bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypersensitivities following allergen antigen recognition by unconventional T cells
Authors: de Lima Moreira Marcela , Souter Michael N. T. , Chen Zhenjun , Loh Liyen , McCluskey James , Pellicci Daniel G. , Eckle Sidonia B. G.
Published: March 2020

Conventional T cells recognise protein‐derived antigens in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ia and class II molecules and provide anti‐microbial and anti‐tumour immunity. Conventional T cells have also been implicated in type IV (also termed delayed‐type or T cell–mediated) hypersensitivity reactions in response to protein‐derived allergen antigens. In addition to conventional T cells, subsets of unconventional T cells exist, which recognise non‐protein antigens in the context of monomorphic MHC class I‐like molecules. These include T cells that are restricted to the cluster of differentiation 1 (CD1) family members, known as CD1‐restricted T cells, and mucosal‐associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) that are restricted to the MHC‐related protein 1 (MR1). Compared with conventional T cells, much less is known about the immune functions of unconventional T cells and their role in hypersensitivities. Here, we review allergen antigen presentation by MHC‐I‐like molecules, their recognition by unconventional T cells, and the potential role of unconventional T cells in hypersensitivities. We also speculate on possible scenarios of allergen antigen presentation by MHC‐I‐like molecules to unconventional T cells, the hallmarks of such responses, and the expected frequencies of hypersensitivities within the human population.
Systemic levels of interleukin‐6 in patients with age‐related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nahavandipour Arvin , Krogh Nielsen Marie , Sørensen Torben L. , Subhi Yousif
Published: March 2020

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most prevalent cause of irreversible vision loss in industrialized countries. Several studies have investigated systemic interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels of patients with AMD. In this study, we systemically reviewed the literature to provide an overview of the field and used meta‐analyses to provide a summary estimate of the standardized mean difference (SMD) of systemic IL‐6 between patients with AMD and control individuals. We searched the literature databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central on 1 June 2019 for relevant studies on humans. Two authors independently extracted data and evaluated risk of bias. We identified 19 studies for the qualitative review with a total of more than 3586 individuals (1865 controls and 1721 with AMD). We found an overall random‐effects SMD in systemic IL‐6 levels 0.63 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.99, p = 0.0005) corresponding to a medium effect size. In a subgroup analysis, we found that early AMD was not strongly associated with elevated IL‐6 levels (0.12, 95% CI: −0.01 to 0.24, p = 0.06), which was in contrast to the significantly elevated IL‐6 levels in patients with geographic atrophy (1.21, 95% CI: 0.41 to 2.01, p = 0.003) and patients with neovascular AMD (0.99, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.63, p = 0.003). Our results show that the evidence today suggests an increased systemic IL‐6 in patients with AMD, but that this may be a phenomenon more closely related to the late subtypes of AMD.
Citrus fruit‐derived flavonoid naringenin and the expression of hepatic organic cation transporter 1 protein in diabetic rats treated with metformin
Authors: Mato Mofo Edith P. , Essop M. Faadiel , Owira Peter M. O.
Published: March 2020

Naringenin possesses many pharmacological effects and may modulate metformin disposition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of naringenin on hepatic expression of organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) protein and its associated effects on metformin‐associated hyperlactataemia in diabetes. Forty‐nine male Sprague Dawley rats randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 7) were orally treated daily with 3.0 mL/kg body‐weight (BW) of distilled water (group 1) or 60 mg/kg BW of naringenin (groups 2 and 5) or 250 mg/kg BW of metformin (groups 3 and 6), respectively, dissolved in distilled water. Similarly, group 7 was given metformin and naringenin. Groups 4, 5, 6 and 7 were administered intraperitoneally with streptozotocin at a single dose of 60 mg/kg BW to induce diabetes. Glucose tolerance tests were performed. The animals were killed after 8 weeks of treatment, blood was collected, and livers excised for further biochemical analysis. Lowered body‐weight, increased polydipsia and reduced hepatic glycogen concentrations were observed in diabetic rats compared to controls. Naringenin only significantly decreased plasma lactate levels, while metformin only or with naringenin significantly increased plasma lactate levels in diabetic compared to non‐treated diabetic animals. Metformin only but not naringenin significantly increased plasma lactate levels in non‐diabetic compared to control rats. Furthermore, naringenin with or without metformin but not metformin only significantly increased hepatic organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) expression in diabetic compared to non‐treated diabetic rats. Contrastingly, metformin only but not naringenin significantly increased hepatic OCT1 expression in non‐diabetic rats compared to controls. Diabetic rats treated with metformin exhibited significantly increased plasma metformin concentrations compared to non‐diabetic but naringenin significantly dropped this parameter. Conversely, hepatic metformin concentrations were significantly lower in diabetic rats treated with metformin compared to non‐diabetic rats but significantly increased when naringenin was added. These results suggest that naringenin ameliorated hyperglycaemia‐induced reduction in hepatic OCT1 expression leading to metformin accumulation and increased lactic acid production.
Unexpectedly diverse forest dung beetle communities in degraded rain forest landscapes in Madagascar
Authors: Torppa Kaisa Anneli , Wirta Helena , Hanski Ilkka
Published: March 2020

