bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Untargeted metabolic fingerprinting reveals impact of growth stage and location on composition of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) leaves
Authors: Pariyani Raghunath , Kortesniemi Maaria , Liimatainen Jaana , Sinkkonen Jari , Yang Baoru
Published: January 2020

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) is increasingly cultivated to produce raw materials for food and nutraceuticals. There is little knowledge on composition of sea buckthorn leaves (SBLs) and the key factors influencing the composition. This research aims to unravel the metabolic profile of SBLs and the effects of cultivar, location and stage of growth, and climatic conditions on the metabolic profile of SBLs. Leaves of two sea buckthorn cultivars grown in the south and north of Finland during two consecutive growth seasons were studied using untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics. The highest variance in the metabolic profile was linked to the growth stage, wherein leaves from the first 7 weeks of harvest were characterized with higher abundance of polyphenols, while relatively higher abundance of carbohydrates and sugars was observed in the later weeks. The growth location attributed for the second highest variation, wherein the north–south comparison identified fatty acids and sugars as discriminatory metabolites, and the potential association of metabolome to natural abiotic stressors was revealed. An inverse correlation between carbohydrate/sugar content as well as fatty acids of higher carbon chain length with the temperature variables was evident. The supervised chemometric models with high sensitivity and specificity classified and predicted the samples based on growth stage and location, and cultivar. Nontargeted NMR‐metabolomics revealed the metabolic profile of SBLs and their variation associated with various biotic and abiotic factors. Cultivar and growth stage are key factors to consider when harvesting SBLs for use in food and nutraceuticals.

Practical Application

Globally, sea buckthorn cultivation has been rapidly increasing due to the known health‐promoting benefits of the berries and leaves of the plant. The current research obtained new comprehensive information on the compositional profile of sea buckthorn leaves as well as the impact of major contributory factors, such as cultivars, the advancement of growth stage, geographical location, and weather parameters. The findings of this research provide new knowledge and guidance for plant breeding, cultivation and commercial utilization of sea buckthorn leaves as raw materials for food, feed, and nutraceuticals.
Thyroid hormone treatment in the management of treatment‐resistant unipolar depression: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lorentzen R. , Kjær J. N. , Østergaard S. D. , Madsen M. M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Treatment with thyroid hormones is occasionally used in the management of treatment‐resistant depression. However, the evidence supporting this treatment is not fully established. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effect of adjunctive thyroid hormone in the management of treatment‐resistant unipolar depression and to provide a pooled estimate of its efficacy.

Methods

The study is registered with PROSPERO (reg. no. CRD42018108088) and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were carried out on June 24, 2019, in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Each record was screened independently by at least two reviewers. In instances of discrepancies, consensus was reached upon discussion. Pooled efficacy estimates were calculated based on response rates (decrease of ≥50% on the primary outcome measure) using random effect statistics.

Results

The search yielded 1323 records. Based on the screening of these records, we identified 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria (total number of patients = 663). The comparison of response to thyroid hormones vs. placebo resulted in an odds ratio of 1.56 (95% CI: 0.50–4.84). Similarly, the comparison of response to thyroid hormones vs. lithium resulted in an odds ratio of 1.91 (95% CI: 0.85–4.26). Thus, adjunctive therapy with thyroid hormones was not superior to placebo or lithium in the management of treatment‐resistant unipolar depression.

Conclusion

According to this review and meta‐analysis, there is not sufficient evidence to support the use of adjunctive thyroid hormones for treatment‐resistant unipolar depression.
Patterns of hospital utilisation in the lead up to a diagnosis of dementia: A longitudinal retrospective study of hospital dementia patients in Australia
Authors: Cappetta Kara , Lago Luise , Phillipson Lyn
Published: January 2020

Objective

To describe patterns of hospitalisation in the years preceding the first (index) admission coded with dementia.

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal analysis of hospitalisation preceding an index admission for dementia for 7919 patients and a matched cohort in a regional local health district of New South Wales, Australia, from 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2016.

Results

The dementia cohort experienced a sharp increase in frequency of hospitalisation, particularly in the year pre‐index, and primarily for falls and urinary tract infections. They also demonstrated more episodes for nervous and musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries than controls and visited emergency department more frequently with neurological illnesses and injuries.

Conclusion

Findings highlight opportunities for earlier diagnosis of dementia in hospital, through more targeted screening and follow‐up of suspected cases with comprehensive geriatric assessment prior to discharge. This may result in a definitive diagnosis on discharge, allowing for better coordination of ongoing management to prevent unnecessary readmissions.
Re‐Politicising Poverty: Relational Re‐conceptualisations of Impoverishment
Authors: Crane Austin , Elwood Sarah , Lawson Victoria
Published: January 2020

