bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The truth (as I see it): philosophical considerations influencing a typology of fake news
Authors: Ferreira Caitlin Candice , Robertson Jeandri , Kirsten Marnell
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the philosophical considerations of fake news and provide an alternative view to current conceptualizations of its binary nature. Through an evaluation of existing research, a typology of fake news is presented that considers the possibility that the propagation of fake news about a brand, may be stemming from the brand itself, a previously unexplored field in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper based on extensive literature review on the fields of fake news and knowledge creation, resulting in the creation of a synthesized typology.

Findings

The role of power structures greatly influences the ability for a brand to respond to fake news. Externally constructed disinformation is seemingly more difficult for a brand to address, as a result of having limited control over the message. Internally constructed information, while stemming from the brand itself provides the brand with more control, but a greater public distrust as the source of the fake news seems to confirm the disinformation.

Practical implications

This paper presents a typology that contrasts the source of the construction of disinformation and the extent to which the facts have been fabricated. Furthermore, this paper provides future researchers with an alternate understanding of the conceptualization of fake news.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to establish a typology of fake news on the basis of the source of construction of disinformation. The source plays an important role when assessing the associated brand risks and developing an approach to combat potential negative implications.
Board characteristics, ownership concentration and firms’ performance
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Malik Qaisar Ali
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding and application of interactive ties creating value through board characteristics, ownership concentration and firms’ performance by using a contingent theoretical-based framework based on the amalgamation of resource dependence theory, stakeholder theory, agency theory, stewardship theory and institutional theory in a country with weak political environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes a sample of an unbalanced panel of 309 non-financial sector firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2005 to 2016. In order to address the issue of unobserved heterogeneity, simultaneous and dynamic endogeneity, the current study employed the technique Arellano–Bond dynamic panel data estimation under assumptions of GMM (Arellano–Bond, 1991).

Findings

The empirical results suggest that the presence of concentrated ownership moderates and helps to overcome the agency problems through different governance mechanisms (such as board size, independent directors and CEO duality). The larger boards are found to be beneficial whereas the higher representation of independent directors in the board is found to be detrimental for Pakistani firms.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study are, first the current study has analyzed public-listed firms from the non-financial sector, and second the study has only focused on the financial aspect of the performance. The future research could include other proxies of corporate governance and ownership structure such as board diversity and meetings, audit committee and managerial ownership, etc.

Practical implications

The research also helps Pakistani policy makers in numerous ways. First, the current study confirms the monitoring and expropriation effect of ownership concentration in corporate governance and performance mechanism. Thus, the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) should make such policies which protect the corporate board against the influence of concentrated ownership so that the interests of the minority shareholders are protected. Second, SECP should ensure that all the listed firms declare a comprehensive profile of their directors (such as academic qualification, age and experience) in their annual reports for the better understanding of the governance−performance mechanism.

Originality/value

The current study augments the emerging body of literature on corporate governance and firm performance mechanism through the amalgamation and testing of existing theories in an emerging economy like Pakistan by using wider and newer data set.
Threat webs: Reframing the co‐occurrence and interactions of threats to biodiversity
Authors: Geary William L. , Nimmo Dale G. , Doherty Tim S. , Ritchie Euan G. , Tulloch Ayesha I. T.
Published: May 2019

Interactions between threatening processes and their effects on biodiversity are a major focus of ecological research and management. Threat interactions arise when threats or their effects co‐occur spatially and temporally.

Whether the associations between threats are coincidental or causally linked is poorly understood, but has fundamental impacts on how, when and where threats should be managed. We propose that examining threat co‐occurrence, supplemented by experiments and triangulation of evidence, can help identify when and where threats interact causally, informing pressing biodiversity management goals.

Using case studies, we demonstrate how co‐occurring and interacting threats can be visualized as networks (threat webs) and how this could guide conservation interventions at local, regional and global scales.

Synthesis and applications. Recognizing that threats co‐occur and interact as networks, and are potentially driven by multiple agents (e.g. other threats, shared environmental drivers), helps us understand their dynamics and impacts on ecosystems. This greater understanding can help facilitate more targeted, efficient and effective environmental management.
Research campaigns in the UK National Health Service: patient recruitment and questions of valuation
Authors: Wienroth Matthias , Pearce Caroline , McKevitt Christopher
Published: May 2019

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to improve national ‘health and wealth' by providing infrastructural support to enable clinical research in National Health Service settings in England and Wales. Cognisant of the consequences of studies' failure to achieve required numbers of participants, it also actively campaigns to promote patient awareness of research, and willingness to participate in trials. In this paper, we analyse recent NIHR campaigns and policies designed to encourage patients to participate in clinical research to interrogate how they are implicated in the national bioeconomy. In doing so we expand the notion of ‘clinical labour' to include the work of patient recruitment and highlight an emergent obligation on patients to contribute to research processes. Whereas once patient knowledge and experience may have been devalued, here we draw on the concept of ‘assetisation' (Birch 2012) to explore the emergent relationship between healthcare system and patient as research participant. We consider how patients' contribution goes beyond the provision of standardised objects of valuation so that patients themselves may be perceived as assets to, not only recipients of, the national healthcare system.
Fatality of 33‐Year‐Old Man Involving Kratom Toxicity
Authors: Matson Marcus , Schenk Noel
Published: May 2019

