bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of climate change on Tanzanian forests
Authors: John Elikana , Bunting Pete , Hardy Andy , Roberts Osian , Giliba Richard , Silayo Dos Santos
Published: September 2020

Aim

Climate change is pressing extra strain on the already degraded forest ecosystem in Tanzania. However, it is mostly unknown how climate change will affect the distribution of forests in the future. We aimed to model the impacts of climate change on natural forests to help inform national‐level conservation and mitigation strategies.

Location

Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modelling to simulate forest habitat suitability using the Tanzanian national forest inventory survey (1,307 occurrences) and environmental data. Changes in forest habitats were simulated under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) emission scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for 2055 and 2085.

Results

The results indicate that climate change will threaten forest communities, especially fragmented strips of montane forests. Even under optimistic emission scenario, the extent of montane forest is projected to almost halve by 2085, intersecting many biodiversity hotspots across the Eastern Arc Mountains. Similarly, climate change is predicted to threaten microhabitat forests (i.e. thickets), with losses exceeding 70% by 2085 (RCP8.5). Other forest habitats are predicted to decrease (lowland forest and woodland) representing essential ecological networks, whereas suitable habitats for carbon‐rich mangroves are predicted to expand by more than 40% at both scenarios.

Conclusions

Climate change will impact forests by accelerating habitat loss, and fragmentation and the remaining land suitable for forests will also be subject to pressures associated with rising demand for food and biofuels. These changes are likely to increase the probability of adverse impacts to the country's indigenous flora and fauna. Our findings, therefore, call for a shift in conservation efforts, focusing on (i) the enhanced management of existing protected areas that can absorb the impacts of future climate change, and (ii) expanding conservation efforts into newly suitable regions through effective land use planning and land reclamation, helping to preserve and enhance forest connectivity between fragmented patches.
Predictors of type 2 diabetes remission in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT)
Authors: Thom G. , Messow C.‐M. , Leslie W. S. , Barnes A. C. , Brosnahan N. , McCombie L. , Al‐Mrabeh A. , Zhyzhneuskaya S. , Welsh P. , Sattar N. , Taylor R. , Lean M. E. J.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To identify predictors of type 2 diabetes remission in the intervention arm of DiRECT (Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial).

Methods

Participants were aged 20–65 years, with type 2 diabetes duration of <6 years and BMI 27–45 kg/m2, and were not receiving insulin. Weight loss was initiated by total diet replacement (825–853 kcal/day, 3–5 months, shakes/soups), and weight loss maintenance support was provided for 2 years. Remissions (HbA1c <48 mmol/mol [<6.5%], without antidiabetes medications) in the intervention group (n = 149, mean age 53 years, BMI 35 kg/m2) were achieved by 68/149 participants (46%) at 12 months and by 53/149 participants (36%) at 24 months. Potential predictors were examined by logistic regression analyses, with adjustments for weight loss and effects independent of weight loss.

Results

Baseline predictors of remission at 12 and 24 months included being prescribed fewer antidiabetes medications, having lower triglyceride and gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels, and reporting better quality of life with less anxiety/depression. Lower baseline HbA1c was a predictor at 12 months, and older age and male sex were predictors at 24 months. Being prescribed antidepressants predicted non‐remission. Some, but not all effects were explained by weight loss. Weight loss was the strongest predictor of remission at 12 months (adjusted odds ratio per kg weight loss 1.24, 95% CI 1.14, 1.34; P < 0.0001) and 24 months (adjusted odds ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.13, 1.35; P <0.0001). Weight loss in kilograms and percentage weight loss were equally good predictors. Early weight loss and higher programme attendance predicted more remissions. Baseline BMI, fasting insulin, fasting C‐peptide and diabetes duration did not predict remission.

Conclusions

Other than weight loss, most predictors were modest, and not sufficient to identify subgroups for which remission was not a worthwhile target.
Was the COVID‐19 pandemic avoidable? A call for a “solution‐oriented” approach in pathogen evolutionary ecology to prevent future outbreaks
Authors: Roche Benjamin , Garchitorena Andres , Guégan Jean‐François , Arnal Audrey , Roiz David , Morand Serge , Zambrana‐Torrelio Carlos , Suzán Gerardo , Daszak Peter
Published: September 2020

Concerns about the prospect of a global pandemic have been triggered many times during the last two decades. These have been realised through the current COVID‐19 pandemic, due to a new coronavirus SARS‐CoV2, which has impacted almost every country on Earth. Here, we show how considering the pandemic through the lenses of the evolutionary ecology of pathogens can help better understand the root causes and devise solutions to prevent the emergence of future pandemics. We call for better integration of these approaches into transdisciplinary research and invite scientists working on the evolutionary ecology of pathogens to contribute to a more “solution‐oriented” agenda with practical applications, emulating similar movements in the field of economics in recent decades.
Modern middens: Shell recycling for restoring an endangered marine ecosystem in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Branigan Simon , Fitzsimons James , Gillies Chris L.
Published: September 2020

