bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors governing extracellular DNA degradation dynamics in soil
Authors: Sirois Sara Hope , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: December 2018

We examined the impacts of soil moisture, temperature, agricultural management and habitat type on the degradation dynamics of eDNA in soils. Synthetic eDNA was added to soil microcosms, and its disappearance over time was measured using both high‐throughput sequencing and qPCR. The synthetic eDNA was degraded rapidly, but a small fraction remained detectable throughout the experiments (39–80 days). The eDNA degradation rate was positively correlated with moisture and temperature, but negatively correlated with soil organic carbon content. End‐point stabilization of eDNA was highest at low moisture and temperature, but exhibited no relationship with soil organic carbon. Tilled soils had higher rates of degradation and less stabilization than no‐till soils. Among different habitats we observed that forest soils had the slowest degradation rate, and meadow soils had the greatest stabilization of eDNA. While eDNA was detectable by qPCR in all treatments across all time‐points, it became inconsistently detectable with high‐throughput gene sequencing in less than 1 week. We conclude that eDNA degradation and stabilization dynamics vary with moisture, temperature and habitat characteristics, that small amounts of eDNA may persist in soils indefinitely, and that the ability of persistent eDNA to impact microbial community estimates depends on method sensitivity and experimental objectives.
Measuring microenvironments for global change: DIY environmental microcontroller units (EMUs)
Authors: Mickley James G. , Moore Timothy E. , Schlichting Carl D. , DeRobertis Amber , Pfisterer Emilia N. , Bagchi Robert
Published: December 2018

Rapid climate change is generating an urgent need to understand how organisms respond to environmental variation. Understanding these responses at an organismal level requires environmental data at finer spatial and temporal scales than is available from global datasets. Current measurement technologies force a trade‐off between collecting data at the broad spatial scales relevant to global change while simultaneously capturing environmental variation at the fine spatial and temporal scales relevant to organisms. The greatest hurdle to ameliorating this trade‐off is the cost of commercially available sensors.

Here, we introduce environmental microcontroller units (EMUs), data loggers designed and built to accurately measure fine‐scale variation in temperature, humidity, light, and soil moisture at low cost. We detail how to construct EMUs, test their utility in measuring microenvironment under field settings, and compare their accuracy to commercial data loggers in the same field setting.

Parts for EMUs cost less than $20 per unit; an order of magnitude less than comparable commercial loggers. Their cost‐effectiveness allows for many more units to be deployed to measure microenvironment, providing the capacity for broader spatial sampling. Their programmability and modularity make them flexible, and they can be quickly assembled using unskilled labour.

Using EMUs in a field setting, we detected microenvironmental variation in temperature, humidity, irradiance, and soil moisture at scales of <80 m. Despite their affordability, EMUs were of comparable accuracy to that of commercial sensors.

With the growing availability of inexpensive microcontrollers and hobbyist electronics, the time is ripe to tap into the versatility and computational power of do‐it‐yourself electronics to address critical ecological questions. In addition to marked cost advantages, EMUs are both more flexible and more capable than most commercial options, providing the tools to bypass the trade‐off between the extent and resolution of environmental measurement. Yet, their simple design makes constructing them feasible for ecologists without specialist backgrounds in electronics.
Testosterone deprivation intensifies cognitive decline in obese male rats via glial hyperactivity, increased oxidative stress, and apoptosis in both hippocampus and cortex
Authors: Chunchai Titikorn , Apaijai Nattayaporn , Keawtep Puntarik , Mantor Duangkamol , Arinno Apiwan , Pratchayasakul Wasana , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: December 2018

Aim

The study hypothesized that testosterone deprivation aggravates cognitive decline in obesity through increasing oxidative stress, glial activation, and apoptosis.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were fed with either normal‐diet (ND) or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks. At week 13, ND‐fed rats and HFD‐fed rats were randomly assigned to two subgroups to receive either a sham‐operation or bilateral‐orchiectomy (ORX). Rats were evaluated for metabolic parameters and cognition at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation. At the end of protocol, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), glial morphology, and cell apoptosis were determined in hippocampus and cortex.

Results

Both HFD‐fed groups developed obese‐insulin resistance, but ND‐fed rats did not. HFD‐fed rats with sham‐operation showed cognitive decline, when compared to ND‐fed rats with sham‐operation at all time points. At 4‐ and 8‐week after ORX, the cognitive impairment of ND‐fed rats and both HFD‐fed groups was not different. However, 12‐week after ORX, cognitive decline and of glial hyperactivity of HFD‐fed rats had the greatest increase among all groups. Hippocampal ROS levels and apoptotic cells in both HFD‐fed groups were equally increased, but the cortical ROS levels and apoptotic cells of HFD‐fed rats with ORX were the highest ones.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that testosterone deprivation aggravates cognitive decline in obesity via increasing oxidative stress, glial activity and apoptosis.
Intrapallidal injection of botulinum toxin A recovers gait deficits in a parkinsonian rodent model
Authors: Tsang Adrianna R. , Rajakumar Nagalingam , Jog Mandar S.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Modulation of electrical activity in the subthalamic nucleus has been therapeutically effective in Parkinson's disease. Pharmacological manipulation of glutamate release from subthalamic neurons could also favourably alter basal ganglia activity to improve motor symptoms. This study investigates the efficacy of selective suppression of hyperactive glutamatergic input from the subthalamic nucleus to the globus pallidus internal segment by botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) in a parkinsonian model.

