bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social communication in bats
Authors: Chaverri Gloriana , Ancillotto Leonardo , Russo Danilo
Published: May 2018

Bats represent one of the most diverse mammalian orders, not only in terms of species numbers, but also in their ecology and life histories. Many species are known to use ephemeral and/or unpredictable resources that require substantial investment to find and defend, and also engage in social interactions, thus requiring significant levels of social coordination. To accomplish these tasks, bats must be able to communicate; there is now substantial evidence that demonstrates the complexity of bat communication and the varied ways in which bats solve some of the problems associated with their unique life histories. However, while the study of communication in bats is rapidly growing, it still lags behind other taxa. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of communication in bats, from the reasons why they communicate to the diversity and application of different signal modalities. The most widespread form of communication is the transmission of a signaller's characteristics, such as species identity, sex, individual identity, group membership, social status and body condition, and because many species of bats can rely little on vision due to their nocturnal lifestyles, it is assumed that sound and olfaction are particularly important signalling modes. For example, research suggests that secretions from specialized glands, often in combination with urine and saliva, are responsible for species recognition in several species. These olfactory signals may also convey information about sex and colony membership. Olfaction may be used in combination with sound, particularly in species that emit constant frequency (CF) echolocation calls, to recognize conspecifics from heterospecifics, yet their simple structure and high frequency do not allow much information of individual identity to be conveyed over long distances. By contrast, social calls may encode a larger number of cues of individual identity, and their lower frequencies increase their range of detection. Social calls are also known to deter predators, repel competitors from foraging patches, attract group mates to roost sites, coordinate foraging activities, and are used during courtship. In addition to sound, visual displays such as wing flapping or hovering may be used during courtship, and swarming around roost sites may serve as a visual cue of roost location. However, visual communication in bats still remains a poorly studied signal modality. Finally, the most common form of tactile communication known in bats is social grooming, which may be used to signal reproductive condition, but also to facilitate and strengthen cooperative interactions. Overall, this review demonstrates the rapid advances made in the study of bat social communication during recent years, and also identifies topics that require further study, particularly those that may allow us to understand adaptation to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Immediate impact of a hurricane on the structure of a tropical butterfly community
Authors: Mullany Frances , Hollands Georgina , Snaddon Jake L.
Published: May 2018

More intense and frequent hurricanes may lead to long‐lasting effects to tropical ecosystems. Here, we describe the immediate impact on the butterfly community of a lowland forest in Belize, following Hurricane Earl. Species richness and abundance increased posthurricane, likely driven by convergence of the organization between the canopy and understory communities.
Injectable, compression‐resistant polymer/ceramic composite bone grafts promote lateral ridge augmentation without protective mesh in a canine model
Authors: Talley Anne D. , Boller Lauren A. , Kalpakci Kerem N. , Shimko Daniel A. , Cochran David L. , Guelcher Scott A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a compression‐resistant bone graft augmented with recombinant human morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) will promote lateral ridge augmentation without the use of protective mesh in a canine model.

Materials & Methods

Compression‐resistant (CR) bone grafts were evaluated in a canine model of lateral ridge augmentation. Bilateral, right trapezoidal prism‐shaped defects (13–14 mm long × 8–9 mm wide × 3–4 mm deep at the base) in 13 hounds (two defects per hound) were treated with one of four groups: (i) absorbable collagen sponge + 400 μg rhBMP‐2/ml (ACS, clinical control) protected by titanium mesh, (ii) CR without rhBMP‐2 (CR, negative control), (iii) CR + 200 μg rhBMP‐2 (CR‐L), or (iv) CR + 400 μg rhBMP‐2 (CR‐H). All animals were euthanized after 16 weeks. Ridge height and width and new bone formation were assessed by μCT, histology, and histomorphometry. The release kinetics of rhBMP‐2 from CR bone grafts in vitro and in vivo in a femoral condyle defect model in rabbits was also evaluated.

Results

All four bone grafts promoted new bone formation (11–31.6 volume%) in the lateral ridge defects. For CR grafts, ridge height and width increased in a dose‐responsive manner with increasing rhBMP‐2 concentration. Ridge height and width measured for CR‐H without the use of protective mesh was comparable to that measured for ACS with a protective mesh.

Conclusions

At the same dose of rhBMP‐2, an injectable, compression‐resistant bone graft resulted in a comparable volume of new bone formation with the clinical control (ACS). These findings highlight the potential of compression‐resistant bone grafts without the use of protective mesh for lateral ridge augmentation.
A statistical tool for risk assessment as a function of the number of lymph nodes retrieved from rectal cancer patients
Authors: Wu Z. , Qin G. , Zhao N. , Jia H. , Zheng X.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Although a minimum of 12 lymph nodes (LNs) has been recommended for examination in colorectal cancer patients there remains considerable debate with regard to rectal cancer. Inadequacy of examined LNs could lead to understaging and inappropriate treatment as a consequence. We describe a statistical tool that allows an estimate of the probability of false‐negative nodes.

