bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merging indigenous and scientific knowledge links climate with the growth of a large migratory caribou population
Authors: Gagnon Catherine A. , Hamel Sandra , Russell Don E. , Powell Todd , Andre James , Svoboda Michael Y. , Berteaux Dominique
Published: January 2020

Climate change in the Arctic is two to three times faster than anywhere else in the world. It is therefore crucial to understand the effects of weather on keystone arctic species, particularly those such as caribou (Rangifer tarandus) that sustain northern communities. Bridging long‐term scientific and indigenous knowledge offers a promising path to achieve this goal, as both types of knowledge can complement one another.

We assessed the influence of environmental variables on the spring and fall body condition of caribou from the Porcupine Caribou Herd. This herd ranges in the Yukon and Northwest Territories (Canada) and Alaska (USA), and is the only large North American herd that has not declined since the 2000s. Using observations recorded through an indigenous community‐based monitoring programme between 2000 and 2010, we analysed temporal trends in caribou condition and quantified the effects of weather and critical weather‐dependent variables (insect harassment and vegetation growth), on spring (n = 617 individuals) and fall (n = 711) caribou condition.

Both spring and fall body condition improved from 2000 to 2010, despite a continuous population increase of ca. 3.6% per year. Spring and fall caribou condition were influenced by weather on the winter and spring ranges, particularly snow conditions and spring temperatures. Both snow conditions and spring temperatures improved during our study period, likely contributing to the observed caribou population increase. Insect harassment during the previous summer and the frequency of icing events also influenced caribou condition.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows how untangling the relative influences of seasonal weather variables allows a much better understanding of variation in seasonal body condition of caribou. It indicates that a large migratory caribou population can grow and improve condition in a global context of caribou decline and climate warming, thereby warning against generalizations about the influence of climate on all caribou populations. Finally, it testifies how data from indigenous community‐based monitoring can remarkably improve ecological understanding of wildlife sustaining human communities. Where possible, we recommend management practices that respectfully engage with indigenous community‐based monitoring, as this can enhance knowledge and relationships with communities, both prerequisites of successful resource management.
Frequent burning causes large losses of carbon from deep soil layers in a temperate savanna
Authors: Pellegrini Adam F. A. , McLauchlan Kendra K. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Mack Michelle C. , Marcotte Abbey L. , Nelson David M. , Perakis Steven S. , Reich Peter B. , Whittinghill Kyle
Published: January 2020

Fire activity is changing dramatically across the globe, with uncertain effects on ecosystem processes, especially below‐ground. Fire‐driven losses of soil carbon (C) are often assumed to occur primarily in the upper soil layers because the repeated combustion of above‐ground biomass limits organic matter inputs into surface soil. However, C losses from deeper soil may occur if frequent burning reduces root biomass inputs of C into deep soil layers or stimulates losses of C via leaching and priming.

To assess the effects of fire on soil C, we sampled 12 plots in a 51‐year‐long fire frequency manipulation experiment in a temperate oak savanna, where variation in prescribed burning frequency has created a gradient in vegetation structure from closed‐canopy forest in unburned plots to open‐canopy savanna in frequently burned plots.

Soil C stocks were nonlinearly related to fire frequency, with soil C peaking in savanna plots burned at an intermediate fire frequency and declining in the most frequently burned plots. Losses from deep soil pools were significant, with the absolute difference between intermediately burned plots versus most frequently burned plots more than doubling when the full 1 m sample was considered rather than the top 0–20 cm alone (losses of 98.5 Mg C/ha [−76%] and 42.3 Mg C/ha [−68%] in the full 1 m and 0–20 cm layers respectively). Compared to unburned forested plots, the most frequently burned plots had 65.8 Mg C/ha (−58%) less C in the full 1 m sample. Root biomass below the top 20 cm also declined by 39% with more frequent burning. Concurrent fire‐driven losses of nitrogen and gains in calcium and phosphorus suggest that burning may increase nitrogen limitation and play a key role in the calcium and phosphorus cycles in temperate savannas.

Synthesis. Our results illustrate that fire‐driven losses in soil C and root biomass in deep soil layers may be critical factors regulating the net effect of shifting fire regimes on ecosystem C in forest‐savanna transitions. Projected changes in soil C with shifting fire frequencies in savannas may be 50% too low if they only consider changes in the topsoil.
Local adaptation constrains drought tolerance in a tropical foundation tree
Authors: Barton Kasey E. , Jones Casey , Edwards Kyle F. , Shiels Aaron B. , Knight Tiffany
Published: January 2020

Plant species with broad climatic ranges might be more vulnerable to climate change than previously appreciated due to intraspecific variation in climatic stress tolerance. In tropical forests, drought is increasingly frequent and severe, causing widespread declines and altering community dynamics. Yet, little is known about whether foundation tropical trees vary in drought tolerance throughout their distributions, and how intraspecific variation in drought tolerance might contribute to their vulnerability to climate change.