Methods

Unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned parkinsonian rodents and controls received microinfusions of BoNT‐A or vehicle into the ipsilateral internal globus pallidus (n = 8 per group). Changes in gait were measured by the CatWalk apparatus, along with assessment of apomorphine‐induced rotational behaviour prior to and following BoNT‐A injection. Immunofluorescent staining for markers of glutamatergic, GABAergic and total terminals was performed at the internal globus pallidus.

Results

Administration of a single dose of BoNT‐A (0.5 ng) significantly improved the rotational asymmetry and gait abnormalities. Ameliorations in speed, body speed variation, cadence and walking pattern were comparable to pre‐lesioned animals, and persisted up to 1 month following BoNT‐A injection. These changes are associated to BoNT‐A's ability to selectively target glutamatergic terminals.

Conclusion

Blockade of subthalamic hyperactivity by BoNT‐A leads to sufficient reorganization in the basal ganglia needed to generate a consistent rhythmic pattern of walking. This suggests the potential use of intracerebral BoNT‐A to produce effective neuromodulation in the parkinsonian brain, as well as expansion into other neurodegenerative disorders linked to excitotoxity.
Serum bile acid patterns are associated with the presence of NAFLD in twins, and dose‐dependent changes with increase in fibrosis stage in patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD
Authors: Caussy Cyrielle , Hsu Cynthia , Singh Seema , Bassirian Shirin , Kolar James , Faulkner Claire , Sinha Nikhil , Bettencourt Ricki , Gara Naveen , Valasek Mark A. , Schnabl Bernd , Richards Lisa , Brenner David A. , Hofmann Alan F. , Loomba Rohit
Published: December 2018

Background

The fasting‐state serum bile acid profile in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported to differ when nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is compared to nonalcoholic fatty liver. However, there are few data comparing changes in NAFLD vs non‐NAFLD, or whether the bile acid profile differs according to the degree of fibrosis.

Aim

To examine the serum bile acid profile across the entire spectrum of NAFLD.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of two complementary cohorts: a Twin and Family cohort of 156 participants, and a biopsy‐proven‐NAFLD cohort of 156 participants with fasting bile acid profiling using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

In the Twin and Family cohort (mean age 46.3 years and body mass index (BMI) 26.6 kg/m2), 36 (23%) participants had NAFLD (magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction ≥ 5%). Higher chenodeoxycholyl conjugates (9.0% vs 6.5%, P = 0.019) and lower glycohyocholate (1.2% vs 3.6%, P < 0.001) were observed in NAFLD compared to non‐NAFLD‐controls. In the biopsy‐proven‐NAFLD cohort (mean age 49.8 years, BMI 32.0 kg/m2), no differences in total bile acid were seen between nonalcoholic fatty liver vs nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The total unconjugated bile acid significantly decreased across nonalcoholic steatohepatitis categories (P = 0.044). The distribution of stage of fibrosis was F0: 42.3%, F1: 32.7%, F2: 10.3%, F3: 8.3% and F4: 6.4%. The total serum bile acid increased with increase in fibrosis stage (P < 0.001). The primary conjugated bile acid proportion increased (P < 0.001) whereas unconjugated bile acid (P = 0.006), unconjugated cholyl (P < 0.001) and chenodeoxycholyl conjugates (P < 0.002) significantly decreased with increase in liver fibrosis stage.

Conclusions

Fasting‐state serum bile acid profile alterations are seen across the entire spectrum of NAFLD. The total serum bile acids did not differ significantly between NAFLD vs non‐NAFLD and nonalcoholic fatty liver vs nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, but were significantly perturbed progressively as liver fibrosis increases.
The effects of concomitant immunomodulators on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of adalimumab in paediatric patients with Crohn’s disease: a post hoc analysis
Authors: Hyams Jeffrey S. , Dubinsky Marla , Rosh Joel , Ruemmele Frank M. , Eichner Samantha F. , Maa Jen‐Fue , Lazar Andreas , Alperovich Gabriela , Mostafa Nael M. , Robinson Anne M.
Published: December 2018

Background

In the IMAgINE 1 study, adalimumab induced and maintained remission of moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease in children.

Aim

To assess the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and safety of immunomodulator and adalimumab combination therapy vs adalimumab monotherapy in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease.

Methods

Patients 6‐17 years old with moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease (n = 192) received weight‐based adalimumab induction at baseline and week 2. At week 4, 188 patients were randomised to high‐dose or low‐dose adalimumab. Patients receiving immunomodulators (investigator's decision) at baseline maintained a stable dose until week 26; patients could then discontinue immunomodulators. Adalimumab serum concentrations were measured at weeks 4, 26 and 52. Safety was evaluated at each study visit. Data were analysed using non‐responder imputation (NRI; week 4) or modified NRI (weeks 26; 52).

