bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifatigue effect of functional cookies fortified with mushroom powder (Tricholoma Matsutake) in mice
Authors: Ma Ning , Tao Hongling , Du Hengjun , Zhao Liyan , Hu Qiuhui , Xiao Hang
Published: November 2020

Bakery products made by cereal and edible fungi powder have a unique flavor and health benefits, dramatically enhancing the nutritional value of the products. In this study, we investigated the antifatigue effect of a novel Tricholoma matsutake cookie (TMC) by the exhaustive swimming test. Male Kunming ICR mice were randomly divided into seven groups (each group, n = 10), fed with saline, ordinary cookies (4, 8, 16 g/kg B.W./day), and TMC (4, 8, 16 g/kg B.W./day) by gavage. After 30‐day administration, the weight‐loaded swimming test was carried out on the mice to evaluate the antifatigue effect of TMC. In comparison with the effect of ordinary cookies, the intake of TMC significantly prolonged the exhaustive swimming time of mice and increased the level of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen, accompanied by the reduction of lactic acid and urea nitrogen level in serum. Additionally, TMC dramatically improved the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in serum and largely decreased the level of malondialdehyde. All in all, TMC could enforce exhaustive swimming tolerance, accelerate the decomposition of sports‐related metabolites such as lactic acid and urea nitrogen, and increase the activity of the antioxidant enzyme, thereby improving sports‐related energy storage and relieving fatigue. Our findings broadened the application of T. matsutake in the processing of bakery products and provided the theoretical basis and technical support for the development of antifatigue products.

Practical Application

In this study, we investigated the antifatigue effect of a novel Tricholoma matsutake cookie by the exhaustive swimming test. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that the cookies fortified with T. matsutake could be considered as an antifatigue bakery product. Furthermore, our findings broadened the application of T. matsutake in the processing of bakery products and provided the theoretical basis and technical support for the development of antifatigue products.
Did Sejong the Great have ankylosing spondylitis? The oldest documented case of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Lee JiHwan
Published: November 2020

Aim

Sejong the Great (May 7, 1397‐March 30, 1450), a king during Korea's Choson Dynasty, is the most respected historical figure in South Korean society, and consequently, many studies have been conducted on his achievements and the disease he suffered. The dominant trend of scholarship claims that Sejong suffered from diabetic retinopathy. However, this interpretation has not been medically verified. The present analysis aimed to demonstrate that Sejong's is the oldest documented case of ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods

The Annals of the Choson Dynasty (hereafter, The Annals) are daily records of the king. The Annals were recorded for 472 years (1392‐1865) and contain 49 646 667 Chinese characters. Records in The Annals on Sejong span 1418‐1450; the present study author reviewed these records.

Results

Sejong's medical records are mentioned 40 times in the source text. The king first experienced musculoskeletal pain in his knee at the age of 22 years. Sejong's knee pain is mentioned 3 times, and his back pain, which he described as “stiff and immobile”, is mentioned 6 times. He complained most frequently of ocular symptoms described as “prickly or tingling,” which are mentioned 12 times.

Conclusions

Based on the analysis of official documentation, the author argues that there is a high probability that Sejong suffered from ankylosing spondylitis, making this the oldest officially documented case of the disease.
Hair graying with aging in mice carrying oncogenic RET
Authors: Iida Machiko , Tazaki Akira , Yajima Ichiro , Ohgami Nobutaka , Taguchi Nobuhiko , Goto Yuji , Kumasaka Mayuko Y. , Prévost‐Blondel Armelle , Kono Michihiro , Akiyama Masashi , Takahashi Masahide , Kato Masashi
Published: November 2020

Hair graying is a representative sign of aging in animals and humans. However, the mechanism for hair graying with aging remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that the microscopic appearance of hair follicles without melanocyte stem cells (MSCs) and descendant melanocytes as well as macroscopic appearances of hair graying in RET‐transgenic mice carrying RET oncogene (RET‐mice) are in accordance with previously reported results for hair graying in humans. Therefore, RET‐mice could be a novel model mouse line for age‐related hair graying. We further showed hair graying with aging in RET‐mice associated with RET‐mediated acceleration of hair cycles, increase of senescent follicular keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs), and decreased expression levels of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in bulges, decreased endothelin receptor B (Ednrb) expression in MSCs, resulting in a decreased number of follicular MSCs. We then showed that hair graying in RET‐mice was accelerated by congenitally decreased Ednrb expression in MSCs in heterozygously Ednrb‐deleted RET‐mice [Ednrb(+/−);RET‐mice]. We finally partially confirmed common mechanisms of hair graying with aging in mice and humans. Taken together, our results suggest that age‐related dysfunction between ET‐1 in follicular KSCs and endothelin receptor B (Ednrb) in follicular MSCs via cumulative hair cycles is correlated with hair graying with aging.
Distracted institutional investors and audit risk
Authors: Yang Jingyu , Wu Hai , Yu Yangxin
Published: November 2020