We tested for local adaptation in seedling emergence and establishment with a full‐factorial reciprocal transplant experiment including 27 populations and 109,350 seeds along a 3,500 mm precipitation gradient for a widespread tropical foundation tree, Metrosideros polymorpha, in Hawaii. To more precisely relate seedling performance to soil moisture, we conducted a complementary greenhouse experiment to test responses of the same focal populations to simulated drought.

In the reciprocal transplant experiment, we observed significant variation among populations and sites in germination and seedling establishment rates. Overall, there was a significant link between historical rainfall of populations and their performance under current rainfall at the study sites consistent with local adaptation. In particular, populations from historically wet sites demonstrated lower germination rates in currently dry sites compared to wet field sites, while populations from historically dry sites germinated well across all sites, with particularly high germination in dry sites. In the greenhouse, seedlings from wet populations survived fewer days without water, and succumbed at wetter soil conditions than populations from historically dry sites, corroborating results from the field experiment.

Synthesis. While climate change models project the greatest drying trends for historically dry areas in Hawaii, even moderate drying of wet sites could significantly reduce Metrosideros polymorpha recruitment given the sensitivity of seedlings to very slight changes in water regimes. Thus, although M. polymorpha demonstrates high seedling drought tolerance in some populations, providing evidence of resilience at the species‐scale, there are nonetheless vulnerable populations that will likely decline under climate change. Our approach demonstrates that even trees with high dispersal abilities can show significant clines in drought tolerance, and suggests that similar intraspecific variation might be an important consideration for other tropical foundational tree species.
British Union and Empire in the Origin of Commerce: Adam Anderson as Eighteenth‐Century Historian and Scottish Political Economist
Authors: TONKS PAUL
Published: January 2020

This article restores an important figure to the study of eighteenth‐century British political and economic thought. A prominent Scottish financial administrator and author resident in Hanoverian London, Adam Anderson (1692–1765) evaluated the expansion of the British commercial empire in the eighteenth century. Anderson developed a sophisticated set of historical arguments about early modern British governance and its relationship to economic growth and societal development. Anderson focused on the evolution of Britain's international commerce, imperial networks and modes of governance. He connected the 1707 Anglo‐Scottish Union, the development of overseas trade and empire‐building. Despite the fact that Anderson set out a nuanced and compelling analysis of Britain's financial revolution that eventually stabilized powerful structures of public and private credit, he has not received significant historiographical attention. This article elucidates his status as a leading historian of the early modern global expansion of European commerce and one of the most widely read and influential commentators on the eighteenth‐century British empire.
Tunneled dialysis catheter exchange through fibrin sheath crevice vs in situ catheter exchange for the treatment of catheter dysfunction
Authors: Li Li , Zhan Shen , Zhang Lihong , Yang Tao , Hou Xibin , Ren Shufeng , Wang Yuzhu
Published: January 2020

Our aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) exchange through fibrin sheath crevice vs in situ catheter exchange in hemodialysis patients with fibrin‐sheath‐related catheter dysfunction. Patients with fibrin‐sheath‐related catheter dysfunction who underwent TDC exchange in our center between 2012 January and 2017 December were retrospectively screened. The included patients were divided into the sheath‐crevice group (catheter was exchanged through fibrin sheath crevice) and the in situ group (catheter was exchanged in situ). The blood volume, Kt/V values, and complications were assessed as outcomes. Of the 44 included patients, 25 underwent in situ catheter exchange and 19 underwent catheter exchange through the fibrin sheath crevice. The stabilized maximal blood flow during the first hemodialysis after the catheter replacement reached 250 mL/min in all of the included patients. After 3 months, the stabilized maximal blood flow of the in situ group and the sheath‐crevice group were 245.3 ± 9.0 and 244.8 ± 10.05 mL/min (P = .963), respectively. However, after 6 months, the stabilized maximal blood flow during hemodialysis (P = .048) and the Kt/V value (P < .001) of the patients in the sheath‐crevice group were significantly higher than the in situ group. No severe complication related to the catheter exchange surgery was observed in either group. For patients with TDC dysfunction caused by fibrin sheath, catheter exchange through the fibrin sheath crevice most likely is a safe and effective alternative strategy for in situ catheter exchange.
CYP2C19 polymorphism has no correlation with the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in the treatment of immune‐related bowel disease
Authors: Feng Rui , Xu Ping Ping , Chen Bai Li , Mao Ren , Zhang Sheng Hong , Qiu Yun , Zeng Zhi Rong , Chen Min Hu , He Yao
Published: January 2020

Objective

To explore the relationship between hepatic cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) gene polymorphisms and the effectiveness and safety of thalidomide in the treatment of patients with immune‐related bowel disease (IRBD).

Methods

CYP2C19 variants in 79 patients treated with thalidomide were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). The clinical response and adverse events of the thalidomide treatment were recorded. The potential influences of the CYP2C19 genotype polymorphisms on the clinical efficacy and adverse events of thalidomide were then investigated.

