bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐876‐3p regulates cisplatin resistance and stem cell‐like properties of gastric cancer cells by targeting TMED3
Authors: Peng Chunwei , Huang Kai , Liu Guangjie , Li Yunsong , Yu Changjun
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

Gastric cancer (GC), a prevalent tumor, exerts a major economic burden, and we aimed to explore miR‐876‐3p's effects on GC and related mechanisms.

Methods

Cell viability was analyzed via CCK‐8 and colony formation assay. Stem cell‐like properties were examined via spheroid colony formation assay. mRNA abundance of key genes was analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein level of TMED3 and stem cell markers was examined by western blot. TargetScan, luciferase, and biotin‐miRNA pulldown assay were used to identify miR‐876‐3p's target.

Results

MiR‐876‐3p was downregulated in GC, and its mRNA level had negative relationship with cisplatin resistance of GC. Moreover, decreased miR‐876‐3p expression level suggested poor prognosis of GC patients. MiR‐876‐3p inhibited drug resistance of cisplatin‐resistant cell line SGC‐7901/DDP and MKN‐45/DDP, as shown by decreased cell viability, IC50, and colony formation ability. MiR‐876‐3p inhibited stem cell‐like features and downregulated the expressions of Sox‐2, Oct‐4, CD133, and CD44 in GC cells. Luciferase and biotin‐miRNA pulldown assay confirmed that TMED3 was miR‐876‐3p's direct target. TMED3 siRNA inhibited miR‐876‐3p's effects on cisplatin resistance and stem cell‐like features of SGC‐7901/DDP cells.

Conclusion

MiR‐876‐3p enhanced cisplatin sensitivity and restricted stem cell‐like features of GC through targeting TMED3.
POLG mutations presenting as Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Phillips Jade , Courel Steve , Rebelo Adriana P. , Bis‐Brewer Dana M. , Bardakjian Tanya , Dankwa Lois , Hamedani Ali G. , Züchner Stephan , Scherer Steven S.
Published: March 2019

We report on two patients, with different POLG mutations, in whom axonal neuropathy dominated the clinical picture. One patient presented with late onset sensory axonal neuropathy caused by a homozygous c.2243G>C (p.Trp748Ser) mutation that resulted from uniparental disomy of the long arm of chromosome 15. The other patient had a complex phenotype that included early onset axonal Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) caused by compound heterozygous c.926G>A (p.Arg309His) and c.2209G>C (p.Gly737Arg) mutations.
Relation between the number of board‐certified gynecologic oncologists per hospital and survival of cervical cancer
Authors: Yagi Asami , Ueda Yutaka , Nakagawa Satoshi , Morimoto Akiko , Matsuzaki Shinya , Kobayashi Eiji , Kimura Tadashi
Published: March 2019

Aims

In cancer therapy, choice of treatment method has a tremendous influence on patient prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the number of Gynecologic Oncology (GO) Specialists on treatment outcomes of cervical cancer patients.

Methods

We used data for 5‐year treatment outcomes obtained from the annual treatment reports of the Gynecologic Oncology Committee of Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). We compared this to data posted on the Japanese Society of Gynecologic Oncology (JSGO) website regarding the enrollment of GO Specialists at each hospital.

Results

The 5‐year survival ratio of cervical cancer patients treated in hospitals with 2‐or‐more GO Specialists was 79.0% (2010/2543). This was significantly higher than 75.4% (974/1292) for facilities with 0 or 1 specialist (P = 0.011); however, the number of GO Specialists was not an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.77, adjusted HR: 1.13 [0.38–2.03]). The 5‐year survival ratio significantly increased in medical facilities whose number of GO Specialists increased from 0 to 1 or more, or from 1 to 2 or more (P = 0.045).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a causal relationship between the numbers of GO Specialists and treatment outcomes of cervical cancer patients for the first time. Our study suggests that although JSGO board‐certified gynecologic oncologists do clearly contribute to improving treatment outcome, the number of specialists was not an independent factor for improving the prognosis of the patients. Thus, it was not clear whether simply increasing the number of GO Specialists, beyond two, will lead to any significant improvement in cervical cancer patient prognosis.
The general equilibrium effects of high‐occupancy vehicle lanes on congestion, sprawl, energy use, and carbon emissions
Authors: Zhao Weihua
Published: March 2019

