bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Approaches to Examine Economic Impacts of Water Reallocations from Agriculture
Authors: Bickel Ashley K. , Duval Dari , Frisvold George B.
Published: January 2020

Facing an anticipated shortage declaration on the Colorado River and reductions in surface water for agricultural use, rural stakeholder groups are concerned about how water cutbacks will affect their local economies. Local farm groups and county governments often lack the analytical tools to measure such impacts. While one can learn much from large‐scale hydro‐economic models, data, cost, and time limitations have been barriers to such model development. This article introduces three basic modeling approaches, using relatively low‐cost and accessible data, to examine local economic impacts of water reallocations from agriculture. An empirical application estimates the effect of agricultural water reductions to Pinal County, Arizona, the county that would be most affected by a Colorado River Shortage Declaration. Water cutbacks to agriculture are modeled using two variants of a “rationing” model, which assumes that farmers will fallow their acres that generate the lowest gross returns (Rationing Model I) or the lowest net returns (Rationing Model II) per acre‐foot of water. Rationing models have modest data requirements given that crop and region specific data are available. Building off these simpler rationing models, an input‐output (I‐O) model provides more detailed information about the impacts on different rural stakeholder groups as well as the impacts to non‐agricultural sectors and the local tax base. Given imminent water cutbacks, access to low‐cost data and information that are easy to interpret is essential for effective community dialogue.
Investigating Relationship Between Soil Moisture and Precipitation Globally Using Remote Sensing Observations
Authors: Sehler Robin , Li Jingjing , Reager JT , Ye Hengchun
Published: January 2020

The complex relationship between precipitation and soil moisture plays a critical role in land surface hydrology. Traditionally, the analysis of this relationship is restricted by the spatial coverage of both soil moisture and precipitation data that are collected through in‐situ observations at limited locations. In this study, we utilized the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s remote sensing products of soil moisture (SMAP: Soil Moisture Active Passive) and precipitation (TRMM: Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission), which provide near‐global coverage, to investigate the co‐variation of precipitation and soil moisture regionally, as a function of ecosystem types and climate regimes. We apply information on land cover and climate regimes to provide insight about correlation strength of soil moisture and precipitation. The results indicate that most of the globe has a moderate to strong positive correlation of SMAP soil moisture and TRMM precipitation data during the study period. In relation to land cover, soil moisture and precipitation have the strongest correlations in regions of limited vegetation, whereas forests and densely vegetated regions have weaker correlations. As for climate regimes, they have the strongest correlations in arid or cold regions, and weaker correlations in humid, temperate locations. While remotely sensed soil moisture data are less reliable in dense vegetation, these results confirm that drier, less vegetated climates show a highly linear relationship between soil moisture and rainfall.
Dense and homogeneous MOX fuel pellets manufactured using the freeze granulation route
Authors: La Lumia Florian , Ramond Laure , Pagnoux Cecile , Coste Philippe , Lebreton Florent , Sevilla Jean‐Robert , Bernard‐Granger Guillaume
Published: January 2020

MOX fuels (UO2‐PuO2) are used in light water nuclear reactors of several countries and are also potential candidates for the fast neutron reactors. Industrial MOX is currently manufactured by a dry route process, involving steps with fine powders. To reduce dusting, enhance MOX powder flow properties, and decrease manufacturing scrap rate, a new wet route process is investigated: the freeze granulation of concentrated water‐based powder suspensions having optimized rheology and dispersion properties. Highly flowable, dustless, and easy‐to‐press MOX granules have been elaborated. Sintering green compacts made of such granules gives highly dense and defect‐free pellets that have a very homogeneous U‐Pu spatial distribution, thus improving the fuel characteristics. Indeed, MOX fuels devoid of large Pu‐rich aggregates are thought to have a better behavior under irradiation in reactors by limiting/preventing the formation of the typical high burnup structure.
Crystallization‐induced valence state change of Mn2+ → Mn4+ in LiNaGe4O9 glass‐ceramics
Authors: Morad Ibrahim , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: January 2020

Tetra‐valent manganese (Mn4+) has been regarded as an efficient non‐rare‐earth red‐light emitting ion, which has stimulated continued search of robust hosts and efficient synthetic methods to stabilize Mn4+ centers with strong photoluminescence. In this work, we demonstrate a facile synthetic method for Mn4+ doped glass‐ceramic (GC) based on crystallization‐induced oxidation state change in an oxide glass. The parent glass with a formula of LiNaGe4O9 is fabricated by melt‐quenching and crystallization is induced by thermal treatment in air. Oxidation of Mn2+ in glass to Mn4+ in the GC is confirmed by both optical spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. After thermal treatment, the characteristic reddish photoluminescence (PL) of Mn2+ in the glass centered at 611 nm disappears and a strong photoluminescence peak at 660 nm attributed to Mn4+ is observed. The conversion to Mn4+ after crystallization in the examined system may have strong implications for synthesis of Mn4+ doped phosphors which always requires rigorous control of the redox equilibrium during synthesis.
Founder takes more: Interspecific competition affects range expansion of North American mammals into deglaciated areas
Authors: Jezkova Tereza
Published: January 2020

Aim

I assess the impact of interspecific competition on species' post‐glacial range expansions into previously glaciated areas. I hypothesize that expansion of one species (the founder) after the last glacial maximum (LGM) into areas that were glaciated has hindered expansion of its competitor (the latecomer). If true, I predict that range and niche sizes of two congeners are more disproportionate within the previously glaciated areas (i.e. the areas of post‐glacial expansion) than within areas that were not glaciated. I also predict that niche partitioning is reduced within previously glaciated areas. If true, range and climatic niche overlap of two congeners is smaller in the previously glaciated areas than in non‐glaciated areas.