Results

Altogether 79 patients with IRBD (70 with Crohn's disease, three with ulcerative colitis and six with Behcet's disease) receiving thalidomide therapy were recruited from January 2013 to February 2015 in a tertiary IBD center in China. Overall, 21.5% (17/79) of these patients had CYP2C19 poor metabolizers genotype (PM). The overall response rate and the incidence of adverse events of CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers genotype were not significantly different from that of the PM when IRBD patients were treated with thalidomide (P = 0.517 and 0.816, respectively).

Conclusion

CYP2C19 polymorphisms do not seem to be associated with efficacy of thalidomide and the incidence of adverse events in treating IRBD.
Adoption of Blockchain Technology in the Australian Grains Trade: An Assessment of Potential Economic Effects
Authors: Gunasekera Don , Valenzuela Ernesto
Published: January 2020

Recent analysis of Blockchain use has highlighted considerable potential productivity gains arising from lower transaction costs between buyers and sellers of goods. This has been shown by recent examples of Blockchain use in the Australian grains sector. In this paper, we have further developed and quantified this concept of productivity gain by undertaking several illustrative scenarios using a general equilibrium model of the global economy. Our analysis indicates that an assumed modest growth (five per cent) in productivity due to Blockchain use in the grains sector could raise output by eight per cent over the medium term. If this is accompanied by Blockchain use in the Australian finance sector, grains output could reach ten per cent. This reflects the effect of reduction in transaction costs due to the use of Blockchain technology as a “distributed ledger technology” in grain trading. Further, it is anticipated that the wider effects of Blockchain‐driven productivity enhancement of the Australian finance sector could contribute to approximately 2.5 per cent increase in GDP in the medium term, relative to what would otherwise be.
The virome of maize rough dwarf disease: Molecular genome diversification, phylogeny and selection
Authors: Achon Maria Angeles , Serrano Luis , Clemente‐Orta Gemma , Barcelo Anna
Published: January 2020

The main threat to maize production in the Mediterranean area is maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD) caused by Maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV). The analysis of virus diversification is necessary to assess the risk of MRDD outbreaks. We analysed the virome of MRDD by next‐generation sequencing using pooled samples prepared from maize plants collected in Spain between 1999 and 2017. This yielded the sequences of all 10 genomic segments from six MRDV isolates plus an additional variant of S5 in one sample. Five of the genomes were 29,145 nucleotides (nt) in length, and the other was 3 nt longer. The six genomes were AT rich with low codon usage bias and the 13 open reading frames (ORFs) showed low potential expression levels. The highest expression levels were predicted for ORFs encoding the non‐structural proteins P6, P5‐1 and P9‐1, and the structural protein P10. There was a strong correlation between higher level expression and T‐ended codons, which were the most over‐represented class. The concatenate and three individual segments (S3, S6 and S7) each formed a monophyletic group, whereas the remaining segments split into two groups with different clustering relationships relative to two other European MRDV isolates. The MRDV virome showed certain temporal and geographical diversification, but several proteins were highly conserved, especially P7‐2. Three significant recombination hotspots were identified among genomic segments and four within segments. The ORFs encoding structural proteins appear under greater purifying selection.
Modelling the climate suitability of green carpenter bee (Xylocopa aerata) and its nesting hosts under current and future scenarios to guide conservation efforts
Authors: Santos Abraão Almeida , Leijs Remko , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho , Glatz Richard , Hogendoorn Katja
Published: January 2020

Due to local extinction, the endangered green carpenter bee (Xylocopa aerata) has a disjunct distribution in the southeast of Australia. The species relies on dead softwood from a small selection of plant species for making its nests. Habitat fragmentation, combined with deleterious fire events, is thought to have negatively impacted on nesting substrate availability and recolonisation chances. Here, we use MaxEnt algorithm to model both the current distribution and the effect of climate change scenarios on the distribution of both X. aerata and four plant species that provide most of its nesting substrate: Banksia integrifolia, B. marginata, Xanthorrhoea arborea and Xanthorrhoea semiplana subsp. tateana. The annual mean temperature is the strongest climatic predictor of the distribution of X. aerata and its host plants. The modelled distribution of the bee under current climatic conditions indicates that climatic factors are unlikely to cause local extinctions. In all future scenarios, suitable areas for X. aerata and each of its nesting hosts are expected to contract towards the southeast of mainland Australia. The suitability of Kangaroo Island for the bee and its current local current host species is maintained in all scenarios, while Tasmania will become increasingly suitable for all species. The Grampians National Park in western Victoria, where the bee species were last seen outside of its current range (in the 1930s), is predicted to remain suitable for X. aerata and several host plants under all scenarios. Therefore, this relatively large area of native vegetation may be a good case study for re‐introduction as part of future conservation efforts.
Management effects on plant community and functional assemblages in Chicago’s vacant lots
Authors: Anderson Elsa C. , Minor Emily S.
Published: January 2020

Question

We ask whether 11‐year mowing patterns and presence of fencing influence plant community diversity and functional assemblage in urban vacant lots.

