bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does managerial ownership influence corporate social responsibility (CSR)? The role of economic policy uncertainty
Authors: Ongsakul Viput , Jiraporn Pornsit , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: December 2019

To explore the drivers of corporate social responsibility (CSR), we investigate how managerial ownership influences CSR in the presence of economic policy uncertainty. Our results demonstrate that, when facing more economic policy uncertainty (EPU), firms with larger managerial ownership invest significantly more in CSR. This is in agreement with the risk mitigation hypothesis, where CSR offers insurance‐like protection against adverse events. When economic policy uncertainty is not considered, however, we find that managers with higher ownership stakes invest significantly less in CSR, suggesting that CSR is driven by the agency conflict. As managers own more equity, they are subject to greater costs of CSR. Additional analyses confirm the results, including dynamic GMM, propensity score matching and instrumental‐variable analysis.
Family structure and alcohol use disorder: a register‐based cohort study among offspring with and without parental alcohol use disorder
Authors: Holst Charlotte , Tolstrup Janne S. , Sørensen Holger J. , Becker Ulrik
Published: December 2019

Aims

To assess whether parental alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with higher risks of living in a non‐intact family and assess whether non‐intact family structure is associated with higher risks of AUD in the offspring.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Danish nation‐wide registries.

Participants

A total of 9948 parental AUD offspring and 98 136 reference offspring from the Danish population.

Measurements

Family structure assessed at birth and at each birthday until age 15 as intact or non‐intact (with mother only, father only or neither parent); years lived in an intact family defined as total number of years lived with both parents from birth until the 15th birthday; AUD defined as registration in medical, treatment and cause of death registries. Data were analyzed by Cox regression.

Findings

At birth, 30.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 29.1–32.6] of parental AUD offspring and 10.7% (95% CI = 10.3–11.0) of reference offspring lived in a non‐intact family. At age 15, the numbers were 84.6% (95% CI = 83.9–85.3) and 38.4% (95% CI = 38.1–38.7). Parental AUD was associated with a higher risk of offspring AUD [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.74–2.02]. Offspring were at lower risk of AUD if they lived 15 years in an intact family compared with offspring who never lived in an intact family (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52–0.87 for those with parental AUD, and HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.48–0.59 for those whose parents did not have AUD). Findings were inconclusive as to whether or not an association was present between family structure and AUD among offspring with parental AUD and reference offspring.

Conclusions

The prevalence of non‐intact family structure appears to be higher in offspring of parents with alcohol use disorder (AUD) than among offspring from the general population. Parental AUD appears to be associated with increased risk of offspring AUD, and non‐intact family structure appears to be associated with increased risk of offspring AUD regardless of parental AUD.
CARsomes inhibit airway allergic inflammation in mice by inducing antigen‐specific Th2 cell apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Huan‐Ping , Sun Ying‐Xue , Lin Zhi , Yang Gui , Liu Jiang‐Qi , Mo Li‐Hua , Geng Xiao‐Rui , Song Yan‐Nan , Zeng Hao‐Tao , Zhao Miao , Li Guo‐Shun , Liu Zhi‐Gang , Yang Ping‐Chang
Published: December 2019

Background

Skewed T helper (Th)2 response plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. The therapeutic efficacy for allergic diseases is unsatisfactory currently. This study aims to regulate the skewed Th2 response with CARsomes.

Methods

The CARsome consisted of an epitope of Dermatophagoides farina‐1 (Derf1), a segment of the anti‐DEC205 antibody, the scFv, and an open reading frame of perforin. This fusion protein binds to DEC205 molecule on the surface of exosomes derived from dendritic cells (DC). The effects of CARsome on inducing antigen (Ag)‐specific Th2 cell apoptosis were assessed both in vivo and in vitro.

Results

Exposure to CARsomes in the culture induced Ag‐specific Th2 cell apoptosis. Injection of CARsomes through the vein puncture also induced Ag‐specific Th2 cell apoptosis in the lungs of sensitized mice. CARsomes could induce Ag‐specific regulatory T cells. Administration of CARsomes efficiently inhibited experimental allergic airway inflammation.

Conclusions

The CARsomes can inhibit allergic airway inflammation by inducing Ag‐specific Th2 cell apoptosis and induce Ag‐specific regulatory T cells. The data suggest that CARsomes have the translational potential to be used to treat allergic airway inflammation.
Learning outcomes of children with teacher‐identified emerging health and developmental needs
Authors: O'Connor Meredith , Chong Shiau , Quach Jon , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Children's additional health and developmental needs are often first identified by teachers when they begin school. This study estimates the Grade 3 literacy and numeracy outcomes of children with teacher‐identified additional needs emerging in the first year of school, including the added burden conferred by socioeconomic disadvantage.

Methods

Population linked data (n = 42,619) were analysed from the Australian Early Development Census, which include teacher reports on children's health and development at school entry, and the National Assessment Program–Literacy and Numeracy, a direct assessment of reading and numeracy skills at Grade 3. Linear regression analyses were used to estimate associations between emerging needs and learning outcomes, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. The combined effect of emerging needs and low maternal education (an indicator of socioeconomic disadvantage) on academic outcomes was examined by estimating the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).

