bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report of the 21st Nationwide Follow‐up Survey of Primary Liver Cancer in Japan (2010–2011)
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Izumi Namiki , Kokudo Norihiro , Sakamoto Michiie , Shiina Shuichiro , Takayama Tadatoshi , Tateishi Ryosuke , Nakashima Osamu , Murakami Takamichi , Matsuyama Yutaka , Takahashi Arata , Miyata Hiroaki , Kubo Shoji
Published: December 2020

In the 21st Nationwide Follow‐up Survey of Primary Liver Cancer in Japan, data from 22,134 new patients and 41,956 previously followed patients were compiled from 546 institutions over a 2‐year period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011. Basic statistics compiled for patients newly registered in the 21st survey were cause of death, medical history, clinical diagnosis, imaging diagnosis, treatment‐related factors, pathological diagnosis, recurrence status, and autopsy findings. Compared with the previous 20th survey, the population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was older at the time of clinical diagnosis, had more female patients, had more patients with non‐B non‐C HCC, had smaller tumor diameter, and was more frequently treated with hepatectomy and with radiofrequency ablation. Cumulative survival rates were calculated for HCC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (combined HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) by treatment type and background characteristics for patients newly registered between 1998 and 2011 whose final outcome was survival or death (excluding unknown). Cumulative survival rates for HCC were calculated by dividing patients by combinations of background factors (number of tumors, tumor diameter, and Child–Pugh grade) and by treatment type (hepatectomy, local ablation therapy, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy). The same values were also calculated according to registration date by dividing patients newly registered between 1978 and 2011 into four time‐period groups. The data obtained from this nationwide follow‐up survey are expected to contribute to advancing clinical research and treatment of primary liver cancer.
Infectious diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Panarelli Nicole C
Published: December 2020

A broad spectrum of pathogens produce gastrointestinal disease. The ongoing spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the increased use of immunosuppressive therapy and the persistence of overcrowding and suboptimal sanitation in underdeveloped areas facilitate both disease transmission from environmental and foodborne sources and person‐to‐person transmission. Clinicians increasingly rely on endoscopic biopsy sample interpretation to diagnose gastrointestinal infections. Thus, pathologists must be aware of diagnostic features of a variety of microbial pathogens. Detection with molecular techniques also allows for correlation between infectious agents and their histopathological features, which has expanded our knowledge of the inflammatory changes produced by infectious agents. This review covers infectious disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract encountered in surgical pathology. Clinical, endoscopic and pathological features are presented. The review emphasises morphological features of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that may be found in tissue samples, and the inflammatory patterns that they produce. Differential diagnoses and useful ancillary techniques are discussed.
Helicobacter pylori: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Jessurun Jose
Published: December 2020

Since the description of Helicobacter pylori (HP) as the most common cause of gastritis and its neoplastic complications, numerous articles have been written about the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, histopathology, pathogenesis, molecular biology and treatment of this infection. This review focuses on those aspects of the infection that challenge the universality of the medical implications through the lens of evolutionary science applied to medicine. The divergent epidemiological and clinical outcomes observed in different populations and the possible beneficial aspects of the infection are discussed. Also reviewed are Correa’s seminal contributions to our understanding of gastric cancer in particular and postinflammatory tumours in general, and the renewed interest in intestinal metaplasia and its clinical implications.
The pathology of gastric and duodenal polyps: current concepts
Authors: Kővári Bence , Kim Baek H , Lauwers Gregory Y
Published: December 2020

The liberal use of upper endoscopy has led to an increased detection of gastric and duodenal polyps, which are identified in as many as 6 and 4.6% of patient examinations, respectively. Gastroduodenal polyps are a heterogeneous group of lesions that can be neoplastic or non‐neoplastic (e.g. hyperplastic or heterotopical). Most polyps present characteristic topographical features, as well as endoscopic appearance and size. Evaluation of the surrounding mucosa is essential in assessing the underlying pathology (e.g. Helicobacter pylori, autoimmune gastritis or inherited polyposis syndromes). Phylogenetically, gastric and duodenal polyps can be classified according to the epithelial compartment from which they derive. Polyps that arise from the surface epithelium can either be of foveolar or intestinal type, and they can develop from either the native mucosa or the metaplastic epithelium (gastric intestinal metaplasia or duodenal foveolar metaplasia). Other polyps develop from the deeper glandular component, such as pyloric/oxyntic gland derived subtypes. In this review we focus upon epithelial polyps, with an emphasis on the most common and clinically relevant lesions, and present recently described entities.
Beyond Helicobacter: dealing with other variants of gastritis—an algorithmic approach
Authors: El‐Zimaity Hala , Riddell Robert H
Published: December 2020