Location

This study took place in 34 vacant lots on the south and west sides of Chicago, IL, USA. Urban vacant lots are an excellent study system in which to investigate the effects of management in cities: they are ubiquitous in many cities and they experience a range of management, particularly mowing and fencing.

Methods

We used municipal data to classify infrequent and intensive mowing regimes and assessed presence or absence of fencing in situ. In our sites, these management strategies are independent. We used individual permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) models to assess the effects of these management strategies on plant community composition. We then assessed species richness of plants with various traits using six individual two‐way ANOVA models with interaction terms. Our predictor variables included management strategies (mowing intensity and fencing) and three plant traits (growth form [graminoid, forb, or woody], life duration (annual, biennial, or perennial), and biogeographic origin [native or introduced]).

Results

We found 120 plant species in the vacant lots. Most of these species were perennial, introduced forbs. We found no discernable effects of mowing intensity on plant community composition or richness of plants in the three functional groups. However, when we compared the species found along fences to those in lot interiors, we found significantly different plant communities. Fence line communities had significantly more native and woody species than lot interiors.

Conclusions

Plant communities differ at very fine spatial scales within an individual vacant lot, and this pattern is related to the presence of fences. Overall, vacant lots support diverse plant communities which can differentially contribute to wildlife habitat depending on management strategy.
One‐year persistence of potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults: A population‐based study
Authors: Roux Barbara , Sirois Caroline , Simard Marc , Gagnon Marie‐Eve , Laroche Marie‐Laure
Published: January 2020

Aims

To assess the 1‐year persistence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and identify associated factors in community‐dwelling older adults in Quebec, Canada.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was conducted using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System. Individuals insured by the public drug plan and aged ≥66 years who initiated a PIM between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015 were followed‐up for 1 year. PIMs were identified using the 2015 Beers criteria. One‐year persistence of PIM use was defined as continuous treatment with any PIM, without interruption for more than 60 days between prescriptions refills. Poisson regression models were performed to identify factors associated with 1‐year persistence of any PIM.

Results

In total, 25.1% of PIM initiators were persistent at 1 year. In non‐persistent individuals, the median time to PIM discontinuation was 31 days (interquartile range 21‐92). Individuals were more persistent at 1 year with antipsychotics (43.9%), long‐duration sulphonylureas (40.2%), antiarrhythmics/immediate‐release nifedipine (36.5%) and proton pump inhibitors (36.0%). Factors significantly associated with persistence were an increased age, being a man and having a high number of medications and chronic diseases, especially dementia, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions

One‐quarter of community‐dwelling older adults are continuously exposed to PIMs. To optimize medication prescribing in the older population, further interventions are needed to limit the use of PIMs most likely to be continued, especially in individuals most at risk of being persistent and also particularly vulnerable to adverse events.
Characteristics that make trophy hunting of giant pandas inconceivable
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Carr Madeline , Booher Charlie R. , Pointer Abigail M. , Mitchell Brendan M. , Smith Natalie , Calnan Keegan , Montgomery Georgina M. , Ogada Mordecai , Kramer Daniel B.
Published: January 2020

In November 1928, Theodore Jr. and Kermit Roosevelt led an expedition to China with the expressed purpose of being the first Westerners to kill the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The expedition lasted 8 months and resulted in the brothers shooting a giant panda in the mountains of Sichuan Province. Given the concurrent attention in the popular press describing this celebrated expedition, the giant panda was poised to be trophy hunted much like other large mammals around the world. Today, however, the killing of giant pandas, even for the generation of conservation revenue, is unthinkable for reasons related to the species itself and the context, in time and space, in which the species was popularized in the West. We found that the giant panda's status as a conservation symbol, exceptional charisma and gentle disposition, rarity, value as a nonconsumptive ecotourism attraction, and endemism are integral to the explanation of why the species is not trophy hunted. We compared these intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics with 20 of the most common trophy‐hunted mammals to determine whether the principles applying to giant pandas are generalizable to other species. Although certain characteristics of the 20 trophy‐hunted mammals aligned with the giant panda, many did not. Charisma, economic value, and endemism, in particular, were comparatively unique to the giant panda. Our analysis suggests that, at present, exceptional characteristics may be necessary for certain mammals to be excepted from trophy hunting. However, because discourse relating to the role of trophy hunting in supporting conservation outcomes is dynamic in both science and society, we suspect these valuations will also change in future.
Linked color imaging improves visibility of ectatic vessels in radiation proctitis during argon plasma coagulation
Authors: Dong Haibin , Ren Yutang , Jiang Bo
Published: January 2020

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Novel balloon catheter‐based endobiliary radiofrequency ablation system: Ex‐vivo experimental study
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Ito Kiyoaki , Yoneda Masashi
Published: January 2020

Background

Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising treatment option for malignant biliary obstruction, but conventional catheter RFA (Conventional‐RFA) has several limitations. We examined the feasibility of a novel approach to balloon‐based RFA (Balloon‐RFA) with an automatic temperature control system in freshly resected pig livers.