Using a newly developed institutional investor distraction measure, we examine whether auditors increase their risk assessment when clients’ institutional investors temporarily reduce their monitoring activities. We find that audit fees and audit report lags increase during periods when institutional investors temporarily focus their attention on other parts of their portfolio. This effect is stronger when dedicated institutional investors are distracted. We further show that the identified relationship is weaker in the post‐Sarbanes‐Oxley Act period. Finally, we find that the impact of investor distraction on audit fees and lags is more pronounced for firms with weaker board oversight and higher discretionary accruals. Collectively, our results suggest that institutional shareholders’ monitoring activities benefit auditors by reducing audit risk. This paper also shows that the negative effect of investors’ limited attention on corporate monitoring can be somewhat mitigated by auditors.
Developing a prototype for integrated dental and diabetes care: understanding needs and priorities
Authors: McGowan K , Phillips T , Gielis E , Dover T , Mitchell G , Mutch A , Sexton C , Sowa PM , Ivanovski S
Published: November 2020

Background

Periodontal treatment may be a useful adjunct to medical management of diabetes; however, oral health has not been integrated into multidisciplinary diabetes care in Australia. This study aimed to understand the needs of patients and staff at a diabetes clinic to inform a prototype of integrated dental and diabetes care.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from patients and staff at West Moreton Diabetes Clinic (WMDC) between September‐October 2019. Clinical information, survey responses and dental screening results were analysed for 41 patients. Semi‐structured interviews were held with six patients and a focus group with seven staff.

Results

Most patients (83%) had not seen a dentist in the previous year. Of the 37 patients with remaining natural teeth, 84% required periodontal assessment and 46% had multiple carious lesions. Unmet treatment needs and rates of access were similar for private and public dental patients. Staff and patients reported high levels of support for incorporation of dental care at WMDC.

Conclusions

Integrating oral health into diabetes management is well‐supported by patients and staff to address significant unmet dental needs for both public and private dental patients. Incorporating dental screening/services within diabetes clinics may increase uptake and improve awareness of its importance in diabetes management.
Evaluation of apically extruded debris during the canal preparation using new heat‐treated nickel‐titanium files in curved canals
Authors: Düzgün Salih , Topçuoğlu Hüseyin Sinan , Kahraman Ömür
Published: November 2020

This study compared the amount of apically extruded debris associated with different heat‐treated Ni‐Ti rotary systems during the preparation of curved root canals of mandibular molars. Sixty extracted human mandibular molars were selected. EdgeFile, K3XF, OneCurve (OC) and ROTATE files were used to prepare both mesial canals of teeth. The initial weight of each Eppendorf tube to be used was calculated using an analytical balance prior to instrumentation. After instrumentation, the tubes were then stored for 5 days in an incubator at 70°C. Each tube was reweighed, and the weight of the dry extruded debris was established by subtracting the pre‐instrumentation and post‐instrumentation weight of the Eppendorf tubes for each group. All files caused apical extrusion of debris. There was no statistical difference between the ROTATE, EdgeFile, OC and K3XF systems (P > 0.05). All the heat‐treated Ni‐Ti rotary systems led to similar apical debris extrusion during the canal preparation.
Populism and Muslim democracies
Authors: Mohamad Shukri Syaza Farhana , Smajljaj Avdi
Published: November 2020

Populism has been on the rise from the United States to India. Populist leaders have used the veneer of a national crisis to legitimize a leadership that dignifies a section of the population over another. The strategy of cultural populists could lead to terrible consequences to those who may not subscribe to the political beliefs of the leaders. This article examines cultural populists in several Muslim democracies. Applying the method of agreement and method of difference together with calculation of the effective number of parties, this article analyzes the phenomenon of cultural populism in Indonesia, Malaysia and Tunisia. It is argued that political diversity in a democratic system encourages the rise of cultural populism. This paper adds to the growing literature on populism through a comparative analysis of Muslim democracies in Asia and elsewhere.
Type D personality and blunted cardiovascular stress reactivity: Role of task engagement
Authors: Lü Wei , Yao Ziyan
Published: November 2020

Objective

The underlying mechanisms for linking Type D personality to cardiovascular stress reactivity remain unknown. The present study explored the possible mediating role of cognitive appraisals of stress and/or motivational levels involved in stress in the association between Type D personality and cardiovascular stress reactivity.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Chinese version of Type D Scale‐14 was administered to 154 undergraduate students who underwent psychosocial stress during which the physiological data were continuously monitored, and cognitive appraisals indexed by a ratio of perceived stress demands to perceived personal resources and motivational levels engaged in stress indexed by self‐reported stress task engagement were immediately assessed after the stress exposure.