High‐occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes have been promoted to encourage carpools, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality. At the partial equilibrium level, commuting with three workers per automobile clearly reduces highway congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and saves energy compared with three single drivers. This paper develops a numerical urban simulation model to generate the general equilibrium effects of HOV lanes on urban spatial structure, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. The major findings are that while HOV lanes reduce traffic congestion and improve welfare, the fall in transportation cost leads to urban sprawl, which results in higher dwelling energy use and a larger carbon footprint. Overall, the HOV lane policy has little effect on total energy consumption and carbon emissions. This is another classic case of general equilibrium effects reversing the partial equilibrium effects of an urban policy. In contrast, a gasoline tax policy leads to less urban sprawl but is less effective at lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions. Imposing congestion tolls is a more effective tool at reducing traffic congestion, saving energy, and lowering carbon emissions.
Understanding implicit and explicit consumer desires for protein bars, powders, and beverages
Authors: Harwood Will S. , Drake MaryAnne
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the implicit and explicit qualities of protein products that consumers find attractive. To do so, an Adaptive Choice‐Based Conjoint (ACBC) survey and a Constant Sum (CS) survey were conducted. Participants (n = 457) were the same for both studies and results were compared on both aggregate and individual levels. Additionally, ACBC utility scores were used to calculate “Share of Preference” scores so that each attribute level could be directly compared to CS. Attribute importance scores were relatively similar between methods, with the exception of the platform, sweetener claim, and sweetener type, which were different (p < 0.05) between surveys. Overall, both techniques agreed that the ideal protein product was a chocolate‐flavored protein bar with 20–29 g of primarily whey protein, all‐natural, and naturally sweetened by stevia. Additionally, both methods agreed on relative scaling of levels within each attribute. ACBC resulted in smaller standard deviations for shares of preference ratings than the CS survey. Differences in results between the surveys suggest that protein product consumers have differences in implicit and explicit preferences. Exploration of where these preferences disagree may provide insight on product development initiatives for select consumers.

Practical applications

This study found that there are subgroups of protein product consumers who express different ideals and desires. Furthermore, these preferences exist both explicitly and implicitly within individual consumers, and differences in those preferences may influence subsequent segmentation of consumer groups. Understanding the benefits and shortcomings of these different survey methods, and reviewing the sentiments each method captures, may help manufacturers and product developers reach new consumer groups and satisfy existing consumers to a greater extent.
Clinical and radiographic findings in cats with aspiration pneumonia: retrospective evaluation of 28 cases
Authors: Levy N. , Ballegeer E. , Koenigshof A.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To describe the clinical syndrome of aspiration pneumonia in cats and record potential predisposing factors.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective medical records search for cats with a diagnosis of “aspiration pneumonia” or “bronchopneumonia” was performed. Cases were included if they had a complete medical record and three‐view thoracic radiographs with pulmonary changes consistent with aspiration pneumonia and no other radiographic or physical examination findings suggestive of another cause of pulmonary or cardiac disease.

Results

We identified 28 cases. Potential predisposing conditions included: vomiting (12 of 28; 43%), anaesthesia (five of 28; 18%), enteral nutrition (five of 28; 18%), preexisting oesophageal disease (four of 28; 14%), neurologic disease (two of 28; 7%) and laryngeal disease (one of 28; 3.6%); 15 of 28 (53%) had more than one potentially predisposing condition. The most common lung lobe affected was the right middle (18 of 28; 64%), followed by the left cranial (16 of 28; 57%); multiple lung lobes were affected in 16 of 28 (57%) cases. Most cats (25 of 28; 89%) survived to discharge, with a median hospitalisation of 3 days.

Clinical Significance

Potential predisposing factors for developing aspiration pneumonia in cats are similar to those recorded in dogs and people. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in cats following vomiting, anaesthesia or after receiving enteral nutrition. Survival rates are high following treatment with antibiotics and supportive care, with 89% of cats in this study surviving to discharge.
Relationships between resting heart rate, heart rate variability and sleep characteristics among female collegiate cross‐country athletes
Authors: Sekiguchi Yasuki , Adams William M. , Benjamin Courteney L. , Curtis Ryan M. , Giersch Gabrielle E.W. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: March 2019

Even though sleep has been shown to be influenced by athletes’ training status, the association with resting heart rate and heart rate variability remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in and relationships between resting heart rate, heart rate variability and sleep characteristics across a female collegiate cross‐country season. Ten NCAA Division I collegiate female cross‐country athletes (mean ± SD; age, 19 ± 1 year; height, 167.6 ± 7.6 cm; body mass, 57.7 ± 10.2 kg; VO2max, 53.3 ± 5.9 ml kg−1 min−1) participated in this study. Resting heart rate, heart rate variability and the percentage of time in slow wave sleep were captured using a wrist‐worn multisensor sleep device throughout the 2016 competitive cross‐country season (12 weeks). Linear mixed‐effects models and magnitude‐based inferences were used to assess differences between each week. Pearson product moment correlations were used to investigate relationships between variables. Resting heart rate at the end of the season, specifically during weeks 10–12 (mean ± SE; week 10, 48 ± 2; week 11, 48 ± 3; week 12, 48 ± 3), showed a practically meaningful increase compared to the beginning of the season, weeks 2–4 (week 2, 44 ± 2; week 3, 45 ± 2; week 4, 44 ± 2). Higher resting heart rate (r = 0.55) and lower heart rate variability (r = −0.62) were largely associated with an increase in percentage of time spent in slow wave sleep. These data suggest that when physiological state was impaired, meaning the physiological restorative demand was higher, the percentage of time in slow wave sleep was increased to ensure recovery. Thus, it is important to implement sleep hygiene strategies to promote adequate slow wave sleep when the body needs physiological restoration.
ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs
Authors: Webster Cynthia R. L. , Center Sharon A. , Cullen John M. , Penninck Dominique G. , Richter Keith P. , Twedt David C. , Watson Penny J.
Published: March 2019

