bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the combination of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy and anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 in a preclinical mouse model of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Corradi Renato B , LaRosa Stephen , Jebiwott Sylvia , Murray Katie S , Rosenzweig Barak , Somma Alexander J , Gomez Renato S , Scherz Avigdor , Kim Kwanghee , Coleman Jonathan A
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of combination treatment of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy and anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 immunotherapy in a mouse model of urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

We used C57BL/6 mice injected with murine bladder 49 cell line. Mice were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: vascular targeted photodynamic therapy only, anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 only, combination therapy and control. We carried out three separate experiments that used distinct cohorts of mice: tumor growth and development of lung metastases monitored with bioluminescent imaging (n = 91); survival evaluated with Kaplan–Meier curves (n = 111); and tumor cell population studied with flow cytometry (n = 20). In a fourth experiment, we re‐challenged tumors in previously treated mice and compared tumor growth with that of naïve mice.

Results

Combination therapy provided significant benefits over the other three treatment groups: prolonged survival (P < 0.0001), lower tumor signal (P < 0.0001) and decreased lung signal uptake (P ≤ 0.002). We also observed that mice previously treated with vascular targeted photodynamic therapy only or combination therapy did not present tumor growth after re‐challenged tumors.

Conclusions

Combination of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy with anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 is an effective therapy in a urothelial carcinoma syngeneic mouse model. The present results suggest this therapy as a potential treatment option for both bladder and upper tract tumors in future clinical trials.
Novel nomogram for the prediction of seminal vesicle invasion including multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Martini Alberto , Gupta Akriti , Cumarasamy Shivaram , Lewis Sara C , Haines Kenneth G , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Tewari Ashutosh K
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To create a model that predicts side‐specific seminal vesicle invasion using clinical, biopsy and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data.

Methods

We analyzed data from 544 patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy at a single institution. To develop a side‐specific predictive model, we ultimately considered four variables: prostate‐specific antigen, highest ipsilateral biopsy Gleason grade, highest ipsilateral percentage core involvement and seminal vesicle invasion on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. A binary multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict seminal vesicle invasion. A nomogram was then built based on the coefficients of the resulting logit function. The leave‐one‐out cross validation method was used for internal validation, and the decision curve analysis for the evaluation of the net clinical benefit.

Results

We relied on 804 side‐specific cases after excluding negative biopsy observations (n = 284). Seminal vesicle invasion was reported on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in 41 (5%) cases, and on final pathology in 64 (8%) cases. All variables in the model emerged as predictors of seminal vesicle invasion (all P ≤ 0.001) and were subsequently considered to build a nomogram. The area under the curve of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging alone in predicting seminal vesicle invasion was 59.1%; whereas one of the clinical variables only was 85.1%. The area under the curve of the nomogram resulting from their combination was 86.5%. After internal validation, this resulted in 84.7%. The model achieved good calibration and the decision curve analysis showed its clinical benefit, especially when compared with relying only on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging prediction of seminal vesicle invasion.

Conclusions

A nomogram based on clinical and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data can predict seminal vesicle invasion and serve as a tool to urologists for surgical planning.
Evaluating ecological niche model accuracy in predicting biotic invasions using South Florida's exotic lizard community
Authors: Mothes Caitlin C. , Stroud James T. , Clements Stephanie L. , Searcy Christopher A.
Published: January 2019

Aim

Predicting environmentally suitable areas for non‐native species is an important step in managing biotic invasions, and ecological niche models are commonly used to accomplish this task. Depending on these models to enact appropriate management plans assumes their accuracy, but most niche model studies do not provide validation for their model outputs. South Florida hosts the world's most globally diverse non‐native lizard community, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the predictive ability of niche models by comparing model predictions to observed patterns of distribution, abundance and physiology in established non‐native populations.

Location

Florida, USA.

Taxon

Lizards.

Methods

Using Maxent, we developed niche models for all 29 non‐native lizard species with established populations in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, using native range data to predict habitat suitability in the invaded range. We then used independently collected field data on abundance, geographical spread and thermal tolerances of the non‐native populations to evaluate Maxent's ability to make predictions in both geographical and environmental space in the non‐native range.

Results

Maxent performed well in predicting across geographical space where these non‐native lizards were most likely to occur, but within a given geographical extent was unable to predict which individual species would be the most abundant or widespread. Comparisons with physiological data also revealed an imperfect fit, but without any consistent biases.