Kratom is an herbal product commonly used for its effects which are similar to opioids and stimulants. Few studies demonstrate the dangers and lethality of Kratom, and most fatalities from Kratom involve other abused substances. In the current case report, a 33‐year‐old white man with a known history of opioid abuse and mental illnesses was found unresponsive in his basement with no obvious signs of trauma. After resuscitative efforts, he was pronounced dead and taken for autopsy evaluation. Blood from the inferior vena cava was analyzed for common abused substances. The laboratory toxicology work‐up revealed positive findings of caffeine, cotinine, and naloxone with low levels of Δ‐9 tetrahydrocannabinol. However, a marked level of mitragynine at 1.9 mg/L was observed, the highest reported to date. Given the facts and evidence, the medical examiner certified the cause of death as “mitragynine toxicity” and the manner of death was classified as an “accident.”
A Mixture of Functional Complex Extracts from Lycium barbarum and Grape Seed Enhances Immunity Synergistically In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: You Jiaqi , Chang Yaning , Zhao Di , Zhuang Jiafeng , Zhuang Wei
Published: May 2019

A mixture of multiple ingredients is often more effective than the individual ingredients. The functions of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) glycoconjugate and grape seed procyanidins (GSP) are widely known. Here, we investigated the synergistic immune‐enhancing activity of LBP and GSP. Atomic force microscopy results suggested that the mixture of LBP and GSP exhibited circular structure unlike LBP alone, and the addition of polyphenols may change the spatial conformation of the sugar chain. The changes in the structure were related to the synergistic effect of the two functional agents on immune recovery. In vitro, the proliferation rate of splenocytes was higher in LBP + GSP group (64.16%), rather than the sum of LBP group (13.01%) and GSP group (43.61%) individually used. This synergistical proliferation of splenocytes may be correlated to the increasing intracellular free calcium levels. Furthermore, the mixture significantly enhanced the immunity in vivo, as evident from the recovery of peripheral white blood cell counts in LBP + GSP group (18.535 × 109/L) to normal group levels (18.115 × 109/L) and higher B cell proliferation than normal group (P < 0.05). These results highlight the immune‐enhancing activity of the combination of LBP and GSP associated with the structural changes, which may facilitate the development of functional foods with fewer resources but enhanced activities.

Practical Application

The synergistic effects of LBP and GSP on immunomodulatory were better than the sum of the effects of the individual agents both in vitro and in vivo. Our results may provide a research‐based support for the development of related functional products and an insight into the production of food resources with a fewer but more effective functional agents for better results.
Assessment of volume status and volume responsiveness in the ICU: Protocol for an observational, multicentre cohort study
Authors: Schulz Luis F. , Geri Guillaume , Vieillard‐Baron Antoine , Vignon Philippe , Parkin Geoffrey , Aneman Anders
Published: May 2019

Background

Expansion of the intravascular compartment is common to treat haemodynamic instability in ICU patients. The most useful and accurate variables to guide and evaluate a fluid challenge remain debated and incompletely investigated resulting in significant variability in practice. The analogue mean systemic pressure has been reported as a measure of the intravascular volume state.

Methods

This is a protocol and statistical analysis plan for a review of the application of an analogue of the mean systemic pressure and the use of derived variables to assess the volume state and volume responsiveness. A pulmonary artery catheter was used in 286 postoperative cardiac surgical patients to monitor cardiac output before and after a fluid bolus in addition to arterial and central venous pressures. With otherwise similar monitoring, echocardiography was used in 540 general ICU patients to determine cardiac outputs and indices related to intravascular filling. The responses to a fluid bolus or the passive leg raising manoeuvre will be investigated using continuous and dichotomous definitions of volume responsiveness. The results will be stratified according to the method of monitoring cardiac output.

Conclusions

This study investigating 2 cohorts that encompass a wide variety of reasons for haemodynamic instability will illustrate the applicability of the analogue mean systemic pressure and derived variables to assess the volume state and responsiveness. The results may guide the rationale and design of interventional studies.
Cav1.2 regulates osteogenesis of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells via canonical Wnt pathway in age‐related osteoporosis
Authors: Fei Dongdong , Zhang Yang , Wu Junjie , Zhang Hui , Liu Anqi , He Xiaoning , Wang Jinjin , Li Bei , Wang Qintao , Jin Yan
Published: May 2019

Aims

Age‐related bone mass loss is one of the most prevalent diseases that afflict the elderly population. The decline in the osteogenic differentiation capacity of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) is regarded as one of the central mediators. Voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) play an important role in the regulation of various cell biological functions, and disruption of VGCCs is associated with several age‐related cellular characteristics and systemic symptoms. However, whether and how VGCCs cause the decreased osteogenic differentiation abilities of BMMSCs have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels related genes were screened, and the candidate gene was determined in several aging models. Functional role of determined channel on osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs was investigated through gain and loss of function experiments. Molecular mechanism was explored, and intervention experiments in vivo and in vitro were performed.