Tropical forests, which harbor high levels of biodiversity, are being lost at an alarming speed. Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot, has lost more than half of its original forest cover. Most of the remaining forests are small fragments of primary and secondary forest with differing degrees of human impact. These forests, as well as coffee and fruit plantations, may be important in supporting the forest‐dependent biodiversity in Madagascar but this has been little studied. In Madagascar, dung beetles, which offer important ecosystem services, are largely restricted to forests. We examined the ability of fragmented and degraded forests to support dung beetle diversity, compared to the large areas of primary forest in eastern Madagascar. We found a general trend of a reduction of species with a loss of forest connectivity. In contrast, a higher level of forest disturbance was associated with higher species diversity. In several sites of low‐quality forest as many or more species were found as in less disturbed and primary forests. The average size of dung beetles was smaller in the lower quality localities than in the primary forests. These findings suggest that many forest dung beetles in Madagascar are better adapted to forest disturbance than earlier expected, although they require some level of connectivity to surrounding forest.

Abstract in Malagasy is available with online material.
Response: Demand Avoidance Phenomena: a manifold issue? Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as explanatory frameworks for extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents – a response to Woods (2020)
Authors: Grahame Victoria , Stuart Lisa , Honey Emma , Freeston Mark
Published: March 2020

This paper is in response to the commentary written by Richard Woods in which he attempts to provide support for his Monotropism autism theory and the research indicating that Demand Avoidance Phenomena may not be developmentally persistent (Woods, 2019). We acknowledge the continuing controversy around the proposed construct of PDA and the clinical dilemma faced by professionals, within the United Kingdom, following increased demand from families seeking assessment and support. We appreciate that research on this topic is scarce and understanding of PDA behaviours remains limited and that methodological improvements are required. However, it is important to remember that anxiety, which often has an onset in middle childhood and adolescence, is a major risk factor for mental health difficulties. Therefore, treatments targeting underlying and potentially modifiable mechanisms rather than anxiety symptoms may be more likely to be effective.
Encephalopathy due to defective mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission 2 caused by a novel MFF gene mutation in a young child
Authors: Panda Isha , Ahmad Istaq , Sagar Shakti , Zahra Sana , Shamim Uzma , Sharma Suvasini , Faruq Mohammed
Published: March 2020

Encephalopathy due to defective mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission 2 caused by mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) gene mutation is a rare neurogenetic disorder. Pathogenic MFF mutations have been described in three reports in literature so far. We report a young child of Indian descent who presented to us with global developmental followed by regression of acquired milestones, spasticity, visual and auditory impairment, and was found to harbor a novel pathogenic homozygous MFF truncating variant c.433C>T; p.Arg145Ter. Cellular imaging of patient lymphoblastoid cell line had shown abnormal shapes of mitochondria due to fission defects. The patient has been started on mitochondrial cocktail with some improvement.
The evolutionary origin of developmental enhancers in vertebrates: Insights from non‐model species
Authors: Onimaru Koh
Published: March 2020

How random DNA mutations have established the diverse morphology of extant vertebrates is one of the major challenges in evolutionary biology. Thanks to the recent advancement in DNA sequencing technologies, the genome sequences of many non‐model species have been determined, which allows us to address previously inaccessible questions about gene regulatory evolution in vertebrates. In particular, the genome sequences of non‐teleost ray‐finned fishes and cartilaginous fishes offer clues about when and how vertebrates gained developmental enhancers related to morphological traits that were required for the water‐to‐land transition. In this review, I examine the evolutionary origin of conserved non‐coding elements (CNEs), which often function as tissue‐specific developmental enhancers, and discuss how CNEs are related to gene regulatory changes that caused the major morphological transitions of vertebrates.
Social skills and autism spectrum disorder symptoms in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: evidence for clinical trial outcomes
Authors: Payne Jonathan M , Walsh Karin S , Pride Natalie A , Haebich Kristina M , Maier Alice , Chisholm Anita , Glad Danielle M , Casnar Christina L , Rouel Melissa , Lorenzo Jennifer , Del Castillo Allison , North Kathryn N , Klein‐Tasman Bonita
Published: March 2020

Aim

We examined key features of two outcome measures for social dysfunction and autism spectrum disorder traits, the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS‐2) and the Social Skills Improvement System – Rating Scales (SSIS‐RS), in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The aim of the study was to provide objective evidence as to which behavioural endpoint should be used in clinical trials.

Method

Cross‐sectional behavioural and demographic data were pooled from four paediatric NF1 tertiary referral centres in Australia and the United States (N=122; 65 males, 57 females; mean age [SD] 9y 2mo [3y], range 3–15y).

Results

Distributions of SRS‐2 and SSIS‐RS scores were unimodal and both yielded deficits, with a higher proportion of severely impaired scores on the SRS‐2 (16.4%) compared to the SSIS‐RS (8.2%). Pearson’s product‐moment correlations revealed that both questionnaires were highly related to each other (r=−0.72, p<0.001) and to measures of adaptive social functioning (both p<0.001). Both questionnaires were significantly related to attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, but only very weakly associated with intelligence.