Method

A total of 26 778 patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 with rectal adenocarcinoma [tumour stage (T stage) 1–3] who did not receive neoadjuvant therapies and had at least one histologically assessed LN were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. A statistical tool using beta‐binomial distribution was developed to estimate the probability of missing a positive node as a function of the total number of LNs examined and T stage.

Results

The probability of falsely identifying a patient as node‐negative decreased with increasing number of nodes examined for each stage. It was estimated to be 72%, 66% and 52% for T1, T2 and T3 patients, respectively, with a single node examined. To confirm an occult nodal disease with 90% confidence, 5, 9 and 29 nodes need to be examined for patients from stages T1, T2 and T3, respectively.

Conclusion

The false‐negative rate of the examined LNs in rectal cancer was verified to be dependent preoperatively on the clinical T stage. A more accurate nodal staging score was developed to recommend a threshold for the minimum number of examined nodes with regard to the favoured level of confidence.
Thyroid FNAC: Causes of false‐positive results
Authors: Malheiros D. C. , Canberk S. , Poller D. N. , Schmitt F.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we aim to focus on false positive results in the evaluation of thyroid aspirations, covering cystic, inflammatory, follicular and oncocytic lesions, papillary carcinoma, and medullary carcinoma of thyroid. The recently described entity noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features is also discussed detailing the impact of its introduction on the sensitivity and specificity of thyroid FNA, as well as the use of molecular tests for diagnostics. Medicolegal issues in relation to current practice in English law are also described.
Highly deficient alcohol health warning labels in a high‐income country with a voluntary system
Authors: Tinawi Georges , Gray Tessa , Knight Thomas , Glass Chayce , Domanski Nina , Wilson Nick , Hoek Janet , Thomson George
Published: May 2018

Introduction and Aims

To examine the prevalence and design elements of the voluntary health warning labels and related industry initiatives on a purposive sample of alcoholic beverage containers sold in New Zealand (NZ), a country with no mandatory health warning labels.

Design and Methods

We selected a purposive (e.g. low‐cost) sample of 59 local and imported beers, wines and ready‐to‐drink alcoholic beverage containers available in NZ in 2016–2017. We documented the occurrence, content, size, appearance and position of messages concerning drinking during pregnancy, drink‐driving, other health effects and industry‐led initiatives that could relate to warnings; and collected data about alcohol content, standard drinks, ingredients and energy information.

Results

A majority (80%) of the alcoholic beverage containers had a pregnancy‐related warning, 73% had industry‐led initiatives (e.g. advising ‘responsible’ consumption) and 19% had drink‐driving/heavy machinery warnings. Warning labels were small, with the average area of pregnancy‐related and drink‐driving/heavy machinery pictograms being 45 and 36 mm2, respectively (i.e. pea‐size). The average heights of pregnancy‐related and drink‐driving text were 1.6 and 2.2 mm, respectively. Pregnancy‐related pictograms occupied between an average of 0.13% (wine) and 0.21% (ready‐to‐drink) of the available surface area of the alcoholic beverage container (i.e. less than 1/400th of the available space). Drink‐driving pictograms occupied an average of 0.12% (imported beer), and 0.13% (NZ beer) of the available surface area.

Discussion and Conclusions

Voluntary recommendations in NZ appear to have been inadequate for producing health warnings on alcoholic beverage containers that are consistent with evidence‐informed recommendations for effective labels. This finding suggests that mandatory standardised labelling outlining alcohol‐related risks may be required to ensure adequate consumer information.
Cord blood insulin, IGF‐I, IGF‐II, leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin, and their associations with insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function and adiposity in infancy
Authors: Zhang D. L. , Du Q. , Djemli A. , Julien P. , Fraser W. D. , Luo Z. C.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Vulnerability to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes may originate in early life, but little is known about whether any perinatal biomarkers are predictive of later metabolic health. We sought to assess whether cord blood insulin, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I, IGF‐II, leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin are associated with metabolic health indicators in infancy.

Methods

In a prospective singleton birth cohort, we assessed cord blood insulin, IGF‐I, IGF‐II, leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations in relation to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), β‐cell function (HOMA‐β), fasting proinsulin‐to‐insulin ratio, BMIz‐score, and the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (an indicator of adiposity) in infants at age 1 year (n = 185).

Results

Adjusting for maternal and infant characteristics, one standard deviation (sd) increase in cord blood adiponectin was associated with an 11.1% (95% confidence interval 1.8–19.5%) decrease in HOMA‐β (P = 0.02) and a 13.6% (1.8–26.8%) increase in proinsulin‐to‐insulin ratio (P = 0.02), indicating worse β‐cell function in infants at age 1 year. One sd increase in cord blood insulin was associated with a 0.5 (0.1–1.0) mm increase in skinfold thickness (P = 0.01). One sd increase in cord blood ghrelin was associated with a 0.2 (0.02–0.3) decrease in BMIz‐score (P = 0.02) and a 0.5 (0.1–0.9) mm decrease (P = 0.02) in skinfold thickness. Cord blood IGF‐I and IGF‐II were not associated with the observed metabolic health indicators at age 1 year.

