bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms underlying detection of seed dormancy by a scatter‐hoarding rodent
Authors: SUNDARAM Mekala , HIGDON Ashley E. , WOOD Karl V. , BONHAM Connie C. , SWIHART Robert K.
Published: October 2019

The mechanism underlying detection of seed dormancy by scatter‐hoarding rodents is unclear, although previous work suggests that the pericarp plays an important role in signaling dormancy status. Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) consume early germinating seeds as they are more likely to perish immediately, whereas dormant seeds tend to be cached. To examine the mechanisms underlying dormancy detection, we characterized physical and chemical differences between germinating and dormant pericarps of northern red oak (Quercus rubra), American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and the BC3 hybrid of Chinese chestnut and American chestnut (Castanea mollissima × C. dentata) using scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography‐ mass spectrometry. We found that, as seeds break dormancy, the wax layer on the pericarp degrades and is accompanied by the escape of lower molecular weight kernel compounds or lipid metabolism byproducts. Our field experiments showed that squirrels were 4–8 times more likely to consume seeds that were altered to remove pericarp wax coating or that were sprayed with seed chemicals. We argue that dormancy detection by scatter‐hoarding rodents is a complex process involving physical cues such as loss of pericarp wax and chemical cues such as emission of olfactory cues.
Retrospective cohort study on the safety and efficacy of docetaxel in Japanese non‐small cell lung cancer patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease stage 3b or higher
Authors: Anai Satoshi , Ibusuki Ritsu , Takao Tomoaki , Sakurai Yuko , Hisasue Junko , Takaki Yoichi , Hara Naohiko
Published: October 2019

Background

It has been reported that 20% of lung cancer patients have renal impairment caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since docetaxel is predominantly excreted by the hepatobiliary system, it is administered to non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with renal impairment. However, few clinical data are available on the toxicity and efficacy of docetaxel for patients with nondialysis renal impairment. Furthermore, some cases of tubular nephrotoxicity caused by docetaxel in NSCLC patients have been reported. Therefore, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the influence of nondialysis CKD on the toxicity and efficacy of docetaxel in NSCLC patients.

Methods

NSCLC patients who received docetaxel were assessed for renal function, occurrence of adverse events and treatment efficacy.

Results

A total of 34 NSCLC patients who received docetaxel were studied. Eight (23.5%) patients had nondialysis CKD stage 3b or higher, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the starting dose of docetaxel (mg/m2) was lower (60 mg/m2; 37.5% vs. 69.2%) in patients with an eGFR <45 than that in patients with an eGFR ≥45. No significant association was observed between pretreatment eGFR and hematological and nonhematological toxicities. No significant difference was observed in the disease control rate (62.5% vs. 65.4%, P = 1.000) or in the median overall survival (10.7 vs. 11.7, P = 0.735) between patients with an eGFR <45 and those with an eGFR ≥45.

Conclusion

Docetaxel is a reasonable option for NSCLC patients with nondialysis CKD stage 3b or higher. Dose reduction of docetaxel is also a possibility for NSCLC patients with CKD stage 3b or higher.
The Informational Effects of Tightening Oil and Gas Disclosure Rules
Authors: Badia Marc , Duro Miguel , Jorgensen Bjorn N. , Ormazabal Gaizka , Christensen Hans B.
Published: October 2019

We exploit two regulatory shocks to examine the informational effects of tightening preexisting mandatory disclosure rules. Canadian National Instrument 51‐101 in 2003 and the U.S. rule “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting” in 2009 introduced quasi‐identical amendments which effectively tightened the rules governing oil and gas reserve disclosures in both countries. We document significant changes in firms' reporting outcomes when the new regulations are introduced. We also find that the reserve disclosures filed under the new regulations are more closely associated with stock price changes and with decreases in bid‐ask spreads. Our findings are robust to controlling for other confounding factors such as time trends, other information disclosed simultaneously, financial reporting incentives, mispricing, and monitoring efforts.
Detachable low dead space syringes for the prevention of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs in Bristol, UK: an economic evaluation
Authors: Hancock Elizabeth , Ward Zoe , Ayres Rachel , Neale Jane , Hussey Deborah , Kesten Joanna May , Hickman Matthew , Vickerman Peter
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

Traditional detachable syringes used by people who inject drugs (PWID) retain larger volumes of blood when the plunger is depressed than syringes with fixed needles—referred to as high (HDSS) and low dead space syringes (LDSS), respectively. Evidence suggests that using HDSS may result in greater hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission risk than LDSS. We evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of an intervention to introduce detachable LDSS in a needle and syringe programme (NSP).

Design

HCV transmission and disease progression model with cost‐effectiveness analysis using a health‐care perspective. Detachable LDSS are associated with increased costs (£0.008) per syringe, yearly staff training costs (£536) and an estimated decreased risk (by 47.5%) of HCV transmission compared with HDSS. The intervention was modelled for 10 years, with costs and health benefits (quality‐adjusted life‐years: QALYs) tracked over 50 years.

Setting

Bristol, UK.

