bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deletion spanning the promoter and first exon of the hair cycle‐specific ASIP transcript isoform in black and tan rabbits
Authors: Letko A. , Ammann B. , Jagannathan V. , Henkel J. , Leuthard F. , Schelling C. , Carneiro M. , Drögemüller C. , Leeb T.
Published: November 2019

Black and tan animals have tan‐coloured ventral body surfaces separated by sharp boundaries from black‐coloured dorsal body surfaces. In the at mouse mutant, a retroviral 6 kb insertion located in the hair cycle‐specific promoter of the murine Asip gene encoding agouti signalling protein causes the black and tan phenotype. In rabbits, three ASIP alleles are thought to exist, including an at allele causing a black and tan coat colour that closely resembles the mouse black and tan phenotype. The goal of our study was to identify the functional genetic variant causing the rabbit at allele. We performed a WGS‐based comparative analysis of the ASIP gene in one black and tan and three wt agouti‐coloured rabbits. The analysis identified 75 at‐associated variants including an 11 kb deletion. The deletion is located in the region of the hair cycle‐specific ASIP promoter and thus in a region homologous to the site of the retroviral insertion causing the at allele in mice. We observed perfect association of the genotypes at this deletion with the coat colour phenotype in 49 rabbits. The comparative analysis and the previous knowledge about the regulation of ASIP expression suggest that the 11 kb deletion is the most likely causative variant for the black and tan phenotype in rabbits.
Difficult Airway Society guidelines for awake tracheal intubation (ATI) in adults
Authors: Ahmad I. , El‐Boghdadly K. , Bhagrath R. , Hodzovic I. , McNarry A. F. , Mir F. , O'Sullivan E. P. , Patel A. , Stacey M. , Vaughan D.
Published: November 2019

Awake tracheal intubation has a high success rate and a favourable safety profile but is underused in cases of anticipated difficult airway management. These guidelines are a comprehensive document to support decision making, preparation and practical performance of awake tracheal intubation. We performed a systematic review of the literature seeking all of the available evidence for each element of awake tracheal intubation in order to make recommendations. In the absence of high‐quality evidence, expert consensus and a Delphi study were used to formulate recommendations. We highlight key areas of awake tracheal intubation in which specific recommendations were made, which included: indications; procedural setup; checklists; oxygenation; airway topicalisation; sedation; verification of tracheal tube position; complications; management of unsuccessful awake tracheal intubation; post‐tracheal intubation management; consent; and training. We recognise that there are a range of techniques and regimens that may be effective and one such example technique is included. Breaking down the key practical elements of awake tracheal intubation into sedation, topicalisation, oxygenation and performance might help practitioners to plan, perform and address complications. These guidelines aim to support clinical practice and help lower the threshold for performing awake tracheal intubation when indicated.
Initial evidence of plant and animal‐origin organic additives from the second‐century bce earthen plaster of rock‐cut caves of Karla, India*
Authors: Dighe B. , Singh M. R.
Published: November 2019

Analytical investigations through phytochemical screening, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopic observation of the earthen plaster of Karla Caves of western India identified the presence of antifungal, antibacterial and insect repellent Careya arborea stem fibres as a vegetal additive. The scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDX) study also revealed the inclusion of rice (Oryza sativa) husk as a plant additive in the plaster. In the high rain‐fed coastal regions of western India, the antimicrobial, antioxidant and termite‐resistance properties of C. arborea helped the survival of the plaster in unfavourable climatic conditions. Besides, the C. arborea and rice husk together played a role in reducing cracks, decreasing the density, and imparting a plasticity and a durability to the plaster. The liquid Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) of organic extracts revealed carboxylic acid (fatty acids)‐based additives in the earthen plaster. From the gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of the plaster, the presence of animal milk fat, animal and vegetable fat, and vegetable oil was identified, and probably used to strengthen the earthen plaster for their resistance to tensile stress. The analysis also diagnoses the inclusion of methyl commate B, a resinous material obtained from the Burseraceae plant family, which has antimicrobial properties, through GC‐MS analysis.
Number of episodes in bipolar disorder: The case for more thoughtful conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Tremain Hailey , Fletcher Kathryn , Murray Greg
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Number of mood episodes (NoE) may be an important prognostic indicator in bipolar disorder, with implications for treatment. However, NoE has been conceptualized and measured inconsistently throughout the literature. This review examines the construct of NoE in bipolar disorder, with the aim of enhancing its conceptualization and measurement.

Methods

A critical evaluation of literatures on important correlates of NoE, conceptually and phenomenologically overlapping features, and previous studies considering and measuring this construct was undertaken.