Shellfish reefs are one of the most depleted marine ecosystems in the world, and there is considerable interest and efforts to restore the ecosystems. When degraded reefs require the addition of new substrate to support oyster re‐establishment, recycled shells can be used to rebuild new reef bases. Shell recycling as a means of procuring shells was first introduced in Australia by The Nature Conservancy in 2015, through the establishment of the ‘Shuck Don’t Chuck’ Shell Recycling Project in Victoria. The recycling project was first piloted in the regional city of Geelong with the aim of providing sufficient quantity of clean, recycled shell to support reef base construction for shellfish reef restoration in Port Phillip Bay. The project has subsequently expanded into markets and restaurants in Melbourne. Community involvement and restoration promotion are important secondary outcomes of the programme. We provide lessons from our experience to date and a step‐by‐step guide of how to establish a shell recycling project from initial pilot and trial stages to a full programme. These steps include the following: (i) recruitment of shell recycling partners, (ii) transport and logistics, (iii) shell storage sites, (iv) biosecurity and curing protocols, (v) hatchery use, (vi) reef deployment, and (vii) community engagement. Shell recycling is an effective way to not only source substrate for restoring shellfish reefs, but also to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and should be considered as part of any shellfish reef restoration project which utilises shell products.
Harm or protection? The adaptive function of tick toxins
Authors: Apari Péter , Földvári Gábor
Published: September 2020

The existence of tick toxins is an old enigma that has intrigued scientists for a long time. The adaptive value of using deadly toxins for predatory animals is obvious: they try to kill the prey in the most effective way or protect themselves from their natural enemies. Ticks, however, are blood‐sucking parasites, and it seems paradoxical that they have toxins similar to spiders, scorpions and snakes. Based on published data, here we examine the potential adaptive function of different types of toxins produced by soft and hard ticks. We hypothesize that there are diverse evolutionary roles behind (a) to attack and reduce the tick‐transmitted pathogens inside the vertebrate host systemically to protect the tick, (b) to paralyse the host to stop grooming, (c) to speed up host heartbeat to improve blood supply and (d) to inhibit the process of necroptosis to prevent the rejection of hard ticks. We will provide published evidence that supports the above‐mentioned hypotheses, and we will give an outlook how these new scientific results might be applied in modern pharmacology and medicine.
Emotional scaffolding in text chats between Japanese language learners and native Japanese speakers
Authors: Yoshida Reiko
Published: September 2020

The present study examines the kinds of emotional scaffolding that occurred in online text chats in Japanese between 19 learners of Japanese at an Australian university and 19 native‐speaking students at a Japanese university, together with the emotions that the learners experienced in relation to the scaffolding. The learners chatted in Japanese and also in English, each for 30 min per week for 7 weeks. The data that were collected consisted of questionnaires, chat transcripts, learners' weekly reports, and interviews held with the learners after the conclusion of the project. Emotional scaffolding found in the data included expressing positive attitudes toward the chats, complimenting an interlocutor about their FL proficiency, and expressing emotions using emoticons. These types of scaffolding triggered positive emotions in the learners and developed emotional intersubjectivity between the interlocutors, while a lack of emotional scaffolding in the communications led the learners to experience negative emotions.
Effects of human disturbance activities and environmental change factors on terrestrial nitrogen fixation
Authors: Zheng Mianhai , Zhou Zhenghu , Zhao Ping , Luo Yiqi , Ye Qing , Zhang Kerong , Song Liang , Mo Jiangming
Published: September 2020

Biological nitrogen (N) fixation plays an important role in terrestrial N cycling and represents a key driver of terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP). Despite the importance of N fixation in terrestrial ecosystems, our knowledge regarding the controls on terrestrial N fixation remains poor. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis (based on 852 observations from 158 studies) of N fixation across three types of ecosystems with different status of disturbance (no management, restoration [previously disturbed], and disturbance [currently disturbed]) and in response to multiple environmental change factors (warming, elevated carbon dioxide [CO2], increased precipitation, increased drought, increased N deposition, and their combinations). We explored the mechanisms underlying the changes in N fixation by examining the variations in soil physicochemical properties (bulk density, texture, moisture, and pH), plant and microbial characteristics (dominant plant species numbers, plant coverage, and soil microbial biomass), and soil resources (total carbon, total N, total phosphorus (P), inorganic N, and inorganic P). Human disturbance inhibited non‐symbiotic N fixation but not symbiotic N fixation. Terrestrial N fixation was stimulated by warming (+152.7%), elevated CO2 (+19.6%), and increased precipitation (+73.1%) but inhibited by increased drought (−30.4%), N deposition (−31.0%), and combinations of available multiple environmental change factors (−14.5%), the extents of which varied among biomes and ecosystem compartments. Human disturbance reduced the N fixation responses to environmental change factors, which was associated with the changes in soil physicochemical properties (2%‒56%, p < .001) and the declines in plant and microbial characteristics (3%‒49%, p ≤ .003) and soil resources (6%‒48%, p ≤ .03). Overall, our findings reveal for the first time the effects of multiple environmental change factors on terrestrial N fixation and indicate the role of human disturbance activities in inhibiting N fixation, which can improve our understanding, modeling, and prediction of terrestrial N budgets, NPP, and ecosystem feedbacks under global change scenarios.
Non‐severe haemophilia: Is it benign? – Insights from the PROBE study
Authors: Chai‐Adisaksopha Chatree , Noone Declan , Curtis Randall , Frick Neil , Nichol Michael B. , Germini Federico , O'Mahony Brian , Page David , Stonebraker Jeffrey S. , Skinner Mark W. , Iorio Alfonso
Published: September 2020