Conclusion

The study is the first to show that cord blood adiponectin may be negatively predictive of β‐cell function, whereas cord blood ghrelin may be negatively predictive of adiposity in infancy.
Awareness is related to reduced post‐stimulus alpha power: a no‐report inattentional blindness study
Authors: Harris Anthony M. , Dux Paul E. , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: May 2018

Delineating the neural correlates of sensory awareness is a key requirement for developing a neuroscientific understanding of consciousness. A neural signal that has been proposed as a key neural correlate of awareness is amplitude reduction of 8–14 Hz alpha oscillations. Alpha oscillations are also closely linked to processes of spatial attention, providing potential alternative explanations for past results associating alpha oscillations with awareness. We employed a no‐report inattentional blindness (IB) paradigm with electroencephalography to examine the association between awareness and the power of 8–14 Hz alpha oscillations. We asked whether the alpha‐power decrease commonly reported when stimuli are perceived is related to awareness, or other factors that commonly confound awareness investigations, specifically task‐relevance and visual salience. Two groups of participants performed a target discrimination task at fixation while irrelevant non‐salient shape probes were presented briefly in the left or right visual field. One group was explicitly informed of the peripheral probes at the commencement of the experiment (the control group), whereas the other was not told about the probes until halfway through the experiment (IB group). Consequently, the IB group remained unaware of the probes for the first half of the experiment. In all conditions in which participants were aware of the probes, there was an enhanced negativity in the event‐related potential (the visual awareness negativity). Furthermore, there was an extended contralateral alpha‐power decrease when the probes were perceived, which was not present when they failed to reach awareness. These results suggest alpha oscillations are intrinsically associated with awareness itself.
A new Asphondylia species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and a eulophid wasp (Hymenoptera) inducing similar galls on leaf buds of Schoepfia jasminodora (Schoepfiaceae), with reference to their ecological traits and a description of the new gall midge
Authors: Elsayed Ayman Khamis , Matsuo Kazunori , Kim Wanggyu , Uechi Nami , Yukawa Junichi , Gyoutoku Naohisa , Tokuda Makoto
Published: May 2018

Different gall inducers belonging to distinct insect orders are rarely known to induce similarly shaped galls on the same host plant organs. We report that Asphondylia tojoi Elsayed & Tokuda sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and Ceratoneura sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) induce galls on leaf buds of Schoepfia jasminodora Sieb. et Zucc. (Schoepfiaceae). We describe the gall midge species as new to science and report a phylogenetic analysis for known Japanese Asphondylia species. We also describe life histories of the two species, based on monthly surveys during 2015–2017: although both species are multivoltine, A. tojoi overwinters as first instars in galls, whereas Ceratoneura sp. possibly does so as adults outside the galls. In addition, the internal structure of galls differed between the two species. Galls containing A. tojoi consist of a single chamber with inner walls clearly covered with whitish fungal mycelia after the gall midges develop into second instars. Those containing the Ceratoneura sp. have multiple chambers with hard black inner walls. Although some eulophids are known to be inquilines of galls induced by Asphondylia species, we consider that the Ceratoneura sp. is probably a true gall inducer because of the different gall structure and absence of fungal mycelia in their galls. This is the first report detailing the annual life history of a Ceratoneura species. Asphondylia tojoi represents the first example of monophagous Asphondylia species with a multivoltine life history on a deciduous tree.
OWL‐based acquisition and editing of computer‐interpretable guidelines with the CompGuide editor
Authors: Oliveira Tiago , Gonçalves Filipe , Novais Paulo , Satoh Ken , Neves José
Published: May 2018

Computer‐Interpretable Guidelines (CIGs) are the dominant medium for the delivery of clinical decision support, given the evidence‐based nature of their source material. Therefore, these machine‐readable versions have the ability to improve practitioner performance and conformance to standards, with availability at the point and time of care. The formalisation of Clinical Practice Guideline knowledge in a machine‐readable format is a crucial task to make it suitable for the integration in Clinical Decision Support Systems. However, the current tools for this purpose reveal shortcomings with respect to their ease of use and the support offered during CIG acquisition and editing. In this work, we characterise the current landscape of CIG acquisition tools based on the properties of guideline visualisation, organisation, simplicity, automation, manipulation of knowledge elements, and guideline storage and dissemination. Additionally, we describe the CompGuide Editor, a tool for the acquisition of CIGs in the CompGuide model for Clinical Practice Guidelines that also allows the editing of previously encoded guidelines. The Editor guides the users throughout the process of guideline encoding and does not require proficiency in any programming language. The features of the CIG encoding process are revealed through a comparison with already established tools for CIG acquisition.
The use of spatial management tools in rights‐based groundfish fisheries
Authors: Liu Owen R. , Kleisner Kristin M. , Smith Sarah L. , Kritzer Jacob P.
Published: May 2018