Results

Emerging health and developmental needs at school entry were associated with lower reading (b = −26.86, 95% CI = −29.19, −24.52) and numeracy (b = −24.39, 95% CI = −26.43, −22.35) outcomes at Grade 3. The combined effect of emerging needs and socioeconomic disadvantage was greater than expected when their individual effects are summed (RERI = 0.38, 95% CI 0.22, 0.55 for reading and RERI = 0.27, 95% CI 0.10, 0.43 for numeracy).

Conclusion

In the current study, emerging health and developmental needs identified by teachers at the outset of schooling were associated with poorer literacy and numeracy skills at Grade 3, and family socioeconomic disadvantage appeared to further amplify this effect. Meeting the needs of these children will require timely and coordinated supports across the health and education systems, particularly for those children who are also disadvantaged.
Decreased long‐term graft survival in persistent biliary complications after right‐lobe living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Ogiso Satoshi , Kamei Hideya , Onishi Yasuharu , Kurata Nobuhiko , Jobara Kanta , Kawashima Hiroki , Ogura Yasuhiro
Published: December 2019

Background

Long‐term outcomes after endoscopic treatment of post‐transplant biliary complications have not been fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of biliary complications on graft survival after right‐lobe living‐donor liver transplantation (R‐LDLT).

Method

From a single‐institutional prospectively maintained database, all patients who underwent R‐LDLT between 1999 and 2017 were included. Data on patient demographics, complications, endoscopic treatment, and graft survival were retrieved for analyses.

Results

Among 111 patients who underwent R‐LDLT, 33 (29.7%) developed biliary complications; of these, 19 (17.1%) were treated with biliary stenting, and the stent was removed following resolution of biliary complications in 8 of the 19 (42.1%) patients. The graft survival rate was 88.0% and 85.6% at 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up, respectively, in patients without biliary complications, which was similar to that of the patients with resolved biliary complications (81.3% at 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up, P = .68) but higher than that of patients having persistent (unresolved) biliary complications (61.4% and 49.1% at 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up, respectively, P = .04).

Conclusion

Post‐transplant persistent biliary complications, unresolved after endoscopic management and requiring prolonged biliary stenting, are associated with inferior graft survival. However, patients with resolved biliary complications achieve a favorable long‐term survival similar to patients without biliary complications.
Cutaneous intestinal metaplasia: An unusual cause of peristomal complication with malignant potential
Authors: Tinker Daniel G. , Roberts Sammie , Hurley M. Yadira , Missall Tricia A.
Published: December 2019

Peristomal ulcer with cutaneous intestinal metaplasia, defined by scattered colonic crypts within variably intact epidermis, is an exceedingly rare pathologic diagnosis, which possesses the potential to progress to primary adenocarcinoma. Herein, we report the third case of cutaneous intestinal metaplasia in a peristomal ulcer and emphasize the importance of diagnosis and surveillance when managing this rare entity.
Above parr: Lowland river habitat characteristics associated with higher juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (S. trutta) densities
Authors: Marsh Jessica E. , Lauridsen Rasmus B. , Gregory Stephen D. , Beaumont William R. C. , Scott Luke J. , Kratina Pavel , Jones J. Iwan
Published: December 2019

Understanding juvenile salmonid habitat requirements is critical for their effective management, but little is known about these requirements in lowland rivers, which include important but unique salmonid habitats. We compared the relative influence of in‐stream Ranunculus cover, water depth, prey abundance, distance upstream and two previously unexplored factors (water velocity heterogeneity and site colonisation potential) on summer densities of juvenile Atlantic salmon and brown trout. We applied electrofishing, habitat surveys and macroinvertebrate kick sampling, and calculated the site colonisation potential from salmon redd surveys across 18–22 sites in a lowland river in 2015–2017. Due to a recruitment crash in 2016, models including and excluding this unusual year were explored. Excluding 2016 data, juvenile salmon densities showed a positive association with Ranunculus cover and numbers of nearby upstream redds, and a negative association with distance upstream from the tidal limit. Trout densities were positively associated with velocity heterogeneity, indicating a potential indirect influence of Ranunculus mediated by water velocity. When including 2016, year had the largest effect on densities of both species, highlighting the impact of the recruitment failure. These findings uncover interspecific differences in the habitat requirements of juvenile salmonids in lowland rivers. Velocity heterogeneity and site colonisation potential had high explanatory power, highlighting that they should be considered in future studies of habitat use. These findings demonstrate that temporal replication and recruitment dynamics are important considerations when exploring species–habitat associations. We discuss potential management implications and argue that Ranunculus cover could be an important management tool in conservation of lowland salmonids.
SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex contributes to clearance of cytoplasmic protein aggregates and regulates unfolded protein response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sahu Rakesh Kumar , Saha Nitu , Das Laxmidhar , Sahu Pushpendra Kumar , Sariki Santhosh Kumar , Tomar Raghuvir Singh
Published: December 2019