Interpretation

The SRS‐2 and SSIS‐RS capture social dysfunction associated with NF1, suggesting both may be suitable choices for assessing social outcomes in this population in a clinical trial. However, careful thought needs to be given to the nature of the intervention when selecting either as a primary endpoint.

What this paper adds

The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition yielded a large deficit relative to population norms.

The Social Skills Improvement System – Rating Scales yielded a moderate deficit relative to population norms.

Both scales were highly correlated, suggesting that they are measuring a unitary construct.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT ON CRIME
Authors: Das Satadru , Mocan Naci
Published: March 2020

India started the implementation of a rural public works program in 2006, covering all districts of the country within 3 years. The program guarantees 100 days of employment per year at minimum wage to each rural household, with the goal of reducing joblessness and poverty. We exploit the design and implementation of this program to investigate its employment impact on various types of crimes to provide rare evidence on the employment–crime relationship in a developing country context. We find that employment generated by the program has a negative impact on both property crime and violent crime. The same conclusion is reached when we analyze the impact of the program using its staggered rollout structure as the source of identification in a difference‐in‐difference analysis. Although crime elasticities with respect to employment are small, this finding represents another dimension of the social benefit generated by the program. (JEL K4, E24, H54)
Continuum damage mechanics modelling incorporating stress triaxiality effect on ductile damage initiation
Authors: Bonora Nicola , Testa Gabriel , Ruggiero Andrew , Iannitti Gianluca , Gentile Domenico
Published: March 2020

Micromechanical modelling of void nucleation in ductile metals indicates that strain required for damage initiation reduces exponentially with increasing stress triaxiality. This feature has been incorporated in a continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model, providing a phenomenological relationship for the damage threshold strain dependence on the stress triaxiality. The main consequences of this model modification are that the failure locus is predicted to change as function of stress triaxiality sensitivity of the material damage threshold strain and that high triaxial fracture strain is expected to be even lower than the threshold strain at which the damage processes initiate at triaxiality as low as 1/3. The proposed damage model formulation has been used to predict ductile fracture in unnotched and notched bars in tension for two commercially pure α‐iron grades (Swedish and ARMCO iron). Finally, the model has been validated, predicting spall fracture in a plate‐impact experiment and confirming the capability to capture the effect of the stress state on material fracture ductility at very high stress triaxiality.
Associations between redox‐sensitive trace metals and microbial communities in a Proterozoic ocean analogue
Authors: Rico Kathryn I. , Sheldon Nathan D. , Kinsman‐Costello Lauren E.
Published: March 2020

Constraints on Precambrian ocean chemistry are dependent upon sediment geochemistry. However, diagenesis and metamorphism can destroy primary biosignatures, making it difficult to consider biology when interpreting geochemical data. Modern analogues for ancient ecosystems can be useful tools for identifying how sediment geochemistry records an active biosphere. The Middle Island Sinkhole (MIS) in Lake Huron is an analogue for shallow Proterozoic waters due to its low oxygen water chemistry and microbial communities that exhibit diverse metabolic functions at the sediment–water interface. This study uses sediment trace metal contents and microbial abundances in MIS sediments and an oxygenated Lake Huron control site (LH) to infer mechanisms for trace metal burial. The adsorption of trace metals to Mn‐oxyhydroxides is a critical burial pathway for metals in oxic LH sediments, but not for the MIS mat and sediments, consistent with conventional understanding of Mn cycling. Micronutrient trace metals (e.g., Zn) are associated with organic matter regardless of oxygen and sulfide availability. Although U and V are conventionally considered to be organically complexed in suboxic and anoxic conditions, U and organic covary in oxic LH sediments, and Mn‐oxyhydroxide cycling dominates V deposition in the anoxic MIS sediments. Significant correlations between Mo and organic matter across all redox regimes have major implications for our interpretations of Mo isotope systematics in the geologic record. Finally, while microbial groups vary between the sampling locales (e.g., the cyanobacteria in the MIS microbial mat are not present in LH sediments), LH and MIS ultimately have similar relationships between microbial assemblages and metal burial, making it difficult to link trace metal burial to microbial metabolisms. Together, these results indicate that bulk sediment trace metal composition does not capture microbiological processes; more robust trace metal geochemistry such as isotopes and speciation may be critical for understanding the intersections between microbiology and sediment geochemistry.
Exercise cessation in active older adults: Effects on inflammatory markers and adiponectin
Authors: Esain Izaro , Rodriguez‐Larrad Ana , Bidaurrazaga‐Letona Iraia , Gil Susana M
Published: March 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effects of 3 months of exercise cessation in physically active older individuals on inflammatory biomarkers and adiponectin, and examine any association modifications in physical functioning.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of exercise cessation in 49 physically active older adults on inflammatory biomarkers, adiponectin and physical functioning. Participants (38 women, 11 men) were aged >65 years old and had attended a 9‐month supervised exercise program. After 3 months of exercise cessation, we measured anthropometry, physical activity, strength, balance, endurance exercise, cholesterol, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, interleukin‐6 and adiponectin levels.

Results

Adiponectin was positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein and negatively correlated with triglyceride levels after exercise cessation. Higher adiponectin levels were correlated with worse dynamic balance, endurance exercise and lower limb strength (men only), which might be explained by the adiponectin resistance hypothesis.

