bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down the up staircase: Equatorward march of a cold‐water ascidian and broader implications for invasion ecology
Authors: Chang Andrew L. , Carlton James T. , Brown Christopher W. , Ruiz Gregory M.
Published: April 2020

Aim

While warming temperatures are expected to facilitate the poleward movement of species previously restricted to more equatorial waters, the arrival and persistence of cold‐water species in more equatorward waters are relatively unprecedented. The native north‐east Pacific ascidian Corella inflata Huntsman, 1912, has spread southward and invaded new regions along the North American Pacific coast, a rare example of a marine species moving towards the equator. Here, we document C. inflata's equatorward movement and potential impact, assess several hypotheses for its spread and consider implications for invasion ecology.

Location

North American Pacific Coast (Puget Sound to San Francisco Bay).

Methods

We recorded the southward movement of C. inflata by compiling records from the literature, conducting informal searches and conducting standardized fouling community surveys at sites from the southern border of C. inflata's native range in Puget Sound to San Francisco Bay. Within San Francisco Bay, we recorded C. inflata's arrival and potential impact by conducting standardized surveys across an 18‐year period encompassing the invasion.

Results

First collected outside its native range in Coos Bay, Oregon, in 2004, C. inflata was subsequently detected 1,000 km south of its historical distribution by 2008 in San Francisco and Humboldt Bays, California. At times, this large, conspicuous solitary ascidian became locally abundant in San Francisco Bay fouling communities, which showed significant shifts in species composition and relative abundance at invaded sites concomitant with C. inflata's arrival.

Main conclusions

The recent southward movement of C. inflata runs counter to global warming expectations and may be linked to undetected changes in vessel traffic patterns, rather than natural range expansion. However, an understanding of the one or more processes that would serve to explain the equatorward movement of this cold‐water affinity marine species remains elusive.
Emerging Market Penetration and Emissions Performance
Authors: Wani Deepa , Dong Yan , Malhotra Manoj K. , Xu Kefeng
Published: April 2020

Firms move to emerging markets to sell their products, reach new markets, and to strategically offshore or outsource their production and supply chains. However, they may also take advantage of loose environmental regulations and weak protection of existing laws in emerging market countries. Anecdotal evidence and media reports claim that increased firm activity in emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil, among others, has resulted in more significant environmental pollution. However, statistical evidence is lacking in this area. This research consequently investigates the impact of two forms of emerging market presence: the extent of offshoring penetration and extent of sales penetration on emissions performance. We conduct an empirical study using a panel dataset consisting of 300 global firms across various industries, along with their emission levels and emerging market penetration levels. Analysis of over six years of data from 2007 to 2012 shows that even after factoring in the endogeneity related to entry into emerging markets, firms that have a greater degree of emerging market penetration do indeed have higher emissions. We also find that a firm's beneficial actions related to environmental corporate social performance attenuate the relationship between emerging market penetration and emissions, whereas a firm's harmful actions related to environmental corporate social performance amplifies this relationship. Implications of this study for a firm's future strategic location and offshoring decisions are discussed and presented.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes (the DEPICT‐2 study): 52‐week results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mathieu Chantal , Rudofsky Gottfried , Phillip Moshe , Araki Eiichi , Lind Marcus , Arya Niki , Thorén Fredrik , Scheerer Markus F. , Iqbal Nayyar , Dandona Paresh
Published: April 2020

Aim

To investigate the long‐term efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin as an adjunct to adjustable insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and inadequate glycaemic control.

Materials and Methods

Dapagliflozin Evaluation in Patients with Inadequately Controlled Type 1 Diabetes (DEPICT‐2) was a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multicentre, phase III study of adults with T1D (HbA1c 7.5%‐10.5%) randomized (1:1:1) to receive dapagliflozin 5, 10 mg, or placebo. The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin over 52 weeks were exploratory endpoints in this extension to DEPICT‐2.

Results

Of 813 participants randomized, 88.2% completed the study. From baseline to 52 weeks, dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg were associated with reduction in HbA1c (difference [95% CI] vs. placebo: −0.20% [−0.34, −0.06] and −0.25% [−0.38, −0.11], respectively) and adjusted mean percentage change in body weight (difference [95% CI] vs. placebo: −4.42% [−5.19, −3.64] and −4.86% [−5.63, −4.08], respectively). Serious adverse events were reported in the dapagliflozin 5, 10 mg, and placebo groups (32 [11.8%], 19 [7.0%] and 16 [5.9%], respectively). The proportion of hypoglycaemic events was similar across groups; severe hypoglycaemia was uncommon. More participants with events adjudicated as definite diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) were in the dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg groups versus placebo (11 [4.1%], 10 [3.7%] and 1 [0.4%], respectively); the majority of events were mild or moderate in severity and all were resolved with treatment.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin led to long‐term reductions in HbA1c and body weight in adults with T1D, but increased DKA risk compared with placebo.
Oral health for achieving longevity
Authors: Watanabe Yutaka , Okada Kazutaka , Kondo Miyako , Matsushita Takae , Nakazawa Seitaro , Yamazaki Yutaka
Published: April 2020