Location

North America.

Taxon

Non‐volant mammals.

Methods

I calculate species range size for 87 congeneric species pairs and climatic niche hypervolume for 71 pairs, separately for areas that were and were not glaciated during the LGM. I then compare (a) range and climatic niche size ratio and (b) range and climatic niche overlap for each species pair between areas that were and were not glaciated using a paired t test.

Results

Congeneric species pairs exhibit more disproportionate range areas and climatic niche hypervolumes, and smaller range and climatic niche overlap within previously glaciated areas, in comparison with areas that were not glaciated during the LGM.

Main conclusions

Interspecific competition has likely hindered post‐glacial range expansion of some species into deglaciated areas. Similarly to the founder effect documented on the intraspecific level, the founder species may hinder the expansion of the latecomer. Consequently, one species may expand over very large areas whereas its competitor may expand very little or not at all. Additionally, niche partitioning within the deglaciated areas may be reduced as the founder expands and fills biotopes that would otherwise be utilized by its competitor.
Determinants of leaf area index and understorey light availability in New Zealand old‐growth forests
Authors: Fritz Rocío , Lusk Christopher H.
Published: January 2020

Aim

Global studies show strong climatic control of leaf area index (LAI) and related ecosystem properties. However, alternative states stabilized by positive feedbacks have the potential to produce appreciable differences in LAI in a given environment. On certain sites in New Zealand, ectomycorrhizal (EM) southern beech forest (Nothofagaceae) appear to form a stable alternative to more species‐rich conifer‐broadleaved forest dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees. We asked which climate variables best predict LAI of New Zealand's remaining old‐growth forests, and if stands dominated by Nothofagaceae have lower LAI and better‐lit understories than conifer‐broadleaved forests, when climate and other site factors are held constant.

Location

New Zealand.

Taxon

Seventy‐two tree species belonging to 37 angiosperm, conifer and pteridophyte families, the most frequent occurrences being Cunoniaceae, Cyatheaceae, Dicksoniaceae, Lauraceae, Nothofagaceae, Podocarpaceae and Violaceae.

Methods

We quantified overstorey composition of 45 old‐growth stands, and used the LAI‐2200C Plant Canopy Analyzer to measure LAI and understorey light. We used generalized linear mixed models to determine how these variables were influenced by environment and by dominance of Nothofagaceae.

Results

LAI ranged from 3.5 to 6.9, and increased linearly with mean annual temperature (MAT); percentage light transmission to the understorey spanned an order of magnitude and decreased exponentially with increasing MAT. However, at a given MAT, LAI of stands dominated by Nothofagaceae averaged 0.8–0.9 units lower than conifer‐broadleaf stands, resulting in twofold higher understorey light levels in the former. Soil water deficits also significantly depressed LAI, and increased understorey light; atmospheric water deficits had the opposite effect.

Main conclusions

Temperature is the best climatic predictor of LAI and understorey light in New Zealand's remaining old‐growth forests. However, the lower LAI and canopy light interception in southern beech stands presumably reflects the light‐demanding nature of Nothofagaceae, and their apparent ability to inhibit invasion by more shade‐tolerant AM trees with heavier crowns. This inhibitory effect may reflect reduced N supply to AM plants because of suppression of N mineralization by EM fungi, as observed in some EM systems elsewhere.
First‐trimester blood urea nitrogen and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Feng Pei , Wang Guangli , Yu Qian , Zhu Wei , Zhong Chongke
Published: January 2020

Prior studies indicated that urea increased insulin resistance and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was associated with incident diabetes mellitus. However, it remains unclear whether BUN during the first trimester of pregnancy increases risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to investigate the association between first‐trimester BUN and risk of incident GDM. We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study of pregnant women. A total of 13 448 eligible pregnant women with measured first‐trimester BUN levels were included in this analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between BUN and GDM. Discrimination and reclassification for GDM by BUN were analysed. A total of 2973 (22.1%) women developed GDM. Compared with the lowest quartile of BUN, the third and fourth quartiles were associated with increased risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratios 1.21 [95% CI 1.07‐1.37] and 1.50 [95% CI 1.33‐1.69], respectively, P for trend <.001). The addition of BUN to conventional factor model improved discrimination (C statistic 0.2%, P = .003) and reclassification (net reclassification index 14.67%, P < .001; integrated discrimination improvement 0.12%, P < .001) for GDM. In conclusion, higher BUN concentrations during the first trimester of pregnancy were associated with increased risk of GDM, suggesting that BUN could be a potential predictor for GDM.
Modulation of bile acid profile by gut microbiota in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Chen Lu , Wang Hui , Cai Wei , Xie Qing
Published: January 2020

