bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mary in Modern Orthodox Theology
Authors: Louth Andrew
Published: September 2019

Although the Eastern Orthodox approach to Mary is based on the rich devotion to the Mother of God found in the liturgical worship and iconography of the Orthodox Church, there is a deep reticence about embarking on dogmatic definition in Mariology. The thought of four twentieth-century theologians is discussed: Bulgakov, Lossky, the Romanian Stăniloae, and Evdokimov. Bulgakov’s extensive reflection on Mary began with a short book, The Burning Bush, directed against Roman Catholic Mariology, tracing its erroneous doctrine back to the Scholastic notion of pura natura, his positive exposition of Mariology being drawn from liturgical texts. Bulgakov’s reflection on Mariology is intimately bound up with his Sophiology. Lossky’s reflection on Mary sees a close link between Mary and the Holy Spirit, something developed further by Evdokimov. Stăniloae’s Mariology is puzzling, apparently absent from its natural place in his Dogmatics, although compensated for in his discussion of the intercession of the saints.
The Patristic and Medieval Roots of Mary’s Humility
Authors: Reynolds Brian K.
Published: September 2019

Today, if one were to identify a single quality that typifies Mary other than her virginity it might well be her humility, yet this has not always been so. Despite the emphasis on her humility in Luke’s Gospel the Fathers in the early centuries of the Church mainly showed more interest in her virginity and obedience. Only in the eighth century, especially with Bede, did Mary come to be widely identified with humility, leading to a remarkable shift in her image in the Western Church; in fact by the twelfth century, Bernard of Clairvaux declared that her humility was more important than her virginity in God’s choice of her as his Mother. This chapter examines the complex factors that led to Mary becoming so closely identified with the virtue in the Latin Church and discuss the nature of Marian humility in this period, often mistakenly confused with passivity and servility.
Medieval Marian Pilgrimage in the Catholic West
Authors: Bugslag James
Published: September 2019

The slight evidence for Marian pilgrimage in Western Europe from the sixth century begins to increase by the tenth century. Pilgrimage shrines, often related with an apparition of Mary, mushroomed from the eleventh century, appearing in greater and greater numbers into the early modern period. Marian relics begin to appear, as well, in the eleventh century, but the vast majority of Marian pilgrimages focused on miraculous images, icons in Italy and Eastern Europe, statues elsewhere. As Mary became more embedded in affective devotion from the twelfth century onwards, Marian pilgrimage experienced dramatic escalation. Yet, much local pilgrimage, which rooted Mary’s presence in the landscape, was related to help in this life: cures, protection, security, etc. Despite the presence of some major international pilgrimage shrines, most Marian pilgrimage was very local by the late Middle Ages, creating a dense network of Marian shrines all over Europe.
Introduction
Authors: Davis Bret W.
Published: September 2019

This introduction examines the meaning of “Japanese philosophy.” Rather than searching for an unchanging essence, it begins by looking at the ways this locution and its Japanese counterpart, Nihon tetsugaku, have been used in English and in Japanese. Furthermore, it engages in the critical and constructive project of suggesting why some usages are more problematic and others more compelling. Attention is given to the disputed question of whether some discourses of traditional Japanese “thought” should be called “philosophy,” as well as to the myriad and contested ways in which “philosophy” has been defined in the Western tradition. After discussing some generalizations that can be made about the nature of Japanese philosophy, the question of what it means to qualify a type of philosophy as “Japanese” is addressed. In the end, it is argued that “Japanese philosophy” is best understood as mainly a subset of “philosophy in Japan,” a subset which includes any rigorous thinking about fundamental issues that draws sufficiently and significantly on the intellectual, linguistic, cultural, religious, literary, and artistic sources of the porous and ever-developing Japanese tradition.
Separating viscous and thermal effects of temperature on copepod feeding
Authors: Tyrell Abigail S , Fisher Nicholas S
Published: September 2019

Because seawater temperature is correlated with viscosity, temperature changes may impact small zooplankton through a mechanical pathway, separately from any thermally-induced effects on metabolism. We evaluated both viscous and thermal effects on copepod feeding in experiments where viscosity was manipulated separately from temperature using a non-toxic polymer. Two copepod species, Acartia tonsa and Parvocalanus crassirostris, feeding on two monoalgal diets (a diatom and a dinoflagellate) were compared. At constant temperature, increase in viscosity nearly always reduced feeding; at constant viscosity, changes in temperature had no effect on feeding. The effects of viscosity and temperature were more pronounced for the diatom than the flagellate prey. Overall, reductions in zooplankton feeding at cold temperatures can be explained primarily by the mechanical effect of viscosity. Q10 values for copepod feeding (1.0–7.9), calculated from the present data and from the literature, were generally higher and more variable than Q10 values from the literature for copepod respiration (1.5–3.1) indicating that, at cold temperatures, feeding is more dramatically suppressed than metabolism. We conclude that (i) high viscosity may inhibit copepod feeding, and (ii) this viscous effect on feeding (rather than a thermal effect on metabolism) may influence the cold-temperature bounds of zooplankton populations.
Comparison of FlowCAM and microscope biovolume measurements for a diverse freshwater phytoplankton community
Authors: Hrycik Allison R , Shambaugh Angela , Stockwell Jason D
Published: September 2019