Conclusions

Adiponectin therefore might be a promising biomarker of physical dysfunction in older adults, although further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms involved in its double‐sided effects. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 494–499.
Simulating Groundwater‐Streamflow Connections in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Tran Hoang , Zhang Jun , Cohard Jean‐Martial , Condon Laura E. , Maxwell Reed M.
Published: March 2020

In mountain, snow driven catchments, snowmelt is supposed to be the primary contribution to river streamflows during spring. In these catchments the contribution of groundwater is not well documented because of the difficulty to monitor groundwater in such complex environment with deep aquifers. In this study we use an integrated hydrologic model to conduct numerical experiments that help quantify the effect of lateral groundwater flow on total annual and peak streamflow in predevelopment conditions. Our simulations focus on the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB; 2.8 × 105 km2) a well‐documented mountain catchment for which both streamflow and water table measurements are available for several important sub‐basins. For the simulated water year, our results suggest an increase in peak flow of up to 57% when lateral groundwater flow processes are included—an unexpected result for flood conditions generally assumed independent of groundwater. Additionally, inclusion of lateral groundwater flow moderately improved the model match to observations. The correlation coefficient for mean annual flows improved from 0.84 for the no lateral groundwater flow simulation to 0.98 for the lateral groundwater flow one. Spatially we see more pronounced differences between lateral and no lateral groundwater flow cases in areas of the domain with steeper topography. We also found distinct differences in the magnitude and spatial distribution of streamflow changes with and without lateral groundwater flow between Upper Colorado River Sub‐basins. A sensitivity test that scaled hydraulic conductivity over two orders of magnitude was conducted for the lateral groundwater flow simulations. These results show that the impact of lateral groundwater flow is as large or larger than an order of magnitude change in hydraulic conductivity. While our results focus on the UCRB, we feel that these simulations have relevance to other headwaters systems worldwide.
Biliary intraductal tubule‐forming neoplasm: a whole exome sequencing study of MUC5AC‐positive and ‐negative cases
Authors: Akita Masayuki , Hong Seung‐Mo , Sung You‐Na , Kim Mi‑Ju , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi , Itoh Tomoo , Zen Yoh
Published: March 2020

Aims

Biliary intraductal tubular neoplasms that are non‐mucinous and negative for mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) are called intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPNs). Intraductal tubular neoplasms with mucinous cytoplasm and MUC5AC positivity also occur and their nature remains unclear, although some pathologists may classify these as ‘intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNBs) of gastric type’. This study aimed to elucidate genetic features of biliary intraductal tubular neoplasms.

Methods and results

Six resected cases of biliary intraductal neoplasm with >70% tubular configuration were characterised by clinicopathological examination and whole exome sequencing, and the findings obtained were compared between MUC5AC‐negative (n = 2) and ‐positive cases (n = 4). The intraductal tumours consisted of the pancreatobiliary‐type epithelium with high‐grade dysplasia arranged in back‐to‐back tubules. Both of the two MUC5AC‐negative cases were non‐invasive neoplasms and developed in the liver, whereas all MUC5AC‐positive cases had invasive carcinoma and were present in the intrahepatic (n = 2), perihilar (n = 1) and distal bile ducts (n = 1). In an exome‐sequencing study, MUC5AC‐negative cases harboured mutations in CTNNB1, SF3B1, BAP1 and BRCA1 (one case each). KRAS mutations were observed in three of four MUC5AC‐positive cases (75%) but none of the MUC5AC‐negative neoplasms. Compared to published data, known driver genes of other intraductal neoplasms of the pancreatobiliary system (e.g. APC, CTNNB1, STK11, GNAS and PIK3CA) were wild‐type in all but one MUC5AC‐negative case with CTNNB1 mutation. Chromatin modifiers (ARID1A, BAP1 and KMT2C) were also altered in MUC5AC‐positive cases, similar to usual cholangiocarcinomas.

Conclusions

This exome‐sequencing study suggested that MUC5AC‐negative biliary ITPNs are genetically distinct from pancreatic ITPNs and IPNBs. They may also biologically differ from MUC5AC‐positive tubular neoplasms despite morphological resemblance.
Palladium speciation in UV‐transparent glasses
Authors: So Byoungjin , Bust David , Fuhrmann Sindy , Sierka Marek , Peng Mingying , Ebendorff‐Heidepriem Heike , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: March 2020

Palladium enables optical activity and surface plasmon effects in the ultraviolet (UV). However, low UV matrix transmittance has largely prevented any exploitation of Pd optical centers embedded in glasses. Here, we report on speciation of palladium dopants in various types of UV‐transparent glasses, including fluoride‐phosphate, sulfo‐phosphate and meta‐phosphate. We initially employ quantum chemical simulation and physical experimentation on aqueous solutions in order to generate reference data for Pd2+ band assignments in different ligand arrangements. These data are then used to assign the extinction spectra of Pd‐doped glasses. Square‐planar is identified as the most probable configuration of Pd2+ complexes in all studied materials, with a pronounced preference for sulfate ligands in the sulfo‐phosphates. Annealing at moderate temperature can be employed for the thermal reduction of Pd2+ and precipitation of metallic particles. However, the plasmon frequency of Pd particles with a diameter of less than 50 nm strongly overlaps with the Pd2+ charge transfer bands.
How to care for the brought in dead and their relatives. A qualitative study protocol based on interpretive description
Authors: Bove Dorthe Gaby , Rosted Elizabeth , Prip Anne , Jellington Maria Omel , Timm Helle , Herling Suzanne Forsyth
Published: March 2020

Aim

This project has two aims: (a) What do relatives to brought in dead (BID) describe as helpful and supportive care when they arrive at the emergency department to see and say goodbye to a deceased? (b) What do nurses describe as good nursing practice for BID persons and their relatives and what may hinder or facilitate this practice in an emergency setting?

