bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postsurgical thrombotic microangiopathy: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Sridharan Meera , Hook C. Christopher , Leung Nelson , Winters Jeffrey L. , Go Ronald S. ,   Mayo Clinic Complement Alternative Pathway‐Thrombotic Microangiopathy Disease‐Oriented Group
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of postsurgical thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, records of individuals diagnosed with TMA developing within 30 days of a surgical procedure at Mayo Clinic from 2000 to 2016 were reviewed. Available literature regarding postsurgical TMA was comparatively reviewed.

Results

Twenty patients were diagnosed with TMA developing within 30 (median 6.5, range (1‐28)) days) following a procedure. Preceding procedures included orthopedic (n = 4), vascular (n = 4), abdominal (n = 8), thoracic (n = 2), and other (n = 2). Review of the literature identified 65 patients with postsurgical TMA and cardiovascular procedures were the most common preceding surgery. The majority of patients in the current cohort and literature were treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Among the evaluable patients in the current cohort, 100% demonstrated response to TPE; however, 25% required the addition of other therapy including eculizumab to maintain a response 80% of patients in the literature demonstrated a response to TPE.

Conclusions

Although rare, early recognition and treatment of postsurgical TMA can lead to good outcomes. More research is necessary to determine the underlying pathophysiology and optimal treatment for postsurgical TMA.
How can we quantitatively study insects whose larvae live beneath the forest floor? A case study at an experimental long‐term log‐removal site in Japan
Authors: Tsunoda Tomonori , Hyodo Fujio , Sugiura Daisuke , Kaneko Nobuhiro , Suzuki Satoshi N.
Published: June 2019

This study quantified the numbers and sex ratio of adult Sericania hidana (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in a subalpine forest in 2017. Data from an area littered with coarse woody debris (CWD) created by a typhoon in 1959 were compared with those from an area where CWD had been cleared by salvage logging. Three types of traps were used: flight interception traps (FITs) with a black light, pitfall traps (PITs), and soil emergence traps (SETs). Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were analyzed to evaluate S. hidana diets and habitats. Overall, there were more S. hidana in the unsalvaged sites than in the salvaged sites. The FITs captured only males but SETs captured both males and females. The SETs on CWD captured more S. hidana than did SETs on soil in both the salvaged and unsalvaged sites. The PITs captured only a few individuals; thus, PITs are not suitable for studying this insect, although such traps were previously reported to capture S. hidana adults. Stable isotope analyses suggested that S. hidana feeds on a variety of plant materials, including living plants and CWD. These results suggest that CWD has long‐term effects on insect populations. Soil emergence traps provide an effective method to quantitatively evaluate insect ecology, and FITs can effectively screen for the existence of insects.
A fossil aphid gall from the middle Pleistocene sediment in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan
Authors: Tsukagoshi Minoru , Sawada Ken , Akimoto Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2019

We described the external morphology of a fossil insect gall collected from the middle Pleistocene sediment in the Osaka Group of Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. The fossil was well preserved without major compression and was identified as a gall induced by an aphid species of the genus Nipponaphis (Nipponaphidini: Hormaphidinae: Aphididae), based on its external morphology. This is the first reliable fossil record of an Aphididae gall. This fossil provides evidence that the intimate aphid–plant association can be traced back to the middle Pleistocene, approximately 0.4 million years ago.
Cortical naming sites and increasing age in adults with refractory epilepsy: More might be less
Authors: Hamberger Marla J. , Schevon Catherine A. , Seidel William T. , McKhann Guy M. , Morrison Chris
Published: June 2019

Objective

Critical decisions regarding resection boundaries for epilepsy surgery are often based on results of electrical stimulation mapping (ESM). Despite the potentially serious implications for postoperative functioning, age‐referenced data that might facilitate the procedure are lacking. Age might be particularly relevant, as pediatric ESM studies have shown a paucity of language sites in young children followed by a rapid increase at approximately 8‐10 years. Beyond adolescence, it has generally been assumed that the language system remains stable, and therefore, potential age‐related changes across the adult age span have not been examined. However, increasing age during adulthood is associated with both positive and negative language‐related changes, such as a broadening vocabulary and increased word finding difficulty. Because most patients who undergo ESM are adults, we aimed to determine the potential impact of age on the incidence of ESM‐identified naming sites across the adult age span in patients with refractory epilepsy.

Methods

We analyzed clinical language ESM results from 47 patients, ages 17‐64 years, with refractory dominant‐hemisphere epilepsy. Patients had comparable location and number of cortical sites tested. The incidence of naming sites was examined as a function of age, and compared between younger and older adults.

Results

Significantly more naming sites were found in older than younger adults, and age was found to be a significant predictor of number of naming sites identified.

