bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural thermoregulation and climatic range restriction in the globally threatened Ethiopian Bush‐crow Zavattariornis stresemanni
Authors: Bladon Andrew J. , Donald Paul F. , Jones Samuel E.I. , Collar Nigel J. , Deng Jarso , Dadacha Galgalo , Abebe Yilma D. , Green Rhys E.
Published: August 2018

Climate may influence the distribution and abundance of a species through a number of demographic and ecological processes, but the proximate drivers of such responses are only recently being identified. The Ethiopian Bush‐crow Zavattariornis stresemanni is a starling‐like corvid that is restricted to a small region of southern Ethiopia. It is classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of globally threatened species. Previous work suggested that this range restriction is almost perfectly defined by a climate envelope that is cooler than surrounding areas, but the proximate mechanism remains unexplained. The heavily altered habitats which the species inhabits are widespread across Africa, and recent work has shown that the Bush‐crow is behaviourally adaptable and has a catholic diet. We assess whether its enigmatic distribution can be explained by behavioural responses to the higher temperatures that surround its current range. Using environmental niche models and field observations of thermally mediated behaviour, we compare the range restriction and behavioural thermoregulation of the Ethiopian Bush‐crow with those of two sympatric control species that are similar in size and ecology, but have much larger ranges that include hotter environments. White‐crowned Starling Lamprotornis albicapillus and Superb Starling L. superbus occupy similar habitats to the Ethiopian Bush‐crow and all three frequently forage together. We found that the Bush‐crow's range is limited primarily by temperature, with a secondary effect of dry season rainfall, whereas the ranges of the two starling species are better predicted by wet season rainfall alone. Bush‐crows exhibited panting behaviour and moved into the shade of trees at significantly lower ambient temperatures than did the starlings, and their food intake declined more steeply with increasing temperature. These results indicate that the limited geographical range of the Bush‐crow reflects an inability to cope with higher temperatures. This suggests that a species' response to climate change might not be easily predicted by its ecological generalism, and may represent an inherited debt from its evolutionary history.
Weak breeding seasonality of a songbird in a seasonally arid tropical environment arises from individual flexibility and strongly seasonal moult
Authors: Nwaogu Chima J. , Tieleman B. Irene , Cresswell Will
Published: August 2018

In some tropical birds, breeding seasonality is weak at the population level, even where there are predictable seasonal peaks in environmental conditions. It therefore remains unclear whether individuals are adapted to breeding at specific times of the year or flexible to variable environmental conditions. We tested whether the relative year‐round breeding activity of the Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus arises due to within‐individual variability in breeding dates. We collected data from 827 birds via mist‐netting over 2 years with corresponding local weather data. We used a combination of climate envelope and generalized linear mixed models to explore how the timing of breeding is influenced by time of year, individual variation, rainfall and temperature in a West African savannah where seasonal precipitation determines annual variation in environmental conditions. We also pooled 65 breeding records from 19 individuals recorded between 2006 and 2017 based on brood patch occurrence and behavioural observation to compare within‐individual and population variability in breeding dates. We show that the breeding dates of individuals may be as variable as for the population as a whole. However, we observed a seasonal peak in juvenile occurrence that varies significantly between years. Models suggest no relationship between nesting and moult, and within‐year variation in rainfall and temperature, and birds were unlikely to breed during moult but may do so afterwards. Moult was very seasonal, correlating strongly with day length. We suggest that because environmental conditions permit year‐round breeding, and because reproductive output is subject to high predation risk, there is probably a weak selection for individuals to match breeding with variable peak conditions in the environment. Instead, moult, which always occurs annually and successfully, is probably under strong selection to match variable peak conditions in the environment so that long‐term survival ensures future reproduction.
Predation on artificial avian nests is higher in forests bordering small anthropogenic openings
Authors: Valentine Ethan C. , Apol Chad A. , Proppe Darren S.
Published: August 2018

Habitat edges alter the diversity of avian communities and are often associated with higher rates of nest predation. However, most previous studies on habitat edges have been conducted along long linear corridors or at the transition between large field and forest patches in agricultural systems. Less is known about predation rates when the habitat edge is the result of a small interior forest opening. We assessed predation rates on artificial nests mimicking ground and shrub nesters in Northern Michigan forests perforated by small clearings used previously for oil and gas extraction. Nests were placed at varying distances from the edges of these clearings, and in similar spatial arrangements within unfragmented interior forest plots. Predation rates increased in forests near edges, but significant impacts were limited to shrub nests. Markings on predated clay eggs indicated that the type of predation also differed. Scratch marks were the most prevalent egg indentation, but eggs with poked holes were twice as common near the forest edge. The increase in the number of poked eggs suggests that a higher density of avian predators occurred in forests near an edge. Predation rates at forest edges did not vary by distance from the forest edge. Surveys of the avian community revealed differences between edge and interior forests: American CrowsCorvus brachyrhynchosand Blue JaysCyanocitta cristata, two species known to predate bird nests, were more common near edges. Our results suggest that small forest openings alter the avian community and may adversely impact reproductive output in some species. If the alteration of these processes results in population‐level impacts, small forest perforations should be avoided when possible and reforestation of abandoned well‐pads should be encouraged.
GlycA is not a useful biomarker of inflammation in sickle cell disease
Authors: Weisman Julie K. , Meeks Daveena , Mendelsohn Laurel , Remaley Alan T. , Sampson Maureen , Allen Darlene T. , Nichols Jim , Shet Arun S. , Thein Swee Lay
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a multisystemic disorder, the pathology being driven by recurrent inflammation particularly during a vaso‐occlusive crisis. GlycA, a composite measure of protein glycation, is a sensitive biomarker for disorders associated with vascular inflammation. We determined the utility of GlycA as a biomarker of inflammation in SCD.