Design

A qualitative study in the methodology interpretive description.

Methods

Data will be collected through three data sources: Individual interviews with relatives to BID persons, participant observations of relatives to BID persons during their presence in the emergency department and focus group interviews with emergency nurses.

Discussion

Brought in dead persons and their relatives are received and cared for in emergency departments by emergency nurses. Knowledge of how to render care for the relatives to BID persons in an acute setting including what skills and competences this require of the nurses is warranted. We need to explore, describe, and comprehend the experiences of both the relatives and the nurses to point out potential areas of improvement.

Impact

This study is a protocol of an Interpretive Description study offering insight into considerations and reflections in designing the study.
Update in minimally invasive periorbital rejuvenation with a focus on platelet‐rich plasma: A narrative review
Authors: Kassir Martin , Kroumpouzos George , Puja Priya , Katsambas Andreas , Galadari Hassan , Lotti Torello , Abdelmaksoud Ayman , Grabbe Stephan , Juchems Eva , Goldust Mohamad
Published: March 2020

Background

The periorbital region is among the first areas to be affected by the process of aging, which is influenced by genetic and constitutional factors. As the region plays an important role in overall facial appearance, rejuvenation of the area has immense cosmetic benefit and various treatment modalities have been used to achieve the same.

Aims

This article reviews commonly used non‐surgical and minimally invasive modalities for periorbital rejuvenation.

Methods

The literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles available in English were considered for this review.

Results

Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly used in dermatology for skin and hair conditions. The use of PRP is rapidly growing in popularity as a modality to achieve skin rejuvenation. The mechanism by which PRP leads to skin rejuvenation is by increasing the dermal fibroblast proliferation, expression of matrix metalloproteinase and collagen synthesis.

Conclusion

The evidence discussed in this article indicates the increasing importance of minimally invasive modalities in periorbital rejuvenation and a promising role for PRP as solo therapy or in multimodality regimens.
Contribution of remnant cholesterol to cardiovascular risk
Authors: Langsted A. , Madsen C. M. , Nordestgaard B. G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Remnant cholesterol in triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins is associated observationally and genetic, causally with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals.

Objectives

We tested the hypothesis that an unmet medical need exists in individuals with high nonfasting remnant cholesterol and prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Methods

From amongst 109 574 individuals in a prospective cohort study of the Danish general population, we included 2973 individuals aged 20–80 with baseline diagnoses of myocardial infarction/ischaemic stroke ascertained from national Danish health registries.

Results

The recurrent major cardiovascular event (MACE) incidence rates per 1000 person‐years were 39 (95% confidence interval: 30–50) for individuals with remnant cholesterol levels ≥ 1.5 mmol L−1 (≥58 mg dL−1), 31 (26–37) for 1–1.49 mmol L−1 (39–57 mg dL−1), 27 (24–31) for 0.5–0.99 mmol L−1 (19‐38 mg dL−1) and 23 (19–27) for individuals with remnant cholesterol < 0.5 mmol L−1 (<19 mg dL−1). Compared to individuals with remnant cholesterol < 0.5 mmol L−1 (<19 mg dL−1), the subhazard ratio for recurrent MACE was 1.23 (95% CI: 0.98–1.55) for individuals with remnant cholesterol levels of 0.5–0.99 mmol L−1 (19–38 mg dL−1), 1.48 (1.14–1.92) for 1–1.49 mmol L−1 (39–57 mg dL−1) and 1.79 (1.28–2.49) for ≥ 1.5 mmol L−1 (≥58 mg dL−1). The recurrent MACE incidence rates per 1000 person‐years for individuals with remnant cholesterol levels < 0.5 mmol L−1 (<19 mg dL−1) and ≥ 1.5 mmol L−1 (≥58 mg dL−1) were 10 (6.6–15) and 31 (21–47) for those below age 65 and correspondingly 25 (21–30) and 43 (32–59) for those with LDL cholesterol levels < 3 mmol L−1 (<116 mg dL−1), respectively. For a 20% recurrent MACE risk reduction in secondary prevention, an estimated remnant cholesterol lowering of 0.83 mmol L−1 (32 mg dL−1) would be needed.