In daily practice, the presence of inflammation in gastric biopsies prompts a mental algorithm, an early question being whether the lesion present is Helicobacter‐associated. If Helicobacter organisms are not found, then there is a further algorithm, governed by the predominant type of inflammatory cells present, and the presence of other features such as intraepithelial lymphocytosis, a subepithelial collagen band, granulomas, coexisting chronic inflammation, focality, and superimposed reactive changes including erosions and ulcers. Each of these generates its own differential diagnosis. If no inflammation is present, then the two major changes specifically looked for are the changes associated with hypergastrinaemia, by far the most common cause of which is treatment with proton pump inhibitors, and reactive changes. These may be present with and without accompanying inflammation, and, when the epithelial changes dominate, the term gastropathy is preferred. In this article, we present an approach to non‐Helicobacter inflammation and gastropathies.
Head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 fusions and ALK overexpression: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of 11 cases
Authors: Xu Bin , Suurmeijer Albert J H , Agaram Narasimhan P , Zhang Lei , Antonescu Cristina R
Published: December 2020

Aims

Primary intraosseous rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare entity defined by EWSR1/FUS–TFCP2 or, less commonly, MEIS1–NCOA2 fusions. The lesions often show a hybrid spindle and epithelioid phenotype, frequently coexpress myogenic markers, ALK, and cytokeratin, and show a striking propensity for the pelvic and craniofacial bones. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and molecular features of 11 head and neck RMSs (HNRMSs) characterised by the genetic alterations described in intraosseous RMS.

Methods and results

The molecular abnormalities were analysed with fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and/or targeted RNA/DNA sequencing. Seven cases had FUS–TFCP2 fusions, four had EWSR1–TFCP2 fusions, and none had MEIS1–NCOA2 fusions. All except one case were intraosseous, affecting the mandible (n = 4), maxilla (n = 3), and skull (n = 3). One case occurred in the superficial soft tissue of the neck. The median age was 29 years (range, 16–74 years), with an equal sex distribution. All tumours showed mixed epithelioid and spindle morphology. Immunohistochemical coexpression of desmin, myogenin, MyoD1, ALK, and cytokeratin was seen in most cases. An intragenic ALK deletion was seen in 43% of cases. Regional and distant spread were seen in three and four patients, respectively. Two patients died of their disease.

Conclusions

We herein present the largest series of HNRMSs with TFCP2 fusions to date. The findings show a strong predilection for the skeleton in young adults, although we also report an extraosseous case. The tumours are characterised by a distinctive spindle and epithelioid phenotype and a peculiar immunoprofile, with coexpression of myogenic markers, epithelial markers, and ALK. They are associated with a poor prognosis, including regional or distant spread and disease‐related death.
Sex‐specific environmental sensitivity on the postnatal growth of a sexually size‐dimorphic seabird
Authors: Svagelj Walter S. , Gómez‐Laich Agustina , Pérez María Rita , Somoza Gustavo M. , Quintana Flavio
Published: December 2020

The environment experienced during development is a key factor determining intraspecific variation in postnatal growth. In sexually size‐dimorphic species, the larger sex typically grows at a higher absolute rate and consequently is more sensitive or vulnerable to restrictive environments. In addition, this sensitivity can be intrinsic when it is caused by physiological disadvantages of the larger sex, or extrinsic when it results from environments generated by social interactions among siblings. Here, we evaluated intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of sex‐specific sensitivity in the postnatal growth of the Imperial ShagLeucocarbo atriceps, a sexually dimorphic seabird that typically produces one‐ or two‐fledgling broods. Our objectives were to evaluate sex‐specific effects of: (1) good and poor years on chicks fledging as singletons, (2) different rearing environments produced by the combinations of brood size and hatching order, and (3) sibling sex and brood sex composition in two‐fledgling broods. Singletons exhibited suboptimal growth in poor years, with males and females equally affected. At an extrinsic level, males were more sensitive than females, as the reduction in fledging mass between best and worst social environments was twice as high in males as in females. In addition, the presence of a younger sibling in the nest had sex‐specific consequences for the older chick. Fledging mass of older female chicks was unaffected by the presence of a younger sibling, whereas males reached the highest fledging mass when raised as singletons. The sex of the sibling and the brood sex composition did not affect chick growth in two‐chick broods. Overall, our results suggest that females grow at their maximum rate even in moderately favourable social environments (as senior chicks in two‐chick broods), whereas males require the most favourable environment (raised as singletons) to reach the highest growth.
Infants’ abilities to respond to cues for joint attention vary by family socioeconomic status
Authors: Reilly Emily B. , Stallworthy Isabella C. , Mliner Shanna B. , Troy Michael F. , Elison Jed T. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: December 2020