Introduction

There are limited data on the impact of haemophilia on health status and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in people with non‐severe (mild and moderate) haemophilia.

Aim

To evaluate the health status of people living with mild or moderate haemophilia.

Methods

Data on respondents with no bleeding disorder (NoBD), mild and moderate haemophilia patients were drawn from the PROBE study. Respondents were enrolled using network patient organizations. This analysis was performed as a cross‐sectional study. Primary outcomes were reported bleeding, acute and chronic pain, activities of daily living and HRQL.

Results

A total of 862 respondents with NoBD (n = 173), mild (n = 102) and moderate (n = 134) haemophilia were eligible, with a median age of 33, 42 and 43, respectively. In relation to haemophilia‐related sequalae, 53% of male and 29% of female patients with mild and 83% of males with moderate haemophilia had more than 2‐3 bleeds in the last 12 months. Reporting of acute and chronic pain is less in those with NoBD compared to the mild and moderate cohorts for both genders. Multivariate analysis demonstrates significant reductions in quality of life using VAS, EQ‐5D‐5L and PROBE for males with mild and moderate haemophilia (P ≤ .001) with only PROBE indicating a significant reduction for females with mild (P = .002).

Conclusion

People affected by mild or moderate haemophilia report a significant HRQL impact due to haemophilia‐related bleeding. Future research is needed to identify the optimal care management of patients with mild and moderate haemophilia.
Anthropogenic‐driven transformations of dragonfly (Insecta: Odonata) communities of low elevation mountain wetlands during the last century
Authors: Assandri Giacomo
Published: September 2020

Freshwater environments are experiencing high rates of species extinction due to human impacts, with aquatic insects thought to be strongly threatened by these changes; however, long‐term research on this topic is scant. Among aquatic insects, dragonflies are considered valuable indicators of human disturbance at multiple scales.

This study addresses transformations of odonate communities of low elevation mountain wetlands in the Alps over the last century, comparing historical and present assemblages based on past records derived from scientific collections or literature and present data derived from site resurveys.

About 32.6% of species have been extirpated or strongly declined in the area (mostly temporary lentic and lotic water specialists, or cold‐adapted species). Conversely, only 12.2% of species were new or considerably increased (mostly permanent lentic specialists and warm‐adapted species). Nearly half of historical populations have been lost. The great majority of species which disappeared from all the study sites also disappeared (or strongly declined) at the regional scale.

Although gamma species richness was higher in the historical period compared with the present, mean alpha species richness does not significantly differ between the two, likely suggesting homogenisation of communities from historical to the present period.

Present communities of dragonflies show a significantly higher community temperature index compared with historical ones.

These patterns are putatively explained by the joint effects of land‐use change (drainage and reclamation), land‐use intensification or abandonment, environmental pollution, and anthropogenic‐driven climate warming.
Tooth survival following root canal treatment by general dental practitioners in a Swedish county – a 10‐year follow‐up study of a historical cohort
Authors: Kebke S. , Fransson H. , Brundin M. , Mota de Almeida F.J.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the 10‐year survival rate of root filled teeth treated by general dental practitioners (GDPs), and to identify possible prognostic factors.

Methodology

In 2006, 3676 individuals had at least one tooth root filled by a GDP within the Norrbotten Public Dental Service, Sweden. Over the next 10 years, 331 individuals died and were excluded. A random sample of 302 of the remaining individuals was included in the study, of whom 280 (n = 280 teeth) were included in the analysis. Dental records were reviewed retrospectively by a calibrated researcher to collect predetermined data regarding individual, pre‐operative, intra‐operative and post‐operative factors. The outcome measure was tooth extraction over time, and cases with no events were censored, regardless of apical status or symptoms, until last known date of tooth survival. In case of missing data, individuals were recalled for a control visit. Kaplan–Meier survival tables and Cox regression models were used for analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The cumulative 10‐year survival was 81.7% (standard error: 2.6%), and the mean incidence of tooth extraction during the 10 years was 1.8% per year. The univariate analysis identified three possible prognostic factors (P < 0.05) that were associated with extraction: molars, two or more emergency inter‐appointment visits during the treatment, and root canal treatments consisting of five or more separate sessions. A multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant relationships for the variables gender, tooth type, number of contacts, any emergency visits during endodontic treatment, number of sessions to complete endodontic treatment, pulp diagnosis, or type of permanent restoration and extraction.