Main conclusions

We performed one of the most extensive field validations of Maxent's ability to predict where invasions are likely to occur, and our results support its continued use in this role. However, the program was unable to predict the relative abundance and geographical spread of established species, indicating limited utility for identifying which invasive species will be the greatest management concern. These results underscore the importance of other factors, such as time since introduction, dispersal ability and biotic interactions in determining the relative success of non‐native species post‐establishment.
Trabecular meshwork cells are a valuable resource for cellular therapy of glaucoma
Authors: Sun Hong , Zhu Qin , Guo Ping , Zhang Yuan , Tighe Sean , Zhu Yingting
Published: January 2019

Trabecular meshwork (TM) contains a subset of adult stem cells or progenitors that can be differentiated into corneal endothelial cells, adipocytes and chondrocytes, but not osteocytes or keratocytes. Accordingly, these progenitors can be utilized as a cell‐based therapy to prevent blindness caused by glaucoma, corneal endothelial dysfunction and other diseases in general. In this review, we review in vitro expansion techniques for TM progenitors, discuss their phenotypic properties, and highlight their potential clinical applications in various ophthalmic diseases.
Rapid evolution of testis size relative to sperm morphology suggests that post‐copulatory selection targets sperm number in Anolis lizards
Authors: Kahrl Ariel F. , Johnson Michele A. , Cox Robert M.
Published: January 2019

Post‐copulatory sexual selection is thought to be responsible for much of the extraordinary diversity in sperm morphology across metazoans. However, the extent to which post‐copulatory selection targets sperm morphology versus sperm production is generally unknown. To address this issue, we simultaneously characterized the evolution of sperm morphology (length of the sperm head, midpiece and flagellum) and testis size (a proxy for sperm production) across 26 species of Anolis lizards, a group in which sperm competition is likely. We found that the length of the sperm midpiece has evolved 2–3 times faster than that of the sperm head or flagellum, suggesting that midpiece size may be the most important aspect of sperm morphology with respect to post‐copulatory sexual selection. However, testis size has evolved faster than any aspect of sperm morphology or body size, supporting the hypothesis that post‐copulatory sexual selection acts more strongly upon sperm production than upon sperm morphology. Likewise, evolutionary increases in testis size, which typically indicate increased sperm competition, are not associated with predictable changes in sperm morphology, suggesting that any effects of post‐copulatory selection on sperm morphology are either weak or variable in direction across anoles. Collectively, our results suggest that sperm production is the primary target of post‐copulatory sexual selection in this lineage.
Piscine orthoreovirus‐3 is prevalent in wild seatrout (Salmo trutta L.) in Norway
Authors: Garseth Åse Helen , Moldal Torfinn , Gåsnes Siri Kristine , Hjortaas Monika Jankowska , Sollien Vegard Pedersen , Gjevre Anne‐Gerd
Published: January 2019

In 2017, a PCR‐based survey for Piscine orthoreovirus‐3 (PRV‐3) was conducted in wild anadromous and non‐anadromous salmonids in Norway. In seatrout (anadromous Salmo trutta L.), the virus was present in 16.6% of the fish and in 15 of 21 investigated rivers. Four of 221 (1.8%) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from three of 15 rivers were also PCR‐positive, with Ct‐values indicating low amounts of viral RNA. All anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus L.) were PCR‐negative. Neither non‐anadromous trout (brown trout) nor landlocked salmon were PRV‐3 positive. Altogether, these findings suggest that in Norway PRV‐3 is more prevalent in the marine environment. In contrast, PRV‐3 is present in areas with intensive inland farming in continental Europe. PRV‐3 genome sequences from Norwegian seatrout grouped together with sequences from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) in Norway and Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum) in Chile. At present, the origin of the virus remains unknown. Nevertheless, the study highlights the value of safeguarding native fish by upholding natural and artificial barriers that hinder introduction and spread, on a local or national scale, of alien fish species and their pathogens. Accordingly, further investigations of freshwater reservoirs and interactions with farmed salmonids are warranted.
Albendazole, levamisole and ivermectin are effective against monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum (Pisces: Serrasalmidae)
Authors: Alves Carliane Maria Guimarães , Nogueira Joziele Neves , Barriga Isaac Belo , dos Santos Joilson Rodrigues , Santos Gracienhe Gomes , Tavares‐Dias Marcos
Published: January 2019

This study evaluated the efficacy of albendazole, ivermectin, levamisole, mebendazole and praziquantel on monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum, based on in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro assays indicated that albendazole (500, 100, 1,500 and 2,000 mg/L), ivermectin (200, 250, 300 and 350 mg/L) and levamisole (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/L) were 100% effective against Anacanthorus spatulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, Mymarothecium boegeri and Linguadactyloides brinkmanni, while mebendazole (125, 150, 175 and 200 mg/L) and praziquantel (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L) were ineffective. Fish mortality in 24 hr therapeutic baths with 500 mg/L of albendazole was 6.6%, but the behaviour of the animals remained unchanged, while 200 mg/L of ivermectin caused lethargy, signs of hypoxia and 100% mortality within 2 hr, and 125 mg/L of levamisole caused no mortality. The efficacy of 500 mg/L of albendazole was 48.6% in the 24 hr baths, while that of 125 mg/L levamisole was 88.2%. Although ivermectin showed in vitro efficacy, the lowest concentration used in baths was highly toxic to fish. Therefore, we recommend the use of 125 mg/L of levamisole to control and treat monogenean infestations on C. macropomum in fish farming.
Two epizootic Perkinsus spp. events in commercial oyster farms at Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Luz Cunha Ana C. , Pontinha Vitor de A. , de Castro Maria Alcina M. , Sühnel Simone , Medeiros Sthefanie C. , Moura da Luz Ângela M. , Harakava Ricardo , Tachibana Leonardo , Mello Danielle F. , Danielli Naissa M. , Dafre Alcir L. , Magalhães Aimê R. M. , P. Mouriño José Luiz
Published: January 2019

