bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliable methods for identifying animal deaths in GPS‐ and satellite‐tracking data: Review, testing, and calibration
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Tanferna Alessandro , Blas Julio , Blanco Guillermo , Hiraldo Fernando
Published: October 2018

Assessing mortality factors and survival rates is a cornerstone for the management of threatened and harvestable species. Modern tracking technologies allow unprecedented opportunities to monitor the mortality of individuals for years. However, the methods employed to separate actual deaths from transmitter failures have rarely been validated.

Here, we review these previous methods and exploit an intensive satellite‐tagging programme on raptorial black kites Milvus migrans to examine through tree models whether any tag‐parameter indicators could reliably separate 18 confirmed deaths (recovered corpse) from 32 confirmed cases of radio‐failure (tagged individual subsequently observed alive). Classification keys were validated on 21 confirmed deaths or radio‐failures from an independent tagging study on two other raptor species.

Review of tracking studies on mortality showed that they are exponentially increasing and using a wide variety of indicators (e.g., battery charge, stationary locations, fix frequency/quality, sudden tag disappearance, or common sense), with no preponderance of any. Few studies confirmed enough deaths or radio‐failures to validate such methods.

For GPS‐satellite tags, we found a reliable classification key that correctly classified 100% of the deaths and radio‐failures in both the calibration and validation datasets through three simple dichotomous indicators: (a) whether GPS locations were stationary or not; (b) whether background Doppler data confirmed them as stationary or not; and (c) whether GPS‐locations’ frequency gave indication of transmitter malfunctioning or not (Figure 3).

For tags recording Doppler locations alone, we failed to find a reliable classification key and advise future researchers to use Doppler data very cautiously (e.g., by censoring any uncertain terminal events) because misclassification rates are likely to be high.

Synthesis and applications. Refining the death surveillance function of satellite and GPS‐tags will improve the capability of management practitioners to: (a) uncover under‐reported casualties provoked by illegal or conflictual causes (e.g., poisoning, shooting, collision with windmills); and (b) calibrate demographic models which form the basis of management plans (e.g., population viability or sustainable harvest models). Improved exploitation of such remote monitoring will markedly advance the efficiency, planning, and implementation of management projects on imperilled or harvestable species affected by illegal, conflictual, or cryptic sources of mortality.
Ice cave reveals environmental forcing of long‐term Pyrenean tree line dynamics
Authors: Leunda Maria , González‐Sampériz Penélope , Gil‐Romera Graciela , Bartolomé Miguel , Belmonte‐Ribas Ánchel , Gómez‐García Daniel , Kaltenrieder Petra , Rubiales Juan Manuel , Schwörer Christoph , Tinner Willy , Morales‐Molino César , Sancho Carlos
Published: October 2018

Tree lines are supposed to react sensitively to the current global change. However, the lack of a long‐term (millennial) perspective on tree line shifts in the Pyrenees prevents understanding the underlying ecosystem dynamics and processes.

We combine multiproxy palaeoecological analyses (fossil pollen, spores, conifer stomata, plant macrofossils, and ordination) from an outstanding ice cave deposit located in the alpine belt c. 200 m above current tree line (Armeña‐A294 Ice Cave, 2,238 m a.s.l.), to assess for the first time in the Pyrenees, tree line dynamics, and ecosystem resilience to climate changes 5,700–2,200 (cal.) years ago.

The tree line ecotone was located at the cave altitude from 5,700 to 4,650 cal year bp, when vegetation consisted of open Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC and Betula spp. Woodlands and timberline were very close to the site. Subsequently, tree line slightly raised and timberline reached the ice cave altitude, exceeding its today's uppermost limit by c. 300–400 m during more than four centuries (4,650 and 4,200 cal year bp) at the end of the Holocene Thermal Maximum. After 4,200 cal year bp, alpine tundra communities dominated by Dryas octopetala L. expanded while tree line descended, most likely as a consequence of the Neoglacial cooling. Prehistoric livestock raising likely reinforced climate cooling impacts at 3,450–3,250 cal year bp. Finally, a tree line ecotone developed around the cave that was on its turn replaced by alpine communities during the past 2,000 years.

Synthesis. The long‐term Pyrenean tree line ecotone sensitivity suggests that rising temperatures will trigger future P. uncinata and Betula expansions to higher elevations, replacing arctic–alpine plant species. Climate change is causing the rapid melting of the cave ice; rescue investigations would be urgently needed to exploit its unique ecological information.
‘Beyond the facts’: how a U.S. sociologist made John Stuart Mill into a ‘Neo-Malthusian’*
Authors: Stack David
Published: October 2018

This article explores the roots of the characterization of John Stuart Mill as a ‘Neo-Malthusian’. Making extensive use of the Norman E. Himes Papers, held at the Countway Library of Medicine, it shows that Himes, a U.S. sociologist and committed birth control campaigner in the inter-war period, framed a characterization of Mill that endures to this day. The article demonstrates how and why Himes repeatedly took his arguments ‘beyond the facts’, partly in response to a dispute with the British birth control campaigner Marie Stopes, and established the practice of referring to Mill as a ‘Neo-Malthusian’. The article concludes by arguing that the term impedes more than it aids our understanding and Mill scholars would benefit from stripping away decades of accreted interpretation.
Phenological growth stages of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) according to the BBCH scale
Authors: Krishna Hare , Kumar Lokesh , Haldhar Shravan Manbhar , Singh Dhurendra , Saroj Pyare Lal
Published: October 2018

Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) has been recognised as an underutilised plant worthy of further research and development by the Indian National Genetic Resources Programme and the International Centre for Underutilised Crops, UK. It is an important fruit crop of the hot arid regions in India as it forms an integral part of the life of the locals as a source of nutrition, fodder (leaves), fuel (pruned wood) and it has several ethnobotanical uses. In this study, 8 of the 10 principal growth stages based on the existing Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale were used to describe Indian jujube. These growth stages were vegetative bud development (Stage 0), leaf development (Stage 1), shoot development (Stage 3), inflorescence development (Stage 5), flower development (Stage 6), fruit development (Stage 7), fruit maturity (Stage 8) and senescence or beginning of dormancy (Stage 9). The phenological BBCH scale for Indian jujube can be used to guide the growers as to when to carry out orchard management practices such as canopy training and pruning, nutrient and water application, pest and disease control and post‐harvest processing.
ACTN1 mutations lead to a benign form of platelet macrocytosis not always associated with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Faleschini Michela , Melazzini Federica , Marconi Caterina , Giangregorio Tania , Pippucci Tommaso , Cigalini Elena , Pecci Alessandro , Bottega Roberta , Ramenghi Ugo , Siitonen Timo , Seri Marco , Pastore Annalisa , Savoia Anna , Noris Patrizia
Published: October 2018

The inherited thrombocytopenias (IT) are a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from mutations in more than 30 different genes. Among them, ACTN1‐related thrombocytopenia (ACTN1‐RT; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man: 615193) is one of the most recently identified forms. It has been described as a mild autosomal dominant macrothrombocytopenia caused by mutations in ACTN1, a gene encoding for one of the two non‐muscle isoforms of α‐actinin. We recently identified seven new unrelated families with ACTN1‐RT caused by different mutations. Two of them are novel missense variants (p.Trp128Cys and p.Pro233Leu), whose pathogenic role has been confirmed by in vitro studies. Together with the 10 families we have previously described, our cohort of ACTN1‐RT now consists of 49 individuals carrying ACTN1 mutations. This is the largest case series ever collected and enabled a critical evaluation of the clinical aspects of the disease. We concluded that ACTN1‐RT is the fourth most frequent form of IT worldwide and it is characterized by platelet macrocytosis in all affected subjects and mild thrombocytopenia in less than 80% of cases. The risk of bleeding, either spontaneous or upon haemostatic challenge, is negligible and there are no other associated defects, either congenital or acquired. Therefore, ACTN1‐RT is a benign form of IT, whose diagnosis provides affected individuals and their families with a good prognosis.
Extending the known distribution of the Vedde Ash into Siberia: occurrence in lake sediments from the Timan Ridge and the Ural Mountains, northern Russia
Authors: Haflidason Haflidi , Regnéll Carl , Pyne‐O'Donnell Sean , Svendsen John Inge
Published: October 2018

Tephra shards from the Vedde Ash eruption have been identified in two lakes from northwestern Russia and the Polar Ural Mountains. This is the most distal and easternmost occurrence of this regional tephra marker horizon found so far and it extends the area of the Vedde Ash tephra more than 1700 km further east than previously documented. This means that particles the size of fine sand have travelled more than 4000 km from the Katla volcano source, south Iceland. These findings offer a new possibility to correlate archives over a very long distance in the time period around the Younger Dryas.
The biogeography of home range size of woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou
Authors: Wilson Kaitlin S. , Pond Bruce A. , Brown Glen S. , Schaefer James A.
Published: October 2018

Aim

Population‐limiting factors represent the core of conservation biology. Because animal space use is affected by ecological constraints that can vary among populations, limiting factors might be revealed from intraspecific variation in home range size. We evaluated biogeographic variation in the home range size of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), a threatened species inhabiting the boreal forest, in relation to land cover, topography, snowcover and disturbance across the species’ range.

Location

Twenty‐five populations in Canada, spanning the contiguous boreal forest (an east–west extent of 4,400 km), including the southern fringe of the species’ range, adjacent to a broad region of extirpation.

Methods

We compiled the average annual home range size of adult female caribou (5–68 home ranges per population) and 18 putative predictor variables in each population range. We uncovered major gradients using principal components analysis and then evaluated models of home range size using multiple regression, with orthogonal variables representing vegetation, human disturbance and snowcover.

Results

Average home range size varied 28‐fold among populations (range: 312–8,838 km2). Home range area was most strongly and negatively correlated with anthropogenic disturbance in the population range (R2 = 0.391), a variable in all seven top models (ΔAICc ≤  5.99). Among populations, where human disturbance in the population range was low (≤10%), mean home range sizes consistently exceeded 1,400 km2. Conversely, where human disturbance was high (>55%), especially at the species’ southern range margin, mean home range sizes did not exceed 1,500 km2.