Methods

Stored plasma samples from patients with SCD recruited to two clinical studies were analyzed. One study encompasses 488 patient samples with SCD (HbSS, HbSβ0 and HbSC) at steady state and 52 race‐matched, healthy controls. The other study included paired plasma samples during steady state and acute pain crisis from (HbSS) patients with SCD. Plasma GlycA was measured using a proton NMR on the Vantera® Clinical Analyzer. We performed analysis comparing patients with SCD, healthy controls, and paired samples analysis.

Results

The mean plasma GlycA level was lower in SCD compared with healthy controls (324.6 ± 70.4 μmol/L vs. 386.3 ± 74.6 μmol/L, P < 0.0001). Within the same patient, mean plasma GlycA during acute pain crisis was lower than steady state, although the difference was not significant (300.5 ± 36.3 μmol/L vs 314.2 ± 34.8 μmol/L, P = 0.020). Plasma GlycA correlated inversely with serum LDH (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

GlycA is not a suitable biomarker of inflammation in SCD. We surmise that its signal is confounded by hemolysis leading to a depletion of haptoglobin, one of the major plasma proteins included in the composite NMR signal. Hemolysis is further exacerbated during an acute pain crisis, hence the lower GlycA levels in crisis compared to steady state.
Diabetes of the exocrine pancreas
Authors: Wynne Katie , Devereaux Benedict , Dornhorst Anne
Published: August 2018

Diabetes of the exocrine pancreas (DEP) is a form of diabetes that occurs due to pancreatic disease. It is far more common than has been previously considered, with a recent study showing 1.8% of adults with new‐onset diabetes should have been classified as DEP. The majority is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Patients with DEP exhibit varying degrees of exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. Damage to the islet of Langerhans effects the secretion of hormones from the β, α, and pancreatic polypeptide cells; the combination of low insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide contributes to rapid fluctuations in glucose levels. This form of “brittle diabetes” may result in the poorer glycemic control observed in patients with DEP, when compared with those with T2DM.

Diabetes of the exocrine pancreas has a different natural history to other forms of diabetes; patients are more likely to require early insulin initiation compared with those with T2DM. Therefore, individuals with DEP should be advised about the symptoms of decompensated hyperglycemia, although they are less likely to develop ketoacidosis.

Clinicians should screen for DEP in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis, following pancreatic resection, or with co‐existing cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis. Incident diabetes may herald the onset of pancreatic ductal carcinoma in a small subset of patients.

Once identified, patients with DEP can benefit from specific lifestyle advice, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, metformin treatment, appropriate insulin dosing, and monitoring. Further research is needed to establish the ideal treatment regimens to provide optimal clinical outcomes for this unique form of diabetes.
Development and internal validation of a risk scoring system for gastrointestinal events requiring surgery in gastrointestinal lymphoma patients
Authors: Aoki Tomonori , Yamada Atsuo , Takahashi Miwako , Niikura Ryota , Toyama Kazuhiro , Ushiku Tetsuo , Kurokawa Mineo , Momose Toshimitsu , Fukayama Masashi , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

The predictors of severe gastrointestinal (GI) events in GI lymphoma patients are unclear. We aimed to develop a risk scoring system for GI events requiring surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective study of 192 patients with GI lymphoma, the state of lymphoma, macroscopic findings, examination results, and International Prognostic Index were assessed. We developed a risk score for GI events that required surgery and assessed its accuracy by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Internal validation was performed using bootstrap resampling.

Results

Severe GI events occurred in 21 (11%) patients. We developed a 4‐point scoring system (the FLASH score) comprising the following three independent predictors (weighted by regression coefficients): (i) focal appearance and large size (≥ 40 mm), 1 point; (ii) aggressive lymphoma of the small bowel, 2 points; and (iii) high (18)F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography uptake, 1 point. The score predicted severe GI events with an AUC value of 0.91 (internal validation; AUC, 0.86). Risk was classified into three categories: the GI event rate was 0% in the low‐risk group (0 points), 9% in the intermediate‐risk group (1–2 points), and 61% in the high‐risk group (3–4 points) (AUC, 0.89).