Results

Results indicated that Type D personality was related to blunted HR, SBP, and DBP reactivity to stress. Self‐reported stress task engagement mediated the relation between Type D personality and blunted cardiovascular stress reactivity. The mediation effect of cognitive appraisals on this link was non‐significant.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that motivational disengagement in the psychosocial stress task might be an important pathway linking Type D personality to blunted cardiovascular stress reactivity.
Regional correlation and seismic stratigraphy of Triassic Strata in the Greater Barents Sea: Implications for sediment transport in Arctic basins
Authors: Gilmullina Albina , Klausen Tore Grane , Paterson Niall William , Suslova Anna , Eide Christian Haug
Published: November 2020

The Greater Barents Sea Basin (GBSB) in Arctic Russia and Norway is an intracratonic basin that accommodated an enormous amount of sediment during the Triassic. These deposits are up to 4.5 km thick over an area 2,500,000 km2, and consist of marine mudstones and mudstone‐rich fluvio‐deltaic topsets with sandstone‐dominated fluvial channels. The basin is well‐studied and data‐rich, but regional correlation between different parts is lacking. Provenance data from adjacent Arctic basins have been interpreted to imply sediment transport from the Ural orogen across the GBSB, but these are disputed because of great transport distances, poorly constrained sediment‐transport directions and unknown timing of bypass. We integrated data from 3,238 seismic lines, 257 wells and palynostratigraphy, as well as published outcrop data, to create the first unified stratigraphic framework for the Triassic deposits across the entire GBSB. Results show that (1) sediment was transported northwest by one linked sedimentary system stretching across the entire basin; (2) sediment was derived from a source in the east comprising the Urals and West Siberia; (3) the main stratigraphic boundaries are major flooding surfaces which can be traced throughout the basin; and (4) significant amounts of sediment overspilled from the Barents Sea into adjacent sedimentary basins, starting with the Lomonosov Ridge from the Early Triassic, and into basins to the northwest (e.g. Sverdrup, Chukotka) during the late Carnian. These results provide a better understanding of geodynamics and provenance data in the Arctic, to improve the prediction of reservoirs in the area, and indicate a protracted uplift‐history of the northernmost Urals that started in the Carnian ~237 Ma. Furthermore, it shows how large intracratonic basins interact with uplands and subside over tens of millions of years.
Differential prognostic factors in low‐ and high‐burden de novo metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer patients
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Terada Naoki , Saito Toshihiro , Yokomizo Akira , Kohei Naoki , Goto Takayuki , Kawamura Sadafumi , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Takahashi Atsushi , Kimura Takahiro , Tabata Ken‐ichi , Tomida Ryotaro , Hashimoto Kohei , Sakurai Toshihiko , Shimazui Toru , Sakamoto Shinichi , Kamiyama Manabu , Tanaka Nobumichi , Mitsuzuka Koji , Kato Takuma , Narita Shintaro , Yasumoto Hiroaki , Teraoka Shogo , Kato Masashi , Osawa Takahiro , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Enokida Hideki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Inoue Takahiro , Mizowaki Takashi , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Kojima Takahiro , Kitamura Hiroshi , Sugimoto Mikio , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Eto Masatoshi ,   Japanese Urological Oncology Group (JUOG)
Published: November 2020

Metastatic burden is a critical factor for therapy decision‐making in metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer. The present study aimed to identify prognostic factors in men with high‐ or low‐metastatic burden treated with primary androgen‐deprivation therapy. The study included 2450 men with de novo metastatic prostate cancer who were treated with primary androgen‐deprivation therapy at 30 institutions across Japan between 2008 and 2017. We investigated the prognostic value of various clinicopathological parameters for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients stratified by low‐ or high‐metastatic burden. Among the 2450 men, 841 (34.3%) and 1609 (65.7%) were classified as having low‐ and high‐metastatic burden, respectively. Median PFS of the low‐ and high‐burden groups were 44.5 and 16.1 months, respectively, and the median OS was 103.2 and 62.7 months, respectively. Percentage of biopsy‐positive core, biopsy Gleason grade group, T‐stage, and N‐stage were identified to be differentially prognostic. M1a was associated with worse PFS than was M1b in the low‐burden group, whereas lung metastasis was associated with better PFS and OS than was M1b in the high‐burden group. Differential prognostic factors were identified for patients with low‐ and high‐burden metastatic prostate cancer. These results may assist in decision‐making to select the optimal therapeutic strategies for patients with different metastatic burdens.
Expression of human leukocyte antigen class I and β2‐microglobulin in colorectal cancer and its prognostic impact
Authors: Na Hee Young , Park Yujun , Nam Soo Kyung , Lee Kyu Sang , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Kim Duck‐Woo , Kang Sung‐Bum , Kim Woo Ho , Lee Hye Seung
Published: November 2020

