bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of male age, sperm age and mating history on ejaculate senescence
Authors: Vega‐Trejo Regina , Fox Rebecca J. , Iglesias‐Carrasco Maider , Head Megan L. , Jennions Michael D.
Published: February 2019

In polyandrous species, a male’s reproductive success depends on his ability to fertilize females, which, in turn, depends on his mating ability and his ability to produce competitive ejaculates. In many species, sperm traits differ between old and young males in ways that are likely to decrease the sperm competitiveness and fertility of older males. This age–ejaculate quality relationship is attributed to male ageing (i.e., senescence).

In a natural setting, male age and mating history are usually confounded: older males have usually mated and replenished their sperm supplies more often, so they have made a greater lifetime reproductive effort. In principle, the costs of reproduction, independent of any causal effect of male age, could generate an age‐related decline in ejaculate quality.

To date, only a handful of studies have determined how male age, reproductive effort or their interaction affect ejaculate quality. Here, we experimentally manipulated the long‐term mating history of 209 adult male mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) over 14 weeks (N = 1,118 sperm samples). Males either had direct access to females and could mate freely, or had only visual and olfactory access to females. We documented the effect of mating history, adult male age (3, 9 and 14 weeks post‐maturation) and their interaction on sperm velocity, sperm reserves and the rate of sperm replenishment. For sperm velocity, we additionally examined the effects of sperm age, because when older males mate less (or more) often than younger males there will be a correlation between mean sperm age and male age.

Sexually active males produced fewer sperm and replenished their sperm at a lower rate, and their sperm had lower velocity than males prevented from mating. Though older males produced more sperm, the rate of replenishment and velocity of their sperm was lower than the sperm of younger males. We also tested for a difference in the velocity of recently replenished (<24 hr) and older sperm (i.e., post‐meiotic sperm senescence). There was no evidence that male age or mating history affects the extent of sperm senescence, but older sperm swam faster than recently produced sperm. Crucially, complex interactions are evident between male age and male mating history with respect to sperm number and the proportion of sperm that are replenished.

These results suggest that male age and mating history will interact to determine the reproductive success of a male under sperm competition. They reveal a complex relationship between a male’s age and his ejaculate quality. We suggest that both mating history and sperm age should be controlled for when measuring the intrinsic rate of senescence for male reproductive traits if the goal is to isolate effects that are solely attributable to a male’s chronological age.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Biogeographic variation of distance‐dependent effects in an invasive tree species
Authors: Yang Qiang , Ding Jianqing , Siemann Evan
Published: February 2019

Plant pathogens and herbivores can maintain forest diversity by reducing survival of tree seedlings close to conspecifics. However, how biogeographic variation in these natural enemies affects such distance‐dependent processes is unknown. Because invasive plants escape ecologically important enemies when introduced to a new range, distance‐dependent mortality may differ between their native and introduced ranges.

Here, we test whether the invasive tree Triadica sebifera escaped distance‐dependent mortality when introduced to the United States from China, and examine the roles of natural enemies in native and introduced ranges. In both the United States and China, we performed field surveys along with field and greenhouse experiments with field‐collected soils and soil sterilization treatments.

In field surveys and the field experiment, insect damage on T. sebifera seedlings decreased with distance to conspecific trees in the native range (China), but damage was low at all distances in the introduced range (United States). In the greenhouse experiment testing the effects of soil pathogens, T. sebifera seedling mortality decreased with soil distance from conspecific trees in both ranges but distance‐independent mortality was higher in native range soils.

Our findings indicate that both insect herbivores and the soil biota contribute to distance‐dependent effects on T. sebifera in its native range. They suggest, however, that plants may more readily escape herbivore than soil biota distance‐dependent effects when introduced to a new range and so herbivores, rather than soil pathogens, contribute more strongly to biogeographic variation in distance‐dependent effects. These results highlight the importance of considering species biogeographic variation in distance‐dependent effects and teasing apart the roles that different natural enemies play when studying species coexistence, community diversity and biological invasions.
Endoscopic management of patients with early gastric cancer before and after endoscopic resection: A review
Authors: Zhang Qing Wei , Zhang Xin Tian , Gao Yun Jie , Ge Zhi Zheng
Published: February 2019

With the wide application of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer (EGC) by not only Asian endoscopists but also those from Western countries, reviews on standardized treatment processes before and after endoscopic resection are nevertheless lacking. In this article we provide a narrative review of studies on the selection of appropriate EGC for endoscopic resection and the follow‐up strategies for those with histologically confirmed EGC after endoscopic resection. EGC should be comprehensively assessed before endoscopic resection, including its exact margin, invasive depth and risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM). While the curative resection status of EGC may be evaluated after endoscopic resection based on the newly developed eCura system, although this needs to be further verified. Surveillance with endoscopy and computed tomography scan is necessary for patients with an EGC level A or B. An additional endoscopic resection is recommended for patients with a level‐C1 EGC. For patients with a level‐C2 EGC, close follow‐up is suggested for low‐risk tumors of level C2 and additional surgery for those at high risks. Further postoperative strategy is suggested based on comprehensive assessment of the risk of LNM, patient's quality of life and wishes.
Annexin 1–nuclear factor‐κB–microRNA‐26a regulatory pathway in the metastasis of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Guan Xiaoying , Fang Ying , Long Jie , Zhang Yajie
Published: February 2019