FlowCAM combines flow cytometry and imaging to rapidly enumerate, classify and measure particles. The instrument potentially increases processing speed of phytoplankton samples. FlowCAM, however, requires extensive comparison to microscopy before incorporation into monitoring and research. Past studies have compared FlowCAM and microscopy results for mostly marine rather than freshwater phytoplankton communities. We compared phytoplankton biovolume, density and taxonomic classifications between FlowCAM and microscopy for 113 samples from Lake Champlain, USA—a large freshwater system with diverse phytoplankton. Total biovolume estimates from FlowCAM were higher than microscope biovolumes due to higher individual particle biovolumes. Biovolume relationships, however, were closely correlated between the two methods. Shape-specific biovolumes from FlowCAM images slightly improved estimates compared to area-based biovolumes. Diatoms and filamentous cyanobacteria showed the strongest relationships between FlowCAM and microscope biovolumes. Microscope natural unit counts were generally higher than FlowCAM counts. Genus richness was weakly related between FlowCAM and microscopy, demonstrating a potential tradeoff between finer taxonomic resolutions with a microscope versus the higher number of particles processed with FlowCAM. Both methods produced reproducible biovolumes with replicate samples. We conclude that microscopy is more reliable when fine taxonomic resolution is needed and FlowCAM is suitable for rapid processing of major phytoplankton groups.
Setting the scene – a future ‘epidemic’ of immune-related adverse events in association with checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Bermudez Maria V , Papa Sophie
Published: September 2019

Cancer immune therapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has changed the landscape of treatment for a growing number of indications. These drugs are associated with a specific mechanism of action that has profound implications for both immunology and inflammatory disease. This article looks to set the scene covering the history of CPI therapy to date and outlining the likely future developments.
Secukinumab provides sustained low rates of radiographic progression in psoriatic arthritis: 52-week results from a phase 3 study, FUTURE 5
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Mease Philip J , Landewé Robert B M , Rahman Proton , Tahir Hasan , Singhal Atul , Boettcher Elke , Navarra Sandra , Zhu Xuan , Ligozio Gregory , Readie Aimee , Mpofu Shephard , Pricop Luminita
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effect of secukinumab on radiographic progression through 52 weeks in patients with PsA from the FUTURE 5 study.

Methods

Patients with active PsA, stratified by prior anti-TNF use (naïve or inadequate response), were randomized to s.c. secukinumab 300 mg load (300 mg), 150 mg load (150 mg), 150 mg no load regimens or placebo at baseline, at weeks 1, 2 and 3 and every 4 weeks starting at week 4. Radiographic progression was assessed by change in van der Heijde-modified total Sharp score (vdH-mTSS; mean of two readers). Statistical analysis used a linear mixed-effects model (random slope) at weeks 24 and 52, and observed data at week 52. Assessments at week 52 included additional efficacy endpoints (non-responders imputation and mixed-effects models for repeated measures) and safety.

Results

The majority (86.6%) of patients completed 52 weeks of treatment. The proportion of patients with no radiographic progression (change from baseline in vdH-mTSS ⩽0.5) was 91.8, 85.2 and 87.2% in 300, 150 and 150 mg no load groups, respectively, at week 52. The change in vdH-mTSS from baseline to week 52 using random slope [mean change (s.e.)] was –0.18 (0.17), 0.11 (0.18) and –0.20 (0.18) in 300, 150 and 150 mg no load groups, respectively; the corresponding observed data [mean change (s.d.)] was –0.09 (1.02), 0.13 (1.39) and 0.21 (1.15). Clinical efficacy endpoints were sustained, and no new or unexpected safety signals were reported through 52 weeks.

Conclusion

Secukinumab 300 and 150 mg with or without s.c. loading regimen provided sustained low rates of radiographic progression through 52 weeks of treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02404350.
The risk of uveitis in patients with JIA receiving etanercept: the challenges of analysing real-world data
Authors: Davies Rebecca , De Cock Diederik , Kearsley-Fleet Lianne , Southwood Taunton , Baildam Eileen , Beresford Michael W , Foster Helen E , Thomson Wendy , Ramanan Athimalaipet V , Hyrich Kimme L ,   for the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Etanercept Cohort Study (BSPAR-ETN) and the Biologics for Children with Rheumatic Diseases (BCRD) study
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To describe and compare the occurrence of newly diagnosed uveitis in children with JIA receiving MTX, etanercept, adalimumab and infliximab.

Methods

This on-drug analysis included patients within UK JIA registries (British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Etanercept Cohort Study and Biologics for Children with Rheumatic Diseases) with non-systemic disease, registered at MTX or biologic start with no history of uveitis. Follow-up began from date of first treatment, continuing until first uveitis, discontinuation of registered drug, most recent follow-up up or death, whichever came first. Hazard ratios comparing risk of uveitis between drugs were calculated using propensity-adjusted Cox regression.