Significance

Unlike the developmental changes that coincide with increased naming sites in children, increased naming sites in older adults might signify greater vulnerability of the language system to disruption. Because preservation of language sites can limit the extent of the resection, and thereby reduce the likelihood of seizure freedom, further work should aim to determine the clinical relevance of increased naming sites in older adults.
Passenger travel behaviour on Chinese high‐speed railways using machine learning based on revealed‐preference data
Authors: Jing Yun , Liu Yingke , Zhang Zhenhua , Su Yunhan
Published: June 2019

Existing studies on the selection of railway travel modes almost always compare high‐speed trains and regular‐speed trains. In this study, three high‐speed trains (Revival, Harmony, and Electric multiple unites (EMU)) on the Beijing–Shanghai line, and the first‐ and second‐class seats on these three trains are selected as research objects to analyse the travel selection behaviour of Chinese high‐speed train passengers. Three methods are selected to study this behaviour: the Support Vector Machine, Nested Logit model, and Multiple Logit model. The results of these three models are calibrated using LIBSVM software and STATA software and show that age, funding source, income level, and purpose of travel are major factors that affect Chinese railway passengers' choices on high‐speed railways. Finally, it is shown that the Support Vector Machine is the most accurate of these three methods, followed by the Nested Logit model. The results of this study can complement existing research on the travel selection behaviour of Chinese railway passengers and has important implications for enabling China's high‐speed rail operators to adjust their passenger transportation products.
Evaluating community deliberations about health research priorities
Authors: Goold Susan Dorr , Danis Marion , Abelson Julia , Gornick Michelle , Szymecko Lisa , Myers C. Daniel , Rowe Zachary , Kim Hyungjin Myra , Salman Cengiz
Published: June 2019

Context

Engaging underrepresented communities in health research priority setting could make the scientific agenda more equitable and more responsive to their needs.

Objective

Evaluate democratic deliberations engaging minority and underserved communities in setting health research priorities.

Methods

Participants from underrepresented communities throughout Michigan (47 groups, n = 519) engaged in structured deliberations about health research priorities in professionally facilitated groups. We evaluated some aspects of the structure, process, and outcomes of deliberations, including representation, equality of participation, participants’ views of deliberations, and the impact of group deliberations on individual participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and points of view. Follow‐up interviews elicited richer descriptions of these and also explored later effects on deliberators.

Results

Deliberators (age 18‐88 years) overrepresented minority groups. Participation in discussions was well distributed. Deliberators improved their knowledge about disparities, but not about health research. Participants, on average, supported using their group's decision to inform decision makers and would trust a process like this to inform funding decisions. Views of deliberations were the strongest predictor of these outcomes. Follow‐up interviews revealed deliberators were particularly struck by their experience hearing and understanding other points of view, sometimes surprised at the group's ability to reach agreement, and occasionally activated to volunteer or advocate.

Conclusions

Deliberations using a structured group exercise to engage minority and underserved community members in setting health research priorities met some important criteria for a fair, credible process that could inform policy. Deliberations appeared to change some opinions, improved some knowledge, and were judged by participants worth using to inform policymakers.
OOESAlgorithm.jl: a julia package for optimizing a linear function over the set of efficient solutions for biobjective mixed integer linear programming
Authors: Sierra‐Altamiranda Alvaro , Charkhgard Hadi
Published: June 2019

We present OOESAlgorithm.jl, a package for optimizing a linear function over the efficient set of biobjective mixed integer linear programs. The proposed package extends our recent study (see Sierra‐Altamiranda and Charkhgard [INFORMS Journal on Computing, https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2018.0851]) by adding two main features: (a) in addition to CPLEX, the package allows employing any single‐objective solver supported by MathProgBase.jl, for example, GLPK, CPLEX, and SCIP; (b) the package supports execution on multiple processors and is compatible with the JuMP modeling language. An extensive computational study shows the efficacy of the package and its features.
Bryostatin‐1 ameliorated experimental colitis in Il‐10−/− Mice by protecting the intestinal barrier and limiting immune dysfunction
Authors: Zuo Lugen , Li Jing , Ge Sitang , Ge Yuanyuan , Shen Mengdi , Wang Yan , Zhou Changmin , Wu Rong , Hu Jianguo
Published: June 2019

Bryostatin‐1 (Bry‐1) has been proven to be effective and safe in clinical trials of a variety of immune‐related diseases. However, little is known about its effect on Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to investigate the impact of Bry‐1 on CD‐like colitis and determine the mechanism underlying this effect. In the present study, 15‐week‐old male Il‐10−/− mice with spontaneous colitis were divided into positive control and Bry‐1‐treated (Bry‐1, 30 μg/kg every other day, injected intraperitoneally for 4 weeks) groups. Age‐matched, male wild‐type (WT) mice were used as a negative control. The effects of Bry‐1 on colitis, intestinal barrier function and T cell responses as well as the potential regulatory mechanisms were evaluated. We found that the systemic delivery of Bry‐1 significantly ameliorated colitis in Il‐10−/− mice, as demonstrated by decreases in the disease activity index (DAI), inflammatory score and proinflammatory mediator levels. The protective effects of Bry‐1 on CD‐like colitis included the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and the helper T cell (Th)/regulatory T cell (Treg) balance. These effects of Bry‐1 may act in part through nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling activation and STAT3/4 signalling inhibition. The protective effect of Bry‐1 on CD‐like colitis suggests Bry‐1 has therapeutic potential in human CD, particularly given the established clinical safety of Bry‐1.
Sunflower oil from enzymatic aqueous extraction process: Maximization of free oil yield and oil characterization
Authors: de Aquino Denise Silva , Fanhani Anastassia , Stevanato Natália , da Silva Camila
Published: June 2019

