bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transposition of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas: One‐stage or two‐stage technique and factors affecting the early maturation
Authors: Ozhan Abdulkerim , Memetoglu Mehmet Erdem , Kehlibar Tamer , Bastopcu Murat , Yilmaz Mehmet , Karakaya Canan , Guler Erhan , Ketenci Bulend
Published: November 2020

The brachiobasilic transposition (BBT) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a valuable option especially for dialysis patients with previously failed vascular access. We aim to report factors affecting the maturation of BBT‐AVF created with either one‐stage or two‐stage technique. BBT‐AVF procedures between January 2015 and May 2019 by a dedicated vascular access team were investigated retrospectively. A total of 122 patients (63 males, 59 females), with 6 to 12 weeks of follow‐up after the BBT‐AVF procedure were included in the study. Patients of one‐stage and two‐stage techniques were compared for maturation rates. Patients with successful and failed maturation were compared for baseline characteristics and anatomic factors. Of 122 BBT‐AVF procedures, 54 were created with the one‐stage and 68 were created with the two‐stage technique. The mean age of the patients was 58.2 ± 13.8, the mean brachial artery and basilic vein diameters were 3.91 ± 1.02 mm, and 3.39 ± 1.16 mm. Of 122 included patients, 88 (72.1%) had mature AVFs at follow‐up. The AVF maturation rates were similar between the one‐ and two‐stage groups (70.4% vs 73.5%; P = .699). Lower age (62.8 ± 12.5 vs 56.5 ± 13.9; P = .023) and greater brachial artery diameter (3.09 ± 0.84 mm vs 4.23 ± 1.76 mm; P < .048) were the only factors affecting the AVF maturation in univariate analysis. Gender, extremity side, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and targeted vein diameter were not found to affect the AVF maturation (P = .301, P = .084, P = .134, P = .858, P = .127). Target artery diameter (P = .049) was the only significant factor affecting BBT‐AVF maturation in multivariate analysis. One‐stage and two‐stage BBT‐AVFs are similar in terms of maturation rates. Targeted artery diameter was the only factor important in BBT‐AVF maturation in our study group. The two‐stage technique can be preferred considering smaller incision size and lower complication rate in patients with suitable anatomy.
Interaction of exopolysaccharide produced byLactobacillus plantarumYW11 with whey proteins and functionalities of the polymer complex
Authors: Zhang Min , Luo Tianqi , Zhao Xiao , Hao Xiaona , Yang Zhennai
Published: November 2020

Exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing lactic acid bacteria have been widely used in fermented milk, but interaction between the EPS and milk proteins has not been well studied. In this study, interaction between the EPS fromLactobacillus plantarumYW11 (EPS‐YW11) and whey proteins (WP), and functional properties of the EPS‐YW11/WP were investigated. The results showed that EPS‐YW11 tended to encase WP by ζ‐potential analysis with a decrease in the surface charge of the protein fraction (from −26.00 mV to 15.30 mV), and an increase in the melting temperature of the protein fraction (from 76.31 °C to 84.48 °C) as shown by differential scanning calorimetry. Circular dichroism spectrometry showed that the EPS could induce structural change of WP, that is, increment in the content of α‐helixes and random coils, There was stronger interaction between EPS‐YW11 and WP at higher temperatures (60 °C, 90 °C) due to formation of intermolecular H‐bonds and OH stretching vibration as indicated by infrared spectral analysis. A significant improvement in the texture (hardness, springiness, gumminess, resilience, cohesiveness, and chewiness) of the EPS‐YW11/WP complex was also observed when compared to that of the EPS or WP alone. This was confirmed by microstructural observation of the EPS‐YW11/WP complex that formed branched and porous structures, and it became more complex and stable with increased temperature treatment. Due to the strong interaction the EPS‐YW11/WP exhibited improved functionality. This study identifies the potential of the EPS‐YW11 to serve as a functional agent in the processing of fermented dairy products with enhanced textural stability and bioactivities such as cholesterol‐lowering, antioxidant, and antibiofilm.
Microbial networks inferred from environmental DNA data for biomonitoring ecosystem change: Strengths and pitfalls
Authors: Barroso‐Bergadà Didac , Pauvert Charlie , Vallance Jessica , Delière Laurent , Bohan David A. , Buée Marc , Vacher Corinne
Published: November 2020