Downregulation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I has been postulated to be a mechanism of adaptive immune escape in various tumors, especially microsatellite instability–high (MSI‐H) colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to investigate HLA class I and β2‐microglobulin (β2M) expression in MSI‐H and microsatellite‐stable (MSS) CRCs and determine its prognostic impact. The representative areas from the tumor center (TC) and tumor periphery (TP) from 300 CRCs, including 161 MSI‐H and 139 MSS cases, were selected to construct a tissue microarray. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HLA A/B/C, β2M, CD3, and CD8 was performed. Reduced HLA A/B/C expression was detected in 113 (70.2%) MSI‐H and 54 (38.8%) MSS cases, while reduced β2M expression was observed in 69 (42.9%) MSI‐H and 17 (12.2%) MSS cases. Although reduced β2M expression was associated with higher pathological tumor (pT) stage in MSI‐H CRC with borderline significance, no association was found between HLA A/B/C and β2M expression and survival. Interestingly, reduced HLA A/B/C expression in MSS was associated with higher stage, and reduced HLA A/B/C and β2M expression was an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, reduced HLA A/B/C and β2M expression was frequently observed in immunotherapy‐naive MSI‐H CRC, suggesting the possibility of primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor. Interestingly, downregulation of HLA A/B/C and β2M was associated with poor prognosis in MSS cancers. Overall, IHC for HLA A/B/C and β2M might be a feasible predictive or prognostic tool in CRC.
The role of Hippo‐YAP signaling in squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Maehama Tomohiko , Nishio Miki , Otani Junji , Mak Tak Wah , Suzuki Akira
Published: November 2020

The Hippo‐YAP pathway regulates organ size, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis in mammals. In response to cell density, external mechanical pressure, and/or other stimuli, the Hippo core complex controls the translocation of YAP1/TAZ proteins to the nucleus and thereby regulates cell growth. Abnormal upregulation or nuclear localization of YAP1/TAZ occurs in many human malignancies and promotes their formation, progression, and metastasis. A key example is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) genesis. Many risk factors and crucial signals associated with SCC development in various tissues accelerate YAP1/TAZ accumulation, and mice possessing constitutively activated YAP1/TAZ show immediate carcinoma in situ (CIS) formation in these tissues. Because CIS onset is so rapid in these mutants, we propose that many SCCs initiate and progress when YAP1 activity is sustained and exceeds a certain oncogenic threshold. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the roles of YAP1/TAZ in several types of SCCs. We also discuss whether targeting aberrant YAP1/TAZ activation might be a promising strategy for SCC treatment.
Kindergarten Education Scheme in Hong Kong: Policy measures, rhizomatic connections and early childhood teacher education
Authors: Yuen Gail
Published: November 2020

Using Deleuze and Guattari's concept of rhizome, this study examines the key measures of the Kindergarten Education Scheme introduced by the Hong Kong government in 2017 after a large‐scale advocacy movement. It argues that these measures have expanded the power of the neoliberal imaginary through producing an enhanced market apparatus and an apolitical teaching profession. The neoliberal expansion reflects the manifestation of different kinds of rhizomatic connections to reterritorialise the field. This study calls for the rethinking of teacher educators’ ethical responsibility in addressing the complexity of teacher work frequently neglected by policy and the policy/practice divide in teacher education.
The calcium channel TRPV6 is a novel regulator of RANKL‐induced osteoclastic differentiation and bone absorption activity through the IGF–PI3K–AKT pathway
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhu Lei , Zhou Zhibin , Song Tengfei , Yang Lei , Yan Xu , chen Aimin , Ye Tian Wen
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Calcium ion signals are important for osteoclast differentiation. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) is a regulator of bone homeostasis. However, it was unclear whether TRPV6 was involved in osteoclast formation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TPRV6 in bone metabolism and to clarify its regulatory role in osteoclasts at the cellular level.

Materials and methods

Bone structure and histological changes in Trpv6 knockout mice were examined using micro‐computed tomography and histological analyses. To investigate the effects of Trpv6 on osteoclast function, we silenced or overexpressed Trpv6 in osteoclasts via lentivirus transfection, respectively. Osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption viability were measured by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and pit formation assays. The expression of osteoclast marker genes, including cathepsin k, DC‐STAMP, Atp6v0d2 and TRAP, was measured by qRT‐PCR. Cell immunofluorescence and Western blotting were applied to explore the mechanisms by which the IGF‐PI3K‐AKT pathway was involved in the regulation of osteoclast formation and bone resorption by Trpv6.

Results

We found that knockout of Trpv6 induced osteoporosis and enhanced bone resorption in mice, but did not affect bone formation. Further studies showed that Trpv6, which was distributed on the cell membrane of osteoclasts, acted as a negative regulator for osteoclast differentiation and function. Mechanistically, Trpv6 suppressed osteoclastogenesis by decreasing the ratios of phosphoprotein/total protein in the IGF–PI3K–AKT signalling pathway. Blocking of the IGF–PI3K–AKT pathway significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of Trpv6 on osteoclasts formation.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the important role of Trpv6 in bone metabolism and clarified its regulatory role in osteoclasts at the cellular level. Taken together, this study may inspire a new strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Current status and future perspective of artificial intelligence applications in endoscopic diagnosis and management of gastric cancer
Authors: Hirasawa Toshiaki , Ikenoyama Yohei , Ishioka Mitsuaki , Namikawa Ken , Horiuchi Yusuke , Nakashima Hirotaka , Fujisaki Junko
Published: November 2020