The role of spatial management, including marine protected areas, in achieving fisheries outcomes alongside conservation goals is debated. In fisheries that fail to meet fishing mortality targets, closed areas are sometimes implemented to reduce fishing mortality. However, fisheries with stronger management, including rights‐based approaches that can address overcapacity and overfishing problems, often employ spatial management as well. Here, we compare the objectives, design, and performance of spatial management in nine temperate demersal fisheries in North America, Oceania, Europe, and Africa that employ rights‐based systems. Common objectives of spatial management included protecting habitat, juveniles, and spawners and reducing discards. Recovering age structure and creating scientific reference sites were less common objectives, despite being widely cited benefits of spatial management. Some fisheries adopted single closures to achieve single objectives, whereas others adopted diverse networks to achieve multiple objectives. Importantly, many spatial protections are implemented primarily through industry initiatives. Environmental change compromised the efficacy of spatial management in some cases, suggesting the need to design spatial management systems that are robust to changing ocean conditions. Fisheries with diverse and extensive spatial management systems have generally healthier fish stocks. Whether this implies that spatial management contributed substantially to fishery performance is unclear due to an absence of large‐scale, long‐term studies aimed at discerning different drivers of success. Although these targeted monitoring studies of closed areas are limited, such studies are necessary to help resolve the ongoing debate and to enable more purposeful design of spatial management for fisheries and conservation.
Association of handgrip strength with various oral functions in 82‐ to 84‐year‐old community‐dwelling Japanese
Authors: Mihara Yusuke , Matsuda Ken‐ichi , Ikebe Kazunori , Hatta Koudai , Fukutake Motoyoshi , Enoki Kaori , Ogawa Taiji , Takeshita Hajime , Inomata Chisato , Gondo Yasuyuki , Masui Yukie , Kamide Kei , Sugimoto Ken , Kabayama Mai , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Arai Yasumichi , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: May 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the associations between muscle strength and several oral functions in a large cohort of community‐dwelling, 82‐ to 84‐year‐old community‐dwelling Japanese people.

Background data discussing the present status of the field

Several studies have examined the relationships between physical performance and oral functions. However, no studies have investigated the associations of muscle strength with various objectively evaluated oral functional parameters in a large cohort of very old adults.

Materials and Methods

This study included 809 community‐dwelling Japanese people (407 men and 402 women) aged 82‐84 years. The oral functions examined were the maximal occlusal force, masticatory performance, stimulated salivary flow rate, repetitive saliva‐swallowing test (RSST) score, tongue pressure and mouth‐opening distance. Handgrip strength was measured, and its correlations with oral functions were assessed. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between oral functions and handgrip strength.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that handgrip strength was correlated with not only the maximal occlusal force, masticatory performance and tongue pressure but also the RSST score and mouth‐opening distance after adjustment for sex, number of teeth, use of removable denture, periodontal condition, instrumental activities of daily living, body mass index. When we examine the elderly people whose handgrip strength is declining, we should predict that their various oral functions may be declining.

Conclusion

Handgrip strength was related to various oral functions after adjustment for the number of teeth in this population of community‐dwelling 82‐ to 84‐year‐old Japanese.
Pathological findings that contribute to tissue stiffness in the spleen of liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Kondo Reiichiro , Kage Masayoshi , Iijima Hiroko , Fujimoto Jiro , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Akiba Jun , Naito Yoshiki , Kusano Hironori , Nakayama Masamichi , Mihara Yutaro , Tanigawa Masahiko , Yano Hirohisa
Published: May 2018

Aim

Spleen stiffness is increased in liver cirrhosis (LC). We attempted to characterize the pathological features of spleen in LC.

Methods

We compared pathological findings of resected spleen tissues of 28 LC patients and those of six healthy controls. In addition, we measured spleen stiffness before splenectomy by shear wave elastography in nine LC patients. After splenectomy, we examined the relationship between spleen stiffness and pathological findings.

Results

Passive congestion of the spleen was more frequently observed in LC patients than in controls (P < 0.01). The sinus was wider in LC patients than in controls (P < 0.01). In the spleens of the LC patients, diffuse α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression of sinusoidal mesenchymal cells and deposition of collagen fibers on the perisinusoidal wall were observed. In nine LC patients whose spleen stiffness was examined, the width of the sinus increased along with spleen stiffness (r = 0.89, P < 0.01). Spleen stiffness was higher in the spleen tissues with diffuse αSMA expression of sinusoidal mesenchymal cells than in those with partial αSMA expression of sinusoidal mesenchymal cells (P = 0.01). The degree of fibrosis was higher in the LC patients with diffuse αSMA expression of the red pulp than in those with partial αSMA expression of the red pulp (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

In the LC patients, spleen tissues showed passive congestion with a dilated sinus, diffuse αSMA expression of sinusoidal mesenchymal cells, and deposition of collagen fibers on the perisinusoidal wall. This contributed to spleen stiffness.
Nanoemulsions and dermatological diseases: contributions and therapeutic advances
Authors: de Souza Myla Lôbo , Oliveira Douglas Dourado , Pereira Neila de Paula , Soares Denis Melo
Published: May 2018