Conclusions

In individuals with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction/ischaemic stroke, a lower remnant cholesterol of 0.8 mmol L−1 (32 mg dL−1) was estimated to reduce recurrent MACE by 20% in secondary prevention. Our data indicate an unmet medical need for secondary prevention in individuals with high nonfasting remnant cholesterol levels.
When Stigma Doesn’t Transfer: Stigma Deflection and Occupational Stratification in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Phung Kam , Buchanan Sean , Toubiana Madeline , Ruebottom Trish , Turchick‐Hakak Luciana
Published: March 2020

Research has suggested that when an occupation is stigmatized, new occupational members will assume the stigma of incumbents because stigma transfers. Yet, current research does not account for shifts in the modern workforce that are changing the nature of many stigmatized occupations. We argue that these changes raise questions about whether stigma will transfer to new occupational members. Drawing from a study of Uber’s entry into Toronto, Canada, we reveal the process by which stigma transfer can be avoided by new occupational members. We show how categorical ambiguity during entry enabled two sets of activities: creating categorical distinctiveness and showcasing identity discrepancies. These activities acted as mechanisms of stigma deflection by distancing Uber drivers from the taint associated with taxi drivers. However, this further entrenched the taint facing incumbents and stratified the occupation along a stigma faultline. We offer implications for research on stigma, market entry, and the sharing economy.
Peri‐Implant Diseases and Biologic Complications at Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses in Partially Edentulous Patients
Authors: Tsigarida Alexandra , Chochlidakis Konstantinos , Fraser David , Lampraki Evangelia , Einarsdottir Erna R. , Barmak Abdul Basir , Papaspyridakos Panos , Ercoli Carlo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This is a single center, retrospective study to assess the prevalence of peri‐implant disease and biologic complications in a cohort of partially edentulous subjects in relation to selected prosthetic factors.

Materials and methods

Subjects previously treated with one or more implant‐supported fixed dental prosthesis (ISFDPs) were recalled for a comprehensive examination. Clinical and radiographic records were taken and questionnaires were administered. The prevalence of implant failure, peri‐implant disease and other biologic complications were correlated with selected prosthetic, clinical and patient‐related factors using chi‐square and multiple regression analyses.

Results

A convenience sample of 71 subjects with 100 prostheses supported by 222 dental implants were enrolled in the study. The mean follow‐up time after prosthesis delivery was 3.3 ± 1.5 years (range of 1‐9 years). The cumulative implant survival rate was 99.1%. Peri‐implantitis was the most frequent major biologic complication (5% of implants), while the most frequent minor biologic complication was peri‐implant mucositis (84.10% of implants). A diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis was more likely associated with cement‐retained prostheses compared to screw‐retained prostheses (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.1‐78.6, p = 0.045) and for short‐span prostheses (≤3 prosthetic units) (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1‐5.0, p = 0.034). Subject‐reported quality of life measures were high regardless of the existence of major and/or minor complications, but decreased with increasing number of minor and total biologic complications.

Conclusions

Peri‐implant mucositis and other minor biologic complications were highly prevalent. The distribution of the observed complications differed based on the method of prosthesis retention and the number of prosthetic units replaced.
Microtomographic Analysis of Resin Composite Core Material Porosity
Authors: Roberts Howard , Fuentealba Rodrigo , Brewster John
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To nondestructively evaluate the porosity of ten contemporary resin composite core materials using microtomographic (microCT) analysis.

Material and methods

Resin composite core material samples (n = 12) including dual‐cure, visible light cure only, and a self‐cure material were fabricated using a standardized mold following manufacturer's recommendations. After storage in phosphate buffered saline for one week, specimens were analyzed using a microCT unit at 5.3‐µm resolution over a rotational range of 360°. Image 3D recombination and analysis was accomplished using microCT software. Evaluated parameters included material volume investigated, closed pore number and volume, as well as closed pore percentage. Parameter mean values were evaluated with Kruskal‐Wallis/Dunn at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05).

Results

Mean percent total porosity with standard deviation identified significant differences in decreasing order as Ti‐Core: 2.2 (0.4) > Ti‐Core Auto E: 1.3 (0.3) = Ti‐Core Flow Plus: 1.1 (0.02) > Clearfil Photo Core: 0.94 (0.5) = Clearfil DC Core Plus: 0.6 (0.18) = MultiCore Flow: 0.58 (0.1) > Fluorocore 2+: 0.14 (0.2) = Build‐It FR: 0.068 (0.02) = Gradia Core: 0.03 (0.02) = Rebilda DC: 0.02 (0.01). A pilot microCT evaluation evaluating a mixing tip revealed incomplete mixture between the two resins with porosity introduced from turbulence as the materials are forced through the tip during preparation.

Conclusions

A wide range of porosity was identified between the ten materials evaluated. These preliminary results warrant more investigation evaluating additional resin composite core materials, the preparation capabilities of automix tips, and porosity presence in the unmixed materials.
DIAMONDOIDS AND BASIN MODELLING REVEAL ONE OF THE WORLD'S DEEPEST PETROLEUM SYSTEMS, SOUTH CASPIAN BASIN, AZERBAIJAN
Authors: Goodwin N. R. J. , Abdullayev N. , Javadova A. , Volk H. , Riley G.
Published: March 2020

The South Caspian Basin has been one of the world's most prolific petroleum provinces since the 19th Century. However, despite the large number of discovered petroleum accumulations, the source rock sequence has not been penetrated by the drill in the offshore basin and is therefore poorly defined. In this paper, geochemistry together with broad estimates of in‐place volumes of petroleum fluids, onshore outcrop data and basin modelling have been used to place constraints on the source rock description.