Main Conclusions

In the boreal forest, female caribou may constrict their home ranges amid human‐caused disturbances. We speculate that smaller home ranges may lower the risk of encounter by predators, a key limiting factor. Among populations, smaller home ranges may serve as a signal of anthropogenic habitat loss.
Dance and rehabilitation in cerebral palsy: a systematic search and review
Authors: López‐Ortiz Citlali , Gaebler‐Spira Deborah J , Mckeeman Sara N , Mcnish Reika N , Green Dido
Published: October 2018

Aim

To conduct a review of research literature on the use of dance and movement with music (rhythmic auditory stimulation [RAS]) in the neurorehabilitation of children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

We conducted a systematic search and quality appraisal of the research literature on dance and RAS in CP. Additionally, we linked the research outcomes to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Results

Studies showed preliminary evidence of the benefits of dance and RAS on body functions, particularly balance, gait, walking, and cardiorespiratory fitness for individuals with CP. Research gaps are evident across all domains of the ICF, particularly in the participation and environment domains.

Interpretation

To facilitate translation of quantitative research outcomes to the clinical classification of the ICF, a table was constructed that links traditional areas of quantitative rehabilitation research with the ICF categories highlighting areas of research strengths and areas where increased rigor is desirable. The potential for dance and RAS to have positive impacts on body functions, emotional expression, social participation, and attitudinal change are indicated areas for consideration in future research.

What this paper adds

The potential for dance and movement to music help balance, gait, and walking in children and adults with cerebral palsy.

Research gaps are evident across International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains, particularly participation and environment domains.
Cerebral palsy and maternal obesity
Authors: Dolin Cara D
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the systematic review by Zhang et al. on pages 31–38 of this issue.
Low doses of dasiglucagon consistently increase plasma glucose levels from hypoglycaemia and euglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hövelmann Ulrike , Olsen Minna Brændholt , Mouritzen Ulrik , Lamers Daniela , Kronshage Birgit , Heise Tim
Published: October 2018

Aim

To characterize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of dasiglucagon, a novel, stable and liquid formulated glucagon analogue, during hypoglycaemic and euglycaemic conditions in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Research Design and Methods

In this randomized double‐blind trial, 17 patients received four single subcutaneous doses (0.03, 0.08, 0.2 and 0.6 mg) of dasiglucagon (4 mg/mL formulation) under euglycaemic (plasma glucose [PG] 5.6 mmol/L [100 mg/dL]) or hypoglycaemic (PG 3.1‐3.7 mmol/L [56‐66 mg/dL]) conditions. For comparison, three doses (0.03, 0.08 and 0.2 mg) of a commercial glucagon formulation (Eli Lilly) were investigated at euglycaemia.

Results

Dasiglucagon led to a dose‐dependent and rapid increase in PG levels across all doses tested (mean increases 30 minutes post‐dosing of 2.2 to 4.4 mmol/L [39‐80 mg/dL] from euglycaemia and 1.3 to 5.2 mmol/L [24‐94 mg/dL] from hypoglycaemia), which was higher than the rises elicited by similar doses of commercial glucagon (1.7‐3.9 mmol/L [30‐71 mg/dL]). The median time (range) to an increase in PG of >1.1 mmol/L (20 mg/dL) was <20 (18‐19.5) minutes with 0.03 mg dasiglucagon and, with higher doses, the median times ranged from 9 to 15 minutes (commercial glucagon 13‐14 minutes). In hypoglycaemia, 0.03 and 0.08 mg dasiglucagon re‐established normoglycaemia (PG ≥3.9 mmol/L [70 mg/dL]) within median times of 14 and 10 minutes, respectively. Nausea and vomiting occurred more frequently with dasiglucagon than with commercial glucagon at identical doses which might be attributable to dasiglucagon's higher potency.

Conclusion

Dasiglucagon rapidly increased PG at doses of 0.03 to 0.6 mg in a dose‐dependent manner and, therefore, is a good candidate for use in dual‐hormone artificial pancreas systems.
Cross‐calibration of different radar systems for monitoring nocturnal bird migration across Europe and the Near East
Authors: Liechti Felix , Aschwanden Janine , Blew Jan , Boos Mathieu , Brabant Robin , Dokter Adriaan M. , Kosarev Vladislav , Lukach Maryna , Maruri Mercedes , Reyniers Maarten , Schekler Inbal , Schmaljohann Heiko , Schmid Baptiste , Weisshaupt Nadja , Sapir Nir
Published: October 2018

Large parts of the continents are continuously scanned by terrestrial weather radars to monitor precipitation and wind conditions. These systems also monitor the mass movements of bird, bat, and insect migration, but it is still unknown how many of these systems perform with regard to detection and quantification of migration intensities of the different groups. In this study that was undertaken within five regions across Europe and the Middle East we examined to what extent bird migration intensities derived from different weather radars are comparable between each other and relate to intensities measured by local small‐scaled radars, some of them specifically developed to monitor birds. Good correspondence was found for the relative day‐to‐day pattern in migration intensities among most radar systems that were compared. Absolute intensities varied between different systems and regions. The findings of this study can be used to infer about absolute bird migration intensities measured by different radar systems and consequently help resolving methodological issues regarding the estimation of migrant numbers in the Western‐Palearctic region. It further depicts a scientific basis for the future monitoring of migratory bird populations across a large spatio‐temporal scale, predicting their movements and studying its consequences on ecological systems and human lives.
Machine translation and the L2 classroom: Pedagogical solutions for making peace with Google translate
Authors: Ducar Cynthia , Schocket Deborah Houk
Published: October 2018

