bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in interaction network topology and species composition of flower‐visiting insects across three land use types
Authors: Adedoja Opeyemi , Kehinde Temitope
Published: June 2018

Land use change is a leading factor in the cause of pollinator decline globally. The response of flower‐visiting insects to habitat transformation and disturbance has been well studied. However, the effect of these anthropogenic disturbances on the structure of insect–flower interaction networks is not well known. We examined how insect–flower interaction network topology changes across land use types with varying levels of disturbance. Three replicates of agricultural lands, grasslands and secondary forest habitats were sampled on a monthly basis for 12 months. The highest mean abundance of flower‐visiting insects and flowering plants was observed in the secondary forest and the lowest record was found on agricultural lands. Furthermore, networks in secondary forests had a higher mean number of interactions, network size and nestedness compared to those observed in agricultural fields. Flower abundance was positively correlated with the number of interactions and network specialization. The significantly higher value of the qualitative and quantitative network indices in the secondary forests underscores the ecological importance of this land use type for conservation of insect–flower interactions in highly fragmented landscapes in the tropics such as the one studied here. Conservation efforts should concentrate on increasing the abundance of floral resources as changes in important network indices were mediated by flower abundance across the land use types.
Impact of patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 rs738409 G/G genotype on hepatic decompensation and mortality in patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Mandorfer M. , Scheiner B. , Stättermayer A. F. , Schwabl P. , Paternostro R. , Bauer D. , Schaefer B. , Zoller H. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M. , Trauner M. , Reiberger T. , Ferenci P. , Ferlitsch A.
Published: June 2018

Background

The rs738409 C>G p.I148M variant in the patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3)‐gene promotes triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cell activation and has previously been linked to hepatic steatosis/liver fibrosis.

Aim

To investigate its impact on hepatic decompensation and (liver‐related) mortality in patients who had already developed portal hypertension. Moreover, we assessed its link with hepatic steatosis as evaluated by controlled attenuation parameter.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis in prospectively characterised patients with viral hepatitis/fatty liver disease‐induced portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥ 6 mm Hg) diagnosed at the Medical University of Vienna who underwent HVPG measurement (until 2013; n = 372; longitudinal study) or simultaneous HVPG and controlled attenuation parameter measurement (2014‐2017; n = 153; cross‐sectional study).

Results

While survival was similar between PNPLA3‐C/C and ‐C/G patients, we observed substantially increased mortality in PNPLA3‐G/G patients. PNPLA3‐G/G had no impact on mortality in the subgroup of patients with viral hepatitis; however, we observed a strong independent association between PNPLA3‐G/G and hepatic decompensation (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR]: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.1‐4; P = 0.024) as well as mortality (overall: aSHR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.22‐3.98; P = 0.009; liver‐related: aSHR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.08‐4.46; P = 0.029) in patients with fatty liver disease. Interestingly, even in the subgroup of patients who had already progressed to clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 10 mm Hg), PNPLA3‐G/G substantially increased mortality (aSHR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.27‐4.29; P = 0.006). PNPLA3‐genotype had no influence on controlled attenuation parameter or the prevalence of values ≥248 dB/m.

Conclusion

PNPLA3‐G/G‐genotype seems to double the risks of hepatic decompensation and (liver‐related) mortality in patients with portal hypertension due to fatty liver disease. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms unrelated to hepatic steatosis.
Case of chronic pain after laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure in an adolescent girl with inguinal hernia in which open repair was effective
Authors: Ishikawa Takahisa , Nishikawa Makoto , Nakamoto Hiroki , Yokoyama Ryoji , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: June 2018

Chronic pain after laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure is very rare. Here, we report a case of chronic pain after laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure in an adolescent patient with inguinal hernia who underwent open repair. A 15‐year‐old girl was diagnosed with a left indirect inguinal hernia, and laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure was performed. However, 6 months later, after strenuous exercise, she developed localized pain around the hernia site. Her pain was well controlled by internal treatment but failed to completely resolve. The pain type was somatic, Tinel's sign was negative, and there was no recurrence of the inguinal hernia. Because she strongly wished to undergo surgery, the Potts procedure with removal of the ligature and excision of the round ligament was performed. Her pain improved after surgery, and further medical treatment was not required. The Potts procedure may be an effective treatment for chronic pain such as in this case.
Immunodetection of High Mobility Group Proteins in the regenerating tail of lizard mainly indicates activation for cell proliferation
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: June 2018