Participants and Cases

PWID attending NSP.

Intervention and comparator

Gradual replacement of HDSS at NSP, with 8, 58 and 95% of HDSS being replaced by detachable LDSS in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Comparator was continuing use of HDSS.

Measurements

Net monetary benefit. Benefits were measured in QALYs.

Findings

Introducing detachable LDSS was associated with a small increase in intervention costs (£21 717) compared with not introducing detachable LDSS, but considerable savings in HCV‐related treatment and care costs (£4 138 118). Overall cost savings were £4 116 401 over 50 years and QALY gains were 1000, with an estimated 30% reduction in new infections over the 10‐year intervention period. In all sensitivity analyses, detachable LDSS resulted in cost savings and additional QALYs. Threshold analyses suggested that detachable LDSS would need to reduce HCV transmission risk of HDSS by 0.26% to be cost‐saving and 0.04% to be cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Replacing high dead space syringes with detachable low dead space syringes in needle and syringe programmes in the United Kingdom is likely to be a cost‐saving approach for reducing hepatitis C virus transmission.
Incorporation and Company Formation in Australasia, 1790–1860
Authors: Graham Aaron
Published: October 2019

Nearly 260 companies were founded in and for the Australasian colonies between 1790 and 1860. A quantitative survey suggests that the patterns of incorporation mainly reflected ‘functionalist’ economic factors rather than ‘autonomous’ legal conditions, though the changing nature of company law did influence the various forms that incorporation took. In some sectors, outside factors and even historical accidents also pushed patterns of incorporation along distinct lines. The result was a tradition of adapting legal powers of incorporation to local needs which persisted beyond the introduction of modern company acts to the region in the 1860s and therefore shaped the subsequent evolution of the company in Australia and New Zealand.
Aggressive behavior in cattle is associated with a polymorphism in the MAOA gene promoter
Authors: Eusebi P. G. , Sevane N. , Cortés O. , Contreras E. , Cañon J. , Dunner S.
Published: October 2019

Molecular mechanisms underlying aggressive behavior are primitive and similar among the subphylum Vertebrata. In humans, a primary goal in the study of aggression is to determine the neurobehavioral molecular factors triggering violence. Although several species have been used to study agonistic responses, researchers are limited by the difficulty of artificially inducing aggression in animals not selected for it. Conversely, the Lidia cattle breed has been selected since the eighteenth century to display agonistic responses based on traits such as aggressiveness, ferocity and mobility, all of them showing significant heritability values. This intensive selection may have driven shifts in specific allele frequencies. In a previous analysis across the autosomes, we revealed long‐term selection regions including genes involved in behavioral development. In the present study, we focus on mapping recent signatures of selection associated with aggressiveness at chromosome X, by comparing Lidia cattle samples with two non‐specialized Spanish breeds showing tamed behavior. The most significant markers peaked around the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, and thus the associations of three functionally important regions located near the promoter of this gene were further investigated. A polymorphism consisting of a variable number of tandem repeats of the nucleotide ‘C’ (BTX:105,462,494) and displaying lower number of repetitions in the Lidia breed when compared with the tamed breeds was detected. In silico analyses predicted that the g.105,462,494delsinsC variant may code for the Sp1 binding motif, one of the major transcription factors controlling the core promoter and expression of the MAOA gene in humans.
Perceptions of gender dynamics in small‐scale fisheries and conservation areas in the Pursat province of Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia
Authors: Kwok Y.K. Eugenia , KC Krishna Bahadur , Silver Jennifer J. , Fraser Evan
Published: October 2019

The Tonle Sap Lake of Cambodia is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, supporting millions of small‐scale fisher livelihoods. Women's contributions in these fisheries are often overlooked due to socio‐cultural expectations of roles and responsibilities. This is a crucial omission since climate and anthropogenic influences increasingly threaten lake inhabitants. Addressing these challenges requires the full participation of both men and women who use the lake, thus it is necessary to first understand the social dynamics of these communities. We investigated whether there were differences between men's and women's perceptions of (i) fishing and non‐fishing practices; (ii) power, access and control over fishing resources; and (iii) perceptions towards conservation and conservation areas in Pursat, Cambodia. We interviewed fishers and key informants, and found differences in perceptions of fishing and non‐fishing practices between fishermen and fisherwomen. Men more openly acknowledged unequal power dynamics, access to and control over fishing resources when compared with women. We found contrasting ideas of community fisheries and conservation between men and women, and health and safety challenges they faced in conservation areas. Findings suggest that community perspectives and unequal power relations established specific roles for women that limited their active participation in fisheries management.
Malocclusions in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Pettett LM , Wilson GJ , Nicolson V , Boardman WSJ , Speight N , Fabijan J , Trott DJ , Bird PS
Published: October 2019