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global epidemic disease that may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of the liver‐bile acid‐microbiota axis in CHB remains unclear. The aims of this study are to elucidate the alteration of the gut microbiota and its functions in bile acid homeostasis in CHB patients with different degrees of fibrosis. In the present study, we evaluated serum and faecal bile acid profiles in healthy controls and CHB patients with biopsy‐proven diagnosis: patients had stage 0‐1 fibrosis were classified as mild CHB and patients had stage 2‐4 fibrosis were classified as moderate/advanced CHB. The levels of serum total bile acids (BAs) and primary BAs were increased in CHB patients with moderate/advanced fibrosis, whereas faecal total and secondary BAs levels were significantly lower. Analyses of gut microbiota exhibited a trend of decreased abundance in bacteria genera responsible for BA metabolism in CHB patients with moderate/advanced fibrosis. CHB is associated with altered bile acid pool which is linked with the dysregulated gut microbiota. The higher level of FGF‐19 may act in a negative feedback loop for maintaining the bile acid homeostasis.
Clinical outcomes of the entire papilla preservation technique with and without biomaterials in the treatment of isolated intrabony defects: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Aslan Serhat , Buduneli Nurcan , Cortellini Pierpaolo
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study compared the clinical efficacy of the entire papilla preservation technique (EPP) alone and in combination with enamel matrix proteins plus bovine‐derived bone substitutes (EPP EMD + BS) in the treatment of isolated inter‐dental intrabony defects.

Material and methods

Thirty patients, each with one isolated intrabony defect, were randomly assigned to EPP EMD + BS or EPP alone. Clinical outcomes were assessed 1‐year post‐surgery.

Results

Early healing phase was uneventful in all cases, and 100% primary wound closure was maintained throughout the study period. Intragroup differences between baseline and 1‐year were statistically significant in both groups in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and probing depth (PD) reduction (p ≤ .001). No statistically significant differences were detected in gingival recession (REC) (p > .05). No statistically significant differences were detected in terms of CAL gain (6.3 ± 2.5 mm vs. 5.83 ± 1.12 mm), PD reduction (6.5 ± 2.65 mm vs. 6.2 ± 1.33 mm) or increase in gingival recession (0.2 ± 0.25 mm vs. 0.36 ± 0.54 mm) between the groups treated with EPP EMD + BS or EPP alone.

Conclusions

Application of EPP with and without regenerative biomaterials resulted in significant amounts of CAL gain and PD reduction, with negligible increase in gingival recession. Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the addition of regenerative biomaterials does not improve the clinical outcomes of EPP alone. NCT03923465.
Simultaneous development of Graves’ disease and type 1 diabetes during anti‐programmed cell death‐1 therapy: A case report
Authors: Kurihara Susumu , Oikawa Yoichi , Nakajima Ritsuko , Satomura Atsushi , Tanaka Ryuhei , Kagamu Hiroshi , Shimada Akira
Published: January 2020

We present the first case of simultaneous development of Graves’ disease and type 1 diabetes during anti‐programmed cell death 1 therapy. A 48‐year‐old man with parotid gland adenocarcinoma and lung metastasis had received five courses of nivolumab. Fourteen days after administration of the sixth course, his casual plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels were 379 mg/dL and 7.2%, respectively. Furthermore, thyrotoxicosis was detected with a blood test. Serum total ketone body and thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibody levels increased, and serum C‐peptide level decreased to 0.01 ng/mL thereafter. Thus, we concluded that he simultaneously developed anti‐programmed cell death 1 therapy‐associated type 1 diabetes and Graves’ disease. Among Japanese patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type III, the frequency of human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1*04:05 is higher in those with both type 1 diabetes and Graves’ disease. Our case had human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1*04:05, which might be associated with the simultaneous development of the two diseases.
Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Plasmodiophora brassicae Secondary Infection Effector Candidates
Authors: Pérez‐López Edel , Hossain Md Musharaf , Tu Jiangying , Waldner Matthew , Todd Christopher D. , Kusalik Anthony J. , Wei Yangdou , Bonham‐Smith Peta C.
Published: January 2020

Plasmodiophora brassicae (Wor.) is an obligate intracellular plant pathogen affecting Brassicas worldwide. Identification of effector proteins is key to understanding the interaction between P. brassicae and its susceptible host plants. To date, there is very little information available on putative effector proteins secreted by P. brassicae during a secondary infection of susceptible host plants, resulting in root gall production. A bioinformatics pipeline approach to RNA‐Seq data from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. root tissues at 17, 20, and 24 d postinoculation (dpi) identified 32 small secreted P. brassicae proteins (SSPbPs) that were highly expressed over this secondary infection time frame. Functional signal peptides were confirmed for 31 of the SSPbPs, supporting the accuracy of the pipeline designed to identify secreted proteins. Expression profiles at 0, 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 dpi verified the involvement of some of the SSPbPs in secondary infection. For seven of the SSPbPs, a functional domain was identified using Blast2GO and 3D structure analysis and domain functionality was confirmed for SSPbP22, a kinase localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Neural connectivity between the hypothalamic supramammillary nucleus and appetite‐ and motivation‐related regions of the rat brain
Authors: Plaisier Fabrice , Hume Catherine , Menzies John
Published: January 2020