In this article, the enzymatic aqueous extraction (EAE) of sunflower seed oil was investigated. The effects of the operational variables (temperature, water seed mass ratio, and enzyme concentration) were evaluated in order to define the conditions that maximize the free oil yield (FOY). It was observed that increasing the amounts of water and enzyme in the extraction medium was disadvantageous to the removal of the oil, and that an increase in temperature provided a higher FOY. Thus, a temperature of 60°C, seed:water ratio of 1:5 (g/g), and enzyme concentration of 1% (v/v) were defined as the conditions for maximum FOY (17.76%). The use of a buffered medium under these conditions increased the FOY to 20.34%. The composition of the oils obtained by the EAE under different experimental conditions was determined and compared with the oil obtained from Soxhlet extraction. The oils under study presented high levels of oleic and linoleic acids, which corresponded to ~90% of the composition of fatty acids. It was also noted that, depending on the extraction conditions, the oils obtained by EAE presented phytosterol and tocopherol contents similar or superior to those of the oil produced by Soxhlet extraction.

Practical Applications

The enzymatic aqueous extraction of sunflower oil has the potential to replace the solvent extraction method. The results reported herein show that the composition of the sunflower oil obtained by the enzymatic method was similar to that of the oil extracted by the solvent method. In addition, the enzymatic method uses mild conditions that reduce the energy required for the process and the residues are free of organic solvent.
Deploying Youth: Colombian Peacebuilding in Performance
Authors: Thomas Zareen
Published: June 2019

Líderes latinoamericanos frecuentemente utilizan narrativas que centralizan a la juventud. Sin embargo, los jóvenes se encuentran entre las poblaciones más vulnerables a las violaciones de derechos en la región. Para abordar esta circunstancia y ayudar a los jóvenes a involucrarse con las deliberaciones morales, las ONGs los animan a participar en eventos y debates facilitados a través del hip‐hop–un género musical que se presenta como un recurso para el empoderamiento, debido a sus orígenes contrahegemónicos en los EEUU. Con los jóvenes a la vanguardia, las organizaciones utilizan este género a través de un proceso dual de espontaneidad y entrenamiento institucionalizado, para fomentar prácticas que posibilitan la construcción de paz. Basado en una investigación realizada en Bogotá entre 2014 y 2016, sostengo que a través de las intervenciones de hip‐hop, los jóvenes y sus patrocinadores actúan la paz mientras recrean imágenes de jóvenes urbanos.
Towards a parental muda for new Basque speakers: Assessing emotional factors and language ideologies
Authors: Ciriza María del Puy
Published: June 2019

The concept of muda refers to how specific biographical moments can precipitate changes in the speaker's linguistic repertoire (Pujolar & Gonzàlez, 2012). In recent years, more inclusive or participatory approaches to intergenerational transmission in language revitalization contexts have been encouraging all parents, including those with low proficiency in the minority language, to participate in their child's language acquisition. This article examines a Basque‐ language campaign that instructs low‐proficiency parents to adopt child‐directed speech in Basque to mould affective orientations in the home environment. Drawing on a case study, I explore the complications of new speakerhood, especially the difficulties of bringing about a parental muda. I demonstrate how mudas are traversed by competing ideologies of language and language socialization. In disrupting monolingual ideologies, participatory approaches which aim at increasing the symbolic value of the language clash with the attitudes of speakers who view these mudas as inconsequential for achieving normalization.
Constrained public goods in networks
Authors: Allouch Nizar , King Maia
Published: June 2019

This paper analyses the private provision of public goods where agents interact within a fixed network structure and may benefit only from their direct neighbours’ provisions. We generalise the public goods in the networks model of Bramoullé and Kranton [J. Econ. Theory 135 (2007), pp. 478–494] to allow for constrained provision. In so doing, we characterise Nash equilibria with no intermediate contributors.
Differential Influence of Life Cycle on Growth and Toxin Production of three Pseudo‐nitzschia Species (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Sauvey Aurore , Claquin Pascal , Le Roy Bertrand , Le Gac Mickael , Fauchot Juliette
Published: June 2019