Chromatin remodelling complexes are multi‐subunit assemblies, each containing a catalytic ATPase and translocase that is capable of mobilizing nucleosomes to alter the chromatin structure. SWI/SNF remodelling complexes with higher DNA translocation efficiency evict histones or slide the nucleosomes away from each other making DNA accessible for transcription and repair machinery. Chromatin remodelling at the promoter of stress‐responsive genes by SWI/SNF becomes necessary during the heat and proteotoxic stress. While the involvement of SWI/SNF in transcription of stress‐responsive genes has been studied extensively, the regulation of proteostasis by SWI/SNF is not well understood. This study demonstrates critical functions of SWI/SNF in response to cadmium‐induced proteotoxic stress. Deletion of either ATPase–translocase subunit of SWI/SNF complex (Swi2/Snf2) or a regulatory subunit Swi3 abrogates the clearance of cadmium‐induced protein aggregates. Our results suggest that Snf2 and Swi3 regulate the protein folding in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that reduces the chances of forming unfolded protein aggregates under the proteotoxic stress of cadmium. The Ire1‐mediated unfolded protein response (UPR) maintains ER homeostasis by upregulating the expression of chaperones and ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) components. We found that Snf2 maintains normal oxidative environment essential for Ire1 activity. Deletion of SNF2 reduced the Ire1 activity and UPR, indicating involvement of Snf2 in Ire1‐mediated ER proteostasis. Together, these findings suggest that SWI/SNF complex regulates ER homeostasis and protein folding crucial for tolerating proteotoxic stress.
Temperature‐dependent characteristics of DH36 steel fatigue crack propagation
Authors: Zhao Weidong , Feng Guoqing , Ren Huilong , Leira Bernt Johan , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2019

DH36 steel is a widely used material in marine engineering. The fatigue crack propagation rates of DH36 steel at low temperatures have a crucial influence on the fatigue strength of structures operating in polar environments. The objective of this paper is to investigate the fatigue crack propagation behaviour of DH36 steel at low temperatures (−60°C to 20°C) by carrying out tensile tests and fatigue crack propagation tests of DH36 steel, in order to obtain the fatigue crack propagation behaviour of DH36 steel. The influence of the elastic modulus on the crack length measured by the compliance method is considered. On the basis of the Paris law, the crack propagation rate at different temperatures is investigated. The results and the observed failure modes indicated that fatigue ductile‐to‐brittle transition (FDBT) occurred as the temperature was lowered.
Insights into the horizontal movements, migration patterns, and stock affiliation of California swordfish
Authors: Sepulveda Chugey A. , Wang Michael , Aalbers Scott A. , Alvarado-Bremer Jaime R.
Published: December 2019

This study reports on the horizontal movements of swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.) tagged during deep‐set fishery trials off the California coastline. Position estimates from several electronic tag types were used to better understand swordfish stock structure and regional affiliation with current boundary hypotheses used to manage swordfish in the eastern north Pacific. Swordfish were outfitted with (a) satellite‐linked mark–recapture tags (n = 66), (b) electronic data storage tags that were recaptured (n = 16), (c) fin‐mounted Argos transmitters (n = 6), and (d) satellite‐linked archival tags (n = 4). Twenty‐six percent of tagged swordfish reported close to (<225 km) their deployment location within the southern California Bight (SCB). Of the 50 swordfish that moved outside the SCB, 76% exhibited affiliation to the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) management unit, 20% moved into the Western and Central North Pacific (WCNP) and 4% spent time within both the EPO and WCNP boundaries. Mean displacement between deployment and reporting locations was 1,250 ± 1,375 km, with daily rates of movement up to 55 km/day. Seasonal migrations ranged from the equator (0.8°N.132.4°W) to the Hawaiian Islands (17.0°N/154.2°W), with multiple individuals returning to the initial tagging locations the subsequent season. Seasonal site fidelity exhibited by several individuals highlights the importance of the SCB foraging grounds. While no evidence of trans‐equatorial or trans‐Pacific crossing was documented, extensive movements validate the highly migratory nature of California swordfish and support the need for future inclusion of spatial distribution data in management. Findings suggest that SCB swordfish may exhibit a higher level of EPO connectivity than previously proposed.
Laboratory measurement of factor replacement therapies in the treatment of congenital haemophilia: A United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation guideline
Authors: Gray Elaine , Kitchen Steve , Bowyer Annette , Chowdary Pratima , Jenkins P. Vincent , Murphy Paul , Platton Sean , Riddell Anne , Lester Will
Published: December 2019

Assay discrepancies can occur with laboratory monitoring of FVIII and FIX replacement therapy, particularly for the extended half‐life products. This guideline collates current published data and provides advice on appropriate choice of assays for laboratory measurement of replacement therapy for patients with Haemophilia A and B without inhibitors. It is recommended that each haemophilia centre should ensure that appropriate laboratory assays are available for FVIII and FIX products in local clinical use. Patient samples should be assayed against calibrators traceable to WHO Plasma International Standards. Assay discrepancies are common especially for the extended half‐life FVIII and FIX products, and assays of these products may need to be verified with the specific CFC being used.
Associations among liver disease, serum lipid profile, body mass index, ketonuria, meal skipping, and the alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B and aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 genotypes in Japanese men with alcohol dependence
Authors: Yokoyama Akira , Taniki Nobuhito , Nakamoto Nobuhiro , Tomita Kengo , Hara Sachiko , Mizukami Takeshi , Maruyama Katsuya , Yokoyama Tetsuji
Published: December 2019

Aim

To elucidate associations among liver disease, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), ketonuria, and meal skipping under the influence of alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B (ADH1B; rs1229984) and aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2; rs671) genotypes in men with alcohol dependence.