Results

At week 4, patients with (n = 117) and without (n = 71) baseline immunomodulator use had similar response (79%; 87%; P = 0.235) and remission (26%; 30%; P = 0.737) rates. At week 26, patients with and without baseline immunomodulators had no significant difference in response (68%; 55%; P = 0.086) or remission (41%; 30%; P = 0.122). At week 52, patients with (n = 82) and without (n = 106) immunomodulator use had no significant difference in response (56%; 46%; P = 0.189) or remission (38%; 33%; P = 0.539). Adalimumab serum trough concentrations and serious infection rates (7%; 6%) were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Analyses found no statistically significant difference in response or remission between patients receiving adalimumab monotherapy vs immunomodulator and adalimumab combination therapy. Serious and infectious adverse event rates were similar between groups.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors compared with clopidogrel
Authors: Guo Chuan‐Guo , Chen Lijia , Chan Esther W. , Cheung Ka Shing , Isshiki Takaaki , Wong Ian C. K. , Leung Wai K.
Published: December 2018

Background

Ticagrelor and prasugrel are third‐generation oral P2Y12 receptor antagonists with rapid onset and pronounced platelet inhibition. However, higher overall bleeding rates have been reported for these agents when compared with clopidogrel.

Aim

To compare the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) among users of third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors with clopidogrel.

Methods

We systematically searched for published randomised controlled trials of ticagrelor or prasugrel versus clopidogrel until September 2018. The primary outcome was the risk of GIB among users of third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors when compared to clopidogrel, expressed as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The rates of non‐coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) major bleeding, life‐threatening bleeding, fatal bleeding, and intracranial bleeding were analysed as secondary outcomes.

Results

Forty‐one studies were included in the analysis of non‐CABG major bleeding, of which 12 were included in the analysis of GIB including 58 678 patients. Third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors were associated with higher risk of GIB as compared with clopidogrel (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13‐1.46). The findings were consistent for upper (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05‐1.67) and unspecified GIB (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01‐1.53), but not lower GIB (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.95‐1.65). Subgroup analysis showed higher GIB risk in prasugrel studies (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10‐1.77) than in ticagrelor studies (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94‐1.39). Third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors also increased the risk of non‐CABG major bleeding (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08‐1.28).

Conclusion

Third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors were associated with increased risk of GIB and non‐CABG major bleeding when compared with clopidogrel.
Real‐world study of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to prevent hepatitis B transmission in mothers with high viral load
Authors: Wang Ming , Bian Qian , Zhu Yunxia , Pang Qiumei , Chang Lingzhi , Li Ran , Tiongson Benjamin C. , Zhang Hua , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: December 2018

Background

Data on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy for preventing vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the real‐world setting are limited.

Aim

To investigate TDF for preventing vertical transmission of HBV in real‐world practice.

Methods

Hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg)‐positive mothers with HBV‐DNA >6 log10 IU/mL to receive TDF between gestational weeks 24‐33 and delivery were prospectively enrolled and followed until post‐partum week 28. All infants received immunoprophylaxis. Primary endpoints were safety of TDF use and mother‐to‐child transmission rates. Secondary outcomes were maternal HBV‐DNA level suppression (<200 000 IU/mL) at delivery and HBeAg and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) serologic changes during the study.

Results

Among 147 mothers enrolled, 143 started TDF and 143/144 infants completed the study. At delivery, 93.7% (134/143) of the mothers achieved HBV‐DNA<200 000 IU/L. On‐treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares were observed in 8.4% (12/143) of mothers. After TDF cessation, ALT increased in 7.7% (11/143) of the mothers and 2.8% (4/143) achieved HBeAg negativity, but none had HBsAg loss. At birth, HBsAg was detected in 13.9% (20/144) of newborns and none at post‐partum week 28. Vertical transmission rates among infants were 0.7% (1/144, intention‐to‐treat) and 0% (per‐protocol). No infants had birth defects. No serious adverse effects were reported in either mothers or infants. Breastfeeding did not increase the HBV infection rate among infants although mothers had viral rebound after TDF cessation.

Conclusions

TDF for highly viraemic mothers was well tolerated and reduced vertical transmission of HBV in a real‐world setting. There were no safety concerns during the postpartum 28‐week follow‐up.

Registry number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registration No. ChiCTR‐OIC‐17010869
A modified staging of early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma based on single tumour >7 cm and multiple tumours beyond up‐to‐seven criteria
Authors: Wang Yan‐Yan , Zhong Jian‐Hong , Xu Hai‐Feng , Xu Gang , Wang Li‐Jun , Xu Da , Wang Hong‐Wei , Wang Kun , Xiang Bang‐De , Mao Yi‐Lei , Li Le‐Qun , Xing Bao‐Cai
Published: December 2018

Background

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is the most widely used staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the classifications of early (BCLC‐A) and intermediate (BCLC‐B) stage HCC remain controversial.

Aim

To refine the staging of BCLC‐A and ‐B.

Methods

A total of 986 patients with HCC undergoing liver resection from two institutions formed the training cohort, and 694 from another institution were the validation cohort. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of tumour size in predicting overall survival (OS), and determined the optimised cut‐off. Discriminatory performance was evaluated using Harrell's concordance index (C‐index).