The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) has an emerging role in appetite control. We have shown that the rat SuM is activated during hunger or food anticipation, or by ghrelin administration. In the present study, we characterised the connectivity between the SuM and key appetite‐ and motivation‐related nuclei in the rat. In adult wild‐type rats, or rats expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter (TH‐Cre rats), we used c‐Fos immunohistochemistry to visualise and correlate the activation of medial SuM (SuMM) with activation in the lateral hypothalamic area (LH), the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) or the ventral tegmental area (VTA) after voluntary consumption of a high‐sugar, high‐fat food. To determine neuroanatomical connectivity, we used retrograde and anterograde tracing methods to specifically investigate the neuronal inputs and outputs of the SuMM. After consumption of the food there were positive correlations between c‐Fos expression in the SuMM and the LH, DMH and VTA (P = 0.0001, 0.01 and 0.004). Using Fluoro‐Ruby as a retrograde tracer, we demonstrate the existence of inputs from the LH, DMH, VTA and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) to the SuMM. The SuMM showed reciprocal inputs to the LH and DMH, and we identified a TH‐positive output from SuMM to DMH. We co‐labelled retrogradely‐labelled sections for TH in the VMH, or for TH, orexin and melanin‐concentrating hormone in the LH and DMH. However, we did not observe any colocalisation of immunoreactivity with any retrogradely‐labelled cells. Viral mapping in TH‐Cre rats confirms the existence of a reciprocal SuMM‐DMH connection and shows that TH‐positive cells project from the SuMM and VTA to the lateral septal area and cingulate cortex, respectively. These data provide evidence for the connectivity of the SuMM to brain regions involved in appetite control, and form the foundation for functional and behavioural studies aiming to further characterise the brain circuitry controlling eating behaviours.
Comparative clinical study of the efficacy of intralesional MMR vaccine vs intralesional vitamin D injection in treatment of warts
Authors: Shaldoum Dalia R. , Hassan Ghada F. R. , El Maadawy Eman H. , El‐Maghraby Gamal M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Many therapeutic modalities were reported for the treatment of warts; however, no single treatment is completely effective.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional injection of MMR vaccine vs vitamin D in treatment of warts.

Patients and Methods

A total of 60 patients were included in the study divided into two groups. Group A received intralesional MMR vaccine into largest wart, and group B received intralesional vitamin D3 into each lesion with maximum of five warts treated in one session. A maximum of six sessions was done every 3 weeks in both groups. Follow‐up was done for 6 months for any recurrence.

Results

In group A: complete response in 80%, partial response in 6.67%, minimal response in 6.67%, and no response in 6.67% of patients. About 60% of patients with multiple warts showed complete clearance of distant untreated warts. In group B: complete response in 66.7%, partial response in 6.67%, minimal response in 20%, and no response in 6.67% of patients. There was no significant difference between both groups. No recurrence was observed in both groups in the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Immunotherapy by both intralesional MMR vaccine and vitamin D3 is simple, well‐tolerated, effective, and cost‐benefit modalities for the treatment of warts.
Randomized controlled trial comparing long‐pulsed 1064‐Nm neodymium: Yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet laser alone, topical amorolfine nail lacquer alone, and a combination for nondermatophyte onychomycosis treatment
Authors: Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Ungaksornpairote Chanida , Kobwanthanakun Waritch , Chanyachailert Pattriya , Nokdhes Ya-Nin , Patthamalai Poramin , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Suphatsathienkul Panittra , Kiratiwongwan Rungsima , Limphoka Pichaya , Leeyaphan Charussri
Published: January 2020

Background

Studies of the laser treatment of nondermatophyte mold (NDM) onychomycosis are limited. Long‐pulsed neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064‐nm laser has been introduced as an adjuvant dermatophyte onychomycosis treatment.

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of long‐pulsed Nd:YAG 1064‐nm laser for NDM onychomycosis treatment, compared with topical amorolfine nail lacquer alone and a combination treatment.

Patients/Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Nail Clinic, Siriraj Hospital. Patients diagnosed with NDM were included and randomly assigned to three treatment groups: laser at 1 month interval (1064‐nm Nd:YAG at a fluence of 35 J/cm2, pulse width 30 ms, and pulse rate 1.0 Hz); topical amorolfine nail lacquer alone; and a combination treatment.

Results

Sixty patients completed the study. The patients treated with the laser, amorolfine, and the combination achieved mycological cure rates of 35%, 60%, and 65%, respectively (P = .05), while 10%, 30%, and 30% of the patients in the respective groups were clinically cured. The mean durations to the mycological cures in the patients treated with laser, amorolfine, and the combination were 5.9, 4.8, and 5.2 months, respectively. By comparison, the corresponding mean durations to the clinical cures were 6.9, 6.5, and 5.9 months. Both the times to the mycological cures and the clinical cures did not differ significantly between the groups (P = .290 and P = .309, respectively). There were no serious complications with the laser treatment.