This collection of essays extends cross‐disciplinary conversations between co‐authors that began as part of a podcast series by the Relational Poverty Network, “New Poverty Politics for Changing Times”. The authors engage impoverishment as a relation, as an outcome of intersecting political projects of racialised oppression, political‐economic injustice and socio‐legal control. Across various sites, the collection’s essays trace poverty politics, providing conjunctural and multi‐scalar analyses that illuminate the operations of power in producing impoverishment. They direct our attention beyond topics typically associated with poverty studies, showing how processes such as bordering, migrant illegality, racial capitalism and caring community politics intersect in poverty politics today. Our introductory essay argues for a relational poverty analysis that addresses the entanglements of cultural politics, those that produce classificatory schemes, together with political‐economic processes that produce various forms of poverty politics in the current conjuncture. We chart thinkable and unthinkable poverty politics across the collection’s essays in order to analyse current hegemonic formations of poverty governance as well as alternative imaginations and actions that are resisting and reworking relations of impoverishment. Ultimately, this collection expands vocabularies and analytical repertoires for understanding the ongoing ways in which impoverishment is produced and resisted, positing relationality as key to re‐politicising poverty towards a more just future.
Cesarean delivery: Trend in indications over three decades within a major city hospital network
Authors: Morton Rhett , Burton Alice Elizabeth , Kumar Praneel , Hyett Jon Anthony , Phipps Hala , McGeechan Kevin , de Vries Bradley Stephen
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The cesarean delivery rate has been increasing globally in recent decades. The reasons for this are complex and subject to ongoing debate. Investigation of the indications for cesarean delivery and how these have changed over an extended period of time could provide insight into the reasons for changing obstetric practice. Our objective was to explore contributing factors to the increasing rate of cesarean delivery by examining the incidence of and indications for cesarean delivery over the past three decades at our institutions.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of all cesarean deliveries, from 24 weeks’ gestational age onwards, within an inner‐city hospital network in Sydney, Australia, between August 1989 and December 2016. The primary outcome measures were the rates of and indications for emergency and planned cesarean delivery. We also examined our data within the Robson 10‐Group Classification system.

Results

There were 147 722 births over the study period, with 37 309 cesarean deliveries for an overall rate of 25.3%. The rate of cesarean delivery increased from 18.7% in 1989‐1994 (8.7% emergency, 10% planned) to 30.4% in 2010‐2016 (11.4% emergency, 19% planned). Emergency cesarean delivery for slow progress increased from 3.4% to 5.5% of all births (a relative increase of 62%) and other emergency cesareans mainly performed for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise increased from 5.2% to 5.6% (a relative increase of 8%). Previous uterine surgery (predominantly cesarean section) was the largest contributor to the increase in planned procedures from 3.8% to 9.0% of all births, and 29% of all cesarean deliveries. Primary cesarean delivery for planned antenatal fetal indications, previous pregnancy problems, multiple gestation and maternal choice all increased substantially in combined rate from 0.7% to 4.9%. Cesarean rates in Robson groups 6, 7 and 8 (term breech and multiple gestations) increased most over time.

Conclusions

The increased rate of cesarean delivery is mainly attributable to a greater number of procedures performed for slow progress in labor, breech presentation or repeat cesarean section.
Association of toll‐like receptor 10 polymorphisms with pediatric pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Xiang Qiaoyan , Zhu Liang , Zheng Kai , Ding Yiwei , Chen Ning , Liu Gang , He Qiushui
Published: January 2020

We aimed to investigate whether the gene polymorphisms of TLR10 were associated with risk and severity of pneumococcal meningitis (PM) and serum cytokine levels in children. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR10 rs4129009 (2676A > G), rs10004195 (1018T > A) and rs11466617 (40735A > G) were studied in 95 laboratory‐confirmed PM pediatric patients and 330 healthy controls by PCR‐based sequencing. Ten serum cytokines were determined by multiplex immunoassay. The frequency of variant haplotype GAG of TLR10 was significantly lower in patients than controls (11.3% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001), although frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of the three SNPs did not differ between patients and controls. Frequency of variant haplotype GAG was significantly lower in patients who had CSF protein >1000 mg/L than those who had CSF protein ≤1000 mg/L (3.50% vs 32.4%, p < 0.001). Moreover, higher frequency of the haplotype GAG was found in patients who had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Our finding suggested that the variant haplotype GAG in TLR10 is associated with decreased risk of PM in Chinese children.
Robot‐assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a patient with a colostomy: A case report with adaptive techniques and technical points
Authors: Nakaya Seiichi , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Hayakawa Shunsuke , Fujihata Shiro , Okubo Tomotaka , Hirokawa Takahisa , Morimoto Mamoru , Tanaka Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Ogawa Ryo , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: January 2020

Robot‐assisted surgery is considered a standard option for procedures on many organs. However, there are still few reports of useful adaptations for various patient conditions. We were able to safely perform robot‐assisted distal gastrectomy on a patient with a colostomy. A 75‐year‐old man presented with gastric cancer, type 0‐IIc, 2.5 cm in diameter. Before the gastric surgery, colectomy was performed for obstructive rectal cancer and a colostomy was formed in the right upper abdomen. The following adaptations were required to perform robot‐assisted distal gastrectomy to avoid injuring the colon. After moving the port placement to the left side, we used a Penrose drain to retract the intra‐abdominal colon connecting to the colostomy, pulling it to the head side. Then we projected the image of the colostomy in the da Vinci console. This case has shown that it is possible to safely perform robot‐assisted surgery with adaptations tailored to the patient's conditions.
Routine haematinics and multivitamins: Adherence and its association with haemoglobin level among pregnant women in an urban lower‐middle‐income country, Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Baba Sulemana , Helegbe Gideon Kofi
Published: January 2020