Diamondoids, the most thermally stable group of hydrocarbons, have been measured in a suite of liquid petroleum samples from Pliocene fluvio‐deltaic sandstone reservoirs at the Shah Deniz gas‐condensate field and the Azeri‐Chirag‐Gunashli oil field, offshore Azerbaijan. Samples from both fields exhibit elevated concentrations of diamondoids and C29 steranes, indicating a mixture of thermally cracked and non‐cracked petroleum. We use diamondoid concentrations to estimate that 4.8 B brl of oil may have been cracked to 12 Tcf of gas below the Shah Deniz reservoirs. Source rock properties from the outcropping Oligocene – Miocene Maikop and Diatom Formations have been used to model source rock maturation. The results indicate that pre‐cracking volumes of petroleum could be explained reasonably by the presence of source rock intervals in the offshore that are of similar richness but increased thickness compared to measured onshore outcrops.

Relatively high diamondoid concentrations in Shah Deniz condensate (up to 160 ppm 3‐ + 4‐methyldiamantanes) are in agreement with gas isotope compositions (δ13C1 – δ13C3) with respect to thermal maturity. Both parameters indicate the presence of source rock that is at a high level of thermal maturity at a vitrinite reflectance equivalent (VRE) of ca. 1.5–2.0% Ro. Given the low geothermal gradients in the South Caspian Basin (16 – 17°C/km at Shah Deniz) and the relatively high temperatures required for maturation due to rapid, relatively recent burial and heating, the source rock must be buried to depths in excess of 13 km in the Shah Deniz drainage area. In the absence of any evidence of a working Mesozoic petroleum system in the South Caspian Basin, this depth of burial highlights the significant thickness of Paleogene sediments in the offshore basin. Of prolific petroleum‐producing basins, only in the deep‐water Gulf of Mexico are actively‐generating source rocks buried to similar depths.
ORGANIC‐RICH SHALES IN THE UPPER TRIASSIC ZANGXIAHE FORMATION, NORTHERN QIANGTANG DEPRESSION, NORTHERN TIBET: DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND HYDROCARBON GENERATION POTENTIAL
Authors: Zeng S. Q. , Wang J. , Chen W. B. , Song C. Y. , Zeng Y. H. , Feng X. L. , Wang D.
Published: March 2020

This study reports on the organic geochemical characteristics of high‐TOC shales in the Upper Triassic Zangxiahe Formation from a study area in the north of the Northern Qiangtang Depression, northern Tibet. A total of fifty outcrop samples from the Duoseliangzi, Zangxiahe South and Zangxiahe East locations were studied to evaluate the organic matter content of the shales and their thermal maturity and depositional environment, and to assess their hydrocarbon generation potential.

Zangxiahe Formation shales from the Duoseliangzi profile have moderate to good source rock potential with TOC contents of up to 3.4 wt.% (average 1.2 wt.%) and potential yield (S1+S2) of up to 1.11 mg HC/g rock. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) and Tmax values show that the organic matter is highly mature, corresponding to the condensate/wet gas generation stage. The shales contain mostly Types II and I kerogen mixed with minor Type III, and have relatively high S/C ratios, high contents of amorphous sapropelinite, low Pr/Ph ratios, high values of the C35 homohopane index (up to 3.58%), abundant gammacerane content, and a predominance of C27 steranes. These parameters indicate a saline, shallow‐marine depositional setting with an anoxic, stratified water column. The source of organic matter was mainly aquatic OM (algal/bacterial) with subordinate terrigenous OM.

Zangxiahe Formation shale samples from the Zangxiahe East and Zangxiahe South locations have relatively low TOC contents (0.2 to 0.8 wt.%) with Type II kerogen, suggesting poor to medium hydrocarbon generation potential. Ro and Tmax values indicate that organic matter from these locations is overmature.

The discovery of organic‐rich Upper Triassic shales with source rock potential in the north of the Northern Qiangtang Depression will be of significance for oil and gas exploration elsewhere in the Qiangtang Basin. Future exploration should focus on locations such as Bandaohu to the SE of the study area where the organic‐rich shales are well developed, and where structural traps have been recorded together with potential reservoir rocks and thick mudstones which could act as seals.
Seedling and adult stage resistance to net form of net blotch (NFNB) in spring barley and stability of adult stage resistance to NFNB in Morocco
Authors: Gyawali Sanjaya , Amezrou Reda , Verma Ramesh Pal Singh , Brueggeman Robert , Rehman Sajid , Belqadi Loubna , Arbaoui Mustapha , Tamang Prabin , Singh Murari
Published: March 2020