This article addresses a key pedagogical issue of our time: the widespread yet generally unwelcome presence of machine translation (MT) in the language classroom. Studies have repeatedly shown that L2 students consult the most widely used translation tool, Google Translate (GT), in spite of the fact that its use is frowned upon by second language (L2) instructors. Even so, academic honesty violations are not always reported, nor is there a consensus on whether the use of MT constitutes a form of cheating. Recognizing the omnipresence of GT in L2 student work, this article examines current research on the use of MT, highlights the strengths and limitations of this technology, explores 21st‐century pedagogical solutions designed to harness the capabilities of both MT and alternative technologies, and suggests venues for future research with the goal of ensuring learners’ academic growth in line with ACTFL's Can‐Do Statements for Intercultural Communication.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Correlated Small‐Area Outcomes: Analyzing the Shared and Type‐Specific Patterns of Crime and Disorder
Authors: Quick Matthew , Li Guangquan , Law Jane
Published: October 2018

This research applies a Bayesian multivariate modeling approach to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of physical disorder, social disorder, property crime, and violent crime at the small‐area scale. Despite crime and disorder exhibiting similar spatiotemporal patterns, as hypothesized by broken windows and collective efficacy theories, past studies often analyze a single outcome and overlook the correlation structures between multiple crime and disorder types. Accounting for five covariates, the best‐fitting model partitions the residual risk of each crime and disorder type into one spatial shared component, one temporal shared component, and type‐specific spatial, temporal, and space–time components. The shared components capture the underlying spatial pattern and time trend common to all types of crime and disorder. Results show that population size, residential mobility, and the central business district are positively associated with all outcomes. The spatial shared component is found to explain the largest proportion of residual variability for all types of crime and disorder. Spatiotemporal hotspots of crime and disorder are examined to contextualize broken windows theory. Applications of multivariate spatiotemporal modeling with shared components to ecological crime theories and crime prevention policy are discussed.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients with low hepatitis B surface antigen and high hepatitis B core‐related antigen titers have a high risk of HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Yuichiro , Maekawa Shinya , Komatsu Nobutoshi , Sato Mitsuaki , Tatsumi Akihisa , Miura Mika , Matsuda Shuya , Muraoka Masaru , Nakakuki Natsuko , Shindo Hiroko , Amemiya Fumitake , Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Inoue Taisuke , Sato Tadashi , Sakamoto Minoru , Yamashita Atsuya , Moriishi Kohji , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: October 2018

Aim

Although the viral markers hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HbcrAg) could reflect intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication activity and constitute important biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the value of using these two markers in combination for assessing HCC risk has not been clarified in detail.

Methods

Four hundred and forty‐nine consecutive patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the study and the association of HBsAg and HBcrAg with HCC risk was investigated cross‐sectionally, as well as longitudinally.

Results

When the high value cut‐offs of HBsAg and HBcrAg were defined as 3.0 log IU/mL and 3.0 log U/mL, respectively, patients with a history of HCC were found frequently in the low HBsAg group (P = 0.002) and high HBcrAg group (P < 0.001). When HBsAg and HBcrAg were combined, an HCC history was most frequent in the subset with low HBsAg and high HBcrAg, among the HBeAg‐negative patients (odds ratio [OR], 7.83; P < 0.001), irrespective of nucleos(t) ide analogue (NA) therapy (NA: OR, 4.76; P < 0.001; non‐NA: OR, 9.60; P < 0.001). In a longitudinal analysis of the subsequent development of HCC, carried out on the 338 patients without an HCC history at enrollment, HCC developed significantly more frequently in the low HBsAg/high HBcrAg group (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Patients with low HBsAg/high HBcrAg values are at high risk of developing HBV‐related HCC, according to this cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis, indicating that the combination of HBsAg and HBcrAg values is an excellent biomarker for assessing HCC risk.
Effect of magnesium silicate on 3D gel‐printing of hydroxyapatite ceramic composite scaffold
Authors: He Jianzhuang , Shao Huiping , Lin Tao
Published: October 2018

The hydroxyapatite scaffolds doped with MgSiO3were prepared by 3D gel‐printing technology in this study. The effect of MgSiO3on the scaffold characteristics has been studied, and the composite ceramic scaffold with higher strength was obtained. The viscosity of different MgSiO3weight percentages slurry decrease with the shear rate increasing. When the solid loading was 50 vol% and the shear rate was 100 S−1, the viscosity of the slurry decrease with weight percent of MgSiO3increasing. The scaffold has interconnected internal structures and the sintered body has a pore size of about 350‐620 μm. The porosity of the scaffolds with different weight percents of MgSiO3is kept at 65%, and the scaffold with 3% MgSiO3has the highest compressive strength of 93.15 MPa. As increasing weight percent of MgSiO3, the compressive strength of the scaffold gradually decreases and remains at 40 MPa eventually. The ceramic scaffold with 3% MgSiO3has better degradability than that of other weight percents of MgSiO3. After soaking in Tris‐HCl solution for 5 weeks, the weight loss of the scaffold reached 9.91%.
A mixed methods analysis of maternal response to children's consumption of a palatable food: differences by child weight status
Authors: Pesch M. H. , Viechnicki G. B. , Appugliese D. P. , Kaciroti N. , Rosenblum K. L. , Miller A. L. , Lumeng J. C.
Published: October 2018

Background

Little is known about how mothers respond to their child eating palatable foods.