Results

Patients with multiple tumours exceeding Milan criteria but within up‐to‐seven criteria had similar OS and disease‐free survival (DFS) to those with multiple tumours meeting Milan criteria, and were assigned to the modified BCLC‐A stage. The area under the ROC curve of tumour size for predicting OS was 0.778, and the diameter of 7 cm was the optimal cut‐off to identify patients with single tumours who had higher OS than BCLC‐B stage patients. Due to the similar OS, patients with single HCCs >7 cm were assigned to the modified BCLC‐B stage. The C‐indexes of the modified BCLC classification for OS and DFS were higher compared to the original version. The findings were supported by the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The modified staging of BCLC‐A and ‐B, based on single tumour >7 cm and multiple tumours beyond up‐to‐seven criteria, could be more accurate to predict the prognosis of HCC patients. Liver resection could benefit patients with resectable multifocal HCCs beyond the Milan criteria.
Incidence of and risk factors for major haemorrhage in patients treated with ibrutinib: An integrated analysis
Authors: Brown Jennifer R. , Moslehi Javid , Ewer Michael S. , O'Brien Susan M. , Ghia Paolo , Cymbalista Florence , Shanafelt Tait D. , Fraser Graeme , Rule Simon , Coutre Steven E. , Dilhuydy Marie‐Sarah , Cramer Paula , Jaeger Ulrich , Dreyling Martin , Byrd John C. , Treon Steven , Liu Emily Y. , Chang Stephen , Bista Amulya , Vempati Rama , Boornazian Lisa , Valentino Rudolph , Reddy Vijay , Mahler Michelle , Yang Huiying , Graef Thorsten , Burger Jan A.
Published: December 2018

Ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved for treatment of various B‐cell malignancies. In ibrutinib clinical studies, low‐grade haemorrhage was common, whereas major haemorrhage (MH) was infrequent. We analysed the incidence of and risk factors for MH from 15 ibrutinib clinical studies (N = 1768), including 4 randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Rates of any‐grade bleeding were similar for single‐agent ibrutinib and ibrutinib combinations (39% and 40%). Low‐grade bleeding was more common in ibrutinib‐treated than comparator‐treated patients (35% and 15%), and early low‐grade bleeding was not associated with MH. The proportion of MH in RCTs was higher with ibrutinib than comparators (4.4% vs. 2.8%), but after adjusting for longer exposure with ibrutinib (median 13 months vs. 6 months), the incidence of MH was similar (3.2 vs. 3.1 per 1000 person‐months). MH led to treatment discontinuation in 1% of all ibrutinib‐treated patients. Use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets (AC/AP) during the study was common (~50% of patients) and had an increased exposure‐adjusted relative risk for MH in both the total ibrutinib‐treated population (1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.0) and RCT comparator‐treated patients (2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–5.6), indicating that ibrutinib may not alter the effect of AC/AP on the risk of MH in B‐cell malignancies.
Two good reasons to say ‘change!’ – ensemble representations as well as item representations impact standard measures of VWM capacity
Authors: Liesefeld Heinrich René , Liesefeld Anna M. , Müller Hermann J.
Published: December 2018

Visual working memory (VWM) is a central bottleneck in human information processing. Its capacity is most often measured in terms of how many individual‐item representations VWM can hold (k). In the standard task employed to estimate k, an array of highly discriminable colour patches is maintained and, after a short retention interval, compared to a test display (change detection). Recent research has shown that with more complex, structured displays, change‐detection performance is, in addition to individual‐item representations, supported by ensemble representations formed as a result of spatial subgroupings. Here, by asking participants to additionally localize the change, we reveal indication for an influence of ensemble representations even in the very simple, unstructured displays of the colour‐patch change‐detection task. Critically, pure‐item models from which standard formulae of k are derived do not consider ensemble representations and, therefore, potentially overestimate k. To gauge this overestimation, we develop an item‐plus‐ensemble model of change detection and change localization. Estimates of k from this new model are about 1 item (~30%) lower than the estimates from traditional pure‐item models, even if derived from the same data sets.
EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE BY DESTINATION COUNTRY
Authors: del Rosal Ignacio
Published: December 2018

The main focus of this paper is the relationship between export diversification and export performance. The key difference with respect to the previous literature is that export diversification is measured and related to export volume by destination country. The approach is empirical and an aggregate export demand setting is adopted to test the significance and influence of export diversification, measured via the Herfindahl index, on export performance by destination country. The econometric estimation is performed using export data for Spain to its partner countries for the period 1999–2011. The main finding is the positive relationship between Spanish export concentration and export performance by destination market. This finding is shown to be robust to several econometric specifications.
Commentary: The complexity of family dynamics in child anxiety disorders — a commentary on Breinholst et al. (2018)
Authors: Domoney Jill , Nath Selina
Published: December 2018

Breinholst et al. explore the impact of parental behaviour and parent–child attachment on child anxiety disorders. They show that maternal variables did not predict child anxiety, while insecure attachment to the father was a significant contributor. But can we really say it's down to dad? The importance of including fathers in both research and clinical work on child anxiety disorders certainly needs to be highlighted, but family dynamics are complex, and we need careful study designs which can capture some of this complexity in order to shed light on the most important targets for intervention.
Response: Sports participation and interventions to reduce risk of mental health problems during childhood: a response to Crowell (2018)
Authors: Vella Stewart A. , Gardner Lauren A. , Swann Christian , Allen Mark S.
Published: December 2018