Methods

We investigated the associations among these variables in 1768 Japanese men with alcohol dependence. Serum lipid levels were followed up after abstinence.

Results

The slow‐metabolizing ADH1B Arg/Arg genotype and inactive ALDH2 Glu/Lys genotype increased the age‐ and drinking‐adjusted odds ratio or regression coefficient for fatty liver, ketonuria, and serum high‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL‐C), and decreased these for cirrhosis and serum triglyceride levels (TG). The ADH1B Arg/Arg genotype increased the adjusted regression coefficient for BMI and non‐HDL‐C. In addition to the positive interlinkage among fatty liver, BMI, and atherogenic dyslipidemia, positive associations were observed of fatty liver with ketonuria and meal skipping, of cirrhosis with the BMI, and of ketonuria with non‐HDL‐C. Negative associations were observed of cirrhosis with fatty liver, TG, non‐HDL‐C, and HDL‐C, and of ketonuria with BMI and TG. Overall, after admission for 4 or 6 weeks, the TG and HDL‐C decreased, and the serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased. However, there was no change of the serum low‐density lipoprotein in the patients with cirrhosis or of the serum TG in those with fatty liver.

Conclusions

These associations and the alterations in lipid profile after abstinence serve as useful information for a better understanding of the clinical features of men with alcohol dependence.
Endometriosis‐related pathology: a discussion of selected uncommon benign, premalignant and malignant lesions
Authors: McCluggage W Glenn
Published: December 2019

Endometriosis is an extremely common condition and, in most cases, establishing a histological diagnosis is straightforward, although a variety of benign alterations may result in problems with interpretation. In this review, I discuss selected uncommon variants of endometriosis or benign alterations that may result in diagnostic problems. The topics covered include the contentious issue of so‐called atypical endometriosis, stromal endometriosis, polypoid endometriosis, and the association of endometriosis with florid mesothelial hyperplasia. The propensity of endometriosis to undergo neoplastic transformation (especially to endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma) is well known. Selected issues relating to the various neoplasms that can arise in endometriosis are discussed, with a particular concentration on unusual variants of endometrioid carcinoma that result in a disproportionately high number of issues in referral practice. The propensity of ovarian endometrioid carcinomas to show an unexpected (‘aberrant’) immunophenotype with positive staining with ‘intestinal’ markers and negative staining with Mullerian markers is also discussed. Uncommon tumour types that may arise in endometriosis, namely seromucinous neoplasms, mesonephric‐like carcinomas, and somatically derived yolk sac tumours, are also covered.
Cervical adenocarcinoma: integration of HPV status, pattern of invasion, morphology and molecular markers into classification
Authors: Park Kay J
Published: December 2019

Cervical adenocarcinoma is a heterogenous group of tumours with various aetiologies, molecular drivers, morphologies, response to treatment and prognosis. It has become evident that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection does not drive all adenocarcinomas, and appropriate classification is critical for patient management, especially in the era of the HPV vaccine and HPV‐only screening. Identified as one of the most important developments in gynaecological pathology during the past 50 years, the separation of cervical adenocarcinomas into HPV‐associated (HPVA) and HPV‐independent has resulted in a transformation of the classification system for cervical adenocarcinomas. HPVA has been traditionally subclassified by morphology, such as usual type (UEA), mucinous and villoglandular, etc. However, it has become evident that cell type‐based histomorphological classification is not clinically meaningful, and the newly proposed International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Criteria and Classification (IECC) is a necessary and relevant break from this prior system. Non‐HPV‐associated adenocarcinomas can be divided by their distinct morphology and molecular genomics with very different responses to standard therapies and potential for future targeted therapies. These include gastric‐type, clear‐cell, mesonephric and endometrioid adenocarcinomas. So‐called ‘serous’ carcinomas of the cervix probably represent morphological variants of UEA or drop metastases from uterine or adnexal serous carcinomas, and the existence of true cervical serous carcinomas is in question. This review will discuss the advances since WHO 2014, and how HPV status, pattern of invasion as described by Silva and colleagues, histological features and molecular markers can be used to refine diagnosis and prognostication for patients with cervical adenocarcinoma.
Uterine mesenchymal tumours: recent advances
Authors: Momeni‐Boroujeni Amir , Chiang Sarah
Published: December 2019

Almost all uterine mesenchymal tumours have been historically classified as either smooth muscle or endometrial stromal neoplasms. Recent application of molecular techniques has identified numerous lesions with distinctive genetic abnormalities and clinicopathological characteristics. Newly discovered uterine sarcoma subtypes include high‐grade endometrial stromal sarcomas with BCOR genetic abnormalities, fibrosarcoma‐like uterine sarcomas with NTRK rearrangements and COL1A–PDGFRB fusions, as well as undifferentiated uterine sarcomas with SMARCA4 mutations. Novel PLAG1 and PGR fusions have been identified in subsets of myxoid and epithelioid leiomyosarcomas. Some uterine tumours resembling ovarian sex‐cord tumour harbour GREB1 and ESR1 rearrangements. Histological and immunophenotypical features as well as underlying genetic abnormalities defining these lesions are discussed.
Deubiquitinase inhibitor degrasyn suppresses metastasis by targeting USP5‐WT1‐E‐cadherin signalling pathway in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jiajia , Li Haiying , Zhu Weijian , Zhou Bin , Ying Jianchao , Wu Jiansheng , Zhang Huxiang , Sun Hongwei , Gao Shenmeng
Published: December 2019