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, medications are routinely prescribed for maternal and foetal well‐being. The objective of this study was to assess the adherence with routine haematinics and multivitamins among pregnant women in a lower‐middle‐income country, Ghana. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 350 pregnant women utilizing the antenatal clinic of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Adherence was about 63% for folic acid, 63% for ferrous sulphate and 58% for multivitamins. For folic acid, younger age, secondary and tertiary education had about 31%, 46% and 41%, respectively, less likelihood of non‐adherence. Second trimester of pregnancy was associated with two times more likelihood of adherence with folic acid. For ferrous sulphate, younger age had about 30% less likelihood of non‐adherence, and second trimester linked to twice more likelihood of adherence. Secondary education had about 40% less likelihood of non‐adherence with multivitamins. More of those who adhered with folic acid (89%), ferrous sulphate (89%) and multivitamins (91%) had their haemoglobin level increased. Adherence with routine haematinics was adequate; age, education and trimester of pregnancy predicted folic acid and ferrous sulphate adherence. Education predicted adherence with multivitamins. Adherence was associated with change in level of haemoglobin during antenatal visits.
The right to withdraw from controlled human infection studies: Justifications and avoidance
Authors: Fernandez Lynch Holly
Published: January 2020

The right to withdraw from research without penalty is well established around the world. However, it has been challenged in some corners of bioethics based on concerns about various harms—to participants, to scientific integrity, and to research bystanders—that may stem from withdrawal. These concerns have become particularly salient in emerging debates about the ethics of controlled human infection (CHI) studies in which participants are intentionally infected with pathogens, often in inpatient settings with extensive follow‐up. In this article, I provide support for preserving the right to withdraw from research without penalty and demonstrate that it is also typically justified in the specific context of CHI studies. The right is well aligned with individual freedoms outside the research setting, where autonomous individuals are permitted to engage in behaviors that will foreseeably cause them harm; where they cannot be compelled to satisfy contracts for their services, nor penalized for failure to do so; and where their behavior is not constrained by public health authorities except in extreme circumstances. These freedoms are supported by U.S. law, as well as by ethical analysis that is more globally relevant. The problems associated with the right to withdraw, however, remain. The best approach to addressing them is not to restrict the right but rather to avoid initiating research when withdrawal would be especially problematic. If research proceeds, steps can still be taken to minimize participant withdrawal without infringing the right. Investigators can avoid participant surprise through informed consent focused on a study’s most burdensome aspects and promote study completion through financial incentives. Should participants nonetheless seek to withdraw, investigators may attempt to persuade them not to do so by encouraging consideration of the range of potential harms that may result. Researchers conducting CHI studies and other research from which withdrawal might be especially problematic should prepare for the possibility of participant withdrawal, respect participant requests to withdraw without penalty, and incorporate various measures to avoid such requests.
Fatigue, executive function and psychological effects in children with immune thrombocytopenia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Towner Sarah , Berger Zoe E. , Titman Penny , New Helen V. , Theodore Kate , Brown Gary , Sibson Keith R.
Published: January 2020

Childhood ITP is often considered to be a relatively mild haematological disorder, with only a minority of patients requiring treatment for troublesome bleeding. Over recent years, wider effects of the condition have been identified in some adults, particularly relating to fatigue and cognitive impairment. In this study, we sought to investigate such effects in a group of children with ITP and further our understanding of their psychological profile. Children attending routine haematology outpatient clinics and their parents were asked to complete standardised questionnaires designed to assess a range of psychological and cognitive factors. Although the majority of children had some scores within the normal range, a significantly high proportion had difficulties with fatigue (70·6%), emotional and behavioural symptoms (25·7%) or executive functioning (19·4%). Quality of life and subjective evaluation of the illness (appraisal) correlated significantly with each of these domains, but bleeding severity and platelet count did not. Our findings provide valuable insight into the broader impact of childhood ITP, which could aid in providing holistic care, potentially contribute to decisions regarding medical treatment, and guide future research.
Lateglacial and Holocene palaeoenvironments on Bolshevik Island (Severnaya Zemlya), Russian High Arctic
Authors: Cherezova Anna A. , Fedorov Grigory B. , Raschke Elena A. , Rethemeyer Janet , Bolshiyanov Dmitry Y. , Yozhikov Ilya S. , Spiridonov Igor G. , Bazhenova Evgenia A. , Sokolov Vladimir T. , Melles Martin
Published: January 2020