The influence of socioeconomic variability on language and cognitive development is present from toddlerhood to adolescence and calls for investigating its earliest manifestation. Response to joint attention (RJA) abilities constitute a foundational developmental milestone that are associated with future language, cognitive, and social skills. How aspects of the family home environment shape RJA skills is relatively unknown. We investigated associations between family socioeconomic status (SES) —both parent education and family percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL)— parent depressive and anxiety symptoms and infant RJA performance in a cross‐sectional sample of 173 infants aged 8–18 months and their parents from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Results suggest that, correcting for age and receptive language, infants in families with greater economic resources respond to relatively less redundant, more sophisticated cues for joint attention. Although parent depressive and anxiety symptoms are negatively correlated with SES, parent depressive and anxiety symptoms were not associated with infant RJA. These findings provide evidence of SES‐related differences in social cognitive development as early as infancy, calling on policymakers to address the inequities in the current socioeconomic landscape of the United States.
Densities of liquid lanthanoid sesquioxides measured with the electrostatic levitation furnace in the ISS
Authors: Koyama Chihiro , Ishikawa Takehiko , Oda Hirohisa , Saruwatari Hideki , Ueno Saeko , Oshio Masato , Watanabe Yuki , Nakata Yui
Published: December 2020

The densities of several liquid lanthanoid sesquioxides (Ln2O3, Ln = Er, Ho, Tb, Gd) were measured over the temperature range from 2700 K (the approximate melting point of these materials) to 3200 K. These measurements were performed using the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace onboard the International Space Station (ISS‐ELF). Based on the Coulomb force between the charged samples and surrounding electrodes and employing a rapid feedback control process, specimens were stably levitated and subsequently melted by high power lasers. The molten oxides exhibited spherical morphologies and their volumes were readily calculated from magnified images. Subsequent weighing of the samples on Earth allowed the densities of the oxides to be determined. The densities of Er2O3, Ho2O3, Tb2O3, and Gd2O3 at their melting temperatures (Tm) were found to be 8170, 8035, 7451, and 7268 kg/m3, respectively, and these density values were shown to exhibit a linear correlation with temperature. The molar volumes of these oxides at their Tm values were calculated and compared with those of other sesquioxides (Al2O3, Ga2O3, and B2O3). The molar volumes of the nonglass‐forming sesquioxides (Er2O3, Ho2O3, Tb2O3, Gd2O3, Al2O3, and Ga2O3) showed linear correlations with the cubes of their cation radii, whereas those of the glass‐forming oxide (B2O3, As2O3, and Sb2O3) showed different correlations.
HPSD ablation for AF high‐power short‐duration RF ablation for atrial fibrillation: A review
Authors: Winkle Roger A.
Published: December 2020

This manuscript reviews the literature for all in silico, ex vivo, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablations. It reviews the biophysics of RF energy delivery applicable to HPSD and the use of surrogate endpoints to guide the duration of HPSD ablations. In silico modeling shows that a variety of settings in power, contact force and RF duration can result in the same surrogate endpoint value of ablation index and several HPSD combinations produce lesion volumes similar to a low‐power long‐duration (LPLD) RF application. HPSD lesions are broader with more endocardial effect and are slightly shallower but still transmural. The first 10 s of RF application is most important for lesion formation with diminishing effect beyond 20 s. The ideal contact force is 10–20 g with only a small effect beyond 30 g. In vitro and in vivo models confirm that HPSD makes transmural lesions that are often broader and shallower, and with proper settings, result in fewer steam pops than LPLD. One randomized trial shows better outcomes with HPSD and validates lesion size index as a surrogate endpoint. Clinical studies of HPSD using comparator groups of LPLD ablations uniformly show shorter procedure times and shorter total RF energy delivery for HPSD. HPSD generally has a higher first pass vein isolation rate and a lower acute vein reconnection rate than LPLD. Although not dramatically different from LPLD, long‐term freedom from atrial fibrillation and complication rates seem slightly better with HPSD.
Identification of biomarker panels as predictors of severity in coronary artery disease
Authors: Ben Braiek Assia , Chahed Hinda , Dumont Florent , Abdelhak Fodha , Hichem Denguir , Gamra Habib , Baudin Bruno
Published: December 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in atherosclerotic plaque rupture and recondition. Specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) control MMP functions. Both MMPs and TIMPs are potential biomarkers of plaque instability. Elevated Apo‐CII and CIII and Apo‐E levels are recognized as cardiovascular disease risk factors. We aimed to establish the best blood biomarker panel to evaluate the coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. Plasma levels of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, Apo‐CII, Apo‐CIII and Apo‐E were measured in 472 patients with CAD evaluated by coronary angiography and electrocardiography, and in 285 healthy controls. MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 plasma levels in CAD patients were significantly increased (P < 0.001) compared to controls (3.54‐ and 3.81‐fold, respectively). Furthermore, these increments are modulated by CAD severity as well as for Apo‐CII and Apo‐CIII levels (P < 0.001). TIMPs levels were decreased in CAD versus controls (P < 0.001) and in inverse correlation to MMPs. Standard ROC curve approach showed the importance of panels of biomarkers, including MMP‐3, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, Apo‐CII and Apo‐CIII, for disease aggravation diagnosis. A high area under curve (AUC) value (0.995) was reached for the association of MMP‐9, TIMP‐2 and Apo‐CIII. The unbalance between MMPs and TIMPs in vascular wall and dyslipidaemia creates favourable conditions for plaque disruption. Our study suggests that the combination of MMP‐9, TIMP‐2 and Apo‐CIII values (‘CAD aggravation panel’) characterizes the severity of CAD, that is electrophysiological state, number of involved vessels, stent disposal and type of stent.
Leverage target and payout policy
Authors: Azim Khan Sharier
Published: December 2020