Background

Annexin 1 (ANXA1) expression is associated with the malignant tumor phenotype, making it an attractive therapeutic target. However, little is known about the regulation of ANXA1 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We investigated the biological roles of ANXA1 in tumor growth, migration, and invasion, and explored the possibility of ANXA1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Results

Our findings revealed that ANXA1 enhanced nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation in NSCLC cells by interaction with inhibitor of NF‐κB kinase complex subunit, IKKγ. We also found that NF‐κB could negatively regulate microRNA (miR)‐26a, and miR‐26a was regulated through the ANXA1–NF‐κB regulatory pathway. NF‐κB activation negatively regulated by miR‐26a was confirmed in NSCLC.

Conclusion

Together, these results provide evidence of the mechanisms of the ANXA1–NF‐κB–miR‐26a regulatory pathway in the invasion and migration in NSCLC.
Influence of screw to joint distance on articular subsidence in tibial‐plateau fractures
Authors: Ye Xuan , Huang Dawei , Perriman Diana M. , Smith Paul N.
Published: February 2019

Background

Tibial‐plateau fractures with depressed osteochondral fragments have a high incidence of articular subsidence post reduction. Locking plates aim to prevent this via ‘raft’ screws below the subchondral bone. However, differences in plate design and patient anatomy result in variability of screw position in relation to the fragments they are designed to support. We evaluate the effect of screw placement and articular subsidence with this fracture pattern.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of operatively treated tibial‐plateau fractures with free osteochondral fragments was performed to determine if screw placement was correlated with articular subsidence. Primary outcome was the relationship between screw to joint distance and articular subsidence. Secondary outcomes were whether bicortical fixation, presence of bone graft, fracture characteristics and patient age was correlated with articular subsidence.

Results

Sixty‐eight of 309 tibial‐plateau fractures had depressed osteochondral fragments (22%). The average thickness of these fragments was 10.2 mm. Fractures with raft screws placed closer to the joint than the thickness of the osteochondral fragment were less likely to subside (1.8 versus 3.4 mm; P = 0.02). The proportion of fractures with no radiographic subsidence was also greater in this cohort versus fractures with distal screw placement (33% versus 8%; P = 0.02). Articular comminution (P = 0.04) and female patients aged over 65 years (P = 0.03) were associated with increased articular subsidence.

Conclusion

Fractures fixed with screws closer to the joint than the thickness of the osteochondral fragment were correlated with less articular subsidence. The ‘screw‐joint distance’ may help guide screw placement intra‐operatively.
The picture superiority effect in associative memory: A developmental study
Authors: Baadte Christiane , Meinhardt‐Injac Bozana
Published: February 2019

We tested whether semantic relatedness between to‐be‐remembered items and item presentation format (pictorial vs. verbal) affects associative recall. Fifty‐nine children (11–13 years old) and forty young adults (age 18–30) completed a learning and recall task for semantically related (e.g., padlock‐key) and unrelated (e.g., lemon‐piano) picture–picture, word–picture, and word–word pairs. The data revealed memory advantage for semantically related item pairs, and for pictures compared to words. A picture superiority effect was found exclusively for pure picture pairs. Despite pronounced differences in memory accuracy, the effect of semantic relatedness and the picture superiority effect were comparable in adults and children. Semantic relatedness and pictures seem to trigger deeper semantic processing of associated items. Our results suggest distinct contributions of semantic binding and memory strategies to associative memory, while the last seem to account particularly for age‐related differences in associative recall.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Recognition advantage for picture over word stimuli, known as the picture superiority effect.

PSE is found for single and associated picture over word items.

Conflicting data about developmental aspects of the PSE.

What does this study add?

PSE is modulated by pre‐existing semantic relations between picture stimuli.

Semantic relation seems to modulate the PSE to a lesser extent in children than in adults.