One of the most salient purposes of examining the potential existence and predictors of distinct trajectories of mental health during childhood is to enable effective prevention and intervention strategies. More specifically, the aim is to inform an understanding of the types of prevention and intervention strategies that may be effective in reducing risk, as well the time period in which such strategies are going to be most beneficial.
Dental caries in South American Indigenous peoples: A systematic review
Authors: Soares Gustavo Hermes , Pereira Nayara Fernanda , Biazevic Maria Gabriela Haye , Braga Mariana Minatel , Michel‐Crosato Edgard
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To determine the severity of dental caries in South American Indigenous peoples.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted regarding the severity of dental caries in South American Indigenous peoples using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, LILACS and grey literature up to March 2018. Literature search was conducted up to March 2018. No restrictions on language or year of publication were applied. Descriptive analysis and meta‐analysis of studies were performed to determine mean dmft/DMFT index (decayed, missing and filled teeth) and temporal trends for selected age brackets.

Results

The search strategy retrieved 698 studies, of which 70 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility and 28 were included in the qualitative analysis. Finally, 18 papers were included in the meta‐analysis. Publication year ranged from 1964 to 2018. Mean dmft for 5‐year‐old children was 5.73 (95% CI 4.67‐6.79), and mean DMFT for 12‐year‐olds was 3.14 (95% CI 1.88‐4.40). Estimated DMFT for 15‐19 years, 35‐44 years and 65‐74 years was 5.53 (95% CI 2.97‐8.09), 19.41 (95% CI 11.88‐26.93) and 28.19 (24.83‐31.55), respectively. DMFT was higher than that reported in general population surveys in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela for all age brackets with available data. Heterogeneity was observed in all age brackets, ranging from 79.7 to 99.7%.

Conclusion

Dental caries remains a significant public health problem for South American Indigenous peoples. Prevention and treatment strategies that consider cultural specificities are needed.
Mutations in RELT cause autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Kim Jung‐Wook , Zhang Hong , Seymen Figen , Koruyucu Mine , Hu Yuanyuan , Kang Jenny , Kim Youn J. , Ikeda Atsushi , Kasimoglu Yelda , Bayram Merve , Zhang Chuhua , Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Bartlett John D. , Saunders Thomas L. , Simmer James P. , Hu Jan C‐C.
Published: December 2018

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a collection of isolated (non‐syndromic) inherited diseases affecting dental enamel formation or a clinical phenotype in syndromic conditions. We characterized three consanguineous AI families with generalized irregular hypoplastic enamel with rapid attrition that perfectly segregated with homozygous defects in a novel gene: RELT that is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). RNAscope in situ hybridization of wild‐type mouse molars and incisors showed specific Relt mRNA expression by secretory stage ameloblasts and by odontoblasts. Relt−/− mice generated by CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited incisor and molar enamel malformations. Relt−/− enamel had a rough surface and underwent rapid attrition. Normally unmineralized spaces in the deep enamel near the dentino‐enamel junction (DEJ) were as highly mineralized as the adjacent enamel, which likely altered the mechanical properties of the DEJ. Phylogenetic analyses showed the existence of selective pressure on RELT gene outside of tooth development, indicating that the human condition may be syndromic, which possibly explains the history of small stature and severe childhood infections in two of the probands. Knowing a TNFRSF member is critical during the secretory stage of enamel formation advances our understanding of amelogenesis and improves our ability to diagnose human conditions featuring enamel malformations.
Circ_0078767 suppresses non‐small‐cell lung cancer by protecting RASSF1A expression via sponging miR‐330‐3p
Authors: Chen Ting , Yang Zuozhang , Liu Chao , Wang Li , Yang Jun , Chen Long , Li Wenhui
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the role of circ_0078767/miR‐330‐3p/RASSF1A in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bioinformatic analysis was performed to screen for the differentially expressed genes in NSCLC tissues from adjacent lung tissues.

Materials and Methods

qRT‐PCR was used to detect the RNA expression of genes in cells and tissues, and Western blot was conducted to determine the protein levels of RASSF1A in tissues and cells. A miRanda algorithm was used to predict the targeted relationship among RNAs. A dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the targeted relationship. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate the effects of circ_0078767/miR‐330‐3p/RASSF1A on cell cycle progression and apoptosis. A CCK‐8 assay was conducted to explore the effects of circ_0078767/miR‐330‐3p/RASSF1A on cell proliferation. A transwell invasion assay was completed to study the effects of circ_0078767/miR‐330‐3p/RASSF1A on cell invasion. Lastly, an in vivo assay was conducted to investigate the effects of circ_0078767/miR‐330‐3p/RASSF1A on tumour development.

Results

Circ_0078767 and RASSF1A were downregulated, while miR‐330‐3p was upregulated in NSCLC tissues than that in adjacent tissues. miR‐330‐3p had a binding relationship with circ_0078767 and RASSF1A. The overexpression of circ_0078767 and RASSF1A or the underexpression of miR‐330‐3p significantly suppressed NSCLC cell viability, cell cycle progression and invasion while also significantly promoting cell apoptosis. Additionally, these modulations significantly suppressed in vivo tumour growth.