The late Quaternary climatic and environmental history of the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago in the Russian High Arctic has been the focus of many palaeoenvironmental studies since the 1970s. However, the existing data are highly fragmentary and sometimes contradictory. New information concerning the archipelago's environmental history was derived from a 2.46‐m‐long sediment core from Lake Tvyordoe, located in the northwestern part of Bolshevik Island. The core was investigated by a multi‐proxy approach that comprises radiocarbon dating as well as lithological, granulometrical, palynological and geochemical analyses. The results provide new insights into the vegetation history as well as changes in lake level, lake‐ice cover, and water and sediment input since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Fine‐grained, laminated sediments at the core base, which were dated to c. 24.2 cal. ka BP, suggest lacustrine sedimentation under a permanent ice cover with low meltwater supply. This, along with a lack of glacial and glacial‐lacustrine deposits, supports earlier assumptions that Bolshevik Island was not covered by the Barents‐Kara Ice Sheet during the LGM. Furthermore, even the Mushketov Ice Cap, the closest ice mass to Lake Tvyordoe, did not expand from the denudation plateau to the lake. During the terminal Pleistocene, starting c. 14.5 cal. ka BP, warmer and wetter climate conditions resulted in higher sediment loads. The most favourable environmental conditions prevailed on Bolshevik Island throughout the Early and Middle Holocene (c. 11.7–6.5 cal. ka BP), when low shrub tundra associations with dwarf birch, willow and alder dominated the vegetation. After c. 10.0 cal. ka BP, a shift to climate drying occurred, which, after 6.5 cal. ka BP, was accompanied by a climate cooling. The Late Holocene climate, according to pollen data (suggesting sparse lichen–moss–grass cover) and relatively low total organic carbon (TOC) contents, was rather similar to that during the Lateglacial.
Treatment with anti‐neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antibody ameliorates experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in mice
Authors: Kasprick Anika , Hofrichter Maxi , Smith Bryan , Ward Penelope , Bieber Katja , Shock Anthony , Ludwig Ralf J. , Schmidt Enno
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases are characterized and caused predominantly by IgG autoantibodies targeting structural proteins of the skin. Their current treatment relies on general and prolonged immunosuppression that causes severe adverse events, including death. Hence, novel safe and more effective treatments are urgently needed. Due to its' physiological functions, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for pemphigus and pemphigoid, primarily because IgG is protected from proteolysis after uptake into endothelial cells. Thus, blockade of FcRn would reduce circulating autoantibody concentrations. However, long‐term effects of pharmacological FcRn inhibition in therapeutic settings of autoimmune diseases are unknown.

Experimental Approach

Therapeutic effects of FcRn blockade were investigated in a murine model of the prototypical autoantibody‐mediated pemphigoid disease, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). B6.SJL‐H2s C3c/1CyJ mice with clinically active disease were randomized to receive either an anti‐FcRn monoclonal antibody (4470) or an isotype control over 4 weeks.

Key Results

While clinical disease continued to worsen in isotype control‐treated mice, overall disease severity continuously decreased in mice injected with 4470, leading to almost complete remission in over 25% of treated mice. These clinical findings were paralleled by a reduction of autoantibody concentrations. Reduction of autoantibody concentrations, rather than modulating neutrophil activation, was responsible for the observed therapeutic effects.

Conclusion and Implications

The clinical efficacy of anti‐FcRn treatment in this prototypical autoantibody‐mediated disease encourages further development of anti‐FcRn antibodies for clinical use in pemphigoid diseases and potentially in other autoantibody mediated diseases.
C3a receptor antagonist therapy is protective with or without thrombolysis in murine thromboembolic stroke
Authors: Ahmad Saif , Pandya Chirayu , Kindelin Adam , Bhatia Kanchan , Chaudhary Rafay , Dwivedi Alok Kumar , Eschbacher Jennifer M. , Liu Qiang , Waters Michael F. , Hoda Md Nasrul , Ducruet Andrew F.
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) after stroke enhances C3a generation, which may abrogate the benefits of reperfusion. The C3aR antagonist SB290157 is neuroprotective following transient but not permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). SB290157 remains untested in thromboembolic (TE) models, which better approximate human stroke and also facilitate testing in combination with IVT. We hypothesized SB290157 would confer neuroprotection in TE stroke with and without “late” IVT.

Experimental Approach

We used two different models of TE stroke to examine the efficacy of SB290157 alone and in combination with late IVT. We evaluated the benefit of SB290157 in attenuating post‐ischaemic behavioural deficits, infarction, brain oedema and haemorrhage.

Key Results

Plasma C3a was elevated 6 hr after TE stroke alongside increased cerebrovascular C3aR expression, which was sustained to 4 weeks. Increased C3aR expression also was visualized in human ischaemic brain. In a photothrombotic (PT) stroke model, which exhibits rapid spontaneous reperfusion, SB290157 given at 1 hr post‐PT significantly improved neurofunction and reduced infarction at 48 hr. In an embolic (eMCAo) model, SB290157 administered at 2 hr improved histological and functional outcomes. Conversely, late IVT administered 4.5 hr post‐eMCAo was ineffective likely due to increased haemorrhage and brain oedema. However, SB290157 administered prior to late IVT ameliorated haemorrhage and oedema and improved outcomes.