Results

A total of 2294 patients were included (943 MTX, 304 adalimumab/infliximab, 1047 etanercept). There were 44 reported cases of uveitis (27 MTX, 16 etanercept, 1 adalimumab). Unadjusted hazard ratio showed a reduced risk of uveitis in biologic cohorts compared with MTX. After adjusting for propensity deciles, there was no significant difference in the risk of uveitis between patients receiving etanercept or MTX [hazard ratio 0.5 (0.2–1.1)]. Fully adjusted comparisons were not possible for adalimumab/infliximab as there were too few events.

Conclusions

In this first paper to compare the rate of new onset uveitis across the three main anti-TNF therapies used in JIA, a new diagnosis of uveitis is less common among patients starting biologics compared with MTX, although this did not reach statistical significance. The suggested protective effect of etanercept is likely explained by confounding, whereby patients in the MTX cohort are younger and earlier in disease, and therefore at greater risk of developing uveitis compared with etanercept patients.
High tuberculosis incidence among people living with diabetes in Indonesia
Authors: McAllister Susan M , Koesoemadinata Raspati C , Santoso Prayudi , Soetedjo Nanny N M , Kamil Abdul , Permana Hikmat , Ruslami Rovina , Critchley Julia A , van Crevel Reinout , Hill Philip C , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: September 2019

Background

Data regarding the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among people living with diabetes (PLWD) in TB-endemic settings are scarce. We examined TB incidence among PLWD in Indonesia who had previously been screened for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease.

Methods

PLWD (≥18 y of age) in an urban setting were examined a mean 3.4 y after they had been screened for active TB and LTBI. Data on subsequent TB diagnosis were collected by interview and with chest X-ray, sputum smear and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture. TB incidence rates were stratified for baseline LTBI status, as determined by the QuantiFERON interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA).

Results

Of 590 PLWD, 101 had died and 163 could not be contacted or refused. Among the 326 who were re-examined, 6 (1.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7 to 4.0) reported being diagnosed already and a further 5 were diagnosed with active TB (1.5%; 95% CI 0.50 to 3.5). The TB incidence rate was 9.85 (95% CI 4.03 to 15.68) per 1000 person-years. TB incidence was higher among PLWD with baseline LTBI (17.13; 95% CI 5.25 to 29.00/1000 person-years) compared with those without LTBI (4.79; 95% CI −0.63 to 10.21), with an incidence rate ratio of 3.57 (95% CI 0.86 to 20.92; p=0.054).

Conclusions

PLWD with LTBI in Indonesia and similar settings are likely to benefit from TB preventive therapy.
A new paradigm for international uniform substantive law conventions
Authors: Ferrari Franco
Published: September 2019

This paper posits that a paradigm shift has taken place in respect of the way the relationship between private international law and international uniform law conventions is understood. The author shows that recent international uniform law conventions evidence that their drafters do not consider the relationship to be an antagonistic one, but rather one of symbiosis.
CD47 limits autophagy to promote acute kidney injury
Authors: El‐Rashid Maryam , Ghimire Kedar , Sanganeria Barkha , Lu Bo , Rogers and Natasha M.
Published: September 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) initiates a complex pathophysiological cascade leading to epithelial cell death. Recent studies identify autophagy, a key intracellular process that degrades cytoplasmic constituents, as protective against AKI. We have previously reported that the protein thrombospondin‐1 and its receptor CD47 are induced in AKI; however, the mechanism underlying their regulation of injury is unknown. Here, we investigated whether CD47 signaling affects autophagy to regulate AKI. Wild‐type (WT) and CD47‐/‐ mice were challenged with renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury. All animals underwent analysis of renal function and biomolecular phenotyping. CD47‐/‐ mice were resistant to AKI, with decreased serum creatinine and ameliorated histologic changes compared with WT animals. These mice also displayed increased abundance of key autophagy genes, including autophagy‐related gene (Atg)5, Atg7, beclin‐1, and microtubule‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) at baseline and post‐AKI, which were significantly reduced in WT mice. Changes in protein expression correlated with increased autophagosome and autolysosome formation in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). In mouse kidney transplantation, treatment with a CD47‐blocking antibody that improved function was associated with increased autophagy compared with control mice. Primary isolated RTECs from CD47‐/‐ mice demonstrated increased basal expression of several autophagy components that was preserved under hypoxic stress. These data suggest that activated CD47 promotes AKI through inhibition of autophagy and point to CD47 as a target to preserve renal function following injury.—El‐Rashid, M., Ghimire, K., Sanganeria, B., Lu, B., Rogers, N. M. CD47 limits autophagy to promote acute kidney injury. FASEB J. 33, 12735–12749 (2019). www.fasebj.org
α‐NETA induces pyroptosis of epithelial ovarian cancer cells through the GSDMD/caspase‐4 pathway
Authors: Qiao Lianqiao , Wu Xiaomei , Zhang Jing , Liu Lei , Sui Xiaoxin , Zhang Ru , Liu Wenxue , Shen Fangqian , Sun Yunyan , Xi Xiaowei
Published: September 2019