Methods

Balloon‐RFA application was performed in a step‐by‐step manner at target temperatures of 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. The temperatures were maintained for 60 s. As a control, Conventional‐RFA was performed at 7 W of power for 90 s, 7 W 120 s, 10 W 90 s, and 10 W 120 s. The ablation areas were measured and compared between Balloon‐RFA and Conventional‐RFA.

Results

The maximum ablation depths in Balloon‐RFA were 1.86 ± 0.53, 2.29 ± 0.31, and 3.19 ± 0.47 mm at target temperatures of 50, 60, and 70°C, respectively. The maximum ablation depths in Conventional‐RFA were 2.81 ± 0.46, 4.09 ± 0.45, 3.41 ± 0.58, and 4.27 ± 0.29 mm at 7 W 90 s, 7 W 120 s, 10 W 90 s, and 10 W 120 s, respectively. Differences between the minimum and maximum depths were significantly smaller in Balloon‐RFA (0.73 ± 0.31 mm) than in Conventional‐RFA (2.00 ± 0.62 mm; P < 0.001). Excessive ablation occurred only in Conventional‐RFA (0% vs. 67%; P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The novel balloon‐based RFA system allows ablation to be finely tuned in order to successfully obtain consistent ablation depths and avoid excessive ablation.
Cognitive functioning in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Stadskleiv Kristine
Published: January 2020

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have an increased risk of cognitive impairments. This narrative review of the literature discusses assessment of cognition in children with CP, presents the most salient characteristics of cognitive functioning pertaining to each subtype, and discusses the relationships between brain injury, functioning, and intervention from a developmental perspective. A search for original studies of cognitive functioning in children with different subtypes of CP was performed. The search resulted in 81 unique hits. There were few studies with a representative sample of children with CP where all participants were individually assessed. Cognitive functioning in children with the most severe motor impairments were often assumed and not assessed. Furthermore, there was a confounding of IQ below 70 and intellectual disability, possibly leading to an overestimation of the prevalence of intellectual disability. Longitudinal neuropsychological studies, including also very young children and those with the most severe speech and motor impairments, as well as intervention studies, are called for.

What this paper adds

Few studies have assessed cognition in a representative sample of children with cerebral palsy.

Cognition in children with severe motor impairment is often assumed, not assessed.

Lack of assessment may lead to overestimating the prevalence of intellectual disability.

Lowered cognitive functioning in older children highlights the need for longitudinal studies.
The Impact of Trade Openness on Relative Equipment Prices: Lessons from Latin America
Authors: Madariaga Jessica , Bekkerman Anton
Published: January 2020

Trade can affect relative equipment prices because equipment production is concentrated among a small group of developed countries and many developing nations rely heavily on equipment imports. We construct a new dataset of relative equipment prices for thirteen Latin American countries from 1970 to 2011 in order to help identify which trade channels affect these prices. We show that both the composition of trade and countries’ trade partners matter. Overall, increasing trade intensity in equipment with major equipment‐producing countries is associated with the largest relative price reductions, but there is significant heterogeneity across countries in their responsiveness to changes in trade intensity and trade restrictions.
NUMERACY AND ON‐THE‐JOB PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM LOAN OFFICERS
Authors: Brown Martin , Kirschenmann Karolin , Spycher Thomas
Published: January 2020

We examine how the numeracy level of employees influences their on‐the‐job performance. Based on an administrative dataset of a retail bank we relate the performance of loan officers in a standardized math test to the accuracy of their credit assessments of small business borrowers. We find that loan officers with a high level of numeracy are more accurate in assessing the credit risk of borrowers. The effect is most pronounced during the precrisis credit boom period when it is arguably more difficult to pick out risky borrowers. (JEL G21, J24)
INCENTIVES FOR DISHONESTY: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY WITH INTERNAL AUDITORS
Authors: Balafoutas Loukas , Czermak Simon , Eulerich Marc , Fornwagner Helena
Published: January 2020