Objectives

The objectives of the study are to examine maternal behaviours when children are presented with a large portion of energy‐dense palatable food in an experimental setting and to examine differences by child weight status.

Methods

Mother–child dyads (N = 37) (mean child age 70.8 months) participated in a videotaped eating protocol with cupcakes. Anthropometrics were measured. Videos were analysed using discourse analysis and were reliably coded for the presence or absence of the most salient theme. Analysis of variance examined theme presence by child and mother weight status.

Results

Mothers disavowed responsibility for their child's eating. Mothers were observed to roll their eyes at the child, throw their hands up in exasperation and distance themselves both physically and emotionally when the child ate the cupcakes voraciously or with high enjoyment. Mothers of children with obesity (vs recommended weight) engaged in more counts of disavowal (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Mothers of children with obesity distanced themselves from their child, seeming to disavow responsibility for the child's eating of ‘junk food’. Mothers may respond to their child's seemingly gluttonous eating by disavowing responsibility due to the stigma of being a parent of a child with obesity.
Internal Adaptation of Implant‐Supported, Polymer‐Infused Ceramic Crowns Fabricated by Two CAD/CAM Systems
Authors: Talic Reem , Alfadda Sara A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the internal 3D adaptation of polymer‐infused ceramic crowns fabricated using two CAD/CAM systems: CEREC inLab MC XL and Ceramill Motion 2 (5X).

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five implant‐supported metal‐ceramic crowns were fabricated conventionally using the lost‐wax technique, and the outer contour was scanned to serve as a guide for designing the polymer‐infused ceramic CAD/CAM crowns. Twenty‐five crowns were fabricated using CEREC, and 25 crowns were fabricated using Ceramill. The cement space was set to 20 μm. The Zeiss Accura Microsystem Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Calypso, and Geomagic software were used to measure the 3D accuracy of fit of all crowns to their respective implant abutments. To test for the statistical significance between groups in terms of 3D total distortion, a one‐way ANOVA was conducted. The Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test was used to investigate the differences in the x, y, and z coordinates. A p‐value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant at an alpha level of 0.05.

Results

Comparing the 3D misfit of metal‐ceramic crowns to those of CAD/CAM crowns fabricated using CEREC revealed no significant difference (88.20 ± 36.59 μm vs. 102.45 ± 36.58 μm, p = 0.161). Similarly, no significant difference in 3D total distortion was identified between metal‐ceramic crowns and crowns fabricated using Ceramill (88.20 ± 36.59 μm vs. 78.40 ± 31.03 μm, p = 0.336); however, the 3D total distortion of polymer‐infused crowns made by Ceramill was significantly reduced compared to that of crowns fabricated by CEREC (78.3 ± 31.0 μm vs. 102.4 ± 36.5 μm, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Polymer‐infused ceramic crowns fabricated using CEREC exhibited the least accurate 3D fit. All misfit values of the tested groups were within clinically acceptable levels.
Pharmacokinetics of sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and their metabolites in broiler chickens following oral and intravenous administration
Authors: Hu Nan‐Xi , Chen Mei , Liu Yi‐Song , Shi Qi , Yang Bo , Zhang Huan‐Cheng , Cheng Pi , Tang Qi , Liu Zhao‐Ying , Zeng Jian‐Guo
Published: October 2018

Sanguinarine (SA) and chelerythrine (CHE) are the main active components of the phytogenic livestock feed additive, Sangrovit®. However, little information is available on the pharmacokinetics of Sangrovit® in poultry. The goal of this work was to study the pharmacokinetics of SA, CHE, and their metabolites, dihydrosanguinarine (DHSA) and dihydrochelerythrine (DHCHE), in 10 healthy female broiler chickens following oral (p.o.) administration of Sangrovit® and intravenous (i.v.) administration of a mixture of SA and CHE. The plasma samples were processed using two different simple protein precipitation methods because the parent drugs and metabolites are stable under different pH conditions. The absorption and metabolism of SA following p.o. administration were fast, with half‐life (t1/2) values of 1.05 ± 0.18 hr and 0.83 ± 0.10 hr for SA and DHSA, respectively. The maximum concentration (Cmax) of DHSA (2.49 ± 1.4 μg/L) was higher that of SA (1.89 ± 0.8 μg/L). The area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC) values for SA and DHSA were 9.92 ± 5.4 and 6.08 ± 3.49 ng/ml hr, respectively. Following i.v. administration, the clearance (CL) of SA was 6.79 ± 0.63 (L·h−1·kg−1) with a t1/2 of 0.34 ± 0.13 hr. The AUC values for DHSA and DHCHE were 7.48 ± 1.05 and 0.52 ± 0.09 (ng/ml hr), respectively. These data suggested that Sangrovit® had low absorption and bioavailability in broiler chickens. The work reported here provides useful information on the pharmacokinetic behavior of Sangrovit® after p.o. and i.v. administration in broiler chickens, which is important for the evaluation of its use in poultry.
Using some forensic anthropology history to illustrate regression
Authors: Croucher John S.
Published: October 2018