Environmental DNA contains information on the species interaction networks that support ecosystem functions and services. Next‐generation biomonitoring proposes the use of this data to reconstruct ecological networks in real time and then compute network‐level properties to assess ecosystem change. We investigated the relevance of this proposal by assessing: (i) the replicability of DNA‐based networks in the absence of ecosystem change, and (ii) the benefits and shortcomings of community‐ and network‐level properties for monitoring change. We selected crop‐associated microbial networks as a case study because they support disease regulation services in agroecosystems and analysed their response to change in agricultural practice between organic and conventional systems. Using two statistical methods of network inference, we showed that network‐level properties, especially β‐properties, could detect change. Moreover, consensus networks revealed robust signals of interactions between the most abundant species, which differed between agricultural systems. These findings complemented those obtained with community‐level data that showed, in particular, a greater microbial diversity in the organic system. The limitations of network‐level data included (i) the very high variability of network replicates within each system; (ii) the low number of network replicates per system, due to the large number of samples needed to build each network; and (iii) the difficulty in interpreting links of inferred networks. Tools and frameworks developed over the last decade to infer and compare microbial networks are therefore relevant to biomonitoring, provided that the DNA metabarcoding data sets are large enough to build many network replicates and progress is made to increase network replicability and interpretation.
Prevalence of inflammatory back pain and radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in a semi‐urban community of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Ahmed , Ahmed Hina , Faiq Muhammad , Aslam Zeeshan , Elaine Anwer Khan Saira , Batool Shabnam , Farman Sumaira , Ahmad Nighat Mir
Published: November 2020

Aims

To determine the prevalence of inflammatory back pain (IBP) and radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) in a semi‐urban community of Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods

This cross‐sectional household survey was designed as per the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) model. In Phase 1, the subjects were interviewed for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in the last 7 days by clinical assistants. In Phase 2, physiotherapists identified subjects with spinal/back pain and interviewed for Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Working Group (ASAS) criteria for IBP. In Phase 3 subjects having IBP or chronic back pain (CBP) with an age at onset ≤45 years, were assessed and further investigated.

Results

A total of 4922 subjects with a mean age of 35.3 ± 14.5 years, including 2770 (56%) women were surveyed in Phase 1. MSK pain in last 7 days was reported by 1407 (28.6%) of whom 1034 (21%) had spinal pain. The ASAS criteria for IBP were met in 329 (6.7%, 95% CI 6.0‐7.0). In Phase 3, 222 with IBP and 83 having CBP with age at onset ≤45 years were evaluated. Out of this total of 305, 144 (2.9%) were confirmed to have IBP by rheumatologists as per at least 1 of the 3 criteria. ASAS criteria were met in 107 (2.2%, 95% CI 1.8‐2.6). ASAS criteria for radiographic axial SpA were met in 47 (1%, 95% CI 0.7‐1.3) of the surveyed population.

Conclusion

Inflammatory back pain was reported in 6.7% by physiotherapists, confirmed in 3% by rheumatologists. The prevalence of radiographic axial SpA was 1%.
When the pubs closed: beer consumption before and after the first and second waves of COVID‐19 in Australia
Authors: Vandenberg Brian , Livingston Michael , O'Brien Kerry
Published: November 2020

Aims

Restrictions to alcohol availability during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia included closures of businesses where alcohol is sold for on‐premises consumption (pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes), but not where alcohol is sold for off‐premises consumption (take‐away and home delivery). This study aimed to compare beer consumption before and after restrictions to alcohol availability during the first and second waves of COVID‐19 in Australia.

Design

Interrupted time–series analysis.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

Estimated resident population aged 15+ years.

Measurements

Seasonally adjusted estimates of beer per capita consumption measured in litres of alcohol (LALs) per week, disaggregated by on‐ and off‐premises sales.

Findings

First‐wave restrictions (week beginning 23 March 2020) were associated with a significant immediate reduction in on‐premises beer per capita consumption [−0.013 LALs, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.013 to –0.012, P = < 0.001], but no significant change in off‐premises beer per capita consumption. Partial removal of first‐wave restrictions (week beginning 18 May 2020) was associated with a significant immediate increase in on‐premises beer per capita consumption (+0.003 LALs, 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.004, P = 0.006), but no significant change in off‐premises beer per capita consumption. Second‐wave restrictions (week beginning 06 July 2020) were associated with a significant immediate reduction in on‐premises beer per capita consumption (−0.004 LALs, 95% CI = −0.006 to –0.002, P = 0.001) but, again, no significant change in off‐premises beer per capita consumption.

Conclusion

Restricting the availability of on‐premises alcohol during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia was associated with significant reductions in on‐premises beer consumption, but no significant changes in off‐premises beer consumption.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the association between solitary drinking and alcohol problems in adults
Authors: Skrzynski Carillon J. , Creswell Kasey G.
Published: November 2020

Background and aims

Solitary drinking in adolescents and young adults is associated with greater risk for alcohol problems, but it is unclear whether this association exists in older demographics. The current paper is the first meta‐analysis and systematic review, to our knowledge, to determine whether adult solitary drinking is associated with greater risk for alcohol problems.

Methods

PsychINFO, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched following a pre‐registered International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) protocol (CRD42019147075) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Following the methodology used in our recent systematic review and meta‐analysis on adolescent/young adult solitary drinking, we systematically reviewed solitary drinking measures/definitions, prevalence rates and associated demographic variables in adults. We then meta‐analyzed (using random‐effects models) associations between adult solitary drinking and alcohol use/problems, negative affect and negative/positive reinforcement‐related variables (e.g. drinking to cope or for enhancement).