Conclusions

Circ_0078767 could suppress NSCLC progression by inhibiting miR‐330‐3p, which thereby increased RASSF1 levels.
PER‐SIMPER—A new tool for inferring community assembly processes from taxon occurrences
Authors: Gibert Corentin , Escarguel Gilles
Published: December 2018

Aim

Understanding how ecosystem functioning and evolution shape taxonomic assemblages is a lively debate basically involving two major opposite views: the niche‐ and dispersal‐assembly hypotheses. Here, we introduce a new method allowing for the identification of the first‐order process of assembly underlying a set of taxonomic assemblages.

Methods

Building on Clarke’s SIMPER (for “similarity percentage”) analysis of a taxon/locality occurrence data set, we develop a permutation‐based algorithm named PER‐SIMPER, allowing for the identification of the first‐order process—either niche‐ or dispersal‐assembly—that drives species distribution within two or more groups of assemblages. We demonstrate the reliability and robustness of the method through cellular automaton‐like simulations generating niche‐assembled and/or dispersal‐assembled species occurrence data sets. Sensitivity analysis further allows evaluation of its accuracy and robustness to sampling effort, including reduced numbers of sampled localities and/or species.

Main conclusions

Niche‐ and/or dispersal‐assembled communities generate very different SIMPER profiles, which, in turn, allow for the accurate and consistent identification of the first‐order process of assembly operating within two or more groups of species assemblages through a threefold randomization procedure named PER‐SIMPER. The PER‐SIMPER method appears robust to varying sampling efforts that may affect the number of sampled localities and/or species, especially when one of the two processes of assembly dominates the other. The PER‐SIMPER analysis can be achieved on any empirical occurrence data set using a dedicated R function available as Supporting Information.
Integrated Radiolaria, benthic foraminifera and conodont biochronology of the pelagic Permian blocks/tectonic slices and geochemistry of associated volcanic rocks from the Mersin Mélange, southern Turkey: Implications for the Permian evolution of the northern Neotethys
Authors: Tekin Ugur Kagan , Okuyucu Cengiz , Sayit Kaan , Bedi Yavuz , Noble Paula J. , Krystyn Leopold , Göncüoglu Mehmet Cemal
Published: December 2018

Blocks and tectonic slices within the Mersin Mélange (southern Turkey), which are of Northern Neotethyan origin (Izmir–Ankara–Erzincan Ocean (IAE)), were studied in detail by using radiolarian, conodont, and foraminiferal assemblages on six different stratigraphic sections with well‐preserved Permian succesions. The basal part of the Permian sequence, composed of alternating chert and mudstone with basic volcanics, is assigned to the late Asselian (Early Permian) based on radiolarians. The next basaltic interval in the sequence is dated as Kungurian. The highly alkaline basic volcanics in the sequence are extremely enriched, similar to kimberlitic/lamprophyric magmas generated at continental intraplate settings. Trace element systematics suggest that these lavas were generated in a continental margin involving a metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle source (SCLM). The middle part of the Permian sequences, dated by benthic foraminifera and conodont assemblages, includes detrital limestones with chert interlayers and neptunian dykes of middle Wordian to earliest Wuchiapingian age. Higher in the sequence, detrital limestones are overlain by alternating chert and mudstone with intermittent microbrecciated beds of early Wuchiapingian to middle Changhsingian (Late Permian) age based on the radiolarians. A large negative shift at the base of the Lopingian at the upper part of section is correlated to negative shifts at the Guadalupian/Lopingian boundary associated with the end‐Guadalupian mass extinction event. All these findings indicate that a continental rift system associated with a possible mantle plume existed during the late Early to Late Permian period. This event was responsible for the rupturing of the northern Gondwanan margin related to the opening of the IAE Ocean. When the deep basinal features of the Early Permian volcano‐sedimentary sequence are considered, the proto IAE oceanic crust formed possibly before the end of the Permian. This, in turn, suggests that the opening of the IAE Ocean dates back to as early as the Permian.
A culture shock in dental hygiene: Exploring the management of oral health after head and neck cancer
Authors: Pateman Kelsey A. , Weerakoon Arosha T. , Batstone Martin D. , Ford Pauline J.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Managing oral health after the treatment for head and neck cancer requires meticulous daily oral hygiene practices and regular professional dental care; however, the individual factors and health system structures required to achieve oral health are often not well considered. This study aimed to explore how oral health was understood and managed after head and neck cancer treatment and identify factors that influenced oral health behaviours and dental service utilization.

Methods

A qualitative, inductive approach was used for data collection and analysis. Sampling of participants was purposive, using a maximum variation approach, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were recruited from the maxillofacial clinic at a tertiary facility in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Results

Twenty‐one participants took part in the study. Findings described individual and structural factors that influenced the management of oral health post‐treatment. Individual determinants of oral health behaviours included a cognitive shift towards lifelong oral health; management of unexpected barriers; and management of competing priorities. Structural factors included availability, accessibility of services, and continuity of care. The ability to fund oral health emerged as a salient theme that influenced both individual and structural factors.