Skin disease is one of the most common human diseases and affects between 30% and 70% of individuals, which requires a lot of attention to their treatments. The delivery of active pharmacological ingredients at the topical level is a challenge because of the difficulties in overcoming the mechanical barrier created by the skin and reaching greater depths, since delivery specificities are decisive for the degree of effectiveness. In this way, the nanoemulsions emerge as a potential system for the incorporation of active substances in the cells and for the controlled release of active principles. The present article intends to review the main treatments for which the nanoemulsions were used in the field of dermatology. In addition, it discusses the results and advantages over the other dermatological therapies that are being used. The results showed that the particle size in nanoemulsions increased the contact surface area, resulting in increased drug efficacy, even in comparison with other existing pharmaceutical formulations. In conclusion, it has been shown that nanoemulsions have a better performance in efficacy, safety, permeability profile, and bioavailability compared with other formulations studied.
The effects of ability on returns to over‐ and under‐education: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: WYE Chung‐Khain , ISMAIL Rahmah
Published: May 2018

In Malaysia, skilled‐job creation does not match the rising number of tertiary‐educated workers. The resultant accumulation of skill and ability competencies and work experience raises the question of the extent to which this enhances (mitigates) the wage premium (penalty) of over‐education (under‐education). Using data collected in Peninsular Malaysia in 2015, the authors estimate the effects of ability on returns to education. Their findings suggest that improving specific types of ability may be a means of rectifying wage deficiencies resulting from over‐ and under‐education. On this basis, human resource development in schools and in the workplace should focus on developing job‐specific workplace abilities.
Providence of the CD25+KIR+CD127−FOXP3−CD8+ T‐cell subset determines the dynamics of tumor immune surveillance
Authors: Chakraborty Sreeparna , Bhattacharjee Pushpak , Panda Abir K , Kajal Kirti , Bose Sayantan , Sa Gaurisankar
Published: May 2018

CD8+ T‐regulatory (Treg) cells are emerging as crucial components of immune system. Previous studies have reported the presence of FOXP3+CD8+ Treg cells, similar to CD4+ Tregs, in cancer patients which produce high levels of the immunosuppressive cytokines, IL10 and TGFβ. At an early stage of tumor development, we have identified a subset of FOXP3−CD8+CD25+KIR+CD127− Treg‐like cells, which are IFNγ+. However, this early‐induced CD8+CD25+CD127− T‐cell subset is certainly distinct from the IFNγ+CD8+ T‐effector cells. These CD8+CD25+CD127− T cells express other FOXP3−CD8+ Treg cell signature markers, and can selectively suppress autoreactive HLA‐E+ TFH cells as well as tumor‐induced CD4+ Treg cells. In contrast to FOXP3+CD8+ Tregs, this subset does not inhibit effector T‐cell proliferation or their functions as they are HLA‐E−. Adoptive transfer of this early‐CD8+ Treg‐like subset restrained tumor growth and inhibited CD4+ Treg generation that impedes the immune surveillance and impairs cancer immunotherapy. At the late stage of tumor development, when CD4+ Treg cells dominate the tumor‐microenvironment, CD4+ Tregs mediate the clonal deletion of these tumor‐suppressive FOXP3−IFNγ+CD8+CD25+CD127− T cells and ensure tumor immune evasion. Our findings suggest that at an early stage of the tumor, this tumor‐induced IFNγ‐producing FOXP3−CD8+CD25+CD127− T‐cell subset can potentiate immune surveillance by targeting HLA‐E‐restricted CD4+ Treg cells while leaving the effector T‐cell population unaffected. Hence, manipulating their profile can open up a new avenue in cancer immunotherapy.
How small an island? Speciation by endemic mammals (Apomys, Muridae) on an oceanic Philippine island
Authors: Heaney Lawrence R. , Kyriazis Christopher C. , Balete Danilo S. , Steppan Scott J. , Rickart Eric A.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To investigate the influence of oceanic island area on speciation by small mammals, in the context of other land vertebrates.

Location

Mindoro Island (9,735 km2), an oceanic island in the Philippines.

Methods

Extensive field surveys on Mindoro, followed by sequencing one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes for use in phylogenetic, population genetic and coalescent‐based analyses, and by morphometric analysis of craniodental data.

Results

Our analyses documented the presence on Mindoro of an endemic clade of probably four species ofApomys, subgenusMegapomys. The common ancestor likely arrived from Luzon Island across a narrow sea channel between 2.4 and 1.5 Ma; the four probable species occur allopatrically, with variation in their ranges along elevational gradients. Mindoro thus becomes the smallest oceanic island on which speciation by small mammals has been documented.

Main conclusions

A review of land‐living vertebrates suggests that bats and large mammals have the greatest area requirements for speciation, whereas frogs, lizards, birds and small mammals have lower and similar minimum area requirements. However, with the exception ofAnolislizards, data are scattered and limited; much research is needed to document the impact of island area on speciation. The existence of a lower limit implies that the biological processes that influence species richness do not operate equivalently along a gradient of island areas: speciation within islands may not contribute to changes in species richness below some limit, unlike colonization and extinction, which operate at all island sizes.
Addressing unwarranted clinical variation: A rapid review of current evidence
Authors: Harrison Reema , Manias Elizabeth , Mears Stephen , Heslop David , Hinchcliff Reece , Hay Liz
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Unwarranted clinical variation (UCV) can be described as variation that can only be explained by differences in health system performance. There is a lack of clarity regarding how to define and identify UCV and, once identified, to determine whether it is sufficiently problematic to warrant action. As such, the implementation of systemic approaches to reducing UCV is challenging. A review of approaches to understand, identify, and address UCV was undertaken to determine how conceptual and theoretical frameworks currently attempt to define UCV, the approaches used to identify UCV, and the evidence of their effectiveness.

