bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) in the Raja Ampat Archipelago, West Papua, Indonesia, and the impacts of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation on their movement ecology
Authors: Beale Calvin S. , Stewart Joshua D. , Setyawan Edy , Sianipar Abraham B. , Erdmann Mark V.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Our aim was to collect sightings data on oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) within the Raja Ampat Archipelago to better understand their population dynamics within the region. These data were compared with environmental variables to seek correlates that may explain any variations in observed sightings frequency. Combined, it is hoped this knowledge will be used to aid effective management of this species in the region.

Location

Raja Ampat Archipelago, West Papua, Indonesia.

Methods

We collected and catalogued photo‐identification of individuals to create a sightings database. To generate estimates of abundance, survival, sighting probability and recruitment to the population, we used a POPAN mark–recapture model. We considered time‐varying and fixed values for each parameter and possible covariate relationships of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and sex.

Results

A total of 588 individuals were identified over six years, of which 72.4% were female, and 28.2% of individuals were resighted. There was an exponential increase in sightings during the 2015–2016 ENSO event despite constant effort; significant correlation was found between sightings and the multivariate ENSO index and with sea surface temperatures but not with chlorophyll‐a. Mark–recapture analysis shows a clear relationship between ENSO and entry probability, and the most parsimonious model estimated a superpopulation size N of 1875 individuals.

Main conclusion

Oceanic manta ray distributions appear to be impacted by ENSO‐related climate phenomena. Our findings on the relationship of ENSO to manta sightings and distribution indicate that oceanic manta rays are likely sensitive to large‐scale climatic variability. This illustrates the potential impacts of climate change on oceanic manta populations and the need to consider climate impacts in developing management strategies. Continued photo‐ID, tagging and population genetics would greatly enhance knowledge and help develop management strategies that bolster conservation of the species.
Comorbidities in cerebral palsy: a patient registry study
Authors: Hollung Sandra J , Bakken Inger J , Vik Torstein , Lydersen Stian , Wiik Robert , Aaberg Kari M , Andersen Guro L
Published: July 2019

Aim

To describe the total burden of disease in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) in Norway.

Method

A comprehensive set of disorder categories were extracted from the Norwegian Patient Registry using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnosis codes for individuals born between 1996 and 2010 who received specialist healthcare between 2008 and 2017 (0–21y). Individuals with CP were identified through a validation study in cooperation with the Cerebral Palsy Registry of Norway. Risk differences (proportions of individuals recorded with each disorder) were used to compare individuals with CP with the general population without CP.

Results

The study included 966 760 individuals. Among these, 2302 (0.24%) had CP (1330 males, 972 females). Of the individuals with CP, 95.0% were recorded with one or more comorbidity, and the risks of medical, neurological, and mental/behavioural disorders were higher compared with the risks in the general population. The most common neurological and mental/behavioural disorders were cocausal, i.e. attributed to the same injury to the developing brain that caused CP, while medical disorders were most often complications of CP or coincidentally co‐occurring with CP.

Interpretation

Individuals with CP have a considerably higher burden of medical, neurological, and mental/behavioural disorders compared with the general population, including disorders that are not directly caused by, or complications to, the brain injury.

What this paper adds

Nearly all individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) had one or more comorbidity.

Fifty‐two per cent had at least one comorbidity attributed to the same cause as CP, complications of CP, and coincidentally co‐occurring with CP.

Risks of medical, neurological, and mental/behavioural disorders were considerably higher than in the general population.
Losing a diagnosis of cerebral palsy: a comparison of variables at 2 and 5 years
Authors: Chen Anjellica , Dyck Holzinger Sasha , Oskoui Maryam , Shevell Michael ,   Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry
Published: July 2019

Aim

This study aims to identify characteristics at 2 years of age that differ between children with confirmed cerebral palsy (CP) and a non‐CP diagnosis by 5 years of age.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort analysis. A CP diagnosis may be considered a ‘probable’ diagnosis at 2 years, which is often ‘confirmed’ at 4 or 5 years, particularly in the context of CP registries. A total of 1683 children with a diagnosis of CP or probable CP at 2 years of age were identified from the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry, of whom 48 received a non‐CP diagnosis at 5 years (‘non‐confirmed CP’). Perinatal adversity, preterm birth status, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, presence of comorbidities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and initial CP motor type were compared between the two groups by univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results

χ2 analysis and multivariate analysis both confirmed that children with a non‐CP diagnosis by 5 years of age were more likely to have a normal MRI (χ2 odds ratio [OR]=7.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.8–16.1; OR=5.4, 95% CI=2.4–12.5), ataxic‐hypotonic (χ2 OR=10.1, 95% CI=4.9–21.2; OR=6.1, 95% CI=2.2–16.2) or dyskinetic CP (χ2 OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2–5.9; OR=2.9, 95% CI=1.0–7.6), born at term (χ2 OR=3.7, 95% CI=1.7–8.0; OR=3.6, 95% CI=1.0–12.1), and lack perinatal adversity (χ2 OR=4.1, 95% CI=1.6–10.7; OR=3.4, 95% CI=1.0–11.7).

