bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementing filling material removal with XP‐Endo Finisher R or R1‐Clearsonic ultrasonic insert during retreatment of oval canals from contralateral teeth
Authors: Tavares Sandro J.O. , Gomes Cinthya C. , Marceliano‐Alves Marília F. , Guimarães Ludmila C. , Provenzano José C. , Amoroso‐Silva Pablo , Machado André G. , Siqueira Jr José F. , Alves Flávio R.F.
Published: October 2020

This study compared the efficacy of XP‐Endo Finisher R and R1‐Clearsonic insert in removing filling material remnants from oval canals. Twelve pairs of contralateral premolars were treated and subsequently retreated with Reciproc 50. A supplementary procedure with XP‐Endo Finisher R or R1‐Clearsonic was performed. Micro‐computed tomography was used to quantify the filling material volume in the full canal and apical segment lengths. Intragroup analyses revealed significant reduction of filling material after both procedures, not only in the full canal but also in the apical segment (P < 0.05). The amount of filling material removed with XP‐Endo Finisher R and R1‐Clearsonic was 47.9% and 52.2% in the apical segment (P > 0.05), and 82.1% and 64.6% in the full canal (P < 0.05). None of the instruments was effective in completely removing the filling material from the apical canal, but better results were obtained with XP‐Endo Finisher R in the total canal length.
“Follow the Tree Flowers”: Fugitive Mapping in Beloved
Authors: Kelley Elleza
Published: October 2020

This article attempts to analyse mapping practices at the intersection of geography, black studies and literary studies, in order to reassess the political and pedagogical possibilities of mapping under late capitalism. I turn to Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved to track black cartographic practices otherwise obscured or, as Katherine McKittrick writes, “rendered ungeographic”. The novel offers a hidden and unauthorised archive for the often clandestine geographic practices that make possible fugitivity from the mechanics of “slaveholding agro‐capitalism” and its ongoing legacy. As an unofficial archive of black geographic practice, Morrison’s novel might itself be thought of as a map: a contemporary mode of memorialising the depth of place, relation, and navigation—a depth no two‐dimensional map can accommodate. Finally, this article demonstrates the valuable interventions that black studies and black creative production can make within the subfields of critical cartography and critical geography.
Vitamin D insufficiency among Danish pregnant women—Prevalence and association with adverse obstetric outcomes and placental vitamin D metabolism
Authors: Vestergaard Anna Louise , Justesen Signe , Volqvartz Tabia , Aagaard Sissel K. , Andreasen Mette F. , Lesnikova Iana , Uldbjerg Niels , Larsen Agnete , Bor Pinar
Published: October 2020

Introduction

In pregnancy, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. The underlying mechanisms are not known, but placental dysfunction is believed to play a role. In a Danish population, where health authorities recommend a 10 µg/day vitamin D supplement during pregnancy, we explored current use of vitamin D supplements and vitamin D status. In term placentas, alterations in vitamin D metabolism and placental growth, evaluated by the key placental growth factor pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), and their relation to vitamin D insufficiency were investigated.

Material and methods

We included 225 randomly selected pregnant women attending a nuchal translucency scan at gestational weeks 11‐14. Information on use of vitamin D supplements and body mass index (BMI) at inclusion was obtained using self‐reported questionnaires. Plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was measured at inclusion and correlated with pregnancy outcomes and placental biology, as judged by expression of PAPP‐A and enzymes involved in vitamin D metabolism (CYP24A1, CYP27B1) in term placentas.

Results

Vitamin D supplements were used by 92% of the women, but 42% were vitamin D insufficient (plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D <75 nmol/L). Eleven women with singleton pregnancies developed fetal growth restriction or preeclampsia. In this small subset, first‐trimester mean plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was lower in women who developed fetal growth restriction (43 ± 33nmol/L; n = 3; P = .006) and there was a tendency towards lower plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D among women who developed preeclampsia (65 ± 19 nmol/L; n = 8; P = .08) in third trimester compared with uncomplicated pregnancies (79 ± 22 nmol/L; n = 187). In term placentas, PAPP‐A expression was lower among participants with first‐trimester vitamin D insufficiency (P = .009; n = 30) but no correlation was found between plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and mRNA expression of CYP24A1 (P = .67) and CYP27B1 (P = .34). BMI was negatively correlated with plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (P = .03) and positively correlated with placental mRNA expression of CYP24A1 (P = .003; n = 30).