Perkinsus spp. have been detected in various bivalve species from north‐east Brazil. Santa Catarina is a South Brasil state with the highest national oyster production. Considering the pathogenicity of some Perkinsus spp., a study was carried out to survey perkinsosis in two oyster species cultured in this State, the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar and the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Sampling involved eight sites along the state coast, and oyster sampling was collected during the period between January 2013 and December 2014. For the detection of Perkinsus, Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) and histology were used, and for the identification of the species, PCR and DNA sequencing were used. Perkinsus spp. was found by RFTM in C. gigas and C. gasar from São Francisco do Sul. This pathology was also detected in C. gasar from Balneário Barra do Sul both, by RFTM and histology. Perkinsus marinus was identified in C. gigas and C. gasar from São Francisco do Sul and Perkinsus beihaiensis in C. gasar from Balneário Barra do Sul. This is the first report of P. marinus in C. gigas from South America. Results of this preliminary study suggest that both oyster species tolerate the species of Perkinsus identified, without suffering heavy lesions.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the role of p53 signalling pathway during red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus infection in Lateolabrax japonicus brain cells
Authors: Xiang Yangxi , Jia Peng , Liu Wei , Yi Meisheng , Jia Kuntong
Published: January 2019

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the fish pathogens that have caused mass mortalities of many marine and freshwater fishes in the world. To better comprehend the molecular immune mechanism of sea perch (Lateolabrax japonicus) against NNV infection, the comparative transcriptome analysis of red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV)‐infected or mock‐infected L. japonicus brain (LJB) cells was performed via RNA sequencing technology. Here, 1,969 up‐regulated genes and 9,858 down‐regulated genes, which were widely implicated in immune response pathways, were identified. Furthermore, we confirmed that p53 signalling pathway was repressed at 48 hr post‐RGNNV infection, as indicated by up‐regulation of Mdm2 and down‐regulation of p53 and its downstream target genes, including Bax, Casp8 and CytC. Overexpression of L. japonicus p53 (Ljp53) significantly inhibited RGNNV replication and up‐regulated the expression of apoptosis‐related genes, whereas the down‐regulation caused by pifithrin‐α led to the opposite effect, suggesting Ljp53 might promote cell apoptosis to repress virus replication. Luciferase assay indicated that Ljp53 could enhance the promoter activities of zebrafish interferon (IFN)1, indicating that Ljp53 could exert its anti‐RGNNV activities by enforcing the type I IFN response. This study revealed the potential antiviral role of p53 during NNV infection.
Optimal design of flax fiber reinforced polymer composite as a lightweight component for automobiles from a life cycle assessment perspective
Authors: Deng Yelin , Guo Yansong , Wu Peng , Ingarao Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

The present study combines the generalized rule‐of‐mixture (ROM) model and the Ashby material selection method for the life cycle assessment (LCA) of flax fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) and glass FRPs (GFRPs). The ROM model allows life cycle environmental impact predictions according to specific parameters of flax FRPs such as fiber format, volume fraction, manufacturing technique, and load‐bearing capacity. The comparisons applied in this study are constructed on two common composite structures: mat panels and injection molded struts with equal stiffness and strength as the design criteria. On the one hand, the parametric LCA predicts that the equal strength design criterion for flax FRPs contributes to consistent mass increases, subsequently resulting in higher life cycle environmental impacts compared to the reference GFRPs; on the other hand, under the equal stiffness criterion the flax mat polypropylene (flax mat‐PP) film helps with mass reduction in reference to the glass mat‐PP composite, leading to the 20–50% life cycle environmental impact reductions for most impact categories. The subsequent evaluation of the influences of the fiber volume fraction on flax FRPs shows different patterns. For the short flax fiber‐PP composite, a steady decrease of the life cycle CO2 emissions can be observed with the increasing fiber volume fraction. However, for the flax mat‐PP composite, depending on the tensile modulus of the flax fiber, the optimal volume fractions of the fiber change from 28 to 32% v/v, whereby the lowest life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be achieved.
Double transcranial direct current stimulation of the brain increases cerebral energy levels and systemic glucose tolerance in men
Authors: Wardzinski Ewelina K. , Friedrichsen Lisa , Dannenberger Sina , Kistenmacher Alina , Melchert Uwe H. , Jauch‐Chara Kamila , Oltmanns Kerstin M.
Published: January 2019