This consensus statement on chronic hepatitis (CH) in dogs is based on the expert opinion of 7 specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and conducting clinical research in hepatology in dogs. It was generated from expert opinion and information gathered from searching of PubMed for manuscripts on CH, the Veterinary Information Network for abstracts and conference proceeding from annual meetings of the American College of Veterinary Medicine and the European College of Veterinary Medicine, and selected manuscripts from the human literature on CH. The panel recognizes that the diagnosis and treatment of CH in the dog is a complex process that requires integration of clinical presentation with clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, and hepatic biopsy. Essential to this process is an index of suspicion for CH, knowledge of how to best collect tissue samples, access to a pathologist with experience in assessing hepatic histopathology, knowledge of reasonable medical interventions, and a strategy for monitoring treatment response and complications.
Effects of dietary arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids on common dentex (Dentex dentex Linnaeus 1758) larval performance
Authors: Giménez Papiol Gemma , Estévez Alicia
Published: March 2019

Oily emulsions containing constant levels of total fatty acids (FAs) and varying eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) levels were used to enrich rotifers. Common dentex larval survival and growth were compared between groups fed different enriched live prey. Growth, survival rate, and lipid composition of larvae suggest that feeding common dentex in the first 15 days posthatching with 2.5–3% EPA, 6–8% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and DHA/EPA ratio of 2.0–2.5 is sufficient to fulfill their EPA requirements. Higher amounts of dietary EPA did not result in any significant improvement in growth or survival. EPA requirement during this period of larval development does not seem to be as critical as other FAs during the first 15 days of common dentex larval development, but it does not exclude its essentiality later in development. In the case of ARA, nutritional requirements are low compared to other marine finfish species, with the upper limit of this essential FA being around 2% of total FAs provided in the live prey composition.
Portfolio choice with small temporary and transient price impact
Authors: Ekren Ibrahim , Muhle‐Karbe Johannes
Published: March 2019

We study portfolio selection in a model with both temporary and transient price impact introduced by Garleanu and Pedersen. In the large‐liquidity limit where both frictions are small, we derive explicit formulas for the asymptotically optimal trading rate and the corresponding minimal leading‐order performance loss. We find that the losses are governed by the volatility of the frictionless target strategy, like in models with only temporary price impact. In contrast, the corresponding optimal portfolio not only tracks the frictionless optimizer, but also exploits the displacement of the market price from its unaffected level.
Neuromyths and Their Origin Among Teachers in Quebec
Authors: Blanchette Sarrasin Jérémie , Riopel Martin , Masson Steve
Published: March 2019

Previous studies have revealed that “neuromyths,” which are misconceptions about the brain, show a high prevalence among teachers in different countries. However, little is known about the origin of these ideas; that is to say, the sources that may influence their presence among teachers. This research aims to identify the prevalence of five frequent neuromyths among teachers in Quebec (belief in neuromyths and reported practices) and the reported sources of these beliefs (e.g., reading popular science texts). A total of 972 teachers from Quebec responded to an online questionnaire. Results show a lower prevalence than previous studies (although it remains high), and that the main sources cited by participants are related to cognitive biases and university training. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report data supporting the idea that cognitive biases are related to the prevalence of neuromyths.
Normatively Speaking: Do Cultural Norms Influence Negotiation, Conflict Management, and Communication?
Authors: Ramirez Marin Jimena , Olekalns Mara , Adair Wendi
Published: March 2019

This paper elaborates a research agenda on cultural norms in communication, negotiation, and conflict management. Our agenda is organized around five questions on negotiation and conflict management, for example: How do culture and norms relate to an individual's propensity to negotiate? Or How do tightness‐looseness norms explain negotiators’ reactions to norm conformity and norm violation? And three questions on communication, for example: What individual and cultural factors lead negotiators to use miscommunication as an opportunity rather than an obstacle? Or Are there cultural differences in whether and what forms of schmoozing are normative? The present paper is based on three pillars: (a) ideas provided by the think tank participants (full list on website), (b) state of the art research and (c) the authors’ perspectives. Our goal is to inspire young, as well as, established researchers to purse these research streams and increase our understanding about the influence of cultural norms.
First record of Melampodium divaricatum (Asteraceae) in West Tropical Africa
Authors: Adegbite Adegoke Emmanuel , Ojo Funmilola Mabel , Abraham Olubukola Grace , Francis Joseph , Balogun Sunday
Published: March 2019