Image recognition using artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed significantly due to innovative technologies such as machine learning and deep learning. In the field of gastric cancer (GC) management, research on AI‐based diagnosis such as anatomical classification of endoscopic images, diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, and detection and qualitative diagnosis of GC is being conducted, and an accuracy equivalent to that of physicians has been reported. It is expected that AI will soon be introduced in the field of endoscopic diagnosis and management of gastric cancer as a supportive tool for physicians, thus improving the quality of medical care.
Electroencephalography decoding of Chinese characters in primary school children and its prediction for word reading performance and development
Authors: Lui Kelvin F. H. , Lo Jason C. M. , Maurer Urs , Ho Connie S.‐H. , McBride Catherine
Published: November 2020

Research on what neural mechanisms facilitate word reading development in non‐alphabetic scripts is relatively rare. The present study was among the first to adopt a multivariate pattern classification analysis to decode electroencephalographic signals recorded for primary school children (N = 236) while performing a Chinese character decision task. Chinese is an ideal script for studying the relationship between neural discriminability (i.e., decodability) of the orthography and behavioral word reading skills since the mapping from orthography to phonology is relatively arbitrary in Chinese. This was also among the first empirical attempts to examine the extent to which decoding performance can predict current and subsequent word reading skills using a longitudinal design. Results showed that neural activation patterns of real characters can be distinguished from activation patterns for pseudo‐characters, non‐characters, and random stroke combinations in both younger and older children. Topography of the transformed classifier weights revealed two distinct cognitive sub‐processes underlying single character recognition, but temporal generalization analysis suggested common neural mechanisms between the distinct cognitive sub‐processes. Suggestive evidence from correlational and hierarchical regression analyses showed that decoding performance, assessed on average 2 months before the year 2 behavioral testing, predicted both year 1 word reading performance and the development of word reading fluency over the year. Results demonstrate that decoding performance, one indicator of how the neural system is functionally organized in processing characters and character‐like stimuli, can serve as a useful neural marker in predicting current word reading skills and the capacity to learn to read.
Life‐history traits correlate with temporal trends in freshwater fish populations for common European species
Authors: Santos Raphaël , Poulet Nicolas , Besnard Aurélien
Published: November 2020

Understanding the population dynamics of aquatic species and how inter‐specific variation in demographic and life history traits influence population dynamics is crucial to define their conservation status and design appropriate protection measures.

The abundance and biomass growth rates for 18 common European freshwater fish species were estimated using data spanning 1990–2011 for 546 sites across France. Fish‐length trends were assessed using quantile regressions and correlations with life history traits were investigated.

Amongst the 18 species, eleven of them have exhibited a significant decline in abundance and 14 species declined in biomass, seven remained stable or exhibited positive abundance growth rates; for four species, biomass was stable or increased. Of the demographic and ecological traits investigated, life‐history strategy and maximum length were significantly correlated with species’ population growth rates, revealing that the decline mainly concerned large‐bodied species with slow life‐histories.

These results focus on 18 common European species representing 94% of fish captured during the study period within the French national monitoring programme and underline that more attention should be paid to the decline in common species. Population dynamics of widely distributed common species are key drivers of communities and of importance to ecosystem function.

This study provides evidence of declines in common European freshwater fish species at a national scale and recommends conservation measures to favour recovery of most declining species. We highlight the crucial value of electrofishing monitoring programmes to assess freshwater fish species population trajectories and to support environmental management and conservation policy based on scientific evidences.
Two centuries for an almost complete community turnover from native to non‐native species in a riverine ecosystem
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Pilotto Francesca , Innocenti Gianna , Cianfanelli Simone , Haase Peter
Published: November 2020

Non‐native species introductions affect freshwater communities by changing community compositions, functional roles, trait occurrences and ecological niche spaces. Reconstructing such changes over long periods is difficult due to limited data availability. We collected information spanning 215 years on fish and selected macroinvertebrate groups (Mollusca and Crustacea) in the inner‐Florentine stretch of the Arno River (Italy) and associated water grid, to investigate temporal changes. We identified an almost complete turnover from native to non‐native fish (1800: 92% native; 2015: 94% non‐native species) and macroinvertebrate species (1800: 100% native; 2015: 70% non‐native species). Non‐native fish species were observed ~50 years earlier compared to macroinvertebrate species, indicating phased invasion processes. In contrast, α‐diversity of both communities increased significantly following a linear pattern. Separate analyses of changes in α‐diversities for native and non‐native species of both fish and macroinvertebrates were nonlinear. Functional richness and divergence of fish and macroinvertebrate communities decreased non‐significantly, as the loss of native species was compensated by non‐native species. Introductions of non‐native fish and macroinvertebrate species occurred outside the niche space of native species. Native and non‐native fish species exhibited greater overlap in niche space over time (62%–68%) and non‐native species eventually replaced native species. Native and non‐native macroinvertebrate niches overlapped to a lesser extent (15%–30%), with non‐natives occupying mostly unoccupied niche space. These temporal changes in niche spaces of both biotic groups are a direct response to the observed changes in α‐diversity and species turnover. These changes are potentially driven by deteriorations in hydromorphology as indicated by alterations in trait modalities. Additionally, we identified that angling played a considerable role for fish introductions. Our results support previous findings that the community turnover from native to non‐native species can be facilitated by, for example, deteriorating environmental conditions and that variations in communities are multifaceted requiring more indicators than single metrics.
What’s hot and what’s not: Making sense of biodiversity ‘hotspots’
Authors: Thompson Murray S. A. , Couce Elena , Webb Thomas J. , Grace Miriam , Cooper Keith M. , Schratzberger Michaela
Published: November 2020