Conclusions

We developed and internally validated a risk scoring system (the FLASH score) that included macroscopic findings to predict severe GI events in GI lymphoma patients. Patients with high scores are candidates for elective surgery to prevent GI events.
Formulation and characterization of a Helianthus annuus ‐ alkyl polyglucoside emulsion cream for topical applications
Authors: Banerjee Kaushita , Thiagarajan Narayanaswamy , Thiagarajan Padma
Published: August 2018

Background

Green formulations with herbal oils and natural nonionic emulsifiers project several advantages, like favorable viscosity profiles, for use as topical applicants. Their inherent constituents also protect the skin against free radical damage and lipid peroxidation. They may hence serve as alternatives for synthetic chemical‐based formulations.

Objective

Formulation and characterization of Helianthus annuus—alkyl polyglucoside cream for topical application has been attempted. Its inherent sun protection factor has been measured and compared with a similar commercial formulation. It is well known that the internal network of liquid crystals of such emulsifiers can store depot water to maintain moisturization for long time, thus bestowing beneficial dermatological effects.

Methods

Physicochemical characterization of the oil was done. The formulation process for the cream was optimized for reduced particle size with respect to ultrasonication conditions. It was characterized extensively; its inherent sun protection factor was measured and compared with a similar commercial cream.

Results

The cream was smooth, creamy, and showed non‐Newtonian thixotropic behavior and good shear‐thinning features with an SPF of 6.3 that compared favorably with a similar commercial cream.

Conclusions

The cream may serve as a good topical applicant and also help in skin hydration due to the inherent nature of the emulsifier. It may protect against UV radiations due to the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory nature of the natural oil constituents. It may be used as a low‐SPF formulation.
Split‐face comparison study of transcutaneous pneumatic injection therapy with isotonic and hypertonic glucose solutions
Authors: Cho Sung Bin , Zheng Zhenlong , Yoo Kwang Ho , Kim Hyun‐Jo , Kim Heesu
Published: August 2018

Background

Transcutaneous pneumatic injection (TPI) is a minimally invasive, needle‐free modality that can be used to forcefully deliver solution into soft tissues of the face and scalp.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of TPI of 5% isotonic and 20% hypertonic glucose solutions in in vivo human skin for face lifting.

Methods and materials

A prospective, split‐face, evaluator‐blinded comparison study was performed on 10 Korean participants who were treated with three sessions of TPI using 5% isotonic and 20% hypertonic glucose solutions.

Results

The following assessment parameters were improved after TPI therapy using 5% isotonic glucose solution in descending order of mean global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score: perioral expression wrinkles, zygomatic wrinkles or mid‐cheek furrows, eyebrow ptosis, jowl sagging, marionette line, horizontal forehead lines, nasolabial folds, and blepharochalasis. Meanwhile, TPI therapy using 20% hypertonic glucose solution improved the following assessment parameters: zygomatic wrinkles or mid‐cheek furrows, perioral expression wrinkles, eyebrow ptosis, blepharochalasis, marionette line, jowl sagging, nasolabial folds, and horizontal forehead lines. Linear mixed models revealed a significant interaction between treatment groups and time.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that TPI treatment with 20% hypertonic glucose solution elicited earlier and more pronounced therapeutic responses, compared to 5% isotonic glucose solution.
Topical silymarin versus hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma: A comparative study
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Ibrahim Al‐Shimaa M. , Nofal Eman , Gamal Noura , Osman Shimaa
Published: August 2018

Background

Melasma is a highly prevalent hyperpigmentation disorder with a high relapsing rate and a negative impact on the psychological state of the affected patients. The exact pathogenesis of melasma is not completely elucidated; however, ultraviolet induced oxidative stress has an important role in its pathogenesis. Silymarin, antioxidant drug, reduces the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation such as inflammation, immune responses, DNA damage, and pigmentation.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of topical silymarin with different concentrations (0.7% and 1.4%) versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.

Methods

Forty‐two adult female patients with melasma were assigned to three equal groups each containing 14 patients; group1 was treated by silymarin 0.7% cream, group 2 was treated by silymarin 1.4% cream and group 3 was treated by hydroquinone 4% cream. The duration of treatment was 3 months.

Results

MASI score was significantly reduced in all groups at the end of third month; however, there were no significant differences in the therapeutic response between the three studied groups. No side effects were recorded with silymarin, while hydroquinone was associated with significant adverse effects.

Conclusions

Silymarin cream might serve as an effective and safe treatment modality for melasma.
Nutritional management of moderate–late preterm infants: Survey of current practice
Authors: Alexander Tanith , Bloomfield Frank H
Published: August 2018

Aim

Moderate–late preterm (MLPT) babies account for over 80% of preterm babies born world‐wide. Many MLPT babies require early nutritional support while full sucking feeds are established, but there is little evidence to guide practice. We aimed to determine current practice in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to neonatal clinical directors within the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network requesting dissemination to colleagues involved in the care of MLPT babies (32–35+6 weeks’ gestation). The questionnaire asked about respondents’ nutritional management of MLPT babies and included scenarios for both moderate‐ (MPT) and late preterm (LPT) babies.