Oral frailty is defined as a decrease in oral function accompanied by a decrease in mental and physical functions. Studies showing that people with oral frailty are at high risk of physical frailty, sarcopenia, severe conditions requiring nursing care and death have been reported in Japan. An increase in life expectancy and maintenance of teeth result in a decrease in the effect of the number of teeth. In contrast, a decrease in oral function as a result of aging has been suggested to have major effects on dysfunction and mortality risk. The present report is a narrative review of major clinical studies on the relationships of the number of teeth, dentures, occlusion and oral function with longevity, with the aim of providing information for future studies centered on oral function in Japan or overseas. This review clearly shows the relationships of the number of teeth, dentures, and occlusion with health and longevity. Recent studies have shown that, besides maintenance of the number of teeth, attempting to maintain or increase oral function, having a good diet and maintaining nutritional status are all linked to general health. Decreased oral function is a major risk factor for developing malnutrition and sarcopenia. Oral frailty, a new concept that has been recently introduced in Japan, is considered to have major effects on dental and oral health policies in Japan, in the old‐age group, and is expected to be reflected in the dental and oral health policies of various countries, as they also predict increased life expectancies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
The UK haemophilia specialist nurse: Competencies fit for practice in the 21st century
Authors: Pollard Debra , Harrison Catherine , Dodgson Sandra , Holland Mike , Khair Kate
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Nurses play a central co‐ordinating role in delivering comprehensive care for people with haemophilia and allied bleeding disorders, for which they need a broad range of competencies. The UK Haemophilia Nurses Association (HNA) published a role description in 1994 which was developed into a competency framework in 2014. This has now been updated to reflect current educational and clinical practice.

Aim

To summarize the evidence supporting the nurse's advanced role within haemophilia care and develop new competencies to deliver comprehensive care within a multidisciplinary team.

Methods

Systematic reviews were identified by PubMed literature search. The HNA conducted workshops to consult its membership, and the authors incorporated this input to update its competency framework within the structure outlined by Health Education England in multiprofessional framework for advanced clinical practice in England (2017).

Results

The proposed framework includes five domains (Clinical knowledge, Clinical/direct care, Communication and support, Collaborative practice and Research) supported by indicators for four levels of practice (beginner, competent, proficient and expert). The framework is a tool which nurses and their managers can use to assess skills and knowledge, and identify learning needs appropriate to personal development and improve patient care and outcomes.

Conclusion

The HNA has developed a new competency framework to provide a strong foundation for haemophilia specialist nurses to continue improving services for people living with bleeding disorders and their families, as well as supporting personal development alongside new therapeutic options, models of care and follow‐up.
Comparative analysis of liver functional reserve during lenvatinib and sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Takata Noboru , Toyama Tadashi , Shimakami Tetsuro , Takatori Hajime , Arai Kuniaki , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Kitamura Kazuya , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: April 2020

Aim

Most patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have underlying chronic liver disease, which potentially deteriorated the liver functional reserve that often affects the patients' clinical course. We investigated and compared the changes in liver functional reserve during lenvatinib or sorafenib therapy in patients with advanced HCC.

Methods

We prospectively collected medical information about patients with advanced HCC with a Child–Pugh score of 5–7 to compare the liver functional reserve during treatment in those who were treated with lenvatinib or sorafenib. We also evaluated the effect of the change in the liver functional reserve on patients' outcome. Moreover, we analyzed the contributing factors for maintaining the liver functional reserve during treatment.

Results

Patients were treated with lenvatinib (n = 45) or sorafenib (n = 157). Forty‐five patients in the lenvatinib group and 135 patients in the sorafenib group were selected through a propensity score matching analysis. More patients treated with lenvatinib had a Child–Pugh score that was maintained or improved after 4 and 12 weeks compared with those treated with sorafenib (P = 0.048, P = 0.036, respectively). Lenvatinib was identified as one of the variables that was associated with maintaining Child–Pugh scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a worsened Child–Pugh score after 4 weeks was an independent unfavorable predictive factor for overall survival.