We used a multistrain approach to study the intra‐ and interspecific variability of the growth rates of three Pseudo‐nitzschia species – P. australis, P. fraudulenta, and P. pungens – and of their domoic acid (DA) production. We carried out mating and batch experiments to investigate the respective effects of strain age and cell size, and thus the influence of their life cycle on the physiology of these species. The cell size – life cycle relationship was characteristic of each species. The influence of age and cell size on the intraspecific variability of growth rates suggests that these characteristics should be considered cautiously for the strains used in physiological studies on Pseudo‐nitzschia species. The results from all three species do not support the hypothesis of a decrease in DA production with time since isolation from natural populations. In P. australis, the cellular DA content was rather a function of cell size. More particularly, cells at the gametangia stage of their life cycle contained up to six times more DA than smaller or larger cells incapable of sexual reproduction. These findings reveal a link between P. australis life cycle and cell toxicity. This suggest that life cycle dynamics in Pseudo‐nitzschia natural populations may influence bloom toxicity.
Underactive bladder in aging rats is associated with a reduced number of serotonin‐expressing cells in the urethra and is improved by serotonin application to the urethra
Authors: Coelho Ana , Charrua Ana , Oliveira Raquel , Cavaleiro Helena , Cruz Célia D. , Cruz Francisco
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to determine whether aging‐related detrusor underactivity (DU) involves a decrease in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT‐positive)‐expressing urethral cells and whether 5‐HT stimulation of urethral sensory fibers improves detrusor function. Cystometries were performed in young (6 months) and aged (18–24 months) female Wistar rats. Aged rats with voiding contractions (VC) that were 2SD below the mean of those in young rats were considered to have DU. Bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) was calculated during saline or 5‐HT solution cystometries. Rats were perfusion‐fixed with a fixative solution (paraformaldehyde, PFA 4%) through the circulatory system and the urethra sectioned to count the number of 5‐HT‐immunoreactive (IR) cells. Isovolumetric cystometry was performed while irrigating the urethra with saline or 5μM‐HT solution. Two‐tailed unpaired t tests were used to determine the significance of differences. In aged DU rats, the mean (±SD) VC frequency was 0.24 ± 0.07 per minute, with an amplitude of 15 ± 3 cm H2O. The mean (±SD) number of 5‐HT‐IR cells in the urethra of aged DU and young rats was 90 ± 11 and 182 ± 25, respectively (P < 0.01). 5‐HT improved the mean (±SD) BVE of aged DU rats from 49 ± 3% to 78 ± 2% (P < 0.001). In isovolumetric cystometries, detrusor pressure during irrigation of the urethra with saline was 18 ± 1 cm H2O, compared with 39 ± 2 cm H2O during irrigation with 5‐HT solution (P < 0.05). In rats, DU associated with aging is accompanied by a decrease in the number of 5‐HT‐positive cells. The results suggest that decreased 5‐HT availability decreases urethral sensory fiber excitation, leading to a decrease the number of effective VC.
Characterizing the multivariate physiogenomic response to environmental change
Authors: Lotterhos Katie E.
Published: June 2019

Global change is altering the climate that species have historically adapted to – in some cases at a pace not recently experienced in their evolutionary history – with cascading effects on all taxa. A central aim in global change biology is to understand how specific populations may be “primed” for global change, either through acclimation or adaptive standing genetic variation. It is therefore an important goal to link physiological measurements to the degree of stress a population experiences (Annual Review of Marine Science, 2012, 4, 39). Although “omic” approaches such as gene expression are often used as a proxy for the amount of stress experienced, we still have a poor understanding of how gene expression affects ecologically and physiologically relevant traits in non‐model organisms. In a From the Cover paper in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Griffiths, Pan and Kelley (Molecular Ecology, 2019, 28) link gene expression to physiological traits in a temperate marine coral. They discover population‐specific responses to ocean acidification for two populations that originated from locations with different histories of exposure to acidification. By integrating physiological and gene expression data, they were able to elucidate the mechanisms that explain these population‐specific responses. Their results give insight into the physiogenomic feedbacks that may prime organisms or make them unfit for ocean global change.
Suppression of auxin signalling promotes rice susceptibility to Rice black streaked dwarf virus infection
Authors: Zhang Hehong , Tan Xiaoxiang , Li Lulu , He Yuqing , Hong Gaojie , Li Junmin , Lin Lin , Cheng Ye , Yan Fei , Chen Jianping , Sun Zongtao
Published: June 2019

Auxin plays a fundamental role in plant growth and development, and also influences plant defence against various pathogens. Previous studies have examined the different roles of the auxin pathway during infection by biotrophic bacteria and necrotrophic fungi. We now show that the auxin signalling pathway was markedly down‐regulated following infection of rice by Rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), a dsRNA virus. Repression of the auxin receptor TIR1 by a mutant overexpressing miR393 increased rice susceptibility to RBSDV. Mutants overexpressing the auxin signalling repressors OsIAA20 and OsIAA31 were also more susceptible to RBSDV. The induction of jasmonic acid (JA) pathway genes in response to RBSDV was supressed in auxin signalling mutants, suggesting that activation of the JA pathway may be part of the auxin signalling‐mediated rice defence against RBSDV. More importantly, our results also revealed that OsRboh‐mediated reactive oxygen species levels played important roles in this defence. The results offer novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of auxin signalling in the rice–RBSDV interaction.
The farnesyltransferase β‐subunit RAM1 regulates localization of RAS proteins and appressorium‐mediated infection in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Aboelfotoh Hendy Ahmed , Xing Junjie , Chen Xiaoyang , Chen Xiao‐Lin
Published: June 2019