Interpretation

Normal MRI, ataxic‐hypotonic or dyskinetic CP, lack of perinatal adversity, and term birth are associated with a higher odds of non‐CP diagnosis by 5 years of age, thus potentially enhancing diagnostic work‐up.

What this paper adds

Normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 years was associated with a non‐cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis by 5 years.

Diagnosis of ataxic‐hypotonic or dyskinetic CP motor subtype at 2 years was associated with a non‐CP diagnosis by 5 years.

Perinatal adversity and preterm birth were rarer with a non‐CP diagnosis by 5 years.
Deconstructing the autism concept and its semantics
Authors: Graf William D
Published: July 2019

This commentary is on the invited review by Hens on pages 1025–1029 of this issue.
SUMOylation is required for PIPK1γ‐driven keratinocyte migration and growth
Authors: Ni Wei , Li Ying , Cai Lili , Dong Changsheng , Fang Houshun , Chen Yao , Li Hui , Yao Min , Xiao Ning
Published: July 2019

PIPKIγ, a key member of the type I phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate kinase (PIPKI) family that regulates the spatial‐temporal generation of PIP2, has been implicated in diverse biological processes including cell survival, cell polarity, and cell migration. An essential role of PIPKIγ in tumor cells and nerve cells has been established in previous studies. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of PIPKIγ remains incompletely understood. Here, we showed that PIPKIγ can specifically associate with the SUMO‐conjugating (E2) enzyme UBC9 and can be SUMOylated both in vivo and in vitro. We further identified that Lys‐591 is the critical SUMO‐acceptor site of PIPKIγ and that SUMO conjugation at this site is required for PIPKIγ‐driven keratinocyte migration and growth. Mechanistically, SUMOylation deficiency significantly disrupts PIPKIγ‐mediated generation of intracellular PIP2, rather than the subcellular translocation and protein stability of PIPKIγ. Our findings reveal that PIPKIγ is a novel SUMOylation target and highlight the essential role of PIPKIγ SUMOylation in human keratinocyte function, providing an important orientation for in‐depth study of wound repair.
E2F1 activates MFN2 expression by binding to the promoter and decreases mitochondrial fission and mitophagy in HeLa cells
Authors: Bucha Sudha , Mukhopadhyay Debashis , Bhattacharyya Nitai Pada
Published: July 2019

Mitofusin‐2 (MFN2) is primarily involved in mitochondrial fusion and participates in diverse biological processes. Several reports show that MFN2 is a target of different miRNAs; however, the transcriptional regulation of MFN2 has not been extensively studied. To gain insight into the transcriptional regulation of MFN2, we expressed E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) exogenously and observed that it increased the endogenous expression of MFN2 by binding to its putative promoter region. Although the levels of E2F1 were shown to vary during the cell cycle, the expression of MFN2 and its regulator SP1 did not change throughout the different phases, suggesting that E2F1 regulates MFN2 in a cell‐cycle‐independent manner. In the cell‐cycle phases, where the expression of E2F1 was reduced, SP1 might act in its place to regulate the expression of MFN2. We showed that E2F1 and SP1 are present as a complex on the promoter of MFN2 during the S‐phase as well as in E2F1 overexpressing cells, suggesting that they may regulate the expression of MFN2 synergistically. Furthermore, we found that E2F1 modulated mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy, likely through regulation of MFN2. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that several potential targets of E2F1 are localized in mitochondria and associated with autophagy. Collectively, these data identify the E2F1–MFN2 axis as a regulator of mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of mitochondrial disorders.
How much should portfolios shrink?
Authors: Han Chulwoo
Published: July 2019

This paper develops a portfolio model that penalizes the deviation from a reference portfolio. The proposed model renders a robust portfolio that performs superior under parameter uncertainty. Penalizing the deviation also improves the performance of existing shrinkage portfolio models that are suboptimal due to model parameter uncertainty. The equal‐weight portfolio turns out to be a better reference portfolio than the currently holding portfolio even in the presence of transaction costs. A data‐driven method for determining the degree of penalization is offered. Comprehensive simulation and empirical studies suggest that the proposed model significantly outperforms various existing models.
Heterogeneity in the Effect of Managerial Equity Incentives on Firm Value
Authors: Benson Bradley W. , James Hui L. , Park Jung Chul
Published: July 2019