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory method that has been tested experimentally and has already been used as an adjuvant therapeutic option to treat a number of neurological disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases. Beyond its well known local effects within the brain, tDCS also transiently promotes systemic glucose uptake and reduces the activity of the neurohormonal stress axes. We aimed to test whether the effects of a single tDCS application could be replicated upon double stimulation to persistently improve systemic glucose tolerance and stress axes activity in humans. In a single‐blinded cross‐over study, we examined 15 healthy male volunteers. Anodal tDCS vs sham was applied twice in series. Systemic glucose tolerance was investigated by the standard hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic glucose clamp procedure, and parameters of neurohormonal stress axes activity were measured. Because tDCS‐induced brain energy consumption has been shown to be part of the mechanism underlying the assumed effects, we monitored the cerebral high‐energy phosphates ATP and phosphocreatine by 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. As hypothesised, analyses revealed that double anodal tDCS persistently increases glucose tolerance compared to sham. Moreover, we observed a significant rise in cerebral high‐energy phosphate content upon double tDCS. Accordingly, the activity of the neurohormonal stress axes was reduced upon tDCS compared to sham. Our data demonstrate that double tDCS promotes systemic glucose uptake and reduces stress axes activity in healthy humans. These effects suggest that repetitive tDCS may be a future non‐pharmacological option for combating glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetes patients.
Multiomic analysis of oral keratinocytes chronically exposed to shisha
Authors: Patil Shankargouda , Patel Krishna , Advani Jayshree , Subbannayya Tejaswini , Rajagopalan Pavithra , Babu Niraj , Solanki Hitendra , Bhandi Shilpa , Sidransky David , Chatterjee Aditi , Gowda Harsha , Ferrari Marco
Published: January 2019

Background

Tobacco is smoked in different form including cigarettes and water pipes. One popular form of water pipe smoking especially in Middle Eastern countries is shisha smoking. Shisha has been associated with various diseases including oral cancer. However, genomic alterations and gene expression changes associated with chronic shisha exposure have not been previously investigated.

Objectives

Whole‐exome sequencing and gene expression profiling of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (OKF6/TERT1) cells chronically treated with 0.5% shisha extract for a period of 8 months was undertaken to characterize molecular alterations associated with shisha exposure.

Methods

Genomic DNA and RNA were extracted and preprocessed as per manufacturer's instruction and subjected to whole‐exome and transcriptome sequencing using Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. Exome was analyzed using GATK pipeline whereas RNA‐Seq data was analyzed using HiSat2 and HTSeq along with DESeq to elucidate differentially expressed genes.

Results

Whole‐exome sequence analysis led to identification of 521 somatic missense variants corresponding to 389 genes RNA‐Seq data revealed 247 differentially expressed genes (≥2‐fold, P‐value<0.01) in shisha treated cells compared to parental cells. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that interferon‐signaling pathway was significantly affected. We predict activation of MAPK1 pathway which is known to play a key role in oral cancer. We also observed allele specific expression of mutant LIMA1 based on RNA‐Seq dataset.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insights into genomic alterations and gene expression pattern associated with oral keratinocytes chronically exposed to shisha.
Urban redevelopment and residential location choice: Evidence from a major earthquake in Japan
Authors: Xu Hangtian , Wang Si
Published: January 2019

We examine residential location choice behavior in a metropolitan area of Japan that experienced seismic damage. We find that the internal structure of the affected area was reshaped, although, in the long term, its total population size was robust to this temporary shock. Before the earthquake, the population was evolving toward a state of equilibrium with dense locations in the core facing redevelopment barriers and, therefore, stagnation. In contrast, the periphery was becoming increasingly appealing and thus growing. Seismic damage allowed for redevelopment at higher density, making the adjusted equilibrium with dense locations grow again. In summary, the initially expanding periphery stagnated as an unintended consequence of urban redevelopment.
Changes in serum pepsinogen levels and their value as a predictor of treatment outcomes in children with peptic ulcer
Authors: Zhou Bin , Chen Xintao , Huang Biao , Hu Yonghong , Tang Guorong , Zhang Jue , Lin Qiong
Published: January 2019

Aim

To investigate pepsinogen secretion from the neonatal stage to childhood and its diagnostic value for peptic ulcer (PU) in children.

Methods

In this study, 2114 ‘healthy’ children and 51 children with PUs undergoing a medical examination by gastroscopy were selected as subjects. The serum content of pepsinogen I (PGI) and serum pepsinogen II (PGII) was tested for each of the subjects using time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay, which is characterised by high sensitivity and a wide measuring range.

Results

The serum PGI and PGII levels were found to increase with age, becoming stable and similar to those of adults at the age of 16. In 51 children with PUs, PGI was 201.03 ± 30.74 ng/mL before treatment and 187.92 ± 19.86 ng/mL after treatment (P > 0.05); PGII was 17.36 ± 1.47 ng/mL before treatment and 17.20 ± 3.98 ng/mL after treatment (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

It is difficult to establish the normal range of PG in children owing to its variance by age. However, if the normal reference range for individual age groups is known, it may still serve as a useful diagnosis system as well as a detecting indicator during the course of PU treatment. There are significant differences in PGI expression in children with PU before and after PU is cured, whereas other indicators show no differences before and after treatment.
Reduced delivery of epididymal adipocyte‐derived exosomal resistin is essential for melatonin ameliorating hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Rong Bohan , Feng Ruonan , Liu Chenlong , Wu Qiong , Sun Chao
Published: January 2019