The use of real contexts and history in the teaching of statistical principles holds much attraction in the classroom. This is especially so when the examples used are in situations that are quite out of the ordinary but can lead to further investigation by the students. Previous instances of these have been used with great effect with sporting data and even courtroom decisions. In this article, a very practical problem in forensic science is tackled using elementary statistics with some spectacular and extremely useful results.
Adaptation of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations in Hospitals for People Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Authors: Mack Sandra , Hahn Sabine , Palli Christoph , Findling Thomas , Lohrmann Christa
Published: October 2018

Background

Dementia is common in older people in general hospitals. To improve the quality of their care, the use of nonpharmacological interventions based on the best evidence from clinical guidelines is recommended. Many international clinical guidelines exist, but their recommendations are often not used because they do not fit the local setting or the country.

Aim

The aim of this study was to adapt the international clinical guidelines and their recommendations to the Austrian context regarding nonpharmacological interventions for people with dementia living in the general hospital setting.

Methods

The ADAPTE process was chosen as a method for the adaptation. A search for international clinical guidelines was conducted in seven databases within this process. The guidelines which met the inclusion and quality criteria were assessed with the AGREE II instrument by two independent reviewers. The recommendations of the guidelines were extracted. Those that did not fit the Austrian context were excluded, and recommendations with similar statements were summarized. The selected and modified recommendations were translated into German.

Results

Out of 206 guidelines, three met the inclusion criteria and two, the quality criteria. One hundred and fifty‐two recommendations were extracted from these two guidelines, 42 of which were suitable for the Austrian setting and 20 of which had similar statements and could be summarized. Finally, 32 recommendations were identified that were applicable to the general hospital setting in Austria.

Linking Evidence to Action

The adaptation of clinical guidelines with the ADAPTE process generated seven topics with 32 recommendations. Many international guidelines exist, but they cannot be applied verbatim in every country due to the fact that some recommendations are not applicable with respect to the national and local context. Creating an adaption of international guidelines is an effective way to provide and link evidence from research to national nursing practice.
Identification of Functional MKK3/6 and MEK1/2 Homologs from Echinococcus granulosus and Investigation of Protoscolecidal Activity of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway Inhibitors
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Chuanshan , Li Jing , Aji Tuerganaili , Li Liang , Bi Xiaojuan , Yang Ning , Li Zhide , Wang Hui , Mao Rui , Lü Guodong , Shao Yingmei , Vuitton Dominique A. , Wen Hao , Lin Renyong
Published: October 2018

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of
Echinococcus granulosus
sensu lato
. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs for the treatment of this disease.
The Host Scaffolding Protein Filamin A and the Exocyst Complex Control Exocytosis during InlB-Mediated Entry of
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Bhalla Manmeet , Van Ngo Hoan , Gyanwali Gaurav Chandra , Ireton Keith
Published: October 2018

Listeria monocytogenes
is a foodborne bacterium that causes gastroenteritis, meningitis, or abortion.
Listeria
induces its internalization (entry) into some human cells through interaction of the bacterial surface protein InlB with its host receptor, the Met tyrosine kinase.
Lon Protease Has Multifaceted Biological Functions in
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ching Carly , Yang Brendan , Onwubueke Chineme , Lazinski David , Camilli Andrew , Godoy Veronica G.
Published: October 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii
is an opportunistic pathogen and is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
A. baumannii
is difficult to eradicate and to manage, because this bacterium is known to robustly survive desiccation and to quickly gain antibiotic resistance. We sought to investigate biofilm formation in
A. baumannii
, since much remains unknown about biofilm formation in this bacterium. Biofilms, which are multicellular communities of bacteria, are surface attached and difficult to eliminate from hospital equipment and implanted devices. Our research identifies multifaceted physiological roles for the conserved bacterial protease Lon in
A. baumannii
. These roles include biofilm formation, motility, and viability. This work broadly affects and expands understanding of the biology of
A. baumannii
, which will permit us to find effective ways to eliminate the bacterium.
Essential Roles of the
sppRA
Fructose-Phosphate Phosphohydrolase Operon in Carbohydrate Metabolism and Virulence Expression by
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng Lin , Burne Robert A.
Published: October 2018

Streptococcus mutans
is a major etiologic agent for dental caries, primarily due to its ability to form biofilms on the tooth surface and to convert carbohydrates into organic acids. We have discovered a two-gene operon in
S. mutans
that regulates fructose metabolism by controlling the levels of fructose-1-phosphate, a potential signaling compound that affects bacterial behaviors. With fructose becoming increasingly common and abundant in the human diet, we reveal the ways that fructose may alter bacterial development, stress tolerance, and microbial ecology in the oral cavity to promote oral diseases.
The Cloacal Microbiome of Five Wild Duck Species Varies by Species and Influenza A Virus Infection Status
Authors: Hird Sarah M. , Ganz Holly , Eisen Jonathan A. , Boyce Walter M.
Published: October 2018