Results

The literature indicates that despite frequent use, NoE has been inconsistently defined and measured. Multiple studies have linked NoE with important clinical factors, including relapse, functioning, cognitive impairment and the effectiveness of both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, yet conclusions are limited by its inconsistent treatment. Additionally, it seems evident that that NoE may best be treated as a fuzzy construct (rather than precise figure), with yet to be defined overlaps with clinical variables such as age at onset and severity. Attempts to measure this construct have varied in comprehensiveness and structure.

Conclusions

The NoE construct may have important implications for individuals with bipolar disorders. However, more consistent and systematic definition and assessment of NoE is required to advance this literature and clarify its role. Recommendations aimed at advancing the conceptualization and the measurement of NoE are provided. Conceptualization may be advanced by considering and exploring relationships between NoE and factors with which it overlaps, while measurement may best be improved with increased consistency and balancing accuracy with feasibility.
The association between haemorrhage and markers of endothelial insufficiency and inflammation in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia: a cohort study
Authors: Ypma Paula F. , van Geloven Nan , Kerkhoffs Jean Louis H. , te Boekhorst Peter , Zwaginga Jaap J. , Beckers Erik A. M. , Brand Anneke , van der Meer Pieter F. , Eikenboom Jeroen C. J.
Published: November 2019

In daily haematological practice, predicting bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients is difficult, and clinicians adhere to transfusion triggers to guide patients through the aplastic phase of chemotherapy. Platelet count is not the only determinant of bleeding and additional mechanisms for impending haemostasis are likely. Beside clot formation, platelets are essential for the maintenance of integrity of vascular beds. We therefore prospectively investigated associations between biomarkers for endothelial damage (urine albumin excretion) and inflammation (C‐reactive protein) and bleeding (WHO grading) in 88 patients with 116 on‐protocol episodes. We found an increase in grade 2 bleeding with a higher urine albumin/creatinine ratio one day after the measurement [odds ratio (OR) 1·24 for every doubling of the ratio, 95% CI 1·05–1·46, P‐value 0·01] and a 29% increase in the odds of grade 2 bleeding for every doubling of serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) (95% CI 1·04–1·60, P‐value 0·02) after correction for morning platelet count. The 24 h post‐transfusion corrected count increment (CCI24) showed a significant association with these biomarkers: increasing urine albumin/creatinine ratio and CRP were associated with lower CCI24. We report two inexpensive and easy‐to‐apply biomarkers that could be useful in designing a prediction model for bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic patients.
Reduction in the neuronal surface of post and presynaptic GABABreceptors in the hippocampus in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Martín‐Belmonte Alejandro , Aguado Carolina , Alfaro‐Ruíz Rocío , Moreno‐Martínez Ana Esther , de la Ossa Luis , Martínez‐Hernández José , Buisson Alain , Früh Simon , Bettler Bernhard , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Fukazawa Yugo , Luján Rafael
Published: November 2019

The hippocampus plays key roles in learning and memory and is a main target of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which causes progressive memory impairments. Despite numerous investigations about the processes required for the normal hippocampal functions, the neurotransmitter receptors involved in the synaptic deficits by which AD disables the hippocampus are not yet characterized. By combining histoblots, western blots, immunohistochemistry and high‐resolution immunoelectron microscopic methods for GABABreceptors, this study provides a quantitative description of the expression and the subcellular localization of GABAB1in the hippocampus in a mouse model of AD at 1, 6 and 12 months of age. Western blots and histoblots showed that the total amount of protein and the laminar expression pattern of GABAB1were similar in APP/PS1 mice and in age‐matched wild‐type mice. In contrast, immunoelectron microscopic techniques showed that the subcellular localization of GABAB1subunit did not change significantly in APP/PS1 mice at 1 month of age, was significantly reduced in thestratum lacunosum‐moleculareof CA1 pyramidal cells at 6 months of age and significantly reduced at the membrane surface of CA1 pyramidal cells at 12 months of age. This reduction of plasma membrane GABAB1was paralleled by a significant increase of the subunit at the intracellular sites. We further observed a decrease of membrane‐targeted GABABreceptors in axon terminals contacting CA1 pyramidal cells. Our data demonstrate compartment‐ and age‐dependent reduction of plasma membrane‐targeted GABABreceptors in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, suggesting that this decrease might be enough to alter the GABAB‐mediated synaptic transmission taking place in AD.
From primordial gas to the medicine cabinet
Authors: Papapetropoulos Andreas , Wallace John L. , Wang Rui
Published: November 2019

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
TP53 alterations in relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yu Chih‐Hsiang , Chang Wan‐Ting , Jou Shiann‐Tarng , Lin Tze‐Kang , Chang Ya‐Hsuan , Lin Chien‐Yu , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Lu Meng‐Yao , Chen Shu‐Huey , Wu Kang‐Hsi , Wang Shih‐Chung , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Su Yi‐Ning , Hung Chia‐Cheng , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Chen Hsuan‐Yu , Yang Yung‐Li
Published: November 2019