We document significant heterogeneity in the relation between chief executive officer (CEO) equity incentives and firm value using quantile regression. We show that CEO delta is more effective in the presence of ample investment opportunities, while CEO vega is more beneficial for firms lacking investment opportunities. Further, Tobin's Q increases in CEO delta for more risk‐tolerant firms but increases in CEO vega for more risk‐averse firms. We also observe that higher monitoring intensity after the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act reduces CEO delta's role in compensation. Risk aversion alters the optimal incentive‐value relation, and the nature of this relation also depends on the level of Tobin's Q.
How ecologists define drought, and why we should do better
Authors: Slette Ingrid J. , Post Alison K. , Awad Mai , Even Trevor , Punzalan Arianna , Williams Sere , Smith Melinda D. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: July 2019

Drought, widely studied as an important driver of ecosystem dynamics, is predicted to increase in frequency and severity globally. To study drought, ecologists must define or at least operationalize what constitutes a drought. How this is accomplished in practice is unclear, particularly given that climatologists have long struggled to agree on definitions of drought, beyond general variants of “an abnormal deficiency of water.” We conducted a literature review of ecological drought studies (564 papers) to assess how ecologists describe and study drought. We found that ecologists characterize drought in a wide variety of ways (reduced precipitation, low soil moisture, reduced streamflow, etc.), but relatively few publications (~32%) explicitly define what are, and are not, drought conditions. More troubling, a surprising number of papers (~30%) simply equated “dry conditions” with “drought” and provided little characterization of the drought conditions studied. For a subset of these, we calculated Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values for the reported drought periods. We found that while almost 90% of the studies were conducted under conditions quantifiable as slightly to extremely drier than average, ~50% were within the range of normal climatic variability. We conclude that the current state of the ecological drought literature hinders synthesis and our ability to draw broad ecological inferences because drought is often declared but is not explicitly defined or well characterized. We suggest that future drought publications provide at least one of the following: (a) the climatic context of the drought period based on long‐term records; (b) standardized climatic index values; (c) published metrics from drought‐monitoring organizations; (d) a quantitative definition of what the authors consider to be drought conditions for their system. With more detailed and consistent quantification of drought conditions, comparisons among studies can be more rigorous, increasing our understanding of the ecological effects of drought.
Connecting Points to Spatial Networks: Effects on Discrete Optimization Models
Authors: Gaboardi James D. , Folch David C. , Horner Mark W.
Published: July 2019

To accommodate network allocation, population polygons are frequently transformed into singular, weighted centroids which are then integrated into the network either by snapping each centroid to the nearest network segment or by generating an artificial connector that becomes part of the network. In this article, an investigation of the connection method of network allocation is undertaken with two primary foci: (1) how the density of centroid connectors effects travel cost along the network; and (2) how the algorithms utilized to determine the placement of connectors are affected by the density of connectors. We hypothesize that both issues have an effect on network travel cost and, therefore, on network‐based modeling. These hypotheses are tested on three nested spatial networks in the New England region of the United States. Two fundamental facility location models, thep‐median problem, andp‐center problem, are solved at each spatial extent while varying the density of connectors from one to four. When generating more than one connector thought must be given to the method of connection, the angle of dispersion, the acceptable tolerance of connector length, segment crossing, and saturated connectivity. A novel and thorough framework is proposed to address these concerns.
Application of machine learning for diagnostic prediction of root caries
Authors: Hung Man , Voss Maren W. , Rosales Megan N. , Li Wei , Su Weicong , Xu Julie , Bounsanga Jerry , Ruiz‐Negrón Bianca , Lauren Evelyn , Licari Frank W.
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study sought to utilise machine learning methods in artificial intelligence to select the most relevant variables in classifying the presence and absence of root caries and to evaluate the model performance.

Background

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral health problems. Artificial intelligence can be used to develop models for identification of root caries risk and to gain valuable insights, but it has not been applied in dentistry. Accurately identifying root caries may guide treatment decisions, leading to better oral health outcomes.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2015‐2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and were randomly divided into training and test sets. Several supervised machine learning methods were applied to construct a tool that was capable of classifying variables into the presence and absence of root caries. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve were computed.

Results

Of the machine learning algorithms developed, support vector machine demonstrated the best performance with an accuracy of 97.1%, precision of 95.1%, sensitivity of 99.6% and specificity of 94.3% for identifying root caries. The area under the curve was 0.997. Age was the feature most strongly associated with root caries.