Waterfowl are natural reservoir species for influenza A virus (IAV). Thus, they maintain high levels of pathogen diversity, are asymptomatic to the infection, and also contribute to the risk of a global influenza pandemic. An individual’s microbiome is a critical part in how a vertebrate manages pathogens and illness. Here, we describe the cloacal microbiome of 300 wild ducks, from five species (four with previously undescribed microbiomes), including both IAV-negative and IAV-positive individuals. We demonstrate that there is not one consistent “flu-like” microbiome or response to flu across species. Individual duck species appear to have unique relationships between their microbiomes and IAV, and IAV-negative birds have a stronger tie to host species than the IAV-positive birds. In a broad context, understanding the role of the microbiome in IAV reservoir species may have future implications for avian disease management.
Cyclic Diguanylate Regulates Virulence Factor Genes via Multiple Riboswitches in
Clostridium difficile
Authors: McKee Robert W. , Harvest Carissa K. , Tamayo Rita
Published: October 2018

In
Clostridium difficile
, the signaling molecule c-di-GMP regulates multiple processes affecting its ability to cause disease, including swimming and surface motility, biofilm formation, toxin production, and intestinal colonization. In this study, we used RNA-seq to define the transcriptional regulon of c-di-GMP in
C. difficile
. Many new targets of c-di-GMP regulation were identified, including multiple putative colonization factors. Transcriptional analyses revealed a prominent role for riboswitches in c-di-GMP signaling. Only a subset of the 16 previously predicted c-di-GMP riboswitches were functional
in vivo
and displayed potential variability in their response kinetics to c-di-GMP. This work underscores the importance of studying c-di-GMP riboswitches in a relevant biological context and highlights the role of the riboswitches in controlling gene expression in
C. difficile
.
Impact of Engineered Expression of Mitochondrial Association Factor 1b onToxoplasma gondiiInfection and the Host Response in a Mouse Model
Authors: English Elizabeth D. , Boyle Jon P.
Published: October 2018

The parasiteToxoplasma gondiicurrently infects approximately one-third of the world’s population and causes life-threatening toxoplasmosis in individuals with undeveloped or weakened immune systems. Current treatments are unable to cureT. gondiiinfection, leaving infected individuals with slow-growing tissue cysts for the remainder of their lives. Previous work has shown that expression of the parasite protein mitochondrial association factor 1 (MAF1b) is responsible for the association ofT. gondiiparasites with host mitochondria and provides a selective advantage during acute infection. Here we examine the impact of MAF1b expression during chronicT. gondiiinfection. We find that mice infected with MAF1b-expressing parasites have higher cyst burden and cytokine levels than their wild-type counterparts. A better understanding of the genes involved in establishing and maintaining chronic infection will aid in discovering effective therapeutics for chronically infected individuals.
Hog1 Regulates Stress Tolerance and Virulence in the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris
Authors: Day Alison M. , McNiff Megan M. , da Silva Dantas Alessandra , Gow Neil A. R. , Quinn Janet
Published: October 2018

The rapid global emergence and resistance of
Candida
auris
to current antifungal drugs highlight the importance of understanding the virulence traits exploited by this human fungal pathogen to cause disease. Here, we characterize the stress resistance profile of
C. auris
and the role of the Hog1 stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) in stress resistance and virulence. Our findings that
C. auris
is acutely sensitive to certain stresses may facilitate control measures to prevent persistent colonization in hospital settings. Furthermore, our observation that the Hog1 SAPK promotes
C. auris
virulence akin to that reported for many other pathogenic fungi indicates that antifungals targeting Hog1 signaling would be broad acting and effective, even on emerging drug-resistant pathogens.
Twenty years of progress in paediatric psychopharmacology: accomplishments and unmet needs
Authors: Vitiello Benedetto , Davico Chiara
Published: October 2018

The systematic assessment of the efficacy and safety of psychiatric medications in children and adolescents started about 20 years ago. Since then, a considerable number of randomised clinical trials have been conducted, including also a series of publicly funded comparative effectiveness studies to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of medications relative to psychosocial interventions, alone or combined with medications. On the whole, these studies have been informative of the paediatric pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of the most commonly used psychotropics. As a consequence, a number of meta-analyses have been conducted that have documented both the benefits and harms of the most common medication groups, such as stimulants, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Evidence-based practice guidelines have been produced, and clinicians can now better estimate the therapeutic value and the risk of treatment, at least at the group mean level. However, most clinical trials have been conducted in research settings, and this limits the generalisability of the results. There is a need for evaluating treatment effects under usual practice conditions, through practical trials. The ongoing debate about the proper role of pharmacotherapy in child mental health can be advanced by comparative effectiveness research to assess the benefit/risk ratio of pharmacotherapy vis-à-vis alternative treatment modalities. In addition, analyses of large population databases can better inform on the impact of early treatment on important distal outcomes, such as interpersonal functioning, social and occupational status, quality of life and risk for disability or mortality. Thus far, paediatric psychopharmacology has been mostly the application to children of medications that were serendipitously discovered and developed for adults. By focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms of child psychopathology, it may be possible to identify more precise pharmacological targets and arrive at a truly developmental psychopharmacology.
Fat clearance of upper gastrointestinal resection specimens increases lymph node yield and may result in nodal upstaging
Authors: Griffin Jon , Bunning Clare , Dubé Asha
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Lymph node retrieval and quantification is an important element in staging upper gastrointestinal cancers. Our department introduced fat clearance for oesophagectomy and gastrectomy specimens in 2014. This study assessed the impact of this change on lymph node yield and upstaging.