Immunodetection of High Mobility Group Proteins (HMGs) in the regenerating tail of lizard indicates activation for cell proliferation. Acta Zoologica (Stockolm). High Mobility Group Proteins (HMGs) are involved in chromatin assembling and control of transcription, especially during development. Transcriptome data indicate that HMGs are abundantly expressed in the early regenerating tail of lizards but their cellular localization remains unknown. Protein bands at 60–62 and 28–30 kDa are detected in western blots, more intense in the regenerating blastema. Immunodetection of HMGs in regenerating tail of the lizard Podarcis muralis indicates that these proteins are mainly localized in tissues where cell proliferation is as active as the apical wound epidermis, ependyma of the spinal cord and pro‐muscle aggregates. Few immunolabelled cells were seen in the regenerating cartilage and growing myomeres or nerves. Only in the wound epidermis labelled cells show a prevalent nuclear labelling while in other tissues a cytoplasmic labelling is prevalent. Only sparse immunolabelled cells are observed in the apical mesenchymal blastema and in the derived connective tissues formed in the mature regions of the regenerating tail, also destined to form adipose cells. The study suggests that the tissues with the highest immunolabelling correspond to those containing more proliferating cells, and that HMGs are mainly activated in these cells to promote cell division for the growth of the new tail.
Safety and efficacy of nivolumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: real‐world results from an expanded access programme
Authors: De Giorgi Ugo , Cartenì Giacomo , Giannarelli Diana , Basso Umberto , Galli Luca , Cortesi Enrico , Caserta Claudia , Pignata Sandro , Sabbatini Roberto , Bearz Alessandra , Buti Sebastiano , Lo Re Giovanni , Berruti Alfredo , Bracarda Sergio , Cognetti Francesco , Rastelli Francesca , Fornarini Giuseppe , Porta Camillo , Turci Daniele , Sternberg Cora N. , Procopio Giuseppe ,   the Italian Nivolumab Renal Cell Cancer Early Access Program Group
Published: June 2018

Objective

To report the safety and efficacy results of patients enrolled in the Italian Nivolumab Renal Cell Cancer Expanded Access Programme.

Patients and Methods

Patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) previously treated with agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway were eligible to receive nivolumab 3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks. Patients included in the analysis had received ≥1 dose of nivolumab and were monitored for adverse events (AEs) using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.0.

Results

A total of 389 patients were enrolled between July 2015 and April 2016, of whom 18% were aged ≥75 years, 6.7% had non‐clear cell RCC, 49.6% had bone and 8.2% brain metastases, and 79% had received ≥2 previous lines of therapy. The most common any‐grade treatment‐related AEs were fatigue (13%) and rash (9%). Twenty‐two patients (5.7%) discontinued treatment because of AEs. There were no treatment‐related deaths. The objective response rate was 23.1%. At a median follow‐up of 12 months, the median progression‐free survival was 4.5 months (95% confidence interval 3.7–6.2) and the 12‐month overall survival rate was 63%. Similar survival rates were reported among patients with non‐clear‐cell histology, elderly patients, those with bone and/or brain metastases, and those who had received prior first‐line sunitinib or pazopanib, or prior everolimus.

Conclusion

The safety and efficacy observed were consistent with those reported in the pivotal Checkmate 025 trial. Results in patients with non‐clear‐cell mRCC who were elderly, pretreated with everolimus, and had bone and/or brain metastases encourage the use of nivolumab in these categories of patients.
Satisfaction rate at 1‐year follow‐up in patients treated with penile implants: data from the multicentre prospective registry INSIST‐ED
Authors: Capogrosso Paolo , Pescatori Edoardo , Caraceni Enrico , Mondaini Nicola , Utizi Lilia , Cai Tommaso , Salonia Andrea , Palmieri Alessandro , Deho’ Federico
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To investigate scores and predictors of patient satisfaction at 1 year after penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) using the validated Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) questionnaire.

Patients and Methods

Analyses were performed for 142 patients prospectively included in the national multicentre registry Italian Nationwide Systematic Inventarization of Surgical Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (INSIST‐ED), which provided 1‐year follow‐up data. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed using the validated QoLSPP tool. Linear logistic regression analyses assessed predictors of QoLSPP total and single domain scores, including age at surgery, erectile dysfunction aetiology, type of prosthesis, surgical approach, surgeon experience and complications. Locally weighted regression methods were used to explore the relationship between surgeon experience and QoLSPP scores.

Results

Overall, high median functional, relational, social, personal and total QoLSPP scores were reported at 1 year after PPI. Patients implanted with hydraulic devices had higher functional (23 vs 21.5; P = 0.01) and total scores (68 vs 65.5; P = 0.03) than those with a malleable prosthesis. Surgeon experience emerged as the only independent predictor of higher satisfaction scores, depicting a non‐linear association with both QoLSPP total and single domain scores (all P < 0.03). Data suggested that the higher the number of procedures per year, the greater the satisfaction scores, reaching a plateau after l5 procedures/year.