We conduct an experiment with professional internal auditors and evaluate their performance and objectivity, measured as the extent to which they truthfully report the performance of other participants in a real‐effort task. In line with our hypotheses, we find that incentive‐based compensation increases dishonest behavior: competitive incentives lead to under‐reporting of other participants' performance, while collective incentives lead to over‐reporting of performance. We replicate these results with a student sample. In addition, we find that moving from an environment with objective performance evaluation toward a peer evaluation scheme reduces performance among internal auditors, but not among students.(JEL C93, M42, M52)
Magnetic resonance imaging of equine stifles: Technique and observations in 76 clinical cases
Authors: Waselau M. , McKnight A. , Kasparek A.
Published: January 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of equine stifle disorders is challenging. We describe a routine technique for low‐field stifle MRI under general anaesthesia in clinical cases and report the main findings. We hypothesised that MRI can be safely and routinely performed and portray bone and soft‐tissue pathology. In this retrospective study, medical records of 76 stifles with positive response to intra‐articular anaesthesia without abnormalities on conventional diagnostic imaging were reviewed for breed, age, gender, MRI anaesthesia time and findings. Under anaesthesia, limbs were extended in a rotating MR gantry. Different sequences in several planes were acquired in an average time of 62 min. In all horses, the stifle examinations were successful and complete. Typical MRI lesions included bone marrow lesions, osseous cyst‐like lesions, cruciate desmopathy, meniscal tearing or a combination thereof. Retrospective reviewing confirmed that initial radiographic and ultrasonographic images failed to identify these lesions. Surgically accessible lesions were confirmed in arthroscopy if exploration was indicated. However, MRI was useful to estimate extent of cruciate and meniscal pathology as well as bone marrow lesions and bone cystic‐like lesions more thoroughly. Our protocol allows for routine stifle MRI, independent of breed, age and gender. Based on our preliminary results, low‐field stifle MRI is safe and can delineate bone and soft‐tissue pathology. Low‐field MRI appears to be a promising approach for better understanding stifle pathology and thus treatment and prognosis.
Transfer learning and information retrieval applied to fall detection
Authors: Fañez Mirko , Villar José R. , de la Cal Enrique , Sedano Javier , González Victor M.
Published: January 2020

Detecting falls in the elderly population is a very important issue that is related with the time of recovery. This study focuses on using wearable smart watches to monitor the movements of the user in order to detect patterns that might be related to fall events. The proposed solution explores Symbolic Aggregate approXimation (SAX) Time Series representation, together with two information retrieval techniques enriched with transfer learning (TL). The solution is user centred; that is, a model is developed for each specific user. Basically, the fall detection approach makes use of a finite‐state machine to detect peaks; the time series window embedding these peaks are represented using SAX. Assuming the data from the public fall detection data sets are valid, a dictionary is prepared using the most relevant words. This dictionary is then introduced as previous knowledge to an online learning classifier that is trained with normal activities of daily living. The two classifiers are evaluated and compared with two classical approaches. Before this comparison, two clustering approaches are studied to produce the bag of relevant words. A complete experimentation is included, which makes use of several publicly available data sets and also with a data set developed by the research group. Comparisons are performed for all the data sets, showing how the TL stage empowers the classifier. The results show that this solution produces high detection rates and at the same time performed similarly for all the individuals tested. Furthermore, the positive effects of TL in this context are clearly remarked.
Comparison of lead contamination among related scavenging birds sharing food sources: a call for caution when using surrogate species
Authors: Plaza Pablo I. , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Lambertucci Sergio A.
Published: January 2020

Lead contamination is a global problem affecting a large number of bird species around the world. Among the different avian guilds, vultures and facultative scavengers are particularly threatened by this toxic metal. However, little information is available about differences in exposure to this metal for sympatric vulture species that share food resources. We compared blood lead concentrations of two closely related sympatric obligate scavenger species, the abundant Black Vulture Coragyps atratus and the threatened Andean Condor Vultur gryphus in north‐western Patagonia, Argentina. We sampled 28 Andean Condors and 29 Black Vultures trapped foraging in the same area in the steppe. We also sampled 16 Black Vultures foraging in a rubbish dump to determine whether there were differences in lead contamination among foraging sites. Andean Condors had significantly higher mean blood lead concentrations than Black Vultures. There was no difference in lead concentrations between Black Vultures trapped in the steppe and in the rubbish dump. The prevalence and probability of lead concentrations above the threshold level (20 µg/dL) was higher for Andean Condors than for Black Vultures, potentially producing different effects on their health. This disparity in lead contamination may be due to differences in their foraging habits or in their susceptibility to this toxic metal. Overall, our results suggest caution in using an abundant surrogate species to infer lead contamination in a closely related but harder to sample species.
Radiotherapy of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma: our experience in 30 cases
Authors: Piccinno Roberta , Damiani Giovanni , Rossi Luisa C. , Berti Emilio
Published: January 2020

Background

Since the observation of new cases of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) with a seemingly aggressive clinical presentation and a favorable response to radiation therapy (RT), a review of our series has been performed to evaluate the results of RT.

Materials and methods

The study is a retrospective analysis of 30 patients with PCALCL treated with conventional energy RT.

Results

About 55 fields of irradiation were performed. Complete clinical response (CCR) was obtained in 29 cases and a partial clinical response (PCR) in one. Two lesions had a marginal relapse at 7 and 37 months, respectively. In eight cases, new lesions appeared in the same body district and in six cases, in body sites at distance from the field of treatment. Total radiation dose ranged from 15 to 35 Gy (median 25 Gy). Follow‐up range was 2–218 months (median 38.5 months) with a local control rate of 85% and a relapse‐free rate of 49% at 5 years from RT. Three cases developed a nodal involvement.

