bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human influences on antipredator behaviour in Darwin’s finches
Authors: Gotanda Kiyoko M.
Published: November 2019

Humans exert dramatic influences upon the environment, creating novel selective pressures to which organisms must adapt. On the Galapagos, humans have established a permanent presence and have altered selective pressures through influences such as invasive predators and urbanization, affecting iconic species such as Darwin's finches.

Here, I ask two key questions: (a) Does antipredator behaviour (e.g., flight initiation distance – FID) change depending on whether invasive predators are historically absent, present, or eradicated? and (b) To what degree does urbanization affect antipredator behaviour? This study is one of the first to quantify antipredator behaviour in endemic species after the eradication of invasive predators. This will help to understand the consequences of invasive predator eradication and inform conservation measures.

I quantified FID, an antipredator behaviour, in the small ground finch, across multiple islands in the Galapagos that varied in the presence, absence, or successful eradication of invasive predators. On islands with human populations, I quantified FID in urban and non‐urban populations of finches.

FID was higher on islands with invasive predators compared to islands with no predators. On islands from which invasive predators were eradicated ~11 years previously, FID was also higher than on islands with no invasive predators. Within islands that had both urban and non‐urban populations of finches, FID was lower in urban finch populations, but only above a threshold human population size. FID in larger urban areas on islands with invasive predators was similar to or lower than FID on islands with no history of invasive predators.

Overall, these results suggest that invasive predators can have a lasting effect on antipredator behaviour, even after eradication. Furthermore, the effect of urbanization can strongly oppose the effect of invasive predators, reducing antipredator behaviour to levels lower than found on pristine islands with no human influences. These results improve our understanding of human influences on antipredator behaviour which can help inform future conservation and management efforts on islands.
Harpellales (Kickxellomycotina: Zygomycetes) fungi associated with the digestive tract of larval black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Korea
Authors: Kim Sam‐kyu
Published: November 2019

Harpellales fungi associated with larval black flies were studied for the first time in Korea. They are a common, widespread group of filamentous fungi that, as obligate symbionts, inhabit the digestive tracts of many terrestrial and aquatic arthropods. Total of 842 ultimate/penultimate instar larvae of black flies from 53 stream were dissected to detect trichomycetes colonization. As a result of the study, seven species of Harpellales including single undetermined Pennella species was found from eight species of black fly hosts: Harpella melusinae, Pennella angustispora, Pennella hovassi, Pennella KNU‐1, Simuliomyces microsporus, Smittium simulii, and Smittium megazygosporum. Descriptions for general features including size and shape of trichospore and zygospores (if available) of each species and their host larval black flies were provided. A key to all known Harpellales fungi found in larval black flies from Korea was also provided.
Flood Risk Reduction from Agricultural Best Management Practices
Authors: Antolini Federico , Tate Eric , Dalzell Brent , Young Nathan , Johnson Kris , Hawthorne Peter L.
Published: November 2019

Best management practices (BMPs) play an important role in improving impaired water quality from conventional row crop agriculture. In addition to reducing nutrient and sediment loads, BMPs such as fertilizer management, reduced tillage, and cover crops could alter the hydrology of agricultural systems and reduce surface water runoff. While attention is devoted to the water quality benefits of BMPs, the potential co‐benefits of flood loss reduction are often overlooked. This study quantifies the effects of selected commonly applied BMPs on expected flood loss to agricultural and urban areas in four Iowa watersheds. The analysis combines a watershed hydrologic model, hydraulic model outputs, and a loss estimation model to determine relationships between hydrologic changes from BMP implementations and annual economic flood loss. The results indicate a modest reduction in peak discharge and economic loss, although loss reduction is substantial when urban centers or other high‐value assets are located downstream in the watershed. Among the BMPs, wetlands, and cover crops reduce losses the most. The research demonstrates that watershed‐scale implementation of agricultural BMPs could provide benefits of flood loss reduction in addition to water quality improvements.
The association of husbands’ smoking with wives' dysglycemia status: A cross‐sectional study among over 10 million Chinese women aged 20‐49
Authors: Zhang Minjin , Yang Ying , Liu Fangchao , Jia Jiajing , Xu Qin , Wang Long , Wang Yuanyuan , He Yuan , Zhang Ya , Peng Zuoqi , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Xu Zongyu , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Zhang Hongguang , Ma Xu
Published: November 2019

Background

We comprehensively evaluated the association between husbands’ smoking amount and wives' dysglycemia status.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study which recruited 12 023 714 reproductive couples who participated in the National Free Pre‐Pregnancy Checkups Project (NFPCP) between 2015 and 2016 in China. Multivariable logistic models were used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Subgroup analysis and stratified analysis were further performed to investigate potential effect modification.