Conclusions

This study reports high functional and patient satisfaction scores at 1 year after PPI surgery using a dedicated tool for the first time. Better outcomes should be expected for patients treated by surgeons with greater experience.
R‐High‐CHOP/CHASER/LEED with autologous stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma: JCOG0406 STUDY
Authors: Ogura Michinori , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Morishima Yasuo , Wakabayashi Masashi , Tobinai Kensei , Ando Kiyoshi , Uike Naokuni , Kurosawa Mitsutoshi , Gomyo Hiroshi , Taniwaki Masafumi , Nosaka Kisato , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Shimoyama Tatsu , Fukuhara Noriko , Yakushijin Yoshihiro , Ohnishi Kazunori , Miyazaki Kana , Sawada Kenichi , Takayama Nobuyuki , Hanamura Ichiro , Nagai Hirokazu , Kobayashi Hirofumi , Usuki Kensuke , Kobayashi Naoki , Ohyashiki Kazuma , Utsumi Takahiko , Kumagai Kyoya , Maruyama Dai , Ohmachi Ken , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Nakamura Shigeo , Hotta Tomomitsu , Tsukasaki Kunihiro ,   Japan Clinical Oncology Group‐ Lymphoma Study Group (JCOG‐LSG)
Published: June 2018

Although induction immunochemotherapy including high‐dose cytarabine and rituximab followed by high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is recommended for younger patients (≤65 years old) with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), no standard induction and HDC regimen has been established. We conducted a phase II study of induction immunochemotherapy of R‐High‐CHOP/CHASER followed by HDC of LEED with ASCT in younger patients with untreated advanced MCL. Eligibility criteria included untreated MCL, stage II bulky to IV, and age 20‐65 years. Patients received 1 cycle of R‐High‐CHOP followed by 3 cycles of CHASER every 3 weeks. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were harvested during CHASER. LEED with ASCT was delivered to patients who responded to R‐High‐CHOP/CHASER. Primary endpoint was 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS). From June 2008 to June 2012, 45 patients (median age 59 years; range 38‐65 years) were enrolled. PBSC were successfully harvested from 36 of 43 patients. Thirty‐five patients completed ASCT. Two‐year PFS was 77% (80% CI 68‐84), which met the primary endpoint. Five‐year PFS and overall survival were 52% (95% CI 34‐68%) and 71% (95% CI 51‐84%), respectively. Overall response and complete response rates after induction immunochemotherapy were 96% and 82%, respectively. The most common grade 4 toxicities were hematological. In younger patients with untreated MCL, R‐High‐CHOP/CHASER/LEED with ASCT showed high efficacy and acceptable toxicity, and it can now be considered a standard treatment option.
Tooth loss is a complex measure of oral disease: Determinants and methodological considerations
Authors: Haworth Simon , Shungin Dmitry , Kwak So Young , Kim Hae‐Young , West Nicola X. , Thomas Steven J. , Franks Paul W. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Shin Min‐Jeong , Johansson Ingegerd
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Counts of missing teeth or measures of incident tooth loss are gaining attention as a simple way to measure dental status in large population studies. We explore the meaning of these metrics and how missing teeth might influence other measures of dental status.

Methods

An observational study was performed in 2 contrasting adult populations. In total, 62 522 adult participants were available with clinically assessed caries and periodontal indices from the Swedish arm of the Gene‐Lifestyle Interactions and Dental Endpoints Study (GLIDE) and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in the Republic of Korea. Longitudinal measures of tooth loss were available for 28 244 participants in GLIDE with median follow‐up of 10.6 years.

Results

In longitudinal analysis, hazard for tooth loss was associated with baseline dental status (previous tooth loss, periodontal status and caries status) and socio‐demographic variables (age, smoking status and highest educational level). Analysis of cross‐sectional data suggested that indices of caries exposure were not independent of periodontal status. The strength and direction of association varied between groups, even for measures specifically intended to avoid measuring tooth loss. Individuals with impaired periodontal health (community periodontal index [CPI] 3 or higher in any sextant) had higher standardized decayed and filled surfaces (DFS; number of DFS divided by total number of tooth surfaces) in GLIDE (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 1.05 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.07], but lower standardized DFS in KNHANES (IRR: 0.95 [0.92, 0.98]) than individuals with better periodontal health (CPI <3 in all sextants).

Conclusions

Incident tooth loss is a complex measure of dental disease, with multiple determinants. The relative importance of dental caries and periodontal disease as drivers of tooth loss differs between age groups. Measures of dental caries exposure are associated with periodontal status in the studied populations, and these associations can be population‐specific. Consideration of the study‐specific properties of these metrics may be required for valid inference in large population studies.
Morphology, molecules and the phylogeny of Characidae (Teleostei, Characiformes)
Authors: Mirande Juan Marcos
Published: June 2018

This is the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Characidae to date and the first large‐scale hypothesis of the family, combining myriad morphological data with molecular information. A total of 520 morphological characters were analysed herein, of which 98 are newly defined. Among the analysed taxa, 259 species were coded by examining specimens, three fossil species were coded from the literature, one species was coded almost completely from published figures, 122 were partially coded from the literature, and 88 were analysed exclusively from molecular data. The total number of species in the analysed dataset is 473. Analyses were made by parsimony under equal and extended implied weighting with a broad range of parameters. The final hypothesis was selected using a stability criterion that chooses among the most parsimonious trees of all searches. It was found by weighting molecular characters with the average homoplasy of entire partitions (markers). The resulting hypothesis is congruent with previous molecular‐based phylogenies of the family. The Characidae are monophyletic, with four main clades: the Spintherobolinae new subfamily; an expanded Stethaprioninae including the Grundulini, Gymnocharacini, Rhoadsiini and Stethaprionini; the Stevardiinae; and a clade composed of the Aphyocharacinae, Characinae, Cheirodontinae, Exodontinae and Tetragonopterinae. Also, a stem Characidae was found, as formed by the Eocene–Oligocene genera †Bryconetes and †Paleotetra as successive sister groups of extant members of the family. A subfamilial classification is proposed, but deep changes in the systematics that are beyond the scope of this study are still needed to classify the Characidae into monophyletic genera.
Usefulness of thrombopoietin receptor agonists for persistent clinically relevant thrombocytopenia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bosch‐Vilaseca Anna , García‐Cadenas Irene , Roldán Elisa , Novelli Silvana , Barba Pere , Esquirol Albert , Valcárcel David , Martino Rodrigo , Sierra Jorge
Published: June 2018