Post‐translational farnesylation can regulate subcellular localization and protein–protein interaction in eukaryotes. The function of farnesylation is not well identified in plant pathogenic fungi, particularly during the process of fungal infection. Here, through functional analyses of the farnesyltransferase β‐subunit gene, RAM1, we examine the importance of protein farnesylation in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Targeted disruption of RAM1 resulted in the reduction of hyphal growth and sporulation, and an increase in the sensitivity to various stresses. Importantly, loss of RAM1 also led to the attenuation of virulence on the plant host, characterized by decreased appressorium formation and invasive growth. Interestingly, the defect in appressoria formation of the Δram1 mutant can be recovered by adding exogenous cAMP and IBMX, suggesting that RAM1 functions upstream of the cAMP signalling pathway. We found that two Ras GTPases, RAS1 and RAS2, can interact with Ram1, and their plasma membrane localization was regulated by Ram1 through their C‐terminal farnesylation sites. Adding a farnesyltransferase inhibitor Tipifarnib can result in similar defects as in Δram1 mutant, including decreased appressorium formation and invasive growth, as well as mislocalized RAS proteins. Our findings indicate that protein farnesylation regulates the RAS protein‐mediated signaling pathways required for appressorium formation and host infection, and suggest that abolishing farnesyltransferase could be an effective strategy for disease control.
Development and psychometric testing of the Organizational Silence Behavior Scale for healthcare professionals
Authors: Yalçın Begüm , Baykal Ülkü
Published: June 2019

Organizational silence maintained by professionals working in the healthcare sector could result in various moral dilemmas and might negatively affect patient care. The aim of this methodological study was to develop a scale that measured the organizational silence behaviors of healthcare professionals. During the development of the scale, researchers conducted in‐depth interviews with 30 healthcare professionals in order to create a draft pool of 66 scale items. After content validity, a 62 item scale was drafted. In the second stage of development, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that adequate fit indices (χ2 value to degrees of freedom = 3.54; goodness‐of‐fit index = .92; root mean square error of approximation = .90) were achieved and resulted in a 32 item scale with four subscales. These subscales were assessed using a 5 point Likert scale. The Cronbach's alpha for the scale was .93, and for the subscales, it was as follows: silence climate: α = .91, silence based on fear: = .91, acquiesce silence: α = .93, and silence based on protecting the organization: α = .85. The Organizational Silence Behavior Scale was successfully developed and showed satisfactory validity and reliability. It is usable among healthcare professionals.
Occupational therapists' perceptions of psychosocial strategies for clients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Coleman Ashleigh A. , Driver Christina , Parker John K. , Lovell Geoff P.
Published: June 2019

Psychological strategies are a promising adjunct to pharmacological treatment for symptoms, including depression and anxiety associated with Parkinson's disease. In this study, we investigated perceptions and reported behaviors of occupational therapists regarding the use of psychosocial strategies during their practice with clients with Parkinson's disease. The results of a cross‐sectional online survey (n = 115 occupational therapists) demonstrated that the majority of participants (83%) reported using psychosocial strategies with their clients living with Parkinson's disease, with goal setting the most frequent. Almost all occupational therapists (99.1%) reported that it was moderately to extremely important to have knowledge about psychosocial strategies for practice with clients living with Parkinson's disease, and 96.5% rated it important to be able to offer these strategies in practice with their clients living with Parkinson's disease. The majority (91.3%) felt incorporating psychosocial strategies into their practice was moderately to extremely beneficial, and 93.9% reported that psychosocial strategies have a moderate‐to‐extremely positive effect on Parkinson's disease management outcomes. These findings have important implications for the education and training of occupational therapists working with clients living with Parkinson's disease to help ensure the best possible outcomes for people with Parkinson's disease.
Dynamic slow‐wave interactions in the rabbit small intestine defined using high‐resolution mapping
Authors: Cherian Abraham Ashley , Cheng Leo K. , Angeli Timothy R. , Alighaleh Saeed , Paskaranandavadivel Niranchan
Published: June 2019

Background

The motility in the small intestine is governed in part by myogenic bio‐electrical events, known as slow waves. High‐resolution multi‐electrode mapping has improved our understanding of slow‐wave propagation in the small intestine but has been applied in a limited number of in vivo animal studies. This study applied high‐resolution mapping to investigate slow waves in the rabbit small intestine.

Methods

A high‐resolution flexible printed circuit board array (256 electrodes; 4 mm spacing) was applied in vivo to the rabbit intestine. Extracellular slow‐wave activity was acquired sequentially along the length of the intestine.