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the most common causes of death among patients with ovarian cancer, and identifying novel antitumor agents is a priority. Here, we report that the novel molecule 2‐(anaphthoyl)ethyl‐trimethylammonium iodide (α‐NETA) induces epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell pyroptosis through the gesdermin‐d (GSDMD)/caspase‐4 pathway. Furthermore, Cell Counting Kit‐8 fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis showed that α‐NETA treatment led to cell death in different ovarian cancer cell lines, including Ho8910, Ho8910PM, and A2780. Morphologic examination by electron microscopy indicated that cells treated with α‐NETA produced multiple microbubbles, typical of cells undergoing pyroptosis. α‐NETA also significantly increased expression of pyroptosis‐associated molecules including caspase‐4 and GSDMD in EOC cells. Knockdown of either caspase‐4 or GSDMD in ovarian cancer cells strongly interfered with α‐NETA cell‐killing activity, indicating that α‐NETA acts through the pyroptosis pathway. In vivo, α‐NETA treatment dramatically decreased the size of EOC tumors in mice. Our findings suggest that α‐NETA represents a potential new antitumor molecule or lead compound for EOC chemotherapy.—Qiao, L., Wu, X., Zhang, J., Liu, L., Sui, X., Zhang, R., Liu, W., Shen, F., Sun, Y., Xi, X. α‐NETA induces pyroptosis of epithelial ovarian cancer cells through the GSDMD/caspase‐4 pathway. FASEB J. 33, 12760–12767 (2019). www.fasebj.org
T‐cell–derived extracellular vesicles regulate B‐cell IgG production via pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2
Authors: Yang Juan , Dang Guohui , Lü Silin , Liu Huiying , Ma Xiaolong , Han Lulu , Deng Jiacheng , Miao Yutong , Li Xiaopeng , Shao Fangyu , Jiang Changtao , Xu Qingbo , Wang Xian , Feng Juan
Published: September 2019

Intercellular communication between lymphocytes plays a fundamental role in numerous immune responses. Previously, we demonstrated that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) induced T cell intracellular glycolytic‐lipogenic reprogramming and IFN‐γ secretion via pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2 (PKM2) to accelerate atherosclerosis. Usually, B cells partially obtain help from T cells in antibody responses. However, whether PKM2 activation in T cells regulates B cell antibody production is unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important cellular communication vehicles. Here, we found that PKM2 activator TEPP46‐stimulated T‐cell–derived EVs promoted B‐cell IgG secretion. Conversely, EVs secreted from PKM2‐null T cells were internalized into B cells and markedly inhibited B‐cell mitochondrial programming, activation, and IgG production. Mechanistically, lipidomics analyses showed that increased ceramides in PKM2‐activated T‐cell EVs were mainly responsible for enhanced B cell IgG secretion induced by these EVs. Finally, quantum dots (QDs) were packaged with PKM2‐null T cell EVs and anti‐CD19 antibody to exert B‐cell targeting and inhibit IgG production, eventually ameliorating HHcy‐accelerated atherosclerosis in vivo. Thus, PKM2‐mediated EV ceramides in T cells may be an important cargo for T‐cell–regulated B cell IgG production, and QD‐CD19‐PKM2‐null T cell EVs hold high potential to treat B cell overactivation‐related diseases.—Yang, J., Dang, G., Lü, S., Liu, H., Ma, X., Han, L., Deng, J., Miao, Y., Li, X., Shao, F., Jiang, C., Xu, Q., Wang, X., Feng, J. T‐cell‐derived extracellular vesicles regulate B‐cell IgG production via pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2. FASEB J. 33, 12780–12799 (2019). www.fasebj.org
GFAP alternative splicing regulates glioma cell–ECM interaction in a DUSP4‐dependent manner
Authors: van Bodegraven Emma J. , van Asperen Jessy V. , Sluijs Jacqueline A. , van Deursen Coen B. J. , van Strien Miriam E. , Stassen Oscar M. J. A. , Robe Pierre A. J. , Hol Elly M.
Published: September 2019

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Their highly invasive character and the heterogeneity of active oncogenic pathways within single tumors complicate the development of curative therapies and cause poor patient prognosis. Glioma cells express the intermediate filament protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the level of its alternative splice variant GFAP‐δ, relative to its canonical splice variant GFAP‐α, is higher in grade IV compared with lower‐grade and lower malignant glioma. In this study we show that a high GFAP‐δ/α ratio induces the expression of the dual‐specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) in focal adhesions. By focusing on pathways up‐ and downstream of DUSP4 that are involved in the cell‐extracellular matrix interaction, we show that a high GFAP‐δ/α ratio equips glioma cells to better invade the brain. This study supports the hypothesis that glioma cells with a high GFAP‐δ/α ratio are highly invasive and more malignant cells, thus making GFAP alternative splicing a potential therapeutic target.—Van Bodegraven, E. J., van Asperen, J. V., Sluijs, J. A., van Deursen, C. B. J., van Strien, M. E., Stassen, O. M. J. A., Robe, P. A. J., Hol, E. M. GFAP alternative splicing regulates glioma cell–ECM interaction in a DUSP4‐dependent manner. FASEB J. 33, 12941–12959 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Harmonizing gene signatures to predict benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer
Authors: Criscitiello Carmen , Viale Giulia , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, including different subtypes with their own biology, prognosis, clinical characteristics and treatment. To date, traditional clinical and pathological determinants remain the main factors guiding treatment decision-making; however, the development of multigene assays improved the ability to predict the risk of recurrence in patients with early-stage breast cancer. These tools underwent an extensive independent validation and have already been partly incorporated into clinical practice.