TP53 alterations are frequent relapse‐acquired mutations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The present study evaluated the clinical significance of relapsed childhood ALL in Taiwan. Diagnostic and/or relapsed bone marrow or peripheral blood was obtained from 111 children with relapsed ALL who were initially treated by using Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG) ALL protocols from January 1997 to May 2018. Mutations were detected by PCR and sequencing, as well as by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification to detect copy number alterations. Copy number and/or sequence alterations of TP53 were detected in 29% (28 of 98) and in 46% (6 of 13) of patients with relapsed B‐cell and T‐cell ALL, respectively. This incidence was much higher than that in several similar studies conducted in Caucasian populations. Seventy percent of all TP53 alterations were gained at relapse in 67 matched samples by back‐tracking matched diagnostic samples. TP53 alterations were associated with lower 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates (P = .013 and P = .0002, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of TP53 alterations. Forty‐five patients received hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantations post‐relapse. Patients with TP53 alterations (14/45) had inferior 5‐year EFS and OS than patients without TP53 alterations after transplantation (P = .002 and P = .001, respectively). The significance of these TP53 alterations for patients who received transplantations was confirmed by multivariate analysis. In conclusion, TP53 alterations were enriched and useful as prognostic markers in relapsed childhood ALL.
Young Children’s Ability to Produce Valid and Relevant Counter‐Arguments
Authors: Köymen Bahar , O’Madagain Cathal , Domberg Andreas , Tomasello Michael
Published: November 2019

In collaborative problem solving, children produce and evaluate arguments for proposals. We investigated whether 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds (N = 192) can produce and evaluate arguments against those arguments (i.e., counter‐arguments). In Study 1, each child within a peer dyad was privately given a reason to prefer one over another solution to a task. One child, however, was given further information that would refute the reasoning of their partner. Five‐year‐olds, but not 3‐year‐olds, identified and produced valid and relevant counter‐arguments. In Study 2, 3‐year‐olds were given discourse training (discourse that contrasted valid and invalid counter‐arguments) and then given the same problem‐solving tasks. After training, 3‐year‐olds could also identify and produce valid and relevant counter‐arguments. Thus, participating in discourse about reasons facilitates children’s counter‐argumentation.
Historical and new insights into pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wong F S , Tree T I
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there have been exciting new insights into pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes in a number of areas of immunology. In this edition, a collection of four review articles are presented, which encompass new findings presented at the Immunology of Diabetes Society meeting in London 2018. The articles are focused particularly in 4 related areas of investigation, which include autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes, new autoantigenic targets for CD4 T cells, trafficking of immune cells to the pancreas and islet-immune interactions in the pancreas.
Altered putamen and cerebellum connectivity among different subtypes of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shen Bo , Pan Yang , Jiang Xu , Wu Zhuang , Zhu Jun , Dong Jingde , Zhang Wenbin , Xu Pingyi , Dai Yakang , Gao Yang , Xiao Chaoyong , Zhang Li
Published: November 2019

Objective

Impairment of basal ganglia (BG)‐thalamo‐cortical circuit causes various symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the functional connectivity (FC) patterns of putamen among PD subtypes and healthy control (HC) and explored their clinical significance.

Methods

A total of 16 patients with tremor‐dominant (TD) PD, 23 patients with postural instability and gait difficulty‐dominant (PIGD) PD, and 31 HC that underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging were observed. Voxel‐wise FC analysis was performed by computing correlation between bilateral putamen and other voxels within the brain. Correlation analysis was performed between FC strength and clinical symptoms.

Results

Compared with PIGD group, TD group showed increased FC between left putamen and right cerebellum lobule VI and cerebellum crus I, then we compared the cerebellum FC difference among the three groups. The cerebellum lobule VI FC difference was mainly involved in motor related cortex, and the cerebellum crus I FC difference was related to cognition areas. While compared with HC, TD and PIGD groups both had significant FC difference brain areas correlated with motor and cognition symptoms. The connectively of putamen and right cerebellum lobules VI and I showed positive correlation with tremor and Montreal Cognitive Assessment degree of scores, respectively. The connectivity of putamen and sensorimotor cortex had negative correlation with PIGD scores.