Malocclusions are a misalignment or incorrect positioning of the teeth when the upper and lower jaws close. These are poorly described in the koala and can result in irregular mastication which can have lifelong effects on body condition and oral health. A total of 370 koalas from two populations in Queensland (295) and one in South Australia (75) were examined for malocclusions. The prevalence of malocclusions in South Australian free‐ranging koalas, captive Queensland koalas and Queensland free‐ranging koalas was 39% (44), 30% (29) and 22% (29) respectively. Four types of malocclusion were identified based on severity of misalignment of the incisor/canine region, types 1, 2, 3 and 4. Maxillary overbite measurements of the molariform teeth were determined and these anisognathic values were then used to describe malocclusions within familial relationships in captive colonies. Captive koalas with a malocclusion had narrower mandibular width that ranged between 0.5 and 1% less than the normal measurements. The specific malocclusions reported in this study affected individuals by leading to tooth rotation, mobility and erosion with inefficient mastication of food and vegetation compaction. These changes increased the oral cavity pathology, by placing animals at risk of periodontal disease. There was evidence of familial links to malocclusion types in captive animals. Therefore captive breeding recommendations should consider known koala malocclusion traits to minimise their effect on future generations.
Expanded FDA regulation of health and wellness apps
Authors: Kasperbauer T. J. , Wright David E.
Published: October 2019

This paper argues that the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) policy for health and wellness apps is ethically problematic. Currently, the FDA does not regulate health and wellness apps that are not intended for medical use. As a result of this hands‐off policy, preventing harm to consumers is left primarily to developers and app marketplaces. We argue that the FDA’s duties to prevent harm and maintain accountability to the American public require that they play a much stronger role. We also discuss concerns about efficiency and fostering innovation, and argue that while they should help shape FDA regulation of health and wellness apps, they do not justify complete absence of FDA involvement.
Informing about mammographic screening: Ethical challenges and suggested solutions
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn
Published: October 2019

Providing high quality and user oriented information about mammographic screening is no easy task, as screening has been subject to heated professional and public debates. Although the information has to be developed and provided in context for each screening program, the basic challenges are very much the same for all programs. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to analyze key ethical challenges in informing about mammographic screening, and based on these, to suggest some guiding principles for practical solutions. A literature review identifies five crucial issues with respect to informing women about mammographic screening. By analyzing and addressing these issues, five guiding principles are suggested: the content and the form of information should be developed through open and transparent processes with strong stakeholder involvement. Facts should be presented in a balanced way and uncertainties should be acknowledged, e.g., by presenting outcomes in ranges. Information should be layered without attempts to frame information. Attending mammographic screening should be as easy as not attending. Although apparently trivial, the suggested principles can be useful for elaborating specific information material about mammographic screening in a field of great ethical controversy.
Für dermatologische Notfallpatienten benötigte Ressourcen: Eine zwölfmonatige prospektive Datenerhebung aus Deutschland
Authors: Ansorge Claudia , Miocic Johannes M. , von Bubnoff Dagmar , Technau‐Hafsi Kristin
Published: October 2019

Hintergrund und Ziele

Die steigenden Zahlen von Patienten, die Notfalleinrichtungen aufsuchen, sind mit einem zunehmenden Bedarf an Material und Personal verbunden. Um diese Ressourcen besser quantifizieren zu können, haben wir die diagnostischen Verfahren, die Art der Behandlung und die Anzahl und den Ausbildungsstand der Mitarbeiter untersucht, die an Notfallkonsultationen beteiligt sind.

Patienten und Methoden

Die Studie wurde als monozentrische prospektive Beobachtungsstudie über zwölf Monate an der dermatologischen Klinik eines deutschen Universitätskrankenhauses durchgeführt. In die konsekutive Stichprobe wurden 3155 Konsultationen eingeschlossen.

Ergebnisse

Bei 29 % aller Konsultationen wurden diagnostische Tests wie z.B. mikrobiologische Abstriche, Blutuntersuchungen oder Stanzbiopsien durchgeführt. In 70 % der Fälle verordneten die Ärzte eine Therapie, wobei Steroide und Antihistaminika die häufigsten topischen und systemischen Therapeutika waren. Alle Patienten wurden von mindestens einem Arzt und einer Pflegekraft versorgt, in 25 % der Fälle war ein weiterer Arzt beteiligt. Bei der überwiegenden Mehrzahl der Fälle reichten weniger als 30 Minuten für die Konsultation aus. Im Durchschnitt nahmen Notfallkonsultationen pro Tag zwei Stunden der Arbeitszeit des behandelnden Arztes in Anspruch. Die Arbeitszeit anderer beteiligter Mitarbeiter wie Pflegekräfte oder Laboranten wurde dabei nicht miteinbezogen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Diese Studie gibt einen Einblick in den Umfang der Ressourcen, die bei dermatologischen Notfallkonsultationen aufgewendet werden.
Dermatologische Komplikationen unter Therapie mit Biologika bei entzündlichen Autoimmunerkrankungen
Authors: Sondermann Wiebke , Herz Saskia , Sody Elsa , Körber Andreas
Published: October 2019

Hintergrund und Ziel

Kutane unerwünschte Ereignisse (cutaneous adverse events; CAE) treten bei bis zu 10 % der Patienten mit immunvermittelten entzündlichen Erkrankungen (IMID) auf, die mit Tumornekrosefaktor‐α (TNFα)‐Blockern behandelt werden. Ziel dieser klinischen Studie war es, den Verlauf von CAE bei allen Therapien mit Biologika nachzuverfolgen und zu beobachten.