Recent findings

The current article summarizes current evidence for the use of the different genomic assays in clinical practice, their characteristics and validation studies. A few studies comparing available genomic assays revealed that they provide different information with a modest correlation and that they are not interchangeable; other trials are currently ongoing in this setting.

Variability across different gene signatures may be a challenge for the optimal management of the individual patient, hence each assay should be used for the clinical setting in which it has been validated.
Treatment of cognitive deficits in brain tumour patients: current status and future directions
Authors: Coomans Marijke B. , van der Linden Sophie D. , Gehring Karin , Taphoorn Martin J.B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

Increased life expectancy in brain tumour patients had led to the need for strategies that preserve and improve cognitive functioning, as many patients suffer from cognitive deficits. The tumour itself, as well as antitumor treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, supportive treatment and individual patient factors are associated with cognitive problems. Here, we review the recent literature on approaches that preserve and improve cognitive functioning, including pharmacological agents and rehabilitation programs.

Recent findings

Minimizing cognitive dysfunction and improving cognitive functioning in brain tumour patients may be achieved both by preserving cognitive functioning during antitumor treatment, including techniques such as awake brain surgery, less invasive radiation therapies such as stereotactic radiotherapy and proton therapy, as well as with interventions including cognitive rehabilitation programmes. Novel rehabilitation programs including computer-based cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) programmes that can be adjusted to the specific patient needs and can be administered at home are promising. Furthermore, personalized/precision medicine approaches to identify patients who are at risk for cognitive decline may facilitate effective treatment strategies in the future.

Cognitive functioning has gained greater awareness in the neuro-oncological community, and methods to preserve and improve cognitive functioning have been explored. Rehabilitation programmes for brain tumour patients should be further developed and referred to in clinical practice.
Banking with precision: transfusion medicine as a potential universal application in clinical genomics
Authors: Montemayor Celina , Brunker Patricia A.R. , Keller Margaret A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

To summarize the most recent scientific progress in transfusion medicine genomics and discuss its role within the broad genomic precision medicine model, with a focus on the unique computational and bioinformatic aspects of this emergent field.

Recent findings

Recent publications continue to validate the feasibility of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for blood group prediction with three distinct approaches: exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and PCR-based targeted NGS methods. The reported correlation of NGS with serologic and alternative genotyping methods ranges from 92 to 99%. NGS has demonstrated improved detection of weak antigens, structural changes, copy number variations, novel genomic variants, and microchimerism. Addition of a transfusion medicine interpretation to any clinically sequenced genome is proposed as a strategy to enhance the cost-effectiveness of precision genomic medicine. Interpretation of NGS in the blood group antigen context requires not only advanced immunohematology knowledge, but also specialized software and hardware resources, and a bioinformatics-trained workforce.

Blood transfusions are a common inpatient procedure, making blood group genomics a promising facet of precision medicine research. Further efforts are needed to embrace transfusion bioinformatic challenges and evaluate its clinical utility.
Long-term outcomes after childhood convulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Pujar Suresh , Scott Rod C.
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

It is widely accepted that childhood convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) has associated short-term and long-term mortality and morbidity. However, the role of CSE itself on subsequent adverse outcomes is still debated. In addition, whether prolonged seizures cause any long-term hippocampal injury and developmental or memory impairment is uncertain. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of long-term outcomes after childhood CSE, highlighting data from recent literature on this subject.

Recent findings

Long-term outcome after childhood CSE is favorable in previously normal children, with low incidence of epilepsy, motor and intellectual disability, behavioral impairment and need for special educational provision. Mesial temporal sclerosis is uncommon in children after prolonged febrile seizures. There is substantial morbidity after childhood CSE, but this is seen primarily in children with symptomatic causes and preexisting neurological abnormalities. Cause is the primary determinant of outcomes after childhood CSE and the additional effect of CSE characteristics such as seizure duration seems to be less than previously believed.

Childhood CSE is associated with substantial neurological, cognitive and behavioral morbidity. Early identification of these difficulties and appropriate intervention are likely to have a major positive impact on their quality of life.
Focal adhesion clustering drives endothelial cell morphology on patterned surfaces
Authors: Natale C. F. , Lafaurie-Janvore J. , Ventre M. , Babataheri A. , Barakat A. I.
Published: September 2019