Results

Compared to the neither‐smoker group, the multivariable‐adjusted ORs for diabetes mellitus (DM) among women was 1.09 (95% CI, 1.07‐1.10), 1.04 (95% CI, 0.87‐1.23), and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.17‐1.41) in the husband‐smoker, wife‐smoker, and both‐smokers groups, respectively. An increased risk of DM was also observed for women whose husbands smoke 1 to 10 (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.07), 11 to 20 (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.11‐1.15), and over 20 cigarettes per day (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.31). The prevalence of wives' DM showed significant linear trends with husbands’ smoking amount (Pfor trend < .001). A similar growth tendency was also observed between husband smoking amount and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) prevalence with ORs of 1.04 (95% CI, 1.04‐1.05), 1.05 (95% CI, 1.04‐1.06), and 1.09 (95% CI, 1.06‐1.11) for 1‐10, 11‐20, and over 20 cigarettes per day, respectively. The relationship between husbands’ smoking amount and wives’ IFG/DM prevalence appear to be modified by body mass index (BMI).

Conclusions

This study shows significant relationships between husbands’ smoking and wives' risk of IFG/DM, and this result exists in both a categorical and dose‐response manner. This association is modified by BMI. Family‐oriented smoking interventions may both reduce husbands’ active smoking and wives’ risk of DM.
Subcortical surface morphometry in substance dependence: An ENIGMA addiction working group study
Authors: Chye Yann , Mackey Scott , Gutman Boris A. , Ching Christopher R.K. , Batalla Albert , Blaine Sara , Brooks Samantha , Caparelli Elisabeth C. , Cousijn Janna , Dagher Alain , Foxe John J. , Goudriaan Anna E. , Hester Robert , Hutchison Kent , Jahanshad Neda , Kaag Anne M. , Korucuoglu Ozlem , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , London Edythe D. , Lorenzetti Valentina , Luijten Maartje , Martin‐Santos Rocio , Meda Shashwath A. , Momenan Reza , Morales Angelica , Orr Catherine , Paulus Martin P. , Pearlson Godfrey , Reneman Liesbeth , Schmaal Lianne , Sinha Rajita , Solowij Nadia , Stein Dan J. , Stein Elliot A. , Tang Deborah , Uhlmann Anne , van Holst Ruth , Veltman Dick J. , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio , Wiers Reinout W. , Yücel Murat , Thompson Paul M. , Conrod Patricia , Garavan Hugh
Published: November 2019

While imaging studies have demonstrated volumetric differences in subcortical structures associated with dependence on various abused substances, findings to date have not been wholly consistent. Moreover, most studies have not compared brain morphology across those dependent on different substances of abuse to identify substance‐specific and substance‐general dependence effects. By pooling large multinational datasets from 33 imaging sites, this study examined subcortical surface morphology in 1628 nondependent controls and 2277 individuals with dependence on alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and/or cannabis. Subcortical structures were defined by FreeSurfer segmentation and converted to a mesh surface to extract two vertex‐level metrics—the radial distance (RD) of the structure surface from a medial curve and the log of the Jacobian determinant (JD)—that, respectively, describe local thickness and surface area dilation/contraction. Mega‐analyses were performed on measures of RD and JD to test for the main effect of substance dependence, controlling for age, sex, intracranial volume, and imaging site. Widespread differences between dependent users and nondependent controls were found across subcortical structures, driven primarily by users dependent on alcohol. Alcohol dependence was associated with localized lower RD and JD across most structures, with the strongest effects in the hippocampus, thalamus, putamen, and amygdala. Meanwhile, nicotine use was associated with greater RD and JD relative to nonsmokers in multiple regions, with the strongest effects in the bilateral hippocampus and right nucleus accumbens. By demonstrating subcortical morphological differences unique to alcohol and nicotine use, rather than dependence across all substances, results suggest substance‐specific relationships with subcortical brain structures.
Which adolescent factors predict alcohol misuse in young adulthood? A co‐twin comparisons study
Authors: Stephenson Mallory , Barr Peter , Ksinan Albert , Aliev Fazil , Latvala Antti , Viken Richard , Rose Richard , Kaprio Jaakko , Dick Danielle , Salvatore Jessica E.
Published: November 2019

Background and aims

Research on adolescent predictors of later alcohol misuse is typically conducted on samples of singletons, and associations may be confounded by between‐family differences. To address potential confounding, we applied a co‐twin comparison design to evaluate whether differences between co‐twins in a wide array of adolescent risk factors predicted differences in young adult alcohol misuse.

Design

Longitudinal study in which associations between characteristics of the sample as adolescents were used to predict young adult alcohol misuse in individual‐level analyses and co‐twin comparisons.

Setting

Finland.

Participants

A total of 3402 individuals (1435 complete twin pairs; 36% monozygotic; 57% female) from the FinnTwin12 study.

Measurements

The young adult alcohol misuse outcome was a composite score of alcohol use and intoxication frequency. Adolescent predictors included factor scores representing academic performance, substance use, externalizing problems, internalizing problems, peer environment, physical health and relationship with parents; and single measures tapping alcohol expectancies, life events and pubertal development.