Results

Solitary drinking was defined as drinking while physically alone in nearly all studies, but measures varied. Prevalence rates were generally in the 30–40% range, with some exceptions. In general, males were more likely than females to report drinking alone, and married individuals were less likely than unmarried individuals to report drinking alone; racial/ethnic differences were mixed. Meta‐analytical results showed significant effects for the associations between solitary drinking and the following factors: alcohol consumption, r = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18, 0.33, k = 15, I2 = 97.41; drinking problems, r = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.21, k = 14, I2 = 92.70; and negative reinforcement, r = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.32, k = 11, I2 = 89.77; but not positive reinforcement, r = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.09, k = 8, I2 = 76.18; or negative affect, r = 0.03, 95% CI = −0.02, 0.08, k = 8, I2 = 52.06. Study quality moderated the association between solitary drinking and negative affect (β = −0.07, P < 0.01) such that lower‐quality studies were significantly associated with larger effect sizes. Study quality was generally low; the majority of studies were cross‐sectional.

Conclusions

Solitary drinking appears to have a small positive association with alcohol problems.
Treatment rates for alcohol use disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mekonen Tesfa , Chan Gary C. K. , Connor Jason , Hall Wayne , Hides Leanne , Leung Janni
Published: November 2020

Aims

To estimate the treatment rate for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the general adult population. Treatment rates were also considered in relation to economic differences.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases to identify studies that reported treatment rates for alcohol use disorders in the general population. Independent reviewers screened the articles based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. We conducted quality assessments of the included studies. The overall treatment rates were estimated from studies that reported any treatment for AUDs from healthcare or informal non‐healthcare settings (any treatment). We estimated the separate treatment rates for each diagnostic category as reported in the primary studies: AUD as a single disorder, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Data were pooled using a random‐effect model.

Results

Thirty‐two articles were included to estimate the treatment rates (percentage treated among the total number of people with AUDs). The pooled estimate of people with AUDs who received any treatment were 14.3% (95% CI: 9.3–20.3%) for alcohol abuse, 16.5% (95% CI: 12–21.5%) for alcohol dependence and 17.3% (95% CI: 12.8–22.3%) for AUD. A subgroup analysis by World Bank economic classification of countries found that the treatment rate for AUD was 9.3% (95% CI: 4.0–15.7%) in low and lower‐middle‐income countries.

Conclusion

Globally, approximately one in six people with AUDs receives treatment. Treatment rates for AUDs are generally low, with even lower rates in low and lower‐middle‐income countries.
Laws limiting prescribing and dispensing of opioids in the United States, 1989–2019
Authors: Davis Corey S. , Lieberman Amy Judd
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Opioid overdose is a public health emergency in the United States. In an attempt to reduce potentially inappropriate opioid prescribing, many US states have adopted legal restrictions on the ability of medical professionals to prescribe or dispense opioids for pain. This review describes the major elements of relevant US state laws and the ways in which they have changed over time.

Methods

Systematic legal review in which two trained legal researchers collected and reviewed all US state laws that limit the amount or duration of opioids that medical professionals may prescribe or dispense for pain. These laws were then coded on a set of pre‐selected measures, including when the law was enacted, dosage and duration limits imposed, circumstances in which the restrictions do not apply and whether additional requirements or restrictions apply to prescriptions issued to minors.

Results

The number of US states with opioid limitation laws increased from 10 in 2016 to 39 by the end of 2019. The provisions of these laws vary between states and have shifted within states over time. At the end of 2019 the modal duration limit was 7 days, with a range of 3 to 31. Fourteen states imposed limits on the dosage of opioids that can be prescribed, ranging from 30 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) to a 120 MME daily maximum. In 16 states, different limits apply to prescriptions issued to minors.

Conclusions

The number of US states with opioid limitation laws nearly quadrupled between 2016 and 2019, with a great amount of heterogeneity between state restrictions and changes over time.
The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) ultrasound study on healthy, fertile men: Scrotal ultrasound reference ranges and associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical characteristics
Authors: Lotti F , Frizza F , Balercia G , Barbonetti A , Behre HM , Calogero AE , Cremers JF , Francavilla F , Isidori AM , Kliesch S , La Vignera S , Lenzi A , Marcou M , Pilatz A , Poolamets O , Punab M , Peraza Godoy MF , Rajmil O , Salvio G , Shaeer O , Weidner W , Maseroli E , Cipriani S , Baldi E , Degl’Innocenti S , Danza G , Caldini AL , Terreni A , Boni L , Krausz C , Maggi M
Published: November 2020

Background

Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) still suffers from lack of standardization. Hence, the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) has promoted a multicenter study to assess the CDUS characteristics of healthy fertile men (HFM) to obtain normative parameters.

Objectives

To report and discuss the scrotal organs CDUS reference ranges and characteristics in HFM and their associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical parameters.

Methods

A cohort of 248 HFM (35.3 ± 5.9years) was studied, evaluating, on the same day, clinical, biochemical, seminal, and scrotal CDUS following Standard Operating Procedures.