Conclusions

More patients treated with lenvatinib for advanced HCC maintained their liver functional reserves compared with those treated with sorafenib. Maintaining the liver functional reserve contributed to better outcomes for patients with advanced HCC.
Effect of synthetic microbial community on nutraceutical and sensory qualities of kombucha
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Liming , Qi Libo , Liang Huipeng , Lin Xinping , Li Shengjie , Yu Chenxu , Ji Chaofan
Published: April 2020

To mass‐produce nutritional kombucha with quality consistency, it is necessary to design synthetic microbial community (SMC) starters with clear bacterial compositions. In this study, a three‐species SMC, including Acetobacter pasteurianus, Gluconacetobacter xylinus and Zygosaccharomyces bailii, was designed. Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) in SMC produced a higher concentration of organic acids synergistically compared to each strain inoculated alone. Gluconic acid was the most abundant organic acid in kombucha fermented by SMC, which contributed to the pleasant sour taste of the beverage. AAB could also oxidise the alcohol produced by Z. bailii, making kombucha a soft beverage. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations increased during fermentation, which enhanced the health benefits of kombucha. The sensory evaluation demonstrated tsshat sensory attributes of SMC fermented kombucha were quite similar to those fermented by the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Therefore, SMC could be utilised in the industrial mass production of kombucha for better quality control and product consistency.
Characterisation of oleoresins extracted from tomato waste by liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Romano Raffaele , Aiello Alessandra , Pizzolongo Fabiana , Rispoli Andrea , De Luca Lucia , Masi Paolo
Published: April 2020

Tomato waste is characterised by high amounts of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, polyphenols and essential fatty acids. In this work, oleoresins were produced from tomato waste (skins + seeds) and skins using carbon dioxide under liquid and supercritical conditions. The use of ethanol as a co‐solvent was also evaluated. Compositions of the oleoresins were analysed and compared to oleoresin obtained by means of an organic solvent, which was used as the control. Oleoresin extraction from the waste by liquid and supercritical CO2 provided the highest yields (12.5%–12.9%). The extracts obtained from the skins with supercritical CO2 without ethanol had the highest content of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols (80 and 575 mg/100 g oleoresin, respectively), while lycopene and β‐carotene were found at 205 and 75 mg/100 g oleoresin, respectively. The highest quantity of polyphenols (9305 mg GAE/100 g oleoresin) was found in the oleoresin extracted from skin by supercritical CO2 with ethanol. All oleoresins were characterised by a high antioxidant activity, which improved with the synergy of carotenoids, tocopherols and polyphenols.
Development of a cancer-themed escape room learning activity for undergraduate pharmacy students
Authors: Wilby Kyle John , Kremer Lisa J
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a cancer-themed escape room as a learning activity for pharmacy students.

Methods

A cancer-themed escape room was developed with four activities linked to patient assessment, communication, therapeutics and calculations. Twenty-six groups of six students challenged the escape room. Outcomes included student performance measures and resources required. A SWOC (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges) analysis was also conducted.

Results

A total of 20 student groups (77%) successfully escaped. The average escape time was 22 min. The SWOC analysis identified strengths of student engagement, opportunities for expansion, weaknesses related to student preparation, and some logistical challenges.

Conclusion

A cancer-themed escape room is a viable learning tool for pharmacy students.
Depletion of langerin+ cells enhances cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Rajesh Aarthi , Stuart Gabriella , Real Nicola , Ahn Jenny , Tschirley Allison , Wise Lyn , Hibma Merilyn
Published: April 2020

Langerin is a C‐type lectin receptor that is expressed on Langerhans cells and langerin‐positive dermal dendritic cells in the skin. Little is known about the function of langerin+ cells in wound healing. In this study, the effects of ablation of langerin+ cells on healing of a full‐thickness excision wound were investigated using the langerin‐DTR depletable mouse. Strikingly, depletion of langerin+ cells resulted in more rapid reduction in wound area. Accelerated wound healing in the langerin+‐cell‐depleted group was characterized by enhanced neo‐epidermis and granulation tissue formation, and increased cellular proliferation within the newly formed tissues. Accelerated healing in the absence of langerin+ cells was associated with increased levels of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, F4/80+ cells and blood vessels within the granulation tissue. These data support an inhibitory role for langerin+ cells during wound healing. Therapies that suppress langerin+ cells or their function may therefore have utility in progressing the healing of wounds in humans.
Drought priming effects on alleviating the photosynthetic limitations of wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) with contrasting tolerance to abiotic stresses
Authors: Mendanha Thayna , Rosenqvist Eva , Nordentoft Hyldgaard Benita , Doonan John H. , Ottosen Carl‐Otto
Published: April 2020

Abiotic stress tolerance in plants is said to be induced by pre‐stress events (priming) during the vegetative phase. We aimed to test whether drought priming could improve the heat and drought tolerance in wheat cultivars. Two wheat cultivars “Gladius” and “Paragon” were grown in a fully controlled gravimetric platform and subjected to either no stress or two drought cycles during the tillering stage. At anthesis, both batches were either subjected to high temperature stress, drought stress or kept as control. No alleviation of grain yield reduction due to priming was observed. Higher CO2 assimilation rates were achieved due to priming under drought stress. Yield results showed that priming was not damage cumulative to wheat. Priming was responsible to alleviated biochemical photosynthetic limitations under drought stress and sustained photochemical utilization under heat stress in “Paragon.” Priming as a strategy in abiotic stress alleviation was better evidenced in the stress susceptible cultivar “Paragon” than tolerant cultivar “Gladius”; therefore, the type of response to priming appears to be cultivar dependable, and thus phenotypical variation should be expected when studying the effects of abiotic priming.
Limited contribution of water availability in genotype‐by‐environment interaction in sugarcane yield and yield components
Authors: Natarajan Sijesh , Basnayake Jaya , Lakshmanan Prakash , Fukai Shu
Published: April 2020