Adipocyte‐derived exosomes (Exos) serve as bioinformation‐containing messengers in cell‐to‐cell communications, and numerous reports demonstrate that resistin, an adipokine, is strongly associated with hepatic steatosis and other fatty liver diseases, suggesting that adipose dysfunction‐generated altered pattern of exosomal cytokines may contribute to shaping the physiological activities in liver. Admittedly, melatonin‐mediated positive effects on various tissues/organs have been respectively reported, but regulatory mechanisms of melatonin on the crosstalk between adipose tissue and liver have been investigated rarely. Overall, we hypothesize that the crosstalk originating from adipose tissue may be another worthy regulatory pathway for melatonin ameliorating of hepatic steatosis. Here, we first found the amount of adipocyte‐derived exosomal resistin to be significantly decreased by melatonin supplementation. Compared to mice with ExosHFD or Exosresistin treatment, ExosMT remarkably ameliorated hepatic steatosis. Further test demonstrated that resistin was a pivotal cytokine which repressed phosphorylation of 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase α (pAMPKα Thr172) to trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, resulting in hepatic steatosis, whereas ExosMT reversed these risks in hepatocytes. In adipocytes, we identified melatonin to reduce the production of resistin through the brain and muscle arnt‐like protein 1 (Bmal1) transcriptional inhibition. Notably, we also confirmed that melatonin enhanced N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA demethylation to degrade resistin mRNA in adipocytes. Overall, melatonin decreases traffic volume of adipocyte‐generated exosomal resistin from adipocytes to hepatocytes, which further alleviates ER stress‐induced hepatic steatosis. Our findings illustrate a novel melatonin‐mediated regulatory pathway from adipocytes to hepatocytes, indicating that adipocyte‐derived exosome is a new potential target for treating obesity and related hepatorenal syndrome.
Seasonal and dietary effects on Vitamin D deficiencies detected in wild boar from mid‐western Spain
Authors: Risco David , Gonçalves Pilar , Bravo María , García‐Jiménez Waldo , Cerrato Rosario , Hermoso de Mendoza Javier , Fernández‐Llario Pedro
Published: January 2019

Vitamin D (VitD) is involved in important mammalian physiological mechanisms, such as Ca–P metabolism, bone development and immunological response. VitD deficiencies are frequently detected in domestic animals and related to various health problems (e.g., rickets, bone deformation). However, knowledge about the status of VitD in wildlife species, such as the wild boar, is scarce. The aims of this work were to explore VitD status in wild boar populations from mid‐western Spain and to elucidate the influence of daylight exposure and food supplementation in levels of VitD. Serum concentration of VitD (measured as 25‐hydroxivitaminD) was assessed in 276 wild boar from 27 game estates located in mid‐western Spain using a commercial ELISA kit. In 19 out of 27 estates, the staff supplied a specific VitD‐enriched food (2,000 UI/Kg) ad libitum throughout the year, while in the remaining estates (8), no food was supplied. Blood samples were extracted from hunted animals (198) between October and February of hunting seasons 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, and from live wild boar (78) that were captured, sampled and released (March–September of 2017). The percentage of animals with VitD deficiency (<20 ng/ml), VitD insufficiency (20–30 ng/ml) and VitD sufficiency (>30 ng/ml) was estimated, and the relationship of these levels to factors like sex, age and season was assessed using chi‐square tests. Furthermore, associations between daylight exposure and supplemental food with VitD levels were explored using linear models. Of the studied wild boar population, 82.2% showed a VitD deficiency or insufficiency. VitD deficiencies were more frequent in animals sampled in winter and spring. Furthermore, levels of VitD positively correlated with daylight exposure and supplemental food intake. Ad libitum supplementation with VitD‐enriched food was insufficient to prevent VitD deficiencies in wild boar from November to April, probably because food consumption is lower during this period.
Molecular phylogeny of the diatom genera Amphora and Halamphora (Bacillariophyta) with a focus on morphological and ecological evolution
Authors: Stepanek Joshua G. , Patrick Kociolek J.
Published: January 2019

The taxonomic history of the diatom genus Amphora is one of a broad early morphological concept resulting in the inclusion of a diversity of taxa, followed by an extended period of revision and refinement. The introduction of molecular systematics has increased the pace of revision and has largely resolved the relationships between the major lineages, indicating homoplasy in the evolution of amphoroid symmetry. Within the two largest monophyletic lineages, the genus Halamphora and the now taxonomically refined genus Amphora, the intrageneric morphological and ecological relationships have yet to be explored within a phylogenetic framework. Critical among this is whether the range of morphological features exhibited within these diverse genera are reflective of evolutionary groupings or, as with many previously studied amphoroid features, are nonhomologous when examined phylogenetically. Presented here is a four‐marker molecular phylogeny that includes 31 taxa from the genus Amphora and 77 taxa from the genus Halamphora collected from fresh, brackish, and salt waters from coastal and inland habitats of the United States and Japan. These phylogenies illustrate complex patterns in the evolution of frustule morphology and ecology within the genera and the implications of this on the taxonomy, classification, and organization of the genera are discussed.
Sugar‐sweetened beverage behaviors of Tennessee school children: How do parent‐ and child‐report compare on school days and nonschool days?
Authors: Smith Laureen H. , Baumker Erica
Published: January 2019

Introduction

This study describes sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) behaviors of children and compares child‐reported SSB behaviors to parent‐reported SSB behaviors during school days and nonschool days.