A plant that showed morphological closeness to Aspilia africana (Pers) C. D. Adams (Asteraceae) was spotted and collected in 2015 along Afe Babalola University road, Ado‐Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria with coordinates 7°36′59.99″N, 5°12′60.00″E. However, upon closer observation some distinct and peculiar characteristics that clearly distinguished it from Aspilia africana were revealed, e.g. sterility of the disc florets and production of achenes by ray florets only. Another striking character of the plant was total emptying of the capitulum after achene maturation, leaving an empty capitulum cup on the plant. Literature and herbarium searches revealed that the plant had neither been reported from West Tropical Africa nor collected in any herbarium in Nigeria before. The plant was eventually identified as Melampodium divaricatum (L.) which is an annual erect herb, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions but mostly restricted to Mexico, North America and Central America. Morphological, reproductive and cytological studies carried out on the plant revealed it to possess a highly branched erect pigmented stem, simple opposite sub sessile leaves with acute apex and distantly serrated margins, capitula with yellow unisexual disc and ray florets, sterile disc florets, fertile ray florets, relatively high pollen fertility (92.85%), a somatic chromosome number of 2n = 24 and regular formation of 12 bivalents, indicating the plant to be a diploid species. Further studies on Melampodium in Nigeria and a general revision of the flora of West Tropical Africa is suggested as well as the need to monitor M. divaricatum in the region since it appears to have the capacity to become invasive.
Can Centralized Performance Budgeting Systems Be Useful For Line Ministries? Evidence From Chile
Authors: Martínez Guzmán Juan Pablo
Published: March 2019

Many governments that have implemented performance budgeting systems have followed a centralized, top‐down approach that makes them foreign to the needs of line ministries. In this study, the author analyzes the case of Chile, which despite its top‐down approach, is often regarded as successful. Our findings suggest that while top‐down performance budgeting systems often fail to meet the needs of individual ministries and are prone to principal‐agent issues, under certain conditions—such as involving third‐party experts and having a professional civil service—the performance information from those systems might still be useful and/or might generate positive spillovers for line ministries.
Induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived melanocyte precursor cells undergoing differentiation into melanocytes
Authors: Hosaka Chieko , Kunisada Makoto , Koyanagi‐Aoi Michiyo , Masaki Taro , Takemori Chihiro , Taniguchi‐Ikeda Mariko , Aoi Takashi , Nishigori Chikako
Published: March 2019

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers a novel approach for conversion of human primary fibroblasts into melanocytes. During attempts to explore various protocols for differentiation of iPSCs into melanocytes, we found a distinct and self‐renewing cell lineage that could differentiate into melanocytes, named as melanocyte precursor cells (MPCs). The MPCs exhibited a morphology distinctive from that of melanocytes, in lacking either the melanosomal structure or the melanocyte‐specific marker genes MITF, TYR, and SOX10. In addition, gene expression studies in the MPCs showed high‐level expression of WNT5A, ROR2, which are non‐canonical WNT pathway markers, and its related receptor TGFβR2. In contrast, MPC differentiation into melanocytes was achieved by activating the canonical WNT pathway using the GSK3β inhibitor. Our data demonstrated the distinct characteristic of MPCs' ability to differentiate into melanocytes, and the underlying mechanism of interfacing between canonical WNT signaling pathway and non‐canonical WNT signaling pathway.
Pediatric post‐transplant hepatic kaposi sarcoma due to donor‐derived human herpesvirus 8
Authors: Ocwieja Karen E. , Vargas Sara O. , Elisofon Scott A. , Shulman David S. , Lee Christine K. , Fawaz Rima , Collins Natalie , Vakili Khashayar , Sharma Tanvi S.
Published: March 2019

In areas of the world where human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) is endemic, Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a common SOT‐associated cancer. In the United States, where the virus is not prevalent, PTKS is rare, and there is little literature on pediatric PTKS. We present a North American female who underwent deceased donor, left lateral segment liver transplant for biliary atresia at age 11 months. The donor was a male with no known history of KS, originally from an HHV‐8‐endemic country. Three months after transplantation, the patient developed liver nodules and portal vein thrombosis. Analysis of needle biopsy established the diagnosis of KS and confirmed that the transformed cells were donor‐derived. HHV‐8 viremia was detected, and ganciclovir dosing (which had been started prophylactically) was increased. Immunosuppression was changed from tacrolimus to sirolimus. After further disease progression, 8 cycles of paclitaxel were administered. Under this treatment, her nodules regressed, HHV‐8 viremia resolved, and she had marked clinic improvement. Notably, the adult recipient of the right liver lobe from the same donor also developed PTKS. This is one of few pediatric PTKS cases described in the literature. It contributes to the mechanistic understanding of PTKS development, illustrating the risk posed by donors from HHV‐8‐endemic countries, as well as the potential for strong PTKS correlation between multiple recipients of organs from a single shared donor.
Decalcification can cause the failure of BRAF molecular analyses and anti‐BRAFV600E VE1 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Bourhis Amélie , Le Flahec Glen , Uguen Arnaud
Published: March 2019