Design

Rapid evidence assessment (REA) methodology was used.

Data sources

A range of text words, synonyms, and subject headings were developed for the major concepts of unwarranted clinical variation, standards (and deviation from these standards), and health care environment. Two electronic databases (Medline and Pubmed) were searched from January 2006 to April 2017, in addition to hand searching of relevant journals, reference lists, and grey literature.

Data synthesis

Results were merged using reference‐management software (Endnote) and duplicates removed. Inclusion criteria were independently applied to potentially relevant articles by 3 reviewers. Findings were presented in a narrative synthesis to highlight key concepts addressed in the published literature.

Results

A total of 48 relevant publications were included in the review; 21 articles were identified as eligible from the database search, 4 from hand searching published work and 23 from the grey literature. The search process highlighted the voluminous literature reporting clinical variation internationally; yet, there is a dearth of evidence regarding systematic approaches to identifying or addressing UCV.

Conclusion

Wennberg's classification framework is commonly cited in relation to classifying variation, but no single approach is agreed upon to systematically explore and address UCV. The instances of UCV that warrant investigation and action are largely determined at a systems level currently, and stakeholder engagement in this process is limited. Lack of consensus on an evidence‐based definition for UCV remains a substantial barrier to progress in this field.
Adenoma of colorectal laterally spreading tumor nongranular type with biological phenotypic features similar to cancer
Authors: Nagai Kengo , Hayashi Yoshito , Honma Keiichiro , Sakatani Akihiko , Yoshii Shunsuke , Fujinaga Tetsuji , Maekawa Akira , Tsujii Yoshiki , Hiyama Satoshi , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Watabe Kenji , Iijima Hideki , Tsujii Masahiko , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Morii Eiichi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim

Colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) are morphologically subdivided into granular (LST‐G) and nongranular (LST‐NG) categories. We aimed to elucidate the differences in oncogenic characteristics between the two types.

Methods

Laterally spreading tumors resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection and surgery from March 2009 to May 2017 were examined for p53 positivity, Ki‐67 labeling index (LI), microvessel density, degree of fibrosis, intensities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine (NT), and expression of acid mucins. We compared these factors between adenomas, noninvasive cancers, and invasive cancers, both LST‐G and LST‐NG.

Results

Ninety‐three LST‐G (53 adenomas [LST‐GA] and 40 cancers [LST‐GC]) and 55 LST‐NG (24 adenomas [LST‐NGA] and 31 cancers [LST‐NGC]) were evaluated. Although p53 positivity was lower in LST‐GA than in LST‐NGA (P < 0.001), there was no difference between LST‐GC and LST‐NGC. Ki‐67 LI was higher in LST‐NGA than in LST‐GA (P < 0.001) and higher in LST‐NGC than in LST‐GC of noninvasive cancers (P < 0.001). Microvessel density and degree of fibrosis were higher in LST‐NGA than in LST‐GA (P < 0.001), and intensities of iNOS and NT were also higher in LST‐NGA than in LST‐GA (P < 0.001). Expression of acid mucins was lower in LST‐NGA than in LST‐GA (P < 0.001). Although there were significant differences in p53 positivity, Ki‐67 LI, microvessel density, degree of fibrosis, intensities of iNOS and NT, and expression of acid mucins between LST‐GA and LST‐NGA, these factors were only slightly different between LST‐GC and LST‐NGC of invasive cancers.

Conclusions

Unlike LST‐GA, LST‐NGA possessed phenotypic features similar to cancer.
Impact of gastrointestinal disease states on oral drug absorption – implications for formulation design – a PEARRL review
Authors: Effinger Angela , O'Driscoll Caitriona M , McAllister Mark , Fotaki Nikoletta
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Drug product performance in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases can be altered compared to healthy subjects due to pathophysiological changes. In this review, relevant differences in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and short bowel syndrome are discussed and possible in vitro and in silico tools to predict drug product performance in this patient population are assessed.

Key findings

Drug product performance was altered in patients with GI diseases compared to healthy subjects, as assessed in a limited number of studies for some drugs. Underlying causes can be observed pathophysiological alterations such as the differences in GI transit time, the composition of the GI fluids and GI permeability. Additionally, alterations in the abundance of metabolising enzymes and transporter systems were observed. The effect of the GI diseases on each parameter is not always evident as it may depend on the location and the state of the disease. The impact of the pathophysiological change on drug bioavailability depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the drug, the pharmaceutical formulation and drug metabolism. In vitro and in silico methods to predict drug product performance in patients with GI diseases are currently limited but could be a useful tool to improve drug therapy.