Results

There were 83 respondents. While waiting for mothers' milk to meet prescribed fluid volumes, 61% (MPT) to 53% (LPT) of respondents would provide dextrose 10% as the first nutritional support, with 15% (MPT) to 38% (LPT) providing infant formula. Of clinicians providing 10% dextrose, 31% (MPT) to 49% (LPT) were happy to do so for ≥3 days, with 5% comfortable doing so for 5 days in moderately preterm babies, before providing additional support. This additional support was infant formula in 73% (MPT) to 90% (LPT) of respondents.

Conclusions

There is variation in the nutritional management of MLPT infants amongst neonatal clinicians, likely due to the lack of evidence from randomised controlled trials on which to base clinical practice. The majority of clinicians are happy providing only dextrose 10% for up to 2–3 days despite this form of nutritional support containing only carbohydrate.
Biogeographic and anthropogenic correlates of Aleutian Islands plant diversity: A machine‐learning approach
Authors: Garroutte Monte , Huettmann Falk , Webb Campbell O. , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M.
Published: August 2018

This is the first comprehensive analysis of vascular plant diversity patterns in the Aleutian Islands to identify and quantify the impact of Aleutian Island distance dispersal barriers, geographical, ecological and anthropogenic factors. Data from public Open Access databases, printed floristic accounts, and from collections made by the primary author were used to develop an Aleutian floristic database. The most common plant distribution pattern was “an eastern origin community”, though it compared similarly to the “Western” and “Widespread” distribution pattern. We established an ecological plant community composition class for each island, based on clustering species assemblage dissimilarity measurements (Jaccard Index), and a measurement of phylogenetic dissimilarity (UniFrac). We modelled these composition classes and species richness values in non‐parametric algorithmic models and concepts (data cloning using machine learning, stochastic boosting‐ TreeNet) based on classic and Aleutians‐specific island biogeography hypotheses. Plant species richness is strongly associated with the equilibrium model variables of area and island isolation, as well as distance to the Alaska Peninsula, and island total stream length. Species composition is strongly associated with the landmass groups during the last glacial maximum, maximum island elevation, island isolation and island area. Phylogenetic composition is associated with island area, distance from the islands to the Chukotka Peninsula, maximum island elevation, island geologic age, and island isolation. This study extends the equilibrium theory of island biogeography by including additional drivers of diversity during the Anthropocene, such as the landmass during the LGM, as well as factors that may be related to anthropogenic extinction rate.
Talker and Acoustic Variability in Learning to Produce Nonnative Sounds: Evidence from Articulatory Training
Authors: Kartushina Natalia , Martin Clara D.
Published: August 2018

Compared to low‐variability training, high‐variability training leads to better learning outcomes and supports generalization of learning. However, it is unclear whether the learning advantage is driven by multiple talkers or by enhanced acoustic variability across target sounds. The current study addressed this issue in nonnative production learning. Spanish speakers were trained to produce the French /e/–/ɛ/ vowel contrast. The stimuli were recorded by five native French talkers for the multiple‐talker (MT) group or by one talker for the single‐talker (ST) group, but acoustic dispersion of the vowels and context were matched between the two groups. Both training paradigms improved production accuracy, with slightly greater improvement in the ST group. However, only MT training enhanced the compactness of vowel categories and generalized to the production of sounds elicited by an unfamiliar speaker. This suggests that talker variability supports the establishment of abstract phonemic categories in production.
Differential biodiversity responses between kingdoms (plants, fungi, bacteria and metazoa) along an Alpine succession gradient
Authors: Montagna Matteo , Berruti Andrea , Bianciotto Valeria , Cremonesi Paola , Giannico Riccardo , Gusmeroli Fausto , Lumini Erica , Pierce Simon , Pizzi Flavia , Turri Federica , Gandini Gustavo
Published: August 2018

Biological diversities of multiple kingdoms potentially respond in similar ways to environmental changes. However, studies either compare details of microbial diversity across general vegetation or land use classes or relate details of plant community diversity with the extent of microbially governed soil processes, via physiological profiling. Here, we test the hypothesis of shared responses of plant and rhizosphere bacterial, fungal and metazoan biodiversities (especially across‐habitat β‐diversity patterns) along a disturbance gradient encompassing grazed to abandoned Alpine pasture, on acid soil in the European Central Alps. Rhizosphere biological diversity was inferred from eDNA fractions specific to bacteria, fungi and metazoans from contrasting plant habitats indicative of different disturbance levels. We found that soil β‐diversity patterns were weakly correlated with plant diversity measures and similarly ordinated along an evident edaphic (pH, C:N, assimilable P) and disturbance gradient but, contrary to our hypothesis, did not demonstrate the same diversity patterns. While plant communities were well separated along the disturbance gradient, correlating with fungal diversity, the majority of bacterial taxa were shared between disturbance levels (75% of bacteria were ubiquitous, cf. 29% plant species). Metazoa exhibited an intermediate response, with communities at the lowest levels of disturbance partially overlapping. Thus, plant and soil biological diversities were only loosely dependent and did not exhibit strictly linked environmental responses. This probably reflects the different spatial scales of organisms (and their habitats) and capacity to invest resources in persistent multicellular tissues, suggesting that vegetation responses to environmental change are unreliable indicators of below‐ground biodiversity responses.
If You Can't Change What You Believe, You Don't Believe It
Authors: Helton Grace
Published: August 2018