Findings

In individual‐level analyses, individuals with higher adolescent substance use, externalizing problems, time with friends, peer deviance, sports involvement, sleeping difficulties, parental discipline, positive alcohol expectancies and difficulty of life events reported higher alcohol misuse in young adulthood (Ps < 0.019, R2 = 0.0003–0.0310%). Conversely, those with higher adolescent internalizing problems, parent–child relationship quality and time with parents reported lower alcohol misuse (Ps < 0021, R2 = 0.0018–0.0093%). The associations with adolescent substance use and alcohol expectancies remained significant in co‐twin comparisons (Ps < 0.049, R2 = 0.0019–0.0314%). Further, academic performance emerged as a significant predictor, such that individuals with higher grades compared with their co‐twin reported higher young adult alcohol misuse (Ps < 0.029, R2 = 0.0449–0.0533%).

Conclusions

Adolescent substance use, positive alcohol expectancies and higher academic performance appear to be robust predictors of later alcohol misuse.
Structural and dynamic analysis of G558R mutation in chicken TSHR gene shows altered signal transduction and corroborates its role as a domestication gene
Authors: Grottesi A. , Gabbianelli F. , Valentini A. , Chillemi G.
Published: November 2019

The thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) has been indicated as a putative domestication gene in chicken. Comparison of WGS identified a variant in residue 558 of the transmembrane domain (TM) of TSHR, where the domestic chicken (GGD) presents an arginine, whereas the red jungle fowl (RJF) shares a conserved glycine with other vertebrates. This variant has been demonstrated to be associated with phenotypes that are important for domestication and related to thyroid regulation, such as less fearful behavior, reduced aggressive behavior and reduced dependence on seasonal reproduction in GGD as compared with RJF. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, we highlighted the structural and dynamic differences of variant Gly558Arg in the TSHR TM domain. Alterations in TM helix flexibility, structure and protein overall motion are described. The so‐called ‘arginine snorkeling’ of residue 568 in GGD is observed and we hypothesize it as the originating force that produces the observed whole‐protein perturbation in the helix bundle dynamics, capable of altering the TSHR signal transduction. The results are discussed in the context of their implications for a better understanding of biological mechanisms in chicken under control of the thyroid, such as body metabolism, as well as for their usefulness in biomedical research.
Microbiology of pancreatoduodenectomy and recommendations for antimicrobial prophylaxis
Authors: Swan Christopher D. , Nahm Christopher , Samra Jaswinder S. , Mittal Anubhav , Figtree Melanie
Published: November 2019

Background

The microbiology of pancreatoduodenectomy is challenging and published guidelines regarding perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis are variable with poor adherence.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the microbiological results of 294 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Intraoperative specimen culture results were available for 50 patients and their medical records were reviewed to determine the following demographics and factors; age; sex; tumour location, histopathology, grade and stage; neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy; preoperative biliary stenting; surgeon; surgery type and antimicrobial prophylaxis coverage. Outcomes assessed included; post‐operative infections, mortality (all and 90‐day), and intensive care unit and hospital admission durations. Univariate analysis with chi‐squared testing was performed.

Results

Intraoperative specimen cultures were positive in 48 (96%) patients and polymicrobial in 45 (90%) patients with a predominance of Enterobacteriaceae (38/76%), Enterococcus species (27/54%), and Candida species (25/50%). Isolates were potentially susceptible to the current perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis regimen of ceftriaxone with or without metronidazole in only six patients. However, only neoadjuvant radiotherapy was associated with statistically significant increased intensive care unit and hospital admission durations.

Conclusion

Although this study was probably underpowered to detect any statistically significant associations, perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis coverage of the operative field microbiological milieu of pancreatoduodenectomy is logical and current guidelines may be inadequate.
Successful treatment of a cohort of infants with neonatal diabetes using insulin pumps including data on genetics and estimated incidence
Authors: Torbjörnsdotter Torun , Marosvari‐Barna Elisabeth , Henckel Ewa , Corrias Martino , Norgren Svante , Janson Annika
Published: November 2019

Aim

Neonatal diabetes is rare, and treatment is challenging. We present aspects on treatment, genetics and incidence.

Method

This was a prospective cohort study including all cases in our study area in Sweden. We compared with data from the National Diabetes Registry, the Neonatal Quality Register and the National Patient Register.

Results

In the 19‐year study period January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2016, we treated seven infants, five of them boys. Six patients used a subcutaneous insulin pump, and the smallest patient started at a weight of 938 g. Most important was for the pump to deliver minute doses of insulin and the design of cannulas and tubing. All patients could stop insulin treatment at 17‐145 days of age. One patient relapsed at age 4.5 years. Four patients used the insulin pump after discharge. A mutation was identified in five patients, and this included all patients born after 30 weeks of gestation. The incidence of neonatal diabetes was 2/1 00 000, higher than previously estimated for Europe. Similar but lower incidences were reported in the registries.