Conclusions

Laser alone achieved only a 30% mycological cure rate for NDM onychomycosis. The combination treatment yielded similar outcomes to the topical treatment alone.
Clinical Imaging for Diagnostic Challenges in the Management of Gliomas: A Review
Authors: Bonm Alipi V. , Ritterbusch Reed , Throckmorton Patrick , Graber Jerome J.
Published: January 2020

Neuroimaging plays a critical role in the management of patients with gliomas. While conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the standard imaging modality, it is frequently insufficient to inform clinical decision‐making. There is a need for noninvasive strategies for reliably distinguishing low‐grade from high‐grade gliomas, identifying important molecular features of glioma, choosing an appropriate target for biopsy, delineating target area for surgery or radiosurgery, and distinguishing tumor progression (TP) from pseudoprogression (PsP). One recent advance is the identification of the T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery mismatch sign on standard MRI to identify isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant astrocytomas. However, to meet other challenges, neuro‐oncologists are increasingly turning to advanced imaging modalities. Diffusion‐weighted imaging modalities including diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging can be helpful in delineating tumor margins and better visualization of tissue architecture. Perfusion imaging including dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI using gadolinium or ferumoxytol contrast agents can be helpful for grading as well as distinguishing TP from PsP. Positron emission tomography is useful for measuring tumor metabolism, which correlates with grade and can distinguish TP/PsP in the right setting. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can identify tissue by its chemical composition, can distinguish TP/PsP, and can identify molecular features like 2‐hydroxyglutarate. Finally, amide proton transfer imaging measures intracellular protein content, which can be used to identify tumor grade/progression and distinguish TP/PsP.
The novel strain Desmonostoc salinum CCM‐UFV059 shows higher salt and desiccation resistance compared to the model strain Nostoc sp. PCC7120
Authors: de Alvarenga Luna Viggiano , Lucius Stefan , Vaz Marcelo Gomes Marçal Vieira , Araújo Wagner L. , Hagemann Martin
Published: January 2020

Desmonostoc salinum CCM‐UFV059 (Desmonostoc) is a novel cyanobacterial strain of the order Nostocales isolated from a saline‐alkaline lake. The acclimation towards salt and desiccation stress of Desmonostoc was compared to the related and well‐characterized model strain Nostoc sp. PCC7120 (Nostoc). Salt–stressed cells of Desmonostoc maintained low cellular Na+ concentrations and accumulated high amounts of compatible solutes, mainly sucrose and to a lower extent trehalose. These features permitted Desmonostoc to grow and maintain photosynthesis at 2‐fold higher salinities than Nostoc. Moreover, Desmonostoc also induced sucrose over‐accumulation under desiccation, which allowed this strain to recover from this stress in contrast to Nostoc. Additional mechanisms such as the presence of highly unsaturated lipids in the membrane and an efficient ion transport system could also explain, at least partially, how Desmonostoc is able to acclimate to high salinities and to resist longer desiccation periods. Collectively, our results provide first insights into the physiological and metabolic adaptations explaining the remarkable high salt and desiccation tolerance, which qualify Desmonostoc as an attractive model for further analysis of stress acclimation among heterocystous N2–fixing cyanobacteria.
Understanding Posttreatment Patient‐Provider Communication and Follow‐Up Care Among Self‐Identified Rural Cancer Survivors in Illinois
Authors: Lewis‐Thames Marquita W. , Carnahan Leslie R. , James Aimee S. , Watson Karriem S. , Molina Yamilé
Published: January 2020

Purpose

As disparities in rural‐urban cancer survivorship rates continue to widen, optimizing patient‐provider communication regarding timely follow‐up care is a potential mechanism to improving survivorship‐related outcomes. The current study examines sociodemographic and health predictors of posttreatment patient‐provider communication and follow‐up care and associations between written communication and timely follow‐up care for cancer survivors who identify as rural.

Methods

Data were analyzed from posttreatment cancer survivor respondents of the Illinois Rural Cancer Assessment Study. The current study tested associations between sociodemographic variables and health factors on the quality of patient‐provider communication and timely posttreatment follow‐up care, defined as visits ≤ 3 months posttreatment, and associations between the receipt of written patient‐provider communication on timely posttreatment follow‐up care.

Results

Among 90 self‐identified rural cancer survivors, respondents with annual incomes < $50,000 and ≤ High School diploma were more likely to report a high quality of posttreatment patient‐provider communication. Posttreatment written communication was reported by 62% of the respondents and 52% reported timely follow‐up visits during the first 3 years of posttreatment care. Patients who reported receiving written patient‐provider communication were more likely to have timely posttreatment follow‐up care after completing active treatment than patients who had not received written patient‐provider communication.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that written patient‐provider communication improved timely follow‐up care for self‐identified rural cancer survivors. This research supports policy and practice that recommend the receipt of written survivorship care plans. Implementation of written survivorship care recommendations has the potential to improve survivorship care for rural cancer survivors.
Measurement of preprandial and postprandial urine calcium to creatinine ratios in male Miniature Schnauzers with and without urolithiasis
Authors: Carr Susan V. , Grant David C. , DeMonaco Stefanie M. , Shepherd Megan
Published: January 2020

Background

We aimed to identify a simple test for excessive calciuresis and predict calcium oxalate (CaOx) disease in Miniature Schnauzers. We investigated the impact of postprandial time on the urine calcium to creatinine ratio (UCa/Cr) in male dogs of this breed, with the goal of improving the utility of the UCa/Cr.