Conclusion

The machine learning algorithms developed in this study perform well and allow for clinical implementation and utilisation by dental and nondental professionals. Clinicians are encouraged to adopt the algorithms from this study for early intervention and treatment of root caries for the ageing population of the United States, and for attaining precision dental medicine.
A role for epigenetic adaption in evolution
Authors: Yahara Ichiro
Published: July 2019

The outcome of epigenetic responses to stress depends strictly on genetic background, suggesting that altered phenotypes, when induced, are created by a combination of induced epigenetic factors and pre‐existing allelic ones. When individuals with altered phenotypes are selected and subjected to successive breeding, alleles that potentiate epigenetic responses could accumulate in offspring populations. It is reasonable to suppose that many, if not all, of these allelic genes could also be involved in creating new phenotypes under nonstressful conditions. In this review, I discuss the possibility that the accumulation of such alleles in selected individuals with an epigenetic phenotype could give rise to individuals that exhibit the same phenotype even in the absence of stress.
Financial burden and quality of life among early‐onset colorectal cancer survivors: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Blum‐Barnett Erica , Madrid Sarah , Burnett‐Hartman Andrea , Mueller Shane R. , McMullen Carmit K. , Dwyer Andrea , Feigelson Heather S.
Published: July 2019

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed at ages <50 years old (early‐onset CRC) has been increasing in the United States, resulting in a growing number of early‐onset CRC survivors who may face significant financial and quality of life (QOL) challenges.

Objective

Identify themes from a patient advocate discussion about the impact of CRC on financial burden and QOL among early‐onset CRC survivors.

Methods

We conducted a semi‐structured, stakeholder discussion among 14 early‐onset CRC survivors and one caregiver who were members of an advocacy group. The discussion focused on the financial and overall QOL impacts of CRC. The meeting was recorded, transcribed and coded in ATLAS.ti, using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Cancer stage at diagnosis among advocates with CRC ranged from 2 to 4; about half of the attendees had no evidence of disease, and about half were undergoing treatment. Employment (career trajectory, lost wages, health insurance/benefits, performance) emerged as the dominant theme of the financial impacts discussion. Lifestyle impacts of disease and survivorship included both emotional and physical side‐effects. Diagnosis experience, missing information about CRC treatment and side‐effects, financial stress and strain on relationships were the primary themes for the overall QOL impacts.

Conclusion

Given the growing incidence of CRC in those under 50, it is particularly important for providers to be aware of these patients' financial, emotional and QOL needs, and to develop care plans that specifically address these areas of concern for early‐onset CRC survivors.
Effects of aging, baseline renal function and stage of HIV infection on post‐treatment changes in renal function among HIV‐infected patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ding Y , Duan S , Ye R , Yao S , Cao D , Yang Y , Wang J , Shi Y , Zhang Y , Li P , Xu Y , Wei H , Yin C , Liu X , He N
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) increases clinical uncertainty about changes in renal function. Specifically, little is known regarding the interaction of the effects of aging, baseline renal impairment, and stages of HIV infection on post‐treatment changes in renal function.

Methods

This analysis included 5533 HIV‐infected patients on cART in 2004–2016. Progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as either two consecutive estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurements < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (mild renal impairment or normal renal function) or a 25% decline for baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (moderate renal impairment).

Results

During follow‐up (median 4.8 years), 130 (2.3%) of the patients progressed to CKD. A total of 20.1% of patients with baseline normal renal function progressed to mild renal impairment, while 74.0% of patients with baseline mild or moderate renal impairment improved to normal renal function. In multivariable analysis, a significant positive baseline‐eGFR‐by‐World Health Organization (WHO)‐stage interaction effect on progression to CKD in all patients was identified, indicating a cross‐over effect from a reduced risk to an increased risk. A significant negative baseline‐age‐by‐WHO‐stage interaction effect on progression to mild renal impairment in patients with baseline normal renal function was identified, with adjusted hazard ratios progressively lower at older ages. In addition, there were significant associations with older age, lower baseline eGFR, Dai ethnic minority, and anaemia for both outcomes, hyperglycaemia for CKD only, and higher CD4 count, tenofovir and ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir use for mild renal impairment only.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a complex pattern of renal function dynamics in patients on cART, which requires precise management with systematic monitoring of the interaction of the effects of sociodemographic, nephrological and HIV‐specific clinical characteristics.
Pre‐ and post‐bone marrow harvest anaemia is associated with lower CD34+ stem cell collection, high harvest volume and female gender
Authors: Getta Bartlomiej M. , Tong Daochen , Deren Stephanie , Huang Gillian , Hogg Megan , Collins David , Bhattacharyya Abir , Panicker Shyam , Micklethwaite Kenneth , Blyth Emily , Bilmon Ian , Kwan John , Antonenas Vicki , Gottlieb David J.
Published: July 2019

Background

Donor safety is paramount when performing bone marrow stem cell harvest. The incidence of full blood count (FBC) abnormalities among donors and variables associated with anaemia after marrow harvest are not well established.

Aims

To describe the frequency of FBC abnormalities prior to bone marrow stem cell harvest and to identify variables associated with post harvest anaemia.

Methods

Outcomes of 80 consecutive adult marrow harvests performed at our centre were analysed retrospectively.