Key results and conclusions

The majority of the slow waves propagated in the antegrade direction (56%) while retrograde patterns were primarily observed in the distal intestine (29%). Colliding slow‐wave events were observed across the length of the small intestine (15%). The interaction of competing pacemakers was mapped in spatiotemporal detail. The frequency and velocity of the slow waves were highest in the duodenum compared to ileum (20.0 ± 1.2 cpm vs 10.5 ± 0.9 cpm, P < 0.001; 14.4 ± 3.4 mm/s vs 12.3 ± 3.4 mm/s; P < 0.05).

Inferences

In summary, extracellular serosal slow‐wave activity was quantified spatiotemporally along the length of the rabbit intestine. In particular, the study provides evidence toward the presence and interaction of slow‐wave pacemakers acting along the small intestine and how they may contribute to the slow‐wave frequency gradient along the length of the intestine.
Preclinical findings on the potential of intranasal neuropeptide Y for treating hyperarousal features of PTSD
Authors: Nwokafor Chiso , Serova Lidia I. , Sabban Esther L.
Published: June 2019

Acoustic startle response (ASR) assesses hyperarousal, a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY) administration was shown to prevent hyperarousal in single prolonged stress (SPS) rodent PTSD model. However, it is unclear how ASR itself alters responses to stress. Rats (A‐S‐A) were exposed to acoustic startle (AS) 1 day before SPS (ASR1) and 2 weeks afterward (ASR2). Other groups were exposed in parallel to either AS (A‐A) or SPS or neither. SPS enhanced ASR2. In relevant brain areas, mRNA levels were determined by qRT‐PCR. In mediobasal hypothalamus, AS or SPS each increased CRH mRNA levels without an additive effect. Exposure to AS appeared to dampen some responses to SPS. The SPS‐triggered reduction of GR and FKBP5 gene expression was not observed in A‐S‐A group. In locus coeruleus, SPS increased CRHR1 and reduced Y2R mRNAs, but not in A‐S‐A group. In both regions, AS altered NPY receptor gene expression, which may mediate dampening responses to SPS. In second experiment, intranasal NPY administered 2 weeks after SPS reversed hyperarousal symptoms for at least 7 days. This study reveals important effects of AS on the NPY system and demonstrates that intranasal NPY elicits long‐lasting reversal of traumatic stress–triggered hyperarousal.
The Intended and Unintended Effects of Drunk Driving Policies
Authors: Chang Harrison , Chang Kehao , Fan Elliott
Published: June 2019

Taking advantage of merged administrative data, we estimate the intended and unintended effects of two public policies aimed at combating driving under influence (DUI) of alcohol in Taiwan: the three‐month‐long campaign of random sobriety checkpoints in mid‐2012, and the legal reform carried out in mid‐2013 leading to much harsher punishments for DUI offenders. Our study gives rise to several important findings: (i) The checkpoint campaign substantially reduced DUI deaths and injuries, and the effect persisted after the campaign ended; (ii) the campaign also had a strong spillover effect of reducing non‐DUI deaths and injuries, and this unintended effect was four times the size of the intended effect on DUI cases; (iii) these effects were not driven by social pressure or self‐awareness arising from the intensive media coverage taking place at the same time; and (iv) there was little response to either policy among repeat DUI offenders and those who caused serious injuries.
A systematic review of strategies to increase drinking‐water access and consumption among 0‐ to 5‐year‐olds
Authors: Cradock Angie L. , Poole Mary Kathryn , Agnew Kaylan E. , Flax Chasmine , Plank Kaela , Capdarest‐Arest Nicole , Patel Anisha I.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study is to identify promising strategies for improving drinking‐water access and consumption among children aged 0 to 5 years. MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, ERIC, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched in this review. Studies included peer‐reviewed, full‐text studies from high‐income countries, published in English between January 1, 2000, and January 12, 2018, that evaluated interventions to increase water access or consumption in children aged 0 to 5 years. Twenty‐five studies met inclusion criteria; 19 used an effective intervention strategy to increase water access or water consumption. Three studies addressed both water access and consumption. Frequently used strategies included policy and practice changes, increasing water access and convenience, and education, training, or social support for caregivers. Studies were of fair methodological quality (average score: 18.8 of 26) for randomized studies and of moderate quality (5.1 of 9) for non‐randomized studies. To date, few high‐quality studies with objectively measured outcomes have clearly demonstrated strategies that may influence water intake and consumption among young children aged 0 to 5 years.
The use of metformin, insulin, sulphonylureas, and thiazolidinediones and the risk of fracture: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Hidayat Khemayanto , Du Xuan , Wu Meng‐Jiao , Shi Bi‐Min
Published: June 2019