BRAF mutation detection is worthwhile for the management of patients with some advanced cancers. The tumor samples are sometimes difficult to analyze using DNA‐based molecular methods because of poor tumor DNA quality or quantity. Anti‐BRAFV600E VE1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been proposed as a valuable ancillary tool to analyze some “molecularly challenging“ tumor samples. In this technical study, we focused on its application in the field of decalcified tumor samples. We selected four patients with known BRAFV600E‐mutated cancer (3 metastatic melanomas and 1 hairy cell leukemia) and paired non‐decalcified/decalcified tumor samples. Molecular analyses failed in the four decalcified samples (3 bone metastases and 1 osteo‐medullar biopsy) with non‐contributive mutation status. Whereas non‐decalcified tumor samples were all positive using anti‐BRAFV600E VE1 IHC, the four decalcified samples were concluded negative. Because decalcified tumor samples are difficult to analyze from a molecular point of view, it is tempting to use IHC instead of DNA‐based methods searching for BRAFV600E mutations in these samples. Nevertheless, the decalcification process may also cause false‐negative results using VE1 IHC. Decalcified samples require specific and optimized IHC and molecular protocols and quality controls.
Geological controls on the geometry of incised‐valley fills: Insights from a global dataset of late‐Quaternary examples
Authors: Wang Ru , Colombera Luca , Mountney Nigel P.
Published: March 2019

Incised valleys that develop due to relative sea‐level change are common features of continental shelves and coastal plains. Assessment of the factors that control the geometry of incised‐valley fills has hitherto largely relied on conceptual, experimental or numerical models, else has been grounded on case studies of individual depositional systems. Here, a database‐driven statistical analysis of 151 late‐Quaternary incised‐valley fills has been performed, the aim being to investigate the geological controls on their geometry. Results of this analysis have been interpreted with consideration of the role of different processes in determining the geometry of incised‐valley fills through their effect on the degree and rate of river incision, and on river size and mobility. The studied incised‐valley fills developed along active margins are thicker and wider, on average, than those along passive margins, suggesting that tectonic setting exerts a control on the geometry of incised‐valley fills, probably through effects on relative sea‐level change and river behaviour, and in relation to distinct characteristics of basin physiography, water discharge and modes of sediment delivery. Valley‐fill geometry is positively correlated with the associated drainage‐basin size, confirming the dominant role of water discharge. Climate is also inferred to exert a potential control on valley‐fill dimensions, possibly through modulations of temperature, peak precipitation, vegetation and permafrost, which would in turn affect water discharge, rates of sediment supply and valley‐margin stability. Shelves with slope breaks that are currently deeper than 120 m contain incised‐valley fills that are thicker and wider, on average, than those hosted on shelves with breaks shallower than 120 m. No correlation exists between valley‐fill thickness and present‐day coastal‐prism convexity, which is measured as the difference in gradient between lower coastal plains and inner shelves. These findings challenge some concepts embedded in sequence stratigraphic thinking, and have significant implications for analysis and improved understanding of ‘source to sink’ sediment route‐ways, and for attempting predictions of the occurrence and characteristics of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Sharenting: Pride, affect and the day‐to‐day politics of digital mothering
Authors: Lazard Lisa , Capdevila Rose , Dann Charlotte , Locke Abigail , Roper Sandra
Published: March 2019

The coming together of parenting and routine posting on social networking sites has become a visible and recognisable theme, and the term “sharenting” has found a place in everyday talk to describe some forms of parental digital sharing practices. However, while social media has undoubtedly provided a space for parents to share experiences and receive support around parenting, sharenting remains a contestable issue. Thus, one reading of sharenting would be as a display of good parenting as mothers “show off” their children as a marker of success. However, the term also can be used pejoratively to describe parental oversharing of child‐focused images and content. In this paper, we explore the practice of sharenting in terms of pride, affect and the politics of digital mothering in a neoliberal context to conclude that sharenting can be best understood as a complex affective and intersectional accomplishment that produces motherhood and family as communicative activities within digital social practices.
Perceptions and attitudes of swine exhibitors towards recommendations for reducing zoonotic transmission of influenza A viruses
Authors: Nolting Jacqueline M. , Scheer Scott D. , Bowman Andrew S.
Published: March 2019

Since 2011, there have been 468 cases of variant influenza A virus (IAV) reported in the United States, many of which were associated with youth swine exhibition. In an effort to mitigate risk associated with exposure to IAV in swine, the “Measures to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Swine Exhibitions” (MtM) was developed for show organizers, volunteers and exhibitors. These recommendations are updated annually; however, it is not clear if youth swine exhibitors are aware of the recommendations; support the recommendations; and would be willing to practise recommended behaviours. Therefore, a cross‐sectional survey method was used to assess swine exhibitor perceptions and their adoption of swine production practices aimed at reducing the transmission of IAV at the human–animal interface. In addition, the survey asked participants their state of residence and the number of shows they would attend in 2017. In all, 155 participants who showed swine on a regular basis (x̅ = 11 shows per year), from at least 18 states within the US, completed the survey. At least, 67% of participants believed each statement was a good recommendation, with 6 of 11 recommendations being supported by >90% of participants. When asked if recommendations could be implemented, 65%–94% of respondents agreed, and 21%–89% of participants had already implemented each recommendation, respectively. Although significant efforts have been made to increase signage at swine exhibitions (warning of risks associated with eating/drinking in animal areas), a majority of respondents report eating/drinking in the barn and are unwilling to change their behaviours. This study provides evidence that developing and disseminating static recommendations to reduce zoonotic disease transmission is not enough to change human behaviour to prevent future variant IAV infections associated with swine exhibitions.
Morphologic and genetic variability in the Barbus fishes (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) of Central Italy
Authors: Zaccara Serena , Quadroni Silvia , Vanetti Isabella , Carosi Antonella , La Porta Gianandrea , Crosa Giuseppe , Britton Robert , Lorenzoni Massimo
Published: March 2019