Results

We found that Cav1.2 was downregulated in these aging models, and downregulation of Cav1.2 in Zmpste24−/− BMMSCs contributed to compromised osteogenic capacity. Mechanistically, Cav1.2 regulated the osteogenesis of BMMSCs through canonical Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Moreover, upregulating the activity of Cav1.2 mitigated osteoporosis symptom in Zmpste24−/− mice.

Conclusion

Impaired osteogenic differentiation of Zmpste24−/− BMMSCs can be partly attributed to the decreased Cav1.2 expression, which leads to the inhibition of canonical Wnt pathway. Bay K8644 treatment could be an applicable approach for treating age‐related bone loss by ameliorating compromised osteogenic differentiation capacity through targeting Cav1.2 channel.
Off‐farm work and technical efficiency on U.S. dairies
Authors: Sabasi Darlington , Shumway C. Richard , Astill Gregory M.
Published: May 2019

In this study, we investigate the impact of an increase in farm households’ off‐farm work on technical efficiency (TE) of U.S. dairies. We present a theoretical framework that implies that an increase in farm household off‐farm work decreases TE. We use two nationally‐representative samples of U.S. dairies (2010 and 2005 Agricultural Resource Management Surveys) and a parametric approach (stochastic frontier analysis) to empirically test the hypothesis. Results are generally consistent with the hypothesis and show that an increase in off‐farm work by the farm household is associated with a significant decrease in TE. In addition, results show that there is a statistically significant difference in TE between small, medium, and large farms. Small farms are associated with significantly higher off‐farm work and have lower TE than large farms, which implies that less off‐farm work by households with larger farms is at least partially responsible for the evidence of economies of scale in the U.S. dairy industry.
Fatigue and cognitive impairment in immune thrombocytopenic purpura remain stable over time: short report from a longitudinal study
Authors: Mitchell Eleanor , Frith James , Newton Julia
Published: May 2019

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by low platelet counts and increased bleeding risk. In 2009, two cross‐sectional studies determined that fatigue and cognitive impairment (CI) were common in ITP. Here, we report the results from a longitudinal study of 34 people with ITP. Fatigue severity remained unchanged over 7 years, and CI significantly improved. Future fatigue and CI severity could be predicted using baseline severity scores. These findings may be reassuring for ITP patients, as symptoms remain stable over time. Furthermore, using baseline scores to predict future severity could aid the clinical management of ITP.
Cell volume regulation in cancer cell migration driven by osmotic water flow
Authors: Morishita Kazuhiro , Watanabe Kengo , Ichijo Hidenori
Published: May 2019

Cancer metastasis is the most frequent cause of death for patients with cancer. The main current treatment for cancer metastasis is chemotherapy targeting cancer cells’ ability to proliferate. However, some types of cancer cells show resistance to chemotherapy. Recently, cancer cell migration has become the subject of interest as a novel target of cancer therapy. Cell migration requires many factors, such as the cytoskeleton, cell‐matrix adhesion and cell volume regulation. Here, we focus on cell volume regulation and the role of ion/water transport systems in cell migration. Transport proteins, such as ion channels, ion carriers, and aquaporins, are indispensable for cell volume regulation under steady‐state conditions and during exposure to osmotic stress. Studies from the last ~25 years have revealed that cell volume regulation also plays an important role in the process of cell migration. Water flow in accordance with localized osmotic gradients generated by ion transport contributes to the driving force for cell migration. Moreover, it has been reported that metastatic cancer cells have higher expression of these transport proteins than nonmetastatic cancer cells. Thus, ion/water transport proteins involved in cell volume regulation and cell migration could be novel therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis. In this review, after presenting the importance of ion/water transport systems in cell volume regulation, we discuss the roles of transport proteins in a pathophysiological context, especially in the context of cancer cell migration.
Influence of maternal microbiota during pregnancy on infant immunity
Authors: Nyangahu D D , Jaspan H B
Published: May 2019