Conclusions

Despite high compliance with official guidelines regarding vitamin D supplements, vitamin D insufficiency was frequent and the findings indicate that vitamin D insufficiency may affect placental growth. High BMI was associated with vitamin D insufficiency and increased placental vitamin D turnover, but further investigations are needed.
Patient‐specific in vitro testing for evaluating TAVR clinical performance—A complementary approach to current ISO standard testing
Authors: Kovarovic Brandon J. , Rotman Oren M. , Parikh Puja , Slepian Marvin J. , Bluestein Danny
Published: October 2020

Following in vitro tests established for surgical prosthetic heart valves, transcatheter aortic valves (TAV) are similarly tested in idealized geometries—excluding effects that may hamper TAVR performance in situ. Testing in vitro in pulse duplicator systems that incorporated patient‐specific replicas would enhance the testing veracity by bringing it closer to the clinical scenario. To that end we compare TAV hemodynamic performance tested in idealized geometries according to the ISO standard (baseline performance) to that obtained by testing the TAVs following deployment in patient‐specific replicas. Balloon‐expandable (n = 2) and self‐expandable (n = 3) TAVs were tested in an idealized geometry in mock‐circulation system (following ISO 5840‐3 guidelines) and compared to the measurements in a dedicated mock‐circulation system adapted for the five patient‐specific replicas. Patient‐specific deployments resulted in a decline in performance as compared to the baseline idealized testing, as well as a variation in performance that depended on the design features of each device that was further correlated with the radial expansion and eccentricity of the deployed TAV stent (obtained with CT‐scans of the deployed valves). By excluding the deployment effects in irregular geometries, the current idealized ISO testing is limited to characterize the baseline device performance. Utilizing patient‐specific anatomic contours provides performance indicators under more stringent conditions likely encountered in vivo. It has the potential to enhance testing and development complementary to the ISO standard, for improved TAV safety and effectiveness.
Laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty—Surgical procedures and outcomes: A literature review
Authors: Ishimaru Tetsuya , Kawashima Hiroshi , Hayashi Kentaro , Omata Kanako , Sanmoto Yohei , Inoue Maho
Published: October 2020

Anorectal malformation includes various types of anomalies. The goal of definitive surgery is achievement of fecal continence. Twenty years have passed since laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) was reported by Georgeson. Since LAARP is gaining popularity, its long‐term outcomes should be evaluated. Presently, there is no evidence regarding the optimal method of ligating and dividing the fistula correctly and creating the pull‐through canal accurately. Rectal prolapse and remnant of the original fistula (ROOF) tend to develop more often in LAARP patients than in posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) patients; however, robust evidence is not available. Prolapse may be prevented by suture fixation of the rectum to the presacral fascia; however, if prolapse occurs, the indication, timing, and the best method for surgical correction remain unclear. Most patients with ROOF are asymptomatic, and there is controversy regarding the indications for ROOF resection. This article aimed to detail the various modifications of the LAARP procedures reported previously and to describe the surgical outcomes, particularly focusing on rectal prolapse, ROOF, and fecal continence, by reviewing the literature. Functional outcomes after LAARP were almost similar to those noted after PSARP, and we have demonstrated that LAARP is not inferior to PSARP with respect to fecal continence. Although there is controversy regarding the application of LAARP for recto‐bulbar cases, we believe that LAARP is still evolving, and we can achieve better outcomes by improving the procedure.
A multiple methods evaluation of a cognitive behavioural therapy group for people with learning disabilities and anxiety
Authors: Giannaki Rengina , Hewitt Olivia
Published: October 2020

Accessible summary

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals with learning disabilities and anxiety.

A group was run to help people to manage their anxiety and to feel better.

At the end participants and their supporters fed back their experiences of the group and filled in questionnaires to measure their anxiety and psychological distress.

The group seems to reduce people's anxiety.

This report adds to a growing body of existing literature demonstrating some benefits of CBT for people with learning disabilities and anxiety.

Background

Existing studies show mixed results of the effectiveness of CBT for people with learning disabilities and anxiety.

Method

A CBT group was run for people with learning disabilities and anxiety, who attended with a supporter. Qualitative interviews were conducted post‐group and analysed using thematic analysis. Standardised questionnaires measuring anxiety, psychological distress and overall functioning were administered at pre‐ and post‐group, and at follow‐up.

Results

Participants’ anxiety decreased overall post‐group, which remained largely at follow‐up. The group and the supporters’ involvement was helpful. Both supporters and participants recalled coping strategies that were presented in the group. Three out of four participants found attending a group challenging initially. The supporters seem to have specific expectations about the impact of the group.

Conclusions

The results of the study are consistent with the existing, growing body of evidence which supports the use of CBT for people with learning disabilities and anxiety.
S‐adenosylmethionine: A metabolite critical to the regulation of autophagy
Authors: Ouyang Yang , Wu Qi , Li Juanjuan , Sun Si , Sun Shengrong
Published: October 2020

Autophagy is a mechanism that enables cells to maintain cellular homeostasis by removing damaged materials and mobilizing energy reserves in conditions of starvation. Although nutrient availability strongly impacts the process of autophagy, the specific metabolites that regulate autophagic responses have not yet been determined. Recent results indicate that S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) represents a critical inhibitor of methionine starvation–induced autophagy. SAM is primarily involved in four key metabolic pathways: transmethylation, transsulphuration, polyamine synthesis and 5′‐deoxyadenosyl 5′‐radical–mediated biochemical transformations. SAM is the sole methyl group donor involved in the methylation of DNA, RNA and histones, modulating the autophagic process by mediating epigenetic effects. Moreover, the metabolites of SAM, such as homocysteine, glutathione, decarboxylated SAM and spermidine, also exert important influences on the regulation of autophagy. From our perspective, nuclear‐cytosolic SAM is a conserved metabolic inhibitor that connects cellular metabolic status and the regulation of autophagy. In the future, SAM might be a new target of autophagy regulators and be widely used in the treatment of various diseases.
Good Manufacturing Practice‐Grade of Megakaryocytes Produced by a Novel Ex Vivo Culturing Platform
Authors: Guan Xin , Wang Lan , Wang Hanlu , Wang Huihui , Dai Wei , Jiang Yongping
Published: October 2020