Conclusion

Insulin pumps were safe in neonatal diabetes. All seven cases were transient. Neonatal diabetes was more common in our area than reported from Europe.
The Effects of Ageing on Creative Performance Trajectories
Authors: Khan Mahreen , Minbashian Amirali
Published: November 2019

Previous research has demonstrated that job performance initially increases, plateaus, and then eventually declines. A major factor that may be relevant for explaining these performance changes is the ageing process. This study examined the within‐person effect of ageing on changes in a specific type of job performance (creative performance), and whether the age of career onset is a moderator. These questions were investigated using two measures of creative performance data spanning several decades from 300 authors and analysed using hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) techniques and hierarchical generalised linear modelling techniques (HGLM). The results revealed an inverted U‐shaped relationship between time and creative performance, and an inverted U‐shaped relationship between ageing and creative performance when controlling for work experience. The age at which an individual starts their career was a significant moderator of the shape of performance trajectories. Findings are discussed in relation to how this study contributes to the literature on performance trajectories and the effects of ageing on performance.
Vedolizumab use is not associated with increased malignancy incidence: GEMINI LTS study results and post‐marketing data
Authors: Card Timothy , Ungaro Ryan , Bhayat Fatima , Blake Aimee , Hantsbarger Gary , Travis Simon
Published: November 2019

Background

Vedolizumab is a gut‐selective antibody to α4β7 integrin approved to treat moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in adults. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunosuppressant use are associated with increased risk of malignancy.

Aim

To analyse the incidence of malignancy with vedolizumab treatment in the GEMINI long‐term safety (LTS) study and post‐marketing (PM) setting.

Methods

Malignancy data from the LTS study (May 2009 to May 2018), and data from the vedolizumab Global Safety Database (20 May 2014 to 19 May 2018), were identified using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities coding. The number of patients experiencing malignancies in the LTS study (excluding malignancies within 1 year following vedolizumab initiation) was indirectly standardised against the number expected, using age‐ and sex‐specific rates in patients with IBD from Optum's Clinformatics™ Data Mart (CDM) database.

Results

Among 1785 patients with ≥1 year of follow‐up post‐vedolizumab initiation in the LTS study (total 5670 patient‐years), observed numbers of malignancies were similar to those expected compared with CDM data (31 vs 29; ratio of observed to expected events = 1.08; P = 0.71; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.73, 1.53). The most common malignancies were renal and bladder (6). PM, 293 patients reported 299 malignancies (including malignancies within 1 year following vedolizumab initiation), in approximately 208 050 patient‐years of vedolizumab exposure. Lower gastrointestinal malignancies were most common (59).

Conclusions

The number of malignancies in the LTS study was similar to that expected from an IBD population with no statistically significant differences, although few confounders could be corrected for. Limitations of PM safety reporting require consideration; however, the number of malignancies with vedolizumab appeared low.
Asymmetric Decentralization and the Problem of Governance: The Case of Indonesia
Authors: Lele Gabriel
Published: November 2019

This article examines the implementation of asymmetric decentralization in Indonesia and how the quality of local governance may affect it. While research on asymmetric decentralization has developed very significantly, only limited attention has been paid to the determinants of success, especially the role governance plays. This aims to fill the gap by using the case of Indonesia. It qualitatively assesses the outcomes of asymmetric decentralization in four provinces: Papua, Papua Barat, Aceh, and Yogyakarta. It finds that there is strong variation among these provinces in achieving asymmetric goals. This variation is explained by the quality of governance, especially the degree of accountability and transparency of the local governments. This article concludes that the quality of local governance has a very significant effect on the achievement of asymmetric decentralization. This is also a practical message for advocates to further improve the quality of governance for asymmetric decentralization to be successful.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of plasma Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and an active and inactive metabolite following controlled smoked cannabis administration
Authors: Sempio Cristina , Huestis Marilyn A. , Mikulich‐Gilbertson Susan K. , Klawitter Jost , Christians Uwe , Henthorn Thomas K.
Published: November 2019

Aims

Population pharmacokinetic models of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been developed for THC plasma and blood concentration data. Often, only the metabolites of THC are measurable when blood samples are obtained. Therefore, we performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis of THC, 11‐OH‐THC and THCCOOH plasma concentration data from a Phase I clinical trial of THC smoking.

Methods

Frequently obtained plasma THC, 11‐OH‐THC and THCCOOH concentration data were obtained over 168 h from 6 subjects who smoked low (15.8 mg) and high dose (33.8 mg) THC cigarettes on 2 occasions. Bayesian estimates of the THC pharmacokinetic model from each individual for each dose were fixed prior to the sequential pharmacokinetic analysis of the metabolites.

Results

A 3‐compartment model of THC was developed that has a steady‐state volume of distribution (VdSS) of 3401 ± 788 L and a clearance of 0.72 ± 0.10 L/min. 11‐OH‐THC was characterized by 50 ± 6% of the THC being directly cleared to a 3‐compartment model with a VdSS of 415.2 ± 4.3 L and clearance of 0.78 ± 0.05 L/min. The THCCOOH model shared the central compartment of the 11‐OH‐THC model with a VdSS of 29.1 ± 0.05 L and a clearance of 0.12 ± 0.02 L/min. First order kinetics were observed for THC and THCCOOH between the low and high doses, but a nonlinear pattern was observed for 11‐OH‐THC.