Results

FBC abnormalities were present in 28% of donors prior to marrow harvest with normocytic anaemia the most common abnormality in 13%. Reduced donor haemoglobin (Hb) was independently correlated with lower CD34+ cell count per kg of recipient body weight. Anaemia (Hb < 100 g/L) was seen in 20% of donors after harvest with median decrease in Hb of 19 g/L. Variables independently associated with anaemia after harvest included donor to recipient weight ratio (P = 0.011), high collection volume (P = 0.044) and female gender (P = 0.023). Total nucleated cell and CD34 concentration in the final collected product were associated with the inverse of harvested marrow volume (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pre‐harvest anaemia should be corrected where possible particularly in female donors. Marrow collection volume should be minimised to reduce post‐harvest anaemia, optimise CD34+ cell number and improve nucleated and stem cell concentrations in the harvest product.
Examining measurement invariance and differences across groups in the support needs of children with and without intellectual disability
Authors: Verdugo Miguel A. , Amor Antonio M. , Arias Víctor B. , Guillén Verónica M. , Fernández María , Arias Benito
Published: July 2019

Background

The purposes of this study were to empirically determine whether the support needs construct is generalizable across children with and without intellectual disability and to conduct cross‐group comparisons to explore how extraordinary and non‐extraordinary support needs differ in children.

Method

One thousand thirty‐six children (814 with intellectual disability 222 without intellectual disability) were assessed using the SIS‐C.

Results

The SIS‐C achieved scalar invariance between children with and without intellectual disability. Cross‐group comparisons revealed differences in variances, in correlations between factors and significant latent mean differences for all factors.

Conclusion

Results show that the support needs construct is generalizable to children with and without intellectual disability and that there are no qualitative differences in how they show their support needs, so typically developing children can be used as a reference group to explore differences between extraordinary and non‐extraordinary support needs. Conceptual and practical implications are discussed, and future lines of research are provided.
The role and therapeutic potential of heat shock proteins in haemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Shao Anwen , Zhou Yunxiang , Yao Yihan , Zhang Wenhua , Zhang Jianmin , Deng Yongchuan
Published: July 2019

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are induced after haemorrhagic stroke, which includes subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Most of these proteins function as neuroprotective molecules to protect cerebral neurons from haemorrhagic stroke and as markers to indicate cellular stress or damage. The most widely studied HSPs in SAH are HSP70, haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), HSP20 and HSP27. The subsequent pathophysiological changes following SAH can be divided into two stages: early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischaemia, both of which determine the outcome for patients. Because the mechanisms of HSPs in SAH are being revealed and experimental models in animals are continually maturing, new agents targeting HSPs with limited side effects have been suggested to provide therapeutic potential. For instance, some pharmaceutical agents can block neuronal apoptosis signals or dilate cerebral vessels by modulating HSPs. HO‐1 and HSP70 are also critical topics for ICH research, which can be attributed to their involvement in pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic potential. However, the process of HO‐1 metabolism can be toxic owing to iron overload and the activation of succedent pathways, for example, the Fenton reaction and oxidative damage; the overall effect of HO‐1 in SAH and ICH tends to be protective and harmful, respectively, given the different pathophysiological changes in these two types of haemorrhagic stroke. In the present study, we focus on the current understanding of the role and therapeutic potential of HSPs involved in haemorrhagic stroke. Therefore, HSPs may be potential therapeutic targets, and new agents targeting HSPs are warranted.
Kaempferol attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting activin receptor–like kinase 5
Authors: Xu Taifu , Huang Shan , Huang Qianrong , Ming Zhiyong , Wang Min , Li Rongrui , Zhao Yinnong
Published: July 2019

Liver fibrosis is a common public health problem. Patients with liver fibrosis are more likely to develop cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a more serious consequence. Numerous therapeutic approaches have emerged, but the final clinical outcome remains unsatisfactory. Here, we discovered a flavonoid natural product kaempferol that could dramatically ameliorate liver fibrosis formation. Our data showed that intraperitoneal injection of kaempferol could significantly decrease the necroinflammatory scores and collagen deposition in the liver tissue. In addition, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), laminin (LN) and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels were significantly down‐regulated in kaempferol treatment group compared with those in the control group. Our study also demonstrated that kaempferol markedly inhibited the synthesis of collagen and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the results of Western blotting revealed that kaempferol could down‐regulate Smad2/3 phosphorylation dose‐dependently. These bioactivities of kaempferol may result from its targeted binding to the ATP‐binding pocket of activin receptor–like kinase 5 (ALK5), as suggested by the molecular docking study and LanthaScreen Eu kinase binding assay. Above all, our data indicate that kaempferol may prove to be a novel agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis or other fibroproliferative diseases.
Low‐Value Prostate Cancer Screening Among Older Men Within the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Radomski Thomas R. , Huang Yan , Park Seo Young , Sileanu Florentina E. , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Thorpe Joshua M. , Fine Michael J. , Gellad Walid F.
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening can be of low value in older adults. Our objective was to quantify the prevalence and variation of low‐value PSA screening across the Veterans Health Administration (VA), which has instituted programs to reduce low‐value care.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

VA administrative data, 2014 to 2015.