Microbiota from various maternal sites, including the gut, vagina and breast milk, are known to influence colonization in infants. However, emerging evidence suggests that these sites may exert their influence prior to delivery, in turn influencing fetal immune development. The dogma of a sterile womb continues to be challenged. Regardless, there is convincing evidence that the composition of the maternal gut prior to delivery influences neonatal immunity. Therefore, while the presence and function of placental microbiome is not clear, there is consensus that the gut microbiota during pregnancy is a critical determinant of offspring health. Data supporting the notion of bacterial translocation from the maternal gut to extra-intestinal sites during pregnancy are emerging, and potentially explain the presence of bacteria in breast milk. Much evidence suggests that the maternal gut microbiota during pregnancy potentially determines the development of atopy and autoimmune phenotypes in offspring. Here, we highlight the role of the maternal microbiota prior to delivery on infant immunity and predisposition to diseases. Moreover, we discuss potential mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon.
Expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and structural plasticity in the dentate gyrus and CA2 region correlate with epileptiform activity
Authors: Tulke Susanne , Haas Carola A. , Häussler Ute
Published: May 2019

Objective

Hippocampal sclerosis is a hallmark of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), comprising gliosis and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. However, dentate granule cells and CA2 pyramidal cells (PCs) survive, as they share physiological characteristics that may render them less sensitive to hyperexcitation in MTLE. Here, we asked whether both engage similar molecular plasticity mechanisms to support their resilience in MTLE. We chose brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), correlated the expression with activity, and used neuropeptide Y (NPY) and principal cell dispersion as plasticity readout.

Methods

Adult male mice received a unilateral intrahippocampal kainate injection to induce status epilepticus (SE) and bilateral electrodes into the dentate gyrus and CA2 for in vivo recordings and quantification of epileptiform activity. To assess the time course of Bdnf mRNA expression in these regions, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization, complemented by immunohistochemistry for NPY and quantification of principal cell dispersion.

Results

We show that Bdnf expression was transiently up‐regulated during SE in the granule cell layer (GCL) and CA2 and, after a slight reduction at 2 days, increased persistently in both regions ipsilaterally. Intrahippocampal recordings revealed a threshold for the duration of SE to induce these changes. Recurrent epileptiform activity developed in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus and CA2 over time and was correlated with Bdnf mRNA levels, although more pronounced in the dentate gyrus. The dispersion of the GCL and CA2 correlated with Bdnf mRNA expression. NPY protein expression was only increased in granule cells and mossy fibers, remaining unchanged in CA2.

Significance

Our study reveals differential molecular plasticity changes in granule cells and CA2 PCs despite many similarities (epileptiform activity, somatic mossy fiber input, dispersion). These findings contribute to the understanding of common as well as individual characteristics of the cell populations underlying the epileptic hippocampal network.
Reciprocal Relations between Emerging Adults’ Representations of Relationships with Mothers, Fathers, and Romantic Partners
Authors: Suh Go Woon , Fabricius William V.
Published: May 2019

This study employed a fully cross‐lagged, longitudinal model to examine reciprocal relations between representations of relationships with parents and romantic partners at ages 20 and 22. Representations were assessed with continuous measures of dismissing/avoidant and preoccupied relationship styles across the attachment and affiliation systems for parents, and across the attachment, affiliation, and caregiving systems for romantic partners. Earlier relationships with both mothers and fathers independently predicted changes in later views of romantic relationships, and earlier romantic relationships predicted changes in later views of relationships with both mothers and fathers. This evidence of a developmental system of interconnected representations across relationships has theoretical implications about the nature of working models, and practical implications alerting parents to the onset of dating as a potentially fertile context for changes in their relationships with children.
miR‐216a promotes breast cancer cell apoptosis by targeting PKCα
Authors: Cui Ying , Wang Jinghao , Liu Shanshan , Qu Di , Jin Hong , Zhu Lin , Yang Jiani , Zhang Jingchun , Li Qingwei , Zhang Yanqiao , Yao Yuanfei
Published: May 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of death in women throughout the world. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) have been identified as key regulators in carcinogenesis of several cancers, including BC. MicroRNA‐216a (miR‐216a) is downregulated in several cancers. Here, we evaluated the effects of miRNA‐216a on breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms. miR‐216a level was quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay. Wound‐healing assay was performed for detection of cell migration. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and caspase‐3 activity assay. Moreover, the level of protein expression was determined by Western blot. We found that miR‐216a expression was remarkably decreased in both human BC tissues and MCF‐7 cells. miR‐216a overexpression dramatically suppressed the migration and promoted the apoptosis in cultured MCF‐7 cells. We validated PKCα (protein kinase C alpha, PRKCA) as a direct target of miR‐216a. Knockdown of PKCα induced apoptosis and inhibited migration in cultured MCF‐7 cells which were reversed by miR‐216a inhibitor. Moreover, the level of miR‐216a is negatively correlated with PKCα in cell lines. Our results collectively suggest that miR‐216a suppressed migration and promoted apoptosis in breast cancer cells by targeting PKCα. These findings indicate that manipulation of miR‐216a expression may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of breast cancer.
Phase‐field‐crystal study on deformation behavior of nanoscale monocrack system in the ductile‐to‐brittle transition region
Authors: Hu Shi
Published: May 2019