Conclusions

PCALCL belongs to the group of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, accounting for 25–30% of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. RT is considered of choice as alternative to surgical excision of solitary lesions. Recent studies have focused on ideal dose to obtain local control indicating 30 Gy as adequate, but others have hypothesized that lower doses may suffice. Our study confirms the excellent role of RT in the local control of the disease with total doses ≤25 Gy.
Effect of ultrasonication treatment and fermentation by probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strains on goat milk bioactivities
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Gholamhosseinpour Aliakbar
Published: January 2020

In the present research, the effects of continuous ultrasound treatment (100 W, 30 kHz; 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% amplitudes, 15 min) and fermentation process (37°C, 24 h) on the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum LP3 and LU5 strains and bioactive properties (peptide content, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition, anticancer and antioxidant activities and exopolysaccharide content) of goat milk were investigated. According to our results, the ultrasonication of milk up to 60% amplitude promoted the growth of Lactobacillus strains and enhanced the bioactive properties compared with control during fermentation, while, the ultrasonication at 90% amplitude had negative effects on the mentioned parameters. Exopolysaccharide content, α‐amylase inhibition, α‐glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant activity and anticancer activity of treated samples at 60% amplitude at the end of fermentation in comparison to its beginning were increased 18.09, 12.79, 12.44, 9.4 and 1.92 folds, respectively. Also, the increase of assayed characteristics was found strain‐dependent, so that L. plantarum LP3 was more effective than LU5 strain.
Exploiting the internalization feature of an antibody against the glycosphingolipid SSEA‐4 to deliver immunotoxins in breast cancer cells
Authors: Ruggiero Fernando M , Rodríguez‐Walker Macarena , Daniotti Jose L
Published: January 2020

The stage‐specific embryonic antigen‐4 (SSEA‐4) is a cell surface glycosphingolipid antigen expressed in early stages of human development. This surface marker is downregulated during the differentiation process but is found re‐expressed in several types of tumors, including breast cancer. This feature makes SSEA‐4 an attractive target for the development of therapeutic antibodies against tumors. In this work, we first studied the binding and intracellular fate of the monoclonal antibody MC‐813‐70 directed against SSEA‐4. MC‐813‐70 was found to be rapidly internalized into triple‐negative breast cancer cells following binding to its target at the plasma membrane, and to accumulate in acidic organelles, most likely lysosomes. Given the internalization feature of MC‐813‐70, we next tested whether the antibody was able to selectively deliver the saporin toxin inside SSEA‐4‐expressing cells. Results show that the immunotoxin complex was properly endocytosed and able to reduce cell viability of breast cancer cells in vitro, either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. Our findings indicate that the MC‐813‐70 antibody has the potential to be developed as an alternative targeted therapeutic agent for cancer cells expressing the SSEA‐4 glycolipid.
Workplace stress and resilience in the Australian nursing workforce: A comprehensive integrative review
Authors: Badu Eric , O’Brien Anthony Paul , Mitchell Rebecca , Rubin Mark , James Carole , McNeil Karen , Nguyen Kim , Giles Michelle
Published: January 2020

This integrative review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on workplace stress and resilience in the Australian nursing workforce. A search of the published literature was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was limited to papers published in English from January 2008 to December 2018. The review integrated both qualitative and quantitative data into a single synthesis. Of the 41 papers that met the inclusion criteria, 65.85% (27/41) used quantitative data, 29.26% (12/41) used qualitative data, and 4.87% (2/41) used mixed methods. About 48.78% (20/41) of the papers addressed resilience issues, 46.34% (19/41) addressed workplace stress, and 4.87% (2/41) addressed both workplace stress and resilience. The synthesis indicated that nurses experience moderate to high levels of stress. Several individual attributes and organizational resources are employed by nurses to manage workplace adversity. The individual attributes include the use of work–life balance and organizing work as a mindful strategy, as well as self‐reliance, passion and interest, positive thinking, and emotional intelligence as self‐efficacy mechanisms. The organizational resources used to build resilience are support services (both formal and informal), leadership, and role modelling. The empirical studies on resilience largely address individual attributes and organizational resources used to build resilience, with relatively few studies focusing on workplace interventions. Our review recommends that research attention be devoted to educational interventions to achieve sustainable improvements in the mental health and wellbeing of nurses.
Blanking period after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation guided by ablation lesion maturation based on serial MR imaging
Authors: Yamashita Kennosuke , Kwan Eugene , Kamali Roya , Ghafoori Elyar , Steinberg Benjamin A. , MacLeod Rob S. , Dosdall Derek J. , Ranjan Ravi
Published: January 2020

Background

Recent guidelines recommend a 3‐month blanking period after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations, which are based on clinical observation. Our goal was to quantify the timeline of the radiofrequency ablation lesion maturation using serial late gadolinium enhancement‐magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐MRI) and to develop a blanking period estimate based on visible lesion maturation.

