assumptions. We illustrate how this design can be applied in the context of a complex combination–schedule clinical trial. We discuss practical and ethical issues such as coherence, delayed and missing efficacy responses, safety and futility constraints.
Evaluation of the WHO laboratory quality stepwise implementation tool
Authors: Datema T. A. M. , Roper K. G. , Cognat S. , Saad M. D. , Oskam L. , Dolmazon V. , Engelberts M. F. M. , Hessels P. , Klatser P. R.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To introduce the Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and provide data about its roll‐out, usage and effectiveness in assisting laboratories with quality improvement.

Methods

The LQSI tool, a freely available stepwise guide, was developed by WHO to assist laboratories with efficiently implementing a quality management system.

Results

Since the tool's launch in 2014, it has been accessed by 130 986 unique users from 195 of 206 listed states. Of 35 respondents to a survey, 12 (34%) indicated that their laboratory had been able to achieve accreditation/certification/licensing as a result of using the tool.

Conclusions

The LQSI tool, currently being used worldwide and available in English, French, Russian, Spanish, Arabic and Turkish, positively impacts the quality of services provided by clinical and public health laboratories, leading to improved clinical care and disease surveillance capacity as required by the IHR (2005) and envisioned by the Global Health Security Agenda.
Myths, facts and controversies in the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis
Authors: Anagnostou Katherine , Turner Paul J
Published: June 2018

Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Despite numerous national and international guidelines and consensus statements, common misconceptions still persist in terms of diagnosis and appropriate management, both among healthcare professionals and patient/carers. We address some of these misconceptions and highlight the optimal approach for patients who experience potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Unehrliche Ölpreise und sinkende Nettoenergie
Authors: Nicoll Norbert
Published: June 2018

Die langfristigen Wachstumsraten in den Industrieländern gehen zurück – auch in Deutschland. Einer der Gründe ist das sinkende Energie-Gewinn-Verhältnis. Damit hängt auch die sinkendeNettoenergie aus der Förderung fossiler Energieträger zusammen.
Affinity and Distance. On the Newtonian Structure of Some Data Kernels
Authors: Aimar Hugo , Gómez Ivana
Published: June 2018

Let X be a set. Let K(x, y) > 0 be a measure of the affinity between the data points x and y. We prove that K has the structure of a Newtonian potential K(x, y) = φ(d(x, y)) with φ decreasing and d a quasi-metric on X under two mild conditions on K. The first is that the affinity of each x to itself is infinite and that for x ≠ y the affinity is positive and finite. The second is a quantitative transitivity; if the affinity between x and y is larger than λ > 0 and the affinity of y and z is also larger than λ, then the affinity between x and z is larger than ν(λ). The function ν is concave, increasing, continuous from R+ onto R+ with ν(λ) < λ for every λ > 0
Transglutaminase type 2 in the regulation of proteostasis
Authors: D’Eletto Manuela , Rossin Federica , Fedorova Olga , Farrace Maria Grazia , Piacentini Mauro
Published: June 2018

The maintenance of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is a fundamental aspect of cell physiology that is essential for the survival of organisms under a variety of environmental and/or intracellular stress conditions. Acute and/or persistent stress exceeding the capacity of the intracellular homeostatic systems results in protein aggregation and/or damaged organelles that leads to pathological cellular states often resulting in cell death. These events are continuously suppressed by a complex macromolecular machinery that uses different intracellular pathways to maintain the proteome integrity in the various subcellular compartments ensuring a healthy cellular life span. Recent findings have highlighted the role of the multifunctional enzyme type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) as a key player in the regulation of intracellular pathways, such as autophagy/mitophagy, exosomes formation and chaperones function, which form the basis of proteostasis regulation under conditions of cellular stress. Here, we review the role of TG2 in these stress response pathways and how its various enzymatic activities might contributes to the proteostasis control.
»Und was macht nicht alles einen Namen!«
Authors: Affolter Hanspeter
Published: June 2018

The following article deals with the relationship between names and their symbolic capital as a theme in Theodor Fontane’s Poggenpuhls. While the eponymous poor but noble family relies on its notable surname, different names were being popularized through advertising as part of the social and economic upheavals at the end of the 19th century. This rivalry between a genealogical and a primarily economic way of publicizing and valorizing names is not only present in the novel’s dialogues, with noteworthy references to highly popular contemporary firms, but is also part of its spatial setting.
Study of antibacterial properties of honey to methycilin resistant Staphylococcus
Authors: Kasianchuk V.V. , Berhilevych O.М. , Negai I.V.
Published: June 2018