Phase‐field‐crystal method is applied to study deformation behavior in the ductile‐to‐brittle transition region of the nanoscale monocrack system in this work. The influence of temperature, crystal orientation angle, and crack shape on the deformation behavior is investigated. Temperature can induce fracture mode change, while crystal orientation angle and crack shape can only affect the specific evolutionary behavior. In the ductile region, if the orientation of a vertex is approximately aligned with a certain close‐packed direction, crack extends shortly in cleavage mode at this vertex, which means cleavage crack propagation can be promoted in a particular range of crystal orientation angle. Additionally, the influence of crack shape is achieved by varying the orientation relationship between crack and lattice structure. In the brittle region, crystal orientation angle impacts on the specific cleavage evolution process, and crack shape can promote or hinder plastic deformation by affecting stress concentration.
Ratcheting‐fatigue behaviour of bainite 2.25Cr1MoV steel with tensile and compressed hold loading at 455°C
Authors: Zhao Z. , Yu D. , Chen G. , Chen X.
Published: May 2019

The ratcheting behaviour of a bainite 2.25Cr1MoV steel was studied with various hold periods at 455°C. Particular attention was paid to the effect of stress hold on whole‐life ratcheting deformation, fatigue life, and failure mechanism. Results indicate that longer peak hold periods stimulate a faster accumulation of ratcheting strain by contribution of creep strain, while double hold at peak and valley stress has an even stronger influence. Creep strains produced in peak and valley hold periods are noticeable and result in higher cyclic strain amplitudes. Dimples and acquired defects are found in failed specimen by microstructure observation, and their number and size increase under creep‐fatigue loading. Enlarged cyclic strain amplitude and material deterioration caused by creep lead to fatigue life reduction under creep‐fatigue loading. A life prediction model suitable for asymmetric cycling is proposed based on the linear damage summation rule.
Novel biomarkers to assess in utero effects of maternal opioid use: First steps toward understanding short‐ and long‐term neurodevelopmental sequelae
Authors: Goetzl Laura , Thompson‐Felix Tara , Darbinian Nune , Merabova Nana , Merali Salim , Merali Carmen , Sanserino Kathryne , Tatevosian Tamara , Fant Bruno , Wimmer Mathieu E
Published: May 2019

Maternal opioid use disorder is common, resulting in significant neonatal morbidity and cost. Currently, it is not possible to predict which opioid‐exposed newborns will require pharmacotherapy for neonatal abstinence syndrome. Further, little is known regarding the effects of maternal opioid use disorder on the developing human brain. We hypothesized that novel methodologies utilizing fetal central nervous system‐derived extracellular vesicles isolated from maternal blood can address these gaps in knowledge. Plasma from opioid users and controls between 9 and 21 weeks was precipitated and extracellular vesicles were isolated. Mu opioid and cannabinoid receptor levels were quantified. Label‐free proteomics studies and unbiased small RNA next generation sequencing was performed in paired fetal brain tissue. Maternal opioid use disorder increased mu opioid receptor protein levels in extracellular vesicles independent of opioid equivalent dose. Moreover, cannabinoid receptor levels in extracellular vesicles were upregulated with opioid exposure indicating cross talk with endocannabinoids. Maternal opioid use disorder was associated with significant changes in extracellular vesicle protein cargo and fetal brain micro RNA expression, especially in male fetuses. Many of the altered cargo molecules and micro RNAs identified are associated with adverse clinical neurodevelopmental outcomes. Our data suggest that assays relying on extracellular vesicles isolated from maternal blood extracellular vesicles may provide information regarding fetal response to opioids in the setting of maternal opioid use disorder. Prospective clinical studies are needed to evaluate the association between extracellular vesicle biomarkers, risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Climate and fishing drive regime shifts in consumer‐mediated nutrient cycling in kelp forests
Authors: Peters Joseph R. , Reed Daniel C. , Burkepile Deron E.
Published: May 2019