Depending on whether the existing debt is below or above target debt level, some firms are more willing to raise debt (if needed) than others. In this article, I show that firms are more likely to both increase and smooth dividends when they have below‐target debt after controlling for access to debt. Additionally, I show that when firms have below‐target debt, they use a greater fraction of proceeds from net debt issues to finance dividends. I obtain similar results when repeating the tests with total payouts (dividends plus repurchases) instead of dividends only.
Sounding Out Difference: Polycentricity of Ideological Orientations among Polish‐Speaking Migrants in Transnational Timespace
Authors: Kozminska Kinga
Published: December 2020

This article reports emerging polycentric ideological orientations among UK‐educated middle‐class Polish‐speaking young adult migrants living and working in South‐East England in 2013–2014. The analysis of phonetic‐semiotic details in stance‐taking acts in chronotopic representations of experience reveals a continuum of sociolinguistic authority in which despite a shared sociocultural background, sociolinguistic possibilities are differently conceptualized and enacted. A close examination of the ways in which the participants exploit differences in clusters of morphonological detail demonstrates that English‐like realizations in Polish, while motivated by particular linguistic context and discursive function, co‐occur mainly in the speech of female “cosmopolitans” to signal orientation toward relevant social images and create locally valid and recognizable value effects. The relational, collective, and embodied soundings of sameness and difference depend on scalarity and complex interconnections between ethnicity, class, and gender in transnational timespace. The findings have implications for studies of variation and migrant discourse.
circBICD2 targets miR‐149‐5p/IGF2BP1 axis to regulate oral squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Qiu Lehong , Zheng Linlin , Gan Chengwen , Deng Wei , Sun Ying , Wang Tao
Published: December 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are related to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. circRNA bicaudal D cargo adaptor 2 (circBICD2) has been reported to be abnormally expressed in OSCC. However, the function and mechanism of this circRNA in OSCC progression remain largely unknown.

Methods

circBICD2, microRNA‐149‐5p (miR‐149‐5p), and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) abundances were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The function of circBICD2 was investigated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, transwell, specific kits, Western blot, and xenograft analyses. Dual‐luciferase reporter analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation were carried out to analyze the binding interaction.

Results

circBICD2 expression was enhanced in OSCC tissues and cells. circBICD2 silence suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutaminolysis and facilitated apoptosis. miR‐149‐5p was targeted via circBICD2 and decreased in OSCC tissues and cells. miR‐149‐5p knockdown attenuated silence of circBICD2 on the influence of OSCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and glutaminolysis. IGF2BP1 was targeted via miR‐149‐5p, and circBICD2 could regulate IGF2BP1 via miR‐149‐5p. IGF2BP1 interference constrained OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutaminolysis and promoted apoptosis. circBICD2 silence reduced OSCC cell growth in xenograft model.

Conclusion

circBICD2 knockdown repressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutaminolysis and increased apoptosis via modulating miR‐149‐5p/IGF2BP1 axis, which might act as a potential target for OSCC treatment.
Proton pump inhibitor usage reduces sustained viral response rates for veterans with HIV/HCV coinfection on ledipasvir/sofosbuvir: a real‐world study from a multicentre VA cohort
Authors: Lee Tzu‐Hao , Chan Austin , Bryan William , Park Lawrence , Hashem Mohamed , Townsend Mary , Moylan Cynthia , Britt Rachel , Choi Steve , Naggie Susanna
Published: December 2020

Previous studies have reported an association of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and decreased sustained viral response rate (SVR) in patients taking ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF). The relationship between PPI usage and SVR is less clear in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection, where concomitant antiretrovirals may result in more complex drug interactions. This retrospective study evaluates the effects of acid suppression medications (PPI or H2‐receptor antagonist [H2B]) use and SVR rates in patients with HIV/HCV or HCV and taking LDV/SOF in a large multicentre veteran cohort. Patients in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System who received LDV/SOF ± ribavirin from 10/10/2014 to 12/31/2015 were included. The odds ratios (OR) of PPI or H2B use for SVR were adjusted for clinical factors and with inverse probability of treatment weighting for non‐random treatment selection for acid suppression medication use. There were 9703 veterans included in our final analysis. After adjustment of other clinical factors, PPI use is associated with a lower SVR in the overall cohort (95.0% vs. 96.1%, OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74–0.99, p = .03, number needed to harm 90.9) and HIV/HCV coinfection subgroup (93.4% vs. 96.9%, OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26–0.85, p = .01, number needed to harm 28.6). This present study reveals PPI use is associated with reduced SVR after LDV/SOF treatment, with a more significant impact in the subgroup of patients with HIV/HCV coinfection. Precautions need to be taken when using PPI and LDV/SOF in this group of patients.
Polysemy: Pragmatics and sense conventions
Authors: Carston Robyn
Published: December 2020