Conclusions

The altered connectivity of BG‐cortical circuit in patients with PD was related to PIGD symptoms. Motor and cognitive impairments declined slower in patients with TD PD, which may be related to increased functional connectivity between putamen and cerebellum.
Immune modulation by mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jiang Wei , Xu Jianyong
Published: November 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be derived from various adult tissues with multipotent and self‐renewal abilities. The characteristics of presenting no major ethical concerns, having low immunogenicity and possessing immune modulation functions make MSCs promising candidates for stem cell therapies. MSCs could promote inflammation when the immune system is underactivated and restrain inflammation when the immune system is overactivated to avoid self‐overattack. These cells express many immune suppressors to switch them from a pro‐inflammatory phenotype to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype, resulting in immune effector cell suppression and immune suppressor cell activation. We would discuss the mechanisms governing the immune modulation function of these cells in this review, especially the immune‐suppressive effects of MSCs.
Spatial patterns and temporal variability of seagrass connectivity in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mari Lorenzo , Melià Paco , Fraschetti Simona , Gatto Marino , Casagrandi Renato
Published: November 2019

Aim

The endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica is a key component of the coastal seascapes of the Mediterranean Sea, where it provides crucial ecosystem services and promotes the assembly of diverse ecological communities. Although protection policies exist, P. oceanica meadows have been steadily declining in the recent past because of human activities and climate change. Here, we quantitatively analyse basin‐wide patterns of seagrass connectivity over a 30‐year‐long period and identify connectivity hotspots that may serve as priority targets for conservation actions.

Location

Mediterranean Sea.

Time period

1987–2016.

Major taxa studied

The seagrass P. oceanica.

Methods

A biophysical Lagrangian approach is used to simulate dispersal of seagrass fruits operated by marine currents. Connectivity metrics (self‐retention, indegree and outdegree) are evaluated on top of Lagrangian simulations to identify the most ecologically connected areas. Time series of local connectivity scores are analysed to study temporal variability and possibly detect trends at different spatial scales.

Results

Spatio‐temporal variability is an important component of seagrass connectivity in the Mediterranean. Connectivity hotspots are unevenly distributed in all of its four main sub‐basins, and along both European and African coastlines. Although statistically significant local trends in connectivity are generally quite infrequent across the whole basin, they appear to be relatively more prevalent in connectivity hotspots. The interannual variability of average connectivity scores seems to be at least partially linked to meteorological fluctuations.

Main conclusions

The present study represents a step forward in the application of a quantitative, scalable and replicable methodological framework for the prioritization of seagrass conservation actions in the Mediterranean large marine ecosystem, a challenging environment characterized by complex socio‐economic boundary conditions and high sensitivity to the localized effects of global climate change.
CNTNAP2 is targeted to endosomes by the polarity protein PAR3
Authors: Gao Ruoqi , Pratt Christopher P. , Yoon Sehyoun , Martin‐de‐Saavedra Maria Dolores , Forrest Marc P. , Penzes Peter
Published: November 2019

A decade of genetic studies has established contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CNTNAP2) as a prominent susceptibility gene associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. The development and characterization of Cntnap2 knockout models in multiple species have bolstered this claim by establishing clear connections with certain endophenotypes. Despite these remarkable in vivo findings, CNTNAP2’s molecular functions are relatively unexplored, highlighting the need to identify novel protein partners. Here, we characterized an interaction between CNTNAP2 and partitioning‐defective 3 (PAR3)—a polarity molecule isolated in a yeast two‐hybrid screen with CNTNAP2’s C‐terminus. We provide evidence that the two proteins interact via PDZ domain‐mediated binding, that CNTNAP2+/PAR3+ complexes are largely associated with clathrin‐coated endocytic vesicles in heterologous cells and that PAR3 causes an enlargement of CNTNAP2 puncta size. Live imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) reveals that PAR3 limits the mobility of CNTNAP2. Finally, overexpression of PAR3 but not a PAR3 mutant lacking all PDZ domains (PAR3∆PDZall) can cluster endogenous CNTNAP2 in primary neurons. Collectively, we conclude that PAR3 regulates CNTNAP2 spatial localization.
Being considerate every step of the way: a qualitative study analysing trauma‐sensitive dental treatment for childhood sexual abuse survivors
Authors: Kranstad Vibeke , Søftestad Siri , Fredriksen Therese V. , Willumsen Tiril
Published: November 2019

This qualitative study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of what makes adult dentistry possible for child sexual abuse survivors. Sixteen adult informants were recruited from four Centres against Sexual Abuse and interviewed. Qualitative analysis of the transcribed interviews was conducted consecutively until thematic saturation was reached at 16 informants. A conceptual framework was generated, and informants’ experiences of what makes dental treatment achievable were summed as the dentist working in a trauma‐sensitive way, captured by the core category: Being considerate every step of the way. The underlying categories are: (i) offering a good start; (ii) being competent; (iii) being aware of the influence of staff behaviour; (iv) building a safe relationship; (v) arranging a secure treatment situation; and (vi) exploring individual triggers. The findings revealed that dental staff should have adequate competence to build secure relationships and explore individual triggers in dental treatment situations when treating child sexual abuse survivors. Dentists should have a trauma‐sensitive approach to all patients. When treating child sexual abuse survivors, dentists should demonstrate utmost consideration every step of the way, building long‐term solid relationships, and discussing and testing coping strategies individually adapted to the specific needs of the child sexual abuse survivors, in a safe environment.
Online eigenvector transformation reflecting concept drift for improving network intrusion detection
Authors: Park Seongchul , Seo Sanghyun , Jeong Changhoon , Kim Juntae
Published: November 2019