Wilm's tumour‐1 (WT1) is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and enhances metastasis. Deubiquitination stabilizes target proteins, and inhibiting deubiquitination facilitates the degradation of target proteins. However, whether inhibiting deubiquitination of WT1 facilitates its degradation and presents anti‐cancer ability in PDAC is unknown. Here, we found that deubiquitinase inhibitor degrasyn rapidly induced the degradation of endogenous and exogenous WT1 through enhancing ubiquitination of WT1 followed by the up‐regulation of E‐cadherin. Knockdown of WT1 by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) inhibited metastasis and overexpression of WT1 partially prevented degrasyn‐induced anti‐metastasis activity, suggesting that degrasyn presents anti‐metastasis activity partially through degrading WT1 protein. We further identified that USP5 deubiquitinated WT1 and stabilized its expression. The higher expressions of USP5 and WT1 are associated with tumour metastasis. More importantly, degrasyn inhibited the activity of USP5 and overexpression of USP5 partially prevented degrasyn‐induced degradation of WT1 protein, suggesting that degrasyn degraded WT1 protein through inhibiting the activity of USP5. Finally, degrasyn reduced the tumorigenicity in a xenograft mouse model and reduced the metastasis in vivo. Our results indicate that degrasyn presents strong anti‐cancer activity through USP5‐WT1‐E‐cadherin signalling in PDAC. Therefore, degrasyn holds promise as cancer therapeutic agent in PDAC with high expressions of USP5 and WT1.
Premature birth stunts early growth and is a possible driver of stress‐induced maternal effects in the guppy Poecilia reticulata
Authors: Ord James , Holmes Kelle E. , Holt William V. , Fazeli Alireza , Watt Penelope J.
Published: December 2019

We tested the effects of gestational stress, principally in the form of alarm cue extracted from the skin of conspecifics, on reproduction in female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and the growth and behaviour of their offspring. Offspring from mothers exposed to alarm cue exhibited stunted growth in the first few days post‐partum, which appeared to be mediated by shortening of the gestation period, the length of which directly correlated with growth rate within the first 6 days post‐partum. Mature offspring did not differ in behaviour or stress responses compared with controls and so the effects of maternal predation stress did not appear to persist into adulthood. A different form of gestational stress, dietary restriction, did not significantly affect offspring growth, though brood size was reduced, suggesting that the effects of predation stress were not mediated by differences in resource demand or consumption.
Mapping Associations Between Gait Decline and Fall Risk in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Pieruccini‐Faria Frederico , Sarquis‐Adamson Yanina , Anton‐Rodrigo Ivan , Noguerón‐García Alicia , Bray Nick W. , Camicioli Richard , Muir‐Hunter Susan W. , Speechley Mark , McIlroy Bill , Montero‐Odasso Manuel
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

Compared to their cognitively healthy counterparts, older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit higher risk of falls, specifically with injuries. We sought to determine whether fall risk in MCI is associated with decline in higher‐level brain gait control.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study.

SETTING

Community‐dwelling adults from the Gait and Brain Study Cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 110 participants, aged 65 years or older, with MCI.

MEASUREMENTS

Biannual assessments for medical characteristics, cognitive performance, fall incidence, and gait performance for up to 7 years. Seven spatiotemporal gait parameters, including variabilities, were recorded using a 6‐meter electronic walkway. Principal components analysis was used to identify independent gait domains related to higher‐level (pace and variability domains) and lower‐level (rhythm domain) brain control. Associations between gait decline and incident falls were studied with Cox regression models adjusted for baseline covariates.

RESULTS

Of participants enrolled, 40% experienced at least one fall (28% of them with injuries) over a mean follow‐up of 31.6 ± 23.9 months. From the pace domain, slower gait speed (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] per 10‐cm/s decrease = 4.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.84‐11.61; P = .001) was associated with severe injurious falls requiring emergency room (ER) visit; from the variability domain, stride time variability (aHR per 10% increase during follow‐up = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.02‐4.63; P = .04) was associated with higher risk of all injurious falls. Rhythm domain was not associated with fall risk. Decline in pace domain was significantly associated with falls with ER visit (aHR = 3.67; 95% CI = 1.46‐9.19; P = .005). After adjustments for multiple comparisons, gait speed and pace domain remained significantly associated with falls with ER visits. No statistically significant associations were found between gait domains and overall falls (P ≥ .06).