Conclusions and Implications

We conclude that SB290157 is safe and effective with and without late IVT following TE stroke. Therefore, C3a receptor antagonist therapy represents a promising candidate for clinical translation in stroke, particularly as an adjuvant to IVT.
Bone sarcomas in the immunotherapy era
Authors: Heymann Marie‐Françoise , Schiavone Kristina , Heymann Dominique
Published: January 2020

Bone sarcomas are primary bone tumours found mainly in children and adolescents, as osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, and in adults in their 40s as chondrosarcoma. The last four decades the development of therapeutic approaches was based on drug combinations have shown no real improvement in overall survival. Recently oncoimmunology has allowed a better understand of the crucial role played by the immune system in the oncologic process. This led to clinical trials with the aim of reprogramming the immune system to facilitate cancer cell recognition. Immune infiltrates of bone sarcomas have been characterized and their molecular profiling identified as immune therapeutic targets. Unfortunately, the clinical responses in trials remain anecdotal but highlight the necessity to improve the characterization of tumour micro‐environment to unlock the immunotherapeutic response, especially in their paediatric forms. Bone sarcomas have entered the immunotherapy era and here we overview the recent developments in immunotherapies in these sarcomas.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on The molecular pharmacology of bone and cancer‐related bone diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.9/issuetoc
Anthrax toxin receptor 1/tumor endothelial marker 8 promotes gastric cancer progression through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Cai Chen , Dang Wei , Liu Shilei , Huang Ling , Li Yang , Li Guoqiang , Yan Siyuan , Jiang Chengkai , Song Xiaoling , Hu Yunping , Gu Jun
Published: January 2020

Anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1), a type I transmembrane protein, is one of the receptors that facilitates the entrance of anthrax toxin into cells. Previous studies have confirmed the pivotal role of ANTXR1 in progression and tumorigenesis of diverse cancer types. However, the biological function of ANTXR1 in gastric cancer (GC) is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of ANTXR1 in GC and illuminate the potential molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatics analysis found that ANTXR1 expression was significantly upregulated in GC tissue and its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis of GC patients. Moreover, we confirmed the upregulation of ANTXR1 in GC cell lines and GC tissue by quantitative PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, high protein expression level of ANTXR1 was positively associated with several clinicopathological parameters in GC patients. In our study, a series of in vitro and in vivo assays were undertaken through strategies of loss/gain‐of‐function and rescue assays. Consequently, our results indicated that ANTXR1 induced proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion and migration, and tumorigenicity and induced suppressed apoptosis in GC. Mechanistic investigation indicated that ANTXR1 exerted its promoting effects on GC through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings suggested that ANTXR1 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of GC and could serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for GC.
Replisome genes regulation by antitumor miR‐101‐5p in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yamada Yasutaka , Nohata Nijiro , Uchida Akifumi , Kato Mayuko , Arai Takayuki , Moriya Shogo , Mizuno Keiko , Kojima Satoko , Yamazaki Kazuto , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Seki Naohiko
Published: January 2020

Analysis of microRNA (miRNA) regulatory networks is useful for exploring novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer cells. The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset shows that low expression of both strands of pre‐miR‐101 (miR‐101‐5p and miR‐101‐3p) significantly predicted poor prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The functional significance of miR‐101‐5p in cancer cells is poorly understood. Here, we focused on miR‐101‐5p to investigate the antitumor function and its regulatory networks in ccRCC cells. Ectopic expression of mature miRNAs or siRNAs was investigated in cancer cell lines to characterize cell function, ie, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Genome‐wide gene expression and in silico database analyses were undertaken to predict miRNA regulatory networks. Expression of miR‐101‐5p caused cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ccRCC cells. Downstream neighbor of son (DONSON) was directly regulated by miR‐101‐5p, and its aberrant expression was significantly associated with shorter survival in propensity score‐matched analysis (P = .0001). Knockdown of DONSON attenuated ccRCC cell aggressiveness. Several replisome genes controlled by DONSON and their expression were closely associated with ccRCC pathogenesis. The antitumor miR‐101‐5p/DONSON axis and its modulated replisome genes might be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Improved fuzzy weighted‐iterative association rule based ontology postprocessing in data mining for query recommendation applications
Authors: Sumathi G. , Akilandeswari J.
Published: January 2020

The usage of association rules is playing a vital role in the field of knowledge data discovery. Numerous rules have to be processed and plot based on the ranges on the schema. The step in this process depends on the user's queries. Previously, several projects have been proposed to reduce work and improve filtration processes. However, they have some limitations in preprocessing time and filtration rate. In this article, an improved fuzzy weighted‐iterative concept is introduced to overcome the limitation based on the user request and visualization of discovering rules. The initial step includes the mix of client learning with posthandling to use the semantics. The above advance was trailed by surrounding rule schemas to fulfill and anticipate unpredictable guidelines dependent on client desires. Preparing the above developments can be imagined by the use of yet another clever method of study. Standards on guidelines are recognized by the average learning professionals.
Factors that influence participation of Puerto Rican coffee farmers in conservation programs
Authors: Gladkikh Tatiana M. , Collazo Jaime A. , Torres‐Abreu Alejandro , Reyes Angelica M. , Molina Marysol
Published: January 2020