Certain glucose‐lowering medications have been implicated in the risk of fracture. While there is convincing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that thiazolidinedione use is associated with a higher risk of fracture, the effects of metformin, insulin, and sulphonylureas on the risk of fracture remain equivocal because these medications are not generally investigated in RCTs. A meta‐analysis of observational studies to provide further insights into the association between the use of metformin, insulin, sulphonylureas, or thiazolidinediones and the risk of fracture was performed. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant observational studies. A random effects model was used to estimate the summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The use of insulin (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.29, 1.73; n = 23 studies), sulphonylureas (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.18, 1.43; n = 10), and thiazolidinediones (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13, 1.35; n = 14) was associated with an increased risk of fracture, whereas the use of metformin was associated with a reduced risk of fracture (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75, 0.99; n = 12). Regarding types of thiazolidinediones, both pioglitazone (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.23, 1.54; n = 5) and rosiglitazone (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14, 1.58; n = 5) were positively associated with the risk of fracture. In summary, there is compelling evidence to discourage the use of thiazolidinediones in individuals with an increased risk of fracture, whereas metformin appears to have a good safety profile for the risk of fracture. The reduced risk of fracture with metformin could possibly be due to the reduced overall risk of fracture among metformin users, as this medication is typically prescribed in the early stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The use of insulin or sulphonylureas may increase fracture risk; this risk is most likely attributed to an increased risk of hypoglycaemia‐induced falls. Further confirmation by additional RCTs is required to determine whether the observed association between the use of metformin, insulin, or sulphonylureas and the risk of fracture is due to treatment with these medications or confounding factors.
An apple MYB transcription factor regulates cold tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation and undergoes MIEL1‐mediated degradation
Authors: An Jian‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , Xu Hai‐Feng , Bi Si‐Qi , You Chun‐Xiang , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: June 2019

MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been demonstrated to play diverse roles in plant growth and development through interaction with basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) TFs. MdbHLH33, an apple bHLH TF, has been identified as a positive regulator in cold tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation by activating the expressions of MdCBF2 and MdDFR. In the present study, a MYB TF MdMYB308L was found to also positively regulate cold tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation in apple. We found that MdMYB308L interacted with MdbHLH33 and enhanced its binding to the promoters of MdCBF2 and MdDFR. In addition, an apple RING E3 ubiquitin ligase MYB30‐INTERACTING E3 LIGASE 1 (MdMIEL1) was identified to be an MdMYB308L‐interacting protein and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of MdMYB308L, thus negatively regulated cold tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation in apple. These results suggest that MdMYB308L acts as a positive regulator in cold tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation in apple by interacting with MdbHLH33 and undergoes MdMIEL1‐mediated protein degradation. The dynamic change in MYB‐bHLH protein complex seems to play a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development.
C57BL/6 congenic mouse NRASQ61K melanoma cell lines are highly sensitive to the combination of Mek and Akt inhibitors in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Petit Valérie , Raymond Jeremy , Alberti Christophe , Pouteaux Marie , Gallagher Stuart J. , Nguyen Mai Q. , Aplin Andrew E. , Delmas Véronique , Larue Lionel
Published: June 2019

RAS is frequently mutated in various tumors and known to be difficult to target. NRASQ61K/R are the second most frequent mutations found in human skin melanoma after BRAFV600E. Aside from surgery, various approaches, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination therapies, are used to treat patients carrying NRAS mutations, but they are inefficient. Here, we established mouse NRASQ61K melanoma cell lines and genetically derived isografts (GDIs) from Tyr::NRASQ61K mouse melanoma that can be used in vitro and in vivo in an immune‐competent environment (C57BL/6) to test and discover novel therapies. We characterized these cell lines at the cellular, molecular, and oncogenic levels and show that NRASQ61K melanoma is highly sensitive to the combination of Mek and Akt inhibitors. This preclinical model shows much potential for the screening of novel therapeutic strategies for patients harboring NRAS mutations that have limited therapeutic options and resulted in poor prognoses.
Fibrolipomatous hamartomas not only on the soles
Authors: Rotunno Roberta , Diociaiuti Andrea , Giancristoforo Simona , El Hachem May
Published: June 2019

Fibrolipomatous hamartomas are asymptomatic, subcutaneous lumps usually located on the infant's heels. There is wide heterogeneity in the naming of and management of this condition. Ultrasound examination permits a clear distinction from other disorders. We report herein a case of palmoplantar fibrolipomatous hamartomas.
Fibrous hamartoma of infancy associated with bony remodeling and muscle atrophy
Authors: Kozlowski Anna , Murati Michael , Ogilvie Christian , Hess Donavon , Miller Daniel , Hook Kristen
Published: June 2019

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a benign, poorly demarcated, unencapsulated hamartoma contiguous with surrounding fat. This case highlights pronounced bony remodeling and muscle atrophy associated with FHI in a 6‐week‐old girl. Emphasis is placed on pathologic diagnosis and mechanisms, treatment considerations, and the multidisciplinary approach utilized in the management of the disorder.
How do leaf wetting events affect gas exchange and leaf lifespan of plants from seasonally dry tropical vegetation?
Authors: Holanda A. E. R. , Souza B. C. , Carvalho E. C. D. , Oliveira R. S. , Martins F. R. , Muniz C. R. , Costa R. C. , Soares A. A.
Published: June 2019

Foliar uptake of dew is likely an important mechanism of water acquisition for plants from tropical dry environments. However, there is still limited experimental evidence describing the anatomical pathways involved in this process and the effects of this water subsidy on the maintenance of gas exchange and leaf lifespan of species from seasonally dry tropical vegetation such as the Brazilian caatinga.