Results

The CDUS reference range and characteristics of the scrotal organs of HFM are reported here. CDUS showed a higher accuracy than physical examination in detecting scrotal abnormalities. Prader orchidometer (PO)‐ and US‐measured testicular volume (TV) were closely related. The US‐assessed TV with the ellipsoid formula showed the best correlation with the PO‐TV. The mean TV of HFM was ~ 17 ml. The lowest reference limit for right and left testis was 12 and 11 ml, thresholds defining testicular hypotrophy. The highest reference limit for epididymal head, tail, and vas deferens was 12, 6, and 4.5 mm, respectively. Mean TV was associated positively with sperm concentration and total count and negatively with gonadotropins levels and pulse pressure. Subjects with testicular inhomogeneity or calcifications showed lower sperm vitality and concentration, respectively, than the rest of the sample. Sperm normal morphology and progressive motility were positively associated with epididymal head size/vascularization and vas deferens size, respectively. Increased epididymis and vas deferens sizes were associated with MAR test positivity. Decreased epididymal tail homogeneity/vascularization were positively associated with waistline, which was negatively associated with intratesticular vascularization. CDUS varicocele was detected in 37.2% of men and was not associated with seminal or hormonal parameters. Scrotal CDUS parameters were not associated with time to pregnancy, number of children, history of miscarriage.

Conclusions

The present findings will help in better understanding male infertility pathophysiology, improving its management.
Prospective randomized comparative study of percutaneous catheter drainage and percutaneous needle aspiration in the treatment of liver abscess
Authors: Ahmed Meraj , Alam Junaid , Hussain Sadiq , Aslam Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) and percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) in the treatment of liver abscess.

Methods

A prospective randomized study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, JN Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India, between February 2018 and August 2019, after getting approval from the institutional ethics committee. A total of 543 patients with liver abscess were randomized into two groups using computer‐generated randomization method. Appropriate details regarding patients' clinico‐demographic profile and investigations were also collected. The effectiveness of either treatment was measured in terms of duration of intravenous antibiotic, clinical improvement, reduction in the size of cavity, treatment success rate, duration of hospital stay including long‐term outcomes such as sonographic resolution of cavity and recurrence rate at 6 months post‐treatment.

Results

The PCD group had statistically significant rate of duration of antibiotics need, days for clinical improvement and time for 50% reduction in abscess cavity and treatment success rate with comparable long‐term outcomes.

Conclusion

PCD is more efficient than PNA and can be used primarily in the treatment of both amoebic and pyogenic liver abscesses along with systemic antibiotics. However, PNA can serve as a safe alternative when PCD is not available.
Similarities and differences in metabolites of tongue cancer cells among two‐ and three‐dimensional cultures and xenografts
Authors: Murakami Shoko , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Nakayama Takahisa , Taniura Naoko , Miyake Toru , Tani Masaji , Kushima Ryoji , Yamamoto Gaku , Sugihara Hiroyuki , Mukaisho Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2020

Metabolic programming of cancer cells is an essential step in transformation and tumor growth. We established two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer and three‐dimensional (3D) cultures, the latter called a “tissueoid cell culture system”, using four types of tongue cancer cell lines. We also undertook a comprehensive metabolome analysis of three groups that included xenografts created by transplanting the cell lines into nude mice. In addition, we undertook a functional analysis of the mitochondria, which plays a key role in cancer metabolism. Principal component analysis revealed the plots of the four cell lines to be much narrower in 2D culture than in 3D culture and xenograft groups. Moreover, compared to xenografts, the 2D culture had significantly lower levels of most metabolites. These results suggest that the unique characteristics of each cell disappeared in 2D culture, and a type of metabolism unique to monolayer culture took over. Conversely, ATP production, biomass synthesis, and maintenance of redox balance were shown in 3D culture using sufficient nutrients, which closely resembled the metabolic activity in the xenografts. However, there were several differences between the metabolic activity in the 3D culture and xenografts. In vivo, the cancer tissue had blood flow with stromal cells present around the cancer cells. In the xenografts, we detected metabolized and degraded products in the liver and other organs of the host mice. Furthermore, the 3D system did not show impairment of mitochondrial function in the cancer cells, suggesting that cancer cells produce energy simultaneously through mitochondria, as well as aerobic glycolysis.
Revisiting the Optical Society of America Uniform Color Scales system: past, present and future challenges
Authors: Melgosa Manuel , Pant Dibakar , Simone Gabriele
Published: November 2020

As a tribute to Claudio Oleari (1944‐2018), in this article we remember some of his ideas about the role of physics and engineering in modern colour science. In particular, we consider his emphasis on the strong content of the work carried out during 1947‐1974 by the Committee on Uniform Scales of the Optical Society of America. Oleari considered the Optical Society of America Uniform Color Scales system a very useful basis for new developments in colour science, including approximately uniform colour spaces, colour difference formulae and chromatic adaptation transforms. Papers published by Oleari and colleagues constitute an original alternative approach to the current generalised assumption of CIELAB made by most researchers and practitioners of colour science. We should seek a deeper understanding of colour vision to allow the development of new colour spaces, in which colour appearance could be more neatly expressed.
Heterochrony and growth rate variation mediate the development of divergent genital morphologies in closely related Ohomopterus ground beetles
Authors: Terada Karen , Nishimura Taira , Hirayama Akihiro , Takami Yasuoki
Published: November 2020