Development of suitable in vitro dissolution and in silico models for patients with GI diseases can improve their drug therapy. The likeliness of the models to provide accurate predictions depends on the knowledge of pathophysiological alterations, and thus, further assessment of physiological differences is essential.
Prevalence and predictive factors of moderate/severe liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infected patients evaluated with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)
Authors: Cardoso A. C. , Perez R. M. , de Figueiredo‐Mendes C. , Carvalho Leite N. , Moraes‐Coelho H. S. , Villela‐Nogueira C. A.
Published: May 2018

A novel controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using FibroScan® has been developed for assessment of liver steatosis. The aim was to evaluate the frequency and associated factors for moderate/severe steatosis evaluated by CAP in CHC patients submitted to transient elastography (TE) by FibroScan®. CHC patients underwent TE with CAP evaluation. The classification of steatosis was defined as: CAP < 222 dB/m  =  S0; CAP ≥ 222 dB/m and <233dB/m  =  S1; ≥233 dB/m < 290dB/m  =  S2 and >= 290 dB/m  =  S3. The prevalence of moderate/severe steatosis (CAP ≥ S2) and the related independent factors were identified by a logistic regression analysis. A significance level of 5% was adopted. 1104 CHC patients, 85% genotype‐1 were included (mean age 55 ± 11 years; 46% male, mean BMI 25 ± 4 Kg/m2). Systemic arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalences were 39% and 17%, respectively. Liver stiffness measurement ≥ 9.5 kPa was observed in 39% of patients and steatosis was identified in 50% (S1 = 7%, S2 = 28% and S3 = 15%). The variables independently associated with moderate/severe steatosis were: male gender (OR=1.35; P = .037; 95% CI:1.01‐1.81); systemic arterial hypertension (OR=1.57; P = .002; 95% CI:1.17‐2.10) and BMI (OR=1.17; P < .01;95% CI:1.12‐1.22). In conclusion, when CAP was adopted as a tool to detect steatosis, genotype 1 CHC patients presented a high prevalence of moderate/advanced steatosis. In these patients, liver steatosis was associated mostly to metabolic factors (arterial hypertension and high BMI).
The Countervailing Power Hypothesis when Dominant Retailers Function as Sales Promoters
Authors: Matsushima Noriaki , Yoshida Shohei
Published: May 2018

We consider a downstream oligopoly model with one dominant and several fringe retailers who purchase a manufacturing product from a monopoly supplier. We then examine how the supplier's disagreement payoff influences the relation between the dominant retailer's bargaining power and the equilibrium retail price. If the market demand shrinks due to a breakdown in bargaining between the supplier and the dominant retailer, who works as a sales promoter for the product, there is a negative relation between the bargaining power and the retail price. We also find that an increase in the number of fringe retailers is more likely to increase the retail price if their number is large.
Acceleration and deceleration at constant speed: systematic modulation of motion perception by kinematic sonification
Authors: Effenberg Alfred O. , Schmitz Gerd
Published: May 2018

Many domains of human behavior are based on multisensory representations. Knowledge about the principles of multisensory integration is useful to configure real‐time movement information for the online support of perceptuomotor processes (motor perception, control, and learning). A powerful method for generating real‐time information is movement sonification. Remarkable evidence exists on movement‐acoustic real‐time information being effective in behavioral domains (music training, motor rehabilitation, sports). Here, we investigate whether and how biological motion perception can be enhanced, substituted, or modulated by kinematic sonification, with a focus on pitch coding. We work with gross motor cyclic movements and investigate the effectiveness of pitch scaling and consistent transposition on audiovisual motor perception accuracy (Experiment A). Beyond that, a new kind of audiovisual stimulus with inconsistent pitch transposition is used to produce a directed modulation of the integrated audiovisual percept (Experiment B). Results from Experiment A indicate pitch being powerful for mediating kinematic information to enhance motor perception and substituting information between perceptual modalities, even exceeding visual performance. Beyond these findings, results from Experiment B indicate that visual estimations of movement velocity can be enhanced or reduced auditorily. Movement sonification used for reshaping intermodal adjustments should be a powerful new tool for subconsciously shaping human movement patterns in the future.
Results of pneumatic dilation in treating achalasia: predictive factors
Authors: Felix Valter Nilton
Published: May 2018

Forced pneumatic dilatation (PD) of the cardia is one of the most consecrated therapeutic measures for esophageal achalasia. The procedure only achieved better standardization with the appearance of the Rigiflex balloon. Results and predictive factors of success and failure of PD are reviewed, right after the description of the main technical aspects of the procedure. The success rates, providing control of dysphagia for about 1 year from the procedure using the Rigiflex balloon, are quite satisfactory, with success in more than 75% of patients. It is generally observed that good responses sustained for more than 5 years appear in at least 40% of cases. However, approximately half of the patients submitted to PD require additional dilation and a subgroup of them will undergo surgical treatment to attain adequate control of dysphagia. PD is a method with a low rate of acute complications, with esophageal perforation, the most severe of them, not affecting more than 5% of the cases. The best results could be potentially obtained when predictive factors of success were considered before choosing PD as a therapeutic option, but prospective studies in this field are missing until now.
Evaluation of complex community‐based childhood obesity prevention interventions
Authors: Karacabeyli D. , Allender S. , Pinkney S. , Amed S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Multi‐setting, multi‐component community‐based interventions have shown promise in preventing childhood obesity; however, evaluation of these complex interventions remains a challenge.