Ex vivo (EV)‐derived megakaryocytes (MKs) have shown great promise as a substitute for platelets in transfusion medicine to alleviate a severe shortage of donor‐platelets. Challenges remain that include poor efficiency, a limited scale of production, and undefined short‐term storage conditions of EV‐derived MKs. This study aims to develop a high‐efficiency system for large‐scale production of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)‐grade MKs and determine the short‐term storage condition for the MKs. A roller‐bottle culture system was introduced to produce GMP‐grade MKs from small‐molecule/cytokine cocktail expanded hematopoietic stem cells. Various buffer systems and temperatures for the short‐term storage of MKs were assessed by cell viability, biomarker expression, and DNA ploidy levels. MKs stored for 24 hours were transplanted into sublethally irradiated nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice to confirm their platelet‐releasing and tissue‐homing ability in vivo. A yield of ~ 2.5 × 104 CD41a+/CD42b+ MKs with purity of ~ 80% was achieved from one original cord blood CD34+ cell. Compared with the static culture, the roller‐bottle culture system significantly enhanced megakaryopoiesis, as shown by the cell size, DNA ploidy, and megakaryopoiesis‐related gene expression. The optimal storage condition for the MKs was defined as normal saline with 10% human serum albumin at 22℃. Stored MKs were capable of rapidly producing functional platelets and largely distributing in the lungs of NOD/SCID mice. The novel development of efficient production and storage system for GMP‐grade MKs represents a significant step toward application of these MKs in the clinic.
Real‐time pharyngeal cancer detection utilizing artificial intelligence: Journey from the proof of concept to the clinical use
Authors: Abe Seiichiro , Oda Ichiro
Published: October 2020

This Editorial refers to the article by M. Kono et al., p 569‐576 of this issue.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration versus biopsy for diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis: Systematic review and comparative meta‐analysis
Authors: Yoon Seung Bae , Moon Sung‐Hoon , Song Tae Jun , Kim Jong Hyeok , Kim Myung‐Hwan
Published: October 2020

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is recommended for guiding the acquisition of pancreatic tissue in patients with suspected autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Data comparing EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle biopsy (FNB) sampling in the diagnosis of AIP are limited.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE databases was conducted until April 2020. The pooled rates of diagnostic yield for the histologic criteria of AIP, histologic tissue procurement, and adverse events were compared between FNA and FNB. Diagnostic yields were also compared between 19 gauge (G) and 22G needles.

Results

This meta‐analysis included nine studies comprising 309 patients with AIP who underwent FNA and seven studies comprising 131 patients who underwent FNB. The pooled diagnostic yields for level 1 or 2 histology criteria of AIP were 55.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.0–73.9%, I2 = 91.1) for FNA and 87.2% (95% CI 68.8–98.1%, I2 = 69.4) for FNB (P = 0.030). The pooled histologic procurement rates for FNA and FNB were 91.3% (95% CI, 84.9–97.6%, I2 = 82.9) and 87.0% (95% CI, 77.8–96.1%, I2 = 40.0), respectively (P = 0.501). Adverse events were comparable between two groups. When analyzed by needle size, the diagnostic yield was better with a 19G needle than with a 22G needle (88.9% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.023).

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield may be better with FNB needles than with FNA needles for the diagnosis of AIP, despite the similar rate of histologic tissue procurement. A quantitative definition for the histologic sample adequacy for AIP may be warranted.
More than the sum of its parts: Exploring the development of ratio magnitude versus simple magnitude perception
Authors: Park Yunji , Viegut Alexandria A. , Matthews Percival G.
Published: October 2020

Humans perceptually extract quantity information from our environments, be it from simple stimuli in isolation, or from relational magnitudes formed by taking ratios of pairs of simple stimuli. Some have proposed that these two types of magnitude are processed by a common system, whereas others have proposed separate systems. To test these competing possibilities, the present study examined the developmental trajectories of simple and relational magnitude discrimination and relations among these abilities for preschoolers (n = 42), 2nd‐graders (n = 31), 5th‐graders (n = 29), and adults (n = 32). Participants completed simple magnitude and ratio discrimination tasks in four different nonsymbolic formats, using dots, lines, circles, and irregular blobs. All age cohorts accurately discriminated both simple and ratio magnitudes. Discriminability differed by format such that performance was highest with line and lowest with dot stimuli. Moreover, developmental trajectories calculated for each format were similar across simple and ratio discriminations. Although some characteristics were similar for both types of discrimination, ratio acuity in a given format was more closely related with ratio acuities in alternate formats than to within‐format simple magnitude acuity. Results demonstrate that ratio magnitude processing shares several similarities to simple magnitude processing, but is also substantially different.
In vivo imaging of neural circuit formation in the neonatal mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Iwasato Takuji
Published: October 2020