Conclusions

The mean incidence of tooth loss over the first 10 years after completion of root canal treatment performed by a GDP was approximately 2% per year. No prognostic factors could be identified.
Clinical decision‐making and importance of the AAE/AAOMR position statement for CBCT examination in endodontic cases
Authors: Bhatt M. , Coil J. , Chehroudi B. , Esteves A. , Aleksejuniene J. , MacDonald D.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To compare conventional radiographic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) findings with reference to the American Association of Endodontics and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAE/AAOMR) joint position statement and to determine the effect of the CBCT on the initial diagnoses and treatment plans in a single‐centre Postgraduate Endodontic Programme.

Methodology

The clinical CBCT scans of patients, treated at the Endodontic Department of the University of British Columbia, were reviewed for CBCT referrals by comparing them with corresponding radiographs. The features considered were periapical lesions, missed/extra canals, root fractures, complex anatomy, calcified canals and root resorption of tooth/teeth in question. Reasons for the CBCT prescriptions were assigned to 3 groups: to formulate the primary diagnosis, to confirm the diagnosis achieved by clinical examination and conventional radiographs, and to assist in treatment planning. Variables were compared statistically using chi‐square and McNemar tests.

Results

A total of 128 CBCT examinations were performed on 110 patients. No CBCT examination was performed more than once on the same tooth. Overall, 76% of CBCT examinations were performed on previously root filled teeth. CBCT images revealed a significantly higher incidence of periapical lesions (P = 0.002), missed canals (P < 0.001), vertical root fractures (P = 0.004) and complex anatomy (P = 0.008) than periapical radiographs. CBCT was prescribed most frequently to assist surgical treatment planning (62%) rather than for generating a diagnosis (9%) or confirming diagnoses (29%). Both the diagnosis (P = 0.001) and the treatment plan (P = 0.005) initially made by examining periapical radiographs were altered significantly by the subsequent CBCT examination by revealing information such as new periapical lesions, missed canals or involvement of buccal or lingual cortical bone.

Conclusion

CBCT examinations were prescribed mainly to assist treatment planning rather than for diagnosis. The majority of CBCT examinations were performed on previously root filled teeth. The additional information obtained from CBCT scans resulted in the alteration of the initial diagnoses as well as subsequent treatment plans in 59 out of 128 cases.
Detection of nitrite degradation by Lactobacillus plantarum DMDL9010 through the anaerobic respiration electron transport chain using proteomic analysis
Authors: Yao Kun , Liu Dong‐mei , Liang Ming‐hua , Brennan Charles S. , Brennan Margaret
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of nitrite degradation by Lactobacillus plantarum DMDL9010 using the proteomic technology. The results showed that 0.276 g L−1 nitrite was degraded completely by L. plantarum DMDL9010 in 24 h. Nitrite was transported into the pericytoplasm by a two‐component system. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide‐2 (FADH2) were produced during metabolism via these pathways of phosphotransferase system, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and citrate cycle. NADH and FADH2 produced electrons catalysed by dehydrogenase. The electrons were transferred through the electron transport chain eventually to nitrite. Some molecules of nitrites gained electrons and were reduced to NH3 by nitrite reductase. Then NH3 from nitrite was converted into l‐glutamine catalysed by glutamine synthetase, which was one of the ways to generate l‐glutamine. This study can provide theoretical guidance to the research on the biological technique to reduce nitrite in food products.
Cracking the code: Social and contextual cues to language input in the home environment
Authors: Custode Stephanie A. , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine
Published: September 2020

Infants use social cues like gaze and touch, typically during joint attention with caregivers, to decipher word meaning. Yet, studies on cues to word meaning primarily rely on structured tasks, where distractors are few compared to the countless objects that vie for attention in the home environment. Forty mothers and their 13‐month‐old infants were video‐recorded during home routines. From transcripts, 3,000+ “naming events” were coded for social (visual and manual) and contextual (location: room and place) cues to the object of reference. Mother and infant visual and tactile attention accompanied naming events with high regularity, and the objects mothers named were specific to room and place. Nested social and contextual cues infuse infants’ everyday language experiences in ways that help infants disambiguate word meaning.
The role of topical probiotics on wound healing: A review of animal and human studies
Authors: Knackstedt Rebecca , Knackstedt Thomas , Gatherwright James
Published: September 2020

Pathogenic, opportunistic, and commensal bacterial coexist in the intestinal tract, and imbalances among these strains have been linked to systemic inflammation and a variety of disease states. Similarly, human skin plays an important role as an interface between the body and the environment with an estimated 1 billion microbes per square centimetres. Skin microbiome fluctuations that cause increases in pathologic bacteria, either because of individual and/or environmental factors, can lead to disease states at the skin level ranging from inflammatory conditions to infections. As wounds are inherently associated with perturbations in the local microflora due to injury and activation of the immune responses, the addition of topical probiotics could be a means to prevent infection, regulate inflammation, and potentially augment healing. The goal of this review is to analyse the impact the skin microbiome has on cutaneous wound healing with a focus on developing proposed treatment algorithms and support for their therapeutic potential.
A mechanism theory of dissolution profile of oxide particles in oxide melt
Authors: Xuan Changji , Mu Wangzhong
Published: September 2020