Patienten und Methodik

Die Studienpopulation bestand aus Patienten mit CAE unter einer Biologikatherapie, die von erfahrenen Fachärzten der Dermatologie in der Ambulanz der Hautklinik des Universitätsklinikums Essen untersucht wurden.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 39 Patienten mit 45 CAE in diese Studie eingeschlossen. In 60 % der Fälle wurde eine paradoxe Psoriasis diagnostiziert. Bei zwei Dritteln (66,6 %) der Patienten mit CAE wurde als Grunderkrankung eine chronisch‐entzündliche Darmerkrankung (CED) diagnostiziert. Die auslösenden Faktoren waren in etwa 95 % der Fälle TNFα‐Antagonisten. Bei nahezu der Hälfte der Fälle (46,2 %) musste die Biologikatherapie umgestellt werden. Beinahe 90 % der Patienten zeigten ein vollständiges (42,1 %) oder teilweises Ansprechen (47 %).

Schlussfolgerungen

Das Management von CAE unter einer Therapie mit Biologika kann in der klinischen Praxis eine Herausforderung darstellen. Gastroenterologen, Rheumatologen und Dermatologen sollten Fallbesprechungen durchführen, um für Patienten mit CAE die bestmögliche Behandlung zu erzielen und unnötige Therapieumstellungen zu vermeiden.
Risk of ankylosis of 400 avulsed and replanted human teeth in relation to length of dry storage: A re‐evaluation of a long‐term clinical study
Authors: Lauridsen Eva , Andreasen Jens O. , Bouaziz Oliver , Andersson Lars
Published: October 2019

Background/Aims

Ankylosis and subsequent tooth loss is a serious complication following tooth avulsion and replantation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of ankylosis of human teeth replanted after various periods of dry storage prior to replantation. The material originates from a previously reported clinical study of 400 replanted teeth.

Methods

Initial treatment, clinical and radiological examination and follow‐up were conducted according to a standardized protocol. PDL was not removed. Follow‐up periods ranged from 0.2 to 20 years (mean 5.1 years). The risk of ankylosis was analysed using the Cox regression model including stage of root development, length of dry time and age > 20 years.

Results

The risk of ankylosis significantly increased with increasing length of dry time (hazard ratio: 1.22, P = .002) and was significantly higher for teeth with mature root development than for teeth with immature root development (hazard ratio: 2.1 P < .0001). The estimated risks of ankylosis after 900 days for teeth with immature root development were: dry time < 20 minutes: 33.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25.4‐42.7), dry time 20‐40 minutes: 49.6% (95% CI: 37.5‐64.8), dry time 40‐60 minutes: 54.4% (95% CI: 37.1‐71.3) and dry time > 60 minutes: 60.0% (95% CI: 45.0‐75.8). The risks for teeth with mature root development were: dry time < 20 minutes: 59.4% (95% CI: 51.6‐66.5), dry time 20‐40 minutes: 78.3% (95% CI: 69.5‐86.2), dry time 40‐60 minutes: 81.9% (95% CI: 67.2‐92.4) and dry time > 60 minutes: 86.4% (95% CI: 79.7; 92.9).

Conclusion

The risk of ankylosis rose with increasing length of dry time. However, some teeth may heal without ankylosis even after 60 minutes of dry time. Immature teeth have a lower risk of developing ankylosis. Replantation should therefore always be considered for avulsed teeth.
The neurobiological basis of sex differences in learned fear and its inhibition
Authors: Day Harriet L. L. , Stevenson Carl W.
Published: October 2019

Learning that certain cues or environments predict threat enhances survival by promoting appropriate fear and the resulting defensive responses. Adapting to changing stimulus contingencies by learning that such cues no longer predict threat, or distinguishing between these threat‐related and other innocuous stimuli, also enhances survival by limiting fear responding in an appropriate manner to conserve resources. Importantly, a failure to inhibit fear in response to harmless stimuli is a feature of certain anxiety and trauma‐related disorders, which are also associated with dysfunction of the neural circuitry underlying learned fear and its inhibition. Interestingly, these disorders are up to twice as common in women, compared to men. Despite this striking sex difference in disease prevalence, the neurobiological factors involved remain poorly understood. This is due in part to the majority of relevant preclinical studies having neglected to include female subjects alongside males, which has greatly hindered progress in this field. However, more recent studies have begun to redress this imbalance and emerging evidence indicates that there are significant sex differences in the inhibition of learned fear and associated neural circuit function. This paper provides a narrative review on sex differences in learned fear and its inhibition through extinction and discrimination, along with the key gonadal hormone and brain mechanisms involved. Understanding the endocrine and neural basis of sex differences in learned fear inhibition may lead to novel insights on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the enhanced vulnerability to develop anxiety‐related disorders that are observed in women.
Managing grazing intensity to reduce the global warming potential in integrated crop–livestock systems under no‐till agriculture
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo H. , Ibarr Mariana A. , Besen Marcos R. , Bayer Cimelio , Piva Jonatas T.
Published: October 2019