PARTICIPANTS

National random sample (N = 214 480) of male veterans, aged 75 years or older.

MEASUREMENTS

We defined PSA screening in men aged 75 years or older without a history of prostate cancer as low value, per established definitions in Medicare. We calculated screening rates overall and by VA Medical Center (VAMC), adjusting for patient and VAMC‐level factors. We characterized variation across VAMCs using the adjusted median odds ratio (OR) and compared the adjusted OR of screening between VAMCs in different deciles of low‐value screening rates. In separate sensitivity analyses, we assessed screening in veterans at greatest risk of 1‐year mortality and among veterans after excluding those who underwent prostatectomy, had a prior PSA elevation, or had a clinical indication for testing.

RESULTS

Overall, 37 867 (17.7%) of veterans underwent low‐value PSA screening (VAMC range = 3.3%‐38.2%). The adjusted median OR was 1.88, meaning the median odds of screening would increase by 88% were a veteran to transfer his care to a VAMC with higher screening rates. Veterans at VAMCs in the top decile had an adjusted OR of 12.9 (95% confidence interval = 11.0‐15.2) compared to those veterans in the lowest decile. Among veterans with the greatest mortality risk (n = 23 377), 3496 (15.0%) underwent screening (VAMC range = 1.7%‐46.3%). After excluding veterans with a prior prostatectomy, PSA elevation, or a potential clinical indication, 31 556 (14.7%) underwent screening (VAMC range = 2.0%‐49.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a national cohort of older veterans, more than one in six received low‐value PSA screening, with greater than 10‐fold variation across VAMCs and high rates of screening among those with the greatest mortality risk. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1922–1927, 2019
Social conflict and agrarian change inUganda's countryside
Authors: Martiniello Giuliano
Published: July 2019

In this paper, I explore the significance of Giovanni Arrighi's scholarship about the dynamics of capitalist accumulation and transformation in Africa and other “hostile” environments for critical agrarian studies. Specifically, I examine the relevance of his work for the analysis of multiple trajectories of agrarian change and social conflict in Uganda's countryside. By adopting synchronic and diachronic perspectives, the analysis here unveils the geographically uneven nature of transformation in the agrarian social structure in two distinct regions in Uganda: Buganda and Acholi. This complementarity allows us to grasp continuities and discontinuities in the processes of agrarian change and in the social struggles over the production and appropriation of surplus value in the longue durée. I argue that the agrarian social structure and the associated dynamics and forms of social conflict in the two regions massively diverged during the colonial period, while partially converging in the current era of neoliberal restructuring.
Labour reserves and surplus populations: Northern Ghana and the Eastern Cape of South Africa
Authors: Scully Ben , Britwum Akua Opokua
Published: July 2019

This article is focused on the political economy of two of Africa's “labour reserve” regions, northern Ghana and the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The majority of residents in these regions are taken as paradigmatic examples of “surplus populations.” They exemplify a main feature that has been used to theorize the concept of surplus populations today, namely, that their labour is surplus to the needs of capital accumulation. We follow the method of Arrighi and Piselli, tracing the political economic transformations of these regions from the turn of the 20th century until the present in order to ground the concept of surplus population in a specific historical context. We argue that it is limiting to think about these populations' utility or uselessness only in relation to capital. To understand the political implications of “surplus populations,” we must think about the interrelation between the political and economic roles that they play and how these developed within specific historical contexts.
Creating places through language rules: A historical and ethnographic perspective on the “Rule of Irish”
Authors: Petit Cahill Kevin
Published: July 2019

In seeking to understand the political projects underlying pedagogical choices, this article studies the reasons for and situated dynamics of the implementation of the “Rule of Irish” (orRiail na Gaeilge), which prohibits the use of English in Irish immersion language camps (“summer colleges”) set in Ireland's officially designated Irish‐speaking regions, theGaeltacht. Despite the great difficulty imposing this rule on learners represents, its implantation has remained unquestioned since the development of the first summer colleges at the beginning of the 20th century. Combining ethnographic observations, the study of press articles published between 1901 and 1916, and the analysis of contemporary language policies, I show that the implementation ofRiail na Gaeilgeaims to provide students with an experience of the monolingual Irish place that the Gaeltacht has long been popularly and officially imagined as being.Riail na Gaeilgeis thus not just a pedagogical tool but it also has a social function of consecrating the Gaeltacht as Irish‐speaking Ireland. The article traces how the Gaeltacht was created and has been maintained throughRiail na Gaeilgeand explores the political reasons underlying this institutionalization.
Relationship of serum leptin concentration with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism and cholestatic disease in dogs
Authors: Lee S. , Kweon O.‐K. , Kim W. H.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To measure serum leptin concentration in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism and varying degrees of cholestatic disease and determine whether serum levels differed between dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism and those with gall bladder mucocoele.