The shape origin and variation of oxide dissolution profile in the oxide melt is for the first time explained with a mechanism of diffusion‐distance‐controlled dissolution (DDD). A novel analytical model is derived to present this theory. The profile shape is governed by the diffusion distance of the dissolved components in the oxide melt. The viscosity gradient at the boundary of the diffusion region provides the driving force for the profile variation. Both temperature and initial viscosity of oxide melt are the key factors determining the oxide dissolution kinetics. This theory can be applied to describe diffusion‐limited particle dissolution in a general system.
Effect of calcium to silica ratio on the synthesis of calcium silicate hydrate in high alkaline desilication solution
Authors: Qi Fang , Zhu Ganyu , Zhang Yimin , Hou Xinjuan , Li Shaopeng , Zhang Jianbo , Li Huiquan
Published: September 2020

High alkaline desilication solution (DSS), a high volume byproduct from the pretreatment of high‐alumina fly ash, was used as low‐cost mother liquor for the synthesis of calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H). Through the combined analysis of X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray fluorescence, 29Si MAS NMR, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller, the relationship between chemical composition and structure of C‐S‐H synthesized under Ca/Si of 0.83:1 to 2.0:1 was investigated. Silicon conversion and yield of product have a positive correlation with Ca/Si. Sodium uptake in C‐S‐H is inhibited as Ca/Si increases. The formation of sodium in C‐S‐H transfers from “bound Na” to “mobile Na” and aluminum from tetrahedrally coordinated Al (IV) to octahedrally coordinated Al (VI). The increase of Ca/Si leads to shortening of silicate chain and formation of more dimers, which causes more water bound in C‐S‐H. The mechanism of calcium addition on silicate chain obtained from DFT calculation primarily results from more interlayer calcium occurrence to affect bridging tetrahedron and cationic bounding states reorganization. Reasonable control for Ca/Si momentously contributes to the adjustment for composition and structure of C‐S‐H synthesized in DSS.
Atomic structures of Ti‐doped α‐Al2O3 Σ13 grain boundary with a small amount of Si impurity
Authors: Ishihara Saki , Tochigi Eita , Ishikawa Ryo , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: September 2020

Doping is a fundamental technique to control sintering of α‐Al2O3, and many types of elements have been used to control grain growth and material properties. Such dopants tend to be concentrated at the grain boundaries and modify grain boundary properties. It is therefore important to investigate the variation of grain boundary atomic structures induced by additives. However, in the sintering process it is difficult to prevent small amounts of unintentional impurity (such as Si), and the potential influence of additives and impurities on the grain boundary structure should be taken into account. Here we show that two types of grain boundary atomic structures are formed in a Ti‐doped Σ13 []/() α‐Al2O3, which has been determined by atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Combining with atomic‐scale spectroscopic analyses, we elucidate that the local concentration of Si impurities significantly alters the grain boundary atomic structures and the valence state of Ti additives. The present results suggest that the subtle change in concentrations of both additives and impurity should have a strong impact on sintering processes and resultant properties in α‐Al2O3.
Processing and room temperature mechanical properties of a zirconium carbide ceramic
Authors: Korklan Nicole , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: September 2020

Zirconium carbide (ZrC) powder, batched to a ratio of 0.98 C/Zr, was prepared by carbothermal reduction of ZrO2 with carbon black. Nominally phase‐pure ZrC powder had a mean particle size of 2.4 μm. The synthesized powder was hot‐pressed at 2150°C to a relative density of > 95%. The mean grain size was 2.7 ± 1.4 μm with a maximum observed grain size of 17.5 μm. The final hot‐pressed billets had a C/Zr ratio of 0.92, and oxygen content of 0.5 wt%, as determined by gas fusion analysis. The mechanical properties of ZrC0.92O0.03 were measured at room temperature. Vickers’ hardness decreased from 19.5 GPa at a load of 0.5 kgf to 17.0 GPa at a load of 1 kgf. Flexural strength was 362.3 ± 46 MPa, Young's modulus was 397 ± 13 MPa, and fracture toughness was 2.9 ± 0.1 MPa•m1/2. Analysis of mechanical behavior revealed that the largest ZrC grains were the strength‐limiting flaw in these ceramics.
Mechanical behavior of K‐geopolymers reinforced with silane‐coated basalt fibers
Authors: Trindade Ana Carolina Constâncio , de Andrade Silva Flávio , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: September 2020