Objective and Methods

Severe postengraftment thrombocytopenia is a common complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). A few studies have suggested that the use of thrombopoietin agonists (TPOa) may be useful in this setting. Our retrospective study is the largest series published to date; we retrospectively evaluated TPOa efficacy and safety in 20 adult alloSCT recipients who received TPOa as a compassionate use for clinically relevant thrombocytopenia.

Results

Twelve of 20 patients (60%) responded, with a 180‐day cumulative incidence of successful platelet recovery to ≥30 and ≥50 × 109/L of 57% (95% CI: 44%‐71%) and 32% (95% CI: 18%‐46%), respectively, which were reached at a median of 28 and 34 days from the start of therapy. Fifty percent of the responders were able to discontinue the TPOa without recurrence of severe thrombocytopenia and its associated hemorrhagic complications. No serious adverse events were reported. Possible variables associated with higher response to TPOa were as follows: age < 40 years, presence of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow aspirate, and/or prior response to other hematopoietic growth factors.

Conclusion

This study adds further enthusiasm for continued research on the use of these agents for the treatment of persistent thrombocytopenia in alloSCT recipients.
Organic carbon pools and storage in the soil of olive groves of different age
Authors: Massaccesi L. , De Feudis M. , Agnelli A. E. , Nasini L. , Regni L. , D'Ascoli R. , Castaldi S. , Proietti P. , Agnelli A.
Published: June 2018

Compared with annual crop cultivation, tree groves might represent a relevant land‐use system to improve C sequestration, but few data are available to support this hypothesis. To evaluate the potential of olive tree (Olea europaea L., 1753) cultivation to store soil organic C (SOC), we assessed (i) the distribution of organic C in active (water‐extractable and particulate organic C, WEOC and POC, respectively), intermediate (organic matter associated with stable sand‐size aggregates and silt‐ and clay‐size aggregates, SSAs and SCAs, respectively) and passive (organic matter resistant to oxidation, rSOM) pools, (ii) the phenol content of the C pools, (iii) the humic‐C distribution of the intermediate C pool and (iv) the stocks of SOC pools in two olive groves of different age (7 years (OG7) and 30 years (OG30)) compared with a nearby site with cereal crops (arable soil, AS). In OG30 the organic C stock of the olive grove was no different from that of the AS, but the distribution of SOC pools changed with the age of the olive groves. The WEOC and POC increased in the Ap horizon of OGs, probably because of the herbaceous cover and distribution of chipped prunings on the soil. There were fewer SSAs in OG7 than AS, possibly because of pedoturbations from deep tillage before the olive trees were established, but they increased in OG30. The increase in SSAs and SCAs in the Bw and BC horizons of OG30 was associated with humic‐C and unextractable‐C and a smaller phenol content than AS. This suggested that the olive tree roots had a positive role through rhizodeposition and root turnover, which favoured the stabilization of organic matter into aggregates at depth. In contrast to the active and intermediate C pools, the passive C pool did not vary following the change in land use from arable to olive grove.

Highlights

Effects of land‐use change from arable to olive grove on soil organic C pools and stocks.

Soil organic C stock increased from 7‐ to 30‐year‐old olive orchard.

Olive tree cultivation affected active and intermediate C pools, but not the passive C pool.

After 30 years, the olive grove stored an amount of SOC similar to that of the arable system.
Does the Co‐Creation of Service Recovery Create Value for Customers? The Underlying Mechanism of Motivation and the Role of Operant Resources
Authors: Skourtis George , Décaudin Jean‐Marc , Assiouras Ioannis , Karaosmanoglu Elif
Published: June 2018

This study focuses on the underlying mechanism that leads to co‐recovery behaviour and favourable co‐created value as response to a service failure. It argues that consumers’ ability to integrate their operant resources (e.g., knowledge and skills) to co‐recover from a service failure motivates them to express higher value co‐recovery in‐role behaviour and hence enjoy higher hedonic and utilitarian values. To test this claim, our study investigates the impact of consumers’ ability to co‐recover on value co‐recovery in‐role behaviour by taking into account extrinsic and intrinsic motivation as mediators. The results reveal that extrinsic motivation only partially mediates the relationship between ability to co‐recover and value co‐recovery in‐role behaviour. Furthermore, the outcomes demonstrate that value co‐recovery in‐role behaviour increases utilitarian value but decreases hedonic value.
Broad thermal tolerance is negatively correlated with virulence in an opportunistic bacterial pathogen
Authors: Ashrafi Roghaieh , Bruneaux Matthieu , Sundberg Lotta‐Riina , Pulkkinen Katja , Valkonen Janne , Ketola Tarmo
Published: June 2018