Conserving biogeographic regions with especially high biodiversity, known as biodiversity ‘hotspots’, is intuitive because finite resources can be focussed towards manageable units. Yet, biodiversity, environmental conditions and their relationship are more complex with multidimensional properties. Assessments which ignore this risk failing to detect change, identify its direction or gauge the scale of appropriate intervention. Conflicting concepts which assume assemblages as either sharply delineated communities or loosely collected species have also hampered progress in the way we assess and conserve biodiversity. We focus on the marine benthos where delineating manageable areas for conservation is an attractive prospect because it holds most marine species and constitutes the largest single ecosystem on earth by area. Using two large UK marine benthic faunal datasets, we present a spatially gridded data sampling design to account for survey effects which would otherwise be the principal drivers of diversity estimates. We then assess γ‐diversity (regional richness) with diversity partitioned between α (local richness) and β (dissimilarity), and their change in relation to covariates to test whether defining and conserving biodiversity hotspots is an effective conservation strategy in light of the prevailing forces structuring those assemblages. α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity hotspots were largely inconsistent with each metric relating uniquely to the covariates, and loosely collected species generally prevailed with relatively few distinct assemblages. Hotspots could therefore be an unreliable means to direct conservation efforts if based on only a component part of diversity. When assessed alongside environmental gradients, α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity provide a multidimensional but still intuitive perspective of biodiversity change that can direct conservation towards key drivers and the appropriate scale for intervention. Our study also highlights possible temporal declines in species richness over 30 years and thus the need for future integrated monitoring to reveal the causal drivers of biodiversity change.
Fungal community structure and function shifts with atmospheric nitrogen deposition
Authors: Moore Jessica A. M. , Anthony Mark A. , Pec Gregory J. , Trocha Lidia K. , Trzebny Artur , Geyer Kevin M. , van Diepen Linda T. A. , Frey Serita D.
Published: November 2020

Fungal decomposition of soil organic matter depends on soil nitrogen (N) availability. This ecosystem process is being jeopardized by changes in N inputs that have resulted from a tripling of atmospheric N deposition in the last century. Soil fungi are impacted by atmospheric N deposition due to higher N availability, as soils are acidified, or as micronutrients become increasingly limiting. Fungal communities that persist with chronic N deposition may be enriched with traits that enable them to tolerate environmental stress, which may trade‐off with traits enabling organic matter decomposition. We hypothesized that fungal communities would respond to N deposition by shifting community composition and functional gene abundances toward those that tolerate stress but are weak decomposers. We sampled soils at seven eastern US hardwood forests where ambient N deposition varied from 3.2 to 12.6 kg N ha−1 year−1, five of which also have experimental plots where atmospheric N deposition was simulated through fertilizer application treatments (25–50 kg N ha−1 year−1). Fungal community and functional responses to fertilizer varied across the ambient N deposition gradient. Fungal biomass and richness increased with simulated N deposition at sites with low ambient deposition and decreased at sites with high ambient deposition. Fungal functional genes involved in hydrolysis of organic matter increased with ambient N deposition while genes involved in oxidation of organic matter decreased. One of four genes involved in generalized abiotic stress tolerance increased with ambient N deposition. In summary, we found that the divergent response to simulated N deposition depended on ambient N deposition levels. Fungal biomass, richness, and oxidative enzyme potential were reduced by N deposition where ambient N deposition was high suggesting fungal communities were pushed beyond an environmental stress threshold. Fungal community structure and function responses to N enrichment depended on ambient N deposition at a regional scale.
Foodborne outbreaks of microbial infection from fresh produce in Europe and North America: a systematic review of data from this millennium
Authors: Aiyedun Susanna O. , Onarinde Bukola A. , Swainson Mark , Dixon Ronald A.
Published: November 2020

This study focuses on foodborne outbreaks of microbial infection associated with fresh produce in Europe and North America from this millennium. A total of 277 outbreaks with 44 524 individual cases were identified. Foodborne pathogens associated with the most outbreak frequency include Cryptosporidium (20.5%) in Europe and Salmonella (52.2%) in North America although Norovirus (54.3%) and Salmonella (61.3%) were associated with the number of cases in Europe and North America, respectively. Vegetables were the most implicated fresh produce category with outbreak frequencies of 34.1% in Europe and 47.4% in North America. Increased consumption of fresh produce in Europe and North America, as measures to improve diets, correlates with the increased fresh produce‐related outbreaks of microbial infection. This systematic review suggests the need for more rapid methodologies for traceback investigations in order to determine trends and epicentres of foodborne infections related to fresh produce.
The role of hydrocolloids in the development of gluten‐free cereal‐based products for coeliac patients: a review
Authors: Zoghi Alaleh , Mirmahdi Razieh Sadat , Mohammadi Mehrdad
Published: November 2020