Methods

We reviewed histopathology data for upper gastrointestinal resection specimens. Patient demographics, clinical, macroscopic and microscopic data were compared with a historical cohort who did not undergo fat clearance.

Results

Of 158 patients, 133 resection specimens received fat clearance resulting in a significantly higher lymph node yield than the historical cohort (22 vs 13 lymph nodes, p<0.0001). Fat clearance found additional positive nodes in 24.1% of patients and increased the number of cases achieving a minimum node yield of 15. Nodes found by fat clearance caused upstaging in 15% of the cohort.

Discussion

Fat clearance increases node yield in upper gastrointestinal resection specimens and may cause nodal upstaging.
Analyzing the impact of implementing a logistics center for a complex forest network
Authors: Sarrazin François , LeBel Luc , Lehoux Nadia
Published: October 2018

The challenges faced recently by the North American forest products industry have forced it to review many of its key operations. Implementing logistics centers for such a context may therefore help in allocating the wood fibre more efficiently and in reducing sorting and transportation costs. This paper aims to better understand the interaction between a forest logistics center and a complex forest network while exploring the business environment favoring the use of such a structure. A profit maximization model is proposed and applied to a real case in the Mauricie region in Quebec, Canada. A total of 18 groups of scenarios are tested, based on the use of a sort yard and of backhauling. Results show that a logistics center already in operation adds $0.52 in profits for each cubic metre of wood available for harvest (over 2 580 411 m3 per year) for the network under study ($1.4 million annually). A sensitivity analysis also highlights that higher prices and sorting error rates have the greatest impact on the logistics center’s profitability.
Protective effect of irbesartan against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: implication of AMPK, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR signaling pathways
Authors: Mohamed Eman A. , Ahmed Hebatalla I. , Zaky Heba S.
Published: October 2018

Nephrotoxicity is one of the serious undesirable effects related to doxorubicin (DOX). Herein, we have investigated the potential protective effect of irbesartan (IRB) against chronic nephrotoxicity induced by DOX, and the implication of different mechanistic pathways underlying these effects. Rats were treated with either DOX (2.5 mg/kg i.p., 3 times/week) for 2 weeks, and (or) IRB (40 mg/kg, daily) for 3 weeks. IRB prohibited nephrotoxicity induced by DOX, which was evident by the increase in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and histopathological changes. IRB improved DOX-induced alterations in oxidative status by diminishing lipid peroxidation and upregulating the antioxidant enzymes. Also, upon DOX treatment, the renal expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and caspase-3 were significantly increased; IRB diminished DOX-induced alterations in these parameters. Moreover, DOX significantly decreased the expression level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, DOX induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways that cross talked with AMPK. On the contrary, IRB successfully counterbalanced all these effects. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that the modulation of AMPK, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR pathways plays a critical role in conferring the protective effects of IRB against DOX nephrotoxicity.
Overexpression of a Malus baccata WRKY transcription factor gene (MbWRKY5) increases drought and salt tolerance in transgenic tobacco
Authors: Han Deguo , Hou Yanjie , Wang Yufang , Ni Boxin , Li Zitong , Yang Guohui
Published: October 2018

WRKY transcription factors are widely involved in abiotic stress responses in plants. However, their roles in the abiotic stresses of Malus plants are still not well known. In this study, a WRKY gene is isolated from Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. and designated as MbWRKY5. MbWRKY5 contains two WRKY domains and one Cys2-His2 (C2H2) zinc-finger motif, and was localized in the nucleus. The expression levels of MbWRKY5 were up-regulated by salinity, heat, cold, drought, and abscisic acid treatments in M. baccata seedlings. When MbWRKY5 was introduced into tobacco, an improvement in tolerance to drought and salt was achieved in transgenic plants. Under drought and salt treatments, transgenic plants had higher contents of chlorophyll, proline, glutathione, and ascorbate, and increased activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) than wild-type (WT) tobaccos. Compared with WT plants, overexpression of MbWRKY5 in transgenic tobacco also led to decreased levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under drought and salt stresses. Moreover, the MbWRKY5-OE tobaccos increased the expression levels of stress-related genes involved in oxidative stress response (NtPOD, NtSOD and NtCAT) and membrane protection (NtLEA5, NtERD10D, and NtP5CS), especially under drought and salt stresses. These results suggest that the MbWRKY5 gene plays a positive regulatory role in drought and salt stress responses.