Conclusion

We describe the pharmacokinetics of THC, 11‐OH‐THC and THCCOOH including inter‐ and intraindividual variability of the parameter estimates of the model.
Appreciating difference? A view from Indigenous rivers
Authors: Desbiens Caroline
Published: November 2019

While the Saint‐Laurent river is considered to be the cradle of Québécois society, many other great rivers are found across the province—other cradles of civilizations, indigenous to the continent, notably the Chisasibi and the Manicouagan. These rivers played a key role in the Québécois movement of affirmation and modernization in the twentieth century. They are valued by many people in Quebec for their hydroelectric output rather than for their cultural richness and significance for the Eeyou (Cree) and Innu Nations. Since the 1990s, I have been able to study Quebec's historical geography from the standpoint of these rivers thanks to the expertise of Eeyou and Innu knowledge holders. Using the concept of decolonization as a practice, I explore how this has impacted both my work as a geographer and my cultural identity as a Québécois woman.
P7TP3 inhibits tumor development, migration, invasion and adhesion of liver cancer through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Yun , Han Ming , Lu Hongping , Chen Xiaofan , Liu Shunai , Yuan Xiaoxue , Han Kai , Liang Pu , Cheng Jun
Published: November 2019

The effect of hepatitis C virus p7 trans‐regulated protein 3 (P7TP3) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of P7TP3 in HCC. P7TP3 was significantly decreased in HCC tissues when compared with corresponding liver tissues immediately around the tumor (LAT) from seven HCC patients. Fewer and smaller colonies originated from HepG2‐P7TP3 cells when compared to HepG2‐NC cells. Overexpression of P7TP3 in HepG2 cells significantly repressed the growth of HCC xenografts in nude mice. Furthermore, wound‐healing tests, Transwell assays, Matrigel Transwell assays, adhesion assays, CCK‐8 assays, flow cytometry and western blotting analysis showed that P7TP3 protein expression inhibited migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation and cell cycle progression in HCC cell lines. Moreover, P7TP3 suppressed the activity of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and was restored by Wnt3a, which is an activator of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Consistently, β‐catenin was highly expressed by P7TP3 silencing, and restored by XAV939, an inhibitor of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Finally, microRNA (miR)‐182‐5p suppressed the expression of target gene P7TP3 by directly interacting with the 3′‐UTR region. Taken together, P7TP3, the direct target gene of miR‐182‐5p, inhibited HCC by regulating migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation and cell cycle progression of liver cancer cell through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. These findings provide strong evidence that P7TP3 functions as a new promising tumor suppressor in HCC.
Lactate‐fueled oxidative metabolism drives DNA methyltransferase 1‐mediated transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ binding domain protein activation
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhou Xinglu , Mao Xike , Yu Chenxi , Zhang Zhijian , Yang Jianke , Zhang Yao , Su Tianyu , Chen Chenchen , Cao Yuxiang , Wei Huijun , Wu Zhihao
Published: November 2019

Activity of transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ binding domain (TAZ) protein is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of human cancer and is influenced by tumor metabolism. High levels of lactate concentration in the tumor microenvironment as a result of metabolic reprogramming are inversely correlated with patient overall survival. Herein, we investigated the role of lactate in the regulation of the activity of TAZ and showed that glycolysis‐derived lactate efficiently increased TAZ expression and activity in lung cancer cells. We showed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by lactate‐fueled oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria activated AKT and thereby inhibited glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta/beta‐transducin repeat‐containing proteins (GSK‐3β/β‐TrCP)‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Upregulation of DNMT1 by lactate caused hypermethylation of TAZ negative regulator of the LATS2 gene promoter, leading to TAZ activation. Moreover, TAZ binds to the promoter of DNMT1 and is necessary for DNMT1 transcription. Our study showed a molecular mechanism of DNMT1 in linking tumor metabolic reprogramming to the Hippo‐TAZ pathway and functional significance of the DNMT1‐TAZ feedback loop in the migratory and invasive potential of lung cancer cells.
On Demand Solid Texture Synthesis Using Deep 3D Networks
Authors: Gutierrez J. , Rabin J. , Galerne B. , Hurtut T.
Published: November 2019