Agricultural intensification has been associated with increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLs) under no‐till agriculture can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation, thereby helping mitigate such emissions. The aim of this study was to assess the net global warming potential (net GWP) of no‐till ICLs at variable grazing intensities of winter black oat pasture in a subtropical ecosystem. A 3.5‐year field experiment involving three different grazing intensities (i.e., intensive, moderate and light as defined by a pasture height of 10, 20 and 30 cm, respectively) and grazing exclusion in winter and no‐till soybean cropping in summer was conducted on a Ferralsol in southern Brazil. Net GWP, in Mg CO2eq ha−1year−1, was assessed in terms of SOC sequestration relative to intensive grazing as a reference, including methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and energy costs of farming operations and inputs. Moderate grazing reduced net GWP relative to intensive grazing (from 0.09 to 4.92 Mg CO2eq ha−1year−1), the latter leading to the highest GWP levels. The decrease in net GWP was mainly the result of SOC accumulation, which offset 34–98% of all GHG emissions. Light grazing and grazing exclusion proved to be less efficient than moderate grazing in decreasing net GWP (1.84 Mg CO2eq ha−1year−1on average), mainly as a result of decreased SOC accumulation. Based on our findings, moderate grazing (20 cm high pasture) of winter black oat pasture is an effective strategy to reduce the C‐footprint of ICLs in subtropical no‐till agriculture.

Highlights

On‐farm assessment of net GWP in subtropical no‐till ICLs

Conversion from intensive to moderate grazing reduced net GWP

SOC accumulation is the main driver of net GWP reduction under no‐till ICLs.
Complex patterns of dopamine‐related gene expression in the ventral tegmental area of male zebra finches relate to dyadic interactions with long‐term female partners
Authors: Alger Sarah J. , Kelm‐Nelson Cynthia A. , Stevenson Sharon A. , Juang Charity , Gammie Stephen C. , Riters Lauren V.
Published: October 2019

Dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to multiple efferent targets are implicated in pair bonding, yet the role of the VTA in the maintenance of long‐term pair bonds is not well characterized. Complex interactions between numerous neuromodulators modify activity in the VTA, suggesting that individual differences in patterns of gene expression in this region may explain individual differences in long‐term social interactions in bonded pairs. To test this hypothesis we used RNA‐seq to measure expression of over 8000 annotated genes in male zebra finches in established male‐female pairs. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis identified a gene module that contained numerous dopamine‐related genes with TH found to be the most connected gene of the module. Genes in this module related to male agonistic behaviors as well as bonding‐related behaviors produced by female partners. Unsupervised learning approaches identified two groups of males that differed with respect to expression of numerous genes. Enrichment analyses showed that many dopamine‐related genes and modulators differed between these groups, including dopamine receptors, synthetic and degradative enzymes, the avian dopamine transporter and several GABA‐ and glutamate‐related genes. Many of the bonding‐related behaviors closely associated with VTA gene expression in the two male groups were produced by the male's partner, rather than the male himself. Collectively, results highlight numerous candidate genes in the VTA that can be explored in future studies and raise the possibility that the molecular/genetic organization of the VTA may be strongly shaped by a social partner and/or the strength of the pair bond.
Population‐specific migratory strategies of Twite Linaria flavirostris in Western Europe
Authors: Dunning Jamie , Finch Tom , Davison Angus , Durrant Kate L.
Published: October 2019

Migratory connectivity describes the extent to which different individuals from specific breeding populations use similar non‐breeding sites, with important consequences for the demography and population structure of birds. We used mark‐recapture data from the EUring data bank to describe the non‐breeding range of Twite Linaria flavirostris within Western Europe. We quantified the strength of migratory connectivity across all European breeding populations, and for the British and continental breeding populations separately. Twite from different parts of the British breeding range used different non‐breeding areas from one another, whereas Twite from different parts of the continental breeding range used similar non‐breeding areas. There was essentially no overlap during the non‐breeding season between British and continental Twite.
Update on treatments for erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus
Authors: Dunaway Spencer , Tyler Kelly , Kaffenberger Jessica
Published: October 2019

Vulvovaginal lichen planus (VVLP) is a debilitating disease that causes significant pain and psychological distress. Management is made difficult by the chronic course of the disease and its resistance to treatment. While topical steroids have been accepted as the first‐line treatment, they fail to achieve symptomatic control in approximately 40% of patients. Second‐line therapies include other topical treatments such as calcineurin inhibitors, systemic therapies including oral steroids, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, biologics, and tacrolimus, and procedural options including surgery and dilation, photodynamic therapy, and ultrasound. This review provides an overview of the current treatments and explores the level of evidence supporting each of them.
Legislative protection from discrimination in access to employer‐provided training
Authors: Allmang Skye , Jou Judy , Gadoth Adva , Rozhenkova Veronika , Raub Amy , Heymann Jody
Published: October 2019