Globally, anthropogenic pressures are reducing the abundances of marine species and altering ecosystems through modification of trophic interactions. Yet, consumer declines also disrupt important bottom‐up processes, like nutrient recycling, which are critical for ecosystem functioning. Consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics (CND) is now considered a major biogeochemical component of most ecosystems, but lacking long‐term studies, it is difficult to predict how CND will respond to accelerating disturbances in the wake of global change. To aid such predictions, we coupled empirical ammonium excretion rates with an 18‐year time series of the standing biomass of common benthic macroinvertebrates in southern California kelp forests. This time series of excretion rates encompassed an extended period of extreme ocean warming, disease outbreaks, and the abolishment of fishing at two of our study sites, allowing us to assess kelp forest CND across a wide range of environmental conditions. At their peak, reef invertebrates supplied an average of 18.3 ± 3.0 µmol NH4+ m−2 hr−1 to kelp forests when sea stars were regionally abundant, but dropped to 3.5 ± 1.0 µmol NH4+ m−2 hr−1 following their mass mortality due to disease during a prolonged period of extreme warming. However, a coincident increase in the abundance of the California spiny lobster, Palinurus interupptus (Randall, 1840), likely in response to both reduced fishing and a warmer ocean, compensated for much of the recycled ammonium lost to sea star mortality. Both lobsters and sea stars are widely recognized as key predators that can profoundly influence community structure in benthic marine systems. Our study is the first to demonstrate their importance in nutrient cycling, thus expanding their roles in the ecosystem. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of warming events, and rising human populations are intensifying fishing pressure in coastal ecosystems worldwide. Our study documents how these projected global changes can drive regime shifts in CND and fundamentally alter a critical ecosystem function.
Cotreatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium caused prothrombin time prolongation
Authors: Sasaki Yoichi , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yamada Ryoko , Shigekawa Minoru , Tahata Yuki , Makino Yuki , Nakabori Tasuku , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: May 2019

Lenvatinib is approved as a standard systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients; however, experience with lenvatinib in clinical practice is insufficient. We present the case of a patient with advanced HCC whose prothrombin time – international normalized ratio (PT‐INR) was elevated after cotreatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium. The patient was a 26‐year‐old man with congenital abnormalities who had to take warfarin potassium because he had a mechanical heart valve. He was diagnosed with unresectable HCC at 24 years old and was treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transcatheter arterial infusion. After some interventional radiology treatments, lenvatinib was started. After 4 days of treatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium, his PT‐INR increased to 4.13, and the treatment had to be stopped. No changes were observed in other Child–Pugh score factors. The elevation in the PT‐INR after cotreatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium was thought to be caused by pharmacological effects of concurrent use or pharmacological sensitivity to warfarin potassium in this patient with liver dysfunction. The PT‐INR must be monitored when lenvatinib is given to advanced HCC patients taking warfarin potassium.
Catalase but not vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with nonsegmental vitiligo in Northwestern Mexicans
Authors: Ochoa‐Ramírez Luis A. , Díaz‐Camacho Sylvia P. , Becerra‐Loaiza Denisse S. , Verdugo‐Nieto Lucía , Muñoz‐Estrada Víctor F. , Servín‐Vázquez Luis A. , Osuna‐Ramírez Ignacio , Rodríguez‐Millán José , Velarde‐Félix Jesús S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentation disorder characterized by melanocyte loss via autoimmune mechanisms triggered by oxidative stress. Gene polymorphisms in antioxidant enzymes and immunomodulators such as catalase (CAT) and vitamin D receptor (VDR), respectively, have been linked to vitiligo in European and Asian populations. Our aim was to evaluate the role ofCATandVDRgene polymorphisms as well as CAT and vitamin D in nonsegmental vitiligo in Northwestern Mexicans.

Methods

A total of 357 subjects, 173 nonsegmental vitiligo patients and 184 age‐gender matched healthy controls, were genotyped byPCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism.CATactivity was determined in 39 patients and in 39 controls and vitamin D (VitD) levels in 35 individuals per group.

Results

CAT419 C/T gene polymorphism was not informative, ‐89 A/T was associated with risk (P = 0.02), and 389 C/T conferred protection against vitiligo along withAThaplotype (P < 0.01 in both cases).VDRBsmI,ApaI, andTaqI gene polymorphisms were not associated with vitiligo, butBsmI was more prevalent in patients with Koebner phenomenon (P = 0.02). SerumCATactivity and VitD levels were lower in patients than in controls, but they showed no association with any vitiligo clinical characteristics neither with their gene polymorphisms.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a role forCATgene polymorphisms in vitiligo susceptibility in the Mexican population and a lack of association withVDRgene polymorphisms.
Exploring the functionality of starches from corms and cormels of Xanthosoma sagittifolium
Authors: Calle Jehannara , Benavent‐Gil Yaiza , Garzón Raquel , Rosell Cristina M.
Published: May 2019

Xanthosoma sagittifolium, belonging to the araceas family, represents an attractive alternative as a starch source. Nevertheless, as a rhizome plant two differentiated parts could be distinguished named corms and cormels." by "However, the rhizome of Xanthosoma sagittifolium has two differentiate parts named corms and cormels of Xanthosoma. Granules morphology, composition, hydration properties, pasting/thermal behaviour, as well as gelling performance were assessed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed different morphology, granules were organised as aggregates in starch isolated from corms. Corms starch displayed lower hydration properties, lower apparent viscosity during heating and cooling and higher gelatinisation temperatures than cormels starch. Gels from corms starch showed less syneresis than cormels starch, but no significant differences were observed regarding their hardness. Therefore, the part of the araceas plant from which the starch is extracted must be always defined, because significant differences in their functionality are ascribed to their morphological origin.
Insect genomes: progress and challenges
Authors: Li F. , Zhao X. , Li M. , He K. , Huang C. , Zhou Y. , Li Z. , Walters J. R.
Published: May 2019