Italian freshwaters are highly biodiverse, with species present including the native fishes Barbus plebejus and Barbus tyberinus that are threatened by habitat alteration, fish stocking and invasive fishes, especially European barbel Barbus barbus. In central Italy, native fluvio‐lacustrine barbels are mainly allopatric and so provide an excellent natural system to evaluate the permeability of the Apennine Mountains. Here, the morphologic and genetic distinctiveness was determined for 611 Barbus fishes collected along the Padany–Venetian (Adriatic basins; PV) and Tuscany–Latium (Tyrrhenian basins; TL) districts. Analyses of morphological traits and mitochondrial DNA sequence data explored the natural and anthropogenic factors that have shaped their distribution ranges. Over 100 alien B. barbus were recorded in the Tiber basin (TL district) and Metauro basin (PV district). Comparisons of genetic and morphometric data revealed that morphometric data could identify alien B. barbus from native Barbus, but could not differentiate between B. tyberinus and B. plebejus. Genetic analyses revealed ~50 D‐loop mtDNA haplotypes and identified a distinct Barbus lineage present only in the Vomano River at the southern boundary of PV district. Demographic expansion and molecular variance analyses revealed a lack of geographic structuring across the sampling regions. While the contemporary B. plebejus distribution has been driven primarily by anthropogenic fish translocations, the dispersal of B. tyberinus has been via natural dispersion, including their crossing of the Apennine Mountains via temporary river connectivity. The results also revealed that the Barbus fishes of the mid‐Adriatic region of Europe have a complex pattern of local endemism. To conserve these patterns of genetic uniqueness, especially in the mid‐Adriatic basins, Barbus fishes should be managed by treating them as unique evolutionary units and ceasing translocations of all Barbus fishes between river basins.
Interval running training improves age‐related skeletal muscle wasting and bone loss: Experiments with ovariectomized rats
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Seok , Jeon Jin , An Jin‐Jeong , Yi Ho‐Keun
Published: March 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect and mechanism of interval running training on age‐related muscle wasting and bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Interval running training improved muscle growth and osteogenic differentiation by enhancing the expression of bone morphogenic proteins and sirtuins in ageing‐induced ovariectomized rats. Therefore, the repetition of low and high intensities within a single exercise bout, such as interval running training, may be recommended as a practical intervention to prevent skeletal muscle wasting and bone loss in the elderly.

Effective prophylactic strategies are needed for the suppression of age‐related muscle wasting and bone loss after menopause. Exercise training is attractive due to its potential for improving energy metabolism, as well as age‐related muscle wasting and bone loss. In particular, interval running (IR) training involves a repetition of low and high intensities within a single exercise bout. Therefore, this study elucidated the effect of interval training on muscle and bone health, as well as anti‐ageing, in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The anti‐ageing effect of IR on muscle and bone was tested using western blotting and micro‐computed tomography analysis, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and immunohistochemical staining. IR significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory molecules, and improved antioxidant activity via down‐regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the ageing‐induced OVX rats skeletal muscle. IR compared with continuous running (CR) improved muscle mass and growth in OVX rats by the promotion of muscle growth‐related factors including MyoD, myogenin, phospho‐mechanistic target of rapamycin (p‐mTOR), sirtuins (SIRTs), and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). IR also effectively recovered OVX‐induced bone loss via the down‐regulation of bone resorption and osteoclast formation in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)‐treated bone marrowmacrophages (BMMs). In particular, IR led to high expression of SIRT1 and 6, which promoted osteogenic differentiation and bone formation via modulating the BMP signalling pathway compared with CR training. The in vivo effect of IR was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with the improvement of bone formation molecules such as BMPs and SIRTs. These results suggested that IR training affected myogenic and osteogenic formation. So, IR training may be considered for prevention of muscle wasting and bone loss for the elderly.
Modeling of Sessile Droplet Evaporation on Engineered Surfaces
Authors: Prakash Jyoti , Sikarwar Basant Singh
Published: March 2019

The evaporation of sessile drop has a wide range of application that includes printing, washing, cooling, and coating. Due to the complex nature of drop evaporation process, this phenomenon is reliant on several parameters such as ambiance and physiochemical properties of liquid and surface. In the present study, a mathematical model of water droplet evaporation on an engineered aluminum surface is developed. Experimental study is carried out for the validation of code. The data obtained from the simulation is validated against the data obtained from an experimental study as well as the data available in the literature and good agreement was found among them. Post-validation, the effect of surface wettability and environment conditions on a droplet evaporation rate is estimated. It is inferred from the outcomes that the temperature at the apex of the drop varies linearly with the increasing relative humidity. Droplet volume has a significant impact on the evaporation rate and comparatively higher evaporative flux for a smaller volume of the drop with large contact angles. This unveils the possibility of achieving the required evaporation rate by controlling surface wettability and relative humidity conditions near the drop.
Hemispheric specializations affect interhemispheric speech sound integration during duplex perception
Authors: Preisig Basil C. , Sjerps Matthias J.
Published: March 2019