In many cell types, shape and function are intertwined.
In vivo,
vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are typically elongated and aligned in the direction of blood flow; however, near branches and bifurcations where atherosclerosis develops, ECs are often cuboidal and have no preferred orientation. Thus, understanding the factors that regulate EC shape and alignment is important.
In vitro
, EC morphology and orientation are exquisitely sensitive to the composition and topography of the substrate on which the cells are cultured; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Different strategies of substrate patterning for regulating EC shape and orientation have been reported including adhesive motifs on planar surfaces and micro- or nano-scale gratings that provide substrate topography. Here, we explore how ECs perceive planar bio-adhesive versus microgrooved topographic surfaces having identical feature dimensions. We show that while the two types of patterned surfaces are equally effective in guiding and directing EC orientation, the cells are considerably more elongated on the planar patterned surfaces than on the microgrooved surfaces. We also demonstrate that the key factor that regulates cellular morphology is focal adhesion clustering which subsequently drives cytoskeletal organization. The present results promise to inform design strategies of novel surfaces for the improved performance of implantable cardiovascular devices.
Magnetoreception in birds
Authors: Wiltschko Roswitha , Wiltschko Wolfgang
Published: September 2019

Birds can use two kinds of information from the geomagnetic field for navigation: the direction of the field lines as a compass and probably magnetic intensity as a component of the navigational ‘map’. The direction of the magnetic field appears to be sensed via radical pair processes in the eyes, with the crucial radical pairs formed by cryptochrome. It is transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain, where parts of the visual system seem to process the respective information. Magnetic intensity appears to be perceived by magnetite-based receptors in the beak region; the information is transmitted by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve to the trigeminal ganglion and the trigeminal brainstem nuclei. Yet in spite of considerable progress in recent years, many details are still unclear, among them details of the radical pair processes and their transformation into a nervous signal, the precise location of the magnetite-based receptors and the centres in the brain where magnetic information is combined with other navigational information for the navigational processes.
Temperature-dependent development of the blow fly
Chrysomya pinguis
and its significance in estimating postmortem interval
Authors: Zhang Yingna , Wang Yu , Sun Jian , Hu Guoliang , Wang Man , Amendt Jens , Wang Jiangfeng
Published: September 2019

Chrysomya pinguis
(Walker) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is an endemic Asiatic blow fly species of forensic importance.
Chrysomya pinguis
is one of the first species to colonize a corpse, especially in high altitude areas during spring and autumn when the ambient temperature is lower. Despite its potential for forensic investigations to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI
min
), little is known about the development of
C. pinguis
. In this study,
C. pinguis
was collected from the Yangtze River Delta region of China and reared at seven constant temperatures between 16°C and 34°C to investigate the effect of temperature on development duration, accumulated degree hours and larval body length of
C. pinguis
. Isomorphen and isomegalen diagrams for
C. pinguis
were generated using the results, and equations describing the variation in larval body length during development and the temperature-induced variation in development time were also obtained.
Chrysomya pinguis
can complete its life cycle at 16–34°C. The mean (±s.d.) developmental durations of
C. pinguis
from egg to adult at 16°C, 19°C, 22°C, 25°C, 28°C, 31°C and 34°C were 811.0 ± 3.8, 544.8 ± 2.0, 379.8 ± 1.8, 306.7 ± 2.4, 250.0 ± 2.8, 203.2 ± 2.1 and 185.3 ± 1.6 h, respectively. The mean (±s.e.) developmental threshold temperature D
0
and the thermal summation constant K of the whole developmental process of
C. pinguis
were estimated as 10.88 ± 0.21°C and 4256.50 ± 104.50 degree hours, respectively. This study provides fundamental development data for the use of
C. pinguis
to estimate PMI
min
.
The guiding role of pre-coking on the coke deposition over ZSM-5 in methanol to propylene
Authors: Wang Lin , Qi Jing , Jiao Hongqiao , An Liangcheng , Guan Chong , Yong Xiaojing , Jin Zhengwei , Zhang Angui , Liu Dianhua
Published: September 2019

Deposition of carbonaceous compounds was used to improve the propylene selectivity of ZSM-5 by deactivating some acid sites meanwhile maintaining the high activity for methanol conversion. The carbonaceous species of pre-coked samples before and after MTP reactions were investigated by elementary analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that pre-coke formed at low temperature (250°C) was unstable and easy to transform into polyaromatics species at the high reacting temperature, while combining 5% pre-coking process with 95% steam treatment at high temperature (480°C) was effective in inhibiting the formation of coke deposits and presented a significant improvement in the propylene selectivity.
Migratory convergence facilitates cultural transmission of humpback whale song
Authors: Owen Clare , Rendell Luke , Constantine Rochelle , Noad Michael J. , Allen Jenny , Andrews Olive , Garrigue Claire , Michael Poole M. , Donnelly David , Hauser Nan , Garland Ellen C.
Published: September 2019