The rapid divergence of genital morphology is well studied in the context of sexual selection and speciation; however, little is known about the developmental mechanisms underlying divergence in genitalia. Ground beetles in the subgenus Ohomopterus genus Carabus have species‐specific genitalia that show coevolutionary divergence between the sexes. In this study, using X‐ray microcomputed tomography, we examined the morphogenesis of male and female genitalia in two closely related Ohomopterus species with divergent genital morphologies. The morphogenetic processes generating the male and female genitalia at the pupal stage were qualitatively similar in the two species. The male aedeagus and internal sac and female bursa copulatrix were partially formed at pupation and developed gradually thereafter. The species‐specific genital parts, male copulatory piece, and female vaginal appendix differed in the timing and rate of development. The relatively long copulatory piece of Carabus maiyasanus began to develop earlier, but subsequent rates of growth were similar in the two species. The timing of the formation of the vaginal appendix and initial growth rates were similar, but subsequent rapid growth led to a longer vaginal appendix in C. maiyasanus. Thus, substantial interspecific differences in the size of genital parts were mediated by different underlying developmental mechanisms between the sexes (i.e., a shift in the developmental schedule in males and a change in growth rate in females). These results revealed the spatio–temporal dynamics of species‐specific genital structure development, providing a novel platform for evo–devo studies of the diversification of genital morphologies.
Nesting habitat of ground‐nesting bees: a review
Authors: Antoine Cécile M. , Forrest Jessica R.K.
Published: November 2020

About 3/4 of all wild bee species nest in the soil and spend much of their life cycle underground. These insects require suitable environmental conditions for nest construction and for the development and survival of their offspring. However, there is little quantitative information on the nesting habitat requirements and preferences of ground‐nesting bees. Moreover, there are almost no data on the effects of nesting conditions on these bees' fitness.

Here, to better understand the factors that influence nest‐site selection in ground‐nesting bees, we synthesise the literature on the nesting‐habitat associations of these important pollinators. We also review techniques that can be used to study the nesting preferences of ground‐nesting bees.

Our review reveals enormous variation among bee species in their associations with such nesting‐habitat attributes as soil texture, compaction, moisture, temperature, ground surface features, and proximity to conspecifics or floral resources. However, more studies—particularly experimental ones—are needed to segregate the influence of each factor on bees' choices of nesting location, since multiple factors are often correlated. It is also unclear whether nesting‐habitat associations vary geographically or seasonally within species, or phylogenetically among ground‐nesting bee species, partly because we lack information on nesting habitat for many species.

We argue that studies using established habitat‐selection methods are essential to properly identify nesting‐habitat preferences of ground‐nesting species. Finally, more research on nesting ecology is needed (especially in agroecosystems) to determine how best to support this diverse group of bees and the vital ecosystem service they provide.
A genomic amplification affecting a carboxylesterase gene cluster confers organophosphate resistance in the mosquito Aedes aegypti: From genomic characterization to high‐throughput field detection
Authors: Cattel Julien , Haberkorn Chloé , Laporte Fréderic , Gaude Thierry , Cumer Tristan , Renaud Julien , Sutherland Ian W. , Hertz Jeffrey C. , Bonneville Jean‐Marc , Arnaud Victor , Fustec Bénédicte , Boyer Sébastien , Marcombe Sébastien , David Jean‐Philippe
Published: November 2020

By altering gene expression and creating paralogs, genomic amplifications represent a key component of short‐term adaptive processes. In insects, the use of insecticides can select gene amplifications causing an increased expression of detoxification enzymes, supporting the usefulness of these DNA markers for monitoring the dynamics of resistance alleles in the field. In this context, the present study aims to characterize a genomic amplification event associated with resistance to organophosphate insecticides in the mosquito Aedes aegypti and to develop a molecular assay to monitor the associated resistance alleles in the field. An experimental evolution experiment using a composite population from Laos supported the association between the over‐transcription of multiple contiguous carboxylesterase genes on chromosome 2 and resistance to multiple organophosphate insecticides. Combining whole genome sequencing and qPCR on specific genes confirmed the presence of a ~100‐Kb amplification spanning at least five carboxylesterase genes at this locus with the co‐existence of multiple structural duplication haplotypes. Field data confirmed their circulation in South‐East Asia and revealed high copy number polymorphism among and within populations suggesting a trade‐off between this resistance mechanism and associated fitness costs. A dual‐color multiplex TaqMan assay allowing the rapid detection and copy number quantification of this amplification event in Ae. aegypti was developed and validated on field populations. The routine use of this novel assay will improve the tracking of resistance alleles in this major arbovirus vector.
Protective effects of saponins from Panax japonicus on neurons of the colon myenteric plexus in aging rats through reduction of α‐synuclein through endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Guo Yuhui , Cheng Zhihao , Liu Jie , He Yumin , Xiong Zhengguo , Yuan Ding , Dun Yaoyan , Zhang Changcheng
Published: November 2020

Aim

The enteric nervous system degenerates gradually with age, and α‐synuclein (α‐syn) is a suitable marker of enteric nervous system degeneration, which is intimately related with endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPRER). Saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) have obvious protective effects on neurons in several degenerative disease models. Here, the study was designed to investigate whether SPJ could reverse the neuron degeneration through regulating the UPRER in the colon myenteric plexus of aging rats.