The present study investigated whether speech-related spectral information benefits from initially predominant right or left hemisphere processing. Normal hearing individuals categorized speech sounds composed of an ambiguous base (perceptually intermediate between /ga/ and /da/), presented to one ear, and a disambiguating low or high F3 chirp presented to the other ear. Shorter response times were found when the chirp was presented to the left ear than to the right ear (inducing initially right-hemisphere chirp processing), but no between-ear differences in strength of overall integration. The results are in line with the assumptions of a right hemispheric dominance for spectral processing.
Sea ice variability in the southern Norwegian Sea during glacial Dansgaard-Oeschger climate cycles
Authors: Sadatzki Henrik , Dokken Trond M. , Berben Sarah M. P. , Muschitiello Francesco , Stein Ruediger , Fahl Kirsten , Menviel Laurie , Timmermann Axel , Jansen Eystein
Published: March 2019

New biomarker sea ice reconstructions document that sea ice changes shaped past abrupt climate change.
A lateral hypothalamus to basal forebrain neurocircuit promotes feeding by suppressing responses to anxiogenic environmental cues
Authors: Cassidy Ryan M. , Lu Yungang , Jere Madhavi , Tian Jin-Bin , Xu Yuanzhong , Mangieri Leandra R. , Felix-Okoroji Blessing , Selever Jennifer , Xu Yong , Arenkiel Benjamin R. , Tong Qingchun
Published: March 2019

LH
GABA
action on anxiogenic stimulus-responsive DBB
GABA
neurons allows indiscriminate feeding.
New evidence of broader diets for archaic
Homo
populations in the northwestern Mediterranean
Authors: Morin E. , Meier J. , El Guennouni K. , Moigne A.-M. , Lebreton L. , Rusch L. , Valensi P. , Conolly J. , Cochard D.
Published: March 2019

Taphonomic data suggest that early humans in Europe had more variable diet breadths than assumed by current evolutionary models.
Sustained B cell depletion by CD19-targeted CAR T cells is a highly effective treatment for murine lupus
Authors: Kansal Rita , Richardson Noah , Neeli Indira , Khawaja Saleem , Chamberlain Damian , Ghani Marium , Ghani Qurat-ul-ain , Balazs Louisa , Beranova-Giorgianni Sarka , Giorgianni Francesco , Kochenderfer James N. , Marion Tony , Albritton Lorraine M. , Radic Marko
Published: March 2019

CD19-targeted CAR T cells show sustained CD19
+
B cell depletion and profound therapeutic benefit in ameliorating disease in mouse models of lupus.
Transcriptional Analysis Shows a Robust Host Response toToxoplasma gondiiduring Early and Late Chronic Infection in Both Male and Female Mice
Authors: Garfoot Andrew L. , Cervantes Patrick W. , Knoll Laura J.
Published: March 2019

The long-term host effects caused by the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiiare poorly understood. High-throughput RNA sequencing analysis previously determined that the host response in the brain was greater and more complex at 28 days than at 10 days postinfection.
Prognostic Indicators of Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Sobel Jack D. , Kaur Navkiranjot , Woznicki Nicole A. , Boikov Dina , Aguin Tina , Gill Gurveer , Akins Robert A.
Published: March 2019

Following all forms of therapy for bacterial vaginosis (BV), recurrence rates are extremely high. Many diagnostic tests are available that differentiate bacterial vaginosis from other types of vaginal disorders, but none predict recurrence after treatment, nor are any vetted for monitoring ongoing responses to treatment.
Use of postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of Alzheimer’s disease in Finland: nationwide case-control study
Authors: Savolainen-Peltonen Hanna , Rahkola-Soisalo Päivi , Hoti Fabian , Vattulainen Pia , Gissler Mika , Ylikorkala Olavi , Mikkola Tomi S
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To compare the use of hormone therapy between Finnish postmenopausal women with and without a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease.

Design

Nationwide case-control study.

Setting

Finnish national population and drug register, between 1999 and 2013.

Participants

All postmenopausal women (n=84 739) in Finland who, between 1999 and 2013, received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease from a neurologist or geriatrician, and who were identified from a national drug register. Control women without a diagnosis (n=84 739), matched by age and hospital district, were traced from the Finnish national population register.

Interventions

Data on hormone therapy use were obtained from the Finnish national drug reimbursement register.