I develop and defend the view that subjects are necessarily psychologically able to revise their beliefs in response to relevant counter‐evidence. Specifically, subjects can revise their beliefs in response to relevant counter‐evidence, given their current psychological mechanisms and skills. If a subject lacks this ability, then the mental state in question is not a belief, though it may be some other kind of cognitive attitude, such as a supposition, an entertained thought, or a pretense. The result is a moderately revisionary view of belief: while most mental states we thought were beliefs are beliefs, some mental states which we thought were beliefs are not beliefs. The argument for this view draws on two key claims: First, subjects are rationally obligated to revise their beliefs in response to relevant counter‐evidence. Second, if some subject is rationally obligated to revise one of her mental states, then that subject can revise that mental state, given her current psychological mechanisms and skills. Along the way to defending these claims, I argue that rational obligations can govern activities which reflect on one's rational character, whether or not those activities are under one's voluntary control. I also show how the relevant version of epistemic ‘ought’ implies ‘can’ survives an objection which plagues other variants of the principle.
The evolvability of animal‐pollinated flowers: towards predicting adaptation to novel pollinator communities
Authors: Opedal Øystein H.
Published: August 2018

In the event of a community turnover, population decline, or complete disappearance of pollinators, animal‐pollinated plants may respond by adapting to novel pollinators or by changing their mating system. The ability of populations to adapt is determined by their ability to respond to novel selection pressures, i.e. their evolvability. In the short term, evolvability is determined by standing genetic variation in the trait under selection.

To evaluate the evolutionary potential of plant reproductive systems, I compiled genetic‐variance estimates for a large selection of floral traits mediating shifts in pollination and mating systems. Then, I computed evolvabilities and compared these among trait groups and against the evolvabilities of vegetative traits.

Evolvabilities of most floral traits were substantial yet tended to be lower than the median for vegetative traits. Among floral traits, herkogamy (anther–stigma distance), floral‐display traits and perhaps floral‐volatile concentrations had greater‐than‐average evolvabilities, while the evolvabilities of pollinator‐fit traits were below average.

These results suggest that most floral traits have the potential to evolve rapidly in response to novel selection pressures, providing resilience of plant reproductive systems in the event of changing pollinator communities.
Homologs of the STYLISH gene family control nectary development in Aquilegia
Authors: Min Ya , Bunn J. Imani , Kramer Elena M.
Published: August 2018

Floral nectaries are an interesting example of a convergent trait in flowering plants, and are associated with the diversification of numerous angiosperm lineages, including the adaptive radiation of the New World Aquilegia species. However, we know very little as to what genes contribute to nectary development and evolution, particularly in noncore eudicot taxa.

We analyzed expression patterns and used RNAi‐based methods to investigate the functions of homologs from the STYLISH (STY) family in nectar spur development in Aquilegia coerulea.

We found that AqSTY1 exhibits concentrated expression in the presumptive nectary of the growing spur tip, and triple gene silencing of the three STY‐like genes revealed that they function in style and nectary development. Strong expression of STY homologs was also detected in the nectary‐bearing petals of Delphinium and Epimedium.

Our results suggest that the novel recruitment of STY homologs to control nectary development is likely to have occurred before the diversification of the Ranunculaceae and Berberidaceae. To date, the STY homologs of the Ranunculales are the only alternative loci for the control of nectary development in flowering plants, providing a critical data point in understanding the evolutionary origin and developmental basis of nectaries.
Drug holiday patterns and bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Jung Sun‐Young , Suh Hae Sun , Park Ji‐Won , Kwon Jin‐Won
Published: August 2018

Objectives

There is limited evidence regarding the appropriate length of a bisphosphonate (BP) holiday to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). In this cross‐sectional study, we investigated the population‐based patterns of the gaps between BP discontinuation and ONJ diagnosis.

Subjects and Methods

We used the claims database of the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. Among BP users between 2006 and 2015, incident ONJ cases during 2010–2015 with no history of ONJ in the last 4 years were identified. We assessed the time gap from the last BP administration to ONJ diagnosis.

Results

Among 1,569 incident ONJ cases, 836 (53.3%) occurred after BP discontinuation. The cumulative proportions of ONJ occurrence within 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after discontinuation were 58.9%, 70.8%, 87.0%, 93.2%, and 96.1%, respectively. The length of drug holidays showed no significant difference between patients with or without comorbid cancer and diabetes mellitus (p‐value, 0.12 and 0.52, respectively). However, the use of injectable BP formulations significantly affected ONJ incidence (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Most ONJ cases occurred within 3 years from BP suspension, with a higher prevalence among BP injection users with 1 year or lesser BP holiday.
Sustainable alternatives to dietary fish oil in tropical fish aquaculture
Authors: Alhazzaa Ramez , Nichols Peter D. , Carter Chris G.
Published: August 2018