This article provides an analysis of laws across all 193 United Nations countries that protect workers from discrimination in access to employer‐provided training. We assessed the overall level of protection and the characteristics most commonly protected, as well as the extent of variation across geographic regions and country income. Overall, 60% of countries were found to offer specific protections from discrimination in access to training for at least one of the seven protected characteristics, which was significantly less than the percentage of countries offering protections from discriminatory hiring or terminations. Gender was the most commonly protected characteristic, whereas sexual orientation was least commonly protected. These findings suggest that employer‐provided training is less well‐protected from discrimination when compared with other aspects of employment and that there is variation in protection across socio‐demographic characteristics and geographic regions. Additional legislation may be needed to ensure equitable access to training for all workers.
A topoclimate model for Quaternary insular speciation
Authors: García‐Olivares Víctor , Patiño Jairo , Overcast Isaac , Salces‐Castellano Antonia , López de Heredia Unai , Mora‐Márquez Fernando , Machado Antonio , Hickerson Michael J. , Emerson Brent C.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Understanding the drivers of speciation within islands is key to explain the high levels of invertebrate diversification and endemism often observed within islands. Here, we propose an insular topoclimate model for Quaternary diversification (ITQD), and test the general prediction that, within a radially eroded conical island, glacial climate conditions facilitate the divergence of populations within species across valleys.

Location

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.

Taxon

The Laparocerus tessellatus beetle species complex (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).

Methods

We characterize individual‐level genomic relationships using single nucleotide polymorphisms produced by double‐digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq). A range of parameter values were explored in order to filter our data. We assess individual relatedness, species boundaries, demographic history and spatial patterns of connectivity.

Results

The total number of ddRAD‐seq loci per sample ranges from 4,576 to 512, with 11.12% and 4.84% of missing data respectively, depending on the filtering parameter combination. We consistently infer four genetically distinct ancestral populations and two presumed cases of admixture, one of which is largely restricted to high altitudes. Bayes factor delimitation support the hypothesis of four species, which is consistent with the four inferred ancestral gene pools. Landscape resistance analyses identified genomic relatedness among individuals in two out of the four inferred species to be best explained by annual precipitation during the last glacial maximum rather than geographic distance.

Main conclusions

Our data reveal a complex speciation history involving population isolation and admixture, with broad support for the ITQD model here proposed. We suggest that further studies are needed to test the generality of our model, and enrich our understanding of the evolutionary process in island invertebrates. Our results demonstrate the power of ddRAD‐seq data to provide a detailed understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of insular biodiversity.
Addressing the problem of inaccuracy of measured 24‐hour urine collections due to incomplete collection
Authors: Mann Samuel J. , Gerber Linda M.
Published: October 2019

The 24‐hour urine collection is widely considered the gold standard for assessing 24‐hour excretion of various analytes. Yet, studies show that >30% of collections are incomplete and hence understate the true 24‐hour excretion. We previously validated an equation for estimating an individual's 24‐hour creatinine excretion, based on weight, sex, race, and age. The present study examines whether routinely correcting measured 24‐hour excretion of an analyte using the ratio of estimated to measured 24‐hour urine creatinine mitigates the misleadingly low values that result from undercollection. Ninety‐nine participants, recruited from an outpatient hypertension clinic, submitted a 24‐hour urine collection for measurement of creatinine and sodium excretion. The urine collections were dichotomized into complete (n = 63) and incomplete (n = 36) collections based on previously described criteria for expected 24‐hour creatinine excretion. To adjust for possible incompleteness of collections, the measured 24‐hour values were then corrected by multiplying them by the ratio of estimated to measured 24‐hour urine creatinine. The mean 24‐hour creatinine excretion was 1682 mg/d among complete collectors. Among incomplete collectors, the mean was 1211 mg/d before and 1695 mg/d after, adjustment. Similarly, mean 24‐hour sodium excretion was 156 mEq/d among complete collectors, whereas among incomplete collectors it was 121 mEq/d before and 171 mEq/d after, adjustment. Undercollection of 24‐hour urines is a common problem and results in misleadingly low values for excretion of analytes being measured. Routine adjustment of 24‐hour urine values using estimated values for 24‐hour creatinine excretion can greatly mitigate artifactually low 24‐hour excretion results.
MiR‐205 promotes endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis and deep vein thrombosis recanalization and resolution by targeting PTEN to regulate Akt/autophagy pathway and MMP2 expression
Authors: Sun Li‐Li , Xiao Lun , Du Xiao‐Long , Hong Lei , Li Cheng‐Long , Jiao Jian , Li Wen‐Dong , Li Xiao‐Qiang
Published: October 2019