Cultural transmission of behaviour is important in a wide variety of vertebrate taxa from birds to humans. Vocal traditions and vocal learning provide a strong foundation for studying culture and its transmission in both humans and cetaceans. Male humpback whales (
Megaptera novaeangliae
) perform complex, culturally transmitted song displays that can change both evolutionarily (through accumulations of small changes) or revolutionarily (where a population rapidly adopts a novel song). The degree of coordination and conformity underlying song revolutions makes their study of particular interest. Acoustic contact on migratory routes may provide a mechanism for cultural revolutions of song, yet these areas of contact remain uncertain. Here, we compared songs recorded from the Kermadec Islands, a recently discovered migratory stopover, to multiple South Pacific wintering grounds. Similarities in song themes from the Kermadec Islands and multiple wintering locations (from New Caledonia across to the Cook Islands) suggest a location allowing cultural transmission of song eastward across the South Pacific, active song learning (hybrid songs) and the potential for cultural convergence after acoustic isolation at the wintering grounds. As with the correlations in humans between genes, communication and migration, the migration patterns of humpback whales are written into their songs.
Poly(ether-
block
-amide) copolymer membrane for CO
2
/N
2
separation: the influence of the casting solution concentration on its morphology, thermal properties and gas separation performance
Authors: Martínez-Izquierdo Lidia , Malankowska Magdalena , Sánchez-Laínez Javier , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín
Published: September 2019

The present work is focused on the study of the effect that the casting solution concentration has on the morphology and gas separation performance of poly(ether-
block
-amide) copolymer membranes (Pebax
®
MH 1657). With this aim, three different concentrations of Pebax
®
MH 1657 in the casting solution (1, 3 and 5 wt%) were used to prepare dense membranes with a thickness of 40 µm. The morphology and thermal stability of all membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, rotational viscometry and thermogravimetric analyses. An increase in crystallinity was notable when the amount of solvent in the Pebax
®
MH 1657 solution was higher, mainly related to the polymer chains arrangement and the solvent evaporation time. Such characteristic seemed to play a key role in the thermal degradation of the membranes, confirming that the most crystalline materials tend to be thermally more stable than those with lower crystallinity. To study the influence of their morphology and operating temperature on the CO
2
separation, gas separation tests were conducted with the gas mixture CO
2
/N
2
. Results indicated that a compromise must be found between the amount of solvent used to prepare the membranes and the crystallinity, in order to reach the best gas separation performance. In this study, the best performance was achieved with the membrane prepared from a 3 wt% casting solution, reaching at 35°C and under a feed pressure of 3 bar, a CO
2
permeability of 110 Barrer and a CO
2
/N
2
selectivity of 36.
Tadpole body size and behaviour alter the social acquisition of a defensive bacterial symbiont
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Wantman Trina , Rebollar Eria A. , Harris Reid N.
Published: September 2019

Individual differences in host phenotypes can generate heterogeneity in the acquisition and transmission of microbes. Although this has become a prominent factor of disease epidemiology, host phenotypic variation might similarly underlie the transmission of microbial symbionts that defend against pathogen infection. Here, we test whether host body size and behaviour influence the social acquisition of a skin bacterium,
Janthinobacterium lividum
, which in some hosts can confer protection against infection by
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
, the causative agent of the amphibian skin disease chytridiomycosis. We measured body size and boldness (time spent in an open field) of green frog tadpoles and haphazardly constructed groups of six individuals. In some groups, we exposed one individual in each group to
J. lividum
and, in other groups, we inoculated a patch of aquarium pebbles to
J. lividum
. After 24 h, we swabbed each individual to estimate the presence of
J. lividum
on their skin. On average, tadpoles acquired nearly four times more bacteria when housed with an exposed individual compared to those housed with a patch of inoculated substrate. When tadpoles were housed with an exposed group-mate, larger and ‘bolder’ individuals acquired more bacteria. These data suggest that phenotypically biased acquisition of defensive symbionts might generate biased patterns of mortality from the pathogens against which they protect.
Novel vascular plexus in the head of a sea snake (Elapidae, Hydrophiinae) revealed by high-resolution computed tomography and histology
Authors: Palci Alessandro , Seymour Roger S. , Van Nguyen Cao , Hutchinson Mark N. , Lee Michael S. Y. , Sanders Kate L.
Published: September 2019

Novel phenotypes are often linked to major ecological transitions during evolution. Here, we describe for the first time an unusual network of large blood vessels in the head of the sea snake
Hydrophis cyanocinctus
. MicroCT imaging and histology reveal an intricate modified cephalic vascular network (MCVN) that underlies a broad area of skin between the snout and the roof of the head. It is mostly composed of large veins and sinuses and converges posterodorsally into a large vein (sometimes paired) that penetrates the skull through the parietal bone. Endocranially, this blood vessel leads into the dorsal cerebral sinus, and from there, a pair of large veins depart ventrally to enter the brain. We compare the condition observed in
H. cyanocinctus
with that of other elapids and discuss the possible functions of this unusual vascular network. Sea snakes have low oxygen partial pressure in their arterial blood that facilitates cutaneous respiration, potentially limiting the availability of oxygen to the brain. We conclude that this novel vascular structure draining directly to the brain is a further elaboration of the sea snakes' cutaneous respiratory anatomy, the most likely function of which is to provide the brain with an additional supply of oxygen.
The Mezurio smartphone application: Evaluating the feasibility of frequent digital cognitive assessment in the PREVENT dementia study
Authors: Lancaster Claire , Blane Jasmine , Chinner Amy , Wolters Leona , Koychev Ivan , Hinds Chris
Published: September 2019

Background

Smartphones may significantly contribute to the detection of early cognitive decline at scale by enabling remote, frequent, sensitive, economic assessment. Several prior studies have sustained engagement with participants remotely over a period of a week; extending this to a period of a month would clearly give greater opportunity for measurement. However, as such study durations are increased, so too is the need to understand how participant burden and scientific value might be optimally balanced.