A growing number of diseases in association with gluten intake, such as coeliac disease, have led to increasing demand for gluten‐free products as a crucial economic and health issue. Gluten‐free products, because of the absence of gluten, usually have a poor texture, taste and appearance. Therefore, the production of good quality gluten‐free products with substances that can somehow mimic the viscoelastic properties of gluten is an important challenge. Recently, hydrocolloids are widely used to improve the quality and shelf‐life of gluten‐free products. In this study, the effect of hydrocolloids on the production of gluten‐free cereal‐based products, such as breads, cakes and muffins, biscuits and cookies, pasta and noodles, has been reviewed as well as their nutritional values. In general, this study could suggest key factors in the improvement of gluten‐free products.
Efficacy of nivolumab versus molecular‐targeted therapy as second‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Real‐world data from two Japanese institutions
Authors: Ishihara Hiroki , Fukuda Hironori , Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Tachibana Hidekazu , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Iizuka Junpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of nivolumab with that of molecular‐targeted therapy as a second‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma using real‐world data.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients who received nivolumab or molecular‐targeted therapy after the failure of first‐line molecular‐targeted therapy between January 2008 and December 2019 at two Japanese institutions. Progression‐free survival and overall survival after the initiation of second‐line therapy were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Objective response rate was assessed based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.

Results

Among 159 patients, 43 (27%) and 116 (73%) patients received nivolumab and molecular‐targeted therapy as second‐line therapy, respectively. During follow up (median 11.1 months), 129 (81%) and 98 (62%) patients had disease progression and died, respectively. Progression‐free survival was comparable between the two treatments (median 5.06 vs 5.95 months, P = 0.881), whereas overall survival was significantly longer with nivolumab than with molecular‐targeted therapy (not reached vs 13.0 months, P = 0.0008). Multivariate analysis further showed that nivolumab therapy was an independent favorable factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 0.33, P = 0.0007). In 151 patients with eligible radiographic data, the objective response rate was significantly higher in nivolumab than in molecular‐targeted therapy (n = 14/41 [34%] vs n = 20/110 [18%], P = 0.0485).

Conclusions

Real‐world data analysis suggests superior efficacy of nivolumab over molecular‐targeted therapy as second‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
How Much Does Slaughter Harm Humanely Raised Animals?1
Authors: Solis Coleman
Published: November 2020

Some believe that it is immoral to harm animals, but it is not immoral to kill humanely raised domesticated animals. Implicit in this is the assumption that it is possible to raise and slaughter animals without harming them significantly. In recent years, a number of philosophers – DeGrazia, Harman, Bradley, and others – have claimed that slaughter harms an animal in proportion to the amount of valuable future life that an animal loses in dying, which seems to challenge this assumption. But a question remains: how much are domesticated animals, particularly humanely raised ones, harmed by their slaughter? Here, I take up this question. My answer may be surprising: in ordinary circumstances, slaughter hardly deprives humanely raised animals of any good life, and so is not very harmful to them. This result may strengthen the case for humane slaughter – or it may give us reason to revise our understanding of the harmfulness of death.
Thidiazuron decreases epithelial‐mesenchymal transition activity through the NF‐kB and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways in breast cancer
Authors: Rajendran Peramaiyan , Ben Ammar Rebai , Al‐Saeedi Fatma J. , Elsayed Mohamed Maged , Islam MIH , Al‐Ramadan Saeed Y.
Published: November 2020

Breast cancer is the major type among the women population globally. The treatment of cancer metastasis has made modest progress due to multiple factors. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is a novel plant growth regulator that has been shown to have anticancer effects. Therefore, we explored the anti‐metastatic potentials of TDZ in cell lines by assessing its potential to suppress the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). We pretreated the BEAS‐2B and breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231) cells with TDZ and deliberated alteration in a cell viability, mammosphere, migration, NF‐кB signalling, PI3K/AKT signalling and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and analysed the EMT induction by TGF‐β/TNF‐α‐stimulated BEAS‐2B cells. Treatment with TDZ (5‐50 μmol) diminished the migration and invasion of the extremely metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Additionally, TDZ treatment led to down‐regulation of uPAR, uPA, VEGF and MMP‐2/‐9 expression and up‐regulation of TIMP‐1/2 expression in these cells. Furthermore, TDZ treatment blocked invasion and EMT in non‐tumorigenic BEAS‐2B epithelial cells stimulated with TGF‐β/TNF‐α.TDZ prevents EMT and may thus block metastasis of breast cancer cells.
Impact of an Advance Care Planning Video Intervention on Care of Short‐Stay Nursing Home Patients
Authors: Loomer Lacey , Ogarek Jessica A. , Mitchell Susan L. , Volandes Angelo E. , Gutman Roee , Gozalo Pedro L. , McCreedy Ellen M. , Mor Vincent
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To assess whether an advance care planning (ACP) video intervention impacts care among short‐stay nursing home (NH) patients.