Materials and Methods

Client‐owned healthy dogs (n=20), dogs diagnosed with gall bladder mucocoele (n=20) and dogs diagnosed with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (n=60) were enrolled. Only dogs of normal body condition score were included. Dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism were divided into three groups according to the severity of cholestatic disease: normal gall bladder (n=20), cholestasis (n=20) and gall bladder mucocoele (n=20). Serum leptin levels were measured using sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum concentrations of leptin were similar between dogs with gall bladder mucocoele and those with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism accompanied by gall bladder mucocoele; these concentrations were significantly higher than those in healthy control dogs. In dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism, circulating leptin concentration significantly increased with the severity of cholestasis: higher in the cholestasis group than the normal gall bladder group and higher in the gall bladder mucocoele group than the cholestasis group.

Clinical Significance

Elevated circulating leptin concentration was associated with canine pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism and gall bladder mucocoele. Homeostatic imbalance of leptin concentration might be associated with severity of cholestatic disease in pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Ecological context influences scent‐marking behavior in the giant panda
Authors: Zhou W. , Nie Y. , Swaisgood R. R. , Li Y. , Liu D. , Wei F.
Published: July 2019

Signal detection theory predicts that animals should select scent‐marking sites in a way that maximizes their probability of detection by target receivers. Many studies have been conducted with a focus on signaling behavior and function. Yet, the role of the environment in structuring scent‐mark patterns is poorly known. We studied the giant panda, a solitary species that relies heavily on chemosignaling for communication through depositing urine and anogential gland secretions (AGS) on trees, to determine how environmental factors influence scent deposition strategies. Using a combination of sign surveys, camera trapping, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis, we conducted a comparative study of giant panda scent marking in two reserves, Wanglang and Foping, in China. The two reserves differed with regard to prevalence of tree species that differed in bark roughness, diameter at breast height (DBH), and moss status. For urine‐marking pandas selected large, mossy trees with very rough bark trees, whereas AGS marking was used preferentially on rough‐barked moss‐free trees in both reserves. Both AGS and urine contained more volatile than nonvolatile constituents and urine had higher relative abundance of volatiles than AGS, indicating urine likely has a larger signal range and shorter signal persistence than AGS. Urine marking was significantly more prevalent in Wanglang, which contains more rough‐barked, moss covered, and higher DBH trees favored for urine marking, than in Foping. Thus, habitat features appear to constrain pandas’ use of different types of marking, potentially altering how the communication system functions in different ecological contexts. Our study underscores the importance of future study evaluating environmental influences on chemosignaling behavior.
Is it possible to feel at home in a patient room in an intensive care unit? Reflections on environmental aspects in technology‐dense environments
Authors: Andersson Morgan , Fridh Isabell , Lindahl Berit
Published: July 2019

This paper focuses on the patient's perspective and the philosophical underpinnings that support what might be considered optimal for the future design of the intensive care unit (ICU) patient room. It also addresses the question of whether the aspects that support at‐homeness are applicable to ICU patient rooms. The concept of “at‐homeness” in ICUs is strongly related to privacy and control of space and territory. This study investigates whether the sense of at‐homeness can be created in an ICU, when one or more patients share a room. From an interdisciplinary perspective, we critically reflect on various aspects associated with conflicts surrounding the use of ICU patient rooms. Thus, from an architectural and a caring perspective, the significance of space and personal territory in ICU patient rooms is emphasized. Recommendations for further research are suggested. In conclusion, privacy and control are deemed to be essential factors in the stimulation of recovery processes and the promotion of well‐being in situations involving severe illness or life‐threatening conditions.
Conceptual Innovation, Function First
Authors: Simion Mona , Kelp Christoph
Published: July 2019

Can we engineer conceptual change? While a positive answer to this question would be exciting news for philosophy, there has been a growing number of pessimistic voices in the literature. This paper resists this trend. Its central aim is to argue not only that conceptual engineering is possible but also that it is not even distinctively hard. In order to achieve this, we will develop a novel approach to conceptual engineering that has two key components. First, it proposes a reorientation of the conceptual engineering project away from fixing conceptual defects and towards bringing about conceptual innovation. Second, it offers a new account of when conceptual engineering is successful in terms of etiological functions. We then turn to the reasons that have motivated various forms of pessimism about conceptual engineering and show that, on our novel approach, none of them stands up to scrutiny.
Interventionist Explanation and the Problem of Single Variable Boundary Constraints
Authors: Wilhelm Isaac
Published: July 2019