Methods

Aging rats had been treated with SPJ for 6 months since they were aged 18 months. Then, the colon samples were collected and neuron morphology in the myenteric plexus was observed. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expressions of NeuN, α‐syn, GRP78 and three different UPRER branches. Double immunofluorescence was used to determine the co‐localization of α‐syn and NeuN, GRP78 and NeuN.

Results

Neurons degenerated in the colon myenteric plexus of aging rats, but co‐localization of α‐syn and NeuN increased. In addition, both the expressions of GRP78 and three UPRER branch signaling pathway proteins decreased in the colon myenteric plexus of aging rats. Treatment of SPJ almost alleviated the above effects in aging rats, except for ATF6.

Conclusions

SPJ could reverse the neuron loss caused by accumulation of α‐syn in the myenteric plexus of colon in aging rats, which is potentially associated with increased GRP78 and most URPER changes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 85–93.
Enumeration and phenotyping of circulating microvesicles by flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analysis: Plasma versus serum
Authors: Siwaponanan Panjaree , Keawvichit Rassamon , Lekmanee Kittima , Chomanee Nusara , Pattanapanyasat Kovit
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Microvesicles (MVs) are bioactive, submicron‐sized (0.01‐1000 nm) membrane vesicles released from various types of cells under normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. MVs have emerged as important mediators of cell‐to‐cell communication in a diverse range of normal and pathological processes. MVs have been recognized as potential biomarkers in coagulation, inflammation, and cancer. However, for clinical use, minimizing factors which could affect enumeration and phenotypic characterization of MVs during pre‐analytical steps is crucial. In this study, we used flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to investigate the impact of blood collection using with and without anticoagulant on the number and phenotype of MVs in blood samples.

Methods

Blood from 30 healthy volunteers was collected by venipuncture into 3.2% sodium citrate and clot activator tubes. MV subpopulations and their concentrations were investigated using flow cytometry and NTA. MV morphology was examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Results showed that the concentration of MVs was significantly lower in serum than in plasma and that CD41+MV, CD41+/CD62P+MV, CD45+MV, and CD142+MV levels from serum were significantly lower than those from plasma, whereas no significant differences in Annexin V (Anx V)+ MV, CD235a+ MV, and CD144+ MV levels were found. Interestingly, serum MVs had a higher proportion of small‐sized MVs and lower proportion of large‐sized MVs than did plasma MVs.

Conclusion

Although plasma samples are commonly used, our results suggest that serum can also be used in enumeration of MVs, but care must be taken if coagulation is an aspect of the research.
Young people with long‐term health challenges experiences in transition to adulthood: A qualitative metasynthesis
Authors: Rasalingam Anurajee , Fegran Liv , Brekke Idunn , Helseth Sølvi
Published: November 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of the transition to adulthood for young people with long‐term health challenges.

Design

The metasynthesis approach was based on the guidelines by Sandelowski and Barroso for synthesizing qualitative research.

Data sources

Seven electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and SocIndex were searched on 6–10 February 2020.

Review methods

Studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tool. Qualitative data were extracted, meta‐summarised, then meta‐synthesized.

Findings

Nineteen qualitative studies were included in this review. Six themes illustrated experiences in the transition to adulthood: wishing for an ‘ordinary’ life, significance of close network, working towards independence, in need of systemic resources and services, psychosocial challenges and keeping a positive attitude.

Conclusion

Young people with long‐term health challenges wished for as ‘ordinary’ a life as possible in the future. In the transition to adulthood, they gradually gained more competence in self‐management skills and knowledge and strived to become more independent. By having a positive attitude and using other coping strategies, young people can work on some of the difficulties they experience in this phase. However, to achieve and maintain independence young people with long‐term health challenges are dependent on the support of a close network and systemic support and services.

Impact

The findings highlight the need to help alleviate the fears and worries of young people with long‐term health challenges and create opportunities for successful transition to adulthood by increased awareness and interventions from policy‐makers and professionals in the health and social system.
Oral self‐management of palbociclib (Ibrance®) using mobile technology protocol
Authors: Mazzella Ebstein Ann M. , Barton‐Burke Margaret , Anthony Venice , Smith Andrea , Zhang Zhigang , Robson Mark
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study will test the feasibility and effectiveness of mobile technology intervention on the patients’ self‐management of oral anticancer medication. Secondary objectives include acceptability, the usefulness of text messages, and satisfaction by participants and nurses.