Currently, large data streams are constantly being generated in diverse environments, and continuous storage of the data and periodic batch‐type principal component analysis (PCA) are becoming increasingly difficult. Various online PCA algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem. In this study, we propose an online PCA methodology based on online eigenvector transformation with the moving average of the data stream that can reflect concept drift. We compared the network intrusion detection performance based on online transformation of eigenvectors with that of offline methods by applying three machine learning algorithms. Both online and offline methods demonstrated excellent performance in terms of precision. However, in terms of the recall ratio, the performance of the proposed methodology with integrated online eigenvector transformation was better; thus, the F1‐measure also indicated better performance. The visualization of the principal component score shows the effectiveness of our method.
A multi‐agent affective interactive MAGDM approach and its applications
Authors: Peng Cheng , Su Chong
Published: November 2019

Traditional multi‐attribute group decision‐making (MAGDM) methods focus on weights calculation of sub‐attributes and experts' preferences, but lack the discussion on the decision‐makers' affective interaction, and its influence on the decision preference and group consistency. To address this problem, the present study proposed a new multilayer affective computing model based on “personality–mood–emotion” pattern, under the multi‐agent decision system framework. In addition, we introduced the group trending index and affection‐preference incentive mechanism, which can help simulate MAGDM process and learn group experts' decision preferences. Further, we proposed a new multi‐agent affective interactive MAGDM (MAAI‐MAGDM) method, where we defined a novel group convergence index and an alternative decision entropy to explain the convergence process of decision and group consistency. Compared to the traditional MAGDM approaches, the proposed MAAI‐MAGDM method fully considered the affective features of each expert, reduced the dependence on aggregation operators and weight analysis, alleviated the workload of group experts, and effectively reduced the complexity of decision‐making calculation process. Finally, we verified that the proposed method can effectively assist the decision‐making processes by employing two numerical cases.
Anti‐CRISPR proteins targeting the CRISPR‐Cas system enrich the toolkit for genetic engineering
Authors: Liu Qiong , Zhang Hongxia , Huang Xiaotian
Published: November 2019

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐Cas adaptive immune defense systems, which are widely distributed in bacteria and Archaea, can provide sequence‐specific protection against foreign DNA or RNA in some cases. However, the evolution of defense systems in bacterial hosts did not lead to the elimination of phages, and some phages carry anti‐CRISPR genes that encode products that bind to the components mediating the defense mechanism and thus antagonize CRISPR‐Cas immune systems of bacteria. Given the extensive application of CRISPR‐Cas9 technologies in gene editing, in this review, we focus on the anti‐CRISPR proteins (Acrs) that inhibit CRISPR‐Cas systems for gene editing. We describe the discovery of Acrs in immune systems involving type I, II, and V CRISPR‐Cas immunity, discuss the potential function of Acrs in inactivating type II and V CRISPR‐Cas systems for gene editing and gene modulation, and provide an outlook on the development of important biotechnology tools for genetic engineering using Acrs.
Phenological changes in North Atlantic right whale habitat use in Massachusetts Bay
Authors: Charif Russell A. , Shiu Yu , Muirhead Charles A. , Clark Christopher W. , Parks Susan E. , Rice Aaron N.
Published: November 2019

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the world's most highly endangered baleen whales, with approximately 400–450 individuals remaining. Massachusetts Bay (MB) and Cape Cod Bay (CCB) together comprise one of seven areas in the Gulf of Maine where right whales seasonally congregate. Here, we report on acoustically detected presence of right whales in MB over a nearly 6 year period, July 2007–April 2013, a time of both rapid ocean warming throughout the Gulf of Maine and apparent changes in right whale migratory dynamics. We applied an automated detection algorithm to assess hourly presence of right whale “up‐calls” in recordings from a 19‐channel acoustic array covering approximately 4,000 km2 in MB. Over the survey, up‐calls were detected in 95% of 8 day periods. In each year, as expected, we observed a “peak season” of elevated up‐call detections in late winter and early spring corresponding to the season when right whales congregate to feed in CCB. However, we also saw an increase in right whale occurrence during time periods thought to be part of the “off‐season.” With the exception of 2009–2010, when acoustic presence was unusually low, the mean percent of hours in which up‐calls were detected increased every year, both during the peak season (from 38% in 2008 to 70% in 2012), and during the summer–fall season (from 2% in 2007 to 13% in 2012). Over the entire study, the peak season start date varied between 17 January and 26 February. Changes in right whale phenology in MB likely reflect broadscale changes in habitat use in other areas within the species range. This study demonstrates the value of continuous long‐term survey datasets to detect and quantify shifts in cetacean habitat use as environmental conditions change and the long‐term continued survival of right whales remains uncertain.
Diagnostic test accuracy of self‐reported screening instruments in identifying frailty in community‐dwelling older people: A systematic review
Authors: Ambagtsheer Rachel C , Thompson Mark Q , Archibald Mandy M , Casey Mavourneen G , Schultz Timothy J
Published: November 2019