Objective

The objective of the study is to systematically review published methodological approaches to outcome evaluation for multi‐setting community‐based childhood obesity prevention interventions and synthesize a set of pragmatic recommendations.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 6 July 2017. Papers were included if the intervention targeted children ≤18 years, engaged at least two community sectors and described their outcome evaluation methodology. A single reviewer conducted title and abstract scans, full article review and data abstraction. Directed content analysis was performed by three reviewers to identify prevailing themes.

Results

Thirty‐three studies were included, and of these, 26 employed a quasi‐experimental design; the remaining were randomized control trials. Body mass index was the most commonly measured outcome, followed by health behaviour change and psychosocial outcomes. Six themes emerged, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of active vs. passive consent, quasi‐experimental vs. randomized control trials, longitudinal vs. repeat cross‐sectional designs and the roles of process evaluation and methodological flexibility in evaluating complex interventions.

Conclusions

Selection of study designs and outcome measures compatible with community infrastructure, accompanied by process evaluation, may facilitate successful outcome evaluation.
From the Imperial Catalogue to Western library science
Authors: Shunqing Cao , Wei Guo
Published: May 2018

This article examines the replacement of the Imperial Catalogue by library systems based on Western library science in the late nineteenth century. The change had an impact on classical Chinese literature and the relationship between cataloguing and knowledge production essential to the Chinese tradition. We shall argue that the adoption of Western systems of book classification books triggered a new understanding of the meaning structure of Chinese classics, resulting in a loss of significance of classical Chinese literature in relation to other branches of humanities. The divisions in the Imperial Catalogue conveyed value judgments about the books they classified, because the order of appearance of a book displayed its importance in accordance with Confucian views of the affairs of the state. The Imperial Catalogue builds on two interconnected meanings embedded in the allocation of books, nowhere to be found in Western library science: the “textual meaning” of the book and the “catalogue meaning,” referring to its larger cultural context. However, the recent development in digitization of the catalogues may bridge the differences between the Imperial Catalogue and Western library science by including complex and composite references for a given work that unite different catalogue systems in the same database.
Ribes nigrum L. Prevents UVB‐mediated Photoaging in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Potential Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activity
Authors: Li Lu , Hwang Eunson , Ngo Hien T. T. , Seo Seul A. , Lin Pei , Gao Wei , Liu Ying , Yi Tae‐Hoo
Published: May 2018

Black currants (Ribes nigrum L, RN) are known as a “super fruit” to possess for their many potential health benefits such as the alleviation of oxidative stress‐related disorders. However, little skin photoaging‐related research has been done on the use of this agent. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of RN in UVB‐irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). RN treatment in UVB‐irradiated skin models alleviated UVB‐mediated photoaging through several mechanisms: Treatment with RN downregulated MAPK‐related signaling models, such as those of activation protein 1 (AP‐1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). In addition, phase II gene heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) was modulated by the increase in nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the nuclear, and finally, transforming growth factor TGF‐β was upregulated in vitro. Further study indicated that UVB‐induced production of MMP‐1 and IL‐6 could be inhibited by PD 98059 (an inhibitor of ERK) and SP600125 (an inhibitor of JNK). Thus, RN improved the expression of type I procollagen and inhibited UVB‐induced MMP‐1 and IL‐6 secretion through inactivating MAPK cascades. Therefore, RN is a suitable target for further investigation as an antiphotoaging agent and may have applications in the skincare industry.
Genoprotective Effect of Phyllanthus orbicularis Extract Against UVA, UVB, and Solar Radiation
Authors: Tamayo Marioly Vernhes , Schuch André Passaglia , Yagura Teiti , Gil Luis Baly , Menck Carlos Frederico Martins , Sánchez‐Lamar Angel
Published: May 2018

One approach to protect the human skin against harmful effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation was to use natural products as photoprotectors. In this work, the extract from specie Phyllanthus orbicularis K was evaluated as a protective agent against the photodamage by UVB, UVA artificial lamps, and environmental sunlight exposure. The plasmid DNA solutions were exposed to radiations using the DNA dosimeter system in the presence of plant extract. The DNA repair enzymes, Escherichia coli Formamidopyrimidine‐DNA glycosylase (Fpg) and T4 bacteriophage endonuclease V (T4‐endo V), were employed to discriminate oxidized DNA damage and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), respectively. The supercoiled and relaxed forms of DNA were separated through electrophoretic migration in agarose gels. These DNA forms were quantified to determine strand break, representing the types of lesion levels. The results showed that, in the presence of P. orbicularis extract, the CPD and oxidative damage were reduced in irradiated DNA samples. The photoprotective effect of extract was more evident for UVB and sunlight radiation than for UVA. This work documented the UV absorbing properties of P. orbicularis aqueous extract and opened up new vistas in its characterization as protective agent against DNA damage induced by environmental sunlight radiation.