Sustainable, conservation‐oriented agricultural practices like shade coffee and agroforestry can enhance conservation objectives in tropical landscapes. Adoption of these practices, however, is influenced by numerous factors. We conducted a survey of 89 coffee farmers in Puerto Rico to understand their farming practices, experience with existing incentives, and willingness to participate in conservation programs. Quantitative analysis showed that current farming practices, farm size, and annual income from farming were associated with willingness to participate in conservation programs. Qualitative results suggested that financial considerations, conflicting state and federal incentives, lack of information about conservation programs, distrust in government, and land use restrictions might hinder participation. Some farmers perceived that sun farming—a practice incompatible with sustainable conservation—was required to be eligible for state agricultural incentives. The way some farmers practiced shade farming differed from the way suggested for conservation purposes, particularly in the type of shade trees and their cover density. Farmers highlighted the need for financial incentives to encourage adoption of shade farming. They also expressed concerns that participation in conservation programs could limit their land management autonomy. We suggest that availability of financial incentives, reconciliation of institutional barriers, increased outreach, and involvement of farmers in design of conservation programs can increase adoption and retention of conservation practices.
The role of historical sources in the restoration of Long Swamp, Discovery Bay, Victoria
Authors: Bachmann Mark R.
Published: January 2020

Inspired by the success of restoration efforts in the adjacent Piccaninnie Ponds Karst Wetlands Ramsar site, the local community was anxious for progress to address observed changes to the hydrology of Long Swamp, near Nelson, Victoria. Uncertainty about the original character and condition of the wetland system required deep exploration of a vast range of historical reference material. This is a story of how disparate sources of historical information can complement modern scientific methods, help resolve contentious issues and contribute to refining reference ecosystem models to improve restoration outcomes.

Long Swamp from Oxbow Lake (A) to Lake Momboeng (B), showing the Glenelg River Mouth (1) and ocean outlet locations at White Sands (2) and Nobles Rocks (3). The hypothesised original main direction of surface flows was from east to west (from B to A). N = north.

image
Courtship display speed varies daily and with body size in the Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Authors: Déaux Eloïse C. , O'Neil Nicholas P. , Jensen Ashley M. , Charrier Isabelle , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: January 2020

Courtship displays are typically comprised of the same behavioral pattern, or patterns, repeated several times by males. Both the quantity and quality of the displays produced by a given male bird are not, however, constant. The number and/or quality of displays can decrease over time, indicating fatigue, or males can increase the number and/or quality as they display more, indicating a warm‐up period. Although there is evidence for fatigue or warm‐up periods for many types of courtship displays, data on motor components of avian courtship are scant, despite how commonly they are used. Here, we test whether drumming, a non‐vocal motor display, in male ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) changes in relation to the number of displays executed. Using a large number of recordings, our linear mixed models yielded a significant effect of cumulative number of drumming displays on the number of wingbeats per second, referred to as pulse rate. Across males, pulse rate is slowest when males begin drumming each day and increases until approximately 50 drumming displays have been produced. The rate of increase is also modulated by the nighttime low temperature such that cooler conditions are associated with lower pulse rates and a slower increase in pulse rate relative to the cumulative number of displays. Further, the maximum pulse rate recorded and average pulse rate after 50 displays is inversely correlated with body mass such that larger males are slower than smaller males. We suggest that the daily changes in pulse rate likely reflect a warm‐up period based upon the effects of cumulative drumming count and temperature on pulse rate. Whether these dynamic changes in the production of a motor display are informative to female grouse is unknown. However, we propose that daily changes in how motor displays are performed may be a common feature of avian courtship that has gone relatively unnoticed, despite the potential for motor performance to be a trait that is important for female mate choice.
Resolving fine‐scale population structure and fishery exploitation using sequenced microsatellites in a northern fish
Authors: Layton Kara K. S. , Dempson Brian , Snelgrove Paul V. R. , Duffy Steven J. , Messmer Amber M. , Paterson Ian G. , Jeffery Nicholas W. , Kess Tony , Horne John B. , Salisbury Sarah J. , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Bentzen Paul , Côté David , Nugent Cameron M. , Ferguson Moira M. , Leong Jong S. , Koop Ben F. , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: January 2020