Method

Six elementary schools from Tennessee participated with 444 students and 287 parents. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviation (SD), ranges of values, and measures of central tendency. To explore the relationship between parent and child report, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were analyzed. The mean (
SD) differences and limits of agreement were calculated using paired
t tests with Bonferroni corrections for multiple outcomes of interest. A
p < 0.05 was significant.

Results

Reporting differed with SSB type of school day. Children reported higher quantities of sweet tea and “coke/soda.” Both agreed on SSB abstention, except for juice. ICCs ranged from 0.383 to 0.513 (
p = 0.000). The lowest and highest ICCs were for sweet tea, based on school days or nonschool days.

Discussion

To determine the best estimate of SSBs, information should be obtained from children and parents to improve accuracy and enhance education about health behaviors.
The presence of cerebral white matter lesions and lower skin microvascular perfusion predicts lower cognitive performance in type 1 diabetes patients with retinopathy but not in healthy controls—A longitudinal study
Authors: Emanuel Anna L. , van Duinkerken Eelco , Wattjes Mike P. , Klein Martin , Barkhof Frederik , Snoek Frank J. , Diamant Michaela , Eringa Etto C. , IJzerman Richard G. , Serné Erik H.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Cognitive impairments in type 1 diabetes may result from hyperglycemia‐associated cerebral microangiopathy. We aimed to identify cerebral microangiopathy and skin microvascular dysfunction—as a surrogate marker for generalized microvascular function—as predictors of cognitive performance over time.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 25 type 1 diabetes patients with proliferative retinopathy and 25 matched healthy controls underwent neurocognitive testing at baseline and after follow‐up (3.8 ± 0.8 years). At baseline, 1.5‐T cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was used to detect WML and cerebral microbleeds. Skin capillary perfusion was assessed by means of capillary microscopy.

Results

In type 1 diabetes patients, but not in healthy controls, the presence of WML (ß = −0.419; P = 0.037) as well as lower skin capillary perfusion (baseline: ß = 0.753; P < 0.001; peak hyperemia: ß = 0.743; P = 0.001; venous occlusion: ß = 0.675; P = 0.003; capillary recruitment: ß = 0.549; P = 0.022) at baseline was associated with lower cognitive performance over time, independent of age, sex, HbA1c, and severe hypoglycemia. The relationship between WML and lower cognitive performance was significantly reduced after adjusting for capillary perfusion.

Conclusions

These data fit the hypothesis that cerebral microangiopathy is a manifestation of generalized microvascular dysfunction, leading to lower cognitive performance.
Fractal characterization of retinal microvascular network morphology during diabetic retinopathy progression
Authors: Popovic Natasa , Lipovac Mirko , Radunovic Miroslav , Ugarte Jurgi , Isusquiza Erik , Beristain Andoni , Moreno Ramón , Aranjuelo Nerea , Popovic Tomo
Published: January 2019

Objective

The study aimed to characterize morphological changes of the retinal microvascular network during the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

Publicly available retinal images captured by a digital fundus camera from DIARETDB1 and STARE databases were used. The retinal microvessels were segmented using the automatic method, and vascular network morphology was analyzed by fractal parametrization such as box‐counting dimension, lacunarity, and multifractals.

Results

The results of the analysis were affected by the ability of the segmentation method to include smaller vessels with more branching generations. In cases where the segmentation was more detailed and included a higher number of vessel branching generations, increased severity of diabetic retinopathy was associated with increased complexity of microvascular network as measured by box‐counting and multifractal dimensions, and decreased gappiness of retinal microvascular network as measured by lacunarity parameter. This association was not observed if the segmentation method included only 3‐4 vessel branching generations.

Conclusions

Severe stages of diabetic retinopathy could be detected noninvasively by using high resolution fundus photography and automatic microvascular segmentation to the high number of branching generations, followed by fractal analysis parametrization. This approach could improve risk stratification for the development of microvascular complications, cardiovascular disease, and dementia in diabetes.
Automatic pixel‐level multiple damage detection of concrete structure using fully convolutional network
Authors: Li Shengyuan , Zhao Xuefeng , Zhou Guangyi
Published: January 2019