Hypotheses

(1) Significant differences will exist in preprandial and postprandial UCa/Cr between CaOx urolith‐forming and control Schnauzers. (2) The UCa/Cr will increase significantly from the first morning baseline at≥1 postprandial time point(s) in both control and CaOx urolith‐forming dogs. (3) Biochemical abnormalities and other variables may be associated with urolith status.

Animals

Twenty‐four male Miniature Schnauzer dogs, consisting of 9 with (urolith formers) and 15 without (controls) CaOx uroliths.

Methods

Urine was collected before and 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours after feeding a standardized diet. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify the UCa/Cr cutoff that most accurately differentiates dogs based on urolith status.

Results

Urolith formers had significantly higher mean UCa/Cr over the course of 8 hours. The postprandial change in UCa/Cr was not significant at any time point between or within groups. The cutoff UCa/Cr value of 0.06 had a specificity of 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80%‐100%) and a sensitivity of 56% (95% CI, 21%‐86%) for identifying CaOx urolithiasis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Urolith‐forming male Miniature Schnauzers have excessive calciuresis, and the postprandial sampling time up to 8 hours is not critical. This simple urine measurement has potential as a marker of CaOx disease.
Corticobasal degeneration with deep white matter lesion diagnosed by brain biopsy
Authors: Arakawa Akira , Saito Yuko , Seki Tomonari , Mitsutake Akihiko , Sato Tatsuya , Katsumata Junko , Maekawa Risa , Hideyama Takuto , Tamura Koichi , Hasegawa Masato , Shiio Yasushi
Published: January 2020

Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by asymmetric presentation of cerebral cortex signs, cortical sensory disturbance and extrapyramidal signs. Herein, we report a case of a 66‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with apraxia of the right hand. She subsequently developed postural instability and cognitive impairments that rapidly worsened. One and a half years later, the patient was wheelchair‐bound and severely demented. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed left dominant atrophy of the frontoparietal lobe. There was a hyperintense lesion in the deep white matter expanding toward the subcortical area on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. In order to rule out the possibility of an intracranial tumor such as an astrocytoma or malignant lymphoma, we performed a brain biopsy of the left frontal middle gyrus. The patient became bedridden and showed akinetic mutism 1 year after biopsy. Pathological examination revealed a large amount of 4‐repeat tau‐immunoreactive neuropil threads scattered predominantly in the corticomedullary junction and tau‐immunoreactive structures, consistent with CBD. Immunostaining for p53 showed no positive cells, and there were very few Ki‐67‐positive cells. On immunoblots of sarkosyl‐insoluble brain extracts, a major doublet of 64 and 68 kDa full‐length tau with two closely related fragments of approximately 37 kDa were detected. Based on these results, the patient was pathologically diagnosed as having CBD, excluding the possibility of tumor. Taken together with previous similar case reports, our findings indicate that a deep white matter hyperintense lesion on FLAIR images may be a useful clue to CBD, predicting rapid clinical progression with severe dementia based on severe white matter degeneration with a large amount of tau accumulation on pathological examination.
Accuracy of 3D virtual surgical planning for maxillary positioning and orientation in orthognathic surgery
Authors: Tonin Renata Hernandes , Iwaki Filho Liogi , Yamashita Amanda Lury , Ferraz Flávio Wellington da Silva , Tolentino Elen de Souza , Previdelli Isolde Terezinha dos Santos , Brum Beatriz , Iwaki Lilian Cristina Vessoni
Published: January 2020

Objective

This retrospective and observational study evaluated the accuracy of a 3D virtual surgical planning (VSP) for the maxillary positioning and orientation in patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, comparing the planned and postoperative outcomes.

Setting and Sample Population

Seventy consecutive patients of both sexes, who were submitted to bimaxillary orthognathic surgery between 2015 and 2019 were included in our study.

Material and Methods

The patients were evaluated by fusing preoperative planning and postoperative outcome using cone‐beam computed tomography scan evaluation. Three‐dimensional VSP and postoperative outcomes were compared by using three linear and three angular measurements. The main outcome interest was the difference between the VSP movement, and the surgical movement obtained. The success criterion adopted was a mean linear difference of <2 mm and a mean angular difference of <4°.

Results

Results were analysed using a linear mixed model with fixed and random effects, at α = .05. No significant statistical differences were found for linear and angular measurements between the planned and postsurgical outcomes (P > .05). All overlapping points presented values within the range considered clinically irrelevant (<2 mm; <1°).