Polysemy, understood as instances of a single linguistic expression having multiple related senses, is not a homogenous phenomenon. There are regular (apparently, rule‐based) cases and irregular (resemblance‐based) cases, which have different processing profiles. Although a primary source of polysemy is pragmatic inference, at least some cases become conventionalised and linguistically encoded. Three main issues are discussed: (a) the key differences between regular and irregular cases and the role, if any, of a “core meaning”; (b) the distinction between pragmatic polysemy and semantic polysemy; and (c) the role of syntactic meaning in both generating and constraining polysemy.
Normative folk psychology and decision theory
Authors: Dewhurst Joe , Burr Christopher
Published: December 2020

Our aim in this paper is to explore two possible directions of interaction between normative folk psychology and decision theory. In one direction, folk psychology plays a regulative role that constrains practical decision‐making. In the other direction, decision theory provides novel tools and norms that shape folk psychology. We argue that these interactions could lead to the emergence of an iterative “decision theoretic spiral," where folk psychology influences decision‐making, decision‐making is studied by decision theory, and decision theory influences folk psychology. Understanding these interactions is important both for the theoretical study of social cognition and decision theory, and also for thinking about how to implement practical interventions into real‐world decision‐making.
Psychosocial support for providers working high‐risk exposure settings during a pandemic: A critical discussion
Authors: Plasse Mechelle J.
Published: December 2020

Psychological first aid is a form of support designed to lessen disaster‐related distress. In a pandemic, providers may need such support but with the high risk of exposure, such a program is offered only virtually. The research is scant for traditional post‐disaster support and non‐existent for virtual; therefore, by using related research this discussion considers the likelihood of providers accessing and benefiting from this program. The virtual platform is heralded as the responsible way to provide support in a pandemic but this standard may be ineffective and is inherently inequitable. As a global event, pandemics require containment strategies applicable on an international level; therefore, psychosocial support should also be developed with an international audience in mind. Online psychosocial support falls short of being such a strategy as it incorrectly assumes global internet access. Many low‐income areas such as Sub‐Saharan Africa will need support strategies which compliment local frontline staff and fit with community‐driven initiatives, whereas wealthier countries may use a combination of onsite and online support. Provider psychosocial support needs in a pandemic, if articulated, are globally similar but how this support is offered requires contextually sensitive considerations not yet found in the literature.
Neurons populating the rectal extrinsic nerves in humans express neuronal and Schwann cell markers
Authors: Woods Crystal , Kapur Raj P. , Bischoff Andrea , Lovell Mark , Arnold Michael , Peña Alberto , Flockton Amanda , Sharkey Keith A. , Belkind‐Gerson Jaime
Published: December 2020

Background

In mice, Schwann cell (SC) progenitors give rise to autonomic ganglion cells and migrate into the gut to become enteric neurons. It is unknown whether SC progenitors have a similar fate in humans. In search of evidence for human SC‐derived neurogenesis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, we studied the rectums from cadaveric controls and children with anorectal malformations (ARM).

Methods

We analyzed distal rectal tissue taken at autopsy from 10 children with normal GI tracts and resected rectal specimens in 48 cases of ARM. Of these specimens, 6 had neurons within the extrinsic rectal innervation. These were further investigated with immunohistochemistry for neuronal and SC/glial markers.

Key Results

Perirectal tissue from control and ARM contained GLUT1‐positive extrinsic nerves, many containing neurons. SC/glial markers (SOX10, CDH19, and PLP1) were expressed by glia in the enteric nervous system and perirectal nerves, while MPZ predominated only in glia of perirectal nerves, in both control and ARM. Neurons in perirectal nerves were 61% larger in ARM samples and co‐expressed SOX10 (81%), PLP1 (73%), and CDH19 (56%). In ARM, cytoplasmic SOX10 was co‐expressed with neuronal antigens in ~57% of submucosal and myenteric neurons, vs. ~3% in control. Furthermore, intrinsic gut neurons in ARM specimens co‐expressed PLP1 (18%) and CDH19 (18%); however, neuronal co‐expression of PLP1 and CDH19 was rarely (<2%) observed in controls.