Against a backdrop of aging populations worldwide, it has become increasingly important to identify frailty screening instruments suitable for community settings. Self‐reported and/or administered instruments might offer significant simplicity and efficiency advantages over clinician‐administered instruments, but their comparative diagnostic test accuracy has yet to be systematically examined. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of self‐reported and/or self‐administered frailty screening instruments against two widely accepted frailty reference standards (the frailty phenotype and the Frailty Index) within community‐dwelling older adult populations. We carried out a systematic search of the Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations, Open Grey and GreyLit databases up to April 2017 (with an updated search carried out over May–July 2018) to identify studies reporting comparison of self‐reported and/or self‐administered frailty screening instruments against an appropriate reference standard, with a minimum sensitivity threshold of 80% and specificity threshold of 60%. We identified 24 studies that met our selection criteria. Four self‐reported screening instruments across three studies met minimum sensitivity and specificity thresholds. However, in most cases, study design considerations limited the reliability and generalizability of the results. Additionally, meta‐analysis was not carried out, because no more than three studies were available for any of the unique combinations of index tests and reference standards. Although the present study has shown that a number of self‐reported frailty screening instruments reported sensitivity and specificity within a desirable range for community application, additional diagnostic test accuracy studies are required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 14–24.
Science and Technology Studies (STS), modern Middle East History, and the infrastructural turn
Authors: Shafiee Katayoun
Published: November 2019

This article critically surveys the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and modern Middle East History. Scholarship in STS has helped transform the writing of history by developing new ways of thinking about what the political and the technical are and how they work. Historians of the modern Middle East have expanded on these microstudies to think about the larger, more extended effects beyond the laboratory, and to reconfigure the role of nature and technology in the reassembly of questions of agency, knowledge production, governance, political community and nation, and possibilities for democracy in the region. The discussion tracks the turn to thematerialortechnicalin modern Middle East History by placing the nonhuman at the center of the analysis of power. Making extensive use of industry and company archives, recent scholarship has drawn on STS to introduce new puzzles to the field of Middle East History concerning the political economy of the countryside, large‐scale infrastructures, energy and democracy, and the political agency of the multinational corporation.
HIV testing strategies employed in health care settings in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA): evidence from a systematic review
Authors: Desai S , Tavoschi L , Sullivan AK , Combs L , Raben D , Delpech V , Jakobsen SF , Amato‐Gauci AJ , Croxford S
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Despite the availability of HIV testing guidelines to facilitate prompt diagnosis, late HIV diagnosis remains high across Europe. The study synthesizes recent evidence on HIV testing strategies adopted in health care settings in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and systematic searches were run in five databases (2010–2017) to identify studies describing HIV testing interventions in health care settings in the EU/EEA. The grey literature was searched for unpublished studies (2014–2017). Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal.

Results

One hundred and thirty intervention and/or feasibility studies on HIV testing in health care settings were identified. Interventions included testing provision (n = 94), campaigns (n = 14) and education and training for staff and patients (n = 20). HIV test coverage achieved through testing provision varied: 2.9–94% in primary care compared to 3.9–66% in emergency departments. HIV test positivity was lower in emergency departments (0–1.3%) and antenatal services (0–0.05%) than in other hospital departments (e.g. inpatients: 0–5.3%). Indicator condition testing programmes increased HIV test coverage from 3.9–72% before to 12–85% after their implementation, with most studies reporting a 10–20% increase. There were 51 feasibility and/or acceptability studies that demonstrated that HIV testing interventions were generally acceptable to patients and providers in health care settings (e.g. general practitioner testing acceptable: 77–93%).

Conclusions

This review has identified several strategies that could be adopted to achieve high HIV testing coverage across a variety of health care settings and populations in the EU/EEA. Very few studies compared the intervention under investigation to a baseline, but, where this was assessed, data suggested increases in testing.
For showing only, or for selling? The optimal physical store mode selection decision for e‐tailers under competition
Authors: Fan Xiaojun , Wang Junbin , Zhang Ting
Published: November 2019