Conclusions

Strong self‐efficacy and financial and spousal support enhanced the management of oral health, whereas difficulty managing competing issues post‐treatment, such as psychological and financial stress, limited participants’ capacity to prioritize and manage oral health. Policy initiatives are needed to address the structural barriers caused by a lack of timely access to general and preventive dental care post‐treatment.
Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva: a case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Renati Sruthi , Henderson Christopher , Aluko Ashley , Burgin Susan
Published: December 2018

The vulva is an unusual site for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Vulvar BCC accounts for <1% of all BCCs and <5% of all vulvar malignancies. We report the case of an 83 year‐old woman who presented with a 2‐month history of a tender labial growth, with histopathology confirming nodular BCC. We conducted a systematic literature review of the characteristics of reported cases of vulvar BCCs. A comprehensive systematic review of articles indexed for MEDLINE and Embase yielded 96 reports describing 437 patients with 446 BCCs of the vulva. The mean age at presentation was 70 (range 20–100). Most women had no underlying vulvar disease. Approximately 60% of cases were of the nodular subtype. Treatment approach varied widely with over half of cases treated with wide local or local excision. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for vulvar BCC was first reported in 1988 with seven total MMS cases reported. Twenty‐three cases of recurrence have been reported; 21 of these cases after local excision but none following MMS. Vulvar BCC is a rarely reported cancer that affects older women predominantly. MMS represents a promising treatment for BCC in this anatomic location.
Genetic variants of erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO receptor genes in familial erythrocytosis
Authors: Vočanec Danijela , Prijatelj Tinkara , Debeljak Nataša , Kunej Tanja
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Erythrocytosis is characterized by the expansion of erythrocyte compartment including elevated red blood cell number, hematocrit, and hemoglobin content. Familial erythrocytosis (FE) is a congenital disorder with different genetic background. Type 1 FE is primary FE caused by mutation in erythropoietin receptor gene (EPOR). Type 2‐5 FE are secondary FEs caused by mutations of genes involved in oxygen sensing pathway important for erythropoietin (EPO) regulation. In the present study, we summarized associations between EPOR and EPO gene variations with development of FE and searched for genetic variants located within regulatory regions.

Methods

Publications reporting EPOR and EPO sequence variants associated with FE or clinical features of erythrocytosis were retrieved from PubMed and WoS. In silico, sequence reanalysis was performed using Ensembl genomic browser, release 89 to screen for variants located within regulatory regions.

Results

To date, 28 variants of the EPOR and seven variants of the EPO gene have been associated with erythrocytosis or upper hematocrit. Sequence variants were also found to be present within regulatory regions.

Conclusions

Role of variants in regulatory regions of the EPO gene should be further investigated.
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia: Nomenclature, incidence and progression to malignancy in the Netherlands
Authors: Hoekstra Robert J , Trip Evelien J , ten Kate Fybo JW , Horenblas Simon , Lock MTW Tycho
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the incidence of penile intraepithelial neoplasia in the Netherlands using a nationwide histopathology registry and to discuss the nomenclature of premalignant penile lesions.

Methods

Data from patients in the Netherlands diagnosed with a premalignant penile lesion between January 1998 and December 2007 were collected from the nationwide histopathology registry (PALGA); this database covers all pathology reports of inhabitants in the Netherlands. The premalignant lesions included were erythroplasia of Queyrat; Bowen's disease; bowenoid papulosis; mild, moderate and severe dysplasia; and carcinoma in situ of the penis. The terminology used in the pathological reports was translated to penile intraepithelial neoplasia. The grading was made analogous to that of vulvar premalignant lesions.

Results

The PALGA database enrolled 380 patients with premalignant penile lesions. Severe premalignant lesions, penile intraepithelial neoplasia III, were found in 254 patients (67%), penile intraepithelial neoplasia II in 84 (22%) and penile intraepithelial neoplasia I in 42 patients (11%). Most lesions were located on the prepuce (45%), followed by glans (38%) and shaft (3%). The median age of patients with penile intraepithelial neoplasia was 58 years. Progression to malignant disease occurred (2% for penile intraepithelial neoplasia I vs 7% for penile intraepithelial neoplasia III) in 26 patients.

Conclusions

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia is a rarely diagnosed condition. Because of the wide variation of terms used for premalignant intraepithelial neoplasia of the penis, we recommend restricting this nomenclature to penile intraepithelial neoplasia.
Up for Review: Unravelling the Link between Formal Evaluations and Performance‐Based Rewards
Authors: Bonet Rocio , Eriksson Tor , Ortega Jaime
Published: December 2018

We study whether organizations that reward individual performance should give autonomy or should control how managers evaluate their subordinates. The normal way to establish control is to formalize the evaluations, so that managers cannot choose when and how to evaluate. We argue that organizations face a trade‐off because formalization helps reduce biases but also introduces rigidities. Using linked employer–employee data, we study the link between formal performance appraisals and firm financial performance.
Quality criteria, instruments, and requirements for nursing documentation: A systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: De Groot Kim , Triemstra Mattanja , Paans Wolter , Francke Anneke L.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To obtain an overview of existing evidence on quality criteria, instruments, and requirements for nursing documentation.

Design

Systematic review of systematic reviews.

Data sources

We systematically searched the databases PubMed and CINAHL for the period 2007–April 2017. We also performed additional searches.