Deep learning‐based structural damage detection methods overcome the limitation of inferior adaptability caused by extensively varying real‐world situations (e.g., lighting and shadow changes). However, most deep learning‐based methods detect structural damage at the image level and grid‐cell level. To provide pixel‐level detection of multiple damages, a Fully Convolutional Network (FCN)‐based multiple damages detection method for concrete structure is proposed. To realize this method, a database of 2,750 images (with 504 × 376 pixels) including crack, spalling, efflorescence, and hole images in concrete structure is built, and the four damages included in those images are labeled manually. Then, the architecture of the FCN is modified, trained, validated, and tested using this database. A strategy of model‐based transfer learning is used to initialize the parameters of the FCN during the training process. The results show 98.61% pixel accuracy (PA), 91.59% mean pixel accuracy (MPA), 84.53% mean intersection over union (MIoU), and 97.34% frequency weighted intersection over union (FWIoU). Subsequently, the robustness and adaptability of the trained FCN model is tested and the damage is extracted, where damage areas are provided according to a calibrated relation between the ratio (the pixel area and true area of the detected object) and the distance from the smartphone to the concrete surface using a laser range finder. A comparative study is conducted to examine the performance of the proposed FCN‐based approach using a SegNet‐based method. The results show that the proposed method substantiates quite better performance and can indeed detect multiple concrete damages at the pixel level in realistic situations.
Combined fused in sarcoma‐positive (FUS+) basophilic inclusion body disease and atypical tauopathy presenting with an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease (ALS/MND)‐plus phenotype
Authors: Wharton S. B. , Verber N. S. , Wagner B. E. , Highley J. R. , Fillingham D. J. , Waller R. , Strand K. , Ince P. G. , Shaw P. J.
Published: January 2019

Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease (ALS/MND) is characterized by the presence of inclusions containing TDP‐43 within motor neurones. In rare cases, ALS/MND may be associated with inclusions containing other proteins, such as fused in sarcoma (FUS), while motor system pathology may rarely be a feature of other neurodegenerative disorders. We here have investigated the association of FUS and tau pathology.

Methods

We report a case with an ALS/MND‐plus clinical syndrome which pathologically demonstrated both FUS pathology and an atypical tauopathy.

Results

Clinical motor involvement was predominantly present in the upper motor neurone, and was accompanied by extrapyramidal features and sensory involvement, but with only minimal cognitive impairment. The presentation was sporadic and gene mutation screening was negative. Post mortem study demonstrated inclusions positive for FUS, including basophilic inclusion bodies. This was associated with 4R‐tauopathy, largely as non‐fibrillary diffuse phospho‐tau in neurones, with granulovacuolar degeneration in a more restricted distribution. Double‐staining revealed that neurones contained both types of protein pathology.

Conclusion

FUS‐positive basophilic inclusion body disease is a rare cause of ALS/MND, but in this case was associated with an unusual atypical tauopathy. The coexistence of two such rare neuropathologies raises the question of a pathogenic interaction.
A new combination for a Chinese Zingiber (Zingiberaceae), Z. fallax
Authors: Chen Juan , Xia Nian‐He , Bai Lin
Published: January 2019

Boesenbergia fallax Loes., previously known as a synonym of B. longiflora (Wall.) Kuntze, is recognized as belonging to the genus Zingiber Mill. Furthermore, it is conspecific with Z. liangshanense Z. Y. Zhu, which was incorrectly treated as a synonym of Z. striolatum in ‘Flora of China’. A new combination, Z. fallax (Loes.) L. Bai, Juan Chen & N. H. Xia is proposed here, and Z. liangshanense is treated as its synonym. Lectotypes are designated for B. fallax and Z. liangshanense. Zingiber fallax is now known to occur in southern Sichuan Province and northwestern to central Yunnan Province, China.
Towards a more physiological representation of vegetation phosphorus processes in land surface models
Authors: Jiang Mingkai , Caldararu Silvia , Zaehle Sönke , Ellsworth David S. , Medlyn Belinda E.
Published: January 2019

Our ability to understand the effect of nutrient limitation on ecosystem productivity is key to the prediction of future terrestrial carbon storage. Significant progress has been made to include phosphorus (P) cycle processes in land surface models (LSMs), but these efforts are focused on the soil component of the P cycle. Incorporating the soil component is important to estimate plant‐available P, but does not necessarily address the vegetation response to P limitation or plant–soil interactions. A more detailed representation of plant P processes is needed to link nutrient availability and ecosystem productivity. We review physiological and biochemical evidence for vegetation responses to P availability, and recommend ways to move towards a more physiological representation of vegetation P processes in LSMs.
Epigenetic consequences of interploidal hybridisation in synthetic and natural interspecific potato hybrids
Authors: Cara Nicolás , Ferrer María Soledad , Masuelli Ricardo Williams , Camadro Elsa Lucila , Marfil Carlos Federico
Published: January 2019

Interploidal hybridisation can generate changes in plant chromosome numbers, which might exert effects additional to the expected due to genome merger per se (that is genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic novelties).

Wild potatoes are suitable to address this question in an evolutionary context. To this end, we performed genetic (AFLP and single sequence repeart (SSR)), epigenetic (MSAP), and cytological comparisons in: (1) natural populations of the diploid cytotype of the hybrid taxonomic species Solanum × rechei (2n = 2×, 3×) and its parental species, the triploid cytotype of Solanum microdontum (2n = 2×, 3×) and Solanum kurtzianum (2n = 2×); and (2) newly synthesised intraploidal (2× × 2×) and interploidal (3× × 2×) S. microdontum × S. kurtzianum hybrids.