The cognitive processes behind the PSE might change with age.
A note on residual M‐distances for identifying aberrant response patterns
Authors: Schuster Christof , Lubbe Dirk
Published: February 2019

Although a statistical model might fit well to a large proportion of the individuals of a random sample, some individuals might give ‘unusual’ responses that are not well explained by the hypothesized model. If individual responses are given as continuous response vectors, M‐distances can be used to produce real valued indicators of how well an individual's response vector corresponds to a covariance structure implied by a psychometric model. In this note, we focus on the so‐called one‐factor model. Two M‐distances, dsi and dri, which are sensitive to different aspects of the assumed factor model, have been proposed. While one of the M‐distances, dri, has been derived based on Bartlett factor scores, in this note we show that the second M‐distance, dsi, can be derived in an analogous fashion based on Thomson factor scores.
Identification of novel human leukocyte antigen‐A*11:01‐restricted cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte epitopes derived from osteosarcoma antigen papillomavirus binding factor
Authors: Li Dongliang , Toji Shingo , Watanabe Kazue , Torigoe Toshihiko , Tsukahara Tomohide
Published: February 2019

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignancy of bone that affects young people. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery have significantly improved the prognosis. However, the prognosis of non‐responders to chemotherapy is still poor. To develop peptide‐based immunotherapy for osteosarcoma, we previously identified CTL epitopes derived from papillomavirus binding factor (PBF) in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2, HLA‐A24 and HLA‐B55. In the present study, we identified two novel CTL epitopes, QVT (QVTVWLLEQK) and LSA (LSALPPPLHK), in the context of HLA‐A11 using a sequence of screenings based on the predicted affinity of peptides, in vitro folding ability of peptide/HLA‐A11 complex, reactivity of peptide/HLA‐A11 tetramer and interferon (IFN)‐γ production of T cells that was induced by mixed lymphocyte peptide culture under a limiting dilution condition. CTL clones directed to QVT and LSA peptides showed specific cytotoxicity against HLA‐A11+PBF+ osteosarcoma (HOS‐A11) cells. In contrast, another epitope, ASV (ASVLSRRLGK), could highly induce cognate tetramer‐positive CTL. This might be because the ASV peptide mimics the peptide ASV (R6Q) (ASVLSQRLGK) derived from bacterial polypeptides, ROK family proteins. However, ASV‐induced CTL did not show cytokine production against the cognate peptide. In conclusion, the CTL epitopes QVT and LSA peptides might be useful for the development of immunotherapy targeting PBF for patients with osteosarcoma.
Comparison of three different types of implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses: A long‐term retrospective study of clinical outcomes and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Tattan Mustafa , Askar Houssam , Barootchi Shayan , Tavelli Lorenzo , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2019

Objective

To study the performance of 2–3 posterior bone‐level dental implants constructed with either three non‐splinted crowns (NSC), three splinted crowns (SC), or a 3‐unit implant‐supported bridge over two implants (ISB).

Material and methods

Patients treated with three metal‐ceramic NSC, SC, or an ISB were included in the present retrospective study. Implant survival and success rate as well as all biological and technical complications were collected. The cost associated with each of the treatment options was evaluated in the comparative analysis.

Results

One hundred and forty‐five patients (40 NSC, 52 SC, and 53 in the ISB) receiving 382 bone‐level implants (120 NSC, 106 ISB, and 156 SC) were included (mean follow‐up of 76.2 months). Lack of success was observed in 33.8% of the total patient sample, being lower in the ISB group. Implant survival rates were 92.5% in the NSC, 100% in the ISB, and 88.5% in the SC, with significant difference noted between the ISB and SC (p = 0.01). Overall, 9.9% of the total implants were found to have peri‐implantitis (PI), with 16.7% in the SC, 7.5% in the NSC, and 2.8% in the ISB. Patients presenting prosthodontic complications were significantly higher in NSC (32.5%) than ISB (13.2%) and SC (15.4%). The total cost of the ISB group was significantly lower when compared to the NSC and SC groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

An 3‐unit implant‐supported bridge restoring 2 implants seems to present the most ideal long‐term therapeutic solution, among the investigated approaches in this study, in rehabilitating a 3‐unit edentulous area.
Body mass index and insulin use as identifiers of high‐cost patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective analysis of electronic health records linked to insurance claims data
Authors: Johnston Stephen S. , Ammann Eric M. , Kashyap Sangeetha R. , Stokes Andrew , Hsiao Carine Chia‐Wen , Daskiran Mehmet , Scamuffa Robin
Published: February 2019

Aims

To study the association of body mass index (BMI) and insulin use with type 2 diabetes‐related healthcare expenditures (T2D‐HE).

Materials and methods

Retrospective study using de‐identified electronic health records linked to insurance claims data. Study included a prevalence‐based sample of overweight or obese patients with antihyperglycaemic‐treated T2D. Patients had ≥1 A1c measurement in 2014 (last observed = index A1c), ≥1 BMI measurement within ±90 days of index (average BMI = baseline BMI), and continuous enrolment for 180 days before (baseline) through 395 days after index (day 30‐395 = follow‐up). BMI was categorized as: 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 = overweight; 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 = obese class I (OCI); 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 = OCII; ≥40 kg/m2 = OCIII. Multivariable regressions were used to examine one‐year follow‐up T2D‐HE as a function of BMI, insulin use, an interaction term between BMI and insulin use, and patient demographics.