A potassium‐based geopolymer (KGP) was produced through the combination of metakaolin and a K‐based alkali metasilicate solution (K2O•Al2O3•4SiO2•11H2O). Two types of silane‐coated chopped basalt fibers, manufactured for cement or epoxy‐based applications, were used in order to compare their effects. The fibers had a 12.7 mm (½ inch) length and were incorporated initially in 10 wt % contents, due to the limited fluidity of the matrix. The effect of the addition of Sapetin® superplasticizer in varying weight percentages was examined through consistency tests. 0.5% by weight of the matrix was established to be an adequate amount to improve the geopolymer workability, allowing a greater incorporation of both types of fibers into the matrix (20 wt%). The mechanical properties were analyzed through compression and 4‐point flexural tests. Pull‐out and direct tensile tests were also performed. Additionally, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted with the KGP material and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to measure the fiber cross sections. Both composites manufactured with 10 wt % of fibers reached similar high flexural strengths (~30 MPa), suggesting a suitable crack propagation at higher stresses due to strong fiber‐matrix adhesions. The fibers manufactured for epoxy applications presented a greater compatibility in 20 wt % contents, reaching 37.8 MPa in flexural tests. This was attributed to a better dispersion of such fibers in a fresh mix with reduced friction, such as KGP with the addition of superplasticizer, suggesting an improved use of this reinforcement in such contents.
Effects of Al:Si and (Al + Na):Si ratios on the properties of the international simple glass, part II: Structure
Authors: Lu Xiaonan , Reiser Joelle T. , Parruzot Benjamin , Deng Lu , Gussev Igor M. , Neuefeind Jörg C. , Graham Trent R. , Liu Hongshen , Ryan Joseph V. , Kim Seong H. , Washton Nancy , Lang Maik , Du Jincheng , Vienna John D.
Published: September 2020

High‐alumina containing high‐level waste (HLW) will be vitrified at the Waste Treatment Plant at the Hanford Site. The resulting glasses, high in alumina, will have distinct composition‐structure‐property (C‐S‐P) relationships compared to previously studied HLW glasses. These C‐S‐P relationships determine the processability and product durability of glasses and therefore must be understood. The main purpose of this study is to understand the detailed structural changes caused by Al:Si and (Al + Na):Si substitutions in a simplified nuclear waste model glass (ISG, international simple glass) by combining experimental structural characterizations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The structures of these two series of glasses were characterized by neutron total scattering and 27Al, 23Na, 29Si, and 11B solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Additionally, MD simulations were used to generate atomistic structural models of the borosilicate glasses and simulation results were validated by the experimental structural data. Short‐range (eg, bond distance, coordination number, etc) and medium‐range (eg, oxygen speciation, network connectivity, polyhedral linkages) structural features of the borosilicate glasses were systematically investigated as a function of the degree of substitution. The results show that bond distance and coordination number of the cation‐oxygen pairs are relatively insensitive to Al:Si and (Al + Na):Si substitutions with the exception of the B‐O pair. Additionally, the Al:Si substitution results in an increase in tri‐bridging oxygen species, whereas (Al + Na):Si substitution creates nonbridging oxygen species. Charge compensator preferences were found for Si‐[NBO] (Na+), [3]B‐[NBO] (Na+), [4]B (mostly Ca2+), [4]Al (nearly equally split Na+ and Ca2+), and [6]Zr (mostly Ca2+). The network former‐BO‐network former linkages preferences were also tabulated; Si‐O‐Al and Al‐O‐Al were preferred at the expense of lower Si‐O‐[3]B and [3]B‐O‐[3]B linkages. These results provide insights on the structural origins of property changes such as glass‐transition temperature caused by the substitutions, providing a basis for future improvements of theoretical and computer simulation models.
New graduate nurses’ clinical competence: A mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Charette Martin , McKenna Lisa G. , Deschênes Marie‐France , Ha Laurence , Merisier Sophia , Lavoie Patrick
Published: September 2020

Aim

To appraise and synthesize evidence of empirical studies reporting assessment of new graduate nurses’ clinical competence in clinical settings.

Design

Mixed methods systematic review.

Data sources

The search strategy included keywords relevant to: new graduate nurse; clinical competence; and competence assessment. The searched literature databases included CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science. The search was limited to full‐text papers in English or French, published between 2010 –September 2019.

Review Methods

Inclusion criteria were: 1) empirical studies; 2) detailed method and complete results sections; 3) competence assessment in clinical settings; and 4) new graduate nurses (≤24 months). Two independent reviewers screened eligible papers, extracted data and used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool framework for quality appraisal. Divergences were solved through discussion.

Results

About 42 papers were included in this review: quantitative (N = 31), qualitative (N = 7) and mixed methods (N = 4). Findings suggest that new graduate nurses exhibit a good or adequate level of competence. Longitudinal studies show a significant increase in competence from 0–6 months, but findings are inconsistent from 6‐12 months.

Conclusion

There are a multitude of quantitative tools available to measure clinical competence. This suggests a need for a review of their rigor.