Conclusions & Inferences

Dual expression of glial and neuronal markers in rectal and perirectal neurons support a model of Schwann cell‐derived neurogenesis in the innervation of the human GI tract.
Periodontitis aggravates renal inflammatory response in a mouse model of renal fibrosis
Authors: Bi Chao , Han Xiao‐Lan , Li Xue‐Zhu , Sun Jian‐Yong , Liu Yan , Duan Sheng‐Zhong , Lu Hai‐Xia
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To assess the effects of periodontitis on renal interstitial fibrosis in a mouse model.

Materials and Methods

Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were divided into control, periodontitis (PD), unilateral ureteral ligation (UUO) and PD+UUO groups. Unilateral ureteral ligation was performed 6 days after periodontitis. After 2 weeks, all mice were sacrificed, and samples were collected for the assessment of gene expression, immune cells, biochemical indicators and renal pathology.

Results

Expression of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and Ly6G in the kidneys in the PD+UUO group was significantly greater than in the UUO group. The percentage of CD11b+Ly6G+ cells was significantly higher in the PD+UUO than in the UUO group. Fibrotic areas in the kidneys in the PD+UUO group were slightly, but not significantly, greater than those in the UUO group. Kidneys from the PD+UUO group showed markedly higher gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9, but not α‐smooth muscle actin or collagen I, than those in the UUO group. There were no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and uric acid between the PD+UUO and UUO groups.

Conclusions

Periodontitis increases the renal inflammatory response without showing a significant influence on renal interstitial fibrosis or renal function in the UUO mouse model.
QDtbn1, an F‐box gene affecting maize tassel branch number by a dominant model
Authors: Qin Xiner , Tian Shike , Zhang Wenliang , Dong Xue , Ma Chengxin , Wang Yi , Yan Jianbing , Yue Bing
Published: December 2020

Tassel branch number (TBN) is one of the important agronomic traits that directly contribute to grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.), and identification of genes precisely regulating TBN in the parental lines is important for maize hybrid breeding. In this study, a quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN), QDtbn1, related to tassel branch number was identified using a testcrossing association mapping population through association mapping with the Indels/SNPs in the 5′‐UTR (untranslated region) of Zm00001d053358, which encodes a Kelch repeat‐containing F‐box protein. QDtbn1 was further confirmed to be associated with TBN by a dominant model using an F2 population, and over‐expressing of the candidate gene resulted in a decreasing of TBN, implying that QDtbn1 was governed by the candidate gene with a negative model. This makes QDtbn1 very useful in maize hybrid breeding. QDtbn1 could interact with a maize Skp1‐like protein and a SnRK1 protein, and the SnRK1 could also interact with a SnRK2.8 protein. In addition, quantitative real‐time PCR assay showed that five substrates of SnRK2 were down‐regulated in the over‐expressed plants. These imply that the SCF (Skp1/Cul1/F‐box protein/Roc1) complex and ABA signal pathway might be involved in the modulation of TBN in maize.
Regional changes in muscle activity do not underlie the repeated bout effect in the human gastrocnemius muscle
Authors: Pincheira Patricio A. , Martinez‐Valdes Eduardo , Guzman‐Venegas Rodrigo , Falla Deborah , Garrido Marta I. , Cresswell Andrew G. , Lichtwark Glen A.
Published: December 2020

The repeated bout effect (RBE) confers protection following exercise‐induced muscle damage. Typical signs of this protective effect are significantly less muscle soreness and faster recovery of strength after the second bout. The aim of this study was to compare regional changes in medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle activity and mechanical hyperalgesia after repeated bouts of eccentric exercise. Twelve healthy male participants performed two bouts of eccentric heel drop exercise (separated by 7 days) while wearing a vest equivalent to 20% of their body weight. High‐density MG electromyographic amplitude maps and topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps were created before, two hours (2H), and two days (2D) after both exercise bouts. Statistical parametric mapping was used to identify RBE effects on muscle activity and mechanical hyperalgesia, using pixel‐level statistics when comparing maps. The results revealed a RBE, as a lower strength loss (17% less; P < .01) and less soreness (50% less; P < .01) were found after the second bout. However, different muscle regions were activated 2H and 2D after the initial bout but not following the repeated bout. Further, no overall changes in EMG distribution or mechanical hyperalgesia were found between bouts. These results indicate that muscle activation is unevenly distributed during the initial bout, possibly to maintain muscle function during localized mechanical fatigue. However, this does not reflect a strategy to confer protection during the repeated bout by activating undamaged/non‐fatigued muscle areas.
Neutral States as Peace Mediators: Favoured or Restrained by Norms?
Authors: Goetschel Laurent
Published: December 2020

Neutral states have traditionally been seen as particularly well suited to function as international mediators. This assessment was based on the fact that both concepts – neutrality and mediation – have their roots in attempts to contain violent conflicts and thereby combine realist and idealistic dimensions of international relations. While due to these normative commonalities, the increased influence of norms in mediation might be deemed to favour the role of neutral states as mediators, a more nuanced analysis reveals a mixed impact: The new norms made mediation enter into policy fields to which neutrality does not apply. But they also increased the complexities of mediation processes which in turn could open up new opportunities for neutral states.
Poverty and the Incidence of Material Hardship, Revisited
Authors: Iceland John , Kovach Claire , Creamer John
Published: December 2020

Objective

We examine trends in seven types of material hardship, such as food and housing hardships, and how their incidence by poverty status changed over the 1992–2011 period.