Results

Study included 13 026 patients (mean age = 63.6 years; 48.1% female; 29.5% overweight, 31.6% OCI, 20.3% OCII, 18.6% OCIII; 25.3% insulin users). Baseline insulin use rates monotonically ranged from 19.7% in overweight patients to 33.0% in OCIII patients (P < 0.001). Together, BMI and insulin use were jointly associated with one‐year follow‐up T2D‐HE, which monotonically ranged from $5842 in overweight patients with no insulin to $17 700 OCIII insulin users, P < 0.001. Within each BMI category, insulin users' one‐year T2D‐HE was at least double that of non‐users. Additional analyses of all‐cause healthcare expenditures yielded consistent results.

Conclusions

BMI and insulin use represent simple stratifiers for identifying high‐cost patients. OCIII insulin users incurred the greatest annual healthcare expenditures; these patients may be an ideal group for targeted interventions.
Assessing lignocellulosic biomass production from crop residues in the European Union: Modelling, analysis of the current scenario and drivers of interannual variability
Authors: García‐Condado Sara , López‐Lozano Raúl , Panarello Lorenzo , Cerrani Iacopo , Nisini Luigi , Zucchini Antonio , Van der Velde Marijn , Baruth Bettina
Published: February 2019

This study assesses crop residues in the EU from major crops using empirical models to predict crop residues from yield statistics; furthermore it analyses the inter‐annual variability of those estimates over the period 1998‐2015, identifying its main drivers across Europe. The models were constructed based on an exhaustive collection of experimental data from scientific papers for the crops: wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, rice, maize, sorghum, rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, potato and sugarbeet. We discuss the assumptions on the relationship between yield and the harvest index, adopted by previous studies, to interpret the experimental data, quantify the uncertainties of these models, and establish the premises to implement them at regional scale –i.e., NUTS level 3– within the EU. To cope this, we created a consolidated sub‐national statistical data along with an algorithm able to aggregate (figures are provided at country level) and disaggregate (production at 25 km grid is provided assupplementary material) estimates. The total lignocellulosic biomass production in the EU28 over the review period, according to our models, is 419 Mt, from which wheat is the major contributor (155 Mt). Our results show that maize and rapeseed are the two crops with the highest residue yield, respectively 8.9 and 8.6 t ha‐1. The spatial analysis revealed that these three crops, which, according to our results, are feedstocks highly suitable a priori for second generation biofuels in the EU and are unevenly distributed across Europe. Weather fluctuation was identified as the major driver in residue production from cereals, while, in the case of starch crops and oilseeds – which are predominant in northern Europe – corresponded to the marked production trend likely influenced by the agricultural policies and agro‐management over the review period. Our results, among others, could help to understand and quantify the ecological boundaries of the bioeconomy from agriculture.
Maternal apical periodontitis is associated with insulin resistance in adult offspring
Authors: Tsosura T. V. S. , Chiba F. Y. , Mattera M. S. L. C. , Pereira R. F. , Cintra L. T. A. , Conti L. C. , Santos R. M. dos , Mateus J. H. P. , Garbin C. A. S. , Sumida D. H.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To investigate the plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) of rats with maternal apical periodontitis (AP) and to explore the effect of maternal inflammation on the initial steps of insulin signalling and the inflammatory pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and periepididymal white adipose tissue (pWAT) of adult offspring.

Methodology

Fifteen female Wistar rats were distributed into a control group (CN), a group with 1 tooth with AP (1AP) and a group with 4 teeth with AP (4AP). Thirty days following induction of AP, female rats from all groups were mated with healthy male rats. When male offspring reached 75 days of age, plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and TNF‐α were quantified. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index. Phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1) serine, IκB kinase α/β (IKKα/β) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in the GM and pWAT were measured by Western blot. Analysis of variance was performed, followed by the Tukey's post hoc test. P values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Maternal AP promoted insulin resistance, impaired the initial steps of insulin signalling, significantly increased plasma concentrations of insulin (P < 0.001) and TNF‐α (P < 0.05), and enhanced IKKα/β phosphorylation in the GM and pWAT (P < 0.05) of adult offspring. However, maternal AP did not affect fasting glycaemia and JNK phosphorylation in the GM and pWAT of adult offspring.