Predicting the effects of global increase in temperatures on disease virulence is challenging, especially for environmental opportunistic bacteria, because pathogen fitness may be differentially affected by temperature within and outside host environment. So far, there is very little empirical evidence on the connections between optimal temperature range and virulence in environmentally growing pathogens. Here, we explored whether the virulence of an environmentally growing opportunistic fish pathogen, Flavobacterium columnare, is malleable to evolutionary changes via correlated selection on thermal tolerance. To this end, we experimentally quantified the thermal performance curves (TPCs) for maximum biomass yield of 49 F. columnare isolates from eight different geographic locations in Finland over ten years (2003–2012). We also characterized virulence profiles of these strains in a zebra fish (Danio rerio) infection model. We show that virulence among the strains increased over the years, but thermal generalism, and in particular tolerance to higher temperatures, was negatively associated with virulence. Our data suggest that temperature has a strong effect on the pathogen genetic diversity and therefore presumably also on disease dynamics. However, the observed increase in frequency and severity of F. columnare epidemics over the last decade cannot be directly linked to bacterial evolution due to increased mean temperature, but is most likely associated with factors related to increased length of growing season, or other time‐dependent change in environment. Our study demonstrates that complex interactions between the host, the pathogen and the environment influence disease virulence of an environmentally growing opportunistic pathogen.
Domestication of cattle: Two or three events?
Authors: Pitt Daniel , Sevane Natalia , Nicolazzi Ezequiel L. , MacHugh David E. , Park Stephen D. E. , Colli Licia , Martinez Rodrigo , Bruford Michael W. , Orozco‐terWengel Pablo
Published: June 2018

Cattle have been invaluable for the transition of human society from nomadic hunter‐gatherers to sedentary farming communities throughout much of Europe, Asia and Africa since the earliest domestication of cattle more than 10,000 years ago. Although current understanding of relationships among ancestral populations remains limited, domestication of cattle is thought to have occurred on two or three occasions, giving rise to the taurine (Bos taurus) and indicine (Bos indicus) species that share the aurochs (Bos primigenius) as common ancestor ~250,000 years ago. Indicine and taurine cattle were domesticated in the Indus Valley and Fertile Crescent, respectively; however, an additional domestication event for taurine in the Western Desert of Egypt has also been proposed. We analysed medium density Illumina Bovine SNP array (~54,000 loci) data across 3,196 individuals, representing 180 taurine and indicine populations to investigate population structure within and between populations, and domestication and demographic dynamics using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). Comparative analyses between scenarios modelling two and three domestication events consistently favour a model with only two episodes and suggest that the additional genetic variation component usually detected in African taurine cattle may be explained by hybridization with local aurochs in Africa after the domestication of taurine cattle in the Fertile Crescent. African indicine cattle exhibit high levels of shared genetic variation with Asian indicine cattle due to their recent divergence and with African taurine cattle through relatively recent gene flow. Scenarios with unidirectional or bidirectional migratory events between European taurine and Asian indicine cattle are also plausible, although further studies are needed to disentangle the complex human‐mediated dispersion patterns of domestic cattle. This study therefore helps to clarify the effect of past demographic history on the genetic variation of modern cattle, providing a basis for further analyses exploring alternative migratory routes for early domestic populations.
Abscessation following intralesional formalin treatment of congenital parotid salivary duct atresia
Authors: Williams M. , Nickels F.
Published: June 2018

A 5‐month‐old colt with a history of nonpainful left‐sided facial swelling present since birth was presented for evaluation and treatment. A diagnosis of congenital parotid salivary duct atresia was made, and surgical correction was attempted but was unsuccessful. Follow‐up treatments consisted of repeat intralesional injection of 10% neutral‐buffered formalin. The horse developed ventral mandibular abscessation with multiple draining tracts secondary to this treatment; however, no other significant complications occurred and a cosmetic outcome was achieved.
In vitro models of dermatophyte infection to investigate epidermal barrier alterations
Authors: Faway Émilie , Lambert de Rouvroit Catherine , Poumay Yves
Published: June 2018

Fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytoses, are initiated at the epidermal barrier and lead to dysfunctions of the stratum corneum and cornified skin appendages. Dermatophytosis affects a significant part of the human population and, despite the availability of effective treatments, its prevalence is still increasing. Numerous dermatophyte species are able to induce lesions in both animals and humans, with different clinical pictures and host inflammatory responses. The understanding of the infectious process and of tissue responses has been impeded by discrepancies between observations in vivo or in research models. Indeed, cells cultured as monolayers do not undergo the keratinization process required to study the adherence and invasion of dermatophytes. Animal models lack relevance to study human dermatophytosis because of species‐specific differences in the development of lesions and inflammatory responses. This review focuses on the recent development of cultured human skin equivalents, which partly overcomes those limitations and allows improved understanding of the pathogenesis of dermatophytosis in human being, especially the impacts of infection on epidermal barrier integrity.
Physical properties of the photodamaged human skin dermis: Rougher collagen surface and stiffer/harder mechanical properties
Authors: Shao Yuan , Qin Zhaoping , Alexander Wilks James , Balimunkwe Rebecca Mutesi , Fisher Gary J. , Voorhees John J. , Quan Taihao
Published: June 2018