Methods

This prospective two‐arm study will recruit patients (N = 220) with metastatic breast cancer and initiating treatment with palbociclib (Ibrance ®). Allowing for attrition, patients will be randomized into the control (N = 100) or intervention (N = 100) group. Unidirectional text message reminders will be sent during the treatment cycle through a secure web application using the patient's smartphone. Self‐reported survey responses will be collected at three time points; at consent, end of treatment cycles, and the follow‐up clinic visit and include a demographic questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Post study questionnaire and the R‐15 Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Nurses providing care for study patients will complete the Adaptation of Stamps Nurse Workload questionnaire. Data will be analysed an intent‐to‐treat analysis comparing the two arms. Study approval was obtained in December 2019 and funded in January 2020.

Discussion

Smartphones are globally available and have text messaging capability which is increasingly being used as an intervention in healthcare studies. This study will test a low‐cost, nurse‐led intervention that enhances the patient's experience with oral anti‐cancer medications, improves access to care, reduces costs, and improves the satisfaction of nurses caring for oncology patients.

Impact

Despite the ease of administering oral anti‐cancer medications, oncology patients maynot take them as prescribed and consequently, these factors affect patient outcomes and disease control. Given the importance of taking oral anti‐cancer medications and the difficulties patients experience in achieving it, the effective use of mobile technology interventions can actively engage patients in their care and improve medication self‐management of anticancer treatment regimens.
Elabela may regulate SIRT3‐mediated inhibition of oxidative stress through Foxo3a deacetylation preventing diabetic‐induced myocardial injury
Authors: Li Cheng , Miao Xiao , Wang Shudong , Liu Yucheng , Sun Jian , Liu Quan , Cai Lu , Wang Yonggang
Published: November 2020

Diabetic cardiomyopathy—pathophysiological heart remodelling and dysfunction that occurs in absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension and/or valvular heart disease—is a common diabetic complication. Elabela, a new peptide that acts via Apelin receptor, has similar functions as Apelin, providing beneficial effects on body fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular health and renal insufficiency, as well as potentially beneficial effects on metabolism and diabetes. In this study, Elabela treatment was found to have profound protective effects against diabetes‐induced cardiac oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis; these protective effects may depend heavily upon SIRT3‐mediated Foxo3a deacetylation. Our findings provide evidence that Elabela has cardioprotective effects for the first time in the diabetic model.
Decreased plasma n6 : n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio interacting with high C‐peptide promotes non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Luo Hui‐Huan , Zhao Meng‐Di , Feng Xiao‐Fei , Gao Xiao‐Qian , Hong Mo , Liu Ming‐Li , Li Yan‐Ping , Liu Wan‐Qiu , Liu Yu‐Mo , Yu Cheng‐Cheng , Cao Yun‐Feng , Yang Xi‐Lin , Fang Zhong‐Ze , Zhang Ping
Published: November 2020

Aims/Introduction

To explore relationships between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes, and whether insulin action has an interactive effect with PUFA on NAFLD progression.

Materials and Methods

We extracted clinical and omics data of 482 type 2 diabetes patients from a tertiary hospital consecutively from April 2018 to April 2019. NAFLD was estimated by ultrasound at admission. Plasma fasting n3 and n6 fatty acids were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Restricted cubic spline nested in binary logistic regression was used to select the cut‐off point, and estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Additive interactions of the n6 : n3 ratio with insulin action for NAFLD were estimated using relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion due to interaction and synergy index. Relative excess risk due to interaction >0, attributable proportion due to interaction >0 or synergy index >1 indicates biological interaction. Spearman correlation analysis was used to obtain partial correlation coefficients between PUFA and hallmarks of NAFLD.

Results

Of 482 patients, 313 were with and 169 were without NAFLD. N3 ≥800 and n6 PUFA ≥8,100 μmol/L were independently associated with increased NAFLD risk; n6 : n3 ratio ≤10 was associated with NAFLD (odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.20–2.71), and the effect size was amplified by high C‐peptide (odds ratio 8.89, 95% confidence interval 4.48–17.7) with significant interaction. The additive interaction of the n6 : n3 ratio and fasting insulin was not significant.

Conclusion

Decreased n6 : n3 ratio was associated with increased NAFLD risk in type 2 diabetes patients, and the effect was only significant and amplified when there was the co‐presence of high C‐peptide.
Quantification of alizarin red S uptake in coregonid eggs after mass‐marking
Authors: Baer Jan , Becke Cornelius , Bentele Helga M. , Habedank Friederike , Brinker Alexander
Published: November 2020

An easy method to measure the uptake rate of the persistent dye alizarin red S (ARS) during marking of whitefish eggs was established and used to measure the ARS content in three different whitefish species during and at the end of the marking procedure. Those values show that only 6–10% of the ARS in the marking solution will be absorbed by the eggs (0.0061–0.0119 mg per egg). Additional analyses 6, 15 and 36 months after marking showed ARS levels below the response level (<6.9 μg kg–1).
Life‐stage‐dependent supergene haplotype frequencies and metapopulation neutral genetic patterns of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, from Canada's Northern cod stock region and adjacent areas
Authors: Puncher Gregory Neils , Rowe Sherrylynn , Rose George A. , Parent Geneviève J. , Wang Yanjun , Pavey Scott A.
Published: November 2020