DESIGN

PRagmatic trial of Video Education in Nursing Homes (PROVEN) was a pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

A total of 360 NHs (N = 119 intervention, N = 241 control) owned by two healthcare systems.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2,538 and 5,290 short‐stay patients with advanced dementia or cardiopulmonary disease (advanced illness) in the intervention and control arms, respectively; 23,302 and 50,815 short‐stay patients without advanced illness in the intervention and control arms, respectively.

INTERVENTION

Five ACP videos were available on tablets or online. Designated champions at each intervention facility were instructed to offer a video to patients (or proxies) on admission. Control facilities used usual ACP practices.

MEASUREMENTS

Follow‐up time was at most 100 days for each patient. Outcomes included hospital transfers per 1000 person‐days alive and the proportion of patients experiencing more than one hospital transfer, more than one burdensome treatment (tube‐feeding, parenteral therapy, invasive mechanical intervention, and intensive care unit admission), and hospice enrollment. Champions recorded whether a video was offered in the patients' electronic medical record.

RESULTS

There was no significant reduction in hospital transfers per 1000 person‐days alive in the intervention versus control groups with advanced illness (rate (95% confidence interval (CI)), 12.3 (11.6–13.1) vs 13.2 (12.5–13.7); rate difference: −0.8; 95% CI = −1.8–0.2)). There was a nonsignificant reduction in hospital transfers per 1000 person‐days alive in the intervention versus control among short‐stay patients without advanced illness. Secondary outcomes did not differ between groups among patients with and without advanced illness. Based on champion only reports 14.2% and 15.3% of eligible short‐stay patients with and without advanced illness were shown videos, respectively.

CONCLUSION

An ACP video program did not significantly reduce hospital transfers, burdensome treatment, or hospice enrollment among short‐stay NH patients; however, fidelity to the intervention was low.
The impact of discernment counseling on individuals who decide to divorce: experiences of post‐divorce communication and coparenting
Authors: Emerson Angela J. , Harris Steven M. , Ahmed Fathiya A.
Published: November 2020

Discernment counseling is designed to help couples considering divorce arrive at a greater sense of clarity and confidence in their decision making about the future of their marriage. Possible outcomes include making no change to the marriage, divorcing, or attempting reconciliation through couples therapy. To date, no research has been done on whether or not discernment counseling helps couples who decide to divorce with their post‐divorce family life (i.e., coparenting). We surveyed 11 people (from male–female couples) and conducted in‐depth interviews with eight who had undergone discernment counseling and subsequently divorced to see what impact discernment counseling had on their post‐divorce coparenting relationship. We analyzed the data from a phenomenological perspective. Respondents described their discernment counseling experience as helpful for achieving clarity and honesty in the divorce decision‐making process, they shared their appreciation for the structure of the intervention, and indicated that it led to a greater coparental cooperation post‐divorce.
Effects of gonadectomy and dihydrotestosterone on neuronal plasticity in motivation and reward related brain regions in the male rat
Authors: Huijgens Patty T. , Snoeren Eelke M. S. , Meisel Robert L. , Mermelstein Paul G.
Published: November 2020

Gonadal hormones affect neuronal morphology to ultimately regulate behaviour. In female rats, oestradiol mediates spine plasticity in hypothalamic and limbic brain structures, contributing to long‐lasting effects on motivated behaviour. Parallel effects of androgens in male rats have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the effect of both castration and androgen replacement on spine plasticity in the nucleus accumbens shell and core (NAcSh and NAcC), caudate putamen (CPu), medial amygdala (MeA) and medial preoptic nucleus (MPN). Intact and castrated (gonadectomy [GDX]) male rats were treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 1.5 mg) or vehicle (oil) in three experimental groups: intact‐oil, GDX‐oil and GDX‐DHT. Spine density and morphology, measured 24 hours after injection, were determined through three‐dimensional reconstruction of confocal z‐stacks of DiI‐labelled dendritic segments. We found that GDX decreased spine density in the MPN, which was rescued by DHT treatment. DHT also increased spine density in the MeA in GDX animals compared to intact oil‐treated animals. By contrast, DHT decreased spine density in the NAcSh compared to GDX males. No effect on spine density was observed in the NAcC or CPu. Spine length and spine head diameter were unaffected by GDX and DHT in the investigated brain regions. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed that DHT treatment of GDX animals rapidly increased the number of cell bodies in the NAcSh positive for phosphorylated cAMP response‐element binding protein, a downstream messenger of the androgen receptor. These findings indicate that androgen signalling plays a role in the regulation of spine plasticity within neurocircuits involved in motivated behaviours.