According to Interventionism, explanations cite invariant relations which hold among multiple variables. Interventionism incorrectly implies, however, that many common scientific explanations—which cite single‐variable boundary constraints—are not actually explanatory. So I propose a different account of explanation, similar in spirit to Interventionism, which gets those cases of scientific explanation right.
Interspecific variation across angiosperms in globalDNAmethylation: phylogeny, ecology and plant features in tropical and Mediterranean communities
Authors: Alonso Conchita , Medrano Mónica , Pérez Ricardo , Canto Azucena , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Herrera Carlos M.
Published: July 2019

The interspecific range of epigenetic variation and the degree to which differences between angiosperm species are related to geography, evolutionary history, ecological settings or species‐specific traits, remain essentially unexplored. Genome‐wide globalDNAcytosine methylation is a tractable ‘epiphenotypic’ feature suitable for exploring these relationships.

Global cytosine methylation was estimated in 279 species from two distant, ecologically disparate geographical regions: Mediterranean Spain and tropical México. At each region, four distinct plant communities were analyzed.

Global methylation spanned a 10‐fold range among species (4.8–42.2%). Interspecific differences were related to evolutionary trajectories, as denoted by a strong phylogenetic signal. Genomes of tropical species were on average less methylated than those of Mediterranean ones. Woody plants have genomes with lower methylation than perennial herbs, and genomes of widespread species were less methylated than those of species with restricted geographical distribution.

The eight communities studied exhibited broad and overlapping interspecific variances in global cytosine methylation and only two of them differed in average methylation. Altogether, our broad taxonomic survey supported global methylation as a plant ‘epiphenotypic’ trait largely associated with species evolutionary history, genome size, range size and woodiness. Additional studies are required for better understanding the environmental components underlying local and geographical variation.
Detrital traits affect substitutability of a range‐expanding foundation species across latitude
Authors: Smith Rachel S. , Osborne Todd Z. , Feller Ilka C. , Byers James E.
Published: July 2019

Climate‐driven range shifts of foundation species could alter ecosystem processes and community composition by providing different resources than resident foundation species. Along the US Atlantic coast, the northward expanding foundation species, black mangroveAvicennia germinans, is replacing the dominant salt marsh foundation species, marsh cordgrassSpartina alterniflora. These species have distinct detrital attributes that ostensibly provide different resources to epifauna. We experimentally examined how detritus of these species affects decomposition and community composition in different habitat contexts at regional and local scales. First, we manipulated detritus identity (Avicennia,Spartina) at 13 sites across a 5° latitudinal gradient spanning mangrove, mixed marsh‐mangrove and salt marsh habitats. Across latitude, we found thatAvicenniadetritus decomposed 2–4 times faster thanSpartinadetritus, suggesting that detrital turnover will increase with mangrove expansion. Epifaunal abundance and richness increased 2–7 times from south to north (mangrove to salt marsh) and were equivalent betweenAvicenniaandSpartinadetritus except for crabs, a dominant taxonomic group that preferredSpartinadetritus. Second, to examine the whether changing habitat context affected regional patterns, we manipulated detritus identity and surrounding habitat type (mangrove, salt marsh) at a single mixed site, also including inert mimics to separate structural and nutritional roles of detritus. Epifaunal richness was similar between the two detrital types, but crabs were 2–7 times more abundant inSpartinadetritus due to its structural attributes. Surrounding habitat type did not influence decomposition rate or community patterns, which suggests that latitudinal influences, not surrounding habitat, drove the regional community patterns in the first experiment. Overall, mangrove expansion could alter epifaunal communities due to the lower structural value and faster turnover of mangrove detritus. As species shift with changing climate, understanding foundation species substitutability is critical to predict community change, but we must account for concomitant environmental changes that also modify communities.
Are avoidance diets still warranted in children with atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Eigenmann Philippe A. , Beyer Kirsten , Lack Gideon , Muraro Antonella , Ong Peck Y. , Sicherer Scott H. , Sampson Hugh A.
Published: July 2019

Nearly 40% of children with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) have IgE‐mediated food allergy (FA). This clinical observation has been extensively documented by experimental data linking skin inflammation in AD to FA, as well as by food challenges reproducing symptoms and avoidance diets improving AD. Although food avoidance may improve AD, avoidance diets do not cure AD, may even have detrimental effects such as progression to immediate‐type allergy including anaphylactic reactions, and may significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient and the family. AD care should focus upon optimal medical management, rather than dietary elimination. Food allergy testing is primarily indicated when immediate‐type allergic reactions are a concern. In recalcitrant AD, if food is being considered a possible chronic trigger, a limited panel of foods may be tested. An avoidance diet is only indicated in patients clearly identified as food allergic by an appropriate diagnostic food challenge, and after adequately informing the family of the limited benefits, and possible harms of an elimination diet.