Objectives

We explore the ‘little but often’ approach to assessment employed by the Mezurio app, interacting with participants every day for over a month. We aim to understand whether this extended remote study duration is feasible, and which factors might promote sustained participant engagement over such study durations.

Methods

Thirty-five adults (aged 40-59 years) with no diagnosis of cognitive impairment were prompted to interact with the Mezurio smartphone app platform for up to 36 days, completing short, daily episodic memory tasks in addition to optional executive function and language tests. A subset (n=20) completed semi-structured interviews focused on their experience using the app.

Results

Average compliance with the schedule of learning for subsequent memory test was 80%, with 88% of participants still actively engaged by the final task. Thematic analysis of participants’ experiences highlighted schedule flexibility, a clear user-interface, and performance feedback as important considerations for engagement with remote digital assessment.

Conclusions

Despite the extended study duration, participants demonstrated high compliance with the tasks scheduled and were extremely positive about their experiences. Long durations of remote digital interaction are therefore definitely feasible, but only when careful attention is paid to the design of the users’ experience.
Extreme genomic volatility characterises the evolution of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus in teleost fishes
Authors: Bradshaw William J. , Valenzano Dario Riccardo
Published: September 2019

The evolution of the adaptive immune system has provided vertebrates with a uniquely sophisticated immune toolkit, enabling them to mount precise immune responses against a staggeringly diverse range of antigens. Like other vertebrates, teleost fishes possess a complex and functional adaptive immune system; however, our knowledge of the complex antigen-receptor genes underlying its functionality has been restricted to a small number of experimental and agricultural species, preventing a systematic investigation of how these crucial gene loci evolve. Here, we analyse the genomic structure of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene loci in the cyprinodontiforms, a diverse and important group of teleosts present in many different habitats across the world. We reconstruct the complete IGH loci of the turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) and the southern platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) and analyse their in vivo gene expression, revealing the presence of species-specific splice isoforms of transmembrane IGHM. We further characterise the IGH constant regions of ten additional cyprinodontiform species, including guppy, amazon molly, mummichog and mangrove killifish. Phylogenetic analysis of these constant regions reveals multiple independent rounds of duplication and deletion of the teleost-specific antibody class IGHZ in the cyprinodontiform lineage, demonstrating the extreme volatility of IGH evolution. Focusing on the cyprinodontiforms as a model taxon for comparative evolutionary immunology, this work provides novel genomic resources for studying adaptive immunity and sheds light on the evolutionary history of the adaptive immune system.
Neglecting low season nest protection exacerbates female biased sea turtle hatchling production through the loss of male producing nests
Authors: Hart Catherine E. , Tello-Sahagun Luis Angel , Abreu-Grobois F. Alberto , Zavala-Norzagaray Alan A. , Girondot Marc , Ley-Quiñonez Cesar P.
Published: September 2019

In the eastern Pacific, peak olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting occurs during the warmest months which coincide with the rainy season, yet as nesting takes place year-round, the small proportion of the nests laid during dry-low season are exposed to contrasting environmental conditions. Most of the studies on Pacific coast sea turtles have estimated sex ratios produced during the rainy-high season when the majority of conservation activities take place. Thus, dry-low season nests have on the whole been overlooked. Here we compared sex ratios and hatchling fitness for offspring produced during the dry and rainy seasons during 2015. We found that protected olive ridley clutches incubated during the dry-low season were exposed to lower temperatures, yielded higher hatchling success, produced 100% male offspring and larger, heavier hatchlings with better locomotor abilities. Our results highlight the critical value of monitoring and protecting sea turtle nests beyond the peak season (when nests can be protected more efficiently) to include low season nests, albeit at much lower densities, but which by yielding higher proportions of males and with greater locomotor capacities may be the key to population viability and adaptation to anthropogenic climate change.
Genomics reveals the origins of ancient specimens
Authors: Cong Qian , Shen Jinhui , Zhang Jing , Li Wenlin , Kinch Lisa N. , Calhoun John V. , Warren Andrew D. , Grishin Nick V.
Published: September 2019

Centuries of zoological studies amassed billions of specimens in collections worldwide. Genomics of these specimens promises to rejuvenate biodiversity research. The obstacles stem from DNA degradation with specimen age. Overcoming this challenge, we set out to resolve a series of long-standing controversies involving a group of butterflies. We deduced geographical origins of several ancient specimens of uncertain provenance that are at the heart of these debates. Here, genomics tackles one of the greatest problems in zoology: countless old, poorly documented specimens that serve as irreplaceable embodiments of species concepts. The ability to figure out where they were collected will resolve many on-going disputes. More broadly, we show the utility of genomics applied to ancient museum specimens to delineate the boundaries of species and populations, and to hypothesize about genotypic determinants of phenotypic traits.