This paper describes a novel approach for on demand volumetric texture synthesis based on a deep learning framework that allows for the generation of high‐quality three‐dimensional (3D) data at interactive rates. Based on a few example images of textures, a generative network is trained to synthesize coherent portions of solid textures of arbitrary sizes that reproduce the visual characteristics of the examples along some directions. To cope with memory limitations and computation complexity that are inherent to both high resolution and 3D processing on the GPU, only 2D textures referred to as ‘slices’ are generated during the training stage. These synthetic textures are compared to exemplar images via a perceptual loss function based on a pre‐trained deep network. The proposed network is very light (less than 100k parameters), therefore it only requires sustainable training (i.e. few hours) and is capable of very fast generation (around a second for 2563 voxels) on a single GPU. Integrated with a spatially seeded pseudo‐random number generator (PRNG) the proposed generator network directly returns a color value given a set of 3D coordinates. The synthesized volumes have good visual results that are at least equivalent to the state‐of‐the‐art patch‐based approaches. They are naturally seamlessly tileable and can be fully generated in parallel.
Bone‐implant‐contact and new bone formation around implants placed in FDB blocks compared to placement at the adjunction of particulate FDB
Authors: Anavi Lev Karen , Chaushu Liat , Schwarz Frank , Artzi Zvi
Published: November 2019

Background

The efficacy of human freeze‐dried bone (h‐FDB) as particulate vs block forms as a proper onlay augmented bone graft material to accommodate implants is undetermined.

Purpose

To evaluate osseointegration and new bone formation at implants placed in FDB blocks (BL group) and those at the adjunction of particulate FDB (PR group).

Materials and Methods

Twelve pairs of h‐FDB blocks were stabilized bilaterally to the calvaria of 12 rabbits. Twenty‐four SLA implants were placed at the remodeled grafted blocks, 4 months later. A circumferential gap was created around one implant in each pair and packed with particulate h‐FDB. Section biopsies were obtained at 2‐month post implant placement (6 months post‐block grafting). Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone‐area fraction (BAF) were histomorphometrically calculated.

Results

The mean BIC was 34.4% and 33.5% for the BL and PR groups, respectively. The mean BAF was 23.9% and 26.4% for the corresponding groups, respectively. Osseointegration and newly formed bone were evident mostly between the threaded portions of the implants in proximity to the host rabbit calvaria compared to its cervical neck.

Conclusion

The particulate and the cancellous block h‐FDB forms yielded similar BIC and BAF outcome. Full revascularization/revitalization is questioned.
Watershed complexity increases the capacity for salmon–wildlife interactions in coastal ecosystems
Authors: Armstrong Jonathan B. , Schindler Daniel E. , Cunningham Curry J. , Deacy William , Walsh Patrick
Published: November 2019

Habitat alteration and species exploitation are fundamental issues in conservation, yet their interacting effects on food webs are rarely considered. We used a foraging model based on the Wood River basin (Alaska, USA) to explore how watershed development and commercial fisheries affect energy flow from sockeye salmon to brown bears. We found that, where salmon are abundant, fisheries can harvest large fractions of runs without substantially reducing bear consumption of salmon, but that watershed development could strongly reduce bear consumption if it shortens the duration of foraging opportunities by reducing population‐level variation in salmon spawn timing. Habitats with the lowest resource abundance (small streams) were particularly profitable for bear foraging because they offer salmon at unique times of the season. This result challenges environmental impact assessments that assume ecological effects respond solely to changes in resource abundance.
Blockade of adrenergic β‐receptor activation through local delivery of propranolol from a 3D collagen/polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite scaffold promotes bone repair in vivo
Authors: Wu Hao , Song Yue , Li Junqin , Lei Xing , Zhang Shuaishuai , Gao Yi , Cheng Pengzhen , Liu Bin , Miao Sheng , Bi Long , Yang Liu , Pei Guoxian
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Activation of the sympathetic system and adrenergic β‐receptors following traumatic bone defects negatively impairs bone regeneration. Whether preventing β‐receptor activation could potentially improve bone defect repair is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of systematic administration and local delivery of propranolol through composite scaffolds on bone healing.

Materials and methods

Collagen/PVA/propranolol/hydroxyapatite（CPPH）composite scaffolds were fabricated with 3D printing technique and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Micro‐CT analysis and bone formation histology were performed to detect new bone formation. Osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow monocytes cultured with scaffolds extract were performed for further verification.

Results

Intraperitoneal injection of propranolol did not significantly improve bone repair, as indicated by micro‐CT analysis and bone formation histology. However, CPPH scaffolds exhibited sustained release of propranolol in vitro and significantly enhanced bone regeneration compared with vehicle collagen/PVA/hydroxyapatite (CPH) scaffolds in vivo. Moreover, in vitro experiments indicated the scaffolds containing propranolol promoted the osteogenic differentiation and migration of rat BMSCs and inhibited osteoclastogenesis by preventing β‐receptor activation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that local adrenergic β‐receptor blockade can effectively enhance the treatment of bone defects by stimulating osteogenic differentiation, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and enhancing BMSCs migration.
Coagulation factor IV is an indicator of symptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients with primary lung cancer
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhao Yunfeng , Xiong Yifan , Xu Mei , Pudasaini Bigyan , Du He , Guo Xuejun
Published: November 2019

Background

Coagulation factor IV, also known as serum ionised calcium (SIC), participates in coagulative process and tends to elevate in patients with primary lung cancer. It may be an indicator of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) due to primary lung cancer (LC).