Conclusions

Maternal AP was associated with insulin resistance in adult offspring through alterations in insulin signalling and inflammation pathways. The study provides information on the impact of maternal AP on the development of metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance in adult offspring and reinforces the importance of preventing maternal AP in order to maintain the general health of offspring.
Post‐2008 Multi‐Sited Household Practices: Between Morocco, Spain and Norway
Authors: Jolivet Dominique
Published: February 2019

The recent outmigration patterns from Southern Europe since the outbreak of the global economic crisis have interested many migration researchers. Despite their long migration history towards Europe, little is known about the onward migration of the Moroccan‐born, yet this group was one of the most affected by the recession. Furthermore, studies on onward migration tend to focus on the individual perspective and overlook the non‐economic factors that shape migration decisions. This article focuses on Moroccan‐born migrants who, after several years in Spain, migrated to Norway after 2008. Through analysis of ten semi‐structured interviews and fieldwork observations, onward migration practices are studied from the perspective of broader dynamics at the household level, which combine different types of migration and non‐migration. Looking beyond the economic factors that triggered remigration, the article contributes to the discussion on onward migration, stressing its non‐linear character and inserting it in wider multi‐sited household projects in constant change.
What nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions are provided to adolescents admitted to general mental health inpatient units? A descriptive review
Authors: Hayes Claire , Palmer Victoria , Hamilton Bridget , Simons Christine , Hopwood Malcolm
Published: February 2019

Limited research exists regarding the therapeutic operations of adolescent mental health inpatient units, particularly in terms of nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions. This review collates what is known about reported nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions for young people admitted to general or non‐disorder‐specific adolescent mental health inpatient settings. A descriptive review of this nature was not located in the literature. The aim was to identify what is currently known about reported nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions. The purpose was to consider gaps and contribute to further work being undertaken in describing an exemplary inpatient model of care for adolescents. Sources includedCINAHL,MEDLINE,ERIC,EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Studies included were those published in English, between the years 2000 and 2018. Exclusions included residential, community, outpatient, forensic settings, and studies detailing pharmacological interventions. Ten studies were identified. This descriptive review provides an objective foundation to inform an exemplary inpatient model of care currently being investigated. There is a critical need to understand these interventions to identify key components of an inpatient model of care. Such knowledge will provide guidance for future services seeking to create an exemplary model of care. Furthermore, these results can influence current practice by improving quality and delivery of inpatient care.
Phase transition and energy storage behavior of antiferroelectric PLZT thin films epitaxially deposited on SRO buffered STO single crystal substrates
Authors: Gao Min , Tang Xiao , Leung Chung Ming , Dai Steve , Li Jiefang , Viehland Dwight D.
Published: February 2019

(Pb0.98, La0.02)(Zr0.95, Ti0.05)O3 (PLZT) thin films of 300 nm thickness were epitaxially deposited on (100), (110), and (111) SrTiO3 single crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition. X‐ray diffraction line and reciprocal space mapping scans were used to determine the crystal structure. Tetragonal ((001) PLZT) and monoclinic MA ((011) and (111) PLZT) structures were found, which influenced the stored energy density. Electric field‐induced antiferroelectric to ferroelectric (AFE→FE) phase transitions were found to have a large reversible energy density of up to 30 J/cm3. With increasing temperature, an AFE to relaxor ferroelectric (AFE→RFE) transition was found. The RFE phase exhibited lower energy loss, and an improved energy storage efficiency. The results are discussed from the perspective of crystal structure, dielectric phase transitions, and energy storage characteristics. Besides, unipolar drive was also performed, providing notably higher energy storage efficiency values due to low energy losses.
Experimental evolution reveals divergence in female genital teeth morphology in response to sexual conflict intensity in a moth
Authors: McNamara Kathryn B. , Dougherty Liam R. , Wedell Nina , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: February 2019

The rapid evolutionary divergence of male genital structures under sexual selection is well documented. However, variation in female genital traits and the potential for sexual conflict to drive the coevolution between male and female traits has only recently received attention. In many lepidopterans, females possess genital teeth (collectively, signa). Comparative studies suggest these teeth, involved in the deflation of spermatophores, may have coevolved with male spermatophore thickness via sexually antagonistic coevolution in a contest over the rate of deflation of spermatophores within the reproductive tract. We tested the hypothesis that sexual conflict should generate coevolution between genital teeth and spermatophore morphology by examining these traits under experimental manipulation of sexual conflict intensity. Using micro‐CT scanning, we examined spermatophore and teeth morphology in populations of the Indian moth, Plodia interpunctella, which had been evolving for 110 generations under different adult sex‐ratio biases. We found divergence in female signa morphology in response to sexual conflict: females from female‐biased populations (reduced sexual conflict) developed wider signa. However, we found no evidence of coevolution between signa traits and spermatophore thickness as reported from comparative studies.
Symbiosis interruption in the olive fly: Effect of copper and propolis on Candidatus Erwinia dacicola
Authors: Bigiotti Gaia , Pastorelli Roberta , Belcari Antonio , Sacchetti Patrizia
Published: February 2019