We performed scanning electron, bright‐field and confocal microscopic analyses and used apoplastic tracers to examine the foliar water uptake (FWU) routes in four woody species with different foliar phenology and widely distributed in the caatinga. Leaves of plants subjected to water stress were exposed to dew simulation to evaluate the effects of the FWU on leaf water potentials, gas exchange and leaf lifespan.

All species absorbed water through their leaf cuticles and/or peltate trichomes but FWU capacity differed among species. Leaf wetting by dew increased leaf lifespan duration up to 36 days compared to plants in the drought treatment. A positive effect on leaf gas exchange and new leaf production was only observed in the anisohydric and evergreen species.

We showed that leaf wetting by dew is relevant for the physiology and leaf lifespan of plants from seasonally dry tropical vegetation, especially for evergreen species.
“Putin, You Suck”: Affective Sticking Points in the Czech Narrative on “Russian Hybrid Warfare”
Authors: Eberle Jakub , Daniel Jan
Published: June 2019

Using the case of the Czech narrative on “Russian hybrid warfare” (RHW), this article contributes to the broader question of why narratives succeed. Building on Lacanian psychoanalysis, narrative scholarship, and affect/emotions research in International Relations, we suggest that narrative success is facilitated also by two interrelated factors: embedding in broader cultural contexts and the ability to incorporate and reproduce collectively circulating affects. We develop a methodological framework for encircling unobservable affects within discourse via “sticking points”—linguistic phenomena infused with affective investment. We outline three categories of sticking points—valued signifiers, fantasies, and biographical narratives. Utilizing the approach in our case study, we focus on a narrative based around the notion that Russia waged a “hybrid war” against “the West” and that this should be faced with quasi‐military measures, which was successful in changing the language of Czech national security. We show that this narrative incorporated a range of sticking points, which contributed to its relative success. It utilized valued signifiers, such as “the West,” “the Kremlin,” “agents,” and “occupation,” weaved them together into a fantasy of a threat to the nation's “Western” identity, and intertwined this with the biographical narratives of history as a lens for world politics and East/West geopolitics.
Sharpening Advocacy Coalitions
Authors: Weible Christopher M. , Ingold Karin , Nohrstedt Daniel , Henry Adam Douglas , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C.
Published: June 2019

The concept of “advocacy coalitions” is the bedrock of the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), one of the most established and successful approaches for understanding policy processes across the globe. This article revisits and sharpens the conceptual definition of advocacy coalitions. We summarize the lessons from its theoretical emphases under the ACF and specify its five attributes (policy actors, shared beliefs, coordination, resources, and stability). Through this specification, we identify the ideal coalition type and several coalition subtypes. We then clarify and make a distinction between how we think about coalitions as a concept and how we approach coalitions empirically. This article sharpens the lens for describing and explaining coalitions toward better observations, theorizing, and measurements. It ends with next steps for further deepening and broadening knowledge about advocacy coalitions.
Airway inflammatory profile is correlated with symptoms in stable COPD: A longitudinal proof‐of‐concept cohort study
Authors: Contoli Marco , Baraldo Simonetta , Conti Valentina , Gnesini Giulia , Marku Brunilda , Casolari Paolo , Scrigner Paola , Morelli Paolo , Saetta Marina , Spanevello Antonio , Papi Alberto
Published: June 2019

Background and objective

Symptoms negatively impact the quality of life and long‐term prognosis of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Little is known about the relationship linking airway inflammation and symptoms in stable COPD. In this study, we evaluated whether respiratory symptoms in COPD are related to sputum inflammatory cellular profile and whether symptom changes are associated with changes in airway inflammation.

Methods

A total of 40 patients with stable COPD with moderate‐to‐severe airflow obstruction were enrolled. Patients were visited weekly over 4 weeks. At each visit, patients underwent clinical assessments, lung function tests and sputum induction. Patients recorded daily dyspnoea, sputum and cough scores.

Results

The changes between two consecutive visits in the percent of sputum neutrophils and eosinophils were related to the changes in the cough (P < 0.001; r = 0.63) and dyspnoea scores (P < 0.001; r = 0.58) of the prior week. Furthermore, using regression analyses, we were able to demonstrate that changes in the cough score were specifically associated to the change in neutrophils, while changes in the dyspnoea score and use of rescue medications were associated with changes in eosinophils numbers.

Conclusion

Our study showed an association between symptoms and the sputum inflammatory profile. In particular, changes in symptoms (cough and dyspnoea) were correlated with changes in the specific sputum inflammatory cell components of airway inflammation (neutrophils and eosinophils, respectively), providing novel information on the mechanisms of disease manifestation.