CONCLUSION

Higher risk of injurious falls in older adults with MCI is associated with decline in gait parameters related to higher‐level brain control. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:576–584, 2020
Cryptic metasomatic agent measured in situ in Variscan mantle rocks: Melt inclusions in garnet of eclogite, Granulitgebirge, Germany
Authors: Borghini Alessia , Ferrero Silvio , O’Brien Patrick J. , Laurent Oscar , Günter Christina , Ziemann Martin A.
Published: December 2019

Garnet of eclogite (formerly termed garnet clinopyroxenite) hosted in lenses of orogenic garnet peridotite from the Granulitgebirge, NW Bohemian Massif, contains unique inclusions of granitic melt, now either glassy or crystallized. Analysed glasses and re‐homogenized inclusions are hydrous, peraluminous, and enriched in highly incompatible elements characteristic of the continental crust such as Cs, Li, B, Pb, Rb, Th, and U. The original melt thus represents a pristine, chemically evolved metasomatic agent, which infiltrated the mantle via deep continental subduction during the Variscan orogeny. The bulk chemical composition of the studied eclogites is similar to that of Fe‐rich basalt and the enrichment in LILE and U suggest a subduction‐related component. All these geochemical features confirm metasomatism. In comparison with many other garnet+clinopyroxene‐bearing lenses in peridotites of the Bohemian Massif, the studied samples from Rubinberg and Klatschmühle are more akin to eclogite than pyroxenites, as reflected in high jadeite content in clinopyroxene, relatively low Mg, Cr, and Ni but relatively high Ti. However, trace elements of both bulk rock and individual mineral phases show also important differences making these samples rather unique. Metasomatism involving a melt requiring a trace element pattern very similar to the composition reported here has been suggested for the source region of rocks of the so‐called durbachite suite, that is, ultrapotassic melanosyenites, which are found throughout the high‐grade Variscan basement. Moreover, the Th, U, Pb, Nb, Ta, and Ti patterns of these newly studied melt inclusions (MI) strongly resemble those observed for peridotite and its enclosed pyroxenite from the T‐7 borehole (Staré, České Středhoři Mountains) in N Bohemia. This suggests that a similar kind of crustal‐derived melt also occurred here. This study of granitic MI in eclogites from peridotites has provided the first direct characterization of a preserved metasomatic melt, possibly responsible for the metasomatism of several parts of the mantle in the Variscides.
Elevated activity levels do not influence extrinsic fiber attachment morphology on the surface of muscle‐attachment sites
Authors: Turcotte Cassandra M. , Green David J. , Kupczik Kornelius , McFarlin Shannon , Schulz‐Kornas Ellen
Published: December 2019

Extrinsic fibers (EFs) are a type of penetrating collagenous fiber, closely related to the periodontal ligament, which help anchor soft tissue into bone. These fibers are associated with muscle attachment sites (entheses). Their size and grouping patterns are thought to be indicative of the loading history of the muscle. EFs are of particular significance in anthropology as potential tools for the reconstruction of behavior from skeletal remains and, specifically, entheses. In this study, we used a mouse model to experimentally test how activity level alters the morphology of EF insertion sites on the bone surface of a fibrocartilaginous enthesis, the biceps brachii insertion. Further, we adapted surface metrological techniques from studies of dental wear to perform automated, quantitative and non‐destructive analysis of bone surface histology. Our results show that experimentally increased activity had no significant effect on the quantity or density of EF insertions at the enthesis, nor on the size of those insertions. Although EF presence does indicate muscle attachment, activity did not have an observable effect on EF morphology.
SOURCE ROCK QUALITY VARIATIONS OF UPPER JURASSIC – LOWERMOST CRETACEOUS MARINE SHALES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO OILS IN THE VALDEMAR FIELD, DANISH NORTH SEA
Authors: Ponsaing L. , Petersen H. I. , Bojesen‐Koefoed J. A. , Nytoft H. P. , Schovsbo N. H. , Stemmerik L.
Published: December 2019

The main source rocks for the hydrocarbons at the Valdemar field (Danish North Sea) are the Upper Jurassic – lowermost Cretaceous organic‐rich marine shales of the Farsund Formation. However, geochemical analyses of retained petroleum in reservoir cores show variations in oil type and maturity which indicate a complex charging history. This paper reviews the organofacies and source rock quality variations in 55 samples of the Farsund Formation from the North Jens‐1 well (Valdemar field) within a sequence stratigraphic framework in order to discuss the source of the hydrocarbons. Petrographic and geochemical data, including biomarker analyses, were integrated in order to characterize the kerogen composition, original source rock potential and depositional environment of the Farsund Formation.

The thermal maturity, source rock quality and kerogen quality all vary at the sequence level, and in general change upwards from early mature, primarily gas‐prone Type II kerogen in the Kimmeridgian Kimm‐2 and Kimm‐3 sequences to immature, highly oil‐prone sapropelic Type II kerogen in the Volg‐4 and Ryaz‐1 sequences (Volgian, Ryazanian). The kerogen has a maceral composition dominated by fluorescing amorphous organic matter (AOM) and liptodetrinite, with variable but generally minor amounts of terrigenous organic matter. The stratigraphic distribution of organic matter is similar to that in regional observations from the Danish Central Graben but minor differences occur, especially in the amount of fluorescing AOM in the Kimmeridgian sequences. The decrease in terrigenous input (vitrinite) upwards through the marine shale succession likely reflects a marine transgression of the Danish Central Graben area during Late Jurassic time. The source potential of the Upper Jurassic – lowermost Cretaceous shales in the North Jens‐1 well is generally lower than that observed regionally, including an absence of relatively organic‐rich, oil‐prone intervals in the older part of the succession which have been demonstrated to occur elsewhere in the Danish Central Graben. However, in agreement with the regional trend, back‐calculated source rock data and calculated Ultimate Expulsion Potentials show that the uppermost Volgian (Volg‐4) and Ryazanian (Ryaz‐1) sequences are the most oil‐prone intervals. The Ryaz‐1 sequence represents a condensed section formed during a period characterised by low sedimentation rates and high preservation of algal organic matter.