Methods

A total of 388 patients who underwent CTPA and/or radionuclide ventilation perfusion scanning due to PE‐suspected symptoms were stratified into LCPE (lung cancer and PE) group (n = 95), PE group (n = 99), LC group (n = 98) and control group (n = 96). At admission, the level of SIC and STC (serum total calcium) was compared among four groups. At discharge, the level change of SIC and STC from admission to discharge was compared among four groups. The coefficients analysis between SIC as well as STC and the possibility of PE were performed.

Results

The SIC of LCPE group was the highest among four groups at admission (P < 0.001). The level change of SIC from admission to discharge in LCPE group was the highest among four groups (P = 0.001). A ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of SIC for a diagnosis of PE among LC patients were 71.9% and 86.0%, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.781. Along with the increase of 0.1 mmol/L in SIC level, the risk ratio for a PE was 2.165 (1.537‐2.849) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum ionised calcium may be an indicator of pulmonary embolism in patients with primary lung cancer.
Assessing the limit of detection of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and immunoassay strips for fentanyl in a real‐world setting
Authors: McCrae Karen , Tobias Samuel , Grant Cameron , Lysyshyn Mark , Laing Richard , Wood Evan , Ti Lianping
Published: November 2019

Introduction and Aims

Drug checking is a harm reduction intervention increasingly used in the context of the opioid overdose epidemic. The aim of the study was to determine the limit of detection for fentanyl of two point‐of‐care drug checking technologies.

Design and Methods

Samples tested at point‐of‐care using Bruker Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and BTNX fentanyl immunoassay strips were sent for confirmatory laboratory analysis using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy. Concentrations by weight were determined and compared to results obtained with point‐of‐care methods.

Results

In total, 283 samples were sent for qNMR analysis; among these, 173 (61.1%) tested positive for fentanyl. As determined by qNMR, fentanyl concentration by weight ranged from 1% to 91%. Among these 173 samples, fentanyl was not detected in 30 (17.3%) samples by FTIR and in 4 (2.3%) samples by test strip. Samples containing fentanyl that went undetected by FTIR had concentrations ≤10%. The four samples containing fentanyl that went undetected by test strip had concentrations ≤5% (i.e. 1%, 3%, 4%, 5%).

Discussion and Conclusions

Fentanyl immunoassay strips were able to consistently detect the presence of fentanyl in samples at lower concentrations than FTIR spectroscopy. Given that FTIR spectroscopy is able to quantify content, mixture and concentrations on an array of compounds beyond just fentanyl but requires concentrations generally greater than 10%, these findings provide evidence for use of FTIR spectroscopy and immunoassay strips in combination to compensate for the limitations of each technology alone.
Interest rate risk of life insurers: Evidence from accounting data
Authors: Möhlmann Axel
Published: November 2019

Life insurers are exposed to interest rate risk as their liability side is typically more sensitive to interest rate changes than their asset side. This paper explores why insurers assume this risk using a new accounting‐based method to measure the interest rate sensitivity of assets and liabilities. Calculation at the insurer level yields a wide duration gap with pronounced heterogeneity in the cross‐section. This could be explained by alternative investment strategies, such as asset insulation, which are at odds with interest rate risk management. Using a 2014–2018 panel, factors associated with interest rate risk support this view.
Grazing intensity significantly changes the C : N : P stoichiometry in grassland ecosystems
Authors: He Miao , Zhou Guiyao , Yuan Tengfei , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Shao Junjiong , Zhou Xuhui
Published: November 2019

Aim

Livestock grazing can alter carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles, thereby affecting the C : N : P stoichiometry in grasslands. In this study, we aimed to examine mechanisms underlying the impacts of grazing on grassland C : N : P stoichiometry, focusing on belowground processes and their linkages with aboveground vegetation properties.

Location

Global.

Time period

1900–2018.

Major taxa studied

Grassland ecosystems.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis based on 129 published studies to synthesize the effects of grazing on the C : N : P stoichiometry of leaves, stems, litter, roots, microbial biomass, and soil in grassland ecosystems.

Results

Grazing significantly affected the C, N and P pools, and then the C : N : P stoichiometry in grassland ecosystems. Grazing effects on C : N : P stoichiometry varied strongly with grazing intensity. Specifically, heavy grazing decreased all C : N : P stoichiometry except litter N : P and root C : N ratios, while light and moderate grazing caused less negative or positive effects. Grazing effects on litter C : N ratio were negatively correlated with grazing effects on soil C : N ratios under light and moderate grazing, but this relationship was positive under heavy grazing. In contrast, grazing effects on root C : P and soil C : P were positively correlated under light and moderate grazing but negatively correlated under heavy grazing. Importantly, grazing significantly decreased the soil N pool by 10.0% but increased the soil P pool by 3.6%, indicating differential mechanisms for grazing impact on N and P cycles in grasslands.