Main outcome measures

Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for Alzheimer’s disease, calculated with conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

In 83 688 (98.8%) women, a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease was made at the age of 60 years or older, and 47 239 (55.7%) women had been over 80 years of age at diagnosis. Use of systemic hormone therapy was associated with a 9-17% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The risk of the disease did not differ significantly between users of estradiol only (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.14) and those of oestrogen-progestogen (1.17, 1.13 to 1.21). The risk increases in users of oestrogen-progestogen therapy were not related to different progestogens (norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, or other progestogens); but in women younger than 60 at hormone therapy initiation, these risk increases were associated with hormone therapy exposure over 10 years. Furthermore, the age at initiation of systemic hormone therapy was not a decisive determinant for the increase in risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The exclusive use of vaginal estradiol did not affect the risk of the disease (0.99, 0.96 to 1.01).

Conclusions

Long term use of systemic hormone therapy might be accompanied with an overall increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, which is not related to the type of progestogen or the age at initiation of systemic hormone therapy. By contrast, use of vaginal estradiol shows no such risk. Even though the absolute risk increase for Alzheimer’s disease is small, our data should be implemented into information for present and future users of hormone therapy.
Minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Jahangiri Marjan , Hussain Azhar , Akowuah Enoch
Published: March 2019

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) is defined as a surgical aortic valve replacement which involves smaller chest incisions as opposed to full sternotomy. It is performed using cardiopulmonary bypass with cardiac arrest. It benefits from potential advantages of a less invasive procedure. To date, over 14 000 MIAVR have been reported in the literature. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, different surgical techniques and mainly the non-randomised nature of these studies comparing MIAVR with conventional aortic valve replacement, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The two main techniques of MIAVR are mini-sternotomy and right anterior mini-thoracotomy. Both techniques with other less common forms of MIAVR will be discussed in this review. The advantages, disadvantages and surgical pitfalls will be discussed. Some of the advantages include shorter intensive care and hospital stay, reduced perioperative blood loss, less pain, improved respiratory function and cosmesis. The possible disadvantage of longer bypass and cross-clamp times may be counter balanced by the recent sutureless and rapid deployment valves. Despite some of the benefits, MIAVR has not been adopted by a significant proportion of the surgeons possibly related to the learning curve and requirements for re-training. As MIAVR becomes more common, randomised trials comparing this technique with transcatheter aortic valve implantation is warranted. In addition, assessing quality of life including return to work and functional capacity is needed.
Results of mechanical versus tissue AVR: caution in young patients with tissue AVR
Authors: Briffa Norman Paul
Published: March 2019

The first aortic valve prosthesis, implanted more than 50 years ago, was a mechanical prosthesis (ball-and-cage design). Over the ensuing decades, tissue prostheses and new mechanical designs were introduced to mitigate the need for anticoagulation with its associated side effects. Tissue and mechanical heart valve prostheses were compared in two head-to-head randomised control trials. Both of these confirmed that mechanical prostheses were durable but patients suffered anticoagulant-related bleeds. Patients who received a tissue prosthesis were more likely to suffer prosthetic dysfunction and require reoperation. This trend was stronger in younger patients. Since the publication of those two trials, several large retrospective studies using data from meta-analyses of published papers or registries have failed to show a survival advantage of either prostheses when implanted in the aortic position in younger patients. This equipoise has been reflected in the heart valve disease guidelines published by European and US societies. In recent years, the primacy of patient choice, the rapid increase in life expectancy of populations, the increased incidence of atrial fibrillation with requirement for anticoagulation, the advent of transcatheter techniques to treat degenerating tissue valves as well as advances in anticoagulant therapy and in new tissue and to a lesser extent mechanical prosthetic design continue to influence choice of aortic valve prosthesis in younger patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.
Nuclear quadrupole moment and effects of nucleus–nucleus scattering potential
Authors: Nickhah Laleh , Rajabi Ali Akbar , Hamzavi Majid
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the results of the nuclear electrical quadrupole moment of the 17O and 2H before and after their scattering interaction near the Coulomb barrier. The distribution of nuclei’s charge (the quadrupole moment of nuclei) was examined for 2H and 17O when interacting together. The interaction potential between the nuclei was achieved using the double-folding model. Also, the wave functions of the interacting nuclei were replaced with the density functions. The wave functions of the interacting nuclei were obtained through the D-dimensional Schrödinger equation with the pseudo-Coulomb potential plus ring-shaped potential and Yukawa potential by the Nikiforov–Uvarov solution method.
Dynamics analysis of fractional-order permanent magnet synchronous motor and its DSP implementation
Authors: Peng Dong , Sun Ke Hui , Alamodi Abdulaziz. O. A.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, dynamics of the fractional-order permanent magnet synchronous motor (FOPMSM) model is investigated. The numerical solution of the FOPMSM system is derived based on Adomian decomposition method (ADM) that is a computationally efficient and high accurate method, and its dynamical behaviors are observed by means of phase diagrams, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectra (LEs), Poincaré section and chaos diagram based on spectral entropy (SE) complexity. Comparison with some reported studies, the simulation results show that it has more rich dynamical characteristics. The lowest order for the existence of chaos is 2.115 that demonstrated by 0–1 test, which is lower than that existing result (2.85). Finally, the FOPMSM system is implemented by digital signal processor (DSP), which verifies the correctness of the solution algorithm and the physical feasibility of this system. It indicates that the FOPMSM system has broad application prospect.