Water deficit is an important abiotic stress factor limiting sugarcane production. Understanding the effect of water deficit on cane yield, yield components and genotype × environment (G × E) interaction can aid in selecting genotypes that are adapted to water deficit conditions. In this study, response of cane yield and yield components of 10 sugarcane genotypes grown under 3 irrigation treatments—fully irrigated, semi‐irrigated and rainfed—was examined across 3 locations and 3 crop‐years within each location. Cane yield reduced by 32% and 9% in the rainfed and semi‐irrigated treatments, respectively, compared to the fully irrigated treatment. Genotypic variation was highly significant for cane yield and yield components in all three irrigation regimes. Cane yield in the rainfed treatment showed significant genetic correlation with stalk diameter (rg = 0.68), leaf number (rg = 0.64), node number (rg = 0.67) and stalk number (rg = 0.68). Genotype × irrigation variance was negligible compared to genotype, genotype × location and genotype × crop‐year variances. Commercial genotypes had higher yield in most environments except in low‐yield potential environments, which caused a significant genotype × location × irrigation effect, suggesting opportunities for improving sugarcane productivity in these environments.
Exploring the nature and correlates of caregiving among parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Rios Kristina , Aleman‐Tovar Janeth , Lee Chung eun , Arnold Catherine K. , Owen Aleksa
Published: April 2020

Background

As adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have longer lives, parents may remain caregivers into old age. In addition, it is unknown who will fulfil caregiving roles after parents are no longer able to be caregivers. In the current study, we explored the nature (e.g. number of hours of caregiving) and correlates of parental caregiving for their adult offspring with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their future caregiving plans.

Method

In the United States, data were collected from 334 parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities via a national survey.

Results

Altogether, 55% of the sample spent more than 15 hr conducting caregiving per week. Individual characteristics (e.g. maladaptive behaviour and functional abilities) and parent characteristics (e.g. physical proximity of the adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities and caregiving ability) positively correlated with caregiving hours. Notably, 38.58% of participants were unsure who would fulfil caregiving roles.

Conclusion

Implications for research about caregiving and practice are discussed.
Molecular mechanisms involved in high glucose‐induced valve calcification in a 3D valve model with human valvular cells
Authors: Vadana Mihaela , Cecoltan Sergiu , Ciortan Letitia , Macarie Razvan D. , Tucureanu Monica M. , Mihaila Andreea C. , Droc Ionel , Butoi Elena , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: April 2020

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)—the most common valvular heart disease—is accelerated in diabetes and has no pharmacotherapy. Although it is known that early CAVD is associated with inflammation and osteogenesis, the molecular mechanisms involved in diabetes‐associated CAVD still need to be uncovered. In this context, we have developed a 3D construct based on gelatin populated with human valvular endothelial cells (VEC) and valvular interstitial cells (VIC) and evaluated the effect of high glucose (HG) concentration on osteogenic molecules expression and on calcification mechanisms. First, we characterized the 3D model and assessed VIC remodelling properties at different time‐points. Then, we exposed it to normal glucose (NG) or high glucose (HG) for 7, 14 and 21 days after which the cells were isolated, separated and investigated individually. Our results showed that encapsulated VIC actively remodel the hydrogel, as demonstrated by an increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Moreover, exposure of the construct to HG triggered bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and TGF‐β signalling pathways, up‐regulating expression of osteogenic molecules—BMP‐2/‐4, osteocalcin, osteopontin, SMADs and Runt‐related transcription factor (Runx‐2)—and increased calcium deposits in an osteogenic environment. These findings underline the potential of the developed 3D model as a suitable system to investigate the mechanisms of human CAVD and may help to better understand the calcification mechanisms in CAVD associated to diabetes.
Loss of AKR1C1 is a good prognostic factor in advanced NPC cases and increases chemosensitivity to cisplatin in NPC cells
Authors: Zhou Chen , Shen Guowen , Yang Fan , Duan Jingling , Wu Zhen , Yang Mingqing , Liu Yi , Du Xueli , Zhang Xiaoling , Xiao Shengjun
Published: April 2020