Review methods

Two reviewers independently selected the reviews using a stepwise procedure, assessed the methodological quality of the selected reviews, and extracted the data using a predefined extraction format. We performed descriptive synthesis.

Results

Eleven systematic reviews were included. Several quality criteria were described referring to the importance of following the nursing process and using standardized nursing terminologies. In addition, some evidence‐based instruments were described for assessing the quality of nursing documentation, such as the D‐Catch. Furthermore, several requirements for formats and systems of electronic nursing documentation were found that refer to the importance of user‐friendliness and development in consultation with nursing staff.

Conclusion

Aligning documentation with the nursing process, using standard terminologies, and using user‐friendly formats and systems appear to be important for high‐quality nursing documentation. The lack of evidence‐based quality indicators presents a challenge in the pursuit of high‐quality nursing documentation.

Impact

There is uncertainty in nursing practice about which criteria have to be met to achieve high‐quality documentation.

Aligning documentation with the nursing process, using standard terminologies, and using user‐friendly formats and systems appear to be important.

These findings can help nursing staff and care organizations enhance the quality of nursing documentation.
Nucleoporin 107 facilitates the nuclear export of Scn5a mRNA to regulate cardiac bioelectricity
Authors: Guan Yi , Gao Xueting , Tang Qiuyu , Huang Lin , Gao Siyun , Yu Shuai , Huang Jiale , Li Jun , Zhou Daizhan , Zhang Yangyang , Shi Dan , Liang Dandan , Liu Yi , Li Li , Cui Yingyu , Xu Liang , Chen Yi‐Han
Published: December 2018

Nucleoporins (Nups) are known to be functional in nucleo‐cytoplasmic transport, but the roles of nucleoporins in nonproliferating cells, such as cardiac myocytes, are still poorly understood. In this study, we report that Nup107 regulates cardiac bioelectricity by controlling the nucleo‐cytoplasmic trafficking of Scn5a mRNA. Overexpression of Nup107 induced the protein expression of Scn5a rather than that of other ion channels, with no effects of their mRNA levels. The analysis for the protein production demonstrated Nup107‐facilitated transport of Scn5a mRNA. Using RIP‐PCR and luciferase assay, we found that the 5′‐UTR of Scn5a mRNA was not involved in the interaction, whereas the spatial interaction between Nup107 protein and Scn5a mRNA was formed when Scn5a mRNA passing through the nuclear pore. Functionally, Nup107 overexpression in neonatal rat ventricle myocytes significantly increased the currents of Scn5a‐encoded INa channel. Moreover, the close correlation between Nup107 and Nav1.5 protein expression was observed in cardiomycytes and heart tissues subjected to hypoxia and ischaemic insults, suggesting a fast regulation of Nup107 on Nav1.5 channel in cardiac myocytes in a posttranscriptional manner. These findings may provide insights into the emergent control of cardiac electrophysiology through Nup‐mediated modulation of ion channels.
RNF168 facilitates proliferation and invasion of esophageal carcinoma, possibly via stabilizing STAT1
Authors: Yu Na , Xue Min , Wang Weilong , Xia Dongxue , Li Yajie , Zhou Xiaofeng , Pang Dan , Lu Kui , Hou Jinghan , Zhang Aijia , Zhuang Ting , Wang Lidong , Chang Tingmin , Li Xiumin
Published: December 2018

Oesophageal cancer ranks as one of the most common malignancy in China and worldwide. Although genome‐wide association studies and molecular biology studies aim to elucidate the driver molecules in oesophageal cancer progression, the detailed mechanisms remain to be identified. Interestingly, RNF168 (RING finger protein 168) shows a high frequency of gene amplification in oesophageal cancer from TCGA database. Here, we report an important function for RNF168 protein in supporting oesophageal cancer growth and invasion by stabilizing STAT1 protein. RNF168 gene is amplified in oesophageal cancer samples, which tends to correlate with poor prognosis. Depletion RNF168 causes decreased cell proliferation and invasion in oesophageal cancer cells. Through unbiased RNA sequencing in RNF168 depleted oesophageal cancer cell, we identifies JAK‐STAT pathway is dramatically decreased. Depletion RNF168 reduced JAK‐STAT target genes, such as IRF1, IRF9 and IFITM1. Immuno‐precipitation reveals that RNF168 associates with STAT1 in the nucleus, stabilizing STAT1 protein and inhibiting its poly‐ubiquitination and degradation. Our study provides a novel mechanism that RNF168 promoting JAK‐STAT signalling in supporting oesophageal cancer progression. It could be a promising strategy to target RNF168 for oesophageal cancer treatment.
First report of the invasive Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar, 1837) (Blattodea, Rhinotermitidae) in the Canary Islands
Authors: Hernández‐Teixidor David , Suárez Daniel , García Javier , Mora David
Published: December 2018

Reticulitermes flavipes, one of the most harmful subterranean termite pests, is reported for the first time from Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). Cytochrome oxidase II was sequenced from five specimens in order to confirm the identification. To date, this invasive species has been detected in a limited area in the northeast of the island, affecting buildings, crops and native plant species. Another colony with the identical haplotype found in the southwest, 60 km away from the main population, indicates that this invasive insect may be more widespread over the island.