Fragmentation of collagen fibrils and aberrant elastic material (solar elastosis) in the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) is among the most prominent features of photodamaged human skin. These alterations impair the structural integrity and create a dermal microenvironment prone to skin disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the physical properties (surface roughness, stiffness and hardness) of the dermal ECM in photodamaged and subject‐matched sun‐protected human skin. Skin samples were sectioned and analysed by histology, atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation. Dermal ECM collagen fibrils were more disorganized (ie, rougher surface), and the dermal ECM was stiffer and harder, in photodamaged forearm, compared to sun‐protected underarm skin. Cleavage of collagen fibrils in sun‐protected underarm dermis by recombinant human matrix metalloproteinase‐1 resulted in rougher collagen fibril surface and reduced dermal stiffness and hardness. Degradation of elastotic material in photodamaged skin by treatment with purified neutrophil elastase reduced stiffness and hardness, without altering collagen fibril surface roughness. Additionally, expression of two members of the lysyl oxidase gene family, which insert cross‐links that stiffen and harden collagen fibrils, was elevated in photodamaged forearm dermis. These data elucidate the contributions of fragmented collagen fibrils, solar elastosis and elevated collagen cross‐linking to the physical properties of the dermal ECM in photodamaged human skin. This new knowledge extends current understanding of the impact of photodamage on the dermal ECM microenvironment.
An innovative testing technique for assessing the VHCF response of adhesively bonded joints
Authors: Tridello A. , Paolino D.S. , Chiandussi G. , Goglio L.
Published: June 2018

In the last few years, the use of adhesive joints for structural applications has rapidly increased and adhesives are more often subject to fatigue loads during their in‐service life. In presence of a rapidly varying load, such as a high‐frequency vibration, adhesively bonded joints may undergo fatigue lives in the Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) region that are significantly larger than those investigated in usual high‐cycle fatigue tests. The present paper proposes an innovative testing technique for performing accelerated fully reversed tension‐compression VHCF tests on adhesive butt‐joints. The procedure for the design of the adherends is described and then experimentally validated. Ultrasonic VHCF tests are finally carried out on a cyanoacrylate butt‐joint up to 109 cycles: experimental results show that the proposed testing equipment permits an effective assessment of the VHCF response of the adhesive in a limited testing time.
Underreaction to Political Information and Price Momentum
Authors: Addoum Jawad M. , Delikouras Stefanos , Ke Da , Kumar Alok
Published: June 2018

In this study, we examine whether momentum in stock prices is induced by changes in the political environment. We find that momentum profits are concentrated among politically sensitive firms and industries. From 1939 to 2016, a trading strategy with a long position in winner portfolios (industries or firms) that are politically unfavored and a short position in losers that are politically favored does not generate significant momentum profits. Furthermore, our political‐sensitivity‐based long‐short portfolio explains 23% to 27% (42% to 43%) of monthly stock (industry) momentum alphas. This explanatory power is concentrated around presidential elections, when the level of political activity is high. Collectively, our results suggest that investor underreaction to political information generates momentum in stock and industry returns.
Similar controls on calcification under ocean acidification across unrelated coral reef taxa
Authors: Comeau Steeve , Cornwall Christopher E. , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Krieger Erik , McCulloch Malcolm T.
Published: June 2018

Ocean acidification (OA) is a major threat to marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs which are heavily reliant on calcareous species. OA decreases seawater pH and calcium carbonate saturation state (Ω), and increases the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Intense scientific effort has attempted to determine the mechanisms via which ocean acidification (OA) influences calcification, led by early hypotheses that calcium carbonate saturation state (Ω) is the main driver. We grew corals and coralline algae for 8–21 weeks, under treatments where the seawater parameters Ω, pH, and DIC were manipulated to examine their differential effects on calcification rates and calcifying fluid chemistry (Ωcf, pHcf, and DICcf). Here, using long duration experiments, we provide geochemical evidence that differing physiological controls on carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification, rather than seawater Ω, are the main determinants of calcification. We found that changes in seawater pH and DIC rather than Ω had the greatest effects on calcification and calcifying fluid chemistry, though the effects of seawater carbonate chemistry were limited. Our results demonstrate the capacity of organisms from taxa with vastly different calcification mechanisms to regulate their internal chemistry under extreme chemical conditions. These findings provide an explanation for the resistance of some species to OA, while also demonstrating how changes in seawater DIC and pH under OA influence calcification of key coral reef taxa.
Geospatial supply–demand modeling of biomass residues for co‐firing in European coal power plants
Authors: Cintas Olivia , Berndes Göran , Englund Oskar , Cutz Luis , Johnsson Filip
Published: June 2018