Marine tropical carnivorous (MTC) fish are less tolerant to high dietary lipid compared with cold and temperate climate fish. However, insufficient n‐3 long‐chain (≥C20) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) compromises MTC fish health and growth which requires attention when choosing lipid sources in aquafeed formulations. Fish oil (FO) has been the major lipid source for feeding key MTC fish. We estimated that more than 200 thousand tonnes of FO were used to feed farmed MTC fish in 2016, representing nearly 25% of global FO production. Nevertheless, recent increases in FO prices and demand, and the foreseen inability of wild fisheries to produce sufficient FO in the future, have created a need for cheaper and more sustainable alternatives. Meta‐analysis showed that feeding vegetable oils (VO) to MTC fish can slightly reduce their growth, with a marked decrease in n‐3 LC‐PUFA content in the fish tissues corresponding with the increased replacement of FO and fishmeal in the diet. Rendered terrestrial animal fat or modulating the bioconversion of n‐3 LC‐PUFA precursors in VO can be utilised further in MTC fish nutrition with more research recommended on these approaches. Oils and oil‐rich meals from non‐food marine organisms are rich in n‐3 LC‐PUFA and represent an underutilised alternative to FO for tropical aquaculture. With oils rich in n‐3 LC‐PUFA produced from transgenic plants presently gaining regulatory approvals and becoming available as a renewable alternative to FO, aquaculture in the tropics and around the globe is ready to leap into a new phase of sustainable expansion.
Social networks near and far: The role of bonding and bridging social capital for assets of the rural poor
Authors: Mogues Tewodaj
Published: August 2018

With formal insurance and credit markets either absent or inaccessible to rural agents in most poor rural economies, social networks play a highly important role in mitigating the risks that agricultural households face. These kinds of informal insurance schemes are presumed to be most effective in the face of idiosyncratic risk. However, social mechanisms also exist in developing countries that may reduce locally correlated risk such as the adverse economic effects of climatic conditions that affect multiple residents in a village. This paper analyzes the role of localized (bonding) and of spatially dispersed (bridging) social capital in mitigating the impact of idiosyncratic and of locally correlated shocks on farm households’ livestock endowments. Using dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) system estimation with seven‐period panel dataset of over 400 households, we find that bonding social capital is able to protect households’ livestock assets against idiosyncratic shocks, but bridging social capital does not play a role in mitigating the impact of correlated shocks. The results hold up to multiple robustness checks. A test of different hypotheses about the nature of these assets’ trajectories rejects the asset poverty trap hypothesis, and instead finds that livestock asset dynamics are characterized by a single stable equilibrium.
Regulation of fatty acid synthesis in immune cells
Authors: Qian Xuchen , Yang Zhitao , Mao Enqiang , Chen Erzhen
Published: August 2018

Metabolic reprogramming plays a critical role in the important cellular metabolic alterations that occur during the activation of immune cells to enable them to adapt to the extracellular environment. Here, we review recent studies on how substrate availability and metabolites mediate the signalling pathways that regulate fatty acid synthesis (FAS) in different immune cells and how FAS determines cellular fate and function. The major regulators sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins and liver X receptors, the key enzyme ATP citrate lyase and the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signalling axis play important roles in de novo FAS during a variety of biological events, including cellular proliferation and differentiation and the development of organelles and intracellular membrane components in immune cells. In addition, the regulation of FAS substantially contributes to the inflammatory response of immune cells. Post‐transcriptional modifications in FAS are also closely associated with the functional processes of immune cells. Understanding and investigating the intrinsic regulatory mechanism of FAS is of great significance for developing novel therapies for inflammation‐induced diseases.
Structural Stratification in Higher Education and the University Origins of Political Leaders in Eight Countries
Authors: Zarifa David , Davies Scott
Published: August 2018

Are political leaders “educationally representative” of their electorates? Because almost all national‐level political leaders are university graduates, this question increasingly centers on whether they attended a select number of highly ranked domestic institutions. This study examines international variations in the concentration of universities attended by political leaders by analyzing publicly available information on all 524 national party leaders from the past century in eight countries: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, and Sweden. Our analyses reveal four major findings. First, the university origins of political elites are most concentrated in theUKand United States, whose higher education systems are highly stratified. Second, British and American leaders were most likely to attend world top‐ranked universities than leaders from any other countries. Third, our results uncover a realignment between elite universities and party ideology in recent decades, as leaders of left‐wing parties become more likely to attend elite universities than their right‐wing counterparts. In conclusion, we theorize connections between higher education and elite recruitment, and suggest directions for future research that can utilize a broader range of nations and societal sectors.
Determinants of transmission hotspots and filarial infection in households after eight rounds of mass drug administration in India
Authors: Srividya A. , Subramanian S. , Sadanandane C. , Vasuki V. , Jambulingam P.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination through mass drug administration (MDA) ofDECand albendazole have resulted in very low levels of infection in most endemic districts in India. But small pockets with residual microfilaraemia in the community and antigeneamia in children (‘hotspots’) are a cause of concern. We aimed to identify the determinants of such transmission hotspots and filarial infection in households using data from 33 communities.