Biomarker compositions from source rock extracts from the North Jens‐1 well cannot be directly correlated to Valdemar reservoir oils, suggesting that the mature organofacies which charged the oils are not represented in the samples from North Jens‐1.
Association of serum and urinary uromodulin and their correlates in older adults—The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Steubl Dominik , Buzkova Petra , Ix Joachim H. , Devarajan Prasad , Bennett Michael R. , Chaves Paolo H. M. , Shlipak Michael G. , Bansal Nisha , Sarnak Mark J. , Garimella Pranav S.
Published: December 2019

Uromodulin is released into serum (sUMOD) and urine (uUMOD) exclusively by renal tubular cells. Both sUMOD and uUMOD are correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no study to our knowledge has measured both sUMOD and uUMOD in the same population, thus the relationship of sUMOD with uUMOD with one another, and their respective correlates have not been evaluated simultaneously. We evaluated the correlations of sUMOD, uUMOD with eGFR in a random sub‐cohort (n = 933) of the Cardiovascular Health Study and their associations with demographic and laboratory parameters and CVD risk factors using multi‐variable linear regression analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 78 years, 40% were male and 15% were Black. The mean sUMOD level was 127 ng/mL, uUMOD was 30 500 ng/mL and eGFR was 63 mL/min/1.73 m2. Correlation between sUMOD and uUMOD, adjusted for eGFR was moderate (r = 0.27 [95% confidence interval = 0.21‐0.33]). The correlation of eGFR with sUMOD (r = 0.44 [0.39‐0.49]) was stronger than with uUMOD (r = 0.21 [0.15‐0.27]). In multi‐variable analysis adjusting sUMOD for uUMOD and vice versa, sUMOD was independently associated with eGFR (β = 1.3 [1.1‐1.6]), log2 C‐reactive protein (β = −4.2 [−6.8 to −1.6]) and male sex (β = −13.6 [−22.7 to −4.5]). In contrast, male sex was associated with higher uUMOD (β = 3700 [400‐7000]), while diabetes (β = −6400 [−10 600 to −2100]) and hypertension (−4300 [−7500 to −1100]) were associated with lower uUMOD levels. We conclude that sUMOD is more strongly associated with eGFR compared with uUMOD. Correlates of sUMOD and uUMOD differ substantially, suggesting that apical and basolateral secretion may be differentially regulated.
Research waste‐related editorial policies of leading dental journals: Situation 2018
Authors: Almaqrami Bushra S. , Hua Fang , Liu Yanxiaoxue , He Hong
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To study whether specific recommendations aimed at reducing avoidable research waste were included in the author instructions of leading dental journals.

Method

We identified 109 peer‐reviewed and original research‐oriented dental journals that were indexed in the MEDLINE and/or SCIE database in 2018. Two authors extracted independently information regarding the endorsement of reporting guidelines (RGs), ICMJE recommendations, trial or systematic review registration, and open access (OA) and data sharing policies.

Result

All 109 journals provided online “instructions to authors,” among which 64 journals (58.7%) mentioned RGs. The ICMJE recommendations were endorsed by 74 journals (67.9%), and trial and systematic review registration were mentioned by 48 (44.0%) and 6 (5.5%) of the journals, respectively. In terms of OA, most journals stated they were hybrid OA (82.0%) and direct OA (15.4%), while data sharing policy was recommended by 32 (29.4%) journals. Statistical analyses suggest that these policies were more frequently mentioned by SCIE‐indexed journals, higher‐impact journals, and journals that endorsed the ICMJE recommendations.

Conclusion

Reporting guidelines, OA and data sharing are important tools for enhancing research communication, translation and the reduction of avoidable research waste. However, currently they are not widely endorsed by dental journals.
Increased levels of calprotectin in the saliva of patients with geographic tongue
Authors: Garsjö Vegard , Dafar Amal , Jontell Mats , Çevik‐Aras Hülya , Bratel John
Published: December 2019

Objective

We investigated whether patients with geographic tongue have increased salivary levels of calprotectin and whether there is a correlation between the salivary levels of calprotectin and interleukin 8 (IL‐8), which is another marker of inflammation.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients diagnosed with geographic tongue and 32 control subjects without oral mucosal lesions were included in the study. The patients with geographic tongue were classified based on clinical appearance and number of oral lesions. ELISAs were used to determine the levels of calprotectin and IL‐8 in whole saliva samples.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in the salivary output of calprotectin in patients with geographic tongue compared with the healthy controls (62 ± 9,1 vs. 37,5 ± 4,7 µg/min; p = .0134). Furthermore, the levels of calprotectin correlated positively with the number of oral lesions in patients with geographic tongue. There was also a significant and positive correlation between the salivary levels of calprotectin and IL‐8, both for the patients with geographic tongue and the controls.

Conclusion

This study supports the notion that GT is an inflammatory disease, in which the activation of neutrophils and production of calprotectin in the saliva may play roles in its pathogenesis.
Computed tomography findings of mediastinitis after cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Yamada Yoshitake , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Ko Yoshihiro , Nomura Koji , Oguma Eiji
Published: December 2019

Background

To our knowledge, no systematic study has been conducted on computed tomography (CT) imaging of mediastinitis in children post‐cardiovascular surgery. We aimed to assess the CT findings of pediatric patients diagnosed with mediastinitis after cardiovascular surgery.