Higher brain function in mammals primarily relies on complex yet sophisticated neuronal circuits in the neocortex. In early developmental stages, neocortical circuits are coarse. Mostly postnatally, the circuits are reorganized to establish mature precise connectivity, in an activity‐dependent manner. These connections underlie adult brain function. The rodent somatosensory cortex (barrel cortex) contains a barrel map in layer 4 (L4) and has been considered an ideal model for the study of postnatal neuronal circuit formation since the first report of barrels in 1970. Recently, two‐photon microscopy has been used for analyses of neuronal circuit formation in the mammalian brain during early postnatal development. These studies have further highlighted the mouse barrel cortex as an ideal model. In particular, the unique dendritic projection pattern of barrel cortex L4 spiny stellate neurons (barrel neurons) is key for the precise one‐to‐one functional relationship between whiskers and barrels and thus an important target of studies. In this article, I will review the morphological aspects of postnatal development of neocortical circuits revealed by recent two‐photon in vivo imaging studies of the mouse barrel cortex and other related works. The focus of this review will be on barrel neuron dendritic refinement during neonatal development.
Body mass‐related changes in mammal community assembly patterns during the late Quaternary of North America
Authors: Pineda‐Munoz Silvia , Jukar Advait M. , Tóth Anikó B. , Fraser Danielle , Du Andrew , Barr W. Andrew , Amatangelo Kathryn L. , Balk Meghan A. , Behrensmeyer Anna K. , Blois Jessica , Davis Matt , Eronen Jussi T. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Looy Cindy , Miller Joshua H. , Shupinski Alexandria B. , Soul Laura C. , Villaseñor Amelia , Wing Scott , Lyons S. Kathleen
Published: October 2020

The late Quaternary of North America was marked by prominent ecological changes, including the end‐Pleistocene megafaunal extinction, the spread of human settlements and the rise of agriculture. Here we examine the mechanistic reasons for temporal changes in mammal species association and body size during this time period. Building upon the co‐occurrence results from Lyons et al. (2016) – wherein each species pair was classified as spatially aggregated, segregated or random – we examined body mass differences (BMD) between each species pair for each association type and time period (Late Pleistocene: 40 000 14C–11 700 14C ybp, Holocene: 11 700 14C–50 ybp and Modern: 50–0 yr). In the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, the BMD of both aggregated and segregated species pairs was significantly smaller than the BMD of random pairs. These results are consistent with environmental filtering and competition as important drivers of community structure in both time periods. Modern assemblages showed a breakdown between BMD and co‐occurrence patterns: the average BMD of aggregated, segregated and random species pairs did not differ from each other. Collectively, these results indicate that the late Quaternary mammalian extinctions not only eliminated many large‐bodied species but were followed by a re‐organization of communities that altered patterns of species coexistence and associated differences in body size.
Resource use by omnivorous fish: Effects of biotic and abiotic factors on key ecological aspects of individuals
Authors: Fernando Adriana Maria Espinóza , Súarez Yzel Rondon
Published: October 2020

Resource use by organisms is mainly influenced by factors such as the morphology of individuals and the diversity and abundance of resources. For omnivores, the influence of these factors is more complex, as they have a morphology adapted to access different trophic levels, and any change in the environment can affect the quality or availability of resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the use of resources by omnivorous fish. We analysed the diet of 107 individuals of Astyanax lineatus in headwater streams in the Pantanal plateau, Brazil. We analysed the influence of body size and the characteristics of streams on the dietary composition, proportion of allochthonous items, trophic niche width and trophic position of individuals. These alimentary parameters were mainly influenced by body size and environmental variables, such as stream vegetation cover, flow, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Allochthonous resources were more important to the diet of our model fish. We observed that larger individuals are more specialists than medium‐sized individuals and the trophic position decreases with increasing body size. Basically, three factors may have contributed to these results: large supply of carbon‐rich resources; morphology adapted for the consumption of larger, harder and carbon‐rich foods; and the interaction of increased body size and the high temperatures in the Neotropical region that can increase the demand for carbon for energy production.
Dispersal network heterogeneity promotes species coexistence in hierarchical competitive communities
Authors: Zhang Helin , Bearup Daniel , Nijs Ivan , Wang Shaopeng , Barabás György , Tao Yi , Liao Jinbao
Published: October 2020