Biomass co‐firing with coal is a near‐term option to displace fossil fuels and can facilitate the development of biomass conversion and the build‐out of biomass supply infrastructure. A GIS‐based modeling framework (EU‐28, Norway, and Switzerland) is used to quantify and localize biomass demand for co‐firing in coal power plants and agricultural and forest residue supply potentials; supply and demand are then matched based on minimizing the total biomass transport costs (field to gate). Key datasets (e.g., land cover, land use, and wood production) are available at 1,000 m or higher resolution, while some data (e.g., simulated yields) and assumptions (e.g., crop harvest index) have lower resolution and were resampled to allow modeling at 1,000 m resolution. Biomass demand for co‐firing is estimated at 184 PJ in 2020, corresponding to an emission reduction of 18 Mt CO2. In all countries except Italy and Spain, the sum of the forest and agricultural residues available at less than 300 km from a co‐firing plant exceeds the assessed biomass demand. The total cost of transporting residues to these plants is reduced if agricultural residues can be used, as transport distances are shorter. The total volume of forest residues less than 300 km from a co‐firing plant corresponds to about half of the assessed biomass demand. Almost 70% of the total biomass demand for co‐firing is found in Germany and Poland. The volumes of domestic forest residues in Germany (Poland) available within the cost range 2–5 (1.5–3.5) €/GJ biomass correspond to about 30% (70%) of the biomass demand. The volumes of domestic forest and agricultural residues in Germany (Poland) within the cost range 2–4 (below 2) €/GJ biomass exceed the biomass demand for co‐firing. Half of the biomass demand is located within 50 km from ports, indicating that long‐distance biomass transport by sea is in many instances an option.
Infrastructures of liberal life: From modernity and progress to resilience and ruins
Authors: Wakefield Stephanie
Published: June 2018

Whereas until recently, the topic of infrastructure was practically invisible, studies of the spaces, landscapes, and geographies of infrastructure now abound, and for many critical thinkers, infrastructure has become perhaps the political question of the Anthropocene. This review traces two distinct but related paradigms of liberal governmentality and infrastructure, the first, modern infrastructure and its project of mastery and order, and the second, contemporary paradigm of infrastructures of resilience, ruins, and survival. Through this review, I also trace a story of the crisis or dislocations of liberal thought and practice underway as what we now refer to as the Anthropocene. Exploring this crisis and its responses through the lens of infrastructure, I suggest, offers new ideas for other ways to move forward amidst the splinters of the present, and I conclude with some remarks on the political possibilities inherent in both critical infrastructure studies and resilient infrastructures themselves.
Community energy: Entanglements of community, state, and private sector
Authors: Creamer Emily , Eadson Will , van Veelen Bregje , Pinker Annabel , Tingey Margaret , Braunholtz‐Speight Tim , Markantoni Marianna , Foden Mike , Lacey‐Barnacle Max
Published: June 2018

The decarbonisation of energy systems is leading to a reconfiguration of the geographies of energy. One example is the emergence of community energy, which has become a popular object of study for geographers. Although widely acknowledged to be a contested, capacious, and flexible term, “community energy” is commonly presented as singular, bounded, and localised. In this paper, we challenge this conception of community energy by considering evidence about the role and influence of three categories of actors: community, state, and private sector. We demonstrate how community energy projects are unavoidably entangled with a diversity of actors and institutions operating at and across multiple scales. We therefore argue that community energy is enabled and constituted by trans‐scalar assemblages of overlapping actors, which demands multi‐sectoral participation and coordination. We point to the need for further academic attention on the boundaries between these actors to better understand the role of different intermediary practices and relationships in facilitating the development of decentralised energy systems with just outcomes.
Risk factors associated with invasive orthopaedic interventions in males with haemophilia enrolled in the Universal Data Collection program from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Tobase P. , Lane H. , Siddiqi A.‐E.‐A , Soucie J. M. , Ingram‐Rich R. , Ward S. , Gill J. C. ,   the Hemophilia Treatment Center Network (HTCN) Study Investigators
Published: June 2018

Background

Invasive orthopaedic interventions (IOI) are often used to control recurrent haemarthrosis, pain and loss of joint function, in males with haemophilia (Factor VIII and Factor IX deficiency).

Aim

Identify risk factors associated with IOIs in males with haemophilia enrolled in the Universal Data Collection (UDC) surveillance program from 2000 until 2010.

Methods

Data were collected on IOIs performed on patients receiving care in 130 haemophilia treatment centers in the United States annually by health care providers using standardized forms. IOIs included in this study are as follows: 1) synovectomy and 2) arthrodesis or arthroplasty (A/A). Information about potential risk factors was obtained from the preceding UDC visit if available, or from the same visit if not. Patients with no reported IOI at any of their UDC visits were the reference group for the analysis. Multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for synovectomies and arthrodesis/arthroplasty.

Results

Risk factors significantly associated with the two IOI categories were age, student status, haemophilia severity, number of joint bleeds within the last 6 months, HIV or hepatitis C (HCV) status. Multivariate analyses showed patients on continuous prophylaxis were 50% less likely to have had a synovectomy and were 40% less likely to have an A/A.