Cisplatin resistance is one of the main obstacles in the treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). AKR1C1 is a member of the Aldo‐keto reductase superfamily (AKRs), which converts aldehydes and ketones to their corresponding alcohols and has been reported to be involved in chemotherapeutic resistance of multiple drugs. The expression and function of AKR1C1 in NPC have not been reported until now. The aim of this research was to investigate the expression of AKR1C1 and it is role in cisplatin resistance in NPC. AKR1C1 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in human NPC tissues and by Western blot assays in NPC and immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. The effects of AKR1C1 knock‐down by siRNA on proliferation, migration and invasion in NPC cells were evaluated by CCK8, wound healing and transwell assays. To evaluate the effects of AKR1C1 silencing on cisplatin sensitivity in NPC cells, CCK8 assays were used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution, and flow cytometry and DAPI staining were used to detect cell apoptosis. AKR1C1 down‐regulation was associated with advanced clinicopathological characters such as larger tumor size, more lymphatic nodes involvement, with metastasis and later clinical stages, while AKR1C1 down‐regulation was a good prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in NPC patients. In vitro study showed that AKR1C1 was not directly involved in the malignant biological behaviours such as proliferation, cell cycle progression and migration of NPC cells, whereas AKR1C1 knock‐down could enhance cisplatin sensitivity of NPC cells. These results suggest that AKR1C1 is a potential marker for predicting cisplatin response and could serve as a molecular target to increase cisplatin sensitivity in NPC.
Delusions of grandeur: Seed count is not a good fitness proxy under individual variation in phenology
Authors: Wen Lina , Simons Andrew M.
Published: April 2020

The concept of fitness is central to evolutionary biology, yet it is difficult to define and to measure. In plant biology, fitness is often measured as seed count. However, under an array of circumstances, seed count may be a biased proxy of fitness, for example when individuals vary in allocation to sexual versus asexual reproduction. A more subtle example, but also likely to be important in natural populations, is when interindividual variation in conditions during development results in variation in offspring quality among seed parents. In monocarpic (semelparous) plants, this is expected to result from variation in effective season length experienced among individuals that reach reproductive maturity at different times. Here, we manipulate growing season length to ask whether seed count is an accurate representation of parental fitness in the monocarpic herb Lobelia inflata. Simple seed count suggests a paradoxical fitness advantage under constrained‐season length. However, we find that the apparent fitness advantage of a constrained‐season length is overridden by low relative per‐seed fitness. Furthermore, the fitness deficit in the constrained environment is associated primarily with an accelerating decrease in viability and seedling survival in seeds derived from fruits produced progressively later in the season. In this study, the overall fitness value of a seed under a constrained season is 0.774 of that observed under a long season.
A province wide review of transition practices for young adult patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Williams Sarah , Shulman Rayzel , Allwood Newhook Leigh Anne , Power Heather , Guttmann Astrid , Smith Sharon , Knight John , Chafe Roger
Published: April 2020

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

Many studies on the transition from paediatric to adult care focus on practices within a single institution or program. We examine the transition for young adults with type 1 diabetes across an entire Canadian province with a small, mostly rural population and high rates of type 1 diabetes: Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Our aim is to determine how transition is occurring across the jurisdiction and identify methods for improving clinical services for paediatric patients with a chronic condition during their move into adult care.

Methods

A provincial diabetes database and hospital admission data were reviewed for a cohort of young adults with type 1 diabetes who transitioned into adult care. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with paediatric and adult diabetes providers.

Results

Between 2008 and 2013, 93 patients with type 1 diabetes transitioned into adult care. Rates of diabetes‐related hospitalizations increased from 15.6/100 person‐years in the 3 years before their 18th birthday to 16.7/100 person‐years in the three‐year period after. Between 2017 and 2019, 15 interviews were conducted across the province's four regional health authorities. Various models of transition care are being employed, reflecting staff and resource availability in different centres. While no formal transition program was identified in either region, some providers, particularly in rural areas, reported being comfortable with their current transition practices. Suggested improvements included more structured processes, shared educational resources, expanding the role played by primary care physicians, and a dedicated transfer clinic.

Conclusions

We found different approaches for transitioning patients with diabetes into adult care across NL. Yet this variation may not negatively impact patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas. The approach we employed of combining reviews of administration data with a detailed analysis of current processes could be employed in other jurisdictions to identify appropriate quality improvement initiatives.
Nanoferulic: From a by‐product of the beer industry toward the regeneration of the skin
Authors: Bucci Paula Lorena , Santos María Victoria , Montanari Jorge , Zaritzky Noemi
Published: April 2020

Background

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is one of the most abundant by‐products of the beer industry and causes serious environmental problems. Ferulic acid (FA) is an antioxidant with potential cosmeceutical applications. FA was extracted from BSG, developing a method of high extraction performance in order to be encapsulated in ultradeformable liposomes (Nanoferulic, NF).

Aims

To obtain a product with high added value such as FA, from a residue currently underused, using simple and economical chemical methods. To load FA into a nanosystem designed for the topical route, its encapsulation has the purpose to take profit from its photoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in the deep layers of the skin.

Methods

Ferulic acid was obtained from dried BSG using acid and basic treatments in series. NF was prepared by lipid film resuspension of a solution containing FA obtained from BSG. Size and Z‐potential were determined. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro. Skin penetration was assessed by NF determination at different skin depths and by confocal microscopy.