Method

We use data from multiple panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation and logistic regressions to examine these relationships.

Results

We find declines in four of the seven hardships, with little change or moderate increases for the others. Declines were larger for hardships more dependent on longer term income flows, while those more sensitive to short‐term income fluctuations declined by less (or increased). Notably, declines in hardship were most evident among the lowest income groups over the period.

Conclusion

That short‐term hardships did not decline suggests that income volatility poses an important challenge for many households. Larger declines in hardship among the lowest income groups suggest a greater underreporting of income over time and the presence of family resources not comprehensively counted in the official poverty measure.
About the energy and age of the plate tectonics
Authors: Varga Peter , Fodor Csilla
Published: December 2020

Recently, a number of research findings have come to light about the age of plate tectonics, and energies are needed to operate it. The aim of present study is to investigate whether the energy of plate tectonics process was different during the Phanerozoic (Pz) and in earlier eons, and if there is such a discrepancy, whether it can be justified by changes in the processes that able to move the plates. The study will track temporal changes in important components of plate tectonics such as length of mid‐ocean ridges, subduction zones and relative oceanic crust coverage during Phanerozoic. Next, it will be examined how the knowledge gained in this way can be reconciled with the results of studies of previous eons. It was found that the temporal variation in kinetic energy of axial rotation due to changes in length of day (LOD) can be assumed as a determining energy which acts on the tectonic plates as in the Phanerozoic as earlier in Archean (Arch) and Proterozoic (Ptz).
Detecting statistically significant geographical anomalous regions from spatial sampling points by coupling Gaussian function and multidirectional optimization
Authors: Yang Xuexi , Deng Min , Shi Yan , Tang Jianbo , Huang Zhou , Liu Yu
Published: December 2020

An anomalous geographical region refers to a collection of spatially aggregated objects whose non‐spatial attribute values are significantly inconsistent with those of their spatial neighbors. The detection of anomalous regions plays an important role in spatial data mining. However, the requirement of user‐specified parameters for spatial neighborhood construction and anomalous region discovery will inevitably result in the omission or misjudgment of spatial anomalies; it is still challenging to detect arbitrarily shaped anomalous regions in an objective way. Inspired by the data field theory, this study models spatial anomaly degree by considering the distance decay effect and develops an approach for the objective detection of significantly anomalous regions from spatial sampling points. First, constrained Delaunay triangulation is employed to construct reasonable and stable spatial neighborhoods by quantifying the spatial distribution characteristics of sampling points. On this basis, a Gaussian function is adopted for the measurement of spatial anomaly degree considering both distance decay effect and non‐spatial attribute value differences, based upon which anomalous objects can be captured. Finally, treating each anomalous object as a seed, a multidirectional optimization method is developed to identify arbitrarily shaped anomalous regions, and a Monte Carlo simulation is employed to further test the statistical significance of anomalous regions. Experiments on both simulated and real‐world datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms existing methods in terms of both accuracy and sufficiency for anomalous region detection.
Current ocular microbiome investigations limit reproducibility and reliability: Critical review and opportunities
Authors: Scott Erin M. , Lewin Andrew C. , Leis Marina L.
Published: December 2020