This study was conducted to identify stable resistance to net form of net blotch (NFNB) in spring barley in Moroccan environments. Seedling resistance to NFNB was evaluated by inoculating 336 barley genotypes with two NFNB isolates LDNH04Ptt‐19 and TD‐10 in the greenhouse. These genotypes were evaluated for adult plant resistance to NFNB under seven environments in Morocco in 2015 and 2016. The disease severity was estimated at GS 77–87 on barley leaves using a double‐digit scale. To investigate stability of resistance, 149 barley genotypes were subjected to AMMI analysis. At the seedling stage, differential responses of barley genotypes to different NFNB isolates were identified, whereas genotypes had variable stability to NFNB resistance at the adult stages. Five genotypes, AM‐68, AM‐95, AM‐250, AM‐267 and AM‐322, were resistant to both NFNB isolates at the seedling stage. There were significant (p < .001) effects of genotype (G) and G × E interaction on NFNB severity for barley genotypes at the adult stage. The principal components, IPCA1 and IPCA2, accounted for 48.4% and 18.7% variation for NFNB severity, respectively. The AMMI stability values (ASVs) ranged from 0.01 to 15.5, and fifty‐nine barley genotypes had stable responses (ASV ≤ 0.05) across all seven environments. Specifically, two stable genotypes, AM‐187 and AM‐244, had lower mean NFNB severities across all environments, suggesting a quantitative resistance in these genotypes. Divergent environmental responses of NFNB severity were measured in Sidi El Ayedi 2015 and Sidi Allal Tazi 2016, suggesting that these environments may be suitable to capture resistance to diverse pathotypes. These stable genotypes are valuable resources for introgression of both qualitative resistance and quantitative resistance to NFNB in future.
Movement barriers, habitat heterogeneity or both? Testing hypothesized effects of landscape features on home range sizes in eastern indigo snakes
Authors: Bauder J. M. , Breininger D. R. , Bolt M. R. , Legare M. L. , Jenkins C. L. , Rothermel B. B. , McGarigal K.
Published: March 2020

Animal home ranges are influenced by diverse intrinsic and extrinsic factors. For example, habitat heterogeneity may affect the spatial distribution of resources leading to larger home ranges where resources are spatially dispersed or, conversely, smaller home ranges where resources are concentrated or abundant. Other landscape features may lead to smaller home ranges by constraining or restricting animal movements. Understanding the relative importance of these two processes is increasingly important given the prevalence of anthropogenic features across contemporary landscapes. We test the relative importance of habitat heterogeneity and movement restriction on the home range size of a wide‐ranging, habitat and dietary generalist, the federally threatened eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi). We used data from 83 radio‐tracked individuals in a multi‐scale analysis of home range size as a function of multiple landscape features representing land cover and habitat heterogeneity. We found that home range size was negatively correlated to habitat heterogeneity (i.e., the standard deviation of normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) and urban intensity. Smaller home ranges in areas with high habitat heterogeneity and low urban intensity likely reflected reduced resource dispersion through the concentration of diverse foraging habitats. Home ranges were smallest in urban landscapes which, combined with previously documented avoidance of urban habitats by eastern indigo snakes, suggests that urban land cover restricts home range size. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering both the influence of resource dispersion and movement barriers in understanding animal space use. Moreover, we highlight the need to consider the potential role of anthropogenically subsidized resources (e.g., prey, shelter sites) to understand variation in eastern indigo snake home range sizes within urban areas.
Cognition and hospitalizations are linked with salivary and faecal microbiota in cirrhosis cohorts from the USA and Mexico
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Torre Aldo , Rojas Mayra L. , Fagan Andrew , Nandez Ivvone E. , Gavis Edith A. , De Leon Osorio Omar , White Melanie B. , Fuchs Michael , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Gillevet Patrick M.
Published: March 2020

Background & Aims

Gut microbiota are affected by diet and ethnicity, which impacts cognition and hospitalizations in cirrhosis. Aim: Study interactions of diet with microbiota and impact on hospitalizations and cognition in American and Mexican cohorts.

Methods

Controls and age‐balanced patients with compensated/decompensated cirrhosis were included and followed for 90‐day hospitalizations. A subset underwent minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) testing. Parameters such as dietary, salivary and faecal microbiota (diversity, taxa analysis, cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio CDR:high = good) between/within countries were analysed. Regression analyses for hospitalizations and MHE were performed.

Results

In all, 275 age‐balanced subjects (133 US [40 Control, 50 Compensated, 43 Decompensated] and 142 Mexican [41 Control, 49 Compensated, 52 Decompensated]) were enrolled. MELD/cirrhosis severity was comparable. Diet showed lower protein and animal fat intake in all decompensated patients, but this was worse in Mexico. Diversity was lower in stool and saliva in decompensated patients, and worse in Mexican cohorts. Prevotellaceae were lower in decompensated cirrhosis, particularly those with lower animal fat/protein consumption across countries. Hospitalizations were higher in Mexico vs the USA (26% vs 14%, P = .04). On regression, Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae lowered hospitalization risk independent of MELD and ascites. MHE testing was performed in 120 (60/country and 20/subgroup) subjects and MHE rate was similar. MELD and decompensation increased while CDR and Prevotellaceae decreased the risk of MHE.

Conclusions

Changes in diet and microbiota, especially related to animal fat and protein intake and Prevotellaceae, are associated with MHE and hospitalizations in Mexican patients with cirrhosis compared to an American cohort. Nutritional counselling to increase protein intake in cirrhosis could help prevent these hospitalizations.