Results

The yield of the extraction process was 0.43% on a dry basis. Encapsulation rendered liposomes of around 140 nm with 92% of encapsulation efficiency. No toxicity was observed in all the tested concentrations. Successful results were obtained from the regeneration studies.

Conclusions

It was possible to develop a nanosystem containing FA, generating a high‐value commercial input for the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry. The use of BSG generated in industrial scale would help to reduce the volume of highly polluting waste.
Sterility and cost of gloves during Mohs micrographic surgery: Sterile or peril?
Authors: Wang Jordan V. , Murgia Robert D. , Jhawar Nikita , Rohrer Thomas , Saedi Nazanin
Published: April 2020

In recent years, the focus in the field of health care has shifted toward cost‐saving strategies without the sacrifice of patient safety and clinical outcomes. Therefore, we decided to look into the use of nonsterile gloves and sterile gloves during Mohs micrographic surgery. This practice varies widely between Mohs surgeons. However, studies have shown no differences in infection rates. Here, we review the pertinent studies and also combine the data to offer readers an overall financial analysis.
Labor force diversity and firm survival
Authors: Backman Mikaela , Kohlhase Janet E.
Published: April 2020

We analyze the influence that the diversity of individuals, both within a firm and in the region where the firm is located, has on firm survival. We estimate a hazard model using microdata for Swedish firms for the years 2002–2013. Results show that firm‐specific diversity in education, age, and gender are positively associated with firm survival. However, firm‐specific diversity by place of origin is negatively associated with firm survival. Yet the cultural diversity among the inhabitants in the region where the firm is located enhances firm survival. Magnitudes of the effects vary by region and industrial sector.
Quality appraisal of economic evaluations done on oral health preventive programs‐A systematic review
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Ravisankar Gayatri , Zaror Carlos
Published: April 2020

Objectives

If economic evaluations are to be used by decision makers, such evidence has to be robust so that the relevant policy maker use them. This study was undertaken with the purpose of identifying economic evaluations done on oral health preventive programs and to assess the standard of economic evidence in this field.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using four major electronic databases in order to search for economic evaluations done on oral health preventive programs. This included economic evaluations that were published between January 1975 and May 2018 on preventive interventions for periodontal disease, oral cancer screening, and other common oral health conditions. To avoid duplications with previous studies, for dental caries interventions, this review included studies from April 2012 and May 2018. “Guidance to undertaking reviews in health care,” developed by York University, was used to assess the quality of reporting in the evaluations, using which strengths and shortcomings were identified.

Results

A total of 2026 records were initially found. After title and abstract screening, and elimination by full text review, 33 relevant economic evaluations were identified. Majority of the economic evaluations included were conducted on dental caries prevention; a few were done on oral cancer screening, periodontal disease, and general preventive dentistry (health promotion, oral hygiene etc.).

Conclusions

In comparison to the findings observed in previous reviews, there has been improvements in the quality of reporting in economic evaluations. Several areas still in need for improve were identified (e.g., productivity costs, currency and prices, and generalizability issues).
Environment and evolutionary history depict phylogenetic alpha and beta diversity in the Atlantic coastal white‐sand woodlands
Authors: Massante Jhonny Capichoni , Gerhold Pille
Published: April 2020

Questions

How do ecological and evolutionary processes affect the phylogenetic alpha and beta diversity of angiosperm tree assemblages in an evolutionarily young coastal environment?

Location

Coastal vegetation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Domain (restingas), spanning 20° of latitude.

Methods

We calculated phylogenetic alpha and beta diversity at deep and shallow levels for angiosperm tree species in 136 circular sites of 10 km diameter (hereafter assemblages). The metrics we used for alpha diversity were the mean pairwise distance (MPD) and mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD), and mean pairwise distance separating species in two assemblages (Dpw) and mean nearest taxon distance separating species in two assemblages (Dnn) for beta diversity. We then investigated the relationship between phylogenetic diversity, historical (Quaternary) and current climatic variables, and edaphic conditions along the latitudinal gradient.

Results

We found that MPD increased with precipitation and latitude. MNTD increased with modern‐day temperature, historical temperature instability and precipitation, and it was higher in more fertile and less saline soils. Dpw did not correlate either with geographic or environmental distances between assemblages. However, Dnn was strongly correlated with both geographic and environmental distances between assemblages.