The relationship between Bactrocera oleae (Rossi 1790) and its endosymbiont Candidatus Erwinia dacicola is important to achieving effective control of the olive fly population in the field. This bacterium plays a crucial role in the life of B. oleae and is necessary for its fitness. Thus, in the absence of the endosymbiont, B. oleae wild populations in the field might decrease considerably. Copper is one of the most used antimicrobials for horticultural crops worldwide, and its efficacy against Ca. E. dacicola has been demonstrated in field trials. Propolis is another natural antimicrobial compound largely used for its activity in several fields. If propolis and copper prove to be efficient against wild populations of the endosymbiont B. oleae in the field, such a biological restraint might improve sustainable agriculture. We evaluated, under laboratory conditions, the effect of two different copper products (at two different concentrations, 5% and 20%) and propolis on the content of Ca. E. dacicola in the eggs and in the adult oesophageal bulbs of B. oleae. Bulbs were extracted twice, after 2 and 5 weeks of exposure. Real‐time PCR on the bulbs showed a reduction in Ca. E. dacicola content in flies treated with copper (at both 5% and 20%), and from the first to the second extraction, while flies treated with propolis showed an increment of the relative abundance of Ca. E. dacicola. Both copper products (5% and 20%) reduced the egg production after 2 and 5 weeks in comparison with the control and propolis treatments. Moreover, adult mortality was significantly higher with propolis compared with the other treatments. Thus, our results encourage further research in order to develop new tools for the control of the olive fly in the framework of an integrated pest management strategy.
Gene structure, recombinant expression and function characterization of Siniperca chuatsi Fsrp‐3
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Cheng Jia , Li Yulong , Yan Huiling , Wu Ping , Zhu Xin , Liu Li , Chen Lin , Chu Wuying , Zhang Jianshe
Published: February 2019

A full‐length complementary (c)DNA sequence encoding follistatin‐related protein 3 (fsrp‐3) was determined from skeletal muscle in Chinese mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi, its molecular structure was characterised and its function suggested. The putative structure of S. chuatsi Fsrp‐3 contains an N‐terminal domain and two follistatin domains. Quantitative reverse‐transcription (qRT)‐PCR assays revealed that fsrp‐3 messenger (m)RNA was differentially expressed among assayed tissues and was highly expressed in heart and intestine. fsrp‐3 mRNA exhibited increasing expression from the larval to the juvenile stage (500 g). To investigate the potential function of S. chuatsi fsrp‐3 in muscle growth, we constructed a Fsrp‐3 prokaryotic expression system and injected the purified Fsrp‐3 fusion protein into the dorsal muscle. Fsrp‐3 administration significantly influenced cross‐section area, satellite cell activation frequency and nuclear density of S. chuatsi muscle fibres. Following Fsrp‐3 treatment, the expression of myogenic regulatory factors was up‐regulated and decline in the expression of myostatin was observed. The study revealed that Fsrp‐3 may affect muscle growth by regulating myogenic regulatory factor expression and antagonizing myostatin function to initiate satellite cell activation and differentiation in S. chuatsi.
The future in and of criticality assessments
Authors: Ioannidou Dimitra , Heeren Niko , Sonnemann Guido , Habert Guillaume
Published: February 2019

In recent literature, the concept of criticality aspires to provide a multifaceted risk assessment of resource supply shortage. However, most existing methodologies for the criticality assessment of raw materials are restricted to a fixed temporal and spatial reference system. They provide a snapshot in time of the equilibrium between supply and demand/economic importance and do not account for temporal changes of their indicators. The static character of criticality assessments limits the use of criticality methodologies to short‐term policy making of raw materials. In the current paper, we argue for an enhancement of the criticality framework to account for three key dynamic characteristics, namely changes of social, technical, and economic features; consideration of the spatial dimension in site‐specific assessments; and impact of changing governance frameworks. We illustrate how these issues were addressed in studies outside of the field of criticality and identify the dynamic parameters that influence resource supply and demand based on a review of studies that belong to the general field of resource supply and demand. The parameters are grouped in seven categories: extraction, social, economic, technical, policy, market dynamics, and environmental. We explore how these parameters were considered in the reviewed studies and propose ways and specific examples of addressing the dynamic effects in the criticality indicators. Furthermore, we discuss the current work on future scenarios to provide reference points for indicator benchmarks. The insights and guidelines derived from the review and our recommendations for future research set the foundations for an enhanced dynamic and site‐specific criticality assessment framework.
Extracapsular invasion: A potential prognostic marker for Carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands? A Systematic Review
Authors: de Morais Everton Freitas , Pinheiro Juliana Campos , Sena Dáurea Adília Cóbe , Galvão Hébel Cavalcanti , de Souza Lélia Batista , de Almeida Freitas Roseana
Published: February 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to integrate available data published in the literature on extracapsular invasion in cases of CXPA that correlated findings with the prognosis of analysed patients.

Methods

An electronic search was carried out at the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases. Articles that assessed the relationship between extracapsular invasion and survival of patients diagnosed with CXPA were selected for the systematic review. Quality assessment was performed, in duplicate, for each eligible study by independent reviewers who used the operationalized prognostic biomarker reporting the REMARK guidelines.