Methods

Inclusion criteria targeted patients who underwent AF ablation and at least four MRI scans: at baseline before ablation, within 24 hours after (acute), between 24 hours and 90 days after (subacute), and more than 90 days after ablation (chronic). Central nonenhanced (NE) and surrounding hyperenhanced (HE) area volumes were measured and normalized to chronic lesion volume.

Results

This study assessed 75 patients with 309 MRIs. The acute lesion was heterogeneous with a HE region surrounding a central NE region in LGE‐MRI; the acute volume of the total (HE + NE) lesion was 2.62 ± 0.46 times larger than that of the chronic lesion. Acute T2‐weighted imaging also showed a relatively large area of edema. Both NE and HE areas gradually receded over time and NE was not observed after 30 days. Larger initial NE volume was associated with a significantly greater chronic scar volume and this total lesion volume receded to equal the chronic lesion size at approximately 72.5 days (95% prediction interval: 57.4‐92.2).

Conclusion

On the basis of serial MRI, atrial ablation lesions are often fully mature before the typical 90‐day blanking period, which could support more timely clinical decision making for arrhythmia recurrence.
Differential regulation of hypoxanthine and xanthine by obesity in a general population
Authors: Furuhashi Masato , Koyama Masayuki , Higashiura Yukimura , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Matsumoto Megumi , Sakai Akiko , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Tanaka Marenao , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Moniwa Norihito , Shimamoto Kazuaki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: January 2020

Aims/Introduction

Uric acid is synthesized by oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine using a catalyzing enzyme, xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), which can be a source of reactive oxygen species. Plasma XOR activity is a metabolic biomarker associated with obesity, hyperuricemia, liver dysfunction and insulin resistance. However, it has recently been reported that XOR activity in fat tissue is low in humans, unlike in rodents, and that hypoxanthine is secreted from human fat tissue.

Materials and Methods

The associations of obesity with hypoxanthine, xanthine and plasma XOR activity were investigated in 484 participants (men/women: 224/260) of the Tanno‐Sobetsu Study.

Results

Levels of hypoxanthine, xanthine and plasma XOR activity were significantly higher in men than in women. In 59 participants with hyperuricemia, 11 (men/women: 11/0) participants were being treated with an XOR inhibitor and had a significantly higher level of xanthine, but not hypoxanthine, than that in participants without treatment. In all of the participants, hypoxanthine concentration in smokers was significantly higher than that in non‐smokers. Stepwise and multivariate regression analyses showed that body mass index, smoking habit and xanthine were independent predictors of hypoxanthine after adjustment of age, sex and use of antihyperuricemic drugs. Whereas, alanine transaminase, hypoxanthine and plasma XOR activity were independent predictors for xanthine, and alanine transaminase, triglycerides and xanthine were independent predictors for plasma XOR activity.

Conclusions

The concentration of hypoxanthine, but not that of xanthine, is independently associated with obesity and smoking habit, indicating differential regulation of hypoxanthine and xanthine in a general population.
The utilization of snap‐on provisionals for dental veneers: From an analog to a digital approach
Authors: Esquivel Jonathan , Villarroel Milko , Tran David , Kee Edwin , Bruggers Karen
Published: January 2020

Objective

There are multiple treatment options to enhance a patient's smile, from conservative bleaching procedures to composite resins, porcelain veneers, or full‐coverage crowns. Treating patients with porcelain veneers is a commonly used approach in esthetic dentistry. Provisional restorations for veneers can be time‐consuming to make and difficult to retain. This article illustrates a technique for fabricating indirect snap‐on provisional restorations for veneer cases, describing both analog and digital approaches.

Clinical considerations

The present article presents an alternative provisionalization technique using snap‐on restorations for dental veneers. Application of these techniques will allow for ease of cleansability by the patient leading to healthier soft tissues before the final cementation. Delivery of veneers is more predictable with healthy soft tissue, as bleeding and inflammation may affect the bonding process.

Conclusions

This technique is an effective provisionalization option in most veneer cases. This approach seems to be well accepted by patients and a good alternative in helping to maintain optimal gingival health with interim restorations before delivery.

Clinical significance

The use of snap‐on provisionals for veneer restorations will allow the clinician to have an efficient technique with better tissue response before cementation. This prevents inflammation and facilitates a controlled delivery process.
Reply to: Using Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound on Home Visits
Authors: Bonnel Alexander R. , Baston Cameron M. , Wallace Paul , Panebianco Nova , Kinosian Bruce
Published: January 2020

This reply comments on the letter by Christopher Flores.
Comment on the Influence of Smoking Status on the Health Profiles of Older Chinese American Men
Authors: Gan Quan
Published: January 2020

This letter comments on the letter by Chien-Ching Li.