In the wake of constant improvements in sequencing technologies, numerous insect genomes have been sequenced. Currently, 1219 insect genome‐sequencing projects have been registered with the National Center for Biotechnology Information, including 401 that have genome assemblies and 155 with an official gene set of annotated protein‐coding genes. Comparative genomics analysis showed that the expansion or contraction of gene families was associated with well‐studied physiological traits such as immune system, metabolic detoxification, parasitism and polyphagy in insects. Here, we summarize the progress of insect genome sequencing, with an emphasis on how this impacts research on pest control. We begin with a brief introduction to the basic concepts of genome assembly, annotation and metrics for evaluating the quality of draft assemblies. We then provide an overview of genome information for numerous insect species, highlighting examples from prominent model organisms, agricultural pests and disease vectors. We also introduce the major insect genome databases. The increasing availability of insect genomic resources is beneficial for developing alternative pest control methods. However, many opportunities remain for developing data‐mining tools that make maximal use of the available insect genome resources. Although rapid progress has been achieved, many challenges remain in the field of insect genomics.
Effects of solvent‐induced morphology evolution of Zn2GeO4 on photocatalytic activities of g‐C3N4/Zn2GeO4 composites
Authors: Pei Liu , Xu Yan , Liu Jiaqiang , Wu Junbiao , Han Yide , Zhang Xia
Published: May 2019

Morphology modulation of photocatalyst has been demonstrated to be a crucial strategy for improving the catalytic performance in solar energy conversion system. Here we systematically investigated the influence of the solvent‐dependent morphology evolution of Zn2GeO4 phase on the photocatalytic efficiency of the as‐prepared g‐C3N4/Zn2GeO4 composites. The morphologies of Zn2GeO4 were rationally tuned from flower‐like nanosheets to length‐controllable nanorods, and microclusters assembled from microrods through regulating the solution polarity of different organic solvents. Accordingly, the Zn2GeO4 sample prepared in ethylene glycol (EG) with long rod‐like morphology and integrated with g‐C3N4, abbreviated as g‐C3N4/Zn2GeO4(1:1)‐EG, exhibited the best visible‐light absorption ability and the highest efficiency. The synergetic effect of the long rod‐like Zn2GeO4 phase with many exposed (110) crystalline facets and g‐C3N4 accelerates the separation and interface transportation of photoexcited charge carriers, as confirmed by photocurrent measurements. The MB degradation mechanism was also proposed to clarify the charge‐transfer process and the improved photodegradation activity. This study offers an experimental basis for understanding the significance of morphology control on rational design of photocatalysts with improved performance.
Recent decadal drought reverts warming‐triggered growth enhancement in contrasting climates in the southern Andes tree line
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Gazol Antonio , Mayr Christoph , Camarero J. Julio
Published: May 2019

Aims

Rising temperature and declining summer precipitation due to the 1970s‐climate shift in southern South America have reduced forest productivity at dry sites. Here, we worked with the most widespread Southern Hemisphere tree line species, Nothofagus pumilio, across contrasting climatic conditions and determined whether rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations as well as warmer and drier climatic conditions provoked by the 70s‐climatic shift have been causing systematic changes in tree line growth rates and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE).

Location

36–54°S, southern Andes.

Time period

1950–2010.

Major taxa studied

Nothofagus pumilio.

Methods

We worked at five disparate climatic tree line locations, spanning 18 degrees of latitude; at each location, we sampled trees at four different elevations, including tree line elevation. We quantified the variation in annual tree‐ring width (TRW) as a function of climate, elevation, tree age, size, annual CO2 concentrations and location, using linear mixed‐effects models and interpreted TRW trends in relation to iWUE and isotope (δ13C and δ18O) signalling.

Results

Across locations, the patterns of tree line growth occurring in the 1980–2010 period exhibited a clear and significant negative trend, in contrast to the previous 1950–1980 period. We found an increase in iWUE and δ18O across time and locations. Given that an increase in δ18O indicates a decrease in stomatal conductance, we assert that drought‐induced stomatal closure appears to be causing the reduction in growth.

Main conclusions

We show unequivocal evidence that warmer and drier summer conditions translated into a decrease in growth rates along the elevational tree line of the southern Andes, reverting previous growth improvements linked to climate warming. An improvement in iWUE at all locations is most likely explained by decreased stomatal conductance given the rising δ18O signal. An iWUE–growth decoupling may act as an ecological strategy to respond to drought.
Anuran 3D models reveal the relationship between surface area‐to‐volume ratio and climate
Authors: Ferreira Amado Talita , Moreno Pinto Marta Gloria , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2019

Aim

The relationship size–environment has been continuously debated for ectotherms. Surface‐to‐volume ratios are recurrently suggested as the cause of body size responses to climate, but most inferences on organismal size clines stem from single linear measurements of body length. Here, we illustrate how new photogrammetric techniques can be applied to characterize amphibian morphologies with 3D models. Using the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) as model organism, we compared the performance of climatic models in accounting for body size (measured as snout‐to vent length, SVL) and body geometry (surface area‐to‐volume ratios) variation across macroclimatic gradients.