The resiliency of populations and species to environmental change is dependent on the maintenance of genetic diversity, and as such, quantifying diversity is central to combating ongoing widespread reductions in biodiversity. With the advent of next‐generation sequencing, several methods now exist for resolving fine‐scale population structure, but the comparative performance of these methods for genetic assignment has rarely been tested. Here, we evaluate the performance of sequenced microsatellites and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to resolve fine‐scale population structure in a critically important salmonid in north eastern Canada, Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus). We also assess the utility of sequenced microsatellites for fisheries applications by quantifying the spatial scales of movement and exploitation through genetic assignment of fishery samples to rivers of origin and comparing these results with a 29‐year tagging dataset. Self‐assignment and simulation‐based analyses of 111 genome‐wide microsatellite loci and 500 informative SNPs from 28 populations of Arctic Charr in north‐eastern Canada identified largely river‐specific genetic structure. Despite large differences (~4X) in the number of loci surveyed between panels, mean self‐assignment accuracy was similar with the microsatellite loci and the SNP panel (>90%). Subsequent analysis of 996 fishery‐collected samples using the microsatellite panel revealed that larger rivers contribute greater numbers of individuals to the fishery and that coastal fisheries largely exploit individuals originating from nearby rivers, corroborating results from traditional tagging experiments. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of sequence‐based microsatellite genotyping to advance understanding of fine‐scale population structure and harvest composition in northern and understudied species.
Energy landscape of domain motion in glutamate dehydrogenase deduced from cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Oide Mao , Kato Takayuki , Oroguchi Tomotaka , Nakasako Masayoshi
Published: January 2020

Analysis of the conformational changes of protein is important to elucidate the mechanisms of protein motions correlating with their function. Here, we studied the spontaneous domain motion of unliganded glutamate dehydrogenase from Thermococcus profundus using cryo‐electron microscopy and proposed a novel method to construct free‐energy landscape of protein conformations. Each subunit of the homo‐hexameric enzyme comprises nucleotide‐binding domain (NAD domain) and hexamer‐forming core domain. A large active‐site cleft is situated between the two domains and varies from open to close according to the motion of a NAD domain. A three‐dimensional map reconstructed from all cryo‐electron microscopy images displayed disordered volumes of NAD domains, suggesting that NAD domains in the collected images adopted various conformations in domain motion. Focused classifications on NAD domain of subunits provided several maps of possible conformations in domain motion. To deduce what kinds of conformations appeared in EM images, we developed a novel analysis method that describe the EM maps as a linear combination of representative conformations appearing in a 200‐ns molecular dynamics simulation as reference. The analysis enabled us to estimate the appearance frequencies of the representative conformations, which illustrated a free‐energy landscape in domain motion. In the open/close domain motion, two free‐energy basins hindered the direct transformation from open to closed state. Structure models constructed for representative EM maps in classifications demonstrated the correlation between the energy landscape and conformations in domain motion. Based on the results, the domain motion in glutamate dehydrogenase and the analysis method to visualize conformational changes and free‐energy landscape were discussed.

Database

The EM maps of the four conformations were deposited to Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB) as accession codes EMD‐9845 (open), EMD‐9846 (half‐open1), EMD‐9847 (half‐open2), and EMD‐9848 (closed), respectively. In addition, the structural models built for the four conformations were deposited to the Protein Data Bank (PDB) as accession codes 6JN9 (open), 6JNA (half‐open1), 6JNC (half‐open2), and 6JND (closed), respectively.
On the fatigue crack growth behaviour of selective laser melting fabricated Inconel 625: Effects of build orientation and stress ratio
Authors: Hu Xiaoan , Xue Zhiyuan , Ren TingTing , Jiang Yun , Dong ChengLi , Liu Fencheng
Published: January 2020

The building of Inconel 625 material was carried out using the selective laser melting method, and its fatigue crack growth property at ambient temperature was experimentally investigated. Compact‐tension specimens with different building orientations were utilized to determine the stress intensity factor threshold and fatigue crack growth rate curves at different stress ratios (R). The results indicated that the fatigue crack growth properties in the near threshold stress intensity factor and Paris regions were greatly affected by the loading factor, as well as the orientation of the alloy. The mechanism of fatigue crack growth at different stages was observed and discussed using scanning electron microscopy. Finally, based on the framework of the linear elastic fracture, a new and applicable effective driving force factor range was introduced to replace the traditional stress intensity factor range (ΔK) with good accuracy for all of the fatigue crack growth test data, considering both the stress ratio and orientation.
Molybdenum Mass Fractions and Stable Isotope Compositions of Sedimentary Carbonate and Silicate Reference Materials
Authors: Gaspers Natalie , Magna Tomáš , Ackerman Lukáš
Published: January 2020