Understanding the mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance is a fundamental issue in ecology. The possibility that species disperse within the landscape along differing paths presents a relatively unexplored mechanism by which diversity could emerge. By embedding a classical metapopulation model within a network framework, we explore how access to different dispersal networks can promote species coexistence. While it is clear that species with the same demography cannot coexist stably on shared dispersal networks, we find that coexistence is possible on unshared networks, as species can surprisingly form self‐organised clusters of occupied patches with the most connected patches at the core. Furthermore, a unimodal biodiversity response to an increase in species colonisation rates or average patch connectivity emerges in unshared networks. Increasing network size also increases species richness monotonically, producing characteristic species–area curves. This suggests that, in contrast to previous predictions, many more species can co‐occur than the number of limiting resources.
Evaluating the success of reintroduction of Pāteke (Brown Teal) to lake and forest habitats in a predator‐controlled preserve in New Zealand
Authors: Sheridan Katie , Waldman John
Published: October 2020

Many of New Zealand’s native bird species have declined due to introduction of exotic mammalian predators and habitat loss. Captive breeding and reintroduction of birds to predator‐controlled environments offer a promising means for species recovery. However, these actions pose challenges to a founder population’s ability to become established. This study evaluates home range attributes and roosting and foraging patterns within Zealandia Ecosanctuary (Wellington) of Pāteke (Brown Teal) with the goal of assessing suitability of forested, predator‐controlled sanctuaries as future Pāteke release sites, a habitat type currently considered as unsuitable to the species or of marginal quality. VHF telemetry and motion‐sensing cameras were used to track seven forest‐dwelling Pāteke (‘bush Pāteke’) and three lake‐dwelling Pāteke (‘lake Pāteke’). Lake Pāteke home range size (mean = 3.52 ha) was significantly smaller than for bush Pāteke (mean = 24.71 ha). Mean roost distance to the nearest lake was significantly shorter for lake Pāteke (mean = 3 m) than that of bush Pāteke (mean = 643 m). Two estimates of the percentage of lake edge to forest stream foraging distance percentage were significantly greater for lake Pāteke (mean = 56.1% or 59.0%) than that of bush Pāteke (mean = 5.3% or 5.7%). Forested habitats provide suitable release sites for Pāteke provided that several conditions are met: predator control must be ongoing; a flock site must be available; supplemental feeders should be available temporarily upon release; and the site must be large enough to accommodate at least 50 pairs of Pāteke.
Learning the rules of the game: How is corporate masculinity learned and enacted by male professionals from nonprivileged backgrounds?
Authors: Giazitzoglu Andreas , Muzio Daniel
Published: October 2020

Focusing on the lived intersection of social class and hegemonic masculinity, this article uses data elicited over a 5‐year period to analyze the experiences of 10 white male participants from nonprivileged socioeconomic backgrounds, who were recruited as information technology professionals by a prestigious professional service firm (PSF). Employing a Bourdieusian perspective, we reveal how participants learned to enact the configuration of corporate masculinity deemed hegemonic in the field of their employing PSF. We pay particular attention to how participants engaged with distinctive forms of cultural capital to enact corporate masculinity, and the symbolic violence and “hidden injuries of class” this represents and leads to. In turn, we highlight how classed masculine norms create exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination in organizations. We suggest that class becomes recognized as a germane area for scholars of diversity and inequality to focus on and integrate in the future, in their ongoing investigations into which social norms create marginalization in organizations.
Loss and recovery after concussion: Adolescent patients give voice to their concussion experience
Authors: Choudhury Romita , Kolstad Ash , Prajapati Vishvesh , Samuel Gina , Yeates Keith Owen
Published: October 2020

Background

Most concussion studies have focused on the perspectives and expertise of health‐care providers and caregivers. Very little qualitative research has been done, engaging the adolescents who have suffered concussion and continue to experience the consequences in their everyday life.

Objective

To understand the experiences of recovery from the perspective of adolescent patients of concussion and to present the findings through their voices.

Methods

Two semi‐structured focus groups and two narrative interviews were conducted with a small group of 7 adolescents. Grounded theory was used to analyse the data.

Results

Participants experience continuing difficulty 1‐5 years after treatment with cognitive, emotional, social and mental well‐being. The overriding experience among older adolescents (17‐20) is a sense of irreversibility of the impact of concussion in all these areas.

Conclusion

There is a significant gap between the medical determination of recovery and what patients understand as recovery. Adolescents do not feel ‘recovered’ more than a year after they are clinically assessed as ‘good to go’. Systematic follow‐up and support from a multi‐disciplinary health‐care team would strengthen youths' coping and resilience.
Change in slide direction of submarine landslides in the Pliocene‐Quaternary deposits near the Shimokita Peninsula, northeast Japan, using 3D seismic data
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Ashi Juichiro , Morita Sumito
Published: October 2020