Methods

The filariasis vectorCulex quinquefasciatuswas collected from 627 randomly selected households using gravid traps. Parallel data on environmental, entomological, demographical, socio‐economical and behavioural factors were analysed to identify the determinants of hotspots and household‐level infection.

Results

Hotspots and non‐hotspots did not differ significantly in terms of socio‐economical and behavioural aspects, but did differ in terms of demographical and environmental factors. Logistic regression revealed that tiled and concrete houses increased the risk of an area being a hotspot by 2.0 and 2.9 times respectively. Presence ofCulexbreeding habitats was significantly associated with elevated risk of being a hotspot. Proximity of U‐drains to a house increased the risk of filarial infection 5.8 times.

Conclusions

An environment suitable toCulexbreeding influences continued transmission despite eight rounds ofMDA, particularly in hotspots. Proximity to U‐drains increases the risk of infection in households. Implementing localised vector control measures may help interrupt low‐level transmission, thereby reducing the risk of resurgence in the absence ofMDA.
Trade liberalisation and cross‐firm wage heterogeneity: Theory and evidence from China
Authors: Chen Bo , Hou Jinbo
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we first build a simple model with firm heterogeneity that features input and output tariffs in firms’ production decisions. We show that tariff reduction, due to trade liberalisation, has different effects on firms’ profit. Input tariff reduction generates a cost‐saving effect which benefits firms whilst output tariff reduction results in a competition effect which may hurt domestic firms. Given the fair wage argument, trade liberalisation may affect wages across firms due to the joint effects on firm profit. Using detailed Chinese manufacturing firm data from 1998 to 2007, we conduct empirical tests to investigate how trade liberalisation affects Chinese firm wages. In particular, we measure the joint effects of input and output tariff reduction by the applying the new measurement on the effective rate of protection. Furthermore, we also control for the effect of the iterated use of inputs with an index of a firm’s position on value chain. We found that from 1998 to 2007, Chinese manufacturing firms paid higher wages due to higher tariff protection when firms’ status on value chain was controlled. The result remains robust when more control variables are included and the endogeneity problem is considered.
Nitric oxide‐dependent attenuation of noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction is impaired in the canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kodippili Kasun , Hakim Chady H. , Yang Hsiao T. , Pan Xiufang , Yang N. Nora , Laughlin Maurice H. , Terjung Ronald L. , Duan Dongsheng
Published: August 2018

Key points

We developed a novel method to study sympatholysis in dogs.

We showed abolishment of sarcolemmal nNOS, and reduction of total nNOS and total eNOS in the canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model.

We showed sympatholysis in dogs involving both nNOS‐derived NO‐dependent and NO‐independent mechanisms.

We showed that the loss of sarcolemmal nNOS compromised sympatholysis in the canine DMD model.

We showed that NO‐independent sympatholysis was not affected in the canine DMD model.

The absence of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) leads to the delocalization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) from the sarcolemma. Sarcolemmal nNOS plays an important role in sympatholysis, a process of attenuating reflex sympathetic vasoconstriction during exercise to ensure blood perfusion in working muscle. Delocalization of nNOS compromises sympatholysis resulting in functional ischaemia and muscle damage in DMD patients and mouse models. Little is known about the contribution of membrane‐associated nNOS to blood flow regulation in dystrophin‐deficient DMD dogs. We tested the hypothesis that the loss of sarcolemmal nNOS abolishes protective sympatholysis in contracting muscle of affected dogs. Haemodynamic responses to noradrenaline in the brachial artery were evaluated at rest and during contraction in the absence and presence of NOS inhibitors. We found sympatholysis was significantly compromised in DMD dogs, as well as in normal dogs treated with a selective nNOS inhibitor, suggesting that the absence of sarcolemmal nNOS underlies defective sympatholysis in the canine DMD model. Surprisingly, inhibition of all NOS isoforms did not completely abolish sympatholysis in normal dogs, suggesting sympatholysis in canine muscle also involves NO‐independent mechanism(s). Our study established a foundation for using the dog model to test therapies aimed at restoring nNOS homeostasis in DMD.
Differential targeting and signalling of voltage‐gated T‐type Cav3.2 and L‐type Cav1.2 channels to ryanodine receptors in mesenteric arteries
Authors: Fan Gang , Kaßmann Mario , Hashad Ahmed M. , Welsh Donald G. , Gollasch Maik
Published: August 2018

Key points

In arterial smooth muscle, Ca2+ sparks are elementary Ca2+‐release events generated by ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to cause vasodilatation by opening maxi Ca2+‐sensitive K+ (BKCa) channels.

This study elucidated the contribution of T‐type Cav3.2 channels in caveolae and their functional interaction with L‐type Cav1.2 channels to trigger Ca2+ sparks in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Our data demonstrate that L‐type Cav1.2 channels provide the predominant Ca2+ pathway for the generation of Ca2+ sparks in murine arterial VSMCs.