Aneuploidy was detected in S. × rechei and the synthetic interploidal progeny; this phenomenon might have originated the significantly higher number of methylation changes observed in the interploidal vs the intraploidal hybrids. The wide epigenetic variability induced by interploidal hybridisation is consistent with the novel epigenetic pattern established in S. × rechei compared to its parental species in nature.

These results suggest that aneuploid potato lineages can persist throughout the short term, and possibly medium term, and that differences in parental ploidy resulting in aneuploidy are an additional source of epigenetic variation.
Bacteremia after professional mechanical plaque removal in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Beutler Jakob , Jentsch Holger F. R. , Rodloff Arne C. , Stingu Catalina‐Suzana
Published: January 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of bacteremia caused by professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) in two groups of patients with generalized moderate chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Venous blood samples were taken at multiple time points for one hour following PMPR in fifty patients with generalized moderate chronic periodontitis. Subjects consisted of two groups, one group was receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT, n = 25) and the other group was receiving initial periodontal therapy (IPT, n = 25). Blood samples were processed and analyzed for cultivable microflora. Pertinent clinical parameters were recorded for each patient in both groups.

Results

Bacteremia was detected in 10 of 25 SPT and 8 of 25 IPT patients (p = 0.796). In both groups, the prevalence of bacteremia was dependent on the time of blood sampling and varied in magnitude between <102 CFU/ml and 106 CFU/ml. Sixteen different bacterial species were identified in both groups, mostly Actinomyces naeslundii (SPT n = 3, IPT n = 4) and Streptococcus spp. (SPT n = 6, IPT n = 2). In regression models, Grade II furcation involvement (p = 0.004) and Gingival Bleeding Index (p = 0.036) had affected the occurrence of bacteremia but in the SPT group only.

Conclusion

Professional mechanical plaque removal was associated with bacteremia regardless of whether a patient was receiving SPT or IPT.
Species‐specific ontogenetic diet shifts attenuate trophic cascades and lengthen food chains in exploited ecosystems
Authors: Reum Jonathan C. P. , Blanchard Julia L. , Holsman Kirstin K. , Aydin Kerim , Punt André E.
Published: January 2019

Ontogenetic diet shifts are pervasive in food websbut rules governing their emergence and the implications for trophic cascades are only partly understood. Recent theoretical advances in multispecies size spectrum models (MSSMs) predict that the emergence of ontogenetic diet shifts are driven primarily by size‐selective predation and changes in the relative abundances of suitably sized prey. Howeverthese assumptions have not yet been tested with data. Herewe developed alternative MSSMs based on different assumptions about the nature of species and size‐based preferences and tested them using an extensive dietary database for the Eastern Bering Sea (EBS). MSSMs with both size and species‐specific prey preferences correctly predicted approximately three‐fold more of the diet links than those that assumed fixed species preferences. Importantlythese model assumptions also had a profound effect on the strength of fishing‐induced trophic cascades and the emergent trophic structure of the community with and without fishing. The diet‐informed models exhibited lower predation mortality ratesparticularly for small individuals (less than 1 g) whichin turnreduced the intensity and reach of fishing‐induced trophic cascades up the size spectrum. If the level and size dependency of piscivory observed in EBS predators is typical of other systemsthe potential for fishing‐induced trophic cascades may be over‐stated in MSSMs as they are currently formulated and parameterized. Representation of species‐specific ontogenetic shifts in diet can strongly influence system responses to perturbationsand the extensions we propose should accelerate adoption of MSSMs as frameworks for exploring size‐based food web theory and developing modeling tools to support strategic management decisions.
The interplay among intraspecific leaf trait variation, niche breadth and species abundance along light and soil nutrient gradients
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Siefert Andrew
Published: January 2019

It is assumed that widespread, generalist species have high phenotypic variation, but we know little about how intraspecific trait variation (ITV) relates to species abundance and niche breadth. In the temperate rainforest of southern Chile, we hypothesized that species with wide niche breadth would exhibit 1) high among‐plot ITV, 2) a strong relationship between trait values and the environment, and 3) a close fit between traits and local environment trait optima. We measured leaf functional traits (leaf area, LMA, leaf N and P concentrations) of saplings in woody species, and compared the relative abundance of each species with its niche breadth, measured as the range of light, soil N and P availability. We used the slope of the linear regression of species’ trait–environment relationships to assess the strength and direction of these relationships, and measured the degree to which species’ trait values track the environmental optimum across plots. In some cases, species having wide niche breadth had high ITV in leaf N and also matched traits (LMA and leaf P) to local optima along the light gradient; they also had high ITV in general and matched leaf P to local optima along the soil P gradient. The relationship between species with wide niche breadth and the strength of intraspecific trait–environment relationships was generally weak and varied depending on the niche dimension and trait in question. Species varied considerably in the strength of trait–environment relationships and total magnitude of ITV, and this variation was not generally strongly related to species abundances or niche breadth patterns. In conclusion, trait variation at the community level is not driven by a few abundant, widely distributed species, but depends on the aggregate trait responses of both abundant and rare species. This makes it difficult to scale individual species trait responses up to the community level.