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs, MiRs) represent a class of conserved small non‐coding RNAs that affect post‐transcriptional gene regulation and play a vital role in angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. They are essential for a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, especially for vascular diseases. However, data concerning miRNAs in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remain incomplete. We explored miRNAs that modulate angiogenesis in EPCs and thrombolysis, and analysed their underlying mechanisms using a DVT model, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, qRT‐PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis, CCK‐8 assay, angiogenesis assay, wound healing and Transwell assay. We found that miR‐205 enhanced the homing ability of EPCs to DVT sites and promoted thrombosis resolution and recanalization, which significantly reduced venous thrombus. Additionally, we demonstrated that miR‐205 overexpression significantly enhanced angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro, migration, invasion, F‐actin filaments and proliferation in EPCs, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Conversely, down‐regulation of miR‐205 played the opposite role in EPCs. Importantly, this study demonstrated that miR‐205 directly targeted PTEN to modulate the Akt/autophagy pathway and MMP2 expression, subsequently playing a key role in EPC function and DVT recanalization and resolution. These results elucidated the pro‐angiogenesis effects of miR‐205 in EPCs and established it as a potential target for DVT treatment.
Evolution of phenotypic plasticity: Genetic differentiation and additive genetic variation for induced plant defence in wild arugula Eruca sativa
Authors: Ogran Ariel , Conner Jeffrey , Agrawal Anurag A. , Barazani Oz
Published: October 2019

Phenotypic plasticity is the primary mechanism of organismal resilience to abiotic and biotic stress, and genetic differentiation in plasticity can evolve if stresses differ among populations. Inducible defence is a common form of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and long‐standing theory predicts that its evolution is shaped by costs of the defensive traits, costs of plasticity and a trade‐off in allocation to constitutive versus induced traits. We used a common garden to study the evolution of defence in two native populations of wild arugula Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae) from contrasting desert and Mediterranean habitats that differ in attack by caterpillars and aphids. We report genetic differentiation and additive genetic variance for phenology, growth and three defensive traits (toxic glucosinolates, anti‐nutritive protease inhibitors and physical trichome barriers) as well their inducibility in response to the plant hormone jasmonic acid. The two populations were strongly differentiated for plasticity in nearly all traits. There was little evidence for costs of defence or plasticity, but constitutive and induced traits showed a consistent additive genetic trade‐off within each population for the three defensive traits. We conclude that these populations have evolutionarily diverged in inducible defence and retain ample potential for the future evolution of phenotypic plasticity in defence.
Two‐year performance of CAD/CAM fabricated resin composite inlay restorations: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tunac Ayse T. , Celik Esra U. , Yasa Bilal
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2‐year clinical performance of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin composite inlay restorations in comparison with direct resin composite restorations.

Materials and methods

In 44 patients, 120 class II (mesio‐occlusal/disto‐occlusal) cavities were randomly assigned into two groups; CAD/CAM resin composite inlay group (Lava Ultimate), direct resin composite group (Clearfil Majesty Posterior). Clinical evaluations were performed after 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years according to the FDI criteria. The data were analyzed using Friedman's ANOVA and Mann‐Whitney U tests (α = .05).

Results

In 41 patients, 114 restorations were evaluated at the second year (recall rate 93.2%). All restorations were ideal or clinically acceptable. At the first year, considering all criteria, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. However, there was a significant difference in terms of surface luster at second year, in favor of inlay restorations (P = .015). The marginal staining of resin composites increased after 2 years (P = .046), but there was no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions

Except the surface luster, 2‐year clinical performance of CAD/CAM resin composite inlay restorations was found similar to direct resin composite restorations according to FDI criteria

Clinical Significance

The clinical performance of CAD/CAM resin composite inlays was acceptable in class II cavities subsequent to 2‐year evaluation.
ODYM—An open software framework for studying dynamic material systems: Principles, implementation, and data structures
Authors: Pauliuk Stefan , Heeren Niko
Published: October 2019

Material flow analysis (MFA) studies the stocks and flows of goods and substances in systems. The methods and algorithms of MFA have improved over the last few years, but a flexible platform that integrates recent modeling advances such as simultaneous consideration of the product, component, material and chemical element levels, lifetime models, and uncertainty treatment is not available. There is also no versatile data format for exchanging data between projects. This lack of research infrastructure is detrimental to scientific progress. To fill that gap, we propose a novel industrial ecology community model for MFA. The Open Dynamic Material Systems Model (ODYM) is an open source framework for material systems modeling programmed in Python. The description of systems, processes, stocks, flows, and parameters is object‐based, which facilitates the development of modular software and testing routines for individual model blocks. ODYM MFA models can handle any depth of flow and stock specification: products, components, sub‐components, materials, alloys, waste, and chemical elements can be traced simultaneously. ODYM features a new data structure for material flow analysis; all input and output data are stored in a standardized file format and can thus be exchanged across projects. It also comes with an extended library for dynamic stock modeling. We present the features, design principles, software, and data structure of ODYM, describe its main methods and functions, and give an outlook on current and future applications.
Response to Letter to the Editor by Bartoloni et al: ‘Interplay of anti‐SSA/SSB status and hypertension in determining cardiovascular risk in primary Sjögren’s syndrome’
Authors: Mofors J. , Wahren‐Herlenius M. , Nordmark G.
Published: October 2019

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Bartoloni et al.
Interaction of chylomicron remnants and VLDLs during ultracentrifuge separation based on the Svedberg flotation rate – Authors’ response
Authors: Björnson E. , Packard C.J. , Taskinen M.‐R. , Borén J.
Published: October 2019