A double‐spike method in combination with MC‐ICP‐MS was applied to obtain molybdenum (Mo) mass fractions and stable isotope compositions in a suite of sedimentary silicate (marine, lake, stream, estuarine, organic‐rich sediment, shales, slate, chert) and carbonate reference materials (coral, dolomite, limestones, carbonatites), and a manganese nodule reference material, poorly characterised for stable Mo isotope compositions. The Mo contents vary between 0.076 and 364 μg g−1, with low‐Mo mass fractions (< 0.29 μg g−1) found almost exclusively in carbonates. Intermediate Mo contents (0.73–2.70 μg g−1) are reported for silicate sediments, with the exception of chert JCh‐1 (0.24 μg g−1), organic‐rich shale SGR‐1b (36.6 μg g−1) and manganese nodule NOD‐A‐1 (364 μg g−1). The Mo isotope compositions (reported as δ98Mo relative to NIST SRM 3134) range from −1.77 to 1.03‰, with the intermediate precision varying between ± 0.01 and ± 0.12‰ (2s) for most materials. Low‐temperature carbonates show δ98Mo values ranging from 0.21 to 1.03‰ whereas δ98Mo values of −1.77 and −0.17‰ were obtained for carbonatites CMP‐1 and COQ‐1, respectively. Silicate materials have δ98Mo values varying from −1.56 to 0.73‰. The range of δ98Mo values in reference materials may thus reflect the increasingly important relevance of Mo isotope investigations in the fields of palaeoceanography, weathering, sedimentation and provenance, as well as the magmatic realm.
The membrane binding and deformation property of vaccinia virus K1 ankyrin repeat domain protein
Authors: Kitamata Manabu , Hotta Mitsukuni , Hamada‐Nakahara Sayaka , Suetsugu Shiro
Published: January 2020

Membrane lipids are essential participants in cellular events, but only a small number of lipid‐interacting proteins have been characterized. Taking advantage of the small genome (~270 genes) of the vaccinia virus, we screened for soluble lipid‐binding proteins and found 27 proteins to be soluble after expression in Escherichia coli. Among them, 4 proteins were found to strongly bind to the total bovine brain lipid extract (Folch I fraction) that contained large amounts of phosphatidylserine in vitro. Out of the 4 proteins, 3 were unique proteins to viruses. Another protein, K1, solely contained an ankyrin repeat domain (ARD). ARD is conserved in large numbers of proteins in bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes and viruses, suggesting the possibilities of the membrane binding of ARDs in varieties of proteins. Furthermore, K1 deformed the lipid membrane dependently on the charged lipids. The tubulation and membrane binding was enhanced with increased negative membrane charge from phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). The basic amino acid residues in the ARD were essential for membrane deformation, suggesting electrostatic interactions between K1 and the membrane for membrane deformation.
Loa loa filariasis in a tropical savanna area: report of one case in Ouagadougou
Authors: Ouédraogo Nomtondo A. , Korsaga‐Somé Nina , Traoré Fagnima , Kaboret Nadia , Zida Adama , Tapsoba Gilbert P. , Ouédraogo Muriel S. , Ouédraogo Moussa , Bougma Roland , Drabo François , Bougouma Clarisse , Barro‐Traoré Fatou , Niamba Pascal , Traoré Adama
Published: January 2020

Loa loa filariasis is usually found in the forest areas of Central and West Africa. We report a case that was diagnosed in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), a savanna area. The patient lived in Gabon but was visiting his family in Ouagadougou. He complained of fatigue, fever, itchy legs with scratch marks, and intermittent edema of the legs. A blood smear was first examined for malaria parasites, but Loa loa microfilariae were observed. Laboratory tests showed hypereosinophilia (30%). Transient angioedema (Calabar edema) was observed. Loa loa filariasis was diagnosed based on these findings. There were no other laboratory test abnormalities, and ophthalmological examination was normal. The patient received a single dose of ivermectin at 200 µg/kg. After 1 month, the patient's course was favorable and a control blood smear was negative.
Use of home negative pressure wound therapy in peripheral artery disease and diabetic limb salvage
Authors: Lim Kai , Lim Xuxin , Hong Qiantai , Yong Enming , Chandrasekar Sadhana , Tan Glenn W. L. , Lo Zhiwen J.
Published: January 2020

Use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic limb salvage (DLS) improves wound healing by providing moist wound conditions, reducing exudate, controlling wound‐bed infection, and stimulating granulation. NPWT duration may take several weeks, and home‐based NPWT allows patient to recover in the community while minimising risks of prolonged hospitalisation. The aim of this study is to review the use and outcomes of home NPWT in PAD and DLS. The methodology is the retrospective review of patients who were discharged with home NPWT after in‐patient PAD revascularisation and DLS debridement or minor amputations. The results included a total of 118 patients who received home NPWT between January 2017 and December 2017. The mean age was 62.8 years with 66% male and 34% female patients. The study population comprised 25% smokers, 98% patients with diabetics, 35% with ischemic heart disease, and 21% with end‐stage renal failure (ESRF). Of which, 56% of patients required revascularisation while 31% of patients underwent foot debridement, 48% underwent toe amputations, and 20% underwent forefoot amputations. All patients received in‐patient NPWT for a week before being discharged on home NPWT for 4 weeks. Then, 62% received targeted antibiotics regime while 36% received empirical antibiotics on discharge; 60% of patients achieved wound healing on home NPWT, with 9% requiring split‐thickness skin graft; 4% required further surgical debridement, 16% required further minor amputation while 20% required major amputation. 9% required further home NPWT extension, with a mean length of 7.1 ± 4.7 weeks' extension. Overall survival of 1 year was 89%. Risk factors that predict the failure of home NPWT includes subjects with a background of ESRF and wet gangrene on presentation. Home NPWT is a useful adjunct in the management of PAD and DLS foot wounds.