For publishing this article, two important ideas were indicated: the first one is the necessity of scientific research to establish antibacterial properties in those substances that can replace antibiotics in the fight against antibiotic resistant microorganisms; the second is to expand the possibilities for using a national Ukrainian product, such as honey. Ukraine is one of the important exporters of honey in the EU. This honey may have unique physical and chemical properties that will characterize its therapeutic effect. In other countries, these issues are actively studied by scientists, which provide special healing brands to certain its species. These issues are not well study in Ukraine. The aim of present study was to an experimental study of the use of antibacterial properties of honey in relation to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. Materials for research were isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRSS) and samples of natural honey that were obtained from apiaries of the Odessa region. The standard methods of isolation Staphylococcus spp and methods determining the quality of honey were used. Qualitative indicators of honey included organoleptic studies, moisture and acidity, proline content. Determination of antibacterial properties of honey was studied in dilution it in distilled water in proportions 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 and 3:1 with following plating in nutrient agar wells on Petri dishes. It has been experimentally established that honey may be an excellent remedy against MRSS, but not all honey has the same antimicrobial activity. It has been established that the antibacterial properties of honey in relation to MRSS are influenced by the physical and chemical composition, namely the content of proline. It has been experimentally established that most types of investigated honey samples with high qualitative indices exhibited antibacterial action against antibiotic-resistant isolates of Staphylococcus spp., With higher levels of antibacterial activity showing those honey samples that had a higher proline content of more than 350 mg/kg. It was established that the antibacterial action of honey against antibiotic resistant isolates of Staphylococcus spp. It is better manifested in more concentrated solutions – when diluted in the ratio of honey / solvent as 2:1 and 3:1 (growth retardation zones from 34 mm to 58 mm) compared to solutions of honey diluted in proportions 1:1 and 1:2 (growth retardation zones from 10 mm to 15 mm).
Application of intrauterine aerosol preparation for the treatment of cows with postpartum complications
Authors: Katsaraba O.A. , Stefanyk V.Y. , Kostyshyn Ye.Ye. , Sachuk R.N. , Kulinich O.V.
Published: June 2018

Despite the detailed study of the causes of postpartum endometritis in cows, its course and the implementation of therapeutic and prophylactic measures aimed at preventing obstetric and gynecological pathology, this problem remains extremely relevant and requires comprehensive improvement. Traditional treatment regimens for cows using local therapy include not always effective intrauterine drugs. Therefore, for the treatment of postnatal infections in animals it is better to use highly active drugs in the form of complexes with aerosols. The purpose of the work was to study the therapeutic and prophylactic properties of the foam-forming aerosol preparation «Yodozol» with the comprehensive use of the drugs «Uterodev» and «Devivit Complex» at postpartum endometritis in cows. To study the therapeutic efficacy of the drug «Yodozol» in combination with these drugs, an experimental group (intravenously 1 bottle of foaming aerosol preparation «Yodozol», twice with an interval of 5 days, «Uterodev» was injected intramuscularly in a dose of 10 ml twice with an interval of 24 hours, «Devivit Complex» was administered once intramuscularly at a dose of 30 ml of a single animal product, «BTF plus» subcutaneously at a dose of 15 ml per animal at an interval of 24 hours for 5 days) and control (intramuscularly administered «Yodopen» suppositories 1 suppository 1 time per day with an interval of 24 hours for 3 days, together with subcutaneous single dose «Oxytocin» in a dose of 6 ml per animal) per 10 animals in each of which the postnatal endometritis was diagnosed. Before and after the administration of drugs in cows suffering from postpartum endometritis, blood was taken for general blood analysis, which was taken aseptically from the jugular vein until the morning feeding. The number of erythrocytes and leukocytes was determined by direct counting in the counting chamber of Goryaev's net, hemoglobin – by Sali method. In the blood of cows after administration of drugs, the content of erythrocytes increased by 1.3 times (P ≤ 0.05), leukocytes and hemoglobin increased by 1.1 times (P ≤ 0.05), compared with similar indices prior to administration, indicating stimulation of erythrocytes and leukopoiesis. The use of «Yodozol» aerosol in combination with «Uterodev», «Devivit Complex» and «BTF plus» preparations during 7 days provided 90% recovery of cows. In the control group of cows, recovery was observed in 65% of cows for 10 days. After recovery of experimental group cows, the service period decreased by 53.0 ± 6.0 days (P ≤ 0.05), the index of insemination decreased by 0.6 units, as compared to similar indicators of control cows.
Ficções caninas em Clarice Lispector e Machado de Assis
Authors: Maciel Maria Esther
Published: June 2018

Este artigo aborda, sob um viés transdisciplinar, alguns personagens caninos da literatura brasileira, com ênfase em narrativas selecionadas de Machado de Assis e Clarice Lispector que apresentam cães como protagonistas e propõem reflexões instigantes sobre a convivência entre humanos e outras espécies animais. Para isso, busco discutir a noção de subjetividade animal e as estratégias ficcionais usadas por ambos os escritores na construção dos sujeitos caninos em suas obras.
Wandering and Ecological Ethos in 'A hora e vez de Augusto Matraga'
Authors: Nielson Rex
Published: June 2018

João Guimarães Rosa locates nearly all his fiction in the Brazilian sertão, the vast, semi-arid backlands of Brazil's interior, yet surprisingly few studies exist regarding Guimarães Rosa’s environmental attitudes or the ecological ethos present in his work. Pressing environmental concerns in Brazil have nevertheless inspired new readings of Guimarães Rosa's work that consider the ecological consciousness latent in his fiction. Guimarães Rosa's well-known novella, "A hora e vez de Augusto Matraga," reveals a powerful ecological ethos by modeling the concept of wandering—a way of relating to nature and to others. The story demonstrates that acquiring aesthetic sensitivity and developing ecological understanding occur simultaneously, and they work together to establish social and communal harmony.