Enthusiasm for research describing microbial communities using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has outpaced efforts to standardize methodology. Without consistency in the way research is carried out in this field, the comparison of data between studies is near impossible and the utility of results remains limited. This holds true for bacterial microbiome research of the ocular surface, and other sites, in both humans and animals. In addition, the ocular surface remains under‐explored when compared to other mucosal sites. Low bacterial biomass samples from the ocular surface lead to further technical challenges. Taken together, two major problems were identified: (1) Normalization of the workflow in studies utilizing NGS to investigate the ocular surface bacteriome is necessary in order to propel the field forward and improve research impact through cross‐study comparisons. (2) Current microbiome profiling technology was developed for high bacterial biomass samples (such as feces or soil), posing a challenge for analyses of samples with low bacterial load such as the ocular surface. This article reviews the challenges and limitations currently facing ocular microbiome research and provides recommendations for minimum reporting standards for veterinary ophthalmologists and clinician scientists to limit inter‐study variation, improve reproducibility, and ultimately render results from these studies more impactful. The move toward normalization of methodology will expedite and maximize the potential for microbiome research to translate into meaningful discovery and tangible clinical applications.
Animal petting zoos as sources of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Isler Meret , Wissmann Ramona , Morach Marina , Zurfluh Katrin , Stephan Roger , Nüesch‐Inderbinen Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Animal petting zoos and farm fairs provide the opportunity for children and adults to interact with animals, but contact with animals carries a risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella, extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in animal faeces from six animal petting zoos and one farm fair in Switzerland. Furthermore, hygiene facilities on the venues were evaluated. Of 163 faecal samples, 75 contained stx1, stx2 or stx1/stx2 genes, indicating the presence of STEC. Samples included faeces from sika deer (100%), sheep (92%), goats (88%), mouflons (80%), camels (62%), llamas (50%), yaks (50%), pigs (29%) and donkeys (6%), whereas no stx genes were isolated from faeces of calves, guinea pigs, hens, ostriches, ponies, zebras or zebus. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Stourbridge (S. Stourbridge) was detected in faecal samples from camels. A total of four ESBL‐producing E. coli strains were isolated from faeces of goats, camels and pigs. PCR and sequencing identified the presence of blaCTX‐M‐15 in three and blaCTX‐M‐65 in one E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance profiling using the disk diffusion method revealed two multidrug‐resistant (MDR) E. coli with resistance to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and azithromycin, all of which are critically important drugs for human medicine. Multilocus sequence typing identified E. coli ST162, E. coli ST2179, extraintestinal high‐risk E. coli ST410 and E. coli ST4553, which belongs to the emerging extraintestinal clonal complex (CC) 648. No MRSA was detected. On all animal petting venues, there were inadequacies with regard to access to hygiene information and handwashing hygiene facilities. This study provides data that underscore the importance of hygiene measures to minimize the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens and MDR, ESBL‐producing E. coli to visitors of animal petting venues.
Towards One Health clinical management of zoonoses: A parallel survey of Australian general medical practitioners and veterinarians
Authors: Steele Sandra G. , Booy Robert , Manocha Ramesh , Mor Siobhan M. , Toribio Jenny‐Ann L. M. L.
Published: December 2020

General medical practitioners (GPs) and veterinarians have different but complementary knowledge and skills, with potential to enhance clinical management of zoonoses in human and animal patients through taking a One Health approach that promotes cross‐professional collaboration. Ability and willingness to engage within this framework is contingent on knowledge of endemic zoonoses and an understanding of the diversity of professional roles; however, previous research suggests that this is lacking. A unique parallel survey of Australian GPs and veterinarians was implemented to ascertain clinician experience, concern, confidence and current practices regarding zoonoses management as well as willingness to engage in cross‐professional collaboration where it is beneficial to overall health outcomes. Responses from 528 GPs and 605 veterinarians were analysed. Veterinarians in clinical practice were found to more frequently diagnose zoonoses; have greater concern about zoonoses; be more confident in diagnosing, managing and giving advice about the prevention of zoonoses; more likely to give advice about managing the risk of zoonoses; and more likely to initiate cross‐professional referral compared to GPs (p < .001 in all areas, adjusted for other factors). The findings of this study indicate a need for change in both clinical and continuing professional education, especially for GPs, in order to better equip them in the area of zoonoses management. Exploration of pathways to encourage and facilitate cross‐professional referral and collaboration will further improve clinical outcomes for both human and animal patients.
Kaedah Pengukuran Indek Kebolehsenggaraan Produk atau Sistem Berdasarkan Kriteria Pemasangan
Authors: Abdullah Ahmad Baharuddin , Mohd. Ripin Zaidi
Published: December 2020

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan perhubungan antara penyelenggaraan dan pemilihan pengikat bagi meningkatkan prestasi sesuatu produk dari segi jangka hayat dan struktur fizikal. Di dalam kertas kerja ini, indek kebolehsenggaraan diukur berdasarkan digraf peleraian yang dinilai bergantung kepada jenis pengikat yang digunakan dan kriteria pemasangan. Laluan kritikal digunakan untuk mewakili laluan terpendek untuk mencapai komponen atau bahagian yang dikehendaki untuk kerja penyelenggaraan. Selain itu kekerapan penyelenggaraan sesuatu komponen atau bahagian turut diambil kira. Untuk itu satu kajian kes mengenai sistem pam akan dijalankan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa melalui penukaran jenis sambungan, indek kebolehsenggaraan dapat ditingkatkan dengan banyak.

Kata kunci: Jenis sambungan, digraf pemasangan, indek penyelenggaraa

This paper discusses the relationship between maintenance and the selection of fastener in order to enhance product performance in terms of life time and physical structure. In this study, maintainability index was measured using a disassembly digraph, which was evaluated due to the fastener used and the assembly criteria. The critical path was used to represent the shortest and simplest way to achieve the targeted component or part. Additionally, the rate of maintenance was also taken into consideration. To clarify the method developed, a case study of water pump was carried out. Result indicates that by changing the type of fastener, maintainability index can be increased tremendously.

Key words: Assembly type, assembly digraph, maintainability index