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional VSP was executed with a high degree of accuracy. When comparing the planned and postsurgical outcomes, all overlapping points presented values within the range considered clinically irrelevant.
Reading in the presence of macular disease: a mini‐review
Authors: Chung Susana T L
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Reading is vital to full participation in modern society. To millions of people suffering from macular disease that results in a central scotoma, reading is difficult and inefficient, rendering reading as the primary goal for most patients seeking low vision rehabilitation. The goals of this review paper are to summarize the dependence of reading speed on several key visual and typographical factors and the current methods or technologies for improving reading performance for people with macular disease.

Important findings

In general, reading speed for people with macular disease depends on print size, text contrast, size of the visual span, temporal processing of letters and oculomotor control. Attempts at improving reading speed by reducing the crowding effect between letters, words or lines; or optimizing properties of typeface such as the presence of serifs or stroke‐width thickness proved to be futile, with any improvement being modest at best. Currently, the most promising method to improve reading speed for people with macular disease is training, including perceptual learning or oculomotor training.

The limitation on reading speed for people with macular disease is likely to be multi‐factorial. Future studies should try to understand how different factors interact to limit reading speed, and whether different methods could be combined to produce a much greater benefit.
Knee function through finite element analysis and the role of Miocene hominoids in our understanding of the origin of antipronograde behaviours: the Pierolapithecus catalaunicus patella as a case study
Authors: Pina Marta , DeMiguel Daniel , Puigvert Francesc , Marcé‐Nogué Jordi , Moyà‐Solà Salvador
Published: January 2020

Although extensive research has been carried out in recent years on the origin and evolution of human bipedalism, a full understanding of this question is far from settled. Miocene hominoids are key to a better understanding of the locomotor types observed in living apes and humans. Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, an extinct stem great ape from the middle Miocene (c. 12.0 Ma) of the Vallès‐Penedès Basin (north‐eastern Iberian Peninsula), is the first undoubted hominoid with an orthograde (erect) body plan. Its locomotor repertoire included above‐branch quadrupedalism and other antipronograde behaviours. Elucidating the adaptive features present in the Pierolapithecus skeleton and its associated biomechanics helps us to better understand the origin of hominoid orthogrady. This work represents a new biomechanical perspective on Pierolapithecus locomotion, by studying its patella and comparing it with those drawn from a large sample of extant anthropoids. This is the first time that the biomechanical patellar performance in living non‐human anthropoids and a stem hominid has been studied using finite element analysis (FEA). Differences in stress distribution are found depending on body plan and the presence/absence of a distal apex, probably due to dissimilar biomechanical performances. Pierolapithecus’ biomechanical response mainly resembles that of great apes, suggesting a similar knee joint use in mechanical terms. These results underpin previous studies on Pierolapithecus, favouring the idea that a relevant degree of some antipronograde behaviour may have made up part of its locomotor repertoire. Moreover, our results corroborate the presence of modern great ape‐like knee biomechanical performances back in the Miocene.
Genome‐wide analysis of epigenetic and transcriptional changes associated with heterosis in pigeonpea
Authors: Sinha Pallavi , Singh Vikas K. , Saxena Rachit K. , Kale Sandip M. , Li Yuqi , Garg Vanika , Meifang Tang , Khan Aamir W. , Kim Kyung Do , Chitikineni Annapurna , Saxena K. B. , Sameer Kumar C. V. , Liu Xin , Xu Xun , Jackson Scott , Powell Wayne , Nevo Eviatar , Searle Iain R. , Lodha Mukesh , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: January 2020

Hybrids are extensively used in agriculture to deliver an increase in yield, yet the molecular basis of heterosis is not well understood. Global DNA methylation analysis, transcriptome analysis and small RNA profiling were aimed to understand the epigenetic effect of the changes in gene expression level in the two hybrids and their parental lines. Increased DNA methylation was observed in both the hybrids as compared to their parents. This increased DNA methylation in hybrids showed that majority of the 24‐nt siRNA clusters had higher expression in hybrids than the parents. Transcriptome analysis revealed that various phytohormones (auxin and salicylic acid) responsive hybrid‐MPV DEGs were significantly altered in both the hybrids in comparison to MPV. DEGs associated with plant immunity and growth were overexpressed whereas DEGs associated with basal defence level were repressed. This antagonistic patterns of gene expression might contribute to the greater growth of the hybrids. It was also noticed that some common as well as unique changes in the regulatory pathways were associated with heterotic growth in both the hybrids. Approximately 70% and 67% of down‐regulated hybrid‐MPV DEGs were found to be differentially methylated in ICPH 2671 and ICPH 2740 hybrid, respectively. This reflected the association of epigenetic regulation in altered gene expressions. Our findings also revealed that miRNAs might play important roles in hybrid vigour in both the hybrids by regulating their target genes, especially in controlling plant growth and development, defence and stress response pathways. The above finding provides an insight into the molecular mechanism of pigeonpea heterosis.
Pathogenesis of a variant in the 5′ untranslated region of ADAR1 in dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria
Authors: Suganuma Mutsumi , Kono Michihiro , Yamanaka Masayoshi , Akiyama Masashi
Published: January 2020

Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is a pigmentary genodermatosis caused by mutations in ADAR1. In this study, we performed mutation analysis on a family that included typical DSH patients. No mutations were found in any coding regions or exon–intron boundary regions of ADAR1, but a previously unreported non‐coding heterozygous variant, c.‐60A>G, was found in the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of ADAR1 in the proband and her mother. The function of 5′UTR in mRNA is not well‐understood. To understand the pathogenesis of the variant and the function of the 5′UTR of ADAR1, we constructed two reporter genes carrying the ADAR1 5′UTR sequence with/without the variant between the PGK promoter and a luciferase coding sequence, and performed luciferase assays, semi‐quantitative PCR analyses, and polysomal assays. In human melanocytes, c.‐60A>G induced a 16% reduction in transcription and a 51% reduction in translation. Our results indicate that the 5′UTR c.‐60A>G variant adversely affects the post‐transcriptional step in gene expression, leading to DSH. Detailed functional assays of the 5′UTR of ADAR1 in the present study revealed the gene expression to be not only downregulated, but also upregulated by defects in 5′UTR depending on the locations. The regulation of translation by 5′UTR is very complicated.
Tran Duc Thao: Politics and truth
Authors: Ford Russell
Published: January 2020

The Vietnamese philosopher Tran Duc Thao exerted an important influence over the development of 20th century French philosophy. In articles that stretched across the 1940s, Thao sought to employ the concrete insights of Marxism and dialectical materialism in order to correct and critique the dominant philosophical programs of phenomenology and existentialism. Thao's pervasive concern was the determination of a basis for truthful action. In two essays—one taken from the beginning of his professional career, the other from near its end—this concern is clearly displayed. A member of the General Delegation of Indochina advocating for an end to French colonial rule, Thao's philosophical work is always undergirded by his political engagement. At the same time, his philosophical work seeks to demonstrate that his political activity is truthful, not merely partisan.
Effect of olive‐derived antioxidants (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethanol and 3,4 dihydroxyphenylglycol) on sperm motility and fertility in liquid ram sperm stored at 15°C or 5°C
Authors: Arando Ander , Delgado Juan Vicente , Bermúdez‐Oria Alejandra , León José Manuel , Fernández‐Prior África , Nogales Sergio , Pérez‐Marín Carlos C.
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of two olive oil‐derived antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethanol, HT) and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), on ovine semen during liquid storage at 5°C and 15°C. Semen was collected, pooled, diluted and then divided into aliquots supplemented with different concentrations (5 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) of HT, DHPG and a mixture (MIX) of both antioxidants. Sperm motility characteristics were assessed in the different samples at 0, 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr after cooling, and a fertility trial was also conducted. The results showed that the antioxidant addition did not significantly improve total and progressive motility in ovine cooled sperm maintained at 15° or 5°C. However, in samples stored at 5°C, LIN (48, 72, 96 hr), STR (0 hr) and WOB (0, 48, 72, 96 hr) values significantly decreased in comparison with control treatment when high antioxidant concentrations were added (MIX100 or HT100). When samples were maintained at 15°C, MIX50 showed significantly higher VCL values than the control treatment after 6 hr cooling, and MIX100 showed significantly lower VCL values at 96 hr after cooling. According to the artificial insemination trial, no significant differences were observed when antioxidants were added. In conclusion, the use of HT and DHPG showed small impact in sperm motility and fertility was not affected (nor detrimentally nor positively) when insemination was carried out using antioxidant‐supplemented liquid sperm.
Uniform asymptotics and zeros of the associated Pollaczek polynomials
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Min , Wong R.
Published: January 2020

Using a difference‐equation method in a previous paper, we study the associated Pollaczek polynomials defined by a three‐term recurrence relation. Two asymptotic approximations are derived for these polynomials; one holds for with and , and the other holds for with t in a neighborhood of . An asymptotic formula is also provided for their largest zeros.
Optimal control of dengue epidemic outbreaks under limited resources
Authors: Sepulveda‐Salcedo Lilian Sofia , Vasilieva Olga , Svinin Mikhail
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we reflect upon control intervention practices habitually exerted by healthcare authorities in tropical areas that suffer from incidental outbreaks of dengue fever, in particular, the city of Cali, Colombia. Such control interventions, principally based on the insecticide spraying, are carried out sporadically in order to overcome an ongoing epidemic or at least to reduce its size. It is worth pointing out that control actions of this type do not usually account for sufficient budget because epidemic outbreaks are difficult to predict. In practical terms, these occasional control interventions are performed by spraying, as quickly as possible, all existing stock of insecticide (regardless of its lethality) and employing all available manpower. The goal of this paper is to design better strategies for insecticide‐based control actions, which are capable of preventing more human infections at no additional cost, and to reveal the obsolescence of current vector eradication practices. Our approach relies on dynamic optimization, where the number of averted human infections is maximized under budget constraint and subject to a simple dengue transmission model amended with one control variable that stands for the insecticide spraying. As a result, we obtain structurally robust control intervention policies that demonstrate better performance and higher resilience to possible budget limitations than traditional modus operandi.