More and more e‐tailers are launching physical stores, in addition to their online presence. Whether and when it is best for the physical channel to be a pure showroom or a selling store remains unanswered. To address this issue, we develop a game‐theoretical model wherein two competitive e‐tailers decide to launch physical stores for showing only (as a showroom) or for actual transactions (as a selling store). By deriving the equilibrium, we obtain three major findings. First, building a pure showroom or a pure selling store is not always optimal. Interestingly, when the proportion of the store consumer segment is not too high, and the strength of the consumers’ brand preference is intermediate, an asymmetric channel configuration occurs in equilibrium, that is, one e‐tailer launches a showroom and the other launches the selling store. Second, if the strength of the consumers’ brand preference is high relative to the proportion of the store consumer segment, a “prisoner's dilemma” emerges, that is, both e‐tailers are worse off in the pure showroom channel configuration. Third, the total consumer surplus reaches the highest level if a symmetric showroom or an asymmetric channel equilibrium occurs. Otherwise, the equilibrium channel configurations are always suboptimal for consumers.
Non‐photic environmental cues and avian reproduction in an era of global change
Authors: Chmura Helen E. , Wingfield John C. , Hahn Thomas P.
Published: November 2019

Ultimate factors such as food availability and weather create optimal windows of time for birds to reproduce. However, within a given year, birds must rely upon proximate environmental information such as photoperiod, food, temperature, social cues and other factors to anticipate when that window will occur and prepare physiologically for breeding. While avian responses to photoperiod are relatively well understood, less is known about how birds use non‐photoperiodic information in reproductive timing decisions – even though understanding how birds use non‐photic cues is an important component of predicting their responses to global change. We review research on the regulation of reproductive physiology and clutch initiation by non‐photic cues within and across avian species. We evaluate hypotheses in the literature about the integration of photoperiodic and non‐photic cues in reproductive timing and about differences in non‐photic cue‐use between the sexes and across species. We show how regulation of reproduction by non‐photic cues may influence species’ responses to climate change and highlight research opportunities moving forward.
circFBXL5 promotes breast cancer progression by sponging miR‐660
Authors: Zhou Huamao , Tang Guohui , Zhao Mi , Xie Liming , Xie Yuanjie , Zhang Zhiwei , He Xiusheng
Published: November 2019

Increasing studies have revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in cancer progression. However, the potential involvement of circRNAs in breast cancer metastasis to lung is not clear so far. In this study, we conducted circular RNA microarrays of primary breast cancer tissues and lung metastatic tissues. The results revealed that circFBXL5 (hsa_circ_0125597) up‐regulated the most in lung metastatic tissues. Survival analysis revealed that high levels of circFBXL5 correlated with worse outcome of breast cancer. Further experiments showed that knockdown of circFBXL5 inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and migration to lung. Mechanism study showed that circFBXL5 acted as a sponge for miR‐660 and compete binding to miR‐660 with SRSF6, leading to increased expression of SRSF6. Collectively, our study highlighted the regulatory function of the circFBXL5/miR‐660/SRSF6 pathway in breast cancer progression, which could be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
Pan‐cancer RNA‐seq data stratifies tumours by some hallmarks of cancer
Authors: Frost F. Graeme , Cherukuri Praveen F. , Milanovich Samuel , Boerkoel Cornelius F.
Published: November 2019

Numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations cause functional changes in cell biology underlying cancer. These hallmark functional changes constitute potentially tissue‐independent anticancer therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that RNA‐Seq identifies gene expression changes that underly those hallmarks, and thereby defines relevant therapeutic targets. To test this hypothesis, we analysed the publicly available TCGA‐TARGET‐GTEx gene expression data set from the University of California Santa CruzToil recompute project using WGCNA to delineate co‐correlated ‘modules’ from tumour gene expression profiles and functional enrichment of these modules to hierarchically cluster tumours. This stratified tumours according to T cell activation, NK‐cell activation, complement cascade, ATM, Rb, angiogenic, MAPK, ECM receptor and histone modification signalling. These correspond to the cancer hallmarks of avoiding immune destruction, tumour‐promoting inflammation, evading growth suppressors, inducing angiogenesis, sustained proliferative signalling, activating invasion and metastasis, and genome instability and mutation. This approach did not detect pathways corresponding to the cancer enabling replicative immortality, resisting cell death or deregulating cellular energetics hallmarks. We conclude that RNA‐Seq stratifies tumours along some, but not all, hallmarks of cancer and, therefore, could be used in conjunction with other analyses collectively to inform precision therapy.
Linking via Pseudo‐Equivalent Group Design: Methodological Considerations and an Application to the PISA and PIAAC Assessments
Authors: Pokropek Artur , Borgonovi Francesca
Published: November 2019