Submarine landslides constitute a major mass transport process from shallow‐ to deep‐sea and may have catastrophic impacts on both offshore infrastructure and coastal areas. Previous studies on submarine landslides have focused on triggering mechanisms and precondition perspectives, targeting limited numbers of short‐term landslide events. Consequently, few studies have addressed long‐term changes in landslide characteristics, including volume, direction, and timing. The areas studied herein are located on the continental slope facing the Japan Trench off the Shimokita Peninsula, northeast Japan, where a number of large‐scale translational‐type submarine landslide and accompanying unique dike structures have been identified in Pliocene to Recent deposits via 3D seismic data analysis. Here we developed a procedure for recognizing landslide deposits in 3D seismic data from the survey area, then investigated the 3D deposit distributions in detail. Because translational landslides preserve original structures, they can be used to estimate landslide volume. Parallel dike swarm features, which are interpreted as dewatering paths formed soon after landslide events, enable estimation of slide direction in time‐slice images. Such analysis also allows differentiation of landslide deposits from background sediments and estimation of landslide volume. Landslides exceeding 50 km3 in volume have occurred numerous times in the past 6 my. Landslides directions are observed from southwest to northeast over this entire period, whereas slides trending northwest to southeast started at ~ 2 Ma. Although the landslide sizes vary greatly, the average landslide volumes are roughly constant throughout Pliocene and Quaternary time. Such shifts in long‐term trends suggest a change in tectonics in the landslide source region. These unique long‐term records (over 6 my) are enabled by the specific conditions in the study region, which include translational landslides, parallel dike swarms, and monotonous lithology.
Divergent Heterogeneities in Iranian Migration in France: Semantic and Theoretical Limitations of Diaspora
Authors: Etemadifard Seyed Mahdi , Khazaei Tahereh
Published: October 2020

Despite its widespread use as an equivalent for migrant populations, the term diaspora remains semantically and theoretically ambiguous. This study hypothesizes that the term diaspora fails to represent Iranian migration and its divergent heterogeneities. Discussing theoretical approaches to the diaspora, the characteristics of Iranian migration, and the findings of interviews with forty young Iranian migrants living in France, the present study attempts to offer a more suitable alternative to the term diaspora. It will be revealed that the heterogeneity of Iranian migration in causes, the conception of migration experience, as well as disinclination to create a unified community in host countries, lead Iranians living outside their country to form scattered clusters. The term proposed to be used in lieu of diaspora is archipelago ethnicity, which shows both the heterogeneity and divergence in Iranian migration in general and represents the only connection between the scattered and isolated islands, that is Iranian‐ness.
A novel role for farnesoid X receptor in the bile acid‐mediated intestinal glucose homeostasis
Authors: Zhao Long , Xuan Zefeng , Song Wenfeng , Zhang Shiyu , Li Zequn , Song Guangyuan , Zhu Xingxin , Xie Haiyang , Zheng Shusen , Song Penghong
Published: October 2020

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as a bile acid (BA) sensor, plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. However, the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of FXR on intestinal glucose homeostasis remain elusive. Herein, we demonstrated that FXR and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) are essential for BA‐mediated glucose homeostasis in the intestine. BA‐activated FXR enhanced glucose uptake in intestinal epithelial cells by increasing the expression of GLUT2, which depended on ERK1/2 phosphorylation via S1PR2. However, it also reduced the cell energy generation via inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, which is crucial for intestinal glucose transport. Moreover, BA‐activated FXR signalling potently inhibited specific glucose flux through the intestinal epithelium to the circulation, which reduced the increase in blood glucose levels in mice following oral glucose administration. This trend was supported by the changed ratio of GLUT2 to SGLT1 in the brush border membrane (BBM), including especially decreased GLUT2 abundance in the BBM. Furthermore, impaired intestinal FXR signalling was observed in the patients with intestinal bile acid deficiency (IBAD). These findings uncover a novel function by which FXR sustains the intestinal glucose homeostasis and provide a rationale for FXR agonists in the treatment of IBAD‐related hyperglycaemia.
Banker plants promote functional biodiversity and decrease populations of the cabbage whitefly Aleyrodes proletella
Authors: Laurenz Sebastian , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: October 2020

In this study, potential banker plant systems against the cabbage whitefly Aleyrodes proletella Linnaeus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) were developed under controlled conditions. The two most promising banker plant systems, that is, the parasitoid Encarsia tricolor Förster (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) either with Aleyrodes lonicerae Walker on European columbine (columbine system) or with Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Hokkaido squash (pumpkin system), were further evaluated in the field. Although the pumpkin system produced three times more parasitoids than the columbine system, both banker plants led to an 1.5‐fold increase in A. proletella parasitism rates. However, only the pumpkin system increased the abundance of syrphid larvae on cabbage by 61.5% and reduced A. proletella populations on average by 4.4%–25.8% depending on the respective assessment date. In conclusion, the pumpkin system revealed to be a promising (supplementary) control measure against A. proletella. Options for further improvement and standardization of the pumpkin system as well as a potential implementation in cabbage production are discussed.
Inherent immunological parameters in kutum, Rutilus frisii, larvae obtained from the adult females with orange and green eggs
Authors: Ghorbankhah Maedeh , Bani Ali
Published: October 2020

Kutum (Rutilus frisii) displays different egg colours during the spawning season, mostly due to the presence of carotenoid pigments. In this study, the authors investigated the relationship between the egg colour and muscle lipid of adult female kutum and the correlation between egg carotenoid content and the immune parameters of larvae. The results from this study highlighted the positive influence of egg carotenoid on post‐fertilization stages, such as elevating the innate immune parameters in larvae.
Acetylcholine modulates K+ and Na+ currents in human basal forebrain cholinergic neuroblasts through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism
Authors: Coppi Elisabetta , Cherchi Federica , Sarchielli Erica , Fusco Irene , Guarnieri Giulia , Gallina Pasquale , Corradetti Renato , Pedata Felicita , Vannelli Gabriella B. , Pugliese Anna Maria , Morelli Annamaria
Published: October 2020

The Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) is the main source of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain to be crucially involved in cognitive functions and whose degeneration correlates with cognitive decline in major degenerative pathologies as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, knowledge concerning NBM neurons derived from human brain is very limited to date.

We recently characterized a primary culture of proliferating neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal NBM (hfNBM) as immature cholinergic neurons expressing the machinery to synthetize and release acetylcholine. Here we studied in detail electrophysiological features and cholinergic effects in this cell culture by patch‐clamp recordings. Our data demonstrate that atropine‐blocked muscarinic receptor activation by acetylcholine or carbachol enhanced IK and reduced INa currents by stimulating Gi‐coupled M2 or phospholipase C‐coupled M3 receptors, respectively. Inhibition of acetylcholine esterase activity by neostigmine unveiled a spontaneous acetylcholine release from hfNBM neuroblasts that might account for an autocrine/paracrine signaling during human brain development. Present data provide the first description of cholinergic effects in human NBM neurons and point to a role of acetylcholine as an autocrine/paracrine modulator of voltage‐dependent channels. Our research could be of relevance in understanding the mechanisms of cholinergic system development and functions in the human brain, either in health or disease.

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Efficacy of topical vs combined oral and topical antifungals in white piedra of the scalp
Authors: El Attar Yasmina , Atef Shams Eldeen Maii , Wahid Reham M. , Alakad Rania
Published: October 2020

Background

Topical antifungals are the most commonly used therapy in white piedra of the scalp. However, persistence and relapse of infection still pose a significant challenge. Systemic antifungals have been recommended to enhance the therapeutic response.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of topical antifungal alone versus combined topical and oral antifungals in the treatment of white piedra of the scalp.

Methods

Sixty patients with white piedra of the scalp were divided into 3 groups, each containing 20 patients. Group A received topical clotrimazole, group B received combined topical clotrimazole and oral itraconazole, and group C received combined topical clotrimazole and oral terbinafine. The treatment was continued until clearance of infection was confirmed by dermoscopic and mycological examination. Positive responders were followed up for 3 months after treatment.

Results

All the patients achieved complete clearance of infection. The median treatment time in group B was significantly shorter than group A (P < .001) and group C (P < .001), respectively. In addition, the median treatment time in group C was significantly shorter than group A (P = .002). No recurrence of infection was noted during follow‐up period.

Conclusion

The three modalities were effective in the treatment of white piedra of the scalp. The most rapid response was observed with the combined use of topical and oral azoles.
Does hyoscine N‐butylbromide shorten the active phase in labor? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Wei‐Lin , Szu Li‐Ting , Chou Pao‐Yu , Hsu Chun‐Sen , Chen Chiehfeng , Liang So‐Jung , Chen Kee‐Hsin
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The objective of the study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of hyoscine N‐butylbromide (HBB) in active phase of labor and its safety to mother and fetus.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on Cochrane Library, Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and three databases in Chinese up to March 31, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of HBB administration during the active phase for shortening of spontaneous labor at term compared with placebo were included. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality and data extraction independently. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Review Manager 5.3 software. Intention‐to‐treat principles and random‐effects model were adopted for analysis and pool results.

Results

In total, 1448 women from 9 RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. The HBB group exhibited significantly decreased durations of active phase (MD −61.1 min; 95% CI: −87.7 to −34.4, I2: 96%), the second stage (MD −2.0 min; 95% CI: −3.4 to −0.5, I2: 62%), and third stage (MD −0.7 min; 95% CI: −1.1 to −0.3, I2: 51%). Intravenous (IV) HBB group and intramuscularly (IM) HBB group were compared to the control group (MD −60.9 min; 95% CI −87.7 to −34.1, I2: 96%). No significant differences were observed in Cesarean section, post‐partum hemorrhage, instrumental labor, Apgar scores or any adverse effects.

Conclusion

Hyoscine N‐butylbromide had a significant effect of shortening the duration of the active phase of labor without adverse effects. We recommend a single dose of intravenous administrated HBB when a woman undergoes labor augmentation.
Consumers' attitudes towards 3D printed foods after a positive experience: An exploratory study
Authors: Manstan Tiffany , Chandler Sarah L. , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: October 2020

3D food printing has far‐reaching potential in the food industry; however, consumer attitudes towards 3D food printing need to be evaluated. The present study investigated consumers' attitudes towards 3D food printing after consuming a cookie that was labeled as 3D printed. The participants (n = 133) first evaluated two cookies (conventional and “3D printed”) using hedonic scales and a check‐all‐that‐apply question. The participants were then asked to answer survey questions (7‐point Likert scale) and open‐ended comments about 3D printing. The results of the survey questions indicated that after consuming the “3D printed” cookie, the participants were willing to eat 3D printed foods and felt they were sustainable. The open‐ended comments highlighted some barriers to consumers' acceptance, including disgust, safety and unacceptability of 3D printed meat products. The findings illustrate that participants are less fearful of novel technologies if they have a positive experience with a food item produced by that technology.

Practical applications

A sensory trial (hedonic scales and check‐all‐that‐apply) was used as a priming step before asking participants about their attitudes towards 3D food printing. The participants' opinions were identified using quantitative (7‐point Likert scales) and qualitative (open‐ended comments) questions. The open‐ended comments allowed the participants to build on the responses they expressed with the Likert scales and identified other attitudes that were not included in the quantitative questions. Studies on consumer attitudes should include both quantitative and qualitative questions. The results indicated that if consumers have a positive experience with a 3D printed product (evaluated using hedonic scales), they have positive attitudes towards 3D printing. Additionally, the study highlighted for 3D food printing to be accepted by consumers; their concerns about safety and the unacceptability of 3D printed meat products need to be addressed.
Comparison of the microbial communities of alpacas and sheep fed diets with three different ratios of corn stalk to concentrate
Authors: Chao Ruimin , Xia Chengqiang , Pei Caixia , Huo Wenjie , Liu Qiang , Zhang Chunxiang , Ren Youshe
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of ruminal microbial communities of alpacas (Lama pacos) and sheep (Ovis aries) fed three diets with varying ratios of roughage (corn stalk) to concentrate, 3:7 (LS), 5:5 (MS) and 7:3 (HS). Six alpacas (one‐year‐old and weighing 29.5 ± 7.1 kg) and six sheep (one‐year‐old and weighing 27.9 ± 2.7 kg) were used in this study, in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment. Total protozoa concentration was determined under the microscope; total fungi and methanogens were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and expressed as a percentage of total bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies; bacterial communities were investigated by targeted 16S rRNA gene (V3–V4 region) sequencing. The percentage of fungi was significantly higher in alpacas than in sheep under the LS diet, while the concentration of protozoa was significantly lower in alpacas under HS, MS and LS diets. The alpha diversity including Shannon, Chao l and ACE indices of bacterial communities was higher in alpacas than in sheep, under the LS diet. A total of 299 genera belonging to 22 phyla were observed in the forestomach of alpaca and sheep, with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes dominating both animal species. Phyla Armatimonadetes and Fusobacteria, as well as 64 genera, were detected only in alpacas, whereas phyla Acidobacteria and Nitrospira, as well as 44 genera, were found only in sheep. The abundance of cellulolytic bacteria, including Butyrivibrio and Pseudobutyrivibrio, was higher in alpacas than in sheep under all three diets. These differences in the forestomach microbial communities partly explained why alpacas displayed a higher poor‐quality roughage digestibility, and a lower methane production. Results also revealed that the adverse effects of high‐concentrate diets (70%) were lesser in alpacas than in sheep.
Estimating wold matrices and vector moving average processes
Authors: Krampe Jonas , McMurry Timothy L.
Published: October 2020

The Wold decomposition gives a moving average (MA) representation of a purely non‐deterministic stationary process. In this article, we derive estimates of the Wold matrices for a d‐dimensional process by using a Cholesky decomposition of a banded and tapered version of the sample autocovariance matrix, and we derive convergence rates for the estimation error of the (possibly infinite) sequence of Wold matrices. By analogy to lag‐window estimates of the spectral density, this method can be used to obtain finite vector MA models with an adaptive lag‐order. We additionally show how these results can be applied to impulse response analysis and to derive a bootstrap procedure. Our theoretical results are complemented by simulations which investigate the finite sample performance of the estimator.
SylvanSeeds, a seed germination database for temperate deciduous forests
Authors: Fernández‐Pascual Eduardo
Published: October 2020

Seed traits have functional significance at all levels of plant ecology, but there is a lack of germination databases of wide geographical scope. This report presents SylvanSeeds (https://efernandezpascual.github.io/home/sylvanseeds.html), a first global database of germination records for an ecologically coherent unit: temperate broad‐leaved and mixed forests. Data were gathered with a systematic literature search. A list of frequent taxa of the study area was created using 14,963 vegetation relevés from the sPlot database. The list was searched in the Web of Science. In total, 6,791 references were screened, finding 555 articles from which data were extracted. SylvanSeeds includes 4,012 germination records of 334 species from 72 families (gymnosperms and angiosperms), collected in 46 countries between 1920 and 2017. It provides raw data for meta‐analysis: proportions of seeds germinated in laboratory experiments of scarification, stratification, light/darkness, and constant/alternating temperatures. SylvanSeeds is freely distributed as a csv file. A shiny web app is also presented, to make data accessible to the public. SylvanSeeds advances functional seed ecology and brings two innovations to plant science. First, the data‐gathering methodology can be extended to other biomes. Second, database and app can be a standard in further efforts to compile germination data.