T‐type Cav3.2 channels represent an additional source for generation of VSMC Ca2+ sparks. They are located in pit structures of caveolae to provide locally restricted, tight coupling between T‐type Cav3.2 channels and RyRs to ignite Ca2+ sparks.

Recent data suggest that T‐type Cav3.2 channels in arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and pits structure of caveolae could contribute to elementary Ca2+ signalling (Ca2+ sparks) via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to cause vasodilatation. While plausible, their precise involvement in igniting Ca2+ sparks remains largely unexplored. The goal of this study was to elucidate the contribution of caveolar Cav3.2 channels and their functional interaction with Cav1.2 channels to trigger Ca2+ sparks in VSMCs from mesenteric, tibial and cerebral arteries. We used tamoxifen‐inducible smooth muscle‐specific Cav1.2−/− (SMAKO) mice and laser scanning confocal microscopy to assess Ca2+ spark generation in VSMCs. Ni2+, Cd2+ and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin were used to inhibit Cav3.2 channels, Cav1.2 channels and caveolae, respectively. Ni2+ (50 μmol L−1) and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (10 mmol L−1) decreased Ca2+ spark frequency by ∼20–30% in mesenteric VSMCs in a non‐additive manner, but failed to inhibit Ca2+ sparks in tibial and cerebral artery VSMCs. Cd2+ (200 μmol L−1) suppressed Ca2+ sparks in mesenteric arteries by ∼70–80%. A similar suppression of Ca2+ sparks was seen in mesenteric artery VSMCs of SMAKO mice. The remaining Ca2+ sparks were fully abolished by Ni2+ or methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. Our data demonstrate that Ca2+ influx through CaV1.2 channels is the primary means of triggering Ca2+ sparks in murine arterial VSMCs. CaV3.2 channels, localized to caveolae and tightly coupled to RyR, provide an additional Ca2+ source for Ca2+ spark generation in mesenteric, but not tibial and cerebral, arteries.
Analysis of the Myc-induced pancreatic β cell islet tumor microenvironment using imaging ToF-SIMS
Authors: Bluestein Blake M. , Morrish Fionnuala , Graham Daniel J. , Huang Li , Hockenbery David , Gamble Lara J.
Published: August 2018

Solid tumors are a structurally complex system, composed of many different cell types. The tumor microenvironment includes nonmalignant cell types that participate in complex interactions with tumor cells. The cross talk between tumor and normal cells is implicated in regulating cell growth, metastatic potential, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. A new approach is required to interrogate and quantitatively characterize cell to cell interactions in this complex environment. Here, the authors have applied time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to analyze Myc-induced pancreatic β cell islet tumors. The high mass resolution and micron spatial resolution of ToF-SIMS allows detection of metabolic intermediates such as lipids and amino acids. Employing multivariate analysis, specifically, principal component analysis, the authors show that it is possible to chemically distinguish cancerous islets from normal tissue, in addition to intratumor heterogeneity. These heterogeneities can then be imaged and investigated using another modality such as sum harmonic generation microscopy. Using these techniques with a specialized mouse model, the authors found significant metabolic changes occurring within β cell tumors and the surrounding tissues. Specific alterations of the lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism were observed, demonstrating that ToF-SIMS can be utilized to identify large-scale changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and could thereby increase the understanding of tumor progression and the tumor microenvironment.
Type 2 diabetes–associated variants of the MT
2
melatonin receptor affect distinct modes of signaling
Authors: Karamitri Angeliki , Plouffe Bianca , Bonnefond Amélie , Chen Min , Gallion Jonathan , Guillaume Jean-Luc , Hegron Alan , Boissel Mathilde , Canouil Mickaël , Langenberg Claudia , Wareham Nicholas J. , Le Gouill Christian , Lukasheva Viktoria , Lichtarge Olivier , Froguel Philippe , Bouvier Michel , Jockers Ralf
Published: August 2018

Connecting melatonin receptor variants to signaling differences reveals paths to type 2 diabetes therapy.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatic Analysis of Isolates from Foodborne Illness Outbreaks of Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enterica
Authors: Oakeson Kelly F. , Wagner Jennifer Marie , Rohrwasser Andreas , Atkinson-Dunn Robyn
Published: August 2018

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) via next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies is a powerful tool for determining the relatedness of bacterial isolates in foodborne illness detection and outbreak investigations. WGS has been applied to national outbreaks (for example,
Listeria monocytogenes
); however, WGS has rarely been used in smaller local outbreaks.
Microbial Production of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Conjugated Linolenic Acid Relies on a Multienzymatic System
Authors: Salsinha Ana S. , Pimentel Lígia L. , Fontes Ana L. , Gomes Ana M. , Rodríguez-Alcalá Luis M.
Published: August 2018

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and conjugated linolenic acids (CLNAs) have gained significant attention due to their anticarcinogenic and lipid/energy metabolism-modulatory effects. However, their concentration in foodstuffs is insufficient for any therapeutic application to be implemented. From a biotechnological standpoint, microbial production of these conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) has been explored as an alternative, and strains of the genera
Propionibacterium
,
Lactobacillus
, and
Bifidobacterium
have shown promising producing capacities.