Conclusions

The increase in MPD with precipitation and latitude suggests the presence of old Gondwanan lineages colonising restingas from refugia at higher latitudes. The increase in MNTD with modern‐day temperature, historical temperature instability, precipitation, and it being higher in more fertile and less saline soils indicates that the distance between phylogenetic closest relatives tends to increase in assemblages less affected by environmental filtering. Low Dpw suggests the presence of widespread lineages across restingas, whereas high Dnn may indicate niche conservatism and dispersal limitation of more derived lineages. Our results offer insights into how ecological and evolutionary processes act to shape current patterns of biodiversity in geologically young environments.
Background Characteristics and Oral Proficiency Development Over Time in Lower‐Division College Foreign Language Programs
Authors: Zhang Xiaowan , Winke Paula , Clark Shaunna
Published: April 2020

Answering calls to map college‐level proficiency development (Modern Language Association, 2007) and longitudinally chart language learning (Barkaoui, 2014; Ortega & Byrnes, 2008), we mapped the oral proficiency growth of 1,922 lower‐division college students of Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish (in the second, third, or fourth semester of their programs), using the Oral Proficiency Interview–computer (OPIc). We recorded students’ gender, heritage‐learner status, high school language experience, interest in learning the target language, perceived importance of speaking, and outside‐of‐class second language (L2) contact, in order to differentiate growth. Latent growth curve analyses showed that learners’ oral proficiency progressed at an average rate of one sublevel per year on the scale of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (2012), following a nonlinear developmental path that was mildly accelerating over time. Students’ proficiency development had a significant relationship with the language being learned, heritage‐learner status, high school language experience, interest in learning, and perceived importance of speaking. No unique effects were found for gender or out‐of‐class L2 contact.
Spatio‐temporal variability of benthic macroalgae in a coral reef system highly influenced by fluvial discharge: Veracruz, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Horta‐Puga Guillermo , Tello‐Musi José Luis , Córdova Alejandro , Gutiérrez‐Carrillo Adriana , Gutiérrez-Martínez Jhoan , Morales‐Aranda Aura Aletse
Published: April 2020

The Veracruz Reef System, in the southern Gulf of Mexico, is a suitable area for the study of the temporal and spatial variability of macroalgae abundance, at reef settings influenced by the fluvial discharge of the Jamapa River, and by human activities in the city and port of Veracruz. With this purpose, the bottom cover of each morpho‐functional group of benthic macroalgae (frondoses, turf, and crustose corallines), and hermatypic corals, was determined at ten selected coral reefs, on a seasonal basis (rainy and dry seasons), for the 2009–2015 period. The average cover of benthic macroalgae was high (53.1%), with turf as the dominant morpho‐functional group (31.9%), as in several reef ecosystems in the tropical Atlantic, followed by crustose corallines (15.2%), and frondoses (6.1%). Although turf macroalgae is dominant, due to their high temporal and spatial variability, the Veracruz Reef System could not be considered to be in a stable state, but just in an intermediate unstable equilibrium state, which is highly influenced by a high sediment load. As expected, nearshore reefs presented higher macroalgae covers, and unexpectedly, the outer‐shelf reefs presented the highest cover of frondoses. Despite fluvial discharge influence, no differences in cover were found between the rainy and dry seasons. There was a negative and significantly correlation between the cover of frondoses and turf, which suggests that the driver/s of the abundance of these macroalgae, act in opposite ways for each group. Three clusters of reefs, defined by community structure and conservation degree, were determined: nearshore or degraded, offshore or moderately conserved, and conserved; and the entire Veracruz Reef System is considered to be in a moderately state of conservation.
Distribution, status, and recent population dynamics of Alpine ibex Capra ibex in Europe
Authors: Brambilla Alice , Von Hardenberg Achaz , Nelli Luca , Bassano Bruno
Published: April 2020

Despite its recent successful and well‐documented reintroduction history, a comprehensive and current update of the distribution and status of the Alpine ibex Capra ibex is lacking. As some concerns persist about its conservation, a status update appears essential for future conservation and management strategies on a large scale.

We provide an exhaustive update of the geographic range of the species, alongside estimates of its current abundance and population trends from 2004 to 2015.

We gathered census and distribution data for all the Alpine ibex colonies from management authorities and research groups that monitor them in different countries, and from the literature and publicly available reports. We produced a distribution map, reported the number of individuals observed in the most recent censuses, and estimated global, national, and local population trends using Bayesian hierarchical models.

Our model estimated that there were a total of 55297 Alpine ibex in the Alps in 2015 (lower 95% credible interval [CrI]: 51157; upper 95% CrI: 62710). The total number of individuals appears to have increased slightly over the last 10 years from the 47000‐51000 estimated in previous reports. Positive population trends were observed in Switzerland and Italy, while no trend was apparent in France. For Austria, Germany, and Slovenia, there were insufficient data to estimate a trend. The slopes of the colonies’ trends were positively correlated with the year of colony foundation.

The geographic range of the Alpine ibex does not seem to have increased in size in recent years, although the accuracy of the spatial data varies among countries.