Main conclusions

Our results strongly suggest that grazing intensity regulates the biogeochemical cycles of C, N and P in grassland ecosystems by affecting plant nutrient use efficiency and soil physicochemical processes. Therefore, incorporating grazing intensity into Earth system models may improve predictions of climate–grassland feedbacks in the Anthropocene.
Basic survey for the prevention of intraoral residual medication in older adults: A pilot study
Authors: Hasegawa Yoko , Sakuramoto-Sadakane Ayumi , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Mineka , Nozaki Sonoko , Hikasa Shinichi , Horii Nobuhide , Sugita Hideyuki , Ono Takahiro , Shinmura Ken , Kishimoto Hiromitsu
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to assess the relationship between oral hygiene/stomatognathic function and residual intraoral medication in older adults and to identify the oral factors associated with residual oral medication.

Methods

The study included 309 older adults (77 men, 232 women, mean age: 74.1 ± 7.4 years) who were prescribed medications at regular intervals. The following survey items were assessed: overall physical condition, intraoral condition and oral function. Participants prescribed oral medication were classified into groups with and without residual medication in the oral cavity. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate analysis for each of the factors contributing to the presence of residual medication.

Results

Only 1.9% of all patients had residual medication, which suggests that older adults in this survey had a low risk of residual intraoral medication. However, greater attention should be given to residual intraoral medication in older adults receiving long‐term care. Powdered‐form oral medications were more likely to remain in the oral cavity. Older adults with residual medication had a tendency to have less occlusal support, poor tongue hygiene and poor tongue movement. Oral function, particularly functions that are closely related to swallowing, was significantly lower in the residual intraoral medication group when compared to those of the group without residual intraoral medication.

Conclusions

Reduced oral function and powered medication were associated with greater residual intraoral medication in this sample of older Japanese adults.
Influence of oral health literacy on dissatisfaction with oral health among older people
Authors: Tenani Carla Fabiana , De Checchi Maria Helena Ribeiro , Bado Fernanda Maria Rovai , Ju Xiangqun , Jamieson Lisa , Mialhe Fábio Luiz
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the influence of oral health literacy (OHL) and associated factors on dissatisfaction with oral health (DOH) among older people.

Background

Oral health literacy is a recent field of research that has been considered an important mediator between socioeconomic variables and oral health outcomes. However, there are few studies with older people.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 535 non‐institutionalised older people aged 60‐100 years from Brazil. Individuals completed a questionnaire on general health, sociodemographic information and usual reason for dental visit. OHL was assessed using the Health Literacy in Dentistry questionnaire (HeLD‐14), validated in Brazil. DOH was the outcome of interest. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was applied as a statistical model to estimate bivariate and multivariable relationships of DOH with OHL after adjusting for sex, age, social characteristics and general health using the P‐value of ≤ .05.

Results

The overall prevalence of DOH was 21.1%. Multivariable regression analysis showed that older people with low OHL (HeLD‐14 score ≤35) had 1.28 times the odds of having DOH than those with high OHL (HeLD14 score >46), after adjusting for sociodemographic, economic and health outcomes.

Conclusions

Dissatisfaction with oral health in older people is a complex issue associated with OHL, social and behavioural factors. Health services should give greater attention to developing health literacy competences in older adults in order to empower them to achieve optimal oral health.
Influence of different irrigation protocols on microhardness and flexural strength values of young and aged crown dentin
Authors: Pedersen Nurab Deniz , Uzunoglu‐Özyürek Emel , Dogan Buzoglu Hatice
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the effect of different irrigation protocols on microhardness (MH) and flexural strength (FS) values of young and aged crown dentin.

Background

In addition to ageing, root canal irrigation might also affect the mechanical properties of coronal dentin walls.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and twenty dentin bars (2 mm × 2 mm × 8 mm) were obtained from the crowns of extracted, non‐caries, human molars of young and older patients (n = 60 bars; average patient ages: 16.7 and 65.4, respectively). Subgroups were formed as follows: 2.5%NaOCl(sodium hypochlorite)+5%EDTA(ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), 2.5%NaOCl + 15%EDTA, 2.5%NaOCl, 5%EDTA, 15%EDTA and Saline. NaOCl and saline were used for 20 minutes and EDTA solutions for 1 minute. MH values of each sample were measured before and after the irrigation protocols. The same samples were also submitted for FS analysis. The data were statistically analysed.

Results

Young samples had lower MH values at pre‐ and post‐treatment compared to aged samples (P < .05). A significant decrease was observed in MH values of aged samples exposed to 2.5%NaOCl and both NaOCl + EDTA combinations (P < .05). FS values of the young saline‐treated group were statistically higher than aged ones (P < .05). Both NaOCl + EDTA combinations caused a significant decrease in FS values of young samples compared to saline (P < .05).

Conclusion

Ageing has a significant effect on the MH and FS values of crown dentin samples. 5% EDTA solutions revealed similar results to 15%EDTA regarding MH and FS values of crown dentin in both age groups. The NaOCl + EDTA combination had a prominent effect than EDTA alone, on MH values of young‐, and FS values of aged dentin samples.