Results

Eight published articles met all the inclusion criteria and were selected. Extracapsular invasion was evaluated in all selected studies and was correlated with clinical and pathological parameters. Recurrence and death due to the neoplastic process became a frequent finding in cases of tumours with extracapsular invasion >1.5 mm, being an important cut‐off point in the prognostic analysis of cases diagnosed as CXPA.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates the importance of evaluating extracapsular invasion in cases diagnosed as CXPA, considering that tumours with invasion >1.5 mm, regardless of histopathological subtype, are associated with a worse prognosis. It is important to analyse the extracapsular invasion, especially as an auxiliary method to assess the prognosis of cases diagnosed in the initial clinical stages, thus identifying the possible biological behaviour of the neoplastic process and guiding the most appropriate patient management.
Adolescent Internalizing Symptoms and the “Tightknittedness” of Friendship Groups
Authors: Siennick Sonja E. , Picon Mayra
Published: February 2019

Adolescents with depression have lower peer status overall, but tend to befriend each other. We examined the “tightknittedness” of their friendship groups by testing whether adolescent friendship groups’ average levels of or variability in internalizing symptoms predict group cohesiveness. We used four waves (9th–12th grades) of survey and social network data on 3,013 friendship groups from the PROmoting School‐Community‐University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience study. Friendship groups with higher average depressive symptoms were less cohesive; groups with higher average anxiety symptoms had greater reciprocity. Groups with greater variability in depressive symptoms had greater density; variability in anxiety symptoms was not consistently associated with cohesion. The friendship groups of depressed adolescents appear less cohesive than the “typical” adolescent friendship group.
Morphometric analysis of spinal cord termination in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Authors: Sparks Courtney R. , Robertson Ian , Olby Natasha J.
Published: February 2019

Background

There is an association between Chiari malformations, syringomyelia (CMSM) and tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in people, suggesting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with CMSM could also have TCS. Currently there are no data on the position of the caudal spinal cord structures in CKCS.

Objective

To describe and compare location of spinal cord termination in CKCS with weight‐matched controls and to examine the relationship between SM and spinal cord termination.

Animals

Thirty‐nine CKCS and 33 controls with thoracolumbar MRIs; 34 of 39 CKCS also had cervical MRIs.

Methods

Blinded retrospective study. Spinal cord and dural sac termination were determined from T2‐weighted sagittal and transverse images and half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin echo sequences. Intra‐observer reliability was determined using kappa analysis. Presence of SM was compared with location of spinal cord and dural sac termination.

Results

Intra‐observer reliability was moderate for identifying spinal cord termination (Kappa = 0.6) and good for dural sac termination (Kappa = 0.8). The spinal cord terminated at lumbar vertebra 6 (L6) in 1, 7 (L7) in 22, and sacrum in 16 CKCS versus 9 at L6, 23 at L7, 1 at sacrum in controls. Spinal cord (P< .001) and dural sac (P= .002) termination were significantly more caudal in CKCS compared to controls. The presence of thoracolumbar SM was associated with more caudal dural sac termination in CKCS (P= .03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The relationship between TL SM and possible spinal cord tethering because of a more caudal dural sac termination should be investigated.
Party Effects in State Legislative Committees
Authors: McGrath Robert J. , Ryan Josh M.
Published: February 2019

Legislative scholars have theorized about the role of committees and whether they are, or are not, tools of the majority party. We look to the states to gain more empirical leverage on this question, using a regression discontinuity approach and novel data from all state committees between 1996 and 2014. We estimate that majority‐party status produces an 8.5 percentage point bonus in committee seats and a substantial ideological shift in the direction of the majority party. Additionally, we leverage a surprisingly frequent, but as if random occurrence in state legislatures—tied chambers—to identify majority‐party effects, finding similar support for partisan committees. We also examine whether the extent of committee partisanship is conditional on party polarization or legislative professionalism, but we find that it is not. Our results demonstrate that parties create nonrepresentative committees across legislatures to pursue their outlying policy preferences.
Spatial and temporal changes in reef fish assemblages on disturbed coral reefs, north Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Authors: Arias‐Godínez Gustavo , Jiménez Carlos , Gamboa Carlos , Cortés Jorge , Espinoza Mario , Alvarado Juan José
Published: February 2019