Conclusions

This study shows modifiable risk factors, including management of bleeding episodes with a continuous prophylactic treatment schedule are associated with a decreased likelihood of IOIs in males with haemophilia.
Medieval English peasant women and their historians: A historiography with a future?
Authors: Wright Sharon Hubbs
Published: June 2018

Scholarship concerning medieval peasant women grew out of economic, Marxist, legal, and social history and, since the late 1970s, has been taken up mainly by medieval scholars using feminist methodologies. This research has been conducted by a handful of scholars most actively working before 2000. A large portion of this research has been focused on recovering information about peasant women's daily lives, their occupations, and their remuneration for work. From this body of research, scholars have attempted to understand and demonstrate the social and cultural conditions which affected peasant women's status and their agency. While most agree that peasant women's lives were profoundly affected by gendered ideas, there has been debate about the degree to which patriarchal institutions and beliefs have limited women's lives. This article focuses on scholarship concerning peasant women situated in their own social milieu, rather than their representation in art and literature. It argues that there remain many opportunities for further research, especially in the form of team‐based research, which is becoming more common in digital humanities.
Rheological properties of gluten and gluten‐starch model doughs containing wheat bran dietary fibre
Authors: Han Wen , Ma Sen , Li Li , Zheng Xueling , Wang Xiaoxi
Published: June 2018

The effect of wheat bran dietary fibre (WBDF) on the texture and extensional properties of gluten (G) as well as gluten‐starch (G+S) doughs were investigated. Texture analysis revealed an increasing hardness of WBDF‐enriched doughs, ascribed to the gradual formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and weakened aggregation behaviour of gluten proteins. Extension results showed that G and G+S systems exhibited growing extension resistance thanks to the strengthened strain‐hardening capacity induced by WBDF. On the other hand, the WBDF accelerated the rupture of the gluten network and led to a downtrend of dough extensibility by increasing the friction with gluten branches and impairing the uniformity of the network structure. The findings indicate the possible impairment of the dough texture properties upon the addition of WBDF. Accordingly, for bran‐enriched flour products, the pretreatment with bran‐like particles leading to size reduction, softening or solubility improvement may be advantageous.
Participation in decision‐making about medication: A qualitative analysis of medication adherence
Authors: Inder Maree , Lacey Cameron , Crowe Marie
Published: June 2018

Rates of relapse in BD are high with medication nonadherence identified as an important contributor to relapse. Psychopharmacology remains a key component to the treatment of BD; therefore, increased understanding of medication use and ways to promote greater adherence is essential. The aim of the study was to identify how participants with BD experience taking prescribed medication. Participants had BD I or BD II, were users of specialist mental health services, aged 18–64 years, euthymic, mildly hypomanic or depressed, and on any combination of medication. Exclusion criteria were minimal. A semistructured interview was completed exploring patients’ views of BD and factors influencing adherence based on the Subjective Experience of Medication Interview. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes. The study participants (n = 36) had predominantly bipolar I (78%) and were female (69%), and of New Zealand European ethnicity (67%) with 14% Maori. The mean age was 41 years (SD: 12.0). Findings from the thematic analysis generated three themes: Learning about the clinical meaning of having BD, Understanding how to use medication, and Understanding what works for me. The qualitative nature of our study limits the generalizability of our findings to a broader population of individuals with BD. The participants developed confidence in being in charge of their BD through a process of learning about BD and medication and understanding what this meant for them. The findings support greater emphasis on collaborative approaches that recognize the expertise of the individual with BD and the clinician.
An intra‐individual surgical wound comparison shows that octenidine‐based hydrogel wound dressing ameliorates scar appearance following abdominoplasty
Authors: Matiasek Johannes , Kienzl Philip , Unger Lukas W , Grill Christoph , Koller Rupert , Turk Bela R
Published: June 2018

Hypertrophic scar formation because of surgical procedures is associated with higher levels of pain, a lower quality of life, and poor cosmetic outcome and requires more resources in follow‐up management. An octenidine‐based hydrogel has been shown to modulate immunological function in an in vitro wound model, suggesting an improved scar formation. In this prospective, randomised, observer‐blinded, and intra‐patient‐controlled study, 45 patients who underwent abdominoplasty or mastectomy with transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap reconstruction were given both a standard postoperative wound dressing on one wound side and an octenidine‐based hydrogel with transparent film dressing, covered with standard postoperative dressing on the other side. Four instances of hypertrophia were reported in the gel side versus 12 in the standard dressing side. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores taken during postoperative dressing changes showed reduced scores on the gel side at all time points. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores showed improvement in the gel side at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Skin distensibility measured using a cutometer showed significantly improved measures in gel‐treated wounds, similar to measures of healthy skin. Trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL), measured using a tewameter, showed improved values on the gel side soon after surgery, with both the control and the gel side normalising after approximately 6 months. The octenidine‐based wound dressing demonstrates improved wound healing associated with a lower incidence of hypertrophic scar formation.