Impact

No recent reviews comprehensively synthesized the findings from new graduate nurses’ clinical competence. This review has found that new graduate nurses’ competence has been mostly assessed as good, despite the expectation that they should be more competent. Longitudinal studies did not always show a significant increase in competence. These findings can help nurse educators in providing more support to new graduate nurses throughout the transition period or design improved transition programme. This review also identified quantitative tools and qualitative methods that can be used for competence assessment.
A biflavonoid‐rich extract from Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. induces apoptosis via STAT3 and Akt/NF‐κB signalling pathways in laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Huiqi , Hao Ji , Pang Kejian , Lv Yibing , Wan Dingrong , Wu Chaoqun , Ma Yuanren , Yang Xinzhou , Zhang Wei K.
Published: September 2020

Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. (SM), a perennial evergreen plant, has been used in the treatment of acute infectious hepatitis, thoracic and hypochondriac lumbar contusions, systemic oedema and thrombocytopaenia. However, the role of a biflavonoid‐rich extract from SM (SM‐BFRE) in anti‐larynx cancer has rarely been reported. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo anti‐laryngeal cancer activity and potential mechanisms of SM‐BFRE were investigated. An off‐line semipreparative liquid chromatography‐nuclear magnetic resonance protocol was carried out to determine six biflavonoids from SM‐BFRE. In vitro, MTT assay revealed that SM‐BFRE inhibited the proliferation of laryngeal carcinoma cells. A wound healing assay indicated that SM‐BFRE suppressed the migration of laryngeal cancer cells. Hoechst 33 258 and Annexin V‐FITC/PI double staining assays were performed and verified that SM‐BFRE induced apoptosis in laryngeal carcinoma cells. The Hep‐2 bearing nude mouse model confirmed that SM‐BFRE also exhibited anticancer effect in vivo. In addition, Western blot analysis demonstrated that SM‐BFRE exerted its anti‐laryngeal cancer effect by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and inhibiting STAT3 and Akt/NF‐κB signalling pathways. All results suggested that SM‐BFRE could be considered as a potential chemotherapeutic drug for laryngeal cancer.
Screening and identification of potential prognostic biomarkers in metastatic skin cutaneous melanoma by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Sheng Zufeng , Han Wei , Huang Biao , Shen Guoliang
Published: September 2020

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a multifactorial disease that presents a poor prognosis due to its rapid progression towards metastasis. This study focused on the identification of prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary and metastatic SKCM. DEGs were obtained using three chip data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The protein‐protein interaction network was described by STRING and Cytoscape. Kaplan‐Meier curves were implemented to evaluate survival benefits within distinct groups. A total of 258 DEGs were distinguished as possible candidate biomarkers. Besides, survival curves indicated that DSG3, DSC3, PKP1, EVPL, IVL, FLG, SPRR1A and SPRR1B were of significant value to predict the metastatic transformation of melanoma. To further validate our hypotheses, functional enrichment and significant pathways of the hub genes were performed to indicate that the most involved considerable path. In summary, this study identified substantial DEGs participating in melanoma metastasis. DGS3, DSC3, PKP1, EVPL, IVL, FLG, SPRR1A and SPRR1B may be considered as new biomarkers in the therapeutics of metastatic melanoma, which might help us predict the potential metastatic capability of SKCM patients, thus provide earlier precautionary treatments. However, further experiments are still required to support the specific mechanisms of these hub genes.
Inhibition of receptor activity–modifying protein 1 suppresses the development of endometriosis and the formation of blood and lymphatic vessels
Authors: Honda Masako , Ito Yoshiya , Hattori Kyoko , Hosono Kanako , Sekiguchi Kazuki , Tsujikawa Kazutake , Unno Nobuya , Majima Masataka
Published: September 2020

Neuroimmune interactions are involved in the development of endometriosis. Here, we examined the role of a neuropeptide, calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP), and its receptor, receptor activity–modifying protein (RAMP) 1, in growth of endometrial tissues and the formation of blood and lymphatic vessels in a mouse ectopic endometrial transplantation model. Endometrial fragments from donor wild‐type (WT) mice transplanted into the peritoneal wall of recipient WT mice grew with increased density of blood and lymphatic vessels. When tissues from RAMP1‐deficient (RAMP1−/−) mice were transplanted into RAMP1−/− mice, implant growth and angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis were decreased. CGRP was up‐regulated in dorsal root ganglia, and CGRP+ nerve fibres were distributed into the implants from the peritoneum. RAMP1 was co‐expressed with CD11b (macrophages) and S100A4 (fibroblasts), but did not co‐localize with blood vessel endothelial cell marker CD31 or lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE)‐1. Cultured with CGRP, macrophages up‐regulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, whereas fibroblasts up‐regulated VEGF‐C, but not VEGF‐A or VEGF‐D, in a RAMP1‐dependent manner. CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8‐37 inhibited growth of and angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis within endometrial tissue implants. These results suggest that RAMP1 signalling is crucial for growth and angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis in endometrial tissue. Blockade of RAMP1 is a potential tool for the treatment of endometriosis.
Impact of Avène Thermal Spring Water on immune cells
Authors: Eliasse Y. , Redoules D. , Espinosa E.
Published: September 2020