Location

Palaearctic.

Taxon

Epidalea calamita (former genus Bufo).

Methods

We used photogrammetry techniques to reconstruct 104 museum specimens of Epidalea calamita into 3D models and to collect geometric data (volume and surface area) to calculate surface area‐to‐volume ratios (SA:V). We then apply spatial and non‐spatial regression to examine the relationships between SA:V, SVL and a set of bioclimatic variables.

Results

In accordance with the water conservation hypothesis, SA:V decreased towards more arid environments, a pattern that remained consistent after accounting for spatial autocorrelation effects. Only mean annual temperature was significant correlated with SVL. The contrast between both sets of models indicates that more traditional body size metrics (SVL) and body geometry (SA:V) do not operate the same constraints.

Main conclusions

We show that the variation in SA:V can be explained by the geographical variation in aridity. Evaporative water loss in wet‐skinned ectotherms is highly dependent on the surface area of the skin exposed to the air. In contrast, SVL models detected that body length was more associated with mean annual temperature. This finding stresses the importance of selecting different metrics of body geometry and body size when examining variation across climatic gradients.
Targeting miR‐193a‐AML1‐ETO‐β‐catenin axis by melatonin suppresses the self‐renewal of leukaemia stem cells in leukaemia with t (8;21) translocation
Authors: Zhou Bin , Ye Haige , Xing Chongyun , Liang Bin , Li Haiying , Chen Linling , Huang Xingzhou , Wu Yanfei , Gao Shenmeng
Published: May 2019

AML1‐ETO, the most common fusion oncoprotein by t (8;21) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), enhances hematopoietic self‐renewal and leukemogenesis. However, currently no specific therapies have been reported for t (8;21) AML patients as AML1‐ETO is still intractable as a pharmacological target. For this purpose, leukaemia cells and AML1‐ETO‐induced murine leukaemia model were used to investigate the degradation of AML1‐ETO by melatonin (MLT), synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland. MLT remarkedly decreased AML1‐ETO protein in leukemic cells. Meanwhile, MLT induced apoptosis, decreased proliferation and reduced colony formation. Furthermore, MLT reduced the expansion of human leukemic cells and extended the overall survival in U937T‐AML1‐ETO‐xenografted NSG mice. Most importantly, MLT reduced the infiltration of leukaemia blasts, decreased the frequency of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) and prolonged the overall survival in AML1‐ETO‐induced murine leukaemia. Mechanistically, MLT increased the expression of miR‐193a, which inhibited AML1‐ETO expression via targeting its putative binding sites. Furthermore, MLT decreased the expression of β‐catenin, which is required for the self‐renewal of LSC and is the downstream of AML1‐ETO. Thus, MLT presents anti‐self‐renewal of LSC through miR‐193a‐AML1‐ETO‐β‐catenin axis. In conclusion, MLT might be a potential treatment for t (8;21) leukaemia by targeting AML1‐ETO oncoprotein.
SCD1 activation impedes foam cell formation by inducing lipophagy in oxLDL‐treated human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pi Huifeng , Wang Zhen , Liu Mengyu , Deng Ping , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou , Gao Feng
Published: May 2019

The formation of fat‐laden foam cells, which contributes to the fatty streaks in the plaques of atheromas, is an important process in atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are a critical origin of foam cells. However, the mechanisms that underlie VSMC foam cell formation are not yet completely understood. Here, we demonstrated that oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) inhibited lipophagy by suppressing lipid droplet (LD)‐lysosome fusion and increased VSMC foam cell formation. Moreover, although oxLDL treatment inhibited lysosomal biogenesis, it had no significant effect on lysosomal proteolysis and lysosomal pH. Notably, through TMT‐based quantitative proteomic analysis and database searching, 94 differentially expressed proteins were identified, of which 54 were increased and 40 were decreased in the oxLDL group compared with those in the control group. Subsequently, SCD1, a protein of interest, was further investigated. SCD1 levels in the VSMCs were down‐regulated by exposure to oxLDL in a time‐dependent manner and the interaction between SCD1 and LDs was also disrupted by oxLDL. Importantly, SCD1 overexpression enhanced LD‐lysosome fusion, increased lysosomal biogenesis and inhibited VSMC foam cell formation by activating TFEB nuclear translocation and its reporter activity. Modulation of the SCD1/TFEB‐mediated lipophagy machinery may offer novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherosclerosis.