bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global declines in human‐driven mangrove loss
Authors: Goldberg Liza , Lagomasino David , Thomas Nathan , Fatoyinbo Temilola
Published: July 2020

Global mangrove loss has been attributed primarily to human activity. Anthropogenic loss hotspots across Southeast Asia and around the world have characterized the ecosystem as highly threatened, though natural processes such as erosion can also play a significant role in forest vulnerability. However, the extent of human and natural threats has not been fully quantified at the global scale. Here, using a Random Forest‐based analysis of over one million Landsat images, we present the first 30 m resolution global maps of the drivers of mangrove loss from 2000 to 2016, capturing both human‐driven and natural stressors. We estimate that 62% of global losses between 2000 and 2016 resulted from land‐use change, primarily through conversion to aquaculture and agriculture. Up to 80% of these human‐driven losses occurred within six Southeast Asian nations, reflecting the regional emphasis on enhancing aquaculture for export to support economic development. Both anthropogenic and natural losses declined between 2000 and 2016, though slower declines in natural loss caused an increase in their relative contribution to total global loss area. We attribute the decline in anthropogenic losses to the regionally dependent combination of increased emphasis on conservation efforts and a lack of remaining mangroves viable for conversion. While efforts to restore and protect mangroves appear to be effective over decadal timescales, the emergence of natural drivers of loss presents an immediate challenge for coastal adaptation. We anticipate that our results will inform decision‐making within conservation and restoration initiatives by providing a locally relevant understanding of the causes of mangrove loss.
An optimality‐based model explains seasonal variation in C3 plant photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Jiang Chongya , Ryu Youngryel , Wang Han , Keenan Trevor F.
Published: July 2020

The maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax) is an essential leaf trait determining the photosynthetic capacity of plants. Existing approaches for estimating Vcmax at large scale mainly rely on empirical relationships with proxies such as leaf nitrogen/chlorophyll content or hyperspectral reflectance, or on complicated inverse models from gross primary production or solar‐induced fluorescence. A novel mechanistic approach based on the assumption that plants optimize resource investment coordinating with environment and growth has been shown to accurately predict C3 plant Vcmax based on mean growing season environmental conditions. However, the ability of optimality theory to explain seasonal variation in Vcmax has not been fully investigated. Here, we adapt an optimality‐based model to simulate daily Vcmax,25C (Vcmax at a standardized temperature of 25°C) by incorporating the effects of antecedent environment, which affects current plant functioning, and dynamic light absorption, which coordinates with plant functioning. We then use seasonal Vcmax,25C field measurements from 10 sites across diverse ecosystems to evaluate model performance. Overall, the model explains about 83% of the seasonal variation in C3 plant Vcmax,25C across the 10 sites, with a medium root mean square error of 12.3 μmol m−2 s−1, which suggests that seasonal changes in Vcmax,25C are consistent with optimal plant function. We show that failing to account for acclimation to antecedent environment or coordination with dynamic light absorption dramatically decreases estimation accuracy. Our results show that optimality‐based approach can accurately reproduce seasonal variation in canopy photosynthetic potential, and suggest that incorporating such theory into next‐generation trait‐based terrestrial biosphere models would improve predictions of global photosynthesis.
Low phosphorus supply constrains plant responses to elevated CO2: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Mingkai , Caldararu Silvia , Zhang Haiyang , Fleischer Katrin , Crous Kristine Y. , Yang Jinyan , De Kauwe Martin G. , Ellsworth David S. , Reich Peter B. , Tissue David T. , Zaehle Sönke , Medlyn Belinda E.
Published: July 2020

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macro‐nutrient required for plant metabolism and growth. Low P availability could potentially limit plant responses to elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), but consensus has yet to be reached on the extent of this limitation. Here, based on data from experiments that manipulated both CO2 and P for young individuals of woody and non‐woody species, we present a meta‐analysis of P limitation impacts on plant growth, physiological, and morphological response to eCO2. We show that low P availability attenuated plant photosynthetic response to eCO2 by approximately one‐quarter, leading to a reduced, but still positive photosynthetic response to eCO2 compared to those under high P availability. Furthermore, low P limited plant aboveground, belowground, and total biomass responses to eCO2, by 14.7%, 14.3%, and 12.4%, respectively, equivalent to an approximate halving of the eCO2 responses observed under high P availability. In comparison, low P availability did not significantly alter the eCO2‐induced changes in plant tissue nutrient concentration, suggesting tissue nutrient flexibility is an important mechanism allowing biomass response to eCO2 under low P availability. Low P significantly reduced the eCO2‐induced increase in leaf area by 14.3%, mirroring the aboveground biomass response, but low P did not affect the eCO2‐induced increase in root length. Woody plants exhibited stronger attenuation effect of low P on aboveground biomass response to eCO2 than non‐woody plants, while plants with different mycorrhizal associations showed similar responses to low P and eCO2 interaction. This meta‐analysis highlights crucial data gaps in capturing plant responses to eCO2 and low P availability. Field‐based experiments with longer‐term exposure of both CO2 and P manipulations are critically needed to provide ecosystem‐scale understanding. Taken together, our results provide a quantitative baseline to constrain model‐based hypotheses of plant responses to eCO2 under P limitation, thereby improving projections of future global change impacts.
Types of Triggers in Migraine – Factor Structure of the Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire and Development of a New Short Form (HTSAQ‐SF)
Authors: Caroli Anna , Klan Timo , Gaul Charly , Kubik Sonja U. , Martin Paul R. , Witthöft Michael
Published: July 2020

Objective

To examine the factor structure of the Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire (HTSAQ) and its German version (HTSAQ‐G), in order to identify potential different types of triggers. Furthermore, a short form of the questionnaire was developed.

Background

The HTSAQ includes 24 of the most commonly reported headache triggers (eg, stress, odors, lack of sleep). Both the HTSAQ and HTSAQ‐G appeared to be reliable and valid measures of sensitivity to and avoidance of headache triggers.

Methods

In a cross‐country collaboration, data from 2 cross‐sectional studies including N = 391 individuals diagnosed with migraine from Australia (n = 222) and Germany (n = 169) were analyzed. The factor structure of the questionnaire was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, a short form of the HTSAQ was constructed and evaluated regarding psychometric properties.

Results

Factor analytic results showed a differentiation between internal and external headache triggers, and different patterns of strategies in coping with triggers. The scales of both the original questionnaire as well as the developed short form showed good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.76 to 0.96). As expected, negative correlations (r = −0.10 to −0.30, P = .006 to .044) with acceptance of pain were observed. Participants with chronic migraine showed significantly higher triggers sensitivity and avoidance of triggers than those with episodic migraine (t(389) = −9.12, P < .001, Cohens d = 0.93).

Conclusions

Both the long and short forms of the questionnaire appear to be reliable and valid measures. The development of the short form of the questionnaire simplifies the use of the HTSAQ in clinical practice. Further research should focus on other primary headache disorders, such as tension‐type headache or cluster headache.
Evaluating the impact of lymph node resampling on colorectal cancer nodal stage
Authors: Tran Christopher , Howlett Christopher , Driman David K
Published: July 2020

Aims

Nodal staging in colorectal cancer (CRC) informs prognosis and guides adjuvant treatment decisions. A standard minimum of 12 lymph nodes is widely used, with additional sampling being performed as required. However, there are few data on how lymph node resampling in this context has an impact on nodal stage. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of resampling in detecting metastases and tumour deposits, and the impact on stage.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on CRC resections that underwent resampling because of an initial yield of <12 lymph nodes, from 2008 to 2018. Data relating to patient demographics, specimen, malignancy and prosection were collected. Slides were reviewed to quantify nodal metastases and tumour deposits before and after resampling. Among ≥pN1 cases, logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors that predicted the finding of additional metastases and tumour deposits. The cohort comprised 395 cases: resampling identified nodal metastases and/or tumour deposits in 30 (7.6%) cases; nodal upstaging occurred in 20 (5.1%) cases; and eight (2.0%) cases changed from pN0 to ≥pN1. No factors predicted resampling of positive lymph nodes or tumour deposits, and pN upstaging occurred across a variety of cases. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the impact of resampling on high‐risk features in stage II cases (n = 117). There were 33 (8.5%) patients who no longer had any high‐risk features after resampling.

Conclusions

Lymph node resampling has an impact on nodal staging and possible treatment decisions in a considerable proportion of patients, and is recommended in all cases with <12 lymph nodes.
Comprehensive clinicopathological and molecular analysis of primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus
Authors: Tsuyama Sho , Kohsaka Shinji , Hayashi Takuo , Suehara Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Takashi , Kajiyama Yoshiaki , Tsurumaru Masahiko , Ueno Toshihide , Mano Hiroyuki , Yao Takashi , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2020

Aims

This study was performed to elucidate the clinicopathological characteristics, genetic alterations and therapeutic targets of primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus (PMME).

Methods and Results

The clinicopathology and molecular pathology of 13 PMME cases and 10 skin malignant melanoma (SKMM) cases were analysed with next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry. The 3‐year overall survival rate and the median survival time for PMME patients were 23.1% and 11.9 months, respectively. Three (23.1%) and eight (61.5%) PMME cases showed a papillary structure and lymph node metastasis, respectively. DNA and RNA hybridization capture‐based NGS analysis revealed that NF1 was the most frequently mutated gene (30%) in 10 of the PMME cases. Other mutations detected in PMME included SF3B1 (20%), KRAS (10%), BRCA2 (10%), KIT (10%) and TP53 (10%) mutations. Commonly detected BRAF mutations in SKMM were not detected in PMME. Immunohistochemistry and mutation status were concordant between p53/c‐Kit and TP53/KIT, respectively. Focal expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 was observed in one PMME sample. The tumour mutation burden in PMME was significantly lower than that in SKMM (P = 0.030). No PMME case showed high microsatellite instability. RNA sequencing revealed a distinctive pattern with respect to RNA expression. T‐cell co‐stimulation differed between PMME and SKMM.

Conclusions

The RAS–mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway is one of the main pathways involved in PMME. The genetic profile of PMME was similar to that of mucosal/acral melanoma, but differed from the SKMM profile. A subset of PMMEs may contain actionable mutations. Immunotherapy seemed to be less effective for most PMMEs in this series.
Intraepithelial tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with absence of tumour budding and immature/myxoid desmoplastic reaction, and with better recurrence‐free survival in stages I–III colorectal cancer
Authors: González I A , Bauer P S , Liu J , Chatterjee D
Published: July 2020

Aims

Tumour budding (TB), desmoplastic reaction (DR) and intraepithelial tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs) are recently recognised prognostic factors in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we evaluated their significance and relationship to each other and their cumulative effect on survival.

Methods and results

A total of 372 stages I–III CRC cases from 2013 to 2016 were included. Low TB was identified in 302 (81%) cases, immature/myxoid DR in 67 (18%) cases and iTILs in 130 (35.0%) cases. iTILs was associated with low budding (P = 0.0247), non‐myxoid DR (P = 0.0004), poorly differentiated histology (P = 0.0015), absence of perineural invasion (P = 0.0367) and loss of mismatch repair proteins (P = 0.0002). Absence of iTILs and presence of immature/myxoid DR were associated with a worse recurrence‐free survival (RFS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.191, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.232–3.895; and HR = 5.706, 95% CI = 3.632–8.964, respectively]. A competing risk analysis showed statistically significant prognostic groups combining iTILs and TB (P < 0.0001). Cases with iTILs and low TB were associated with better RFS compared to cases without iTILs and with intermediate/high TB (HR = 0.214, 95% CI = 0.109–0.421). Similarly, combining iTILs and DR revealed statistically significant prognostic groups (P < 0.0001). Cases with iTILs and a non‐myxoid DR had better RFS compared to cases without iTILs and immature/myxoid DR (HR = 0.113, 95% CI = 0.056–0.230). On multivariate cause‐specific analysis, patients’ age (P = 0.0045), iTILs (P = 0.0345), DR (P < 0.0001) and pTNM prognostic groups (P < 0.0001) were associated with RFS.

Conclusions

Our study validates the association of iTILs and DR as independent prognostic finding in CRC, and propose a prognostic model using the combinations of iTILs with TB and stromal reaction in CRC.
Do chronotype differences and night eating syndrome affect dental health?
Authors: Kurnaz Safa , Kandeger Ali
Published: July 2020

Objective

Our aim in this study was to examine the effect of chronotype differences and night eating syndrome on dental health parameters such as the decay‐missing‐filled teeth (DMFT) index, the severity of the periodontal disease and the number of endodontically treated teeth in patients admitted to the dental clinic.

Methods

The participants, 210 patients, filled out a package of psychological tools, including the Morningness‐Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Afterwards, the DMFT index scores, the severity of the periodontal disease and the number of endodontically treated teeth of patients were recorded simultaneously with a routine dental examination.

Results

Findings show that the ISI and NEQ scores were significantly higher in the evening‐type individuals (E‐types) than in the morning‐type individuals, and there was no significant difference between the chronotypes in terms of the number of endodontically treated teeth and the DMFT scores. In ordinal regression analyses, not brushing teeth (OR 7.94, CI 6.40‐9.85), increased number of decayed teeth (OR 1.16, CI 1.13‐1.19) and decreased MEQ scores (OR 0.95, CI 0.94‐0.95) were statistically significant predictors for periodontal disease.

Conclusion

Although there was no correlation between chronotype differences and the DMFT index, and the number of endodontically treated teeth, E‐types had a higher risk of periodontal disease severity.
Practice characteristics and views of dental hygienists in Lithuania
Authors: Rederiene Gitana , Aidukaite Greta , Berlin Vilija , Buunk‐Werkhoven Yvonne A. B. , Puriene Alina
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the employment possibilities of Lithuanian dental hygienists.

Methods

The questionnaire asked about the demographics of dental hygienists, characteristics of practice, patient load, career intentions, opinion about dental hygienists workforce and the need of governmental workforce regulation. The study consisted of all licensed dental hygienists in Lithuania in 2018 (N = 1109).

Results

The final response rate was 52.1% (n = 578), 64% (n = 370) of respondents lived in the country’s five main cities, and 73.5% (n = 425) worked in these population centres, with 94.3% (n = 545) worked in private sector. Over two‐thirds of respondents said there was an excess of dental hygienists in Lithuania. Nearly 80% “always” or “sometimes” reported that they had insufficient patients, which may account for the prevalence of supplementary work (48.4%, n = 280), that is work as a dental assistant (67.9%, n = 190). Data obtained show that dental hygienists with less than ten years’ experience were likely to work as a dental assistant (P < .05). Notwithstanding, 73.9% (n = 428) of the dental hygienists reported that they only want to practice their profession. Most (83.4%, n = 483) struggled to find dental hygienist work, and 70.5% (n = 408) wanted regulation of number of dental hygienists at a national level.

Conclusions

The respondents suggested there is (a) a lack of dental hygiene patients, (b) available workload for additional preventive dental hygiene services, (c) pressure to search for additional work, usually as a dental assistant. Governmental support to optimally regulate oral health human resources is, according to most dental hygienists, an emphatic wish as a possible solution at national level.
Effect of alumina bubbles with and without Al2O3 coatings on the performance of lightweight Al2O3‐MgAl2O4 refractories
Authors: Xin YaLou , Yin HongFeng , Tang Yun , Yuan HuDie , Ren XiaoHu , Gao Kui , Wan QiFa , Liu YuChi
Published: July 2020

In this work, the effect of alumina bubbles with Al2O3 coatings (CABs) and without coatings (ABs) on the performance of lightweight refractories was investigated. It showed that the addition of either ABs or CABs was beneficial to improve mechanical properties of refractories. The compressive strength for the specimens with 1 wt% ABs and CABs addition increased from ~50.5 to ~60.9 and ~70.2 MPa. The refractoriness under load was enhanced from ~1589 to ~1617 and ~1623°C. Furthermore, the results of three‐point bending tests showed significant improvement was achieved in thermal shock resistance in terms of the value of residual strength ratio from 16% to 43% for specimens with CABs addition. Meanwhile, the results of ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement indicated that there is a good consistency between two evaluation methods. In order to achieve the trade‐off between lightweight and overall performance, the introduction of CABs into lightweight refractories is feasible and effective.
Effect of different CaSO4 contents on CaSiO3‐CaSO4 porous composite bone scaffolds by 3D gel‐printing
Authors: Shao Huiping , Yu Xinding , Zhang Zhinan , Lin Tao , Peng Jiang , Wang Aiyuan , Liu Shuwen , Zhao Manjian
Published: July 2020

Porous CaSiO3‐CaSO4 composite scaffolds were successfully prepared by 3D gel‐printing (3DGP) technology in this study. In order to further improve the degradation performance of pure CaSiO3 scaffolds, the effect of different CaSO4 doping contents on CaSiO3‐CaSO4 composite scaffolds was studied. The results show that when the porous composite scaffolds were placed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 5 weeks, the weight loss rate was 2.41% (CaSiO3‐1%CaSO4), 3.97% (CaSiO3‐3%CaSO4), 4.18% (CaSiO3‐5%CaSO4), 6.87% (CaSiO3‐7%CaSO4), and 12.93% (CaSiO3‐9%CaSO4), respectively, which could be concluded that CaSO4 doping has a significant effect on improving the biodegradability of CaSiO3 scaffolds. And CaSO4 doping can also effectively improve the compressive strength of composite scaffolds and that of CaSiO3‐3%CaSO4 composite scaffolds was tested as 54.67 MPa, and the shrinkage rate of porous composite scaffolds was nearly 11.4%, which meets the application requirements of bone repairing engineering.
Key features in the development of unimorph stainless steel cantilever with screen‐printed PZT dedicated to energy harvesting applications
Authors: Rua Taborda Maria Isabel , Elissalde Catherine , Chung U‐Chan , Maglione Mario , Fernandes Egon , Salehian Armaghan , Santawitee Onuma , Debéda Hélène
Published: July 2020

The design and processing of vibrational energy harvester based on screen‐printed piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (Pb(ZrxTi1‐x)O3 (PZT)) are described here. Two different structures, a simple cantilever and a complex zig‐zag geometry made of PZT layer sandwiched between gold electrodes and supported on a metallic stainless steel substrate have been successfully fabricated by screen printing thick film technique. Compared to bulk PZT ceramics, the main limiting features at different scales are porosity, interfaces, and bending issues. The microstructural analysis of the interfaces in the cantilever has highlighted the formation of an interface between the substrate and the bottom electrode which ensures cohesion of the structure but can limit its dynamic. Bending has shown to be dependent on the thickness of the active piezoelectric layer. Dielectric and electromechanical characterizations performed on multilayers, bulk ceramics, and free‐standing screen‐printed disks are compared and discussed on the basis of interface issues.
Structural modifications of soda‐lime silicate glasses using femtosecond pulse‐laser irradiation
Authors: Locker Sean , Clark Jennifer A. , Sundaram S.K.
Published: July 2020

Femtosecond pulse laser radiation (250 fs, 1030 nm) of alkali and alkaline earth modified soda‐lime silicate (SLS) glasses resulted in densification. The degree of density changes depends on pulse energy and glass‐network connectivity. Raman spectroscopy study of the high‐frequency region (800‐1200 cm−1) confirmed that surface densification was the result of interatomic changes in the distribution of silicon‐nonbridging oxygen (NBO) bond lengths and Si‐O‐Si bond angle distribution (BAD). Modifier valency contributes to structural rigidity and the degree of disorder a glass can incur during the deposition of high‐energy laser pulses. Varying soda content caused larger shift in the laser modified Q3 band position and width compared to the calcium modified system. Increasing laser fluence was found to affect the position of Q3 Si‐O stretching mode as well as the band width, indicating the increased degree of disorder laser pulses induce. These results underscore the role of modifier ions in the laser‐induced densification of the SLS glasses.
Ultrasonic‐assisted chitin nanoparticle and its application as saltiness enhancer
Authors: Somsak Prachern , Sriwattana Sujinda , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: July 2020

This study was performed to evaluate some physical properties and potential application as saltiness enhancer of ultrasonic‐assisted chitin nanoparticle prepared from shrimp shell (CSh) and/or squid pen (CSq). α‐chitin and β‐chitin were isolated, respectively, from shrimp shell and squid pen, and subjected to ultrasonication to obtain chitin nanoparticle. The ultrasonication time was varied at 30, 45 and 60 min, resulting in different sizes (diameter, nm) of chitin nanoparticle as follows: 41.33, 35.00 and 32.67, respectively, for CSh, while 50.67, 43.83 and 42.60, respectively, for CSq. The zeta potentials of CSh and CSq corresponding to the ultrasonication time were −31.37, −33.47 and −33.82 mV, and −29.81, −29.99 and −30.67 mV, respectively. Based on FTIR, ultrasonication time had negligible effects on chitin nanoparticle chemical structure. Results from sensory descriptive analysis showed that as ultrasonication time increased, saltiness intensity of chitin nanoparticle increased. CSh/CSq nanoparticle can potentially serve as a saltiness enhancer.
Effects of direct current magnetic field treatment time on the properties of pork myofibrillar protein
Authors: Yang Kun , Wang Huiling , Huang Jin , Wu Di , Zhao Manman , Ma Jing , Sun Weiqing
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the effects of direct current magnetic field (DC‐MF) treatment time (1, 3, 5, 8 h) on properties of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP). Gel water‐holding capacity increased from 83.40% to 87.20% when DC‐MF‐treatment time changed from 1‐h to 8‐h. The 3‐h treatment time of DC‐MF was found to promote MP unfolding, rearrangement and aggregation, leading to the loss of total sulfhydryl, the increase of reactive sulfhydryl, surface hydrophobicity, turbidity as well as the formation of MP clusters and the greater degree of crosslinking as compared with 0‐h treatment, thus a firmer and more ordered MP gel network for trapping more water. However, excessive DC‐MF treatment (8‐h) weakened DC‐MF effect on MP aggregation as well as gel network and texture. This study has shed light on the effects of DC‐MF treatment time on MP properties and provides useful information for the application of DC‐MF in the food industry.
Comparative sequencing data analysis of Ion Torrent and MinION sequencing platforms using a clinical diagnostic haematology panel
Authors: Singh Aditya , Bhatia Prateek
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Currently, two second‐generation sequencing platforms‐Ion Torrent and Illumina are being widely used for clinical testing and reporting of human samples. However, third‐generation long read platforms like single molecule (PacBio) or direct sequencing (Nanopore) are gaining widespread interest in clinical genomics.

Aims and Objectives

The current study attempts to analyse and compare MinION sequencing data with Ion Torrent data, using a haematology ampliseq panel, to shed light on its current standing in reporting of clinical diagnostic samples.

Methodology

A custom targeted Next‐generation sequencing ampliseq panel comprising of 33 genes related to detection of inherited bone marrow failure syndrome cases was used to sequence five samples on both Ion Torrent and Oxford MinION platforms. The resulting data were analysed for output, quality and variant metrics across both platforms independently.

Results

Overall, MinION produced longer reads (range 108‐7227 bp) than Ion Torrent (25‐580 bp). Moreover, it generated more reads than Ion Torrent in high %GC content (P < .005) or repeat regions. But Ion Torrent had much lower error rate of 1.59% compared with MinION's 20.31%. Despite high error, MinION platform was able to identify and report the pathogenic variant in all samples.

Discussion and Conclusion

The extremely long read lengths of MinION sequencers and better coverage in difficult to sequence regions give it an edge in generating contig free whole‐genome sequences. However, the pore technology and chemistry of MinION needs further tuning to reduce error rate before it can be incorporated for clinical testing and reporting of human samples.
Enhanced silk yield in transgenic silkworm (Bombyx mori) via ectopic expression of BmGT1‐L in the posterior silk gland
Authors: Tang X. , Liu H. , Shi Z. , Chen Q. , Kang X. , Wang Y. , Zhao P.
Published: July 2020

The silkworm is an economically important insect producing plentiful silk fibre in the silk gland. In this study, we reported a cross‐talk between the fat body, silk gland and midgut through a glycine‐serine biosynthetic pathway in the silkworm. Amino acid sequence and functional domains of glycine transporter gene BmGT1‐L were mapped. Our results indicated that BmGT1‐L was specifically expressed in the midgut microvilli and persistently expressed during the feeding stages. RNA interference of BmGT1‐L activated glycine biosynthesis, and BmGT1‐L overexpression facilitated serine biosynthesis in the BmN4‐SID1 cell. In addition, silkworms after FibH gene knock‐out or silk gland extirpation showed markedly decreased BmGT1‐L transcripts in the midgut and disturbed glycine‐serine biosynthesis as silk yield decreased. Finally, BmGT1‐L ectopic expression in the posterior silk gland promoted glycine biosynthesis, and enhanced silk yield via increasing fibroin synthesis. These results suggested that cross‐talk between tissues can be used for enhancing silk yield in the silkworm.
Functional divergence of white genes in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata revealed by RNA interference
Authors: Xu P. , Ze L.‐J. , Kang W.‐N. , Wu J.‐J. , Jin L. , Anjum A. A. , Li G.‐Q.
Published: July 2020

Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a serious pest of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae in many Asian countries. RNA interference (RNAi) can effectively reduce transcript abundance in this beetle, offering opportunities to explore the biological function of specific genes. The white gene encodes a half‐type ATP‐binding cassette transporter that plays an essential role in tryptophan, guanine and uric acid transport across membranes. Mutations that disrupt the function of white are known to cause eye pigmentation phenotypes in many insect species. Here, we found evidence for five white gene paralogues present in H. vigintioctopunctata transcriptome datasets sequenced from a range of developmental stages. We individually knocked down each of the five white genes through the injection of corresponding double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to the fourth‐instar larvae to determine whether functional divergence has occurred. We found that injecting 1 μg dswhite3 caused compound eye colour of pupae and adults to develop as red/brown and brown, respectively, compared with black eyes in control beetles. Injection of 2 μg dswhite3 increased RNAi efficacy and produced a clearer eye colour phenotype. At both doses, the ocular diaphragm (a ring of black pigment surrounding each eye) did not change in the white3 RNAi hypomorphs. Moreover, our data revealed that injection of dswhite2 at the fourth‐instar larval stage impaired the climbing ability of both male and female adults. Our results confirmed, for the first time, functional divergence of duplicated white genes in an insect species.
Topological controls on aluminosilicate glass dissolution: Complexities induced in hyperalkaline aqueous environments
Authors: Oey Tandré , La Plante Erika Callagon , Falzone Gabriel , Yang Kai , Wada Akira , Bauchy Mathieu , Bullard Jeffrey W. , Sant Gaurav
Published: July 2020

Fly ash, an aluminosilicate composite consisting of disordered (major) and crystalline (minor) compounds, is a low‐carbon alternative that can partially replace ordinary portland cement (OPC) in the binder fraction of concrete. Therefore, understanding the reactivity of fly ash in the hyperalkaline conditions prevalent in concrete is critical to predicting concrete's performance; including setting and strength gain. Herein, temporal measurements of the solution composition (using inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry: ICP‐OES) are used to assess the aqueous dissolution rate of monophasic synthetic aluminosilicate glasses analogous to those present in technical fly ashes, under hyperalkaline conditions (10 ≤ pH ≤ 13) across a range of temperatures (25°C ≤ T≤45°C). The dissolution rate is shown to depend on the average number of topological constraints per atom within the glass network (nc, unitless), but this dependence weakens with increasing pH (>10). This is postulated to be on account of: (a) time‐dependent changes in the glass’ surface structure, that is, the number of topological constraints; and/or (b) a change in the dissolution mechanism (eg from network hydrolysis to transport control). The results indicate that the topological description of glass dissolution is most rigorously valid only at very short reaction times (ie at high undersaturations), especially under conditions of hyperalkalinity. These findings provide an improved basis to understand the underlying factors that affect the initial and ongoing reactivity of aluminosilicate glasses such as fly ash in changing chemical environments, for example, when such materials are utilized in cementitious composites.
Influence of Cr3+ on yellowish‐green UC emission and energy transfer of Er3+/Cr3+/Yb3+ tri‐doped zinc silicate glasses
Authors: Dan Ho Kim , Ty Nguyen Minh , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei , Phan Anh‐Luan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the influence of Cr3+ on yellowish‐green upconversion (UC) emission and the energy transfer (ET) of Er3+/Cr3+/Yb3+ tri‐doped in SiO2–ZnO–Na2O–La2O3 (SZNL) zinc silicate glasses under excitation of the 980 nm laser diode (LD). The influence of Cr3+ on enhancing the red UC emission of Er3+/Cr3+/Yb3+ tri‐doped in SiO2–ZnO–Na2O–La2O3 zinc silicate glasses under the excitation of 980nm LD was also investigated. The ET processes between Yb3+, Cr3+, and Er3+, together with the combination of Yb3+‐Cr3+‐Er3+, which led to the green UC emission intensity of Er3+/Cr3+/Yb3+ tri‐doped in SiO2–ZnO–Na2O–La2O3 zinc silicate glasses bands centered at ~546 nm have been significantly enhanced. By increasing the concentration of Cr3+ from 0 up to 5 mol.%, we can locate the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) 1931 (x; y) chromaticity coordinates for UC emissions of Er3+/Cr3+/Yb3+ tri‐doped in the central position of the yellowish‐green color region of CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram. Besides, the ET processes between the Yb3+, Cr3+, and Er3+ are also proposed and discussed.
Refreshing doping concept in perovskite piezoceramics: Composite modulation hidden behind lattice substitution
Authors: Yu Xiaole , Hou Yudong , Zhao Haiyan , Fu Jing , Zheng Mupeng , Zhu Mankang
Published: July 2020

Chemical doping is favored by academia as well as industry because of its effectiveness in attuning to the properties of piezoceramics. Although significant progress has been made, few reports have focused on the role and overall effect of substituted ions. Based on the tendency of special crystals such as ZnO toward spontaneous growth, this study applies the concept of composite modulation to conventional doping; the CuO‐modified 0.2Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.8Pb(Zr1/2Ti1/2)O3 (PZN‐PZT) system has been used for verification of the proposed method. The results show that copper ions enter the perovskite matrix to specifically replace the zinc ions causing lattice distortion and increasing the rhombohedral phase (RP) content. Furthermore, the substituted zinc ions enter the grain boundaries and grow into a secondary phase ZnO, based on their spontaneous‐growth tendency; the induced heterogeneous interfacial effects lead to refinement of the domain size and enhancement of the interface polarization. The combined effects of the lattice substitution and composite modulation promote a significant improvement in the piezoelectric coefficient of the CuO‐modified PZN‐PZT system compared with its pure counterpart. The dual function of doping demonstrated in this study is expected to further contribute to the preparation and performance improvement of the other piezoelectric composites.
Weighted single‐step genome‐wide association study and pathway analyses for feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle
Authors: Brunes Ludmilla C. , Baldi Fernando , Lopes Fernando B. , Lôbo Raysildo B. , Espigolan Rafael , Costa Marcos F. O. , Stafuzza Nedenia B. , Magnabosco Cláudio U.
Published: July 2020

The aim was to conduct a weighted single‐step genome‐wide association study to detect genomic regions and putative candidate genes related to residual feed intake, dry matter intake, feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio, residual body weight gain, residual intake and weight gain in Nellore cattle. Several protein‐coding genes were identified within the genomic regions that explain more than 0.5% of the additive genetic variance for these traits. These genes were associated with insulin, leptin, glucose, protein and lipid metabolisms; energy balance; heat and oxidative stress; bile secretion; satiety; feed behaviour; salivation; digestion; and nutrient absorption. Enrichment analysis revealed functional pathways (p‐value < .05) such as neuropeptide signalling (GO:0007218), negative regulation of canonical Wingless/Int‐1 (Wnt) signalling (GO:0090090), bitter taste receptor activity (GO:0033038), neuropeptide hormone activity (GO:0005184), bile secretion (bta04976), taste transduction (bta0742) and glucagon signalling pathway (bta04922). The identification of these genes, pathways and their respective functions should contribute to a better understanding of the genetic and physiological mechanisms regulating Nellore FE‐related traits.
Aesthetic‐And patient‐related outcomes following root coverage procedures: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Cairo Francesco , Barootchi Shayan , Tavelli Lorenzo , Barbato Luigi , Wang Hom‐Lay , Rasperini Giulio , Graziani Filippo , Tonetti Maurizio
Published: July 2020

Background

Aim of this systematic review (SR) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to evaluate effect of different flap designs and graft materials for root coverage, in terms of aesthetics, patient satisfaction and self‐reported morbidity (post‐operative pain/discomfort).

Material and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed. A mixed‐modelling approach to network meta‐analysis was utilized to formulate direct and indirect comparisons among treatments for Root Coverage Esthetic Score (RES), with its individual components, and for subjective patient‐reported satisfaction and post‐operative pain/discomfort (visual analogue scale (VAS) of 100).

Results

Twenty‐six RCTs with a total of 867 treated patients (1708 recessions) were included. Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) + Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) (0.74 (95% CI [0.24, 1.26], p = .005)), Tunnel (TUN) + CTG (0.84 (95% CI [0.15, 1.53]), p = .01) and CAF + Graft substitutes (GS) (0.55 (95% CI [0.006, 1.094], p = .04)) were significantly associated with higher RES than CAF. No significant difference between CAF + CTG and TUN + CTG was detected (0.09 (95% CI [−0.54, 0.72], p = .77)). Addition of CTG resulted in less natural tissue texture (−0.21 (95% CI [−0.34, −0.08]), p = .003) and gingival colour (−0.06 (95% CI [−0.12, −0.03], p = .03)) than CAF. CTG techniques were associated with increased morbidity.

Conclusions

Connective tissue graft procedures showed highest overall aesthetic performance for root coverage, although graft integration might impair soft tissue colour and appearance. Additionally, CTG‐based techniques were also correlated with a greater patient satisfaction and morbidity.
Changing epidemiology of chronic kidney disease as a result of type 2 diabetes mellitus from 1990 to 2017: Estimates from Global Burden of Disease 2017
Authors: Li Huixian , Lu Wanhong , Wang Ani , Jiang Hongli , Lyu Jun
Published: July 2020

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a heterogeneous distribution worldwide. Optimal healthcare planning requires an understanding of how the burden of CKD as a result of type 2 diabetes mellitus has changed over time and geographic location, as well as the potential roles of sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors in these changes.

Materials and Methods

We used the Global Burden of Disease data from 1990 to 2017 at the global, regional and national levels to investigate changes in the incidence, death and disability‐adjusted life years of CKD as a result of type 2 diabetes mellitus, incorporating both epidemiological research and risk factor monitoring.

Results

The incident cases of CKD as a result of type 2 diabetes mellitus worldwide in 2017 had increased by 74% compared with 1990; total disability‐adjusted life years had increased by 113%, mainly attributable to population expansion and demographic transition. The Sociodemographic Index was significantly and negatively correlated with overall CKD as a result of type 2 diabetes mellitus burden. However, in 82 countries and territories, the burden was not alleviated in parallel with socioeconomic development.

Conclusions

CKD as a result of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been the main contributor to the increasing burden of CKD over the past several decades. We suggest a more pragmatic approach focusing on early diagnosis, primary care and adequate follow up to reduce mortality and the long‐term burden in low‐to‐middle Sociodemographic Index regions. Interventions should address high systolic blood pressure, as well as overweight and obesity problems, especially in high‐income regions.
Impaired cardiac and neurological function with mild hypophosphatemia during insulin therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis and marked improvement with phosphate supplementation: A case report
Authors: Yoshida Tomohiko , Takemoto Minoru
Published: July 2020

Insulin treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis occasionally results in hypophosphatemia, which is often mild and does not require treatment. However, we experienced a case in which intravenous insulin administration resulted in myocardial injury and altered consciousness despite mild hypophosphatemia. Phosphate replacement therapy resulted in a marked improvement in symptoms. As overlapping conditions that result in hypophosphatemia can cause severe complications after insulin therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis, even in patients with mild hypophosphatemia, physicians should pay more attention to changes in phosphate levels in patients undergoing treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dermatoscopic features of thin (≤2 mm Breslow thickness) vs. thick (>2 mm Breslow thickness) nodular melanoma and predictors of nodular melanoma versus nodular non‐melanoma tumours: a multicentric collaborative study by the International Dermoscopy Society
Authors: Sgouros D. , Lallas A. , Kittler H. , Zarras A. , Kyrgidis A. , Papageorgiou C. , Puig S. , Scope A. , Argenziano G. , Zalaudek I. , Pizzichetta M.A. , Marghoob A. , Liopyris K. , Malvehy J. , Oikonomou C. , Flórez A. , Braun R. , Cabo H. , Nazzaro G. , Lanssens S. , Menzies S. , Paoli J. , Kaminska – Winciorek G. , Longo C. , Katoulis A. , Apalla Z. , Ioannides D. , Thomas L. , Tromme I. , Ogata D. , Desinioti C. , Geller A. , Stratigos A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Thin nodular melanoma (NM) often lacks conspicuous melanoma‐specific dermatoscopic criteria and escapes clinical detection until it progresses to a thicker and more advanced tumour.

Objective

To investigate the dermatoscopic morphology of thin (≤2 mm Breslow thickness) vs. thick (>2 mm) NM and to identify dermatoscopic predictors of its differential diagnosis from other nodular tumours.

Methods

Retrospective, morphological case–control study, conducted on behalf of the International Dermoscopy Society. Dermatoscopic images of NM and other nodular tumours from 19 skin cancer centres worldwide were collected and analysed.

Results

Overall, 254 tumours were collected (69 NM of Breslow thickness ≤2 mm, 96 NM >2 mm and 89 non‐melanoma nodular lesions). Light brown coloration (50.7%) and irregular brown dots/globules (42.0%) were most frequently observed in ≤2 mm NMs. Multivariate analysis revealed that dotted vessels (3.4‐fold), white shiny streaks (2.9‐fold) and irregular blue structureless area (2.4‐fold) were predictors for thinner NM compared to non‐melanoma nodular tumours. Overall, irregular blue structureless area (3.4‐fold), dotted vessels (4.6‐fold) and serpentine vessels (1.9‐fold) were predictors of all NM compared to non‐melanoma nodular lesions.

Limitations

Absence of a centralized, consensus pathology review and cases selected form tertiary centres maybe not reflecting the broader community.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light into the dermatoscopic morphology of thin NM in comparison to thicker NM and could provide useful clues for its differential diagnosis from other non‐melanoma nodular tumours.
The genomic view of diversification
Authors: Marin Julie , Achaz Guillaume , Crombach Anton , Lambert Amaury
Published: July 2020

The process of species diversification is traditionally summarized by a single tree, the species tree, whose reconstruction from molecular data is hindered by frequent conflicts between gene genealogies. Here, we argue that instead of seeing these conflicts as nuisances, we can exploit them to inform the diversification process itself. We adopt a gene‐based view of diversification to model the ubiquitous presence of gene flow between diverging lineages, one of the most important processes explaining disagreements among gene trees. We propose a new framework for modelling the joint evolution of gene and species lineages relaxing the hierarchy between the species tree and gene trees inherent to the standard view, as embodied in a popular model known as the multispecies coalescent (MSC). We implement this framework in two alternative models called the gene‐based diversification models (GBD): (a) GBD‐forward following all evolving genomes through time and (b) GBD‐backward based on coalescent theory. They feature four parameters tuning colonization, gene flow, genetic drift and genetic differentiation. We propose an inference method based on differences between gene trees. Applied to two empirical data sets prone to gene flow, we find better support for the GBD‐backward model than for the MSC model. Along with the increasing awareness of the extent of gene flow, this work shows the importance of considering the richer signal contained in genomic histories, rather than in the mere species tree, to better apprehend the complex evolutionary history of species.
Sexual and ecological selection on a sexual conflict gene
Authors: Plesnar‐Bielak Agata , Skwierzyńska Anna M. , Radwan Jacek
Published: July 2020

Sexual selection and conflict can act on genes with important metabolic functions, potentially shaping standing genetic variance in such genes and thus evolutionary potential of populations. Here, using experimental evolution, we show how reproductive competition intensity and thermal environment affect selection on phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6Pgdh)—a metabolic gene involved in sexual selection and conflict in the bulb mite. The S allele of 6Pgdh increases male success in reproductive competition, but is detrimental to S‐bearing males’ partners. We found that the rate of the S allele spread increased with the proportion of males in the experimental populations, illustrating that harm to females is more easily compensated for males under more intense sexual competition. Furthermore, we found that under equal sex ratio, the S allele spreads faster at higher temperature. While the direction of selection on 6Pgdh was not reversed in any of the conditions we tested, which would be required for environmental heterogeneity to maintain polymorphism at this locus, our study highlights that ecological and sexual selection can jointly affect selection on important metabolic enzymes.
Sharks, rays, and chimaeras of the Revillagigedo National Park: An update of new and confirmed records
Authors: Becerril‐García Edgar E. , Hoyos‐Padilla Edgar M. , Henning Brad , Salinas‐De León Pelayo
Published: July 2020

The Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park is the largest no‐take Marine Protected Area in North America and it is essential for the conservation of globally endangered marine megafauna, including cetaceans, sea birds and cartilaginous fishes. The present paper reports the occurrence of 28 chondrichthyan species, including 19 sharks, seven batoids and two chimaeras in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, comprising eight new records and a brief revision of confirmed species to date.