The hydrotherapy centre in Avène, France, is used extensively to treat inflammatory skin diseases. Nevertheless, the immune mechanisms targeted by Avène Thermal Spring Water (TSW) are not fully understood. Here, we review the main results reported regarding the effects of Avène TSW on the immune system. In particular, mast cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells have been shown to be modulated by Avène TSW. All in all, the studies carried out on the effects of Avène TSW on leucocytes indicate that this water is endowed with a tolerogenic potential.
Therapeutic patient education: the Avène‐Les‐Bains experience
Authors: Guerrero D. , Calmette R.
Published: September 2020

Originally developed to improve the management of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and as aftercare following oncological treatments, therapeutic patient education (TPE) has been extended to other situations, including chronic dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the development, implementation and evaluation of TPE at the Avène‐Les‐Bains Hydrotherapy Center, France.
Protective effect of Aquaphilus dolomiae extract‐G1, ADE‐G1, on tight junction barrier function in a Staphylococcus aureus‐infected atopic dermatitis model
Authors: Galliano M.F. , Bäsler K. , Caruana A. , Mias C. , Bessou‐Touya S. , Brandner J.M. , Duplan H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease characterized by recurrent pruritic inflammatory skin lesions and defects of the skin barrier. Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus contributes to increased severity of AD by compromising the barrier further. A microorganism component of Avène Thermal Spring Water, Aquaphilus dolomiae, is thought to contribute to some of its beneficial effects to skin, eg AD alleviation.

Aims

Here, we have investigated the effects of an extract of A. dolomiae, A. dolomiae extract‐G1 (ADE‐G1), on the structural barrier function of keratinocytes, tight junction (TJ) protein expression and the expression of several genes altered in AD patients.

Methods

An epidermal cell culture model mimicking the AD environment and phenotype was used, in which S. aureus‐infected cell cultures of normal human epidermal keratinocytes were exposed to a proinflammatory environment. Endpoints measured included the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and immunohistological staining of the epidermal TJ proteins, claudin and occludin. Additional analysis was made of several genes known to be differentially regulated in skin from AD patients (C‐C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), S100 calcium binding protein A7 (S100A7), defensin beta 4 (DEFB4) and filaggrin).

Results

Aquaphilus dolomiae extract‐G1 strongly increased TER in non‐infected cells and provided protection against infection by overcoming the decrease in TER induced by the infection with S. aureus. In infected cells exposed to a pro‐inflammatory environment – depicting AD‐like conditions – TER protection by ADE‐G1 was still observed. Gene expression analysis of infected and pro‐inflammatory stimulated cells indicated that ADE‐G1 modulated the inflammatory response (induced IL‐8 and attenuated CCL20 expression), increased antimicrobial activities (induced DEFB4 and A100A7) and strengthened barrier function (restored filaggrin expression).

Conclusions

ADE‐G1 reinforces barrier function and strongly protects TJ barrier disruption induced by bacterial infection and inflammation.
Additional pharmacological activity of I‐modulia and generation of two newly designed extracts of Aquaphilus dolomiae culture for dermocosmetic actives
Authors: Nguyen T. , Chol B. , Maitre M. , Ravard‐Helffer K. , Farinole F. , Lestienne F. , Castex‐Rizzi N.
Published: September 2020

Aquaphilus dolomiae (AD) is a unique isolate from Avène Thermal Spring Water. I‐Modulia, the first biotech extract from culture of AD, was used as immune modulator in Th2 inflammatory models. In this short publication, firstly we describe generation of two AD de novo extracts specifically designed for repairing and for neuroinflammation modulation activities which will be described, respectively, in two other articles in this supplement. Finally, for I‐modulia, we describe new data on inhibition of human mast cell degranulation in vitro and its effect on substance P‐induced neurogenic inflammation on ex vivo human skin explants.
Within‐population variation in female mating preference affects the opportunity for sexual selection and the evolution of male traits, but things are not as simple as expected
Authors: Millan Cristiane H. , Machado Glauco , Muniz Danilo G.
Published: September 2020

Females from the same population usually have phenotypic variation in their mating preferences. However, the effects of this within‐population variation on the sexual selection acting on males are still unclear. We used individual‐based models to explore how within‐population variation in female preference (i.e. which male trait value is preferred) and preference strength (i.e. how strong the preference is) affects the opportunity for sexual selection (Is) and the evolution of a sexually selected male trait. We found the highest Is values when females had high variation in preference and an open‐ended preference function. The lowest Is occurred when the magnitude of variation in female preference and male trait value were the same and preference function was closed. Male trait exaggeration was higher when there was high within‐population variation in preference and females had an open‐ended preference function. Also, higher male trait variation was maintained by high variation in preference, but only for a closed preference function. Thus, we found that only within‐population variation in female preference, not in preference strength, influences the opportunity for sexual selection and the evolution of sexually selected male traits. Moreover, we found that the shape of the preference function (i.e. open‐ended or closed) and the magnitude of within‐population variation in female preference compared to male trait variation also influences the Is and consequently the evolution of male traits.