Benthic structure of coral reefs determines the availability of refuges and food sources. Therefore, structural changes caused by natural and anthropogenic disturbances can have negative impacts on reef‐associated communities. During the 1990s, coral reefs from Bahía Culebra were considered among the most diverse ecosystems along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica; however, recently they have undergone severe deterioration as consequence of chronic stressors such as El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and harmful algal blooms. Reef fish populations in this area have also been intensely exploited. This study compared reef fish assemblages during two periods (1995–1996 and 2014–2016), to determine whether they have experienced changes as a result of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. For both periods, benthic composition and reef fish abundance were recorded using underwater visual censuses. Live coral cover (LCC) decreased from 43.09 ± 18.65% in 1995–1996 to 1.25 ± 2.42% in 2014–2016 (U = 36, p < 0.05). Macroalgal cover (%) in 2014–2016 was sixfold higher than mean values reported for the Eastern Tropical Pacific region. Mean (±SD) fish species richness in 1995–1996 (36.67 ± 14.20) was higher than in 2014–2016 (23.00 ± 9.14; U = 20, p < 0.05). Over 40% of reef fish orders observed in 1995–1996 were not detected in the 2014–2016 surveys, including large‐bodied predators. Reduction in abundance of fish predators such as sharks, grunts, and snappers is likely attributed to changes in habitat structure. Herbivorous such as parrotfishes and pufferfishes increased their abundance at sites with low LCC, probably in response to predators decline and increased algal cover. These findings revealed significant degradation and drastic loss of structural complexity in coral reefs from Bahía Culebra, which now are dominated by macroalgae. The large reduction in structural complexity of coral reefs has resulted in the loss of diversity and key ecological roles (e.g., predation and herbivory), thus potentially reducing the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
Maintenance of the virulence plasmid in Shigella flexneri is influenced by Lon and two functional partitioning systems
Authors: McVicker Gareth , Hollingshead Sarah , Pilla Giulia , Tang Christoph M.
Published: February 2019

Members of the genus Shigella carry a large plasmid, pINV, which is essential for virulence. In Shigella flexneri, pINV harbours three toxin‐antitoxin (TA) systems, CcdAB, GmvAT and VapBC that promote vertical transmission of the plasmid. Type II TA systems, such as those on pINV, consist of a toxic protein and protein antitoxin. Selective degradation of the antitoxin by proteases leads to the unopposed action of the toxin once genes encoding a TA system have been lost, such as following failure to inherit a plasmid harbouring a TA system. Here, we investigate the role of proteases in the function of the pINV TA systems and demonstrate that Lon, but not ClpP, is required for their activity during plasmid stability. This provides the first evidence that acetyltransferase family TA systems, such as GmvAT, can be regulated by Lon. Interestingly, S. flexneri pINV also harbours two putative partitioning systems, ParAB and StbAB. We show that both systems are functional for plasmid maintenance although their activity is masked by other systems on pINV. Using a model vector based on the pINV replicon, we observe temperature‐dependent differences between the two partitioning systems that contribute to our understanding of the maintenance of virulence in Shigella species.
Deconstructing the eradication of new world screwworm in North America: retrospective analysis and climate warming effects
Authors: Gutierrez A. P. , Ponti L. , Arias P. A.
Published: February 2019

Before its eradication from North America, the subtropical‐tropical new world screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) invaded southwestern temperate areas of the U.S.A., where it caused myiasis in wildlife and livestock. Outbreaks of the fly occurred during years when adult migrants were carried northward on North American monsoon winds from the northern areas of Mexico and south Texas. We deconstruct, retrospectively, the biology and the effect of weather on the eradication of the fly in North America. Screwworm was found to be an ideal candidate for eradication using the sterile insect technique (SIT) because females mate only once, whereas males are polygynous, and, although it has a high reproductive potential, field population growth rates are low in tropical areas. In northern areas, eradication was enhanced by cool‐cold weather, whereas eradication in tropical Mexico and Central America is explained by the SIT. Despite low average efficacy of SIT releases (approximately 1.7%), the added pressure of massive SIT releases reduced intrinsically low fly populations, leading to mate‐limited extinction. Non‐autochthonous cases of myiasis occur in North America and, if the fly reestablishes, climate warming by 2045–2055 will expand the area of favourability and increase the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
The role of melatonin in targeting cell signaling pathways in neurodegeneration
Authors: Shukla Mayuri , Chinchalongporn Vorapin , Govitrapong Piyarat , Reiter Russel J.
Published: February 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases are typified by neuronal loss associated with progressive dysfunction and clinical presentation. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the intra‐ and extracellular conglomeration of misfolded proteins that occur because of abnormal protein dynamics and genetic manipulations; these trigger processes of cell death in these disorders. The disrupted signaling mechanisms involved are oxidative stress–mediated mitochondrial and calcium signaling deregulation, alterations in immune and inflammatory signaling, disruption of autophagic integrity, proteostasis dysfunction, and anomalies in the insulin, Notch, and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways. Herein, we accentuate some of the contemporary translational approaches made in characterizing the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Melatonin‐induced cognitive enhancement and inhibition of oxidative signaling substantiates the efficacy of melatonin in combating neurodegenerative processes. Our review considers in detail the possible roles of melatonin in understanding the synergistic pathogenic mechanisms between aggregated proteins and in regulating, modulating, and preventing the altered signaling mechanisms discovered in cellular and animal models along with clinical evaluations pertaining to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, this review showcases the therapeutic potential of melatonin in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases with optimum prognosis.