The periodic and standardised collection of census data for all colonies and a common policy of data sharing at a European level appear essential for monitoring the global trend of this species and for planning balanced conservation and management actions.
Incremental melting in the ureilite parent body: Initial composition, melting temperatures, and melt compositions
Authors: Collinet Max , Grove Timothy L.
Published: April 2020

Ureilites are carbon‐rich ultramafic achondrites that have been heated above the silicate solidus, do not contain plagioclase, and represent the melting residues of an unknown planetesimal (i.e., the ureilite parent body, UPB). Melting residues identical to pigeonite‐olivine ureilites (representing 80% of ureilites) have been produced in batch melting experiments of chondritic materials not depleted in alkali elements relative to the Sun’s photosphere (e.g., CI, H, LL chondrites), but only in a relatively narrow range of temperature (1120 ºC–1180 ºC). However, many ureilites are thought to have formed at higher temperature (1200 ºC–1280 ºC). New experiments, described in this study, show that pigeonite can persist at higher temperature (up to 1280 ºC) when CI and LL chondrites are melted incrementally and while partial melts are progressively extracted. The melt productivity decreases dramatically after the exhaustion of plagioclase with only 5–9 wt% melt being generated between 1120 ºC and 1280 ºC. The relative proportion of pyroxene and olivine in experiments is compared to 12 ureilites, analyzed for this study, together with ureilites described in the literature to constrain the initial Mg/Si ratio of the UPB (0.98–1.05). Experiments are also used to develop a new thermometer based on the partitioning of Cr between olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene that is applicable to all ureilites. The equilibration temperature of ureilites increases with decreasing Al2O3and Wo contents of pyroxene and decreasing bulk REE concentrations. The UPB melted incrementally, at differentfO2, and did not cool significantly (0 ºC–30 ºC) prior to its disruption. It remained isotopically heterogenous, but the initial concentration of major elements (SiO2, MgO, CaO, Al2O3, alkali elements) was similar in the different mantle reservoirs.
Genes acting in synapses and neuron projections are early targets of selection during urban colonization
Authors: Mueller Jakob C. , Carrete Martina , Boerno Stefan , Kuhl Heiner , Tella José L. , Kempenaers Bart
Published: April 2020

When a species colonizes an urban habitat, differences in the environment can create novel selection pressures. Successful colonization will further lead to demographic perturbations and genetic drift, which can interfere with selection. Here, we test for consistent urban selection signals in multiple populations of the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), a species that colonized South American cities just a few decades ago. We sequenced 213 owls from three urban‐rural population pairs and performed a genome‐wide comparison of urban against rural birds. We further studied genome‐wide associations with flight initiation distance, a measure of harm avoidance in which urban and rural birds are known to differ. Based on four samples taken over nine years from one of the urban populations, we investigated temporal allele frequency changes. The genomic data were also used to identify urban‐specific signatures of selective sweeps. Single genomic sites did not reach genome‐wide significance for any association. However, a gene‐set analysis on the strongest signals from these four selection scans suggests a significant enrichment of genes with known functions related to synapses and neuron projections. We identified 98 genes predominantly expressed in the brain, of which many may play a role in the modulation of brain connectivity and consequently in cognitive function and motivational behaviour during urbanization. Furthermore, polymorphisms in the promoter region of the synaptic SERT gene – one of the two candidates known to correlate with urban colonization in birds – associated with the habitat in which individuals lived (urban vs. rural).
Lipoteichoic acid of Enterococcus faecalis interferes with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide signaling via IRAK‐M upregulation in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Im Jintaek , Baik Jung Eun , Lee Dongwook , Kum Kee‐Yeon , Yun Cheol‐Heui , Park Ok‐Jin , Han Seung Hyun
Published: April 2020

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum caused by infection with multispecies oral bacteria. Since the periodontopathic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis together with Enterococcus faecalis are frequently detected in patients with a severe form of periodontitis, interactions between their virulence factors might play an important role in progression of the disease. P. gingivalis and E. faecalis possess lipopolysaccharide (Pg.LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (Ef.LTA), respectively, as the major virulence factors inducing inflammatory responses. However, the combinatorial effect of these virulence factors on chemokine expression was poorly understood. Here, we examined the interaction between Ef.LTA and Pg.LPS on IL‐8 induction in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Pg.LPS, but not Ef.LTA, induced IL‐8 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, which was suppressed in the presence of Ef.LTA. Although Ef.LTA and Pg.LPS could stimulate Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), Ef.LTA did not interfere with Pg.LPS induced‐TLR2 activation. However, Ef.LTA decreased Pg.LPS‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 kinase. Furthermore, Ef.LTA suppressed Pg.LPS‐induced IL‐8 promoter activity as well as AP‐1, NF‐IL6 and NF‐κB transcription factors, which are indispensable for IL‐8 expression. Interestingly, Ef.LTA enhanced only IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase‐M (IRAK‐M) expression among the tested negative regulators of TLR intracellular signaling cascades in the presence of Pg.LPS. In addition, silencing IRAK‐M restored the decreased IL‐8 expression by Ef.LTA in the presence of Pg.LPS. Collectively, these results suggest that Ef.LTA inhibits Pg.LPS‐induced IL‐8 expression in human PDL cells via inducing the expression of a negative regulator of TLR signaling cascades, IRAK‐M.