Methods

We included 28 pediatric patients with suspected mediastinitis after undergoing cardiovascular surgery and who underwent CT. Patients were divided into a group with mediastinitis requiring antibiotic therapy (n= 15) confirmed by positive bacterial culture from the mediastinum and a group without mediastinitis (n= 13). Fisher's exact test was used to compare the following CT findings between the two groups: (i) mediastinal fluid collection; (ii) free gas bubble within fluid collection; (iii) sternal destruction; and (iv) capsular ring enhancement. The enhancement extent was categorized into the following four grades: whole rim enhancement, >50% of the rim enhancement, <50% of the rim enhancement, and no rim enhancement. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish a cut‐off point for obtaining the maximum diagnostic accuracy.

Results

A significant difference was observed between patients, with and without mediastinitis in sternal destruction (73.6% vs 0%,P= <0.0001) and capsular ring enhancement (100.0% vs 38.5%,P= 0.0004). By using a cut‐off grade of the whole rim enhancement, the estimated sensitivity and specificity for mediastinitis diagnosis were 100% and 92.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Computed tomography findings of sternal destruction and capsular ring enhancement were observed more in patients with mediastinitis than in those without mediastinitis, and should be assessed carefully to diagnose mediastinitis accurately in pediatric patients who have undergone cardiac surgery.
Maize lethal necrosis viruses and other maize viruses in Rwanda
Authors: Asiimwe Theodore , Stewart Lucy R. , Willie Kristen , Massawe Deogracious P. , Kamatenesi Jovia , Redinbaugh Margaret G.
Published: December 2019

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is emergent in East Africa, first reported in 2011 in Kenya, and is devastating to maize production in the region. MLN is caused by coinfection of maize with the emergent maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and any of several maize‐infecting potyviruses endemic in East Africa and worldwide. Here, we examined the distribution of MCMV and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), the major viruses contributing to MLN in Rwanda. These and other viruses in maize across Rwanda were further characterized by deep sequencing. When identified, MCMV had high titres and minimal sequence variability, whereas SCMV showed moderate titres and high sequence variability. Deep sequencing also identified maize streak virus and other maize‐associated viruses, including a previously described polerovirus, maize yellow mosaic virus, and barley yellow dwarf virus, diverse maize‐associated totiviruses, maize‐associated pteridovirus, Zea mays chrysovirus 1, and a maize‐associated betaflexivirus. Detection of each virus was confirmed in maize samples by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Metagenomic analysis of potential pathogens from blood donors in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Gao Lei , Rong Xia , He Miao , Zhang Ling , Li Tingting , Wang Wenjing , Candotti Daniel , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Fu Yongshui , Li Chengyao
Published: December 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the emerging/reemerging pathogens in blood donation samples.

Background

A metagenomic analysis has previously been used to look for pathogens but in this study, the relationship with aminotransferase (ALT) is described.

Methods/Materials

Excluding samples reactive to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency syndrome virus or syphilis and plasma samples were stratified into three groups of ALT levels (IU/L): A ≤ 50, B 51 to 69 and C ≥ 70, respectively. Each group was mixed in a pool of 100 samples, from which DNA and cDNA libraries were established for next generation sequencing and analysis. Pathogens of interest were identified by immunoassays, nested‐polymerase chain reaction, phylogenetic analysis and pathogen detection in follow‐up donors.

Results

Several new or reemerging transfusion‐transmitted pathogens were identified; Streptococcus suis, Babesia species and Toxoplasma gondii were found in the three ALT groups, Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) only in group C. Ten S. suis nucleic acid positive samples were detected, all closely phylogenetically related to reference strains. A donor in group A carried both S. suis genome and specific IgM in follow‐up samples. This strain was identified as nontoxic S. suis. Five samples contained a short fragment of Babesia species SpeI‐AvaI gene, while T. gondii was identified in 20 samples as a short fragment of 18S rDNA gene. In group C, two samples contained EBV genome.

Conclusions

Blood donations that contained S. suis, Babesia species and T. gondii sequences might represent potential transfusion risks. EBV, a potential cause of elevated ALT, was detected. Metagenomic analysis might be a useful technology for monitoring blood safety.
A facile, sensitive and quantitative membrane‐binding assay for proteins
Authors: Jose Gregor P. , Gopan Shilpa , Bhattacharyya Soumya , Pucadyil Thomas J.
Published: December 2019

Soluble proteins that bind membranes function in numerous cellular pathways yet facile, sensitive and quantitative methods that complement and improve sensitivity of widely used liposomes‐based assays remain unavailable. Here, we describe the utility of a photoactivable fluorescent lipid as a generic reporter of protein‐membrane interactions. When incorporated into liposomes and exposed to ultraviolet (UV), proteins bound to liposomes become crosslinked with the fluorescent lipid and can be readily detected and quantitated by in‐gel fluorescence analysis. This modification obviates the requirement for high‐speed centrifugation spins common to most liposome‐binding assays. We refer to this assay as Proximity‐based Labeling of Membrane‐Associated Proteins (PLiMAP).