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Stellaard and Lütjohann
Interaction of chylomicron remnants and VLDLs during ultracentrifuge separation based on the Svedberg flotation rate
Authors: Stellaard F. , Lütjohann D.
Published: October 2019

Click here to view the Original article by Björnson et al.
Understanding Transnational Policy Flows in Security and Justice
Authors: Jones Trevor , Newburn Tim
Published: October 2019

This article examines the contribution of scholarly work on ‘policy transfer’ and related concepts to our knowledge of how far, and in what ways, particular policy ‘models’ of security and justice travel across national boundaries, and what might explain this phenomenon. The article begins by summarizing the key findings of extant empirical studies of cross‐national policy movement in the fields of crime, security, and justice. It then considers the normative dimension to debates about policy transfer, observing that much of the literature adopts a pessimistic position about the problematic nature of international policy movement in security and justice, and discusses some of the reasons for such pessimism. The article then reflects on ways in which normative principles could be applied to considerations of prospective policy transfer, and the implications for the broader possibilities for ‘progressive’ policy transfer in relation to crime, security, and justice.
Floral organs act as environmental filters and interact with pollinators to structure the yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus) floral microbiome
Authors: Rebolleda Gómez María , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: October 2019

Assembly of microbial communities is the result of neutral and selective processes. However, the relative importance of these processes is still debated. Microbial communities of flowers, in particular, have gained recent attention because of their potential impact to plant fitness and plant‐pollinator interactions. However, the role of selection and dispersal in the assembly of these communities remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the role of pollinator‐mediated dispersal on the contribution of neutral and selective processes in the assembly of floral microbiomes of the yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus). We sampled floral organs from flowers in the presence and absence of pollinators within five different serpentine seeps in CA and obtained 16S amplicon data on the epiphytic bacterial communities. Consistent with strong microenvironment selection within flowers we observed significant differences in community composition across floral organs and only a small effect of geographic distance. Pollinator exposure affected the contribution of environmental selection and depended on the rate and intimacy of interactions with flower visitors. This study provides evidence of the importance of dispersal and within‐flower heterogeneity in shaping epiphytic bacterial communities of flowers, and highlights the complex interplay between pollinator behaviour, environmental selection and additional abiotic factors in shaping the epiphytic bacterial communities of flowers.
Thermosensitive pilus production by FCT type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes controlled by Nra regulator translational efficiency
Authors: Nakata Masanobu , Sumitomo Tomoko , Patenge Nadja , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Kawabata Shigetada
Published: October 2019

Streptococcus pyogenes produces a diverse variety of pili in a serotype‐dependent manner and thermosensitive expression of pilus biogenesis genes was previously observed in a serotype M49 strain. However, the precise mechanism and biological significance remain unclear. Herein, the pilus expression analysis revealed the thermosensitive pilus production only in strains possessing the transcriptional regulator Nra. Experimental data obtained for nra deletion and conditional nra‐expressing strains in the background of an M49 strain and the Lactococcus heterologous expression system, indicated that Nra is a positive regulator of pilus genes and also highlighted the importance of the level of intracellular Nra for the thermoregulation of pilus expression. While the nra mRNA level was not significantly influenced by a temperature shift, the Nra protein level was concomitantly increased when the culture temperature was decreased. Intriguingly, a putative stem‐loop structure within the coding region of nra mRNA was a factor related to the post‐transcriptional efficiency of nra mRNA translation. Either deletion of the stem‐loop structure or introduction of silent chromosomal mutations designed to melt the structure attenuated Nra levels, resulting in decreased pilus production. Consequently, the temperature‐dependent translational efficacy of nra mRNA influenced pilus thermoregulation, thereby potentially contributing to the fitness of nra‐positive S. pyogenes in human tissues.
Parnassia zhengyuana sp. nov. and P. simianshanensis sp. nov.: two new species of Parnassia (Celastraceae) from karst caves and Danxia landform in southwest China
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Jing , Zhang Jun , Liu Zheng‐Yu , Ren Ming‐Xun
Published: October 2019

Two new species of Parnassia, Parnassia zhengyuana M.X. Ren & J. Zhang and P. simianshanensis M.X. Ren, J. Zhang & Z.Y. Liu, have been found in mountainous areas of Chongqing City, southwest China, and are described and illustrated here. Parnassia zhengyuana is found in a limestone cave near Mt Jinfo, Nanchuan District, Chongqing City. This tiny plant has special spoon‐shaped leaves and undivided staminodes with green apices. Parnassia simianshanensis was discovered in Mt Simian, Jiangjin County, Chongqing City. This species grows along streams on red sandstones, i.e. in Danxia landform. It can be easily identified by its unique rhombic leaves and the five‐ or four‐branched staminodes. The conservation status of P. zhengyuana and P. simianshanensis are assessed respectively as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) and ‘VU’ (Vulnerable) according to IUCN criteria. The roles of karst and Danxia landforms in the speciation process are discussed.