This article presents the pseudo‐equivalent group approach and discusses how it can enhance the quality of linking in the presence of nonequivalent groups. The pseudo‐equivalent group approach allows to achieve pseudo‐equivalence using propensity score reweighting techniques. We use it to perform linking to establish scale concordance between two assessments. The article presents Monte‐Carlo simulations and a real data application based on data from the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Monte‐Carlo simulations suggest that the pseudo‐equivalent group design is particularly useful whenever there is a large overlap across the two groups with respect to balancing variables and when the correlation between such variables and ability is medium or high. The example based on PISA and PIAAC data indicates that the approach can provide reasonable accurate linking that can be used for group‐level comparisons.
Collaborating with individuals with lived experience to adapt CANMAT clinical depression guidelines into a patient treatment guide: The CHOICE‐D co‐design process
Authors: Fonseka Trehani M. , Pong Janice T. , Kcomt Andrew , Kennedy Sidney H. , Parikh Sagar V.
Published: November 2019

Effective treatment of depression involves collaboration with informed patients and families and appropriate knowledge sharing. We describe here our experience, as a case example, of a collaboration to “translate” a clinical guideline designed for practitioners into an accessible, plainlanguage version that patients and families can use during the care process, both to provide basic educational information and to foster informed discussions with their treatment providers. Content experts in knowledge translation, patient advocacy, patient‐oriented research, and psychiatry guided overall project design. Our first step was to identify lived experience writers to join in the codesign and co‐writing of the “CHOICE‐D Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment.” A national call for writers attracted 62 applicants, from whom eight individuals with lived experience of depression and writing experience were selected. Individuals subsequently attended a welcoming teleconference, followed by a 1‐day workshop designed to provide (a) a detailed overview of the clinician guideline, (b) an opportunity to select what should be included in the Guide, and (c) key principles of knowledge translation/lay writing. Both from the workshop and subsequently through the codesign process, lived experience writers recommended that the Guide address symptoms, effects of illness course on treatment, first‐line treatments, safety/side effects, and treatment misconceptions. To promote patient autonomy, question scripts (how and what to ask your treatment provider), self‐triaging resources, and treatment selection aids were suggested. Stylistic considerations included use of simple yet hopeful language, brevity, white space, key terms glossary, and graphics. Several strategies were particularly useful to optimize writer engagement in the codesign process: a pre‐workshop conference call and circulation of project resources, an in‐person workshop to increase content knowledge, structured discussion with co‐writers and project leads to develop ideas, and practical training exercises with the provision of feedback. Both during and at the end of the project, writers provided additional recommendations for improving the process, including more in‐person meetings, distribution of step‐by‐step instructions on the writing task, and a key terms glossary of technical terms to support their role. In conclusion, we describe a process with practical tips and reflective feedback on important considerations for engaging persons with lived experience as leaders in the codesign and writing process of lay treatment guidelines. These methods may serve as a model for similar projects in other areas of healthcare.
Mode of miniaturisation influences body shape evolution in New World anchovies (Engraulidae)
Authors: Bloom Devin D. , Kolmann Matthew , Foster Kimberly , Watrous Helen
Published: November 2019

We explored the macroevolutionary dynamics of miniaturisation in New World anchovies by integrating a time‐calibrated phylogeny, geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods. We found that the paedomorphic species Amazonsprattus scintilla occupies a novel region of shape space, while the dwarf species Anchoviella manamensis has an overall shape consistent with other anchovies. We found that miniaturisation did not increase overall clade disparity in size or shape beyond the expectations of Brownian motion, nor were there differences in rates of size or shape evolution among clades. Overall, our study shows that while the mode of miniaturisation influences shape evolution, the phenotypic novelty produced by the evolution of miniaturisation did not seem to alter macroevolutionary dynamics.
Evidence of a landlocked reproducing population of the marine pejerreyOdontesthes argentinensis(Actinopterygii; Atherinopsidae)
Authors: Colautti Darío C. , Miranda Leandro , Gonzalez‐Castro Mariano , Villanova Vanina , Strüssmann Carlos A. , Mancini Miguel , Maiztegui Tomas , Berasain Gustavo , Hattori Ricardo , Grosman Fabian , Sanzano Pablo , Lozano Ismael , Vegh Sabina L. , Salinas Victor , Del Ponti Omar , del Fresno Pamela , Minotti Priscila , Yamamoto Yoji , Baigún Claudio R. M.
Published: November 2019

In South America, the order Atheriniformes includes the monophyletic genusOdontestheswith 20 species that inhabit freshwater, estuarine and coastal environments. PejerreyOdontesthes argentinensisis widely distributed in coastal and estuarine areas of the Atlantic Ocean and is known to foray into estuaries of river systems, particularly in conditions of elevated salinity. However, to our knowledge, a landlocked self‐sustaining population has never been recorded. In this study, we examined the pejerrey population of Salada de Pedro Luro Lake (south‐east of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) to clarify its taxonomic identity. An integrative taxonomic analysis based on traditional meristic, landmark‐based morphometrics and genetic techniques suggests that the Salada de Pedro Luro pejerrey population represents a novel case of physiological and morphological adaptation of a marine pejerrey species to a landlocked environment and emphasises the environmental plasticity of this group of fishes.