Among highly migratory fish species, nursery areas occupied by juveniles often differ from adult habitats. To better understand the spatial dynamics of Canada's Northern cod stock, juveniles caught off the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador were compared to adults from the same region as well as individuals from other areas in Atlantic Canada using double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing–derived single nucleotide polymorphisms. A reduced proportion of homozygotes with a chromosomal inversion located in linkage group 1 (LG1) was detected between juvenile and adult samples in the Northern cod stock region, potentially indicating age‐dependent habitat use or ontogenetic selection for attributes associated with the many genes located in LG1. No selectively neutral genetic differences were found between samples from the Northern cod stock; nevertheless, significant differences were found between some of these samples and cod collected from St. Pierre Bank, Bay of Fundy, Browns Bank and the southern Scotian Shelf. Clustering analysis of variants at neutral loci provided evidence for three major genetic units: (a) the Newfoundland Atlantic Coast, (b) eastern and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Burgeo Bank and (c) the Bay of Fundy, Browns Bank and southern Scotian Shelf. Both adaptive and neutral population structure within the Northern cod stock should be considered by managers to promote demographic rebuilding of the stock.
Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Loads of Screw‐Retained and Cement‐Retained Lithium Disilicate Implant‐Supported Crowns
Authors: Camatta Hercules Pessin , Ferreira Rodrigo Melim , Ferrairo Brunna Mota , Strelhow Samira Sandy , Rubo José Henrique , Mori Aline Akemi , Ferruzzi Fernanda
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the fatigue survival, fracture loads and failure modes of monolithic lithium disilicate screw‐retained crowns, attached to titanium insert, and cement‐retained crowns.

Materials and Methods

Internal tapered connection implants, embedded in acrylic resin at 30° inclination, were restored with lithium disilicate restorations, simulating a maxillary premolar (n = 20), with different designs: screw‐retained titanium base abutment‐crowns, and cement‐retained crowns. The specimens were submitted to cyclic mechanical loading (1.2 × 106 cycles with a load of 0‐250 N at 2 Hz). Surviving specimens were subjected to single load to fracture in a universal testing machine and failure modes were determined with the aid of an optical microscope. Maximum load values were analyzed statistically using the t‐test and differences in failure modes were analyzed using the chi‐squared test (α = 0.05).

Results

All specimens survived the cyclic mechanical loading. Fracture load was significantly higher for screw‐retained crowns (821.69 ±196.71 N) than the cement‐retained crowns (577.03 ± 137.75 N) (p = 0.005). Ceramic failure was the predominant mode, with no statistical difference between groups.

Conclusions

Screw‐retained and cement‐retained lithium disilicate crowns survived the cyclic mechanical loading. The use of titanium inserts to support a monolithic restoration enhances the fracture strength of the crown/abutment system.
Expectation Regarding Benefit Does Not Determine Gratitude: Implications From an Anchoring Paradigm
Authors: Yamamoto Akitomo , Higuchi Masataka
Published: November 2020

Using the anchoring paradigm and fixing a relationship between the benefactor and the beneficiary, the present study tested the hypothesis that a beneficiary feels less grateful when he or she expects in advance to receive a large benefit. The high‐ and low‐anchor conditions among Japanese university students saw an extreme amount of benefit (i.e., anchoring stimuli), whereas the control condition did not. Subsequently, the participants rated their expectations regarding the amount of benefit they would receive if they were the beneficiary in the vignette. Finally, all of the participants, who received the same amount, were informed of the benefit they received and rated the intensity of gratitude they felt. The results of the two studies that covered various situations of receiving benefits revealed that, while the expectation regarding benefit approached the anchor value, the expectation regarding benefit does not correlate with the intensity of gratitude: The hypothesis was not supported. These results suggest that, even if anchoring stimuli as context information influence beneficiaries’ expectations regarding benefit, this influence does not reach gratitude.
Quasi‐maximum likelihood and the kernel block bootstrap for nonlinear dynamic models
Authors: Parente Paulo M. D. C. , Smith Richard J.
Published: November 2020

This article applies a novel bootstrap method, the kernel block bootstrap (KBB), to quasi‐maximum likelihood (QML) estimation of dynamic models with stationary strong mixing data. The method first kernel weights the components comprising the quasi‐log likelihood function in an appropriate way and then samples the resultant transformed components using the standard ‘m out of n’ bootstrap. We investigate the first‐order asymptotic properties of the KBB method for QML demonstrating, in particular, its consistency and the first‐order asymptotic validity of the bootstrap approximation to the distribution of the QML estimator. A set of simulation experiments for the mean regression model illustrates the efficacy of the kernel block bootstrap for QML estimation.